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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 11/03/2021Select Board Meeting Minutes November 3, 2021 Present: Mr. Neil Rhein, Chairman; Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Vice -Chair; Mr. f' el chio, Clerk; Mr. Jess A towitz and Mr. Steve Schoonveld. Mr. Kevin Dumas, Town Manager rrdtM Bea c �s#er Assistant Town p g „ i I_ Ctt Manager/Finance Director were also present in meeting room 3A/B at Town Hall. 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting - Pledge of Allegiance 2021 OEM — 2 P 2: 18 Mr. Neil Rhein, Chairman called the meeting to order at 5:30PM. He then a*jo,,;l Twnsent to state the Pledge of Allegiance. He reminded everyone that the meeting was beind`,WaOcag3�tiv(;,"�teped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. 2. Town Manager's Report ➢ Economic Development Director Update ➢ DPW Director Position Update ➢ Special Fall Town Meeting Preparations ➢ MSBA Accelerated Repair Program Acceptance - MHS ➢ Business Development— 11 Cabot Blvd ➢ Miscellaneous Items Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report Mr. Dumas began his report stating that the COVID numbers are still down and thanked Amy Donovan -Palmer, Health Agent in keeping up with the education through COVID messaging. He then thanked MMED for their help with the Nor'easter storm and the outside companies who also assisted to restore power and clean up. He stated that he hosted the virtual review of Town Meeting and the recording is on the front of website and hoped to see everyone at Town Meeting tomorrow. He then updated the Board that the statement of interest to the MSBA held their Board meeting and Mansfield boiler replacement at the High School was approved and added that at Town Meeting there is an article for the funding for the design of the system. Mr. Dumas then announced that Josh Reinke will be the interim DPW Director and he will be working with Lee Azinheira until Lee's retirement in March. Mr. Dumas then announced that Christopher McDermott will be joining Mansfield as the Economic Development Director on Monday, November 15th, and Sharon Varricchione has been hired to fill the Administrative Assistant position in the Town Manager's office. Mr. Dumas then provided an update on the Economic Development items, the Veteran's Day Parade, and ceremony that follows on South Common. Mr. Aptowitz commented that MIMED and DPW did a great job with the storm and power was restored quickly. He added that MMED is a great resource for economic development and what people save with MMED low electric rates is significant. Mr. Trowbridge stated that he was in support of the 11 Cabot Boulevard but asked why they needed the Board to have a formal vote. Mr. Dumas responded that it was necessary for them to have a sixty -foot clear radius around their building. Mr. DelVecchio also thanked MMED and that they are an invaluable asset. Mr. Schoonveld said MMED did a great job and Rumford Ave had two poles snap. Mr. Schoonveld then commented that 95% of Mansfield adults are vaccinated. He then asked if the new employees could be invited to a meeting. Mr. Rhein also thanked DPW and MMED. 3. Resident Questions and Comments There were no resident questions or comments. 4. Update from the Cultural Council Ms. Eileen Cusack, Chair of the Cultural Council was present along with members, Mr. Mark Clamage and Ms. Gail Gilman. Ms. Cusack provided an update on the most recent year grant process where there were $36,000 in requests from fifty-two applications, but there was only about half of that in funding. She asked if the Select Board could help clear the roster of members that do not attend meetings and if the Town could increase the $6,500 annual contribution to match the states contribution so that more grants could be awarded. Ms. Select Board Meeting Minutes November 3, 2021 Cusack also noted that the Downtown has lost three businesses in the Downtown which has affected their ability to get the Cultural District designation from the State. Mr. Schoonveld noted that the Town Manager's office could help in getting the open members spots filled and noted that it was a shame that the culture was lost in Downtown. Mr. DelVecchio asked about membership and if people were eliminated that don't show up to meetings would there be too few people. Ms. Cusack responded that there are up to twenty-two members allowed and currently there are eleven members. She also added that individuals are limited to serve only six years, however she believed they could serve six years and leave for a year and then seek reappointment. Mr. DelVecchio commented that it was good and bad that terms were limited to six years because knowledge is lost when experienced members leave. Mr. Trowbridge said there is a lot of history Downtown and thought it was important to get the Cultural District moving forward. Ms. Gail Gilman commented that prior to COVID, the State was enthusiastic about the Downtown and without the businesses of the Black Doll Museum, Black Box Theater and the dance studio there is no culture Downtown. Mr. Aptowitz commented that the arts are important because not all youth want to play sports. He commented that $6,500 was not a lot of funding but considering the size of the budget there may be opportunity to add additional funding. Mr. Rhein asked if members have to be eighteen and of voting age and Ms. Cusack stated that members have to be of voting age. Mr. Rhein asked how long a cultural district is and Ms. Gilman answered that it was a one -mile distance. 