HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 1-06-2016Board of Selectmen Minutes
January 6, 2016
Present: George Dentine, Chairman; Jess Aptowitz, Vice Chairman; Olivier Kozlowski, Clerk;
Doug Annino, Frank DelVecchio and William Ross, Town Manager.
Chairman Dentino called the meeting to order at 7:02p.rn. The Chairman reminded everyone that
the meetine is beine broadcast live and taoed for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable.
Present before the Board are: Joe Barca, Dana Hourigan and Marianne Mackie.
Joe Barca, is a 29 year resident of Mansfield and frequent user of the library. Mr. Barca, who is a
sales manager, felt he could bring new energy and provide support to the library through his
communication skills, customer relationship management and problem solving and noted lie
worked on the Boosters Club for many years. Mr. Barca felt fiscal responsibility to be extremely
important to the Board of Library Trustees. The entire Board thanked Mr. I3arca for his willingness
to volunteer.
Dana Hourigan, is interested in serving on the Board of Library Trustees as it combines her two
favorite things: the community and the library. Ms. Hourigan is also involved in numerous
community activities referencing attendance at Town Meeting, Relay For Lire, Mansfield
Mother's Club; Garden Club, member of the Fales Fuel Committee as well as her work reporting
for the Mansfield News. Mr. Annino asked if Ms. Hourigan felt she would have enough time
given all her other activities to which she felt she would as she spoke with one of the outgoing
members. The entire Board thanked Ms. Hourigan for applying.
Marianne Mackie is a 33 year resident of the community and an avid reader. Ms. Mackie is
currently the President of the Mansfield Rotary Club where her primary initiative is Literacy.
From a professional point of view Ms. Mackie has experience in accounting and believed that to be
an asset for the position as budgeting and financing would be important. Ms. Mackie also spoke
with an Ooutgoing member questions of the position and its responsibilities.
Mr. Aptowitz arrived at this portion of the meeting 7:23pnr.
It was decided that Mr. Aptowitz would not vote as he was not privy to the interview process.
Mr. Aptowitz tallied up the votes:
Annino: Dana Hourigan Joe Barca
DelVecchio: Dana Hourigan Marianne Mackie
Dentine: Dana Hourigan Marianne Mackie
Kozlowski: Dana Hourigan Marianne Mackie
Motion: To appoint Dana Hourigan and Marianne Mackie to a 3 year term on the Board of
Library Trustees to expire January 1, 2019 (Kozlowski/DelVecchio) PASSES 4:0
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 6, 2016
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Present before the Board is Robert Krentzman. Chairman of the hrdustrial Development
Committee. Mr. Krentzman noted the following Committee members: Krista Hill - Cummings,
Mathew Cummings, David Martin, Beth Aslmian- Collins, Kevin Moran and Nancy Wall. Mr.
Krentzman went through his presentation to the Board highlighting the following:
• The IDC works to promote economic development and a long term strategic vision for
economic growth within our community. The group sees itself as advocates for the Town
in promoting commercial and retail development.
• As it is a newly appointed Committee the group felt it needed to understand the community
better and to see how others outside the community view the Town. That was
accomplished through guests such as Representative Barrows, Kara Griffin (Tri -Town
Chamber Director), Ed Tartufo (Resident), Chairman Dentino and Lynn Tokarczyk
(Business Development Strategies, Inc. TIF and Town Manager William Ross.
• The Committee designated Indicators, which tell us about the Town's economic
development progress in terms of industrial and commercial tax based, jobs and job quality
and were measured against Norton and Foxboro as well as the State average. To note:
Industrial and Commercial property values have been flat for 5 years, Disparity between
industrial and residential assessments, Mansfield has the 3`d largest Corporate Park in the
State — Cabot, Location and Strategic Plan.
• In order for the Committee to reach out to businesses regarding commercial and retail
opportunities it needed to better understand what the community is looking for. With that
the Committee felt a relationship with Mansfield High School could not only provide that
understanding but would allow the chance for the students to be involved in Town
government, offering their creativity and perspectives while receiving community service.
