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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 05/05/04 >: r (\ C' I V '''1''\ " r. ld._ . t.l.J !rt rD~,!('I OFFICE 'l._" ~,,_, ¡ '. " \,:) " '. r Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 5, 2004 04 !'!AY '3 PH 12= 00 r1t~N3F ¡ELD MASSACHUSETTS Present: Michael W. McCue, Chairman; Steven W. MacCaffrie, Vice Chairman; Roger S. Achille, Clerk; Selectmen David W. McCarter and Louis P. Amoruso; Town Manager John O. D' Agostino The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. · Warrant No. 45 in the amount of $3,028,534.25 Motion: To approve (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 with Selectman McCarter abstaining from Municipal Building Committee payroll Passes r · Minutes of April 28, 2004 Selectmen's Meeting Motion: To approve (Achille-MacCaffrie) 5-0 Passes · Minutes of April 21, 2004 Light Commissioners Meeting Hold for Monday's Light Commissioners meeting Town Mana2er and Staff · Memorandum from Town Engineer John D. Sullivan, Jr., re: First Annual Report/Stormwater NPDES Permit · Memorandum from DPW Director Lee Azinheira re: Wastewater Treatment Plant Electric Related Improvements · Memo from Assessors Office advising residents that representatives of Vision Appraisal Consultants are reviewing properties in town. They are registered with the Police Department and carry photo ID r · Memo from Environmental & Conservation Planner Dick Lewis with a copy of the proposed Conservation Restriction of the Town of Mansfield to the Natural Resources Trust of Mansfield, Inc. Motion: To sign Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 5,2004 1 r (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes · Memo from Recreation Director Lorilee Fish announcing the annual youth fishing derby at Kingman and Fulton Ponds on Saturday, May 8th and the Rails to Trails dedication on Saturday, May 15th Town Manager D 'Agostino noted a landscaped area at the East Street entrance to the Bike Trail that will be permanently planted and maintained by Gary Forget, owner of the abutting property. · Memo from Water Operations Manager Kurt Gaffney recommending a water connection at 266 North Main Street Motion: To accept the recommendation of Kurt Gaffney re the water connection policy at 266 North Main Street (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes · Chairman McCue announced there will be a rally to support the troops on Friday, May 14th, at 7:00 on South Common r The notice of public hearing as it appeared in The Sun Chronicle on April 21, 2004 was read into the record. Motion: To open the public hearing at 8:00 p.m. (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes Acting Light Department Director Ann Langille presented the plan, explaining the need for the work and where and how it would be done. Line Foreman Gary D' Ambra spoke of the installation process, noting all work will be along the side of the road and will not impact traffic. There are feeds coming in from Stearns A venue through Canterbury Estates, and there may be some minor inconvenience when the actual cut-overs are done. They will be in the area working for months, but there are few houses in the area where the work is being conducted. An overhead pole will be eliminated at the town-line and the distribution will be placed all underground. They will be working in three small areas along Eastman Street. Public comment was invited, but none was forthcoming. Motion: To close the public hearing at 8:08 p.m. (Amoruso-Achille) 5-0 Passes Motion: To approve the conduit location (Achille-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes r Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 5, 2004 2 /"" Motion: To accept the grant of location recommendation of DPW Director Lee M. Azinheira and sign the order (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes A five-minute recess was called prior to the start of the next scheduled public hearing. The notice of public hearing as it appeared in The Sun Chronicle on April 21, 2004 was read into the record. Motion: To open the public hearing at 8:15 p.m. (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes ",- Acting Director Ann Langille presented this plan also and the Selectmen were joined in the review of the plan by Jewell Street resident Leonard Flynn. Electric service is being put underground. Mr. Flynn spoke of the very large telephone poles that have been dropped on Jewell Street and was asked to refrain on the subject until public comment. Ms. Langille said they are essentially putting in circuits to get around the three corners at Jewell, Williams and Tremont Streets. They will be hiring a contractor to do the raceway. It will be intrusive to the traffic in the area because of the narrow roads. The project will take three to four weeks for the installation of the raceways and manholes along with related work. r Leonard Flynn noted speaking with Ms. Langille and Mr. D 'Ambra when he saw two large wooden "structures" laid out across from his house. He was informed they were the poles they would be using on Jewell Street to run a new circuit. They're running a third circuit down Jewell Street, which they say is loading on the poles, that requires their going underground Mr. Flynn said he would like them to go straight down Jewell Street. He noted opening a public way requires a public hearing for scenic roads, which Jewell Street is. Mr. Flynn read the by-law relative to scenic roads, noting the purpose. He also noted never having seen poles of the type being used. DPW Director Azinheira called