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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 03-16-2016Board of Selectmen Minutes March 16, 2016 Present: George Dentine, Chairman; Jess Aptowitz, Vice Chairman; Olivier Kozlowski, Cleric, Doug Annino, Frank DelVecchio and William Ross, Town Manager. Vice Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order at 7:01p.m. The Vice - Chairman reminded everyone that the meeting is being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable, Dana Flannery, Town's representative. Superintendent Lopes summarized the following with regards to Southeastern Regional District's FYI Budget: • Total Budget for the District is $25,531,215 which is 3.9% increase over last year and enrollment is up 3.7% • In terms of the Required Minimum Contribution the District, for the 8th year in a row, will request the minimum contribution from its nine member communities. He reminded the number is set based upon the Aggregate Wealth Model by the State. He noted Southeastern still tries to be thrifty with transportation costs, which has a reduction of 9.1%. • Out of 1468 students, Mansfield has 69 students attending (a reduction of 8 students for 10.4 %). Largely because of that the assessment has also decreased by $71,284. The FYI assessment stands at $782,459. • Per the Board's request Superintendent Lopes reported on per pupil cost: Southeastern - $10,720 (up $251) compared to Mansfield per pupil cost $8,898 (up $1,000). Mr. Aptowitz noted that the good news for Mansfield is that the assessment has decreased but noted that is due to a decrease in the number of students. Mr. Aptowitz asked Superintendent Lopes for enrollment numbers for next year. Superintendent Lopes noted there are currently 39 applications and true number will not be known until after October Ist. Mr. Aptowitz requested any information be forwarded as soon as it becomes available. Mr. Annino asked why the operating budget increased 7% to which Superintendent Lopes clarified it is up only 3.7% explaining the big increase was for the previous year and due to the new State Retirement obligation of $650,000 which drove that number. The District was able to absorb some of it this year. Mr. DelVecchio sees an increase of 52 students and a budgetary increase of 3.9% which does not lead to many questions. He thanked Superintendent Lopes. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 16, 2016 Page I of 9 Mr. Ross appreciated the early information and input and felt it greatly helped the process for this Marianne Staples is present before the Board and is looking to install natural gas to her residence at 80 Reservoir Street. Ms. Staples purchased her home three years ago and went through the process with MassSave to upgrade to natural gas. At that time Ms. Staples became aware of the street cut moratorium and plans were put on hold. Unfortunately, since October there have been many repairs totaling $1,000. In order for Ms. Staples to even be considered (put on a list) for the upgrade she will first need permission from the Board. This request is just three months shy of the expiration of the moratorium. Mr. Aptowitz clarified that since this is residential location the cut would be minimal (2 feet) with Chairman Dentino referring to it as a "tap ". Motion: To grant the street cut request for Marianne Staples at 80 Reservoir Street (Antowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 Present before the Board is Chief Boldrighini who reported that the Insurance Service Organization (ISO), which sets public protection classification for the insurance industry nationwide, and analyzes and rates the level of "fire suppression delivery system" in 48,000 communities. Insurance companies then use this information to set the rates for commercial and residential properties with the scale ranging from Class One (acceptable) to Class Ten (unacceptable). The Chief noted the following: • Mansfield moved from Class Five to Class Four (over ten years ago) and now has been upgraded to Class Tln•ee • Out of the 48,000 communities only 3,056 are rated as high as Class Three (putting the inside the (9% range nationwide) and is outstanding • Classification focuses entirely on features within the community related to reducing property losses from structural fires, specifically rating needed fire flows, water supply system emergency communication and fire department • Results show Mansfield Water Department does an exceptional job analyzing and providing appropriate number of hydrants and water lines in relation to number of properties. Monitoring and maintaining water flow is consistent and effective with an exceptional maintenance program • Emergency Communications received high grades for their ability to prove a professional and rapid system for public to report stricture fires. Superior technology of enhanced 911 (wireless, CAD, alarm receipt and processing unit and GIS) are all proper tools to provide critical service. Well trained professionals. • Fire Department analysis shows apparatus and equipment appropriate, well maintained and set up extremely well for rapid development. Response time is outstanding and Department maximizes the use of personnel to fires in spite of high demands that EMS and other emergencies place on crews. Training, standard operating procedures and consistent use of incident management system is effective. Attention to detail and proactive approach on inspections, pre- planning and public education is essential and exceptional part of service. