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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 09/07/2022Select Board Meeting Minutes September 7, 2022 Present: Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Chair; Mr. Frank DelVecchio, Vice -Chair; towiitzzz and Ms. Diana Bren were present in Meeting Room 3 A/B at Town Hall. Mr. Barry��qX� f m nager/Finance Director was also present. Mr. Kevin Dumas, Town Manager was n se at start o e meeting but arrived at 7:OOPM. Mr. Neil Rhein, Clerk was present virtually via GoTfffiettla20 A 8: 52 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance MANSFIELD Mr. Michael Trowbridge, Chair called the meeting to order at 5:30PM. iTEpresent to stand and state the Pledge of Allegiance. He then reminded everyone that the meeting was being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. 2. Recognition of Police Officers Skipped ahead to the next item and then returned to this item at 5:43PM Chair Trowbridge allowed Mr. Aptowitz to say a few words. Mr. Aptowitz asked for a moment to recognize former Sergeant Richard Brown who passed away. He then said a few words about him and then asked those present for a moment of silence. Deputy Chief Ellsworth was then invited to step forward. Deputy Chief introduced Officer Eilender and Officer Stanton and provided a summary of what the two officers did to save a woman who was in the Norton Reservoir. Members of the Board thanked them for their heroic actions. 3. Presentation of 2020 Community Service Awards Mr. Rhein stated these 2020 Community Service Awards were presented in January of 2021 virtually due to COVID and are now re -doing this to give these individuals the recognition they deserve. He first introduced Catherine Fitzgerald the youth award recipient and provided a summary of her volunteer work at the Mansfield Police Department. Mr. Rhein then introduced Daniel O'Connell the adult award recipient and his volunteer work with Veteran's as well as Boy Scout Troop 17. Lastly, he introduced Nancy Wall the lifetime achievement recipient who has served on many Town Boards and Committees and is most known for her work with Keep Mansfield Beautiful. Mr. Trowbridge handed each recipient a framed certificate and photos were taken. Mr. Rhein then noted that the Community Service nominations are being accepted now for 2022 through October 315t. The Chair thanked Mr. Rhein for his work on this Committee and all those that are doing great things to make Mansfield a great place to live. 4. Town Manager's Report Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report This item was skipped as the Town Manager was not present and was done later in the meeting at 7:38PM. Mr. Dumas began his report stating that the COVID numbers are still down, but took a moment to talk about monkey pox. He then provided an update on CIP, Green Communities Grant, Annual Award from GFOA and the PARC grant. Mr. Dumas then stated that he met with a PARC Program Manager to review the application on Harry Chase Place and received positive feedback on the application. Mr. Dumas then gave an update for the 250t^ Celebration Committee and the D, E & I Committee noting that there are several vacancies. The EPA has also issued approval for the required remediation plan for the former North Main Street Fire Station property, Mr. Dumas then provided information on the Mansfield/Norton rail trail extension, PFAS Treatment funding from Congressman Auchincloss's "minibus" appropriation package and the MSBA for the high school boiler replacement. Economic Development Director, Mr. Chris McDermott was invited to come forward and speak about the economic development updates including the Tri-Town Chamber Roundtable, TOD public workshop and Dick's Sporting Good opening at Mansfield Crossing. Mr. Dumas stated that he was late for tonight's meeting due to attending a special Cyber Security Discussion with someone from President Biden's Administration Team Select Board Meeting Minutes September 7, 2022 on the campus of MIT in Boston. Lastly, Mr. Dumas brought up the idea that it may be worthwhile to let non- residents park in the Winthrop Street parking lot because residents are paying more to park in the non-resident parking spaces at the train station because its closer and non-residents are complaining that they have no available parking and the Winthrop lot is not at capacity. Mr. Dumas stated that they are monitoring the available parking spaces and may bring this to the Board for further discussion at an upcoming meeting. 5. Resident Questions and Comments There were no resident questions and comments. 6. Presentation on PFAS with the Board of Health Mr. Trowbridge asked if the Board of Health needed to open their meeting and Ms. Blinn, Chair of the Board of Health stated that they were all set. Mr. LaCasse stated that Mr. Josh Reinke, Interim DPW Director and Mr. Shawn Precourt, Water Operations Manager were present long with Michael Ahern, Public Buildings Operations Manager were all present. Mr. Precourt gave a presentation to inform everyone on the construction projects at Cate Springs, Walsh Well and Prescott Wells for removing PFAS in the water supply. He provided information on the Environmental Protection Agencies guidelines and MassDEP for safe levels of PFAS in drinking water. He stated the Town has been proactive with testing since 2015 for PFAS. Cate Springs was taken offline as it had a slightly above the safe standards and was then turned on in June of this year after the PFAS treatment equipment was installed and the water tested every month and there is no PFAS detected in the water. Mr. Ahern then then provided a summary of the process that projects go through in the