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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 10-05-2016Minutes of Board of Selectmen Meeting October 5, 2016 7:00 P.M. RECEIVED Present: Jess Aptowitz, Chairman; Frank DelVecchio, Vice-Chairma'�}'4b1�Cyliid�Ierk; George Dentine and Steve Schoonveld. Also present was William Ross, Town Manager 291b OCl 21-1 P is 51 1. Meeting Called To Order At 7:00 p.m. Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Chairman reMlr!60e vejryone that the meeting is being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Vakl�.` €je'asko if there any members of the audience recording, to which there was no response. J( 2. Consideration of Application By Maureen Doherty For The Vacancy On The Municipal Building Committee Present before the Board is Maureen Doherty of 3 Darby Drive who has applied to fill a vacancy on the Municipal Building Committee. The Board recognized her prior service on the MBC and thanked her for her interest in serving on the Committee. She stated that this would be her second term on the MBC and she is very interested in continuing to help out. Mr. Dentino is happy that Ms. Doherty applied. Mr. DelVecchio is pleased to have an opportunity to fill the spot with someone so qualified. Mr. Trowbridge stated that Ms. Doherty would be an asset to the Town. Mr. Aptowitz concurred. Motion: That Maureen Doherty be appointed to an unexpired five (5) year term, to expire January 1, 2018, on the Municipal Building Committee. (Trowbridge/Dentino) PASSES 5:0. Ms. Doherty thanked the Board and stated that she would like to bring budget oversight to the project and she passed out a budget overview document as a model that she would like to follow. Mr. Ross welcomed Ms. Doherty to the Committee. 3. Consideration of Cancellation of Violation Notice and Public Hearing for Mansfield Parking . LLC. Mr. Ross brought the Board up-to-date on violations which had occurred at the Mansfield Parking LLC lot. He indicated that the violations had been corrected. Through personal observation he notes that there is no longer parking on the slab. However, his research revealed that in 2006 there were no parking outside of the fence and there was different line painting than exists now, shown on GIS aerial photos. In the 2013 photos, it was noted that the layout had been altered, but 12-14 spaces were added outside of the fenced area. He recommended that Mansfield Parking be given notice that they cannot park in the spaces outside of the fenced area which would require a new application and site plan approval. He recommended that a cease and desist be sent to correct this. Mr. Schoonveld would like to have them in for a discussion to make sure there are no issues going forward. Mr. Trowbirdge would like them notified immediately to not park in the area outside the fence. He would then like the parking officer to check for enforcement. Mr. DelVecchio agreed that a letter requiring compliance is sufficient. Mr. Dentino agreed. Mr. Schoonveld also agreed. Mr. Trowbridge would like the letter to be sent via certified mail and asked that Mr. Ross also call Mr. Turner. Motion: To withdraw the hearing for Mansfield Parking LLC violations previously scheduled by the Board for October 19'h and to authorize the Town Manager to send a letter by certified mail and to contact the owner by phone on October 6, 2016 and follow up on October 7, 2016 to ensure that no cars are parked outside the fenced area. (Towbridge/Schoonveld). PASSES 5:0 4. Resident Questions and Comments - None 5. 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 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 5, 2016 Page] 0f5 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 September 28, 2016 b. Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 17014T in the amount of $1,650,866.03 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 17014E in the amount of $34,983.49 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 17014S in the amount of $165.23 c. Licenses and Permits • Consideration Of One Day Beer And Wine License For Black Box Theater & Gallery For Event October 14, 2016 d. Events and Signage Consideration Of Blue Ribbons In Honor Of Police Officers On The South Common By Resident Sandra May Consideration Of Event Pennit Application For Park and Recreation's Annual Halloween Parade, October 29°i Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda as presented (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0. 6. Consideration and Approval of Town and School Payroll Warrants • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17014PT in the amount of $390,900.87. Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17014PT in the amount of $390,900.87 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17014TV in the amount of $118,332.14 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17014TV in the amount of $118,332.14 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 17014PS in the amount of $1,589,070.30. Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 17014PS in the amount of $1,589,070.30. (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 4:0:1 Trowbridge abstains • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 17014SV in the amount of $529,516.85. Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 17014SV in the amount of $529,516.85. (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 7. BOS Questions and Comments Mr. Schoonveld asked for an update on the Memorial Park RPP and timing; Mr. Ross stated that the firm has been chosen and work can begin but he does not know the exact timing as he has not yet seen the contract for this work. He would like to know if the work can be done this fall to begin removing the old equipment. Mr. Ross will get back to the Board on this issue. Mr. Aptowitz stated that the tax classification hearing is scheduled for October 26"i. Mr. Aptowitz would like to be sure that all five members are at the meeting. He stated that he has requested data and Mr. Ross suggested the requests go to John Stanbrook and Nancy Hinote. Mr. Schoonveld will be asking for data, particularly the distribution of growth among the various classes. Mr. Aptowtiz would like to see an average assessed tax bill for the last five years which Mr. Ross believes may be provided in the CAFR. Mr. Schoonveld would like to add an agenda item to the next meeting to see if the Board is interested in taking a position on Question #4 on the November ballot. Mr. DelVecchio is concerned that this might set a precedent for the Board to render an opinion on all questions. Mr. Aptowitz does not believe that this is within the Boards purview. Mr. DelVecchio asked what the purpose of the discussion would be and Mr. Schoonveld stated that it is to provide information to the residents and to discuss the impact on the schools and the community. Mr. Aptowitz stated that past practice has been to not render an opinion. Mr. Dentino Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 5, 2016 Page 2 of 5 is concerned that they may not have the facts and data to have an informative discussion. Mr. Dentino stated that the Board doesn't have to agree to vote but can have the discussion. The board reached a consensus to place this item on the agenda for October 19, 2016. Mr. Dentino stated that he has reviewed the materials on the East Street project and noted that none of the ending balances had changed. He would be interested in discussing this with staff. Mr. Ross reviewed a recent spreadsheet received by Mike Ahern showing expenditures. Mr. Ross stated that bids for general contractors will be opened tomorrow and expenditures will start to go up. Mr. DelVeeehio stated that he attended the Safe Routes to Schools ribbon cutting was this morning which was very well done and well attended. Mr. Trowbridge stated that he also attended and commented that it was well attended by state officials and school personnel town personnel. Mr. Aptowitz would like the sidewalks in front of the Keach Memorial cleaned before Veterans' day. Mr. Ross stated that it will be taken care of. Chairman Aptowitz would like an Xfinity Center license meeting scheduled as soon as possible. Mr. Dentino believes that a number of meetings took place in the spring that he believes he should have been invited to. Mr. Ross stated that those meetings were internal staff meetings and not subcommittee meetings. Mi. Ross responded to Mr. Schoonveld's question about Memorial Park. He stated that it would more likely begin next spring and there is additional information needed from the low bidder. S. Downtown Strategy Workshop Mr. Ross presented some slides from the Northeastern students presentation (provided in the meeting materials) creating two way traffic in the area of the fire station which will no longer be operational in approximately 2 years and improving the WWII tail and replacement of Old Colony on the Rumford Ave. side with walking paths and a small park area. This provides direct access to the train station which may qualify for federal grants. He stated this was a very gifted group of students who did some great work on this. Mr. Wilk asked if there are traffic counts, the amount of spaces they need and how much traffic goes through. Mr. Ross stated that the students showed at 50 to 60 spaces would be added along Old Colony. Mr. Wilk asked if businesses received questionnaires and Mr. Ross stated that they did not. Tom French, Chair of the Planning Board presented a slide show (provided in the meeting materials) regarding the 2008 Master Plan and Zoning changes that have been made. He stated the Planning Board is prepared to work with the Town to develop opportunities. Bob Krentzman, Chair of the Industrial Development Commission stated that they have really focused on the Main Street area and have begun to develop relationships with downtown groups. He introduced Nancy Wall who is the Chair of the Main Street Subcommittee. She stated that they have done a survey and created some marketing materials. They launched the website www.whvmansfieldO2O48.com. Caitlyn Barrows, Chair of the Fades Fuel Site Advisory Committee addressed the Board and introduced her Committee. She reminded the Board that a plan was presented and well received. They were then tasked with developing cost estimates because they are still waiting on survey information. They have discovered that there could be a $50,000 from the state. The Committee believes there is a need for green space to increase foot traffic. She stated it could be a venue for arts and community events. They are focused on how they can assist in using the space to develop a downtown core. Lisa Piscatelli, Chair of the Cultural Council addressed the Board and stated that they have discussed the development of a cultural district in Mansfield. She stated that they were required to present a survey and the responses were 80% positive for the development of a cultural district. Members Kathryn Wroth and Gail Gillman have agreed to get more information and investigate the process. She stated that there are grant opportunities available from the Mass Cultural Council. She reminded everyone that they are in their Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 5, 2016 Page 3 of 5 grant cycle, which closes October 17"i. Ms. Piscatelli believes that the Town has sufficient assets to apply to become a cultural district. Walter Wilk, Chair of the Finance Committee addressed the Board and made a recommendation to create a smaller committee tasked with making recommendations. He also suggested encouraging downtown food establishments to accept Wheaton meal plan cards which may attract more business in conjunction with GATRA transportion. Debra Britt and Caitlyn Barrows from the DBA addressed the Board and informed them that she has been doing some research and this year will be launching a history hunt. Businesses will be adding markers in their businesses identify historical