Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS Minutes 12/20/2017Minutes of Board of Selectmen Meeting December 20, 2017 Present: Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Chairman; Mr. Jess Aptowitz, Vice-Chairr uNlh�vttVecchio, Clerk, Mr. Steve Schoonveld and Mr. Neil Rhein Li ct c( C 1. Call To Order Board of Selectmen Meeting fEB - ► A c 0 Chairman Trowbridge called the Selectmen's meeting to order at 7:22PM, no, (n%t IVB"rd just ended the Light Commissioners Meeting.r$' 2. Consideration of Jean Mallon to serve on the Board of Library Trustees Ms. Mallon introduced herself stating that she moved to Mansfield in 2004 and was a lifelong educator and is now retired. She stated that she began her career as a high school teacher, was then a guidance director and lastly was a principal. Mr. DelVecchio asked about her application which included the Cultural Council and Ms. Mallon stated that she was appointed to the Cultural Council but also wanted to be on the Board and thought it was okay to participate on two committees. Mr. DelVecchio agreed that she could participate on both and thought she had great comments when he saw her at the Cultural Council meetings. Mr. Aptowitz thanked Ms. Mallon for volunteering and had no questions. Mr. Schoonveld thanked her for volunteering and asked her to attend Town Meeting. Mr. Rhein thanked her for applying and stated she was well qualified. Chairman Trowbridge also thanked her and is pleased with all the volunteers this year for boards and committees. Motion: To appoint Jean Mallon to serve on the Board of Library Trustees for a three year term beginning on January 1, 2018 expiring December 31, 2020. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 3. Consideration of Julie Jones, Ralph Penney and Richard LeBlanc to serve on the Planning Board Chairman Trowbridge stated that there were two open spots on the Planning Board. The three candidates came forward and introduced themselves. Mr. Richard LeBlanc of 60 Marshall Avenue stated he has been a member of the Planning Board for five years and has a degree in architecture and is a campus planner for Harvard University. He also noted that he has a master's degree in urban affairs. Mr. Ralph Penney of 336 Maple Street stated he has a Bachelor's degree in Bio -Chemistry and a Masters in Civil and Environmental Engineering. He then stated that he moved here in 1991. He stated that he was a Selectman from 1992-1995 and was on the Planning Board from 1996-1997 and from 2010 through today. Ms. Julie Jones of 484 Williams Street stated she moved here four years ago, and has a master's degree in public administration. She was appointed the industrial development commission and was interested in also joining the planning board. Mr. Rhein asked each candidate what they thought was the most important item that the Town should address in regards to planning perspective. Mr. LeBlanc answered that the master plan renewal was important and encourages the town to grow. Mr. Penney answered that the Town's character is greatly changing with an increase in apartments. He noted that the traffic from and train station is a problem and he added that he is a proponent of sidewalks throughout all of town. Mr. Penney then stated that the Town has to entice businesses to come to Mansfield. He stated the Planning Board has spent a lot of time on re- zoning to promote business growth and was proud of the development that has come especially to the Downtown area. Ms. Jones echoed what Mr. Penney stated and added that that she lived near the Cabot Industrial Park and that there is a lot of space that can be developed. Ms. Jones answered that although she Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen December 20, 2017 Page 1 does not have a lot of experience with planning, she has a fresh perspective of what would make the downtown area more approachable and agreed that there is a lot going on at the train station. Mr. Schoonveld asked about conflict of interest. Ms. Jones stated she does not see a conflict of interest and she would have the moral obligation to excuse herself. Mr. Penney answered that he has an environmental firm and he has to recuse himself. Mr. LeBlanc stated he was a property owner and have some friends and family in Town and would recuse myself. Mr. Schoonveld asked what zoning law they would change if they could. Mr. LeBlanc answered he would like to revisit residential compounds, he is not against them but the standards they abide by could be improved. Ms. Jones stated that the minimum number of parking spaces that restaurants need could be a deterrent for restaurants to open Downtown. Mr. Penney answered increasing the density of transportation in the overlay district. Mr. Schoonveld stated that planning and zoning have their separation and asked what kind of collaboration is there between the two groups. Ms. Jones answered that she hopes that the two boards work