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Executive Session Minutes
April 26, 2000
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The meeting convened at 10:35 p.m.
Present: Chairman McCarter, Clerk Wills, Selectmen Amoruso, Donovan and
Robinson. Also present: Town Manager D'Agostino, Town Counsel Robert
Mangiaratti, Special Counsel Mark Roberts.
A review of the latest draft of the Great Waves Settlement Agreement concluded
the following issues need further discussion.
1. Water - determine that there will be no backflow of water into the tank holding
municipal water.
2. Determine if 40,000 gallons per day is a maximum or average number. Need to
negotiate a better daily peak and night time withdrawal.
3. Trucking in water for the pools is missing from the agreement.
4. The discount for prepayment of financial obligations. Should be paid in full in
cash or linked to the Consumer Price Index and not discounted.
5. Water capital charges need to be established and put into the agreement. Need
to determine what number they will be based on.
6. Discharging of pool water into the sewer system-how it gets from the pools
into the sewer system and what they will do with the water at the end of the
season.
7. Guarantee of 150 jobs reserved for Mansfield residents is missing from the
agreement.
8. Insert language that makes the ticket discount for Mansfield residents binding
on successors and assigns.
9. The discounted admission tickets should not end at the conclusion of twenty
(20) years.
10. The language in "X. Zoning" needs clarification regarding the Town's "actively
and affirmatively endorse and support" of the agreement.
Executive Session Minutes of April 26, 2000
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11. Should there be an ambulance on site?
Motion: To adjourn the Executive Session at 11:33 p.m. and return to Open
Session. (Amoruso-Donovan)
Selectman Robinson: Aye; Selectman Amoruso: Aye; Clerk Wills: Aye;
Selectman Donovan: Aye; Chairman McCarter: Aye
Signatul"e of Clerk
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Date f Approval
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Executive Session Minutes of April 26,2000
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Board of Selectmen
Minutes
April 19, 2000
Present:
Chairman McCarter, Clerk Wills, Selectmen Amoruso, Dònovan, and
Robinson
John D'Agostino, Town Manager
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag.
· Warrant No. 41 in the amount of $646,993.11
Motion: To approve and sign the warrant.
(Robinson-Amoruso) All in favor. Passes. Chairman McCarter abstained on
the Municipal Building Committee payroll; Selectman Robinson abstained on
the School Department payroll
· License for Public Entertainment on Sunday (Live Entertainment/Dancing) for
Mansfield Realty Limited Partnership, dba Holiday Inn Mansfield, 31 Hampshire
Street
Motion: To approve and sign the license.
(Amoruso-Wills) All in favor. Passes
· Tweeter Center 2000 Entertainment License - Rules and Regulations and Letter
of Agreement
Motion: To approve the Letter of Agreement and sign the Rules and
Regulations and Letter of Agreement
(Donovan-Amoruso) All in favor. Passes
· Minutes of April 12, 2000
Motion: To approve
(Wills-Donovan) 3-0-2 with Selectmen Amoruso and Robinson abstaining.
Passes
· Town Bonds to be signed - sold in the amount of $27,460,000.
Motion: That the sale of the $27,460,000 Municipal Purpose Loan of 2000
Bonds of the Town dated April 15, 2000, to PaineWebber Incorporated at the
Minutes of April 19, 2000
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price of $27,555,084.45 and accrued interest is hereby confirmed. The bonds
shall be payable on April 15th of the years and in the principal amounts or
mandatory redemption payments and bear interest at the respective rates as
follows, subject to earlier redemption at the option of the Town as provided in
the Preliminary Official Statement dated April 7, 2000. further Voted that
the consent dated April 18, 2000, to the financial advisor bidding for the bonds
is hereby confirmed; and that the Clerk be authorized to sign the 3 copies of
the Certification and each Board member sign the 19 Bonds, 3 copies of the
Disclosure Certificate, and 3 copies of the Signature and No Litigation
Certificate.
(Wills-Amoruso) All in favor. Passes
· Letter from the Village at Willow Crossings requesting permission to host a
"Memory Walk" for the benefit of the Alzheimer Association on Sunday,
September 24, 2000 at 8:30 a.m. along two proposed routes - a long version and
a short version - as shown on maps submitted.