The students will be involved with distributing survey via online and media sources, in the
analysis and presentation of the data, creation of promotional materials, developing
website themed "Why Mansfield and also in launching a social media campaign for the
Town.
• The goal in marketing and distributing the survey was as a web base survey (placed on
Town Website, social media, MHS school e- newsletter as well as Facebook, Twitter,
Cable Access and Keep Mansfield Beautiful) with paper surveys available at Town Hall,
Library and Council on Aging.
• Survey Results: 992 link responses with over 30 pages of comments. Some notable results
were 63% want more Commercial businesses, 75% want more Retail in Downtown, 68%
want no more Apartments /Condos, looking for more take- out/bakery /coffee shops while
71% wanted a bookstore. All results will be communicated through local and social media
as well as the Town website.
• Moving forward the IDC will put together a marketing message "Why Mansfield, MA"
and will work with the Tri -Town Chamber in developing a promotional video in
conjunction with "Why do business in the Tri -Town area ". The IDC will also develop a
plan to reach out to other property owners to learn about why they are here and how they
can help promote the Town and sponsor a "meet and greet" with existing Mansfield
companies to know the customer base as well as a breakfast showcasing successes and
remaining parcels inviting potential Mansfield businesses and realtors and small
community meetings.
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 6, 2016
Page 2 of 8
Chairman Dentin asked what the next course of action would be to which Mr. Krentzman noted
that the Committee will publish the survey results and begin taking aggressive action. Chairman
Dentin asked about the Industrial and Commercial Development Indicators which was
distributed to the Board. IDC member Beth Ashman Collins, who does economic development
performance measures for a living, explained that the IDC was looking to benchmark some of the
key indicators of the industrial and commercial base to see where Mansfield stood. She noted one
standout was the high quality of the jobs that Mansfield has on average as we have such a large
industrial park rather than a retail base. Mr. Krentzman furthered that the intent was to bencluuark
Mansfield against other communities and realize that there are a number of really strong industrial
parks throughout the 495 corridor.
Mr. DelVecchio felt it to be remarkable that IDC was able to prepare such a quality base of
information in such a short period of time. Mr. DelVecchio felt the Town tends to see a
phenomenon of seeing the same types of businesses due to no one suggesting to investors what
may work better for this community. He asked the Committee to keep up the good work.
Mr. Annino is excited as the information presented is not only professionally done and easy to
understand but sets the base for the Board to communicate with one another, with other Boards and
residents to plot the Town's future. He thanked the Committee immensely commenting we all
work for the Town and this is information for all of us to use.
Mr. Kozlowski noted the Committee has done a tremendous amount of work in such a short period
and was particularly pleased with the high percentage of responses for the survey. Mr. Kozlowski
loved the concept of working with the high school students.
Mr. Aptowitz remembered speaking with Mr. Krentzman a few years ago about becoming more
involved in the community, reminding that Mr. Krentzman began on the Audit Committee. Mr.
Aptowitz appreciated all of Mr. Krentzman's efforts as well as the Committee and felt the Town
has received a better product than if it had paid consultants.
Chairman Dentino really liked what has been put together and the energy behind that. He was
concerned with regards to the financing of projects that came from the survey, especially given the
upcoming Municipal Complex. Mr. Krentzman assured the Chairman that the Committee is only
an advocate for the Town and did not expect the Town to finance any of the proposed projects as
its purpose is to do the due diligence. He furthered that the IDC would never want to infringe on
the community in any way. Chairman Dentine, thanked the Committee for all its hard work
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Kara Griffin, Executive Director of Tri -Town Chamber and Town resident, and Robert
Krentzman, IDC Chair, are present before the Board.
