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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 03/22/2017Minutes of Board of Selectmen Meeting March 22, 2017 7:00 p.m. Present: Jess Aptowitz, Chairman; Mr. DelVecchio, Vice -Chairman, Michael Mr. Trbwb''t dge, "Clerk Rjtt trE Dentin. Also present was William Ross, Town Manager. Mr. Schoonveld participated re oteV 1. Call To Order Board of Selectmen Meeting — Pledge Of Allegiance Ob Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order at 7:02pm noting that Mr. Schoonveld was partibipatrn Pemotely and all votes would require a roll call vote. 2. Introduction of new Mansfield Police Officer, Christopher Baker by Chief Sellon. Chief Sellon introduced Officer Baker to the Board of Selectmen. The chief stated Officer Baker's accomplishments and noted his extensive trainings he completed and developed. Having Officer Baker join Mansfield with his experience immediately makes Mansfield a better and safer community. Chairman Aptowitz stated that the town is lucky to have someone as experienced as Officer Baker, and he welcomed Officer Baker to Mansfield. Mr. Trowbridge thanked Officer Baker for choosing to come to Mansfield. Mr. DelVecchio stated that his CV is very impressive and welcomed him aboard. Mr. Dentino commented that he was glad to have Office Baker on board, and then asked if he would be part of the metro group. Chief Sellon answered that he is already part of the group and Officer Baker was part of the small group that developed it to where it is today. Mr. Schoonveld commented that Officer Baker's resume was very impressive and looks forward to seeing how his resume develops over the next few years. Mr. Ross commented that he thinks this speaks to the quality of the Mansfield Police Department, and the progressive activities taking place to be able to attract an individual with his background and years of experience. Mr. Ross further commented that this speaks well of the future for the department. Ms. Staples, Town Clerk then administered the oath of office for Officer Baker. Officer Baker then commented that he wanted to echo what Mr. Ross had said. He commented that he has had a great career and has done a number of things. He chose to come to Mansfield knowing Chief Sellon and the direction the department is going in. 3. Discussion about Highway Department Equipment Mr. Cook asked to come before the board after the meeting last week and Chairman Aptowitz approved Mr. Cook's request. Mr. Cook stated he was here to clarify things after last week's meeting about highway department equipment. Mr. Cook explained the Vactor Truck was moved off site for winter storage and that the vehicle was purchased at $300,000 not $650,000 like mentioned previously. He further explained that the truck has not been used like it was intended. When the truck purchase was approved it was approved with two additional staff and instead the department was reduced by one. The truck is now only used for extreme sewer back up situations. Mr. Cook then commented that the extra equipment at the Highway Department belongs to several contractors that the town relies on for snow removal. The equipment can only travel at twenty miles per hour; to get them on site in the middle of a storm would take extra time. The town does own eight extra plows and those are for backup if a plow breaks; there are also two specialty plows that are only used for high speed and high volume snow. Mr. Cook also stated that the town has five pieces of sidewalk equipment. Mr. Dentino commented that he counted fifteen plows and was corrected by Mr. Ross at the last meeting about the amount the Vactor truck was purchased for. Mr. Dentino noted that the sidewalks were cleared well after this past storm, but the downtown area was not good. Mr. Cook stated that he does not mind coming to the meeting and it is okay for his name to be mentioned; when the highway department is mentioned people automatically assume it is him. Mr. Cook wanted to present the information and answer questions about the equipment. Mr. Cook also commented that the downtown area does not have full snow removal until a storm is over eight inches. This is a policy that can change but it would also become very expensive to do a full snow removal with each storm. Chairman Aptowitz commented that he didn't think it was the board's job to tell Mr. Cook how to plow, but let the department know if something was missed. Mr. Schoonveld and Mr. DelVecchio had no comments and Mr. Trowbridge stated he thought he may have been the one to use Mr. Cook's name at the last meeting and apologized. Mr. Cook commented again that he does not mind if his name is mentioned and Chairman Aptowitz commented that the storm before the last was not done well and he received some complaints; however this past storm he received several compliments. Chairman Aptowitz then reminded everyone that the meeting was 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. 