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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 5-01-13Board of Selectmen Minutes May 1, 2013 Present: Olivier Kozlowski, Chairman; Kevin Moran, Clerk; Jess Aptowitz, Doug 'An rihEt; William Ross, Town Manager Absent: George Dentine, Vice Chairman Chairman Kozlowski called the meeting to order and stated that the meeting is broadcasting live on iviansheid rabic Access and this broadcast Will DC aVUHUD1C at VUrm US notes for VICWIIIg. j?.r3A s�}�n�Y�omml ���e � nd' onsr�iait�a� ion of�am 1(s�glrelm>rtfor�the Kg �1VI' An�fi� ►S_►�Bei►ut>ifgl�,�o>intnl#te ��,� � ����'�,�� ' ��: ���.,� Mr. Guglielmi could not appear and will be rescheduled for May 15, 2013, John Stanbrook, Town Accountant is present. Mr. Ross noted that in previous years the Board went through the Articles and took a vote of support for each Article with exception to the Citizen Petitions. Article 1: Establishes FY2014 budget appropriations for municipal expenses, as well as all debt, insurance and employee benefits for all Town and School Departments. Mr. Ross noted that the number is $35,617,965 Motion: To support Article 1 (Aptowitz/Amiino) PASSES 4:0 Article 2: Establishes the FY2014 budget appropriations for the School Department broken down by Salaries and Goods and Services. Mr. Stanbrook noted that the number is $42,574,038. Mr. Aptowitz asked if the Board normally supports and felt it would demonstrate camaraderie with the Schools to come out in support of the Article. Mr. Ross stated that given the methodology used and working together to prepare for the Town Meeting the Board should support and felt that the Schools were doing the same for the Municipal budget. Mr. Armin asked what is the total increase over last year's budget. Mr. Stanbrook reported the budget has increased 3.59% for Article 2 and for Article 1 the increase is 1.23 %. Mr. Aptowitz and Mr. Annino both felt that was excellent. Mr. Annino inquired as to Mr. Ross's opinion to which he reported he met with Brenda Hodges and Ed Vozzella and all three are very satisfied and in support as well as Mr. Stanbrook. Mr. Moran noted that when the budget was presented to the Finance Committee the Committee asked the Town and School to re -work a few things which went very smoothly and has been a clean process. Mr. Aptowitz noted that the Board relies on Mr. Ross's recommendation and overall he pleased that no extreme methods were used to balance the budget. Mr. Ross explained that the budget includes a Human Resource position that will be shared between the Town and the Schools and that the Schools are also extremely supportive of having a Financial Manager for the Town. Mr. Ross noted that this is an important change due to both sides sitting down and listening to each other's needs and looking at the Town as a whole. Mr. Aptowitz took it one step further by noting that one of the things Standard & Poors was excited about was the Town adding the position of Finance Director. Mr. Aptowitz stated that tomorrow (May 2" d) there is an expo in Worcester regarding procurement (Mass Buys Expo) and he felt that the Town should jointly, with the School Department, move in that director in the future for a Procurement/Purchasing position. Chairman Kozlowski commended Mr. Ross and Ms. Hodges on a greatjob, particularly on the joint weekly press releases. Mr. Annino echoed the Chairman's thoughts and added that Mr. Stanbrook has done an exemplary job. Mr. Armin focused on the Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May I, 2013 Page I of 12 Municipal Budget increasing a little over 1% and applauded the work of all those involved. Mr. Annino highly supports both the Finance and HR positions and was astonished that with over 900 employees the Town does not currently have an HR position and it is overdue. Motion: To support Article 2 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Article 3: Provides the appropriation from Electric Department receipts for the Electric Department maintenance and plant operations. Motion: To support Article 3 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Article 4: If approved, will establish FY2014 budget appropriations for the Water, Wastewater, Airport and Parking Enterprise Funds. Motion: To support all motions in Article 4 (Aptowitz/Aimino) PASSES 4:0 Article 5: If approved, will allow the School Department to enter into a three year bus contract and extend that contract with two one -year extensions if it chooses to do so, for a total contract length of five years. Motion: To support Article 5 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Article 6: Additional expenses have been incurred by the Town but were not anticipated at the April 24,2012 Annual Town Meeting. If approved, this Article will allow the Town to pay for these unforeseen expenses. Motion: To support Article 6 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Article 7: Several fiords ended FY 12 in a deficit. If approved, this Article will transfer