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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSELECTMENminutes04042012 Town of Mansfield Baard of Selectmen Minutes of April 4, 2012 Present: Chairman Jess Aptowitz, Vice Chairman Olivier Kozlowski, Clerk Douglas Annino, Selectmen Moran, Selectman George Dentino William Ross Town Manager Absent: Qdoba Mexican Grill Mauriode De Gortari is the new proposed Manager of Record for the restaurant. He is taking over from Jay Reid. Mr. De Gortari has been with the company since 2007 and is alcohol safety certified. Selectman Annino asked Mr. De Gortari how many hours a week he spends on premises. Mr. De Gortari stated he is the regional manager and will be the manager of record for the Mansfield location as the other manager wasn't comfortable with the responsibility. However, he is only at the Mansfield location 10-15 hrs. a week. Selectman Dentino expressed concern over the lack of hours at the location. He asked if Mr. De Gortari knows what a manager of record actually does. He stated that he is responsible for the liquor license and the control of service. The Board of Selectmen are uncomfortable with having a manager of record that is not on the premises full time. The ABCC does not dictate the set hours of a manager and leave it up to the discretion of the Board of Selectmen. Selectman Dentino would like to delay the hearing and get an opinion from town counsel. before moving forward. Selectmen Moran and Kozlowski are also uncomfortable with appointing a part time manager of record as well. They will contact the ABCC and Atty. DeRensis for guidance. Motion: To hold hearing over to next week. (Dentino/Moran) 5:0 passes Boord of Selectmen Minutes of April 4. 2012 Water and Sewer Rates - FY13 Lee Azinheira, DPW Director is present for discussion. The Water and Sewer Rates are increased annually to meet the funding requirements of the operating budgets. Both rates are proposed to increase by 6 '10 in accordance with previously established schedules. Selectman Kozlowski asked Mr. Azinheira to explain the phases of the project. Mr. Azinheira briefly described the current phase at level!. Selectman Dentino asked a couple of questions regarding the phasing of the rate increases. Selectman Annino asked about expansion and regionalization plans. Mr. Ross stated that we are regionalized (cost sharing) even though the plant has not been finished. Sewer: In 2006, we established sewer rate projections to fund Capital Improvements that included 20'10 rate increases for FY'07, FY'08 and FY'09, 12'10 for FY'lO, 6'10 for FY'l1, FY'12 and FY'13. These rate projections were presented at the May 2006 and 2007 Annual Town Meetings. Three of the slides were presented at the 2007 Annual Town Meeting that approved the Phase I Capital Improvements for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The fourth slide was prepared in March 2010 at the request of the Finance Committee Chairman and shows the costs for the previously established rate projections. The proposed sewer rate sheets that include a 6 '10 rate increase for FY 2013 have been prepared for Board of Selectmen approval. Motion: To approve as presented above. (Annino/Dentino) 4:1 (Aptowitz nay) Water: We are proposing a 6'10 water rate increase for FY'12 in accordance with the attached rate schedule prepared in 2010 in order to meet capital improvement costs. We have been approved for a SRF loan for the Cate Springs, Walsh Well and Albertini projects for a total of $12,717,000. Construction on these projects is ongoing with completion of Cate and Walsh projects expected in June and completion of the new Albertini Treatment Plant expected late summer. Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 4. 2012 2 The five (5) year water rate increase projection is based on the debt service of approximately $780,000 per year for the three (3) projects. The rate projection is conservatively based on FY 2009 water pumping of approximately 700 million gallons. The four (4) year pumping average is 740 million gallons per year. Selectman Moran asked how our water rates compare with other communities. Mr. Azinheira stated we are a little below the state average. Our industrial park and development depend on water and sewer expansion. Selectman Annino feels this is an important service to maintain and while it's costly it's worth it. Motion: To approve rates as presented. (Moranl Annino) 4:1 passes (Aptowitz nay) TauntonState>Hospital closure Representative Jay Barrows and resident Karen Coughlin are here to express their concern over the governor's plans to close the hospital. Ms. Coughlin is a nurse at the hospital and has seen first- hand the shortage of mental health care in the southeast area. The closure of this hospital would have a devastating effect on an already overburdened and fragile system that is lacking in appropriate community and in-patient supports. Closing this location and relocating the patients to other