the Board's attention to the memorandum from Shaun Burke that reported on the project and determined a scenic road hearing is not required for the area where the work is being done. Selectman MacCaffrie noted a public hearing is required once a way has been given scenic road status and read a portion of the regulations, noting it does not say a public hearing has to be held for repair or paving work. Selectman MacCaffrie stated our department heads have been wrong before with regard to scenic roads. Mr. Flynn noted the maintenance is of the electric service. The poles have been in that configuration for the thirty years he's lived there and there's never been a problem. He questioned the cost of these poles relative to a regular telephone pole. He asked the Selectmen to consider that Jewell Street is a public way and asked if they're going to bury the wires in a portion of it, that they do it for the whole street while they have it opened. The cost of doing the work proposed was discussed, with Mr. D'Ambra suggesting it would cost an estimated $1 - $1.5 million to do the whole street. Selectman Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 5, 2004 3 r MacCaffrie noted we're doing it to get from one point to another and Jewell Street is the shortest distance between the two points. He also suggested that if we don't put up the alleged "monstrosity" more poles would be required. Mr. D' Ambra said it would require six additional poles and more guy plus easements for the guy lines to go on private property, which aren't always easy to get. Mr. Flynn asked how many other locations in town will need these monstrous poles and how much they are going to cost. Ms. Langille suggested discussing the matter further at Monday night's Light Commissioner meeting. Mr. Azinheira noted Tremont Street is till under the five-year street cut moratorium Motion: To close the public hearing at 8:37 p.m. (Amoruso-MacCaffrie) 5-0 Passes Motion: To waive the street-cut moratorium for this project (Achille-MacCaffrie) 5-0 Passes Motion: To approve and grant the conduit location (Achille-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes Notices were sent to residents in the area of a parcel of land located at the northwest corner of Hope and Church Streets requesting their input on a Town Meeting Warrant article which proposes to convey the parcel to Habitat for Humanity. Motion: To open the hearing at 8:40 p.m. r (Amoruso-Achille) 5-0 Passes Chairman McCue noted the article is as the result of a request from the Fair Housing Committee to use the parcel in question to build an affordable house. This parcel has the cleaner of the two titles for the Town-owned property in that area. At one time there was an abutter who proposed to build a garage and asked for a "sliver" of the other parcel. The intent is to provide Habitat for Humanity the opportunity to build an affordable house that would allow a young family to stay in town because they couldn't otherwise afford a home in Mansfield. A lottery system would be employed to determine the family who would live there. The parcel is larger than most house lots Habitat for Humanity builds on, as they generally build smaller houses. The houses they build qualify towards our affordable housing quota. Selectman Achille asked how much the land is assessed at. Town Manager D' Agostino said he will get that information. Selectman MacCaffrie noted this would be the start of getting a developer of our choice to begin affordable housing construction. He acknowledged that the house is smaller than some in the area, but said it is no more out of character than some of the larger homes in the area. The house would be inhabited by people who are already in Mansfield, so we would not be adding children to the school system. The 40B proposals allow us no control over who goes into them, and Mansfield residents are not given preference. He suggested nobody wants anything in their backyard, but this is a buildable house lot and will be beneficial. r Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 5,2004 4 r Mansfield resident Ed Tartufo: said he is opposed to the project because Town property is tough to come by. He's not in favor of disposing of Town property at the whim of someone who wants to build affordable housing. He's always been in favor of doing something in conjunction with Memorial Park because it's designated for that use. Housing is not an accessory use to the park across the street. You also create another abutter who will be opposed to something going on at Memorial Park. He does not believe a $250,000 lot should be given to someone so they can build an affordable house. He suggested instead that Habitat for Humanity find a "fixer-upper" and let them rehab it for affordable housing for a young family. He noted this parcel does have some title problems, although not as great as the other parcel. Nancy BreefPilz of Church Street since 1985 - was always under the impression these two pieces of land are there as buffers for the park from the neighborhood. She spoke of the bright lights from the track that are highly visible from that lot and said she would like to see the pieces of land preserved for the park and trees planted on them to prevent people parking on those two pieces of land. Nancy Callan, 142 Church Street for over 30 years - thinks that Habitat for Humanity is great but agrees with her neighbor that it is not a good location. Most of the time she takes a left turn out of her driveway, but the corner is a very busy place with all the activities taking place and not a good place for