HomeMy WebLinkAboutSELECTMENminutes07152009-20091002103517
Town of Mansfield
Board of Selectmen
Minutes of July 15, 2009
Present:
Vice Chairman Kevin Moran, Clerk Jess Aptowitz, Selectman Sandra Levine,
Selectman Dentino, Nick Riccio, Interim Town Manager
Absent:
Chairman Baldwin
Some of Bertucci's corporate stock was transferred to another division. This involved all
MA locations.
Motion: To approve stock transfer. (Dentinol Aptowitz) 4:0 passes
Kevin Kemp quickly introduced himself as the chair for the search sub committee and gave
a brief summary of what the committee is looking for in terms of town manager
qualifications. Next meeting is scheduled for August 4th.
Mrs. Miller recapped the history of this case with the bos. She would like an answer to
her request for a three year extension. If the answer is no, is Mansfield really in support
of education and small businesses?
Her school pays the town several thousands of dollars in educational reimbursement. So
this far exceeds any fee for the use of the easement. Selectman Dentino does not agree.
All businesses in town pay taxes and pay for town property use.
Selectman Dentino brought up the issue of safety imposed by the fence on the town
easement.
Vice Chairman Moran asked the board to address the issues one at a time. The issue of
the fee was addressed first. Selectman Dentino would like to get $5,000 for the use of
the easement. Mrs. Miller felt that was an exorbitant amount based on the assessment of
the property.
Selectman Levine does not believe the board has addressed the use of fees for town
easements. She also does not see why the board cannot help a small business run in the
current location until they relocate to their new location in East Mansfield. Imposing a fee
Board of Selectmen Minutes of July 15, 2009
changes the rules midstream on this business. The town is also holding up the business
from moving to its new location because of their involvement in a lawsuit between HOMS
and the town.
Selectman Aptowitz agrees with Selectman Levine on some points and with Selectman
Dentino on the public safety concerns that this issue presents.
Vice Chairman Moran stated that he doesn't like that the land is being used but it is and
suggested they give a three year extension as the business will not be able to move within
a year. He asked for a motion for a fee. None was made.
Motion: To accept the three year extension, and for the fence to remain with a guard rail.
Once the business moves, the land will be cleared and revert to unused town property.
(Levine/ Aptowitz) 3:1 passes (Dentino nay)
Selectman Dentino is only comfortable with giving one year extensions. Selectman Levine
stated that one year is impractical for the business given the expense of the guardrail and
moving time.
Selectman Aptowitz would like engineering to look at the guardrail system to ensure
safety items such as reflectors.
Robert Brown of Brown and Co. was present for discussion. FinComm chairman Gazzolo,
FinComm member Goldberg and MMED Director Gary Babin were also present for report.
General overview of report in relation to last year was presented by Mr. Brown.
· Employee benefits page was briefly discussed.
· Management statement comments were also reviewed.
· Auditors report was reviewed and discussed.
· GASBY 45 statement still needs overview for future financial planning.
Jack Goldberg came to the podium to discuss the report and Vice Chairman Moran thanked
him for his help with reading and comprehending the report.
Mr. Goldberg's first question was in regards to the town's disaster recovery plan. The
town has components in place but is still working on completing the plan.
Board of Selectmen Minutes of July 15, 2009
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Mr. Goldberg also had questions in relation to post retirement benefit charges. It was
stated that FYll will be the first year of repayment.
Selectman Levine asked about the unfunded liability of the town. How will that show in
the audit for that year? Mr. Brown stated these will show up in the government
statements in the big book.
Selectman Aptowitz does not have any questions.
Selectman Dentino has questions about the management letter for the town.
He also asked Mr. Brown how many towns he audits. Mr. Brown replied 23. Selectman
Dentino then asked how many of the towns have a disaster plan in place? Only a few of
them; so the comment in the management letter (on it not being complete) is a common
one.
Selectman Dentino also had questions about the MMED personnel being able to carryover
vacation time from year to year. Mr. Babin stated it is standard practice.
Motion: To accept the audit reports for the town and MMED. (Levine/ Aptowitz) 3:0:1
passes (Dentino abstain)
Selectman Aptowitz does not understand why the board has to accept the report. Mr.
Goldberg spoke and stated it is procedure and that the audit committee will be reviewing
and accepting the audit in future years.
