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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 11-09-2016Minutes of Board of Selectmen Meeting November 9, 2016 7:00 p.m. Rf-CEI` ED �CLl,I Ci.' (--M Present: Jess Aptowitz, Chairman; Frank DclVecchio, Vice-Chairma ��rc NJrowbridge, Clerk; George Dentino and Steve Schoonveld. Also present vU�blW KaPR6ss, own Manager 1. Meeting Called To Order At 7:00 p.m. Ii F j(� Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. They Chairman reminded everyone that the meeting is being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable Access. He asked if there were any members of the audience recording, to which there was no response. 2. Presentation Of Quilts From The Artful Hands Quilt Guild Of Mansfield Present before the Board are Michael Raymond, Veterans Agent, as well as Kathy Graves and Karen Ivas from the Artful Hand Quilt Guild of Mansfield. Kathy Graves read a statement into the record explaining the establishment and meaning of the Quilts of Valor. Each member was then presented with a homemade quilt to thank them for their service and sacrifice. Recipients of the homemade quilts are: Hope Bain — Widow of US Navy veteran George Bain who served in WWII Tiffany Torres — US Army Specialist who served in Korea Linda Studdard — US Army's "WAC" Women Array Corps and worked as a nurse. Robert Clifford — US Army Korean War veteran. William Crooks — US Navy Vietnam Era veteran. .John Akerman — US Army & National Guard First Sergeant & Chief Warrant Officer. Robert Shaw — US Army Master Sergeant who served in the Korean War. Michael Raymond — US Army JAG Staff Sergeant who served in the Persian Gulf War and Korea. Mr. Raymond then called before the Board Pastor Dave Arruda, Faith Fellowship Church. Mr. Raymond explained that the church has been sold where Pastor Dave reached out to the Veterans office offering to donate the Honor Rolls of Mansfield Veterans from World War I, Il and the Korean War. These, as well as a beautiful pew; will be on display here at the Town Hall across from the Veteran's Office and very much appreciative. 3. Consideration Of Support For Mansfield Youth Baseball's Green Monster Project At The Otis Street Baseball Fields Present before the Board is Tony Sachetti, President (3 Colonial Drive), Dan Bonnyman (272 Elm Terrace), Treasurer and Adam Schlosser (27 Farm Pond Path), Secretary. The group is looking for the Board's support for a green monster style fence (12' high and 32' long) at Field 6. It was noted that Chris Colby, project manager, has gone through the proper channels and has begun discussion with the Conservation Department as well as with Bob Blackman and Lee Day from the Building Department. Mansfield Youth Baseball currently has Board Of selectmen's Meeting November 9, 2016 Page I of 7 750 participants and money for the project will be raised by the group and the project paid for fully by the Mansfield Youth Baseball. Mr. DelVecchio was content with the Building Department's lead and recommendations. Mr. Dentino asked if the 4' portion of the fence would go around the entire field to which it will as the field is currently entirely open. Mr. Dentino noted that in the past the Town's experience with these types of projects has always been positive. Mr. Schoonveld thought this was a great idea and encouraged participation in the league. Motion: To support the project (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Discussion: The Board reminded to follow through with the Conservation Department requirements. Motion: To support the project (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 4. Consideration Of Application By Martin Fox And Lou Andrews For The Opening On The Airport Commission Present before the Board is Martin Fox, Rumford Avenue and Lou Andrews, Fruit Street. Mr. Ross reminded the Board that Mr. Andrews had submitted his resignation from the Airport Commission on October 11, 2016. Since that time, the Board's office received an application by Mr. Fox for the opening on the Airport Commission. The appointment has been complicated since Mr. Andrews has changed his mind and is also reapplying. Mr. Ross did note there will be an additional vacancy at the end of December, as another member has decided not to reapply at the end of his term. Mr. Schoonveld asked Mr. Andrews why he resigned to which Mr. Andrews felt it was time to move on after 16 years. Mr. Andrews changed his mind given the development that Carl Lambrecht, a 12 year member and current Chairman, has decided to leave the Commission at the end of his term, December 31, 2016. Mr. Andrews felt experience with regards to the business side of the airport is needed and proper training imperative. Mr. Andrews would appreciate the Board's consideration to reappoint him. Mr. Trowbridge was very worried seeing that two seasoned members were leaving the Commission and was happy to see that Mr. Andrews reapplied. Mr. Trowbridge encourage Mr. Fox to reapply for the opening as of December 31, 2016. Mr. Fox recognizes that the Commission would be much better off with Mr. Andrews on it explaining he is more than willing to wait and reapply for the next vacancy as it is his feeling that the Commission should have a voice of experience and he would prefer to sit on the Commission learning fi•om Mr. Andrews' experience. Mr. DelVecchio felt Mr. Fox to be very articulate and to have tremendous credentials. Chairman Aptowitz felt Mr. Fox to be quite admirable. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 9, 2016 Page 2 of 7 The consensus of the Board was to have Mr. Fox apply for the next vacancy to the Airport Commission on December 31, 2016 and he would not be required to interview again. Mr. Andrews felt the Board should be aware that the airport is now on a mandate from the FAA to adjust the runway/taxiway. It is presently 200' and it is mandated for 225'. It was noted there are no safety issues and Mansfield is not the only airport being asked to do this. This issue is it is a $5 million project and could take 8-10 years to raise that type of funds. Mr. Andrews also noted there has been an applicant for the flight school. Motion: To appoint Lou Andrews to a three year unexpired term on the Airport Commission, to expire January 1, 2018 (Schoonveld/Trowbridge) PASSES 5-0 5. Consideration Of MassDOT/Aeronautics Division Grant Assurance For Phase III Obstruction Removal Motion: To authorize the Chairman to sign the MassDOT/Aeronautics Division Grant Assurance for Phase III Obstruction Removal (Trowbrige/DelVecchio) PASSES 5-0 6. Consideration And Possible Approval Of Town's Social Media Policy Patti Firing, Human Resources Director, is before the Board to present the latest version of the Town's Social Media Policy. Ms. Firing explained the process included reviewing the State's Social Media Policy, tweaking it for Town's purposes where it was then reviewed by Town Counsel, who provided recommendations. Mr. Trowbridge noted this policy has been discussed over the past six months and it is his feeling that the Town will never be able to close every loophole. He felt it to be a fluid document that he would like to move forward in order to establish the policy and then amend as needed. Mr. DelVecchio agreed this to be a living document and ultimately would like to see it less than ten pages. Mr. Schoonveld disagreed with the Board. He had concerns with what is in the policy, feeling it to be too broad, noting the following: • felt this version to be entirely too long (should be about two things: work activities of employees and the Town's own social media sites) • scope this version covers is too broad referencing who the policy covered (Town of Mansfield employees, agents, elected officials, volunteers), felt this would then need to include groups from the School Committee to subcontractors • referenced page 2 under policy "failure to observe this policy may subject an individual(s) to disciplinary action including termination of employment" — felt cannot terminate a Board member • felt there needs to be two separate policies (one for employees and one for committees, boards and volunteers) • questioned of the Town has a Code of Conduct to which Ms. Firing confirmed • questioned how this would apply to unions to which Mr. Ross explained the Town would need to make it available to union representations where any concerns would need to be raised Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 9, 2016 Page 3 of 7 • Mr. Schoonveld had asked and did not receive the opinion of both the Police and Fire Chiefs • felt there required to be an exposure period for comments with regards to boards/committee members and volunteers Mr. Trowbridge interjected at this point noting the Selectmen cannot create a policy that has any control over an autonomous board/committee, As the policy makers for the Town, Chairman Aptowitz reminded that employees of the Town sign an agreement to follow those policies. Mr. DelVecchio questioned how long this policy discussion has been before the Board to which Ms. Whalen noted the original version was submitted to the Board last June with Mr. Ross noting the revised (Town Counsel) version approximately one week. Mr. DelVecchio clarified that this policy has been reviewed by IIR, Town Manager, Town Counsel and Departments. Mr. Schoonveld countered that this is actually the first time the Board has had a chance to review. The discussion amongst the Board moved to Mr. Schoonveld's concern that there was only a 48 hour review period for the policy (policy was submitted to the Board within its