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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 01/17/2024Select Board Meeting Minutes January 17, 2024 Present: Ms. Diana L. Bren, Chair; Mr. Neil Rhein, Vice -Chair; Mr. Brendan RochREgiErllt.f S0, Michael A. Trowbridge Sr. and Ms. Maureen R. Doherty were present in Meeting,j�1G,gbtR6&✓d1��1i1.r. Kevin Dumas, Town Manager, and Mr. Matt Violette, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director 1024 FEB -1 A ``ll•• wefejo present. 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting - Pledge of Allegiance tt Ms. Bren, Chair called the meeting to order at 5:30PM. She then asked those pr14A wf�biht t]51��d state the pledge of allegiance. She then reminded everyone that the meeting was beiWd_lfr&a(6Gh ``i�' a l�atic�taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. Ms. Bren took a moment to recognize the Fisher family who had a house fire last week. 2. Recognition of Nancy Breef-Pilz for 36 Years of Service on the Board of Library Trustees This item was skipped and will be scheduled for a future meeting. 3. Recognition of Michael Healey for 18 Years of Service on the Board of Health Ms. Bren invited Mr. Michael Healey to come forward to be recognized for his eighteen years of service on the Board of Health. Mr. Healey thanked the Board for the recognition. The Board members also thanked him for all of his dedication and recognized all the other community volunteering that he does in Mansfield. 4. Presentation of 2023 Community Service Awards Mr. Rhein spoke about the Community Service Awards and hopes that this inspire others to be more active in the community. He also thanked the members of the Community Service Awards Committee and all those that sent in nominations. He first presented the youth award to Gianna Garufi. Mr. Rhein asked her to come forward and stated that she is a Mansfield High School senior who has been volunteering for Out of Darkness which is the local chapter for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. He stated that she also volunteers at the Mansfield Animal Shelter and tutors. Miss Garufi thanked everyone for the award and recognition. Mr. Rhein then stated that the Adult Community Service Award recipient was Mr. Jeff Ward. He stated that Mr. Ward is a member of Keep Mansfield Beautiful and has been the Chair for the last nine years. He is also a coach with youth soccer and volunteers at St. Mary's Church. Mr. Ward thanked everyone for the recognition and he stated that he has been given a lot and its his duty to give back and is proud to do the work. He stated that this is a great Town and appreciates what happens in this building. Lastly, Mr. Rhein stated that Mr. Tom Faria was chosen to receive the Lifetime Achievement Community Service Award. Mr. Rhein stated that he was a lifelong resident and is retired from the Postal Service where he delivered mail to East Mansfield. He noted that Mr. Faria not only delivered the mail, but he took the time to get to know the residents. He then stated that he has also been the voice of the Mansfield Hornet football team for over thirty years. He founded the Football Hall of Fame and that has expended to include all other sports. Mr. i Faria thanked the Select Board and the Committee for this award and wanted to congratulate all of the recipients and then he thanked his family members. He also thanked Michael Redding for nominating him. S. Town Manager's Report ➢ Town Accountant Position —Job Description & Consideration of Hiring Process ➢ FY2025 Budget Update ➢ IRS —1099 Reporting for calendar year 2021 ➢ FY2024 9C Cuts from State ➢ MIIA Grant Award ➢ Miscellaneous Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report Select Board Meeting Minutes January 17, 2024 Mr. Dumas began his report stating that it is great to have the Community Service Awards and honor those that give back to the community. Mr. Dumas then thanked the DPW staff for all their efforts for the recent storm. Mr. Violette was then asked to update the Board on several items. He updated the Board on the Town Accountant open position and offered a suggestion of having Select Board members participate in the interviews. Mr. Violette then updated the Board on the FY20225 Budget and an IRS 1099 report for calendar 2021 that is now being denied as missing data, however he noted that he is working with special legal counsel as the information was in the report. Lastly, Mr. Violette stated that there have been 9C cuts for the Fiscal Year 2024 budget from that State which affect two earmarks being cut in half. One was the beatification of Downtown with the Facade program and the other was for parkway improvements, but there were no cuts to primary services. Mr. Rhein asked why the Board would be involved in the interviews and Mr. Violette responded that the Town Accountant position is appointed by the Select Board. Mr. Rhein then asked about the beatification grant cuts and