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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 02/09/00 Board of Selectmen Minutes February 9, 2000 Present: Chairwoman Royle, Clerk Wills, and Selectmen Amoruso and McCarter John D'Agostino, Town Manager 1. 7:00 PM - Chairman's Meeting Recreation Commission - David Leary Mr. Leary reported on the work at the Plymouth Street fields. He noted fencing and additional parking spaces will be required at the Hope Street fields. Town Manager D'Agostino told Mr. Leary a meeting will be held with the area residents the beginning of March after he has had an opportunity to finalize the information with Staff in preparation for action at a Fall Special Town Meeting. Mr. Leary said the Recreation Commission has submitted capital requests for the expansion of the Plymouth Street fields and for fencing at Memorial Park. Airport Commission - Jeff Siena Mr. Siena provided an informational booklet prepared by the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission wherein it was reported the Mansfield Municipal Airport generates an annual economic impact of $3,400,000 for the Town. He reported the three major projects of the Airport Commission are: · Master Plan Update · final stages of the Vegetative Management Plan, for which they have held four to six public meetings. The work is scheduled to start sometime between the end of the summer and next winter and is funded at 97io · new apron and hangar area that will get started in 2001, depending on funding. He reported the apron reconstruction project is complete. Selectman Amoruso gave Mr. Siena a copy of the letter received from the Boxborough Board of Selectmen regarding House Bill 3210 dealing with MAC controlling growth in areas around airports. Minutes of February 9, 2000 1 Cable Access Board - Lew Levine, Vice-President/Treasurer Mr. Levine reported the Cable Access Board had a budget of $105,000 last year. They are currently working on the budget for the next six months and trying to include money for improvements to the infrastructure. They are now fully staffed and operating from 10 AM to 10 PM. Their goals are: . to increase Cable 8 programming - they've purchased two playback decks to show Government repeats on Channel 15, are working with MediaOne, and have sponsored a video class at the High School · to find a new home for Cable Access · to increase the number of volunteers Selectmen Amoruso said he would like to have MediaOne and the Cable Advisory Committee present at the February 23rd meeting to discuss the van policy. Selectmen McCarter suggested it would be helpul to tape meetings of other Town Boards for rebroadcast and also suggested an "Around the Town" video of the Town wells, sewer plant, etc. and how they work. Town Manager D'Agostino said he could get the designers of the various projects in to explain how they work. Library Trustees - Joe Flynn Mr. Flynn reported the Library's circulation is level, but the electronic retrieval is exploding and internet access demand is heavy. The staff worked hard addressing potential Y2K issues on the ABLE, SAILS and Town systems. The SAILS program has been increased to include 36 libraries. They are earmarking the young adults and creating their own section of books and videos. The Juvenile Reading Program is consistently filled to capacity with a lengthy waiting list. The Library is also running a Juvenile Outreach Program, with volunteers going to off-site locations and reading to the children. Their budget has been increased to enable the Library to open at 10 AM on Mondays instead of noon. Selectman Amoruso asked if there is a way to group the information available at the Mansfield Library to assist students in their research projects. Library Director Leslie Pasch reported they will be switching over to a Windows-based system by summer and it may be possible then. Mr. Flynn reported the Library would be ADA compliant within the next 60 days. Minutes of February 9, 2000 2 Animal Welfare Committee - Matt Miller Mr. Miller noted their new status as a full committee. He reported they have formed a non-profit organization, Mansfield Shelter Friends, and are blessed by a small army of volunteers who feed, exercise and walk the animals. They've created a Policy and Procedures Manual which is provided to each volunteer to maintain consistency. A computer and software program designed for animal shelters was donated; unfortunately, it is not Y2K compliant and they are in need of a MIS person to assist them. Mr. Miller stated they have stepped up their licensing and enforcement and encourage the Board of Selectmen's support. He estimated the Town is losing $10,000 to $15,000 in revenue each year as the result of licensing violations. The committee currently has $47,428 in an account that can be used only for the spay/neuter program. They would like to invest a large portion of it to capture a better interest rate. Chairwoman Royle suggested