HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 10/03/01
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Board of Selectmen
Minutes of
October 3, 2001
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Present:
Chairman Louis P. Amoruso; Vice Chairman Bradford E. Wills; Clerk
Michael W. McCue; and Selectmen David W. McCarter and Daniel
Donovan.
Town Manager John O. D'Agostino
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m.
Motion: To go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending
litigation and to reconvene in Open Session at the conclusion of the discussion
(McCarter-Donovan)
Roll Call Vote: McCarter, aye; McCue, aye; Donovan, aye; Amoruso, aye
4-0 with Vice Chairman Wills not present at the time of the vote Passes
The meeting reconvened in Open Session at 7:52 p.m., followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag.
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· Warrant No. 15 in the amount of $2,620,852.95
Motion : To approve
(Donovan-Wills) 5-0 with Selectman McCarter abstaining from Municipal
Building Committee payroll Passes
· Minutes of September 26, 2001 Board of Selectmen meeting
Motion : To approve
(McCue-Donovan) 5-0 Passes
· Drainlayer's License for:
Cendella Excavating, 61 Duval Road, Sutton, MA
Recommended for approval by Town Engineer John Sullivan.
Motion: To approve the drain layer's license of Cendella Excavating
(Donovan-Wills) 5-0 Passes
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Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 3, 2001
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r · Application of the Recreation Commission for their Annual Halloween Parade on
Sunday, October 28th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Motion: To approve the parade permit
(Donovan-Wills) 5-0 Passes
· Letter prepared by the Town Manager to the Division of Capital Asset
Management identifying a direct public use for land located at the intersection
of Routes 140 and 106. Need to vote to authorize the chairman to sign the
response page.
Motion: To authorize the Chairman to sign the response page
(Donovan-McCarter) 5-0 Passes
Town ManaQer and Staff
· Memorandum from Lorilee Fish, Park & Recreation Director, inviting the
Selectmen to serve as Grand Marshalls for the Annual Halloween Parade and to
appoint a Selectman as a costume judge
r Motion: To have the chairman serve as judge
(Donovan-Wills) 5-0 Passes
· Memorandum from Town Clerk Helen Christian regarding the possibility of
holding the petitioned Special Town Meeting on October 30th rather than
November 6th, with accompanying schedule for closing and signing the Warrant.
The Town Manager indicated speaking with the petitioner earlier this evening
and October 3dh stH/ wH/ not allow them enough time to be able to hold the
event. Therefore, November 6th will remain as the date.
· Memorandum from Kurt Gaffney, Water Operations Manager, re: Summary of
Water Consumption/Water Connection Policy as of September 27, 2001
· Memorandum from Kurt Gaffney, Water Operations Manager, re:
recommendation for approval of water main extension for Village at the Pointe
Motion: To approve the water main extension for Village at the Point
(Wills-McCarter) 5-0 Passes
Residents
r · Letter and petition from residents of Mill Street re: Placement of stop signs on
Mill Street at the point where Essex Street intersects. Memorandum from
Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 3, 2001
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Ptlm. Lance Lawson, Traffic Safety Officer of the Mansfield Police Department,
recommending against a three-way stop sign
Motion: To table for 6-8 months and have Ptlm. Lawson review it then. To send
a copy of the recommendation to the petitioners advising them if they have
other evidence they wish to present, we'd be glad to listen to it.
(McCarter-Wills) 5-0 Passes
Other
· Letter from The Village at Willow Crossings requesting a crosswalk at Cobb and
South Main Streets
Table until recommendation of Officer Lawson is received
· Announcement of Mansfield Elks of a benefit dance and raffle to be held on
Friday, October 12th at 7:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge for the benefit of the "Elks
September 11th Disaster Relief Fund"
· Letter from Pro-Home, Inc. requesting Mansfield's participation in the Soft
Second Loan Program
The Town Manager noted it is a good program and assists people in buying a
r first home in the town and recommended we participate in this program, noting
it wH/ help us with our 418 Certification on the grant program recently applied
for.
Motion: To support participation in the program
(Donovan-McCue) 5-0 Passes
· Chairman Amoruso recognized the efforts of Greif Bros. Incorporation and
Thomas P. Witherby in beautifying the South Common with rail painting around
the perimeter and the installation of landscape timbers and mulch around the
trees of South Common. He read a proclamation to be sent to them.
Jeff Siena, Chairman of the Airport Commission - updated the Board and public
regarding changes that have been made in Airport security following the
September 11th terrorist attack. Magnetic card access to the gates is being used;
automobiles have been restricted from the fields and the policy is being strictly
enforced; the office is manned all day; access to the operating areas is permitted
only through the administration building, personnel access gate ,and gate B between
r the green hangar and Casey aviation. Gate B will be closed during normal operating
hours. Individuals not having an aircraft based at Mansfield must check in with the
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r Airport Manager before entering. The price for the gate locks will be $15-20,000
per gate and they're hoping for a 97% funding grant.
