HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 11-12-14Board of Selectmen Minutes
November 12, 2014
Present: George Dentino; Chairman, Jess Aptowitz; Vice - Chairman, Doug Annino; Clerk, Frank
DelVecchio, Olivier Kozlowski and William Ross: Town Manaeer
Chairman Denthno called the meeting to order. Chairman Dentin reminded that this meeting is
being broadcast live by Mansfield Cable Access and tared for future broadcast.
Police Chief Sellon and Officer Dave Kinahan are present regarding a request for an additional
stop sign that was brought to the Board's attention by Mark Daly and Joe Murphy, residents of
Marshall Avenue, at a previous Board of Selectmen meeting. Chief Sellon noted that he had
delivered to the Board a few weeks ago literature as to the procedures required to provide for an
additional stop sign, suggested by Mass Highway, notably a minimum average of 300 vehicles per
eight hour period of the day (the number lowers to 200 when pedestrians and bicyclists are
included). It was recommended by Public Safety that a stop sign not be installed at this location
due to not meeting that criteria and Chief Sellon fiurther explained that if a stop were to be installed
while not meeting the Mass Highway standards and an accident occurs litigation could focus on
that fact.
Mr. Aptowitz noted that he is frustrated in that the reasoning for denying the stop sign is due to the
requirement of a minimum 300 vehicles in an eight hour period, where he knows of neighborhoods
with stop signs that do not meet the criteria. Officer Kinahan noted some of those stop signs were
installed by developers of new subdivisions and not closely reviewed. Mr. Aptowitz asked if these
stop signs should be removed to which Chief Sellon felt that would open up additional issues.
Mr. DelVecchio asked if Mass Highway has jurisdiction to which Chief Sellon noted only for
major roadways (Route 106) but not for side roads but used as a professional guide /standard and to
be consistent. Mr. DelVecchio noted that speed was a major concern of the residents and asked if
there was any remedy for that. Officer Kinahan noted that there are other traffic common
procedures such as speed enforcements by use of a speed gauge to slow vehicles down. Chief
Sellon also noted that the traffic counters could be placed but the problem with that is they are
typically used for monitoring larger traffic areas and would take away from that.
Mr. Annino noted that if this is a discussion of speed then it would be open to the entire Town. 1Ie
believed it to be important to listen to the residents but noted that the Board does not have expertise
in this area and rely on the Town's professionals, which in this case are backed up by Mass
Highway. Mr. Annino noted that as far as subdivisions the Planning Board typically has Public
Safety review the roadway plans and recommend stop signs at that time but as it is a new
subdivision there are no traffic counts.
Mr. Aptowitz asked if a Yield sign would be helpful to which Officer Kinahan noted they are
typically ignored and would cause more confusion. Officer Kinahan is willing to investigate
additional options but did point out there are three additional stop signs on Marshall Avenue by
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 12, 2014
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approaching Denwood. At this point the residents of Marshall Avenue entered the meeting. Chief
Sellon reviewed the criteria with the residents as presented earlier to the Board.
Chairman Dentino noted he viewed the location on four different occasions at various times and
angels. He did not believe there to be a lot of traffic on Marshall Avenue but found it interesting
that 90% of vehicles coming up Smiley Avenue to head onto Marshall Avenue did not come close
to stopping. Chairman Dentin also did not witness a lot of speed on Marshall and was confused
by the stop sign located in front of a residence after the intersection of Smiley. Again, Officer
Kinahan felt that was initially installed when developed.
Mark Daly, 18 Marshall Avenue and Joe Murphy, 15 Marshall Avenue are present. Mr. Daly
agreed that Marshall Avenue is not a high traffic area but when used as a thruway it is at excessive
speeds and avoidance of the stop sign on Smiley. Mr. Daly explained the motivation behind this is
for the safety of the children in the area. Mr. Murphy noted it was that three way stop sign
(Denwood and Smiley) that inspired him a few years ago to try to have the same situation at the
other end of the neighborhood.
Chief Sellon applauded the residents concern but questioned the practicality of a stop sign and felt
it would be better to have a dialog with the residents to come up with a resolution for the area and
report back to the Board of Selectmen at its first meeting in December.
