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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 7/1/20Select Board Meeting Minutes July 1, 2020 Present: The members of the Select Board all participated remotely via using GoToWebinar: Mr. Frank DelVecchio, Chairman; Mr. Neil Rhein, Vice -Chair; Mr. Jess Aptowitz, Clerk; Mr. Michael Trowbridge apd Mr. teve Schoonveld. Mr. Kevin Dumas, Town Manager and Mr. Barry LaCasse, Assistant Town Manager/Finance.Direpw{ee also . present via GoToWebinar. ��� 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting - Pledge of Allegiance Mr. Kevin Dumas called the meeting to order at S:OOPM because the Board needed to reorganizer He then asked those present to state the Pledge of Allegiance. He reminded everyone that the meeting was being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. The public was not allowed to be present in Town Hall. Mr. Dumas read a statement and provided an email address and phone number to those watching directing residents to send their questions in. 2. Reorganization of the Select Board Mr. Dumas asked the Board for nominations for the Chair of the Select Board. Mr. Aptowitz nominated Mr. DelVecchio and Mr. Trowbridge seconded the nomination. There was no discussion. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rhein —Aye Mr. DelVecchio—Aye Mr. Aptowitz - Aye Mr. Trowbridge —Aye Mr. Schoonveld -Aye Passes 5:0 Chairman DelVecchio asked for nominations of Vice -Chair. Mr. Trowbridge nominated Mr. Rhein. There were no other nominations and no further discussion. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rhein —Yes Mr. DelVecchio—Yes Mr. Aptowitz -AYe Mr. Trowbridge —Yes Mr. Schoonveld - Yes Passes 5:0 Chairman DelVecchio asked for nominations for Clerk. Mr. Trowbridge nominated Mr. Schoonveld, but he declined. Mr. Trowbridge then nominated Mr. Aptowitz as Clerk. There were no further nominations or discussion. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rhein —Yes Mr. DelVecchio—Yes Mr. Aptowitz - Yes Mr. Trowbridge —Yes Mr. Schoonveld - Yes Passes 5:0 Chairman DelVecchio asked for nominations for Chair of the Board of Light Commissioners. Mr. Trowbridge nominated Mr. Aptowitz. There were no further nominations or discussion. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rhein —Aye Mr. DelVecchio—Yes Mr. Aptowitz - Aye Mr. Trowbridge — Yes Mr. Schoonveld -Yes Passes 5:0 Chairman DelVecchio asked for nominations for Vice -Chair of the Board of Light Commissioners. Mr. Aptowitz nominated Mr. Trowbridge. There were no further nominations or discussion. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rhein —Yes Mr. DelVecchio—Yes Mr. Aptowitz - Yes Mr. Trowbridge —Yes Mr. Schoonveld-Yes Passes 5:0 Select Board Meeting Minutes July 1, 2020 Chairman DelVecchio asked for nominations for Clerk of the Board of Light Commissioners. Mr. Trowbridge nominated Mr. Rhein. There were no further nominations or discussion. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rhein —Yes Mr. DelVecchio—Yes Mr. Aptowitz - Aye Mr. Trowbridge —Yes Mr.Schoonveld - Yes Passes 5:0 Chairman DelVecchio commented that assignments to subcommittees was not something he had considered and asked if it should be placed on a future agenda. Mr. Schoonveld asked if the Chair could take recommendations from Board members to better coordinate with interests. Chairman DelVecchio asked if the members liked the committees they are currently working on and Mr. Schoonveld stated that he wanted to continue on the Trash/Recycling Committee and that he wanted to create a committee to focus on Town Meeting attendance. Chairman DelVecchio also noted the need for a human rights, diversity and opportunity. Mr. Schoonveld stated he had the same note and the Town needed possibly a Diversity Officer or similar. 3. Resident Questions and Comments Mr. Dumas read an email from Gretchen Young a resident at 148 Central Street. 4. Presentation from Penta Communications Ms. Debra Penta was present and provided an update on the marketing program that has been developed by Penta Communications for Discover Mansfield brand. She provided an overview of what has happened in Phase I and what is planned for Phase II. The Select Board then asked a few questions and thanked her for the hard work. S. Discussion and Consideration of FY21 Water and Sewer Rates Mr. Lee Azinheira was present and he introduced Mr. David Fox from Raftelis. Mr. Fox provided a presentation and stated that there has been a reduction in consumption over the past several years and even more of a reduction with COVID19 which was being seen in communities throughout the state mainly due to the loss of many businesses not being opened or working in a reduced capacity. In conclusion Mr. Fox made the recommendation to the Board to keep sewer rates the same and a five percent increase to water rates for FY21. He stated that if the Board did not approve an increase of five percent it was highly likely that the water retained earnings would be negative by next year and he could not recommended anything less than five percent because of his fiduciary responsibility as a consultant. He stated that the average residential customer would see a combined water and sewer bill increase of about $4.75 per quarter or $1.58 per month. The Select Board then asked a few questions and made comments. Motion: To increase the water rates by five percent effective July 2, 2020. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rhein —Yes Mr. Trowbridge — Yes Passes 4:0:1 Mr.DelVecchio —Yes Mr.Aptowitz- Abstain Mr. Schoonveld —Yes 6. Execution of Order of Taking Regarding Acceptance of Benefit Street (Partial Section) as a Public Way Motion: To sign the Order of Taking Regarding Acceptance of Benefit Street (Partial Section) as a Public Way. (Aptowitz/Schoo nve Id) Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rhein —Yes Mr. Trowbridge —Abstain Passes 4:0:1 Mr. DelVecchio—Yes Mr. Aptowitz - Yes Mr. Schoonveld —Yes 7. 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 Select Board Meeting Minutes July 1, 2020 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 Select Board Meeting Minutes for: • May 6, 2020 • May 14, 2020 • June 11, 2020 • June 18, 2020 • June 22, 2020 b) Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 20052T in the amount of $302,808.32 • School Vendor Warrant No. 200525 in the amount of $556,811.01 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 20052E in the amount of $54,926.61 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 20053T in the amount of $274,220.53 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 20053E in the amount of $78,244.59 c) Permits and License: • Consideration of Hands -On Montessori School Lease Renewal for July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021 d) Proclamations Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Mr. Schoonveld asked a question in regards to the Memo of Understanding and if was a vote to table the item or a vote to approve it. Chairman DelVecchio asked Ms. Champagne to look back and figure that out. Mr. Schoonveld then asked if there was anything different with the lease renewal for the Hands -On Montessori School and Mr. Dumas answered that it was the same as last year. Mr. Trowbridge noted that he would be abstaining from that vote. Mr. Schoonveld stated that he would ask that the Clerk amend the motion to take out the lease so Mr. Trowbridge can vote on the other items. Amended Motion: To remove the Hands -On Montessori Lease from the consent agenda. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rhein —Yes Mr. DelVecchio—Yes Mr. Aptowitz -Yes Mr.Trowbridge— Abstain Mr. Schoonveld—Yes Passes 4:0:1 Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rhein —Yes Mr. DelVecchio—Yes Mr. Aptowitz - Yes Mr. Trowbridge —Yes Mr. Schoonveld - Yes Passes 5:0 Motion: To approve the Hands -On Montessori School Lease. (Schoonveld/Rhein) Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rhein —Yes Mr. DelVecchio—Yes Mr. Aptowitz -Yes Mr. Trowbridge —Abstain Mr. Schoonveld - Yes Passes 4:0:1 8. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 20052PT in the amount of $477,372.61 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 20052PT in the amount of $477,372.61. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge ) Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rhein —Yes Mr. DelVecchio — Yes Mr.Aptowitz- Abstin Select Board Meeting Minutes July 1, 2020 Mr. Trowbridge — Yes Mr.Schoonveld —Yes Passes 4:0:1 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 20052TV in the amount of $150,098.67 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 20052TV in the amount of $150,098.67. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rhein —Yes Mr. DelVecchio—Yes Mr. Aptowitz -Yes Mr. Trowbridge —Yes Mr.Schoonveld —Yes Passes 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 20052PS in the amount of $1,350,796.57 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 20052PS in the amount of $1,350,796.57. (Aptowitz/Trowb ridge) Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rhein —Yes Mr. DelVecchio—Yes Mr. Aptowitz - Yes Mr.Trowbridge— Abstain Mr.Schoonveld —Yes Passes 4:0:1 • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 20052SV in the amount of $396,422.66 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 20052SV in the amount of $396,422.66. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge ) Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rhein —Yes Mr. DelVecchio—Yes Mr. Aptowitz - Yes Mr. Trowbridge —Yes Mr.Schoonveld —Yes Passes 5:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 20053PT in the amount of $409,130.89 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 20053PT in the amount of $409,130.89. (Aptowitz/Trowb ridge) Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rhein —Yes Mr. DelVecchio—Yes Mr.Aptowitz—Abstain Mr. Trowbridge — Yes Mr.Schoonveld —Yes Passes 4:0:1 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 20053TV in the amount of $126,841.53 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 20053TV in the amount of $126,841.53. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rhein —Aye Mr. DelVecchio—Yes Mr. Aptowitz - Aye Mr. Trowbridge —Yes Mr.Schoonveld - Yes Passes 5:0 9. Correspondence • Notification from Verizon of Programming Change • Letter from Xfinity of Changes to Channel Lineups and Packages Mr. Aptowitz read a summary of the above correspondence items. 10. Town Manager's Report • Town Meeting After Action Review • Mass DOT Shared Streets Initiative • Other Miscellaneous Items Mr. Dumas began the Town Manager's Report thanking everyone who was involved and attended for a great Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Dumas then stated that he would be reviewing the Mass DOT shared streets Initiative and will be meeting with a contractor in preparation for the Downtown Committee meeting as well as setting up a gift account Select Board Meeting Minutes July 1, 2020 'for creating a play structure train for children in the park on Old Colony. He stated that his office has been working on the insurance plans for FY21 and he noted that there is a staff meeting for tomorrow to wrap up FY20. 