The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Thomas Lachiusa.

Transcription

1 Select Board Regular Meeting Monday, October 16, 2017 Longmeadow High School, 535 Bliss Road, Longmeadow Meeting Room A15-7:00 p.m. Present: Chair Thomas Lachiusa, Mark Gold, Marie Angelides, and Richard Foster. William Low was not present. Also Present: Stephen Crane, Chief John Stankiewicz, Chief John Dearborn, Mario Mazza, and Moderator Rebecca Townsend. Assistant Town Manager Paul Pasterczyk joined the meeting in progress at 7:45 p.m. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Thomas Lachiusa. Announcements: 1. Unclaimed Funds - Please check Town website for any names of persons with abandoned funds. Funds should be claimed by December 5, Drug Free Communities Grant - Longmeadow Schools received federal monies to help fund education for students and faculty in regards to addressing and reducing drug use. 3. Town Meeting - Reminder that the Fall Town Meeting is being held on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at Longmeadow High School. 4. Road Work - Converse Street paving may begin earlier than expected, on Thursday, October 19, First Responder s Day - Many families attended Longmeadow s First Responder s Day on October 14, Resident Sue Lemnios created a group called Friends of Longmeadow Fire and Police Departments that organize various projects for the Town s first responders. Anyone wishing for more information or to contribute can find the group on Facebook. 6. Veteran s Road Race - The Town will hold the Charlie Mike Veteran s Day Road Race on Saturday November 11, Runners, walkers, and anyone wishing to cheer people on are all welcomed to attend. Resident Comments: none Select Board Comments: 1. Mr. Gold addressed a letter written by a resident who has concerns about the potential rezoning of the Brewer/Young Mansion, located on Longmeadow Street. Mr. Gold acknowledged the time and money spent holding Special Town Meetings and suggested the Select Board seek a legal opinion in regards to spot zoning prior to committing the time to something they may not be able to legally see through. 2. Mr. Gold reminded the Select Board that it is still illegal to put signs on Town Property, and asked that residents not put signs on the Town Green, traffic islands, tree belts, or any other public land. 3. Mr. Lachiusa stated he knows many local citizens are concerned over the fate of Laurel Park and Bliss playground. The Select Board is awaiting a response from the Massachusetts Attorney General s Office. Mr. Foster wanted to point out that the decision is not in the Select Board s hands and the matter will ultimately be decided by the Town. 4. Mr. Lachiusa wanted to recognize Lt. Robert Stocks for spending a great deal of time drafting the policies and procedures that are the first step towards the Longmeadow Police Department being a certified and accredited Department. Mr. Lachiusa mentioned that Longmeadow would be the first police department in Western Massachusetts to become accredited if this final goal is reached.

2 5. Mr. Lachiusa also mentioned that money had been donated for police drones. This will add another dimension to the communities policing, and he cautioned residents to be aware of this whenever they venture into the sky with their own leisure activities. 6. Ms. Angelides wanted to remind Mr. Crane that the Town sign bylaw is on hold until a decision is made by the state Attorney General s office; the Town, and all of Massachusetts, has been waiting well over a year for this decision. Town Manager's Report: 1. Department Monthly Reports - Department monthly reports are in the packet, an individual Town Manager s report was not created as time was spent preparing the Warrant for Town Meeting. 2. Brewer/Young Mansion - Mr. Crane let the Select Board know that he has requested an opinion from Town Counsel in regards to spot zoning. He also included Section 5 of the 2004 Town Long Range Plan, voted on during Town Meeting, which addresses creating an overlay district along Longmeadow Street for exactly a purpose like this. 3. Employee Appreciation - A Town Employee Appreciation luncheon was held at noon after Town cleanup day on October 6, Town employees with more than 10 years of service were recognized with a certificate and a pin. Mr. Crane wanted to thank the Select Board for their support of this day, and also for the community s patience while Town offices were closed Estimated Receipts Reports - Mr. Lachiusa asked for clarification on Town rentals, to which Mr. Gold reminded him that the Town rents out the Community House. Mr. Lachiusa also inquired about the portable pipeline mentioned in the Fire Chief s report. A joint meeting was supposed to be held on this on October 3, 2017, but Mr. Crane informed the Select Board that the meeting was on hold for the time being. Old Business: 1. Minutes Approval Approval of October 2, 2017 minutes will take place at the next regular Select Board meeting. Draft minutes are available. New Business: 1. Review Town Meeting Warrant with Moderator - Mr. Crane suggested the Select Board address the logistics of Town Meeting first, before going through the Fall Town Meeting warrant. Moderator, Rebecca Townsend, stated no changes have been made to rules or procedures. Town Meeting will take place on November 7, 2017 starting at 7 p.m. in the Longmeadow High School gymnasium. She is in the process of recruiting additional counters as many volunteers have been unable to serve this year. Any residents wishing to volunteer should rtownsend@longmeadow.org. The only rule she has for volunteers is to refrain from counting on any issues that the volunteer has advocated for, should that issue come for a vote. Ms. Townsend asked if Article 9 of the draft warrant should be corrected to state water main break on Ely Road, not Ely Way, which was currently written, which will be corrected. Ms. Townsend asked if the Select Board felt any particular articles might have a greater deal of discussion. Mr. Crane recognized that any articles involving zoning are always a little more timeconsuming. Mr. Crane also wanted to clarify that Articles 14 and 15 only ban recreational sales of marijuana, not use that is now legal. He further explained that the intent of Articles 14 and 15 are the same, but one is drafted as a zoning bylaw, and one is a general bylaw. Mr. Lachiusa asked if the Town should worry about use in private clubs. Chief Stankiewicz stated that wherever smoking is prohibited will carry over to marijuana as well.

