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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 07/30/2025Select Board Meeting Minutes July 30, 2025 Present: Mr. Walter Wilk, Chair; Mr. Michael Feck, Vice -Chair; Mr. Kostas Loukas, Clerk; Mr. Brendan Roche and Ms. Maureen R. Doherty were present in Meeting Room 3 A/B at Town Hall. r 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting- Pledge of Allegiance Mr. Wilk called the meeting to order at 6:0213M. He then read the broadcast message and asked thos'elli i present to stand for the pledge of allegiance. Z025 AUG I LI P 3: 51 2. Recognition of Lauren Topping D This item was skipped as Ms. Topping was not present. (-T,, 3. Recognition of Commonwealth of Massachusetts Heroine Maureen Doherty Mr. Nathan Urman was present on behalf of Representative Michael Chaisson's office. He stated that the State Delegation was not able to get here due to being at the State House. He then presented Ms. Doherty with two citations to recognize her amazing service and dedication. Ms. Doherty thanked the State Delegation for the nomination and noted how great it was to be amongst a group of women that were also honored that day. Ms. Sandra Levine of 20 Walnut Street came forward and congratulated Ms. Doherty and stated that she does a wonderful job and that women bring a different point of view to the table. Ms. Doherty commented that she is the 6th Select woman to serve on the Select Board in 250 years. 4. 6:15PM 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 nonunion personnel or to conduct contract negotiations with nonunion personnel Motion: 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 nonunion personnel or to conduct contract negotiations with nonunion personnel at 6:15PM. (Loukos/Roche) Roll Call Vote: Roche —Yes Doherty — Yes Feck— Yes Loukos— Yes Wilk — Yes Passes 5:0 The Board returned from the Executive Session at 5:53PM. S. Discussion about South Eastern Massachusetts Regional Emergency Communications Center (SEMRECC) with the Fire Chief and Police Chief Mr. Wilk stated that the Chiefs are at the Xfinity Center for a concert and this item would be rescheduled. 6. Discussion and Consideration of Change of Officers Application for Blazin Wings, Inc. Ms. Laura Carlson -Heideman was present from Blazin Wings, Inc and went through the changes that would be taking place at the officer level of the organization due to retirements. Mr. Wilk asked how long ago the changes happened and Ms. Carlson -Heideman responded that it happened about 60-90 days ago and they were waiting to see if there would be a change of ownership that also would need approval. Motion: To approve the change of officer's application for Blazin Wings, Inc. dba Buffalo Wild Wings. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 Mr. Wilk skipped to agenda number sixteen. Select Board Meeting Minutes July 30, 2025 7. Discussion and Presentation of 40Y Development off Gilbert Street Members of the Planning Board (Sharon Friedman, Michael McClanahan, Mark Corsillo and Ryan Maxwell) came forward along with Ms. Sarah Raposa the Director of Planning and Development. Ms. Sharon Friedman called the Planning Board meeting to order at 6:55PM. Ms. Raposa introduced Ms. Lynne Sweet from LDS Consulting Group and stated that her client Scott Goddard presented a unique proposal to the Planning Board and thought it should be discussed at a higher level and include the Select Board. She explained that it ticked some of the boxes of the 2020 Master Plan and the 2023 Housing Production Plan. Ms. Sweet went through a presentation on a possible 40Y development off Gilbert Street. Ms. Sweet stated that the homes would have a maximum size of 1,850 and there would be four units per acre of land. She stated that it would need to be adopted at Town Meeting and approved by the State. There are fiscal benefits to the Town as well when the district gets approved and adopted. She stated that they will be detached homes, however they may do a couple duplexes. She then shared the plan which essentially created three neighborhoods. She then shared the plans of some of the style homes they were considering and noted that the homes would be affordable around $600,000 to $650,000. Mr. Roche stated that he had some critiques of the anticultural designs of the units and hopes that the price would be lower than $650,000. He believed that this project was conducive to what the Town would want compared to other things that have been proposed for that parcel. Ms. Doherty asked what the timeline was and Ms. Sweet responded that they are hoping for fall Town Meeting. Ms. Raposa thought that the zoning needs to be approved by the State prior to Town Meeting but Ms. Sweet was not sure of that but they would look further into. Ms. Doherty thought it was a wonderful and appreciates the outreach that the Planning Board does. Ms. Raposa added that they are considering a community meeting focused on this and will include the abutters. Ms. Doherty responded that she lives in a multi -generational house and the importance of having age friendly features considered