are projects affected. Mr. Dumas stated the Downtown Facade program which Mr. McDermott will be discussing further in the agenda and then noted that parkway earmark was being used for the design work of the new roadway at the train station. Ms. Doherty asked about the government accounting certification and if that was in the job description as a requirement for the Town Accountant and Mr. Violette responded that it was. She then stated she is available to assist with interviews. Ms. Roche stated he was in support of the proposed format for the hiring of the Town Accountant. Mr. Trowbridge stated that the Board only appoints two positions and feels that the Select Board needs to be represented in the interviews. Ms. Bren also stated that she can participate in the interviews. Mr. Dumas stated that MIIA the Town's health insurance provider has chosen Mansfield for a 2023 excellence in wellness award for the work of the Human Resources department. He noted that they have done a great job on both the town of school side and have provided opportunities of mindfulness, fitness and nutrition. Mr. Dumas noted that Mr. Josh Reinke, DPW Director is planning the construction season for the spring and summer and will be at the February 7th Select Board meeting with an update. Mr. Dumas then announced the retirement of Firefighter Wayne Jackman. He then noted that Mr. McDermott is awaiting final cost estimates for the Cabot Park signage, Lastly, he stated that Rob Verdone from SEMRECC will be at the February 7th Select Board meeting with an update on the operations and assessment calculations. Ms. Doherty asked about the MIIA grant and asked if MIAA provided any other insurances to the Town and Mr. Dumas responded they only provide the health insurance. 6. Resident Questions and Comments Ms. Sally Fehervari of 86 Lawndale Road came forward and stated that she found the tenor and the tone of the December 20th Select Board meeting unsuitable for the Town. She stated that the Town deserves professional leadership from each member and each member needs to represent all of Mansfield. She also supported what Mr. Jeff Ward said earlier in the meeting. She also stated that she attended Diversity, Equity Inclusion Committee meeting last week and was impressed. Lastly, Ms. Fehervari stated that rail trail down into Norton is great. 7. 6:OOPM 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 Verizon New England Inc. Motion: To open the public hearing at 6:2013M. (Roche/Trowbridge) Select Board Meeting Minutes January 17, 2024 Roll Call Vote: Roche —Yes Doherty — Yes Rhein — Yes Trowbridge — Yes Bren — Yes Passes 5:0 Mr, Dumas introduced Mr. William Solomon who was the attorney hired to do the renewal of Comcast and Verizon cable licenses. Mr. Solomon began by stating that the team here is great and it is helpful to have the Town Administrative staff assisting in the process and showing how important this matter is to the Town. He stated that there is an agreement in principle and are awaiting Verizon to confirm. Mr. Solomon provided a summary of the license noting that it was a strong license with strong capital funds. Ms. Bren then asked for members of the public who had comments or questions to come forward and there were no one from the audience in the room that came forward nor any on the webinar that wanted to speak. Ms. Bren then asked if any Board members had questions. Ms. Doherty asked about money for capitol or equipment for Mansfield's local public access and Mr. Solomon responded that the money from the cable licenses is exactly for those expenses and it is five percent of the gross revenues to be used for operations and then there is an additional $125,000 given in three payments. Mr. Roche thanked him for getting the high definition channel through the license. Mr, Trowbridge asked if there have been any concerns that have been brought up by local cable access and are they aware this was happening tonight. Mr. Dumas responded that they were consulted with for both Comcast and Verizon initially in order for Mr. Solomon to begin his negotiations. Mr. Dumas also stated that no other community has more than one high definition channel. Mr. Trowbridge asked if the government channel could be the high definition channel and Mr. Solomon responded that it is up to the Select Board and Mr. Trowbridge requested that an invitation sent to the local cable access Board when it is discussed. Mr. Trowbridge then asked if the hearing would be continued to another date or if the Board should close. It. Mr. Solomon recommended closing the hearing because the Board has met its legal requirement. Mr. Rhein asked if the five percent of gross revenues covers the operations of cable access and Mr. Dumas responded that they are. He then asked if anything is being taken out of the license from the currentagreement and Mr. Solomon stated that the years of the license is less, but no material effect that is detrimental to the