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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 10/16/2024Select Board Meeting Minutes October 16, 2024 �1`a1y�tECEIVED Present: Ms. Maureen R. Doherty, Chair; Mr. Brendan Roche, Vice -Chair; MrT�YIl4�lt0rr W, 6154,,IaRbOt. Diana Bren were present in Meeting Room 3 A/B at Town Hall. Mr. Matt VioletjyA�tr]t T�wn, tl Manager/Finance Director was also present. Mr. Roche was not present at the`�s a o t e m ti�g ti arrived at 7:07PM. MANSFIELD Not Present: Mr. Michael A. Trowbridge Sr. and Mr. Kevin Dumas, Town Mana6ASSACNUSETTS 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance Ms. Doherty, Chair called the meeting to order at 6:13PM. She then reminded everyone that the meeting was being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. She then asked everyone present to stand and recite the pledge of allegiance. 2. Recognition of Mansfield HoHometown Hardware Ms. Doherty invited everyone from Hometown Hardware and the Todd family to come forward and she stated that she was thankful for the business that they had in Mansfield for the past 25 years. Ms. Bren thanked them and said it was always good to be able to walk to their Downtown store. Mr. Wilk stated that it will leave a hole in Downtown and thanked them. Mr. Linc Todd then spoke stating that he was looking forward to continuing to serve the community in his new adventure at Ace Hardware. Ms. Doherty then allowed members of the public to come forward if they wanted to speak. Senator Feeney also provided a proclamation on behalf of the State. Representative Barrows also stated that he was going to miss them and all their support with the Downtown Business Association. Ms, Sandra Levine came forward and offered words of appreciation. 3. Tax Classification Presentation by the Chief Assessor Ann MacCarthy Ms. Ann MacCarthy, Chief Assessor was present and provided a presentation on Mansfield Tax classification in preparation for the Public Hearing scheduled for November 6th. Ms. MacCarthy stated that tax classification allows communities to have a different tax rate for different classes of property. She stated that single family home values increased by five percent and condos increased eleven percent whereas the commercial and industrial had little change in values. Ms. MacCarthy then stated that Mansfield is in line neighboring communities with both their tax rate and the average single-family tax bill. She then stated that the Fiscal Year 2025 maximum allowable levy was $80,767,587. Ms. Bren thanked her for her explanation and patience with her when she has had questions. Ms. Doherty stated that she is great and has referred people to her office. Mr. Wilk commented that he wanted to be fair and noted that the businesses in Mansfield do not get trash or school services like the residential properties. Mr. Wilk then asked if the Town Manager makes a recommendation and Mr. Violette responded that he may weigh in at the November public hearing. Ms. Doherty then asked how Norton has gotten so many new business growth industries and wonders if it is because of the split or do they have better TIFF's or more land. She asked if Representative Barrows had any thoughts. He came forward and stated that in Norton they had a single rate up until about two years ago which is attractive and they have had successful TIFF's. He stated that Mansfield electric rates provide an advantage and Mansfield is more attractive to a business that uses lots of electricity. 4. Discussion with Members of the State Delegation Representative Adam Scanlon came forward and thanked the Board for the invitation to attend. He then introduced Senator Paul Feeney, Representative Jay Barrows and Representative Ted Philips. Representative Scanlon then provided some highlights of what was accomplished this past year. This included information on Chapter 70 funding for Schools and Unrestricted Government Aid (UGGA) dollars over the last several years. He noted local funding for PFAS, new Parkway and increases in Veteran's services budget. Senator Feeney then spoke and stated that the States stabilization fund, also known as the rainy -day fund, is at $9 million at Select Board Meeting Minutes October 16, 2024 the end of this year. He stated that some of the budget pressures and noted that receipts are lower than projections but hoping that they level out and so there are no 9C cuts again. The Senator then spoke about the rest area on Route 95 and its current state of disrepair. He filed a bill this year with the help of the House and MassDot has answered with a menu of options. He noted that nothing happens easily and now there are septic issues but he is hoping to have a better update the next time he comes to a meeting. Mr. Wilk asked about leasing it to a business and Senator Feeney responded that Federal laws don't allow that. Senator Feeney commented that he meets with the Town Manager monthly and hears about the priorities of the community. Lastly, he wanted to personally recognize Representative Barrows who is retiring and commented that he is the 6th Select Board member in each of the three towns that he represents. Ms. Doherty then asked about funding for the 250th Celebration. Senator Feeney stated that there may be funding through an earmark. Representative Barrows then stated that it has been a pleasure to serve for