children to live. She then asked about the former Homestead Restaurant property, asking if there is still a pile of rubble on it and if the owner has ever been determined. It's been cleaned and we've taken the property. We r own it, but like any tax title taking it's not clear as to who the actual owner is. She asked why something like that can't be considered. Selectman MacCaffrie noted it's way too much property for a single house. Town Manager D 'Agostino also noted it is an access point to the lake and needs to be looked at from a public access perspective. She stated she is opposed to building at the corner of Hope and Church Streets. Art Reynolds, 155 Church Street - noted the "sliver" is his favorite sliver and now lives on that parcel. He asked for background as to what type of search was done for other parcels for this purpose. Selectman MacCaffrie said he started looking at them 14 years ago for the library, but it was too small. We had some property in West Mansfield at one time, but it was sold and we used the money for something else. These lots seem to be the easiest to move forward with at this time. This is where he started. He is also looking at a parcel on Shawmut Avenue. He picked this piece and put it before the Town because he wanted a place for some young family to start out and be able to stay in town. If it's the only way he can get houses built in the Town of Mansfield until the Affordable Housing Committee has the money to do it, he'll put them on every available lot he can find. He'll keep trying if it 's voted down this time. Right now Habitat for Humanity is the only entity that can do this. Mr. Reynolds noted he's concerned about the character of the neighborhood and bought his home because it had the buffer between the house and the park. Chairman McCue noted his concerns about changing the character of a neighborhood. Mr. Reynolds referred to Mr. Tartufo's comments, noting anyone living there will be calling the police several times per week because of activities that take place r there. During some of the bigger football games the lot on his side gets filled with cars. Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 5, 2004 5 r- He reported on discussions prior to coming into the meeting and asked what the history of the parcels is. It didn't start out as town land The Town Manager said he believes they were taken for non-payment of taxes. The Hutcheson property was deeded to the Town and there were deed restrictions that it had to be used for recreational purposes. If in the event it goes further, Mr. Reynolds asked if it could be subdivided. We cannot make it non-conforming to the zoning in that area. If it were a 40B project they could subdivide it or build at a greater density on that parcel. It would require a zone change and neither the committee nor Habitat want to change the zone, but rather desire to build what is appropriate for the zone. Mr. Reynolds asked if perhaps there aren't other areas that could be used for this purpose. Selectman McCarter noted that the same objections will be raised no matter what parcel is used. We are sympathetic to the concerns of the residents and it can't be done without a favorable vote of Town Meeting. Mr. Reynolds asked how soon they would want to develop the other parcel as well, noting one is a change in the neighborhood-two would have a monumental affect. Selectman MacCaffrie noted the argument is valid A few years ago one whole portion of Hope Street was wooded lots, and there are now four houses on them. Mr. Reynolds asked about site plan and design of the home and questioned if the neighborhood or Town would have some say in the process. Selectman MacCaffrie noted Habitat for Humanity has three or four plans they use. How it's built is determined by the topography of the land. As Selectmen, he assured them that if this is approved at Town Meeting there would be further meetings held with Habitat for Humanity. He acknowledged that housing for our senior citizens and our young people who cannot afford to stay in town just happen to be his pet project. The building would have to conform with all local zoning requirements, unlike a 40B project that does not have to meet any of them. r Chris Holske, lives diagonally across from the property - said he finds it hard to believe there's not some other house they can just fix up. People would have less opposition if someone were fixing up something that's an eye-sore as opposed to building a new house on a vacant lot. Ed Tartufo noted if they can buy a house, they can buy the land. Darryl Benson, 62 Hope Street - lives across the street from the lot and is not convinced the one on the left is a conforming lot. It was verified that it is; otherwise we would not have sold the "sliver ". He noted his agreement with Ed Tartufo that the Town representatives ought to be more creative than giving away a lot and ending up with an affordable house. He would rather see everyone put their heads together and come up with a more creative plan on how we're going to address the affordable housing issue. He suggested the money realized from selling the lot may be able to allow Habitat for Humanity to build two houses. There may be more support for the idea if there is additional information as to what type of house would be built on the lot. .1"'"'" Gary Moran, 200 Hope Street - said he came to the meeting open-minded, but thought there would be much more detail as to the house-what it looks like, how it would be sited on the lot. He didn't even realize there are limitations on what Habitat for Humanity can build. He noted it's a good location and would be interested in hearing more detail and further exploring what the Town is able to control in the process. Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 5, 2004 6 r Geraldine Lemieux, 160 Church Street - is against it because the open space lends elegance to the area. If a small house is built on a big lot, it's wasteful, especially since it's Town property. She thinks that Habitat for Humanity is wonderful, but thinks this area should be preserved and kept by the Town much longer. Motion: To close public input at 9:25 p.m. (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes Motion: To support the article on the Special Town Meeting Warrant (MacCaffrie-Achille, for discussion) r Selectman Achille commended Selectman MacCaffrie, noting he's been working hard on this project. He was, however, persuaded by the arguments and doesn't feel comfortable just donating a valuable piece of property. He would therefore not support this article just on the financial aspects of it. Selectman McCue noted he's come a close second in his support for affordable housing and is not in favor of 40B development. He does however like what Habitat for Humanity does and believes the Town would be doing its residents a favor by staying involved with Habitat for Humanity. He does have two problems with this particular project. The value of the land makes it contradictory to give away this piece of land when we're looking at a budget shortfall. He also noted there's a certain expectation, which he believes is appropriate, that people think homes built in their neighborhoods should fit the character of the neighborhood. In this case, he does not think this proposal would be in keeping with the character of this neighborhood. Selectman Amoruso said he is not opposed to having houses on those lots, nor is he opposed to having Habitat for Humanity building houses in Mansfield. He is not, however, in favor of their building on this particular lot. He would support the sale of the land and using the funds realized for Habitat for Humanity to build one elsewhere. Selectman McCarter noted it's an admirable goal, but we would be guilty of doing the same thing we accuse 40B developers of doing-putting something in neighborhoods that is not in keeping with the character of the neighborhood. He cannot support this particular article. Selectman MacCaffrie noted what he heard tonight is that this piece of property is worth $250,000; we should probably do something with it, such as selling it. He noted it's not a fair vote, because he would be willing to amend the article on Town Meeting floor to sell the parcel and use the funds for affordable housing. Vote: 1-4 with Selectman MacCaffrie in favor and all others opposed Fails Nancy Breef-Pilz asked for clarification. It will be brought forward and voted on at Town Meeting, but the Board does not support it. It can also be pulled between now and Town Meeting as it is an article sponsored by the Town. Should it reach the floor of Town Meeting, it will be noted that the Selectmen voted 4-1 NOT to support. r Mr. Tartufo pointed out that the motion as it appears in the Special Town Meeting Warrant article does not say "sell". Therefore the intent of the amendment would be different and would be ruled out of order. Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 5,2004 7 r r Town Manager D' Agostino: · Presented a summary on the status of the proposed Medco tax incentive financing (TIF) offer. We're in the process of finalizing criteria and expect a recommendation from the TIF Committee next week to the Selectmen. We're looking at approximately a $2 million improvement and the $16.01 tax rate would generate $32,020 annually. He further reviewed an offer being made by the TIF Committee as background information for their presentation at next week's meeting. The total benefit to town would be $319,520 over the ten years. He believes it's a good deal for the Town because we will realize a net revenue of $319,000 while we're forgiving only $19,024 on a sliding scale. Selectman McCarter asked if they've decided to go forward with their plans if they do not receive a TIF benefit. They're also creating 20 employment positions which the committee looked at. They were more customer- service type positions. While we're looking for higher-paying positions than that, these types of positions are necessary and will be filled by area residents. Selectman Amoruso indicated his recollection was that they had planned to come here already before learning of the TIP. Mr. D'Agostino's recollection was slightly different but he indicated he'll review his notes. They are looking for a larger TIF, but he and the committee don't believe there's sufficient benefit to offer a larger incentive benefit. In the future he believes "linkage" will be required to demonstrate to the community the benefit provided. Selectman Achille asked if the Planning Board would be able to do that also. Yes, with regard to special projects they review. It is something that's practiced more in progressive communities. Each member of the TIF Committee goes back to their respective Boards and reports what's being done, which provides a meaningful partnership. Selectman MacCaffrie asked if Rolf C. Hagen has moved to their new building yet. He also asked if we've had a report of how many Mansfield residents they've hired. There is a reporting requirement to the State, but the Committee has to take an active role in positions taken locally. Unless someone follows up on it, there's a good chance we'll never see the