Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 02-08-2017Minutes of Board of Selectmen Meeting February 8, 2017 7:00 p.m. Present: Jess Aptowitz, Chairman; Frank DelVecchio, Vice -Chairman, Michael Trowbridge, Clerk, George Dentine, and Steve Schoonveld. Also present was William Ross, Town Manager. 1. Meeting Called To Order At 7:00 p.m. 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. Animal Welfare Committee update to the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Chester (Chuck) MacKean was present before the Board with an update from the Animal Welfare Committee. Mr. MacKean told the Board that the Committee is made up of 5 permanent members and 2 alternates that meet once per month. He gave an overview of how the Committee structures their meetings and the responsibilities of each part of the structure. He stated that the Animal Control Officer attends their meetings and gives a monthly update. He noted that he does the cable access videos which features adoptable animals. He added that the Committee is also responsible for the maintenance of the Animal Shelter building. He noted that the shelter advertises in the Mansfield News and Sun Chronicle and on cable access to place animal. He stated that it is pretty effective. He stated that there are not any big issues pending. Chairman Aptowitz thanked Mr. MacKean for coming in to give the Board an update and for the efforts on behalf of the animals. Each of the Selectmen thanked Mr. MacKean and his Committee and volunteers for their work. Mr. MacKean noted that the Mansfield Shelter Friends pays for the health care of the animals and there are two fundraisers for Mansfield Shelter Friends that the community could support if they wanted to help the Shelter and there is info on the shelter's fundraisers on the website. 3. Joint Meeting With Mansfield Housing Authority to Discuss, Consider Application of Debra Tatum For And Potentially Fill The Vacancy On The Mansfield Housing Authority Board for an appointment effective until the annual election. Ms. Debra Tatum, 385 Mill Street was present before the Board for an interview for consideration of her application for an appointment to the Mansfield Housing Authority. Also, in attendance was Kevin Doyle, Mary Kate Flynn, Elizabeth Dye, Olivier Kozlowski, and Michael Forbes. Ms. Tatum has applied for the position as she feel she is a good candidate because she has been in the housing industry for 30 years. Mr. Trowbridge stated that he has met Ms. Tatum and feels she is qualified and has no questions. Mr. Dentino agreed and stated that Ms. Tatum has a lot of knowledge that would help the Board if she were to be appointed. Mr. Schoonveld asked if Ms. Tatum feels there are any conflicts. Ms. Tatum stated that she would resign her position on the Mansfield Housing Corp. if she were to run for the position in the Town election. Chairman Aptowitz noted that if Ms. Tatum is interested in keeping this position beyond the Town election she will have to run in the election for the position. Mr. Kozlowski thanked Ms. Tatum for her willingness to take on this position. He stated that there is recent legislation that requires there to be a tenant member on the Mansfield Housing Authority, and although it does not affect this appointment tonight he wanted the be sure that the Board was aware of the ruling. He stated that the Town Clerk has been asked to look into the requirements of the ruling and Mr. Doyle stated that the ruling is being challenged by several Town Clerks in the Commonwealth. Mr. Kevin Doyle opened the meeting of the Mansfield Housing Authority. Motion: To appoint Debra Tatum to the Mansfield Housing Authority for the period of time until the Town Election on May 9, 2017. (Trowbridge/Olivier) Passes 8:0 Mr. Kevin Doyle closed the meeting of the Mansfield Housing Authority. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting February 8, 2016 Page I of 7 4. Joint meeting with School Committee to Discuss, Consider Application of George Sommer for the vacancy On The Audit Committee. The Board of Selectmen and the School Committee held a joint meeting. Present were Lynn Cavicchi, Linda Fernando, Jenn Walsh, of the School Committee. Ms. Lynn Cavicchi opened the meeting of the School Committee Motion: To reappoint George Sommer to an unexpired 2 -year term on the Audit Committee to expire June 30, 2018. (Fernando/Walsh) PASSES 7:0 Mr. Trowbridge asked if agenda items could be taken out of order to give Mr. DelVecchio time to arrive. The Chairman agreed to take agenda items out of order to allow time for Mr. DelVecchio to arrive. 6. Consideration of Issuance of Proclamation in Recognition of Service to Gale Burke to the Town of Mansfield as Director of the Council on Aging from September 18, 1981 to February 23, 2017. The Board voted to approve a proclamation to recognize Gale Burke on her retirement from the Town of Mansfield Council on Aging and Social Services Department. Motion: To approve the proclamation for Gale Burke for her service to the Town of Mansfield, the Council on Aging, and the Social Services Department. Passes 4:0 7. Consideration of Issuance of Proclamation in Recognition of Service to Linda Adams to the Town of Mansfield and to the Council on Aging. The Board voted to approve a proclamation to recognize Linda Adams on her retirement from the Town of Mansfield Council on Aging and Social Services Department. Motion: To approve the proclamation for Linda Adams for her service to the Town of Mansfield and the Council on Aging. Passes: 4:0 13. 