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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 09/29/04 j, r-- r f .. . Board of Selectmen Minutes of September 29, 2004 ()Fr .,' rICE OCT - 7 p" ..... t¡ 2: 2 I HASS;l~ JtLO Present: Chainnan Steven W. MacCaffrie; Vice Chainnan Roger S. Achille~ 'CÏU:~£ T T S Bernard 1. Dolan; Selectman Louis P. Amoruso; Selectman Michael McCue and Town Manager John D' Agostino The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. with a Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Weekly Business · Warrant No. 14 in the amount of$1,549,806.68 Motion: To approve (Roger Achille /Lou Amoruso) 5-0 Passes · Minutes of September 22, 2004 Motion: To approve as amended. (Amoruso/McCue) 4-0-1 (Roger Achille abstained) Passes / Licenses and Permits Halloween Parade Request fÌ"om the Recreation Department for Sunday, October 31, 2004 from 2-3 PM. The Police and Fire Chief are currently reviewing. Motion: To approve with all restrictions and approvals from Police & Fire Chiefs. (Achille/Amoruso) 5-0 Passes Board of Health: Dr. Raymond Martin, Liane Cochran, Christine West and Nancy Wall. Dr. Martin updated the Board on the status noting that things have been quiet, currently no 'hot button' issues. Hathaway Patterson clean up permit site (EP A) State funds for Household Hazardous Waste Day to combine services to save money - to dispose and keep them out of the environment. Funds fÌ"om Emergency Management are to develop a plan for local issues such as sewer systems failing, Title V regulations and workshops; also ongoing are inspections for restaurants, permits for food establishments and tattoo establishments. Selectman Dolan asked if restaurants get re-inspected and was informed that they do. Mike McCue asked about the smoking ban that came down a few months ago and had there been any major impact. Chairman MacCaffrie said that our local regulations were already in place, but the state regulations would now supercede. Selectman McCue asked if this board would have the power to fine or suspend and if they have seen any violations. The reply was that they have not been informed of any as yet. Selectman Board of Selectmen Minutes of September 29, 2004 1 , , f r r , . Achille noted surprise that the state passed this but would leave it to the towns' own regulations. Selectman McCue said it would pit town against town, and this would now put every one on the same level playing field. Dr. Martin noted the issue of losing business was brought up at the public hearing they had held on the smoking regulations. Selectman Dolan had a Title V question - if the sewer goes by a seller's home, does the seller have to hook it up. The Chairman said they do not have to and Selectman Dolan asked if cesspools are still allowed? The Chairman said there was one recently. The Board of Health is a proponent of the sewer system as it is better for the public health. Chairman MacCaffrie thanked the Board for their update. Dr. Martin mentioned they are looking for one new member with expertise for the Health Board, but it is not mandatory. He also noted the valuable contributions of Mr. Cotton who recently left to move out of state. John D'Agostino noted Dr. Martin is also a Rotary member. Librarv Trustees: "Joe Flynn, Head Trustee of the Library presented the update. He noted the other members are John Walgreen, Chris Cormier-Hayes, Leonard Epstein and Nancy Breef-Pilz. He said the Board works with the Library Director on day-to-day basis and they are also responsible to the Mass Board of Library Trustees. Home Rule does not affect the library as they have to follow the state/federal regulations. For budget issues, they usually meet once a month but are at the library two to three times a wk. It may be the busiest time of year, circulation is way up; the library usage is at its highest in the history of the Library (research; take out books., etc). He explained about SAIL which includes 55 libraries. There is a two-year grant that provides services for disabled, and sight - impaired. They have a Five Year Plan with the theme "So All May Read" - it provides software for people with dyslexia. It is a scanning machine that will help people who can only learn with DVS videos, it has an overdub that explains the scenes and has speech technology, it is also height adjustable in that the station can raise up if they have to stand up with a cobra keyboard for the sight magnification. A report states that the Mansfield Library is top in the state for advanced technology. They also have two 22 inch screens that are purchased along with the Lions Club donations. It appears that the Library is the last on the list to have handicapped doors installed into the building. Mr. Flynn explained technology services will be done shortly and he will be removing some of the shelving units in the periodical/magazine area to make a new conference room and the current office will be for the Assistant Director/Children's Librarian. Selectman Dolan mentioned the a/c was just done. The whole upstairs area is