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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS Minutes 04/26/2017Minutes of Board of Selectmen Meeting April 26, 2017 6:00 p.m. Present: Jess Aptowitz, Chairman; Michael Mr. Trowbridge, Clerk; Mr. Dentino and Mr. Schoonve(d � � �.I IF Mr. DelVecchio was not present for the meeting. 1. Call To Order Board of Selectmen Meeting — Pledge Of Allegiance Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order at 6:00 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. Consideration of Change of Manager for all -alcohol license for Vision Hampshire dba Holiday Inn of Mansfield pending routing through public safety and Town Hall Departments. Mr. Stopa presented on behalf of the Holiday Inn which is owned by Vision Hampshire. Mr. Daniel Whittenberger was also present as the Food and Beverage Director and applicant as the change in manager. Mr. Trowbridge had no questions. Mr. Dentino asked if he was staying in Mansfield and Mr. Stopa confirmed it was. Mr. Schoonveld commented that Mr. Whittenberger has a diverse group of restaurants that he has worked for. Chairman Aptowitz asked how long Mr. Whittenberger has been with company and if the ownership was staying the same. Mr. Whittenberger answered that he has been there for over eighteen months. Mr. Stopa stated the previous manager took a job in St. Thomas, but everything else was remaining the same. Chairman Aptowitz then asked if everything was up to date including taxes, he noted that there were problems awhile back, but wants the company to keep everything up to date. Mr. Stopa answered that everything was current and would find the business very cooperative. Mr. Dentino stated that the Town has a great relationship with the Holiday Inn and it has a lot to do with Maria in the sales office and he thinks very highly of her. Chairman Aptowitz agreed and stated she is very involved with the chamber, and is a great asset to the business. Motion: To approve the change in manager application for Vision Hampshire dba Holiday Inn of Mansfield. (Trowbridge/Dentino) Passes 4:0 3. Continued Discussion of Town Manager Search -Update from Search Committee Chairman Aptowitz stated that Ms. Champagne scheduled appointments with Mr. Kobayashi with each Selectman for May 3, 2017. Mr. Kobayashi will then complete the written materials. The search committee itself will not be active until the applications come in. 4. Consideration of Non -Profit Gift Fund grants for FY17 Chairman Aptowitz stated that the Board was given a memo with the committee's recommendation. Mr. Trowbridge stated that he had asked for the list of what was not approved, and that was emailed out to the Board. Mr. Schoonveld asked for clarification on the spreadsheets columns. Chairman Aptowitz answered that some committees may have two different items requested. Motion: To approve the recommendations by the Non -Profit Gift Fund Committee. (Trowbridge/Dentino) Passes 4:0 S. Resident Questions and Comments No questions or comments 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 April 19, 2017 b. Vote To Approve Warrants: Town Vendor Warrant No. 17043T in the amount of $30,778.18 Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 17043E in the amount of $58,383.39 School Vendor Warrant No. 170435 in the amount of $660,957.18 Motion: To approve the consent agenda with the revisions to the minutes that were made. (Trowbridge/Dentino) Passes 4:0 7. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17043PT in the amount of $370,859.57. Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17043PT $370,859.57. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17043TV in the amount of $120,033.24. Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17043TV in the amount of $120,033.24. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 8. Correspondence Mass DOT National Bridge Inspection Standards Underwater Bridge Inspection • 2017 Vegetation Control Program -Rights of Way June 12 -July 2, 2017 Mr. Trowbridge stated that correspondences from Mass DOT for the National Bridge Inspection Report and the 2017 Vegetation Control Program from TEC Associates for the Right -of -Way June 12 to July 2, 2017 were received. Chairman Aptowitz asked if correspondence in regards to West Street issues arrived. Mr. Trowbridge answered it arrived after the packet was sent out and will be in the next agenda. 