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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 08/19/2026Select Board Meeting Minutes August 19, 2026 Present: Mr. Walter Wilk, Chair; Mr. Kostas Loukas, Vice -Chair; Mr. Mark Corsillo, Clerk; Mr. Brgp09_9 b?che and Mr. Michael Feck were present at Town Hall in Meeting Room 3A/B. Ms. Mallory Aroris>'$ili;+Town; l),,, t ftjf. Manager was also present. 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting - Pledge of Allegiance Mr. Wilk called the meeting to order at 6:41 PM. He asked everyone to stand for the pledge;,H6 th6ri`stat�d that the meeting was being recorded by Mansfield Cable Access. He asked if anyone from the audien' e6' Jo'i{Id be recording the message. 2. Interview and Potential Vote to Reappoint Saravanan Karuppusamy, Mansfield, MA to the Audit Committee with the School Committee Members of the School Committee were present to participate in the applicant's interview. Those members were Jennifer Walsh, Jenifer Sellon, Lynn Cavicchi, and Jamie Vitonis. Mr. Karuppusamy appeared before the Select Board and School Committee members. He provided a concise overview of his professional background and experience supporting audits and internal controls. In response to questions, he stated he foresaw no conflicts of interest and confirmed he had served approximately two years on the Audit Committee. Motion: To reappoint Saravanan Karuppusamy to the Audit Committee to a term that expires on June 30, 2028. (Corsillo/Loukos) Roll call: Loukas-Yes, Corsillo-Yes, Roche -Yes, Feck-Yes, Walsh -Yes, Sellon-Yes, Cavicchi-Yes, Vitonis-Yes, and Wilk -Yes. Passes: 9:0 School Committee closed their meeting at 6:46 pm. 3. Interview and Possible Vote to Appoint Members to the Animal Welfare Committee (2 vacancies) ➢ Amy Tarlton, Mansfield, MA ➢ Tammy Binette, Mansfield, MA Ms. Tarlton described over 15 years of volunteer experience with the shelter and her commitment to animal welfare. Ms. Binette stated that she has been involved with the shelter for 20 years, and that she also fosters animals and has rescue pets of her own. Mr. Loukos asked each applicant if they could foresee any conflict of interests. Both Ms. Tarlton and Ms. Binette responded that there are no conflicts. Mr. Roche asked, are there any questions you have for the Board? Both applicants expressed enthusiasm for serving and had no questions for the Board. Motion: To appoint Amy Tarlton as a full voting member to a term expiring December 31, 2028. (Corsillo/Roche) Passes: 5:0 Motion: To appoint Tammy Binette as an alternate member to a term expiring December 31, 2026. (Corsi llo/Roche) Passes: 5:0 4. 6:45PM Public Hearing per M.G.L. Chapter 138 Section 12 on application of Good Food LLC dba Butter Dream, Phyllis Kuplast, Manager, for a new Annual All Alcohol On -Premises Common Victualler license to be located at 291 North Main Street and Possible Vote to Approve an Early Sunday Alcohol Sales License Select Board Meeting Minutes August 19, 2026 Motion: To open the public hearing at 6:46 PM. Mr. Ken Rice represented Butter Dreams along with Phylis Kuplast Mr. Rice gave the Board an overview of the business plan. The profile is intended to be a mix of fresh daily breakfast items and specialty dinner options with indoor and outdoor seating with extensive operating hours. It is an affordable restaurant priced in the mid -price range. It will be located in the former downtown fire station at 291 North Main Street. Mr. Rice noted that this is a well -controlled investment decision and that Mr. Kuplast and his daughter are the sole investors. It is estimated to create about 40 jobs. The restaurant will offer a variety of high -quality food offerings. Dinner options of small plate items will be complimented by alcoholic beverages through 1:00 am. It was noted that there is an application to begin serving alcohol at 10 am on Sundays. The restaurant will be two floors with a bakery and kitchen on the first floor with some seating. The second floor will feature a bar, dry good storage, and there is potentially roof top expansion capability. However, the roof top area will not be part of the initial opening. All servers will be TIP trained for alcohol service, and the restaurant will have appropriate security measures including cameras. The construction of the restaurant will be completed in the next couple of weeks with a target soft opening date of late September and full opening mid -October. Mr. Kuplast joined the meeting at 6:57 pm to respond to a question by Mr. Corsillo about whether or not any of the Kuplast business had had any alcohol -related violations. Then Mr. Corsillo recused himself realizing he may have a potential conflict due to his place of employment. All Board members shared their excitement for welcoming the new business to town. Mr. Wilk thanked the group for their presentation. Board members expressed strong support for the project. No public comments were offered. The hearing closed at 6:59 PM. Motion: To close the public hearing at 6:59 PM. (Loukos/Roche) Passes: 4:0 Motion: To approve a new annual all alcohol on premises Common Vic license for Good Food LLC dba Butter Dream and approve early Sunday alcohol sales license. (Loukos/Roche) Passes: 4:0 Mr. Corsillo rejoined the meeting. S. Introduction of the 495/MetroWest Partnership with Jason Palitsch Planning Director Sarah Raposa introduced Executive Director Jason Palitsch, who summarized the 49513artnership mission, regional economic and transportation priorities, workforce trends, and advocacy