where they store the books for the major fundraiser but due to the size ofthe new equipment, they cannot store all the books for the sale. Selectman McCue thought a local merchant might offer some room for storage but the Chairman said the weight of the books is significant and it is difficult to move them from place to place. Selectman Dolan had offered three bags of books, but they could not accept them as there is no roóm. Mr. Flynn noted the $11,700 for the quote for three doors. The back doors can be kept open, so they do not need to have the automatic option. Selectman McCue had no idea of these changes and thinks a lot of people take a library for granted, all of these wonderful devices are wonderful. Board of Selectmen Minutes of September 29,2004 2 r Chairman Flynn said they "jump" on the grants and are successful. He noted the function of the library changed many years ago, many lawyers access the books, Morning Star; Regarding personnel: The reference librarian has a 36 hour week and cannot always be there for the 56 hours that are needed, thus 20 hours are without a reference librarian. He would advise that the position needs to be funded. Mansfield Library was #2 in services behind Boston, but the salary is # 54 in the region. We need to pursue the salary issue as they are the lowest paid staff within the town. Roger Achille asked about the hours. Chairman Flynn explained the particular mandate by the State that the Town must maintain. The MEG formula requires the town to spend 3% over the previous three years; state funds pay for the equipment, the Town never pays for the updated equipment and the current staff people need to be taken care of now or we will lose the people who have the experience. There are currently four professionals on staff (three with Masters degrees) and he wants to keep them so they do not go to other towns. Mr. Flynn will try to get the personnel figures down before the Fall town meeting. John D'Agostino has asked for these analyses, and stated "something needs to happen" . Selectman Dolan mentioned that school children come in, yet there is material at the school libraries, but the schools are not open as long. Mr. Flynn noted the SAILS computer system can locate greater resources and have the book within 24 hours. MacCaffrie noted that Mr. Flynn spends lots oftime there and has taken a personal interest in making it happen and appreciates this and the Board thanked him. r Council of AI!ing: Gail Farrugia and Sonia Walgreen presented. The COA noted that a special day for the Chairman tomorrow: a birthday. Ms. Farrugia noted that fifteen years ago Mr. MacCaffrie had been involved with the Senior Center and they had designed a book bag. She gifted him with one of the bags which included a pill box for daily meds; File of Life cards; a monthly planning guide, a booklet 'Food Safety for Seniors'; pamphlets on the Prescription Advantage program; Living Choices (a resource guide for Bristol Elder Services), the Triad organization; Friends ofDIC; and a newsletter of the council. He was wished a Happy Birthday. Sonia Walgreen then spoke on the statistics of the Council. The center serves 500-600 people monthly. The programs offered involve exercise, yoga, walking club (2K) 900 in music/art program, lK for COA lunches; trips for doctor appointments (700); health screenings; podiatry, cholesterol and diabetic screenings, blood pressures twice a month; orthodics (special shoes). In addition they offer the following: There are 22 participants in the Tax Work-Off Program with others interested. The Outreach Program has 100 active cases (in home with seniors) with 15 new intakes per month. Alzheimers Awareness Program Computer Classes for Elders One of her courses at UMass Dartmouth - Center for Research and Retirement. (The Graying of Massachusetts) aging baby-boomers retiring shall be challenging and overwhelming r Board of Selectmen Minutes of September 29, 2004 3 r Roger Achille asked about the 60 plus at council- State percentages 10-11; 12% plus one in Mansfield; Barnstable is above Florida For the 85 plus age group (fÌ"ail elders) prescription drugs is a major issue Meals Intake (for some it is their meal of the day) Alzheimers: families calling-living out of state (provide information for families to cope) Gail Farrugia stated they have 1 ~ outreach case workers - 10-15-20 times Selectman Dolan asked about the grant received at the Police station; the Chairman asked about the buttons for Alzheimers. He noted that if one of these people were lost for one day, it could cost more than 19K to find them. Ms. Farrugia is aware of it and it was mentioned at the Triad mtg. Ms. Farrugia would welcome a halftime person if it is in the budget. MacCaffrie noted it was sad to see people come to where they are as their families are moved away or have died. Selectman McCue noted there is a considerable level of stress on the outreach workers as well. The Town has lots of active Frail Elders. There is an Alzheimer Program at Willows Crossing; computer classes; fundraisers (spaghetti