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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 02-22-2017Minutes of Board of Selectmen Meeting February 22, 2017 7:00 p.m. Present at the start of the meeting were Jess Aptowitz, Chairman; Frank DelVecchio, Vice -Chairman, Michael Trowbridge, Clerk, and Steve Schoonveld. Also present was William Ross, Town Manager. Mr. Dentino was not in attendance at the start of the meeting. 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. Presentation of award to Carl Lambrecht by the Airport Commission. Present before the Board are Lou Andrews, Clement Kiley, and Martin Fox to present Carl Lambrecht a service award to show their appreciation for his time as an Airport Commissioner. Mr. Lambrecht has served on the Commission since 2005. Mr. Andrews recognized Mr. Lambrecht's efforts with words of appreciation. Mr. Lambrecht thanked the Board for its support over the last 12 years. The Board members each thanked Mr. Lambrecht for his work and noted that he has left the Commission in good hands. They also recognized all of the progress that happened at the Mansfield Municipal Airport during Mr. Lambrecht's tenure. They all thanked him for his service on behalf of the Town. 3. Presentation of award to Luigi Giovino, the Graves Officer, by the past & present Veterans Service Officers. Present before the Board were Michael Raymond, Heath Hobson, and John Hogan to present Luigi Giovino with a service plaque for his service to the Town of Mansfield. Mr. Giovino has served the Town as a cornerstone of the Veterans office as the Graves Officer for the Town of Mansfield. Mr. Raymond and Mr. Hobson explained that Mr. Giovino serves the Town by researching obituaries of Veterans and by making widows and widowers aware of Veteran burial benefits. Mr. Hogan noted that Mr. Giovino also helped to ensure that all deceased Veterans got recognized at Memorial Day. Mr. Trowbridge stated that although he knows that Mr. Giovino is humble about his work, he is happy to see him recognized. Mr. Giovino spoke, and stated that it is his honor to make sure that these Veterans that served our country are respectfully honored upon their passing. Mr. Dentino arrived at 7:09 pm. 4. Collection of Town Manager's Evaluation forms from Selectmen. The Selectmen all passed in their completed evaluation form for the Town Manager's performance evaluation for Chairman Aptowitz. 5. Continued discussion and Budget Update from the Town Manager. Mr. Ross stated that he and Mr. Stanbrook have been looking at options for further reducing the deficit in the budget. Mr. Ross added, he and Superintendent Gianetti, and incoming Superintendent Murphy are planning to get together the week after school vacation to talk about the budget as a group. He stated that the budget is about $600,000 - $700,000 over based on a level funded budget. Mr. Ross stated that it looks like the Town is going to have to continue working on getting the budget down as the State numbers, that might offer some flexibility, are not going to be available until April. He would like to have the budget in line by the end of next week, with the opportunity to talk with Superintendents Gianetti and Murphy. He stated that Mr. Vozzella had communicated that special education is over budget, and Mr. Stanbrook has communicated that that funding will have to come out of the revolving fund. Mr. DelVecchio asked if there are any new growth on revenue, and noted that it has been under estimated in years past. Mr. Ross stated Board Of Selectmen's Meeting February 22, 2016 Page 1 of 5 that the number the Town is using is $1 million. Mr. Schoonveld stated, the next budget sub -committee is March 14`11 and they will be looking at the revenue figures in their totality. He added, the Budget Sub -Committee will be looking at ambulance revenues, including how they compare to other communities in our area. Mr. Ross stated that the Finance Committee asked about the possibility of moving EMS an enterprise fund. Mr. Ross stated that Mr. Stanbrook is looking to see if it would work, but Mr. Ross added, that would not be for this year. Mr. Ross stated that he has asked Chief Boldrighini for the numbers, and for Bob Blackman to look at building fees and compare the other communities to ensure that fees and cost -of -service are balanced. The Board discussed how permit fees are considered and viewed by the Department of Revenue. Mr. Schoonveld stated that the Town also has to look at the projected free cash needs. 