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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 10/18/2023Select Board Meeting Minutes October 18, 2023 Present: Ms. Diana L. Bren, Chair; Mr. Brendan Roche, Clerk; and Ms, Maureen R. Doherty were present in Meeting Room 3 A/B at Town Hall. Mr. Kevin Dumas, Town Manager and Mr. Barry LaCasse, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director were also present. Mr. Neil Rhein, Vice -Chair was not present at the start of the meeting but arrived at 5:5113M. Not Present: Mr. Michael A. Trowbridge Sr. 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance Ms. Bren, Chair called the meeting to order at 5:30PM. 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. Swearing -in of Fire Fighters Chief Desrosiers came forward and introduced the two newest members of the Mansfield Fire Department, Ms. Erica Washburn and Mr. Ryan Hinchey. He then provided information on each of their backgrounds and previous work experience. Ms. Marianne Staples then came forward and swore them in. The Select Board members shared sentiments of congratulations and wished them well. 3. Town Manager's Report ➢ Special Fall Town Meeting - Draft Motions ti w ➢ FY2025 Budget Process ➢ Migrant Task Force Update' © �� ➢ DEI Committee -10/19 @6pm _' �-...,� i — �r i ➢ DESE - District Standards & Indicators F 0 cnm ➢ Goals and Objectives ➢ Miscellaneous Items ��„ -" Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report rr Mr. Dumas began his Town Manager Report stating that the draft motions for Special Town Meeting are posted on the Town's website. He stated that the Capital Improvement Committee met last week and reviewed items that are on the Special Town Meeting warrant. He also reminded everyone that there will be a virtual article review meeting held virtually on October 30rh at 5PM and that Special Town Meeting is November 2, 2023 at 7PM at Mansfield High School. Mr, Dumas then provided and update on the budget process, the Migrant Family Task Force and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEI). Mr. Dumas then stated that he participated in a district review meeting with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) earlier this week. Mr. Dumas reminded everyone that the Welcome to Mansfield night at the library is next Wednesday at 6PM and the October issue of the Newsletter has been posted on the Town's website. Lastly, he stated that he received notification today that the Walsh Wells PFAS project will have thirty percent loan forgiveness from the borrowing that was done through the Clear Water Trust of Massachusetts. Mr. Roche commented that he has seen other communities are using a live google document to keep an updated list of what items are needed for donations for the migrant families and suggested that this may be helpful for Mansfield. Mr. LaCasse responded that the National Guard member that is assigned to Mansfield Select Board Meeting Minutes October 18, 2023 speaks creole and is there almost daily and provides quick response as to what is needed. He stated that they are working on transportation to take the families to clothing centers to get warmer clothes this week. Ms. Doherty brought up a few Items in regards to Town Meeting. She stated that there were individuals who had vision and hearing limitations and asked if the Town could provide the warrant and any slides in large print documents and if hearing devices could be available at Town Meeting. Ms. Doherty also noted that it is not clear where non -registered voters should sit and asked if the Select Board and School Committee members could all sit up front together. Mr. Dumas responded that the non -voting attendees place to sit will be marked clearly and there will be wristbands to ensure that only registered voters are voting. He also stated that as far as seating of the Boards it has been done many different ways and will go with what ever the consensus is from the Chairs. Ms. Bren stated that she would reach out to the other Chairs. Ms. Doherty then asked if the DEI Committee mission statement includes dealing with the neurodivergent population and people with disabilities. She noted a woman at the COA asked if there was a disabilities committee. Neil Rhein arrived at 5:51PM. 4. Resident Questions and Comments There were no questions or comments. 5. Tax Classification Presentation with the Board of Assessors Ms. Ann MacCarthy, Chief Assessor was present to provide a presentation to the Board on the Fiscal Year 2024 Tax Classification. Ms. MacCarthy began the presentation explaining what a tax classification is and then explained that this year's assessments are based on the sale of properties in the calendar year of 2022. She stated that single family values have increased 8.29/o, condominium values increased by 13.5%, commercial values increased .2% and industrial values increased .5%. Ms. MacCarthy stated that new growth includes new construction and renovations and it was $11,485,100 for residential, $4,545,100 for commercial and $1,919,500 for industrial. She also noted that the Town's tax rate is comparable to the surrounding communities and the average tax bill is $7,978.75.. She then stated that the allowable levy for FY24 is $78,028,834. She noted that if we had a single tax rate in Mansfield everyone would be at $14.67. She stated that if the Board is looking to have the closest increase to all the classes then 1.3 would be the split. The Select Board members did not have any questions. 