L.ou Andrews, Fruit Street and Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee to Review Town
Meeting Procedures - noted their last meeting was last week and they are now
formalizing their recommendations for presentation to the Board, hopefully as an
agenda item next week. They have a citizen's guide they would like to have printed
and given to voters.
George Dentino, Gladiola Terrace - apologized for taking up so much time last week.
He noted Chairman Amoruso and Selectman McCarter have been vocal as to stating
their opinion that they believe the reason for the change in contract was the
change of law. He asked if the "we" includes the other Selectmen. Selectman
Donovan noted the matter is in litigation and he does not feel it should be discussed
in open session. Clerk McCue noted his concern with some of the issues discussed in
open session a few weeks ago, considering there is litigation, and he does not feel it
appropriate to discuss it at this point. Selectman McCarter stated he agreed that
it was an issue, but never said it was right. Mr. Dentino asked if the June 27th
letter from Town Counsel has ever left Town. He noted he cannot find a docket
number. Town Manager D'Agostino noted responses from the contractor contain
r additional information. The action was taken to protect both our short-term and
long-term interest. Mr. Dentino took exception to Selectman McCarter's alleged
statement that an injunction is "just a piece of paper." He agreed with Mr.
McCarter that there is no need for a Special Town Meeting if it's too late for the
MMAS article. It was noted the Charter designates how the calling of a Town
Meeting is handled There were a sufficient number of signatures to petition it.
We do not know yet what the revenue will be until the State finalizes its budget
and cannot hold our Special Town Meeting until we have that information. Mr.
Butler has indicated he would like to hold the petitioned Special Town Meeting on
November 6th. .
Robin Pickette and Jeremy Jacobs of New England Sportservice were present for
the hearing on their alcohol licenses at the Tweeter Center for the Performing
Arts for a Restaurant All Alcohol license and a Wine and Malt only license. The
hearing was necessitated by a change in the officers and directors of New England
Sportservice.
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Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 3, 2001
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r Mr. Jacobs explained the change in management within the corporate office, with
no changes being made on the local level. They have a trailer housing their office at
885 South Main Street and a post office box at which they receive their mail.
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Bruce Freal, representing Mansfield Youth Soccer, was present to discuss a field
development article for the Fall Special Town Meeting. Dean Jarvis, the gentleman
in charge of the fields, was also present.
Mr. Freal noted they currently have 1,450 children registered to play in the fall,
with 1,500-1,600 anticipated for the spring, ranging from ages 4 t to 16 years old.
Approximately 800 families are participating in the program with an estimate of
2,000 children participating within the next five years. A partnership with the
Town was formed, with Mansfield Youth Soccer paying for half the cost of the
fields. $25,000 has been put into irrigation; the gate has been locked at Plymouth
Street to prevent cars driving onto the field and has recently been unlocked with
the addition of other barriers. They've spent $154,000 on field construction over
the last two years and now need more. There are two additional fields that can be
built at a cost of approximately $260,000 and they're willing to pay for half that
amount. They asked for the Board's support of a warrant article requesting half
that amount. He credited Mike Ahern, Mark Cook, and the DPW for the work
they've done on the fields. Town Manager D'Agostino noted that at some point we
need to form a committee to determine how much more field space we need to
accommodate a growing a community. Selectman McCarter noted it's always a
question of money and the uncertainty of how much we will have available. Mr. Freal
noted they need to fix Field 3 for about $150,000 or spend $160,000 to go to the
back fields. Chairman Amoruso noted until we get figures from the State, we
simply don't know what we can afford to do. The programs are all very worthwhile,
but the economic forecast is not bright and we're going to have to be very careful.
The consensus of the Board was they support the soccer program, but cannot at
this point commit to the expenditure. Town Manager D'Agostino reviewed the
budget process, noting anticipated shortfalls in revenue and the need to put more
money into stabilization and make up for a revenue shortfall. He's looking at ways
to help residents of all ages and also has to be concerned with stabilizing expenses
to the senior population to allow them to stay in their homes. Town Manager
D'Agostino also noted there is a possibility of the sale of some of the Plymouth
Street land at some point in the future and the Youth Soccer organization should
be aware of that.
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Assistant Assessor/Office Manager Ed O'Neil, Treasurer/Collector Richard
Boucher, Town Accountant Bea Kearney, and Assessor Chairman Mike Eagan were
present to address the Board's concern about revenue and the advisability of
sending out estimated tax bills.
