HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 02-01/2017Minutes of Board of Selectmen Meeting
February 1, 2017
7:0O p.m.
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Present: Jess Aptowitz, Chairman; Frank DelVecchio, Vice -Chairman, Michael Trowbridge Chgrk,
George Dentino, and Steve Schoonveld. Also present was William Ross, Tov9&&Uga.9 A 330
1. Meeting Called To Order At 7:00 p.m. 1
Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Chairman reminded everyone that the
meeting is being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. He asked if there were
any members of the audience recording, to which there was no response.
2. Presentation by Eva Hourigan on Free Library project.
Eva Hourigan was present before the Board. She told the Board about herself and her experiences with 4-H,
and her Free Library project. She stated that she will be building a free library. She told the Board about
who inspired her to create her free library, Todd Bol of Wisconsin. She requested that Board consider
allowing her to place a free library on the North Common and detailed the work she will need help with.
Chairman Aptowitz asked Ms. Hourigan her age. She stated she is 10 years old. Mr. Trowbridge asked Mr.
Ross if there is someone from the DPW that could help Eva with digging the hole, pouring concrete, and
filling the hole. Mr. Ross said, yes. Mr. DelVecchio stated that he thinks it is a great idea to place it next to
the train station. He asked if Mr. Ross would assist Ms. Hourigan with finding a place for the library. It was
suggested that a good place might be near the North Common gazebo. Mr. Dentino thought it might be a
good idea if it were closer to the train station. Mr. Ross stated that perhaps at the end of the plaza would be
a good place. Mr. Schoonveld added that if there is going to be children's books it should not be too close to
the train station.
Motion: To approve Eva Hourigan's project. (Trowbridge/DelVeechio) Passes 5:0
Mr. Ross noted that he was present when Ms. Hourigan presented to the Rotary Club and complimented her
the outstanding job she did presenting to the large group at the Rotary meeting. Chairman Aptowitz asked
where the books would be coming from and Ms. Hourigan stated that her 4-H Club would be helping to
obtain the books.
3. Presentation by Gus Huiskamp on Senior Project Trail System.
Richard Huiskam, of 19 Columbus Avenue, Mansfield was present before the Board to give a presentation
on his Senior Project. This project is an improvement of an existing trail behind the Jordan/Jackson with the
Natural Resources Trust on the Dorothy York Conservation Area. The project is to improve the existing
trail by making the trail a complete loop that will be one mile in length. Mr. Huiskam stated that he has
already obtained permission from the School Committee and School Resource Officer for use of the part of
the trail that is on the school's property, so he is now seeking permission from the Town for the portion of
land that is on Town property.
Mr. Trowbridge asked if there was concerns from the School Committee about the trail being so close to the
property. Mr. Huiskamp replied, the School Committee was fine with the improvement of the trail as long
as it did not connect with the school property, as a trail that gave easy access to the School's grounds could
present a student safety concern.
Mr. DelVecchio stated that he walks the trails on the York Site and he offered that it seems that if someone
wanted to use the trail system to get to the Schools they could. Mr. Huiskamp stated that there is one trail
that goes in the direction of the School, but it actually empties out onto the BayBrook Farm neighborhood,
but it stops short of the school property.
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 16, 2016
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Mr. Dentino stated that as long as the trail is flat and safe and the trail is well marked to keep people on the
trail he thinks it will work out fine.
Mr. Schoonveld stated that on Mansfield Clean-up day he took the trails and they found a couple of
foundations. He asked for history on the property. Mr. Huiskamp stated that he started a Natural Resources
Branch at the high school and the group went through and cleaned a lot of metal waste from the trails. He
added, there was an old farm in the area and the previous owners had dumped there, but he has not
encountered any old foundations or buildings on the trail he is proposing. Mr. Schoonveld stated that he
shares the same concerns about students using the trail to get to school and asked if Mr. Huiskamp had
discussed the proposed trail with Chief Sellon. Mr. Huiskamp said he did communicate with the Chief. The
Chief responded that the School Resource Officer would represent the police department in this matter. He
stated that he does not expect that students would use this trail to walk to school, its intent is for passive
recreation and for use by the teachers through limited access.
