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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 06/26/02 r Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 26, 2002 1'.....:; 1"'· l"'I ~'- ~. ! ~- 0 ,,," ~ r." I... \L.. ~1:~; L ! t" ;'~~. C:CF ICE 02 JUL I I Pil I: 5 r , .' . ,.'" ""..ii'i LU t,~¡] (;(~,;:\.(.lf¡(·ETTS J \ "" "*'- ¡ . ....q ~ ';.,,- \oJ Present: Chairman Daniel Donovan; Clerk Steven W. MacCaffrie; Vice Chairman Michael W. McCue; and Selectman David W. McCarter and Louis P. Amoruso. 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. 53 in the amount of $1,323,979.42 Motion: To approve and sign (MacCaffrie-McCue) 5-0 with Selectman McCarter abstaining from Municipal Building Committee payroll Passes r · Minutes of June 19, 2002 Correction - page 4: Selectman McCue suggested the recycling bins Motion: To approve as amended and sign (Amoruso-McCue) 4-0-1 with Selectman McCarter abstaining because he was not present at that meeting. Passes · Request for Transfer from Reserve Fund to Fire Dept. Ambulance Expenses Selectman MacCaffrie noted his confusion about $100,000 more than anticipated being collected. Town Manager D'Agostino explained we pay the collection company a percentage and the budgeted amount was based on the revenue collected last year. Motion: To recommend to the Finance Committee the transfer of $7,600 from the Reserve Fund to Fire Department Ambulance Expenses (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes ¡- · Request for Transfer from Reserve Fund to Health Department Professional/Technical Services for State-mandated anti-rabies treatment for Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 26, 2002 1 r a resident without health insurance exposed to rabies. This was an incident with a fox that just happened today. Motion: To recommend approval to the Finance Committee with the provision the Town Manager checks to be sure there is no insurance coverage (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes · Drainlayer's Licenses recommended for approval by Town Engineer John Sullivan Timothy Mello Excavating of 46 North Worcester Street, Norton Motion : To approve (MacCaffrie-McCue) 5-0 Passes Efficient Excavating of 792 Oak Street, Brockton Motion: To approve (MacCaffrie-McCue) 5-0 Passes Selectmen MacCaffrie asked if the performance bond companies are checked to be sure they're licensed to do business in Massachusetts. r Boards and Committees · Letter from Gary Crowell, Chairman of Ad-Hoc Cable Advisory Committee, requesting Selectmen send a letter to Frank Foss of AT&T regarding allegations in Attachment B Motion: To forward to Frank Foss (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes r- Residents · Letter from Mark Renkert on behalf of Mansfield Association of Condominium Homeowners re: Town Trash Collection Town Manager D'Agostino noted he has responded to Mr. Renkert. The issue is that whatever we pick up is additional tonnage we have not budgeted for. There is a built-in variance in the tonnage and we could probably take a serious look at doing this; however, we have a contract that states specifically 4 units or less are eligible for curbside pickup. This would require an amendment to the contract, and the contractor will probably want to do it for all the condominiums. If we are able to do it, it will not be prior to January 1" as it would have to be approved at Town Meeting. This is something on which we will need Town Counsel input prior to moving forward Selectman Amoruso stated in terms of fairness it would be moving in the right direction without incurring a huge expense for the Town, if funding permits. The commitment made to them Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 26, 2002 2 r was predicated on the availability of funding; however it was the consensus of the Board to make every effort to provide the service. The Town Manager will explore the possibility of doing so, Selectman MacCaffrie noted this letter is asking for curbside pickup rather than the emptying of a common dumpster. He also pointed out they are assessed by their own association and it was their decision to include trash pickup in their association dues. Selectman McCarter stated not every citizen is entitled to every service the Town provides. He, for instance, is not a veteran and cannot utilize the services of the Town's Veteran Agent. The Town Manager noted his concern about providing curbside trash pickup for some and not all, then finding we cannot afford to do so. Selectman Amoruso argued they are residential taxpayers and are entitled to the same trash pickup as other residential taxpayers. Selectman McCue agreed, adding that his only concern was funding in the coming fiscal year. The Town Manager will look at the legal ramifications, determine the cost, and report back on the matter. The information will a/so be shared with the condominium association. r Clerk MacCaffrie read the notice of hearing as it appeared