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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 10/24/01 r- Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 24, 2001 nf.c,'Z.\'i'é.\) rt:\",ç \,-.-. ~('\rï \;\. ,! \- ,- \... f~ ~\, . '.,j \> ·52 o \ ~\ü'J - \ M" a· ~',\ .. 'F \t.L~rtS Mt~SS f\CHUS Present: 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 The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. · Warrant No. 18 in the amount of $3,350,004.86 Motion : To approve (Donovan-McCue) 5-0 with Selectman McCarter abstaining from Municipal Building Committee payroll Passes r Vice Chairman Wills questioned how we can be paying our bills if our fiscal year ended June 30th and we haven't sent out tax bills. Town Manager D'Agostino explained provisional budgets have been passed by the State and funded in the interim. · Minutes of October 17, 2001 Board of Selectmen's meeting Motion : To approve (McCue-Donovan) 5-0 Passes · Drainlayer's License Application of Brunelle Contracting Co., 53 Gilbert Street - Recommended for approval by Town Engineer John Sullivan Motion: To approve the drainlayer's license of Brunelle Contracting (Donovan-Wills) 5-0 Passes · Order for Conduit Location for AT&T Broadband - The order waS prepared based on last week's hearing and vote and needs to be signed Motion: To sign r (Donovan-McCarter) 5-0 Passes Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 24, 2001 1 r- . Resolution Supporting Producer Take Back of Cathode Ray Tubes, Electronics, and Household Hazardous Products - Hold for consideration later in the meeting when the proponent will be making a presentation Town Manager and Staff . Memorandum from Town Clerk Helen Christian to the Town Manager re: revised application to serve on a Board, Committee, Commission, or Study Group . Memorandum from Town Clerk Helen Christian requesting a Special Town Meeting be called for Monday, November 19th, Saturday, November 24th, or Saturday, December 1st If voted to hold the Town Meeting November 19th, the following actions need to be taken: October 24th - Open the Warrant October 31st - Close and Sign Warrant Discussion ensued regarding the advisability of holding a Saturday meeting at this time of the year. Motion: To hold the Special Town Meeting on Monday, December 3rd, at 7:00 r p.m., (McCarter-Donovan) 4-1 with Selectman Wills opposed Motion : To open the warrant (Wills-McCarter) 5-0 Passes Lou Andrews of Fruit Street, representing the Ad Hoc Town Meeting Committee - encouraged the Board to place their recommendations for the conduct of Town Meeting on the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting. Motion: To go forward with the proposals made by the committee (Wills-McCarter) 5-0 Passes George Dentino of Gladiola Terrace - asked if the Town has reconciled the $166,000 overcharged to the Light Department. Selectmen Wills noted it was not a charge, it was payment in lieu of taxes of $464,000. The amount was not paid-it was budgeted and will be adjusted next fiscal year. Noted Mr. Courtemarche jogged his memory regarding the depth of the pavement r on Branch Street. He went out and measured and indeed it was less than an inch in some places when it is supposed to be binder of two inches. He asked if the Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 24, 2001 2 r betterment charge includes the asphalt work. Town Manager D'Agostino noted it's factored by all the work done. The betterment is charged because we laid some utilities that were not there before. DPW Director Azinheira noted the compaction of the sewer work was tested They had similar problems in another area also where in spite of the compaction passing inspection, there was still settling due to the fine sand and high water table in the area. Mr. Dentino suggested that further testing should have been done. Mr. Azinheira said they will be looking at the structural base prior to doing the overlay. The leveling was done earlier this week Mark Cook noted it was the original paving done by the Town that was not done with the correct thickness. We paid by tonnage and not by the thickness of the pavement. The work was done with Chapter 90 funds and their specifications were followed The work on Branch Street was done in connection with several other streets and the contractor used more than he anticipated on the roads done earlier. Because the road was going to be dug up again shortly for a small sewer extension, the DPW Director at that time allowed the contractor to put less asphalt on Branch Street. Mr. Dentino noted that tonnage does not work out if the grading is not done properly. Mr. Dentino also asked about the Special Town Meeting scheduled for the MMAS petition. He questioned if we still have to hold it and what the cost would be. He r noted at that time the cost was estimated at $1,000 and questioned why tonight it was stated that the cost of the Town's Special Town Meeting would be $4,000- $8,000. It was explained that the $1,000 cost didn't include janitorial services, poll workers, Town Counsel representation, detail officers, etc. He asked if the State aid coming