HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 4-30-2014Board of Selectmen Minutes
April 30, 2014
Present: Jess Aptowitz; Chairman, Doug Annino; Vice Chairman, Kevin Moran; Clerk, George
Dentine. Olivier Kozlowski and William Ross; Town Manager
Due to family and business commitments Mr. Moran has decided not to seek a third term as
Selectman for the Town of Mansfield. Chairman Aptowitz thanked Mr. Moran for all his hard
work over the past six years and noted he has always been the calming effect on the Board and that
the Board and the Town are very grateful for his service. Chairman Aptowitz wished Mr. Moran,
his wife and kids well. Mr. Kozlowski stated it has been an honor and a pleasure serving with Mr.
Moran and appreciated all of his advice and the example he has set over the years. Mr. Annino
congratulated Mr. Moran and noted he appreciated Mr. Moran's even keel, clear thinking and
stated he has always been in it for the Town. Mr. Dentine, remembered fondly the first time he met
Mr. Moran and was so happy to have served with him and felt that Mr. Moran was always a
stabilizing factor on the Board.
Chairman Aptowitz presented Mr. Moran with a Proclamation from State Representatives
Barrows, Representative Kafka and Representative Poirier, who could not be in attendance.
Chairman Aptowitz then presented Mr. Moran with a framed photo of the Board, signed by Town
Hall staff and the Board.
Fire Chief Neal Boldrighini and Police Chief Ron Sellon presented Mr. Moran with shirts and caps
from their departments. Chief Boldrighini commented that all three standing at the podium are
"three Mansfield kids" who all grew up in Mansfield and pointed out that Mr. Moran is the product
of the Mansfield school system and Mansfield and that there is no better guy who is kind, gentle,
intelligent and thoughtfill man. Chief Sellon stated that the person who ends up filling Mr.
Moran's seat will have very large shoes to fill. Chief Sellon stated that Mr. Moran has been the
epitome of class as well as quiet, stable leadership which has been very much appreciated.
Mr. Moran stated that he has been blessed to have been born into a really great family and felt that
he never truly found himself until he moved to Mansfield. He felt that Mansfield is more like a
friend and when the opportunity arose for him to serve he was excited. He noted that although his
Board members had very kind words for him he asked them to remember their accomplishments
were as a Board. He felt the combination of personalities worked very well and noted it was a
tough decision to leave. Mr. Moran had kind words for staff members Lee Azinheira, Fire Chief
Boldrighini, Police Chief Ron Sellon, John Stanbrook, the Finance Committee and School
Committee Member Mike Trowbridge. Mr. Moran respected Mr. Dentine's consistent point of
view, he appreciated Mr. Annino's stabilizing influence and noted one of his favorite memories
was meeting Mr. Kozlowski for coffee after a few tense meetings to discuss ways to handle
difficult situations. Mr. Moran also noted that he will miss Mr. Ross aka Scarecrow, most of all
and has full confidence in him going forward. Mr. Moran stated he "got to serve the Town I love."
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting April 30, 2014
Page I of 7
Oec --- - - - lanrcu U....Azinheira, Director DPW, is before the Board. Mr. Azinheira exp
Mr. Azinheira state
term p' re aced and approved back in 2006 with a start
Water are on a long- re determined rate schedule. In regards to ewer, year based on the
the rate scheduled for this fiscal year had been Prepare a 6%
re determined rate calls fora ]0 ° /her?rs nowtask'mg for only
date of fiscal year 2007. Thep'
new plant expansion. Mr. Azinheira noted that due to a delay
increase and will only increase the rate as needed. a schedule and that it recognizes the
Mr. Moran stated that it is good that the Town is following
deferment. He appreciated Mr. Azinheira's efforts to stay under the 10 %.
Kozlowski is please that the Town is taking a break frorn the schedule to the "down side ".
