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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 12/15/2021Select Board Meeting Minutes December 15, 2021 Present: Mr. Neil Rhein, Chairman; Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Vice -Chair; Mr. Frank DelVecchio, Clerk; Mr. Jess A towitz and Mr. Steve Schoonveld. Mr. Kevin Dumas, Town Manager and Mr. Barr Laca a„/��sistant Town p g YItLt;tlYtU Manager/Finance Director were also present in meeting room 3A/B at Town Hall T OFFICE 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance mi JAN 13 P 2: 38 Mr. Neil Rhein, Chairman called the meeting to order at 5:30PM. He then asked �e mond Schwartz the guest of honor to lead the group with the Pledge of Allegiance. He reminded everyone that th6 JJj'e!etihi Jh0s being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. f U.`ir7 h 5 2. Recognition of Belmond Schwartz Mr. Rhein introduced Senator Feeney and Representative Phillips who recognized Belmond Schwartz for all the work he has done and the impact that he has had on Mansfield. Senator Feeney stated that he has made everyone proud and that he has left an incredible mark on the Town. He added that Belmond saw a problem, found a solution and got people to come together. Senator Feeney thanked him and provided him with a citation. Representative Phillips also shared sentiments of thanks for the great work and the great example that he has set and for his national recognition. Chairman Rhein then read a certificate from the Select Board and presented Belmond with the certificate and small gift. Each member of the Select Board thanked him for all the work and the example he is setting. 3. Town Manager's Report ➢ Business View Magazine Interview ➢ Municipal Building Committee ➢ BayCoast Bank ➢ Transit Oriented Development (TOD) ➢ State Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Approval ➢ Lt. Governor SEMRECC Tour ➢ Miscellaneous Items Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report Mr. Dumas began his report stating that the COVID case numbers have dramatically increased since the last meeting and the spike is not just in Mansfield, but it is seen nationwide from the Thanksgiving holiday. He stated that for now he has posted information to departments and meetings should be virtual and large gatherings should be avoided. He stated that it is not too late to get vaccinated or a booster shot and noted that a clinic has been made available employees on Friday, December 17' from 9-12 noon. There is also a clinic for the general public on Monday, December 271h. Mr. Dumas then updated the Board on the topics of BayCoast Bank, Transit Oriented Development, and the SEMRECC tour with the Lt. Governor. Mr. Dumas then stated that the State Delegation is in support of the house bill on the home modification grant that was previously discussed and suggested that it be an item for consideration at the next Select Board meeting. He then provided an update on PFAS, Business View Magazine and the Bristol County Commissioners training for the ARPA portal. Mr. Dumas lastly thanked all employees for the accomplishments of 2021 and wished everyone a Happy Holiday Season. Mr. Aptowitz, Mr. Trowbridge and Mr. DelVecchio did not have any questions or comments. Mr. Schoonveld commented that he went to website for scheduling boosters and there are options for the first and second dose. Mr. Dumas stated he was unsure if those doses were available or if it was just for the booster and would follow up. Mr. Rhein asked if it was only the Moderna booster that was available and Mr. Dumas confirmed that it was only Moderna. Mr. Rhein then stated that the clinic is for town employees but it is also open to Board and Committee members and Mr. Dumas responded that the clinic on Monday, December 27th is for anyone. Select Board Meeting Minutes December 15, 2021 4. Resident Questions and Comments There were no resident questions or comments. 5. Presentation of Energy Reduction Plan for Green Communities Mr. LaCasse introduced Ms. Helen Zincavage from SERPEDD who was present along with Ms. Lisa Sullivan from the State for Green Communities. Mr. LaCasse explained that this is the fifth and final criteria to reach the Green Community designation. Ms. Zincavage stated that this is one of the five criteria to get the Town designated as a Green Community. The Town has worked hard to track down lots of information and that once complete it is a "win win" program and it will save the Town money and is also the right thing to do for the environment. She further explained that the energy reduction plan is a plan that works to reduce energy consumption by twenty percent over the course of five years. Ms. Zincavage stated that the document used Fiscal Year 2020 data to establish a baseline of energy consumption. Mr. Schoonveld asked for an explanation of the $3.8 million of improvement expenses listed as part of the report for the public who was watching. Ms. Zincavage explained that these expenses can be paid for over the course of five years as the Town receives grant