HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 9-18-13Board of Selectmen Minutes
September 18, 2013
Present: Jess Aptowitz; Chairman, Doug Armino; Vice Chairman, George Dentino, Olivier
Kozlowski William Ross; Town Manager
Absent: Kevin Moran
Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order. Chairman Aptowitz reminded that this meeting is
Transportation Civil Engineer, Don Leighton, Urban Designehandscape Architect and Bill
McGrath, Senior Civil Engineer. The purpose of the presentation is to bring the Board up to date
on the progress of the study.
Mr. Leighton stated that essentially this presentation is a recap of how the study will proceed as it
is just getting off the ground with information gathered over the past month and a half. Mr.
Leighton noted there will be a public process of six open meetings over the course of the project to
engage the public. The Planning Board will be giving guidance as to when the meetings should be
scheduled to ensure a large attendance. Mr. Leighton stated that BETA group will be looking at
the different alternatives for easing the access to and from the train station from now through
January, 2014. Essentially as the transportation plans are developed the options are reviewed and
it is Mr. Leighton's job to determine the development opportunities that center around the train
station.
Mr. Leighton stated that the Town has one of the best GIS information formats and that a lot of the
3D modeling will be created from that and will aid in better understanding the transportation route
options and development opportunities. BETA has been asked to look throughout the entire area
and vision what it might look like 10 -20 -30 years from now and how to emphasize some short term
solutions to ease the congestion and hopefully build upon for the Transit Oriented Design.
Mr. Petraglia noted that the RFP called for six meetings - three with Town Officials and three with
public. A seventh meeting has been added, which is a site walk. Mr. Petraglia stated that BETA
will make themselves available throughout the process for questions from the public.
Mr. McGrath explained that one of the key elements to the project was looking to improve access
to the station and that potential development ties directly to that. I-Ie stated that in order to figure
that out BETA Group needs understand the physical layout and road network (aerial overview map
presented). This is done by gathering information through traffic counts and developing a 3D
model. The 3D photographic model aids in understanding both the horizontal and vertical
conditions of the roadway. Mr. McGrath stated that BETA is looking at key elements such as the
conditions of Draper Avenue and whether the Chauncy Street bridge can be expanded.
Mr. Petraglia stated that BETA had completed the traffic counts on September 171" and are looking
to have those finalized within the week. BETA has gone ahead and developed the traffic analysis
model (Cincro) where traffic counts (during peak hours) are inputted and are combined with
current traffic conditions (number of lanes, lane widths, signals or signs) — this is the jumping off
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting September 18, 2013
Page 1 of 9
point for the study. Mr. Petraglia stated that daily counts for Route 106 daily counts were taken but
additional data still needed and noted that this area is being looked at on a macro level, whereas
other intersections are studied on a micro level.
Mr. McGrath presented an aerial photograph of the train station showing the six options from the
RFP. BETA felt that there were some other options that should be viewed as well, particularly
accessing the west side of the stations and separating neighborhood traffic from train traffic. Mr.
McGrath stated some options to be:
• moving the major intersection (Highland Avenue /Chauncy Street/Winthrop Street) down
to Draper Avenue and have that become the main entrance.
• disconnecting Allen Street and Draper Avenue allowing for station traffic to flow in on its
own alignment
• traffic coming from the north of the station without having to go drrough the North Main
Street/Chauncy Street intersection
• connecting the Winthrop Street parking with the main parking lot adjacent to Chancy
Street bridge, either for pedestrian or vehicular access
Mr. McGrath explained that one of the main goals of the study is separating station -bound traffic
from the surrounding neighborhoods.
Mr. Leighton stated that BETA is also looking at access to and from the station for pedestrians and
bicycles. He noted that this currently is a challenge. Mr. Leighton displayed a map of the cross
section of Chauncy Street going down under the railroad bridge. BETA is looking at the
possibility for a new bridge — vehicular /pedestrian/bicycle — paying attention to the clearance
zone. He noted that it has been brought to their attention that the Old Colony Trail selves for a lot
of bicycle traffic, corning up Rumford and Old Colony. Mr. Leighton also stated that the
long -term development of the area may include vertical rather than horizontal parking and said
future development should help to separate the neighborhood from the train station. BETA plans
to work with landowners on both the development and circulation plans.