initiatives. He highlighted Mansfield's recent addition as the 37th community and noted the region's strong economic indicators. Questions from the Board focused on MBTA electrification and recruitment of businesses. Mr. Palitsch confirmed electrification is supported but unlikely in the short term. Mr. Palitsch noted that in general the attitudes of business.community around 495 district are positive. He added, there is concern about global economy and economy in general, but 42% of respondents intended to grow and about 60% did not encounter any hiring difficulties this year. Businesses surveyed were asked if they intended to reduce headcount due to Al and overwhelming the answer was no. They advocate for the region on transportation (roadway improvements, commuter rail and RTA service). The Rt. 95/Rt. 495 interchange is an important initial to the 495 Partnership and is on their list to support consideration of improvement. He said that the Partnership is aggressively advocating with the MBTA on keeping consistent Select Board Meeting Minutes August 19, 2026 service throughout the day, not just the front-end and back of the day and the RTA (regional transportation area) is trying to coordinate between regions through organizations such as GATRA. Mr. Palitsch said that the number one threat to the region is housing. Residential real estate is very expensive. If the next generation of the workforce cannot afford to live here, then they cannot afford to work here. He noted that the Metro 495 workforce is a highly skilled workforce which drives the market. He wanted the Board to know that they do not tell towns what to do, but they do lift up housing as an economic threat. They do push actors at the legislative level to grant funding toward water and sewer maintenance projects. They provide technical services to their members on a grant -funded basis. The website is 495partnership.org He closed by stating that he is happy to assist with local Economic Development initiatives, and that 2/3 of the organization's revenue comes from private member (investor) dollars and 1/3 comes from state grant funding. Municipalities are asked to contribute $500 annually. Questions: Mr. Roche said no questions, but he is glad that the town is part of the group. Mr. Loukos feels this is a great opportunity for Mansfield and that his is encouraged by the collaboration. Mr. Corsillo asked if the Partnership came to town or if the town came sought out the Partnership. Ms. Rapoza stated that the town went to them. Mr. Feck had no questions. 6. Town Manager's Report ➢ July 2026 Monthly Report Ms. Aronstein reviewed the July 2026 Monthly Report, including appointment of Finance Director Nick Monticello, aggressive pursuit of economic development and conservation grants, and ongoing relationship -building with state agencies. ➢ Update on Focus Group Sessions 1 and 2 o Ms. Aronstein announced that she has unveiled the "Join the Conversation" Focus Groups. The first one was related to Town Meeting which included the Town Moderator. Residents were invited to share their feedback about how Town Meeting could be better. The second focus group, was centered on public engagement. This included a look at technology, website, and feedback was received from the participating public and some changes are already being implemented. The next Focus Group will be on September 141h and will be on Town Services. ➢ Special Town Meeting o Will be called for November 12, 2026 per an item later in the agenda. ➢ Miscellaneous Items o Ms. Aronstein also announced SERPEDD's release of two public -facing plans (food insecurity/transportation access and traffic congestion) SERPEDD is looking at food access and insecurity as it relates to public transportation not reaching food pantries. ➢ Select Board Members Questions and Comments o Mr. Roche commented that Mike Healy, from the local food pantry, might be reaching out regarding transportation access. 7. Discussion and Possible Vote to Approve the Submittal of Additional Information for the Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers and Issuance/Transfer of Stock/New Stockholder for The Fresh Market of Massachusetts, Inc. The Board reviewed supplemental disclosures required by the ABCC for Fresh Market of Massachusetts, Inc. After confirmation from counsel that all missing corporate documents had been provided, the Board proceeded. Select Board Meeting Minutes August 19, 2026 Motion: To approve the additional information for the Change of Off icers/Directors/LLC Managers and Issuance/Transfer of Stock/New Stockholder for The Fresh Market of Massachusetts, Inc. (Corsi llo/Loukos) Passes: 5:0 8. 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.) None 9. Continued Discussion and Possible Vote to Approve the Select Board Goals and Objectives Ms. Aronstein summarized the July 8 workshop, noting four broad priority areas: economic development, GATRA expansion, municipal long-range planning, and housing opportunities. The Board confirmed alignment with the Master Plan. Motion: To approve the Select Board Goals and Objectives as listed (Corsillo/Loukos) Passes: 5:0 10. Discussion and Possible Vote of Town Manager Goals and Objectives Ms. Aronstein shared her view of possible Town Manager goals and objectives, stating local By-law review as a priority. The focus would be on general (non -zoning) bylaws to address current problems. Also on her list is Municipal needs planning. This would focus on town hall (roof, HVAC), meeting today's demands at the public library and the Council on Aging. She