HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 05-25-2016Board of Selectmen Minutes
May 25, 2016
Present: Jess Aptowitz; Chairman, Frank DelVecchio; Vice - Chairman; M,iEk4el Trowbridge;
Clerk, Georee Dentino, Steve Schoonveld, and William Ross, Town Manatzer.S IL'l- rP it '.17
Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m. The ahlrii ain reminded everyone that
the meeting is being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield:Cable.
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Chairman Aptowitz asked for a moment of silence for fallen State Trooper Tarentino.
Dana Houriean. 15 Evans Circle. will be
Present before the Board are Lee Azinheira, DPW Director and Mark Cook, Highway Operations
Manager.
Mr. Azinheira was pleased to report paving went as planned over the course of two evenings with
a crew of about 60 people on Main Street, which included 2 paving crews, DPW and details with
about 25 trucks. Mr. Cook acknowledged the efforts of Andy Littig on his staff who paid great
attention to the details of coordinating the project.
Mr. Dentino didn't have any doubts with regards to the plan and that it would work. Mr. Cook
noted there was a tremendous effort by all Departments involved (Police, Fire, Electric, Water)
with Mr. Azinheira particularly referencing the contractor. Mr. Trowbridge was appreciative of
the patience both residents and businesses displayed.
Mr. Azinheira noted that the crosswalks have been striped but he and Mr. Cook will return at the
Board's meeting June 8th regarding striping the roadway as there are some areas where parking is
too close to driveways and another area where the roadway is too narrow. A plan will be presented
for discussion as the striping will affect the parking. Mr. Azinheira will notify the public via
notices and alerts on Facebook and Twitter.
Mr. DelVecchio felt the group implemented the best case scenario and appreciated the effort.
Chairman Aptowitz noted the Town does the best it can and tries to be as fair as it can be to
residents, businesses and travelers.
Mr. Azinheira quickly reported on the water leak on Franklin and East Streets. He explained that
normally leaks are repaired immediately but due to a leak on School Street and keeping the
existing project on time there, coupled with the Water Department needing replacement parts for
this leak, there was a delay. Mr. Azinheira assured it was a controlled leak and has since been fully
repaired. Chairman Aptowitz asked that in cases such as this to please be sure to inform the Board
so that it is able to address any questions from the public. Mr. Ross wanted the public to be aware
that if that work had been delayed on School Street the paving crew would not be able to return
until the end of June.
Present before the Board are Mark Stopa, Counsel, and Zachary Frangos, General Manager and
proposed manager of record of the all alcohol license. Mr. Stopa reminded the Board that Vision
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 25, 2016
Page 1 of 7
Hampshire purchased the Holiday Inn about a year ago and is undergoing a complete renovation.
As Mr. Frangos is now in place as general manager this would be the next step within the business
plan. Mr. Stopa summarized that Mr. Frangos has been with the company in Mansfield for about a
year and has 18 years' experience in the hotel /resort industry as well as completing his TIPS
certification.
Motion: To approve the change of Manager (Trowbridge /DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
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Chairman Antowitz reminded that this Committee was established about ten vears ago with the
majority of the money sourced through the Tiger Woods Foundation and the Deutsche Bank
Championship, This past year there were extra monies donated through the Town's surrounding
community agreement with Plainridge Casino. Chairman Aptowitz asked if the Board had any
questions.
Mr. Schoonveld noted that criteria No. 4 states "grants will not be awarded to religious
organizations except for non - religious purposes benefitting the general public and the citizens of
Mansfield" noting that a grant was awarded towards a computer /equipment for the Methodist
Church. Mr. Trowbridge also had the same question. Mr. Ross explained it was his understanding
the computer is to assist in the clothing operation of the parish and felt it is similar to the Food
Pantry at the Congregational Church. Mr. Trowbridge asked if the Methodist Church, as it is
moving out of its current location, was to remain in Mansfield. Mr. Ross reported the pastor
intends to stay in Town if possible and will temporarily move to the theater location some time in
June /July.
Mr. DelVecchio noted a sum of money has been recommended to repair /restore the bubble areas of
the Mural, which has been discussed at previous Board meetings. As he donated to the mural and
believes it is a good idea the general sense from those previous discussions was that there was a
sum of money available to take care of this sort of problem. Mr. DelVecchio would like further
clarification. Mr. DelVecchio understands Committees of this type are set up to use its judgement
and he would like to support that as much as possible.