Mr. Boucher stated it currently looks like we can make it without any temporary
borrowing. In the past we would pickup cash shortfall on a temporary basis by
borrowing from the Light Department. They are no longer able to do that and we
would have to borrow short-term for 30 days at low interest if we run short. We
have some debt coming due this month and have to anticipate paying MMWEC their
monthly assessment of $1-1.5 million. Presently it looks as though we'll be able to
do it without borrowing. If we can get the tax bills out within the next 30-45 days,
we'll be fine. Revenue Anticipation Notes (RANS) are not a bad thing and we would
use them for 30 days if necessary. With people refinancing, we've been getting
some tax revenue lately. Vice Chairman Wills asked about sending out estimated
bills. It was noted by Mr. O'Neil that the cost of doing two mailings would be
greater than the interest paid on a short term loan. The new valuations have not
yet been established. The public is erroneously looking at the new assessments and
r using the current tax rate, which will be adjusted downward when the rate is set.
We received our preliminary certification on September 13th and are in our
disclosure period at this point. Selectmen McCarter asked about the classification
breakdown between residential and commercial. Residential property values
increased more than commercial property this time and may be carrying more of
the load this time around. The tax levy for the community can only increase 2 î ero
per year; however, tax bills are based on the value of the property which may rise
by more than 2îero. Mr. Eagan pointed out that generally houses are currently
selling for 10ero above the assessed value. If anyone wants to pay their taxes in
advance, we do have a system to accept payments. The Assessors Office can have
the bills out two weeks after we get the information necessary to set the rate.
Chairman Amoruso noted we're still going forward without a budget and the fact
they can have the bills out within two weeks is a moot point when we don't know
when we'll have a budget from the State. Selectman Donovan asked about the
progress in collecting delinquent taxes. We've collected about $100,000 with a
potential for another $50,000 in the next 30 days. Mr. Boucher stated he's getting
ready to take 2000 delinquencies into tax title and is sending out notices to people.
It was suggested that at the next staff meeting department heads be asked to
hold off on any major purchases until the budget is finalized and tax revenues start
coming in. Town Manager D'Agostino advised the Board that we have strong
r internal controls regarding cash reconciliation and know there is no money missing.
Mr. Boucher elaborated on the subject, noting the deficits in reporting have been
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r eliminated and the auditors will be coming in within the next two weeks and there
will be no write-offs necessary. Chairman Amoruso noted it's also time for the
budget task force to start meeting to establish budget projections. The finance
team is happy with the current auditors, noting they deal strictly with
municipalities, are familiar with our accounts, and can convert our accounts to the
new GASB 34 accounts.
The Town Manager:
· Read a memorandum from the Fire Chief about the department's response
recently in responding to a call for a 45 year old male who experienced a
massive heart attack. FF EMT-I Kevin Fontes, FF EMPT-P Marc Goyette;
FFEMT Joseph Courtemanche; FF EMT John Robbins, FF EMT William Burgess;
and FF EMT-P Jeffrey Munroe were commended for their efforts in saving this
person's life. He further noted the Fire Chief at the next Town Meeting will be
requesting funding for four additional paramedics - an expenditure that was
postponed from the last meeting.
r · Policemen's Ball will be held Friday, October 12th, at the Holiday Inn of
Mansfield and we need to know who and how many will be attending.
· Publicly thanked Mansfield Sign for the design and manufacture of the patriotic
sign currently hanging over Route 106.
· We have an issue with the number of crossing guards we have in Town, with
some locations where there are no students using the crossing. Mr. Moretti has
agreed to reduce the number from six to four, eliminating the Eddy
Street/East Street crossing, and the crossing at North Main, South Main, East
and West Streets at George's Cleaners. The positions have been difficult to fill
and we will be advertising for crossing guards at a slightly higher rate. As
public safety officials, the Selectmen have a role in this decision. Selectman
Donovan suggested the possibility of including the position in the senior tax
credit program. Chairman Amoruso asked for a more concrete breakdown and
explanation of the program before voting on the matter.
· Asked for the Board's input in putting a minimum of $500,000 Free Cash into
Stabilization in light of the current economic forecast. He further discussed
the philosophy of putting money into Stabilization versus spending it on Capital
r Improvements that have been delayed. The Town Manager was asked to contact
MMA about holding legislators' pay until the budget is set.
Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 3,2001
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Selectmen McCarter asked:
· when Branch Street will be finished
· how we're making out with detail officer coverage at the Train Station The
Chief will be putting together a warrant article to provide minimal coverage
when staffing levels fall below a certain level
Clerk McCue:
· Gave a brief overview of the Town Meeting Survey, noting the response
period has now ended and we received less than a 1% response rate. In that
small sample there appears to be some interest in going with a Saturday
Town Meeting. The other interesting issue that may warrant further
investigation is the idea of a debate day. The report is available by request
and may be put online.