Mr. Miller talk to the Town Manager about it, since it may require a vote of Town Meeting. In response to the question of Selectman McCarter, Mr. Miller stated they would not be coming back to Town Meeting with the article that was withdrawn last year. Mr. Miller said he is leaving Mansfield, but would like to see a committee comprised of the Police Chief, Animal Control Officer, the Town Manager, and the Animal Welfare Committee to work on a Charter amendment. Municipal Building Committee - Rich Feeley Mr. Feeley reported a busy construction season, with the Middle School being 95io complete and the High School 65io complete. RFP's for the next round of construction will be done in preparation for a Fall Special Town Meeting. He asked the Selectmen the projected date of the Annual Town Meeting, noting the contractor would like to get into the High School auditorium before the end of the school year. Capacity of the Middle School auditorium was discussed, with the lack of ability to handle an overflow crowd being noted. Mr. Feeley was asked to stay in touch with the Town Manager. In addition, Mr. Feeley reported the MBC is still involved with the Town Hall air conditioner situation and the issue of the Jordan/Jackson roof. Minutes of February 9, 2000 3 Board of Health - Phil Giangarra Mr. Giangarra reported he was appointed Chairman last month and the Board is working on lots of small issues in addition to the problem with the Town Hall air conditioner. He asked for assistance from Town Officials and the media in letting the public know the air conditioner is a problem that needs to be fixed. The Board of Health has rescinded its order because money was not appropriated to resolve the situation. Their restaurant inspection and tobacco control programs remain active. Mr. Giangarra noted new regulations have just been passed which mandate that floor drains can no longer be used. This was passed to prevent damage to our wells. They are also conducting hazardous waste collections twice a year to discourage improper disposal. The Board of Health continues to be involved in the cleanup of the Hatheway Patterson and the Hercules sites. Clerk Wills asked about those establishments selling cigarettes to minors so the Board could bring them in when their licenses are up for renewal. Mr. Giangarra said they have an enforcement policy with fines established which appears to be working. If violations continue, they bring in the owner. In response to the question of Selectman McCarter, Mr. Giangarra stated there was one problem with an employee smoking in the food preparation area of a restaurant and another with a leak in the roof near a food preparation area. Selectman Amoruso asked that the Board of Health get involved with the Planning Board regarding septic systems. Planning Board - Tom French Mr. French reported the Planning Board has conducted several Special Permit hearings and Site Plan Reviews for commercial and industrial developments, in addition to preparing zoning amendments for Town Meeting and considering subdivision plans. Several of the proposed zoning amendment articles relate to the Schedule of Uses in the Business and Industrial Districts. In proposing the amendments, the Planning Board considered the highest and best use of the land and how they can best insure the quality of development. They are looking to change some of the uses presently allowed by right to Special Permit uses and will be meeting with the Industrial Development Commission next week to review the proposed changes. Selectman Amoruso said he would like to discuss with the Planning Board Minutes of February 9, 2000 4 guidelines for hooking up new sites, as well as the extension of water and sewer to new developments. He would also like to discuss what levels of commercial development we want in our industrial zones. Mr. French responded to questions regarding the number of subdivisions approved, the effect of increased lot sizes, and why the sidewalk does not go all around the CVS site. Zoning Board of Appeals - Richard Devine Mr. Devine reported they meet twice a month to hear variance requests ranging from the construction of a garage or addition to requests to be allowed to build on non-conforming lots. Member Elisabeth Garber-Miller noted the need for an applicant to establish a hardship in order to grant a variance, noting the regulations are set by State law. Mr. Devine explained the process used in hearing variance requests and asked if there is a way to let applicants know what the ZBA would be considering in making its decision. It was suggested the ZBA provide this information in the application packet. Selectman Amoruso asked that the ZBA pass along to the Planning Board information regarding repeated requests for any particular type of variance, noting such requests may be indicative of a need to amend the Zoning By-Law. 2. Questions & Comments Bill Gerber of 362 Central Street thanked the Town Manager and Police