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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 05/21/2025Select Board Meeting Minutes May 21, 2025 Present: Mr. Walter Wilk, Chair; Mr. Michael Feck, Vice -Chair, Mr. Kostas Loukos, CI ki fM�, s-, Maureen R, Doherty were present in Meeting Room 3 A/B at Town Hall. Mr. Kevin Dumas, Town Manaa''A ' WFFICF Matthew Violette, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director were also present. BreMn fAchwa5 n t present at the start of the meeting but arrived at 6:31PM. H �' 30 IFLCJ 1. Call To Order. Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance{/ `;r{; C,Ur�Tes Mr. Dumas called the meeting to order at 6:01PM. He then read the broadcast message and as e t $ present to stand for the pledge of allegiance. 2. Reorganization of the Select Board Ms. Doherty stated that she got a text from Mr. Roche stating that he was running late and that at this time he would not be able to take on a leadership role with the Select Board. Mr. Dumas then asked for nominations for Chair of the Select Board. Ms. Doherty nominated Mr. Wilk and that was seconded by Mr. Feck. Mr. Dumas asked for a vote. Motion: Mr. Wilk as Chair of the Select Board. Passes 4:0 Mr. Wilk then asked for nominations for Vice -Chair. Mr. Loukos nominated Mr. Feck. Ms. Doherty seconded. Mr. Wilk then asked for a vote. Motion: Mr. Feck as Vice — Chair of the Select Board. Passes 4:0 Mr. Wilk asked for nominations of Clerk. Ms. Doherty nominated Mr. Loukos and it was seconded by Mr. Feck. Mr. Wilk then asked for a vote. Motion: Mr. Loukos as Clerk of the Select Board. Passes 4:0 3. Enter into Executive Session and Return to Open Session for the following reasons: ➢ Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21, Exemption 2 to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with all non -union personnel ➢ Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21, Exemption 3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with SPEA, USW Steelworkers Supervisory and USW Steelworkers Non -Supervisory if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares Motion: To enter into Executive Session and Return to Open Session for the following reasons Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21, Exemption 2 to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with all non -union personnel and Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21, Exemption 3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with SPEA, USW Steelworkers Supervisory and USW Steelworkers Non - Supervisory if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares at 6:05PM. (Loukos/Feck) Roll Call Vote: M. Feck—Aye K. Loukos—Aye Doherty — Aye Wilk —Aye Passes 4:0 Mr. Roche arrived at 6:31PM. The Board returned from Executive Session at 6:43PM. Select Board Meeting Minutes May 21, 2025 4. Recognition of James Spencer and Officer Sorge for the Willow Street Fire Mr. Wilk read the proclamation from the Select Board to Officer Chris Sorge and then the one for resident James Spencer for their efforts with the Willow Street fire in April. Mr. Spencer was not in attendance however Chief Desrosiers will deliver the proclamation to him. Chief Sellon came forward and thanked Officer Sorge for his efforts every day not just on that one day. Chief Sellon then provided a summary of what occurred and the importance of Officer Sorge's quick response and his attention to duty, Chief Desrosiers then came forward and presented Officer Sorge with a citation and thanked him for his work and commitment to the community. Chief Desrosiers also read the citation he would be presenting to Mr, Spencer, Mr. Roche reiterated what has already been said and thanked them for their heroism and all those that were on site working the fire, Ms. Doherty stated that she stopped by the scene and it was amazing to see them all working and she commented that she appreciates them all. Mr. Feck stated that Mansfield has an amazing public safety department and they work well in the community. Mr. Loukos stated that he has lived here his whole life and they are always able to respond quickly and efficiently and thanked them for their service. Mr. Wilk thanked them and that sees them as an A+team. Mr. Wilk noted that it was not yet 7pm and they would skip to agenda #20-22. S. 7PM Public Hearing in Accordance of M.G.L. Chapter 140 Section 157 for a Dangerous Dog Complaint made by Mansfield Animal Control Officer for a dog owned by Richard Medeiros, 8 Pine Needle Lane Mr. Loukos read the public hearing notice for the record. The Select Board will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. at Town Hall in the Select Board's Meeting Room, 3 A/B, Mansfield, MA, in accordance with MGL, Chapter 140, Section 157 to hear a dog complaint against a dog owned by Richard Medeiros, 8 Pine Needle Lane, Mansfield, MA 02048; to determine whether the dog is nuisance dog or dangerous dog. The Select Board will make the meeting live on Mansfield Cable Access to ensure that interested members of the public can clearly follow the deliberations of the Select Board. Anyone wishing to be heard should appear at the time and place designated. Motion: To open the public hearing at 7:01PM.(Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 The Jennifer Davis, Town Clerk was present and swore in the Animal Control Officer Francesca Maciejko. There were no other members of the public that wanted to speak. Attorney Chis Brown from Town Counsel was also present to ensure the Board follows all the steps procedurally. Mr. Wilk asked Ms. Maciejko to give her account on the two incidents with the dog Vada owned by Mr. Medeiros of 8 Pine Needle Lane on February 13, 2025 and April 13, 2025. She stated that in both incidents the owners did not want to be named and she will be referring to them as "the dog owners". On February 13' the dog Oakley was attacked when he was being walked by a dog walker. This attack resulted in multiple puncture wounds and required a wound drain in his back leg. She stated that wound drains are required for puncture wounds that are three millimeters and when the flesh is torn away from the muscle. She stated that the Vada was quarantined for 10 days. The second incident happened on April 131h when another dog was being walked near the home of Vada when it was attacked and sustained a broken tail and puncture wounds. They did not feel comfortable presenting any vet reports but the dog was seen by an emergency vet. Ms. Maciejko then provided her recommendation to the Board. She stated that she would deem the dog a nuisance dog. She then asked that the owners be ordered to enroll the dog in an obedience training program, be on a six-foot leash when outside the fenced in yard and find a way to secure the front door from being left open. Ms. Maciejko also wanted to note that there have been multiple other aggressive behavior incidences that have occurred however they were only filed anonymously as the dog owners are afraid of retaliation. Mr. Wilk asked if there was anyone else that wanted to speak to which there was no response. Mr. Brown then asked if the Board had any questions for the Animal Control Officer. Mr. Roche asked her if she had any other actions she would want to put in place or if the ones above were sufficient and she responded that she Select Board Meeting Minutes May 21, 2025 is more than comfortable with the three recommendations from above. Ms. Doherty stated that she lives on Darby Drive and Vada walks by her house regularly. She commented that Vada never acknowledges her German Shepard that barks a lot. She also thought that Vada may be trying to protect the kids when she has escaped to the front yard. Mr. Feck asked if the back yard was securely fenced and that the dog has never gotten out of the back yard and Ms. Maciejko responded that the owner of Vada has inspected the back fence to ensure it is secure. Mr. Loukos asked about the front door and her recommendation and Ms. Maciejko stated that there is no screen door and if a screen door was added it would provide another barrier and it would shut behind them automatically. Motion: To close the public hearing at 7:1613M. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 Motion: To declare the dog Vada a nuisance animal. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 5:0 Motion: To order that the dog Vada be enrolled in an approved canine obedience training program, kept on a six-foot leash at all times when outside of a securely fenced area by a person capable of restraining her and for the owners to take corrective actions to ensure that the front door of their residence is securely closed when entering and exiting, preventing Vada from gaining access to the front yard. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 5:0 6. Discussion and Consideration of the Fee Structure with Harrington Heep LLP for Town Counsel Legal Services Attorney Chris Brown from Harrington Heep was present and stated that he signed an agreement with the Town and are billing as an hourly rate. He stated that the previous Chair had asked him to come forward with a flat fee arrangement. He stated that they looked at the prior bills for Town Counsel services to come up with a flat fee of $13,000 per month. Ms. Doherty asked Mr. Violette if he could opine on this as he has reviewed the previous year's legal expenses and how this would compare. Mr. Violette stated that they looked at the total that has been spent on legal services and it has averaged approximately $200,000 and this would be $156,000. Mr. Loukos stated that for the public that the flat fee does exclude special litigation or mediation. Motion: To approve the fee structure of $13,000 a month with Harrington Heep LLP for Town Counsel Legal Services as presented in the packet. (Loukos/Doherty) Motion Amended: To approve the fee structure of $13,000 a month with Harrington Heep LLP for Town Counsel Legal Services as presented in the packet effective July 1, 2026. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 7. Discussion and Consideration of Onboarding Training Process Mr. Chris Brown provided an outline of the onboarding training process which includes state laws, town bylaws, open meeting law, public comment and first amendment issues. He stated that he would need about two to three hours for the complete training. Mr. Wilk suggested a separate night for this training and the Board decided to hold this on June 11, 2025 at 613M. 8. Discussion and Consideration to Approve the Albertini Well PFAS Project Mr. Mike Ahern, Project Manager for DPW was present asking for the Board's approval on the Albertini Well PFAS Project located at 1675 West Street and also includes satellite wells at 311 Plain Street. He stated that the final step in the municipal clearing house process is for the Select Board to approve. He stated that they have the necessary approvals from the Planning Board and Conservation Commission. He then gave a summary of the project and work that will be completed, Mr. Wilk asked if the project was approved at Town Meeting and he stated that it was. Mr. Loukos commented for those people at home that PFAS are forever chemicals that no one wants in their water supply and Mansfield has been ahead of other Towns in upgrading treatment facilities to remove the chemicals. Mr. Feck asked how far ahead Mansfield is in comparison to other communities and Mr. Ahern responded that the Town is leaps and bounds ahead and some are just starting PFAS projects and Mansfield is almost done. Mr. Roche asked if the other committees approved the project and Mr. Ahearn responded that they have. Select Board Meeting Minutes May 21, 2025 Motion: To approve the Albertini Well PFAS Project as presented. (Loukos/Feck) Passes 5:0 9. Water and Sewer Rate Presentation with David Fox of Raftelis Mr. Dumas stated