HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 02/02/2022Select Board Meeting Minutes
February 2, 2022
Present: Mr. Neil Rhein, Chairman; Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Vice -Chair; Mr. Frank DelVecchio, Clerk; Mr. Jess
Aptowitz and Mr. Steve Schoonveld were in attendance virtually. Mr. Kevin Dumas, Tow q,Ftbnager and Mr.
Barry LaCasse, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director were also present virtuANVjY,;,,,,, C OFFICE
1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance A 11; "o
Mr. Neil Rhein, Chairman called the meeting to order at 5:30PM. He then asl<Wt resent to state the
Pledge of Allegiance. He reminded everyone that the meeting was being broad casJ,jindih ;ve}aAd for future
broadcast on Mansfield Cable. ��
2. Recognition of Mr. Thomas Keough
Mr. Rhein thanked Mr. Keough for his twenty-one years of service on the Council on Aging from 2000 through
December of 2021. Ms. Josephine Madrazo, COA Director and members of the Select Board as well as Mr.
Dumas all spoke and thanked him for his many years of service.
3. Town Manager's Report
➢ COVID-19 Update
➢ Storm Report
➢ MBTA 2022 Proposed Amended Fares
➢ Wading River Bridge Replacement
➢ Plymouth Street Playground Bid Results
➢ SEMRECC Law Enforcement Design Award
Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report
Mr. Dumas began his report stating that there are only 93 COVID cases. He thanked the staff for their efforts
during the Blizzard last weekend including those that plowed and provided phone coverage. At this time the
expense of the storm is estimated to be $252,000 and there is a one -day delay to trash and recycling this week.
Mr. Dumas then provided an update on the Town Meeting warrant noting the public that draft warrant articles
are due March 1st in their best format and noted that the Select Board will meet on April 111 to sign the official
document if the Chair would allow this extra meeting which would allow the Planning Board additional time to
get their articles completed. Mr. Dumas also noted that he would like the Select Board members to attend the
Planning Board meetings on February 9tn and 231d for discussions of the TOD and planning for Special Fall Town
Meeting articles. Mr. Dumas then provided an update on the MBTA 2022 proposed amended fares and the
public hearing that took place for the Wading River Bridge Replacement on Balcom Street and he would like to
present the information at an upcoming Select Board meeting. He then noted that SEMRECC received a Law
Enforcement Design Award for their project and design. Mr. Dumas stated that the bids have been received for
the Plymouth Street Playground and that the lowest bid was $674,700.
Mr. Trowbridge stated that the work has to be done, but the information should be pushed out to residents as
much as possible to make them aware of the road being closed for an extended period of time. Mr. Schoonveld
stated that the snow budget was $389,000 and that it's a set amount each year and has been that way for
several years and Mr. Dumas confirmed and said once the budget is set you can't change it back. Mr.
Schoonveld then stated that there was a great session by MMA on MBTA communities and believed that the
Downtown area of Mansfield counts towards the fifty acres and therefore may have already met the target
density that will be targeted by transit communities.
4. Resident Questions and Comments
Mr. Mark Corsillo of 1604 West Street stated that the Electric Department invoice system is great and allows
residents to look up their account and that same system would be great for water bills. He stated that there is no
way to look up the information unless you have an invoice number. He recommended a unified payment system.
Select Board Meeting Minutes
February 2, 2022
Mr. Dumas noted that he would look into this.
5. Discussion and Consideration of the Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers Application for Rare
Hospitality International, Inc. dba LongHorn Steakhouse
Ms. Elizabeth Pisano was present on the webinar to represent the applicant. She stated that this was a change
of officer's application and explained the changes. Ms. Pisasno further explained that there was nothing
changing at the local restaurant level. There were no questions from the Select Board members.
Motion: To approve the change of Officers/Directors Application for Rare Hospitality International, Inc. dba
LongHorn Steakhouse.(DelVecchio/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz—Yes Trowbridge — Yes DelVecchio—Yes Rhein —Yes
Passes 5:0
6. Update with the Finance Committee
Ms. Sara Walsh, Chair of the Finance Committee was present to provide an update on the Finance Committee.
Ms. Walsh brought forward the top priorities of the Finance Committee and then stated that challenges that
they are struggling with. She stated that policies and documents are hard to find and whether further
education is needed or the information is organized differently. She then stated that communication amongst
the Boards and with the community was important. Lastly, Ms. Walsh stated that there will be significant
expenses coming down the pike because of Inflation and large capital expenses because of aging infrastructure
and the Town needs to make long term plans.