Mr. Petraglia stated BETA will need to work closely with the Town on the fi ture of the traffic
issues and that it is reasonable to look 20 to 30 years ahead. He explained BETA will be looking at
historical trends, existing data and background growth, which comes regardless of any new
development (socioeconomic) and developments.
Mr. Petraglia stated that analysis is more than numbers therefore there will be a lot of observation.
This is due to existing nuances that analysis cannot account for, like sight distance.
Mr. Petraglia presented an Assessment Matrix and stated that BETA is seeking input from the
Town as to its rating of Measures of Effectiveness (traffic operations, station access, parking
supply, urban design, development strategies, residential impact, smart growth, route 106 impact,
cost).
Ralph Penney, member of the Planning Board, noted how excited the Board is about this project.
Mr. Penney would like to see a discussion about funding and that the Planning Board is looking for
that in terms of grant funding or other options.
The schedule provided by BETA is a guide of a five month period through January of 2014.
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting September 18, 2013
Page 2 of 9
Mr. French, Chair of the Planning Board, stated this is an opportunity to look at something that has
been a problem for years. One of things the Planning Board had spoke about was Transit - Oriented
Development in the area where parking lot is and the former Clemmey Tank site. Mr. French felt
that clearly benefits the Town and downtown area and lends itself to the highest and best use of the
area. However, the stumbling block has been getting the traffic under control in that area so that
commuters can access the station and the neighborhoods can be protected. This is a critical piece
of the puzzle.
Mr. Ross noted that Ron Morgan from the MBTA and officials fi•om GATRA are present. Mr.
Morgan offered resources that the MBTA has for the project and noted there is history on resolving
this issue.
Mr. Kozlowski noted he couldn't read what the categories were but agreed with Mr. Penney that
financing should be among the top priorities. Mr. Kozlowski said the Town had to consider how
realistic each proposal was. Mr. Kozlowski felt it would also be important to get CSX on board
regarding access across their tracks.
Mr. Almino noted a lot of studies have been done in this area and that the Town needs realistic and
economic solutions. He stated that is it always important how something like this affects the
community. Mr. Annino was concerning about maintaining the walkability rating and noted the
difficulty crossing North Main and Chauncy Streets. Mr. Annino liked the idea of a pedestrian
connection to downtown and directing more traffic downtown to assist local businesses. He noted
the importance of BETA working with the MBTA, Town and landowners.
Mr. Dentino asked if BETA's traffic count study is recent to which Mr. Petraglia responded yes.
Mr. Dentine asked if BETA is aware of the other traffic count studies performed to which Mr.
McGrath noted they were aware of three. Mr. Dentino noted that some private landowners have
done traffic studies and asked BETA to get copies of those. Mr. Dentino stated that contact with
the landowners is extremely important. Mr. Petraglia stated that BETA planned on contacting
private landowners but felt they should wait until after this meeting.
Mr. Dentino asked if there is a need established for bicycles. Mr. Petraglia stated in observation
BETA saw traffic especially with bike path on Old Colony leading them to believe there is a fair
amount. Mr. Dentino has not seen bike traffic and noted that bike racks at the station were not
filled or even close to filled. Ms. Ashman- Collins from the Planning Board noted that people who
take later trains bring their bikes onto the train.
Mr. Dentino noted that the suggestion of raising the Chauncy Street bridge would be very
expensive and felt that it would take a millennium to recoup the cost. I-Ie heard no mention of a
parking garage and asked that they consider that. Mr. Petraglia further stated that BETA does not
plan to shut out any ideas as it is early in the process. Mr. Dentino stated cost may negate a lot of
BETA's options.
Mr. Dentino stated that the Town has gone through 8 years of TOD, Smart Growth and a number
of plans. He said the Town shifted plans based on grant money, changing avenues of study a
number of times as the money changed. He asked what is out there in regards to money
Federal/State /Smart Growth. Mr. Petraglia stated that it is part of the project. Mr. Leighton said
financing has shifted over the last 20 years and said the town will have to look at where the finding
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting September 18, 2013
Page 3 of 9
will be in the future. Mr. Penney noted the Planning Board did develop a list of possible funding
sources and gave that to Mr. Dentine, for reference.
