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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 01-20-2016Board of Selectmen Minutes January 20, 2016 Present: George Dentino, Chairman; Jess Aptowitz, Vice Chairman; Olivier Kozlowski, Cleric; Frank DelVecchio and William Ross, Town Manager. Absent: Doug Annino Chairman Dentino called the meeting to order at 7:02p.m. The Chairman reminded everyone that the meeting is being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. Dana Houriaan, 15 Evans Circle, will be Matthew Cummings is currently an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals and is seeking full membership as a position has recently opened. Mr. Cummings is also a member of the Industrial Development Committee noting he has enjoyed his roles on both Committees. Mr. Cummings works as an attorney with familiarity in zoning and has his real estate license as well. He felt he has gain great knowledge since joining the Zoning Board and enjoys the work assisting residents. Mr. Kozlowski thanked Mr. Cummings for his service thus far appreciating the role of alternate to gain knowledge. Mr. Kozlowski questioned Mr. Cumming's attendance at Town Meeting to which Mr. Cummings explained that both he and his wife intend on participating this year. Mr. DelVecchio asked if it is realistic to work on both Boards at the same time to which Mr. Cummings noted the time commitment has not been an issue. Mr. DelVecchio appreciated Mr. Cummings service to both Committees. Mr. Aptowitz looked for clarification on the vacancy to which Ms. Whalen noted this opening is to fill the vacancy from the resignation of Kevin Mackie. Chairman Dentino asked if Mr. Cummings would make any changes to which he felt at this point his experience has been strictly reviewing and adhering to statutes. In terms of Town Meeting, Mr. Cummings did explain to Chairman Dentino he was travelling during the last Town Meeting and was unable to attend. Mr. Cummings reiterated he is planning on attending this year's Town Meeting. Motion: To appoint Matthew Cummings to a 3 year term on the Zoning Board of Appeals to expire January 1, 2019 (Kozlowski/DelVecchio) PASSES 4:0 Mike Trowbridge, Chair of the School Committee, is present as this is ajoint appointment with the Board of Selectmen. The School Committee noted it opened its meeting prior to the Board of Selectmen's meeting. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 20, 2016 Page I of I 1 Chairman Trowbridge first thanked Mr. Sommer for coming forward and applying, noting it is an important Committee providing checks and balances in the auditing of the Town. Chairman Trowbridge asked Mr. Sommer, as a CPA, what types /category of companies he currently works with. Mr. Sommer explained it does vary but assured he does not work with any municipalities in his role as auditor at Deloitte but referenced it can range from large public companies down to some venture back stage companies. Mr. Sommer and his family have been residents of Mansfield since 2011. He has worked for Deloitte and Touche for 14 years in the financial statement audit practice primarily in the technology space /field. He spends most of his time completing audits working with Audit Committees and understands the importance of the Audit Committee interacts with the auditor and internal controls. Mr. Sommer felt he could add value to the position. Mr. DelVecchio wanted to be sure that Mr. Sommer understood that this position is subject to the Open Meeting Law to which he was. Mr. DelVecchio noted the Town has retained the firm of Powers and Sullivan and asked if there were any known conflicts to which Mr. Sommer stated he did not know of any and actually explained he needed to have his firm's approval to apply for the positon to ensure there were no conflicts. Mr. DelVecchio felt Mr. Sommer was an excellent candidate. Mr. Aptowitz noted he was a founding member of the Audit Committee and explained that having a grasp of the numbers and to be another set of eyes for checks and balances and to know the proper questions to ask is what is important. Mr. Kozlowski felt Mr. Sommer had an impressive background and reminded Mr. Sommer of the importance of attending Town Meeting. Chairman Dentino thanked Mr. Sommer for applying noting how nice it is to have qualified applicants with great energy. Member of the Audit Committee, Jim Bazinet, requested permission to ask if he could present questions to Mr. Sommer. Chairman Dentino indicated that it would not be proper as the process is in place for a joint appointment of the Board of Selectmen and School Committee. Motion: To appoint George Sommer to an unexpired 2 year term on the Audit Committee to expire June 