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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 04/14/04 Present: ',", HECEIV£ù l,'~ C' ¡;:-...." , ", ~ 'o..t..rí¡\S OFF ICE 04 APR 22 AM 11 : 44 MANSFlE:lD MASSACHUSETTS Michael W. McCue, Chairman; Steven W. MacCaffrie, Vice Chairman; Roger S. Achille, Clerk and Louis P. Amoruso; Town Manager John O. D' Agostino; State Representative Betty Poirier and State Representative Michael Coppola; Norton Board of Selectmen Chairman Robert Kimball and Selectman Robert Salvo. Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 14, 2004 r The meeting, held at the Town Hall, was called to order at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Chairman McCue announced that Barney Frank would not be able to attend meeting due to death in the family. He stated that the Board would like to extend their condolences to him and his family. Warrant No. 42: r Motion: To approve Warrant No. 42 (Achille-MacCaffrie) Vote on Motion: 4 - 0 passes Minutes of April 7. 2004: Motion: To accept minutes of April 7, 2004 (Achille- McCue) Vote on Motion: 4-0 passes Licenses and Permits: · Drainlayer's License Application Grant Brothers Associates, 440 Ware Street, Mansfield, MA 02048 Motion: To issue Drainlayer's License to Grant Brothers Associates. (Achille- MacCaffrie) Vote on Motion: 4-0 passes r Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 14, 2004 1 (' Correspondence: Boards and Committees: · Memorandum from Jack Vultaggio, Chairman, Zoning Board of Appeals requesting Selectmen vote approval of an Affordable Housing Gift Account. Motion: To set up gift account for Affordable Housing. (MacCaffrie-Amoruso) Vote on Motion: 4-0 passes State and Local Government: · Mutual letter from Town of Mansfield and Town of Norton to MassHighway regarding Rte 495 access ramp. Residents: · Letter from Paula Jost of23 Fairfield Park regarding her water bill. Vice Chairman MacCaffrie inquired why the Town sent estimated bills and why the estimates were high. The Town Manager explained that it is the Town's policy to increase estimated bills to encourage owner to call for meter change out. Vice Chairman MacCaffrie questioned why the town would up estimate bills to force residents to do meter change outs. He stated that he did not agree with that policy, that the Town should r read the outside reader. Chairman McCue recommended Lee Azinheira, DPW Director provide an explanation to the Board. · Letter from Beth Flint requesting permission to use the Public Parking Lot for the Farmers' Market to be held starting Thursday, July 15th and continuing each Thursday through October 2004 between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Motion: To permit the use of the Public Parking Lot for the Farmers' Market. (MacCaffrie- Achille) Vote on Motion: 4-0 passes · E-mail from Mary Cinelli regarding Tweeter Center. Selectman MacCaffrie stated that the Tweeter Center issues were discussed at length last week. Jay Barrows requested permission for the use of the public parking lot between Mansfield Bank and Bookends on May 20th running every other Thursday night through Sept 23rd, from 6-9pm for cruise night. He stated that people enjoy getting together, with Dr. Don r from Blue Moon Promotions, a multi-mix. disk jockey who sets up for three hours,. The Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 14, 2004 2 (' disk jockey sets up at 5:30 in the back of the lot, with the Farmer's Market in the front of lot. The business community has been asked to provide contributions to pay for disk jockey. He stated there were no complaints ITom last year and that many of the downtown businesses benefited. Approximately 60 cars participate. Mansfield Bank has been cooperative. Townspeople and families are welcome. Mr. Barrows encouraged people looking to do fund raisers to contact him, stating it's a good opportunity to bring the community together. Motion: To allow cruise night as requested. (McCue-Amoruso) Vote on Motion: 4-0 passes Mr. Barrows also stated that the Downtown Business Association would like to request Wednesday, July 14, to close Main Street for their annual sidewalk sale and celebration, which he believes it's the 6th year they've been doing this annual event. Motion: To close Main Street on July 14th for the annual sidewalk sale. (MacCaffrie-McCue) Vote on Motion: 4-0 passes r Chairman McCue requested a 5-minute recess at 8:04 p.m. to make copies of information for discussion with Norton. Chairman McCue called the meeting back to order at 8:15 p.m.. Chairman McCue asked State Representatives Poirier and Coppola to address the issues facing Mansfield and Norton. Representative Coppola stated that there is good news and bad news regarding the budget. Chapter 70 Local Aid, lottery funding and other issues present daily challenges. He stated that he hoped the final budget would be out by the end of June or the beginning of July. The resolution with the bottom line figures was presented: Mansfield received $9.628 million in Chapter 70 last year · House Ways and Means promises $10,555,161 · Additional Assistance $725,040 · Lottery Funding $1,292,920 r Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 14, 2004 3 State is putting: r . $11.6 million more in for regional transportation. · $24 million more in for charter school contribution. Representative Poirier stated that the School Building Assistance for repairs and improvements would be available in the future. The Town Manager inquired about the Towns two projects in the audit process. He also inquired if the numbers were going to be reduced for those projects previously approved and funded. Representative Coppola stated they would continue at the going rate for the existing list. Representative Poirier and Coppola reviewed the Town of Norton figures as well. Representative Poirier stated with the $1.5 billion deficit the State is dealing with, she is pleased with the amount of aid being provided to communities and that it should be a big boost for the school budgets. Representative Coppola noted the Prescription Advantage Program for seniors would be of additional help. He stated that it is important that money is going to the Free Care Pool for hospitals so that they will be able to stay in business. He stated that the House of Representatives has heard the requests for hold harmless. Representative Coppola said that cuts will be made in Continuing Education and job cuts for State workers. Representative Poirier stated that it will take a number of years for the State, Cities and r Towns to dig out of cuts made over time and that there have been a number of cuts made in human services. She stated that we are still a few years away from being out of the woods, but that the economy is looking good. Chairman McCue inquired about lottery funds going back to Towns. Using funds in lieu of raising taxes is the lesser of two evils. He also inquired as to whether the Representatives saw the money coming back to the Towns. He and Vice Chairman MacCaffrie stated that is the way it was originally sold to the Towns. Representative Poirier stated that this happened before in the early 80's and 90's and that it will happen again. She stated there is a 5-year plan being designed to bring it back to where it was and that she believes that is the way it will happen again. However, the State is not in position to do that yet. Every reserve has been wiped out, few reserves are left, but pretty much many of the all-major and minor reserves have been used for this budget. Every effort has been made to fund what has been funded and she would like to be able to fund everything to bring the level back. Unfortunately, it is not possible to satisfy all entities. Representative Coppola said he believes lottery money should go back to the communities, but he doesn't see it happening for awhile. However, if pressure continues, it could happen in the future. Chairman McCue stated that it is that situation the Town is in now. The Town Manager said in relation to the Speaker's initiative to put money back into reserves, but at the same time, we could perhaps look at taking some of that money and using it. Town Manager stated that while he understands the need for reserves, but if you look at reserves and cuts, maybe a little less could be put into reserves and more cout r be put into the Cities and Towns. Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 14, 2004 4 r Representative Poirier stated concerns about the cuts in the middle of the year that occurred in the past, they were disastrous, with Towns having to come up with the difference between what was projected for funding by State and what the Towns actually received. She stated that she was happy that they would be putting something back into reserves. The Town Manager stated he agreed, but perhaps we could put a little less in reserve. Vice Chairman MacCaffrie said that he doesn't see what reforms will do to reduce the cost of building. That changes needed to be made, perhaps proven plans for buildings could be shared instead of each Town having to pay for design and engineering fees associated with developing such plans. He also suggested they could provide cities and towns with 5 or 6 different designs to choose from--that way all the Towns would have to pay for as far as the design was concerned were the necessary changes to tweak it to better suit their needs. He stated that frills come at expense and that he has noticed that the trend has lately been getting away from simplifying models and instead designing and building grandiose buildings and schools. He stated that parameters should be set that funding will be provided within certain parameters, but not funded outside of those parameters. Representative Poirier stated that it does seem foolish for Towns to pay for something that has already been designed and that models could be used. She also stated that part of a reform package is that a Clerk of the Works was a provision to assist in the oversight of r projects. Norton Board of Selectmen Chairman Bob Kimball stated that Norton has gone three times for an override to build new schools and it has been defeated by ballot each time. He stated that Norton already had the plans, but due to lack of funding, was unable to use them. He stated that he agreed with Vice Chairman MacCaffrie that the State should provide plans to Towns, noting Towns have to spend too much money to build new schools. He stated