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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 3-27-1996BOARD OF SELECTMEN \ ;' MINUTES c March 27, 1996 PRESENT: Chairman Madan, Clerk Mahana, and Selectmen Colclla; Pasquale 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. 40 - $21098,469.85 MOTION: To approve. (Colella- Pasquale) All in favor. PASSES. Chairman Madan abstained from all Building Department items. PROP to voting on the above motion, Selectmen Cole& questioned why two vouchers were numbered 547. The number 11497 was also noted o11 one of'tlz0 vouchers acrd 11496 on the other: Both vouchers were for payment to Reed Sand and Gravel 0110 of the vouchers was for the Water Depalllnent and the other for Plyrnoarth Streett, Town Accountant Lari), Gallagher responded to Selectman Colella's blquiry stating that 547 is a vendor number; which is why both vouchers contain the swue nlunber because theyboth are paying the same vendor: Clerk Mahana questioned individual vouchers for headlights for cars noted in last week's waimiff gild asked rahy the palls where purchased i11 Attleholc and not n1 Mansfield; Clerk Mahana also questioned wiry pen refills were pan chased in Norton rather than Mansfield. B. Licenses and Permits Auctioneer Special Permit Application of Donald H. Ploof and Maria S. Ploof for Tuesday, March 26, 1996 - If applications for auctioneer special permits are Trot acted o11 within in three days of their receipt, they are automatically apinrwed This application was received by the Selectmen's Office on March 22, 1996. • Application of Benson Associates for an Auctioneer Special Permit for April 4, 199G MOTION: To approve. (Pasquale- Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. • Hackney Carriage License Application of Mansfield Town Taxi 1990 Caprice Wagon - Vehicle No. 5 MOTION: To approve. (Pasquale- Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. • Hackney Carriage License Application of Mansfield Town Taxi 1989 Caprice Wagon - Vehicle No. 20 MOTION: To approve. (Pasquale - Mahana) All in favor. PASSES • School Department Reserve Fund Transfer Request No. 6 - Unbudgeted Snow Plow Expense - $9,856 MOTION: Not to approve the request (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. Selectman Pasquale noted that a balance of $1,505,377 currently exists in the account. The policy of the Board of Selectmen is that a request for a reserve fund transfer should not be brought forward until all existing money in the line item has been expended. • School Department Reserve Fund Transfer Request No. 7 - Truck with Plow and Two Snow Blowers - $25,732 Clerk Mahana reviewed a list of Town -wide vehicles and suggested a 4 -wheel drive vehicles from one department be transferred to the School Department and stated that he feels we have too many vehicles in Town MOTION: To decline Transfer Request No. 7 in the amount of $25,732 for the purchase of a truck and two snow blowers (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. Selectman Pasquale noted that with the winter months being just about over, he does not feel the request is of an emergency nature, nor is it an unforeseen expense. Selectman Pasquale also suggested that funding for the truck and snow blowers be included in the upcoming PY97 budget. • School Department Reserve Fund Transfer Request No. 8 - Cooling Tower - $3,735.00 MOTION: To deny Reserve Fund Transfer Request No. 8 in the amount of 3,735.00. (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. Selectman Pasquale noted that a balance of $1,505,377 currently exists in the account. The policy of the Board of Selectmen is that a request for a reserve fund transfer should not be brought forward until all existing money in the line item has been expended. Chairman Madan also noted that there appears to be no evidence of how this request comes as a result of storm related damage. School Department Reserve Fund Transfer Request No. 9 - Replace Two Exterior Light Posts - $5,176.00 MOTION: To deny Request No 9 in the amount of $5,176. (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. Selectman Pasquale noted that a balance of $1,505,377 currently exists in the account. The policy of the Board of Selectmen is that a request for a reserve fund transfer should not be brought forward until all existing money in the line item has been expended Clerk Mahana stated that he thought it was the Town's policy to repair what it damages while plowing. If that is the Town's policy, Clerk Mahana stated that he feels the Municipal side of government should repair one of the light posts and the School Department should be responsible for repairing one of the posts. Chairman Madan noted that although that is the Town's policy, this would not be considered an emergency transfer. C. Minutes of March 20, 1996 MOTION: To approve. Cotella- Pasquale All in favor. PASSES. D. Correspondence Action: Resident: Letter from Sara B. Thibault, Jackson Court