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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 09-07-2016Board of Selectmen Minutes September 7, 2016 RECElVCD n+ -r: , Ems„ Present: Jess Aptowitz, Chairman; Frank DelVecchio, Vice-Chairma�; Ivltclr�Trq,Qb(JFOICLAerk; George Dentino , Steve Schoonveld and William Ross, Town Manager. Z016 (. SEP 15 A 8: 2 (� 1. Meeting Called To Order At 7:00 p.m. Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order at 7:00 m. The Chairman `� ` p g p• an [�tir�j�c�eil•��ry�ne that the meeting is being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfieldl&)A r'UI (!a+<kSZ7rMre were any members of the audience recording, to which there was no response. 2. Presentation of Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for Financial Reporting Achievement John Stanbrook received an award from Mr. Ross. Mr. Stanbrook accepted the award and said it was a joint effort in receiving this award. He works with a great group and together they have accomplished so much. Mr. Ross said that it was important to note that only 30 or less local governments in Massachusetts receive this award. Mr. Ross applauded the staff as well. 3. Discussion and Consideration of sending Notice of Intent to remove Municipal Building Committee Board Member, Julie Hunter. Mr. Ross acknowledged that he and Chris Paquin of the MBC have been talking about this issue for over a year. Ms. Hunter was a very good member of the board. Due to the fact that her work schedule had changed and she is working nights, she has not been able to attend an MBC meeting for over a year. Mr. Paquin has made contact with her through email. Mr. Ross has also contacted her through email and by letter. To date the Board has not received a response. The MBC is working with 4 members instead of 5. It's important to have 5 members. She should be given notice by registered and regular mail. Mr. Ross said she has a number of days to respond asking for a public hearing on the issue. If there is no response, the Charter provides that steps can be taken to remove and replace Ms. Hunter. Ms. Hunter has two more years to serve on the Board. Mr. Trowbridge felt bad about this, but acknowledges that there are a number of big projects coming. Mr. Dentino acknowledged that she has done a great job. He felt they have to address this situation but should not be in a big rush. Motion: to notify Julie Hunter regarding possible MBC removal via letter (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) PASSES 5:0 4. Consideration and adoption of revised Employee Handbook. Mr. Ross mentioned that after having discussions about the Employee Handbook, Ms. Firing has added a number of items and corrected several items related to job categories. Ms. Firing changed media relations and social media. She changed tuition reimbursement as requested, added in the sick leave act and adjusted bereavement pay. Mr. Ross felt that everything was in line with what was asked for. Mr. Schoonveld asked how the Town can be protected regarding personal email. Mr. Ross said the Town has software that limits websites use. There is no personal usage of websites. Mr. DelVecchio and Mr. Trowbridge were all set. Chairman Aptowitz asked if there are any potential issues with union matters. Motion: to approve the employee handbook (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) PASSES 4:0:1 Dentino ABSTAIN 5. Presentation by Chief Boldrighini regarding Storm Ready Community Designation. Chief Boldrighini presented a certificate of recognition for the Town of Mansfield as being recognized as a storm ready community. Chief Boldrighini mentioned that it is a good time to talk about storm readiness. This certificate is for exceptional people who volunteer their time on a daily basis and who make sure training and equipment are ready for anyone in the community. This MEMA organization stands ahead of any other community. They have become the rehab source for all fires in this community. The group is well organized with attention to detail. This award is about their hard work. David Cramer, the Deputy Director who works for FEMA has been a great help. Chief Boldrighini gave the award to Chairman Aptowitz so that it can be displayed in Town Hall. Mr. Trowbridge, Mr. DelVecchio and Mr. Dentino Board Of Selectmen's Meeting September 7, 2016 Page] of 5 thanked the group. Mr. Dentino acknowledged they are an asset to the community. Mr. Schoonveld and Chairman Aptowitz also thanked the group for their hard work. 6. Discussion and consideration of the 75 Chauncy Street Parking Lot Transfer of License from AC Intermediate Co. to Mansfield Parking LLC. ( Mr. Ross told the Board that Turner Brothers closed on the former Cleveland Twist property on September 1. Mr. Ross stated that Mansfield Parking LLC has filed an application with the Town to transfer the license from AC Intermediate to Mansfield Parking LLC. They have also filed the necessary insurance certificate and have found their