HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 02/13/02
... . ')
1- \'ì
Drr'FWtu
1\.... i.,f t:"'. '.':' (ì r¡: ICr."-
r' ,- ;', - '.; ~ J t:.
r
Board of Selectmen
Minutes of
February 13, 2002
02 fEf3 2' M-' \0: 05
. . . ," , 'C' 1')
'. " ..... ,1·,,, ,. " l l
MA\SS'Ä:C\·ÜrSË11S ,
Present:
Chairman Louis P. Amoruso; Clerk Michael W. McCue; Selectmen David
W. McCarter and Daniel Donovan. Vice Chairman Wills was absent due
to illness.
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. 33 in the amount of $552,042.23
Motion: To approve and sign
(Donovan-McCue) 4-0 with Selectman McCarter abstaining from Municipal
Building Committee payroll Passes
r
· Warrant No. 34 in the amount of $4,684,639.87
Motion: To approve and sign
(Donovan-McCarter) 4-0 with Selectman McCarter abstaining from Municipal
Building Committee payroll Passes
· Minutes of January 30, 2002 Board of Selectmen's meeting
Motion : To approve
(Donovan-McCue) 3-0-1 with Selectman McCarter abstaining because he was
not present at the meeting of January 30, 2002 Passes
· Alcohol license for C. J. Scooter's to be signed (previously approved by
Selectmen and now approved by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission
(ABCC)
Motion: To sign the license
(McCarter-Donovan) 4-0 Passes
r-
!'
Board of Selectmen Minutes of February 13, 2002
1
· ,
r
· Order of Taking for Deer Path Circle to be signed (street accepted at the Fall
Special Town Meeting, but was not included previously in the packet of takings
to be signed)
Motion: To sign the Order of Taking for Deer Path Circle
(McCue-Donovan) 4-0 Passes
· Memorandum from Town Engineer John D. Sullivan, Jr., regarding delay in the
scheduled advertising for the Williams Street Bridge project
· Documents to be signed for the final betterment - Mill Street Sewer (Town
Engineer Sullivan will be present later in the meeting to discuss this further)
· Letter from Our Daily Bread requesting approval of a Family Fun Walk to take
place on Sunday, June 2nd, at 1:00 p.m. Police Department has approved
Motion : To approve
(McCarter-Donovan) 4-0 Passes
r
George Dentino, Gladiola Terrace - noted he didn't hold himself to the same
standard as he holds the Board to in reference to a comment made in the
newspaper regarding Selectman McCarter. He apologized to Selectman McCarter
for his sarcasm and his public comment. Selectman McCarter thanked him for his
apology.
Steve MacCaffrie, Mill Street - thanked Mr. Dentino for his review of the Light
Department last week. He noted the service charge issue only exacerbated his
frustration regarding the service charge of the Water Department. He noted the
Light Department Director's comment that the revenue from the service charge
was $800,000. The Town Manager will review the matter and report back on the
amount of revenue. Mr. MacCaffrie suggested that there are the same number of
electric meters as water meters, which would equate to revenue to the Water
Department of $100,OOOfrom the service charge. He asked for a breakdown of the
revenue income against the disbursements for this line item. He noted the usage
has nothing to do with what we pay to run the Water Department-only the bill has
r to do with usage. He questioned whether meter readers perform other functions
! within the department when they're not reading meters. He stated we shouldn't
have to pay a service charge for what we already pay in the tax rate. Selectman
Board of Selectmen Minutes of February 13, 2002
2
r
I
McCarter stated he was told, in reference to the Electric Department, that those
are fixed costs, whereas the rate is variable. The Town Manager noted the Water
Department service charge covers the cost of changing the meters to ensure
people have accurate readings. The rate does cover capital costs, maintenance of
the system, use of the water and all the other charges relating to the operation of
the department, including salaries and benefits. Mr. MacCaffrie criticized the
Board for approving a service charge without going to Town Meeting with it. He
noted the service charge is not shared equally based on usage. Chairman Amoruso
elaborated on the situation. Mr. MacCaffrie continued to say that labor should not
be part of a service charge and asked for a cost accounting of the service charges
for both the Electric and Water Departments.
Selectman McCarter referred to a comment made by Mr. MacCaffrie wherein he
stated that the equalized tax rate raised people's taxes $1,500. He pointed out
the fact that there's only $.20 cents difference per thousand as a result of the
equalized tax rate and the large increases are the result of revaluation.
r
Town Engineer John Sullivan was asked to comment on his memo regarding the delay
in the Williams Street bridge project. Mr. Sullivan stated it was not just the
Williams Street bridge project that was delayed, but rather all the bridge projects
in the district. If they miss the April bid deadline, the project will be further
delayed. He will be calling them on a weekly basis to get a status update.