Condominium Association, requesting the Selectmen designate the parking area at Jackson Court as private parking WW Town Engineer is reviewing and is part of study by Police Dept. MOTION: To send Ms. Thibault a letter stating that we have no record of an agreement and that would have to go to Town Meeting to restrict the lot to private parking because the Board of Selectmen does not have the authority to impose the restriction. (Pasquale - Cotella) All in favor. PASSES. Letter from Dianne Nelson disputing a water bill she received for property located at 194 -196 Rumford Avenue with attached report and recommendation from Vel Bishop, DPW Billing Supervisor Miscellaneous: Letter from Charlotte M. Ahrendts to the Board of Selectmen requesting the Selectmen's assistance in getting the State to paint arrows in the left lanes and remarking the lane lines at the intersection of Routes 106 and 140 The Town Engineer; Ice AZinheha, is in the process of'mviewing this mquesL OTHER: Resident: Letter from Joyce Orton, 348 Willow Street, thanking the Selectmen for its kind reception at their dog hearing held on March 13, 1996 Letter from Margaret Donnelly, Mansfield resident, in support of Great Woods Center for the Performing Arts Letter from Robert Lynch, 382 Elm Street, in support of Great Woods Center for the Performing Arts Letter from Helen Clagg, 8 Waldor Drive, in support of Great Woods Center for the Performing Arts Town Manager and Staff: Letter from William Williams, Town Manager, to the Board of Selectmen requesting renewal of his employment contract with the Town of Mansfield State and Local Government: Letter from Mass Highway inviting the Selectmen to attend a Massachusetts Quality Initiative Transportation partnership Dinner on April 16, 1996 Letter from Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to the Board of Selectmen concerning plans on handling storms that come with spring and summer weather Miscellaneous: Letter from Bruce Montgomery, General Manager, Great Woods Center for the Performing Arts, to the Board of Selectmen suggesting an amendment to Great Woods' entertainment license to address mutual aid police officers Letter from Time Warner Cable to the Board of Selectmen with attached revised FCC filings 2. Questions and Comments Selectman Pasquale asked if a letter had been received to date from Mr. Clemmey on his concerns regarding Great Woods; a letter has not been received. 3. 8:00 PM — Joint Meeting with School Committee The purpose of the joint meeting with the School Committee was to make a ,joint appointment to fill a one year vacancy on the School Committee, which was created by the recent resignation of Russ Hartman. School Committee members Emil Giordano, Jean Miller, Mike Trowbridge, and Jeff Sankey were present, as was School Superintendent Dr. Nicoletti. Three persons applied for appointment to the position -- George Dainis, Charles Furey, and Paul Leuchte- -and were all present. Each applicant introduced themselves to the School Committee and Board of Selectmen. School Committee Questions: Members of the School Committee asked each of the applicants questions concerning their opinion on and awareness of implementation on the new Health Education Program in Mansfield, why they have chosen the school committee, what they could bring to the Committee, and what they feel is the best way to proceed with the school building prgjects. Board of Selectmen Questions: Members of the Board of Selectmen asked each of the applicants questions concerning budget funding, if they support doing all three school prgjects at once or one proiect a year; and whether or not they are in favor of doing the Robinson School addition first because funding is available or because it is the addition that is needed the most. Nominations: School Committee member Miller nominated George Dainis to fill the one year vacancy on the School Committee. School Committee member Trowbridge nominated Paul Leuchte to fill the one year vacancy on the School Committee George Dainis received four votes, one each from Chairman Madan, Clerk Mahana, Selectman Colella, and School Committee member Miller. Paul Leuchte also received four votes, one each from Selectman Pasquale, and School Committee members Emil Giordano, Michael Trowbridge, and Paul Sankey. Members of the School Committee and Board of Selectmen asked each of the applicants additional questions in order to try to break the four -four vote. Some of the additional questions were concerning whether or not the applicants support sending political news home with children, what their opinion on the budget procedure is, and their availability. Nominations II: School Committee member Trowbridge nominated Paul Leuchte to serve on the School Committee to fill the one year vacancy. Mr. Leuchte received four votes, one each from School Committee members Giordano, Trowbridge, and Sankey, & Selectman Pasquale Clerk Mahana nominated George Dainis to serve on