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Town of Mansfield
Board of Selectmen
Minutes of April 2, 2008
Present:
Chairman Louis Amoruso, Vice Chairman Sandra Levine, Clerk
Ann Baldwin, Selectman David McCarter, Selectman George Dentino,
John D'Agostino, Town Manager
The Board of Selectmen's meeting was called to order at 7:30pm followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Youth Soc
Kelly Kemp, VP Mansfield Youth Soccer and Walter Wilks, Ways and Director made short
presentation and update on what is going on with the organization and their fundraising
efforts for the Fields of Green project.
Mansfield Youth Soccer has embarked on a fund raising project for field renovation at the
Plymouth Street facility. The field area that is commonly known as field 1 or "front fields"
has a severe water damage and drainage issue. As a result of very poor drainage (improper
drainage and soil composition) the fields are often unplayable or, as occurred in Fall 2006
taken off line for extended periods of time. In fall 2006 and spring 2007, MYS was
forced to cancel over 100 practices and over 90 games because the fields were not fit to
play on. This renovation project consists of raising funds as well as driving the effort to
implement the field renovation solution. A full description of the project is available at
Mansfieldyouthsoccer.com.
Selectman Dentino thanked the group for the presentation and then stated that
before the group can even discuss revamping the athletic fields the drainage on the
existing fields needs to be addressed. Mr. Dentino suggested that they make their
fundraising efforts a town wide community effort instead of just working with the sports
groups.
Selectman Levine asked if the group has sent out any RFP's on the project that they are
proposing. No they haven't as the project specs and funding needed has
not been finalized. Ms. Levine then asked if the committee has established a time line for
the fundraising and construction of the fields. The group plans to fundraise for 2 years
and start in 2010.
Selectman McCarter thanked the committee for their hard work. He wished that the
town could fully fund these efforts but unfortunately they cannot. Mr. McCarter then
asked if the group has partnered with other sport/recreation groups for a joint effort in
Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 2,2008
creating/maintaining space. Selectman Baldwin also stated that a joint effort with other
groups is an excellent idea.
Mr. D'Agostino stated that he has meet with the group recently and they do plan on
approaching some of the larger new companies in town on participating in the fundraising.
Chairman Amoruso thanked the group and stated that he would be happy to assist the
group in any way possible.
Bruce Montgomery, General Manager of the Tweeter Center was present.
Mr. D'Agostino gave a brief summary of the minimal changes in the contract this year.
Mr. Montgomery has met with both the Town Manager and public safety personnel and
they are satisfied with the contract.
Selectman McCarter asked how many years the Tweeter Center has been in operation.
It has been 23 years and counting. Selectman Levine asked about the public safety
measures that have been taken in the past and asked if there was anything new planned
for this year.
Mr. Montgomery stated that they have installed and updated noise abatement systems in
addition to public safety measures and will continue to update them as necessary.
Selectman Dentino was quite disturbed as to why the license application was not
completely filled out by the Tweeter Center. He does not like signing off on things that
are not complete. Mr. Montgomery apologized for the oversight and completed the
application on the spot. Mr. Dentino then stated that not all of the back up documentation
for the bills owed and paid was given to the board as well. Even though Mr. D'Agostino and
staff have met with Mr. Montgomery and are satisfied with the contract he has issues
with the Tweeter Center that have not been addressed. Mr. Dentino often hears the
shows from his house on Gladiola Terrace so that shows the noise levels are not always
contained.
Motion: To approve license 2008 entertainment license. (Levine/McCarter) 5:0 passes
Supt. Brenda Hodges, Business Manager Edward Vozzella, School Committee Chair Jean
Miller and School Committee member Mike Trowbridge were present.
Supt. Hodges and Mr. Vozzella reviewed the figures that would bring them to a level
service budget.
Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 2, 2008
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Mr. Vozzella stated that the teachers are earning 6.7"10 percent increases but they are
worth it and it's on par with what some other towns paid. He further stated that he knows
that the private sector doesn't get that, but the teachers deserve it.
Selectman Baldwin asked about the status of teacher assistants and support staff.
Mr. Trowbridge stated they are imperative to the quality of the education the children
receive due to the size of the classes and the increased needs of the students. They can
no longer cut into support services and the next levels of cuts will be teachers.
