05/15/2023 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 Mashpee Select Board Minutes May 15, 2023 Public Comment: Ken Dembrowski a resident of 3 Great Field Landing expressed appreciation to the Town Manager and to the Financial Team for taking the time to clarify a variety of questions. Brian Weeden, Chair of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and resident of 133 Main Street spoke as a private citizen on perceived issues and games being played regarding the Community Preservation Committee appointment that now might be tabled or postponed as a result of questions from a town employee who was also interested in serving the position. Mr. Weeden indicated this action is unacceptable. If concerns are being raised, they should come before everyone. Mr. Weeden recommended that a full investigation be conducted. In his opinion, Mr. Weeden stated it is sad the Wampanoag are still being discriminated against. Mary Waygan a member of CPC committee indicated the candidates were interviewed and the recommendation for appointment was voted. There were no irregularities in that meeting. Ms. Waygan stated there was only one motion made. The person that has called for this as a procedural error, did not make a motion for anyone else. In Ms. Waygan's opinion it is felt this matter should be investigated, and it was things that were said after the meeting were not nice. Ms. Waygan indicated she agrees with Brian Weeden. It is very sad this has to be discussed again and again. When a tribal citizen applies for something, there is always drama, there is always something. Ms. Waygan indicated there is so much prejudice. Ms. Waygan stated she asked the Chair not to pull this matter from the Select Board's agenda. Barnstable Co4ply Retirement COLA Discussion and Possible Vote: Treasurerw CraigMq p Craig Mayen, Treasurer/Tax Collector was in attendance to discuss the memorandum from the Barnstable County Retirement Association dated March 3, 2023 regarding the Governor approval of Chapter 269 of the Acts of 2022 to allow for a (1) time adjustment of the cost -of -Living (COLA) for retirees from a maximum of 3% to 5%. Susy Holmes, Executive Director was in attendance to further review this information with the Select Board. The Barnstable County Retirement Association has established a maximum base for calculation of the COLA which would represent a maximum increase of $30 to any retiree pension per month. Two-thirds of the representing towns within the retirement system must approve the (1) time adjustment to allow the increase to move forward. Craig Mayem indicated if the Select Board votes in favor of the additional 2% COLA, the estimated cost increase for the Town of Mashpee is $55,059.70 in FY25, and the estimated cost increase for FY26 is $58,253.18. To date, (7) representing towns have voted in favor of the adjustment. One town has voted in opposition. A total of (10) representing towns would have to support the additional 2% COLA. Motion made by Selectman Cotton to accept and approve the recommendation for the additional 2% COLA for the Barnstable County Retirement Association retirees as presented. Motion seconded by Selectman Wyman -Colombo. VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Weeden, yes Selectman Cotton, yes Selectman O'Hara, yes Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Wyman -Colombo, yes Opposed, none