weekly packet). Motion: To approve the Social Media policies eliminating the verbiage "agents, elected and appointed officials, consultants, volunteers and any person conducting business" and leaving it strictly as "Town of Mansfield employees" (Trowbridge/DelVeechio) Discussion: Mr. DelVecchio felt 48 hours to be enough time and covers appropriate areas, Mr. Schoonveld felt, even after removal of that verbiage, other edits are still required. He liked the direction as it should be an employee based social media policy but felt another policy to be needed to cover "volunteers". He requested to see a newer version and table this motion. Mr. Schoonveld would also like to review the pre -Town Counsel version and to have Town Counsel available. Mr. Dentino commented that the Unions would want to have this policy ahead of time, prior to negotiating, to which Mr. Trowbridge stated although not perfect, the Town needs to approve something and start somewhere, Motion: To approve the Social Media policies eliminating the verbiage "agents, elected and appointed officials, consultants, volunteers and any person conducting business" and leaving it strictly as "'Town of Mansfield employees" (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 4:1 Schoonveld NAY 7. Continued Discussion On Update Of Public Safety/DPW Complex Costs Mr, Ross reported his office has received a letter from the State Department of Health notifying it has reviewed plans for both buildings for code purposes and has approved. The only request was to receive as -built plans once completed. Mr. Ross and the Board discussed a date for ground breaking. It was decided that Mr. Ross will coordinate a list of invitees for November 19th. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 9, 2016 Page 4 of 7 8. Resident Questions and Comments Kevin Doyle, 35 Fruit Street, resident and Chairman of the Democratic Committee, would like to t mention how proud he is to have participated in the Town's Election. Mr. Doyle commended the Town Clerk's office on the well run and organized process as well as the Police Department and the high school volunteers. Mr. Ross has had a number of citizens echo those sentiments. It was noted over 4,000 residents participated in Early Voting. The Chairman felt Marianne Staples, Town Clerk, did an amazing job. Mr. Trowbridge would like to see a certificate of thanks sent to those high school participants. 9. Review and Approve Consent Agenda All items on the Consent Agenda may be adopted with a single motion. Any member of the Board of Selectmen may request that an item be withdrawn from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration in which case that item will be voted on separately from the remainder of the Consent Agenda. All licenses have been routed through Town Hall Departments and any conditions have been noted below. a. Approval Of Board Of Selectmen Minutes For: • Meeting Of October 26, 2016 • Meeting Of November 2, 2016 b. Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 17019T in the amount of $2,254,711.57 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 17019E in the amount of $23,023.18 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 17019S in the amount of $338,995.61 c. 2017 Alcohol License Renewal • Consideration Of Wine And Malt Retail Package License For Fair Winds And Following Seas, Inc. dba Tedeschi Food Shop Subject To Town Department's/Public Safety Recommendations • Consideration Of Wine And Malt On Premise And Common Victualler License For Cafe On The Common, Subject To Town Department's/Public Safety Recommendations d. Proclamation • Consideration Of Proclamation Celebrating 100"' Birthday For Resident Emma C. Hanson Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda minus the Proclamation and the minutes for the BOS Meeting October 26, 2016 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 5-0 Mr. Trowbridge read the Proclamation into the record. Motion: To approve the Proclamation for Emma C. Hanson celebrating her 100th birthday (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 5-0 10. Consideration and Approval of Town and School Payroll Warrants • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17019PT in the amount of $338,588.53 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17019PT in the amount of $338,588.53 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17019TV in the amount of $104,043.92 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17019TV in the amount of $104,043.92 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 9, 2016 Page 5 of 7 It. Correspondence None. 12. Town Manager's Report Mr. Ross reported the parking lot at the Library/Council On Aging has been given a base coat of asphalt and curb and gutter is in place and ramps have been worked