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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 03/04/2026Select Board Meeting Minutes March 4, 2026 Present: Mr. Walter Wilk, Chair; Mr. Michael Feck, Vice -Chair; Mr. 6stas Loukas, Clerk; Mr+Brendan Roche and Ms. Maureen R. Doherty were present in Meeting Room 3 A/B atTgwn Hall. Mr. Brendan Roche was not present at the start of the meeting but arrived at 6:47PM. 1��Co i 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting -Pledge of Allegiance Mr. Wilk called the meeting to order at 6:3113M. He then read the broadcastmessage and asked those present to stand for the pledge of allegiance. 2. 6:30PM Public Hearing— In Accordance with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 166 Section 22 for Consideration of petition submitted by Massachusetts Electric Company dba National Grid of Request for new pole located at 125 High Street Motion: To open the public hearing at 6:32PM. (Loukos/Feck) Passes 4:0 Mr. Michael Parent was present from National Grid to petition for a new pole in front of 125 High Street. He stated a polis is needed between two existing poles to hold additional equipment. Ms. Doherty asked for this to be held for the Light Commissioner meeting as they have not voted on it as Light Commissioners. Motion: To continue the public hearing until the April 111, Select Board meeting. (Loukos/Feck) Passes 4:0 Ms. Nadine Angress of 23 Marshall Ave came forward and asked if there was a cost to the Town and Mr. Parent responded there was not. 3. Discussion and Consideration to Opt Out of Vote by Mail for the May 12, 2026 Local Election Town Clerk, Ms. Jennifer Davis was present requesting the Select Board opt out of vote by mail for the May 121h local election. Ms. Davis stated that vote by mail is mandated for State elections and there are opportunities to be reimbursed for the added costs, but there is not reimbursement for the local election. She stated that vote by mail is a very labored process and typically voter turnout is low. She stated that there is still early voting and absentee ballots available. Mr. Loukos asked what the cost of the vote by mail for a local election but anticipates it would be about $5,000 to $7,000. Mr. Loukos commented that he would like people to be able to receive a ballot by mail since there is an override and he felt that everyone should have an opportunity to vote. He stated that if people opted in through the state to receive all ballots by mail they are expecting the local ballot via mail too. Ms. Doherty asked Ms. Davis how someone can request an absentee ballot and Ms. Davis responded that they can do so at the Town Clerk's office or online on the Towns website. Ms. Doherty asked how many complaints were received after doing this last year and Ms. Davis said none that she recalls. Mr. Feck asked how long this has been allowed and how many times the town has opted out. Ms. Davis responded since 2020 and the Select Board has opted out every time. He commented that he understands it is a small amount but people could request an absentee ballot. Mr. Roche arrived at 6:47PM. Ms. Doherty had concerns about the cost as the Finance Committee Reserve Fund is going to be needed for snow. Mr. Mark Corsillo of 1604 West Street came forward and stated that because Ms. Doherty is a candidate running for re-election, he did not think she should not be opining on the matter. Ms. Doherty asked him if there was a law he could cite and Mr. Corsillo responded that it is part of ethics training. Mr. Roche voters can vote early and absentee ballots are available. Motion: To opt out of conducting vote by mail for the May 12, 2026 local election. (Feck/Doherty) Passes 4:0 Select Board Meeting Minutes March.4, 2026 4. Discussion and Consideration to Transfer the Care, Custody and Control of Certain Tax Title Properties to the Conservation Commission Ms. Sarah Raposa, Director of Planning and Development came forward and went through this agenda item and the next two agenda items. She stated that Article 21 on the Town Meeting Warrant is a list of properties that are Town owned and are not developable and this would allow them to be transferred to the care and custody of the Conservation Commission. She then stated that Article 22 is to transfer gifted parcels on Willow Street to the Conservation Commission. These properties were gifted to the Town in 2018 for Conservation and should not be sold or developed as that was not the intent of the original owner and Town Meeting vote. They just need to be transferred from the Town to the Conservation Commission. Ms. Raposa then stated that Articles 23 and 24 are focused on parcels that could be potentially sold through an auction or through an RFP process. She stated that there will be a screening process and they will be following the Town Owned Land Sale Committee for their recommendation on what to do with each parcel. Mr. Loukos commented that lie was happy to have this "housekeeping" done. Mr. Feck commented that he was happy that they were determining whether a parcel is developable or not so there is no confusion. Ms. Doherty thanked everyone for their work on this. Mr. Roche commented that he did not want to steal anyone's thunder but he was happy to know that the Town of Mansfield was accepted into the 495 Metrowest Partnership. S. Discussion of Transfer of Previously Donated Parcels of Town Owned Land to the Care and Control of the Conservation Commission This was discussed as part of the previous agenda item. 6. Discussion and Consideration