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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 1-22-14_201402131111Board of Selectmen Minutes January 22, 2014 Joan Hoey, 18 Colonial Drive, is present before the Board. Ms. Hoey was a school secretary in Jamaica Plain until the school closed four years ago and she has since retired. Ms. Hoey began her involvement with the Council On Aging three years ago and found it to be a warm and welcoming place. She stated that the Council On Aging has given so much to her and in turn she would like to give back. Mr. Moran and Mr. Kozlowski thanked Ms. Hoey for stepping up and volunteering and noted to please be sure to attend Town Meeting. Mr. Annino stated that Town Meeting is a lot of fun and to be sure to attend. Chairman Aptowitz noticed that Sonia Walgreen, who has been active on the Council's board for a long time, was present to support Ms. Hoey. The Chairman was proud of the Council On Aging and all of its programs. He noted how important the services they provide are. Motion: To approve Joan Hoey to an unexpired three year term, expiring January 1, 2017. Carl Weber, 183 West Street, North Attleboro, is present before the Board. Chairman Aptowitz reminded the Board that due to previous issues at this event Mr. Weber was asked to come before the Board last year. He explained that new procedures were put into place with respect to details. Mr. Weber would like to apply for a 2014 Entertainment License for his event in May. Mr. Weber thanked the Board for their extra effort last year in allowing him to obtain his permit at such a late date to allow the event to happen. He inquired if any Board members attended last year's event to which Chairman Aptowitz stated he had and recalled that the weather didn't cooperate. Mr. Weber immediately inquired as to the staffing levels that would be required for this year's event. Both Police Chief Ron Sellon and Fire Chief Neal Boldrighini were present to report on last year's activity and recommendations for this year's event. Chief Sellon noted that due to the Board's concerns last year that staffing levels at this event were increased. He stated that at the conclusion of last year's event he sent a summary, by shift, of the problems officers encountered and the impact of the additional staffing. He explained that the Police Department went from a two officer detail in 2012 to a eight officer detail from 8:00am — 4:00pm and then 4:00pm — 12:00am and then a reduced detail from midnight to 8:00am. He expected no change in those staffing levels and stated the rationale was that last year, due to the heavy rain at the time of the event, it dampened crowd behavior. Chief Boldrighini stated that in the grand scheme of things he would need to maintain a fire watch of a two man detail throughout the scheduled event. He felt that to be fair. He reminded Mr. Weber that there are no open fires and that fireworks are not permitted. Chief Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 22, 2014 Page I of 9 Sellon noted a great amount of success in pairing fire and police detail together as it made it a lot easier in resolving issues. He reported that some of those issues included issues with motorcycles, excessive air horn usage, alcohol and marijuana. Both Chiefs felt that the rain dampened the event. Mr. Weber was extremely upset as to the amount he had been charged for police ($16,163.93) and fire ($4,410.31) details and noted that his profit was only $800 and felt it was all due to the details. Chairman Aptowitz stated he would not have Mr. Weber disrespect the Chiefs. The Chairman stated it is not the Board's concern what Mr. Weber's profit is. Mr. Weber stated he felt there were way too many police and in his observation the police had nothing to do and it was excessive. He reiterated that in previous years he got along with two police details. Chief Sellon disagreed with that statement. Chairman Aptowitz noted that this was discussed at last year's meeting when it was reported of all the issues at the event. He felt that the detail levels from two years ago were irrelevant and not going to happen. He stated the Board needs to ensure that in any public event it is secure for the Town of Mansfield, its residents, the public attending and the vendors. The Chairman stated that the only two people to make that determination are Chief Sellon and Chief Boldrighini. The Chairman also noted that he witnessed vendors thanking police for their presence. Mr. Weber defended his event and felt that there were never any problems that would necessitate this detail level as the patrons attending this event are typically over 50 years old and there to purchase car parts. Mr. Annino explained to Mr. Weber that at last year's meeting with the Board it was extremely contentious and it was both Chief Sellon and Chief Boldrighini who saved the license and allowed the event to take place with