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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 10-16-1996Board of Selectmen Minutes October 16, 1996 PRESENT: Chairman Madan, Clerk Mahana, and Selectman Colella, Pasquale, and Robinson 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM followed by the pledge of allegiance. Chairman Madan called for a moment of silence in memory of Doug Titus, former Town Selectmen and Light Department employee, who passed away on October 15. A. Warrant No. 17 - $1,909,608.45 MOTION: So moved. (Mahana- Colella) All in favor. PASSES. B. Correspondence ACTION Board and Committee Memorandum from Ron Reeves, Recreation Commission, requesting a position on the Recreation Commission be terminated and the vacancy be advertised; the nrerrrber holding the position »roved out of State MOTION: So moved to accept the resignation and post the vacancy. (Pasquale- Robinson) All in favor. PASSES. OTHER Resident Letter from Kimberly E. Hoy, 187 York Road, requesting the Selectmen approve funding for utility poles for the exterior lighting at the Jordan/Jackson Elementary School complex Letter from Patricia Vance, 77 Old Farm Road, requesting the Selectmen approve funding for utility poles for the exterior lighting at the Jordan/Jackson Elementary School complex Letter from Susan Elias, 48 Old Farm Road, for utility poles for the exterior lighting complex requesting the Selectmen approve funding at the Jordan/Jackson Elementary School Town Manager and Staff Invitation to the Board of Selectmen from Lorilee Fish, Parks and Recreation Director, and Betsy Johnson, East Coast Greenway Alliance, to attend an informational meeting for Mansfield, Norton, and surrounding town residents to begin the process of converting the Old Colony Railroad Bed into a multi - purpose path Notice of the State Election on November 5, 1996 Clerk Mahana abstained from the reading, and Selectman Pasquale read the notice. MOTION: To sign. (Pasquale - Colella) (4 -0 -1) Mahana abstained. PASSES. Drainlayers License Application of R. M. Pacella Inc., Plainville, MA MOTION: So moved. (Mahana - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. Take Your Family To Lunch Day Proclamation MOTION: So moved that we proclaim October 16, 1996 as take your family to lunch day. (Mahana - Pasquale) All in favor. PASSES. Clerk Mahana commented on a small byline in The Sun Chronicle in reference to food pantry donations. In the byline, Norton Selectmen Butch Rich stated he will forfeit two meals a week and challenged Mr. Madan to do the same. Chairman Madan thanked Mr. Rich for his challenge but stated that he could not match the amount of food Mr. Rich can give up but that maybe Clerk Mahana would like to give up a meal. Clerk Mahana declined. 2. Questions and Comments Peter DeTrolio, 496 Elm Street, inquired about $12,000 paid to an employee upon his departure from the Town and asked why it was paid to an employee leaving voluntarily. Mr. Williams responded that employees are paid for their time due, vacation, longevity etc. Next, Peter DeTrolio asked why Memorial Hall will not be painted or given a new roof while the new Town Hall is being constructed and suggested both should be done. Clerk Mahana agreed with Mr. DeTrolio and suggested utilizing inmate help to save capital project funds for the Police Station. Town Manager Williams responded that it would be a good project to review. Richard Devine, 6 Morgan Road, asked about the Accountant's review of the pay /ride system revolving account. A consensus of the Board of Selectmen was in favor of requesting the Town Accountant attend next weeks meeting to discuss the accounting system. Jay Barrows, 370 Pratt Street, announced the YMCA will be hosting a fun run this Saturday and extended an invitation to the Selectmen and Town Manager. Arthur O'Neill, announced the Police Department will sponsor a glass etching program ( on Saturday at the Highway Garage. The Police will chemically etch VIN numbers in all glass components of vehicles. Clerk Mahana inquired about sentences passed down as a result of a recent joint drug raid and commended the Police and all other agencies involved for its success. Clerk Mahana requested the Town Manager supply the Selectmen with the anniversary date of the employee who received $12,000 when he left the employ of the town. 3. 8:00 Villa Liquors License Transfer Public Hearing Chairman Madan explained this hearing had already been held by the Selectmen two weeks ago, at which time the license was approved. However, the advertisement for the hearing did not appear in the newspaper, which is required. Clerk Mahana read the notice of public hearing aloud followed by Department Head recommendations. Board Questions - None. Public Questions - None. MOTION: To close the hearing. (Mahana - Colella) (4 -0 -1) Selectman Robinson abstained. PASSES. MOTION: Move to once again approve the transfer of the package store license from Villa Liquors Corp. to P & L Liquor Corp. (Mahana- Colella) (4 -0 -1) Selectman Robinson abstained ftom the vote. PASSES. 