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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 05/07/2025Select Board Meeting Minutes May 7, 2025 Present: Ms. Maureen R. Doherty, Chair; Mr. Brendan Roche, Vice -Chair; Mr. Waita� �lMeiana g p g i:A �hhH II1 Bren and Mr. Michael A. Trowbridge Sr. were resent in Meeting Room 3 A B abTJo r. Matthew Violette, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director was also present. Mr. Bre r t�ciiitl�r✓agnq.p24ent at the start of the meeting but arrived at 6:12PM. Mr. Kevin Dumas, Town Mana� was not present. j ,vsFIEID 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance ({l l ;ET T S Ms. Maureen Doherty, Chair called the meeting to order at 6:04PM. 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. Ms. Doherty read an update from the 25011 Celebration Committee and announced all the items that the committee has for sale to fundraise and also invited everyone to attend the grand parade on May 17In 2. Recognition of Select Board Members Michael A. Trowbridge, Sr. and Ms. Diana Bren Ms. Doherty then began by recognizing Mr. Michael A. Trowbridge, Sr. for his nine years on the Select Board and Ms. Diana Bren for her three years of service and thanked them for their time and commitment to Mansfield. Representative Adam Scanlon, Representative Michael Chaisson, and Representative Ted Philips were present along with Senator Paul Feeney. Representative Scanlon spoke first thanking them for their years of service and then read a proclamation from the House of Representatives. Representative Philips then spoke and thanked them for their public service and noted how difficult it can be to be an elected official. Representative Chaisson echoed what many have said already and as a new Representative he has not had that much time to work with them but appreciates their service to Mansfield. Senator Feeney spoke about how difficult it can be to work in government and noted that the local level of government is the most difficult level. He thanked them for their service and for being leaders in the community. Senator Feeney then read a citation from the Senate for each of them. Mr. Joseph Sollecito was present from Mansfield Municipal Electric Department and he presented both of them with a plaque and thanked them for their service as Light Commissioners and recognized the many hours that they volunteer to serve the community. Mr. Wilk thanked Mr. Trowbridge and Ms. Bren for their service and stated that it had been great working with them over the past year. Mr. Roche thanked Mr. Trowbridge for his time served and his guidance and Ms. Bren for her service and colleague in the many capacities that they served together on including the Planning Board and Master Plan Committee. Ms. Bren read a poem that she had written for Mr. Trowbridge. Mr. Trowbridge then read some words of thanks for employees of the Town, his colleagues and his family. Ms. Bren then took a few moments to thank everyone for their support. Ms. Doherty then provided plaques to both Ms. Bren and Mr. Trowbridge. Ms. Molly Trowbridge came forward and thanked her father and shared a few words to thank Mansfield who has given them so much. Mr. Mark Lannigan from Senator Ed Markey's office was present virtually and shared words of thanks to Ms. Bren and Mr. Trowbridge and that citations will be sent in the mail. Mr. Jess Aptowitz from the "Retired Select Board Club of Mansfield" welcomed them to the group and stated that he was lucky to serve with both of them. He thanked them for their service to the Town and shared that the job is 24/7 and it is not just showing up to a meeting on a Wednesday night. The Board took a recess at 6:39PM. The Board returned at 6:48PM and Ms. Doherty skipped to agenda #4. 3. Discussion with the Mansfield State Delegation Ms. Dana Hansen was present representing Congressmen Auchincloss and took a moment to thank Ms. Bren and Mr. Trowbridge for their service. She stated that the Congressmen started as a city counselor and municipal governance is near and dear to his heart. She then provided an update in regards to the Federal Government stating that there is a lot going on, but there is not a lot of information and there is a lot of Select Board Meeting Minutes May 7, 2025 uncertainty. The Congressmen is aware of issues that could affect communities and they stay connected with Mansfield with the monthly meetings. She did share that the Department of Transportation awarded Mansfield a grant for $75,000 grant for the municipal airport and that will be sent to Mr. Dumas. Representative Scanlon then stated that the House of Representatives just finished the debate on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. He stated that they have continued to fund Community College and have level funded Unrestricted General Government Aid. He stated they are aware that funding is important for GATRA and special education and then noted that revenue is continuing to meet benchmarks. He also thanked the Town Managers office and the Chair for staying connected. Senator Feeney stated that the budget is like a baseball game and currently they are in the sixth inning of a nine -inning game. He stated that there is very little in discretionary spending and the budget drivers are health care and debt service. He stated that the delegation is well positioned for the Town of Mansfield and they are at the table for a lot of different conversations because of the committees they are sitting on. Senator Feeney was then happy to share that the Mansfield rest area on Route 95 is being demolished and the State is going to build a new building with bathrooms. He stated that Congressmen Auchincloss has