of Certain Town Owned and Tax Title Properties for Auction or Disposition at Town Meeting This was discussed as part of the previous agenda item. 7. Discussion and Consideration to Send Letters to State Delegation on Senate Bill 2874 and Governor's Budget Mr. John Ellard, Town Treasurer came forward and stated there is a bill in front of the Senate and it is also in the Governor's budget proposal. This legislation would eliminate the option to mark someone's record at the registry if they don't pay your excise. When there is a mark on the record you cannot renew your license or register a vehicle. This would then make it impossible for towns to collect excise taxes. Ms. Doherty commented that excise taxes are the second largest revenue source. She also commented that she called the State Delegation about this. Motion: To support sending a letter to the State Delegation on Senate Bill 2874. (Loukos/Feck) Passes 5:0 8. Town Manager's Report Y Blizzard of 2026 Y Clean Water Trust Loan Forgiveness ➢ Miscellaneous Items > Select Board Members Questions and Comments Mr. Josh Reinke started his report by giving a rundown of information about the blizzard and provided a comparison of the amount of people Mansfield has verses surrounding communities. Mr. Wilk commented that it does not make sense to have the equipment on hand for a storm that happens every fifty years. Mr. Loukos stated that he is an essential employee and was stuck at work for nineteen hours but he thought the roads were good when he drove home. Ms. Doherty stated that she joined Mr. Andy Littig for snow plowing and they got stuck several times and she was not able to see. Ms. Doherty wanted to commend them all for working through the storm and noted that Ms. Tracey Whalen was at the Highway Department for three days. Mr. Reinke also noted that the Friday before the storm it was thought that the storm would be only around six inches but the forecast drastically changed on Saturday. Mr. Roche thanked Mr. Reinke, Public Select Board Meeting Minutes March 4, 2026 Safety and DPW as well as Central Street Garage for towing and appreciate all the work. He further commented that it was very dangerous and to have people on little sleep to get all the roads plowed it was unbelievable. Ms. Doherty also noted that Cumberland Farms was open through the storm and would like thank you letters sent to Central Street Garage and Cumberland Farms. Mr. Reinke then stated that they received loan forgiveness from the Clear Water Trust for the PFAS upgrades at the Dustin Prescott site of $450,000. Ms. Doherty asked if there was something the Town could put out that pertains to the news clip about a former employee of the police department. She stated that the news came out nine months after the event and she wanted the public to know it was handled professionally and timely and thought the memo could give a timeline. 9. 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. Mark Corsillo of 1604 West Street came forward and asked if any other Board members were invited to go on the snow plow like Ms. Doherty. He then asked about the COA event with the new Town Manager and if any of the other Board members were invited to participate. Members of the Board responded that they were invited but could not due to work. Ms. Doherty explained that she has done coffee hours for three years, then Representative Chaisson was elected and he had them so they now have combined coffee hours with all the representatives. Ms. Doherty stated that coffee hour is open to everyone not just seniors. Mr. Corsillo commented that he was unclear if it was open to all not just seniors and he asked if it could be advertised more clearly that it is open to all. Mr. Amos Robinson of 178 Mill Street came forward and stated that he has been here for over fifty years and is proud to say he lives here. He then went on to explain his dissatisfaction with the snow plowing from the blizzard. He had concerns about the kids waiting at bus stops on Wednesday that were not safe. Mr. Robinson agreed with Mr. Reinke that heavy equipment can be rented by you need hydraulic and CDL license to use that type of equipment. He noted that the little trucks do not cut it and will have to replace the trucks sooner. Lastly, he stated that fire hydrants need to be raised up so they can be seen when there are large amounts of snow accumulation. Ms. Dawn Saba provided a history on the Westside Benevolent Circle and what their organization does. She explained that she was here tonight to find a space to be able to continue to provide the programs they have. The organization does not have funds to pay market rate for a lease. She stated that they are looking to discuss anything with anyone for possible ideas on spaces. Mr. Wilk asked how much space they needed. Ms. Saba responded that they have 2,000 square feet currently but 2,500 square feet would be better. She stated that during the holidays they need closer to 3,000 square feet. She stated that they need a temperature - controlled space with an ability to secure the space. She stated that they need direct access to the space and would ideally like to have a bathroom. Ms. Doherty asked about the vacant space in the industrial park and wondered if there is someone there willing to donate to charity. Ms. Saba stated that she did look at spaces in the industrial park and spoke with people but no one was willing to reduce the lease amount. Ms. Doherty also noted that there is a school house near the canoe river however Mr. Amos Robinson noted that