Mr. PASSES 4:1 AptoNitz
Motion: To approve the 6% increase to the Sewer rates (Annino /Moran)
NAY prepared a few years ago
aids to the Water rates, Mr. Azinheira explained this schedule was p
In regards capital improvements to the tjuee wells. He noted the schedule called fox 6% the
when the Town had cap fiscal year. Mr. Azinheira stated dweae low due to the wet
for three years and 4% for this coming past fiscal Year
Town needed to go higher because the revenues for this p
spring and summer;
however, buildings are more consistent and with the current trend have
decided to remain in line with the scheduled 4° o.
Board of Selectmen's Meeting April 30, 2014
page 2 of 7
Motion: To approve the 4% increase to the Water rates (Annino/Moran) PASSES 4:1 Aptowitz
Mr. Ross reported that the Assistant r reasurcm_vnuctu. al— . � ..........,.- • - _ _____
Chief of Police are retiring. In pulling these job descriptions, in order to advertise, it was felt that
the descriptions were outdated and an update was needed to ensure that the descriptions accurately
covered the duties performed. Mr. Ross further explained that in the case of the
Treasurer /Collector job description it did not reflect what the Treasurer /Collector's responsibilities
were and also due to the creation of the Finance Director position there was a change as to who this
position reports to. Finally, Mr. Ross noted that in his office the position description for the
Executive Assistant is now not only doing work for the Town Manager but the HR Director as well
and concluded that needed updating as well.
Mr. Ross noted that none of these job description changes are anticipated to have changes in
salary, only to accurately define the responsibilities and duties performed. Mr. Ross also noted
that John Stanbrook, Finance Director, reviewed both the Treasurer /Collector and Assistant
Treasurer /Collector descriptions and approved as well as the Administrative Assistant to the Chief
of Police has been reviewed and approved by Chief Sellon.
Chairman Aptowitz asked what positions are not union positions to which Mr. Ross noted the
Executive Assistant to the Town Manager and HR Director and the Administrative Assistant to the
Chief of Police. Chairman Aptowitz asked if the remaining positions were reviewed by Union
representatives to which Mr. Ross explained there is no requirement.
Motion: To approve the Assistant Treasurer /Collector job description (Moran/Kozlowski)
PASSES 5:0
Motion: To approve the Treasurer /Collector job description (Moran/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
Motion: To approve the Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police job description
(Moran/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
Motion: To approve Executive Assistant to the Town Manager and HR Director job description
(Moran/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
Chairman Aptowitz inquired about the pay grades for the non -union positions to which Mr. Ross
reported that pay levels are established in two ways, which are budget appropriations and
recommendations /merits.
as to if Fruit Street is the location as it is not reflected in the Article. Mr. Doyle felt that Fruit Street
is a narrow road with no sidewalks and poses a danger to the residents especially with increased
truck traffic. Mr. Doyle also stated he had spoken to former Selectmen and was told that this
project has been in the works for about 14 years as a joint location with public safety in the Route
106 area and asked the status of that plan.
Chairman Aptowitz noted there was a study in 2000 that contemplated a shared facility for the
DPW/Public Safety with a proposed 106 location. Chairman Aptowitz explained that the feedback
from staff was that that particular location would not be able to meet the needs of all public safety
as well as the needs of the DPW. The Chairman noted that there were notices sent to neighbors and
abutters regarding public meetings for the proposed site on Fruit Street in order to get input from
those affected and from those meetings there were not a lot of concerns from those in attendance.
He noted the reasoning behind the Fruit Street location is that the Town already owns the land and
the area already houses the salt and sand storage facilities and the traffic is already there,
particularly during storms.
Mr. Ross noted that the preliminary funding for the proposed facility was approved at the 2011
Town Meeting and that the concept of the facility was developed through numerous public
meetings including the Board of Selectmen, Capital Improvement Committee, Municipal Building
Committee and the Finance Committee. Mr. Ross noted that on November 19th a public meetinM
was held to explain the proposed project to all neighbors. He explained that on November 15t'
notices were hand delivered to 90 houses on Fruit and Hall Streets, including Mr. Doyle's. At that
meeting there 19 residents whose primary concerns were screening the facility properly in regards
to noise. Mr. Ross reported that the plan does include street improvements at the intersection of
Fruit and Hall Streets as well as the intersection of Fruit and South Main Streets to ease the traffic
at those locations.
