HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 03/07/01
Present:
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Chairman David W. McCarter; Clerk Bradfo~;~~Wtli~YS§e1Jc~r@n
Louis P. Amoruso, Amos M. Robinson, and Daniel Donovan.
John O. D'Agostino, Town Manager
Board of Selectmen
Minutes of
March 7, 2001
RECEIVED
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The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance
to the Flag.
· Minutes of February 28, 2001
Motion : To approve
(Amoruso-Wills) 4-0-1 with Chairman McCarter abstaining Passes
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· Warrant No. 37 in the amount of $862,281.52
Motion : To approve
(Amoruso-Robinson) 5-0 with Selectman Robinson abstaining from
School Department payroll and Chairman McCarter abstaining from Municipal
Building Committee payroll
· Wines and Malt Beverages Package Store License - transferred from Dias
West Mansfield Variety, Inc., to Amruta Corporation dba Dias West
Mansfield Variety, Inc. - Rupal K. Patel, Manager - 428 Elm Street; transfer
was approved by Selectmen in December and has now been approved by the
Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission and is ready for signing
Motion: To sign the license for Amruta Corporation dba Dias West
Mansfield Variety, Inc. - Rupal K. Patel, Manager, at 428 Elm Street
(Amoruso-Donovan) 5-0 Passes
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· Letter from Louis F. Andrews of Mansfield Lions Club for a banner
advertising their Annual Penny Sale - referred to the Light Department for
approval
Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 7, 2001
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. Request from Spring Brook Cemetery Corporation to waive Planning Board
filing fees of $270 for Form A plans submitted - The fee is adopted under
Subdivision Control Law and can only be waived by the Planning Board.
Request has been referred to the Planning Board for action.
. Letter from Police Chief Arthur M. O'Neill in support of the installation of a
sidewalk on the south side of Pratt Street from Hope Street to East
Street. The Chief would like the letter read into the record when the issue
is discussed.
Chairman McCarter called for questions and comments. There were none
forthcoming.
r This has been petitioned and has been presented to Town Meeting before. Town
Engineer John Sullivan and Mark Bertoncini of VHB were present to discuss the
matter. A formal public hearing was held in January with MassHighway and one of
the concerns discussed was whether there should be another sidewalk on the south
side of Pratt Street. Right now there is a sidewalk on both sides of the street,
with the exception of the south side from Hope Street to the intersection of Pratt
and East Streets. At the public hearing there was some dissenting opinion as to
whether a sidewalk should be provided on the south side of the street and it was
determined another meeting with the residents would be beneficial. The cost to
the Town would be $45,000-$50,000 for the additional sidewalk. The Town would
be responsible for obtaining any easements necessary for the construction of the
sidewalk. It is the temporary grading easements that will be of concern. In most
places, without the sidewalk the easement would be from 1-10 feet. With the
sidewalk they would extend from 1 foot to 14 feet. The sidewalk as proposed will
be done completely on public land, but would require easements for the
construction. The sidewalk on the north side of Pratt Street will be reconstructed
to a width of 5 feet with no land taking. The temporary grading easements would
be attempted to be secured as a donation from the abutters, with minor
improvements given as an incentive. An eminent domain taking would be required if
an abutter is unwilling to grant the temporary grading easement by donation. There
r are legal fees involved in an eminent domain taking. The value of the sidewalk would
be increased public safety and additional crosswalks to assist pedestrians in getting
Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 7, 2001
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r from one side of the street to the other. Town Manager D'Agostino noted
sidewalks on both sides of the street would also improve access to the playing
fields at the Hutchins property. The sidewalk would be done in conjunction with
the reconstruction of Route 106, but is not included in that project. It would be
approximately two years before the project is completed.
Clerk Wills questioned how much the sidewalks would be used and who would be
using them. He further noted there are many areas in town that have no sidewalks
on heavily traveled roads, such as West Street.
The Clerk read into the record a letter from Police Chief Arthur O'Neill in support
of the sidewalk.
Anna Palanza of 339 Pratt Street stated she's asked for the sidewalks for many
reasons: Route 106 is a highway, it is extremely dangerous crossing the street and
a sidewalk to stand on will improve visibility and give them a place to stand when
crossing the street. She spoke of the number of children going to CCD and the
number of families attending St. Mary's Church.
John O'Neill of 293 Pratt Street spoke against the sidewalk, noting the sidewalk
r there now is seldom used. He noted his concern that a sidewalk would result in
children running across the street in areas where there are no crosswalks and
noted the cost and other areas of town where they are needed.
