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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 04/03/2024Select Board Meeting Minutes April 3, 2024 Present: Ms. Diana L. Bren, Chair; Mr. Brendan Roche, Clerk; Ms. Maureen R. Doherty and Mr. Michael A. Trowbridge Sr. were present in Meeting Room 3 A/B at Town Hall. Mr. Kevin Dumw!;,QWn(Manager and Mr. Matt Violette, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director were also present)!`; _1 CL.I:_'r?'i" ' OF F ICE Not Present: Mr. Neil Rhein, Vice -Chair. _uq ! 1L I I A 8: 39 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance Ms. Bren, Chair called the meeting to order at 5:38PM. She then reminded e"ryondtha�jtllelnie%ting was being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. 2. Discussion of Fiscal Year 2025 Budget with Members of the State Delegation Ms. Bren began by welcoming the members of the State Delegation and Representative Jay Barrows began by thanking Representative Adam Scanlon who put together the presentation on Chapter 70 funding calculations. Representative Scanlon went through a presentation explaining the states formula for allocating state funding to local school districts which is known as Chapter 70. He explained that every district is guaranteed at least $30 per pupil. He stated that the net school spending calculation for Mansfield is $54,587,144 which is the minimum amount that is required to be spent on education and is made up of money from the State and the Town. He stated that there is work to be done to make the formula better and understands that all communities want more State funding. Senator Feeney then came forward and stated that the delegation can advocate to change the formula. He also provided an overview of the States budgeting process and the goal is to have the budget done by July 15f. He noted that they started the FY25 budget with $20 million less in revenue than last year and the Governor had to make 9C cuts midyear because receipts across the board came in at or below projections for the past nine months. He stated that today was the first day that DOR came in over benchmark for the month of March. He stated that sales tax has suffered, people were spending more with federal stimulus and that money has dried up and consumer behavior has changed. He stated that the cost of housing has a real effect on revenues. He stated that a barrier to economic growth in Mansfield is the affordability of housing, and he clarified that he did not mean low income or subsidized just market rate housing. The schools and low energy costs are huge positives for the Town and understands that it can be difficult for communities to address housing. Representative Ted Phillips then spoke and stated that he will be advocating for an increase for minimum aid communities, adding that every dollar above $30 per pupil helps. He stated that they will continue to look for local earmarks and has the list of towns priorities from Mr. Dumas, however those may not be as feasible given the previous information stated tonight. Representative Barrows came forward once again and stated that that they all do work together, but one of the items the state is spending a ton on is healthcare, $20.3 billion towards mass health. A 3.9% increase over last year for the State is not sustainable and knows the Town is looking at the same issue with its own healthcare for employees. He is not sure what the answer is, but the increases need to slow down and get under control. Mr. Roche thanked them for a great presentation and thought it would be good to designate April and October for updates with the delegation going forward. Mr. Roche then stated that the roadway of Route 140 and 495 heading towards Norton is really dug up and he is not sure if there is anything that can be done about fixing that part of the roadway. Mr, Dumas elaborated that the whole highway from Norton to Route 95. The whole stretch on North and South and the exit ramps in Mansfield are delaminating fast and he has not seen anything like this. Ms. Doherty stated that it may be worth finding out if there was a problem at the asphalt plants around the time when the highway was repaved. She then thanked everyone and appreciates the support for Mansfield. Mr. Trowbridge commented that he never had anyone explain the funding and he stated that what bothers me is that everyone is getting three percent and Mansfield is only getting a half a percent. He then asked that if the state and federal government are going to impose mandates to have Select Board Meeting Minutes April 3, 2024 funding to support them. He noted that communities are left paying for mandates and it is getting harder and harder to pay for them. Ms. Bren echoed what her colleagues said. Ms. Bren asked in comparison to other communities how many others are in the same boat as Mansfield and they all responded that it is wide spread and are hearing it from everyone. Senator Feeney commented that he has some hope to get rest area on Route 95 updated and Mass Department of Transportation has given a menu of options to rehabilitate that rest area and thanks the advocacy of many people in the community and Congressmen Auchincloss. Ms. Bren then opened up questions to the Finance Committee and School Committee members that were present. Mr. Schoonveld, School Committee member came forward and asked if disparities between towns are narrowing or widening. Senator Feeney responded the disparities are widening and stated that they need to look at the formula to figure out what changes need to be made to reduce the disparities. Mr. Schoonveld then commented that it seems like the States goal is to force Towns to have overrides. Representative Barrows responded that he does not think that's the goal, but it costs more to do business here in Massachusetts and thinks Mansfield is doing well. Senator Feeney also responded that none of the members of the delegation want to see overrides, they are brutal and can tear towns apart and inflation has far out paced what can be brought in for revenues. Mr. Schoonveld brought up several concerns with the