Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 05/01/2024Select Board Meeting Minutes May 1, 2024 Present: Mr. Neil Rhein, Vice -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. Ms. Diana L. Bren, Chair was present virtually via GoToWebinar. 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting - Pledge of Allegiance Mr. Rhein, Vice -Chair called the meeting to order at 5:3013M. He then reminded everyone that the meeting was being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. 2. Town Manager's Report ➢ Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Update ➢ Update on Solid Waste Program —Trash & Recycling Public Forums ➢ Save the Date —Annual Town Meeting 5/22/2024 CD ➢ Miscellaneous Items ;; y Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report ' r r- Mr. Dumas began his Town Manager report with a Fiscal Year 2025 Budget update and heDheri statedtL%t three public forums were held on the solid waste program and will be discussed at a laend itenmJ'r" tonight. Mr. Dumas then thanked Christina Collins, Josh Reinke and Nancy Griffin for the rbmotion p the public forums. Mr. Dumas then stated that Annual Town Meeting will be May 22"d and'Househald 11 33ardous Waste Day is June 22"d. He then continued in his report stating that the Clear Water Trust has no if! the Town that the PFAS project at Dustin Prescott Wells improvements has made it to the States intended use and will be zero percent financing and no fees, he also noted that the Town will receive a Chapter 90 allocation of $730,448 for roadwork. He then stated that a request has been submitted to the Congressmen for $5 million in support of a COA facility at 50 West Street and ComCann is working on their final approval from the Cannabis Control Commission. Mr. Rhein asked if ComCan is recreational or medical marijuana and Mr. Dumas responded that it is for the sale of both. Mr. Rhein then asked about Household Hazardous Waste Day and if there was a cap on the number of people allowed to register for the event. Mr. Dumas responded that there is $22,000 allocated and would find out if there was a cap. 3. Public Comments Mr. Michael Scott of 24 Perkins Avenue came forward and stated that he had a comment on the waste fee proposal. He stated that he attended one of the informational sessions and recognizes that there is a gap and asked that this fee not be adopted today. He stated that the materials are silent on some key costs. He stated that everyone pays a different amount and no one has explained what that total is. Secondly, he questioned if the waste and recycling included curbside and the Mansfield Green. Thirdly, he stated that he was here in 2000 and voted for curbside trash and if the gap has gotten this big it is because something is not getting done or not managed properly. Mr. Michael Feck of 668 Elm Street came forward and stated that he watched Thursday's trash session. He stated that in his opinion this fee is not to cover a gap and that it is mismanagement of previous budgets. He stated that the math was faulty and he believed the gap is only $389,000 and that would be about $60 not $120. Mr, Feck compared the Town of Fairhaven and prior to doing trash fee they put it to a vote by the residents and he felt Mansfield should do the same. Lastly, he commented that the Finance Committee and the Select Board do not care what the commercial property tax payers pay. Select Board Meeting Minutes May 1, 2024 Mr. Philip Hourigan of 475 Chauncy Street came forward and stated that he attended one of the trash meetings last week. He stated that the Selectmen have the power to implement a fee and it is a decision that should go to Town Meeting. He also thinks there is a possibility of an amendment to the budget at Town Meeting to underfund the trash. 4. Discussion and Consideration to Support Request for Mansfield Historical Society for Fencing at the East Mansfield Cemetery Ms. Sally Fehervari came forward along with Ms. Lorrie Renker from the Historical Society to seek a letter of support for fencing at the East Mansfield Cemetery. Ms. Fehervari stated that they had submitted a grant request to the Non -Profit Gift Fund however it was asked that the Select Board approve the request first because the land is owned by the Town. The fence would be granite posts and chains so that it would not rot like wood. Ms. Renker provided history on the cemetery that is located off of Mill Street, The Select Board members made a few comments and were happy to see this initiative. Motion: To support the request for Mansfield Historical Society for fencing at the East Mansfield Cemetery and to write a letter of support. (Roche/Doherty) Roll Call Vote: Doherty —Yes Bren—Yes Roche —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Rhein -Yes Passes 5:0 S. Discussion and Consideration of Common Victualler License for Golden Sweet Cone Mr. Michael Rasla was present and stated that he and his brother are acquiring Cold Stone Creamery. He stated that he has owned an ice cream business in the past