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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 12-11-1996 (2)R Et' EI"E0 Board of Selectmen l i1'' �? i °i{'SEIELD Minutes 9=17 FEB 18 Pia 4: 19 December 11, 1996 MA;Y Jf_ : ;LLD i �ASSANCHUSETTS Present: Chairman Madan, Clerk Mahana, and Selectmen Colella, Pasquale, and Robinson William F. Williams, Town Manager Christopher Marion, Assistant to the Town Manager 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM followed by the pledge of allegiance. A. Warrant No. 25 - $1,917,361.28 MOTION: So moved. (Mahana - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. Chairman Madan abstained from all Building Department items. B. Licenses and Permits LaBamba Restaurant Wine and Malt License Certificate and request for a Waiver of the License Fee MOTION: To reduce the fee to $500 for this year. (Pasquale- Colella/Madan) Selectman Colella withdrew his second; Chairman Madan seconded the motion for discussion; (1 -4) Selectman Pasquale in favor. FAILS MOTION: So moved to sign. (Colella - Pasquale) All in favor. (4 -1) Clerk Mahana was opposed. PASSES. • 1997 LICENSE RENEWALS Autonmatic Amusement Device 1 -97 Hampshire Sheet Associates Limited Partnership d/b /a Holiday Inn Mansfield, 31 Hampshire Sheet 4 -97 G.J.L.C. hmc., C.J.Scooters, 16 Old Colony Way - 4 Devices Special Permit MOTION: To approve. (Malmana- Colella) All in favor. PASSES. Common Victualler 2 -97 Hampshire Sheet Assoc. Lmtd. Partnership d/b /a Holiday Inn Mansfield, 31 Hampshire Street 5 -97 Eric Quan, d/b /a Quan's Kitchen, 30 Chauncy Street 6 -97 Mansfield Lodge of Elks No. 2633 d/b /a Mansfield Elks Chuekwagon, P.O. Box 739 with a request for a Fee Waiver 12 -97 Newport Creamery Inc., 254 Chauncy Sheet 21 -97 Mansfield Donuts d/b /a Dunkin Donuts, 45 Chauncy Street 24 -97 Great Woods hnc., d/b /a Great Woods Center for the Performing Arts, 885 South Main Sheet 25 -97 D.G.P. & Sons Inc. d/b /a Jimmy's Pub, 141 No. Main Street 27 -97 Tang Sz Inc. d /b /a Cheng Du, 249 No. Main Street 28 -97 Mary Ann Piccoli Botti d/b /a Sweet n' Crafty, 34 North Main Street 31 -97 Classic Pizza hnc., 242 Chauncy Sheet 32 -97 J.E.P.J. hic. d/b /a Tahana Restaurant, 60 Oakland Street 35 -97 Gary P. and Janet S. Eagan d/b /a Honey Dew Donuts, 99 Copeland Drive 36 -97 Abdelouahed Oumedlouz & Lourdes Nunez d/b /a LaBamba, 310 No. Main Street, Unit 5 38 -97 G.J.L.C. Inc. d/b /a C.J. Scooters, 16 Old Colony Way MOTION: To approve the above mentioned common victualler renewals for 1997. (Pasquale- Robinson) All in favor. PASSES. Request for a Waiver of the fee for the Council on Aging Common Victualler License Renewal MOTION: To waive the fee. (Robinson- Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. C. Correspondence ( ACTION: Resident Letter from Steven Mahoney, 15 Heather Lane, making a formal request for sidewalks to be installed on Fruit Sheet and Short Sheet when the roads are reconstructed in 1997 forward to DPW Letter from the Jewel Sheet residents expressing concern with the way a Jewell Sheet property owner uses his land and requesting action be taken on previous complaints they made to the Police Department, Conservation Commission, and Building Department re: fence regulations, unregistered vehicles, and collection and dumping of raw materials on the property with attached letter fi-om the Police Department. Board and Committee Letter from the Fair Housing Committee requesting a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and Fair Housing Committee to discuss the Fair Housing Committee's current role in Mansfield and the establishment of a Local Housing Partnership Chairman Madan requested a meeting be scheduled. Town Manager and Staff Memorandum from Judith Scott, Town Clerk, concerning the charter review petitions and stating it is up to the Selectmen to order a question on the ballot for the next Town election for a Commission to be elected MOTION: So moved on that request. (Mahana - Pasquale) All in favor. PASSES. Letter from Town Counsel concerning 165 -171 North Main Street and requesting the Board's input MOTION: So moved to obtain the services of a licensed land surveyor at the expense of the applicant. (Pasquale- Mahana) All in fvor. PASSES. Miscellaneous Letter from Andres Gazzolo, Players Choice, concerning a hill on Reservoir Street at his facility's exit and attached report from the Police Department MOTION: To go along with the Police Department's recommendation for a sign to be installed on the road. (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. Letter from Foxfreld Taxi requesting permission to raise their rates to be equal to Mansfield Town Taxi's rates MOTION: So moved to grant the increase to Foxfield Taxi. (Pasquale- Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. OTHER: State & Local Government Letter from the House of Representatives with enclosed information concerning the creation of a Southeastern Massachusetts Economic Development Authority Miscellaneous Letter from Christopher Venezia, Senior Project Manager, ENSR, notifying the Selectmen of a proposed "Release Abatement Measure Plan" for the Compo Chemical Facility Letter from "Repair Shop Owners of