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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 11/01/2023Select Board Meeting Minutes ,% November 1, 2023 t RECEIVED TOiVN CI uis s Present: Ms. Diana L. Bren, Chair; Mr. Neil Rhein, Vice -Chair; Mr. Brendan Roche, Clerk; Mr. Mic6bTA. OFFICE Trowbridge Sr. and Ms. Maureen R. Doherty were present in Meeting Room 3 A/B at ToMJ3HN9'YMrsK"n Dumas, Town Manager and Mr. Barry LaCasse, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director w re also preseni. 29 r.-f A, r..i,,- i-1of ItLD 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting - Pledge of Allegiance 5q i^} ti i,� !_ Ms. Bren, Chair called the meeting to order at 5:30PM. She asked those present to stand for the pledge of T S allegiance. She then reminded everyone that the meeting was being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. 2. Town Manager's Report ➢ Special Fall Town Meeting ➢ South Common Tree Restoration ➢ Planning Department Grant Award for Phase 2 MBTA Communities Work ➢ Select Board Tour of Cate Springs & Walsh Well Locations ➢ Legislative Delegation Meeting ➢ Facade Program — State Grant Update ➢ Migrant Task Force ➢ FY2024 Water Commitments ➢ Miscellaneous Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report Mr. Dumas began his report stating that Special Fall Town Meeting is tomorrow night and that the information is on the Town's website including the recording from Monday's presentation where he reviewed each article. He then stated that the South Common trees over the past several years have been in poor health and two more are scheduled to be removed in the Spring. He added that he and the DPW Director are working on a replacement plan to plant some difference species so that if there is one disease it will not wipe all the trees on the common. He stated that at the November Finance Committee meeting he will be asking the Committee for the funding to purchase the trees for springtime delivery. Mr. Dumas then stated that the Planning Director had applied for a One Stop grant to provide funding for the additional work on the MBTA Communities program and a $90,000 grant was awarded by the State. Mr. Dumas then invited the Board to schedule a tour to visit Walsh Well the newest facility providing PFAS free water. He then noted a summary of the items he discussed at his most recent delegation meeting. He then noted that the water billings are off due to all the summer rain and he is monitoring the accounts closely and lastly, he stated that the Chocolate Factory received their final certificate of occupancy. Mr. Trowbridge had no questions. Mr. Rhein asked if the Chocolate Factory is condos or apartments and Mr. Dumas responded that they were apartments. Mr. Rhein then asked if they were market rate or if any of the units were affordable housing and Mr. Dumas responded that there were a few affordable units, but he would have to look back to see how many. Ms. Doherty asked if there was an update on the cleaning of the benches at the Keach Memorial and Mr. Dumas had no update. Ms. Doherty then noted that she attended the session the Governor held in Attleboro on affordable housing and it was very interesting. Mr. Roche commented that it was good to hear about the grant received for the MBTA communities work for the Planning Board. Mr. Roche then asked if Mr. Dumas knew how long the contracts with hotels for Select Board Meeting Minutes November 1, 2023 migrant families would last and Mr, Dumas stated he expects that it will continue because they exist for emergency placements. Ms. Bren commented that it was great news for the grant and on the Chocolate Factory. 3. Resident Questions and Comments There were no resident questions or comments. 4. Discussion and Consideration of Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles Mr. LaCasse stated that the approved warrant had fourteen articles however there will be no action on articles one and two. He then reviewed and provided a summary the remaining articles. Mr. Roche asked if the Finance Committee have reviewed these articles and Mr. LaCasse stated they had and approved them all. Ms. Doherty had no questions. Mr. Rhein asked how long the turf field lasts and if anyone uses grass any more. Mr. Trowbridge responded that the grass could not be maintained with the amount of daily use that it gets. Mr. Rhein then asked how long turf fields last. Mr. Trowbridge stated that he thinks it is a ten-year warranty and Mr. Dumas was able to confirm that in 2001 the grass field was converted to turf and the track had a full reconstruction and a new scoreboard was installed. He stated that a turf field lasts about 10 to 12 years and a track is less at 8 to 10 years. In 2012 the turf was replaced and the track got a new surface. Mr. Trowbridge commented that we are doing everything that was said would be done and thought it was important to note that the police vehicles contract pricing went up and that is why they are on the warrant again. Motion: To approve the Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles as presented. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 5:0 S. Discussion on Finding a Member for the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District Commission SRPEDD Mr. Dumas began by stating that Mr. Horowitz did a great job and now he will be working at the SERPDD Commission. He stated it would be great if someone from the Planning Board could fill the vacancy however the meetings are on the same nights. Ms. Bren stated that the Town was lucky to have such a dedicated volunteer for so long. Mr. Roche asked if they were in person or virtual meetings but Mr. Dumas was not sure. Mr. Rhein asked if there were any people who applied for Boards or Committees see if they were interested. Mr. Trowbridge asked that the information be on the Towns website and social meida. 6. Discussion and Consideration to Set a Public Hearing Date for a Nuisance Dog owned by Patricia Olen at 890 East Street Recording of Previous Dog Hearing: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/`8964937756571108098 (skip to the 30-minute mark) Ms. Bren stated that she was opposed to having a public hearing and did not feel that six months was too long and that she also agreed with the Board's decision that was made at the original hearing. Mr. Roche agreed with Ms. Bren and commented that the restrictions are for only when the dog is off property and the Board has to be concerned about the safety of the public. Mr. Trowbridge agreed with what was being said and the Board should not interfere with the current appeal. Ms. Doherty also agreed. Motion: To not have a public hearing for the dog Moosehead the Husky. (Rhein/Roche) Passes 5:0 Agenda #7 was skipped and moved to agenda #8 7. In Accordance with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 40, Section 56, The Select Board will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose to adopt the percentages of the local tax levy to be borne by each class of real and personal property for Fiscal Year 2024 at 6:30PM Mr. Roche read the public hearing notice: In Accordance with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 40, Section 56. The Select Board of the Town of Mansfield, MA will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 3A/B, Select Board Meeting Minutes November 1, 2023 Mansfield Town Hall, Six Park Row, Mansfield, MA. The purpose of the hearing is to adopt the percentages of the local tax levy to be borne by each class of real and personal property for Fiscal Year 2024. Motion: To open the public hearing at 6:31PM. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 5:0 Ms. Bren provided a summary of the purpose of the public hearing. Mr. Dumas stated that when looking at the options table that was provided by the Chief Assessor the recommended a split is 1.30 which would provide the average spread out as evenly as possible across the different classes. He stated that the valuations of condos have gone up so quickly so there is not going to be easy for those properties. Mr, Rhein asked what value of a home was used for the average single-family tax bill and Mr. LaCasse responded $612,670. Mr. Rhein then commented that if the Board is going to spread the "pain" as evenly as possible then the 1.30 split does that to three out of the four classes. Mr. Trowbridge stated there is nothing we can do for the condos due to how quickly their valuations increased and the commercial properties are increasing at very small rate. Ms. Doherty stated that it is hard with everything being so expensive. Mr. Roche thanked everyone for the work on creating the chart to make it easier for the Board and agrees with the recommendation. Ms. Bren had no questions. She then asked if anyone from the public had questions but there were none. Motion: To close the public hearing at 6:40PM. (Trowbridge/Roche) Passes 5:0 Motion: To set the tax split at 1.30. (Trowbridge/Roche) Passes 5:0 The Board then skipped to agenda number 16. 8. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Mr. Rhein stated that Downtown Committee was supposed to meet, but there was no quorum and he was one of the ones that missed attending. Ms. Doherty stated that the Light Department sponsored a Halloween lunch at the COA and it was well attended. She then stated that the Friends of the COA are having a craft fair November 4 from 10am-3PM. Mr. Roche stated that there are vacancies on multiple Boards and thanked everyone for the Welcome to Mansfield 101 Night event at the library. He also noted that the Open Space and Recreation Workshop was great and well attended. Mr. Trowbridge asked for a moment of silence for Sonny Tang a local business owner and offered condolences to his family. Ms. Bren stated that Welcome to Mansfield night was wonderful and thanked the Town Managers office. Ms, Bren stated that the Halloween parade last Saturday was great and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee started meeting again. 9. Resident Questions and Comments There were no resident questions or comments. 10. 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 18, 2023 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 24017T in the amount of $465,071.87 Select Board Meeting Minutes November 1, 2023 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 24018T in the amount of $739,422.37 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 24018E in the amount of $150,188.86 • School Vendor Warrant No. 24018S in the amount of $546,570.20 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: • Consideration of 2023 Water Installers Licenser CFGS LLC Consideration of Special Events Application for Veteran's Day Parade Consideration of Special Events Application for Christmas Parade D. Consideration of Certificates and Proclamations: Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 5:0 11. Consideration of 2024 License