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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 04/16/2025Select Board Meeting Minutes April 16, 2025 Present: Ms. Maureen R. Doherty, Chair; Mr. Brendan Roche, Vice -Chair; Mr. Walter Wilk; Clerk; lVl .FR a Bren and Mr. Michael A. Trowbridge Sr. were present in Meeting Room 3 A/B at Town Hall. Mr. Kevin Dumas, Town Manager and Mr. Matthew Violette, Assistant Town Manager/Finance DirJPArIW42lsAre&erX Mr. Brendan Roche was not present at the beginning of the meeting but arrived at 6:19PM. j _j. 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance Ms. Maureen Doherty, Chair called the meeting to order at 6:01PM. She then reminded everyone 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. Update from Town Boards, Committees and Commissions Ms. Doherty asked for the representatives from the committees to take turns coming forward. Ms. Kasia Fernette, Chair of the Board of Health came to the podium and introduced herself and stated that she has been a resident of Mansfield for eighteen years and has been on the Board of Health for eight years. She provided a summary on the role of the Board of Health. She then shared information on the current programs that are happening in the community. The majority of their time is spent on the enforcement of regulations in food establishments, tobacco sales to minors, inspections of hotel pools and body art establishments. She then noted some of the ways they are educating the community. Mr. Lou Amoruso was present as Chair of the Mansfield Housing Corporation and he stated that he was happy to share that they are working on project as the Town voted to give them a parcel of land. He stated that they are hoping to provide affordable housing on the parcel to one or two families. He commented that affordable today is quite a bit of money. Mr. Trowbridge asked who is looking at it now for engineering and Mr. Amoroso stated that they are looking at surveyors and have avoided him. Mr. Trowbridge offered his services for free once he is done in a couple weeks with the Select Board. Mr. Wilk asked how exactly does it work and Mr. Amoruso explained that there are qualifications someone has to meet to be eligible for affordable housing and then the deed is recorded at the registry, therefore if it is sold the next buyer would also have to meet the eligibility rate at that time for affordable housing. Mr. Jeff Ward came forward as Chair of the Keep Mansfield Beautiful Committee and provided a status on several of the programs they are working on. He began stating that the flower barrels have been placed in the Downtown and the Annual Spring cleanup is scheduled for April 261h. He stated that they are also working to restore the mural project and hope to have an event tied in with the 250t^ Celebration weekend. Mr. Ward then announced that on May 15th Keep Massachusetts Beautiful recognizes community partners and Mansfield DPW will be recognized. He also noted that Subaru is giving ten trees to the Town that will be planted. Mr. Trowbridge commented that the barrels look great in the Downtown and asked if the donated trees could be planted at Fulton Pond. Mr. Michael Healy came forward as the Chair of the Conservation Commission and he stated that they have been in the process of getting the Open Space and Recreation Action draft plan completed and there is also a Hazard Mitigation Plan that is to be completed by September. He stated that they are busy with eleven hearings scheduled for April which includes a land donation. He noted that they have two enforcement orders in place and one has been resolved and the other one now DEP is supporting and taking the lead on it because of its magnitude of what is involved. Mr. Healy then stated that they have established a Mansfield Select Board Meeting Minutes April 16, 2025 High School Trail Stewards program to educate students and teach them about conservation. Mr. Roche asked about a potential tree replacement bylaw as some residents are concerned. Mr. Healy noted that they have an informal policy on tree replacement. He also provided an example that if there is a dead tree next to wetlands that someone wants to take down. They will allow them to cut it down but have them leave it in the wetland because of what life that tree provides to the other things around it. Mr. Wilk read an update from the Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals Darlene Pruitt. Ms. Paula Devine was present as Chair of the Council of Aging and provided an update on what they have been working hard on. She stated that in February 2025 Mansfield was recognized as an Age Friendly Community. She then highlighted several of the programming and educating events for seniors and stated that they are excited about participating in the 2501h parade. Lastly, she thanked everyone for their support including the Friends of the COA. Ms. Doherty gave a shout out to all the members who attended the budget presentations it was the most well attended with the most questions. Mr. Joel Brandwine Chair of the Airport Commission came forward and stated that there is a law suit for an easement in Norton that has been pending for about two years and there is an upset resident in Norton over the tree clearing. Mr. Brandwine on a more positive note stated that they have finished the Master Plan that sets us up for the airport for the next ten to fifteen years. He stated that the runway is slated to be replaced in the spring of 2026 and the FAA and should be covering 95%of the project cost and MassDOT and the Town will each cover 2.5%. He stated that there was an AWOS weather system installed and paid for by MassDot and is used by Boston Med Flight and provides real time data. He then provided a few additional updates including a wildfire hazard plan, camera upgrades and the restaurant located inside the airport. Ms. Doherty asked if he would come to a future Select Board meeting and present the Airports Master Plan. Mr. Michael Feck, Chair of the Planning Board was present and stated that Fall Town meeting approved a number of zoning articles that aided to create some flexibility in existing areas of Town. He stated they were all were approved by the Attorney General with the exception of the ADU's bylaw. The Planning Board is also looking at the starter home districts and may have some articles for Fall Town Meeting. Mr. Scott Feely, Vice Chair of the Finance Committee was present and stated that the Finance Committee participated in the budget info sessions and the Finance Committee is meeting tomorrow night. He then provided some of the agenda items the Finance Committee would be discussing at their next meeting. 