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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 11-18-2015Board of Selectmen Minutes November 18, 2015 ctCE Present: Jess Aptowitz, Vice Chairman; Olivier Kozlowski, Clerk" Frank DelVecchio and William Ross, Town Manager. Absent: Chairman George Dentino and,,06,aAn]1in61 V 03 Vice Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m. The Vice- Chai3Orion` -reminded everyone that the meeting is being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. Vice Chairman Aptowitz asked for a moment of silence for the victims of the terror attacks in Paris, France as well as all its citizens. Present before the Board is Lee Azinheira, DPW Director. Mr. Azinheira first recognized Mr. Hackett's wife Judy, son Eric and his wife Janine and son -in -law Mike as well as numerous Town employees present and past all here to recognize Mr. Hackett's accomplishments. Mr. Hackett could not be present due to health issues but it was noted that a recording of the meeting will be sent to him. Mr. Azinheira chronicled Mr. Hackett's 30 year career with the Town of Mansfield, which began on June 7, 1985 as a Lab Technician where he was ultimately promoted to Operations Manager in July of 1993. Vice Chairman Aptowitz presented to Mr. Hackett's family Proclamations from the State and Town of Mansfield. Mr. Kozlowski and Mr. DelVecchio assisted in the presentation of the Proclamations. The Proclamations were read into the record. Mr. Ross noted he has worked with wastewater plants for more than 45 years and knew the day lie began here that Mansfield has one of the best. tIe felt Mr. Hackett built a staff that could continue to improve the facility upon his retirement and that is due to his hiring and training of staff. Mr. Ross explained that the Traffic Control Agreement outlines the placement of signs and no parking areas and has been fully vetted by Town staff including Mr. Azinheira, Town Engineer Rick Alves and the Police Department. Mr. Ross reported that Town Counsel has reviewed the agreement and has signed off. Mr. Ross noted these two agreements are one of the last things needing to be completed in order to move forward with the Safe Routes to School project. The project is a joint effort between the School and Municipal departments, which began with the idea of improving the walkability of the areas /roads. The Town has worked through the grant applications process and the State has scheduled work to begin in April, 2016 (preliminary to the side of roadways) and finish in time for school to start in the Fall, 2016. The work includes improving roads, intersections and creating additional parking /student drop -off areas. Board Of Selec(men's Meeting November 18, 2015 Page I of 7 Mr. Azinheira noted this is the final step as the State is ready to award the bid and just need the agreements executed. Mr. Kozlowski asked what "non - participating work" encompassed to which Mr. Azinheira explained most of that is the widening of the area for drop off /pick up desgination. As a point of order Vice Chairman Aptowitz noted that in order for Motions to pass this evening there would need to be at least two votes in favor. Motion: To approve the Traffic Control Agreement and authorize the Town Manager to execute (DelVecchio/Kozlowski) PASSES 3:0 Motion: To approve the Division of Project Cost and Maintenance between MassDOT and Town of Mansfield and authorize the Town Manager to execute (DelVecchio/Kozlowski) PASSES 3:0 Present before the Board are Lee Azinheira, DPW Director and Patti Firing, HR Director. Ms. Firing explained that one of the projects that HR is undertaking is updating all of the Town's job descriptions where most have not been updated since the late 70s, early 8Os. She noted while some jobs are essentially the same there are some requiring significant updating. Ms. Firing is also changing the format of the descriptions noting fields for the Fair Labor Standards Act, EEOC, supervision levels (to help with organization charting), essential functions of the job, experience/ levels of education and physical requirements of the job (American Disabilities Act). Vice Chairman Aptowitz asked if the job descriptions (in general for all departments) would require approval from the union to which Ms. Firing noted the Collective Bargaining agreements dictate that where some do and some don't. It was noted that in the case of the Wastewater descriptions the majority are within the AFSCME unit where the representative was fine as long as the descriptions were run by the employees who are performing the jobs. Mr. Azinheira stated that was the process followed. Mr. Ross noted that issues with the difference between old and new job descriptions and the relationship to salary can always be brought up during collective bargaining but that the Town has been resistant to that, especially where the employee has a chance to review the description. Mr. Kozlowski asked if the MFN Board would need to review