Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 10-29-14Board of Selectmen Minutes October 29, 2014 Present: George Dentin; Chairman, Jess Aptowitz; Vice - Chairman, Doug Annino; Clerk, Frank DelVecchio, Olivier Kozlowski and William Ross: Town Manaeer Chairman Dentine called the meeting to order. Chairman Dentino reminded that this meeting is being broadcast live by Mansfield Cable Access and taped for future broadcast tlb D Bernard Carp is here representing Austin Debucas, LLC and is asking that the Board consider their application for a change in Officer /Director which would result in the addition of Mr. Carp as a Director. The change is due to the amount of time Mr. Carp is spending at the business. Mr. DelVecchio asked if there have been any other changes since the Board approved the license in September to which Mr. Carp answered no. Motion: To approve the change of officer /director for Austin Debucas dba Dub's Discount Wine and Liquors (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 � -- �� >:� "���,s, �.��th as�saeh�uet�ast�`e�►.er 1 ��v�����r����. Mr. Annino read the public meeting notice into the record. Present before the Board is Greg Matoian, Chairman — Board of Assessors, Nancy I-Iinote — Assistant Assessor and Glenn Nirenberg — Clerk, Board of Assessors. Chairman Dentine asked if Mr. Matoian had a recommendation for the Board. Mr. Matoian felt that the split should remain the same as the previous year at a 1.21 split (which means a 21% difference between businesses and residences). Mr. Aptowitz thanked Ms. Hinote for her work on the sampling of connnercial and residential properties used (range of Municipal and School employees). He noted that some individual property assessments increased significantly (which is a separate topic for another time) and reported if the split were to remain the same the overall tax increase to the residents would be roughly 3 %. Ms. Hinote explained there are a few things happening. She stated for the first time in four years there was an increase in the single family tax value according the sales analysis (resulting in a 4.3% increase) and noted it is not unlike surrounding communities such as Norton, Easton and Foxboro. She went on to note that the Town recently completed the data collection program which picked up additional new growth (central air, finished basements, pools). It was Mr. Aptowitz's thought that if the rate remained at 1.21 most businesses would receive a decrease in their tax bill which he had a problem with. Mr. Aptowitz is looking to push the shift up from 1.21 in order to make residents and businesses tax expense (percentage wise) as close as possible. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 29, 2014 Page 1 of 10 Mr. Kozlowski felt the only thing that makes logical sense to him was an even tax rate, but he understands that that would represent too great an increase on residents. He understands Mr. Aptowitz's view but his fear is that the Town would be moving further away from an even rate. Mr. Kozlowski is open to listening to what the rest of the Board has to say. Mr. Annino did not want the Town to out price itself and while he understands Mr. Aptowitz's thought he felt this to be a slippery slope. Mr. DelVecchio agreed with Mr. Aptowitz and noted the tax burden for someone living in an average residential home is going up more than it is for commercial because the values went up higher. Mr. DelVecchio noted that the value is imbedded and doesn't mean anything unless the property is for sale. He would expect, with the economy improving, that the lag for the businesses (commercial and industrial) will pick up later and revert back to the 1 to 1 ratio that Mr. Kozlowski suggested. Mr. Matoian noted that if the trend continues, where residential values rise and business properties do not, the Town could only shift out so far before it comes to the end of the line. Ms. Hinote also explained that residential and commercial /industrial properties are assessed differently where residential looks at the previous year's market and commercial /industrial are completed on an income and expense approach. Mr. DelVecchio referred to the spreadsheet and asked if Mr. Aptowitz's statement was correct that most commercial businesses were seeing a decrease in tax bills and if so was it a trend. Ms. Hinote explained that because the total values for commercial remained the same and residential went up so much the rates for commercial and even industrial would come down. Mr. DelVecchio referenced that in 2010 the industrial valuations dropped significantly (according to the Finance Committee memo) and have been level since. Mr. DelVecchio asked why that hasn't come up. Ms. Hinote felt that may have been due to the Special Tax (STA) for Smith & Nephew but she would like to verify to give a more informative answer. Mr. DelVecchio would like a follow up memo to explain. Scott Feeley, 49 Fruit Street, felt this to be a productive discussion on a difficult and complicated issue. He suggested at some point to have a representative from the DOR in to explain how this process works. He felt the Town is more valuable than it has been in the past, the tax levy has increased and there are debt exclusions. He stated the Board has the difficult decision on how to allocate that this year and look to how to handle in future years. Mr. Ross felt that the first part of December would be a great time to have