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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 01/29/2025Select Board Meeting Minutes January 29, 2025 Present: Ms. Maureen R. Doherty, Chair; Mr. Brendan Roche, Vice -Chair; Mr. Walter Wilk, Clerk; Ms, Diana Bren and Mr. Michael A. Trowbridge Sr, were present in Meeting Room 3 A/B at Town Hall. Mr. Matt Violette, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director was also present. Mr. Kevin Dumas,.Tgw ��Qas resent via GoToWebinar. U .RCS OFFICE 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting - Pledge of Allegiance 206 FEB 20 P 9- Ob Ms. Maureen Doherty, Chair called the meeting to order at 6:01PM. She then remin ed a that the Y g ��, �, ��i�ri� meeting was being broadcast live and taped for future broadcast on Mansfield C,objo..;"Shethq those present to stand for the pledge of allegiance. 2. Presentation of Community Service Awards Ms. Doherty began by stating that she served on the Community Service Awards Committee and noted the other four members of the Committee, Lieutenant Connors from the Mansfield Police, Mr. John Nieratko, Principal at Jordan Jackson, Ms. Rose Kimmel of the Council on Aging and Ms. Kara Griffin from the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce. She then announced the recipients of the awards for 2024. Mr. Richard Palanza received the Adult Award, Mr. Neal Boldrighini the Lifetime Award and Taylor Palinski for the Youth Award. She then noted that the Board would also be recognizing Finley Baumaunk and invited him to come forward. State Representative Ted Phillips was then introduced and he provided a certificate to Finley from Representative Scanlon, Representative Chaisson and himself. Senator Paul Feeney then came forward and he also provided a certificate to Finley Baumaunk from the Senate. Ms. Doherty then asked Lt. Thomas Connors to come forward and he read the nomination for Mr. Palanza that was submitted by Mr. Andrew Kelly, State Representative Phillips and Senator Feeney also provided certificates to him and recognized him for his support in the community. Ms. Doherty then asked Dr. Rayna Freedman to come forward. Dr. Freedman read the nomination that she sent in along with Ms. Lynn Cavicchi for Taylor Palinski who is a Mansfield High School student. State Rep Phillips and Senator Feeney also provided certificates to Ms. Palinski and complimented her on her contributions and the world needs more people like her. Lastly, Ms. Doherty stated that Mr. Neal Boldrighini was recognized for the Lifetime Achievement Community Service Award. She invited Ms. Kelly Doherty to come forward and she read the nomination that she submitted for Mr. Boldrighini. State Representative Phillips and Senator Feeney also provided certificates to Mr. Boldrighini for his lifetime contributions to the Mansfield community as Chief of the Fire Department and for his continued volunteer work in retirement and his leadership. Members of the Select Board then shared comments about the community here in Mansfield and noted that everyone can make a difference. 3. 250th Celebration Opening Ceremony Ms. Doherty began the opening ceremonies for the 250th Celebration. She then introduced the Committee members and thanked them for their work over the past year. Ms. Doherty then provided history on the White House gavel that was given to the Town of Mansfield. Mr. Robert MacDonald, Chair of 250"h Celebration Committee was introduced and he came forward and thanked the Select Board for hosting this ceremony and provided history on the bell he was going to ring that was from the historical Mulberry Tavern that was in the Town of Mansfield. He then thanked Mr. Joe Andruzzi for coming tonight and being the Town Crier. Mr. Andruzzi came into the meeting and officially announced that the 250'h Celebration and invited everyone to attend the events of the coming year. The Board took a short recess begging at 6:41PM and returned at 6:54PM. Ms. Bren left the meeting at 6:45PM. Select Board Meeting Minutes January 29, 2025 Ms. Doherty then introduced Representative Chaisson who was elected filling the seat held by Representative Barrows. Representative Chaisson came forward and introduced himself. He thanked the community for their support during the campaign. Mr. Trowbridge asked him to come to as many meetings as possible. Ms. Doherty then asked him to speak about the Blue Apple Bus. Representative Chaisson stated that the Blue Apple Bus is a great service and hoping to get them a third year of funding. Ms. Doherty then skipped to agenda #23, items not known within 48 hours to consider the letter of support. 