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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 5-28-2014Board of Selectmen Minutes May 28, 2014 Present: George Dentino; Chairman, Jess Aptowitz; Vice Chairman, Doug Annino; Clerk, Frank DelVecchio, Olivier Kozlowski and Nick Riccio; Acting Town Manager Chairman Dentino called the meeting to order. Chairman Dentino reminded that this meeting is being broadcast live by Mansfield Cable Access and taped for future broadcast. Fire Chief Neal Boldrighini and Deputy Fire Chief James Puleo are present before the Board to welcome Ian MacDonald as a new fire fighter to the Mansfield Fire Department. Chief Boldrighini noted Firefighter MacDonald was hired at the end of September where he has been involved in extensive training. Chief Boldrighini explained that besides Deputy Chief Puleo overseeing training that Lieutenant Fiske, a thirty year member of the department also was involved. Firefighter MacDonald graduated from the Academy in April. Firefighter MacDonald graduated from the Randolph school system where the Chief noted he was an incredibly hard worker. Firefighter MacDonald served in Iraq where he achieved the level of Sergeant with the 82 ad Airborne of the Infantry regime. It was this tour that attracted the department towards Firefighter MacDonald and the Chief was proud to have him. Firefighter MacDonald was joined by his mother, Lisa, sister, Jessica, grandfather, Dave, as well as his niece Avery. Town Clerk, Marianne Staples, then swore in Firefighter Ian MacDonald, who was then pinned by his mother, Lisa. Mr. DelVecchio was happy to welcome Firefighter MacDonald to the department. Mr. Annino thanked Firefighter MacDonald for his service to the country. He asked Firefighter MacDonald to stay safe and make the Town proud. Mr. Aptowitz noted he also grew up in Randolph and congratulated Firefighter MacDonald. Mr. Aptowitz noted it is a tight knit unit to be a part of where he will learn a lot. Mr. Aptowitz felt that the Town has the best Fire and Police Departments around and wished him well. Mr. Kozlowski noted Firefighter MacDonald's impressive track record and was happy to have him in Town. He wished him all the best. Chairman Dentino noted that Firefighter MacDonald's record speaks for itself and agreed with Mr. Aptowitz that the Town has the best Fire Department in the area. Chairman Dentino noted how good it is to hear that the Town is hiring from the military as they are the forgotten and felt it is a tribute to Chief Boldrighini and his administration. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 28, 2014 Page I of 7 for the Holiday Inn in Mansfield and is seeking to oversee the Alcohol License for the establishment. Mr. Lavoie has 30 plus years of experience in the industry and was previously the general manager of the Holiday Inn in Boxboro. He will be residing at the location during the week. Mr. Kozlowski asked if Mr. Lavoie has had any violations to which he stated no. Mr. Aptowitz welcomed Mr. Lavoie to Mansfield and stated he seemed very knowledgeable. Chairman Dentino asked who Mr. Lavoie would be replacing to which he stated Nathan Weare. Motion: To approve the Change of Manager to Julien Lavoie as manager of record for the Austin Daniel Horowitz is present before the Board. Mr, Horowitz currently works as a consultant to the aviation industry but his background includes a Master's Degree in transportation from MIT and a law degree from Columbia University. Mr. Horowitz stated that when he found out about the opening from Mr. DelVecchio he felt it would allow him to use some of his experiences and knowledge to help Mansfield and figure out how best to leverage the offerings of SRPEDD for the Town. Mr. Annino was impressed with Mr. Horowitz at Town Meeting and felt that he was extremely well spoken and has the voice the Town is looking for in representation. He stated he is an excellent candidate and would love to see him involved in the downtown. Mr. Aptowitz spoke with Mr. Horowitz at the election and found him to be very knowledgeable and intelligent. Mr. Aptowitz felt that with Mr. Horowitz's background he will make a great candidate. Mr. Kozlowski noted Mr. Horowitz's background speaks for itself and thanked him for stepping up and volunteering. Chairman Dentino noted that Mr. Horowitz was very articulate and not afraid to voice his opinion. He felt he would be a welcome addition in representing the Town. Motion: To appoint Daniel Austin Horowitz as the Town's SRPEDD representative (DelVecchio /ADtowitz) PASSES 5:0 Chairman Dentino stated he looks forward to hearing the opinions of residents and felt them to be very valuable. He reminded residents to please direct any questions through the Chair and noted if there was a situation or question that was repetitive he would close up the time. Chairman Dentino did not want to hear a personal attack on anyone. Board Of selectmen's Meeting May 28, 2014 Page 2 of 7 Sally Fehervari, 86 Lawndale Road, thanked Chairman Dentino and would like to comment on events in relation to Selectman Kozlowski's recent tweet but in a broader sense. She read from a statement which indicated that Mansfield is a much more diverse community these days and has no room for hate or racism. She stated that the Board of Selectmen are the PR Department for the Town and asked how can we attract businesses if companies feel that their employees will not be comfortable here. Lama Saylor, would like to see the Town adopt a social media policy and stated that although she is not a big fan of social media policies she has been a part of one at every company she has worked for. She felt that when she is being represented by her government that any statements reflect on her. She noted that if statements are