money into these fiords and eliminate these FY12 deficits from the Town's books. Motion: To support Article 7 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Article 8: The Department of Revenue (DOR) requires the Town to inspect all properties in the Town. If this inspection is not completed, the DOR may not allow the Town to set a tax rate until this nine -year inspection is completed. This Article, if approved, will allow the Town to compete this FY14 requirement. Motion: To support Article 8 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Article 9: The Department of Revenue mandates that the Board of Assessors revalue all properties in Town once every three years. The last revaluation was in FYI 1. The total cost of this revaluation is $108,500, but $70,000 was raised for this purpose at the last Annual Town Meeting. This Article, if approved, will pay for the remaining costs associated with the FY2014 revaluation. Motion: To support Article 9 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Article 10: This Article would pay for outstanding bills that are presently known to be unpaid from prior Fiscal Years. Motion: To support Article 10 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Article 11: This transfer is an annual request to transfer the Airport's Retained Earnings to the Airport's Fund Balance for Capital Improvements. This Article, if approved, will make this transfer so that the Airport can make improvements as a part of the Airport's capital improvement program. Motion: To support Article 11 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Article 12: Allowances for Abatements and Exemptions (Overlay accounts) are amounts that are added to the tax levy each year to pay for real and personal property tax abatements and exemptions that are granted to taxpayers during that year. This Article, if approved, will transfer surpluses in a particular year's Overlay account to another year's Overlay account that may be in deficit so that the Town can pay any abatement granted by the AT13. Motion: To support Article 12 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May I, 2013 Page 2 of 12 Article 13: To see if the Town will vote to rescind the unissued balance, in the sum of Four Hundred Fifty Thousand dollars ($450,000.00), of the School Planning- related borrowing authorization voted pursuant to Article 26 of the May 23, 2006 Annual Town Meeting; or take any action in relation thereto. If approved, this Article will rescind the unused portion of the borrowing authorization vote. Motion: To support Article 13 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Article 14: To see if the Town will vote to rescind the unissued balance in the Eight Million Dollars ($8,000,000) borrowing authorization voted pursuant to Article 4 of the May 4, 2010 Annual Town Meeting for the Mansfield Municipal Electric Department East Mansfield Substation; or take any other action related thereto. If approved, this Article will rescind the unused portion of this capital project's borrowing authorization vote. Motion: To support Article 14 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Article 15: If approved, this Article will allow the Town to design and permit the wastewater effluent recharge system. Motion: To support Article 15 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Article 16: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow, or transfer from available funds a sum of money for various Capital Improvements projects for the Town of Mansfield. Motion: To support all the items in Article 16 (Aptowitz/Armino) PASSES 4:0 Mr. Annino was not in support of the $900,000 towards the DPW Facility but Mr. Ross noted that the Finance Committee asked for that to be removed. The Town is looking into other options involving Design Build and also noted that Mike Ahern did attend a seminar where Mr. Ross was waiting for a report. Mr. Aptowitz asked if the Board could come to an agreement within a short period of time of reviewing the whole DPW/Public Safety and the sites as a whole. Mr. Annino thought that the study, which was done in the past, should be dug out and Mr. Ross noted that would be a great summer work session. Article 17: Capital projects are completed, but debt is still outstanding on these capital projects. This article, if approved, will allow the Town to transfer the unused balances to other ongoing projects and /or pay up to $1,000.00 of the debt principal related to the completed projects as per the procedure set forth in M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 20. Motion: To support Article 17 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Article 18: Debt excluded capital projects are completed, but debt is still outstanding on these capital projects. This article, if approved, will allow the Town to transfer the unused balances to other on -going non -debt excluded capital projects and reduce the FY 14 allowable tax levy by the total of the transferred balances. Motion: To support