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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS Minutes 03-29-2017Minutes of Board of Selectmen Meeting March 29, 2017 7:00 p.m. Present: Jess Aptowitz, Chairman; Mr. DelVecchio, Vice -Chairman; Michael Mr. Trowbridge, Clerk; Mr. Dentino and Mr. Schoonveld 1. Call To Order Board of Selectmen Meeting — Pledge Of Allegiance 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 informed there was an accident on the train tracks and a woman had been killed. The accident is still under investigation, and has asked the police department for an analysis of the accidents that have happened over the past several years. Mr. Dentino stated he was down there and they were interviewing people and making suggestions on how to make it safer. The town has not seen any plans from MBTA, but it will be difficult for the town to do anything more than offer plans. Mr. Schoonveld commented that nothing has been heard from the MBTA since the last time they met with the board. He said this is a tragedy and it is time that the MBTA and Amtrak step because these are preventable deaths. Chairman Aptowitz stated he would like to not talk until the board has the facts. Mr. DelVecchio stated that he agrees with Chairman Aptowitz and is saddened by the tragedy and is interested in the information that Chief Sellon brings forward, and we need the facts. Mr. Trowbridge stated his thoughts and prayers with the family and regardless of the situation; there has been nothing from the MBTA since the meeting that they attended here. Chairman Aptowitz ended the discussion and stated his deepest sympathy to the family. 2. Industrial Development Commission update Mr. Bob Krentzman, Ms. Nancy Wall and Mr. Kevin Moran were in attendance as members of the Industrial Development Commission (IDC). Mr. Krentzman thanked the board and stated the committee is two years old and is pleased with their progress and what their mission is. They have spent time understanding the Mansfield community by meeting with business owners and understand the need of economic development in the community. They have partnered with the high school and students have help develop a Twitter and Facebook page; and a graphic design class is working on a website and brochure. The committee has set up a Downtown Subcommittee and is working with GATRA to create a route to bring Wheaten College students into town. The IDC believes to bring new commercial development they have a responsibility to keep those that are here to stay here and increase foot traffic in the town, and not just a transit stop for those visiting the Xfinity Center or taking the train. The committee has identified a need for a paid position of an Economic Development Director and is prepared to spend time understanding what this role would entail, it may be a part time position, or a coordinator level; and suggests that it may be worth sharing amongst the Tri -Towns. Mr. Krentzman asked what the board's expectation would be for this and suggested a discussion on this maybe at a later time. The committee believes what needs to be done is beyond what six volunteers can do. Mr. Moran stated that the committee wants to do due diligence and present something meaningful that can be acted upon because there will be a budgetary impact. Mr. Moran commented that finding people to take underdeveloped property and redevelop takes more work. Chairman Aptowitz opened the discussion to his colleagues. Mr. Trowbridge commented that he appreciated the committee's hard work; and stated he would support the position if the numbers showed it would be a buyback. Mr. Trowbridge noted it would be hard to share the position amongst surrounding towns and recommends having a workshop. Chairman Aptowitz commented that the topic needs discussion and to plan a workshop together soon. Mr. DelVecchio attended their meeting last night and thinks the Economic Development Director is a great idea and agreed with Mr. Trowbridge that it needs to be shown that it can generate more revenue for the town. Mr. Dentino commented that the Downtown is set and doesn't believe the town is ready for a big change and the development on South Main Street is a good thing for Mansfield. Mr. Krentzman stated that he would like to see expansion of Main Street beyond Page I 1 Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes March 29, 2017 Route 106, and not view the road as a divider. Mr. Schoonveld thanked the committee for coming and asked how the town can expand Main Street. Mr. Schoonveld stated the mission of the IDC is to grow and sustain the commercial tax, noting that it only goes up two to three percent a year, and that amount is not enough. Mr. Schoonveld gave an example of Norton proposing to build a new industrial area and it would only generate $133,000 in taxes a year and it is a quarter the size of Mansfield's Cabot Industrial Park. Mr. Schoonveld would like to meet with the IDC at their next meeting and suggested the IDC meet with the Assessor's office to gather data. 3. Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical School Budget Presentation, Luis Lopes, Superintendent Mr. Lopes presented a budget presentation handout. He commented that Mansfield has seventy students enrolled and that makes up 4.6% of the enrollment at the school. This year they had 950 applications and only accept 358 students per year. The total budget is slightly over $26,000,000, which is a 3.3% increase over the current year. The operating budget is at net school spending, minimum required by law. The school is responsible for transportation of all students from the communities, but reimbursement from the state is not funded at 100%, this year it is around 68%. The cost per pupil that Mansfield receives from state aid is $5, 274. Mr. DelVecchio asked to hear about some highlights of things happening at the school. Mr. Lopes answered the school has a new Maker's Space and they built a tiny house in nine weeks and has begun the