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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 05/24/2017Minutes of Board of Selectmen Meeting May 24, 2017 Present: Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Chairman; Mr. Jess Aptowitz, Vice -Chairman; Mri;DelVecbhfo, Clerk, Mr. George Dentino and Mr. Steve Schoonveld. 1. Call to Order Board of Selectmen Meeting - Pledge of Allegiance iii 1 ti ll;l Chairman Trowbridge called the meeting to order at 6:30PM. He 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, and Mike LaCrosse of WBZ News stated they were filming the meeting.' Chairman Trowbridge read a statement in regards to resident concerns over Xfinity Concert traffic from Tuesday evening. He stated that Chief Sellon will be working with Mr. Mann the General Manager of the Xfinity Center to create a traffic plan solution. Chairman Trowbridge stated that the recent events in Manchester, England were in the thoughts and overall it was a safe event at the Xfinity Center. He then asked everyone to take a moment of silence. 2. Discussion of Railroad Crossing at County/North Main/Angell Streets Mr. Azinheira stated that Rep. Barrows is working to get the crossing relocated and Mr. Alves should have the survey completed this week. Mr. Azinheira stated that it is important to get this done quickly and get the endorsement of the concept. A roundabout was proposed previously to the abutters of this intersection and it was well received, but State funding did not come through at that time. This concept was also presented to the Planning Board and provided a letter of endorsement to Rep. Barrows. Rep. Barrows stated he met with the MBTA four to five weeks ago and it is believed that the roundabout should be less costly. Rep. Barrows stated the main concern is to ensure that no one would be stuck on the crossing, but the line is used for freight during non -peak hours. Rep. Barrows stated he is hoping to gain the Board's support. Mr. Schoonveld asked where the road met up with the parking lots at the train station. Mr. Azinheira answered that it would be defined clearer later. Mr. Schoonveld asked if it was going to impede the development that would be done in that area, but then stated it would be determined after the crossing is established. Rep. Barrows stated that there are some right of way that existed prior to the underpass being built from back in the early 1950's. Rep. Barrows answered that the plan is to bring the road to the crossing. Mr. DelVecchio asked about the design of the rotary/roundabout. Rep. Barrows answered that it is similar to that of Copeland Drive and Forbes Boulevard in Foxboro; he stated that traffic signals do not work as well as roundabouts, which provide better traffic flow. Mr. Dentino asked if they agreed to the time of the Framingham going through that area. Rep. Barrows answered that it is a ways off, but noted that it will not go further south than Gillette from Walpole. Mr. Aptowitz asked realistically when this would be completed. Rep. Barrows answered that first there needs to be the initial administration approval and then get state and federal approval. The Town is going to have to look for funding sources. Mr. Schoonveld asked if there would be funding sources from outside the town. Rep. Barrows answered hard to know at this point and funding is harder and harder to find. Motion: To support the concept and proceed. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 3. Continued Discussion of Fales Fuel Site Chairman Trowbridge read a statement providing some history of the Fales Fuel Site noting that Town Meeting approved the selling of the Fales site. The intended buyer MMAS did not purchase the site. The Fales Committee presented the idea of the parcel being used as a park. The Committee began to develop the site and was supposed to present construction costs to the Board. Chairman Trowbridge stated he was not a Selectman at the time and was planning to donate surveying services. After he became a Selectman last spring it was proposed that after road construction downtown the area would be restriped, also losing spots by this project. Last week the Board received a plan for the park that had not been seen by the Board previously and did not have any input from the public or the CIP Committee. Chairman Trowbridge stated it was a beautiful plan, but the cost was underestimated and do not believe the Town could afford, and was unaware of the June 301h deadline for the grant until last week. Chairman Trowbridge has heard concerns about the loss of parking downtown as do many of the business owners that he,has spoken to. After last week's Board meeting Chairman Trowbridge had a meeting with