6. Discussion and Consideration to Approve and Sign the 2023 Special Town Meeting Warrant Motion: To approve and sign the 2023 Special Town Meeting Warrant as presently prepared, and to allow the Town Manager to make any necessary, corrective or non -substantive changes thereto at the recommendation of Town Counsel. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 4:0 7. Discussion and Consideration to Set a Public Hearing Date for a Nuisance Dog owned by Patricia Olen at 890 East Street for the Purpose of Amending the Order Issued by the Select Board Ms. Bren stated that tonight the Board needs to decide if they want to have a public hearing to reconsider the order of the dog. Ms. Champagne explained to the Board that they could take no action and the owner could go through the Court system. Mr. Roche asked when this was first ordered and Ms. Champagne responded that it was on April 5, 2023. Mr. Roche asked if Ms. Bren or Mr. Rhein recalled how that meeting went. Ms. Bren stated that she does not think she was at that meeting. Ms. Doherty asked how long the muzzle order is in effect for and Ms. Champagne responded indefinitely. Ms. Champagne then read the order that was voted by the Board on April 5, 2023. Ms. Bren stated that six months does not seem very long and thought the Board could be setting a precedent if they have another hearing. Ms. Doherty said she does not have enough information to decide. Ms. Champagne asked the Chair if this item could be postponed to the next meeting. The Board agreed to move this to the next agenda item and have the information reviewed by all of the Select Select Board Meeting Minutes October 18, 2023 Board members. Mr. Roche also agreed that six months is a short time and it would be difficult to do this for every dog that there is a hearing for. Mr. Rhein stated a refresher would be good before a decision is made. Mr. Rhein then asked what happens if the Board says no, could the owner go to the Courts and this would be going against the Town. Mr. Dumas responded that it would be against the Select Board and Town Counsel would represent the Board. Ms. Doherty asked for a recommendation from Town Counsel. 8. Discussion and Consideration of Fiscal Year 2024 Goals and Objectives Mr. Dumas provided a hard copy of the goals and objectives and explained that the items in blue have been started and feels that they should be kept until they are completed. The second page were ideas for potential goes for 2024. Ms. Bren stated that she felt it was important to continue with the items that are already in process. She stated that she likes that many are tied to the Master Plan and it would not behoove the Board to move away from those goals. Mr. Roche stated that he wanted to recommend that the Board start thinking ahead about what would be next after the DEI Committee that would be a more permanent committee. Ms. Doherty stated that these goals were really vague and should be enhanced so that anyone looking at the document can understand what the goal is. Mr. Rhein commented that many of the goals are a multi -year and phased goals and believed adding some additional information could be helpful. Ms. Bren asked if Mr. Dumas could add more information to the goals. Mr. Dumas stated that he could add in details. He also noted that in addition to the goals there are approximately thirty other task like items that he and Mr. LaCasse are working on at any point in time. He also added that with the retirement of Mr. LaCasse that there will be significant training of his replacement and he would not agree to a goals document that sets him up for failure. It was then discussed to add the link to the Master Plan in the document for the goals that tie back to it. 9. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Mr. Rhein noted that Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee has drafted a bylaw for donations bins and would like it discussed at a future Select Board meeting. He then stated that he was going to the Finance Committee meeting Thursday to discuss the cost of Waste Management that are expected to drastically increase when the new contract begins in 2027. Ms. Doherty stated that the Municipal Building Committee presented to the members of the COA about the design of a new facility at 50 West Street. She stated that there were eighty people present and they asked a lot of questions. Ms. Doherty also noted that Ms. Catherine Coyne from the library is going to add her to the agenda for an upcoming Library Board of Trustees meeting because she is the liaison. Ms. Doherty then asked if Mr. Dumas could provide a more detailed monthly report and to receive it on a consistent basis. Mr. Rhein disagreed and thought the one that is provided is more than sufficient and do not want to put more work on the Town Manager. Mr. Roche stated that he attended an MBTA Advisory Committee meeting and they discussed the process of electrification and stated that the Fairmont line will be the pilot and they may be leasing equipment from Amtrak. He then stated that the CIP Committee met last week and the items were all recommended, he noted they included requests for Mansfield Schools, the Police Department and the 50 West Street property. Mr. Roche then mentioned that there are vacancies on the Planning Board, DEI Committee and there may be additional ones coming with the terms that expire on December 31st. He then stated that there is the Open Space and Recreation Workshop on Monday, October 231d at the Community Room at Public Safety and the Halloween Parade is happening on October 28tn Ms. Bren stated that she will be attending the DEI meeting tomorrow and the 250tn Celebration Committee meeting the following week. 10. Resident Questions and Comments There were no questions or comments. Select Board Meeting Minutes October 18, 2023 11. 