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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 01-07-15_2015Board of Selectmen Minutes January 7, 2015 Present: George Dentino, 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 meeting is Mr. Aptowitz thanked Chairman Dentino for allotting time for this recognition. Mr. Aptowitz would like to bring to the residents' attention that three of its officers: Officer Nicole Boldrighini, Officer David Kerr and Officer Daniel Pennallatore, travelled to New York City on their own time and using their own funds to support fellow officers by their attendance at the funeral of slain Police Officer Rafael Ramos. Mr. Aptowitz felt their actions to display dedication to their job, to the community and to their fellow police officers. Mr. Aptowitz called up the three officers and presented them with a Town of Mansfield Seal pin and thanked them for representing the Town of Mansfield. Mr. Annino defined the three officers as "class acts" and felt the Town to have the best Police Department around and this just affirms that belief. Mr. Kozlowski appreciates not only what the officers' do for the Town but their expression of support, at their own volition, of their fellow officers. Mr. DelVecchio has always been fascinated by the tradition amongst police officers and firefighters to be with their own when tragedy strikes. He found it very spiritual and special and does appreciate it. Chairman Dentin is very appreciative of the officers' efforts and found the concept of banding together of police and fire to transcend to Mansfield and its resident and felt it to be historical. Chief Sellon noted it was not just the fact that the officers did this on their own time and expense but with the manner in which they did it. He felt these officers to be that part of society with the altruistic belief of giving of themselves on a regular basis. Chief Sellon stated that all three of these officers have over the course of the last 12 -18 months have given countless hours to the Special Olympics, bring cards in a cruiser caravan to sick children and serve at funerals and they do it out of a sense of obligation, pride and duty. Chief Sellon is very proud of each of them. _ - - t 3Ap�ro�al Of Quilc. a�mDe, QfanfQf Easem ►C�tAnlAgrecinenfOf OR - —= - - = =_ - �1�S�Grane- 7 uifS rf°eetzyT�ps ioPd_ - �`�� �r911►��11�QSYn� _�_ailSite i�`�,�1)Ml�l� a31e Y =tC �S l'.�C ,,__r — -- Present before the Board are Lee Azinheira, DPW Director, and Lou Ross, Town Counsel Deutsche Williams. Mr. Azinheira explained that this is a final step in the transfer of the property authorized at Town Meeting from the Town of Mansfield to the MFN Wastewater District. The reason behind the delay is due to the volumes of documents to be reviewed wliich has now been completed. Mr. Azinheira noted there are three final steps: 1) Board of Selectmen to sign this evening, 2) the Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 7, 2015 Page 1 of 9 Airport Commission will execute its portion (property on the outline of the Airport property) and 3) next Tuesday (January 13111) the MFN Wastewater District board will meet to execute and pass. Town Counsel will then submit documents to be registered. Lou Ross noted this is consistent with the agreement signed in the spring and this evening is simply finalizing the process —the official passing of the property to the MFN Wastewater District. Mr. Azinheira clarified that the property is now insured separately under the MFN Wastewater District. Mr. Kozlowski asked if there should be a notation specifying Howard Fiske's capacity on the signature page to which Mr. Ross explained it has been corrected on the documents for this evening. Mr. Ross asked the Board to consider one motion executing the quitclaim deed, agreement of easement and the bill of sale. Chairman Dentino asked, when transferring the deeds over, when is the joint effort to be made financially to pay for the land coming out of Mansfield. Mr. Azinheira noted the parcels (all SRF loans) will be changed, upon filing, from Town of Mansfield to MFN Wastewater District and payments will now be made from the district. Mr. Azinheira noted the FYI Budgets reflect the change as well. Motion: To execute the Quitclaim Deed, Grant of Easement and Agreement as voted on at the May, 2014 Town Meeting (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 Town Manager Mr. Ross conmiended the work by Town Counsel and noted the extensive research and review that was completed. Dentin noted this was a suggested topic for discussion from Mr. Aptowitz. At Mr. Aptowitz's request Mr. Ross has asked Parking Enforcement Officer Steve Sinnnonds to do some research with regards to tickets written to non- resident vehicles parking in resident spots. Mr. Simmonds reported to Mr. Ross that in the last three days he wrote the following tickets for non - residents parking in resident spots: January 5'h — 8 tickets January 61h — 3 tickets January 7'11 — 5 tickets Mr. Ross also reported that over the last year there have been over 400 tickets issued. Mr. Ross initially did not feel this to be a significant issue but after reviewing Mr. Sinnnonds findings it is concerning. Mr. Ross reported the vast majority of the $25 tickets (which is a State mandate) are being paid. Mr. Ross explained