and approve the job descriptions to which Mr. Ross noted at this point and time the employees are still employees of the Town and will be until several years after the expansion (referencing eight to nine years). Mr. Ross explained that at such time that the MFN Board decides to move employees it would then be the MFN Board's responsibility. Mr. Kozlowski also inquired as to why the probationary period was removed to which Mr. Azinheira explained the clause is covered within the collective bargaining agreement. Mr. DelVecchio felt it to be a good thing that the job descriptions actually reflect what the employee is doing. Ms. Firing went through with the Board the changes for each job description, which has been made a part of the record, in a redlined version. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 18, 201 S Page 2 of 7 Motion: To approve the updated Wastewater Job Descriptions (KozlowskilDelVecchio) PASSES 3:0 Mr. Ross commented that the Board will see more of these in future in order to modernize all the Mr. Ross gave a brief summary that the Town was approached by Town of Easton, while still working on the MFN agreement, about purchasing capacity to the total of 165,000 gallons per day. This request was built in to the capacity of the treatment plant where it was originally assigned to Foxboro but that did not work due to issues with Foxboro and ultimately was assigned to Mansfield. Mr. Ross felt this made more sense as Easton will be coming in to the Mansfield collection system, then to the hunk line sewer and on to the MFN District treatment plant. The agreement provides for several things: • maximum amount of capacity assigned • Easton will pay a proportionate share to Mansfield of debt service on the recent plant upgrades — allocated through proportionate share treatment capacity • pay a portion of the cost of the Mansfield collection system operation (reduces some expense for Mansfield customers) • pay their proportionate share of the debt service on the plant expansion • contributing $165,000 towards expansion/renovation of lift station adjacent to Canoe River Campground • Easton is responsible for the force main from Easton to the location where waste enters the Mansfield system and required to have a separate manhole at the location Mr. Ross felt the agreement benefits the Town financially and therefore the customers but commented it doesn't mean rates won't go up in the future, it just will not be as fast. Mr. Azinheira noted the spreadsheet of costs provided are estimates based on assumptions of interest rates. Mr. Azinheira stated that if the Town does not enter into the agreement it could have a significant impact on the Town's rates. Mr. Kozlowski asked, in terms of the Contract for Wastewater Collection and Treatment — Part A, it states "this is to allow Easton to discharge an average day wastewater flow not to exceed 55,000 gallons per day prior to October 1, 2019 ", if that is an interim cap. Mr. Azinheira explained this addresses the immediate needs where Easton will not be able to utilize any more until the expansion is online. Mr. Kozlowski then noted on page 12 "Cost Sharing of Existing Mill Street Pumping Station Upgrades there appears to be quite a bit of changes. Mr. Azinheira noted a lot of that language was duplicated and was removed at the Town of Mansfield's request. Vice Chairman Aptowitz asked if this will involve tearing up Route 106 to which Mr. Azinheira noted yes, approximately 2,000 feet (full width overlay). Mr. Azinheira did note that he plans to have a pavement expert look at the area. The Vice Chair is all for being a good neighbor but questioned what else the residents are receiving except for charging Easton a pro -rata share of what they are using to which Mr. Ross explained Mansfield is getting the collection system cost over the life of the agreement (2017 — 2040) which saves Mansfield residents $640,000 in collection system costs. But Vice Chairman Aptowitz felt that is because Easton is using a piece of the system and felt it to be misleading. Mr. Ross explained Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 18, 2015 Page 3 of 7 • that the collection system in that area is fully developed and there is this much excess capacity and further clarified that the Town is selling a piece of the capacity in the wastewater plant and that the capacity in the collection system the Mansfield residents have already paid for and that the Comprehensive Wastewater Plan does not envision for extending Rather sewers to utilize that capacity. • $405,000 in current debt • $3 million over the life in plant operating costs Mr. DelVecchio asked if an additional benefit to the residents of Mansfield exists because of this agreement or is it just a wash. Mr. Ross stated Mansfield is coming out better as a portion of the existing collection system cost is being absorbed by the Easton customers, which otherwise would be paid by the Mansfield customers and that a portion of the Mansfield cost