HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 06-8-2016Board of Selectmen Minutes
June 8, 2016
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Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m. The Chairman reminded everyone that
the meeting is being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. He asked if
there were any members of the audience recording, and there were none.
Mr. Aptowitz noted a deviation from the agenda for the School Committee to present Mr.
Trowbridge with a token of their appreciation for his many years of service to the Committee. Ms.
O'Neil spoke briefly about Mr. Trowbridge's dedication and service to the community.
School Committee opened its meeting.
Mr. Aptowitz stated that he consulted with Town Council on the proper procedure for replacing
Mr. Trowbridge on the School Committee. He stated that the opinion is that a candidate must
receive 5 votes and voting needs to be done by roll -call. He referred to the grid provided in the
record of this meeting that will be used for recording the vote and the School Committee Chair will
ask candidates the same questions.
Chairperson O'Neil asked each candidate to introduce themselves, which they then did. Mr. Ross
came forward and noted that a member of the school committee was missing and inquired whether
the committee wanted to wait for her arrival. The Chairs of both boards agreed and Chairman
Aptowitz called for the Item #8 (Consent Agenda) and Item #9 (Warrants) to be taken out of order.
.a• No INYii3
a. Approval Of Board Of Selectmen Minutes For:
• May 25, 2016
b. Vote To Approve Warrants:
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 16048T in the amount of $1,504,253.92
• Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 16048E in the amount of $54,073.56
• School Department Vendor Warrant No. 16048S in the amount of $4,595.00
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 16049T in the amount of $582,123.89
• Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 16049E in the amount of $1,440,426.70
• School Department Vendor Warrant No. 160495 in the amount of $733,010.38
c. Licenses And Permits:
• Consideration Of Drainlayer's License For
o Brian Donelle & Sons
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting June 8, 2016
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o J.A. Polito — Sons, Inc.
• Consideration of Water Installer's License for
o Brian Donelle & Sons
• Consideration Of Hackney Driver's License for Already Taxi:
• Adam Jacobson
• Lisa Rush
• Consideration of Block Party Request from David Roche for Block Party on the Cul de Sac
at 15 Hidden Lane, Subject to Satisfactory Public Safety Inspection
• Consideration Of Hackney Carriage License For Already Taxi For 2006 Ford Free Star
Subject To Satisfactory Public Safety Inspection
• Consideration Of Hackney Carriage License For Veterans Taxi For
o Vehicle 16
o Vehicle 24
o Vehicle 39
d. Events And Signage:
Consideration Of Banner For Friends Of Memorial Park Turkey Trot
Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda as presented (Trowbridge /Schoonveld) PASSES 5:0
• Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16048PT in the amount of $354,510.99
Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16048PT in the amount of
$354,510.99 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
• Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 16048TV in the amount of $108,015.87
Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16048TV in the amount of
$108,015.87 (DelVecchio /Schoonveld) PASSES 5:0
• School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll 16048PS in the amount of $1,977,418.56
Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16048PS in the amount of
$1,977,418.56 (Trowbridge /Schoonveld) PASSES 5:0
• School Deductions Vendor Payroll 16048SV in the amount of $652,560.34
Motion: To approve School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16048SV in the amount of
$652,560.34 (Trowbridge /Schoonveld) PASSES 5:0
• Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16049PT in the amount of $360,315.37
Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16049PT in the amount of
$360,315.37 (Trowbridge /Schoonveld) PASSES 5:0
• Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 16049TV in the amount of $110,604.55.
Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 16049TV in the amount of
$110,604.55. (Trowbridge /Schoonveld) PASSES 5:0
The full School committee was present at 7:12 p.m. and discussion on this Agenda item continued.
Chairman O'Neil thanked the candidates for their interest in serving and stated there would be a
series of 6 questions.
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting June 8, 2016
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Question 1. What do you feel are the toughest challenges facing the district? Mr. Eagle stated
that he wants to find a way to financially meet goals through a 5 year plan. Mr. Vilonis stated that
he believes it will be testing and related budget issues and state mandates. Mr. Smith agreed that
the budget is the main issue but providing the best education possible within the means of the
budget is important. Mr. Roth stated that measuring what students learn will be important. Ms.
Scher stated that financial constraints will be the challenge.
