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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 12/11/02 t t :1 \ r: r- Board of Selectmen Minutes of Oecember 11, 2002 u".. ~ 1"3 r. ~¡ S::· 3 5 1'''-\ U .: TTS Present: Chairman Daniel Donovan; Vice Chairman Michael W. McCue; Clerk Steven W. MacCaffrie; and Selectmen David W. McCarter and Louis P. Amoruso Town Manager John O. D'Agostino The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Motion: To go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing on-going litigation with Town Counsel and to return to Open Session at the conclusion of the discussion. (Amoruso-McCarter) Roll Call Vote: McCarter, aye; Amoruso, aye; MacCaffrie ; McCue, aye; Donovan, aye. Passes The meeting reconvened in Open Session at 8:10 p.m., followed by the Pledge of r- Allegiance to the Flag. Clerk MacCaffrie read the notice of the death of Betty Leavitt of Betty and Bill's Toys and announced the funeral arrangements. . Warrant No. 24 in the amount of $2,689,512.03 Motion: To approve and sign (MacCaffrie-McCue) 5-0 with Selectman McCarter abstaining from Municipal Building Committee payroll Selectman MacCaffrie questioned the pre- paid invoice of DPW in the amount of $480 for hemlock injections. The Town Manager will find out the reason for the hemlock injections. Passes . Minutes of December 4,2002 Motion : To approve as amended (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes r- Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 11, 2002 1 ,~ . License Renewals - all have been reviewed and approved by the appropriate department heads Common Victualler Mansfield Lodge of Elks No. 2633, 140 North Main Street Motion: To approve and sign (Selectman McCue disclosed that he is a member) (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes VFW Post 3264,88 Chilson Avenue Motion: To approve and sign (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes Automatic Amusement Machine VFW Post 3264,88 Chilson Avenue Motion: To approve and sign (MacCaffrie-McCue) 5-0 Passes r- Wine and Malt PackaQe Store Fair Winds & Following Seas, Inc., dba Tedeschi Food Shop at 242 Chauncy Street - Robert K. Langton, Jr. - license for balance of 2002 and renewal for 2003 (This license transfer was approved by the Selectmen in September and has just received ABCC approval) Motion: To sign the 2002 and 2003 licenses (MacCaffrie-McCue) 5-0 Passes Class II Auto Dealers The Tire Man Auto Sales, 423 North Main Street Motion: To approve and sign (MacCaffrie-McCue) 5-0 Passes Gregory Matoian dba Mansfield Motors, 427 North Main Street Motion: To approve and sign (MacCaffrie-McCue) 5-0 Passes Shaw Auto Leasing, Inc., 95 South Main Street Motion: To approve and sign (MacCaffrie-McCue) 5-0 Passes Seven Day Entertainment Mansfield Lodge of Elks No. 2633, 140 North Main Street Motion: To approve and sign (Amoruso-McCarter) 5-0 Passes r- Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 11, 2002 2 r- Public Entertainment on Sunday Mansfield Lodge of Elks No. 2633, 140 North Main Street Motion: To approve and sign (Amoruso-McCarter) 5-0 Passes E-mail from Gary Crowell resigning from the Ad-Hoc Committee to Advise the Board on Cable Selectmen accepted the resignation with regret and asked that the opening be advertised. Letter from Peter K. Y. Chan of Tahana, Inc., requesting 2:00 a.m. closing on January 1st. (Approved by Police Department as long as a detail officer is assigned as in the past.) Motion : To approve (McCarter-McCue) 5-0 Passes r- A letter to Nova Scotia from Special Projects Manager Mike Ahern was read, thanking them for the tree donated for the replacement of the flagpole and inviting them to attend the dedication. Selectman Donovan noted going into Boston with Mr. Ahern to get the pole and go through Customs. He spoke of the difficulties encountered at the terminal because of picketing dock workers and commended Mr. Ahern on the great job he did in getting it through. Selectman McCue asked the Board to draft a letter to Premier Hamm expressing their thanks. Applications were received to fill terms expiring December 31st on the following boards, committees and commissions: Board of Health - two three-year terms ending 1/1/06 David Martin of 99 Samoset Avenue who withdrew his application because he was recently appointed to the Historical Commission Liane Cochrane of 435 Ware Street (new applicant) Liane Cochrane stated she wants to get more involved in the Town and she noticed there were a couple of openings on different committees. ..- Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 11, 2002 3 r- Selectman McCue said he was pleased she decided to apply for a board. He noted this board exercised the power to take away a tobacco license and is also the board that votes to abolish public smoking. The board has a great deal of authority and he asked if she'd be comfortable handling that responsibility. She said she would be as long os they were given ample opportunity to review all the information. She chose the Board of Health because it was one of only a few openings and she felt she could fulfill the responsibility. She was asked to make an effort to attend Town Meetings, while the board acknowledged she has five children that keep her very busy. Motion: To appoint Liane Cochrane to a three-year term on the Board of Health (McCarter-McCue) 5-0 Passes Animal Welfare Committee - two three-year terms ending 1/1/06 Wendy Pruell, 25 Spring Street (applicant for re-appointment) William H. Gerber, Jr. (application withdrawn) Dennis A. Wood, 28A North High Street, Foxboro (new applicant) Ms. Pruell is currently on the Animal Welfare Committee and is looking to be reappointed and continue the fundraising started for a new shelter. Mr. Wood is a former Navy Chief retired currently living in Foxboro. He, his wife, and daughter r-- all volunteer at the Mansfield Animal Shelter. Selectman Amoruso noted Mr. Wood is a resident of Foxboro and asked if there is a residency requirement for appointment to this committee. Discussion ensued as to whether the Animal Welfare Committee is governed by Town Charter. Mr. D'Agostino noted the existence of the committee was formalized at Town Meeting. It is not a committee under Town Charter, but the Board's appointment powers are governed by Town Charter. The By-Law amendments did not pass, but the committee was not made a part of the Town Charter. Selectman Amoruso noted you have to be a voter of the Town to serve on a Town Board, stating he would like to appoint him if possible. Mr. Wood said he will continue to volunteer at the Shelter and is willing to wait until a determination is made. Ms.. Pruell was asked to begin attending town Meeting. Motion: To appoint Wendy Pruell as a full member to the Animal Welfare Committee for a three-year term expiring January 1, 2006 (McCue-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes Wendy Pruell was appointed as a full member for a three-year term ending January 1, 2006. Motion: To appoint Dennis Wood as a full member to the Animal Welfare Committee for a three-year term expiring January 1, 2006 (MacCaffrie) 2-2-1 (MacCaffrie and Donovan in favor; McCue not voting) ~ Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 11, 2002 4 ~ Selectman McCue stated there is no urgent need to make the appointment tonight and suggested waiting to clarify the legality of appointing a non-resident. The motion was withdrawn. Planning Board - two five-year terms ending 1/1/08 Kenneth H. Torman, 86 Rumford Avenue (applicant for re-appointment) Douglas Annino, 151 Tremont Street (new applicant) James W. Burke, 10 Canoe River Drive (new applicant) Frederick S. Armstrong, 27 Necco Road (new applicant) Benjamin F. Sylvester III (new applicant) stated he is also interested in appointment to the Finance Committee and withdrew his application for Planning Board Kenneth Torman noted he is the incumbent, having just completed a five-year term. James Burke said he is a registered civil engineer and was on the Conservation Commission for awhile. He would like to serve on the Planning Board. Douglas Annino is a registered architect and previously served on the Planning Board for 9 years. His children were young at that time and he did not seek reappointment. They're older now and he'd like to offer his experience both in r-- Mansfield and other towns. Selectman MacCaffrie noted Mr. Annino also served previously on the Municipal Building Committee many years ago. Frederick Armstrong stated he is an attorney dealing with zoning. He would like to get more involved in the town and can offer his real estate law expertise from the other side of the table. Selectman Amoruso - asked each applicant's thoughts on the over-all planning for the town. Dr. Torman noted their involvement in small subdivisions all the way up to large commercial developments. They deal with traffic flow and ways to ease traffic problems. He spoke of his experience in assisting those people coming into the area to develop their projects in the most beneficial manner for the town. Mr. Burke stated Mansfield is at a critical time with many types of development. He pointed out his involvement as a member of the committee that developed the last 5-year Master Plan and his Conservation Commission experience. He said he is interested in maintaining a balance in the types of development. ~ Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 11, 2002 5 ,-- Mr. Annino said his background is in planning and spoke of his experience in doing master plans and downtowns. He noted his biggest frustration as a member of the Planning Board previously is that development was running rampant and they were always trying to keep ahead 