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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 05/16/01 Present: RECEIVED TOI~'~' C' EÞ!(S OFF ICE \/t\j ,,,... ,d'il.' " o I MAY 25 M1 9: 56 f'1ANSFIELD Chairman Louis P. Amoruso, Chairman; Mtt~fAN.H~¡l,SClerk; Bradford E. Wills, Vice Chairman; Selectman David W. McCarter; and Selectman Daniel Donovan. Town Manager John D'Agostino Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 16, 2001 r The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Motion: To go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation and to return to Open Session at the conclusion of the discussion. (Donovan-Wills) McCarter, aye; Wills, aye; McCue, aye; Donovan, aye; Amoruso, aye 5-0 Passes The meeting reconvened in Open Session at 7:44 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. r . Warrant No. 47 in the amount of $993,051.23 Motion: To approve and sign (Wills-Donovan) 5-0 Passes with Selectman McCarter abstaining from Municipal Building Committee payroll . Minutes of May 9, 2001 Motion : To approve (Wills-McCarter) 5-0 Passes . Proclamation to be voted and signed proclaiming Friday, May 18th as Older Americans Volunteer Recognition Day in appreciation of the efforts of all volunteers who have served throughout the past year Motion: To proclaim May 18, 2001 as Older Americans Volunteer Recognition Day (Wills-Donovan) 5-0 Passes r-- Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 16. 2001 1 r- · Proclamation to be voted and signed proclaiming Thursday, May 17th, as "Mansfield Sister Cities" Day and to present the proclamation to Don and Mary Brown of Mansfield, England, when they visit next week. Motion: To proclaim May 17, 2001 as "Mansfield Sister Cities" Day and to present the proclamation to Don and Mary Brown of Mansfield, England, at next week's meeting. (Wills-McCue) 5-0 Passes · Request for transfer of $8,000. from Reserve Fund to Highway Division - Motor Fuel - the increase is necessary due to increased fuel costs for the balance of the budget year. Motion: To recommend approval of the transfer request to the Finance Committee (McCarter-Wills) 5-0 Passes r · Request for transfer of $9,200. from Reserve Fund to Highway Division - Electricity - the increase is necessary due to increased costs of electricity for the balance of the budget year. Motion: To recommend approval of the transfer request to the Finance Committee (McCarter-Wills) 5-0 Passes · Request from Catherine Salisbury of Southeastern Regional Services Group asking for the Board of Selectmen's vote of approval and signature on bid awards for office supplies, paper supplies, and DPW Supplies/Water Treatment Chemicals Motion: To approve the bid awards (Wills-Donovan) 5-0 Passes · Letter from Patrick A. Collins requesting permission to close Marshall Avenue from the corner of Smiley Avenue to the corner of Denwood Street from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 10t\ for a block party. The request has been approved by the Police and Fire Departments with proper signage and access for emergency vehicles provided Motion: To approve the request for the block party with the Public Safety concerns addressed (Wills-Donovan) 5-0 Passes r- Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 16, 2001 2 r . Letter to AT&T Broadband (prepared by Attorney Bill August) to be signed by the chairman on behalf of the Board requesting information we have not yet received Motion: To authorize the Chairman to sign and send the letter (Wills-Donovan) 5-0 Passes . Letter from Town Counsel Mangiaratti informing us of a decision in Superior Court in favor of the Town of Mansfield in the suit brought against the Selectmen by Karl Clemmey, Trustee of 875 South Main Street Realty Trust, for their letter of reprimand on his parking lot violation. Water Wizard Steve Bishop spoke about the project and introduced the winners of the conservation project and their faculty advisor: Students Thomas Duncan Fuller, 3rd place winner; Amanda Whitehead, 1st place winner; Angela Silva, 2nd place winner; Mrs. McKeon, Faculty Advisor. r , Sill Gerber, 362 Central Street - noted Central Street is still unofficially a State highway and with the new construction taking place there has been settlement of the paving, causing a great deal of noise. He asked for patching of the road and sidewalk, either by the State or the Town, until something permanent can be done. DPW Director Azinheira noted that portion of Central Street is still part of the old Route 140. He offered to be an advocate for the residents in contacting the State to make the needed repairs. Mr. Gerber, who is also host of "What's Brewing" on cable television, spoke to the issue of drinking responsibly and designating a driver when drinking. r Selectman Donovan asked Kurt Gaffney, Water Operations Manager, to come forward show the awards presented to the Town of Mansfield for the quality of our drinking water. During Mr. Gaffney's two year tenure we went from the bottom of the 880 cities and towns in Massachusetts to within the top 30. The award is given by DEP and 30 water associations throughout the Commonwealth and is based on a point system used to evaluate water quality. Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 16, 2001 3 r Mr. Gaffney asked the Board of Selectmen to approve the first phase of a water moratorium based on an "odd-even" system, with outside watering allowed between 5:00 and 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. He suggested the moratorium be imposed prior to Memorial Day and noted it is not because we do not have sufficient water, but because we cannot keep up with the pumping demand. Selectman Wills stated he would like to have the moratorium not imposed until after the Memorial Day weekend, because so many residents use the three-day weekend to put in their gardens. DPW Director Azinheira pointed out the extremely dry month of April we experienced and the demand placed on the wells with the very high temperatures we had during that period. Mr. Gaffney reviewed the work being done at the various well sites, but noted the water mains can only carry so much water. It was also pointed out that water restrictions have been imposed by the State as a condition of the Morrison Well permit. Some of the wells are being run more than 16 hours per day and will be run 24 hours per day during peak water demand periods. The SCADA system allows us to monitor drawdown. Town Manager D'Agostino suggested the Board at some point review the policy and make any modifications necessary to the policy. r Selectman Wills read the fines set for violation of the water restriction policy and Chairman Amoruso noted the various phases of the water policy. Vegetable gardens are exempt from the restrictions under this phase of the moratorium. Mr. Gaffney noted there is a considerable degree of flexibility in the enforcement of the policy and shutting off someone's water would be an extreme measure that he has never done. DPW Director Azinheira spoke of legislation being considered to impose water conservation measures throughout the Commonwealth. Motion: To approve the recommendation to implement Phase 1 of the water restriction policy effective May 21, 2001 (Wills-Donovan) 5-0 Passes Selectman McCarter asked if Branch Street is on the schedule to be resurfaced. DPW Director Azinheira noted he and Mark Cook, Highway Operations Manager, would be coming before the Board in a couple of weeks to provide a full update on the roadwork schedule. Clerk McCue noted attending the Walsh Well Open House this past weekend and being given a tour that he found very informative. ".-... Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 16, 2001 4 r DPW Director Azinheira also updated the Board on the comments of Michelle Drury of the Water Resources Commission (WRC) and the opportunity to review the full package prior to the final recommendations being made June 14th. Town Manager D'Agostino reported on the following: r . We are in the process of creating a "Destiny of Our Youth" project started six months ago, financed by the Rotary Club of Mansfield. The impetus for the project was the Columbine tragedy and the project focuses on what we as a community need to do to prevent such a tragedy in our community. He noted he will be asking for a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee to discuss the findings of the two-day summit and to discuss the ways to pursue the goals and objectives established therein. Selectman Wills noted the element left out of the discussion was money and what the funding sources would be to accomplish the goals and objectives. He suggested starting a fund for donations from the residential and business community to raise funds for a community center to serve residents of all ages-from young children to senior citizens. Selectman Donovan noted we've provided more than fields, but also basketball courts and tennis courts. He expressed his hope that people will look around and appreciate the facilities we have. Selectman McCarter also noted the improvements made at Memorial Park and the amenities that have been made available to the public at that site. Mr. D'Agostino noted his hope to provide a skateboard park in the near future created through a public/private partnership. He noted such an investment increases the value of the community and provides a higher quality of life. ",.- . The Town is planning to submit a Community Development Block Grant application of up to $600,000 for home improvements for low and moderate income families and seniors. We believe we have a good chance of receiving the grant and know we will not receive any funds if we don't pursue them. The grant provides a 20 percent administrative fee. Selectman Donovan asked how the contractors would be pre-qualified so residents get the quality work they deserve. Mr. D'Agostino noted the work would be inspected and payment would not be made until the work has been satisfactorily completed. Any match-funds needed by the Town would be provided by in-kind services. Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 16, 2001 5 r . The Senate and House have added additional funds-- $64,624.70 for the year 2002 and $161,561.75 in Chapter 90 funding for each year from 2003 through 2006, for a total of $710,871.70 over the five-year period. I . The operation of the Morrison Well will be commenced by next summer if The Water Resource Commission decision is rendered in June. Selectman Donovan: · asked if the request from the elderly people down by the Airport for a blind driveway sign has been met. Town Manager D'Agostino will follow up on it. Selectman Wills: · asked for an organizational chart to be prepared showing all the people who work for the Town. Mr. D'Agostino said he would prefer to list the job positions on the chart rather than the names of the individuals f/Ï/ing the positions as he requested (' . asked for an update on the house being constructed by the Airport. There is an appeal of the decision at this point. Selectman Wills asked that a method be created to inform any resident building near a town-owned project of any nuisance factors they may encounter due to noise or other conditions. Selectman McCarter noted that would be part of the Planning Board process when reviewing subdivision proposals. · asked if we've found out why South Main Street was done without the Town being notified. MassHighway was under an order to spend a given amount of money doing improvements outside of the Big Dig project. They do not intend to do the sidewalks, and the Town will not accept that portion of South Main Street until the sidewalks are reconstructed, the road is repaved, and utility work is done. He will check with Lee Azinheira to make sure