Article 18 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Article 19: VALOR Act provides for a "veterans' tax work -off program" similar to the "senior tax work -off program" that the Town currently has in place. This article, if approved, will add $3,750 to the FY14 Allowance for Abatements and Exemptions (Overlay) account to pay for these exemptions Motion: To support Article 19 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Article 20: Annual Town Article that allows Town residents to receive 100% of various real estate tax exemptions offered in the Mass. General Laws for Fiscal Year 2014. Motion: To support Article 20 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Board Of selectmen's Meeting May 1, 2013 Page 3 of 12 Article 21: This article, if approved, will establish or re- establish all Town revolving fiends that require an annual authorization or re- authorization under M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53 E %2. Motion: To support Article 21 with all its motions(Aptowitz/Amiino) PASSES 4:0 Article 22: Town is required to pay a percentage of retirees' medical, dental and life insurance costs. This article, if approved, will transfer a sum of money into the OPEB Trust Fund to offset some of those future costs. Motion: To support Article 22 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Article 23: This article, if approved, will transfer a sum of money into the Town's Capital Stabilization Fund to be used for current and friture Capital Improvements throughout the Town. Mr. Ross explained that this Article has been withdrawn and it is Paul DeRensis', Town Counsel, opinion that the Board motion to take no action. No motion/action taken by the Board. Article 24: This article will transfer a sum of money into the Town's Stabilization Fund. it can then be used for any lawful purpose as outlined in M.G.L. Chapter 40 Section 5B. Motion: To support Article 24 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Mr. Ross noted that the Articles are now moving into those sponsored by the Planning Board, which Shaun Burke will present at Town Meeting. Mr. Aptowitz asked that Mr. Ross inform the Town Meeting Moderator to put in his notes that the Board voted to support the Articles. Article 25: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By -Law for Off - Street Parking Schedule (4.4.1), Subcompact Car Spaces (4.4.4.10), Parking Structure (3.5.20a), Linkage Special Permit (4.9), Schedule of Floor Area Ratio (4.10) Motion: To support Article 25 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Article 26: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By -Law as follows: Off - Street Parking Schedule (4.4.1), Handicapped Parking (4.4.3), Design Standards and Special Conditions (4.4.4). Motion: To support Article 26 (Aptowitz/Amrino) PASSES 4:0 Article 27: To see if the Town will vote to amend the General By -Laws, Section II and III (Streets and Sidewalks) Motion: To support Article 27 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Article 28: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By -Law Section 1.5, Definitions, to add the following new definitions: Downtown Business Zone Rear Wall Design (1.5.50), A -Frame or Sandwich Board Signs (1.5.51), A- Frame /Sandwich Board Signs (4.7.1.4) Motion: To support Article 28 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Article 29: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By -Law by deleting Section 5.3 and replacing it with a new Section 5.3 (incorporated herein and made part of record). Mr. Aptowitz asked that the Board hold off on a motion of support until just before Town Meeting to allow for further clarification from Mr. Riccio. The Board agreed. Article 30: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By -Law by adding a new Section 5.12. Involves Transit - Oriented Development Mr. Ross explained to the Board that this Article has been withdrawn. The Planning Board felt that they had not adequately completed the work on this. Article 31: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Map to the extent necessary to rezone four zoning districts, two in East Mansfield and two in West Mansfield, Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 1, 2013 Page 4 of 12 from their current designation of Business 3, Highway Business, to a new designation, Business 4, Village Business, Motion: To support Article 31 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Article 32: To see if the Town will vote to redelineate the Zone II Surface and Groundwater Protection Overlay District Map in East Mansfield, titled "Zone II Re- Delineation ". Motion: To support Article 32 (AptowitzJAnnino) PASSES 4:0 Article 33: To see if the Town will vote to adopt a consolidated department of municipal finance. Motion: To support Article 33 (Aptowitz/Amiino) PASSES 4:0 Article 34: To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to Chapter 101 of the Acts of 2010, to approve the terms of the Agreement for Regional Wastewater