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Present:
Town of Mansfield
Board of Selectmen
Minutes of April 12, 2006
Vice Chairman Bernard Dolan, Selectman David Mdqa~r{;~;~efM~
Louis Amoruso and Selectman Michael McCue
Town Manager John D'Agostino
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The Board of Selectmen's meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m., followed by the
Pledge of Allegiance.
Members of the Finance Committee present were Jim Lazzara, Greg Arnold & Jess
Aptowitz. In addition, Superintendent John Moretti and School Committee member
Jean Miller were also in attendance.
Mr. Lazzara passed out papers and noted that the handouts are brief. He began by
saying that we have a deficit of $5 million as of right now. He said that the Finance
Committee looked at revenues and fixed costs (charter school assessment, reserve
fund debt, etc.) and looked at what we can spend minus fixed costs. The increase over
last year is 4.89% for both school and town and would bring us to the $66.5 million. The
House budget is reflective in the numbers that he presented. The Finance Committee is
trying to project our needs for the next five years as part of the five year forecast. In
r response to a question from Mr. McCue, he noted that the salaries are 80% of our total
budget and pointed out that the salaries and benefits are increasing faster than the
revenue collected. Mr. Arnold added that we are trying to work with what we have and
have developed a model to work with. Mr. Dolan likened it to a resident developing their
personal budget and working with the money that they have. Mr. McCarter noted that
we have bonded for operating expenses and asked for an example. Mr. Arnold replied
that bonding was done for textbooks. Mr. D'Agostino noted that the majority of the
items were capital items. Mr. D'Agostino noted that we are trying to wean ourselves off
the use of stabilization this year. Mr. Arnold said that the larger issue is that revenue is
increasing at 4-5% and the contractual obligations are increasing at a higher
percentage. Mr. McCarter noted that we have percentage increases with contractual
obligations but we also have step increases. Mr. McCarter noted that the Police in
particular need more money. Mr. Lazzara said that it is up to the Town Manager and to
Mr. Moretti as to how to spend their additional 4.89% each. Mr. D'Agostino said that
Police and Fire are of great concern to him.
Mr. Lazzara said that we need to look at contractual obligations in the future as well.
Mr. McCarter noted that we got more Chapter 70 from last year but slightly less from the
Governor's budget. Mr. D'Agostino said that if we keep to the 4.89% and add Police
and Fire, we will be forced to layoff people elsewhere. Mr. Amoruso asked about the
five year forecast. Mr. Arnold said that in looking down the road 5 years, it is important
to get a handle on the contract issue. He noted some other big expenses possibly
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coming down the road, such as a high school expansion, increasing sewer rates, etc.
Mr. McCarter asked how much we have in stabilization and Mr. D'Agostino replied that
we have $1.3 million. Mr. McCarter asked about free cash and Mr. D'Agostino said that
we do not have any money in free cash. Mr. D'Agostino said that another important
factor is that there is talk about a need for an override. He doesn't believe that an
override is needed or warranted. Mr. Dolan said that the spending is coming from the
raises, salaries and benefits.
Mr. Moretti asked if any money has been appropriated in the CIP account and Mr.
Lazzara said that no money was allocated to the CIP account. He asked Mr. D'Agostino
if we have received notification from Blue Cross about our rate increases. Mr.
D'Agostino said that one of two plans offered goes up 5%.
Mr. McCue noted that all employees are at 70%-30% and asked what the co-pays are
for office visits, prescription plans and hospital visits. Mr. D'Agostino said that Blue
Cross is offering a parallel plan - right now, it is not mandatory. The increase on that
plan is 5.8%. There is an intention to implement across the Board with the School
collective bargaining agreement in the next few years, but employees will need to have
incentive to go over there, such as a health care savings account.
Mr. Dolan thanked the Finance Committee members for attending.