in The Sun Chronicle on June 12, 2002. William Sarro and his family were in attendance with Attorney Elizabeth Lint to present their plans to expand the Café at Fresh Catch and to request an All Alcohol Restaurant license for the business. Motion: To open the hearing at 8:00 p.m. (Amoruso-McCue) 5-0 Passes Attorney Elizabeth Lint presented the plans, noting it's pretty straight-forward. The liquor store will be shifted down a bit and the restaurant will be enlarged. Mr. Sarro's son will be the manager and his daughter will also be working there. He has TIPS trained employees, and they also have a certified TIPS trainer working there. Selectman McCue noted the fish store is such a thriving business now that there's always a wait. Selectman MacCaffrie stated the business is run professionally and it's nice to see good businesses in town staying in town and expanding. Motion: To close the hearing at 8:05 p.m. (McCue-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes (' Motion: To approve the All Alcohol Restaurant license for Fresh Catch, Inc. (MacCaffrie-McCue) 5-0 Passes Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 26, 2002 3 r Boy Scout Benjamin Cuneo presented plans for his Eagle Scout Project and asked for the support of the Board of Selectmen. Ben introduced his Scoutmasters and troop members. He is from Troop 51 at the First Baptist Church. He's 14 years old, a member of the Order of the Arrow scouting honor society, and detailed his other accomplishments as a Scout. He announced he's chosen to do the flagpoles and walkway at Memorial Park at the suggestion of the Town Manager because he wants to do a project that is lasting. He explained his project, noting it' will be dedicated to the citizens of Mansfield, with the sale of bricks as a tribute to family and friends. It is highly visible and will be a positive image displayed in the Town. He showed overhead slides of the project, with the brick area and park benches. Town staff will assist with site work and the necessary structural plans and permitting. Troop 51 will help him with the construction of the project, which has been approved by Annawon Council of the Boy Scouts of America. At this point he needs the Selectmen's approval to proceed with fundraising for the sale of the commemorative bricks and the construction and dedication when it's complete. He also showed pictures of the benches he is considering. Benjamin noted a possible ¡--. stumbling block he encountered-a wire going across the site. He met with Town Manager D'Agostino, who requested the Light Commissioners consider moving the wire and possibly placing it underground. The total cost for the project will be about $8,000 and he is looking for cash donations to be sent to Mansfield Bank for the Memorial Park Eagle Scout Flag Project, as well as donations of supplies and labor. Selectman MacCaffrie offered to make some phone calls to flagpole companies he deals with to see if he can obtain a lower price for the two flagpoles. He congratulated Benjamin on his effort and accomplishment in reaching Eagle Scout status at the age of 14 and reminisced about his days as a Boy Scout. Selectman McCue noted this is the third Eagle Scout project he's seen since he's been on the Board and congratulated Benjamin on his initiative in taking on this project. Selectman McCue suggested the possibility of looking for a donor for the benches. Town Manager D'Agostino spoke of the significance of this memorial being at Memorial Park and the tribute it will be to the residents of Mansfield. Selectman Amoruso offered his support for the project and expressed his belief that the bricks are a wonderful way to honor a friend or loved-one. r-- Motion: To support the Eagle Scout project for the memorial at Memorial Park (Amoruso-McCue) 5-0 Passes Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 26, 2002 4 r Selectman McCarter suggested this information be put on the Town website. DPW Director Lee Azinheira introduced Highway Operations Manager Mark Cook and Grounds Maintenance Leadman Joseph (Jay) Beckett who prepared the Five Year Street Vegetation Management Plan. The plan was the result of discussion last summer about the chemicals that could no longer be used for the control of vegetation. Mr. Cook pointed out they have reviewed the plan with the Conservation Commission and the Board of Health and have received their approvals. Jay Beckett contacted the State and they also contacted the City of Lynn, which he noted has a very good program, and modeled our program after theirs. He stated they have a few modifications to make, but it's pretty much ready to go. They're looking to spray -Roùndup" which is available at hardware stores. Because they're spraying it on public property, they need to know where all the drains are and must adhere to various regulations. They will be spraying the area at the curbing adjacent to the street where there is no grass strip. Next year they will