Chairman Dentin has invited a few of the Town's officials to explain the Town's readiness and
preparation with regards to Ebola. Present are Fire Chief Neal Boldrighini as well as Pat Harrison,
Lead Nurse for Mansfield Public Schools. Chief Boldrighini noted the extensive medical and
professional background that Ms. Harrison has, which includes a background in nursing for 40
years and with the Mansfield school system for 22 years. Along with that Ms. Harrison has been a
critical care nurse and has been on medical missionaries to third world countries on numerous
occassions.
Chief Boldrighini wanted to put Ebola into perspective. He explained it is an African born disease
and has been around since 1976. It is a rare virus strain that in its history has had 36 outbreaks and
only 9 of those outside of its original origin. Chief Boldrighini explained there have been more
illnesses and virus come through the United States posing a Hutch greater risk in terms of how it
spreads and its quickness and particularly noted the flu. Chief Boldrighini explained that Ebola is
transported very specifically where a person must come into contacted with the bodily fluids of an
actively sick person (8 -21 day period) who has a direct link to the disease itself. He noted it cannot
be transported via air, food or water. He felt we need to consider that it comes from an area so
different from ours that does not have the level of care that we do and people in those infected
areas are in close proximity of one another.
Chief Boldrighini noted they take all communicable diseases seriously and went through the
Town's procedures with regards to a suspect Ebola case using Detect, Protect and Respond:
• protocols in place to identify the problem which isolates exposure and coordinates with
other agencies (dispatch would ask specific questions) which would be relayed to
responders
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 12, 2014
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respond team would scale down numbers where only one to two members would assess the
patient while remaining team would stand back, teams would be wearing protective suits
and gear and communication would be immediate to Sturdy Hospital as has been set up
once transported, hospital protocols take over and a decontamination team takes over
Ms. Harrison noted her department follows all Public Safety protocols and that her nurses have
been educated. As an example she noted that if someone is symptomatic their first call is to Public
Safety while following all of the same protocols outlined by Chief Boldrighini. The situation
would be treated as any communicable disease and protective gear (gowns, gloves and
faceshields) have been procured for each school and nurse. Ms. Harrison noted the great
relationship between the Fire Department, Board of Health and her department in terms of making
plans and educating together on all issues.
Mr. Ross believed the Town to be prepared as he is always in touch with Public Safety and the
Board of Health. He noted there is no indication of any issues in the Town of Mansfield and felt
working together is the best preparation as the patient's life is of primary concern but also the
protection of the Public Safety departments. Mr. Ross reminded the public there are other more
pressing issues such as the flu and pneumonia and asked residents to wash their hands and get their
shots.
Chairman Dentino is confident with the "Town's preparation but noted he had a concern about the
HazMat suits being water proof. He displayed a photo of a medical professional wearing such a
suit. I-Ie referenced and had visions of patients being treated by teams of two where the team
would work hand and hand on treatment and decontamination. Chief Boldrighini did note that all
HazMat suits allow for complete encapsulation so there are no exposed areas and that a HazMat
decontamination professional are always present to ensure protocols are followed.
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This discussion has been postponed by request of Ron Morgan, MBTA.
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Lee Azinheira, Director of DPW and David Young from CDM Smith are here to present before the
Board. The presentation has been made a part of this record.
Mr. Young has been working with the Town on its wastewater program for many years. Mr.
Young's presentation encompassed the purpose of the project, its history and the scope of work for
Phase 2.
Mr. Young explained that the five alternatives for the Town are:
• No additional municipal wastewater treatment capacity
• Local satellite wastewater facility located in Mansfield
• Mansfield only expansion of existing WPCF
• Regional solution with Norton
• Regional solution with Foxboro and Norton
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FIe went on to explain that the recommended program would include:
• Expansion of the existing WPCF to accommodate an additional 1.0 mgd
• Upgrade of the WPCF with a four stage Bardenpho process to treat existing and future
flows to more stringent nutrient limits detailed in the recently issued WPCF NPDES permit
• Construction of wastewater effluent recharge infiltration basins at the Pine Street site for
infiltration of up to 1.0 mgd
• Cap and closure of the Fruit Street Landfill located in Mansfield and previously used for
sludge and grit disposal from the WPCF
The financing plan is estimated to be $39 million (Mansfield's share is approximately $24 million)
and includes:
• Construction costs with contractor's overhead and profit and construction contingency
• Engineering and implementation costs
• Land acquisition costs to acquire land for the infiltration basins
Mr. Young finally reviewed the project schedule:
• DEIR continents to MEPA — due November 19, 2014
• MEPA Decision —November 26, 2014
• Address final EIR comments — December 2014
• WPCF preliminary design — began Fall 2O14
• Complete final design — March 2016
• Construction start — September 2016
• Construction — substantial completion by July 2019
• Permit compliance — compliance by August 2019
• Design of the Fruit Street Landfill Cap and closure will commence on a similar schedule.