the last eighteen years. He stated that when he first ran he used the slogan "We don't have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem" and he thinks this is still true today. He stated that inflation is real and everything is expensive. He stated that he was also concerned about the amount of people moving out of the State. Brendan Roche arrived at 7:07PM. Representative Barrows then stated that he is worried about future generation of those that are in the 30's and 40's. He stated that the Board has a difficult decision at their next meeting with the tax classification, noting that you have to be carefully not to lean to heavily on businesses while keeping it affordable for single family homeowners. Lastly, he emphasized the importance of working together with neighboring communities, Representative Ted Phillips then commented that Representative Barrows has been a leader in regionalization and cutting edge of what regionalization could be. He stated that there are bills that will be picked back up in January which include maternal health, liquor licenses for Boston, Economic Development Bond Bill and remedy for the Stewart health crisis to provide oversight going forward. Ms. Bren thanked everyone for being here tonight and she stated that the presentation answered her questions and likes that they come as a team. She then wished Representative Barrows the best of luck and thanked him. Mr. Roche thanked them for the presentation and for the partnership and thanked Representative Barrows for his commitment to Mansfield. Mr. Wilk said that he had an article he was going to bring up about people leaving the commonwealth. He stated that individuals with high net worth are leaving and people drawing from the system are moving in. There needs to be a mix of all different income levels or else it makes it difficult for a state to function long term. Senator Feeney added that there is also a lack of affordable housing in the State and that when businesses are looking to relocate they go where they can find talent and transportation. Representative Barrows asked a rhetorical question about how do we lower the cost of housing and maybe ADU's will help. Ms. Doherty then spoke a few words about Representative Barrows and the work they did together. Chair of the School Committee Steve Schoonveld was invited to come forward. He thanked Representative Scanlon for his presentation. He asked about the millionaire tax and how it did a lot for infrastructure and wondered if the Town should do the same. Senator Feeney responded that when the millionaire tax was voted in it was for education and transportation and it has been close to a fifty/fifty split. He stated that in the State no matter what we do it is not enough and the MBTA has been a drain on finances and still faced with infrastructure issues. 5. Discussion of the 2024 Xfinity Center Concert Season Fire Chief Justin Desrosiers, Police Chief Ron Sellon and Jason Sandoval, General Manager of the Xfinity Center were present. Police Chief Ron Sellon stated that he cannot say enough good things about the State Delegation and their help with a delicate substance issue. Mr, Roche stated that he asked for this agenda so that there could be a wrap up to evaluate what happened over the past year and what needs to be planned for the next concert season. Chief Desrosiers stated that the staff at the Xfinity Center have been great at Select Board Meeting Minutes October 16, 2024 addressing any concerns. He stated that they had to move the medical area and the staff made it a seamless transition and he is looking forward to the new building for next season. Chief Sellon echoed what Chief Desrosiers said and stated that there were a couple shows that were flagged that were going to be difficult. He stated that there have been a couple issues identified that will be tweaked for next concert season, but overall it was a great concert season. Chief Desrosiers stated that the communication with Mr. Sandoval and the staff has been good, Mr. Sandoval stated it was a successful season overall and the show mix was good. He stated that there are some shows that attract a difficult demographic but he commended the Chiefs on their work. He stated that there is great planning prior to the start of the season and during the season. There is lots of homework done on the Intel for each show. Mr. Roche asked if the new process for parking has helped improve traffic. Mr. Sandoval responded that they added overhead signage and they also used great software and Al to get data. He then stated that there were forty-two events and had a half million fans that came to Mansfield. They were also able to donate $11,000 donating to 5016's in Mansfield from redeeming cans and bottles. Mr. Roche thanked them for the update and for all of them coming to the meeting. Ms. Bren thanked them and stated that it was a successful season and a lot of hard work behind the scenes and as an attendee it seemed to run smoothly. Ms. Doherty stated that she went for a tour and see the view from the other side and she saw how smoothly things were going. 