HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 11-20-13Board of Selectmen Minutes
November 20, 2013
Present: Jess Aptowitz; Chairman, Doug Annino; Vice Chairman, Kevin Moran; Clerk, George
Dentino, Olivier Kozlowski and William Ross: Town Manager
Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order. Chairman A
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Motion: To Open Public Hearing In Accordance with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 40,
Section 56 The Board of Selectmen of the Town of Mansfield, MA Will Hold A Public Hearing
On Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 7:00pm In Room 3AB, Mansfield Town Hall, Six Park
Row, Mansfield, MA . The Purpose Of The Hearing Is To Adopt the Percentages Of The Local
Tax Levy To Be Borne By Each Class Of Real And Personal Property For Fiscal Year 2014
(Moran/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
Nancy Hinote, Asst. Town Assessor and the Board of Assessors, Glenn Nirenberg, Doreen Boyd,
Greg Matoian„ Chair are present before the Board . Mr. Matoian stated that the reevaluation is
going well and that the data collectors are out doing their job. Mr. Matoian reported that what the
Assessors are experiencing in their evaluations is that the Residential Class values are down about
2 %, spread out unevenly between singles, condos and land where everything is taking a hit. Mr.
Matoian stated this brings the median values for residential, single family homes down to
$339,000. Mr. Matoian referred the Board to the spreadsheet provided as to the breakdowns and
noted that these are not fictitious values but rather actual properties of varying values, where the
property owners represent a good cross section (Selectmen, School Committee, Town Managers)
of varying values. This was a suggestion made by Chairman Aptowitz. Mr. Matoian reported that
when factoring in the 2.5% from last year, new growth and the debt, the new tax levy is a 4.1%
increase. Mr. Matoian reported that if the split remains the same between Residential and
Commercial at 1.21% this will raise the residential tax value from $14.89 per thousand to $15.77
per thousand.
Chairman Aptowitz noted that the majority of the Board has a lot of experience in this matter and
understands that this decision hits the resident's pockets. He thanked Nancy Hinote and John
Stanbrook for all their hard work.
Mr. Dentino stated he would like to keep the split at 1.21 %.
Mr. Moran noted that this doesn't seem to follow a linear trend when compared to previous years
to which Ms. Hinote noted that the Town is in a re- evaluation year and some data entry has already
been inputted, mostly reflecting the eastern part of Town where the re- evaluations began. Ms.
Hinote also noted that in their analysis with the DOR there were some changes in base prices, for
example, Capes had a $2 decrease and the Antiques went up $11.
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 20, 2013
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Mr. Kozlowski noted that the only thing that makes logical sense to him is a single rate, however,
he did math on a single property which led to a $600 increase which he did- not -feel was feasible, . - . — .
He agreed with Mr. Moran in that there are increases and decreases across the board in regards to
depreciation and it is tough to get a handle on the trend. He is leaning to keeping the rate the same
at this time.
Chairman Aptowitz, in doing statistical analysis, noted that if, in regards to residential, if the value
stayed the same, some residents would be going up 5.91%, which he felt was a lot of money. The
Chairman explained that at Town Meeting in May the Town votes to appropriate $48,900,000 and
they are reminded that in November that needs to be paid by this rate and the Board has to set that
rate to meet that approved number from Town Meeting. The Chairman felt the Town is spending
too much money. He noted that 4 % -6% is unacceptable for residents and would like to see the
split increase from the 1.21%. It is his thought that a business is not going to up and leave if their
taxes were to increase $20,000.
Mr. Moran agreed with the Chairman in regards to the Town spending too much money, that in
fact, the Town is spending more than what is being taken in. He noted that last year there was a
plug of free cash but that plug has been reduced. Mr. Moran noted that the key part of the plan of
moving the Town forward and agreed to with the Finance Committee was to reduce that plug over
time. The goal is to rezone the industrial park and to make an effort to increase the commercial
industrial base to offset the plug being reduced. Mr. Moran agreed that businesses may not leave
but that the question is will businesses come. Mr. Moran explained that a lot of people believe that
the Town can offer TIFs (Tax Incentive Financing) to companies but unfortunately no matter what
the Town does, if the Town increases the split it will still have to provide TIFs to certain
companies to have them come locate here. Mr. Moran does not like to see the Town jumping
around a lot. He is not in favor of increasing any further and would like to keep the rate stable.
