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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 03/14/01 Present: ¡"'iAì'¿SF ìELD Chairman David W. McCarter; Clerk Br~~Af.H~~~T~e"tmen Louis P. Amoruso, Amos M. Robinson, and Daniel Donovan. John O. D'Agostino, Town Manager RECEIVED Tí)\(J~1 (":1 EP"r (' rV-F ICE B d f S I t ! . ¡i,! Î. .' l.. :.' " \ ,.) ,j ¡" oar 0 e ec men Minutes of 0 I MAR 22 AM 10= I 8 March 14, 2001 {' The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. · Warrant No. 38 in the amount of $4,719,617.26 Motion : To approve (Amoruso-Robinson) 5-0 with Chairman McCarter abstaining from Municipal Building Committee payroll and Seleàtman Robinson abstaining from School Department payroll Passes r · Minutes of March 7, 2001 Motion : To approve (Amoruso-Robinson) 5 -0 Passes · Town Manager's Evaluation - Chairman McCarter explained the procedure used to compile the individual evaluations and present them in composite form for the Board's signature. Selectman Donovan requested a copy of each individual's evaluation · Motion: To sign the evaluation as compiled (Wills-Amoruso) 4-1 with Selectman Donovan opposed I'" · Town Engineer John Sullivan - Eminent Domain Land Takings for Williams Street Bridge - Mr. Sullivan and Town Counsel Mangiaratti were present to update the Board on the eminent domain land takings for the Williams Street Bridge and to ask for the Selectmen's vote and signatures on the Orders of Taking. By completing the Orders of Taking and setting aside the funds due individual landowners, the project can then move forward and be bid. Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 14,2001 1 r- . Motion: To sign the Orders of Taking (Wills-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes Town Engineer Sullivan also updated the Board on the progress of legislation in the works affecting the Williams Street Bridge and noted he will remain in contact with our State Senator and Representatives. r . Information from Town Clerk Helen Christian regarding dates available for Town Meeting and Special Town Meeting Motion: To postpone Annual Town Meeting to April 24th and continue to May 1st. (Robinson- Wills) Town Manager D'Agostino noted we are still waiting for State revenue figures to come in to finalize revenue projections and it was the consensus of the Finance team to hold the meeting as late as possible. The later we go, the more accurate our numbers will be when they're received from the House and Senate. He suggested postponing the meeting until May 1st. He also suggested that the meeting be held on consecutive nights and finished prior to the Annual Town Elections. Selectman Robinson noted that people have babysitter problems meeting night after night. He also noted the budget is still far from being finalized and suggested we not put it off any further. Selectman Amoruso stated the problem was people did not know in advance that meetings were going to be held on consecutive nights. He pointed out that consecutive night meetings save the cost of breakdown and setup. Town Manager D'Agostino said it is his firm belief that we will have a balanced budget before Town Meeting. The Finance Team believes we can meet our five year projections and both the Town and Schools will work together cooperatively. Vote: For April 24th 4-1 with Selectman Robinson opposed Vote: To continue the meeting on the second night consecutively, provided the auditorium is available. (Wills-Amoruso) 4-1 with Selectman Robinson opposed It was suggested that the recommendation be made to the Moderator to adjourn the meeting at 11:00 p.m. I'" Motion: To hold a Special Town Meeting within the Annual on the second night, April 25th, unless there is a procedural problem with doing so. Town Counsel Mangiaratti noted a date has to be set for the meeting, and if the voters on the first night vote not to continue to the second night, it could create a problem. It was noted that the Special could still be held, and if there's not a quorum, to could be continued. (Amoruso-Wills) 3-2 with Robinson and McCarter opposed Passes Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 14, 2001 2 r Chairman McCarter called for questions and comments. There were none forthcoming. Richard Myers, Regional Manager of Petco Animal Supplies and Chairman of the Mansfield Animal Welfare Committee, was present to donate a van for our animal control officer. Animal Control Officer Jeff Collins and Police Chief Arthur O'Neill accepted the donation on behalf of the Town. Pictures of the van were displayed. Mr. Myers is also a member of the Massachusetts Coalition of Animal Shelters and has requested the current van be turned over to the Town of Wales, with Petco doing any work and updating necessary. Town Manager D'Agostino noted that with the relaxation of the procurement statute we are in a position to be able to share this resource with the Town of Wales. I'" , Police Chief O'Neill thanked Petco and all other organizations for their generosity in donating time, food and other supplies for the care of the animals at the shelter. The Police Chief also advised the Town by way of the Selectmen that Sgt. Edward Wynn, a former Mansfield police officer, has passed away at his home in Maine. A policeman's funeral will be held in Mansfield. Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Lester McGoldrick of Eddy Street was present for the discussion. Town Manager D'Agostino presented copies of the Colonel's comments at the MassHighway public hearings, at which he suggested the bike trail be named for a World War II veteran. It was originally thought to name it the Veterans Memorial Bike Trail. He asked Col. McGoldrick to speak further on the issue. Co!. McGoldrick spoke of the history of the Old Colony Railroad and the part the line played during World War II. He noted that we own a very historical piece of real estate in that Camp Myles Standish was actually the location now known as the Taunton Industrial Park. It was taken over during World War II and was the point of embarkation for the Boston headquarters. He became the clothing and .r- equipment officer for Camp Myles Standish and thousands of troops poured through the installation, all of them coming down the railroad track from all over Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 14, 2001 3 r the United States to be staged and outfitted. They then returned on the same line to the Mansfield Station to be transported to Boston. The staging area of many medical units was located at the large hospital, which at that time was located where the present Holiday Inn off Route 495 is located. He noted in particular a troop of 852 individuals sent out from Camp Myles Standish to the U.S. Dorchester to supply Iceland, Greenland, Africa and the buildup in northern England and Ireland. About 170 miles off the southern tip of Greenland the ship was hit by a German torpedo and was sinking rapidly, while most of the troops on board were sleeping. Of the 852 put on board, only 250 lived. He suggested we name the Multi-Purpose Trail the World War II Memorial Trail, noting the Town will gain a war memorial without cost. Town Manager D'Agostino asked him to share the history of four special officers from Harvard. There were four chaplains, two Protestant, one Jewish and one Catholic. They were all from Harvard and were shipped out on the Dorchester. When the ship was torpedoed, very few even had time to get into life jackets. The four chaplains gave their life jackets to others and, in a show of unity, stood together arm in arm after helping others and went down with the ship praying. Barbara Rose of 9 Branch Street, who accompanied the Colonel, spoke in support of his suggestion. r Motion: To name the Multi-Purpose Trail the World War II Memorial Trail (Wills-Robinson) The Sea of Glory is a book published giving the history of this trail. Town Manager D'Agostino spoke of previous involvement in such projects and noted his interest in telling the story of World War II veterans and the history of the Old Colony Rail itself along the trail, with areas along the way used to tell the story. Co I. McGoldrick said he would be happy to cooperate in the project. The Town Manager noted Senator Sprague would sponsor a bill in the House and Senate in securing funding for the purpose. Selectman Amoruso noted the national significance of the Myles Standish Camp, stating the U. S. Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp recognizing their valor. Vote: 5-0 Passes Town Accountant Bea Kearney was present at the request of the Board to update ,r- Selectmen on the status of balancing the budget. She noted that with the School cuts of $311,000 there is now a $1,195,000. difference to reach a balanced budget. Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 14, 2001 4 r Town Manager D'Agostino reviewed the amounts cut by the Town thus far. He spoke of the amount included in the budget of $174,000 on the Town side for the possible cleanup of Hercules and other items, the largest amount of the increase being the Town's portion of employee benefits. The amount for revaluation and the process of implementing it was reviewed. The Town Manager, following the review, indicated we will meet our budget projections as far as expenditures are concerned. The issue we are grappling with is the revenue portion, noting the reason for the miscalculation is two-fold: the short time we had to do them and the fact that SBAB reimbursement should not have been included in revenue projections. He noted local receipts have been erratic over the last several years. When we calculated the 5-year agreement, we also had a signed agreement with the Water Park that included payments and tax benefits to the Town over a period of time, which we now have to make up with the plans for the Park having been withdrawn. Town Expenses related to Education were reviewed, with the notation being made that in FY1999 the total was $5,459,601 which by FY2002 has increased to $9,206,867. A major portion of the increase has been the increased assessment I'" for the regional charter school, with the amount being deducted directly from the revenue we received from the State. The Town Manager noted we believe there will be a reduction in our Southeastern Regional School assessment of approximately $148,000., which we be a help. The Finance Team will continue to work together to pare down the budget and plans to have a balanced budget to present to Town Meeting. He reviewed local estimated receipts over the last several years, indicating an erratic revenue picture that makes it difficult to project five years forward. The estimated revenue projections were reviewed for five years, with it being noted there are other factors that have to be considered. These include a change in the economy, a decrease in revenue from taxes, and a decrease in revenue received from the State. We have control over the expenditures; the revenue projections we don't. Cuts may be made in some areas to allow a part-time person in another area. We still have some new personnel included in the budget. Budget strategies have been developed. The budget task force has recommended that each side-Town and School-cut $500,000. We will look to the State for additional revenue and will seek their assistance in getting more accurate revenue projections. Layoffs are not anticipated. If School personnel are laid off, it increases our budget. Due to the fact we are self-insured, two people have to be r laid off to capture the savings of one position. When an individual is laid off, we Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 14, 2001 5 r then have to pay the cost of unemployment. Town Manager D'Agostino assured the Board we will have a balanced budget and will live within the five-year projections. Clerk