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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 08/16/2023Select Board Meeting Minutes RECEIVED August16,2023 TOWN CLERKS OFFICE Present: Ms. Diana Bren, Chair; Mr. Neil Rhein, Vice -Chair; Clerk; Mr. Michael TrdiarorQE?ir. Ad f�sNaureen Doherty were present in Meeting Room 3 A/B at Town Hall. Mr. Kevin Dumas, Town. n and Mr. Barry LaCasse, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director were also present. [ r � _6 5 SS,' CHUSETTS Not Present: Mr. Brendan Roche 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance Ms. Bren, Chair called the meeting to order at 5:3013M. She asked those present to stand for the pledge of allegiance. She then reminded everyone that the meeting was being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. 2. Recognition of Animal Control Officer Jeff Collins Ms. Diana Bren asked Officer Collins to come forward along with Lt. Thomas Connor. Lt. Connor read a summary of Officer's Collins 33-year career here in Mansfield, noting that he began his career with just heavy- duty gloves and a leash and over the span of three decades he created what is now an invaluable position to the Police Department. Officer Collins thanked everyone that he has worked with in Mansfield. Ms. Bren then presented Officer Collins with a plaque and thanked him for all the hard work and that she hopes he enjoys his retirement. Mr. Rhein congratulated Officer Collins and stated that he always appreciated his calm demeanor and good judgement during the dog hearings and noted that it is a difficult role. Ms. Doherty thanked him for all he has done and for his help at their home during a very sad time. Mr. Trowbridge thanked him for everything he has done and knows there have been some serious dog bites through the years and hopes that he leaves this role with the memories of all of the adoptions that he made happen. 3. Town Manager's Report ➢ Cabot Park Signage Initiative ➢ Mansfield's Housing Production Plan (HPP) Approval ➢ Harry B. Chase Jr. Place Update ➢ DPW -Highway Construction Update ➢ Staff Notification ➢ Notification of Parking Issue on Plymouth Street ➢ Update on Proposed Rules and Regulations by the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) ➢ Miscellaneous Items Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report Mr. Dumas began his report with staff notifications followed by the notification that the easements needed for the Balcom Bridge project have been completed. He then provided an update on DPW/Highway construction and reported that the installation of trees at Harry B. Chase Jr. Place have been planted. Mr. Dumas continued his report noting that Chris McDermott, Economic Development Director is working on the Cabot Park signage for all of the way finding information and once cost estimates and design are complete they will be presented to the Board for approval. Mr. Dumas then noted that the State approved Mansfield's Housing Production Plan (HPP). Mr. Dumas then updated the Board on the parking of unhitched tractor trailers being left in the public right away on Plymouth Street that caused a problem for Mansfield Electric trying to do maintenance. He Select Board Meeting Minutes August 16, 2023 stated that there may be parking restrictions brought before the Board. He then announced that the Summer Fulton Pond Event is next Wednesday. He explained that there would be food trucks and paddle boats followed by a movie night on South Common and he added that plans for Fall Festival have also begun. Mr. Dumas then stated that the Town had its bond review and the Town maintained its AA+ rating. He then concluded that August 28-30 will be the real estate closing of the North Main Street Fire Station. Mr. Dumas then had Mr. LaCasse provide an update on proposed rules and regulations by the Cannabis Control Commission and what the implications could be for the Town and the current Host Community Agreements that are in place for the three licenses in Mansfield. Mr. Trowbridge asked what the position was of the state legislators on the new proposed regulations by the CCC. Mr. Dumas responded that it will be discussed at the next delegation meeting and he will be drafting a letter to them. Ms. Doherty asked if there was anything the Board could do and Mr. LaCasse stated a similar letter that the Town Manager is drafting could be done by the Select Board. Ms. Doherty commented that the new duck pond at Fulton's is great and looks wonderful for the event next week. She stated that it was originally built by the Lion's Club. Mr. Rhein thanked Mr. Dumas for the work on the Cabot Park signage as it is the crown jewel of the Town's economic picture and better signage will be great. He asked who would be paying for it and Mr. Dumas responded it would be the Town and noted they are not signs that list the businesses. Mr. Trowbridge stated he was happy to hear there is a closing date for the North Main Street Fire Station and asked when they would be starting construction. Mr. Dumas believed they would be starting very quickly. Ms. Bren thanked him for the update on next Wednesday's event and she thanked Parks and Rec for bringing the summer camp to the pond to use the paddleboats. 4. Resident Questions and Comments Mr. Peter Wiggins of 157 Mansfield Ave stated that he went to the Rotary Clubs event at the airport on Saturday and it was a well put together event. S. Discussion and Consideration of Common Victualler License for Cava Mezze Grill LLC located at 280 School Street Mr. Joe Gomez came forward and stated that he has been with Cava five years and they are expanding very fast. He stated the menu was casual Mediterranean and they offer customized bowls. He stated that this business will create forty to fifty jobs in Mansfield and the grand opening is planned for October 13'. The Board took a vote for Clerk tonight because Mr. Roche was not present. Motion: To appoint Mr. Rhein as the Clerk for the meeting, (Trowbridge/Bren) Passes 4:0 Motion: To approve the common victualler license for Cava Mezza Grill I.I.C. (Rhein/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 6. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Shannon Dempsey or Amy Tarlton to the Animal Welfare Committee (1 vacancy) Shannon Dempsey Interview: http://96.233.59.29/CablecastPublicSite/show/8710?channel=2 Amy Tarlton Interview: http://96.233.59.29/CablecastPublicSite/show/8736?channel=2 Ms. Doherty stated that the Volunteer Advisory Subcommittee met on August 9ch and she and Brendan were impressed with the quality of candidates and they all would be great. Ms. Bren stated that the recordings were listed in the agenda and opened it up for a motion. Select Board Meeting Minutes August 16, 2023 Motion: To appoint Amy Tarlton to the Animal Welfare Committee to a term to expire on December 31, 2025. (Trowbridge/Doherty) Passes 4:0 Mr. Trowbridge stated both were great but Ms. Tarlton has been volunteering longer than Ms. Dempsey. 7. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Jeff Plante to Mansfield Housing Corp Recording of interview: http://96.233.59.29/CablecastPublicSite/show/8736?channel=2 Motion: To appoint Jeff Plante to serve on the Mansfield Housing Corp to a term to expire on December 31, 2025. (Rhein/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 8. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Frances Chotkowski or Patrick Latchaw to the Recreation Commission (1 vacancy) Recording of interview: http://96.233.59.29/CablecastPublicSite/show/8736?channel=2 Motion: To appoint Frances Chotkowski to serve on the Recreation Commission to a term to expire on December 31, 2024. (Doherty/Rhein) Ms. Bren opened it for discussion and noted that she was more favorable for Mr. Latchaw due to his background. Mr. Trowbridge stated that he would agree with Ms. Bren and knows that Ms. Chotkowski was very involved with the Boosters Club. He stated that Mr. Latchaw's background in recreation would be an asset and wishes that both could be appointed. Ms. Doherty stated that she liked Ms. Chotkowski because she volunteered for many years and Mr. Latchaw noted that he would continue to run the soccer program if he were not appointed and Ms. Doherty questioned if he could run that program if he were on the Recreation Commission. Mr. Rhein commented that it was a tough decision and he favored Ms. Chotkowski because she has lived in Mansfield longer and participated in many of the programs. Mr. Trowbridge stated that it appears to be a split vote with four members and suggested that this be moved to the next agenda when there are five members present. Ms. Doherty withdrew the motion and the Board agreed to move to the next Select Board meeting on September 6, 2023. The Chair skipped agenda items 9 and 10 and went to item 11, 12, 13 and 14. 9. 6:15PM Public Hearing in Accordance to Section 626(h) of the Federal Cable Act (47 U.S.C. Sec. 546(h) for the Renewal of Cable Television License of Comcast of Massachusetts/New Hampshire, LLC The Town of Mansfield Select Board will hold a Cable License proceeding, pursuant to Section 626(h) of the federal Cable Act (47 U.S.C. Sec. 546(h)) (Informal Licensing Process), on Wednesday, August, 16, 2023 at 6:15 P.M. at the Mansfield Town Hall (Meeting Room 3 A/B), 6 Park Row, Mansfield, MA, pursuant to Section 626(h) of the Cable Act (47 USC Section 546(h)), regarding the renewal of the cable television license of Comcast of Massachusetts/New Hampshire, LLC ("Comcast"). Information for connecting virtually by Virtual via GoToWebinar will be available at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/812864980912063325. The public is invited to attend and comment. A copy of the proposed Renewal License to be considered at the proceeding by the Select Board will be available for review and download at https://www.mansfieldma.com/312/Select-Board and will also be available for inspection from the office of the Select Board. Motion: To open the public hearing of the cable television license of Comcast of Massachusetts/New Hampshire, LLC at 6:1613M. (Trowbridge/Rhein) Passes 4:0 Mr. William Solomon, Attorney for the cable negotiations was present via GoToWebinar. He provided a summary and noted that the agreement was strong and one of the best in the State at this point. The Town will also gain a high definition channel. He explained that none of the services provided are changing for customers Select Board Meeting Minutes August 16, 2023 and stated that there will be a senior discount to those that qualify based on income for reduced cost internet plans. Ms. Doherty had no questions. Mr. Rhein asked if anything is being taken away and Attorney Solomon responded that there was not anything being taken away financially or legally and provides all of the benefits of the last license. Mr. Rhein then asked what the definition of a senior citizen was and Attorney Solomon responded that it is someone who is at least 65 years old, head of household and there are five additional financial qualifications. Mr. Rhein asked who decides which is the high definition channel and Attorney Solomon responded that it is the Select Board, however it should be done in consultation with Mansfield Cable Access. Mr. Trowbridge asked for further clarification stating that he understands its in consultation with but who actually has the authority and Mr. Dumas stated it was the Select Board and Attorney Solomon stated that he has not looked closely looked at the agreement between the Town and Mansfield Cable access but the Select Board is responsible for cable tv. Attorney Solomon recommends that it be the government channel so that when documents are shared in hybrid meetings they are able to be seen by residents at home. Mr. Trowbridge asked where is the money sent to and Mr. LaCasse responded that Comcast comes to the Town first and Verizon goes to Mansfield Cable directly. Mr. Dumas stated that Verizon needs to be changed so the funding comes to the Town