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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 08-23-2017Minutes of Board of Selectmen Meeting August 23, 2017 Present: Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Chairman; Mr. less Aptowitz, Vice -Chairman; Mr. Frank DelVecchio, Clerk; and Mr. Steve Schoonveld. 1. Call To Order Board of Selectmen Meeting - Pledge of Allegiance 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, to which there was no response. Chairman Trowbridge stated it was the first meeting since the passing of Selectmen Dentino and asked for a moment of silence. Chairman Trowbridge apologized for missing the services and read a statement expressing his thoughts about Selectmen Dentino. He then read a statement from Pam Gagnon. Mr. Aptowitz thanked a number of individuals for helping with the services for Mr. Dentino and said he wanted to give all the "Georgie Points" in the world today to him. Mr. DelVecchio stated that Mr. Dentino was a leader and example to all and he will be missed. He stated there is a hole in Mansfield that will not soon be filled. Mr. Schoonveld stated that George did not understand the word apathy and he worked for the people of Mansfield and always did the right thing. He added that George did not live a lukewarm life and was a man on fire and that Mansfield would be a stronger Town than what it is already if everyone was more like George. 2. Discussion and Consideration of Amended License for Fueling Station at 377 Chauncy Street Ms. Ashlye Brennan, Stop & Shop Licensing Manager; Mr. Ken Sylvia, Stop & Shop Fuel Specialist; Mr. Roy Bant, Air Liquide Designee, Hydrogen Energy Business Development Manager, Northeast and Mr. Charlie Myers, President of the Massachusetts Hydrogen Coalition were present to discuss the license. Ms. Brennan stated that Stop & Shop operates a fuel station at 377 Chauncy Street and they need to amend the FP2 license to include hydrogen. Mr. Bant stated that Air Liquide is a hydrogen company that is building twelve locations in the Northeast. There are currently twenty eight hydrogen stations operating in California and thirty five more are being built. Mr. Bant explained that there are three car manufactures making fuel cell vehicles, Toyota, Hyaundai and Honda, with other manufactures like BMW in the process of making fuel cell vehicles with the expansion of hydrogen stations in the Northeast. The Northeast is the next market because people appreciate green technology. Mr. Bant explained that these vehicles have an electric motor; the energy comes from a chemical process when the hydrogen goes through the fuel cell it creates electricity to power the motor. Mr. Bant explained that hydrogen is a safe product and resources are dedicated to training. He added that the company goes "overboard" with safety and hydrogen is on the road today, being transported as gas and liquid. Mr. Schoonveld asked for the definition of an automated fuel station. Mr. Bant answered that when a vehicle pulls in to the fuel station the dispenser is similar to a gasoline dispenser. The driver hooks up the hydrogen dispenser to their vehicle and it would begin to communicate. There has to be proper communication and protocol before it will begin to fill, including many safety layers. Mr. Schoonveld asked if the station has automatic stops that could be shut off at any time 24/7 and Mr. Bant answered there are as well as emergency stops. He also explained that the entire station can be purged of all the hydrogen into the air. Mr. Schoonveld stated that there are no Massachusetts regulations yet for this and asked what regulations were followed. Mr. Myers answered for station safety they followed the National Fire and Protection Association Standards and there are protocols being developed for the instrumentation side of dispensing the hydrogen and connection with the vehicle. Mr. Schoonveld asked if cold weather was a problem and Mr. Bant answered that cold weather is better for hydrogen. Mr. Aptowitz asked why this approval is just coming to the Selectmen now after construction has started, and what if the Board voted no. Mr. Bant answered that they would respect that and would try to work it out with Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes August 23, 2017 Page 1 the Board. Mr. Aptowitz stated that he was disappointed and going forward if there are changes that need the Board approval, that the Board would be notified first. Mr. Bant stated that he understood and respected that. Mr. DelVecchio stated that it was likely that the process differs here in Massachusetts than in California and asked if Chief Boldrighini was okay with this. Chairman Trowbridge asked if this was a safe product and a safe delivery method. Chief Boldrighini stated that the short answer was yes, but that it comes with concerns because there are no regulations in place in Massachusetts, and Mansfield was the test case for this project. He stated there are many safety measures in the system itself and it has multiple detection points that will cause the system to shut down. The other concern was that the intersection adjacent to this fueling station has had forty three automobile accidents in a two year span. Chairman Trowbridge asked if there are any incidents or problems in California with these stations and Chief Boldrighini answered there has been nothing substantial that he has found. Mr. Aptowitz asked if there were any specific equipment the Fire Department needs and Chief Boldrighini answered that the biggest thing was training. He noted that they have accepted that condition and are