01" catch up, with not as much opportunity for actual planning. Now that it has slowed, he looks forward to working on actual planning issues. Mr. Armstrong stated development needs to be handled in way that brings people into town to expand the tax base, but does not produce excessive growth for the town. He has had experience doing that. Selectman Donovan asked Mr. Annino about the Master Plan. Mr. Annino said the biggest problem is in implementing it and convincing people in town that you're looking at the over-all good. With the Master Plan updates there's an attempt to keep ahead of it and stay within development standards, but it never seems to mesh. He believes the Master Plan can work, particularly on Main Street and in the commercial corridor. He believes in downtown growth as opposed to scattered business development. Selectman McCue asked Mr. Annino to what degree he believes the Master Plan should determine growth. - Mr. Annino said "it's the gospel and should be the guide r-- for growth." It should be updated every 5 years and it should be a constant work in progress. It is a living document that must be followed. Mr. Armstrong said he is not that familiar with it, but believes it needs to be a living document, being mindful of what is occurring between updates and interpreting the existing master plan in a way that makes sense of current conditions. Mr. Burke stated there are major goals up top that filter down to what takes place at each Planning Board meeting. Every decision made should work to accomplish the goals set forth within it. He noted it is a tough puzzle to put together, but that it needs to be kept in mind when viewing plans and balancing it with the ideas of the applicant. Every decision made affects the Town. Dr. Torman said it is given consideration and is a wonderful plan but is obsolete given the time it takes to put it together. It needs to be done over and is in the future. Selectman Donovan asked how he gets along with other people. Dr. Torman stated the Planning Board has made attempts to have joint meetings with the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and there is a checks and balance system. The ZBA is there to bend the rules. The Planning Board is there to enforce them. The r- Planning Board is empowered to do opposing things and is sometimes looked upon as Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 11, 2002 6 ,-.- nasty. They are familiar with the members of the ZBA and their personalities, but do their duty according to the way the Charter is written. He suggested they are supposed to be in opposing corners with the ZBA. Mr. Burke said many projects are not well-liked when first presented, but ultimately the job is to convey a message as to what's good about a project and what's bad-and he is good at that. Mr. Annino stated he worked with some great people when he was serving on the Planning Board and everything was done in a gentlemanly fashion for the good of Mansfield. He noted he is often on the other side of the table as an architect and is aware of the perception that's created in dealing with the public. Mr. Armstrong said that in the type of law he does, you have to learn to work with people to get anything done. His practice is largely working with other people and dealing with professionals to get things done in a cooperative manner. Selectman McCarter asked if any of the candidates thought they would have conflicts with being on the Board. r-- Mr. Burke said there could be that potential on occasion and he would recuse himself from such situations or pass on a job offered to him that would create such a conflict. Mr. Annino noted he presently has no Mansfield clients, although he cannot guarantee that he'll never have a Mansfield client. Mr. Armstrong said he represents Tedeschi's and does not expect there would be any conflicts. Selectman McCarter next asked about zoning changes or ideas each of the candidates may have. Dr. Torman said he would like to look into zoning for downtown to see if it could be "cleaned up" a little. He noted the need to have residential, but some businesses get put in people's backyards. He stated he doesn't know if they would ever have a chance to discuss it, but said it would make the town more uniform. Mr. Burke noted unusual situations can arise because of the way lots are zoned. They should be addressed when planning. Mr. Annino said he agrees that the downtown area and Master Plan need to be looked at closely to encourage a combination of residential and commercial uses and to implement it in such a way to encourage growth in an orderly fashion. ~ Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 11, 2002 7 ,,-., MI". Armstrong said he would like to see more use of cluster development to put houses on smaller lots and preserve open space. Selectman McCarter noted the