Mr. Rhein then opened up discussion to the Budget Subcommittee members first. Mr. Trowbridge commented
that he did not believe that the policies were in one place but are at Town Hall. He then stated that the Board
tonight would be discussion were policies and the need for putting all the Select Board policies in one place and
he asked what Ms. Walsh meant by communication structures. Ms. Walsh responded that some committees
communicate differently and how people communicate is different now and many people use social media to
communicate and it could be useful if committees could use the Town's Linkln or Facebook to communicate
and if it were structured it would provide guidelines for the Boards and committees to know when and how
often they should communicate to the community and promote transparency. Mr. Trowbridge believed such
communication should go through the Town Manager's office and noted that communication with Budget
Subcommittee has been great and that the budget presentations by departments to Finance Committee, Select
Board and School Committee are going to be great so that everyone is hearing the same information at the
same time. Mr. DelVecchio commented that he appreciates the improved communications. Mr. DelVecchio
also agreed that placing the policies online and maybe the policies could be part of the new refresh of the
website. Mr. DelVecchio also noted that the goals and objectives will be started soon and with improved
communication there can be overlap of the Finance Committee goals and the Select Board's goals. Mr.
Schoonveld agreed with the challenges and agreed that the policies should be on the website. He further noted
that there are two schools that are going to need to be built and there is a "hodge podge" of ways that the
Town communicates with residents and recommended the Town of Amherst as an example of a $9,000
product that engages residents. Mr. Schoonveld lastly noted that he liked Ms. Walsh's comment that the
Finance Committee has a responsibility to communicate with residents just as much as the Select Board.
7. Consideration to Approve and Sign State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Documents for Cate Springs
Motion: I, the Clerk of the Select Board of the Town of Mansfield, Massachusetts, certify that at a meeting of the
board held February 2, 2022, of which meeting all members of the board were duly notified and at which a
quorum was present, the following vote was passed, all of which appears upon the official record of the board in
my custody: VOTED: (1) that the Town shall issue a bond or bonds in an aggregate principal amount not
to exceed $4,545,824 (the "Bonds") pursuant to Chapters 29C and 44 of the General Laws and a vote of the Town
passed November 7, 2020 (Article 5, Motion 2), which authorized a total borrowing of $13,920,000, for planning
or construction of drinking water infrastructure (the "Project"); (2) that in anticipation of the issuance of the
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February 2, 2022
Bonds the Treasurer is authorized to issue an interim loan note or notes (the "Notes") from time to time in an
aggregate principal amount not to exceed $4,545,824; (3) that each Bond or Note shall be issued as a single
registered security, and sold to the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust (the "Trust") at a price determined pursuant
to the Financing Agreement; (4) that the Treasurer is authorized to determine the date, the form, the maximum
interest rate and the principal maturities of each Bond and Note, and to execute a Financing Agreement (or
Agreements) with the Trust with respect to the sale of the Bonds and Notes, such date, form and maturities and
the specific interest rate or rates of the Bonds and Notes to be approved by a majority of the Select Board and
the Treasurer and evidenced by their execution of the Bonds or Notes; (5) that any certificates or documents
relating to each Bond and Note (collectively, the "Documents"), may be executed in several counterparts, each of
which shall be regarded as an original and all of which shall constitute one and the same document; delivery of
an executed counterpart of a signature page to a Document by electronic mail in a ".pdf" file or by other
electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart signature page to
such Document; and electronic signatures on any of the Documents shall be deemed original signatures for the
purposes of the Documents and all matters relating thereto, having the same legal effect as original signatures;
(6) that all action taken to date by the Town and its officers and agents to carry out the Project and its financing,
including the execution of any loan commitment or agreement by the Treasurer, are hereby ratified, approved
and confirmed; and (7) that the Treasurer'and the other appropriate Town officials are each hereby authorized
to take any and all actions necessary or convenient to carry out the provisions of this vote, including execution
and delivery of the Financing Agreement(s) and the Project Regulatory Agreement(s) relating to the Project.
