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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 02/16/2022Select Board Meeting Minutes February 16, 2022 Present: Mr. Neil Rhein, Chairman; Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Vice -Chair; Mr. Frank DelVecchio, Clerk; and Mr. Jess Aptowitz were present in Town Hall, Meeting Room 3 A/B. Mr. Kevin Dumas, Town Manager and Mr. Barry LaCasse, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director were also present. Not Present: Mr. Steve Schoonveld 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance Mr. Neil Rhein, Chairman 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 Town Manager's Report ➢ COVID-19 and rescinded mask mandate ➢ Snow Deficit ➢ Economic Development o New IDC Member Sopheark "Sophie' Ngo o General Update ➢ Budget Subcommittee _; N ➢ FY23 Budget Update as of 2/16/22 "-- r, nc . ➢ PFAS LitigationrTI ➢ Maple Street Repairs �8 Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report ;nm D 6 ® r Mr. Dumas began his Town Manager report stating that the Board of Health has rescQ thi?ndo mask mandate for public places effective February 7th and for municipal buildings on Februy 28th ehae c�aithe steep decrease in COVID cases. He then stated that the snow deficit is estimated to be $312,000. Mrs. Duas then stated that the Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee had its first meeting and recommended that the Town continue its contract with Waste Management for a five-year period beginning July 1, 2022. Mr. Dumas then provided an update to off-season road work scheduled for Maple Street due to the section of roadway that has opened up at Bird Road up to the Easton town line. Then Mr. Dumas stated that the Fire Department has begun health screening clinics once again. They are at the COA the second Tuesday of the month and Town Hall the third Wednesday of the month, and he further noted that these clinics are for Town employees and residents. Mr. Dumas then noted that the Town's health insurance increase will be no more than four percent. Lastly, Mr. Dumas then provided an update on the Budget Subcommittee and announced the newest IDC member Sophie Ngo. Mr. Aptowitz asked about the insurance rate increasing to four percent and thought that number was a much bigger increase than last year. Mr. Dumas responded that five percent was budgeted so its less than originally anticipated. Mr. Trowbridge then asked about developing metrics to measure Economic Development to determine how the Town is doing and asked where that process was. Mr. Dumas responded that the next quarterly update will be in March or April and stated that Mr. McDermott has developed a spreadsheet that he using to track information that will be shared at that meeting. Mr. DelVecchio wanted to also discuss Economic Development and commented that it is sometimes hard to measure dollar for dollar. Mr. Rhein asked if the Select Board would need to vote on the Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee contract and Mr. Dumas said that the Select Board would not need to take a vote. 3. Resident Questions and Comments Mr. Peter Wiggins of Norton was in attendance virtually and stated that he continues to visit Mansfield and can not wait for in person meetings again. Select Board Meeting Minutes February 16, 2022 4. Update with the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Ms. Elizabeth Garber -Miller, Chair of the ZBA was present and noted that the Zoning Board has a full range of members including a builder, lawyer, and property manager which provides a range of backgrounds and abilities. She noted that there may need to develop guidelines for when a Board member visits a property. Mr. DelVecchio asked Ms. Garber -Miller to explain the role of the Zoning Board of Appeals and she did. She also commented that her Board members are invested and even when members disagree with one another they are polite about it. Mr. Trowbridge stated that there should be guidance from legal counsel for Board members visiting an applicant and Mr. Dumas further noted that Ms. Griffin is working on a handbook and training for Board and Committee members that will be launched in 2022. Mr. DelVecchio stated that he has watched several meetings and the meetings are well run and he then asked for Ms. Garber -Miller to explain what the Zoning Board of Appeals does which she did. S. Discussion and Consideration of Epidemiologist Job Description Mr. Dumas stated that recommendation was from Human Resources and in consultation with the Fire Department and Health Department to have this position be part of the community nursing program at the Fire Department, therefore the revisions were made to change the department and supervision to the Fire Chief instead of the Health Agent. Mr. Aptowitz asked if this was grant funded and Mr. Dumas responded that it was. Motion: To approve the revised Epidemiologist job description. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 6. Discussion and Consideration of Intermunicipal Agreement for Bristol -Norfolk Public Health Partners with the Towns of Norton, Sharon, Foxboro and Easton (Replacing MOU that was approved on November 17, 2021 for Regional Inspectors and Regional Epidemiologist) Mr. Dumas stated this would replace what was done on November 1711 and instead of an MOU it is now requested that this come together as an Intermunicipal Agreement amongst the five communities. Motion: To approve the Intermunicipal Agreement for Bristol -Norfolk Public Health Partners. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 7. Consideration of Change of Manager Application for Bertucci's Restaurants LLC Ms. Nicole Stratis was present virtually and stated that she took over the Mansfield Bertucci's location a couple months ago. She stated that she was previously at the Attleboro location and is a resident of Mansfield. Mr. Aptowitz and Mr. Trowbridge asked when the Town was notified. Ms. Champagne responded that it was on February 8, 2022. Mr. Aptowitz explained the process and why it was important for public safety to know who the manager is and for the Board to be notified within days of a Manager leaving. Ms. Stratis apologized and the Board asked her to bring the information back to management. Motion: To approve the change of manager application for Bertucci's Restaurants LLC. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 Mr. Trowbridge asked for a letter to be sent to all license holders as a reminder of the process 8. Discussion and Consideration to Waive Moratorium for Eversource at 198 Mill Street Mr. Josh Reinke was present and stated that Eversource was requesting for the Board to waive the moratorium at Mill Street near Essex Street because a repair to the gas gate is needed. Mr. Reinke is proposing a 4 foot by 6- foot road cut that would be out of the Mill Street right of way. Mr. Carl Aiello and Mr. Jared Blandino from Eversource were in attendance virtually. Mr. Trowbridge asked when Eversource was aware that they had a gas leak. Mr. Reinke believed it was about three weeks ago. Mr. Trowbridge then asked when the Town is getting ready to pave a roadway is Eversource made aware of the plan of what streets will be paved and do they check their lines when the road is dug up. Mr. Aptowitz also noted that this situation has happened when North Main Street was done. He added that the Town spends lots of money to pave roads and then they get all cut up. Mr. Aiello said that normally the Town notifies Eversource and they coordinate a mobile leak survey to try to identify Select Board Meeting Minutes February 16, 2022 potential repairs that may be needed when a road is under construction. Mr. Dumas confirmed that they do their best to coordinate and sometimes a road is not paved in order to give Eversource time to make repairs. Motion: To approve to waive the moratorium for Essex/Mill Street for Eversource's repair at the gas gate box. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 9. Balcom Street Bridge Presentation Mr. Dumas and Mr. Reinke provided an abbreviated presentation of what MassDOT previously presented for the Balcom Street Bridge project so that members of the public could hear this information once again. Mr. Reinke also explained that Williams Street is now being reconstructed this year instead of next year so that more damage isn't done to that street with the increase in traffic that it will see due to the detours needed for the bridge project. Mr. Trowbridge also recommended reaching out to Southeastern and Bristol Aggie and other schools to make them aware of the detours. Mr. Trowbridge then commented that he believed that the look of the bridge was too modern and would like to see a project that could look more rustic that fits in with New England like the Williams Street bridge. Mr. Aptowitz stated that he was concerned with the amount of details that would be paid and knows the Town has to pay for the officers' time as it is incurred and hopes that the State could pre -pay for those detail officers so the Town is not waiting six months for payment. Mr. Dumas noted that the cost is billed to the contractor that is awarded the project. Dr. Dulaski, 50 York Road was present and had some comments and suggestions that he believed the Town and MassDOT should consider. He believed the bridge was being overbuilt noting that the current bridge is twenty- one feet wide and the new proposed size is thirty-eight feet which is not necessary if there are no future plans to widen Balcom Street. Mr. Reinke thanked Mr. Dulaski for voicing his comments tonight. Mr. Reinke commented that the State has certain minimum requirements and that is why there are bike lanes and a side walk. The general consensus from the Board was that the project should be an appropriate size and Mr. Reinke said he would bring that information back to the State. 