report. Ifthe requirements are not met, they can be decertified and lose the incentive. Selectman Amoruso reported that the meeting held with Framingham was very interesting and beneficial. ",- · Last week the Board asked Staff to go back and take a look at the electrical related improvements at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Staff agreed with the recommendation of Selectman MacCaffrie on the manual override and will communicate that to CDM. The total amount we're looking for to incorporate the changes for the manual override component is $1.2 million, of which we expect to receive 1/3 in billing both Norton and Foxboro. When the project is running and the bills are paid, we'll have slightly over $1 million in the Wastewater Trust Fund. That will conclude our non-compliance with DEP and will meet their expectations as we move forward. This is a warrant article that will be requested by CIP. He referred to the April 29th memo detailing the breakdown of the expenses. It was suggested that for planning purposes Norton and Foxboro should be notified of the anticipated expense. Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 5, 2004 8 r · Spoke about the regionalization concept of the Veterans position. There may be some interest on the part of the Towns of Norton and North Attleboro. Norfolk is part of a regional consortium and pays approximately $5,000 per year for Veterans services. We will also be getting the input of Veterans groups. Selectman MacCaffrie offered to meet with Veterans to explain the financial ramifications to cities and towns. He noted Veterans have been upset in the past by a regionalized location they have to travel to rather than having a Veterans agent with specific hours in Mansfield We've already received some applications. Once we decide what we want to do and post the position we will know better what approach we will be taking. · Reported there was a minor problem at the fueling depot that was the result of a missing computer chip. It was received in the last week and initial pumping was done. We expect to begin pumping for DPW in a week or so and then add other departments. Selectman MacCaffrie asked if the Town Manager can assure him there was no fuel spill. There was a slight surface spill that has been remedied. There were piping leaks due to defective fittings from the manufacturer. Selectman MacCaffrie reiterated his concern about a reported problem with pipe fittings, noting defective fittings can be a problem when we begin pumping fuel. r · Followed up on the budgetary process. As of May 1st the FinCom has completed their review of Municipal budgets and the $500,000 request to cut has been achieved. A total of $650,000-$675,000 has been cut by removing all new or reinstated positions, with the exception of the Chief Assessor. The Council on Aging budget is staying the same. The smaller department budgets simply could not be cut without jeopardizing the programs. We are hopeful we may be able to reinstate two firefighter positions midway through the fiscal year. The salary reductions amount to $360,000. The requested replacement of police vehicles has been reduced, leaving $84,000 for three replacement cruisers. The majority of all other departments are participating in the balance of the reduction in the line items of their budgets. This allows us to fund our existing union contracts, with the exception of the Fire Department. Additional cuts would have to be made from their budget right now to make this work. This also deals with an increase in the line item for Town Counsel, who we've been using more frequently, and takes into account an increase in his hourly rate. The salary adjustment for the Town Manager at 4-4.5% is included, which should have been issued in December of last year, is in line with union contracts, and is based on the evaluation performed. Selectman Amoruso asked if the Fire Department retroactive increases will be taken from FY'04 or '05. It depends on when the Fire Department settles their contract. Chairman McCue indicated he is not opposed to an increase, as the performance evaluation was favorable. Selectman Amoruso noted the Board would be changing come Tuesday and suggested the need to have those performing the evaluation vote on the increase. Selectman MacCaffrie noted the issue is that under the terms of the contract we need to know what his salary increase is so it can be budgeted In response to the question raised by Selectman Achille, Town Manager D' Agostino indicated the average increase for rank and file - 3-3.5%. Some positions include step increases, which he doesn't r Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 5, 2004 9 r have. Selectman McCarter asked what 4.5% would equate to. Selectman MacCa/frie noted the need to consider the benefits that increase along with it, such as contribution to pension. He pointed out that when everything is considered, the actual raise was 9%. Town Manager D' Agostino will provide the Board with numbers based on his understanding and how it's been calculated. Motion: To support the notion of an increase subject to the provision of the total financial impact figures. (McCarter-Amoruso) Selectman Achille noted he believes the Town Manager deserves a raise, just as everyone else does in Town who performs well. He noted he will not be at the Light Commissioners meeting on Monday night and asked that he be provided with the information prior to then so he could communicate his decision on the matter. Vote: 4-0-1 with MacCaffrie abstaining · Announced that the Farewell Sister Cities Dinner