HomeMy WebLinkAboutSELECTMENminutes07092008-20080813111134
Town of Mansfield
Board of Selectmen
Minutes of July 9, 2008
Present:
Chairman Sandra Levine, Clerk Kevin Moran, Selectman George Dentino,
Selectman Jess Aptowitz, John D'Agostino, Town Manager
The Board of Selectmen's meeting was called to order at 7:00pm followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance.
There were several questions from Selectman Dentino regarding different budget
transfers.
Selectman Aptowitz wants more time to review before signing financial documents. He is
uncomfortable with the time table that the board is given to review items before
approving.
Motion: To postpone public meeting to 7:40pm (Aptowitz/Moran) 3:1 passes
There was a brief continued discussion and then it was tabled to later in the meeting.
Motion: To accept request for transfer. (Moran/Levine) 2:0:2 (Aptowitz/Dentino abstain)
John Sullivan, Town Engineer and Lee Azinheira, DPW Director are present for discussion
Representatives from SRPEDD were also present.
The concept plan will include proposed roundabouts for Eastman Street at its intersection
with Autumn Lane/Sturbridge Drive, and at its intersection with Wexford Drive/Monahan
Lane.
The proposed roundabouts are significantly different in size and operation than the old,
large rotaries that most people are familiar with. They are smaller, and with their design
features on the approaches, result in much slower entering and circulating speeds. The
use of roundabouts increases the ability to enter and exit the intersection more
efficiently, and reduces crashes and their severity.
Board of Selectmen Minutes of July 9,2008
A short slideshow and video show was presented by the SRPEDD representatives recapping
the reasons round abounds are a good alternative for traffic management (vs. traffic
lights, stop signs.)
Selectman Dentino has questions about the efficacy of round abounds. He is concerned
about how they will affect the neighborhoods access to and from Rt. 106 and would like to
hear the questions and concerns of the residents in these neighborhoods.
Selectman Moran had questions about the maintenance and general up keep of these round
abouts vs. regular straight roads. Lee Azinheira, DPW Director indicated that while there
is maintenance involved it is nothing that the dept cannot handle.
Officer Lance Lawson, Mansfield PD Traffic Division, stated that there have not been
many accidents at the intersections of the streets in question with Rt. 106 however
traffic can be tricky to navigate because of the volume and speed of traffic.
Fire Chief Neal Boldrighini answered a few questions from the board regarding run times,
and road conditions that safety personnel have to deal with. Round abouts would slow their
response time and could prove difficult for the fire engines.
Public comment period was opened for discussion.
John Comeau, 50 Pilgrim Rd. Is concerned about the posted speed limit of 50 and traffic
coming onto and off of the round about.
Brother Bugnolo, 62 Pilgrim Road. Has experience with round abouts in other countries and
as traffic has increased they too became dangerous. He proposed that a center lane be
added like they have in Florida.
Steven Jones, 30 Monahan Lane. He is concerned that two round abouts in such a short
period of roadway/miles would lead to congestion. He would like to see either one or a
traffic signal, or stop signs.
Mr. Sullivan and the SRPEDD rep. talked about state and federal guidelines that prohibit
the use of traffic signals/signs. Mr. Jones is also concerned about the maintenance of
these round abouts.
Mike McCarthy, 19 Monahan Lane. The neighborhoods in this area are really growing and
traffic is a real concern that will only get worse.
Todd Elliott, 19 Cooper Rd. While round abouts are esthetically pleasing perhaps a center
lane would be a better option.
Board of Selectmen Minutes of July 9,2008
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Ellen Whitney, 7 Wexford Drive. Her house is at the front of the development and it
would most likely devalue her property to have an intersection/round about right in front
of her home. She doesn't see the need for these extensive changes as getting in and out
of the development is not always problematic.
Lynne Ferlisi, 51 Mayflower Drive. There is a hugh piece of land between Mayflower and
Wexford Drives and she was concerned that the town or someone else was going to
purchase the land for another development. Mr. D'Agostino is not aware of the town
attempting to purchase this land.
Elizabeth Kiely, 39 Donegal Way. There is a light at the end of Mill onto Rt. 106 and one in
front of Video Mania. Why did those points get traffic lights? Mr. Sullivan stated that
according to Mass Highway traffic at those points warranted lights.
Jim Meaher, 6 Old North Trail. Is not in support of these plans and would like to see
development of Rt. 106 stop.
Officer Lance Lawson requested to speak before the board on this issue.
Motion: To allow Officer Lawson to speak. (Aptowitz/Moran) 4:0 passes
He is not in favor of these round abouts as he feels that they will impede traffic flow and
cause more traffic issues than currently exist.
Chris Baratta, 7 Sturbridge Dr. Recapped that not only do the neighborhood people not
want this but our public safety officials have also stated that they see problems with this
design. He asks that the board recognize this in making their decision whether to continue
with this project.
Motion: To close public hearing. (Moran/ Aptowitz) 4:0 passes
Lee Azinheira, DPW Director and Mark Cook, Highway Division Manager discussion has
been postponed to August 6th meeting.
The special election for the debt exclusion is next Tuesday, July 15, 2008 and this will be
the last time to recap the items and why they are on the warrant for vote.
Mr. Sullivan gave a brief overview of why Kingman Dam needs funding to complete work.
