HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 03/17/2021Select Board Meeting Minutes
March 17, 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� Steve Schoonveld.
Mr. Kevin Dumas, Town Manager and Mr. Barry LaCasse, Assistant Town Manager/Finance,Director] also participated
using the GoToWebinar.
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. Introduction and Update from State Delegation —Senator Paul Feeney, Rep. Jay Barrows, Rep. Adam Scanlon
and Rep. Ted Philips
Chairman DelVecchio thanked everyone for being present and turned to Senator Feeney for him to start with his
update. Senator Feeney thanked the Chairman and stated that he meets regularly with Town Manager Dumas to
discuss local issues. Representatives Scanlon and Representative Philips then introduced themselves. Representative
Barrows provided information on the State Budget and noted that on the revenue side the lottery looks like it is going
to hold things together. He stated that the guidance will be coming on the Federal Relief Fund and what that money
can be used for, but the Town will have until December of 2024 to use the funds. Representative Barrows also noted
that he is working to make a change in State law that would allow Mansfield Electric to do some service work for the
towns of Foxboro and Norton. He stated that he has spoken with the Chief of Police on the reform bill and is working
on some of the issues that the Commission will be faced with. Senator Fenney then stated that the State is still in the
middle of the budget process and revenues are exceeding projections which puts the state in a better position. He
also stated that they are watching public school enrollments because across the commonwealth there are 37,000 less
students which will affect the Chapter 70 funding. Lastly, he provided an update on COVID vaccinations and
unemployment. He stated and the representatives are advocating daily to get vaccines to the local communities but
at this point there just is not enough for all the people that need it. As for unemployment Senator Fenney stated the
pandemic created lots of unemployment and with that it created an unprecedented number of fraudulent claims.
Rep. Philips stated that Senator Feeney summed it up well and hopes that with the rollout of the Johnson & Johnson
vaccine it will help with the distribution of getting more people vaccinated. Rep. Scanlon added that the legislation is
working on getting grants out to small businesses and having PPE loans exempt from taxes as well as offering
reimbursement to businesses who pay sick time out for employees to get the vaccine. Mr. Schoonveld stated that
twenty five percent of the state is vaccinated and asked if anyone had a thought as to what that number would be in
a month. Rep. Barrows responded stating that the infrastructure is in place but the doses of the vaccine are limited
but the state would be capable of having hundreds of thousands of people vaccinated each week if the doses were
available. Mr. Schoonveld then asked about students going back to school on April 5t' and if all the members were
supporting that and Rep. Philips stated that they wanted the students back safely and want teachers to feel safe and
ensure that they have the resources needed. Mr. Trowbridge asked if any of them saw any red flags that would affect
the Town. He then gave the example of PFAS and that it was costing the Town millions and that the Town should be
bracing for. Senator Feeney stated that he was not aware of any and Rep. Philips noted that Mr. Dumas has frequent
communication with the delegation and that is very important if something should come up. Chairman DelVecchio
stated that it was great to hear about the strong relationship that Mr. Dumas has built and it is great to see everyone
working together despite what political party each is with and thanked them for attending. Mr. Dumas thanked them
for the continued support it has been great and the monthly meeting has been helpful.
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March 17, 2021
3. Update from the Council on Aging
Josephine Madrazo, COA Director and Dick Kelsay, COA Chairman were present for this agenda item. Ms. Madrazo
stated that there has been a lot of time spent on COVID vaccines and helping residents get their appointment
scheduled through the Mass vaccination sites. She then stated that they had to refocus their programming and have
been able to offer some programs virtually and other drive through events where seniors could pick up meals and
activity kits. Mr. Kelsay stated that during the pandemic the COA staff did a wonderful job setting up appointments
for residents at Gillette and the meals have been good. The COA Board is working on getting the Veteran Memorials
in Town updated and also they are working with TRIAD to get a refrigerator magnet to help prevent scammers from
taken advantage of seniors. Mr. Rhein asked what the morale was of the senior population was during this pandemic
and Mr. Kelsay says that prior to the pandemic he is very active still but others have been home more and reluctant to
get back out. Ms. Madrazo stated that it will be challenging for some to come back and others will be wanting to do
everything. Mr. Rhein noted that for the Veteran's memorials check in with Keep Mansfield Beautiful because some
of them are "Adopt A Spots" and he mentioned a small group may want to get together and help with the Great
Mansfield Clean up that will be held over the course of a few weeks in April. Mr. Schoonveld offered a public
thankyou to Rose for her work in setting up appointments for two people that reached out to him and couldn't say
enough about what she had done for them and also for Ms. Madrazo for getting the word out to the seniors for the
trash survey as they now have a better percentage of seniors who responded.
