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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 10-26-2016Minutes of Board of Selectmen Meeting October 26, 2016 r t 7:00 p.m. E i� G . ;�t � OFFICE Present: Jess Aptowitz, Chairman; Frank DelVecchio, Vice -Chairman; MiIA;Pt.otrYdP, 5.IQjki George Dentino and Steve Schoonveld. Also present was William Ross, Town Zaker ``t..D I . Meeting Called To Order At 7:00 p.m. .0 Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Chairman remindedeveryone 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. Public Hearing In Accordance With Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 56, For The Purpose Of Adopting The Percentages Of The Local Tax Levy To Be Borne By Each Class Of Real And Personal Property For Fiscal Year 2017 The Clerk read into the record the notice of the public hearing. Motion: To open the public hearing. PASSES: 5-0 Members of the Board of Assessors came to the table to meet with the Selectmen; Mr. Greg Matoian, Mr. Glen Nirenberg and Ms. Nancy Hinote were present. Mr. Matoian stated that they are before the Board to ask that the tax rate be set and that data had been presented to the Board. He stated there was a total of approximately $235,000 in new growth which was not estimated in the budget. He stated that the maximum levy will be $58,057,728 including the new growth; without including the new growth, that figure would be $57,822,289. There was a re-evaluation completed recently so it is believed the figures are accurate. Chairman Aptowitz requested questions from the Board. Selectman DelVecchio asked what the incremental impact is on the average tax bill if the new growth were levied. Mr. Matoian stated that if the split remains the same, the residential rate would be down $.33 to $15.08 per thousand; the commercial would be down $.41 to $21.17 per thousand. Without using the new growth, the residential would go down $.39 to $15.02 per thousand; commercial would be down $.50 to $20.08 per thousand. Selectman DelVecchio asked what the average tax bill is expected to be and Ms. Hinote indicated that this data is not typically calculated. Mr. DelVecchio stated that he would like to maintain an equal burden among the various classifications. Selectman Schoonveld asked what the sources of the new growth were. Mr. Matoian stated that this data was not calculated. Mr. Ross stated that a lump sum was used and was not broken down. Mr. Schoonveld is interested in what the growth source is and stated that when new growth that exceeds the estimated amount it is usually from personal property. Selectman Schoonveld asked if there appear to be any trends emerging in certain types of homes growing in assessment compared to others. Ms. Hinote stated that the values are rapidly changing. Many different analyses are performed. They also see a trend in increase in value of ranch style homes. She has all of this data and can provide it when requested. She stated that values are changing so rapidly that her office cannot keep up. Mr. Schoonveld asked how the Board can advise taxpayers what they can expect will happen to their tax bills. Mr. Matoian stated that he would expect taxes to continue to rise. Mr. Schoonveld stated that he would like an exhibit showing that expectation. Ms. Hinote stated that as soon as the rate is set, residents can call to find out what their tax bills will be. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 26, 2016 Pagel of 8 Mr. Aptowitz stated that what happens with the tax rate reflects back to May when the budget was set. He also noted that most of the debt service for the municipal complex will not be in the rate the Board sets tonight. He believes the analysis needs to be based on comparable assessments in neighboring communities. He stated that if the split is to be kept the same, he is in favor of not taxing the new growth. fie stated that the Town needs to keep a close eye on the budget. Selectman Schoonveld presented a graph prepared by the Finance Director which calculates the cost per thousand to cover the debt exclusion over the next few years. Mr. DelVecchio agrees the trend is down on the debt exclusion but believes taxpayers are concerned with the overall trend in their tax bills. Mr. DelVecchio would like the Town to be less conservative in the new growth and have a better expectation of what the number is going to be. Motion: To close the public hearing (Trowbridge/DelVecchio). PASSES: 5-0 After a brief further discussion the following motion was made: Motion: I move that we tax to the levy, without the unanticipated new growth of $235,000 to the tune of $57,822,289. (Schoonveld/DelVecchio). The Chairman asked for further discussion. Mr. Schoonveld stated that he will be voting yes as the personal property is fictitious growth and he doesn't believe it should be