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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 05/20/2026Select Board Meeting Minutes May 20, 2026 �## (RECEIVED � �F Present: Mr. Walter Wilk, Chair; Mr. Kostas LOUkas, Vice-AU11�,Mf�Nlaf9�L�ors IIoICCierk; Mr. Brendan Roche and Mr. Michael Feck were present in Meeting Room 3 A/BZgtbTT", fell. W.1p1141cgry Aronstein, Town Manager was also present. 1. Call to Order Select Board Meeting - Pledge of AllegiancV, AY `c 1 T S Ms. Aronstein called the meeting to order at 630PM. She then read the broadcast message and asked those present to stand for the pledge of allegiance. 2. Reorganization of the Select Board and Light Commissioners Ms. Aronstein asked for a nomination for Chair for the Select Board. Mr. Loukos nominated Mr. Wilk and the nomination was seconded by Mr. Roche. A vote was taken and it passed unanimously. Ms. Aronstein handed the meeting over to Mr. Wilk. Mr. Wilk then asked for nominations of Vice -Chair. Mr. Corsillo nominated Mr. Loukos and Mr. Roche seconded the nomination and it also passed unanimously. Mr. Wilk then asked for nominations for Clerk and Mr. Roche nominated Mr. Corsillo and it was seconded by Mr. Roche and passed unanimously. Mr. Wilk then asked for nominations for Chair of the Light Commissioners. Mr. Roche nominated Mr. Feck and Mr. Corsillo seconded the nomination. The Board voted and it passed unanimously. Mr. Wilk then asked for Vice -Chair nominations and Mr. Loukos nominated Mr. Roche and this was seconded by Mr. Corsillo and passed unanimously. Mr. Wilk then asked for nominations of Clerk for the Light Commissioners. Mr. Roche nominated Mr. Loukos and it was seconded by Mr. Feck and passed unanimously. 3. Discussion and Consideration or Vote of Town Right of First Refusal — 52 Willow Street Condominium Resale Ms. Sarah Raposa, Director of Planning and Development was present. She stated that the Office of Executive Housing and Communities has reached out because the affordable unit owner at 52 Willow Street is selling their condo. The Town has right of first referral however her recommendation was for the Select Board to not exercise their right of first refusal. This would allow it to go to a lottery for another affordable buyer. Mr. Feck asked if the unit could go to a Mansfield resident. Ms. Raposa responded that it would have to have been done that way originally however she will share the information on the website and Facebook when the lottery is announced for it. Motion: To not exercise the Town's right of first refusal for 52 Willow Street Condominium at this time. (Corsillo/Roche) Passes 5:0 4. Interview and Consideration to Appoint Sally Fehervari, Mansfield, MA to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Plan Steering Committee (1 vacancy) Ms. Sally Fehervari of 86 Lawndale Road came forward and stated that she has been cycling around the Town and Cape Cod for many years. She stated that she could provide some good input on where cycling is safe and where there are areas could use improvements. The Select Board members then asked her a few questions. Motion: To appoint Sally Fehervari to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Plan Steering Committee. (Corsillo/Roche) Passes 5:0 S. Interview and Consideration to Appoint Members to the Non -Profit Gift Fund Committee (2 vacancies) 9 Terry Blanchard, Mansfield, MA Select Board Meeting Minutes June 3, 2026 Y Maureen R. Doherty, Mansfield, MA ➢ Steve Schoonveld, Mansfield, MA Mr. Wilk noted that Ms. Doherty had withdrawn her application and Mr. Schoonveld was not able to attend tonight's meeting. Ms. Terry Blanchard was present and came forward and stated why she wanted to be on the committee and provided information on her education and work experience. She stated that she had attended the meeting the Non -Profit Gift Fund Committee last week. She also responded to the Board's ethics question that she would abstain from a vote should there be a conflict of interest but she did not foresee any. Motion: To appoint Terry Blanchard to the Non -Profit Gift Fund Committee to terms that expire December 31, 2027. (Corsillo/Roche) Passes 5:0 6, lown Manager's Report ➢ Data Centers By -Law Making the News ➢ Cobb Street Acceptance ➢ SEMRECC Assessment Update ➢ Health Insurance Advisory Committee Update ➢ Miscellaneous Items Select Board Members Questions and Comments Ms. Aronstein began her Town Manager's Report stating that Mansfield has made the news for being proactive for the data center by-law. She then noted that Cobb Street was recorded at the Registry of Deeds. She stated that the SEMRECC assessment came in at $15,000 less than expected so that is a positive savings. She then provided an update on the Health Insurance Advisory Committee and stated that it is a very detailed process and it has a finite time line that has to follow once the Select Board takes a vote. Ms. Aronstein then announced that the Library of Board of Trustees appointed Whitney Brown to be the next Library Director and there will be an overlap of time for her to spend with Ms. Catherine Coyne training. 