Question 2. What do you see as the role of the School Committee? Ms. Scher stated to work with
selectmen and finance committee to bridge and oversee. Mr. Roth agreed and stated strategic
management would be important. Mr. Smith stated it is a policy making and budgeting board. Mr.
Vilonis stated the role is to provide feedback to the superintendent and to be a voice of community.
Mr. Eagle stated that it should be to think bigger and drive people to the community.
Question 3. As a member can you set aside what is good for family and friends and do what is
good for the district? Mr. Vilonis stated that he has made family sacrifices as a teacher. Mr. Smith
stated that as a member of School Committee in the past, he knows what's expected. Mr. Roth
stated that it is a great responsibility but the goal is to make schools as good as they can be. Mr.
Scher stated that she has always had the urge for public service. Mr. Eagle said that compromise is
important.
Question 4. If you could identify a recent decision that you felt strongly about and how you would
balance needs to reach a decision. Mr. Roth said that all -day kindergarten would be something he
would feel strongly about. Ms. Scher stated she would feel strongly about budgeting decisions.
Mr. Smith excused himself from the room at this time. Mr. Vilonis stated that technology is a big
priority for him. Mr. Eagle stated that he would feel strongly about keeping the technology
integration program.
Question 5. What would you like to accomplish as a board member? Mr. Smith returned to the
room. Mr. Eagle stated that he would like to see all -day kindergarten implemented. Mr. Vilonis
would like to have positive impact on community. Mr. Roth would like to give back to the Town
and can bring the perspective of what universities are looking for in students. Ms. Scher wants to
assist with mandates. Mr. Smith stated that work issues were preventing him from continuing and
he left the meeting.
Question 6. This is a 1 year appointment, when time is up and it's election time, if you are
appointed, would you run in general election. Mr. Vilonis said that, as of right now, he thinks he
would, but can't commit 100% as he would like to see how it impacts his time with his kids. Mr.
Eagle, yes, subject to time constraints. Mr. Roth, yes. Ms. Scher stated that she has been thinking
about this for a long time.
Mr. Aptowitz asked if the board has any questions of the candidates and wanted the candidates to
be aware that serving is an enormous time commitment. Mr. DelVecchio asked if any candidates
had served the community in the past, and all had some service in the past. Mr. Dentino noted his
concern to Mr. Eagle of the financial burden of all -day kindergarten. He asked Mr. Roth and Mr.
Vilonis to give examples of his service on committees. Mr. Schoonveld discussed conflicts of
interest with the candidates and asked how they could eliminate conflicts. All agreed that what's
best for the Town would be a priority.
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting June 8, 2016
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Mr. Aptowitz then called for a roll call vote:
Ms. O'Neil — Mr. Vilonis
Ms. Cavicchi —Ms. Scher
Ms. Fernando — Mr. Vilonis
Ms. Walsh — Ms. Scher
Mr. Delvecchio — Ms. Scher
Mr. Trowbridge — Mr. Roth
Mr. Dentino — Ms. Scher
Mr. Schoonveld — Mr. Vilonis
Mr. Aptowitz — Ms. Scher
Mr. Aptowitz noted that Ms. Scheer had received 5 votes and declared her the appointee to fill the
vacancy on the School Committee, with a term to expire on May 9, 2017.
Chairman Aptowitz called for a 2 minute recess. The Board recessed at 8:07 p.m. and reconvened
at 8:13 p.m.
Lee Azinheira, Rick Alves and Mark Cook presented, displaying a large map showing where the
changes are and proceed to explain why. They explained that many spaces had to be eliminated in
order to maintain the minimum clearance to intersecting roads and the recommended clearance for
driveways. The pink markings on the map indicate where spaces will be provided. Those not
marked in pink are eliminated. Mr. Azinheira stated that a total of 26 spaces are proposed to be
eliminated but that safety concerns had to be addressed. He stated that the Highway Division used
the MUTCD (Federal Manual For Uniform Traffic Control Devices) when preparing the plan. He
proposed that an area shown on the aerial on Old Colony Way could be repaved and could provide
18 spaces. He stated that it could be accomplished later this summer. Mr. Aptowitz invited
questions from the board. Mr. DelVecchio stated he stated he is concerned about the
condominium residents who are already pressed for places to park. He stated that he had suggested
the preparation of a comprehensive parking plan for the area. Mark Cook stated that he was
approached by residents concerned about how close parking spaces were to driveways. He said
that he is before the board for approval before doing any striping so as to not have to re -do the work
later. Mr. Schoonveld commented that speed is a likely issue on North Main St. He recommended
that the DPW consult with the Fales Fuel Site Advisory Committee. Mr. Aptowitz stated that the
Committee is only tasked with looking at what is within the boundaries of the property. Mr.