Mr. Ross referenced the previous study of a joint facility from 14 years ago and noted that the
Town has grown considerably since then. He stated the Town has identified a need for the
replacement of the North Main Street fire station as well as the numerous issues with the current
police facility as it does not meet a lot of the State's standards. It was the Town's thought to first
relocate the DPW and then create a joint Public Safety facility on the current DPW site and that the
two chiefs have not raised concerns about that proposed facility or the proposed location for the
DPW facility. Mr. Ross understands and is conscious of the concerns of the residents and because
of that will work to minimize the impact of the proposed facility. Mr. Ross did not believe
residents in that area would see a tremendous increase in traffic.
Mr. Ross noted the $13.6 million price tag is the absolute top of the cost and felt the Town has a
good record of coming in under. He explained that the debt that is coming off in the next three
years (from various school projects) will allow for the Town borrow at 3 %. Mr. Ross noted an
average home value in Mansfield is $339,000 (average single- family home) and is paying $117.70
for debt exclusions and when those debt exclusions come off and the new debt exclusions (for the
DPW facility) come on, that average home will pay only $95.00 (a $22 difference).
Mr. Doyle is not disputing that a letter was sent out but noted he has spoken to a few residents in
the neighborhood who claimed not to have received one. Mr. Doyle is also concerned about the
lack of sidewalks in the Town, including Fruit Street, where he would like the residents to be safe.
Mr. Ross felt that would be the proposed plan to minimize the effect to area residents.
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting April 30, 2014
Page 4 of 7
Mr. Annino felt it was important to note that the Town has a long way to go with respect to the
design and that there is still a lot of design work to be completed where there will be opportunity
for the residents to have input.
Scott Feely, 489 Fruit Street, is speaking as a resident but explained he also sees this from the
project development side as he sits on the Capital Improvement and Finance Committee. He felt
this will be a continued discussion as it is impossible to know all the logistic right now and that
there is great awareness of how it is impacting the neighborhood and abutters.
A. Review and Approval of Minutes of Meetings
• Board of Selectmen Minutes April 9, 2014
Motion: To approve the Board of Selectmen Minutes for April 9, 2014
(Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 5:0
B. Approval of Warrants
Town Vendor Warrant No. 14044T $1,370,292.98
Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant No. 14044T $1,370,292.98
(Kozlowski/Moran) PASSES 5:0
Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 14044E $33,887.49
Motion: To approve Electric Department Warrant No. 14044E $33,887.49
(Kozlowski/Moran) PASSES 5:0
School Department Vendor Warrant No. 14044S $283,746.07
Motion: To approve School Department Warrant No. 140445 $283,746.07
(Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 5:0
Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14044PT $315,039.27
Motion: To approve Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14044PT
$315,039,27 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:1 Dentino NAY
Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14044TV $97,827.72
Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14044TV
$97,827.72 (Kozlowski/Moran) PASSES 5:0
C. License and Permit Approval
• Consideration of Commercial Parking Facility Applications For Foundry, LLC
This item has been tabled for May 6th, prior to Town Meeting.
D. Events
• Consideration of Event Application For The Garden Club of Mansfield For Annual Plant
Sale, Saturday, May 171"
Motion: To approve the Garden Club's Annual Plant Sale (Moran/Kozlowski) PASSES
5:0
Motion: To approve the street closure of Park Row from 5:00am to 1:00pm on May 171h
(Dentino/Moran) PASSES 5:0
Motion: To approve use of Town Hall bathrooms from 6:00am to 1:00pm on May 17th
(Moran/Annino) PASSES 5:0
Motion: To approve the banner as presented (Moran/Annino) PASSES 5:0
• Consideration of Event Application for Bike MS- Ride The Rhode
Motion: To approve Bike MS — Ride The Rhode on June 22nd subject to coordination with
both Police and Fire Chiefs (Moran/Kozlowski) Mr. Dentino asked Mr. Moran to read the
streets affected PASSES 5:0
E. Correspondence
• Receipt of Fax from Murata Power Solutions, Inc. Regarding WARN Act
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting April 30, 2014
Page 5 of 7
This was in regards to layoffs between June 30th and July 14th.