Andy Gazzolo, FinComm Chairman said a few words about the FYlO budget.
· Town Manger D'Agostino committed the town to expenses that are not funded in
the FYlO budget.
· In addition, the state has released revenue numbers that are lower than expected.
· Work on the organizational consolidation plan has begun.
· Charter review is long overdue and Atty. Mangiaratti will be assisting the FinComm
with this endeavor.
Selectman Dentino had questions about contract negotiations. Only 2 contracts have been
ratified so far. Selectman Dentino would like to meet every week so the board and
FinComm can assist with this task. Selectman Levine feels that this would place an undue
burden on Mr. Riccio as interim town manager. Also, the bos and FinComm do not
participate in union negotiations. FinComm responsibility is just budget.
Board of Selectmen Minutes of July 15, 2009
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· Warrant No. 54B in the amount of $970,705.81
Motion: Approved (Dentino/Levine) 4:0 passes
Selectman Levine requested check #410241 Torres check be pulled. However it
was just pulled earlier by the secretary and put aside.
Selectman Aptowitz would like summary sheet for all department expenditures.
As the financial software is in transition the accounting office has been developing
a new sheet for use by next meeting.
· Warrant No. 54A in the amount of $874.30
Motion: Approved (Levine/ Aptowitz) 4:0 passes
· Warrant No. 55B in the amount of $2,145,200.08
Motion: Approved (Levine/ Aptowitz) 3:0:1 passes (Dentino abstain)
· Warrant No. 10002T in the amount of $935,829.15
Motion: Approved (Levine/ Aptowitz) 3:0:1 passes (Dentino abstain)
· Signed but not voted:
Warrant No. 10001PT in the amount of $399,211.50
Motion: Approved (Levine/Dentino) 3:0:1 passes (Aptowitz abstain)
· Warrant No. 10001TV in the amount of $113,404.58
Motion: Approved (Levine/Moran) 4:0 passes
· Warrant No. 10001 T in the amount of $848,208.13
Motion: Approved (Levine/Moran) 3:0:1 passes (Dentino abstain)
· Warrant No. 10001SV in the amount of $248,870.42
Motion: Approved (Dentino/Levine) 3:0:1 passes (Aptowitz abstain)
· Warrant No. 10002TV in the amount of $100,987.56
Motion: Approved (Levine/ Aptowitz) 4:0 passes
· Warrant No. 10002SV in the amount of $1,319.75
Motion: Approved (Levine/ Aptowitz) 4:0 passes
· Warrant No. 10002PT in the amount of $336,372.41
Board of Selectmen Minutes of July 15, 2009
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Motion: Approved (Levine/ Aptowitz) 4:0 passes
· Warrant No. 10002PS in the amount of $7,295.70
Motion: Approved (Levine/ Aptowitz) 4:0 passes
· Minutes of bos meeting on May 6, 2009
Motion: Approved (Aptowitz/Dentino) Levine abstain 3:0:1 passes
· Minutes of bos meeting on May 13, 2009
Motion: Approved (Aptowitz/Levine) 4:0 passes
· Minutes of bos meeting on May 22, 2009
Motion: Approved (Dentino/ Aptowitz) 4:0 passes
· Minutes of bos meeting on January 22, 2009
Motion: Approved (Aptowitz/Levine) 4:0 passes
· Executive Session meeting minutes 2007
· Executive Session meeting minutes 2008
· Executive Session meeting minutes 2009
Held
· Request for appropriation transfer of funds from Town Manager $18,082.39
Motion: To approve request. (Aptowitz/Levine) 4:0 passes
· Request for appropriation transfer of funds from Town Manager $6,650.00
Motion: To approve request. (Levine/ Aptowitz) 4:0 passes
· Request for appropriation transfer of funds from Town Manager $134.00
Motion: To approve request. (Levine/Dentino) 4:0 passes
· Request for appropriation transfer of funds from Library $3,000.00
Motion: To approve request. (Levine/ Aptowitz) 4:0 passes
· Request for appropriation transfer of funds from Library $3,174.31
Motion: To approve request. (Levine/ Aptowitz) 4:0 passes
· Request for appropriation transfer of funds from Fire $3,671.82
Motion: To approve request. (Levine/ Aptowitz) 4:0 passes
· Request for appropriation transfer of funds from Fire $1,328.18
Motion: To approve request. (Levine/ Aptowitz) 4:0 passes
Board of Selectmen Minutes of July 15, 2009
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· Resignation letter from Linda Falk from the Conservation Commission.