Mr. Azinheira gave a brief overview of the two items in the Highway Division.
Board of Selectmen Minutes of July 9,2008
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· Equipment and funding for continued road maintenance/repair in town.
· Asphalt/hot box needed for continued road maintenance/repair in town.
Fire Chief Boldrighini gave a brief overview of the items needed in the Fire Dept.
· The dept. needs two fire engine trucks. The fleet is aging and in need of constant
repair. The dept. and the town officials did a study and realized that the town
would save a significant amount of money buy two engines together. Even with one,
another would be needed in the next year.
· Ventilation system for the N. Main St. fire house is needed as it is a safety and
health issue for the personnel stationed there.
Chairman Levine then gave a brief overview of some miscellaneous debt exclusion items
that are on the warrant from the police dept., municipal and school sides of government.
· Motion: To extend meeting to llpm. (Moran/ Aptowitz) 4:0 passes
· Chief O'Neill will be appointed Town Manager during vacation from July 19th
through August 3rd.
· Short discussion on CVS bushes. He will follow up with all parties involved.
· The board is scheduled to visit a single stream recycling plant on Thursday.
· Reminder about the 7pm public hearing for the Light Commissioners
· Warrant No. 53 in the amount of $2,879,742.48
Motion: To approve warrant No. 53 in the amount of $2,879,742.48
(Aptowitz/Moran) 3:0:1 passes (Dentino abstains)
· Warrant No. 54 in the amount of $1,047,782.67
Motion: To approve warrant No. 54 in the amount of $1,047,782.67
(Aptowitz/Moran) 3:0:1 passes (Dentino abstains)
· Warrant No. 01 in the amount of $4,374,344.58
Motion: To approve warrant No. 54 in the amount of $4,374,344.58
(Aptowitz/Moran) 3:0:1 passes (Dentino abstains)
· Warrant No. 02 in the amount of $340,990.47
Motion: To approve warrant No. 02 in the amount of $340,990.47
(Aptowitz/Moran) 3:0:1 passes (Dentino abstains)
Board of Selectmen Minutes of July 9,2008
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· Minutes of May 7, 2008 Hold
· Minutes of May 14, 2008
Motion: To approve minute of May 14, 2008
(Moranl Aptowitz) 4:0 passes
· Minutes of May 28, 2008
Motion: To approve minute of May 28,2008
(Moranl Aptowitz) 4:0 passes
· Email from resident on Winter Street regarding street work in front of her
neighbors house that has effected her property. DPW has been notified.
· Email from resident regarding changes in the Mansfield green facility policies.
His concerns have been address by DPW.
· Letter from resident regarding summer schedule and the change in questions and
comments.
· Request from Sue Cuneo, Mansfield High Swim Team, to vote on a deviation from
the existing (GA TRA) bus route stop at the Mansfield train station and permit a
stop at the Mansfield High School for the purpose of transporting the swim team
to Wheaton College for the season. (Thanksgiving to March 2009).
Motion: To vote to send letter of deviation to GATRA. (Aptowitz/Moran) 4:0
passes
· Conservation restriction for lot on Gilbert St. requested to be signed by board for
the Conservation Commission.
Motion: To sign conservation restriction in order to record deed. (Moranl Aptowitz)
4:0 passes
· Board signed and sent letter of thanks to Covidien for their generous donation of
equipment to the PD lab.
· Letter of request for retirement benefits from Thomas Levesque.
Motion: hold for next meeting. Make copies of whole package again and consult with
A tty Lahane.
· Letter from Atty. Levin regarding request to meet with board.
Board of Selectmen Minutes of July 9,2008
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Motion: To meet with Atty. Levin in order to further the transparency of
government. (Dentinol Aptowitz) motion withdrawn.
Motion: To send letter stating that the Board is not ready to meet with him at this
time. (Moranl Aptowitz) 4:0 passes
· Old business from Chairman Levine: None
· Old business from Selectman Dentino: Still wants monthly reports on professional
development approvals. He stated that he needs three years of past professional
development budget expenditures to review.
Sub committee meetings have not happened. Would like to have fincomm
reinstate.
· Old business for Selectman Moran: None
· Old business from Selectman Baldwin: Not present
· Old business from Selectman Aptowitz: Any responses back for Town Accountant
position. FY2010 rough draft requested from Bea for next meeting.
· New business from Selectman Baldwin: Not present
· New business from Selectman Aptowitz: Congratulations to the Mansfield Green
Machine girls U-14 soccer team for winning the state championship. When will we
know what are bond rating is from Moody's? We are at Al right now and it's too
early to tell if that will change.
Motion: To extend meeting to 11:15pm. (Moranl Aptowitz) 4:0 passes
· New business from Selectman Dentino: None
· New business from Selectman Moran: Would like to increase communication with
the school committeelstaff so miscommunications such as the school modular
contract will not happen again.
· New business from Chairman Levine: Great family night last night down town. It
provides a nice showcase for the down town area. Space 639 on Howe St. extends
into a private driveway. It needs to be resized.
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· East St. and Park St crossing on street needs to be redone.
Motion: To adjourn at 11:20PM
(Moran) 4-0 Passes
!::erPn- ~~~
Signature of Clerk
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Date of Approval
Board of Selectmen Minutes of July 9,2008
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