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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 11/14/01 Present: RECE\VEO _ II ¡ t,: r·\ :-'P\fS 01, f ICE GIOEC-5 M11\:06 ì~f¡ þ,:',;) ¡:. IE. LD Mt\SSÞ"CHUSETTS Chairman Louis P. Amoruso; Clerk Michael W. McCue; Vice Chairman Bradford E. Wills; and Selectmen David W. McCarter and Daniel Donovan. Town Manager John O. D'Agostino Board of Selectmen Minutes of November 14, 2001 ~ The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. . Warrant No. 21 in the amount of $628,730.34 Motion : To approve (Wills-Donovan) 5-0 with Selectman McCarter abstaining from Municipal Building Committee payroll Passes ~ . Minutes of November 7, 2001 Board of Selectmen's meeting Motion : To approve (McCue-Wills) 5-0 Passes Town Manager and Staff Memo from Ptlm. Lance Lawson regarding signage along School Street concurring with the need for additional signage to direct truck traffic into the industrial park Motion: To put additional signs just after the bridge and prior to Plymouth Street (McCue-Wills) 5-0 Passes ~ Application of Leroy F. Day at 99 Branch Street for Abatement of Sewer Betterment Tax with recommendation of Town Engineer John Sullivan attached Mr. Sullivan explained the request of Mr. Day of 99 Branch Street, noted the work that was done and how it was performed He suggested that the request Board of Selectmen Minutes of November 14, 2001 1 ~ for an abatement is not warranted in this instance because Mr. Day was connected to sewer under the project. Motion : To deny the request (Wills-McCarter) 5-0 Passes The following license applications have been reviewed and approved by the appropriate department heads and are presented for the Selectmen's review and approval: Drainlayer's Brunner Development Corporation, 15 Sutton Rd., Webster, MA Anderson Construction & Excavation, 75 Walker St., Thomas Edward Corporation, 37 Downes Ave., Canton, MA Motion: To approve the drainlayer's licenses of Brunner Development Corporation, Anderson Construction & Excavation, and Thomas Edward Corporation (Wills-Donovan) 4-0 with Selectman McCarter not present at the time of the vote Passes r-- Sunday Holiday OpeninQ - Package Store Request received from Dias West Mansfield Variety of 428 Elm Street Motion : To approve (Donovan-Wills) 4-0 with Selectman McCarter not present at the time of the vote Passes Class II Car Dealers Gregory Matoian dba Mansfield Motors, 427 North Main Street Gregory Matoian dba The Tire Man, 423 North Main Street Motion : To approve (Wills-Donovan) 4-0 with Selectman McCarter not present at the time of the vote Passes Public Entertainment on Sunday Mansfield Realty Limited Partnership dba Holiday Inn Mansfield, 31 Hampshire St. Motion : To approve (Wills-Donovan) 4-0 with Selectman McCarter not present at the time of the vote Passes ( Board of Selectmen Minutes of November 14, 2001 2 ~ Automatic Amusement Device VFW Post No. 3264,88 Chilson Avenue Mansfield Realty Ltd. Partnership dba Holiday Inn Mansfield, 31 Hampshire St. Motion: To approve (Donovan-Wills) 4-0 with Selectman McCarter not present at the time of the vote Passes Live Entertainment Weekdays J.E,P.J. Inc. dba Tahana Restaurant, 60 Oakland St. Mansfield Ltd. Partnership dba Holiday Inn Mansfield, 31 Hampshire St. Motion : To approve (Wills-Donovan) 5-0 Passes All Alcoholic Beverages Club VFW Post No. 3264, Robert Medeiros, Manager - 88 Chilson Ave. Motion : To approve (Donovan-Wills) 5-0 Passes r-- Retail Package Store Wines and Malt BeveraQes Amruta Corporation dba Dias West Mansfield Variety, Inc., Rupal K. Patel, Manager - 428 Elm Street Motion : To approve (Donovan-Wills) 5-0 Passes Retail Package Store All Alcoholic Beverages F & W Inc.,dba Dub's Discount Liquors, William R. Sarro, Manager - 30 Chauncy Street Motion : To approve (Donovan-Wills) 5-0 Passes Innholder All Alcoholic Beverages Mansfield Realty Limited Partnership dba Holiday Inn Mansfield, Francis E. Dorsey III, Manager - 31 Hampshire Street Motion : To approve (Donovan-Wills) 5-0 Passes r Common Victualler All Alcoholic Beverages J.E.P.J. Inc. dba Tahana Restaurant, 60 Oakland St. - Police Dept. noted a complaint pending following the disposition of Court action Motion : To approve (Donovan-Wills) 5-0 Passes Board of Selectmen Minutes of November 14, 2001 3 ,-- Common Victualler Wines and Malt BeveraQes and Cordials Kenneth M. DeFazio dba Trattoria La Cucina De Nonna, 160 North Main Street Motion : To approve (Donovan- Wills) 5-0 Passes Common Victuallers VFW Post No. 3264,88 Chilson Avenue The Village at Willow Crossings, 25 Cobb Street Mansfield Ltd. Partnership dba Holiday Inn Mansfield, 31 Hampshire Street J.E.P.J. Inc. dba Tahana Restaurant, 60 Oakland Street Wendy's International, 64 Copeland Street Kenneth M. DeFazio dba Trattoria La Cucina Di Nonna, 160 North Main Street Café on the Common, Inc.,12-14 