George Cruser of 303 Pratt Street read a letter from the Kaleta Family of 355
Pratt Street stating they believe the current sidewalk is adequate and there are
better ways to spend money. He noted there are currently no crosswalks between
Hope Street and the intersection of East and Pratt Streets. He pointed out that
children are brought to the area by car and do not walk there. The high school
students have always run in the streets.
AI Bacchiocchi of 399 Pratt Street said this is the only section of Pratt Street
that does not have a sidewalk. If the whole street is being reconstructed, this is
the time to do it and encouraged support of the project.
Paul Boyden of 126 High Street said he spoke to the track coach at the High School
today and they would like to see a sidewalk in that area.
Tom Dwyer of 6 Tanya Drive spoke on behalf of St. Mary's Parish and noted the
Parish strongly supports the sidewalks for public safety purposes, both for those
r attending the proposed school and the 2,000 students attending CCD classes at the
church. He noted the cost is reasonable and the land taking issues should be easily
Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 7, 2001
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r resolved. It was noted there currently is no crosswalk proposed at Sf. Mary's
Church and it might be a good idea to include one. He said the school enrollment
would be about 225-250 students, with a potential of expanding to two classes per
grade.
Steve Copparini of 285 Pratt Street said he was neither for nor against the
sidewalk, noting it is not the only area of Pratt Street where there is no sidewalk.
He also stated he does not believe a crosswalk would provide sufficient protection
for people unless there is some type of signalization.
Jay Barrows of 370 Pratt Street said he has lived on Pratt Street for most of his
life. He noted the current sidewalk is useless because of all the obstructions
within it. He agreed that if a sidewalk is going to be done, this is the time to do it;
however, he questioned the need for it. He also noted the speed at which traffic
moves in that area and questioned if MassHighway would authorize a crosswalk at
St. Mary's that would interrupt traffic flow. Selectman Robinson recalled
MassHighway's concern about putting a crosswalk at that location because of
limited sight distance. Mr. Barrows noted solar glare is also an issue in that area.
Randy Annese of 325 Pratt Street said after much thought he cannot see the
r reason a sidewalk is necessary. He noted that prior to Route 495 opening, Route
106 was the major route to the Cape with traffic backed up all the time with no
complaints.
Nancy Gambale of 255 Pratt Street said the road would narrow if a sidewalk is put
in. Town Engineer Sullivan explained the width of the road would not change. She
noted that during large functions people now park on the side of the road. With
the sidewalks they would be parking further into the street. She also noted the
proximity of some of the houses to the street and pointed out that an easement of
14 feet would bring people very close to the front of those houses. She suggested
Chief O'Neill stand in front of her house and cross the street at various times of
the day, noting the difficulty with the limited sight distance. She pointed out it is
a major roadway and not a "neighborhood."
Bob Souza of 277 Pratt Street said he's been a lifelong resident of Pratt Street
and currently lives at the mid-point of the hill. He noted the difficulty in crossing
Pratt Street in the area of his home and suggested providing sidewalks would offer
a false sense of security.
Philomena Gillooly of 341 Pratt Street sent the Town Engineer a note of support for
r the sidewalk which he read into the record.
Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 7, 2001
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r Martine Dubeau Palanza of 399 Pratt Street spoke as a mother of small children, a
runner, and a track coach, noting the area is heavily used by children and her belief
that a sidewalk would be beneficial.
Steve Copparini questioned if the new track behind the High School would serve
the purpose of giving people a place to walk or run. He was advised the track does
not provide the benefit of long distance running.
The issue of telephone poles and other obstructions, such as hydrants and laterals
within the sidewalk area, was raised. Mature trees were also mentioned as a
concern.
Town Engineer Sullivan will find out if MassHighway would allow a crosswalk at St.
Mary's. At East and Pratt Streets there will be a conduit put in for a future
traffic light, but the need for one is not currently indicated by MassHighway's
studies. Selectman Robinson challenged them to conduct the study during the
times when school is starting or students are being dismissed.
Mrs. Gamble reiterated the only purpose of safety would be for the safety of the
runners of the track team and those living in the immediate area. The residents
r have learned how to deal with the safety issues and the expense is not warranted
and will only make the area unsafe.
Clerk Wills asked for a show of hands for those in favor and those opposed. The
residents were about evenly split on the issue.
Chairman McCarter noted that our Charter requires quarterly meetings of Board
and Committee Chairman. He invited those present to bring chairs up to the table
to report on and discuss the activities of their various boards and committees.