when building a development marketable to those that need to downsize. Mr. Loukos commented that he likes the idea of more housing and these homes would be attractive to those looking to get into home ownership. Mr. Loukos also believed it would be a huge benefit to have a community meeting. Mr. Feck stated that he was part of the discussion when he was on the Planning Board and he is a big supporter of a development like this. He likes the 40Y concept because it limits the size of the houses to 1,850 square feet and it addresses two big housing needs. This type of development is good for those wanting to downsize and those that are looking to break into the housing market. He did comment that he had a suggestion that it could be helpful to have emergency access gate in the back of the property. Ms. Raposa then added an additional comment in regards to timing. She stated that the Planning Board and applicant and may move towards a dual path of developing a 40Y and a 40B. However, there is no financial benefit for a 40B development to the Town but it comes down to the timing. Mr. Wilk asked why this was presented and Ms. Raposa responded that they are hoping to make it for fall Town Meeting and Ms. Sweet commented that the they prefer to do a 40Y. Mr. Corsillo asked if any other Massachusetts towns have been successful with a 40Y development and Ms. Sweet responded that there have not been and they have tried in two other towns that did not pass. Ms. Doherty asked if 40B or 40Y had more affordable units and Ms. Sweet responded that with a 40B it would be 25%and only 10%with a 40Y. 8. Discussion and Presentation of District Improvement Financing (DIF) Ms. Raposa began the presentation on DIF stating that Town staff have been working on this for the past six months. Ms. Raposa wanted to review the basics and figure out the next steps with the Select Board. Ms. Raposa stated that it is a simple way to fund public improvements. It uses new property tax revenue from future private development. It is not a new tax or fee for property owners, it helps pay for public projects in a specific area or district. She stated that this is being looked at because it supports the economic development goals in the Master Plan. Ms. Raposa then stated that DIF can pay for roads, sidewalks, parking, recreation spaces, housing projects and design. Select Board Meeting Minutes July 30, 2025 Mr. Wilk asked where the money is coming from, and if it was the new growth that is in the budget. Ms. Raposa responded that it is not the new growth that is in the budget it is a portion of the new growth that stems from what is happening in the DIF district. She added that if the Town does not make certain investments like for example construct the parkway to create frontage for the private land owners to construct their $100M development. That development will be new growth but it is only going to happen if the parkway is constructed. Mr. Wilk asked again where is the money coming from and Ms. Raposa responded that it will come the projects that are created because of the investments that are made. She stated that the Town will not see any new growth in the TOD if there are not infrastructure improvements. Mr. Corsillo explained that the district that is defined has a current assessed value but any projects that increase that assessed value that increase amount is the new growth and a portion of that would go to the DIF. He provided an example that if today a parcel is valued at $100,000 and if improvements are made and it increases to $120,000 the $20,000 would go towards the DIF. Mr. Wilk was concerned because it will cause a drag to the current budget, he noted that Town expenses are going up faster than the revenue. Mr. Loukos commented that investing in infrastructure is a great idea, but he was sure that this is the right way and thinks the money should just be put into the General Fund. Mr. Wilk did not think this was the right decision at this time given the financial constraints. Mr. Feck agreed that timing was an issue right now but he believed that this helps towns to stop "kicking the can down the road" and to make investments in infrastructure so that more growth can be seen later on. Ms. Doherty stated that she looked at the new growth and for this year it was $880,000 and the prior year it was $1.1M so steadily it has been declining over time. She stated that in a good year it could be captured. Ms. Raposa reiterated that it was the only the new growth in the defined district and she understands the budget constraints but as a Town Planner she is looking five to ten years down the road and that is why these conversations start now. Mr. Wilk agreed that the concept makes sense. Ms. Friedman commented that this conversation is important and as the Chair the Planning Board she wanted to say that this is not a dead topic but it is a topic that needs to continue to be explored and refined. She said that a DIF is one option and this is for new growth and the Planning Board has to look at what is happening now as well as look into the future. Mr. Roche commented that doing the education early on is important and the discussion should be continued and that he is grateful for the work the Planning Board has already completed. 