Chairman Aptowitz asked if liability insurance would be an issue if the trail was opened up. Mr. Ross stated
the Town carries liability insurance that covers all of our properties and any part of the trail on Town
property would be part of the coverage. Chairman Aptowitz asked if there was going to be a sign at the head
of the trail. Mr. Huiskamp stated that the trail would be marked with green blazes, and if the School wanted
access there would probably be signage discouraging other user from going to the School. He added, there
will be signage at the entrance to the trail system on Branch Street.
Motion: To approve Mr. Huiskamp's Senior Project and that the Town Manager be empowered to make
sure the area indicated in dark green gets completed.
Discussion: Chairman Aptowitz asked when would work be completed. Mr. Huiskamp stated that he can
gather volunteers immediately and once the snow clears it will take about one month to complete. Mr.
Schoonveld asked for clarification on the access point to the School. Mr. Huiskamp stated, yes, the access
point from the school property is still pending.
(DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0
4. Audit Committee's Annual Report to the Board of Selectmen for FY16.
James Ragazzo was present before the Board to give the Annual Report for FY16 and asked if he could
blend the Report and the Annual update together, and Chairman Aptowitz granted permission. Mr.
Ragazzo stated that on June 2, 2016 the Audit Committee and Mr. Stanbrook met with the auditors in
preparation of the upcoming audit of FY16 to outlined what the outside auditors, Powers & Sullivan, were
going to deliver, the audit timetable, tentative meetings for September through December, and specifically
the deadlines of documents that needed to be submitted to varies authorities. Mr. Ragazzo stated that
although the Committee did not meet until December 15, he communicated directly with the, the Auditor,
Mr. Standbrook, and the accountant at Mansfield Municipal Electric. Mr. Ragazzo told the Board that the
first deadline that needed to be met was the audit of the Mansfield Municipal Electric Audited Financial
Statement. The Audited Financial Statement deadline was deferred until December 15th because the
pension information from Bristol County Retirement Board was not available. At the December 15`h
meeting, the auditor informed the Committee that the BCRB numbers would be furthered delayed. The
audit was completed and signed on December 27, 2016 by the external auditors. Mr. Ragazzo summarized
the deadline and reporting process with auditors Powers & Sullivan as being more easily managed as it is
the second year of working together.
Federal Awards Program: Mr. Ragazzo offered a report of the awards program and noted, during 2016 there
was a change in the professional guidelines to increase the threshold of an award from $500,000 to
$750,000. The outside auditor reviewed the Special Education cluster, and there was no findings in that
area. There were no other items that needed to be discussed by the Audit Committee.
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Mansfield Municipal Electric Department Audit: The final statement was signed on December 27, 2017.
Mr. Ragazzo stated that this is a comparative report. Everything went smoothly with the Electric
Department audit, and Mr. Ragazzo wanted to acknowledge the work of Mr. Thompson and Mr. Stanbrook.
As previously stated, the information was not available for the retirement board. Because the audited
financial statements were not available on October 28, 2016 for submission to the ISO New England group,
an exception was granted by ISO New England Group to Mansfield Municipal Electric so that the regular
quarterly financial statements could be submitted to the ISO without the retirement reporting. The net
position decreased to a positive $2.1 million vs. $2.3 million last year, as the kilowatt hours sold were
down. Mr. Ragazzo summarized the stability as solid. He noted, this is the only area of our Town where
inventory is necessary and it was performed.
Management Letter: Mr. Ragazzo stated that Mr. Stanbrook and Mr. Ross are doing a great job with
addressing and providing a management response which is essential with assisting the Audit Committee
and the Board to understand what is going to be done about any problems. From the audit, it was determined
that a standardized time sheet will be implemented and based on the size of our town and the size of the
budget the Accounting Department resources needs to be addressed. The Audit Committee noted concern
over the responsibilities of Documentation of Internal Controls. Mr. Ragazzo gave an overview of
municipal internal controls as they relate to the model of corporate internal controls, and their place in the
Town's audit process. He noted that this has been put in place by the outside auditors and offered that there
are now five components of the Internal Control Frameworks per the Management Letter. He offered that
per the Town bylaws there are a couple of areas of the Audit Committee's responsibilities that might need to
be enhanced because of this change.