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 February 1, 2016 b. Vote To Approve Warrants: Town Vendor Warrant No. 17032T in the amount of $1,441,973.47 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 17032E in the amount of $147,129.60 c. Events and Signage: d. Consideration of event banner from the Rotary Club for Annual Auction for display from May 1 -May 15. e. Licenses and Permits: f Consideration of Drainlayers license for P. Beatty Excavation g. Consideration of name change on Common Victualler from YH Enterprises, Inc. dba Gourmet Pizza to INJ Enterprises, Inc. dba Gourmet Pizza. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting February 8, 2016 Page 2 of 7 Mr. DelVecchio arrived at the Board of Selectmen meeting at 7:32 pm. Mr. DelVecchio commented that the minutes of the last meeting were too detailed. Motion to approve the consent agenda. Trowbridge/Schoonveld Passes: 4:0 10. Consideration and Approval Of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17032PT in the amount of $339,674.74 Motion: to approve Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17032PT in the amount of $339,674.74 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17032TV in the amount of $107,772.66 Motion: to approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17032TV in the amount of $107,772.66 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 17032PS in the amount of $1,601,897.56 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 17032PS in the amount of $1,601,897.56 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Passes 4:0:1 Trowbridge abstains • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 17032SV in the amount $547,788.30 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 17032SV in the amount of $547,788.30 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 11. Correspondence Letters from Comcast and Verizon providing their Form 500 for 2016 was noted. 5. Discussion and review of RFP Proposals for Town Counsel and possible action to choose Town Counsel representation. Chairman Aptowitz outlined the options for the process of reviewing the proposals. Mr. Trowbridge offered to begin because he believes he was the one that initially brought up the possibility of looking at other proposals. Mr. Trowbridge stated, he believes it is the Board's job to make sure that the rates the Town is paying are reasonable and he felt this needed to be looked at. Mr. Trowbridge stated that he would be comfortable with the current Town Counsel remaining as is. Mr. Schoonveld agreed with Mr. Trowbridge that it is good to look at other firms occasionally, and agreed with keeping the current Town Counsel or bringing them in along with Murphy, Hesse, Toomey, & Lehane. Mr. DelVecchio stated that current Town Counsel put together a good proposal and he is happy with retaining the current firm. Chairman Aptowitz stated that he did not want to prejudice the process by having just one of the proposed firms come before the Board. He added that he is comfortable with maintaining the current firm. He stated that the Board wanted to do its due diligence to make sure the Town is paying a good rate for its legal services and he feels satisfied that that has been done. Mr. Dentino stated that they feels that the Board may be going past where it should it terms of people's rights with regards to discussions of the proposals. Chairman Aptowitz stated that the purpose of sending out the request for proposals was to get the best rate for Town Counsel services, it was not because the Board was unhappy with the current Town Counsel. Mr. DelVecchio stated that he thought that the Board was going to discuss which firms would be brought in for interview, but if the Board is comfortable with moving forward and voting to move forward on one proposal he is ok with that. Motion: To retain the existing Town Counsel for a contract of three years and the Board authorizes the Town Manager on their behalf Mr. Trowbridge/Mr. DelVecchio Discussion: Mr. Dentin stated that he feels staying with current Town Counsel is the best decision as Mr. Derensis has saved the Town thousands of dollars. Mr. Schoonveld added that he likes that one of the managing principals of the partners in the practice as our lead person Mr. Schoonveld noted that the Board would like the opportunity to review the contract before it is signed. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting February 8, 2016 Page 3 of 7 Motion was amended: To retain the existing Town Counsel for a contract of three years and the Board authorizes the Town Manager on their behalf upon Board's review of the contract before Town Manager's signature. Mr. Trowbridge/Mr. DelVecchio Passes: 5:0 8. Consideration of a SAFER grant application for tour additional firefighters. Present before the Board is Chief Boldrighini. Mr. Ross gave the Board an overview of the reasons to consider this grant application. He stated that there was discussion of the need for additional firefighters when the Police & Fire Chiefs were in for a budget discussion and the opportunity to apply for a SAFER grant has come up so he asked Chief Boldrighini to come in to discuss the possibility for support from the Board for submittal of the SAFER grant application. Chief Boldrighini stated that the SAFER grant is a FEMA grant that offers to pay for a percentage of firefighters over a number of years. The additional firefighters would bring the staff to nine fighters per shift. He gave an overview of the expenditures related to the additional staff and offered that the SAFER grant would allow reduction of implementation of the additional personnel in his 5 -year plan to be done in three years and greatly offset the cost in the same timeframe. The grant will pay for 75% of salary and benefits for years one and two, and then 35% in year three for four firefighters, and after that the community is responsible for the total cost. There would be a savings of $25,000 from a reduction in the need for mutual aid, and a reduction of overtime costs by $100,000 annually. The Chief stated that the SAFER grants are difficult to get, but if successful his 5 -year plan could be implemented earlier and at a significant savings to the Town. Mr. Trowbridge asked what the commitment from the Town? Chief Boldrighini stated that these firefighters cannot be laid off. Chief Boldrighini stated that the department could lose firefighters through attrition that would not have to be filled, but you cannot put in a lay-off. Mr. DelVecchio asked for clarification. The Chief stated that once the grant is finished you cannot affect lay-offs to reduce man power. Mr. Ross stated that it was the opportunity of the grant that brought up the possibility of adding these positions at this time, despite not being in the proposed budget. He added, he feels confident in the projections by Mr. Stanbrook and if the goal is to increase the staff, this is an opportunity to do it sooner and save the Town some money over the next two years. Mr. Ross stated that there is an opportunity to see increased ambulance revenue and a reduction of at least $100,000 to offset these costs. Mr. DelVecchio stated that he would like these positions to be more stand alone, such as the crime analyst. Mr. Ross stated that he recognizes that at the end of the three year tetra there is going to be an impact to the Town, and that is why he brought it to the Board. Mr. DelVecchio asked if Mr. Ross felt there would a possibility of continuation of this grant at the end of the three year term. Chairman Aptowitz stated he would like to know if the Town would be obligated to keep these positions if the grant was not continued in year two and three. Chief Boldrighini stated that the understanding has to be that these firefighters would not be keep if the funding ended before the three years were up. Mr. Dentino stated that he remembers that other grants were for only two people and that the Town had to take up all the costs associated with the increase staff, including the benefits. Chief Boldrighini stated that this grants covers the benefits for the timeframe of the grants. The Chief added that as always he will be looking for ways to find revenue to offset the costs at the end of the grant. He added that given the growth in the community he supports the addition of the firefighters. Mr. Schoonveld stated that the question the Board should be asking is, are we comfortable adding four more firefighters. He added, then the Board should consider when four firefighters should be added, as every year the Town delays it costs the Town $100,000 in overtime. Mr. DelVecchio stated suddenly there are four positions before us that were not in the budget and he would like to know what the rational is for adding the firefighters. Mr. Schoonveld asked to see Chief Boldrighini 5 -year plan to better understand the need. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting February 8, 2016 Page 4 of 7 Mr. Dentine, asked where the firefighters would come from. Chief Boldrighini stated that the labor would come from a pool of interested candidates that have taken the civil service test and then get added to a civil service list. The department would they choose a candidate from the prioritized list and then that person would go through the academy. Mr. Dentino asked if all four would be put on shifts together. Chief Boldrighini stated that they would be split up over shifts, and blended in with the most experienced workers. Mr. Dentino asked Mr. Ross what the impact of the civil service process would be. Mr. Ross stated that the primary impact is time. The Town Charter provides for civil service for police and fire. Chief Boldrighini stated that he is happy with the people that the Town gets through the Civil Service process. Mr. Dentino stated that he would like to see some Veterans considered. Chief Boldrighini noted that it is a benefit for the department to hire Veterans for paramedic positions as the Town does not have to pay for the training as they are already trained. He added that one outstanding part of the State funded training program is every firefighter in the State gets the same training. Chief Boldrighini gave an overview of the training process that new hires go through. Mr. DelVecchio