the School Committee to fill tine one year vacancy. Mr. Dainis received four votes, one each from Chairman Madan, Clerk Mahana, Selectman Colella, and School Committee member Miller. The result of the second nominations and votes was a four to four tie. Each of the members of the Board of Selectmen and School Comuittee stated the reasons for their vote. Nominations III: Selectman Pasquale nominated George Dainis to fill the one year appointment on the School Committee. School Committee member Trowbridge nominated Paul Leuchte to fill the one year vacancy on the School Committee. Mr. Dainis received five votes, one each from School Committee member Miller and Board of Selectmen Chairman Madan, Clerk Mahana, and Selectmen Colella and Pasquale; and was therefore appointed to the School Committee to fill the one year vacancy.. The Board of Selechuen took a fim minute br eak at this tile. 4. Discussion with School Committee Emil Giordano, School Committee member, reviewed the scenario the School Committee would like to follow in the fall while proceeding with the Robinson School project. School Committee member Giordano also noted that the School Committee does have some tax impact information on the school projects that was going to be handed out this evening but was not because it may change because the Committee is waiting for input front bond counsel. Lastly, School Committee member Giordano asked that any residents who have questions concerning the school projects and tax impacts for same to please call him. 4. 9:40 PM — Planning Board Interview 1 Vacancy - Two Applicants: Ralph Penney and Donna Sennott Both applicants were present for this interview. Chairman Madan stepped down from the Board at this time because he has a hearing coming before the Planning Board in a couple of weeks. Chairman Madan passed the gavel to Clerk Mahana. Board Questions: Members of the Board of Selectmen asked each of the applicants why they would like to serve on the Planning Board. Ralph Penney received three votes, and was appointed to the Planning Board. Chairman Madan returned to the meeting. 5. 9:45 PM — Cable Access Board of Directors 1 Vacancy - Robert Varley Mr. Varley was present for this interview. MOTION: To appoint Bob Varley to the Cable Access Board of Directors. (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. 6. 9:48 PM - Town Manager Report A. Williams Street Bridge Paul Blaire, Lichtenstein Associates, reviewed alternative layouts for the Williams Street bridge. Mr. Lichtenstein noted that the State will not pay for the cost of a new design for the bridge. Town Engineer Lee Azinheira stated that the cost of acquisition of the right of way and design would be covered by Chapter 90 funds and stated that he would recommend approval of the consultant's option. Board of Selectmen Questions and Comments: Members of the Board of Selectmen commented on and asked questions concerning the cost to the Town for the State plan, review of a box culvert design similar to the culvert design on Oak Street, which alternate leaves most of the road, whether or not eminent domain taking will be involved, conservation land taking, Alternate No. 1 leaves the bridge exactly where it is and does not stop people from going off the road, distance between arcs in Option No. 2, whether or not the site distances in compliance with the Massachusetts Highway Department, and the amount of the rock wall and trees that will be disturbed. MOTION: To go with Option No. 2. (Pasquale -Maha na) All in favor. PASSES. (Although Option 2 was approved, it was noted that the Selectmen will not move forward with the prgject until they we see plans and cost estimates for the prgject. The consultant will be submitting a report to Town on the Williams Street bridge in the near future. B. Town Meeting Articles • Votes of Support — Annual Town Meeting Article Article Description 2 Income from the sale of electricity be expended by the Electric Department Manager for expenses of the Department. Sponsor: Board of Selectmen MOTION: To support. (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. 3 Raise, appropriate, or transfer $18,724,864 to accounts as listed to defray expenses of Town Departments Sponsor: Board of Selectmen Tabled 4 Establish an annual salary of $600 per member of the Board of Selectmen Sponsor: Board of Selectmen MOTION: Not to support. (Mahana - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. 5 Raise, appropriate, or transfer a sum of money to defray expenses of the Mansfield Public School System Sponsor: School Committee No vote fahen by the Selectmen 6 Raise, appropriate, or transfer a sum of money to defray expenses of the Southeastern Regional School District Sponsor: Board of Selectmen MOTION: To support (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. 7 Raise and appropriate $300,000 for various capital improvements projects ( Sponsor: Board of Selectmen MOTION: To support. (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. 