Town of Mansfield and then provided some additional details on each of the specific projects at the water wells in Town and where they are in the project process. Mr. Trowbridge then invited Ms. Blinn to come sit at the table with the Board. Ms. Blinn acknowledged the members present and Health Agent Amy Donovan Palmers. She stated they have been following the projects and knows there has been many challenges with materials and delays. She commented that clean drinking water is essential but that it was important to know the full costs of the upgrades and asked if there was an estimate on the full costs of all the projects. Mr. Ahern responded that at this time it is unknown until the projects are bid but then there is the possibility of unknown costs once the projects are started but the current projects are on track. Ms. Blinn then stated that health education is needed and asked what could the Select Board and Board of Health members do to help educate the community to reduce the amount of PFAS that gets in the ground water to begin with. She stated that the Public Health website on which products have PFAS and what products are safer. She stated that these chemicals did not exist prior to 2000 and quickly appeared in ground water. She stated that it needs to be a multitiered approach and see regionally what can be done to educate the community to reduce the amount of PFAS that ends up in the ground water just by what is purchased by consumers. Mr. Trowbridge thought it may be possible to add some eductational materials in with the water bills. Ms. Bill also noted that continuing to push the information on social media was important as well as educating students. The Select Board members then asked a few questions and made a few comments. 7. Presentation on Organizational Capacity Assessment (OCA) for Resiliency Preparedness Ms. Katelyn Gonyer, Conservation Agent, Mr. Shaun Burke, Town Planner and Ms. Tess Clark from Syracuse University were present to provide a presentation on OCA for Resiliency Preparedness. Ms. Gonyer began by stating that the goal for the presentation was to provide a summary of the findings from the assessment which was focusing on climate related resiliency planning and what the recommendations are and which ones are the priority. The recommendations from the assessment include expanding the Conservation Department, develop and refine community planning, integrate resiliency projects in the Town's CIP process and create a park maintenance staff position. The Select Board asked a few questions and made comments. 8. Discussion and Consideration to Approve a Moratorium Waiver Request for 194-196 Rumford Avenue Mr. Josh Reinke, Interim DPW Director was present and stated that the moratorium for Rumford Avenue was set on September 30, 2019 and expires in September of 2024. Mr. Reinke said because this is a redevelopment of an entire parcel as well as past precedent with several conditions. Ms. Bren asked what Select Board Meeting Minutes September 7, 2022 materials would be used and Mr. Reinke responded that the top three inches would be asphalt. Mr. Jess Aptowitz asked the purpose of the cuts and Mr. Reinke responded that it was for new utility lines for gas, sewer and water. Mr. Aptowitz responded that he appreciates the development but a road is never the same after it is cut. Mr. DelVecchio asked that this is more of a robust do -over and recommend the developer and the Town can control the process and the quality of work and coordinate with other projects in Town. Mr. Rhein had no comments and questions. Mr. Trowbridge stated he understood Mr. Aptowitz feelings and he was in support of the new project compared to what is currently at the property. Motion: To approve to waive the moratorium for 194-196 Rumford Avenue for Crugnale Properties LLC with the condition that Crugnale Properties LLC pays for the full road width milling and 3" overlay of approximately 50.5' of frontage along Rumford Avenue, and any additional replacement of disturbed or damaged concrete sidewalk and granite curbing as directed by the Interim DPW Director. (DelVecchio/Bren) Roll Call Vote: Bren-Yes Aptowtiz-Yes DelVecchio-Yes Trowbridge -Yes Rhein -Yes Passes 5:0 9. Presentation of New Business Proposal for Reservoir Landing, LLC by Jay Amruta Corporation, dba Mansfield Liquor Market Mr. Ed Valanzola, Attorney for Mr. Dinesh Patel was present and came forward. He began the presentation stating that Mr. Patel is looking for the Board to consider supporting an additional off -premise liquor store and food market at Reservoir Landing. The lease agreement is contingent on the license which they know needs to be voted at Town Meeting and then granted by the State under Special Legislation. Mr. Marco Crugnale, Property Owner/Developer then came forward and stated that the plaza is doing okay. He stated that the Orthopedic office is doing well along with the Hotel and the coffee shop is opening. He stated that it has been find to find tenants to occupy space. Mr. DelVecchio asked if there was a way to look at this more comprehensively to see if the Town needs more like three or four additional licenses because in the past year the Town was told that we should not seek asking for additional licenses and just ask for an extension the licenses that were expiring under the Sunset Clause. Mr. LaCasse responded that the process is that any business who wants to come forward and ask for an additional license can and it would go before Town Meeting and then to the State for consideration. Mr. Aptowitz stated that these are being considered on a case by case basis and this is case one. Mr. Dumas arrived at 7:0012M. Mr. Dumas noted that there is no guarantee that