3 2. Sign Fall Town Warrant - Mr. Gold moved to accept Article 1 as part of the Special Fall Town Meeting warrant. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. The vote was Mr. Gold moved to approve Article 2 for inclusion in the Special Fall Town Meeting warrant. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. The vote was Mr. Gold moved to approve Article 3 for inclusion in the Special Fall Town Meeting warrant to appropriate money to cover a projected shortfall in the legal expense budget. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. The vote was Mr. Gold moved to approve Article 4 for inclusion in the Special Fall Town Meeting warrant which would raise and appropriate, which means move from monies we re bringing in this year, money from special interest on short term debt which was part of the purchase of the new DPW location on Dwight Road. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. The vote was Mr. Gold moved to approve Article 5 which is the appropriation of funds to replace a dump truck and plow that was destroyed in an accident with funds coming from Capital Stabilization, Sewer Retained Earnings, and Water Retained Earnings. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. Mr. Foster started a discussion by addressing the nearly $50,000 increase in cost for the new dump truck and plow, over what would normally be paid for a truck of this size. He pointed out this request had not been through capital planning, which would normally involve the Select Board receiving a capital request sheet, detailed information sheet, photos, and a detailed cost estimate. Mr. Foster asked if there was a change in the operation of the DPW, as the requested truck was equipped with a wing plow, which is normally used on highways and rural country roads. He stated a wing plow is a great tool for the right application, but questioned Longmeadow s need for one. Mr. Mario Mazza explained that some of the cost increase is due to the increased size of this new truck. One other factor that affected cost was the availability to have this truck for use this coming winter, as this truck is a leftover from 2016, and would be available for use in 6-8 weeks. Mr. Mazza did admit he could not explain what a glider kit is, as he did not author the memo written to the Select Board; Deputy Director, Geoff McAlmond had written this memo. Mr. Gold inquired what was being paid for the timing premium to which Mr. Mazza replied that it was around $50,000. Mr. Lachiusa pointed out that a bigger, more expensive truck, would make fewer trips, and would therefore save money on fuel, time, and ultimately, overtime paid while plowing. Mr. Gold asked what the DPW would have to do if this article was voted down, to which Mr. Mazza responded the DPW would be forced to look into rentals, which are significantly smaller. Ms. Angelides said she would be inclined to vote in favor of this article, but in the future she would like more information earlier. Mr. Gold pointed out that the Town is considering spending $50,000 for more truck, but questioned if it was truck the Town really wanted or needed. Mr. Crane stated that the DPW has always talked about getting a bigger vehicle and said capital planning didn t happen due to the out of the ordinary circumstances surrounding the need for this truck. Mr. Paul Pasterczyk joined the meeting and informed the Select Board that the Finance Committee did not support Article 5 due to concerns that this purchase did not go through capital planning. Mr. Mazza stated trucks on average last about 10 years; some do perform longer, some less. Mr. Foster mentioned that with the new DPW facility, the trucks would be better cared for than ever with the addition of indoor storage and washing, which could add to the longevity of the vehicles. He also wanted to clarify that the truck referenced in this warrant article is not being held for the Town, and it is possible that it will not be available if and when Article 5 passes. The vote was 2 in favor, 2 opposed. Mr. Crane later asked the Board to reconsider their vote regarding Article 5. Due to the amount of time required to purchase a truck