funding the Town can pick the various improvements to make so that the full cost isn't on the Town. Mr. Schoonveld then stated that the projects would save the Town money in energy savings as well. Ms. Sullivan further explained that the Town can only have one grant open at a time and have to show that work is completed, but can annually receive $200,000. Mr. LaCasse stated that a vote of the Select Board and School Committee will be necessary. Mr. Rhein stated that within the plan he did not see much in regards to vehicles and Ms. Sullivan responded that the twenty percent savings was found in the buildings alone and therefore was the focus of the energy reduction plan, but the grant program does allow for up to $5,000 in grant funding for vehicles which typically covers the cost difference between a regular vehicle and a hybrid model. Mr. Trowbridge thanked Mr. Rhein for his efforts in pushing this initiative forward. 6. Economic Development Update with Penta Communications Ms. Deborah Penta was present to provide a presentation on the Phase II campaign and update the Board on the progress that has been made since the last quarterly update. She explained the Mansfield Works feature has been added to the website to help promote job opportunities from businesses within the community and she stated that key relationships with MassBio, MassEcon, MassBioScience and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development have added to the success of the campaign. She then provided an update on the social media followers and noted that Linkedln and Facebook have been the leaders in generating followers. Mr. Dumas then provided an update on business development opportunities like Amazon, Walgreens, Providence Bagel and Mansfield Farm Fresh Market. Mr. Chris McDermott, Economic Development Director finished the presentation with sharing information on the economic impact that several of the businesses have had on Mansfield. Mr. DelVecchio commented that Mr. Dumas has been kept the Board up to date on all of the efforts and thanked everyone. Mr. Schoonveld asked if Mr. McDermott has calculated what the financial impact is of the businesses coming to Mansfield. Mr. McDermott stated that he would be meeting regularly with the Assessors Office and Town Planner to track that information. Mr. Schoonveld then asked how he is tracking rents from the Cabot Park and Mr. McDermott responded that they are using a database called Costar. Mr. Aptowitz had no comments or questions and Mr. Trowbridge commented that it is great to see all the projects coming forward. Mr. Rhein stated that the Town has come a long way and didn't think someone like Mr. McDermott would on Board this quickly. He then noted how great the communication and message images are on social media. Mr. Dumas stated that there are only a few vacant parcels left, but based on the success at the moment they have not had to spend money on advertising. Mr. Trowbridge commented that it would be good to resend an email to many of the Boards and Committees asking them to like and share the Discover Mansfield posts on Facebook. Select Board Meeting Minutes December 15, 2021 7. Walsh Well PFAS and Well Improvements Project Presentation and Approval as part of Municipal Clearing House Process Mr. Ahern was present along with Ms. Srivalli Sukuru from Woodard and Curran to seek the Boards approval of the Walsh Well project. He stated that the Planning Board and Conservation Commission have approved the plan. Mr. Ahern explained what PFAS was and stated that the project was similar to the project at Cate Springs but the building will be slightly larger to accommodate an electric room and bathroom. He stated that the vessels had been ordered in advance through the Towns procurement process to try and avoid the long lead time that has been seen for many items. He stated that the Cate Springs was scheduled to be finished in the Spring of 2022, but the project has had some delays. Mr. Trowbridge asked if there was a bathroom in the main building and Mr. Ahern responded that there was not. Mr. Trowbridge then questioned if it were possible to do a tight tank, but Mr. Ahern stated that they could not do one unless there was a special variance. There were no further questions from the Board Motion: To approve the Walsh Well Improvements project as presented. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 8. Discussion and Consideration of 2021 Non -Profit Gift Fund (NPGF) Recommendations Mr. Rhein thanked the committee members for their work in reviewing the applications and deciding. Mr. Rhein stated that the Board voted to allow $40,000 to be allocated annually and that there were six projects recommended for approval by the NPGF Committee. The Board voted and discussed each item separately. Motion: To approve the Park and Recreation request of three portable craft tables in the amount of $795. (Trowbridge/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 Motion: To approve the Mansfield Historical Society request for moving and restoring two Veteran's stones in the amount of $2,140. (Trowbridge/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 Motion: To approve the Boy Scouts Troop request for a covered trailer to transport camping equipment in the amount of $3,798. (Trowbridge/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 Motion: To approve the Mansfield High School Sports Booster Club request to purchase six lockers for the girl's locker room at Mansfield High School for $4,260. (Trowbridge/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 Motion: To approve MMAS request for partial funding of the HVAC system in the amount of $17,500. (Trowbridge/Aptowitz ) Mr. Aptowitz commented that over the years this organization has received lots of money and would like to know how much this fund has given them in total. Mr. Schoonveld asked if the organization could fund this on their own or if they have financial constraints. Mr. Dumas responded that he knows there are many unfunded parts of their project. Mr. Trowbridge agreed that a report would be helpful before approving next year so that the Board can see how the funds have been given through the years. Passes 4:1(Schoonveld-Nay) The last recommendation from the NPGF Committee was for the Congregational Church of Mansfield for partial funding of repairing and re -installing stained glass windows in the amount of $11,500. Mr. Rhein noted the $18,700 was the original request amount. Motion: To approve the Congregational Church of Mansfield partial request for stained glass window repair in the amount of $11,500. (Trowbridge/Schoonveld) Mr. DelVecchio stated that he wanted to discuss this item because it is of a religious institution and the Town should not be funding organizations of a religious nature. He further noted that this church does support Our Daily Bread which supports services to the public without prejudices, but stated it is a slippery slope and it is nothing that he personally has against the church. Mr. Schoonveld commented that he understood Mr. Select Board Meeting Minutes December 15, 2021 DelVecchio perspective, but he believed they were like the other non-profit organizations and that this project is funding a historic building in Town. He further added that the organization supports many other organizations in Town and believes that the Board approved a request a few years ago for a different Church. It was noted that this was for a computer to assist with tracking clothing. Mr. DelVecchio stated he would be in support of a request for a computer because it supported the general public. Mr. Dumas reminded the Board of the guidelines that were established where it stated that grants will not be awarded to religious organizations except for non -religious purposes benefiting the general public or the citizens of Mansfield. Mr. Rhein stated that he was a proponent of the separation of church and state, however he was aware of the community aspect of the church and the historical building they have. He stated that the windows were leaking and could be looked at as allowing the building to operate without water coming in to host the many organizations. Mr. Schoonveld commented that they meet the definition of a community church. Mr. DelVecchio stated that if it is an indirect argument and that is why this is a hard decision because it is a valued community organization. Mr. LaCasse did note that the Town Accountant is looking up to find more details on the anti -aid statue that may need to be considered in this decision. The Board asked to table this vote until next meeting. 9. Discussion of Dangerous Dog Complaint and Consideration to Schedule Public Hearing Mr. Dumas stated that the Animal Control Officer had submitted a request which includes a recommended temporary order for the Board to consider until the public hearing is scheduled. Motion: To temporarily order that the dog Radley at 585 Elm Street be muzzled and on a three-foot lead or in an enclosed pen when outside the house and schedule the public hearing for January 5th at 6:30PM. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 10. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Michael McClanahan or Mark Corsillo to serve on the Planning Board Mr. DelVecchio stated that he and Mr. Aptowitz met with both candidates who are both qualified, but noted that there is an unwritten policy that a member who serves well and in good standing would be reappointed and Mr. McClanahan has been on the Planning Board for a long time. Mr. DelVecchio also commented that there are many open vacancies for Boards and Committees on the website and encouraged residents to apply. Motion: To reappoint Michael McClanahan to serve on the Planning Board to an unexpired term to expire on December 31, 2026. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 11. