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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 03/10/04 .- r- I Board 01 Selectmen Minutes of March 10, 2004 ,....... .... ~ ':,-;¡: I,;:: ! Present: ! TS Michael W. McCue, Chainnan; Steven W. MacCaffrie, Vice Chainnan; 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. 37 in the amount of $2,564,967.07 Motion: To approve (McCarter-Amoruso) 5-0 with Selectman McCarter abstaining from Municipal Building Committee payroll Passes · Minutes of March 3, 2004 Selectmen's Meeting Motion: To approve (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes r · Common Victualler License (New) - EI Azteca Mexican Restaurant #2 (fonnerly La Bamba) at 310 North Main Street, Unit 5 Attorney Chris Petrarca introduced his client, Zotico Vazquez, and noted he runs a successful restaurant in Attleboro at which he has an a1cohollicense. He provided copies of the menu for the Attleboro restaurant, which will also be the menu in Mansfield. His brother-in-law helps out during the day. Motion: To approve (MacCaffrie-Achille) 5-0 Passes · One-Day Temporary License for the sale of wine at auction - Mansfield Rotary Club Dr. Ray Martin was present to represent Rotary as chainnan of the wine auction. It will benefit the Mansfield Community Food Pantry, Mansfield Middle Common beautification project, and Rotary International PolioPlus Project. The auction will be held on Sunday, April 4th, at the Mansfield Cable Access Studio and will be televised live from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Motion: To approve (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes · DRAFT Special Pennit Decision for MMAS to be reviewed .r- Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 10,2004 1 (' . Memorandum from DPW Director Lee Azinheira - request for transfer of 15,733 gpd of sewer flow from Norton's 250,000 gpd non-critical sewer flow for North Cottage Program per attached letter Motion: To approve the transfer of 15,733 gpd of sewer flow from Norton's 250,000 gpd non-critical sewer flow for the North Cottage Program as recommended by the DPW Director. (MacCaffrie- Achille) Selectman Amoruso disclosed a prior business relationship with North Cottage and noted his only concern is that it be done using the same guidelines as in the past. He asked for verification that excess capacity previously given had not been sold. Selectman MacCaffrie spoke of the concerns of Norton, noting there are other failed systems and nothing in the agreement precludes a reallocation of capacity. Discussion ensued as to the similarity of the transfer of capacity previously done in Foxboro. North Cottage presently has a failed septic system. (' The motion and second were withdrawn until such time as it can be verified with DPW Director Azinheira that the allocation is being transferred and not sold. Town Manager D' Agostino explained the process used by Foxboro and Norton in purchasing the capacity and then selling it to finance their portion of the sewerage treatment plant. Chainnan McCue noted concern with it becoming a profitable arrangement in selling capacity, and then not having it for an area of critical need. Consensus was they would like to have the Town of Norton having control over the capacity rather than having one private entity selling it to another. Selectmen were in favor of North Cottage getting the capacity needed, but wanted to make sure that it is done as intended. Lee Azinheira will be invited in to discuss this further. Mr. Walsh addressed the questions of the Selectmen as to how Mansfield's assessment is established. The basis of the appropriation is mandated by Massachusetts General Laws. The two years under actuarial study were 2001 and 2002, which were bad economic years. He likened it to a situation of when State Aid dries up to towns, noting it has to be made up some other way. The stock market was down in that time period, hence the need to make up the difference. Mansfield is the second largest community in the system, at 11.2% of the total, which attributes for the large assessment. We rate 21 out of 105 retirement boards. In 2003 an increase of just over 23% was realized. If we have a strong year, they've instructed their actuary to go back to the drawing boards and may be able to come back with a better number. Membership activity, retirements, and investment perfonnance all contribute to this. Selectman MacCaffrie referred to page two of the report relative to the aggregate payroll ~ which increased 10.3%. Teachers are not part of the Bristol County Retirement System, Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 10,2004 2 r r- r but school administrators are. He noted the 10.3% over a two year period is a large increase. At a time we could least afford it, our increase was over 12%. Treasurer Collector Richard Boucher explained it further. Town Manager D' Agostino noted 2002 was not when we could least afford the increase. The percentage increase is for two years, not one. The numbers reported are as of September 1 st. Selectman McCarter spoke about the formula for our assessment from the Southeastern Regional School, that nobody has ever been able to explain. He pointed out the lack of explanation in this case triggered the concern. Mr. Walsh explained that the payroll factor helps to break down the final number, but where we wind up in relationship to the other districts is due to the actuarial return. An actuary looks over the next twenty years and makes assumptions such as rate of return, increases in the number of employees, and eight other actuarial assumptions. If nothing had