DPW Director Lee Azinheira and Mike Van Splinter from the Solid Waste Committee
were present. Mr. Azinheira provided a memo for the Board relative to solid waste and
recycling quotes. Currently, Waste Management picks up three 32-gallon barrels and
Mr. Azinheira is recommending that if we go to automated trash pickup, one 64 gallon
container is the preferred solution. Mr. VanSplinter noted that the 96 gallon barrel is too
big and cumbersome for many residents to handle, particularly if they are full. Mr.
Azinheira said that the 64 gallon barrel is more common. The automated system will
not be able to pick up the bulk items weekly, but rather by appointment and monthly.
We estimate 100 per month. The white goods collection will be done at curbside and
are by appointment.
Mr. McCarter asked how automated collection works. Mr. VanSplinter said that a
grabber arm grabs the barrel and lifts the barrel and dumps the contents into the truck.
Mr. Azinheira said that we do not charge for the pickup of bulky items and white goods.
The cost of white goods to the Town picked up at curbside is $25.00 per item and the
cost of bulky items picked up curbside to the Town is $20.00 per item. He recommends
requiring a sticker for both white goods and bulky items. He noted that all revenue
funds go into the General Fund. Mr. Dolan believes that a revolving account should be
established and Mr. Van Splinter said that we tried to do something like that in the past
and the DOR frowned on it. Mr. D'Agostino added that the fee wouldn't be supporting
the entire service. Mr. McCarter asked if residents could be able to put all of their trash
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in this 64 gallon barrel. Mr. Azinheira said that if people recycle more, he believes that
the majority of the residents will be able to use the 64-gallon barrel without a problem.
Mr. Dolan said that he would like to have a public hearing on this issue. Mr. Amoruso
said that there are some misconceptions out there and a public hearing is needed. Mr.
D'Agostino said that we are short on time. Mr. McCarter suggested meeting every week
between now and Town Meeting. Mr. Amoruso is suggesting May 3rd as a date for the
public meeting. Mr. VanSplinter pointed out that the environmental factor should also
be considered when it comes to recycling. Mr. Azinheira said that the consortium deal
is no longer available to us, but he expects to have an agreement that will mirror the
deal.
Mr. Azinheira reminded the Board and residents that the Earth Day event is on
Saturday, April 22nd in at the Target parking lot in Plainville and encourages people to
bring goods for charity and to be recycled.
John Sullivan, Union Street Extension, commented that the reduced barrel limit has
been good. He noted that hitting people's wallets get people's attention. He commends
the Board in looking into a solution.
The Board thanked Mr. Azinheira and Mr. VanSplinter for coming in.
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r The Light Commissioners Meeting included an audit discussion.
Mr. McCarter read the public hearing notice from The Sun Chronicle.
Motion: To open the public hearing
(Amoruso - McCue) 4-0 Passes
Attorney Mark Stopa and Richard Kelter II, both from Foxboro, were present for the
public hearing.
Mr. Kelter said that he is currently managing a full liquor store in Framingham. He is
looking at opening Wine World and sees a lot of opportunity. He is looking to turn the
business into a fine wine store. Atty. Stopa said that Mr. Kelter brings a lot of
experience to the liquor industry. Mr. Kelter said that he has years of experience in the
restaurant industry, the wholesale industry and now in management. Atty. Stopa noted
that not a lot of changes will be made, but rather they will try to enhance the business.
Mr. Kelter said that he would like to continue to do the recycling and bring in machines
and also expand the selling of alcohol.
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Mr. McCue asked if they will emphasize on just wine and Atty. Stopa said that the
business structure necessitates full liquor, but Mr. Kelter's passion is wine. Mr. Kelter
said that he would like to bring in a wide selection of beers as well. Mr. McCarter noted
that Mr. Kelter will be co-owner with his father and asked if the small grocery component
will remain in place and Mr. Kelter said that will continue. He noted that there is a
growing demand for the expertise of store owners. He noted that he would like to get
an electronic 10 scanner in place, as he currently uses that software in Framingham.
Mr. Dolan asked for public comment, which there was none.