Mr. Dentino also has a number of questions suggesting tabling the discussion until the next
Mr. Ross noted that this is for signature purposes as Town Meeting approved the Article,
authorizing the Board to execute the easements.
Motion: To execute the easements (DelVechhio /Schoonveld) PASSES 4:0:1 Trowbridge
ABSTAIN (a plan used was prepared by Mr. Trowbridge for another purpose)
Mr. Ross reported that the School Committee has approved all of the Financial Policies with the
exception of the Refreshments Policy which they would like to further review. Mr. Ross suggested
the Board accept and approve the remaining policies, not including the Refreshments Policy
clarifying that the policy does not affect what the Town would submit to any financial house with
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 25, 2016
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regards to bonding. Mr. Ross further noted that the Finance Committee has approved the policies.
The only changes were to include the Superintendent of Schools in the approval process.
Mansfield will be the first community in the Commonwealth to complete this portion of the
Community Compact.
Motion: To approve the Financial Policies with the exception of the Refreshments Policy
(Del V ecchi o /Trowbridge)
Discussion:
Mr. Dentino would like to revisit his notes and visit the discussion and any changes at a later date.
Mr. DelVecchio looked for clarification that the Board is only approving the policies and not any
additional materials to which Mr. Ross agreed. Mr. Schoonveld noted he liked the changes made
through the School Committee and is in favor of the policies. Mr. Trowbridge took issue with the
process of approving the policies as he felt it was compartmentalized. He felt it would behoove the
Board that if any changes are to be made in the future to schedule a workshop. Mr. Schoonveld felt
a "kick -off' workshop would be beneficial and then conduct deliberations within each
Committee/Board meeting independently. Mr. DelVecchio pointed out that this process has been
a "piece of cake" compared to the initial Financial Policy process.
Motion: To approve the Financial Policies with the exception of the Refreshments Policy
PASSES 4:0:1 Dentino ABSTAIN
None.
a. Approval Of Board Of Selectmen Minutes For:
• May 11, 2016
b. Vote To Approve Warrants:
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 16046T in the amount of $681,386.74
• Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 16046E in the amount of $398,881.74
• Town Department Vendor Warrant No. 16047T in the amount of $466,192.12
• Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 16047E in the amount of $194,451.69
• School Department Vendor Warrant No. 16047S in the amount of $622,495.99
Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda as presented (Trowbridge /Schoonveld) PASSES 5:0
• Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16046PT in the amount of $328,743.55
Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16046PT in the amount of
$328,743.55 (Trowbridge /DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
• Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16046TV in the amount of $102,047.69
Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16046TV in the amount of
$102,047.69 (Trowbridge /DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
• School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll 16046PS in the amount of $1,565,940.62
Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16046PS in the amount of
$1,565,940.62 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
• School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16046SV in the amount of $533,684.14
Motion: To approve School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16046SV in the amount of
$533,684.14 (Trowbridge /DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
• Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16047PT in the amount of $365,491.23
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 25, 2016
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Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16047PT in the amount of
$365,491.23 (Trowbridge /DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16047TV in the amount of $111,034.68
Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16047TV in the amount of
$111,034.68 (Trowbridge /DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
Letter State Senator James E. Timilty Recognizing Detective Sergeant Larry Crosman
Philanthropic Efforts Benefiting Charitable Organizations Across The Commonwealth
Mr. Trowbridge read the letter into the record. Chairman Aptowitz asked that a copy of
this letter be sent to Detective Sergeant Crosman as well as a copy to his personnel file.
Letter From Massachusetts Historical Commission Regarding the Acceptance Of The
Lowney Chocolate Factory By the National Park Service, Department Of The Interior For
Listing In The National Register Of Historic Places
Mr. Ross updated the Board on the status of the project and the importance of the letter as it
guarantees that that exterior of the building will be maintained in an historic manner. It
also makes the developer eligible for historic preservation tax credits on the Federal level.
Letter From TEC Associates Regarding Amtrak's 2016 Yearly Operational Plan
Letter From Kiera O'Neil, Chairperson, Mansfield School Committee, Regarding Filling
Of Vacancy On The School Committee
Mr. Trowbridge read the letter into the record. Mr. Ross noted that the Clerk's office has
received three applications for this vacancy to date. Mr. Ross will wait until the deadline
and then submit all applications to the Board.
