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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 3-20-13 Board of Selectmen Minutes March 20,2013 Present: Olivier Kozlowski, Chairman; George Dentino, Vice-Chairman; Kevin Moran, gier;icNeDAptowitz, Doug Annino, William Ross, Town Manager ± e T t; S OFFICE Chairman Kozlowski called the meeting to order and stated that the meeting is broadcasti} live an Mansfield Cable Access and this broadcast will be available at various times for viewin:. The Chairman acknowledged the Cub Scouts in attendance from Mansfield's Wolf Cub Scouts (Age 8): Paul Dietel, Den Leader and Jack Dietel, Liam Blair, Neil Dalpe, Eddie Kazpryzk, Ryan Lynch, Matthew Macke , K le Marnikovic, Leo Pa s aloudis and Charlie Sta s Teton. Chairman Kozlowski turned the floor over to Police Chief Arthur O'Neill. Chief O'Neill addressed the Board and audience and gave a few words regarding the department losing established personnel but gaining accomplished new officers. The Chief introduced Michael Fenore, a new officer, who missed the previous swearing-in ceremony. The Chief gave a brief bio on Officer Fenore, who was then sworn in by Town Clerk, Marianne Staples and was pinned by Officer Paul Whitty, who is retiring in June. Chief O'Neill then introduced the new officers. In attendance are Nicole Boldrighini, Derek McCune, Gregory Martel and Daniel Pennellatore. The Chief then gave a brief bio on each officer and all were sworn in by the Town Clerk, Marianne Staples and presented their badges. Mr. Ross asked that all remain for a special Proclamation for Chief Arthur O'Neill from the Mansfield Board of Selectmen. Mr. Moran read the Proclamation for Arthur O'Neill to which Chairman Kozlowski then presented and was joined by the remainder of the Board and Mr. Ross to offer their congratulations. Chief O'Neill gave a few words concerning his success and that the measure is stemmed from the people surrounding him and the department's hiring practices. He also thanked his wife Diane,who worked for the Town for years. Chief O'Neill thanked the Board, the Town Hall Departments and its workers and the personnel within the Police Department and stated that Mansfield is a great town to live in. He noted that Mr. Ross had a tough decision regarding his replacement due to the fact that the department has an embarrassment of riches to choose from. Mr.Ross addressed the Board and group and spoke to the agonizing process of selecting a new Police Chief due to the highly qualified candidates. Mr. Ross introduced Ron Sellon as the new Chief of Police, effective March 31st at 6:00pm. Mr. Ross noted that there will be a swearing-in ceremony on April 1St at the Mansfield High School auditorium. t, ;„ f. �.i ;i,..� taw u�� .1&, 1; ia$48 °41' �` �u= ',ipi r sd Wjt/i,ILfh400101�iil�s Mr. Moran noted that there are 10 copies of each warrant which need to be signed and returned to the Town Clerk. Mr. Moran read the warrant for Special State Primary Election for April 30, 2013. Motion: To sign the warrant for the Special State Primary Election for April 30, 2013 (Aptowitz/Moran) PASSES 5:0 Mr. Moran read the warrant for the Annual Town Election for May 14, 2013. Motion: To sin the warrant for the Annual Town Election for May 14, 2013 (A.towitz/Moran) PASSES 5:0 &r IIA.('§:if3 q3 ■Ilt'.'p„k 15 n k4 rp, Chairman Kozlowski noted that in a previous BOS meeting Mr. Dentino felt that the Boards and Commissions application requested too much personal information and Mr. Annino asked that the application be reviewed at a future meeting. The question raised is whether the applicant's current occupation is relevant. Mr. Dentino and Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 20,2013 Page 1 of 5 -Mr. Annino both felt that it is not in the Board's prevue to ask an applicant their employment status. The Chairman reminded the Board that recently there was an issue whether a particular applicant would have a conflict being on a Board because of their job. The Chairman felt that if the Board didn't know the occupation then an applicant could be appointed which had potential conflicts. Mr. Moran felt that occupation is relevant in light of if there is more than one applicant the occupation could be germane as to who is chosen because he/she is more in line with the Board. Mr.Annino stated that the applicant has other opportunities to elaborate their skill set on the application and that their occupation is a personal question. Mr. Moran noted that in filling out an application it becomes public record and if the applicant is willing to supply email addresses and