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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 02/07/2024Select Board Meeting Minutes February 7, 2024 RECEIVED TO 1b_ll � rF CchOFFICE Present: Ms. Diana L. Bren, Chair; Mr. Neil Rhein, Vice -Chair; Mr. Brendan Roche, ¢I� k, r. is ael A. Trowbridge Sr. and Ms. Maureen R, Doherty were present in Meeting Room 3 A/VJ Ifl'I Jill-MOK4" Dumas, Town Manager and Mr. Matt Violette, Assistant Town Manager/Finance erector F IANSFIELD 1. Cali To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance I,j Ay, <. ,A c j,' U S E T T S Ms. Bren, Chair called the meeting to order at 5:33PM. She then asked those present to stand and state 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 Nancy Breef-Pilz for 36 Years of Service on the Board of Library Trustees Ms. Bren thanked Ms. Breef-Pilz for her 36 years of service on the Board of Library Trustees and members of the Board thanked her for her time. She noted that she enjoyed her time and it does not seem like it has been that many years. She stated that when she moved to Mansfield she wanted to meet people and be involved and this provided her with that opportunity. She stated she will continue to be involved as a member of the Historical Commission. 3. Town Manager's Report ➢ Early Voting Dates and Times ➢ Community Gardens ➢ 50 West Street Project ➢ Xfinity Center License ➢ Miscellaneous Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report Mr. Dumas began by inviting Ms. Stapes to speak about early voting dates and times for the Presidential primary. Ms. Staples,thanked the Board for letting her speak tonight. She stated that vote by mail and early voting is a now a requirement. She added that they have sent out over 2,400 ballots by mail and anyone can track their ballot by going to the Secretary of State's website, She then stated that early voting starts on Saturday, February 24th and runs through Friday, March 15t at Town Hall. Ms. Staples also thanked Mr. Dumas for his support over the last few years so accommodate additional needs of her office for elections because of some of the increased mandates from the state. Mr. Dumas began his update stating that his office received notification that Community Gardens will not be moving forward with building their facility on School Street. He then stated that Mr. Mike Ahern has contracted with a licensed site professional for the 50 West Street property for the required environmental testing. Mr. Dumas stated that he will be meeting with Live Nation/Xfinity Center this Friday and they will be the attending the second Select Board meeting in March. Mr. Dumas then advised that the Planning Board approved the site plan for the Duston Prescott Wells PFAS project and it will be coming before the Select Board for approval. Mr. Dumas then stated that Keep Mansfield Beautiful is going to be helping coordinate the efforts to maintain the mural along Route 106 at the train station, he noted that it needs to be cleaned, have some touch ups and then a sealer put on to preserve it. Another item of good news is that Mansfield now has a Veteran's van. Veteran's who need transportation to medical appointments can call 413-435-6870 to schedule. Mr. Dumas then stated that the Governor's budget for Fiscal Year 2025 was posted and the Town was provided a 0.61 percent increase over last year. This is below what had been estimated and does not cover the needed Select Board Meeting Minutes February 7, 2024 increases. Mr. Dumas noted that surrounding Towns are also experiencing the same budget challenges. Mr. Dumas stated that the State Delegation has been invited to a Select Board meeting and have requested to come to the second meeting in March. Mr. Dumas then noted that the Fire Department is receiving a $12,000 grant for fire and safety equipment specific for electric vehicle fires. Mr. Dumas then gave an update on ARPA funding and the Dustin Prescott Wells project. Mr. Dumas lastly provided updates on insurance rate increases for health and dental and a TOD project update from a meeting he had with the MBTA earlier that day. He also informed the Board that he will be sending a memo once a month providing the milestones of where the team is. Ms. Bren then opened up the floor for questions from the Select Board members. Ms. Doherty asked about the monthly report on TOD and if it would be similar to what was done with the Public Safety building and Mr. Dumas responded that it would be a personal memo of milestones. He stated that it will also be updated on the website. Mr. Trowbridge asked about the Xfinity Agreement and if there are any significant changes. Mr. Dumas responded that he wouldn't call them significant and there are some items that public safety is requesting. Mr. Trowbridge asked for the changes well in advance of the meeting and what the list of items were. Mr. Trowbridge then asked if it were a perfect world when would breaking ground on bypass road out to Country Street and Mr. Dumas said possibly the fall of 2025. Mr. Roche thanked him for the Xfinity License update and is excited and thankful for the work being done on the TOD. Ms. Doherty asked if she could have a copy of the Xfinity Agreement. 