HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 01/06/2021Select Board Meeting Minutes
January 6, 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; and Mr. Steve Schoonveld. MY J<eiin Du s, Town
Manager and Mr. Barry LaCasse, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director also participated using,' L7oWebinar.
1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting- Pledge of Allegiance lr" n':3
Chairman DelVecchio called the meeting to order at 5:3013M. He then asked those'present to state_the Pledge of
Allegiance. He reminded everyone that the meeting was being broadcast live and taped for futurebroadcast on
Mansfield Cable. Chairman DelVecchio 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.
Krista Cummings, Chair of the Industrial Development Commission called the IDC meeting to order at 5:31pm. Chris
Jackson and David Martin were present.
Chair of the Finance Committee, Brian Eagle called the Finance Committee meeting to order at 5:32pm.
Scott Feely, Michael Desantis, Jack Cooney, and Mike Flaherty were present at the start of the meeting. Walter Wilk
and Sara Walsh joined in at a later time.
2. Announcement by Community Service Awards Committee
Mr. Rhein commented that this was the 3rd annual Community Service Awards. Mr. Rhein explained the awards and
noted all of the committee members. He thanked those that took the time to submit nominations. Then he
announced that the Youth Award was given to Catherine Fitzgerald, the Adult Award was given to Daniel O'Connell
and Nancy Wall was selected as the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Mr. Rhein provided details as to why
each recipient was chosen and highlighted their contributions to the Mansfield community.
3. Town Manager's Report
• Field of Honor Plaque
• Budget and CIP
• Downtown Committee
• North Main Street Fire Station
• Miscellaneous Update
Select Board Questions/Comments of Town Managers Report
Mr. Dumas began his update stating that Ms. Jeri Rumsis from the Field of Honor presented a plaque to the him for
the Town's support which allows the Field of Honor Committee to provide assistance to Veterans and Community
projects. Mr. LaCasse then provided a budget and CIP update that was posted online. He noted that the deficit is $4.8
million dollars and there is work to be done to get the budget balanced and he will be meeting with the Budget
Subcommittee on January 19th and CIP on January 271". Mr. Dumas continued his update with news from the last
Downtown Committee meeting, the North Main Street Fire Station, Regional COVID vaccines for Public Safety and
School nurses, Business View Magazine second article, and a special permit for a new youth sports property on
Oxford Road. Mr. Dumas then provided information on delivery service of marijuana noting there have been several
inquiries but it falls under retail and the one license has been given out so there are no other license available. He
then provided information on the work being done for the Norton Grove properties and meetings he has had in
regards to a class action lawsuit for PFAS against 3M and DuPont with other municipalities facing the challenges of
the removal of PFAS. Lastly, he updated the Board of a COVID violation at Sake Steakhouse which will be discussed at
the Board of Health meeting Thursday evening and expects that the Select Board may want to discuss this issue at the
next Select Board Meeting on January 131h and Chairman DelVecchio asked that the Board address this further in the
agenda as part of other items not known within 48 hours. Select Board members asked a few questions of Mr.
LaCasse and Mr. Dumas.
Select Board Meeting Minutes
January 6, 2021
4. Resident Questions and Comments
Mr. Peter Wiggins commented that the new hotel on South Main Street looks good. He said its 2021 and we need
peace and everyone needs to be diligent and hopefully by the summer or fall the pandemic will be done.
S. Presentation from Penta Communications with members of the Industrial Development Commission and the
Finance Committee
The members of the IDC and Finance Committee were present for this agenda item. Mr. Dumas gave an update and
summary of what the relationship was between the Town and Penta Communications. Mr. Dumas stated that Penta
Communications is an expert in marketing and public relations and is not an economic development staff of the Town.
Ms. Debra Penta then thanked everyone for the time they took to craft questions since the presentation in December.
Ms. Penta answered questions that were submitted and then members of the Select Board and Finance Committee
asked additional questions and made observations. Members of the Finance Committee were interested in metrics
for the current investment and then what metrics Phase II would provide. There was a lengthy discussion and it was
agreed in the end that more communication was needed internally amongst the Boards to see what the appropriate
next step should be. IDC adjourned their meeting at 7:37PM followed by Finance Committee adjourning at 7:38PM.
6. Discussion and Consideration to Adopt Select Board Agenda Policy
There was no discussion and the below motion was made and voted.
Motion: To approve the revised Select Board agenda policy. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein — Yes Trowbridge — Yes
Passes 5:0
Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz—Yes DelVecchio - Yes
7. Discussion and Consideration to Adopt Revised Select Board Policy on Board and Committee Reappointments
Mr. Trowbridge went through the suggested edits and changes were agreed upon.
Motion: To approve the revised Select Board policy on Board and Committee Reappointments with the changes noted
during discussion. (Trowbridge/Rhein)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 5:0
8. Resident Questions and Comments
There were no resident questions or comments.
9. 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) Vote To Approve Meeting Minutes:
• December 2, 2020
• December 16, 2020
b) Vote To Approve Warrants:
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 21025T in the amount of $715,229.75
• Electric Vendor Warrant No. 21025E in the amount of $95,862.15
• School Vendor Warrant No. 21025S in the amount of $872,747.74
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 21026T in the amount of $1,313,124.93
• Electric Vendor Warrant No. 21026E in the amount of $80,004.15
• School Vendor Warrant No. 21026S in the amount of $135,852.03
Select Board Meeting Minutes
January 6, 2021
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 21027T in the amount of $
• Electric Vendor Warrant No. 21027E in the amount of $
c) Permits and Licenses:
• Consideration of 2021 Drainlayers License for Alltech Building Systems, Inc.