that discussion with the DOR and felt that the Finance Connnittee and Board of Assessors should be in attendance. Chairman Dentino asked if there were any public comments. Andy Bank, 43 Old Stable Drive and CFO for a local business, felt that a roadmap to the future, as suggested by Mr. Feeley, is what is in order. Mr. Bank has noticed that his residential tax bill has increased over 20% in the past five years and yet enrollment in the school system has decreased yearly, which is a big factor in determining the budget. Mr. Ross noted that some of the issues that are unique on the school side are that the State continues to add mandates, which are difficult to Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 29, 2014 Page 2 of 10 keep up with but are required. Mr. Ross also added that an additional factor is in the Chapter 70 formula (as student enrollment decreases the value per student increases for property tax purposes). Mr. Ross felt it is important to know that the Town does a one and five year analysis (Conservative, Moderate and Optimistic). The Town looks at the revenue and expenditure streams and has allowed the Town to be more successful and to project where it is going. Mr. Ross noted it is a public document which the Town would be happy to share. Mr. DelVecchio noted there was an article in the Sun Chronicle which compared the tax increases over the past five years for surrounding communities where Mansfield was the lowest average tax increase. Chairman Dentine noted it wasn't until about 10 years ago that the Town went to a split and has remained there since. He felt it has been done with careful thought. Motion: To close the Public Hearing (Aptowitz/DelVeechio) PASSES 5:0 Motion: To set the Tax Split at 1.25 (Aptowitz/DelVecehio) Discussion: Mr. DelVecchio asked Mr. Aptowitz if that is the figure that compensates. Mr. Aptowitz felt that in looking at the sampling provided "the red" is gone at 1.25. Mr. Aptowitz felt it is important for everyone to succeed and he is pro- business but felt the residents are in need of assistance to stay in this community and there is a big population of those who are on fixed incomes. Mr. Annino felt Mr. Aptowitz makes a good point. Mr. Kozlowski felt the Board has taken relatively small steps and has been stable since then 2011. Mr. DelVecchio agreed in theory with Mr. Aptowitz but asked Ms. Hinote which of the shifts levels out the increase for commercial /industrial. Ms. I-Iinote noted up until it hits 2.4 there are still some "reds" but then the sampling is completely black. Chairman Dentino is of the opinion to go forward with the split using a conservative method of treading lightly. He felt 1.25 is too big and personally would rather 1.24. Mr. Aptowitz would like to amend his motion: Motion: To set the Tax Split at 1.24 (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) Discussion: Mr. Kozlowski asked what the Board's plan is for the future — is the Board to always look for "no red" on the sampling to which Chairman Dentino noted the Board looks at all factors to adjust the rate in the proper direction. He felt the Board has always been cognizant of residents and businesses. Mr. Kozlowski noted he has struggled with what factor makes logical sense and if it is Chairman Dentino's sense the Board will not have anybody (residential and commercial) have a cut in taxes and try to even the rate out then that is a line of logical thinking. Chairman Dentino stated that the financial situation of Massachusetts, as well as the US, would probably have an impact but not in leaps and bounds. He felt this to be a yearly review issue as the numbers change. Mr. Armin felt it should be the Board's intent to keep the tax rate even. Mr. DelVecchio noted it will be important to be consistent going forward. Motion: To set the Tax Split at 1.24 (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) PASSES 4:1 Kozlowski NAY Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 29, 2014 Page 3 of 10 IV I The Board reconvened at R-56PM Mr. Ross explained that the Airport Commission has received a grant from the State to build a new administration building and has confirmed with the State that building permit fees would not be covered, therefore are asking for a waiver of all Town fees associated with the construction. Mr. Ross reported that in the past for public buildings, fees have been waived with the exception, and the Airport Commission understands this, of plumbing, mechanical ventilating, electrical inspections where the Town cannot waive 65% of the fee as that portion is outside inspections. Chairman Dentino asked what else would be left to which Mr. Ross noted the basic building permit fee, which generally is larger than the others as there is more involved with reviewing and inspecting the building construction and would be a significant fee. Mr. Ross noted that in his conversations with Nick Riccio, Building Inspector and Zoning Enforcement, it was noted that because of the size of the building the Town will be spending a fair amount of time at the location. Mr. Ross also added the he did not feel the Airport Commission has the finds to pay those fees in their reserve fiords. Mr. Annino noted that Mr. Riccio will be spending a great deal of time on plan review alone. Mr. Ross noted it is important to assist the Airport Commission preserve its funds in order to mitigate some of the other issues it is dealing with that