9. Master Plan Update and Discussion with the Planning Board Ms. Raposa began the update on the Master Plan and she stated that she was focusing on the elements of the Master Plan that the Select Board is listed as the implementation party. She stated that she will also be sending the Select Board a survey for them to complete on prioritizing items. She then explained the ranking that would help get her a collected sense on the priorities of the Board. Ms. Friedman stated that as the Town does not have an economic development director and some of those tasks are divided this information will be crucial to the Planning Board and help provide some guidance. Ms. Doherty asked if the Board should meet as a workshop and submit as one voice. Mr. Feck said it is better to have everyone complete individually to see where everyone is at and Ms. Raposa agreed. She stated that she will come back to the Select Board and go through the responses. Mr. Roche commented that he would like to see Community Preservation Act as part of the discussion. 10. Vote to Direct Planning Board to Conduct Public Hearings for Proposed Zoning Bylaw Articles Motion: To refer the proposed zoning bylaw amendments including the 40Y, as presented, back to the Planning Board for public hearing in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A, Section 5. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 The Planning Board then closed their meeting. Motion: To adjourn the Planning Board meeting at 8:09PM. (Corsillo/McClanahan) Passes 4:0 11. Town Manager's Report Select Board Meeting Minutes July 30, 2025 ➢ Year End Financial Activity ➢ FY2026 State Budget Earmarks ➢ FY2027 Budget Initiation ➢ Capital Improvements ➢ Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Search ➢ Town Own Land Analysis ➢ Roland Green School ➢ Miscellaneous Select Board Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report Mr. Wilk read the Town Managers report that was provided by Mr. Dumas. Mr. Wilk stated that the FY2025 General Fund Revenue is over the local receipt target by $1,221.872.59, turn backs at year-end after encumbrances is $1,098,069.14, school turn backs at year-end after encumbrances is $553,649.22 and the total would be the estimated FY2025 Free Cash at $2,873,590.95. Mr. Wilk then noted the FY2026 State Earmarks that the Town has received. He then stated that the departments have been asked to submit a bare bones budget for Fiscal Year 2027 and Mr. LaCasse has sent a CIP memo to department heads. Next, Mr. Wilk stated that there have been thirty-one resumes received for the Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director position. Mr. Wilk then stated that Mr. Dumas included the Town Own Land policy and information on parcels that may be suitable for disposition. Lastly, Mr. Wilk noted that the Roland Green School will be turned back over to the Town and the need to determine funding to maintain the property because the Town has no money in the budget for that purpose and Mr. Dumas suggested a joint meeting with the School Committee. 12. 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. Feely of 489 Fruit Street came forward and spoke about DIF. Ms. Beth Collins of 7 Atwood Street was virtual and spoke about her concerns over the override not passing and not having adequate staffing in public safety. Ms. Sandra Levine of 20 Walnut Street came forward and spoke about the detriment of building a $30M parking garage and commented that an affordable house is not $600,000 to $650,000 as mentioned during the 40Y discussion. Mr. Greg Penesis of 12 Shannon Lane came forward and spoke about DIF and the potential of a parking garage. He noted that ridership on the train is not what it was before COVID and not sure it will come back. 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. Mr. Wilk commented that the Town Manager is working on creating a bare bones budget and currently there is an approximate $6M deficit for FY2026. Mr. Wilk then asked when the Budget Subcommittee meeting was and Ms. Champagne believed it was scheduled for September 8m Mr. Wilk then skipped to agenda number seventeen. 14. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates There were no updates. 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.) 