that the current policy is if five tickets go unpaid for one particular vehicle a Denver Boot is placed on the vehicle. Mr. Ross suggested placing better signage explaining the policy (which would need to be an agenda item) and to perhaps changed the quantity to three tickets (paid or unpaid) and to then place a Denver Boot. Board Or selectmen's Meeting January 7, 2015 Page 2 of 9 Mr. Aptowitz felt the Board's obligation is to the residents first and felt the fine is not the issue. It is not Mr. Aptowitz's intent to be an "evil" person but that people are taking advantage of designated parking for residents and need to learn they cannot park in those spots. Mr. Armino felt five unpaid tickets before fining seemed extreme and felt that the Town and its residents are being taken advantage of. Mr. Annino agreed with Mr. Aptowitz that something needed to be done. Mr. DelVecchio agrees with Mr. Aptowitz as to the sense of obligation to the residents and also felt five tickets to be too many before fining. Mr. DelVecchio reminded the Board that he commutes into the city several times a month and felt that the resident looking for a spot at 11:00am would not benefit from this change. He also noted the confusion happening in the lots when cormmuters are looking for a spot and running late. Mr. DelVecchio would also like to see better signage. Mr. Ross noted the Winthrop Street lot is all resident parking and there are in fact tickets being written there as well. Mr. Kozlowski also felt there are places within the lots that are downright poorly marked and that would need to be addressed first. Mr. Kozlowski asked if Mr. Simmonds would be able to know immediately if a vehicle is a repeat violator to which Mr. Ross noted he can. Mr. Kozlowski asked what the Board is proposing once everything is clearly marked. Mr. Aptowitz stated this to be a general discussion. Mr. Kozlowski asked how easy is it for Mr. Simmonds to know if a vehicle is a repeat violator. Mr. Ross noted the equipment carried by Mr. Sinmmonds is capable of telling him immediately if the vehicle is a repeat violator but also that Mr. Simmonds recognizes most of the vehicles because it is a lot of the same people day after day. Mr. Ross felt that one of the keys is that the Town needs to do a better job of making sure there is notice of not only where the resident parking spaces are located but also what the policy is in order to have due justice. He referenced it needed to be bold and visible. Mr. Ross felt the policy needed to be based on ticket number regardless if they have been paid. Mr. Annino asked if the Town has boots to which Mr. Ross noted there is one and that the Town could pick up a few more. Mr. Ross noted the Town would much prefer to boot than tow as he would be concerned of the liability to the Town. Mr. Aptowitz questioned the liability as the vehicle would be illegally parked to which Mr. Ross noted if the vehicle was scratched and would prefer to avoid the potential. Chairman Dentin noted the discussion this evening was whether to tow. He asked for the Board's thoughts. Both Mr. Annino and Mr. Kozlowski stated no to towing. Mr. DelVecchio deferred to the professional judgment but preferred no towing. Mr. Aptowitz would like to see towing or the Denver Boot instituted. Chairman Dentine then asked for suggestions regarding how to handle ticketing and when to place a boot on a vehicle. Mr. Aptowitz felt that two tickets (paid /unpaid) is enough. Mr. Armin felt it would be better to impose the tluee strike rule to which both Mr. DelVecchio and Mr. Kozlowski agreed. This suggestion would mean that a boot would be placed on a vehicle at its third ticket. Mr. Kozlowski would like a more definitive process in terms of how the offender would then get the boot removed to which Mr. Ross noted there would be a phone number to call notably the Police Department. Mr. Kozlowski would not support instituting a policy until proper signage is instituted. Mr. Annino charged Mr. Ross with ensuring proper signage would be applied to which Mr. Ross agreed and also stated to allow a grace period. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 7, 2015 Page 3 of 9 Motion: At the second parking violation to place a Denver Boot ( Aptowitz/ There was no second to the motion. Motion: At the writing of a third parking violation ticket to instruct Parking Enforcement Officer to place a Denver Boot on the vehicle (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:1 Kozlowski NAY Iri Present before the Board are Heath Hobson, Veterans Service Officer and Jeri Rumsis from the Field of Honor program. Ms. Rumsis explained this is a group of Mansfield residents coming together to create a purpose of promoting patriotism in our community, assisting veterans and their families and the Town's veteran's agent. She introduced the following committee members: Denise Anderson Margoland (gold star mother in Town), Erin Campbell (current military member), Linda Mercier Jansen (community organizer), Jim Morrissey (past commander VFW), Charlie Mulkahey (Town resident) and Mike Kelly (military family member). The group would like to move forward and bring the Field of Honor program to Mansfield. Ms. Rumsis explained the program was started by the Colonial Flag Foundation, a non- profit organization, following 9/11 (Healing