The hearing notice, as it appeared in the Sun-Chronicle on January 23, 2002, was
read into the record.
Motion: To open the hearing at 8:00 p.m.
(McCue-McCarter) 4-0 Passes
Joyce E. Hastings, P.L.S. and President of GLM Engineering Consultants, Inc. of
Holliston, Massachusetts, was in attendance to present the request for the above-
ground storage of 1,000 gallons of fuel for Tyco Healthcare/Kendall's generator at
100 Hampshire Street. The tank will be located at the rear of the building and
they have obtained a permit from the Fire Department. Positive recommendations
from department heads were noted.
r Selectman McCarter asked what type of safety measures are in place. Ms.
( Hastings noted the tank is double-lined and contained to prevent contamination in
Board of Selectmen Minutes of February 13, 2002
3
~
the event of spillage. It will be used for the storage of diesel fuel. Selectman
Donovan reviewed the plan.
Motion: To close the hearing at 8:05 p.m.
(Donovan-McCarter) 4-0 Passes
Motion: To approve and sign the license of Tyco Healthcare/Kendall for the
above-ground storage of 1,000 gallons of flammable liquids (diesel fuel) at 100
Hampshire Street in accordance with the plan presented and subject to the final
approval of the Building Inspector
(McCarter-McCue) 4-0 Passes
"........,
Town Engineer John D. Sullivan, Jr., was in attendance to discuss the final
betterment for the Mill Street sewer project. He noted the project has been
finalized and a cost for the project has been determined, which was slightly higher
than the $3,600 estimate, for a final betterment of $3,863.36 spread out over
fifteen years at a nominal interest rate. The betterment documents were done in a
manner similar to the Branch Street betterment documents and have been
reviewed by Town Counsel. The first document is the confirmatory statement and
the second is a certification authorizing the assessors to assess the final
betterment amount. Steve MacCaffrie of MJ11 Street noted it only went over the
original estimate by a minor amount and the project was well done and well
supervised with the proper care and cautions. He stated he would like to see a cost
breakdown, if possible. It will be made available to him. Mr. Sullivan noted the
charge for Mansfield Video, stating the video work was done prior to construction
in order to have a record of all conditions prior to the start of the project to
accurately document liability for any damages.
Motion: To sign the confirmatory statement
(McCarter-Donovan) 4-0 Passes
Motion: To assess the betterment of $3,863.36 per home
(McCarter-Donovan) 4-0 Passes
i
The Town Manager:
· Spoke of the excess land at Route 140 and Route 106, referring to his
memorandum to the Conservation Agent regarding vernal pools and our inability
r
Board of Selectmen Minutes of February 13, 2002
4
f
to cross them and the recommendation from the Conservation Agent that at
this time we do not pursue the acquisition of the property for public purposes.
The amount of wetlands on the site would require a substantial wetlands
crossing and replication. Someone who is contiguous to the uplands would have
the ability to use the land with access from Chauncy Street. Fair market value
is expected to be paid for the property.
Motion: To forego the purchase, thanking the State for their offer
(McCue-McCarter) 4-0 Passes
.
On February 27th the Board will have for their consideration a draft policy for a
utility application process. A copy will be provided for their review prior to that
meeting.
.
On May 11th we will hold the rededication of the Mahana and Morrison Wells.
The proposed wording for the plaque was presented for the Board's review and
approval.
r
· Reported final movement for the Gentek mediation on the Jordan Jackson roof.
The agreement is several pages and requires an authorization to sign.
Stipulation 9 was read. Selectman McCarter noted Town Counsel Mangiaratti's
appointment as A ttleboro City Solicitor and suggested that at some point we
need to talk with Attorney Mangiaratti to be sure our needs will continue to be
represented and met. In speaking with Attorney Mangiaratti, Mr. D'Agostino
noted he intends to continue as our counsel. Attorney Max Volterra will be
meeting with the Selectmen in Executive Session next week at 7:00 p.m.
regarding the Jordan Jackson roof.
· On March 1st at 3:00 p.m. we will be hosting a meeting with Congressman Barney
Frank and others to further discuss funding for the Train Station and to look at
agreements that have been reached on the platform and track heights.
Selectman Donovan asked about changes in the Amtrak schedule. This will be
discussed with Chairman Michael Dukakis of Amtrak.
