HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 11/15/2017Minutes of Board of Selectmen Meeting
November 15, 2017
RECEIVED
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Present: Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Chairman; Mr. Jess Aptowitz, Vice -Chairman; and aR1cEi@(&&MICE
Clerk, Mr. Steve Schoonveld and Mr. Neil Rhein ZOCI DEC 12 A 9t 12
1. Call To Order Board of Selectmen Meeting - Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Trowbridge called the meeting to order at 6:3013M. He congratulated and w� � � l t
the Board. He reminded everyone that the meeting was being broadcast live and taped or fia ure a t
on Mansfield Cable. He asked if there were any members of the audience recording, to which there was no
response.
2. Public Hearing for Consideration of Application for Divya Akhand Jyoit Corp dba Family Food Mart, for new
officer/director, transfer of stock, change of manager and a change of beneficial interest in accordance of
M.G. L. Chapter 138 Section 15 at 6:30PM
Mr. DelVecchio read the public hearing notice for the record.
Motion: To open the public hearing at 6:30PM. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Passes 5:0
Attorney John Mooradian of Demakis Law Offices was present to represent Divya Akhand Jyoit Corporation.
Mr. 'Mooradian stated the business was looking to make Pranavkumar Patel sole owner, as well as changing
the manager of record from Anjana Patel to Pranavkumar Patel. Mr. Pranavkumar Patel has been the manager
of Liquor Mart in Attleboro for several years. Mr. Mooradian added that he was tip certified and even has an
id scanner for sales.
Mr. DelVecchio had no questions. Mr. Aptowitz stated they are hard workers and he would support the
changes. Mr. Schoonveld asked where the location was and Mr. Patel answered that it is at 660 East Main
Street. Mr. Schoonveld then asked if the value of the business was an assessed value or a number for the
application. Mr. Mooradian answered that it was the purchase price for the transfer of stock and was unsure
how that number was calculated. Mr. Rhein had no questions or comments. Chairman Trowbridge had no
questions and wished him well
Motion: To close the public hearing. (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0
Motion: To approve the Application for Divya Akhand Jyoit Corp dba Family Food Mart, for new officer/
director, transfer of stock, change of manager and a change of beneficial interest. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz)
Passes 5:0
3. 'Consideration of 2018 Annual Wine and Malt Package Store Renewal for Divya Akhand Jyoit Corp dba
Family Food Mart pending ABCC Approval of the Transfer
Motion: To approve the 2018 Annual Wine and Malt Package Store Renewal for Divya Akhand Jyoit Corp dba
Family Food Mart pending ABCC Approval of the Transfer. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0
Chairman Trowbridge skipped to agenda numbers seven through twelve as it was too early to start the next
public hearing.
4. Public Hearing for Consideration of application for Vasudev Corporation dba Town News, Anjana Patel,
Manager to transfer a license for Wine and Malt beverages not to be drunk on the premises, change of
location, change of dba and change of manager from Community Care Pharmacy Inc. dba Community
Corner Store, 214 Rumford Avenue, Jonas Okoye, Manager to Vasudev Corporation dba Town News, Anjana
Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen Page 1
November 15, 2017
Patel, Manager, to be located upon transfer at 165 North Main Street, Mansfield in accordance of M.G. L.
Chapter 138 Section 15 at 6:45PM.
Mr. DelVecchio read the public hearing notice into the public record.
Mr. Mooradian and Ms. Anjana Patel were present. Mr. Mooradian stated that Vasudev Corporation was
purchasing the license from Community Corner Store and transferring the license to Town News located at
165 North Main Street. He explained that they have operated Town News for over twenty years and would
like to add beer and wines sales to the premises.
Mr. Rhein asked if they would be selling nips. Mr. Mooradian answered they would not; the license is only for
beer and wine beverages. Mr. Schoonveld stated that the business at 214 Rumford Ave is not in business and
if this was December 31ST there would not be a renewal of the license. Mr. Aptowitz stated that the Town
wants businesses to succeed and if they are purchasing the license from a private party that is between the
two parties. Mr. Schoonveld stated that the Board oversees these licenses and it is the Boards job to ensure
that the licenses are adding value to the Town. Mr. Aptowitz then stated that Town News is an established
business and been around a long time. Mr. Schoonveld then asked if this was the first time applying for a beer
and wine license. Mr. Mooradian said it was. Mr. Aptowitz had not further questions or comments. Mr.