5. Discussion and Consideration to Accept the Legal Descriptions for the New Boundaries for the Precinct Lines This item is being moved to the November 17th meeting. 6. Public Hearing for an application for an annual Wine and Malt Beverages Off Premises Package Store License for AMDA Convenience Corp dba Town Food Mart at 6:OOPM Mr. DelVecchio read the public hearing notice into the record. Motion: To open the public hearing. (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 Attorney Ian Hedges was present representing the applicant. This application was a new beer and wine license for the old seven eleven located at 242 Chauncy Street. He noted that the location previously had a license for the sale of beer and wine. He stated that the manager of record will be Ashok Patel who has experience operating convenience stores where beer and wine is sold. Mr. Rhein asked that the temporary sign that the business has on the corner of Copeland Drive and Chauncy Street should be removed from the public way. Mr. Rhein then asked if any members of the public had any questions or comments. There was no response from members virtually or members of the public in the room. Motion: To close the public hearing. (Trowbridge/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 Motion: To approve the annual wine and malt beverage off premises package store license for AMDA Convenience Corp dba Town Food Mart to begin on or after January 1, 2022 pending approval from the ABCC. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 7. Discussion and Consideration of One Day Beer and Wine Licenses for MMAS Ms. Annie Schuster, Volunteer Concessions Manager at MMAS was present to ask for multiple one day licenses for the upcoming fall season of events. She noted that the Board approved the ones over the summer and it has helped keep MMAS running during the past year. There were no questions from the Board. Motion: To approve the one -day beer and wine licenses for MMAS and waive the fees. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 8. Discussion and Consideration to Vote on a Statement of Purpose for Town Property Owned at 35 Oxford Road Mr. Dumas stated that the Town owns a small parcel of land at 35 Oxford Road that has a water tower on it. Mr. Dumas stated that the neighboring property wants to build a second story on part of their building and in order Select Board Meeting Minutes November 3, 2021 to build up they will need to have sixty feet around the entire layout of their building to ensure that fire apparatus can get around the building should there be an emergency. The Select Board members had a few questions that Mr. Dumas answered. Motion: That the Town of Mansfield has no intention of constructing buildings for non -water department or communication purposes on its property located at 35 Oxford Road and particularly in the land area southerly of the water tower that would impede property improvements at 11 Cabot Boulevard. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 9. Discussion and Consideration of Continuing of Trash & Recycling Task Force and Consideration to Change the Makeup of its Members Mr. Rhein stated that he would like to propose renaming the Trash and Recycling Task Force for the Waste Reduction and Recycling Ad Hoc Committee. The goal is to have the Town be more environmentally friendly and recycle more and the benefit to more recycling is less cost to the Town. Mr. Rhein then suggested that the committee include a Select Board member, a Mansfield School member, two DPW Employees, Board of Health member and two residents at large. Mr. Rhein suggested that a member from the Finance Committee would not need to be on the committee any longer. Mr. Trowbridge agreed with Mr. Rhein's proposal. Mr. Rhein then added that the current committee had wanted to pursue education recycling grants, establishing a swap shop at the Mansfield Green and repair cafe, more frequent hazardous waste days, and organic composting. Mr. Trowbridge noted that it would be great to have the Schools Facility Manager however it would be up to the schools if they wanted to include someone and who that person would be. Mr. Aptowitz agreed with having seven members and having schools present but it would be up to the Superintendent to decide. Mr. Dumas added that there are three key positions from DPW that he would ask to be included on the Committee and they were the DPW Director, Public Facilities Manager and DPW Office Manager. Mr. Schoonveld stated that he wanted to add a few things to the charge and stated they were to continue to review the contract, review policies and