7. 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. Jackie Curtis of 25 Glen Street came forward and stated that when the Board was reorganizing, they should not have voted for themselves. 8. Discussion and Consideration of Fee Changes ➢ Building Department Y Conservation Commission DPW— Mansfield Green ➢ Fire Department ➢ Planning Board ➢ Water Department ➢ Zoning Board of Appeals Ms. Aronstein stated that in an effort to grow revenues she has looked at fees and many departments have fees that have not been updated since 2018 or 2019. She stated that the Board of Health changed their own fees and she did not suggest changing any of the Select Board fees as they are all still competitive. Ms. Aronstein stated that the Conservation Commission approved the fees presented and the Select Board would be providing affirmation for them. Select Board Meeting Minutes June 3, 2026 Motion: To approve the fee changes as presented for the Conservation Commission effective July 1, 2026. (Corsillo/Roche) Passes 5:0 Ms. Aronstein then referred to the Mansfield Green sticker pricing analysis. She stated that if the Board raised the sticker fee from $20 to $30 that could generate an additional $22,000 and help pay for adding the extra hours for the Green to be open. Her analysis also included charging seniors $5 for the sticker, noting that they are free to those residents over 60 currently. She stated that if the sticker price doubled and was $40 per sticker it would be closer to paying for itself. Mr. Wilk asked Ms. Aronstein what her recommendation was for the sticker and Ms. Aronstein stated that she would recommend $35. Mr. Loukos stated that he would not want to charge seniors. Mr. Roche agreed with Mr. Loukos about not wanting to charge seniors and charging more for the disposal of certain items. Mr. Wilk asked if they were okay with the $5 replacement sticker and all Select Board members were in agreement with that. Mr. Feck agreed and wants to make sure we continue to sell enough stickers. Mr. Corsillo commented that he was a hard no on charging seniors and was okay with the fee for the general public and was okay with going up to $40. Mr. Corsillo also wanted to make sure that landscapers cannot dump in the yard waste area. Ms. Terry Blanchard of 150 Rumford Avenue came forward and stated that on the website there are some items listed as free to recycle at Mansfield Green and thought there may be some of them that could be increased. Ms. Aronstein responded that some of the free items are items that the Town will actually receive money for such as scrap metal and those would remain free. Mr. Rinke responded to Ms. Aronstein via cell phone and landscapers are not allowed to use Mansfield Green for yard waste. Ms. Blanchard then stated she hard to follow along without the documents. Ms. Champagne shared her screen so those present and at home could follow along better. Ms. Aronstein also stated that these changes will all be posted on the website but so far, the Board has only approved the recommendation from the Conservation Commission. Motion: To approve the Mansfield Green Recycle sticker fees as follows: $40 for residents and $0 for seniors over 60 years old and add a $5 fee for the replacement of a sticker effective January 1, 2027. (Corsillo/Roche) Passes 5:0 Ms. Aronstein then went through the proposed fee changes for the building department and she explained that the increases were modest and kept competitive. She then moved on to the Fire Department and then the Water Department fees. Lastly, she reviewed a list of items that can be recycled at Mansfield Green but have a charge associated with them. The suggested increase was for electronics, propane tanks, tires and appliances with freon and each was going up between $5 or $10 to cover the cost to the Town to dispose of the items. She then reviewed the Zoning Board fees which were just for applications and for the applicant to pay the postage for each abutter notification and the newspaper ad fee. Ms. Aronstein then noted a few of the changes from the Planning Board fees. Mr. Corsillo stated that he would abstain from the