DelVecchio stated that he understands the concerns of Mr. Schoonveld and stated that the Board could
review this at a later time, but he was inclined to approve this transfer. Mr. Schoonveld stated the Board could
pull a license back if a business goes out of business mid -year since these licenses are rare and of value.
Motion: To close the public hearing. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Passes 5:0
Motion: To approve the application for Vasudev Corporation dba Town News, Anjana Patel, Manager to
transfer a license for Wine and Malt beverages not to be drunk on the premises, change of location, change of
dba and change of manager from Community Care Pharmacy Inc. dba Community Corner Store, 214 Rumford
Avenue, Jonas Okoye, Manager to Vasudev Corporation dba Town News, Anjana Patel, Manager, to be located
upon transfer at 165 North Main Street, Mansfield. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0
Chairman Trowbridge skipped to item number fourteen.
5. Public Hearing in accordance of M.G. L. Chapter 140 Section 157 to investigate an alleged violation of the
Order that was issued by the Board dated September 12, 2017 after a public hearing held by the Board on
September 6, 2017 for the dog B.B. owned by Dan Clemmey of 65 Old Farm Road Mansfield, MA at 7:OOPM
Mr. DelVecchio read the public hearing notice into record.
Motion. To open the public hearing. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0
Ms. Marianne Staples, Town Clerk swore in those wanting to speak at the public hearing.
Mr. Jeff Collins, Animal Control Officer read a police report from Monday, October 16, 2017. He stated that
the Police Department received a call from Mrs. Solivan stating that B.B. had been in the neighbor's yard at 62
old Farm Road unleased and jumped on her son. The dog did not bite but scratched an old scab off causing a
bleed. Mr. Collins went to 65 Old Farm and spoke to Ms. Megan Foley and asked her what had happened. She
was unsure that anything had happened and stated that B.B. had been out earlier. Mr. Collins at that point
realized there was a violation of the Board's order from the last public hearing. Mr. Collins then spoke with
Ms. Kiera Travers of 62 Old Farm Road who did not see the incident, but heard Mrs. Solivan's son yell and
shortly thereafter she took the trash out and saw the dog was out of its yard again.
Mr. DelVecchio asked when the dog was outside where was it. Mr. Collins answered that the dog was at 62
Old Farm Road, the neighbor's home across the street from its home of 65 Old Farm Road. Mr. DelVecchio
confirmed there were a witness as well as the alleged victim that the dog was out of its yard. Mr. DelVecchio
stated that the dog did not bite, and Mr. Collins confirmed that it scraped the arm with its paw. Mr.
Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen Page 2
November 15, 2017
DelVecchio asked if the dog was exhibiting behaviors that got it to be classified as a nuisance dog and Mr.
Collins confirmed that it was. Mr. Aptowitz asked that the Board's original order stated and Mr. Collins
answered that the dog had to be on a leash when outside the home, but not muzzled. Mr. Aptowitz stated
that the dog was loose and not on a leash. Mr. Collins agreed. Mr. Schoonveld asked if training was ordered
and Mr. Collins answered there was not. Mr. Schoonveld asked if this was the same aggressive behavior as
before and Mr. Collins answered that it was similar nuisance behavior. Mr. Rhein asked if it was aggressive
jumping or playful jumping. Mr. Collins answered that he was unsure as he did not witness the incident, but
whether the animal was friendly or not the child has a fear of the animal. Chairman Trowbridge had no
additional questions.
Mr. DeRensis asked Mr. Collins to identify a document. Mr. Collins answered that it was a copy a letter to Mr.
Dan Clemmy of 65 Old Farm Road with a return receipt of certified mailing and the letter was the Board's
determination and order from the last public hearing. Mr. DeRensis asked for this document to be put into
record as evidence of what the owner of the dog is responsible for.