recognized the importance of re -invigorating the Industrial Development Commission to support local business, give direction on initiatives, and beautification efforts in the business park. Public Art is also on Ms. Aronstein's list of goals. She gave examples such as art in parks, inspired murals, and the possible development of a cultural or art district. Motion: To approve the Town Manager goals and objectives as presented. (Corsi llo/Loukos) Passes: 5:0 11. Discussion and Possible Vote to Open the Warrant for a Special Town Meeting and Schedule it to Close on September 28, 2026 at 12 Noon Motion: To schedule the Special Town Meeting for November 12, 2026 at 7:00 pm (Loukos/Roche) Passes: 5:0 Motion: To open the warrant for Special Town Meeting and schedule it to close on September 28, 2026 at Noon. (Corsi llo/Loukos) 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. The Town Manager reported on tri-board planning, capital improvement plan updates, and potential override communications. The Board discussed clarity in tax impact tools and best practices for public information. Ms. Aronstein gave the Board an overview of the budget planning schedule. She stated that they met back in July to establish the timeline. At that time Jenn Walsh, Chair of the School Committee, agreed to schedule the first Tri-Board meeting for August, and priorities and funding was reviewed. Ms. Aronstein noted that the services of John Guilfoil have been engaged, so they can support public engagement should the town choose to move forward with an override. The status of the FY27 budget is good so far, and FY26 is closed and in good shape. Mr. Corsillo commented that if the town is going to use a tax calculator on the public engagement website that it should be made clear that it is an estimate. Ms. Aronstein agreed and noted that town administrators Select Board Meeting Minutes August 19, 2026 will get to dictate how they want the website presented. Mr. Loukos mentioned that there is an example of a one -pager that was shared to Select Board members that could be used to communicate with tax payers about how taxes are allocated being. 13. Select Board Member Committee and Liaison Updates Mr. Corsillo stated that he had attended the Council on Aging meeting on September 18. He said the reoccurring theme was that the COA is suffering from a severe lack of space. This results in residents going to other communities to meet their needs. Mr. Loukos stated that he attended the Bristol County Advisory Board meet and that their budget was approved. He noted that there was robust conversation because the Commissioners will be receiving a raise. He stated that he voted against the increase. 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.) Marie Grygienc of 165 Stearns Avenue commented on the lack of space at the Council on Again. She said that people are upset because they are being displaced and space constraints are affecting program delivery and community cohesion. She also commented on the use of Flock cameras in several areas in town. Ms. Aronstein clarified that the town has ALPR's intersection cameras that clear intersections via siren alert. She said that it was inaccurately reported that Mansfield is using Flock cameras. Mansfield does not use flock cameras, but there are cruiser ALPRs, and intersection safety cameras are governed by policy, and that the policy is being reviewed. Lynn DiCorpo of West Street asked if the 495Partnership has data on how successful area business parks are in comparison to each other. Ms. Aronstein shared that the 495Partnership website might not have that information specifically, but there is a lot of information that might be useful and that it does list vacant space and cost. Ms. DiCorpo asked if the County Commissioners held union positions. Mr. Corsillo clarified that County Commissioners are elected officials. Mr. Loukos noted that there are three at -large County Commissioners that oversee all towns in Bristol County. He clarified that the healthcare costs have increased and the raise he voted against was set to offset that. Ms. DiCorpo asked what they do for the town, and Mr. Loukos replied that one of the things they do is run our regional schools. 15. Review and Vote to 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: ➢ June 17, 2026 ➢ July 8, 2026 ➢ July 15, 2026 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 2705T in the amount of $1,295,790.09 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 2705E in the amount of $325,653.11 ➢ School Vendor Warrant No. 27055 in the amount of $596,199.80 ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 2707T in the amount of $5,802,399.86 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 2707E in the amount of $1,886,283.58 ➢ School Vendor Warrant No. 27075 in the amount of $324,765.15 Select Board Meeting Minutes August 19, 2026 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: ➢ Consideration of Entertainment License for Nordstrom Rack ➢ Consideration of Special Events Application for Fall Craft Fair ➢ Consideration of Sign Request from Return to Wild ➢ Consideration of Special Events Application for Mass Arts Center ➢ Consideration of Special Events Application for Scout Troop 51 Consideration of Water Installers License for Moore Brothers, Inc. D. Proclamations: ➢ Students for Community Collection Drive Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Corsillo/Loukos) Passes 5:0 16. Potential Vote to Approve Town Payroll Warrants: • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2655PS