4. Town Manager's Report • Mansfield Police Accreditation Award • Grant Award • Annual Town Election Information • Mansfield Crossing New Business • Miscellaneous Items Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report Mr. Dumas began his Town Manager's Report by thanking the recipients of the Community Service Awards and for the members of the 250th Celebration Committee for their hard work. He then announced that on February 12'h the Mansfield Police Department will receive their Accreditation. He was also happy to report that the Town has received an earmark for $50,000 for the Downtown Sign and Facade program for a second year. He then stated that the Town Election will be held on May 13'h for Select Board, School Committee, Town Moderator and Mansfield Housing Authority and nomination forms are available at the Town Clerk's office beginning Monday, February 3'd, Mr. Dumas then announced that Burton's Grill and Bar will be opening in the former TGI Fridays location at Mansfield Crossing. He then stated that there is a new public safety platform that Fire Chief Desrosiers just launched called Community Connect that provides critical information to public safety that residents share through the platform. Ms. Diana Bren returned to the meeting at 7:05PM. Mr. Dumas then stated that Mansfield is fully compliant with the MBTA Zoning Laws. He then shared that the School Committee approved a statement of interest for the Massachusetts School Building Association for the A Roof Replacement which could provide fifty percent reimbursement for the project and they will be asking the Select Board to vote on this at their next meeting. Mr. Dumas then updated the Board on the emergency water supply to the City of Attleboro and so far, 1.29 million gallons of water has been provided and they have been billed $198,000 which is a benefit to the Water Enterprise Account. Mr. Roche commented that it was good news on the MBTA compliance and thanked Ms. Sara Raposa, Planning Director, Town Manager and the Planning Board for their work on the MBTA Communities over the past couple years. S. Public Comment Mr. Paul DeRensis, Town Counsel for Mansfield came forward and stated that he has been Town Counsel for many years. He stated he was here to ask that the Board defer the agenda item of discussion of legal services until after he has an opportunity to meet with the Budget Subcommittee. He noted that changing lawyers is a big deal and there were errors in the report provided to the Board. He compared costs that other communities similar to Mansfield in population and those that have their own Electric Department. He asked that the Board have a meeting to sit down and discuss this properly. 6. Discussion and Consideration of 10AM Early Sunday Alcohol Sales for Mansfield Lodge of Elks Mr. James Burke came forward as the Manager of Record for the Elks. He stated that currently the license hours for Sunday begin at 12 noon and they would like to move this to 10AM to accommodate some fundraisers that happen in the morning. Motion: To approve the Early Sunday Alcohol Sales for the Mansfield Lodge of Elks. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 Select Board Meeting Minutes January 29, 2025 7. Discussion and Consideration of Transfer of Common Victualler and Entertainment Licenses for Mansfield House of Pizza Mr. Keroles Mikhael came forward and stated that he was buying Mansfield House of Pizza. He stated that he will be having delivery and will also be adding some items to the menu. The Select Board members welcomed him and wished him luck. Motion: To approve the common victualler and entertainment license for Mansfield House of Pizza. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 8. Interview and Consideration to Appoint John Colbert and Nicholas Riccio to Mansfield Housing Corp (5 vacancies) Mr. John Colbert and Mr. Nicholas Riccio came forward and answered a few questions about themselves. They shared their education and work experience and why they wanted to serve on Mansfield Housing Corp. Motion: To appoint John Colbert to Mansfield Housing Corp to an unexpired term to expire on December 31, 2027. (Wilk/Roche) Passes 5:0 Motion: To appoint Nicolas Riccio to Mansfield Housing Corp to an unexpired term to expire on December 31, 2026. (Wilk/Roche) Passes 5:0 9. Interview Christine West, Emily Thompson Beura and Martin Sklar for the Vacancy on the Board of Health The three candidates came forward and the Board asked them a series of questions. They each introduced themselves and provided information on how long they have been in Mansfield, their work experience and what interested them in serving on the Board of Health. 