providing it to the Fire Department. Mr. DelVecchio asked who owned the facility and Mr. Bant answered Air Liquide. Mr. DelVecchio then asked if you have to abandon this project and it is not successful what would happen. Mr. Bant stated that they would purge the system and get their equipment back. Mr. Aptowitz asked if the business were to stop would the tanks be removed by Air Liquide and if there was a contract in place, Mr. Bant answered that the contract is with Stop and Shop and they have an obligation to remove all the equipment. Mr. Schoonveld asked how often there are inspections of the equipment and Mr. Bant answered that there will be preventative maintenance weekly. Mr. Myers also commented that with these vehicles drivers cannot start the car when the gas gap is off or the hood is open. Mr. Bant also stated that the main problem in California was that customers are dropping the nozzle which has a value of $7500. They are trying to place rubber mats down to prevent chips to the nozzles. Motion: To approve the amended license for fueling station at 377 Chauncy Street. (DelVecchio/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 3. Discussion and Update with the Board of Assessors Nancy Hinote, Gregory Matoian, Dana St. James, and Andrew Bank were present to update the Selectmen. Mr. Matoian stated there are no current problems and they are working with the abatement processes; he stated the Board monitors their overlays on a regular basis especially when a settlement is made. The Board also monitors anything that goes beyond their Board to the State Appellate Tax Board (ATB) for a decision. Ms. Hinote stated that they just finished the interim adjustment and in the coming weeks she will be working on the final sales reports from 2016, once the growth is approved from the state then they will be able to finalize the values for the year. Mr. Schoonveld asked if the Department of Revenue filters the data so that the Assessors can come up with the appropriate comparable for appropriate changes in value. Ms. Hinote answered that it is done as part of the analysis, but she takes the ratio of assessment to sales; there has to be two percent of the total amount of parcels within that class to have a qualified sale analysis, she sated the single family values are going up which is reflective of the market. Mr. Schoonveld asked if there were property types that have not had data for creditable benchmarking. Ms. Hinote answered there had been enough. Mr. Schoonveld stated that there seems to be no rhyme or reason with single family homes going up five percent, but empty commercial properties do not. Mr. Matoian stated that commercial properties have gone up and stated that the analysis that Mr. Schoonveld was looking for is not in the spreadsheet. Ms. Hinote stated she may not know when something is vacant and data is not always reported back to the Assessors. Mr. Schoonveld asked if any Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes August 23, 2017 Page 2 adjustments were expected to be made, noting that there have been several vacant commercial properties with sales over last couple years and Ms. Hinote agreed that there would be. She stated that 75 Chauncy was sold for one million five hundred and was assessed at six hundred thousand so that would be adjusted. Mr. Schoonveld stated that this was a concern that many vacant parcels of land are assessed very low, but they are for sale for very large amounts. Mr. Aptowitz stated that there is abundance of under assessed property in Mansfield. Mr. Matoian stated that there is a lag time and that they have to go by actual sales and cannot go by desirability. Mr. Aptowitz asked how many parcels there are in Mansfield and Ms. Hinote answered there are about seven thousand nine hundred. Mr. Schoonveld stated that he wanted to look closely at the commercial and industrial properties between now and November. Mr. Aptowitz stated that the overlay is one amount now and not aggregated by year and asked if there is an analysis that shows the disputable cases outstanding and if there could be some release of the overlay. Ms. Hinote answered that there were forty three outstanding cases with the ATB and Mr. Matoian answered that it is easier to keep separate by year. Ms. Hinote added that they have to keep $105,000 for outstanding personal property from 2007-2017, which is maintained in the overlay account. Mr. Aptowitz asked if there is there a year that can be released and Mr. Matoian and Ms. Hinote did not think so and has been here thirteen years and there has not been a release, and Ms. Hinote expressed concern if all the cases were lost. Mr. Aptowitz stated that if it happened they would have to appropriate the money for it at Town Meeting. Mr. Aptowitz asked what the balance was and Ms. Hinote stated that her balance was just over a million dollars which goes back to 2006 Mr. DelVecchio commented that the Board is asking a lot of questions and the Board is active and interested and in the past the Assessors would only come in to set the tax rate. Mr. DelVecchio asked in terms of the tax rate setting, he would like to see the information a couple ways including the impact on a typical house and if the budget were to go up a half million dollars what would the impact be to the tax rate. Ms. Hinote said that would be easy as it is a matter of changing the levy. Chairman Trowbridge asked what could be done to pick up the items falling through the cracks, and if there was software that could be purchased to help. Ms. Hinote answered that they send out the single family sales verifications and in some communities they have someone go out to the home to verify the sale. Ms. Hinote stated she does not have the ability to do that and most people do not return the verification. Chairman Trowbridge encouraged them to have a discussion at their next meeting and see if there was anything that the department could use, and stated the example that if supplemental software would cost ten thousand dollars but bring in an additional hundred and forty thousand dollars it would be worth while. 