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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSelect Board 09/16/2026Select Board Meeting Minutes September 16, 2026 Present: Mr. Kostas Loukas, Vice -Chair; Mr. Mark Corsillo, Clerkand,r; (Ntdi QJ` Feck were present at Town Hall in Meeting Room 3A/B. Ms. Mallory Aronstein, Town ManagbYwas also presdrtta�; : Not Present: Mr. Walter Wilk, Chair and Mr. Brendan Roche Ib 1. Call To Order Select Board Meeting - Pledge of Allegiance j Mr. Loukos called the meeting to order at 6:3013M. He asked everyone to stand fo the pledge. He then stated that the meeting was being recorded by Mansfield Cable Access. He asked if anyone from the audience would be recording the meeting and there was no one in the audience that would be. 2. Discussion with the Mansfield Food Pantry —September is Hunger Action Month Ms. Sarah Puleo and Ms. Kimberly Hoy from the Food Pantry were present and came forward. Ms. Puleo thanked the Board for recognizing September as Hunger Action Month. She shared information about food insecurities and the work Mansfield Food Pantry does to ensure that our neighbors have access to food. She stated that they believe food is a basic human necessity and everyone should have access to food. She thanked the volunteers, donors and community leaders. Mr. Corsillo, Mr. Feck and Mr. Loukos thanked them for all their work that they do in the community. Mr. Loukos then read the prepared proclamation and a photo was taken 3. Discussion about the Dangers of Placing Flammable Materials in Curbside Collection Bins —Waste Management Truck Fire Incident Mr. Josh Reinke, DPW Director was present and detailed an event that happened in August to a Waste Management Recycling truck. The truck was on fire and the driver was able to pull into the High School parking lot and ejected that load that was on fire. After investigation it was automotive oil that was placed in a recycling bin. Mr. Reinke explained that automotive oils are accepted at Mansfield Green. He stated that the cost of this incident was $6,700 to do the cleanup as well as the Town resources that were used to extinguish the fire. He stated that they know the general neighborhood where this incident happened and will do some targeting mailing to those residents to educate them. Residents are urged to look on the Town website to learn what items can be recycled and what is trash. Mr. Corsillo noted the Waste Wizard on the Towns website is a great resource to look up items and see how they need to be disposed of. Mr. Loukos noted that the Hazardous Waste Day on October 241h and the cost is $10 per car. She stated that grant funds help pay for the event however there is still costs to the Town and the charge of $10 per car will help offset that expense. 4. Discussion and Possible Vote to Approve Bids for Bond Authorization and Sign Related Documents Mr. Ellard, Town Treasurer and Mr. Nick Monticello, Finance Director/Town Accountant were present and came forward. Mr. Ellard summarized what the borrowing was for and noted that the interest rate is 4.33% which is higher than it was a year ago. I, the Clerk of the Select Board of the Town of Mansfield, Massachusetts (the "Town"), certify that at a meeting of the board held September 16, 2026, of which meeting all members of the board were duly notified and at which a quorum was present, the following votes were unanimously passed, all of which appear upon the official record of the board in my custody: Voted: that we hereby confirm the vote of the Select Board passed September 17, 2025, that determined, in accordance with G.L. c. 70B, that the amount of the cost of the Ctualters Middle School Boiler Replacement Project authorized by a vote of the Town passed on November 2, 2023 (Article 5, Motion 4) not being paid by Select Board Meeting Minutes September 16, 2026 the school facilities grant was at least $2,678,589 and we hereby approve the issuance of bonds up to such amount under said G.L. c. 70B. (Corsillo/Feck) Passes 3:0 Further Voted: that the sale of the $16,840,000 General Obligation Municipal Purpose Loan of 2026 Bonds of the Town dated September 23, 2026 (the "Bonds") to Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc. at the price of $17,327,002.98 and accrued interest, if any, is hereby approved and confirmed. The Bonds shall be payable on September 15 of the years and in the principal amounts and bear interest at the respective rates, as follows: Interest Interest Year Amount Rate Year Amount Rate 2027 $895,000 5.000% 2037 $845,000 5.000% 2028 850,000 5.000 2038 845,000 5.000 2029 845,000 5.000 2039 845,000 5.000 2030 845,000 5.000 2040 840,000 4.250 2031 845,000 5.000 2041 835,000 4.250 2032 845,000 5.000 2042 825,000 4.375 2033 845,000 5.000 