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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 05/04/05 '.""~ ....., !:.~.,' ,... f...... ~.f I ~. \/ t-: :~ '"II-I"", f..., ,,'" CE ~ \. f i I J (' Present: Town of Mansfield Board of Selectmen i'i;n I 2 M1 8: 58 Minutes of May 4, 2005 . ',.il ICLO Chairman Steven MacCaffrie; Vice Chairman Roger ~tiill.~\ei~~:iJiI:&d Dolan; and Selectman Louis Amoruso Selectman Michael McCue was not present Town Manager John O. D' Agostino The Board of Selectmen's meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. David Simas, Registrar for the Bristol County Registry of Deeds for Northern Bristol County, thanked the Board for inviting him to their meeting. Came to discuss some of the statistics that are pertinent to the Town of Mansfield. Mansfield is one of the fastest growing towns in the fastest growing section of the state. At the Registry, all r land transfers/property transfers are registered at their office. There are $30 billion of assessed value in the 11 cities and towns in Northern Bristol County. Their philosophy is that they are a department of the cities and towns in the county. By the end of the year, all of their files will be available online. He noted that Bristol County is the 3rd fastest growing county in the state and that Northern Bristol County is the fastest growing section of the county - all of the growth is north of the Taunton River. In 1990, the median price for a single family home was $167,000. Since 1995, it has been consistent double-digit increases in the median price. The median home price for 2005 thus far is $425,000 - that is very dramatic. What's driving it? Location of the town and the favorability ofthe town is what is driving up the costs. Mansfield has been topping the price ratios. Between 1960-2000, the population in Mansfield went from 7,773 to 22,414 people. Mr. Simas noted that the state has actually been declining in population, but the 495 South belt is experiencing a huge rise in population. In talking about school-age population, 3,487 in the mid-90s to 5,201 ... a 49.2% increase. By 2020, the majority of the population will be north of the Taunton River. This data shows a growing, vibrant community. What Board of Selectmen and Assessors face is not a function of a lot of discretion on your part - you are being given the data/formula and follow the guidelines. Mr. Simas noted that cities and towns are dependent on property taxes and under Proposition 2 12, it requires a full and fair valuation of all properties. He noted that industrial and commercial properties are increasing 2- 3%. In Mansfield, in FY01, the total levy was $22.8 million in property taxes. In 2005, 78.5% r-- in residential property taxes; commercial is 21.5%. Since FY2000, as a result of the historic Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 4, 2005 ~ boom in residential real estate, the residential homeowner's bill went up 35%. The statewide median went up 34% during that same period of time. As we go forward at the Registry of Deeds, Mr. Simas noted that he would like to offer a value- added service. He noted that duplication is not something that any taxpayer needs to pay for. Anytime anything is filed, we will contact the local offices that same day via email to make sure the changes are made instantly. We will work with Assessors, Planning, Conservation, and Treasurer's. He noted that the Registry will have staff members make the adjustments immediately, so the towns are dealing with fresh data. They are looking to work with GIS on property information and we are going to enter into a pilot program with MassGIS to start this. The Town Manager said that he hopes that Mansfield could be the pilot community. He is also looking to set up monthly office hours so people can file for a homestead, ask questions, etc. Mr. Simas noted that the Registry wants to augment engineering departments - there will be a Registry engineer to work for the towns. He is looking to make the Registry another department of the 11 communities. We need to work more efficiently as the fiscal times are tough. Chairman MacCaffrie said that Selectman McCue wanted to ask about homesteaders - could the $35 fee be waived because a lot of them are lower income. Mr. Simas said that the statute requires him to charge that fee- he does not have the discretion to waive the fee. Selectman Amoruso asked Mr. Simas to explain what a homestead is. Mr. Simas said that the Homestead Act declares that you have exemption on your home - it doesn't shield you from (' liability, however. Mr. Simas explained the process... if you file a homestead, and as long as you are living there and paying taxes, I can remain in my house - it doesn't shield liability but does protect you in case you lose a lawsuit, have a catastrophic medical situation where there would be a foreclosure on the property. He noted that everyone should have a homestead - it is an easy form of insurance. Selectman