Mr. Dentine asked about main traffic infrastructure to enter and exit the area, especially
considering that Route 106 is a large part of that. He asked about the option of eminent domain.
Mr. Petraglia stated that BETA will look at the entire infrastructure and noted the scope of their
poject focuses on certain intersections on route 106 but not the entire roadway. Mr. Dentino found
it hard to believe it would be possible for traffic to get in and out of the train station not using Route
106.
Mr. Dentine commented that the Board and Town, back a number of years, made a promise to
surrounding neighborhoods would never exceed 800 additional spaces and stated the Town has
done it twice. He asked if BETA was aware of that to which Mr. Petraglia responded no.
Mr. Dentino noted that the schedule BETA has set runs through the holidays and asked if it was
realistic. Mr. Petraglia felt it was.
Chairman Aptowitz noted how important open forums will be for private landowners. He is glad
the MBTA is here because Mansfield has one of the biggest riderships, with 1900 — 2000 riders a
day. The Chairman hoped that the T participates in regards to funding in grants due to this not even
being an issue if there were no train station in Town. .
Mr. Ross shares the concern regarding cost but felt the Town needs to let BETA be creative, work
the options and the costs associated and then move forward with the most cost effective ones. He
noted that the Commonwealth (economic development committee) is interested in this project as
well and that may be an additional option of funding to Mr. Penny's list. Mr. Ross stated there is
a tremendous opportunity for public /private partner on this. When all is said and done Mr. Ross
stated the Town will look at the best method of both protecting the community and creating value
in that area and making it affordable. Mr. Ross asked BETA to make their charts available to have
on the website for the community.
1-43 ME
n5 era r uuParsrnongfQ7d olon3riailfromlEMaigtneot
+� le' -V
_eene uclinguYvt��gre�llrent
Mr. Ross presented a parking map of the Old Colony Trail from Main Street to East Street
outlining any parking leases and agreements. The map is currently on the Town's website on the
Board of Selectmen page.
Mr. Ross noted that in the roughly three and a half years he has been in Mansfield there has been a
considerable amount of discussion of parking and the utilization of portions of the bike path from
East Street to Church Street area. Over the years there have been several agreements reached,
leases entered into and other documents that allow certain private developments to utilize parking
spaces. What Mr. Ross has attempted to do is put everything together in one place and with
research, to identify those parking agreements and leases and their current status.
Mr. Ross began by identifying parking that was set aside for the Grain Mill area on Samoset
Avenue. Mr. Ross noted that this is a 1981 proposal to redevelop the Grain Mill as apartments.
Mr. Ross found minutes of the Board of Selectmen meeting from July 8, 1981 that included a letter
fi•om Town Counsel regarding Old Colony Way Peter Saunders and use of certain parking areas by
future residents of the Grain Mill. This letter indicated that the area along the bike trail adjacent to
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting September 18, 2013
Page 4 of 9
the Grain Mill could be used as parking for Grain Mill counted as spaces under the zoning code.
Unfortunately, at this time, the letter has not been found, only the mention in the minutes. Mr.
Ross went on to explain that there were two actions related to this parking. The first by the Zoning
Board of Appeals on August 18, 1981 giving a variance to the developer of the Grain Mill of 1.2
off - street private parking spaces per unit in Downtown Business Zone. Mr. Ross reported the
second action was a motion, adopted by the Board of Selectmen, recognizing the developer's right
to use Old Colony Way as part of the parking facilities for the renovation of the Grain Mill on July
8, 1981. Mr. Ross stated that what has actually happened in this case is that individuals at the
Grain Mill get permits from the Police Department to park in those spaces. These permits allow
for those residents to park in the two hour spaces.
Mr. Ross then reported on a License Agreement entered into between the Town and the Trustees of
Jackson Court Condominium in 1989, for ten years and has since expired. Mr. Ross cannot find
any extension for his agreement and noted that there is no evidence that it was voted at Town
Meeting. Mr. Ross stated that the only conclusion he can reach is that is that the agreement has
expired and that parking in these spaces is now available to any citizen who wishes to park at this
location but subject to restrictions as to time and other requirements the Town has in place.
