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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 03/08/2017Minutes of Board of Selectmen Meeting March 8, 2017 7:00 p.m. Present: Jess Aptowitz, Chairman; Frank DelVecchio, Vice -Chairman, Michael Trowbridge, Clerk and George Dentine. Steve Schoonveld participated remotely. 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. Chairman Aptowitz made a statement concerning a fire on East Street today where there was one person seriously injured and was sent by med flight to the hospital. Chairman Aptowitz stated that he was approached by the Norton Fire Chief with compliments on the Mansfield Fire Department response to this incident, and on saving the woman that was injured and on stopping the fire from spreading through the whole building. The Chairman said, "great job" to all of the emergency personnel on scene, and he thanked the seven other towns provided mutual aid for this incident. Mr. Ross stated that this is an example of how mutual aid works with the other towns responding with the appropriate equipment as soon as they were called. He added, with this type of incident the emergency personnel is not just trying to put out the fire. They are also trying to rescue people and make sure the building and the area is secure and a lot of help is needed. He also noted that there was only one injury, no other residents, pets, or fire personnel were injured. He added, that Mansfield Emergency Management Association was also on scene to provide support to the fire department, as well as the Red Cross. Mr. Ross stated that the cooperation between the Fire Chief and the Police Chief was outstanding. He added, the Chiefs daily cooperation is valuable and provides protection for the safety and lives of the citizens of this community. Mr. Dentine, added, Mr. Lee Day, the Assistant Building Inspector, was at the scene as well. 2. Consideration and potential vote instituting training programs for employees. Paul DeRensis, Town Counsel was present and began by reminding the Board that last year the Town adopted an Employee Handbook and personnel policies. He asked the Board to institute some of the policies in the handbook at this time. He asked Mr. Ross to give a history of the formulation of the handbook. Mr. Ross stated that the Town had some policies that were quite old, and had not be updated. Ms. Firing had taken on the task of bringing the policies up-to-date to bring them in line with Federal and State requirments. He stated, the handbook was approved by the Board in the Fall. He noted that one issue, is that there are a number of unions with collective bargaining agreements which sections that apply over and above the handbook. Mr. Ross stated that the next step was to start training on the policies of the handbook. Mr. DeRensis stated that he has had conversations with Mr. Schoonveld and asked him to speak about his training recommendations. Mr. Schoonveld stated that the employee handbook that was approved was a great place to start. He reviewed the handbook, he noted specific areas of training that he feels is needed such as, complying with requests for the release of public records, open meeting law training, media relations, safety, documentation of training, conflict of interest, standards of conduct, privacy, protected health information, security of data and systems, email and internet policy, compliance with our social media policy. Mr. DeRensis prioritized the items that he feels is most important from a legal perspective is that there be a safe and comfortable and reasonable workplace for all employees. Of the items that Mr. Schoonveld noted, Mr. DeRensis would emphasize issues of privacy, of resident and consumer information, standards of conduct and discrimination, and physical safety issues should be prioritized and addressed as quickly as possible. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 8, 2017 Page 1 of Chairman Aptowitz asked Mr. DeRensis how would the Town get this done? DeRensis suggested that the Town should designate the Town Manager, Human Resources Director, and himself to put together a mandatory program for Department Heads, Senior Management, and Town Manager. He is asking the Board to require all management to take this comprehensive training. Mr. Trowbridge stated that he felt Mr. Schoonvetd's list was a very aggressive, but he would agree with the priorities as stated by Mr. DeRensis. Mr. Trowbridge asked if this is something that the Town would go to an outside vendor for, or if Mr. DeRensis would providing the training. Mr. DeRensis