4. Update from the Recreation Commission. Mr. Kemp, clerk for the Recreation Commission, stated that the Recreation Commission has a full board with five members. The Parks and Recreation department runs thirty five programs and events; several of these are eight to ten week programs, not single day events. Mr. Kemp noted that Ms. Gurnon, Director of Parks and Recreation has taken the vision that Mr. Ross laid out and has grown the programs to make them vibrant. She has added nineteen programs including yoga, pickle ball and a soccer program for toddlers. Memorial Park was a large project that was identified for a new playground. They have partnered with the group Friends of Memorial Park who have fundraised over $50,000 for the playground. The ground breaking for the playground is scheduled for May 1st and will be completed by Mother's day. The committee is requesting ideas on the next big project; some suggestions have been a cross fit area, a dog park, or a scoreboard and press box for Pop Warner. The playground near the tennis courts on Plymouth Street has also been identified as another project because of the use it gets being near the tennis courts. It will be smaller scale than Memorial Park with only three to four pieces of new equipment. Ms. Gurnon along with the board would like to start a community education program for all ages. They have lots of volunteers but are lacking space. They would be in need of a space the size of a classroom where they can leave supplies. Mr. Kemp concluded his update with a thank you to the DPW Department who has been an outstanding partner to volunteers. He also thanked the Eagle Scout program that has donated a lot to the town and noted that at any given time they have two to three projects going on. Chairman Aptowitz commented that Mr. Kemp was very prepared and provided great detail and that it is important for the people of Mansfield to know what programs are being offered. Mr. DelVecchio commented that is great to see Mr. Kemp and his enthusiasm and asked how long he has been on the Recreation Commission. Mr. Kemp answered that he is at the end of his third or fourth term. Mr. DelVecchio also commented that everyone is excited about Memorial Park and his only concern is that the board would like to see an overall purpose for the park and the board looks for guidance from the Recreation Commission for that. He then stated that he appreciates the work being done and thanked Mr. Kemp. Mr. Trowbridge commented that he appreciates the great opportunities that he sees the department offering. Mr. Dentino stated that Parks and Rec has done well and hopefully they can continue do more. Mr. Schoonveld thanked Mr. Kemp and asked him to thank the entire committee for their service to the town and is blessed to have children that can use Memorial Park when it is complete. Mr. Schoonveld asked if there was a way to collaborate with the Council on Aging. Mr. Schoonveld noted that the older adult population outnumbers the children in the community and Mr. Kemp answered that it is a great recommendation and they may help with space and it would help serve that population better. Mr. Schoonveld then commented that last week the board voted to begin the rail trail project and asked if the Recreation Commission would want to collaborate on that project. Mr. Kemp answered that they would like take a leadership role in that project and believes Ms. Gurnon would agree. Lastly Mr. Schoonveld asked if there was going to be a ribbon cutting ceremony or celebration when Memorial Park is done and Mr. Kemp answered that it was discussed and he will get invitations to the Selectmen. Chairman Aptowitz thanked Mr. Kemp and his entire family for all that they have done for the town. 5. Continued discussion and Update Of Public Safety/DPW Complex Costs Mr. Ross commented that the gas line has been run and connected. Concrete has not been poured and will not be until the weather breaks. Mr. Ross does not believe this has set back the schedule since time had been built into the schedule to account for such weather conditions. Mr. Dentino asked what they were doing on Route 106 with the utilities. Mr. Ross answered they dug in the street for the gas line. Mr. Ross also commented that they cannot run electric until the poles are relocated and he thinks the weather has slowed that as well. 6. Continued discussion and Budget Update from the Town Manager Mr. Ross deferred to Mr. Schoonveld who chaired the Budget Subcommittee last night. Mr. Schoonveld commented that it is important to begin educating residents on