Mrs. Solivan of 71 Old Farm Road stated that the dog was out three other times before this incident on
October 16th. Mrs. Solivan stated that the first happened two days following the last hearing and Mr. Solivan
went to the police station to report it and then the dog was also out on Halloween. She stated that whether or
not it was a bite or not, her children should be able to get off the bus safely. She stated that the dog is chasing
people and it has been off the leash four times, no fence has been put and no steps have been taken. Mr.
DeRensis asked Mrs. Solivan if the Board could keep a copy of the photos and for them to become a record in
the exhibit.
Mr. Rhein and Mr. Schoonveld had no questions. Mr. Aptowitz asked if there were four instances in total with
the dog being off leash since the last meeting. Mrs. Solivan answered yes. She stated that her husband had
words with Mrs. Foley and recorded the dog off leash. Mr. Clemmy also left a voicemail saying he is sorry and
that he is trying to find a solution or an alternative place for the dog. Mrs. Solivan stated that they
acknowledged that the dog was out. Mr. Aptowitz asked how the boys were doing. Mrs. Solivan answered that
they like to play outside, and she wants to be able to let them, but they are afraid and always looking to make
sure the dog isnot outside. Mr. DelVecchio asked about the picture Mrs. Solivan provided of a dog in a yard
and asked where that was. Mrs. Solivan answered that it is across the street from her home in a neighbor's
yard, where the bus stop is. Chairman Trowbridge asked what the date was when it was reported to the Police
Department. Mrs. Solivan answered it was around September 14`" and stated that Mr. Solivan went to the
police station to report it immediately after.
Mrs. Foley of 65 Old Farm Road came forward and stated that she owned B.B. and that B.B. did get outside,
but did not believe it was four times and that one was a few days after the hearing. Mrs. Foley also stated that
it was her fault that B.B. got out the day of the bus stop incident. She thought that the dog was on the porch
and when she realized she was outside she called B.B. back and didn't know there was an incident with the
dog and the Solivan's child until the dog officer came to her door, and then she received the letter in the mail.
Mrs. Foley then stated that on Halloween she was changing the front door so they could give out candy and
B.B. jumped out the front door, but she came immediately back. Mrs. Foley stated that the photos Mrs.
Solivan provided could have been taken any time because they are not dated. Mrs. Foley stated that she
knows that was against the recommendations and that she was looking into getting a fence, and stated that
the dog has been out three times since the last hearing.
Mr. DelVecchio stated it was not a recommendation it was a ruling of the Board and they should be followed.
Mrs. Foley answered that ninety nine percent of the time it was working. Mr. Aptowitz stated that this was not
acceptable and that he cannot have kids afraid to be outside. Mr. Aptowitz stated that the Board he believed
was fair with the hearing and now the dog has been out three more times than it should have been.
Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen Page 3
November 15, 2017
Mr. Schoonveld asked what time the bus comes. Mrs. Foley answered 2:15PM. Mr. Schoonveld stated there
was probably another bus at 3:15PM for the Robinson school and stated that given those times Mrs. Foley
should be looking to see where the dog is and ensure that the dog is inside, as it is the highest risk. Mrs. Foley
answered that she did not believe it was a problem at that point, and thought she was in the house. Mr.
Schoonveld asked what the status was on the fence and stated that fences are easy to get and often free. Mr.
Rhein asked if it is an enclosed porch and Mrs. Foley answered it was. Chairman Trowbridge answered that
these hearings are hard and human error is the toughest. He stated that if a fence had been put up, the
hearing may not have had to happen today.
Chairman Trowbridge asked Town Counsel if the Town can recoup some of the funds spent on posting dog
hearings. Mr. DeRensis read the statue on what the options were. He stated that if the hearing authority
deems the dog a nuisance dog the hearing authority may further order or that the owner keep take remedial
action to ameliorate the cause of the nuisance behavior. He then stated that with a nuisance dog it is fairly
wide open to take any action necessary to ameliorate the situation which could be picking up the cost of the
expense to the community or expense to the neighbors. Mr. Aptowitz stated that the Board can issue a fine,
but it does not keep the community safe. Chairman Trowbridge stated that the kids' safety was the top
concern, but the fines were in addition to. Mr. Aptowitz agreed that the Town should recoup costs.
