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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 12-10-14Board of Selectmen Minutes December 10, 2014 Present: George Dentine, Chair; Jess Aptowitz, Vice Chair; Doug Annino, Clerk; Olivier Kozlowski, Frank DelVecchio; William Ross, Town Manager Chairman Dentino called the meeting to order. The Chairman reminded everyone the meeting is being broadcast live and taped for fi ture broadcast on Mansfield Cable. Chairman Dentino noted that the Solar Discussion for the Light Commission, scheduled to follow this evening's meetine has been oostooned until December 17. 2014. Present before the Board is Bill McKenna, Board Member of Old Colony Habitat For Humanity. Mr. McKenna noted they have been around about 20 years, building about one house every 18 months and covering 12 communities. Mr. McKenna informed the Board of a new program, which will allow the group to remain active with builds, called A Brush With Kindness. The basic model for the Habitat For Humanity program is a hand up not a hand out and the Brush With Kindness program is designed to assist homeowners to stay in their homes by assisting with simple repair work that the homeowner cannot repair themselves or cannot afford to pay a professional. He gave examples including weatherization and access issues. The Brush With Kindness program process includes completion of an application where the group then works with the applicant to determine an estimate and provide a no interest loan to pay for the materials with regards to the maintenance. He explained one of the requirements is that the homeowner must reside in the home. Currently the program is focusing on Veterans groups, Council On Aging as well as reaching out to various Board of Health departments. He noted applications available online. Mr. DelVecchio asked for the contact information for residents which Mr. McKenna noted: oldeolonyhabitat.org as well as by email dir c,oldcolonyhabitat.org. Mr. Annino asked if the Brush With Kindness program is national which Mr. McKenna noted it is a national program but not all affiliates are participating. Mr. Annino noted it is an outstanding program and asked if the Town could link Habitat For Humanity's website onto the Town's which Mr. Ross stated yes. Mr. Aptowitz is in full support of the program and hoped to participate and assist a family in need. Mr. Aptowitz further noted the support of area lumber businesses, and felt they would be a great resource when a project within the community is identified. Mr. Kozlowski appreciated what the program does and asked if there has been any communication with the Mansfield Housing Corporation. Joanne Eckhardt, President, noted she has been speaking with Lou Amoruso, Chairman of the Board of the Mansfield Housing Corporation, specifically on a piece of property the Town is trying to acquire. She felt the Housing Corporation to always be on the lookout for opportunities for the Habitat For Humanity. Chairman Dentino stated he has seen a few of the homes constructed by Habitat For Humanity and noted the strength of volunteers and how quickly the homes go up. He loved the idea of the Brush With Kindness Program and hoped something will come along that the Town could participate in. Board Of selectmen's Meeting December 10, 2014 Page I of 9 Mr. Ross noted the Town has been working with the Housing Corporation regarding a parcel that was taken for tax purposes near the reservoir and that the Town is working to clear the title. Mr. Ross felt this to be a perfect project for the program. He also noted that the "Town recently has some CDBG fiords returned that are to be used to assist low and moderate income homeowners in renovation work where there could be a partnership with this program. Present before the Board are Lou Andrews and Howard Fiske (returning Commission members) and new applicants Aaron Gallagher and Clement Kiley. Mr. Kozlowski thanked all the applicants for applying. He asked each applicant for their vision of the role of the Commission with regards to interaction with staff and day to day visitors. Mr. Fiske noted there are always day to day changes, especially with the new administration building. He felt this to be a critical time for the Commission to improve the service to aviators as well as other users of the airport. Mr. Kiley felt general aviation to be struggling throughout the country and noted there is financial aid out there beyond Town limits. He felt the Town is very aggressive and progressive with its maintenance and referenced the outstanding equipment to keep the airport open during inclement weather. It was his observation that Mansfield has an exceptionally well run airport as compared to others he has flown from. • Mr. Gallagher noted he is here more as a concerned citizen. He explained he does not have a background in aviation and became interested when having interaction with the Commission to resolve an issue involving the removal of trees at Town Meeting. Mr. Gallagher became interested and was approached by Mr. Andrews