dinner 11/8). Self-Defense for Seniors. The Council has raised over 3K for crime prevention, emergency prevention: flashlight, battery operated flashlights. It was noted that the night programs are tough for seniors as they do not like driving at night and they are tired. Senior Law Day - bus transportation will be provided by GA TRA Mike McCue will attend. Any call in program (Are you OK thru Bristol County Sheriff) The Board thanked Ms. Farrugia and Ms. Walgreen. r \ · Letter fÌ"om Department of Revenue Underground Storage Tank Program dated September 19th. They are accepting municipal grant applications for FY '05 for removal or replacement of tanks. · Request from Church of St. John the Evangelist to hold their annual Fall Church Fair on October 23rd from 9am-3pm. _ Motion: To approve with all standard department approvals. (McCue/Amoruso) 5-0 Passes · Thank you note fÌ"om Nick Bonnie and Marie Reynolds for the Annual Senior Labor Day Cook-Out put on by the Clemmeys on September 12,2004. Selectman Dolan read the letter into the record. r- Chairman MacCafme read an article in the paper about policing and wanted to know if we are paying for the handicapped parking signs at the new area. John D'Agostino will ask about the costs. Steve MacCaffrie feels the MBTA would be responsible. John D'Agostino did not see any problem w/ the DPW - we pay the MBT A $97K for maintenance - Lou Amoruso said it was 151 % increase in crime at the stations. Mike McCue said he has spoken to the concession stand people say every day there is vandalism. Roger Achille said we are entering into the agreements with the MBT AlGA TRA; there is some cooperation between us and them. Bernie Dolan noted it Board of Selectmen Minutes of September 29,2004 4 r was more the principle of the issue and it is also a matter that if we put them up the signs would go up faster. Bernie Dolan said we should check w/ the MBT A to clarify. John D'Agostino said we need to have a number of handicapped spaces, that we need to put up. GA TRA is asking about it and if they have the money, we can bill them. The MBT A is exempt fÌ"om local zoning laws, but they fall under the ADA regulations. Selectman Dolan asked that we request the MBTA to pay for them. John D'Agostino noted that cooperation also goes a long way. Mike McCue asked if it was a stumbling block - how important would it be. Town Manager and Staff Correspondence · Letter dated September 23rd to Frank Gay, GATRA Administrator, from John D'Agostino regarding handicap parking signs at the new train station parking area. Issues to be addressed are outlined (benches to be refurbished, RFP for vendor services, using the facility for nightly meetings for local non-profit groups, Town Clock agreement with the MBT A, A TM machine. · Invite fÌ"om Fire Chief to attend Memorial Sunday Observance at the Memorial on South Common (Sunday) October 3rd at lOAM; collation follows at Elks Lodge Roger Achille noted it is great that Mr. Bellavance is now the Fire Chief full time. r · Memo dated September 24th from John D'Agostino regarding notification to the public of Public Meetings and Hearings. Selectman McCue appreciates the meeting schedule being published; John D'Agostino said it would help the interested parties in town to follow the boards and their agendas. The staff will be trained. John D'Agostino recommends that a Fall Town Meeting not be held as usual and to hold an Annual Town Meeting in the spring with a Special Town Meeting within. This would allow time to set an early tax rate and get the tax bills out. The town recently went to borrow $4M and the cash flow issue is a timely. Selectman Dolan asked if quarterly tax bills would be helpful. Discussion ensued about the history of this issue as Selectman Achille recalls putting it on the warrant and the townspeople and had rejected it before. John D'Agostino noted the residents would keep more money in their pockets and the Finance Committee supports it . Selectman McCue noted it is good business practice. Motion: To put the issue of quarterly taxes on warrant for annual spring town meeting. (Dolan/McCue) (5-0) Passes John D'Agostino noted that HUD has decided to keep Mansfield in the Boston market. Mike Forbes noted that the Housing Authority said this is good news for housing advocates. Therefore we no longer need the public hearing that had been scheduled for October 20 and John D'Agostino will send a cancellation notice to invited parties. r Board of Selectmen Minutes of September 29,2004 5 r John D'Agostino will attend a meeting for Mass Office of Business Development on Thursday, September 30th in Franklin at the Tri-County Regional Technical School. Shaun Burke, Planning Director, will then attend a meeting with the state with the Governor's new appointee of Ranch Kimball, Secretary of Economic Development. This is a new approach to doing business in the state on Monday, October 4th. On Thursday, September 30th in Rm 3AB there will be a meeting of the Ware St residents for the Comprehensive Waste Water Management Plan. This is important