TOWN COUNCIL MEETING TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2015

Transcription

1 TOWN COUNCIL MEETING TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2015 A meeting of the Southbridge Town Council was held on Monday, June 1, 2015 in the Robert MacKinnon Council Chambers. Chairman Moriarty called the meeting to order at 7:04PM. AGENDA ITEM #1- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chairman Moriarty led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ITEM #2- ROLL CALL: Councilors present: CARRASCO, ESTRADA, MANNA, MORIARTY, PELOQUIN, STEEVES, VANDAL & VECCHIA. Councilor excused: CLEMENCE. AGENDA ITEM #3- CONSIDER AND ACCEPT TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MONDAY, MAY 18, 2015: A motion was made by Councilor Carrasco and seconded by Councilor Manna. VOTE BY A SHOW OF HANDS, ALL IN FAVOR. AGENDA ITEM #4- SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS: (a) General Government: Councilor Moriarty read the minutes of May 27, Councilor Manna asked to have the minutes reflect that she arrived at the meeting at 8:00pm. A meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, (b) D.P.W.: Councilor Vandal had no report. No meeting is scheduled. (c) Education and Human Services: Councilor Peloquin summarized the meeting from May 20, Full copies of minutes are available in the Town Clerk s office. No meeting is scheduled. (d) Planning and Development: Councilor Manna had no report. A meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at 6pm. (e) Protection of Persons and Property: Councilor Carrasco read the minutes of May 27, A spelling error was noted and corrected. No meeting is scheduled. (f) Town Manager Search Committee: Councilor Carrasco stated he would defer discussion until Agenda Item #7. AGENDA ITEM #5- CHAIRMAN S ANNOUNCEMENTS: -Chairman Moriarty made the following announcements- Wished early congratulations to the Southbridge High School Class of 2015 who will be graduating on Friday. SouthbridgeFest was a big success. He thanked everyone who went to the event. Money was raised for Relay for Life and through a pie in the face fundraiser that collected over $ A special thanks to Councilor Manna for her assistance with the fundraiser. AGENDA ITEM #6- TOWN MANAGER S ANNOUNCEMENTS:

2 June 1, 2015 Page 2 -Acting Town Manager Kevin Paicos did not have any announcements- AGENDA ITEM #7- SWEARING IN / PRESENTATION: a) Retirement Proclamation, Firefighter Jeffrey Langevin- by Shaun Moriarty, Chairman: Fire Chief Mark DiFronzo spoke about firefighter Jeffrey Langevin s career that started in He stated Mr. Langevin s last working day was May 27, 2015 and he provided over 35 years of dedication and service to this community. Chairman Moriarty presented firefighter Jeffrey Langevin with a Retirement Proclamation and thanked him for his service. He added that in all there was 116 years of continued service from the Langevin family at the fire department. Jeffrey Langevin thanked everyone including family and friends for their support. b) Town Manager Search Committee by committee members: Peter Iacabucci and Terry Colognesi, committee members were present. Councilor Carrasco thanked all committee members for their hard work, dedication and support through the process. Terry Colognesi stated it was an honor and privilege to be part of an important search for the town. She stated they were very excited to bring forward semi-finalists for the town manager position. Ms. Colognesi explained all councilors would receive packets of information including how to interview, written by professionals at the Collins Group. She stated there would also be sheets of questions of dos and don ts so they could be better prepared. Peter Iacabucci gave thanks for the opportunity to be on the committee. Packets were distributed. Councilor Carrasco read the names of the 3 semi-finalists for town manager including Daniel M. Knapik, Michael Embury and Ronald San Angelo. Councilor Carrasco stated interviews would be held on Thursday, June 4, 2015 at 5:30pm in an open meeting in Council Chambers. He stated all are invited; as it is open to the public and will also be aired live on Cable Access. Chairman Moriarty thanked Acting Town Manager Kevin Paicos for his lengthy service. c) Relay for Life by JoAnne Schannell: JoAnne Schannell, volunteer and event leader provided a thorough explanation of the Relay for Life and their mission. Ms. Schannell spoke about how much has been raised through the years for this fundraising event. She stated this year s Relay for Life would be held on Friday, June 12 th through Saturday, June 13 th at McMahon Field at 25 Cole Ave. Ms. Schannell stated everyone is welcome. Chairman Moriarty thanked JoAnne Schannell and Tracy and invited everyone to attend. He said it is quite the experience and once someone is diagnosed with cancer they are considered a survivor. For more information, please visit AGENDA ITEM #8- CITIZEN FORUM: Derek Lamica of 464 Dennison Drive, and Fire Union President asked about the process to have an audit done of the fire department as the police department did. Chairman Moriarty explained an audit and management study was done about 18 months ago in response to a letter from the police union that was done short in the form of a no