4. Discussion and Consideration of Spring Street Water Capital Charge Fee Waiver Mr. Azinheira and Chief Boldrighini were present and Mr. Azinheira stated that there is a twelve bedroom facility being built and they are bringing the utilities over from Marie Drive. Mr. Azinheira stated that the DPW and Fire Department prefer also adding a water loop back to Spring Street because from a system point of view it benefits all the surrounding streets and enhances the Town's systems. There is planned construction in the future, but this will save money and reduce the need for temporary services. Chief Boldrighini stated that the developer does not have to do this but has agreed to do this. He noted that this development is an over fifty five community and is considered high risk building, and until Mr. Azinheira is able to change it over it is a low capacity line. Chief Boldrighini stated this would make a significant difference in firefighting ability and believes this to be a fair trade off. Mr. DelVecchio asked if this is a "win win" and Chief Boldrighini answered yes. Mr. DelVecchio then asked if the Board can waive a fee to a private entity or if that is setting a present. Chairman Trowbridge answered that as water commissioners they can. Mr. Aptowitz stated he was concerned a previous developer would come in and requests the same fee waiver and stated that this has to be recognized as a different case and this developer is Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes August 23, 2017 Page 3 off setting costs that the Town would be incurring down the road. Mr. Schoonveld stated he was relying on department heads for their expertise. Chairman Trowbridge added that the Town would not have been able to do this because it is located on private property. Mr. Azinheira stated it strengthens the entire system. Chairman Trowbridge stated he would like to see an easement Motion: To approve the Sprint Street water capital charge fee waiver subject to the granting of an easement to the Town of Mansfield per the discussion. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 S. Discussion and Consideration of Creating a Safety Zone on River Street, Howe Street, Allen Street, and Highland Avenue Chairman Trowbridge stated the Board had the report from the Police Department with regulations and can now allow temporary speed bumps. Motion: To create a safety zone of 20MPH on River Street, Howe Street, Allen Street and Highland Ave from the intersection of Chauncy to the intersection of Howe Street. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Chairman Trowbridge also asked to have the Police place electronic signs. Mr. Aptowitz asked how much the electronic speed limit signs cost, but Mr. Azinheira was unsure, but noted they are effective. Passes 4:0 6. Consideration to Sign the Warrant for the Special State Primary Election to be Held on September 19`h Motion: To call for and sign the warrant for the Special State Primary Election to be held on September 19, 2017 to fill the vacancy of the State Senate Seat. (DelVecchio/Schoonveld) Chairman Trowbridge stated it was to fill Senator Timilty's seat. Passes 4:0 7. MBTA Construction/Parking Mr. Stanbrook stated that he had an update on the parking ticket process. He stated that all tickets are hand written by officers; books hold twenty five tickets and are turned in when all have been written. Mr. Stanbrook stated that tickets are due in twenty one days. If the ticket is not paid within those twenty one days there is an additional five dollar demand fee added by Kelly and Ryan the Deputy Collector and a notice it mailed out. If that notice goes unpaid for fourteen days the registration is marked at the registry and the ticket must be paid before further business can be done with the registry, and an additional thirty five dollars in fees is incurred. He also stated that out of state registrations can't be marked and parking boots are put on vehicles after five unpaid parking tickets. Mr. Stanbrook also commented that today he was able to get the data on specific tickets issued for those that parked in resident only parking without a sticker and from February Vt to today there were three hundred eighty six written. Chairman Trowbridge asked if Chief Sellon could survey other towns and recommend if any other fines should be changed. The Selectmen noted that many of the fines seem a little low now that the parking without a resident sticker fine was increased at the last meeting. 8. Resident Questions and Comments No resident questions and comments. 9. 