4. Town Manager Report Mr. Williams, Town Manager, read the following statement: "I wish to be up front and inform you this evening that I will be considering job opportunities in other communities. At this time, I serve without any indication that the Board of Selectmen will execute my employment contract after seven (7) long and professionally challenging months. My tenure as Town Manager remains uncertain. The present working environment presents an inadequate level of Lust and mutual self - respect which has negatively effected my health and that of my wife and family. Even more compelling is the potential that my close proximity to my two young sons, which was my major objective in corning to Mansfield in 1991, is at risk. This decision is very difficult for me and my family because we feel very much a part of the Town of Mansfield and stand to lose many friends and endure emotional and economic loss. My sole goal in interviewing for a new position is to protect my family's health and welfare and maintain my professional reputation. I seek no financial gain or a step up the career ladder. I would like to hold out hope that sufficient time remains to overcome these issues and affirm support for my continuance as Town Manager. To my many friends and ( supporters, including our dedicated Town employees, I thank you for your understanding." Downtown Parking Plan Discussion Police Chief O'Neill and Traffic Safety Officer Lawson were present for this discussion. In response to a letter the Police Chief received regarding non - residents parking in "Resident Only" parking spaces at the Train Station, Chief O'Neill stated twenty violations were issued to non - residents this date. Traffic Safety Officer Lawson presented a proposal for standardized parking plan the central business district and secondary business district, as outlined in his memorandurn to the Police Chief dated April 8, 1996. Officer Lawson proposed restricting parking on all streets within the central business district to two hours, Monday through Friday, from 8AM -12PM; and recommended two separate restrictions in the secondary zone, "No Parking Anytime" on some streets and two hour parking Monday through Friday, 8AM- 12PM on other streets. Public Comments Jim Norris, 6 Goward Drive, stated that he supports issuance of violations to non- residents parking in "Resident Only" spaces. Jay Barrows, Downtown Business Association, stated alot of vehicles park on West Street in front of congregational church on Fridays and Sundays. Officer Lawson suggested beginning the "No Parking Restriction" at Rumford Avenue. Jay Barrows, South Main Street stated "No Parking Anytime" would be difficult in the vicinity of the common during events at the common. Jay Barrows, Downtown Business Association, stated the downtown businesses are concerned with the two hour limitation because of the lack of spaces for employees. It has also been suggested by the Association that an employee placard system be implemented and that the Town lease the lot next to the Fire Station for employee parking; Phil Finer suggested resident stickers be issued for on- street parking in front of residents' homes during restricted hours. Police Chief O'Neill stated that he intends to work with downtown businesses and residents to institute a sticker or placard system similar to the winter overnight parking program. l Richard Devine, 6 Morgan Road, expressed support for a resident and employee sticker system and suggested a meter officer or sign officer enforce the restriction. Board of Selectmen Questions and Comments Questions and comments from the Board of Selectmen were concerning accident patterns for the Route 140 /Chauncy Sheet intersection, review of a "No Parking 6 -9 or 6 -10" restriction, use of the Cleveland Twist lot, possibility of Downtown Business Association leasing land next to the Fire Station, requesting residents' input on the plan, cost to install additional signs, the need to institute "No Parking Anytime" on Copeland Drive in the Wendy's vicinity, time frame for implementation, and Back Bay area restrictions. It was suggested that an amended plan be distributed to the Planning Board and Master Plan Committee and placed at the Library for resident input. MOTION: To table for three weeks and come back at that time for discussion. (Pasquale - Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. Selectman Pasquale informed Police Chief O'Neill that it was not intentional that he did not attend the Policemen's ball. 5. 9:10 LaBamba Wine & Malt Common Victualler License Application Public Hearing After reading the public hearing notice, Clerk Mahana read Department Head comments. One of the applicants, Lourdes Nunez presented the Selectmen with menus for LaBamba ( and stated that the license is being requested in order to provide an extra service to customers. Public Comment none Board Questions Questions and comments from the Board of Selectmen were concerning whether or not employees would receive training to ensure minors are not served, whether or not the applicant has held a liquor license previously, and whether or not the manager or owner would be attending any alcoholic beverage training. MOTION: To close the public hearing (Mahana- Pasquale)All in favor. PASSES. MOTION: To approve the beer and wine license (Mahana - Pasquale) All in favor. PASSES. 6. 9:20 Discussion with Michael McClanahan - 111 Cottage Street - Water Capital Charge l Mr. McClanahan requested a waiver of the water capital charge for 111 Cottage Sheet stating that in 1992 he installed a 2 inch water main to service both 45 Rock Sheet and 111 Cottage Sheet. At that time, Mr. McClanahan paid the capital charge for 45 Rock Sheet, which was $300 and was told by Mr. Swanson, previous Town Engineer, that the water capital charge for 111 Cottage Street would be grandfathered at $300. Recently, when Mr. McClanahan requested an inspection for the water service at 111 Cottage ( Street, he was informed he would have to pay a $2,400 water capital charge. Next Clerk Mahana read the memorandum from Betty Amicone, DPW Office Manager, to Dan Clifford, DPW Director, dated October 1, 1996, in which Ms. Amicone recommends Mr. McClanahan provide a copy of his paid water permit from 1992 or canceled check showing proof of payment for the service, or he should not receive a refund. MOTION: To waive all but three hundred dollars of the water capital charge for 111 Cottage Street. (Pasquale- Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. Fine Min:tte Break Town Manager Report Continued • Proposed Salt Policy Mr. Williams stated that the Selectmen are in receipt of a draft Salt