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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 07/26/2017Minutes of Board of Selectmen Meeting July 26, 2017 Present: Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Chairman; Mr. Jess Aptowitz, Vice -Chairman; Mr. Frank DelVecchio, Clerk,and I�tr Steve Schoonveld. Mr. George Dentino was not present for the meeting. ' l 1. Call To Order Board of Selectmen Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance �?11 u i Chairman Trowbridge called the meeting to order at 6:30PM. He reminded everyone that the meeting wasbe4rlg broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. He asked if there were any members'pfti? -`, -.-C audience recording, to which there was no response. 2. Discussion and Update from the Municipal Building Committee (MBC) Mr. Chris Paquin, Chairman of the MBC was present and stated that per charter the MBC is responsible for developing the plans for construction or for structural alterations of any municipal buildings including the school properties. Mr. Paquin stated that it has been a busy four years planning for the new DPW and Public Safety Buildings that the Committee is currently overseeing. The project is moving along and the occupancy of the garage is expected for late fall or early winter and once this is complete the demolition of the existing garage will begin and the Public Safety Building construction will begin. Mr. Paquin continued that the Committee has begun a feasibility study and preconstruction documentation preparation for the Regional Dispatch Communication Center that will be at the site of the existing Police Station on West Street. This project is one of five in Massachusetts and is being funded through grants. Mr. Paquin also stated that there are several repairs being looked at for several school buildings. Mr. Paquin stated the Committee is very busy and would like to thank all the members for their hard work. Mr. DelVecchio had no questions but thanked the MBC for their hard work. Mr. Aptowitz thanked the Committee for their hard work noting there has been a lot of work that has gone into the project. He stated that he went on a tour of the work site and noted that it is an impressive facility, and knows it will be a good quality project. Mr. Schoonveld thanked the Committee and asked what they need from the Board in terms of support or direction. Mr. Paquin answered that the Committee is in a good place, but when they get busier with the school projects may need administrative assistance. Mr. Schoonveld stated the building is on time and Mr. Paquin added that right now it is on time, there has been good weather and they are hoping to make better time. Mr. Paquin added that the projects are on the Towns Website and are updated when there are changes and includes photographs. Chairman Trowbridge thanked the Committee and noted that all members have a unique asset and everyone appreciates all the extra hours the Committee is working. Chairman Trowbridge asked if there is money in their budget to cover extra meetings for taking minutes. Mr. Paquin answered that the Committee has a minute's clerk that is in graduate school and should be able to take minutes, but will let the Board know if something with that changes. 3. Discussion and Update of the Chocolate Factory Development Project This item was moved to the August 9, 2017 meeting. 4. Discussion and Approval of Directional and Municipal Parking Lot Signage Chairman Trowbridge stated the Downtown Committee worked on the signage and had some changes with fonts and sizes, since they last presented to the Board. Mr. DelVecchio stated that the Downtown Committee met last night and representatives were willing to come tonight, but did not believe it was necessary. He added that the Committee worked with Mr. Cook to get the appropriate size and placement of the signs. Mr. Aptowitz stated that parking signs should have the letter "P" should be blue. Chairman Trowbridge agreed. Motion: To approve the directional and municipal parking lot signage as presented. (DelVecchio/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 S. Discussion and Consideration of Waiving Permit Fees for any Town Projects Motion: To approve a policy of the Town that we will waive the Town of Mansfield side of any permit fees for any town project. (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) Chairman Trowbridge noted that this would include schools. Mr. Schoonveld asked if a memo from the Town Manager is how to communicate this. Chairman Trowbridge answered yes. Passes 4:0 Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen July 26, 2017 Page 1 6. Discussion and Consideration of Expanding Hours at Mansfield Green Chairman Trowbridge stated he received an email from Mr. Azinheira that the employees of the Mansfield Green Recycle Park do not want to work three days in a row. The current schedule of the park is Saturday and Monday and the proposed day to add hours would be on Tuesday. Motion: To approve Tuesday hours for Mansfield Green. (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) Mr. Stanbrook stated that there is $8,000-$9,000 of turn backs from the personal services part of the budget. Chairman Trowbridge noted that in years past it was open for three days per week. Mr. Aptowitz added that the Town receives money for metal recycled and may be able to get more with increased hours. Mr. Stanbrook noted that the price of metal fluctuates, but agreed with Mr. Aptowitz. Mr. Schoonveld noted that it is busiest in the fall with residents dropping off leaves. Mr. Schoonveld asked if the workers could monitor the parks use and see if Tuesday is busy or recommend if it should be moved to a different day. He then asked what the hours would be on Tuesdays. Chairman Trowbridge answered the hours would be 8am to noon. Mr. Schoonveld stated that he thought there were hours on Sunday during November. Mr. Stanbrook answered that he thought it may be true, but was not positive. Passes 4:0 7. Continued Discussion and Update on Healthcare Mr. Schoonveld stated