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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 3-27-13 Board of Selectmen Minutes March 27,2013 Present: Olivier Kozlowski, Chairman; George Dentino, Vice-Chairman;`Kevin!lY Ot15, Jess Aptowitz, Dou_ Annino, William Ross, Town Manager ]u`6o(,+ 411 >E''(i`:'o}rrlt"0i f IYI ia.Th Chairman Kozlowski called the meeting to order and stated that the meeting is bttiadcatilye on Mansfield Cable Access and this broadcast will be available at various times for:viewin :,I I tai 1,99' Lee Azinheira and Logan Marks were present. Mr. Azinheira,Tree Warden,explained that if there is written opposition to removing a tree, prior to holding a public hearing, the request for removal of the tree is returned to the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Azinheira stated that the Pine Tree on the corners of Samoset and North Main Street that Logan Marks originally presented about in January, was his first planting as the Tree Warden 17 years ago. Mr. Azinheira stated that he knew eventually the tree would need to be removed. It is Mr. Azinheira's opinion that the tree has approximately five years left. The tree is not causing any problems currently but eventually will. Logan Marks stated he would choose a Dogwood or Cleveland Select to replace the pine tree as these trees lose leaves in the Fall,bloom in Spring and are green in Summer. Chairman Kozlowski asked Logan that if the pine tree remains is there an additional plan? Logan reported that he is working with Anna Newell, the Garden Lady, and stated that the two of them would rework the design plans around the pine tree if necessary. Mr. Dentino asked about the longevity of the tree to which Mr. Azinheira reported that it does have years left but would now require pruning due to encroaching on the sidewalk. Mr. Azinheira stated that the pruning is done from the bottom and does not tend to look all that nice. Mr. Dentino isn't an advocate of cutting down trees just to plant another tree and is hard pressed to do that. Mr. Dentino asked if the tree was diseased and Mr. Azinheira reported no. Mr. Azinheira spoke with Logan Marks and felt there were three possibilities: 1) Trim the bottom of the pine tree and have Logan rework his design, 2) replace with another pine tree, which in another 15 years the Town would be in the same position, or 3)go with Logan's original plan and replace with a different kind of tree. Mr. Annino reported that a pine tree really isn't an urban tree but a coniferous which grows up and doesn't provide a whole lot of shade for pedestrians and generally has tremendous clean up. Mr. Annino noted that it also limits what can be planted around it due to density and the shade it casts. What it really comes down to is what are the Town's plans for the down town area. It is Mr. Annino's opinion that more street trees need to be planted and Logan Marks is setting a good precedent of wanting to do that. Mr. Moran agreed with Mr. Annino concerning standardizing the downtown but did not want to start with the first tree planted and for sentimentality he doesn't feel it should be removed. Mr. Aptowitz does not want to stifle Logan's project but has had many residents call concerned with saving the tree. Mr. Aptowitz stated that he looks at the issue from a safety concern ie: obstructs site lines while driving. The Chairman inquired as to what will happen with the tree over the next 5 years where Mr. Azinheira stated the tree will become overgrown and will need pruning, which doesn't always look great and could be an issue during storms. Mr. Aptowitz confirmed with Logan that he does have other projects that were presented to work on. Mr. Annino respects other residents' concerns but the Board sets precedent on what is in the best interest of the Town. Mr. Annino noted that currently there is an assortment of trees that do not enhance the area for a sense of cohesiveness. Mr. Aptowitz agreed with Mr. Annino on Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 27,2013 Page 1 of 10 standardizing the area but currently there is no plan and that is why he would like to hold off on cutting down the pine tree. Motion: To save the Pine Tree on the corners of Samoset/North Main Street (Aptowitz/Dentino) PASSES 4:1 Annino NAY Marybeth Cragan, President, Mansfield Education Fund was present. Ms. Cragan reminded the Board that she and her group came last year and thanked them for inviting them back. Ms. Cragan reported that MEF is non-profit independent 501c3 charity dedicated to financially supporting Mansfield, MA public schools through private funding. The mission of MEF is to raise funds through corporate and private donations/events