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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 01/15/2025Select Board Meeting Minutes January 15, 2025 Present: Ms. Maureen R. Doherty, Chair; Mr. Brendan Roche, Vice -Chair; Mr, Walter Wilk, Clerk; and Mr. Michael A, Trowbridge Sr, 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 was also present. Not Present: Ms. Diana Bren 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance Ms. Maureen Doherty, Chair called the meeting to order at 6:OO13M. She then reminded everyone that the meeting was being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. She then asked the Arrow of Light scouts from Pack 13 to lead the pledge of allegiance. 2. Update from the Council on Aging including Discussion of Mansfield becoming an Age Friendly Community Ms. Josephine Madrazo, Director of the Council on Aging and Ms. Sarah Raposa, Director of Planning and Development were present for this agenda item. Ms. Madrazo began by providing information on the services that she is responsible. She explained that the Council on Aging also is home of a social worker who helps every age group. She also noted how closely she works with the Community EMS and how it is a great resource for the community. Ms. Raposa then explained the process of becoming an Age Friendly Community and the steps involved. Mr. Trowbridge asked if they had spoken with the Housing Authority about the housing and Ms. Raposa responded that she has not yet but once they get started they will be included in some of the discussions. Mr. Roche thanked them for their work. Mr. Wilk asked where Mansfield was and Ms. Raposa responded that they are in the "pre -enrollment" phase. Ms. Doherty asked Ms. Madrazo to explain what Triad is. Ms. Madrazo responded that it is comprised of members of the Council on Aging, Police and Fire Departments, the Bristol County District Attorney's Office and residents. The group helps to keep seniors safe in the community such as the lock box program. 3. Town Manager's Report • FY2026 Preliminary Budget N _' • Emergency Water Connection :V • FY2025 State Earmark Update, Change in Federal Mileage Reimbursement Rate n1_ Staff Acknowledge • Mansfield Crossing D cis • Miscellaneous Items J'r- o0 Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report -4 u, w� h Mr. Dumas began his Town Manager's Report stating that the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget was posted cJn the website and that more discussion will follow as part of agenda number twelve, and the shortfall is now $2 million. He stated that the Emergency Water Connection with the City of Attleboro $12.26 million gallon of water has been used by Attleboro for a cost of $186,000. He then provided an update on State Earmarks and change to the federal mileage reimbursement rate to seventy cents per mile. He then took a moment to recognize the Water Department for their work on a water main break the prior week which was difficult due to the weather conditions. He stated that there is a new restaurant coming to Mansfield in the former TGI Friday's location. He then stated that the Town continues to pursue the joint feasibility study with Foxborough for the Mansfield-Foxborough Shared -Use Path that would eventually lead up to Patriot Place. Select Board Meeting Minutes January 15, 2025 Lastly, he provided an updates on the Reservoir Street Cell Tower and three new grants. There were no questions or comments from the Select Board members. 4. Public Comment There were none. S. Discussion and Consideration of Transfer of Common Victualler and Entertainment Licenses for Stefano's Pizza and Subs Mr. Patel came forward and stated that he purchased Stefano's from a couple that is retiring. He stated that everything will be staying the same as it is including the staff. Mr. Roche stated it is a favorite Town restaurant and wishes them lots of luck. Mr. Trowbridge wished them the best of luck. Ms. Doherty stated that she loves the pizza and hope it does not change. Motion: To approve the transfer of Common Victualler and Entertainment License for Stefano's Pizza and Subs pending routing through Town Departments. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 6. Interview and Consideration to Appoint James Turnbull to the Planning Board as a Full Voting Member Mr. Turnbull came forward and Ms. Doherty asked him to tell them about his background. He responded that he was raised in Mansfield and graduated from Northeastern University and is a civil engineer. Mr. Wilk asked him why he would make a good addition to the team and Mr. Turnbull responded that in the past year he has brought a professionalism and an ability to remain impartial. Mr. Roche asked him about ethics and if there is a conflict of interest how would he handle that and Mr. Turnbull responded that his employer does not typically take projects that are in Mansfield, but would recuse himself from any of those Items. Ms. Doherty noted that the Planning Board Chair had nice things to say about Mr. Turnbull. Motion: To Appoint James Turnbull to the Planning Board as a full voting member to a term that expires on December 31, 2029. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 7. Interview and Consideration to Appoint Ellen Spilewski for Mansfield Housing Corp (multiple vacancies) Ms. Ellen Spilewski was present and the Board asked her a series of questions. She stated that she grew up in Mansfield and it is important to have a good school system and want young people to be able to stay here or move here. She also stated that affordable housing is important for the community. She stated that she was raised here in Mansfield and then went to nursing school and worked in various fields. She stated that she has learned a lot by coming to the Select Board meetings and has seen so many individuals volunteer for i committees and stated that she felt like a "slacker" and decided to come forward and volunteer. Motion: To appoint Ellen Spilewski to the Mansfield Housing Corp to an unexpired term to expire on December 31, 2027. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 8. Interview and Consideration to Appoint Edward Valanzola, Anthony Riley and John McGarry to the Zoning Board of Appeals (vacancy for full voting member and vacancy for associate member) Mr. Valanzola, Mr. Anthony Riley and Mr. John McGarry were all present and interviewed. The Board asked E each of the candidates a series of questions beginning with their work experience, what interested: them in serving and if they had any conflict of interest concerns. Mr. Trowbridge asked Mr. McGarry if he was more interested in serving on the Board of Health or the ZBA and he responded that if it was one or the other the 3 Board of Health is his first choice. Ms. Doherty noted that there are two vacancies on the Board of Health but there are two additional candidates that could not be scheduled to interview tonight. Motion: To appoint Edward Valanzola to the full voting member seat on the Zoning Board of Appeals to a term to expire on April 30, 2028. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 Select Board Meeting Minutes January 15, 2025 Motion: To appoint Anthony Riley to the full voting member seat on the Zoning Board of Appeals to a term to expire on December 31, 2026. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 9. Interview and Consideration to Appoint Erin Keenan and John McGarry to the Board of Health (2 vacancies) Ms. Erin Keenan and Mr. John McGarry were present and interviewed for the vacancies on the Board of Health. The Select Board asked them each a series of questions. Ms. Doherty had mentioned in the above agenda item that there are two vacancies, but there were two other applicants who were not available to interview. Ms. Doherty confirmed that the appointments to the Board of Health would happen at the next meeting. 10. Consideration to Reappoint Ana Molina-Villella to the Animal Welfare Committee Ms. Champagne stated that Ms. Villella has been a member of the committee for a long time, however she was late in submitting her application, but there are no other applicants so she would not need to interview. Motion: To reappoint Ana Molina-Villella to the Animal Welfare Committee to an unexpired term to expire on December 31, 2027. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 4.0 11. Discussion and Consideration to Sign the Alcohol Beverage Control Commissions (ABCC) Renewal Certification for 2025 Ms. Champagne explained that this is an annual form that is completed for the ABCC and she then confirmed that all businesses renewed their licenses. Motion: To approve and sign the ABCC Renewal Certification for 2025. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 12. 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. Mr. Violette began the budget discussion by explaining the budget process. He stated that the last few years have been challenging budget years. He stated that the Town Departmental reductions so far have been $484,000 and has reduced three full time employees over the last two years and the schools have reduced eighteen full time employees over the last two years. He then stated that the preliminary budget posted on January 1st for Fiscal Year 2026 was unbalanced and had a shortfall of $4.9M and he listed the budget drivers. The largest driver is the fifteen percent increase anticipated to the active employee health insurance plans. This makes up twenty percent of the entire budget and is a $1.5M increase. He stated that as of today the shortfall is$1.9M and the $3M reduction was done by applying$600,000 of the Health Care Stabilization funds, strategic use of free cash, additional Town and School reductions and eliminating two new proposed public safety positions. Mr. Violette explained that there is no perfect option to balance the budget. He then shared two options that has been narrowed down. The first option is a reduction of Service budget which included eliminating the new public safety positions, reduction to employees and reduction in services and infrastructure and there would be no override. The second option would require an override and would keep the new proposed positions for public safety, no reduction to staff or services. Ms. Doherty commented that the trash fee amount is locked in for another year but that should be shown and it is unknown what that will be next year and should that be rolled into the override. Mr. Dumas stated that clear direction is needed and if the Board would like to include the trash into the override that can be added to the presentation for tomorrow's Tri-Board meeting. The Board agreed that a third option should be shown that includes the trash for the Tri-Board meeting. Mr. Violette explained that there is a Department Head meeting next week and they are going to ask them to reduce their operation budgets. Ms. Doherty stated that there is a hiring freeze and asked if there could be a freeze on non -essential purchases and conferences. Mr. Violette stated that last year the entire budget for conferences was $180,000 and some of that is necessary for people to maintain certifications. He stated that if the Town has to cut a million dollars Select Board Meeting Minutes January 15, 2025 there will be cuts to personnel. Mr, Trowbridge agreed that the Board should also reduce its conference budget if departments are being asked to. Ms, Doherty noted that any money not spent would flow into Free Cash for next year that could help. Mr. Violette continued in his presentation and showed the tax implication of an override to the average home and then he provided a timeline. He stated that the warrant for Town Meeting will open on January 291h and public listening sessions would be scheduled in February. He then noted that Town Meeting would potentially be held on May 11t and a ballot measure would happen on May 13th which is the same day the annual election is held so that a special election would not be needed. 13. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Ms. Doherty provided an update from the 250th Celebration Committee and noted that it would be part of a regular update at Select Board meetings. 14. Public Comments There were none. 15. 