structures and events. They are considering this event for the spring. State Representative Jay Barrows addressed the Board and talked about the Downtown Business Association participation. He would like to update the brackets on the poles where the seasonal banners hang. Mr. Ross stated that the town is ready to move forward with this project. He believes that downtown looks better than it ever has and they are very open to developing some green space and walking space. He stated that the Commonwealth is willing to make investments to revitalize downtown areas. He believes we have a very good opportunity to move forward with a plan. Mr. Aptowitz commented that everyone present is working very hard to move this along. He recognizes that the Strategic Plan calls for the development of a Downtown Development Committee. He believes that it is time to bridge the committees. Mr. DelVecchio stated that he is in agreement that things need to move forward. He believes this meeting was essential to moving forward because getting everyone in the same room has been beneficial to understanding an overall picture of what needs to be done and will facilitate moving forward. Mr. Trowbridge stated that he is concerned about the suggestions to go to 2 -way traffic and the potential loss of parking spaces and the elimination of travel lanes on the Rumford side of Old Colony and thinks these should be taken off the table. Representative Barrows stated that we need to create pedestrian friendly areas where traffic moves slowly. Mr. Trowbridge would be interested in solar powered lighted speed limit signs along North Main St. Mr. Schoonveld believes that the Downtown Committee needs to have decision-making authority at an executive level and the members need to be able to move quickly. He would like to see two members of the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager, a member from the Planning Board and perhaps the Town Planner. Mr. Dentino stated that he believes the malls have hurt businesses downtown. He expressed concern about the development occurring near the train station. He thinks it will be a long time of people making suggestions but he believes that nothing can change for a number of years. Mike Lovett of the Fales Fuel Site Committee stated that he thought an independent study would be appropriate and to look at how other towns have done this. Mr. Feeley from the Finance Committee stated that people are motivated and we need to get going. Mr. DelVecchio stated that this needs to be organized and asked if that task falls on the Board. Motion: To establish a committee titled the Downtown Committee (DelVecchio/Schoonveld) Chairman Aptowitz asked for discussion. Mr. Wilk, Chair of the Finance Committee, suggested setting it up the same way as the CIP with representatives appointed by each committee. Representative Barrows suggested that the Committee be given direction and a deadline for submission of recommendations so that things continue to move along. Mr. Wilk suggested that the number of members should be limited so that decisions can be made quickly. Chairman Aptowitz called for a vote. PASSES: 5:0 After discussion on the compilation of the Committee, the Chairman asked for a subsequent motion. Motion: To form a committee, called the Downtown Committee, comprised of the Town Manager as Director, 1 member from the Board of Selectmen, I member from the Planning Board, 1 member from the Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 5, 2016 Page 4 of 5 Fales Fuel Site Advisory Committee, 1 member from the Cultural Council, I member from the Industrial Development Committee, 1 member from the Finance Committee and 2 members from the downtown business owners. (Trowbridge) Chairman Aptowitz asked for discussion on the motion. A discussion took place concerning adding a member to the Committee from Keep Mansfield Beautiful. Amendment to Motion: to include I member from Keep Mansfield Beautiful (Trowbridge) Motion and amendment seconded by Mr. DelVecchio. After further discussion Amendment to Motion to include the phrase "insofar as possible" and "members to be appointed by their respective committees." (Trowbridge). After further discussion Amendment to Motion: that the Town Manager choose the 2 members from downtown businesses. (Trowbridge). The Board discussed and reached a consensus that interested owners of businesses in the downtown should let the Town Manager know that they would like to serve on the Committee and Mr. Ross will choose these members. Motion, as amended, seconded by DelVecchio. The Chairman restated the motion, as amended as follows: To form a committee, called the Downtown Committee, comprised of the Town Manager as Director, I member from the Board of Selectmen, 1 member from the Planning Board, 1 member from the Fales Fuel Site Advisory Committee, I member from the Cultural Council, 1 member from the Industrial Development Committee, I member from the Finance Committee, I member from Keep Mansfield Beautiful to be appointed by their respective committees, insofar as possible, and 2 members from chosen from interested downtown business owners, to be appointed by the Town Manager. Finding no further discussion, Chairman Aptowitz called for a vote. PASSES: 4:1 (Dentine—Nay) Mr. Dentino stated that he believes the Committee is too top heavy. Chairman Aptowitz indicated to all in attendance that each group, at their next meeting, should appoint a member to the Downtown Committee. 9. Items Not Anticipated 48 Hours in Advance of Meeting None MOTION: To adjourn (Schoonveld/DelVeceho) PASSES: 5:0 Meeting adjourned at 9:2 p.m.. 10-1q- /& Signatu Date Minutes prepared by: Deb Herbert Documents used in this meeting: Application to Serve on Board/Committee—Maureen Doherty PowerPoint Presentation from Planning Board re: Downtown Strategy Workshop Excerpts from PowerPoint Presentation from T3 Solutions (Northeastern University Students) Board Of Selectmen's Meeting October 5, 2016 Page 5 of 5