HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 12-04-2015Board of Selectmen Minutes
November 4, 2015
Present: George Dentino, Chairman; Jess Aptowitz, Vice Chairman; Olivier Kozlowski, Clerk;
Doue Annino, Frank DelVecchio and William Ross, Town Manager.
Chairman Dentino called the meeting to order at 7:03p.m. The Chairman reminded everyone that
the meethiR is beinj4 broadcast live and taped for fixture broadcast on Mansfield Cable.
Mr.
the record.
Motion: To open the Public Hearing (Kozlowski / Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0
Present before the Board are Nancy Hinote, Assistant Assessor, Greg Matoian, Chairman and Glen
Nirenburg, Secretary from the Board of Assessors.
Mr. Matoian noted that the Board of Selectmen should have received 1) a spreadsheet displaying a
sampling of residential properties in Town accompanied by valuations over the past few years and
tax amounts and 2) spreadsheet which shows the current tax split (both residential and
commercial) agreed upon last year of 1.24. Mr. Matoian reminded that the current tax rate is
$15.50 per thousand residential.
Ms. Hinote explained that this year the Town was in an interim year adjustment where the Board
analyzed all of the sales that occurred in calendar year 2014. She reported that, as it did last year,
the residential values increased on an average of 4.5% - 5 %. She noted that commercial /industrial
also increased. It was Ms. Hinote's opinion that the Town is doing well as sales are booming.
Mr. Ross added that the scenarios provided to the Board are 1) what the tax rates (at various splits)
would be at the current split and utilizing all of the new growth and 2) what the tax rates (at various
splits) would be assessing the levy only the amount of property tax that was anticipated in the
budget. Mr. Ross pointed out that if all property tax available were levied under Prop 2V2 the
Residential Rate would be $15.51 ($.01 decrease) at the current split whereas if only what was
included in the budget were levied the Residential Rate would be $15.41 ($.09 decrease). hi terms
of the Commercial Rate, if the entire amount were levied the impact would be a $.04 decrease and
if only the budgeted amount were levied there would be a $.17 decrease.
Mr. DelVecchio asked if the impact per $100,000 valuation was available as it was his feeling that
the tax rate doesn't tell the entire story. Mr. Ross explained on a $100,000 valuation an increase of
$.01 would be $10. Ms. Hinote furthered that any time valuations come up, and there is no money
levied, the tax rate will always come down.
Mr. Kozlowski explained there is a "pool amount" which is the levy (total amount which a Town
can collect under Prop 2 %) and the first question should be: because the Town has more new
growth than expected does it collect all of that or only collect the budgeted amount. Ms. Hinote
felt that question would need to be answered prior to the Board deciding the split, which is the
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 4, 2015
Page 1 of8
purpose of the hearing. Mr. Aptowitz felt it to be a related topic affecting the Board's decision and
suggested suspending the Public Hearing as there are two issues before the Board: 1) how much to
collect (which is not part of the hearing) and 2) what should the split be (which is the hearing) and
in his mind lie would like to know how notch will be collected. Mr. Ross ultimately felt the
discussion involving what to collect could be held within the Public Hearing.
Mr. Aptowitz noted the levy discussion before the Board this evening is from last May's budget,
which was approved at Town Meeting, and that the next two tax bills will be adjusted as the first
two payments were estimates. Mr. Aptowitz also reminded that the numbers before the Board this
evening do not include the $35 million Public Safety/DPW complex (approved at last May's Town
Meeting). Mr. Aptowitz reiterated that it is Prop 2 %2 on the levy, not on a particular valuation. Mr.
Matoian furthered it is 2'h on what was raised last year (begin with last year's number, add 2 %2 to
that and continue to add — new growth, debt exclusions). Mr. Aptowitz is in favor of what was
budgeted.