3 June 1, 2015 Page 3 confidence vote among other issues. Acting Town Manager Paicos stated if a letter was sent from the fire union requesting a management study it would not automatically be done. Mr. Paicos stated the Charter states it is the town manager s prerogative to initiate such a study. He stated Council is barred from participating with employee issues. Mr. Paicos added if such a request were made it would have to be looked at very carefully. Mr. Paicos stated he would likely not react in that way to a management study with that request. He stated management studies are expensive and listed the process in which council would need to vote an appropriation to fund a study at the town manager s request. Mr. Paicos stated he was shocked that this was brought up at this meeting. He explained there is a process for that and it is not for the president of the union to use citizens forum to have this discussion. He stated if this continues, he would call town labor counsel in the morning and consider filing prohibitive practice charges against the fire union. Mr. Paicos stated he hopes Mr. Lamica chooses to discontinue this discussion and he would be requesting a copy of this video. Kevin Buxton of 28 Columbus Ave spoke about the budget and offered recommendations. He said they should get their demands in as early as possible. Mr. Buxton also expressed the need to address funding retirement. AGENDA ITEM #9- VOTE TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF DANIELLE L. DIPPOLINO OF SOUTHBRIDGE AS PERMANENT, FULLTIME POLICE OFFICER FOR THE TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE EFFECTIVE UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF ALL MEDICAL AND PHYSICAL TESTING AS REQUIRED BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION, CIVIL SERVICE: A motion was made by Councilor Manna and seconded by Councilor Estrada. Acting Town Manager Paicos spoke about the 3 candidates and stated they all had extraordinary backgrounds and would make outstanding officers. Deputy Police Chief Shane Woodson spoke about Danielle Dippolino s background as well as her current role as a per diem dispatcher. He stated she could be put on the street soon and highly recommended her. VOTE BY ROLL CALL. THOSE IN FAVOR: ESTRADA, MANNA, MORIARTY, PELOQUIN, STEEVES, VANDAL, VECCHIA & CARRASCO. MOTION PASSES. AGENDA ITEM #10- VOTE TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF JORDAHN WITHERSPOON OF SOUTHBRIDGE AS PERMANENT, FULLTIME POLICE OFFICER FOR THE TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE EFFECTIVE UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF ALL MEDICAL AND PHYSICAL TESTING AS REQUIRED BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION, CIVIL SERVICE: A motion was made by Councilor Carrasco and seconded by Councilor Estrada. Deputy Woodson spoke about Jordahn Witherspoon and his background. He stated he is a great candidate that is highly recommended. VOTE BY ROLL CALL. THOSE IN FAVOR: MANNA, MORIARTY, PELOQUIN, STEEVES, VANDAL, VECCHIA, CARRASCO & ESTRADA. MOTION PASSES.

4 June 1, 2015 Page 4 AGENDA ITEM #11- VOTE TO CONFIRM THE PROVISIONAL, FULL TIME APPOINTMENT OF ERIC MCNEELEY OF SOUTHBRIDGE PENDING HIS ATTENDANCE AT THE NEXT AVAILABLE POLICE ACADEMY TRAINING: A motion was made by Councilor Manna and seconded by Councilor Peloquin. Deputy Woodson spoke about Eric McNeeley and referred to him as an outstanding great candidate that is highly recommended. Acting Town Manager Paicos stated Mr. McNeeley has shown great perseverance and is glad he hung on. VOTE BY ROLL CALL. THOSE IN FAVOR: MORIARTY, PELOQUIN, STEEVES, VANDAL, VECCHIA, CARRASCO, ESTRADA & MANNA. MOTION PASSES. AGENDA ITEM #12- VOTE TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF THE FOLLOWING NINE (9) INDIVIDUALS TO THE SOUTHBRIDGE AUXILIARY POLICE FOR A 3-YEAR TERM EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY THROUGH JUNE 30, 2018: Brody Blair, Southbridge MA Raymond Dinh, Worcester MA Erik Borgland, Southbridge MA Darren Dodge, Southbridge MA Willie Bounphasaysonh, Southbridge MA Jose DeLeon, Southbridge MA Jacob Gardner, Southbridge MA Kevin McCarthy, Southbridge MA Hector Melendez, Southbridge MA A motion was made by Councilor Manna and seconded by Councilor Peloquin. Deputy Woodson spoke about the candidates. He stated they incurred costs on their own and highly recommends them. VOTE BY ROLL CALL. THOSE IN FAVOR: PELOQUIN, STEEVES, VANDAL, VECCHIA, CARRASCO, ESTRADA, MANNA & MORIARTY. MOTION PASSES. AGENDA ITEM #13- VOTE TO TRANSFER $3, FROM TOWN COUNCIL RESERVE ACCOUNT # TO VETERANS BENEFITS ACCOUNT: A motion was made by Councilor Manna and seconded by Councilor Peloquin. Councilor Vecchia asked what this money is for. Acting Town Manager Paicos explained it is for additional claims. VOTE BY ROLL CALL. THOSE IN FAVOR: STEEVES, VANDAL, VECCHIA, CARRASCO, ESTRADA, MANNA, MORIARTY & PELOQUIN. MOTION PASSES. Councilor Carrasco made a motion to add Agenda Item #13A to discuss town manager interviews, seconded by Councilor Vecchia. VOTE BY ROLL CALL. THOSE IN FAVOR: VANDAL, VECCHIA, CARRASCO, ESTRADA, MANNA, MORIARTY, PELOQUIN & STEEVES. MOTION PASSES. Chairman Moriarty thanked The Collins Center for their work on the town manager search. He stated the 3 candidates would be interviewed on Thursday, June 4 th starting at 5:30pm for approximately 45 minutes to one hour each. Chairman Moriarty asked to develop a consensus or procedure. Discussion took place. Chairman Moriarty advised questions could be asked at random from the councilors. A suggestion was made to