Amoruso asked if there is a maximum you are covered for. David replied that there is a maximum of $500,000. He added that there are new provisions to the bankruptcy law, and he is looking to see if that will affect the homestead law. Selectman Amoruso noted that he just did it himself and thought it would be worthwhile for people to learn about. David noted that he is looking at a possibility of setting up a satellite office in the North Attleboro/ Attleboro area, perhaps in the next five years. All that is needed to file a homestead is the deed to the house, your driver's license, a $35 check and the homestead form. Chairman MacCaffrie noted that he is pleased to see that his tax dollars are being used well and Mr. Simas said that the Registry is profitable. Selectman Achille and Selectman Dolan noted how informative this information was. Mr. Simas added that condos are the fastest depreciating property in Bristol County and noted if he or his staff can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to call. The Board members and the Town Manager thanked Mr. Simas for coming. .r-- Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 4, 2005 2 (' · Warrant No. 45 in the amount of $2,628,595.73 Motion: To approve (Achille - Amoruso) 4-0 Passes · Minutes of Regular Session April 27, 2005 Selectmen's Meeting Motion: To approve (Achille - Amoruso) 4-0 Passes · Minutes of Airport Security Executive Session April 27, 2005 Selectmen's Meeting Motion: To approve but not release (Amoruso - Achille) 4-0 Passes · Minutes of Pending Litigation Executive Session April 27, 2005 Selectmen's Meeting Motion: To approve but not release (Achille - Amoruso) 4-0 Passes · Application for Hackney Driver License Motion: To deny this license and send a letter to the individual informing them of the decision and how to appeal (Dolan - Achille) 4-0 Passes ~ . Regulatory Agreement for Cedar Heights LLC Chairman MacCaffrie said that this is a 40B project in the Francis Avenue area and noted that the Zoning Board of Appeals has done due diligence on this project. Motion: To sign Cedar Heights LLC Regulatory Agreement (Dolan - Achille) 3-0-1 Passes (with Selectman Amoruso abstaining) · Commercial Parking Application for Foundry LLC Commuter Parking Chairman MacCaffrie said that we may want to delay voting on this application until Mr. Clemmey is here a little later. He added that Lee Azinheira, Acting Town Manager made an agreement with the property owner to keep the lot open in the interim. Selectman Achille said that it is his understanding that things are fine with this application. Chairman MacCaffrie noted that an agreement was reached with regard to the spaces - there was some split on the spaces to make an easy delineation of the border of the parking lot. Chairman MacCaffrie added that there are 105 spaces that they can collect on. The Town Manager noted that the application has to be amended to read 105 spaces, not 111. Chairman MacCaffrie said that with that change, he does not see an issue with the application and suggested that they hold off approving the license until Mr. Clemmey comes in to talk about how he is going to operate the lot - he added that he understands that he may be doing a monthly payment. r Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 4, 2005 3 I"""' In attendance from the School Committee were: Superintendent John Moretti, Committee Member Jean Miller, Committee Member Emil Giordano, Committee Member Steven Greenberg and Committee Chairman Mike Trowbridge, who arrived after discussion began. In attendance from the Finance Committee were: Committee Member Jim Lazarra, Committee Member Charlene Lavin, Committee Member Jess Aptowitz, Chairman Andy Gazzo10, and Committee Member Mike Sams, who arrived after discussion began. Mr. Moretti said that School Committee Chairman Mike Trowbridge was pleased that the Board of Selectmen asked the School Committee come to meet and Chairman MacCaffrie noted that the Board promised to not to wait until the eleventh hour. ".- Moretti distributed a copy of the consolidated spreadsheet, which includes the $435,000 reduction made at last night's School Committee meeting. He noted that we have estimated $1.1 million in reimbursement from the state in regards to the circuit breaker account. The reimbursement we receive next year is predicated on what we spend in this fiscal year. We have completed collective bargaining with the instructional assistants. He concluded secretaries and clerks bargaining today. Our personnel budget is up by $1.5 million - a lot of represents staffing at the High School. He noted that they have completed course assignments at the High School - this requires 2 additional English teachers, 2 additional Math teachers, 1 Science teacher, 1 Social Studies teacher and 1 World Languages teacher. We do have information as to what will happen to class size if we don't get those teachers. For English: if the 2 teachers are approved, all classes will be