Mr. DelVecchio asked if the Board had previously voted to accept the Small Commercial
Exemption to which Ms. Hinote clarified there was an increase to the Personal Property
Exemption from $2,000 to $10,000 and the result of that was about 220 Small Personal Property
accounts. Mr. DelVecchio asked if that was foregone revenue or spread amongst the rest of the tax
base. Ms. Hinote stated it would have been foregone but it was considered new personal property.
Mr. DelVecchio pointed out that the Board has been working over the past several years to work
towards a multi -year process and although by nature this is an annual process it does not preclude
the Board from looking forward. He went on to note as there appears to be a windfall and with the
Municipal Complex coming on board next year this is an opportunity to raise additional money
that could be used, for example, for placement in Stabilization as it currently has about 3.5% of
expenditures with the stated goal being 5 %. Mr. DelVecchio noted that the Goverrmrent Finance
Office Association of the US and Canada recommends two months (17% - a lofty figure). Mr.
DelVecchio did not see another avenue to raise the additional money in two to three years time
given the upcoming scheduled projects hitting taxes and the possibility of a recession. He felt it
may make sense to raise this now and have flexibility in the future rather than being caught short in
down the road.
Mr. Kozlowski disagreed with Mr. DelVecchio where he felt a budget was agreed upon at the May
Town Meeting and that the Town lucked out that there was additional new growth, which
theoretically allows the Town to collect more. Mr. Kozlowski commented that every little bit
helps to the residents noting all went in expecting budgeting the lower amount that was agreed
upon and the opportunity to get more is not the right thing for him to do. Mr. Kozlowski noted that
residents need to realize that this new growth is a one -time thing. Mr. Kozlowski is in favor of
taxing at the budgeted amount.
Chairman Dentino did not agree with Mr. DelVecchio as these windfalls should be used towards
the residents, especially given the upcoming projects and requirements of the Town. He felt the
Board should use these unexpected windfalls as a hedge against expenses the Town didn't expect.
The Chairman did not see any reason to change anything as far as the rates and to stay level.
Steve Schoonveld, 21 Newton Street, would like to clarify a few continents:
• difference in the levies is $362,000 and that number divided by one of the two levies results
in a 70 basis point swing in the tax increase, so instead of a 2.5% increase in aggregate
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 4, 2015
Page 2 of 8
across the entire pool of assessed values it would be a 3.2% increase — big impact on the
overall increase
looks at the tax base as a pie, where every year the pie gets re- divided based on assessed
values noting if the new growth estimate is missed the pie is strangely cut
referencing the spreadsheet — with the lower levy, the 15 properties listed will see a 3.2%
increase and at the higher levy will see a 3.9% increase (same grouping last year had a
drop of 1.7% in tax rate)
good to have a review of the first quartile of properties as well as second and third as some
homes only go up a point and a half in a year and that there is a lot of variability out there.
Ms. Hinote commented that as the Board of Assessors goes through the State Mandate
Certification of Values as it has to submit to the Department of Revenue each year a full
LA3 (stale report of every single property that sold in Town) reporting 2% in each class.
From that the Board receives an interim adjustment, which reports how many sales,
qualified and non - qualified, which basically is the marker for whether the Town needs to
come up or come down.
Motion: To close the Public Hearing (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
Mr. Aptowitz felt there should be a discussion regarding the levy amount: go with what Town
Meeting budgeted for or to add expected growth.
Motion: To levy in the amount of $55,235,765 (Kozlowski / Aptowitz) PASSES 4:1 DelVecchio
NAY
Motion: To set the Residential Tax Rate Split at 1.24 (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
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Present before the Board are Gary Beattv. General Manager of BCL Premier Sports Mansfield and
Francie Boothe, proposed new manager.
Mr. Beatty noted that Stephen McAlear recently left his position with the company where it has
left the MPlex in search of a new Manager of Record for its wine and malt alcohol license. It was
the decision of the corporate office to have Ms. Boothe, as Pub Manager of its Courtside Pub, take
on that responsibility.
