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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS Minutes 01-30-2013July 27, 2017 Town of Man#ield 6 Park Row, Mansfield, Massachusetts 02048 Board of Selectmen 2011 jut- r'f.I '�- 3l To: Town Clerk From: Carrie Champagne, Secretary to Board of Selectmen Re: Minutes from January 30, 2013 In reviewing the files of the Board of Selectmen from 2013,1 was not able to find approved minutes for the January 30, 2013 meeting of the Selectmen. I did find notes that were taken at that meeting, but a quorum was not present and no votes took place. Attached you will find the notes that were taken the night of the meeting. Let me know if you need anything further. Sincerely, Carrie Champagne Champagne Pbone (508)269-7372 Fax (508)261-7498 Emailselectmen@mansfieldma.com Board of Selectmen Notes of Meeting January 30, 2013 Present: Olivier Kozlowski, Chairman; Doug Annino and William Ross, Town Manager Absent: Jess-Aptowitz, George Dentino, Kevin Moran Due to the absence of three Selectmen, a quorum was not reached. Chairman continued as an informal meeting. Chairman Kozlowski explained that the format will be different for this meeting. The Town Charter states that the Board is to meet with the Chairmen or Designees for all Boards and Committees every other month. The Chairman noted that it had been a while and thanked all present for their attendance and to pass along to their Boards that he realizes that their service is on a volunteer basis and that they should be commended, something he doesn't feel they hear enoueh. Chairman Kozlowski stated he would like to go around the room and have each member introduce themselves, their Committee and what their goals are for this year. Also, the Chairman would like to hear if there are any issues that the Board or other Committees need to have flagged and what the public, as a whole, should know about their Committee. The Chairman stated that although the Board cannot act on any issues at this meeting, they will be noted for future reference. Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Chairman, School Committee, presented: • The Budget has been submitted and that the School Committee is in the process of reviewing that. The Budget number was approved in December and meetings were held in January. Mr. Trowbridge stated that there have been ongoing meetings with FinCon, School and Selectmen Sub Committees, which were extremely helpful because it gave everyone an understanding of where we are in the process. • The High School is in the process of being evaluated for reaccreditation. • Our school sports, drama, band and extracurricular activities are doing well and the kids are successful. • The Strategic Oversight Committee has been formed and is moving the Town and Schools forward in the Joint Strategic Plan. • The Committee has completed the 5 year Technology Plan. • The Track and Field project was completed last fall. • The Municipal Building Committee has been working diligently with Walter Parker concerning the Robinson windows and looking at the High School wall where there are some issues. • There has been an increase in virtually every school/grades MCAS scores and SAT scores continue to be very good. • Just about completed with District Policy Handbook, which breaks downs the handling of each and every student and breakdown of staff. As Massachusetts general laws change Board Of Selectmen's Notes of Meeting January 30, 2013 Page 1 of 7 all regulations and references need to be updated as well. The sub -committee of Wayne Smith and Kiera O'Neil has been working with the representative from MASC. • Every document presented at all School Committee Meetings can be found on the website. • A lot has been done to improve communication to homes and the community via the newsletter, website and will be looking into Social Media (Twitter, Facebook). • Process of scheduling dates with all Unions (except one) due to contract renewals. • Mr. Trowbridge thanked the first responders (Police, Fire and Building Department) who acted quickly when a pipe burst at the Qualters Middle School. Chief Neal Boldrighini assured Superintendent Hodges that everything would be done to get inspections completed, once repaired, so no School was missed. • Updating emergency plans, continuing to work with first responders to further review safety protocols and feel they are in good shape. • Mr. Trowbridge stated that the Town and Schools are working well together and the more this happens it trickles down ... lead by example. Mr. Carl Lambrecht, Chairman of Airport Commission, presented: • Major accomplishment is the signing of a new lease with a main tenant, who provides FBO services and airport management, which was quite an undertaking. • Main priority on the agenda is clearing obstructions to our approach services, which the Committee has been working on for a few years. A list of improvements is created and then passed on to the FAA. The FAA prioritizes on what they are willing to fund. Safety projects come