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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 08/28/2019Select Board Meeting Minutes August 28, 2019 Present: Mr. Jess Aptowitz, Chairman; Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Vice -Chairman; Mr. Neil Rhein, Clerk; Mr. Frank DelVecchio and Mr. Steve Schoonveld. Mr. Kevin Dumas was also present. RECEIVED 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting - Pledge of Allegiance T WW'H CLERKS OFFICE Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order at 6:37PM. He reminded everyone tl? jhtl�E"gtinA,,•g5)ging broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. He asked if there were any members of the audience recording, to which there was no response. i ANSF IELD MASSACHUSETTS Chairman Aptowitz asked for an item to be taken out of order. The Board started with agenda number 5. S. Discussion of Downtown Traffic Safety Chief Ron Sellon and Officer David Kinahan were present for this agenda item. Mr. Rhein began the discussion stating that he was concerned with the speeding downtown and specially the safety of pedestrians. Mr. Rhein read a letter from a resident at 270 North Main Street who feels there should be more enforcement of the area. Chief Sellon stated that the Police do receive lots of complaints. He stated that the parking study has recommended consistent signage throughout Town and using electronic signage that gives your speed in flashing lights and some of those give data back to the department. Officer Kinahan stated there are four temporary signs that are moved through Town, but he may recommend permanent ones downtown that use solar panels. Chief Sellon noted that everything needs to be done in conjunction with the parking study for Downtown. Mr. Trowbridge commented that people are speeding everywhere and there are only a certain amount of cruisers available. Mr. DelVecchio stated that he liked the idea of the speed signs, and stated there needs to be strategic approach. Mr. Schoonveld agreed with Mr. Trowbridge and asked a rhetorical question as to when everything from the Parking Study was going to be complete. Mr. Rhein noted that the resident who submitted the letter was now present and Chairman Aptowitz invited her to come forward. Ms. Martha O'Connell of 270 North Main Street came forward to note her concerns about the traffic that comes from the train station down Old Colony Way. She stated that she has almost been hit in the crosswalk down by middle common. She asked for a pedestrian sign be placed and was not sure what else could be done. Chairman Aptowitz replied that the concerns were well noted and safety was a priority. 2. Discussion and Consideration of Common Victualler License for NY Pizza at 221 North Main Street Mohammad Assani came forward. He stated that he was purchasing Best Pizza and planning to open in the middle of September. Chairman Aptowitz asked him to maintain compliance with all Town Hall Departments. Motion: To approve the Common Victualler License for NY Pizza located at 221 North Main Street pending routing through Town Hall Departments and Public Safety. (Rhein/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 3. Presentation of Pavement Management Plan and Sidewalk Study by Gordon Daring of VHB Gordon Daring from VHB was present with Lee Azinheira, DPW Director Mr. Daring provided a presentation describing what a pavement management plan was and the process that was taken in Mansfield. Mr. Daring showed pictures depicting pavement treatment bands and what treatment options were recommended based on what a street was rated. There is an estimated $16 million worth of work to be done in Town with a total of one hundred and twenty miles. They also looked at the sidewalk conditions throughout Town with a cost of $5.5 million to repair and replace deficient sidewalks. The Select Board asked a few questions. The Chairman asked for this information to be posted on the Town's website. 4. Presentation of Downtown Mansfield Development by Ed Tartufo Representative Jay Barrows, Mr. Ed Tartufo and Ms. Danielle Fish were present for this discussion representing the Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Fish began the presentation to talk about the development in Downtown Mansfield and Select Board Meeting Minutes August 28, 2019 where change has been good, noting that the downtown has revolved around the train station. The downtown has seventy five businesses which provide a strong base and making it an attractive place for future businesses. Mr. Tartufo showed several properties in the downtown area and their assessed value and what tax revenue they have generated as well as the building permit fees for those that were available. Mr. Tartufo noted the lack of affordable commercial space for startup businesses downtown. One way to change this would be to change the bylaws to include an affordable commercial space similar to the affordable housing requirement for new buildings. Representative Barrows stated that he is proud of what has been accomplished through the years and the Master Plan Committees that have worked hard and this is a great place to live. He also noted how promoting the transportation system, low electric rates and competitive tax rate is going to work to the Town's advantage and already seeing success at the Mansfield Bio-incubator in attracting businesses from Boston. The Select Board made a few comments. 6. Discussion and Consideration of Oakland Street Tree Removal for Sidewalk Construction Mr. Lee Azinheira came forward and introduced Mr. Josh Reinke from Engineering that started in March who has been working on this project. Mr. Azinheira stated that as part of the Chocolate Factory Project they are required to construct a new sidewalk on the west side of Oakland Street starting at the north side of the Chocolate Factory property and ending by the existing sidewalk at the corner of Oakland Street and Mansfield Avenue. Fifteen trees have been identified as they straddle the property line or their roots interfere with the construction. The abutters support the sidewalk installation and tree removal. The Select Board asked a few questions. Motion: To approve tree removal on Oakland Street for Sidewalk Construction. (Rhein/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0:1 (Aptowitz abstained) 7. Discussion and Consideration of Oakland Street/Mansfield Avenue Waiver of Five Year Moratorium for Handicap Ramp Construction Mr. Azinheira stated this tied into the previous agenda item and the waiver would allow for the installation of handicap ramps which are required to meet the ADA requirements for sidewalks. Motion: To waive the five year moratorium for Handicap Ramp Construction on Oakland Street/Mansfield Avenue. (Rhein/Schoonveld) Passes 5:0 8. Discussion of Goals and Objectives Mr. Dumas stated that a separate meeting was scheduled for tomorrow August 29th to discuss in depth. Mr. Dumas did read through a draft list of all the items they identified as action items for the fiscal year. The Select Board agreed that they would have the full discussion tomorrow. 