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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS Minutes 11/01/2017Minutes of Board of Selectmen Meeting November 1, 2017 Present: Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Chairman; Mr. Jess Aptowitz, Vice -Chairman; Mr. Frank DelVecchio(, Clutk11 and Mr. Schoonveld "'" i'! . 1. Call To Order Board of Selectmen Meeting - Pledge of Allegiance 10i1 NII (11V i b P 2: 59 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 -We of the audience recording, to which Dana Hourigan of Evans Circle stated she would be recording the meeting 2. Community Questions from Cub Scouts, Pack 7 Scout leader Mark Deckett of Pack 7 gave an introduction of the four Webelos that were present to earn a badge and learn about town government and the Town of Mansfield. Each scout asked a question to the Board of Selectmen. 3. Consideration to Sign the Deed for 10 Columbine Road Motion: To sign the deed for 10 Columbine Road. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 4. Selectmen Schoonveld on Health Care Subcommittee Mr. Schoonveld provided an update on recent meetings that have happened. Mr. Schoonveld had an action plan and timeline that would be further reviewed on November 14th, when the Board meets with the Finance Committee and School Committee. Mr. Schoonveld stated that the Town has had two straight years of nine percent increases. The Health Care Subcommittee met with Foxboro about their experience of going from a self-insured plan to one of the larger purchasing group. Mr. Schoonveld stated the goal is to not change the coverage that employees have, but to come up with a long term plan to finance the health insurance and provide stability. Mr. Schoonveld stated he has meetings with several purchasing groups scheduled. Mr. Aptowitz stated that it was concerning that members in the health group were tardy on their payments. Mr. Schoonveld stated that a few have been tardy and a few have left the group. Mr. Aptowitz asked how much notice is needed to be able to leave the group and Mr. Schoonveld stated that there is time to do so. Mr. DelVecchio noted the time line was aggressive and asked if concurrently it included meeting with other service providers. Mr. Schoonveld answered that the committee was meeting with a new provider the next day. Mr. Schoonveld stated that the Town was one of the largest group within the purchasing group and it may provide leverage to get some additional service options added to the plan like health insurance cards issued quickly, where right now participants are waiting up to two weeks, which is unacceptable. 5. Request for Waiver of Five Year Moratorium on Walnut Street Chairman Trowbridge left the room because he originally drew the septic design for the lot. Mr. Azinheira stated that the gas company is going to try to dig under the pavement, but will require a three by three cut to expose the water main. He stated that the moratorium is up next summer. Mr. DelVecchio had no questions. Mr. Schoonveld stated that six months early did not seem to be a lot. Mr. Aptowitz disagreed and said that people knew there was a moratorium prior to purchasing the property and that this was setting a precedent. Motion: To approve the waiver of the five year moratorium on Walnut Street. (DelVecchio/Schoonveld) Passes 2:1 (Aptowitz Nay) 6. Planning Board Workshop Mr. French stated they were here tonight to follow up with the discussion from last month including the restriping of Chauncy and Central Street and the Route 106 Corridor. Mr. Alves came forward and stated that Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen November 1, 2017 Page 1 he did measure the intersection of Chauncy Street and Central Street and in his opinion he did not believe restriping was a good idea, and could not justify speed for public safety. He stated that he drove from Highland Avenue to Copeland Drive and it took him two minutes at 5:15PM. He also counted the number of cars making a left turn at Central Street and there were forty two vehicles in one hour making that left turn and that a left turn lane would promote more traffic going through a residential neighborhood. Mr. Penny stated that cars are currently going through the residential neighborhood now and asked if creating a left turn lane would increase it. Mr. Alves was not sure but asked why promote it. Mr. Penny stated that if one car is turning left it stops all cars from going straight through. Mr. Alves stated that people tend to go around the car that is turning left and most cars he saw shift over to allow others to go straight and that the queuing was only two minutes. Mr. McClanahan stated that it takes much longer than two minutes. Mr. Penny asked what the cost of restriping would be. Mr. Azinheira stated the cost is minimal, but if it is dangerous then it should not be encouraged. Mr. DelVecchio asked if it is legal for cars to pass on the right. Mr. Alves answered that it is not, but