· Had a meeting today with Jim Hager, Superintendent of Southeastern Regional
School. We have a prepared management letter on the 2001 audits that will be
available for review. There was a 5-4 vote in favor of sponsoring local warrant
articles to change the representation on the committee from an elected to an
appointed position. Meetings have been improved and are functioning better as
a result of input from the various communities. The swing vote was the
r- representative from Norton. Our representative was not present.
r-
Board of Selectmen Minutes of February 13, 2002
5
r
r
r
r
~
· He will be meeting with the seniors tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. at the Council on
Aging.
· Presented a check received today from the Department of Housing and
Community Development in the amount of $545,000 for a community
development block grant to establish a housing rehabilitation program in the
Town of Mansfield. We intend to use it for low- and moderate-income families
and senior citizens to rehabilitate their homes, enabling them to stay in their
homes longer. There would be a fifteen year period in which there would be a
lien against the property, with the amount of the lien decreasing each year over
that time period. He commended Shaun Burke, Gale Farrugia, Debbie Suprenaut
and all others who participated in obtaining the grant. It is anticipated that the
program will be up and running within eighteen months. A request for proposal
must be put out to hire someone to run the program, hire a coordinator,
inspector and processor. Approximately $78,000 of the grant will be used for
administrative costs and we anticipate helping 18-22 families with these funds.
If homes are sold prior to the end of the fifteen-year lien period, the balance
of the lien will be returned to the town to be used by another family.
Motion: To send letters of congratulation to those who assisted in obtaining
the grant
(Donovan-McCue) 4-0 Passes
Selectmen thanked and congratulated the Town Manager for pursuing and
coordinating this project. The Town Manager noted that the 2003 budget will
attempt to incorporate a part-time grant writer to assist us in obtaining additional
funding.
Chairman Amoruso:
· Noted he would prefer to wait until we have a full Board to review Town
Meeting warrant articles.
· Asked that we do the Town Manager's goals and objectives next week.
· Briefed the Board on the cable licensing process, noting we've received a
proposal from Frank Foss that looks reasonable and respectful of the
process.
Clerk McCue:
Board of Selectmen Minutes of February 13, 2002
6
r
r
r
r'
'.
· Received a fax from Representative Coppola responding to legislation from
his committee regarding the Senior Tax program.
Selectman McCarter:
· Asked about the citizen's petition received for the Town to purchase open
space land on Essex Street. We have not begun to look into the issue. It
may be added to the Capital Improvements list. The Town Manager wH/
coordinate and pursue it further in contacting the proponents of the
petition. Chairman Amoruso asked that the Conservation Commission get
involved in this also, noting the amount seems to be similar to the amount we
reimbursed them when we received the Self-Help money.
· Asked for a report from Water Operations Manager Kurt Gaffney regarding
water restrictions that may be needed due to this year's drought. Mr.
Gaffney will be meeting with the Board on February 27h and will have a
recommendation to establish a Phase 1 water ban. Our water levels are
being monitored on a regular basis through the SCADA system.
· Spoke of the budget process, noting the amount of the deficit right from
the start. He expressed his hope that more realistic budget figures would
be presented that would not total a $4 million deficit at the start. The
Town Manager noted his approach was to present a level funded budget and
has asked staff to do the same. If salary was increased due to contract
negotiations, they would have to be offset in the expense portion of the
budget. Health insurance increased $978,000; pensions increased;
additional Town employees migrating to the Town plan have added an
additional $200,000 this year. This leaves us with little additional money.
There wH/ be no increases in Chapter 70 and local aid to cities and town. Our
local increase is 1.7% as opposed to the 7-10% usual increase in revenue.
We're also faced with increased trash collection costs. Selectman McCarter
stated he would prefer to see some services cut to prevent layoffs of
personnel. The Town Manager reiterated his plans in paring the budget.
Chairman Amoruso:
· Asked about correspondence in the reading file regarding the budget less
10'0. Town Manager D'Agostino stated he needs to get clarification of which
budget the request is based upon. Rep. Poirier believes it's based on '03
projections. It's possible that it will work out to a 5% reduction in local aid.
Board of Selectmen Minutes of February 13, 2002
7
r'
r
r
r
'¡.
Chairman Amoruso suggested it sounds like the State is planning on providing
incremental funding, which will not be advantageous to the town.
Selectman Donovan:
· Referred to the traffic/accident report put together by Ptlm. Lance Lawson
and complimented him on the information provided.
Motion: To adjourn at 9:24 p.m.
(Donovan-McCue) 4-0 Passes
&ß~d,
Signature of Clerk
:0 Pr5f1 2 tJCJ~
Date of Approval
Board of Selectmen Minutes of February 13, 2002
8