HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 07-13-2016Board of Selectmen Minutes
July 13, 2016
Present: Jess Aptowitz, Chairman; Frank DelVecchio, Vice - Chairman, Tgkk ae�� E rid e
Clerk; George Dentino, Steve Schoonveld, and William Ross, Town Aa aget� k "1 +5 OF IC
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"ON &C FIVstied if
there were any members of the audience recording, to which there was no Afe `'A' '
Chairman Aptowitz and the Board observed a moment of silence for the five officers killed in
Dallas-, Texas as well as - two •
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Present before the Board is Michael Raymond, Veterans Services Officer and Jeri Rumsis, Chair,
of the Field Of Honor Committee.
Ms. Rumsis and the Field of Honor presented a check for $30,000 to Mr. Raymond for the
Veterans Gift Fund, The Committee, which also includes Bob LeBlanc, Mike Kelly, Linda
Mercier Janssen, Charles Mulcahy, Shaun Debold, Linda Corneta and Andrea McKay will begin
work on next year's event in September. Ms. Rumsis also presented the Town with a Certificate of
Appreciation. Mr. Raymond presented the Committee with a plaque to thank them for their hard
work and dedication to the veterans of the community.
Mr. Trowbridge asked where the bulk of donations came from to which Ms. Rumsis noted
personal donations and businesses referencing a huge donation from Plainridge Casino. Mr.
DelVecchio felt the presentation of flags to be stunning and the thanked the Committee. Mr.
Dentino noted what a great year it has been where residents were so happy to be a part of the
memorial and its set -up. Mr. Schoonveld commended the Committee on its dedication and thanked
the group for the tribute to the fallen officers as well. Chairman Aptowitz noted there is always a
spot for this Committee and was astounded by the outpouring of assistance and attention to detail.
Ms. Rumsis noted each Committee member to be a patriot of the community and it has been her
honor to work with each of them.
A final presentation included a restored mail box from 1974 for Retired Flags on behalf of the
Committee that will be maintained by the Field of Honor and will be located outside of Town Hall.
Chairman Aptowitz felt this to be above and beyond the call of duty. Mr. Raymond noted a box of
this type to be priceless and the Town is very lucky to have.
Motion: To accept the $30,000 donation from the Field of Honor Committee
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Board Of Selectmen's Meeting July 13, 2016
Page I of 8
Present before the Board is Sharon Friedman, 29 Pleasant Street, who is seeking an alternate
position on the Planning Board. Ms. Friedman felt this is the perfect place for her to provide good
service, noting she is well aware of the growth of the Town and would like to see more
coordination and thought put in place, especially given the many projects in Town. Ms. Friedman
has knowledge of the MA Building Codes, Zoning By -Laws and ADL regulations. Ms. Friedman
keeps up to date with changes in the Zoning Law where she felt the Town (general public) needed
to be more informed, especially prior to hitting the Town Meeting floor. She would like to support
clarity with regards to that.
Mr. Schoonveld appreciated Ms. Friedman's emphasis on the downtown area, planning and
collaboration. He asked about serving the Town without involving personal preferences to which
Ms. Friedman stated serving the Town is an awesome honor and the most important thing is to
listen and to ask careful questions important to the jurisdiction. With regards to disagreement Ms.
Friedman felt parties need to find a common ground in order to move forward. Mr. Schoonveld
asked if Ms. Friedman felt there could be a conflict of interest as she serves on the Natural
Resources Trust to which she noted she would weigh that on a case by case basis and if needed
would recuse herself.
Mr. Trowbridge noted Ms. Friedman's tremendous background, on committees as well as Town
Moderator, with the Town and has the utmost faith that Ms. Friedman is here to do the right thing.
Mr. Dentino felt Ms. Friedman to be brilliant and could do this well and with finesse.
Mr. DelVecchio was sure that Ms. Friedman put a lot of time in preparing where her services could
best be utilized. He thanked her for volunteering.
Chairman Aptowitz thanked Ms. Friedman for stepping forward and was sure that Ms. Friedman
would succeed.
