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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 02/05/2025Select Board Meeting Minutes February 5, 2025 Present: Ms. Maureen R. Doherty, Chair; Mr. Brendan Roche, Vice -Chair; Mr. Walter Wilk Clerk; and Ms. Diana Bren were present in Meeting Room 3 A/B at Town Hall. Mr. Kevin Dumas�f�w�i�i r d Mr. Matthew Violette, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director was also preg tQtl CI..ER Not Present: Mr. Michael A. Trowbridge Sr. 2OZ5 FEB 20 P 97 Ob 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance I , „P �1<<��,f IELQ Ms. Maureen Doherty, Chair called the meeting to order at 6:OOPM. She the njrerpin��� g5 ryjgTi{e that the meeting was being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. She then asked those present to stand for the pledge of allegiance. 2. Fire Chief Justin Desrosiers to Introduce Community Connect Fire Chief Justin Desrosiers came forward to introduce a new program called Community Connect. He explained that businesses and residents can add various pieces of information that would be helpful for first responders when there is an emergency. He stated that the platform works with the current dispatch software and if you enter medical information is only seen if the department is dispatched to your location. There is no cost to the Town and is done through SEMRECC. Mr. Wilk asked how much participation by residents would be good and the Chief responded that fifty percent would be excellent. Chief Desrosiers also noted that from 8-10am they will be at the COA to answer questions and meet any residents. The Select Board was appreciative of this new resource for the community. 3. Update with the Library Ms. Catherine Coyne the Director of the Library and Ms. Jean Mallon, Chair of the Board of Library Trustees were present and came forward. Ms. Mallon provided information on the Board of Library Trustees and Ms. Coyne shared data on the usage of the library and the many programs that are offered at the library. Ms. Mallon then stated that there is a vacancy on the Board of Library Trustees and she provided information on what a member of the trustees would be responsible for. The Select Board members thanked them for their work and noted how great the library is and keeping up with the times and having electronic resources. 4. Update with the Veteran's Services Mr. Michael Raymond, Veteran's Agent was present and gave an update on programs and services that the Veteran's office provides to the veterans in the Mansfield community. He also noted the work he is doing to advocate for more benefits for veterans. He further noted that many veterans do not even know they are entitled to benefits and programs. He stated there are about 700 veteran's living in Mansfield. The Select Board members thanked him for his hard work. 5. Discussion and Consideration of Veteran's Memorial Mr. Neal Boldrighini and Mr. Kevin McNatt came forward to ask the Board's permission for a memorial project that they would like to have at Elm Street to honor Clifford Sherman who was born in Mansfield and lost his life. The proposed location was for the island at the intersection of Elm Street and Elm Terrace. The Board thanked them for their work and for the work for these veterans who have passed. Motion: To support the Veteran's Memorial for Clifford Sherman as outlined. (Wilk/Roche) Passes 4:0 6. Town Manager's Report ➢ State Aid Proposal ➢ Chapter 90 Filing ➢ Municipal Empowerment Act ➢ Downtown Sign & FaSade Program —Year 2 Select Board Meeting Minutes February 5, 2025 ➢ Miscellaneous Items Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report Mr. Dumas began his report stating that the Governor released her budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026 and that she released a Chapter 90 bill. He then noted the filing of the Municipal Empowerment Act and noted the items of local interest. He then stated that the Cabot Park signage has been completed. Mr. Dumas then provided a short presentation on the Downtown Sign and Fagade Program for year two. He stated that the Industrial Development Commission met and approved some minor changes to the application and noted that the map area was increased to incorporate a few more business areas. He also asked if the Select Board could consider a vote to support the program. The Chair allowed for a vote as part of agenda item number 18, items not known 48 hours in advance. The Chair then asked Select Board members if they had any questions. Mr. Wilk asked if any of the insurance numbers were back yet. Mr. Dumas stated that he did not have any more information on health insurance but property and casualty insurance may be coming in at a seven percent increase instead of the nine percent currently being used as an estimate which would be savings. Mr. Roche commented that it is good to see the Municipal Empowerment Act is being brought back up and hope that it passes. Ms. Bren asked if there was any news on the old Fridays location and Mr. Dumas stated that it is going to be a Burton's Steakhouse. 