together. Mr. LeBlanc sees it as a check and balance; there are things the boards should be working on together. Mr. Penney answered that years ago the Planning Board used to be asked for our opinion and that has not happened in a number of years and does not think there is a close working relationship between the two boards. Mr. Aptowitz asked all candidates to attend Town Meeting and for those not appointed he asked them to not be discouraged and apply again. Mr. DelVecchio had no questions and echoed Mr. Aptowitz and stated it is great to see so many great applicants volunteering for boards and committees. He also stated that he appreciates the efforts of the work that the Planning Board does. Motion: To nominate all three candidates. (Schoonveld/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 Each Selectman voted for their top two candidates and all voted for Mr. Penney and Mr. LeBlanc. Motion: To reappoint Richard LeBlanc for a five year term expiring on December 31, 2022. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 Motion: To reappoint Ralph Penney for a five year term expiring on December 31, 2022. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 4. Consideration of Ken Buja and William Walker to serve on the Airport Commission Mr. William Walker introduced himself stating he was retired and had previously served on the Airport Commission for four years up until January of 2017 and was looking forward to another opportunity to serve. He stated that he has lived in Mansfield for over eight years and is now retired. Mr. Ken Buja introduced himself stating he moved to Mansfield in 1979, recently retired and was involved with transportation his entire career. Mr. Buja then stated that he was a part-time faculty member at Northeastern for thirty four years lecturing in logistics and transportation. He stated that he has always had interest in being on the Airport Commission but would have missed half the meetings because of his travel schedule, but he now has the availability to serve. Mr. DelVecchio stated he was familiar with Mr. Walker and stated that both were qualified. Mr. Aptowitz thanked Mr. Walker and Mr. Buja for stepping up and applying and appreciated Mr. Walker for returning to volunteer. Mr. Schoonveld asked if either applicant was a pilot. Mr. Buja answered that he was not. Mr. Walker answered that he was a pilot and a flight instructor. Mr. Rhein had no questions and noted that both candidates were well qualified and thanked them for volunteering. Chairman Trowbridge thanked Mr. Walker for returning to serve on the Airport Commission and Mr. Buja for having availability. Mr. DelVecchio noted that there is one opening for a one year term to fill the position of a resignation and the other is a three year term for Mr. Andrews who is not seeking reappointment. Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen December 20, 2017 Page 2 Motion: To appoint William Walker to the Airport Commission for a three year term expiring on December 31, 2020. (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 Motion: To appoint Ken Buja to the Airport Commission to fill an unexpired term expiring on December 31, 2018. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 5. Consideration of Eric Correira, Darlene Pruitt, Jeff Wagner, Aaron Gallagher, Ryan Maxwell to serve on the Zoning Board of Appeals Mr. Jeff Wagner of 2 Jean Road introduced himself stated that he had twenty years' experience in construction and development. Bachelor's Degree in architectural engineering and was looking to bring back his experience and knowledge to the Town. He noted that he had to get variances for his own home and appreciates the work that the Zoning Board does. Ms. Darlene Pruitt of 18 Pleasant Street introduced herself and stated that she has been a member of the Zoning Board since 2013 and would like to be reappointed. She stated that she is a contractor for the Federal government and her division is in charge of disposing of Federal property that is no longer in use. Mr. Aaron Gallagher of 30 Tracy Circle introduced himself and stated that he was an alternate member currently on the Zoning Board and was looking to be appointed as a full voting member. He stated that he works as a civil engineer for a firm in Boston. He stated that he moved to Mansfield in 2011 and would like to continue to serve the Town. Mr. Ryan Maxwell of 149 Park Street introduced himself stating that he was a lifelong resident of Mansfield and works for a civil engineering firm in Bourne. He stated that he finished his term on the Conservation Commission and was looking for a new Board to serve on. Mr. Eric Correira of 40 Jakes Way introduced himself stating that he has been an associate member of the Zoning Board for two years and a resident in Mansfield since 2010. He stated that he does not deal directly with Zoning, but it is something that interests him and he continues to learn a lot by being