made from a personal account that is up to them and is fine with her. She stated the reasoning behind companies having a social media policy is so they are not embarrassed or have things come back to reflect upon them or other employees. Sharon Friedman, 29 Pleasant Street, stated that in general Mansfield is a very large and diverse community and felt that it needs to embrace the richness that the diversity brings. She felt that when it is not embraced it is then compromised and can get to a place where arrogance comes forward which in her experience does not do any good. She encouraged the Board to look at what they send out on social media and take a look at the policy for the Town. She would like to see the Board take a big step to right the embarrassment the Town has before it. Chairman Dentino thanked the residents for coming in to speak their mind and noted that it takes courage. He stated there are various opinions regarding social media that will require further thought and perhaps discussion. Chairman Dentino asked the Board for any comments. Mr. DelVecchio felt that further discussion of a policy should be scheduled or at least some guidelines as the Board is looked upon as representing the Town. He particularly referenced language concerning that certain opinions are that of an individual and not the entire Board. Mr. Annino agreed that a discussion of social media needed to be scheduled. He felt that the Board of Selectmen represents the Town not only in public but private as well. He stated as Selectmen they should be careful of what they say and how they act and it is important that the Board not create any airs that can be misconstrued. Mr. Aptowitz agreed that further discussion regarding social media policies was needed. He felt that everyone is entitled to their own opinion but as elected officials of the Town it was his feeling that even if a personal account is used they are still Selectmen representing the people 24/7. Mr. Kozlowski felt the Board was coming dangerously close to deliberating on an issue that was not on the agenda. He noted that the Board does represent the 24,000 people of the community but all those 24,000 do not always agree as some can take a statement one way while others may see it differently. He stated that at the end of the day we operate as a Board and none of the members' statements or thoughts carry the day as it takes three members to have the Board say, do, act or speak in the name of the Board. Mr. Aptowitz reiterated that the Board represents the people and that it should represent all of them regardless of backgrounds. Mr. Aptowitz felt it was also important to designate or set guidelines as to designating a person to speak on the Board's behalf to the press when there are issues and Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 28, 2014 Page 3 of 7 referenced the Chairman and Mr. Ross. Mr. Kozlowski reiterated that the Board was close to deliberating on something that was not on the agenda. Mr. Aptowitz stated the members of the Board are responding to questions and comments from residents and not voting on any matters. Chairman Dentino did not have any issue with scheduling this discussion on a future agenda but felt that the Board needed to be careful not to create a policy that stifles somebody's right to speak. He disagreed with Mr. Aptowitz in that he felt the Board are not Selectmen 24 hours a day and have the right to their own opinions whether right, wrong or indifferent. There was a discussion between Chairman Dentino and Mr. Aptowitz regarding designating someone to speak on the Boards behalf to which Chairman Dentino disagreed with. Mr. Annino stated that the Board works very hard to have a professional, cohesive view on things and that there are sometimes dissenting opinions but members need to be very careful and recognize to keep a break between professional and personal life. He noted it is a fine line and that anything that is said will represent Mansfield — good or bad, and as Selectmen they are the sounding board. Mr. DelVecchio does not want to suppress anyone's First Amendment rights and reiterated scheduling a discussion regarding a set of guidelines for the Board. Kevin Doyle, 35 Fruit Street, was impressed with tonight's discussion and felt there would be a large crowd in attendance during a discussion on social media policy. He stated that he has heard from numerous residents regarding this topic. The Board welcomed their attendance. Sarah Forbes, 131 Branch Street, thanked for Board for letting her speak. Ms. Forbes read from notes which referenced that she was offended by Selectman Kozlowski tweet and noted by using his SelectmanKoz account he pulls all of Mansfield into his personal views. Ms. Forbes suggested be create a second Twitter account in order to express his personal views and said she would subscribe to it if she wanted to hear from a "twit ". A. Review and Approval of Minutes of Meetings • Board of Selectmen Minutes April 30, 2014 Motion: To approve the Board of Selectmen Minutes for April 30, 2014 (Annino /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0:1 DelVecchio ABSTAIN • Board of Selectmen Minutes May 6, 2014 Motion: To approve the Board of Selectmen Minutes for April 30, 2014 (Armin /Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0:1 DelVecchio ABSTAIN B. Approval of Warrants Town Vendor Warrant No. 14O48T $1,415,844.19 Motion: To approve Town Vendor Warrant No. 14044T $1,415,844.19 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 14048E $49,730.56 Motion: To approve Electric Department Warrant No. 14048E $49,730.56 (Aptowitz(Kortowski) PASSES 5:0 School Department Vendor Warrant No. 14O48S $470,582.14 Motion: To approve School Department Warrant No. 14O44S $470,582.14 