HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 6/3/2020Select Board Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2020
Present: The members of the Select Board all participated remotely via using GoToWebinar: Mr. Jess Aptowitz,
Chairman; Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Vice -Chair; Mr. Neil Rhein, Clerk; Mr. Frank DelVecchipiand Mr. Steve
Schoonveld. Mr. Kevin Dumas, Town Manager and Mr. Barry LaCasse, Assistant Town Managers/Finance Director Mr.
Paul DeRensis, Town Counsel also participated using the GoToWebinar.
1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting - Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Aptowitz called the meeting to order at S:OOPM. 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. Chairman Aptowitz read a statement and
provided an email address and phone number to those watching directing residents to send their questions in, and
they would receive a response within twenty four hours.
2. COVID-19 Update
Chief Desrosiers and Ms. Amy Donovan -Palmer, Health Agent were both present. Chief Desrosiers had a short update
and noted that as of May 22, 2020 there had been only two positive cases and that the State numbers have also
declined. Ms. Palmer stated that the State is getting ready for Phase II which will be driven by the data not by a
calendar date. She highlighted that in this phase restaurants will allowed to open for outdoor seating. She has been
updating the health's website with information and includes links to the State's website which has very specific
guidelines and information of what needs to get done for businesses to reopen.
3. Discussion of Town Meeting Plan and Logistics
Mr. Dumas presented options for Town Meeting and confirmed that it was important that Town Meeting happen
outdoors. The options were the High School parking lot, Xfinity Center parking lot or the Xfinity Center with a drive-
in setup where voters stay in their cars. He stated that Xfinity Center is the preferred location as there is plenty of
room for cars. He stated at the Xfinity Center it could be set up as a drive in option and voters could stay in their cars
or set up chairs in the parking lot with a stage. Mr. Dumas stated that he would be planning a "Pre -Town Meeting"
virtual meeting to go through the budget and give an extra opportunity for questions and discussion of articles. The
Board asked some questions and shared their thoughts and concerns, but agreed the Xfinity Center outdoors in
chairs was the best plan.
Motion: To hold Town Meeting at Xfinity Center parking lot outside of cars at 513M. (Schoonveld/Rhein)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes, DelVecchio—Yes, Trowbridge — Yes, Schoonveld—Yes, Aptowitz — Yes
Passes 5:0
4. Public Hearing In Accordance With The Provisions Of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 82 Section 22, By
The Select Board Of Their Intent To Lay Out A Town Way The Following Street As A Public Way On June 3,
2020 At 5:30pm For A Partial Section Of Benefit Street
Mr. Rhein read the public notice for the record.
Motion: To open the public hearing at 5:36PM. (Rhein/Schoonveld)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes, DelVecchio—Yes, Trowbridge —Abstaining, Schoonveld—Yes, Aptowitz — Yes
Passes 5:0
Chairman Aptowitz asked if any of the Select Board members had any questions. There were none. He then
opened the discussion up for the public to ask any questions to which there were none.
Motion: To close the public hearing. (Rhein/DelVecchio)
Roll Call Vote:
Select Board Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2020
Rhein -Yes, DelVecchio — Yes, Trowbridge — Abstaining, Schoonveld — Yes, Aptowitz — Yes
Passes 5:0
Mr. Rhein commented to make it publically known that Mr. Shaun Burke, Planning Director did provide his
recommendation to the Board to approve this.
Motion: To approve a partial section of Benefit Street as a Public Way. (Rhein/Schoonveld)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes, DelVecchio—Yes, Trowbridge — Abstaining, Schoonveld — Yes, Aptowitz — Yes
Passes 5:0
S. Discussion of PFAS (Perfluoroalky and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
Mr. Lee Azinheira was present to provide an update to the Board and the members of the public. He stated some of
the information was technical and that there would be a notice posted on the website with greater detail for
residents to read. He stated through voluntary testing the Town found the presence of PFAS in the water supply at
Cate Springs Water Treatment Plant. The traces of PFAS were below the standard set by the EPA, but above the
current health guidelines from MassDEP. Mr. Azinheira explained what PFAS was and where they are often found. He
stated that samples collected at the Cate Spring Water Treatment Plant for well #1 on April 14, 2020 for the finished
water showed a total combined concentration of 21.9 parts per trillion. These results are above the updated
MassDEP 20 parts per trillion guideline. Upon receiving these results another sample was immediately collected on
May 6, 2020 and Cate Springs WTP was taken out of service. Since that date, the Cate Springs WTP has only been
used for emergencies. The results of samples collected on May 6ch showed a total of 22.6 parts per trillion. He stated
that there are six wells in Town and all of them tested below the standards except Cate Springs. Mr. Azinheira then
stated what the next steps are for the Mansfield Water Division to take to work towards reducing the amount of
PFAS in the water. Mr. Dumas added that it is not mandatory testing, but the Town had opted to test it and the
numbers are only slightly above the 20 parts per trillion guidelines in one well.