first. • Rod Stern is the new Commissioner and is replacing Phil Finer, who recently retired. Bob Andrews will be retiring after 27 years on the Commission. This leaves an open seat on the Commission. • One thing needed from the Town is interest in the Airport. Mr. Lambrecht would like to see someone who would like to keep the airport a vital part of the community to serve on the Commission. • Chairman Kozlowski asked if there were other Boards or entities that could utilize the airport. Mr. Lambrecht stated they have been quite successful in the use of the SIZE building (sits close to Fruit Street) with community groups using as a meeting space (for example, the Boy Scouts and Animal Welfare). • Mr. Lambrecht stressed the point that the Town has this resource that not a lot of town's have and they would like to encourage more families and citizens to hang out and see its uniqueness. They just need to contact airport(&mansfieldma.com for questions. • Mr. Ross stated that the Airport Commission did a great job amending the FBO Agreement and it was a lot of hard work. He stated that the economy on airports, especially small aircraft, has changed dramatically. The big challenge was looking at the difference between the economy then (when the Agreement was initially created) and now. • Mr. Harold Fiske, Board Member, would like to add that he cannot say enough about Mike Ahern. He also stated that the Commission is in the process of getting the grass runway back. • Mr. Annino asked about the use of the airport, whether expanding or contracting. Mr. Lambrecht stated that there has been a struggle getting recreational pilots in due to the Board Of Selectmen's Notes of Meeting January 30, 2013 Page 2 of 7 economy. But, Mr. Lambrecht noted that the airport still serves a different role in business aviation (Comcast and TCP Norton) and also med flight operations. The economy is affecting general aviation. Chairman Kozlowski asked if there is any chance of pairing up high school students with the airport and learning to fly. Mr. Trowbridge, Chairman of the School Committee said he had received information from Lou Andrews, on an aviation program, but that the information should be forwarded to the principals of the schools because they handle the day to day activities and events. Mr. Lambrecht mentioned that there is a high school student, Ed Fitzgerald, being mentored for a senior school project and that Mr. Fiske is championing the younger children (for example, Boy Scouts). Ms. Maureen Doherty, Municipal Building Committee, and Chris ??, Committee member presented: • Ms. Doherty explained that 2012 was an extremely busy year. The well projects were posted online and just received final approval for all water treatment projects to post online. • Committee also created a RFQ for a house doctor for various architecture/engineering projects, which are short term projects that may just need a design. For example, the gymnasium wall, where they did not have to go out and bid and tapped into the RFQ resource. • Been working on the gym, the Robinson and the wells. • Moved out of current space, • Finally have a full complement of members of the Board Committee represented by an electrician, HVAC engineer, architecture and sprinkler design and a seasoned project engineer. Very pleased with the quality of people on the Board. • Chairman Kozlowski asked if the other Boards/Committees are aware of their qualifications and are they working together? Ms. Doherty explained it is difficult because the Building Committee doesn't have a place to call home and no staff, so it does take longer to complete tasks. • In 2013 the gym wall, currently in design, will be completed. • The Committee is interested in bidding on the Robinson School window project. They have all paperwork completed but unsure of specifications related to the MSBA Accelerated Repairs Program. But the school has expressed an interest. • The Memorial Hall RFQ is in development. • Completed the conceptual design of highway bam over by Fruit Street. Mr. Greg Matoian, Chairman of the Board of Assessors, presented: • Mr. Matoian brought the Board up to date on the process of the contract of reevaluation in 2014. The Town is moving into the abatement phase and trying to clean up as many ATB cases as possible. • 2013 motor vehicle excise bills will be going out on the 8th of February. There will be 18,976 bills for a total of $2,204,100, just in excise. Chairman Kozlowski asked if that was an uptick? Mr. Matoian thought maybe a little. • Mr. Matoian reminded residents that 3`d quarter Real Estate and Personal Property bills are due Friday and Town Hall closes at 12:OOpm. He added that the 3`d and 4`h quarter bill will reflect the actual cash values that were determined as of January I" of this year, Board Of Selectmen's Notes of Meeting January 30, 2013 Page 3 of 7 which means they are valued as of 2011. There is a lag in values, which is a good thing in there really hasn't been much change in the market. Chairman Kozlowski added there is a