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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 05-06-2015Board of Selectmen Minutes May 6, 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 being broadcast live and tatted for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. Mr. Ross briefly reviewed the list with the Board where he noted if the Springbrook Cemetery project was not funded it would eventually fall back on the Town of Mansfield. Motion: To approve the recommendations by the Non - Profit Gift Fund (Aptowitz/Annino) Discussion: Mr. Aptowitz noted that although Ire thinks MMAS is a great organization, it was his thought that this grant program was specifically for Town programs. John Stanbrook, Finance Director, noted appropriated money cannot be spent on private organizations but gift money is a gray area. Mr. DelVecchio had the opposite view of Mr. Aptowitz where he felt this was established for non - profit programs and was surprised to see Town departments. Mr. Aptowitz explained that the Board established Non - Profit Gift Fund Committee for the purposes of have a non - political party make the decision of who is awarded the grant. It was decided to have Mr. Aptowitz withdraw the motion and Mr. DelVecchio withdraw the second and wait for an opinion from Paul DeRensis, Town Counsel, who is scheduled to attend the meeting. This item was revisited at 8:40pm. An email was received during the meeting (which has been made a part of the record) explaining the criteria for awarding grant money, which is as follows: The Town shall give weighted preference to the following organizations: • Departments of the Town of Mansfield • Not -For- Profit organizations exclusively serving Mansfield residents shall receive a higher weighted vote or consideration • Charitable organizations that are locally based in the Town of Mansfield who award funds greater than 70% of their total charitable budget to Mansfield based organizations will receive the next highest weighted vote or consideration Motion: To approve the recommendations by the Non - Profit Gift Fund as presented in fill (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 on - e ,a i E op e t e - n1 e� 41�S- es oat d Y r �1Y1, rkeyUh f ds egg,' 1►ung��4st=�2��' ��as etya e�Regul;�tions — - -- _� Mr. Armin read the letter into the record. Mr. Aptowitz noted this is the result of the Board's April 151h Water /Sewer Rate discussion and approval where Mr. Aptowitz requested the Town attempt to contact State legislatures and voice the Board's concern of the rising EPA wastewater regulations and costs. He felt this to be a good try. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 6, 2015 Page 1 of 8 Mr. Annino felt the letter to be well written and thanked Mr. Ross for taking the time to draft. Mr. Aptowitz felt the local representatives should be copied as well. Mr. DelVecchio has no issue with sending a letter to the Town's congressional delegation but asked what the intent of the letter to be as he felt the tone to be demanding, which he felt would be counterproductive. Mr. DelVecchio would appreciate the tone to be about more regulations that are more costly and how can the congressional delegation assist us as opposed to insisting. He felt the current letter is making a lot of noise which he felt won't accomplish anything. Mr. Aptowitz agreed and furthered that whether they are no interest or low interest loans the taxpayers still have to pay it making taxpayers pay an additional cost. Mr. DelVecchio thought the letter was extremely well written but would like to a theme of the regulations our hurting us in the pocketbook and please do something about it. Mr. Kozlowski stated the case in 1987 is all well and good but clearly of late there is a demand from the EPA on down for increased levels of regulation and he would like to know why. He furthered that the answer shouldn't be "because the EPA says ". He asked why the storm water situation now unacceptable when it was fine five years ago and now have to meet more and more stringent requirements. He would like the answer in plain English where lie can respond to a resident when asked why rates have increased. Mr. DelVecchio agreed with Mr. Kozlowski and felt it to be a good addition to the letter. Mr. Aunino stated it is the Feds who will say go back and read the regulations. Mr. Kozlowski stated he can't say to a resident to read the regulations. Mr. Delvecchio felt there will be some type of response and hopefully one the Board can explain to residents. Mr. Ross' concern