Mr. Ross moved on to the Mansfield Housing Authority, a senior citizens project and Fairfield
Park. Mr. Ross stated this was an interesting agreement in that the Town owned a large amount of
this property (taken in taxes) where action was taken by the Town Meeting to transfer the property
to the housing authority and through the housing authority to private developers for the
development of affordable housing. Mr. Ross stated that as a part of that the agreement from 1989
there was action that allowed permanent easement for parking. In 2002 there was a lease
agreement entered into between the Town and the Housing Authority for 10 years and that has
since expired. Mr. Ross felt that the key element is how many spaces are needed. Mr. Ross'
suggestion is that if the Board is to renew the agreement to renew it for period of time that the
Board can and then a ten year agreement at Town Meeting.
Mr. Ross reported that the issues at hand are getting the Mansfield Housing lease renewed or not,
recognizing that Jackson Court is now public parking and to look at and ensure proper permits are
provided for Grain Mill parking and if there is a demand should there be additional parking
available. Mr. Ross noted that work needs to be done in the Old Colony Trail area ie: additional
lighting but needs to be in tune with the residential area and abetter job in maintenance. Mr. Ross
stated the need to get the Housing Authority to speak to the Board on renewing the lease.
Mr. Annino asked how many existing parking spaces there are to which Mr. Ross did not know off
the top of his head. Mr. Annino would like Mr. Ross to find the existing number of spaces, the
number of spaces leased out or committed and then to have Mr. Azinheira report on the potential in
the area. Mr. Annino would like to have that in order to hold in the Town's back pocket as the
downtown develops for ancillary parking for employees. Mr. Annino asked if any of the
maintenance can be done by the residents /people parking along the Old Colony Trail. Mr. Ross
noted some of the agreements provide for clean -up and maintenance of the area but do not go into
the trail where most of the work needs to be done. Mr. Ross stated that by maintenance he met on
the trail for walkers and bicyclists. Mr. Kozlowski stated a vast majority of the trail is not lit. Mr.
Annino felt there was a lot of potential and that the Town needed to think of the area in terms of a
cohesive area. Mr. Annino's point was that in new growth communities, when something like this
is done, money is placed in a kitty where all maintenance can be paid for. Mr. Ross' understanding
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting September 18, 2013
Page 5 of 9
was that from East Street — south, there were State and Federal funds involved in developing the
trail but in this area there was note due to parking and not as nicely developed.
Mr. Kozlowski noted that Norton is extending the trail into their Town.
Mr. Dentine, would like to know how many stickers are distributed by the police for the Grain Mill
to which Mr. Ross noted he will find out. Mr. Dentino also would like to know how many
registered vehicles there are for the Housing Authority.
Chairman Aptowitz felt the only open issue was Jackson Court. He stated the residents need a
place to park and that need is where they are now. He questioned what should a resident do if they
lose out on parking due to a lack of an agreement right now, thus allowing any one to be able to
park there. The Chairman re- stated the need for a count on the number of spaces.
Beth Molton, Unit 2 of Jackson Court, spoke before the Board. Ms. Molton noted that only two
parking spaces are allowed and that the residents understand that they don't own parking lot. She
stated that since the Town owns the parking lot it is accepted that people for the bike path utilize
the parking. Ms. Molton reported that the residents do maintain parking lot and pay for plowing
and the purchase of a light. Currently there are 13 units and 3 are vacant. Ms. Molton stated that
access to Court Street is blocked but cars find a way around over the grass. Ms. Ross noted there
needs to be some type of signage for stating "dead end" or "no access ". Sandy Hochman, Trustee
for Jackson Court, noted that the outlets for the new condos placed two speed bumps and that area
of roadway is in such bad shape it now pools terribly when it rains and she is afraid it could
develop sink holes.
Mr. Armin asked that if spaces were lost on Town property isn't it the developers responsibility to
replace them. The Chairman asked where would the Town place them. Mr. Amrino asked Mr.
Ross to ask the Planning Board where the spaces that the Town lost could now go.
Mr. Kozlowski stated that more parking lends to the area being less conducive to walking and
biking. An example of that is people believe the bike path ends at East Street because of all the
parking at Fairfield.
