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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 07/09/2025Select Board Meeting Minutes July 9, 2025 Present: Mr. Walter Wilk, Chair; Mr. Michael Feck, Vice -Chair, Mr. Kostas Loukos, Clerk and MsF{�IgnI�R. Doherty were present in Meeting Room 3 A/B at Town Hall. Mr. Matthew Violette, Assist8tlV 1 MN' RI(S OFFICE Manager/Finance Director was also present. Not Present: Mr. Brendan Roche and Mr. Kevin Dumas, Town Manager 2025 JUL 31 A 9' 5b 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance :I; , J;4Iill 1;; IS [ TT q Mr. Wilk called the meeting to order at 6:02PM. He then read the broadcast message and asked those present to stand for the pledge of allegiance. 2. Discussion of Memorial Park with Craig Regnier Mr. Craig Regnier of 14 King Arthur Way came forward and stated that he was the President of Mansfield Youth Football and Cheer and he noted that there are about 280 kids in their program. He stated that over the last few years he has been hearing from parents about improvements that are needed for Memorial Park. He said he wanted to be able to discuss the park and where it is going and what the Town is planning to keep the park current. He stated that he is thankful for DPW and Recreation for the work they do. He stated that the most concerning items are the bathrooms, the bleachers and the storage facilities. Mr. Regnier stated he was not sure who to reach out to so he sent the email to the Select Board and is looking for some feedback on the process and where to start. Ms. Sherri Gurnon, Mr. Josh Reinke and Mr. Mike Ahern were present and introduced themselves. Mr. Ahern stated that in the summer of 2022 the Town began with a Master Plan for improvements at Memorial Park and the Select Board established a working group of people from several Town Departments, Committee/Board members and residents. CBA Landscape was contracted with and the final report is being worked on and part of the delay is waiting for the Open Space and Recreation plan to be done. Mr. Ahern then went through some of the highlights of suggested improvements. He stated that there are four phases of the project and have a cost estimate of $25M. Mr. Wilk asked when the final report would be ready. Mr. Ahern responded it should be complete within the next 8 weeks. Ms. Doherty asked if there were possible to have partnerships with sports organizations that use the fields. Mr. Feck commented that maybe there are some minor improvements that could be made and knows that some of the other towns have great facilities compared to Mansfield. Mr. Wilk commented that fundraising can be a heavy lift but in four or five years you could raise enough to help fund some smaller projects like the bleachers. Mr. Loukos stated that it is going to be hard to find grant opportunities with the federal and state cuts. Mr. Wilk then skipped to item number eleven to discuss Lorilee Fish while Ms. Gurnon from Recreation was present. 3. Discussion of Mansfield Green —led by Chair Walter Wilk Mr. Wilk stated that the Budget Subcommittee met many times and he believed by January there was a list of cuts that were going to made should the override fail and Mansfield Green was on that list. He stated that the committee felt that it was important to lay out specifically what the cuts would be and the cuts were also items that were considered to be the least impactful to the residents. They also cut positions that were already vacant. He stated that voters voted it down at Town Meeting and then at the ballot. Mr. Wilk paused the discussion and skipped to the public hearing for agenda number seven. Mr. Loukos commented that he had countless residents reach out to him and thought it warranted a second discussion because some people did not realize the Mansfield Green hours were being impacted by the override. Ms. Doherty commented that she was hearing the same information and they understand that cuts have to be made and one of the questions posed was could the Town open just the green area so people Select Board Meeting Minutes July 9, 2025 could dispose of yard waste. Mr. Ahern responded that people dump asphalt, building debris and car batteries in that area when it is left unattended. He stated that maybe in the fall it could be considered to add a few hours for the collection of leaves. Mr. Loukos asked if they could put up cameras and issue fines. Mr. Wilk commented that he voted for the override and this is the result of not passing override. He stated that the Town was told what was being cut and if the Board were to go back and change it the members would lose credibility. He understands that it is difficult but it is what was voted. He stated that if it is something that should get added back next year we put it on the table to discuss verses changing mid-term. Mr. Feck commented that the reduction of hours at Mansfield Green was said at every budget meeting and a camera is not going to deter people to not dump things they shouldn't. Ms. Doherty stated that she did not vote for the override this year because she knew that it would not be supported two years in a row and next year is going to be worse. Mr. Wilk stated that maybe at Fall Town Meeting money from free cash could be used to fund a few extra days for leaf collection. 