included. Mr. Dentino stated that assessments have been rising and the Board needs to think about whom that hurts. Motion PASSES: 3-2 (Trowbridge, Aptowitz — Nay). A brief discussion ensued concerning a potential motion to reconsider. No motion was made. Motion: To keep the current split at 1.24 (Trowbridge/Schoonveld). PASSES: 4-1 (Aptowitz - Nay) Mr. Schoonveld asked about the RFP process for Vision Appraisal Services and how long have they used their services. Ms. Hinote stated that Vision was in place when she arrived 12 years ago. She further stated that the 2022 will be the next full appraisal and that every three years there is an RPP issued for these services. Mr. Schoonveld stated that for other services in the town there has been an RFP process for services. He further asked when would be the ideal time for such an RFP? Ms. Hinote discussed the other services that are being used. Chairman Aptowitz asked whether we could should schedule an RFP. Mr. Stanbrook stated that all budgeting is done in the spring for the May Town Meeting but new growth wasn't certified until September. This is why he must make a conservative projection as special town meeting would need to take place if actual new growth came in under than budgeted. Mr. DelVecchio would like to see a more accurate estimate and Mr. Ross stated that the Town will always have to make conservative estimates on this number. 3. Hearing For A Possible Change Of Manager Violation With Regard To A Wine And Malt Beverage License For BCL Premier Sports Located At 31 Oxford Road, Mansfield Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 26, 2016 Page 2 of 8 Present before the Board is Mr. Gary Beatty General Manager of BCL Premier Sports Mansfield LLC. Mr. Ross provided the Board with the background on this issue. He stated that this is the third time that the Town has struggled with the change of manager issue with the Courtside Pub. The first situation was when a renewal application was filed and the manager's name was crossed out and replaced. On November 4, 2015, Mr. Beatty was before the Board because a notice had not been filed that a manager of record was no longer employed. He stated that the license that is given to the license holders states that any changes to the management requires notification within 3 days and applicants must file a change of manager application within 14, as was adopted by the Board. Mr. Ross outlined the violation penalties under the Board's policy. He stated that even if the pub was closed, and whether or not the manager was on the payroll, in either event there still needed to be notice to the Town, He is concerned with the pattern of lack of notice to the Town. Mr. Beatty addressed the Board and said that he was not aware of the issue with the Manager when he received Mr. Ross' letter. He stated that Ms. Boothe did not want to work weekends during the summer. He understood that she needed to be on site regularly if there were beer and wine sales, but there weren't any. He anticipated that she would be coming back on board in mid -fall. She had not been terminated and had not resigned. She declined opportunities to discuss coming back to work and he then contacted the BOS office to notify the Board of the change. Chairman Aptowitz asked if there were any comments. Mr. Beatty represented to the Board that no alcohol had been served and that he could produce records if required. Mr. Aptowitz stated he would like to hear the agenda item on the change of manager before making a decision on this item. Mr. Schoonveld asked if any beer or wine had been served in past 30 days, and Mr. Beatty stated that yes, he had served alcohol in early October. Mr. Trowbridge noted to Mr. Beatty that he had represented several times during this meeting that he had not served alcohol, and he is not stating that he did. Mr. Beatty apologized. Mr. DelVecchio stated that Mr. Beatty knew there was no manager on site and sold alcohol anyway. Mr. Beatty stated that he had a tips certified staff member on staff when alcohol was served. Mr. Ross reminded the Board that Mr. Beatty is not a citizen and cannot manage the license. He suggested turning in the license to the Town during the summer months so that no alcohol can be purchased when a manager is not there. The Board reached a consensus to delay a vote on this item until after consideration of the change of manager application. 