looking forward is there does not seem to be end to this and although lie agrees with the goals of the Clean Water Act, noting it has had a phenomenal impact on levels of water pollution, there seems to be, in a typical bureaucratic regime, a continual need to do more to justify presence. Mr. Ross will re -write the letter with the Board's Present before the Board is John Stanbrook, Finance Director, and Paul DeRensis, Town Counsel. Article 1: Establishes FY2016 Budget for Municipal Expenses Mr. Stanbrook reported the FYI Budget as $37,183,470 Motion: To support Article 1 at $37,183,470 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5 Article 2: Establishes FY2016 Budgetfor Schools Mr. Stanbrook reported the FY16 Budget for Schools as $45,588,648 Motion: To support Article 2 $45,588,648 (AptowitztAmrino) PASSES 5:0 Article 3: DPW Garage, Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services Complex Mr. Ross reported the cost to be $35,000,000 Motion: To support Article 3 $35,000,000 (AptowitztAnnino) PASSES 5:0 Article 4: Provides Appropriations From Electric Department For Maintenance and Plant Operations Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 6, 2015 Page 2 of 8 Motion: To support Article 4 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 Article 5: Establish FYI Budget Appropriations for Water, Seiner, Airport and Parking Motion: To support Article 5 ( Aptowitz/ Annino) PASSES 5:0 Mr. Stanbrook reported the following: $4,774,377 - Water $4,684,896 - Sewer $65,621 - Airport $563,773 —Parking Mr. Aptowitz asked if waste water needed to be changed to MFN to which Mr. Stanbrook explained it would be changed from waste water to sewer in order to differentiate from the MFN District. Article 6: Rescind Unissued Balances ofBorrou,ing Authorizations Previously Voted by the Town Mr. Stanbrook explained these are debt authorizations that the Town no longer needs. Mr. Ross reported $1,416,102— Water $400,000 — Waste Water $3,400,000 — Design of Waste Water Expansion Motion: To support Article 6 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 Article 7: Vote to Raise and Appropriate Transfers Between Line Items in FY1 S Budget cis hell as Funding Some of the Snow and Ice Deficit Motion: To support Article 7 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 Article 8: Vote to Raise and Appropriate Unpaid Bills Mr. Stanbrook noted the number to be $5,383.71 with list provided. Motion: To support Article 8 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSE 5:0 Article 9: Raise /Appropriate $400, 000 for Board of Assessors Revaluation Mr. Aptowitz noted this will be completed in thirds. Motion: To support Article 9 (Aptowitz/Armino) PASSES 5:0 Article 10: Nine Year Cyclical Inspection of Properties This Article will be withdrawn. Article 11: Transfer Sion of Money fr•onr Airport Enterprise Fund Retained Earning to Fund Airport - related Capital Improvements Mr. Stanbrook noted this will cost the Airport Retained Earnings 5% with the remainder coming from MassDOT Aeronautics and the FAA. Mr. Amrino asked if this included the new Airport Administration Building to which it was noted yes. Mr. Aptowitz asked about the lot recently cleared across from the Airport on Fruit Street as it is in complete disarray. Mr. Ross believed it will be cleaned further as part of the contract but would follow up with Lou Andrews of the Airport Commission. Chairman Dentino spoke with Mr. Andrews where he noted it will be cleaned and grind/pull stubs and noted the area adjacent to Route 495 as well. Motion: To support Article 11 (AptowitztAimino) PASSES 4:0:1 Kozlowski ABSTAIN Article 12: Raise and Appropriate, Borrow or Transfer from Available Funds for Capital Improvements Projects Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 6, 2015 Page 3 of 8 It was noted that at last week's Board of Selectmen's meeting the On -Line Permitting ($60,000) and Town Hall Painting ($39,600) have been removed. Motion: To support Article 12 as amended (AptowitztAlmino) PASSES 5:0 Article 13: Allon,ance for Abatements and Exemptions /Veterans Tax ffork OffProgram Motion: To support Article 13 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 Article 14: Raise Personal Property Exemption Threshold fr•onr $2, 000 to $10,000 Motion: To support Article 14 (Aptowitz/Annino) Mr. Aptowitz noted the premise is to assist small businesses and a good faith effort. Chairman Dentin asked if the money would go to owners of the buildings and not the businesses. Mr. Ross noted not in case of personal property. Mr. DelVecchio