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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSELECTMENminutes01212009-20090319102333 Town of Mansfield Board of Selectmen Minutes of January 21, 2009 Present: Chairman Ann Baldwin, Vice Chairman Kevin Moran, Clerk Jess Aptowitz, Selectman George Dentino, Selectman Sandra Levine, John D'Agostino, Town Manager Separate minutes. Lee Azinheira, DPW Director and Mark Cook, Highway Operations Manager were present for discussion. Mr. Cook recapped the discussion of a past board meeting regarding the perceived inefficiencies in the towns snow plowing operations. He was upset that Selectman Dentino would make remarks regarding how streets are plowed without knowing all the facts. Selectman Dentino had stated that he received calls from residents indicating that a plow was pulled from their street and sent elsewhere before finishing their street. Mr. Cook assured the board that a plow is rarely pulled from one area and moved to another due to complaint from a resident. The only circumstances this would occur would be in another plow breaks down or should a state of emergency be put into effect and he is called to plow out public health personnel, police and fire rescue calls. Selectman Dentino stated he aired the comments as he wants the people to have a voice through him. Chairman Baldwin then asked the board members if they received complaints to call and ask Mr. D'Agostino to speak with the department head for further investigation before it is aired at a meeting so further misunderstandings are avoided. Mr. Azinheira also provided the board with a brief recap snow removal at the train station and the issue regarding the private storage of snow and ice on Mr. Clemmey's lot abutting the train station. Town Counsel has reviewed the contract and it is ready for board approval. Selectman Aptowitz commented that he had received calls complimenting the DPW on their clean up efforts after the most recent storm. Board of Selectmen Minutes of January 21, 2009 1 Mr. Azinheira further reported that the snow and ice budget is already overdrawn by $225k and $lOOk in salt delivery is still coming and unpaid for as of yet. This additional delivery will make the snow and ice account overdrawn by $335k. We don't usually over spend that much but the price of salt has sky rocketed this past year in addition to the fact that we have had an unusual amount of snow fall this winter. Selectman Aptowitz asked how much snow removal costs just for the downtown area and was quoted a figure of $20k a storm. Shawn Lynch, Manager of Village of Willow Crossing, started this past October and has taken over for Don Walsh. Mr. Lynch gave an overview of his past employment with other senior living organizations. Selectman Dentino asked if Mr. Lynch was tips certified and he replied he was. There are also other tips certified personnel present if Mr. Lynch is not on the premises at the time. Selectman Levine asked Mr. Lynch a few questions pertaining to his professional experience and education. Mr. Lynch responded that his background is in the gerontology field. Motion: To approve Shawn Lynch as the new manager of record for the Village of Willow Crossing. (Aptowitz/Dentino) 5:0 passes Paul Corbett, Manager of Longhorn, started this past February and was unaware that he needed to come in for a change of manager hearing until December. There was a change in the parent company this past year and he believes that this fell through the cracks during the transition. He will speak with the licensing department tomorrow and let them know of the importance of quick notification when a manager changes. The Board of Selectmen secretary will also contact the ABCC and verify information regarding the change of ownership as the license is still listed under the old owner's name. The board held off on appointing Mr. Corbett until the next meeting in order to clarify these issues. Board of Selectmen Minutes of January 21,2009 2 None . Warrant No. 30B in the amount of $919,121.78 Motion: Approved (Aptowitz/Levine) 5:0 passes . Warrant No. 30A in the amount of $1,521,103.48 Motion: Approved (Levine/Moran) 5:0 passes . Drainlayer license applications from P. Beatty Excavation Inc. Motion: To approve license. (Levine/ Aptowitz) 5:0 passes Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes: October 29, 2008 Motion: To approve minutes (Levine/Moran) 4:0:1 passes (Baldwin abstain) Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes: November 12,2008 Motion: To approve minutes (Levine/Moran) 5:0 passes . Letter from Gladys Davis regarding the decline of the Shawmut Ave property. Selectman Aptowitz stated the Police Dept. has been notified of trespassers on the property. Town Manager D'Agostino stated that he was just made aware if this as well and in addition he is looking at different municipal uses for the property as this is not the time to sell property. Even though town meeting voted to allow the town to sell the property for an arts center they don't necessarily have to. . Decline in motor vehicle excise taxes from last year. However it is close to what was budgeted for the year. . Deficit of snow and ice budget will continue to a driving factor of the shortfall but there is also a healthcare expense due to unbudgeted school department expenses. . A reduction list of dept. expenses in order to cut down snow and ice budget deficit was briefly detailed. Board of Selectmen Minutes of January 21,2009 3 · Overview of new highway dept. building addition. The quality of the workmanship reflects the pride and talent of the Highway Department staff. Employees used some of their own time and tools to complete this project and we are thankful for their dedication. . Old business from Selectman Levine: This fall she visited the highway dept. building addition and the employees were quite proud of the work being done. The annual hazardous waste collection program traditionally held in April will be cancelled this year due to budget constraints. . Old business from Selectman Dentino: Comments about the rating form for the TM review. Mr. D'Agostino has requested he receive copies of each individual review in addition to the compilation. The board will decide on a later date how to proceed. . Old business for Selectman Moran: Please look at the website and cable scroll for committee openings and get involved in the community. . Old business from Selectman Aptowitz: Overall the highway dept. has done a great job on snow plowing. . Old business from Chairman Baldwin: None . New business from Chairman Baldwin: Move TM evaluation from January 28th to February 4th. . New business from Selectman Aptowitz: People are not being respectful of traffic congestion at the Jordan Jackson School and double parking all along the street. If people continue to do this they will be ticketed as this is a safety issue. . New business from Selectman Dentino: Questions about reductions proposed by dept. heads. . New business from Selectman Moran: The potential furlough issue of town employees shows the significant steps the town may need to take in order to balance the budget. Board of Selectmen Minutes of January 21, 2009 4 . New business from Selectman Levine: The census is coming out and it makes a difference to the town whether or not it is returned. Our funding from the state is formulated on the census numbers so it is very important that they be returned. Motion: To adjourn at 9:50 PM (Aptowitz) 5-0 Passes .pe:kJ; ~w~ Signature of Clerk ~~~ Itff; z~~f' Date of Approval Board of Selectmen Minutes of January 21, 2009 5