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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 7-15-15Board of Selectmen Minutes July 15, 2015 Present: George Dentino, Chairman; Jess Aptowitz, Vice Chairman; Olivier Kozlowski, Clerk; Doug Amtino and William Ross, Town Manager. Frank DelVecchio was not in attendance but participated remotely. Chairman Dentino called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. The Chairman reminded everyone that the meeting is being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. He asked if any members of the audience were recording, and there were none. It was noted that Selectman DelVecchio will be participating remotely as he away on business. _r� n by tuezE�ldQf_I�_oato�r �o�mziiee to Ye�e�r��er�t�e4�lgent= Heath�Hobson o�7?on t><on�=fromYthe�elil of�bor 1 � = �� � Present before the Board are members from the Field of Honor Committee, notably Jeri Rumsis, Chair, to present donations, totaling $12,500 to Veterans Service Agent Heath Hobson from the Field of Honor event. Mr. Hobson noted this money will go towards assisting the veterans within the Town. Ms. Rumsis and Mr. Hobson thanked the businesses and residents who participated. Mr. Kozlowski thanked the Committee for their efforts. Mr. Annino noted this event made him feel proud to be a Mansfield resident. Mr. Aptowitz felt this to be a class act and a well- organized event. Chairman Dentino underestimated the energy put forth for this event and thanked the townspeople for all of their backing as well as the tremendous efforts by the Committee. Ms. Rumsis noted they have filed for a permit for next year and looked forward to working with the Board with regards to planning. Present before the Board are Megan Crotty, Jeri Morris and Erin Botelho. A brief presentation gave a status on the Committee's progress in renovating Memorial Park. This presentation has been made a part of the record. The Committee is looking to break ground next spring, 2016. Ms. Crotty particularly thanked the residents and businesses for their support. Mr. Kozlowski was impressed with the amount of work the Committee has put forth and wished the group all the best. Mr. Aptowitz asked what would be involved with Phase II to which the group noted updating the area utilized by the summer camp program (grills, picnic tables), which will require work through Parks and Recreation. Mr. Annino felt this to be a great thing for Mansfield and is excited about the project, he asked about the site lighting to which Mr. Ross stated it would need to be followed tip on. Mr. Annino Board Of Selectmen's Meeting July 15, 2015 Page 1 of 7 would love to have standardized lighting, referencing the North Common, and to also focus on safety. Ms. Morris noted the group will work with the DPW and be sure to come back before the Board before a final decision is made. Again Mr. Annino noted how much he loves the group's logo. Mr. DelVecchio expressed his appreciation for the coordination and cooperation between the Committee, Town Hall Departments and the CIP as this is an asset to the Town. Chairman Dentino felt this project was going very well and was impressed with the amount of funds raised thus far again noting the efforts of all those participating from the community. Motion: Grant permission to Friends of Memorial Park committee to proceed with their Phase I plan for the Memorial Park playground working with the Town with regards to lighting (Aptowitz/Amiino) PASSES 5:0 Motion: Grant permission to Friends of Memorial Park to hold its Ice Cream Social on August 27t" (Aptowitz/Amrino) PASSES 5:0 Update by Mr. Kozlowski on the Proposed Fitness Trail Mr. Kozlowski presented to the Board an update on the proposed fitness trail. Present with Mr. Kozlowski are Katelyn Merrill, Conservation Agent for the Town, and members Sara Norman, Lora Monachino and Christine Ganci. This presentation has been made a part of the record. Ms. Merrill reported that she has walked the proposed trail with Mr. Kozlowski and Sherri Gurnon, Director of Parks and Recreation, and noted this is a previously existing trail where from a Conservation perspective it didn't seem to be a substantial jurisdictional activity. Ms. Merrill referenced the Billerica path and felt this to be similar project. Ms. Norman testified that as a participant of fitness races (Tough Mudder, Spartan) felt there to be nothing like this is the surrounding area and would be a great addition to the Town and another option of fitness. Mr. Kozlowski summarized that he has presented to the Parks and Recreation commission and has received its support and has also reviewed the Town's insurance where it was his thought that any issues could be solved. Mr. Kozlowski reported that the next step, if everyone was in agreement, would be looking at the possibility of having