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 16, 2016 Page 2 of 9 The Chief noted this is clearly a team effort and there are areas in which we can always improve on. He stated the Town will not sit on these ratings. The Chief urged the Board to join him in looking to move forward on this to further increase the rankings and better the Department and ability to provide services. Mr. Kozlowski noted the Fire and Water Departments should be commended on making this happen and to be in the top 9% nationally is an honor. With regards to the Regional Dispatch he asked if the Chief foresees that having a positive /negative /neutral impact due to having more Towns to deal with. Chief Boldrighini felt it would be a tremendous increase in the ability to provide better service and this will give a proactive approach for all the communities combined as it increases the ability to get around and do it effectively. The Chief stated this process will allow addressing all of our communication needs and bringing everything up to the highest standard possible. Mr. Kozlowski asked if the drop in rates happens automatically and factored in to which the Chief reported yes. Mr. Ross noted the letter stated the rates would be effective July 1st, noting that the biggest impact will be seen on the commercial side. Mr. Aptowitz commended a good job. Mr. Annino noted what a big accomplishment this is and something everyone should be proud of. He felt this is all about having people in place in this community that can provide the services our residents need. Mr. Annino felt this is another example of what can happen when money is invested in systems with good people and is a direct benefit to the residents. Mr. DelVecchio noted it does not escape any of the Board members that the Chief makes them look good. Mr. DelVecchio asked Mr. Ross if the Town can quantify the insurance rates on the Commercial side suggesting making the information available to the IDC to promote. Mr. Ross is speaking with a few insurance companies and as soon as the information is available will distribute. Chairman Dentino asked for the Chief's reasoning for adding personnel. Chief Boldrighini noted the Department constantly strives to be the best and what ISO looks at in terms of rankings (to move to the next level) is equipment, which with a community of this size isn't feasible, and manpower. The Chief explained the analysis to move to the next level now is: how many people do we need to do the job efficiently and consistently. He furthered that without the ISO consideration factoring in the Department, is managing to get by through the manipulation of man power, the absolute maximum use of their deployment and how the trucks are built and equipped (go from call to call). Chairman Dentino complimented Chief Boldrighini's staff. Mr. Aptowitz asked if the Chief could provide the number of transports for the Town of Mansfield as he is concerned with the loss of revenue due to calls from mutual aid runs, as some are pretty expensive. The Chief noted the number of runs this past year to be around 1,900 — 2,000 with a transport rate of 72% and are on target for pulling in over $1 million. Mr. Ross noted investments in the community bear fruit noting an investment in the new Public Safety Complex will dramatically reduce the response time on the east side of Town which has grown dramatically over the past eight years and felt this to be one of the steps to move to the next ISO level. Mr. Ross commended the Chief for his leadership and teamwork from the entire staff. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 16, 2016 Page 3 of continuation stems from the Board requesting a more detailed floor plan of the business location and a correction of the seating and occupancy numbers on the application. It was noted that the applicant has submitted those corrections to the Board's office and have been marked for review. Mr. Annino requested that the Floor Plan indicate in writing the total number of seating. That will be submitted to the Board's office tomorrow morning (March 17th) Motion: To approve the All Alcohol License, specific location designation, for Uptown Burger Bar (Kozlowski /DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 Motion: To approve the Common Victualler License for Uptown Burger Bar, LLC (Kozlowski /DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 Motion: To approve the Entertainment License for Uptown Burger Bar, LLC (Kozlowski /DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 IMMINNISM MR-0111SIM Mr. Ross noted this is again a standard Grant Assurance the Board has seen before. This is a repair for the T- Hanger which has been completed due to the emergency. It was noted that the State share is $6,560.00 and the Town's portion is $1.640.00 (a small Grant and all State money). Motion: To approve the Grant Assurance (DelVecchio /Aptowitz) PASSES 4:0:1 Kozlowski ABSTAIN This has been tabled to a future meeting. Selectman Aptowitz requested this item for discussion. Ile noted there have been concerns raised by Officer Kinahan regarding unlicensed hackney drivers and cars at the Xfinity Center. It was noted by Officer Kinahan there is no one currently monitoring the situation and questioned if the Town should be policing that. Mr. Kozlowski reported there was a brief discussion at the recent Xfinity License renewal meeting in the larger context of staffing levels where both Public Safety and Jeff Mann, General Manager, felt they did not have the resources to monitor that. Mr. Aptowitz explained there is a Town policy and procedure of licensing vehicles and its drivers for safety purposes and is not fair to those who follow those procedures. Mr. Kozlowski noted there was also a brief discussion of encouraging patrons to take the train and having Xfinity /LiveNation work with GATRA and Uber. Mr. DelVecchio felt more information should be provided to the Board with a possible resolution in order to take a stance. Mr. Aptowitz would like management or Public Safety to put forth a suggestion for resolution. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 16, 2016 Page 4 of 9 Mr. Ross distributed to the Board the initial DRAFT of the Town Meeting Warrant. He explained this is not for the Board to take a position on this evening but to begin the review process with final approval at the next Board meeting, March 30th. Currently, there are 30 Articles (17 Financial Articles, 6 Citizen's Petitions and none from the Zoning or Planning Boards). Mr. Ross stated Town Counsel is still reviewing and working on language and reminded the Warrant requires to be signed by March 30th, Mr. Aptowitz requested a discussion on the date for Town Meeting. Mr. Ross reported that staff is looking to schedule Town Meeting for late May or early June for a number of reasons but specifically that the State is looking for a minimum increase of $100 per student in Chapter 70, resulting in approximately $350,000 increase. Mr. Ross was unsure if this would even happen but felt it best if the Town could hold Town Meeting a little later. Mr. Aptowitz felt there would be heat concerns moving the Meeting into June and also noted that if Town Meeting happens after Elections the Board would lose having Mr. Annino there as he is not seeking re- election. Mr. DelVecchio felt May 3rd would be the ideal date. He asked what would happen if Budget assumptions are made and are off to which Mr. Ross explained it would require a Special Town Meeting to amend the Budget or go with the Budget in place and adjust the revenues to fit. Mr. DelVecchio suggested that the Budget Sub - Committee take this up at its next meeting on March 23r1 and come back to the Board with a recommendation. It was decided to schedule on the next Board of Selectmen's agenda (March 30th) to sign the Warrant and set a Town Meeting date. Mr. Annino would annreciate consideration for Mav 3`d None. a. Approval Of Board Of Selectmen Minutes For: • March 2, 2016 K Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 16036T in the amount of $236,099.01 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 16036E in the amount of $77,567.66 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 16037T in the amount of $439,019.43 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 16037E in the amount of $1,803,728.71 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 16037S in the amount of $314,409.71 c. Licenses And Permits: • Consideration Of Hackney Carriage License For Veterans Taxi Subject To Public Safety Inspection Of Vehicles By Public Safety Officer: • Vehicle 2: 2011 Red Dodge Caravan • Vehicle 3: 2013 Red Chrysler Town & Country Van • Vehicle 5: 2013 Red Ford Fusion • Vehicle 6: 2011 Red Ford Fusion • Vehicle 10: 2013 Red Ford Fusion • Vehicle 21: 2010 Red Ford Fusion • Vehicle 22: 2009 Red Dodge Caravan Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 16, 2016 Page 5 of 9 o Vehicle 29: 2013 Red Ford Fusion o Vehicle 31: 2004 Red Ford