5 June 1, 2015 Page 5 assign questions according to council seat numbers. Chairman Moriarty stated they must ask legally appropriate questions and follow the Open Meeting Law. Acting Town Paicos recommended the councilors review the 3 candidates resumes as it could spark additional questions. He added this is an important decision and they could learn more about the candidates. Chairman Moriarty stated they could take prepared questions and distribute them at the conclusion of the interviews. He stated that an Executive Session might be added to the agenda that evening for a selection. He stated a copy of a town manager policy would be available to review. AGENDA ITEM #14- COUNCILORS FORUM: Councilor Steeves asked for an update about the culvert project on Dresser St. Mr. Paicos provided an explanation and stated Chapter 90 funds haven t been officially released. Councilor Steeves asked when the Landfill Comparability Study would be complete. Mr. Paicos explained the difficulties to find a town to compare to our landfill. He stated they might have found one in upstate New York. Councilor Steeves stated the last day to register to vote for the Town Election is June 10 th. He spoke about voting at the local level. Councilor Vecchia asked for a copy of the breakdown of ambulance billing. He asked Mr. Paicos how long he would stay on as interim town manager. Mr. Paicos stated that is negotiable and it would depend on when the new town manager could start. Councilor Vandal asked when the landfill report would be ready. Mr. Paicos stated as he was explaining to Councilor Steeves it is difficult to get towns to return questionnaires. At this time there is no timeframe available. Councilor Vandal asked about road paving. Mr. Paicos stated $80, is slated for potholes and needs to be submitted no later than June 30 th on how to spend that money. He explained a road program is in process but there is not enough money to fix all of the roads. Councilor Estrada stated he received complaints and photos from a resident at 60 Charlton Street that is housing authority. He presented photos of broken cement or foundation that need emergency repair. Mr. Paicos stated the housing is owned by the commonwealth of Mass and is not properly funded. He stated we would take a look to see if we could repair it. Councilor Estrada also stated there are reports of bed bugs at the property. Mr. Paicos said as a town they could do something about that. He asked for the name/address and said they would get the Board of Health there and then notify the state. Councilor Vecchia sat in the audience at 8:37pm. Councilor Manna spoke to the citizens and told them they have a voice and a right to be heard if they are not happy. She said a presence could make a difference.

6 June 1, 2015 Page 6 Councilor Peloquin spoke about the revised agenda at the next School Committee meeting where there is no public input. She recommended citizens go anyway. Vice-Chairman Carrasco asked for an update on the sidewalk reconstruction. Acting Town Manager Paicos spoke about a vault that was found under the sidewalk and the actions taken to repair the ceiling of that vault. Vice-Chairman Carrasco thanked the Southbridge Elementary PTA for the opportunity to read to second graders at Reach Out and Read Day. He also thanked Sheriff Evangelidis for his plan to come to town soon with workers and remove graffiti. Chairman Moriarty provided additional information about the Relay For Life and stated it is positive for the town. AGENDA ITEM #15- DISCUSSION OF NEXT MEETING DATE MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2015 AT 7:00 PM IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS: Vice-Chairman Carrasco stated the next meeting will be held on Monday, June 15, 2015 at 7:00PM in Council Chambers in the Town Hall. AGENDA ITEM #16- ADJOURNMENT: A motion to adjourn was made by Councilor Manna and seconded by Councilor Carrasco. VOTE BY A SHOW OF HANDS, ALL IN FAVOR. Meeting adjourned at 8:47PM. Respectfully Submitted, Stacey L. Renaud Recording Clerk