stated that the Town should designate the Town Manager, Human Resources Director, and himself to put the program together in a way that works best for the Town. He added, there are vendors that do this, and that he himself could do some of it. Mr. DeRensis suggested that he, the Human Resources Director, and Town Manager could put a program together and then give the Board for review and approval. Mr. Ross stated, MEGA, the Town's worker's compensation provider has some training programs available such as the safety programs that are currently in use, with great success. He added, Mark Cook and his staff were involved with the MEGA Coordinator to develop a safety program for the DPW Mr. Ross agreed with Mr. DeRensis that he, Mr. DeRensis, and the HR Director could work together to get this done. Mr. DelVecchio stated that he would think that privacy and standards of conduct policies would be universal, but public safety would be more specific therefore it might be better to address the privacy and standard of conduct soonest. Mr. Ross agreed that the training, other than safety because that is already being addressed, would be the first and he will come to the Board with his recommendations. Mr. Trowbridge clarified that the Board is not creating any new policies, the Board is asking for recommendations on training of the policies that already exist. Mr. Trowbridge stated that he would prefer that Mr. DeRensis' firm provide the training while working on the remaining priority issues. Mr. DeRensis stated that all of the items stated by Mr. Schoonveld are important, but some are more significant such as maintaining a safe, effective, comfortable workplace for the Town's workers which he feels is urgent as it is the Boards responsibility to maintain a safe workplace. Motion: To approve the development of an employee training program which will give priority to standard of conduct and privacy of data issues. (DelVeechio/Trowbridge) Discussion: Mr. Schoonveld stated that this will provide an open environment for employees that have questions about the employee handbook to feel comfortable going to the Human Resources Director or their manager when they are looking for answers. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Schoonveld yes Mr. Dentino aye Mr. DelVecchio yes Mr. Trowbridge yes Chairman Aptowitz aye Passes 5:0 3. Continued discussion and Budget Update from the Town Manager. Mr. Ross stated that the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, the School Business Manager, the Town Finance Director, and himself will be meeting tomorrow to be ready for next week's Budget Sub -Committee meeting. The Town has the final numbers from Southeastern Regional High School and it is about $10,000 less than the number they gave the Town in December. Chairman Aptowitz stated the Board Of Selechnen's Meeting March 8, 2017 Page 2 of 6 budget sub -committee will meet next week. Mr. Ross stated that Mr. Stanbrook will not be in attendance, as he will be at the required Department of Revenue training in Amherst. 4. Continued discussion and update of Public Safety/DPW Complex Costs Mr. Ross stated that as of today the footings for the Highway garage are being formed. Cement for the foundation will not be poured this week due to weather. The pole relocation work by Verizon may start as early as next week. Verizon has asked the Town to stake the area. Mr. Ross stated that the Town will be ready to move their power lines first, then Comcast, then Verizon will go last. Mr. Ross has executive contracts for the traffic signals, a vehicle lift, and for three generators; one for the Complex, one for Town Hall, and one for the Fire Department. The cost is in line with the budget. The Contractor believes they are still on schedule for the complex project, the building will arrive late May or early June and the building will go up in about 3-3 1/2 weeks. Mr. Trowbridge confirmed that the generator for the Fire Department went through capital. Mr. Dentino asked if there were forms in the ground already. Mr. Ross stated, yes. Chairman Aptowitz asked when the metal for the Highway Garage would be delivered. Mr. Ross stated it would arrive in May. Chairman Aptowitz than asked, if it was time for the MBC to come back in to talk with the Board. Mr. Ross stated that he did ask the MBC Chair and they are going to talk about it and get back to Mr. Ross. 5. Resident Questions and Comments None 6. 