the additional license will be approved and would take about six months after Town Meeting for the State to approve. Ms. Bren asked what percent of the store will be a food mart verses alcohol. Mr. Valanzola responded that his client has not made that decision. Mr. Rhein stated that it would be helpful for Town Meeting to have an answer to Ms. Bren's question. He then asked if they will be selling nips because this across the street from the Xfinity Center and what would the plan be to help with the increased litter due to nips. Mr. Crugnale stated that after concerts there is someone there cleaning the parking lot to keep it clean. Mr. Trowbridge believed this was a positive item and supports economic development. Motion: To support a petition for a new alcohol license at Reservoir Landing. (DelVecchio/Bren) Roll Call Vote: Bren-Yes Aptowtiz-Yes DelVecchio-Yes Trowbridge -Yes Rhein -Yes Passes 5:0 10. Discussion of Williams Street Construction Project Mr. Josh Reinke was present along with Mr. Rick Alves, Town Engineer. Mr. Reinke stated that he has a meeting scheduled for the residents on that street but wanted to provide a presentation on the project for Select Board Meeting Minutes September 7, 2022 the Board. He stated that Williams Street is a scenic road and the construction will take place on a quarter of a mile from Old Elm Street to just south of forest Heights. In the presentation Mr. Reinke explained why this area of road was selected for reconstruction, the design of the project and the construction schedule. Mr. Reinke stated that there would be no sidewalks or curbing and it would be twenty feet across. Ms. Bren asked if sidewalks were allowed on a scenic road. Mr. Reinke responded that more sidewalks means more maintenance and currently the department is overwhelmed with the sidewalks that already exist. Mr. Rick Alves was present and said at parts of Williams Street its 20 feet and sidewalks would require utility pole relocations. Mr. Dumas also noted that many parts of the road does not have drainage and the sidewalks would not allow the natural run off, along with the massive amount of land takings which require Town Meeting votes. Ms. Bren replied that she appreciated the education. Mr. Aptowitz commented that he was glad the Town is doing this project. He then asked if the pavement management report was online available for residents. Mr. Dumas responded that it is on the Highway Divisions website. Mr. DelVecchio asked how were the residents notified and Mr. Reinke responded a notice was sent to those in the proximity of the construction. Mr. Rhein asked if there is a way to add bike markings to make it bike friendly. Mr. Alves stated it was impossible. 11. Discussion of Request by Kim Ingolia to Reopen the Dog Hearing for the Dog Arthur at 14 Concetta Drive and Hear New Evidence Mr. Trowbridge noted that the time limit has gone by and it cannot be done. 12. Discussion of Request by Kim Ingolia for an Extension of Two Weeks to Comply with the Order Issued by the Board on July 20, 2022 Mr. Trowbridge stated that right now the insurance is going to be cancelled and she has not enrolled the dog into training classes. Ms. Champagne stated that the Board could consider extending the order to allow for additional time for the owner to find new insurance and training classes however all safety measures still need to be done which includes leash, muzzle and enclosure when outside the home. It was further noted that Ms. Ingolia stated that the dog will be moving out of Town on October 81h. The Board had some discussion about the dog moving out of Town but she would still need to have the enclosure installed. Mr. Trowbridge stated that Officer Collins will have to enforce the order requiring her to install the enclosure or Town Counsel would go to court. Motion: To modify the order issued by the Select Board on July 20, 2022 to give the dog owner of Arthur until October 8, 2022 to find obedience training classes for the dog Arthur and to give the dog owner time to get proof of insurance in an amount not less than $100,000. All safety measures including keeping the dog securely and humanely muzzled, restrained and confined to the premises of the keeper of the dog remain in effect. The dog must be confined indoors or confined outdoors in a securely enclosed pen as described in the original order issued by the Select Board on July 20, 2022. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Roll Call Vote: Bren-No Aptowitz-Yes DelVecchio-Yes Trowbridge -Yes Rhein -Abstain Passes 3:1:1 The Board then went back to the Town Manager Report as Mr. Dumas was not present at the start of the meeting. 13. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Mr. DelVecchio stated that the Select Board met with School Committee last night and appointed two members to the Audit Committee. There were no further updates from other members of the Board. 14. Resident Questions and Comments Mr. Wayne Smith, 6 Judith's Lane came forward to comment on the alcohol licensing agenda item. He stated that the State has a quota system and the Town cannot support a fifth liquor store. Mr. Smith stated that Mr. Patel Select Board Meeting Minutes September 7, 2022 could transfer his existing license to that location. He stated that he was disappointed and there is a store in Norton that will also be moving closer to that location. 15. 