4. Resident Questions and Comments There were none. S. Presentation and Discussion with Director Verdone from Southeastern Massachusetts Regional Emergency Communications Center (SEMRECC) of the Operations of the District and Assessment Calculations for Each Community Executive Director Robert Verdone was present from SEMRECC and he provided an overview of the operation of the district from the beginning and noted some of awards and grants that they have received. Mr. Verdone also provided information on the Mansfield assessment. Mr. Verdone also encouraged residents to register an emergency device or profile by visiting the website www.semrecc.gov/profile-reg which can be accessed by 9-1-1 dispatchers when someone calls 9-1-1. They also are able to take text messages via 9-1-1. He also said that everyone should always call 9-1-1 and never doubt calling. Ms. Bren commented that it is an amazing facility and thanked him for the presentation. Mr. Trowbridge commented that the technology there is amazing and so much money has been saved and it's a better product than what we had previously. Mr. Rhein commented that it is the case study on the benefits of regionalization and should be extended to many of things the Town does. Mr. Roche thanked him and it is a great facility and an example across the state. Ms. Doherty stated that she recently toured the facility and stated that she was stunned into silence because it was so impressive. Ms. Doherty also noted that when you call 9-1-1 for a medical situation the vehicles are dispatched immediately but they will continue asking questions. Ms. Bren stated that the Town is so fortunate to have this in our community and kudos to everyone. 6. Discussion of the Construction Schedule with Josh Reinke, DPW Director Mr. Reinke came forward and provided an update on the roadwork plan for this coming year. He first reviewed how they go about selecting which streets get picked for construction. Mr. Reinke explained that every five years a study is done by a consultant who inspects all the roads in Town and assigns a pavement condition index (PCI) number to each. The PCI ranges from one to a hundred with one being the worst. He stated that this plan is on the DPW website for anyone to view. He stated that they are planning to rebuild the ten worst streets in town over the next two years. He then listed out the roads and what work is scheduled for this coming season. Mr. Rhein asked if overlay was the new chip sealing and Mr. Reinke Select Board Meeting Minutes February 7, 2024 responded that it was and chip sealing will not be used. Ms. Doherty commented that the work done at the East Common is great. Mr. Trowbridge agreed and then commented that residents should understand that things could change if there was a water leak or plow damage and that the plan is a guide for the Town. 7. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Shannon Dempsey to the Animal Welfare Committee (1 Vacancy) Interview Recording Link: http://96.233.59.29/CablecastPublicSite/show/8710?site=l Motion: To appoint Shannon Dempsey to the Animal Welfare Committee to an unexpired term to expire on December 31, 2024. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 5:0 8. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Taylor Palinski to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee as a High School Representative (2 Vacancies) Interview Recording Link: http•//96.233.59.29/CablecastPublicSite/show/9001?site=l Ms. Doherty stated that she was impressed by her interview and she provided a great application. Motion: To appoint Taylor Palinski to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee as a High School Representative.(Roche/Doherty) Passes 5:0 9. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Melissa Nasiff Almeida to the Board of Health (1 Vacancy) Interview Recording Link: http://96.233.59.29/CablecastPublicSite/show/9001?site=l Mr. Trowbridge thanked her for coming forward and wanting to serve. Mr. Roche stated that her background and experience is a good perspective to add to that board. Motion: To appoint Melissa Nasiff Almeida to the Board of Health for an unexpired term to expire on December 31, 2026. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 5:0 10. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Elizabeth Dye or Robert O'Connell to the Board of Registrar of Voters (1 Vacancy) Interview Recording Link: http•//96.233.59.29/CablecastPublicSite/show/9001?site=l Ms. Doherty stated that both candidates gave a great interview. She stated that both were involved and are active in the,community. Ms. Doherty made at motion to appoint Robert O'Connell to the Registrar of Voters. She stated that last time a Democrat was appointed so she thought it would be best to appoint a Republican, but thought both were good candidates. There was no second to that motion. Motion: To appoint Elizabeth Dye to serve on the Board of Registrar of Voters to an unexpired term to expire on March 31, 2025. Passes 4:1 (Trowbridge/Roche) 11. Discussion and Consideration to Change Eligibility of the Board of Health Member on the Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee to be One Board of Health Member or Appointed Employee of the Health Department Mr. Dumas stated that this was a request from the Board of Health and he did not see a problem with making the modification. Mr. Rhein noted that the way it was worded initially when the Committee was formed does not allow for the Health Agent to be on the Committee so this would allow her to serve on it. Ms. Doherty asked if it is okay because in the Charter it states that a person wanting to serve on a Town board, committee or commission has to be a resident and she was not sure if Ms. Amy Donovan Palmer was a resident. Mr. Trowbridge responded that this Committee is an ad hoc committee and not a Chartered Committee. Select Board Meeting Minutes February 7, 2024 Motion: To change the Board of Health Member on the Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee to be One Board of Health Member or Appointed Employee of the Health Department. (Roche/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 12. Discussion and Consideration to Create Town and School Needs Assessment Ad Hoc Committee • Committee Charge: To Study and Make recommendations on the Prioritization of Needs for Town and School Facilities that encompasses a 5-year Financial Plan • Committee Membership: 2 School Committee Member, 2 Select Board Member, 2 Finance Committee Member, Superintendent, Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations Mr. Dumas stated that it was posted incorrectly and that it should be two members for School Committee, Select Board and Finance Committee and not one of each. Ms. Bren asked if the Board should vote on who the Select Board representatives are on the Committee. Mr. Dumas responded if the Board was ready to do so if not, it can be added to a future agenda item. Mr. Roche asked if there was a reason to not have a member of the Municipal Building Committee on this committee and Mr, Dumas responded that because it is not for construction of any buildings. Motion: To create the Town and School Needs Assessment Ad Hoc Committee as amended. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 5:0 Ms. Bren then stated that the Committee appointment of members could be considered part of items not anticipated within 48 hours. Ms. Doherty and Ms. Bren stated that they were interested. 20. Items anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting Motion: To appoint Diana Bren and Maureen Doherty to the Town and School Needs Assessment Ad Hoc Committee. (Roche/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 13. Discussion and Consideration to Approve the Revised Town of Mansfield Select Board Operating Policy Ms. Bren invited Mr. Paul DeRensis, Town Counsel to come forward to answer any questions or concerns by any of the Select Board members. Motion: To approve the revised Town of Mansfield Select Board Operating Policy. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 5:0 The Chair opened the item for discussion. Mr. Roche had no comments or questions. Ms. Doherty commented that it was great that this was done and happy to see that the Board worked well together. Ms. Bren commented that it was a great collaborative effort and done in a short amount of time. Mr. Trowbridge also agreed that it was a consensus by all members. Mr. Rhein agreed that it looked great. 14. Review List of Select Board Policies Updated with Categories Added (Review, Delete, Human Resources or Complete) Ms. Bren stated that the Select Board needs to have a separate night for another policy meeting. Ms. Doherty asked about the policies that were marked as Human Resources and Ms. Bren responded that those need to be reviewed by Human Resources first and then the Select Board. Ms. Doherty stated that the Select Board needs to review policies of all departments. Ms. Doherty also asked for the Operating Policy to be placed on the website and Mr. Dumas asked that they be placed on the Select Board's page Select Board Meeting Minutes February 7, 2024 and also on the documents/forms page. Mr. Rhein stated that the finance policies should be reviewed by the Finance Committee. Mr. Roche agreed and asked if the Flag Policy could be addressed first. 15. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Mr. Trowbridge stated that the Budget Subcommittee is meeting tomorrow night. Mr. Rhein had no updates. Mr. Roche stated that there are still vacancies on DEI, Mansfield Housing and many other Boards and Committees. He also noted that the MBTA Advisory Board will be meeting in March. Mr. Roche then had then had an update from SRPEDD. Ms. Doherty stated that she attended her first Mansfield Airport Commission meeting and then she attended MFN meeting. She also stated that the library has book club packets, which are great for any book clubs. She then stated that the senior safety day is going to be May 15t 16. Resident Questions and Comments There were no resident questions or comments. 17. 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 31, 2024 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 24032T in the amount of $2,053,327.69 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 24032E in the amount of $1,495,828.41 • School Vendor Warrant No. 24032S in the amount of $ 772,719.93 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: • No applications at this time D. Consideration of Certificates and Proclamations: Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 5:0 18. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 24029T in the amount of $948,511.33 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 24029T in the amount of $948,511.33. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 24029TV in the amount of $297,855.73 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 24029TV in the amount of $297,855.73. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 24029PS in the amount of $1,964,192.31 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 24029PS in the amount of $1,964,192.31. (Roche/Bren) Passes 3:0:1(Trowbridge and Doherty Abstain) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 24029SV in the amount of $612,407.51 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 24029SV in the amount of $612,407.51. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 5:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 24031T in the amount of $891,132.20 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 24031T in the amount of $891,132,20. (Roche/ Doherty) Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 24031TV in the amount of $262,060.11 Select Board Meeting Minutes February 7, 2024 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 24031TV in the amount of $262,060.11. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 5:0 School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 24031PS in the amount of $1,959,981.99 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 24031PS in the amount of $1,959,981.99. (Roche/Bren) Passes 3:0:1 (Trowbridge and Doherty Abstain) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 24031SV in the amount of $613,848.70 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 24031SV in the amount of $613,848.70. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 5:0 19. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Mr. Roche stated that SRPEDD has a pedestrian plan survey on their website. He then stated that he attended MMA Annual meeting and there were many great workshops. Ms. Doherty thanked the Board for letting her serve on the facilities committee. She then stated that she would be doing a webinar with MMA on best practices in procurement with the Town of Foxborough. Mr. Trowbridge stated that he loved the way finding signage that has gone up in the Downtown and for the COA/Library. Mr. Rhein gave a shout out to Mike Raymond the Veteran's agent for helping to get the Veteran's vehicle to be in Mansfield. He then stated that MMA has a new series called professional development on emotional intelligence for municipal officials. Mr. Rhein then stated that the there was an adopt a spot along the Mansfield side of the rail trail and the donated plants were all ripped out and these should be replaced. Ms. Bren stated that there are new offerings from Parks and Rec and summer camp registration begins in March. Ms. Bren then stated that SEPEAC on March 5th is holding a resource fair. 20. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting Please look back as a vote taken after agenda item number 12. 21. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the Select Board meeting of February 7, 2024 at 7:5313M. (Trowbridge/Doherty) Passes 5:0 Signature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne o U� Date Documents used in meeting: 1. Meeting minutes from January 31, 2024 2. Final Draft of Select Board Operating Procedures 3. List of Select Board Policies with Categories 4. Email from DPW Director —Josh Reinke of 2023 Mansfield Pavement Update Report and Roadwork Plan for Fiscal Year 2025 5. Board and Committee Applications from Shannon Dempsey, Taylor Palinski, Melissa Nasiff Almeida, Elizabeth Dye and Robert O'Connell Select Board Meeting Minutes February 7, 2024