Field) and soon spread across the country. She explained that the parameter is to not allow a field to exist within a 50 mile radius of another program. She noted the closest is Cohasset which has had its program for eight years. Ms. Rumsis noted they have applied with the program which will aid in the setting up of the field, advertising and sponsorship. This would be a yearly two -week dedication of patriotism around Memorial Day beginning with 100 8' flags on the South Common. The group has contacted Mark Cook, DPW Highway Department, and is aware that there is a sprinkler system as well as electric on the South Common and are willing to work around that if necessary. Ms. Rumsis also mentioned rising the monument area. The group is asking for permission to move forward. Ms. Rumsis explained the cost of dedicating a flag is $30 (includes the flag, rebar, ball and post) where the name of the individual being honor will be on the post. Once the flag is taken down the setup is returned to the individual who purchased it. It is the group's hope that any profits would be donated to the Town's Veteran's Fund to assist veterans and families in Town. Mr. Aptowitz felt this to be a fantastic program and offered his assistance. He noted the tremendous support received for the existing memorial from the Town and its residents. Mr. Aptowitz asked what the profits could be used towards. Mr. Hobson noted a gift fund was established last year and could be used towards the upkeep of memorials around Town or towards veterans who are not already on Chapter 115. Mr. DelVecchio felt the concept is interesting as the flag is a symbol of the country we live in. Mr. DelVecchio was concerned if there would be any conflict with other existing uses of the South Common during the Memorial Day time period. Mr. Ross noted his office would investigate any conflicts. Mr. DelVecchio did research and found that the Colonial Flag Foundation was founded by the Colonial Flag Company which sells flags and asked if they are doing it at cost or are they making money on this. Ms. Rumsis noted it is a 5013 status and any profits made in turn assist veterans. Mr. DelVecchio would like to see a list of charitable contributions. Mr. Hobson will follow up. Board Of selectmen's Meeting Januarys 7, 2015 Page 4 of 9 Mr. Kozlowski thought this to be a great idea and is looking forward to seeing it. He asked if all flags were American made to which Mr. Hobson noted yes. Mr. Annino liked the idea and thought a better location to be the memorial as it would be more striking. I-Ie was concerned about other activities on the South Common during that time period and would like that to be further investigated. Mr. Armin would not like the advertising to upstage the symbolism. Chairman Dentin did call a few of the references (all out of State) and is concerned that with those communities being much larger there is a potential here for debt as the group will only be starting with I00 flags. It is not his intention to discourage but felt it to be a project for a number of service oriented groups to do together. Ms. Rumsis does have experience as she participated with the Cohasset program. She noted the start-up is $2,400, $800 for the license and the cost of the first 100 flags would be $18 a piece, which does include the rebar that Chairman Dentino thought to be a significant cost. Ms. Rumsis noted the group cannot begin to solicit for donations until they have permission from the Board. She stated the group will produce something the Town would be very proud of. Chairman Dentine wished the group the best. Motion: To grant permission to the Field of Honor committee to use Town property (South Common/Memorial area) to host flags during the Memorial Day season and to work with the Town Manager to ensure no conflicts with other scheduled events (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 submitted by the Board over the last few months. Mr. Armin: • asked if the Board had a chance to review his Mission Statement (Ms. Whalen will redistribute to the members via email). Mr. Aptowitz did note he is fine with the statement • reported that in terms of the DPW/Public Safety Building it is moving in a positive direction and working on finalizing budget numbers and a needs assessment. Mr. Ross brought with him the summary of the goals and objectives that he created and distributed in December and reported on the following: • Capital Improvement Committee recommended to continue with the street improvement program • continued improvement for funding for Memorial Park • need to get started on the DBA downtown improvements (ie banners) • met yesterday on plans for North Main and Oakland and there will be a presentation soon • TOD is a work in proress • Visual Budget Program will begin tomorrow once the budget is presented later this evening Chairman Dentino asked in terms of the TOD if decisions have been made thus far as to intersections. Mr. Ross noted there have been suggestions but no final decisions, which would have to come back to the Board. He did state that the Town is running simulations in how to best Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 7, 2015 Page 5 of 9 address the needs and concerns. Mr. Ross noted that the MBTA will be presenting to the Board on January 21St regarding the ramps. Chairman