4. Consideration Of Application By BCL Premier Sports Mansfield LLC For A Change In Manager for its Wine And Malt Beverage License Located at 31 Oxford Road, Mansfield Present again before the Board is Mr. Gary Beatty of BCL Premier Sports Mansfield and Mr. Anthony Bruno, the proposed new manager of the liquor license at the Courtside Pub at the Mansfield Sportsplex. Mr. Bruno stated that he operates a concession business in Town at the Xfinity Center and at the soccer complex and he is excited to have this opportunity. He will be coming in as their manager to run food and beverage. He believes business will begin to thrive more with this relationship and believes the building will operate 12 months of the year. Mr. Trowbridge asked what Mr. Bruno's experience with serving alcohol is and he indicated that he was the manager at a golf course in Rhode Island. He has worked at different venues that serve alcohol. He is TIPS certified. Mr. DelVecchio asked what hours Mr. Bruno expected to work and he stated that he plans to be there 4 days per week, approximately 40 hours per week. Mr. Dentino believes this will be a good relationship. Mr. Aptowitz stated that Mr. Bruno is from Mansfield and has ties here. Motion to approve change in manager (Trowbridge/DelVecchio). PASSES 5-0 With respect to Agenda Item #3 Motion: To send a letter of reprimand to the owner, to be signed by the Chairman (DelVecchio/Trowbridge). PASSES: 5-0. Mr. DelVecchio stated that he would like to begin to make a paper trail of violations at this venue. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 26, 2016 Page 3 of 8 Mr. Bruno asked what the expectation is for the manager's presence on site during the sale of alcoholic beverages. Mr. Ross stated the Board's expectation is that the manager be on site adequate time to oversee the operation and ensure the safe operation of the license. 5. Discussion And Appointment Of One Member Of The Board Of Selectmen To The Downtown Committee Mr. 'Trowbridge, Mr. Aptowitz, and Mr. Dentino stated that they are not interested in serving on this Committee. Mr. Schoonveld stated that it is near and dear to his heart, but he is on the Fales Fuel Site Advisory Committee. He stated that he is happy to relieve Mr. DelVecchio of the burden of another committee if he wishes. Motion: To appoint Mr. DelVecchio to the Downtown Committee (Trowbridge/Schoonveld). PASSES: 5-0. 6. Continued Discussion On Update Of Public Safety/DPW Complex Costs Mr. Ross stated that the contract documents have been emailed today. There are a couple of insurance items that still need to be worked out. The contracts have been prepared by'fown Counsel with Bob Barry and other members of the MBC. As soon as the insurance items are taken care of, there will be a notice to proceed. He provided a quick update on what has been done to date. He commended Mike Ahern for the site work which has saved the Town a significant amount of money. Mr. Ross pointed out that there was a question about payments to Kaestle Boos at the last meeting. They have been paid to date $1,336,000, or about 70%, not the entire contract amount. If the weather holds, we should see footings and foundation poured late next month with occupancy mid to late August. Mr. Aptowitz asked when the next bond is anticipated and Mr. Ross stated that it will probably be in April or May. He stated that they are intentionally staggered to stay under $ IOM for 2016. Mr. Ross still believes that there is money to be saved moving forward. Mr. DelVecchio asked about the tax rate impact of the debt exclusions over the next several years and Mr. Ross said that he will get that to the Board. Mr Ross stated that increases in value and new construction reduce the overall tax burden and when this was initially presented to the town a conservative approach was given which he truly believes we will beat. Mr Schoonveld would like to see this analysis on both a constant tax base and a growing base. Mr. Trowbridge asked that this matter be added to every agenda going forward. 7. Update And Discussion Of Proposed Regional Dispatch Center Mr. Aptowitz asked that this be on the agenda. Mr. Ross stated that Chief Sellon has been at the meetings. Mr. Ross stated that at the last meeting the items needed to connect the 4 regions together were discussed. The dispatch policies needed to merge the departments together are done and the chiefs have agreed. The building reuse study is being performed by Kaestle Boos and is being paid for by the state. This should be ready by February. The Intergovernmental agreement is in its 3'd draft, and when it is complete it will be distributed. It needs to be revised to clarify that the building stays with the Town of Mansfield. Under the agreement there would be 2 police chiefs and 2 fire chiefs working with the director of the dispatchers to supervise staff. A presentation is being prepared to be reviewed and there will be ajoint meeting of all four boards of selectmen to view the presentation. Mr. Ross would like to see this meeting in November. Perhaps to be held at a middle school in Foxboro with excellent audio visual resources Mr. Trowbridge asked when the Board can anticipate having a signed agreement. Mr. Ross stated that this should happen before the end of December at which point