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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 06/18/2025Select Board Meeting Minutes June 18, 2025 Present: Mr. Walter Wilk, Chair; Mr. Michael Feck, Vice -Chair, Mr. Kostas Loukos, Clerk nn :W i ' Roche and Ms. Maureen R. Doherty were present in Meeting Room 3 A/B at Town Hall. Mr Kevin'DuEZ , Town Manager and Mr. Matthew Violette, Assistant Town Manager/Finance DireG,��� wtr p6o KesfJLl 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting- Pledge of Allegiance LL 71 ; i Mr. Wilk called the meeting to order at 6:0213M. He then read the broadcast message, and'asked, thow present to stand for the pledge of allegiance. 2. Discussion and Consideration of Land Donation on East Street with Katelyn Gonyer Ms. Katelyn Gonyer, Conservation and Environmental Planner was present and stated that the Conservation Commission has received a potential land donation. She stated that the parcel of land is 24 acres and is located off of East Street and it has frontage. She stated that it has been a long time since a parcel this large has been given to the Town. She noted that usually the Conservation Commission likes to receive parcels that are next to existing town parcels but given the large size of this parcel they would like to continue through the procedure to make sure it is a viable parcel. Mr. Roche stated he would like to see this go forward. Ms. Doherty asked if the parcel was an area of critical environmental concern (ACEC) and Ms. Gonyer responded it was and it puts an extra level of evaluation and is a critical habitat to protect. Motion: To accept the land donation on East Street Map 42 Parcel 10 as Town -owned land under the care and control of the Conservation Commission pending the requirements of the Town's Land Donation Procedure.(Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 3. Discussion and Consideration to Sign the LIP-LAU Application for the Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities (EOHLC, formerly DHCD) to Add the Affordable Unit to the Subsidizing Housing Inventory (SHI) for the Spring Street Mill, LLC Property Mr. Dumas stated this is an application for the Spring Street Mill property that has built an additional building. This application is to add to the state's inventory that one of the nine units will be affordable. Motion: To sign the LIP-LAU Application for the Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities (EOHLC, formerly DHCD) to Add the Affordable Unit to the Subsidizing Housing Inventory (SHI) for the Spring Street Mill, LLC Property. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 5:0 Skipped to item #12 followed by #7 4. 6:30PM Public Hearing in Accordance of M.G.L. Chapter 138, Section 15 for a Transfer of All Alcohol Off Premises License for Rang Meladi Inc dba Bristol Liquors, located at 670 East Street Mr. Loukos read the public hearing notice: In accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 138 Section 15, as amended, the Mansfield Select Board will hold a Public Hearing in Meeting Room 3 A/B, Town Hall, Six Park Row, Mansfield, MA, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 6:30PM on the application of Rang Meladi Inc. dba Bristol Liquors, to transfer a license for an All Alcoholic Beverages off premises license, from Jodami Liquors Inc. dba Bristol Liquors, 670 East Street, to Rang Meladi Inc. dba Bristol Liquors. Anyone interested in or wishing to be heard on said application should appear at the date and time specified. Motion: To open the public hearing at 6:31PM. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 Mr. Carl Vieira was present to represent both managers. He stated that they are owners of two other locations for over a decade. He stated that they intend to have the same store hours and the same layout, however there is a pledge of license and pledge of inventory. There were no questions from the Board or members of the public. Select Board Meeting Minutes June 18, 2025 Motion: To close the public hearing at 6:3413M. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 Motion: To approve the transfer of an all alcohol off premises license for Rang Meladi Inc. dba Bristol Liquors and transfer of pledge of license and pledge of inventory to Rockland Trust. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 Mr. Dumas left the meeting at 6:33PM. S. Interview Bryan Haworth and Sreelatha Allam for the Planning Board Mr. Feck recused himself from the interview and appointments. Mr. Haworth and Ms. Allam came forward and introduced themselves to the Board and answered several questions about their interest in the Planning Board, their employment background and any conflicts of interest that could occur. 