South Main Street F & W Inc. dba Dub's Discount Liquors, 30 Chauncy Street Fresh Catch, Inc., 30 Chauncy Street Council on Aging/Bristol Elder Services, 255 Hope Street Motion: To approve the Common Victuallers licenses as listed above (Donovan-Wills) 5-0 Passes ( Assessors Michael Eagan, John McNair, and Paul Folkman were present, along with Assistant Assessor/Office Manager Edward O'Neill. Mr. Eagan noted the process of notifying the State when there will be a delay in sending out preliminary tax bills that was done on August 15th. We still do not have a budget from the Commonwealth, which is further delaying the issuance of tax bills. Town Manager D'Agostino noted you also cannot send out tax bills until your new growth figure is certified. The new growth figure was certified last week; however, we have articles on the Special Town Meeting to raise and appropriate funds that make it impossible to determine what our budget needs will be. The delay in sending out the tax bills will result in more accurate tax bills. Selectman McCarter expressed concern that people w/Ï/ not be able to pay their real estate taxes prior to December 3ft to obtain their income tax deduction. We can hold the tax classification hearing after two weeks notification and the tax bills can be sent out a week thereafter. The December 5th meeting was suggested as the date for the hearing. (' Treasurer/Collector Richard Boucher and Town Accountant Bea Kearney joined the discussion, with Mr. Boucher noting we still do not know what the State is going to do with the budget. Using the current preliminary budget, not appropriating any additional funds, and using Free Cash, we could send out accurate tax bills. If it is Board of Selectmen Minutes of November 14, 2001 4 ( decided tonight that all items we're going to fund will be funded from Free Cash, we're all set and there would be no override possibility. It is anticipated that everything will be level funded next year with the exception of contractural salary increases. Positions funded from Free Cash now would face layoffs. Motion: To hold the classification hearing on December 5th (McCarter-Wills) 5-0 Passes Department heads have been notified they are not to spend any funds other than what is necessary to sustain their current operational functions. No capital spending is being approved at this point and department heads will be reminded of this. Mr. D'Agostino recommended holding some of the Free Cash back in the event it is needed in the spring, with some of it being put into Stabilization. The Finance Team will work to put together a recommendation. Assessor McNair asked about the effect of Stabilization and Free Cash on the Town's bond rating. Chairman Amoruso noted it's a difficult thing to predict, but we've managed to handle it well in the past and would not propose doing anything that would adversely affect our bond rating. Selectman McCarter pointed out the need to be more prudent at Fall Special Town Meetings. r Mitch Keamy of Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB) and Frank Gay of the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GA TRA) were present to explain the work that has been done and make a recommendation as to what needs to be done. Town Manager D'Agostino noted the purpose of the presentation was to update the Board and the public on the progress of the Train Station and the Route 106 underpass study. The study was to give us actual costs of three alternatives and staff has met to set criteria to determine what would be best for the town. ,-- Mr. Keamy reviewed the steps taken by VHB to determine the condition of the underpass and the work that is necessary to repair it. Concrete samples were taken and test borings were done. Focusing on a long-term solution, the need to get rid of the water was foremost. A cut-off wall going down to the rock would be necessary to prevent the groundwater from getting into the "boat" section. Surface drainage and pumps would also be utilized. As the design progresses, a determination would need to be made on what type of cut-off wall would be used. Jet grouting would be necessary in the area of the railroad tracks. The underpass and bridge supports are currently sound structurally, but without repair work will deteriorate rapidly and will ultimately cause deterioration of the bridge itself. Estimated costs to complete the project were reviewed, totaling $11-13 million for the long-term Board of Selectmen Minutes of November 14, 2001 5 ,-- corrective measures. To fix the visual problem would be in the range of $100,000. The problem then becomes it only appears to be fixed, yet will continue to deteriorate. MassHighway classifies the project as a "unique" project because a municipality does not have the fiscal ability to make the repairs without State assistance. We then find ourselves in