additional staffing. Mr. Annino reminded Mr. Weber that he nearly lost that license last year. IIe stated that if Mr. Weber did not want to adhere to the Chiefs recommendations then there would be no license. Mr. Weber agreed that he will have to concede to what the recommendation is but he does not have to like it. Mr. Moran remembered listening at last year's meeting the rundown of occurrences at the event and that it was his position that the Town not to grant the license but it was late in the game and vendors were on their way. It was Chief Sellon's recommendation of increased staffing and assurance that the event could be handled that swayed Mr. Moran then. It was his thought that since there was inclement weather last year the Board could not reduce staffing levels until the event had another year to compare. Chief Sellon stated that a reduction in staffing will cause the line cruisers assigned to the Town to end up at the Xfinity Center and leave the Town hanging and that is unacceptable. He noted he explained to Mr. Weber that the reason for the detail is to reduce the impact on the rest of the community that his event has. Mr. Ross noted there are 24,000 residents in the Town and the Town is obligated to protect them as well as those who visit. IIe felt that the additional staffing helped quell the issues reported from previous years. He noted that the weather this year will also be an indicator. Mr. Weber stated half of the vendors leave on the Saturday of the event as Sunday is Mother's Day. Chief Sellon noted that the numbers show approximately 5,000 vendors to which Mr. Ross stated the Town does not want a small detail handling 2,500 vendors plus patrons. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 22, 2014 Page 2 of 9 Mr. Kozlowski noted that the $800 profit last year may be due to not having the ability to plan but that this year there is the ability to do that and account for maybe making a better profit. He noted that the issue was camping overnight and vendors not wanting to leave their wares unprotected, which is when most of the issues /concerns took place. He asked if there was a possibility or a plan to eliminate camping to which Mr. Weber stated no. Chairman Aptowitz stated that it is unfortunate that this has been adversarial as the Board is very "pro" business but the priority is to protect its citizens. Motion: To grant the South Shore Antique Auto Club an entertainment license for its annual swap meet May 10 and 11 at the Xfinity Center under the guidelines and recommendations of Police Chief Sellon and Fire Chief Neal Boldrighini (Annino /Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 The Chairman noted that this discussion has come about due to several Board members approached by businesses in regards to potentially obtain additional alcohol licenses. FIe felt this was worth discussion. Mr. Ross explained it was important to note that liquor licenses are limited by population for both restaurants and package stores and that the Town has reached its limits. He stated that the Town has had interest from approximately five potential applicants for licenses. Mr. Ross referred to a recent article in the Boston Globe which stated that a great deal of the central business district rejuvenation is being done through restaurants and service business. Mr. Ross stated that the Town is not only looking at the downtown area but also the area around the train station and the chocolate factory, where there has been some interest in a restaurant /microbrewery and felt there may be an opportunity in the Mansfield Crossing area. He noted there is a draw to the Town and that the process, if the Board is interested, to have Town Counsel draw a Home Rule Petition for consideration at Town Meeting, asking for additional licenses where the Town could identify the number of licenses and areas. He noted that there is precedence is this area as Foxboro has done this in the past. Mr. Ross went on to explain that if this acceptable at Town Meeting it would then need to be introduced by our legislatures and hopefully adopted into Home Rule, Mr. Ross reminded that March 2 a is the cutoff for the warrants and asked the Board as to their thoughts. Mr. Annino inquired if the Town needed to justify the number to which Mr. Ross did not believe so. Chairman Aptowitz noted the growth of the Town over the past ten years where the number of licenses has remained the same. Mr. Ross stated that the Town did receive two additional licenses through the last census. Mr. Kozlowski reminded that that was due to numbers only, not by requesting Home Rule. Mr. Kozlowski inquired if the Town was bound geographically to what types of licenses could go where to which Mr. Ross stated that if it is written into the Home Rude Petition then yes. Mr. Kozlowski reiterated that the Board could write in geographic terms but is not required to include that geographic restriction to which Mr. Ross stated that is correct but in regards to restaurant licenses he would recommend it. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 22, 2014 Page 3 of 9 Chairman Aptowitz stated that for this meeting the Board is just entertaining the idea of exploring the Home Rule Petition, Mr. Moran asked what both the Chiefs felt the impact would be to their departments if the Board targeted locations. Chief Sellon noted that there is a benefit to exploring it for the community. He felt that if you align licenses with the strategic plan it could micro target areas of the community that could establish an economic impact. He also felt that by narrowly tailoring it in the Home Rule Petition it could minimize the impact. It was his feeling that a microbrewery or another restaurant brings with it extra commerce and additional value in jobs, taxes and opportunities. Mr. Kozlowski asked if Chief Sellon had a difference of opinion between restaurants and package stores if the Board were to specifically target an area to which he responded from a public safety standpoint he would prefer that the Board look into the avenue of pouring (restaurant) licenses versus package stores because of the additional jobs, opportunities and revenue generated. Mr. Moran felt that package store licenses should be more closely tied to the population as it really serves the host community. He stated that restaurant alcohol licenses serve more of a transient population with people coming in from other communities. Mr. Kozlowski asked if the Town could create a map laying out geographically the current alcohol licenses to which Chief Sellon suggested to also map it by population served. Mr. Ross will follow up with Xia Jin in GIS. Chief Boldrighini stated public safety looks at the grand picture as buildings being living organisms and when they are empty they are no longer that. He went on to say that when something is living it has prosperity meaning their systems are up, current and protecting people. He sees that in the downtown area and noted that Stearns, Declamentit's and George's Cleaners are now these grand structures with high tech features that truly protect people extremely well. Development, from a public safety point, looks at these buildings and the opportunity to turnover even more buildings, like the chocolate facture to bring it back. He stated that if this is an opportunity to more of that he urged the Board to take advantage of it. Mr. Ross stated that the Chief's comments in looking at the strategic plan and moving that process forward, is an important consideration. What it means is as issues come up the Town needs to see how they relate to the process and bring it forward to the Board and the community and see if this is something the Town really wants to do. He sees this as a part of the rejuvenation of the downtown community. Chairman Aptowitz asked the Board if it would like to take the next step and have a warrant article drawn up. It is Mr. Kozlowski's thought that the Board is in agreement to start the process but not yet ready to say how many, what kind and where. Mr. Moran felt there should be ten, designated to Mansfield Crossing, downtown, train station (include Chocolate Factory in that area). Mr. Kozlowski also noted that the Airport Commission is looking for a new facility with some type of restaurant. He felt that is another example. Motion: To authorize the Town Manager to create a draft Home Rule Petition (Kozlowski /Moran) PASSES 4:0 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 22, 2014 Page 4 of 9 Mr. Ross will work with both Chief Sellon and Chief Boldrighini as well as reaching out to the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Ross has been meeting with department heads and reported he is about half way through. He will be working with John Stanbrook and noted they have identified some reductions and adjustments. Mr. Ross assured the Board that as revisions are made they will be updated. Mr. Ross reported that the Governor released his budget numbers and unfortunately he did not include any increase in general govermnent aid even though the State's revenue stream is up almost 5 %. He noted there was a small increase in Chapter 70 (for Mansfield the amount is less than 1 %). Mr. Ross stated it is very disappointing and frustrating to see that in many ways not only the Governor's budget not addressing local needs but actually in many communities increasing the impact on local budgets because of increase cost and not having the revenue to pay for it. Mr. Ross felt that the theory on that is those communities that work hard to improve their communities should pay their own bills while those who don't receive the aid. Mr. Ross stated that the Town is working diligently on developing the budget and noted that the first Budget Sub - Committee meeting will be tomorrow night (Thursday, January 23`d). Mr. Ross is optimistic that