and is looking forward to having a business here in Mansfield. Mr. Rhein asked if the name was staying the same and he responded that it was. The Board wished them luck. Motion: To approve the common victualler license for Golden Sweet Cone. (Roche/Doherty) Roll Call Vote: Doherty —Yes Bren — Yes Roche —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Rhein —Yes Passes 5:0 6. Discussion and Consideration to Authorize the Town Manager to act on behalf of the applicant, as its agent, in filing applications for, executing agreements regarding, and performing any and all other actions necessary to secure for the applicant such as grant(s) and/or loan(s) for planning or construction of Water Pollution Abatement Projects or Drinking Water Projects as may be made available to the Applicant pursuant to the provisions of the Massachusetts Clean Waters Act (MGL c21, section 27-33E, inclusive, as amended), and the Water Pollution Abatement Revolving Loan Program (MGL c29C) for the following project: Lead and Copper Rule Compliance Engineering Services Mr. Josh Reinke, DPW Director was present and stated that this is a grant application through MassDEP for the Town to create an inventory list identifying where all the lead and copper water lines are. This is a mandate by the EAP that has gone down to the State and is required by this October. The Town has to identify the lead service lines and replace them. Mr. Rhein asked if they know where they are and Mr. Rinke responded that he does have a good idea of where they are and have a few gaps to fill in and finalize. Motion: To Authorize the Town Manager to act on behalf of the applicant, as its agent, in filing applications for, executing agreements regarding, and performing any and all other actions necessary to secure for the applicant such as grant(s) and/or loan(s) for planning or construction of Water Pollution Abatement Projects or Drinking Water Projects as may be made available to the Applicant pursuant to the provisions of the Massachusetts Clean Waters Act (MGL c21, section 27-33E, inclusive, as amended), and the Water Pollution Abatement Revolving Loan Program (MGL c29C) for the following project: Lead and Copper Rule Compliance Engineering Services. (Roche/Trowbridge) Select Board Meeting Minutes May 1, 2024 Roll Call Vote: Doherty — Yes Bren—Yes Roche —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Rhein — Yes Passes 5:0 7. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Nicole Burch, Sally Fehervari or Gregory Penesis to the Resident at Large Vacancy on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Recording Link: http•//96 233 59 29/CablecastPublicSite/show/9140?site=2 Mr. Roche stated that all three candidates did well and all are active in the Town and this is a hard decision. Ms. Doherty stated it was a great interview and wish there were three spots. Ms. Bren stated that it was a hard decision to have qualified applicants apply. Motion: To appoint Sally Fehavari to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. (Trowbridge/Roche) Motion: To appoint Nicole Burch to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. (Roche/Doherty) Mr. Rhein asked if all three candidates could be added. Mr. Dumas stated he was not prepared for that question but could go look at the founding document but knows that there is one vacancy and it would be adding two additional seats. Motion Amended: To add two more at large members and appoint Sally Fehervari, Nicole Burch, Greg Penesis. (Trowbridge/Bren) Roll Call Vote: Doherty -Yes Bren — Yes Passes 5:0 Roche —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Rhein —Yes 8. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Rishi Pendyala to the High School Vacancy on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Recording Link: http•//96 233.59.29/CablecastPublicSite/show/9140?site=2 Motion: to appoint Rishi Pendyala to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee as a High School Student representative.(Roche/Doherty) Roll Call Vote: Doherty — Yes Bren—Yes Passes 5:0 Roche —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Rhein —Yes 9. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Keith Ninesling to the WWII Scholarship Fund Committee Recording Link: http•//96 233.59.29/CablecastPublicSite/show/9140?site=2 Motion: to appoint Keith Ninesling to the WWII Scholarship Fund Committee to an unexpired term to expire on December 31, 2028. (Roche/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Doherty — Yes Bren—Yes Roche —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Rhein —Yes Passes 5:0 10. Discussion and Consideration to Approve the Revised Commercial Parking Lot License for Mass Arts Center located at 888 South Main Street Ms. Champagne stated that she had Mr. Butler re -submit his application because the wrong number of spaces was listed on the original application. Motion: To approve the revised commercial parking license for Mass Arts Center. (Roche/Trowbridge) RoIICaIIVote: Doherty —Yes Bren — Yes Roche —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Rhein —Yes Passes 5:0 The Board skipped past agenda item #11 until it was closer to 6:30PM to allow for more members to arrive. 11. Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Discussion among Tri-Board (Finance Committee, School Committee and Select Board) The Board returned to this agenda item at 6:31PM. Select Board Meeting Minutes May 1, 2024 Mr. Violette stated that he wanted to do a high-level budget overview as it leads to the trash fee. He stated that one of the first challenges is that state aid is stagnant and causes a budget pressure and challenge. He then stated that employee benefits including pension have high increases over last year Mr. Violette then reviewed how the budget information has been pushed out through several meetings and all the information including meeting minutes, recordings and presentations are on the website for everyone to view. He stated that they have discussed next steps which include monitoring state aid, revisiting local receipt estimates, and examine fee schedules. He noted that the Board already looked ambulance fees and there is consensus to utilize free cash to offset district wide text books and technology expenses. Mr. Violette then stated that communities around Mansfield are also experiencing these same sharp increases. Mr. Dumas stated that a balanced budget proposal was made at the March 27th Tri-Board meeting. Mr. Dumas then provided options for the solid waste and recycling program and he recommends keeping the same program, but Instituting an annual fee of $121.47 per household. Mr. Dumas stated that he held three public forums and then summarized the feedback from residents at those. Mr. Dumas provided information on the cost of the program which was $2,465,095 and the money being collected as part of the tax base was only $1,650,012 so there is a gap of $815,083. That gap was then divided by the number of carts (6,710) to get the $121.47 fee. He also stated that residents who are over 62 years old will be eligible for a ten percent senior discount. Mr. Dumas then provided information on surrounding communities as well as information on contaminates causing higher fees. Mr. Dumas then provided information on the Town's Financial Policies and the importance of making fiscally responsible decisions so the Town does not receive a lower bond rating. Mr. Rhein took a moment to thank everyone for the work and for the public outreach meetings. He then invited Ms. Sara Walsh, Finance and Budget Subcommittee Chair to come forward. Ms. Walsh stated that the effort put in so far has been tremendous and she stated that the committees hoped it would be a stable, level services budget but there are reductions. She stated that the reductions are reasonable and cause the least harm. She stated that the Finance Committee is in support of a trash fee and discussed the other options that were considered. Ms. Doherty thanked everyone for putting this information together. Mr. Trowbridge commented that none of these are great options, but the Board has to pick one and this is a small fee for a good value. Ms. Doherty asked what the dollar amount was for the increase in healthcare this year and Mr. Violette responded that it was $1,388,000. Ms. Bren thanked Ms. Walsh for providing the information and stated it was important for the Town to have a good bond rating. Mr. Rhein asked what the vote of the Finance Committee was for the trash fee and Ms. Walsh stated that it was 6-0 with one member absent. 12. Discussion and Consideration to Establish a Trash Fee Mr. Schoonveld of 21 Newton Street came forward and stated that he appreciates the work that was done, and that we are talking about an $812,000 gap. He stated that there are a lot of unusual events and expenses in the budget, including a high special education cost of $800,000 which is unusual. He stated that there is an increase of $1.3 million in health and pension is also unusual. He stated that he liked the health care stabilization option. He then stated that the Budget Subcommittee will be meeting starting on June 15t and there is a lot of work to be done. Ms. Melinda Tarsi-Goldfein of the Finance Committee came forward and stated that Mansfield is doing well and the Town is not in this situation due to the mishandling of funds, rather it's been a consistent reduction in state funding. Mr. Scott Feely, Finance Committee member came forward and asked Mr. Violette what percentage of the budget State Aid was. Mr. Violette responded that it currently is about twenty percent and historically it was much higher and has been going down each year. Mr. Rhein then opened the floor to Public Comments. Select Board Meeting Minutes May 1, 2024 Mr. Michael Feck of 668 Elm Street came forward and stated that he understands the hard decision, but believes that this is not a gap in trash revenue and in his calculations, he believes the gap is only $389,000. He said if there is going to be a trash fee there needs to be a formula on