Selectman McCarter asked about the enrollment trends. Grade one has had a larger
enrollment than anticipated. The high school is at a enrollment peak now and should start
to stabilize in the coming years. Mr. McCarter then asked if they have spoken with Mr.
Babin about the municipal rate of electrical service. It is adjusted quarterly now and
changes will affect the budget.
Selectman Levine stated that she has spoken with many people and they have had
difficulty in reading the school budget. The school budget is done in large sums and not
broken down like the municipal budget. So it is difficult to see actually where the money
goes. Jean Miller, School Committee Chair stated that the documents they presented to
the board and the finance committee are broken down line by line. However Selectman
Levine further stated that the school budget can shift money from school to school and
the municipal side can not do so people can be confused as one can and the other can't.
Selectman Dentino thanked the school committee and staff for coming in.
Mr. Dentino then had questions for the school committee. He questioned their
underestimating staff costs in addition to soaring energy costs. Teachers are under
contract for 2-3 percent a year. Where is the extra 3.7 percent coming from? Some of
the teachers are getting 6.7 percent due to educational attainments and experience.
Supt. Hodges stated that they are paying teachers an average salary; as determined by a
study of the area.
Selectman Dentino then stated that he doesn't support increases at this time.
Senior citizens on a fixed budget and other segments of the community are just as
important as the schools and the children. Mr. Dentino continued on to say that everyone
is in the same boat and they need to work together. Deferring expenses from year to year
instead of actually making concessions doesn't work. Expenses are exceeding the towns'
revenue and it has to stop.
Supt. Hodges stated that she agrees that they are in the budget process together and
would like to work closely with the board and the Finance Committee to address the issues.
Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 2,2008
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Chairman Amoruso stated that the FinComm has stated each year at town meeting that
expenses are starting to exceed revenues. Well the time has come and they can't be
surprised. He commented that the middle school is slated for an increase in funding.
The State now mandates certain expenses to prepare for MCA TS in addition to other
state mandates that need to be met. Mr. Amoruso then asked about changing the schedule
at the High School in order to save expenses. The school committee and supt. have been
studying the situation and may make changes in next years' structure.
Mr. D'Agostino stated that he will continue to meet with the school staff in addition to the
Concerned Citizens group. He does not believe that they will be able to get to a level
budget without layoffs or an override. Even savings with layoffs aren't always realized as
the town has to pay unemployment benefits to the employees it lays off.
Julie Novio, member of new group, Mansfield Concerned Citizens. They look forward to
seeing everyone at the meeting next week at the high school. Mr. D'Agostino will be
presenting the municipal budget so people realize what the town actually pays for. Supt.
Hodges and Mr. Vozella will be in attendance as well.
Mary Barton-Rau, MCC member, asked the board what a warrant is and its purpose.
Chairman Amoruso explained that the warrant is the vehicle used for the town to pay its
bill. It is processed by the Treasurers and Accounting offices and reviewed by the Town
Manager before being presented to the board.
Ms. Barton-Rose then asked Selectman Dentino why he abstains from the warrant every
week. Mr. Dentino answered that he does not have enough time every week to inspect the
warrant and does not want to sign off on something that he has not personally reviewed.
Ryan Palardy, teenage high school advocate. Why is the state not giving the town's more
funding?
Mr. D'Agostino explained the town's State Reps. and Senators ask every year for funding
and sometimes they are more successful than others. Lottery receipts playa large part of
state funding and sometimes these receipts are down or used for other purposes, thus the
town does not get them.
Mr. Palardy also had questions regarding the use of a debt exclusion. Mr. D'Agostino
briefly explained the difference between a prop. 2 t override and a debt exclusion.
Walter Wilk, 7 Sawmill Ct. Expenses are going to continue to exceed revenues for some
time coming and some significant changes need to be made. Capital plans need to be
Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 2, 2008
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prepared and adhered to. Stabilization accounts are in jeopardy and need to have more
put in to sustain the town in times of crisis.
T oWhMatiagers Report
· Bridge construction work on Rt. 106 will start again by the end of April and be
complete by the end of June.
· Follow up on shrubbery issues at CVS on Giles Place.
· Follow up on Selectman Dentino's request for contract language for all
employees that take home vehicles. My Secretary Lauren is out and I will get all
the information together as soon as possible.