6. Discussion and Update with The Department of Public Works Director, Josh Reinke Mr. Josh Reinke, DPW Director was present and introduced his division managers that were present. Mr. Reinke stated that DPW Administration manages three enterprise accounts for parking, water and sewer. He stated that they also manage the solid waste program and coordinate with MassDOT for projects to the roads and bridges. Ms. Christina Collins, Office Manager updated the Board on the trash and recycling program. She noted that they handle the water and sewer billing as well as the permits. Mr. Rositer, Wastewater Operations Manager of MFN provided an update on the wastewater treatment facility. He stated that they monitor PFAS discharge and it is low compared to cities with large industrial footprints. He stated that a future challenge is that there will be three retirements for next year that represents 90 years of wastewater experience. Mr. Mike Ahern, Public Buildings/Special Projects provided an update. He stated that his department handles the day to day custodial care and building maintenance of Town owned buildings. He also works on CIP and the key project he is managing is the PFAS treatment for the water department and the challenge is the rising costs of parts and labor. Mr. Richard Alves the Town Engineer was not present however Mr. Reinke stated that the Engineering department works on many projects including reviewing subdivisions, site plans and drainage calculations to verify that they meet the Towns standard. He also noted some of the future projects that are being worked on. Mr. Shawn Precourt, Water Operations Manager provided an update on the Water Department. He stated that there are eleven employees who are responsible for providing monitoring 24/7 of the Towns wells sites and over 140 miles of water main lines. The department installs about 600 meters each year and are currently working on a survey of the water line inventories. The survey is a result of a requirement from that state that all public water systems submit an inventory report and identify any copper lines. Mr. Andrew Littig, Highway Operations Manager was present and provided an update on roads, parks, cemeteries and sewers. He provided a long list of items his department of eleven is responsible for. Mr, Reinke concluded with a thank you to all the DPW employees for their hard work, Mr. Wilk thanked them for the thorough update and hard work. Mr. Roche shared an overall appreciate for the DPW and the critical services that they provide to the Town. Ms. Bren gave a big thanks to all of them and their teams and knows they get more complaints than accolades but know that they are hard working. Ms. Doherty thanked them for including the entire team who are leading the trenches. Ms. Doherty then asked what their favorite project was. Mr. Ahern responded that it was the Municipal Building Complex. Mr. Andy Littig responded that it was East Street from town line in Easton to South Main Street noting that It has been a big project and 4.5 miles of road. Select Board Meeting Minutes October 16, 2024 Ms. Sandra Levine asked Mr. Littig to get the weeds off a sign on Route 106 as your approach Route 140. She then stated that the water line survey was difficult for her and knows that many people also need help with this. Ms. Collins responded that she just needs to call the DPW office and they will assist anyone, Ms. Doherty asked if there could be someone to do a session at the COA to help. 7. Town Manager's Report • Special Town Meeting • 250th Celebration • Grant Discussion • Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) • General Discussion • Other • Mansfield Crossing New Business • Fresh Market • Keep Mansfield Beautiful Mural Restoration • Official Notification of Free Cash Certification • MFN Town Assistance with MFN Succession Planning • Fire Department Ambulance Revolving Fund • Recent Bond Sale • Miscellaneous Items Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report Ms. Bren left the meeting at 8:31PM. Mr. Violette gave an update stating that they are working with the School Department and Town Moderator to finalize a date for Special Town Meeting but it looks like it will be the week of January 6th. He then stated that the Town has received $25,000 from one stop for growth for design guidelines for the Planning Department. He then stated that CIP met on October 7th and all projects that were reviewed were approved. Mr. Violette then shared that Fresh Market will be opening in Mansfield and Keep Mansfield Beautiful Committee has started the mural restoration project downtown and thanked reLeaf for their contribution to help pay for the cost of the restoration. He noted that Free Cash was certified on September 16th at $4,225,549. Mr. Violette stated that the Town Manager will be working with Mr. Lee Azinheira and Mr. Chris Rositer on succession planning for the three retirements that are happening next year. Mr. Violette then stated that the ambulance revolving fund can no longer be funded the way it has been done by putting the money in a revolving fund, but noted that a simple solution is by funding an article annually at Town Meeting for $175,000 so that the Chief can purchase after three years. Mr. Violette then provided an update on early voting hours at Town Hall, sewer rates and revenues, downtown fa5ade program and retiree health insurance rate increase which will cost the Town $200,000-$250,000 that was unexpected expense for January 1st. Mr. Roche commented that there will be a new traffic pattern at Mansfield Crossing at the Fresh Market entrance on School Street. 