be using -Arsenal" which r sterilizes the dirt and prevents the growth of weeds. The hardest part of the plan will be to identify the height of the weeds. They will spray them when they reach six inches in height. This has to be reviewed every year with the State to be sure they're reaching the target height and that it's effective. The areas marked in green on the plan are sensitive areas. Mr. Cook noted the Town's permit is his license; thus he is very careful about what will be used for spraying. The plan they've done is what they need to do to get the permit. The notice of spraying will be put in the newspaper and on Cable. Town Manager D'Agostino noted there is a technology (Reverse 911) that we're looking into that can call targeted areas for notification of public service issues. Selectman Amoruso asked if the concentration of the Roundup is the same as the stores sell. We will be using it at a 2 percent concentration. You can go up to 10 percent; they buy a super-concentrate and dilute it. Most homeowners use it at a 6-8 percent concentration. Brush will continue to be cut. Selectman Amoruso stated the plan was well done and well thought out and does a good job in protecting people while effectively eliminating weeds. Motion: To accept the Vegetation Management Plan and to authorize the Chairman to sign it on behalf of the Town of Mansfield ¡- (MacCaffrie-McCue) 5-0 Passes Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 26, 2002 5 r Mr. Cook announced they received notification today that on July 24th and 25th paving will be done on Mill Street, Wilson Place, and Columbine Road. They will be starting about 10 days prior to that to raise all structures within the roadway. Landscaping will be done following the paving. Selectman MacCaffrie asked about the cleaning of the catch basins on Mill Street and the completion of the Essex Street conservation area parking lot. Mr. Cook said the loam will go in the conservation area or down to the Highway Garage upon completion to be screened. The Town Manager reported: · We're investigating the Forbes Boulevard bridge pothole area and still have not found it. Selectman Amoruso will follow-up with the person who made the complaint to clarify its location. · He has asked John Sullivan to look at theTyco lighting situation and they will be going down there tonight. r . Has asked Shaun Burke about the possibility of extending the Economic Target Area (ETA) from Attleboro on a contiguous basis. Selectman McCue saki he's learned we have to go through SPREDD to do some type of numbers report to see if we can be included It is contingent upon the designated ETA accepting us as a member. Attleboro has been reluctant to do so and Selectman McCue will be looking into it further, with the possibility of being included in the Taunton ETA going through Norton. · We have received a request and need to know soon how many of the Selectmen will be attending the NEPPA Conference August 18th-21st. Selectman Amoruso indicated he is still trying to clear his schedule. . We have received confirmation that the bike trail in Mansfield has received Categorical Exclusion clearance from Mass Historical, meaning we do not have to do any environmental assessments beyond those we've already done, and the project will be advertised for construction bids on June 29th. Selectman Amoruso noted we keep talking about things that wi'll impact that trail and asked if there's anything we can do, without changing the approvals received, to get the work done without having to dig it back up at a later date. Town Manager r D'Agostino said we will work with the designers to be sure we have a clear path Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 26, 2002 6 (' in areas we may need to dig up. He will check with Shaun Burke to be sure we have that flexibility. · We would like to consider bringing Mr. Gay of GATRA in for an update on the Train Station project. The widening of the platform is an Amtrak issue. The Transit Authority owns the tracks and Station, as well as the right of way they run on. The reliability of Amtrak is not certain at this point. · Announced that Verizon has informed us that the physical work (burial project of the Jines on North Main Street) is likely to begin the first of July. ¡- · Responded to Selectman's MacCaffrie's question of last week about work going on from midnight to 6:00 a.m. Once again AT&T has decided to ignore the fact that it is not within their ability to be within a right of way without permission from the municipality. He suggested bringing AT&T in again to remind them of the protocol necessary to perform work within our rights-of-way. None of our department heads were notified in advance of their recent work and he has written to AT&T regarding their actions. Selectman MacCaffrie noted Mr. Foss' comments about A T& rs policy of not interrupting service during peak hours is being violated by their own crews when they're starting on the