10. Consideration to Appoint Erin Keenan, John McGarry, Christine West, Emily Thompson Beura or Martin Sklar to the Board of Health (2 vacancies) Mr. Trowbridge stated that there were two vacancies and there are five qualified candidates which makes this difficult for the Board. He also asked them to consider other vacancies if not appointed to the Board of Health. Mr. Wilk noted the importance of a full Board so that there is a quorum. Motion: To appoint Emily Thompson Beura to the Board of Health to an unexpired term to expire on December 31, 2027. (Wilk/Roche) Passes 5:0 Motion: To appoint Christine West to the Board of Health to an unexpired term to expire on December 31, 2026. (Wilk/Roche) Passes 5:0 11. Interview Joseph O'Malley for Vacancy on the Zoning Board of Appeals Mr. Joseph O'Malley came forward and the Board asked him a series of questions. He shared his work experience and stated that he moved here five years ago and during COVID he enjoyed riding bikes to the library. He stated that he was interested in the Zoning Board of Appeals as a business owner. 12. Consideration to Appoint John McGarry or Joseph O'Malley to the Zoning Board of Appeals (1 Associate Member Vacancy) Motion: To appoint John McGarry to the Zoning Board of Appeals to an unexpired term to expire on December 31, 2025. (Trowbridge/Bren) Passes 5:0 Mr. Trowbridge stated that the Mansfield Housing Corp might be a better option for commitment wise for Mr. O'Malley. 13. Consideration to Reappoint Shannon Dempsey to the Animal Welfare Committee Select Board Meeting Minutes January 29, 2025 Ms. Doherty stated that Ms. Shannon Dempsey's application was last however there were no other applications and the Board could reappoint her. Motion: To appoint Shannon Dempsey to the Animal Welfare Committee to a three-year term to expire on December 31, 2027. (Wilk/Bren) Passes 5:0 14. Call for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Scheduled for April 8, 2025 and Open the Warrant ➢ Automatically closes 3/1/2025 per Charter ➢ The adjourned date for Annual Town Meeting is TBD Ms. Champagne noted that the warrant will close on February 28th at noon because March 152 falls on a Saturday. Ms. Doherty asked if a date for Town Meeting has been set and Ms. Champagne responded that there was not and Mr. Violette confirmed that there is not a date yet. Motion: To Call for the Annual Town Meeting Scheduled for April 8, 2025 and Open the Warrant. (Wilk/Roche) Passes 5:0 15. 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 had a brief update to provide to the Board and stated that the Tri-Board met on January 16th. He stated that there is a $2 million shortfall. He stated that the Boards voted to move forward with an override and he is currently working on a balanced budget and making $1 million in cuts on the Town side. He stated that the next Budget Subcommittee is going to be on February 12, 2025 at 6:30PM in Meeting Room 2 A/B. Mr. Roche asked if there was a Tri-Board scheduled and Mr. Violette responded that he was not aware of a meeting date yet. Mr. Roche also asked about the public forums and Mr. Violette answered that they are still waiting to make sure there is final information and they may end up in March. 16. Discussion and Consideration of Town Counsel/legal Services Mr. Roche stated that he asked for this item to be placed on the agenda. He stated it was going to be brought forward in the fall but with the delay of Special Town Meeting it pushed out this discussion. Ms. Doherty stated that Mr. Roche brought this to her attention and she started researching. She stated that she prepared a memo to the Select Board and included what was done since the June meeting. She stated that this was brought to the Budget Subcommittee because they were looking at large contracts and professional services. She stated that the Town has not done a solicitation since 2017 for Town Counsel. She stated that this is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Mr. Trowbridge asked what the discussion was at the Budget Subcommittee meeting. Mr. Wilk responded that the discussion at the Budget Subcommittee was that everything needs to be looked at and if the Select Board is going to ask for an override that the Board would needs to show that they are looking at all costs just like insurance for optics. Mr. Trowbridge believed the prices of our current Town Counsel would increase because the cost has not changed. The Board discussed the RFQ that was prepared and made some minor amendments to dates . Mr. Trowbridge thought there needs to be a longer time frame for firms to submit a response. Mr. Wilk agreed and recommended 14 days. Ms. Bren questioned if a step was missed and Ms. Doherty stated that it was not a violation of policy and it is the Select Board's decision. Motion: To issue a Request for Qualifications for legal services with dates as amended. (Trowbridge/Roche) Passes 5:0 Diana Bren left the meeting at 8:39PM. Select Board Meeting Minutes January 29, 2025 17. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Ms. Doherty provided a quick update stating that the Library and COA and Newsletters online and in the spirit of Valentine's Day, the library is having a blind date with a book and seniors will have speed dating. 18. Public Comments There were no public comments. 19. 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: ➢ January 15, 2025 ➢ January 16, 2025 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25030T in the amount of $150,818.93 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25030E in the amount of $84,480.76 ➢ School Vendor Warrant No. 250305 in the amount of $654,104.04 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25030TL in the amount of $5,992.50 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25031T in the amount of $259,690.97 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25031E in the amount of $58,306.08 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: ➢ Consideration of 2025 Water Installers License for Peter DeGirolamo & Sons, Inc. ➢ Consideration of 2025 Drainlayers License for Moran Excavation ➢ Consideration of Special Events Application from Christina Wendland ➢ Consideration of 2025 Drainlayers License for Riccio Excavation ➢ Consideration of 2025 Drainlayers License for Peter DeGirolamo & Sons D. Proclamations: Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Wilk/Roche) Passes 4:0 20. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: ➢ Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2529PT in the amount of $946,695.58 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2529PT in the amount of $946,695.58. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 ➢ Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2529TV in the amount of $304,320.99 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2529TV in the amount of $304,320.99. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 ➢ School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2529PS in the amount of $1,945,904.37 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2529PS in the amount of $1,945,904.37. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 3:0:1(Trowbridge Abstained and Doherty voted in the affirmative due to the rule of necessity) ➢ School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2529SV in the amount of $587,858.15 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2529SV in the amount of $587,858.15. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 4:0 21. Correspondence ➢ Letters from Xfinity ➢ Letter from Joan Hoey ➢ Letter from Michael McCreless ➢ Notification from Verizon Select Board Meeting Minutes January 29, 2025 Mr. Wilk read the list of correspondence items. 22. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Mr. Roche stated that there will be Narcan training on February 11th and he then stated that he was at the MMA Conference and he attended a session on zoning and housing and how to pass overrides and debt exclusions which had good discussions and lots of participation. Mr. Trowbridge thanked everyone for the 2501h and for everyone's supports. 23. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting Motion: To support a letter for the 31 year of funding for the Blue Apple Bus. (Trowbridge/Roche) Passes 4:0 24. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the Select Board Meeting of January 29, 2025 at 8:4513M. (Trowbridge/Roche) Passes 4:0 ,ZV Signature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Date Documents used in meeting: 1. Early Sunday Alcohol Sales from the Mansfield Lodge of Elks 2. Common Victualler and Entertainment License for Mansfield House of Pizza 3. Board and Committee Applications from Erin Keenan, John McGarry, Christine West, Emily Thompson Beura, Martin Sklar, Shannon Dempsy, Joseph O'Malley, John Colbert and Nicholas Riccio 4. Water installers License Application for Peter DeGirolamo & Sons, Inc. 5. 2025 Drainlayers License Application for Moran Excavation 6. Special Events Application from Christina Wendland 7. 2025 Drainlayers License Application for Riccio Excavation 8. 2025 Drainlayers License Application for Peter DeGirolamo & Sons 9. Meeting Minutes from January 15, 2025 and January 16, 2025 10. Letters from Xfinity 11. Letter from Joan Hoey 12. Letter from Michael McCreless 13. Notification from Verizon Select Board Meeting Minutes January 29, 2025