Motion: To appoint Sharon Friedman to an unexpired five year term as an associate member to
the Planning Board to expire December 31, 2019 (DelVecchio/Dentino) PASSES 5:0
Present before the Board is Aaron Roth, 210 Otis Street, who is seeking the opening on the Canoe
River Aquifer Advisory Committee. Mr. Roth has been a Mansfield resident for the past 11 years
and would like to give back to the community. Mr. Roth has experience in biological research and
education which fits in with committee's goal of fostering education about the aquifer and make
recommendations for conservation. His research background is in conservation and has taught
about this for the past 20 years at Northeastern University. Mr. Roth has published scientific
research on the topic. He felt a combination of these two areas to be good fit for this Committee.
Mr. Trowbridge thanked Mr. Roth for coming back and applying for this position (initially applied
for opening on the School Committee) as he felt Mr. Roth to be a great fit. Mr. DelVecchio agreed
noting Mr. Roth has the right attitude in returning and felt he will enhance this committee with his
presence. Mr. Dentine, appreciated Mr. Roth coming back to contribute to the Town and thanked
him. Mr. Schoonveld asked Mr. Roth if he had any initiatives to which he referenced he has been
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting July 13, 2016
Page 2 of 8
reviewing access points to the river in Town and would like to open those up as well as the trails
needing some attention as they are overgrown with poison ivy and also emphasized better signage.
Motion: To appoint Aaron Roth to an unexpired three year term to the Canoe River Aquifer
Advisory Committee to expire July 1, 2017 (Trowbridge /Schoonveld) PASSES 5:0
Mr. Ross explained that new legislation allows for the appointment of the Town's Water
Operations Supervisor regardless of Town residency. Mr. Ross noted that Mr. Gaffney has agreed.
Motion: To appoint Kurt Gaffney to an unexpired three year term to the Canoe River Aquifer
proposed manager, T
for Longhorn Steakhouse and Steve Scott , General Manager, Mr. Perry e
before the Board seeking a change of manager for the all alcohol license. Mr
Reynolds has ten years' worth of experience, specifically with Longhorn.
Perry, outside counsel
xplained the group is
. Perry noted that Ms.
Mr. Scott addressed the Board apologizing for having to come before it for a second time with
regards to failure to communicate verbally a change of manager. He explained it was an
administrative error.
Mr. Trowbridge asked for a background of the situation. Chairman Aptowitz summarized for the
Board that this establishment has been before the Board previously for failure to notify the Board
of a Change of Manager. The Board established a policy in 2014 of a verbal three day notice of a
change which then starts a clock for a 14 day application. Ms. Whalen explained the office only
received the application so there was no way to ensure the establishment was in compliance of
having proper coverage as it was not explained. Mr. Scott explained that Mr. Herard, former
manager, is still with the company at a different location and that Ms. Reynolds trained under him.
Motion: To approve Jennifer Reynolds as the Manager of Record for the Longhorn Steakhouse
(Trowbridge/) PASSES 5:0
This item has been tabled as Mr. Azinheira had a scheduling issue.
This discussion was scheduled to finalize the goals for the Town Manager. Mr. DelVecchio felt
there needed to be a goal focused on communication and broken out between businesses, Town
departments and Boards and Committees. Mr. Ross noted that once the Board finishes up with
visits from Boards and Committees he plans on inviting Department Heads to meet with the Board.
Verbiage suggested: To improve communication internally, with existing businesses and with
Boards /Committees but for Mr. Ross to ultimately develop the language.
Mr. Scoonveld struggles with the categories as some are designated for the Town Manager to
perform and some that the Town Manager is acting on behalf of the Board. He suggested adding a
section Commercial /Industrial Development with three bullet points. He would like to see bullet
point five under Downtown Mansfield changed to reflect the work the IDC does with industrial by
separating it out to its own goal.
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting July 13, 2016
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The consensus of the Board from this discussion was to make the edits with regards to
communication as suggested by Mr. DelVecchio and to also break out bullet point five under
Downtown Mansfield to its own goal and to reflect the need for focus on industrial. The Board all
agreed this is a working document.
Motion: To approve the goals with referenced changes (DelVecchio /Trowbridge) PASSES 5:0
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Mr. Trowbridge read the notice into the record.
Motion: To open the Public Hearing (DelVecchio /Trowbridge) PASSES 5:0
Present before the Board is Michael Cimini, partner of MAS, Inc, who explained the transaction is
due to one partner in the business, Bernard Carp, retiring, and shifting his interest in the company
over to Austin Debucas, LLC. Mr. Cimini noted that the day to day business at Dub's Discount
Liquors will remain the same with Wayne Smith as manager.