phone numbers he does not see how occupation is personal. Mr. Aptowitz felt that employment is not a concerning issue and if the applicant doesn't choose to supply it then it is not that relevant. Mr. Dentino stated he is looking for the wording "optional", he is uncomfortable making the question mandatory. Motion: To add the word optional to the employment field, question 11, of the Application to Serve on a Board, Commission, Committee or Study Group (Annino/Dentino) PASSES 3:2 Kozlowski, Moran NAY Motion: To strike "If no, why not?" under question 5 of the Application to Serve on a Board, Commission, Committee or Study Group (Annino/Aptowitz) PASSES 4:1 Kozlowski NAY Motion: To delete question 6 of the Application to Serve on a Board, Commission, Committee or Study Group (Annino/Dentino) DOES NOT PASS 2:3 Kozlowski, Aptowitz, Moran NAY Mr. Ross noted that at a future BOS Meeting there can be a review of the ABCC License A splication. 1 4. ,a.. t .... IBf tl19 GIM U•. None A. Review/Approval of Minutes of Meetings • February 13, 2013 BOS Meeting Motion: To approve BOS Minutes from February 13, 2013 (Annino/Dentino), No Discussion, PASSES 5:0 • March 6, 2013 BOS Meeting Motion: To approve BOS Minutes from March 6, 2013 (Aptowitz/Annino), No Discussion, PASSES 4:0:1 Moran Abstains B. Approval of Warrants Town Vendor Warrant No. 13038T $225,897.69 Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant 13038T $225,897.69 (Annino/Dentino) 4:0:1 PASSES Aptowitz Abstains for Check Reimbursement of$17.50 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 13038E $2,064,376.21 Motion: To approve Electric Department Warrant No. 13038E $2,064,376.21 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 School Vendor Warrant No. 13038S $397,108.94 Motion: To approve School Department Warrant No. 13038S $397,108.94 (Aptowitz/Annino)PASSES 5:0 Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13038PT $324,301.88 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13038PT $324,301.88 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:1 Dentino NAY Town Deductions - Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 13038TV $103,059.88 Motion: To approve Town Payroll Warrant No. 13038TV $103,059.88 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 C. Licenses and Permits • 2013 Drainlayer's License for Bella Construction Company, LLC Motion: To approve 2013 Drainlayer's License for Bella Construction Company, LLC (Aptowitz/Moran) PASSES 5:0 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 20,2013 Page 2 of 5 • Water Installer's License for Bella Construction Company, LLC Motion: To approve Water Installer's License for Bella Construction Company,LLC (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 • Hackney Driver's License Application for Michaele Craig Motion: To approve Hackney Driver's License for Michaele Craig (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 • Early Sunday Alcohol Sales License for ARB Enterprises d/b/a Casey O'Conors Pub Motion: To approve Early Sunday Alcohol Sales License for ARB Enterprises d/b/a Casey O'Conors Pub (Dentino/Aptowitz) Discussion: Mr. Aptowitz asked if the routing slip had come back complete to which the answer was yes.PASSES 5:0 D. Correspondence • Letter from Phil and Kathy Finer for support on an Article added to Town Warrant to authorize Town Manager to sell all of the Town's right, title and interest in the property known as Jewell Street, Rear Mr. Dentino asked Mr. Ross to explain. Mr. Ross noted that this is a Citizen Warrant filed by the Finers where the property sits in an isolated area. The property was taken quite a few years ago for tax title and Mr. Leonard Flynn,who is also an abutter,noted to Mr. Ross that he tried to acquire the property years ago but the Town did not have complete title to the property and the Town didn't procedurally confirm so that the title is in limbo. Mr. Ross just received that information prior to the meeting and will need to confirm somehow with Town Treasurer to see where that stands. Mr. Finer had approached Mr. Ross about the property where Mr. Ross found it is an isolated piece, mostly wet, that abuts property owned by the NRT and it is Mr. Ross's recommendation not to sell it. Mr. Finer did go ahead and filed a citizen's petition. Mr. Aptowitz noted that the property is land locked and only accessible through a few properties, Mr. Flynn, Mr. Sarka and Mr. Finer's properties. Chairman Kozlowski noted that this is buyer beware situation and Mr. Ross added that it is a question if the Town can even deliver title and that is what Mr. Ross will