Planning Board fees as he voted on them at the Planning Board meeting. Motion: To approve the fee changes as presented for the Zoning Board, Mansfield Green Disposal Costs, Building Permit Fees for Residential and Commercial, Ambulance Fees, Fire Department Permit and Inspection Fees, Water Department Fees and Conservation Commission Fees effective July 1, 2026. (Corsillo/Roche) Passes 5:0 Select Board Meeting Minutes June 3, 2026 Motion: To accept the Planning Board fees as presented on July 1, 2026. (Feck/Roche) Passes 4:0:1 (Corsillo Abstained) 9. Discussion and Consideration of Revised Flag Policy Ms. Aronstein stated that the current flag policy has discretion in the policy which can negatively affect the Town. She explained a recent Supreme Court case involving the City of Boston and flags on municipal property. She stated that Town Counsel has opined and have removed the discretion and the revised policy clearly identifies which flags can be flown on the Town of Mansfield flag poles. Mr. Corsillo asked what the Board should do if there was a flag they wanted to add to the list and Ms. Aronstein responded that she would want to run that by Town Counsel. She added that when the Board starts to pick and choose which flags can be put up that is when the Board can get in trouble. Mr. Loukos referred the Board to look at the flag policy from the City of Attleboro and noted that they have a ceremonial flag pole that is used for the expression of the city. Mr. Wilk stated that the liked the idea of a separate flag pole. Ms. Aronstein reiterated the importance of the policy being clear and that it should have no discretion. The Board members continued to have a discussion on their opinions on the policy. In summary Ms. Aronstein stated that she was going to reach out to Town Counsel to look at the City of Attleboro policy. 10. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint a Member of the Select Board to serve on the Mansfield Foxboro Norton Wastewater District to a term that expires on June 30, 2027 Mr. Feck responded that he attended their meeting last night and he was willing to serve. Motion: To appoint Michael Feck to serve on the Foxboro Norton Wastewater District to a term that expires on June 30, 2027. (Roche/Loukos) Passes 5:0 11. Discussion and Consideration to Appoint a Select Board member to the Southeastern Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization (SMMPO) and to Document that the Members Appointee will be Mallory Aronstein, Easton Motion: To appoint Michael Feck to the Southeastern Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization (SMMPO) and to Document that his Appointee will be Mallory Aronstein. (Corsillo/Roche) Passes 5:0 12. General Budget Discussion — Including Budget Subcommittee Update The general budget discussion agenda item is a regular Select Board agenda item that will include discussion on any fiscal year budgets and may include discussions of past fiscal years or future fiscal years. Mr. Feck stated that Fiscal Year 2027 was a difficult budget and there are difficult decisions to make. He stated that he commends the town staff. He stated that the non -union employees are taking a zero percent increase and in the town unions there is progress being made. He stated he was completely disappointed by the reaction of the teachers, specifically the MEA's union at the Finance Committee meeting. Mr. Feck stated that Mr. Feely could have invited him or Mr. Wilk or the School Administration because Ms. Aronstein had only been here a short time at that point. Mr. Loukos stated that he does not think there is a need for the Budget Subcommittee and that all the Boards should meet as a Tri-Board so that everyone hears the information together to make it more collaborative. Mr. Corsillo stated that it is not just contracts, it's the declining of the commercial tax base. Mr. Wilk commented that the dynamic of business has changed post COVID. Mr. Wilk also stated that when someone gets a 2% raise it is more than that because of steps and lanes and can end up being an average of 3-4% increase. He noted the other huge factor is that most cities and towns has not received an increase from the State. Mr. Wilk stated that he feels like there is value in the Budget Subcommittee process to go through the reports and to get some of the numbers down and then have more Tri-Board meetings. Mr. Wilk commented that he thought it was wrong that the teacher's union endorsed Select Board Meeting Minutes June 3, 2026 Select Board candidates and it would be a nightmare for each union to endorse candidates. Mr. Roche stated that the rise