The Board decided to meet on this issue again in two weeks.
Kevin McNatt of 150 Rumford Avenue spoke to his familiarity with area surrounding the railbed
as he lived there many years ago. Mr. McNatt stated that the neighbors in that area had asked the
Town to survey the railbed to determine what the Town owned and what was private property. He
asked the Board to consider surveying the stretch from North Main Street to Court Street (on the
left side of the old railbed) and felt the Board would be surprised at the encroachment in the area.
Mr. Ross will talk with Town Engineer, Rick Alves, to see what information he has on that area.
Mr. McNatt stated that as many times as the Town went up and down with sewer lines, boundaries
were never established. The Board thanked Mr. McNatt for his suggestion.
Daniel Dulaski of 55 York Road wanted to speak regarding the transportation study and current
parking situation over at the train station. In regards to the Transit Oriented Design and Smart
Growth, Mr. Dulaski stated that the Town has been grappling over what to do in that area, what can
work today and to go after the money. Mr. Dulaski felt the real question is "is there a vision for
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting September 18, 2013
Page 6 of 9
tomorrow ?" He thought it was wonderful that the Town is doing a transportation study but that
unfortunately he felt the study would limit the Town's land development. Mr. Dulaski would like
to see a simultaneous study regarding the Town's vision (ie extending the common, eminent
domain, taking parcels to have the infrastructure to support economic growth in the future). He
does not see the vision for that area or how this transportation study will complement that vision.
He stated the question should be "what does the Town want to build in order to bring the
developers in" and felt that if it is done the right way, they will want to come in and the Town
won't have to spend a dime. Mr. Dulaski felt the infrastructure for bikes was non - existent and if a
proper structure was available the Town would see more. Mr. Dulaski would like BETA Group
and the Planning Board take into account the busy time of year and hopefully to schedule meetings
evenings and weekends. Finally, Mr. Dulaski spoke regarding his email to the Board concerning
the lack of parking for residents at the train station. He reported that the spaces are filled by
7:30am and asked if the Board would consider expanding parking on Draper Avenue. Chairman
Aptowitz noted that the Town is in fact looking into that option as Mansfield residents are his
priority. Mr. Ross believed that the lack of parking is due to the students returning to school in the
A. Review /Approval of Minutes of Meetings
• Board of Selectmen Minutes for September 11, 2013
Motion: To approve the Board of Selectmen Minutes for September 11, 2013
(Annino /Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0
B. Approval of Warrants
Town Vendor Warrant No. 14012T $211,758.93
Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant No. 14012T $211,758.93
(Kozlowski/Dentino) PASSES 4:0
Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 14012E $640,486.43
Motion: To approve Electric Department Warrant No. 14011E $640,486.43
(Kozlowski/Dentino) PASSES 4:0
School Department Vendor Warrant No. 14012S $309,740.52
Motion: To approve School Department Vendor Warrant No. 14012S $309,740.52
(Kozlowski /Dentin) PASSES 4:0
Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14012PT $363,652.32
Motion: To approve Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14012PT
$363,652.32 (Kozlowski/Annino) 3:1 Dentin NAY
Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14012TV $110,475.95
Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14012TV
$110,475.95 (Kozlowski /Dentin) PASSES 4:0
C. Sign Approval
• Sign on South Common and North Common for Mansfield Mothers Club's Shop Til You
Drop Event
Motion: To approve two signs one for the South Common and one for the North
Common for Mansfield Mothers Club's Shop Til You Drop with an added plywood backer
(Amrino/Dentino) PASSES 4:0
D. Correspondence
• Invitation to the Board from the Bristol County Agricultural High School to Visit During
Their Fall Show — Weekend of October 18t" — 20111
• Letter from Resident Daniel M. Dulaski Regarding Creating Additional Resident Parking
Spaces at the Train Station
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting September 18, 2013
Page 7 of 9
• Letter of Resignation from the Mansfield Cultural Council from Lori Powers
Mr. Armin would like to see a letter of thanks sent to Ms. Powers. Mr. Ross noted the
vacancy will be posted.
• Letter from Comcast Regarding Continuation of High -Speed Internet Service To
Mansfield Schools and Local Library Free of Charee.