Mr. Collins read the letter that was addressed to Mr. Dan Clemmey from the Town Manager after the last
public hearing that was held on September 6, 2017, which details the Boards order. Mr. Collins stated that the
;dog is not being restrained and in his opinion the dog is not a dangerous animal and suggested having it
removed from town premises.
Mr. DeRensis stated that the Board should define the facts or findings of facts and second the Board should
consider the remedy. He then stated that given this is the third, fourth or fifth time the dog is loose then the
`Board could report to District Court and then they could take over enforcement.
Motion: To close the public hearing. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Passes 5:0
Motion: Based on the evidence presented and testimonies heard the Board determines that the evidence
proves that the dog was unleashed. (Aptowitz/Rhein)
Motion Amended: Based on the evidence presented and testimonies heard the Board determines and proves
that the dog was unleashed, the child was scratched and that it was self -admitted by the owner that it was not
in compliance four times. Passes 5:0
Motion: The dog continues to be a nuisance dog. (Schoonveld/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0
Motion: The Board of Selectmen fines the owners of the animal $500 due within seven days and that a fence
is to be installed by end of this year and if either is not done the animal is to be removed from town.
(Aptowitz/Schoonveld)
Chairman Trowbridge said that he wanted the fence completed before the end of the year. Mr. DelVecchio
stated that the fence would have to be tall and high and possibly around the whole property but it must be
sufficient in keeping the dog within the yard.
Motion Amended: The Board of Selectmen fines the owners of the animal $500 due within seven days and
that a fence is to be installed by December 15th in addition to the dog being leashed when outside of its
property and if either is not done the animal is to be removed from the town limits and that the Board will file
with the District Court. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Passes 5:0
6. Mansfield Cultural Council to discuss Cultural District
Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen Page 4
November 15, 2017
Ms. Katharine Wroth and Ms. Gail Gilman were present from the Mansfield Cultural Council. Ms. Wroth
stated that a Cultural District would be helpful in revitalizing Downtown and can be a planning and economic
development tool. She added that the creation of a Cultural District is a state wide initiative. Ms. Gilman
explained that the Cultural Council is a subsidiary of the Massachusetts Council which grants funding to
support programs in the arts, humanities and sciences. The money allocated to Town is determined by the
state's local aid formula, based on property values and population. Ms. Gilman stated that a Cultural District is
a specific geographical area in a city or town that has a concentration of cultural facilities, activities and assets.
She added that a Cultural District has to be a walkable, compact area that is easily identifiable to visitors and
residents and serves as a center of cultural, artistic and economic activity. Ms. Wroth stated that it would be a
way to brand downtown and in Bristol County Massachusetts there are only two communities with a cultural
district designation, which are Easton and New Bedford. The Planning Board voted unanimously to support the
efforts of the Mansfield Cultural Council to gain a Cultural District. It would be from MMAS/Train Station to
Town Hall, Fulton Pond to the Bike Path and the focus is on the Main Street corridor. Ms. Wroth stated that
the potential benefits include brining businesses, jobs, tourists to Mansfield and it would demonstrate our
community values and offer new grant funding opportunities from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Ms.
Wroth explained that the next step was to receive support from the Mansfield Board of Selectmen before
continuing with the application process.
Chairman Trowbridge thanked Ms. Wroth and Ms. Gilman for coming tonight. Mr. Rhein stated he supported
the idea and asked if Mansfield got the designation what funding would be available from the state. Ms.
Wroth answered that there has been funding for newly created districts, it is not a guarantee but they do have
two designated funds connected to it. Mr. Rhein asked what projects can the funds be spent on and Ms.
