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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 10-27-1993l/ BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OCTOBER 27, 1993 PRESENT: Chairman Pasquale, Clerk Ronald, Selectmen Penney, Robinson, Royle and William F. Williams, Town Manager 1. The meeting was called to order at 8:20 P.M. followed by the pledge of allegiance. 2. Minutes of October 6, 13, 20 1993 Executive Session Minutes of October 6, 1993, June 21, 1993, and September 30, 1992 MOTION: To approve the minutes of October 6, 1993. ( Royle- Ronald) (4 -0 -1) Selectman Robinson Abstained. PASSES. Prior to voting on the above motion, the Selectmen discussed an amendment to the September 29, 1993 minutes voted on at the October 6, 1993 meeting. Selectman Royle asked if it was the Board of Health who had previously deter- mined the gray leaehate to be inert. MOTION: To approve the minutes of October 13, 1993. (Robinson - Royle) (4 -0 -1) Selectman Ronald Abstained. PASSES. MOTION: To approve the minutes of October 20, 1993. ( Royle- Robinson) All in favor. PASSES. MOTION: To approve the executive session minutes of June 21, 1993. ( Royle- Robinson) (4 -1) Selectman Penney Opposed. PASSES. Prior to voting on the above motion, Selectman Penney stated that he realizes that there is a trend to make the Initiates shorter but that he thinks that impor- tant information is being left out. MOTION: To approve the executive session minutes of October 6, 1993 with the follow- ing amendments: A statement should be added stating that Town Counsel made it perfectly clear that there were no violations of the open meeting law. The phrase "a member of the Board of Selectmen" in the third and forth paragraphs should be replaced with Selectman Penney. (Robinson - Royle) (4 -0 -1) Selectman Robinson Abstained. PASSES. MOTION: To release the minutes of October 6, 1993. (Ronald- Penney) (4 -0 -1) Selectman Robinson Abstained, PASSES. MOTION: To approve Warrant No. 17 in the amount of $1,805,389.75. (Robinson- Royle) All in favor. Selectman Royle abstained from all Board of Health issues. PASSES. MOTION: To approve Warrant No. 18 in the amount of $1,418,503.92. (Robinson - Royle) All in favor. Selectman Royle abstained from all Board of Health issues. PASSES. Brook Street Agreement A consenus of the Board of Selectmen was in favor of the Brook Street Agreement. 1 Sewer Extension Permit for Essex Heights MOTION: To sign. ( Royle- Penney) All in favor. PASSES. 3. Correspondence Letter to the Board of Selectmen from Poorvu Construction Inc. requesting help to obtain dis- counts as per the terms of their monthly water bills After discussion of the above request and the date which the payment was actually mailed, the following motion was made: MOTION: To extend the discount to Poorvu Construction. (Penney - Royle) All in favor. PASSES. Copy of a memorandum to Chief O'Neill and Dan Clifford, DPW Director, from Patrolman Lance Lawson recommending that "DO NOT BLOCK THE DRIVEWAY" signs be installed along the north side of the street east of the residences at 15 -17 Fulton Street and recommend- ing that the curb cuts for the driveways on that side of the street be marked with traffic yellow paint to further enhance the driveways MOTION: To approve the signs and the painting of the curb cuts for the driveways. ( Royle- Penney) All in favor. PASSES. Letter from James E. Bilodeau, Jr. to the Board of Selectmen with attached petition of 30 citizens in complaint of barking dogs at Alladen Kennels A public hearing has been scheduled for November 10, 1993 at 8:30 P.M. Letter to William Williams, Town Manager, from the Veterans' Service Agents Association, Inc., regarding the Town of Mansfield's hiring of a part -time Veterans' Agent Notice from the County Commissioners of Bristol County to the Bristol County Advisory Board Members for a meeting on November 4, 1993 at 7:00 P.M. Public Service Announcement from Self Help stating that an Outreach worker will be available in the Town of Mansfield at the Council on Aging on Wednesdays from 1:00 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. Letter from Cablevision Industries to John M. Urban community Antenna Television Commis- sion with enclosed quarterly complaint and significant service interruption forms for com- munities served by Cablevision Industries and affiliated companies for the quarter ending Sep- tember 30, 1993 Letter to the Board of Selectmen from SRPEDD concerning training sessions regarding recent changes to Title 5 of the State Environmental Code Notice of Intent to file a Draft Environmental Impact Statement /Draft Environmental Impact Report from the U.S. Department of Transportation Informational Guideline Release from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue 4. 