in the amount of $1,398,323.04 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2655PS in the amount of $1,398,323.04. (Corsillo/Roche) Passed: 5:0 School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2655SV in the amount of $396,047.31 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2655SV in the amount of $396,047.31. (Corsi llo/Roche) Passed: 5:0 • Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2703PT, 2703MT and 2703VT in the amount of $1,207,264.00 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2703PT, 2703MT and 2703VT in the amount of $1,207,264.00. (Corsillo/Roche) Passed: 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2703TV and 2703MTV in the amount of $386,495.50 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2703TV and 2703MTV in the amount of $386,495,50, (Corsi llo/Roche) Passed: 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2703PS in the amount of $347,635.27 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2703PS in the amount of $347,635.27. (Corsi llo/Roche) Passed: 5:0 • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2703SV in the amount of $78,776.29 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2703SV in the amount of $78,776.29. (Corsi llo/Roche) Passed: 5:0 o Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2705PT in the amount of $1,183,851.82 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2705PT in the amount of $1,183,851.82. (Corsillo/Roche) Passed: 5:0 • Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2705TV in the amount of $400,087.41 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2705TV in the amount of $400,087.41. (Corsillo/Roche) Passed: 5:0 • School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2705PS and 2705MS in the amount of $1,707,236.36 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2705PS and 2705MS in the amount of $1,707,236.36. (Corsi llo/Roche) Passed: 5:0 Select Board Meeting Minutes August 19, 2026 • School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2705SV and 2705MSV in the amount of $465,749.10 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2705SV and 2705MSV in the amount of $465,749.10. (Corsillo/Roche) Passed: 5:0 17. Correspondence ➢ Email from Larry Troy ➢ Email from Marianne Staples ➢ Email from Ralph Merrifield ➢ Email from Terry Blanchard ➢ Emails from Connor Ebsary ➢ Letter from TEC Associations Consulting and Engineers ➢ Notice of Retirement from Tracey Whalen, DPW -Highway Administrative Assistant ➢ Letter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Mr. Corsillo read the list of correspondence items. 18. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Corsillo: None Loukos: None Mr. Roche commented that he and Mr. Corsillo met with Mike Healey of the Food Pantry because the food pantry is interested in having someone sponsor a town -wide diaper drive. This would be organized by setting up drop sites around town. Ms. Aronstein stated that she thinks the Town may not be allowed to solicit donations, but she would confirm with counsel so this will be a topic at the next Select Board meeting. Feck: None 19. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting None 20. Enter into Executive Session and Not Return to Open Session for the following: ➢ 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 following unions: • American Federation State County and Municipal Employees Council 93, AFL-CIO, Local 1702 Department of Public Works, Units A • Mansfield Permanent Firefighters Local 1820, International Association of Firefighters • United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, AFL-CIO-CLC, Local Union 9517, Unit 3, Supervisory Unit Approval of Executive Session Minutes from May 20, 2026, June 3, 2026 and July 15, 2026 Motion: To Enter into Executive Session and Not Return to Open Session for the following, 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 following unions: American Federation State County and Municipal Employees Council 93, AFL-CIO, Local 1702 Department of Public Works, Units A; Mansfield Permanent Firefighters Local 1820, International Association of Firefighters and United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, AFL-CIO-CLC, Local Union 9517, Unit 3, Supervisory Unit and to approve of Executive Session Minutes from May 20, 2026, June 3, 2026 and July 15, 2026. (Corsillo/Roche) Roll Call Vote: Corsillo — Yes, Loukos — Yes, Roche — Yes, Feck — Yes, Wilk — Yes Passes 5:0 Select Board Meeting Minutes August 19, 2026 S' n ure Minutes prepared by Nancy Griffin Date Documents used in meeting: 1. Board/Committee Applications from Saravanan Karuppusa my, Amy Tarlton and Tammy Binette 2. Town Manager July 2026 Monthly Report Focus Group Data 4. ABCC Application from Good Food LLC dba Butter Dream 5. Documentation from Fresh Market of Massachusetts 6. Select Board Goals 7. Meeting Minutes of June 17, 2026; July 8, 2026 and July 15, 2026 8. Emails from Larry Troy, Marianne Staples, Ralph Merrifield, Terry Blanchard, Connor Ebsary 9. Letter from TEC Associations Consulting and Engineers 10. Notice of Retirement from Tracey Whalen, DPW -Highway Administrative Assistant 11. Letter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 12. Proclamations for High School Students 13. Entertainment License for Nordstrom Rack 14. Sign Request from Return to Wild 15. Special Events Application for Mass Arts Center; Scout Troop 51 and Fall Craft Fair 16. Water Installers License for Moore Brothers, Inc. 17. 495Partnership hand-out Select Board Meeting Minutes August 19, 2026