Mr. Schoonveld stated that he had read the entire report and noted the responsibilities of the Audit
Committee per the Town's website. He then asked Mr. Ragazzo when the Audit Committee met in 2016.
Mr. Ragazzo stated in June 2 and December 15 and added, that the audit was continuously monitored. Mr.
Schoonveld noted his concern that this committee needs to meet in open forum and the audit needs to be
discussed among all of the Committee members. Mr. Schoonveld then asked, how can the Audit Committee
fulfil its duties to the Town and implement these Internal Controls policies if they do not meet? Chairman
Aptowitz stated, he met with Mike Donegan at MMA Conference and he told Chairman Aptowitz that
Mansfield looked great. Chairman Aptowitz stated that in some organizations, due to staffing issues, there
isn't perfect internal controls, but the Town has compensating controls to deal with issues and protect the
Town. Mr. Schoonveld stated that it is the Committee's responsibility is to monitor the implementation of
corrective actions. He asked how did that work out last year, referring to this past year's Management
Letter. Mr. Ragazzo stated the Town represented to the Audit Committee that they had adopted a Financial
Policies and Procedures Manual on July 1, 2016. However, the majority of the Departments have yet to
document the procedures. He noted that the Committee can only advise and recommend and stated that he is
not sure what the Board is asking for regarding implementation. He asked, does the Board want the
Committee to write the procedures? Mr. Schoonveld said, no, review Management Letters, similar
communications, the Town's Response, and implement. Mr. Ragazzo asked Mr. Schoonveld, if the Town
tells the Committee that it adopted a policy is he supposed to ask the Town to prove it? Mr. Schoonveld
asked, did the Committee meet to review it, when did the Committee meet to find out if the prior year's
issues were addressed? Mr. Ragazzo replied, we relied on the response from management as stated in the
Management Letter and his experience in his years on the Committee is that the Committee has been more
active in the last couple of years than it has been in the years prior. Chairman Aptowitz noted that he had
been on the Audit Committee and Mr. Brown was always asked if there was a Management Letter. Mr.
DelVecchio gave perspective as he used to be involved with the presentation of municipal audits. He stated,
there was a time period after implementation of certain regulations where the auditors had stopped issuing
Management Letters unless there was something egregious. Mr. Schoonveld stated that there were issues a
couple of years ago and he is asking how did the Audit Committee help to implement those suggestions?
Mr. Ragazzo stated that he feels that from June -December his responsibilities are around the audits
themselves and the audits' deadlines. He noted, that the Committee is certainly willing to take the Board's
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recommendations and do a better job going forward with looking at implementation. Mr. Schoonveld stated
his first recommendation would be to meet more often. Chairman Aptowitz offered that the Audit
Committee was not set up to be a second Finance Committee, it was set up to meet a minimum of two times
per year, not weekly or monthly. Mr. Schoonveld stated that the Charter states "implementation of
corrective actions plans" and if that can be done in two meetings that would be great, but the Committee is
heavily relied upon as the Finance Committee doesn't perform audits. Mr. Aptowitz replied, that the Audit
Committee does not perform them either. Mr. Schoonveld offered that his point is that meeting just June V
and December 15'h is not often enough to address all responsibilities of the Committee. Mr. Trowbridge
stated that he agreed with Mr. Schoonveld as last year at Town Meeting it was discussed that there was so
much for the Audit Committee to do. He then addressed Mr. Ragazzo and stated that these responsibilities
are supposed to be handled by the Committee as a group, but is seems as though the responsibilities have
been handled by Mr. Ragazzo alone and that everyone on the Committee has to work together. Mr.
DelVecchio noted that the Board is recommending that the Committee will meet more often and that there
were some issues with scheduling last year because of conflicting schedules, but Mr. Ragazzo is already
looking into other ways to schedule more meetings going forward.