Wroth and Ms. Gilman have not received the specifics on that. Mr. Rhein asked what would the Board do once
it is created and Ms. Gilman answered they would promote more cultural events and activities. Mr. Rhein
asked if they had spoken with the Downtown Business Association and Ms. Wroth stated they had not yet, but
she would be. Mr. Rhein then stated that Main Street America (www.Mainstreets.org) may be a good resource
for the Cultural District. Lastly, Mr. Rhein asked if Easton would consider Mansfield's Cultural District a
competitor. Ms. Wroth stated that it would not it would be a complement and Mansfield has a very different
history and ideas. Mr. Schoonveid stated he had lived in Arlington and Natick, both of which seemed to always
have a sense of culture without an official designation. He then asked if naming something already developed
a Cultural District or can it be named something that needs to be developed into a Cultural District. Ms. Wroth
stated that it has been both depending on the town and a little bit of both and that some towns did not
receive the designation and have gone back and reapplied and received it, but commented it like the
question of whether the chicken or the egg came first. Mr. Schoonveld asked if there is something that the
Town should do first before applying to make sure Mansfield gets the designation with the first application.
Mr. Wroth stated that she believes working closely across Town and showing the progress of what has
happened so far will help. Mr. Schoonveid stated that he was also in support of this and joked that culture
follows him. Mr. Aptowitz stated that having attended the Cultural Award night, he learned that fifteen or
twenty awards were given out to surrounding communities as well as Mansfield. Mr. Aptowitz stated there
should be more funding for the arts and supports the creation of a Cultural District. Mr. DelVecchio stated that
the Downtown Committee has representation from the Cultural Council and the Downtown Business
Association and there is a communication link and it has worked well. He also thought it was important that
there was support from the Planning Board and hopes that the grants are available for funding the signage.
Chairman Trowbridge asked if the Cultural Council could get a copy of the Easton's policy for the Cultural
District and Ms. Wroth stated that she believed she could and thought that the state would also have
guidelines. Chairman Trowbridge also suggested checking with the Historical Society with any buildings or
homes that fall within this district. Ms. Lisa Piscateili, Chair of the Cultural Council came forward and stated
that the site visit for Easton was all online. She stated that it is not a competition and each community has a
variety of different and this is a marketing tool to bring everything together. Chairman Trowbridge asked if this
was going to be part of the Town's Bylaws or the Zoning Bylaws. Ms. Sharon Friedman from the Planning
Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen Page 5
November 15, 2017
Board came forward and stated she was not aware of any zoning changes that were needed and the Planning
Board supports this initiative. Mr. Schoonveld added that the Town has zoning that supports the cultural
environment; there are lights, signage and storefront requirements.
Motion: The Board of Selectmen supports the Local Cultural Council to move forward in having a Cultural
District. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz)
Motion Amended: The Board of Selectmen supports the project of a Cultural District and recommends to the
Town Manager thatthe project proceed. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz)
Chairman Trowbridge stated that it was not an appropriate motion and recommends going back to the first
motion.
Motion Amended: The Board of Selectmen supports the Local Cultural Council and their efforts to create a
Cultural District. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0
Chairman Trowbridge then moved to item number ten.
7.. Consideration of Application for a Change of Beneficial interest and Transfer of Stock for an All Alcohol
License for Flynn's Restaurant Group dba Flynn's Irish Pub
Motion: To approve the application for a change of beneficial interest and transfer of stock for an all alcohol
license for Flynn's Restaurant Group dba Flynn's Irish Pub. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0
8. Consideration of Waiving the Electrical Permit Fee for Boy Scouts Troop 51 for Tree Lot Located at 215
Chauncy Street
Motion: To approve the waiver of the electrical permit fee for Boy Scouts Troop 51 for the tree lot located at
215 Chauncy Street. (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0
9. MBTA Construction/Parking
Mr. Stanbrook stated that he is planning a meeting for December as a follow up to the last meeting he had
with the MBTA in Boston. Mr. Stanbrook asked if there were any Selectman wanting to come to this meeting.
Chairman Trowbridge said he would be interested in attending the meeting. Mr. Stanbrook believes that the
Town is moving forward. Chairman Trowbridge stated that the Selectmen received an email from Dr. Dulaski
about the amount of the time the MBTA is taking to complete safety improvements however the Town does
not have jurisdiction over the MBTA. Chairman Trowbridge then asked Mr. Stanbrook and Mr. Azinheira to get
out additional letters to our State Senator and State Representatives.
10. Resident Questions and Comments
There were no resident questions or comments.