enrollment of students out of district and Mansfield paying more than other communities per student. He also commented that he had concerns with the cost of trash and recycling. Mr. Schoonveld lastly asked them for their continued support with grant funding for the Town especially for some upcoming school needs. Mr. Caleb White then came forward representing Senator Warren. He stated that Town Manager Dumas has monthly meetings to keep us updated on projects in Town and then we can advise of possible sources of grants. Ms. Dana Hanson, District Director for Congressmen Jake Auchincloss came forward and stated that we meet monthly with the Town Manager and it is important alignment between state and federal and the rest area on Route 95 is a perfect example of working together. Members of the Board thanked them for all being here. The Chair had the Board asked to take a five-minute break at 7:1513M. The Board resumed their meeting at 7:20PM and skipped to agenda items number five through seven and then back to agenda item number three. 3. Town Manager's Report ➢ 2024 Xfinity Entertainment License ➢ Cabot Business Park Street Signage ➢ Office of Dam Safety - Fulton Pond ➢ Downtown Sign and Facade Grant Update ➢ TOD Monthly Memo Mid -April & General Update ➢ Budget Transparency Report ➢ FY2025 Budget Update ➢ Solid Waste - Trash/Recycling Program Update ➢ Miscellaneous Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report Mr. Dumas began with reviewing the 2024 Xfinity Entertainment License, and went through the changes in the document for this upcoming concert season. Ms. Doherty asked if the rates on page ten should be updated with the current rates and Mr. Dumas responded that at this point he is not looking to change those amounts or the $25,000 license fee. Mr. Dumas then asked Mr. Violette hold up a sample of the new street signs for the Cabot Industrial Park. Mr. Dumas then explained the tree removal that is needed at Fulton Pond. He stated that a recent audit by the State revealed that the trees need to be removed in order to follow State regulations. Mr. Dumas noted that they provide lots of shade structure and is hoping to come up with a plan to do something different. Ms. Bren asked who pays to remove the trees and Mr. Dumas responded that it is the Towns responsibility. Mr. Dumas then provided an update on the downtown sign and Select Board Meeting Minutes April 3, 2024 facade grant program. He stated that there are three applications for the full $25,000, so no one was turned down. Mr. Dumas then provided a budget transparency update, he stated that none of the surrounding communities have a website with all the information in one stop. He and Mr. Violette then provided an update on the Fiscal Year 2025 budget including a solid waste and trash fee. The Board asked Mr. Dumas to hold forums to get this information out to residents and they asked the times vary to try and accommodate different schedules. 4. Public Comments There were none, 5. Presentation from Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School Ms. Christine Gaze, Mansfield Representative and Southeaster Regional School Committee Chair, Ms. Holly McClanan, Superintendent and Mr. Mark Morris, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Administration were all present. Ms. Gaze thanked them for the opportunity to present the budget for Southeastern Regional. Ms. McClanan stated that she is acutely aware of the financial pressures in the communities and at the same time everyone is being asked to provide higher levels of services. She provided a high-level budget overview and stated that the primary driver in the increase in the foundation budget is due to forty additional enrolled students. She then stated that there was a twenty-nine percent increase to transportation budget because the last time they went out to bid was prior to COVID before the spike in transportation costs. The total budget to be assessed to the communities is $15,232,041 and Mansfield has 5.1%of the enrollment and will be assessed $1,517,327 for Fiscal Year 2025 which is a $28,000 decrease over last year because there are eleven fewer students. Ms. Doherty asked what programs the Mansfield students take and Ms. McClanan responded that she did not have the data but there are twenty-one career paths. Mr. Roche thanked them and noted his sister graduated from the plumbing program. Mr. Trowbridge asked if STI is part of the school and Ms. McClanan replied that they are and it is a post -secondary institute and there are ten certificate courses and there is a dual enrollment so a senior at Mansfield High School can attend STI and do vo-tech education to get a jumpstart on a career and do not have to pay for the additional classes towards a certificate. Mr. Trowbridge then asked what their healthcare increase was and Ms. McClanan responded that they were very lucky to receive a one and a half percent increase and they are self -insured. Ms. Bren asked about how many applications do they receive and how many are accepted and Ms. McClanan stated that the incoming class of 2028 there were 1,300 applications and they can only accept 415 students. Ms. Bren thanked them for coming tonight. 