that growth is tremendous, and if Town's can't come up with a way to build their own schools, then they may have to look at regionalization. Norton needs another school, but there is no funding available and the existing schools are falling apart. Representative Poirier stated that construction reform is a huge part of the proposed reform, including changes in requirements for sub-bids, etc. A task force has been meeting for a year and this project is ongoing. She stated that basically everyone is of a like mind, the construction reform is needed and that she hopes that the reform will come forward with meaningful change to save cities and towns money. Rte 495 Southbound Access Ramp r Representative Poirier stated that she would like to get tje ball rolling to put money in for the design cost and was hoping to get funding from Transportation. Bond money will be available. She stated that a letter was sent today to the House Chairman of Transportation regarding this project and she said that a bond bill should be coming out Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 14, 2004 5 in couple of weeks and is that she is hoping to get that money. Representative Poirier r stated that the project is for the southbound ramp only. r r Chairman McCue stated that Norton and Mansfield have put together a letter and identified the fact that both towns are in support of the southbound ramp, but opposed to the northbound ramp. The letter was being given to the Norton Selectmen tonight for review and signature and Mansfield will sign it next week when the Mansfield Board is in full attendance. He stated that Mansfield appreciates Norton's cooperation in this matter. Representative Coppola inquired if the ramp would actually be located in Norton or Mansfield. Vice Chairman MacCaffrie stated that the ramp would be located entirely in Mansfield. Norton Chairman Kimball stated he felt that the commercial properties that would benefit from this project should have to assume a portion of the burden. Representative Poirier stated that it was her understanding that there was some sort of agreement that the property owners would provide mitigation if development gets to a certain point. Vice Chairman MacCaffrie stated that the existing agreement with the property owner makes no sense the way that it is written, and that due to the way it is written, there is a Catch 22. Norton Chairman Kimball stated that he felt the responsibility for development should be put on developers, not the State or Towns. Representative Coppola stated that the same thing should have happened when the Norton shopping plaza was being developed and that the developers should have had to provide mitigation. Vice Chairman MacCaffrie stated that the Towns need to be looking at working together to figure out how development will impact both towns. He feels that the Towns now have that rapport to work together. Chairman McCue agreed with Vice Chairman MacCaffrie, that it is vital to work together on these projects, that they benefit the Towns both recreationally and economically. He stated that he is pleased that the two towns have such a good working relationship now. Norton Chairman Kimball stated that for the last three years, communication has improved, that the Towns are unified in the fact that they have common problems and common interest. Norton Chairman Kimball stated that he would like to propose setting up a meeting in about a month to discuss these issues and work together on common goals. Chairman McCue stated that the Mansfield Board is aware Norton did not support that northbound ramp. Representative Poirier stated that they made it clear that they are only in support of one southbound ramp. Rte 106 Underpass Selectman Amoruso inquired about the status of the Route 106 underpass project. Representative Poirier stated things are still slated to go forward in this fiscal year through MassHighway. The Town Manager stated that the Town has issues with some of the pumps. They are failing and could cost the Town $145,00-200,000 to replace them. He stated that it doesn't make sense to spend the money to replace them because they will Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 14, 2004 6 be taken care of when the project is completed, but it made more sense to spend the r $35,000 to repair them for now. He stated that the Town is seeking to get permission from the State to leave the signalization at West Street and Forbes Boulevard. The Town Manager stated that the ongoing bridge construction for the Williams Street Bridge and the School Street Bridge are running along well, but voiced concerns that the Elm Street Bridge seems to be going nowhere. He voiced frustration over not being able to get a straight answer from MassHighway regarding this project. Representative Poirier suggested setting up a face-to-face meeting in early May with all parties present to discuss outstanding issues. Representative Coppola stated that it does no good to have meetings with the wrong people, that it is important to talk to the right people, to talk to the commissioner or higher up than that. The Town Manager suggested getting the MBT A involved too. The Town Manager stated his concerns that the bridge projects have