it is occupied by a theater. Mr. Feck stated that there is a lot of vacant Town land but maybe they could erect a building on town owned land. Mr. Amos Robinson asked them to reach out to Southeastern Regional School District about building it for them. Mr. Steve Schoonveld was present virtually and encouraged the Board to do anything they could for West Side Benevolent. Mr. Schoonveld suggested making the hydrants a different color so they can be seen more easily. He then commended DPW for the work they did. He then commented on the voting in 2020 and about the Democratic Town Committee Chair on the Select Board talking about his own cause. Mr. Schoonveld then wanted to comment about agenda item #9.4 about meeting packets online. He wants to be able to follow Select Board Meeting Minutes March 4, 2026 along and it will only take five minutes to do it. He stated that by sharing the packet it is showing respect to the residents. He stated that it did not need to see the applications that are usually in packets. 10. Interview Applicants to Serve on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Plan Committee Eric Greenberg > Mary Chappuis Michael Parsons Cheryl Christie Michael See > Janice Wivagg > Joseph Donovan Mr. Wilk asked all the candidates to come forward. Ms. Champagne stated that Mary Chappuis was notable to commit any longer to volunteering. Mr. Wilk asked Ms. Sarah Raposa if she was okay if they increased the committee from five to seven members and she said she was good with that. Mr. Wilk asked her what the time commitment would be and Ms. Raposa responded that it is a new committee but anticipates a monthly meeting for about two hours. The other six candidates were present and Mr. Wilk asked each candidate to introduce themselves and explain why they want to be on the committee. 11. Discussion and Consideration to Appointment Eric Greenberg, Mary Chappuis, Michael Parsons, Cheryl Christie, Michael See, Janice Wivagg or Joseph Donovan to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Plan Committee (5 vacancies) Motion: To increase the membership to increase the Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Plan Committee to a 7 members Board (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 Motion: To appoint the following six residents to serve at large on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Plan Steering Committee to a two-year term to expire on December 31, 2027 Eric Greenberg, Michael Parsons, Cheryl Christie, Michael See, Janice Wivagg and Joseph Donovan. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 12. Discussion with Westside Benevolent Circle on Building Space Needs This item was done as part of Public Comment. 13. Discussion and Consideration to Establish the Health Insurance Advisory Committee Mr. Wilk summarized about what has been done for the health insurance. Ms. Doherty stated that she needed to recuse herself from the discussion because she has a son and daughter-in-law that work at the Schools. Mr. Reinke read M.G.L. 32B section 3 which dictates the membership of the committee. Motion: To establish the Health Insurance Advisory Committee that will be an eight -person committee per the Massachusetts General Law. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 4:0 14. Discussion of Correspondence and Meeting Packets Online Mr. Wilk asked what is posted online currently. Ms. Champagne responded the agenda is posted by the Town Clerk's Office. Mr. Wilk then stated that per Town Counsel it is not required to post the packet online. Ms. Champagne commented that anyone can request items that are in the packets and those would be redacted as needed. Ms. Doherty stated that it would be easy to post the presentations and handouts. Mr. Wilk confirmed that Ms. Champagne should just post presentations to start with once there is a way to do so. 15. Discussion and Possible Vote — Open Meeting Law Complaint filed by Patrick Higgins Mr. Wilk summarized that the Board received a complaint because at the last meeting they posted for an executive session but the agenda did not list out all of the collective bargaining unions. He stated that labor counsel is going to respond to the complaint. Motion: To refer the Open Meeting Law Complaint filed by Patrick Higgins to Labor Counsel — Clifford & Kenny. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 Select Board Meeting Minutes March 4, 2026 16. 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. Feck stated that the Tri-Board met on Thursday. 17. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Ms. Doherty stated that CIP met last night and they have established an objective way to look at CIP and prioritize the projects. She stated that the departments seem receptive. Ms. Doherty then gave Mrs. Greta Loukos kudos for the work she did. 18. 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. 19. 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: Y January 8, 2026 > January 21, 2026 > February 4, 2026 Vote to Approve Warrants: Town Vendor Warrant No. 2633T in the amount of $2,722,087.57 Y Electric Vendor Warrant No. 2633E in the amount of $2,457,872.24 Y School Vendor Warrant No. 26335 in the amount of $1,129,086.95 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 2635T in the amount of $ Y Electric Vendor Warrant No. 2635E in the amount of $ > School Vendor Warrant No. 26355 in the amount of $ C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: > Consideration of Special Events Application for Mental Health Awareness 5K Y Consideration of Special Events Application for Spring Craft and Vendor Fairs > Consideration of Water Installers License for Peter DeGirolamo & Sons, Inc. Y Consideration of Banner Application from Keep Mansfield Beautiful Y Consideration of Banner Application from Al Noor Academy Y Consideration of Drainlayer's License for Alltech Building Y Consideration of Drainlayer's License for Peter DeGirolamo & Sons Consideration of Drainlayer's License for Brunelle Contracting LLC Y Consideration of Drainlayer's License for Ribeiro Enterprises, Inc. D. Proclamations: Y Glen Lavery Y Mary Kate Flynn Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 20. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2631PT and 2632PT in the amount of $1,078,978.30 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2631PT and 2632PT in the amount of $1,078,978.30. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 Select Board Meeting Minutes March 4, 2026 s Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2631TV in the amount of $342,510.45 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2631TV in the amount of $342,510.45. (Loukos/Doherty) Passes 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2631PS in the amount of $2,055,429.17 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2631PS in the amount of $2,055,429.17. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 4:0:1 (Doherty Abstained) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2631SV in the amount of $567,379.64 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2631SV in the amount of $567,379.64. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 5:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2633PT in the amount of $ 1,067,358.15 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2633PT in the amount of $ 1,067,3S8.15. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2633TV in the amount of $337,502.54 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2633TV in the amount of $337,S02.54. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2633PS in the amount of $2,024,217.39 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2633PS in the amount of $2,024,217.39. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 4:0:1 (Doherty Abstained) • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2633SV in the amount of $583,339.58 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2633SV in the amount of $583,339.S8. (Loukos/Roche) Passes 5:0 21. Correspondence • Notice from Verizon • Letter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Email from Frank Ascoli • Email from Joe Esposito Mr. Loukos read the list of correspondence items. 22. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Mr. Roche stated that the comments about the elections process tonight have been worrisome, he stated that the Select Board tries their best to make everything transparent and do not think anyone is doing things out of their own personal gain. Ms. Doherty commented that she received some letters from residents about the trash and she stated that is part of group five and will not have trash picked up this Friday. Ms. Doherty asked if Mr. Reinke could put out a memo. Mr. Reinke stated that the blizzard caused a delay in trash pick ups and Friday was picked because it was the smallest route and would affect the least amount of households. He stated that some communities got dumpsters like Attleboro and it got overwhelmed quickly and people put construction materials in it. He stated that residents will be allowed to have the lid open and an extra bag on top. Mr. Loukos stated that Mr. Steve Schoonveld raised a good point about conflict of interest and he has spoken to Town Counsel and he will not participate in the process of appointing a member to the Registrar of Voters if Town Counsel says he should not because he is Chair of the Democratic Town Committee. 23. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were none. 24. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the March 4, 2026 Select Board meeting at 8:51 PM. (Doherty/Loukos) Passes 5:0 Select Board Meeting Minutes March 4, 2026 Signature Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Documents used in meeting: Date 1. Public Hearing Notice of New Pole Petition from Massachusetts Electric Company dba National Grid and petition 2. Memo from Town Clerk for Opt Out of Vote by Mail for Local Election 3. Transfer of Land information from Town Planner and Town Conservation Agent 4. Email from Treasurer, John Ellard about Senate Bill 2874 5. Board/Committee Applications from Eric Greenberg, Mary Chappuis, Michael Parsons, Cheryl Christie, Michael See, Janice Wivagg and Joseph Donovan 6. Recommendations from Town Counsel on Correspondence and Select Board Meeting Packets 7. Email from West Side Benevolent Circle 8. Open Meeting Law Complaint from Patrick Higgins 9. Select Board Draft Meeting Minutes of January 8, 2026; January 21, 2026 and February 4, 2026 10. Special Events Application for Mental Health Awareness SK 11. Special Events Application for Spring Craft and Vendor Fairs 12. Water Installers Application for Peter DeGirolamo & Sons, Inc. 13. Banner Application from Keep Mansfield Beautiful 14. Banner Application from Al Noor Academy 15, Drainlayer's Application for Alitech Building, Peter DeGirolamo & Sons, Brunelle Contracting LLC and Ribeiro Enterprises, Inc. 16. Notice from Verizon 17. Letter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 18. Email from Frank Ascoli 19. Email from Joe Esposito Select Board Meeting Minutes March 4, 2026