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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 12/17/2025Select Board Meeting Minutes December 17, 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. Mi;FJo$,Y Reinke, Acting Town Manager was also present in meeting room 3 A/B. Mr. Roche was not present at the'start of the meeting but arrived at 6:43PM. 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance Mr. Wilk called the meeting to order at 6:33PM. He then read the broadcast message and ask'd those present to stand for the pledge of allegiance. Mr. Wilk skipped the Town Manager's report to allow Mr. Rob MacDonald to come forward for public comments. 2. Town Manager's Report ➢ Special Town Meeting Wrap Up— Highlights ➢ Amy Donovan -Palmer MHOA Award Notification ➢ Miscellaneous Items Select Board Members Questions and Comments on Town Manager's Report Mr. Reinke started his report stating that Special Town Meeting was held and it went smoothly and the debate was calm and fair. He then stated that the Health Agent Ms. Amy Donovan Palmer received an MHOA award and he read the notification that was sent to him. Lastly, Mr. Reinke stated that DPW applied through MassDOT for rapid flash beacons at the bike trail crossing on Fruit Street and they received them and they have been installed. Ms. Doherty stated that she wanted to give appreciation the recognition of employees for their good work. She gave kudos to the Light Department because the Town looks great with the lights at night. She then thanked the Board of Health for the Narcan training. She noted the Police Department deals a lot of accidents and it wears and tears on them and the Fire Department. She then noted the unsung heroes of the DPW and everything that goes on in town involves them. Lastly, she recognized Nick Monticello the Town Accountant who has stepped up since the Town is without a Finance Director. She then commented that the financial decisions the Board is going to have make this upcoming year wears heavily on her and she is going to fight for the employees and as a former municipal employee she understands how things work. She then wished everyone a Happy Holidays, Happy New Year and a Merry Christmas. 3. 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. Rob MacDonald, Chair of the 250th Celebration Committee came forward and stated that he sent communication earlier this week on behalf of committee. He stated they are wrapping things up and have money left over that they have not spent. The Committee was given the law from M.G.L Chapter 44, Section 531 which makes it evident that the Committee has the right to utilize the funds in the preceding year and succeeding years as well. He stated that the article passed at Town Meeting stated that the left -over funds would go back to the General Fund. The 250th Committee would like to have an event next year in 2026 for the Nation's 250th. He stated as a committee they voted to support that. Mr. Wilk asked when the Committees sunset date was and Mr. MacDonald stated that it was December 31st. Mr. Reinke provided one solution which would be extended the timeframe of the Committee to get more time and he could seek a legal opinion on what can be done. Mr. Roche suggested extending the Committee through May and Mr. Wilk Select Board Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025 suggested June 30th. Ms. Doherty commented that it should only be extended as far as it would take to get a legal opinion. She noted that given the financial challenges it is a bad look to be celebrating when there could potentially be lots of layoffs. Mr. Wilk felt like businesses who donated money should be given back to them if the money is not being used for the 250th Celebration. Mr. Feck stated that the Non -Profit Gift Fund Committee gave all of their funds for the 250th Celebration and lots of other requests had been made. Mr. Loukos stated that the Board should wait for the opinion from Town Counsel. Ms. Doherty stated that she would like to see it go to the Non -Profit Gift Fund. Mr. MacDonald stated that he did not want people to think the Committee misrepresented their need for funding and noted that there was funding that came in very late. Ms. Doherty complimented him and the Committee for all of their work because all the of events were fabulous. Mr. Roche echoed what Ms. Doherty stated and everyone appreciated their hard work. Motion: To extend the charge of the 250th Committee until June 30, 2026. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 5:0 4. Interview Martin Fox and Aaron Louison for Vacancy on Airport Commission Mr. Wilk stated that Mr. Aaron Louison withdrew his application so no interview is needed. 5. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint Martin Fox or Aaron Louison to the Airport Commission (1 vacancy) Motion: To reappoint Martin Fox to the Airport Commission to a three-year term that expires on December 31, 2028. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 6. Discussion and Consideration of a Rate in Which to Potentially Sell Drinking Water to the Town of Norton at a Future Date Mr. Shawn Precourt, Water Operations Manager was present. Mr. Reinke stated that the Town of Norton is seeking to buy water from surrounding communities. They have no PFAS treatment and Mansfield is ahead of the curve with PFAS remediation. He stated that Norton intends to dilute the water supply so that they are in compliance with MassDEP. Norton is asking how much would the Town charge. Mr. Wilk asked what the impact would be to selling it and if there is enough of a water supply. Mr. Reinke responded that there will need to be an intermunicipal agreement with Norton and Mansfield residents would not be without water. This extra revenue could pay for the debt associated with the PFAS treatment facilities and possibly reduce future water rates for residents. Norton is looking for up to 500,000 gallons per day and the Town could charge like it does residents with a tiered structure so the more you use the more you pay. If using the 500,000 gallons per day that would put them at $124.53 per 1,000 cubic feet. Mr. Precourt responded that a wholesale rate that has been seen in other communities would have tier 1 at $82 and tier 2 is $88 per 1,000 cubic feet. Ms. Doherty asked if there could be an intermunicipal agreement with all the surrounding communities. Mr. Precourt responded that they do have connections and agreements with Attleboro, Foxboro and Easton. Mr. Loukos asked what the expected revenue could be and Mr. Reinke responded that Norton could be an increase of $1.8M in revenue for the year if suppling 500,000 gallons a day. Motion: To approve a bulk purchase rate recommended between tier 1 and 2 between Norton and Mansfield as suggested. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 5:0 7. Discussion and Consideration to make the Roland Green School on Dean Street Available for Disposition Mr. Wilk stated that there was a woman at Town Meeting who mentioned to him that there is a time capsule buried in the middle of the parking lot at the Roland Green School and she can help pinpoint approximately where it is. Ms. Doherty stated that Mr. McKnatt wanted to tour the building before it is torn down to see if there are any historical information for the Historical Society. Mr. Feck asked if we could put another RFP for 30 days to see if a developer will buy the property. Mr. Reinke stated that he would talk to counsel and talk about it at the next meeting. Mr. Loukos had concerns about someone buying the building and doing nothing with it and waiting for it to increase in value. Motion: To make the Roland Green School on Dean Street available for disposition. (Loukos/Doherty) Select Board Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025 Passes 5:0 8. Discussion and Consideration to Accept the Town Audit Report Mr. Nick Monticello was present and came forward and stated that the Audit Committee met last week and it was another smooth audit. Mr. Wilk stated that they met with them a few weeks ago as Light Commissioners and asked if there was anything different reported and Mr. Monticello responded that there was not. Mr. Monticello stated that between the two meetings the new report was provided to the actuary and everything is good. He stated that they have documented a process and there is going to be more collaboration amongst Accounting, Treasurers and Human Resources offices. Mr. Loukos stated that on the Electric Department's Audit it was noted that there needs to be better controls on inventory and they have hired a new employee. Ms. Doherty stated that the Town Ethical Advocacy Hotline has been established and the Board just needs to determine if the hotline should go to labor counsel or town counsel. Mr. Wilk asked for this to be on the next agenda. Motion: To accept the draft Town Audit Report. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 9. Town Manager Update and Discussion Ms. Doherty stated that Town Manager Screening Committee is interviewing numerous candidates this week. The Committee will be making a decision on who they are recommending to the Select Board. Ms. Doherty stated that they are going to schedule the interviews for either January 61n 7th or 8tn. The names of those being interviewing will not be made public until the agenda is posted. Ms. Doherty then asked what the format of the interviews should be and if the public will be allowed to ask questions. Mr. Wilk asked when the Board would be given the names and what information is being provided to the Board. Ms. Doherty was unsure when the Board would get the list of names and she stated that the Board would get everything that was provided to the Screening Committee. Ms. Doherty provided the list of questions that the Screening Committee was asking during their interviews and Mr. Loukos asked if the Board could get how each candidate responded to those questions. Ms. Doherty responded that the interviews were done in executive session and it will just be a summary that is provided in the minutes. The Board then discussed possible questions and the time to be given for each interview. They decided on given each candidate one hour and if residents have questions they want to suggest be asked to email them to selectboard@mansfieldma.com. 10. 