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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 4-24-1985MAY - 2 1985 BOARD OF SELECTMEN J� MINUTES OF MEETING `� ( APRIL 24, 1985 TO' CLERK PRESENT: Chairman D'Onofrio; Selectmen Dunn, Levine, McNair, Mahana; Acting Town Manager 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. and the Flag saluted. 2. Minutes of April 17, 1985 * MOTION: To approve the Minutes of April 17, 1985. McNair /Mahana Someone questioned the dates, under Item 5 -d, for the Recreation Commission and Conservation Commission, feeling they were reversed. It was decided that they were, but could stand. VOTED: 3 -0 Dunn and Levine abstained 3. Warrant #44 * MOTION: To approve Warrant #44 in the amount of $591,572.13, dated April 24, 1985, broken down as follows: General Fund - $460,120.93 Revenue Sharing - 218.37 Special Revenue - 6,284.55 Sewer Enterprise - 2,811.14 Water Enterprise - 9,146.43 Electric Enterprise - 112,990.71 McNair /Dunn VOTED: 4 -0 Levine abstained 4. Licenses and Permits a) Renewal application for Junk Dealer's License of J. DiRienzo & Son, 328 School Street. * MOTION: To approve the Renewal Application for DiRienzo & Son. Levine /Dunn VOTED: 5 -0 b) Renewal application for Auctioneer's License of J. Wood & Co., 223 Franklin Street. * MOTION: To approve the Renewal Application for J. Wood & Co. McNair /Mahana VOTED: 5 -0 c) Application for Parade Permit for Wednesday, June 19, 1985 for Mansfield High School Class of 1935 50th Reunion; to be a motorcade. Approved by Police Chief with restriction noted that they must wait for cruiser es- cort before starting parade. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING APRIL 24, 1985 PAGE 2 d) MOTION: To cancel the scheduled May 6, 1985 Special Town Meeting. McNair /Mahana VOTED: 5 -0 e) MOTION: To approve Voucher #2945, dated April 3, 1985, bill from Capo- nigro Co. (amount clarified by Town Counsel). McNair /Dunn VOTED: 5 -0 5. Bill Jordan /Norton Sewer Committee Bill Jordan had asked to meet with the Board tonight to help move things along, because their Town Meeting is coming up (May). Chairman D'Onofrio read the April 17th Memo from Joe Zeneski, DPW Director, which outlined the Town's position (see April 17 Minutes). Bill Jordan elaborated on what Nor- ton considers their "critical needs" areas under a 1977 Facility Planning Study and said to sewer all areas would require approximately 2.7 million gallon capacity. Norton has an Article on their Warrant this year for sewer - ing Knollwood, for which they will have to fund $700,000. Selectman Dunn questioned why an industrial park that is not yet in place is included in their critical needs designation; he does not feel an industrial park should come under the 10% /dollar category. Further discussion indicated the entire Board agreed on this. Bill Jordan mentioned the difficulty the Town had had in building support for any sewering, but explained that the DEQE had man- dated they take some action on the Knollwood Estates because conditions were so bad. Asked why they had gone after a grant for Knollwood but not Norton Grove, and Selectman Levine's statement that Norton was all for Mansfield acquiring the sewer plant because Mansfield was polluting their reservoir, but now Norton is doing the same, Bill Jordan said it is all based on the Town's financial situation. Chairman D'Onofrio, in summary, explained that Mansfield's Board is willing to go forward with both Foxboro and Norton in the interest of protecting health and water needs. He feels base allocation must be carefully defined, and for planning purposes it is important to know and have them buy a cer- tain capacity. Also that the cost per user for Foxboro and Norton cannot go below that of Mansfield; and in order to hook up the industrial park Mans- field would expect payment at full value. He then suggested that a further meeting be established when they could sit down.together and iron out the differences. Such a time was set for May 2nd at 7:30 P.M. in the Mansfield Town Hall. Public Hearing /Ambulance Fees At 8:00 P.M. the Chairman interrupted the above discussion to open the 8 o'clock hearing and ask for a motion to postpone it: MOTION: To postpone the hearing on ambulance fees until 8:15 P.M. Levine /Mahana VOTED: 5 -0 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING APRIL 24, 1985 PAGE 3 The hearing was reopened at 8:17 P.M. and Fire Chief Ed Sliney advised the Board that the Town is presently running into a hole on fees for the ambu- lance. He had recently attended a Fire Chiefs meeting where this subject was discussed and said they are trying to keep rates consistent in the area. Each member had received copies of surrounding towns' rates and the suggested increases for Mansfield. Those towns which showed lower rates are subsi- dized by the tax rate; Mansfield depends upon what comes in and has to ac- cept what Blue Cross, etc. pays (80 %). The Treasurer advised the Board that originally the Revolving Fund was established so that a portion of fees col- lected would go towards a replacement vehicle when it was needed; however, there is not enough to meet expenses now. She said the Town accepts what- ever Medicare pays. The Chairman stated that in addition to raising fees, there is need for a policy for increasing collectibles; there is no law which allows the Collector to enforce collection so that either a collection agency or court are the