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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 10-01-2014Board of Selectmen Minutes October 1, 2014 Present: George Dentino; Chairman, Jess Aptowitz; Vice Chairman, Frank DelVecchio, Olivier Kozlowski and William Ross; Town Manager - Absent: Doug Annino Chairman Dentino called the meeting to order. Chairman Dentino reminded that this meeting is being broadcast live by Mansfield Cable Access and taped for firture broadcast. Chairman Dentin noted that representatives from the Boy Scouts of American, Troop 17 — Anawon Council, are present this evening to ask for permission to use the lot across from the Police Station on West Street for their annual Christmas Tree sales. This item was originally scheduled during Weekly Business. The group is looking to use the lot as well as an electrical drop from November 22 ad through the holiday season. Ms. Whalen noted that the electrical drop would be coordinated with Gary Babin, Director, MMED. Motion: To approve use of the tree lot on West Street for the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 17's annual Christmas Tree sales from November 29t" through the holiday season (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0 Mr. DelVecchio asked if there was a policy in place for the areas in Town that are available for use Present before the Board is Louis Palladini, 37 Tremont Street, who is applying for a vacancy on the Cable Access Board of Directors. Mr. Palladini is a graduate of Northeastern University and an internal auditor. As he is familiar with risk and controls he felt he would make a good addition to the Board as lie could review any issues objectively. Mr. Palladini also hosted a show called Creations In Clay for Cable Access. Mr. Kozlowski noted there was a letter of recommendation for Mr. Palladini from Rob Sibilia, President of Mansfield Cable. Mr. Kozlowski explained that the Board encourages participation in attending Town Meeting. I-Ie thanked Mr. Palladini for stepping up and participating by volunteering. Mr. Aptowitz asked if this was a vacated position to which Ms. Whalen advised it is one year into a three year vacant position to expire in April, 2017. Mi. DelVecchio asked how long Mr. Palladini has been involved with his show on Cable Access to which he noted about a year and a half. Chairman Dentin thanked Mr. Palladini for coming forward and noted it is much appreciated. Board Of selectmen's Meeting October 1, 2014 Page I of Motion: To appoint Louis Palladini to an unexpired three year term to expire on April 3, 2017 to the Cable Access Board of Directors (Kozlowski /Antowitz) PASSES 4:0 Mr. Ross noted there is a report for the Board from Officer Kinahan, Traffic Enforcement Officer, where he did not feel a stop sign was warranted in that area. Lee Azinheira, DPW Director, agreed with Officer Kinahan's assessment. Mr. Ross read the report into the record. Present for this discussion are residents Mark Daly, 18 Marshall Avenue and Joseph Murphy, 15 Marshall Avenue. Mr. Daly explained that he and Mr. Murphy are spearheading the effort for the additional stop sign and although they understand the objections they wanted to be sure the Board is familiar with the area and the situation. Mr. Daly reported it is a subdivision with numerous children under the age of ten where the number one concern is for their safety. He stated that the location of the sign would be coming off of a hill in the neighborhood (between Marshall Avenue and Smiley) in hopes of slowing down vehicles which he felt are travelling between 30 — 40 mph in a residential area. Mr. Daly did submit a petition to the Board and asked it to seriously consider this additional sign as a safety precaution. Mr. DelVecchio did not have the opportunity to view the area but assumes that Officer Kinahan had the concerns of the residents in mind to which Mr. Ross noted yes. Mr. Ross did view the area and understands the concerns of the residents but agrees with Officer Kinahan and Mr. Azinheira. Mr. DelVecchio asked if there were another way to address these concerns. Mr. Daly reiterated to the Board the concern is for the safety of the children in the residential area. Mr. Ross explained there are standards that are developed by traffic engineers called "warrants" that are a set of standards that need to be in place before a traffic sign could be placed (volume of traffic, layout of intersection, type of development). Mr. Ross noted Officer Kinahan's concern was that drivers would ignore the sign and roll through it which could potentially make the situation worse. Mr. Daly pointed out that running a stop sign is against the law and questioned the justification of that being the reason to not install an additional sign. Mr. Ross stated statistics show that 30% of drivers, once familiar with the area, will roll through the stop sign, which could result in