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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 3-18-2015Board of Selectmen Minutes March 18, 2015 Present: George Dentino, Chair; Jess Aptowitz, Vice Chair; Doug Annino, Clerk; Frank DelVecchio; Olivier Kozlowski; William Ross, Town Manager Chairman Dentino called the meeting to order. The Chairman reminded everyone the meeting is being broadcast live and taped for fixture broadcast on Mansfield Cable, Paul Mission, Transportation Planning Manager an( Schmidt, Modeling Technician, from SRPEDD are present this evening. The group is here to show the results of the simulation program for the Route 106 corridor as well as to discuss transportation issues and concerns of the Town in relation to SRPEDD's developing transportation policy. Ms. Schmidt began by explaining SRPEDD was asked to look at two scenarios with regards to improving the Route 106 (Chauncy Street) corridor from Main Street to Route 140: 1) Multimodal /Complete Streets, which looks at adding bicycle /pedestrian accommodations and 2) BETA Group Study that looks at improving access to the commuter rail station. She explained that the simulations presented this evening were modeled using existing conditions where it was observed that the two scenarios complemented one another. Ms. Schmidt explained that simulations, which use transmodeler software, do a good job of reflecting what is happening but cannot take into account traffic from curb cuts or look mode shifts. Ms. Schmidt noted that the simulations are peak hour 5:00pm — 6:00pm, which was determined to be the worst case scenario. Existing Conditions • Found that at the Copeland Street intersection, southbound experiences significant delays • As trains come and go and move through peak hour traffic westbound towards Route 140 backs up • At Central Street (two -way stop), operates pretty well but is affected by traffic on Copeland Street • Found that the North Main Street intersection really backs up as peak hour progresses and affects all other intersections along the corridor. Also has negative effect on other scenarios as those do not include improvements. Ralph Penney, Planning Board member, noted the North Main Street intersection back -up was due to the left turning lane. Ms. Sclunidt agreed that that was their observation as well. State Representative Jay Barrows asked if this simulation is reflective of the vehicles travelling Route 106 in the westerly direction and making a left on Thomas Street as well as the signalization as it currently exist. Ms. Schmidt did confirm use of the signal timing permit as well as field observation. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 18, 2015 Page I of 1 I Mr. Penney asked if SRPEDD actually does the traffic counts to which Ms. Schmidt stated they do and that this simulation has been run 20 -30 times where there are slight variations possibly due to the fact that the software is programmed with driver behavior. Joseph Cerretani, Planning Board member, noted it has been his observation that the right hand lane is equally backed -up. Complete Streets (Cap Stone Project from Northeastern University) • Reflects improvements along the entire corridor (Route 140 to just before North Main Street) • At the Route 140 intersection proposing optimizing signal timings and removing free flow right turns which tends to be dangerous to pedestrians • Addition of westbound and eastbound exclusive left turn lanes at the Copeland Street intersection with phasing at the light. The addition of phasing to the light slows down the traffic due to vehicles waiting longer because there is more to acconurrodate at the signal. Overall, the addition of the lanes improves safety and the simulation shows a more easy flow of traffic. • Addition of crosswalks only at signalized intersections • At Highland and Winthrop Avenues intersection have been separated into two "T" style intersections to improve safety • Addition of left turn lane travelling southbound off Highland Avenue out of commuter rail lots which improved flow and safety according to the simulation • Going down to one lane in both directions under the bridge with the addition of bicycle lanes and pedestrian access Chairman Dentin questioned if the simulation was peak hours as he has observed differently than what the simulation is showing. Representative Barrows felt the area to be at its worst on Saturday mornings between 9:00am — 12:00pm. Mr. Kozlowski asked if with the one lane in either direction under the bridge, if that was an assumption of fewer vehicles to which Ms. Schmidt stated it would be the same count and noted in most cases North Main is significantly backed -up. Mr. Kozlowski questioned with all the same factors why the results varied. Ms. Schmidt stated they are similar results that can be affected by minor driver behavior but pointed out that in the majority of simulations; with no improvements to North Main it did inundate the entire corridor, which she felt to be a determining factor for the entire corridor. Rick Alves, Town Engineer, noted that with the existing conditions the time it takes from North Main Street to Route 140 is 1,000 seconds versus what is being proposed (at least in the Hybrid model) 180 seconds. BETA Scenario Major improvement includes station access and designation of Highland and Winthrop Avenues as "right -in, right -out" ONLY New access road to station Representative