Mr. Kozlowski noted it would be great if we could somehow have this information in May or an
estimate. Ms. Hinote noted that the Town was just certified November 1, 2013. The Chairman
stated that the Town does know in May that we have a 2.5% push for Prop 2 '/2 in growth plus the
old levy. Mr. Kozlowski explained that if folks were told at Town Meeting this past May that if
your property value stayed the same your 2.5 is actually 5.9 %. The Chairman agreed with Mr.
Kozlowski. Ms. Hinote explained that the Assessor's Office receives many calls from residents
regarding that exact scenario where they are taking 2.5% of their assessment and think the Town
has made in error, when in fact it is 2.5% of the entire levy.
Mr. Ross reminded the Board to keep in mind that two years ago the Board chose not to levy to the
entire capacity that was certified due to the budget was established and didn't need all of that and
in turn the Commonwealth turned around and assumed the Town was a wealthy community and
allowed entities, such as the tech school, to then charge more. He stated that the system at the State
level it is weighted against communities such as Mansfield as it feels these communities are
wealthy communities, which we are not, but put in that category. He felt the system is skewed.
The Chairman stated that for those on a fixed income, 6% is a lot of money. He would like to see
the Town go the other way.
Mr. Bob Ferguson, 51 Lakeview Avenue, stated that keeping the same rate for Residential and
Commercial properties is not fair for residents as Commercial properties still receive benefits such
as TIFs and EOCs. He felt that to even the playing field would require a 30% increase on the
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 20, 2013
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Commercial side. He noted that he has been retired a few years and when lie first received his
— - -- pension it- was - nicer but that now 90% of that goes towards his property taxes. He did not believe
that Commercial properties were paying their fair share. He also referenced his concern that his
property is being valued higher because he lives on waterfront and noted that homes in Forest Hills
do not pay what he does on his modest home.
Mr. Moran explained to Mr. Ferguson that the great majority of businesses in Town do not have
TIFs. He stated that when you look at it the tax burden that most businesses exert on the Town are
less than residential people, meaning the demands placed on Town services for most
Commercial/Industrial properties are less than those that are Residential properties will place on
the Town. He explained that as far as companies that are receiving TIFs, it is a cost of doing
business. Mr. Moran stated the Town could say that it isn't offering TIFs but that would only put it
at a competitive disadvantage and that it is a necessary evil of doing business with some companies
and everyone is doing it. It is the landscape the Town is in. Mr. Moran explained that sometimes
the benefit you get with from having these companies in the community as far as taxes they end up
paying over time will offset those.
Mr. Ferguson stated that is conventional wisdom but not based on fact. He has done some research
and wondered if there was a way to break out businesses between small and large and have
different rates. Mr. Moran noted it is not small businesses but a small property owner
classification and does nothing for the business that is on the site unless they own the property and
have a number of employees, which there are not many that qualify. Ms. Hinote agreed and stated
it was limited to one page. Mr. Moran noted that this is not what the Town has done but is what the
State has placed on the Town and that the Town is following the guidelines. Mr. Ferguson realizes
it wouldn't be easy to have several different classifications but it is legal. He noted that his
lakefront property receives an automatic 40% increase on the land itself, which is not fair given
other properties with specialties, ie golf course or Town Sewer, are increased. Ms. Hinote noted
that is an issue to be taken up with her office.
Chairman Aptowitz asked at 1.21% the current split the residential rate would go to $15.77 from
$14.89 which is 5.91 %, to which the Board of Assessors agreed. The Chairman then asked for the
Commercial rate which is $19.33 and if the Town keeps the same split it will go to $20.45, which
is a 5.79 %. Ms. Hinote noted that the overall Commercial Class went down 3.3% and the overall
Industrial Class went down 1.4 %. She also noted that Multi - Families went down 3% and Land, on
its own, 1.6% (vacant parcels).