and award the funds to Mansfield public schools via a grant program. Current programs include MEF partnering with the Tri Town Chamber of Commerce to sell tickets for their Monte Carlo event where MEF will keep 100% of their ticket sales. MEF has established a steering committee that will meet quarterly with the school administration and local businesses to discuss ways that MEF can help in the future. Ms. Cragan stated that MEF's vision is to provide comprehensive and well-rounded education to the children of Mansfield and they try to accomplish this by thinking outside of the box. For example, MEF provided a grant to Mrs. Prestor at the high school to start an entrepreneur's club, where the students created their own business. The students raised enough funds to re-pay the grant so that the MEF could then provide the funds to another project. The Teacher Recognition Program, which is a way for parents and students to recognize and give thanks to teachers, coaches and staff is another example of what MEF does. This program raised approximately$1,500 last year. MEF also noted that the Comcast Center has matched donations up to $500. Lastly, the Secret Shop event,where grades K—5 are matched with a middle school child,to assist them with their holiday shopping at a low cost opportunity. Ms. Cragan reported that MEF has a new grant program where donations are made directly to a school rather than in the past where the donations were made to the teacher. This allows for the school administrators to be more directly involved. Each school will consolidate a list of what they could really benefit from and why to the principals and Superintendent, who will then prioritize the lists. Top contenders are submitted to the MEF Board of Directors for a vote which will then be shared. Ms. Cragan stated that strong partnerships are critical to MEF's success in helping the schools via School Committee, Superintendent, Principals, Town and Business Leaders. Chairman Kozlowski followed up with Town Manager, Mr. Ross, regarding an inquiry made for available storage for MEF. Mr. Ross reported that unfortunately space is not available due to the materials currently stored at the location there but noted that Ms. Cragan should speak with Brenda Hodges about storage in the lower level of the School Administration Building. Mr. Annino stated that Ms. Cragan did a great job presenting and wished that the public could see the presentation. Ms. Cragan asked if it would be possible to supply the presentation to be placed on the Town website. Mr. Ross assured her that it would be fine and to send the presentation over. Mr. Aptowitz also suggested that Ms. Cragan look to the business district and that he would follow up with some names. Mr. Dentino noted that in the industrial park space may be available and Mr. Ross stated that he could follow up, particularly with AMB. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 27,2013 Page 2 of 10 The Chairman inquired if the MEF aids with the private schools in Mansfield to which Ms. Cragan reported that at the time of establishing the foundation the goal was to impact the largest group, which was the public schools and that the are lookin: to ex sand their covera:e in the future. Mr. Moran read the Public Notice into record. Motion: To open the public hearing on the proposed renewal of non-exclusive cable license with Comcast of Massachusetts/New Hampshire, LLC (Aptowitz/Annino )PASSES 5:0 Chairman asked for public comments, which there were none. Motion: To close the public hearing on the proposed renewal of non-exclusive cable license with Comcast of Massachusetts/New Hampshire, LLC (Aptowitz/Dentino) PASSES 5:0 Clerk, Kevin Moran clarified that there was a discrepancy in the original public hearing notice which ran in the Chronicle. Mr. Moran noted that date and time were correct but the day was posted as Thursday instead of Wednesday, so the Board chose to re-post. Motion: To ratify the previous actions on renewal of non-exclusive cable license with Comcast of Massachusetts/New Hampshire, LLC (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 Mr. Ross noted that the error was not made on the Town's part but on Comcast's part in their ori:ination of the notice. Jason Porter, Chairman of the Audit Committee and John Stanbrook, Town Accountant was present. Mr. Porter reported that the Audit process for 2012 for both the Electric Department and Town as a whole were audited on different time schedules due to the Electric Department, for regulatory purposes,needed to be completed earlier. Mr. Porter noted that the Electric Department financials were closed and ready in the late August timeframe and the audit commenced shortly