9. Discussion of North Main Street Fire Station and West Street Police Station Use Mr. Dumas noted there was no new information. 10. SEMRECC Update from Town Manager Mr. Dumas stated that SEMRECC is going well, they continue to work out some kinks and the cooperation amongst staff was going very well. 11. Resident Questions and Comments Mr. Neal Klayman of 31 Rumford Avenue came forward and stated that he wanted to get information on the Fall Festival and was concerned about having access to his driveway. Mr. Dumas responded that Lieutenant Bain would be reaching out to residents and will make accommodations for special parking during the hours of the event and during setup. Ms. Josslyn Mullahy of 69 Rumford Ave came forward and had many concerns about the Fall Festival including the amount of different activities, the amount of people who are expected and not having access to her home. Mr. Dumas addressed her concerns. Select Board Meeting Minutes August 28, 2019 12. Review and Approve Consent Agenda All items on the Consent Agenda may be adopted with a single motion. Any member of the Select Board 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: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 20008T in the amount of $759,753.12 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 20008E in the amount of $21,839.56 • School Vendor Warrant No. 20008S in the amount of $676,294.00 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 20009T in the amount of $1,609,913.86 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 20009E in the amount of $71,458.80 b) Permits and License • Consideration of Additional Request from Mansfield Animal Shelter to barricade/block Park Row for their Celebration of Animals Event on September 7, 2019 • Consideration of Special Events Application for Susan G Komen Impact Ride on September 28, 2019 c) Proclamations • Primrose School of Mansfield Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Rhein/Schoonveld) Passes 5:0 13. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 20008PT in the amount of $472,144.27 Motion: To Approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 20008PT in the amount of $472,144.27. (Rhein/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0:1 Aptowitz Abstained • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 20008TV in the amount of $137,882.49 Motion: To Approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 20008TV in the amount of $137,882.49. (Rhein/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 20008PS in the amount of $1,259,045.42 Motion: To Approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 20008PS in the amount of $1,259,045.42. (Rhein/Schoonveld) Passes 5:0 • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 20008SV in the amount of $366,720.10 Motion: To Approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 20008SV in the amount of $366,720.10. (Rhein/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 20009PT in the amount of $482,417.12 Motion: To Approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 20009PT in the amount of $482,417.12. (Rhein/Schoonveld) Passes 4:0:1 (Aptowitz Abstained) • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 20009TV in the amount of $144,984.44 Motion: To Approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 20009TV in the amount of $144,984.44. (Rhein/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 14. Correspondence • Letter from Department of Housing and Community Development • Letter from Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission • Resignation from Chris Marcheselli from Conservation Commission • Notification from Xfinity Mr. Rhein read a summary of the above correspondence items. 15. Town Manager's Report Mr. Dumas updated the Board on several items including the release of ninety six parking spaces at the train station over the next few weeks as they do not need the area for construction. The Town will be submitting Free Cash to the State. He then updated the Board on the water main break that happened on Forbes Boulevard, noting the cost of repairs is estimated at $24,000 and there was 1.145 millions of gallons of water lost. He updated the Select Board Meeting Minutes August 28, 2019 Board on the construction projects throughout Town as well as Mass DOT is doing work on Route 140 for the next two months during the overnight hours. He then read a notice on contamination at Fulton Pond of cyanobacteria algae that is in bloom and can be unsafe for pets and humans. He noted if there is enough rain tonight it could end the risk as soon as tomorrow. 16. Select Board Member's Questions and Comments Mr. Trowbridge and Mr. DelVecchio had no questions or comments. Mr. Rhein asked when we would see marketing materials for the Fall Festival. Mr. Dumas answered that everything is all set to go but are waiting for all the residents to be notified. Mr. Schoonveld commented that the rail trail presentation and Norton was great. The project is still three years away, but he commented that it will be amazing once it is complete. He then stated it was the 56th anniversary of the "I had a dream" speech. Chairman Aptowitz asked about the painting of the rail on North Main Street and County Street. He then commended the public safety departments for the incident at the hair salon and thankfully they were closed so only minor injuries were reported. 17. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 18. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the August 28, 2019 Select Board meeting at 9:04PM. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Passes 5:0 Signature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Date Select Board Meeting Minutes August 28, 2019