Mr. DelVecchio asked if any applications have been submitted for the vacancy on the
E Finance Committee as the Committee is waiting to reorganize until a new member is
appointed. He would like to have a few candidates to choose from rather than following
the "first come first serve" rule. Mr. DelVecchio noted that a member of the Finance
Committee will be needed as a representative on the Audit Committee for its meeting in
July. Mr. Schoonveld questioned the process where Mr. Ross explained the vacancy
remains open until filled. Mr. Schoonveld suggested a set time frame to accept application
where he felt the presence of a due date for applications may be more effective.
Motion: To set a date of June 30th to accept applications for the Finance Committee and
alternate member of the Planning Board (Trowbridge /DelVecchio)
Discussion:
Mr. Schoonveld noted there are quite a few positions open, referencing Fales Fuel
Advisory.
Motion: To set a date of June 30th to accept applications for the Finance Committee and
alternate member of the Planning Board (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
to aid with the salary of the Crime Analyst position.
the surrounding community agreement. Mr. Ross
those funds to assist with paying the cost of a Crim
position was already budgeted, how the funds are
deposited to the General Fund.
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 25, 2016
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Chairman Aptowitz reminded this was part of
noted the Town felt it appropriate to utilize
e Analyst. Mr. DelVecchio asked that as that
processed to which Mr. Ross noted they are
Mr. Ross reported that final payment has been received from FEMA with regards to snow and
associated costs. Mr. Ross reported that the Town will have approximately $61,000 that will be an
revenue in the General Fund. He praised the efforts by Christina Collins, DPW Manager.
Mr. Ross has invited the Airport Commission to the Board's meeting on June 8th to be followed by
the Planning Board in four weeks. Mr. Ross noted that as the Public Safety plans are completed he
will have the MBC Committee update the Board.
Mr. Ross attended the Route 140 SRPEDD meeting last evening (May 24th) where he spoke with
Dr. Dulaski from Northeastern, who is currently looking at the traffic signal timing for Route
140 /School Street, Route 140 /West Street and Route 140 /Route 106.
Mr. Ross distributed to the Board a binder containing information for outstanding items that need
to be scheduled and addressed over the course of the summer. He asked to pay particular attention
to the DRAFT of the CormCam Host Agreement as well as the Purchase and Sale Agreement for
the property on Columbine which the Housing Authority is purchasing.
Mr. Ross noted that with regards to the Executive Session listed this evening the Alfono v Lynch
case has been dismissed and therefore will not be discussed.
Chairman Aptowitz noted he has spoken with Town Counsel with regards to the completion of Mr.
Ross' evaluation as two members for that time period are no longer on the Board. It was Mr.
DeRensis' opinion that it was up to Mr. Ross if he would like to include Mr. Annino's evaluation
as it has been completed. Mr. Ross would like to include Doug Annino's evaluation as it was
turned in well within the timeframe. Chairman Aptowitz asked Mr. Dentino and Mr. DelVecchio
to complete the evaluation and submit to himself or Ms. Whalen. Mr. Trowbridge questioned the
process as it was his understanding that the evaluation must be conducted in public session and
because two members are no longer serving they would be unable to complete the process.
Chairman Aptowitz would follow up with Mr. DeRensis with regards to the correct process.
Moving forward, the Board would like that goals and objectives of the Town Manager is included
within the evaluation form. Ms. Whalen will include the evaluation form within the binders to
Mr. DelVecchio is looking to schedule the next Light Commission meeting as he and Mr.
Trowbridge had the opportunity to meet with Joe Sollecito, MMED Director. It was agreed to
meet on Wednesday, June 1st. Mr. Ross will work with Mr. Sollecito to put the agenda together.
Mr. DelVecchio in terns of implementing a planning process suggested a workshop for the Board
after the Light Commission meeting. Ms. Whalen will work with Mr. DelVecchio in terms of a
workshop agenda.
Mr. DelVecchio had distributed an email from Walter Wilk, Finance Committee, to the Board
regarding a discussion of economic development within the industrial park. Mr. DelVecchio
would like to see this put in the limelight as the Finance Committee has been working on this for
five years. He envisioned having major policy boards meet to discuss in the future.
Mr. Trowbridge asked that the IDC and the Finance Committee be added to the June 22nd meeting.
Chairman Aptowitz asked Mr. Ross to reach out to Bob Krentzman and Walter Wilk.
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 25, 2016
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Mr. Trowbridge attended the Senior brunch last Friday. He noted there have been issues with
space for the seniors and would like to have a better understanding. He asked that Mr. Ross
schedule Gale Farrugia, Director, Council On Aging and its Board to a future meeting. Mr.
DelVecchio suggested a needs assessment as it requires focus.