Policy which he would like to discuss next week. • Road Project Request ( Mr. Williams stated that the Department of Public Works has requested pet-mission to use road program bond funds for overtime associated with the road projects. Both the Town Accountant and Treasurer have stated that the Department of Revenue frowns on this type of system but it can be done with very tight controls. Discussion continued among the Selectmen concerning the result of disapproving the request and funding for DPW labor at the new Fire Station. MOTION: To defer to when Bea comes in front of the Board next week. (Pasquale- Robinson) All in favor. PASSES. • Amtrak Construction Project Mr. Williams gave an update on the Northeast High -Speed Rail Improvement Project, referencing a fax from Amtrak dated October 1996. • Water Workshop Schedule Mr. Williams asked the Selectmen if they would like any topics added to the water workshop agenda other than what has been presented by Assistant DPW Director Mr. Buckley. Chairman Madan stated that the Board of Health would like to be invited to the workshop and that he would also like to open it up to anyone else who would like to attend. • Planning and Goal Process Mr. Williams recommended the Selectmen accept the proposal of Victor and Melanie DeSantis to conduct an annual planning and goal setting process workshop at the cost of $500. Discussion among the Selectmen continued concerning the need to hire an outside consultant vs. conducting the workshop "in house ". MOTION: To accept the proposal for $500. (Pasquale - Robinson) (3 -1 -1) Chairman Madan abstained. Selectman Colella was opposed. PASSES. • D.A.R.E Grant Mr. Williams informed the Selectmen that the Police Department was awarded a $13,000 DARE grant Officer Elsworth should be commended on his efforts in getting the grant. Aerial Ladder Report Mr. Williams gave an update on the repair of the Fire Department aerial ladder truck stating that he has executed a purchase order in the amount of $66,016 for repairs to the ladder. An additional purchase request for $8,000 is anticipated for repair of the ground ladders. A procurement must be done for the ground ladders to determine the most cost effective way to repair them. ( Board of Selectmen Questions and Comments: Questions and comments from the Board of Selectmen were concerning certification of hock before its return, why $8,000 is needed now (why not in the CIP budget), whether or not the original intent was to repair the ground ladders for the buck, if any items could be deleted from the maintenance list, and whether or not insurance would be issued that a the ladder will not be broken within six months. 7. Selectmen A. Old Business Chairman Madan stated that he received a letter fiom Karl Clemmey stating his second request for the specific reasons why his open air parking facility license was suspended in August. Mr. Williams responded that the letter has been sent to Town Counsel for his response. Selectman Pasquale requested Town Counsel draft a response for the Board's consideration. MM * * &gc gc a;�x>RMM$MM Selectman Robinson reminded Board of Selectmen of the Bristol County Selectmen's Association dinner meeting Thursday night. Selectman Pasquale requested a list of delinquent overdue payments on the police details and a survey of surrounding towns policies on the issue for next week. Selectman Pasquale asked when the Selectmen would be reviewing the Town Manager's contract, as it has already been reviewed by Town Counsel. Chairman Madan responded that a letter from Mr. Williams Attorney, Mike Greco raised concerns that need to be reviewed more. In turn, Selectman Pasquale stated that a "roll over" clause exists in the contract that states that it has been renewed for three years and that he would like the 1, subject as a agenda item. Chairman Madan stated that issue could be placed on next week's agenda. B. New Business Selectman Robinson stated three or four years ago Doug Titus planted a tree at the East Common and was adamant that he would like the tree in remembrance of the Titus'. If any families would like to plant flowers near the tree they should get in touch with Selectman Robinson and he will show therm the tree. Selectman Robinson responded to letters the Selectmen have been receiving regarding installation of utility poles for lighting at the Jordan Jackson School. Mr. Larch has been looking at heads to see if lighting can be installed on the stairs at the Jordan Jackson School. In response to Mr. Williams statement earlier this evening, Selectman Robinson wished the Town Manager the best of luck in his career path. Lastly, Selectman Robinson asked the Selectmen if they would like to close the Light Department Friday, so that employees could attend Doug Titus' funeral. MOTION: To close Light Department Friday so employees can go to the funeral. (Pasquale- Robinson) All in favor. PASSES.. Next, Selectman Colella suggested the new North Main Sheet parking lot be dedicated in someone's honor. Clerk Mahana asked if screening is planned against the back side of the North Main Sheet lot. Mr. Williams will ask Mr. Clifford to clarify the issue Clerk Mahana inquired about back taxes owed the Town. Clerk Mahana asked if Mr. Williams has private agreements with employees such as "If you don't say why your leaving the Town's employ, I won't." Clerk Mahana expressed concern that only sixty out of one hundred twenty town roads are accepted and questioned why and the accountability for same. Selectman Pasquale stated that he has heard that money is being collected for parking at the Clermmey Tank property and requested it be looked into. An open air parking facility license has not been issued for this property. 8. Adjournment 10:30 PM MOTION: To adjourn. (Robinson - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. I e, Sfgnyr zrre Date of Approval