Mr. Azinheira, ,Mr. Alves, Mr. Stanbrook and Rep. Barrows to see if there could be a compromise of getting additional parking and a park, as well as using the $50,000 grant and leave some flexibility in developing the site. Rep. Barrows stated that previous Boards had endorsed it and a few people got together to ask for support and provide leadership. Rep. Barrows stated that he apologized and didn't want to lose the grant. He also believes this will provide a focal point that the Town can sell to GATRA, to secure additional grants for the bike path to connect to the train station. Rep. Barrows stated that it is important to preserve open space in whatever format the Town can. Mr. DelVecchio restated he would like it to be a green space like Mr. Schoonveld. He stated that this plan looks like it uses the money effectively and he understands that the parking problem is real and parking needs to be addressed as a whole for the Downtown area. Mr. Schoonveld stated that the Board should hear comments from the audience and asked if $50,000 would cover the cost of the park as shown in the handout. Chairman Trowbridge answered that it would not be. Mr. Schoonveld asked what would be the additional cost of the pavers, benches and everything. Chairman Trowbridge stated that they did not get that far yet. Chairman Trowbridge stated they need to go back to the Planning Board for approval. Mr. Schoonveld commented that a park was already approved last week. Mr. Schoonveld asked what $50,000 gets or how far does it get the project. Rep. Barrows stated that the park area is going to need 8 benches, 4 trash barrels, and a bike rack. Mr. Azinheira stated that if the Board goes ahead with approval he can have those items ordered next week for a cost of $15,000 to $20,000, and then get some landscaping. Mr. Schoonveld asked why this would not have to go through CIP like stated earlier, and would like this project to go through CIP. Mr. Schoonveld further commented that parking was lost on Old Colony Way, but stated that since the parking study in 2011 by SRPEDD not much has changed and this study stated that the highest zone utilized was only at 81%. Mr. Schoonveld stated that there is a signage problem, a line marking problem not a parking problem. Mr. Schoonveld stated the money should be used for a robust park for the future of Downtown. Mr. Aptowitz stated that there is a parking problem, but stated he is not an expert however he has received lots of calls from people saying there is a parking problem. He stated that it is the Board's job to do the best job and look at it all as a whole. Mr. Aptowitz stated the Board should do something that is helpful to everyone, and is positive. He noted that the plan was beautifully designed last week, however DPW has to take care of it and it becomes a budget issue. Mr. Aptowitz stated that he respects the CIP Committee but tonight the Board has to move or not move and make a decision. Chairman Trowbridge asked the CIP Chair to come forward. Mr. Feely stated he sees this as an urgent issue and is in favor of proceeding right now and not delaying, he then stated that sometimes you have to seize an opportunity that is in front of you. Chairman Trowbridge asked if he could have a meeting next week if something comes up tonight. Mr. Feely stated he could have a meeting next week. Mr. DelVecchio understands Mr. Schoonveld concerns, but agrees with Mr. Feely. Mr. Aptowitz stated that the area needs to be cleaned up and can add on in phases. Mr. Feely stated that the site work and engineering work will not be wasted. Chairman Trowbridge stated there are items of soil testing, drainage, gravel to come in, and dead trees to be removed. Mr. Schoonveld stated that the Board needs to know the cost. Mr. Aptowitz asked what he was in favor of doing. Mr. Schoonveld stated he was in favor of Phase 1 as presented last week. Motion: To proceed with the plan for improving the Fales Oil Site as presented by the Chairman. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Mr. Dentino stated that this plan had five or six ideas, but he would like to see parking in that area, as well as the cost of everything. He spoke with some people from the Grain Mill all the way down to the elderly housing and they believe there are contracts for some parking areas. Mr. Dentino stated he would like Mr. Stanbrook and Mr. Alves to find out if there are leases on certain parking areas. Mr. Aptowitz believed that all of those leases had expired and there is nothing in place today. Chairman Trowbridge believes there should be a comprehensive look at parking in that area as a whole. Mr. Schoonveld asked for details on the grant and if it is just buying materials or does the work has to be