30, 2016 (Kozlowski / Trowbridge) PASSES 9:0 Present before the Board are Randy Waters, Chairman, and Marilyn Lewis, Vice Chairman of the Mansfield Housing Corporation. Mr. Waters explained that the five member volunteer Board is set up, by Charter, to assist residents with services associated with alternative housing or to utilize Town aid in maintaining residency. He felt the Board has made tremendous progress through additional assistance from outside sources (surrounding communities) to gain information on how affordable housing works which could in turn be successful for Mansfield. It is the Board's hope to work with the Town on the purchase of properties that have been taken for tax purposes and with developers with regards to land and the possibility of building homes. The Board will be looking for assistance from the Town Manager as well as the Board to spread the word to the community that Mansfield Housing Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 20, 2016 Page 2 of 11 Corporation is not just about building homes but providing security and safety so that residents are able to stay within the community. Ms. Lewis, has been a member since the Board's inception, and noted that the Charter calls for no fewer than seven members and no more than eleven. The Board currently has five and Ms. Lewis and the Board are seeking assistance in generating a call for new members who could bring a skill set that would assist the Board in spending its funding properly. Mr. Kozlowski was an original member of the Housing Corporation and thanked both members for their service. Mr. Kozlowski clarified that the Housing Corporation's funding, in large part, came as a result of the 40b project. He asked what the Housing Corp is focusing on to which Ms. Lewis explained that over the past three years the Board has been interested in a particular parcel that the Town has taken over, which with a Board of its size and with the assistance from Habitat for Humanity, felt it would be a great project to start with. Unfortunately, to date, it has not been able to purchase the property where Mr. Ross explained the Town is currently working for the Board of Selectmen to approve a listing of these types of properties for the Treasurer /Collector to then auction off. Mr. DelVecchio thanked the Board for its service and for explaining its role. It was clarified for Mr. DelVecchio that this Board's focus is affordable housing, which has a much greater opportunity to expand and develop land, rather than with public housing. Ms. Lewis explained that the Mansfield Housing Corporation was organized to supplement the Housing Authority. It was Mr. Aptowitz's understanding, that in the past six years, there has been no money spent, which Ms. Lewis confirmed explaining besides administrative costs no other monies have been spent with a current balance of just over $459,000. It was agreed that assistance from the Town Manager would be needed to begin moving in the direction of purchasing homes /land for the Housing Corporation. Chairman Dentino asked about a plan to interface with Habitat For Humanity to which Ms. Lewis they have been guests at a Mansfield Housing Corporation meeting. It was decided when a parcel of land/property became available the Board would have Habitat For Humanity back in to review the process in detail. The Chairman felt the two groups would make areat partners. Present before the Board is Charlie Woods, member of the Fales Fuel Oil Committee. Mr. Woods introduced Committee members, made up of businessmen, residents, a Selectman and Planning Board member: Neil Rhein, Chairman, Caitlin Barrows, Shaun Burke, Dana Hourigan, Geri Huiskamp, Olivier Kozlowski, Bernie O'Malley and George Pantos. The Committee's mission was to review ideas for the Fales Oil Site and recommend a best use of the land. Mr. Woods began his presentation which has been made a part of the record. Highlights included: • Committee focused on three possible uses: recreation (dog park or covered pavilion), garden/market or parking. • Considered the disrepair of the downtown bike path and consensus was for the Town to clean up the area which included: better lighting, repaint lines (which would all to regaining some parking). Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 20, 2016 Page 3 of 11 • Committee asked Chris Drinan to create drawings for a pavilion park, dog park and mixed use park. All drawings would incorporate some additional parking. After review the Committee favored a basic park. A resident group (Shawmut and Samoset) then presented its ideas for a park. • The Committee is recommending to move forward with the resident's drawing and vision as it went beyond the Committee's expectation. Katie Donnelly, resident of Shawmut Avenue, is before the Board to present the residents' vision for the site. • Eight neighborhood families (with 18 children) worked to come up with a vision of site as a starting and ending point for the bike path. They see the park as an anchor which would include: water bubbler area, bike racks, information kiosks, a space for community activity and outdoor activity (climbing structure and open space — including a track for walking /riding bikes). • Committed to making the area beautiful, durable, low- maintenance and eco- friendly. • Drawings have been made a part of the public record. It was asked what the cost of this project would be to which Mr. Woods noted that the Committee was charged with a recommendation for the best use and not to determine cost. Mr. Aptowitz asked if, within the confines of the acreage, the only additional parking would be those gained from cleaning up the overgrown area to which Mr. Rhein agreed. Mr. Aptowitz asked if the site is currently being used to which Mr. Ross stated it has been used to put snow from the downtown. Mr. Aptowitz noted that he has requested additional lighting in that area from the additional funds received from Plainridge and deposited into the Non - Profit Gift Fund. Mr. Aptowitz felt the Board would need some type of rough estimate of cost as this would need to be a budgeted project. Representative Barrows approached the Board commending the Committee for its work in such a short period of time. Representative Barrows has been a member of the Downtown Business Association since 1994 and it was his feeling this area has been blighted for many years, since the closing of the grain mill and railroad. Representative Barrows was excited about this idea as he felt it partnered well with the Town of Norton (committing $300,000) and the State's efforts for the continuation of the bike path. He felt the project had many aspects for building towards the future and would strengthen the downtown as well as making it more accessible. I-Ie felt the project could be funded with the assistance from local businesses, Non - Profit Gift Fund and other fundraising efforts. Mr. Ross, who attended a few of the Committee's meetings, commented that the group worked diligently through discussion and engaging the community to produce outstanding results. He noted it now is the Town's duty to take the lead to ensure completion of the goal of developing that open space for all ages. He thanked the Committee as well as the neighbors for the effort put forth. Mr. Kozlowski noted he was an advisor to the group where his role was to provide information that would be helpful to the discussion. It was his feeling that the Committee efficiently completed the job it was tasked with. It was his hope that the Town will take advantage of the community enthusiasm for the project and "strike while the iron is hot." Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 20, 2016 Page 4 of I 1 Mr. DelVecchio originally was concerned that an ad hoc committee of this nature may view the property without taking into consideration its surroundings and the needs of the Town but felt this Committee took a broad view of what was needed and reached out to the neighborhood, embracing their view. He felt this to be very exciting. Mr. DelVecchio did feel safety concerns with regards to lighting of the bike path would need to be addressed. Mr. Rhein felt this Committee could continue to work to represent the residents of the Town and to keep the momentum going. Mr. DelVecchio asked how this goes from presentation mode to moving along to become a reality. Mr. Ross thought the Town would need to look at the layout and begin researching cost estimates as well as working with the residents on fundraising and various sources of funding to ensure where the Town heads, in terms of design, fits in with the vision of the Committee and the neighbors. He did note a decision had already been made to resurface the area as well as researching better lighting. Mr. Rhein noted that from a cost perspective the Committee had an offer from a local business to survey the area at no cost. Mr. Woods felt the Committee wanted to create a compelling vision and a plan for the park that would get people excited and wanting to contribute. Mr. Ross felt as the Town moves forward on the project it will need to get feedback and input to ensure it is following the vision of the Committee. Chairman Dentin felt this to be a nice concept. He thanked the Committee for all its hard work. Caitlin Barrows expressed what a pleasure it was to work on this Committee but would still like to hear Selectman Anino's thoughts on the presentation as he has