HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 02/23/00
Board of Selectmen
Minutes
February 23, 2000
Present:
Chairwoman Royle, Clerk Wills, and Selectmen Robinson,
Amoruso and McCarter
John D'Agostino, Town Manager
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM followed by the pledge of
allegiance
· Authorization to sign payroll for the period ending February 17, 2000 in
the amount of $147,273.82 - Town; $21,696.39 - Electric
Motion: To sign the authorization
(Robinson-Amoruso) All in favor. Passes. Chairwoman Royle abstained
on Board of Health payroll; Selectman Robinson abstained on Schools;
Selectman McCarter abstained on the Municipal Building Committee
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· Alcoholic Beverages License for Holiday Inn - renovations approved
Motion: To sign
(McCarter-Robinson) All in favor. Passes
· Alcoholic Beverages License for Geno's - change of manager approved
Motion : To sign
(Wills-Robinson) All in favor. Passes
· Mansfield Women of Today One-Day Temporary License for Wine Sales
at Auction to be held at the Holiday Inn - Saturday March 25th and
request to waive fee because they are a non-profit organization and the
proceeds will be donated to various charitable organization
Motion: To waive the fee
(McCarter-Wills) All in favor. Passes
Motion: To approve the license
(Amoruso-McCarter) All in favor. Passes
Minutes of February 23, 2000
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· One Day Auction Permit for Mansfield Woman of Today for their March
25th Auction and request to waive the fee
Motion: To waive the fee
(McCarter-Wills) All in favor. Passes
Motion: To approve the license.
(Amoruso-McCarter) All in favor. Passes
· Lodging House License for 2000 for Peter Fontanini at 20-22 Thomas
Street - all Town Departments have signed off
Motion : To approve the license.
(Wills-Amoruso) All in favor. Passes
· Lodging House License for 2000 for Peter Fontanini at 18 Thomas Street
- all Town Departments have signed off
Motion: To approve the license
(Amoruso-Wills) All in favor. Passes
· Minutes of February 16, 2000
Motion : To approve
(Amoruso-Wills) All in favor with Selectman Robinson abstaining.
Passes
· Executive Sessions Minutes of February 16, 2000
Motion: To approve but not release
(Wills-McCarter) All in favor with Selectman Robinson abstaining.
Passes
· Memorandum from Helen Christian, Town Clerk, re: Town Meeting
location and schedule
Discussion regarding holding Town Meeting on three consecutive
nights. Decision will ultimately be made by the voters when they
adjourn the first session.
Motion: To start the Annual Town Meeting on May 15, 2000 and to
hold a Special Town Meeting within the Annual on May 15, 2000
(Amoruso-McCarter) All in favor. Passes
Minutes of February 23, 2000
2
· Letter from Barney Frank re: meeting on Friday, February 25th at 2:00
PM at the Foxborough Town Hall to further discuss Amtrak/MBTA
fencing issues
The Town Manager, Chairwoman Royle, and Selectman Robinson
indicated they would be attending.
· Letter from Sandra and David Young re: concern about 4-Way Stop at
Forbes Boulevard and West Street
· Letter from Judith Foote, Treasurer of South Shore Antique Auto
Foundation with a check for $2,000 payable to the Mansfield High School
Scholarship Fund
Letter of thanks sent to South Shore Antique Auto Foundation and the
check forwarded to the School Department.
· George Dentino of Gladiola Terrace noted his frustration in trying to
obtain a copy of Stipulation for Entry of Judgment and a Plan prepared
by H. W. Moore for the Tweeter Center Property in 1987. He asked that
Town Counsel petition Superior Court to obtain these documents.
"Water Wizard" Steve Bishop displayed the winning posters in the Water
Conservation Poster Contest and presented an award to the second place
winner, Robert Flukinger. First place winner Danielle Fontaine and third
place winner Katherine Marcaccio were not present and will receive their
awards at another time.
· Forbes Boulevard and West Street
Mr. Azinheira presented various suggestions in response to the public
safety concern at the 4-way stop at Forbes Boulevard and West
Street.
~ Jersey barriers to funnel traffic into a decreased number of lanes at
a cost of $11,000
Minutes of February 23, 2000
3
>- Two electronic message boards warning motorists of the "dangerous
intersection ahead" at a cost of $750 each per week
Selectmen also considered striping on the roadway, stationing a police
cruiser at the intersection, and rumble strips on West Street. Following
discussion, consensus was the 90-day trial hasn't been given a fair
chance, with the 4-way stop signs only in place for a day and a half.
Motion: To prepare an article for Special Town Meeting for the full
signalization of the Forbes Boulevard/West Street intersection.
(Amoruso-Robinson) All in favor. Passes
DPW Director Azinheira and Town Engineer Sullivan will prepare
cost estimates.
Motion: To place two flashing signs at West Street and Forbes Boule-
vard to for one week to warn motorists of the change in stop sign con-
figuration.
