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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 10/21/2020Select Board Meeting Minutes October 21, 2020 Present: The members of the Select Board were present in meeting room 3 A/B. Mr. Frank DelVecchio, Chairman; Mr. Neil Rhein, Vice -Chair; Mr. Jess Aptowitz, Clerk; Mr. Michael Trowbridge and Mr. Steve Schoonveld, Mr.IEgvin Dumas, Town L Manager and Mr. Barry LaCasse, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director were also present. i`'irp 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance nj 11: 2 1 Chairman DelVecchio called the meeting to order at 5:33PM. 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, Chairman DelVecchio read a statement and provided an email address and phone number to those watchingAirettlWg residents to send their questions in, and they would receive a response within twenty-four hours. 2. Recognition Awards Representatives Jay Barrows and Elizabeth Poirier were present to honor former Fire Chief Neal Bold righin! on his retirement and his thirty years of service. They both shared stories and congratulated him on everything he has done for the Town of Mansfield. Representative Poirier also read a proclamation and presented it to Chief Boldrighini. Chairman DelVecchio also presented him with a plaque from the Select Board and members of the Board also thanked him and congratulated him. 3. Public Hearing— Consideration of Quorum Reduction for Annual Town Meeting In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2020 of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, notice is hereby given by the Town of Mansfield Select Board of the Board's intention to consider an adjustment to the quorum requirement of the Special Town Meeting and any other town meeting during the pendency of the Governor's State of Emergency. Mr. Aptowitz read the public hearing notice for the record. Motion: To open the public hearing. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 There was no one from the public who wished to speak on this item from the webinar or from the phone. Motion: To close the public hearing. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 Motion: To reduce the quorum from 200 registered voters to 100 registered voters for the Special Town Meeting and any other town meeting during the time period when the Governors Declaration of Emergency is in effect and in consultation and with the approval of the Town Moderator. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Mr. Schoonveld asked if this was a blanket approval for all Town Meetings held during the State of Emergency and Mr. Dumas answered that it was part of the legislation and it was not a blanket approval. Mr. Schoonveld then asked what was planned for Town Meeting. Mr. Dumas stated this was an insurance policy to help us ensure that we can conduct the business on the warrant which include budget adjustments, appropriations and request for authorization to deal with PFAS, well distribution improvements and vehicles needed for the Highway and Water Department. Passes 4:1(Schoonveld — No) 4. Town Managers Report • DPW Construction Update • STM Warrant • Complete Streets Grant Award • MIIA Retiree Health Insurance Rates • Miscellaneous Update Mr. Dumas updated the Board on COVID cases and how the weekly numbers are calculated, but as of tonight the Town of Mansfield is at 25 which is the higher end of the yellow zone. He then reviewed the constructions projects and paving update from DPW and notifications from the Water Department. He updated the Board on reLeaf, Complete Streets Grant for $368,000 and MIIA Retiree Health Insurance Rates no increase in the MedEx plan and Senior Blue Plan will only have a 0.89 percent increase which is helpful for the budget. Mr. Dumas then gave an update from the Town Clerk's office on the election. Lastly, he provided an update from HR on employee travel. Select Board Meeting Minutes October 21, 2020 S. Resident Questions and Comments Mr. Peter Wiggins addressed the Board via GoToWebinar stating that the Town looks very beautiful with all the leaves changing color. Mr. DelVecchio agreed with him that everyone looks nice here in Mansfield and Norton too. 6. Discussion of updated Parking Study- Nelson Nygaard Mr. Dumas updated the Board on the changes that he has made to the study by Nelson Nygaard. The biggest change is that parking is going from two hours to four hours on North Main. The Board asked some questions and had some discussion. Mr. Dumas also noted that they are pricing out the way finding signs to direct people to parking lots. Mr. Schoonveld was concerned that the public has not weighed in on this, nor have the business owners. Mr. Schoonveld wanted the residents living in the area that the parking effects to receive a copy of the document and the business owners. He also thought that maybe the Downtown Business Association may be able to assist in getting the feedback. Mr. Trowbridge wanted to get this implemented soon because it has been talked about for so long. Mr. Rhein stated that he was ready to more ahead with adopting and implementing and agreed with Mr. Dumas that if something doesn't work the Board can revisit and change what is necessary. Mr. Dumas also stated that there was a learning process needed for the employees of Downtown who are currently parking on North Main to have them park elsewhere to leave on street parking for those customers going to the businesses. Mr. Aptowitz commented that the Downtown is a difficult area and it was necessary to implement this and if changes are needed they can be made later. Mr. Trowbridge also agreed and knows that changes will need to be made. Mr. DelVecchio stated that it has taken longer because of COVID but it was good to get a little more input abut we hired a firm with expertise and should take the recommendations from them. There were no additional changes from the Board before asking for public comment. Motion: To support the Nelson Nygaard Parking Study as presented. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 7. Discussion and Consideration of Class I Dealer License for Jon -Ed Motor Cars, LLC Mr. Edward Kardon and Attorney Kevin Reilly were present via GoToWebinar seeking approval for a Class I Dealer License for 1 Chauncy Street. Mr. Reilly stated that they were purchasing the dealership from McGovern Buick and GMC but it is the same ownership of the Jeep dealership in Mansfield. Mr. Trowbridge asked the employees use the cross walk to cross the street as it is a busy section of road in that area. Motion: To approve the Class I Dealer License for Jon -Ed Motor Cars, LLC dba Station Buick GMC pending routing through Town Hall Departments and Public Safety. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 8. Discussion and Consideration of Special Events Application for Car Show at 885 South Main Street This item was passed over and will be on the November 4, 2020 meeting agenda. 9. Discussion and Consideration to Extend Water Restrictions Mr. Dumas stated there is a request from Kurt Gaffney, Water Operations Manager for the Board to approve to extend water restrictions due to the drought status. Mr. Dumas added that it will take months to recharge the ground water. Residents may request a waiver if they are planting new grass. Mr. Schoonveld stated that he had to do this and the approval was taped to his door and the application is available online. Motion: To extend water restrictions in Mansfield until the present Level 3 critical drought status for the Southeast Region is lifted. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 10. Discussion and Consideration of FY21 Goals and Objectives Mr. DelVecchio stated that asked for this to be on the agenda so that it Is not forgotten. He thanked Mr. Rhein for editing the list to be a one page. 11. Discussion and Consideration of Non -Profit Gift Fund Recommendations for 2020 Grants Mr. Aptowitz read the list of grants that were approved totaling $23,202.00. Motion: To approve the Non -Profit Gift Fund Recommendations for 2020 Grants. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 Select Board Meeting Minutes October 21, 2020 12. Consideration to Approve 2021 Special Town Meeting Warrant Mr. Lkasse went through the nineteen items that were on the warrant. Motion: To approve and sign the 2021 Special Town Meeting Warrant as presently prepared, and to allow the Town Manager to make any necessary, corrective or non -substantive changes thereto at the recommendation of Town Counsel. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 13. Continued Discussion and Consideration to Adopt Select Board Policy on Conduct Motion: To approve the Select Board Policy on Conduct as presented. (Trowbridge/Aptowitz) Mr. Trowbridge stated that he had not received any feedback from Mr. Schoonveld like it was mentioned at the last meeting and therefore suggested approving his motion. Mr. Schoonveld stated that he was able to make some edits last night and discussed them with Mr. Rhein this afternoon. Mr. DelVecchio stated that he received the email at 4:1913M. Mr. Rhein stated the changes were reasonable and recommend that the entire Board reviews the document and further discuss at the next meeting and vote. Mr. Schoonveld stated that he tried to make it look professional and also added a statement of values. Mr. Trowbridge stated that this was sent to the Board in June from Mr. DeRensis and the changes did not come until right before the meeting to the Chair and no one else has seen them. Mr. Schoonveld stated that he may of missed it but the document was not sent to everyone until two weeks ago. Mr. Trowbridge stated that it could be approved tonight and amended as time goes on like it was suggested above for the parking study. He also was upset that it was not sent to him and Mr. Rhein. Mr. Schoonveld stated that he did not mean to wait for the last minute, but would ask that the vote be delayed so that it's a unified vote. Passes 3:2 (Schoonveld and Rhein No) 14. 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: • October 7, 2020 b) Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 21015T in the amount of $6,430,064.86 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 21015E in the amount of $424,800.47 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 21015S in the amount of $345,293.19 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 21016T in the amount of $116,317.83 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 21016E in the amount of $83,713.56 c) Permits and License: • Consideration of 2020 Water Installers License for Macura Excavating, LLC • Consideration of 2020 Water Installers License for J & T Excavating, Co • Consideration of 2020 Water Installers License for W. Walsh Company, Inc. • Consideration of 2020 Drainlayers Installers License for H & M Excavating Inc. • Consideration of 2020 Drainlayers Installers License for Alltech Building Systems, Inc. Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 15. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 21015PT in the amount of $400,158.35 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 21015PT in the amount of $400,158.35. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Passes 3:1:1 (Aptowitz-Abstain, Schoonveld-No) • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21015TV in the amount of $125,027.68 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21015TV in the amount of $125,027.68. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 21015PS in the amount of $1,674,796.22 Select Board Meeting Minutes October 21, 2020 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 21015PS in the amount of $1,674,796.22. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Passes 4:1(Trowbridge-Abstain) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 21015SV in the amount of $523,156.57 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 21015SV in the amount of $523,156.57. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 21016PT in the amount of $409,107.21 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 21016PT in the amount of $409,107.21. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Passes 3:1:1(Aptowitz-Abstain, Schoonveld-No) • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21016TV in the amount of $227,959.78 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21016TV in the amount of $127,959.78. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 16. Correspondence There were no correspondence items. 17. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Mr. Schoonveld asked about Veteran's Day and Mr. Dumas stated that there would be a virtual recording on Mansfield Cable similar to Memorial Day but there would not be a parade. He commented that next budget season is going to be difficult and also asked if the Finance Committee would be voting to support or not support Town Meeting articles before the next Board meeting, Mr. Dumas was unsure when their next meeting was. Mr. Schoonveld then asked about the new building on North Main Street and if Mr. Dumas had a chance to ask him what the Town could do to help him get the retail spaces filled, Mr. Dumas answered that he has not yet but will be reaching out. He wished everyone a safe Halloween. Mr. Trowbridge had no comments. Mr. Aptowitz asked if the fee for alcohol licenses was state driven or if they could be reduced. Mr. Dumas answered that he would review to see if a local fee could be amended. Mr. Aptowitz asked if the invitation went out to State Representatives and Mr. Dumas answered that Mr. Verdone had sent those invitations out. Mr. Rhein asked Mr. LaCasse about the bylaw for illegal signs on Town property. Mr. LaCasse answered that the next step would be to review the document with the Town Planner and Building Inspector and make a final document that would be voted for at Annual Town Meeting in the Spring. Mr. DelVecchio stated that the Board does not get a lot of public participation at their meetings but wanted to recognize the hard work of the Select Board, School Committee and the Finance Committee for the time they are spending on analyzing the best way to move forward with the Special Town Meeting and all the volunteers and the time the professional staff have put in. He also wished everyone a Happy Halloween. 18. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 19. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the Select Board Meeting of October 21, 2020 at 8:03PM. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 ;f14 Si ture Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Select Board Meeting Minutes October 21, 2020 // `zo-X_C) Date