I further certify that the vote was adopted at a meeting open to the public, that no vote was taken by secret
ballot, that notice stating the place, date, time and agenda of the meeting (which agenda included the adoption
of the above vote) was filed with the Town Clerk and a copy thereof posted in a manner conspicuously visible to
the public at all hours in or on the municipal building that the office of the Town Clerk is located or, if applicable,
in accordance with an alternative method of notice prescribed or approved by the Attorney General as set forth
in 940 CMR 29.03(2)(b), at least 48 hours, not including Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, prior to the time
of the meeting and remained so posted at the time of the meeting, that no deliberations or decisions in
connection with the sale of the Bonds or Notes were taken in executive session, and that the official record of the
meeting was made available to the public promptly and remains available to the public, all in accordance with
GI c.30A, §§18-25, as amended. I further certify that the vote has not been amended, supplemented or revoked
and remains in effect on this date. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Schoonveld — Yes Aptowitz — Yes Trowbridge — Yes DelVecchio — Yes Rhein — Yes
Passes 5:0
8. Discussion & Consideration of a New Temporary Sign Bylaw —Chairman Rhein
Mr. Rhein stated that the only change was adding number ten which states that "All signs (permanent or
temporary) on or within the Town -owned street right-of-way or Town -owned land shall be subject to Select
Board approval." He stated that this proposed change is to address the signs that get put up at major
intersections that businesses place without permission.
Motion: To support the new temporary sign bylaw for consideration at Annual Town Meeting.
(DelVecchio/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Schoonveld — Yes Aptowitz — Yes Trowbridge — Yes DelVecchio — Yes Rhein — Yes
Passes 5:0
9. Discussion and Consideration of Revised Vehicle Use Policy — Town Manager
Mr. Dumas stated that this was a revision that was asked for by the Town's insurance company. He stated that
the changes are minor in nature and it specifies that passengers have to be Town employees. Mr. Aptowitz
stated that there have been a few instances where an elected official would be a passenger and if that was
Select Board Meeting Minutes
February 2, 2022
permitted and Mr. Dumas confirmed it would be okay. Mr. Schoonveld asked if there are employees who take
vehicles home and Mr. Dumas responded that there were a limited amount who do.
Motion: To approve the revised vehicle use policy. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes Trowbridge — Yes DelVecchio — Yes Rhein —Yes
Passes 5:0
10. General Discussion of Select Board Policies — Vice Chair Trowbridge
Mr. Trowbridge began the discussion asking if there were any Select Board members who had policies in mind
that need to be worked on or drafted. He then noted that some communities have policies online and many do
not, but suggested that they should be put all in one place so that is easy for anyone to refer to them. Mr.
Schoonveld agreed with putting them online and stated that a challenge has been the sharing of information
and used the example of the packet that the Board uses for each meeting. He suggested that there is some
information that would need to be redacted, but the information should be available to those that want to
follow along, especially in March during the budget meetings. Mr. Trowbridge said that he understood what
Mr. Schoonveld was saying, but that could be a lot of work for possibly only a few people who would be looking
for that information. Mr. DelVecchio agreed with Mr. Schoonveld that the budget process could be improved
and suggested that a policy committee be established. Mr. Rhein stated that if there is information someone is
looking for they can always ask for it. He then noted that this would require further discussion and potentially
the Board could add this as a goal for next year. Mr. Dumas stated that the budget information that is available
now is a summary and once items become more realistic all of the detail and salary sheets are published. Mr.
Trowbridge asked for consensus from the Board on compiling the existing policies and getting them in one
place on the website and the Board agreed. Mr. Dumas asked for some additional time as he believes some
policies will require revision.
11. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates
Mr. DelVecchio stated that he has not attended an airport meeting and said that the Finance Committee
meeting was productive and communication is improving and can coordinate things more easily.
Mr. Trowbridge stated that the Budget Subcommittee met and all three boards are invited to the next few
meetings and that Mr. Donoghue and Mr. LaCasse are working to draft the Special Education Fund Policy.
Mr. Aptowitz stated that Monday night the Volunteer Advisory interviewed candidates for openings on the
Board of Library Trustees and stated that they will be on the next Select Board agenda for consideration. He
then stated that MFN met last night and they are moving forward. He noted that it was Mr. Azinheira last
meeting, however, he was staying on MFN as Director.
Mr. Schoonveld stated that Park and Rec met last week as well as Planning Board, and there will be an
applicant coming to the Select Board asking for parking spots for a potential residential build.
Mr. Rhein stated that it has been hard to get a quorum together for the Downtown Committee to meet. He
stated that the Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee's first meeting is tomorrow.
12. Resident Questions and Comments
There were no resident questions or comments.
13. 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:
• January 19, 2022
Select Board Meeting Minutes
February 2, 2022
B. Vote to Approve Warrants:
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 22030T in the amount of $173,897.09
• Electric Vendor Warrant No. 22030E in the amount of $142,695.63
• School Vendor Warrant No. 22030S in the amount of $10,254.34
• Town Vendor Warrant No. 22031T in the amount of $1,968,833.69
• Electric Vendor Warrant No. 22031E in the amount of $226,607.17
• School Vendor Warrant No. 22031S in the amount of $677,676.93
C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses:
• 2022 Drain Layers License for Alltech Building Systems Inc.
