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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 06/05/02 ( Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 5, 2002 nICE\\J£D ¡^. . . (..'~.'.'. n: ! C F ' \ . c' j .. ¡¡ J '..~" 02 JU!] 3 fJ'1 10: 48 h ;1 ,;LLD 1..\ ^. (' r'.' C,'} i (' E T T S .i ~ ;.;~~)~, i.\ 1."-' ~'~ ..,r.J Present: Chairman Daniel Donovan; Clerk Steven W. MacCaffrie; Vice Chairman Michael W. McCue; Selectmen Louis P. Amoruso and David McCarter. 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. Bill Flannery was present with student delegates to Boys State/Girls State. They were: Robert Ballerstedt, William Doherty, Jason Francis, Richard O'Neill, Matt Kershaw, Michael Gleason, Adam Young, Sydney Roy, Erin Cavanagh, Kristin Burke, Caitlin Jackson, Holly Holt, Nicole Flynn, Ashley D'Ambra, and Carolyn Egan Mr. Flannery explained the requirements to be chosen to represent Boys ( State/Girls State. The students write an essay on why Town Government is important to them and are chosen based upon academic performance and involvement. The program is held at Stonehill College and some of the Democratic gubernatorial candidates will be speaking to the Boys State delegates. Selectman McCue asked if the students have any opportunity to get involved in government on a local level and if there's anything the Town or the Board of Selectmen can do to increase their involvement. Mr. Flannery stated the students are all juniors, going into their senior year. Town Manager D'Agostino gave a brief overview of Mansfield Town Government to prepare the students for their experience at Boys State/Girls State. He explained that Mansfield has a "strong town manager" form of government with a five person elected Board of Selectmen who serve in many roles-Light Commissioners, Sewer Commissioners, Water Commissioners, and Road Commissioners. He spoke of the Open Town Meeting process where voters have the opportunity to speak on how we spend our money and decide the programs that will be supported. The Town Manager reviewed other boards that are elected and noted the Board of Selectmen appoints other boards, committees and commissions that have authority over various matters; the Town Manager also has some committees that he appoints. r Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 5, 2002 1 r · Warrant No. 49 in the amount of $848,748.31 Motion: To approve and sign (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 with Selectman McCarter abstaining from Municipal Building Committee payroll. Selectman MacCaffrie noted he had some questions regarding the warrant and they were all answered to his satisfaction by the Town Manager. · Warrant No. 50 in the amount of $2,895,355.06 Motion: To approve and sign (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 with Selectman McCarter abstaining from Municipal Building Committee payroll. Selectman MacCaffrie asked about the voucher for the MBT A-it represents half the money taken in for parking fees and is used for maintenance of the lots. He also asked about the "basketball" expenses and why the voucher does not show the funds coming from the basketball account. Mr. D'Agostino explained they come from a revolving account of the Recreation Department. . Minutes of May 22, 2002 r Motion: To approve (Amoruso-McCue) 5-0 Passes Town Manager and Staff · Memo from Betty Amicone, DPW Office Manager, with forms for the Selectmen's signature to receive credit on our Cherry Sheet for FY2003 roadwork expenses Motion: To sign (Amoruso-MacCaffrie) 5-0 Passes Selectman McCue asked if we're committed to spending the amount stated if we do not get the 50 percent contribution from the State. DPW Director Lee Azinheira advised him the projects would go on hold if the money were not there. · Contract to be voted and signed for Southeastern Regional Services Group for bid award for FY2003 DPW supplies and water treatment chemicals if' Motion: To approve and sign (MacCaffrie-McCue) 5-0 Passes Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 5, 2002 2 r Boards and Committees · Letter from William H. Gerber, Jr. advising the Selectmen of his resignation from Mansfield Cable Access Board of Directors Motion: To accept with regret and to send him a letter of appreciation for all he's done. (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes Selectmen and the Town Manager praised Mr. Gerber's contribution and noted all that has been accomplished through his efforts. Residents · E-mail from Marie Sweeney of Cobbler Road requesting various traffic signs on Willow Street - is being reviewed by Lance Lawson and Lee Azinheira Others · Letter from Sharon Board of Selectmen requesting Mansfield's support for House Bill 4909, An Act Providing for the Preservation and Improvement of the Environmental Assets of the Commonwealth for the purchase of Rattlesnake Hill r Motion: To send a letter of support and to sign the petition (MacCaffrie-McCarter) 5-0 Passes · Letter from Community Opportunities Group, Inc. requesting Selectmen's approval of a proposed structure for the Mansfield Citizen's Advisory Committee. This applies to the $545,000 grant the Town received It will take approximately 18 months to spend the funds awarded The continuation of the program is dependent on receiving another grant. Motion: To establish the committee (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes It was decided to appoint the committee in the same manner as any other committee with staggered terms, the first appointees to be appointed for the term of the grant. The positions will be advertised. DPW Director Lee Azinheira, Town Engineer John Sullivan, and David Young, Vice President, from Camp Dresser McKee (CDM) were in attendance to present the r- Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan. Ken Hackett, Wastewater Operations Manager, was also present. Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 5, 2002 3 r The Town Manager suggested a tour of the Wastewater Plant be scheduled for the Selectmen. ( I Mr. Young handed out a brief overview on the status of the project and an outline of what the plan entails. The Town's last approved plan was September of 1976. The process was begun in 1997 with a Phase 1 wastewater needs survey. That survey resulted in recommendations for areas to be sewered. It was decided then that a more comprehensive program was necessary. In June 2000 a reclaimed water study was done for the Town. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) at that point requested a more comprehensive study. In July 2000 DEP requested that the comprehensive wastewater plan be updated. A project evaluation form was prepared and submitted to DEP and a 0% loan was obtained, with $400,000 as the Town's share. It was presented to Town Meeting in the spring of 2001. This past January comments were received from DEP and were responded to in February 2002. Town officials and CDM met with DEP in May 2002 to review the scope of work and again, DEP requested additional work be done. DEP now requires the full water cycle be addressed in the study. The scope of work was revised, which resulted in a $570,000 project estimate--$170,OOO more than was appropriated. It will be necessary to appropriate the balance by the end of this calendar year to maintain the State Revolving Fund (SRF) commitment. If all goes well, it is hoped the new Phase 1 of the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) will begin in July and will be completed over a nine to twelve month time period. The budget summary for the preliminary studies of Phase 1 and the development and evaluation of alternatives in phase 2 were reviewed. Areas of high groundwater will be identified and it is anticipated that sewering Ware Street will be the first priority. An Environmental Notification Form (ENF) will be filed, with a couple of workshops and general information public meetings held. Documents will be put on the Town website for the public's review. The study will also help determine the allocation of flow when the next inter-municipal agreement is negotiated. The result should be a plan that will be good for the next twenty years. The only viable way we have to increase capacity is to replenish the aquifers in the areas where we're pumping. Water conservation efforts within the community, including rebates on low-use water replacement toilets and our inflow and infiltration program, will be incorporated into the plan. Mr. Sullivan spoke of the pipe-lining program that is taking place in the Town. In areas where work is being done, the use of water will have to be limited for a period of one day from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Notification is being made to those r- residents affected. Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 5, 2002 4 ( The needs assessment will be done prior to the filing of the ENF to narrow down the scope of services. Mr. Azinheira asked if the Board wanted to consider taking a vote on the request from foxboro for sewer flow for the Public Safety Building. Selectman MacCaffrie noted after reviewing all the information presented by Foxboro and the information that has been omitted, he is inclined to vote against the request. Selectman Amoruso noted we've continued to ask questions that they have not answered. Selectman McCarter said he is not inclined to vote on the request unless and until Foxboro Town Meeting votes to approve the project. Selectman McCue questioned how much further we want to go down the path at this point and asked if Foxboro could do what they want with the transferred flow if the deal with the allocation of Foxboro Company flow being transferred to them for the Public Safety building falls through. Mr. Azinheira will ask them to provide a response to the Board's concerns. Mr. D'Agostino pointed out that certain areas within Foxboro's current critical needs areas have not been sewered. He suggested that until those areas are sewered, we do not grant them additional flow. Norton is preparing a critical needs plan and will provide us with a copy. That will affect the request received from Westaway Estates. r Mr. D'Agostino asked if Norton's complaint about the flow coming from the Tweeter Center containing empty alcohol nip bottles has been addressed. He suggested the situation be rectified at the start of the season and the grates be welded shut if the problem continues. Mr. Sullivan has spoken with Mr. Montgomery and we've asked Norton to document the flow and to take pictures. Mansfield Youth Soccer President Bruce freal and members of the Parks and Recreation Commission were in attendance to discuss field improvements. Present were Bruce Freal, Bruce Fallows and Dean Jarvis of Mansfield Youth Soccer; Lorilee Fish, Parks and Recreation Director; David O'Leary, Charlotte Falkner and Lynne McDonald of the Recreation Commission. Mr. Freal noted the recent rains wherein the fields were flooded and couldn't be used. They were able to schedule all their opening day games with the cooperation of Margaret Conaty, Mansfield High School Athletic Director. The cooperation has improved tremendously in the last four years. There are 80 teams and 40 plus road teams. Todd Dean of lacrosse was also cited for his cooperation. The expansion of r- the fields has helped the condition of the fields. Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 5, 2002 5 r Mr. Freal asked if we've found any additional money for fields in the budget. He noted Field 3 is a bit overworn and needs to be repaired and irrigated. They can get some money from the bank and would like the Town to accept a gift from Mansfield Youth Soccer to accomplish the repairs and irrigation. They've spoken with Mike Ahern, Mark Cook and Jay Beckett and have determined it will cost approximately $25,000. They will provide the funds, and in return they would like to add to their permit when it is negotiated in the fall. Selectman Amoruso thanked Mansfield Youth Soccer for recognizing our financial constraints this year and stated he appreciates their willingness to bear the cost of the project. Selectmen all agreed that to turn down the offer would be foolish, noting the number of youth from the community who are involved in the program. Motion: To accept the gift of up to $25,000 for the repair and irrigation of Field 3 (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes It was also the consensus of the Board that they would like to consider the extension of the permit. r- ! William Sarro, Attorney Elizabeth Lint, Robin Sarro Bouchard, and Billy Sarro were present. Mr. William Sarro explained they would like to expand into the former Osco/Brooks store to give them more workable space. Selectman MacCaffrie asked if they would also be moving the restaurant portion down further to get more room there. Mr. Sarro said that may happen in the near future, but it will be a separate application and is not currently included in the plans presented. They have a new thirty-five year lease on the property. Clerk MacCaffrie read the notice of public hearing as it appeared in The Sun Chronicle on May 22, 2002. Motion: To open the public hearing at 9:30 p.m. (Amoruso-McCarter) 5-0 Passes Mr. Sarro noted there will be no structural changes necessary to the building. He expects the expansion work will take two weeks. They plan to drop down 8 inches .~ on their shelving so they can better watch the entire store from the front. Cameras will be used throughout the store. Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 5, 2002 6 r Motion: To close the hearing at 9:35 pm. (McCue-MacCaffrie) 5-0 Passes Motion: To approve the request to alter the premises, subject to the affidavit of notification of abutters being provided. (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes Lou Andrews was present as a member of the Airport Commission to report on their meeting last night. He noted his concern about the Board's action at their last meeting wherein the Selectmen voted not to allow the Airport Commission to put out the Request for Proposals (RFP) without the prior approval of the Town Manager. He noted the Town has accepted hundreds of thousands dollars over the years in grants and they are committed to continuing to use the property as an airport. He also spoke in an effort to repair the image of the Airport Commission, reading a portion of the Open Meeting Law pertaining to discussions regarding contracts and negotiations. He stated it was their impression that since they were preparing to negotiate a lease, it was a valid reason for Executive Session. They r- still have a concern that now with these meetings being held in the open, there may be things that come back to haunt them. He noted Town Manager D'Agostino attended last night's meeting and it went well. Mr. D'Agostino said that from his perspective and staff's perspective, he feels we can put together the best RFP possible for the Airport and the Town. Betty Amicone has left on vacation and Mike Ahern will continue to work on the paperwork necessary. The Town Manager further noted his belief that the time should be expanded a bit due to the complexity of the process and the document, and his belief that the process will be completed in time to allow for a smooth transition pending approval of the Inspector General. Mr. Andrews invited Selectmen to visit the Airport and spoke of their Master Plan that they would be willing to review with the Selectmen. Town Manager D'Agostino suggested they hold an open house. Mr. Andrews spoke briefly of their plans to improve the area, putting more picnic tables out for public use. The banner towing is back in place, but it is not known whether the blimps will return this year. The building needs to be improved and expanded to allow for a larger restaurant. r The Town Manager reported: Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 5, 2002 7 r . The MBC has requested the Board consider appointing associate members for the design and construction of the Wastewater facility. They're recommending the Town Accountant set up a separate account and the Selectmen appoint one associate member and one alternate: Kurt Gaffney as associate, and Lee Azinheira as the alternate. Motion: To approve the request of the MBC and, at the choice of the MBC, allow Kurt Gaffney or Lee Azinheira to vote on any articles regarding the project (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes · The Staff would like to move forward with an engineering services agreement for Dustin Well No. 7 to be used for the transmission of water from Dustin Well No. 7 to the new Water Treatment Plant. This has been designated as a DPW Project and we are ready to move forward. The cost of the design under Task A as described in the memo is $36,000. We will be doing more of the physical work when it comes to the construction. · Announced that Dot York will host the Mansfield High School 70th year class reunion next Saturday at her home. r · On June 14th between 8:00 a.m. and noon there is a 20/20 Regional Conference being held at Bridgewater State College. Kevin Doyle has requested that those interested in attending let us know so a spot can be reserved. Selectman McCue