District for the towns of Mansfield, Foxborough and Norton. Mr. Ross believed that this Article was to be withdrawn as the agreement is not in place. Chairman Kozlowski noted that the Town tried this at last Town Meeting. Mr. Moran noted that this is frustrating as it is so close. No motion/action taken. Article 35: The owner of the property shown as Lot 40 on Assessors Map 29, Bird Road has provided an Access and Utility Easement to the Town of Mansfield at no cost to the Town for the construction of roadway improvements. Mr. Ross believed that this will also be withdrawn. No motion/action taken. Article 36: To see if the Town will authorize the Airport Commission, pursuant to M.G.L. C. 90, 51F and M.G.L. c. 183A, 2, to lease for a lease term of sixty (60) years that portion of quadrant four at the Mansfield Municipal Airport. Motion: To support Article 36 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Article 37: This Article, if approved, will prohibit the consumption of alcoholic beverages on any premises in Town that does not have a valid alcoholic beverages license. Motion: To support Article 37 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 3:1 Chairman Kozlowski NAY Article 38: To see if the Town will vote to amend the General By -Laws, Chapter Eleven, Section I. Only to be voted on if Article 37 does not pass. Motion: To support Article 38 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 3:1 Moran NAY Article 39: To see if the town will vote to amend Chapter Eight (Humane Control and Regulation of Animals ") of the Town of Mansfield Bylaws in the form on file with the office of the Town Clerk and posted on the Town's web page, to reflect recent changes in state law. Motion: To support Article 39 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 The remainder of the Articles are Citizen Petitions, which the Board does not take action on. Article 40: Sponsored by J. Mulkern. To see if the Town will vote to amend the town's Zoning Bylaw to the extent necessary to change the Schedule of Principal Use Regulations of the Zoning Bylaws Industrial District, 12. Chairman Kozlowski realized the Board does not take a vote of support on Citizen Petitions but he has heard from the Chairman of the School Committee who has asked that the Board take a vote or speak to the implications of this Article to the Town. Mr. Aptowitz explained that he understands the impact /no impact of the Article to the Town's schools and businesses and that it is controversial subject to both sides. However, he does not feel it is right to set a precedent and begin taking sides on Citizen Petitions. He felt that the proper place for discussion was at Town Meeting. Mr. Annino felt the Board does not even have enough information to decide what kind of impact this Article has on the time. Mr. Ross told the Board that his office has yet to receive a motion from the petitioner. Board Of selectmen's Meeting May I, 2013 Page 5 of 12 Mr. Ross noted that Articles 44 -47 have been withdrawn by the Lee Azinheira noted that this is the annual vote taken prior to Town Meeting to support the budgets. Mr. Azinheira presented the sewer rates first and noted that the Town has been working from this schedule since 2006 and presented each year. The Town has deviated slightly from previous years due to the day in implementation of the Phase II improvements and plant expansion. Therefore, Mr. Azinheira has recommended a 6% increase instead of the scheduled 10% increase and noted that the Board has the attached documentation in his memo. Mr. Azinheira stated the Town may go back to the 10% increase next year. Mr. Moran asked if there were any chance that the expansion cost would drop due to recent changes in the economy and the results of latest Town projects. Mr. Azinheira noted that until there is an actual bid and final numbers there is always a chance but he would rather err on the side of caution. Mr. Annino noted that this is not a surprise as these numbers have been presented since 2006. Mr. Ross noted that this is based on a long term plan that the Finance Committee worked with the Board of Selectmen over the years in order to afford the water /wastewater expansion and improvements. Motion: To approve the 6% increase in the sewer rates (Annino/Moran) 3:1 Aptowitz NAY Mr. Azinheira reported on his recommendation of the increase in water rates. Mr. Azinheira reported that the Town put together and schedule through 2015 to fund the current capital projects which are on on -line. The scheduled called for a 6% increase in 2014 and a reduction to 4% in 2015. Based on the revenues Mr. Azinheira recommended continuing with the plan. Mr. Amrino again noted that the numbers were presented previously. Motion: To approve the 6% increase in the water rates (Amiino /Moran) 3:1 Aptowitz NAY exie� e s ;< ` o c ,q t �� orx c� A2r4herra,�eg�ndrngr Oafl.