7. Public Comment There were none. 8. Interview and Consideration to Appoint Michael Healey to the Council on Aging (COA) Mr. Michael Healey came forward to interview for the vacancy on the Council on Aging. The Select Board asked him a series of questions. He stated that he has lived in Town for forty years and ran grocery stores and his last position was the Director of Maintenance for Stop and Shop. He stated noted that he is living a good life and is enjoying his retirement. He has been on Cable Access Board of Directors and then spent eighteen years on the Board of Health. He volunteers at the Food Pantry and is Chair of the Non -Profit Gift Fund and recently was on Keep Mansfield Beautiful. He stated that he is active with the COA and just started to attend their meetings and when the position opened up he applied. Motion: To appoint Michael Healey to the Council on Aging to a term to expire on December 31, 2025. (Wilk/Bren) Passes 4:0 9. Discussion and Consideration to Vote to Submit a Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for the Roof Placement at Jordan/Jackson Elementary School Mr. Dumas stated that he mentioned this item at the meeting last week and this was approved by the School Committee. The project was for the roof replacement of the Jordan/Jackson Elementary School and has a cost of $4 million and if MSBA approved they would cover approximately fifty percent. Resolved: Having convened in an open meeting on February 5, 2025, the Select Board of the Town of Mansfield, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated January 24, 2025, for the Jordan/Jackson Elementary School located at 255 East Street, Mansfield, MA 02048 which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future. Submitted Statement of Interest — Priority 5- the Jordan/Jackson Elementary School located at 255 East Street was constructed in 1992. The bui►ding roof is over 32 years old and in poor condition; numerous active leaks are negatively impacting the learning environment. This situation and the environment it creates present many challenges in delivering the best education possible for the students of Mansfield; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding Select Board Meeting Minutes February 5, 2025 commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the Town to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. (Wilk/Bren) Passes 4:0 10. Discussion and Consideration of Town's Right of First Refusal for Parcel on Gilbert Street Mr. Dumas stated that the Town has the right to purchase this property and recommendations were made by the Conservation Commission and Planning Board to not pursue this due to the budget conditions. Mr. Dumas also recommended that the Board not purchase the property. Motion: To not exercise the Town's Right of First Refusal for the parcel on Gilbert Street owned by Lorie Webber Trustee of the Joan M. Zarek Trust. (Wilk/Roche) Passes 4:0 11. 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 stated that currently the budget for Fiscal Year 2026 is at a $2 million shortfall and departments were asked to propose reductions and still have more cuts to make. The Town and School are each looking for a million dollars in cuts. He then stated that the Budget Subcommittee is meeting on Wednesday, February 13th and will hopefully have closed the gap. He stated that the preliminary state budget was a 1.8 percent increase which netted about $90,000. 12. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Mr. Roche stated that the MBTA Advisory Board met today. Ms. Bren noted that the Superintendent Search Committee selected three finalist and interviews will be on Saturday. Ms. Doherty then provided an update from the 250th Celebration Committee. Sue Jean of Sue's Cleaners is selling 250m tote bags and the Grand Parade will be held on May 17th and three-day Incorporation Weekend Celebration will be August 22"d through August 24tn 13. Public Comments There were none. 14. 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. 25032T in the amount of $2,207,168.54 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25032E in the amount of $1,820,077.87 ➢ School Vendor Warrant No. 25032S in the amount of $949,087.38 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: ➢ Consideration of Special Events Application from Keep Mansfield Beautiful ➢ Consideration of Special Events Applications from Park and Recreation D. Proclamations: Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Wilk/Bren) Passes 4:0 15. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2531PT in the amount of $964,987.35 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2531PT in the amount of $964,987.35. (Wilk/Bren) Passes 4:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2531TV in the amount of $316,534.15 Select Board Meeting Minutes February 5, 2025 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2531TV in the amount of $316,534.15. (Wilk/Bren) Passes 4:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2531PS in the amount of $2,019,879.75 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2531PS in the amount of $2,019,879.75. (Wilk/Bren) Passes 3:0:1 (Doherty Abstain) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2531SV in the amount of $580,319.96 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2531SV in the amount of $580,319.96. (Wilk/Bren) Passes 4:0 16. Correspondence ➢ Notice from Verizon Mr. Wilk stated that there was a notice from Verizon 17. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions There were no comments or questions. 18. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting Motion: To support the sign and facade program for year two as presented. (Wilk/Roche) Passes 4:0 19. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the Select Board Meeting of February 5, 2025 at 7:16PM. (Roche/Bren) Passes 4:0 Signature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Date Documents used in meeting: 1. Board/Committee Application from Michael Healey 2. Special Events Application from Keep Mansfield Beautiful 3. Special Events Applications from Park and Recreation 4. Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for the Roof Placement at Jordan/Jackson Elementary School 5. Notice from Verizon 6. Right of First Refusal for Gilbert Street Property 7. Recommendation from Planning Board for Gilbert Street Property 8. Recommendation from Conservation for Gilbert Street Property Select Board Meeting Minutes February 5, 2025