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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 4-08-2015Board of Selectmen Minutes April 8, 2015 Present: George Dentine, Chair; Jess Aptowitz, Vice Chair; Doug Aniline, 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 future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. Present before the Board is Lee Azinheira, DPW Director. Mr. Azinheira, on behalf of the Town, would like to show appreciation for the tremendous work by the DPW Department over this past record breaking winter in regards to snow removal efforts. He referenced the series of storms over a 30 day period. Mr. Ross felt the group does not always receive the notoriety it deserves and commended their work in keeping the roads open for Public Safety and efforts to work until roadways were safe for travel, schools could open and continued maintenance and removal. The group received appreciation certificates from the Town which will be made part of their personnel records and handshakes all around from the Board. The group represents the Highway (assisted by Public Works and Special Projects departments) and Water Divisions as well as the Electric Department: Jay Beckett Mark Cook Steve Copparini Dave Green Alfred Kuplast Andrew Littig Anthony Luciano David Mahoney Danmy Oliver Dan Romanko Adam Sloane Paul Waite Mike Ahern Gary Nelson Danny Amicone Steve Bishop Greg Consolvo Joseph Fasolino Mike Gregory Kevin O'Donnell Shawn Precourt Shawn Reagan Robert Bellevance Patrick Carroll Shawn Curran Paul Diggan Bruce Dyke Eric Jetty Tom Moran Jay Thompson Chris Trask Tom Weir Christina Collins Eleanor McCarter 3. Consideration Antl_Approval Of Comelaf To The Discharge Of Mansfield Debt To'MFN Regional Wastewater District Mr. Ross reported that the MFN District is takine on some of the debt the Town has with regards to monies borrowed for the plant through the State Revolving Loan Fund, which has agreed to allow the transfer of that debt from the Town to the District. Mr. Ross further reported that the District has agreed to take on that debt and allocate with all of the participating communities of the District. The State requires this consent to document and complete the transfer. Mr. Amrino read the discharge into the record. Mr. Kozlowski noted that as he serves on the MFN Board he will recuse himself from the vote. Motion: Agree to the Consent to the Discharge and authorize signatures (AptowitzlAnuiuo) PASSES 4:0:1 Board or selectmen's Meeting April 8, 2015 Page I of 8 Mr. Annino read the intention into the record. Mr. Aptowitz noted this is to just inform the public of when the Board is scheduling the hearing and not an approval. He noted he has questions regarding the project. Motion: To approve the hearing for Lincoln Road on April 22, 2015 (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 James Ragazzo, 35 King Arthur Way, a longtime resident of the Town and former member of the Planning Board, is here to apply for the alternate position currently open on the Planning Board as he continues to be interested in the planning and development of the community. Mr. Ragazzo is a former member of the Planning Board and would like to re- establish that relationship again. Mr. Kozlowski thanked Mr. Ragazzo for volunteering once again. Mr. Aptowitz asked if Mr. Ragazzo were to remain as a member of the Audit Committee, on which he currently serves, to which he noted he was. Mr. Annino asked Mr. Ragazzo if Ire has spoken to Tom French, Chairman, of the Planning Board, to which he noted lie has not but did speak with Shaun Burke, Town Planner. Mr. DelVecchio asked how long Mr. Ragazzo was originally on the Planning Board to which he stated two and a half year where he resigned due to health issues. Mr. DelVecchio thanked Mr. Ragazzo for his service on the Audit Committee as well. Chairman Dentino thanked Mr. Ragazzo for always looking for ways to serve the Town on various committees and felt lie would do a great job. Motion: To appoint James Ragazzo as all Alternate member to an unexpired five year term to expire January 1, 2019 to the Planning Board (Annino /Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 6. Discussion With Woodward And Curran Regarding Proposed Municipal Coiuplex T;nvirmunental Items . Present before the Board is Lee Azinheira, DPW Director, and Duff Collins, Licensed Site Professional, from Woodward and Curran, who has been involved with the DPW site for the last seven to eight years. Mr. Collins noted he is the Licensed Site Professional of record for the disposal site, which is the regulatory term for an area where a release of hydrocarbons has come to be located. In terms of history, Mr. Collins reported the site was developed in the mid -1950s where the garage had fueling gasoline tannks associated with its operations. In the 90s, during all evaluation of a pumping station on the corner of Route 106 and the highway garage, the presence of hydrocarbons was identified in the ground water. This began a notificationn/site investigation and clean -up process, where in 2004 the tanks that created the leak were removed as part of