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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 04/21/2021Select Board Meeting Minutes April 21, 2021 Present: The members of the Select Board all participated remotely via using GoToWebina : Mr. Frank DelVecchio, Chairman; Mr. Neil Rhein, Vice -Chair; and Mr. Michael Trowbridge. Mr. Kevin Dumas) Fo,r I Wand Mr. Barry LaCasse, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director also participated using the GoToWebinar� OFFICE Not Present: Mr. Jess Aptowitz, Clerk and Mr. Steve Schoonveld IllllMAi 20 P 1: 52 P9/-N5FIEI-D 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting- Pledge of Allegiance w �j Chairman DelVecchio called the meeting to order at 5:30PM. He then asked those presentioo' Jate�t edge 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 ➢ Budget/CIP Update ➢ SEMRECC Ribbon Cutting ➢ 50 West Street Discussion ➢ Business Development ➢ Norton Grove Tax Title Properties ➢ MBTA Update Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report Mr. Dumas began his update stating that the Town is now in the Yellow zone for COVID which is also consistent with the trend state wide of the number of COVID cases decreasing. He then stated the SEMRECC ribbon cutting ceremony was great and to see the building completed was impressive. He then provided an update on the drought restrictions, tax title properties auction on May 19th, MBTA, new business Mansfield Fresh Farm Market, fiber connections, and the regional hazardous waste day. Mr. Rhein commented that he was glad to see the regional approach for hazardous waste day and was happy to hear about the trash barrels at the MBTA station and wanted to know if the landscape plans were known and if it would be this season. Mr. Dumas answered that the license agreement is hopefully going to be complete this year with the MBTA. Mr. Rhein then stated where the tax title properties were located for those that may not be aware and asked what the zoning was in that area and Mr. Dumas answered that it was residential. Mr. Rhein then noted that this is not a windfall and that when more people move in to Town more services are needed and can cost money in the future. Mr. Rhein then stated that he was getting his first vaccine shot and missed the SEMRECC ceremony and stated that there was another Town considering joining. Mr. Dumas responded stating that there were several communities interested and they know one more community can be added with the current structure and Mr. Verdone is completing a cost benefit analysis. 3. Resident Questions and Comments Mr. Peter Wiggins was present virtually and encouraged everyone to stay vigilant and noted that the building where Mansfield Fresh Farms Market is used to be Fernandes Market. 4. Southeastern Regional School District of FY22 Budget Presentation and Discussion Mr. Mark Morris, Superintendent of Finance and Christine Gaze, Mansfield Representative were present from Southeastern Regional School District to provide details and an explanation of the FY22 budget. Mr. Morris stated that last year there were 95 students enrolled from Mansfield and the number was increasing to 104 for FY22. Mr. Morris then explained the ESSER II funds of $71,656 of Mansfield's portion can be used to reduce the Towns assessment if the Select Board votes to approve it and submits that vote to the school district. Mr. Morris did note Select Board Meeting Minutes April 21, 2021 that this was in the Governor's budget, but was not in the budget of the House, but the final budget from the State needs to be completed before it will be known for sure. The Select Board members then asked a few questions and made a couple comments thanking them both for coming to the meeting tonight. 5. Discussion and Consideration to Authorize Southeastern to apply $71,656 from ESSER II Grant Towards the Fiscal Year 2022 Town of Mansfield's Share of Operating Expenses and Reduce the Town's Assessment Accordingly Motion: To authorize Southeastern to apply $71,656 from ESSER II Grant Towards the Fiscal Year 2022 Town of Mansfield's Share of Operating Expenses and Reduce the Town's Assessment Accordingly. (Trowbridge/Rhein) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 3:0 6. Update from Conservation Commission Ms. Katelyn Gonyer, Conservation Agent and Mr. Mike Healey, Conservation Commission Chair were present virtually. Mr. Healey provided an update on the Commission and stated that they had to adjust for COVID, but have done their best to help keep people's projects moving forward. He explained that residential enforcement issues have increased and provided the example of individuals cutting down trees that are too close to water. He noted some complaints in the area of Fulton Pond and they are working to create a mailing for the residents in the area of what can and cannot be done. He then stated that the Commission is working on storm water regulations and lastly noted that they are seeking a member to fill the Commissions vacancy. Ms. Gonyer then provided an update on the department's projects which include items related to climate resilience and she updated the Board on the Open Space Committee and creation of the trail's maintenance plan and the development of a routine that's manageable for the DPW department to assist with keeping the trails safe. The Select Board members then had a few comments and questions. Skipped to agenda items 10 & 11 7. Discussion and Consideration of FY22 Water Rates Mr. Lee Azinheira DPW Director and David Fox from Raftelis