thereafter and completed in November. On the Town side, accounts were closed mid-October, audit started in late December and completed in early March, which has been the quickest process for the Town, according to the auditor in his 15 years of experience with the Town. The Chairman inquired as to how that compared to other Towns, to which Mr. Porter noted in his experience it is probably in the middle regarding timeframes. Mr. Porter reported that from a results standpoint the Electric Department had no significant issues, it was a clean audit process and the financial statements contained normal to recurring US Regulatory Gap financial statement adjustments. Mr. Porter reported that as far as the Town audit, the only issue is the cash reconciliation process, which is slower that what they would like to see. Mr. Porter explained that ultimately there is reconciliation and it is strictly a timing issue where cash accounts (accounts between the Bank and what the Town shows) should be reconciled within weeks from the end of the month where the Town is a few months behind. The Auditor noted this in the audit but NOT as a significant or a material weakness. Mr. Porter stated that improvements were made and that the Town should set a goal to complete the Electric Department Audit prior to the end of October for FY 13 and then for the Town,prior to the end of December for FY 13 and show incremental improvements each time. Mr. Dentino inquired about the Town setting up an action plan. Mr. Stanbrook noted that the Auditor did not issue a Management Letter this year due to the issues from the previous year Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 27,2013 Page 3 of 10 having been corrected. Mr. Stanbrook stated that there was a separate audit of federal grant money (A133) for the School Department concerning payroll of SPED department but that was not a part of the Town's financial statement audit. Mr. Dentin noted this is one of the better reports that he has seen and commended both Mr. Porter and Mr. Stanbrook for all their hard work that allows the Town to breathe comfortably. Mr. Porter stated that this will be his last audit where his term expires at the end of June and noted that it is great that the Town has added an extra layer of oversight and he is sure it will continue. Mr. Annino thanked Mr. Porter for his efforts and service over the past four years and congratulated Mr. Stanbrook and Mr. Ross on a job well done. Mr. Moran noted that prior to Mr. Porter's position this process was always difficult and was glad to have someone with his expertise involved. Mr. Moran noted the audit shows constant improvement and that is thanks to Mr. Ross' hard work and labeled Mr. Stanbrook the "hardest working human in finance". Mr. Moran stated Mr. Porter will leave a void. Mr.Aptowitz thanked Mr. Porter for the importance and knowledge brought to the position and the Town is grateful for his volunteer efforts. Mr. Aptowitz also noted that the Town hosted Standard and Poors where Mr. Ross and Mr. Stanbrook put together an amazing package. Mr. Aptowitz felt the Town would hear positive feedback. The Chairman thanked Mr. Porter for his service and congratulated him and Mr. Stanbrook on their report. Motion: To accept the FY 2012 Audits for the Mansfield Municipal and Electric Department (Aptowitz/Dentino) PASSES 5:0 Mr. Ross noted he will miss Mr. Porter's wise counsel and asked that he not be a stran:er. ii H i. ;9:^a 919 4.Ytl " al . �1,W. 1 nY1, ' .'IL ■ Mr. Ross noted that the purpose is not whether the Board supports a particular article but more on the structure. He explained there are a couple of areas where the Town has combined articles under the recommendation of Town Counsel. Chairman Kozlowski added that the deadline for citizen petition articles has passed and that any articles wanting to be placed on the warrant would have to be sponsored by the Board of Selectmen. Paul DeRensis,Town Counsel, suggested to the Board to make the Town warrant more friendly to the average voter by taking subject matter, that experience has shown Statewide to have little interest to the voters,and combine them together. Mr.DeRensis noted this will make voter interest greater. Mr. DeRensis felt that long warrants, that have a lot of numbers, tend to drive down attendance. Town Counsel proposed that rather than having a separate article for every revolving account that there be one article using standard language (used in most communities) that asks what revolver would be renewed for the upcoming year and followed by a chart, which is adopted in one motion. Mr.Aptowitz inquired as to the difference in the numbers of Articles between the two reports. Mr. Stanbrook reported there are 47 in the combined warrant and 57 in the non-combined warrant. Mr. