HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 12/29/04
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Town of Mansfield
(" Board of Selectmen 05 Jf.\N - 5 Pl'i 3: 2 I
Minutes of December 29, 2004 .. .",
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Present: Chairman Steven W. MacCaffiie; Vice Chairman Roger S. Achiti\f;'~MtFHUSETTS
Bernard J. Dolan; Selectmen Louis P. Amoruso and Michael W. McCue
Town Manager John O. D' Agostino
The Board of Selectman meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m., followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance to the flag.
. Warrant No. 27 in the amount of $5,744,584.71
Discussion: With respect to a requisition for payment submitted by Shamrock Roofing
(Warrant item No. J 24649), Chairman MacCaffrie questioned whether the Town could seek
payment from the contractor's insurance company. The invoice in the amount of $4,800.00
is for costs associated with slate repairs to the roof chimney tower at the Cate Springs Water
Dept. building. Town Manager requested Water Operations Manager Kurt Gaffney to
investigate this issue.
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Motion: To approve/sign
(Achille/Amoruso) 5-0 Passes with exception of Warrant item No. 124649: Shamrock
Roofing in the amount of $4,800.00 (Amoruso/MacCaffrie) opposed.
. Minutes of December 22,2004
Motion: To approve/sign as amended
(Achille/McCue) 5-0 Passes
The following Licenses and Permits were reviewed by appropriate Town Department Heads and
were presented to the Board of Selectman for their review and approval:
Wine and Malt License Renewal - Driscoll's Restaurant
Routing slip and appropriate paperwork is in order.
Motion: To approve
(Dolan/McCue) 5-0 Passes
Common Victualler License Renewal - Quan's Kitchen
Routing slip and appropriate paperwork is in order.
Motion: To approve
(MacCaffrie/McCue) 5-0 Passes
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Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 29,2004
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ABCC Renewal Certification for 2005 (shows that the Local Licensing Authority has acted on
all renewals presented before them; two license applications were not submitted to the Board for
renewal: Pizzeria Uno, 390 West 81. and the Village at Willow Crossing, 25 Cobb St.)
Motion: To sign
(MacCaffrie/McCue) 5-0 Passes
Drainlayers License - J.R. Lynch & Sons, Inc.
Application and documentation is in order. Town Engineer recommends the license be granted
Motion: To approve
(Amoruso/McCue 5-0) Passes
Town Mana2er and Town Staff:
Letter to Michael Schwartz, Mass Highway, dated December 23rd from Town Engineer John
Sullivan, regarding Chauncy Street (Route 106) under Amtrak Railroad Bridge.
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Letter to Katharine Jackson from John D' Agostino Town Manager in response to her letter of
December 13, 2004 regarding drainage issues on Tanya Drive.
Letter to John D' Agostino, Town Manager, dated December 29, 2004 from Town Counsel
Robert Mangiaratti, regarding Statutes Applicable to Class 2 Licenses.
Discussion:
. During prior review of Class 2 License applications, Chairman MacCaffiie requested
clarification with respect whether an applicant was required to provide designated car lot
to operate a Class 2 business.
. Town Counsel Robert Mangiaratti issued a response to the Town Manager (Ltr. dated
12/29/04), which outlined current State Statutes applicable to Class 2 Licenses. Based on
the letter, Town Manager John D' Agostino noted three statutes of relevant importance;
o Proof of financial responsibility; the Town of Mansfield currently requires a bond
be submitted with Class 2 license applications.
o Access to repair facilities sufficient to enable the business to satisfy the warranty
repair obligations and requirements.
o The business is or will be the principle business and have a place of business
suitable for the purpose.
. The Board issued Class 2 Licenses at their last meeting based on applications received
which satisfied the Town's criteria for approval, however based on input provided this
evening by Town Counsel, Board members were uncertain whether the current license
holders satisfy the State statute requirements for a Class 2 License.
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Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 29, 2004
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. Selectman Amoruso and Selectman Achille suggested the Board incorporate the State
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approvals. All members agreed.
Motion: To send a letter of notification to each Class 2 License holder in Mansfield outlining
the current State Statute requirements applicable to Class 2 licenses. Each license holder is
required to return a written response to the Board of Selectman within 90 days of the date of
notification confirming the auto business meets all State Statute requirements as specified.