in was figured in the original budget last year and was told it was. He noted grant money and other money is coming in and asked if it goes into the General Fund. We do not operate on an accrual basis and do not always know how the money is coming back to us. If we do not spend it during the fiscal year, it reverts to Free Cash in the Fall. The money that comes in has to be appropriated to an account at Town Meeting. Mansfield Firefighter Bruce Naslund was present to discuss his experience as a member of the Federal Emergency Management Task Force at Ground Zero at the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11th and the days following the terrorist attacks. Chief Edward A. Sliney, Jr., introduced Firefighter Naslund, who joined the department in 1985 and joined the Urban Search and Rescue Team in r 1996. Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 24, 2001 3 r Firefighter Naslund stated there are 28 teams nationally, ready to respond to disasters, be they natural disasters or others. His team is made up of doctors, paramedics, engineers, and others from five New England states. The regulations are set by FEMA and the teams consist of search and rescue, medical, technical and logistics personnel, plus the canine unit. Once activated by the Federal Government they go to a site and work with and for the department they go to help. In New York there was no building left to shore up and stabilize. In such a disaster there are surface victims and other victims who are partially covered by debris who they are able to hear. The first day following the collapse, 30,000 tons of debris had to be moved by hand before heavy equipment could be utilized. Sixty-two people were deployed and worked twelve hour shifts. When the Pentagon was hit, his unit was put on alert. They were deployed when the first tower collapsed. Once deployed they are expected to be self-sufficient for 72 hours. He spoke of the shock experienced when the reached the site. They received evacuation orders for five stories down which was an unusual situation. They also experienced the uncertainty of not knowing if the terrorist attacks had ended. He noted it looked like "nuclear winter" with everything gray. The fires are continuing to burn at this time and bodies are still being recovered. They returned home on September 18th and it was an experience he'll never forget. ,--... The Selectmen expressed their thanks to Firefighter Naslund for his commitment and dedication. Chief Sliney introduced his newest firefighter, Jim Santucci, who recently graduated from the Fire Academy, and presented a Senate citation to him from Senator Joanne Sprague. The tower truck has arrived and they are undergoing training. The Chief invited the public to stop by the Plymouth Street Station to see it. The Chief also spoke of the calls they've received regarding suspicious packages. They were notified yesterday by the Department of Public Health that the material found at the Post Office tested negative for anthrax on both the first and second tests. DPW Director Lee Azinheira and Highway Division Manager Mark Cook were present to update the Selectmen on various Highway Department projects completed and r currently underway. Mr. Azinheira referred to the list of projects provided the Selectmen. He noted the street sweeping and spoke of the additional work that will Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 24, 2001 4 ,'- be necessary when the leaves finish falling. The items that were cut from the budget have created restraints on some of the projects planned. There are a total of fifty-one people including Highway, Water, Wastewater, Office staff. We've had a 3570 growth, many more subdivisions with roadways we're responsible for, and we have one more DPW position than we had ten years ago. Mr. Cook explained the cutback in the weed control program as the result of restrictions placed by the State on the use of pesticides. The issue of plowing unaccepted streets was raised by the Board. Mr. Azinheira suggested the discussion be delayed until after Town Meeting, as most of the streets should be ready for acceptance by Town Meeting. The drainage work done on Lakeview Avenue was reviewed and it is expected a problem of twenty years has been corrected. The State has patched the potholes at School Street and Route 140, but Mr. Azinheira doesn't guarantee how long the patch will hold up. Budget cuts were further discussed by the Selectmen, with concern being noted about work that won't get done. The Town Manager noted he would not use Free Cash to supplement the budget. The Town has not had a full-blown road maintenance plan done in many years. The cost to do so would be about $40,000 and would provide us with valuable and needed information in establishing budget r priorities. Mr. Cook noted everyone's saying we need to fix roads, but we need to establish a regular road maintenance and repair program and not just let them go until they're in deplorable condition. We're currently operating with crisis management methods. They are currently working on the sidewalk replacement in the School