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 March 1, 2017 b. Vote To Approve Warrants: Town Vendor Warrant No. 17036T in the amount of $145,409.58 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 17036E in the amount of $69,453.52 c. License and Permits: ® Consideration of Water Installers License for Bay State Engineering, Corp. Motion: To approve the consent agenda minus the minutes of the March 1, 2017 meeting minutes. Trowbridge/Del V ecchio Roll Call: Mr. Trowbridge — aye Mr. Dentino - aye Mr. DelVecchio - aye Mr. Schoonveld - aye Chairman Aptowitz — aye Passes 5:0 7. Consideration and Approval Of Town Payroll Warrants: Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March S, 2017 Page 3 of 6 a Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17O36PT in the amount of $320,244.58 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17036PT in the amount of $ 320,244.58 (Trowbridge/Del V ecchio) Roll Call: Mr. Trowbridge — aye Mr. Dentino - aye Mr. DelVecchio - aye Mr. Schoonveld - aye Chairman Aptowitz — aye Passes 5:0 ® Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17O36TV in the amount of $103,802.56 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17O36TV in the amount of $103,802.56 (Mr. Trowbridge /Mr. DelVecchio ) Passes 4:0 Roll Call: Mr. Trowbridge — aye Mr. Dentino - aye Mr. DelVecchio - aye Mr. Schoonveld - aye Chairman Aptowitz — aye Passes 5:0 0 Town Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 17036PS in the amount of $1,560,883.76 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 17036PS in the amount of $1,560,883.76 (Mr. Trowbridge /DelVecchio) Roll Call: Mr. Trowbridge - abstain Mr. Dentino - aye Mr. DelVecchio - aye Mr. Schoonveld - aye Chairman Aptowitz — aye Passes 4:0:1 Trowbridge abstains School Deductions Vendor Payroll 17036SV in the amount of $539,545.09 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 17036SV in the amount of $539,545.09 (Trowbridge/Del V ecchio) Roll Call: Mr. 'Trowbridge — yes Mr. Dentino - aye Mr. DelVecchio - yes Mr. Schoonveld - aye Chairman Aptowitz - aye Passes 5:0 S. Correspondence a Notification from Verizon of program change for Z Living on Channel 162 (SD) will be removed. 9. Town Manager's Report Mr. Ross stated that the contractor for Memorial Park met with the Memorial Park Committee and Town staff and the park is nearly ready, but there is some grade -work that needs to be done. The park will be ready by Memorial Day providing the weather cooperates. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 8, 2017 Page 4 of 6 Mr. Ross stated, he has talked with Rick Alves regarding Old Colony Lane in the area behind Jimmy's Pub about doing a preliminary cost estimate. for the area as far as Park Street. Mr. Ross stated, it is his intention to then sit down with GATRA to discuss possible grants which would include 80% of the design work as well as the construction. If the Town can get a good price estimate it is likely, by working with GATRA, the Town could implement the plans of the Northeastern students about a year from now. As mentioned last week, Mr. Ross estimated that there would be 130-140 parking spaces, most of which would be available to the public which could help with downtown parking. Mr. Trowbridge stated that he agrees with the current section, but beyond that it would involve removal of trees which would change the whole character of the neighborhood. Mr. Ross stated that there is a section with trees, but the design would go through the trees and not open the area up to traffic all the way through. Mr. Ross continued, concerning Regional Dispatch the application for federal and state ID's is being developed and applied for which will give the ID's needed to apply for grant funding. The Board of Directors will have a final informal discussion on Friday morning. The Board needs to organize a Board of Directors and a Supervisory Committee. The grant application is nearly ready to go. Mr. Ross stated, the Electric Board meeting will take place on March 201' where there will be a discussion on rates with Mayhew and Joe Sellecito. The Conservation Commission is currently assigned to use 3 a/b, if Conservation Commission really needs 3 a/b then Electric Board will meet in 2 a/b. Mr. Ross stated, there was a very good session with DOT, SERPDD, Mr. Alves, Mr. Cook, Police, and Fire on the Rt. 140/School Street intersection. They are responding with recommendations on School Street and Rt. 140 intersection. Mr. Ross stated that the group pointed out some issues with the way the signals are operating independently. Also looked at was the intersection at Rt. 140 and Rt. 106. Chairman Aptowitz asked Mr. Ross to send a correspondence to the DOT asking for their acknowledgment of the issues