16. Review and Approve Consent Agenda Select Board Meeting Minutes July 30, 2025 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: ➢ July 9, 2025 Vote to Approve Warrants: ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 2602T in the amount of $1,701,262.95 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25054T in the amount of $828,195.70 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25054E in the amount of $1,552,197.54 ➢ School Vendor Warrant No. 250545 in the amount of $740,957.78 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 2603T in the amount of $1,921,712.32 ➢ School Vendor Warrant No. 26035 in the amount of $519,781.59 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 25055T in the amount of $932,069.74 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 25055E in the amount of $87,711.24 ➢ School Vendor Warrant No. 250SSS in the amount of $180,245.38 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 2604T in the amount of $268,511.88 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 2605T in the amount of $8,128,106.66 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 2605E in the amount of $140,502.92 ➢ School Vendor Warrant No. 260SS in the amount of $526,521.93 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: ➢ Consideration of Banner Application for Mansfield Rotary ➢ Consideration of Date Change for the Mansfield Girls Soccer from August 16 to October 5, 2025 ➢ Consideration of Special Events Application for Democratic Town Committee pending routing ➢ Consideration of Special Events Application for Troop 51 Christmas Tree Lot pending routing ➢ Consideration of Special Events Application for St. Mary's Church Septemberfest pending routing D. Proclamations: ➢ Proclamation Lawadessa Cafe Ribbon Cutting Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 Mr. Wilk then skipped to agenda number eighteen. 17. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: ➢ Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2553MT and 2553PT in the amount of $1,162,537.10 Motion: To approve Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2553MT and 2553PT in the amount of $1,162,537.10. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 ➢ Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2601TV and 2553MTV in the amount of $373,022.17 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2601TV and 2553MTV in the amount of $373,022.17. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 ➢ School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2601PS and 2553PS in the amount of $1,720,795.91 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2601PS and 2553PS in the amount of $1,720,795.91. (Loukos/Feck) Passes 4:0:1 (Doherty Abstained) ➢ School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2601SV in the amount of $477,614.42 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2601SV in the amount of $477,614.42. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 ➢ Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2603PT in the amount of $1,173,158.04 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2603PT in the amount of $1,173,158.04. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 ➢ Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2603TV in the amount of $377,921.01 Select Board Meeting Minutes July 30, 2025 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2603TV in the amount of $377,921.01. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 ➢ School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2555PS and 2603PS in the amount of $1,650,216.69 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2555PS and 2603PS in the amount of $1,650,216.69. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 4:0:1 (Doherty Abstained) ➢ School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2603SV in the amount of $460,094.42 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2603SV in the amount of $460,094.42. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 18. Correspondence ➢ Letter from Commonwealth of Massachusetts ➢ Letter from Xfinity ➢ Email from Beth Collins ➢ Email from Leah Sawyer Mr. Loukos read the list of correspondence items. Mr. Wilk then returned to agenda number four. 19. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Mr. Wilk congratulated Ms. Doherty on the award. Ms. Doherty wished Mr. Roche a Happy Birthday. 20. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting Mr. Wilk stated that the 250th Celebration Committee is seeking to amend their event application for the August 22nd event to include a drone show. Motion: To approve the request from the 2501h Celebration Committee. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 21. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the July 30, 2025 Select Board Meeting at 8:47PM. (Doherty/Roche) Passes 5:0 $l/ Si nature Date Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Documents used in meeting: 1. 40Y Gilbert Street Concept Layout and Materials 2. District Improvement Financing Packet of Information 3. Master Plan Implementation Status Update Presentation 4. Planning Board Memo about Zoning Amendment Bylaw Amendments S. Banner Application for Mansfield Rotary 6. Date Change Email Request for the Mansfield Girls Soccer from August 16 to October 5, 2025 7. Special Events Application for Democratic Town Committee pending routing 8. Special Events Application for Troop 51 Christmas Tree Lot pending routing 9. Special Events Application for St. Mary's Church Septemberfest pending routing 10. Certificate for Lawadessa Cafe Ribbon Cutting 11. Meeting Minutes from July 9, 2025 12. Letter from Commonwealth of Massachusetts 13. Letter from Xfinity 14. Email from Beth Collins 15. Email from Leah Sawyer Select Board Meeting Minutes July 30, 2025