completed. Mr. Stanbrook stated that the materials have to be purchased and delivered, and does not have to be installed. Mr. Aptowitz stated he does not understand why Mr. Schoonveld is against this. Mr. Schoonveld stated he only wants to see a large park not a parking lot. He further commented that parking has been choke holding decisions for this area for over a decade. He is glad the grant came forward because otherwise the Board would not be talking about it. Passes 4:0:1 (Schoonveld Abstained) 4. Discussion and Approval of Town Manager Search Brochure and Approve Screening Committee Charge Mr. Schoonveld stated there is one area stated take risk and he would like it to read "prudent risk." Chairman Trowbridge stated that minor grammar things could be changed after the meeting tonight. Motion: To approve the Town Manager Search Brochure and Charge of the Screening Committee. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Mr. DelVecchio stated that the brochure was implemented well. Mr. Schoonveld agreed stating that Mr. Kobayashi did a great job. Chairman Trowbridge stated he is pleased with the level of communication from the Collins Center. Passes 5:0 S. Discussion of Health Insurance and Insurance Subcommittee Mr. DelVecchio stated he would defer to Mr. Schoonveld for this, but believes that the new school Business Office Director and another member of the School Committee should be part of the Subcommittee. Chairman Trowbridge believes the Finance Committee should be included. Mr. Schoonveld stated that he spoke with Ms. Firing and Mr. Stanbrook and not only is the Town trying to avoid a million dollar increase to the Town's budget, but also trying to avoid increases to the employees weekly contributions to healthcare. He stated that the committee needs to initially be an exploring fact finding team on what things the Town can do. He would like there to be a broad group of people, including a union representative and a retired representative. Chairman Trowbridge asked Mr. Schoonveld to prepare a memo to provide to the Board. Mr. Aptowitz asked if there needs to be an insurance advisory committee for union reasons. Chairman Trowbridge asked if Mr. Stanbrook could confirm if this is State law. Mr. DelVecchio asked if Mr. Schoonveld had a timeframe. Mr. Schoonveld answered that December 31't is the deadline to notify SMHG of a change, but wants this done before Thanksgiving and the analysis done by October 1st. Motion: To appoint Mr. Schoonveld to the SMHG. (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 6. Discussion of Summer Meeting Schedule Chairman Trowbridge stated the Board talked about meeting every other week. The summer schedule was discussed amongst the Board and the next meetings are planned for: June 7th, June 21st, June 281h (later start because of the Duck Race), July 12th, July 26th, August 9th, and August 23`a Chairman Trowbridge left the meeting at 7:32pm. Mr. Aptowitz as Vice -Chairman took on the Chairman responsibilities for the remainder of the meeting. 7. Resident Questions and Comments Mr. Courtemanche from 238 Branch Street stated he had concerns about the handicap access on Oakland Street still not being completed. He also had concerns about the speed of trucks traveling on Oakland Street. He noted that the speed limit is 30mph and the trucks are doing over 40mph and suggested he Town should reduce the speed limit it to 25mph. Mr. Courtemanche also was upset that residents did not get to voice their opinions about the Fales Site earlier in the meeting and stated that more parking is needed not a playground. Mr. Tom Delmar from 28 Court Street who lives near the bike path stated that parking can be horrible in that area of Old Colony Way and the area is quite a mess with no painted parking space lines and year round puddles. He believes the majority of the residents want the Fales Site to be used for a park. He stated that great downtowns are known for their parks not their parking lots. He believes just painting the lines is going to create more parking because currently people take up two spots with the lack of marked spaces. Ms. Jeanne -Marie Bourque of 366 Willow Street provided footage from her home security camera showing cars driving the wrong way last night in her neighborhood. She stated that the concert goers were asking to use bathrooms and then urinating and littering all over her neighbor's yards. Ms. Bourque also noted cars had parked along Leonard Street and walked to the concert, but at the end of night to find their cars people were setting off their car alarms to find where their vehicles were. Ms. Diane McCune of 364 Willow Street stated this problem began the end of last year's concert season. She stated that