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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 03/15/2017Minutes of Board of Selectmen Meeting March 15, 2017 7:00 p.m. Present: Jess Aptowitz, Chairman; Frank DelVecchio, Vice -Chairman, Michael Trowbridge, Clerk and Steve Schoonveld. Also present was William Ross, Town Manager. George Dentine, was not present 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. Chairman Aptowitz 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. Downtown Committee Update. Mr. Ross presented a slide show from the IDC Downtown Committee. The committee has identified several short term recommendations for the Board of Selectmen. The first item is to create an identity and brand for Downtown Mansfield by using Mansfield script and the green and white Mansfield athletic colors on new signs. Signs would clearly identify public parking areas, and directional signs would be simple and readable for drivers. The committee also identified additional parking spots in areas along Old Colony Way and a small parking lot in the area of Fales Oil Property. The last recommendation from the committee is to extend the Old Colony Way in the area to Rumford Avenue and link Main Street to the pond with a walkway. Keep Mansfield Beautiful is organizing volunteers to clean up and remove brush and it would require low level lighting and stone to create a walk way. Mr. Dentino arrived at the Board of Selectman's meeting at 7:05pm. Mr. DelVecchio asked of the 107 envisioned parking spots how many are there currently and Mr. Ross answered there are about forty less. Mr. Ross commented that Mr. Ahern is getting pricing on the additional parking and is looking at grants through GATRA through the FTA. Mr. Schoonveld commented that thirty to forty more parking spaces downtown would be a good thing. Mr. Wilk noted that everything is funded and Mr. Ross further noted that there is $230,000 to $240,000 in CDGB funds specific for the downtown area that could be used to purchase signage, banners and put in lighting. The committee is looking for a motion to approve these projects and to move forward with purchasing banners and signs, and getting the preliminary work done for the walkway near Rumford Avenue. The Old Colony project is the big project that would require the Downtown Committee to come back to the Board of Selectman with the grant applications, as they continue in the process. Mr. Trowbridge asked for clarification on the cost of the items and for assurance that the fonts and signs will all match. Mr. Ross provided estimate numbers and Mr. Wilk answered that everything will match and have the same feel to provide standardized branding. Mr. Wilk further commented that many of the signs are worn and faded and need to be replaced. The signs will all have the town script versus the town seal. Mr. DelVecchio asked about additional funding that he thought was available. Mr. Ross answered there is a gift fund and every year this fund is used for the middle common. Mr. DelVecchio then asked what the next step is and Mr. Ross answered to authorize purchase of the signs, design work for the Old Colony Trail and cleaning up the walkway near Rumford. Mr. DelVecchio asked how much the Old Colony Trail project would cost and Mr. Ross answered that he is not sure at this time, but the design work will be done in house and if the grant comes through an outside engineering firm would be brought in. Mr. DelVecchio asked if this included any design of the Fales Oil Site and Mr. Ross answered that it did not, but it may be included in the grant at the time the application is prepared and presented to the Board of Selectmen. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 15, 2017 Page 1 of 6 Mr. Dentino commented how much this is going to affect parking in that area where it runs along the railroad track and noted the condition of the road is poor at the underpass. Mr. Ross responded that the cost would be in the millions and is a long term project. Mr. Dentino disagrees that it would be that expensive. Mr. Schoonveld expressed thanks to the Downtown Committee and stated to have actionable items to vote on after justthree meetings is unheard of. The committee meeting he attended was also one of best meetings he had attended in the past year. He further commented that these items do not require significant funding, but will enrich, and reinvigorate the downtown. Mr. Schoonveld asked for the timing of the bike path and Mr. Ross answered that it would not be until the summer of 2018 at the earliest. Mr. Schoonveld also asked if the committee would continue to meet and Mr. Ross answered that they will continue to meet. Dentino asked about the radius on the curve at the corner near Gene's Restaurant. Mr. Ross has not been able to see a bus take the turn, and did not see tire marks on the granite, but agrees that it is a tight corner. The corner was tested with fire trucks and they were able to make the turn. Chairman Aptowitz thanked the committee for their hard work and hoped that there will be a positive vote. Motion: To authorize the Town Manager to purchase signs, banners, and walkway lighting as recommended by the Downtown Committee and not to exceed $20,000. Discussion: Mr. DelVecchio asked about the banner designs and if the colors will match the previous standards. Mr. Ross answered that one design will be ordered and the color will match. Passes 5:0 (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Motion: To move forward with the cost estimate and planning of the Old Colony Trail for the purpose of applying for a GATRA grant. Passes: 5:0 (Trowbridge/Mr. DelVecchio) 3. Consideration of Class