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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 6-19-13Board of Selectmen Minutes June 19, 2013 Present: Jess Aptowitz; Chairman, Doug Amrino; Vice Chairman, Kevin Moran; Clerk, George Dentino, Olivier Kozlowski William Ross, Town Manager Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order. The Chairman stated that the meeting is broadcasting live on Mansfield Cable Access and this broadcast will be available at various times for viewing. Chairman Aptowitz called for a motion to enter into Executive Session to A) Discuss Strategy With Respect To Litigation As An Open Meeting May Have A Detrimental Effect On The Litigation Position Of The Public Body (Ralph Penney, et al, v Town of Mansfield, et al. Docket No. BRCV2009 -01767 — Bristol Superior Court), and B) Discuss Strategy With Respect To Collective Bargaining For The DPW AFSCME Unit As Open Meeting May Have A Detrimental Effect On The Bargaining Town As Chairman of the Board Mr. Aptowitz believed the session fell into the requirement of Executive Session. Motion was moved by Mr. Kozlowski. Chairman Aptowitz amended the motion to include that upon completion of the Executive Session the Board will adjourn back into Open Session. Mr. Dentino seconded the amended motion. Dentin (AYE) Amrino (AYE) Kozlowski (AYE) Moran (AYE) and Aptowitz (AYE) The Board entered Executive Session at 6:34pm The Board entered back into Open Session at 7:23pm. Mr. Dentino exited prior to returning to Open Session. 3�— R� � n � pp o��l o u_ mnn�Ite�c� _and�'mancg D>Ir_ecfor Posrhon. Chairman Aptowitz inquired if any changes were made to the initial position descriptions that were distributed to the Board at a previous BOS meeting. Mr. Ross stated no changes were made and the descriptions were compiled from looking at similar descriptions from surrounding communities. Mr. Ross reported that the Superintendent of Schools, Brenda Hodges, had input into the Human Resource description due to it being a dual position. Mr. Kozlowski noted that the HR Director would be supervising two employees but it was his understanding that the Town would only be hiring one person, the Director. Mr. Ross explained the positions were currently existing (one from payroll and the other currently handling healthcare on the school side), so not additional employees, but will add support to the HR Director. Mr. Ross explained the same is to be said on the Finance Director's position description with that position supervising existing positions. Mr. Moran stated that he felt that the experience and qualifications for the HR Director were broader than he had anticipated. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting June 19, 2013 Page 1 of 7 Chairman Aptowitz asked about the hiring process of the HR Director and if a committee would be formed. Mr. Ross stated that he and Ms. Hodges would be working together but have yet to reach a final conclusion as to whether to include others in the process. Mr. Ross noted that a resident, with Human Resource recruitment experience, has offered to provide assistance free of charge but Mr. Ross has yet to meet that person to see if that is a viable option. Motion: To approve the job position description for the Human Resource Director (Moran/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 Motion: To accept the job position description for the Finance Director position (Moran/Kozlowski PASSES 4:0 �4= �,V�Mnvcli �e 8 MyxwM s Im� `lemeniing _ Town Accountant, John Stanbrook was present to give the Board an overview regarding the progress of implementing the Financial Management Study. Mr. Ross wanted to update the Board on the Board on where the Town is on the implementation of the number of recommendations contained in the Financial Management Study. Mr. Ross also noted that a number of these also tie into the Strategic Planning process. The presentation has been made a part of the public record. Mr. Stanbrook reported that going over the policies and procedures is an ongoing task and the Town is beginning with Reserve Fund Transfer Policies and Tax Foreclosure Policies. Mr. Stanbrook explained that these are basic tasks that have always been done in the past but never in a formalized policy and procedure, which is one of the points that Moody's wanted to see in order to have our bond grading upgraded. Mr. Stanbrook went on to state that from the Moody's report the Town will continue to show progress in the following areas for FY14: Improve Financial Reporting, Financial Communication/Financial Planning, Simplify Capital Projects (done through Town Meeting). Also, the Town will work to improve policy and procedures with Treasury and Collections such as Reconciling Cash