4. Town Manager's Report ➢ Moody's Bond Rating ➢ FY2025 Revenue Projections and Results ➢ Phase 2 Route 106 — Parkway Connector Traffic Study and Analysis ➢ Change of Building Cleaning Services Effective July 1, 2025 ➢ Chapter 90 DPW Roadway Infrastructure Funds ➢ GoGoGrandparent ➢ FY2026 and FY2027 Zero Percent Rate Lock for Property and Casualty and Excess Workers Compensation Insurance ➢ Miscellaneous Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report Mr. Violette provided the Town Manager's report as the Town Manager was on vacation. Mr. Violette stated that the Town's bond rating is AA2 and he stated that the Town met its revenue projections for FY2025. He then stated that the Phase 2 Route 106 Parkway Connector is almost ready with its final design. Mr. Violette that as part of building cleaning services were reduced across all buildings. The next item that Mr. Violette noted was the GoGoGrandparent which is an Uber like service for seniors that is available through the COA and a grant. Mr. Violette then stated that the Town was able to get a zero percent lock rate for property and casualty and excess workers comp insurances for two years. Mr. Loukos thanked Mr. Violette for his work and am glad he is still working in the Town on the Schools side. Ms. Doherty has had numerous people that work in the Schools say that they are glad Mr. Violette is going to be working for the Schools. Mr. Wilk asked if the zero percent lock rate is tied to a loss ratio and Mr. Violette stated he would find out. Mr. Wilk then thanked him and commented how great it has been working with him. 5. 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.) Mr. Scott Feely commended the Board for sticking to their guns on the Mansfield Green. He stated that it was clear what was going away when the override didn't pass. 6. Interview and Consideration to Appoint Jeff Paten to the Open Space and Recreation Committee Mr. Jeff Paten was present and the Select Board asked him a few questions about himself, his education and work experience. Mr. Paten stated that he is in bio-engineering and is an outdoor enthusiast and he has hiked most of the northern half of the Appalachian Trail. He stated that he was on the Conservation Commission from 2021-2023 and he had to resign, but he is no longer working in Cambridge so he has availability again to attend meetings. He noted that he also has been a teacher at Harvard for three years. Ms. Doherty asked if his skills could help with grant writing because she read in his application that he has written proposals for funding. Mr. Paten responded that he could help with grant writing. Select Board Meeting Minutes July 9, 2025 Motion: To appoint Jeff Paten to the Open Space and Recreation Committee to an unexpired term that expires on December 31, 2027. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 7. 6:30PM Public Hearing in Accordance of M.G.L. Chapter 138, Section 12 for a New All Alcohol On Premises, Common Victualler and Entertainment Licenses for Burtons Grill of Mansfield, LLC dba Burtons Grill & Bar, located at 280 School Street Mr. Loukos read the public hearing notice for the record: In accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 138 Section 12 as amended the Mansfield Select Board will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 6:30PM on the application of Burtons Grill of Mansfield, LLC dba Burtons Grill & Bar, Frank Parzych, Manager, for a new Annual All Alcohol On -Premises Common Victualler license to be located at 280 School Street. 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 6:30PM. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 4:0 Attorney Miller was present representing the applicant Burtons Bar and Grill and with him was Mr. Frank Parzych the proposed manager of record for the Mansfield location. He stated that the proposed location is the former site of TGI Fridays at Mansfield Crossing. Mr. Miller stated that Burtons has operated for 20 years and is expanding, they have a wide menu and the goal to provide an exceptional service. He described the premises and noted that they are adding an outdoor patio space. He then stated that the manager, Mr. Parzych has been with Burtons for twenty years and is familiar with the rules of the Select Board and the ABCC. Mr. Feck commented that he thinks they will be a great addition to Mansfield. Ms. Doherty asked when they are hoping to open and Mr. Parzych responded November 181h. Mr. Wilk asked if there were any members of the public with comments or questions and there were none in person or online. Motion: To close the public hearing at 6:35PM. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 4:0 Motion: To approve the Common Victualler, Entertainment and All Alcohol License for Burtons Grill of Mansfield, LLC dba Burtons Grill and Bar. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 4:0 Mr. Wilk then returned to the Mansfield Green discussion above, agenda item number three. 