8:30 P.M. - Tax Classification Public Hearing Assessors Walter Main and Paul Folkman and Board of Assessors Office Manager Shirley McPhee were present for this public hearing, Assessor Paul Folkman and Walter Main stated their position concerning tax classification -- single vs. split rates for industrial and residential uses. Assessor Main stated that he is no longer in favor of going back to a single classifica- tion; Assessor Folkman stated that he would like to try to get back to a single rate for one more year. Members of the Board of Selectmen commented on and asked questions regarding the end result of the Town continuing the current tax rate, surrounding town tax rates compared to Mansfield's, the effect of higher taxes on industry, and legality of a split tax rate. Selectman Penney stated that he would be in favor of moving toward a single rate; Selectman Ronald stated that perhaps the industrial rate should be lowered this year. The hearing was continued to November 3, 1993 at 6:30 P.M. during the Board of Selectmen's workshop with the Assessors. 5. Discussion with Steve Grossman of Cable Vision Industries Steve Grossman of Cable Vision Industries began the discussion by referencing a letter from him to the Board of Selectmen dated August 25, 1993 concerning rate and programming changes for cable. Mr. Grossman stated the various packages available to cable subscribers and reviewed several rate changes. Members of the Board of Selectmen asked Mr. Grossman questions regarding maintenance of a 15 percent discount for senior citizens, the learning channel on an access station, service costs, ability to purchase remotes, use of remotes, channel charts on the back of remotes, local chan- nel grouping, most current complaints from subscribers, maintenance of unused cable outlets, ESPN II, the number of Mansfield residents not serviced by cable, submission of financial reports, amending "Free Tear" to include discounts that are available and distribute them to the COA and Veterans Agent's office to handout, cost for request, and the Cable VIP club. l 6. Old Business Town Manager , William Williams, Town Manager, referenced a workmen's compensation report update and also stated that two letters of commendations have been given, one of which to the Fire Depart- ment. Lastly, Mr. Williams stated that it is Joan Cutillo's, Town Treasurer, twenty -fifth an- niversary today. Board of Selectmen Policies and Procedures Manual It was suggested that Selectman Penney's proposed revisions be distributed to the Board. Selectman Penney stated that the Policies and Procedures does not say anything about the secretary. Selectman Royle stated that when the Board does discuss the policies and proce- dures, she would like them read aloud and distributed to the other Town boards and com- mittees. Selectman Penny suggested that the mission statement should be included. Meeting with Surrounding Towns Boards of Selectmen Chairman Pasquale stated that all attendees found the meeting with surrounding town boards of selectmen beneficial. One of the topics discussed at the meeting was the access road running from Rt. 495 through the Great Woods. A concensus of the Board of Selectman was to send a letter to the Town of Norton stating that we too have problems with the alternatives provided by SRPEDD and to thank them for not supporting the offered alternatives also. Chairman Pasquale also stated that at the meeting with surrounding towns boards of selectmen the Boards discussed the Town of Foxboro "imegaplex ". A consensus of the Boards was to re- quest William Williams, Town Manager, to draft a letter in support the Town of Foxboro and send the draft to the surrounding towns to use as an example. 