will benefit the residents. Mr. DelVecchio asked if there were other ways for the Commission to raise funds to pay the fees to which Mr. Ross stated rte. Chairman Dentin stated it is easy to forgive a fee but felt in actuality did not feel it to be a municipal building as it appears the Town has no say with regards to the buildings and hanger. He referenced the profits from the leasing of the hangers as well as the Town not having access to any equipment. Mr. Ross noted that legally the Airport is property of the Town but is under the controls statutorily of the Airport Commission so they have complete control where the Town's control is with budget matters. Mr. Kozlowski felt a good analogy would be the school buildings to which Mr. Ross agreed. Chairman Dentino noted that the Town is not allowed to use the equipment to which Mr. Ross explained that about 90% of what is purchased is with Federal finds which restricts that. Chairman Dentino would like to take a portion to at least cover the expense of the Town's personnel. Mr. Aptowitz asked for a dollar amount to which Mr. Ross stated he would have to ask Mr. Riccio to calculate that and he would get back to the Board. Chairman Dentino has an aversion to having Town employees put time in with no compensation or compensated out of the Town's fund. Mr. Aptowitz noted that the employees would be compensated but out of the Town's General Fund. Mr. DelVecchio noted if the only option to moving forward with the building is to absorb the fee and felt it to be a unique situation (not exactly like schools) and that this would set a precedent. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 29, 2014 Page 4 of 10 Motion: To waive the fees, as recommend by the Chief Building Official (DelVecchio /Annino) PASSES 5:0 Mr. Aptowitz distributed his goals and objectives at the beginning of the discussion. Mr. Annino noted that he and Mr. DelVecchio had the same initial thoughts with regards to a renewed effort on the IDC, which is well under way. Mr. Armin would like to begin with the creation of a Mission Statement for the Board. I-Ie would like to work on and submit a sample statement to the Board. He also felt that the Board needed to tackle with Mr. Ross' guidance the research of the ultimate build out of the conununity and how that affects the schools, as well as the Fales Oil Site. Mr. Ross noted that the Fales Oil Site is on the surplus list but the Town has not brought it forward as there is still some clean up needed on some of the properties. Mr. Annino would also like to work on the social media policy for Town employees, as well as distributing positive press releases. Mr. Ross referenced the North Common and the tremendous amount of positive feedback regarding the transformation from Facebook and Twitter. Mr. Annino would like to schedule a ribbon cutting at that location. Mr. Annino would to work behind the scenes an energy management strategy as well as the message board at the schools. Finally, Mr. Annino would like to see short -term development goals of DPW /Public Safety Building and consideration of what to do with those buildings once abandoned. Mr. Ross noted that the Departments are already working on that. Mr. DelVecchio felt there to be a considerable amount of overlap between his, Mr. Annino and Mr. Aptowitz's goals and objectives. In terms of the membership of the IDC he was pleased with the response and noted it to be wrapped into the idea of economic development with regards to the downtown area. Mr. DelVecchio felt there should be discussion of the various projects Mr. Ross and Town departments are working on as a comprehensive overall review. Mr. DelVecchio would like to see work with regards to the Town's website and reported that at the Capital Improvement meeting Sacha Zlatkova, MIS Director, presented the potential purchase of online permitting. Mr. DelVecchio noted the website would still need enhancement and freshening but was encouraged by her presentation. Mr. Ross noted that he spoke with Ms. Zlatkova, who has expertise in the area, and felt once we have Support Tech hired it will give her more time to dedicate efforts website. Mr. DelVecchio would like to see more budgeting information available to public in a way it can utilize it. He felt everyone to be in agreement in Town facilities and looking at the structures and how they are to be used going forward. Mr. DelVecchio was at a loss as to how to proceed in crystallizing some of these ideas and suggested a discussion each week. He mentioned Mr. Ross' previous suggestion of reconvening the Strategic Planning Committee which could help focus and channel the Board's ideas. Mr. Ross noted Shaun Burke, Planning Director, has been working with Dr. Mullen to arrange a meeting to review the Strategic Plan in terms of what has been accomplished, where the Town is heading and what needs to be reassessed. He anticipates that meeting sometime late fall or early winter. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 29, 2014 Page 5 of 10 Mr. Aptowitz looked at this as goals and objectives that could be accomplished within the next year or two. He referenced the DPW/Public Safety building where he would like to the facility on the same DPW site but would also like a calculation if this is cost neutral where it does not affect the tax payer because the Town has debt coming off. He noted he feels the same as Mr. Annino and Mr. DelVecchio in terms of the IDC and marketing the Town. Mr. Kozlowski noted the lists submitted were comprehensive and felt the Board should pick the most important, attainable topics and prioritize the remainder. Chairman Dentino noted Mr. Annino and Mr. DelVecchio put a concerted effort into this exercise but felt a good portion of the mentioned goals should be directed at the Planning Board and Dr. Mullen. He was in line with Mr. Kozlowski where the Board reacts to things that come up and form an opinion. With regards to marketing, Chairman Dentin felt that should not be a goal of the Board of Selectmen but rather the Town should put on a good approach. He mentioned how nice the North Common came out especially when the Town does not have to worry about the cost. It was Chairman Dentino's belief that the Board addresses a number of issues on a daily basis and there is not enough time in the day to handle that plus five year plans. He asked to look to the Charter for the definition as it states the Board is policy makers and that other committees and departments of the Town are already reviewing and overseeing most of the goals and objectives suggested. Mr. Annino noted there will always be issues coming up but that as the governing /policy making body the Board will have to make decisions and spend time on issues. Mr. Armin did not know of a body in the Town of Mansfield that has vision. Mr. Annino expects from the Board of Selectmen to have vision for the future where there needs to be input from the citizenry and it is the Board's role to dream about the future. The Board needs to look at ways to make the Town better and never want to settle and it is expected by the residents. He felt there to be tremendous potential and no other person has the position and role than the Board. Mr. Kozlowski noted each Board member has their own areas of interest and expertise and noted there is staff available to assist in those areas. He felt the Board should pick their area of interest /expertise and take the reins to tackle and push it forward. Mr. Ross noted that the key thing to come out of this exercise is to assist him and the Town Departments in setting priorities. Mr. Ross sat down with the submitted lists and tried to coalesce and found the following: Community Development (strategy for sustainable development) Citizen Involvement Engaging Community Groups in Marketing Community Outreach — website, expanding informational material prior to Town Meeting, Informational Budget and Social Media Budget and Finance — asked John Stanbrook about Lynch Malloy Study( update - report to public and continue with financials policies) Mr. DelVecchio wanted from this exercise a group of good ideas, generate them and to disperse appropriately among Town staff /departments. He felt there to be a good core of ideas but now the task is to coordinate achievement of them. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 29, 2014 Page 6 of 10 Mr. Ross noted that as policy makers the Board's job is to help us see the priorities of the community and the Board's reflection of that. He noted the Charter envisions that. It was Mr. Aptowitz's suggestion to allow Mr. Ross to harness all these ideas and begin the process of how to attain them. None. 9' A. Review and Approval of Minutes of Meetings • Board of Selectmen Minutes October 15, 2014 Motion: To approve the Board of Selectmen Minutes for October 15, 2014 (AptowitzlKozlowski) PASSES 5:0 B. Approval of Warrants • Town Vendor Warrant No. 15017T $3,638,346.55 Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant No. 15017T $3,638,346.55 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15017E $28,813.74 Motion: To approve Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15017E $28,813.74 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 150175 $2,225.00 Motion: To approve School Department Vendor Warrant No. 15017S $2,225.00 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 • Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 15017PT $314,915.75 Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 15017PT $314,915.75 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski ) PASSES 4:1 Dentino NAY • Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 15017TV $98,242.47 Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 15017TV $98,242.47 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 • School Payroll School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 15017PS $1,524,257.52 Motion: To approve School Payroll School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 15017PS $1,524,257.52 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:1 Annino NAY • School Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 15017SV $518,229.40 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 15017SV $518,229.40 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 15018T $1,273,647.70 Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant No. 15018T $1,273,647.70 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15018E $18,641.82 Motion: To approve Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15018E $18,641.82 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 15018S $387,231.61 Motion: To approve School Department Vendor Warrant No. 150185 $387,231.61(Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 • Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 15018PT $320,982.22 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 