Delvechio stated that it makes sense to coordinate the efforts with respect to the additional 18
spaces on Old Colony. Mr. Trowbridge disagreed and does not think it's necessary to get an
opinion from the Committee. Mr. Dentino doesn't believe that both efforts of assisting those
looking for parking and minimizing traffic can be served. Mr. Aptowitz suggested a compromise
and perhaps taking some of the Fales site for parking and leaving some for the envisioned park.
Mr. DelVecchio stated that there should be communication among the committees. Mr.
Schoonveld stated that a comprehensive strategy for the entire area needs to be looked at. Mr.
Ross stated that the Town has a long -term strategy which was presented by the students from
Northeastern. He believes the completion of the public safety building will assist by moving the
fire station out of the down town.
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting June 8, 2016
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Mr. DelVecchio would like a strategy to be reduced to writing in a coherent fashion with a
conceptual plan. Mr. Ross suggested referring it to the Planning Board. Mr. Ross will relay the
concerns to the Planning Board. Mr. Schoonveld would like to see structure to the downtown
using the bike path, access by pedestrians etc.
Mr. Aptowitz then asked for comments from residents. Mr. Bob Todd of Mansfield True Value
stated that he has concerns with 18 wheel trucks making delivery of inventory to his store. Cars
parked in the spot prevent the proper turning radius. He believes diagonal parking would make it
impossible to maneuver trucks. Ms. Caitlyn Barrows of Barrows Insurance stated that Old Colony
Way needs to be cleaned up, the additional parking would benefit the downtown. She is glad to see
that this is a long -term plan. Mr. Bernie O'Malley, owner of 121 North Main, is concerned about
the future of his building. He would like to keep the spot being removed from the front of his
building. Mike Bolea, Bolea Funeral Home, is concerned about the swing out of his driveway. It's
a very narrow section of the street and one has to pull onto the other side of the street to make the
turn. Ms. Yvonne Defazio, owner of Trattoria Della Nona is very concerned about the number of
spots being removed from the front of her restaurant. She believes eliminating the spots will hurt
her business.
Chairman Aptowitz requested that Board members with questions contact Mr. Ross and that
replies be received within 2 weeks.
Finally, Mark Cook discussed the issues he has with snow removal on Old Colony. He believes
that if the Fales site provided for public parking, the strain on parking on North Main would be
alleviated.
.Aes; Ilv
Mr. Azinheira discussed the new Section 3.1 Land Use Controls with the Board. He informed the
Board that, as part of the DEP revolving fund approval, the Town has been granted a $27M 0%
interest loan conditioned upon adopting the controls set forth in the amendment. He referred the
Board to maps provided in their packet that show existing sewer use and informed the Board that
the amendment would require new connections for construction outside of the designated areas on
the map would have to go to Town Meeting for approval. They will be tabulating connections and
keeping an ongoing tally of use. He will keep the board informed. Motion to approve the new
Section 3.1 of the sewer use regulations (Delvecchio /Trowbridge), motion carries 5 -0.
Kevin McNatt and Nancy Wall from the Non - Profit Gift Fund Committee were present. Chairman
Aptowitz referred the Board to the list of recommended distributions to be made this year. Mr.
Trowbridge stated that he wanted to confirm that the funds provided to the United Methodist
Church were not being used for religious purposes use as the regulations prohibit this. After
reviewing the documentation, he is assured that the computer to be purchased will not be for
religious use. Mr. Dentino referred to the donation to be made to the Mural Committee and said
that he had asked the question several times about the bubbles on the mural and was assured that
there was money available to make repairs. Nancy Wall indicated that for the last few years the
Committee has set aside $500 as a maintenance budget for predictable expected damages. The
blisters are beyond the maintenance and are more restoration - related requiring a specialist. Mr.