of property taxes is largely due to the values of houses increasing since COVID. Mr. Roche also noted that in the future public information sessions it is important to ask what people's expectations of services are. Mr. Feck stated that Ms. Aronstein was treated inappropriately at the Finance Committee meeting and that is where a division was created between the town and schools. He noted that Ms. Aronstein did however handle herself well in that situation. Mr. Loukos stated that tensions are high and it is stressful to have to lay off a significant number of people and everyone needs to recognize that the decisions being made are difficult. Mr. Roche commented that now that election is over, he hopes that everyone can work together and move forward and also stated that he expects that there will be a comprehensive override next year at Town Meeting. Mr. Roche then stated that he encourages people to come here in person and address the Board as a whole. Mr. Wilk stated that these are not going to be easy decisions and they have to start somewhere. He stated that it will require everyone to participate including retirees, active employees and residents. He also stated that it is going to have to be an override and it can't be all schools and not the town or all the town and not the schools, it has to be both sides together. Ms. Aronstein stated that she wrote a process document for the budget process. She stated that the Finance Committee will be reviewing it tomorrow night at their meeting. Ms. Aronstein stated that it includes a communication plan and part of that plan includes focus groups. She stated that she wants to have recordings of the information to help educate the public. Mr. Corsillo commented that it would be great to also have an audio version like a podcast so the commuters could listen to them. 13. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates There were no additional committee updates 14. 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.) Mr. Gary Forget of Webb Place came forward and stated his concerns about the Town paying for trash being picked up from a business. He then stated that he was driving by a fire in another Town and saw Mansfield Emergency Management there providing drinks to the firefighters. He stated that he knows that MEMA is run by volunteers but the town is paying for their vehicles, gas, and supplies and wanted to know why the Town is providing these services to other Towns. Mr. Forget stated that he also heard that Easton is going through financial struggles and they are depending on Mansfield's resources to support their Town. He stated that the Town's contract with Waste Management ends in 2030 the Town is going to be hit with fees now that there are only two places that incinerate trash. He is concerned that the Town is giving away free services. He stated that if the Town wanted to be fair, they should consider an enterprise fund for the trash because commercial tax payers are subsidizing the trash for residents. Mr. Scott Feely of 489 Fruit Street came forward and stated that that some people thought the Finance Committee was positive and others thought it was negative. However, on that day there were twenty-two people told they could not work here and there are going to be emotional reactions. He stated that it might be tough to hear but everyone should listen. Mr. Wilk commented that it was only one side of the story and Mr. Feely stated anyone could show up to the meeting. Mr. Wilk added that he should have invited someone from the Select Board. Mr. Feck agreed that if the union rep for MEA was invited to the meeting others should have also been invited, he further noted that Ms. Aronstein had only been in her position for two weeks and it was not her that made the decisions. Select Board Meeting Minutes June 3, 2026 Ms. Marie Grygienc of 165 Stearns Avenue came forward. She stated that she comes from a union family and unions have the right to join the debate and campaign for someone. She stated that when the unions speak, we learn all sides of the debate. Mr. Wilk commented that it has not previously happened here in Mansfield. 15. 