Motion : To approve the request
(Donovan-Amoruso) All in favor. Passes
· Robert Goldman of VanGemert Drive - asked for a status update on the Great
Waves Agreement and if Selectmen intend to sign the agreement prior to the
Special Town Meeting. Chairman McCarter advised him that Town Counsel is on
vacation this week and they have not had the opportunity to review the
agreement with him. It may be on the agenda next week and it will be up to the
Board of Selectmen to decide if and when to sign the agreement.
The Selectmen and Housing Authority met, as required by Town Charter, to
interview applicants for the Housing Authority and select an individual to fill an
unexpired term. The vacancy was created when former Housing Authority member
Dan Donovan was elected to the Board of Selectmen and was required by Charter to
resign from the Housing Authority.
Minutes of April 19, 2000
2
Present from the Housing Authority were Chairman Fred J. Barrows, Vice Chairman
Mary-Lou Cotton, Treasurer David Conley, and Assistant Treasurer Beth
Oberlander. Also present was Executive Director Michael Forbes.
Clerk Wills read a letter from applicant Edward Carl stating his interest in the
Housing Authority and noting he would not be able to attend tonight's meeting due
to a family emergency. Applicant Ida Dellarocco was present. Mr. Barrows
suggested moving forward with the appointment despite Mr. Carl's absence, noting
the Housing Authority's difficulty in operating without a full board. Following the
interview with Ms. Dellarocco, nominations were made and a roll call vote was taken
as follows:
Motion: To nominate Ida Dellarocco (Selectman Donovan)
Motion: To nominate Edward Carl (Commissioner Conley)
Vote: Commissioner Cotton for Mr. Carl; Commissioner Barrows for Mr. Carl;
Commissioner Conley for Mr. Carl; Commissioner Oberlander for Ms. Dellarocco;
Selectman Robinson for Mr. Carl; Selectman Amoruso for Ms. Dellarocco;
Selectmen Clerk Wills for Mr. Carl; Selectman Donovan for Ms. Dellarocco;
Selectmen Chairman McCarter for Mr. Carl.
Edward Carl, having received the majority of votes, was appointed to fill the
unexpired term to end with the 2001 Annual Town Elections.
Present from the School Committee were: Chairman Jeff Sankey, Vice Chairman
Jean Miller, Michael Trowbridge, Emil Giordano and Stephen Greenburg. Also
present were Superintendent John Moretti and Business Manager Lincoln Lynch.
Present from the Finance Committee were: Chairman Andy Gazzolo, Dennis Grady
and Charlene Lavin. Town Accountant Bea Kearney and Town Treasurer Richard
Boucher were also present.
Town Manager D'Agostino reported meeting with Mr. Moretti and Mr. Lynch
regarding the details of the budget issues. As the result of the latest round of
cuts, we are now at $2.5 million over the Proposition 2 ~ limitation. He noted
forecasts made long before his arrival in town indicated this fiscal year would be
the year to take the biggest hit on the debt approved for the building program. He
noted the Town has two choices - to reduce the budget shortfalls or establish the
need to move forward with a budget override that would permanently raise taxes.
One option in reducing the Town budget would be to eliminate town-funded trash
collection, which now stands at $909,000 and will continue to increase.
Finance Committee Chairman Gazzolo stated we have a simple problem with a
difficult solution. We're facing a $2.5 million deficit caused by a 12 percent
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increase in expenses versus a 7.5 percent revenue stream. He noted a Proposition 2
t override would carry us through for a year or two, but does not offer a
permanent solution.
Superintendent Moretti and Town Manager D'Agostino detailed cuts they have
made in their budgets. Mr. Moretti outlined additional "hypothetical" cuts that
could be made, noting such cuts would set the district back about four years. Mr.
D'Agostino noted the Town portion of the budget includes no new positions and he
has few options for further reductions. He outlined increases in the cost of health
insurance and the additional burden placed on the Town side of the budget in paying
the cost of benefits for all School Department personnel. The Town budget has
also been affected by higher than anticipated costs for the Charter School,
Southeastern Regional High School, and the Bristol County Agricultural School, all
of which are included in the Town portion of the budget. Mr. D'Agostino also
reported on suggestions to eliminate all capital items, some of which have already
been cut. Mr. Gazzolo advised that this would only postpone the inevitable and
would also result in increased operating costs due to equipment breakdowns.