4. Town Manager's Report
• FY22 Budget & CIP
• Norton Grove Tax Title Properties
• Town Insurances
• Economic Development
• Miscellaneous Update
Select Board Questions/Comments of Town Manager's Report
Mr. Dumas began his report stating that there has been a reduction in COVID cases in Mansfield and throughout the
State. He then stated that Mansfield will be eligible for $2.41 million under the American Recovery Plan which can be
used for revenue offset, COVID related expenses and will expire December 31, 2024. Mansfield Public Schools will
also get funds that are to be used by December 31, 2023 and should be in the amount of approximately $1.3 to $1.4
million. Mr. LaCasse then provided a budget update and continue to address the $2.2 million deficit and are awaiting
the House budget which is expected in April. He stated that the next Budget Subcommittee meeting is March 20
followed by CIP on March 25'. The American Recovery Plan will hopefully help with the revenue offsets and are
comparing variances from FY19, FY20 and FY21 and can make a good argument that the $2.41 million could be used
to offset revenue shortfalls due to COVID. Mr. Dumas then provided an update on the Norton Grove Tax Title
properties. Mr. Dumas stated that he is still waiting for a quote from MIAA for the Town's insurance as well as the
dental rate. Mr. Dumas then provided an updated on the grant opportunities for the Cate Springs PFAS well
improvement project, the Town Meeting Warrant, DPW Construction Projects, and lastly economic development.
S. Resident Questions and Comments
There were no resident questions or comments.
6. Discussion and Consideration of Stretch Code By -Law
Mr. LaCasse stated being part of the Green Community is a goal of the Select Board and it is therefore necessary to
adopt the Stretch Code By-law. Mr. DelVecchio noted that two thirds of the communities in Massachusetts have this
designation. Mr. Aptowitz asked what the added cost is for a builder to comply with this requirement. Mr. LaCasse
was unaware but stated he would reach out to the consultant for an answer. Mr. DelVecchio asked if the item would
need approval at Town Meeting and Mr. Dumas responded that it would need to be accepted at Annual Town
Meeting. Mr. Trowbridge asked if there was additional work needed by the Town or a specific staff hired for the
stretch code. Mr. Blackman was present virtually and responded to Mr. Trowbridge stating that the cost is incurred
Select Board Meeting Minutes
March 17, 2021
by the builder and there is no additional work for the Town. Mr. Blackman also stated that the process is happening
by many builders already. Mr. Blackman stated that the biggest impact will be for commercial facilities that are over
100,000 square feet. Mr. Schoonveld commented that he paid $600 for an individual to come in and inspect an air
condition system that was put in. Mr. Blackman also stated that the code only applies to new construction and not
someone who completes an addition or remodel unless they choose to.
Motion: To approve the Stretch Code By -Law as presented. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — No Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 4:1
7. Discussion and Consideration of MFN Operations Agreement
Mr. Dumas noted that the MFN agreement is for an additional ten years and then there is an option to renew for an
additional ten years. Mr. Azinheira and Mr. Rossiter were present. Mr. Azinheira stated that the agreement has some
minimal changes to language. Mr. Azinheira stated that the largest change is in regards to the Executive Director role
that he has, however he is retiring in March. He stated that he will continue to stay on in a consultant type role with
MFN that will be established in the form of a contract at that time to provide continuity for five years.