the upgrade to the fueling system. During the tank removal a significant amount of the gasoline impacted soil was removed and in- ground treatment was performed. Subsequent to all of this, additional treatments have been performed and today they are in a "monitoring of conditions" mode. Referencing a photo lie brought, Mr. Collins reported that the original extent of the problem has been reduced to a small area next to the former "tank grave" where there are still residual levels that are above the applicable standards, which does not have an impact on the buildings on either location. He reported concentrations are low enough for there to be no potential impact on future buildings constructed. Mr. Collins stated Board Of selectmen's Meeling April 8, 2015 Page 2 of 8 Woodward and Curran continues to strategize with the Town on the most effective approach to stay in compliance but also recognize the natural development of what is called attenuation of the extent of the fuel. Mr. Collins noted the monitoring program is designed to demonstrate that the area of impact is in compliance but also to measure the improvement that has happened over time. Mr. Aptowitz asked for the bottom line, if the Town was to move forward, tear down the existing facility and build upon the site, to which Mr. Collins explained the concentrations that previously existed have been treated and attenuated and based on the understanding and testing completed there are no restrictions for building as well as uses and activity on the property. In terms of the remaining area described, Mr. Kozlowski asked if that was away from the proposed area for construction. Mr. Collins stated yes although there is a number of facets of the site improvements relating to where new buildings would go, new drainage and management of the infrastructure of the property that are probably good for the residuals that are present and likely for the surrounding wetlands and water resource. Mr. Azinheira noted that the area has shrunk more than 20% in size from its original state. Mr. Amino asked if the area is being actively cleaned or is it naturally attenuating. Mr. Collins noted Woodward and Curran are actively monitoring the impact of the treatment that has already occurred. This means there is still constituents in place from the excavation that subsequently provide treatment and are still having a level of impact and the hydrocarbons naturally are reduced by microorganisms and bacteria that are present in the subsurface and is measured on a regular basis and reported to the DER Mr. Amino asked if the Town would need to take an}' special precautions when building to which Mr. Collins stated none different than for any other construction in an area of a former highway garage facility. Mr. DelVecchio asked if the monitoring would continue upon the completion of the proposed project to which Mr. Collins reported it would continue until such time that they achieve the standards and can close it out. Mr. DelVecchio asked if monitoring would need to be relocated and if there was a cost associated with that. Mr. Collins stated it may need to be moved, depending on final design, but felt the cost not to be substantial. Mr. Azinheira explained it would only entail pipes from which the samples are taken. Chairman Dentin appreciated all of Mr. Collins work with the Town. Chairman Dentin remembered that the discharge came about from a fitting on the valve that was leaking and was not within the tanks. The Chairman asked if there was contamination found with regards to the Canoe River Acquifer. Mr. Collins noted the original site investigation information was focused toward the river and well points that were installed during that initial activity and a valuation of the extent and the potential of impact to the river and downstream was completed and documented ten to twelve years ago. Woodward and Curran continue to do a level of monitoring to this extent and assess whether constituents made it to the river or had potential to make it to the river. He noted there was no evidence of impact or detrimental impact prior to the activity or any since during the initial course of response. Mr. Azinheira noted the testing continues and will continue until it reaches the drinking water standard. Chairman Dentin asked if there was testing on either side of the roadway to which Mr. Collins confirmed there is. The Chairman asked if there is a standard plan in place with regards to the tanks to which Mark Cook, Highway Operations Manager, explained that the tanks are monitored daily through a live system which senses fuel or water leaking. There has been no failure reported and is up to date. Board Of Selectmen's Mceting April 8, 2015 Page 3 of 8 Mr. Ross distributed to the Board a memo from Katelyn Merrill, Conservation and Environmental Planner, regarding the potential DPW /Public Safety site. Ms. Merrill is present and explained to the Board that she and Rick Alves, Town Engineer, viewed the site last year where wetlands were marked (North and Northeast/Northwest) where soil and vegetation was sampled per the MA DEP. According to the most recent plans