Present were: Mike Eagan, Board of Assessors; Sonia Walgreen, Council on Aging;
Jeff Siena, Airport Commission; Matt Miller, Animal Welfare Committee; Bruce
Fallows, Ad Ho Cable Committee; Rich George, Industrial Development Commission;
Joe Flynn, Library Trustees; Paul Boyden, Conservation Commission; and Phil
Giangarra, Board of Health.
Mr. Eagan reported on the software conversion taking place in the Assessors
Office that will allow residents to access information on their property via
r computer. He said they are in the process of looking at 150 commercial properties
to evaluate them. They are at the end of the three-year cycle of the revaluation
Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 7,2001
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r process for residential property. He also explained the relationship between the
tax rate and assessed valuation. A visual inspection of all properties will be done. A
consulting firm is used, and some residents are utilized in updating and validating
their records. The Senior Work-down Tax Program was discussed briefly and
others interested in the program were encouraged to contact Gayle Farrugia at the
Council on Aging who will do a screening to determine people's skills and where they
can best be utilized. Town Manager D'Agostino noted we may have exhausted the
funds set aside for the program and may have to wait for our next appropriation
from the overlay account.
Sonia Walgreen spoke of the programs and activities at the Council on Aging that
are on-going. She noted the intergenerational programming taking place on a
regular basis. Shopping trips to local stores are taking place, and trips to other
destinations are still taking place on a private basis. We are almost at the end of
the first year of the new bus service and the program is operating successfully.
Chairman McCarter noted additional property next to the COA to provide additional
parking and another outreach worker are stl1l in the budget and we hope to be able
to provide the funds.
Jeff Siena said the environmental portion of the Airport expansion program should
r begin in April. The FAA has determined that the house going up across the street is
not a hazard. The Commission will be meeting tomorrow night and will consider
their decision. Selectman Robinson asked if there is anything new about the
possibility of putting a fire station at the Airport. Mr. Siena said that would not be
happening. The State Police request for space was not met, as they were looking
for a turn-key operation and the Airport Commission was not able to provide it.
The purple pipe project was discussed briefly, without resolution.
Matt Miller was present in the absence their new Chairman, Richard Myers. He
noted the Animal Welfare Committee does not use any town money and is staffed
and run by volunteers and donations. They have a spay/neuter program. Mansfield
has been selected by the Animal Rescue League of Boston to participate in their
program. He announced their website and cable program, Rescue Me. They had an
18 percent increase last year in the number of animals handled, with more cats than
dogs being sheltered. Their "return to owner" rate is 96 percent and they found
people to adopt most of their other animals. They hope to build a new animal
shelter in Mansfield within the next few years and have been visiting other
shelters for ideas and assistance in planning. He noted there is an organization in
San Francisco that is looking for a lead organization to bring together all animal
organizations in caring for feral cats and they will be looking into that.
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Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 7, 2001
6
r Bruce Fallows reported the ascertainment meetings for Cable TV began in the fall
and they're about 40-50 percent complete on the reconstruction of the current
contract. They hope to have a first draft ready for the Selectmen in July. A
survey will be going out to all residents in the next couple of weeks to get feedback
on cable needs. The surveys will go out with the electric bills, and they're looking in
to having drop-off points for their return.
Rich George represented Walter Jenkins, Chairman of the Industrial Development
Commission. He noted their goals and objectives are quite different from other
boards and they promote Mansfield as a place for new business to increase the tax
base while keeping a residential/industrial balance. He spoke of the membership of
the IDC and noted each member's background and area of expertise. Six of their
seven members work and live in Mansfield. Mr. George outlined their current
activities and said they would like to act as a clearinghouse in assisting businesses
to come into town. They are interested in establishing a Finance Authority or
Redevelopment Authority and he spoke of other issues they are working on.
Chairman McCarter noted they do have $5,000 in their budget to assist them in
their efforts. Establishing a bio-tech zone was encouraged. Selectman Amoruso
noted that many residents in town are not aware of the businesses within town. He
suggested a brochure listing them would be helpful.
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Joe Flynn reported the loss of their Library Director to another town and the
recent hiring of Janet Campbell, a 25-year employee, who applied only recently.
Toward the beginning of the year they finalized a personnel policy for their
employees that consistent with the Town's personnel policy. They became eligible
and received MEG (Municipal Equalization Grant) funds which have enabled them to
obtain electronic equipment while keeping their budget down. They will be making
the Library ADA compliant, which it currently is not. Circulation is steady, but the
usage of the library is up 50 percent over the last two years. Story Time has
months-long waiting lists and they've changed associations to be included in a
network of 31 libraries instead of 17. He spoke of their volunteer programs and
noted their 5-year plan, written 4 years ago, has been completed. Their
relationship with AT&T Broadband was discussed. They have four internet
computers, but they are not meeting the needs of the public for information
retrieval. Presently 5 percent of their budget is for reference material. They are
bookmarking the computers for reference links.