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Ben Esposito to serve on the WWII Scholarship Committee Mr. Aptowitz stated that he knew Mr. Esposito through work, but did see a conflict of interest. He noted that Mr. Esposito has been a Mansfield resident a long time and that he wanted to volunteer to give back to the community. Mr. DelVecchio agreed that Mr. Esposito was well spoken and he stated that that Mr. Esposito is busy, but did want to start to get involved and this committee would be a good fit as they do not meet all year. Motion: To appoint Ben Esposito to serve on the WWII Scholarship Committee to an unexpired term to expire on December 31, 2024. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 12. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Matthew Griffin to serve on the Non -Profit Gift Fund (NPGF) Mr. Aptowitz stated that Mr. Griffin has spent lots of time volunteering with the Boy Scouts and he recommends appointing him to the NPGF Committee. Mr. DelVecchio agreed. Motion: To appoint Matthew Griffin to serve on the Non -Profit Gift Fund beginning January 1, 2022 to a three- year term to expire on December 31, 2024. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 13. Consideration to Reappoint Rebecca Foster to serve on the Open Space and Recreation Committee Motion: To reappoint Rebecca Foster to serve on the Open Space and Recreation Committee to a one-year term to expire on December 31, 2022. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 Select Board Meeting Minutes December 15, 2021 14. Discussion of Renewal for Comcast and Verizon Contracts Mr. LaCasse stated that this was just providing notice that the Town would be hiring special counsel to facilitate the cable contract negotiations. He added that the Comcast contract expires in March of 2023 and the Verizon contract expires in September 2023, but will be working on each simultaneously. Mr. Aptowitz asked who the attorney was and Mr. LaCasse responded that he worked with Attorney Bill Solomon for the Attleboro contracts and he is well known for these negotiations. Mr. Schoonveld asked if there is a Cable Access Board of Directors for Mansfield Cable and Mr. LaCasse responded that there was and Mr. Aptowitz added that there is also a Cable Advisory Committee. Mr. Trowbridge asked if there was something in the Charter that requires the Select Board to appoint members to an advisory committee. Mr. LaCasse stated that it is not required. Mr. Trowbridge asked if a smaller group would be better and just have a Select Board member along with someone from Cable Access participate. Mr. Dumas stated that currently the Town is at the max allowed at five percent of gross annual revenues. It was recommended to discuss this at a January meeting further. 15. Consideration to Sign the 2022 ABCC Liquor License Certification Form Motion: To sign the 2022 ABCC Liquor License Certification form. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 5:0 16. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Mr. Schoonveld updated that the Planning Board met and discussed the Old Elm Street property and had some good insight and suggested other Board members watch the meeting. He also stated that they are planning a public workshop for working through Article 19 from Special Town Meeting in January or February. He then added that the guidelines came out today that it will be a requirement of MBTA Communities to re -zone areas near train stations to encourage multi -family housing. Mr. DelVecchio commented that the Budget Sub -Committee is scheduled to meet on the 261h of January Mr. Trowbridge and Mr. Aptowitz did not have a liaison update. Mr. Rhein stated that COVID met and urged everyone to be cautious. He then stated that the Downtown Committee meeting has been rescheduled due to a lack of a quorum. 17. Consideration of 2022 License Renewals: • 2022 Common Victualler and Wine/Malt On -premise Licenses for Willow Crossing located at 25 Cobb ST • 2022 Common Victualler License for Providence Bagel located at 214 Rumford Avenue • 2022 Automatic Amusement License for Buffalo Wild Wings located at 321 School Street • 2022 Common Victualler and Entertainment Licenses for Great Woods Pizza located at 428 Elm ST • 2022 Common Victualler and Entertainment Licenses for Dunkin Donuts located at 333 School ST • 2022 Common Victualler and Entertainment Licenses for Dunkin Donuts located at 905 South Main ST • 2022 Common Victualler and Entertainment Licenses for Dunkin Donuts located at 45 Chauncy ST • 2022 Common Victualler and Entertainment Licenses for Dunkin Donuts located at 4 South Main ST Motion: To approve the 2022 License renewals as listed in the agenda. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 18. Resident Questions and Comments There were no resident questions or comments. 19. 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 1, 2021 Select Board Meeting Minutes December 15, 2021 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 22023T in the amount of $1,887,264.89 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 22024E in the amount of $178,963.42 • School Vendor Warrant No. 220235 in the amount of $311,930.45 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 22024T in the amount of $179,377.52 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 22024E in the amount of $1,940,902.15 C. Consideration of Proclamations: Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 20. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 22023PT in the amount of $445,020.34 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 22023PT in the amount of $445,020.34. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22023TV in the amount of $140,810.07 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22023TV in the amount of $140,810.07. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 22023PS in the amount of $2,147,045.28 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 22023PS in the amount of $2,147,045.28. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0:1 (Trowbridge Abstain) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 22023SV in the amount of $700,997.41 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 22023SV in the amount of $700,997.41. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 22024PT in the amount of $413,342.35 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 22024PT in the amount of $413,342.35. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22024TV in the amount of $128,612.59 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22024TV in the amount of $128,612.59. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 21. Correspondence • Notification from Verizon Fios • Notification from Xfinity • Letter from Bristol County Retirement for the FY2023 Appropriation Mr. DelVecchio read a summary of the above correspondence items. Mr. Aptowitz stated that Mansfield is the highest assessed community on the list and asked if someone from Mansfield can get appointed to the Retirement Board. Mr. Schoonveld stated that this is just the estimate and the surprise will be next year. Mr. Trowbridge asked how Mansfield could be in the top three of Bristol County and Mr. Aptowitz responded that Attleboro has its own retirement. 22. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Mr. Aptowitz stated that he has a meeting with Verizon on the cell phone coverage in January. He stated that the SEMRECC tour with Lt. Governor was great and noted that she was impressed with the operations. Lastly, he wished everyone a Happy Healthy New Year and to be safe. Mr. Trowbridge wished everyone a Happy Holiday, a healthy New Year and thanked Mr. Dumas and all of the staff for their hard work and making progress amid COVID Mr. DelVecchio wished everyone good tidings and hopes that everyone has a prosperous New Year Mr. Schoonveld commented that N. Attleboro received a grant for PFAS and asked if Mansfield would be eligible for one. Mr. Dumas responded that Mansfield was not eligible. He then noted that on Cape Cod they Select Board Meeting Minutes December 15, 2021 are concerned that the source of PFAS is the athletic turf fields and are banning those types of fields. Mr. Schoonveld then asked about the Chase bank project and noted that they just look like they are using one side. Mr. Dumas stated that there are two phases to the project. He then wished everyone a Happy Holiday and hoped those who celebrated Hanukkah had a great week and hopes to have a great 2022. Mr. Rhein asked to discuss further why Mr. Schoonveld was concerned with him being Chair on the Waste and Reduction Committee. Mr. Schoonveld responded that Mr. Rhein lobbies to the State House in his role on Keep Massachusetts Beautiful and presents to other communities and someone could say that what he is doing at Town Hall could be helping him with his role on Keep Massachusetts Beautiful and vise versa. Mr. Trowbridge commented that he appreciates that Mr. Rhein is pushing for more recycling and waste reduction and represents the Board with his expertise. Mr. Rhein stated that he doesn't see a conflict or a financial benefit personally, but he brings his expertise to that committee and that is a benefit. Mr. DelVecchio commented that this is a complex issue, but all of the Board members live in Town and could be considered to have a perceived conflict of interest. Mr. Rhein then thanked DPW for the traffic issues in East Mansfield and Mr. Dumas stated it was the failure of equipment and should be working well again. Mr. Aptowitz gave kudos to the Mansfield Fire Department that assisted to a house fire in Foxboro. Mr. Trowbridge noted Tony Strycharz who passed away who was the Mechanical Inspector here in Mansfield and condolences to his family. 23. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting Mr. Rhein stated that there was a request received late this afternoon from MMAS for a change in the date on one of their one day licenses that were approved. Motion: To approve the request from MMAS to switch the one -day beer/wine license for Monday, December 20th to Friday, December 17th. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 24. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the December 15, 2021 Select Board meeting at 7:52PM. (Schoonveld/DelVecchio) Passes 5:0 Signature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne ate U Select Board Meeting Minutes December 15, 2021