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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 10-23-13Board of Selectmen Minutes October 23, 2013 Present: Jess Aptowitz; Chairman, Doug Annino; Vice Chairman, George Dentine, Olivier Kozlowski, Nick Riccio; Acting Town Manager Absent: Kevin Moran, William Ross: Town Manager Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order. Chairman Aptowitz reminded that this Present before the Board are Howard Fiske, Chair of the Airport Commission and Lou Andrews, Vice Chair of the Commission. Mr. Andrews noted that the Commission had come before the Board a few years ago for the right to clear some trees along the main paved runway and what they are asking tonight is along those same lines. Mr. Andrews explained that these are trees that have grown into the airspace or the transition surface over the years, which the FAA requires to be clear of trees. Mr. Andrews noted that this year the Airport Commission is addressing the grass runway which runs perpendicular to Fruit Street. An aerial survey was completed and the Commission is requesting approval from the Board to remove any trees that are intruding into the airspace and to make that approval in perpetuity. Chairman Aptowitz asked if the trees are located on Town property to which Mr. Andrews note most are but there are a few on private property and the Commission is speaking with those owners to obtain a navigation easement. Mr. Andrews also reported that it is about a 600 foot area. Mr. Kozlowski asked if trees would be taken down to which Mr. Andrews stated that if any trees were taken down the stumps would be dug up and grass planted. Mr. Kozlowski asked if there was a need to notify abutters to which Mr. Andrews noted that the one abutter has been notified and the Commission is working with them. Chairman Aptowitz asked if the Tree Warden needed to be notified to which Mr. Riccio stated only for scenic roads and public ways but would follow up with Lee Azinheira to Motion: To approve the tree clearing, in perpetuity, as per the map submitted for the record Ms Pruitt has lived in Mansfield in different towns. Ms. for two and half years where she has volunteered for numerous charities Pruitt currently works for Woodward and Curran. Chairman Aptowitz, as a point of record, noted that Ms. Pruitt had checked off both the Zoning Board of Appeals as well as the Cultural Commission. The Chairman explained to Ms. Pruitt that the she can be on both Committees but that the Cultural Commission is an appointment by the Town Manager. The Board will interview her regarding her application for the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Chairman noted that Nick Riccio is Acting Town Manager this evening as Mr. Ross is not feeling well. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 23, 2013 Page 1 of 5 Mr. Dentino stated that he notice Ms. Pruitt had not attended Town Meeting and would like to see her attend. He felt that Ms. Pruitt presented herself very well and was impressed with her education at Suffolk University as well as a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice from Curry College. Mr. Dentino asked Ms. Pruitt what drew her to the Zoning Board of Appeals to which she stated she has noticed a lot of building going up and learning the process and how it affects the surrounding community. Mr. Dentino asked what Ms. Pruitt could bring to the ZBA to which she noted a different point of view of looking at the law and how it applies to permits and businesses coming into Mansfield. Mr. Annino was impressed that Ms. Pruitt has only been in Town a few years and is already willing to step up and serve. As Mr. Dentino noted, Mr. Annino would also like to see Ms. Pruitt at Town Meeting and to make sure to keep an open mind and to have Mansfield's best interests at heart. Mr. Kozlowski thanked Ms. Pruitt for applying and noted that this is an alternate position so it is a great way to learn and get started. Mr. Kozlowski asked where Ms. Pruitt worked to which she stated at Woodard and Curran for approximately eight years as an Administrative Assistant. Chairman Aptowitz presented Ms. Pruitt with a scenario in reference to the ZBA dealing with things that are not always black and white and asked how comfortable Ms. Pruitt would be to saying no. Ms. Pruitt explained that she is comfortable with that but also in finding options if available. The Chairman stated that this job is what is legal and in Mansfield's best interest. Mr. Kozlowski reminded Ms. Pruitt that as she works for Woodard and Curran (engineering firm) she would have to be her own best indicator as to any conflict of interest to which Ms. Pruitt noted she is aware of the conflict of interest law. Mr. Riccio reminded the Board that this is an alternate position and it would be filling an unexpired term so that it is good until the end of the year. The Chairman explained the process of reapplying to Ms. Pruitt. Motion: To appoint Darlene Pruitt to the unexpired term of alternate member to the Zoning Board Mr. Riccio noted that he has had a discussion with Mr. Ross who had prepared a comprehensive packet for the Board regarding this issue. Mr. Riccio summarized that due to numerous calls from residents complaining about the lack of commuter spaces available after 7:45am, which Mr. Ross believed to be a function of an improving economy and colleges back in session, Mr. Riccio stated that Mr. Ross had a few recommendations to the Board: • Adding 13 spaces on the East side of Old Colony Way • On North Oakland Street beginning at 5tb space North of Pratt Street and extending North on Kingman Avenue — these spaces are currently two hour and are