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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 1-08-2014Board of Selectmen Minutes January 8, 2014 Present: Jess Aptowitz; Chairman, Doug Annino; Vice Chairman, George Dentino, Olivier Kozlowski and William Ross; Town Manager Absent: Kevin Moran Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to Aptowitz reminded that this meeting is f Oil, �i sj�,ysf $t y ,>�ast , x, cf 5 <- h._;c.,.i area �.., sczv✓v. � a z5 s__wrs ter, nv;°. ags °�'� `� ec �_o._ -. Doherty has been a vital part of the Municipal Building Committee and numerous Town projects. On behalf of the Board the Chairman presented Ms. Doherty with a plaque and a Town of Mansfield pin. Mr. Dentino thanked Ms. Doherty for all she has done for the Town and noted she has served the Town well. He commended her on her strength and staunch opinions. Mr. Annino understood how much time and dedication it took to successfully serve on the Committee and thanked Ms. Doherty for her wealth of knowledge and commitment and being able to maintain objectivity. Mr. Kozlowski felt that saying thank you just wasn't enough as she has provided great service to the Town and that he is very appreciative of that. Mr. Ross noted that communities are built by those who care about them and take part in the life of the community. He noted that Ms. Doherty has done that and asked that she not to be a stranger. Ms. Doherty stated she has enjoyed serving the Town and remembered her mentor Steve fondly. She noted she had the support of a great team which included Bob Barry, Chris Paquin, Lee Azinheira and right down the newest member Bryan Young. She has enjoyed her time here and felt that a strong person is needed to serve on the Committee as it is adversarial. She will always be Mr. Ross explained that the subordination agreement relates to a loan that it is a forgivable loan granted a number of years ago. He noted that at that time the Town took a second position on the loan. Mr. Ross stated this is a refinancing of the first mortgage to save the homeowner several hundred dollars on their payment. Mr. Ross informed the Board that Nick Riccio has review the subordination documents and they are acceptable to him and it is Mr. Ross's recommendation that the Town support the subordination as it does not change the Town's position and authorize the Town Manager to execute the request. Chairman Aptowitz stated that this is similar to the commercial block grants utilized in the downtown district to improve facades where money was awarded for cosmetic use with the stipulation that the property couldn't be sold for a length of time. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 8, 2014 Page I of 9 Mr. Annino was on the original committee that awarded the grants and was in favor of supporting the resident. Mr. Dentino asked if there was an acknowledgment regarding not allowing for refinancing. Sheila Frechette, the resident requesting the subordination, approached the Board and explained that in the guidelines it is stated that a reduction of points was an allowable reason, which she is doing by two points. Mr. Dentino asked what the original loan amount was to which Ms. Frechette noted it was in the $162,000.00 (in 2006) range and has paid it down to about $150,200.00. Mr. Dentino asked how the Town came to be a lending institution to which Ms. Frechette noted it was part of a community development grant that the Town was given. She stated that the Town submitted for the grant and it was awarded. Mr. Ross explained that the Town put a lien on the property and it has been in place ever since and noted that the grant is forgivable if the homeowners reside in the home for 20 years and that the lien is in place in case the homeowners vacate prior to that and therefore the Town could recoup a portion of that money. Mr. Dentino referred to Schedule B and inquired if the requirements listed should be in place prior to the Board voting. Mr. Kozlowski explained that these are requirements (which he referred to as routine and seen at every closing) that are typically done at closing and the subordination is needed in order to receive a clear to close. Chairman Aptowitz asked what the downside was to not agreeing to assist the resident. Mr. Dentino is not objecting to assisting the resident but stated he was not thrilled with the process of the Town becoming a lending institution. Mr. Annino reminded the Board that this is what was necessary in order to receive the grant. Mr. Kozlowski asked how many loans Ms. Frechette received which she stated was two, the first in 2003 (which was for de- leading) and the second in 2006 (which was used for vinyl). Chairman Aptowitz inquired if Ms. Frechette lived at the property to which she stated yes and that the back in -law apartment is rented. Motion: To allow the subordination of a home improvement loan to PNC Bank for