HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 5-22-13Board of Selectmen Minutes
May 22, 2013
Present: Jess Aptowitz; Chairman, Doug Annino; Vice Chairman, George Dentine, Olivier
Kozlowski William Ross, Town Manager
Absent: Kevin Moran; Clerk
Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order and stated that the meeting is broadcasting live on
Mansfield Cable Access and this broadcast will be available at various times for viewine.
Chairman Aptowitz welcomed Troop Leader Tanya Conway and the grade four Girl Scouts from
Troop 80260 for attending the Board's meeting and touring Town Hall. He wished them luck in
attaining their badge. The Chairman introduced the girls in attendance: Christina Chaffee,
Isabelle Conway, Danielle Donovan, Olivia Francis, Abby Greenberg, Sarah Harrington,
Katherine Jansen, Hamra Rau, Emily Shapiro, Rachel Shapiro, Annie Sullivan, Elle Weinstein and
Gigi Wendland.
Police Chief Sellon stated that he has the esteem pleasure to introduce two promotions within the
Police Department. The first is Sergeant Larry Crossman who was promoted to Detective
Sergeant and the second is Officer Jeffrey Bombard, promoted Sergeant. Chief Sellon gave a brief
summary of both Sergeant Crossman and Sergeant Bombard's backgrounds within the Mansfield
Police Department. The two gentlemen were then pinned by family members and sworn in by
Town Clerk, Marianne Staples.
Chief Sellon and Chief Boldrighini both recognized the tremendous efforts of their officers and
departments in response to times of tragedies, in particular the Boston Marathon Bombings.
Letters of Commendation were received from the State level and awarded to Sergeant Bombard,
Sergeant Tracy Juda, Sergeant Roy Bain and Detective Michael Ellsworth. Chief Boldrighini gave
a background of the types of events the Town has responded to as part of FEMA Urban Search and
Rescue Team such as tornados in Springfield, Atlanta and Hurricane Sandy in Jersey.
Mr. Dentino stated that he hoped that there is some way for the Town's outstanding Fire and Police
Departments to aid the state of Oklahoma by sending staff to the area. He asked both Chiefs and
the Town Manage to discuss as long as it doesn't compromise the Town.
Mr. Annino stated he is extremely proud and pleased at the efforts of the Police and Fire
Departments and the individuals present before the Board. He is al-ways amazed.
Mr. Kozlowski congratulated those in attendance receiving promotions and noted his appreciation
of the services the departments provide day in and day out.
Chairman Aptowitz stated what a great job the two departments do and how their members step up
to the plate each and every time. The Chairman noted that a hot button topic in the Town is the
Comcast Center and while both departments were present he wanted to compliment them on a
well -oiled machine in regards to the season opener. Chairman Aptowitz, Selectman Kozlowski
and Town Manager, Bill Ross, were able to witness the new policies in place first hand as they
visited the Comcast Center on its opening concert, Brad Paisley. He stated it was organized, safe
Board Of selectmen's Meeting May 22, 2013
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and made him feel it was a team event. In particular he thanked Detective Ellsworth for all his hard
work in regards to the technical aspects.
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Chairman Aptowitz noted that there is paperwork for the Board to approve regarding Verizon
petitioning to relocate a pole on Branch Street. The Chairman noted Ire did inquire to see if a
public hearing was required and found it was unnecessary.
Motion: To adopt the order for joint pole relocation as submitted Discussion: Mr. Kozlowski
inquired as to the reasoning for no public hearing to which Chairman Aptowitz stated the pole
relocation was on the original plans and hearings were conducted at that time.