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 27,2013 Page 4 of 10 Moran asked that if there were an issue concerning one piece of the entire Article could that hold up the entire Article from passing. Mr. DeRensis stated that any piece with an issue can be set aside and the remaining could still move forward. Mr. Ross met with the moderator who felt that this was being done in other communities and recommended combining the Articles even though it is a change in tradition. Mr. Ross supported moving to the combined warrant. Motion: To approve the consolidated Warrant Article presentation for the annual Town Meeting (Aptowitz/Moran)PASSES 5:0 Mr. Ross began reviewing the Warrant with the Board, John Stanbrook and Mr. DeRensis. The combined warrant has been attached as Exhibit A. Mr. Ross noted that for Article 7 "raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, or borrow pursuant to any applicable statute a sum of money to eliminate the deficits existing at the end of Fiscal Year 2012 as of June 30, 2012" there were a few deficits to be taken up in the Fall but the Town, on the moderator's advice, have taken the bulk of Fall Town Meeting items and integrated them into this meeting. Chairman Kozlowski noted that this is due to not having a quorum last Fall. Concerning Article 21, Mr. Ross noted that The Library Board asked for a materials replacement revolving fund of$1,000, which would come out of patron reimbursement payments. Mr. Ross would rather take that money from the General Fund given it is such a small amount but that would depend on how the Board felt. Mr. Moran felt the administration of that small amount didn't warrant establishing the fund. Motion: Do not create the Library Materials Replacement Account (Moran/Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0 Mr. Ross noted that Article 29 would prohibit BYOB in the Town. Article 30, establishes regulations for BYOB, and would only be introduced if Article 29 fails. Chairman Kozlowski asked when the text for Article 30 would have to be finalized,to which Mr. Ross noted the warrant needs to be posted by Tuesday, April 2nd. The Chairman commented that there are no provisions concerning fines if BYOB is violated and felt that fines should be imposed as if it were an alcohol license. Secondly, the Chairman noted that there is an impact possibly to the common victualler's license if the BYOB is violated, which he questioned the legality. Thirdly, the Chairman questioned if the Article needed to be that specific? Mr. Moran is against the whole creation of another sub-license. Mr. Ross asked Mr. DeRensis, Town Counsel, if Article 30 could be as simple as "the Board of Selectmen is authorized to establish policy on BYOB and possible penalty if violated"? Mr. DeResnsis noted that paragraphs 1-3 would have to stay and broaden paragraph 3 to include "pursuant to this by-law", everything else could be removed. Mr. Ross asked the Board if they wanted to see this with a level of detail or in the simplest of forms? Mr. Aptowitz inquired about the fines? Mr. DeRensis noted that the Town could go up to $300 for a By-Law and that is the statutory maximum. Chairman Kozlowski noted that the Town could also revoke the license. Mr. Dentino noted if there is no detail then the Board would be writing a policy when something happened. Chairman Kozlowski stated that the Board would be authorized by Town Meeting to create the policy then issue the license. Mr. DeRensis noted there will be another draft before Tuesday's deadline. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 27,2013 Page 5 of 10 Mr. Annino is concerned with the order of the Articles, particularly the Zoning Articles. After some discussion between the Chairman, Mr. Moran and Mr. Ross it was determined that the order should be established immediately. Mr. Annino recognized that the Financial Articles needed to be first and felt that the Zoning Articles should follow. Mr. Ross stated that the Chairman of the Finance Committee had also asked if the Zoning Article for Cabot Park could be moved up. Mr. Moran stated that they could be moved after the Financial Articles as there was nothing but the BYOB. Mr.DeRensis noted there is a quorum requirement so anything to do with financials needs to be completed first. Mr. Annino agreed and stated that the Zoning Articles would follow the Financial Articles. Mr. Ross asked if this was the direction the Board wanted to order the Warrant and there was a consensus. Mr. Moran asked if a motion needed to be made and the Chairman noted that it was unnecessary as the Board all agreed. Chairman