the property located at 193 Spring Street and authorize the Town Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the Board of Selectmen Mr. Kozlowski would like to amend the motion to include the 2003 and 2006 mortgages. Motion: To allow the subordination of a home improvement loan, including 2003 and 2006 mortgages, to PNC Bank for the property located at 193 Spring Street and authorize the Town Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the Board of Selectmen (Annino /Kozlowski) Discussion: Mr. Dentino stated that he is unhappy with the original process and didn't feel it was in the best interest of Mansfield. Motion: To allow the subordination of a home improvement loan, including 2003 and 2006 mortgages, to PNC Bank for the property located at 193 Spring Street and authorize the Town Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the Board of Selectmen (Amiino /Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 Chairman Aptowitz noted that this issue stems from the annual license renewal process. The Chairman explained that this establishment did not turn in its paperwork and fees before the Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 8, 2014 Page 2 of 9 deadline and therefore was issued a letter that it would need to close its doors for business as of midnight January 1St due not having a valid license and the remaining closed through January 8, 2014 which would be the next meeting of the Board of Selectmen. The Chairman went on to note that subsequent to this evening's meeting the establishment visited the Town Manger's office with all of its paperwork and fees. Mr. Ross explained that he made an executive decision that he did not want to put the establishment out of business and told the owner, Younes Cheikh, he would need to be present at the Board's meeting to explain why he did not submit paperwork on time. Mr. Younes Cheikh, owner of Gourmet Pizza, was present before the Board to explain that due to a flood in his home he was unable to meet the Town's deadline to have the paperwork for a 2014 Common Victualler's license submitted. The Chairman noted that waiting to the last minute isn't a real excuse and the Town needs to have all businesses compliant with the law. Mr. Annino noted that Mr. Ross was extremely charitable in not shutting down Mr. Cleikh's business and in his opinion he would have shut him down. He noted Mr. Cheikh had plenty of time to complete the paperwork but waited until the last day when an unfortunate disaster happened. He noted every other business in Town complied. Mr. Cheikh stated this would never happen again. Mr. Dentin felt Mr. Ross did the right thing in keeping the business open and stated he was sure that Mr. Cheikh has learned a valuable lesson to have his paperwork in on time. Mr. Cheikh thanked Mr. Dentino. Mr. Kozlowski asked what Mr. Cheikh's position is to which he replied he is the owner. He then inquired as to who Hilal was on the application and Mr. Cheikh noted he is his business partner. Motion: To RENEW the Common Victualler license for Gourmet Pizza (Dentino /Aptowitz) Discussion: Chairman Aptowitz reminded Mr. Cheikh that there is an administrative responsibility in running a business that all owners have to do and noted the Board will not be as friendly next time. Mr. Kozlowski stated that the Board has heard a lot of "yes" this evening and noted that has been heard before by the Board of Health. Mr. Cheikh stated this will be his priority. Mr. Ross noted lie will not be as generous if there is in fact a next time. Mr. Annino does not want to hear any more reports. Motion: To RENEW the Common Victualler license for Gourmet Pizza (Dentino /Aptowitz) PASSES 3:1 Chairman Aptowitz distributed to the Board evaluation forms for Mr. Ross's yearly review. He asked that the forms be returned to him in two - weeks, which would be January 22nd. Mr. Ross presented the first draft FY2015 Town Budget and Plan of Services. This budget is based on the strategic planning process that was adopted by the community in 2013, which included recommendations for overall management, economic development, infrastructure, education, public safety and open space /recreation. The progress made thus far has included: Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 8, 2014 Page 3 of 9 Finance Director position created and filled, Human Resources Director position created and filled (which serves both Town and School), Budget process has been revised to provide an integrated budget package of all Town activities and Joint contracting for building maintenance items has been implemented. 