monthly (which is completed through May), Adopting Abandoned Property Statute, Cash Drawer Applications and Reconciling Receivables. Mr. Stanbrook noted that, in the most recent Audit Report, the committee felt that the cash drawer applications and reconciling receivable were the two big things they wanted to see in a timely fashion. Mr. Ross noted that, in reference to the Health Insurance Enrollment Audit, the health group has taken proposals to complete the Health Insurance Audit. Mr. Ross reported that he is in the process of working with the executive committee in reviewing those proposals and a single firm will be hired by the health group to complete the audit for all of the Town's employees and members. Mr. Ross stated there is probably 7,000 — 8,000 lives involved and felt that it could "bare a lot of fiuit" due to situations where people on the plan actually being ineligible or misclassified and that is why these audits are done. Mr. Stanbrook reported that a Purchasing Procurement Officer position was on the schedule for FYI and he felt that the Town could really see some cost savings where Town and School could bid out together. Currently Mr. Ross has delegated that duty to Mike Ahern and the Business Manager on the school side. Mr. Ross stated that he and Mr. Stanbrook felt it was important to keep the Board apprised of the status and let the Board know the Town is working on implementing a number of items. He noted that a number of the items can be implemented at a minimal or even no cost. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting June 19, 2013 Page 2 of 7 Chairman Aptowitz asked Mr. Ross why the Finance Director stipend was $5,000.00 when it was originally $10,000.00. Mr. Ross reported that Mr. Stanbrook changed the stipend because he felt more was needed for the Human Resource position to attract a qualified candidate. Although Chairman Aptowitz found that commendable he would like to seethe stipend at $10,000.00. Mr. Ross shared Chairman Aptowitz's thoughts. Mr. Aptowitz thanked both Mr. Stanbrook and Mr. Ross for their hard work and noted what a difference it is having the information presented so timely and organized. Mr. Moran compared it to a professional entity and how the Town is acting as an organization. Mr. Annino noted the Town is plarming for the future. Mr. Moran called Mr. Stanbrook "the hardest workine man in municipal finance." Keith Signorello, 14 Susan Lane, is present. Chairman Aptowitz explained that Mr. Signorello and his partner will be building a new facility over at their location on Route 106. Mr. Signorello noted that construction is set to begin in July and one of the recommendations from the Planning Board was to move the street entrance on Route 106 over six feet for safety reasons. Due to the moratorium on Route 106, he will need approval from the Board. Mr. Ross stated that, in this instance, the Town felt that safety precautions override a one foot intrusion into the street and agreed with Lee Azinheira, DPW Director's, recommendation of the street cut waiver request. Motion: To support the Street Cut Waiver Request (Kozlowski/Moran) PASSES 3:0:1 Annino ABSTAINS due to Mr. Signorello is his client. Mr. Ross appreciated the confidence that Mr. Signorello has shown the Town in staving. None A. Review /Approval of Minutes of Meetings • Board of Selectmen Minutes for May 22, 2013 Motion: To approve the Board of Selectmen Minutes for May 22, 2013 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 3:0:1 Moran ABSTAINS • Board of Selectmen Minutes for May 29, 2013 Motion: To approve the Board of Selectmen Minutes for May 29, 2013 (Annino/Moran) PASSES 4:0 B. Approval of Warrants Town Vendor Warrant No. 13049T $88,832.82 Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant 13049T $88,832.82 (Annino/Moran) PASSES 4:0 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 13049E $8,107.56 Motion: To approve Electric Department Warrant No. 13049E $8,107.56 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 School Department Vendor Warrant No. 13049S $5,705.00 Motion: To approve School Department Vendor Warrant No. 13049S $53705.00 (Annino /Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13049PT $332,178.16 Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13049PT $332,178.16 (Annino /Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 Town Deductions - Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 13049TV $99,166.78 Motion: To approve Town Payroll Warrant No. 13049TV $99,166.78 (Amrino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13049PS $1,735,641.49 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting June 19, 2013 Page 3 of 7 Motion: To approve School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13049PS $1,735,641.49 (Kozlowski/Moran) PASSES 3:1 Annino NAY School Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 13049SV $580,640.62 Motion: To approve School Payroll Warrant No. 13049SV $580,640.62 (Annino/Moran) PASSES 4:0 Town Vendor Warrant No. 13050T $189,395.28 Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant 13050T $189,395.28 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 13050E $1,349,114.27 Motion: To approve Electric Department Warrant No. 13050E $1,349,114.27 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 School Department Vendor Warrant No. 130505 $295,841.65 Motion: To approve School Department Vendor Warrant No. 13050S $295,841.65 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 1305OPT $419,168.96 Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 1305OPT $419,168.96 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 Town Deductions - Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 13050TV $133,395.93 Motion: To approve Town Payroll Warrant No. 13050TV $133,395.93 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 School Deductions — Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 13050SV $3,050.10 Motion: To approve School Deductions — Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 13050SV $3,050.10 (Annino /Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 Town Vendor Warrant No. 13051T$232,804.68 Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant 13051T $232,804.68 (Annino /Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 13051E $219,407.22 Motion: To approve Electric Department Warrant No. 13051E $219,407.22 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 School Department Vendor Warrant No. 13051 S $48,361.94 Motion: To approve School Department Vendor Warrant No. 13051S $48,361.94 (Atmino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13051PT $321,567.00 Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13051PT $321,567.00 (Annino /Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 1305 ITV $96,205.05 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 1305 ITV $96,205.05 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13051PS $2,823,782.98 Motion: To approve School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13051PS $2,823,782.98 (Kozlowski/Moran) PASSES 3:1 Annino NAY School Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 13051 SV $948,896.69 Motion: To approve School Payroll Warrant No. 13051SV $948,896.69 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 Chairman Aptowitz noted that there were three week's of warrants for approval. C. Licenses and Permits • Water Installer's License for G. Lopes Construction, Inc. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting June 19, 2013 Page 4 of 7 Motion: To approve the Water Installer's License for G. Lopes Construction, Inc. (Armino/Moran) PASSES 4:0 D. Correspondence • Letter received by Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable regarding Public and evidentiary hearing to investigate proposed Basic Tier Programming, Equipment and Installation Rates for all of the rate regulated communities in MA served by Comcast Cable Communications, LLC Mr. Ross reported that Lou Arnoruso, Chairman of the Cable Advisory Committee, spoke to the Committee's attorney, who felt that if this is all set to be filed it is a set deal (meaning there is proof of adequate competition) and not worth the Town's effort. • Letter received by Jim Bazinet regarding exemplary response by Mansfield's first responders during recent medical emergency. Mr. Moran read the letter into the record. E. Banner Approval • Review of Barrier Request for Friends of the Council On Aging Holiday Fair Motion: To approve the banner for the Friends of the Council On Aging Holiday Fair (Annino /Moran) PASSES 4:0 Mr. Annino asked that Ms. Whalen report back to the Council to please make Mansfield more prominent in future use. Mr. Ross reported that the Town has posted on website that there will be a street closing, June 24 "', out on West Street between Union and Main Streets, to run water and sewer lines to the new development. The Town will be done mostly at night but there will be a detour. Work is expected to be completed by June 27t1i. Mr. Ross noted that paving on Eastman Street would begin at night, when traffic volumes are lower on June 19th. The process has taken about two years. Mr. Ross had made the following new appointments: New Park and Recreation Director is Sherri Gurnon. Kevin Kemp, Chairman of Park and Recreation Board, assisted Mr. Ross in process where there were two internal candidates. Ms. Gumon will be starting July 1st. Caitlin Merrill began Monday (June 171") as the new Conservation Agent for