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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 4-27-2016Board of Selectmen Minutes April 27, 2016 Present: Jess Aptowitz, Vice Chairman; Olivier Kozlowski, Clerk; Doug Annino; Frank DelVecchio and William Ross, Town Manager. Absent: George Dentino Vice Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m. The Vice - Chairman reminded everyone that the meeting is being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. Dana Hourigan, 15 Evans Circle, will be Vice Chairman Aptowitz began this evening's meeting reminding that Mr. Annino has chosen not to seek re- election for a third term to the Board. He noted that Mr. Annino has served judiciously on the Board of Selectmen for the past six years as well as serving on the Planning Board for over 20 years. Mr. Kozlowski noted he and Mr. Annino followed the same paths serving on both the Planning Board and Board of Selectmen. He wished him all the best. Mr. DelVecchio read from the mission statement for the Board of Selectman thanking Mr. Annino as it was his driving force to create a direction for the Board. Mr. DelVecchio thanked Mr. Annino noting he is a gentleman and scholar. Mr. Ross stated that in his many years of working with elected officials he has an eye for what is special and Mr. Annino is just that. He referenced the many areas and projects Mr. Annino has touched stating he has contributed greatly to the Town. Caitlyn Barrows, representing her father Representative Jay Barrows, presented Mr. Annino with a Proclamation and Vice Chairman Aptowitz read a Proclamation from Senator Timilty. Mr. Annino read a farewell statement touching on the Town's direction and thanking the many Town Departments and Committees, Ms. Whalen, Mr. Ross and his fellow Board members. Present before the Board are: Mike Mallon, Mike Dube, Kevin Ross, Chris Ferrara, Emily Buck, Matt Skrinski and Sabina Kintzer - Shorey representing T3 Solutions, part of the Northeastern Capstone project directed by Mansfield resident and Northeastern professor, Dr. Daniel Dulaski. This will be the third year a group of this nature has presented. The group's study and presentation focused on the North Main Street, Old Colony Road area, including the intersection of Route 106 and North Main and the WWII Veterans Memorial Trail. Recommendations included: • roundabout at the intersection of North Main and Route 106 widening sidewalks on North Main Street and provide better crosswalks make North Main Street two way by eliminating part of Middle Common, this would eliminate the need for vehicles on Old Colony Road Board Of Selectmen's Meeting April 27, 2016 Page I of 7 • Old Colony could then provide a useful link for pedestrians and bicyclists from Middle Common to the commuter rail through creation of bike trail, pedestrian space • reorganizing Old Colony by eliminating one lane of traffic and moving parking to perpendicular on Route 106 side • move WWII Bike Trail over to one side and reorganize parking on Old Colony which creates more spaces • closeout access to Shawmut Avenue to keep area safe and eliminate cut throughs • bike amenities and park area at Fales Fuel Oil Site • extension of bike path connects the area to Fulton Pond, Train Station and South Common • completed design presented creates 1+ acres of green space, 2,400 It of bike network and 108 additional parking spaces Vice Chairman Aptowitz noted this is the fourth time this Board has had the privilege to hear from the students mentored by Dr. Dulaski. FIe commended the group for its hard work. Mr. Annino felt this design could beautify the downtown area immensely noting he has always been a proponent of two way traffic on North Main. Mr. Annino referenced the additional parking for merchants and green space for pedestrians is what makes Mansfield vibrant. He felt the roundabout brought up a good point and appreciated the organization of pedestrian stop points as the Town has endeavored to try and connect the area to the rest of Mansfield. Mr. Annino noted by eliminating the lights and installing a roundabout helps connect the area back together. Mr. Annino stated the group is very talented. Mr. DelVecchio mentioned that the Fire Station is moving so the immediate problems of turns is moot and also noted that an Ad Doc Committee for the Fales Oil Site was created and also recommended a park for that area. He felt the group has provided a great vision. Mr. DelVecchio announced the good news is a lot of the suggestions from the group's peers from previous presentations have been or are in the process of being adopted. Mr. Kozlowski appreciated all of the efforts. In terms of parking, Mr. Kozlowski was hesitant eliminating one side of the parking on North Main as there isn't enough parking in the area already. Mr. Kozlowski would like to see these plans blended