Ms. Griffin explained her job is as a representative for the three combined Towns (Foxboro,
Mansfield and Norton) and felt the three together complement one another. She explained that the
idea for the video came to surface from a visit by Jay Ash, Secretary of Housing and Economic
Development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where the three Town Managers and the
Tri -Town toured the three communities. Ms. Griffin reported that Secretary Ash was in awe of
what each community has to offer (industrial, schools, entertainment). The premise of the video
proposal is "Why Do Business" in the Tri -Town area where the video would be 3 — 5 minutes in
Board Of selectmen's Meeting January 6, 2016
Page 3 of 8
length and cost $2,500 per Town and noted the Chamber does not receive any of that money. The
company, Reel Cool, is local and has been in business 15 years. Ms. Griffin felt there could be a
lot of useful information conveyed in 3 — 5 minutes and complements a lot of what the IDC has
previously presented.
Mr. Aptowitz asked if the Tri -Town has met with the Foxboro and Norton Board of Selectmen to
which she noted it did not need to as they were on board immediately.
Mr. DelVecchio asked if the company specialized in economic development and marketing to
which Ms. Griffin explained it is strictly a video company where the Tri -Town is utilizing data that
includes medium income, size of industrial parks, quality of schools and other data collected over
the years as an outline. From there the company takes the data, writes a script and films as well as
using still photography to put together the video.
Mr. Annino felt a project of this nature to be long overdue and pretty short money.
Chairman Dentino felt the Town promotes itself with its location alone. Ms. Griffin agreed with
the Chairman commenting that the Town knows how good it has it but felt Chairman Dentino
would be surprised how many businesses out there don't know what this area has to offer.
Mr. Aptowitz stated that the cost to run the Town is over $100 million and $2,500 is not a big risk.
Mr. Kozlowski like this idea and wondered if part of this project could be used down the road to
target different audiences. Mr. Annino felt if this was successful the Town could then think of
going that route.
Motion: To approve the Tri -Town Chamber's promotional video and approve the expenditure of
$2,500 (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0
Mr. Ross presented to the Board the FY17 Budget, highlighting the following:
• This budget assumes that Chapter 70 and Unlimited Local Government Aid from the State
will increase by .5 %. Believed to be conservative and hope the amount is more. Governor
has indicated it is his intent under the Unlimited Local Govermnent Aid to fund at what-
ever percentage increase the State has in its General Revenue.
• Strong revenues from Food and Beverage Tax which has been strong and has help
maintained service levels as well as Excise Tax for automobiles where the Town should
continue to see a strong revenue stream.
• Budget includes two new positions in the Highway Division: full-time clerical and full-
time skilled laborer.
• Budget includes two positions (temporary, full -time) associated with Municipal Complex
project — one replaces time Mike Ahern has now supervising various projects and
maintenance projects of the buildings and school projects, as he transitions to devoting
more time to the Municipal Complex, and the second is a Clerk of the Works
• Tab 10 contains Capital Improvement Committee's plan and recommendation noting one
change where the replacement of doors for schools will be changed to installation of WiFi
at the schools. There are no code violations, with regards to the doors, as Mr. Ross checked
with Fire Chief Boldrighini,
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 6, 2016
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• Town will continue the process of trying to put funds aside for OPEB (retiree healthcare)
costs and is proposing $400,000. Mr. Ross felt it is not nearly enough but enough to show
the Town is making an effort to fand the cost.
• Proposing transfer of $500,000 from Free Cash to Budget Stabilization Fund bringing that
fund up to 4.5 %. The goal is 5 %.
• This Budget meets the adopted Financial Policies of the Town (see Tab 15 for checklist).
• Overall Budget (General Fund Appropriation) is up 4.5% over previous year.
• Municipal Complex initial thought was to take on the largest of bond issues a year from
now (FYI 8) but in speaking with financial advisors (interest rate trends) it is best to do the
larger amount now, referencing as much as $20 million.