cut down access to the center of town and schools, these projects have dragged on too long. Selectman Amoruso stated that the problem is this is a public safety issue. He suggested having the meeting in Mansfield and that perhaps they could all take a drive out to the sites. Representative Coppola suggested that the Town develop their own timeline and let the State know that this is the timeline the Town would like followed. The Town Manager stated his concerns, that everyone involved must be prepared to commit to the time schedule and that the Town would take a pro-active approach to getting the projects completed. Selectman Amoruso said he would be more than happy to attend the meeting. r Concerns about money being returned to the cities and towns from the Big Dig were discussed. Vice Chairman MacCaffrie stated that the money was originally taken from the Towns and should be returned to them. Representative Poirier stated that she believes that the money coming back would go into the general fund. Chairman McCue inquired if there was any way to ensure that the money would go back to the towns. Representatie Poirier stated that there are situations across the state that are worse than ours are. Roads are in disrepair everywhere, although we are catching up. She stated that she thinks that the State is doing the best they can with what they've got. Representative Poirier and Representative Coppola said that it was a special thing to come together with both Boards and that it is a terrific way to do business, as one big team. They thanked the Boards. Representative Coppola asked they be called anytime they could be of help. Representative Poirier stated that she would be in touch regarding setting up the meeting in May. Vice Chairman MacCaffrie went through his old business list: · DeGirolamo Property - the issue with the cars being in violation of zoning bylaws at the DeGirolamo property was taken care of by the Building Inspector. r · The Board never got an answer on the 40B report and why it didn't go out sooner. The Town Manager stated that he would take responsibility for the delay, that he Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 14, 2004 7 thought the final copy was a draft. The report was e-mailed and a hard copy was (" mailed immediately as soon as it was realized. Chairman McCue inquired if the Town could put some sort of procedure in place so that something like this does not fall through the cracks again. The Town Manager stated that it Was his fault; he should have gotten the letter to the Chairman two weeks sooner · Sewer Treatment Plant - he would still like to know what happened and why the transformer was taken off line. Chairman McCue inquired if DPW Director Lee Azinheira, and WPCF Operations Manager Ken Hackett would provide this information. He would like information on the problems leading up to the failure and the steps taken since then. He inquired if information would be provided prior to the meeting. The Town Manager stated that information would be provided and that the issue of transformer would be addressed in the document. Selectman Amoruso inquired if this means that this would cease to be an issue. The Town Manager stated that it has happened again during testing since the power failure and that there are repairs that will need to be done and funded. Vice Chairman MacCaffrie inquired as to when this additional failure occurred. The Town Manager stated it may have happened a few weeks ago. Vice Chairman MacCaffrie stated that he would have thought that this would have been brought to the Board's attention sooner, when it occurred. The Town Manager stated that he will have a report on that incident and that if he felt the failure during testing was a major issue, he would have been on the phone to inform them. r · Inquired about an explanation as to why bids on the HV AC system were so high. He stated he would like the Engineers to come to a meeting to discuss this issue. He is concerned that it may have been substantially underfunded. The Town Manager stated that he thought perhaps part of the reason for the high bids was due to a sharp increase in steel and materials costs. Vice Chairman MacCaffrie stated that he was aware of the increases, but that the increase occurred after bids were submitted. · Selectman Amoruso stated that the preparation for the Sister Cities event was rolling right along. They will be here at the time of Town Meeting. · Chairman McCue stated he has heard concerns about the Golden Triangle project. He inquired as to what sort of mechanisms we have in place to allow for comments and concerns with the project. He stated that he felt whoever did the traffic study in that area did a pretty good job. The Town Manager stated there is a local process, public meetings, department reviews to discuss concerns of projects. Selectman Achille stated that it is important that if the town feels they would like to comment, the local review process is where those concerns should be addressed. Chairman McCue stated he was wondering what is appropriate and not appropriate to address. Selectman Amoruso stated we need to bring all boards up to speed on what direction f' the Town is trying to go in. Vice Chairman MacCaffrie