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DelVecchio asked Ms. Wall to confirm that she is recusing herself from voting on mural - related
items, and she stated that she is. A brief discussion took place concerning the rules that the
Non - Profit Gift Fund Committee must adhere to when distributing gift funds. It was
acknowledged that the regulations are somewhat contradictory. Mr. Atowitz expressed his
frustration that the bike path lights project hadn't been submitted for consideration. He would like
this application put in for next year's grant cycle. Finally, Ms. Wall indicated that the Mural
Committee would be raising additional funds if the blistering will be an on -going problem.
Motion to approve the list of grants to be made from the Non - Profit Gift Fund in 2016, as
presented (Trowbridge /Schoonveld). Motion passes 5 -0.
Mr. Aptowitz indicated that he spoke with Mr. Ross. He has received the last evaluation and will
be accumulating data and at the meeting of June 22 "d the evaluation will be presented. Mr. Ross
has agreed to do so in a public session. Mr. Aptowitz will make copies and distribute them and
asked that all members come to the meeting with goals and objectives for the current year. Mr.
Trowbridge stated that he would like to discuss timing of the goals as they need to be
accomplished in January. Mr. Ross stated that the process is acceptable and that he will present a
draft form to the Board for consideration for use next year.
None
• Letter from Carl Lambrecht, Chairman of the Mansfield Airport Commission, providing a
status update on the new administration building and airport management.
Mr. Ross indicated Airport Commission is coming in on June 29. Mr. Trowbridge read the
letter into the record.
Mr. Ross provided updates to the Board on paving on School Street and North Main Street. He
informed the Board that the MFN Board has awarded a contract to Daniel O'Connor & Sons for
upgrades and improvements to the wastewater plant. He advised that Wendy's is closed and they
will be building a new structure. He briefly discussed the fact that the Chocolate Factory LLC has
closed with ADM. He discussed the fact that the Town of Foxboro received a bond rating update
to AAA and that Foxboro is willing to lend assistance to Mansfield if needed. He infomled the
Board that he had sent a letter to the Lt. Governor that the work on the community compact has
been completed. Finally, he informed the Board that the Light Commission will meet on June 27h.
AN
EMINE l_n w,.
Mr. Schoonveld brought the Board up to speed on the Fales Fuel Site Advisory Committee
( FFSAC) meeting last week. Caitlin Barrows is the new chair. He reminded the Board that the
FFSAC is tasked with looking at costs and it will come to the Board in August with a presentation
at which time the Board will consider whether or not to bring the presentation to the Capital
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting June 8, 2016
Page 6 of 7
Improvement Committee. Mr. Delvecchio stated that there has been discussion about an open
space committee in the past by Selectmen Kozlowski, and Mr. Ross indicated that the
Conservation Agent and Recreation Director are working on an Open Space Plan. Mr. Delvechio
also reminded the Board that the Strategic Plan envisioned a Downtown Committee and suggested
that it could be discussed at the goals session.
Mr. Aptowitz stated that he was very impressed with Mansfield High School's graduation event.
He welcomed Sara Cline, a Mansfield graduate to the Board Meetings as a new reporter for the
Mansfield News. He stated that he had received numerous calls about traffic at the last Xfinity
Center event and indicated that it was a result of a Google Maps issue. Mr. Ross stated that the
Selectmen are invited to visit Xfinity Center at any time for a tour to see how things are run.
At this point in the Meeting, Mr. Trowbridge asked for reconsideration of a vote taken earlier
regarding School Payroll Warrant No. 16048PS as he had intended to abstain. Motion to
reconsider School Payroll Warrant No. 16048PS (Trowbridge /Delvecchio) Motion passes 5 -0.
Motion to approve School Payroll Warrant 16048PS School (DelVecchio /Schoonveld). Motion
passes 4 -0 -1 (Trowbridge abstains.)
Mr. Aptowitz asked if the members of the Board would agree to a planning session next week,
June 15, 2016. Mr. Ross stated that he would be at a conference and unable to attend. There was a
consensus to continue without Mr. Ross.
RON
Motion to adjourn (Trowbridge /Delvecchio). Motion carries 5 -0. Adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
Signature
BF101
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting June 8, 2016
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Date