3 r Chairman Pasquale also stated that at the meeting with surrounding towns boards of selectmen the Boards discussed the Town of Foxboro "megaplex ". A consensus of the Boards was to request William Williams, Town Manager, to draft a letter in support the Town of Foxboro and send the draft to the surrounding towns to use as an example. Chairman Pasquale read the draft letter aloud. MOTION: To send the letter to Governor Weld and copy Representative Hyland and Senator Keating. (Pasquale- Penney) (4 -0 -1) Selectman Robinson Abstains. PASSES. Another topic of discussion at the meeting with surrounding towns was the wells in East Mansfield/ Norton. The Town of Norton will be updating Mansfield on the issue. One other issue discussed by the various Boards of Selectmen at the meeting was education reform. This was not well received by any of the Towns. A consensus of the Board was to invite the School Committee to the Board of Selectmen's meeting when education reform is dis- cussed. Drain Layers License Regulations Selectman Penney stated that he has reviewed the regulations put together by Robert Swanson, Town Engineer, and that he feels that the basic concepts are in the regulations but that Mr. Swanson still needs to get comments from Dan Clifford, DPW Director, and Bert Cook, In- spector of Buildings \Zoning Enforcement Officer and also needs to work on the details. A consensus of the Board of Selectmen was to remind Mr. Clifford and Mr. Swanson to submit their continents regarding the draft regulations. Veterans Agent Chairman Pasquale stated that he had a meeting with David Powers, who was appointed Veterans Agent at the Selectmen's meeting of October 13. When voting to appoint Mr. Powers to the position, there was a misunderstanding of the flexibility of the office hours Mr. Powers would be available to work. As a result, Mr. Powers has resigned, and the Board is faced with seeking the appointment of another agent. Selectman Royle nominated Gerry Scherma for the Veterans Agent position. No other nomina- tions were made at that time. A consensus of the Board was unanimously in favor of appoint- ment Mr. Scherma to the position of Veteran's Agent and contacting hint to see if he would be able to work weekday office hours. Discussion followed regarding the appointment being part -time up until July 1, 1994 and increasing the weekly hours up until that time because there is available money in the payroll account because a Veterans Agent was not employed from the months of July, August, and September. Selectman Royle asked if it would be possible to move the Veterans Agent's office to another location in the Town Hall to free the Planning Board's meeting room, possibly the office which was used by the Assistant to the Town Manager. Selectman Ronald suggested that the Town contact the VFW, American Legion, Council on Aging, of Elderly housing to see if they would like to offer office space for the Veteran's Agent. A consensus of the Board was not in favor of seeking alternative office space at the Council on Aging, elderly housing, VFW, or American Legion but to use the office which had been used by [lie Assistant to the Town Manager. Closing of Old Maple Street Selectman Ronald stated that there has been a request to close Old Maple Street from Chief Sliney and there is also a memorandum from the Planning Board regarding same. Selectman Royle stated that she would not be in favor of closing Old Maple Street and that she doesn't see what the advantages would be. 0 Selectman Penney gave a brief background of what has transpired regarding closing Old Maple Street and stated that he cannot say much on the issue because he is directly effected by it but that there is presently a traffic problem. 7. New Business Town Manager Purchase Order for approximately $9,000 for Dorrance Excavators in Norton MOTION: To approve. (Penney - Royle) All in favor. PASSES. William Williams stated that he received a request from an employee to close Town Hall on the Friday after Veterans Day and Thanksgiving because Christmas and New Years are both on Saturdays this year and will be celebrated on Fridays. Town Hall employees only work half days on Fridays and, therefore, would still be owed two one -half days, which would be made up on the Fridays after Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, if the request is granted. A consensus of the Board of Selectmen was four members in favor and one abstention (Selectman Royle). Selectman Robinson stated that he received a memorandum from the Light Department requesting to also be on the above schedule and, in turn, they would work until 8:00 P.M. on all Wednesdays in November. MOTION: To approve. (Ronald- Robinson) All in favor. PASSES. Town Manager William Williams asked if the Board of Selectmen would like to extend the same offer to the Paine School. Family Medical Leave Policy William Williams, Town Manager, stated that he received a response from Labor Counsel, Mike Lehane, on the policy. Mr. Williams stated that he feels that