Barrows asked if that intersection would be signalized to which Ms. Schmidt noted it would be signalized at the creation of the new intersection Board Of selectmen's Meeting March 18, 2015 Page 2 of 11 Mr. Aptowitz asked if traffic coming off of Highland Avenue can then only take a right hand turn to which is was noted yes. He furthered by asking what would stop that traffic from then U- Turning to which Ms. Schmidt noted the project proposes the traffic coming from Highland Avenue that wants to take a left now go through the new intersection. Mr. Aptowitz asked if this simulation takes into account the MBTA's plans which Ms. Schmidt stated only what BETA has studied which is a new access road to the train station. Chairman Dentino inquired if large trucks have also been taken into consideration to which Ms. Schmidt noted it does model large trucks but does not study specifically truck traffic. Hybrid Model -1 • Combination of Northeastern (bicycle /pedestrian improvements) and BETA alternatives (intersection improvements) • Improvements to North Main Street intersection currently proposed (addition of exclusive westbound turn lane and optimize signal timings) • Less of a back -up than all other simulations and works well with commuter rail and North Main Street Shaun Burke, Town Planner, felt the westbound turn lane to be the key. Ms. Schmidt explained when comparing simulations they like to also look at Level of Service (a type of letter grade A being the best and F being the worst) and is tied to the amount of delay a vehicle has. Currently the intersection has a grade of F but with this Hybrid Model it would move toaC. Representative Barrows was still concerned with regards to the signalization and hoped that the thin lanes would be able to continue at the same time as the protected turn lanes. Mr. Penney would like to see this modeled for the eastbound traffic as well. Ms. Schmidt noted that was looked at and incorporated in the following scenario. Fully Loaded Project Scenario • Combination of STC and Beta alternatives (capacity, multimodal and station access improvements and full improvements at North Main Street) • Grade would be a significant factor • Engineering study required to determine amount of land needed Mr. Burke asked if this scenario flowed better than the previous model to which Ms. Schmidt stated yes but noted there is a slight increase in delay because another phase would be added. Mr. Ross asked if this was modeled through to Route 140 to which Ms. Schmidt stated yes. She ran through the simulation from Route 140 which was smooth. Representative Barrows felt an area for concern which needs further review would be the location of CVS and Rite Aid and the entrance /exit of those businesses. Ms. Schmidt noted that the simulation cannot take into account curb counts. Representative Barrows asked about signal timing which he felt could be a great benefit. Ms. Sclunidt stated there is new signal timing technology systems that operate based on the amount of Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 18, 2015 Page 3 of I I traffic detected moving through the intersection (either with ground sensor or motion camera). Mr. Ross noted there are systems to synchronize all those lights and make them traffic sensitive, which he has had experience with. Mr. Ross noted to keep in mind that the Town received a letter from the State (about 3 months ago) regarding work to the signals at the intersection at Route 140 which will need to be monitored carefully. He also referenced the signals at Copeland are controlled by the State and asked Representative Barrows for assistance if needed. Mr. Ross gave credit to SRPEDD for the different simulations and felt the Town could work on North Main and Route 106 this summer. Mr. Azinheira felt that once the Town endorses a concept the improvements at the intersection of Copeland and Chauncy streets could be placed back on MassDOT's list. Representative Barrows asked Mr. Barked if the Town could go back and review the plans regarding the CVS and Rite Aid access to perhaps improve the signage. Mr. Penney asked about the northern access by the train station and what the status of that was. Mr. Ross noted the Town is continuing to work on that with the MBTA and felt something could be worked out as the MBTA is looking for easements for the ramps. Karl Clemmey asked Mr. Mission to explain the process of the Town obtaining Federal money for this project. Mr. Mission explained that the US Department of Transportation basically does all its work through MassDOT, which is essentially in charge of distributing Federal funds for road projects or land acquisitions if part of a road ilnprovennent program. In terms of land taking, Mr. Mission noted it does cost money and the old days of eminent domain are not easily implemented. Mr. Ross noted that the money flows through a Committee that works with SRPEDD which Mr. Azinheira chairs. It was Mr. Clemmey's feeling that the Town would need to take land through eminent domain, as seen all over the country, in order to make the area wider. Ms. Schmidt did reiterate that the BETA area took into account the ultimate development of the area. Chairman Dentin suggested a fiuther workshop to discuss what has been presented this evening as the Board values all the input received. Mr. Aptowitz stated the Board still needs to explore the options presented. Mr. Ross elaborated by stating the Board