been working hard to make this happen and MassDOT is committed to making it look good. He stated that April numbers exceeded estimates and it is mainly from capital gains but noted that there is volatility throughout the country and a lot of uncertainty. He was extremely concerned about the potential cuts to Medicaid. Representative Chaisson stated that there was not much else to say than what has already been said but commented that the cost per pupil increasing to $150 per student is good progress and will help towns. Representative Phillips commented that he wanted to echo what has been said and they have sent a maintain level services budget and not sure what will happen when the federal budget comes out. Mr. Trowbridge thanked them for their work and was happy to hear about the rest area. Ms. Bren thanked them for being here and the time spent for Mansfield and the partnership amongst the members is great. Ms. Doherty commented that she appreciated their responsiveness to Mansfield. She then asked if there was an update on the Blue Apple Bus funding. Representative Chaisson responded that they are working on it and keep looking for funding opportunities because it is a great service and brings value for the community. Senator Feeney stated that he is going to bring it forward on the Senate side to see if they can get funding for it. Mr. Roche asked Ms. Hansen if she would keep the Town updated on grants given all the uncertainties and she responded that they would. She added that Congressman Auchincloss is on the Energy and Commerce Committee, the Health Subcommittee, the Climate Subcommittee and he has hosted many Town Hall sessions and is keeping the communication lines open. Mr. Wilk asked why there can not be a gas station on Route 95. Senator Feeney responded that it goes back to the 1960's preemption that you can not privatize a rest area unless it has been grandfathered and there are toll roads that are exempt. Mr. Wilk then asked if there was borrowing done to balance the State's budget and Senator Feeney responded there is not. Mr. Wilk then asked about the transmission fee on the Eversource bills and is there anything being done to contain that. Representative Phillips responded that across all districts they have heard from people and have gone to the Department of Public Utilities and are looking for ways to help and there may be a cap on the fee. 4. 6:30PM Public Hearing in Accordance of M.G.L. Chapter 138, Section 12 for a New All Alcohol On Premises License for Tang Sz Corp dba Cheng Du Restaurant, located at 249 North Main Street Mr. Wilk read the public hearing notice for the record. Motion: To open the public hearing at 6:48PM. (Wilk/Roche) Passes 5:0 Ms. Jennifer Allen was present as the attorney for her clients Ms. Melissa Tang and Ms. Chieh Tang. She stated that at the request of the ABCC the transfer that they applied for was not approved due to missing information in the record. The ABCC has asked that they apply as a new license so that there is a clean file for both the Town and for the State. There were no questions from the Select Board. Ms. Doherty then asked if there were any members from the public that had questions or comments but there were none. Select Board Meeting Minutes May 7, 2025 Motion: To close the public hearing 6:5113M. (Trowbridge/Roche) Passes 5:0 Motion: To approve the new all alcohol on premises license for Tang Sz Corp dba Cheng Du Restaurant. (Wilk/Roche) Passes 5:0 5. Discussion with Parks and Recreation and Mansfield Youth Lacrosse Vice President Tim Burgess about Availability of Facilities for Youth Sports Ms. Doherty then asked for everyone to introduce themselves. Ms. Sherri Gurnon and Ms. Mary Seliner from the Parks and Recreation Department were present along with the members of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Ms. Ashley Smith was present from Mansfield Youth Lacrosse and stated that their program has been growing over the past few years and it is increasingly difficult to get field space. She was here tonight to ask what they can do to partner with the Town and Parks and Rec to get field space to help the program grow. Ms. Sherri Gurnon provided the information about the facility and field permitting process. Ms. Gurnon also clarified that they have no jurisdiction over the use of the school fields. Mr. Roche asked for clarification as to what the question is from Mansfield Lacrosse. Ms. Smith responded that Mansfield Lacrosse is looking for a dedicated field space for lacrosse. Ms. Gurnon asked Mr. Ahern to come forward to speak about the license agreement the Town has with Mansfield Youth Soccer (MYS). Mr. Ahern stated that MYS came forward with a large contribution to make improvements to fields and they are currently working on another agreement with them. Mr. Ahern stated that there is more space available at Plymouth Street and the Town is interested in working with an organization that wants to do a capital project. 6. Town Manager's Report ➢ Willow Street Fire Acknowledgements ➢ Town Counsel Transition ➢ MBTA Compliance ➢ Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) ➢ Town of Mansfield Mandatory Water Restrictions May V-September 30'h ➢ Town Labor Counsel Update ➢ Miscellaneous Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report Mr. Violette provided the Town Manager's report on the items listed above. 7. Interview and Consideration to Appoint Lori DeTrolio to the WWII Scholarship Fund Committee (1 Vacancy) Ms. DeTrolio was not present and Ms. Champagne stated that she will follow up with her tomorrow. 