Mr. Trowbridge asked what the cost associated with removing PFAS was and if the State was offering any grants. Mr.
Azinheira answered that there are grants that the Town is applying for and added that there may be low interest
loans available to help with the costs of any treatment that is needed. Mr. Azinheira estimated that it will be around
$1-3 million, but at this time it is too early to put a cost on it. Mr. Trowbridge was happy to hear that the Town was
working on this item ahead of time. Mr. Rhein asked what the PFSAS adverse human effects were and Mr. Azinheira
answered he was not a medical expert and residents should consult with their medical doctor and research the
material that will be provided.
6. Consideration of Application for Temporary Extension of Premises for Patio and Outdoor Areas and Approval
Process
Mr. Dumas provide a summary to the Board stating that the ABCC has allowed for the temporary extension of
alcohol licenses to expand to outdoor areas for on premises consumption of alcohol. He was asking the Board to
approve a drafted application and allow him to approve the applications so businesses can open as quickly as
possible. Chairman Aptowitz agreed that it would be easier for Mr. Dumas to approve these and not make a business
wait for the next available Select Board meeting. Mr. Rhein asked where the businesses were allowed to do the
outdoor seating and Mr. Dumas answered that it was for only on their property not on Town property.
Motion: To approve the application for Temporary Extension of Premises for Patio and Outdoor Areas with the
additional item to confirm that the applicant has abided by the COVID-19 restrictions and allow the Town Manager
to approve the applications that are submitted for consideration. (Rhein/Schoonveld)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes, DelVecchio—Yes, Trowbridge — Yes, Schoonveld—Yes, Aptowitz — Yes
Passes 5:0
Select Board Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2020
7. Discussion of CARES Act and FEMA
Mr. Matt Violette was present for this agenda item and provided information on the CARES Act stating that the
Town qualified for 2.1 million dollars for necessary unbudgeted expenditures due to COVID-19. The expectation was
that this will make the Town whole after the FEMA reimbursements. He added that FEMA reimburses seventy five
percent and the CARES Act should cover the other twenty five percent. The CARES Act would also cover expenses
that FEMA would not reimburse for. The Select Board asked a few additional questions of Mr. Violette.
8. Budget Update for FY20 and FY21
Mr. LaCasse provided an update to the Board with a summary of the FY20 budget and the FY21 budget. He went
through spreadsheets and provided a detail summary of the FY20 budget compared to the FY21 budget for the Board
to see a dollar change and percent change. In conclusion he stated that the FY21 budget is 1.5% higher than that of
FY20. Chairman Aptowitz stated that next Wednesday was a Budget meeting where this information could be
reviewed in greater detail and Mr. Dumas confirmed that all departments will be present to answer any questions.
Mr. Trowbridge asked if this has been shared with the Finance Committee and Mr. LaCasse confirmed it had and he
would be attending their meeting tomorrow. Mr. Schoonveld asked about the two week holiday of premiums from
MIAA for benefits. Mr. LaCasse explained that due to the decrease in participants going to the doctor during COVID
there is money being given back to the Town and that money will be used for two pay periods in FY21 where the
employee and employer will have a zero contribution to health insurance.
9. Continued Discussion on Proposed COVID Financial Policy
Chairman Aptowitz asked if the Board had anything they wanted to discuss and regards to this policy. Mr.
Schoonveld stated that Ms. Walsh from the Finance Committee was present on the webinar to make a few
comments as the author of the policy. Chairman Aptowitz asked if she wanted to speak and she began by stating
that the policy was created as a roadmap and to provide clarification on paying back the funds in a balanced method
if the Town were to receive funds back from the State when rebalancing the budget in the fall. The Select Board
members made some comments to which Ms. Walsh responded emphasizing that it was meant to be a collaborative
document and that it could be a guideline instead of a policy. Chairman Aptowitz asked for this to be as part of the
next consensus meeting and Mr. Trowbridge noted that he did not think the School Committee would be at that
next meeting.
10. Resident Questions and Comments
Mr. Peter Wiggins from Norton was present and asked if the library would be opening in Phase II and Mr. Dumas
answered that the library was not going to be open yet.