Wills raised the issue of paying employees when Town Hall was closed for the storm emergency and asked if people would rather stay home and get paid or work and get paid. It was noted there are labor standards that govern this and noted DPW and Police are essential personnel. The Town Manager reported on the following: r · The winter maintenance budget is $53,561 which has increased to $97,107. There are $21,700 in additional vouchers in this week's warrants with approximately $1,500 in contractors bills not yet submitted, overtime and other expenses. Selectman Donovan reported the sidewalks from Angel Street to the Foxboro line were not plowed and Union Street had only one side plowed. The Town Manager noted we only plow sidewalks within a certain distance from the schools. We try to accommodate based on our manpower and ability to do so. Our priorities are main arteries, secondary roads, sidewalks in proximity to the schools, and the Train Station. Downtown snow removal is an operation we will need to assess due to budget constraints. · Tweeter license changes have been reviewed by staff and Attorney Mangiaratti. A draft copy will be available shortly for the Board's review prior to voting on the license. · GA TRA bus location has been moved to a more appropriate location. A confirmatory letter will be sent. · The Police Chief has responded to the request for information on the arrest at Jimmy's Pub and notes the arrest was made at the Pub when a vehicle pulled into their lot. It was not someone who had been in the Pub. · Is working on a change in the Police detail at the Train Station. It is a prior practice and will have to be further negotiated with the Union. r · The CORI certification is required to be renewed every two years; however the application was last renewed several years ago. Until the issue is Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 14, 2001 6 r resolved, we will require individuals to obtain their CORI information and provide a notarized copy of it with their applications. · The date for the DEM meeting in Boston on the Interbasin Transfer Act is March 2Th at 1:00 p.m. at the State House. He believes we are dealing with a "turf war" between DEM and DEP, Water Resources Commission and Natural Heritage, noting the last meeting was an exercise in finger pointing. It appears that we are a long way off from getting the permit. Chairman McCarter asked theoretically if we're being treated differently because we had to go through the Interbasin Transfer Act. Selectman Amoruso noted the fact that "someoneN saw an endangered species at the location "sometimeN is not good scientific evidence. The Town Manager noted someone needs to account for why the process is taking so long and there needs to be a change in the process. At the same time this meeting is scheduled, there is another meeting at South Station of equal importance. · He will be on vacation from Friday, April 13th, to Monday, April 23rd. r · In the information packet is a leaflet the Water Dept. would like to send out on the water treatment facility proposal. There will be an article on this at the Town Meeting. Selectman Amoruso asked if it would be sent out in color. He also stated that unless we can obtain a 0% loan, he does not feel he can support it this fiscal year. He agrees with the need for it, but believes the financial burden will be too great at this time. Clerk Wills noted if the water quality improves sufficiently, people may no longer need to buy bottled water to drink and there may actually be a cost savings. · We need to hold an executive session on land taking in the vicinity of the Train Station to discuss strategy and values in relationship to the parcels. We may need to proceed with an eminent domain taking on land owned by Mr. Ditchman. An executive session will be scheduled for 7:00 p.m. next week. Selectman Donovan: · We need to discuss the light poles on the sidewalks downtown if we want to get rid of them because they obstruct snowplowing. r · Was invited by the Band Parents to see the competition at the schools and it was a beautiful event. He asked the Town to send the Band Parents and the Director a letter thanking them for hosting the event. Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 14, 2001 7 r Clerk Wills: · Asked the Town Manager if he's made any progress on a sewer connection/extension policy. It will be discussed with Lee Azinheira and Kurt Gaffney, but will be worked on more diligently after Town Meeting. · With regard to the two-day suspension for Tahana on April 1st and 2nd, we need to further clarify the vote as to whether he has to stop serving alcohol on Sunday, April 1st, at 1:00 a.m. or if he has to close down at midnight on Saturday, March 31st. Motion: That it be understood the license suspension will be from the business opening on Sunday, April 1st, to the business closing on Monday, April 2nd. (Amoruso-Wills) 3-1-1 with Selectman Donovan opposed and Chairman McCarter abstaining. · Selectman Amoruso: Requested we meet with the Town Manager on his evaluation and do some goal setting r Chairman McCarter: · Asked about the dirt pile on East Street and the construction equipment on the site and suggested it be fenced in to keep children from getting hurt. Most of it will remain on site for the construction of the field. Selectman Robinson: · Noted a problem on Route 106 that is causing damage to cars and suggested perhaps that portion of the roadway be cut out and replaced. Chairman McCarter: · We will be meeting here at 7:00 p.m. to go to Norton for a joint meeting with their Selectmen. It is hoped that the discussion will not be too technical as we are not planning to bring staff with us. r ì To adjourn at 10:23 p.m. (Donovan- Wills) 5-0 Passes Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 14,2001 8 r r I"""" I (;~ Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 14, 2001 9