Mr. Ross will conduct Department Head meetings over next couple of weeks and will keep the
Board as well as the Finance Committee informed. Mr. Ross will meet with Superintendent
Giant i and Business Manager Ed Vozzella along with Finance Director John Stanbrook
sometime next week as well. Initial budget as presented has a deficit of $2.5 million. Mr. Ross
noted it is early in the game and referenced that last year at this time there was a $2.7 million
deficit.
Mr. Ross once again commended the work done by John Stanbrook, Finance Director, and noted
the CIP process was far better and that Committee has worked hard. Mr. Ross encouraged the
Board to review what has been presented and speak with him about any questions or concerns and
also suggested scheduling a workshop after the Budget Sub - Committee has had a chance to meet.
Mr. Kozlowski referenced the $500,000 towards the Budget Stabilization and asked what happens
to the money while it sits in the account to which Mr. Ross explained it is invested by Treasurer,
Jackie Boudreau, and the interest money earning goes back into the General Fund (limited to CDs).
Mr. Ross noted Ms. Boudreau has done a tremendous job aligning the Town's investments to
banks, noting interest earnings are up.
Mr. Aptowitz, as Chairman of the Budget Sub - Committee, felt it should meet first before the
Board asked questions. It was determined to schedule the Budget Sub - Committee meeting for
January 27`1' at 6:00pm.
Chairman Dentino referenced the positions within the Highway Division as he questioned the
need. Mr. Ross explained the Clerical position would relieve Mark Cook from the clerical piece
(purchasing /time sheets) of his job and enable him to focus more on scheduling /overseeing
projects and field crews. Mr. Ross felt very strongly about the position. In terms of the Skilled
Laborer position, Mr. Ross referenced numerous requests from residents that the Division just
cannot meet reminding the Division is down three positions from previous years. Chairman
Dentino asked why another position within Town Hall could not assist with the Clerical position to
which Mr. Ross stated it has been tried and was not successful. Chairman Dentino asked where the
funds to pay the Clerk of the Works position were from to which Mr. Ross explained the majority
of the money to fund the Clerk of the Works position would come from the project itself as it was
built in to the project costs. Mr. Ross furthered that State Law requires the Town to hire a separate
Owner's Project Manager which is separate from the General Contractor. The Town may hire its
own person, if qualified, and the Municipal Building Committee has determined that Mike Ahern
is qualified. Chairman Dentino requested more information regarding the State guidelines.
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 6, 2016
Page 5 of 8
Motion: Call for the 2016 Annual Town Meeting scheduled for April 12, 2016 and open the
Warrant (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
Motion: To approve the Mission Statement (Annino /Aptowitz)
Discussion:
Mr. Kozlowski motioned the following verbiage to be added:
Motion: To include the following language, "but we will never forget that we serve the people of
Mansfield" (Kozlowski /DelVecchio)
Mr. Annino felt it to be wordy. Mr. DelVecchio liked the sentiment but did not feel it worked.
After working on a few suggestions the Board decided on the following:
Motion: Amend with the language, "....Selectmen, in service to the citizens of the community, is
committed to lead...." (DelVecchio /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0
The Board was happy with the status of the Goals and Objectives and will continue to work
towards completion as it is a work in progress.
Motion: To approve the Goals and Objectives (Annino/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
None.
a. Approval Of Board Of Selectmen Minutes For December 30, 2015
b. Vote To Approve Warrants:
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 16027T in the amount of $1,254,879.87
• School Department Vendor Warrant No. 16027S in the amount of $466,102.50
c. Licenses And Permits:
• Consideration Of 2016 Drainlayer's License For Plainville Pump & Excavating
• Consideration Of 2016 Drainlayer's License For Brunelle Contracting LLC
• Consideration Of 2016 Drainlayer's License For Riecio Excavating Co.
• Consideration Of Water Installer's License For Brunelle Contracting
d. Events And Signage
• Consideration Of Banner Request From Town Clerk Marianne Staples
e. 2016 License Renewals
• Class II Auto Dealer License For Cottage Auto Sales
Chairman Dentino requested to remove the Board of Selectmen Minutes from December 30, 2015.