that a task force has been put together and they will be meeting on Tuesday at Spm. This group will be broadened to form a true health insurance committee with representatives from the unions. They will be researching to see if Mansfield has competitive rates, noting the cost of a PPO plan is $1400 per month and the HMO plan is $740 per month, which is a significant difference. Mr. Schoonveld explained that the experience of the Town is very good, and the grandfathered plan is now part of the whole groups experience and that could greatly affect the collective experience of the SMHG group. Mr. Schoonveld stated there is the potential for a very large increase next year and will be looking into the option of self-insuring. Mr. Aptowitz asked if the SMHG was growing or if other communicates were looking to leave the group. Mr. Schoonveld answered that it is dwindling and Norton and Easton were the most recent Towns that left the group. Mr. Schoonveld stated that there was only one bid during renewal for Mansfield. He added that some of the things don't make sense; and it is a good time to compare the plan offerings and rates with others. Mr. DelVecchio commented that Mr. Schoonveld has a handle on insurance and what the Town can do in the parameters of the state law and that he would not be focused on if online applications are available or not, but the most important item is to minimize costs. Mr. Schoonveld agreed that the priority is to minimize cost and to decide if this is the right purchasing group. Mr. DelVecchio asked if there other groups and Mr. Schoonveld answered that there are, but does not recommend the GIC plan and noted that the Town is big enough for a self-insured plan. Chairman Trowbridge stated that this is one of the biggest things the Board needs to do this year and asked that once a month there be a report to keep the Board up to date. Mr. Schoonveld stated that the first Wednesday of the month the Board could expect that. 8. Discussion and Approval of the Charge of the Open Space and Recreation Committee Chairman Trowbridge stated that Kaitlyn Gonyer and Shaun Burke were asked to present the Board with the newly created Open Space and Recreation Committee charge. He noted that in the charge the Committee will be looking for grants for recreation use. Mr. Schoonveld asked in the fifth bullet what "outside funding" was, and if it included state funding. Chairman Trowbridge answered that it was broad and meant any agencies outside of the Town. Mr. Schoonveld asked to add wording to emphasize the need to focus on the availability of current state grants, including the state's PARC Grant. Chairman Trowbridge made the revision of the sentence to include non-profits/state/federal agencies. Motion: To approve the charge of the Open Space and Recreation Committee as amended. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 9. MBTA Construction/Parking Mr. Stanbrook stated that at the last meeting there were questions as to whether the Board was adopting a safety zone or speed zone in the area of Draper Avenue and the answer is it would be a 20 MPH safety zone. Chairman Trowbridge asked that on the August 9th meeting of the Board that this be an agenda to take a vote to make this clear. Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen July 26, 2017 Page 2 Mr. Aptowitz asked if there was a number count for those that are parking in resident only parking that are non- residents. Mr. Stanbrook answered that he would find out. Mr. Aptowitz stated that he does not believe a ticket drives home the issue. Mr. Stanbrook agreed that he has seen cars with Rhode Island plates in resident only parking spots. Mr. DelVecchio asked if the Board can raise the fine higher than $25 because that fine is still cheaper than parking in Boston. He also stated there needs to be a long term answer to parking, as long as it benefits and serves the residents of Mansfield. Mr. Schoonveld agreed that there needs to be a long term strategy for the area. Mr. Schoonveld then asked if Howe Street or Highland Ave need to have a 20MPH safety zone. Chairman Trowbridge stated that Officer Kinahan needs to provide his recommendation, and then it can be added to the agenda. Mr. Schoonveld asked if there was an average daily or weekly number of tickets. Mr. Aptowitz stated that was also what he was looking for and Chairman Trowbridge also agreed that it would be useful information to have. Mr. Schoonveld also asked why the buttonhook entrance was blocked off at Chauncy Place and Mr. DelVecchio answered that it was probably because that would directly send cars up Draper Avenue instead of Highland Avenue. Chairman Trowbridge asked for the discussion of parking fines to be added to the August 91h agenda. 10. Resident Questions and Comments Mr. Carl Clemmey of 175 Essex Street stated several comments and concerns about parking, tax rates and the pilot MBTA service in Foxboro. Mr. Cameron Symonds of 64 Highland Ave stated his concerns about parking at the train station and the shutdown of Allen Street. 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 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 July 12, 2017 b) Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No.17055T in the amount of $526,927.44 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 17055E in the amount of $1,373,127.82 • Town Vendor Warrant No.18003T in the amount of $6,268,497.09 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 18003E in the amount of $212,098.00 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 17056T in the amount of $81,486.27 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 17056E in the amount of $9,890.61 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 18004T a credit in the amount of $266,449.77 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 18004E in the amount of $37,497.34 • School Vendor Warrant No. 18004S in the amount of $1,117.91 • Adjustment of Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 17055TV in the amount of $131.34 c) Permits and License: • Consideration of Allowing