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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS Minutes 07/12/2017Minutes of Board of Selectmen Meeting July 12, 2017 Present: Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Chairman; Mr. Jess Aptowitz, Vice -Chairman; Mr. Frank DelVecchio, Clerk; and Mr. Steve Schoonveld. Mr. George Dentino was not present for the meeting. 1. Call To Order Board of Selectmen Meeting - Pledge of Allegiance �pP Chairman Trowbridge called the meeting to order at 6:3013M. He reminded everyonNaltI eAg%agGeing 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. Discussion of MBTA Expansion of Train Service to Foxboro with Jay Barrows Representative Jay Barrows was joined by Bill Keegan, Foxboro Town Manager and Paige Duncan, Planning Director of Foxboro to present on expanding MBTA train service from Gillette Stadium. They are asking the Board for their support of a pilot program. Rep. Barrows stated that Mansfield has become the second busiest train station in the State. The infrastructure, parking and handicap ramps are already in place in Foxboro and it could help Mansfield's parking problems as well as helping the economic development of the surrounding area. Mr. Bill Keegan stated that he appreciated the opportunity to present tonight and believes it is a regional benefit to all surrounding communities to have commuter rail service in Foxboro. He noted the train is popular means of transportation for those commuting into Boston as the traffic increases on Route 95. Ms. Duncan Planning Director stated that this is a critical issue for Foxboro, and is a benefit to Mansfield. She stated that Foxboro has two trains running through the town, but does not have any commuter rail service. Studies have been done supporting the additional need for service. She stated there is a station at Gillette, but it only offers game day service. Ms. Duncan stated that this additional service will shift the demand and release the pressure valve and let more people depend on the commuter rail. She explained that the plan is to start with five hundred parking spaces and trains would have three peak trips in the morning, evening and possibly mid-day, with no impact on Mansfield and the Providence line. Ms. Duncan added that Tri -Town Chamber is supportive of the project and that the Mansfield Industrial Park will be more valuable with this increased commuter rail service. Foxboro is applying for the eleven months Pilot Program that would hopefully begin in 2018 after some improvements are made on the dine. Mr. DelVecchio asked how long is the ride from Foxboro to Boston and Ms. Duncan answered about an hour; which is longer than the Mansfield line. Mr. DelVecchio asked how it does benefit Mansfield. Rep. Barrows answered that many people for the 8:55am trains are dropped off because there is no parking. He believes that even if only 100 people go to Foxboro it will provide less traffic in Mansfield. It also gives residents an option instead of having to drive all the way to Boston. Mr. Keegan stated he was a firm believer in the quote "if you build it they will come.. He noted that it has happened in communities he has worked, and that the growth on the train has increased over the past five years. Mr. DelVecchio asked for data that would support this and Rep. Barrows stated that this pilot program would provide the data. Mr. DelVecchio asked that he is not sure that this commuter rail would help the economic development of the Industrial Park, but is in support of the pilot program. Ms. Duncan encouraged the Board to speak to Kara Griffin about economic development and there will be more data in the report that will be ready with the application at the end of July. Mr. Keegan added that this area is directly between Boston and Providence and has tremendous access, but is underdeveloped. If this region is more accessible by rail it would make the entire region more valuable and keep jobs in the area. Mr. Aptowitz stated that he is not against the expansion, but is concerned that the MBTA has a lot of problems and that trains are overcrowded, run late and are not reliable. He believes that the MBTA needs to put money into infrastructure and repairs before considering expansion. Mr. Aptowitz questions what Rhode Island is paying and believes it is subsidized by mainly Massachusetts towns. He noted that his first responsibility is to the Town of Mansfield and that Mansfield tries to be a good neighbor. He stated that the train stations parking problems have been exacerbated by construction. Mr. Aptowitz asked if Walpole was in support. Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes July 12, 2017 Page 1 Rep. Jay Barrows answered that Walpole has several families that are not in favor and stated that the Walpole train station is deplorable. He added that MBTA is spending $8.5 million in Mansfield and they are making progress. If Foxboro is not successful getting the pilot it will not see this as an opportunity for 25 years and the resources will be spent elsewhere. Mr. Aptowitz stated that he speaks with people on the train and no one has said they would go to Foxboro. Mr. Aptowitz stated that he was not sure if this would relieve the traffic issues in Mansfield. Mr. Schoonveld stated that there is too much volume for a small town that is not on the highway and stated that there are significant problems with traffic and parking and there is lack of strategy. He stated that about thirty three present of the people riding the train are from Mansfield. Mr. Schoonveld stated that this may be one way to help the problems, but asked if the numbers work and what is the impact on the numbers of commuters from Mansfield. He referred to the slide and asked about CTPS and why there were only 190 daily riders projected from Foxboro and what was wrong with that CTPS number. Ms. Duncan answered that the number is based on a fixed formula from regional projections but the formula cannot be changed and is the standard CTPS across the state. Mr. Schoonveld asked how many people park in the Foxboro lot and Mr. Keegan answered 120. The amount the MBTA spends commuter will increase by $2.51 per commuter by the Kraft Group subsiding but what happens after the eleven months. Mr. Keegan stated that the expectation is that after the pilot program there will be increased riders. Mr. Schoonveld asked what if the breakeven point is 700 riders and Foxboro only end up with 400 would services end. Ms. Duncan stated that it is Foxboro's job to get the word out that this pilot is available and to market it to residents of surrounding communities and with success it can become permanent. Mr. Schoonveld stated that he thinks this is one step the Town should take to alleviate some parking pressure. Chairman Trowbridge supports Mr. Aptowitz's concerns and stated he had a different approach and he sees what has been accomplished as a Tri -Town with sewer, water and regional dispatch and does not see this hurting Mansfield. Rep. Barrows stated he would like a letter and a vote by end of the month from the Board so that it can be submitted to the Fiscal Control Board. Motion: To support the pilot program of extending the MBTA commuter line to Foxboro as described tonight. (Schoonveld/DelVecchio) Passes 3:1 (Aptowitz-Nay) Motion: To have Chairman Trowbridge sign the letter. (Schoonveld/DelVecchio) Passes 4:0 3. Consideration of Joel Brandwine to the Airport Commission Chairman Trowbridge asked Mr. Brandwine to come forward and introduce himself. Mr. Brandwine stated that he moved here six years ago and lives across the street from airport. He stated that he has seen the airport expand and he sees being on the Commission as an opportunity to be part of the growth. He added that he would like to see a restaurant and more events like Touch a Truck that open up the airport to the Town. He stated the airport should be more accessible to the residents of Mansfield, and make it more of an asset than a liability. Mr. Brandwine added that his father has a small plane and his brother is a pilot. Mr. Schoonveld stated that for full disclosure he asked Mr. Brandwine to apply and that their children are classmates. Mr. Schoonveld asked if he thought there was any conflict of interest given where he lives across the street. Mr. Brandwine answered that he is in support of the airport and not against it and wants the airport to be as successful as possible. Mr. Aptowitz thanked him for applying and asked his opinion of the potential runway expansion. He stated that he would support the expansion to get smaller jets into the airport and increase the traffic that Taunton and Norwood are taking advantage of. Mr. Aptowitz agreed that it may help corporate businesses and attract businesses to this area. Mr. Brandwine stated that it would not be huge aircraft and may only be about six planes over the course of the week. Mr. DelVecchio thanked Mr. Brandwine for putting thought into tonight and noted that he seems very interested. Chairman Trowbridge thanked Mr. Brandwine and encouraged him to attend Town Meeting. Motion: To appoint Mr. Joel Brandwine as a member of the Airport Commission to an unexpired three year term to expire on December 31, 2018. (DelVecchio/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes July 12, 2017 Page 2 4. Consideration and Reappointment of Aaron Roth to the Canoe River Aquifer Advisory Committee Motion: To reappointment Mr. Aaron Roth as a member of the Canoe River Aquifer Advisory Committee for an unexpired three year term to expire on July 1, 2020. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Mr. DelVecchio stated that Mr. Roth has become an active member and is very interested member and thank him for wanting to be reappointed. Mr. Aptowitz and Chairman Trowbridge agreed that he was an asset to the Committee. Passes 4:0 5. Consideration of Olivier Kozlowski to the Registrar of Voters Motion: To appoint Mr. Olivier Kozlowski as a Republican member of the Register of Voters for an unexpired three year term to expire on March 31, 2020. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 6. Consideration of Reappointment of Ms. Elizabeth Peter to the Mansfield -Foxboro -Norton Wastewater District Commission Motion: To reappoint Ms. Elizabeth Peter as a member of the Mansfield -Foxboro -Norton Wastewater District Commission for an unexpired three year term to expire on June 30, 2020. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Chairman Trowbridge commented that Ms. Peter was a long time DPW employee and that it is nice to have her on this committee. He also noted that the Board will actively look for a replacement as she would like to step down. Passes 4:0 7. Consideration of Administrative Police Detail Fee for Rumford LLC and Foundry LLC Skipped to Item 8 and then this item was then discussed at 8:04pm. Mr. Clemmey stated that he was asking for the same five percent discount on the administrative fee for Rumford LLC that was granted to Xfinity. He withdrew the request for Foundry LLC. He stated that he schedules details in advance and it typically is the same detail officer. Mr. Schoonveld asked Mr. Clemmey how much he pays annually for Rumford LLC. Mr. Clemmey answered $1500-$2000. Mr. Schoonveld stated that Xfinity pays significantly more and that this fee structure is to administer the billing. He stated there is a volume discount and does not see the justification for a reduction in fee. Mr. Clemmey stated that Xfinity Center makes a huge amount of revenue and does not think anyone should have a reduction. Mr. Aptowitz stated that part of the administrative fee is to cover Medicare and then the administrative cost for someone to prepare the invoice and mail. The theory was Xfinity in the past year paid over a million dollars in details and that the same amount of work goes in to prepare a $200 bill and a $20,000, so Xfinity was given the reduction. Mr. DelVecchio stated that he did not believe the fee should be reduced. Chairman Trowbridge stated that after reviewing the numbers there isnot an economy of scale to reduce the fee and agreed with his colleagues. Mr. Clemmey stated that it was not about the money and rather it was about one company receiving a special rate over anyone else in Mansfield. He stated that the Town needs the revenue and all businesses should be the same. Chairman Trowbridge asked for a motion and no motion was made. 8. Discussion of Animal Control Officer's Report on Dangerous Dog Complaint Chairman Trowbridge stated he read the report and believes the dog may be considered a nuisance and not a dangerous dog. Mr. Jeff Collins, Animal Control Officer agreed. Mr. Aptowitz stated that usually Town Counsel was involved in the hearing. Chairman Trowbridge asked the Board if there is probable cause to have a hearing. Mr. Schoonveld answered yes, and Mr. Aptowitz agreed. Motion: To accept the report of Animal Control Officer Jeff Collins on the dangerous dog complaint made by the Solivan's and set the public hearing date for August 9, 2017. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 9. MBTA Construction/Parking Mr. Stanbrook stated that information was placed on cars at the train station and online for residents about the numerous complaints and traffic situation at the train. Members of the audience asked to speak. Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes July 12, 2017 Page 3 Ms. Rochelle Rodrigue of 39 Draper Ave stated that she and her neighbors were present because of the concerns of drivers not stopping at stop signs and speeding through Draper Ave and surrounding streets at 40mph to catch the train. She stated that she reached out to Mansfield Police and they put up a sign that says your speed and cars have reduced speeds slightly, but she asked the Board to reduce the speed to 15 or 20mph. Chairman Trowbridge asked what the speed limit can be when no speed limit is posted. Mr. Stanbrook answered that 30mph is the fundamental speed limit and at Town Meeting they voted to accept the Municipal Modernization Act and it may be able to be reduced to 20mph. Motion: To reduce the speed limit to 20mph on Draper Ave. (Schoonveld/DelVecchio) Mr. DeRensis stated that the Board should consider having a public hearing before making the decision. Chairman Trowbridge respectfully disagreed that there have been numerous complaints and is comfortable with the Board making the decision based on this being a safety issue. Bonnie Whalen of 66 Draper Ave stated she witnessed almost five accidents before 615a.m. and cars are speeding and not stopping. She stated that there was a clause that Draper Ave was not to be used by commuters and now there are 500 cars a day traveling on the Draper Ave. She stated cars should be diverted down Highland Street to Howe Street. Chairman Trowbridge also stated that the Town cannot keep people from traveling on Draper Ave because it was a public street and no one from the Board is aware of such a clause. Chairman Trowbridge stated that Mr. DeRerensis could review the statue and if another vote was required the Board could take one at the next meeting. Chairman Trowbridge asked if Chief Sellon had any extra resources they should be used to patrol in the area of Draper Ave during the rush hour commutes. He also stated