second one. The school is focused on getting the different disciplines to work together on projects. Mr. Lopes commented that the school has a lot of interest and that the school must be doing something right with all the applications they receive. He stated that kids "talk with their feet" and all the communities have great school systems and Southeastern is fortunate to get them as freshmen and reap the benefits. Mr. Trowbridge had no questions and Mr. Dentino asked if transportation was the largest expense, how many buses and how long are students on the buses. Mr. Lopes answered that they have thirty buses with the longest commute being thirty five to forty minutes for students in Foxboro and Sharon. The transportation costs $406,000 and costs Mansfield $269 per student a year. Mr. Dentino stated it is a great vocational school and thanked them for their work. Mr. Schoonveld asked if they received grants. Mr. Lopes answered they receive Federal Perkins Dollars, Title 1 and Title 2A and in total it is about half a million dollars in grants. Mr. Schoonveld asked that in FY 11 we were at net school spending the required level, and now we are up over that which is great, but have other towns done the same. Mr. Lopes answered that it depends and Sharon is 70% over net school spending and Foxboro is about 40% over, some communities are just at net school spending and Brockton is below. Mr. Lopes noted that the cost of education is going up, but the state sees you have fewer students and are not taking into account that it is spread out over twelve years and can't just reduce teachers. Chairman Aptowitz commented that Southeastern is a great school; these kids are going to college and he is very impressed with everything going on at Southeastern and stated the teachers are doing a great job. 4. Continued discussion and Budget Update from the Town Manager Chairman Aptowitz stated that he had a budget comment and that he is not in favor of override. The town needs to look at ways to raise revenues. Mr. Schoonveld stated that at the Budget Subcommittee meeting the override came up as an option, but it was not something the committee focused on. He stated that if that message got out that there was going to be an override then they didn't listen to the entire meeting. Mr. DelVecchio agreed and stated that he attended the meeting and they had a list of options and override was not recommended. Mr. Dentino commented that override is a bad word and noted that Mansfield has become a wealthy town. There has to be ways to trim in areas so that an override does not happen. Mr. Schoonveld reiterated that no one calling for an override and commented that there are challenges in healthcare costs that need to be addressed starting after Town Meeting. S. Continued discussion and Update Of Public Safety/DPW Complex Costs No discussion. Chairman Aptowitz stated that Town Counsel brought up that in Article 4.3 of the charter that if an interim Town Manager is appointed the technical word is Acting Town Manager. A motion must be made to appoint Mr. Stanbrook as Acting Town Manager. Page 12 Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes March 29, 2017 Motion: To appoint Mr. John Stanbrook as Acting Town Manager effective April 1, 2017. (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 6. Consideration and Vote to Approve Revised 2017 Town Meeting Warrant Motion: To approve the revised 2017 Town Meeting Warrant. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Passes 5:0 7. Consideration and Vote to Approve Proposed Date for Town Meeting: May 2, 2017 Motion: To approve the proposed date of May 2, 2017 for the Town Meeting. (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 8. Discussion of Interim Town Manager Mr. Stanbrook has been appointed no further discussion needed. 9. Discussion of the Town Manager Search Chairman Aptowitz commented that the last time there was a search for a Town Manager the Board of Selectmen created a search committee with various members. The committee included two selectmen, a school committee member, an employee who at the time was Chief of Police, a Finance Committee member and two residents. Mr. Trowbridge stated he would like to see the Superintendent on the committee. Mr. Delvecchio stated he has no issue adding superintendent and thinks that seven to nine committee members are appropriate. Mr. Dentino agrees with nine members to be on the search committee. Mr. Schoonveld stated he would like to see three or four active residents and also noted that a good job description is necessary. Chairman Aptowitz asked if the board or the search committee would create the job description. Mr. Schoonveld stated the Board of Selectmen should create the job description and Chairman Aptowitz agreed. Chairman Aptowitz stated that the consensus is a nine member search committee: two Selectmen, Superintendent of Schools, one School Committee member, one Finance Committee member, two Town of Mansfield employees, and two Town of Mansfield residents. Chairman Aptowitz commented that Mr. Stanbrook should be on the committee as one of the town employees. Motion: To create a search committee consisting of two Selectmen, Superintendent of Schools, one School Committee member, one Finance Committee member, two Town of Mansfield employees, and two Town of Mansfield residents and Mr. Stanbrook as one of the town employees. (Trowbridge) Mr. Derensis, Town Counsel commented that if Mr. Stanbrook is on the search committee he could not be considered as an applicant for Town Manager. Mr. Trowbridge withdrew his motion. Motion: To create a search committee consisting of two Selectmen, Superintendent of Schools, one School Committee member, one Finance Committee member, two Town of Mansfield employees, and two Town of Mansfield residents for a total of nine members. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Passes 5:0 Discussion moved to select the two selectmen who would like to be on the search committee. All members of the board were all interested, but Mr. Trowbridge stated he would step out. Mr. Dentino also said he would step out. Mr. DelVecchio stated he had experience hiring high level positions. Chairman Aptowitz stated he was on the last Town Manager search committee and Mr. Schoonveld stated he hired HR Directors and Vice Presidents in his corporate life. Mr. Trowbridge made a recommendation that Chairman Aptowitz and Mr. DelVecchio should be on the search committee based on their longer experience in municipal government. Motion: To have Chairman Aptowitz and Mr. DelVecchio serve on the search committee. (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Passes 4:0:1 (Schoonveld abstains) Members of the board will reach out to the school committee to get a member. Mr. Feely was in the audience and was asked to have the Finance Committee pick a member. Chairman Aptowitz noted that he would like this information Page 13 Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes March 29, 2017 posted on the website and an email sent out to staff. He also commented that he is sure the press will be publishing the information. Mr. DelVecchio stated that he thinks consultants can be essential and the company last time did a great job and asked Mr. Derensis if he had any suggestions. Mr. Derensis answered that he has used the Collins Center when looking for a Town Manager. They have an advantage because they can be used without having to go to bid, and thus the recruitment process and can begin quickly. He further commented that the Collins Center has lots of information on candidates and can weed out those candidates that may have jumped from one Town Manager position to another. Motion: To Chairman Aptowitz approach the Collins Center for information so the Board does not have to go through procurement to speed up the process. (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 10. Resident Questions and Comments No comments or questions. 11. 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 22, 2017 b. Vote To Approve Warrants: Town Vendor Warrant No. 17039T in the amount of $2,196,692.71 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 17039E in the amount of $39,677.05 School Department Vendor Warrant No. 170395 in the amount of $514,781.15 c. Events and Signage: • Consideration of Event application from Mansfield Pop Warner for Monster Dash 5K fundraiser road race • Consideration of Event application for Jamie Fund 5K d. Permits and License • Consideration of Water Installers License for P. Beatty Excavation, Inc. • Consideration of Drainlayer's License for North Light Construction, Inc. • Consideration of Louis Palladini III to serve on the Cable Access Board of Directors for a 3 year term expiring April 3, 2020 • Consideration of Hackney Driver Licenses For: • Evens Pierre • Kevin Davis • Cheryl Christie • Paul Thibeault • Robert Pelletier Motion: To approve the consent agenda with removal of the cable access board appointment. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Passes 5:0 Motion: To reappoint Louis Palladini III to serve on the Cable Access Board of Directors for a 3 year term expiring on April 3, 2020. (Schoonveld/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 12. Consideration And Approval Of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17039PT in the amount of $335,824.52. Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid payroll 17039PT in the amount of $335,824.52. (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 Page 14 Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes March 29, 2017 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17039TV in the amount of $116,457.75. Motion: To approve town deductions vendor payroll 17039TV in the amount of $116,457.75 (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 13. Correspondence • Letter from Jeffrey and Christine Reade to Mr. Howard at Trident Public Risk Solutions Mr. Trowbridge summarized the letter from Mr. and Mrs. Read in regards to the lightning strike stating that the individuals believe the insurance statements are incorrect. Mr. Schoonveld commented that the Reade's would need to go through an appeals process. Mr. Trowbridge stated he will email the residents and let them know they should go through the appeals process. 14. Town Manager's Report No report. 15. BOS Questions and Comments Mr. Dentino asked about Habitats for Humanities and commented that there are two lots and is hoping that this Board can put some pressure so that these projects can be completed. He does not agree with what has happened in the past with regards to the projects being turned away. Mr. Schoonveld agreed with Mr. Dentino that there are many locations in town that may be possible sites for Habitats for Humanities. Several of the properties have low assessment values, and if they are public safety concern then they need to be addressed. He also commented that he is looking forward to talking about the job description for the Town Manager that can focus on the needs of the town. Mr. Trowbridge asked that the Town Manager search be a standing item on the agenda. Mr. DelVecchio concurred with Mr. Schoonveld on the management selection process and takes it very seriously. He also mentioned that the MMWEC has a meeting in Plymouth, MA in May and Mr. Sollecito is getting more information about the agenda and wanted the committee to be aware of it and if anyone is interested in attending. Chairman Aptowitz is working to get a date for the next Xfinity Subcommittee meeting within the next week. Mr. Trowbridge had no old business or questions. Motion: To enter executive session to approve executive session minutes and not return to regular session. (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Roll call vote: Mr. Schoonveld-Yes Mr. Dentino-Aye Chairman Aptowitz-Aye Mr. DelVecchio-Yes Mr. Trowbridge -Aye Passes 5:0 Signature Minutes prepared by: Carrie Champagne Page ( 5 Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes March 29, 2017 Date