2015 Budget Includes: • Additional hours for a current 19 hour employee to act as a grant writer for the Town of Mansfield • Additional staff for the municipal information technology division to address staffing needs • Continuation of joint discussions on additional areas of operational integration among municipal and school departments Infrastructure • Town wide telephone system (bid late January, 2014 and in operation by end of FYI 4) • Well improvement projects have been completed ahead of schedule and about $2,000,000 under budget • Bird Road Substation has been completed and is operational • Capital Improvements Planning Committee has recommended a capital plan that is fully funded and meets the 1 and 5 year needs of the Town of Mansfield • Improvements to School Buildings have been budgeted and will be implement next summer Included • An article to request approval for creation of the Wastewater Treatment District • A 5 year, approximately $10,000,000 street maintenance and improvement program • An article requesting approval of a bond issue and debt exemption for the new DPW Highway Garage Education • Capital budget includes replacement of lockers and library furniture at the High School, completion of Robinson School window project, replacement of a special education bus and development of specification to install wifi in all school buildings Economic Development • 2013 Town Meeting approved zoning changes within Cabot Park • Discussion with property and business owners are underway to consider the creation of a Business Improvement District in the Cabot Park • A study of traffic routing options is underway for the commuter train station area • Updated promotional information has been prepared for the Cabot Park including the revised zoning • Planning Board is developing a proposed Transit Oriented Development District Public Safety • An additional police officer and firefighter have been added in FY12 and FY13 to return staffing levels to previous numbers • Police Department has been reorganized with an additional lieutenant • One additional police officer position is proposed to balance the shifts and the renewed assignment of a school liaison officer • A three year staffing plan for the Fire Department has been approved by the Selectmen and funding for the first year is included in the FYI proposed budget Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January S, 2014 Page 4 of 9 • Funding included in the capital plan for conceptual design of public safety building for the Police and Fire Departments as proposed in the Strategic Plan Recreation and Open Space • Update to the Outdoor Recreation Plan is nearly completed and will be submitted to the State on time • Includes increased hours for the Conservation Agent to allow for additional recreation and open space activities and for grant research and preparation as recommended in the Strategic plan • Comprehensive trail program utilizing existing green belts to connect neighborhoods • The Conservation Commission is updating its regulations to conform to the wetlands bylaw FY 15 Budget Highlights • Fire Captains — 4 promotions, not new staff • One full -time and one part -time MIS employee • One 19 hour clerical position in the Building Department to meet record keeping requirements to be funded through permit fees • One additional police officer to balance the shifts • Overtime hours to provide clerical support for the Building and Audit Committees Non-Personnel Recommendations • $400,000 to OPEB to reduce unfunded liability • Fully funded Capital Improvements Plan • Street maintenance and improvement plan of approximately $2,000,000 per year for five years • Reduction in outstanding debt resulting in an overall levy increase of a maximum of 2.6% • Recommendation for debt exclusion vote for replacement of Highway Garage • Overall Municipal General Fund increase is 3.9% in the preliminary budget. Mr. Ross stated it is important for everyone to recognize that each year the Town begins early in January with a budget and work its way through the budget with the Board of Selectmen, School and Finance Committee in order to bring to Town Meeting a budget that is balanced by law and meets the overall needs of the community. He noted that instead of using strict mathematical formulas, the Town spends time working on the priorities of the community and working from documents such as the strategic plan, studying and receiving input from various sources that is reasonable in terms of the financial approach. Mr. Dentino expressed concern about the two part -time (19 hour) positions (Building and MIS) where it was his observation that over the years he has seen part time employees eventually become full time which is about a 40% increase when you get into the benefit packet. He felt there were other ways the Town could be creative, even mentioning floating. Chairman Aptowitz felt there was a lot of merit to what Mr. Dentino stated but felt when there is an already existing employee who has proven a skill set in another area, it does make sense. Mr. Dentino felt there comes a point in time when the Town needs to be tough in these regards. In respect to the MIS department, Mr. Ross stated that it currently functions with two Rill time employees and two volunteers. He felt that if the Town did not have those volunteers it would be in a real difficult situation. Mr. Dentino stated that the Town is far and above much better off than the surrounding communities in regards to MIS and GIS staffing, where other communities are currently outsourcing. Mr. Ross had done some surveying and disagreed with that statement and felt the Town is understaffed. Mr. Dentino stood by his statement. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 8, 2014 Page 5 of 9 Chairman Aptowitz stated that the Town had discussed years ago about merging the Accounting/Computer Systems between the Town and the Schools. The Chairman asked why the Town cannot have one system and that he has been asking that for years. He felt that this was an area where there could be a combination of combining MIS and looking at head counts. Mr. Ross did state that the Softright system, which is currently used on the Town side, is being utilized by other communities both municipally and by the schools. He stated it does support all of the school's needs in terms of financial reporting (including State reports). The Chairman would like to see more discussion on this topic. Mr. Kozlowski stated that as the Town goes forward with this process he would like to continue with weekly press releases in easy to understand language for the residents. Mr. Ross noted that it is his intention to have this presentation uploaded on the Town's website. Walter Wilk, Chair of the Finance Committee, noted that the group attended the School Committee's presentation and now the Town's and will begin their budget process tomorrow (January 9tf). The Committee will look to use the strategic plan as a back drop and a priorty and need based budgeting. Mr. Wilk stated that the Committee will look at it as one consolidated budget. He explained that the Committee used $1,500,000 Free Cash to prop up the budget and this year they would like to use $1,000,000, next year $500,000 and in two years back to $0. Mr. Wilk explained to the board it is the Committee's belief that the mathematical five year plan included an uptick in tax revenue with respect to the Cabot Industrial Park. The Committee will also focus on long term capital needs. Mr. Wilk stated that the Committee will be back before the Board within four weeks and welcomed the Board to any of their meetings. ham-' A. Approval of Warrants Town Vendor Warrant No. 14026T $209,646.44 Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant No. 14026T $209,646.44 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 14026E $50,046.57 Motion: To approve Electric Department Warrant No. 14026E $50,046.57 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 School Department Vendor Warrant No. 14O26S $317,234.75 Motion: To approve School Department Warrant No. 14O26S $317,234.75 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14026PT $333,615.75 Motion: To approve Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14O26PT $333,615.75 (Kozlowski /Annino) 3:1 Dentino NAY Aptowitz ABSTAINS #32767 Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14026TV $103,465.26 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14O26TV $103,465.26 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 Town Vendor Warrant No. 14O27T $1,098,976.51 Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant No. 14O27T $1,098,976.51 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 14027E $33,734.71 Motion: To approve Electric Department Warrant No. 14027E $33,734.71 Board Of selectmen's Meeting January 8, 2014 Page 6 of 9 I" (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14027PT $302,157.79 Motion: To approve Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14027PT $302,157.79 (Kozlowski /Annino) 3:1 Dentino NAY Aptowitz ABSTAINS #32954 Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14027TV $94,704.93 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14027TV $94,704.93 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 School Payroll School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14027PS $1,459,266.31 Motion: To approve School Payroll School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14027PS $1,459,266.31 (Kozlowski/Dentino) 3:1 Annino NAY School Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14027SV $489,391.66 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14027SV $489,391.66 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 Town Vendor Warrant No. 14028T $180,697.04 Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant No. 14028T $180,697.04 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 14028E $57,576.73 Motion: To approve Electric Department Warrant No. 14028E $57,576.73 (Kozlowski/Dentino) PASSES 4:0 School Department Vendor Warrant No. 14028S $350,054.98 Motion: To approve School