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 5, 2026 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 2647T in the amount of $1,428,128.41 Electric Vendor Warrant No. 2647E in the amount of $2,174,401.01 ➢ School Vendor Warrant No. 2647S in the amount of $703,580.22 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: ➢ Consideration of Drainlayer's License for Moore Brothers, Inc. ➢ Fee Waiver Request for Mansfield High School senior class BBQ D. Proclamations: ➢ Proclamation for Mary Kate Flynn ➢ Proclamation for Maureen R. Doherty Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Corsillo/Roche) Passes 5:0 16. Consideration and Approval of Town Payroll Warrants: ➢ Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2645PT in the amount of $1,027,815.04 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2645PT in the amount of $1,027,815.04. (Corsillo/Roche) Passes 5:0 ➢ Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2645TV in the amount of $335,737.76 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2645TV in the amount of $335,737.76. (Corsillo/Roche) Passes 5:0 ➢ School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2645PS in the amount of $1,951,714.68 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2645PS in the amount of $1,951,714.68. (Corsillo/Roche) Passes 5:0 ➢ School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2645SV in the amount of $576,027.52 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2645SV in the amount of $576,027.52. (Corsillo/Roche) Passes 5:0 17. Correspondence Email from Em Burke ➢ Emails from Eric Houston ➢ Email from Leah Sawyer v Invitation from Bristol County Agricultural High School ➢ Email and Letter from Donald Capen v Email from Adria McPherson ➢ Letter from Michael Trowbridge, Sr. — Resignation from Mansfield Foxboro Norton Wastewater District ➢ Letter from Mark Corsillo — Resignation from Planning Board Mr. Corsillo read the list of correspondence items. Select Board Meeting Minutes June 3, 2026 18. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Mr. Loukos commented that people are going to have let people speak and allow people some grace and not speak over one another. He stated that people are not always going to agree but you have to hear what they have to say. He stated that he hopes by looking at fees, negotiating the health care that everyone can come together and support an override and the Town can get out of its budget crisis. 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: H litigation if an g may her'eo-ir•w'=erim arc-n��v^eronmie-rcergerem�`siervrorer'eelI�� �7 C05 Was C«rnut C(\p \A/net Ctrr.n« A92 \A/net Ctraet and fV D..l ly Tree gepj;re aAd the Gh2ir o ___ �-__-_-. ___, __�-vre-xver�teTm�xa� ee-mvm-�o da GWfe&,This exemption is no longer needed Y Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21(a), Exemption 4 to discuss the deployment of or strategy regarding security personnel or devices Y Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21(a), Exemption 3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares with the American Federation State County and Municipal Employees Council 93, AFL-CIO, Local 1702 Department of Public Works Union, Units A and B Ms. Aronstein stated that the first bullet is not needed for tonight's Executive Session. She then noted that there is an error and each item should say M.G.L. Chapter 30A Section 21(a) Motion: To enter into executive session and not return to open session Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21(a), Exemption 4 to discuss the deployment of or strategy regarding security personnel or devices and Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21(a), Exemption 3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares with the American Federation State County and Municipal Employees Council 93, AFL-CIO, Local 1702 Department of Public Works Union, Units A and B at 8:36PM. (Corsi llo/Roche) Roll Call Vote: Corsillo — Yes Loukos —Yes Roche —Yes Feck— Yes Wilk — Yes Passes 5:0 n to Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Documents used in meeting: /17 Zfo Date 1. Application to Serve on a Board/Committee or Commission from Sally Fehervari, Terry Blanchard, Maureen R. Doherty and Steve Schoonveld 2. Fee Analysis Documentation Select Board Meeting Minutes June 3, 2026 3. Select Board Flag Policy 4. Southeastern Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization (SMMPO) Correspondence and Request to self -nominate a Select Board member 5. Email from Em Burke, Eric Houston, Leah Sawyer and Adria McPherson 6. Invitation from Bristol County Agricultural High School 7. Email and Letter from Donald Capen R. Letter from Michael Trowbridge, Sr. — Resignation from Mansfield Foxboro Norton Wastewater District 9. Letter from Mark Corsillo — Resignation from Planning Board 10. Proclamation for Mary Kate Flynn and Maureen R. Doherty 11. Drainlayer s License Application for Moore Brothers, Inc. 12. Fee Waiver Request for Mansfield High School senior class BBQ 13. Meeting Minutes of May 5, 2026 Select Board Meeting Minutes June 3, 2026