8. Consideration to Appoint Joseph O'Malley to the Zoning Board of Appeals (1 Vacancy) Ms. Doherty stated that he was interviewed previously and was not appointed but there is now a vacancy as one of the ZBA members works for the new Town Counsel, Harrington Heep and had to resign. Motion: To appoint Joseph O'Malley to the Zoning Board of Appeals for an unexpired term to expire on December 31, 2026. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 9. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Kevin Dumas to the Joint Transportation Planning Group (JTPG) and Josh Reinke as the Alternate Motion: To Appoint Kevin Dumas to the Joint Transportation Planning Group (JTPG) and Josh Reinke as the Alternate. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 10. Public Comment There were no comments or questions from the public. Select Board Meeting Minutes May 7, 2025 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 last week at Town Meeting a balanced budget was passed. 12. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Mr. Trowbridge congratulated Caroline Dalton for her Eagle Court of Honor that was held on Sunday. Ms. Bren reminded everyone to keep up to date with Parks and Rec and sign up for summer camp. 13. Public Comments There were no comments or questions from the public. 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: ➢ December 19, 2024 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: Y Town Vendor Warrant No. 25043T in the amount of $364,637.65 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25043E in the amount of $158,904.89 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25042TL in the amount of $9,576.25 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25044T in the amount of $263,118.31 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25044E in the amount of $26,367.98 ➢ School Vendor Warrant No. 25044S in the amount of $171,093.34 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25045T in the amount of $3,866,059.45 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25045E in the amount of $1,940,934.95 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: ➢ Consideration of Water Installers License for CFGS LLC ➢ Consideration of Special Events Application for Mansfield Animal Shelter Friends ➢ Consideration of Banner Application for Mansfield Animal Shelter Friends ➢ Consideration of Special Events Application for Family Fun Night ➢ Consideration of Banner Application for Family Fun Night ➢ Consideration of Additional Date for Spring Craft Fair D. Proclamations: ➢ Eagle Scout Aldan Coleman ➢ Eagle Scout Christopher Deckett ➢ Eagle Scout Elizabth Deckett ➢ Eagle Scout Owen Kobs Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Wilk/Roche) Passes 5:0 15. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: ➢ Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2543PTin the amount of $907,840.14 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2543PTin the amount of $907,840.14. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 ➢ Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2543TV in the amount of $305,057.25 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2543TV in the amount of $305,057.25. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 ➢ School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2543PS in the amount of $2,008,539.06 Select Board Meeting Minutes May 7, 2025 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2543PS in the amount of $2,008,539.06. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 3:0:2 (Doherty and Trowbridge Abstain) ➢ School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2543SV in the amount of $613,713.01 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2543SV in the amount of $613,713.01. (Wilk/Trowbridge) Passes 5:0 16. Correspondence ➢ Notice of Suspensions from The Alcohol Beverages Control Commission ➢ Letter from Xfinity ➢ Letter from TEC Associates Mr. Wilk read the list of correspondence items. 17. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Mr. Trowbridge thanked the Board and everyone who came tonight. Ms. Bren thanked everyone for coming and everyone at Town Hall and the Board. Ms. Doherty thanked DPW and stated that they are out everywhere and they are short three people right now and are getting ready for the 250th Celebration. She then stated that the Field of Honor opening ceremony is Sunday at 10AM. Mr. Roche thanked Mr. Trowbridge and Ms. Bren for everything. Mr. Wilk thanked Mr. Trowbridge for all the years working together and wished he could have worked with Ms. Bren longer. 18. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 19. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the Select Board meeting of May 7, 2025 at 8:1313M. (Trowbridge/Bren) Passes 5:0 b Ly Ake Signature Date Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Documents used in meeting: 1. Application for New All Alcohol License for Tang Sz Corp dba Cheng Du 2. Letter from Tim Burgess from Mansfield Youth Lacrosse 3. Application to Serve on a Board/Committee from Lori DeTrolio and Joseph O'Malley 4. Appointment Sheet for Joint Transportation Planning Group (1TPG) 5. Meeting Minutes of December 19, 2024 6. Application for Water Installers License for CFGS LLC 7. Special Events Application for Mansfield Animal Shelter Friends and Downtown Business Association 8. Banner Application for Mansfield Animal Shelter Friends and Downtown Business Association 9. Email Request from Christina Wendland for Additional Date for Spring Craft Fair 10. Eagle Scout Certificates for Aldan Coleman, Christopher Deckett, Elizabth Deckett and Owen Kobs 11. Notice of Suspensions from The Alcohol Beverages Control Commission 12. Letter from Xfinity 13. Letter from TEC Associates Select Board Meeting Minutes May 7, 2025