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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 01/03/2024Select Board Meeting Minutes January 3, 2024 Present: Ms. Diana L. Bren, Chair; Mr. Brendan Roche, Clerk; Mr. Michael A. Trowbridge Sr. and Ms. Maureen R. Doherty were present in Meeting Room 3 A/B at Town Hall. Mr. Kevin Dumas, Town Manager, and Mr. Matt Violette, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director were also present. Mr. Neil Rhein, Vice -Chair was present virtually via GoToWebinar. 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance Ms. Bren, Chair called the meeting to order at 5:3213M. She then asked Eagle Scout Owen Kobbs to come forward and lead the pledge of allegiance. She then reminded everyone that the meeting was being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. Ms. Bren then asked those present for a moment of silence for Joan Brandt who was a member of the Animal Welfare Committee and her husband John Brandt was a former member of the Airport Commission. 2. Eagle Scout Project Presentation by Owen Kobbs Eagle Scout Owen Kobbs came forward and stated that for his Eagle Scout project he was going to make coyote cutouts to donate to the Town that deter geese from being on the fields at the schools. He said they would need to be moved occasionally because the geese are smart. He stated he had received permission from DPW and the Recreation Commission. Mr. Trowbridge commented that there are always projects for the Scouts within the Town and he appreciated having another project that benefited the Town. Mr. Rhein also thanked him. Ms. Bren also thanked him and looks forward to seeing them in use. Motion: To accept and approve Owen Kobbs Eagle Scout project. (Roche/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes Roche —Yes Doherty — Yes Bren—Yes Passes 5:0 3. Enter into Executive Session and Return to Open Session under Exemption No. 2, M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21 to discuss strategy sessions in preparation for contract negotiations with the Town Manager Motion: To Enter into Executive Session and Return to Open Session under Exemption No. 2, M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21 to discuss strategy sessions in preparation for contract negotiations with the Town Manager. (Roche/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes Roche —Yes Doherty — Yes Bren—Yes Passes 5:0 The Board left meeting room 3 A/B and returned at 6:50PM. Ms. Doherty left the meeting at 6z51PM. r.d r 4. Discussion and Consideration of a Contract with the Town Manager for a New ThregYejr Term This was skipped and will be on the next agenda. } > S. Town Manager's Report 77n Co 13r1i ➢ Staff Announcements ➢ Qualters Middle School — Project Funding Agreement -i CD _ nED ➢ FY2025 Initial Department Budget Submissions & Capital Improvemen4rogram Ppsting ➢ Reappointment to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Small CommNUnit�s Advisory Subcommittee of the Local Government Advisory Committee ➢ 50 West Street Select Board Meeting Minutes January 3, 2024 ➢ Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) 2024 Draft Drinking Water State Revolving Fund ➢ FY2024 Additional Chapter 90 Dollars from the Commonwealth's Fair Share Amendment ➢ State Notification of Work for the Reconstruction of the Balcom Street Bridge ➢ Miscellaneous Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report The Town Manager began his report with the announcement that Sharon Varricchione from his office will be transitioning to the Conservation Department as their Administrative Assistant. Mr. Dumas then stated that the Qualters Middle School Project funding agreement has been filed within the proper timeline for the boiler and hot water system replacement, which will give the Town fifty-two percent reimbursement. Mr. Dumas then advised the Board that the preliminary Fiscal Year 2025 budget has been posted on the Towns website. He then stated that he has been reappointed to the Environmental Protection Agency's Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee through December 31, 2025. He then stated that a licensed site professional has been hired to evaluate the site of 50 West Street. Mr. Dumas was also happy to report that the Dustin Prescott Wells PFAS project has made it onto draft drinking water state fund through MassDEP and this is the first step in qualifying for another zero percent financing which saves lots of money through the life of the loan. Mr. Dumas then noted that the Town will be receiving additional funds from the Commonwealth's Fair Share Amendment (Millionaires Tax) in the amount of $372,506 in addition to the Town's regular chapter 90 funding. He added that funds from this tax are to be used towards education or transportation. Mr. Dumas then stated that Balcom State Bridge Project detours have begun and are due to be in place for the next sixteenth months. Mr. Dumas noted that the Town had sent a mailer to effected residents and posted on message boards and has website notifications. Mr. Dumas then noted that SEMRECC is going to come to a February Select Board meeting for an update and the DEI Committee is meeting on January 111h. Lastly, he stated that migrant families all being transitioned out of Mansfield on January 17". Mr. Rhein no questions and noted that it was good news on Chapter 90 funding and that it was an trickle - down economics working. Mr. Roche thanked Mr. Dumas for the Balcom Bridge detour notifications. Mr. Trowbridge no questions and commented that there was lots of good news in that report. Ms. Bren then congratulated Sharon on her new position and officially welcomed Matt Violette to his first meeting as the Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director. 