Mr. Ragazzo then continued on with the Management Letter by asked if there were any other comments in
regards to the Management Letter. Mr. Schoonveld asked that in the off -cycle time of the Audit Committee
that they address some of the issues noted in the Management Letter by providing some knowledge from
the wisdom and experience of the Committee members. As for internal controls, Mr. Schoonveld noted that
the Board is looking for direction from the Audit Committee on correcting the systems of controls items
noted in the Management Letter soon by providing recommendations so the comments in the Management
Letter do not become compiled over the years. Mr. Ragazzo noted Mr. Schoonveld's comments and added
that for the record he would like to say that Financial Statements for the Town, and the Policies and
Procedures, and the work that needs to be done is the responsibilities of management. It is not the
responsibilities of the Audit Committee to do the work. He added, it is the responsibility of the Audit
Committee to monitor, but if they refuse to implement all he can do is come back to the Board and say that
management has not done the recommendations. Mr. Schoonveld asked that the Committee please come
back in to the Board and report if that happens.
Mr. Trowbridge offered that maybe next year's Audit Committee report to the Board might be a few
minutes spent on review of the actual audit and then more on where the Town is at on the procedures.
Rather than reading the report that was done by the auditors, Mr. Trowbridge would like to hear new
information about what recommendations have been implemented, and what has not, in a simple one-two
page report.
Mr. Dentino stated that the Town has come a long way in regards to the audit, as an audit of the Electric
Department has only been done more recently. He added, there were Management Letters but the Board
didn't get them. In Mr. Dentine's opinion the Board did not get the information the Town paid for back
then, but now the Town is on the right track. He noted, the other good thing is that Mr. Ross came along and
made good changes because the Town was headed in a bad direction.
Mr. Ragazzo thanked Mr. Stanbrook and Mr. Ross for their work with the audit process. He noted that the
Town received an award for the first year CAFR, which is noteworthy as it was the first time the Town
submitted a CAFR and receive an excellence award. The significant change relates to the compliance of
needing to book the full amount of pension liability as well as the OPEB liability, and every town in
Massachusetts needs to comply with this.
Mr. Ragazzo stated that he will take under advisement the feedback that he has received tonight. He wanted
to acknowledge the outside auditors. He reminded the Board that it is year two and we are half -way into
FY17 of a 3 -year contract with Powers & Sullivan and asked for some guidance on whether or not it is the
Audit Committee's responsibility to put out an RFP. Chairman Aptowitz replied that Powers & Sullivan
should finish the current FY before looking at that. Mr. DelVecchio stated that as the Board representative
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he should becoming back with feedback and he will do a better job of that in the future. He added, the Audit
Committee is a new concept and it is important to keep it going.
Mr. Ross stated that he had the opportunity to speak with representatives of the Department of Revenue at
the MMA and they are going to open a second round of Community Compact opportunities for
communities that had successfully completed the first round. So, it occurs to him that the internal control
policies & procedures manuals and receivables & liening, the Town could apply for a Community Compact
with Department of Revenue to assist us with preparing those manuals because one of the issues is time to
do it and with a Community Compact application could move it forward and use the expertise of
Department of Revenue rather than bring in an outside consultant. Although he has not seen a notice that it
is available yet, Mr. Ross thought this would be an excellent way to address the items noted in the
Management Letter. Mr. Schoonveld stated, he thought it was a great idea and added that a directive from
the State has more weigh to it. He noted, the Management Letter indicates there is a "crushing, unrelenting
workload" in the Finance department. Mr. Ross stated that the report indicates that the Accounting Office is
understaffed. He noted, the proposed budget asks for an additional bookkeeper for the office. Mr. Ross
agreed with Mr. Dentino, the Town has come a long way and the CAFR award shows the work that Mr.
Stanbrook has done.
Motion: To receive the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and FYI Audit as reported by
the Audit Committee (Trowbridge/DelVeechio ) PASSES 5:0
5. Audit Committee update to the Board of Selectmen.
Included in item #4.