9. Town Manager's Report Mr. Stanbrook provided the 2016 Annual Report to the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Stanbrook also showed an annual report from the town of North Conway in New Hampshire. Chairman Aptowitz stated that the Town of Sharon is very similar to that. The report looks great and a lot of hard work goes into it, but as a committee it should be decided what amount should be spent on printing a book in full color in the large size that has been done previously. He also stated that more copies could be printed and could possibly deliver it to homes. Mr. Schoonveld asked when it would be on the website. Mr. Stanbrook answered that he hoped to have it up by next Tuesday. Chairman Aptowitz said it should be given serious consideration for next year. Mr. Trowbridge agreed. Mr. Stanbrook stated that Mr. Todd Hasset started on Monday in the Finance office and has already done a fantastic job on the back log of what needs to get done and is making good progress. Mr. Dentino stated he is glad to see help for the Finance office. Chairman Aptowitz stated he has worked here before, he did not need training, and there was no learning curve. Mr. Dentino asked where the money was coming from. Mr. Stanbrook stated the Finance Committee Reserve Fund transfer covers $9900, which covers the expense of Mr. Hasset. Chairman Aptowitz stated it is money well spent. Mr. Schoonveld commented that the amount covers Mr. Hasset until June 30tH Mr. Stanbrook asked to skip to item 12 in the agenda. Chairman Aptowitz agreed to take the agenda out of order. (Skip to agenda item 12) 10. Continued Discussion of Town Meeting Warrant Articles Motion: To support Article 1 of Annual Town Warrant. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Mr. Schoonveld asked where the funding for the new Town Manager once hired would be in the budget. Mr. Stanbrook answered that the Finance Committee Reserve Fund would be used and was increased for this year. Passes 4:0 Motion: To support Article 2 of Annual Town Warrant. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Motion: To support Article 3 of Annual Town Warrant. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Motion: To support Article 4, Motion 1 of Annual Town Warrant. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Mr. Dentino went on record to state he was not in support of the water and sewer rates that were voted on 4/19/17. Motion: To support Article 4, Motion 2 of Annual Town Warrant. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Motion: To support Article 4, Motion 3 of Annual Town Warrant. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Motion: To support Article 4, Motion 4 of Annual Town Warrant. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Motion: To support Article 5 of Annual Town Warrant. (Trowbrid ge/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Motion: To support Article 6 of Annual Town Warrant. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Motion: To support Article 7 of Annual Town Warrant. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Motion: To support Article 8 of Annual Town Warrant. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Motion: To support Article 9 of Annual Town Warrant. (Trowbrid ge/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Motion: To support Article 10 of Annual Town Warrant. (Trowbrid ge/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Chairman Aptowitz stated that Articles 11 and 12 were already supported at a previous meeting. Motion: To support Article 13 Motions 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 and 10 of Annual Town Warrant. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 through 19 were voted at a previous meeting. Mr. Stanbrook Chairman Aptowitz commented that Articles 14 commented that the school committee voted in support of Article 20 last night. Motion: To support Article 20 of Annual Town Warrant. (Trowbrid ge/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Motion: To support Article 21 of Annual Town Warrant. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Chairman Aptowitz commented that Article 22 is getting withdrawn from the warrant. Motion: To support Article 23 of Annual Town Warrant. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Motion: To support Article 24 of Annual Town Warrant. (Trowbrid ge/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Chairman Aptowitz commented that Articles 25-27 were already voted on at a previous meeting. Motion: To support Article 28 of Annual Town Warrant. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) The Board discussed the Article and the Chairman agreed that more information was needed in regards to the date from Town Counsel and the Planning Board on the moratorium. Mr. Schoonveld noted that the wording for the moratorium was that of other towns. Passes 4:0 11. Update from the Finance Committee Mr. Wilk presented for the Finance Committee and provided highlights al what the committee will be orted all the financial Articles except Article presenting at Town Meeting. Mr. Wilk stated the committee supp 22 which was being withdrawn. The committee compared where they began six years ago and where the Town is financially today and the bond rating has improved dramatically and saving the town in the next round of borrowing for the DPW complex. Mr. Wilk commented that one of the challenges the Town faces next year is the unsustainable costs for healthcare. This year the cost was a 10% increase and next year it is expected to be a 12-19% increase in healthcare costs. The industrial park zoning changes has not provided expected tax revenues and state and federal aid could decline. Mr. Wilk stated some options to sustain level services are to bring healthcare more in line