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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 6-26-13Board of Selectmen Minutes June 26, 2013 Present: Jess Aptowitz; Chairman, Doug Annino; Vice Chairman, Kevin Moran; Clerk, George Dentine. Olivier Kozlowski William Ross. Town Manager Aptowitz called the meeting to order. The Chairman stated TAPED for future broadcast due to Mansfield Cable Access updating equipment. nteraew and C'onsrdeahn of Appointment of Heath Hobson as Veteraus Seilree Officer �ffecive JulY,l' 2013' Heath Hobson is present before the Board. Mr. Hobson has been involved with the Town since May, 2012, as part of the Crossroads Veterans District, splitting his time between Mansfield and Foxboro and then added Easton to his territory when John Hogan retired. With the dissolution of the Crossroads District Mr. Hobson is applying for the Veteran's Service Officer position for the Town of Mansfield ONLY. Chairman Aptowitz explained that the Veteran's Service Officer position reports directly to the Board but for administrative purposes will report to the Town Manager. Mr. Annino asked Mr. Hobson what he felt the number one need was currently for the Town concerning its veterans. Mr. Hobson explained that outreach is the number one priority due to the number of veterans spanning over generations (Korean, Vietnam to present). He felt the Town is at a peak in its service for veterans and their families. Mr. Hobson felt that getting the word out of the programs and benefits available to these veterans and their families is important. Mr. Annino felt that education of the programs available to the veterans is so important. Mr. Annino thanked Mr. Hobson for his service to the country and to the Mansfield community. Mr. Dentino asked what the number of active veteran case -loads was currently for Mansfield. Mr. Hobson stated that there is approximately 25 veterans that are on State benefits which are administered through the Town. Mr. Hobson also deals with an additional 15 open cases on a weekly basis, ranging from compensation and aid and attendance (nursing or in home assistance), which continues to grow. These cases do not typically stay open long. Mr. Dentino asked if Mr. Hobson could provide a number of veterans for each war. He stated he would but could say that the bulk is from the Vietnam War, Mr. Kozlowski noted that Mr. Hobson joined during the Crossroads District era and wondered if Mr. Hobson had any insight as he worked in all four communities. Mr. Hobson felt the District was a learning experience. He felt that the District gave him a broader range of cases to work, which gave him additional knowledge and experience to bring to his position in Mansfield. Mr. Hobson stated that he felt Mansfield is run pretty smoothly. Mr. Moran noted that the Crossroads District gave Mr. Hobson great exposure and it was a good model but it was unfortunate it did not work. Mr. Moran would like for the primary focus to be providing the highest level of service to the veterans that the Town can give. Mr. Moran wished Mr. Hobson well. Chairman Aptowitz noted that Mr. Hobson was a staff sergeant and served in Iraq. The Chairman read the many accolades which Mr. Hobson received during his time in service, which included a Army Commendation Medal and Purple Heart. The Chairman stated that his service is to be Board Of Selectmen's Meeting June 26, 2013 Page I of 4 commended. All veterans have issues that they may need assistance with and the Chairman is confident they are in good hands with Mr. Hobson. He asked that Mr. Hobson please keep the Board informed. Mr. Ross has had several conversations with Mr. Hobson and felt lie is dedicated to the veterans in the community and to working with the Board and Town Manager as a team. Mr. Ross has taken care of placing Mr. Hobson in the proper bargaining unit. Mr. Dentino felt that even though he hasn't spent a lot of time with Mr. Hobson he was very comfortable with how articulate and knowledgeable Mr. Hobson is. He felt lie would do a great job as the Town's VSO. Motion: To appoint Heath Hobson as the Veteran Service Officer for the Town of Mansfield Effective July 1, 2013 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 5:0 Chairman Aptowitz explained that Mr. Ragazzo had come before the Board previously for consideration of appointment for the Planning Board. Chairman Aptowitz felt at that time that Mr. Ragazzo would be better served for the position being vacated by Jason Porter on the Audit Committee. The appointment is being heard at this time due to the Board not meeting again prior to the June 30t" expiration of the seat on the Planning Board. Mr. Annino stated that given Mr. Ragazzo's background (CPA and Internal Audit) and experience he felt he was a good fit for the upcoming vacancy. Mr. Moran stated that Mr. Ragazzo certainly has the educational background and experience to be appointed to the Committee. Mr. Dentin was concerned that he had not seen anything in writing from Mr. Porter regarding not seeking reappointment. Mr. Ross explained that Mr. Porter announced before the Board that he would not be seeking reappointment when he visited to present the Audit Committee report and also communicated that same sentiment to Mr. Ross. Mr. Dentino then inquired about posting of