There was no public comment.
Motion: To close the Public Hearing (Trowbidge/DelVecehio) PASSES 5:0
Motion: To approve the change in beneficial interest for Austin Debucas, LLC
(Trowbridge /DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
None.
r9@0900100 ,l? n g Is
a. Approval Of Board Of Selectmen Minutes For:
• Meeting Of June 29, 2016
b. Vote To Approve Warrants:
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 16053T in the amount of $102,308.42
• Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 16053E in the amount of $23,496.86
• School Department Vendor Warrant No. 160535 in the amount of $737,841.87
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 17001T in the amount of $1,942,373.41
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 16054T in the amount of $653,807.47
• Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 16054E in the amount of $113,119.23
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 17002T in the amount of $5,207,962.38
c. Licenses And Pen-nits:
• Consideration Of Drainlayer's License For ATL Construction Inc.
Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda as presented (Trowbridge /DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
• Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16053PT in the amount of $414,575.81
Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16053PT in the amount of
$414,575.81 (Trowbridge /DelVecchio) PASSES 4:1 Aptowitz NAY
• Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 16053TV in the amount of $122,989.81
Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16053TV in the amount of
$122,989.81 (Trowbridge /DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting July 13, 2016
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• Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 17001PT in the amount of $110.00
Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 17001PT in the amount of
$110.00 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
• Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17001 TV in the amount of $11.45
Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 17001TV in the amount of
$11.45 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
• Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 17002PT in the amount of $500,145.10
Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 17002PT in the amount of
$500,145.10 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 4:1 Aptowitz NAY
• Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17002TV in the amount of $156,021.78
Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 17002TV in the amount of
$156,021.78 (Trowbridge /DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
• School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll 17002PS in the amount of $184,680.42
Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 17002PS in the amount of
$184,680.42 (Trowbridge /DelVecchio) PASSES 4:0:1 Trowbridge ABSTAIN
• School Deductions Vendor Payroll 17002SV in the amount of $51,854.21
Motion: To approve School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 17002SV in the amount of
$51,854.21 (Trowbridge /DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
• School Payroll /School Medicaid Payroll 16054PS in the amount of $1,005,068.79
Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 16054PS in the amount of
$1,005,068.79 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 4:0:1 Trowbridge ABSTAIN
• School Deductions Vendor Payroll 16054SV in the amount of $302,882.42
Motion: To approve School Deductions — Vendor Payroll 16054SV in the amount of
$302,882.42 (Trowbridge /DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0
• Letter From Resident Kevin Doyle Commending Mansfield Fire Department
Mr. Trowbridge read the letter into the record.
Mr. Ross noted six bids were received July 11` for the North Oakland/North Main project to
reconstruct the streets (lighting, beautification) reminding of the MassWorks funding in place. The
lowest bid was IW Harding, out of Bridgewater, for $1,791,299.14 and of that amount there is an
option for outside work (paid by the developer) for $49,472.75. Construction is set to begin in
August and be completed prior to winter.
Mr. Ross asked the Board to bring their Personnel Policies to the July 20th workshop as HR
Director Patti Firing will be present to review the policies with the Board and answer any
questions. Mr. Ross clarified the upcoming meeting /workshop schedule. The Finance
Committee, IDC and Planning Board will all come in on July 27th where the Board will schedule
its regular meeting then move into a workshop with these committees.
Mr. Ross noted the Chipsealing scheduled for this week has been delayed one day due to a
scheduling delay with the contractor. Mr. Ross noted this project is still ahead of last year's
schedule.
Mr. Ross suggested the Board take a look at the Municipal Complex site as it is now all at base
level and the contractor should be ready to move on site. Mr. Ross reported there has been an issue
with ledge rock at the front of the property, where blasting will need to be scheduled. It is not
anticipated to delay the project. Mr. Trowbridge asked when the Municipal Building Committee
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting July 13, 2016
Page 5 of 8
would be ready to give the Board a status update to which Mr. Ross noted they are scheduled for
August 10`h. Chairman Aptowitz is expecting a detailed update on process and expenses. Mr.
Ross noted that at 70% design phase completion all estimates are well within the budget. Mr.
Trowbridge looked for clarification that "well within the budget" encompassed everything
referencing traffic improvements to which Mr. Ross confirmed it does. Mr. Trowbridge asked
how the Town is saving with regards to conducting site work ourselves to which Mr. Ross
explained there is no contractor's markup and the use of bids taken through SERSG.