the Town can work together as it did these past few years. He also felt the numbers would change once the legislatures reviewed as most are up for re- election. Chairman Aptowitz felt it is important that if the Town is struggling to have the State Representatives to come in and assist. He wanted a fair shake for the Town and its residents. Mr. Ross felt the March timefrarne would be a good time for that. None A. Review and Approval of Minutes of Meetings • Board of Selectmen Minutes December 4, 2013 Motion: To approve the Board of Selectmen Minutes for December 4, 2013 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 B. Approval of Warrants Town Vendor Warrant No. 14O29T $157,018.52 Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant No. 14O29T $157,018.52 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 14029E $2,018,883.26 Motion: To approve Electric Department Warrant No. 14029E $2,018,883.26 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14O29PT $320,765.16 Motion: To approve Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14O29PT $320,765.16 (Annino /Kozlowski) 4:0 Aptowitz ABSTAINS #33498 Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14O29TV $98,809.42 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14O29TV $98,809.42 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 School Payroll School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14O29PS $1,414,828.45 Motion: To approve School Payroll School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14O29PS $1,414,828.45 (Kozlowski/Moran) 3:1 Annino NAY School Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14O29SV $481,444.73 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 22, 2011 Page 5 of 9 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14029SV $481,444.73 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 Town Vendor Warrant No. 14030T $349,266.52 Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant No. 14030T (Annino /Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. Motion: To approve Electric Department (Annino /Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 School Department Vendor Warrant No. Motion: To approve School Departm (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll 14030E $32,340.58 Warrant No. 14030E $32,340.58 $349,266.52 140305 $353,743.24 ent Vendor Warrant No. 14030S $353,743.24 Warrant No. 1403OPT $277,456.92 Motion: To approve Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 1403OPT $277,456.92 (Annino/Kozlowski) 4:0 Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14030TV $86,476.96 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14030TV $86,476.96 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 C. Licenses and Permits: • Consideration of Permit for Mansfield High School All Sports Booster's 1411' Annual 5 K on May 18, 2014 Motion: To approve road race application for Mansfield High School All Spoils Booster's 10 Annual 5K on May 18, 2014 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 • 2014 Drainlayers License for Peter DeGirolamo & Sons, Inc. Motion: To approve 2014 Drainlayers License for Peter DeGirolamo & Sons, Inc. (Armino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 • 2014 Drainlayers License for Riccio Excavation Co. Motion: To approve 2014 Drainlayers License for Riccio Excavation Co. (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 • 2014 Drainlayers License for Brunell Contracting LLC Motion: To approve 2014 Drainlayers License for Brunel] Contracting LLC (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 • 2014 Drainlayers License for Bella Construction Company LLC Motion: To approve 2014 Drainlayers License for Bella Construction Company LLC (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 • 2014 Drainlayers License for G. Lopes Construction, Inc. Motion: To approve 2014 Drainlayers License for G. Lopes Construction, Inc. (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 • 2014 Water Installer's License for Brunell Contracting LLC Motion: To approve 2014 Water Installer's License for Brunell Contracting, LLC (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 • 2014 Water Installer's License for Riccio Excavation Co. Motion: To approve 2014 Water Installer's License for Riccio Excavation Co. (Annino /Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 • Consideration of a New Common Victualler's License for Jessica Palumbo dba Cupcake Town Motion: To approve a New Common Victualler's License for Cupcake Town (Kozlowski /Moran) PASSES 4:0 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 22, 2014 Page 6 of 9 • Consideration of Application For Use of South Common By David Baker and Jennifer Blanchard For Their Wedding Motion: To approve use of the South Common by David Baker and Jennifer Blanchard for their wedding (Annino/Kozlowski) Discussion: Mr. Ross stated that normally these ceremonies are just for use of the