the upcoming opening. Mr. Ross stated that the position was not posted as it has yet to expire and left that decision to the Board. The discussion of the Board was what is the proper procedure for vacancies? Mr. Dentino felt that the Town currently does not have an adequate procedure. Mr. Ross explained that all vacancies are posted on the Town's website when a vacancy occurs. The decision was to post the position for the opening on the Planning Board immediately on the Town's website, closing applications on Monday, July 81h and to hear applications at the next Board meeting, which is July 10i1'. None A. Review /Approval of Minutes of Meetings • Amend Board of Selectmen Minutes for May 29, 2013 Motion: To amend the Board of Selectmen Minutes for May 29, 2013 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 Mr. Ross noted that the amended set of minutes was due to the reflection of Town Counsel not being available for Executive Session when in fact it was due to Legal Counsel for the Insurance Company not able to attend. • Board of Selectmen Minutes for June 19, 2013 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting June 26, 2013 Page 2 of 4 Motion: To approve the Board of Selectmen Minutes for June 19, 2013 (Aimino/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 B. Approval of Warrants Town Vendor Warrant No. 13052T $223,119.75 Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant 13052T $223,119.75 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 13052E $176,247.22 Motion: To approve Electric Department Warrant No. 13052E $176,247.22 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 School Department Vendor Warrant No. 13052S $352,222.24 Motion: To approve School Department Vendor Warrant No. 13052S $352,222.24 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13052PT $430,110.70 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 13052PT $430,110.70 (AJmino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0:1 Chairman Aptowitz ABSTAINS to Check #38387 payable to Laura Aptowitz Town Deductions - Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 13052TV $127,136.28 Motion: To approve Town Payroll Warrant No. 13049TV $127,136.28 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 D. Correspondence - NONE Mr. Ross completed two letters on the Board's behalf which he distributed for review and for the Board's signatures. The first letter was to Representative Barrows with information regarding protective custody and the Children In Need of Protective Services. The second letter was addressed to Governor Patrick in reference to the Governor not releasing the fiends passed by legislature for Chapter 90. Motions were made concerning the drafting and sending of the letters at the Board's meeting on June 19th. Mr. Ross noted that work on Route 106 and East Street continues. The final lift of asphalt is the next step but before that the contractor needs to raise all manhole covers. Mr. Ross announced that Town Hall will be closed for the 4 °i of July holiday but will conduct normal business hours on Friday, July 5th, which is 8:00am — 12:00pm. Given the evening's successful Duck Race (June 26 "i), Mr. Ross noted it was Lorilee Fish's last, as she is retiring July 1st. Mansfield Cable Access is replacing all the equipment in their studio at Town Hall. Jack O'Neil indicated that the signal will be much clearer going forward. This is the reasoning behind the taping of this evening's meeting. Mr. Ross noted as the Town continues to work on the new phone system there is a commitment by Mansfield Cable Access to assist in paying for the switches on the fiber network which is approximately $17,000. This will revamp the network where there will be greater speed overall. Mr. Ross reported that he has prepared maps of different parking areas of the downtown containing easements the Town has in place with developments for reserved parking, one of which Board Of Selectmen's Meeting June 26, 2013 Page 3 of 4 has expired but noted that the remaining do not have expirations. Mr. Ross would like to see this as a future agenda item. Mr. Dentino felt the Duck Race was again a tremendous success. Chairman Aptowitz congratulated Lorilee Fish on her retirement from the Park and Recreation Department, Chairman Aptowitz noted that there will be a retirement party tomorrow evening (June 27`h) for Retired Police Chief Arthur O'Neill. And he also extended his congratulations to Betty Peter in the DPW Department on her retirement. Banner Approval for the Downtown Business Association's Family Fun Night Chairman Aptowitz explained that this issue did not come to the Town's attention until earlier this evening. The Chairman asked, that given that the Board will not be meeting again prior to the event, for the Board to give the request consideration. The applicant did submit their banner request within the proper time frame. Mr. Ross stated that it was an issue within the Electric Department which lie would look into. Motion: To awrove the banner for the DBA Family Fun Night (Moran/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 Motion: To adjourn the BOS meeting at 8:56pm (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 Signature of Clerk Date of Approval /Tracey Whalen Board Of Selectmen's Meeting June 26, 2013 Page 4 of 4