I Auto license transfer from Mansfield Jeep to Sterdon Auto Sales, LLC dba Station Chrysler Jeep of Mansfield Present before the Board appeared Kevin Reilly, Hank Tuohy, Ryan McMann to request a transfer of the Class I Auto license from Mansfield Jeep to Sterdon Auto Sales, LLC dba Station Chrysler Jeep of Mansfield. Mr. Reilly stated the new owners are a new company, but have several years of auto dealership experience and have ten other dealerships, including a Chrysler in Brockton. They are looking to expand jobs and hope to be good partners for the Town of Mansfield. Mr. Dentino asked if they were working alongside Turner and are you working with the town on parking. Mr. McMann answered that his property is next door, but stated that they are not working with him. Mr. Reilly also answered that they are good citizens and based on previous work with the town on any concerns orissues. Mr. Schoonveld commented that is only two thirds of an acre and one third of an acre lot across the street, which is small for a car dealership and asked how they were going to maximize the space. Mr. McMann answered that they will maximize the space they have, but can also draw from inventory from the Brockton dealership and be a niche community store. Chairman Aptowitz asked if it is a full sale, and Mr. McMann states that it is and that everything will remain the same and will continue to take care of the customers. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 15, 2017 Page 2 of 6 Mr. Trowbridge commented that he is glad to see that the business will stay here in town and all the paperwork is in order. Mr. DelVecchio commented thafit is very convenient having the train station next door for auto servicing. Chairman Aptowitz commented that if this goes positively and signage needs changes that they will need to work with Mr. Blackman, Town Building Inspector to do so. Motion: To approve the transfer of the Class I Auto license from Mansfield Jeep to Sterdon Auto Sales, LLC dba Station Chrysler Jeep of Mansfield. Discussion: Chairman Aptowitz then asked when the dealership is going to sell and Mr. McMann answered by the end of the month. Passes 5:0 (Mr. Trowbridge/Mr. DelVecchio) Chairman Aptowitz then then welcomed them to Mansfield and wished them luck! 4. Consideration for Board of Selectmen's Vote of Intention to Lay out a Town Way in Relation to: Dutton Drive and McKenzi Lane, At a Public Hearing on April 12, 2017. Chairman Aptowitz noted that this item was a procedural matter Motion: To approve the Intention to Lay Out a Town Way in relation to both Dutton Drive and McKenzi Lane for a Public Hearing on April 12, 2017. Passes 5:0 (Mr. Trowbridge/Schoonveld) 5. Continued discussion and Budget Update from the Town Manager Mr. Ross stated that the Budget Subcommittee meeting was cancelled Tuesday night and the Finance Committee does not meet until tomorrow night. Mr. Ross then answered that he met with the school committee Monday to review ideas to balance the budget, but there are challenges and difficult decisions to make. Mr. Schoonveld asked that the information should be sent to all committees simultaneously and Mr. Ross answered that he will be reviewing the information with Mr. Stanbrook before sending out, but agrees that it should be sent to everyone at the same time. Mr. Trowbridge stated that the Board of Selectman should post a meeting agenda in case more than three members come to the Budget Subcommittee meeting. Mr. Schoonveld stated that the Town of Norton just voted for an operation override on their town warrant. Mr. Ross does not see that recommendation coming at this point in time. Chairman Aptowitz asked if there were any further questions from the board. 6. Continued discussion and Update of Public Safety/DPW Complex Costs Mr. Ross stated that work has slowed down this week because of the snow. The contractor brought in additional lumber for form building. Temperatures need to be above forty degrees to pour concrete; however they continue to build forms and set the steel. Mr. Ross noted that crews are working today, but it is not the best conditions for this type of work. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 15, 2017 Page 3 of 6 Mr. Dentino stated he was at the job site today and saw the shipment of lumber delivered, but did not see anyone covering it. Mr. Ross states he will mention that to Mr. Ahern tomorrow. Chairman Aptowitz asked if there was a date for the MBC committee schedule to come into our meeting 7. Resident Questions and Comments There were none. 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 March 1, 2017 Meeting of March 8, 2017 b. Vote To Approve Warrants: Town Vendor Warrant No. 17037T in the amount of $792,523.85 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 17037E in the amount of $1,918,552.87 School Department Vendor Warrant No. 17037S in the amount of $478,315.03 c. Events and Signage: • Consideration of Event, Banner & Sign application and fee waiver from Celebration of Animals for their annual Mansfield Animal Shelter fundraiser to be held on September 30, 2017. • Consideration of Event Application, Banner request, and fee waiver from Mansfield Elks for their annual Carnival to be held May 4-7, 2017. d. Permits and License • Consideration of Drainlayer's license for G. Lopes Construction, Inc. Motion: To approve the consent agenda. Discussion: Mr. Schoonveld stated that he is volunteering for the Elks annual Carnival but there is no conflict of interest. Chairman Aptowitz agreed. Passes 5:0 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) 9. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17037PT in the amount of $322,982.46. Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17037PT in the amount of $322,982.46. (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17037TV in the amount of $102,472.04. Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17037TV in the amount of $102,472.04 (Mr. Trowbridge/Mr. DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 10. Correspondence Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 15, 2017 Page 4 of 6 Notification from Verizon of programming change. Great American Country on channels 223(SD) & 723 (HD) will move to channels 160 (SD) & 660 (HD). Notification from Verizon of programming change. Esquire on channels 160 (SD) & 660 (HD) will be removed from the channel lineup. Letter and photo from Eva Hourigan, creator of Mansfield's little library. Mr. Trowbridge read the above notifications 11. Town Manager's Report Mr. Ross introduced Carrie Champagne as the new Secretary to the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Ross then noted that the crews did a great job with snow removal with this storm and that a storm like this could cost us more than $100,000. There were no electric outages except one service line brought down by a falling tree. Mr. Ross further commented that he has received calls complimenting the town and no calls complaining about the storm. Chairman Aptowitz agreed that many who call and email him with complaints called him after this storm to give compliments. Mr. Trowbridge commented that it was good that many took the advice of staying off the roads. Mr. Ross then mentioned that he made the call to close Town Hall and by doing this it allowed Mr. Cook to not have to send one or two people here to keep walkways and driveway clear. Chairman Aptowitz asked Mr. Ross to send the snow deficit numbers as soon as they are available; he noted that it could take a week or two for those numbers to be available. Mr. Ross then stated that he received a phone call that the audio was not working on the government channels. The problem is being looked into and may be repaired since no one has called or emailed during this meeting. 12. Board of Selectmen Questions and Comments Mr. DelVecchio thanked everyone for the positive reaction and approval for the Downtown Committee's work. Mr. Dentino started a discussion about equipment that is not being utilized, especially the Vactor truck that was a very expensive truck to purchase. Mr. Ross answered that the Vactor truck is only used when we have sewer backups. It is not currently used to clean catch basin because Mr. Cook does not have the staff to work the truck. Mr. Ross further stated that when the truck was purchased, two additional staff members were also approved to operate the truck and do the work and shortly after that Mr. Cook lost two employees. Mr. Dentino stated that equipment like this needs to be working all day long to make it profitable and if equipment is not being used it should be sold. Mr. Ross commented that surplus equipment is sold on a regular basis. Mr. Schoonveld shared the news that Mr. Robert Barrows lifelong resident of Mansfield had passed away at the age of ninety one and noted that he was a volunteer on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Chairman Aptowitz commented that he called Representative Barrows on behalf of the Board to express condolences to the family. Chairman Aptowitz asked Mr. Ross to schedule a subcommittee meeting with The Xfinity Center. He also wanted to echo what Mr. Ross had said about the men and women of the DPW doing a great job with this last storm and hopes that the weekend storm is not bad. Mr. Ross stated that the Town Clerk stayed late Monday evening and received an appeal on a zoning variance for Grove Builders. Two of the neighbors filed the appeal on the number of units being built. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 15, 2017 Page 5 of 6 Mr. Dentino asked about the Habitat for Humanity project. Mr. Ross answered that he is working with the Housing Corporation on a property on Columbine Road. The Housing Corporation needs to run a sewer line up to the lot; they have the funds to do so. After this is done Mr. Ross stated that he would approach the Board of Selectmen about allowing the neighbors to tap into that sewer line and money would come back to the Housing Corporation. Mr. Trowbridge stated said he would like to see this project started and offered to donate engineering of plot plans and anything they need to go before DPW. Chairman Aptowitz asked Mr. Ross to work with Mr. Cook and Mr. Ahern to seal the stamped concrete at the Corey Shea Memorial before it deteriorates and noted there is money left in the fund to do so. 13. Any Items Not Anticipated By The Chairman Aptowitz 48 Hours Prior To This Meeting Motion: To adjourn at 8:23pm and to enter into Executive Session Under Exception No. 2, M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21 —Consideration of entering into executive session to conduct strategy sessions for negotiations with non-union personnel or to conduct contract negotiations with non-union personnel, pursuant to Chapter 30A, section 21(a)2 of the General Laws and To Not To Return To Open Session. (Mr. Trowbridge/Mr. DelVecchio) Roll Call: Mr. Schoonveld - yes Mr. Dentino - yes Mr. DelVecchio - yes Mr. Trowbridge - yes Chairman Aptowitz- yes Passes 5:0 C ))) Signature Date Minutes prepared by: Carrie Champagne Documents used in this meeting: • Letter from Rackemann Sawyer & Brewster regarding appeal decision of Catherine Tomasello v. Town of Mansfield Zoning Board of Appeals • Presentation of Identity & Signage of the IDC Downtown Committee Board Of Selectmen's Meeting March 15, 2017 Page 6 of 6