Mr. Kozlowski asked for the departure date for Mr. McAlear to which Mr. Beatty noted the
beginning of September where the Town was immediately notified verbally and has been working
to fill the position while keeping the Town informed throughout the process. Mr. Kozlowski asked
for Ms. Boothe's experience to which she noted she has been working in the profession for over 35
years, as her family has owned restaurants, and has been with the MPlex for the past two years.
She enjoys her work there.
Mr. Annino asked what the hours of the pub are to which Mr. Beatty noted it varies upon the
season but as the winter months are the busiest it is typically Monday through Friday S:OOpm —
9:00pm and 12:OOpm — 7:OOpm on the weekends. Mr. Beatty explained that a qualified bar staff
member will always be present when Ms. Boothe is not working. Mr. Annino reminded Mr. Beatty
and Ms. Boothe that the Board takes alcohol licensing seriously and expects the establishment to
be run appropriately.
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 4, 2015
Page 3 of 8
Motion: To approve the Change of Manager application for BCL Premier Sports Mansfield LLC
to Francie Boothe (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0
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Mr_ Rnss remtested that this item he tabled due to a conflict with scheduling and will be
rescheduled for the Board's November 18 °1
Mr. Kozlowski read the Public Hearing notice into the record.
Motion: To open the Public Hearing (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
Mr. Annino reminded the Board that as he has done work on the property (for Ciugnale
Properties), where this establishment resides, lie did abstain from the vote on the businesses initial
license. He spoke with Mr. Ross earlier who felt there was not a conflict but asked the Board if
they took issue with him participating. It was decided that Mr. Annino would not participate.
Present before the Board are Jonas and Lauretta Okoye, Community Corner Store /Community
Care Pharmacy as well as their attorney Collins Akukwe.
Mr. Akukwe explained to the Board that due to a change in the business plan for the location of
Community Care Pharmacy the owners decided to change its corporate and "doing business as"
name to Community Corner Store as that location has phased out the pharmacy aspect of the
business. Unfortunately, when filing the State application for the new corporation, the owners
inadvertently changed from an Incorporated business to an LLC, which then triggered a need to
transfer the alcohol license. Ms. Whalen clarified that this is a State requirement and not a policy
that the Town has.
Mr. Aptowitz noted that the business model originally presented when issuing the license has now
changed.
Mr. Kozlowski asked for the timeline of the change to which Mr. Akukwe noted between February
and April of 2015. He then clarified that the pharmacy portion of the business is still operatingjust
at a different location to which Ms. Okoye agreed with noting Community Care Pharmacy now
operates at Carney Hospital.
Mr. DelVecchio asked how much more space is being utilized for the sale of alcohol to which Ms.
Okoye noted it is the same amount of space as she has not expanded the sale of alcohol into the
pharmacy portion. Mr. Akukwe noted that a floor plan has been provided. Mr. Aptowitz asked if
there was a potential for expansion into that area to which Mr. Akukwe stated the owners could in
the future. Mr. Ross summarized that the owners could expand as long as it matches the legal
description listed on the Form 43 on record with the State.
Motion: To close the Public Hearing (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 4, 2015
Page 4 of 8
Motion: To approve the transfer as stated in the notice (Kozlowski /DelVecchio) PASSES 3:0:2
Aptowitz, Annino ABSTAIN
Mr. Annino thanked Ms. Whalen for putting together a compilation of the last few discussions and
formatting the goals and objectives.
Mr. DelVecchio had a few additional ideas, one of which was to encompass goals for the various
public services the Town provides, referencing Public Safety, and specifically mentioning the
Schools so that there is some form of communication that both Town and School are on the same
page. Mr. Annino felt that to be a good point suggesting an Education goal should be added also
noting it would be nice to have the School Department's input. Mr. Aptowitz believed the School
Department does have its own goals and objectives for Administration (Superintendent and staff)
in terms of "levels to meet ".
Mr. Aptowitz suggested referencing goals and objectives within the Town Report to which Mr.