noted the average in the old system was $24 reimbursed on tax bill with the maximum now a few hundred dollars where he felt the Town would be better served pursuing economic development and finding other means to relieve everyone's taxes rather than come up with something serving a small group. Mr. Annino asked Mr. DelVecchio to remember that we are trying to encourage small businesses in the Downtown. He agreed but felt it to be symbolic to the extent of insulting. Motion: To support Article 14 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 4:1 DelVecchio NAY Article 15: Reestablish for FY16 All Town Revolving Funds That Require Annual Re- Authorization Motion: To support Article 15 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 Article 16: Tax Tide Collections Revolving Fund Mr. Ross reported that he and Mr. Stanbrook reviewed the amount and has reduced it to $50,000 from $100,000 which will cover the expenses and remainder of any tax title collected will go into the General Fund. Mr. Kozlowski asked how it is handled now to which Mr. Ross explained it is paid through the Treasurer Collectors budget. Mr. Ross explained that any sales will come back to the Board. Motion: To support Article 16 (Aptowitz/DelVecehio) PASSES 5:0 Article 17: OPEB Liabrlio) Mr. Aptowitz noted that the Finance Committee voted 5:1:1. Motion: To support Article 17 (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) Mr. Stanbrook noted the amount to be $400,000. Mr. Kozlowski asked if this is the fund that the Legislature has yet to figure out how to tap into to which Mr. Ross agreed. Mr. Kozlowski asked if that will be addressed at some point to which Mr. Ross hoped so as there was an attempt last year to address the OPEB situation but fell apart within the Legislature as different attorneys have different opinions on whether monies can be withdrawn from the fiord. Mr. Aptowitz noted that the Expected Liability to be $71,000,000. Mr. DeRensis stated the money cannot be withdrawn once it is put into the fiend in order for it to account to the new audit standards. Mr. DeRensis stated the law has been clarified that the money can only be used for OPEB purposes because the National Auditing Standards Board issued various rulings about the disclosure of OPEB liability in financial statements to say it would not be in the best interest of the Commonwealth to change that. He explained essentially it destroy the whole purpose of the fund. Mr. Aptowitz noted that GASBY will require towns to book the whole liability and technically if it was booked today the Town would have a negative equity position as currently it is in footnote disclosure only. Mr. DeRensis stated that is why the investment Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 6, 2015 Page 4 of 8 proposed with this Article (into Liability Trust Fund) will reduce the impact and also, over time will have a growing impact on the liability. Mr. Aptowitz noted the good thing is all other municipalities have to do the same. Motion: To support Article 17 (Aptowitz/DelVecehio) PASSES 5:0 Article 18: Capital Stabilization Fund This Article will be withdrawn. Article 19: Transfer To Town's Stabilization Find Mr. Stanbrook reported the amount to be $481,340. Mr. Aptowitz asked if this Article were to pass what the balance of the fund would be to which Mr. Stanbrook thought about $3.3 million. Motion: To support Article 19 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 Article 20: Payment of Compensated Absences Motion: To support Article 20 (Aptowitz/Annino) Mr. DelVecchio asked what the size of the account to be to which Mr. Ross was unsure. Mr. DelVecchio would like to better understand the magnitude of this account and was curious as why the money would not be put into Stabilization. Mr. Ross explained that Stabilization would not work because Town Meeting approval would be required. As an example, Mr. Ross reported that the Town had to scramble for $12,000 for an employee who just announced retirement to pay off vacation but felt that Sick Leave is the number that gives the Town pause. Mr. Stanbrook assured that there will be a written policy in place with regards to the creation of the account. Mr. Schoonveld noted this account could be used for looking forward at retirements and use as a methodology as what should be set aside so as not to be hit with various levels of volatility. Motion: To support Article 20 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 Article 25: Authorize Airport Commission to Meet U.S. Army Cor7-? Condition