3. Presentation of the Organizational Structure Changes by the Keep Mansfield Beautiful Committee Mr. Jeff Ward, Chair came forward and stated that the Committee had put forward a message to the Select Board to increase the size of their Board. Mr. Ward stated that he believes if they had more members they could do more for the community and have more capacity. Mr. Trowbridge asked if they were a Town chartered committee and Mr. Dumas believed they were one of the ad hoc committees. Mr. Trowbridge then asked how many members they have now and Mr. Ward responded they have nine members and wanted to go to eleven members. Mr. Roche asked if this had gone through our previous Town Counsel or the new Counsel. Ms. Doherty stated that it has gone to our new Town Counsel and are waiting to hear back from them. Mr. Roche and Ms. Bren stated that they understood the reasoning behind increasing the membership. Mr. Wilk asked if they will be able to fill the new spots and Mr. Ward responded that he believes they can. 4. Discussion and Consideration of Traffic Light Box Application from Keep Mansfield Beautiful Committee Ms. Pat Colbert came forward and stated that she and Martha O'Connell have been working on this project and are seeking the Select Board's approval of the design. She stated that the traffic light box is located on Select Board Meeting Minutes April 16, 2025 the corner of Hope Street and Pratt Street and the design is of pansies like the flower barrels that are throughout the Downtown. Motion: To approve the traffic light box application from Keep Mansfield Beautiful Committee for the traffic box located at Pratt Street and Hope Street. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 S. Interview and Consider Appointing Jacqueline Curtis to the Board of Library Trustees Ms. Jacqueline Curtis was present and came forward. The Board asked her a series of questions. She stated that she moved here in 1979 and worked at the High School and is now retired. She then stated that she went to the last meeting of the Board of Library Trustees and this is a Board that she understands and the information did not go over her head. She listed some other ways that she has volunteered in the community. She also stated that given the political climate and wants to advocate for the library. Motion: To appoint Jacqueline Curtis to the Board of Library Trustees to an unexpired term that expires on December 31, 2027. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 6. Town Manager's Report ➢ Update on Launch of Sign & Facade Program ➢ Summer 2025-FY2026 DPW Roadway Construction Program ➢ SRPEDD Bicycle Counter Program ➢ Miscellaneous Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report Mr. Dumas began his report stating the Downtown Sign and Facade program has launched and two applications have been received and will be reviewed by the Industrial Development Commission. He then provided an update on the 2025 roadway construction projects. Mr. Dumas then stated that SRPEDD will be doing a bicycle count on the bike path to see what increased usage there is. He stated that there is a Pre - Town Meeting Article Review session at 4pm on Monday, April 28th and it will be recorded and re -broadcast and citizen petitioners were invited to participate. He then stated that the Town staff are working with Dave Fox reviewing of all the data for water and sewer and should be ready for a May Select Board meeting to have the Board vote the water and sewer rate. Mr. Wilk asked if the list of roads being done will be online and Mr. Dumas responded it was already online. Ms. Doherty asked if the list of roadway construction projects has the dates of when the projects will be started and Mr. Dumas answered that information is not yet known. Mr. Roche and Ms. Bren had no questions. Mr. Trowbridge asked if the gas company can be informed about the road projects and have them confirm that they received the information. He understands that gas emergencies happen but they need to make sure the new roads are not torn up. Mr. Dumas stated he would ask Mr. Reinke, DPW Director to take care of that. 7. Public Comment (Per the Select Board Operating Procedures: The Chair may give visitors who are not listed on the agenda an opportunity to speak to the Board during the Public Comments session; however, the Chair may limit their speaking time at the discretion of the Chair.) There were no public comments. 8. Discussion and Consideration to Sign the Annual Town Election Warrant Motion: To approve and sign the Annual Town Election Warrant. (Wilk/Roche) Passes 5:0 9. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Brendan Roche to the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) Mr. Wilk asked if there were any other candidates. Mr. Roche stated he is happy to continue serving. Select Board Meeting Minutes April 16, 2025 Motion: To appoint Brendan Roche to the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 10. Discussion and Consideration of Proclamation and Flag Request for Juneteenth and Pride Month Mr. Roche stated he was the one who brought this request forward and wanted to continue these events to continue the celebration. Motion: To approve the proclamation and flag request for Juneteenth and Pride Month. (Wilk/Bren) Passes 5:0 11. Discussion and Consideration to Support Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles Mr. Wilk asked if they should vote on the ten financial articles or to take a stand on the citizen petitions. Mr. Trowbridge stated that typically the Select Board does not take a position on citizen petitions. Ms. Doherty asked if the new Town Counsel had any opinions on the articles. Mr. Violette responded that they had no new information from what our prior Town Counsel provided already. Mr. Roche did not think the Board should take a position on the citizen petitions. Motion: To support Articles 1-10 of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. (Wi I k/Trowb ridge) Passes 5:0 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 stated that there was nothing new from Saturday's public info session. Mr. Violette stated that the public info sessions were a great opportunity to hear from the community. He then provided a quick summary of the steps of the override. Mr. Roche thanked everyone for the time and effort with the public forums. Ms. Doherty commented that we had about 200 people who attended all of the sessions. 13. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Ms. Bren stated that Park and Rec has tennis sign ups. Ms. Doherty asked Mr. Trowbridge if he wanted to stay on the MFN and he stated that he would through his term which expires in 2027. Mr. Roche and Mr. Wilk had no updates. Ms. Doherty stated that pickleball started. 14. Public Comments (Per the Select Board Operating Procedures: The Chair may give visitors who are not listed on the agenda an opportunity to speak to the Board during the Public Comments session; however, the Chair may limit their speaking time at the discretion of the Chair.) There were no public comments. 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: ➢ March 26, 2025 ➢ April 2, 2025 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: Y Town Vendor Warrant No. 25041T in the amount of $1,050,668.18 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25041E in the amount of $2,375,256.61 Select Board Meeting Minutes April 16, 2025 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25042T in the amount of $1,608,272.06 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25042E in the amount of $155,488.08 ➢ School Vendor Warrant No. 250425 in the amount of $732,205.03 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: ➢ Consideration of Commercial Parking Lot License for Rumford, LLC ➢ Consideration of Commercial Parking Lot License for Foundry Street, LLC D. Proclamations: ➢ Field of Honor Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 16. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2541PT & 2541MT in the amount of $905,007.11 Motion: to approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2541PT & 2541MT in the amount of $905,007.11. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2541TV & 2541MTV in the amount of $292,596.29 Motion: to approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2541TV & 2541MTV in the amount of $292,596.29. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2541PS in the amount of $1,982,611.37 Motion: to approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2541PS in the amount of $1,982,611.37. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 3:0:2 (Trowbridge and Doherty Abstain) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2541SV in the amount of $607,646.04 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2541SV in the amount of $607,646.04. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 17. Correspondence • Letter from Nancy Madonna and Donald Steele • Letter from Anthony Riley • Letter from the Board of Assessors Mr. Wilk read the list of correspondence items. Ms. Doherty asked for the Letter from the Board of Assessors on the next meeting agenda. 18. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Mr. Wilk had no comments or questions. Mr. Roche asked about the Blue Apple Bus trouble with funding through GATRA and he had heard that the only thing that needs to be done is to have GATRA submit a letter to MassDOT. Mr. Dumas responded that he believes there is no funding available in the category and they were up against a time frame of using the funds within the time frame allowed. He stated that they are looking for a different funding source that may be available through the MPO. Ms. Bren, Mr. Trowbridge and Ms. Doherty did not have comments or questions. 19. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. The Chair gave the meeting over to the Vice -Chair for the executive session. 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 2 conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel. Select Board Meeting Minutes April 16, 2025 • Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21, Exemption 3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating 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 2 conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel and pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21, Exemption 3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares at 7:29PM. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Roll Call Vote: Wilk —Yes Trowbridge — Yes Passes 4:0 S' nature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Documents used in meeting: Bren — Yes Roche - Yes Date 1. Proposal of Organizational Structure Changes by the Keep Mansfield Beautiful Committee 2. Application for Traffic Light Box from Keep Mansfield Beautiful Committee 3. Application from Jacqueline Curtis to serve on the Board of Library Trustees 4. Town Election Warrant 5. SRPEDD Appointment form 6. Proclamation for Pride Day and Juneteenth 7. Annual Town Meeting Motions 8. Meeting Minutes of March 26, 2025 and April 2, 2025 9. Commercial Parking Lot Application from Rumford, LLC and Foundry Street, LLC 10. Proclamation for Field of Honor 11. Letter from Nancy Madonna and Donald Steele 12. Letter from Anthony Riley 13. Letter from the Board of Assessors Select Board Meeting Minutes April 16, 2025