worked hard on the vision of the downtown. Ms. Whalen noted that she has sent both presentations to Mr. Annino. Mr. Kozlowski asked what type of "green light" the Board could give the project at this point to assure the project will move forward. Mr. Aptowitz felt the Board would at some point need to take a vote on the project but would still need a feel for the cost. Mr. DelVecchio felt a vote at this time would be premature as although there is a concept there is no detail for plans, cost and raising funds. Chairman Dentino felt a credit line would need to be in place first as financing is the most important detail. Mr. Ross reminded how much the Town will be taking on in the next two years with the MFN Wastewater plant expansion ($100 million in next two years). Mr. Aptowitz felt this Fales project to be in a different category and perhaps should be moved up considering the Town is resurfacing the area. Mr. Ross felt the Fales project will happen but it will take time. Kevin Doyle, Fruit Street, approached the Board stating as a lot of time and effort has been put into the project he felt the Committee deserved a vote. Mr. Aptowitz agreed with Mr. Doyle but felt the vote should be scheduled when there is a full Board present. Chairman Dentino questioned moving forward on a project when a cost has not been determined. Mr. Aptowitz felt it should not be too hard to obtain cost estimates. Mr. Kozlowski felt providing a green light does not commit the Town to providing funds. Ms. Donnelly asked if the Board could provide a green light for the project, subject to appropriation. Ms. Donnelly also noted that she has experience with grant writing. Bernard O'Malley felt the Downtown has lost its theme and its activity. He is unsure of what will happen next. Mr. Aptowitz commented that as the area is private landowners trying to utilize its land to the best of their financial ability there is not much the Board can do. Chairman Dentino felt Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 20, 2016 Page 5 of 11 this all began with zoning and a lack of standards. Mr. O'Malley would like to see a master plan drawn un for the area. This item has been tabled Zachary Frangos, General Manager, and Maria Correira of the Holiday Inn are present before the Board to request a potential fee adjustment with regards to the commercial plumbing code. I-Ie explained this issue came about as the Holiday Inn is in the process of a major renovation at the hotel. Mr. Frangos summarized that the Holiday Inn had met with the Town on November 23rd (Nick Riccio) with regards to the process of applying for permits and receiving approval for this renovation. Upon receiving approval Mr. Frangos claimed the Holiday Inn was then informed that based on what was submitted there would be a commercial plumbing fee of $200 per room totaling $40,000. Mr. Frangos noted to the Board that in his experience (resort communities out west) there has always been a residential component, commercial component and hotel /lodging component with regards to a fee structure. He felt nothing of this level of renovations has been done at the Holiday Inn in 30 years and that the code does not take hotel /lodging into consideration. Mr. Frangos noted that the bed tax the Holiday Inn pays (which no other business has to pay) brings additional revenue to the Town and feels that some type of fee relief on this project should be considered as the Board did provide fee relief to the Airport project. Mr. Frangos has met with Bob Blackman, Building Inspector, who felt the fee was high. Mr. Frangos provided the fee structure for surrounding communities, which have been made a part of the record. It was noted that Foxboro, Norton and Franklin were significantly less with regards to plumbing. Mr. Frangos stated the Holiday Inn has already paid $33,000 (pay as they go "wing by wing ") and has incurred a double penalty as the tubs were removed and was a mistake on their part. The estimated cost of the entire project was $40,400 and Mr. Frangos is asking for some type of relief. Mr. DelVecchio asked for the range of pricing between the Town and surrounding conununities. Mr. Frangos noted the following — there are three fixtures in each bathroom: Town of Mansfield: $200 (6 fixtures with fee for additional fixtures) Town of Foxboro: $75.00 (1 fixture with $12.00 for each additional fixture) cost equates to $104.00 Town of Norton: 1% of contract— cost equates to $500 Town of Franklin: $75.00 (1 fixture with $15.00 for each additional fixture) Mr. Frangos noted the penalty was paid because they did not pull a plumbing permit as they believed the demo permit covered the reinstallation of the bath tubs. Mr. DelVecchio questioned how