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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS 09/12/2018Minutes of Board of Selectmen Meeting September 12, 2018 Present: Mr. Jess Aptowitz, Vice -Chairman; Mr. Steve Schoonveld, Clerk; Mr. Frank DelVecchi _@nd Mr. Neil Rhein. Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Chairman was not present. � r , I��CEIVED CLEPKS 1. Call To Order Board of Selectmen Meeting- Pledge of Allegiance rr �FF )CE Vice -Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order at 6:30PM. He reminded everyone �thaA1 Uekkd0uua2 peing broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. He asked if there were qqyqemk,ers of the audience recording, to which there was no answer. 2. Introduction and Swearing in of New Firefighters Chief Boldrighini came forward and introduced five new firefighters, Joseph Ezersky, Greg Thomas, Nicholas Bertram, Bruce Ballard and Chad Smith. He noted that Mr. Thomas was not present. He stated they were a great group of men who were filling the shoes of retirees. Ms. Marianne Staples, Town Clerk swore in the Firefighters. The Selectmen all thanked them for their service and for choosing to come to Mansfield and wished them the best of luck. Mr. Dumas noted they have joined a great department and the Town was excited to have them aboard. 3. Young Hero Recognition by Chief Boldrighini Chief Boldrighini introduced Ian Reddish a senior at Mansfield High School who helped a family with a medical emergency during one of the hottest days of year. Chief Boldrighini explained that Mr. Reddish saw an elderly man on the ground and lifted the man off the hot pavement and waited with him until medics were able to arrive, as well as helping the family to remain calm. The Board thanked him for his heroic act and thanked him for his service to the Town. Mr. Aptowitz stated that he should be very proud of himself for doing the right thing. Ms. Cindy Ouellette was also present representing the State Fire Marshall's office to honor and recognize Mr. Reddish for a job well done. 4. Consideration of Change of Manager Application for Vision Hampshire, LLC Ms. Tricia Putignano came forward and introduced herself and stated that she worked along Mr. Ptak who was the previous manager who just left to go manage another property. Mr. Aptowitz asked if the application was all set and that it was routed through Town hall departments. Ms. Champagne confirmed that there was nothing outstanding. Motion: To approve the change Manager Application for Vision Hampshire, LLC. (Schoonveld/Delvecchio) Passes 4:0 5. Presentation of Textile Recycling Program Mr. Lee Azinheira came forward and explained a new textile recycling program offered by Simple Recycling. This program would save the Town money by not having pounds of fabrics and textiles placed in with the trash. The company covers the expense of an initial mailing to inform residents which includes a bag. He added that they would pick up weekly the same day as regular recycling and trash pick-up and leave an additional bag when they pick up one. Mr. Azinheira stated that he liked the program because it is simple for residents and picked up curbside. Mr. Rhein asked if there was a cost and Mr. Azinheira confirmed there was no cost to the Town and the Town would receive a penny a pound for collected goods. Mr. Rhein noted that some charities are not happy that depend on these goods for donations, but he stated that many people who give to charities will probably continue to donate to those organizations. Mr. Rhein overall thought it was a great idea and it had no financial risk to the Town. Mr. Schoonveld stated it is a for profit company that works to keep usable items from the landfill and that on their website they have a significant long list of items they will take. Mr. Azinheira believed they had vested interest in over a thousand thrift stores. Mr. DelVecchio asked if they have a good reputation. Mr. Azinheira answered that they have been in Massachusetts about a year and collected 585,000 pounds across the state. He added he spoke with someone from the Town of Walpole who stated they are happy with the service so far. Mr. DelVecchio asked if there are other companies who do this. Mr. Azinheira answered he is not aware of any other than the companies who provide bins and people drop off at designated locations. Mr. Aptowitz believed this was a decision for Mr. Dumas and Mr. Azinheira to make. Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen September 12, 2018 Page 1 6. Discussion and Consideration of COA/Social Services Job Description Mr. Dumas explained this new job description is replacing the former fuel assistance coordinator. The position would be shared between the Council on Aging and the Socials Services department and increasing from nineteen hours per week to twenty-five hours. Mr. Dumas explained that the grant would cover the additional cost. Mr. DelVecchio asked if it was a one time or ongoing grant and if the base pay would also be adjusted. Mr. Dumas answered that it is an ongoing grant that the COA receives and that the pay was also going to be adjusted to reflect the additional responsibilities. Mr. Schoonveld asked if the grant covers everything for the position including benefits and Mr. Dumas answered that it covers 12.5 hours or half the position. The other half is funded through the general fund budget. Mr. Rhein asked if the position was vacant and Mr. Dumas answered it was an internal promotional opportunity to promote the current fuel assistance coordinator and noted that the fuel assistance coordinator position would not be filled. Motion: To approve the Council on Aging/Social Services Coordinator Job Description. (Schoonveld/DelVecchio) Passes 4:0 7. Discussion of Selectmen/Town Manager on Goals Mr. Dumas stated that he updated the document since the last time they were discussed. Mr. Aptowitz stated this was a working document and provided an overall big picture. Mr. DelVecchio thought the discussion should wait for Chairman Trowbridge, but thought that recycling initiatives was an area that should be included. Mr. Schoonveld stated that the document was three or four documents in one and it was decided amongst the Board to have Mr. Schoonveld separate the document into four documents. The first document would be a mission statement, a second document for Board of Selectmen high level goals, a third for specific or near term goals and then another document for Town Manager goals. Mr. Aptowitz asked for this to be an agenda item at the next meeting. 8. Discussion and Consideration of the Structure for the Service Awards Committee Mr. Dumas thanked Mr. Rhein for sending the research and provided a summary to the Board. Mr. Dumas explained there would be three awards presented annually and they would be for a youth resident under eighteen years old, an adult over nineteen years old and a lifetime achievement for someone who has volunteered for a single youth organization for twenty plus years. Mr. Rhein added that to make it easier all the different categories were eliminated to just have the three awards. Mr. Dumas stated the Committee would be made up of a Selectman, Public Safety, Social Services as well as an individual from the business community. Mr. Rhein stated he was still looking for a business who may offer to host a reception for this event. Motion: To approve the Town Manager to appoint the members of Public Services Recognition Program as discussed. (Schoonveld/Rhein) Passes 4:0 9. Discussion of North Main Street Fire Station and West Street Police Station Use Mr. Dumas stated that he has sent a letter to Secretary Heffernan about the $25,000 earmark and is awaiting a response so an evaluation can be completed. 10. SEMRECC Update from Town Manager Mr. Dumas stated there was no SEMRECC update. 11. Resident Questions and Comments There were no resident questions or comments 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 Minutes Board of Selectmen September 12, 2018 Page 2 • August 29, 2018 b) Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 19010T in the amount of $262,665.79 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 19010E in the amount of $171,567.36 • School Vendor Warrant No. 190105 in the amount of $487,930.83 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 19011T in the amount of $2,345,955.73 c) Permits and License d) Proclamations • Philomena Gillooly Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Schoonveld/DelVecchio) Passes 4:0 13. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 1901OPT in the amount of $481,229.12. Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 1901OPT in the amount of $481,229.12. (Schoonveld/DelVecchio) Passes 4:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 19010TV in the amount of $140,204.42. Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 19010TV in the amount of $140,204.42. (Schoonveld/DelVecchio) Passes 4:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 1901OPS in the amount of $1,571,547.45. Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 1901OPS in the amount of $1,571,547.45. (Schoonveld/DelVecchio) Passes 4:0 • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 19010SV in the amount of $490,119.25. Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 19010SV in the amount of $490,119.25. (Schoonveld/DelVecchio) Passes 4:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 19011PT in the amount of $430,270.75. Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 19011PT in the amount of $430,270.75. (Schoonveld/DelVecchio) Passes 4:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 19011TV in the amount of $129,847.72. Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 19011TV in the amount of $129,847.72 (Schoonveld/DelVecchio) Passes 4:0 14. Correspondence Mr. Schoonveld read a letter from Superintendent Murphy about the dedication of Heroes' Corner by the Mansfield Gridiron Club at 6:30pm on Friday, September 14`h before the first home game. 15. Town Manager's Report Mr. Dumas stated that the Town received the Safer Grant from the state for $800,000 that will help increase the staffing levels and achieve the goal set by the Fire Department. He updated the Board that he is working on a joint agreement with the Towns of Norton and Easton on shared animal services. The CIP form was sent to Town Hall Departments and requests are due on October 2, 2018 in order for them to be considered at fall Town Meeting. He noted that the Special Town Meeting will be on November 13, 2018. Mr. Dumas then stated that will be seeking the Boards approval in support of an innovative travel plaza on Route 95 to properly serve the public and give a better image as this is the first stop on Route 95 as your enter Massachusetts when traveling Northbound. Mr. Schoonveld noted that it could be a meal tax opportunity for Mansfield. Mr. Alves, Mr. Ahern and the MBC are working on plans to redesign the intersection outside the Municipal Complex for next spring. 16. Selectmen's Questions and Comments Mr. Rhein stated he did a thorough read of business guide that was created by the IDC and asked if it would be on the website or hard copies available. Mr. Dumas answered that a few hard copies would be available and then it would on the website. Mr. Rhein asked why all traffic to the train station has to go on Highland Avenue and why the Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen September 12, 2018 Page 3 street in front of the Jeep dealership was blocked off and asked for this plan to be reviewed again by the DPW and public safety. Mr. Schoonveld asked for the target date of the new website and Mr. Dumas answered March of 2019. He then asked about the time line for fall Town Meeting and if dates could be posted on social media giving ample notice to residents. Mr. DelVecchio asked if citizens petitions could go on a Special Town Meeting and Mr. Dumas answered they could. Mr. Schoonveld then asked about the Senior Tax Incentives and Mr. Dumas answered that he has spoken with the Assessor's office, there is no form and the State has not provided any guidance as of now. Mr. Schoonveld then noted the next election is October 16`h and asked when absentee ballots would be available. Mr. Dumas answered that he would check with the Town Clerk. Mr. Schoonveld commented that the 9/11 ceremony was memorable and was probably last one in the North Main Street Station. Lastly, Mr. Schoonveld stated the crews have done a fantastic job on the Newton Street project. Mr. DelVecchio commented that he wanted to thank Chief Boldrighini for his persistence and Mr. Dumas for his support with getting the Town the Safer Grant to add staff to the Fire Department. Mr. Aptowitz stated he was concerned about public safety on Park Street since it was repaved and it appears narrower than before and that no parking should be considered. Mr. Schoonveld commented that it may be helpful to have no parking on one side of the street. Mr. Aptowitz asked if the Fales Site would be paved this year. Mr. Dumas confirmed it was scheduled to be completed this year. Mr. Aptowitz noted that chip sealing is better than it was in the past and it costs one fifth of the cost of paving, and it prolongs the life of the road. The Board and Town understand it is not ideal, but asked residents to understand and if there is a concern to reach out to the Highway Department. Mr. Dumas added that chip sealing was done at the right time of year with idea temperatures to ensure a better application. He added that residents were notified and expectations were explained clearly, which cut down of the number of phone calls. Mr. Aptowitz then noted if there is a way to use free cash to offset the debt exclusion for the project. Mr. Aptowitz stated that he would be touching base with Mr. Sollecito to see if the Electric Department would have availability to offer assistance to North Carolina if it was needed. 17. Any items not anticipated by the Chairman 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 18. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the September 12, 2018 Board of Selectmen meeting at 8:44PM. (DelVecchio/Rhein) Passes 4:0 z01% i Signature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Meeting Minutes Board of Selectmen September 12, 2018 Page 4