Street/Balcom Street area. Mr. Cook estimated proper maintenance will be $500,000-$700,000 a year. In the past when we've Chapter 90 funds and the road bond, we were spending just under a $1,000,000 per year. Reservoir Street was not done as had been planned because there will soon be a sewer extension and water connection run down it for the Village at the Pointe and Mr. Cook proposed that the savings realized be used to have the road maintenance plan done. By not properly maintaining roads, we're not getting their full life expectancy. Mill Street drainage improvements were identified this summer and the roadwork has been delayed until the drainage is corrected. The senior leaf pickup program will be Fridays during November except Thanksgiving weekend by contacting the Council on Aging on Thursday for pickup. ,--... Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 24, 2001 5 r John McNabb of Clean Water Action presented and discussed the resolution for which they are seeking support. The purpose of the resolution is to focus on key manufacturers and products to put pressure on the Department of Environmental Affairs to establish regulations. The cost for recycling or disposal is a burden on the Town budget and every dollar spent on solid waste takes away from something else. If we get State legislation or a voluntary agreement from manufacturers, some of the burden will be removed from the towns. They are focusing on cathode ray tubes with the wide acceptance of digital televisions that will make current televisions obsolete. The disposal of computers and monitors has also created a burden on the local budgets. This effort is part of a national effort to get an agreement with the manufacturers to share the cost. The bottle bill is an example of producer take-back. In Europe manufacturer take back is the law and is an incentive for the manufacturer to make things recyclable. The program resulted in the reduction of waste in Germany of 1.7 million tons from 1991-1997. Companies have stated they would rather do this on a voluntary basis. Selectman McCue noted the goals of the program and asked Mr. McNabb to r address the effect of the manufacturer's cost being passed back to the consumer. Mr. McNabb noted the consumer now pays for it through their taxes and does not know what the cost is. Integrating it into the product becomes an incentive for the manufacturer to make the product more recyclable, take away unnecessary packaging and decrease the costs of disposal. The infrastructure exists to some degree in industry already, enabling them to administer the disposal program for less. Selectman McCue speculated that residents would realize the same costs, albeit as consumers instead of taxpayers. Selectman Wills noted the extra time and effort it will take the consumer to return products. Selectman Amoruso asked how they would deal with manufacturers who go out of business. Mr. McNabb suggested it's manageable by making the industry responsible for the take-back. Selectman McCarter asked what the increase in product cost has been percentage-wise. Selectman Donovan noted the $5 incentive to take back an automobile battery, yet to dispose of tires the consumer is charged. Mr. McNabb stated they're projecting an overall net decrease in environmental impact with a societal benefit being recognized. Selectman Amoruso questioned the savings on products with a long life expectancy and a different economy when the product is ready for disposal. r Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 24, 2001 6 r Mr. McNabb made the point that taxes won't be lowered, but the reduction in solid waste removal costs will provide additional funds for other needed programs in town. The consensus of the Board was they would like to hear the opposing viewpoint on the issue before taking a position on the matter. The Town Manager: · Stated he would like to establish a date for all State and Federal elected officials, MassHighway, the House Transportation Secretary, GATRA, etc. to discuss funding for the Route 106 underpass project. If we delay the repair work over time, the integrity of the bridge will be compromised and a public safety problem will occur. He would like to hold this meeting mid-November. Chairman Amoruso suggested November 14"'. He will be meeting with the Ad Hoc Cable Committee on November 15'h, and Norton Selectmen have also requested a meeting with us on November 15'h. It was suggested that an agenda be provided prior to agreeing to a meeting with Norton. r . Has scheduled a tentative meeting with Frank Gay at 8:30 p.m. on November ¡th to provide a status update on raising the platform at the Train Station. We have a concern relative to the 2070 state match with the lack of a State budget and the drop in the bond rating. · The Clemmey project (Erin Centre) has been appealed by an abutter. We have customarily had Town Counsel file a motion of appearance so we will get a copy of all the motions and decisions and have left the cost of appeal to the parties involved. · On November 8th from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. he