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 Veterans Vendor Warrant No. 14048VET $14,247.13 Motion: To approve Veterans Vendor Warrant No. 14048VET $14,247.13 (DelVecchio / Annino) Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 28, 2014 Page 4 of 7 Discussion: Mr. Aptowitz explained this was due to a technical problem with the Veteran's State site and not the Town. Motion: To approve Veterans Vendor Warrant No. 14048VET $14,247.13 (DelVecchio /Annino) PASSES 5:0 Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14048PT $294,214.06 Motion: To approve Town Payroll Town Medicaid Payroll Warrant No. 14048PT $294,214.06 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:1 Dentino NAY Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14048TV $94,862.26 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll Warrant No. 14048TV $94,862.26 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 C. Events • Consideration of Event and Banner Application For The Downtown Business Association's Family Fun Night Sidewalk Sale, Tuesday, July 15th Mr. Annino read into the record restrictions listed by the Public Safety Departments. Motion: To approve the Downtown Business Association's Family Fun Night, July 15,11 (DelVecchio/Kozlowski) Discussion: Mr. Aptowitz noted that he does not remember this level of permitting in the past. Ms. Whalen explained that the Board is now being notified of the level of scrutiny from the Public Safety Departments so that they are informed of what is expected. Chairman Dentino suggested that the DBA get a chance to complete the list of restrictions and then the Board will vote to approve just prior to the event. Mr. Riccio asked if the Board could take action on the banner so that the event could be publicized. Motion: To approve the banner as presented for the Downtown Business Association's Family Fun Night (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 Motion: To save the date of July 151" for the Downtown Business Association's Family Fun Night (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 • Consideration of Event Application for Mansfield Pop Warner 5K "Monster Dash ", Saturday, October 4t1i Motion: To approve Mansfield Pop Warner 5K "Monster Dash ", Saturday, October 41" (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 • Consideration of Event and Banner Application for Friends of Memorial Park 1St Annual Family Turkey Trot 5K Walk/Run Motion: To approve the Mansfield Pop Warner 5K "Monster Dash ", Saturday, October 4th (Annino /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0 Mr. Riccio noted that the bouncy houses are not regulated by the State. Motion: To approve banner as presented (DelVecchio /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0 • Consideration of Event Application for Al Noor Academy Block Party /Yard Sale Mr. Annino read the Public Safety restrictions into the record. Motion: To approve (Annino/DelVecchio) Discussion: Mr. Riccio noted the Board of Health cannot allow a permit for sale of homemade food that is not prepared in a licensed kitchen. Motion: To approve (Annino /DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 • Consideration of Banner for the Mansfield Shelter Friends "Celebration of Animals" Motion: To approve banner as presented (Annino /Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 D. Correspondence Board Of selectmen's Meeting May 28, 2014 Page 5 of 7 Mr. Riccio distributed copies of the BETA Study and noted it is posted on the Town's website. Mr. Aptowitz spoke with Mr. DiPietrantonio regarding his son Eric's proclamation where the rank was incorrect. A new proclamation was created and the Board has been asked to sign. Mr. Aptowitz noted that Mr. Ross will be meeting with Rick Alves, Mark Cook and Lee Azinheira regarding the next phase for the North Common. Mr. Aptowitz would like Mr. Ross to run a report on gallons used per year for employees who take Town vehicles home. Mr. Aptowitz reminded the Board that the Xfinity Center season opens Friday night. Mr. Aptowitz wanted to be clear that all Board members have a right to their own opinion and agreed with Chairman Dentine. He is just looking for one person to speak on an issue on the Board's behalf to the press. Mr. Aptowitz would like to budget some money for the Town's website and felt perhaps a subcommittee could be helpful. Mr. DelVecchio would like to discuss goals and objectives for the Board for the year on a future agenda. Mr. DelVecchio thought the Memorial Day ceremony was moving and well organized. Mr. Aptowitz thanked Veterans Service Agent Heath Hobson on a job well done and noted the feedback on Mr. Hobson has been positive. Chairman Dentino apologized to Mr. Kozlowski as he felt one of the residents took her statements too far this evening. The Board will need to take action on the consideration of a Common Victualler's license for Menchies Yogurt Shop, which was turned in at the last minute. The business has a scheduled Grand Opening and the Board is trying to accommodate the oversight. Motion: To approve a common victualler's license for Menchies Yogurt Shop (Annino /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0 Board Of selectmen's Meeting May 28, 2014 Page 6 of 7 The Board then discussed its schedule for sununer session and the following was decided: The Board will greet on the following days: • June 01, June I ld' and June 25d'. The meeting on June 25th will follow The Great Duck Race. • July 91h and July 23`d • August 6'h and August 20th September 3`d and September 17'h Off: Motion: To adjourn the BOS meeting at 8:26pm (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 4 � V y4 W- Signature of Clerk Date of Approval /Tracey Whalen Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 28, 2014 Page 7 of 7