Motion: To accept resignation with regret and send letter of thanks.
(Levine/ Aptowitz) 4:0 passes
· Public notice: Leak detection program began on July 12th and will continue over the
next 6-8 weeks. Work will be conducted between the hours of 12am and 7am. If
you have any questions please call 261-7376.
· Email from Hemlock Lane resident requesting information about water and sewer
rates. Lee Azinheira will be advised.
· Letter from Comcast Cable stating they have enhanced services and are now
broadcasting in digital service to expanded basic level and up customers. If you
have any questions please call 508-732-1532.
· Discussion with Planning Director Shaun Burke and ConComm Vice Chair Boyden in
regards to hiring a conservation agent. FinComm Chairman Gazzolo was also present.
15 hours a week for conservation issues only. Zoning component was removed from
job description.
Motion: To have Mr. Burke advertise for 15 hour position. (Dentino/ Aptowitz)
4:0 passes
· Recap of DPW barn accident with fuel canopy. A private gas station is currently
being utilized for fuel needs. Estimated repair costs are $125,000.00 and Mr.
Azinheira will give another update at the next meeting.
· Recap of Verizon FIOS issue. Mr. Riccio is recommending that the board go
forward with approval of installing fiber in our buildings without a building permit.
If the town fights Verizon pulling a permit it may be months before fiber is
installed. Mr. Riccio has received the installation plans and is comfortable that the
towns interests are covered.
Motion: To approve waiver of building permit. (Dentino/ Aptowitz) 3:1 passes
(Levine nay)
Board of Selectmen Minutes of July 15, 2009
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· Advertising for the town accountant has been placed in the MMA and the MMAA
websites and publications in addition to our website. We have received a few
applications with a closing date of August 7, 2009. The same subcommittee will be
utilized as was the last time. Selectman Dentino would like to use Slavin Associates
to advertise for this position in addition to the town manager. However, no action
was taken.
· Letter from Lorilee Fish, Park and Recreation Director about Covidien volunteer
day. They were able to clean up quite a bit in town that our resources have not
been able to cover.
· Reading of road closures due to construction work. This will last for 6-8 weeks.
· Old business from Selectman Levine: Would like a recap from Atty. Torres and
would like to know when the board is meeting with the school committee. Vice
Chairman Moran stated August 25th is the proposed date.
· Old business from Selectman Dentino: Uniform allowance issues. He would like
this item to be reviewed and tightened in the next round of contracts.
The use of personal days should not be used in conjunction with vacation days.
Mr. Riccio will review utilization.
· Old business from Selectman Aptowitz: Atty. Keston has received $150,000
payment from insurance company for Stoyle settlement.
· Old business from Chairman Baldwin: Not present
· New business from Chairman Baldwin: Not present
· New business from Selectman Aptowitz: Thank you Nick, you are doing a great job
and we appreciate it.
Fire Chief Boldrighini has reviewed the new fire engine in Wisconsin and it
should arrive by the end of the month.
Apologies to Selectman Dentino for cutting him off earlier in the meeting.
MMED business: Gary Babin was named Interim MMED Manager and filling the
Engineer position was delayed. Selectman Levine's votes were not opened at
Board of Selectmen Minutes of July 15, 2009
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Monday's meeting however, her questions were forwarded to Gary Babin.
· New business from Selectman Dentino: Street washouts and lighting issues
throughout town. Mr. Riccio will follow up with DPW about this.
Questions about road work expenses on Branch St.
· New business from Selectman Moran: He is not comfortable with sealed envelope
votes and comments. In is unfortunate that a member cannot make a meeting and
get a vote but he would like to see the practice of envelope voting stopped.
The issue of the post office delivering the mail later in the day has been resolved.
· New business from Selectman Levine: Mrs. Levine stated why she wanted to vote
via envelope and the reasons for it. Selectman Aptowitz acknowledged that Mrs.
Levine did contact him in regards to this but was unable to speak with her before
she left.
Motion: Adjourn at 1O:08pm (Aptowitz) 5-0 Passes
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Signature of Clerk
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Date of Approval
Board of Selectmen Minutes of July 15/ 2009
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