corporation papers and their federal identification number. Mr. Ross also has an opinion from Town Council regarding how to handle this license. Mr. Ross has had discussions with Turner Brothers about the total amount of spaces on this site. Mr. Trowbridge asked if a notice is necessary. Chairman Aptowitz asked if any fees need to be paid. Mr. Ross discussed that the necessary fees have been paid. Mr. DelVecchio asked if they want to increase the amount of parking spaces. Mr. Ross told them that there are 172 parking spots. Mr. Schoonveld asked if Mansfield Parking LLC was aware of the MBTA construction. Mr. Ross told the Board that Mansfield Parking LLC is aware of the construction. Motion: to approve transfer of license (Delvecchio/Trowbridge) PASSES 5:0 7. Consideration of Event Application for LL Bean Bright Night 5K. Mr. Ross mentioned there was an issue with the routing along the street. It will be necessary to have additional police available to control traffic. Chairman Aptowitz suggested that LL Bean should have police details paid in advance. Mr. Trowbridge is concerned with street traffic. Mr. Ross was asked if Chief Boldrighini had signed off on this event. Mr. Ross said that it was subject to restrictions. Motion to approve is subject to details being paid in advance. Motion: to approve race subject to details being paid in advance (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) PASSES 5:0 S. Review and approval of Town Manager revised goals and objectives. Chairman Aptowitz asked if this was previously discussed. Mr. Ross said he was asked to add some goals. He added 5 goals for the Cabot Park. Motion: to amend goals and objectives as presented (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) PASSES 5:0 9. Resident Questions and Comments Bill Clemmey came up to podium. Mr. Clemmey offered additional parking spaces once the construction at the MBTA begins. 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: • August 24, 2016 b. Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 17009T in the amount of $1,474,746.16 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 17009E in the amount of $45,334.19 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 170095 in the amount of $226,903.90 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 17010T in the amount of $588,297.04 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 17010E in the amount of $245,171.57 C. Licenses and Permits: • Hackney Driver Application of Cheryl Christie to Drive for Veterans Taxi. Events and Signage: Board Of Selectmen's Meeting September 7, 2016 Page 2 of 5 Consideration of Request of Mansfield Woman of Today to place a sign on the South Common advertising its Touch A Truck event starting September 8, 2016. Consideration of Request of MMAS to place a sign on the North and South Commons advertising the Annual Arts Festival event starting September 1, 2016. Motion: to approve the Consent Agenda as presented (Trowbridge/DelVeechio) PASSES 5-0. 11. Consideration and Approval of Town and School Payroll Warrants • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17009PT in the amount of $458,644.17 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17009PT in the amount of $458,644.17 (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) PASSES 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17009TV in the amount of $134,567.54 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17009TV in the amount of $134,567.54 (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) PASSES 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17010TV in the amount of $120,933.25 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17010TV in the amount of $120,933.25 (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) PASSES 5:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 1701 OPT in the amount of $407,680.66 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 1701 OPT in the amount of $407,680.66 (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) PASSES 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 17010PS in the amount of $1,492,591.24 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 17010PS in the amount of $1,492,591.24 (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) PASSES 4:0:1 Trowbridge ABSTAIN • School Payroll/School Deductions Vendor Payroll 17010SV in the amount of $492,498.00 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Deductions Vendor Payroll 17010SV in the amount of $492,498.00 (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) PASSES 4:0:1 Trowbridge ABSTAIN 12. Correspondence No correspondence. 