as well as member Carl Lambrecht to apply. He is interested in learning more and felt he could be a great addition. • Mr. Andrews noted the primary goal is to run a safe airport and in the best interest of the Town. He noted the Commission is not responsible to run the day to day activities but to oversee and applies for grants and that the airport is run in a safe manner. Mr. Kozlowski asked each applicant what they saw as their role on the Commission as far as interacting with the public: • Mr. Andrews noted the Commission interfaces with various departments in the Town for support as well as trying to support them. As far as the general public the Commission will coordinate events at the airport as well as noting that all the Commission's meetings are open. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting December 10, 2014 Page 2 of 9 Mr. Fiske noted it makes him feel good to see people using the grounds on a nice day. He also noted that is how his grandson became involved in aviation. Mr. Andrews also noted they do open the airport for fourth graders for a tour each year. • Mr. Gallagher has brought his nephews down to the Touch A Truck event at the airport and felt it to be a great event. He felt interaction to the public to be important. • Mr. Kiley noted there is some kind of a draw to a small airport and felt it to be a great asset to the Town. Mr. Aptowitz asked for a general background of the new applicants: • Mr. Gallagher reported he is a civil engineer by trade for the past 15 years and resides close to the airport. He works on land development projects. • Mr. Kiley has been a resident of Mansfield for the past 25 years and owns a small business in Taunton. He is a pilot who has flown in and out of Mansfield since he was 17. Mr. Aptowitz brought up potential expansion of the airport and discussion of small jets utilizing the airport and wondered what the applicants thoughts are on that potential expansion. • Mr. Fiske noted that the regulations on this topic are pretty strict and that the airport is currently at the limit. Mr. Andrews noted the issue with expanding the runways is basically constraints with a brook on one side and wetlands on the other. He did not feel it to be practical to consider making any additional expansion to lengthening the runway. Mr. Annino thanked all the applicants for coming forward. Mr. Annino asked if there were any pilots currently on the Commission to which Mr. Andrews noted Rod Steams (who is resigning) and Carl Lembracht. Mr. Annino asked Mr. Kiley his experience in flying in and out of Mansfield airport. Mr. Kiley felt it to be an easy airport to access with not a lot of wind issues. He felt the taxi and maintenance of the airport to be better than most. Mr. Annino asked Mr. Gallagher how impartial lie could be as he is a direct abutter to the airport as this position will require doing the best in the interest of the Town and the airport. Mr. Gallagher noted what an asset the airport is to the community and felt he worked well with the Commission regarding the tree removal. He noted he is very impartial and level headed. Mr. Annino charged the Commission with thinking outside the box. Mr. DelVecchio asked if there were any particular issues at the airport that the applicants would like to see addressed. • Mr. Kiley would like to see a better instrument approach. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting December 10, 2014 Page 3 of 9 Mr. Andrews noted the clearing of obstructions around the airport is always an issue and is vital as it is required by the FAA as it controls the grant money. Mr. Andrews noted currently the Commission is working on the new Administration Building as well as projects to assist pilots such as a weather station, referenced as AWOS (Automated Weather Observation Station). Chairman Dentine, asked Mr. Kiley if he houses a plane at the airport to which he noted yes. Chairman Dentino noted as far as knowledge, Mr. Gallagher was at a disadvantage but noted he is willing to learn and seems to be a quick learner. Chairman Dentino thanked both Mr. Andrews and Mr. Fiske for their past work on the Commission. Motion: To nominate all four applicants (Aptowitz/Armino) PASSES 5:0 The Board then began the voting process by ballot. Mr. Aptowitz then read the ballots: Mr. Kozlowski: Kiley and Gallagher (only chose two) Mr. DelVecchio: Andrews, Fiske and Kiley Mr. Armin: Kiley, Andrews and Fiske Chairman Dentino: Andrews, Fiske and Kiley Mr. Aptowitz: Fiske, Gallagher and Kiley The tally shows Mr. Andrews, Mr. Fiske and Mr. Kiley as members to the Airport Commission. Mr. DelVecchio noted it was excellent to have four applicants and it was difficult to choose. He felt Mr. Kiley comes to the Commission with an aviation background. Mr. DelVecchio felt with Mr. Gallagher's background in land use he could possibly be a great addition to the IDC. Mr. Annino always defers to committee members that have served time and want to continue to serve. Mr. Armin felt Mr. Kiley's experience to be very valuable and he urged Mr. Gallagher