on. Final lift of pavement will be next Spring. Mr. Ross noted that one additional ramp for those with disabilities were added. Mr. Ross noted the recreational marijuana referendum passed last evening. In the event of the referendum passing, Mr. Ross had Shaun Burke, Town Planner, create special zoning, which has now been sent to Town Counsel for review. This would require placement on the Warrant at Town Meeting. Mr. Ross reported he has also followed up with Ellen Rosenfeld of CommCan noting: 1) CommCan will abide by its agreement with the Town and have no desire to convert or add any recreational usage to its medical facility, 2) firmly recognized its trans actual agreement with the Town, and 3) Ms. Rosenfeld advised the Town to prepare its zoning limitations (which it has already done). Mr. Ross further informed the Board that the Legislature will have authority to amend the law and he has already been told by one representative that amendments are guaranteed. Mr. Ross noted the Board will discuss parking limitations for the train station area at its next meeting, November 16th. Mr. Ross is proposing two hour parking for North Main, Oakland and Mansfield Avenue. To enforce this would require a motion from the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Ross has sent the Board an email and map with the areas affected highlighted. Mr. Ross is also proposing a discussion on no thru trucking on Pratt Street as the corner is too tight as well as the Traffic Enforcement Officer is recommending a 20mph speed limit on Mansfield Avenue. Mr. Ross reported that the water/sewer work at Webb Place is moving slower than expected. Mr. Ross reminded that Town Hall will close early tomorrow, 12:00pm Thursday, November 10th and all day Friday, November 1 I 1 in recognition of Veterans Day. Mr. Ross presented to the Board a signed Rory McIllroy framed tee flag from the Deutsche Bank Tournament. It will hang in the Town Manager's office. A letter of thanks will be sent to Rich Brady, Executive Director, PGA Tour. 13. BOS Questions and Comments Mr. Trowbridge again asked if a date has been sent with regards to the 911 Regionalization to which Mr. Ross responded there has not but progress has been made on the Intergovernmental Agreement as it is in final draft and final touches have been made to the presentation. The group is coordinating a presentation date which looks to be the first two weeks of December. Mr. DelVecchio commended the high school student volunteers on Election Day. He felt they gained great experience and were quite professional. Mr. DelVecchio felt the earlier presentation of Quilts Of Valor to be quite emotional. Chairman Aptowitz agreed with Mr. DelVecchio, noting his father served in the Korean War. He remembered stories from his father prompting him to thank ALL Veterans. He reminded the Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 9, 2016 Page 6 of 7 Veterans Day parade is 10:00am this Friday, November 11°i with a dedication of the Purple Heart Community and cookout immediately following on the South Common. Mr. Schoonveld noted: "Before we close the meeting I would like to read the following tribute - and no George this is not an ode to the Chicago Cubs. Just over a year ago my father was diagnosed with MDS which is a disease related to leukemia. For the past couple of months he was in the middle of a bone marrow transplant that would have provided a cure but at 9am this morning my father passed away. My Dad was a Man of faith, a man of God. Shortly after I left for school my parents decided to serve others and became missionaries in Brazil, Ghana, and Mozambique. Even when they retired they continued to help others traveling within the states to hurricane and tornado ravaged places and impoverished communities to rebuild homes and provide relief. Together they touched thousands of lives and continued to do so even during his illness. I do not mourn for my Dad or myself because we know exactly where his soul is today. But I do mourn for my sons and their 9 cousins who will not have the advantage of my father to help raise them. Dad taught me patience, persistency, hard work and to never give up and never lose hope. It goes without saying but of course I will say it, everything I am and everything I will ever be I owe to my father. With that I thank you and I motion that we adjourn. The Board gave its heartfelt condolences to Mr. Schoonveld and his family. 14. Items Not Anticipated 48 Hours in Advance of Meeting None 15. Adjourn MOTION: To adjourn at 8:45PM (Schoonveld /DelVecchio) PASSES 5-0 4�0e Signature Minutes prepared by: Tracey Whalen Documents used in this meeting: Statement from the Artful Hands Quilt Guild of Mansfield Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 9, 2016 Page 7 of 7 I I-1 S=A�l Date