Mr. Ross reported that the Development Agreement for the Chocolate Factory has been signed,
committing to the project in terms of what was presented to the Finance Committee, Planning
Board and Board of Selectmen.
As presented earlier, Mr. Ross reiterated the numbers run with respect to the proposed DPW
facility. Again, he stated it is about a 19% decrease to the average single family home.
Mr. Ross reported that the Town opened bids for the Maple Street water main and electric conduit
project. He reported the low bid for the joint project was $1,640,000 (where the electric portion
was $895,000 and water was $744,000). He explained that if pvc water main is used the Town
could deduct $90,000 from the bid. He further stated that the Town bid pvc as an alternate as it is a
proven product but has not been used in Town.
Mr. Ross noted that issues have been raised about the tree removal for runway clearing at the
Airport. Much of the concern is from the residents of Tracy Circle regarding the numbers of trees
being removed as they provide shade and shelter. Mr. Ross has been speaking with Lou Andrews
from the Airport Commission as well as Katlyn Merrill, the Town's Conservation Agent, who will
have to provide a permit for the tree removal. Mr. Ross felt this could come up at Town Meeting
and felt the Board should be informed. Mr. Ross noted this appropriation covers all four runway
ends not just the runway for the bike path and secondly the FAA is strongly pushing all airports to
remove these obstructions.
Mr. Kozlowski addressed the Board with respect to the issue with a few slides of the area and
marked trees for removal. He noted he does have a vested interest in this as he is a resident of
Tracy Circle. Mr. Kozlowski explained that what was presented to the Board previously and in
perpetuity has changed in that the Airport is looking to purchase a sizable portion between the bike
path and Tracy Circle where there is an abundance of trees to be removed. He noted there are a lot
of movable parts given the permit before the Conservation Commission to remove the trees as well
as the two Articles at Town Meeting.
Mr. Ross noted that the marked trees are mature white pines that are within 10 -12 years of the end
of their life span and there appears to be wetlands. With respect to Mr. Kozlowski's slide referring
to "drop and lop" removal of the white pines, Mr. Ross stated that Lou Andrews has assured that
that will not be the procedure. Mr. Ross has suggested mitigation and replanting but noted that the
FAA would not pay for that. Mr. Ross did not believe the intention was to leave the area an
entirely open space. Mr. Ross will be meeting with the Airport's engineering but noted the FAA is
adamant on the removal of obstructions and if the Town does not do that funding would be cut off
and they could even demand funding back. Mr. Ross felt there were ways to work around this.
This topic will be discussed further at the Board's meeting prior to Town Meeting with Questions
and Comments scheduled for the public.
Mr. Annino wished Mr. Moran the best of luck.
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting April 30, 2014
Page 6 of 7
Mr. Dentino asked about the vote regarding Camden Lane. Chairman Aptowitz stated that at a
previous Board of Selectmen's meeting the Board had voted to approve and accept Camden Lane
as a public way pending completion of the punch list. The Board received a memo from Shaun
Burke, Town Planner, that the punch list for Camden Lane has been completed per Rick Alves and
Mike Ahern but since the mylar was incorrect the Board did not sign it this evening but will
schedule to sign prior to Town Meeting. Mr. Dentino noted there is a process in place where
subdivisions /street acceptances were monitored by the Town Engineer and Buildings /Special
Projects where a punch list and its status was submitted to the Board for review. Mr. Dentino's
concern was that this process has somehow changed given that the Town Planner has become
involved with the status of the punch lists. Mr. Dentino expects that the Town Engineer and
Buildings /Special Projects positions to also sign off on the punch lists.
Chairman Aptowitz thanked the Board for its hard work over the past year and for their support of
him as Chairman.
Motion: To adjourn the BOS meeting at 8:42pm (Moran/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
I�y�ef'
Signature of Clerk
/Tracey Whalen
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting April 30, 2014
Page 7 of 7
20� 1l
Date of Approval