collisions and part of the Town's responsibility is traffic safety overall. Mr. Murphy did not see what the detriment would be given the fact that vehicles on Smiley already have a stop sign. This is the second request made by Mr. Murphy where he was initially denied because it was considered a "clean cut thm way ", which Mr. Murphy completely disagrees with as it is a subdivision. Mr. Ross agreed with what staff recommended but noted the final decision is with the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Aptowitz stated he normally supports staff decisions but in this case would like to speak with Officer Kinahan to be more clear on his recommendation and is uncomfortable voting especially given this is the second request. Mr. Daly stated this is a big enough concern to the residents of the Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 1, 2014 Page 2 of 9 area that they would pay for the additional sign. Mr. Daly would appreciate further investigation where Officer Kinahan could sit in his driveway to monitor the speed of the traffic. Mr. Kozlowski noted he too was unable to view the area and would appreciate postponing the vote so that he could visit the area. He explained that generally speaking there are a set of standards ( "warrants ") that are made for the purpose of determining this situation and was concerned if this area does not meet those standards, as Officer Kinahan has stated, what is the exception to the rule. Mr. Ross reviewed the area via GIS mapping (incorporated for the record) with both residents and the Board. Mr. Ross will review this with Officer Kinahan as well. Mr. Aptowitz would like to become more informed with this process and asked that Officer Kinahan come in to provide more detail. Mr. Kozlowski reminded there was discussion of a traffic survey as well. Chairman Dentino would like to reschedule the discussion where a full Board is present and suggested a two week period where he asked for all Board members to view the area. Chairman Dentino would also appreciate a sketch of the area. Jacqueline Boudreau, Treasurer, is present before the Board to propose two changes to the Town's property tax billing. The first change would be from a quarterly to semi - annual tax bill mailing and changing the tax form to a one page statement with two remittance slips. Ms. Boudreau explained the reasoning behind the changes are that this would be a good money savings of about $8,000 per year for the Town and secondly due to half the real estate bills currently are being paid by mortgage companies. Ms. Boudreau reported the second change would be to offer `E- Billing' to taxpayers. This program would allow residents to go paperless and receive an online bill but noted they could also still receive a paper bill if they choose. Ms. Boudreau also noted that the company that the Town would utilize, City Hall Systems, would send out reminders to the residents. She explained the Town is already utilizing the company for collection of some online payments and she would look to expand on the services currently provided. Mr. DelVecchio asked if there are surrounding communities utilizing this system to which Ms. Boudreau noted yes but at varying levels and the company is a Massachusetts firm. Mr. DelVecchio asked if this would need to be at a procurement level to which Ms. Boudreau again stated no. Mr. DelVecchio felt that two remittance slips on one bill would put an encumbrance on the resident to save the second slip but did like that the resident could receive a reminder. If implemented, Mr. DelVecchio asked if there was any latitude if a resident was late a few days in payment during the initial launch. Ms. Boudreau noted, as Collector, she has the ability to waive, if under $15, but felt if there is proper communication and reminders it would not be necessary as the schedule is remaining the same. She again reminded that this would be for approximately half the residents as the other half is currently already being paid by the mortgage company. Mr. Kozlowski asked if this changed the payment options in terms of online fees to which Ms. Boudreau explained this is an opportunity in addition to what the Town currently has through Board Of selectmen's Meeting October 1, 2014 Page 3 of 9 UmBank, which is UniPay. She noted the difference between the two is that for a HCH transaction UniPay charges a $.25 fee per transaction whereas City Hall Systems charges $.50 per cart. She also explained that the credit card fee is 3.2% with City Hall Systems. Mr. Aptowitz wanted to confirm that the proposal is to still have residents pay quarterly but only receive two bills per year to which Ms. Boudreau confirmed. He went on to ask if the second bill would be the adjusted bill as it would be after the tax hearing to which Ms. Boudreau again confirmed. Chairman Dentin noted all of these are an advantage to the Town but felt a 3.2% charge