11. Select Board Member's Questions and Comments Mr. Schoonveld commented that it was an excellent Town Meeting and enjoyed when the generator failed so that he could talk with those sitting around him as it was something he has not done in a long time. Mr. Schoonveld stated there were 306 people or more there in attendance and it was well done. Mr. Schoonveld asked if the parkettes item would be signed off on before his vacation and Mr. Dumas noted that it would be on going and the first step was meeting with the contractor tomorrow and discussing at the next Downtown Committee meeting and Mr. LaCasse will provide and update at the next Board meeting. Mr. Schoonveld then stated at Town Meeting the Superintendent noted that all non -union salaries had been frozen and if the Town had done the same. Mr. Dumas answered that there are no new increases in FY21 unless it had been negotiated previously. Mr. Dumas noted that there were a few employees that had retro amounts that go back to the beginning of FY20. Mr. Schoonveld stated that the School Committee is not giving the Superintendent a raise and asked if he was foregoing his $20,000 increase that was to go in effect on July 1. Mr. Dumas answered that anything that was previously negotiated would go into effect. Mr. Aptowitz congratulated Mr. DelVecchio for his win in the election and all those that were on the ballot because it takes a lot to put your name out there and volunteer for the Town. He then stated that the evaluation process was started for Mr. Sollecito and needs to be finished. Mr. Schoonveld added on that the Town Manager's review is six months late and needs to be completed. Chairman DelVecchio questioned it being six months late and Mr. Dumas added that he thought it was agreed to change it to be consistent with the fiscal year. The Board agreed to start the process now. Mr. Aptowitz asked if any meetings could be started back in person at Town Hall and Mr. Dumas answered that he would like to have a discussion with the Health Agent, but did not have a date for that to happen. Lastly, he stated that as the Chair he was on the COVID Task Force and as of now it should be the new Chair. Chairman DelVecchio stated he would speak with Mr. Dumas about that. Mr. Rhein congratulated everyone who won the election yesterday and thanked the election workers. Mr. Rhein stated there was a high turnout of voters partly due to absentee ballots. Mr. Rhein then updated the Board that there was a meeting with the Town Manager and DPW and the trail hazards have been cleared. He stated the work near the bike path looked great. He then asked for a future agenda item of the fire and police station reuses. He also recommended that the Board members listen to the recording from MMA on Downtown Businesses. Lastly, Mr. Rhein stated the weeds along route 106 make it difficult to pull out of the subdivisions safely and that this was his annual request to get the weeds wacked. Mr. Trowbridge asked Mr. Dumas of an expected opening date of the library and Mr. Dumas answered that he discussed this with the Health Agent and the services are being provided curbside and there is not a date set for public buildings to open to the public. Mr. Trowbridge noted that trash pickup is normal this week with the July 4th holiday. He then asked for an update on the parking lot by Mansfield Bank and Mr. Dumas answered it was under construction and electric work that needs to be done. Mr. Schoonveld then asked if Mr. Dumas could shed light on why the parking lot at Town Hall was so urgently completed and Mr. Dumas answered that it was an old capital project and since the crews were in Town close by and the building is closed and get it done while the parking lot is not being used. Mr. Trowbridge congratulated Chief Sellon for being recognized in the publication by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He thanked Mr. Aptowitz for his role of Chair for the last year. Chairman DelVecchio asked about the advertisement of the Planning Board position with Don Clearly leaving. Mr. Dumas commented that he will follow up on that. Chairman DelVecchio noted the next meeting is July 15 and commented that it may be necessary to add a separate meeting for goals and objectives. Chairman DelVecchio thanked the Board for the nomination as Chair and commented that the Board needs to work together as a team to get things accomplished and be efficient and effective with the items of the Master Plan, Police and Fire station reuses. Select Board Meeting Minutes July 1, 2020 12. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 13. Enter into Executive Session and Not Return to Open Session under Exemption No. 3, M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21- • To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares Motion: To Enter into Executive Session and Not Return to Open Session under Exemption No. 3, M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21-To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declare at 7:15PM. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld) Roll Call Vote: Mr. Rhein —Yes Mr.DelVecchio —Yes Mr. Aptowitz - Yes Mr. Trowbridge — Yes Mr. Schoonveld - Yes Passes 5:0 ^inat Date Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Select Board Meeting Minutes July 1, 2020