because if Ware Street is not included in this plan, the sewer will not be extended, even if residents want it. Two issues: this hearing will allow for public input for future sewer improvements. Mansfield will advocate for inclusion. The extension of Ware Street may end up a moot issue if the state does not accept the comprehensive plan. On October 1,2004, John Hogan will assume his duties at the Veterans Services Officer. John D'Agostino asked who would be attending Sunday the Firefighters ceremony on Sunday, October 3rd at lOAM. Selectman Dolan will attend at lOam; Roger Achille will also attend. r George Dentino spoke on the issue of taxes and why does Mansfield have to borrow money each year; this year they borrowed 4M. Other towns have their second payments out already and thought Mansfield could do this as well. He did not think that ftee cash could be low and wanted to know why Mansfield was tardy? John D'Agostino explained that our collection method is twice a year. We experienced a short-fall this year, as other town do as well. Until we go to quarterly tax bills, this will continue to happen. Selectman McCue noted we had discussed semi-annual bills and that other towns probably have a short-fall at other points in their cycles and do not notify the townspeople of their borrowing. Selectman Amoruso noted state law is for taxes to be paid November 1 st. Chairman MacCaffrie noted that if a bill is sent out early, it would not be paid until November 1 st anyway. John D'Agostino said we must set a tax rate before the 64M budget and the 4M is needed to meet obligations. Motion: To go into Executive Session to discuss pending litigation and to return to regular session. (Achille/Amoruso) Roll Call Vote: Amoruso-aye; Dolan - aye; Achille - aye; MacCaffrie - aye and McCue - aye. Passes Motion: To return to open session. (McCue/Dolan) Passes Roll call Vote: Amoruso-aye; Dolan - aye; Achille - aye; MacCaffrie - aye and McCue - aye. f Board of Selectmen Minutes of September 29,2004 6 r-- Selectman Achille spoke on the Mansfield Green Recycling Center. Since it is closed during the week, he would like to explore opening it on Sundays as that would be more convenient (perhaps closed on Mondays and open on Sunday afternoons) to give residents a chance to cut and dump grass on Sundays. Selectman McCue asked about the issue before. Selectman Dolan noted it made sense and John D'Agostino will look into it. Selectman Dolan - none Selectman Amoruso - none Selectman McCue stated he is happy about the train issues. Redevelopment Authority - does it make sense? Any consideration? Possibility of using Bristol County offer for (non-threatening) inmates to come in and do some work. Lou Amoruso voted not to accept prisoners in chains", but would accept the ''trustees''. Selectman McCue: wanted the Board and the public to know he will attend the MMA Conference on both days (FriiS at) and will report back. He also plans to go to the Economic Development meeting with Shaun Burke on Monday. He also will attend Senior Law Day and he will give all an update. r- Mr. McCue also spoke on the shopping mall; he had noticed many letters to editors in the newspaper; the Board should not get involved too much, it is more the Planning Board as we have delineated roles in the Mansfield form of government. He wants to make sure that the people understand that to the degree that we have control over it, would be to the access Issue. Selectman Amoruso: Regarding the seniors bus expenses (1 each way) - is there any other way to mitigate this expense? John D'Agostino will speak to Ms. Farrugia about the fare issue to possibly mitigate. Selectman Achille: Noted this is an excellent point - have a COA workshop, The Tax Work Program could be increased and John D'Agostino will look into that. Chairman MacCaffrie: Spoke on the "Golden Triangle" he has expressed his wishes to the ZBA and the Planning Board - as our purview is the access issue. The request of $1 OK repairs at the North Main St Fire Station: we should give the guys that work there more consideration? Can we transfer money for these repairs and John D'Agostino said we can but we need detailed information on the 10K costs. He has talked to the Chief and he wanted to bring it back up at the fall Town Meeting. If it is an emergency need (pipes leaking) we can transfer some money and Motion: To send a letter to the Fire Chief requesting information on the requested repmrs. r Board of Selectmen Minutes of September 29,2004 7 f r-- , ,r- (McCue/Dolan) 5-0 Passes Selectman Dolan: In Wrentham the Army Corps of Engineers is building a whole complex, maybe they could help out towns with our athletic field projects. John D'Agostino will check into it; maybe the town could request their help? Selectman Amoruso said we had asked them for help before and they could not do it as they had other obligations. John D'Agostino will check into this. Adjournment Lou Amoruso Motion: To adjourn at 9:55 p.m. o 5-0 Passes ~~QrlM- J()~0-()Y Date of Approval Board of Selectmen Minutes of September 29,2004 8