he has notified the State. .r" Selectman McCarter: · asked about the status of the Train Station project and when it will be started. Mr. D'Agostino noted there are some administrative issues being resolved and discussions with VHB have taken place to schedule a meeting with all the parties involved We need to have alternative parking for the spaces eliminated with the construction of the platform and will be making proposals to the Board in the next few weeks. Phase 2 has not yet gone any further due to lack of agreement Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 16, 2001 6 r as to the number of parking spaces to be provided We need to get GA TRA back into the Board to discuss phases 2 and 3. · Asked if the Judge Rotenburg group home is open yet. Mr. D'Agostino noted the house has been purchased and they are remodeling. He will check to 'ind out when it is expected to opened Chairman Amoruso: · responded to last week's question from Anthony Odoardi regarding the Highland Avenue water main project. The 1100 feet of work reported in the Annual Report includes not only the 440 feet of water mains done on Highland Avenue, but also 600 feet of work on Draper A venue to be done soon, for which funds were encumbered during 2000. Clerk McCue: · received a question from a resident regarding the lack of a flag on the North Common. The rope and pulley were broken and were replaced by a steeplejack r yesterday. · noted information in the reading file from Mass Coastal Zone Management of grant eligibility and asked if these are funds we would be interested in looking at. Town Manager D'Agostino will look into it further. · Expressed his interest in sending out a questionnaire with the electric bills soliciting input of residents regarding Saturday Town Meeting and the ancillary events suggested. He offered to prepare such a questionnaire. The Board voted previously to hold the Fall Special Town Meeting on a Saturday. Chairman Amoruso noted the overwhelming number of questionnaires that have been completed regarding cable service. Clerk McCue w/Ï/ put something together for the Board's review. r- Selectman Wills: · asked if the condition of the bridge on Route 106 will hamper the Train Station project. We cannot spend any money on the bridge, which is owned jointly by MBTA and Amtrak Some testing was done to determine the extent of deterioration of the base and the repairs will be driven based on the results of the testing. They are looking at between $7-10 million. Were looking at trying to get it done prior to 2007, when the State has proposed the road be done, and will have to pursue the funds from them. Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 16, 2001 7 r · asked who owns the Clemmey Tank property and what we can do about getting it cleaned up. Selectman McCarter noted an order for clean up was issued on the Homestead property and a lien was put on the property. Mr. D'Agostino noted that was $35,000 and this is estimated to be $100,000-150,000 'or which we don't have the funds. It was also noted the land is contaminated We will need to get advice from the Building Inspector and Attorney Mangiaratti and decide whether to hold hearings and declare it a hazard It is the owner's responsibHity to clean it up. · asked for a copy of the police report of a potential violation he spoke to the Town Manager about earlier and asked that it be put in the "confidential" file. Selectman McCarter: · asked for an update/report on the recommendations made in the Police Management Study that have been implemented. · noted the Town website is way out of date and needs to be updated. He suggested we could also set up a link on the website to respond to the survey. The Town Manager is working with the new MIS Director and Department r- Heads to get a monthly review of the website done and outdated information removed · asked if the proposed development on Route 140 going before the Planning Board and Conservation Commission would fall under the large water user connection policy. We do not know any of the details of the project yet. That information would be reviewed during the site plan process. If the business needs the water to function and operate, we cannot deny them the ability to so. · asked that the Board consider whether the Community Preservation Act should be included at the next Town Meeting. Chairman Amoruso noted his belief that it has to be done at the Annual Town Meeting and cannot be done at a Special Town Meeting. Chairman Amoruso: · noted the Board has been invited by the Recreation Commission to the rededication of Memorial Park on June 14th from 6-8 p.m.. This is the same night as the Elks Flag Day ceremony on the South Common and the Eagle Scout Court of Honor. r · suggested June 13th as an orientation workshop for the Board with Department Heads, with the meeting solely dedicated to that purpose. Town Manager Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 16, 2001 8 r D'Agostino suggested 30 minutes be spent on an orientation package which is being put together, then 15 minute presentations by department heads discussing their goals and objectives, concluding with a 30 minute roundtable discussion. · suggested a response acknowledging any letter coming to the Board to let people know we've received it and what action we are taking. Anything to which we're responding to as a Board should go into the reading file. Selectman Donovan: · asked that we send a letter to Senator Sprague, Reps. Coppola and Poirier, Governor Swift, and the Water Resource Commission for the commendations and plaques presented to our Water Department. Selectman McCarter: · asked that we also write to them asking that Mansfield be put into one district. r Motion: To adjourn at 9:55 p.m. (Donovan-Wills) 5-0 Passes ~d-W¡/1fk Signature of Clerk fl3 MAYol Date of Approval r Board of Selectmen Minutes of May 16, 2001 9