6. Water and Sewer Rate Presentation with David Fox of Raftelis Mr. David Fox from Raftelis was present and provided information to the Board relative to the rate study that was completed. He stated that it is important to do this study yearly to ensure the long-term financial sustainability and viability for the Town's water and sewer funds. He explained the big factors that affect water and sewer rates and emphasized the importance of financial planning and evaluating annually. He stated that they look ahead 3-5 years and discuss capital projects to make sure that there will be enough reserves for those projects. His recommendation to the Board was to increase the water rate six percent and sewer rate two percent. Mr. Trowbridge noted that the PFAS treatment is costing the Town millions so the rate increases were expected and it is the most important resource and the fund is set up that it has to pay for itself separate from the Town. Mr. Dumas noted how different the water quality is today than years ago. Ms. Doherty stated that she has watched water change over time and is grateful that Mansfield is ahead of the curve. Mr. Roche thanked them and asked about the debt service that is coming on this year and if it was for the PFAS. Mr. Dumas responded that new debt service has been coming on annually ever since PFAS began with Cate Springs. Ms. Doherty then asked about the PFAS Settlement and if that money would go towards debt. Mr. Dumas responded that it any funds from a settlement would go towards retained earnings and at Town Meeting would ask to have it go into a special stabilization fund that would be used for operational or debt service costs. Ms. Bren asked Mr. Fox how does Mansfield compare with other Select Board Meeting Minutes April 3, 2024 communities. Mr. Fox responded that Mansfield's rate increase is on the low side and Mansfield stays ahead of the curve by being proactive and looking at this information each year. 7. Discussion and Consideration of FY25 Water and Sewer Rates Motion: To approve a 6%water rate increase effective April 4, 2024. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 4:0 Motion: To approve a 2% sewer rate increase effective April 4, 2024. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 4:0 8. Discussion and Consideration of Commercial Parking License for Mansfield Parking LLC Motion: To approve the 2024 Commercial Parking License for Mansfield Parking LLC located at 75 Chauncy Street. (Roche/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 9. Discussion and Consideration of Traffic Light Control Box Wrapping Application from the Downtown Committee Motion: To approve the traffic light control box wrapping application from the Downtown Committee. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 4:0 10. Discussion and Consideration to Approve a "No Through Way" Sign for Parker Street Mr. Dumas stated that a resident had reached out because trucks try and get through what is an overgrown area and not a through street. Mr. Dumas stated that updated technology sends the motoring public on to this street that is not a through street and this would help reduce the traffic trying to get through. Motion: To approve a "No Through Way" sign for Parker Street. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 4:0 11. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Ms. Doherty commented that the Towns and School Needs Assessment Committee had their first meeting and there is a lot to look through. She then noted that MFN meeting was eleven minutes. Mr. Trowbridge had no update. Mr. Roche stated that the Open Space and Recreation is working on the open space plan and there will be an opportunity for public input. 12. Public Comments There were no comments. 13. 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: • February 21, 2024 • March 6, 2024 • March 20, 2024 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 24039T in the amount of $318,541.14 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 24039E in the amount of $366,147.15 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 24040T in the amount of $178,867.21 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 24040E in the amount of $249,670.93 • School Vendor Warrant No. 240405 in the amount of $849,901.83 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: • Consideration of 2024 Drainlayer's License for JFD Corporation D. Consideration of Certificates and Proclamations: Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 4:0 14. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 24039PT in the amount of $829,782.41 Select Board Meeting Minutes April 3, 2024 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 24039PT in the amount of $829,782.41. (Roche/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 24039TV in the amount of $265,679.61 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 24039TV in the amount of $265,679.61. (Roche/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 24039PS in the amount of $1,936,456.20 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 24039PS in the amount of $1,936,456.20. (Roche/Trowbridge) Passes 3:0:1 Mr. Trowbridge stated he normally abstains but will vote in the affirmative as a vote of necessity. Ms. Doherty Abstained. • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 24039SV in the amount of $579,278.99 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 24039SV in the amount of $579,278.99. (Roche/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 15. Correspondence • Letters from National Grid • Letter from Xfinity • Notice from Verizon • Letter from Patrick McCue • Notice from Keolis • Letter from Alcohol Beverages Control Commission • Notice from Shawn Precourt, Water Operations Manager Mr. Roche read the list of correspondence items. 16. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Ms. Bren, Mr. Roche, Mr. Trowbridge had no comments or questions. Ms. Doherty commented that Mr. Roche does so well reading all the items. 17. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 18. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the April 3, 2024 Select Board 1 Signature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne meeting at 9:11PM. (Roche/Doherty) Passes 4:0 `7//01 Z� Date Documents used in meeting: 1. Presentation with David Fox of Raftelis 2. Memo from DPW Director of Recommendation for FY2025 Water and Sewer Rates 3. Commercial Parking Application from Mansfield Parking LLC 4. Traffic Light Control Box Wrapping Application from the Downtown Committee 5. Email Correspondence from resident for No Through Way Sign 6. Meeting Minutes of February 21, 2024, March 6, 2024 and March 20, 2024 7. Drainlayers License Application from JFD Corporation 8. Letters from National Grid 9. Letter from Xfinity 10. Notice from Verizon 11. Letter from Patrick McCue 12. Notice from Keolis 13. Letter from Alcohol Beverages Control Commission 14. Notice from Shawn Precourt, Water Operations Manager Select Board Meeting Minutes April 3, 2024