ZBA handles 40B applications by Statute and asked if the candidates for appointment would favor a proposal to have the Planning Board take over that responsibility? Dr. Torman said 40B is a hot prospective, but if it were to occur and if the Town were to have a say in it, the Planning Board would be well-able to assist in the process. Dr. Torman said he would like to look into zoning for downtown to see if it could be "cleaned up" a little. He noted the need to have residential, but some businesses get put in people's backyards. He stated he doesn't know if they would ever have a chance to discuss it, but said it would make the town more uniform. Mr. Burke noted unusual situations can arise because of the way lots are zoned. They should be addressed when planning. ,-.- Mr. Annino said he agrees that the downtown area and Master Plan need to be looked at closely to encourage a combination of residential and commercial uses and to implement it in such a way to encourage growth in an orderly fashion. Mr. Armstrong said he would like to see more use of cluster development to put houses on smaller lots and preserve open space. Selectman McCarter noted the ZBA handles 40B applications by Statute and asked if the candidates for appointment would favor a proposal to have the Planning Board take over that responsibility. Dr. Torman said 40B is a hot prospective, but if it were to occur and if the Town were to have a say in it, the Planning Board would be well-able to assist in the process. Selectman MacCaffrie asked if they can cut down on the number of plans required and treat them different. Mr. Annino said they have to control development and make it aesthetically pleasing. They could perhaps do something about streamlining staff review in some way. He noted, however, that it's far easier to review a set of plans that is complete. If an applicant doesn't get his act together, it delays review and approval of a project. .- Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 11, 2002 8 ".- Selectman MacCaffrie asked why the Planning Director is allowing incomplete plans to come before the Board. Dr. Torman said he is not allowed to schedule them unless plans are complete. The Planning Board Secretary actually schedules them and the engineer should be aware of the plans required. Unfortunately up until recently the Planning Board was getting incomplete plans and the have asked the Planning Director to get them. We have allowed developers as a courtesy to discuss a proposal without a complete set of plans. Selectman MacCaffrie noted the Planning Board usually has a set of plans, but there are other requirements that will have to be met through variances, with the main thing being the plan for the project. Dr. Torman said that is why the Planning Board exists and the developer will leave with a checklist of what's needed. Mr. Burke suggested a checklist helps to organize a submission. It is not being done at this time. Mr. Annino noted all the information is in the Zoning By-Laws. Town Manager D'Agostino pointed out the town is putting together a marketing brochure and a permitting booklet outlining what needs to be done. Staff recognizes the problem for developers and is working to address it. The information will be given to them to aS,sist them in understanding what steps they ,- need to take and who they need to see throughout the permitting process. Mr. Armstrong noted Tedeschi's get in front of boards in smaller towns that don't have the same level of communication. Such a booklet would be helpful in any town. Selectman MacCaffrie said he wants to make sure differences are put aside and anyone coming through the door is treated exactly the same. Selectman McCue said he read not too long ago of a situation in Marshfield where there was such a degree of contention between the Planning Board and ZBA that several people resigned as a result. He said he doesn't believe they need to agree on everything, but asked if they see themselves upholding the degree of communication necessary to alleviate such a problem. Mr. Burke said they all live in the town and want the best for it. Selectman Annino noted the Planning Board is more of a professional body that looks at plans in an unemotional way. Applications are looked at as a black and white issue with the Zoning Board handles the emotional aspects of it. Mr. Armstrong stated he agrees communication is needed to make the two ~ functions work, noting the Zoning Board is a more judicial body to handle appeals. Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 11, 2002 9 ,-- Dr. Torman said they hit about one out of thirty on which they agree with ZBA. Getting back to the overview he stated he offered his services in 1988 as a member of the Airport Commission for the benefit of the Town of Mansfield. His heart is with the town and his first commitment is to the betterment of the town. One of the first questions the Planning Board asks is "what is the benefit to the Town." That is a question they live by and he always asks that question and determines if there is any detriment. Selectman Amoruso noted the Planning Board previously dealt with an overlay for Cabot Forbes Industrial Park and left off the Golden Triangle. He asked if they would be in favor of looking at that and doing an overlay in time for next Town Meeting. Mr. Armstrong said he is not familiar with the issue. If something was left off the plan, it should be looked at. Mr. Annino agreed that he would need more background information before he could make that decision. Mr. Burke said overlay districts are plentiful, but sometimes unexplored. Dr. Torman said the reason it was left out was because it was such a different piece of land. It didn't fit the role of the industrial park and it's referred to as such because it's such a valuable piece of property. Because of its geographical position, its size and location it was decided - to come back and look at it at a future date. Selectman MacCaffrie asked that they please make it a high priority this year. Selectman Donovan commented that back when they did rezone, they did actually split someone's driveway. He asked why they drew the lines that way? Dr. Torman said he can't begin to explain it. He noted the Downtown area is somewhat symmetrical. The problem is the line doesn't understand the meaning of symmetry. We need to apply 21st century ideas to the way the line looks. They've talked about it, but changing zone lines is not a top priority for the Planning Board right now. They first need to address the Master Plan and traffic downtown. Selectman McCarter noted they can't make a wrong decision with so many qualified candidates. Selectman Amoruso noted their attendance at Town Meeting or lack therefore influences his decision. Finance Committee - two three year terms ending 1/1/06 Charlene Lavin, 19 Freedom Trail (applicant for re-appointment) Benjamin F. Sylvester III, 41 Windchime Drive (new) ~ Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 11, 2002 10 ".--- improvements in an effort to maintain essential services and enjoy the same quality of life. Selectman McCarter asked if either of them foresee any circumstances in which they would support an override. Ms. Lavin said she doesn't have any indication of needing one in the next couple years. Mr. Sylvester said it would be difficult to say no if one was absolutely necessary. Selectman MacCaffrie stated last year was the first year in his memory that we haven't used stabilization for anything other than to reduce the tax rate. He noted a developing pattern and asked what happens if we use it this coming year and we can't pay it back. Ms. Lavin said when we used the stabilization fund this year, it was used to close the gap. One of the conditions they kept hammering away at is that it's not supposed to be used for the operating budget. It was used with the anticipation of getting the money to put back in. If we get the feeling we won't be getting it, tough decisions would have to be made as to whether to use stabilization funds. Mr. Sylvester said he would hate to find himself in the position of hoping to pay it back and not having the ability to do so. He also said he would not like to see the tax rate increase. Stabilization should be there to cover unforeseen situations, but ,-.- not to balance the budget every year. Selectman McCue asked the candidates if they would be able to recommend a reduction of force if necessary. Ms. Lavin and Mr. Sylvester both said yes, noting it's an ugly but necessary process. Selectman Donovan asked Mr. Sylvester to expand on his skills in investment management. Mr. Sylvester said he's been on the trading staff at Babson for ten years. All recommendations go through the committee. Decisions are mapped and significant budgets are managed. Currently the traders look at all the services and the people they do business with and determine what is necessary under the guidelines. Selectman MacCaffrie noted there is one other applicant who will be coming in next week to be interviewed and said he would like to delay the appointment until then. The remainder of the Board agreed. r- Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 11, 2002 13 .