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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSELECTMENminutes06062012 Town of Mansfield Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 6, 2012 Present: Chairman Olivier Kozlowski, Vice Chairman George Dentino, Clerk Kevin Moran, Selectman Jess Aptowitz, Selectman Douglas Annino. William Ross, Town Manager Absent: Finance Committee interviews Michael O'Brien, Lantern Lane resident, is interested in being on the Fincomm. He and his family have lived in town since 1999 and are interested in the financial welfare of the town. He is an attorney with a financial background and would like to contribute to the betterment of the community. Selectman Aptowitz asked Mr. O'Brien about his experience in different law practices and Mr. O'Brien stated he has had experience in several different facets of the law including municipal law. Mr. O'Brien asked briefly about the conflicts between the Board of Selectmen and the Financial Committee and the role the fincomm plays with formulating the towns' budget. Selectman Aptowitz explained the role of the fincomm as an advisory board to the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee. The budget however is defined by the town manager and his dept. managers. Mr. O'Brien was distressed at the negativity at the last town meeting and would like to be part of a positive change. He is particularly worried about the state of the school system. Selectman Aptowitz further stated that it is very important for members of any committee, particularly the fincomm to remain balanced and keep the best interests of the town as a whole in their mind when making decisions or recommendations. Selectman Moran asked a few questions about Mr. O'Briens background and philosophy on municipal government and financial practices. Selectman Annino stated that the only bias committee members should have is a bias for Mansfield. They all want the best for the town period. It is important for members to have a flexible schedule as this can be a busy committee. Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 6.2012 Selectman Dentino stated that being on the fincomm is a tough job and a very important one as well. He further stated that transparency is what we really need to get the best for the community. Selectman Dentino stated that he will ask this question to every candidate: What can the town do with the remaining lno percent (88~o on salary/benefits) to balance the budget? Mr. O'Brien stated that he would need to see the budget or be able to analyze the towns financial picture before answering such a detailed question. Chairman Kozlowski asked Mr. O'Brien what kind of municipal law he has practiced. Mr. O'Brien provided a brief overview of his work over the years. During the course of this work he has had to review complex legal and financial documents. As such he has a basic understanding of budget finances. Chairman Kozlowski then asked about his involvement with the school system as Mr. O'Brien had previously stated that he is "biased" towards the school system. Mr. O'Brien stated that although he is involved in the school system and his kids sports he can be impartial in decision making. Mr. Schoonveld came to the podium and stated that the fincomm needs to be a non- political committee and leave all preconceived notions and bias at the door. Motion: To appoint Michael O'Brien to the fincomm to a term to expire January 1, 2013. (Moran/Dentino) 5:0 passes SRPEDD Representative interview SE Regional Planning & Economic Development District. (SRPEDD) Vic Leemon, Summer St. resident, is interested in being on the SRPEDD. He is a Test Engineer and is familiar with the SE Region of MA. As such he is interested in the revitalization of the areas industrial/economic development base. Selectman Dentino asked if Mr. Leemon could attend day time meeting as well as evening meetings. Mr. Leemon stated that if there weren't many he could take vacation time and attend them. Selectman Annino stated it is important to stay on top of the issues and report back to the Board of Selectmen as the representative is the eyes and ears of the board. Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 6. 