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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSELECTMENminutes01252012 Town of Mansfield Board of Selectmen Minutes of January 25, 2012 Present: Chairman Jess Aptowitz, Vice Chairman Olivier Kozlowski, Clerk Douglas Annino, Selectman Kevin Moran, Selectman George Dentino, William Ross Town Manager Absent: Opening statement Chairman Aptowitz stated that Keith D. Benson, Army Spc. of Norwood was killed in Afghanistan on January 18, 2012. He was 27 and serving proudly as a combat medic. He was the beloved son of David Benson of Mansfield and Kathleen (Short) Benson of Norwood; loving brother of Kyle Benson of Norwood; cherished grandson of Anne Benson of Norwood and the late Henry D. Benson, Lillian D. Short, and Col. John J. Short. He is also survived by and will be missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Board and Committee interviews Kevin Kemp, 15 Sawmill Ct. Has been on Recreation Commission for 6 years and would like to continue for another term. Selectman Moran asked about some of Mr. Kemp's goals. Short term: He stated that he hopes to improve the Hutcheon's field (drainage issues) and some other field issues. Long term: he would like to see some evening office hours available as Lorilee is part time now and they will need trained staff when she retires. Selectmen Kozlowski and Annino thanked Mr. Kemp for his service, past and present. Selectman Dentino asked Mr. Kemp about the scheduling of office hrs. Lorilee is working reduced hrs. now in the winter and will have to work extended hours in the summer when they are busy. Chairman Aptowitz thanked Mr. Kemp for coming in and reapplying. Motion: To appoint Mr. Kemp to a three year term to expire on January 1, 2015. (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes Board of Selectmen Minutes of January 25. 2012 John McKenna, 56 Angelina Ln. He is interested in filling an empty seat on the ZBA as an alternate. He is involved in civic activities around town and would like to volunteer for the town as well. Selectman Dentino knows Mr. McKenna and feels he would be an asset to any committee he chooses to be on. Selectman Annino thanked Mr. McKenna for volunteering and briefly commented on the interaction of ZBA and Planning Board members. Selectman Kozlowski also knows Mr. McKenna and is glad that is he interested in volunteering. Selectman Moran welcomed Mr. McKenna and stated that ZBA is a challenging board to be on as there is no much to learn. So starting and learning as an associate member is a good choice. Chairman Aptowitz also thanked Mr. McKenna and called for a vote. Motion: To appoint Mr. McKenna to a three year term to expire on January 1, 2015. (Kozlowski/Dentino) 5:0 passes Reilly property discussion Mr. Ross provided an overview of this ongoing proposal (property would be used for the sewer treatment plant). Determination of uniqueness, real property acquisition by the Town of Mansfield makes the following determinations related to those premises containing approx. 51.2 acres, located northerly of Crane St. and easterly of Pine St. in Norton, MA off 174 Pine St. in Norton. This needs to be made and approved by the Board of Selectmen in order to buy this property from the Francis J. Reilly Family Realty Trust. As such Mr. Ross is recommending that the Board of Selectmen approve the Determination of Uniqueness. Selectman Kozlowski asked about the agricultural and conservation uses of the property. Mr. Ross stated that the town would be purchasing more property than is necessary (the parcel is to be sold whole) and the conservation land is next to the sellers home. Selectman Dentino stated that they have been working on the project for years and once the tri town sewer district is complete this purchase will be very worthwhile. Boord of Selectmen Minutes of January 25.2012 2 Motion: To sign Determination of Uniqueness. (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes None Haunted Hallows Committee update The Haunted Hollows Committee is pleased to present the results of the Haunted Hollows Event conducted during October 2011 to the Town Board of Selectmen and Town Manager. The Haunted Hollows Committee includes: Russell and Janine Rose, Pat and John Colbert, and Trisha McLoughlin. The Youth Leaders include: Gregory and Samantha Rose, Connor and Michael McLoughlin, Mary and Patrick Colbert, BJ Chancey, Sean and Matt Lambert, Olivia and Charlie Losiewicz, and Matt Medeiros. Summary In its fourth year, the Haunted Hollows Event enjoyed great success. Once again, the community came out in these difficult economic times and enjoyed a fun evening of haunting. The Haunted Hollows Committee is grateful for the support and leadership shown by the Town of Mansfield Selectmen and Town Manager. Their continued support along with the Mansfield Electric, DPW, Mansfield Public Schools, and other local businesses that stepped forward to support the Haunted Hollows in their donations of equipment, materials and consumables made it possible for this Event to continue. We are also grateful for the assistance and support of Tom and Ben Yeransian, Mike and Pat Lambert, Dave and Lisa Losiewicz, and Tony and Katie Medeiros. The Haunted Hollows Event requires many months of hard work leading up to the Event. The community service component brought Town of Mansfield Leaders, local business, youth and adults together to raise money for the Mansfield Animal Shelter, Our Daily Bread, and West Side Benevolent Society. The success of the event is a direct result of the work the youth leaders and adults began back in March and continued through early November. This began with a theme, plan, design, raising money, soliciting support