8. Discussion of Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Consultant —led by Chair Waiter Wilk Mr. Wilk stated that they have not solidified the process of interviewing but there will be a committee that interviews the applicants. Mr. Violette stated that Mr. Barry LaCasse the former Assistant Town Manager/ Finance Director will temporarily come back as a consultant. Mr. Loukos asked how many applications have come in. Mr. Violette responded that there were 14 or 15 applicants. Mr. Loukos then asked what the cost was for Mr. LaCasse and Mr. Violette responded $150 per hour and the amount is not to exceed $26,400. Ms. Doherty asked if this was full time and Mr. Violette stated it is four-hour days, Monday through Thursday, he added that two of the days will be remote. Mr. Wilk stated that hopefully the position will be filled by the end September. 9. Discussion on Retiree Health Insurance Split Ms. Doherty stated that at the Budget Sub Committee meetings, public forum meetings and then at Town Meeting people suggested looking at the retiree split for health insurance and this is the first conversation of the Select Board to talk about it. Ms. Doherty stated that there is an email from Sandy Larosee who is the former Treasurer and is now the President of the Retirees Association and she had concerns over any changes that would have an impact on the people who are retired and are on a very fixed income and it could be extremely harmful to those that retired many years ago at a lower salary. Mr. Wilk asked what the split is and Ms. Doherty stated that the Town pays 75%and the retired employee pays 25%. Mr. Loukos do not think it will be fair to change the split for retirees who have been retired for many years. Ms. Doherty asked Mr. Evan Select Board Meeting Minutes July 9, 2025 Benson to come forward and share about a state law that he discovered. Mr. Benson came forward and stated that they did not find out about this agenda item until yesterday at 4pm and understands that this is just a discussion but they were concerned because this came about over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Mr. Wilk stated that this is just a discussion and there will be many budget cut ideas talked about over the next several months and there is no conspiracy theory. Mr. Wilk stated that the Board is trying to look at every possible item and to be thorough. Mr. Benson stated that the concern is how would the change affect the budget issues for FY26 and FY27 when there are more major concerns. Mr. Wilk stated that the impact would be long term and gave the example of the stabilization fund that started out with zero dollars and over ten to fifteen years of putting a little money in each year it has grown to $5-6M. Mr. Wilk asked how Mr. Benson thought about the change only affecting new employees that are not hired yet and those new employees would know the retirement insurance split was 50/50. Mr. Benson responded that paramedics are in demand and only some of them have a vested interest in the Town and benefits are important and it could sway someone to go work for another community. Mr. Wilk asked Mr. Benson what he would do if he were on the Select Board and Mr. Benson stated that he is a numbers guy and he would look at items that have effect in the short term and do a long-term analysis. Ms. Doherty stated that Mr. Benson brought up a point that she was unaware of that the Schools have to take their own vote for the insurance split and she wanted to recommend that it be the same for the Schools and the Town. Ms. Doherty asked Mr. Violette if he was aware of that state law and he stated that he believed they have to be the same unless it is a regional school district. Mr. Loukos commented that he is glad to see so many people in audience and government works better when people participate. Mr. Steve Copparini from DPW came forward and stated he was the union representative for highway, water and waste water and stated that Mr. Benson touched on everything he was going to say. He noted that in 2011 they negotiated and benefits are different for current employees than those hired after 2011. He stated that many of the employees in his union were 5-8 years away from retirement and planning starts now so it is important to have that information. Lastly, he stated that he appreciates the transparency. Mr. Loukos commented that on the horizon there are going to be adjustments to Medicare coming from the Federal Government and it may be even worse for retirees. 10. Discussion of Select Board Correspondence Mr. Wilk stated that he spoke with counsel about reading or not reading correspondence and Counsel would like to attend a meeting in September and discuss the pros and cons. 11. Discussion of Honoring Lorilee Fish Ms. Doherty stated that Nancy Antonucci reached out to her about the Select Board recognizing Lorilee Fish who passed away. Ms. Doherty stated that Ms. Fish was someone who was devoted to the Town of Mansfield and she began her career working in the Recreation Department. Ms. Fish brought the Fishing Derby and Duck Race events to the Town. Ms. Doherty thought maybe the footbridge that goes over those Rumford Pond and Robinson Park could be named after her. Mr. Reinke stated that the bridge is aging and they may be replacing it with a culvert however there could be a possibility of having something built into the structure to recognize her. Ms. Doherty stated that there may be an opportunity through the Non -Profit Gift Fund to fund the project. Ms. Doherty thought the item could be scheduled for a September meeting with Recreation and DPW to discuss further. Mr. Loukos and Mr. Feck thought that was a good idea. Mr. Wilk went back to Mansfield Green agenda number three. 