should take what has been presented and review in an organized format of what the Town would need to make each scenario happen. He would also like to look at Main and Route 106 and see what is needed to make it function better. Ms. Schmidt reminded the Board that when looking at any of these scenarios if there is consideration of State and Federal finding there is a requirement to accommodate bicycles and pedestrians. Mr. Mission furthered that it would need to be part of the analysis where MassDOT can make a determination that there is design exemptions that could be made. A waiver is possible but extremely difficult to achieve. Mr. Annino felt the Board needs to consider not only vehicle movement but pedestrian and bicycle movement. Chairman Dentino felt this would be a lengthy process. Mr. Annino appreciated graphically what was presented this evening. Mr. Mission then moved to the second part of his presentation. He explained SRPEDD's Regional Agency, as required by part of its contract with Federal FIighway and Transit and in conjunction with MassDOT, to present an update of the four -year Transportation Plan. He noted this is an assessment of the current transportation system and an attempt to predict some of the issues that may come up in the firture. This is also to gain input from the municipalities' elected officials on what they feel are significant issues to be addressed within the plan. Mr. Mission noted when Board Of selectmen's Meeting March 18, 2015 Page 4 of I 1 discussing transportation it is not limited to roads, highways and bridges but also includes pedestrian, bicycle, public transportation (MBTA and GATRA), and the movement of freight and goods via a transportation network. Mr. DelVecchio joined the meeting at 8:08pm Draft Goals and Objectives Include: Safety: achieve significant reduction in traffic fatalities and serious injuries on public roads System Preservation: promote continued maintenance of transportation system in a state of good repair Congestion Reduction: promote reduction of congestion and delay for all modes of transportation System Reliability: improve the efficiency of transportation system while promoting transit, bicycling and pedestrian alternatives Environmental Suslainability: enhance and preserve the transportation system while protecting the natural environment Economic Vitality and Freight Movement: improve freight transportation network, strengthen ability of communities to access national and international trade markets and support regional economic development Reduced Project Delivery Delays: reduce project costs, promote jobs and the economy and expedite the movement of people and goods The website to submit public comment and take part in the public transportation survey is www.srpedd.org. Mr. Armin asked with regards to pedestrian and bicycle movement, if SRPEDD would begin studying how communities could be interconnected via paths. Mr. Mission noted that Ms. Schmidt has been actively involved in bicycle planning where the primary goal is connecting tine bicycle path from Providence to Cape Cod but also the need of connecting the North -South corridor. Ms. Schmidt noted the group is also working on a Regional Bicycle Plan, which is a sub report of the Transportation Plan, where the extension of the Mansfield trail through Norton is one of its top priorities. Ms. Schmidt stated it would connect through Taunton via the industrial park and the group foresees significant commuter traffic. Mr. Ross noted the Town owns a considerable amount of green belt area that parallels rivers and streams and asked if there is a possibility of an alternative to Complete Streets where State /Federal would consider walking/bicycle paths to connect neighborhoods utilizing those green belts rather than along the streets. Ms. Schmidt noted funding is very small and competitive but is not tied to streets. Ms. Schmidt referred Mr. Ross to Lou Rabito of MassDOT's Complete Streets program for further questions. Mr. Annino asked if there are standard guidelines communities should be referring to. Ms. Schmidt noted they follow AASHTO Standards as well as NAPTO Guide and always willing to consult. Chairman Dentino would like to reschedule SRPEDD for a workshop with the Board as well as the Planning Board for the end of April. Mr. Mission would work on further information to give the Town for review but noted only so much data was collected, referencing no curb counts, but would provide the Town with a simulation for its website. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 18, 2015 Page 5 of I I Mr. Ross explained to the Board that this is a slightly ditterent situation than what the rsoara Bas been asked in the past with regards to the Mansfield Housing Rehabilitation Program. Mr. Ross noted that the homeowners are in need of additional resources, due to hardship, and have applied for a home equity loan. As the homeowners have been in the residence for many years the maximum amount the Town could collect on the grant at this time would be around $5,700, and that in three years the grant would actually be forgiven. Mr. Aptowitz felt that this amount would have no effect upon the Town. Chairman Dentine felt the amount of time the home owners have spent in the residence was significant enough for this not to be an issue for the Board. Motion: To grant the request for subordination by the Ptashniks and authorize the