- Jack B. Goldberg, 12 Angelina Lane (new applicant) - is away this week,' will he here next week to be interviewed Charlene Lavin said she has been on the committee for one three year term and would like to be reappointed. She reviewed what they have accomplished and the working relationship they've established with the Town Manager and School Superintendent. Benjamin Sylvester said he currently serves on the investment staff of a large firm in Cambridge. He believes this would be the most relevant board for him to serve on. He serves as the funnel and the bill payer for his firm and is experienced in bringing checks and balances to a system while being flexible. Selectman McCue questioned each candidate reagrding their philosophy on the use of Stabilization Funds, asking when it is appropriate. ~ Mr. Sylvester said he is not currently involved in those decisions. He believes stabilization funds should be transferred on an "as-needed" basis to the right resources. In his position at Babson they employ a constant review process using sophisticated systems. Allocating them as necessary after careful review would be his answer. Ms. Lavin said the Finance Committee has used them to balance the budget with the anticipation of replacing them. The Stabilization Fund is there in case revenues do not quite meet expenses and they have used it as needed after exploring all other revenue sources, then replaced it in the fall. It benefits the Town's bond rating. Selectman McCue noted there is chatter coming from Beacon Hill and professional management societies that the State may take a look at how much money is in stabilization and may actually penalize towns for having it and not spending it. Ms. Lavin noted the Finance Committee has heard that, but has had no official notification of their being penalized for it. Selectman Amoruso asked, in terms of planning financially for the town, what role the Finance Committee should be taking long-range. Ms. Lavin said they have a five-year plan and are currently anticipating quarterly meetings to stay on top of the situation and monitor where shortfalls may be. The budget is a fluid document and is currently being reviewed in light of the economic situation to make sure we're staying on track. The Town has a strong management team that is on top of everything and provides them with good information. ,.--- Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 11, 2002 11 ,-.... Mr. Sylvester said it's difficult to project a financial position for five years. Three years is reasonable but looking back, most five year plans don't end up looking anything like they were supposed to. Constant evaluation is necessary. Selectman Amoruso asked how they feel about Enterprise Accounts and how each of them would look at Enterprise Accounts. Mr. Sylvester replied that he frankly doesn't know how to answer because he doesn't have enough background information. Ms. Lavin said she thinks enterprise accounts are good for some functions (Electric Dept.) but would like the accounting and revenue practices to be standardized for all departments. Mr. Sylvester noted being fiscally responsibility while maintaining flexibility is a reasonable approach. Selectman McCarter noted he once served on the Finance Committee and asked the candidates if they feel we make a fair allocation between the educational and municipal sides in the budgeting process. Ms. Lavin acknowledged that in the past the town has stepped up to the plate and delayed projects so the schools could go forward. The schools have now built up their infrastructure and suggested it's now time for the town to be able to focus on their needs to stabilize their infrastructure and fund capital improvements. r-- Mr. Sylvester said when resources are allocated on an as-needed basis they may be top-heavy for a year or two. After money has been allocated, there should be a backing off to provide an ebb and flow. Selectman McCarter asked how each candidate would go about prioritizing the needs of the Town and what would be the first and last things to be cut. Mr. Sylvester stated one of the best things you can do is have the Superintendent in front of you, but also talk to the Police and Fire Chiefs and bring them deeply into your thought process. He noted his professional experience in allocating needs and resources. Without being involved in it he cannot answer the questions specifically. Selectman McCarter asked him if his priority would be programs or personnel. Mr. Sylvester replied that programs are staffed by personnel and in an ideal world we like to fund those programs. If we need to cut back on personnel in the Police Department, you're only cutting an officer or a car. In the School Department it would be more complicated. Ms. Lavin said the goal has been to maintain the same level of services without adding people. The have not wanted to cut personnel a~d have postponed capital .- Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 11, 2002 12 ~ improvements in an effort to maintain essential services and enjoy the same quality of life. Selectman McCarter asked if either of them foresee any circumstances under which they would support an override. Ms. Lavin said she doesn't have any indication of needing one in the next couple years. Mr. Sylvester said it would be difficult to say no if one was absolutely necessary. Selectman MacCaffrie stated last year was the first year in his memory that we haven't used stabilization for anything other than to reduce the tax rate. He noted a developing pattern and asked what happens if we use it this coming year and we can't pay it back. r-- Ms. Lavin said when we used the stabilization fund this year, it was used to close the gap. One of the conditions they kept hammering away at is that it's not supposed to be used for the operating budget. It was used with the anticipation of getting the money to put back in. If we get the feeling we won't be getting it, tough decisions would have to be made as to whether to use stabilization funds. Mr. Sylvester said he would hate to find himself in the position of hoping to pay it back and not having the ability to do so. He also said he would not like to see the tax rate increase. Stabilization should be there to cover unforeseen situations, but not to balance the budget every year. Selectman McCue asked the candidates if they would be able to recommend a reduction of force if necessary. Ms. Lavin and Mr. Sylvester both said yes, noting it's an ugly but necessary process. Selectman Donovan asked Mr. Sylvester to expand on his skills in investment management. Mr. Sylvester said he's been on the trading staff at Babson for ten years. All recommendations go through the committee. Decisions are mapped and significant budgets are managed. Currently the traders look at all the services and the people they do business with and determine what is necessary under the guidelines. Selectman MacCaffrie noted there is one other applicant who will be coming in next week to be interviewed and said he would like to delay the appointment until then. The remainder of the Board agreed. ,- Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 11, 2002 13 ,,-- Nominations for two three-year appointment to Board of Health Liane Cochrane was nominated by Selectman McCue Vote: for Liane Cochran (All in favor) Liane Cochrane was appointed to a three-year term ending January 1, 2006 The remaining open seat will be advertised on Cable. Nominations for two five-year appointments to the PlanninQ Board Kenneth Torman was nominated by Selectman MacCaffrie and Douglas Annino was nominated by Selectman McCue Vote: In favor of Kenneth Torman (MacCaffrie and McCarter) Vote: In favor of Douglas Annino (McCue, Donovan and Amoruso) Kenneth Torman was nominated by Selectman MacCaffrie and Frederick Armstrong as nominated by Selectman Amoruso Vote: In favor of Kenneth Torman (MacCaffrie and McCarter) Vote: In favor of Frederick Armstrong (Amoruso, McCue and Donovan) Douglas Annino and Frederick Armstrong were appointed to the Planning Board for five-year terms ending January 1, 2008. .r' The Town Manager reported: On the Library/COA air conditioner, noting it remains the staff recommendation that we proceed as voted at Town Meeting. The standards for fresh air requirements have changed since the units were originally installed fifteen years ago and require engineering. He noted Kenneth Gay of the Municipal Building Committee was there to answer other questions. Ken Gay noted the units are used for heating and air conditioning. They have four units with four boNers. The coils are no longer available from the manufacturer and the cost to have them made and the units assembled is prohibitive. In addition, the standards have changed The loads for heating and cooling need to be calculated to get the proper air exchange to meet code. On the positive side, the new boilers w/Ï/ be more energy-efficient and would qualify for energy rebates. Mr. Gay went on to explain the difference between residential and commercial units. Selectman MacCaffrie apologized to Mr. Gay for his having been dragged into the issue, noting it would not have been necessary if the request had been responded to as outlined in the memorandum from Mike ,-- Ahern. Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 11, 2002 14 ..- Hercules Chemical is willing to pay the outstanding Penney Engineering invoice upfront if the Town will commit to paying half the total. He believes Hercules should foot the entire bill since they were responsible for the contamination in the first place. He's concerned that it's an outstanding invoice we could pay, but going forward with it may set a precedent by contributing to something we have not used as a community. He believes the issue needs to be resolved from the legal perspective so that we don't end up responsible for any part of the cleanup. We agreed to split the cost of the assessment of the site and said he needs to consult with Attorney Mark Roberts as to how this document should be handled. The Senior Christmas Party is scheduled for Friday, December 13th at 11:30 a.m. at the Senior Center. On January 7th at 12:15 p.m. the Rotary Club of