with the plans from the Fales Oil Site Committee's. He felt the key is connecting that new park to East Street because you have all of the parking rights and felt a lot of work can be done there and it can be done creatively. Vice Chairman Aptowitz wished the group great success with graduation and future endeavors. Chris Paquin, Chairman, of the Municipal Building Committee, is present before the Board and introduced Joe Mulany and Greg Joint from Kaestle Boos and Jeff Alberti from Weston and Sampson. Mr. Mulany presented floor plans for the Public Safety portion of the complex while Mr. Alberti reviewed the DPW plans. The presentation has been made a part of the public record. Mr. DelVecchio asked if there were any changes from the initial plans that have proven to be cost effective to which Mr. Paquin noted that as the group has been working on the project and design stages it has looked into alternative costs, materials, building methods and scheduling to save. Mr. Paquin noted that all the efforts from all parties involved have always been with cost in mind. Mr. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting April 27, 2016 Page 2 of 7 DelVecchio asked what the role of the Municipal Building Committee in the project to which Mr. Paquin explained that under Town Charter the MBC is to equip any Town building whether its structural modifications or building new buildings. It's a five member committee with Mark Cook, Highway Operations Manager, Ron Sellon, Police Chief and Neal Boldrighim, Fire Chief as alternates for this project (per Town Charter). In terms of oversight and costs the Committee reviews all bids and invoices. Mr. Paquin noted that Mike Ahern, Buildings and Special Projects, has been named as project manager and has proven to be valuable. Mr. Ross felt it important to note that the MBC has construction, architect and finance specialists as members and all are extremely knowledgeable. He noted it is a very well rounded group. Mr. Annino stated it is important to remember that Mansfield is blessed to have an MBC that is charged with overseeing municipal projects which is beneficial in that you don't have to institute an Ad Hoc of members that have no experience or specialized background. Mr. Annino, who has aided the group, noted the group has cut down the square footage from the initial programming study and that the architects are constantly evolving and creating a building that is efficient with less square footage and cost that the original plans. Mr. DelVecchio asked since this was originally approved have any of the assumptions /costs changed dramatically. Mr. Paquin felt that material costs could rise but noted that estimates received have built in contingencies for labor and materials and should therefore be in alignment or less. The project will be brought to bid in August. Mr. Kozlowski stated it was great to hear of the qualifications of the group. He asked will the project cost less than the estimates to which Mr. Paquin explained we won't know until the bids come in. It is the hope of the Committee that as word spreads and competition increases the price will lower. Vice Chairman Aptowitz noted that a 10% reduction in square footage should translate to a savings unless there are issues the Board is not aware of. Vice Chairman Aptowitz thanked the entire eroun for all its hard work. Lee Azinheira, DPW Director, is present before the Board. Mr. Azinheira noted his recommendation for a water increase follows last year's, which is a 2% increase. At this time the Department is trying to make capital improvements as much as possible from Retained Earnings and or watching as Debt Service comes off so that the Department is not adding more to the rates. Motion: To approve a 2% increase in the water rates (Annino /DelVecchio) PASSES 3:1 Aptowitz NAY With regards to the sewer rates, Mr. Azinheira is recommending a 4% increase for FYI 7, pointing out the rate schedule in the Board's packet that was instituted back in 2006 and based on the various improvements to the plant, proposed expansion and Phase I1 improvements. The initial proposal was a 6% increase for FY14 —FY17 (FY14, FY15 and FY16 did see 6 %) but as construction has been delayed Mr. Azinheira is recommending only a 4% increase and will review the rates further during FYI but felt due to various factors it was the hope to keep them at 6% or below (4% preferably). What gives Mr. Azinheira a comfort level it that the Department has built Board Of Selectmen's Meeting April 27, 2016 Page 3 of 7 up a considerable Retained Earnings of about $2.5 million which is expected to rise to $3 million by the end of the fiscal year and will allow time to build up the rates to catch up with the debt service. Motion: To approve a 4% rate increase in the sewer rates (Annino /DelVecchio) Discussion. Mr. Kozlowski noted he