that Mr. Josh Reinke, DPW Director; Mr. Shawn Precourt, Water Operations Manager were present along with Mr. David Fox from Raftelis. Mr. Reinke stated that he meets annually with the Board to review the water and sewer enterprise accounts to avoid big spikes in the rates. He stated that they analyze usage data, targeted retained earnings and capital improvement items. He stated that the Town should be proud that Mansfield will be one of the first communities to deliver water with undetectable levels of PFAS. Mr. Reinke then turned the presentation over to Mr. Fox. Mr. Fox confirmed that Mansfield is leaps and bounds ahead of other communities for PFAS treatment. He stated that Mansfield is proactive and reviewing this data annually. He then gave an overview of the rate study and the financials for the water and sewer enterprise funds. He recommended that the Board approve a six percent increase to water rates and four percent for sewer. The Select Board members asked a few questions. 10. Discussion and Consideration of Fiscal Year 2026 Water and Sewer Rates Motion: To approve a 6%water rate increase effective May 21, 2025. (Loukos/Feck) Passes 5:0 Motion: To approve a 016sewer rate increase effective May 21, 2025. (Loukos/Feck) Passes 5:0 11. Town Manager's Report ➢ FY2026 Municipal ADA Grant ➢ Federal Department of Transportation Grant ➢ State Grant for Improving Pedestrian Safety at Uncontrolled Crossing Locations ➢ May TOD Monthly Memo ➢ Notice of Road Work ➢ Xfinity Center Fiber Repair ➢ Household Hazardous Waste Day ➢ Annual Water Quality Report ➢ Ongoing Hydrant Flushing Notifications ➢ Tarpon Cell Tower Update ➢ Order of Takings — School Street Reconstruction ➢ Miscellaneous Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report Mr. Dumas began his report with a thank you to the 250th Committee for their work on the parade that was Saturday. He stated it was a great event and he then went on to thank Ms. Nancy Griffin in his office for her work on the 2501h Celebration Committee that goes beyond her normal work hours. Mr. Dumas gave an update on grants received by the Town. Mr. Dumas then stated that the Planning Director sent out the monthly TOD memo and he then updated the Board on road work and the fiber repair at the Xfinity Center. He then advised that the Hazardous Waste Day will be on June 211 at Highway on East Street and residents have to register online and if someone needs help registering they should reach out to the Health Department. Mr. Dumas then stated that the Annual Water Quality Report is available on the Town's website and the Water Department has completed the annual hydrant flushing. Mr. Dumas then provided an update on the Tarpon Cell Tower project at the Mansfield Green and the School Street reconstruction project. There were no questions from the Select Board members. Mr. Dumas left the meeting at 8:01PM. 12. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Tobey Lovett to the Keep Mansfield Beautiful Committee Ms. Tobey Lovett was present and stated that she is an occupational therapist and is involved in the Scout Troop 51 and is a member of the Community Garden. She stated that she is interested in climate activism and Select Board Meeting Minutes May 21, 2025 started a Facebook group and one of the members reached out to her. She stated that she attended the committees last meeting and was impressed with all of the the action they do as a committee. Motion: To appoint Tobey Lovett to the Keep Mansfield Beautiful Committee to an unexpired term to expire on December 31, 2027. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 5:0 13. Discussion and Consideration to Designate the Town Moderator as a Special Municipal Employee Mr. D. Austin Horowitz came forward and provided a quick explanation and the state prohibits someone from having more than one job in a Town. He stated that although he does not work for the Town of Mansfield he does work for SRPEDD which is a regional agency and Mansfield is one of their districts. He stated that he believed the Town Moderator position was unpaid and would be exempt however there is a stipend for the position. The other exemption is if the Select Board designates the Town Moderator as a Special Municipal Employee then he can file a discloser. Motion: To designate the Town Moderator as a Special Municipal Employee, (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 14. Discussion of Roland Green School Property Mr. Wilk stated that he asked for this item and wanted to talk about the future use of that building. Mr. Wilk thinks at Town Meeting money should be taken from stabilization to tear down the property. He noted that Mr. Trowbridge thought you could probably get five or six lots and sell those and then put the money back into stabilization. Mr. Loukos thought that was a good idea to have those properties auctioned off. Mr. Feck stated that he thought it could be about three duplex lots and it is a prime location and has utilities available on that street. Mr. Feck noted that there are also other properties that could be auctioned off as well. Ms. Doherty stated that the next move is to declare it as surplus property. She then stated that the building should be completely emptied so that Town is not responsible for the extra costs of getting rid of furniture and playground equipment. Mr. Roche agreed with everything being said and would like to see it as housing of some sort. Ms. Doherty asked if they could get a timeline of the things that have to happen. Mr. Roche asked if it was still with the schools or has it been given to the Town. Ms. Doherty responded that it still is an active school until the end of the fiscal year. Ms. Doherty agreed that an auction should include tax title properties and that a minimum could be set for the properties. 15. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Maureen Doherty to the Mansfield Foxboro Norton Wastewater District Commission Motion: To appoint Maureen Doherty to the Mansfield Foxboro Norton Wastewater District Commission to a three-year term to expire on June 30, 2028. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 5:0 16. 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 comments from the public. 17. 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 they are entering the last month of the fiscal year. He stated that they are on track to reach estimates. He stated that usually by now they have surpassed estimates but they were more aggressive in budgeting. He then stated that he will be looking for three reserve fund transfers from the Finance Committee Reserve fund for fire salaries due to the new contract being signed on June 3011 last year, health insurance retiree increased on January first and that was unanticipated and legal fees. Ms. Doherty asked if those will include her legal fees and Mr. Violette responded they would. Mr. Roche stated that their needs to be a larger discussion on possible revenue streams. Select Board Meeting Minutes May 21, 2025 18. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Mr. Wilk asked for everyone to send him the list of what Boards and Committees they would like to be on. Ms. Doherty stated that she will send Mr. Wilk the draft of list. Ms. Doherty then read an update from the 2501n Celebration Committee. 19. 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 comments from the public. 20. 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: ➢ April 16, 2025 ➢ April 30, 2025 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25046T in the amount of $395,604.02 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25046E in the amount of $221,099.92 ➢ School Vendor Warrant No. 25046S in the amount of $586,869.74 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25047T in the amount of $268,067.75 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25047E in the amount of $52,730.98 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: ➢ Consideration of Special Events Application for Rotary Club of Mansfield ➢ Consideration of Water Installers License for Sratacon, Inc. ➢ Consideration of Special Events Application for Brendon and Tiffany Pelrine D. Proclamations: ➢ None Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 21. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: 1. Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2545PT in the amount of $979,197.94 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2545PT in the amount of $979,197.94. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 2. Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2545TV in the amount of $318,869.71 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2545TV in the amount of $318,869.71. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 3. School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2545PS in the amount of $1,896,590.90 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2545PS in the amount of $1,896,590.90. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 4:0:1(Doherty Abstain) 4. School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2545SV in the amount of $593,842.69 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2545SV in the amount of $593,842.69. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 22. Correspondence ➢ Notices from the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission ➢ Letter from Michael Feck Mr. Loukos read the list of correspondence items. Select Board Meeting Minutes May 21, 2025 Mr. Wilk then went back to the dog hearing agenda #5. 23. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Mr. Roche thanked everyone for the 250th Parade. He stated that he and Mr. Loukos attended the Eagle Court of Honor for Troop 51 and it was inspirational. Ms. Doherty thanked everyone for the support for serving as. Chair and wanted to give a warm welcome to Mr. Feck and Mr. Loukos. She then thanked the 250" Committee for the parade and the DPW for their work to make the Town look top notch. Mr. Loukos commented that he participated in the 250th Parade and it was awesome to see everyone come through and thanked all the volunteers for their work. He stated that he is looking forward to working with all the Select Board members to move the Town forward. 24. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 25. Enter into Executive Session and Not Return to Open Session for the following reason: ➢ Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21, Exemption 6 to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real estate, if the chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body. Motion: To enter into executive session and not return to open session for the following reason Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21, Exemption 6 to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real estate, if the chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body at 8:25PM. (Loukos/Roche) Roll Call Vote: M. Feck—Yes B. Roche —Yes Passes 5:0 Signature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne K. Loukos—Yes Doherty — Yes Wilk — Yes (OW-5 Date Documents used in meeting: 1. Memo and Presentation from Josh Reinke DPW Director and Rafetelis 2. Fee Structure proposal from Harrington Heep LLP 3. Board and Committee Application from Tobey Lovett 4. Dangerous Dog Complaint and Investigation information from Animal Control Officer Francesca Maciejko 5. Request from D. Austin Horowitz to Designate the Town Moderator as a Special Municipal Employee 6. Minutes of April 16, 2025 and April 30, 2025 7. Special Events Application for Rotary Club of Mansfield 8. Water Installers License Application for Sratacon, Inc. 9. Special Events Application for Brendan and Tiffany Pelrine 10. Notices from the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission 11. Letter from Michael Feck Select Board Meeting Minutes May 21, 2025