29, 2014 Page 7 of 10 Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 15018PT $320,982.22 (AptowiWKozlowski) PASSES 4:1 Dentino NAY • Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 15018TV $102,486.07 Motion: To approve Town Deductions- Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 15018TV $102,486.07 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 C. Licenses and Permits • Consideration Of Water Installer's License For J &T Excavating, Co. Motion: To approve Water Installer's License For J &T Excavating, Co. (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 • Consideration Of Water Installer's License For G. Lopes Construction Motion: To approve Water Installer's License For G. Lopes Construction (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 • Consideration Of Water Installer's License For Zorba Construction Motion: To approve Water Installer's License For Zorba Construction (DelVecchio/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 • Consideration Of Drainlayer's License For Zorba Construction Motion: To approve Drainlayer's License For Zorba Construction (DelVecchio /Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 • Consideration Of Hackney Driver's License For Roger Avery, Already Taxi Motion: To approve hackney driver's license for Roger Avery, Already Taxi (DelVecchio/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 • Consideration Of Sign Request For Mansfield Mother's Club Would not consider due to size of sign • Consideration Of New Common Victualler's License For Dees Donuts dba Dunkin Donuts Located At 321 School Street Motion: To approve new common victualler's license for Dees Donuts dba Dunkin Donuts subject to completion of conditions /inspections (DelVecchio /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0 • Consideration Of Commercial Parking Facility License For One Foundry, LLC Motion: To approve commercial parking facility license for One Foundry, LLC PASSES (DelVecchio /Aptowitz) 4:1 Kozlowski NAY • Consideration Of Proclamation For Boy Scouts Of America Troop 51's New Eagle Scouts Thomas Jospeh Kirejczyk, Matthew James Kireezyk and Michael Jon Kirejczyk Motion: To approve proclamations for Troop 51's new Eagle Scouts (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 • Consideration Of Parade Application By Veteran's Agent Heath Hobson For Veteran's Day Parade On November 11, 2014 Motion: To approve Veteran's Day Parade For November 11, 2014(Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 D. Correspondence • Resignation Letter From David Kobasa, Keep Mansfield Beautiful • Resignation Letter From Rod Stearns, Airport Commission Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 29, 2014 Page 8 of 10 Two Letters From XFinity Regarding Cancellation Of XFinity 3D Effective December 18, 2014 and An Update On Municipal Emeraencv Revortina Procedure Mr. Ross noted that Town Clerk, Marianne Staples would like to remind residents that there is an election next Tuesday, November 4 °i for various State offices and asked that residents study the ballot questions prior to voting as the Town is expecting a large crowd. Mr. Ross also reminded that the Town is using the new voting machines that were rolled out during the Primary Election. Mr. Ross noted that paving is complete on Norfolk Street and Morse Court. Mr. Ross reported that still open are Pine and Williams Streets and the Town is working to at least get the base coat down prior to winter. Mr. Ross reported that the Capital Improvement Committee met last evening (October 2811) and is moving forward as all requests from both Municipal and School departments have been received. Mr. Ross felt there to be adequate resources to accommodate most requests. Mr. Ross has appointed three residents to the hrdustrial Development Commission, which makes a quorum and noted the Town is still looking for three more members. He asked if a resident is interested to please contact the Town Manager's office or visit the Town's website. Mr. Ross reminded the Board that the MMA Annual Meeting is in January and to please let the office know if you will be attending in order to handle registration. Mr. Aptowitz would like the Parking Enforcement Officer to go through the process of towing vehicles parked in resident spaces that are not residents. Mr. Ross will follow up on the Town's authority with regard to that. Mr. Kozlowski asked that the Town be sure to have the spaces marked appropriately prior to towing. Mr. Aptowitz noted that he, Mr. Ross and Chairman Dentino attended the public meeting concerning the North Main/Oakland Street plan. FIe felt it was a good discussion but there was a lot of work to still be done and particularly referenced the traffic issues. Chairman Dentin apologized for missing the Halloween parade and noted he was under the weather. None. Board Of selectmen's Meeting October 29, 2014 Page 9 of 10 Motion: To enter into Executive Session and not return to Open Session (Amiino /Aptowitz) Kozlowski (AYE), Aptowitz (AYE), Annino (AYE), DelVecchio (AYE) and Dentino (AYE) PASSES 5:0 Signature of Clerk Date of Approval /Tracey Whalen Includes: Tar Classification Public Notice and supporting analysis documentation Dfemorandum From Nicholas Riccio regarding Airport Commission Fee Waiver Request Selectmen Jess Aptowitz's Goals and Objectives Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 29, 2014 Page 10 of 10