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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS 01/17/2018Minutes of Board of Selectmen Meeting January 17, 2018 Present: Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Chairman; Mr. Jess Aptowitz, Vice Chairma0i N . J'k DelVecchio, Clerk, Mr. Steve Schoonveld and Mr. Neil Rhein TOWN CLERKSIV ;OFFICE 1. Call To Order Board of Selectmen Meeting - Pledge of Allegiance pp gg Q Chairman Trowbridge called the meeting to order at 6:3013M. He remindeld S yo�e Aat t� thq !meeting was being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. He mkiifthgriq were any members of the audience recording, to which the Chairman acknowledg f0_ V'P`d ti<rj ;ITh, head from Mansfield News would be recording. 2. Introduction of Police Officer Meghan Birnie Chief Sellon stated that he looks forward to these occasions when new officers are brought in and are from the pool of Mansfield residents. He stated that Officer Birnie was a long time resident of Mansfield, a 2008 graduate of Mansfield High School and also graduated from URI in 2012. Officer Birnie has also been a reserve officer for the Town and noted that she scored well on the state exam, but was happy she chose Mansfield for employment. Ms. Marianne Staples, Town Clerk came forward and swore in Officer Meghan Birnie. Officer Birnie thanked everyone and stated she was proud to serve the Town. Mr. DelVecchio wished her luck and welcomed her to Mansfield. Mr. Aptowitz stated that he saw her working at the Xfinity Center and stated that she had a great crew to work with and welcomed her to the Police Department. Mr. Schoonveld asked her what she would share with the students at Mansfield High now. Officer Bernie stated that she didn't see herself being a police officer until a few years ago, but anything is possible. Mr. Schoonveld then thanked her for her service. Mr. Rhein wished her the best and told her to stay safe. Chairman Trowbridge told her to stay safe and wished her the best of luck at the Police Academy. 3. Discussion of 2018 Xfinity License Mr. Jeff Mann, Chief Sellon and Chief Boldrighini came forward. Mr. Mann commented that Officer Birnie did a great job at the Xfinity Center last season and then he congratulated Mr. Rhein for becoming a Selectman. Chairman Trowbridge stated that they have met several times since the season ended and wants to move forward with drafting the license. Mr. Mann stated that strides were made last year and they are further than they have been in past years. Chief Boldrighini agreed with Mr. Mann and stated there were only a few physical items needed many concerts are not even scheduled yet. Chief Boldrighini then stated they develop a plan for each concert individually. Chief Sellon stated there were great ideas for enhancing things to make it safer for everyone. Chairman Trowbridge asked for a follow up in thirty days with a draft of the license. Mr. Dumas commented that he met with Mr. Mann today and stated discussions, and everyone would be ready to follow up in February. Mr. Rhein had no questions. Mr. Schoonveld asked how the concert season was looking. Mr. Mann answered there should be thirty concerts for the season. Mr. Schoonveld then commented that the Xfinity Center affects other businesses in Mansfield and noted that the Holiday Inn was one of those businesses that are greatly impacted by the number of concerts. Mr. Schoonveld asked Chief Sellon about the MIS budget including a part time person for the Xfinity Center. Chief Sellon answered that there were a few issues last year, but the response time to resolve it was quick. Mr. Mann added that the sources of some of those incidents were found and have been corrected. Mr. Aptowitz stated that things look like they are working well and he was looking forward to a good season. Mr. DelVecchio echoed what Mr. Aptowitz stated and liked that everyone was here working together and was meeting together as a whole Board instead of a subcommittee. Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen January 17, 2018 Page 1 4. Discussion with Planning Board on Recreational Marijuana Sales The members of the Planning Board came forward and Mr. French introduced them. Mr. French welcomed Mr. Dumas and Mr. Rhein. Mr. French provided a summary background of the history of recreational marijuana sales and stated that the state regulations are expected in March of this year. He stated that the moratorium on the sale and distribution of marijuana will end on November 30, 2018. Mr. French then stated what options were available for the Town, which included extending the moratorium, considering banning only the retail sale of recreational marijuana, Town Meeting approval of an article to amend the Zoning By-laws to allow the sale of recreational marijuana or to do nothing. Mr. French asked the Board how they would like to proceed. Chairman Trowbridge stated that he thought the Planning Board was going to identify areas for recreational marijuana that made sense for Mansfield and understands it became more complex. Mr. McClanahan stated that the guidelines have not officially come out to the Planning Board can only estimate where they could be placed. Mr. French stated that the Board started discussing recreational sales and they issued a permit to a medical marijuana facility in the industrial park. The Planning Board thought it was a good location that made sense, but after sitting through that process, he did not think recreational sales belongs in the industrial park. Mr. McClanahan stated that it is expected that retail locations will be monitored closely by the state and sold in package store type locations and the licensing will be similar to the ABCC and liquor licenses and the Town could charge a local