stated that many times Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 14, 2004 8 r developers are willing to provide assistance with traffic control. with companies like Wal-Mart, etc. Selectman Amoruso stated that the School Street Bridge should be completed before that project starts. He stated that the traffic from the proposed mall would affect the Industrial Park as well. He stated that something will have to be done about the railroad crossing, the Town will need to get some sort of mitigation to get that fixed, in addition to the intersection of West Street and Forbes Boulevard. All those things need to be incorporated. Selectman Achille stated that concerns should be submitted to the Planning Board. Selectman Achille also noted there would be time to address the concerns of the Board. Chairman McCue asked about the appropriate way to talk about concerns with other boards regarding growth in that area, including commercial growth. Selectman Achille noted hearings take place to voice concerns. Selectman Amoruso stated that perhaps the Board should put together a letter with concerns and the direction the Town is looking to go in terms of growth. Vice Chairman MacCaffrie said issues and concerns can be channeled through the Town Manager's Office and Department of Public Works in regards to signal lights and road repairs, such as the widening of roads. Selectman Amoruso stated the whole area needs to be evaluated for traffic issues generated from the shopping mall. Vice Chairman MacCaffrie said the Town also needs to look at the impact on other intersections, both east and west of the area. Selectman Amoruso stated a mitigation plan needs to be prepared and put in place. He also stated that it is possible that the Town may have huge changes in traffic flows. · Chairman McCue stated that the Jewell Street complaint had been addressed, but r delayed by the weather. A letter was sent requesting a 30-day extension. The Town Manager stated that he, Selectman Amoruso and Selectman McCarter took a ride down to that site and it was a mess. The Town Manager stated that in his opinion, a significant amount of progress has not been made. · Chairman McCue stated that the Highway Division did pick up the chunk of pavement that the Town tore up while plowing. Vice Chairman MacCaffrie stated his concern about the tone of the response. The Town Manager stated that the Town takes care of a number of citizen concerns on a daily basis. The Town Manager stated that a public meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 22, 2004 for the Hatheway-Patterson property to discuss the field investigation and additional monitoring wells, as well as the assessment of the monitoring. The Town has hired the Cecil Group to look at the risk assessment and review what zoning would allow for the use of the land. He stated that he is hoping that the planning process will be finished no later than the end of September if all goes will. The Town is working with a compressed timeline. This project process has been very public and inclusive of the residents, in fact a resident from that area sat on the selection committee for the consultant. Chairman McCue inquired if there had been any contact with Mass f' Development. He stated that they are interested in using the site. The Town Manager Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 14, 2004 9 r said that it may be premature to contact them now because the Cecil Group is working on reviewing the information. Chairman McCue requested that the Town Manager let Mass Development know what is going on. The Town Manager stated he would do so. The Town Manager discussed the House and Senate numbers for local aid and the gap left after what the Town was able to capture for revenue. He stated that he is scheduled to meet with the School Committee on Tuesday to discuss budget issues. The Town Manager discussed the possible impacts of implementing a 6.5% cut. The Police Officer assigned to the Schools would have to go back to the Police Department. The money for the Crossing Guards would be cut from the Police Budget. The Police Officer positions that are not filled will need to be filled because the Town cannot afford not to fill them. He stated that there are three front line cruisers approaching 100,000 miles by July, and they run 24 hour per day, 7days per week. It is important that first response vehicles are not compromised. The Town will not hire two people at the Fire Department to fill positions cut by attrition. He stated that reports would be provided to the Board on trends in expenses and salaries. He stated the Chief Assessor's position was not filled in FY'04 in an effort to make the budget work. However, in FY'05, it will be critically important to have a full time Chief Assessor on staff to provide necessary time for revaluation. Selectman Achille inquired what the Chief Assessor would provide that a part time position would not. The Town Manager stated that full time presence is needed with the revaluation coming up. He stated that he would look very closely at the budget before Town Meeting, that he would like to go to Town Meeting with a consensus r budget. He stated that he felt townspeople deserve that and he