6. Resident Questions and Comments Ms. Marcia Szymanski of 29 Pleasant Street came forward and asked how the money will be spent from the Commonwealth's Fair Share Amendment and if it would be more education or transportation. Mr. Dumas responded that this money will go towards roadways and that will be for the Fiscal Year 2025 plan for next July planned. He stated that the DPW office will post on the website when they have their plan complete on which roads and sideway projects will be done starting in July. She asked if any of the money would be used for education and Mr. Dumas responded that the State decides how the money is to be spent not the Town and heard that the State may be using it towards higher education. Ms. Jackie Curtis of 25 Glen Street came forward and asked about the Balcom Street Bridge project and asked if it is being widened. Mr. Dumas stated that it was being widened and Mansfield is a complete streets community so any of the commonwealth projects include sidewalks on at least one side of the road and a bike lane. He stated that sometimes there are limitations due to scenic roadways. Ms. Curtis then asked if there are any migrant families at the Red Roof Inn and Mr. Dumas responded that those at the Red Roof Inn were consolidated over to the envision hotel. Select Board Meeting Minutes January 3, 2024 7. Presentation on Downtown Sign and Fagade Program This item was skipped to next meeting when there is a full Board 8. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Ms. Bren stated that she will be attending the DEI Meeting next week on January 11th. Mr. Roche, Mr. Rhein and Mr. Trowbridge had no updates. 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: • December 20, 2023 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 24025T in the amount of $173,299.47 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 24025E in the amount of $57,665.85 • School Vendor Warrant No. 24025S in the amount of $114,788.00 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 24026T in the amount of $569,809.57 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 24026E in the amount of $31,102.10 • School Vendor Warrant No. 24026S in the amount of $788,651.72 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 24027T in the amount of $50,873.95 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: • Consideration of Class II Auto Dealer License for Walid Samrout Corp dba Mansfield Gulf & Service • Consideration of Common Vic License for The Rusty Bear located at 137 Mill Street D. Consideration of Certificates and Proclamations: Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Roche/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes Roche —Yes Bren—Yes Passes 4:0 11. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 24025PT in the amount of $857,746.18 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 24025PT in the amount of $857,746.18. (Roche/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge — Yes Roche —Yes Bren — Yes Passes 4:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 24025TV in the amount of $275,852.29 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 24025TV in the amount of $275,852.29. (Roche/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Roche —Yes Bren — Yes Passes 4:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 24025PS in the amount of $1,951,727.35 Select Board Meeting Minutes January 3, 2024 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 24025PS in the amount of $1,951,727.35. (Roche/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Rhein — Yes Trowbridge — Abstain Roche —Yes Bren —Yes Passes 3:0:1 • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 24025SV in the amount of $612,011.02 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 24025SV in the amount of $612,011.02. (Roche/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Rhein — Yes Trowbridge — Yes Roche —Yes Bren—Yes Passes 4:0 12. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Mr. Rhein asked if the Town could reduce what they borrow for road construction due to the extra money from the state. He then stated that he attended the MMA Webinar today on the flag policy and needs to be addressed to avoid future problems. Mr. Trowbridge thought there was a policy and Mr. Dumas stated that there is a moratorium in place. Mr. Roche that he heard there are a few good policies from other Towns. Mr. Trowbridge stated that he would like a future agenda item to discuss a senior tax deferral program and if it is something the Board wants to do then maybe the Finance Committee can review it. Ms. Bren has no items. 13. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 14. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the January 3, 2024 Select Board meeting at 7:19PM. (Trowbridge/Roche) Roll Call Vote Rhein —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Passes 4:0 Signature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Documents used in meeting: Roche —Yes Bren — Yes bA7 O Da e 1. Common Victualler Application for Rusty Bear 2. Auto Dealer License Application of Walid Samrout Corp dba Mansfield Gulf and Service 3. Minutes of December 20, 2023 Select Board Meeting 4. Presentation of Sign and Facade Program Select Board Meeting Minutes January 3, 2024