Construction would last approximately 6 months
Mr. Aptowitz asked what the impact is to the ratepayer as he has been very vocal of the
water /sewer rates over the past seven years. Mr. Azinheira noted one of the components with
regards to the wastewater treatment plant was additional improvements after phase 1 (completed
approximately seven years ago) where the Town is obligated to complete half of these
improvements with its existing customer base. Ultimately, the goal is to keep the increase to 6% as
the department has been building up reserves with the intent to use those initially as the debt
service kicks in so that a spike in rates is not needed. Mr. Young also noted that they are in the
process of looking for finding sources where they have recently filed for a Community Imiovation
Challenge Grant of $500,000 and noted CDM Smith are very cognizant of the funding.
Mr. Ross noted as long as EPA continues to pile on the regulations the Town has no choice but to
meet those and at least half of this cost is directly related to those regulations. Also, Mr. Ross
noted that the legislation that created the district has been amended to allow the individual
communities in the district to charge connection fees for new customers. He felt this to be a way to
lessen the impact on the ratepayers in terms of the expansion portion of the project. Mr. Ross
stated that unfortunately there will still be an impact on the ratepayers due to the regulations which
are beyond the Town's control and apply to any wastewater plant.
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 12, 2014
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Chairman Dentin asked where the Town is currently in terms of its increase percentage to which
Mr. Azinheira noted 6 %. Chairman Dentin noted that less than 50% of the Town is on sewer. As
a point of information Mr. Azinheira noted that when the Town converted to GIS (six to seven
years ago) and matched up permits it was found that a number of people that were on sewer that
there were no records for. There is a plan to visit each home with sewer over the next six months to
verify.
Mr. Annino stated to be aware of cormection fees as lie felt in doing that it would hurt the creation
of a new tax base as it may be a deterrent to potential residents and businesses. Mr. Annino asked
what the Town has for reserves to which Mr. Azinheira noted about $1.5 million and some of it
will be used for construction and recommended not going below a half a million in this account.
Mr. Ross confirmed for Mr. Annino that the Town will still need to come up with its share of $25
million and that it will be utilizing the State Revolving Loan Fund. Mr. Annino, like Mr.
Aptowitz, is also concerned that this will affect the ratepayers to which Mr. Ross reminded that is
why the Town began with the 6% rate increases so to build up the reserves. Mr. Annino asked how
capacity provided to Easton was instituted to which Mr. Ross explained the Town was approached
by Easton recently where a meeting has been setup to discuss selling capacity to Easton (from
Target area to the five points). He noted an intergovermuental agreement would be required and
would in fact need Town Meeting approval but would in fact aid the Mansfield ratepayer. Mr.
Annino followed up by asking why Easton was not a part of the initial consortium to which Mr.
Ross explained they had come in long after the initial legislation was written and was written
specifically for Mansfield, Foxboro and Norton. Mr. Young referenced it would be the same as the
agreement between Sharon and Foxboro. Mr. Annino asked if an agreement is made with Easton
would it have to be forever to which Mr. Ross noted no. In terms of infiltration, Mr. Annino asked
if the Town would be required to do any updating. Mr. Azinheira noted the Town is doing some of
that on its own but not as any requirement. Mr. Annino understands that this is a preliminary
budget but felt that the General Conditions at 22% was too high. Mr. Young asked Mr. Annino to
focus on Table 6.6 in the presentation to be more accurate.
Mr. DelVecchio asked if when borrowing if it was on the actual project and not the contingency to
which Mr. Azinheira agreed and that the numbers will be more refined. Mr. DelVecchio asked to
see the 30 year numbers at 2% with stabilization feathered in as he felt this would be a conservative
estimate and a better view as to the impact to the ratepayers.
Mr. Armin asked who oversees the project to which Mr. Ross noted the MFN Board, Mr.
Azinheira and the engineering firm. Mr. DelVecchio asked if the State would monitor to which
Mr. Azinheira noted their staffing levels have increased and he expected periodically.
The presentation will be downloaded onto the Town's website for review.
