Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 09/08/04 Present: ~.·E. Ct' !~EI 1\ I,.· f \CE ' r'··'¡.·;C' O¡:" 4 r.c ':--,;'\ .,) '-\.0 j Ot. SEP 23 PM 3: 08 f'L:'.I.HsnE.LD HASS."CHUSETTS Chairman Steven W. MacCaffrie; Vice Chairman Roger S. Achille; Clerk Bernard J. Dolan; Selectmen Louis P. Amoruso and Michael W. McCue Town Manager John O. D' Agostino. Board of Selectmen Minutes of September 8, 2004 r The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Chairman MacCaffrie then conducted a moment of silence for September 11, 2004 in memory of that day in infamy. It was noted that the community calendars are now available. · Warrant No. 10 in the amount of$l, 431,551.96. Motion: To approve and sign. (Amoruso-McCue) 5-0 Passes r · Warrant No. 11 in the amount of$3,076.563.88 Motion: To approve and sign. (Amoruso-McCue) 5-0 Passes · Minutes of August 25, 2004 Motion: To approve and sign. (Amoruso-McCue) 5-0 Passes · Minutes of August 11, 2004 Executive Session Motion: To approve as amended but not release. (Amoruso-McCue) 5-0 Passes · Drainlayer's License - Northern Site Contractor's, Inc. Has been recommended by Town Engineer John Sullivan. Motion: To approve. (Amoruso-McCue) 5-0 Passes r-- I · Block Party requests for 9/11/04: 1. Colonial Drive: Pilgrim & Old North Drive Motion: Approve subject to emergency access (Amoruso-McCue) 5-0 Passes Board of Selectmen Minutes of September 8, 2004 1 ,-- 2. High St: Corner of Summer/Central Motion: Approve subject to emergency access (Amoruso-McCue) 5-0 Passes Tri-County Beagle Club - September 25, 2004. Motion: To approve and sign (McCue-Amoruso) Town Manae:er and Staff r · Memorandum from DPW Director Lee Azinheira, regarding the Water Connection Policy/Baybrook dated September 2, 2004. Steve MacCaffrie and Lou Amoruso both stated that phasing project was allowed so that a project could get the first phase approved and started and then only have to address mitigation for the second phase. They were not aware that the proponents were getting an extra allocation for the second phase, Lee Azinheira stated that the DPW interpretation has always been consistent and that the policy states "any project that, as a whole, (all phases) exceeds 20% of the Town's annual water allocation will be subject to the requirements of~ 4 for any amount over the 20%. Not want to discuss it now, Steven W MacCaffrie said it was discussed earlier and he perceived it differently. Michael McCue does not feel it is equitable to change it now. Louis P. Amoruso was concerned about the usage of water in one spot and could mitigate it for the town. The developer would get two years to do one year's worth of work. Steve allowed grace period the first year, if they went over 20%, they would mitigate the overage. Lee can change it easily to whatever the Board of Selectmen wants, There will also be a workshop scheduled. Motion: To approve the water connection for Baybrook. (Amoruso-Achille) 5-0 Passes · Memorandum from DPW Director, Lee Azinheira, regarding engineering contracts and professional services, dated September 2,2005. Chairman McCaffrie questioned Lee Azinheiro about profit being 12% -and how much of the $83,547 isfor labor. He still questions the change orders. Roger Achille asked if this was the way it usually is written and have they been all the same. He was informed that yes, that was the case.John D 'Agostino replied that they will spend more time on this to get the right info. ,-- · Memorandum from DPW Director, Lee Azinheira regarding trash route changes, dated September 2,2004. Board of Selectmen Minutes of September 8, 2004 2 r Notice of the changes is being put on the cable access station, the web-site and notification in the paper. Also, the residents were delivered the information to their households by the waste water department. · Memorandum from DPW Director, Lee Azinheira regarding highway contamination and gas tank update, dated September 2, 2004. · Memorandum from DPW Director, Lee Azinheira regarding skateboard park update, dated September 2,2004. Bernie Dolan asked about the project and Lee Azinheira stated the DPW portion is completed and the recreation department is providing the equipment. · Resignation of Diane Ready from Conservation Commission. Motion: To accept resignation with thanks and to send a letter of appreciation. (Achille-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes · Application from Kathy Betts for Cable Access Board. Motion: To act on her application. (McCue-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes r I · Constable Application from Michael Padula, 768 Washington St., Franklin. Lou asked why do we need more constables? Steve said business people need warrants served. Bernie noted that Chief 0 'Neill recommended against this appointment. Roger said it is a livelihood. Bernie is inclined to agree with Chief Motion: To grant the application contingent upon a record check. (Achille-McCaffrie-Mike McCue) In Favor (Dolan-Amoruso) Opposed 3-2 Passes · Letter of support for Sturdy Memorial Hospital Motion: To send a letter of support for the removal of trees near the Mansfield Health Center. The Board directed the secretary to do this. ( McCue-Amoruso) 5-0 Passes · Tweeter Center: The secretary was directed to send a letter to the Tweeter Center regarding the overtime issue. Dolan asked that the letter state the payment for the overage fees. ,-- · Resident John Sullivan, 225 Union St Ext. Resident admires the Board of Selectmen. Asked to address an issue