presented, Ms. Merrill felt the proposed project to be outside of the Conservation jurisdiction but did state it is tight to the buffer. She felt the biggest issue to be a "land disturbance application" which would need to be filed under the Stormwater Regulations for the Wetlands Protection Act. Mr. Annino asked Ms. Merrill to put her "designer hat" on and asked if she could see any enhancements to the proposed project to make it more enviromnentally friendly. Ms. Merrill noted the biggest issue is to ensure that all impervious surface stornmwater is caught, pre - treated and the water quality remains as is and that there are numerous techniques now to enhance that, referencing rain gardens and vegetative swails. Mr. Annino very much would like to make this an environmentally friendly facility. Mr. Kozlowski asked if Ms. Merrill knew for a fact that this would be a disturbance of over an acre of land to which she noted she does not. Chairman Dentin noted that it has been stated at times that there is not enough room for the proposed site, lie would like to see if the Town could flag all of the wetland areas and then flag the uplands that may be able to be utilized for a replication. The Chairman felt this would assist with the design process. Lastly, Mr. Ross noted that the Canoe River Acquifer Committee has discussed the project. Mr. Azinheira reported that he and Mark Cook presented the proposed project to the Committee where it was felt to be an improvement to the site. Mr. Ross felt it appropriate to have a detailed discussion with the Board this evening regarding any questions they may have with regards to the Budget and noted he has invited Department Heads this evening to address any concerns the Board may have. Mr. Ross highlighted the following: • completed process of moving all employees of the Town to the Value Plan for healthcare (this process began four years ago) — estimated savings is $700,000 - $800,000 per year • in the process of changing MedEx plan for retirees • credit Patti Firing, I-IR Director, for vigorous negotiation with Delta Dental with reduction in rates amounting to $22,000 savings • reminded the Board of its vote last year to restructure the Fire Department which will include four Lieutenants this year (not an increase in head count) • initially presented holding a Police Officer position open for half a year but now able to 611 the position immediately to maintain staff level • proposing adding Sergeant to night shift in the Police Department • addition of Crime Analyst to Police Department to analyze the types of crimes happening and move into a preventive mode • no additional staff members other than additional hours for Conservation Agent • latest numbers show a Municipal (Article 1) increase of 3.2% over last year which includes all employee benefits (including School) and a School (Article 2) increase of 3.25% over last year and felt these numbers not to be far in excess of inflation Board Of Selectmen's Meeting April 8, 2015 Page 4 of 8 revenue is using Governor's numbers for local revenues but noted Legislature has not yet acted on those (referenced aid from increase in Ambulance fees as well as Food and Beverage tax) Mr. Ross noted that in the end it is about providing services and resources and people are needed to accomplish that. In thinking about the Town operation, Mr. Ross felt it to be one of the most diverse corporations in the Commonwealth and is proud of the employees the Town has. Mr. Armin thought we were to keep the overall budget to 2.5% to which Mr. Ross noted only with regards to the base property tax levy and then if there is additional new property on the rolls that can be added to the dollars that are levied. Mr. Amrino asked what the increase was last year to which Mr. Stanbrook would get that number for him but felt it to be slightly less. Mr. Kozlowski asked, with regards to the Crime Analyst position, if the effort to get that money from the mitigation fiord would be one time or ongoing in nature. Mr. Ross stated initially it appeared to be one time but as the Gaming Commission has a steady flow, additional fiords may be available in the future. Mr. Ross noted the Town is preparing an application which will be filed timely. Mr. Kozlowski asked if the mitigation money is guaranteed by the Gaming Commission to which Mr. Ross stated yes but the Commission is still sorting out the standard for awarding it. Mr. Aptowitz was concerned with the following: • unallocated health insurance (change in family situations) — cutting it too close • overlay money from previous years — Nancy Hinote, Assistant Assessor, noted that there are still outstanding cases in all of those years and that the Board met on March 25`1i and felt there to be no expendable fiords at this time • asked if there will be a presentation by the Capital Committee — Mr. Ross noted one can be scheduled Mr. Aptowitz asked in terms of the Operating Budget was Mr. Ross able to satisfy most of the requests by Department Heads. Mr. Ross opened the question to the Department Heads in attendance. Mr. Ross did note that one area the Town needed to supplement was