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 August 9, 2017 Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes August 23, 2017 Page 4 b) Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 18007T in the amount of $1,527,805.35 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 18007E in the amount of $1,958,909.86 • School Vendor Warrant No. 180075 in the amount of $550,560.39 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 18008T in the amount of $977,135.12 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 18008E in the amount of $19,965.23 • School Vendor Warrant No. 18008S in the amount of $36.00 c) Permits and License: • Consideration of Special Events Application for St. Mary's Parish Fair pending routing through Public Safety and Town Hall Departments • Consideration of Special Events Application for the Elks Carnival pending routing through Public Safety and Town Hall Departments • Consideration of Banner Application for Park and Recreation Karate • Consideration of Banner Application for Elks Carnival • Consideration of Hackney License for Richard Pouliot • Consideration of Hackney License for Otman Temniss • Consideration of Hackney License for Bradley Stafford • Consideration of Water Installers License for United Civil, Inc. • Consideration of Drainlayer's License for United Civil, Inc. d) Miscellaneous: • Signing of Proclamation for Eagle Scout Mr. Stephen Healy Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 10. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18007PT in the amount of $424,240.30 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18007PT in the amount of $424,240.30. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18007TV in the amount of $130,751.79 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18007TV in the amount of $130,751.79 (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18008PT in the amount of $415,291.02 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18008PT in the amount of $415,291.02 (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18008TV in the amount $129,123.63 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18008TV in the amount $129,123.63 (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 18008PS in the amount of $1,167,031.86 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 18008PS in the amount of $1,167,031.86 (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 3:0:1 (Trowbridge abstained) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 18008SV in the amount of $358,359.31 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 18008SV in the amount of $358,359.31 (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 11. Correspondence There were no items. 12. Town Manager's Report Mr. Stanbrook stated the signs are up for $75 fines and showed the picture of them. Mr. Stanbrook confirmed that wine tastings are permitted, but have limited serving sizes and can be given out without charge and are not to be consumed off premises. The MBTA has backed away from the option of monopoles and Mr. Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes August 23, 2017 Page 5 Schoonveld added that they are looking at other options. Mr. Stanbrook then stated that there are tailings that the Treasure and Collector have, these are un -cleared checks issued by the Town. Letters have been mailed out to those who should be picking up these old stale checks have been posted on the Town's website. Mr. Stanbrook stated he is working with Mr. Ahern on the draft of the tax foreclosure quotation for properties that will be auctioned off. Mr. Stanbrook stated that the Highway Department is reviewing Howe Street and potential removing two spots and will come before the Board with options. Mr. Azinheira is also working on Winter Street. They changed the center line and painted a fog line and then they will be placing children are playing signs to increase the safety of the road. The DPW is also planning to work on Howe Street sidewalks, but they have limited resources and man power at this time. Chairman Trowbridge asked if the Town could sub this work out. Mr. Stanbrook stated that the Mansfield Green is seeing about a dozen people on Tuesdays. Chairman Trowbridge added that the hours will be different in the fall. Lastly Mr. Stanbrook stated that a contractor was hired to install sprinklers, plant trees and grass at the Fales site and work should be completed within the next couple weeks. 13. Selectmen's Questions and Comments Mr. DelVecchio stated that he enjoyed the discussion with the Assessors, but noted there needs to be a better job of presenting the process of setting the tax rate at Town Meeting to the residents. Mr. Aptowitz stated friends at the TPC are hosting a walk on Saturday August 26th that supports the Childhood Cancer Center and anyone who would like to participate should call 508-285-8333. Mr. Aptowitz also stated that Mr. Mann from the Xfinity Center needs to come in soon, now that it is the end of the season. Mr. Schoonveld asked if there was any follow up on the Town paying the MBTA for spots that are not being used. Chairman Trowbridge stated that the agreement is vague and Mr. Stanbrook stated that the spots used for construction are not being paid for. Chairman Trowbridge stated the Town should pay or explain, but instead have the MBTA come here to discuss. Then Mr. Schoonveld asked about the status of updating the Plymouth Street Park, and Mr. Stanbrook stated he would look into that project. Chairman Trowbridge stated that the Board has been meeting every two weeks and asked if the Board should go back to meeting every week. Mr. DelVecchio stated that there is always the option of adding meetings if needed. Chairman Trowbridge stated that meetings will continue every two weeks and at a 6:30pm start time. 14. Any items not anticipated by the Chairman 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 15. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the Board of Selectmen's Meeting on August 23, 2017 at 8:30PM. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 Signature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes August 23, 2017 Date Page 6