Town. Mr. Marc Corsillo of 1604 West Street asked if there is anything for 5G that is part of the license or is that out of scope for this license and Mr. Solomon responded that this is specifically for cable television. Motion: To close the public hearing at 6:36PM. (Roche/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Roche -Yes Doherty — Yes Rhein — Yes Trowbridge — Yes Bren — Yes Passes 5:0 8. Presentation on Downtown Sign and Fagade Program Mr. Chris McDermott, Economic Development Director came forward and gave an update on the launch of the sign and facade program. He stated that the program dollars from the state has been cut in half however they are still proceeding forward. He explained that there is still $25,000 available and the IDC will be the selection committee. He stated that to promote the program he has launched a website, social media posts and has gone door to door to local businesses that are eligible to apply. Ms. Bren commented that there is great advertisement and outreach happening for this program. Mr. Roche asked if this information was passed to the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce and Mr. McDermott stated that he did speak with Representative Barrows but will also be reaching out to Ms. Kara Griffin. Mr. Trowbridge asked if these are low interest loans or straight out grants and Mr. McDermott responded that they were grants and the business owner would bring receipts for the work and be reimbursed. Ms. Doherty asked if there is a sunset clause and Mr. McDermott responded the deadline is June 30, 2024. 9. Discussion and Consideration of Interview Process for New Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Members Select Board Meeting Minutes January 17, 2024 Mr. Dumas stated that previously the Select Board had Interviewed candidates for this committee as a full Board. There are applications of high school students and the Board needs to decide if they want to do it as a full Board or go through the Volunteer Advisory Subcommittee. Mr. Trowbridge stated that it was a whole new committee and that is why the interviews were done as a full Select Board and believed it should be done through the Subcommittee. Mr. Rhein had no strong feelings either way. Ms. Doherty is fine with continuing that way. Mr. Roche stated that he also is fine either way. Ms. Bren asked for a motion and Mr. Trowbridge questioned if a motion was needed. Ms. Bren responded that a motion was needed. Motion: To have the Volunteer Advisory Subcommittee interview the DEI candidates. (Trowbridge/Doherty) Passes 5:0 10. Call for the 2024 Annual Town Meeting Scheduled for April 9, 2024 and Open the Warrant ➢ Automatically closes 3/1/2024 per Charter ➢ The adjourned date for Annual Town Meeting is TBD Motion: To call for the 2024 Annual Town Meeting scheduled for April 9, 2024 and open the warrant. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 5:0 11. Sign the Warrant for the March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Ms. Doherty asked if there was going to be early voting and Mr. Dumas responded that he would confirm for the next meeting. Motion: To sign the warrant for the March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 5:0 12. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Mr. Trowbridge stated that MFN met and MFN and Town of Norton have been sued by a Norton resident. Mr. Rhein stated that the Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee met and the Committee voted to support to use of the funds from the State for recycling latex paints at the next household hazardous waste day. He stated the committee is also brainstorming of ways to get more people to sign up for the Black Earth Compost. Ms. Doherty stated that the Town has a compost center and has the Town looked at making use of the yard waste that is composting down there. Mr. Rhein stated that there is yard waste and food waste and that it could be discussed. Ms. Doherty then stated that the library has wonderful programing and they have a newsletter and it is like a community center. She stated that she had the first meeting with MFN and it was quick and efficient and she is helping with the interviews for attorneys for any PFAS representation. She then noted that she will be attending the next meeting of the Airport Commission and she has been visiting the site to see the different things they have. She stated that Med Flight has a site here and it is fascinating and a perk to have them here in Town. Mr. Roche stated that he is attending a SRPEDD meeting next week. Ms. Bren stated that she has been in touch with the Chair from the Board of Health and there was a DEI meeting. Learned about the current state of the diversity in Mansfield using data from the most recent census and there was a lot of good conversation. Mr. Trowbridge asked what the date is for the committee and thinks the Select Board needs to vote to extend it. M r. Roche stated that it was one year from their first meeting and think it may be in the month of May. 13. Resident Questions and Comments There were no resident questions or comments. Select Board Meeting Minutes January 17, 2024 14. 