three percent tax. Chairman Trowbridge asked if there was a consensus amongst the Planning Board as to where to place recreational marijuana sales and there was not. Ms. Collins commented that the Planning Board makes decisions based on research and there is not any, when it comes to recreational marijuana sales. Ms. Friedman commented that some of the information has not filtered all the way down to the Planning Board and there are some side conversations with other municipalities and officials and the Planning Board should get together and discuss the information before collectively make a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen. Mr. French suggested the Board putting an article on the Town Meeting warrant to extend the moratorium until November 2019. Chairman Trowbridge stated no one is ready and is in favor of extending this moratorium until June 30, 2019 to allow for more discussion to find proper areas. Mr. DelVecchio stated he would want to see regulations from the state before making a decision, but asked if the state does not allow an extension of the moratorium what the Town could do. Chairman Trowbridge answered there would need to be a special Town Meeting. Mr. DelVecchio asked what happens if the Town does nothing and Mr. French answered that it could then be sold anywhere. Mr. Aptowitz agreed with the Chairman, but also stated he had voted against medical marijuana. Mr. Schoonveld stated that he was against this and if vote were to happen today it may be very different vote that originally happened because people realize how open this is and are more educated on the topic. Mr. Schoonveld stated this was a complex issue that he believed the Town would need some outside help. Mr. Rhein agreed this was a complex issue and more time is needed to study this and noted that the Town of Easton created an Advisory Board and despite are personal views the Town did vote in favor of recreational marijuana sales and rules will be needed. Chairman Trowbridge stated that the moratorium is what all the members of the Selectman agree with and that is the direction the Planning Board should take. Mr. Allen Bryer of Copeland Drive came forward and does not believe there should have been a moratorium and does not believe the state will grant another one. He also stated that Mansfield was the perfect location for businesses to grow marijuana because of the low electricity rates and the vacant properties in the industrial park. He also stated that he is working on a citizen's petition so there will be a vote required. S. Call for the 2018 Annual Town Meeting scheduled for April 10, 2018 and Open the Warrant Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen January 17, 2018 Page 2 'Motion: To call for the 2018 Annual Town Meeting scheduled for April 10, 2018 and open the warrant. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passed 5:0 6. Consideration of signs for Memorial Park and Plymouth Street Recreational Facility Motion: To approve the signs for Memorial Park and Plymouth Street Recreational Facility as shown in the proofs. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 7. Discussion of MMA Conference/Vote Chairman Trowbridge designated Mr. Aptowitz to vote on behalf of the Town in his. Motion: To support the three articles and the Chairman's designee. (Schoonveld/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 8. Consideration of 130 Spring Street Easement Motion: To approve the 130 Spring Street Easement. (DelVecchio/Schoonveld) Passes 3:0 Chairman Trowbridge and Mr. Rhein abstained. 9. Consideration of 377 Chauncy Street Easement Motion: To approve the 377 Chauncy Street Easement. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 10. MBTA Construction/Parking There was no update. 11. Resident Questions and Comments Mr. McNatt from the Mansfield Historical Society came forward and updated the Board about the completion of the granite moment placed at the Lowney Common (North Common) in memory of Mr. Lowney who was the founder of the Chocolate Factory and donated the land to the Town. Mr. McNatt encouraged the Board to visit the common and noted that there are aslo pictures on Facebook. He also noted that there will be a presentation at the Mansfield Public Library on February 3, 2018 at fpm by Historical Society member Andy Tedesco on the anniversary of the Blizzard of 1978. 12. 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 Meeting Minutes for: • December 11, 2017 • December 18, 2017 • January 3, 2018 b) Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 18028T in the amount of $504,575.45 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 18029T in the amount of $243,461.95 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 18029E in the amount of $1,618,411.30 • School Vendor Warrant No. 18029S in the amount of $471,229.91 c) Permits and License: • Consideration of 2018 Water Installers License for Riccio Excavation, Co. • Consideration of 2018 Water Installers License for Jones Contracting, Inc. • Consideration of 2018 Drainlayer's License for L&L Heating • Consideration of Banner Application for Mansfield Public Library from March 5-19, 2018 • Consideration of Banner Application for Mansfield Women of Today Touch a Truck event from September 3-17, 2018 • Consideration of Signs on North and South Common for the Mansfield Women of Today Touch a Truck event from September 2-23, 2018 • Consideration of Signs on North and South Common for the Mansfield Women of Today House Tour and Tea from November 11, 2018 -December 2, 2018 Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen January 17, 2018 Page 3 • Consideration of Banner Application for Mansfield Girls Softball Association for Softball Registration from February 18 -March 5, 2018 • Consideration of Banner Application for Boy Scouts Troop 17 for Tree Lot from November 5-15, 2018 • Consideration of Banner Application for Mansfield Recreation for Summer Camp Registration from March 5-19, 2018 and May 21 -June 4, 2018 • Consideration of Banner Application for Mansfield Recreation for Fishing Derby from April 30 -May 14, 2018 • Consideration of Banner Application for Mansfield Recreation for Duck Race from June 11-25, 2018 • Consideration of Banner Application for Mansfield Recreation for Halloween Parade from October 15-29, 2018 • Consideration of Banner Application for Mansfield Recreation for Arts & Craft Show from November 5-15, 2018 d) Proclamations Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 13. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18028PT in the amount of $371,208.26 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18028PT in the amount of $371,208.26. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18028TV in the amount of $119,880.20 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18028TV in the amount of $119,880.20. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 18028PS in the amount of $1,586,014.93 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 18028PS in the amount of $1,586,014.93. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 18028SV in the amount of $551,908.09 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 18028SV in the amount of $551,908.09. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18029PT in the amount of $370,608.07 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18029PT in the amount of $370,608.07. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18029TV in the amount of $118,535.63 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18029TV in the amount of $118,535.63. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 14. Correspondence • Letter from Verizon for Programming Change • Letter from Verizon Introducing New Contact for the Final License Mr. DelVecchio read a summary of the above correspondences. 15. Town Manager's Report Mr. Dumas thanked the staff for the great job with the last storm, he noted that the Town is not in a storm deficit and was at $151,325 in the black, but that was not counting today's storm. Mr. Dumas stated that he has reached out to Ellen Cummings from Verizon Fios to set up a meeting to discuss the wireless issues and cable access not having sound. Mr. Dumas stated that he attended the Tri -Town Chamber of Commerce meeting this week and noted that it was informative and it was a very active group. Mr. Dumas stated that he met with John Brandt and William Walker from the Airport Commission and discussed economic development opportunities the airport provides. Chairman Trowbridge noted that the airport has a great setup. Mr. Rhein commented that it was great to know that a restaurant was coming to the airport. Mr. Dumas stated that the more business that can be attracted to the airport the better. Mr. Dumas stated that a runway expansion would provide the proper landing opportunities to benefit the Cabot Park and the Xfinity Center and not lose business to Norwood Airport. Mr. Dumas updated the Board that the DPW has Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen January 17, 2018 Page 4 rnovocl' in partially to their new building and the department should be moved by the first week in February. Mr. Aptowitz asked if the Municipal Building Committee can come in to provide an update. Chairman Trowbridge asked for them to attend the second meeting in February. Chairman Trowbridge also wanted to know when the old building was scheduled to be torn down. Mr. Dumas then updated the Board that the Town will be working with MIAA for the health insurance and have been able to avoid the scheduled ten percent increase that was anticipated with the current group. This was a huge cost savings to the employees and the tax payers. Mr. Schoonveld stated that Mr. Dumas signed the contract, but the Board needs to sign the agreement as well. Mr. Schoonveld noted that this was inspired by two years of significant increases and this change will save two million dollars over the course of the next two years. Mr. Dumas lastly stated that he will be starting the intensive review of the budget with the Finance Director. 16. Selectmen's Questions and Comments Mr. Rhein stated that he would like consider having an annual award for volunteers with a ceremony. Chairman Trowbridge thought it was a great idea and asked Mr. Rhein to come up with the categories. Mr. Rhein asked the public to send their ideas to him. Mr. Schoonveld had his sixth rhetorical tax question of the week "What are the top three reasons why over time nonresidential assed values have shrunk?" Mr. Schoonveld then asked if it possible for the Town Manager to report on any economic development updates or activities on regular basis. Mr. Dumas stated that he could. Mr. Aptowitz had no questions or comments. Mr. DelVecchio commented that he liked the idea of having volunteer awards that Mr. Rhein suggested. Mr. DelVecchio also stated that Mr. Schoonveld's discussion of economic development was great and should be included in the goals and objectives of the Board. Mr. DelVecchio stated that he was excited about attending the MMA Conference this weekend. Chairman Trowbridge had no additional questions or comments. 17. Any items not anticipated by the Chairman 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 18. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the Board of Selectmen's meeting of January 17, 2018 at 8:1113M. (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 7r--- �� 40 Signature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen 3I � Dat January 17, 2018 Page 5