Motion: To close the public hearing
(Amoruso - McCue) 4-0 Passes
Motion: To approve the transfer of the all alcohol package store license to K2
Beverages Unlimited, Inc.
(Amoruso - McCue) 4-0 Passes
Bob Button from the Mansfield Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and Marijoan
Bull from SRPEDD were present for the presentation.
Mr. Button began by thanking Planning Director Shaun Burke and Xia Jin, GIS
r Manager, for their hard work in putting this plan together.
Ms. Bull said that this plan comes out of federal legislation and explained that every
state needs to prepare a pre-disaster hazard mitigation plan. As a result, grant money
is available for communities that complete a mitigation plan. The Massachusetts
Emergency Management Agency hired SRPEDD to do a regional pre-disaster hazard
mitigation plan and to help communities develop their own plans. Only about half of the
communities in the SRPEDD area have gotten to this point so far.
Mr. Button said that we were hopeful to get funding for the Kingman Pond Dam, but
dams were taken out of the grant funding this time around, but that doesn't mean dams
won't be added back in for the future. Mr. Button said that he doesn't believe that the
families flooded out during the fall flooding got more than $10,000 total. He compared
the large amount funding that was received in 1998 as a result of severe storms, and he
noted that the town has done a lot to work on those issues - the town has taken a pro-
active approach.
Mr. McCarter asked what our most significant risk is and Mr. Button replied waterlrain.
If there were high winds, the Ware Street area would be most vulnerable because of the
large amount of trees. Ms. Bull said that flooding is the number one natural disaster for
Massachusetts. Mr. McCue said that he has spoken with one of the families affected by
the fall flooding and they had nothing but nice things to say about Mr. Button. Mr.
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McCue brought up the issue of establishing a local funding program for residents for
assistance during natural disasters. Mr. Dolan pointed out that we bought equipment to
clean catch basins, so he hopes that will help with flooding.
Mr. Button said that he has been working with Norton, Attleboro & North Attleboro about
regional sheltering in the case of bird flu pandemic, hurricane etc. He will come before
the Board in the next few months to ask the Board to sign on to the regional
Motion: To approve the Town of Mansfield Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan
(McCue - McCarter) 4-0 Passes
Mr. McCue asked if we are up to speed on mutual aid agreements and Mr. Button
replied that we are up to date. He said that the push now is for NIMS training.
The Board thanked Mr. Button and Ms. Bull for attending.
Mr. Dolan asked for volunteers to negotiate the contract. Mr. McCue and Mr. Amoruso
both volunteered for the task.
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. CWMP Workshop Minutes of April 5, 2006
Motion: To approve
(Amoruso - McCarter) 3-0-1 Passes (Mr. McCue abstaining)
. Executive Session Minutes of AprilS, 2006 Selectmen's Meeting
Motion: To approve but not release
(Amoruso - McCarter) 3-0-1 Passes (Mr. McCue abstaining)
. Executive Session Minutes of March 21, 2006
Motion: To approve but not release
(Amoruso - McCarter) 4-0 Passes
. Mr. McCarter pointed out that Executive Session minutes were reviewed by Town
Counsel and some can be released. Mr. Dolan asked the Town Manager to go over
the ones that need further review.
Motion: To release the Executive Session minutes contained in the memorandum of
Atty. Mangiaratti dated March 15, 2006 which may be unconditionally released without
the need of further clarification or research
(McCarter - Amoruso) 4-0 Passes
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. Revote of Warrant No. 41 in the amount of $2,368,315.51
(McCue - Amoruso) 4-0 Passes (Mr. McCarter abstaining from check #
351480)
. Warrant No. 42 in the amount of $3,276,795.72
(McCue - Amoruso) 4-0 Passes (Mr. McCarter abstaining from check #
351854)
. Memorial Day Parade Permit Application for May 29th at 1 0:00am - route is same as
Veterans Day parade (all documentation is in order and Chairman needs to sign
after Board approves)
Motion: To approve
(McCarter - Amoruso) 4-0 Passes
. Vote to close the Special Town Meeting Warrant
Motion: To close
(Amoruso - McCue) 4-0 Passes
. Vote of intention to layout a town way
Motion: To intend to layout Nicole Road, Noreen Road and Sawmill Court on April 26,
2006 and to have Town Manager sign certifying vote
(Amoruso - McCarter) 4-0 Passes
r- . Hackney Driver License Applications: (all documentation is in order and the Town
Manager is recommending approval)
Motion: To approve the hackney driver's license applications for Cheryl Christie, Becky
DaCruz, John Kanavos, Arnold Needleman and Edward Salvesen, Jr.