Chief for taking care of his public safety concern regarding Cobb Street. He also noted his term on the Cable Access Board is about to expire and asked for the Selectmen's support in his bid for reappointment. Dave Hammond of Branch Street said he would like to know who the Board of Health is finding selling cigarettes to minors so he could boycott those business establishments. He also asked if the Town has investigated noise cancellation technology as a way to solve the problem with the Town Hall air conditioner. Karl Clemmey of South Main Street said he has serious concerns about the Planning Department and the zoning amendments the Planning Board is sponsoring for Town Meeting. He questioned when Minutes of February 9, 2000 5 the meetings had taken place to discuss the ten articles submitted, noting they involve 31 changes to require Special Permits, as well as the rezoning of property on Branch Street and Gilbert Street. He stated the Master Plan study was never presented to Town Meeting and the articles, if passed, will damage business in town. Chairwoman Royle advised Mr. Clemmey the Planning Board would be meeting with the IDC next week and, when they come before the Board of Selectmen, there will be a full explanation of the proposals. Mr. Clemmey suggested that Dr. Mullins be hired to participate in a review of the proposals and that the industrial community would be willing to pay for Dr. Mullins' services. 3. Weekly Business A. Warrant No. 32 - $2,598,720.75 Motion : To approve. (Amoruso- Wills) All in favor. Chairwoman Royle abstained from all Board of Health items, Selectmen McCarter abtained from the Municipal Building Committee payroll. PASSES B. Licenses and Permits Request for a Transfer from Reserve Fund of $18,751.19 for Town Manager Legal Expenses - Town Manager D'Agostino said the transfer is needed for labor counsel in dealing with legal matters within the Police Department. He recommended a meeting with the Police Chief to discuss a collective bargaining issue in detail. The Board tabled the request and asked that a meeting be scheduled with the Police Chief for an Executive Session on an off-night. One-Day Beer and Wine License for Tri- Town Chamber of Commerce for March 21, 2000 Motion: To sign the One-Day Beer and Wine License for Tri- Town Chamber of Commerce. (Amoruso-McCarter) All in favor. PASSES One-Day Beer and Wine License for Tri-County Beagle Club for February 20, 2000 Motion: To sign the One-Day Beer and Wine License for Tri-County Beagle Club. Minutes of February 9, 2000 6 (Amoruso-Wills) All in favor. PASSES C. Minutes of January 26, 2000 - Tabled D. Correspondence Action: Resident Letter from Margaret P. Arieta stating she feels an interest charge on a recent water bill received is unfair and requesting the Selectmen review the matter and respond to her (Memorandum from Vel Bishop, DPW Billing Supervisor attached) Motion: To remit the interest charge of $5.19 to Mrs. Arieta. (McCarter-Wills) All in favor. PASSES State and Local Government Letter from the Boxborough Board of Selectmen requesting the Selectmen consider the impact of House Bill 3210, notify local representatives of concerns regarding the bill and urge them to defeat the bill. Given to Jeff Siena, Airport Commission Chairman Other: Board and Committee Memorandum from the Planning Board to the Board of Selectmen regarding proposed Zoning By-Law amendments - Planning Board will be meeting with Board of Selectmen Letter from Michael Eagan, Chairman, Board of Assessors, disclosing his knowledge of Attorney Gay of Taunton who will be representing the Village at Willow Crossing during an upcoming tax abatement hearing. State and Local Government Letter from the Department of Telecommunications and Energy regarding Mansfield's present cable license and its expiration 4. Town Manager's Report . Mr. D'Agostino will have a final cost breakdown on the GATRA cost analysis to determine if the Town should consider continuing service with them or go to the Council on Aging. Ridership cost is set by Minutes of February 9, 2000 7 GA TRA on a regional basis. The cost is $.75 per trip if a 10-ride book of coupons is purchased; $1.00 per trip without the coupon. Selectman McCarter said he is concerned with the level of service, not just the cost. Mr. D'Agostino said a determination will have to be made regarding whether we can afford an increased level of service with additional personnel and the need for an additional van. Selectman McCarter stated he wants to know where residents will be picked up and what changes will be made. Mr. D'Agostino stated it is the intention to maintain the same level of service and that conditions can be written into the contract to insure the Board's concerns are addressed. Chairwoman Royle asked if the Town is required by law to provide this service (yes, it is). Mr. D'Agostino advised the Board the Council on Aging is recommending we contract and privatize the service with GA TRA, as