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Chairman Aptowitz called for a mntinn to enter into Axecntive. Cassinn ThP Chnirmnn read the
Executive Session into the record and stated, as Chairman, he felt it is appropriate to enter in
session Motion: To enter into Executive Session regarding the previously cited case
(Kozlowski /Annino) Discussion: Mr. Dentino inquired as to scheduling this session in the middle
of the BOS Meeting. Chairman Aptowitz noted that in his discussions with the Town Manager it
was felt that the attorney is on the clock and they did not want to keep counsel waiting. The earlier
pinning ceremony had been scheduled a few weeks ago therefore that ceremony needed to remain
at the scheduled time. Mr. Dentino stated it did not matter to keep counsel waiting as they are on
stipend to which Chairman Aptowitz stated that was incorrect. Mr. Dentino was concerned for
those in attendance and having them wait. Chairman Aptowitz called for a roll call vote:
Kozlowski (AYE), Annino (AYE , Dentino (AYE) and Aptowitz (AYE) 4:0
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William Walker is present and gave a brief background of his residency in Mansfield and noted he
was encouraged by members of the Airport Commission to volunteer to serve. He noted he met
with Commission and would be happy to serve with them. Mr. Kozlowski thanked Mr. Walker for
stepping up and applying. Mr. Kozlowski asked Mr. Walker's opinion on the availability and
appropriateness of jet fuel. Mr. Walker had no opinion on the issue as lie did not see a need for it at
this particular point unless there was an increase in helicopter traffic. Mr. Kozlowski stated some
of the more modern prop planes would use that fuel. Mr. Kozlowski asked if Mr. Walker had an
opinion on Back Bay Brook and efforts to either expand it or use it an additional overrun. Mr.
Walker was unfamiliar with that topic. Mr. Annino thanked Mr. Walker for volunteering as
volunteers assist in running the Town. Mr. Annino stated the airport is a very important part of the
Town and suggested that Mr. Walker make sure he attends Town Meeting. Mr. Dentino
appreciated Mr. Walker's time for the community and liked his personality and sense of lmmor
and that the Airport Commission is a great commission to learn from. Chairman Aptowitz thanked
Mr. Walker for applying and coming before the Board.
Motion: To approve the application of Mr. William L. Walker to the Airport Commission
(Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0
Pam Vickers, Troop Committee Chair for Troop 17, is present along Carol Ham. Ms. Vickers
noted that Troop 17 has been in Mansfield for 90 years as of June 1St. Ms. Vickers reported that on
June 1St there will be a celebration for the troop and the Town. Ms. Vickers detailed the plans for
Board Of selectmen's Meeting May 22, 2013
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the event and noted that their only concern is the parking situation on Union Street where it may be
difficult to have parking on both sides of the street and still have public safety vehicles get through
if needed. Chairman Kozlowski noted that there is also construction there and the food pantry as
well. Mr. Annino noted these are the types of events the Town looks for and applauded Ms.
Vickers for her organization. Mr. Dentin said this is another great plan from Troop 17 but is
concerned about the parking situation. Mr. Dentin gave the suggestion of the parking lot across
from Mansfield Bank and having organizers drop their materials off and then park there, saving
spaces for attendees. Mr. Ross felt that the Dodge dealership would be a great option and that the
Town could help with finding that contact number and that Mr. Dentino's suggestion was good as
well. Chairman Aptowitz asked if insurance was attained to which Ms. Vickers reported yes and
copies were available. Mr. Annino wanted to be sure that the Town's insurance could handle the
event as well to which Mr. Ross reported yes.
Motion: To approve the requests from the Boy Scouts Troop 17 in regards to their 90 °i
Anniversary Celebration including banner type signs at the North and South Commons for
advertising, to approve the use of Town Hall facilities, to approve the closure of Park Row, the
Dunk Tank, Cooking Demonstration, Rope Bridge behind the Doughboy Memorial and keeping
with the comments of the Chief of Police, Fire Department Chief and Building Inspector
(Kozlowski /Dentin) PASSES 4:0
Chairman Aptowitz noted that the Board would table this portion due to Mr. Moran's absence and
that it would follow next week when a full Board is present.
Mr. Annino presented a Signage and Downtown Identification package for the Town that he and
Mr. Ross have been working on. The package incorporated themed signage throughout the Town
creating consistency but more importantly branding and promoting the Town so that Mansfield
can become more recognizable. Currently the Town has no signage program and what is in place
differs in typeset, font, size and missing the Town Seal. Mr. Armin would like to create visual
interest and stated this is a beginning stage to open up a discussion going forward. Mr. Annino
stated the unifying aspect of the design is the Town Seal. The signage would encompass Schools,
Town Events, Kiosks, Downtown and Points of Interest (Town Hall, Library, Council of Aging,
ect.). The presentation has been incorporated into the record for viewing upon request.
The Board's discussion then centered around cost, timing and inventory. Mr. Annino felt the
program could be instituted in phases, to avoid a huge cost, but what was most important was for
the Board to fix a type and style going forward, particularly a logo and color. Mr. Ross felt that
Tracey Whalen, Shama Burke and himself would work together to come up with a half dozen ideas
to present to the Board for review for the logo, tune set and font.