how it is going to be calculated moving forward every year. Ms. Doherty commented that she appreciates everyone's hard work and appreciates the residents who came to the meetings. She stated it was good and people bought up some great points that were reflected here. She said that one item that was not mentioned was the establishment of a revolving account so the fee does not go into the general fund. She stated that she was uncomfortable moving this forward and stated she would like to use the health care stabilization to balance the budget instead of a trash fee. Mr. Roche thanked everyone for the work on this budget, and noted that it has been a long couple of months. He stated that he does not think any changes are needed to the current service that is provided and he did not want to have a full trash fee at this point. He stated that he was open to a trash fee but one problem he sees is that it does not incorporate the contracts that are expiring in a couple years. He stated that this fee should be implemented in the long term and having a three or five year cap on the fee to give residents some stability in their costs. Lastly, he stated that he is more comfortable utilizing stabilization and more open to use health care stabilization and have the trash fee as part of override for next year. Mr. Trowbridge stated that he believed that the Town was going to need the stabilization accounts in the near future and thinks that the citizens need to start paying for the service that has been cutting into other services, Mr. Trowbridge stated that he recognized that this has been an issue for years and nothing has been done about it and noted that Mr. Dumas brought up the concern when he first started here and everyone was getting upset with him so nothing was done. Ms. Bren echoed her colleagues and thanked everyone for attending all the various meetings and noted that there have been more meetings as a Sub Committee and Tri-Board than there have been. She stated that this is a hard decision and was concerned about using stabilization knowing insurance was going to go up again next year. She stated that next year if things improved the Board could reduce the trash fee next year because they have the ability to change fees. Ms. Bren asked if someone could speak to the risk that there is based on using the stabilization funds and what that would look like. Mr. Violette responded that we have been using $300,000 each year and it was going to be a cliff, but if we use all the funds this year it would be $1.2 million. Mr. Violette stated that in his five-year projection was using less and less each year of the health care stabilization. Mr. Walter Wilk came forward and asked what makes it $1.2 million cliff and Mr. Dumas responded that it is the $400,000 already being used and then adding the remaining $800,000. Mr. Steve Schoonveld then came forward and stated that it is not a cliff it is an unusual events of $800,000 in special education expense, which are not expected again rather they are fluctuations. He stated that this year there are $2,000,000 in items that are specific, unusual events and that it is appropriate to use stabilization. Mr. Rhein stated that he attended a meeting with Senator Feeney and everyone discussing how difficult it is across the state. He continued on stating that 24 years ago there was a similar situation and they approved an override. He stated that a new fee is difficult, but the decision has to be made to do what is best for the Town. He felt that $10 a month is the best decision and then provided information as to why he felt that way. Motion: To support the solid waste and recycling fee structure as presented for $121.47 and guarantee the fee will stay the same for 3 years. (Trowbridge/Bren) Ms. Doherty asked that the motion be amended to include establishing a revolving account. Mr. Dumas stated that there would be a problem with the DPW budget as there would not be enough funds received to Select Board Meeting Minutes May 1, 2024 pay for the bills. He stated that he has to have the cash on hand. Mr. Violette stated that it may be possible to utilize the funds in the general fund first and then draw down this revolving account. Motion Amended: To support the solid waste and recycling fee structure as presented of $121.47 and the guarantee that the rate will stay the same for two years and that the Town will establish a revolving fund. (Trowbridge/Bren) Roll Call Vote: Doherty — No Bren —Yes Roche — No Trowbridge — Yes Rhein —Yes Passes 3:2 13. Seasonal Outdoor Water Restrictions Notification Mr. Dumas read the mandatory seasonal outdoor water restriction notification from the water department. 14. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Mr. Roche reminded everyone that the open space public workshop is May 13th at 5:30-7pm at the Public library. Ms. Doherty and Ms. Bren had no items Mr. Trowbridge noted that CIP met and approved the items presented. Mr. Rhein thanked everyone who participated in the 1711 Annual Great Mansfield clean up. 15. Public Comments There were no public comments. 