by-laws, reinvigorate the Mansfield green and to educate residents. Mr. DelVecchio commented that it is difficult to get people to volunteer and asked how would they be appointed and what is best way to get a functional committee. Mr. Dumas suggested that using the term Ad Hoc Committee and the members could be appointed by the Town Manager's office. Ms. Champagne stated that the current task force should be dissolved and a new committee created. Motion: To create a Waste Reduction Recycling Ad Hoc Committee which will consist of 1 Select Board member, 1 member from Mansfield Schools or their designee, 3 employees of Department of Public Works, 1 Board of Health and 2 members at large and direct Town Manager to create the charge. (Trowbridge/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 10. Discussion and Consideration to Support the Massachusetts Livable Home Modification Grant Program Mr. Schoonveld stated that he attended a Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce online event and this topic was introduced as a way to help seniors and residents with disabilities to get grants to help with the costs of creating modifications to their home to make it safe. Mr. Schoonveld noted that it was already implemented in the State of Rhode Island and has wide spread support. Mr. Trowbridge asked where the State Reps stand on this issue. Mr. Aptowitz noted that Rep. Scanlon is on it and Mr. Schoonveld believed Rep Barrows supported it as well and almost fully supported by the house. Mr. DelVecchio said that spirit of it is wonderful and would like to know what the impact is and what the legislatures think about it. Mr. Dumas stated that he would reach out at next Delegation to find out their thoughts. 11. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Ryan Maxwell to Serve on the Board of Health Mr. DelVecchio stated that Mr. Aptowitz along with the Health Agent, Amy Donovan Palmer and Chair of the Board of Health, Antonia Blinn met with Mr. Ryan Maxell. Mr. DelVecchio stated that Mr. Maxwell is a current member of the Zoning Board of Appeals and he is an engineer of septic systems. Select Board members made Select Board Meeting Minutes November 3, 2021 a few comments and there was a consensus that a vote should be taken by the Volunteer Advisory Subcommittee. Motion: To appoint Ryan Maxwell to serve on the Board of Health to an unexpired term to expire on December 31, 2022. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 12. Consideration to have the Select Board Chair sign the Certificate of Compliance for 300 North Main LLC to Mansfield Center Apartments II LLC Mr. Dumas stated that this was for the sale of 300 North Main Street, Station Square and this was provided to Shaun Burke and he has confirmed that they are in compliance. Mr. Schoonveld added that it is in regards to the affordable units. Motion: To authorize the Select Board Chair to sign the Certificate of Compliance for 300 North Main LLC to Mansfield Center Apartments II LLC. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 13. Consideration to have the Select Board Chair sign the Consent to Financing Subject to Regulatory Agreement and Declaration of Restrictive Covenants for Rental Project for North Commons Residences Mr. Dumas stated that this transaction was for the other side next to the North Common that was formally owned by MCG Mansfield LLC at One Mansfield. Mr. Dumas stated that this is selling again. Mr. Trowbridge asked how this would affect the pending litigation that the Town has with MCG Mansfield LLC. Mr. LaCasse stated that this was so the company could refinance. Mr. Rhein asked to have this tabled to the next meeting. 14. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Mr. Rhein stated that this will be a reoccurring item on the Select Board's agenda going forward so that members can provide an update on each of the different Boards or Committees they serve on. Mr. Schoonveld started by stating that the TIF Committee met over the past month to prepare a recommendation at Town Meeting. He then stated he was the liaison to the Planning Board and in his discussions with the Chair of the Planning Board he learned that there needs to be better timing of the review of items for Town meeting. He then stated that there has been great work with the Board of Assessors and believed that Mr. Brogie was doing a fantastic job. He then stated that the Recreation Commission is excited about the Plymouth Street playground and stated that he has gotten nowhere with the Cable Access Committee and may need help from the Town Manager's office. Mr. DelVecchio stated that the Budget Subcommittee has met and as always, it was interesting. He then thanked his colleagues for their feedback as it pertained to the Volunteer Advisory Subcommittee and he noted they would be working through the annual reappointments. Mr. DelVecchio stated that he also is the liaison to the Finance Committee and noted that Sara Walsh is the Chair recently and Scott Feely is the new Vice Chair. Mr. Trowbridge stated that he is the liaison to the Council on Aging and has nothing to