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: • January 3, 2024 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 24028T in the amount of $2,081,293.33 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 24028E in the amount of $1,511,296.50 • School Vendor Warrant No. 24028S in the amount of $567,663.19 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 24029T in the amount of $385,565.89 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 24029E in the amount of $341,096.2 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: • Consideration of 2024 Water Installers License for Riccio Excavation • Consideration of 2024 Water Installers License for Plainville Pump & Excavating, Inc. • Consideration of 2024 Water Installers License for Brunelle Contracting, LLC • Consideration of Banner Application for Mansfield Women of Today • Consideration of Event Application for Craft Fair on South Common from Christina Wendland • Consideration of Event Application for Mansfield Field of Honor • Consideration of Event and Banner Application for the Garden Club of Mansfield • Consideration of Event Application for Park and Recreation — Egg Hunt • Consideration of Event Application for Park and Recreation — Youth Fishing Derby • Consideration of Event Application for Park and Recreation — Great Duck Race • Consideration of Event Application for Park and Recreation — Mansfield Farmers Market • Consideration of Event Application for Park and Recreation —Arts and Craft Show • Consideration of Event Application for Park and Recreation — Halloween Costume Parade • Consideration of Event Application for Park and Recreation —Tree Lighting Ceremony • Consideration of Banner Applications from Park and Recreation • Consideration of 2024 Water Installers License for Peter Degirolamo & Sons Inc. • Consideration of 2024 Drainlayer's License for Brunelle Contracting LLC. • Consideration of 2024 Drainlayer's License for Moran Excavation • Consideration of 2024 Drainlayer's License for Peter DeGirolamo & Sons Consideration of 2024 Drainlayer's License for HM Lopes D. Consideration of Certificates and Proclamations: • Fire Department Retirement —Wayne Jackman Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 5:0 15. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 24027T in the amount of $877,441.37 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 24027T in the amount of $877,441.37. (Roche/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 24027TV in the amount of $272,026.72 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 24027TV in the amount of $272,026.72. (Roche/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 24027PS in the amount of $1,898,576.97 Select Board Meeting Minutes January 17, 2024 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 24027PS in the amount of $1,898,576.97. (Roche/Trowbridge) Passes 3:0:2 (Trowbridge and Doherty Abstain) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 24027SV in the amount of $598,732.69 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 24027SV in the amount of $598,732.69. (Roche/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 16. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Mr. Rhein stated that we have not seen the State delegation at a meeting in a long time. Mr. Trowbridge agreed especially with the budget this year. Mr. Rhein then stated that the Board is having a special meeting on policies and procedures and if that includes correspondence. Mr. Dumas believed their operating procedures including the agenda and correspondence. Ms. Doherty stated that she spoke with Representative Jay Barrows and he was happy to announce that the Blue Apple Bus will be getting funding through 2024. She then wanted to give kudos to everyone working the past couple storms. She stated that $7,300 in gift cards was collected for the Fisher Family who lost their home in a fire. Ms. Doherty then asked about the Town's website blank page called Town events and wanted to know what the page is for and asked if it could it be used for sports registrations or information like that. Mr. Dumas responded that it is something for Town sponsored events like the Fall Festival. Mr. Trowbridge stated that years ago there was a page so if you were new to Mansfield you could look and see different things. Mr. Dumas stated that they did an audit of the website and there was a lot of out dated information and links that didn't work and the challenge is that no one person or department owns it. Ms. Doherty then thanked Mr. Trowbridge for bringing up tax abatements for seniors at the last meeting because many are one -person households living in condos and are greatly impacted Mr. Roche thanked the Mansfield community for helping the Fisher family and he thanked Mr. Rhein and the Community Service Awards Committee for their work. Mr. Trowbridge noted it was all Mr. Rhein's idea to have the Community Service Awards and he has done a great job with it every year and it is a nice way to start the meetings. Ms. Bren thanked the community for supporting the Fisher family and those helping with the storms so far this year. 17. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items unanticipated by the Chair. 18. 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 at 7:09PM. (Roche/Doherty) Roll Call Vote: Roche —Yes Doherty —Yes Rhein — Yes Trowbridge — Yes Bren — Yes Passes 5:0 19. Discussion and Consideration of Signing a Contract with the Town Manager for a new Three -Year Term The Board returned from the Executive Session at 7:28PM. Ms. Bren asked Mr. DeRensis to explain the process. Mr. DeRensis explained the process that was followed by the Select Board in doing the Town Select Board Meeting Minutes January 17, 2024 Manager's contract. He stated that the Board started with the contract that was in place and met with the Town Manager to discuss which changes he wanted to have. He then distributed a packet that contained the Town Managers evaluations going back three years, a salary survey of 144 communities of Town Managers and then had the opportunity to make some changes to the contract based from the input from all the members which brings us to now. Ms. Bren then went through the list of changes that were made first noting that the dates of the contract are January 3, 2024 through January 3, 2027. The Board agreed of a 2.5% COLA for each of the three years on July V and she read the salary amounts. There were also minor word changes to the acronyms which are now written out and also the word "allowance" referring to a car allowance was changed to stipend. Mr. DeRensis presented these changes to the Town Manager and he agreed to them. Motion: To approve and sign a contract for the Town Manager effective from January 3, 2024 to January 3, 2027.(Roche/Doherty) Passed 5:0 Ms. Doherty stated it was a good working process to go through the terms of the contract and appreciated the work of the Board. She stated that she was not in favor of renewing the contract, but feels it is in the best interest of the Town to move forward and work together and that will be signing the contract. She stated that she appreciates all forms of community engagement whether positive or negative. Mr. Trowbridge and Ms. Bren appreciated what Ms. Doherty said. Mr. Rhein stated that he was glad the contract was being extended and the net effect is two additional years and he is happy to have continuity with a Town Manager that runs an efficient Town Hall. He stated that you cannot just get another Town Manager, it is difficult to find someone and all the positive momentum that can be lost. Mr. Roche thanked everyone for the collaboration going through this process and working together in the future. Ms. Bren stated that she echoed the sentiments of her fellow Board members and then called for the vote and the motion was passed unanimously. 20. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the Select Board meeting of January 17, 2024 at 7:3713M. (Trowbridge/Doherty) Passes 5:0 ✓ /fie A�&_ Signature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Date Documents used in meeting: 1. Water Installers License Application for Riccio Excavation 2. Water Installers License Application for Plainville Pump & Excavating, Inc. 3. Water Installers License Application for Brunelle Contracting, LLC 4. Banner Application for Mansfield Women of Today 5. Event Application for Craft Fair on South Common from Christina Wendland 6. Event Application for Mansfield Field of Honor 7. Event and Banner Application for the Garden Club of Mansfield 8. Event Application for Park and Recreation — Egg Hunt 9. Event Application for Park and Recreation —Youth Fishing Derby 10. Event Application for Park and Recreation —Great Duck Race 11. Event Application for Park and Recreation — Mansfield Farmers Market 12. Event Application for Park and Recreation —Arts and Craft Show Select Board Meeting Minutes January 17, 2024 13. Event Application for Park and Recreation — Halloween Costume Parade 14. Event Application for Park and Recreation —Tree Lighting Ceremony 15. Banner Applications from Park and Recreation 16. Water Installers License Application for Peter Degirolamo & Sons Inc. 17. Drainlayer's License Application for Brunelle Contracting I.I.C. 18. Drainlayer's License Application for Moran Excavation 19. Drainlayer's License Application for Peter DeGirolamo & Sons 20. Drainlayer's License Application for HM Lopes 21. January 3, 2024 Meeting Minutes 22. Warrant for the March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary 23. Presentation on Downtown Sign and Facade Program 24. Public Hearing Notice for Verizon Cable License Select Board Meeting Minutes January 17, 2024