with the State plan. If healthcare is not addressed in FY19 there will be a $1.7 million deficit to provide level services. Chairman Aptowitz stated that he expects Mr. Stanbrook and the new Town Manager to address healthcare. Mr. Schoonveld stated that it takes a year to make a switch and this needs to be started as soon as possible. Mr. Trowbridge stated that the Selectmen need to be actively involved as soon as possible. Mr. Wilk also stated that the Town could sell or auction properties that are owed to the Town through tax title. Mr. Wilk also stated that all the service fees need to be reviewed and fees may need to be increased if the fee does not match the expense to provide that service; parking is one. Mr. Wilk stated the town is healthy and confirmed the Town is doing all the right things. Mr. Trowbridge asked if Mr. Schoonveld can go to the meetings of the healthcare group. Mr. Schoonveld answered that he did attend the last meeting, he noted that it is well attended and he promises to go to any future meetings that he can. Mr. Trowbridge asked Mr. Schoonveld based on what has been seen in this group is there any way that they can reduce or keep costs the same or should the Town pull out from the group. Mr. Schoonveld answered that the threat to the group plan the Town is in currently is the grandfathered plan being allowed to join our group. One option is to pull out of the group and go to another group; another option is to go to the GIC plan. Mr. Schoonveld stated that and will dedicate the next year to make sure this happens and find the best option. Mr. Wilk stated that if we can fix the healthcare it buys the Town two to three years and push the development of the industrial park. Chairman Aptowitz thanked Mr. Wilk and the Finance Committee for their hard work. 12. Discussion of FY18 Budget Mr. Stanbrook referred to the Town's Website for the updated budget documents. He first explained the General Fund Revenue Summary as of 4/19/17. The items highlighted in yellow were the changes. Mr. Schoonveld asked Mr. Stanbrook to explain the negative numbers for the Robinson School for the viewers at home. Mr. Stanbrook answered that the state gave too much money in aid and the money is being paid back at a prorated basis. Mr. Schoonveld asked if it is reducing the debt exclusion and Mr. Stanbrook answered it is. Mr. Stanbrook stated he has stayed with the Governor's number rather than going with the House Ways and Means number because it is more conservative. Mr. Stanbrook explained that Debt Service under the General Fund Expenses is up because of the second wave of borrowing that will take place for the Municipal Building Complex. There is a currently a balanced budget. Chairman Aptowitz asked where the budget for snow and ice is. Mr. Stanbrook answered that he had budgeted $300,000 and it looks like it will come in under budget at $275,000. Mr. Stanbrook referred the Board to the Town of Mansfield FY18 Annual Town Meeting Statistical Abstract; he stated that it provides a one page summary of Article 1. Raise and Appropriate, those are the items that are maximum allowable levy, state aid and local receipts. They are coming from the available funds of the Town. Mr. Stanbrook noted that last year each department carried a line for benefits and this year they benefits are in one line item. Mr. Stanbrook stated that this was a nightmare last year when providing state reporting because there were numbers in eighteen departments. Mr. Stanbrook stated that the EMS Coordinator and an upgrade to a position in the Finance office are the only new things in the General Fund Budget. Mr. Stanbrook noted that the school committee is up 3.8% over last year. Chairman Aptowitz asked about the OPEB amount of $400,000 and stated the law allows for a way to take money out of the fund. Mr. Stanbrook answered that this year there is a breakdown Town Pension Active and Town Pension Retiree accounts and the same on the school side. Mr. Schoonveld stated that the OPEB liability is at $90,000,000 currently and asked what has been funded so far. Mr. Stanbrook answered $300,000-$400,000. Mr. Schoonveld commented that he believes it is premature to start taking money out of the fund if it is only funded at three or four percent, but also stated that the number needs to be examined because he does not think the liability is at $90,000,000. Mr. Stanbrook then presented the FY18 Sewer Enterprise Fund Revenue Detail is up 3.64% and there are constraints with the Sewer budget and it has to be conservative even though the Board has voted a two percent increase. The Department of Revenue has to see that that FY17 Actuals equals FY18 increases. Mr. Schoonveld asked about usage charges and the year to year budget difference of 1.75%. Mr. Stanbrook stated that is how it was broken out to match the DOR numbers. Mr. Schoonveld stated that the 1.75% matches our current year to date revenues. Mr. Schoonveld asked if on 7/1/17 when the rates increase two percent the budget is going to be two percent heavy. Mr. Stanbrook answered that there will be more revenues than expenses