they would start to merge some of the operations immediately. Chief Sellon stated that he will then be able to start applying for grant money, the application for which is due in March. Mr. Trowbridge expressed his concern because of the connection to the signing of the contract for the new municipal complex which is contingent upon the regional dispatch happening. Mr. Ross stated that if it cannot be accomplished, our dispatch will have to remain at the West Street Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 26, 2016 Page 4 orb location. Chief Sellon stated that he has been told by the state that if the Towns don't regionalize, there will be a reduction in funding. Mr. Ross believes that the state wants this to happen so that it can be used as a future model. 8. Discussion of Future Capital Project Needs for Town and School Departments Mr. Aptowitz stated that he put this item on the agenda. He stated that this year it is important that the Town start looking at wants vs. needs. He is looking to the Town Manager and CIP to ask the hard questions of department heads and watch what is being spent. Mr. Trowbridge asked if there is a presentation on the school requests. Mr. Scott Feely from the CIP came to the podium and stated that there were spreadsheets and material that could be distributed to the Board. He stated that there would be some projects which are reimbursable fi-om the state. Mr. Trowbridge asked that copies be distributed. A discussion took place about the potential percentage of reimbursement, and those numbers aren't yet known. Mr. Schoonveld asked if board packets can be uploaded to the website. He would also like to discuss each department preparing a 5 year narrative and would like this to be part of the budget discussions. Mr. DelVecchio asked that the department plans, once developed, be circulated to the Board. Mr. Feely will ask Mr. Burke to issue the CIP materials a day or two earlier to accommodate this propose. Mr. Dentino thanked Mr. Ross for getting the contract to him for the construction of the Municipal Complex. Mr. Ross reminded the Board that the contractor does not provide wage information. He asked how it get tracked and Mr. Ross stated that when pay estimates come they will have to breakdown percentages of work done by certain factors, but the project is not a time and materials project. Mr. Dentino asked when there are people working on the project who are normally Town workers, how does this get billed to the project. Mr. Ross stated that this is tracked and billed to the project. He also asked if the plans had been signed off on. Mr. Ross stated that the plans have all been signed off on and he is waiting for the copies of the plans to come from the printer. Mr. Dentino asked why the testing wasn't done to identify where the ledge was and Mr. Ross stated that they drilled all around and simply missed it. Mr. Aptowitz stated that it is moot because it had to be done. Mr. Trowbridge asked if there are electronic copies available and Mr. Ross will check on this. 9. Resident Questions and Comments None. 10. 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 19, 2016 b. Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 17017T in the amount of $297,891.99 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 17017E in the amount of $37,596.43 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 17017S in the amount of $791,060.72 c. Licenses and Permits • Consideration Of Drainlayer's License For Efficient Excavating Inc. • Consideration Of Water Installer's License For D. Berndt Sanitation & Excavation Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda as presented (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0. It. Consideration and Approval of Town and School Payroll Warrants Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 26, 2016 Page 5 of 8 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 170I7PT in the amount of $$363,608.77. Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17017PT in the amount of $363,608.77 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17017TV in the amount of $$112,002.28 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17017TV in the amount of $$112,002.28 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 12. Correspondence Mr. Trowbridge read the following letters into the record: • Letter From Carl Lambrecht, Chairman, Airport Commission, Noting He Will Not Be Seeking Reappointment To The Airport Commission • Letter from Xfinity TV Government Affairs re: Channel Lineup Changes and Fee Increases as of January 1, 2017 13. Town Manager's Report • Town wide fire hydrant flushing is beginning. He will take approximately 6 weeks. Mr. Dentino asked if hydrants can be painted. Mr. Trowbridge asked if this is a potential Eagle Scout project. • North Main/Oakland — Progress is