• Request from Aprill Lane for Show Your Stripes on February 28, 2022
• 2022 Drain Layers License for Plainville Pump & Excavating, Inc.
• 2022 Drain Layers License for G. Lopes
D. Consideration of Proclamations:
Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Schoonveld — Yes Aptowitz — Yes Trowbridge — Yes DelVecchio —Yes Rhein —Yesy
Passes 5:0
14. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants:
• Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2203OPT in the amount of $429,375.25
Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2203OPT in the amount of $429,375.25.
( Del Vecch io/Trowb ridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Schoonveld — Yes
Passes 5:0
Aptowitz — Yes Trowbridge — Yes DelVecchio — Yes Rhein — Yes
• Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22030TV in the amount of $135,729.66
Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22030TV in the amount of $135,729.66.
(DelVecch io/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes Trowbridge — Yes DelVecchio—Yes Rhein —Yes
Passes 5:0
• Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 22031PT in the amount of $414,606.13
Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 22031PT in the amount of $414,606.13.
(DelVecchio/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes Trowbridge — Yes DelVecchio —Yes Rhein — Yes
Passes 5:0
• Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22031TV in the amount of $130,972.70
Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22031TV in the amount of $130,972.70.
(De I Vecc h i o/Trowb ridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Schoonveld — Yes Aptowitz — Yes Trowbridge — Yes DelVecchio — Yes Rhein —Yes
Passes 5:0
• School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 22031PS in the amount of $1,825,021.67
Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 22031PS in the amount of $1,825,021.67.
(DelVecchio/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes Trowbridge — Yes DelVecchio—Yes Rhein —Yes
Passes 4:0:1
Select Board Meeting Minutes
February 2, 2022
• School Deductions Vendor Payroll 220315V in the amount of $581,580.60
Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 22031SV in the amount of $581,580.60.
(DelVecchio/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote:
Schoonveld — Yes Aptowitz — Yes Trowbridge — Yes DelVecchio—Yes Rhein —Yes
Passes 5:0
15. Correspondence
• Letter from Xfinity
• Letter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Local Election Districts Review Commission
• Letter from MassDOT for Mansfield Bridge Replacement-Balcom Street Over Wading River
Mr. DelVecchio read the summaries of each letter listed above.
16. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions
Mr. Aptowitz stated that he wanted and thank everyone for their efforts for the storm.
Mr. Schoonveld also gave kudos to everyone and did not think anyone was out of power. Mr. Schoonveld then
asked Mr. Dumas how the ARPA money is being spent. Mr. Dumas responded that it is very complicated and
there is a difference between state money and county funds and that Mansfield may be using the money for
PFAS, but it is becoming a difficult situation. Mr. Schoonveld then noted that he attended the meeting with the
Congressmen and they discussed grants and one other community is getting a grant to fund a salt shed. Mr.
Dumas stated that he received information from the Congressmen's office with information as it pertains to
those grants and there are twenty categories. He further noted that he will be looking at that information to
see which ones line up with the Town's capital plan. Mr. Schoonveld then asked if we would consider hiring a
consultant to pursue these grant opportunities. Mr. Schoonveld then noted that there needs to be a policy
around MMED and the Pilot.
Mr. Trowbridge commented that everyone did a great job including police, fire, MEMA, MMED, Town Manager
office staff, and thanked their families who did not have their family home with them because they were
working in the storm. He then asked if Mr. Dumas could provide an update on PFAS lawyers and surplus land.
Lastly, he stated that papers are available for anyone who wants to run for Select Board and School Committee
and he announced that he is running for a third term.
Mr. DelVecchio as Chair of Light Commissioners stated he can't take credit for the great work of the Electric
crew. He added that in regards to the Pilot he had asked Barry to draft the policy because stability is needed.
Mr. DelVecchio then noted that it may make sense for a consultant to be hired for managing grants.
Mr. Rhein wished everyone a Happy Ground Hog Day and todays date was 2-2-22 and noted that will not
happen again for another hundred years.
17. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting
There were no items.
18. Adjourn
Motion: To adjourn the February 2, 2022 Select Board Meeting at 7:27PM. (DelVecchio/Schoonveld)
Roll Call Vote:
Schoonveld—Yes Aptowitz — Yes Trowbridge — Yes DelVecchio — Yes Rhein — Yes
Passes 5:0
Signature Date
Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne
Select Board Meeting Minutes
February 2, 2022