poles in the Back Bay area at 9:00 a.m. The Police Department has been advised to escort them out of town because they have not received approval, nor have they obtained the necessary permits. Mr. D'Agostino noted utilities have a right to be on those poles. AT&T Broadband is not a utility Qnd needs to get permission from us to work in our right-of-way. Motion: To bring the people in charge of this project in to answer the complaint. (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes · Distributed a memo from Bea Kearney relative to revenue projections for year- end. We're looking at a $480,000 budget shortfall as the result of the PILOT and investment income being down. Medicaid income from the School Department also will have a $65,000 shortfall. Most of our other revenue accounts are coming in at or near the projections. · Distributed a memo at the request of Selectmen MacCaffrie regarding unexpended year-end balances and reviewed it with the Board. He noted this could be off-set by the shortfall in revenue that we anticipate at this time. r · We have received a donation for field repair and irrigation for Fields 3 & 4 at Plymouth Street Recreation Facility in the amount of $20,910. from Mansfield Youth Soccer. Work will begin this weekend. Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 26, 2002 7 r r r- · Noted the cooperative effort of partnerships between the Town and Youth organizations have made possible the work that has been done. A special gift account will be set up to be certain the funds are used as they were intended. Mansfield Youth Soccer would like to extend the lease agreement in place with the Town and it would be necessary for Town Meeting to vote on this. If it is the Board's desire, he will be happy to sit down with them to negotiate an extended lease agreement. Selectman MacCaffrie sa/ä he would prefer to see this done at the Annual Town Meeting rather than a Special in the Fall. They are looking for stability and continuity in making this investment. Motion: To allow the Town Manager to proceed to discuss future arrangements, with the caveat that there be no restrictions on who is allowed to participate and that participants be selected by lottery if there are more than can be accommodated. MacCaffrie-Amoruso 5-0 Passes · Has met with the YMCA regarding the feasibility and creation of a committee to establish a skateboard park and, long-term, a youth center to be located in Mansfield. We expect to have them in August 10th to make a recommendation on members who've applied to be on this committee, with the intent of getting the committee up and running in the fall. Selectman Amoruso stated he thought the focus was the skateboard park and community pool. That is the purpose, but other opportunities will be explored due to the support of the National YMCA. · The Finance team is putting together a financial analysis of the early retirement program and expects to have a recommendation in the next few weeks. Category 4 will be the most expensive group to retire. A retirement board opinion will be sought as to the legality of limiting retirement to one group or a given number of employees. Unless it is financially beneficial, we may not offer the program at all. The information will be made available to the Finance Committee. We also need to consider the talent drain and how it will affect the Town of Mansfield. · He will be taking vacation from July 20th to August 3rd. He will not be present for the July 24th meeting, but intends to appoint Lee Azinheira as Acting Town Manager during his absence. Most of our calls for service are DPW issues and Lee will be able to handle the challenge well. Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 26, 2002 8 r Selectman Amoruso: · Selectmen are scheduled to meet July 10th, which is the night of the Downtown Business Association Sidewalk Sale. He suggested it might be appropriate to adjust the start time to 8:00 p.m. and keep the agenda to a minimum. Following discussion it was decided to reschedule the meeting to Tuesday, July !1" at 7:30 p.m. · Reminded everyone of the meeting with the ZBA on July 2nd for the Eagle Scout message sign project. He asked if we have a strategy and if staff people will be there. The Town Manager reported he is meeting with the Hoyt family and Shaun Burke tomorrow and will discuss the strategy. r Selectman McCarter: · Asked if there should be a concern about projected revenue shortfalls at this time. The Town Manager noted it would be premature at this point. A spending freeze was implemented to generate as much free cash as possible to offset any shortfalls in revenue. Mr. D'Agostino said he would like to request that the PILOT for this year be increased to adjust for this and will sit down with Kim Stoyle and Jack Beliveau of the Light Department to discuss it. It is actually a budget shortfall rather than a revenue shortfall Selectman Amoruso: · Reported, as Chairman of the Light