Financial Consultants were present virtually. Mr. Azinheira stated that he was here tonight as a follow up to the April 7t1 meeting where the Board had some questions and did not approve the water rate increase. Mr. Fox presented information on the background, but stated that the biggest reason for the increase to the water rates is the PFAS treatment and well improvements that were approved at Fall Town Meeting. Mr. Fox also explained the rate setting process and the need for building a reserve of retained earnings. He also explained that a phase approach to increasing rates by five percent per year instead of having a spike in rates one year. The Select Board made a few additional comments and asked a few questions. Motion: To increase the water rates by five percent effective May 1, 2021. (Trowbridge/Rhein) Mr. DelVecchio noted that it should be Mr. Rhein who makes the motion due to Roberts Rules of Order as Mr. Rhein had voted against the increase previously. Mr. Trowbridge agreed that was correct and withdrew his motion. Motion: To increase the water rates by five percent effective May 1, 2021. (Rhein/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 3:0 S. Discussion and Consideration of Phase II Mandatory Water Restrictions Mr. Azinheira stated that there is a significant drought. He noted that it was not as bad as 2016 and 2017 when we were in Phase III and it should not be a large impact on the residents and hopefully there will be more rain soon. Chairman DelVecchio asked Mr. Azinheira to state the restrictions and Mr. Azinheira responded that lawn water is Select Board Meeting Minutes April 21, 2021 permitted on odd house numbers on odd days and even house numbers on even days 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm. Mr. Dumas confirmed that it would be published in the paper and signage will be placed. Motion: To Declare a Level 2-Significant Drought condition for the Town of Mansfield effective immediately and mandate the following Phase II Outdoor Water Restrictions: Odd/Even lawn water is permitted between the hours of 6am-8am and 6pm-8pm only. (Trowbridge/Rhein) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 3:0 9. Discussion of Budget Related Items for FY2022 Chairman DelVecchio stated that he watched the Finance Committee meeting where they discussed the possible changes to the OPEB contributions and the FINCOM Reserve as well as the MOU that was signed last year. Chairman DelVecchio stated that he wanted to get the Board's thoughts on these items before the Budget Subcommittee next week. Mr. LaCasse then provided a review of the MOU and how the FY21 budget was balanced. Mr. LaCasse stated that the FY22 was balanced and the budget provides level services, no layoffs and fully funding all the educational requests. He further explained that out of the five items on the MOU they are only utilizing two of the measures which were only funding OPEB at $120,000 and $300,000 in the FINCOM reserve. Mr. LaCasse then stated that if all goes well it is the intent of the Town Manager is to catch up on the OPEB contribution at Fall Town Meeting. Mr. Dumas stated that it was necessary to have flexibility as it is still unsure how this fiscal year will end. Mr. Dumas further commented that contributing to OPEB in July versus the fall will not be a huge impact to the $94 million -dollar liability. The Board asked some questions and made some comments. 10. 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 the Following Streets as a Public Way on April 21, 2021 at 6:30PM: Julia Lane In accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 82, Section 22, notice is hereby given by the Select Board of their intent to lay out the following street, Julia Lane as a public way at a public hearing on April 21, 2021 at 6:3013M. The Select Board will make its Wednesday, April 21, 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/4638759706644482576. The purpose of this hearing will be to accept public comment on the acceptance of the way as Julia Lane has been submitted for acceptance at the 2021 Annual Town Meeting. All those interested or wishing to be heard on this issue should appear at the time and place stated. Motion: To open the public hearing at 6:36PM. (Trowbridge/Rhein) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 3:0 Mr. John Walsh the street developer was present virtually and stated that he believes everything to be in order and was asking for the Julia Lane and Lorraine Way to be accepted as streets by the Select Board and at Town Meeting. Mr. Trowbridge noted that there was a $20,000 bond in the event that there was something needed. Chairman Delvecchio asked if there were any members of the public wishing to speak but there was no one. Motion: To close the public hearing at 6:41PM. (Trowbridge/Rhein) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 3:0 Select Board Meeting Minutes April 21, 2021 Motion: To approve Julia Lane subject to final inspection from Planning Department and Road Inspector within seven days of Town Meeting. (Trowbridge/Rhein) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 3:0 11. 