investigate. Mr. Aptowitz stated the Town's needs to straighten out the issue to which Mr. Ross asked how much legal costs does the Town want to invest. Mr. Aptowitz asked that assuming the land is owned by Town, if purchased, would there be a potential revenue stream that the Town can take advantage? The answer from Mr. Ross was yes that the property would go back on the tax roll. Mr. Moran stated that the Board does not take recommendations,particularly on citizen's warrants. The Board a:reed that there is not enou.h information at this time. Mr. Ross reported his attendance at the Executive Committee Meeting of the Southeast Massachusetts Health Group,which the Town is a member of. This is a joint purchasing group that purchases health insurance for Town employees. Blue Cross/Blue Shield was present at the meeting and awarded the Southeast Massachusetts Health Group an award for actions taken to address healthcare cost increases and effectively hold healthcare cost in line. Mr. Ross reported that along with the award,a check for$5,000 will be deposited in the treasury for the Southeast Mass Health Group to assist in the cost in operating the group. It is a singular honor and it goes to show how the Town along with surrounding communities work to control healthcare costs. Mr. Ross noted that there is only a 2.6% increase in healthcare costs for Town employees, which he feels is a low number. Mr. Ross informed the Board that they will be receiving a copy of a letter from the State Department of Veteran Services. The letter is informing the Town that they have reviewed the activities of the Cross Roads Veteran Service District and found it to be functioning in line with the original application with respect to creating the district and the requirements of the statute. The letter also noted that the Cross Roads Veteran Service District is completely in compliance and will be extended through 2015 and the Town can continue the operation of the district. At the end of that time there will be another review. Mr. Ross, at the request of Representative Barrows, attended the BOS Meeting in Norton. The Selectmen in Norton had the option to purchase the Reilly property that the Town has under contract for the extension of the Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 20,2013 Page 3 of 5 wastewater plant. A major portion of the property is covered by an agricultural preserve law where the property taxes are significantly reduced. The law also states that if any party purchased the property the Town(Norton)has the option to purchase the property at the same cost and under the same conditions as the purchase and sales. Mr. Ross noted that water and sewer departments from Norton spoke, one speaking against exercising the option with two others recommending for the option. Representative Barrows spoke against exercising option and there were a few statements made by one member of the water/sewer commission that Mansfield perhaps did not want to follow through with the creation of the district to which Mr. Ross reported that the Town did in fact plan to proceed. Three of the five selectmen voted not to exercise the option and Mr. Ross was pleased to represent the Town and noted the Town has 30 days to put together the final financing and documentation. Chairman Kozlowski asked what the context of that acquisition means in moving forward. Mr. Ross stated that part of the requirements for expanding the wastewater plans from DEP are any additional flow that goes through the plant as a result of the expansion has to be recharged through the groundwater. The Town is in the process of acquiring property adjacent to the plant for this recharge process, which is the Reilly property and the Kopp property (already acquired). Mr. Ross, as stated earlier, noted there will be a formal swearing-in ceremony on April 1St for the Town's new Chief of Police Ron Sellon. The ceremony will begin at 6:00pm at Mansfield High School. Larry Crossman is organizing the event, which was to happen at Town Hall but as numbers grew the Town needed to move the ceremon to the hi:h school. Mr. Dentino congratulated the Mansfield High School Basketball team on a great season. He noted he is looking forward to next season as a lot of players are returning. Mr. Dentino received numerous calls concerning the salt brine method for treating the roads. He inquired as to the effectiveness to which Mr. Ross noted the Town believes it is effective and that more of the Town is covered in pre-treatment than with just using salt,which can get blown around by cars. Mr. Dentino also asked about the cost