local businesses (gyms, lumber yards) donate materials and work to create the obstacles could begin on an obstacle by obstacle basis. Mr. Kozlowski also noted the work would strictly be on a volunteer basis. Mr. Annino asked how the trails would be marked to which Mr. Kozlowski noted that there would no changes to existing surfaces (grass, gravel and sidewalks) but perhaps a small marker guiding users through the course (arrows). Mr. Annino would like to see something low to the ground, especially in the areas where there are shared uses (park, East Street and athletic fields). Mr. Annino asked, with regards to repairs, if there is a formal group to which Mr. Kozlowski noted it was the hope to partner with other groups through Parks and Recreation and Memorial Park. Mr. Kozlowski also pointed out that users of this type of trail are a tight knit group who will work to address any maintenance. Ms. Morris felt although she is a proponent for fitness she is concerned with the integrity of what this will look like and the safety of the children, who she felt would be intrigued by the structures. She furthered that the group's vision was more along the lines of a walking trail that could be utilized by the Council On Aging with benches. Ms. Crotty noted she is Board Of Selectmen's Meeting Judy 15, 2015 Page 2 of 7 also concerned about safety especially given the Friends of Memorial Park group is working to comply with State ADA compliance and regulations. Mr. Annino is all for promoting multiple uses but was concerned there is not a master plan for the area, particularly noting these two diverse groups. Ms. Botelho asked if there was way to format the course so that it is more a straight line than a loop to which Mr. Kozlowski noted that would cause stacking of the obstacles. Ideally, Mr. Kozlowski would like to have the course a 5K in length. Mr. Aptowitz asked if there have been discussions with the Schools to which Mr. Kozlowski noted he has had brief discussions with the Superintendent in regards to minimizing the exposure to school planned activities. Mr. Aptowitz noted he would like to have the School Committee on board with this. Mr. Aptowitz also has a major concern with liability to which Mr. Kozlowski reminded there used to be a fitness trail here and the Town also has a skate park. He noted he initially spoke with Mr. Ross regards to the Town's insurance. Mr. Ross noted there would be in all likelihood an additional premium with this project as there is some additional risk but in terms of covering it would not be an issue. Mr. Aptowitz also felt there to be a risk with regards to security. Mr. Kozlowski referenced other parks establishing hours of operations and felt multiple users would increase the safety. Chairman Dentino was concerned with regards to the impact to the Town's insurance, the amount of people this would attract and the lack of staff to support and maintain the safety of the area. He felt the "attractions" were calling for trouble as there was plan to stop young children from utilizing the area. Mr. Kozlowski challenged the support as far as the skate park was concerned and felt it could be prevented through signage. Mr. DelVecchio felt the Board to be caught in the mire as this was presented a while back as a fitness trail and now appears to be something different. Mr. DelVecchio would have appreciated a chance to look at this earlier and felt it should have been brought to the Board in an interim step as the Board has yet to approve this conceptually. He noted he is not against this conceptually but felt the issue to be there is no general plan for the area and how this would fit. He felt at this point the idea to be ad hoc and is unsure who exactly is involved and questioned if there were any professionals (fitness, architects ). Mr. Aptowitz asked if the Plymouth Street area was considered to which Mr. Kozlowski noted the idea was to include a wide variety of users and felt Memorial Park to be a better fit. Mr. DelVecchio felt this needed to be looked at more closely. Ms. Morris stated that in this day and age this type of exercise is huge and felt it to be important that everyone agree this is just a concept for now and perhaps to look at other locations since there is an abundance of open space in Mansfield. Mr. Annino felt it to be premature to vote on this project and suggested the Board work to create a plan for the Memorial Park area which would look at usage, users and see how the Town can accommodate everyone's desires. Mr. Ross noted that Ms. Merrill and Shaun Burke, Town Planner, are working on a master plan for recreational activities and this would be something for their review. Board Of selectmen's Meeting July 15, 2015 Page 3 of 7 Mr. Annino noted the Board thinks highly of Mr. Ross and the job he is doing. Chairman Dentin suggested