under 30 students. Ifno new personnel are added, 40% of all English classes will be over 30. Math is even worse - if no new personnel are added, 46% of all math classes will be over 30 students. With science, the average size is 24 . .. if we do not add 1 additional teacher, 51 % of our classes will be over 24. Mr. Moretti noted that the principal's mission is to graduate students and in order to do that, they need to pass the MCAS. If they don't pass the MCAS, we'll pay a lot more in remediation. Mr. Moretti noted that we have added 3 special education teachers due to the increase that we refer to as substantial separate - children with autism, developmentally delayed. Mrs. Miller noted that those positions are required because of IEP plans. Moretti said that we have reduced our out of district tuitions because we have kept more students in town, but that has added to our personnel costs. Mrs. Miller noted that the out of district transportation is very costly too. Selectman Dolan said that he wants the people to see what they are voting on with respect to the school's budget. He noted that the town has not been able to replace two firefighters and yet the School Department has added personnel. Mr. Lazarra said that the school's budget represents 63% of the total town spending. ".- Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 4, 2005 4 r- Mrs. Miller said that we have brought back 24 students back from outplacement - minimum cost to outplace 24 students would be from $720,000-$1.8 million. It would cost a little over $210,000 for the staff here in Mansfield to educate those students, for a cost savings of over 400,000, at a minimum. Mr. Moretti noted that there is no reimbursement for out of district transportation. Mr. Gazzolo noted that the handout Mr. Moretti provided is not complete - it doesn't include benefits or charter school reimbursement - the increase in school benefits is $730,000. Selectman Achille asked Mr. Gazzolo what the present gap is in reaching a balanced budget. Mr. Moretti said that the actual increase in salaries and wages is actually $1 million. Chairman MacCaffrie said that the board appreciates the sacrifices that employees made with respect to the budget. Mr. Moretti asked what the gap is and Mr. Gazzolo said that the gap is at $1.7-1.8 million because the extra revenue ($200,000) didn't materialize. Chairman MacCaffrie asked when we discovered that the money didn't materialize and Mr. Gazzolo said that it didn't come in the House budget. The Town Manager said that the Conference Committee budget may come up with more money. Mr. Gazzolo said that the total revenue increase for Mansfield from last year to this year is 1.666 million. Another issue that we have in the future is the Jordan/Jackson reduction in school r building assistance reimbursement - it has to be paid. Mr. Trowbridge asked if the gap is current even after the School Committee cut the additional $435,000. Mr. Gazzolo suggests that the Finance Committee wanted to see no new personnel ... we need to review fees, both on the town side and the school side. Mr. Moretti said that the townspeople have contributed for various things, like playgrounds, robotics programs, various boosters clubs, etc. Mrs. Miller said that the issue of fees is discussed every year - it brings up bad feelings with both staff and parents. A lot of people took time out of their schedules to do things for the schools - if you are going to start talking about fees, you can't "tap the wells" too often - people will contribute less for these various projects if they have to pay for these fees. The schools already have fees - bus fees, lunch fees. She added that Mansfield should be proud of the programs they offer. Mr. Gazzolo said that if we don't cut anything or add fees, we'll have to raise taxes. Mrs. Miller said that our athletic programs are doing well. If they have to pay a fee, some people won't participate. Mr. Gazzolo asked her what her solution is to the budget gap. Mr. Moretti said that we have no control over who is sent to charter schools. Selectman Amoruso noted that if they don't go to the charter school, they have to be educated here and Mr. Moretti said that we could educate those students for a lot then it costs to send them to the charter schools. Mr. Moretti said that 17 ~ positions ($600,000) were moved off of the town's payroll and moved our CHAMPS Program, After School Emichment Program, Tweeter Program, etc. ".- Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 4,2005 5 r Selectman Dolan said that it is frustrating that we are taking people out of the municipal budget yet the schools are adding personnel. The Town Manager said that the only choice we have for future years is to have an override. The Town Manager said that the town has cut personnel to the point that people's homeowners insurance is going up (the rating has gone down from 4 to 5) - we are shifting that burden to our taxpayers. His concern is that, as we have met the projections, we are approaching a very serious point - the ability to provide a level of service that people are accustomed to is being very serious. Ifwe decide that we don't support a revenue infusion, town services will be decimated - we don't have enough personnel (Police and Fire) to address safety issues. If there is a $1.6 million gap and the School Department believes they are at bare bones, it will be very difficult in the upcoming years. Chairman MacCaffrie said that people keep talking about overrides - the gift that keeps on giving - it is not a one-time thing. Selectman Amoruso asked the School Committee if they feel that they are at their limit. Mr. Trowbridge asked if we are taxing to the limit and the Town Manager replied yes. Mr. Trowbridge asked the Town Manager what the revenue numbers that he has are. Mr. Gazzolo said that House added revenue and costs and the net difference is $49,000 more. Mr. Trowbridge said that if the school is up $1.5 million and there is a $1.7 million gap, then what is the town up relative to their budget. The Town Manager said that we are up about $1.5/1.6 million - for insurance benefits. The Town Manager said that our total reduction is $1.4 ".- million. Selectman Amoruso asked the School Committee if they have cut as far as they can go. Mr. Trowbridge said that he isn't optimistic he can find more to cut and that the School Committee has tried to be cautious. Mr. Trowbridge talked about the Special Town Meeting Warrant and asked where this money coming from. The Town Manager said we are transferring from various accounts - and that this warrant is for this fiscal year. The Town Manager said that there is good news - the school debt went down $108,000. Mr. Moretti asked if the Town Manager budgets for the highest health plan for new hires and the Town Manager said that we chose the most popular plan for budgeting purposes. Mr. Moretti said that we have a freeze on our budget and have had it since before April vacation. Mr. Trowbridge asked for current numbers/revenue projections. The Town Manager said that we just got the School Committee's cuts today and that Town Accountant Bea Kearney is working on crunching the numbers. He noted that when the modular classrooms are put in, the town will need to pay more in insurance. Mr. Moretti said that the issue of bonding out has been discussed at the CIP meetings and asked if textbooks can be bonded out and Mr. Gazzolo said no. The Town Manager added that the state will only us to bond for certain items. ".- Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 4, 2005 6 ".- Mr. Trowbridge said that the School Committee is meeting next Wednesday, because Tuesday is the town's election. Mrs. Miller said that the high school population is growing, so the request for teachers is in demand - these are not frivolous requests. Chairman MacCaffrie said that we need to put our arms around the whole thing - it is going to be tough - whatever you can do to assist in helping out a little bit more. Mr. Greenberg asked if the notion of an override has been entertained and the Board said no. Mr. Moretti said that we shouldn't be surprised about what is happening. The Town Manager said that we made assumptions based on a humming economy. Selectman Amoruso said that we are hearing from the elderly, in particular, and that they can't handle much more in tax increases. Mr. Moretti thanked the Board very much for inviting them to attend their meeting and Chairman MacCaffrie thanked the School Committee and the Superintendent for coming. Chairman MacCaffrie called for a five-minute recess at 9:40pm. Chairman MacCaffrie gaveled back in the regular session at 9:50pm. ".- · Commercial Parking Application for Foundry LLC Commuter Parking Chairman MacCaffrie said that the application was amended to be for 105 spaces, after Town Engineer John Sullivan reviewed the lot and the configuration of spaces. Mr. Karl Clemmey, 750 South Main Street, noted that the monthly fee would probably be $50 per month and would offer the spaces to Mansfield residents first, then open it up to non-residents. Selectman Amoruso asked Mr. C1emmey ifhe will be charging on a monthly basis and Mr. Clemmey said yes. Selectman Dolan noted that the application fee dropped $36 as a result of the decrease in spaces that they had originally applied for. Mr. Sullivan said that we came up with something workable and this arrangement is also better from a maintenance standpoint - and we assume that the maintenance for his lot will be done by him. Motion: To approve the commercial parking facility application from Foundry LLC Commuter Parking for 105 spaces (Amoruso - Dolan) 4-0 Passes Mr. Clemmey added that people can park in that lot until he gets things set up in the next few weeks. · Letter from the Mansfield High School All-Sports Booster Club requesting permission to r hold their 5K Road Race on Sunday, May 22no from 9:30am to 11: 15am. The race starts and Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 4, 2005 7 r finishes at Mansfield High School and runs East Street to Branch Street to Ware Street and back to Mansfield High School. Motion: To approve the Road Race (Achille - Dolan) 4-0 Passes · Letter from TEC Associates received April 25th regarding Amtrak's 2005 Vegetation Control Program. · Invitation received April 26th from SRPEDD for their 49th Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 18th in New Bedford. · Email from the Department of Revenue dated April 26th regarding the FY06 Local Aid estimates based on the House Ways & Means budget proposal. · Invitation from the Canoe River Aquifer Advisory Committee dated April 27th announcing that the Canoe River Awareness Day will take place this Saturday, May 7th from 8:30-noon at the Mansfield Fish & Game. Due to the active construction taking place at the Mansfield Water Treatment Plant, the tours of that facility have been cancelled. · Letter from MassHighway received April 28th regarding National Bridge Inspection Standards Bridge Inspection Report for the Mansfield AvenuelNorth Main Street Bridge. r · Letter from the Mansfield High School 2005 All Night Party Committee thanking the Board for assisting in the advertising of the online auction. The auction raised over $7,000. · Letter from Jay Barrows of the Tri- Town Chamber of Commerce requesting that the building permit fees be waived for the outdoor sign they are installing. Selectman Dolan noted that the fee is $35.00. Motion: To waive the town's portion of the building permit fees (Dolan - Achille) 4-0 Passes Correspondence from Town Manager & Staff: · Memorandum from Town Engineer John Sullivan dated April 29th regarding the Second Annual Report/Stormwater NPDES Permit. · He has completed his priority list of CIP items - bond $2.8 million on capital requests and noted that we badly need this infusion. Support for the CIP recommendations ensures that the continuation of services to do their job better, faster, etc. An example is ".- the GIS flyover - this information will be good for another 5-8 years. He noted that many of the items are for DPW. He said that 80% of the calls that come into Town Hall Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 4, 2005 8 ".- are forwarded to DPW to handle. He has issued this memo to CIP, Finance Committee, Board of Selectmen and the School Committee. . The Qualters Middle School Senior Citizen Dinner will be held on May 5th at 5:30pm . A "Pre-Town Meeting" Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 12th at 8:30am in 3ab. . He is hosting a Coffee Hour at the Council on Aging at 1O:00am on Thursday, May 12th. . Town Reports are available at Town Hall for all townspeople to digest. The Town Manager noted some of the items on the CIP list, like the ambulance and fire truck, will save the town 8%. Chairman MacCaffrie noted an inspection vehicle for $30,000 for engineering. The Town Manager said that he will have to get back to the Chairman on that issue. The Town Manager said that the Planning Board is voting on their recommendations tonight. r Selectman Achille: He noted that he is a very satisfied customer of the school system, having a daughter in the 1 st grade. He asked at what point do we decide to agree to disagree - is that an option? He asked if alternative budgets are used frequently and noted that he is very concerned about Police and Fire. Chairman MacCaffrie said that the Town can't go in with an unbalanced budget - no one on Town Meeting floor can tell the School Committee what to cut and what not to cut. Selectman Amoruso said that the town has already cut to the Finance Committee's recommendations. He added that if we come to the point where we are looking at passing a budget that we don't have revenues for, it is unlikely that we will get any additional money. Selectman Amoruso added that there is a large gap and people are not expecting an override nor do they want an override. Selectman Dolan: He noted that he wants the people at Town Meeting to make an informed vote. He said that he doesn't know what the School Department can do to cut. He noted that the people of the town have been very generous to the schools - they have made a lot of contributions. He noted that people have to adjust their home budgets if the money isn't coming in - there is a certain pot of money the town has to work with. Selectman Amoruso said that we need to have the School Committee look harder for ways to cut and that sometimes, we have to be the bad guy. He added that he doesn't believe they will come up with another million to cut. He anticipates we will be discussing this issue at Town Meeting. ,,- Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 4,2005 9 r-- r ".- Chairman MacCaffrie: Reminded the townspeople that there is an election next Tuesday and encouraged everyone to get out to vote. (Amoruso) 4-0 ~ Jtuv /f. 2{1{1S Date of Approval Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 4,2005 10