Dentino asked if the Board could also get information regarding the CSX spur as he attended the meeting with MBTA and the Foxboro BOS. The Chairman felt Mansfield should be looking hard at what the MBTA has planned as they are utilizing a spur from Back Bay in order to run there and are serious about rails being utilized all the way through Mansfield end of CSX spur a few times a day (referenced Lincoln spur). He felt this to be moving along at a rapid rate. Chairman Dentino noted that Mr. Aptowitz asked for this scheduled discussion. Mr. Aptowitz noted he has been approached by residents asking why the Board does not receive a stipend as it wears many hats. It was his thought to throw this topic out to his fellow Board members for comment. Mr. Kozlowski felt this to be a decision made by the residents. Mr. Annino felt it to be a conflict of interest when a Board votes itself a raise. He did not feel this to be necessary as those funds could be used on municipal buildings. He further stated that this is something the Board signed up for and he did not feel comfortable. Mr. DelVecchio did not have a philosophical issue with stipends to local officials but did not see what the benefit would be in terms of more interest in running for the job. Chairman Dentine, felt the reward to be when residents complimented the Board and supported them to keep up the good work. Mr. Aptowitz stated the members do it because they love to do it and not getting paid demonstrates the want to be here as he does it for the community and to give back. Mr. Ross distributed to the Board the Proposed Budget Plan of Services for Fiscal Year 2016 and prefaced that it is a work in progress. Mr. Ross reported: • A shortfall of $2.7 million where last year's budget had a $3 million shortfall ($300,000 closer to budget) • Includes $750,000 in Free Cash to assist where last year Free Cash assistance was $1,000,000 • Proposed General Fund expenditures are $87,575,314 which is a 2.14% increase over the current budget and includes all of the School Committee requests (enhancements to education) • Municipal budget includes funding for: • a purchasing officer /director and clerical support person (in line with financial report). Mr. Ross noted that lie spoke with the SERSG group this morning which is also looking for a replacement of its purchasing person. Mr. Ross suggested perhaps a person could be shared and the group would look into as they are housed in this building. Because they are not identified as a municipal organization their person could not go to State training and become certified. • a crime analyst in the Police Department as the Chief is looking to change the approach as to why a crime has occurred and addressing prevention. • continues the Fire Department reorganization (promotion of 4 firefighters to Lieutenant) • Assume State Revenue is flat and working with Moderate Assumptions (will not know State Budget until March) Board Of selectmen's Meeting January 7, 2015 Page 6 of 9 • Capital Plan is included in this budget where it is fully funded with a small amount of Free Cash left • Proposing $500,000 into Budget Stabilization Fund for Free Cash for a balance of $3.7 million where the Town is striving for a balance of over $4 million • Proposing an additional $400,000 into OPEB (retiree health care fund) Mr. Ross stated it does not meet all of the Town's needs. He noted he will be presenting the budget to the Finance Committee at its meeting tomorrow (January 8 "i). Mr. Ross commended the work by Department Heads and particularly called out John Stanbrook, Finance Director. Mr. Kozlowski asked if the purchasing officer would be shared with the schools to which Mr. Ross noted it would cover both. Mr. Kozlowski also asked if the $100,000 from the Gaining Commission is to be shared by all surrounding communities. Mr. Ross explained that it is just for Mansfield but noted that the Town does need to apply for it by February 2nd and that this is a new relationship where the Town has no experience so everyone is feeling their way along. Mr. Aptowitz asked if the worksheet created by Mr. Stanbrook regarding the allocation of Free Cash could be distributed to the entire Board. Mr. Aptowitz also asked if there would be a separate presentation to the Light Department to which Mr. Ross stated there would be detailed Light Department Budget. Mr. Ross reported that the budget will be available online via the Town's website after the presentation to the Finance Committee tomorrow evening (January 8d') as well as with the Visual Scott Feeley, 489 Fruit Street, Chairman of the Capital Committee, requested that the Selectmen please review the Capital Committee's plan and kindly get any questions or concerns back to the Committee by the end of January so they can be addressed in a timely fashion. a. Vote To Approve Board of Selectmen Minutes December 17, 2014 b. Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 15026T in the amount of $163,726.61 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15026E in the amount of $56,978.86 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 150265 in the amount of $450,662.18 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 15027T in the amount of $456,114.82 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15027E in the amount of $720,122.55 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 150275 in the amount of $475.00 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 15028T in the amount of $1,196,625.55 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15028E in the amount of $1,460,455.85 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 15028S in the amount of $437,444.69 c. Licenses and Permits Consideration Of Drainlayer's License For • AD Paolini LLC • Peter DeGirolamo & Sons Inc. o Riecio Excavation Co. • Consideration Of Water Installers License For o AD Paolini LLC Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 7, 2015 Page 7 of 9 • Peter DeGirolamo & Sons, Inc. • Riccio Excavation Co. • Consideration Of Hackney Driver Application For: • Ryan Jackson For Already Taxi • Jules Fleurimond For Mansfield Taxi and Livery d. Vote To ReAppoint The Following Individuals To Boards And Committees • Three Year Term Constable: James Carey, David Centrella and David DiCenso • Three Year Term To The Keep Mansfield Beautiful Committee: Patricia Colbert and Michael McCarthy • Three Year Term To The Board of Library Trustees: Nancy Breef -Pilz Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda as presented (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0:1 Aptowitz ABSTAIN • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 15026PT in the amount of $315,703.95 Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 15026PT $315,703.95 (DelVecchio /Kozlowski) PASSES 3:1:1 Dentino NAY, Aptowitz ABSTAIN • Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15026TV in the amount of $98,456.45 Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15026TV $98,456.45 (DelVecchio /Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 • Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 15027PT in the amount of $289,265.30 Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 15027 PT $289,265.30 (DelVecchio/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0:1 Aptowitz ABSTAIN • Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15027TV in the amount of $93,870.20 Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15027TV $93,870.20 (DelVecchio/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 • School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll 15027PS in the amount of $1,511,531.12 Motion: To approve School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll 15027PS $1,511,531.12 (Aptowitz/DelVeechio) PASSES 4:1 Amrino NAY • School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15027SV in the amount of $513,160.02 Motion: To approve School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15027PS $513,160.02 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 • Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 15028PT in the arnount of $306,787.86 Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 15028PT $306,787.86 (DelVecchio /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0 • Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15028TV in the amount of $95,675.90 Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15028TV $95,675.90 (DelVecchio /Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 • Letter From Resident Stephen Scala Regarding Consideration Of Bike Lanes On Maple Street Mr. Amrino read the letter into the record. Mr. Ross noted he has submitted a letter to the Board, as outlined in his employment agreement, to extend his employment an additional three years and would like to enter into those discussions at an appropriate time. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 7, 2015 Page 8 of 9 Mr. Ross noted the Town received a check for $25,000 from the Tiger Woods Foundation in regards to the Deutsche Bank Golf Championship. That money will be deposited into the General Fund and a letter of appreciation will be sent to Mike Antolini, Vice President of the tournament. Mr. Ross reported there is an opening on the Planning Board due to the resignation of Cheryl Collins where an alternate member Mike Feck is interested. He also noted that the Zoning Board of Appeals has an alternate member opening where Aaron Gallagher, who interviewed previously for the Airport Commission, is interested. Mr. Ross asked if the Board would like to interview both candidates to which they stated yes. Mr. Ross noted he is in the process of setting up an XFinity Center sub - committee meeting which he expected to happen within the next few weeks. Mr. Kozlowski recognized Sergeant Crosman for putting together the law enforcement Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics at Lake Massapoag on Valentine's Day. Mr. Kozlowski will be participating. Mr. Kozlowski recognized those reappointments to serve on Boards and Committees. Mr. DelVecchio asked for the status on the Industrial Development Committee. Mr. Ross noted with Kevin Moran's application it is now full and anticipated a meeting of the full committee within the next few weeks. Mr. Amrino asked if something could be done with the Do Not Enter sign and its placement in the front parking lot. Mr. Ross would investigate. None. To adjourn Board of Selectmen's Meeting at 9:08PM (DelVecchio/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 Signature of Clerk /tdw Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 7, 2015 Page 9 of 9 Date of Approval