the policy should be ap- proved almost in tact and would like the Board of Selectmen to submit any changes in writing to him to circulate. Chairman Pasquale asked if the last paragraph of the document is legal. AFSCME One -Half Hour Lunch Town Manager William Williams stated that he received a request for the Water, Sewer, Highway, and Maintenance workers who are members of AFSCME to have one -half hour lunches and get out of work one -half hour earlier. Selectman Penney asked what the ad- vantages would be of going to a one -half hour lunch. Discussion followed if the AFSCME members had requested to open up their contract, they had not. A consensus of the Board was to discuss the request in executive session. ADA Training William Williams, Town Manager, thanked Catherine Salisbury for her assistance in preview- ing customer service films, reviewing emergency clearance, and seeking bids for the Fire Department heating system. MBC Building Feasibility Study Chairman Pasquale stated that Max Ferro of the Preservation Partnership will be giving a presentation to the Board of Selectmen on November 3, 1993, and the Municipal Building Committee and the Capital Improvements Committee have both been invited to the presenta- tion. At this time, the Board also discussed a memorandum from the Municipal Building Com- mittee, in which they have requested representatives be appointed to a committee for a School Building Feasibility Study. After discussion of the memorandum, the Board would like clarification from the Municipal Building Committee if they would like representatives of the 5 Board of Selectmen or if they would like the Board of Selectmen to appoint representatives of the School Committee. If the MBC would like representatives of the Board of Selectmen, Selectmen Royle and Ronald would like to be on the Committee. Selectmen Penney asked if anyone on the Board of Selectmen would like to be nominated for the Massachusetts Selectmen's Association. Due to the great time commitment for this associa- tion, none of the Selectmen wished to be nominated. Selectmen Penney asked if a response had been received from the Planning Board regarding changing their meeting night so the meetings may be televised. A response has not been received yet. Selectman Royle stated that it was a nice memorandum Chief O'Neill put together regarding a bicycle auction but is too bad because most of the bikes were auctioned as a result of being stolen. Selectman Royle stated that three Boards of Health, Easton, Sharon, and Mansfield, have been awarded a smoking grant in the amount of $77,500. Turn on Red After Stopping At this time, members of the Board of Selectmen discussed a memorandum from Bob Swan- son, Town Engineer, concerning installation of "Turn on Red After Stopping " signs. MOTION: To have the signs installed at the Chauncy Street /Copeland Drive intersection for a ninety -day trial basis. ( Royle- Penney) (4 -1) Selectman Robinson Opposed. Selectman Robinson referenced a letter the Selectmen received in their boxes from Paul Wil- liamson dated October 26, 1993, requesting the Board grant authorization to the Town Manager to obtain fair market value on land approximately 4,250 square feet and requested that it be discussed in a workshop. Selectman Robinson also requested that a stronger light be shown on the flag at the highway garage at night. Town Manager William Williams stated that the Town could take the flag down at night. Selectman Pasquale stated Together We Can still needs to raise $150,000 and also still needs a store front. Selectman Pasquale also stated that while at the Together We Can forum this eve- ning he said that he would make a motion at tonight's Selectmen's meeting to make the John Berry School available to the YMCA. The John Berry School was not considered suitable for any use in the Municipal Building Feasibility Study conducted by the Preservation Partner- ship. MOTION: To make available to the YMCA the option to lease the John Berry School for one year or more at $1.00 a year. If they so want it, they would have to be responsible for all expenses such as heat, etc. (Pasquale - Royle) (3 -1 -1) Selectman Robinson Opposed and Selectmen Ronald Abstained. PASSES. Prior to voting on the above motion, members discussed if any other groups had shown interest in the building; only the Amigo group had; public input on the decision, and that the YMCA would still have to go through the permitting process. 8. 'Adjoui gtlment - 3:06 Cler�ture Date of Approval rR