questioned Mr. Azinheira at an MFN meeting on construction plans 2 — 3 years behind schedule and how that impacts Towns in the District. He also reminded he had commented last year on how the Town is essentially charging people so that the impact when we really need it isn't a huge jump. Mr. Azinheira explained that if rates were only raised in order to meet each fiscal year's operating budget they would have been less but there would then be huge impacts later. Mr. Azinheira felt planning for the future through gradual increases to be better. Mr. Kozlowski asked what the impact would be if we do not raise the rates this year. Mr. Ross stepped in noting it would be 8% to 9% next year reminding that construction bids have already started coming in and the Town will be borrowing from the State Revolving Fund and will need to start paying that back and will need the revenue stream. Mr. Ross also noted it is written into the agreement that if a Town can't pay its share the State will withhold and send directly to the MFN as it must maintain the integrity of the system. Mr. Kozlowski clarified that the Town is not in jeopardy of not being able to pay. Mr. Annino pointed out that the recommendation is well below the projection. Mr. DelVecchio noted this has been discussed for over ten years now and the factor impacting the analysis is that the project is taking a little longer than anticipated. Mr. DelVecchio recalled that Mr. Ross stated that the SRF loans will be at 0 %. Motion: To approve a 4% rate increase in the sewer rates (Annino /DelVecchio) FAILS 2:2 Aptowitz, Kozlowski NAY Mr. Kozlowski is not saying the work on the plant does not need to be done but is questioning when the money for the work is needed. Gavel was passed to Mr. Annino. Motion: To reconsider (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) PASSES 4:0 Motion: To accept the recommendation of the DPW Director for a 4% increase in the sewer rates (DelVecchio /Annino) Discussion. Mr. DelVecchio asked for the impact on the average bill and asked for the basis for a lesser rate than recommended noting the project has been going for years and if you want to have the service there will be an associated cost. Mr. Kozlowski reminded that the cost has been delay about two and half years questioning why the Town is bidding now. Mr. Ross explained the two and a half years delay is here now and is being bid. Mr. Annino reminded this Board has sat here, listened to the projections and agreed (except for Mr. Aptowitz), knew this was coming and that the projections are actually less and does not want to put off what the Town eventually has to pay. Motion: To accept the recommendation of the DPW Director for a 4% increase in the sewer rates (DelVecchio /Annino) PASSES 2:1:1 Aptowitz NAY, Kozlowski ABSTAIN Vice Chairman Aptowitz reminded that Mr. Annino and Mr. Kozlowski are members of the Xfinity License Sub - Committee. Mr. Kozlowski stated that the last meeting of the group was this morning where it was recommended to approve the license. The following are changes resulting from negotiations: • Security is being absorbed in -house with personnel remaining the same Board Of Selectmen's Meeting April 27, 2016 Page 4 of 7 • Supplementing ambulances that are available, dependent on demand of particular show • Public Safety and LiveNation to meet more regularly for planning purposes • New Traffic Plan has been submitted to DOT and approved by MPD with outreach to area residents • Improvements to the Lawn Area for sighting purposes and Compound for reorganization of seating • VIP Experience Mr. Annino stated that Mr. Mann understands the Board's concerns with regards to consumption of alcohol on the premises where it was agreed that Public Safety will actively pursue those patrons partaking in that behavior. Mr. Kozlowski also noted that as an ambulance service has yet to be implemented; Xfinity cannot operate without one in place and with Chief Boldrighini's approval. The Committee was confident that will happen. Mr. Annino explained the Committee tried to juggle everyone's interest and to come up with realistic goals. Mr. Ross noted there is one change in the conditions of the current license with regards to Insurance as LiveNation is self-insured. Mr. DelVecchio thanked his colleagues serving on this Committee stating that Xfinity is part of the Town and lending to the vibrancy of it. Vice Chairman Aptowitz thanked Mr. Mann for coming into this open minded given the 25 year history noting it is a big business for the Town, which the Board wants to see succeed. Motion: To approve the Entertainment License for LiveNation, Inc. for 2016 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 Motion: To approve the Commercial Parking License for LiveNation, Inc. for the Xfinity Center 2016 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 