Motion: To approve and sign the MFN Operations Agreement. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein — Yes Trowbridge —Yes Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 5:0
8. Consideration of Select Board's Vote of Intention to Lay Out a Town Way in Relation to Julia Lane at a Public
Hearing on April 21, 2021 at 6:30PM
Motion: To approve the intention to lay out a town way in relation to Julia Lane at a Public Hearing on April 21, 2021
at 6:30PM. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 5:0
9. Consideration of Select Board's Vote of Intention to Lay Out a Town Way in Relation to Lorraine Way at a Public
Hearing on April 21, 2021 at 6:35PM
Motion: To approve the intention to lay out a town way in relation to Lorraine Way at a Public Hearing on April 21,
2021 at 6:3513M. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 5:0
10. Public Hearing in Accordance with Provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 138 Section 12 at 6:30 PM
to Consider the Application of Reservoir Hotel Partners, LLC d/b/a Fairfield Inn & Suites, Sean Lafrance
Manager, for a New Annual All Alcohol Common Victualler License to be located at 50 Reservoir Street and
Consider an Entertainment License
In accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 138 Section 12 as amended the Mansfield
Select Board will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 6:30 PM on the application of Reservoir
Hotel Partners, LLC d/b/a Fairfield Inn & Suites, Sean Lafrance Manager, for a new Annual All Alcohol Common
Victualler license at their facility to be located at 50 Reservoir Street. The Select Board will make its Wednesday,
March 17, 2021 meeting live on Mansfield Cable Access and live virtually via GoToWebinar to ensure that interested
members of the public can clearly follow and participate in the deliberations of the Select Board. Specific information
and the general guidelines for remote participation by members of the public and/or parties with a right and/or
Select Board Meeting Minutes
March 17, 2021
requirement to attend this meeting can be found at the Town of Mansfield's website www.mansfieldma.com or
register for the Webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4427226863380113932
Motion: To open the public hearing. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein — Yes Trowbridge — Yes Schoonveld — Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 5:0
Mr. Sean Lafrance and Mr. Tim Burkhardt were both present virtually from Lafrance Hospitality. Mr. Lafrance
described the Fairfield Inn and Suites that was being built on Reservoir Street who were looking to provide a bar
service to guests daily from 5-1013M. The hotel has 108 rooms. There were no questions or comments from the public.
Mr. Schoonveld asked how many hours per week Mr. Lafrance would be at the property and Mr. Lafrance answered
that he would be at the hotel a minimum of twenty hours per week. Mr. Rhein asked if there was a restaurant and
Mr. Lafrance answered that they have a free breakfast for guests but no food service. Mr. Aptowitz asked if there
were mini bars in the room and Mr. Lafrance answered that there were not.
Motion: To close the public hearing. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes Schoonveld — Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 5:0
Motion: To approve the All Alcohol Common Victualler License for Reservoir Hotel Partners, LLC dba Fairfield Inn &
Suites located at 50 Reservoir Street and to approve an Entertainment License pending routing through Town Hall
Departments. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes Schoonveld — Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 5:0
11. Public Hearing in Accordance with Provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 138 Section 12 at 6:40 PM
to Consider the application of Bar Pizza Mansfield, LLC d/b/a Bar Pizza & Salad Co., Marc O'Brien Manager, for a
New Annual Wine and Malt Beverages Common Victualler License to be located at 280 School Street
In accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 138 Section 12 as amended the Mansfield
Select Board will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 6:40 PM on the application of Bar Pizza
Mansfield, LLC d/b/a Bar Pizza & Salad Co., Marc O'Brien Manager, for a new Annual Wine and Malt Beverages
Common Victualler license at their facility to be located at 280 School Street. The Select Board will make its
Wednesday, March 17, 2021 meeting live on Mansfield Cable Access and live virtually via GoToWebinar to ensure that
interested members of the public can clearly follow and participate in the deliberations of the Select Board. Specific
information and the general guidelines for remote participation by members of the public and/or parties with a right
and/or requirement to attend this meeting can be found at the Town of Mansfield's website www.mansfieldma.com
or register for the Webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/`4427226863380113932
Motion: To open the public hearing. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 5:0
Attorney Kristen Scanlon was present virtually along with Mr. Marc O'Brien and Mr. Jason Cohen owners of Bar Pizza.