6. Continued discussion and Budget Update from the Town Manager.
Mr. Ross reported that the budget review sub -committee asked him to prioritize the positions in the budget
and noted that one skilled laborer will be paid from the wastewater fund, and the Park & Rec hours will be
paid from the Park & Rec revolving fund, these two positions do not impact the General Fund. He
prioritized the proposed positions in this way, the bookkeeper in the Finance office is #l, the EMS
Coordinator in the Fire Department is #2a, and #2b is a firefighter to replace the EMS Coordinator which
will come from the ranks. Mr. Trowbridge stated that it would be good to see a flow chart to better
understand the responsibilities of the department. #3 is a skilled laborer in the highway department, #4 is
the Procurement Office, #5 additional hours in Social Services, the total is around $300,000 for all on the
general fund. Chairman Aptowitz asked if Mr. Ross could report on where the budget is now. Mr. Ross
stated $1.6 million to the negative and there will be more information available about the health insurance
issue tomorrow which could impact that further. Mr. Ross stated the sub -committee met and asked both the
Town and School Committee to set priorities to the budget. One other item he added, he and Mr. Stanbrook
have run some projections and if interest rates stay level the amount that would be levied for full issuance of
the bonds on the highway garage/safety building would still run in good shape. Mr. Trowbridge noted that
the current tax bills have not been impacted by the municipal building. Mr. DelVecchio stated that he would
like the Board to have a say in the prioritization of the proposed positions and noted that Mr. Ross might
talk with Mr. Stanbrook about how the needs of the Accounting Department might be better met to address
the items in the Auditor's Management Letter. Mr. DelVecchio also asked if the organization of the Fire
Department is set up to address the impact of EMS calls to the Department vs, the fire calls and agreed it
would be helpful to better understand the organization of the department. Mr. Ross stated that 70% of their
work is EMS oriented, and every new firefighter has to be a paramedic, because we are providing
substantial medical services. As a result the training, record keeping, the following of regulations is
becoming more complex and important as to not become a liability for the Town. Mr. DelVecchio asked,
why the position will be starting half year. Mr. Ross stated that it will take time to get through the civil
service process. Chairman Aptowitz asked if there are any other departments that should come in with
budget reports. Mr. Schoonveld suggested that the Board invite Mr. Stanbrook to come before the Board
once he has met with the Finance Committee and the budget sub -committee.
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 16, 2016
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7. Continued discussion and Update Of Public Safety/DPW Complex Costs
Mr. Ross noted that there is an update on the municipal project on the Town's website. The sanitary sewer is
installed, the storm sewer is in progress, they are putting in the oil capture basins, fine tuning is being done
on the storm water detention cells. The building itself has been submitted, it is anticipated that the building
will arrive in mid -late May. The footings and foundations will be put in in March, which will allow them to
put in water, sewer, storm drains, pour the floor, and then the building can go up. The projection is that
occupancy will be in late October. The Town sent the signed documents to Verizon on the pole relocation
hearing, and Mr. Sollecito has been in touch with Verizon to get the work done by early Spring. The traffic
signals have been bid for installation on East Street. Mr. Stanbrook has done a current breakdown of costs,
right now the total expenditures is slightly over $5.6 million, roughly $2 million of that is repayment of the
bond anticipation note that gave the Town working cash, so the actual expenditures is about $3.6 million.
Mr. Ross stated, we do have cash on hand, but we are working on another bond to be done in April/May.
Mr. Dentino asked if the surveying and mapping is being done by outside? Mr. Ross stated, yes. Mr.
Dentino asked who is Sebesta East, Inc.? Chairman Aptowitz reported that Sebesta East is the
commissioning agent that will review the heating and ventilations systems, as requested by the Municipal
Building Committee. Mr. Dentino asked about the status of Town's pump truck. Mr. Ross stated that it is
here and functioning and being used on sanitary sewer issues. Mr. Ross added that the Town does not have
adequate staffing to use the truck on a regular basis.