(McCue/MacCaffrie) 4-1 Passes (Achille opposed)
Residents
Email from Bill Clemmey dated December 23rd thanking Town Manager for meeting with him
on the development of the train station land as potential office building.
Letter from Mark Renkert, 6 Erick Road, dated December 22nd regarding abatement application
for his condominium.
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Memo from Town Manager dated December 22nd regarding status of Board of Assessors.
Discussion:
o Based on the Town Manager's conversation with the Department of Revenue (DOR), the
values set for Mansfield appear to be valid, the tax rate is set, bills were mailed and
revenue is being collected.
o The Department of Revenue requires that a majority of the Board of Assessors must hear
appeals. Due to recent resignations and board terms ending, there are no certified
members on the Assessors Board at this time. Vacancies need to be filled as soon as
possible. New Board of Assessors must achieve certification within two years of their
appointment.
o Chairman MacCaffrie suggested options to use certified assessors from other
communities on a temporary basis, or to the explore feasibility of using in-house staff
who have completed the Assessors 101 Course requirements,
o The new Assistant Assessor Nancy Hinote started employment Friday, December 17,
2004 and is aware of the present situation.
o Town Manager is waiting for a response from Town Counsel and continues to review
options with the Department of Revenue.
Memo From SRPEDD Executive Director Steve Smith, dated December 20th regarding
Technical Assistant Opportunity on Smart Growth Initiatives.
Memo from Kurt Gaffney, Water Operations Manager, dated December 21,2004 requesting
approval of a water connection for Phase One of the Village at Cedar Heights off of Francis
Avenue, Mansfield.
Discussion:
o Woodard & Curran (Dedham, MA) completed an impact study on the Cedar Heights
project and based on their report, recommends approval of Phase 1 of the project.
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Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 29, 2004
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Discussion Cedar Heights Project continued'
o Water Operations Manager Kurt Gaffney reported the Cedar Heights project complies
with the Town's 2004 Water Connection Policy.
o Mr. Gaffney and DPW Director Lee Azinheira both recommend the Board of Selectman
approve Phase 1 of the agreement to allow the project to move forward at this time.
o Mr. Gaffney noted Cedar Heights, LLC has agreed to provide 186 rain barrels to those
who request them for Phase 1 (at 12 gallons per rain barrel).
Motion: To approve
(McCue/Achille) 4-1 Passes Amoruso abstained
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Recreation Commission: (1) vacant seat
Applicantfor re-appointment; Lynn McDonnell, 595 Ware St., Mansfield
Ms. McDonnell expressed her enjoyment serving on the Recreation Commission for the past
years and stated her desire to continue as a member of the Commission. In response to questions
from the Board, Ms. McDonnell highlighted working relationships among members and outside
groups, use of facilities, procedures, and future project plans.
Motion: To appoint Lynn McDonnell to a 3-year term effective January 1, 2005
(Achille/Dolan) 5-0 Passes
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Animal Welfare Commission: (2) vacant seats
Applicant for re-appointment; Sharon Baker, 20 Harvestwood Lane, Mansfield
In response to questions from the Board, Ms. Baker noted fundraising efforts to construct a new
animal shelter had slowed during the holiday season. Future fundraising efforts are in place for
January. Ms. Baker loves animals and is dedicated finding homes for animals in need of
placement Board Members encouraged Ms. Baker to attend Town Meetings in the future.
Motion: To appoint Sharon Baker to 3-year term effective January 1, 2005
(McCue/Amoruso) 5-0 Passes
Conservation Commission: (3) vacant seats
Applicant for re-appointment; Paul Boyden, 126 High Street, Mansfield
Applicantfor re-appointment; Christine Weaver (Flass) 115 RumfordAve., Mansfield
Applicant for re-appointment; Marc Marcossen, 25 Keefe Street, Mansfield
Mr. Boyden and Mrs. Weaver were interviewed simultaneously. Town staffwas unable to reach
Marc Marcossen to schedule interview this evening.
o Mrs Weaver and Mr. Boyden highlighted goals and objectives they would like to help the
Conservation Commission implement in the near future.
o Mr. Boyden expressed concern regarding the new Conservation Agent experiencing a
lack of respect of authority in the field and suggested tools that could provide assistance
with this situation.