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: • October 4, 2023 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 24015T in the amount of $2,494,972.21 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 24015E in the amount of $2,125,710.03 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 24016T in the amount of $396,669.21 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 24016E in the amount of $306,396.69 • School Vendor Warrant No. 24016S in the amount of $382,552.18 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: • Consideration of 2023 Drainlayers License for National Water Main Cleaning Co. • Consideration of 2023 Drainlayers License for SLT Construction • Consideration of 2023 Water Installers Licenser SILT Construction • Consideration of 2023 Drainlayers License for CFGS LLC • Consideration of Special Events Application from Troop 17 for Tree Lot D. Consideration of Certificates and Proclamations: • Proclamation for Verna Buote Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 4:0 12. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 24015PT in the amount of $1,044,775.67 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 24015PT in the amount of $1,044,775.67. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 4:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 24015TV in the amount of $310,781.94 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 24015TV in the amount of $310,781.94. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 4:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 24015PS in the amount of $1,919,791.66 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 24015PS in the amount of $1,919,791.66. (Roche/Bren) Passes 3:0:1 (Doherty Abstained) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 24015SV in the amount of $589,320.68 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 24015SV in the amount of $589,320.68. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 4:0 13. Correspondence • Invitation from NEASC Opening Reception at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School • Invitation to Halloween Parade from Parks and Recreation • Notice from Verizon of Programming Change Mr. Roche read a summary of the above correspondence items. 14. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Mr. Roche stated that things are moving forward with the COA project and wanted to know if there could be an evening presentation for the general public. He noted that it would be beneficial as the Town looks to get support from the whole community. He then stated at the end of Xfinity Center season it would be helpful to Select Board Meeting Minutes October 18, 2023 have a meeting with the General Manager and public safety to evaluate how the season went and evaluate what needs to be improved. Lastly, Mr. Roche asked about the Flag Policy and Mr. LaCasse responded that the Town is still under a moratorium based on the recommendation from Town Council. Ms. Doherty asked Ms. Champagne if there is a future schedule for the Volunteer Advisory Subcommittee. Ms. Champagne responded that one of the dates is November 2911 and then Mr. Roche asked when the deadline was for Board and Committee applications. Ms. Champagne responded November 3`d. Ms. Doherty then asked when the Xfinity Centers contract is up for renewal and whether or not it comes before the Board. Mr. LaCasse believed it was the calendar year and the annual license does come to the Board. Ms. Doherty then commented that any concerns would be worked out before then. Mr. LaCasse responded that public safety does have a meeting at the end of the season to review things with the General Manager from Live Nation. Mr. Rhein stated that a post -concert meeting would be a good agenda topic and to get a summary of what happened but thought the effective date was not calendar year and was the spring. Ms. Champagne looked up the date of the license and it is May 11t through April 30t^. Mr. Rhein then stated that the Welcome to Mansfield event at the library for new residents is on October 25th and the Keep Mansfield Beautiful is having there Fall Sweep and interested volunteers can register on their website. He also noted that the Community Service Awards Committee is accepting nominations. 15. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 16. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the October 18, 2023 Select Board meeting at 7:10PM. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 4:0 J l i Signature ate Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Documents used in meeting: 1. Tax Classification Presentation from the Board of Assessors 2. Special Town Meeting Warrant 3. Email from Town Counsel and Attorney for Patricia Olen 4. Fiscal Year 2024 Goals and Objectives dated 10.13.2023 S. Meeting Minutes from October 4, 2023 6. Drainlayer Applications for National Water Main Cleaning Co., SLT Construction and CFGS LLC 7. Water Installer Application for SLT Construction 8. Special Events Application for Scout Tree Lot from Troop 17 9. Invitation from NEASC Opening Reception at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School 10. Invitation to Halloween Parade from Parks and Recreation 11. Notice from Verizon of Programming Change Select Board Meeting Minutes October 18, 2023