asked what is the grant deadline. Chief Boldrighini stated that the grant process opens on Friday and closes at the beginning of March. The Chief gave a comparison of the other towns and the number of their staffs, as Mr. DelVecchio wanted more information about why the department needs additional staffing. Chairman Aptowitz asked if the Town was to apply, when would the Town hear if the grant was approved. Chief Boldrighini stated that the approvals would likely be complete by June. Chairman Aptowitz noted that the Town would have to adjust the budget to compensate for the additional expense of the hires during the period of time when they would be training. Chairman Aptowitz stated he feels that the overtime issue needs to be addressed and asked for information about who makes the determination of using overtime. Chief Boldrighini stated that he is responsible for making that decision and gave the Board an explanation of how it is determined. Chairman Aptowitz asked the Board for feedback about whether they should move forward with approving the submission of the grant tonight. Chief Boldrighini stated that there is no obligation to the Town unless the Town accepts the approved grant. Motion: To authorize Chief Boldrighini and the Town Manager to submit a grant to the SAFER program as presented to the Board. DelVecchio/Schoonveld Discussion: Mr. Trowbridge asked to add, if the grant is approved it must come back to the Board for approval. Mr. Ross stated that if the grant was approved, he and Mr. Stanbrook would then come to the Board with the changes that would need to be made to the budget. Passes 5:0 Chief Boldrighini offered a safety message given the pending storm and asked residence to consider shoveling hydrants, staying off the roads, clear heating vents, and using caution when operating snow blowers. 9. Collection of the Town Manager evaluations forms by Chairman for tabulation. Chairman Aptowitz asked the Board to submit their evaluations by the next Selectmen's meeting. 10. Continued discussion and Budget Update from the Town Manager. Mr. Ross gave an update on the health insurance costs. The net impact on the general fund is a reduction of $84,000. There will be some additional adjustments coming from Superintendent Gianetti based on an upcoming retirement. Mr. Ross prioritized the proposed additional staff members in the coming fiscal year as, the bookkeeper in the Finance office as #1, then the EMS coordinator and replacement firefighter, #3 is the skilled laborer in the highway department, #4 is the procurement officer, #5 is additional hours in social Board Of Selectmen's Meeting February 8, 2016 Page 5 of 7 services, and library assistant is a library board recommendation. Mr. Trowbridge asked if the Library Board would provide some backup. Mr. Ross suggested having the Library Board and Director come in to speak to the Board in the next couple of weeks. Additionally, the position in the waste water enterprise as justified by Mark Cook, and then the hours in Park & Recreation to make that Director's position a full-time position. Mr. DelVecchio noted it might be good if the departments where additional staff has been requested will be re -presented to allow for discussion and questions. Mr. Dentine, asked for more information about the increase in hours for the Park & Recreation department. Mr. Ross stated that there are currently two part-time positions, and it would be an increase of hours so the director would increase from 25 hours to 37.5 hours. Mr. Dentino noted that it would be good for the Board to sit down together once a year to review the staffing in all departments. Mr. Trowbridge added, it would be good to do this outside of the budget process. 11. Continued discussion and Update Of Public Safety/DPW Complex Costs Mr. Ross reported that the oil and water separators are in place now, ledge was removed at the southwest corner of the site, and the units Kaestle Boos spec'd were larger than actually needed, so there will be a $10,000 credit on those. However, there will be a $5,000 bill for the rock removal. The pipe for the storm water retention basin is on site and will be installed soon. They have done filling in the area close to Rt. 106 and it is closer to getting to grade. All underground utilities are in place, except the gas line. The Town did get a price for the relocation of the poles for Verizon. It is anticipated that the excavating for the footings and foundation will begin in two weeks. 