short window to file for abatement, which is February 1sc Mr. Joe Flynn, Chairman for the Board of Library Trustees, presented: • He noted the Trustee has many veterans on the Board, with between 15 to 19 years of Board experience. Mr. Flynn addressed the fact that the Library is losing its Director, Janet Campbell, who used to be Children's Librarian, to retirement. Some resumes have been received and a new Director will be needed by March 22"d. Ms. Campbell's retirement will not impact the budget BUT it will impact day to day life at the library. • There has been a redesign of the children's side of the library, reposition of the furniture and added shelving. • Circulation of the library is down but usage is up. Hired 2nd professional research librarian from Simmons College, very tech savvy, which is where the library is going and how it is being used. • Mr. Flynn spoke to the fact that the new computers purchased and furniture in the process of being purchased did not come out of the Town Budget. Because FinCom, Selectmen and by extension the Town at the Town Meetings, the library has been funded properly, which is still less that 1 % increase each year. And because of this the library is eligible for Meg funds through the State. • Currently in the neighborhood of 18,000 active library card users. • Mr. Annino called the library a jewel and that Janet Campbell will be missed. She had a tremendous gift of customer service. Mr. Ross noted that it was a difficult decision for her. Ms. Liz Christo, Finance Committee, presented: • The major focus for the Finance Committee is planning for the FY '14 Budget and Town Meeting. The Finance Committee is working collaboratively with Town Manager Ross, John Stanbrook and Brenda Hodges and Ed Vozzella in the School Department, sharing of information and it is extremely positive and is on a good track. • Receiving updates, on a regular basis from the Schools and the Town concerning the FY '13 Budget. • Ms. Christo reported that a long term goal for after the Town Meeting is to begin drafting financial policies regarding stabilization use. • The Finance Committee is also ensuring that the strategic plan is being implemented and taken into consideration for the development and growth of the Town. • Ms. Christo said that the Committee is also looking at ways to generate revenue within the Town, for example, supporting the development of the industrial park, train area and the downtown area. • Mr. Annino appreciated the positive approach the Committee takes. Mr. Ross noted how the Committee is taking a broad approach at finding ways to grow the community, which gives the Town an opportunity to provide services in the community. Chairman Kozlowski liked having the workshop with the Finance Committee and Planning Board and would like to schedule another one. Mr. At Bregnard, Recreation Commission, presented: Board Of Selectmen's Notes of Meeting January 30, 2013 Page 4 of 7 • Mr. Bregnard announced that Lorilee Fish is retiring June 30`h • The Recreation Department updated and distributed facility usage form for 2013. Field usage cost went up to remain competitive with field uses in the area. The Department did a study of surrounding communities to back up the increase. • Spring/Summer and Fall schedule will be mailed to residents mid-February by mail only. • Camp registration begins March 4`h and all other activities can begin registration on March 25`h. • The Department is currently in the process of soliciting additional business sponsorships for the annual community calendar. Please contact Park and Recreations Department. • The Great Duck Race will kick off the Summer Performance Schedule, which includes the Concerts on the Common and Arts in the Park. • Requesting a grant from the non-profit gift fund to purchase 3 banners for advertising events on Route 106. Mr. Greg Joynt, Mansfield Housing Corporation, presented: • Commission has gained a new member, Lou Amoroso, a seasoned volunteer in Town. The Commission is currently looking for a few members as they have two open seats. Main focus is on getting a fully functioning Commission. • Focused on find a way to complete a project. The Commission has achieved its tax exempt status with the IRS and State and all corporate filings are completed with State and IRS. The Commission is operating as a fully functioning Board. It was a long process but is complete and filing regularly to maintain the status. • Explored a number of options to creating affordable housing, some of which would be partnering with non -profits and charitable organizations. Options include single and multi- family housing or options taking it all on without a partner. Still trying to find the best routes to achieve affordable housing units to maintain our affordable housing levels. No immediate need because the Town above State levels but with uptick in development there may be a need soon. • Recently the Commission has been put on routing list for new projects in Town. Chairman Kozlowski noted the Commission has the affordable