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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSELECTMENminutes12142011 Town of Mansfield Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 14, 2011 Present: Chairman Jess Aptowitz, Vice Chairman Olivier Kozlowski, Clerk Douglas Annino, Selectman Kevin Moran, Selectman George Dentino, William Ross Town Manager Absent: Michael McClanahan, Cottage St. resident is re-applying for a seat on the Planning Board. He has been on the board for several years. In addition he has served a total of 24 years on various boards and Committees. The Planning Board has been developing long term plans for the downtown area and development of Rt. 106. Both Selectmen Annino and Kozlowski have had the opportunity to work with Mr. McClanahan when they were on the Planning Board and are glad that he is still interested in being on the board. All the board members thanked Mr. McClanahan for coming in to speak with them. Motion: To appoint Mr. McClanahan to the Planning Board for a 5 year term. (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes Greg Matoian, Coach Rd. resident is re-applying for a seat on the Board of Assessors. He has been on the board and served as Chairman for many years. All the board members thanked Mr. Matoian for coming in to speak with them. They appreciate the time residents spend on their boards and welcomed Mr. Matoian back to another term on the Board of Assessors. Motion: To appoint Mr. Matoian to the Board of Assessors for a 3 year term. (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes Lou Andrews, Fruit St. resident is re-applying for a seat on the Airport Commission. applying for a seat on the Airport Commission., including right now. He is interested in continuing to work on the airports master plan. Boord of Selectmen Minutes of December 14, 2011 Howard Fiske, Spring St. resident is re-applying for a seat on the Airport Commission. He has been on the board and served as Chairman for many years. He believes that the airport is a valuable asset to the town and enjoys serving on the commission. William Dowd, Langley Dr. resident has applied for this position in the past and is still interested on being on the Commission. Rodney Stearns, Union St. resident has been on the Commission in the past and is still interested on being on the Commission. He is a live long resident of Mansfield and an active pilot. He feels the airport is a unique town asset and wants to be part of its future. Selectman Kozlowski asked all the candidates about the kind of fuel the airport is using for the planes. (They do not store jet fuel at airport). Mr. Sterns commented that jet fuel is the fuel of the future for small planes and should be made available in the future. Mr. Fiske agrees that jet fuel is preferable however jet fuel at the airport is questionable as the airport is surrounded by wetlands and required a lot of permitting to store/use. Mr. Andrews stated that the airport has a sub committee that is looking into the use of jet fuel at the airport. Selectman Kozlowski asked about any expansion plans for the runway. All the candidates agreed that the runway could not be expanded due to the surrounding trees and wetlands. The Board of Selectmen has been interested in possible expansion so that larger plans or jets could lane. This would be good for the area business parks, TPC and the Comcast Center. Selectman Moran asked about the new manager of the airport and what steps they are taking to make improvements at the airport. Old hangers have been a subject of interest for a while now. Mr. Stearns commented on the fence surrounding the airport and the overgrown vegetation. He hopes that will be addressed soon. Mr. Andrews commented the first goal of the commission is to replace Qt. 1 hangers and perform some roof work on some of the buildings. Mr. Stearns commented that the Mansfield Airport is a small community airport and is unable to handle larger plans. It's good for plan rentals, flying lessons and community uses. Business travelers do come through, however in smaller planes and jets. Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 14, 2011 2 There are challenges for the future with limited growth potential however they are trying their best through their master plan to make the most of what they have available. The airport is located in a residential area and is surrounded by water and wetlands. The reuse and redesign of the "plan condos" and hangers are where they will be able to make money for the future. Selectman Kozlowski asked about the use of hot air balloons at the airport. Mr. Fiske stated they are very expensive to use and insure so no one has used the airport for that in quite a while. Motion: To appoint Rodney Stearns to a three year term on the Airport Commission. (Kozlowski/ Annino) 3:2 passes (Moran/Dentino nay) Selectman Dentino commented that while Mr. Stearns is a very good candidate he has always believed that incumbents should be reappointed if they are performing well. Motion: To appoint Lou Andrews. (Annino/Moran) 3:2 passes (Koslowski/ Aptowitz nay) Motion: To appoint Howard Fiske. (Moran/ Annino) 5:0 passes Chairman Aptowitz stated that the board voted for all three candidates, however there are only two seats. As such, Mr. Stearns withdrew his application so Mr. Fiske could stay on the commission. Reconsideration Motion: To vote again on Howard Fiske. (Dentino/Moran) 5:0 passes Motion: To appoint Howard Fiske. (Moran/ Annino) 4:1 (Kozlowski nay) Mural Committee update Scott Brigante, Mural Committee Chairman and Ken Butler, MMA are present for meeting. Nancy Wall and Kristi Johnston from the committee are in the audience. The committee formed to look into the feasibility of a community mural in Mansfield. Call for design proposals in early 2011- Mansfield H.S. alumnus Ian Gaudreau was selected. The group has selected the south east wall of the new Rt. 106 rail underpass. Upper wall mostly above site line for east bound drivers. Boord of Selectmen Minutes of December 14, 2011 3 This is adjacent to the train station and north common. This is in area of proposed cultural district. One of the primary goals is to reconnect the downtown with the north end. Online survey was linked to KMB website. hard copy surveys were also available at town hall, MMAS, COA and library. Articles in the local newspaper also encouraged feedback. The group also reached out to commuters at the train station in addition to family fun night, craft fair, NRT family fair on s. common. Information has also been available on cable access. 531 people responded. 9 questions intended to measure community reaction to the mural proposal. The majority of the respondents were Mansfield residents and business owners. 6870 of respondents believed the proposed mural accurately depicted Mansfield's history. 6570 of respondents believed the mural would appeal to a broad range of ages. 7370 of respondents believed that the mural would enhance the rt. 106 area. 6770 of respondents stated they would come and see the mural concept in person. Respondents were asked for feedback and 386 people did provide written feedback. 206 rated positive. 86 rated negative. Small percent rated neutral. 4970 of the respondents stated they would be interested in volunteering for the mural project. 4270 responded no. Issues of concern: Graffiti, safety, traffic congestion, design too busy, missing elements of history. The mural would be barrier coated to protect it from any markings. There would also be a proposed area on the north common that people would be able to view the mural and the history involved with the work. The committee is looking for a conditional approval from the Board of Selectmen so they may move forward with fund raising. Selectman Dentino is happy that the committee has solicited public comment for the project. However, he would like to see it voted at town meeting. Selectman Annino stated he agrees with Selectman Dentino and that such a significant project for the town should go to town meeting. Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 14, 2011 4 Motion: Conditional approval and to sponsor article at spring 2012 town meeting. (Moran/Kozlowski) 4:1 (Annino nay) passes Mansfield Housing Corp. Board of Directors Interviews Roderick Oreste, Dean St. resident is completing his first term (and present Chair) and would like to continue serving on the board. Gregory Joynt, School St. resident is also completing his first term on the board and would like to continue serving. He is interested in implementing meaningful projects as he has an architectural and construction background. Selectman Kozlowski asked Mr. Joynt about the projects that the housing corp. is looking at now that it is incorporated. Mr. Joynt stated that they have been narrowing their options and are looking to develop two bedroom affordable housing units. The Board of Selectmen all thanked Mr. Joynt for coming in and stated they appreciate his time on the committee. Motion: To appoint Mr. Joynt to the Mansfield Housing Corp. (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes Motion: To appoint Mr. Oreste to the Mansfield Housing Corp. (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes None Chief O'Neill is present for discussion on public safety costs incurred at the Comcast Center for the 2011 season. Chief O'Neill presented a worksheet to the Board of Selectmen on the police expenses and collections involved from his dept. Mr. Ross stated that the town actually makes around a hundred thousand dollars in