cars do it all the time. Mr. Aptowitz asked if Officer Kinahan was consulted. Mr. Alves stated that Officer Kinahan did not recommend a left turning lane. Mr. Aptowitz stated that he has taken the train for years and it takes longer than two minutes and Mr. Alves was lucky the day he did it. Mr. Aptowitz stated that Route 106 is a disaster and with all the building in that area it will get worse. Mr. Azinheira stated that they have filed the PNF with Mass DOT for the intersection at Copeland. Mr. Azinheira then stated that SRPEDD is doing another meeting to get maximum input from the residents on November 14`h at 6:OOPM to discuss these problems. Mr. Schoonveld stated that it is a dangerous intersection and another left turn does not make sense and asked if a "do not block the intersection" sign could be helpful. Mr. Schoonveld stated that there are over 1,200 cars parking at the train station and more than two thirds are non-residents. Chairman Trowbridge stated that sight distance is a concern at the intersection. Ms. Friedman asked what is going to be a safe solution and that there needs to be momentum to get something done. Dr. Daniel Dulaski of York Road came forward and stated that he reviewed the last Planning Board workshop online and was surprised to hear the suggestion of a four lane corridor from Highland to Route 140. In his professional and personal opinion that it was the last thing the Town of Mansfield needed. He states that cars currently speed up to pass cars when the road opens to two lanes and speeds would be in excess of thirty five miles per hour. Dr. Dulaski stated that the state needs to work with Mansfield and the signal at route 140 and route 106 can be retimed and cause less of a que. Dr. Dulaski also stated that all the traffic lights along the 106 corridor can be monitored with cameras that can keep a light green longer to allow for a few more cars to get through an intersection. Mr. Azinheira stated that representatives from the State should be here on November 14`h at 6:OOPM. Mr. DelVecchio asked if representatives could be formally invited. Mr. Aptowitz stated that the Town needs the support of the State Representatives and State Senator for this. Mr. Penney asked if there are concerns with emergency response times during these high traffic times of day. Chief Sellon answered that the Police avoid the area of the train station during peak times. Chief Boidrighini agreed that it is a difficult area of Town. Chief Boldrighini also stated that last year he had met with Mass Highway, did site tours, provided data and pictures of accidents in these busy intersections, but nothing has been done. Dr. Dulaski stated that Mansfield is not proactively managing the asset of the train station and does not think the Town has to go to Beacon Hill to get something done. When looking at the train station there is no available parking after 10am if not earlier. He also stated that the current construction for the train station is going to cost seven million dollars and taking twenty one months to complete, and does not understand why the MBTA cannot be at the table to discuss the second highest station in the State. He stated that the MBTA should be coming to Mansfield and helping the Town because of the $2,000,000 in ridership from this location. Parking needs to be managed better and it is the Town, landowners and Mass DOT all need to work Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen Page 2 November 1, 2017 together. Chairman Trowbridge agreed that it needs to be a partnership. Mr. French asked if anything new on the back way out of the train station. Mr. Azinheira stated there was a meeting this week, but the MBTA didn't come. Mr. Azinheira stated there is a follow up meeting in December and at that point he will come back to the Planning Board and Board of Selectmen for discussion. 7. Discussion of the 2017 Xfinity Center Season and 2018 Licensing Mr. Mann was present along with Chief Ronald Sellon and Chief Neal Boldrighini. Chief Sellon stated that in summary the Town benefited from the caliber of shows that were scheduled this season. Chief Sellon stated that there was a reduction in the number of custodies that were taken this year compared to other seasons. He noted that in 2013 there were over sixteen hundred custodies and this year there were less than one thousand. He stated that there were some challenges including traffic at the beginning of the season and then identifying ways of getting people in and out safely and efficiently. Chief Boldrighini stated that it was a successful season and there was great cooperation amongst everyone. He stated that they met often and everyone had input and there was level staffing. Chief Boldrighini stated that he thought the security team was excellent and that added to the success rate. He stated they had several saves and there were less transports. Mr. Mann echoed what was said and added that the monthly meetings were helpful and