a sign was placed on Route 140 stating that Willow and Spring Streets were not through way streets, and that seemed to minimize the problem, however the Waze app was not as popular last year. She also recommended that the Town talk with Foxboro, because they have it figured out for Gillette Stadium events. Ms. Kimberly Arcaro of 8 Hall Street stated that the concert goers were smoking, drinking, littering, urinating, and vomiting in front of her house. She stated that it was dangerous and unacceptable for a family neighborhood. Mr. Russ Goldstein of 96 Charles Street, also the owner of Great Woods Shuttle, stated that there is no way to make the Waze app stop routing traffic, but suggested that there should be a way to configure and strategically place police officers when people exit off the highway. He offered his assistance if needed to help this situation. Mr. Mohammad Hachem of 361 Willow Street had concerns about the traffic, stated that he had a group of concert goers on his front yard playing football and littering on his lawn. He suggested a construction sign be placed on School Street like last year. Mr. James Fournier of 370 Willow Street stated that Willow Street should be a scenic road and asked why the Waze app is allowed to send people on the roads. Mr. Fournier also had concerns about construction vehicles traveling fast on Willow Street like it is a highway, including the Town trucks. Mr. Fournier asked if there was a meeting of the Police Department and Chairman, and would like to know what is going to be done. Ms. Marian Harris of 289 Willow Street stated there were people in her neighbor's yard and had to chase them out of their yards. She heard lots of them being disrespectful and her main concern was that no emergency personnel could get down the street should there have been a real emergency situation. Mr. Aptowitz took the agenda out of order and skipped to agenda item number thirteen. 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) Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 17047T in the amount of $159,443.68 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 17047E in the amount of $49,908.93 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 170475 in the amount of $645,067.73 b) Approval of Proclamations: • Cindy Nolan -Miss Cindy's School of Dance • Mansfield Older American Volunteers • Wicked Good Chiropractic • General Aviation Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (DelVecchio/Schoonveld) Passes 3:0 9. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17047PT in the amount of $357,408.46. Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17047PT in the amount of $357,408.46. '(DelVecchio/Schoonveld) Passes 3:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17047TV in the amount of $114,970.31 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17047TV in the amount of $114,970.31. (DelVecchio/Schoonveld) Passes 3:0 10. Correspondence Mr. DelVecchio stated there were several emails from residents and the majority were in favor of a park at the Fales Site. He stated the emails were well written. Mr. Schoonveld agreed that no one was in favor of a "Taj Mahal" Playground. 11. Town Manager's Report Mr. Stanbrook stated Town Hall and Mansfield Green Recycle Park would be closed on Monday for Memorial Day. He then stated that there would be no trash pick on Monday, and everyone would have a one day delay. Mr. Stanbrook stated that the Senate Ways and Means and State Aid was $320,229 more than last year if the budget were to become law. This is an increase of 1.69% over last year and is $72,000 more than was planned for at Town Meeting. 12. Selectmen's Questions and Comments Mr. Schoonveld asked about the employee training program and if it should be reviewed and on the agenda for next week. Mr. Stanbrook answered that it should. Mr. Schoonveld then asked if Mr. Burke could come in and discuss the parking study because the Planning Board and Mr. Burke do not believe there is a parking problem. He stated that if the information is out of date then the study needs to be updated. Mr. Schoonveld also that he has tax data to provide to Mr. Bob Krentzmen for the IDC to review. The report has the commercial and real estate tax sources and half is from the Cabot Industrial Park area. Mr. DelVecchio stated that the emails received have been well stated and to the point, but people on social media seem to take more liberties in what they say and not always know what they are talking about. Mr. Aptowitz gave kudos to Police, Fire and Xfinity everything inside was handled well. The traffic issue is a concern and will be worked on. He believes that the idea for Fales Site that Chairman Trowbridge came up with