a 2.5% increase retroactive. Mr. Ross noted that 2% was the general increase of union employees and felt it to be appropriate as it is in line with the other employees. Mr. Ross has never looked at his salary as trying to set himself outside of where the rest of the group is. Mr. Aptowitz read Mr. Ross' current salary: $148,800 — Base Salary $ 10,000 —Electric Stipend 6 000 — Car $164,800 Mr. Aptowitz felt the currently salary to be fair. Mr. Armin felt there should be a 2% increase. Mr. Kozlowski reminded that in the past the Board has always had increases along the lines with the rest of the staff and that is something Mr. Ross has indicated he is fine with. Mr. DelVecchio felt Mr. Ross salary to be in line with a professional with his education and professional experience and felt a 2% increase to be more than reasonable. Motion: 2% increase in Mr. Ross' salary (Annino/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:1 Aptowitz NAY None. nn 11 Q n on ,up, ._. a. Vote To Approve Board of Selectmen Minutes of the July 1, 2015 meeting of the Board of Selectmen. b. Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 15054T in the amount of $142,560.84 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15054E in the amount of $25,987.23 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 15054S in the amount of $326,651.92 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 15055T in the amount of $442,581.71 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15055E in the amount of $118,123.46 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 15055S in the amount of $106,352.29 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 16001T in the amount of $4,742,849.66 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 16002T in the amount of $2,453,340.25 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 16002E in the amount of $1,307,275.10 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 16002S in the amount of $251.56 c. Licenses And Permits: • Consideration of Hackney Driver Application for William Farrell —Veterans Taxi • Consideration of Hackney Driver Application for Thomas Supkow — Already Taxi • Consideration of Drainlayers License for BOJ Construction • Consideration of Water Installer License for BOJ Construction Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda as presented (DelVecchio /Annino) PASSES 5:0 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting July 15, 2015 Page 4 of 7 • Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 15055PT in the amount of $7,031.88. Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 15055PT in the amount of $7,031.88 (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:1 Dentino NAY • School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll 15055PS in the amount of $864,721.81 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 15055PS in the amount of $864,721.81 (Kozlowski/Aptowitz) PASSES 5 -0 • School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15055SV in the amount of $266,502.85 Motion: To approve School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15055SV in the amount of $266,502.85 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 5 -0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 16001PT in the amount of $422,190. Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16001PT in the amount of $422,190 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0:1 Mr. Aptowitz abstains from Voucher No. 48754 • Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16001 TV in the amount of $124,597.75 Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16001TV in the amount of $124,597.75 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4 -1 Dentino NAY • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 16002PT in the amount of $385,195.44. Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 16002PT in the amount of $385,195.44 (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 4 -0 -1. Mr. Aptowitz abstains from Voucher No. 48956 • Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16002TV in the amount of $121,346.76 Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16002TV in the amount of $121,346.76 (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 5 -0. • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 16002PS in the amount of $204,623.82 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 16002PS in the amount of $204,623.82 (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 5 -0 • School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16002SV in the amount of $57,034.38 Motion: To approve School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16002SV in the amount of $57,034.38 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 5 -0 Letter Received from Resident Charlotte LaPrade, 20 Lancelot