Mansfield" placing the Selectmen on notice that there is an unlicensed body shop being operated in a residential zone at 437 West Street by Robert Cole 2. Questions and Comments Kathy Piusz, 3 Heather Lane, thanked the Town Manager, and all the Town's volunteers for their efforts during the year 1996. Ms. Piusz stated that it is her opinion that since April or March the Selectmen have not been working as a team, and suggested that they think about the way questions are asked and answered and respect should be shown. Selechnan Colella responded to Ms. Piusz stating that he feels the Selectmen work together but that they all have different ideas, and that it takes three votes to do anything. Bob Palanza, John Street, stated John Street was repaved last spring but the edges of the roadway at the corner of John and Fox Street have not been finished. Mr. Palanza also asked if anything could be done about damage done to his lawn by a private plow operator during the last storm. Selectman Pasquale thanked Jay Barrows, Downtown Business Association, and Pat Boulet, for the fantastic Santa parade last weekend. Selectman Pasquale also requested the Selectmen send letters of congratulations to the Mansfield Hornet Football team for winning the championship. Selectman Colella requested a proclamation be requested from the House of Representatives, and Selectman Pasquale suggested from the Senate also. Lastly, Selectman Pasquale noted that he would be unavailable for the Selectmen's December 26 meeting. Chairman Madan asked the Selectmen if they would be interested in inviting the Football and Field Hockey teams into a meeting to introduce them to the public and congratulate them. A consensus of the board was in favor of inviting the teams in. 3. Town Manager Report • DPW Shed Addition Mr. Williams stated that he has provided the Board with a proposed plan of a shed addition to the Highway Garage, and is seeking their approval. MOTION: That we approve the shed addition at the Highway Garage as outlined in Dan Clifford's, DPW Director, memo of December 2, 1996. (Pasquale - Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. MOTION: To waive the Town's portion of the fees related to the shed at the Highway Department. (Pasquale- Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. • SCADA System Mr. Williams stated that he took it upon himself to issue an immediate stoppage of work on the system to allow for additional review time by Town staff with the recent resignation of the Water Department Manager, John Buckley. Clerk Mahana inquired about the Oxford Street storage tank painting schedule and any other projects the Selectmen should be made aware of MOTION: So moved to put a hold on the SCADA system. (Mahana - Robinson) All in favor. PASSES. Selectman Pasquale inquired about the time frame for replacing the Water Department manager, timeframe the SCADA system would be on hold, and suggested all new projects be put on hold until a permanent person is hired. ® Revised Moving Date Mr. Williams stated that the Town Hall moving date has been pushed back to January 24. L Down Downtown Snow Snow Removal Equipment r. Williams stated that he agrees with Mr. Clifford's, DPW Director, recommendation to purchase two three (3') foot snow blowers to be used on North Main Street sidewalks between Bernie's Restaurant and Sarre's Market, on both sides of the street. The estimated cost of the snow blowers is $6,000. Members of the Board of Selectmen asked questions concerning the need for a 12 horse power blower, whether or not they will be electric start, and if they will have a canvas cab. MOTION: So moved to approve the purchase of the snow blowers. (Pasquale - Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. Airport Sewer Mr. Williams informed the Selectmen the Airport Commission has requested the Town install a sewer line for the Airport Building with Town funds because their septic system has failed. Chairman Madan stated that he would be in agreement with the request as long as it is not in the Airport Manager's lease to do the work and asked if the request had been reviewed by the Board of Health and if they feel it should be replaced. MOTION: To go forward with the request as long as it is not in the Manager's lease as his responsibility and it has been reviewed by the Board of Health and they feel it needs to be replaced. (Pasquale- Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. e Meeting with Amtrak - High Speed Rail Project Mr. Williams stated a small meeting was held on December 6 with various officials to discuss the High Speed Rail Project. A representative of Amtrakpresent at the meeting, Chris Riley, stated that he would be happy to make a public presentation on the project at a Selectmen's meeting. A consensats of the Board was in favor ofsehediding the presentation. Health Insurance Rates Referencing his memorandum to the Board of Selectmen dated December 11, 1996, Mr. Williams stated that health insurance rates from January 1997 to June 1998 have been confirmed. 4. 