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 the Following Streets as a Public Way on April 21, 2021 at 6:35PM: Lorraine Way In accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 82, Section 22, notice is hereby given by the Select Board of their intent to lay out the following street, Lorraine Way as a public way at a public hearing on April 21, 2018 at 6:35PM. The Select Board will make its Wednesday, April 21, 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/4638759706644482576. The purpose of this hearing will be to accept public comment on the acceptance of the way as Lorraine Way has been submitted for acceptance at the 2021 Annual Town Meeting. All those interested in or wishing to be heard on this issue should appear at the time and place stated. Motion: To open the public hearing at 6:4213M. (Trowbridge/Rhein) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 3:0 There were no Select Board comments or questions. There also was no one from the public who had any questions. Motion: To close the public hearing at 6:4413M. (Trowbridge/Rhein) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 3:0 Motion: To approve Lorraine Way subject to final inspection from Planning Department and Road Inspector within seven days of Town Meeting. (Trowbridge/Rhein) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 3:0 12. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Lee Azinheira to the Joint Transportation Planning Group and Appoint and Josh Reinke as the Alternate Motion: To appoint Lee Azinheira to the Joint Transportation Planning Group from June 1, 2021 to June 1, 2022 and appoint Josh Reinke as the alternate. (Trowbridge/Rhein) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 3:0 13. Resident Questions and Comments There were no resident questions or comments. Select Board Meeting Minutes April 21, 2021 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) Vote To Approve Meeting Minutes: • March 17, 2021 • March 31, 2021 b) Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 21041T in the amount of $947,410.53 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 21041E in the amount of $1,704,727.37 • School Vendor Warrant No. 21041S in the amount of $365,581.94 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 21042T in the amount of $2,110,579.81 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 21042E in the amount of $68,583.74 c) Permits and Licenses: Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Trowbridge/Rhein) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Aye Trowbridge —Aye DelVecchio - Yes Passes 3:0 15. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: Mr. Trowbridge read a statement that he normally abstains from the school payroll warrants because his wife is a teacher in the schools but as a rule of necessity he voted. • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 21041PT in the amount of $365,511.04 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/ Town Medicaid Payroll 21041PT in the amount of $ 365,511.04. (Trowbridge/Rhein) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 3:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21041TV in the amount of $116,287.57 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21041TV in the amount of $116,287.57. (Trowbridge/Rhein) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 3:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 21041PS in the amount of $1,712,118.78 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 21041PS in the amount of $1,712,118.78. (Trowbridge/Rhein) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 3:0 • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 21041SV in the amount of $407,795.26 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 21041SV in the amount of $407,795.26. (Trowbridge/Rhein) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 3:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 21042PT in the amount of $372,419.51 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 21042PT in the amount of $372,419.51. (Trowbridge/Rhein) Select Board Meeting Minutes April 21, 2021 Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 3:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21042TV in the amount of $117,640.69 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 21042TV in the amount of $117,640.69. (Trowbridge/Rhein) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Yes DelVecchio - Yes Passes 3:0 16.Correspondence • Letter from Bristol County Agricultural High School stating the estimated tuition for FY22 is $8,451.00 for three students. • Letter from TEC Associates of Amtrak's 2021 Yearly Vegetation Control Program in accordance with Massachusetts Rights -of -Way Management regulations • Notice from Verizon Fios stating that on or around May 15' Caracol Channel 1706 will no longer be available however it will remain in high def on Caracol Channel 1711 Mr. Trowbridge read a summary of the above items. 17. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Mr. Trowbridge stated he was looking forward to the consensus meeting on April 29 and hopes that the budget is wrapped up that evening. He then asked everyone to keep the family of former select board member David May in their thoughts because he lost his son Eric. He then stated that Kenneth Fallon passed away today who was a long- time coach and referee to Mansfield sports. Mr. Rhein stated that great Mansfield Great Cleanup continues through May 2nd and that there is still time to sign up. Chairman DelVecchio stated there was a lot on the agenda and it was done quickly but its not a reflection on the two members who were no present. 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 April 21, 2021 at 7:51PM. (Trowbridge/Rhein) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes Passes 3:0 Signature DelVecchio - Yes Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Date Select Board Meeting Minutes April 21, 2021