Motion: To close the public hearing (Dentino /Annino) PASSES 5:0
Chairman Aptowitz at this time had received a note explaining there was a problem with the audio
on the Comcast Cable side and asked that it be looked into.
The Chairman asked for the process once the rate was set to which Ms. Hinote explained that once
the factor has been chosen she will immediately plug that into the DOR Gateway System which
will then produce the LA5 for the Board to sign tonight. At that point John Stanbrook will work
with Kathy Reid to ensure all the forms are signed and hopefully certify the rate the next day
(Thursday, November 2151).
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 20, 2013
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Mr. Dentino noted that in looking at history the Town made a big jump in 2010 -2011 from 1.11%
to 1.20% and believed that 1.21% is as fair as they can be. He felt the Town has done as good a job
as it possibly could.
Motion: To set next year's tax rate 1.21% (Moran/Kozlowski)
Discussion:
Chairman Aptowitz stated he would like to see the rate be higher and that at 1.21% it is not doing
the residents any favors.
Mr. Kozlowski is not without sympathy to situations as were brought up and folks on fixed income
but that fairest to all which allows stability is to leave it at 1.21 %.
Motion: To set next year's tax rate at 1.21% (Moran/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:1 Aptowitz (NA
Bruce Montgomery, General Manager, Live Nation Entertainment is present as well as Police
Chief Ron Sellon and Fire Chief Neal Boldrighini.
Chairman Aptowitz noted that the Board had asked for Mr. Montgomery and the Chiefs to meet to
recap the 2013 Comcast Center season. Mr. Montgomery read from a statement he prepared which
summarized that Live Nation sold over 425,000 tickets to 36 shows.
Chairman Aptowitz noted that negotiations will soon begin for Comcast's 2014 season and that
Mr. Kozlowski would be working with Mr. Montgomery and the Chiefs this year on the
Committee. Mr. Montgomery does not like to think of it as negotiations but rather working on
improving over the previous year.
Chief Boldrighini felt that the Comcast Center is committed to working with both Fire and Police
to continue to improve public safety. Chief Boldrighini noted that the reality is that concert goers
have changed over the years since Comcast first opened and that because of that the system with
which to operate has had to change. He noted that Comcast has truly complied with every single
suggestion that the Town has put forth. Chief Boldrighini stated that overall during the course of
the season there were learning opportunities and there were adjustments accordingly. Chief
Boldrighini stated that all facets of public safety response have improved, incident command has
been clearly identified and unified and communications between agencies has improve and finally
reliance on municipal services has been reduced. Chief Sellon noted the operational changes that
were presented to the Board previous and felt that all changes would have a positive impact and
invited the Board to view those changes in the next coming months.
Mr. Moran thanked Mr. Montgomery for coming. He understood and emphasized that Mr.
Montgomery felt some of those changes were overkill and may have been frustrated but reminded
that they were the result of societal changes and he knows that it wasn't easy. He was glad to see
that the Town and Comcast were able to work together and has the utmost confidence and respect
for Chief Sellon and Chief Boldrighini.
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 20, 2013
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Mr. Kozlowski noted that the changes implemented last year went fairly smoothly and would like
to begin the process for next season by scheduling a meeting, Chairman Aptowitz noted that Mr.
Kozlowski and Mr. Annino are on the Comcast Sub - Committee for the upcoming season.
Mr. Annino appreciated the Chiefs and Mr, Montgomery working together and sharing ideas. He
stated that public safety is the Town's number one concern and looked forward on working on next
year's plan.