the specifics of the budget that will be proposed at Town Meeting. The committee has a balanced budget for FYI with just a few additional cuts that total $92,000. Before Town Meeting it will be necessary for the committee to react when more information from state funding becomes available. In the budget they have maintained principals, but are not there on two financial policies: use of free cash and the level of stabilization reserves. The discrepancy does not appear to impact the April bond rating. The committee was unable to meet every request, but was able to add a FTE in the accounting office and an ELL instructor for the schools. Also after many years it is intended to make free all -day Kindergarten with this budget. Mr. Schoonveld noted that there are many challenges to face this upcoming year with the increase in health care and it is expected that it will be twice as significant next year, but we can begin to react. Mr. Trowbridge commented that this was the consensus of the subcommittee and everyone is on the same page. Mr. DelVecchio stated he attended the meeting last night and said it was a productive meeting. He further commented that he appreciates the efforts of everyone including the Finance Committee and is looking forward to the final budget presentation. Mr. Dentino commented that it is nice to hear the meeting happened and resulted in a strong budget and noted that those committees are doing good work. Chairman Aptowitz commented that the final numbers are not in from the state but hopefully the number is close and the budget will only require some minor adjustments. He then commended and thanked the school committee and the individuals on the Budget Subcommittee for their work. Chairman Aptowitz then commented that the cost of healthcare is a huge issue and the costs are unsustainable. It is hard for the growing town to plan because it is a sunk cost that continues to grow. Mr. Ross encouraged them to consider two positions that are not part of the budget. The first being the extra hours for Recreation Director which is from a revolving fund, not from tax dollars. The second position is the laborer for the Sewer Department which would be paid from the sewer enterprise fund. Chairman Aptowitz asked who would make the decision for those and Mr. Ross answered it would be up to the Board of Selectmen because it is from an enterprise fund and not funded by the MFN. Mr. Ross asked the board to seriously consider those two positions especially after hearing both Mr. Kemp and Mr. Cook's comments tonight. Mr. Ross then answered questions from last meeting. Mr. Trowbridge had asked what the FinCom Reserve Fund balance was and it is $271,500. As of today the snow and ice deficit $123,OOOk and does not include the last storm. Mr. Ross noted that he would recommend using the FinCom Reserve fund to cover the snow and ice deficit, but the Finance Committee will need to approve that. 7. Resident Questions and Comments There were no questions. 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 15, 2017 b. Vote To Approve Warrants: Town Vendor Warrant No. 17038T in the amount of $219,747.57 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 17038E in the amount of $119,909.01 c. Permits and License: Consideration Of Hackney Driver Licenses For: • John Wright, Jr. — Allready Taxi • Tracey Stern — Allready Taxi • Michael Fenton — Veterans Taxi • Timothy Hayes — Veterans Taxi Consideration Of Hackney Carriage Licenses For Veterans Taxi Subject To Satisfactory Safety Inspection Of Vehicles By Public Safety Officer and submission of all application documentation: • Vehicle 1: 2013 Ford Fusion • Vehicle 2: 2009 Chrysler Town Van • Vehicle 3: 2004 Ford Crown Victoria • Vehicle 4: 2013 Ford Fusion • Vehicle 5: 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis • Vehicle 6: 2010 Dodge Caravan • Vehicle 7: 2009 Dodge Caravan • Vehicle 8: 2010 Ford Fusion • Vehicle 9: 2010 Chrysler Town Van • Vehicle 10: 2009 Chrysler Town Van • Vehicle 11: 2013 Ford Fusion • Vehicle 12: 2011 Ford Fusion • Vehicle 13: 2013 Ford Fusion • Vehicle 14: 2013 Chrysler Town Van • Vehicle 15: 2011 Dodge Caravan Consideration Of Hackney Carriage Licenses For Allready Taxi Subject To Satisfactory Safety Inspection Of Vehicles By Public Safety Officer and submission of all application documentation: • Vehicle 1: 2004 Ford Freestar • Vehicle 2: 2001 Ford Freestar • Vehicle 3: 2006 Ford Freestar Consideration Of Hackney Carriage Licenses For Mansfield Taxi and Livery Subject To Satisfactory Safety Inspection Of Vehicles By Public Safety Officer and submission of all application documentation: • Vehicle 1: 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Consideration of allowance of water connection for the property at 108 Belcher Road in