revenue from the Comcast Center. Board of Selectmen Minutes af December 14, 2011 5 Warrant No. 12024T in the amount of $386,974.15 Motion: To approve (Kozlowski/Moran) 4:0:1 passes (Dentino abstain) Warrant No. 12024E in the amount of $1,193.194.20 Motion: To approve (Kozlowski/Moran) 4:0:1 passes (Dentino abstain) Warrant No. 120245 in the amount of $468.191.89 Motion: To approve (Kozlowski/Moran) 4:0:1 passes (Dentino abstain) Warrant No. 12024PT in the amount of $327.441.21 Motion: To approve (Kozlowski/Moran) 4:0:1 passes (Dentino abstain) Warrant No. 12024TV in the amount of $96,108.45 Motion: To approve (Kozlowski/Moran) 4:0:1 passes (Dentino abstain) Minutes of BOS meetings of November 16, 2011 Motion: To approve. (Kozlowski/Moran) 3:0 passes (Annino/Dentino abstain) Minutes of BOS meetings of November 30, 2011 Motion: To approve. (Moran/Kozlowski) 4:0:1 passes (Dentino abstain) License application approvals: Papa Gino's Common Victualler Motion: To approve (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes Wendys Common Victualler Motion: To approve (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes Mansfield Motors Class II auto dealer Motion: To approve (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes Tire Man Class II auto dealer Motion: To approve (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes Manqa Bene Common Victualler Motion: To approve (Moran/Kozlowski) Board af Selectmen Minutes of December 14, 2011 6 5:0 passes Casey O'Conors All Alcohol restaurant license Motion: To approye (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes Casey O'Conors Common Victualler Motion: To approve (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes Casey O'Conors Live Entertainment Weekly Motion: To approve (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes Corks All Alcohol package store Motion: To approve (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes · Letter from Emily Miller, HOMS regarding the lengthy charity work the staff, students and families do in the community and at large. The school's effort to give back is actually part of the curriculum. Not only do the students get a chance to help others, they are learning at the same time. · Letter from Lee Azinheira regarding permanent gas trenches through out town. Having the town sub contract the work for Columbia Gas would be beneficial to the town and according to John Stanbrook, Town Accountant the bos would have to authorize gas trench gift account for this to happen. This arrangement is similar to what they have done with Water And Electric projects past and ongoing. After Mr. Ross answered several questions from Selectman Dentino regarding the work to be done and any costs to the town, the board voted. Motion: To authorize one time gas trench gift account and accept $201,543.68. from Columbia Gas for the gas trenching job. (Annino/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes . Letter from the Board of Selectmen, Town of Erving, regarding supporting H.B. 0200, re: appointing electors for presidential elections. Board of Selectmen Minutes of December 14, 2011 7 · Crossroads Veterans District. After Selectman Dentino asked a few questions about staffing of the district a lengthy conversation ensued. Motion: To authorize the town manager to sign the district contract. (Moran/Kozlowski) 4:0:1 passes (Dentino abstain) · Memo about LED lighting trial run down town. · National Grid has started stringing cable for the new sub station on Bird Rd. Bids for construction have also started to come in. · Selectman Kozlowski: None · Chairman Aptowitz: 90th birthday proclamation for Norman Vickery. Motion: To approve signing. (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes Reconsideration of Airport Commission appointments School Committee meet last night and discussed their FY13 budget. Resident questions re: Highway garage design for old sludge plant on Fruit St. Invitation to Menorah lighting on S. Common next Tuesday. · Selectman Annino: None . Selectman Moran: CIP met Monday and has finished their plan. Cable Access would like to meet with the board regarding the Verizon contract. The Parking Committee is putting together their draft plan for downtown parking. · Selectman Dentino: Would like to discuss town wide lighting issues at the next meeting. Congratulations to Atty. DeRensis for being named a "super lawyer" Evergreen clause has been enacted by the legislature again and it is unfortunate for the town as it handicaps them. Enactment of pension reform has been passed by the legislature. Motion: Adjourn meeting at 1Q:12pm (Moran) 5:0 passes Boord of Selectmen Minutes of December 14. 2011 8 Z3(}u.tl~ ~ Signature of Clerk Boord of Selectmen Minutes of December 14, 2011 Z3~k 21,2tJII Date of Approval 9