first. Mr. Rhein asked with more residents getting rid of cable does that affect this and Mr. Dumas responded that it does because it is five percent of the number of subscribers. Motion: To close the public hearing of the cable television license of Comcast of Massachusetts/New Hampshire, LLC at 6:4013M. (Rhein/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 Motion: I hereby move that the Board, as cable television license Issuing Authority, vote as follows: 1. To grant the subject Cable Television Renewal License, with a License renewal term of August 16, 2023 — August 15, 2033 to Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC ("Comcast) and execute the Renewal License Agreement. All terms and conditions contained in the Renewal License have been agreed to by Comcast. Comcast, by and through its authorized representative, shall execute this Renewal License (Agreement) as set out on the Signature Page of the Renewal License. 2. To recognize and acknowledge the following two (2) side letters from Comcast, signed by Comcast's Senior Manager of Government & Regulatory Affairs, Catherine Maloney and dated August 16, 2023: (i) Placement of Mansfield PEG Channels on Third Party (Currently Gracenote) PEG Interactive Program Guide and Additional High Definition ("HD") PEG Access Channel(s); and (ii) Senior Citizen Discount. (Rhein/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 10.6:30PM Public Hearing in Accordance of M.G.L. Chapter 140 Section 157 for a Dangerous Dog Complaint made by Animal Control Officer Jeff Collins for dogs owned by Barbara Brintnall at 300 Ware Street Motion: To open the public hearing at 6:43PM. (Rhein/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 Motion: To continue the public hearing to September 20, 2023 at 6:30PM and the temporary order keeping the dogs Jasper and Emitt dogs on a three-foot leash and muzzled when outside of the home remain in effect until the hearing on September 20, 2023. (Rhein/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 11. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Ms. Doherty and Mr. Trowbridge had no items. Mr. Rhein stated that the Downtown Committee met and the Fall Festival will be on September30, 2023. 12. Resident Questions and Comments There were no items. Select Board Meeting Minutes August 16, 2023 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: • August 2, 2023 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 24006T in the amount of $2,200,693.34 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 24006E in the amount of $1,679,448.45 • School Vendor Warrant No. 24006S in the amount of $701,010.94 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 24007T in the amount of $380,800.67 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 24007E in the amount of $407,195.80 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: • Special Events Application for St. Mary's Parish for September Fest on September 17, 2023 • 2023 Drainlayers License for J. Hockman, Inc. • 2023 Drainlayers License for Boston Hammer Builders, Inc. • Banner Request for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention D. Consideration of Certificates and Proclamations: • Certificate for Michael Weber Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Rhein/Doherty) Passes 4:0 14. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: Mr. Trowbridge stated that he would vote on the school payroll warrants by the rule of necessity and would not abstain from the votes. • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 24007PT in the amount of $1,168,643.14 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 24007PT in the amount of $1,168,643.14. (Rhein/Trowbridge) Passes 3:0:1 (Doherty Abstains) • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 24007TV in the amount of $335,490.82 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 24007TV in the amount of $335,490.82. (Rhein/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 24007PS in the amount of $1,502,653.34 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 24007PS in the amount of $1,502,653.34. (Rhein/Trowbridge) Passes 3:0:1(Doherty Abstains) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 24007SV in the amount of $442,043.24 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 24007SV in the amount of $442,043.24. (Rhein/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 15. Correspondence • Letter from Commonwealth of Massachusetts — Department of Telecommunications and Cable — Verizon New England contract expiration September 23, 2023 • Letter from Commonwealth of Massachusetts — Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities notifying an approval of Mansfield Housing Production Plan Mr. Rhein read a summary of the two above letters. 16. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions There were no additional comments or questions by the Board. Select Board Meeting Minutes August 16, 2023 17. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 18. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the August 16, 2023 Select Board meeting at 6;45PM. (Trowbridge/Doherty) Passes 4:0 Signature Date Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Documents used in meeting: 1. Cava Mezze Grill LLC Common Victualler Application 2. Board, Committee, Commission Applications from Shannon Dempsey, Amy Tarlton, Jeff Plante, Patrick Latchaw and Frances Chotkowski 3. Public Hearing Notice for Comcast Cable License Renewal 4. Meeting Minutes from August 2, 2023 5. Special Events Application from St. Mary's Church 6. Drainlayer License Applications from Boston Hammer Builders and J. Hackman, Inc. 7. Banner Request from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 8. Certificate for Michael Weber 9. Letter from Commonwealth of Massachusetts —Department of Telecommunications and Cable 10. Letter from Commonwealth of Massachusetts — Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities Select Board Meeting Minutes August 16, 2023