Mansfield will host a Senior Appreciation Luncheon for which he will be baking seven carrot cakes-one without nuts. King Aviation Open House is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on December 15th at the Airport. Selectmen have been invited. r- Plans to meet with Dennis Hanks on December 19th at 11:00 a.m. regarding participation in an Economic Target Area for Franklin, Mansfield and other communities. The meeting will be held in Franklin. He believes it will be beneficial for us to participate because it gives us a competitive edge and allows us to offer tax incentives for redevelopment. On Thursday, December 19th, the town employees will host a retirement party for Joan Gormley, a long-time employee. He said she will be missed and her contributions to the town have been done quietly but have been noticed. Plans to take time off beginning December 24th through New Year's. He'll be in and out of the office during that time. Read the memorandum addressed to the Board December 9th informing the Board of his intention to seek re-employment as Town Manager in the Town of Mansfield. Selectman Amoruso noted he is pleased he wishes to remain as Town Manager and is seeking another term. Selectman McCarter said he supports his request. If the request for a three-year extension is supported, a sub- committee will be appointed to negotiate the terms of a new contract. ,- Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 11, 2002 15 ,-. Motion: To extend the contract for another three-year period beginning at the expiration of the current contract, subject to the terms and conditions established by the Board. (McCarter-McCue) Selectman MacCaffrie took exception to voting to renew the contract prior to performing the evaluation. He amended the motion to take the matter under advisement but received no second. Vote: 4-1 (MacCaffrie opposed) Passes r-- Chairman Donovan asked the Town Manager to elaborate on the ICMA Credentialing Program. He said it allows managers to take an assessment regarding their skill sets and what they need to improve on. He participated and knows what areas he needs to do some work in. This is a national credentialing program and there are some issues that he can begin to work on in the year he submits his plan. Once he's received national credentialing it will stay with him and bring some prestige and benefit to the Town. He noted he scored a perfect score in some areas, with ethics being one of them. There are other areas he could use some improvement on, and strategic planning is among them. The categories are broad and are then broken down into specific skill sets. Personnel and management were areas of strength. He hopes to be able to accommodate the cost within his professional development budget. Selectman Amoruso noted he would need to know what kind of funds will be necessary and how the budget looks. Selectman McCarter: · Asked that the Board send letters to people who didn't get reappointed and those who've served the town for many years and didn't seek re-election (Dennis Grady, Tom McShane) for the many hours they volunteered to serve the town. Selectman MacCaffrie: · read a memorandum from Jay Barrows regarding United Way. - · announced that the benefit for the Ambulance Fund held Monday night at Fresh Catch was a delightful evening. He suggested a letter be sent to the Patriots organization with a copy to the NFL for allowing that to go forward and for any future assistance they will be providing. Selectman Amoruso asked that a letter also be sent to the Sarro family. Selectman McCarter said he was there for the auction and it was a spectacular night for the Town of Mansfield. He thanked all those who participated. The Town Manager noted the ambulance initiative was started many months ago by the residents of Víllage at W/Ï/ow Crossings. Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 11, 2002 16 .-.. · Asked if the complainant received notice when the issue was resolved with Assessors. The Town Manager said he believes the complainant was looking for information that was not public information. There was no disciplining or firing of the employee and he would be happy to talk to him about it. Selectman MacCaffrie: · Asked about comp time, sick time, vacation time, who is eligible for it, and how it is tracked. It is recorded and kept with Jerry Scherma, Assistant Director of Personnel. Asked also asked who gets comp time and what constitutes it. Selectman Donovan: · Reported he, David McCarter, and John D'Agostino traveled to Grafton to honor Amos Robinson who received an award from the Army. He also noted that Dave and John won prizes at the event, but gave them all to the kids. ,~ Motion: To adjourn at 10:58 p.m. (Amoruso-McCarter) 5-0 Passes 12//?/oL- Date of Approval r- Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 11, 2002 17