� Mr. Ross noted that the top of the North Common Flag Pole broke off (weekend of April 20 -22) and any attempt to repair would require a lift and possible need of welding and considering the condition of the pole Mr. Azinheira does not recommend that the repairs take place. The Town has been planning on replacing the pole and the recommendation is to remove the existing pole (approximate cost $1,500) and leave the foundation in place. The Town will proceed to build new foundation, which will be the same size as the one at the South Cormnon and located per the Master Plan. At this time the Town would only install and cap the foundation with any embellishments to come later. The estimate to install the foundation is $11,200 and the temporary asphalt about $200. Mr. Ross noted the Town can fund the installation from the Highway Department and in looking at the cost of the similar pole at the South Common, for a cost of $10,100. There may need to be a few trees removed which the Tree Warden, Lee Azinheira, will hold the necessary public hearings. Mr. Ross asked the Board for their recommendation as to how far they would like to proceed. Mr. Ross noted that at the very least the new pole needs to come down. Chairman Kozlowski noted that the funds are accounted for as far as the removal and foundation. Mr. Aptowitz noted that the pole will take about a month to order. The money is encumbered in this budget. Mr. Aptowitz noted that $22,000 is the actual cost just for the pole and foundation. Embellishments, as Mr. Ross reported, are separate and would come later as there are no funds for that now. Motion: To instruct the Town Manager to proceed with the removal of the current flag pole at the North Common and replace with a new pole in the designated area of the master plan. (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May I, 2013 Page 6 of 12 Mr. Ross reported that there have been some new developments related to the Crossroads Veterans Service District that the Board needed to be aware of. The Foxboro district raised concerns regarding setting salaries for the Veterans Service Officers (VSO) as to who made the appointments and set the salaries. The original intent of the district was that the VSOs would be employees of the Town and not the district, two were employees of Mansfield and one was an employee of Foxboro. The cost of the salaries was redistributed through a formula used by the towns' Treasurers and as such the appointments, personnel rules and salary schedules were established by the two communities. The statute for the Veterans Service District states that the district board makes the appointments and sets the salaries but the problem is that it presumes that the VSOs are employees of the district and not of the towns. The reasoning behind setting the Crossroads District differently was to avoid the overhead of separate payroll, social security, health insurance, ect., because it could quickly eat away at any savings. The attorney from the Foxboro district felt that the statute overruled what the towns had done and the Town's own counsel, Rod Hoffman concurred. Mr. Ross went on to say the Town's labor counsel had a differing opinion. The major concern brought up by Dave Coulton, Town Administrator from the Easton District, was that if the VSOs are employees of the Town and the district board wanted to discipline or terminate one, they cannot because the VSOs are Town employees, which creates a legal conundrum. There was a compromise reached at last night's meeting (April 30 "i) of the district board, which Mr. Aptowitz was present at, but both Mr. Ross and Mr. Aptowitz are uncomfortable with it. Easton has already given notice to withdraw from the district, to great extent due to this issue but other issues relating specifically to Easton. Mr. Ross had hoped that this would provide better services to those veterans while saving money but his fear now is the smaller the district becomes it is less likely to save money and that the Town may still be in need of a third VSO for a minimum 20 hours per week and at that point it becomes neutral for the Town than beneficial. In reviewing the statute Mr. Ross reported that a decision needed to be made at tonight's meeting on whether to remain in the Crossroads Veterans District due to the requirement of giving a 60 day notice. This would bring the Town's involvement in the district to the end of the fiscal year and thus not have to renew for an additional year. Mr. Ross stated that the district had become more difficult than it intended to be. He explained that the Town has both a legal and moral obligation to provide services to the veterans of Mansfield and those services need to be provided by people with the expertise of Chapter 115 or a town can get into trouble. Mr. Ross stated unequivocally that if VSOs are moved to be employees of the district there will be no cost savings. It was felt by both Mr. Aptowitz and Mr. Ross that this all steins from the representative from Foxboro who is upset that Mr. Ross would not sign off on a pay increase that he directed. Mr. Aptowitz explained, that at a previous meeting, the district board voted