6. Continued discussion and update of Public Safety/DPW Complex Costs Mr. Ross stated that the perimeter drainage is complete for the highway garage area. The infiltration for the storm water drainage for the front of the complex is complete and the rear basin is being worked on now. The prep and sub -grade for the parking area has been started for the highway garage. There are a lot of rocks and boulders that needed to be hammered out. Today the bid for the traffic signal was opened, which included the signal for Pratt and East and the signal for the fire department leaving the new Public Safety Building. The budget was $375,000 for the two signals, and the low bid was $357,000. The signal at Pratt and East will be installed by September I". The signal for the Public Safety Building will not be done until the building is done. The bid includes the system that allows the Fire Department to turn the signal in their favor as they leave the station. The bid was lower than expected. Verizon has been asking for a check so that they can schedule the work on the pole relocation for East Street. The MBC will consider the payment next week. Mr. Dentin stated that a lot of rock has been removed and moved and brought back in, and he asked how much it is costing to remove and move it. Mr. Ross stated that there was a charge of $5,300 for hammering of some ledge, but the rock removal was part of the bid and there is no additional cost. Mr. Dentino asked when the retention pond near the tree line would be completed. Mr. Ross stated that it is done. Mr. Dentino asked some questions about the timing of payments of warrants for the project. Mr. Ross stated that the warrants for payroll are paid every week, and the warrants for bills are paid once the MBC has reviewed and approved them. Mr. Dentino asked for information about the remaining bonds and the bond anticipation note that will be issued in the Spring. Mr. Ross gave an overview of the bonds and then explained that the next bond issue will be large as interest rates are going up. Mr. Dentino asked why the crews did not work on Saturday when it was a warm day. Mr. Ross stated that the contractor is setting the schedule and that there is a penalty clause if the contractor does not get the job done on time. 7: Resident Questions and Comments Mr. Mark and Mrs. Lillian Gould of Plain Street came to observe the Selectmen's meeting as they are new to Town. 8. 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 8, 2017 b. Vote To Approve Warrants: Town Vendor Warrant No. 17033T in the amount of $1,264,919.86 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 17033E in the amount of $1,964,692.71 School Department Vendor Warrant No. 17033S in the amount of $518,924.87 Town Vendor Warrant No. 17034T in the amount of $626,818.97 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting February 22, 2016 Page 2 of 5 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 17034E in the amount of $96,166.25 School Department Vendor Warrant No. 17035 in the amount of $722,985.22 c. Events and Signage: • Consideration of banner application from Friends of Drop in Center for Holiday Fair for October 23 -November 6 • Consideration of banner application from Keep Mansfield Beautiful for Great American Cleanup — Mansfield from April 3 -April 17 • Consideration of event and banner applications from The Garden Club of Mansfield for plant sale on May 20, 2017 subject to routing through Public Safety and Town Hall Departments. Motion: To approve the consent agenda with the exception of the minutes of February 8, 2017. Trowbridge/Schoonveld Passes 5:0 Discussion: Mr. DelVechhio noted that the following amendments need to be made to the minutes of February 8, 2017: 1.) On page 5, during the discussion of the SAFER Grant, the minutes need to be amended to include the words "the grant will come back to the Board before being signed and sent." 2.) On page 7 of the minutes the word silo should be change to odor control facility. 3.) The line "the Board chose not to consider other options as it is too late" is to be removed from the minutes. Mr. Schoonveld asked that Items 6 & 7 be revised to remove the word "presented" as proclamations were not presented that evening. Motion: To approve the minutes of February 8, 2016 as amended. DelVecchio/Trowbridge Passes 5:0 9. Consideration and Approval Of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17033PT in the amount of $351,365.48 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17033PT in the amount of $351,365.48 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17033TV in the amount of $112,672.17 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17033TV in the amount of $112,672.17 (Trowbridge/DelVecehio) Passes 5:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17034PT in the amount of $349,259.63 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17034PT in the amount of $349,259.63 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17034TV in the amount