4 with a capacity equal to what was lost, he asked that the Select Board discuss approving something at Fall Town Meeting, as waiting until the spring could cost the Town two winters without a main plow. Mr. Foster moved to discuss reconsideration of Article 5. Ms. Angelides seconded the motion. Mr. Gold suggested lowering the amounts being borrowed to purchase, and offering $175,000. Mr. Foster feels purchasing this truck is the only way the Town can get a truck for this coming winter. Mr. Gold believes the Town should not purchase a truck this year, as he feels enough homework has not been done. He is concerned that $225,000 will be appropriated, and this truck will not be available. Mr. Crane believes if the truck that was quoted is not available, the Town will still be able to use the specs they have to order something to replace the truck that was lost, and they will at least have something on the way. He reminded the Select Board again that this did not go before Capital Planning because this truck is not being purchased under a normal replacement schedule. Ms. Angelides feels the Select Board is not discussing wasted money, but instead sees this as a chance to fix a problem that has been plaguing the Town every snow storm. Mr. Pasterczyk reminded the Select Board that the warrant must be signed by October 22, Mr. Crane took this chance to say that the Town should not walk away with zero trucks. He suggested the Select Board appropriate $180,000 for this purchase, speak with Mr. Geoff McAlmond to have questions answered, then, if the Select Board is satisfied with the information supplied, move to increase the motion on the floor at Town Meeting. Ms. Townsend informed the Select Board that they could only increase a motion by 10%, but could decrease by any value. Mr. Crane followed by saying the Select Board would have to speak with Mr. McAlmond before 11/6/2017, so they would know what course of action to take when entering Town Meeting. Mr. Lachiusa suggested Mr. Gold and Mr. Foster be the ones who speak with Mr. McAlmond and bring findings back to the Select Board. A vote to reconsider was 3 in favor, 1 opposed. Ms. Angelides moved to approve Article 5 and Mr. Foster seconded the motion. A vote was 3 in favor, 1 opposed by Mr. Gold. Mr. Gold moved to approve Article 6, which is to transfer funds to the operational stabilization fund. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. The vote was Mr. Foster made a motion to approve Article 7 as written. Ms. Angelides seconded the motion. Mr. Gold began a discussion by stating that he believes it is bad practice to borrow from the general fund for a new ambulance, as an ambulance fund was set up years ago specifically for the purpose of purchasing ambulances. Mr. Pasterczyk informed the Select Board that the Finance Committee did not support Article 7 due to concerns that this purchase also did not go through capital planning. Mr. Foster pointed out that there is a change in the community; residents are aging, and ambulances are coming from outside communities to satisfy the usage needs of Longmeadow residents. Chief Dearborn wanted to offer some clarification: Medic one, which is equipped with a lighter duty chassis, is in its 13th year of service. This vehicle went from an average of 210 calls two years ago, up to 460 calls last year. The ambulance they would like to acquire would be another heavy duty chassis, which would give the department two very reliable ambulances. Chief Dearborn believes with the established ambulance rates, the department would be in a position to reimburse the general fund by July of Because these vehicles take 6-8 months to purchase, waiting until Spring Town Meeting means they would not have an ambulance until next December, which would cost the department revenue. Mr. Gold made a motion to amend Article 7 to read...to replace the 2005 Medic 1 ambulance, with such funds to be repaid to the General Fund from the Ambulance Fund prior to the end of fiscal year Mr. Foster seconded the motion. The vote was 4 in favor, 0 opposed. Mr. Gold moved to approve Article 7 as amended for inclusion in the Special Fall Town Meeting warrant. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. The vote was

5 Ms. Angelides made a motion to approve Article 8 as written. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. Mr. Foster asked Chief Stankiewicz at what point the Police Department needs to replace vehicles. Chief Stankiewicz informed the Select Board that the vehicles used in Town are replaced at about 120,000 miles, although the department does have one cruiser with 132,000 miles. He explained that due to the way these vehicles are operated, 120,000 miles on a police automobile is equivalent to around 360,000 miles on a car which would normally be driven at home. Chief Stankiewicz went on to detail that due to only replacing one vehicle in FY15, the department is now paying the price. If 3 vehicles are not replaced in FY18, by FY22 four, and potentially five, vehicles will need replacing. He is hoping with the purchase of this vehicle, they can rotate out a car that has 123,000 miles. He also pointed out that when the department takes a patrol car out of commission, that car is utilized for administrative functions like traffic detail or transportation to trainings. Chief Stankiewicz also stated that he believes Ford is doing some work with making heavy duty usage hybrids for police use and the department would look into hybrid vehicles as they become available. Mr. Pasterczyk pointed out that collectively the Town has always talked about replacing 3 vehicles in this fiscal year. After checking purchase history he found the last time 3 vehicles were replaced was FY12; history looks as follows: FY12-3, FY13-2, FY14-2, FY15-1, FY16-0, FY17-2, FY18 has a budget to replace 2 vehicles. The vote was Ms. Angelides moved to approve Article 9 as written. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. The vote was Ms. Angelides moved to approve Article 10 as written. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. Mr. Gold suggested Article 9 should read cell phone rental account, not just the account. Ms. Angelides seconded Mr. Gold s amendment. The vote on the original motion was The vote to accept Article 10 as amended was Ms. Angelides moved to accept Article 11 as written. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. The vote was Ms. Angelides moved to accept Article 12 as written. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. The vote was Ms. Angelides moved to accept Article 13 as written. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. The vote was Ms. Angelides moved to accept Article 14 as written. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. The vote was Ms. Angelides moved to accept Article 15 as written. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. The vote was 3 in favor, 0 opposed. Mr. Foster did not vote as he had stepped out of the room briefly. Mr. Gold asked if Article 14 passes, if Article 15 would be necessary. Mr. Crane said they are still awaiting clarification from the Attorney General s office. Ms. Angelides moved to accept Article 16 as written. Mr. Gold seconded the motion. The vote was 3 in favor, 1 opposed. Mr. Gold asked for clarification on the intent of this article in regards to infill and under-sized lots. Mr. Crane explained that this article applies to only existing lots that, if built on appropriately, could look like lots in the rest of a neighborhood. It is hoped that this change would potentially take care of some troublesome lots in Town by making them buildable. Ultimate approval would fall to the ZBA. Mr. Crane also assured the Select Board that this situation only applies to a handful of lots in Town. Ms. Angelides moved to accept Article 17 as written. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. The vote was 3 in favor, 1 opposed.