Mr. Ross reported that the Route 106 construction with regards to the Easton force main tie in has
also hit ledge rock. Mr. Ross confirmed that the entire roadway will be resurfaced and at Easton's
expense. He expected an additional two to three weeks.
Mr. Ross noted that the WIFI updates are in the process of being made in the building with
primarily secured channels with one open channel for guests and will be much more reliable.
July 2
Board has also now scheduled a workshop with the Finance Committee, Industrial Development
Committee and Planning Board. It was decided that the agenda will include only the Finance
Committee interviews, Wastewater Operator In Training job description and weekly business.
Mr. Trowbridge asked if the office could schedule out the remaining Boards and Committee
updates to the Board.
Mr. Trowbridge inquired if Mr. Ross has any numbers with regards to turnbacks to which Mr.
Ross noted his office should know by Friday, July 151h.
Mr. Schoonveld has seen reports and has been asked what the Town is doing with regards to safety
at the train station (referencing speeds of 120mph). Mr. Ross reported that the Town has submitted
information to both the META and Amtrak in the past. Mr. Ross has spoken with Dr. Dulaski
(Northeastern professor for capstone projects and resident) is preparing a paper to give to the
MBTA on improving safety at the location. Mr. Ross noted the Town sits in a unique situation as
it is on the longest tangent of the Northeast corridor resulting in the high speeds. Mr. DelVecchio
looked for assurance that this is Dr. Dulaski's area of expertise to which Mr. Ross confirmed it is.
As a point of clarification Mr. DelVecchio noted the incident that precipitated the complaint was
on the opposite side of the tracks but did agreed with Mr. Schoonveld.
Mr. Schoonveld attended Family Fun Night and appreciated seeing all the groups and businesses
referencing Relay For Life, Friends of Memorial Park, Keep Mansfield Beautiful and Industrial
Development Committee. He would like to see this continued throughout the year in the
Downtown reminding the Board now is the time to wear its "strategy hats ".
Mr. Schoonveld so appreciated the five flags placed for the fallen Dallas officers by the Field of
Honor. He also cited an op ed piece by Chief Sellon which he thought was well written where he
then cited a few passages. Mr. Schoonveld thanked the residents for showing its appreciated for
our police force.
Mr. Dentino asked about any plans for finishing the remaining asphalt paving on South Main
Street at the bridge back to the center of Town. Mr. Ross noted that portion is the responsibility of
Board Of selectmen's Meeting July 13, 2016
Page 6 of 8
f
State and that patching was completed by MassDOT. Mr. Dentino asked Mr. Ross to speak with
them.
Mr. Dentino was concerned as he has not seen one invoice with regards to the Municipal Complex
as well as an update on the bond issue status he was also concerned about time spent on the project
by Town employees. Mr. Ross reminded that the Board has signed the bond which is expected to
be sold in September. Mr. Ross again explained that per State Law the Town is required to have an
Owner's Project Manager where the Town is utilizing Mike Ahern which will save the Town
approximately $1,000,000. Mr. Ross also noted that the invoices are within the Warrant each
week and within the box for review. Chairman Aptowitz felt what the Board is looking for is
weekly /monthly summary. Mr. Ross wanted to be clear this has nothing to do with trusting
contractors. Mr. Dentino would like Mr. Ross to provide him with the requirement as he does not
see it within what the Board has been provided. Mr. Ross will forward the requirement to the
entire Board. Chairman Aptowitz noted payroll costs have been incurred and suggested the Board
receive a running worksheet of payroll and expenditures. Mr. Ross would follow up and get the
information to the Board.
Chairman Aptowitz asked the Board to have any comments and questions ready for the discussion
concerning Personnel Polices for next week's workshop. He would also like to schedule time for a
discussion with regards to the Town's social media policies as it is an important issue and a
formalized policy of dispersing of information needs to be set. Mr. Trowbridge noted that the
School's does have a policy.
None
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting July 13, 2016
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Mc
Ii OPAs Ye i?il 1 e
- Ind 1 1NN It 1.. 1 �, e e X11 i' A 1�
tion: To adjourn to Executive Session at 8:54pm (Trowbridge /Schoonveld)
TrowbridgePASSES 5:0
Signature
/tdw
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting July 13, 2016
Page 8 of 8
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Date