Mr. Mann appreciated the welcoming nature of the Town. Chief Sellon appreciated the opportunity to revisit Article 20. Chief Sellon felt there were some misconceptions on what he is proposing noting he is not asking the Town to commit to anything at this stage but is looking for an option down the line because as it moves forward on the possibility of a Regional Dispatch Center it opens holes in the operation. The Chief has put together a document that will be distributed at Town Meeting emphasizing improving services and saving money. Motion: To reconsider vote on Article 20 (Annino/DelVeechio) PASSES 4:0 Motion: To support Article 20 (DelVecchio /Annino) Discussion: Mr. DelVecchio did vote in support and urged his colleagues to do the same. Mr. Annino does feel more comfortable and agreed with Mr. DelVecchio, Vice - Chairman Aptowitz asked for clarification on the duties of the cadets and how they will be chosen. The Chief noted the cadets Board Of Selectmen's Meeting April 27, 2016 Page 5 of 7 will be performing administrative duties unique to the community referencing monitoring closed circuit for the schools, parks and prisoners, monitoring of drug box, greeting walk -ins and the supervision of the community room. The cadets will follow basic provisions of Chapter 147, Section 21A and essentially follows the civil service law. Motion: '1'o support Article ZO (DelVecchio /Annino) PASSES 4:0 r: It was reported that paving has been completed and that the punch list is 99% completed. Motion: To Close the Public Hearing (DelVecchio /Kozlowski) PASSES 4:0 Motion: To lay out Stanley Circle as a public way upon completion of punch list by Town Planner and submitted to the Town Manager (DelVecchio /Annino) PASSES 4:0 This has been tabled until after the election as the School Committee has yet to approve as there were concerns that the School Committee needed to have a voice. None. a. Approval Of Board Of Selectmen Minutes For: • April 13, 2016 • April 20, 2016 b. Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 16043T in the amount of $61,166.42 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 16043S in the amount of $603,152.20 c. Licenses And Permits: • Consideration Of Drainlayers And Water Installers Licenses For 20th Century Homes, Inc. • Consideration Of Commerical Parking Facility License Renewal For A -C Intermediate Co. • Consideration Of Hackney Driver's Licenses For • Michaele Craig For Veteran's Taxi • Timothy Hayes For Veteran's Taxi • Wayne McKee For Already Taxi • Mark Parisi For Veteran's Taxi d. Events And Signage • Consideration Of Event Permit Application For Shawmut Neighborhood Block Party Subject To Public Safety Recommendations Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda (DelVecchio /Annino) PASSES 4:0 Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16043PT in the amount of $335,873.86 Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16043PT in the amount of $335,873.86 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16043TV in the amount of $105,231.08 Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16043TV in the amount of $105,231.08 (Kozlowski /Annino) PASSES 4:0 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting April 27, 2016 Page 6 of 7 None. Mr. Ross reported on the status of the North Main Street road project explaining the Town was on time with the grinding and repairing of trouble spots but due to three days of rain and reporting of new soft spots /breakouts and the contractor having to move to another scheduled job, delays were unavoidable. The contractor has returned and Mr. Ross felt that the end project will be even better as the rain exposed issues that the Town would not have known about otherwise. The bulk of the paving will take place overnight to avoid interfering with daily traffic. Mr. Ross noted the Board will post prior to Town Meeting at about 6:30pm and reminded viewers that Town Meeting is May 3`d at 7:00om at the High School. Mr. DelVecchio had the pleasure of attending the induction ceremony of the National Honor Society for the high school last evening (April 26th) and congratulated inductees. Mr. Kozlowski wished Mr. Annino all the best noting it has been a pleasure to serve with him. Mr. DelVecchio agreed. Vice Chairman Aptowitz noted Mr. Annino's efforts will be missed. He also reminded that Town Election is May 10th and wished all the candidates luck. The Board wished Ms. Whalen a Happy Birthday. Mr. Annino noted he will be back and has been such a pleasure working with everyone associated with the Town. Mr. Annino urged the Board to pursue some of the brilliant ideas from the Northeastern students earlier this evenine. None. Motion: To adjourn the Board of Selectmen meeting at 9:19pm (DelVecchio / Annino) PASSES 4:0 Si a •e /tdw Board Of Selectmen's Meeting April 27, 2016 Page 7 of 7 S^ It- I(� Date