Attorney Scanlon provided information on Mr. O'Brien and Mr. Cohen and the history on the restaurant concept and
stated that they were seeking approval of an annual on premise beer/wine license. She then provided specifications
of the restaurant and seating capacity inside and outside. She also stated that all managers will be required to have
their TIPS certification and will be the only ones serving alcohol. There were no questions or comments from the
Select Board Meeting Minutes
March 17, 2021
public. Mr. Schoonveld asked where the alcohol would be stored and Mr. O'Brien responded that it would be in
cooler behind the counter that locked. There were no questions or comments from the public.
Motion: To close the public hearing. (Aptowitz/Schoonveld)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 5:0
Motion: To approve the annual wine and malt beverage Common Victualler license for Bar Pizza Mansfield, LLC dba
Bar Pizza & Salad Co located at 280 School Street pending routing through Town Hall Departments.
(Aptowitz/Trowb ridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 5:0
12. Discussion and Consideration to Allow Town Manager the Authority to File SRF Funding for Cate Springs Well
PFAS Treatment
Motion: To allow the Town Manager the Authority to file SRF Funding for Cate Springs Well PFAS Treatment.
(Aptowitz/Trowb ridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Schoonveld —Yes Aptowitz —Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 5:0
13. Warn to Adopt Mansfield Sale of Town Owned Land Policy
Mr. Dumas stated that this was providing notice of the Boards intent to adopt this policy at the April 7th meeting.
14. Discussion of Town Manager's Evaluation
The Chairman explained the Town Manager's Evaluation process and noted that each Board member completed an
evaluation of the Town Manager. He then asked each Board member to read their numeric score one through five for
each of the categories, five being the highest and one being the lowest score. The ratings are in the chart below.
Aptowitz
Trowbridge
Schoonveld
Rhein
DelVecchio
Average of All Select
Board Members
Decision Making
4
4
3
5
5
4.2
Interaction
4
4
4
5
4
4.2
Motivates Others
4
4
3
4
4
3.8
Identifies & Resolves Problems
4
5
3.5
4
5
4.3
Planning
4
5
3
4
4
4
Financial & Budgetary Oversight
4
5
3
4
5
4.2
Asset Management
4
4
4
5
5
4.4
Management Effectiveness
4
4
2
4
4
3.6
Employee Relationships
4
4
2
3
4
3.4
Administration
4
4
4
4
4
4
Innovation and Change
4
5
4
5
5
4.6
Knowledge
5
4
5
5
5
4.8
Organizational Relationships
4
4
3
4
4
3.8
Leadership Qualities
4
4
2
5
4
3.8
Organization
4
4
3
4
4
33
Total Average
4.07
4.27
3.23
4.33
4.40
4.06
Select Board Meeting Minutes
March 17, 2021
15. Discussion and Consideration of 2021 Annual Town Meeting Warrant
This item was passed over and will be considered at the March 3111 Select Board meeting.
16. Consideration to Re -appoint Michael McCue to Board of Registrars of Voters
Motion: To reappoint Michael McCue to serve on the Board of Registrars of Voters for a three-year term to expire on
March 31, 2024. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 5:0
17. Resident Questions and Comments
There were no resident questions or comments.
18. 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 17, 2021
b) Vote To Approve Warrants:
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 21036T in the amount of $1,747,116.17
• Electric Vendor Warrant No. 21036E in the amount of $45,306.78
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 21037T in the amount of $217,209.91
• School Vendor Warrant No. 21037S in the amount of $1,626,840.78
• Electric Vendor Warrant No. 21037E in the amount of $528,001.42
c) Permits and Licenses:
• Consideration of 2021 Drainlayer's License for J & T Excavating Co.
• Consideration of 2021 Water Installers License for J & T Excavating Co.
Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes Schoonveld —Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 5:0
19. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants:
• Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 21036PT in the amount of $379,679.32
Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 21036PT in the amount of $379,679.32.