the COA is no longer able to provide the service and other communities are migrating to this type of service. He advised the Board he will run the numbers and information for them and they will be involved in the program - but will not be responsible for hiring individuals. Clerk Wills asked that a local or 800 number be provided for residents to call to schedule service. The contract will be made available to the Board of Selectmen for their review. . Mr. D'Agostino reported Amtrak is looking into signage along the railroad stops warning of high voltage. He walked the tracks with Selectman Amoruso, a resident, and Amtrak officials this week and believes it will work out as far as public safety for our residents is concerned. . Mr. D'Agostino reminded the Board of a Joint Meeting with the Foxboro Board of Selectmen tomorrow night at 7:30 PM. He will be in attendance, along with Lee Azinheira, Ken Hackett, John Sullivan, and Town Counsel. He also reminded them of the Interbasin Transfer meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 24th at 7 PM in the Selectmen's meeting room and a meeting March 20th at 7 PM with DEM at Town Hall. . Grant funding is being pursued with the State for "purple pipes" for the golf course and others. It will help Norton, but leverage our Minutes of February 9, 2000 8 position for interbasin transfer permission if we have the program in place. · Winter Parking Ban - Mr. D' Agostino reported it is a Police Department Regulation established by the Police Chief. He will move forward with a committee comprised of himself, DPW, the Fire Chief, Police Chief and Mark Cook of DPW to bring forth a proposal. · Mr.D'Agostino reported he has been in contact with Hercules regarding the closing of the landfill at Stearns Hill. They are interested in working with the Town to develop a closure plan in accordance with DEP standards. · The traffic signal at Route 106 and Franklin Street has been corrected through the DPW. The signal at Hope and Pratt Streets is still being worked on. 5. Selectmen Old Business · Chairwoman Royle noted the workshop scheduled for February 24th on the TPC golf course and asked that Norton officials be invited. · Clerk Wills asked when Tweeter will be coming in for their license renewal. The Board asked that Mr. D'Agostino talk to Tweeter Center General Manager Bruce Montgomery to set up a date. 6. Selectmen New Business · Clerk Wills reported he had a call from Ron Boucher of Boy Scout Troop 17 to advise him Joseph Skyler Fernandes has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and asked that the Board recognize his accomplishment. The Board requested he be invited to a meeting for presentation of a Certificate of Achievement. · Selectman McCarter said he would like to see a sewer rate survey to see how Mansfield's rates compare with what other communities are charging. · Selectman Amoruso noted Board Chairmen, when asked tonight, seemed to be willing to have their meetings televised. He asked that Minutes of February 9, 2000 9 the cost of having cable in the second floor meeting room be checked on. . Selectman McCarter asked for an update on discussions with Great Waves, noting the MEPA appeal is still pending and the vote of the Board not to provide any water to the water park still stands during the appeal period. Mr. D'Agostino said there are on-going discussions and a tentative understanding that Great Waves would like to participate financially with the community to be a good neighbor. They know the Town cannot provide water to them during the summer, but as a Water Enterprise Account it makes good business sense to sell them water when there is an abundance. The most significant demand for water during their season of operation will be for urinal and toilet flushing, as it is for the Tweeter Center, and the Town is looking at establishing a different rate for seasonal water users. There remains a concern about all large water users, and the use of reclaimed water is being explored in on-going discussions with the TPC golf course and other large and seasonal water users. He stated the positive result of the concern over Great Waves has been the search for creative ways to recharge our aquifer. This has lead to the development of the purple pipe program that down the road will enable us to expand the capacity of our treatment plant to meet our growing needs. Chairwoman Royle stated what she is hearing from townspeople is that we're not going to beat them in an appeal, so we should mitigate the issues-and that is what is being discussed Selectmen McCarter noted is opinion differs. He is not yet ready to wave the white flag and wants the public to be aware discussions have taken place and negotiations are on-going. 7. Adjournment - 11 :05 PM Motion: To adjourn. (Wills-McCarter) All in favor. PASSES /' ~ 1/ J 1r~" ~ /~ r.ð"'" / l . Clerk's Signature 1\ 1 ,¡ I ~. - Ii / / JÆ«)I!~ \.hÞ./¿" L/cJO ò Date of Approval Minutes of February 9, 2000 10