changed, there would have been a 55 percent increase to all members. If they had gone to the maximum allowed, everyone would have had a 14% increase just to keep the lights on. Selectman MacCaffrie referred to page 5, asking if we absorb the loss by percentage or if they're spread over everything. They have a bottom line and they figure out what they have to do to reach it. It is spread evenly over all the units. Mr. Boucher noted our percentage is based on the numbers we give them. If our payroll goes up and everyone else's does, our percentage won't change. If other towns layoff people or retire people early, our payroll percentage increases proportionately. Selectman McCarter asked about unfounded liability and Mr. Walsh explained the process. Prior to the economic downturn there were only two ahead of Mansfield in funding. Selectman McCarter referred to a prior override and funds being used to fund a liability. Mr. Walsh noted some towns took a "pension holiday", but it comes with a cost that includes interest. Mansfield has not done that. Selectman MacCaffrie referred to page 11 for the appropriation forecast that assumes sufficient employees will be hired each year to keep the number constant. He pointed out that we are not sustaining the minimum, and it will affect us. Mr. Walsh noted you cannot look at only one year. Selectman MacCaffrie disagreed, noting we will continue to have the problem until we can meet the minimum assumptions. Mr. Walsh explained that the forecast is based on fifty years of history for the whole system. Mansfield only pays 11.9% of the whole. Selectman MacCaffrie emphasized the compounding effect of .. . gIVIng raIses. Selectman Amoruso asked about disability situations and asked if at retirement we're guaranteeing a percentage. Mr. Walsh noted the formula is based on the three highest consecutive salary years, multiplied by the percentage assigned to the age of retirement, times the number of years of service. Town Manager D' Agostino noted early retirement of police and fire have an affect. Mr. Walsh noted it would affect it somewhat, but the percentage would be less due to the age factor. Selectman Amoruso asked what approving early retirement allowed by the State Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 10, 2004 3 r does to the rate. Mr. Walsh noted the towns that do not do that are not adversely affected. Mr. Walsh advised Selectmen they will try to provide updated information by May 1 st in anticipation of the May 18th Town Meeting. A three minute recess was called. Peter DeTrolio of 496 Elm Street - talked about Questions and Comments, noting he's probably used it more than any citizen of Mansfield. He said he's been angry at times, and not so at other times. He believes Questions and Comments is a good thing and a good way for citizens to get things off their mind. He noted most nights he sits in the audience and listens, and is tired of the negativity that's happening. He credited Selectmen with the job they have to do. He took issue with the constant barrage against John D' Agostino, who he believes is the best Town Manager we've ever had. Despite the fact that he's said he would never tell Mr. D' Agostino that, he believes he is based on conversations he hears throughout town. Since 1963 he believes there have only been two town managers who he believes are worth their salt-Tom Dwyer and John D' Agostino. Chairman McCue noted he also hears positive things around town and thanked Mr. D 'Agostino for the job he does for this Town. He thanked Mr. De Tro/io for (' his comments. Selectman McCarter agreed, noting there are times he wants to say "enough is enough." He does however value questions and comments. Selectman Amoruso noted Mr. D 'Agostino has excelled in moving the Town forward and getting things done. He believes the people of Mansfield do understand how much John D 'Agostino has contributed as Town Manager and it's reflected in the atmosphere during such public events as the Annual Sidewalk Sale. Chairman McCue apologized to the Chief for the delay in not getting to him until 9: 1 0 p.m. when he was scheduled for 8:30 p.m. The Chief reviewed the proposed inspection fees. He noted the increase in the permit fees represents only a small portion of the fees they're allowed to take in. Inspection season is coming up and it requires a great deal of time on the part of the Fire Department. Deputy Chief Towne developed a formula based on square footage for commercial/industrial fire alarms and/or sprinklers which he presented to the Board. The previous fee of $25 has been in effect for quite some time. Fees for Multiple Unit Residential Occupancies were also proposed to be increased, with no changes recommended for one and two family residential dwellings. Selectmen suggested an increase in the annual fee may also be in order. Chairman McCue noted he has never liked to see fees increased as a means of gaining (" additional revenue. In this instance, he believes we are only trying to recoup some of the Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 10,2004 4 r expense incurred for the servIces provided and is comfortable with the proposed increases. Motion: To accept the proposed increase in the fees as proposed (MacCaffrie-McCarter) 5-0 Passes Fees will go into effect as soon as they can be posted. ( The Chief next reviewed the proposed increase in ambulance billing rates to Medicare plus 30% that was recommended and discussed previously. Selectman Amoruso noted he does Medicare plus 10%, suggesting that should cover us on an annual basis as opposed to making such a large jump in the fee. Selectman MacCaffrie