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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 06-21-2017Minutes of Board of Selectmen Meeting June 21, 2017 Present: Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Chairman; Mr. Jess Aptowitz, Vice -Chairman; Mr. George Dentino and Mr. Steve Schoonveld. Mr. Frank DelVecchio was absent. 1. Call To Order Board of Selectmen Meeting - Pledge of Allegiance Chairman Trowbridge called the meeting to order at 6:32PM. 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, to which there was no response. 2. Consideration of Train Station Public Education Presentation by Office Nye, of Massachusetts Transit Police Officer Dana Nye, State Coordinator for Operation Lifesaver of Massachusetts was present and stated that the mission is to keep and deaths and trespassing reduced, through education. The programs can be brought to various age groups and as young as Kindergarten. The program has been presented to schools, driver's education classes, and school bus driving companies. The program is free and can happen any time training is needed. The program is state wide, materials are provided by grant money and run by volunteers. Chairman Trowbridge stated there has been many train incidents in Town and asked that Officer Nye provide information that can be placed on the Town's website. Ms. Norma Jean Griffiths from the FRA stated it is important in a railroad community to start educating children at a young age. Ms. Griffiths stated the FRA has many programs in place to discourage trespassers. She presented facts and statistics on the increasing numbers of rail related fatalities and stated that that in 2016 there were 794 railroad fatalities. The State of Massachusetts has dramatically increased the number of trespasser rail fatalities from 2014 to 2017. The focus of the FRA is to reduce these trends through research, collaboration, technology, enforcement and community outreach. Mr. Aptowitz stated the theme is trespassing and the only way is to put up fencing and that doesn't work either. Officer Nye answered that education from a young age can prevent and teach kids not to play on the tracks. Ms. Griffiths commented that they are trying the Blue Light Project that has had success in Japan, the blue lights discourages people from going onto the tracks. Mr. Aptowitz also asked about the speed of the Acela train that goes by the Mansfield train station at 100mph and it creates a vacuum effect. He stated the train does not need to travel that fast and would like the phone number of who he can call to try to make that change happen. Ms. Griffiths and Officer Nye agreed that they could find a contact person for Mr. Aptowitz to call. Mr. Dentino stated that lights and sensors with alarms may help make it safer. Ms. Griffiths stated there is technology being researched to see how well that would work. Mr. Dentino stated that maintenance crews are there late at night. Officer Nye stated that she can request a safety audit. Mr. Schoonveld stated that the Acela goes 140mph through Mansfield, noting that it is the fastest that the train goes even when it travels from Fairhaven to New York. He also agreed with Mr. Dentino that having sensors with alarms could detect a person who got onto the tracks on purpose or by accident. Mr. Schoonveld also stated he would like to see elevated platforms across the whole station. Ms. Murphy stated that the train has brought so many families and children to the schools and that the statistics are staggering. She stated there is a real need to bring this safety program to the schools. The schools are now expected to do suicide prevention training with staff. Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes June 21, 2017 Page 1 Chief Sellon stated this was a great program and noted there have been four incidents in the last two years, two were suicides two were accidental. He agreed that this is the fastest and flattest area of track in the Northeast and there are improvements that should be made to the station to make it safer and that public awareness is the first step. 3. Discussion of Xfinity Traffic Chief Sellon, Mr. Mann and Officer Kinahan came forward to discuss Xfinity traffic concerns. Chief Sellon stated that the department has been working on since the first concert because of back roads being flooded with concert goers. The solution to keep everyone on Route 495 is to put a road closure on South Main Street and report that to Waze. This is a simple plan and requires one cruiser being moved to this spot for the first three hours of a show and then that cruiser would go back to Xfinity for the remainder of the event. This should keep traffic away from the side streets. Mr. Schoonveld asked if the sign on Route 140 North could be taken down directing traffic up Willow Street because not everyone uses the apps. Mr. Mann answered that he did not think the sign was the core of the traffic issue and that the cause was traffic coming from Route 140 South. Chief Sellon stated that if South Main is shut down the sign could be taken down, but Mass DOT would have to do it because it is a State road. Mr. Schoonveld asked how a road closure is reported to Waze. Chief Sellon stated