as a citizen and to express his feelings. Chairman MacCaffrie invited him to speak Mr. Sullivan is surprised that up to six barrels are allowed for trash collection weekly; feels it is an extraordinary amount of barrels. Would like the concept of the town providing a Board of Selectmen Minutes of September 8, 2004 3 r large container which would encourage less waste and discourage Pis make it known to the citizens about the recovery of plastic, tin, cardboard perhaps in the Community Light newsletter. Hopes the Board can see the wisdom and then others would, too. People can cooperate with the recovery program to avoid higher fees. Big ticket items could save money from the trash collection. Achille said there is plenty of room on the cable access for this notice. Once the financial factors are determined. MacCaffrie thinks another Trash Workshop that can be made public. Lee A. said he knows the figures already. Louis P. Amoruso is not reaching the six barrels level, a large barrel has some pros and cons. John said we need to offer a financial amount (noble) that let it be known as it affects the residents' pocketbook By an increase in fees. I McCue thanked Mr. Sullivan for his input - "get over the apathy" Roger asked about the cable show and Town Manager said he can speak on that. ,-- Rich Feeley, Chairman, was present along with Jim Liddick, Bill Moore and David Young. The following was relayed: Jordan Jackson School: Still involved with litigation on the roof failure issue. Consultant Gail Associates has been helping pro bono since there is no money left in budget. It is nearing completion. Qualters Middle School The ramp lighting will be addressed; and a pole to be installed to light the flagpole. Mansfield High School Involved with renovation on East Street; baseball diamond; the committee is only to monitor the financial matters at this point. East Street Recreational Field (Facilities Use Account) The fees for usage of the fields is reimbursable to the town under SBAB at 66%; the end figures are not yet available. This will be part of the audit process. Varsity Field One of the baseball diamonds will be usable by next spring/fall season. Water Treatment Plant The Committee is most busy with this project being built behind the DPW. T.M. Prescott will be treating the wells and they are 20% complete; storage tanks built; blocks going up; the DPW staff has saved the town money by doing a bulk of the work. The cost will still come in within the budget, but additional borings are a hit or miss - if ledge is found. Old tires and creosote have been found buried. A drawing was shown to the Board. Chairman McCaffrie said he has fielded many calls from residents but said a great job is being done. Mr. Feeley said the Water Treatment Plant Committee also includes Kurt Gaffney, Associate Member, and Dave Young exempted himself due to the appearance of a possible conflict of interest. Chairman McCaffrie thanked Dave Young for the extra hard work on the other projects and complimented the committee as a whole. r Board of Selectmen Minutes of September 8, 2004 4 r Dog & Cat Shelter Drawings will go out to bid and when the funding becomes available, the MBC will help; window issue is outstanding. McCaffrie thanks the committee for their time and effort and stated their expertise is exceptional " it beats all" and their ability to work together is lauded. Lou Amoruso said other towns are "jealous" of this outstanding board. Bernie Dolan added his appreciation for all they do. Roger Achille thanked them as well and asked if any vacancies. This committee has had the same group of members for five years and they work well together. The public hearing notice was read into the record by Bernie Dolan, Clerk. Motion: To open the public hearing. (Amoruso-McCue) 5-0 Passes r John Sullivan, Town Engineer, was present along with Dave Field, Senior Engineer, and Scott Leite, Health Agent. Mr. Sullivan explained that the citizen's petition was initiated by Mrs. Thomas, 579 Ware St, (with 17 signatures by residents), to extend the sewer line within a portion of Ware Street. The Engineering Department's preliminary estimate would be 12K per lot. Dave Field further explained that the portion of Ware Street covered by the petition actually covers two phases (phase I & Phase II). Phases III & IV would also be considered. Upon 2/3rds vote of those affected, it would then go to town meeting. The pump station for Phases I & II would be placed based on geography and topography and would handle all future phases. However, an additional pump station is also needed in each Phase III and IV. There are 45 lots in Phases I & II, and 2/3rds would need to ballot in favor (needing 30 signatures) Phases I & II need to be done first; then if 2/3 of Phase III and/or Phase IV vote in favor, it would be included. The betterment fees would be billed on the tax bills by the Treasurer and usually can be spread over twenty years. But if you sell your property, the seller normally must pay it off before the sale. There would also be a small amount of interest added to this, in the order of 5%. Town Manager D' Agostino explained that the residents could attend the meeting on the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) on October 7tlt for public comment. He urged the residents to be present and express their concerns for Ware Street to become part of the comprehensive plan. r McCue asked if Town Meeting turns it down, could the residents come back and start the process again