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 stated that there is a Tri-Board meeting tomorrow night here in meeting room 3 A/B. Mr. Wilk then asked for the update from the HR consultant and Mr. Reinke responded that proposals are due the first week in January and he has them schedule to attend the Select Board meeting on January 215t or February 4tn. Mr. Feck stated that he has been looking at salaries and the projected new salaries verses the revenues. He stated that he has been working with Mr. Steve Schoonveld and salaries are eating the new growth and 2 percent because of steps and lanes before anything like trash or health increases are considered. Mr. Feck stated that we need to look at other things and why they have not been addressed. He noted that we also have the highest tax rate and highest split. He stated that we need to have those answers if we are going to ask for an override. Mr. Wilk commented that the Town went 20 years without an override. Mr. Feck stated that he is going to bring this up at the Tri-Board tomorrow. Mr. Wilk stated that employees are the biggest part of the budget and both healthcare and salaries are the biggest drivers. Mr. Loukos commented that the 2.5% formula is broken and when we buy food and cars, we see expenses going up more that 2.5% in our individual lives. Mr. Wilk stated that the State has level funded and yet the State is collecting record taxes and not putting it towards towns. Mr. Feck stated that the salaries is a compounding issue year over year and has not been addressed. Mr. Loukos stated that the contracts are up this year and it gives the Town an opportunity to address the issue. Ms. Doherty stated that we should tread lightly on this subject. Ms. Doherty stated that we just talk about cutting and cutting and we are not looking at the big picture. She stated there Select Board Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025 are a lot of different things and should consider doing an internal efficiency audit and see how staffing levels compare to other Towns. Mr. Wilk stated that the Town had that information last year and Mr. Violette showed that we had less staff than neighboring communities. 11. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Mr. Wilk stated that the Tri-Board Meeting tomorrow night at 6PM 12. 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 none. 13. 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: ➢ November 5, 2025 ➢ December 9, 2025 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 2625T in the amount of $2,825,540.24 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 2625E in the amount of $231,085.35 ➢ School Vendor Warrant No. 26255 in the amount of $732,528.02 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: ➢ Consideration of 2026 Water Installers License for Ribeiro Enterprises, Inc. ➢ Consideration of 2026 Water Installers License for Plainville Pump & Excavating, Inc. D. Proclamations: ➢ 25011 Celebration Proclamation for Time Capsule Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 14. Consideration of 2026 License Renewals: All licenses will be routed through Town Departments and any conditions will be satisfied prior to the business receiving their licenses. • 2026 Lodging House License for Trinity Place • 2026 Common Victualler License for Hangar 12 • 2026 Common Victualler License for Harry's Place • 2026 Common Victualler and Entertainment Licenses for Queen's Burger Inc. dba Mooyah Burger and Fries and Shake • 2026 Common Victualler License for Honey Dew Donuts • 2026 All Alcohol On Premises, Common Victualler and Entertainment Licenses for Lazio Corp dba Trattoria Romana Pizzeria Bar & Grill • 2026 All Alcohol Off Premises License for K Liquor Corp dba Dub's Discount Liquors • 2026 Class II Auto Dealer License for Walid Samrout Corporation Motion: To approve the 2026 license renewals as listed in the agenda. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 5:0 15. Consideration of Board/Committee/Commission Reappointments ➢ John McGarry to the Zoning Board of Appeals as an Associate Member for a three-year term to expire on April 30, 2029 ➢ Joseph O'Malley to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a three-year term to expire on April 30, 2029 Select Board Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025 ➢ Sharon Baker to the Animal Welfare Committee for a three-year term to expire on December 31, 2028 ➢ Leonard Epstein to the Board of Library Trustees for a three-year term to expire on December 31, 2028 Motion: To reappoint the board, committee and commissions as listed in the agenda. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 5:0 16. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2623PT in the amount of $1,074,247.88 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2623PT in the amount of $1,074,247.88. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2623TV in the amount of $355,483.09 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2623TV in the amount of $355,483.09. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2621XS & 2623PS in the amount of $2,357,566.22 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2621XS & 2623PS in the amount of $2,357,566.22. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 4:0:1 • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2623SV in the amount of $714,501.78 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2623SV in the amount of $714,501.78. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 17.Correspondence • Letter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Letters from Steve Schoonveld • Letter from the Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities • Letter from Mansfield School Committee Mr. Loukos read the list of correspondence items. 18. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Mr. Loukos commented that as the year is ending, he wanted to wish everyone a Happy Holidays and Happy New Year and been a great privilege to serve on the Board. Mr. Feck reiterated what Mr. Loukos said. Ms. Doherty commented that it has been great to have Mr. Feck and Mr. Loukos on the Board. She added that the Community Awards presentation will be pushed to February. She then stated that she went to the lighting of the Menorah and the Rabbi Kivman was so happy to have members of the police department present after what happened in Australia and they felt supported by the community. She then wished everyone a Happy Holiday and Happy New Year. Mr. Roche wished everyone a Happy Chanukah, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas. He then stated that there is a vacancy on the School Committee and applications can be sent in by January 7th. He then noted that the 250th Committee is closing the time capsule between Christmas and New Years and it will have a date to be opened in 50 years. Mr. Wilk stated that he likes that the Board can have open discussion and agree to disagree and are all still friends. 19. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 20. Enter into Executive Session and Not Return to Open Session Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21: ➢ Exemption 3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with DPW Union -Units A and B, AFSCME Council 93, Local 1702 if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares ➢ Exemption No. 2, M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21 to discuss strategy sessions in preparation for contract negotiations for the Town Manager position Select Board Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025 Motion: To enter into Executive Session and Not Return to Open Session Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21: Exemption 3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with DPW Union -Units A and B, AFSCME Council 93, Local 1702 if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares and Exemption No. 2, M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21 to discuss strategy sessions in preparation for contract negotiations for the Town Manager position at 8:24PM. (Loukos/Feck) Roll Call Vote: Loukos — Yes Feck— Yes Doherty — Yes Roche —Yes Wilk — Yes Passes 5:0 Signature Date Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Documents used in meeting: 1. Board/Committee/Commission Applications from John McGarry, Joseph O'Malley, Sharon Baker and Leonard Epstein 2. 2025 Draft of Town Audit Report 3. Meeting Minutes of November 5, 2025 and December 9, 2025 4. Water Installer Application from Ribeiro Enterprises, Inc. and Plainville Pump & Excavating, Inc. 5. Letter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 6. Letters from Steve Schoonveld 7. Letter from the Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities 8. Letter from Mansfield School Committee 9. Lodging House Application for Trinity Place 10. Common Victualler Application for Hangar 12 11. Common Victualler License for Harry's Place 12. Common Victualler and Entertainment Applications for Queen's Burger Inc. dba Mooyah Burger and Fries and Shake 13. Common Victualler Application for Honey Dew Donuts 14. All Alcohol On Premises, Common Victualler and Entertainment Applications for Lazio Corp dba Trattoria Romana Pizzeria Bar & Grill 15. All Alcohol Off Premises Application for K Liquor Corp dba Dub's Discount Liquors 16. Class II Auto Dealer Application for Walid Samrout Corporation Select Board Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025