8. Public Comment Ms. Sandra Levine of 20 Walnut Street asked why the town switched to a new payroll system. She stated that as a part time worker at the Elections she no longer gets a paystub. Mr. Violette responded that the Town switched to MUNIS and there was a cost savings to the Town and it was the last phase that was implemented and the Town no longer uses the third -party Harpers to process payroll and now do payroll in house. Mr. Violette stated that he would speak with the Treasurer's office and knows that it is available electronically. 9. Discussion and Consideration of the Economic Development Director Position This item was skipped. Select Board Meeting Minutes October 16, 2024 10. Vote to Refer the Planning Board to Conduct Public Hearings for Zoning Articles for the Special Town Meeting Mr. Roche provided a summary of the articles that the Planning Board is working on. He stated that this was a procedural item that is done for any of the zoning articles. Motion: To approve the referral of Zoning Articles for Special Town Meeting to the Planning Board to conduct public hearings with a copy of this vote to be transmitted to the Town Clerk. (Wilk/Roche) Passes 3:0 11. Review and Update the Select Board Calendar There were no updates. 12. Discussion and Consideration of Goals and Objectives for 2025 This item was passed over. 13. Discussion on Progress Made on Workshop Items Ms. Doherty stated that Ms. Bren received a comment on her template for policies and she will integrate that feedback and then she will be looking for departments to do a pressure test. 14. General Budget Discussion — Including Budget Subcommittee Update The general budget discussion agenda item is a regular Select Board agenda item that will be for the discussion on any fiscal year budgets and may include discussions of past fiscal years or future fiscal years. • Capital Improvement Projects Ms. Doherty stated that Mr. Violette did the CIP update during the Town Manager report. Mr. Violette stated that there will be a Budget Subcommittee meeting on October 28, 2024 and the Fire Chief and Police Chief will be present to discuss their budgets. 15. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Ms, Doherty stated that the Light Department is doing a safety talk at the COA. 16. Public Comments There were no public 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 and events have been routed through Town Hall Departments and any conditions have been noted below. A. Vote to Approve Meeting Minutes: ➢ September 18, 2024 ➢ October 2, 2024 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25015T in the amount of $3,215,926.88 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25015E in the amount of $2,612,615.75 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25016T in the amount of $453,166.47 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25016E in the amount of $483,862.63 ➢ School Vendor Warrant No. 250165 in the amount of $1,619,909.30 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: ➢ Consideration of Special Events Application for Boy Scout's Tree Lot ➢ Consideration to Approve a Letter of Support for Norwood Hospital ➢ Consideration of Special Events Application for Forest Park Halloween Parade ➢ Consideration of Special Events Application for Christmas Parade Select Board Meeting Minutes October 16, 2024 D. Proclamations: ➢ Representative Jay Barrows Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Wilk/Roche) Passes 3:0 18. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: ➢ Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 25015PT/2514VT in the amount of $1,119,076.68 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 25015PT/2514VT in the amount of $1,119,076,68. (Wilk/Roche) Passes 3:0 ➢ Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 25015TV in the amount of $349,334.27 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 25015TV in the amount of $349,334.27. (Wilk/Roche) Passes 3:0 ➢ School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 25015PS/25014SS in the amount of $2,019,938.97 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 25015PS/25014SS in the amount of $2,019,938.97. Passes 2:0:1 Doherty Abstain ➢ School Deductions Vendor Payroll 25015SW25014SV in the amount of $618,965.85 Motion: School Deductions Vendor Payroll 25015SV/25014SV in the amount of $618,965.85. (Wilk/Roche) Passes 3:0 19.Correspondence • None 20. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions There were no Select Board member comments or questions. 21. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 22. Review Responses and Vote to Select Special Counsel for HR Matter This agenda item was skipped. 23. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the October 16, 2024 Select Board Meeting at 9:06PM. (Roche/Wilk) Passes 3:0 Signat re Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne \ \,I' ' ✓' � Date Documents used in meeting: 1. Tax Classification Presentation 2. Memo from Planning Board —Special Town Meeting Articles 3. Select Board Calendar 4. Meeting Minutes of September 18, 2024 and October 2, 2024 5. Special Events Applications for Boy Scouts Tree Lot 6. Letter of Support for Norwood Hospital 7. Special Events Application for Forest Park Halloween Parade 8. Special Events Application for Christmas Parade Select Board Meeting Minutes October 16, 2024