of the last plant improvements (existing debt service) is also being paid by the Easton customers. Further 2015. Ms. Firing noted with the ongoing effort to update job descriptions the more important ones to schedule are the ones that are being vacated. Ms. Firing noted the majority of this description has been maintained with areas expanded. Ms. Firing went through the changes which have been made a part of the record. Vice - Chairman Aptowitz asked if job description detailed benefits to which Mr. Ross noted benefits are listed within the current personnel rules as this is a non -union position. Mr. Ross felt this would not be the easiest recruitment as these positions are very well paid. Ms. Firing noted that in her research most instances include a vehicle which the Town does not and that the Town is on the lower end of the pay scale. Motion: To approve the job description for the MMED Director /Assistant Manager (DelVecebio/Kozlowski) PASSES 3:0 Present before the Board are Lisa Piscatelli, Sally Fehervari, Jackie Curtis and Annette Shaw. The Council has eight members currently, which are all active in grant participation. Ms. Piscatelli noted this is a busy time of year for the Council as they have received all grant applications, 35 in total (similar to last year), with the voting meeting scheduled for December I". Ms. Piscatelli also noted that their Annual Report is due January 1St. Ms. Fehervari noted the Council receives great guidance from the State, noting last year the Mansfield Council was awarded /allocated $4,670 from the MA Cultural Council and $2,700 from the Town. Ms. Piscatelli explained that applications are evaluated based on merit and reviewed very carefully, referencing public participation, diversity, arts /humanity and interpretive sciences as criteria. Ms. Fehervari noted the Council had great turnover last year (due to conserving term members exiting and no new applicants) and has worked hard tracking finances and creating checks and balances. Ms. Fehervari noted the Council is still looking for additional members. Mr. DelVecchio asked for examples of programs supported by the Council to which Ms. Piscatelli distributed an example from Self Help, Inc. "Songs and Stories from Pre- Schoolers" and noted the Council has also supported a wide variety of projects such as: projects in the Middle School, art Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 18, 2015 Page 4 of 7 projects, Hollywood Quiz Show for Council On Aging, drama production — Suessical and community Kwanza for the Doll E Daze Museum. Ms. Piscatelli commented that all Councils in the State can submit a project for a Gold Star award (the Town has not nominated in a long time) but will nominate the Mansfield Mural this year and will hear about that some time in February. It was noted that if the winner receives additional funding as well as publicity. Ms. Piscatelli felt it to be a strong nomination. The Cultural Council meets September through December regularly every other week and then in January every other month, meetings are held in Town Hall in the evenings. This item has been rescheduled for the December 2, 2015 Board of Selectmen None. a. Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 16019T in the amount of $186,431.94 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 16019E in the amount of $21,563.89 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 160195 in the amount of $375,524.35 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 16020T in the amount of $382,145.19 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 16020E in the amount of $1,993,590.04 b. Licenses And Permits: • Consideration Of Drainlayer's License For Healy Trucking c. Events And Signage: • Consideration Of Event Application By Chabad Jewish Center Of Mansfield For Placement Of Menorah On The South Common, November 29 Through December 18 d. 2016 License Renewals • All Alcohol On Premise, Common Victualler And Entertainment Licenses For Bertucci's Restaurant Subject To Satisfactory Inspection • All Alcohol On Premise, Common Victualler And Entertainment Licenses For Asia Grill And Sushi Subject To Satisfactory Inspection • Wine And Malt On Premise And Common Victualler Licenses For Cafe On The Common Subject To Satisfactory Inspection • All Alcohol Innholder, Early Sunday Alcohol, Common Victualler, Entertainment And Sunday Entertainment Licenses For Vision Hampshire dba Holiday Inn Mansfield Subject To Satisfactory Inspection • All Alcohol Retail License For Adhya Corporation dba West Mansfield Variety • All Alcohol Retail License For Route 106 Wines & Spirits • Wine And Malt Retail License For Fair Winds & Following Seas dba Tedeschi Food Shop • All Alcohol Club, Common Victualler And Entertainment Licenses For Mansfield Lodge of Elks No. 2633 Subject To Satisfactory Inspection • Class I Auto Dealer License For Mansfield Garage Inc. dba Mansfield Jeep Chrysler • Class II Auto Dealer License For Times Past