on the Board. Mr. Rhein stated he was deferring any questions. Mr. Schoonveld asked if there were any conflicts of interest. Mr. Correira answered that there were no immediate conflicts, but if there was one that came up he would recuse himself. Mr. Maxwell answered that he did not have any and his company does not do work in this area, but would recuse himself. Mr. Gallagher answered that he worked all over the state and would step aside if needed. Ms. Pruitt answered that she does not own any property or businesses in Town. Mr. Wagner answered that he did not have any, but if something came up he would excuse himself. Mr. Schoonveld then asked about the relationship between the Zoning Board and Planning Board. Ms. Pruitt stated that letters were sometimes received from the Planning Board and that Mr. Penney has come to a Zoning Board meeting to show support of an item, but stated that communication needs to be better between the two Boards. Mr. Maxwell answered that he has not seen that communication, but noted it happened on the Conservation Commission with the Planning Board. Mr. Gallagher answered that there could be more direct communication between the two Boards in his opinion. Mr. Wagner answered that he does not have experience with Mansfield, but has seen the communication between the Boards in other towns and added that it can result in faster results if there is collaboration. Mr. Correira answered there may be a need for more joint meetings amongst the two Boards. Mr. Aptowitz stated that it was fantastic that there is a lot of interest in this Board and thanked them all for volunteering. Mr. DelVecchio echoed what Mr. Aptowitz stated. Chairman Trowbridge also thanked everyone for being volunteering. Motion: To reappoint Darleen Pruitt to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a three year term expiring December 31, 2020. (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen December 20, 2017 Page 3 Motion: To nominate the four remaining applicants for the term expiring December 31, 2019. (Schoonveld/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 The Board then voted for their top candidate. Mr. Schoonveld voted for Mr. Maxwell. Chairman Trowbridge voted for Mr. Correira. Mr. Rhein, Mr. Aptowitz and Mr. DelVecchio voted for Mr. Gallagher. Motion: To appoint Aaron Gallagher to the Zoning Board as a voting member to a term expiring December 31, 2019. (Aptowitz/Rhein) Passes 5:0 Motion: To nominate the three remaining candidates for the two associate member openings on the Zoning Board of Appeals. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Passes 5:0 Mr. Aptowitz noted that the terms were different for the two associate members so the Board voted for the top member for the term expiring December 31, 2020 first. Mr. Aptowitz, Mr. DelVecchio, Mr. Rhein and Chairman Trowbridge voted for Mr. Correira. Mr. Schoonveld voted for Mr. Maxwell. Motion: To reappoint Eric Correira as an associate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals to a term expiring on December 31, 2020. (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 Motion: To nominate Mr. Wagner and Mr. Maxwell for the associate member on the Zoning Board of Appeals expiring December 31, 2019. (Schoonveld/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 The Board then voted for their top choice. Chairman Trowbridge, Mr. Aptowitz, Mr. DeIVEcchio and Mr. Schoonveld voted for Mr. Maxwell. Mr. Rhein voted for Mr. Wagner. Motion: To appoint Ryan Maxwell as an associate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals to a term expiring December 31, 2019. (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 6. Consideration of Aaron Gallagher to serve on the Conservation Committee Chairman Trowbridge noted that there were two openings and Mr. Gallagher had applied. Mr. Rhein asked Mr. Gallagher if he had enough time to serve on two committees. Mr. Gallagher answered that he did and stated that the committees do not meet on same nights. Mr. Schoonveld asked where the Zoning Board and Conservation Commission intersected. Mr. Gallagher answered that they are different boards that do not intersect. Chairman Trowbridge commented that the two boards have different jurisdictions and Mr. Schoonveld answered that he knew that, but wanted to confirm that Mr. Gallagher knew as well. Mr. Aptowitz commended him for applying and thanked him for being on two boards. Mr. DelVecchio and Chairman Trowbridge had no questions. Motion: To appoint Aaron Gallagher to serve on the Conservation Commission beginning January 1, 2018 expiring December 31, 2021. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 7. Consideration of Jeff Wagner to serve on the Mansfield Housing Corporation Mr. DelVecchio stated the committee is building up nicely and asked Mr. Wagner if he has followed the history of the Board. Mr. Wagner answered that he has seen the development around town. Mr. Aptowitz thanked him for his interest. Mr. Schoonveld and Mr. Rhein thanked him for volunteering. Chairman Trowbridge commented that everyone who was looking to serve on a board or committee found a place. Motion: To appoint Jeff Wagner to serve on the Mansfield Housing Corporation to an unexpired term expiring on December 31, 2020. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 8. Health insurance purchasing update and consideration Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen December 20, 2017 Page 4 Mr. Schoonveld stated that the health insurance task force was charged with examining the financing approach of the current insurance plan. He stated that the challenges with the current plan included the need to improve services to employees and that it was administratively burdensome to the staff, he also stated that there was a need to offer additional benefits to the employees like tele med. He then stated that the cost of the plans has increased ten to twenty percent each year for the past few years. Mr. Schoonveld stated that the task force received quotes and MIAA, who was able to offer the same plans with the same copays and same network of doctors, but with significant savings. Mr. Schoonveld stated that employee unions, retirees, school employees and Town Council agreed that the plan design was the same and it was only the administrator of the plan that would change, so it would not need to be collectively bargained. Motion: Support to leave SMHG on June 30, 2018 and that pursuit would be led by the Town Manager and it has to be delivered by December 31, 2017 to the Chair of SMHG. (Schoonveld/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 9. MBTA Construction/Parking There was no update. 10. Town Manager Vote (if needed) Chairman Trowbridge stated that the contract with Mr. Dumas should be signed by Friday and January 2, 2018 was a potential start date. 11. Resident Questions and Comments There were none. 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: • Meeting of November 29, 2017 b) Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 18025T in the amount of $2,285,417.69 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 18025E in the amount of $1,415,626.69 • School Vendor Warrant No. 180255 in the amount of $488,710.28 c) Permits and License: • Consideration of 2018 Common Victualler and Entertainment License Renewal for Mansfield Donuts Inc. dba Dunkin Donuts (45 Chauncy Street) subject to routing through Public Safety and Town Hall Departments • Consideration of 2018 Common Victualler and Entertainment License Renewal for Decs Donuts Inc. dba Dunkin Donuts (905 South Main Street) subject to routing through Public Safety and Town Hall Departments • Consideration of 2018 Common Victualler and Entertainment License Renewal for Decs Donuts Inc. dba Dunkin Donuts (4 South Main Street) subject to routing through Public Safety and Town Hall Departments • Consideration of 2018 Common Victualler and Entertainment License Renewal for Decs Donuts Inc. dba Dunkin Donuts (333 School Street) subject to routing through Public Safety and Town Hall Departments • Consideration of 2018 Common Victualler License Renewal for Sweet Tooth LLC dba Sold Stone Creamery #2122 subject to routing through Public Safety and Town Hall Departments • Consideration of 2018 Common Victualler License Renewal for INJ Enterprises Inc. dba Gourmet Pizza subject to routing through Public Safety and Town Hall Departments Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen December 20, 2017 Page 5 • Consideration of 2018 Common Victualler License Renewal for Juice on Main, Ltd. subject to routing through Public Safety and Town Hall Departments • Consideration of 2018 Class II Auto Dealer License for Shaw Auto Leasing Inc. subject to routing through Public Safety and Town Hall Departments • Consideration of 2017 Drainlayer's License for 1 & T Excavating Co. • Consideration of 2018 Common Victualler License Renewal for Looking Glass Cafe subject to routing through Public Safety and Town Hall Departments • Consideration of 2018 Class I License Renewal for Sterdon Auto Sales LLC dba Station Chrysler Jeep of Mansfield subject to routing through Public Safety and Town Hall Departments d) Proclamations • Consideration of Proclamation for Eagle Scout Joseph Moran Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 13. Board and Committee Reappointments: • Consideration of Lori Stanovitch to serve on the World War II Scholarship Fund Committee expiring on December 31, 2020 Motion: To appoint Lori Stanovitch to serve on the World War II Scholarship Fund Committee expiring on December 31, 2020. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 • Consideration of Paul McDonough to serve on the World War II Scholarship Fund Committee expiring on December 31, 2022 Motion: To appoint Paul McDonough to serve on the World War II Scholarship Fund Committee expiring on December 31, 2022. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 14. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18024PT in the amount of $361,092.87 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18024PT in the amount of $361,092.87. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18024TV in the amount of $117,025.25 Motion: To approve Deductions Vendor Payroll 18024TV in the amount of $117,025.25. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 18024PS in the amount of $1,790,827.71 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 18024PS in the amount of $1,790,827.71. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 18024SV in the amount of $616,285.07 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 18024SV in the amount of $616,285.07. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18025PT in the amount of $351,683.70 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 18025PT in the amount of $351,683.70. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18025TV in the amount of $108,526.74 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 18025TV in the amount of $108,526.74. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 15. Correspondence • Letter from Mr. Ernie Frasso • Letter from National Grid • Letter from Mr. Ron Webster Mr. DelVecchio read a summary of the above correspondences. Chairman Trowbridge asked for the police to receive a copy of the letter and monitor the traffic on Walnut Street. Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen December 20, 2017 Page 6 I 6. Town Manager's Report Mr. Stanbrook read a press release from the EPA about the removal of the Hathaway Paterson Super Fund site and added that no further cleanup was needed. Mr. Stanbrook stated that the Town was bidding on improvements to the North Main Street underpass and was likely to start in June 2018. He noted that this construction may require the closure of one lane. Mr. Stanbrook then stated that the Greater Attleboro/Taunton HOME Consortium is having public meetings on January 4th, in Middleboro and Attleboro for those interested in attending. Mr. Stanbrook then thanked the Board for choosing him as Acting Town Manager; and stated that this may be his last meeting as Acting Town Manager. Chairman Trowbridge thanked Mr. Stanbrook for stepping in and filling the void and appreciate everything that was done. 17. Selectmen's Questions and Comments Mr. DelVecchio had no questions, but thanked Mr. Stanbrook. He added that he hoped he learned a lot and stated that the experience would help make him an even better Finance Director. Mr. DelVecchio asked for a discussion of goal setting and objectives on a future agenda. Mr. DelVecchio then thanked his colleagues for stepping up during this time and wished everyone a Happy Holiday Season. Mr. Aptowitz stated there is another meeting of the Bristol Country Advisory Board on January 6th for the construction project for the Agricultural High School along with a tour of the current school. Mr. Aptowitz then asked if cell phone coverage and police detail accounts could be on the next agenda. Mr. Aptowitz stated that everyone in Town has good things to say about Mr. Stanbrook and he appreciates everything he did over the past nine months. Mr. Schoonveld asked about the sample tax bill and Mr. Stanbrook answered that it can be discussed at the January 3rd meeting. Mr. Schoonveld stated that Mr. Stanbrook's role as Acting Town Manager would make him a better Finance Director and noted that it was great to see him out of the office around Town. Mr. Schoonveld then asked the rhetorical tax question of the week "What exceptions are there for an even split for the third and fourth quarter true up or catch up to the tax bill and there are three exceptions?" Mr. Rhein congratulated Mr. Stanbrook on his release of his servitude and hopes that he enjoys the holidays. Mr. Rhein stated that he has only been here a short while, but is happy with what he has seen so far. Mr. Rhein then stated that he was at the Downtown Committee last night; he stated that some of curbs have been painted and noted others will be done soon. He then stated that the installation of public parking signs in the Downtown area is moving forward. Mr. Rhein stated that Cultural Council also presented on the Cultural District and everyone agreed that it was a great idea. He then wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Chairman Trowbridge wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Happy New Year. 18. Any items not anticipated by the Chairman 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 19. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the Board of Selectmen's meeting on December 20, 2017 at 8:53PM. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 Signature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne /' 3I 2--o t Dat Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen December 20, 2017 Page 7