of $113,977.23 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17034TV in the amount of $ 113,977.23 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio Passes 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 17034PS in the amount of $1,575,618.12 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 17034PS in the amount of $1,575,618.12 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Passes 4:0:1 Trowbridge Abstains • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 17034SV in the amount of $541,484.31 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 17034SV in the amount of $541,484.31 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 10. Correspondence • Letter from Comcast regarding new subscriber service changes. • Letter from Verizon notification of program change, Channel 277 replaced with China Global Television Network (CGTN). 11. Town Manager's Report Mr. Ross stated that the IDC will be at the Selectmen's meeting on March 81h with a report on their progress. He noted that they have some interesting ideas about banners for downtown and signage for the parking lots which will be shared with the Downtown Committee when they meet on the 28`h. Mr. Ross has forward the Board Of Selectmen's Meeting February 22, 2016 Page 3 of 5 Selectmen a draft of the agreement Deutsch Williams for Town Counsel services, and asked that the Board please review the draft. He noted that the warrant for Town Meeting closes on March 1st. Mr. Ross stated that if there are any citizen petitions out there, they need to be to the Town Clerk by 8:00 pm on March la` Chairman Aptowitz noted that signatures are needed before submitting to the Town Clerk's office. Mr. Ross noted, the Town Clerk is available to give information on the process for submittal. Mr. Ross then stated that SERPDD met last week on the Rt. 140 study, and the video is available on the SERPDD website from the meeting for anyone interested in learning more about the study. Mr. Ross noted that SERPDD is a consultant for this, they are not the "action agency." He added, it is the Department of Transportation that needs to act on these items. Chairman Aptowitz reminded that the meeting was concerning a study of the Rt. 140 Corridor from Rt. 123 in Norton to the Charter School in Foxborough. He stated that there were lots of good comments and concerns expressed. He added that DOT needs to get out there and get the work done as it is fiustrating that several of the items are things that need to get done and could be done for little money. Mr. Ross stated that he will be away this weekend to attend a wedding. Mr. Ross stated that the Non -Profit Gift Fund has responded to the questions of the Board about their policy of how they distribute funding and who is eligible. Mr. Ross passed out a memo from Kevin McNatt, Chairman. The Non -Profit Gift Fund has been asked to attend the Board meeting next week. Mr. Ross stated that the Region Dispatch is officially formed. Chief Sellon and representatives from the other communities met with State E911 this week, and State E911 was very impressed with the progress made and the collaboration of the communities. He added that the RECC will be filing an application for $344 million to hire the Communications Director, the installation of a tower, the radio work, and work on the existing police station such as replacing the roof. Mr. Ross noted, that there is funding available and State E911 has encouraged the RECC to apply. Chairman Aptowitz asked if the Town has figured out who will be doing the accounting of the RECC. Mr. Ross stated that it will be Foxborough. The RECC will be holding a Board of Directors meeting in the next couple of weeks, and one of the items they will discuss will be the actual name of the district. Mr. Ross stated that he and the Chiefs are pleased with the progress. 12. BOS Questions and Comments. Mr. DelVecchio asked about the tower that will be needed for the RECC in the East Mansfield area, and he wanted to know if the Board would have notification about the tower and control over where it would go. Mr. Ross said, yes and that it will most likely go on the town property on the top of Stearns Avenue that was inherited from Hercules. Mr. Trowbridge asked if the Town will be continuing with the Community Garden. Mr. Ross said, yes. He added, it is a partnership with the YMCA. (he noted that he should reach out to them). Mr. DelVecchio asked if there is a budget for the Community Garden. Mr. Ross said, nothing other than water. Mr. Trowbridge asked if there was an update on extended hours at the Mansfield Green. Mr. Ross said, no. Mr. Trowbridge stated that the people that he has talked to about Mansfield Green are interested in additional hours in the middle of the