8:30 PM Players Choice - Automatic Amusement Device License Renewal Special Permit Public Hearing -10 Reservoir Street Clerk Mahana read the public hearing notice aloud and noted that all departments signed off on the routing slip. The purpose of the public hearing was to consider renewal of Player's Choice Automatic Amusement Device License for eight devices. Andy Gazzolo, representative of Players Choice Inc. was present at the public hearing. Public Comment Elizabeth Clemmey, 750 South Main Street, stated her concerns with the license renewal such as the facility's alarm going off in the middle of the night and being woken up on Sunday mornings at 8am by the facility. Board of Selectmen Questions Questions from the Board of Selectmen were concerning whether or not there have been occasions to call the Police Department concerning the devices' operation and whether or not complaints have ever been registered by persons using the facility. 8:40 PM MOTION: So moved to close the public hearing. (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. MOTION: So moved to renew the license as requested. (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. 5. 8:40 PM Board and Committee Interviews • Board of Library Trustees - Two Vacancies Each of the applicants present for the interview- -Joe Flynn, Dan Joyce, Vivian Sweet, and Nancy Breef Pilz -- introduced themselves and stated why they would like to be either appointed or reappointed to the Board of Library Trustees. Members of the Board of Selectmen asked the applicants questions such as whether or not they feel library finding is adequate, whether or not they are a part of Friends of the Library, and what they would do if appointed. Clerk Mahana nominated Vivian Sweet, who received four votes, one each from Chairman Madan, Clerk Mahana, and Selectmen Colella and Robinson. Ms. Sweet was, therefore, reappointed Selectman Robinson nominated Nancy Breef -Pilz, who received a unanimous vote. Ms. Sweet was also reappointed. Selectman Pasquale nominated Joe Flynn, who received one vote from Selectman Pasquale. o Municipal Building Committee - One Vacancy The only applicant, James Liddick, was present to interview for the Municipal Building Committee. Clerk Mahana nominated Mr. Liddick for reappointment, who received a unanimous vote in favor, and was appointed. • Planning Board - Two Vacancies The only applicant, Thomas French, was present to interview for the Planning Board. Mr. French explained what the Planning Board has been involved in recently. Selectman Pasquale nominated Mr. French for reappointment, who received a unanimous vote in favor, and was appointed. e Finance Committee Appointments - One Vacancy Clerk Mahana nominated David McCarter for reappointment, who received two votes, one each from Clerk Mahana and Selectman Colella. Selectman Pasquale nominated Jim Norris, who received three votes, one each form Chairman Madan and Selectmen Pasquale and Robinson. Mr. Norris was appointed to the Finance Committee. Chairman Madan noted that he is impressed with the work that Mr. McCarter has done in the past, but that he did not vote for him for reappointment because he may be running for another office in the future. 6. Downtown Commuter Station Conceptual Plan Discussion with Joseph Ditchman, consultant to ACME Cleveland Twist, and Craig Miller, STV Group, Project Engineer Mr. Ditchman and Mr. Miller presented a conceptual plan of a downtown commuter station dated December 3, 1996. Mr. Ditchman stated that he would like to get underway with the project as early as April of next year, but that he still does not have the MBTA's approval. Mr. Ditchman also stated that the purpose of this meeting is to get the Selectmen's input on the plan and that the project will require a partnership with the Selectmen. Board of Selectmen Questions and Comments Members of the Board of Selectmen commented on and asked questions concerning the following: destination of Foundry Road, Town control of the Winthrop Street lot for resident only parking, left turn onto County Street, coordination of traffic signals from North Main Street to Route 140, no left turn onto Route 106 from Foundry Street, square footage of playground, use of the existing train platform, prevention of Howe Street being used as a drop -off area, width of proposed roadway, handicap accessibility, payment procedure, child care facility spaces, submission of a traffic study, and platform area design. Public Questions Brian Clang, 61 Morrow Street, stated that he feels the applicants have done a "nice job ". Mr. Clang also stated that he feels an origin /destination survey would be critical, expressed concern with the station's impact on neighboring roadways, and questioned maintenance responsibility of the elevator. Donna Harrington, 136 Highland Avenue, inquired about the traffic light location, whether or not MEPA requirements will have to be met, whether or not no left turn onto Route 106 would affect Highland Avenue residents, number of spaces proposed, not issuing permits until all conditions are satisfied, and the Police Chief's position. Ms. Harrington also stated that she is not that upset with the proposal and that she is glad to see the traffic will be directed off of Highland Avenue and Howe Street. Bob Palanza, John Street, stated that he feels the conceptual plan is very nice