to promote Mike Johns to the Director position, fter John Hogan retired, and Heath Hobson to Deputy. Votes were taken at that meeting on salaries where Mr. Aptowitz voiced his concern that any increases should come from the Town Manager position. Mr. Apotwitz felt that when the district began it provided better coverage but administratively it has become a nightmare. Both Mr. Aptowitz and Mr. Ross are leaning to have the Town leave the district. Mr. Armin asked if it is not working due to politics and personalities to which Mr. Ross reported yes that is the major portion. Mr. Aptowitz noted that there are diametrically differences on how Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 1, 2013 Page 7 of 12 the district should be run. Mr. Moran noted that Mansfield is the "glue ", meaning the contiguous border joining both towns, which is the requirement to have a district. It is a messy situation where he does not want to involve our veterans and Town in. He felt this should have been the type of collaboration that towns embrace. Mr. Ross noted that what rears its ugly head is that when you enter into a collaborative effort you don't always get what you want and that is the problem with one particular entity, compromise is necessary for each entity and collaboration will never work pushing only your own agenda. Mr. Aptowitz reported that Mansfield had no role in the differences and was very cooperative. Chairman Kozlowski asked if leaving the district would cost the Town. Mr. Aptowitz noted the cost is determined by size and with Easton leaving Mansfield will take on more than a third of the cost. Mr. Ross noted that a relationship can exist between VSOs, without a district, where they support coverage when sick or vacation, which Mr. Ross has no problem with. The problem is if there is a significant absence. Mr. Moran asked that the issues have nothing to do with the services provided to veterans but rather who the VSOs work for and who provides pay increases to which Mr. Aptowitz stated yes. Mr. Annino is concerned as to the effect on the town of Norton if Mansfield decides to leave the district. Mr. Aptowitz stated that if Mansfield does leave the district the district no longer exists. Mr. Annino does not want to leave Norton high and dry because they do not have an employed VSO agent. Mr. Aptowitz noted that the district will still be in tact until the end of the fiscal year which could give Norton time to find a solution. Mr. Ross found through some research there is a contract that can exist between towns to provide veteran services and perhaps may be a better model (exists currently in Barnstable). Mr. Annino noted he would like to open discussions with Norton if the Town decides to leave. Mr. Moran asked if the underlying issues here are long -term. Mr. Aptowitz felt it was, due to different towns having different charters and therefore conduct business differently from each other. Chairman Kozlowski asked if Foxboro was actively pushing for the district to be its own separate entity to which Mr. Ross stated yes. Mr. Aptowitz added that the Town Manager in Foxboro reported that their counsel has the district being its own entity according to the State guidelines. Chairman Kozlowski was disappointed that this situation needed to be resolved so quickly. Mr. Ross reminded the Board that the purpose of the Crossroads Veterans Services District was to provide services to those that have honorably served this country not to feather ones nest. Mr. Aptowitz asked if the Town was to withdraw, would Mr. Hobson, who is a Town employee, need to be approached and asked to stay. The Board and Mr. Ross agreed Mr. Hobson would be asked to stay. The Chairman noted that he reported to the papers that the Town had no immediate need to withdraw, but after hearing the report from Mr. Aptowitz and Mr. Ross and their recommendations he was beginning to feel differently. Mr. Aptowitz differed to Mr. Ross due to the fact that the Charter has the Town Manager position as the "CEO ". Mr. Ross was hopeful to find a way to develop relations with Norton and Easton to ease the issues but there are other personalities that are not allowing the Town to do that. Mr. Annino noted that the Town really doesn't have the time or energy to deal with the nonsense of these personalities. Motion: Withdraw from the Crossroads Veterans Service District at the conclusion of the fiscal year and have the Town Manager notify all appropriate parties immediately (Annino /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0 Mr. Annino would like Mr. Ross to contact the Town of Norton and ensure they are taken care of. Mr. Ross will work with Norton's Town Manager to see if there is a way to work through this together. Mr. Aptowitz also would like Mr. Ross to speak to Mr. Hobson. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 1, 2013 Page 8 of 12 Mr. Ross announced that he would like the evaluation conducted in open session. Chairman Kozlowski received evaluations from each Board member and the Chairman also prepared an overall summary. The Chairman distributed the evaluation and the Board took a five minute recess to allow Mr. Ross to read through the Board's evaluation. The Chairman explained that each Board member provided a numerical score on a variety of questions with accompanying comments and the Chairman then took the average score to create a summary. The first question concerned Legislative Relations which had an average score of 10. The second question concerned Public Relations /Communications which had an average score of 9.7. The third question was in relation to Budget Preparation and Administration which had an average score of 9.7. The fourth question was in reference to Managerial Skills which had an average score of 9.7. Question five was in regards to Direction/Supervision of Town Organization which had an average score of 9.3. Question six involved Personal and Professional Growth of Town Manager which had an average score of 9.8. The Overall Rating for Mr. Bill Ross, Town Manager had an average score of 9.79. Mr. Ross thanked the Board and was humbled by the confidence the Board has shown in him. He takes his job very seriously and believes that the Town belongs to the people of the community. Mr. Ross felt that one of the most important accomplishments is the development and working toward the implementation of the strategic plan. Mr. Ross felt that this gave the citizens the opportunity to give the Town their direction and tell us some of the things that we've been implanting and moving forward on and what we need to get done. Mr. Annino appreciated how Mr. Ross maintains neutrality and knows how difficult that is. Mr. Annino stated that he learns constantly from Mr. Ross. Mr. Aptowitz believed that all of the Board had the same message which is that Mr. Ross is as close to perfect as someone can be. When Mr. Ross arrived in Town he had a stack of issues which he has made tremendous effort on. He felt Mr. Ross had a good grasp of what is going on and Mansfield is a better place that he is here. Mr. Moran noted that, beside the obvious competent;y, what has impressed him is that Mr. Ross is a good person. He himself has stayed on an additional three years because he has enjoyed working with Mr. Ross. He has the ability to take the Board's opinion and pursue it relentlessly to its conclusion. "the Chairman noted many ways Mr. Ross has made the Town better and believed it to be a testament to Mr. Ross's "past lives ". The Town is in a great place and that is due largely to Mr. Ross's efforts and he appreciated the degree of thought and effort into each decision and his well - informed decisions. Motion: To accept and sign the evaluation for Mr. Bill Ross, Town Manager (Moran/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Compensation to be discussed as an agenda item at the meeting of May 15, 2013 x,xki Y,- xt s ��- i ? t �x ��F- 3'i""`i �•� �',� fl+r `�- '�r'�'r m-✓ z- .-.�a,^s #�-'e. a8- >ISCUSSIoh�o��Letfer fio FestBridQe�V tei��3oandof�elee�inen�aReg�rdrng' ��.n£� i �'�- t-•`�£�`. "`�e�rs�" t�o-i�'`3 �r' -rc'�a �a'z`x�' �n�+�- r�s.�'^sE; 4�th��step�2egronal�y�oe�,> ti gn�l�Schoola2��e�ssmelit���.�� ��, Mr. Aptowitz agreed that the situation was not fair but was unsure of what the Board could do about it. Mr. Annino stated that the Town should send a letter to the West Bridgewater Board of Selectmen in support of their action. Chairman Kozlowski supported the concept of certain towns not having to pay disproportionate shares. He believed that the Town should pay its fair share and not subsidize for other towns. Mr. Ross noted that there is a fair amount of this in other programs. Mr. Armin would like to send a letter to the State Legislature to explain the Town's concern of paying a larger share to cover the shortfall of other municipalities. Mr. Ross and Ms. Whalen will work on the draft for the Board to review at their next meetinv- None. Board or Selectmen's Meeting May 1, 2013 Page 9 of 12 A. Review /Approval of Minutes of Meetings • Board of Selectmen Minutes for April 3, 2013 Motion: To approve the Board of Selectmen Minutes for April 3, 2013 (Amrino /Aptowitz) PASSES 3:1 Moran ABSTAINS B. Approval of Warrants Town Vendor Warrant No. 13044T $79,994.18 Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant 13044T $79,994.18 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 13044E $130,761.66 Motion: To approve Electric Department Warrant No. 13044E $130,761.66 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 School Department Vendor Warrant No. 13044S $486,039.02 Motion: To approve School Department Vendor Warrant No. 13044S $486,039.02 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13044PT $309,590.89 Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13044PT $309,590.89 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 Town Deductions - Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 13044TV $91,783.75 Motion: To approve Town Payroll Warrant No. 13044TV $91,783.75 