is planned for May 22nd at the Qualters Middle School. They are expecting 164 people to attend and he invited the Selectmen's participation. ",- Selectman MacCaffrie: · Received a number of phone calls following last week's meeting that the political comments made from the podium last week were not stopped soon enough. Selectman McCarter: · In the six years he's been a selectmen he's tried to come up with something every week. Tonight he has nothing. Selectman Amoruso: · Reminded everyone that there is an election next Tuesday to be held at the High School. Chairman McCue noted this is the last meeting of Selectmen David W. McCarter, who is not seeking re-election after six years of service on the Board of Selectmen and prior service on the Finance Committee. Mr. McCarter is, however, a candidate for the vacant seat in the Massachusetts Senate being created by the retirement of Senator JoAnn Sprague. ,-... Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 5, 2004 10 r Chairman McCue presented Selectman McCarter with a plaque in honor of his six years of service on the Board of Selectmen. He spoke of the help provided by David when he was a new selectman and David was returning for a second term. He further noted people appreciate the fact that he deliberates and explains the reasons for his votes. Selectman MacCaffrie noted they have not always agreed or disagreed, but when they agree it's amazing because he never thought they would. They've always sat at opposite ends of the table and have often been at opposite ends of the discussion. He spoke of e- mails received and countering the opposite of his opinions. He agreed that David knows Court Law and he knows construction law. He thanked him for the years that he's served and said he would appreciate having him serve us as Senator. Selectman Achille noted it was David who got him involved in Town politics while involved in a professional matter soon after David was elected a Selectman. This lead to his being appointed to the Planning Board. He wished David well. r Selectman Amoruso said when he first got on the board it was either 30 or 50 percent of the votes they agreed on. They since have come to a meeting of the minds, but have always agreed to disagree. He also noted his wife specifically asked that he convey her thanks and appreciation to David and Eleanor, noting it's the first time she's ever done that. He noted how comfortable he's felt sitting next to David because of their mutual respect and friendship. He values both his professional counsel and friendship. He also jokingly noted that David always spoke first, which saved him from having to do so on difficult issues. He will most miss David's wit and ability to maintain a sense of humor that lightens the load. He spoke of David's dedication both as a member of the Finance Committee and Board of Selectmen, noting his desire to serve as a Senator is indicative of his desire to continue serving the Town. r Selectman McCarter noted it's a bittersweet night for him. Three months ago he never expected this to be his last meeting. Certain things happen in politics and an opportunity was made available for him to serve the town in a different way. He apologized to those who've said he withdrew from the race a little late, but he does want to pursue this new opportunity. He noted Senator Sprague did not decide until late February that she would not run for re-election. Following that decision there was considerable jockeying around. When the opportunity presented itself, he believes he needed to pursue it and sees it as an opportunity to continue serving the Town. He spoke of the number of great people he's worked with, noting their compassion and dedication. He noted his two failed attempts at being elected and the encouragement he received, and credited the town employees for the job they do. He thanked Mary-Lou Cotton for the support, advice, friendship and encouragement she's provided him as Selectmen's Secretary and noted he and John D' Agostino started off as strangers but have become friends over the years. He said John is the common denominator in the things that have been accomplished, referring specifically to the Train Station, Rails to Trails, athletic fields, and water treatment facility that's planned. Over the six years he believes he's accomplished the things he wanted to see done, including the Skateboard Park. He praised Mr. D' Agostino, noting he's a cut above other Town Mangers and has been an asset to the Town. He believes we Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 5, 2004 11 r are managed well financially with $2.7 million in Stabilization. He has done well in the good times, and even better in the tough times. He also thanked his wife and family, whose support and encouragement enabled him serve. He said he'd never forget the two years of Water Park debates, water policies, and wells and said he hopes to be back after November in a different capacity. Town Manager D' Agostino noted when he came to Mansfield in December of 1997 David was not yet a Board member, but become one shortly thereafter. They've had some good times, along with many difficult times and difficult decisions to be made. He believes every decision David made was the best decision possible for the Town of Mansfield based on his knowledge and perspective and their common bond in wanting to see the Town move forward in a positive direction. Motion: To adjourn at 10:38 p.m. (Amoruso) 5-0 Passes r c--~~ O~ Signature of CI~ õ-) 2~fLj ./ Date of Approval ,-- Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 5, 2004 12