and Mr. Ross will follow up with Mark Cook for numbers. Mr. Aptowitz congratulated new Police Chief Ron Sellon. He felt that Mr. Ross took the process seriously and noted that the proper individuals were notified in a timely manner. Mr. Aptowitz attended a Crossroads Veterans District meeting where Mr. Aptowitz was voted Secretary Clerk. He reported the representative from Easton is not returning. Mr. Annino went through the average plant/sewer daily flows, which showed 152% of capacity and asked if that was accurate and should the Town be concerned. Mr. Ross was surprised but stated that he didn't believe it was a concern as the Town gets higher flows during heavy rains and snow melt. Mr. Annino stated that the report showed 21 days of consecutive high flows and asked that Mr. Ross follow up on that. Mr. Dentino added that he too reviewed the reports and noticed there were a few consecutive days over 100%. Mr. Annino asked that a note be placed on the report when the Town is above where it should be. Mr. Ross in his last report was informed that the Town is meeting its discharge permits. Mr. Annino asked at what point is the high flows of concern and Mr. Ross stated that there will be a concern if 1)if high flows were to continue into the drier season it tells that there is a problem with industry coming in or 2)there is a significant leak/issue. Mr. Annino asked if the Board looked at the demo for the Mural Fund Raising sign. The Chairman noted that from driving South on South Main the sign cannot be seen and that it was not overwhelming at all. Mr. Dentino noted he had not seen the sign so the Board decided to place on the following week's agenda. Mr. Annino noted Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 20,2013 Page 4 of 5 that Tracey Whalen will be keeping a schedule of signage on the Commons as well as a schedule of the banners approved and scheduled to be hung by the Electric Department. Mr. Annino inquired about the snow removal budget numbers. Mr. Ross reported the State requested that the Town provide the costs from the storm earlier in March. The State is looking for an emergency declaration which Mr. Ross believed there may be a reimbursement for the Blizzard but was unsure of the storm in March. Mr. Moran inquired if a date had been set for the Sub-Committee. Mr. Ross stated that it was being held until the house numbers were in. Mr. Ross met with John Stanbrook, Ed Vozzella and Brenda Hodges and put together priorities, as requested by the Finance Committee and noted that it is within $300,000 which is manageable. Mr. Moran also inquired as to where the State stands with respect to the Governor's Budget. Mr. Ross noted the legislature does not believe the Governor's budget and all its increases will pass and there will not be a reduction in general aid, Chapter 70, which is where the Town thought it was going. Mr. Moran wanted to mention that the Town is ahead of previous years in terms of the framework. Mr. Ross noted the Town is 45-60 days ahead and that everyone is working together to reach a consensus of what the priorities are moving forward. Mr. Moran congratulated Mr. Sellon and thanked Mr. O'Neill for his service. Mr. Moran noted they don't make them like that anymore and Arthur was a large part of the fabric of the Town. Mr. Ross stated he is leaving the department in excellent condition which is a source of pride. Mr. Ross appreciated the Board's input of what they would expect of the next Police Chief. Chairman Kozlowski congratulated the new police officers and that it is further evidence of the Town adding quality people. The Chairman believed Chief Sellon will hit the ground running and also thanked Mr. O'Neill. The Chairman congratulated the Basketball team on a season to remember. The Chairman noted that the warrants for this April's Town Meeting are closed but there are place holders on issues that have been discussed previously ie BYOB policy. Any new issues would have to wait until next fall. The Chairman had forwarded information on the phone system to Mr. Ross. Mr. Ross noted Mike Ahern and Doug Collettee will be handling the final bidding. Appropriation is needed so nothing will be done until after Town Meeting. The Chairman noted that Regional transportation invites were received but that the meeting begins at 4:00pm. The Chairman asked for the Board's feedback on the Town Mana er's evaluation. None Motion to adjourn at 8:45pm(Kozlowski/Aptowitz) All in favor. PASSES 5:0 / 3 / 3 MClerk —Gt G�7 i y Date of pproval /Tracey Whalen Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 20,2013 Page 5 of 5