to the credit card was too strong. Ms. Boudreau noted the Town is not omitting UniPay and that City Hall Systems would just be another option. Mr. Aptowitz agreed with Chairman Dentino that the 3.2% was high and asked if it could be negotiated down. Ms. Boudreau stated it is not negotiable. Mr. Ross noted this is an additional way to pay by credit card and residents can choose not to use it. Mr. Ross asked what Unibank charges the Town to which Ms. Boudreau explained it was a graduated cost. Mr. DelVecchio asked in order to take advantage of this program and its benefits, is it required to take on the credit card payment or could the Town refuse that as it is a high fee. Ms. Boudreau was unsure. Mr. Ross again reiterated this is an additional credit card option not the only one. Mr. DelVecchio found it to be confusing to the resident. Ms. Boudreau noted the option and charge would be laid out on the website. Mr. Aptowitz asked if the fee is negotiable to which Ms. Boudreau noted perhaps but at a fee to the Town. Ms. Boudreau also noted that this system would allow more access to the resident after business hours. Chairman Dentino questioned the fees associated with reminders and programming. He felt the fee to be too high and gouging the resident. Motion: To change from quarterly mailings of tax bills to twice a year mailings noting that the Town will still bill quarterly (DelVecchio / Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0 Motion: To approve City Hall Systems to offer E- Billing and payments for the Town and to authorize the Town Manager to sign the notification (DelVecchio /Kozlowski) Chairman Dentin asked if there was a time constraint on this vote to which Ms. Boudreau stated no. The Chairman would like a full Board for this vote. Mr. DelVecchio asked if this would give Ms. Boudreau enough time to implement. Ms. Whalen noted the next BOS Meeting would be October 15'h. Mr. DelVecchio removed his motion. After discussing that the only change would be for those residents deciding to now no longer receive a paper bill, the Chairman decided to continue to the vote. Motion: To approve City Hall Systems to offer E- Billing and payments for the Town and to authorize the Town Manager to sign the notification of municipal e- billing (DelVecchio/Kozlowski) PASSES 3:1 Dentino NAY Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October I, 2014 Page 4 of 9 Ms. Whalen explained that the Board's office received changes to the bill on September 16th via email, which had been incorporated in the Board's packet for this evening's meeting. She explained that the Board should have been able to view the progression of the document and that the Board would need to first approve those changes. Motion: To approve the changes made by the General Court in H4413 as seen through the track changes in the document entitled H4413 with track changes (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 3:1 Dentine NAY Ms. Whalen then explained that further changes were made to the document as late as last evening that would require the Board's review and an additional motion to accept the changes which she noted would be a floor amendment to the bill. The changes included that there could be no transfers of the license within the first 3 years from date of issuance and also that the license could not be transferred outside of the location areas as identified in the act. Chairman Dentino questioned the definition of transfer and felt the language left open the possibility of a sale of the license. Mr. Ross explained that in order to sell the license the applicant would need to apply for a transfer. Ms. Whalen noted that the second change to the bill ensured that the license could not be moved outside of the targeted areas voted on at Town Meeting. Mr. Kozlowski agreed with the second set of changes but was concerned with the first and used as an example an establishment needing to close inside of the 3 year requirement but then cannot transfer the license. Mr. Aptowitz noted that the licenses technically belong to the Town and with this language the license would be returned back to the Town's quota of available licenses. Mr. Aptowitz was concerned that the Board needed to rush through this process. Mr. Ross explained a vote was needed this evening in order for the bill to move forward as the person who is pushing this is the Chair of the Appropriate Committee. Mr. DelVecchio summarized that the changes in essence are the licenses cannot be moved to another area and the other that the license cannot be transferred within 3 years. Mr. Aptowitz reminded that anyone applying will have that understanding up front as it is the law. Mr. Ross stated unless it is a corporation. Motion: To approve an amendment to House, No. 4413 in subsection (B) of section I by striking out the first sentence and inserting in place thereof the following sentence:- "The