parts of the state would leave little direct care available in the SE region. The area emergency rooms are already seeing an overflow of patients seeking psychiatric care. In addition, being near family and friends is an important part of the treatment and recovery process. Having residents in SE MA (Cape Cod to Mansfield) going to Worcester would be difficult at best. Rep. Barrows and Ms. Coughlin have been going around to area towns and asking them to write to the governor's office not to close the hospital and do a comprehensive study on the needs of the mental health population. Selectman Moran stated that he had heard that the governor is recommending a large increase in the Dept. of Mental Health's budget. However, the community setting program that is proposed by the "community first program" does not provide adequate care. Case managers and doctors have been cut and beds are hard to come by. There is a long waiting list for services in all areas of mental health treatment. Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 4. 2012 3 Selectman Dentino asked about the availability of services in the area. Ms. Coughlin outlined the patch work of mental health providers (both public and private). Most of the area providers are of a short term nature (7-10 days max) so there is no or limited continuity of care available. Selectman Dentino asked the board to write the governor a letter outlining the concerns outlined above. The rest of the board members are equally dismayed and would like some answers from the state. Motion: To write a letter requesting the closure of Taunton until a needs assessment is complete. (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes Barbara Rose, Branch St. Worked in mental health for 27 years. This is the way the state has operated for years and it needs to change. The state does not see the "person" in need, just a number on the rolls. Comcast Center discussion Chairman Aptowitz want to discuss the upcoming season with the whole board present as they do not all attend the license renewal sub- committee meetings. Selectman Moran asked about the newly signed indemnification plan. It is similar in its language (and protection to the town) to that of the Stadium in Foxboro. Selectman Dentino asked why the master list section of the license was deleted. The master list section was deleted due to outdated language and other parts were already covered in the agreement. Selectman Dentino is also troubled by the deletion of the Board of Selectmen and insertion of police and fire in 9: Schedule of events, section b. Chairman Aptowitz and Selectmen Kozlowski are on the sub- committee and explained why they felt that public safety would be better equipped for that issue. Selectman Dentino has great issue with the drinking at the center. Their own policy states that drinking in the parking lot is prohibited. And it also says that patrons may be arrested for distributing alcohol to a minor. Chairman Aptowitz stated that he has seen security give drunken patrons an eviction notice. Whether the police get involved is on a case by case basis. Boord of Selectmen Minutes of April 4. 2012 4 Even so, he would like to see the policy enforced. The Comcast Center website states that they cease serving alcohol an hour prior to shows ending. As such, he would to see that put into the entertainment license agreement. Unfortunately, many of the issues with drinking are out of their hands. The Sub Committee will meet again next week to address the issues brought up tonight. Bob Lynch. The Comcast Center has been a good neighbor for the most part over the years. They employee a lot of residents from both Mansfield and Norton. They have also supported many community programs and events over the years. Yes, drinking in the lots can be a problem; however they are addressing the issue as much as possible. Selectman Dentino asked if the management asked people to leave when they confiscate liquor, Mr. Lynch did not think so. Rob Bruno, South Main St. resident, he and his whole family has worked at the Comcast Center over the years and has found them to be a great corporate neighbor. He gets upset when he hears people bad mouth the center management and would like the Board of Selectmen to know about the good things they do. Neal Reinh, he too thinks that the Comcast Center is a good neighbor. They support community programs and try to run a tight as ship as possible. They unfortunately cannot cure societal ills such as drinking. Mike McKinney, his daughter was detained last year at the Comcast Center for drinking. However, when security gave her a breathalyzer she blew a zero. Even though she was with people that were drinking and was not, he was glad that the police called him and gave him notice to pick her up. Kara Griffin, stated the Comcast Center is a jewel in our community. The Chamber of Commerce fields a lot of phone calls and emails about accommodations in the area due to the center. And as you have heard, they are a great corporate neighbor. Tom Kats, attended the Charrette last week and realized how important the schools are to the town. He would like the Board of Selectmen to entertain the idea of voting on an override. Selectman Dentino stated that a prop. 2/12 request has to come before the board as it has great ramifications over the coming years. Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 4. 2012 5 Selectman Kozlowski stated that some residents may be in favor of an override but the schools need to have a plan for the future to go with it. Weekly Business Selectman Annino has left the meeting. Warrant No. 12040T in the amount of $255,078.32 Motion: To approve (Kozlowski/Moran) 4:0 passes Warrant No. 12040E in the amount of $419,424.02 Motion: To approve (Moran/Kozlowski) 4:0 passes Warrant No. 120405 in the amount of $379,019.87 Motion: To approve (Moran/Dentino) 4:0 passes Warrant No. 12040PT in the amount of $ Motion: To approve (Kozlowski/Moran) 3:1 passes (Dentino nay) Warrant No. 12040TV in the amount of $379,019.87 Motion: To approve (Moran/Dentino) 4:0 passes Minutes of March 7,2012 bos meeting. Motion: hold Commercial parking lot application from A-C Intermediate. (Ditchman) Motion: To approve (Kozlowski/Moran) 4:0 passes Commercial parking lot application from Foundry LLC Motion: To approve (Kozlowski/Moran) 4:0 passes Commercial parking lot application from Rumford LLC Motion: To approve (Kozlowski/Moran) 4:0 passes Hackney Driver license applications. Town Manager recommends approval Mark Parisi . Frederick Dwyer Motion: To approve (Kozlowski/Dentino) 4:0 passes Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 4, 2012 6 Hackney Carriage license applications from Mansfield Taxi. Passed Inspection Reports have come back from Officer Lawson. . 2003 Ford Winstar . 2006 Ford Freestar (2) 2003 Ford Crown Vie 2003 Ford Freestar Motion: To approve (Kozlowski/Dentino) 4:0 passes Letter from Max Performance requesting permission to run through Mansfield roads. Event August 12,2012 and public safety has approved. Motion: To approve (Kozlowski/Dentino) 4:0 passes Water Installers License for Ralph Excavating. DPW Director recommends approval. Motion: To approve (Kozlowski/Moran) 4:0 passes Correspondence None Town Managers Report . Mr. Ross provided the board with a report on the upcoming street maintenance project. Selectman Dentino is glad that the streets are being repaired. The area around the train station has always been an issue for him and Mr. Ross stated that they will be working on redesigning those roads to improve traffic flow. . Mr. Ross, Mr. Hogan and Mr. Johns interviewed a few candidates for the assistance Veterans Agent position. They have one more next week and then they will make their selection. · Traffic control agreement for Rt. 106 area will be discussed at the next meeting. . The electric transformer has been shipped cross country and will be here shortly. Board af Selectmen Minutes af April 4. 2012 7 BOS .updates . Selectman Kozlowski: The Charrette last Saturday was interesting and he would like to discuss it more next week. Chairman Aptowitz: He attended the Charrette as well and enjoyed participation in the conversations. He would like the fincomm and school committee chairs to come to the meeting next week to discuss budget. The town just had a financial study done however; it is too early to have the results available at town meeting. Thank you to everyone for dedicating the inside cover of the town report to him and John Hogan for their work on the Corey Shea flagpole project. Tomorrow there is a sub- committee meeting with the school dept. . Selectman Annino: Not present . Selectman Moran: He also attended the Charrette and thought the process went well. He was also at a boy scout court of honor ceremony and he is impressed with the leaders and volunteers in the scouting program. · Selectman Dentino: He unfortunately could not attend the last ceremony and congratulated the scouts honored. He also attended the Saturday Charrette and was pleased with the way it was run. Police Chief O'Neill came in to the meeting to discuss the police coverage at the Comcast Center. He is upset that comments were made earlier in the meeting about the police being lenient or inattentive in their duties patrolling the concert grounds. The officers do the very best they can with the resources they have. However, the court dismisses the majority of the tickets and fines levied. He cannot control that. Overall, the Comcast Center staff works well with the police and does a fine job at controlling liquor distribution. He feels the comments made were insulting to everyone who works hard to control alcohol distribution and consumption. Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 4. 2012 8 Adjournment Motion: Adjourn meeting at 10:06 pm (Kozlowski) 4:0 passes V~A~ Signature of Clerk A/PUt 1&',2012 Date of Approval Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 4, 2012 9