Renewals All licenses have been or will be routed through Town Hall Departments and any conditions will be satisfied prior to the business receiving their licenses. • 2024 Common Victualler License for the Council on Aging located at 255 Hope Street and request to waive the fee • 2024 Common Victualler License for White's Bakery located at 321 School Street • 2024 Common Victualler and Entertainment License for Mansfield House of Pizza located at 175 N. Main Street • 2024 Common Victualler and Entertainment License for Wendy's located at 64 Copeland Drive • 2024 Common Victualler and Entertainment License for Dunkin Donuts located at 321 School Street • 2024 Common Victualler and Entertainment License for Dunkin Donuts located at 45 Chauncy Street • 2024 Common Victualler and Entertainment License for Dunkin Donuts located at 4 South Main Street • 2024 Common Victualler and Entertainment License for Dunkin Donuts located at 905 South Main Street • 2024 Common Victualler License for Honey Dew Donuts located at 90 Copeland Drive • 2024 Common Victualler License for Cava located at 280 School Street • 2024 Common Victualler License for Chipotle located at 287 School Street • 2024 Common Victualler License for Hangar 12 located at 265 Fruit Street Motion: To approve the 2024 license renewals listed in the agenda. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 5:0 12. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 24017PT in the amount of $1,116,104.84 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 24017PT in the amount of $1,116,104.84. (Roche/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 24017TV in the amount of $334,265.01 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 24017TV in the amount of $334,265.01. (Roche/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 24017PS in the amount of $1,936,712.28 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 24017PS in the amount of $1,936,712.28. (Roche/Trowbridge) Passes 3:0:2 (Doherty and Trowbridge Abstain) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 24017SV in the amount of $612,565.48 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 24017SV in the amount of $612,565.48. (Roche/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 Select Board Meeting Minutes November 1, 2023 13. Correspondence • Notification from Comcast of Programming Change • Email Correspondence from Buffalo Wild Wings —Change of Manager • Letter from the Mansfield Democratic Town Committee — Replacement of Massachusetts State flag and seal • Resignation Letter from D. Austin Horowitz from the Board of Registrars of Voters Mr. Roche read a summary of the above correspondence items. 14. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Ms. Doherty stated that she saw the strike was coming to the end and that it would be a welcomed break for public safety, Ms. Doherty then asked about accommodations at Town Meeting for anyone who is visually impaired or hard of hearing and Mr. Dumas responded that there will be accommodations if requested. Mr. Trowbridge said that in regards to the letter about the State flag and seal he understands that process is already underway and the Democratic Town Committee just wanted a vote of support so he made the below motion. Motion: To support redesigning of the Massachusetts State flag. (Trowbridge/Roche) Passes 4:0:1(Doherty Abstained) At 6:08PM Ms, Bren stated that the Board would take a short recess and be back at 6:30PM for the Tax Classification Public Hearing. 15. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items, 16. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the November 1, 2023 Select Board meeting at 6:41PM. (Trowbridge/Doherty) Passes 5:0 A_r 4A Signature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne It l5 a 0, Date Documents used in meeting: 1. Special Town Meeting Motions 2. Email from Sarah Raposa with Planning Board Discussion of SRPEDD member 3. Email Correspondence from Town Counsel and Animal Control Officer for the nuisance dog owned by Patricia Olen 4. Tax Classification Public Hearing Notice 5. Meeting Minutes from October 18, 2023 Select Board Meeting Minutes November 11 2023 6. Water Installer Application for CFGS LLC 7. Special Events Application for Veteran's Day Parade 8. Special Events Application for Christmas Parade 9. 2024 Common Victualler License Application for the Council on Aging 10. 2024 Common Victualler License Application for White's Bakery 11. 2024 Common Victualler and Entertainment License Applications for Mansfield House of Pizza 12. 2024 Common Victualler and Entertainment License Applications for Wendy's 13. 2024 Common Victualler and Entertainment License Applications for Dunkin Donuts 14. 2024 Common Victualler and Entertainment License Applications for Dunkin Donuts 15, 2024 Common Victualler and Entertainment License Applications for Dunkin Donuts 16.2024 Common Victualler and Entertainment License Applications for Dunkin Donuts 17. 2024 Common Victualler License Application for Honey Dew Donuts 18. 2024 Common Victualler License Application for Cava 19. 2024 Common Victualler License Application for Chipotle 20. 2024 Common Victualler License Application for Hangar 12 21. Notification from Comcast of Programming Change 22. Email Correspondence from Buffalo Wild Wings 23. Letter from the Mansfield Democratic Town Committee 24. Resignation Letter from D. Austin Horowitz Select Board Meeting Minutes November 1, 2023