• Consideration of 2021 Drainlayers License for Riccio Excavation Co
• Consideration of 2021 Drainlayers License for Plainville Pump & Excavating, Inc.
• Consideration to the Sign the Order of Taking for a Portion of Fruit Street
• Consideration of 2021 Water Installers License for Riccio Excavation, Co.
• Consideration of 2021 Water Installers License for Plainville Pump & Excavating
Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein — Yes Trowbridge — Yes Schoonveld — Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 5:0
10. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants:
• Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 21025PT in the amount of $397,234.10
Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 21025PT in the amount of $397,234.10.
(Aptowitz/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Schoonveld — No Aptowitz —Abstain DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 3:1:1
• Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21025TV in the amount of $123,422.72
Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21025TV in the amount of $123,422.72. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes Schoonveld — Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 5:0
• School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 21025PS in the amount of $1,708,063.08
Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 21025PS in the amount of $1,708,063.08.
(Aptowitz/Trowb ridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein — Yes Trowbridge —Abstain Schoonveld — Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 4:0:1
• School Deductions Vendor Payroll 21025SV in the amount of $548,787.03
Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 21025SV in the amount of $548,787.03.
(Aptowitz/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Schoonveld — Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 5:0
• Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 21026PT in the amount of $358,245.11
Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 21026PT in the amount of $358,245,11.
(Aptowitz/Trowb ridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein — Yes Trowbridge —Yes Schoonveld — No Aptowitz —Abstain DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 3:1:1
• Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21026TV in the amount of $117,175.77
Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21026TV in the amount of $117,175.77. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz—Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Select Board Meeting Minutes
January 6, 2021
Passes 5:0
• Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 21027PT in the amount of $401,037.99
Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 21027PT in the amount of $401,037.99.
(Aptowitz/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes Schoonveld — No Aptowitz —Abstain DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 3:1:1
• Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21027TV in the amount of $129,928.41
Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21027TV in the amount of $129,928,41. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein — Yes Trowbridge —Yes Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 5:0
• School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 21027PS in the amount of $1,673,401.73
Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 21027PS in the amount of $1,673,401.73.
(Aptowitz/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein — Yes Trowbridge — Abstain Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 4:0:1
• School Deductions Vendor Payroll 21027SV in the amount of $542,371.26
Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 21027SV in the amount of $542,371.26.
(Aptowitz/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein — Yes Trowbridge — Yes Schoonveld — Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 5:0
11. Correspondence
• Notification from TGI Fridays for a Change of Manager
• Notice of Programming Changes & Municipal Emergency Reporting Procedures from Xfinity
• Notices of Programming Changes from Verizon
• Letter from National Grid of the Yearly Operation Plan Public Notice, Review and Comment
• Letter from the Bristol County Retirement System of the FY 2022 Appropriation
• Letter from Xfinity of Programming Changes
Mr. Aptowitz read a summary of the above correspondence items.
12. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions
Mr. Schoonveld stated that the legislature voted to approve the reduction in the number of votes required for
certain zoning articles from 2/3 to fifty percent. Mr. Schoonveld stated that pension costs is about 12% of the
budget and the OPEB policy will have to change and be addressed. He then asked if the rates for health and dental
have been received and Mr. Dumas answered that he expected those numbers to come in February. Mr.
Schoonveld then stated that the Trash and Recycling Committee was meeting Monday to create a survey to send to
residents and asked the Board members to send him any questions they wanted to be asked. He then advised
residents if they have questions on the tax bills that were just mailed or how their property is assessed they should
call the Assessor's office. Lastly, Mr. Schoonveld asked if the Board could create a policy that clearly advises alcohol
license holders on what is expected because of what happened with the business that went a whole year without
notification to the Town. Mr. Trowbridge suggested maybe a scale of fines and stated that him and Mr. Rhein would
look at creating a policy for this.
Mr. Trowbridge stated that he wanted the Board to discuss Sake at their next meeting once they know how the
issue is handled by the Board of Health. Chairman DelVecchio stated it will be discussed in the next agenda item.
Select Board Meeting Minutes
January 6, 2021
Mr. Aptowitz commented about his concerns for the sale of the Fire Station and noted it is the Board's
responsibility to get fair market value for the property. Mr. Aptowitz then acknowledged that the Senate and House
Representatives for Massachusetts were sworn in today and he wanted to thank our prior reps Betty Poirier and
Lou Kafka and congratulated Ted Philips and Adam Scanlon on their new positions.
Mr. Rhein had no comments and wished everyone a Happy New Year.
Chairman DelVecchio had no comments either.
13. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting
Chairman DelVecchio stated that Mr. Dumas brought up the Covid violation of Sake Steakhouse earlier in the meeting
and asked what the Board would like to do on this matter and asked Mr. Dumas for the current plan. Mr. Dumas
stated that he would be attending the Board of Health meeting Thursday evening and if any action is going to be
taken by the Select Board they would need to notify the business. The Board agreed that on January 13t^ it would be
on the agenda for discussion and if needed invite the business to the January 20th if action will be taken.
14. Adjourn
Motion: To adjourn the Select Board Meeting of January 6, 2021 at 8:16PM. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes
Passes 5:0
Sig ture
Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
1,591 a�
Date
Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne
Select Board Meeting Minutes
January 6, 2021