(McCue - Amoruso) 4-0 Passes
· Hackney Carriage Applications: (Vehicles inspected by Officer Lawson & all
documentation is in order)
o Vehicle No. 127 (Foxfield Taxi)
o Vehicle No. 128 (Foxfield Taxi)
o Vehicle No. 129 (Foxfield Taxi)
o Vehicle No. 131 (Foxfield Taxi)
o Vehicle No. 133 (Foxfield Taxi)
o Vehicle No. 136 (Foxfield Taxi)
o Vehicle No. 10 (Mansfield Town Taxi)
o Vehicle No. 14 (Mansfield Town Taxi)
o Vehicle No. 27 (Mansfield Town Taxi)
o Vehicle No. 28 (Mansfield Town Taxi)
Motion: To approve aforementioned hackney carriages
(McCue - Amoruso) 4-0 Passes
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r . Tax Increment Financing Agreement between the Town of Mansfield, Spherics, Inc.
and Long Gate, LLC
Motion: To sign the Tax Increment Financing Agreement between the Town of
Mansfield, Spherics, Inc. and Long Gate, LLC agreement
(McCarter - McCue) 4-0 Passes
. Mansfield Little League Parade Permit Application for Saturday, April 22nd at
1 0:00am - route is up North Main Street, around the center of town and back to the
South Common.
Motion: To approve
(McCarter - McCue) 4-0 Passes
Mr. Amoruso said the Board was to have a discussion on March 29th to discuss the new
proposed ambulance service rates. The new rates would be $415.65, 493.58 ALS and
$714.40 for ALS2.
Motion: To approve the new ambulance rates as proposed
(Amoruso - McCue) 4-0 Passes
r . Letter from Kathy Betts from the Mansfield Cable Access Board of Directors
informing the Board of Selectmen of her resignation from said Board effective April
5, 2006.
Motion: To accept resignation and send letter of thanks for service
(Amoruso - McCue) 4-0 Passes
. Memorandum from Airport Commission Chairman Lou Andrews regarding the need
for more parking for the Rails to Trails. The Airport recently moved their gate that
was across from the rails to trails, leaving more room for trail users to park their cars.
Mr. D'Agostino said that they would like the Town to install some curbing. We will
forward the letter to Mark Cook.
. Letter of thanks from the Animal Welfare Committee for the Board's vote assigning
the $25,000 Samsonite check to the shelter's new building fund.
. Letter from Marilyn Lewis, Chairman of the Mansfield Housing Partnership, informing
the Board that MHP committee members expressed a strong interest in being
considered for appointment to the board of the soon to be developed Mansfield
Housing Corporation.
Mr. D'Agostino said that the bill went back to the Committee on Third Reading from the
Governor and we are waiting for it to continue through the legislative process.
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. Memo from the Town Manager relative to the inclusion of Light Department Capital
into the Town's capital request for five-year forecasting.
. Letter of resignation received March 15th from Cheryl Buck from the Fair Housing
Committee & Local Housing Partnership, effective January 11, 2006.
Motion: To accept letter of resignation and to send letter of thanks for service.
(Mr. Amoruso - Mr. McCue) 4-0 Passes
. Letter from The Billy Kelly Memorial 5-Mile & 5K Road Race requesting a donation
from the Deutsche Bank donation to the Town.