Veterans benefits as more Veterans have come in for services than anticipated and is the trend in most communities. Mr. Stanbrook is currently working on that where Mr. Ross noted the Town does receive 75% of that back but not until the next year. Mr. Kozlowski asked if that could be tracked to which Heath FIobson, Veterans Services Officer, noted he has members moving to the Federal side but with that new, younger Veterans are signing on and do not have alternative sources of income like Social Security so the amount paid out of Chapter 115 is therefore higher. Mr. Hobson stated it to be a diverse field of who needs benefits and is hard to translate and difficult to measure. Mr. DelVecchio felt the Crime Analyst position to be an interesting concept and is supportive. Chief Sellon defined there are two ways to utilize an analyst, one is to equate crime analysis with mapping and the second is through management, utilizing it by judging effectiveness. Chief Sellon explained it has always been a problem for him in that performance with regards to police service is judged by number of arrests, citations and incident reports which indicate the aftermath that something has already occurred rather than crime avoided. Chief Sellon felt for the amount of work this position will have the salary is relatively low and that most of the duties are not currently performed within the Department. Chief Sellon expected to be able to produce documentation to the fact of the position's effectiveness as well. Mr. DelVeccliio stated the position has been Board Of Selectmen's Meeting April 8, 2015 Page 5 of 8 discussed in tandem with the grant money and that the grant money is not currently reflected within the budget. Mr. DelVeccbio hoped for better information for the next Budget Sub - Committee meeting in order to fine tune. Mr. Ross felt the Town to be in excellent position five weeks from Town meeting. Mr. Aptowitz furthered that gray areas are still needed as there are always unknowns. Chairman Dentino's view of the situation is that this is one of the few times the Town is ahead of the game, which gives the opportunity to find mistakes or revenues not thought of. The Chairman felt the Town is tight with regards to expenses and with good line items with CIP approval, and review by Budget Sub-Committee and Finance Committee the Town is doing well. The Chairman felt Department Heads have done well bringing the Budget forward as well as Scott Feely for CIP and the Finance Committee, especially in a tough year. The Chairman felt the most important aspect to be that everyone is in unity in moving the Town forward. Mr. Ross spoke with Dave Cramer, MEMA member for the Town, who also works under contract with the State Emergency center, where lie sat in meetings and is under the impression FEMA will agree to the monies. He noted the Town is not yet spending that money but felt it would be a significant amount. Mr. Ross noted he called Congressman Kennedy's office to be sure he knew how Mansfield felt as it was an unusual winter. Secondly, Mr. Ross commended the Department Heads and referenced the Finance Direction John Stanbrook on a tremendous job. He felt the Town has made great progress on getting the process right. Mr. Ross will continue to provide information and will ask the Board for its endorsement at some point on a future agenda. Scott Feely, Capital Improvement Committee, asked if any members, to the extent of what has been seen with regards to the items, had any concerns as it would only enhance the committee's future presentation to the Board. Mr. Aptowitz would like to see what Capital Items were shelved. Mr. Feely noted that the Committee is working with a plan that stretches out for five years and that the Department Heads did a great job in keeping in line with that and felt that requests are a lot lower. Gary Forget, Webb Place, asked if the Board would consider a Revolving account for the excise tax collected and referenced the creation of the Ambulance account as to how it would work. He felt some of that money could be utilized for roads as it is for the driving public. He asked if the Board would be voting on Sewer /Water rates to which Mr. Ross noted it is scheduled for the next meeting on April 15`l'. Mr. Forget asked for the status on the Chocolate Factory as the last report was the group seeking approval to increase the number of units. Mr. Ross clarified that the group is not seeking to increase the number of units but rather change the number of two bedroom and one bedroom ratios. As of today, nothing has been submitted but the total number of unit will remain at 130. Mr. Forget would like to see meetings with this group scheduled for public. Mr. Ross noted meetings are conducted in the Planning Board forum and is a public meeting. Mr. Forget felt, as a taxpayer, the Town needs to depend on future growth and he understands the big picture but felt to see CIP and other budgets at their max sends the wrong message. He felt the Town needs to show the voter that rather than a tight budget to maybe back off on some projects in order to have Free Cash. He felt residents needed