Foxborough. Consideration of water installers' license for Larkin & Larkin Development Corp. d. Events & Banners: Consideration of entertainment license for MMAS Black Box Theater for 377 North Main Street, Mansfield. Consideration of Farmers' Market license for MMAS Black Box Theater for 377 North Main Street, Mansfield. Motion: To approve the consent agenda removing the Farmer's Market license for MMAS Black Box Theater at their request. (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Discussion: Mr. Trowbridge noted that Mr. Schoonveld added a couple words to the minutes and are noted in red and the committee then reviewed those changes. Chairman Aptowitz asked about the water connection on Belcher Road and if it is a single family home. Mr. Ross commented that it is a single family home and it is long term agreement between Mansfield and Foxborough and that they will pay everything. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Schoonveld-Yes Mr. Dentin -Aye Mr. DelVecchio-Aye Mr. Trowbridge -Yes Chairman Aptowitz- Yes Passes 5:0 9. Consideration And Approval Of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17038PT in the amount of $322,241.66 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17038PT in the amount of $322,241.66 (Trowbridge/D e1V ecchio) Roll Call Vote: Mr. Trowbridge -Yes Mr. DelVecchio-Yes Mr. Dentino- Aye Mr. Schoonveld-Yes Chairman Aptowitz — Aye Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17038TV in the amount of $104,333.60. Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17038TV in the amount of $104,333.60. (Trowbridge/D elV ecchio) Roll Call Vote: Mr. Schoonveld-Yes Mr. Dentino-Aye Mr. DelVecchio-Yes Mr. Trowbridge - Yes Chairman Aptowitz-Aye Passes 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 17038PS in the amount of $1,591,793.81 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 17038PS in the amount of $1,591,793.81 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Roll Call Vote: Mr. Trowbridge -Abstain Mr. DelVecchio-Yes Mr. Dention- Aye Mr. Schoonveld- Yes Chairman Aptowitz- Aye Passes 4:0:1 (Trowbridge abstains) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 17038SV $545,810.73. Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 17038SV in the amount of $545,810.73. (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Roll Call Vote: Mr. Schoonveld-Yes Mr. Dentino-Yes Chairman Aptowitz-Aye Mr. DelVecchio-Yes Mr. Trowbridge -Yes Passes 5:0 10. Correspondence • Letter from Comcast stating as of March 31, 2017 WSBE-Vme (Ch293) will no longer be available. • Letter from Comcast containing copy of Comeast's policies and procedures, sample subscriber bill, work order and rate & channel line-up. • Letter from Verizon containing copy of Fios TV channel line-up, rate card and sample customer bill. Mr. Trowbridge read the above correspondence items. 11. Town Manager's Report Mr. Ross passed out a memorandum to the audience that was later read by Chairman Aptowitz stating that he and the Board of Selectmen have reached a mutual agreement to renegotiate the terms of his employment agreement, and his position as Town Manager will end as of March 31, 2017. Mr. Ross noted that there has been lots of progress in the last seven years. He believes there are lots of challenges, but he leaves knowing lots of positive things are being done and the community is in good hands. 12. BOS Questions and Comments Mr. Shoonveld wished Mr. Ross well in his future endeavors and recognized Mr. Ross for the numerous contributions he has made over last seven years. The town had financial instability just seven years ago and has now had six straight years of doing what is right for the town and that is due to a lot of people. Chairman Aptowitz read the memorandum for the record. Mr. Dentino had no questions or comments. Mr. DelVecchio wished Mr. Ross well. Mr. Trowbridge wished Mr. Ross well and stated that an interim Town Manager is needed after March 31s` and the board needs to schedule a meeting quickly. The earliest day to meet is Monday and the committee agreed they could be available with Mr. Schoonveld participating via conference call. Chairman Aptowitz asked Ms. Champagne to post a meeting for Monday, March 27, 2017 at 7PM. Chairman Aptowitz then thanked Mr. Rosi for his service to the town and wished him the best. 13. Any Items Not Anticipated By The Chairman 48 Hours Prior To This Meeting There were no items. 14. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the March 22, 2017 Board of Selectmen meeting at 8:25PM. (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Roll call vote: Mr. Schoonveld-Yes Mr. Dentino-Yes Mr. DelVecchio-Yes Mr. Trowbridge -Yes Chairman Aptowitz-Aye Passes 5:0 Signature' Minutes prepared by: Carrie Champagne 2`i Date