Mr. Ross noted that since Mr. Dulaski and others have contacted his office regarding the parking
situation at the train, he has looked into a few options, both short term and long term. Mr. Ross
noted that on the East side of Old Colony there are spaces marked for two hours and rarely are
filled. This would pick up a few spaces. Also, Parking Enforcement Officer Steve Simmonds
suggested that north of Geno's, on Oakland Street, there could be spaces marked for the train. Mr.
Ross has asked Lee Azinheira and Rick Alves to review converting Oakland Street, North Main
Street and down to Route 106 back to two way traffic, as suggested by a SRPEDD report. The
Town could then put in angled parking. This has an added advantage in that getting the truck
traffic away from that train station. Mr. Ross noted that the Town does not have any property
adjacent to train station where it can add additional space. He stated the Town is built out. One of
the things that Mr. Azinheira and Mr. Alves intend to do is put a seal on the Winthrop Street lot and
re- stripe it where there would be additional spaces. Mr. Ross noted that a long term answer is a
parking deck and that when you do TOD you could form a partnership with private entity.
Chairman Aptowitz would like to see on a future agenda a discussion regarding changing the fine
structure so that non - residents will refrain from parking in resident parking and to also protect the
late arrival spaces at the train.
Mr. Ross reported that he and Nick Riccio met with Alex Stoyer and Donald Longabardi
concerning a slot parlor at Plainridge Race Course. He noted that the plan is identical to the one
previously presented with the change being the addition of Mr. Stoyer. They spoke about
mitigation but Mr. Ross and is staff noted they have trouble seeing the extent of the effect oil
Mansfield as the two towns touch only at one small point. Mr. Dentino noted the only impact is
495, which is a State road. Chairman Aptowitz noted there may be an impact on mutal aid
assistance in regards to police /fire /ems.
Mr. Ross mentioned a letter to editor in the Sun Chronicle regarding BYOB. He felt the point that
needed to be made was that BYOB was presented at Town Meeting and voted on by the residents
to approve and allow the Board to create regulations. The Board is now carrying out what the
Town Meeting stated (rather overwhelmingly) that this is what they want and for the Board to
adopt reasonable regulations. Mr. Ross stated there is always an option to rescind at Town Meeting
in the Spring.
Mr. Ross reminded the Board that ICMA begins Sunday and he will not be here as he is attending.
Nick Riccio will be filling in for Mr. Ross.
Mr. Ross forwarded an email regarding Footprint Electric to the Board. Mr. Ross explained that
this project is not happening in way it was proposed. He clarified that no money was spent. Mr.
Armin asked for the reasoning to which Mr. Ross noted it was due to such a tight timeframe.
At last week's meeting Chairman Aptowitz asked Mr. Ross to schedule boards and committees to
give a report to the Board. Mr. Ross has scheduled the Board of Assessors to present at next
week's meeting to explain the nine year reassessment and its status.
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting September 18, 2013
Page 8 of 9
Mr. Ross reported that the audit is complete for electric. He noted that the DOR will begin to
review the Town audit beginning in October, which is two to three weeks ahead of schedule.
Mr. Azinheira informed Mr. Ross that bids opened for salt and that it is $1 lower per ton.
Mr. Ross is working on an access issue at the Winthrop lot concerning citizens and AMTRAK
where a vehicle was damaged. He will report further on that at a later date.
Mr. Kozlowski reported that he forwarded to John Stanbrook, Mr. Ross and Walter Wilk an app,
which displays town budgets and financials in a more visual way.
Chairman Aptowitz noted he received the fiscal budget for Bristol County if they would like to
review.
Chairman Aptowitz will attend, on Saturday, the last show of season at Comcast in regards to
observation of the Command Center activities.
Chairman Aptowitz was glad that Mr. Dulaski brought up the train station parking situation and is
hopeful the Town goes somewhere with this. He stated there is a need for something to happen
with the least impact to the residents in that area.
None.
Motion: To adjourn the BOS meeting at 9:33pm (AptowitzfKozlowski) PASSES 5:0
Signature of Clerk UtMt?r 0-W3
/Tracey Whalen Achoi aek
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting September 18, 2013
Page 9 of 9
ro Z_ (3
Date of Approval