will be meeting with senior residents to discuss safety concerns and what we're doing to protect our resources. He invited the Board's participation. · Kurt Gaffney has been asked by the Massachusetts Drinking Water Education Partnership if Mansfield would host their Drinking Water Day on May 9th of 2002. Mansfield received an award for the quality of our drinking water at last year's Drinking Water Day. The cost will be approximately $6,000 and a memo from Kurt Gaffney is in the reading folder. A decision on hosting the event will be needed soon. r Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 24, 2001 7 r . Read from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks that Helen Christian has become certified as a municipal clerk. He congratulated her on the accomplishment. · He atid Selectmen Donovan, along with representatives of many other communities, attended last night's Southeastern Regional School Committee meeting. He spoke with other community leaders about meeting during the MMA meeting in January. Kevin Paicos of Easton is very interested in having his Board participate and a letter will be sent out to other communities. Chairman Amoruso suggested that if no meeting room is available, he is wl1ling to personally pay the difference between his room rate and the cost of a suite to facilitate a meeting place. Selectman McCue asked that the Town Managers also be contacted to participate. Discussion followed as to how the formula is used to calculate the assessments of area communities. · Vote of Intention to Layout Town Ways - has been recommended by Town Engineer John Sullivan and Planning Director Shaun Burke subject to all r punchlist items are complete. The list of streets was read. Motion: To announce the intention to layout the streets (Donovan-Wills) 5-0 Passes · Revision of application form for Board and Committee appointments - The form was reviewed by Helen Christian and suggestions for changes were made. It was suggested the employment question be changed to optional information or replaced by a list of skills. The issue is the document becomes a public record and Selectman McCue said he is satisfied with the suggestions for change that she's made. Motion : To accept the changes as presented (Donovan-McCue) Selectman McCarter said he would vote against the changes because he doesn't see anything wrong with an applicant stating where they work and noted it's no different than when an individual decides to seek election to the Board of Selectmen and all their information becomes public. He believes it's important to know where a person works and what skills they possess as it's helpful in determining their experience in relationship to the position they're seeking. Selectman McCue argued that such information and any other could be sought r during the interview process. Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 24, 2001 8 r At this point in the meeting the 11:00 p.m. curfew was reached. Motion: To meet for another ten minutes (McCue-Wills) 5-0 Passes Selectman Donovan said he would like to leave the employer in plus list the skills of the person applying. Amendment: To leave in employer and list additional skills (Donovan-Wills) 4-1 with McCue opposed Vote on amended motion: 4-1 with McCue opposed Passes Vice Chairman Wills: · Asked when we're going forward with the fuel tanks at the Highway Garage. The municipal review wH/ take place before the Planning Board early November. He asked why it's taken a year since it was voted to start the work. There have been delays because some appointed board members believe the Town should be held to a higher standard and those issues have taken time to work out. Selectman McCarter: · Noted the entertainment licenses for the Tweeter Center have been submitted and the Board should start thinking about appointing a committee for the r license review process. · Asked the Town Manager to get a recommendation from the Recreation Commission on Warrant article for soccer fields. Chairman Amoruso: · Announced the annual Halloween parade will be held this Sunday at 2:00 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held at the Qualters Middle School, entering from East Street. Selectman McCue: . Spoke on the redistricting plan received from the House, noting he was very upset to see what has been done to the Town of Mansfield in splitting it among three representatives. He noted it is disingenuous when the Speaker's stated goal was to unite towns and he's instead divided them. He suggested putting a letter together with Norton and Plainville to express our extreme disappointment to Governor Swift, and urge that she veto this. r Motion: To send the letter to Governor Swift, in conjunction with Norton and Plainville if time will permit Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 24, 2001 9 r r r (McCue-Wills) 5-0 Passes Chairman Amoruso: . Reminded the Selectmen that the Town Manager's evaluation forms are due next Wednesday Motion: To adjourn at 11:12 p.m. (Donovan-McCue) 5-0 Passes 31 CCTo¡ Date of Approval Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 24, 2001 10