13. Town Manager's Report Mr. Ross mentioned that Willow Street between the addresses of 207 and 208 which is the area of the culvert and the dam will be closed on Friday to work on the dam. Once this is done it will complete work on the dam. Mr. Ross said that all residents, police and fire departments and school departments have been notified. Bids were open for the $9,050,000 General Obligation Municipal Purpose Loan of 2016 Bonds. $2,000,000 is for street projects and remainder is for the first phase of the highway garage. Mr. Ross said they received 8 bids. The lowest bid was from Stifel Nicholaus Company. The net interest rate was 2.074296%. Mr. Ross felt this was an excellent interest rate for these bonds. Paperwork to finalize the sale will be provided at the September 14, 2016 board meeting. Mr. Ross mentioned that work was beginning on North Main and North Oakland Streets. As anticipated a few things were found. They found a gas line and water main that was abandoned years ago. It is most likely that more issues will be found in the future. It was mentioned that a meeting should be scheduled by the MMED for on the 19"i. An audit committee meeting will also need to be held. Recommendation in the strategic plan is to form a downtown advisory committee. There are several independent committees. It should be considered forming a downtown Board Of Selectmen's Meeting September 7, 2016 Page 3 of 5 committee. Mr. Ross would like to form a committee with representatives of Fales Oil, the Planning Board, the Cultural Council, IDC, the Downtown Business Association, MMAS and a member of Board of Selectmen. Chairman Aptowitz mentioned there are many committees and they should bring these committees together. Mr. Ross told the Board that he checked out the new arrangements on East Street and felt there was a better traffic flow. It was discussed that signage may need to be changed. Chairman Aptowitz mentioned that faculty staff have been parking on the street. Mr. Ross mentioned that today was the first day of blasting at the DPW/Safety Center site. The blasting will be done twice a day until they are done. Chairman Aptowitz was at the site for one of the blastings. It was not that noticeable. There were no complaints. 14. BOS Questions and Comments Mr. DelVecchio mentioned how proud he feels about the certificate of achievement. Mr. DelVecchio mentioned he had some issues with the doodle calendar for the Downtown Strategic Workshop. Mr. DelVecchio would like the meeting to be at an earlier date. Mr. DelVecchio mentioned he will be attending NEGFOA conference. Mr. Trowbridge mentioned that it was great news about the bond issue and that the interest rate was so low. That means there is a saving of $1,200,000 on interest over the life of this bond issue. Mr. Trowbridge mentioned that this was a rough calculation and that he would ask for a more precise number from the Town Accountant. Mr. Schoonveld concurred that this bond issue is a great saving. Mr. Ross mentioned that the next bond issue will be between $17,000,000 and $18,000,000. Mr. Schoonveld mentioned that he felt that one day the train station parking lot will be losing many spaces. He wanted to know if there is a plan in place for the train parking lot. Mr. Ross mentioned that an overall plan includes a deck. Mr. Ross felt the deck was a necessity. However, long term maintenance on the deck is expensive. Mr. Ross also mentioned that the Mansfield train station has the most daily boardings of any other station. Mr. Ross also mentioned that they were continuing to work on a second outlet to County Street. The Board discussed the need to schedule the Downtown Strategic Workshop. It was suggested the meeting take place at an earlier date. It was agreed by the Board to schedule the meeting for October 5"i. Mr. Dentino is questioning Verizon's expenses believing them to be high with regards to installing overhead lines at the new building. Mr. Ross said that there will be no power lines in front of the building on the north side. The power lines will be on the south side across the street. Chairman Aptowitz would like an update on Willowdale and when the construction will be starting. Chairman Aptowitz also mentioned that Katelyn Merrill was doing a greatjob. Chairman Aptowitz wants to start thinking about the Xfinity subcommittee planning for next year. 15. Any Items Not Anticipated By the Chairman 48 Hours Prior To This Meeting None MOTION: To adjourn PASSES: 5.0 Meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m. Signature Board Of Selectmen's Meeting September 7, 2016 Page 4 of 5 -�cf7t I /+f 2 -)1,(� Date Minutes prepared by: Sheryl Deckert Documents used in this meeting: Minutes of August 24, 2016 Meeting Presentation of Award tram the Government Finance Officers Association for Financial Reporting Achievement Letter from Mr. Ross to Julie Hunter dated August 3, 2016 Draft Employee Handbook Presentation by Chief Boldrighini regarding Storm Ready Community designation Memorandum from Mr. Ross re: Cheryl Christie Hackney License Application Event Application for LL Bean Bright Night 5K Request of the Mansfield Woman of Today for Touch A Truck signage on the South Common Request of the MMA for Annual Fall Arts Festival signage on the North and South Commons Board Of Selectmen's Meeting September 7, 2016 Page 5 of 5