Department Vendor Warrant No. 14028S $350,054.98 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14028PT $303,418.22 Motion: To approve Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14028PT $303,418.22 (Kozlowski /Annino) 3:1 Dentin NAY Aptowitz ABSTAINS 33144 Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14028TV $95,022.19 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14028TV $95,022.19 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 License and Permits • 2014 Water Installer's License for Bella Construction Company, LLC Motion: To approve 2014 Water Installer's License for Bella Construction Company, LLC (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 • 2014 Water Installer's License for Peter Degirolamo & Sons, Inc. Motion: To approve 2014 Water Installer's License for Peter Degirolamo & Sons, Inc. (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 • One Day Beer and Wine License for the Tri- County Beagle Club at 430 School Street Motion: To approve a One Day Beer and Wine License for February 16, 2014 for the Tri- County Beagle Club (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 Boards and Committees Renewals • Mansfield Housing Corporation Board of Directors — Marilyn Lewis Motion: To REAPPOINT Marilyn Lewis for a three year term on Mansfield Housing Corporation Board of Directors, expiring January 1, 2017 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 • Municipal Building Committee — Robert Barry Motion: To REAPPOINT Robert Barry for a five year term on the Municipal Building Committee, expiring January 1, 2019 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 8, 2014 Page 7 of 9 Mr. Ross announced a retirement party for Joe Cotutemanche on February 8 "' at the Holiday hm in Mansfield. Tickets are $30 per person and anyone interested should contact 508- 261 -7492. Also, the Fire Department will be having their Awards Night at the Mansfield Elks on January 25th. Mr. Ross asked the Board to be sure to RSVP directly to Chief Boldrighini. The Norton Rail -Trail Public Information Session is Tuesday, January 21 at the Norton Public Library at 7:OOpm on their proposal to extend the trail from Mansfield into Notion and felt the Town needed to be in support of this. Mr. Ross then presented pictures of a fire that the Mansfield Fire Department assisted in North Attleboro during the recent snow storm. Chief Boldrighini explained the pictures and the conditions the firefighters faced. The Chief noted a cooperative spirit throughout all the communities that responded and a well - orchestrated effort. Mr. Dentine is not being critical but noted he has a penchant regarding outsourcing and that it has been one of his goals to accomplish that in order to keep costs down. Mr. Dentine stated he is in no way being critical of what Mr. Ross does and that he is just trying to put forth what he feels is best for the community with regard to hirings. He noted that companies in the private sector are downsizing in order to make things work economically. He stated it is hard to downsize in a municipal, federal or state and it is important when there is an opportunity to hold tight to do that and find a way to make it work. Mr. Armin noted that the Town has some challenges ahead of it for this coming year and is sure the Town can get through it. Chairman Aptowitz hoped everyone had a happy and healthy new year. He felt comfortable that Mr. Ross is aware of the challenges and the difficult decisions that need to be made. The Chairman agreed with Mr. Dentino as far as outsourcing allows for no legacy costs but also felt that if it is the right person to bring in then it should be reviewed. He suggested having a weekly agenda item regarding a Budget/Finance update to which the Board agreed. Regarding tax bills, the Chairman stated he has been approached by a few residents regarding the tax rate and believed there was some confusion in relation to Prop 2 %2. He asked if there was information available regarding the explanation of the rate. Mr. Ross will follow up with Nancy Hinote in the Assessor's office concerning this. Mr. Kozlowski has been approached by residents concerned about the aggressiveness of the assessment group, Vision, in terms of repeated letters even though they have already denied entry. Mr. Kozlowski's concern is that there will be high estimates which would put the burden on the resident to file a abatement. Mr. Ross explained that Vision will take exterior pictures (legally, from the street) and do not penalize if a resident will not let the group gain entry to the home. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 8, 2014 Page 8 of 9 k�5 None. Motion: To adjourn the BOS meeting at 9:08pm (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 &reo / 2 (s l �a1 Ul Signaterk Date of Approval /Tracey Whalen Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 8, 2014 Page 9 of 9