Mr. Dentino applauded everyone involved for their work at Comcast this past season and noted
great strides made in regards to security which involved Town and Comcast personnel, AB CC and
Metro. Mr. Dentino would like to see further effort in regards to patrons allowed into the parking
areas that do not have tickets and mentioned specifically Parking Area C. Mr. Dentino there are
some who arrive later in the evening, around 9:30pm and noted the lighting in the parking lots was
not the best and felt it created a danger and he would like to see a better attempt made to turn those
patrons away. Mr. Dentino felt the ABCC was a great addition and served a useful purpose in
rounding up contraband. Mr. Dentino's pet peeve is the lawn area as it is not well lit and there are
too many people per square foot. He felt even with additional security and the presence of Metro it
is still not controllable. He is not criticizing and is proud of the security people but he would like to
see better protection not only for the officers but for the patrons. He would like to see seats in that
area, Mr. Dentino also noted a central command center located at the back of the lawn area where
there are visuals of the entire venue. Mr. Dentino asked if one full time doctor, which was added
this year, was sufficient to which Chief Boldrighini stated it was.
Chairman Aptowitz stated that Mr. Montgomery was able to see the passion with which both
Chiefs worked this season. The Chairman noted that he and the Town always kept open lines of
communication with Mr. Montgomery. Chairman Aptowitz felt that Billy Shenkwin and his group
as well as the "yellow - shirted" security personnel should be commended.
Mr. Montgomery stated that he understands that locally it is known as Comcast but he stated that
they prefer Live Nation dba the Comcast Center and that the public should be aware of that.
Mr. Ross commended the Police and Fire Departments for their cooperative efforts.
None,
A. Review and Approval of Minutes of Meetings
• Board of Selectmen Meeting — October 23, 2013
Motion: To approve Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 23, 2013
(Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0:1 Moran ABSTAIN
• Board of Selectmen Meeting — November 6, 2013
Motion: To approve Board of Selectmen Minutes of November 6, 2013
(Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
B. Approval of Warrants
Town Vendor Warrant No. 14021T $290,179.90
Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant No. 14021T $290,179.90
(Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 14021E $420,616.24
Motion: To approve Electric Department Warrant No. 14021E $420,616.24
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 20, 2013
Page 5 of 8
(Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
School Department Vendor warrant No. 14021S in the amount of $1,208.86
Motion: To approve School Department Vendor Warrant No. 14021S
$1,208.86
(Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14021PT $341,971.05
Motion: To approve Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No.
14021PT
$341,971.05 (Annino/Kozlowski) 4:1 Dentino NAY
Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14021 TV $109,541.93
Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No.
14021TV
$109,541.93 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14021PS $1,460,381.56
Motion: To approve School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No.
14021PS
$1,460,381.56 (Dentin /Kozlowski) 4:1 Annino NAY
School Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14021 S $491,767.37
Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No.
14021SV
$491,767.37 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
C. Permits
• Consideration of Placement of Menorah on the South Common from November 24t"
through December 8ti' by Rabbi Yassi Kivman of the Chabad Jewish Center
Motion: To approve placement of Menorah on the South Common from November 24t"
through December 8t1i (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0:1 Aptowitz ABSTAINS
D. License Renewals
• 2014 Common Victualler's and Entertainment License for K.D. Enterprises dba Stefano's
Pizza and Sub Shop
Motion: To approve 2014 Common Victualler's License for Stefano's Pizza and Sub
Shop (Annino /Moran) PASSES 5:0
Motion: To approve 2014 Entertainment License for Stefano's Pizza and Sub Shop
(Moran/Annino) PASSES 5:0
• 2014 Common Victualler's License for Papa Gino's, Inc. dba Papa Gino's
Motion: To approve 2014 Common Victualler's License for Papa Gino's
(Annino /Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