. Memo from Town Engineer John Sullivan regarding the Branch Street Sidewalk
Account. The amount of $40,633.78 was received and is in the account entitled
"Escrow Branch Street Sidewalks" and is available for the proposed sidewalk from
Jake's Way to Baybrook Farm Drive.
. Letter from the Director of the Journey to Resiliency Program at Mansfield High
School requesting a donation from the Deutsche Bank donation to the Town.
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. Memo from the Town Manager relative to permanent markers for veterans.
Mr. D'Agostino said that the markers are quite nice - $9,900 for new aluminum markers.
Mr. D'Agostino said that the money is in the budget for FY07 for the markers. Mr. Dolan
said that he believes the Deutsche Bank money should be used for things such as this.
Motion: To transfer from the Deutsche Bank gift account the amount of $9,900 to the
Veterans Services account for the permanent markers
(McCarter - McCue) for discussion
Mr. Amoruso wanted to make sure that we have the funding available. The Board said
that we have done things like this in the past. Mr. D'Agostino said that there is enough
funding available from last year's donation.
Vote: 4-0 Passes
. Invitation to attend annual Law Day Exercises at Attleboro District Court on Friday,
May 5th at 10:00am.
. Memo from the Town Manager regarding the Fire Department, Dispatch and GIS
technology. A presentation of the technology will be made to the Board at a future
meeting.
. Letter from the Mansfield High School All-Sports Boosters Club applying for
charitable funds offered by the Deutsche Bank tournament.
. Letter from Dorothea Giles thanking the Board for rescinding the vote to restore the
name of Giles Place.
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. Letter from Town Counsel requesting an increase of $10.00 per hour for Town
Counsel services. Currently, the firm receives $138/hour and this arrangement has
been in place since July 1, 2004.
Mr. McCue asked if the Town Manager has budgeted in anticipation for this request and
Mr. D'Agostino replied that he has. Mr. McCarter believes that our town counsel fees
are comparable to area communities. Board members asked if other
committees/boards use the Board's legal fees line item and Mr. D'Agostino replied that
yes, they do.
Motion: To send a letter to requestors of Deutsche Bank funds stating that we are
developing criteria
(McCarter - no second)
Mr. D'Agostino said that we can invite the new management of the Holiday Inn in to
meet with the Board. Mr. McCarter questioned whether the event falls under the
entertainment license the Board issues. Mr. D'Agostino said that the Board could limit
the scope of the license to weddings, etc. Mr. Amoruso questioned whether the event
could be considered a convention, which does not fall under the entertainment license.
Motion: To request a letter to invite the new manager to come in to a future meeting
(McCue - McCarter) 4-0 Passes
r Motion: To withdraw Article 37, the expedited permitting article
(McCue - Amoruso) 4-0 Passes
The Board discussed the scheduling of a regular meeting on the 19th to go over the
warrant and Mr. Amoruso asked for an Executive Session on contract negotiations on
the 19th at 7:00pm.
Mr. D'Agostino reported the following:
. Veterans Services Officer John Hogan has requested $2,500 from the Deutsche
Bank for the Keach Memorial. The money would be used to inscribe people's
names on the Memorial.
Motion: To transfer $2,500 to the Keach Memorial Trust Fund from the Deutsche Bank
gift account, subject to availability
(McCarter - McCue) 4-0 Passes
Fire Dispatch and GIS application:
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The Board and the residents will be given an update on the fire dispatch system and
GIS application. He is going to host a cable show about items for Town Meeting and is
planning to have Lt. Neal Boldrighini come on the show as well.
Mr. McCarter:
Asked for an audit to be done, over a five year period, about the number of vehicles
purchased and the final disposition of them.
Mr. McCue:
Over the past month, the Zoning Board of Appeals has had important, weighty issues
before them, such as the Fetish Fair, Chapter 40Bs, etc. He wanted to publicly
recognize the ZBA for their work.
Motion: To adjourn at 10:07pm
(McCue) 4-0 Passes
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Signature of Clerk
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Date of Approval
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