(Aptowitz/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes Schoonveld — No Aptowitz —Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 4:1
• Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21036TV in the amount of $119,800.56
Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21036TV in the amount of $119,800.56.
(Aptowitz/Trowb ridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein — Yes Trowbridge — Yes Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 5:0
• Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 21037PT in the amount of $364,666.69
Select Board Meeting Minutes
March 17, 2021
Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 21037PT in the amount of $364,666.69
(Aptowitz/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein — Yes Trowbridge —Yes Schoonveld — No Aptowitz —Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 4:1
• Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21037TV in the amount of $ 115,100.88
Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21037TV in the amount of $115,100.88.
(Aptowitz/Trowbridge )
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 5:0
• School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 21037PS in the amount of $1,707,990.67
Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 21037PS in the amount of $1,707,990.67.
(Aptowitz/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Abstain Schoonveld — Yes Aptowitz —Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 4:0:1
• School Deductions Vendor Payroll 21037SV in the amount of $548,729.38
Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 21037SV in the amount of $548,729.38.
(Aptowitz/Trowb ridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 5:0
20. Correspondence
• Letter from Department of Telecommunications and Cable
• Letter from Bristol County Agricultural High School
• Letter from SRPEDD Providing the FY2022 Assessment for Mansfield
• Letter from Mansfield Housing Authority
• Annual Notice from Xfinity
Mr. Aptowitz read a summary of the correspondence items.
21. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions
Mr. Schoonveld stated that he appreciated the discussion on economic development and asked what the impact is to
new growth and added the comment that the thought everyone was concerned about the split. Mr. Dumas
responded by stating that with the change in residential values alone even if the commercial/industrial values stayed
the same there is still an issue with the shift. Mr. Dumas believes that residential values will continue to go up. Mr.
Dumas then gave the example of Amazon taking over the Medline business and that they have the potential to have
higher personal property than Medline. He stated that he also feels that personal property taxes are just as important
as the real estate accounts. Mr. Dumas stated that a select group of accounts will be audited annually. Mr.
Schoonveld then wished everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day.
Mr. Trowbridge did not have any comments.
Mr. Aptowitz stated that he was happy to see everyone at Lt. Bain's retirement ceremony and wished him the best in
his retirement. He then stated that he is trying to plan the next Light Department meeting and asked the Board
members to respond to Mr. Sollecito. Lastly, he stated that a resident on Shea Circle proposed an idea of adding
something under the street sign with information on Corey Shea as the street was named in his honor and said it will
be proposed at a future Select Board meeting.
Select Board Meeting Minutes
March 17, 2021
Mr. Rhein stated that he met today with Mr. LaCasse, Shaun Burke and Bob Blackman and work out details of the
vacant structure by-law and Town Counsel. He stated there was some good changes suggested like naming it the
abandoned property by-law instead of using the word vacant and will be ready for the Board to review and later
approved by Town Meeting. He then announced that West Side Benevolent needs a new headquarters and space
within the year that would be of low cost or free. Lastly, he wished everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day.
Chair DelVecchio thanked the COA for their presentation tonight and how well the collaboration of the State
Delegation is despite the political party that each belongs to. He stated that they pull together for the Town and he
appreciated their presentation.
22. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting
Mr. Dumas stated that over the weekend an issue came up as a matter of public safety. He explained that cars were
parking in the travel lane on Oakland Street near Trattoria Romana. The Police Department was asking that the
parking rules be updated to include no parking on Oakland Street on both of sides of the street from Kingman up to
Curtain.
Motion: To add to the parking rules and regulations no parking on Oakland Street on the eastern and western side
starting from Kingman Avenue continuing northward until Curtain Street. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz —Abstain DelVecchio - Yes
Passes 4:0:1
23. Adjourn
Motion: To adjourn the Select Board Meeting of March 17, 2021 at 8:1213M. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Yes
Passes 5:0
atur
Schoonveld —Yes Aptowitz —Yes DelVecchio - Yes
Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne
Select Board Meeting Minutes
March 17, 2021