• 2014 Wine and Malt Alcohol — Restaurant License, Common Victualler License and
Entertainment License for Caf6 on the Common
Motion: To approve 2014 Wine and Malt Alcohol — Restaurant License for Caf6 on the
Common (Annino/Moran) PASSES 5:0
Motion: To approve 2014 Common Victualler's License for Cafd on the Common
(Annino/Moran) PASSES 5:0
Motion: To approve 2014 Entertainment License for Caf6 on the Common
(Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
• 2014 Common Victualler's License for Mariva, Inc. dba D'Angelos Sandwich Shop
Motion: To approve 2014 Common Victualler's License for D'Angelos Sandwich Shop
(Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
• 2014 Common Victualler's License an Entertainment License for Mansfield Donuts dba
Dunkin' Donuts
Motion: To approve 2014 Common Victualler's License for Mansfield Donuts dba
Dunkin' Donuts (Annino /Moran) PASSES 5:0
Motion: To approve 2014 Entertainment License for Mansfield Donuts dba Dunkin'
Donuts (Moran/ Annino) PASSES 5:0
Board Of selectmen's Meeting November 20, 2013
Page 6 of 8
• 2014 Common Victualler's License and Entertainment License for Dees Donuts dba
Dunkin'_Donuts
Motion: To approve 2014 Common Victualler's License for Decs Donuts dba Dunkin'
Donuts (Annino /Moran) PASSES 5:0
Motion: To approve 2014 Entertainment License for Decs Donuts dba Dunkin' Donuts
(Amrino/Moran) PASSES 5:0
• 2014 Wine and Malt Retail License for Community Care Pharmacy
Motion: To approve 2014 Wine and Malt Retail License for Community Care Pharmacy
subject to satisfactory inspection of building and fire (Moran/Almino) PASSES 4:1
Aptowitz (NAY)
E. Correspondence
Letter of Resignation for Shelly Roberts from the Mansfield Housing Corporation
Motion: To accept the letter of resignation and ask for letter of thanks for service to the
community (Annino/Moran) PASSES 5:0
Mr. Ross began by stating upon preliminary review it appears that May 6, 2014 would work for
Town Meeting. Mr. Ross noted there is no conflict with Town Counsel or the School and
recommended the Board work towards that date.
Mr. Ross distributed a promotional /informational piece by the National Resources Trust "The
Great Woods and a Guide to Mansfield Trails. He noted that the piece was partially funded by the
Non -Profit Gift Fund. A number of copies are available at the Town Clerk's office.
Mr. Ross received an email from Jim Morrissey, district manager from the VFW, regarding an
established "free national call home day" for members of military stationed overseas. On
November 23r1 through November 28di, service men and women may call home for free to talk
with their families.
Mr. Ross also noted a flyer of invitation to service men and women to be guests at 2013
Thanksgiving Day Game at Gillette Stadium between Foxboro and Mansfield. Interested parties
can contact Heath Hobson or Rich Palanza to reserve tickets.
Mr. Ross reminded that there will be no Selectmen's meeting on November 271h and that Town
Hall will close at 4:00pm and will be closed all day Thursday and Friday. He asked the Board to
please come in and sign warrants.
Mr. Ross stated that at the December 41h Selectmen's meeting there will be two presentations to
discuss the transit oriented design by BETA Group and also the Design on the proposed new DPW
Facility. The Planning Board will be in attendance and will post as they will be active in both
discussions.
Mr. Ross informed the Board that at the December 11 °i Selectmen's meeting there would be a
presentation by Chief Boldrighini in regards to the Fire Department Reorganization plan and
recommendation of restructuring of ambulance fees.
Mr. Ross reported that a check for $82,000 - $83,000 was received by the Registry of Motor
Vehicles in relation to traffic fines where the Town was underpaid and found during an audit.
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 20, 2013
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Mr. Annino -loved the NRT piece and noted that -it -is from a grant from the Non- P-rofit$roup. He -
noted this is great material to have and promotes the offerings of the Town.
Chairman Aptowitz noted that a resident complained about the lighting at Memorial Park where he
felt it was a safetv issue. Mr. Ross will follow un with Gary Babin,
None.
Motion: To adjourn the BOS meeting at 8:37pm (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 5:0
Signature of Clerk -° h5 owe, lkv,[nA& Date of Approval
/Tracey Whalen AChay aer4��
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 20, 2013
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