asked what percentage of services are Medicare/Medicaid (about 60%). The Chief noted many area communities are now at Medicare plus 30%. Selectman Amoruso pointed out the recommendation came from the billing company, which gets a percentage of the fee. Selectman McCarter noted we had to have a fundraiser to purchase another ambulance, so he believes the Medicare rate plus 30% is reasonable. Selectman Achille stated his concern about passing the increase onto a population that can least afford it. He reminded everyone that we heard from an agency that is doing collections a few weeks ago about how much we have outstanding. He does not want to see people having to pay out-of-pocket for the use of the ambulance. It was noted there cannot be different rates paid by different segments of the population. The Town Manager stated there are also residents who have a $5,000 deductible and in return pay a lower premium. They would be required to pay the entire bill if they have not met their deductible. If someone can prove a hardship, there is a procedure in place to have the fee waived. There are stringent guidelines in place to define a hardship. The Chief explained that Blue Cross is pretty much in line with Medicare rates. Chairman McCue made note that people will not be denied service whether they can afford it or not, nor if they have outstanding bills. The charge is instituted only if there is an actual transport. There are frequently calls for an ambulance that don't result in a transport, and in those cases there is no bill. Motion: To set the rates at the Medicare maximum plus 10% (Amoruso-MacCaffrie) 3-2 with McCue and Achille opposed. Passes Town Manager D' Agostino: . Reported on how interesting his coffee with the seniors of Mansfield was. John Costello and Selectman McCarter, along with George Wojtkiewicz were all present and there was an interesting discussion regarding a possible override. . We're beginning to fashion our recommendations and will be meeting with the Finance Committee shortly. Our 11.9% increase equates to $500-600,000. The remaining balance is what we have left to run the entire town, which is a concern. There will be a recommendation to the Board based on what we feel we need to operate. ,r- Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 10,2004 5 ! · Is scheduled to meet with Bruce Montgomery on the Tweeter Center license and would welcome input from the Board. He asked for their input prior to the March 18th meeting. · The Hockomock YMCA Reach out for Youth is scheduled for March 31st at 7:30 p.m. Many residents rely on this fundraising event to obtain scholarships for camp. · He plans to be out of state April 22-25 and will return on the 26th. · Staff held a successful meeting today with a prospective employer who is seriously considering a move to Mansfield. There would be an addition 400 employment opportunities when the decision is finalized. We will be looking at tax increment finance incentives and will need a September or October Special Town Meeting to accomplish this. There are also other employers considering the opportunity. He expects to propose a meeting with some of these employers and the TIF Committee in the near future. This level of interest and the positive impact to the area is significant. Selectmen spoke of the benefit to taxpayers of the increased industrial and business activity. ( · We're looking at forming a Transportation Committee to provide transportation to and from the Train Station to the Industrial Park. One of the other focuses of the prospective employers was the amount of affordable housing to supply unskilled labor portion of the necessary work force. There will be a couple more weeks of discussion and he hopes to be able to make a significant announcement soon. Selectman McCarter: Attended the Norton Selectmen's meeting with Selectman MacCaffrie last week. They are interested in re-visiting the issue of a southbound access to Route 495. The Norton Board of Selectmen will be at our meeting on April 14'h and it can be discussed then. March 3rt public hearing with newspaper notice and notice to abutters. Shaun Burke should be asked to determine who should be notified Chairman McCue noted this has been on the table for a long time. He will contact the Chairman of the Norton Board of Selectmen to discuss it further prior to the March 3Ft public hearing. Selectman Amoruso said he hopes MassHighway moves faster on this than they have on the bridges. A southbound ramp would be beneficial. ~ Selectman MacCaffrie: · Asked when we'll start pumping gas at the new fuel depot. He heard "three weeks weather permitting" the beginning of February, then again the first part of March. The Town Manager said he's been told we're going to begin testing the system and will be able to report more next week. Had he known that Selectman MacCaffrie wanted the information, he would have had it available to him. Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 10,2004 6 f r ( Selectman McCue: . Was contacted yesterday by the Mass Bio-tech Council to testify on Beacon Hill Monday regarding a bill for economic development. He is still reviewing the bill and has not yet made a decision to testify. It deals with the permitting of bio-tech industry. We have a streamlined permitting process and will review it. Selectman MacCaffrie: · We need to decide what we want on and off the Warrant. It gets posted April 6th and we need to review it. Motion: To adjourn at 10: 1 0 p.m. (Amoruso) 5-0 Passes /t?~æø i' Signature of Clerk i / -:? II 7/ð 1 Date of Approval Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 10,2004 7