Annino not only agreed with but expanded in that he would like to have resident input and
feedback.
Mr. Kozlowski would like to see some type of goal tracking its communication with Boards and
Committees and Town Departments. Mr. Kozlowski specifically mentioned serving as a "go
between" in ensuring the facilitation of the process of multiple Boards and Committees or
Departments having to work together on one project is accomplished.
In terms of additional resources Mr. Annino felt that SR13DD needed to be added.
It was decided that Mr. DelVecchio would work on the Board's Mission Statement for the next
meeting.
Chairman Dentino was appreciative of his Board members' excitement towards goals and
objectives but questioned the ability of a Board of five members to meet all that has been
encompassed. He felt that the things that are happening within the community are happening fast
and furiously and he felt the most important thing the Board could do for the conununity would be
to ensure financial responsibility. The Chairman felt the best path would be for each Board
member to choose a goal or objective and to focus on that through completion.
Mr. Aptowitz felt the Board should establish issues that need to be dealt with and to then assess
and assign to the appropriate management of the Town.
Mr. Ross felt a major positive from having goals and objectives is those become the guidance for
the Town Manager and staff to address and establish as priority to accomplish.
None
Rgrea�c�f 121�?Y 05► i n gCt4 a�
a. Vote To Approve Board of Selectmen Minutes of the October 21, 2015 meeting of the Board of
Selectmen.
b. Vote To Approve Warrants:
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 16017T in the amount of $615,807.55
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November A, 2015
Page 5 of 8
• Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 16017E in the amount of $92,040.47
• School Department Vendor Warrant No. 16017S in the amount of $598,341.25
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 16018T in the amount of $1,659,546.20
• Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 16018E in the amount of $26,091.82
• School Department Vendor Warrant No. 16018S in the amount of $175.00
c. Licenses And Permits:
• Consideration Of Hackney Driver's License For Jolm Collito, Jr. For Veteran's Taxi
• Consideration Of Drainlayer's License For Efficient Excavating Inc.
• Consideration Of Water Installer's License For Efficient Excavating Inc.
d. Events And Signage:
• Consideration Of Annual Veterans Day Parade, November 11, 2015
• Consideration Of Proclamation For Patrick J. Daly, Boy Scouts Of America, Troop 51 For
Achievement Of Eagle Scout Rank
• Consideration Of Proclamation For Finn O. Burbach, Boy Scouts Of America, Troop 51,
For Achievement Of Eagle Scout Rank
Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda (DelVecchio/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0
• Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 16017PT in the amount of $325,515.02
Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16017PT in the amount of
$325,515.02 (Kozlowski /Aimino) PASSES 5:0
• Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16017TV in the amount of $106,550.05
Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16017TV in the amount of
$106,550.05 (Kozlowski/Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0
• Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 16018PT in the amount of $334,687.60
Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16018PT in the amount of
$334,687.60 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 5:0
• Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16018TV in the amount of $105,549.22
Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16018TV in the amount of
$105,549.22 (Kozlowski /Amrino) PASSES 5:0
School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll 16018PS in the amount of $1,553,520.49
Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16018PS in the amount of
$1,553,520.49 (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0
• School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16018SV in the amount of $535,369.01
Motion: To approve School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16018SV in the amount of
$535,369.01 (Kozlowski /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0
Resignation Of Bob Krentzman From The Audit Committee
Mr. Ross explained that it was found that the Charter calls that any "at large" member
serving on the Audit Committee cannot sit on another Board. With that being said Mr.
Krentzman, who also sits on the Industrial Development Committee, has decided to resign
from the Audit Committee, Mr. Ross also noted that James Ragazzo has decided to
remain on the Audit Committee and will therefore resign from his alternate position on the
Planning Board.
Resignation Of David Luca From The Mansfield Housing Corporation Board Of Directors
Resignation Of Kevin Mackie From The Zoning Board Of Appeals
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 4, 2015
Pnge 6 of 8
Resignation Of Patricia Holiver From The Keep Mansfield Beautiful Committee
Mr. Annino asked that a letter of thanks be sent to each of the committee members
thanking them for their service.
