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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 05/15/2024Select Board Meeting Minutes May 15, 2024 Present: Ms. Maureen R. Doherty, Chair; Mr. Brendan Roche, Vice -Chair; Mr. Walter L. Wilk Jr., Clerk; Mr. Michael A. Trowbridge Sr. and Ms. Diana L. Bren were present in Meeting Room 3 A/o((��a,�,'�o r�i(FGlfl W. Kevin Dumas, Town Manager and Mr. Matt Violette, Assistant Town Manager/Finance DirecYoi' were `also' pr eWE 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance 202q JUN `,) A 10: 53 In the absence of a Chair, Mr. Dumas called the meeting to order at 5:47PM. He then remindled eyeryp that the meeting was being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable He then �sf ed�TS everyone present to stand and recite the pledge of allegiance. 2. Reorganization of the Select Board Mr. Dumas asked for nominations of Chair. Ms. Bren nominated Mr. Roche. Mr. Roche thanked Ms. Bren for the nomination, but he needed to decline due to his recent change to his work schedule. Mr. Wilk nominated Maureen Doherty. There were no other nominations. Mr. Dumas then asked for a vote. Motion: Ms. Doherty as Chair. Passed 4-1. Ms. Doherty asked for nominations of Vice —Chair. Mr. Wilk nominated Mr. Roche and there were no other nominations. Ms. Doherty then asked for a vote. Motion: Mr. Roche as Vice Chair. Passed 5:0 Ms. Doherty then asked for nominations of Clerk. Ms. Bren nominated Mr. Wilk. Mr. Wilk nominated Mr. Trowbridge. Mr. Trowbridge respectively declined. Mr. Wilk stated he would accept. Ms. Doherty then asked for a vote. Motion: Mr. Wilk as Clerk, Passed 5:0. 3. Town Manager's Report ➢ Waste Management Recycling Contamination Audit ➢ Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Update ➢ Save the Date —Annual Town Meeting 5/22/2024 ➢ Miscellaneous Items Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report Mr. Dumas began his Town Manager report by stating that he received a report from Mr. Reinke from Waste Management that the most recent recycling contamination audit showed that the Town has reduced contamination from eleven percent to four and a half percent. He stated that the Town Meeting is next week and later this evening the Board will be going through all of the motions for the warrant articles. He also noted that he will be holding a meeting on Monday night where he will review all of the articles and residents have an opportunity to come and ask questions. Mr. Dumas then announced that Downtown Family Fun Night will be on Tuesday, July 91h from 6-913M and if anyone wants to participate they can register at dbamansfield@email.com. He then stated that construction has begun at Harry Chase Place and the project will be complete on time and within budget. Mr. Trowbridge and Ms. Bren had no comments or questions. Mr. Wilk asked what happens if the budget does not pass with the trash fee. Mr. Dumas responded that if someone makes a motion to reduce the budget by $815,000 then the Town would have to make $815,000 in cuts which have been prepared, but the hope was that it would not come to that. Mr. Wilk then asked what the updated trash fee will be once a new contract is negotiated and what the ultimate exposure be. Mr. Dumas stated that Select Board Meeting Minutes May 15, 2024 DPW has started to discuss the next contract with Waste Management. He stated that the true cost of the program is $367 and the fee will be reviewed yearly just as the water and sewer rates are done. Mr. Wilk commented that he was concerned that next there will be an override and the residents will not vote for it due to having the trash fee this year. Mr. Roche had no questions. Ms. Doherty asked about Town Meeting. She stated that she would like the Select Board to face the audience because they are elected officials. Ms. Doherty also wanted to make sure that listening devices, large print reading format and words across the screen were available at Town Meeting. She stated that it is hard to read the screen and Mr. Dumas noted that it was all set and he has changed the colors of the presentation. 4. Public Comments Mr. Scott Feely of 489 Fruit Street came forward and congratulated Mr. Wilk and was happy to see him sitting there. Ms. Sandra Levine of 20 walnut Street congratulated Mr. Wilk and said she was glad to see he finally made it and thought he would be a great addition to the Board. Ms. Levine added that she was sad on how few people came out to vote. She understands that it was uncontested election however, people take our government for granted and it is the local government that affects us the most. 5. Discussion and Consideration of Common Victualler License for Juicygreens at Mansfield Ms. Sara Sachez came forward and stated that she is applying for a common victualler license. She stated that her business would be replacing Juice on Main. She stated that they have other locations in Boston, Jamaica Plain, Summerville, Downtown Boston and at TD Garden. Mr. Roche asked when they are planning to open and Ms. Sachez answered in three to four weeks. Mr. Wilk asked her what made them choose Mansfield and Ms. Sanchez responded that one of the owners of Juicygreens knew the owner of Juice on Main. Ms. Doherty welcomed them to the community and commented that they should be prepared of Family Fun Night on July 91hMs. Bren welcomed them to the community and is happy to see that the storefront will be up and running again. Mr. Trowbridge encouraged her to talk to the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce and they do ribbon cutting events for new businesses. Motion: To approve the common victualler license for Juicygreens at Mansfield pending routing through Town Departments. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 6. Discussion and Consideration of High Def Channel for Mansfield Cable Access Mr. Dumas stated that one of the items in the cable negotiations was for a high definition channel. Mr. Dumas noted that no community has more than one high definition channel. He did however get the language in the contract that states that if any other community in Massachusetts gets a second channel, Mansfield will get a second one. Mr. O'Neil came forward and then asked Ms. Marjorie Begin to read the letter that was sent to the Select Board from Robert Sabilia the President of Mansfield Cable Access Corporation. Mr. Dumas stated that everything should be in high definition, however that is not an option so he would recommend that the Public Access Channel be in High Definition and have the Government channel as the second channel to be high definition if that second channel is granted. This also follows the recommendation of Mr. O'Neil and the Cable Access Corporation. Mr. Roche agreed and knows this high def channel was long overdue. Mr. Wilk commented that he did not see a reason not to do it. Ms. Doherty and Ms. Bren also agreed. Mr. Trowbridge agreed and thought that the government channel shows up pretty well Motion: To designate the public access channel as the high definition channel and designate the government channel as the second -high definition channel if and when it comes online. (Roche/Bren) Passes 5:0 7. Discussion and Consideration of 2024 Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles Mr. Dumas stated that there have been some slight changes from the one in the packet and a new one was being sent now with the updates. Mr. Violette then went through the financial articles and gave a high-level overview the articles. The Board discussed that it would have been helpful to have the recommendation of Select Board Meeting Minutes May 15, 2024 the Finance Committee. The Board decided that they would meet prior to Town Meeting should there need tb be any articles re -considered. The Board asked questions as Mr. Violette went through the articles. Ms. Raposa, Director of Planning and Zoning and Mr. Mike Ahern, Manager of Public Buildings were also present. Ms. Raposa went through the six zoning articles and gave a summary of each. The Select Board also asked some questions on those articles. Mr. Ahern provided a summary of Article 19 for a telecommunications lease agreement for the compost area of Mansfield Green. This is also hopefully going to help the service in that area where residents have no cell service. Mr. Dumas then provided a summary of Articles 21 through Article 24. It was noted that the Articles 4, 6, 8, 12 and 20 will be passed over. Motion: To support the Town Meeting Warrant Articles as presented with the exception of articles number 4, 6, 8, and 12. (Trowbridge) Mr. Wilk stated that if he was going to vote no on Article 14 what should he do. Mr. Trowbridge said the motion would need to be amended. Motion: To support the Town Meeting Warrant Articles as presented with the exception of articles number 4, 6, 8, 12 and 14. (Trowbridge/Roche) Passes 5:0 Motion: To support the Town Meeting Warrant Article 14 as presented and printed. (Bren/Trowbridge) Passes 4:1 Motion: To rescind the vote to support Town Meeting Articles as presented with the exception of articles number 4, 6, 8, 12 and 14. (Trowbridge/Bren) Passes 5:0 Motion: To support the Town Meeting Warrant Articles as presented with the exception of articles number 4, 6, 8, 12, 14 and 20. (Trowbridge/Bren) Passes 5:0 8. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Mr. Roche stated that he could not attend the final workshop of the open space and recreation plan, but is excited to see the plan. Mr. Wilk stated that he was previously on Budget Subcommittee as a Finance Committee member and the process is going to start early because of the expected challenges next year. Ms. Bren stated that she had no update and knows this is the time of year to go through the Select Board committee and liaison assignments and she asked the Chair how she wanted to go through that process. Ms. Doherty responded that she was not prepared to answer that tonight and Ms, Bren asked if it could be on the agenda for the next meeting and Ms. Doherty responded maybe, but she needed time. Mr. Trowbridge had no update. Ms. Doherty stated that she had a meeting at the Council on Aging and it went well and they are happy that they can get a senior discount for trash, electric and water/sewer. Ms. Doherty stated that she would like to make two changes tonight on Boards and Committees for Budget Subcommittee and the Facilities group because they will start early in June. She would like to have Mr. Wilk and herself on Budget Subcommittee and thanked Ms. Bren and Mr. Trowbridge for their service last year. Mr. Trowbridge stated that this was not on the agenda for tonight. Ms. Bren further commented that she would think that Ms. Doherty would want to hear why people want to be on which committees before making those assignments. Ms. Bren stated that she wanted to be considered because she found it to be beneficial