Town Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the Board of Selectmen (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 Chairman Dentin asked if the Board had any questions regarding this issue. Mr. Aptowitz inquired if the Town would be reimbursed for any taxes as the property has been owned and classified in the Forestry Category where the tax rate is lower. It is Mr. Aptowitz's understanding that the Town can go back and re- calculate what the taxes would have been if the property was classified differently, as it is being taken out of the Forestry category and sold for residential purposes. Mr. Ross explained that the sale triggers a Right of First Refusal for the Town, which is 120 days. Mr. DelVecchio felt there would be some type of guidance in State law as to Mr. Aptowitz's concern with regards to taxes. It was decided by the Board to start with a valuation of the land from the Board of Assessors and to further discuss this matter at next week's meeting. Mr. Kozlowski asked if this job description should be considered within the Light Commission's role. Mr. Ross noted that all job descriptions are a responsibility of the Human Resources Department which falls under the Board of Selectmen. Chairman Dentino asked if the Board was going to see more of these to which Mr. Ross noted that Patti Firing, HR Director, has developed a standard template for job descriptions as they have not been updated since the 90s. The decision has been made to begin the process of using this new template for new jobs and begin updating old descriptions to the new template. Mr. Aptowitz would like to see the previous job descriptions submitted as the new ones are presented as a comparison to any changes and to ensure the Town is protected. Chairman Dentino agreed and would like to see that begin immediately. Motion: To approve the Apprentice Line job description (DelVecchio /Annino) Discussion: Chairman Dentine and Mr. Aptowitz would like the old job description submitted and included in next week's packet. Mr. DelVecchio withdrew his motion and Mr. Amrino withdrew the second. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 18, 2015 Page 6 of I 1 Mr. Ross explained the primary reason for this initial presentation is to provide the Board an opportunity to review the Town Meeting Warrant and ask any questions. The Warrant will be scheduled for approval at next week's meeting. Mr. Ross noted that the Warrant has been sent to Paul DeRensis, Town Counsel, for review and suggestions for condensing. Mr. Ross stated it is possible that the next version could have less Articles. Mr. Ross noted his office would be able to provide any additional information within the next week if the Board has any questions. Mr. DelVecchio would like to have some explanation regarding the Articles referencing changes to the Conservation By -Laws. Mr. Ross felt these to be more "wordsmith" type changes but there is one adding a variance capability to certain elements of the Wetlands By -Law that many communities already have and has been recommended by Rich Hucksam, Town Counsel. Mr. Ross would request Katelynn Merrill, Conservation Agent, to be present at next week's meeting. Chairman Dentino noted this is really follow - through from the Board's previous discussions with the Conservation Commission on tightening up their By -Laws. Mr. Aptowitz asked if the Board would consider voting on Articles as they are presented. Chairman Dentino would entertain that idea as the process moves along. Mr. Ross referred the Board to the Fiscal Year Cherry Sheet and Aid Comparison where John Stanbrook, Finance Director, has put together a comparison of what the Governor has proposed compared to FYI and the amount received during this fiscal year: • For both revenues, this primarily includes Chapter 70 and unrestricted government aid, the difference is an increase in revenue of $254,488 (1.24 %). Mr. Ross pointed out that the Governor guaranteed every School Department a minimum of $20 per student with regards to Chapter 70. • Mr. Ross then explained the next portion of the sheet detailed Assessments that the State levies (county tax, mosquito control, regional transit and Charter School tuition) which totaled a decrease of $77,000. • When compared to what was presented in January, Mr. Ross explained the revenues pretty much matched because the Town kept revenues flat for FY16. The Town anticipated increases in the Assessments items moving fonxard where a number of them were actually down which nets out to $291,000 (between the Revenue higher than the Town assumed and the Assessments that are lower than assumed). • Because this is based on the Governor's budgetproposal, the Town is estimating that only 78% will actually happen and the Town is being conservative. Mr. Ross noted the second sheet, in front of the Board, are changes to date on items that have been worked on in the budget between himself, Mr. Stanbrook, Superintendent Gianetti and Ed Vozzella. • Began with a $2.7 million deficit where there will be an increase in local receipts of about $480,000. The State will not allow the Town to increase receipts higher than its anticipated amount for this year. • Liability Insurance will be only 5% (originally budgeted at 10 %) • Completed transition in Health Insurance • Removed the Procurement Position • Lee Azinheira has been working with Waste Management on solid waste disposal which comes out of the General Fund, and could be down about $60,000 on disposal and $10,000 Board of Selectmen's Meeting March 18, 2015 Page 7 of 11 on trucking to landfill. There has been fiuther discussion with Waste Management regarding extension to their contract at 1% — 2% increases where Waste Management would provide $100,000 credit to use at the Town's discretion over the next five years. • School Committee has preliminarily reduced its budget by $1,315,000 and will go back and review if needed. Voted unanimously for an Assistant Superintendent. Mr. Ross then listed some of the changes to the Town's portion, which included: • Move the approach of the Police Department from one of reactive to activity to a more preventive mode. It was felt to accomplish this there would need to be some type of deep analysis of what is occurring in the community. The Police Department is looking to add a Crime Analyst to the department and Mr. Ross is proposing using a portion of the $100,000 from the State Gaming Commission allocated to the Town from the Surrounding Communities Agreement to fund the position. Chief Sellon and Mr. Ross will be filing this with the State. • Chief Sellon is also looking for an additional Sergeant to the night shift as presently there is only one where this shift typically has the youngest officers on duty. • An addition of two police vehicles in the General Budget to be moved to the Capital Budget • Move additional costs of Parks and Recreation from General Fund into its Revolving Account, made up of costs to utilize the cost of using the program • Increase in the hours for the Conservation Agent from 25 to 29 hours per week and noted she is already receiving benefits. Mr. Annino asked if the Town increased those hours last year to which Mr. Ross stated yes. Mr. Ross explained the vast majority of the budget is status quo and there is not a lot that expands programs but noted an area where the Town is expanding expenditures is licensing of MIS products. Mr. Aptowitz asked if there are any planned retirements on the Municipal side to which Mr. Ross stated no. Mr. Aptowitz wanted to be clear that lie was upset by the Southeastern Regional Assessment and felt there needed to be a way to stop that increase. Mr. Ross noted the cost has increased over 200% in six years and that Superintendent Lopes will be presenting at next week's meeting. Mr. Aptowitz asked about the addition of the police vehicles where Mr. Ross explained they are replacing ones that did not get replaced last year and total $90,000. Mr. Aptowitz would like to see an updated breakdown of the Capital Budget. Mr. Amrino asked for the total budget increase over last year to which Mr. Ross reported 2.8% for Municipal and 3.5% for the School, resulting in an increase of approximately $1.8 million. Mr. DelVecchio noted that based on his experience there have always been scheduled discussions on the assumptions behind the revenues made within a budget and asked if that was going to happen. Mr. Ross stated this would be a good time for that. Mr. DelVecchio noted the following: • He is not in favor of starting positions at the half year point and is inclined against that • Asked for justification of removal of Purchasing Agent. Mr. Ross noted the position was part of the overall Strategic and Financial Plan but in speaking with the School Department it was thought the position was not warranted as the system works well now where Principals have latitude of what can be purchased. Mr. DelVecchio's point was that these discussions should be held jointly before decisions are actually made and was not being Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 18, 2015 Page 8 of 1 I critical. Mr. Aptowitz felt the Procurement position could more than pay for itself with the right person. • With regards to the monies to be received for snow it was Mr. DelVecchio's thought that this extraordinary expense could become a Cash Flow problem. Mr. Ross explained that he and Mr. Stanbrook had a conversation with the new Deputy Secretary to the Department of Revenue in charge of local services. Mr. Ross suggested that the Town be allowed to create a special revenue fund where when the amount to be received from FEMA is known the Town cold then move that amount from the General Fund to this special revenue fluid and the State let the Town carry that special revenue fiord forward until the FEMA money is received. Mr. Ross announced that suggestion has been approved. • In terms of New Growth, Mr. DelVeechio noted it is projected to be $470,000 less than previous year. Mr. Ross noted the bulk of that came from finding work that had been done either without permits or not properly notified and the Town does not see that amount projected as it is not an evaluation year. Mr. Ross reported to the Board that lie and Superintendent Gianetti would be meeting with the Steve Schoonveld, Chair of Finance Committee and resident of 21 Newton Street, noted there will be a detailed review of the budgets with Mr. Ross, Superintendent Gianetti and the Finance Committee tomorrow evening (Thursday, March 19th). FIe noted there will also be a presentation regarding the DPW/Public Safety Building. Mr. Schoonveld noted that he and the Finance Committee are extremely comfortable with the revenue but have yet to take a vote. He asked the Board to keep in mind there has been a lot of effort to remove capital expenditures from operating expenses. Scott Feeley, 49 Fruit Street, noted it is a challenging process but felt that all parties are stepping un to meet that challenee and make the touA decisions. a. Vote To Approve Board of Selectmen Minutes March 11, 2015 b. Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 15038T in the amount of $226,811.22 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15038E in the amount of $2,157,944.29 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 15038S in the amount of $538,964.93 c. Licenses and Permits • Consideration of Hackney Carriage License For Already Taxi Subject To Satisfactory Inspection Of Vehicles By Traffic Enforcement Officer • Vehicle 1: 2004 Ford Freestar • Vehicle 2: 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan • Consideration of Hackney Driver License For • Osama Ghaly, Veterans Taxi • Paul Dello Russo, Already Taxi • Russell Lavallee, Already Taxi • Michael Fenton, Veterans Taxi d. Events And Permits Consideration of Event Application For Mansfield Animal Shelter's 19th Annual Celebration Of Animals Subject To Public Safety And Health Conditions Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 18, 2015 Page 9 of 1 I o Permission To Place Signage At South Common Consideration of Event Application And Fee Waiver Request By Buffalo Wild Wings for Live Entertainment For St. Baldrick's Fundraiser, April 11, 2015 Motion: To approve the Consent Aeenda as presented (DelVecchio /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0 • Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 15038PT in the amount of $292,005.45 Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 15038PT $292,005.45 (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:1 Dentino NAY • Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15038TV in the amount of $91,320.75 Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15038TV $91,320.75 (Kozlowski/Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0 • Letter Of Resignation From Dorine Boyd From FIer Position On The Board Of Assessors Chairman Dentino would like to see a letter for Ms. Boyd. • Invitation To The Massachusetts Open Space Conference, Saturday, May 9th • Letter From Denis J. Feely, District Treasurer, Southeastern Regional School District, Recardine Apportioned Amount to Town Of Mansfield For FY2016 • Updated FY16 Financial Policies Compliance Spreadsheet Mr. Ross reminded the Board that it had adopted Financial Policies several months ago and distributed an update with regards to the status of those policies. He reported that although the Town is not yet in compliance with all of the policies it is working towards that and has made great progress. • Mr. Ross updated the Snow and Ice Budget which stands at $906,490. This number does not include spring repairs for damage. Mr. Ross noted it is slightly lower than anticipated due to monies charged to Parking Enterprise due to snow removal from those lots. Mr. Ross stated the Town is very confident in the number sent to the State, which was $1.2 million. The Town does expect a few more bills. • Mr. Ross received an email from the MMA notifying that the Lieutenant Governor is working to create a program assisting communities with pot -hole repairs. • Mr. Ross was notified by the MMA that he has been named the President's Appointment to the Public Works and Infrastructure Policy Committee and felt the Town should be an important player in that. • Mr. Ross noted his discussion with the DOR, as previously mentioned, was positive and that he volunteered his and John Stanbrook's time to work with them on sharing of ideas. It is his impression that it is an honest effort. • Town Clerk, Marianne Staples, asked that Mr. Ross remind everyone that Voter Registration for Town Meeting closes next Wednesday, March 25`x' • Mr. Ross suggested the Tuesday prior to Town Election, May 5th, as a date for Town Meeting. He asked that a formal vote be scheduled for next week's meeting, March 25 "i. • Mr. Ross attended the LOCUS conference last Wednesday in Boston and would forward information with regards to the topic of viable /walkable communities to the Board. Mr. Ross noted Mansfield was listed as moving in that direction (sufficient mass of retail and employment, access to mass transport). Mr. Annino noted there was another meeting of the Public Safety/DPW building where the consortium continues to work through the budget to make the facility affordable. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 18, 2015 Page 10 of I I Mr. DelVecchio noted Mr. Ross and the School Committee gave an initial presentation of their budgets to the Budget Sub - Committee last week and that Mr. Schoonveld, Finance Chair, was in attendance. Mr. DelVecchio would appreciate another meeting schedule soon. Mr. Ross would work on scheduling that. Mr. Kozlowski asked for the status of the next Xfinity Center meeting. Mr. Ross was unsure and would follow up with Police and Fire Chiefs as well as Lee Zazofsky. Mr. Aptowitz would like to send his, as well as the Board's, deepest condolences to the family of Roland Smart as he recently passed. Mr. Smart was an original member of security personnel with the Xfinitv Center and was known as the "eentle eiant ". None. To adjourn Board of Selectmen's Meeting at 9:56PM 41V Signature of Clerk /tdw "'. qh - J� Date of Approval PASSES 5:0 Includes: Mansfield- Chauncy Street (Ronde 106) Corridor Alternath,es For Improvement Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 18, 2015 Page 11 of I 1