licensing authority shall not approve the transfer of a license granted pursuant to this act to: (i) any other person, corporation, partnership or organization for a period of 3 years from the date of original issuance; or (ii) a location outside of the areas identified in this act where the license was originally granted (Kozlowski /DelVecchio) Original Vote: 2:1:1 Dentino NAY, Aptowitz ABSTAIN After discussion Mr. Aptowitz changed his vote to AYE - PASSES 3:1 Dentin NAY Mr. Aptowitz was uncomfortable with not having the presence of Representative Barrows to explain the changes and with the timing. Mr. DelVecchio noted that he was not a part of the original discussion with regards to this bill. Chairman Dentino explained his reasoning for voting against was due to the licenses having designated areas, which has always been his stance. Mr. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 1, 2014 Page 5 of 9 Mr. Aptowitz asked what the Beacon Tower is to which Mr. Ross noted it is the revolving light. Chairman Dentino asked Mr. Ross for his recommendation. Mr. Ross reported that the Airport Commission is receiving a grant from the State for $6,600 (80% of the cost) for painting the tower and the Airport will then pay the remaining balance of $1,600. Mr. Kozlowski asked Mr. Ross for the balance in the Airport Enterprise Fund to which he reported enough to cover this expense. Mr. Kozlowski is concerned with respect to the agreement made prior to Town Meeting to use Airport Enterprise funds to remediate the tree cutting that was being done at the entrance to the bike path. As this expense dips into that account Mr. Kozlowski would like the Airport Commission before the Board to explain this expense and report on the funds left within the account. Mr. Ross will ask John Stanbrook, Finance Director, to pull the numbers and invite the Airport Commission to the next meeting on October 15d'. Mr. DelVecchio wanted to be sure that this was not time sensitive to which Mr. Ross responded it was not. Chairman Dentino would also like to have the Airport Commission sign off on this grant first prior to the Board's approval. Chairman Dentino tabled this discussion due to Mr. Annino's absence and not having all lists submitted. • Town Vendor Warrant No. 15013T $306,960.73 Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant No. 15013T $306,960.73(Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15013E $24,641.11 Motion: To approve Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15013E $24,64 1.11 (Kozlowski/Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 15013S $299.82 Motion: To approve School Department Vendor Warrant No. 15013S $299.82 (Kozlowski/Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0 • Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 15013PT $319,447.38 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 15013PT $319,447.38 (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 3:1 Dentin NAY • Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 15013TV $98,926.77 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 15013TV $98,926.77 (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0 Board Of selectmen's Meeting October 1, 2014 Page 6 of 9 • School Payroll School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 15013PS $1,555,539.50 Motion: To approve School Payroll School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 15013PS $1,555,539.50 (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0 • School Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 15013SV $495,700.47 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 15013SV $495,700.47 (Kozlowski/Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 15014T $2,002,296.48 Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant No. 15014T $2,002,296.48 (Kozlowski/Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15014E $38,014.11 Motion: To approve Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15014E $38,014.1l(Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 15014S $543,383.72 Motion: To approve School Department Vendor Warrant No. 15014S $543,383.72 (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 15014PT $302,823.78 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 15014PT $302,823.78 (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 3:1 Dentino NAY • Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 15014TV $92,108.47 Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 15014TV $92,108.47 (Kozlowski/Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0 C. Licenses and Permits • Consideration Of Hackney Driver's License For Already Taxi: Richard Dalton and Albeiro Paniagua Motion: To approve hackney driver's license for Richard Dalton, Already Taxi (Kozlowski/DelVecehio) PASSES 4:0 Motion: To approve hackney driver's license for Albeiro Paniagua, Already Taxi (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0 