alternatives. The Chairman said it is important to make sure the costs are covered, then consider a method to ensure for those who are paying the fee that the Town do everything possible to collect from those who are not paying. The hearing was opened to those present; one resi- dent expressed the feeling that if the fees are raised the Town should be sure there are competent attendants on the ambulance; he had a bad experi- ence one night. The Chairman closed the hearing. MOTION: Move that we set the fees for ambulance at base rate of $100.00, loaded mile $4.00 and Oxygen $15.00. Dunn /Levine VOTED: 5 -0 Selectman Mahana suggests planning ahead so that there will be money for a replacement vehicle. He had asked Chief Sliney the condition of the current ambulance and was told the engine had just been rebuilt, as well as some other work done, but that there is a need now for a new vehicle. MOTION: That the Town Manager look into the services of a collection agency for outstanding bills. Mahana /Dunn VOTED: 5 -0 Public Hearinq /Parkinq Ticket Fees The Chairman asked if there was anyone present who wished to participate concerning this matter; there being no one, he asked for a motion to post- pone the hearing until later. MOTION: To postpone the parking ticket hearing until later on the sched- ule. Mahana /McNair VOTED: 5 -0 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING APRIL 24, 1985 PAGE 4 George Wojtkiewicz - Applicant for Cable Access Rep George Wojtkiewicz had been asked to meet with the Board as an applicant for reappointment as their representative on the Cable Access Corp. Board. He first told the Board it was the first time he had ever been called be- fore the Board regarding appointment, and he thinks it is a wonderful thing to do. Each Selectman asked questions concerning the function of the Cable Access Board, what he feels could be done to improve and /or add functions, long -range planning. George said he feels the main job of Cable Access is to collect the money that is due the corporation, then use the money to facilitate public use of the facility for programming. He described the involved process and phases of training people and said he doesn't feel there are enough people showing interest to do the work. One suggestion he made was to exchange tapes with other neighboring towns which might stimu- late interest. He also said the Board sets policy, does not formulate plan- ning for the year; they evaluate programming ideas. Selectman Mahana ex- pressed a feeling that a director is needed, perhaps part -time for the even- ings to stimulate those in Phase I. George said Mo Prasad has put in a tre- mendous amount of effort and time with Cable Access for several years and has done a magnificent job. The Chairman thanked George for coming in, then asked for nominations. George Wojtkiewicz - 3* John Sharpe - 2 9. Mansfield East Common Hearing Mr. Coffey, Mr. Rys and Mr. Berman were all present. Mr. Berman's attorney, Steve Rossi, introduced himself. The Chairman then briefly outlined the problem and purpose for tonight's meeting, then asked the Acting Town Man- ager to go down the list of resident questions submitted at the last meeting, which indicated the No Parking signs had been taken down, sometime ago, be- cause they were causing the trees to bleed, were bent up, and were not being enforced. No one complained, so nothing further was ever done. The Special Resident Parking Permits came into existence when the ban because of snow plowing was instituted and for the most part is restricted to the downtown area. Mr. Rys said he believes the area around the Common was intended to be a residential area, and though there are two other businesses on the Com- mon, both of them provide their own parking off the Common. He said Mr. Ber- man's business has grown to the extent that he asked for 4 Special Permits for his own personal cars so that the space on his property could be used for the business, which he feels is wrong. At the least, he and Mr. Coffey would like to see no overnight parking reinstated, and no double or triple parking. Mr. Berman said he had lived there for some 30 years and has al- ways parked cars on the Common, and he said he has parked cars on the Common during the day, or sometimes told someone to leave their car there overnight, but that he won't any more. There were neighbors from the area in the room, and they spoke in support of Mr. Berman. A Mr. Flint urged Coffey and Rys to go home and be good neighbors and settle it. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING APRIL 24, 1985 PAGE 5 Selectman Mahana suggested reinstating the No Parking 8:30 P.M. to 8,30 A.M. and allow Berman the Special Permits, Chairman D'Onofrio felt the pictures do show a problem there and there is, therefore, need for an ap- propriate safeguard method instituted to assure that the cars with Special Permits are the only ones parked there. Selectman Levine reminded every- one that Commons are everybody's property and should be treated with a little sanctity. One resident said he had no off - street parking, so would like to have a Special Permit; he was told he could. Selectman McNair then suggested that the Board go down to look at the area before any motion is made. It was also suggested that parking on one side of Cherry Street could be the best solution. Selectman Dunn voiced the feeling that the DPW Director would be the one to make an analysis; Attorney