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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 03/03/2021Select Board Meeting Minutes March 3, 2021 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 and Mr. Steye Schoonveld. Mr. Kevin Dumas, Town Manager and Mr. Barry LaCasse, Assistant Town Manager/Finance DirectoralsopI ticipated using the GoToWebinar. 1 Q 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance Chairman DelVecchio called the meeting to order at 5:30PM. 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 watching directing residents to send their questions in, and they would receive a response within twenty-four hours. 2. Town Manager's Report • Town Meeting Update • COVID-19 Vaccinations • New Liquor License Applications • MassDEP SRF (State Revolving Fund) • Xfinity 2021 Season • ReLeaf & Community Gardens • 2021 Construction Season • Miscellaneous Update Select Board Questions/Comments of Town Manager's Report Mr. Dumas noted that this week marks one-year anniversary of providing COVID updates on the Town's website. Mr. Dumas added that cases continue to decline and Chief Desrosiers was able to get some vaccines and provided vaccines to shut-ins and those at Mansfield Housing. He also stated that educators and school staff can now be vaccinated under Phase II per the Governors new order. Mr. Dumas then provided an update on the Norton Grove tax title properties and announced that he is working towards a June auction. Mr. LaCasse provided an update on the Budget Subcommittee meeting and explained how the deficit was reduced to $2.2 million. Mr. Dumas then stated that MIIA will be touring municipal facilities as part of the process for getting the insurance quote for property and casualty insurance. He then provided an update on two new liquor license applications that have been received and announced that Mansfield was chosen to participate in the Mass DEP SRF for the Cate Springs which is a low to no interest loan for the PFAS project that will save the Town a significant amount of money. He then stated that he has been in touch with the manager at the Xfinity Center and they are hoping to be able to open but they need to be able to operate at full capacity. Mr. Dumas stated that Town Meeting will be May 24th at the Xfinity Center parking lot. Mr. Dumas then stated the SEMRECC ribbon cutting ceremony is April 1611 at 11am and all of the State Delegation has been invited to the ceremony. Mr. Dumas then stated that the snow and ice deficit is currently at $217,130.58. Lastly, he provided an update on the marijuana licensed businesses and the construction season for the 2021 summer season which will be on the website for residents to view. 3. Resident Questions and Comments Mr. Peter Wiggins asked to speak and commented that he visited Mansfield this week and he is keeping himself safe and staying positive. 4. Discussion and Consideration of a Change of Manager Application for TGI Fridays Attorney All DeNapoli was present on behalf of TGI Friday's asking for the Boards consideration to appoint Brett Barger for the manager of record. He stated that Brett has been an acting manager since December and has been with the company working his way up to the management level. Mr. Aptowitz commented that he believed Mr. DeNapoli Select Board Meeting Minutes March 3, 2021 was here several times in the past year and was concerned about the turnover of managers. Mr. DeNapoli responded that it was a sudden change but wanted the Board aware that he did notify the Board of the change quickly. Mr. Aptowitz thanked him for advising the Board quickly. Mr. Trowbridge commented that about twenty percent of the time in the past year they have not had a licensed manager because of turnover and he was also concerned. Mr. Schoonveld shared the same sentiments as Mr. Aptowitz and Mr. Trowbridge and asked how is it ensured that the staff have the training they need and that the rules for liquor are being followed. Mr. DeNapoli responded that he has represented the chain for twenty-six years and all staff are trained and unfortunately the turnover in the restaurant industry is difficult and COVID has made it even more challenging. Mr. DeNapoli stated that he was confident in the training of all the staff and was not aware of any alcohol violations in any recent years. Mr. Brett Barger was also present via phone on the webinar and provided his employment history with TGI Fridays and stated that he takes the alcohol licensing and alcohol awareness training seriously. Motion: To approve the change of manager application for TGI Fridays. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Rhein — Yes Trowbridge — Yes Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 5:0 5. Discussion and Consideration of Mansfield Sale of Town Owned Land Policy Mr. LaCasse stated that it was important to create this policy on the sale of town owned land and was looking for the Boards feedback of the draft policy. Mr. LaCasse explained that the situation covered situations where the Town is seeking to dispose of properties taken by tax title like the Norton Grove properties but that the policy also applies to sale of land of low value, land disposition requests by private individuals or those initiated by the Town. Mr. Schoonveld asked how this policy would have worked for the fire station on North Main Street and Mr. LaCasse stated that it was disposed of through the 30B process so that would fall under sale of town owned property non -tax title foreclosure. Mr. Rhein commented that he was surprised that there was not a formal policy on this already. He then commented that in section 6-Sale of Town Owned Land (non -tax foreclosures) it states "a reasonable time frame" and thought the language should be more specific. He also stated that one of the items states a Town Meeting vote and would like to see that have specific language as to whether it would need a two thirds majority or a simple majority vote. Mr. Trowbridge stated it was well written and suggested the edits that Mr. Rhein noted and to place on the next agenda as warn to adopt. Mr. LaCasse stated that he will edit that document and send out the revised version. 6. Discussion and Consideration of the Select Board's Intent to Take a Vote on Reducing the Quorum Needed for Annual Town Meeting and Schedule Such Vote for April 7, 2021 Mr. Dumas stated that under the COVID emergency this vote would help ensure that there are enough people present to conduct Town Meeting like the past two town meetings. He would like the Board to consider reducing the quorum to 100 registered voters verses the normal 200 voter requirement. Mr. Schoonveld asked if the Board would have a copy of the warrant prior to this vote and Mr. Dumas responded that it will be on the next agenda for consideration. Motion: To publish the Select Boards intention to take a vote on reducing the quorum needed for Annual Town Meeting and schedule such vote to happen at the Select Board Meeting on April 7, 2021 at 6:OOPM. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 5:0 7. Consideration to Re -appoint Jeff Healey to serve on the Cable Access Board of Directors Chairman DelVecchio thanked Mr. Healey for all his years of service to the Town and there was no discussion. Select Board Meeting Minutes March 3, 2021 Motion: To reappoint Jeff Healey to serve on the Cable Access Board of Directors to an unexpired term to expire on April 4, 2024. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) 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: • February 3, 2021 • February 18, 2021 • Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 21034T in the amount of $362,798.56 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 21034E in the amount of $87,951.43 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 21035T in the amount of $594,770.43 • School Vendor Warrant No. 210355 in the amount of $566,440.32 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 21035E in the amount of $75,993.18 • Permits and Licenses: • Consideration of 2021 Water Installer License for Jones Contracting, Inc. • Consideration of 2021 Water Installer License for H & M Excavating, LLC. • Consideration of 2021 Water Installer License for REBCO, Inc. • Consideration of the Small Plant Sale Signage Request from the Garden Club • Consideration of Mansfield High School Senior Parade on June 5, 2021 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 21034PT in the amount of $389,936.22 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 21034PT in the amount of $389,936.22. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Abstain Trowbridge —Yes Schoonveld — No Aptowitz —Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 3:1:1 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21034TV in the amount of $124,454.75 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21034TV in the amount of $124,454.75. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Schoonveld — Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 5:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 21035PT in the amount of $385,113.66 Select Board Meeting Minutes March 3, 2021 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 21035PT in the amount of $385,113.66. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Rhein — Yes Trowbridge — Yes Schoonveld — No Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 4:1 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21035TV in the amount of $121,342.69 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21035TV in the amount of $121,342.69. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Rhein — Yes Trowbridge —Yes Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 21035PS in the amount of $1,672,516.92 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 21035PS in the amount of $ 1,672,516.92. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Abstain Schoonveld — Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 4:0:1 School Deductions Vendor Payroll 21035SV in the amount of $541,650.94 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 21035SV in the amount of $541,650.94. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Schoonveld —Yes Aptowitz —Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 5:0 11. Correspondence • Letter from Mansfield Committee and Civic Leaders -Reuse of Fire Station —The letter to the Select Board expressing support for identifying a suitable reuse for the historic North Main Street Fire Station. The approved plan honors Mansfield's history while investing in our shared future. The letter thanked the Select Board, Town Manager and Mr. Kuplast for investing in the economic recovery of Downtown. • Letter from Xfinity to Update to Price Change -Due to the reduction in the 2021 costs associated with providing certain broadcast stations Xfinity will be lowering the monthly charge for Broadcast TV effective Feb 20th. The fee will decrease from $14.90 to $14.70. • Letter from Verizon Fios to Content Rate Increase -Base rate for Fios TV plan will go up by $6 per month. • Letter from Verizon stating they intend to renew the license with the Town of Mansfield under Section 626 of the Communications Act Mr. Aptowitz read a summary of the correspondence and read the full letter from Mansfield Committee and Civic Leaders. Chairman DelVecchio recognized the letter and stated that many other people were heavily involved in the process of selling the fire station. 12. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Mr. Schoonveld stated that on Friday the Trash and Recycling Committee put out a survey and there have been 600 resident responses within 48 hours and he then provided some initial highlights from the survey. Mr. Schoonveld stated that they would like everyone to participate. Mr. Rhein added that if anyone reads any of the questions and is alarmed that they should realize that this is just exploratory and no decisions have been made on options. Chairman DelVecchio thanked the Committee for their efforts as it is a large budget item. Mr. Schoonveld then stated that he expects to have a recommendation by April 7th or April 2151 Select Board meeting. Mr. Schoonveld then stated that his day job has required a revision to their employee handbook due to COVID and asked if the Town's employee handbook should be reviewed since it has been five years. Mr. Schoonveld then stated he is bringing back the "Rhetorical Tax Question of the Week" but calling it the "Not So Rhetorical Tax Question of the Week (NRTQW)." He stated he had two questions this week. The first question was what industry is Mansfield's single biggest contributor Select Board Meeting Minutes March 3, 2021 to the tax base. The second question was if the trend of last year's property values continues what is Mansfield's tax split going to have to be based on the Boards information policy of balancing the pain between residential and commercial tax payers. Mr. Trowbridge asked if the Board could get an updated on the Chocolate Factory project and the Reservoir Street project. Mr. Dumas answered that he would find out about the residential units at the Chocolate Factory however a dental office and gym are under agreement for the commercial space. He then stated that the medical building at the Reservoir Street project is open and the hotel is due to open this summer. Mr. Aptowitz asked Mr. Dumas to look at possibly having the police and fire promotion ceremony that was delayed since last year. Mr. Aptowitz then asked about in person meetings if the Board was socially distanced. Mr. Dumas answered that at this point he would like to get the support of the Select Board and School Committee and would like to do a phased in approach and how that could work. Lastly, Mr. Aptowitz asked about the Governors newest orders allowing some events and how that affects the Xfinity Center and their plans. Mr. Dumas responded that they will need to have 100 percent occupancy to open for concerts, but they may do smaller events outside the amphitheater. Mr. Rhein wished Mr. Dumas a Happy Birthday for his birthday the following day. Mr. Rhein then asked about the Xfinity Center being booked the first two weeks of June and Mr. Dumas clarified from his earlier remarks and stated that they are holds on the calendar for the venue. Mr. Rhein then asked about the construction schedule and saw the Plymouth Street parking lot and Mr. Dumas stated it was not the soccer fields, but the fire station and explained that it was part of the original capital project plan. Mr. Rhein then stated that he attended a webinar from MMA on the new housing choice law that passed and stated that it had many ramifications for towns and recommends that everyone view it. Mr. Rhein then commented that people need to pick up after their dogs after he saw many comments on social media. He also asked about additional signage for the bike path and Fulton pond about waste. Chairman DelVecchio asked Mr. Dumas for confirmation of the State Delegation being invited to an upcoming meeting and Mr. Dumas answered they have been invited to the March 17th meeting. He then noted the excellent work by Mr. Azinheira and Mr. Dumas and anyone else on getting the zero percent borrowing for the PFAS project. 13. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 14. Adjourn to Executive Session to Approve Meeting Minutes: • February 3, 2021 • December 11, 2019 • January 8, 2020 • April 29, 2020 Motion: To adjourn to Executive Session to Approve Meeting Minutes of February 3, 2021, December 11, 2019, January 8, 2020 and April 29, 2020 at 6:54PM. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Rhein — Yes Trowbridge — Yes Passes 5:0 5 n Oture Schoonveld — Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Select Board Meeting Minutes March 3, 2021 Date