week. Mr. Dentino stated that there are six crosswalks at the schools that have signs, and several more places with other signs. Mr. Dentino stated that he feels only the actual crosswalks should have signs. Mr. Ross stated that he has looked at the plans developed by the Department of Transportation, and the signs are all in accordance with that plan. Mr. Dentino stated that he feels the signs could be confusing, especially to younger children. Mr. Dentino asked about parking in the North Main Street area. Mr. Ross stated that the parking is marked in accordance with the project plan. The area along Oakland is 2 -hour, no commuter parking, the area along Main Street/Oakland South, including the parking lot, is 2 -hour public parking, Crocker has 2 -hour parking on both sides with no commuter parking. All of the stalls that the Town had promised would be available to the businesses in that area are available to their customers. The traffic officer has had to chase the contractors out of the public lot. Mr. Dentin noted that the parking lines are very tight on Mansfield Avenue. He stated it might be a good idea to talk with Mr. Cook about the snow removal in that area to see if there have been any problems. Mr. Ross stated that he has not had any complaints about that area as everyone there is either parking for the train or going to the train station. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting February 22, 2016 Page 4 of 5 Mr. Schoonveld stated that he has received several more entails concerning resident parking at the train station. He added that he needs the data of parking at the train station. He asked, what is the capacity and was is the demand per day? Mr. Ross stated that there is no more places to put parking in that area. Mr. Ross stated that he will get the data to the Board. Mr. Schoonveld asked when will Game Time will be on-site at Memorial Park to install. He asked, how much lead time DPW needs to be ready for the install. Mr. Ross reported that the DPW will start the prep within the next two weeks and the park will be ready when the equipment arrives. Mr. Schoonveld stated he wanted a timeline of the schedule for installation of the playground equipment next week. Mr. Schoonveld stated that he is still shocked that by the fact that our Town's senior population is going to nearly go from 3,000 to 5,000 over the next three years. Ms. Burke suggested that an ad-hoc "set of discussions" be formed to meet during the day, to report and inform other Committees about the interest and needs to build a Senior Adult supportive community. Mr. Schoonveld is asking the Board for its support to form the group to meet three times. Chairman Aptowitz stated that tomorrow is Gale's last day of work after 35 years of work and service to the Town and the Senior Adults of Mansfield. Chairman Aptowitz noted that the Board does recognize that the Town wants to support the Senior Adults in our community. Mr. Ross stated that he met with the COA Board to discuss future needs of the COA, and they were cognizant of other building projects going on and as a group thought it appropriate to only consider long-range planning in regards to buildings. Mr. Schoonveld noted that the Committee he is proposing would not concern building needs. Chairman Aptowitz asked about the snow and ice budget. Mr. Ross stated that the Town has slightly exceeded the budgeted amount. The Town has tentatively set aside $250,000 in free cash to help with snow and ice if needed. Chairman Aptowitz stated that he is glad to see that that Budget Sub -Committee is on track to be wrapped up well before the Town Meeting. 13. Any items not anticipated by the Chairman 48 hours prior to this meeting. 14. Enter into Executive Session Under Exception No. 3, M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21 — • To discuss strategy of upcoming collective bargaining agreements with SPEA, IAFF, MCOP, USW Supervisory, and USW Non -Supervisory, as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Town, and To approve Executive Session minutes for January 25, 2017 Discussing Collective Bargaining Negotiations With The Mansfield Electric Department and IBEW Local 104 (Financial Assistant Unit) and Mansfield Electric Department and IBEW Local 104 (Professional Unit), Pursuant The Chair So Declares, And To Not To Return To Open Session. (Trowbridge /DelVecchio ) Roll Call Vote: Chairman Aptowitz: Aye Mr. DelVecchio: Aye Mr. Trowbridge: Aye George Dentine: Aye Mr. Schoonveld: Aye PASSES 5:0 Entered into Executive Session at 8:40 pm. i Signature Date Minutes prepared by: Nancy Griffin Documents used in this meeting: Memo from Non -Profit Gift Fund Committee proposing application changes Board Of Selectmen's Meeting February 22, 2016 Page 5 of 5