Rossi added the Police Chief as one qualified to assess the problem. The Board agreed with these suggestions. * MOTION: To take the matter under advisement. Mahana /McNair VOTED: 5 -0 10. Public Hearing /Parking Ticket Fees Each Board member had been given a copy of the Chief of Police's proposed increase in fines, plus two additions, as follows: - Parking upon a crosswalk - from $5.00 to $10.00 - Parking within a restricted area - from $5.00 to $10.00 - Double parking - from $5.00 to $10.00 - Parking within an intersection - from $5.00 to $10.00 - Parking over 1 foot from curb - from $3.00 to $ 5.00 - Parking wrong direction - from $3.00 to $ 5.00 - Overtime parking - from $3.00 to $ 5.00 - Improper angle parking - from $3.00 to $ 5.00 - Parking in taxi stand - from $3.00 to $10.00 - Interfering with snow removal - from $3.00 to $15.00 - Interfering with street cleaning - from $3.00 to $ 5.00 - All night parking ban - from $3.00 to .$ 5.00 Additions: - Parked in handicapped designated space - $15.00 - Interfering with free flow of traffic - $10.00 * MOTION: To accept the Chief of Police recommended increases in fines. Mahana /Dunn AMENDMENT: To increase fine for designated handicapped space to $50.00. VOTED: 5 -0 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING APRIL 24, 1984 PAGE 6 Joan Cutillo advised that with the handicapped parking space fine going into effect such spaces should be well marked; she was asked to check the law regarding private parking areas, such as malls, shopping plazas, and if found that police may ticket there, the owners should be notified that those spaces must be properly identified. 11. Old Business - Acting Town Manager a) Referring to last week's suggestion of a reward leading to apprehension of those responsible for the train station fire, the Police and Fire Chief have been asked to work diligently on this. The Fire Chief ad- vises that there is an Arson Hot Line, which is confidential and offers up to $5,000 for such information; the suggestion was to put an ad in the local newspapers giving this information. * MOTION: To put an ad in the local newspapers covering the Arson Hot Line and reward. Mahana /McNair VOTED: 5 -0 b) The Electric Department Manager has replaced the street lights on North Main Street underpass, where it was found they were all out, and the condition of the underpass is much better now. Lights cannot be put in the underpasses because the Town does not own them. c) The condition of the Little League field, brought up by Mr. Devine at last week's meeting, is under the jurisdiction of the School Department, and Mr. Barbarisi will contact the Little League to work something out. Mr. Barbarisi said the Little League is supposed to maintain the field, per agreement. If nothing can be done the Little League will be told they cannot use the field. Mr. Devine was present and was upset by what he interprets as people and equipment not being able to do this small job, yet the tax dollars are collected. The Board could only say it was not there responsibility to direct the School Department, but that the Acting Town Manager had pursued it as far as possible. d) The gift of a tree from Mr. Benoit for Arbor Day will be planted in front of the Town Hall on Friday, April 26th at 10:00 A.M. * MOTION: That a member of the Board attend the tree planting. Mahana /no second e) Discussion with Town Counsel concerning interviews of Town Manager appli- cants indicates it must be in open session. 12. Old Business - Selectmen a) Chairman D'Onofrio brought up the April 3rd motion concerning copies of BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING APRIL 24, 1985 PAGE 7 each week's Minutes to Margot Jellinek. * MOTION: To rescind the Motion to send copy of the Minutes each week. Levine /Dunn Discussion centered on whether or not she had asked for them to be sent, the time and cost, especially if others decided they would like to receive them also. Chairman D'Onofrio ex- pressed his feeling that in the essence of democracy those who are interested in the Town, which Margot always has been, should be informed. FAILED: 2 -3 13. New Business a) The Acting Town Manager reported that the DPW Director was contacted by Wayne Southworth; Superintendent of the Easton Water Division, who ex- pressed interest in having the same kind of water resources study done as Mansfield is planning; he also mentioned the possibility of a region- al grant for aquifer protection. b) Selectman Mahana asked that planning start now for this year's Christ- mas lights display in town; he suggests doing this in conjunction with the Electric Department, and he would like to see,a larger committee than the previous one. It was decided to start with members of the past com- mittee; Selectman Mahana will take charge of this. c) Selectman McNair would like to know who owns the garage next to the fire station; he feels it is a hazard in its present condition and should be either torn down or at least boarded up. Joan Cutillo will follow up on this. d) Selectman McNair also advised that a resident on Shield Street reported the street sign is gone and they would like to have it up again. e) Selectman Dunn reminded the Board that now Town Meeting is over the 5 -year planning process is to be picked up again. He said he will send out a Memo, and it was determined to put it on the May 15th agenda. 14. Adjournment The Board was polled to adjourn at 11:12 P.M. 5 -0 R Date igned