and wanted to continue to serve. Ms. Doherty stated that she attended all the meetings and was interested in it last year and didn't get it and thought it was important for Mr. Wilk to continue with his level of expertise. She then stated that she would also like herself and Mr. Wilk appointed to the facilities group because Mr. Wilk is Chair and she is Vice -Chair. Select Board Meeting Minutes May 15, 2024 Mr. Trowbridge commented again that it is not on the agenda tonight. Ms. Bren stated that these are the two cbmmittees she is on and interested in. Mr. Roche agreed that it was not on the agenda and should be on the next agenda which would give time to gather the information on members interests. Ms. Doherty noted that she was told last year it was the Chairs decision and will take in to account what people are interested in. 9. Public Comments There were no 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 and events have been routed through Town Hall Departments and any conditions have been noted below. A. Vote to Approve Meeting Minutes: • April 10, 2024 • May 8, 2024 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 24045T in the amount of $3,823,830.47 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 24045E in the amount of $1,628,334.98 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 24046T in the amount of $220,431.73 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 24046E in the amount of $133,246.45 • School Vendor Warrant No. 24046S in the amount of $1,033,707.61 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: • Consideration of Special Events Application for Downtown Business Association's Family Fun Night • Consideration of Banner Application for Downtown Business Association • Consideration of Banner Application for Al Noor Academy D. Proclamations: • Certificate for Nasiff Marketplace Motion: To approve the consent agenda meeting pending routing through Town Departments for all event applications with the exception of the May 8, 2024 meeting minutes. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 11. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 24045T in the amount of $1,083,252.96 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/ Town Medicaid Payroll 24045T in the amount of $1,083,252.96. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 24045TV in the amount of $370,487.17 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 24045TV in the amount of $370,487.17. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 24045PS in the amount of $1,935,359.77 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 24045PS in the amount of $1,935,359.77. (Wilk/Roche) Passes 3:0:2 (Trowbridge and Doherty Abstained) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 24045SV in the amount of $610,927.93 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 24045SV in the amount of $610,927.93. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 12. Correspondence • Letter from TEC Associates • Email from Conor Ebsary • Email from Veteran's Agent • Email from Scott Weiner Select Board Meeting Minutes May 15, 2024 • Email from Connor Ebsary .Letter from Comcast • Invitation from Mansfield Schools • Email from Mansfield Food Pantry • Email from Jen Dowling Mr. Wilk read the list of correspondence items. 13. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Mr. Trowbridge congratulated Walter Wilk along with Ms. Bren. Ms. Doherty stated that she was happy Mr. Wilk was here on the Select Board with his financial perspective to the Board. Mr. Roche thanked Mr. Wilk for taking over as Clerk and Mr. Roche then thanked the mail carriers for the food collection over the weekend for the Stamp Out Hunger. 14. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting Ms. Doherty stated that she has a request to change the time the Select Board meeting start. Mr. Wilk stated that he asked for this and Mr. Roche added that his work schedule has also changed. Motion: To change the start time of future Select Board meetings to 6:3013M. (Roche/Wilk) Mr. Trowbridge asked clarification if this was really an unanticipated item. Ms. Doherty stated that she was not sure if Mr. Wilk would get elected. Mr. Wilk said it could be added as an agenda item for the next meeting. Ms. Bren stated that she would prefer 613M. Mr. Roche rescinded his motion and asked for it to be on the next agenda. Ms. Bren stated that in the Boards policy it may specify in that document and it may need to be amended. Mr. Roche and Mr. Wilk commented that 613M could work. 15. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the May 15, 2024 Select Board meeting at 7:50PM. (Roche/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 A d\ Sign r Documents used in meeting: 1. Common Victualler Application for Juicygreens at Mansfield 2. 2024 Town Meeting Motions 3. Select Board Meeting Minutes of April 10, 2024 and May 8, 2024 4. Special Events Application for Downtown Business Association's Family Fun Night 5. Banner Application for Downtown Business Association's Family Fun Night 6. Banner Application for Al Noor Academy 7. Certificate for Nasiff Marketplace 8. Letter from TEC Associates 9. Email from Conor Ebsary 10. Email from Veteran's Agent 11. Email from Scott Weiner 12. Email from Connor Ebsary 13. Letter from Comcast 14. Invitation from Mansfield Schools 15. Email from Mansfield Food Pantry 16. Email from Jen Dowling Select Board Meeting Minutes May 15, 2024