12. Resident Questions and Comments None 12. Town Manager's Report Mr. Ross stated that he has worked with Gale Burke and Mike Raymond, the Veterans agent about using the tax program to staff some additional hours at Mansfield Green. He is now looking into when the best time would be to add hours at Mansfield Green. He thought perhaps on Sunday afternoon when people are not at work. Mr. Trowbridge stated that the feedback he has received was that it would be good for it to be open during the week, such as on Wednesday. Mr. Ross explained the breakdown of hours and expense of the tax right -off program. The estimate is $9,000 to cover salaries for the additional employees to be there for four extra hours each week. The Board recommended that Mr. Ross include the additional hours in the budget. Mr. Ross stated that school is cancelled for tomorrow and trash pickup will be delayed for the rest of week due to the impending snow storm. Mr. Ross stated that he has given the 37.5 -hour non -field work staff permission to use vacation or personal time to take tomorrow off if they feel it is a hazard to come in. Mr. Ross implored the residents to not plow or shovel into the street and noted that there is a bylaw in place allowing the Town to ticket residents and businesses that do this. Mr. Ross stated that he went to the worker's compensation MEGA meeting today and the Town has a good rating with them at 91% full rates. He and Mr. Stanbrook also have had conversations with Mr. Gianetti and Ms. Murphy as they are all struggling with the $1.6 deficit in the budget, but they will work through and get them done. Finally, Mr. Ross noted that the Alfano vs. Lynch case was remanded by the court of appeals. It is being handled by the attorneys hired by the insurance company, and Xfinity is paying those costs. Neither the Town nor the insurance company is paying those costs under the indemnity agreement with Xfinity. There will be preparation for a trial. Discovery and depositions may take up some time, especially in the police department side. 13. BOS Questions and Comments Mr. Dentino said that in the last couple of weeks, Quigley has made good progress on the DPW garage project. He asked if the utilities in the project area are both water and electrical. Mr. Ross said, yes. Mr. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting February 8, 2016 Page 6 of 7 Dentino noted that there has not been any progress with the public safety building. Mr. Ross stated that they are concentrating on the highway garage because they can't do anything on the building safety building until the highway garage is done. Mr. Dentino suggested getting the bids in and approved ahead of time. Mr. Dentine asked when the DPW would be in the new building. Mr. Ross stated they current expected occupancy would be October, and there is a penalty clause if the construction is delayed. Mr. Ross stated that he would ask Mike Ahern for a report on the bids for the public safety building. Mr. Schoonveld stated that he talked with the current COA director, Gale Burke about how the Town could become a more older adult friendly community. Ms. Burke stated that the Town currently has about 3000 seniors in Town, and the senior population will grow to over 5,000 in just a few years. He stated that Gale prioritized the needs of older adults as follows, park facilities that meet the needs of seniors, walking paths near the COA, perhaps not using the name "aging" in the name, having a welcome downtown that is safe and entertaining, affordable housing, transportation, healthcare services, and education. Mr. Schoonveld stated that Ms. Burke's recommendation is to start a short-lived Committee to address the needs of the older adults in our community. Ross stated that he has a thought on the terminology of "aging." He noted that back when he worked in Nebraska they called their senior center the Grand Generation Center. Mr. Schoonveld asked if there was any further thought on the resident parking at the commuter station. Mr. Ross stated, no. Mr. Ross stated that other than later comers, he does not get much feedback from residents about there being a need for more parking. Mr. Schoonveld stated that it needs to be studied, so the Board has information to make decisions. Mr. Schoonveld asked if there is revenue information available on parking. Mr. Ross said that he would show Mr. Schoonveld the data. Mr. DelVecchio stated the new odor control facility is a huge eyesore. He noted, that it was an oversight and he wants an explanation about how it got through and there should be accountability for it. Mr. Ross stated that there is a fence around it now and slatted fencing will be added. Chairman Aptowitz stated that the whole project should have been presented to the Board. Mr. Schoonveld offered that perhaps there are other models that are less intrusive. Mr. Trowbridge stated that budget subcommittee meeting will be on Monday. He asked, if there are any updates on the MBTA safety projects at the station and the education opportunities. Mr. Ross stated that it is out to bid, but he would get an update. Chairman Aptowitz asked when the next Xfinity subcommittee license meeting will be held. He asked for the IDC to be scheduled to come before the Board. He congratulated the Patriots on their Super bowl win. He reminded residents to be careful tomorrow with the impending storm. Chairman Aptowitz stated, concerning the budget, it is time for every to roll up their sleeves and start making some decisions. Lastly, Mr. Ross noted that the Foxboro Board of Selectmen voted 4:1 to support the commuter rail proposal. The Board discussed the Foxboro pilot program rail line and possible funding for a future station. 14. Any Items Not Anticipated By The Chairman 48 Hours Prior To This Meeting None 15. Adjourn Motion: to adjourn at 9:54 p.m. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Passes 5:0 Signature G Minutes prepared by: Nancy Griffin Documents used in this meeting: None Board Of Selectmen's Meeting February 8, 2016 Page 7 of 7 Date