11. Review and Approve Consent Agenda
All items on the Consent Agenda may be adopted with a single motion. Any member io the Board of Selectmen may
ate consideration in which case that item will be
request that an item be withdrawn from the Consent Agenda for separ
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 Meeting Minutes for:
• Meeting of October 18, 2017
• Meeting of November 1, 2017
b) Vote To Approve Warrants:
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 18019T in the amount of $630,502.57
• Electric Vendor Warrant No. 18019E in the amount of $56,718.43
• School Vendor Warrant No. 180195 in the amount of $660,170.56
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 18020T in the amount of $1,645,656.21
Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen Page 6
Nnvpmher 15. 2017
• Electric Vendor Warrant No. 18020E in the amount of $1,669,488.27
c) Permits and License:
• Consideration of 2018 Common Victualler License Renewal for SPCAP Inc. dba Honey Dew Donuts subject to
routing through Public Safety and Town Hall Departments
• Consideration of Wine/Malt Package Store License Renewal for Kanku Inc. dba The Store subject to routing
through Public Safety and Town Hall Departments
• Consideration of 2018 Class II Auto Dealer License Renewal for Times Past Automobiles Inc. subject to
routing through Public Safety and Town Hall Departments
• Consideration of All Alcohol, Common Victualler, Seven Day Entertainment and Automatic Amusement
Licenses for Spiezio Enterprises Inc. dba Geno's Restaurant subject to routing through Public Safety and
Town Hall Departments
• Consideration of All Alcohol, Common Victualler and Entertainment Licenses for Bertucci's Restaurant
subject to routing through Public Safety and Town Hall Departments
• Consideration of All Alcohol, Common Victualler, Entertainment, Early Sunday Alcohol Sales Licenses for
Flynn's Restaurant Group dba Flynn's Irish Pub subject to routing through Public Safety and Town Hall
Departments
• Consideration of Application from Chabad Jewish Center of Mansfield to place a Menorah on South from
December 3, 2017 to December 27, 2017
• Consideration of Common Victualler License for K.D. Enterprises dba Stefano's Pizza & Sub Shop subject to
routing through Public Safety and Town Hall Departments
• Consideration of All Alcohol Retail License for Route 106 Wines & Spirits, Inc. subject to routing through
public Safety and Town Hall Departments
• Consideration of Drainlayer's License for Above Grade Excavation
• Consideration of Hackney Driver Application for Glenn Coady
d) Proclamations
Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0
12. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants:
• Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18019PT in the amount of $361,241.77
Motion: To Approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18019PT in the amount of $361,241.77.
(DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0
• Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18019TV in the amount of $114,251.61
Motion: To Approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18019TV in the amount of $114,251.61.
(DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0
• Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18020PT in the amount of $554,767.22
Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18020PT in the amount of $554,767.22.
(DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0
• Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18020TV in the amount of $204,295.29
Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18020TV in the amount of $204,295.29.
(DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0
• School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 1802OPS in the amount of $1,660,765.92
Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 1802OPS in the amount of $1,660,765.92.
(DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0
• School Deductions Vendor Payroll 18020SV in the amount of $567,165.00
Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 18020SV in the amount of $567,165.00.
(DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0
13. Correspondence
• Memo from Sherri Gurnon, Director of Parks & Recreation for establishing the George Dentino Spirit
Award as a new category in the Halloween Costume Contest
• Invitation for Southeastern Regional Vocational -Technical School's Open House
Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen Page 7
Nnvamhar 15. 2017
Mr. DelVecchio read a summary of the above correspondences.
14. Town Manager's Report
Mr. Stanbrook stated that since the last meeting the Town had the free cash and retained earnings certified by
the Department of Revenue on November 2, 2017. The tax rate was also officially set with the Department of
Revenue and the bills will be going out at the end of December. The tax foreclosure auction happened last
week and seven properties were sold for a total $403,500 and that will be fiscal year eighteen revenue. Mr.
Schoonveld asked what the assessed value of the properties was. Mr. Stanbrook answered it was $638,400.