12. Update on Policies and Procedures 13. 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. Ms. Doherty asked about year end and Mr. Violette stated that they still have an FY2025 warrant so he does not have final numbers. He noted that receipt estimates were exceeded, but it is no where close to where Select Board Meeting Minutes July 9, 2025 they have been in previous years which means less Free Cash. Ms. Doherty then asked for an update on the financial policies. Mr. Violette stated that they have been in review with Town Counsel and Ms. Sara Walsh has some items she wants to speak to Counsel about and is hoping for August to have them finalized. 14. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Mr. Loukos provided an update from the Industrial Development Commission on the sign and fa5ade program that just closed out. Mr. Loukos then stated that he went to a walk through of the rest area off Route 95 and a ribbon cutting a Lawadessa Cafe. Ms. Doherty went to the Duck Race and it was a well -attended fun night. 15. 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. 16. 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 Hail Departments and any conditions have been noted below. A. Vote to Approve Meeting Minutes: ➢ June 11, 2025 ➢ June 18, 2025 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25052T in the amount of $325,823.54 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25052E in the amount of $54,320.96 ➢ School Vendor Warrant No. 250525 in the amount of $871,440.89 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25053T in the amount of $215,768.23 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25053E in the amount of $174,786.44 ➢ School Vendor Warrant No. 250535 in the amount of $916,447.01 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 2601T in the amount of $1,954,091.02 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: ➢ Consideration of Special Events Application for Max Performance pending routing through Town Departments ➢ Consideration of Banner Application from the Road to Diversity and Understanding ➢ Consideration of Banner Application from Mansfield Youth Basketball ➢ Consideration of Banner Application from 250th Celebration Committee ➢ Consideration of Special Events Application for WWII Veterans Memorial Trail Weighted Race D. Proclamations: ➢ Proclamation for Lauren Topping Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 4:0 17. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: ➢ Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2551PT in the amount of $1,245,228.55 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2551PT in the amount of $1,245,228.55. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 4:0 ➢ Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2551TV in the amount of $396,777.65 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2551TV in the amount of $396,777.65. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 4:0 ➢ School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 251PS and 2551LS in the amount of $2,746,246.98 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 251PS and 2551LS in the amount of $2,746,246.98. (Loukos/Feck) Passes 3:0:1 (Doherty Abstained) Select Board Meeting Minutes July 9, 2025 ➢ School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2551SV and 2551LSV in the amount of $829,287.14 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2551SV and 2551LSV in the amount of $829,287.14. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 4:0 18.Correspondence ➢ Letter from Ryan Maxwell ➢ Letters from Xfinity ➢ Letter from National Grid ➢ Letter from Commonwealth of Massachusetts ➢ Memo from the Planning Board ➢ Notice from the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission ➢ Email from Peter Kortright ➢ Email from Robert Davidson ➢ Email from Brian Tierney Mr. Loukos read the list of correspondence items. 19. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions There were comments or questions. 20. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 21. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the July 9, 2025 Select Board Meeting at 7:3713M. (Doherty/Loukos) Passes 4:0 7i�o%S Signature Date Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Documents used in meeting: 1. Email from Craig Regnier about Memorial Park 2. Board/Committee Application for Jeff Paten to the Open Space and Recreation Committee 3. All Alcohol On Premises, Common Victualler and Entertainment Applications for Burtons Grill of Mansfield, LLC dba Burtons Grill & Bar 4. Health Insurance Cost Split of Retiree Health Insurance from various communities 5. Email from Nancy Antonucci 6. June 11, 2025 and June 18, 2025 Meeting Minutes 7. Banner Applications from Mansfield Youth Basketball, 25011 Celebration Committee and the Road to Diversity and Understanding 8. Special Events Application for WWII Veterans Memorial Trail Weighted Race and Max Performance 9. Proclamation for Lauren Topping 10. Letter from Ryan Maxwell 11. Letters from Xfinity 12. Letter from National Grid 13. Letter from Commonwealth of Massachusetts 14. Memo from the Planning Board 15. Notice from the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission 16. Emails from Peter Kortright, Robert Davidson and Brian Tierney Select Board Meeting Minutes July 9, 2025