and questioned the cost of the project, maintenance of the commuter station structure, and asked Selectman Colella where he stands with the project now. Mr. Ditchman stated that he would be happy to meet with the neighborhood. Michelle Barton, MaryAlice Way, asked why the MBTA has not approved the plan and also inquired about a traffic study, MEPA review, contamination of the ACME /Cleveland building, and platform construction. Jay Barrows, President, Downtown Business Association, stated that he is excited about the plan, he would like to preserve the integrity of the Clemmey Tank stone building, and that he commends the applicants child /eldercare proposal. Bob Palanza, John Street, requested the Selectmen consider the long range ramifications of the development. Tom French, Gilbert Street, stated that he is excited about the plan, stated that he is sure the applicant will be in to see the Planning Board, and inquired about landscaping within the parking area. MOTION: That the Board support the project concept plan as submitted by Joe Ditchamn this evening for the train station. (Pasquale- Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. Prior to voting on the above motion, the Selectmen discussed the following: number of spaces proposed, supporting relinquishing Mansfield Avenue spaces only if Winthrop Avenue spaces are resident only, resolution of traffic details, and inclusion of a MEPA study. 7. Selectmen A. Old Business Selectman Colella inquired about a $2,000 fuel assistance donation the Light Commissioners voted from the Electric Department gift fund. Next, Selectman Colella stated that he received a call from Rose Zicolella, 28 Fulton Street, who stated that she is having the same problem as last year with snow plows on her side of the street iSelectman Colella inquired about mailbox requirements, e.g. distance from roadway, and also stated that a manhole at the intersection of Pratt and Clinton Street causes disruption in the neighborhood when trucks travel over it. Clerk Mahana asked the Town Manager to explain his memorandum concerning placing a hold on hiring civilian dispatchers. Chairman Madan asked if a freeze could be placed on the funds budgeted for the dispatchers if they are not going to be hired. Selectman Pasquale stated that he agrees with a letter from the Planning Board dated December 10, 1996, concerning Zone II MOTION: That we have the Town manager contact adjacent communities to discuss the possibility of inclusion of our Zone II areas within their Zone II. (Pasquale - Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. Selectman Pasquale requested an update on police and fire detail bills and requested a written policy be instituted. B. New Business Selectman Robinson requested, with the increased tractor trailer traffic as a result of ongoing construction on East Street, that the Police Chief have checks done to be sure that the traffic rules are adhered to. Selectman Robinson also commented on the great job that the Electric Department is doing, stating with the last storm alot of people in the western part of the State are still without electricity. Chairman Madan referenced a memorandum from Police Chief O'Neill to the Town Manager stating the Police Department is against any further expansion of overnight parking waivers in the Town. Selectman Robinson noted in the past a municipal lot was left open for overnight parking and asked if it would be this year. Clerk Mahana requested all sewer hookup agreements Mansfield holds with Foxboro be provided by Town Counsel. MOTION: Town Counsel provide the Selectmen with all sewer contracts Mansfield holds with Foxboro. (Mahana- Pasquale) All in favor. PASSES. Clerk Mahana noted that West Side Benevolent Society is in need of food and clothing and Mansfield Women of Today is in need of money for fuel assistance. Lastly, Clerk Mahana suggested a speaker system be installed in the large meeting room in the new Town Hall. A resident, Mr. Green, left this evening's meeting early because he could not hear the Selectmen. The resident attended the meeting to thank the Selectmen, DPW, and Police Department for their quick response to his request for signage on West Street. Selectman Colella asked if a line item could be added to the budget to cover the cost of the Council on Aging Christmas party. Next, Selectman Colella asked if parking at the library could be expanded onto Town land and requested the sight distance at the intersection of North Main Street and Court Street be reviewed. Selectmen Colella also stated a tree on Town property fell onto 158 Pratt Street during the last storm, there is a bump in the road where the old pavement and new pavement meet near the East Mansfield common, and asked if King Street could be flattened. Clerk Mahana stated that he received a call from a resident who was upset about dogs relieving themselves on sidewalks. MOTION: To go into executive session to discuss a collective bargaining strategy and come out only to adjourn (Colella- Robinson) Selectman Pasquale - Selectman Robinson - Selectman Colella - Clerk Mahana - Chairman Madan - 44 Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Date of Approval II$ig('