Crown Victorian o Vehicle 54; 2013 Red Ford Fusion • Consideration Of Hackney Driver Licenses For: • Richard Pouliot — Already Taxi • Paul Thibeault — Veterans Taxi • Consideration Of Drainlayer And Water Installers Licenses For Healy Trucking • Consideration Of Water Installers License For Walsh Contracting Corp. • Consideration Of Water Installers License For P. Beatty Excavation, Inc. d. Events And Signage • Consideration Of Banner Request For Keep Mansfield Beautiful Great American Clean Up • Consideration Of Event Application For 5K Run/Walk October 2, 2016 Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda (DelVeechio /Aptowitz) PASSES 5:0 • Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16036PT in the amount of $304,195.90 Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16036PT in the amount of $ 304,195.90 (Kozlowski /DelVeechio) PASSES 4:1 Aptowitz NAY • Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16036TV in the amount of $96,020.20 Motion: To approve Town Deductions— Vendor Payroll 16036TV in the amount of $96,020.20 (Kozlowski/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 • School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll 16036PS in the amount of $1,530,542.41 Motion: To approve School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll 16036PS in the amount of $1,530,542.41 (Kozlowski /DelVeechio) PASSES 5:0 • School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16036SV in the amount of $525,094.62 Motion: To approve School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16036SV in the amount of $525,094.62 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 5:0 • Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16037PT in the amount of $290,983.51 Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16037PT in the amount of $290,983.51 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:1 Aptowitz NAY • Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16037TV in the amount of $91,149.00 Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16037TV in the amount of $91,149.00 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 5:0 • Invitation To Bristol County Mosquito Control Project's Open House — Thursday, March 201 • Copies Of Letters From School Committee Chairman Michael Trowbridge To Governor Charlie Baker Regarding • Resolution Calling For No Increase In The Number Of Charter Schools • Resolution Calling For Full Funding Of The Foundation Budget Review Commission's Recommendations Mr. Ross reported that the Mural Committee does have funds available and a method to address the bubbles on the Mural. He will monitor the process and report back. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 16, 2016 Page 6 of 9 Mr. Ross reported there was a meeting today with himself, Shaun Burke, Town Planner, Bob Blackman, Building Inspector, Fire Chief Boldrighini, Lieutenant Sam Thompson, Scott Leite, Board of Health with CommCan, Inc., a group that has approached the Town to open a Medical Marijuana facility located on West Street adjacent to the Cabot Industrial Park. He reported it does fit with the zoning requirements but since it is an undersized lot will require a variance from the Zoning Board and will also require a special permit from the Planning Board. The State requires a statement of endorsement from the Town in order for the group to apply for the license. The proposers are Mark and Ellen Rosenfeld (brother and sister) who currently are constructing a facility straddling Millis /Medway which would be a growing and distribution facility. Mr. Ross reminded the Board that the voters of Mansfield strongly supported the initiative of medical marijuana. Mr. Ross noted that Chief Boldrighini and a few of his staff did visit an existing facility in Brockton and that the Town has also acquired a copy of the agreement Brockton has with the operator of that facility. He described as being similar to a mitigation agreement (like Plaimidge). Mr. Kozlowski noted there is an issue with banking in Colorado as it is an all cash business to which Mr. Ross noted it would be the same here. Mr. Ross is suggesting having the Board invite the Rosenfelds' to present. Mr. Ross reminded that he had sent to the Board a summary of the Governor's Modernization Act, which he felt mostly benefit the Town. Mr. DelVecchio commented on the provision to allow the Town the Right of First Refusal for not for profit sale and wondered why the Town would not want to do that. Mr. Kozlowski commented that he would take issue due to possibly impacting property rights and conceivably impact financing options. Mr. DelVecchio also questioned the designation of a member of the Board to be responsible for Warrants and report every week. Mr. Ross noted some communities establish that through their Charter where others designate the Town