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 C. Licenses and Permits • Application for Street Closure for Haley's Heroes Road Race, June 91h Motion: To approve application for street closure for the Haley's Heroes Road Race (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 • Hackney Carriage License for Veterans Taxi d /b /a Mansfield Town Taxi, Vehicle 31 Motion: To approve Hackney Carriage License for Veterans Taxi d /b /a Mansfield Town Taxi, Vehicle 31 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:0 D. Correspondence • Email from Neil Rheimi, Executive Director, Keep Mansfield Beautiful, Regarding Results of the Great American Clean Up, April 27th • Flyer Announcing SPC. Corey Shea Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser • Press Releases from the VFW regarding: • Kick -Off of 67d' Year of the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition • Kick -Off of this year's VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary "Patriots Pen Essay" Competition • Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award All information regarding the awards /scholarships will be posted on the Town's website. • Letter from Columbia Gas Regarding Rate Increases For further information regarding the increase the letter from Columbia Gas will be posted with the Town Clerk's office. Mr. Ross announced that the Town received notice for filing of reimbursement for Hurricane Sandy and also declared eligible for reimbursement from the blizzard in early February. Mr. Ross noted it will take time to work through and the Town will receive at least some assistance. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May I, 2013 Page 10 of 12 With the assistance of the Chamber, the Town met with 30 -35 business owners and representatives of the Cabot Park at the Holiday Inn. The discussion centered on the proposed changes of the zoning code for Cabot Park and the general consensus was supportive. Mr. Ross noted there were some utility issues and questions concerning the Town providing incentive rates for energy conservation for businesses, which is no but it is certainly something that if there is interest the Light Board will take a look at as long as it does not conflict with the Town's current rate structure. The Town reported to them on the water maintenance work that has been accomplished. The_ group present would like to see if there can be service from the Train station due to the increase of employees now working in the park and coming in on the train. Representative Barrows was also present and Mr. Ross noted that Shaun Burke did an outstanding job on preparing the Town for the meeting. The Chairman asked to keep that line of communication open. Mr. Ross thanked the Board for their kind words and noted the Board works well together and give him great direction. Mr. Aptowitz had the pleasure of attending a Fraternal Order of Police frmdraiser over the weekend, which was organized by Sergeant Crossman who did an outstanding job and Mr. Aptowitz did let Chief Sellon know. Mr. Aptowitz asked the Town to ensure that Carnival activities are monitored. Mr. Aptowitz noted with the warmer weather he would like to see the substation area seeded. Mr. Aptowitz is aware of Vies coming through neighborhoods and replacing with sandy loam, which is not acceptable. Mr. Aptowitz spoke with Mr. Azinheira and felt reassured that Vies is planning on returning to hydroseed. Mr. Aptowitz will attend the Mass Buy Expo in Worcester regarding purchasing procurement with Mike Ahern and Betty Peter. Mr. Moran reported he attended Peter Hamm's ceremony who stepped down as Scout Master of Troop 17. Mr. Hamm oversaw 11 Eagle Scouts since 2008 and has contributed greatly to the community. Regarding Cabot Park, Mr. Moran felt the Town must assist in that transition and maintenance. In his travels he has seen it all and there is a huge difference those that are maintained and those that are not. Mr. Armin thanked Mr. Ross and Mr. Aptowitz on their participation in the Crossroads Veterans District. He appreciated their time and efforts expended. Chairman Kozlowski noted he had been approached by residents concerning the overnight camping issue at the Comcast Center. The residents are concerned that if there is no camping Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 1, 2013 Page I I of 12 allowed at the Comcast Center they do not want to see it in the street. The Chairman assured that Public Safety is aware and on top of the situation. Finally, a reminder to encourage residents to attend Town Meeting Tuesday night, May 7 at Mansfield High School. Mr. Ross stated that even though the budget is in good shape the Town still needs the residents to come down and participate in the last pure form of democracy. None. 14. Our Motion: To adjourn at 9:41pm (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) All in favor. PASSES 4:0 Signature of Clerk /Tracey Whalen Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May I, 2013 Page 12 of 12 Date of Approval