8 Raise and appropriate or transfer $7,500 for Household Hazardous Waste Collection Sponsor: Board of Health MOTION: To approve (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. 9 To accept MGL Section 4 of Chapter 73 of the Acts of 1986 as amended by Chapter 126 of the Acts of 1988 allowing additional real estate tax exemption of 50 percent Sponsor: Board of Assessors MOTION: To approve (Pasquale - Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. 10 Raise and appropriate $22,000 for Revaluation Reserve Sponsor: Board of Assessors MOTION: To approve. (Pasquale- Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. 11 Appropriate $150,000 for sewer extensions and authorize the Treasurer to borrow $93,750 and charge betterments for this and transfer $56,250 from available funds to the Sewer Extension Reserve Sponsor: Board of Selectmen MOTION: To withdraw (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. 12 Transfer $8,200 from Quality Improvements and $30,000 from Quality Improvements II into KOH Corrosion Control Facility Sponsor: Board of Selectmen MOTION: To support. (Pasquale- Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. 13 Raise and appropriate and borrow a sum of money for the purpose of inspecting, cleaning, painting and conducting ordinary repairs to the Oxford Standpipe Sponsor: Capital Improvements Committee. Board of Selectmen Questions and Comments: Members of the Board of Selectmen questioned the suit of money requested ($338,000), the last time this was done, necessity, feasibility of doing this over two or three years; condition of other water tank, cost to clean, when the work will be done, whether or not funding the project will affect the Town's bond rating, whether or not any of the projects could be deferred. Assistant Department of Public Works Director John Buckley stated that he would not recommend putting any of the projects off. MOTION: To support this article with raise, appropriate and borrow. (Pasquale - Mahana) (3 -1) Chairman Madan opposed. PASSES 14 Raise and borrow $85,000 to design, furnish, and install a supervisory control and data acquisition system for the operation of the water system Sponsor: Capital Improvements Committee MOTION: To support. (Pasquale - Colella) (2 -2) Chairman Madan and Clerk Mahana. Opposed Board of Selectmen Questions and Comments: Members of the Board of Selectmen asked how implementation of this system will improve the water system. 15 Borrow $50,000 to purchase a utility vehicle for the Water Department Sponsor: Capital Improvements Committee To be withdi,r wn. 16 Raise and appropriate and borrow $1,305,000 to design and construct a water main and appurtenances as described in the Water Main Project Phase I Sponsor: Capital Improvements Committee MOTION: To support. (Pasquale- Mahana for discussion) ( 1 -3) Selectman Pasquale in favor. FAILS. 17 Raise and appropriate and borrow $1,339,000 in order to design and construct 20,220 linear feet of water main and appurtenances as described in the Water Main Project Phase II Sponsor: Capital Improvements Committee Board of Selectmen Questions and Comments: Members of the Board of Selectmen questioned the location of water pressure problems, descaling and lining vs. installation of new pipes, if we have a recommendation from water consultants on the plan, and previous fire flow reports. MOTION: Recommend not approving borrowing $13M. (Mahana- Colella) (3 -1) Pasquale Opposed. 18 Amend the vote passed under Article 25 at the October 24, 1994 Special Town Meeting authorizing the borrowing of $23,810,000 for the Robinson Elementary School, Qualters Middle School, and Mansfield High School projects Sponsor: School Committee No vote taken by the Board of Selectmen. 19 Raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds $200,000 to defray expenses of providing School transportation for students not otherwise required to be transported Sponsor: School Committee Tobe wiPhdrawn. 20 Authorize the School Conunittee to continue the Transportation Revolving Account of up to $120,000 for the purpose of defraying the costs of various pupil transportation activities Sponsor: School Committee No vote taken by the Board of Selectmen 21 Authorize the School Connnittee to continue the Special Education Revolving Account of up to $50,000 for the purpose of defraying the cost of various Special Education activities Sponsor: School Committee No vote taken by the Board of Selectmen 22 Authorize the School Committee to continue the Student Fees Revolving Account of up to $20,000 for the purpose of defraying the cost of various student fees Sponsor: School Connnittee No vote taken by the Board of Selectmen 23 Authorize the School Committee to establish a "Rental of School Facilities" Revolving Account of up to $30,000 Sponsor: School Committee No vote taken by the Board of Selectmen 24 Raise and appropriate or transfer a sum of money to defray the costs of Capital Improvements for Technology Sponsor: School Committee Tobe withdiwwn. 