Signs on the North and South Common for the Mansfield Women of Today. -Touch-A Truck: September 8, 2017 through September 23, 2017 -House Tour and Tea from November 13, 2017 through November 26, 2017 • Consideration of Special Events Application for the 2017 Vet Ruck New England Walk pending routing through Town Hall Departments and Public Safety. • Consideration of 9th Annual Block Party for Atwood, John, and Fox Street Neighborhood pending routing through Town Hall Departments and Public Safety. • Consideration of MMAS Concert Series on the North Common pending routing through Town Hall Departments and Public Safety. • Consideration of Drainlayer's application for Walsh Brothers Building Company. • Consideration of Drainlayer's application for Efficient Excavating Inc. • Consideration of Water Installers License for Walsh Brothers Building Company • Consideration of Hackney Driver Application for Anna Litterio Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen July 26, 2017 Page 3 12. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18003PT in the amount of $436,670.95 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18003PT in the amount of $436,670.95. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18003TV in the amount of $134,689.95 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18003TV in the amount of $134,689.95. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18004PT in the amount of $446,042.75 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18004PT in the amount of $446,042.75. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18004TV in the amount of $137,386.80 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18004TV in the amount of $137,386.80 (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 18004PS in the amount of $1,212,499.33 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 18004PS in the amount of $1,212,499.33 (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 3:0:1 (Trowbridge Abstained) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 18004SV in the amount of $366,857.60 Motion: To approve school deductions Vendor Payroll 18004SV in the amount of $366,857.60 (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 13. Correspondence • Reconstruction of Route 106 East/Eastman Streets from DPW Mr. DelVecchio stated that construction will start on August 1, 2017 at 6am and be done by 6pm. He also noted there will be a five year no dig moratorium. Chairman Trowbridge stated the information would be posted on the website. 14. Town Manager's Report Mr. Stanbrook asked that on the August 9th agenda that he would like to discuss updating the job description for the Assistant Town Accountant position, as Ms. Eleanor Lallier will be retiring. Mr. Stanbrook then read an announcement from Mass DOT that there would be construction on 314 Copland Drive on July 31't of pavement repairs from lam to 3:30pm, weather permitting. He noted there would be lane restrictions to complete the milling and paving in that area. Mr. Stanbrook then stated that on July 17th the State came out with the final FY18 State aid budget and the total is 1.67% over last year for the Town of Mansfield at $69,687 more than we budgeted at the May Town Meeting. Mr. Stanbrook then stated the Airport Commission received a bid for the restaurant at the airport again and it will be evaluated by Mr. Mike Ahern. Mr. Stanbrook stated that the Tax Foreclosure RFP is drafted and he will be working with Mr. Ahern to finalize. Mr. Stanbrook then stated that he met with Mr. Lee Azinheira, DPW Director about Howe Street and the traffic in that area and Mr. Rick Alves, Town Engineer has some ideas about what can be done in that area. Chief Sellon is also aware of the two hour parking limits on Chauncy Street and Draper Ave and the parking officer enforcing this as well as non-residents parking in resident only parking spaces. Mr. Stanbrook noted that Geno's paving has been completed and that the East Street bike path will be painted white and will be done next week. Chairman Trowbridge added that he thinks they will also be painting Park Street as well. Mr. Stanbrook then stated that the sprinklers were installed at the Fales Site and lastly he received a letter today from Rep. Barrows for $25,000 in funds was expended in FY18 for the Norton/Mansfield Bike Path. Chairman Trowbridge noted that the letter was broad and Mr. Stanbrook stated he will reach out to Rep. Barrows for more details. 15. Selectmen's Questions and Comments Mr. DelVecchio had no questions. Mr. Aptowitz asked if there is a process for those that have unpaid tickets and if the information gets marked at the registry. Mr. Stanbrook answered that they do and the individual would not be able to register their car. Mr. Aptowitz also asked for a list of outstanding details as of end of FY17. Mr. Aptowitz also stated that the Town Manager Search Committee meets tomorrow to review applicants in executive session. Mr. Aptowitz then asked for the Board of Assessors to come in prior to November. He stated he noticed there seems to be properties on the commercial side that are under assessed. Mr. DelVecchio seconded that request. Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen July 26, 2017 Page 4 Mr. Schoonveld agreed with the request for the accessory to come to a Board meeting and discuss tax rates. He noted that many valuable properties that are worth millions yet are taxed lower than homes. He commented that if the properties were taxed appropriately it would provide incentive for those property owners to develop the property. Mr. Schoonveld also commented the need for a broader discussion about the train station and parking. 16. Any items not anticipated by the Chairman 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 17. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the Board of Selectmen's Meeting on July 26, 2017 at 7:51PM. (Trowbridge/Aptowitz) Signature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne � q ivi 7 Date Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen July 26, 2017 Page 5