if the usage stays the same. Mr. Azinheira stated that if trends continue, there should be over $400,000 generated that will go into retained earnings. Mr. Stanbrook stated that in FY20 Sewer Debt will be paid off early the debt service will kick in on the wastewater improvement project so rates are increasing this year to build up excess reserves. It is gradual growth and to pay off expensive debt versus having a ten or twelve percent increase down the road. Mr. Dentino asked about the DPW line item being down ten percent. Mr. Stanbrook answered that FY17 employee benefits were taken out of all departments, so this is the year that it is difficult to compare year to year, but next year it will be easily compared. Chairman Aptowitz commented that it is all departments that look like they are down, but they are not. Mr. Dentino asked about bond costs. Mr. Stanbrook answered that bond costs are not in the general fund and that the capitol project is separate. Bonded money can only be used on the project, there are no exceptions. The insurance is $15,000,000 and is for all employees', both town and school. Mr. Stanbrook referred the Board to the FY18 Sewer Expenditures spreadsheet and to the line item of intergovernmental assessments and this is what is paid for the MFN Regional Wastewater District. There were no questions from the Board so Mr. Stanbrook referred the Board to the FY18 Water Enterprise Fund Revenue Detail. The water budget is down slightly from last year at $5,030,566, and like the sewer department this is conservative budgeting and the increase in rates will offset the use of retained earnings. Mr. Schoonveld commented that it does look like usage is down. Mr. Stanbrook stated that the water usage is determined by the weather. Mr. Azinheira stated that the Town takes a much larger hit when people don't use their water and he noted that he will be watching the usage very closely. Mr. Stanbrook noted that the water budget is balanced for FY18. The Board did not discuss the Airport Enterprise Fund but Mr. Schoonveld asked if the Airport Commission approved the budget and Mr. Stanbrook answered they had. Mr. Stanbrook then referred the Board to the FY Parking Enterprise Fund. Mr. Stanbrook stated that $125,000 of retained earnings is being used to make sure the budget is passed by the Department of Revenue. The parking enterprise has to meet its revenue this year; Mr. Stanbrook also commented that at $2 per day, the enterprise is not breaking even. Chairman Aptowitz stated that in the near future the Board needs to look at increasing the cost of parking. The current rate is $2 for residents and $4 for non-residents per day. Mr. Stanbrook noted that the parking budget is balanced for FY18. 13. Selectmen's Questions and Comments Mr. Trowbridge thanked Mr. Stanbrook, Ms. Champagne and Ms. Griffin again for their hard work during this extremely busy time of year and Mr. Stanbrook is wearing many hats. Mr. Trowbridge commented that he had conversation about the issue on West Street. The Water Department and the Electric Department forwarded a memo stating that everything was done according to industry standards. Chairman Aptowitz stated that the Board should send a letter to the people impacted, so they can use that with their insurance company. Chairman Aptowitz also stated it is most important to communicate with our residents. Mr. Dentino stated he wanted to give kudos to those working on the DPW new building, he also said it is not record pace but it is moving along. Mr. Schoonveld stated he wanted to recognize those that have done a great job this budget season including the School Committee, retiring Superintendent, Finance Director of the Schools, Finance Committee, and Budget subcommittee. He stated you know it is a good budget season when the Budget Subcommittee only needs to meet three times. Mr. Schoonveld asked about the recognition for Howard Fiske and Chairman Aptowitz answered that it is being worked on. Mr. Schoonveld also stated that the Board should also recognize Senator Timilty at an upcoming meeting. Chairman Aptowitz stated this was the last meeting in this format before the election. He stated it was a busy and interesting year and wanted to thank everyone for their support. He stated that they got through the challenges and as a Board they are trying to do what is best for the Town. Chairman Aptowitz also thanked Mr. Stanbrook for his time and dedication. He said he looks forward to seeing everyone next Tuesday for Town Meeting at 7pm. Mr. Schoonveld stated there are lawn signs if anyone wants to change the date and use at their home. He also stated that the electronic message boards should advertise Town Meeting and Election Day. Mr. Trowbridge stated the electronic signs have the message on them already. 14. Any items not anticipated by the Chairman 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 15. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the April 26, 2017 Board of Selectmen Meeting at 7:32pm. (Trowbridge/Dentino) Passes 4:0 Signature Minutes prepared by: Carrie Champagne S116) ' / Date