16. 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: • none B. Vote to Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 24043T in the amount of $344,409.79 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 24043E in the amount of $71,266.06 • Town Vendor Warrant No. 24044T in the amount of $258,783.93 • Electric Vendor Warrant No. 24044E in the amount of $70,694.51 • School Vendor Warrant No. 240445 in the amount of $531,965.82 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: • Consideration of Special Events Application for the Mansfield Juneteenth Ceremony • Consideration of Special Events Application for the Mansfield Women of Today • Consideration of Special Events Application for MansfieldPride • Consideration of Special Events Application for Memorial Day Parade • Consideration of Special Events Application for Mansfield Mother's Club and John's Dream • Consideration of Banner Application for Scouts BSA Troop 51 • Consideration of Banner Application for Veteran's Services D. Consideration of Certificates and Proclamations: • Certificate for the Knights of Columbus 125th Anniversary Motion: To approve the consent agenda pending event application routing through town departments. (Roche/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Doherty — Yes Bren—Yes Roche —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Rhein —Yes Passes 5:0 17. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: Select Board Meeting Minutes May 1, 2024 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 24043T in the amount of $861,419.12 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 24043T in the amount of $861,419.12. (Roche/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Doherty — No Bren — Yes Roche— No Trowbridge — Yes Rhein — Yes Passes 5:0 Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 24043TV in the amount of $274,756.03 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 24043TV in the amount of $274,756.03, (Roche/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Doherty — No Bren — Yes Roche —No Trowbridge — Yes Rhein — Yes Passes 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 24043PS in the amount of $1,882,171.75 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 24043PS in the amount of $1,882,171.75. (Roche/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote Doherty —Yes Bren — Yes Roche —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Rhein — Yes Passes 3:0:2 (Trowbridge and Doherty Abstained) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 24043SV in the amount of $600,285.41 Motion: To approve School Deduction Vendor Payroll 24043SV in the amount of $600,285.41. (Roche/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Doherty —Yes Bren — Yes Roche —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Rhein —Yes Passes 5:0 Mr. Rhein stated that the Board would take a recess until 6:30PM and return to agenda number 11. 18. Correspondence (NONE) There were no correspondence items. 19. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions There were no questions or comments. 20. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 21. Enter into Executive Session and Not Return to Open Session for the following reasons: Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21, Exemption 3, to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining for negotiations with Mansfield Police Association collective bargaining union if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares. Motion: To enter into Executive Session and Not Return to Open Session for the following reasons: Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21, Exemption 3, to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining for negotiations with Mansfield Police Association collective bargaining union if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body at 8:04PM. (Roche/Doherty) Roll Call Vote: Doherty — Yes Passes 5:0 Signature Bren — Yes Roche —Yes Trowbridge —Yes Rhein —Yes Date t,, tiu\tiA Select Board Meeting Minutes May 1, 2024 Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Documents used in meeting: 1. Leonard Cemetery Grant Support and Presentation 2. Common Victualler License Application for Cold Stone Creamery 3. Lead and Copper Grant Application 4. Diversity Equity and Inclusion Applications from Nicole Burch, Sally Fehervari, Gregory Penesis and Rishi Pendyala 5. WWII Scholarship Fund Committee Application from Keith Ninesling 6. Commercial Parking Application from Mass Arts Center 7. Solid Waste Program Presentation 8. Seasonal Outdoor Water Restriction Information from Water Department 9. Special Event Applications for Juneteenth Event, Pride Event, Touch a Truck Event, Memorial Day Parade, John's Dream/Mothers Club Foam Party, 10. Banner Application for Scouts Troop 51, Veteran's Services for Memorial Day Parade 11. Proclamation for Knights of Columbus and Pride Event Select Board Meeting Minutes May 1, 2024