housing fund and how can the Commission maximize the use of that. Mr. Joynt explained that the Commission uses the fund, which is held by the Town, for their operating budget and for projects (operating expenses are minimal). The fund has not changed much over the past few years. Chairman Kozlowski asked Mr. ROSS about getting the Mansfield Housing Commission on a routing list for grants. Mr. Ross stated he met with them about moving forward in utilizing CDBG funds and is certain that there would be others available. Mr. Ross noted that there is a need to get together and look at all of that. • The Commission is open to any way we can add affordable housing units to the Town. Looking forward to working more creatively to reach that goal. Chairman Kozlowski noted thinking outside the box is important and to have resources and the right connections. The Chairman also asked if there is much contact with the Housing Authority. Mr. Joynt explained that the Housing Authority is its own entity and difficult to strategize together. They have been in contact with Mike Forbes, the Director, who is open to helping and understands their needs. Mr. Annino asked how much money Mansfield Housing has and Mr. Joynt answered $280,000 range. Mr. Ross wondered if Board Of Selectmen's Notes of Meeting January 30, 2013 Page 5 of 7 there is a coordination possibility with the expertise on the Building Committee to help sort through procurements? Mr. Lou Amoroso, Cable Advisory Committee, presented: • Public hearing for the Cable Licensing will be on February 27`h. There will be a decreasing cost of franchise fee, which can be controlled whereas cost for channels cannot. • Mr. Amoroso recognized the members of the committee that have now been involved in the process for at least 3 licenses Mike Healy, Rick Mahoney, Richard Gordon and also Kevin Moran and Mr. Amoroso. All added a level of expertise and experience which is beneficial to the Town. Next licensing will be under consideration in10 years. Comcast and Verizon will come up for renewal at the same time. Mr. Tom French, Planning Board, presented: • The Board has been busy at work since the last joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee. They have been looking at the zoning by-laws as they pertain to the commercial/business district and downtown, specifically at the planned business district at Cabot Park, the B3 -B4 (Copeland Drive area), B1 -B2 (downtown), changing site planning review process and TOD (transit oriented development over by the train station. All of these are well on their way. • Draft changes of the by-laws are complete and Shaun Burke will be posting on-line. • Draft changes are also complete for the planned business district at Cabot Park by where we are proposing to increase floor area and decrease some parking. As economy is changing and improving we want to put Town in position to grow. Growing in the right manner, looking at zoning and creating opportunity for commercial value in the Town and thus increase revenue. • Draft of B3 and B4 has been agreed upon and the Board is still talking about B 1 and B2 and site plans. Mr. French thought they would begin reviewing the TOD at the Board's next meeting. Plan would be to get through all these and then review to ensure they are comfortable, give to the Board for review and then have a public hearing and addressed at Town Meeting. All drafts will be posted on-line for the Town's review. • Mr. Annino asked about comparing to the massive plan of a few years ago. Mr. French explained it is well along the same lines. Mr. Annino also inquired about any input from the industrial park. Mr. French did not believe so and Mr. Ross noted that the Town is working on a meeting with the Chamber of Economic Development which will draw in property owner and tenants in the park. Mr. Ross has spoken to a major property owner who is very interested in this transition. Chairman Kozlowski asked if this compares to other towns and Mr. French explained that Shaun Burke received info from towns like Burlington and Franklin and other industrial locations. Chairman Kozlowski also noted again the workshop feel of Boards working together went well and would like to see more of it. • How do we let people know and market what we are doing? Using Twitter and Facebook and obviously our website. Mr. Annino would like to see how to promote the community as an Agenda item... social media. The Capital Improvement Committee, presented: Board Of Selectmen's Notes of Meeting January 30, 2013 Page 6 of 7 • There will be one more meeting February 12`h. The last piece of the report, the phone system, was sent to the Committee today (the 30`h of January). Mr. Ross noted that the entire phone system can be overhauled for just under $400,000. Mr. Annino inquired if the report was done by a consultant and Mr. Ross noted that it was and will get that to the Board. Meeting was concluded at 6:52pm. Signature of Clerk /Tracey Whalen Date of Approval Board Of Selectmen's Notes of Meeting January 30, 2013 Page 7 of 7