Manager. Mr. Ross felt that the Town's current process to be fine. Mr. Ross and Mr. Annino met with the architects, Kastle Boos, of the Municipal Building Complex, stating the Highway garage portion is in consensus with the interior of Public Safety complete and very close on the exterior fapade. He noted the following: • removal of trees is ongoing, concrete and asphalt has been removed with very little cost to the Town • met with Electric, Comeast and Verizon regarding design to relocate electric lines • signed contracts for environmental work on the site Mr. Ross has had inquiries about the closing of an additional Covidien building to which he contacted a representative with regards to the TIP agreement between Covidien and the Town. According the representative Mr. Ross has spoken to, the number of employees is still above the requirement within the Agreement. Chocolate Factory had a Public Hearing with the Planning Board last Wednesday where all parties, including the neighbors, were satisfied. The Planning Board will discuss the traffic plan and possibly vote on the Special Permit at its meeting next week. Marco Crugnale met with Town officials today regarding his project, which is planned to begin demolition in April followed by construction this summer. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 16, 2016 Page 7 of 9 Mr. Ross distributed to the Board FY17 Budget Financial Policies Compliance Worksheet along with the status of the tasks put in place as part of the Operation Finance Study. Mr. DelVecchio attended a Cultural Council meeting along with Robert Krentzman, Chair of the IDC. The Council has been considering a Cultural District in the Downtown and Mr. DelVecchio felt that dovetailed nicely with the IDC establishing a sub - committee with that regard, led by Nancy Wall. Mr. DelVecchio has had inquiries with regard to the Fire Station and asked for a status /process for the sale. Mr. Ross was thinking of approaching first the Town needs to be far enough along with the new facility and to then speak about the options. Mr. Ross explained there is a process to follow by the State (appraisal, open competitive bids). Mr. Ross also mentioned the Historical Committee having interest. Mr. Ross also noted that the building will need significant updates /repairs. If the building is to be sold Mr. Ross will suggest there be conditions within the bill of sale to follow the development agreement. Mr. DelVecchio asked for the status of the Fales Fuel Committee and project as he would like to see this move along. Mr. Ross reported that after the last discussion he reached out to all current members to query if they would agree to stay on. Only two members chose not to continue and two neighbors Matt Donnelly and Michael Lovett requested to be on the Committee. It is Mr. Ross' understanding that the Board also wanted two additional members, outside of the Fales area, to sit on the Committee, which has been advertised. Mr. DelVecchio would like to see this on a future agenda. Mr. Kozlowski reported to the Board that progress has been made with regards to the Xfinity Center license noting the following: • work to reduce staffing levels in terms of genre of shows • reducing transports, and different approaches, which Fire Chief Boldrighini agreed to have a discussion with LiveNation's proposed vendor • next meeting is scheduled for March 30th Mr. Aptowitz asked if there was a specific discussion with regards to the Jimmy Buffet show to which Mr. Kozlowski noted no but that it will be discussed at the next meeting. Mr. Kozlowski noted the sharp curve on Willow Street from 140 and asked if that is the intersection for the new development (former golf course) as he felt it to be dangerous with limited site lines. Mr. Ross noted there are plans to reduce the curve but would follow up. Chairman Dentino questioned how the expenses are being funded for the Municipal Complex specifically referencing the architects' fee and who is working at the site. Mr. Ross reported the wording of the contract for the architect is "not to exceed $1.9 million" and was negotiated down and that no monies have been expended as of yet with regards to the clearing of the site but the Town has entered into contracts (tree removal, earth work, environmental engineer and moving of lines). Mr. Ross further explained that Finance Director John Stanbrook has established a Construction Account for the project where everything is being charged to that account and when the bonds are issued that will go back into the account and anything expended will be reimbursed. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 16, 2016 Page 8 of 9 None. Motion: To adjourn the Board of Selectmen 5:0 Signature Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 16, 2016 Page 9 of 9 at 9:33pm (Aptowitz/Kozlowslci) PASSES Date