Mr. Annino would like to remove Plainville Pump & Excavating. It was decided that the Board
would supply Ms. Whalen with any further changes.
Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda as amended (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0
Motion: To approve the Drainlayer's License for Plainville Pump & Excavating
(Aptowitz/Kozlowski)
Discussion: Mr. Kozlowski questioned the issue with this applicant to which Mr. Annino stated it
is a private matter. Mr. Ross stated as an organization the Town does not know of any reason why
this applicant should be denied. PASSES 4:1 Annino NAY
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 6, 2016
Page 6 of 8
Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16027PT in the amount of $316,220.34
Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 16027PT in the amount of
$316,220.34 (Kozlowski/DelVecchio) PASSES 4:1 Aptowitz NAY
Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16027TV in the amount of $100,343.85
Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16027TV in the amount of
$100,343.85 (Kozlowski / Annino) PASSES 5:0
• Letter From Resident Meghan Mahoney Regarding Downtown Lighting
Mr. Annino requested that a note be sent back to the resident from Mr. Ross explaining the
Board is looking into it. Mr. Aptowitz asked if money from the Non -Profit Gift Fund
could be expended there as it received additional funds this past year from Plaimidge. Mr.
Kozlowski asked if there were a Committee that could ask on behalf of the Board to which
Mr. Ross suggested Parks and Recreation or the Downtown Business Association.
Chairman Dentino suggested the Light Department.
Mr. Ross noted the Town will be working with the School Department on applications to the
Massachusetts School Building Authority,
Mr. Ross noted that Jack O'Neil from Mansfield Cable Access visited his office today regarding
the sound system inside the meeting room. Mr. O'Neil felt with Mansfield Cable Access funding
there may be a chance to upgrade the system and Mr. Ross asked if the Board would like to pursue.
The consensus of the Board was to follow through.
Mr. Kozlowski read from the Federalist Papers 51: James Madison, which has been made a part
the record.
Mr. DelVecchio looked for clarification on the timing of year for Boards and Committee
appointments as he felt it made more sense to have the tinning around elections. Ms. Whalen made
reference that there is language within the Charter and would follow tip with Mr. DelVecchio.
Mr. Aptowitz attended the grand opening for HR Knowledge, owned by Jeff Garr, who just moved
into the industrial park. Mr. Aptowitz congratulated Mr. Garr.
Mr. Aptowitz inquired as to the Xfinity Sub - Committee meeting. Mr. Ross and Police Chief
Sellon and Fire Chief Boldrighini are working to schedule its first meeting.
Mr. Aptowitz and Mr. Annino will be sitting down MIS Director, Sacha Zlatkova, to preview
possible web designs for the Town's website. This will be an initial meeting before presenting to
the Board.
Mr. Aptowitz is looking for Proclamations for Nick Riccio and Gary Babin to which Mr. Ross
noted they are completed and just waiting to be signed.
Mr. Aptowitz followed up with Laurie Anderson, Business Manager, Electric Department, who
reported a developer is delinquent in paying bills. Mr. Ross is aware of the situation and has a
letter ready to be sent, which Town Counsel has reviewed.
Board Of Selechnen's Meeting January 6, 2016
Page 7 of 8
Mr. Aptowitz asked about a Holiday Pay issue he brought to Mr. Ross' attention. Mr. Ross noted
it is a long standing practice and that Patti Firing, HR Director, is investigating.
Mr. Aptowitz asked if Mr. Ross could come up with guidelines regarding dissemination of
information as he feels the Board needs to be informed of newsworthy events so that if asked they
have the information.
None.
Motion: To adjourn the Board of
5:0
Signature of Clerk
/tdw
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 6, 2016
Page 8 of 8
meeting at 10:OOPM (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES
�`ze-1,6
Date of Approval