Commissioners, there have been two electrical outages in town the last three days. Both of them have had to do with something the Light Department is working on-getting additional feed over to the West Mansfield area, as we are short of our usual peak. We do know where the problem is and are taking action to get it resolved. r Selectman MacCaffrie: · Said he noticed many cars at the Highway Garage on Saturday, indicating to him that employees were working overtime. He asked what projects are being done that require overtime. The Town Manager said they are mostly special projects and he will provide a list. Selectman MacCaffrie noted doing projects only on Saturdays and evenings prolongs the timeframe for a project and results in people having to wait to use the fields. Were excavating and running lines and conduit for the gas tank installation at the Highway Garage. We don't have enough personnel to be able to pull people off regular projects during the week Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 26, 2002 9 ( Selectman McCarter noted asking Mike Ahern the same question a few weeks ago and was told the overtime is being charged to the individual projects being done. Selectman MacCaffrie questioned the cost-effectiveness vs. the time- effectiveness in doing the projects in this manner. Town Manager D'Agostino spoke of the work being done to clean the contaminated soil and the remediation plan that had to be undertaken. We've submitted our plan to DEP and have now purchased the above ground tanks, laid the conduit, and are doing site preparation for the installation of the actual tanks. They will be monitored 24 hours per day with an alarm system tied into the Police Department. He will provide a cost analysis. Selectman MacCaffrie noted it may be cheaper, but takes much longer. It was suggested that perhaps some scheduling could be done during the week, in addition to the weekend overtime, to speed up the project. He further suggested that perhaps people from labor pools could be brought in to speed it up without the added cost of benefits. · Spoke of reviewing the Tweeter parking situation and said it's waiting on an opinion from Town Counsel Mangiaratti. r · Said the new field and track are now done and striped and look nice. He asked for a cost analysis as to what was used and the total cost. $1,049,000 was thought to be the final cost and the figures wi'll be provided We expect the track to be available for use July 10th. · Asked about the proposal regarding the three-tier prescription plan in the reading file. It's the Union's counter proposal to our original proposal in the mitigation. Selectman McCue: · Spoke of the public safety website put together by a resident-- www.SafeNeighbors.org--and encouraged everyone in town to visit the site which is a neighborhood community watch. · Spoke of his past involvement with Mansfield Shelter Friends and showed a picture of a cat requiring medical services that was surrendered to the shelter for care. The cat is now in a foster home and he asked people to donate to the Shelter (261-7339) to defray the cost of the on-going care given to animals. He also noted walking into the Shelter and reported it was like walking into a sauna. They're seeking an air conditioner in running condition and he asked that if any resident has one they're not using, they would consider donating it to the Shelter. ( Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 26, 2002 10 r Selectman Donovan: · Spoke of the SERSG spring invitation to bid and House Bill 4993 that, if passed, will help Towns with utility companies that don't repair the roads after their work is complete. · Asked about some land near the Canoe River Aquifer which Norton Town Manager Chris McCabe said Mansfield might be interested in purchasing. · Reported attending the President's luncheon at Wheaton College and the thanks that was extended for the support of the community. Town Manager D'Agostino: · Advised Selectmen that Mass Highway Commissioner John Colgiano will be meeting with staff and State Representative Betty Poirier at Town Hall on July 11th at 10 a.m. to discuss the various Mansfield highway projects and the access ramp southbound onto Route 495. Norton Town Manager Chris McCabe has been invited to attend and the Selectmen are also invited to be present if their schedules will allow. r Selectman MacCaffrie: · Asked if they have finished clearing the former Great Waves site and if Dick Lewis has been up there to inspect it. He suggested Mr. Lewis be asked to drive down the Route 495 interchange, walk into the culvert and look to the right and left to see if they've cut beyond their clearing limits. He stated the 24 foot oak tree is a $1,000 tree in the lumber business and wants to make sure they haven't violated the clearcut line. Motion: To adjourn at 10:15 p.m. (Amoruso-McCue) 5-0 Passes 7/~z, Date of Approval ¡- Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 26, 2002 11