to stay involved, perhaps through attendance of other committee meetings where is expertise could be useful. Mr. Aptowitz thanked all four applicants and congratulated Mr. Andrews, Mr. Fiske and Mr. Kiley. He noted he did vote for Mr. Gallagher. Mr. Aptowitz felt Mr. Andrews to be a cheerleader for this Commission and the Town but noted his reasoning for not voting for him was due to him being a direct abutter to the airport. He noted he does respect Mr. Andrews and appreciated all the work he has done. Mr. Kozlowski thanked all the applicants for volunteering and noted there were some impressive new folks that he would have liked to have had a chance on the Commission. He congratulated the three winners. Chairman Dentino has made it a point in his nine year career to reward members seeking reappointment that have done great work, which is his reasoning for voting for Mr. Andrews and Mr. Fiske. His vote for Mr. Kiley was due to his aviation experience and has frequented the Board Of Selectmen's Meeting December 10, 2014 Page 4 of 9 airport. Chairman Dentino asked Mr. Gallagher to perhaps attend a few of the Commission's meetings, as he is an abutter, and to reapply. Motion: To appoint Clement Kiley to a three year unexpired term, to expire January 1, 2016 to the Airport Commission (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 Motion: To appoint Lou Andrews to a three year term to the Airport Commission to expire January 1, 2018 (Aptowitz/DelVeechio) PASSES 5:0 Motion: To appoint Howard Fiske to a three year term on the Airport Commission to expire January 1, 2018 (Autowitz/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 Mr. Ross explained that he took the lists of the Board's top five priorities and organized them into general categories with specific goals (not in any particular ranking). Mr. Aptowitz felt this to be a great start and a moving target to work with and accomplish. Mr. Annino felt it to be well organized. Mr. DelVecchio thanked Mr. Ross for his work on the list and noted the Board is always open to new ideas. Mr. Armin felt it will be great to look back at what the Board accomplishes over the remaining year. Chairman Dentino felt it to be an accumulation of statements by various Board members. Chairman Dentino took issue with a few items: Item 1, Section B. Finalize plans, financing and promotional materials for replacement of Highway Garage and construction of Public Safety Building. It was Chairman Dentine's understanding that the original plan for the DPW garage on Fruit Street (as presented at Town Meeting) was due to having not enough space at the DPW's current location. He questioned how that location can now house not only the DPW garage but all of Public Safety as well. Mr. Ross explained the DPW garage will be located on the northwest quadrant of the area, which is now a heavily wooded area. Originally the Town was hesitant to go into that area and remove trees but noted the Town can in fact do that and house all on one site. He also added that the water conservation area has been identified which allows for more room than initially though. Mr. Ross reported the Town cannot move the salt storage due to the aquifer issue. Mr. Ross explained there are plans for the Public Safety buildings. A presentation will be planned for January. Chairman Dentine, in thinking down the line, felt that when public safety forces and DPW forces would need to be increased, the Town may find itself in a box and would need the abutting land as there would be no room. Mr. Ross noted the plans are to meet the needs of the Town for the next 20 years. Chairman Dentino specifically asked about the garage at the former hazardous waste site to which Mr. Ross noted they have not addressed that yet. Chairman Dentino's second issue was with Complete plans including financing for the North Main and Oaldand Streets modifications. Chairman Dentino is hard pressed to think that finding the financing for a plan that for all intents and purposes is relatively unknown plan as to how it will function. He reminded that he asked for all parking spaces to be put in and traffic control and monitor over the winter at relatively no cost. Mr. Ross noted without changing the one way to two -way and some of the geometries it would not be practical especially with the truck traffic. He did note the Town is working with SERPDD to model that area. Mr. Ross then reported that the School Committee voted to approve the Town's Financial Policies created by the Finance Committee at its most recent meeting. Mr. Ross noted that Finance Board Of Selectmen's Meeting December 10, 2014 Page 5 of 9 Committee Chair, Steve Schoonveld, asked the Board to consider adopting the policies this evening. Motion: To accept the polices and designate Chairman Dentino to sign on behalf of the Board (Aptowitz/Annino) Chairman Dentino would like to have all members of the Boards and Committees to sign the documents. Mr. Aptowitz amended his motion. Amended Motion: To accept the policies and ask that all members of Board of Selectmen sign (Antowitz{Annino) PASSES 5:0 None. Mr. Kozlowski asked that the license for Firebox Cafe be removed from the Consent Agenda and voted on separately or note his abstention in the motion. Motion: To remove the consideration of the Firebox Cafd Common Victualler license from the Consent Agenda (KozlowskUDelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 A. Board of Selectmen Minutes December 3, 2014 B. Approval of Warrants • Town Vendor Warrant No. 15024T $131,722.56 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15024E $1,440,761.71 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 15024S $548,323.53 C. Vote To Approve 2015 License Renewal Applications • All Alcohol Retail License For Bristol Liquors • All Alcohol Retail License For Cork's Fine Wine And Liquors • Common Victualler License For Firebox Cafe • All Alcohol Restaurant License, Early Sunday Alcohol Sales License, Common Victualler License And Entertainment License For Flynn's Restaurant Group dba Flynn's Irish Pub Subject To Satisfactory Inspection From Building And Fire Departments • Common Victualler License for Gourmet Pizza • Common Victualler License For Honey Dew Donuts • All Alcohol Restaurant License And Common Victualler License For D.G.P. and Sons, Inc. dba Jimmy's Pub • All Alcohol Restaurant License, Common Victualler License And Entertainment License For Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse Subject To Satisfactory Inspection From Building And Fire Departments • Common Victualler License And Entertainment License For Magic Pizza • All Alcohol Restaurant License, Common Victualler License And Entertainment License For Mansfield Lodge of Elks No. 2622 Subject To Satisfactory Inspection From Building And Fire Departments • Wine And Malt Retail License And Common Victualler License For Mansfield Deli • Class II Auto Dealer License For Mansfield Gas & Service Inc. • Common Victualler License For Fresh Fruit Yogurt LLC dba Menchies Frozen Yogurt Board Of Selectmen's Meeting December 10, 2014 Page 6 of 9 • Wine And Malt Restaurant License, All Alcohol Restaurant License And Common Victualler License For New England Sportservice Inc. • All Alcohol Restaurant License, Comnnon Victualler License And Entertainment License For ZRC Corporation dba Q'doba Mexican Grill • Common Victualler License And Entertainment License For Quan's Kitchen • All Alcohol Restaurant License, Common Victualler License, Automatic Amusement License And Entertainment License For Regent Caf6 Subject To Satisfactory hrspection From Building And Fire Departments • Class II Auto Dealer License For Shaw Auto Leasing, Inc. • All Alcohol Restaurant License, Common Victualler License And Entertainment License For Tasty Ray's • All Alcohol Restaurant License, Common Victualler License And Entertainment License For Kenneth DeFazio dba Trattoria La Cucina Di Nonna D. Consideration of Event Permit Application From Chabad Jewish Center For Placement of Menorah on South Common E. Vote To ReAppoint The Following Individuals To Boards And Committees • Three Year Term To The Animal Welfare Committee: Erika Cervasio And Carol Kosel • Three Year Term To The Board Of Assessors: Greg Matoian • Three Year Term To The Council On Aging: Norma Smith And Sonia Walgreen • Three Year Term To The Finance Committee: Elizabeth Christo And Walter Wilk • Three Year Term To The Board Of Health: Joseph DeGirolamo And Michael Healey • Three Year Term To The Keep Mansfield Beautiful: Patricia Holiver • Three Year Term To The Board Of Library Trustees: John Walgreen • Five Year Term To The Municipal Building Committee: Christopher Paquin • Three Year Term To The Non - Profit Gift Fund: Chuck Boehm • Five Year Term To The Planning Board: Beth Ashman Collins • Three Year Term To The Recreation Commission: Kevin Kemp And A. Mitchell Bregnard • Three Year Term To The Registry Of Voters: Michael McCue • Three Year Term To The Zoning Board Of Appeals: Matthew Cummings Motion: To approve the consent agenda with the removal of the Firebox Caf6 license (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 Motion: To approve the common victualler license for the Firebox Cafe (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) PASSES 4:0:1 Kozlowski ABSTAIN Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll Vendor Warrant No. 15024PT $335,971.18 Motion: To approve Town Payroll Vendor Warrant No. 15024PT $335,971.18 (DelVeechio /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0 Town Vendor Deductions Warrant No. 15024TV $103,306.13 Motion: To approve Town Vendor Deductions Warrant No. 15024TV $103,306.13 (ADtowitz/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 • Letter From MassDOT Regarding Project 608053: Intersection and Traffic Signal Improvements at Commercial Street (Route 140) and Chauncy Street (Route 106) Board Of Selectmen's Meeting December 10, 2014 Page 7 of 9 Mr. Ross noted he will forward the letter to Dr. Daniel Dulaski, the Northeastern professor, where he felt his group could investigate as they are very knowledgeable in this area. Chairman