Letter From Southeastern Regional School District Regarding Their Open House On
Saturday, November 14 °i
Mr. Aptowitz felt it was incumbent on the Board to invite Superintendent Lopes and Mr.
Flannery, the Town's representative to the Southeastern Regional district, for an
explanation of the formula in order for the Town to better prepare for its budget. Mr. Ross
will invite both Mr. Flannery and Mr. Lopes, to a future Board meeting.
Mr. Ross noted that final paving is scheduled on West Street between 6:00am and 12:00pm this
Saturday, November 7t1i and notices have been distributed. A copy was given to the Board.
Mr. Ross will be sending to the Board a Final Draft of the Wastewater Agreement with Easton.
Lee Azinheira, DPW Director, will include a memo detailing the advantages of the Agreement.
Mr. Ross spoke to the awarding of the $2.4 million MassWorks Grant, referencing that the amount
of grant would now allow for no monies to be spent from Town resources. Mr. Ross believed the
project can be completed in one summer. Mr. Ross commended the work done by Rick Alves,
Town Engineer and Shaun Burke, Town Planner. He also noted the work done by Dr. Dulaski and
the Northeastern students who are extremely excited that some of their ideas have been
incorporated. Mr. Aptowitz asked that a letter of thanks and pin be sent to those students. Mr.
Ross noted he would do that.
Mr. Ross reminded that next Wednesday, November 11th is the Veteran's Day Parade and that
Town Hall will be closed.
Mr. DelVecchio commended his colleagues on the Tax Classification discussion particularly
referencing the work previously done by the Board when property valuations were fluctuating
between classes where the Board took action to stabilize and maintain the relationship as he felt it
to be a sound policy. Mr. DelVecchio felt it would be useful in the ftrture to have a brief
presentation of the general process and suggested the Finance Committee.
Mr. DelVecchio noted there was a Budget Sub - Committee meeting on Monday, November 2"'
where there was a discussion of incurring expenses now to recoup cost savings later and the
philosophy behind that.
Mr. Annino noted that Ms. Herbert sent along examples of websites for the Board to review. He
referenced New Bedfords and asked the Board to be sure to look at them.
Mr. Annino noted CIP is going well where Police, Fire and DPW has been reviewed.
Mr. Annino reported that the Public Safety /DPW Complex and Municipal Building Committee is
honing in on selecting an architect which should be decided soon. Chairman Dentine asked what
plan the architects were bidding on. Mr. Annino stated the old plan.
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 4, 2015
Page 7 of 8
Mr. Kozlowski reported that there was a meeting of the Fales Fuel Committee last evening. The
next scheduled meeting is December 8`I'. Mr. Kozlowski noted that the Committee is looking to
utilize the Town's social media to aid in garnering feedback from the public.
Mr. Aptowitz stated that the Budget Sub - Committee hoped to have some rough numbers for its
next meeting in the middle of December.
Mr. Aptowitz reminded that the Annual MMA meeting is fast approaching.
Mr. Aptowitz attended the Senior luncheon sponsored by the Electric Department for the Council
on Aging noting it was one of the nicest ones with great energy.
Mr. Aptowitz would like to schedule an item on the next Light agenda regarding deposit policies
as perhaps the focus should be on the big picture and review the current policy.
Mr. Aptowitz thanked Representative Barrows, Representative Poirier and Senator Timilty for
letters of support regarding the MassWorks Grant.
Chairman Dentino commented there will need to be a closer look of the budget process to ensure
both Municipal and Schools are on the same page. He felt at some point there may need to be
additional meetings.
None.
Motion: To adjourn the Board
5 -0
Signature of Clerk
/tdw
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 4, 2015
Page 8 of 8
g at 9:42PM (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES
Date of Approval