productive. Mr. Mann stated that they have made improvements and that the predictability of the shows continued to be a strength and more focus was spent on the challenging shows. Mr. Mann then stated that the number of shows and attendance was down from prior years. Mr. DelVecchio stated that this was encouraging and that things are getting better and that there appears to be a positive trend. Mr. Aptowitz stated that nothing is perfect, but would like to complement Mr. Mann for his decisions that he has made as a manager for doing what is right for public safety versus what may be the corporate side of things to make money. Mr. Aptowitz then thanked all the staff for their hard work. Chief Sellon stated that the staff inside the venue do a great job and have helped reduce the number of custodies, by cutting off alcohol sales early and identifying potential problems. Mr. Schoonveld commented on the collaboration that was taking place and that everyone is helping save lives. He echoed what Mr. Aptowitz said and commends all three of them for their hard work. Mr. Schoonveld asked if it returned to thirty seven shows would the collaboration continue. Mr. Mann answered that he understands this venue and understand the Town now compared to the first season. Mr. Schoonveld stated that he was pleased to hear it was a successful season. Chief Sellon stated that it will be a constant state of refinement. Chairman Trowbridge stated that he knew things were going in a better direction, when everyone was working together instead of pointing fingers after the first concerts traffic issues. Chairman Trowbridge stated that he would like Mr. Mann, Chief Sellon and Chief Boldrighini to meet about their needs for the 2018 licensing and then come back to the Board in about six weeks. 8. MBTA Construction/Parking Mr. Stanbrook stated he met with the private parking lot owner near the train station along with Joe Sollecito, Lee Azinheira and Mark Cook. The Town will be putting up additional lighting in exchange for the right to dump snow on the private parking lot. Mr. Stanbrook stated they are still pricing the cost of the project. 9. Resident Questions and Comments. There were no questions or comments. 10. 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) Vote To Approve Warrants: Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen Page 3 November 1, 2017 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 18017T in the amount of $484,506.90 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 18017E in the amount of $67,311.40 • School Vendor Warrant No. 18017S in the amount of $529,971.73 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 18018T in the amount of $1,529,737.85 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 18018E in the amount of $45,180.66 • School Vendor Warrant No. 180185 in the amount of $ 35,543.29 b) Permits and License: • Consideration of Special Events Application for Veteran's Day Parade pending routing through Public Safety and Town Hall Departments • Consideration of Water Installers License for J & T Excavating, Co. • Consideration of Water Installers License for Guaranteed Builders and Developers, Inc. • Consideration of Hackney Driver Application for Daniel Dionne c) Proclamations Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 11. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18017PT in the amount of $355,209.43 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18017PT in the amount of $355,209.43. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18017TV in the amount of $113,994.81 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18017TV in the amount of $113,994.81. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18018PT in the amount of $370,857.97 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18018PT in the amount of $370,857.97. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18018TV in the amount of $116,766.43 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18018TV in the amount of $116,766.43. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 18018PS in the amount of $1,656,795.01 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 18018PS in the amount of $1,656,795.01. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 18018SV in the amount of $565,487.92 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 18018SV in the amount of $565,487.92. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 12. Correspondence • Nomination form for Tree Warden of the Year 2018 from the Massachusetts Tree Wardens' and Foresters' Association • Bristol County Agricultural High School Student Enrollment • Letter from David Luca resigning from the Mansfield Zoning Board of Appeals Mr. DelVecchio read a summary of the above correspondences. 