Consideration Of Hackney Driver's License For Michaele Craig, Veterans Taxi Motion: To approve hackney driver's license for Michaele Craig, Veterans Taxi (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0 Consideration Of One Day Beer and Wine License For Cork's Wine And Spirits For Participation In The Tri -Town Chamber's Taste Of Tri -Town, October 7, 2014 At Mansfield Crossing Motion: To approve a One Day Beer and Wine License For Cork's Fine Wine and Liquors (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0 Approval Of Early Sunday Alcohol Sales For Off - Premises Retail Establishments Motion: To approve Early Sunday Alcohol Sales For Route 106 Wines & Spirits (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0 Motion: To approve Early Sunday Alcohol Sales For Tedeschi Food Shop (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October I, 2014 Page 7 of 9 Motion: To approve Early Sunday Alcohol Sales For Wines and More (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0 Motion: To approve Early Sunday Alcohol Sales For Family Food Mart (Kozlowski/Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0 D. Correspondence • Letter from Joel Reed, Building Commissioner, Town of Norton, expressing appreciation of Nick Riccio, Zoning Enforcement Officer, Assistance With Deutsche Bank Championship Mr. Kozlowski read the letter into the record. Receipt of Petition for the Town to purchase Willowdale Golf Course Mr. Aptowitz noted it is one of those situations where there are groups of people used to having the course as their entertainment/relaxation but even if there were a willingness on the Town's part, he is unsure of where the funds would come from. He is sorry to see it go. Mr. Kozlowski made the analogy of the Airport as a municipal entity but that being said the Town has no idea how to run a golf course. He too is sad to lose it as it was an example of something the Town had that not all other municipalities have. Mr. DelVecchio restated his thoughts from last week where his regret is that the Town does not seem to have a process whereby it has this large, open space available and no one is looking and saying it would be nice to preserve that land for the Town for whatever purpose and being aware of what is going on. Mr. DelVecchio also noted he considered himself in that grouping as well. Mr. Ross noted that during his career he has been involved in the development of three municipal golf courses where the issue always is there needs to be an alternative source of funds to purchase the course or build the course (alternate of the fees paid by golfers) because it is very rare that you see that the golf course can support both the capital investment and ongoing expense to maintain. Resignation Letter from Rod Oreste, Planning Board Mr. Kozlowski read the letter into the record. Motion: To accept the resignation and send a letter of thanks for Mr. Oreste (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0 Mr. Ross commented he attended a very good ICMA Conference. He reported that Doris Kerns Goodwin was the key note speaker and discussed her recent book on Teddy Roosevelt. Mr. Ross reported that for any of the Board interested he could provide a link to the Draft Storm Water Permit Report for the region. Mr. Ross noted there will be a copy of the Draft Environmental Impact Report and Comprehensive Wastewater Plan in the Board's office for its review. Mr. Ross recommended that the Board not upgrade its IPads to the 8.0 version at this time. Finally, Mr. Ross reported that as of this meeting, the Town has received certification from the State on the values. The Town can now set the tax levy hearing and Mr. Ross would like the Board's feedback. e Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 1, 2014 Page 8 of 9 Mr. Aptowitz apologized for his earlier comments with regards to Representative Barrows not present for this evening's discussion involving last minute changes to the Home Rule Petition. He commented that he realizes it is not an easy job and his frustration stems from last minute changes with no explanation from the source of the change. Mr. Aptowitz attended the Triad Pasta dinner at the Council On Aging last Monday, September 291". He complimented the Fire Department for sponsoring especially Captain Goyete for providing the meal. Mr. Aptowitz has noticed numerous lights out on Main Street and Mr. Ross agreed and will work with Gary Babin, Director, MMED. Mr. Kozlowski congratulated the Police and Fire Departments for another successful fire truck pull benefitting Special Olympics. Chairman Dentino thanked the present Board for its preparedness for this evening's meeting. None. Motion: To adjourn the Board of Selectmen meeting (Kozlowski /Dentin) 9:48pm Signature of Clerk �:; qtr je, 3 Date of Approval /Tracey Whalen Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 1, 2014 Page 9 of 9