8. Resident Questions and Comments
None
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 January 25, 2016
b. Vote To Approve Warrants:
Town Vendor Warrant No. 17031T in the amount of $259,659.29
Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 17031E in the amount of $98,430.99
School Department Vendor Warrant No. 170315 in the amount of $558,720.19
c. Events and Signage:
• Consideration of banner request from Mansfield Park & Recreation for Summer Camp
Registration - February 27 - March 6 and May 29 -June 12
• Consideration of banner request from Mansfield Public Library for One Book/One
Community Campaign — February 27 — March 13
• Consideration of banner request from Mansfield Park & Recreation for Fishing Derby —
May l—May 15
• Consideration of banner request from Mansfield Park & Recreation for The Great Duck
Race —June 19 —June 30
• Consideration of banner request from Mansfield Park & Recreation for Halloween Parade
— October 16 — October 30
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 16, 2016
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• Consideration of banner request from Mansfield Park & Recreation for Arts & Craft Show
— November 6 — November 15
• Consideration of event application, banner & signs request from Mansfield Women of
Today for Touch -A -Truck Event:
o Banner placed from September 4 —September 18
o Signage request For North and South Commons
• Consideration of event application, banner & signs request from Mansfield Women of
Today for House Tour and Tea Event:
o Banner placed from November 6 — November 15
o Signage request for North and South Commons
d. Licenses and Permits:
• Consideration of Drainlayers license for Brunelle Contracting, LLC
Motion to approve the consent agenda. Trowbridge/Schoonveld Passes: 5:0
10. Consideration and Approval Of Town Payroll Warrants:
• Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17031PT in the amount of $310,543.17
Motion: to approve Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17031PT in the amount of $310,543.17
(Trowbridge/DelVecchio ) Passes 5:0
• Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17031TV in the amount of $98,631.90
Motion: to approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17031TV in the amount of $98,631.90
(Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0
11. Correspondence
Mr. Trowbridge read a letter from Keep Mansfield Beautiful Executive Director Nancy Wall. He
noted, a resignation letter from Town Constable Carol Roberts, and a letter from Jeffrey and
Christine Reade regarding lightning strike.
12. Town Manager's Report
Mr. Ross stated that the final draft of the RECC is done. The Town Managers will be asked to get original
signatures from their Boards and it will be done next week. The initial paperwork for the interest to the
school building authority has been completed and it will be submitted tomorrow. Mr. Ross gives Mr. Ahem
credit for moving it forward. An application has been filed with the Department of Revenue for a
technology grant to start the design on the radio systems, and based on what they see the Town could be
eligible for up to $200,000. Mr. Ross reminded that there will be an open house for Gale Burke on February
14'has she is retiring after 35 years.
13. BOS Questions and Comments
Mr. Schoonveld noted that he receives a weekly update from Siteimprove with statics on hits on the Town's
website. He asked, who should we get input from to improve the Town's website. Chairman Aptowitz
suggested that perhaps one or two Selectmen should take the lead on this project. Mr. Ross suggested that
the Board look at other communities websites to make suggestions. Mr. Schoonveld and Mr. DelVecchio
offered to take the lead. Mr. Schoonveld noted that there are many old flags in the Veterans' Office and
gave credit to Mr. Raymond for placing the collection box outside Town Hall and to the scouts that are
retiring them properly. It should be noted that the scouts should notify the fire department when they are
burning flags. Mr. Schoonveld asked for an update on the current parking demands at the train station, and
asked, what progress has been made since parking was discussed last. Mr. Ross stated that there is more
demand for space than is available now, but there has been a standing policy with the Board that we would
not allow more spaces due to the traffic, congestion, and other issues. Mr. Ross stated that we could add
Board Of Selectmen's Meeting November 16, 2016
Page 7 of 9
200-300 more spaces, but it might not be politically feasible or appropriate response. Mr. Schoonveld stated
that we need to find out what the actual needs are and how to meet those needs, perhaps through a grant
study or the Northeastern students. Chairman Aptowitz stated that beyond the question "should we add
more spaces" there is a traffic problem. Mr. Trowbridge's concern is not so a question of whether or not we
need more spaces, it would be do we need more Mansfield residents spaces? Chairman Aptowitz stated that
it would not make sense to add spaces for anyone other than Mansfield residents. Mr. Schoonveld stated a
study might show that there is demand for more resident spaces and that could possibly justify purchasing
additional land. Mr. DelVecchio stated that one question that would need to be answered is where would we
put the parking? Mr. Ross noted, as development plans come in to create the transit oriented development
project where the parking lots are located now, and in the development of parking decks, the Town would
have to do studies on the demand for parking on that site and size a parking deck(s) to accommodate that
development and residential development. Mr. Schoonveld noted, there is a support for transportation
oriented development, and there is funding out there for the strategy around the development and the
infrastructure nearby. Mr. Ross stated that there are two federal programs available and they are both loan
programs. The SERPED asked the Town, the goals for its local service program for this year. Mr. Ross
asked Mr. Burke to look at those programs to see if the Town could develop a strategy to utilize those
programs in working with the private sector. Mr. DelVecchio agreed, we need to have a general idea of
what the parking needs are to be able to assist the competing landowners. Mr. Ross stated that there is a
plan, available on the Town's website, and the Turner Brothers would like to implement the plan of the
redevelopment of the entire area. Mr. Dentine stated that there is a problem with train capacity as there is no
seating on the train. Lastly, Mr. Schoonveld noted that budget sub -committee met on Monday, there was
good discussion, and will meet again on the February 13'h.