Kozlowski noted Brian Foley, Samoset Avenue, had contacted the Board previously concerning the protection of privacy regarding unmanned aircraft systems in and over Mansfield. Mr. Foley, who was present, would like to place a moratorium on uses of unmanned aircraft and facial recognition software/systems in the Town and asked for his Article to be a sponsored by the Board for Town Meeting. Mr. DeRensis stated that the rules of preemption works in reverse with this Article. Currently, if Congress passes a law that law preempts all State and Local law, or a State law preempts a Local law. This Article proposes the opposite and is compounded by trying to regulate unmanned aircrafts deployed or used by Federal, State or Local agencies, which is intruding on the jurisdiction of other governments over which the Town has no say. Mr. Annino felt that this strikes paranoia in people. Mr. Aptowitz asked if Mr. Foley is here because he missed the Citizen Deadline? Mr. Foley was unaware there was a deadline and thought that if he came before the Board he could get this Article on the Warrant and have the Board sponsor it. Mr. Aptowitz is concerned that it is not the issue that Mr. Foley is speaking on but rather that if the Board accepts Mr. Foley's petition then it would open a new precedent for other citizens to want the same thing from the Board. He stated there were very important issues that were unable to make the Warrant and he has an issue with sponsoring a Citizen Petition. Chairman Kozlowski asked if there were any motions and there were none. The Chairman is concerned that if the petition is put on the warrant the Town is being set up to fail due to the concerns that Mr. DeRensis spoke to earlier on. Mr. Foley borrowed most of the language from a Virginia Bill and stated his purpose and the purpose of his petition is to get in front of the technology. Mr. Dentino stated that in reality this petition is too general and could encompass so many things. He questioned how the Town could possibly police it. Mr. Dentino did appreciate Mr. Foley's passion. Mr. Foley noted he believed it would be difficult and appreciated the time to speak to his concerns. The Chairman noted that a discussion is needed but is unsure of the forum or participants but to start a discussion is important. Chairman Kozlowski moved to the last issue concerning the Town Warrant. Since January there has been ongoing discussions and issues concerning the Conservation Commissions regulations. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 27,2013 Page 6 of 10 Chairman Kozlowski asked Mr. Ross if any progress has been made to which Mr. Ross noted that he did meet with Mr. Healy and Mr. Mulkern and that they indicated they had a few issues they were working through and would then be ready to meet with Town Counsel. Mr. Ross stated he recognizes that the Commission is made up of volunteers and that these things take time. Mr. Mike Healy, member of the Conservation Commission, spoke to the fact that he is finalizing his review of the existing regulations by the Conservation Commission and would then be ready to meet with Town Counsel next week to review and keep the momentum going. The Chairman is concerned that if there is no Fall Town Meeting then all of the current By-Laws, which currently exist, would then fall to Spring, 2014 for revision. Mr.Moran noted that any errors were errors of omission not co-mission and he believed that things do move slowly. He doesn't see a problem with no regulations because it would default to the existing By-Law, so there is no potential for great harm. Mr. Healey noted that, at present, neither he nor the sub-committee plan to exceed the scope of the authority granted by the By-Law. Chairman Kozlowski noted that this Article can always be withdrawn but not added and if no progress is made between now and Town Meeting then the residents should have a say on if they would like that to continue. Mr. Moran stated that if the Commission does not comply then the Board has the authority to say they don't like the direction the Commission is taking and rectify the situation that way. He felt this was a little heavy handed. Mr. Ross stated that he and Mr. Healey both agreed that there are changes that need to be made and are working in that direction. This is what the Chairman would hope would occur and that is why he would like to see an Article now. Mr. Moran felt the Board would be creating an un-meetable deadline. Mr. Dentino felt that the Commission is moving as fast as it can. He went on to explain that the By-Law that is in place is valid. The Chairman noted it could be challenged. Mr. Dentino felt that pressuring the situation for a drop dead