in writing. Mr. Trowbridge agreed that the Town should get something in writing to the DOT. 10. BOS Questions and Comments. Nh. Dentin asked if Mr. Ross looked at the parking area near Geno's. Mr. Ross stated yes, it would be addressed in the Spring. Mr. Dentino stated that he was referring to the curve in the road across the street from Gene's Restaurant that the buses are driving over. Mr. Ross stated that he would meet with Rick to review it. Chairman Aptowitz stated that he is concerned about residents of the new building in that area that has been designated as a 2 -hour public parking lot for the businesses in that area. Mr. Ross stated that there is no limited after 5:00 or 6:00 pm, so additional signage will be necessary as the Town does not want overnight parkers in that lot. Mr. Dentine noted that there have been several serious automobile accidents on Rt. 495. Mr. DelVecchio asked if the Downtown Committee could come in sooner than the IDC as the IDC is not available until March 29`x'. Mr. DelVecchio wanted it noted that the Downtown Committee is not the Downtown Revitalization Committee, as the purpose of the Committee is to maintain and improve the Downtown area, not revitalize it. Mr. DelVecchio suggested the possibility of a Committee naming contest. Mr. Trowbridge asked about the possibility of adding hours to Mansfield Green. Mr. Ross stated that Mr. Ahern gave Mr. Ross numbers today and he is short for this year. Mr. Ross will be adding about $10,000 to the proposed budget for next year to be able to expand the hours. Mr. Schoonveld asked if the flashing yellow arrow is still being used at the intersection of School Street and Rt. 140. Mr. Ross stated that that situation was emphasized several times during the meeting with DOT. Mr. Trowbridge stated that there were several residents at SERPDD`s Rt. 140 meeting who complained to the DOT. Mr. Schoonveld agreed that Downtown Committee should come in soon, if the IDC is not available until March 29th. Mr. Schoonveld asked if the Town is going after initiatives, funds, or programs similar to the Foxboro growth district initiatives to help and enhance the TOD area with assistance from the Commonwealth. Mr. Ross stated that the Town has been invited by the Commonwealth when the Town has Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 8, 2017 Page 5 of 6 a plan in place to come back for additional MassWorks funding. Mr. Ross also stated, SERPDD does work for the Town every year, such as research and plans. Through Mr. Burke, Mr. Ross has asked SERPDD to look at the new Federal Transpiration Act. Mr. Ross noted, there is a railroad revitalization loan program that includes TOD development which could be helpful to help private development of the TOD area. Mr. Ross added, the funding the Town is working on with GATRA would feed into that same area and enhance the DOT. Mr. Dentino stated, the transit oriented grants were the only things that were successful on the TIF's because of the private development. Mr. Ross stated, by working together and getting the right planning done, the Town can help with the infrastructure, but private sector has to make the major investments. Mr. Schoonveld stated that he will email the Board a copy of the tax presentation from Selectmen Rose of Plainville for their review as it has a lot of good information including benchmarking of area towns. Mr. Schoonveld summarized the focus of the upcoming budget sub -committee meeting. Chairman Aptowitz asked if the Board could get a firm commitment on timing of paving Rt. 106 from the Town of Easton. Mr. Ross stated he would get an answer for the Board. Mr. DelVecchio stated that he has received quite a bit of citizen feedback concerning Rt. 106. Chairman Aptowitz asked if there would be some additional slating on the odor control facility on Rt. 106. Chairman Aptowitz asked when the ramp work would be started at the train station. Mr. Ross stated, they are bidding it and the work will start in the Spring. Chairman Aptowitz asked for an update on snow and ice. Mr. Ross stated that any additional expense would be related to replenishing the salt supplies, unless we get another significant storm. Ross Roll Call: Mr. Schoonveld — aye Mr. TDentino - aye Mr. (DelVecchio - yes Mr. 'Trowbridge — yes Chairman Aptowitz - aye 11. Any items not anticipated by the Chairman 48 hours prior to this meeting. 12. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn at 8:11 pm. Signature G, Minutes prepared by: Nancy Griffin Documents used in this meeting: Board Of Seleehnen's Meeting March 8, 2017 Page 6 of 6 Date