gazebo with witnesses, however this would be use of the gazebo with approximately 75 -100 guests where chairs will be set up. There will be no reception, just a set tip. Chairman Aptowitz asked that an insurance certificate be submitted. Mr. Annino felt this was a wonderful use of the Common. Motion: To approve use of the South Common by David Baker and Jennifer Blanchard for their wedding subject to submission of certificate of liability insurance by vendor setting up chairs (KozlowskilAnnino) PASSES 4:0 D. Correspondence • Receipt of Southeastern Regional School District's 2012 -2013 Annual Report of those were in line with the Town's budget. The consultant will review the bids with Doug Colette and Mike Ahern. Mr. Ross noted that the process is in line as far as timing. Mr. Ross noted the Town received a very good number in terms of the 5 year maintenance plan. Mr. Ross reported that due to the last storm he has added an agenda item to the finance committee a request to allow deficit spending to the snow and ice account. He noted that the Town is not yet in deficit but felt it is still early in the season. He added that the Town will not deficit spend if it doesn't need to. Mr. Ross reminded the Board that it had spoke about scheduling a presentation by BETA with a joint meeting of Planning Board and School Committee to which BETA would like a two hour time slot. Mr. Ross felt that this should be a separate meeting and he will work to schedule that between the three groups. He did state that the work accomplished since the last meeting is considerably different in keeping with what the Town had in mind with transit oriented design. Mr. Ross restated that the Town continues to work on the budget and noted on the next Finance Committee agenda topics include reviewing items in the school general fund budget that could be considered capital replacement (furniture, lab tables). He felt these could be moved into an Article and funded from the Free Cash that is available. He noted another item, which was suggested by Chairman Aptowitz, was merginp the financial systems. Mr. Amrino noticed that on the latest waste water report sewage flows were at 92% and questioned why the number was so high. Mr. Ross would follow up with Ken Hackett but thought it may be due to the rain and melting of snow. Mr. Moran noted that a good job was done in plowing. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 22, 2014 Page 7 of 9 In Mr. Moran's recent business travels to New Jersey he noted that New York just announced economic expansion areas where they offer companies that move into pre - approved sites near state university campuses and their emerging technologies 10 years tax free. He stated not only is the business tax free but employees in those positions can be designated as well. He stated this is the nature of the game and very aggressive — especially from a State that really seems to enjoy taxing its people. He stated as a Town we have done a good job at identifying the right people to try deal with these incentives and realize that the Town has a committee just for that. Mr. Kozlowski noted he would like to see an increase in the use of Social Media in terms of getting information out quickly to the residents. He used trash pickups and delays due to storms as an example. He noted it could quickly be put up on the Town's Website, use of Facebook and Twitter. Mr. Kozlowski also noted that the cameras on East/West and North/South Main Streets that created a buzz are sensors that supplement the detection loops that are in the street and trigger the signal system to change phase. Mr. Ross noted they only detect light and dark and cannot see you or items in your car and there is no recording. Mr. Kozlowski will be doing some live tweeting from the upcoming MMA Conference in Boston. Chairman Aptowitz thanked Mark Cook and the Highway Department for their job during this past storm. Chairman Aptowitz noted some residents are concerned with the conditions of some of the roads (ie pot holes, sidewalks) and wanted to let the residents know that Lee Azinheira, Mark Cook and Mr. Ross have a list of the Mansfield streets that are slated for repairs (paving issues) over the next three fiscal years. He noted that the Town is aware of the problems and if residents are wondering where their street is at they can see Mr. Ross. Mr. Ross noted that the Finance Committee is also concerned with this issue. Chairman Aptowitz reminded the Board to submit their Town Manager Evaluations. Mr. Ross noted he has just completed four years with the Town and has enjoyed the good working relationship with the Board. None. Motion: To adjourn the BOS meeting at 8:39pm (Kozlowski /Moran) PASSES 4:0 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 22, 2014 Page 8 of 9 ("A Signature of Clerk /Tracey Whalen Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 22, 2014 Page 9 of 9 /IZ/2 (J/� Date of Approval