date would cause more problems. Mr. Moran felt he was willing to make an unpopular decision if one needed to be made but this felt artificial and forced and this is not the correct step to take and this is not a good message to send. Mr. Healey noted the Commission does not need Town Meeting approval as far as rules and regulations not exceeding the scope of the by-law. Mr. Lou Andrews stated that if the Chairman puts the Article in the Town Warrant there will be no Regulations to which the Chairman agreed but there would be State law and the By-Law. The Chairman noted that the regulations are a big problem. Mr. Andrews stated that the Chairman is making a big deal out of a small problem and the Commission is working to solve those problems with Town Counsel. Mr. Annino asked if this is currently on the warrant, to which the Chairman noted it is not and the Board would be asking Town Counsel to draft an Article that removes the authority of the Conservation Commission to promulgate regulations. Mr. Aptowitz stated that the issues that are out there are in the process of being solved and he felt that the Board should let the process continue. Mr. Ross noted the goal is to have a set of regulations that is plain and simple to the public. Mr. Annino stated the Board frankly does not have the expertise the Commission has and that the Board should let the Conservation Commission work with Town Counsel and get this done correctly. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 27,2013 Page 7 of 10 Motion: To instruct Town Counsel to create a Warrant Article that removes the ability to regulate and re eals to re ulations. (Kozlowski/). There was no second. None A. Review/Approval of Minutes of Meetings • Board of Selectmen Minutes for March 13, 2013 Motion: To approve the Board of Selectmen Minutes for March 13, 2013 (Aptowitz/Annino) Mr. Dentino noted that in the Southeastern portion of the meeting the verbiage "by-back"needed to be corrected to "buy back". PASSES 5:0 B. Approval of Warrants Town Vendor Warrant No. 13O39T $1,390,212.67 Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant 13O39T $1,390,212.67 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 13039E $32,670.35 Motion: To approve Electric Department Warrant No. 13039E $32,670.35 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13039PT $276,448.12 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13039PT $276,448.12 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:1 Dentino NAY Town Deductions - Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 13O39TV $82,652.50 Motion: To approve Town Payroll Warrant No. 13039TV $82,652.50 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13O39PS $1,454,822.12 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Warrant No. 13039PS $1,454,822.12 (Aptowitz/Dentino) PASSES 4:1 Annino NAY School Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 13O39SV $465,410.03 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 13039SV $465,410.03 (Aptowitz/Dentino) PASSES 5:0 C. Licenses and Permits • 2013 Water Installer's License for T&M Realty Corporation Motion: To approve Water Installer's License for T&M Realty Corporation (Moran/Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0 • Seven Day Entertainment License for BCL Premiere Sports—Mansfield, LLC Motion: To approve Seven Day Entertainment License for BCL Premiere Sports — Mansfield, LLC (Moran/Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0 • Automatic Amusement Device License for BCL Premiere Sports—Mansfield, LLC Motion: To approve Automatic Amusement Device License for BCL Premiere Sports — Mansfield, LLC (Dentino/Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0 • Common Victualler's License for BCL Premiere Sports—Mansfield, LLC Motion: To approve Common Victualler's License for BCL Premiere Sports—Mansfield, LLC (Aptowitz/Dentino) PASSES 5:0 D. Correspondence Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 27,2013 Page 8 of 10 • Letter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development regarding Local Initiative Program Approval — Spring Street Mill Apartments Mr. Moran summarized that there will be three affordable units at the Spring Street Mill Apartments, where a lottery will be held to award those. • Letter from Anthony Jodice regarding his resignation from the Planning Board Mr.Annino served on the Planning Board with Mr. Jodice and his input was invaluable and he and his family is a huge part of the community. The Board echoed Mr. Annino's statement. Motion: To send a thank you note to Mr. Jodice for his service on the Planning Board (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 E. Revisit Sign Placement for Mural