None.
A. Review /Approval of Minutes of Meetings
• Board of Selectmen Minutes for May 15, 2013
Motion: To approve the Board of Selectmen Minutes for May 15, 2013 (Annino/Dentino)
PASSES 4:0
B. Approval of Warrants
Town Vendor Warrant No. 13O47T $272,385.57
Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant 13047T $272,385.57
(Anino/Dentino) PASSES 4:0
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 22, 2013
Page 3 of 5
Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 13047E $1,729,396.96
Motion: To approve Electric Department Warrant No. 13047E $1,729,396.96
(Amrino/Dentino) PASSES 4:0
School Department Vendor Warrant No. 130475 $3,709.00
Motion: To approve School Department Vendor Warrant No. 13047S $3,709.00
(Dentin /Annino) PASSES 4:0
Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13047PT $301,988.00
Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13047PT
$301,988.00 (Annino /Kozlowski) PASSES 3:1 Dentino NAY
Town Deductions - Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 13047TV $89,716.87
Motion: To approve Town Payroll Warrant No. 13047TV $89,716.87
(Annino /Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0
School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13047PS $1,441,886.07
Motion: To approve School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13047PS
$1,441,886.07 (Dentino/Kozlowski) PASSES 3:1 Annino NAY
School Deductions — Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 13047SV $485,470.67
Motion: To approve School Deductions — Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 13047SV
$485,470.67 (Dentin /Annino) PASSES 4:0
C. Licenses and Permits
D. Proclamations
• Nicholas DeMassi, Eagle Scout, from Mansfield Boy Scout Troop 51 and Atmawon
Council
The Chairman noted the ceremony is on June 2 a at St. Mary's Parish Hall.
E.
Mr. Ross reminded that Monday is Memorial Day and that there will be a parade starting at
Memorial Park at 10:00am with a luncheon to follow at the VFW. The public is invited to attend.
Mr. Ross will distribute to the Board a copy of Chief Sellon's report from the South Shore Antique
Auto Club's Trading Bee (May 1 Ot"). He noted in particular the increased police and fire presence
led to many vendors thanking the Town for the organization of the event and keeping it on an even
keel.
Mr. Ross refreshed the Board on the home application to 214 Rumford to provide home assistance
project. Mr. Ross reported he received a letter from the State with final approval for four rental
units in the development that will be home sponsored and that will need to meet income
requirements. This adds to the affordable units in the community and meets the requirements of
State law and so the Town will not have to face a 40B violation.
Mr. Ross will have for the Board next week the position descriptions for their approval regarding
the Human Resource Director and the Finance Director. The Town cannot move forward without
the Board's annroval.
Mr. Kozlowski asked, in regards to scheduling time on next week's agenda, a discussion of the
status of the Chocolate Factory given the vote from Town Meeting. Mr. Annino asked that a
zoning map and appraisal be incorporated into the BOS packets.
Board Of selectmen's Meeting May 22, 2013
Page 4 of 5
Chairman Aptowitz inquired about scheduling a Light Commissioner's meeting. Mr. Dentine,
Chairman of the Light Commissioners, would like to have the meeting prior to the Board's
meeting next Wednesday, May 29t". Mr. Ross stated that there is an Executive Session scheduled
for next week as well but that attorney is paid by the insurance company and can be scheduled later
in the evening. Mr. Dentin wants to be sure that there is no break in the BOS meeting as it is a
disservice to the public and those in attendance and is disruptive. Mr. Dentine would like to see
Executive Sessions scheduled at the end of BOS meetings going forward.
Chairman Aptowitz asked Mr. Ross how to finalize the Operation Review, which was emailed to
the Board. Mr. Ross noted the Selectmen and School Department need to review the document
and then schedule an agenda item to discuss and from there continually update the Board on the
progress. Mr. Dentino liked the document, which is an ever changing piece of information, and all
of the positions should have grades and steps, which he felt is useful when looking at the financial
picture. Mr. Ross noted these are the types of things that the new HR Director will be working on.
Mr. Ross also noted that the Town still does not have a complete listing of all Town employees but
it is in the works. Mr. Ross stated that Deb Herbert has been instrumental in getting this done on
the Municipal side.
None.
Motion: To Adjourn
Y.V
JL
Signature of Clerk
/Tracey Whalen
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 22, 2013
Page 5 of 5
meeting at 9:21pm (AptowiWKozlowski) PASSES
Date of Approval