the Town. Nick Riccio, Shaun Burke and representatives of the Conservation Commission had interviewed five applicants. Ms. Merrill has worked in both the public and private sector with great interest in customer service. She will work 19 hours a week, per the Budget. Mr. Ross noted she has worked with private engineering firms and contractors and has previous experience as a conservation agent. Mr. Ross noted that the Town Manager's office has rearranged in order to make room for the new HR Director. The file room has been moved into "fish bowl ". Mr. Ross expressed his concern over the Governor's recent action NOT to release money promised under Chapter 90, which would have given Mansfield $1,100,000. Mr. Ross stated that not only did the Governor not release the money but he cut the amount for the current year by 50 %, this would now give the Town only $250,000. Mr. Ross explained that the Governor is in the middle of Board Of Selectmen's Meeting June 19, 2013 Page 5 of 7 feud with legislation over funding for transportation and is annoyed that the cities and towns did not line up in support. Mr. Ross said it is unfortunate that he has decided to cut the funding for all communities in Commonwealth but it has also disadvantaged the citizen's abilities to use the streets and the ability to attract new economic opportunities to the Town. Mr. Ross felt the Town's residents wanted the streets fixed and spoke to this a Town Meeting. He found the Governor's actions unconscious able. Chairman Aptowitz recommended sending a letter expressing our outrage. Mr. Moran spoke to Senator Timilty, who was also upset and he and others are trying to remedy and are not taking this lightly. Mr. Kozlowski stated that the idea behind this was to get local officials to lobby local legislatures to pass Governor's tax hikes. Mr. Kozlowski stated the Town should take the opposite approach and send a letter to the Governor stating we want the money that the legislature PASSED and is due. Chairman Aptowtiz stated that it is so hard to run Motion: To draft a letter to the Governor expressing the Board and Town Manager's concern over the Governor's recent decision not to release the funds passed by legislation under Chapter 90. PASSES 4:0 Mr. Kozlowski noted he was pleased that the end of year spending year has yet to happen. Mr. Ross felt the Town is in reasonably good shape. Mr. Kozlowski inquired as to the status of Conservation Commission Regulations and meeting with Town Counsel, Mr. Ross noted that Counsel has been tied up but that the Conservation Commission also wanted to wait until an agent was on Board. Mr. Kozlowski attended a meeting, where Mr. Ross presented, at the industrial park regarding the concept of BID (business improvement district). He believed most in attendance were tenants. Mr. Kozlowski reported that he is looking for old historical photographs of the North Common area so the Town can create a theatre in the round display. Chairman Aptowitz asked to have signs placed on the Rails for Trails to leash and pick up after dogs. Regarding the Verizon Fios installation, Chairman Aptowitz noted that in speaking with a Verizon representative, once a resident sees that the wiring is completed to wait a few weeks then contact Verizon to schedule them to return for lawn repairs. Chairman Aptowitz asked if we the Town could order a flag pole for the North Common. Mr. Ross reported that the Town is ensuring there are adequate resources available and if so it would be done by the end of the fiscal year. Chairman Aptowitz was asked by residents if the Town would be painting the white lines on the roadways since they are currently in the process of painting the yellow to which Mr. Ross reported yes. Board Of selectmen's Meeting June 19, 2013 Page 6 of 7 Chairman Aptowitz recently visited the compound/command center at the Comcast Center during the Dave Matthews concerts and noted what a great job both Chief Sellon and Chief Boldrighini and their staffs were doing. With over 20,000 patrons the compound was non -stop and everyone got involved to get through the events. Chairman Aptowitz wanted the Board's thoughts concerning the Boston Cane. The discussion being that in the past the cane has been presented to the eldest resident of Mansfield who then came to their demise rather quickly. He asked that the Board think about it. Chairman Aptowitz noted that Mr. Dentino is in favor of the cane and Mr. Amrino also stated that he thought the tradition should continue. The Chairman asked Mr. Ross to research who the next recipient should be. None. Motion: To adjourn the BOS meeting at 8:23pm (Aptowitz/Moran) Signature ot Clerk /Tracey Whalen Board Of Selectmen's Meeting June 19, 2013 Page 7 of 7 Date of Approval