Project Fund Raising Sign Mr. Dentino noted that the sign is fine. Motion: To approve the sign placement for the Mural Project Fund Raiser (Aptowitz/ Annino) PASSES 5:0 Mr. Ross reported that a new Library Director has been chosen. Kathy Coyne, from Mansfield, was the Easton Assistant Library Director and is also head of Youth Services. Ms. Coyne has sixteen years experience in the Boston library system. Start date for Ms. Coyne is Monday, April 22nd and Mr. Ross felt she is a great addition to the Town. As Mr. Aptowitz noted earlier, Standard and Poors was here reviewing the Town's Bond Rating. The Town prepared for the visit to show the best side of Mansfield and its accomplishments. The tour was of Cabot Park, Train Station, the downtown, the well projects on the west side and the Comcast Center and through Patriots Way. They talked extensively about the Town's financials and how much stronger the financials were compared to their last visit. Mr. Ross did not know what the bond rating would be but was confident it is not lower and hoped it would be better. He reported that the Town should know within the next week and will report back to the Board. Mr. Ross noted that one thing they were looking for were policies on when do we use debt and how does the Town invest money. Mr. Ross appreciated Mr. Aptowitz's assistance. Mr. Ross stated there would be a short meeting of the Board,prior to the swearing in ceremony for Ron Sellon, concerning signing the Town Warrant. The meeting would take place in the High School Cafeteria. The Town received an official notice from the Reilly Family Trust and at the second meeting in April the Town will conduct the necessary signing for closing. This will appear on the agenda and the closing needs to be within 30 days of receiving notice. The Town Manager of Norton also sent a notice that the Town of Norton will not exercise their option. Mr. Ross sent a memo to the Board on Waste Water flows and noted that it is a normal condition in the spring. Mr. Ken Hackett noted the Town is meeting all requirements and flows. Mr. Ross followed up on the benefit of brine the Town used when treating the roads this winter, which Mr. Dentino questioned at last week's meeting. The Town used about 80 tons of salt to make 155 gallons of brine and the Town would have used 4 to 5 times that if using straight salt. It is believed to be a $15,000-$20,000 savings in materials and the benefit of spreading during daytime keeps down overtime and labor costs. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 27,2013 Page 9 of 10 Mr. Ross said there would be a rebate of$8,000 for the new boiler in Town Hall, which will be deposited in the General Fund. Mr. Ross noted there is a fair amount of new furniture in Town Hall and the school building and he thanked Covidien for their donation. Covidien is doing consolidation of space and had a surplus of furniture, which they donated. Mr. Ross also commended Mike Ahern for his initiative in finding this o sportunity and his hard work. Mr. Annino asked Mr. Ross for a comparison on wastewater flows over the past five years. Mr. Dentino asked where the reads come from to which Mr. Ross stated at the headworks at the plant. Mr. Annino also noted the complaint of dirty water during flushing. Mr. Ross stated it should get better during treatments and until the Town replaces the pipewater mains the Town will still have issues. Mr. Annino said he purchased a water filter which helped a lot. Mr. Dentino asked if the well was still down due to iron(the Morrisson well). He stated there will be issues until that well is brought back into play. Mr. Ross will follow up. On snow removal, Mr. Dentino noted the Town had the "ok"to stock pile on the Clemmey property. He noted that no snow was hauled to the Clemmey property in the last few storms but instead the Town used the MBTA lot. Mr. Ross noted the agreement was signed with Mr. Clemmey and typically, later in the season, the Town uses the shorter haul and the thought was to let Mother Nature deal with it. Mr. Ross stated he would be sure to make Lee Azinheira aware of that. Chairman Kozlowski forwarded an article on Shop Local to the Board and noted that the company is looking at municipalities in MA. There will be a visit from a representative of the company within the next few weeks. Mr. Dentino appreciated Mr. Ross's efforts on the audits and his awareness of the needs of the Town in such a short period of time. . t, p .'. �'I� '. '\;40''.7NUIG None Motion: To adjourn at 10:03pm (Aptowitz/Moran) All in favor. PASSES 5:0 ' - ►1 ao ►3 Signature of Clerk Date of Approval /Tracey Whalen Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 27,2013 Page 10 of 10