Mr. Ross distributed a DRAFT of goals and objectives that he put together in an organized manner
from the Board's (Mr. Annino, Mr. Aptowitz and Mr. DelVecchio) previous suggestions:
Downtown Development, Sustainable Development, Facility Development and Financial
Activities, Chairman Dentino began to review the list which has been made part of the record.
The discussion quickly turned to how to prioritize the list as each member of Board has different
Board Of selectmen's Meeting November 12, 2014
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priorities and how they rate them. It was decided that the Board would take the list with them to
review and rate on their own to discuss at a later date.
Mr. Schoonveld, Chairman of the Finance Committee, as well as Finance Committee member
Scott Feeley is present. Mr. Schoonveld distributed a presentation of the Finance Committee's
FYI Goals to the Board which has been made a part of this record.
Mr. Schoonveld asked the Board to think of the Town as Mansfield, Inc. as they are the Board with
Mr. Ross as the CEO and the Boards /Committees as employees. Mr. Schoonveld reminded that it
is the Board that sets the vision and direction and deal with high level risks and questions of
sustainability. In reviewing other communities Mr. Schoonveld found one that provided its goals
and objectives online and gave the definition of sustainability as the ability of communities to
consistently thrive over time as they make decisions to improve the community today without
sacrificing the future. Mr. Schoonveld noted the employees and residents look to the Board for
direction, strategy, vision and for policies. He asked as the Board looks to develop these goals to
do so strategically at the issues the Town is facing today and will face tomorrow. He also asked to
design goals that are policy based and to be inspirational to its Boards and Committees and
employees. Finally, Mr. Schoonveld asked that the goals be Town based.
Mr. DelVecchio asked if there were any other communities that had goals and objectives listed
other than Arlington to which Mr. Schoonveld noted that this was the first the Finance Committee
came across. He noted the Finance Committee would be happy to host a further discussion on any
level.
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None.
A. Review and
• Board of Selectmen Minutes October 29, 2014
Motion: To approve the Board of Selectmen Minutes for October 29, 2014
(Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0
B. Approval of Warrants
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 15019T $448,953.54
Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant No. 15019T $448,953.54
(Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0
• Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15019E $348,527.12
Motion: To approve Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15019E $348,527.12
(Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0
• School Department Vendor Warrant No. 15019S $1,240.00
Motion: To approve School Department Vendor Warrant No. 15019S $1,240.00
(Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0
• Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 15019PT $321,240.27
Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 15019PT
$321,240.27 (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:1 Dentino NAY
• Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 15019TV $99,553.37
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 12, 2014
Page 6 or9
Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 15019TV $99,553.37
(Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0
• School Payroll School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 15019PS $1,535,600.29
Motion: To approve School Payroll School Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 15019PS
$1,535,600.29 (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:1 Anino NAY
• School Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 15019SV $521,400.12
Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 15019SV
$521,400.12 (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 15020T $383,306.57
Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant No. 15020T $383,306.57
(Kozlowski/Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0
• Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15020E $1,312,223.26
Motion: To approve Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15020E $1,312,223.26
(Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0
• School Department Vendor Warrant No. 150205 in the amount of $367,074.91
Motion: To approve School Department Vendor Warrant No. 150205 $367,074.91
(Aptowitz/DelVecehio) PASSES 5:0
• Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 1502OPT of $299,778.64
Motion: To approve Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 1502OPT
$299,778.64 (Kozlwwski /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:1 Dentin NAY
• 'Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 15020TV $92,400.81
Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 15020TV $92,400.81
(Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0
C. Licenses and Permits
• Consideration Of Water Installer's License For Ralph Excavating
Motion: To approve Water Installer's License For Ralph Excavating
(DelVecchio/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
• Consideration Of Water Installer's License For AD Paolini LLC
Motion: To approve Water Installer's License For AD Paolini LLC
(DelVecchio/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
• Consideration Of Drain Layer's License For AD Paolini LLC
Motion: To approve Drain Layer's License For AD Paolini LLC
(DelVeechio /Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
• Consideration Of Parade Application By Downtown Business Association For Annual
Christmas Parade On November 20, 2014
Motion: To approve Annual Christmas Parade For November 30, 2014
(Aptowitz/Aimino) PASSES 5:0
• Consideration Of Entertainment License For Tasty Ray's
Motion: To approve the Entertaimnent License for Tasty Ray's (Kozlowski /Aptowitz)
PASSES 5:0
D. Boards and Committees Re- Appointmen
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 12, 20 H
Page 7 of 9
• Consideration Of Re- Appointment of Joel C. Thomas As Constable
Necessary documentation has been received, reviewed and approved by Police Chief
Sellon
Motion: To re- appoint Joel C. Thomas to a three year term as Constable for the Town of
Mansfield (Kozlowski/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
E. 2015 License Renewals
• Consideration Of All Alcohol Retail Package License For Route 106 Wines & Spirits
License has been routed through Town Hall Departments with no issue.