from local businesses, publicizing the event, and recruiting participants to perform in the event. This year's youth leaders consisted of one senior, eight sophomores, one freshman, and two junior youth leaders. All of these young men and women worked 4 days a week from July to the start of school. None of this would be possible without all the Mansfield High School youth who volunteered to perform at the Event. Lastly, thanks to the local press that provided the press releases, articles and stories that were important in bringing customers to the Event. Boord of Selectmen Minutes of January 25, 2012 3 The Haunted Hollows presented four of the six haunted evenings on October 15th, 21st, 22nd, and 28th, The October 14th and 29th events were canceled due to bad weather. We had over 80 high school students perform over the course of three weekends. For each performance there was an average of 12 adults and 60 teenagers. Just over 850 customers went through the Event, at a price of $10 per person. In addition, customers purchased concessions that included candy and drinks. The customers were treated to a pallet maze, 9 live action scenes, haunted pathways, and parking lot antics. Subsequent to the Event, the equipment and materials were removed from the scenes, the site area has been cleaned up, and the infrastructure remains in place and is in shape for a similar fundraising event. Treasury Report The results of cash income and expenses for the event are as follows: Beginning balance $ 1,906.48 Deposits Tickets/concessions 8.632.55 $10,539.03 Expenses: Web site Web domain Family fun night Web hosting Porta potty Electric End of season party Candy/flyers/building supplies Total expenses 43.44 22.88 25.00 82.05 87.63 28.13 100.00 1.712.57 $2,101.70 Final Balance $ 8,437.33 Amount to donate $ 7,900.00 Remaining balance for 2012 event $ 537.33 Donations Boord of Selectmen Minutes of January 25,2012 4 Mansfield Haunted Hollows will distribute the proceeds as follows: Donation to Mansfield Animal Shelter Donation to West Side Benevolent Society Donation to Our Daily Bread $4,000 $2,600 $1,300 Sponsors The businesses in the community and the Town of Mansfield Departments that supported the event are as follows: Name of Sponsor Services Calare Properties, Incorporated Use of parking lot Mini-Warehousinq, Incorporated Donation of pod from July to November DGS Retail Pallets and miscellaneous building supplies Flint Farm Corn Stalks Cosgrove Family Two chainsaws Mansfield Power and Repair Service of chainsaws and qas Picture This Presents (Cheryl Collins Picture of youth leaders for local papers photographer) Mike Lambert Web Design Desiqn and updating of website Arnie Harchik Videotaped a rehearsal and provided DVD for performers to view Phenix Prints T-shirts for Family Fun Night United Site Services Reduced rate for portable restroom Domino's Pizza 10 free pizzas for cast party Allegra Printing and Imaging Reduced cost for printing flyers Giovanna's Hair Salon in Braintree Beauty Salon props for one scene McLoughlin Family Donation of Haunted Hotel structure used in the 2010 Mansfield Halloween Parade Trowbridge Family Props for the scenes Mansfield School Department Support in recruiting and advertising event Mansfield High School Theatre Costumes for event Department Mansfield D.P.w. Trash removal throuqhout the summer Board of Selectmen Minutes of January 25.2012 5 Mansfield Building Inspector (Nick Riccio) Mansfield Fire De artment Mansfield Police De artment Mansfield Electric De artment Mansfield Board of Selectmen and 10 barrels for erformances Inspection and support The Board of Selectmen members were all very impressed with the groups efforts and the dedication of the all the youth leaders in making this a wonderful event for all to enjoy. Downtown parking committee recommendations Mr. Ross stated that the downtown parking committee has been meeting for several months now and after careful review and consideration has drafted recommendations for a new set of regulations for downtown parking and for a revised map showing various proposed parking types and times within the downtown area. The Board of Selectmen have reviewed the proposed regulations, had a lot of questions, and will review the map provided in more depth. Selectman Kozlowski suggested that the board hold off voting for a week for public comment and review. Mr. Ross stated that right now if someone has a permit it entitles them to park on Main St. for the whole day. They would like to move resident and employee cars to back lots and free up Main St. two hr. parking for customers of the downtown businesses. Selectman Moran stated this is intended to make the downtown area more user friendly. Selectman Annino asked how the resident permit fee was determined. Selectman Moran stated there were a wide range of prices proposed and they settled on an amount that seemed reasonable. In updating the sticker program the committee was trying to eliminate commuter parking on the residential streets near the train station. However, there are some areas of the program that will have to be tweaked as it unrolls. Selectman Dentino asked how many parking spaces are available in total. He is unsure how the residential parking stickers would work and the impact of it to the area. Selectman Moran and Mr. Ross are on the committee and explained the program in more depth. Boord of Selectmen Minutes of Jonuory 25,2012 6 The people who currently have stickers will have to reapply for a new sticker under the new program. The sticker program should not affect the paid commuter parking spaces. Selectman Dentino has several questions residential stickers and the use/distribution/cost of them. The committee realizes there