6. Consideration to Appoint Sreelatha Allam, Bryan Haworth and Ryan Maxwell to the Planning Board (1 vacancy Full Voting member and 1 vacancy for Associate member) The Board discussed the vacancy and it was noted that there is now an additional vacancy for a full voting seat with the resignation of James Turnbull. Motion: To appoint Sreelatha Allam as a full voting member on the Planning Board to a term that expires on December 31, 2029. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 Motion: To appoint Ryan Maxwell as a full voting member on the Planning Board to a term that expires on December 31, 2025. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 Motion: To appoint Bryan Haworth as an associate member on the Planning Board to a term that expires on December 31, 2029. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 7. Town Manager's Report ➢ Town Owned Land Research ➢ Resident Leaf Disposal Research ➢ Grant Updates ➢ Evaluation of Electric Charging Stations ➢ Fulton Pond/Robinson Park Tree Replacement Plan ➢ Miscellaneous Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report Mr. Dumas stated that Mr. Violette is leaving to take a position with the Finance Department of the Schools and his last day will be Friday, July 13th and he is working on a transition plan. Mr. Wilk asked if the plan includes having an interview committee. Mr. Dumas stated that there would be an interview committee like they had when Mr. Violette was hired. Mr. Feck wondered if there was a way to look at everything overall and see if there was an opportunity to consolidate to create more efficiency and a position that works on both the Town and School side. Ms. Doherty commented that it was one of the things the Budget Subcommittee talked about and how some things are regionalized and shared amongst several towns and Human Resources is shared between the Town and Schools. Mr. Wilk commented that this should be a discussion with the Schools. Mr. Roche commented that it would reinforce the one town one budget. Mr. Loukos commented that the Board owes it to the residents to look at this proactively. Mr. Wilk commented that they can keep the position open and receive resumes, but they should talk to School Committee before someone is hired. Mr. Wilk asked when Mr. Dumas was hoping to have the position filled and Mr. Dumas responded the end of July. Ms. Doherty stated that a consultant could be brought in if there were critical items that needed to be done. Select Board Meeting Minutes June 18, 2025 Motion: To have the Chair reach out to the School Committee Chair and discuss a Finance position that supports both the School and Town. (Feck/Roche) Passes 5:0 Mr. Dumas continued his report and updated the Board on Town owned land, grants and tree replacements at Fulton Pond. Mr. Dumas then stated that he researched a resident leaf pick up service that Mr. Roche brought forward. The cost of the program would be about $31,000 to $47,000 and it would have to be considered as part of the Solid Waste Fee. Mr. Roche noted that the resident he spoke with does not have a means to get leaves to Mansfield Green. Ms. Doherty then asked if it were possible to leave the leaf drop off open at Mansfield Green since it is separate from the other part. Mr. Dumas responded that it becomes a security issue and what actually gets dropped off. Mr. Feck agreed that people would take advantage of it and throw materials away. Mr. Dumas also updated the Board on the Stearns Avenue road closure notice that has been hand delivered to residents. Lastly, Mr. Dumas announced that the 250th Celebration Committee received news that the Brass Jazz Band of the US Navy will be preforming during Incorporation Weekend. 8. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint a Select Board member to the Downtown Committee Mr. Loukos noted that his wife is the Finance Committee member on the Downtown Committee so he did not believe he should be appointed. Mr. Roche responded that he was on it previously and was not able to attend any of the meetings. Ms. Doherty volunteered to do the meetings. Motion: To appoint Select Board Member Maureen Doherty to the Downtown Committee. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 5:0 9. Discussion and Consideration of 2025 Non -Profit Gift Fund Recommendations Ms. Doherty stated that it is a good idea to support the 250th Celebration and she was in favor of scenario #1 that gives the full allocation to them. Mr. Roche asked if they are asking the Board to select one of the scenarios. Ms. Doherty confirmed that if they are picking a scenario she would support scenario #1. Mr. Wilk commented that scenario #2 would give the 250th Celebration Committee $30,000 and $10,000 to other non -profits. Motion: To approve scenario #1 of 2025 Non -Profit Gift Fund Recommendations. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 5:0 10. Discussion and Considering to Approve Agreement between the Town of Mansfield and Maureen Doherty Mr. Wilk stated that the agreement is between Maureen Doherty and the Town of Mansfield. The agreement is for the Town to pay for her attorney fees of $18,060. He noted that the Town had adopted a section of Massachusetts General Law in 2007 that requires indemnification for a public official for reasonable legal fees and costs arising out of any claim, suit or demand. Motion: To approve and sign the agreement between the Town of Mansfield and Maureen Doherty. (Roche/Loukos)Passes 5:0 11. Discussion about the Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Replacement, Plan and Timeline, etc. This was discussed as part of the Town Manager report. 12. Discussion and Consideration of Robinson School Improvements to the Drop-off and Parking Configuration Mr. Dumas asked for Ms. Patti Hallgren from the schools to come forward. Mr. Dumas explained that this project is for a new pickup and drop off area for the Robinson School with the pre-school program moving there. He stated that the Planning Board has approved the project and the Select Board's approval is needed as part of the clearing house process. Ms. Doherty asked if the fire department was involved. Mr. Select Board Meeting Minutes June 18, 2025 Dumas responded that the police department was but the project does not change the fire lane. Mr. Wilk asked if the work was being done over the summer and if they got quotes already and Ms. Hallgren stated that it would be done over the summer and they have quotes. Motion: To approve the Robinson School Improvements to the Drop-off and Parking Configuration as presented. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 13. 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.) Ms. Dana Hourigan of 15 Evans Circle came forward and asked why Mr. Dumas left meeting. Mr. Wilk responded that he was working on a project. Ms. Hourigan asked if that was normal and Mr. Wilk responded that he was not needed for anything else in the meeting. Ms. Hourigan then read a statement to the Board about the allegations Kevin Dumas made against Maureen Doherty that were not sustained. She stated her concerns about the costs of legal bills for special counsel and the delays with the matter. She suggested the Board release Mr. Dumas from his contract and restore the integrity of the Town. 14. 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 the Finance Committee has their final meeting of the fiscal year next week and he will need three reserve fund transfers for firefighter's contract increase, environmental work for Roland Green and legal bills. Mr. Violette then noted that for Fiscal Year 2027 there will be a starting deficit of $5.5M. He stated that items that are the biggest drivers will be trash and school bus contracts, special education costs and health insurance. Mr. Roche asked what percent he was using for a health insurance increase for next year and Mr. Violette responded fifteen percent. Mr. Wilk asked Mr. Violette to have Mr. Dumas add the item of changing the insurance for new employees and the percentage split between the Town and retirees. Ms. Doherty asked if the Select Board would need to take a vote to have a 60/40 split for those employees retiring after July 1, 2026 for example. Mr. Wilk asked if that would need to be negotiated and Mr. Violette said he would need to ask Labor Counsel. Ms. Doherty stated that Sharon has a 60/40 split and Mr. Violette stated that Mansfield retirees have a 75/25 split, and every community is different. Mr. Loukos asked if the Board could get a comparison of all the surrounding communities and what the split is. Mr. Roche asked for a status update on the three new restaurants coming to Town. Mr. Feck commented that Burton's at Mansfield Crossing started construction and Ms. Champagne advised that they have applied for an alcohol license. Ms. Doherty stated that Alba on Reservoir Street was not moving forward. Mr. Violette stated that he would get an update on the restaurant going on North Main Street at the old Fire Station. 15. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Mr. Feck stated that he had nothing new but the item he discussed last time of the 40Y housing would be on the July 301h Select Board agenda. Ms. Doherty commented that she wanted to applaud the Planning Board and hopes that the Select Board can mirror their engagement in the community. She stated that she attended the Elks breakfast for the seniors and thanked them for hosting this event. She stated that she also attended the Firefighters Memorial Sunday on South Common. Mr. Roche also commented that since the Planning Board had the Master Plan Committee there has been a lot of great work especially with the addition of Sarah Raposa. 