Mr. Schoonveld asked if there was a financial policy on these large onetime amounts. Mr. Stanbrook did not
know the exact policy, but confirmed there is one. Mr. Schoonveld stated it was not one that limited the use
of the money and there area lot of great projects it could be used for.
Mr. Aptowitz commented that it was a great auction and stated that if it was done again that those properties
be reviewed by Planning and Zoning so that more funds can be generated. He mentioned the example of a lot
with no frontage. Chairman Trowbridge stated that he would be concerned about the Town's liability and
putting the Town at risk. Mr. Stanbrook commented that these properties were sold as is. Mr. Schoonveld
stated that it may be helpful to know what other towns have done to make the properties more valuable.
Mr. Stanbrook stated that the auditors have started the fiscal year seventeen audit and that it is on time. He
stated that next week there is a meeting with GATRA and the Route 106 underpass with grant money.
15. Selectmen's Questions and Comments
Mr. Rhein thanked all those that voted for him and thanked the other candidates and stated that it was great
to have five candidates. He noted that voter turnout was low, but better than some other recent elections as
well as considering how many elections there have been. Mr. Rhein also added that the annual Downtown
Business Associations Christmas Parade will be Sunday after Thanksgiving at 3:OOPM followed by the Tree
Lighting on the Common at 4:OOPM.
Mr. Schoonveld stated that he has received a lot of complaints about those receiving tickets in areas of North
Main Street where the curb is not clearly painted. Mr. Aptowitz stated that it needs to be painted more
yellow. Mr. Schoonveld asked if fifteen minute parking spots were a possibility in front of the businesses
where people usually park for only a few minutes. Mr. Aptowitz stated that the Board did review this, but it
requires a lengthy discussion that is needed. Mr. Schoonveld also would like to know if cars parking longer
than two hours in a spot are being ticketed diligently. Mr. Stanbrook stated that he will follow up with Chief
Sellon. Mr. Schoonveld stated that Plainville had their tax hearing yesterday and noted that every week he will
have a rhetorical question of week each meeting and send the list to the Assessors. This weeKs question was
"What is the impact of the taxes when a house is leveled or a business leaves town." lastly he added that
Stephanie Masky a Mansfield resident is competing in the Miss Massachusetts pageant.
Mr. Aptowitz congratulated Selectmen Rhein and welcomed him to the Board. Mr. Aptowitz stated the
Veteran's Day parade was cold and Sergeant Shaw attended. He also stated that the Board had a great
meeting with the Finance and School Committees and discussed the budget for next year. The other meeting
was with SRPEDD and it was very frustrating, Mr. Aptowitz stated that the Town has identified choke points on
Route 106 and there needs to be assistance from the State especially since they are encouraging everyone to
take the train. Mr. Aptowitz then asked if at the next meeting the Board could discuss the Bristol County
Agricultural High School project, so he can vote at the next Bristol County Advisory Board meeting.
Mr. DelVecchio stated that in the future he hopes the Board can create a Revenue Task Force that has a
limited time frame and comes back to the Board with how to address economic development. Mr. DelVecchio
stated that the Veteran's parade was excellent. He also congratulated Mr. Rhein on winning the election.
Chairman Trowbridge had no additional comments.
Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen page 8
Nnvamhar 1S. 2017
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 under Exemption No. 2 and No. 3, M.G.L.
Chapter 30A, Section 21-
• To Discuss Strategy Sessions in Preparation for Negotiations with Non -Union personnel or to Conduct
Collective Bargaining Sessions or Contract Negotiations with Non -Union Personnel
• To Discuss Strategy with Respect to Collective Bargaining, or Litigation if an Open Meeting May Have a
Detrimental Effect on the Bargaining or Litigating Position of the Public Body and the Chair so Declares
Motion: To enter into Executive Session in preparation for negations with non-union personnel and to discuss
strategy with respect to collective bargaining, the chair so declares it will have a detrimental effect on
bargaining under Exemption No. 2 and No. 3, M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21 and not return to open session.
(DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein -Aye
Schoonveld-Aye
Aptowitz-Aye
DelVecchio-Aye
Trowbridge-Ay�e/J/%�, J�
Signature Date
Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne
Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen
November 15. 2017 Page 9