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: • August 17, 2022 • August 31, 2022 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 23008T in the amount of $2,054,742.57 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 23008E in the amount of $300,986.94 • School Vendor Warrant No. 23008S in the amount of $478,171.25 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 23009T in the amount of $803,216.00 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 23009E in the amount of $121,986.99 • School Vendor Warrant No. 230095 in the amount of $61.34 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 23010T in the amount of $1,147,741.71 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 23010E in the amount of $3,297,229.67 • School Vendor Warrant No. 230105 in the amount of $214,719.13 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: • Consideration of Banner Application for Boy Scouts Troop 51 • Consideration of 2022 Drainlayer's License for MRC Contracting Inc. • Consideration of 2022 Drainlayer's License for 1 Harding Co., Inc. • Consideration of Special Events Application for Block Party on Colonial Drive • Consideration of Memo from Parks and Recreation to Change the time of the Halloween parade to 11AM and to add an additional market week for Saturday, October 22, 2022 • Consideration of Event Application for Mansfield High School Cross Country 5K Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (DelVecchio/Bren) Roll Call Vote: Bren-Yes Aptowitz-Abstain DelVecchio-Yes Trowbridge -Yes Rhein -Yes Passes 4:0:1 16. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 23008PT in the amount of $569,249.70 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 23008PT in the amount of $569,249.70. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Roll Call Vote Bren-Yes Aptowitz-Yes DelVecchio-Yes Trowbridge -Yes Rhein -Yes Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 23008TV in the amount of $165,895.69 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 23008TV in the amount of $165,895.69. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Roll Call Vote Bren-Yes Aptowitz-Yes DelVecchio-Yes Trowbridge -Yes Rhein -Yes Passes 5:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 23009PT in the amount of $541,180.33 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 23009PT in the amount of $541,180.33. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Select Board Meeting Minutes September 7, 2022 Roll Call Vote Bren-Yes Aptowitz-Yes DelVecchio-Yes Trowbridge -Yes Rhein -Yes Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 23009TV in the amount of $159,588.33 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 23009TV in the amount of $159,588.33. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Roll Call Vote Bren-Yes Aptowitz-Yes DelVecchio-Yes Trowbridge -Yes Rhein -Yes Passes 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 23009PS in the amount of $1,756,466.11 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 23009PS in the amount of $1,756,466.11. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Roll Call Vote Bren-Yes Aptowitz-Yes DelVecchio-Yes Trowbridge -Abstain Rhein -Yes Passes 4:0:1 • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 23009SV in the amount of $529,136.18 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 23009SV in the amount of $529,136.18. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Roll Call Vote Bren-Yes Aptowitz-Yes DelVecchio-Yes Trowbridge -Yes Rhein -Yes Passes 5:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 23010PT in the amount of $448,200.25 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 23010PT in the amount of $448,200.25. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Roll Call Vote Bren-Yes Aptowitz-Yes DelVecchio-Yes Trowbridge -Yes Rhein -Yes Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 23010TV in the amount of $135,673.68 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 23010TV in the amount of $135,673.68. (DelVecchio/Aptowitz) Roll Call Vote Bren-Yes Aptowitz-Yes DelVecchio-Yes Trowbridge -Yes Rhein -Yes Passes 5:0 17. Correspondence • Notice from Verizon Fios Mr. Delvecchio read the notice from Verizon and stated that on September 1st WJAR McTV Channel 460 will change to WJAR Charge[ TV which features action and adventure -based programming. 18. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Ms. Bren stated that reminder about Fall Festival on October 1st. Mr. Aptowitz said there is a vendor issue and Mr. Dumas stated that he is really excited about the event coming back. Mr. Aptowitz stated that the electric bills for September went out and the rates had to go up due to increased costs of electricity. Mr. Aptowitz also asked if there is reserved parking for Library or COA patrons. Mr. Rhein stated that lots of great news was shared tonight and he is happy about the Green Communities designation and the need to be more energy efficiency is necessary. He asked about the signs that could be installed announcing that Mansfield is a Green Community and should also be shared on the Discover Mansfield social media and website. Mr. Rhein also noted that the Welcome to Mansfield night at the library for new residents is September 28th from 6pm to 8pm, Mr. Rhein stated that the Town should consider a newsletter that people could sign up for. Mr. Rhein then mentioned that Select Board Meeting Minutes September 7, 2022 there is not funding to add a position of a grant writer but there is a contractor who does work for several Towns and maybe he could be hired on an as needed basis to help the Town get more grants. 19. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 20. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the September 7, 2022 Select Board Meeting at 8:25PM. (Aptowitz/DelVecchio) Roll Call Vote Bren-Yes Aptowitz-Yes Passes 5:0 Sig ature DelVecchio-Yes Trowbridge -Yes Rhein -Yes Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne /d Zv Date' Select Board Meeting Minutes September 7, 2022