6 Ms. Angelides moved to approve Article 18 as written. Mr. Gold seconded the motion. The vote was Ms. Angelides moved to approve Article 19 as written. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. The vote was Mr. Gold inquired if funds had to be used on the 3 intersections noted in this Article. Mr. Crane informed the Board that the MGM decision names these 3 intersections, so these are the 3 places that these funds must be used to improve. Mr. Gold made a motion to close the Fall Town Meeting Warrant. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. A vote was Mr. Gold then moved to accept the Fall Town Meeting Warrant as closed. Ms. Angelides seconded the motion. The vote was 3. FY19 Budget Calendar and Directives - Mr. Crane pointed out that beginning the fiscal year at a $585,000 deficit is not uncommon. Part of that will be relieved if MGM opens next fall or summer as anticipated. If so, the first annual payment of $275,000 from the surrounding communities agreement will be paid to the Town within 90 days of opening. Right now, that amount is a line item for debt service. We will not know this information in this budget preparation cycle; might see in FY18 or FY19. Using the full capacity of levy limit, policies ¼%. There will also be a push on department heads to explore contracted services as a means to reduce costs. Ms. Angelides inquired when during the year the Board would discuss the 5, 10, or 20 year projects. Mr. Crane informed that the 5 year plan is addressed during Capital Planning and is submitted with the Annual Plan. Ms. Angelides suggested talking about this at a different time of year. Mr. Gold mentioned that Ms. Angelides favors moving employees to non-benefited positions. He is curious if the Select Board will get a chance to sit down and say what ideas they like and what they think will work. Ms. Angelides suggested not increasing the COLA s by 2 ½%. Mr. Crane is happy to clarify his point regarding contracted services by stating to reduce both short term and long term costs. Ms. Angelides moved to accept the budget directive and calendar as amended. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. The vote was Subcommittee Reports 1. Ms. Angelides stated that Scantic Valley Regional Health Trust was still working very hard to alter plans and trying to make changes. There are fascinating things being done with the Wellness Program, fascinating changes with Diabetes care and smart phone apps. Mr. Pasterczyk mentioned that retiree rates were voted and some plans were level-funded, or had very small increases. Mr. Gold made a motion to adjourn to executive session at 9:50 p.m. for the purpose of contract negotiations for the Dwight Road Project Developer s Agreement, with the possibility of returning to open meeting. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Mr. Lachiusa yes, Mr. Gold yes, Mr. Foster yes, and Ms. Angelides - yes. Respectfully submitted, Jocelyn Sanchez Documents: Agenda October 16, 2017 Abandoned Funds Announcement Building Department Monthly Report COA Monthly Report DPW Monthly Report Library Monthly Report Fire Department Monthly Report

7 Finance Department Monthly Report Net Metering Credits FY18 Estimated Receipts Report Police Department Monthly Report Veteran Services Monthly Report Special Town Meeting Warrant Police Vehicle Narrative Ambulance Narrative DPW Truck w/plow Narrative and picture/description FY19 Budget Instructions FY19 Budget and Capital Planning Calendar FY19 Budget Sources/Uses FY19 Budget Overview Economic Development Element Narrative Correspondence: Spot Zoning Letter from Atty. Henry Cropsey Drug Free Communities Grant info from School Supt. O Shea