competition with many other projects for funding. DPW Director Lee Azinheira explained how and why a State road has to be maintained by the Town. Selectman Donovan asked for assurance that this work would not affect the progress of the Train Station project. The work would be coordinated and the ramp work would be done in conjunction with the Train Station project. Mr. Azinheira estimated we're looking at five to six years to get the project done. Town Manager D'Agostino asked for the Board's concurrence with the planned "Option A" as presented to proceed with getting funding when and if it's available. We're looking, at this point, for engineering, design, and finally construction. If State funds are not provided, we would not be able to do the work. Motion: To support "Option A" to apply for State and Federal funds of $1.7 million (Wills-McCarter) 5-0 Passes r Frank Gay of GA TRA and Mike Carragher of VHB brought the Board up to date on the track elevation issues. Mr. Carragher advised the Selectmen that the design is 100 percent complete and some issues have arisen regarding coordination with Amtrak on the elevation of the tracks. The window has now been narrowed from 14 inches down to the 0-7 inch range and they are at the point of telling Amtrak they will incorporate that range into their design. GA TRA has initiated and progressed the design to build the train station on MBT A property, but Amtrak creates another layer with the work they contract to others. The legal issues have taken more time than anticipated. ,-- Chairman Amoruso questioned how the station can be built without knowing the height of the platform. Mr. Carragher reviewed the transition area that would be incorporated in the 0-7 inch range. Selectman McCarter asked if they are confident that we will be able to go forward with this in a timely manner. Mr. Carragher noted the new course is to say "we're going ahead" and expressed his confidence we will be able to move forward in the spring. Raising the tracks now would be a capital cost for Amtrak to avoid the long-term maintenance costs of the Board of Selectmen Minutes of November 14, 2001 6 ~ drainage issues. A meeting is being arranged with our legislative delegation to enlist their assistance. Mr. Gay noted the 20 percent share we're going to get does not currently exist, although it was committed last year. Our representatives may also be of assistance in getting this. r George Dentino of Gladiola Terrace - noted everyone asked how we ended up with the Route 106 underpass and suggested we see if there's anything in writing to indicate they "gave" it to us and, if not, give it back to them. Town Manager D'Agostino noted our involvement in the design and in getting the work done. Mr. Dentino spoke of the Board's wisdom in showing fiscal restraint at last week's meeting, but noted there are still articles that should be withdrawn as they are not of an emergency nature nor are they unanticipated expenses. He also questioned why, if we have money in Free Cash, we're borrowing money. He further questioned the allocation of funds for various projects that were done for less than anticipated, and asked why the money saved is not available. It was not appropriated, therefore it is not available. He asked that they continue to take a hard look at the remaining articles on the warrant and determine if they're of an emergency nature or unanticipated expenses. Mr. D'Agostino noted articles were withdrawn in the spring when revenue projections were not available with the intent and understanding they would be brought back in the fall when more accurate figures were expected to be available. Selectman Donovan noted Town Meeting gives the voters the opportunity to decide what they want and how they want to spend money. Bruce Freal and Dan Jarvis of Mansfield Youth Soccer - requested their warrant article for $75,000 be withdrawn from the Special Town Meeting warrant due to the financial constraints of the Town. Discussion ensued as to the use of the field. There are 40 intramural games and 15 road team games each Saturday, with practices being held during the remainder of the week. A t Selectman McCarter's request, the Town Manager will check to see if the $50,000 already appropriated for field maintenance can be utilized ,-- The Town Manager reported and addressed the following issues: Board of Selectmen Minutes of November 14, 2001 7 r-- · The Water Department will be putting in a new line in the area of Sweet In Crafty on North Main Street tomorrow and there will be a detour route around this area. Major trucking firms and the schools have been notified. · Tweeter Entertainment License - recommended holding a hearing no later than December 5th, after which the Board will have 30 days to issue a license. The application was submitted October 24th. It was determined November 28th