· The Finance team and I have spent most of our time on the budget. With
respect to the municipal side, we're very confident that we'll make our number
as requested by the finance committee.
· In addition, we are continuing to work the superintendent on the school portion
of the budget.
· Overview of town budget cuts that will be in order to balance the FY09 budget.
· The town consistently spends more than the net school spending required every
year. (chapter 70) This shows that the town has been and is committed to
school spending and support every year.
· Great Mansfield Clean Up on May 3rd: We've received over $2,500, in addition to
150 volunteers and 25 separate organizations participating in the event.
· Motion: extend meeting to l1:lOpm. (Levine/Dentino) 5:0 passes
· John handed out baby boomer trends sheet from Gale in response to the
questions from Selectman Dentino last week about the amount of residents
(baby boomers) that will be utilizing the COA and senior services. Mr. Dentino
does not believe that Mansfield has or will have that large of a number of
seniors to support.
· Warrant No. 40 in the amount of $3,078,371.77
Motion: To approve warrant No. 40in the amount of $3,078,371.77
(Levine/McCarter) (Mr. McCarter abstaining from check #400744)
4:0:1 passes (Dentino abstains)
· Sign warrant for special Town Meeting on May 20, 2008
Motion: To sign warrant. (Baldwin/Levine) 5:0 passes
Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 2, 2008
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· Drainlayers application for P. Beatty Excavation.
Motion: Move to approve. (Levine/Baldwin) 5:0 passes
· Entertainment license application for Tweeter Center (addressed earlier
in meeting)
· Application for Memorial Day parade from John Hogan.
Motion: Move to approve. (Levine/McCarter) 5:0 passes
· Hackney Driver applications from Mr. Salvesen and Mr. Geetgens. Town Manager
approves. Motion: Move to approve. (McCarter/Levine) 5:0 passes
· Commercial parking lot applications from 888 Main St. LLC.
Motion: Move to approve. (Levine/Baldwin) 5:0 passes
· Commercial parking lot applications from Foundry LLC,
Motion: Move to approve. (McCarter/Baldwin) 5:0 passes
· Commercial parking lot applications from Rumford LLC.
Motion: Move to approve. (Levine/Baldwin) 5:0 passes
Correspdri .
· Public Notice regarding water hydrant flushing. The spring flushing program will
begin on Sunday March 30th and will continue through May 1, 2008. A schedule
of the areas to be flushed will be posted on cable access channel 15 and on
www.mansfieldma.com (click town notices).
· Memo from Chief of Police Arthur O'Neill. They have been selected for a Gold
award in the Law Enforcement Challenge Award for their efforts in the area of
reduction of motor vehicle deaths and injuries on the public roadways of the
community. Special credit goes to Officer Lance Lawson for his efforts in
developing and executing this program.
· Letter from the Great Mansfield Clean Up Day group. Donations from Bull's Eye
Communications, Hand On Montessori School and MMAS in the amount of $250
each. Motion: Move to approve. (Levine/Baldwin) 5:0 passes
· Letter from the Airport Commission requesting a waiver of town permitting
fees for the Air Race Classic event June 27th to 29th.
Motion: Move to approve. (Levine/Baldwin) 5:0 passes
Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 2,2008
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· Email from John Sullivan, Town Engineer updating bos on Canoe River Bridge
project. Northern Construction is back on the project by the end of April and
by done by the end of June.
· Letter from Concerned Citizens of Mansfield group. They are very distressed
by the current budget situation and looking for guidance in understanding the
budget process. The next meeting regarding this issue will be April 10th at
7:30pm at Mansfield High School.
S~lectmen's Old.
· Old business from Chairman Amoruso: None
· Old business from Selectman Dentino: None
· Old business for Selectman Baldwin: None
Id business for Selectman Levine: None
· New business from Selectman Baldwin: None
· New business for Selectman McCarter: Letter from resident about property
damage that john will look into. Would like to freeze spending on out of state
travel now and in FY09.
· New business from Selectman Dentino: None
· New business from Selectman Levine: None
· New business from Chairman Amoruso: None
~":t
Motion: To adjourn at 11:07PM
(Levine) 5-0 Passes
~~~~d' $t$Uev~
Signature of Clerk
~~~~2~~t:Y
Date of Approval
Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 2, 2008
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