School Committee Chairman Sankey stated he cannot support some of the proposed
cuts in the School budget, noting people expect a certain level of service. He
suggested the matter be presented to the Townspeople, letting them decide if the
services they want and expect warrant a Proposition 2 t override.
Mr. Moretti reviewed staffing levels and student enrollment numbers, explaining
the increased spending has been driven by rapid increases in student enrollment and
the need to expand remedial programs. He noted Mansfield's scores on
standardized tests have improved as the result of remediation. Budget increases
also reflect additional operating expenses and staffing brought about by the
expansion of the school buildings.
Mr. Gazzolo suggested a Budget Task Force be created with a representative from
the finance Committee, School Committee and Selectmen, to begin meeting a
minimum of twice per week from now until the May 15th Town Meeting in an effort
to reduce the budget shortfall.
At the conclusion of the workshop session, the Selectmen took a five minute
recess.
Applications for the following Commercial Parking Lot Licenses were reviewed In
preparation for next week's meeting. Current licenses expire on April 30th.
Minutes of April 19, 2000
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· Acme/Cleveland - 75 Chauncy Street (Renewal)
All conditions have been met for approval of 172 spaces. The Town must first
receive payment for last year's license, which can now also be issued, prior to
approving the 2000 license. Acme/Cleveland's check for the 2000 license has
been received and we've been told the check for the 1999 license will be sent
this week.
.
McNeeley Lot - 888 South Main Street (Renewal)
Several issues remain unresolved. The Fire
Department comments have not been addressed.
recommends it be noted on the license that any
wetlands hearing.
Department and Building
In addition, Conservation
expansion would require a
· Karl Clemmey Lot - 875 South Main Street (Renewal)
One issue remaining to be resolved with the Police Chief.
· Player's Choice Lot - 10 Reservoir Street (New)
Issues unresolved with the Building Department, Police Department, and Fire
Department.
Selectmen requested letters be sent to all applicants notifying them of their
deficiencies and advising them that if the issues are not resolved by next week's
meeting, their license will not be approved. The Police Chief and Fire Chief will also
be asked to attend next week's meeting in an attempt to get all outstanding
matters resolved.
Town Manager D'Agostino reported on the following:
· As a result of the meeting held with former Governor Michael Dukakis of
Amtrak, Congressmen Barney Frank and James McGovern, we are revisiting the
high speed rail fencing issues. He will be meeting with Mr. Amos of Amtrak at
7:30 tomorrow morning to view the tracks and identify areas in town that are
densely populated where high security fencing should be located. Selectman
Robinson will also be participating. Selectman Donovan stated he would be there
also.
· The draft GIS Needs Assessment information has been received, as requested
by vote of Town Meeting. He stated it contains a wealth of information and
urged Selectmen to read it.
Minutes of April 19, 2000
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· Water Operations Manager Kurt Gaffney has prepared language regarding
water restrictions that will be coming before the Selectmen for approval. They
will be asked to vote on the restrictions, which will include expanded hours for
outdoor water use and water conservation measures to go into effect June ¡st.
Selectman Amoruso mentioned the possibIlity of people having rain barrel
systems for water collection to be used for irrigation purposes. Mr. Gaffney
will be asked to look into their cost and effectiveness.
· Mansfield did not receive funding for the Hatheway Patterson site in the latest
round of the Brownfields grant awards. We are waiting to hear back from EPA
as to how we scored and where we can strengthen our application. We will try
again next year.
· The Water Department will be holding an Open House at the Walsh Well on
Gilbert Street April 30th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
· Asked if the Selectmen would be interested in having him set up tours of the
various departments on a weekend. Clerk Wills noted how beneficial he found it
to be last year and indicated he would be interested in participating again.
· A meeting has been scheduled for Friday at 11 a.m. with the Foxboro Water
Commissioners regarding why they recommended to the Water Resource
Commission that Mansfield's Interbasin Transfer Permit be denied. Mr.
D'Agostino noted Foxboro seems to be upset because their application has
taken so long and they are now required to go under the new regulations.