Motion: To renew the all alcohol retail package license for Route 106 Wines & Spirits
(Kozlowski/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
• Consideration Of Wine And Malt Retail Package License For Kanku, Inc. dba The Store
License has been routed through Town Hall Departments with no issue.
Motion: To renew the wine and malt retail package license for Kanku, Inc. dba The Store
• Consideration Of Wine And Malt Retail Package License For Divya Akhand Jyoit Corp.
dba Family Food Mart (Kozlowski/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
License has been routed through Town Hall Departments with no issue.
Motion: To renew the wine and malt retail package license for Divya Akhand Jyoit Corp.
dba Family Food Mart (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0
F. Correspondence
• None
Mr. Ross had asked the Board to sign Proclamations that had just come to his office's attention for
Eagle Scout Christopher McGowen and Sandra Jackson who is retiring as Executive Assistant to
the Police Chief
Motion: To sign the two proclamations (AptowitzIKozlowski) PASSES 5:0
Mr. Ross reported that the Audit of the General Fund has begun and should be completed in the
next few weeks.
Mr. Ross noted that Pine and Williams Streets base material is complete and hoping for good
weather to finalize the top coat. Mr. Ross commended Rick Alves, Town Engineer, work on this
project.
Mr. Ross noted that Nick Riccio, Zoning Enforcement Officer, is working on the figure regarding
fee waiver amount associated with the Airport's new administration building.
Mr. Ross suggested that the Board meet next week, November 19t" due to the upcoming
Thanksgiving holiday. He also suggested that the Board meet weekly after Thanksgiving due to
the amount of topics with timely deadlines such as license renewals.
Mr. Ross noted that in reviewing Mr. DelVecchio's goals and objectives he noticed that
streamlining the Board's meeting was one. Mr. Ross suggested adding a Consent Agenda to the
meetings, which he discussed with Town Counsel who reported it was legal. Mr. Ross reviewed
Hoard Of Selectmen's Meeting November 12, 2014
Page 8 of 9
the format for the Consent Agenda where there would be one motion of approval for anything
listed under that agenda. Mr. Ross also noted that any topic can be removed and voted on
separately. Chairman Dentino agreed to have a trial run of the Consent Agenda at next week's
Mr. DelVecchio enjoyed the presentation by Mr. Schoonveld this evening. He noted that he would
like to see feedback provided to the Finance Committee from the Board with regards to the
creation of their DRAFT financial policies. He asked Mr. Ross to again forward the policies to the
Board along with his initial comments. Chairman Dentino would like to invite the Finance
Committee to next week's Board of Selectmen meeting.
Mr. Aptowitz would like to schedule the Audit Committee to present the results of the MMED
Audit at the beginning of next week's Light Commission meeting. Mr. Ross also noted that Ed
Valanzola would also like to schedule additional time before the Commission regarding the Solar
project.
Chairman Dentino would like to invite Bill McKenna, Habitat for Humanity, regarding their new
program Brush of Kindness and thoughts of bringing that into Mansfield.
Also, Chairman Dentino had Mr. Annino read an email into the record from resident Marcia Lori
regarding the disrepair of the Patrolman Laindev memorial.
None.
Motion: To adjourn the Board of Selects
5:0
Signature of Clerk
/Tracey Whalen
meeting 9:59pm (Kozlowski /DelVecchio) PASSES
11111-W
Date of Approval
Includes:
Email from Lee Azinheira and Officer Kinahan regarding Marshall Avenue stop sign.
Documentation regarding process ofplacing stop signs.
Presentation fn an CDM Smith regarding Phase 2 ofthe Connprehensive Wastewater A- lanagement Plan
DRAFT Goals and Objectives doctmnent created by Town Afanager, Williaa Ross.
Finance Committee FY2015 Goals as presented by Steve Schoonveld, Finance Committee Chairman
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 12, 2014
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