the Holiday Inn would not know that to which Mr. Frangos commented that from a plumbing perspective it was felt that the demo permit from the Building Department was sufficient. Mr. Frangos also challenged that in the meeting with Mr. Riccio it was said that the project was "all set ". Mr. Aptowitz took offense to that statement because through his research, which included conversations with Mr. Blackman (Building Inspector) and Gary Nelson (Plumbing Inspector), he found that when a licensed plumber does any work it is fact there needs to be a plumbing permit and this was not done at all. What frustrates Mr. Aptowitz is that when Mr. Blackman was on Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 20, 2016 Page 6 of 11 inspection for the alcohol licensing requirement this was found where tubs were stacked. Mr. Aptowitz challenged that if Mr. Blackman hadn't seen that the work would have went forward without the Town knowing. He stated that the meeting with Mr. Riccio was strictly issuing a demo permit from the Building side of the project. The Holiday Inn was given permission to use a journeyman plumber where Mr. Aptowitz stated any plumber knows a permit is needed. With regards to the fees Mr. Aptowitz felt that although these fees to seem high the "Town does come in lower with regards to other fees. Mr. Aptowitz will not reduce the fee. Mr. Kozlowski asked who did the work (putting the tubs back after demo) prior to the journeyman plumber to which Mr. Frangos noted the engineers (does typical /daily maintenance). Mr. Frangos emphasized that only the tubs were worked on and nothing else and once it was realized that a permit was needed all worked stopped until that was done. Mr. Kozlowski felt that the intent of any fees in the Town is to cover cost and not to make a profit. He asked Mr. Ross how these fees fit in with that to which Mr. Ross explained it is 65% of whatever fee is charged and commented that he was surprised the fee was that high. Prior to his leaving, Mr. Riccio had begun the process of reviewing all fees and Mr. Blackman has now taken the lead where upon completion will approach the Board with the findings and possible recommendations. At this juncture, Mr. Ross agreed with Mr. Aptowitz as the fee is established and to waive that could bring others before the Board asking the same and also he believed the penalty was $10,000 which would mean there were 50 installations which is more than what Mr. Frangos is leading the Board to believe. As the Town has an obligation to protect the public, Mr. Ross felt it is a real concern that this work was done without a permit. Mr. Frangos believed there should be consideration for relief as the project will increase the ADR which brings more revenue to the Town. With regards to the airport relief Mr. Ross clarified that the Town owns the airport and only waives the portion of its own fee. Mr. Frangos asked for the timeline for the Board reviewing the current fee structure to which Mr. Ross stated Mr. Riccio had completed much of the work and that Mr. Blackman intends to move the recommendations forward. Mr. Ross explained the Town found a major fault in the hose tower at the Main Street fire station through inspection. The result is that it needs to be taken down, not quite to roof level, just removal of the top section down (doorway on tower will remain). Mr. Ross reported that the Finance Committee has reviewed it and allocated money from the Reserve Fund to pay for the work, which is ready to go with contracts signed. Mr. Ross stated the normal request is to waive the fee for the Building permit portion but noted there will be a small amount of electrical and heating /ventilating work that will also need to be done. Mr. Ross is recommending approving the fee waiver for the Town's portion of building, electrical and heating /ventilating work. Mr. Ross also clarified that the Town no longer uses the tower. Motion: To grant a fee waiver with regards to partial removal of the hose tower at Main Street Fire Station for the Town's portion (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 In a related matter, Mr. Ross explained that Mike Ahern, Buildings and Special Projects, has requested a blanket fee waiver for any Town projects, including School, as there will be numerous upcoming projects. This would be in order to avoid paperwork or any potential delay of work. An email was included in the Board's packet. Mr. Ahern was under the impression there was a policy Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 20, 2016 Page 7 of 11 in place but Mr. Ross' office was unable to find one. Mr. Ross did note that the Board could place restrictions or apply a dollar amount. Mr. Aptowitz likes the idea of keeping the process the same as it allows the Board to know what types of projects are going on. Mr. Kozlowski got the impression from Mr. Ahern's email that it wouldn't be "feasible" due to volume and scheduling. Mr. Ross suggested placing each request on the Consent Agenda. Mr. DelVecchio liked the idea of the Consent Agenda. The Board directed Mr. Ross to place these fee waiver requests within the Consent Agenda. See resident presentation by during Fales Fuel Oil Advisory Committee. a. Approval Of Board Of Selectmen Minutes For: • November 4, 2015 • December 30, 2015 • January 6, 2016 b. Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 16028T in the amount of $777,113.27 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 16028E in the amount of $68,893.57 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 16029T in the amount of $490,836.46 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 16029E in the amount of $1,960,581.10 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 16029S in the amount of $302,005.85 c. Licenses And Permits: • Consideration Of Water Installer's License For Efficient Excavating d. Events And Signage • Consideration Of Banner And Signage Request From Mansfield Women Of today For House Tour And Tea — October 17th Through October 31st • Consideration Of Banner Request From Parks And Recreation For Summer Camp — March 7th Through March 18th • Consideration Of Banner Request From Parks And Recreation For Duck Race — June 13th Through June 291h • Consideration Of Banner Request From Parks And Recreation For Arts And Crafts — October 24th Through November 4th • Consideration Of Banner Request From Mansfield girls Softball Association Registration — February 15th Through February 291h • Consideration Of Banner Request From Council On Aging For Holiday Fair e. Proclamations • Proclamation For Nicholas Riccio, Former Building Inspector /Zoning Enforcement Officer • Proclamation For Gary Babin, Former Director Of Mansfield Municipal Electric Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda (DelVecchio/Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 • Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16028PT in the amount of $317,930.98 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 20, 2016 Page 8 of 11 Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16028PT in the amount of $317,930.98 (Kozlowski /DelVecchio) PASSES 3:1 Aptowitz NAY • Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16028TV in the amount of $104,384.33 Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16028TV in the amount of $104,384.33 (Kozlowski /DelVecchio) PASSES 4:0 • School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll 16028PS in the amount of $1,502,401.70 Motion: To approve School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll 16028PS in the amount of $1,502,401.70 (Kozlowski /DelVecchio) PASSES 4:0 • School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16028SV in the amount of $519,607.31 Motion: To approve School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16028SV in the amount of $519,607.31 (Kozlowski/DelVecchio) PASSES 4:0 • Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16029PT in the amount of $325,097.08 Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16029PT in the amount of $325,097.08 (Kozlowski/DelVecchio) FAILS 2:2 Dentino, Aptowitz NAY Discussion: Mr. DelVecchio asked why Mr. Aptowitz has voted NAY on both payrolls to which Mr. Aptowitz explained he has an issue with holiday pay calculations which Mr. Ross and Ms. Firing are working to resolve. As it was determined that this particular payroll has no holiday pay Mr. Aptowitz will change his vote in favor. Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16029PT in the amount of $325,097.08 (Kozlowski /DelVecchio) PASSES 3:1 Dentine • Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16029TV in the amount of $103,152.60 Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16029TV in the amount of $103,152.60 (Kozlowski /DelVecchio) PASSES 4:0 • MassDOT Public Meeting Notice Regarding MBTA Fare Proposal And Proposed Commuter Rail Schedule Changes - Wednesday, February 3 6:00pm- 8:00pm, Mansfield High School • Letter From Roxanne Donovan, Executive Director, Bristol County Retirement System, Regarding Request For January 1, 2014 Actuarial Report Mr. Ross reported his office has received a press release from Olympia Moving and Storage earlier today. The company is expanding to include an 80,000 sq. ft. warehouse in the Cabot Industrial Park (290 Forbes Boulevard). Mr. Ross met with staff regarding a run through of the Xfrnity Center license agreement. A meeting of the full committee is expected