rarely utilized. Mr. Ross did recognize that there is a restaurant in the vicinity and will earmark a few spaces for that establishment. • Temporarily eliminate the 9:00am start time for residents parking along River Street and Howe Street Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 23, 2013 Page 2 of 5 Mr. Riccio noted that these changes would cause very little in expenses for the Town and would require some reprogramming to the automated pay for parking boxes and signage. Chairman Aptowitz noted that Mr. Moran was unavailable to attend tonight's meeting but that Mr. Moran would be participating remotely next week. It was the Chairman's feeling that the Board should have Mr. Moran participate in this discussion. Chairman Aptowitz explained for the record that remote participation would involve a role call vote. Mr. Dentine asked if the 13 spaces went as far as the cut in that has three or four spaces parallel to the sidewalk in the West Church Street area to Mr. Riccio noted it did not and relates only to those spaces that the Town controls. Mr. Dentine asked if those spaces are diagonally and have they been laid out to which Mr. Riecio noted they are not diagonal and at this time they have not be laid out as this is in preliminary stages. Mr. Kozlowski asked what the realistic turn - around time would be for the recommendation if it was approved to which it could be relatively quick. It is Mr. Kozlowski's inclination to recognize the need and have it happen as soon as possible. Chairman Aptowitz asked Steve Simonds, Parking Enforcement Officer, for an average number of people who park in resident spaces who are not residents to which he approximated six per day. The Chairman felt it was a decent amount and noted that Mr. Simonds was going to put something together for the Board. The Chairman asked that this tonic be scheduled for next week's meeting. None. A. Review /Approval of Minutes of Meetings • Board of Selectmen Minutes for October 2, 2013 Motion: To approve Board of Selectmen Minutes for October 2, 2013 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 3:0:1 Dentino ABSTAINS B. Approval of Warrants Town Vendor Warrant No. 14017T $462,042.76 Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant No. 14017T $462,042.76 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 14017E $33,612.49 Motion: To approve Electric Department Warrant No. 14017E $33,612.49 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 School Department Vendor Warrant No. 14017S $2,500.00 Motion: To approve School Department Vendor Warrant No. 14017S $2,500.00 (Kozlowski /Annino) Discussion: The Chairman has asked John Stanbrook why an entire warrant is created for one bill and would like Mr. Riccio to follow up. PASSES 4:0 Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14017PT $293,211.33 Motion: To approve Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14017PT $293,211.33 (Kozlowski /Annino) 3:1 Dentine NAY Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14017TV $90,534.04 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14017TV $90,534.04 (Kozlowski/Annino) PASSES 4:0 School Payroll School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14017PS $1,465,981.70 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 23, 2013 Page 3 of 5 Motion: To approve School Payroll School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14017PS $1,465,981.70 (Kozlowski/Dentino) PASSES 3:0:1 Annino NAY School Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant 14017SV $494,402.75 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant 14017SV $494,402.75 (Kozlowski / Annino) PASSES 4:0 C. Permits • Consideration of Request by Our Daily Bread, Mansfield's Food Pantry To Waive The Town's Portion of the Permit Fee for New Signage Motion: To waive the permit fee request by Our Daily Bread for new signage (Kozlowski / Annino) PASSES 4:0 D. Correspondence • None There is no Town Manager Report this evening. Mr. Annino is concerned with the amount of placard signs that are showing up around Town. He noted that in other Towns there are violation notices to place on the signs. Mr. Riccio will follow up on the sticker campaign. Chairman Aptowitz noted that the DPW typically picks the signs up. Mr. Kozlowski met Sunday with a group hoping to re- vitalize Memorial Park, particularly the playground area. He noted their dedication and enthusiasm and will work with them throughout the process and will report to the Board later. Chairman Aptowitz commented that the sidewalks around the South Common look fantastic and stated he had heard from residents asking about the subdivisions. Mr. Riccio noted the Town is working on prioritizing those sidewalks and he will inform the Town Manager that the Board is looking for an update. Chairman Aptowitz thanked Randy Miller and Miller Recycling for providing the Electronic Recycling Day. Chairman Aptowitz noted that the pine tree that was slated to be cut down in Logan Marks proposal earlier in the year by Barrows Insurance did not look well. He also mentioned that the Downtown Business Association received a quote regarding cleaning up the hedge line there as well. Mr. Riccio will forward that to Mr. Ross. Mr. Dentino wondered if the Town could send a letter to the State regarding clean -up of the lane emulsion at the ramp from Route 495 to Route 140 heading towards Mansfield. Mr. Riccio had also seen that and would follow un with Mr. Ross. Motion: 1adjourn the i 1 (Kozlowski/Annino) Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 23, 2013 Page 4 of 5 Signature of Clerk /Tracey Whalen Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 23, 2013 Page 5 of 5 /i ?d�l 2OU Date of Approval