and Requirements to Develop More Hangars in Quadrant Four (Perpetual Easement) Mr. Ross distributed to the Board of map locating the area this Article references. Motion: To support Article 25 (AptowitztAnnino) PASSES 4:0:1 Kozlowski ABSTAIN (who noted lie is 34 -368 on the map) Article 26: Allow Abutter To Continue To Use Potion ofthe DriPeway That is on Town Property Mr. Ross distributed a survey of the property Motion: To support Article 26 (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) PASSES 4:0:1 Kozlowski ABSTAIN Article 29: Tax Increment Financing (TIF) - Future Foam The Agreement with Future Foam was voted on at last week's Board of Selectmen's meeting. Motion: To support Article 29 (AptowitzMelVecchio) PASSES 4:0:1 Annino ABSTAIN Article 30: Hathaway Patterson AUL Motion: To support Article 30 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) Mr. Ross reported that Dan Deutsche, Deutsche Williams, has reviewed the AUL and is satisfied with the AUL where the motion has been rewritten to cover the entire property (30 acres) and basically limits it to commercial and limits the amount of excavation that can be done with a LSP present. Mr. Kozlowski summarized no Mixed Use and would also like to see a map provided at Town Meeting for residents. Mr. Ross noted if authorized is given to execute he will bring before the Board to review and accept. Motion: To support Article 30 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 6, 2015 Page 5 of 8 In reference to Article 32 (previously voted on), Mr. Ross noted the Town will acquire the Zola property via donation and will be added to the street Right of Way. Article 36: Zoning Portion of Re- Codificalion Motion: To support Article 36 (Aptowitz/Amrino) PASSES 5:0 Article 37: FEMA Maps The Board will not take a position. Article 38: Renderings for Planning Board and Public to Better Understand Idea of Appearance of Proposed Development The Board will not take a position. Steve Schoonveld, 21 Newton Street and Finance Committee Chairman, distributed a memo to the Board, which has been made part of the record. Mr. Schoonveld read the memo into the record which summarized that the Finance Committee took positions and voted on all Finance related Articles. Mr. Aptowitz asked for the reasoning for the no and the abstention with regards to Article 17 (OPEB Funding). Mr. Ross noted Mr. Bazinet felt the entire $7 -$8 million should be funded in one shot and annually until the amount is fully funded. Mr. Schoonveld explained he was the abstention due to professional reasons. Mr. Ross noted that both the Finance Committee and the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to not support the Southeastern Regional Article (Article 24). Mr. Aptowitz thanked the entire Finance Committee and felt the group to work diligently in advising the Board. Mr. Schoonveld noted this has been a very successful first year for Superintendent Gianetti and felt it would breed success going forward. Mr. DelVecchio is interested in Mr. Schoonveld's thoughts with regards to OPEB Liability. In Mr. Schoonveld's opinion there are significantly better ways to finance and calculate that liability than beginning to accrue for every last person as an employee at age 25, 35, 45 and so on but the State does not let municipalities do that. In Mr. Schoonveld's view (not professional), the methodology is creating liabilities far beyond than what may actually be spent. Mr. Aptowitz looked for clarification in that if Mr. Schoonveld was calculating the number it would be lower to which Mr. Schoonveld explained there are required standards to follow but from economic sense versus a prescribed sense the economic sense would be mach less than prescribed and applies only to OPEB. Mr. DelVecchio asked if these were State standards or GASBY standards to which Mr. Schoonveld noted GASBY but there are State regulations for accrual /earning of benefits. Chairman Dentine, felt the process to be excellent as the budget went through Capital Committee, Finance Committee and through the Board to ensure the money is there. The Chairman is thankful to all of the Committees (including School and Planning Board), felt everything to be in line and is confident to show the residents at Town Meeting where the money is coming from. Chairman Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 6, 2015 Page 6 of 8 Dentino thanked Mr. Schoonveld and the Finance Committee and applauded Mr. Feeley and his efforts with the Capital Committee. a. Vote To Approve Board of Selectmen Minutes April 29, 2015 b. Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 15045T in the amount of $200,769.74 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15045E in the amount of $1,376,894.58 Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda as presented (DelVecchio /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0 • Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 15045PT in the amount of $321,758.75 Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 15045PT $321,758.75 (Aptowitz/DelVecehio) PASSES 4:1 Dentino NAY • Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15045TV in the amount of $99,073.31 Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15045TV $99,073.31 (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 • School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll 15045PS in the amount of $1,496,251.85 Motion: To approve School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll 15045PS $1,496,251.85 (DelVecchio /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0 • School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15045SV in the amount of $512,414.94 Motion: To approve School Deductions —Vendor Payroll 15045SV $512,414.94 (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 None. Mr. Ross reported that paving began on Dean Street but was stopped after 300 feet due to testing of the new Supermix that resulted in a problem. The mix was fine -tuned and passed next inspection. Mr. Ross noted that since it was the base course and only 300 feet was put down it was decided to just pave over the area. Mr. Ross noted that the Town distributed notices to residents in the Fulton Place area that it will be turning off water Thursday, May 7tt' for maintenance work, resulting in a road closure. Mr. Ross noted that temporary parking has been established. Mr. Ross reported that Fire Chief Neal Boldrighini, DPW Director Lee Azinheira, DPW Office Manager Christina Collins along with former Office Manager Betty Peter will be attending a FEMA informational meeting regarding snow funding, tomorrow, May 7tt'. Mr. Ross noted that Dave Cramer, MEMA representative for the Town, attended the Framingham meeting where it was felt that FEMA was being liberal in interpretation of the rules, referencing the 48 hour period required for damages being extended. Mr. Ross is confident the Town is meeting all criteria and that the $150,000 set aside is more than adequate. Mr. Ross reported that streets are in process of repair for chip sealing. He stated some of the streets previously chipsealed with the rubberized material carne through the winter in excellent condition. Chairman Dentino asked if there was a better way for residents to review an updated schedule of street repairs for the year. Mr. Ross will work on that. Chairman Dentino notice on the Canoe River Ridge two sections have been cut out and redone which he felt was done poorly. Mr. Ross noted the Town was required by the State Agency to use a particular gravel, which the Town Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 6, 2015 Page 7 of 8 reported would fail. Mr. Ross also noted that it would now have to go back and repair. Mr. Kozlowski asked if the Town would be reimbursed to which Mr. Ross did not think so but that money has been saved regarding that Article which will be used. Mr. Annino asked if there could be a scheduled discussion of the West Mansfield area (Country Store). Mr. Ross noted it is zoned industrial and is all by right as he purchased it from the MBTA. Mr. Ross will follow up. Mr. Aptowitz congratulated Chairman Dentino on a job well done this past year as Chairman. He felt him to be fair and a great leader. Mr. Aptowitz reminded that the election is this Tuesday, May 12th. Mr. Aptowitz noted the Board received an Economic Impact Study from the Xfinity Center which included a photo book where the value is unknown. Ms. Whalen will follow up. Mr. Annino recognized the amount of work and time spent to be Chairman and felt Chairman Dentino has done a great job. He asked that a letter be written to thank Chairman Dentino.. None. To adjourn Board of Selectmen's Signature of Clerk /tdw at 10:24PM (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 S�' 7—� —(S- Date of Approval Inchides: Email from Mike Trowbridge clarifying granting of Non - Profit Gift Funds criteria. Map referencing area of easement for• Article 25. Surrey referencing area for Article 26. Notice of Water Interri ptionlRoad Closure for Fulton Place area. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 6, 2015 Page 8 of 8