Paul Boyden spoke about the Community Preservation Act, with a petition currently
being circulated throughout town. The Board is supporting it. Monday evening they
have a meeting regarding their Open Space Plan. They would like to update their
r plan in order obtain grant funds. They've engaged an environmental specialist to
assist them with the permitting of a large subdivision. The fee is being paid by the
Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 7, 2001
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r applicant. It is a Bonvie/Paglia proposal off Gilbert Street. The parcels are
adjacent to the Doranco property. He also spoke about the Canoe River Watershed
- an Eisenhauer grant was given to two teachers in Mansfield who are working on
this as their thesis project. The students involved in the project will be coming to
a future Selectmen's meeting to discuss the work that is being done. Selectman
Amoruso spoke of the water extension policy in place that the Conservation
Commission should be aware of in projects they're considering. Mr. Boyden noted
getting the retainer back into the Canoe River Dam needs to be a top priority.
Phil Giangarra noted the composition of the Health Department and stated their
confidence in Scott Leite as Health Agent. He spoke of the programs they are
involved with, including the Sale of Tobacco to Minors program. They've seen the
closure of 15 years of litigation on the Troy property on Ware Street. He spoke of
the hazardous waste disposal program and said they are working on a public outdoor
toilet regulation for large outdoor events. Chairman McCarter asked if this is
something Tweeter Center would have to abide by. They will and Bruce Montgomery
has been warned that it's coming. They plan to have the policy in place next month
and it will be uniform throughout the town. They don't yet have the numbers, but it
will be determined by the number of people and the length of time they will be
there. The household hazardous waste program was discussed, with the focus being
r on the types of items that will be received. Suggestions were made by other
chairmen present regarding the acceptance of tires, with the suggestion being
made that the charge for tires may be subsidizing other items and accepting them
only once a year may allow us to get a better rate. Selectman Amoruso asked about
smoking regulations for restaurants. Mr. Giangarra said the policy is if it's a bar
for 21 years of older you can smoke. The intent is to prevent children from being
exposed to smoke. Walls and a separate ventilation system are required in a
smoking area.
The Town Manager reported on the following:
· Announced that the Marie Caron Irish Dancers will be performing at the
Qualters Middle School on March 15th. Selectmen are invited to attend.
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· The winter maintenance budget had a deficit of $53,561 prior to this storm.
On February 21st we received a bill for $9,000 for salt and $3,085 for sand,
plus other miscellaneous bills - plus overtime - which increased the deficit
to $56,561. This week's storm will extend the deficit beyond $100,000.
We are hopeful that we will receive emergency funds from the State.
Chairman McCarter noted he and Clerk Wills were present for the
Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 7, 2001
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· '
r Emergency Management meeting held Monday morning and stated he was
impressed with the dedication and efficiency of the team in their
preparedness. Town Manager D'Agostino commended all those involved in
the effort in responding to the long-term storm.
· We have a visit scheduled with DEP and DEM on March 13th at 10:00 a.m. in
the second floor conference room to discuss their field study of the Cedar
Swamp which is part of the Morrison Well Permit. If Selectmen are able to
attend, their presence would be appreciated. We are waiting for a meeting
to be scheduled through Senator Sprague's office.
· Updated the Board on a memorandum regarding procedures for hackney
driver licenses. In reviewing the licenses the driving records and criminal
history will be obtained, but it is confidential and should be discussed in
public in general terms only. The process was discussed in further detalZ It
will be determined who is authorized to receive the information on behalf of
the Board.
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· Selectmen Donovan spoke again of the GA TRA bus parking at Crocker Street
and noted it's a danger. The Town Manager has spoken with GA TRA and they
wl1l be correcting the problem this week He noted the problem now may be
the snow accumulation. Selectman Robinson noted they should get it
straightened out or they'll be asked not to operate in town. Selectman
Amoruso noted a couple of his employees utilize the bus service and it has
been beneficial to them. Town Manager D'Agostino suggested the Selectmen
read his letter to GA TRA that is in the reading file.
· Clerk Wills said he read in the paper that there was an alcohol arrest at
Jimmy's Pub and asked Mr. D'Agostino to look into it.
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Motion: To adjourn at 11:00 p.m.
(Amoruso-Donovan) 5-0 Passes
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Signatur of Clerk
Board of Selectmen Minutes of March 7, 2001
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