Lane, Regarding Board of Health's Decision to Raise the Age to Purchase Tobacco Products Mr. Kozlowski read the letter into the record and noted the letter distorts his opinion, not well put together and objects to having had to read the letter. Mr. Aptowitz recognized that everyone has a right to their opinion but takes offense as it is inaccurate as to his statements and noted it was published in the Sun Chronicle. He noted the Board is charged with looking at the Town in entirety. He clarified that he does not smoke, does not like smoking and that his comments were taken out of context. Letter From Lee Azinheira, Executive Director, MFN Regional Wastewater District, Regarding Vote of the MFN to Borrow Funds for the WPCF Fruit Street Landfill Closure and WPCF Upgrades and Expansion Projects Mr. Kozlowski read the letter into the record. Chairman Dentino noted the Board has always been a champion of transparency. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting July 15, 2015 Page 5 of 7 Mr. Ross noted that notices have been distributed to residences of Otis Street warning of Water Interruption due to the installation of two valves (up to 5 to 7 hours). Mr. Ross followed up on items from the last BOS meeting (July 1st): • issuance of Foundry, LLC license with cover letter detailing Board's action • memo regarding Board of Health vote on age of purchasing tobacco products to Scott Leite Field of Honor Committee will file an application for the same event next year added schematics for the proposed Municipal Complex to brochure with larger scale schematics at Town Hall and the Police Station. Mr. Annino asked for a copy to be included in the Public Library. Mr. Ross noted the schematics were distributed through a brochure at last night's Family Fun Night where it was noted that there were numerous tours of the firehouse provided to residents. Mr. Ross noted the Town has gone ahead and filed an application with the Gaming Commission for $100,000 where the bulk would pay for the Crime Analyst position. Mr. Ross reminded that the MMED meeting is Monday, July 20t". Mr. Ross is beginning the process of scheduling a Budget Sub - Committee meeting but felt it would be some time after Labor Day due to vacations. Mr. Ross is looking for a few "downtown" people (businesses) for the Fales Oil committee. Mr. DelVecchio asked who has applied thus far to which Mr. Ross would follow up but noted there has been interest among residents. Mr. Ross asked the Board if it would like to have a representative from TGI Fridays attend a firture Public Hearing regarding issuance of stock. He explained that the ABCC has already approved the transaction as there are numerous locations throughout the State and this would just be filling a statutory requirement. Motion: To ask TGI Fridays to send a representative to the Public Hearing (Aptowitz/Annino) FAILS 2:3 ( Annino, DelVecchio, Kozlowski) Mr. Ross distributed to the Board a memo regarding Water /Sewer Rates Comparison from Lee Azinheira, DPW Director. Mr. Aptowitz felt there was a great crowd at Family Fun Night and appreciated the attendance of Governor Baker considering his busy schedule. Mr. Aptowitz appreciated the efforts of Wendy Cutillo, Treasurer's office, with regards to follow -up and collection of details. Mr. Aptowitz reminded that the Light Commission will meet Monday, July 20t" at 7:00pm. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting July 15, 2015 Page 6 of 7 Mr. Annino noted the importance of events like Family Fun Night and appreciated Governor Baker's attendance, as well as all the hard work of the DBA and Catlyn Barrows who spearheaded the event. Mr. Annino would like to schedule a discussion of the Town's signage program and asked that Superintendent Gianetti be included. He would like to begin the process of improving that corridor as it is such a nice campus. Mr. DelVecchio was sorry he missed Family Fun Night and was impressed and appreciated Governor Baker's attendance. Mr. DelVecchio noted there was an opinion piece in the Sun Chronicle by Bill Gouvea where he incorrectly stated that Mr. DelVecchio voted in favor of sending a reconsideration memo to the Board of Health regarding its recent vote on the increased age to purchase tobacco products. Mr. DelVecchio did not vote in favor of that motion and intends to follow up with Mr. Gouvea. Chairman Dentino agreed with the sentiments of the Board regarding Governor Baker's attendance at Family Fun Night. None Motion: To adjourn the Board of Selectmen meeting at 8:56PM (Aptowitz/Amiino) PASSES 5 -0 gnature of Clerk Itdw Date of Approval Includes: Presentation By Friends OjMemorial Park Presentation By Olivier Kozlowski For Fitness Trail Meino Front DP IV Director Lee Azinheira Regarding fflatet /Sewer Rates Board Of Selectmen's Meeting July 15, 2015 Page 7 of 7