to see that not everything is so dire when it comes to finances. Mr. Forget would appreciate the Board showing more restraint with regards to spending. Board Of selectmen's Meeting April 8, 2015 Page 6 of 8 Chairman Dentino appreciated Mr. Forget's thoughts but reminded that the CIP Committee did not approve all requests. Mr. Ross reminded Mr. Forget that the Town is putting $450,000 into the Budget Stabilization Fund which only Town Meeting can approve. Mr. Ross wanted to ensure that the Town is cognizant of that and felt it is the right amount. Mr. Ross referenced the policy adopted by the Town with regards to use of Free Cash. Mr. Forget asked that the Board move carefully and show restraint. Mr. Feely noted that while the budget is tight the Town is hitting the target of finding Stabilization. In terms of Capital, Mr. Feely noted they are looking to do all they can in all areas but we simply don't have money to do everything. He noted that out of $2.8 million in Free Cash, they are recommending $1.3 be spent from Free Cash on Capital items. He also reminded the Town is reserving $300,000 in Free Cash to cover the .S'noNvAce deficit where if money reported by Mr. Ross is received by the State would have a big impact. Mr. Ross noted he would distribute a copy of the latest Capital Plan to the Board tomorrow (Thursday, April 9t11). Chairman Dentin noted that Mr. Stanbrook updates budget constantly where it has changed little over the last few weeks. FIe noted that is available for Mr. Forget's review. The Chairman noted the Board is sitting on various Committees and working hard. Chairman Dentino felt everyone is participating. Mr. Forget respects the Chairman's thoughts and referenced the Board should read the Sun Chronicle article concerning the voters rejecting the $4 million override in North Attleboro. Chairman Dentino felt that to be a different scenario as the Town is seeking a debt override. Mr. Aptowitz felt with regards to that situation, it was due to the residents not understanding 2 %. a. Vote To Approve Board of Selectmen Minutes April 1, 2015 b. Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 15041T in the amount of $646,188.53 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15041E in the amount of $1,427,858.94 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 15041 S in the amount of $1,363.37 c. Licenses and Permits: • Consideration Of Drainlayers License For J &T Excavating Co. • Consideration Of Common Victualler's License And Entertairmient License For Kelloway- Colwell LLC For Caf&Coffee Shop Located At One Crocker Street • Consideration of Hackney Driver License For • Roger Avery, Already Taxi • Michaele Craig, Veterans Taxi Motion: To annrove the Consent Agenda as presented (DelVeechio /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0 Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 15041 PT in the amount of $290,258.87 Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 15041PT $290,258.87 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:1 Dentino NAY Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15041TV in the amount of $90,002.21 Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15041TV $90,002.21 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll 15041PS in the amount of $1,537,669.39 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting April 8, 2015 Page 7 of 8 Motion: To approve School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll 15041PS $1,537,669.39 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:1 Annino NAY School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15041 SV in the amount of $522,221.05 Motion: To approve School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15041 SV $522,221.05 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 Mr. Annino thanked Ms. Whalen for the job done on the April minutes. Mr. Aptowitz reported that the Audit Committee met this evening regarding the three RFQs for accounting firms and felt a decision should be made by the end of the month for this three year engagement. Mr. Aptowitz asked if Mr. Ross could work to update pavement management with a street listing and what work is being done. Mr. Ross noted that Mr. Azinheira and Mr. Cook are working on that. Mr. Aptowitz has had many residents call regarding the North Common flag pole, as it is crooked. He would like to see that repaired and a flag flown as soon as possible. Mr. Ross noted it is all easy process and Mike Ahern is aware. Mr. Kozlowski has been speaking with residents regarding a fitness trail at Memorial Park and will update the Board as more information is provided. Chairman Dentin would like to have the Mission Statement and Goals and Objectives scheduled for April 22 "d. None. 1S. Ad)Onl'il? To adjourn Board of Selectmen's Meeting at 9:08PM (AptowiWDelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 *.r Signature of Clerk /tdw Date of Approval Includes: Memo To William Ross From Katelynn Merrill, Conservation & Emmironmental Planner regarding potential DPWIPublic Safety Site. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting April 8, 2015 Page 8 of 8