would fit the schedule better and Tweeter will be given notice of the hearing. Motion: To grant the license as it is this year, contingent upon the receipt of satisfactory comments on the routing slip (Wills-Donovan) 2-3 Fails Mr. Montgomery will be notified of the November 28th hearing. · Will be attending the Fall Town Manager's Conference in Amherst Thursday and Friday and can be reached on his cell phone during his absence from Town Hall ,-- I · Will be conducting a budget meeting with staff Monday morning and will be further discussing the expenditures of various departments. A level-funded budget is anticipated for FY'03, with only contractural salary increases being paid. Non-union personnel will not receive salary increases and other programs will be reviewed to determine what cuts are necessary. Selectman McCue asked for provisional budgets in the event the revenue projections are greater than anticipated. · We are in the process of sending out an RFP for phone service for the Town of Mansfield. We have had three prior appropriations, have the bid specifications from the consultant we hired, and are now ready to go out to bid. We'll be looking at an upfront credit of $3,600 and expect to realize an annual savings of $3,750. · Recommended closing Town Hall December 24th and keeping Town Hall open the day before New Year's. The Board wi/I not be meeting December 26th. · Notices have been sent out regarding the reclamation work to begin on or about November 19th on Mill Street. The binder will be done, with final coat being laid down in the spring. ,-- On the November 14th Draft Warrant - The following changes were made to the Special Town Meeting Warrant: Board of Selectmen Minutes of November 14, 2001 8 r-- Article 4 now has a dollar amount. Article 5 has $5,000 for public safety dispatchers - the Chief has a crisis with not enough coverage for sick time and vacation coverage Article 6 has $5,000 for call-check units - these are devices that allow the dispatchers during a crisis call-in to play back the call if it's difficult to hear or understand. This is a one-time expenditure Motion: To support Article 6 (McCarter-Wills) 5-0 Passes Motion: To withdraw Article 13 (Soccer - $75,000) (Wills-McCue) 5-0 Passes Article 3 needs to be reduced to reflect two (2) additional Firefighter/Paramedics. Needs further discussion. Motion: To sign the Special Town Meeting Warrant (McCue- Wills) 5-0 Passes r Selectman Donovan: · Asked if our generators are gas or diesel. We have a combination of generators and also have fueling capability at the Highway Garage. Selectman McCue: · Spoke of the letter to Governor Swift asking her to veto the redistricting. Norton signed the letter with us and it was forwarded to the Governor. He noted his appreciation for the cooperation shown by Norton and his hope it's an indication of their relationship with Mansfield in the future. Selectman Wills: · Asked if we've sold any of the composted sludge. The Town Manager will check on it. · Asked if we can get figures from Ken Hackett in his weekly report of the gallons of water used. r-- · Asked the Town Manager for additional information regarding diesel and gas fueling sites. He noted it as an alternative to putting in our own tanks. The Board of Selectmen Minutes of November 14, 2001 9 r Town Manager reviewed the number of gallons used and our cost. We are in a collaborative with sixteen communities. Discussion ensued regarding costs and access issues vs. cost of clean up in the event of contamination. Selectman Donovan: · noted the YMCA on Balcom Street in sponsoring a good program and the Library is looking for help with the young children. Selectman McCarter: . asked to send a letter to our State Representative and Senator, as well as the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, asking them to support no reductions in local aid budgets. Motion : To send the letter (McCarter-Wills) 5-0 Passes Chairman Amoruso: r · spoke of the Board and Committee applications, noting there are few committees with new applicants. Following discussion on the procedure to be used in making the appointments, it was decided to conduct interviews only for new applicants, but not when they are re-applying and there is no opposition. · suggested the need to appoint an Ad Hoc Committee to monitor cable to see if the contract conditions are being met, with the committee reporting back to the Selectmen. He noted recent price restructuring with AT&T Broadband that has resulted in several price increases in the course of a year. Motion: To advertise for such a committee (McCarter-Wills) 5-0 Passes Applicants will be sought through cable and the website. r-- Motion: To adjourn at 10:40 p.m. (Wills-Donovan) 5-0 Passes ~/UøJw~ Signature of Clerk A/()V Jß I ¡}¡YO/ & , Date of Approval Board of Selectmen Minutes of November 14, 2001 10