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: ➢ November 20, 2024 ➢ December 4, 2024 ➢ December 18, 2024 ➢ January 9, 2025 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25026T in the amount of $633,606.97 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25026E in the amount of $142,606.40 ➢ School Vendor Warrant No. 25026S in the amount of $741,782.48 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25027T in the amount of $143,252.02 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25027E in the amount of $11,347.15 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25028T in the amount of $3,053,545.90 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25028E in the amount of $1,423,856.82 ➢ School Vendor Warrant No. 25028S in the amount of $341,496.11 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25029T in the amount of $385,515.61 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25029E in the amount of $182,720.83 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: ➢ Consideration of 2025 Water Installers License for Plainville Pump & Excavating, Inc. ➢ Consideration of 2025 Water Installers License for Riccio Excavation Co. ➢ Consideration of 2025 Water Installers License for Hydra Tech, Inca ➢ Consideration of 2025 Water Installers License for Brunelle Contracting, LLC ➢ Consideration of Banner Application from the Mansfield 250th Celebration Committee ➢ Consideration of Banner Application from Mansfield Women of Today ➢ Consideration of Banner Application from Parks and Recreation (11 applications) ➢ Consideration of Special Events Application for Mansfield Field of Honor ➢ Consideration of Special Events Application for the Mansfield Garden Club ➢ Consideration of Banner Application for the Mansfield Garden Club ➢ Consideration of 2025 Drainlayers License for Bella Construction Co. LLC ➢ Consideration of 2025 Drainlayers License for Alltech Building ➢ Consideration of 2025 Drainlayers License for Earthwork Industries Select Board Meeting Minutes January 15, 2025 ➢ Consideration of 2025 Drainlayers License for Brunelle Contracting LLC ➢ Consideration of 2025 Drainlayers License for HM Lopes D. Proclamations: ➢ Certificates for Michael Connolly and John Robbins Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Wilk/Roche) Passes 4:0 16. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: ➢ Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2525PT in the amount of $923,597.82 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2525PT in the amount of $923,597.82. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 ➢ Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2525TV in the amount of $281,589.55. Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2525TV in the amount of $281,589.55. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 ➢ School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2525PS in the amount of $2,010,085.36 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2525PS in the amount of $2,010,085.36. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 3:0:1(Doherty Abstain and Trowbridge voted yes out of necessity) ➢ School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2525SV In the amount of $623,597.42 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2525SV in the amount of $623,597.42. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 ➢ Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2526PT and 2527PT in the amount of $951,698.93 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2526PT and 2527PT in the amount of $951,698.93. (Wi I k/Trowb ridge) Passes 4:0 ➢ Town Deductions Vendor Payroll`2526TV and 2527 TV in the amount of $297,876.06 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2526TV and 2527 TV in the amount of $297,876.06. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 ➢ School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2527PS in the amount of $1,977,225.77 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2527PS in the amount of $1,977,225.77. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 3:0:1(Doherty Abstain and Trowbridge voted yes out of necessity) ➢ School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2527SV in the amount of $597,766.27 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2527SV in the amount of $597,766.27. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 17. Correspondence ➢ Letter from the Mansfield Rotary Club ➢ Letter from National Grid ➢ Letter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Mr. Wilk read the list of correspondence items. 18. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Ms. Doherty stated that she has received compliments about Town employees and she thanks everyone for doing a great job. She then thanked everyone for getting to Town Meeting. 19. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 20. 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 demonstrably likely litigation concerning an employee matter where discussion in open session is likely to have a detrimental effect on litigation strategy The Board did not go into executive session and the motion below was made to adjourn. Select Board Meeting Minutes January 15, 2025 Motion: To adjourn the Select Board Meeting of January 15, 2025 at 7:53PM. (Trowbridge/Roche) Passes 4:0 Sign' r �- Date 7 Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Documents used in meeting: 1. Common Victualler and Entertainment License Applications for Stefano's Pizza and Subs 2. Board/Committee/Commission Applications from Ana Molina-Villella, Erin Keenan, John McGarry, Edward Valanzola, Anthony Riley, Ellen Spilewski and James Turnbull 3. Alcohol Beverage Control Commissions (ABCC) Renewal Certification form for 2025 4. Meeting Minutes from November 20, 2024, December 4, 2024, December 18, 2024 and January 9, 2025 5. Application for 2025 Water Installers License from Plainville Pump & Excavating, Inc. 6. Application for 2025 Water Installers License from Riccio Excavation Co. 7. Application for 2025 Water Installers License from Hydra Tech, Inc. 8. Application for 2025 Water Installers License from Brunelle Contracting, LLC 9. Banner Application from the Mansfield 250th Celebration Committee 10. Banner Application from Mansfield Women of Today 11. Banner Application from Parks and Recreation (11 applications) 12. Special Events Application from Mansfield Field of Honor 13. Special Events Application from the Mansfield Garden Club 14. Banner Application for the Mansfield Garden Club 15. Application for 2025 Drainlayers License from Bella Construction Co. LLC 16. Consideration of 2025 Drainlayers License from Alltech Building 17. Application for 2025 Drainlayers License from Earthwork Industries 18. Application for 2025 Drainlayers License from Brunelle Contracting LLC 19. Application for 2025 Drainlayers License from HM Lopes 20. Letter from the Mansfield Rotary Club 21. Letter from National Grid 22. Letter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Select Board Meeting Minutes January 15, 2025