report at this time but will check in with Ms. Josephine Madrazo. As for the Budget SubCommittee said that there will be a policy coming for the Special Education Stabilization Fund for consideration by the Select Board and School Committee. Mr. Aptowitz said he needs to reach out to the Chair of the ZBA. He then stated that the Audit Committee has met and Mr. Nelligan has been at Town Hall working on the Town's audit. Mr. Aptowitz then noted that Antonia Blinn, Chair of the BOH have been in contact and one of the issues was being down one member before Ryan Maxwell was appointed tonight. Mr. Rhein noted that there is nothing new from the Downtown Advisory Committee but are working on public art and the Committee will be meeting this month. He then stated that the Community Service Awards Select Board Meeting Minutes November 3, 2021 Committee will be meeting in December. He also added that the COVID task force will be meeting next week Lastly, he stated that Keep Mansfield Beautiful will be attending the next Select Board meeting. 15. Continued Discussion of 50 West Street Property There was no update. 16. Resident Questions and Comments Mr. Mark Corsillo of 50 West Street was wondering if the Town Updates that are posted to the Facebook page could be posted on Twitter. Mr. Dumas responded that it is best for residents to sign up for notifications from the Town's website so that important messages are not missed. He added that the information can be sent via text message or email. 17. 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: • October 13, 2021 • October 14, 2021 • October 20, 2021 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 22017T in the amount of $313,218.26 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 22017E in the amount of $321,149.60 • School Vendor Warrant No. 220175 in the amount of $797,905.98 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 22018T in the amount of $ • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 22018E in the amount of $ • School Vendor Warrant No. 220185 in the amount of $ C. Permits and Licenses: • Consideration of Special Events Application for Boy Scout Troop 17 Annual Christmas tree lot on West Street D. Consideration of Proclamations: Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 18. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 22017PT in the amount of $412,098.64 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 22017PT in the amount of $412,098.64. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22017TV in the amount of $130,782.88 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22017TV in the amount of $130,782.88. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 22017PS in the amount of $1,804,469.63 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 22017PS in the amount of $1,804,469.63. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0:1 (Trowbridge Abstain) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 22017SV in the amount of $552,483.18 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 22017SV in the amount of $552,483.18. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 22018PT in the amount of $476,898.95 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 22018PT in the amount of $476,898.95. Select Board Meeting Minutes November 3, 2021 (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22018TV in the amount of $149,405.53 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22018TV in the amount of $149,405.53. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 19. Correspondence • Notifications from Verizon • Letter from Bristol County Agricultural High School Mr. DelVecchio read a summary of the above correspondence items. 20. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Mr. Schoonveld asked about the progress of the sale of the North Main Street Fire Station and how much was spent in remediation this far. Mr. Dumas responded that as of now it is about $260,000. Mr. Schoonveld then asked about the tax work off program and if there is a high level of participation. Mr. Dumas responded that he knew Josephine was working on placements. Mr. Schoonveld then asked if Josephine could get communication out to seniors because we were approaching the end of the year. Mr. DelVecchio commented that he wanted to provide a shout out to David Isenthol who works for Unibank and is one of the advisors for our municipal bonds and he was just elected to the Board of Education in Connecticut. Mr. Trowbridge commented that Town Meeting was tomorrow at Mansfield High School at 7PM. Mr. Aptowitz commented that the Select Board would be meeting at 6:30PM in the Auditorium before Town Meeting. Mr. Rhein commented that the Veteran's parade next Thursday on November 11tn 21. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 22. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the November 3, 2021 Select Board meeting at 7:34PM. (Schoonveld/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 Signature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Date Select Board Meeting Minutes November 3, 2021