the next year? He was told "Yes". Amoruso asked about the size of the pump stations and was told that other streets could come on line with sewer, and the town's share of the cost would cover the design and sizing of stations for that possibility. The Chair opened it up to the questions and comments: Board of Selectmen Minutes of September 8, 2004 5 (' Ed Rosenberg, 796 Ware St., questioned the estimate of 12K. Mr. Sullivan said that was the Engineering Department's approximate estimate per lot for the sewer line in the street, pump stations, and sewer laterals to the property lines, regardless of the number of phases constructed. Mr. Rosenberg noted that there are added costs from $5K to $10K per lot to hook up to the sewer, such as for landscaping, driveway, trenches, and plumbing for each system from the property line to the house. Also, he noted that there would be a sewer usage fee of 85% of water bill for sewer, and the betterment would be on top of that. David Field explained that the sewer would only go to the property line; a resident is not required to hook into it, but would still be charged the betterment. If a connection permit is requested, there is a Town fee of a $1.00/ft., with a minimum sewer permit fee of $100. Scott Leite estimated that the costs of septic system replacement would depend on where the resident lives, groundwater and the soil types. He indicated that septic systems typically cost between $7,500 and $10,000, and not usually over 15K, and lasts for 15-25 years. r Barbara Jones, 776 Ware St., asked about the houses that are 400-600 feet off the road with a 30-foot driveway and would they be assessed as well? She was told she would be assessed if the project went ahead; she did not feel this was fair. McCaffrie explained that it is not up to the board to decide for each homeowner, but only to vote for the project to go ahead. She stated she would not pay it, and the Chair explained it would go onto her taxes and she would be responsible or the town could take the house. Virginia Slater, 556 Ware St., asked about when the on-going comprehensive wastewater management study would be done? John Sullivan explained that Ware Street is still listed as a high priority on recent drafts of the first phase of the study, which is due out this year; and the final phase with recommendations will be done by the end of next year. The time frame for this proposed Ware Street sewer project would take 2-3 years before the sewer is installed, since votes need to be taken, designs done, bids put out and construction to start. Land for the first pump station would be near the junctions between Phases I & II, but they cannot be specific. She also asked about the final costs and Sullivan stated if the overall costs come to more than 12K, the project would probably not go forward. McCaffrie said the estimate on his property was only slightly above the estimated cost. John D' Agostino gave some history that if a project comes in much higher that the estimate, the town may add in if the financial ability is there. Based on the sewer extension policy, if job costs go 25% over the 12K, the Town of Mansfield could look at other Town funding or go back to the people for another 2/3rds vote to continue. Dave Field felt the numbers that would be quoted at town meeting should be pretty accurate. Ms. Slater asked about the costs to people in Phase I and II, and Mr. Field said these costs would be higher if the Town did not participate. She said the sewer betterment would be another additional cost to a seller. r Beth Hargreaves, 213 Ware St., asked if real estate property value is raised with town sewer? Bernie Dolan said sewer was a significant factor in added value, and there is less worry about the system; but the average costs to hook up to the street sewer system are Board of Selectmen Minutes of September 8, 2004 6 r typically $5,500-$9,000K depending on the type of house. Her house has had water problems for twenty years and she had an environmental engineer (five years ago) to see about bringing her house up to Title V which would cost 22K and feels the 12K over 20 years isn't so bad. It was again noted that the reason that the start ofthe Ware Street sewer woul~ be in Phase I area is geographical. Alexander Carmeli, 569 Ware St., asked what would happen if the contractor runs past the contracted schedule of 2006-2007 and was told that there would be clauses and provisions written in for overages, damages, paving the roads, etc. Mr. Sullivan indicated residents should figure on a 1 ~ year construction window from start to finish. McCaffrie said it was premature to be absolute about the window of the project, especially since there are four phases and additional pump stations. An abutter assumed he will have to pay sewer usage based on all the water that will go through his meter. It was explained that he could get a separate meter for yard watering, or residents could dig a shallow well. r When asked when payment would begin on the assessment, Dave Field said it is usually within one year of completion. He noted that the estimated assessment is registered with the land deed at the county registry if it is voted at town meeting. An abutter wanted a better understanding of a pump station on a resident's lot and the exact location. Mr. Field said it would be approximately 40'x40' or 30'x30', and there would be an easement and/or the land would be purchased outright by the town. Upon completion of the project, a bill will be sent out