Mr. Dentino commended the Mansfield High School Select Choir who won a WGBH show under
the direction of Sheila Newton. Ms. Newton has brought talent out of the students and is also a
great singer and actress. Mr. Dentino also mentioned Matthew Maguire for his efforts.
Mr. Dentino asked for the status of the bond with regards to the DPW complex to which Mr. Ross
explained the bond sale is scheduled for September. Mr. Ross reported the bond will be $9
million, which will cover expenses into next year with intention of a larger bond sale the next year.
Mr. Ross furthered the reasoning for getting to September is almost all of the principle and debt on
existing bond comes due in July and there is a need to spread that out a little.
Mr. Dentino asked for the status with regards to the DPW openings on the Public Safety /DPW
project which Mr. Ross will report back. Mr. Dentino asked for how Town personnel are tracking
time on the project. Mr. Ross noted it is being separated out. Mr. Dentino expects to see some type
of analysis where he can follow costs of labor and materials. Mr. Ross felt the documentation
would be within the Warrant as there will be a lot of paper. Mr. Ross noted as pay estimates are
approved by the MBC, those could then be forwarded. Mr. Dentino felt there to be redundancy
with regards to personnel on the project and this is the reasoning behind his request. Mr. Ross
worked through the staffing with Mr. Dentino noting it to be standard with a project of this
magnitude.
Mr. Schoonveld reported that Sacha Zlatkova, MIS Director, and Ms. Whalen have been working
on a shared calendar for the Board. Details for downloading will be sent to the Board tomorrow.
Mr. Schoonveld suggested that any appointments to Boards and Committees should be recognized
outside of the Consent Agenda. It was explained that this was just an oversight and would not
happen going forward.
Mr. Schoonveld asked that the email from Mr. Wilk, referenced earlier by Mr. DelVecchio be
forwarded to him. He agreed the Board needed to move towards a strategy with regards to Cabot
Business Park. Mr. Schoonveld noted that perhaps the five year narrative could be expanded to
include other groups, like the Council On Aging. Mr. Ross is working on that with Department
Heads.
Mr. Schoonveld will be convening a Fales Fuel Advisory Committee meeting which will include a
discussion of the Northeastern presentation and how it integrates with its proposal. He reported
that some Committee members felt the Committee should perhaps be more of a Downtown
Committee as the bike path is essential to the area and the proposed park is where the bike path
ends. Mr. Schoonveld sees as a skeletal structure of what the IDC can do downtown. Mr.
DelVecchio noted that the IDC has a sub - committee dealing with the downtown that is chaired by
Nancy Wall. It has met with the Cultural Council with regards to concepts for the downtown. Mr.
Schoonveld felt the IDC's role is bringing in business and not necessarily building up the
infrastructure for the businesses to support.
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Mr. Schoonveld asked how much of the Town's road budget for summer schedule has been used to
date. Mr. Ross would report back noting approval was needed at Town Meeting for borrowing to
move forward with the major portion of the project. He felt the Town has used all of previous
year's and current year's commitment.
Mr. Schoonveld felt he SRPEDD meeting to be productive. He was able to report the eastbound
sensor for the light at Route 106 and Route 140 is not working.
Chairman Aptowitz felt the letter from Senator Timilty for Detective Sergeant Crosman to be so
important as he and his wife, Christine, give tirelessly to charitable organizations.
Chairman Aptowitz reminded that the Memorial Day parade is at 10:00am Monday, May 30tH
The Chairman has received 144 mini flags from Ray Gooly, independent energy consultant, for the
Board to distribute during the parade.
Chairman Aptowitz reminded that he had asked for safety lighting with regards to the Bike Path.
Mr. Ross was unsure if that was applied for. He did not feel this to be a large expenditure.
Chairman Aptowitz reminded that the Xfinity Center opens its season next week (Thursday, June
tad) where Jeff Mann, General Manner, has offered to provide a tour to the Board.
None.
Motion: Enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to litigation and collective
bargaining where and Open Meeting may have a detrimental effect on the Town's litigation and
collective bargaining position, and the Chair has so declared, pursuant to Section 21(A) of Chapter
30A of the General Laws with respect to:
• Alfano v. Lynch
IBEW — Professionals Financial Assistants
AFSCME— MMED and DPW
And not to re -enter Open Session
Schoonveld (AYE), Dentine (AYE), DelVecchio (AYE), Trowbridge (AYE), Aptowitz (AYE)
PASSES 5:0
Enter into Executive Session at 9:06pm
Sign�*'Z
/tdw
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting May 25, 2016
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Date