Mr. DelVecchio asked where the Board is at concerning the openings on Mansfield Housing Authority and
Audit Committee. Mr. Ross informed the Board that there is one application for each and the deadline is
today, and Ms. Griffin has reached out to the School Committee and Housing. Authority to set up joint
meetings with the Board to make the appointments. Mr. DelVecchio asked if using the Community
Compact for the Economic Development position is an option and suggested having the IDC come in to
visit with the Board. Mr. Ross stated that the IDC has made the recommendation to add an Economic
Development Director, but he does not see where the funding would come from. Mr. DelVecchio stated,
that it is a positon that could pay for itself and perhaps we should consider it next year. Lastly, Mr.
DelVecchio wanted to recognize that the old Finance Committee did a fine job putting together the Audit
and they should be commended.
Chairman Aptowitz stated that all Board members should complete and return their Town Manager
evaluations to the him by next week, so the review can be tabulated and scheduled for February 15`h.
Mr. Trowbridge noted that he has received some input, but would like additional details on Board Policies
& Procedures from Mr. Schoonveld. Mr. Trowbridge then asked when the review of Town Counsel RFP's
will take place. Chairman Aptowitz asked the Board how they wanted to proceed, it was agreed that the
Board would discuss the RFP's on February 8`h and that the agenda item would include wording to vote if
needed. Mr. Trowbridge asked if additional hours have been added to Mansfield Green. Mr. Ross said, no.
Mr. Trowbridge offered that there may have been a serious injury on a ramp at the Train Station. Mr. Ross
said that he would ask Chief Boldrighini if EMS was called to the scene.
Chairman Aptowitz asked about pot hole fixing, do we have a daily/weekly pot hole patrol? Mr. Ross stated
that he would check with Mr. Cook and report back. Mr. Trowbridge noted that there is a "pothole link" on
the Town's website. Chairman Aptowitz stated that none of the additional work at the Solar Farm has been
done. Mr. Ross stated that it is vegetation that will leaf out in the summer to protect the view. Chairman
Aptowitz stated that the stump that he reported previously was not taken care of either. Chairman Aptowitz
noted that on Rt. 106 there is some kind of unit on the corner of East and Easton, and asked what is it. Mr.
Ross stated it is an odor control facility. Chairman Aptowitz asked if it was put before the Board and Mr.
Ross stated no it was not. Chairman Aptowitz stated he wants to know why this was not put before the
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Board. Mr. Ross stated that there needs to be odor control at the location because of the sulfur dioxide
release, but noted that there should be some kind of screen. Chairman Aptowitz stated that his colleagues
may have voted differently if they had seen the whole picture. Chairman Aptowitz noted that there is a
street off of S. Main Street where there are shrubs growing into the street, and asked DPW to look into
whether or not the Town could cut it back. Chairman Aptowitz stated that he appreciates everyone is
working hard on the budget, but he thinks it is going to be a difficult process and everyone has work to do.
14. Any Items Not Anticipated By The Chairman 48 Hours Prior To This Meeting
None
15. Adjourn
Motion: to adjourn at 9:12 p.m. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0
Signature
Minutes prepared by: Nancy Griffin
Documents used in this meeting:
Trail map for Gus Huiskamp's project
Hand-outs from Eva Hourigan for free library project
Public Safety Complex update
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Date