13. Town Manager's Report Mr. Stanbrook stated the tax bill breakdown summary will be posted on the website. The amount has not been finalized yet and there will be a separate breakdown to show the DPW Complex. Mr. Stanbrook provided the update for the month of November for the new DPW/Public Safety Complex from Mr. Mike Ahern and about $10,200,000 of the project has been spent to date. Mr. Stanbrook also stated that Mr. Ahern had an auction sale of items no longer needed and that brought in $43,000. The Department of Revenue should Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen Page 4 November 1. 2017 certify the balance sheet shortly and the last tax document that needs to be uploaded is the one the Board signed tonight for the tax rate. Mr. Stanbrook stated that fiscal year nineteen budgets are due on December 1st at noon time from each Department head and the auditors will be here for the next two weeks. Lastly he stated that the Town foreclosure auction is on November 8th and seven parcels will be auctioned off. Mr. Aptowitz asked if there is a minimum for each parcel. Mr. Stanbrook stated that some parcels do and he can talk privately with Mr. Aptowitz. 14. Selectmen's Questions and Comments Mr. Aptowitz stated that he would like to dedicate the annual Town Report to Selectmen Dentino. Motion: To memorialize this year's annual Town Report to Selectmen Dentino. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Mr. Aptowitz stated he will be attending the Bristol County Advisory meeting. He then stated he attended the NEPA meeting with Mr. Sollecito and he will provide an update at the next Light Commissioners Meeting. Lastly he added that the Town Manager Search Committee is meeting tomorrow and hopefully after that there will be information to discuss. Mr. Schoonveld stated that he had a conversation with Mansfield Shredding about a parking spot in front of her building being a fifteen minute parking spot and recommended she attend a Downtown Committee meeting. He was unable to help her find out when the next meeting was on the Town's website. Mr. Schoonveld stated that all boards and committees should post online when they are meeting to help residents. Mr. Schoonveld provided an exhibit to the Board about the history of residential assessment share, which have been made a part of this public record. He stated that the loss of commercial and industrial assed value has impacted the average residential tax. The impact of fiscal year thirteen is approximately $183 which would have covered the debt exclusion for the new municipal project this year. Mr. DelVecchio thanked Mr. Schoonveld for doing this analysis. Mr. DelVecchio stated that the Electric Department did a great job during past storm. Chairman Trowbridge thanked Electric along with Public Safety. Mr. DelVecchio stated that Dr. Dulaski said it best that it will take collaboration to fix challenges at the train station and Route 106. Chairman Trowbridge agreed. 15. Any items not anticipated by the Chairman 48 hours prior to this meeting Chairman Trowbridge invited Chief Boldrighini to stay for an unanticipated item that came up late today. Chairman Trowbridge stated that he believes this is important and that the Board should send letters to the State Senator and State Representatives about this. Chief Boldrighini stated that he was asking that the Board take a vote to support this amendment to Section XX, Chapter 176 D of Massachusetts General Laws. Chief Boldrighini stated that in showing support of this amendment it will make sure that insurers pay for ambulance service providers, establishes a rate to be set by a municipality, makes sure the fee is equal to the community itself, and cannot bill beyond the deductible and copays. If this Amendment is not supported it would be a $300,000 loss to the fire department. Mr. Aptowitz asked why this was filed and where it started. Chief Boldrighini answered that it is a way to reap higher profits. Motion: To support the amendment to Section XX, Chapter 176 D of Massachusetts General Laws as presented.(Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0 Mr. DelVecchio stated that currently the town bills at two percent over the Medicare rate so if it were reduced to only 1.6 then they are looking for the Town to subsidize the cost of ambulance runs. Mr. Schoonveld stated that this was a larger issue and was a way to reduce the overall cost of state healthcare. He stated that ambulance fees to municipalities run ambulance services is one way, however it is offensive. If an ambulance service provider is not a municipality they can charge what they want. Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen Page 5 November 1, 2017 16. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the Board of Selectmen's Meeting on November 1, 2017 at 8:38PM. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 Signature Date Documents included: Residential Assessments Pie Charts prepared by Selectmen Steve Schoonveld Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen Page 6 Nnvamher 1. 2017 \ mn � 2 0 §§ /0. kr /2 -am \r- Em m —E m c § \ \ \(\\ ) \ 0070f § -4 0 \ �§ A 3 £m \A Em —E E E \ 0 \O \ ) \ �