soon. Mr. Ross received an update from Mike Ahern, Buildings and Special Projects, on the status of the Municipal Complex. He will forward that on to the Board. Mr. Ross noted that Rod Hoffman, Town Counsel, working with counsel from Kastle Boos (architect for the project) has review and approved the contract ($1,900,000). Mr. Ross felt Mr. Annino will be a tremendous asset on this project and appreciated the assistance provided. Mr. Ross reported that most of the Board will be attending the MMA Conference this Friday and Saturday, January 22nd and 23`a Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 20, 2016 Page 9 of I I Mr. Ross distributed to the Board a confidential opinion on the issue of parking in the Bike Path/ Trail area. Mr. DelVecchio felt, that in terms of the Budget, that considerations include all revenues coming into the Town and what is being spent, including grants. Mr. Ross noted that Mr. Stanbrook produces a monthly Fund Balance report on activity (beginning and ending revenue by month). Mr. Ross felt the vast majority is on the School side. Mr. Ross stated that report will be made available. Mr. DelVecchio understands it is not the Town's responsibility to provide parking for residents but as the Town has heard these complaints for years, perhaps the time is now to begin comprehensively looking into ways to alleviate the problem. He would like to see this as a future agenda item. Mr. Aptowitz has received calls regarding repairing pot holes. The DPW is staying on top of the situation. Mr. Aptowitz noted that within the Correspondence section there was the Actuarial Report from Bristol County Retirement and asked for the status. Mr. Ross has asked Steve Schoonveld, Finance Committee Chair, to review the Actuarial Report provided as that is his expertise. From what Mr. Ross can tell the mortality tables have been updated and the rate of return anticipated on investment has been lowered because of expectations. He also reported that the Retirement Board has made the decision to shorten the time to pay off the unfunded liability which will increase the immediate investment. Mr. Aptowitz has been speaking with Mr. Ross about holiday pay for some of the administrative offices where it is costing the Town tens of thousands of dollars. He did not want to get into specifics as it is not an agenda item and commented nothing has been done illegally and it is nothing personal, but there needs to be a change in the policy as he will not let this go. Mr. Ross agreed but noted the policy has been in place for 30 years. Mr. Aptowitz reported there will be a Budget Sub - Committee meeting on January 27`x'. Mr. Aptowitz appreciated John Stanbrook's work but felt the Board needs to keep an eye on the 911 Regional Dispatch with regards to the cost of the Municipal Complex. Mr. Ross noted it will happen as the State is on board. In terms of the School Projects Mr. Aptowitz asked about funding. Mr. Ross explained that Mike Ahern and Walter Wilk, Finance Committee, met with the consultant the School is paying for and puts together the applications, who recommended prioritizing the projects, bring on board an architect from the State list for cost estimates and in October move forward with authorization of applications and then in January of next year immediately file the applications. From there the State will decide which projects to fund. Mr. Aptowitz clarified then that none of those projects will be in this Budget to which Mr. Ross agreed. Mr. Aptowitz felt the Town is pricing itself out of paying some of its positions and perhaps there should be a discussion within Executive Session. Chairman Dentino inquired again about the status of the Montessori School to which Mr. Ross reported he had notified the owner that a bill will be sent to which it was noted it was expected. At this point the owner is still looking for land. Chairman Dentino reminded this goes back a few years. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 20, 2016 Page 10 of I 1 Chairman Dentino inquired about parking passes and who is responsible for them. Mr. Ross felt it was with the Police Department but would follow up. Chairman Dentino is still waiting for plans for the Municipal Complex. Mr. Ross stated the schematic floor plan is still being worked on. Chairman Dentino is concerned about traffic and as he knows there have been numerous studies completed felt it is a new ball game. He suggested a new traffic study looking at Route 106 from Easton into North and South Main. None. Motion: To adjourn the PASSES 4:0 Signature of Clerk /tdw Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 20, 2016 Page 11 of 11 meeting at 10:18PM (DelVecehio /Aptowitz) 2 -3 -/6 Date of Approval