11. 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) Approval of Select Board Meeting Minutes for:
• May 6, 2020
b) Vote To Approve Warrants:
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 20048T in the amount of $404,294.39
• Electric Vendor Warrant No. 20048E in the amount of $55,436.38
• School Vendor Warrant No. 200485 in the amount of $301,039.63
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 20049T in the amount of $466,762.46
• Electric Vendor Warrant No. 20049E in the amount of $31,943.47
c) Permits and License:
Motion: To approve the consent agenda and remove the meeting minutes of May 6, 2020. (Rhein/Schoonveld)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes, DelVecchio—Yes, Trowbridge — Yes, Schoonveld—Yes, Aptowitz — Yes
Select Board Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2020
Passes 5:0
12. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants:
• Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 20048PT in the amount of $368,806.57
Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 20048PT in the amount of $368,806.57. (Rhein/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes, DelVecchio—Yes, Trowbridge — Yes, Schoonveld—Yes, Aptowitz— Abstain
Passes 4:0:1
• Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 20048TV in the amount of $116,558.45
Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 20048TV in the amount of $116,558.45. (Rhein/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes, DelVecchio — Yes, Trowbridge — Yes, Schoonveld—Yes, Aptowitz — Yes
Passes 5:0
• School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 20048PS in the amount of $2,004,739.20
Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 20048PS in the amount of $2,004,739.20.
(Rhein/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes, DelVecchio—Yes, Trowbridge —Abstain, Schoonveld—Yes, Aptowitz — Yes
Passes 4:0:1
• School Deductions Vendor Payroll 20048SV in the amount of $589,256.67
Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 20048SV in the amount of $589,256.67. (Rhein/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes, DelVecchio—Yes, Trowbridge — Yes, Schoonveld — Yes, Aptowitz — Yes
Passes 5:0
• Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 20049PT in the amount of $409,841.74
Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 20049PT in the amount of $409,841.74. (Rhein/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes, DelVecchio—Yes, Trowbridge — Yes, Schoonveld—Yes, Aptowitz —Abstain
Passes 4:0:1
• Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 20049TV in the amount of $130,571.42
Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 20049TV in the amount of $130,571.42. (Rhein/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes, DelVecchio—Yes, Trowbridge — Yes, Schoonveld — Yes, Aptowitz — Yes
Passes 5:0
13. Correspondence
Mr. Dumas read an email that was received on June 2, 2020 from Xenia Smith in regards to anti -racist Initiatives in
Mansfield.
14. Town Manager's Report
Mr. Dumas provided an update to the Board on several items beginning with additional employees returning to the
building for work, the Chief Assessors interviews, the influx of absentee ballot applications and the construction at
Fairfield Park. He also updated the Board that Parks and Recreation have taken over the Community Gardens on
Essex Street.
15. Select Board Member's Questions and Comments
Mr. Rhein suggested that the Board meet more frequently because the meetings are rushed. Chairman Aptowitz
stated that there may be additional meetings added as he has discussed with Mr. Dumas and tonight that Planning
Board has hearings starting at 713M.
Select Board Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2020
Mr. Schoonveld stated that he had a proposal to support downtown restaurants and suggested that the Town may
be able to give back the meals tax that they have earned this past month to help. He believed that this may help
the businesses thrive and encourage them to open fully. He asked the Board to think about and discuss it further at
the next meeting.
Mr. Trowbridge, Mr. DelVecchio and Chairman Aptowitz did not have any comments or questions.
16. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting
Chairman Aptowitz stated that there was an item that came up today and Mr. Dumas explained that the Xfinity
Center will not likely have a 2020 concert season and they are hoping to have other events such as drive-in movies,
food truck festivals, restaurant nights, farmers markets, flea markets and beer gardens or other similar events. Mr.
Trowbridge stated that he wanted to do anything the Board could do to help the Xfinity Center and the people who
have summer jobs at the facility. He asked if they still would have each event routed through the different Town Hall
Departments. Mr. Dumas confirmed it would still be routed to ensure safety. Mr. Schoonveld agreed that the large
events needed to have Public Safety review closely.
Motion: To approve the special events application for the Xfinity Center. (Schoonveld/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes, DelVecchio—Yes, Trowbridge — Aye, Schoonveld—Yes, Aptowitz — Yes
Passes 5:0
17. Adjourn
Motion: To adjourn the Select Board Meeting of June 3, 2020 at 6:4613M. (Schoonveld/DelVecchio)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes, DelVecchio—Yes,
Passes 5:0
49
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g ature
Trowbridge — Yes, Schoonveld — Yes, Aptowitz — Yes
Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne
Select Board Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2020