16. 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.) Select Board Meeting Minutes June 18, 2025 Ms. Sandra Levine of 20 Walnut Street came forward and stated that she wanted to give a personal thank you to Mr. Violette. She stated that the School is the winner on this and the Town is the loser. He is professional and the one who stays through the end of the meeting and has had to take the Town Managers spot in meetings at the last moment. She stated that he has earned peoples trust and he has earned every penny of his salary. 17. 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: ➢ May 21, 2025 ➢ June 4, 2025 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25050T in the amount of $1,934,533.00 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25050E in the amount of $117,840.54 ➢ School Vendor Warrant No. 25050S in the amount of $707,203.84 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25051T in the amount of $1,487,782.11 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25051E in the amount of $128,612.47 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25051TL in the amount of $29,105.00 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: ➢ Consideration of Banner Application from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) ➢ Consideration of Banner Application from Keep Mansfield Beautiful ➢ Consideration of Special Events Application from Mansfield Girls Softball D. Proclamations: ➢ None Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 4:0:1 (Maureen Abstained from 25051TL) 18. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: ➢ Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2549PT & 2547VT in the amount of $1,334,825.57 Motion: To approve Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2549PT & 2547VT in the amount of $1,334,825.57. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 ➢ Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2549TV in the amount of $474,776.37 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2549TV in the amount of $474,776.37. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 ➢ School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2549PS, 2547MS, 2547VS & 2549XS in the amount of $2,478,258.50 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2549PS, 2547MS, 2547VS & 2549XS in the amount of $2,478,258.50. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 4:0:1 (Doherty Abstained) ➢ School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2549SV in the amount of $762,084.54 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2549SV in the amount of $762,084.54. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 19. Correspondence ➢ Letter from Xfinity ➢ Email from Nicholi McLaughlin ➢ Letter from James Turnbull ➢ Email from Dana Hourigan Mr. Loukos read the list of correspondence items. Select Board Meeting Minutes June 18, 2025 20. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Ms. Doherty asked if a thank you letter to James Turnbull for his time on the Planning Board. Mr. Roche commented that Ms. Doherty was being awarded the Commonwealth Heroine Award and she was nominated by Representative Chaisson. The Select Board congratulated her on receiving this award. Ms. Doherty asked if on the next agenda the Board could talk about Lorilee Fish and how the Board could honor her. Ms. Doherty stated that Ms. Fish began the Fishing Derby and Duck Race and had brought a lot of programming to the Recreation Department for the Town. 21. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 22. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the June 18, 2025 Select Board Meeting at 7:2513M. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 5:0 Signature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Documents used in meeting: 1. 2025 Non -Profit Gift Fund Recommendations -7 Date 2. Land Donation Recommendation from Katelyn Gonyer 3. Email from Heidi Correia, Delphic Associations LLC for LIP-LAU Application for Spring Street Mill, LLC 4. Application from Rang Meladi Inc dba Bristol Liquors, located at 670 East Street for Transfer of an Alcohol License 5. Agreement between the Town of Mansfield and Maureen Doherty 6. Recommendation from Planning Board for Robinson School Improvements to the Drop-off and Parking Configuration 7. Meeting Minutes of May 21, 2025and June 4, 2025 8. Board/Committee Applications from Sreelatha Allam, Bryan Haworth and Ryan Maxwell 9. Letter from Xfinity 10. Email from Nicholi McLaughlin 11. Letter from James Turnbull 12. Email from Dana Hourigan 13. Banner Application from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) 14. Banner Application from Keep Mansfield Beautiful 15. Special Events Application from Mansfield Girls Softball Select Board Meeting Minutes June 18, 2025