that the Board will continue to make adjustments Passes 4:0 Julie Collins of 26 Howe Street stated that she cannot get out of her driveway and there are no sidewalks on Howe Street. She stated that she did not think these roads were meant for this type of traffic. She also stated that the speed limit of 30mph is unsafe and cars do not slow down. Elizabeth Brophie of 67 Draper Ave stated that the stop signs on Howe, River on Draper are useless because cars are not stopping. She agreed that 30mph is too high and there are no sidewalks for walking. Sharon Racine of 22 Howe Street stated she is a commuter of the train and that the challenge is walking at night because there are no sidewalks. She also commented that there is a big divot at 18 Howe Street and it is acting as a speed bump, but stated it should be addressed. She stated there needs to be another exit out of the train station. Steve Spilewski of 42 and 40 Howe Street stated that his property has been in the family for 100 years. Mr. Spilewski asked if Foundry LLC was allowed to create two additional exits at their property. Chairman Trowbridge answered that the Board gave sixty parking spaces and exits was not specified, but he will have the safety officer look into this. He stated the streets are muddy and the area is very unsafe and chaotic. Mr. DelVecchio commented that the free lot on County Street is available to everyone and it may help alleviate a good portion of the problem. 10. Resident Questions and Comments Scott Feely of 49 Fruit Street stated there are a lot of issued. The comments on the road condition are alarming and may be exacerbating the situation. He stated it may be worth reprioritizing the road schedule by Mr. Cook and Mr. Azinheira with these new traffic problems in this area. 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 Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes July 12, 2017 Page 4 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 June 21, 2017 • Meeting of June 28, 2017 b) Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No.17053T in the amount of $658,577.34 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 17053E in the amount of $17,390.47 • School Vendor Warrant No. 170535 in the amount of $710,663.18 • Town Vendor Warrant No.17054T in the amount of $1,917,123.50 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 17054E in the amount of $738,694.24 • School Vendor Warrant No. 170545 in the amount of $415,748.61 • Town Vendor Warrant No.18001T in the amount of $732,428.72 • Town Vendor Warrant No.18002T in the amount of $794,707.25 • School Payroll Warrant No. 17052SV correction from previously approved $144,873.17 to corrected amount of $366,565.40 c) Permits and License: • Consideration of Events Application for Abolitionist Day pending routing through Town Hall and Public Safety • Consideration of Sharon Triathlon pending routing through Town Hall and Public Safety • Consideration of Building Permit Fee Waiver Request for JD&D Construction Inc. for roof work at Mansfield High School, Memorial Park Hornets Nest, Memorial Park Office, Memorial Park Bathrooms, Memorial Park Field Office and Plymouth Street Field. Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 12. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17053PT in the amount of $453,265.39. Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17053PT in the amount of $453,265.39. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17053TV in the amount of $142,217.95. Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17053TV in the amount of $142,217.95. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17054PT in the amount of $59,312.16. Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 17054PT in the amount of $59,312.16 (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17054TV credit in the amount of $377.93. Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17054TV credit in the amount of $377.93 (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 17054PS in the amount of $1,042,597.70. Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 17054PS in the amount of $1,042,597.70. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 3:0:1 (Trowbridge Abstained) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 17054SV in the amount of $318,968.83. Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 17054SV in the amount of $318,968.83 (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18002PT in the amount of $357,826.97. Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18002PT in the amount of $357,826.97. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18002TV in the amount of $137,157.37. Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18002TV in the amount of $137,157.37 (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes July 12, 2017 Page 5 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 18002PS in the amount of $171,067.90. Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 18002PS in the amount of $171,067.90. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 3:0:1 (Trowbridge Abstained) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 18002SV in the amount of $51,531.14 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 18002SV in the amount of $51,531.14. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 13. Correspondence • Letter from Verizon TV Programming Change Mr. Stanbrook read the letter from Verizon stating that on October 1, 2017 Chiller programming on channel 193 and Reelz SD programming on channel 233 will be removed. 14. Town Manager's Report Mr. Stanbrook updated the Board that the Fales Fuel Park site used the $50,000 and invoices have been sent to the state. The remaining work of $30,000 will be covered by Finance Reserve Fund. Todd Hassel was hired to help the Accounting Department and only used $8,200, so these funds will be moved to next year's free cash. Mr. Stanbrook stated that HR Knowledge had their first training today and it was well attended and the final one is next Wednesday. He then stated that the State Aid Conference Committee released the aid amounts. Mansfield may receive $332,000 over last year, but the Governor still has time to veto the numbers. Mr. Stanbrook then stated that Mr. Mike Ahern reached out to Verizon about poor cell phone service and was told that he was the only one that has complained. Mr. Stanbrook added that the Town may need to seek another cell phone provider. Mr. Stanbrook also confirmed that Mr. Lowney gifted the land to the Town at Town Meeting on March 12, 1917. 15. Selectmen's Questions and Comments Mr. Schoonveld thanked Mr. Stanbrook for getting the date on Mr. Lowney. Mr. Schoonveld asked Mr. Stanbrook to look at the State budget for new grant opportunities. Mr. Schoonveld also asked about parking at Chauncey Place and Draper Ave and if that area is two hour parking and if it is being enforced. Mr. Stanbrook stated that the Chief has instructed the traffic officer to enforce this. Mr. Schoonveld stated that Family Fun Night was one of the best he attended. Mr. Aptowitz also commented that he had conversation with Mr. Simmonds and he will be ticketing non- resident parking in resident only spots. Mr. Schoonveld added that administrative costs for details works for 99% of the cases, but it doesn't work in one very large case. He concluded with thoughts and prayers for Mr. Dentino. Mr. Aptowitz stated that the deadline to submit resumes for the Town Manager has closed and the Search Committee will be meeting review candidates. He added that Mr. Kemp was doing a great job chairing the committee. Mr. Aptowitz stated that the granite work has been done by Geno's, but the final paving around it has not been. Mr. Aptowitz asked about the crosswalk at the bike bath and if they have come to conclusion on what color can be done. He also stated that paving on Route 106 was supposed to happen in July. He added that Family Fun Night was one of the largest crowds attended and lastly added that if you drive on Route 106 the new DPW building has the steel frame erected. Mr. DelVecchio stated he agreed with Mr. Schoonveld that one size doesn't fit all and right now you can see price discrimination happening at the train station for parking. He stated again that there is a free lot on County Street for those that are unhappy with private parking lot owners. Mr. DelVecchio stated there seems to be problems with non-resident parkers and asked if is there anything the Board can do to enhance enforcement or increase the fines. Chairman answered that over the next few days there will be increased enforcement and if that does not work then the Board can look at increasing fines. Mr. DelVecchio stated that Family Fun Night was great and looks forward to next year when the Fales Site can be incorporated. Lastly Mr. DelVecchio commented that he has heard several complaints about the road conditions on East Street. Chairman Trowbridge stated that the ribbon cutting for Memorial Park is tomorrow at 6:00pm. He also asked that extending Mansfield Green hours be added to the next meeting agenda. Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes July 12, 2017 Page 6 16. Any items not anticipated by the Chairman 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 17. Enter into Executive Session and Not Return to Open Session: • The Board of Selectmen will hold an Executive Session under Exemption Three of the Open Meeting Law which exemption allows for such an Executive Session "to discuss strategy with respect to litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the public body". The litigation to be discussed at that Executive Session is the matter known "Peter Alfano v. Thomas Lynch", United States District Court Civil Action No. 15-12943-RGS. • To Approve Executive Session minutes for March 29, 2017, April 5, 2017 and April 12, 2017. Motion: To enter executive session under exemption three of the Open Meeting Law and not return to regular session at 8:50PM. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Aptowitz-Yes Schoonveld-Yes DelVecchio Yes Mr. Trowbridge -Yes Passes 4:0 Signature Dat Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes July 12, 2017 Page 7