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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 10/06/2021Select Board Meeting Minutes October 6, 2021 Present: Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Vice -Chair; Mr. Frank DelVecchio, Clerk; Mr. Jess Aptowitz and Mr. Steve Schoonveld. Mr. Kevin Dumas, Town Manager and Mr. Barry LaCasse, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director were also present in meeting room 3A/B at Town Hall. Not Present: Mr. Neil Rhein, Chairman 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Vice -Chair 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. 2. Town Manager's Report ➢ Covid-19 Public Health initiative ➢ Town Flu Vaccine Clinics ➢ Home Rule Petitions ➢ TIF Application ➢ Succession Planning and New Positions ry.. i ➢ Fall Special Town Meeting ;_; _ 70 ➢ Community One -Stop for Growth Grant Application ➢ Community Compact Grant Opportunity ➢ MIIA Health Grant Opportunity r, D cn ➢ Mass Gaming Commission Grant c CDo '-n ➢ Miscellaneous Items — Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report C) M Mr. Dumas provided the community Covid update stating that the number positive cases is at twenty and he noted that the Board of Health has been focused on public messaging and is working with Penta Communications to help educate the public. He then stated that the next flu clinic was scheduled for Thursday, October 1411 at the COA/Library for employees as well as anyone from the public. Mr. Dumas stated that he followed up with the County Commissioners regarding the ARPA Funding portal and added that it should be available the week of October 15th. Mr. Dumas stated that Deputy Chief Ellsworth was present as there is a home rule petition that he wanted to make the Board aware of and is a result of police reform. Deputy Chief Ellsworth was present and provided a detailed explanation of how police reform will be affecting the police department. He stated that the Reform Law places a sunset clause on all personnel by way of alphabetical deadlines. All personnel whose last name ends in A-H expire on July 1, 2022, 1-P July 1, 2023 and Q-Z July 1, 2024. By 2024, all reserves will be decertified. He then added that Mansfield's reserve force with retired full-time police officers are hired back as reserve officers for detail work only. As long as these retirees maintain their annual training and continue to be paid on a part-time basis (details count) they are considered to be continuing their service and as such, are certified under the Reform Law. The problem we find ourselves in now, is that Massachusetts State Law requires all paid police officers, full or part-time to be mandatorily retired upon the age of 65. When a retired officer turns 66, he or she is decertified under state law. Currently, Mansfield employs 11 reserve officers and 9 retired full-time police officers. Over the last year and a half due to the anti -police climate and Reform Law changes, 6 reserve officers have resigned. Also due to the reform law, we will be left with 8 reserve officers on July 1, 2022 and eventually no reserve trained officers by July of 2024. Due to the 65-year-old retirement mandate, we will lose five retirees who turn 66 in 2022. The mandatory age 65 law will only exacerbate the already dire operational circumstances that the Reform Law brings regarding the decertification of our reserve officers. Many communities such as Stoneham, MA have successfully petitioned local and state government to pass such an act that raises the retirement age from 65 to 68 for specials or reserves and he was asking that the same procedure happen in Mansfield. The Select Board members asked some questions and then took the following vote. Select Board Meeting Minutes October 6, 2021 Motion: To support the Home Rule petition to raise the retirement age from 65 to 68 for specials or reserves. (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) Passes 4:0 Mr. Dumas continued on with his Town Manager's report with interviews for the DPW Director, Economic Development Director and Administrative Assistant in the Town Manager's office. Mr. Dumas then provided an update on grant opportunities to the Town as well as an update on Project Nucleolus IX which is a code name for the potential company that wants to come to Mansfield and is seeking a TIF. Mr. DelVecchio asked if a TIF Committee would be necessary moving forward especially with the hiring of an Economic Development Director. He also suggested that a joint meeting may be easier so that the Select Board and TIF Committee could hear the information together and avoid any miscommunication and save time. Mr. Schoonveld stated that the TIF met on Monday with all five members in attendance and he was nominated as Chair. He stated that the consultant for the project was present and there was good discussion and questions. He elaborated that he thinks it is a good proposal, it has a positive impact and is "personal property like you have never seen before." Mr. Schoonveld then asked about the sign bylaw for the Town Meeting warrant and Mr. LaCasse confirmed it was on the warrant. Mr. Aptowitz asked Mr. Dumas if there was anything that was needed from the Select Board for Project Nucleus and Mr. Dumas responded that there was not but it would be helpful for the Select Board to come to the TIF meeting. Mr. Trowbridge thanked Mr. Dumas and the whole team for working together. It is important that things are expedited as quickly as possible with businesses that are wanting to come to Mansfield. He also agreed that the Select Board should attend the TIF meeting so that the Select Board can also take a vote that night. 3. Resident Questions and Comments Mr. Mark Corsillo of 1604 West Street was present and asked about the TIF Agreement and the schedule of the proposed agreement. Mr. Dumas explained and provided further clarification on the schedule. 4. Discussion and Consideration of a Change of Manager Application for Blazin Wings, Inc. Mr. Jesse Goffredo was present virtually and stated that he worked for Buffalo Wild Wings for four years. There were no questions from the Select Board members. Motion: To approve the change of manager application for Blazin Wings, Inc. dba Buffalo Wild Wings. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 S. Discussion Regarding Home Rule Petition that will Raise the Retirement Age of Special/Reserve Police Officers This item was discussed as part of the Town Manager update. 6. Discussion and Consideration to Accept the 2020 Re-Precincting Plan for the Town of Mansfield Ms. Marianne Staples, Town Clerk was present as well as Mr. Shaun Burke for this agenda item. Ms. Staples stated that due to the census there will be an additional precinct added as well as changes to a new precinct for some of the registered voters in Town. She stated that anyone who has a change to their precinct will be notified and everyone votes in the same place which makes it easier. Mr. Burke stated that the state proposed different maps earlier but this one presented today was much better. He stated that they have rebalanced the precincts so that there would be a maximum of 3,400 residents in each. Mr. Aptowitz asked who will be representing Precinct 7 for a State Rep and Mr. Burke responded that it is still not complete. Mr. DelVecchio, Mr. Schoonveld and Mr. Trowbridge no questions Motion: To accept the 2020 Re-Precincting Plan for the Town of Mansfield. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 7. Public Hearing —Consideration of Quorum Reduction for Annual Town Meeting at 6:30PM Mr. DelVeccio read the public hearing notice for the record. In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021 of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, notice is hereby given by the Town of Mansfield Select Board of the Board's intention to consider an adjustment of the Select Board Meeting Minutes October 6, 2021 Special Town Meeting quorum requirement at a public meeting to be held Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 6PM. Members of the public may attend the Select Board's Wednesday, October 6, 2021 in person and the meeting will be 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 on making a quorum adjustment as the deliberations are occurring. To participate virtually via GoToWebinar information can be found at the Town of Mansfield's website www.mansfieldma.com or register for the Webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/803669750214634509. Motion: To open the Public Hearing at 6:48PM. (DelVecchio/Schoonveld) Passes 3:1(Schoonveld-Nay) Mr. Schoonveld asked when the Governors order ends. Mr. LaCasse was not aware of the exact date, but believed it to be early next year. Mr. Schoonveld stated that it might be before the next Town Meeting. Ms. Sandra Levine of 20 Walnut Street was present and asked why the Board was considering reducing the quorum from and what they would reduce it to. She also asked for how long this reduction would be in place for. Mr. Trowbridge responded that it would be reducing the quorum from 200 to 100 and that it was the third or fourth time the Board has voted on reducing the quorum. She then asked if it would be in effect for the Spring Town Meeting and Mr. Trowbridge answered that it would be posted and reconsidered and it would only be if the Governors order was still in effect and allowed it. Mr. Trowbridge stated he received an email from a resident who disagreed with the reduction. Mr. Trowbridge then asked if anyone from the public wanted to make a comment and there were no additional resident questions or comments. Motion: To close the Public Hearing at 6:55PM. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 Motion: To reduce the quorum from 200 registered voters to 100 registered voters for the Special Town Meeting and any other town meeting during the time period when the provisions of Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021 of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are in effect and in consultation and with the approval of the Town Moderator. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 3:1 (Schoonveld — Nay) 8. Discussion of Bristol County Advisory Board and ARPA Funding This was not needed. 9. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Patricia Comperchio or Paula Devine to the Council on Aging Mr. DelVecchio stated that he and Mr. Aptowitz met and both interested and involved, dedicated and good additions to the Council. Mr. Deivechio stated that Ms. Devine has been volunteering with the Friends of the Council on Aging a little bit longer and that was really the only differentiating factor. Mr. Aptowitz agreed with what Mr. DelVecchio stated. Mr. Trowbridge hoped that Ms. Comperchio would consider another committee opening. Motion: To appoint Paula Devine to serve on the Council on Aging to an unexpired term to expire on December 31, 2022. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 10. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Diana Bren or Brendan Roche to the Planning Board Mr. Trowbridge stated that Diana Bren is currently an alternate on the Planning Board and is seeking the voting member opening that exists from Mr. Richard LeBlanc resigning. Mr. DelVecchio stated that both were excellent candidates for the Planning Board. He added that previously the Select Board has moved the alternate to the voting member and creates an opening for the alternate. He added that Mr. Roche concurs and is interested in serving as an alternate. Motion: To appoint Diana Bren to serve on the Planning Board as a full voting member to an unexpired term to expire on December 31, 2022. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 Motion: To Appoint Brendan Roche to the Planning Board Alternate to an unexpired term to expire on December 31, 2023. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 Select Board Meeting Minutes October 6, 2021 11. Discussion and Consideration to Approve Lien Subordination for Paul Mendez of 374 Central Street and Sign Subordination of Certificates Mr. Dumas stated that this would allow the person to refinance their loan. Mr. Aptowitz asked if there would still be equity left and Mr. Dumas stated that it was $2,000 and there is enough equity in the home for that. Motion: To approve the lien subordination for Paul Mendez of 374 Central Street and Sign the Subordination of Certificates. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 12. Continued Discussion of 50 West Street Property Mr. LaCasse asked the Board to look at the website to see the history of the property and what was being considered moving forward. Mr. LaCasse stated that it is listed under Town Projects. Mr. Trowbridge asked for it to be on the homepage under news so that it is more obvious. 13. Resident Questions and Comments Ms. Sandra Levine, 20 Walnut Street was present and asked about the newjob descriptions that was mentioned earlier in the meeting. Mr. Dumas responded that two job descriptions were approved in August and they were for an Economic Development Director and Administrative Assistant in the Town Managers office. Ms. Levine asked if there were descriptive guidelines for what the Economic Development Director is supposed to do and how they will be measured and evaluated and she would like to know how the salary was set as she believes it is high. She then asked if there will be a decision at Town Meeting for the people to vote in support of. Mr. Trowbridge stated that economic development has been discussed for the last three years. Ms. Levine responded that she did not believe that the residents were aware of it even if it was discussed it was not widely broadcast. Mr. Trowbridge further noted that there have been discussions with the Finance Committee and Industrial Development Commission and the intent is for this position is to bring businesses to Town and reduce the tax burden on residents. Mr. Schoonveld added that this was not a decision that was made behind the scenes and has been discussed at many open meetings throughout the last few years, as well as being included in the Master Plan. He further noted that he would like more participation at the meetings, but people do not attend. 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 Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 22012T in the amount of $2,191,809.12 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 22012E in the amount of $133,552.19 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 22013T in the amount of $481,590.53 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 22013E in the amount of $56,873.24 • School Vendor Warrant No. 220135 in the amount of $761,113.31 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 22014T in the amount of $439,626.22 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 22014E in the amount of $71,065.06 b) Permits and Licenses: • Consideration of William Darcey for a Hackney Driver License • Consideration of Robert Pelletier for a Hackney Driver License • Consideration of 2021 Drainlayer's License for Grover Excavation LLC c) Consideration of Proclamations: Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 15. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 22012PT in the amount of $448,115.61 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 22012PT in the amount of $448,115.61. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 Select Board Meeting Minutes October 6, 2021 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22012TV in the amount of $133,934.66 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22012TV in the amount of $133,934.66. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 22013PT in the amount of $460,670.15 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 22013PT in the amount of $460,670.15. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22013TV in the amount of $144,156.58 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22013TV in the amount of $144,156.58. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 22013PS in the amount of $1,816,419.34 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 22013PS in the amount of $1,816,419.34. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 3:0:1 (Trowbridge Abstain) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 220135V in the amount of $563,679.76 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 22013SV in the amount of $563,679.76. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 22014PT in the amount of $453,550.76 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 22014PT in the amount of $453,550.76. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22014TV in the amount of $139,111.80 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22014TV in the amount of $139,111.80. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 16. Correspondence • Letter from Planning Board — Mansfield Crossing Tree Trimming • Notifications from Verizon Mr. DelVecchio read a summary of the above notices. 17. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Mr. Schoonveld asked about OPEB and stated that there will be a new report and hopes that the MedEx rate helps. Mr. DelVecchio stated that there was a budget subcommittee meeting and recommendations for Special Town Meeting and would like to know when that will be discussed as a Board. Mr. Trowbridge responded that it will be at the October 20th Select Board meeting. He then added that in regards to the TIF Committee he believes it is in the best interest to try and streamline the process. Mr. Aptowitz stated that were two events at the COA and kudos to everyone who helped with those events. He then stated that the lighting project has started at the COA/Library. He then commented that he was concerned about public safety and cell service not working. Mr. Aptowitz last concert is Friday night and would like to opine on next year's license. Mr. Trowbridge had no comments and thanked all of the staff for the work on Economic Development. 18. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 19. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the October 6, 2021 Select Board meeting at 7:30PM. (Schoonveld/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 Signature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne lt�44 :2, Date Select Board Meeting Minutes October 6, 2021