will be issues that need to be worked out and are trying to address them as best they can. The key points that are still issues for the board are: . Reduce general residential area allowed . change fee structure . fines and enforcement The second part of the proposal is to amend the parking enterprise fund to allow for this program. Although it was created for the commuter parking lots and can be expanded upon, Mr. Ross would like to see it go back to town meeting to make sure people understand the (proposed) expanded use of the fund. Mr. Ross further discussed the utilization of funds for the parking enterprise. It is currently limited to the commuter parking lots. The committee is recommending this change to encompass the downtown parking plan. Chairman Aptowitz stated that there are also many questions about the fee structure in the proposed regulations, such as where the funds collected will be deposited. He is not in favor of this money going into the general fund. Mr. Ross stated that the fees would go into the parking revenue account, not the general fund. This parking program will playa very important part of any down town redevelopment plan and the Mr. Ross will continue to work it. Town Manager evaluation procedures Chairman Aptowitz stated he has spoken with town counsel and the town managers evaluation will be done a little different this year. Each individual selectman's evaluation has to be given to Mr. Ross and discussed in open meeting. The chair can go ahead and put together a summary number evaluation. As we discussed, Chairman Aptowitz will do the following, collect each individual selectman's evaluation, make a copy sheet with an average score on it, then distribute in open meeting, a copy of each selectman's evaluation along with the summary to each selectman and the TM at the same time, then we can discuss the individual evaluations at the open meeting. Board of Selectmen Minutes of January 25. 2012 7 The second part, the contract and salary negotiations can be done in executive session and then discussed again in open session. Warrant No. 12030T in the amount of $961,031.15 Motion: To approve. (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes Warrant No. 12030E in the amount of $51,419.08 Motion: To approve. (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes Warrant No. 120305 in the amount of $261,405.37 Motion: To approve. (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes Warrant No. 12030PT in the amount of $271,524.30 Motion: To approve. (Moran/Kozlowski) 4:1 passes (Dentino nay) Warrant No. 12030TV in the amount of $81,213.90 Motion: To approve. (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes Minutes of January 18, 2011 meeting. Motion: To approve. (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes Signing of presidential election warrants from Town Clerk. Motion: To sign and post. (Kozlowski/Moran) 5:0 passes Drainlayer license applications: Town Engineer recommends approval. J.H. Lynch & Sons Motion: To approve. (Moran/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes Plainville Pump and Excavating Motion: To approve. (Moran/Kozlowski) 4:1 passes (Annino nay) Bay State Sewage Disposal Motion: To approve. (Moran/Dentino) 5:0 passes Correspondence . Letter from Union St. resident regarding spending money on street lights. . Letter from MA State Lottery Commission regarding Keno license at VFW. Boord of Selectmen Minutes of January 25.2012 8 Town Managers Report · East Common flagpole has been painted and will be back in place soon. · Mr. Ross is looking at national standards for street lighting and has found that there is a book available that addresses those issues. So he has ordered it. · Mr. Ross is on health care committee and found out that the towns health insurance is only going to go up 2.870. This is one of the lowest increases in many years and is due to the changes and savings the town has made over the past year. Selectman Dentino commended Mr. Ross for the work that he and the unions put forth. · The town has updated the WIFI on the 3rd floor and the board should be able to see the difference during the meetings. · A strategic planning meeting was held this week with Dr. Mullin and it was well attended. · Several years ago town meeting approved the sale of a paper street (part of Willis and Glenn) and a resident has now come forward and would like to purchase the property. BOS Updates Selectman Kozlowski: None . Chairman Aptowitz: The Comcast Center committee meeting has been meeting and progressing on entertainment license language. The MMA conference was very informative and he picked up a lot of ideas. The Veterans District Board will have their first meeting next week. Please bring in your tm evaluations next week if you have not done so. . Selectman Annino: None . Selectman Moran: The first pass of the governor's budget came out today and it is dismal. However, information received at the MMA conference last week was useful and informative. . Selectman Dentino: Would like to further explore the possibility of paper ballots. Selectman Moran stated one of the problems with the airport votes was that no grounds rules were set and voting confusion ensued. Boord of Selectmen Minutes of January 25.2012 9 Selectman Annino is in favor of using a paper ballot when the board feels necessary. Motion: To adopt paper ballot system where there are more applicants than seats. (Dentino/Kozlowski) 5:0 passes Selectman Dentino went to the boy scout court of honor last weekend for two scouts and it was an impressive event. Motion: Adjourn meeting at 9:36 pm (Moran) 5:0 passes Z9(}U;t7~ ~ Signature of Clerk t'~ I, 2tJ/2 Date of Approval Board of Selectmen Minutes of January 25. 2012 10