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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 2-8-1995BOARD OF SELECTMEN FEBRUARY 8,1995 MINUTES r.)I ED) If A,i 10 :391 1 PRESENT: Chairman Robinson, Clerk Ronald, Selectmen Pasquale, Penney and Royle, William F. Williams, Tome Manager 1. The meeting was called to order at 8:15PM with the Salute to the Flag. 2. Council for the Aging - Budget Review - Social Services: Ms. JoyLee Eppes and Ms. Gail Farrugia addressed the Board of Selectmen concerning their budget and social services department request. Ms. Eppe-s explained the social services department and the need for additional services. The social services department was created in 1987 as a whole community service. The services of the social worker are used by approximately 175 families with an increase of almost 10 families per month. The social worker workers closely with the West Side Benevolent Society and other agencies within the town an greater Attleboro area. Ms. Farrugia requested $19,000 for the hiring of an additional part-time social worker. The philosophy of the social services area is Prevention vs. Intervention. Selectmen Comments: Continents and questions from the Board included, location of workspace, confidentiality, food pantry, scope of services provided, client base - local or transient, coordination of services through the Veteran's Agent, location of office space for the West Side Benevolent Society, exploration of other agency assistance (example - services for the Legally Blind). MOTION: To support the request for the Social Services funding and the team as presented. (Royle/Penney) 5 -0 -0. PASSES 3. Presentation of Outstanding Citizen Award for Heroism: James Murray Chief Edward A. Sliney, Jr. - Mansfield Fire told the Board of Selectmen about an an extraordinary act of heroism performed by Mr. James Murray of Union Street. On February 1, 1995, Mr. Murray was awakened by a smoke alarm. He alerted the other tenants in the house and realized that Ms. Carry Marshall was not outside. Putting personal safety aside he entered her apartment and found her lying on the floor. He brought her outside to the fresh air. His quick actions saved Ms. Marshall's life. Chief Sliney and Chairman Robinson presented Mr. Murray with a citation for his act of heroism in saving a life. Ms. Marshall appeared at the meeting and personally thanked Mr. Murray for saving her life. Mansfield Fire Department - appointment of acting deputy chief: Chief Edward A. Sliney, Jr. announced to the Board that he was making the appointment of an outstanding individual to the position of Acting Deputy Chief. He introduced Lt. Robert Bellavance and gave a history of his career with the Mansfield Fire Department starting in 1970 as a Call Firefighter to his most recent accomplishment of being a member of the Hazard Materials Team - District 1. Chief Sliney pinned the gold Deputy Chief shield on Deputy Bellavance. 4. Boards and Committee Interviews: (NOTE: Selectwoman Royle leaves the meeting) Ms. Diane White, 36 Cottage Street, has applied for a position on the Board of Health. Ms. White introduced herself and described to the Board her interest in the position on the Board of Health. Her original career path was in the health industry. She stated that she had the time available and the willingness to learn about the Board. Her interest included ground water and drinking water protection and involvement in the smoking cessation program Questions and comments from the Board: Selectman Ronald informed the Board that Ms. White works in the same company that he does and excused himself from the meeting. Questions from the board included, attendance at the Board of Health meetings, familiarity with the rules and regulations of the Board of Health, time cormnitment, dedication and possibility of conflict of interest. Selectman Pasquale nominated Ms. Diane White. Selectman Penney nominated Mr. Don Steele. The Board casts two votes for Ms. White and one vote for Mr. Steele. Ms. White is appointed to the remainder of the term left vacant by Mr. Henry Austin. (NOTE: Selectmen Ronald and Royle return to the meeting) 5. Planning Board - Joint meeting: Mr. Shaun Burke- Town Planner and Mr. Michael McClanahan - Chairman of the Planning Board addressed the Board of Selectmen. This joint meeting covered the topic of zoning changes for the Town, such as the creation of a commuter overlay district and the relaxation of requirement for open air parking lots. The Boards discussed the articles in preparation for the Annual Town Meeting and worked on a strategy for support of a zoning change. There are policy issues and variance issues to be considered. The Board discussed the possibility of holding a joint meeting with the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and the Board of Selectmen to work on this zoning issue. The Town is proceeding with the action that they committed to on the train station issues although the `T" may be exploring the possibility of relocating the station to West Mansfield. Exploration of parking at the Cleveland Twist Drill site has been ongoing. Mr. Williams announced that Ire has been in contact with Town Counsel concerning the parking lot operation at the Mansfield Tire site. As of this date the owner/operator has not filed for an application to operate a parking lot. (only an appeal has been made). Action will be taken on this site. Mr. Burke stated that two new streets will be on the warrant for acceptance at the Annual Town Meeting, Joanna Drive and Beaunionts Pond Drive in the Beaumonts Pond Subdivision. The public was invited to attend the Planning workshop to be held on Saturday, February 18, 1995 at the Jordan/Jackson School. There is still room available. Nts. Maureen Clang, a resident, expressed her concern about the "T" situation and additional parking. Mr. Peter DeTrolio, a resident, stated that lie felt strongly about relaxing any requirements for the parking lot permitting process and operations. He felt that a business person should accept this as part of doing business. 6. Mansfield Fire Department- Demonstration of the Semi - automatic external Defibrillator, EPI -Pen and explanation of the EMT - I position. Chief Edward Sliney introduced Lt. Bruce Nastund - EMT Coordinator and Mr. Paul Gerard - Norwood Hospital Paramedic Coordinator. Chief Sliney stated that the members of the Mansfield Fire Department have received advanced training on the use of the semi- automatic defibrillator and the use of the EPI -Pen. While Mr. Gerard explained the 4 components that are essential in the chain of survival, Lt. Nastund demonstrated the use of the defibrillator. The machine would only be used if a person is without a pulse and experiencing apnea. Then the individual being monitored by the machine will have an accurate record of their heart rhythms and treatment will be used only if required. The EMT - I is an intermediate step between an EMT and a paramedic. The EMT -I would be required to have three hundred additional hours of training This would allow a paramedic to do more and provide more care to an individual. The Board participated in a discussion about the services and products demonstrated and expressed their thanks and continents on the outstandingjob being performed. a. Ambulance Rate Increase: Chief Sliney requested from the Board permission to raise the rates for ambulance service to be comparable to other area towns. Mansfield's currently charges the lowest rates and an increase would bring them into the average range. Service Current Rate Proposed Rate Basic Life Support $135.00 $175.00 Mileage Rate 7.00 9.00 Oxygen Administration 30.00 40.00 Defibrillation - - - - - -- 75.00 Accident/Engine Response - - - - - -- 100.00 MOTION: To increase the rates as requested. (Penney/Royle) 5 -0 -0 PASSES 7. Town Manager Report: Mr. Robert Swanson discussed four purchase orders that he presented to the Board of Selectmen for services needed by the Water Department. MOTION: To purchase a KOH system (potassium hydroxide injection) for the Prescott Wells which was funded at the last Annual Town Meeting for $24,200. (Pasquale/Ronald) 4 -0 -1 (Boyle abstained) PASSES MOTION: To purchase the Sodium Hydrochloride Chemical Feed System from R.E. Erickson Co., Inc. for $5,200. (Penney/Pasquale) 5 -0 -0 PASSES MOTION: To authorize $7,500 for work at the Mill Pond Dam Site. (Penney/Pasquale) 5 -0 -0 PASSES MOTION: To authorize the survey for sidewalks on Stearns Ave, Eastman, Otis and Fruit Streets by Baseline Consulting Services for $13,690. (Penney/Pasquale) 5 -0 -0 PASSES