2043 825,000 4.500 2034 845,000 5.000 2044 825,000 4.500 2035 845,000 5.000 2045 825,000 4.500 2036 845,000 5.000 2046 825,000 4.500 (Corsillo/Feck) Passes 3:0 Further Voted: that in connection with the marketing and sale of the Bonds, the preparation and distribution of a Notice of Sale and Preliminary Official Statement dated September 3, 2026 and a final Official Statement dated September 10, 2026 (the "Official Statement'), each in such form as may be approved by the Town Treasurer, be and hereby are ratified, confirmed, approved and adopted. (Corsillo/Feck) Passes 3:0 Further Voted: that the Bonds shall be subject to redemption, at the option of the Town, upon such terms and conditions as are set forth in the Official Statement. (Corsillo/Feck) Passes 3:0 Further Voted: that the Town Treasurer and the Select Board be, and hereby are, authorized to execute and deliver a continuing disclosure undertaking in compliance with SEC Rule 15c2-12 in such form as may be approved by bond counsel to the Town, which undertaking shall be incorporated by reference in the Bonds for the benefit of the holders of the Bonds from time to time. (Corsillo/Feck) Passes 3:0 Further Voted: that we authorize and direct the Town Treasurer to establish post issuance federal tax compliance procedures and continuing disclosure procedures in such forms as the Town Treasurer and bond counsel deem sufficient, or if such procedures are currently in place, to review and update said procedures, in order to monitor and maintain the tax-exempt status of the Bonds and to comply with relevant securities laws. (Corsillo/Feck) Passes 3:0 Further Voted: that each member of the Select Board, the Town Clerk and the Town Treasurer be and hereby are, authorized to take any and all such actions, and execute and deliver such certificates, receipts or other documents as may be determined by them, or any of them, to be necessary or convenient to carry into effect the provisions of the foregoing votes. (Corsillo/Feck) Passes 3:0 I further certify that the votes were taken at a meeting open to the public; that no vote was taken by secret ballot; that a notice stating the place (or method of accessing), date, time and agenda for the meeting (which agenda included the adoption of the above votes) was filed with the Town Clerk and a copy thereof posted in a manner conspicuously visible to the public at all hours in or on the municipal building at which the office of the Town Clerk is located or, if applicable, in accordance with an alternative method of notice prescribed or Select Board Meeting Minutes September 16, 2026 approved by the Attorney General as set forth in 940 CMR 29.03(2)(b), at least 48 hours, not including Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, prior to the time of the meeting and remained so posted at the time of the meeting; that no deliberations or decision in connection with the sale of the Bonds were taken in executive session, all in accordance with G.L. c.30A, §§18-25 as amended; and, if the meeting was conducted remotely, it was called and held in accordance with the requirements of Section 20 of Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021, as amended. (Corsillo/Feck) Passes 3:0 5. Town Manager's Report ➢ Update on Goose Statues Project ➢ Household Hazardous Waste Day— October 24'h ➢ Update from Focus Group on Town Services, Held on September 141h ➢ Capital Improvement Plan Committee Meeting — September 2111 ➢ Miscellaneous Items ➢ Select Board Members Questions and Comments Ms. Aronstein began her report stating that the Goose Statues Project for the 2501h Committees legacy project is underway and they are looking for local artists to paint the statues. She stated that all the details are on the Towns website and in the Town Newsletter. She then stated that there is a Household Hazardous Waste Day on October 24`h and the cost is $10 per car which is new to help defer some of the cost of the event. Ms. Aronstein stated that they had over 20 people at the 31d focus group that was held on Town Services. She noted that part of that session was having the group prioritize services to demonstrate how difficult that task is. She then announced that the CIP will be meeting on September 215 Mr. Feck and Mr. Corsillo had no comments or questions. Mr. Loukos asked about the focus groups and if there is information that can be shared with those that were not able to attend. Ms. Aronstein responded that she could share her notes but it would be hard to understand if you were not at the session. She also offered to sit with anyone who is interested in knowing more. She also would like to hear what day of the week and times would work. 6. 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.) There were no public comments from the audience or online. 