25 Raise and appropriate or transfer a sum of money to defray costs of capital improvements for Buildings and Grounds Sponsor: School Committee Tobe withdmwn. 39 Vote to accept Deer Path Lane By Petition: Joan 1. Brandt ( 40 Vote to accept Fieldstone Drive By Petition: Joan I. Brandt MOTION: To support Article Nos. 30 -36 & 38 -40 contingent upon the Planning Board's recommendation. (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. 41 Vote to amend the Zoning Map One and Two By Petition: Edward Benson No vote taken by the Board of Selectmen. 42 To direct the Board of Selectmen to acquire land in the vicinity of the commuter rail station and construct parking and appropriate a sum of money therefore By Petition: Lori Weiner No vote taken by the Board of Selectmen. 43 Authorize and direct the Board of Selectmen to appoint an advisory committee to review the relationship between the Town and Great Woods By Petition: Karl Clemmey No vote taken by the Board of Selectmen. 44 Amend Chapter 6, Police Regulations, Section 11, General By -Laws by adding to the existing section By Petition: Karl Clemnrey No vote taken by the Board of Selectmen 45 Amend the Zoning By -Laws by adding a Section 1.5, Definitions, Section 1.5.49 By Petition: Karl Clenuney No vote taken by the Board of Selectmen • Votes of Support — Special Town Meeting Article Article Description 1 Transfer money between various departmental budgets to defray the expenses of the municipal government during the remainder of FP1996 - $192,365 Sponsor: Board of Selectmen MOTION: To approve. (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. 2 Transfer from free cash a sum of money to pay unpaid bills of the prior year ( -$257.85 Sponsor: Board of Selectmen MOTION: To approve (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. 3 Transfer from stabilization the amount of $60,000 for Mill Pond Dam rehabilitation Sponsor: Board of Selectmen Andy Gazzolo, Finance Committee Chairman, stated that the Finance Committee feels that $1.2M should stay in stabilization and voted unanimously not to fund the Mill Pond Dam rehabilitation using stabilization funds. MOTION: To withdraw (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. 4 Raise and appropriate or transfer from stabilization or available funds $73,300 for the purpose of implementing the Board of Health order of June 20, 1991 to fluoridate the water supply Sponsor: Board of Selectmen Andy Gazzolo, Finance Committee Chairman, stated that the Finance Committee is recommending funding for fluoridation from a Miscellaneous revenue line item in the budget. A discussion of the purpose of the stabilization account followed. MOTION: To support as a transfer from stabilization in the amount of $732300 for fluoridation (Pasquale - Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. MOTION: To approve the municipal budget (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. Discussion among the Selectmen followed concerning the increase of the budget over last year's budget and the time table for implementation of centralized dispatch. 7. Board of Selectmen A. Old Business • Train Station Selectman Pasquale asked when the Selectmen would begin talking about the train station again noting that the MBTA has put out a Request for Proposals for a West Mansfield station. Selectman Pasquale also stated that he feels the Selectmen should take a position on the train station location. Chairman Madan suggested a letter of willingness to communicate be sent to the MBTA as well as a copy of ACME Cleveland Twists open air parking facility license. MOTION: Not in favor of a train station in West Mansfield. (Colella- Mahana) All in favor. PASSES MOTION: The only train station in town should be downtown (Mahana - Pasquale) All in favor. PASSES. MOTION: Chairman Madan to resume communications with the MBTA. (Pasquale- Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. • Great Woods Entertainment License Selectman Colella asked when the Great Woods' entertainment license would be i' reviewed by the Selectmen and noted issues of concern to him relative to the license such as- -use of port -a -johns rather than restrooms and the parking fee. Chairman Madan stated that he would contact Selectman Robinson to see when he would be ready to review the license with the Selectmen. • Town Accountant Chairman Madan stated that he feels it would be a good idea to advertise for and hire a Town Accountant to work with the current Accountant for a while before he retires. e Vehicle Inventory Clerk Mahana stated that he feels the current inventory of Town vehicles is excessive and stated that he feels the Town should get rid of some of the vehicles. Clerk Mahana requested the Town Manager ask Department Heads which vehicles they need and which ones they could do without. 8. Adjournment - 11:50 PM Clerk's Signature Date o£Apprbival