(Amoruso-McCarter) 3-2 with Royle and Wills opposed. Passes
· Buildings and Special Projects Update
DPW Director Azinheira reviewed the status of various projects and
the areas of responsibility under the supervision of Mike Ahern. These
include Public Buildings, Special Projects, Mansfield Green, and
Subdivision Inspections. On-going projects were discussed and
Selectmen were advised the Subdivision Inspector position is being
reviewed, a job description will be presented for their approval, and the
position will be advertised. Mr. Azinheira also advised the Selectmen he
would be requesting the addition of a half-time skilled tradesman position
to be shared with the Highway Department and to assist in building
maintenance. Selectman McCarter noted he did not recall the hiring
freeze being lifted and stated he would like to see the minutes of the
meeting at which that action occurred
The Town Hall air conditioner was also discussed, with the Town Manager
noting an article would be submitted jointly with the Board of Health
requesting remedial funding. A budget synopsis will also be presented in the
next few weeks, indicating requests for additional personnel and any
significant increases within departments.
Minutes of February 23, 2000
4
(Selectman Robinson left the meeting room for this portion of the
meeting)
Mr. Foss apologized for not providing more information prior to the rate
change. He reviewed the restructuring of the rates, which resulted in a
decrease in the basic rate because all franchise costs were taken out and
itemized on the bills. Errors were made on the Senior Discount on rate
cards sent out to subscribers. He explained the van policy was changed due
to a risk management problem and the issue remains to be ironed out.
Current and prior contracts were reviewed and disagreement continued as to
the interpretation of replacement of equipment. Mike Healey of Cable
Access explained they now have the use of a 1987 van that is used on a
regular basis for mobile production. The van is in need of major repairs and
Cable Access believes MediaOne has a contractural obligation to replace it.
Mr. Foss's position was their license only requires them to maintain it.
In discussing the required signing of the bill of sale to turn the van over to
Cable Access, Town Manager D'Agostino noted we would be changing the
licensing agreement if we did so. Selectman McCarter noted the Selectmen
are bound by contract, notwithstanding the company policy of MediaOne.
Mr. Foss agreed only to suspend company policy until some resolution is
reached. Chairwoman Royle suggested a smaller group consisting of the
Town Manager, Mike Healey, Frank Foss, and Lou Amoruso meet to come to
an agreement to bring before the Selectmen.
Mr. Foss advised the Selectmen MediaOne is no longer using the 12x12
concrete building located near the Oxford Street tank and would like to gift
it to the Town.
Motion: To accept the 12x12 concrete building located on Oxford Road
currently owned by MediaOne, subject to the approval of documents
affecting this gift being reviewed and approved by Town Counsel.
(McCarter-Wills) All in favor with Selectman Robinson not present
for the discussion or subsequent votes. Passes
Minutes of February 23, 2000
5
Articles 42 through 50 regarding proposed amendments to the Town
Charter were reviewed and approved in preparation for the legal advertising
for the required public hearing.
· A cost analysis of COA Ridership Service was presented in
anticipation of future discussion.
· Reminder of the meeting with Tournament Players Club (TPC)
representatives tomorrow night on water issues.
· Congressmen Barney Frank and James McGovern will be in Foxboro
Friday afternoon to meet with area officials regarding Amtrak/MBTA
fencing issues.
· Hope Street parking lot plans are being finalized and notification will
be given to residents of Hope Street regarding the date of a meeting.
This will be done no later than the middle of March. Town Engineer John
Sullivan, DPW Director Lee Azinheira, Special Projects Manager Mike
Ahern and the Town Manager will be involved and nothing will move
forward until consensus is reached with the residents. Additional parking
will be required before the Town can use the fields on Route 106. It is
anticipated the field will be on line by Fall of 2001.
· The Field/Gymnasium Study Committee will be meeting Tuesday, March
14th at 3 PM. A recommendation will be needed prior to the joint meeting
of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Finance Committee and
Municipal Building Committee.
· DWP has prepared new signs for increasing awareness of Town Meeting.
They have eight signs to be put up at various locations around town two
weeks before Town Meeting. A banner measuring 16 ft. x 3 ft. x 4 ft.
can be obtained for $400.
· The Town Clerk is required to get out notification to all registered
voters of the change in Town Meeting location.
· Mansfield will be hosting a public meeting on February 29th at 7:00 PM
regarding our interbasin transfer application. Residents are
encouraged to attend the meeting and support the application.
· Selectman McCarter asked about the status of the former Homestead
restaurant. Michael O'Donnell plans to construct a fence in two weeks
Minutes of February 23, 2000
6
and claims he hasn't received notification of the March .1"d deadline for
clean up of the property.
· Chairwoman Royle reported it is her understanding not enough signatures
were obtained to put the plowing of unaccepted streets on the ballot.
Town Manager D'Agostino advised the Selectmen the Town has never
received the authorization of Town Meeting to expend public funds to do
so. Town Counsel advice to be obtained to see if a Town Meeting vote
aI/owing the plowing of unaccepted streets is acceptable until it can be
put on a ballot. The Town Manager was asked to draft a letter for the
Selectmen as Road Commissioners to send to developers regarding
plowing. It was suggested developers assume responsibility for plowing
or pay the town for plowing, plus an administrative fee.
· Selectman Robinson reported there are areas on Route 106 where he
believes the contractor damaged the road and suggested there be an
article on the Fall Special Town Meeting warrant to get the problem
solved. The Town Manger said he has discussed the situation with the
DPW Director and Town Engineer. They need to petition the State for a
smaller amount of funding and phase the project, resurfacing the section
that was recently constructed, and we may be able to get it done sooner.
Adjournment - 10:50 PM
Motion: To adjourn.
(Wills-Amoruso)
PASSES
_5 // ~0
Date of Approval
Minutes of February 23, 2000
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