Dentin noted it to be a good idea and is "free advice ". • Letter From Michael A. Smith, Resident at 40 Marshall Avenue, Regarding Placement of "Caution Children" Signage Mr. Anino read the letter into the record. Chairman Dentino asked if the signage was the result of the compromise made between residents of Marshall, that met previously with the Board, and Public Safety. Mr. Ross noted it is and that apparently there is now another resident taking issue with the signage. Mr. Ross will have Chief Sellon and the traffic safety officer look into the situation and see if there is another location for the signage. With all due respect, Mr. Annino felt that all the signs should be removed as the Board is now getting into residents dictating where the Town puts signs. Mr. Aptowitz felt this to be an issue of the resident not wanting the sign in front of his home and questioned if he would comment if the sign was nlaced in front of another home. Mr. Ross contacted Representative Barrows office and was informed that the additional alcohol licenses legislation has been signed. The Town now has nine additional licenses along with two licenses from Chipotle and Willowdale Golf Course that were returned. Mr. Aptowitz noted these are all restaurant licenses and not retail. Mr. Ross reported the School Committee presented its budget last evening (December 9, 2014) and distributed that to the Board. He echoed Mr. Trowbridge's comment that it is a work in progress and Mr. Ross believed this to be a good starting point. Mr. Ross noted the Board, which provides health insurance to employees, took action to make adjustments to part of the coverage (not in terms of reducing coverage) as to how the retiree health insurance is provided. Mr. Ross noted there will be an informational session for retirees and that the change could save about $275,000 beginning July 1st and total savings of about $420,000. Mr. Ross distributed to the Board Capital Committee worksheets. He reported that these worksheets were also distributed at last evenings Capital Projects Committee meeting. Mr. Ross noted that additionally he will be meeting with Department Heads as well as Zeff and Ed Vozzella from Schools to review the projects, the standing, and where we are in terms of finding. Mr. Ross noted there will not be a WiFi Study (which totaled $25,000) and that money can now be applied to a future need. He felt this to be a good way of tracking. Steve Schoonveld, Chair of the Finance Committee, asked Mr. Ross to follow up with the Board that it did not have any issues with the Committee's Goals and Objectives presented at the November 19th meeting. There will be a future discussion on the topic. Mr. Ross distributed to the Board a summary of Fees Billed by Deutsche Williams, Town Counsel. He noted these do not include any Labor Counsel as that sits with Murphy, Hessy. Mr. Aptowitz asked for that number as well. Mr. Ross announced that the IDC has been completed with only one more interview (former Selectman Kevin Moran). Mr. Ross felt the IDC could begin nreetine in January. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting December I0, 2014 Page 8 of 9 Mr. DelVecchio, as he likes the Consent Agenda, would like to recognize all the volunteers who were reappointed this evening for various Boards and Committees. He specifically mentioned Liz Christo and Walter Wilk who stepped in a few years ago on the Finance Committee where there was a lot of uncertainty. Mr. Amrino suggested reading all the reappointments into the record, which was completed. Mr. Aptowitz inquired how the towing of cars at the train station was progressing. Mr. Ross is currently working on the opinion with Town Counsel. Mr. Aptowitz thanked Ms. Whalen for her efforts regarding the collection of overdue fees with respect to license renewals. Mr. Aptowitz reported that he and Chairman Dentine, attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at Hilliards, a fourth generation family business. Mr. Aptowitz stated that there were numerous comments made at the event regarding Building Inspector and Zoning Enforcement Officer Nick Riccio's work. Mr. Aptowitz noted he felt there was enough information for the Light Commission to make an informative decision regarding the proposed solar installation on Branch Street at next week's meeting. Mr. Ross reported he will be receiving an opinion from Town Counsel tomorrow morning on the impact of the AULs (four on the property). Mr. Aptowitz noted a good job done by Mr. Ross on the health insurance. Mr. Aptowitz felt John Stanbrook, Finance Director, to be doing an outstanding job. Chairman Dentino is concerned with the traffic /speed in the Hilliards area. Y MEN -u 2 �h�s_ect�n None. To adjourn Board of Selectmen's Meeting at 9:03PM (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 t Signature of Clerk Date of Approval Includes: Presentation of Habitat For Humanity Distribution of School Committee Budget Presentation, Capital Program Tracking, Deutsche Williams Fees Board Of Selectmen's Meeting December 10, 2014 Page 9 of 9