Selectman Donovan asked:
· for an update on the potholes on School Street. The Town Manager believes
the State has taken care of them, but will check on it further.
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· for an update on the Hercules dump site. We've gone to the Conservation
Commission for permission to place monitoring wells on the property and
everything is proceeding under the auspices of a local licensed site
professional We are voluntarlÏy sharing any information received with the
residents of the area.
· about the status of the Clemmey Tank property. It is believed it is still
owned by Mr. Ditchman and it is our understanding there is a court
proceeding scheduled by the Building Inspector to get the property cleaned
up.
· if the benches at Fulton Pond have been replaced. There was an e-mail
response some weeks ago, but the Town Manager will check on it.
· about changes in the Chapter 40B laws. Selectman McCue noted the changes
passed by the House incorporated trailer parks into the 10% quota. It has
gone to the State Senate and is now with the Conference Committee.
Anything permitted or applied for is grandfathered and not affected by the
legislation.
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Chairman Amoruso:
Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 3, 2001
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· Asked for an update on the response of area towns meeting at the MMA
Conference regarding Southeastern Regional School District. Town Manager
D'Agostino reported contacting some of the Town Managers from towns
within the district and wi/I be talking to others about their interest in
meeting.
Selectman Donovan:
· Asked if a crosswalk could be put at the 15 Park Street Elderly Housing.
People are being dropped off across the street and are having difficulty
crossing. In the past we've been discouraged from putting crosswalks mid-
block It may be possible to do it in conjunction with the warrant article for
additional parking spaces.
Selectman McCue:
· Updated the Board on the meetings he attended at Southeastern Regional
Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) and the Metropolitan
Planning Organization (MPO). Funds have been appropriated for various
r projects in Mansfield, with $1 million in State funds being earmarked for
the Williams Street bridge. There is an issue with Amtrak regarding right-
of-way and how to go about the work necessary on both the Elm and School
Street bridges. He proposed we send a letter to either Amtrak or the
State inquiring about the status of that issue. He also suggested the
possibility of a joint letter with Attleboro regarding the Thatcher Street
bridge and sending the joint letter to our State and Federal legislators.
Former Governor Michael Dukakis, now working with Amtrak, should also be
contacted.
· Advised the Board that we are eligible for 20 hours gratis work from
SRPEDD and he will contact Lee Azinheira and John Sullivan regarding the
work they need to have done.
· Spoke of a large development that was forestalled as a result of the joint
efforts of Carver, Wareham and Plymouth and cited it as an example of what
can be done with a unified effort.
· Asked about setting up a meeting with other Selectmen on a regional basis.
The Town Manager wl1/ be putting something together for the MMA meeting.
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Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 3, 2001
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· Presented information obtained from Marshfield as to how they conduct
alcohol violation hearings and will make the information available to Town
Counsel for consideration.
Vice Chairman Wills:
· Asked about the fence that is in poor condition at Meineke on Chauncy
Street. The Town Manager has already contacted the owner of the
property as the result of a resident complaint. The condition is due to an
accident and the owner has assured us he will be restoring the area to its
proper condition.
· Asked how the surplus property came about at Routes 140 and 106. It was
offered by Asset Management. We need to notify them of our need for it
by October 8th and will be notified some time after that if our efforts were
successful.
Selectman McCarter asked:
· about the Self Help organization and noted he has not been able to attend
their meetings. He asked that they be contacted as to who can serve on the
committee.
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· about the results of the meeting of the Regional Cable meeting. They are
meeting again November Sh and have requested meeting in Mansfield
Other communities represented reported experiencing the same problems
we're experiencing with A T&T Broadband Viable alternatives are being
discussed, particularly by those communities having municipal electric
departments. There is legislation being considered to allow such
communities to also provide cable service to contiguous communities. Any
viable alternatives we have can only strengthen our bargaining position in the
current negotiations.
· if the Hutchins property will be given a name at some point; noted an area
has been dug up. The Town Manager suggested naming the area the Dan
Clifford Memorial Field
· Noted the transition appears to have gone smoothly with the new trash
collector.
Chairman Amoruso:
· Cable license advisory committee is meeting October 11th and expects to
r have a proposed license ready to send to AT&T and invited the Board to be
present at that meeting.
Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 3, 2001
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. We will be having the Breast Cancer Telethon held during the Selectmen's
meeting next week
Motion: To adjourn at 10:50 p.m.
(Donovan-Wills) 5-0 Passes
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Signature of Clerk
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Date of Approval
Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 3, 2001
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