2012 2 Selectmen Moran and Aptowitz welcomed Mr. Leemon to the meeting and thanked him for coming in. Chairman Kozlowski also stated he knows Mr. Leemon and is glad he is applying. Motion: To appoint Mr. Leemon to the SRPEDD as our representative. (Moran I Annino) 5:0 passes Q&C None Warrant No. 12049T in the amount of $95,620.44 Motion: To approve (Annino/Moran) 5:0 passes Warrant No. 12049E in the amount of $1,364,736.26 Motion: To approve (Anninol Aptowitz) 5:0 passes Warrant No. 120495 in the amount of $-400.00 Motion: To approve (Anninol Aptowitz) 5:0 passes Warrant No. 12049PT in the amount of $310.147.35 Motion: To approve (Anninol Aptowitz) 4:1 passes (Dentino nay) Warrant No. 12049TV in the amount of $89,731.52 Motion: To approve (Anninol Aptowitz) 5:0 passes Warrant No. 12049PS in the amount of $1,699,104.00 Motion: To approve (Aptowitz IMoran) 4:1 passes (Annino nay) Warrant No. 12049SV in the amount of $540,346.70 Motion: To approve (Anninol Aptowitz) 5:0 passes The VFW sign is large but will do for the conference. Motion: To approve the VFW sign for posting until July 15th (Aptowitz/Moran) 5:0 passes Boord of Selectmen Minutes of June 6. 2012 3 Town Manage.r sCllary compensation Selectman Aptowitz stated that Mr. Ross has done an excellent job as town manager and while Mr. Ross declined to take a raise last year he has been here for three years now and he deserves to be compensation for his hard work. Selectman Moran asked if the board wanted to give a raise for this year and then negotiate a new contract or tie them in together. Selectman Aptowitz stated that he is fine with offering a raise for this year and then negotiate a new contract. Chairman Kozlowski stated that the raise/contract is really for two positions: the town manager and the manager of the light dept. Selectman Aptowitz wants to make sure the split in duties is relative to the pay. TM base is $130,000 with a $10,000 stipend for the light dept. manager. Selectman Dentino would like to see the contracts for the unions prior to discussing Mr. Ross's salary. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the similarities and differences of each union contract. Mr. Ross's raise should go hand and hand with the same type of compensation. Selectman Moran stated that Mr. Ross is the towns chief executive officer and should be compensated as such. You really can't compare the rank and file employee raise with the CEO of a large organization. Motion: Increase salary to $140,000 - $10,000 MMED - $5,000 car. (Aptowitz/Moran) 5:0 passes Correspondence . Letter for cost savings from Bob Segal. He would like to see the town single bill for utilities. . Letter from Foxboro Town Manager Kevin Pacos regarding the Foxboro Board of Selectmen supporting legislation to "establish a regional waste water district." One was received from Norton Town Manager Mike Yunits as well. T own Managers Report . The Bird Rd. substation walls are in place and the metal structure will start soon. . Balcom St. was seal coated last week and a different process was used to reduce gravel pickup. . The Finance Plan will be available next week for distribution. Boord of Selectmen Minutes of June 6, 2012 4 . The final draft of the executive plan will also be available soon. . Fincomm will have their first meeting June 14th. . The fuel canopy work will begin soon and the money is escrowed for the project. . The South Main St. side town hall steps are being repaired and sealed this week. · Posts and gates around town are being painted so please be careful when you see the signs. · West. and Forbes St. paving/construction will be starting again this week and should be completed by the end of the month. Chairman Kozlowski: The grand opening of the Mansfield Community Garden is next Tuesday, June 12th. If you are interested in participating please contact Kaitlyn at the YMCA. . Selectman Aptowitz: None . Selectman Annino: None . Selectman Moran: Stan "the barber" Murray passed away this past week. He was a longtime resident and down town business owner. Asked about the redesigning of the train station parking lots. Mr. Ross stated that the engineering dept. has drawn up some designs for review. . Selectman Dentino: MMED meeting date: June 20th. Questions about positive drainage at the Winthrop St. lot redesign. He will also miss Stan Murray as he was an active person in town. Question about when the Comcast Center indemnification will be available. Has questions about correspondence that came in this morning. He would like to read them but as they are not in the meeting file, the board is not sure if they should deliberate over it now or at the next meeting. Adjournment Motion: Adjourn meeting at 9:35pm (Aptowitz) 5:0 passes 'J::wUe ~ ~e- 2~ 2012 . Signature of Clerk Date of Approval Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 6,2012 5