10. Discussion and Consideration of Nancy Durkin, Kimberly Usselman and Debbie Gordy to Serve on the Board of Library Trustees Mr. Rhein stated that there were three candidates for two openings. Mr. DelVecchio stated that the meeting was virtual and all three candidates were qualified and at the time there was not a recommendation made. He did feel that tonight he is more comfortable making a recommendation as he has relistened to the meeting. Mr. Aptowitz stated that this is one of the situations where there are more qualified candidates than openings on a board. He stated that he hopes that the person who isn't appointed will stay interested and consider future openings. Mr. DelVecchio stated that he would like to consider appointing Ms. Gordy who is a longtime resident and has human resource background and Ms. Usselman who is new to Town, but is a library director in another community and is the president of the New England Library Director Association. Mr. Trowbridge commented that it is difficult when there are three qualified candidates. Motion: To appoint Kimberly Usselman and Debbie Gordy to serve on the Board of Library Trustees for a three- year term to expire on December 31, 2024. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 11. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Mr. Aptowitz stated that at the next meeting he would like to revisit the liaison position and talk about the purpose and what the role of the liaison is. Mr. Trowbridge agreed and commented that the role is not to become an additional member on the Board or Committee that you are the liaison to. Mr. Rhein noted that he would add that to a future agenda. Mr. DelVecchio noted that he is the liaison for the Finance Committee and has no need to address the Committee or participate, but is there to listen and make himself available to the Chair or any Committee member who has questions or concerns. 12. Resident Questions and Comments There were no resident question or comments. Select Board Meeting Minutes February 16, 2022 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: • February 2, 2022 • February 9, 2022 (Budget Subcommittee) • February 9, 2022 (Planning Board) B. Vote to Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 22032T in the amount of $1,136,501.63 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 22032E in the amount of $47,169.26 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 22033T in the amount of $261,267.24 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 22033E in the amount of $1,581,032.98 • School Vendor Warrant No. 22033S in the amount of $564,591.77 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: • 2022 Drainlayers License for JFD Corporation • 2022 Water Installers License for H&M Excavating Inc. • 2022 Water Installers License for Plainville Pump & Excavating, Inc. • 2022 Water Installers License for Brunelle Contracting LLC • 2022 Water Installers License for Peter DeGirolamo & Sons Inc. • 2022 Water Installers License for Riccio Excavation Co. • Special Events Application from Field of Honor for Fallen Heroes Memorial Wall • 2022 Drainlayers License for Moran Excavation • 2022 Drainlayers License for Jones Contracting Inc. • 2022 Drainlayers License for H&M Excavating Inc. D. Consideration of Proclamations: Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Passes 4:0 14. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 22032PT in the amount of $481,874.75 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 22032PT in the amount of $481,874.75. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22032TV in the amount of $151,564.61 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22032TV in the amount of $151,564.61. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 22033PT in the amount of $397,411.51 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 22033PT in the amount of $397,411.51. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22033TV in the amount of $124,513.08 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 22033TV in the amount of $124,513.08. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 22033PS in the amount of $1,823,051.33 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 22033PS in the amount of $1,823,051.33. (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 3:0:1, (Trowbridge Abstain) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 22033SV in the amount of $580,692.53 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 22033SV in the amount of $580,692.53. Select Board Meeting Minutes February 16, 2022 (DelVecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 15. Correspondence • Memo from Non -Profit Gift Fund • Notifications from Xfinity • Letter from SRPEDD Mr. DelVecchio read a summary of the above correspondence items. 16. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Mr. Trowbridge stated that he has turned in his Select Board papers and will be running in May. Mr. Aptowitz stated that he will be meeting with someone from Verizon on the bad cell service in East Mansfield. Mr. DelVecchio congratulated Mr. Trowbridge forgetting on the ballot. Mr. Rhein asked for a summary of the new contract with Waste Management be provided to the Select Board members. 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 16, 2022 Select Board Meeting at 6:53PM. (Aptowitz/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 _XZ_QlAe� Signature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne R9tOk 2 a - Date F Select Board Meeting Minutes February 16, 2022