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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 5-29-13Board of Selectmen Minutes May 29, 2013 Present: Jess Aptowitz; Chairman, Doug Annino; Vice Chairman, Kevin Moran; Clerk, George Dentino, Olivier Kozlowski William Ross, Town Manager Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order and noted that the Board initially met as Light Commissioners and the pledge was done at that time. The Chairman stated that the meeting is broadcasting live on Mansfield Cable Access and this broadcast will be available at various times for viewing. Prior to starting Mr. Ross announced that Town Counsel was indisposed and unable to attend tonight's meeting, therefore the Agenda was modified to exclude Executive Session. Mr. Moran read the Warrant into the record regarding the Special State Election on June 25, 2013 for casting votes for Senator. Motion: To sign the Special State Election Warrant (Moran/Annino) PASSES 5:0 Mr. Kozlowski asked for a discussion of the possible use or reuse of the Chocolate Factory buildings and property. Mr. Kozlowski explained that since the proposed reuse of an apartment complex failed at Town Meeting it was important to be proactive in informing the public of what could go there. He also noted that this is private property. Shaun Burke and Jennifer Davis created a presentation for the Board. Mr. Ross gave the brief presentation concerning the option for the Chocolate Factory, located at 150 Oakland Street. Mr. Ross reported that the Chocolate Factory building itself was built in 1903 and Zoned I2, limited industrial, six stories and 177,000 square feet. Other buildings on the site have approximately 38,000 square feet and assessed at $2.7 million. Mr. Ross' presentation included maps and photos of the site, and possible reuse options for the site, which include: By -Right Uses: Bank, Office, Lodge /Club, Funeral Home, Craft Shop/Building Trade, Biotechnology, Research & Development, Bulk Material Storage /Sales, Light Manufacturing, General Manufacturing or Self/Mini Storage. Mr. Ross noted that in speaking with Shaun Burke there is the possibility for multiplicity uses. Special Permit: Uses: Retail, Hotel/Motel, Kennel, Veterinary Hospital, Auto Service Station, Vehicular Dealership, Auto Repair /Body Shop, Parking Facility, Warehouse, Older Building Reuse. These would require public hearings and approval from the Planning Board. Mr. Ross noted that any other uses not listed would require action at Town Meeting. Mr. Kozlowski stated that would be the process for educational use as well. The presentation is part of the record. Chairman Aptowitz inquired if anyone from the Town has contacted the current owner. Mr. Ross reported that no one from the Town has contacted the owner but had heard a few local real estate agents have. Mr. Ross believed it would be the private sector to come forward with reuse of the site and that the Town has an obligation to work with the private sector to be open to various opportunities but must protect the integrity of surrounding neighborhoods. Mr. Kozlowski noted that because the property is grandfathered there is a much higher floor area ratio that would disappear if the building were to come down or redevelop the site and secondly it is a six story building and you can't build a six story building anymore. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 29, 2013 Page I of 5 Mr. Moran wanted people to realize that the area in the building is restrictive and there is not a lot of open space due to large pillars running throughout. It is a unique structure. Mr. Annino felt that the biggest challenge would be finding a huge group interested. He felt that housing could work there and classrooms could work lengthwise but large open spaces like an auditorium or assembly spaces would be difficult. Mr. Annino felt the role of the Board/Town is leading in directing so that the building is not torn down. Mr. Kozlowski hoped that the Board discussing the options would spark an interest in the site. Mr. Kozlowski would like to see the Town open a line of communication with the property owner. Chairman Aptowitz suggested that Mr. Ross contact ADM to find out if the site is currently being marketed for sale. Mr. Ross stated that ADM is very private in terms of how they do business. Stan Feck, from Stearns Avenue, thanked the Board for openly discussing and giving the public more information regarding the site. He felt it would be a good idea to become knowledgeable in what can go into that site and to be prepared if and when it is marketed. He was sure that the grandfather rights would only apply towards its current use and that if the use is changed the grandfather rights would no longer apply. Chairman Aptowitz noted that once the Town finds out if the site is going to market that Nick Riccio, Shaun Burke and others would become involved. Mr. Feck felt that perhaps the Town could purchase the property and move all the Town Departments to that one location (Fire, Police and DPW). He felt that it could be done in phases and then sell off the original properties as the Town relocates. The Board thanked Mr. Feck for coming and for his ideas. Mr. Dentine felt that due diligence would be needed by any interested party as the building itself does not lend to a lot of things. Mr. Dentine had just finished work on a building (tannery) with odd spacing and they were able to work with the columns, making them focal points. Chairman Aptowitz asked the Board for their input regarding the Board's summer schedule. He asked if any of the Board has scheduled time be away to which Mr. Annino noted that he is flexible and Mr. Moran believed he will be travelling the first week of August. After discussion the Board decided on the following schedule: For the month of June (Wednesdays): Board will meet on June 5t1i and June 19 "i. The Board will meet on June 26111 but at 8:00pm due to the Duck Race. The Board WILL NOT meet on June 12th. For the month of July (Wednesdays): The Board will meet on July 10°i and July 24d'. The Board WILL NOT meet on July 3`d, July 17th and July 31ST For the month of August (Wednesdays) The Board will meet on August 14d' and August 28d'. The Board WILL NOT meet on August 7 °i and August 21" This schedule is subiect to change. Chairman Aptowitz asked the Board if there were any changes regarding committees that each of them are currently assigned. After a brief discussion, the Board decided on the following assignments: CIP: George Dentino and Kevin Moran Audit Committee: Chairman Jess Aptowitz Budget Sub - Committee: Chairman Jess Aptowitz and Kevin Moran Operational Review: Olivier Kozlowski IMA: George Dentino Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 29, 2013 Page 2 of 5 Comcast License Committee: Vice Chairman Doug Annino and Olivier Kozlowski Strategic Plannine Committee: Vice Chairman Doua Annino and Olivier Kozlowski None A. Review /Approval of Minutes of Meetings • Board of Selectmen Minutes for April 24, 2013 Motion: To approve the Board of Selectmen Minutes for April 24, 2013 (Kozlowski / Annino) PASSES 4:0:1 Moran ABSTAINS B. Approval of Warrants Town Vendor Warrant No. 13048T $1,429,949.30 Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant 13048T $1,429,949.30 (Annino /Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 13048E $28,504.12 Motion: To approve Electric Department Warrant No. 13048E $28,504.12 (Annino /Dentino) PASSES 5:0 School Department Vendor Warrant No. 13048S $653,404.54 Motion: To approve School Department Vendor Warrant No. 13048S $653,404.54 (Annino/Dentino) PASSES 5:0 Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13048PT $327,952.29 Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13048PT $327,952.29 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:1 Dentine NAY Town Deductions - Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 13048TV $100,311.00 Motion: To approve Town Payroll Warrant No. 13048TV $100,311.00 (Annino/Dentino) PASSES 5:0 School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13048PS $6,432.88 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13048PS $6,432.88 (Dentino/Moran) PASSES 4:1 Annino NAY C. Licenses and Permits • First Annual Run from the Cops 5K Fun Run and Walk, July 28 °i Motion: To approve the Run from the Cops 5K Fun Run and Walk (Kozlowski/Annino) PASSES 5:0 • Hidden Lane Block Party Request, August 25t" Motion: To approve the Hidden Lane Block Party (Kozlowski/Dentino) PASSES 5:0 D. Correspondence • Congressman Joe Kennedy announcing Marty Reynolds as an award winner for the 4t" District Congressional Art Competition Mr. Annino asked that a letter of congratulations be sent to Marty Reynolds to which Mr. Ross stated would be done. E. Banner Approval • The Jamie Fund Road Race Motion: To approve the banner for the Jamie Fund Road Race upon the condition of orovidina the correct date on the banner and in color. DBA will be meeting on June 3'" at 8:30am here at Town Hall, concerning zoning changes downtown and sidewalk changes. Mr. Ross had reported at a previous BOS meeting that there is $50,000 in funds that the Town has available for sidewalks. The meeting is open to the public. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 29, 2013 Page 3 of 5 The Chamber is having an economic development meeting where the State Treasurer will be present and speaking. The meeting will be at the Holiday hm on June Ott' at 7:45am. Mr. Ross distributed to the Board position descriptions for the Human Resource and Finance Director /Town Accountant for the Board's review and would like to have a discussion on next week's agenda. Mr. Ross noted that a schedule of Capital Improvements is forthcoming. Mr. Ross has met with the School Department regarding their portion of the Capital Improvement Program. Shaun Burke has the basic spreadsheet created and is meeting with each departments on scheduling. Note that trash collection is delayed one day this week due to the Memorial Day holiday. This occurs 5 other times during the year and those dates are available on the Town's website. The Town has been working on the financial policies that were recommended on the overall financial review and by Standard and Poors. Specifically, the Town is looking at surplus property, investment policy and free cash policy. These are just a few examples and there will be more. Mr. Ross did meet with the Finance Chair and informed him of the status. There was also discussion of the Fales oil building and felt strongly that the building needed to be removed from the site. Mr. Ross noted that the Town will be taking bids on the removal, including the wall (cement), and cleaning the adjacent area. Mr. Kozlowski noted that there was a party interested in purchasing the property "as is" to which Mr. Ross noted that the Town feels the property would be worth more once it is cleaned and restored. Mr. Ross conveyed to the Board that if they had any issue with the Town's plan to begin the process of removing the building and cleaning the area he would be more than happy to discuss with them other options. Mr. Ross wanted the Board to be informed of the situation. Mr. Annino would like to incorporate the Old Colony Way area into the project to possibly optimize the Town's parking in the downtown. Mr. Moran noted it was great to see everyone at the Memorial Day parade and stated that Heath Hobson, Veteran's Agent, did a great job organizing his first Town parade. Mr. Moran noted that the 90"' Anniversary Celebration for Troop 17 is this Saturday, June l St. The troops will be collecting can goods and will retire any American flags with a proper ceremony. Mr. Kozlowski reported he was recently co- counsel on a neighboring community's re -count where on Election Day ended in a tie and after the re -count still ended in tie. A perfect example of how every vote matters. Mr. Dentino is pleased with the running of the Comcast Center. He noted the transparency that the public can see, improvements in medical staffing, police deployment in the pavilion, metro swat team on the lawn area with additional lighting. He appreciated the reports the Board receives after each show from the Police and Fire Departments. Mr. Dentino noted that Chief Sellon and his team are working in harmony and he is appearing to be a "no nonsense" chief. Mr. Annino asked about the traffic situation at Comcast to which Chairman Aptowitz stated that there really hasn't been an issue due to initial low numbers. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 29, 2013 Page 4 of 5 Chairman Aptowitz spoke particularly to the underage drinking and the PC of the minors. Chairman Aptowitz spoke with a few of the parents at the first show (Brad Paisley) and noted how appreciative these parents were as to how their child was handled. The Chairman witnessed the conversations between the parents and the officers as well and felt it was handled with extreme care. He also noted the Comcast security was much more involved and took action. None. Motion: To adjourn the BOS meeting at 9:31pm Signature of Clerk /Tracey Whalen Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 29, 2013 Page 5 of 5 6 // , btT, -j - Date of Approval