Automobiles Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 18, 2015 Page 5 of 7 • Common Victualler License For YH Enterprises dba Gourmet Pizza • Common Victualler And Entertainment Licenses For Olson Restaurant Group dba Capriotti's Sandwich Shop • Common Victualler License For Council On Aging And Consideration Of Fee Waiver Request • Lodging House License For Joseph Dwyer dba Fulton Place Lodging • Lodging House License For Bernard O'Malley dba Trinity Place Due to a paperwork issue, the DPW is requesting removal of the Drainlayer's License for Healy Trucking. Motion: To remove Healy Trucking from the Consent Agenda (DelVeechio/Kozlowski) PASSES 3:0 Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda as amended (DelVecchio/Kozlowski) PASSES 3:0 • Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16019PT in the amount of $313,330.92 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 16019PT in the amount of $313,330.92 (Kozlowski/DelVecchio) PASSES 3:0 • Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16019TV in the amount of $98,120.15 Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16019TV in the amount of $98,120.15 (Kozlowski/DelVecehio) PASSES 3:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 1602OPT in the amount of $337,191.36 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 1602OPT in the amount of $337,191.36 (Kozlowski/DelVecchio) PASSES 3:0 • Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16020TV in the amount of $108,864.05 Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16020TV in the amount of $108,864.05 (Kozlowski/DelVecchio) PASSES 3:0 School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll 1602OPS in the amount of $1,582,195.08 Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 1602OPS in the amount of $1,582,195.08 (Kozlowski/DelVecchio) PASSES 3:0 • School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16020SV in the amount of $544,205.92 Motion: To approve School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16020SV in the amount of $544,205.92 (Kozlowski /DelVecchio) PASSES 3:0 • Letter From The Commonwealth Of Massachusetts Regarding The Nomination For The Lowney Chocolate Factory On The National Register Of Historic Places Mr. Aptowitz asked that Mr. Ross follow un on the status reaardinR the Federal status. Mr. Ross announced that Dog, Mansfield Green and Resident Train Parking Licenses will be available at the Town Clerk's office on December 1st. Mr. Ross reminded that due to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday Town Hall will close early on Wednesday, November 25th at 4:00pm and be closed Thursday (November 26t") and Friday (November 270i). Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 18, 2015 Page 6 of 7 Mr. Ross noted that the Municipal Building Committee will consider accepting an architectural agreement with Castle Bos., and as a consultant Weston Sampson (for the Highway portion), for the Public Safety/Highway complex, at its meeting next Tuesday, November 24th. The maximum amount is $1.9 million, which is $300,000 less than the budgeted number. Mr. Ross noted his office received an application for the Board of Assessors vacancy and will schedule an interview with the Board at its next meeting, December 2na Mr. Ross and John Stanbrook, Finance Director, attended a session that the State held last week at the College of the Holy Cross, on the Community Compact. Mr. Ross reported that the certification of Free Cash, New growth and the approval of the Tax Rate were the smoothest, quickest and easiest on record and felt it was another example of progress being made. Mr. Kozlowski mentioned he will be taking part in the Turkey Trot this Sunday, November benefitting the Friends of Memorial Park and wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Vice Chairman Aptowitz attended the ceremony for the new Eagle Scouts last Saturday, November 21st Vice Chairman Aptowitz congratulated Ms. Whalen's daughter, Mackenzie, and her teammates at Framingham State University for making it to the NCAA Division III Volleyball Championships. The Vice Chair wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Mr. DelVecchio was glad to have the Cultural Council present before the Board tonight. He felt it would be great to have more volunteers serve on such a worthy Council noting the groups' enthusiasm. Mr. DelVecchio asked when the IDC would be presenting to the Board to which Mr. Ross felt it would be within the next few meetings. Vice Chairman Aptowitz noted the departure of Nick Riccio after 22 years of service as Building Inspector as well as Acting Town Manager. Mr. Riccio has taken a position with the State. Mr. Aptowitz wished Mr. Riecio the best of luck. Vice Chairman Aptowitz also noted the upcoming retirement of Gary Babin, MMED Manager. None. Motion: To adjourn the Board of Selectmen meeting at 8:48PM PASSES 3 -0 Signature of Clerk �v /tdw Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 18, 201 S Page 7 of 7 1z_ 2 -zc(s Date of Approval