is a compromise that can make everyone happy. He stated the parade is at 10am on Memorial Day and it starts at the North Common, travels down Main Street and ends at the South Common. If there is inclement weather it will be at the High School and it will be posted on Social Media. Mr. Aptowitz stated that Mr. Cook is working on the Shea Memorial and resealing it. Mr. DelVecchio stated that the perception may be that there is a parking problem and noted that the Downtown Committee was working to address the parking, and hopefully they can continue to address this issue at future meetings. Mr. DelVecchio agreed with Mr. Schoonveld and stated that the Board has been talking about parking for ten years and something should be done. 13. Any items not anticipated by the Chairman 48 hours prior to this meeting Mr. Aptowitz stated it was the first concert of the season and being a week night versus a week day it caused severe traffic. The behavior of the individuals was not acceptable; however it is not the Town's, or Xfinity's fault. Mr. Aptowitz noted that there were over one hundred custodies at the concert and that the Police, Fire and Xfinity staff did a great job. This event was a lot of pressure for the Town's Public Safety; he stated it does not excuse the traffic issue. It was not acceptable behavior and there was no respect for the residents and the Town's streets and the whole issue is frustrating. Mr. Stanbook stated that Officer Kinahan has been in touch with the Waze app to see if there is something that can be done to not route cars through Willow Street. They are considering putting up saw horses at Willow Street to not allow through traffic. Mr. Schoonveld stated that from what he has read, google maps and similar apps use those articles simply change the protocols. He also stated the sign on Route 140 pointing towards Willow and Spring Street has to be removed and would rather see people doing a U -Turn at that intersection. Mr. Schoonveld stated that it may not solve all the problems, but it is worth a try. Mr. Dentino stated this was not a big surprise, the first three concerts were going to be hard to control, but by knowing this the Xfinity and Town staff had people in the areas, that they thought were going to be a problem, and they did an incredible job. The biggest problems were those individuals walking to the Xfinity Center on South Main Street because they had to cross the street. Mr. Aptowitz stated the next concert is on Saturday, June 3rd so that may be less problematic for traffic. Mr. Aptowitz stated that after the meeting he would speak with the Chairman and stated that a traffic plan needs to be developed. Mr. DelVecchio agreed with all the practical traffic solutions that had been stated. Mr. DelVecchio stated that some noise and traffic is expected in these areas from Xfinity. However, in this situation there were people not acting civilized; and it is unacceptable. Mr. DelVecchio stated that the Town does not want these concerts here; however Xfinity is the biggest tax payer in the Town. Mr. Aptowitz stated that there were 50-60 details on duty at the Xfinity Center and there were times that there were not enough. Mr. DelVecchio stated that if they are going to have concerts like this then there may need to be extra staff hired, because it is not fair to the residents, and traffic needs to be kept out of these neighborhoods. Mr. Aptowitz stated that the Chairman of the Board will watch this part of tonight's meeting. Mr. Aptowitz stated that he wants a meeting with the Police and Fire Chiefs, Mr. Stanbrook, and Chairman Trowbridge and come up with a plan. Mr. Aptowitz also stated that if you see inappropriate acts to call 911 and if you don't get a proper response when calling 911, that resident can call any one of the Selectmen. Mr. Dentino stated that no one is perfect and it is very difficult to work with 20,000 people and have everything come out wonderful. The goal is to make the place safe. Mr. Courtermarche came back up to address the Selectmen with his concerns about crosswalks and how the lights no longer flash. He is worried that someone is going to get seriously hurt while trying to cross a street when cars making a right can still do so on red. Ms. Gloria Penesis of 368 Willow Street came to the front to address the Selectmen and let them know that from home when watching the meetings, it is difficult to hear majority of what is being said. Mr. Aptowitz then moved back to agenda number eight. 14. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the Board of Selectmen's meeting on May 24, 2017 at 8:37PM (Schoonveld/DelVecchio) Passes 3:0 Si at0 eure &fi�j C�P,+/G Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Date