that by logging into the app the Police Department can report a road closure, however as soon as a car goes through the area it will start re-routing cars that way. Mr. Aptowitz asked how long before a show will the road closure be placed. Mr. Mann and Chief Sellon were not sure yet, but hoped that tonight this meeting would get the word out to those residents that they will not be able to use South Main Street to get to the Xfinity Center. Chief Sellon noted this is an inconvenience, but it is a public safety issue to have gridlock on all the side streets. Fire and Police cannot travel up South Main Street or Willow Street if there were to be an emergency with the traffic. Mr. Dentino stated the other night was one of the worst nights especially at Gladiola Terrace. He noted that residents could not get in to their driveways. Chief Sellon stated this idea should solve this problem. Mr. Dentino suggested using shuttles from the train station or using the office building near Reservoir Street for parking. Mr. Mann answered that using shuttles is a possibility for weekend shows, but that would not work on week nights. Mr. Mann stated that the Friday shows seem to be the most challenging. The second show was the highest attended on a Saturday and there were no traffic issues. Mr. Schoonveld asked if South Main Street would be closed every concert and how would people be notified. Chief Sellon answered that the Town needs be consistent and will do it every show if it works and that social media would be used to get the word out. Mr. Mann agreed. Mr. Aptowitz stated that some of details that are not Mansfield details need more training to know roads in the area of the Xfinity Center. Chief Sellon agreed and is considering a crash course handout for those working that area. Mr. Aptowitz stated that it is impossible to make everyone happy and he was upset and took offense to the posts on social media and invited individuals to come to the Board of Selectmen meetings to bring up concerns and opinions. Chairman Trowbridge stated that this year the traffic has been unique and residents need to be patient. Mr. Mann also stated that there is no change in the Xfinity Center's operation and there is only one way in but technology has changed. Chief Sellon stated that the Town is working with the tools they have. Chairman Trowbridge also added that the Town can't just put up a ramp off the highway into the Xfinity Center and further noted that it took 30 years for the 495 South ramp off of Route 140. The next show is Saturday and there are no anticipated problems because it is a weekend show. Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes June 21, 2017 Page 2 4. Consideration of Rumford LLC and Foundry LLC reduction in Police Detail Administrative Fee This item was moved to a future agenda. 5. Disband Fales Oil Site Review Committee Chairman Trowbridge stated there are not enough members left on the Fales Site Review Committee and this has now been folded into the Downtown Committee. Mr. Schoonveld stated that there may be enough for a quorum to approve a set of outstanding minutes from the last meeting. Motion: To disband the Fales Oil Site Review Committee. (Aptowitz/Dentino) Passes 4:0 Chairman Trowbridge asked Ms. Champagne to send a letter thanking the members for their service. 6. Discussion and consideration to reappoint Mr. Lee Azinheira as the Municipal Representative and Mr. Rick Alves as the Alternate on the Joint Transportation Planning Group Motion: To reappoint Lee Azinheira to the Joint Transportation Planning Group and Rick Alves as the alternate. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 7. Discuss and Adopt Town Account Receivables Policies Mr. Stanbrook stated there were four policies included in the Boards packet for review. Mr. Aptowitz commented that the Town pays police and fire details for their hours worked and then invoices the vendor. There are times that the Town does not receive payment from the vendors and loses the money. Mr. Schoonveld questioned if the Finance Committee had reviewed the policies. Mr. Stanbrook answered that the previous Town Manager received these in January and is unsure if they had been sent to the members. Mr. Feely, a Finance Committee member responded that he did not believe so. Mr. Schoonveld suggested waiting until after the Finance Committee reviewed to vote. Chairman Trowbridge disagreed and noted this should have been done previously based on the Management letters. Mr. Aptowitz stated the Board could vote tonight and if the Finance Committee thought there were changes needed they could come to the Board with concerns. Mr. Schoonveld agreed. Motion: To adopt the Fire Details Receivables Abatement Policy. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Motion: To adopt the Police Details Receivables Abatement Policy. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Motion: To adopt the Parking Tickets Receivables Abatement Policy. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Motion: To adopt the Ambulance Receivables Abatement Policy. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 8. Discussion of Human Resource Position Chairman Trowbridge stated that the School Department is going to hire a full time Human Resource Director. Chairman Trowbridge stated that the Town could eliminate the HR position and have an Assistant Town Manager role that reports to the Board and the Town Manager. Mr. Aptowitz agreed and noted the position was initially set up to serve both the Town and School Departments, but the school has more employees. Mr. Schoonveld asked how the HR functions are being completed today without someone in the role. Mr. Stanbrook answered that Nancy Griffin, himself and the Treasurer's Department are working on any HR items. Mr. Schoonveld asked Ms. Murphy if the School Department was going to do the benefits and if there was going to be a different reporting structure. Ms. Murphy answered that every day she realizes that the schools have a need for a HR person. The business office currently handles the benefits. She stated there is a little bit of a disjointed environment and were very accustomed to having HR Director and the principals and business office staff are handling things as best they can. Ms. Murphy stated that the HR position will report to her. Mr. Schoonveld stated that the Board needs to see the strengths of the Town Manager hired before deciding. Mr. Trowbridge agreed. Mr. Aptowitz stated the Board should be creating a structure that is Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes June 21, 2017 Page 3 best for the Town and the best way to run the organization. Mr. Stanbrook stated in the packets was information from the town of Norton, Foxboro and Easton on how they are structured. 9. Discussion of Town Of Mansfield Fees Chairman Trowbridge stated that Mr. Stanbrook had requested departments provide their fees to see if adjustments were needed. The majority of the fees are based on the time being spent and have compared with surrounding towns. He also stated that fees cannot be more than what they cost to do. Mr. Schoonveld stated that data is needed before making the decision to increase or decrease fees. Mr. Aptowitz did not believe Mr. Stanbrook had the time to complete this project right now. Chairman Trowbridge stated that the departments should complete, Mr. Aptowitz agreed. Chairman Trowbridge stated the Planning Board's data was easy to follow and other departments should do the same. He noted that benefits should be taken into account with the rate of pay. Mr. Aptowitz asked what happens if the data shows that the fee should be lowered. Chairman Trowbridge stated that is a risk and they would be lowered. 10. MBTA Construction/Parking Mr. Stanbrook stated the new start date for construction is June 26, 2017 and that this is an MBTA project and is not the Town's decision and the Town is trying to mitigate the effects of. Mr. Aptowitz stated that the parking at the end of Mansfield Avenue is two hour parking and has to remain two hour parking and cars should be ticketed. Mr. Schoonveld asked what happens when residents have to park at the County Street lot in Foxboro and there are no more shuttles. Chairman Trowbridge stated the Town is doing the best they can and they would have to walk. 11. Resident Questions and Comments Allen Briar of Copeland Drive came forward and commented that if an HR person reported to the Board instead of the Town Manager it could be positive, especially if they had to report an issue. He then commented that he spent time as a 911 paramedic and unfortunately when people choose to end life by train suicide they are committed to doing it. He stated that physical barriers like doors can be used to help safety and that barrier doors would not open unless there was a train on the tracks. 12. 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 May 24, 2017 • Meeting of June 7, 2017 b) Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No.17050T in the amount of $997,976.79 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 17050E in the amount of $1,635,384.69 • Town Vendor Warrant No.17051T in the amount of $389,811.80 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 17051E in the amount of $112,931.15 • School Vendor Warrant No. 170515 in the amount of $281,966.53 c) Events and Signage: • Consideration of Event Application from Tri -Town Chamber of Commerce for Taste of Tri -Town Fundraiser pending routing through Town Hall and Public Safety • Consideration of Banner Application from Tri -Town Chamber of Commerce for Taste of Tri -Town Fundraiser Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes June 21, 2017 Page 4 • Consideration of Event Application for NoBoundryFight Sporting Event pending routing through Town Hall and Public Safety d) Permits and License: • Consideration of One Day Beer and Wine License for Wines & More for Taste of Tri - Town Fundraiser • Consideration of Hackney Driver License for Caleb Barksdale Mr. Schoonveld asked if the Open Space Committee was going to bring forward the charter of the committee before the Board assign members. Chairman Trowbridge commented they would be bringing forward the charge of the committee. Mr. Schoonveld stated he did not see it in the meeting minutes but if that was the consensus he was fine with the minutes. Motion: To approve the consent agenda (Aptowitz/Dentino) Passes 4:0 13. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17050PT in the amount of $408,829.10 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17050PT in the amount of $408,829.10. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17050TV in the amount of $124,978.57 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17050TV in the amount of $124,978.57. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 17050PS in the amount of $2,055,900.25 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 1705OPS in the amount of $2,055,900.25. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Passes 3:0:1 (Trowbridge abstained) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 17050SV in the amount of $661,088.90 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 17050SV in the amount of $661,088.90. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17051PT in the amount of $416,858.70 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17051PT in the amount of $416,858.70. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17051TV in the amount of $130,729.66 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17051TV in the amount of $130,729.66. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 14. Correspondence • Invitation to Eagle Court of Honor for Mr. Joseph Robert Cavanaugh for July 1, 2017 • Invitation to Eagle Court of Honor for Mr. Kyle David Svenson for July 1, 2017 • Government Finance Officers Association News Release Mr. Aptowitz stated that there are invitations for Court of Honor celebrations for the Eagle Scout Mr. Joseph Robert Cavanaugh and Mr. Kyle David Svenson on July 1st. Mr. Aptowitz asked for Proclamations and stated he would do his best to attend. The last correspondence was from the Government Finance Officers Association for the CAFRA awarded to the Town of Mansfield and Mr. Aptowitz read the letter. Mr. Aptowitz thanked Mr. Stanbrook and his staff for their hard work. Mr. Dentino stated that Mr. Stanbrook has done a great job along with those in his office. Mr. Schoonveld commented that the Town is only in the financial place it is in because of Mr. Stanbrook. Chairman Trowbridge stated that he appreciates all the hard work Mr. Stanbrook has done. 15. Town Manager's Report Mr. Stanbrook stated that the HR Knowledge started with the ADA training this week. The half day "boot camp" will be scheduled this week. Mr. Schoonveld asked how it will be documented that Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes June 21, 2017 Page 5 employee's attended. Mr. Stanbrook stated there would be a sign in sheet. Mr. Stanbrook stated that Mansfield passed the complete streets policy ranked 5th in the Nation and he stated that the DPW do a great job. Mr. Stanbrook stated that Route 106 is scheduled to be paved at the end of July. Mr. Stanbrook stated the SMGH is meeting tomorrow at 9am and Mr. Schoonveld had his appointment letter so he would be able to vote. Mr. Stanbrook stated that the ribbon cutting for Memorial Park will be July 13th at bpm. He also stated that the Town received $25,000 from the State and the additional $30,000 from CIP is one of the Finance Committee transfers for tomorrow night. Chairman Trowbridge asked him to update Mr. Wilk of the tax title properties and the abatement policies. 16. Selectmen's Questions and Comments Mr. Schoonveld asked what the reserve fund transfers are for and Mr. Stanbrook explained that three are for employee benefits. This year the benefits were by department and in FY18 benefits are in one bucket so transfers will not be needed. The other transfers are for vehicle inspection repairs, Fales Fuel Park completion, snow and ice deficit, road repairs and personal services out of grade pay. Mr. Schoonveld asked for the balance of the Finance Reserve Fund and Mr. Stanbrook answered $71,555. Mr. Dentino asked about the sign on Route 106 that cautions drivers of a school ahead near Hutchinson Fields, but there is no school. The other problem is the signs that say share the road and stated that it should be erased because it is not safe. Chairman Trowbridge stated that the Town may not be able to change that as the law states that bikes have the right of way on all roads over vehicles. Mr. Stanbrook agreed it is part of the safe streets under Federal Law and Mass DOT. Mr. Aptowitz thanked Chairman Trowbridge for visiting Mr. Fiske and giving him the plaque and proclamation. Mr. Aptowitz asked about the bike path behind Fairfield Park and the DPW normally paints it green, but a resident had an idea about painting it with yellow stripes to make it stand out. Mr. Stanbrook stated he would ask Mr. Cook. Chairman Trowbridge stated he would like to see solar lighted posts there. Mr. Aptowitz stated that parts of the new DPW building should be arriving soon. Chairman Trowbridge asked to have the Municipal Building Committee come to the July 26th meeting. 17. Any items not anticipated by the Chairman 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 18. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the June 21, 2017 Board of Selectmen's meeting at 8:49PM (Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Signature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes June 21, 2017 11 a:)( Date