7. Discussion and Possible Vote on Health Insurance Contribution Rates for Non -Union New Hires Ms. Aronstein stated that she has been negotiating with the unions to adjust the percentages that employees pay for health insurance. She stated that she is seeking a vote tonight to change the ratio for non -union employees who are hired after September first. The HMO plan would have a 60/40 split and the PPO plan would be a 50/50 split. There were no questions from the Board. Motion: To change the non -union health insurance contribution ratios for employees hired after September 1, 2026 or later to a 60% employer and 40%employee ratio for HMO plans and a 50% employer and SO% employee ration for PPO plans. (Corsillo/Feck) Passes 3:0 8. Discussion and Possible Vote to Approve Mural at Town Hall Entrance Ms. Aronstein stated that she is looking to have the cement wall near the Town Hall entrance painted. She stated that Mr. Reinke submitted a proposal and it is a reflection of South Common. Motion: To approve the mural proposal for the Town Hall entrance. (Corsillo/Feck) Passes 3:0 9. Consideration and Vote to Appoint Sandra LaRosee, Mansfield, MA to the Insurance Advisory Committee as the Massachusetts Retirees Association's Representative Select Board Meeting Minutes September 16, 2026 Ms. Aronstein stated that Ms. LaRosee had been missed frorn the list at the last meeting so she formally needs to be appointed to represent the Retirees on the Insurance Advisory Committee. Motion: To appoint Sandra LaRosee, Mansfield MA to the insurance advisory committee as the Massachusetts Retirees Association Representative. (Corsillo/Feck) Passes 3:0 10. Discussion of the Letter Received from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for Verizon New England Inc. Cable License Renewal Ms. Aronstein stated that the cable license renewals are typically for ten years. She stated that the Town can appoint a cable advisory committee if they choose. She stated that she was made aware that the Town previously hired special counsel and that is her recommendation as well. Mr. Corsillo asked if this was just for cable tv or if it included internet service. Ms. Aronstein responded that it is for funding the public access is doing right now in broadcasting the meeting and funding the operations. She stated that the fee people see on their bill is labeled PEG. 11. Consideration and vote to ratify on the collective bargaining agreement between the Town of Mansfield and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Council 93, AFL-CIO, Local 1702, Department of Public Works, Unit A, as ratified by the union. Ms. Aronstein stated that AFSCME unit B ratified last meeting and DPW unit A have now ratified. She stated that there are some minor changes. She stated they did opt for a three-year contract and new hires will have a 60/40 split for the HMO plans and a 50/50 split for the PPO plan. The clothing allowance was increased for vehicle maintenance and the mitigation fund was extinguished. Motion: To approve the collective bargaining agreement between the Town of Mansfield and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Council 93, AFL-CIO, Local 1702, Department of Public Works, Unit A, as ratified by the union. (Corsillo/Feck) Passes 3:0 12. Discussion and Vote to Rescind the August 12, 2026 vote of the Select Board to Award the Bid of Sale: "Roland Green Lot 2," Assessors Map 21 Lot 48, $360,000, Steve Hansen, Hansen Associates, Inc., Ashland, MA Ms. Aronstein stated that this was one of the Roland Green lots that was sold and it was now discovered that there was a drainage easement on the property that was unrecorded. She stated that the Board has to cancel this bid and go out and do the bid again. She stated that the up side is that some of the parcels from Town Meeting will also be going out to bid at the same time. Mr. Feck asked about hiring a realtor so the parcels get in the MLS so that they are seen by more people. Ms. Aronstein responded that there are two ways to do that. The first option would be to hire an auctioneer but sometimes you will not get as much for each property. The second option she explained was to procure a real estate agent. Mr. Loukos asked if Mr. Hansen was planning to rebid and Ms. Aronstein replied that he was and he was interested in another lot too. Mr. Corsillo asked if there was a stipulation that the lots could riot be combined and Ms. Aronstein responded that there was not, but a stipulation that they had to build within a certain time frame and if not the parcel would fall back to the Town. Mr. Loukos asked if the Historical Society's request to have a marker on the property for the Roland Green school would be put into the RFP and Ms. Aronstein stated it would. Motion: To rescind the August 12, 2026 vote of the Select Board to award the bid of sale of Roland Green Lot 2, Assessors Map 21 Lot 48. (Corsillo/Feck) Passes 3:0 13. 