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Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 29,2004
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o Selectman Dolan suggested the Conservation Agent apply to be appointed Special
Constable for Conservation Land Purposes. Mr. Boyden will explore Mr. Dolan's
suggestion further with the Conservation agent.
o Mr. Boyden noted possibilities are being explored for the Conservation Agent to
participate in academic programs within the Mansfield Schools.
o Selectman Amoruso; Due to negations that occur during the project review process,
Selectman Amoruso recommended the Conservation Agent not be involved with 40b
projects until after other boards (i.e. Planning, Zoning etc.) have completed their review
process.
Motion: To appoint Christine Weaver (plass) to 4-year term effective January 1,2005
(Dolan/Amoruso) 5-0 Passes
Motion: To appoint Paul Boyden to 4-year term effective January 1,2005
(Dolan/Amoruso) 5-0 Passes
Chairman MacCaffrie requested a letter be sent to Mr. Marcossen to schedule an interview with
the Board of Selectman at the next meeting.
Fire Chief Robert Bellavance was unable to meet with the Board this evening due to illness.
Chairman MacCaffrie indicated a meeting to review this topic would be rescheduled at a later
date.
. Selectman Amoruso indicated to the Town Manager that he would like to have a detail
summary provided showing the amount of revenue offset by expenses. Town Manager to
follow up.
. Town Manager noted Comstar was the lowest bidder, and therefore selected by the Town
to provide this service.
. The Board is concerned with aggressive tactics used by Comstar to obtain uncollected
ambulance receipts. The Board needs to institute an aggressive strategy to collect
outstanding debt, which would still to allow the Board flexibility to waive fees based on
hardship.
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The Board of Selectmen completed the Town Manager' annual employee evaluation by ranking
the Town Manager in seven categories: Legislative relations, public relations, budget preparation
& administration, managerial skills, direction/supervision, and growth of manager. Individual
scores ranked by each Selectman were reported as follows: Achille; 8.58, Amoruso; 7.86; Dolan;
8.71, MacCaffrie; 4 and McCue; 8.71. Chairman MacCaffrie noted that his interpretation of the
ranking system is unlike that of other board members, with a score of 5 considered as average.
Based on a scale of 1-10, the Town Manager received a positive overall score rating of7.57.
Comments written by Chairman MacCaffrie and Selectman Amoruso were read aloud.
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Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 29, 2004
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Discussion:
. The Town Manager continues to demonstrate exceptional strength in budget
administration. Selectman MacCaffi'ie suggested communication and management in
some areas could be improved.
. Selectman Amoruso suggested the evaluation instrument can provide good feedback to
an individual and working together can help him/her to meet goals and objectives. Board
members discussed changing the current structure of the rating system in the future to be
measured based on achievement of specific goals and objectives.
. T own Manager proposed a 5% salary increase for consideration in the FY06 budget.
None
. Selectman McCue questioned the impact of a recent decision by Board of Selectman to
lift a mandatory overnight parking ban this winter. Town Manager is unaware of any
complaints received to date on this issue.
. Recent snow removal efforts were aided by two new pieces of equipment, which reduced
the amount of time to clear streets in the downtown area from three days to one day.
Excess snow is being relocated to Town property located on Plymouth Street.
. Annual Town Budget will be available for distribution on Monday, January 2, 2004.
r Town Manager recently obtained a schedule oflong-term debt from the Town Treasurer
and reviewed the impact of future bond rates with the Board.
. Town Manager commented on initiatives being worked on for various departments (i.e.
complete fiber optic system, generator unit for MEMA, Fire Department training, and
lower ban radio frequency system for universal capability between Police, DPW and Fire
Dept. etc.)
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Selectman McCue:
. Mr. McCue offered recognition to William Geoffrion of 506 Gilbert Street for his recent
heroic rescue of a woman found trapped in a sports utility vehicle.
Selectman MacCaffrie:
. Selectman MacCaffrie requested the Town Manager keep a look out for information
about a new grant program offered by the Bristol County Retirement System.
Selectman McCue:
. Request regarding the status of the SERG group salt purchase for area communities.
Town Manager to investigate further.
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Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 29, 2004
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Selectman MacCaffrie:
· Re: Letter from a business owner located in the industrial park regarding deteriorated
road conditions in that area; Selectmen commented that some of the road deterioration
could be due to the School Street detour. Member MacCaffrie would like to review the
Town's priority list for road repairs.
(Amoruso/McCue) 5-0 Passes
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Signature of Clerk
7anuary 5, 2004
Date of Approval
Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 29,2004
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