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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 02-11-2015Board of Selectmen Minutes February 11, 2015 Present: George Dentin, 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 firture broadcast on Mansfield Cable. 2��id� too f �ven�Applrea�i�n from L��SS�1,k�� r ac�mg'Bee Ync� for t�1�56 A°nnngl�i�sYue Aixto --�S�p MeeflaE the��nity C�n�er�� �__ _ _ __ y_ Present before the Board are: Carl Weber, President of the South Shore Antique Auto Corporation as well as Police Chief Ron Sellon and Fire Chief Neal Boldrighini. Mr. Weber is seeking to have the SSAAC's annual flea market at the Xfinity Center this spring, May 2nd and 3`d. Mr. Weber has met with Lee Zazofsky from the Xfinity Center, who has agreed to host the 56t11 annual swap meet. Mr. Weber explained there are 1,500 spaces leased to vendors which set up on Friday, May Ist through Sunday, May 3`d and requires some vendors to stay overnight. Mr. Weber also noted that Xfinity personnel handle parking and keep the proceeds from the gate. Chairman Dentin inquired if details have been coordinated for this event. Chief Sellon noted the typical process with regards to police details for an event would be for the event coordinator to contact a Lieutenant to schedule and although he has yet to hear from Mr. Weber, Chief Sellon is comfortable with the number of detail officers scheduled from last year's event. Mr. Aptowitz asked if Chief Sellon and Chief Boldrighini could report on any issues. Chief Sellon reported issues over the course of the event to include alcohol, ATV riding and fireworks. Mr. Aptowitz asked Mr. Weber if vendors are aware that there is no alcohol and no fireworks allowed to which Mr. Weber produced a flyer that is included in each vendor packet notifying of the rules. Chief Boldrighini noted that over the course of the event they have had issues with camp fires and fireworks and reminded that fireworks are illegal in the State of Massachusetts. Mr. Weber would add to the vendor packet a reminder that no fireworks are allowed as well. Mr. Annino asked for the number of officers on detail to which Chief Sellon noted 8 officers from 8:00am — 12:00am and 4 officers from 12:00am to 8:00am. Chief Sellon reminded this is for the lots only and does not include the street detail managing traffic. Chief Boldrighini noted he typically has a two man team for the entirety of the event (overnight as well). Motion: To approve the event license for the SSAAC Trading Inc. annual Swap Meet on May 2"' and Mav 3`d, 2015 (AptowitzfKozlowski) PASSES 5:0 John Stanbrook, Finance Director, is present Mr. Stanbrook noted he has forwarded to the Board, Recommendation 3.3 from the Malloy, Lynch and Bienvenue Operation Study Report along with FYI journal entry corrections as updated on January 31, 2015. Mr. Ross noted the recommendation in the financial study was that journal entries of this type should be brought to the Board of Selectmen's attention for review and approval, which was not a past practice. He explained that Mr. Stanbrook is here to answer any Board Of Selectmen's Meeting February 11, 2015 Page I of questions the Board may have. Mr. Stanbrook noted that the Recommendation 3.3 points out that any changes to the signed warrant process should be approved by the Board. He wanted to be clear that no additional monies have been spent over what was approvedjust a correction of the accounts that were initially charged. Mr. Aptowitz felt it is apparent that the Town has done a complete turnaround with regards to transparency. Chairman Dentin would like to ensure that departments are aware of the errors so that they are corrected going forward. Mr. Ross agreed with the Chairman noted that it has already been discussed between he and Mr. Stanbrook. Motion: Per the Recommendation No. 3.3 of the Malloy, Lynch and Bienvenue Operation Study Report, the Board of Selectmen approve the FY 15 journal entry corrections as updated on January 31, 2015, by John Stanbrook, Finance Director and attached hereto (DelVecchio/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 None. a. Vote To Approve Board of Selectmen Minutes February 4, 2015 b. Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 15033T in the amount of $373,904.26 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15033E in the amount of $1,563,685.20 c. Licenses and Permits • Consideration of Drainlayer's License for Christian & Peck Development Corp. • Consideration of Water Installers License for Christian & Feck Development Corp. • Consideration of One Day Beer and Wine License for Tri County Beagle Club annual Game Dinner Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda as presented (DelVeechio/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0:1 Antowitz ABSTAINS • Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 15033PT in the amount of $322,687.66 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 15033PT $322,687.66 (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:1 Dentino NAY • Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15033TV in the amount of $100,689.39 Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15033TV $100,689.39 (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0 • School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll 15033PS in the amount of $1,476,445.63 Motion: To approve School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll 15033PS $1,476,445.63 (DcIVecchio /Kozlowski) PASSES 4:1 Armino NAY • School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15033SV in the amount of $504,395.65 Motion: To approve School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15033SV $504,395.65 (Kozlowski/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 • Letter from Verizon Regarding Annual Complaint Filing Chairman Dentino summarized some of Verizon's report and felt that the Town is getting decent results from both cable providers. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting February 11, 2015 Page 2 of 5 Mr. Ross began his report by commending the work done by the DPW and numerous private contractors with regards to snow removal. Mr. Ross noted this is a team effort. In Mr. Ross' opinion the Town has done a very good job considering the amount of snow the Town has had and the frequency with which the storms have come. He wanted to clarify that although the Town indicated that it was low on salt it did not run out but the supply was low. Mr. Ross explained that due to the low supply a decision was made to salt the main roads only. Mr. Ross noted that Mark Cook, Manager of Highway Operations, worked directly with the salt supplies to secure a delivery of 300 tons of salt yesterday (February 10 °1) with another delivery of 300 tons expected today. Mr. Ross noted that the Town always had salt but needed to use it sparingly. Mr. Ross stated everyone needs to recognize the snow is here and the Town will continue to do its best to work to keep the streets open, that there will be inconveniences but the Town will always be able to handle an emergency situation. Currently the Town is working towards widening streets and getting them down to bare pavement. Mr. Ross noted that there have been numerous groups assisting with digging out fire hydrants. Mr. Ross and Lee Azinheira, DPW, Director, will offer a luncheon at some point to those who worked tirelessly. Mr. Aptowitz noted he has received numerous calls from residents and businesses, most positive but a few negative continents. He noted this has been an unprecedented amount of snow and felt overall the streets are in great condition. Mr. Aptowitz asked that residents please dig out any fire hydrants that the Town has been unable to get to. Mr. Aptowitz noted the snow and ice budget is obviously over but the first responsibility is to get the roads open and safe and work towards a resolution later but that the Town is not alone. Mr. Armin noted the Town is doing a great job. He has received no complaints. Mr. DelVecchio has not received any complaints and spoke to Mr. Aptowitz's point of clearing fire hydrants. He has noticed hydrants cleared but due to the additional snow and plowing they have once again been covered. He asked residents to be wary of that and felt the communications to be excellent. Mr. Kozlowski has heard a lot of positive feedback regarding the Town's performance. Mr. Kozlowski reminded that there is also a one day delay with regards to trash. Mr. Aptowitz asked residents to be sure to clear all vents especially dryer vents. Chairman Dentin has received nothing but positive feedback. The Chairman felt the residents have really come through with regards to clearing hydrants and mailboxes. Chairman Dentino asked that when clearing hydrants to clear all the way around so there is enough room to attached hoses. Mr. Ross wanted the Board and residents to know the Superintendent of Schools, Zeff Gianetti, has been extremely cooperative with regards to allowing the Town to utilize the schools' email system to distribute information. Mr. Ross moved on to the topic of Health Insurance. As previously stated at last week's meeting, there will be a 3% increase, which he noted is one of the lowest. Mr. Ross reported the other significant part of that is by changing the MedEx and Managed Blue Care plans for retirees the Town believes it will see a significant reduction in its OPEB liability, possibly in the millions. The actuary is beginning the process of analyzing the savings and while that doesn't affect day to clay budget operations in a very real sense it impacts those long term liabilities and reducing them is a Board Of selectmen's Meeting February 11, 2015 Page 3 of 5 definite benefit for the future. Chairman Dentino liked the fact of only a 3% increase and looking forward with regards to unfunded liability but unfortunately felt it is very difficult at this time for any community to get revenue that comes close to this unfimded liability and the benefits thereof. He has seen communities put monies aside for this and unfortunately it was not in a place the State allowed and felt it will be a problem down the line. The Chairman appreciated the tough battle Mr. Ross is fighting. Mr. Ross noted that the schedule is light for next week's meeting and with the holiday the Board would need to post on Friday, February 13th. It is Mr. Ross' recommendation to not meet next week. Chairman Dentino asked about the status of scheduling an Xfinity Sub-Committee meeting in order to then schedule the Xfinity license and safety presentation to which Mr. Ross noted he is in the process of scheduling that in the next week. Mr. Ross has met with Public Safety about their requests for the upcoming season such as upgrades to the lawn area. With the changes to the license over the past two seasons Mr. Ross felt the basic agreement to be in good shape. It was confirm that Lee Z is the acting General Manager. Mr. DelVecchio would like for the Board to consider scheduling a Budget Sub-Committee meeting prior to its next Board of Selectmen's meeting. Mr. Ross reported that the Municipal Building Committee will be meeting tomorrow, Thursday, February 12d' with regards to the Public Safety/DPW Building. The Board has posted in order for members to attend and participate in the discussion if they wish. The meeting is scheduled for 6:30om in Meetine Room 3A/B. Mr. Kozlowski thanked Mr. DelVecchio and all who donated to his Polar Plunge. He will be spending I %2 minutes in Lake Massapoag on Valentine's Day to benefit the Special Olympics. Mr. Aptowitz noted the Audit Committee will be meeting February 26th. He noted they have the draft financials and will also discuss an RFP for audit services where RF Browns contract is up. Mr. Aptowitz felt the Town needs to do its due diligence. Mr. Aptowitz is concerned with regards to the construction time for the ramps at the MBTA and asked if there have been any fiirther discussions. Mr. Ross felt they are extremely busy with snow related issues at this time. Mr. Aptowitz would like to see progress in terms of updating the lot maintenance agreement. Mr. Aptowitz again commended Public Safety and the DPW for a job well done during these past storms. Mr. DelVecchio asked to schedule a Budget Sub - Committee meeting to which Mr. Ross felt that February 25 °i before the Board of Selectmen's meeting would work, Chairman Dentin asked where the Town stood with regards to its waste pickup contract to which Mr. Ross would need to follow up with Mr. Azinheira. Chairman Dentino noted the passing of Dottie Giles whose family has been members in the community for years. The Chairman noted the Giles family owned the Mansfield Press for a number of years. She will be missed. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting February 11, 2015 Page 4 of 5 None. To adjourn Board of Selectmen's Meeting at 8 Signature of Clerk /tdw Includes: SSAAC Flyer Board Of Selectmen's Meeting February 11, 2015 Page 5 of 5 PASSES 5:0 &61V Date of Approval