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. Loukos asked if there were any budget related meetings scheduled. Ms. Aronstein stated that there is a CIP meeting scheduled for Monday September 211t. Ms. Champagne stated the Tri-Board meeting is scheduled for September 29tn Select Board Meeting Minutes September 16, 2026 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.) There were no comments from the public in person or online. 16. 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: ➢ September 2, 2026 B. Vote to Approve Warrants: ➢ Town Vendor Warrant No. 2711T in the amount of $4,684,905.28 ➢ Electric Vendor Warrant No. 2711E in the amount of $2,369,478.52 School Vendor Warrant No. 27115 in the amount of $188,850.04 C. Consideration of Permits and Licenses: ➢ Consideration of Special Events Application for Bethany Sunderland ➢ Consideration of Drainlayer's License for Excavation Incorporated LLC ➢ Consideration of Banner Request for Scouts Troop 51 Y Consideration of Special Events Application for Indivisible Mansfield and Beyond ➢ Consideration of Sign request for WWII Veteran's Memorial Trail D. Proclamations: ➢ XStay Suites Mansfield ➢ Mansfield Food Pantry Motion: To approve the consent agenda. (Corsillo/Feck) Passes 3:0 17. Potential Vote to Approve Town Payroll Warrants: ➢ Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2709PT in the amount of $1,133,178.16 Motion: To approve Town Payroll/Town Medicaid Payroll 2709PT in the amount of $1,133,178.16. (Corsillo/Feck) Passes 3:0 ➢ Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2709TV in the amount of $354,327.97 Motion: To approve Town Deductions Vendor Payroll 2709TV in the amount of $354,327.97. (Corsillo/Feck) Passes 3:0 ➢ School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2709PS in the amount of $1,511,303.15 Motion: To approve School Payroll/School Medicaid Payroll 2709PS in the amount of $1,511,303.15. (Corsillo/Feck) Passes 3:0 ➢ School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2709SV in the amount of $432,004.17 Motion: To approve School Deductions Vendor Payroll 2709SV in the amount of $432,004.17. (Corsillo/Feck) Passes 3:0 28. Correspondence ➢ Letter from National Grid ➢ Email from Catherine McCahili - Mansfield Chapter DAR ➢ Letter of Resignation Ryan O'Hara, Conservation Commission ➢ Memo from Planning Board Select Board Meeting Minutes September 16, 2026 Mr. Corsillo read the list of correspondence items 19. Select Board Member's Comments and Questions Mr. Feck stated that he has received lots of calls about the proposed battery facility. He stated that the neighbors in that area just had a cell tower installed and it would be good to have a neighborhood meeting so they can voice their concerns. Ms. Aronstein stated that she has lots of questions and they are going to go visit a site the company has to see how it looks and how it sounds. She stated that they are also looking into the Fire Department concerns. Mr. Loukos also spoke with Mr. Joe Sollecito and confirmed that if the Board signs the document, it is the first step but we can back out of the project at any time. Mr. Corsillo noted that the Planning Board has more control over these types of projects verses the cell towers. Mr. Loukos stated that he will be holding monthly office hours at the Council on Aging on the fourth Monday of every month and times may vary. He stated that the first one is October 26th at J.PM. Mr. Corsillo acknowledged the Fire Chief for the 9/11 ceremony. He stated that it was well attended. 20. Any items not anticipated by the Chair 48 hours prior to this meeting There were no items. 21. Adjourn Motion: To adjourn the September 16, 2026 Select Board meeting at 7:22PM. (Corsillo/Feck) Passes 3:0 r�_ 1 O Signd4ure Date Minutes prepared by Carrie Champagne Documents used in meeting: 1. Memo from DPW Director Josh Reinke 2. Memo from Town Manager— Non -Union Health Insurance 3. Town Hall Mural Proposal 4. Letter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts — Department of Telecommunications and Cable 5. Meeting Minutes of September 2, 2026 from Bethany Sunderland 6. Application for Drainlayer's License for Excavation Incorporated LLC 7. Banner Request for Scouts Troop 51 8. Special Events Application for Indivisible Mansfield and Beyond 9. Sign request from WWII Veteran's Memorial Trail 10. Proclamation for XStay Suites Mansfield 11. Proclamation for Hunger Action Month 12. Letter from National Grid 13. Resignation Letter from Ryan O'Hara of Conservation Commission 14. Memo from the Planning Board Select Board Meeting Minutes September 16, 2026