indicated his interest in attending and said he will confirm his ability to attend after checking other commitments. · Spoke of the Strategic Planning Committee to work with the YMCA on the development of a community pool and skateboard park. He would like to present applications and recommendations next week to get the committee appointed to begin work. Selectman McCarter expressed his interest in being a representative from the Board of Selectmen. Selectman McCue: · Asked if we've received information on the resurfacing of Route 106 and the $2 million waiver. Selectman MacCaffrie: r · Noted information that he has been provided on Building Department fees. He stated he went to the 2001 Annual Town Report and did the math, noting Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 5,2002 8 r his shortfall came out to $39,000. and providing a copy of his calculations. Bert Cook and Bea Kearney wl1l be asked to take a look at the analysis prepared by Selectman MacCaffrie and respond to his calculations compared with previous calculations. Selectman Donovan: · Asked about the closing of Crocker Street. They've begun the reclamation and it wJ1l be closed · Asked if the letter regarding Frank Foss' authorization is the one we requested. This covers it. · Announced Flag Day with the Elks is coming up June 14th. · Spoke of the invitation to the Wheaton College President's Lunch and asked if anyone would be interested in attending · GATRA meeting is Monday, June 17th at 2:00 p.m. if anyone is able to attend. r Selectman McCue: . Noted State revenues are down and asked what affect it will have on us. It depends on how they make up the revenue. We don't yet know the affect. . Asked if we're still looking at the impact of the Early Retirement Bill. We've sent out a survey to approximately 40 employees on the Town side that we're aware of and they have until June 1C1h to respond as to their level of interest. We will then go back with the Department Heads and evaluate the staffing impact, determine the financial impact, and go from there. Under State Law, any time we make a change in the health insurance we have to bargain the impact of that. We're trying to mitigate that and expect to have some consummation into effect by July rt. He asked if we can accept the Act and then not implement it. The Town Manager will check with Town Counsel. If we accept this provision, he will suggest that the Board of Selectmen act on it because we will not have sufficient time to take it to Town Meeting. . r- Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 5, 2002 9 ( Selectman MacCaffrie: · Spoke of the memo from Richard Boucher in the reading file regarding his running out of money in the payroll services budget. He asked if the budget was underfunded or if it was cut. Mr. D'Agostino will find out, but believes most of the increase was due to school employees. Mr. MacCaffrie suggested going to a lockbox might be a way to avoid having to hire an additional half-time employee. Selectmen expressed concern with the budget shortfall. · Visited Tweeter Center unannounced on Saturday and went through the police compound and the rest of the facility. He thinks the added seats are an improvement with regard to security and safety. He will be getting an ID and it will be kept locked up in the Police van for when he visits the site, noting he intends to play an active role in monitoring the operation of the facility. r · Tweeter Center is rumored to be going to park cars for the Tournament Players Club and hopes they plan to seek a license change and permit. If it's done as a commercial parking lot, they would fall under those regulations in the design and function. · There's a retired gentleman in his neighborhood who's had a problem with his water bill. He had a second meter put in to monitor his sprinkler system, for which he paid $100. He had it removed, and the Town charged him $25 to have it removed and also kept the $100. He's being charged both as a senior citizen and commercial. The Town Manager wi/I check on the policy. · Attended last night's ZBA meeting and was appalled at the actions of certain members of that board-that a Board appointed by us would treat citizens the way they did. He believes the actions of the person who stated "he's God and above the actions of the law" is inexcusable and he would hope it doesn't happen again. The Town Manager said it's time that all board meetings be televised He also stated he is appalled when staff is mistreated or the public is mistreated The hearing for the message board sign done as an Eagle Scout project wi/I be readvertised both as a variance application and special permit application. r Selectman Amoruso: · Reminded the Board that Light Commissioners are meeting Monday at 7:30 p.m. He noted Peter DeTrolio would like to be placed on the agenda. Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 5, 2002 10 r · Suggested an Executive Session with the Town Manager regarding his strategy for negotiations. Selectman Donovan: · Stated he received a call from people at the end of Glen and Brook Streets regarding a deteriorating water shutoff that's creating a pothole. · Vacation schedules were discussed. The summer meeting schedule was set as follows: June - meet every Wednesday; July 10th and 24th; August 14th and 28th, September 11th; then resume weekly meetings. · Selectman MacCaffrie noted he still has a problem with the signGs a Special Permit application, pointing out that on page 3 it states a Special Permit is effective when recorded - and the applicant doesn't own the property. r- Motion: To adjourn at 10:50 p.m. (MacCaffrie-McCarter) 5-0 Passes d /;:Þ/Ò/ - / Date of Approval ,........ Board of Selectmen Minutes of June 5,2002 11