is committed to doing that. He stated there was a need to look at some aspect of stabilization. School enrollment has increased approximately 3%, and he feels the Town has always been committed to funding at or above the net school spending limit. He would like the Finance Committee to provide the Schools and the Town with what they perceive to be fair budget numbers. The Town Manager is preparing to meet with Department Heads to review budgets and look at needs. He cautioned that program elimination or cuts might be needed. He stated that he does not, cannot and will not support an override of Proposition 2 1/2. The Town Manager stated that the Treasurer has looked into refinancing Town bonds. Town Manager stated it is important the Board understands the positive impact that refinancing will have for the Town. Selectman Amoruso inquired why the Town is only looking into refmancing these specific bonds. He asked if other bonds close to the 3% cut off should be looked as well. The Town Manager stated that in order to refinance, Bond council requires the vote to be taken as follows: r Motion: That, in order to reduce interest costs, the Treasurer is authorized to provide for the sale and issuance of bonds under G.L. c.44, §21A to refund all or any portion of the remaining principal of and redemption premium and interest on Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 14, 2004 10 the Town's Water Bond dated January 20, 1982, Water Bond dated July 1, 1982, (' Water Bond dated November 15, 1982, Water Bond dated June 8, 1983, Sewer Bonds dated January 1, 1994 and Municipal Purpose Loan of 1997 Bonds dated August 15, 1997; and that for this purpose the Treasurer is authorized to provide for the preparation and distribution of a Preliminary Official Statement; provided, however, that no bonds shall be issued under this vote unless and until the final interest rates and other terms of the refunding bonds are approved by this Board. (MacCaffrie- Achille) Vote on Motion: 4-0 passes The Town Manager stated that the final issue to be brought up to the Board was that the Town is finishing up the fund drive for the Mansfield Around the World project. The sign location has been changed to the South Common in the center of town where north, south, east and west meet. The Town Manager stated that the sign was purchased on a purchase order issued in FY'03 and if there is any difference, it will be coming out of the DPW budget. Vice Chairman MacCaffrie inquired where the funding is coming from and questioned why the work was not being done from the funds raised since it was originally a cost that was presented as donor supported, with no taxpayer dollars being used. He further asked why the funds are not simply being transferred to the South Common installation. Selectman Achille stated that it was his understanding that the work was going to be paid through donations and inquired how much money was going to be spent for this project. The Town Manager stated that the funds would come out of r this year's operating budget, not next year's. Vice Chairman MacCaffrie stated he thought there was a spending freeze on this year's budget. The Town Manager stated that there was, but certain improvements are budgeted. He said he was not sure how much it would cost the Town, but it should be less than $500 or $1,000. He stated that he thought that he should have discretion to spend the money to beautify the community. Chairman McCue stated that yes, the Town Manager does have the discretion. Selectman Achille stated that he is tired of these turf battles, that he was elected last year and that he feels he has to respond to people. In the end, he provides evaluation, but doesn't want his opinion swept aside and needs to state what his concerns are. Chairman McCue stated that he did not mean to sweep anyone's concerns under the table, that he was just stating that the Town Manager did have that discretion. The Town Manager stated that he feels that he has always met the objectives of the Board and intends to continue to do so. Vice Chairman MacCaffrie stated that perhaps that Town would be better served using the money elsewhere, like the COA or at the Schools. He stated that he understands that we have Sister Cities coming and the need for beautification, but we must be realistic. The Town Manager stated that Town has made commitments to certain projects, like the sign project. Selectman Amoruso inquired what about concerns of the placement of the sign. The Town Manager stated that he wanted the Board to know when these kinds of decision are made; you have to look at the commitments to the community. That the Town shares common objectives and just mentioned it for the.ir information. It needs to be done. Vice Chairman MacCaffrie stated we need new police cruisers, need this, need that and they all add up. ,..- Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 14, 2004 11 Selectman Amoruso stated that he did mention he would like to have cable come in to ( have discussions about outstanding issues and would like to see that put on a future agenda. r r Motion: To adjourn at 10:40 p.m. (Achille) Vote on Motion: 5-0 passes ~ ignature of Clerk Board of Selectmen Minutes of April 14, 2004 12