with the tax bill and they could pay in a lump sum or typically spread out payments over twenty years. Richard Hendricks, 213 Ware St., understands there is a 2/3 vote needed for Phase I & II to proceed with the other phases. Mr. Field said it was based on the first two phases of the project being approved. MacCaffrie said it is based right now on the first two phases. Mr. Hendricks foresees a scenario where a septic system fails and a new system needs to be put in; and then having to hook up to the system later on already, so he is looking at a pre-emptive strike. Mr. Leite then spoke on the idea of neighbors seeking prices from one septic system contractor instead of individually to get a better "bulk" price. ,-- John Russo, 16 Ware St., said he lives up in the "dust bowl" above the school field, but it has finally improved. His comment is that two years ago, he put a new system in ($14K) and a neighbor had to put one in at $23K-$27K last year, so the cost for septic system is more. He asked about the paving of the road after the project and was told it would be coordinated with the water main project at the same time. Mr. Sullivan said the water mains need to be improved as they have often broken in that area. John D'Agostino said there is money coming from the state that could be used to pave the road. Board of Selectmen Minutes of September 8, 2004 7 r McCaffrie asked for a straw vote on who wants Phase One and Two: 436-650 Ware St.& Nos. 5, 10, 16 & 23 Short Street, and 7 Windchime Drive. V otes: (one per household) Phases I & II only: For 8. Opposed: 4 MacCaffrie asked for a straw vote for all phases on Ware Street. Votes: (one per household) All phases: For: 21, Opposed 10 Motion: To give a clear concensus to move the process forward for the sewer extension of sewer extension Phases I & II. (Achille-Dolan) 5-0 Passes Motion: If 2/3rds of the ballots of the residents from Phase 1&11 come back in favor of the sewer extension on Ware St., proceed with balloting the residents of Phase III & IV. (Achille-Dolan) 5-0 Passes Mr. Sullivan said the ballots will be sent to Phase I & II next week to the owner of record, and need to be returned within 30 days. Even if there is a no vote, residents are asked to please send the ballot back to account for all owners of record Mike McCue said tonight was not an endorsement by the Board, but a tally of the residents' support. r Steve Weinberg, 512 Ware St., asked how the vote will be known? Mr. Field said usually a neighbor takes charge, but in this case, the department will post the results on the Town's web-site, and advise the Selectmen, so it can be mentioned at a future Board meeting. People can also call the Engineering Department as well. He also asked about the repaving issue and said another past project was done poorly. Mr. Sullivan said if both sewer and water were installed along Ware Street, then curb-to-curb paving would probably be required. If only water was installed, and not sewer, only the water trench itself would be re-paved. Mr. Ed Rosenburg spoke about the paving of Branch St. and how the residents were told Ware St. would not be torn up again and now this project will be doing so. Some discussion ensued and Mr. Lee A replied that it the repaving job is being addressed. Mr. Kevin McNatt, Historical Society: Informed that there would be a program highlighting Annual Founders Day on September 11,2004 at I :00 p.m. It is a one woman show "Mrs. John Hancock" with Belinda West. It will be held in the community room and all are invited. He spoke briefly on some of the other programs they have held in yearly in September. r Board of Selectmen Minutes of September 8, 2004 8 r I Motion: To go into Executive Session at 10:05 p.m. for the purpose of discussing strategies for pending litigation and to return to Open Session. Roll Call Vote: Achille -aye, Dolan - aye; MacCaffrie, aye; McCue, aye; Amoruso, aye - All in favor - Passes The meeting reconvened in Open Session at 10:55 p.m. Foundrv LLC: McCaffrie asked for updated figures for next week. John said it may be too soon to get the requested figures (as they need to go back in time) by then but will try to do so. Both McCaffrie and John D'Agostino agreed that resolution needs to be arrived at to bring closure. I Michael McCue: Brochures for MMA Conference for Selectmen on Oct. 1-2. Encouraged members to attend. Bernie Dolan: Regarding the Veteran's interviews for Thursday evening: the secretary was asked to move the fourth candidate forward as one candidate has withdrawn his r candidacy. Motion to extend the meeting to no later than 11: 1 0 pm (Amoruso-Dolan) Passes 5-0 Town Manager: Spoke on the change in trash collection routes beginning September 13, 2004. He suggested residents consult both the scroll on Channel 9 for changes in the routes or on the Town web-site, or watch the program "Mansfield Connection". It will also be in the newspaper. Mansfield Rotary will be hosting Senior Citizens Luncheon on Tuesday, September 14 : Secretary to respond that Bernie Dolan and Lou Amoruso will attend this luncheon. Successful IDC Meeting Tues, 8/31 at the TPC. Legislative Breakfast today w/ Tri-town Chamber "We are open to doing business with your company" Mansfield's new slogan. Business communities appreciated this slogan. r I Motion to Adjourn at 11 :05 pm Amoruso - 5-0 Passes Board of Selectmen Minutes of September 8, 2004 9 r- (' r ~- -9~ Signature of ~ 7'~)( r--tl t7 Date óf Approval Board of Selectmen Minutes of September 8, 2004 10