continuing. Final lift of asphalt should occur next week. The deck on the Mansfield Ave. bridge will not be done until the spring. The remainder should be done by early November. • Mr. Dentino asked about the bridge on West Street, Mr. Ross stated that the street would be completed next spring. Mr. Ross informed the Board that there was a water leak coming out of the main which has been repaired. • Base paving is done at the Library/COA. The curbing is being placed this week and next week. • There have been over 1,150 early voters and 768 absentee voters to date. • Work is progressing on Webb Place. Several problems were encountered during the process, but it is moving along. • The Social Media Policy has been returned by Town Counsel and has been reviewed and will be moving forward. Mr. Schoonveld would like the Human Resources Director to be in attendance. Mr Dentino asked that we take a quick break so that Mr. Schoonveld can briefly discuss the Chicago Cubs. He noted they are currently leading tonight's game 5-0. 14. BOS Questions and Comments Mr. Trowbridge has no questions. Mr. DelVecchio stated that the Board is about % way through the annual term and noted that it is important to review goals and objectives progress for the year. He asked that this be added to a future agenda. He stated that Mr. Ragazzo of the Audit Committee has set a schedule to set up for the remainder of the year. Mr. Schoonveld stated that the Fates Fuel Committee would like to complete their task and make a recommendation to the Board. He stated they have two vacancies to fill and would like to get that accomplished. He also stated that two residents have inquired, one has applied, and father asked about appointments to the Airport Commission and asked if there are limitations. Mr. Ross stated that a couple of pilots on this comm ittee makes sense but too many pilots may not keep the business aspect of the airport in mind. Mr. Ross stated that Mr. Andrews did a good job managing the finances of the airport and someone Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 26, 2016 Page 6 of 8 with that background will be appropriate. Mr. Schoonveld presented a list of 10 issues that he would like to be updated monthly by Mr Ross (attached). Mr. Dentino has no questions or comments. Mr. Aptowitz noted that a private contractor was cleaning out the catch basins on Rt. 106 and questioned why, since the Town owns a truck that can be used for this work. Mr. Ross stated that the Town does not have the staff to do what the federal government requires. Fie asked about the staining on the sidewalks in front of the Keach Memorial and Mr. Ross confirmed that the stains cannot be removed. Mr. Ross stated that the only way to solve it is to switch to Town water. Mr. Aptowitz suggested that this happen and Mr. Ross will have this discussion with staff. Mr. Aptowitz would like compliance checks at the Town Hall parking lot, stating that patrons of local businesses are using the lot. Mr. Ross will talk to the parking officer. 15. Items Not Anticipated 48 Hours in Advance of Meeting None 16. Vote To Enter Into Executive Session To Discuss Collective Bargaining Negotiations With The Mansfield Police Superior Offices Association, MassCOP, Local 460, Pursuant To M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21, The Chair So Declares, And To Not To Return To Open Session. MOTION: To enter into executive session to discuss collective bargaining negotiations with the Mansfield Police Superior Officers Association, MassCOP, Local 460, pursuant to M.G.L. chapter 30A, Section 21, as the chair declares an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Town and not to return to open session (Trowbridge/DelVecchio). Roll Call Vote: Selectman Schoonveld—yes Selectman Dentino—yes Selectman DelVecchio—yes Selectman Trowbridge — yes Chairman Aptowitz —yes. Open session adjourned at 9:50 p.m, to enter into executive session and not to return to open session. Signature Date Minutes prepared by: Deb Herbert Documents used in this meeting: Tax spreadsheets and graphs provided by Assessor's office Emails from Mr. Gary Beatty of BCL Premier Sportsplex Mansfield Application for Change of Manager of the Courtside Pub at the Mansfield Sportsplex Memorandum from Mr. Mike Ahern re: costs at Municipal Complex Spreadsheet of vehicles utilized by the Police Department, Fire Department and Highway Division Minutes of 10/19/16 Meeting Drainlayer's Application for Efficient Excavating Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 26, 2016 Page 7 of 8 Water Installer License application for D. Berndt Sanitation Letter from Xfinity TV Letter from Mr. Carl Lambrecht List of 10 Items from Mr, Schoonveld to report on monthly Graph of tax rate implication on Municipal Complex. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 26, 2016 Page 8 of 8