Selectman Amoruso noted he thinks everybody should be treated fairly and
Foxboro should be able to use our model. He believes, however, they hurt their
case by having their consultant lambaste the Commission and their staff Mr.
D'Agostino noted he believes our model is valid, thinks the Water Resource
staff agrees, and expects we will receive our permit based on those factors.
· Town Accountant Bea Kearney has looked at unspent balances in all the existing
Capital accounts and they total $34,000
Selectman Donovan:
· Read in the paper that Attleboro just put up lights at the intersection of County
and Tiffany Streets for $20,000. He asked that our DPW Director contact
Attleboro's DPW Director to see how they did it and to have him look into it to
see if we could do the same thing at Forbes Boulevard and West St.
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· Noted he read the letter from the Borderland State Park Advisory Board
asking the Selectmen to appoint a representative from Mansfield. An invitation
for interested residents to apply will be put on Cable TV.
· Asked about the water contamination in the sewer line on Route 106 and stated
he wants to make sure they don't put down all the black top until the pipes are
perfect. He asked who's doing the testing and suggested that future bids
should include the cost of having someone there to examine every fitting at the
contractor's cost. The Town Manager explained the process, assured him the
situation is under control and that the Town had someone on site throughout the
process. He also advised Mr. Donovan that the pump house cannot be installed
until the issue of the contaminated water is addressed in an article at Special
Town Meeting for $465,000
· Questioned consultant work submitted by Woodard & Curran in the amount of
$30,000 to complete monitoring of wetlands. He stated the Town staff could
do the work and provide the information necessary and questioned how much
more it's going to cost. Mr. D'Agostino stated he does not know what Selectman
Donovan is reading from, but this is not a contract we've signed with Woodard &
Curran. He explained the need for consultants in the complicated permitting
process for wells, noting the Town does not have hydrogeologists on staff and
this is a very specialized field requiring in-depth knowledge of the State
regulations and contacts within the EPA to guide and expedite the process. He
noted the problem Foxboro has encountered in trying to handle the process on
their own. Chairman McCarter noted getting the well online is a top priority and
we will have Woodard & Curran in to talk to us about it. The State, as a
condition of the permit, w/Ï/ require monitoring of wetlands for a period of time.
Selectman Amoruso:
· Asked if there has been a meeting regarding the Rezza property. Mr.
D'Agostino reported meeting with Mr. Rezza and his lawyer and that everything
is back on track. He advised them we expect to receive word from the State by
the middle of next month. The meeting was cordial and they understand and
sympathize with us.
Chairman McCarter:
· Inquired about the status of the Coral Street property. Planning Director
Shaun Burke has been asked to prepare a Request for Proposals and it w/Ï/ be
going out soon. The property will have to be sold by sealed bid.
· Noted we need an update on the Train Station at some point and he'd like to
know where it stands in the design stage.
Minutes of April 19, 2000
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Clerk Wills:
· Asked who is responsible for signs at forbes Boulevard and West Street. Mr.
D'Agostino said he believes the signs in question have to be ordered and he will
check on it.
· Noted there are directional signs at various locations throughout the Business
Park and wondered if Mr. Clemmey is aware of them. A memorandum was
received from the Planning Board noting they are not sure what signs Mr.
Clemmey is referring to. Mr. D'Agostino stated he does not know if Mr.
Clemmey has discussed this further with the Planning Board
Selectman Donovan:
· Made a motion to have someone from the Town watch every connection that is
made in the Route 106 construction project. Selectman Amoruso noted a motion
is not necessary and the Town already has a policy on this. He advised Mr.
Donovan that Engineer DavId Field was out there every day and there was always
someone from the Town there to protect our interests. Mr. D'Agostino noted
the connections were not an issue. The problem was that the trenches were not
compacted properly and the settlement caused the bonds to open up.
Selectman Amoruso:
· We need to appoint someone to the Budget Task Force and need to get going to
deal with the current and future budget situation.
Motion: To appoint Selectman Amoruso to represent the Selectmen on the
Budget Task Force.
(Donovan-Wills) All in favor. Passes
Motion: To adjourn at 10:55 p.m.
(Wills-Donovan) All in favor. Passes
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Dat of Approval
Minutes of April 19, 2000
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