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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 4-24-1996BOARD OF SELECTNIEN MINUTES April 24, 1996 PRESENT: Chairman Madan, Clerk Mahana, and Selectmen Colellajnquale Robinson 1 I S 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. Mr. Williams, Town Manager, gave an update on the condition of Gerry Schenna, Veterans' Agent, who had triple by -pass surgery this date. Mr. Schenna is recovering at Lahey Clinic and is doing fine. The Selectmen requested flowers be sent to Mr. Schenna on their behalf. A. Warrant No. 44 - $986,569.44 MOTION: To approve. (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. Chairman Madan abstained from all Building Department items. PASSES. B. Licenses and Permits • Treasurer Bond for Joan Cutillo in the amount of $200,000 MOTION: To approve. (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. • Mansfield Realty Limited Partnership - Liquor License Certificate - Reflecting Change of Corporate Name and Change of Manager MOTION: To sign. (Pasquale - Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. • Hackney License Application of Foxfreld Taxi - Vehicle 30 MOTION: To approve . (Mahana - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. 0 Hackney License Application of Foxfield Taxi - Vehicle No. 33 MOTION: To approve. (Matrana- Colella) All in favor. PASSES. • Parade Permit Application for Fifth Grade Students of the Jackson School - May 1 MOTION: To approve. (Mahana - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. • MADD Proclamation for National Crime Victims Rights Week - April 21 -27 MOTION: To sign the proclamation. (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. C. Minutes • Minutes of April 17, 1996 MOTION: To approve. (Colella- Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. • Minutes of April 10, 1996 MOTION: To approve. (Mahana- Colella) All in favor. PASSES. • 194 -196 Rumford Avenue Water Bill Dispute - Dianne and Rudolph Nelson Mr. Nelson was present to present his request for an abatement of his water bill. The Board acted on the request for abatement made by letter at last week's meeting; however, the homeowners requested the opportunity to request their abatement in person. John Buckley, Assistant Department of Public Works Director, and Vel Bishop, Department of Public Works Billing Supervisor, were present. Mr. Nelson reviewed a bar graph reflecting water use for his building located at 194 -196 Rumford Avenue from 1986 -1993 and stated that the bill has not been looked at based upon average water usage during those years. ( Mr. Buckley stated that it appears from his records that Mr. Nelson's accounting is correct except for a leak that occurred in 1995. Mr. Buckley also stated that the meter was tested and, as far as he knows, everything that went through meter was reported in the final bill. Lastly, Mr. Buckley referred to Mr. Nelson's signed contract with the Town to pay back the overdue balance at $217.85 a month and recommended the bill be paid. Vel Bishop, Deparnnent of Public Works Billing Supervisor, reviewed the dates the meter was changed. Board Questions Members of the Board of Selectmen asked questions concerning the meter/reader replacements water used, tenant turnover, unit vacancy, why the meter may have frozen, meter location, signed agreement, meter reading for the first quarter of this year, three successive readings since meter replacement, and the number of times the meter was read inside the building. No votes were taken by the Selectmen to reconsider last week's vote to deny the abatement; therefore, last week's motion stands. 2. Questions and Comments Peter Detrolio, Elm Sheet, inquired about a new sprinkler system being installed in the new Fire Station, funding for installation of the back to Town Meeting. sYstenr, and if the issue will be brought ( Chairman Madan questioned a memorandum from the Town 1\lanager stating that funding would be taken from the Fire Department's budget for the system. Mr. Williams stated that that may be one alternative. Selectman Colella suggested the building architect be responsible for the cost difference for installation of the sprinkler , ince he did not communicate the increase in the square footage of the building requiring the system, system s D. Correspondence ACTION: Resident Letter from Mark Bobrowski, 41 Fredric Lane, requesting the Board of Selectmen direct the Department of public Works to clean up the stump dump located at 25 Fredric Lane Clerk Malrana summarized the letter. Mr. Williams stated that the Treasurer has a passbook that may be sufficient to clean up the lot but before it may be used clearance will be required from Town Counsel. Selectman Pasquale explained that the lot is under tax title and Chapter 11 and that the money cannot be touched, as explained by the Town Treasurer. Both Chairman Madan and Selectman Pasquale expressed concern regarding the Town entering upon private property to clean up the lot. MOTION, To send a letter to Mr. Bobrowski explaining the situation to him (Pasquale - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. Board and Cormnittee Memorandum from the Planning Board requesting a workshop be scheduled to discuss public safety issues relative to the East Mansfield water system A workshop has been scheduled forAlay I. 3. Police Dept. DARE & Fire Dept. SAFE Drive Program Police Chief O'Neill, Fire Chief Sliney, and D.A.R.E Officer Michael Elsworth were present. Officer Elsworth explained the project worked on by both the Police and Fire Departments. Both Departments staged a mach operating under the influence accident in hope of having a safer prom season. Officer Elsworth thanked all those persons and businesses who participated in the Program including Fred Sarro Classic Bride and Hub Formal Co. Officer Elsworth also thanked both the Fire and Police Chief for their support. Fire Chief Sliney commended Officer Elsworth and Lieutenants Town and Boldrigini for all the work put into the project. Chief O'Neill also commended Officer Elsworth and the Fire Departmen great job the did. Lastly, Chairman Madan thanked all those involved t for the MOTION- Letter of appreciation be put in folders of all personnel involved. (Mahana- Pasquale) All in favor. PASSES. Mill Street Constr•rrctiosa Selectman Robinson inquired about Mill Sheet construction relative to allowing busses to travel on Mill Sheet while construction is ongoing. Police Chief O'Neill stated that he has been advised by the contractor that the street will be passable: Police Chief O'Neill stated that he would monitor the situation. Town 1\4anager A4-illiams questioned Police Chiefs recommendation not to install a stop sign at the Oak Street location but to install a yellow blinking light. Police Chief O'Neill stated that a formal report will be submitted and that he must discuss the issue with Traffic Safety Officer Lawson. 4. Mill Pond Dam and Scott /Goyea Conservation Land Discussion with Town Engineer Lee Azinheira and Conservation Planner Richard Lewis A. Scott /Goyea Conservation Land Also present for this discussion were Leonard Flynn of the Natural Resources Trust, Ed Tartufo of the Canoe River Aquifer Advisory Committee, and Greg Cauldwell of the Conservation Commission. Richard Lewis, Environmental & Conservation Planner explained the plans for the Scott/Goyea Conservation land and stated that two variances will be required as well as scenic road public hearing. Variances will be required for the entrance sign size and for a gravel parking area. Mr. Lewis requested a waiver of the fees associated with the variances and the scenic road hearing. MOTION: To Nvaive the fees as requested. (Pasquale - Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. Clerk Mahana suggested straightening out the island on Oak Street near the Conservation land to make a 90 degree turn. Town Engineer Azinheira stated that doing so may cause »core accidents but that he mould review the signage and roachvay aligmuent with the Department of Public Works Director prior to paving. Clerk Mahana also inquired about trees to be removed from the island and congregation in the parking area. Conservation Commnission Chairman Cauldwell stated that the Conservation Commission will be recommending parking within the lot be allowed only between certain hours, a gate be installed at the parking lot entrance, and will be requesting that the gate be monitored by the Police Department. MOTION: That the Police Chief be requested to patrol the area on occasion and at the appropriate hours lock the gate. ( Mahana- Colella) All in favor. PASSES. Mr. Lewis gave an update on conservation restriction for the Scott/Goyea Conservation land and requested a confirmatory vote from the Board of Selectmen to sign the restriction. The Selectmen had already signed a restriction for the land; however, there were typos which have been corrected and a few minor changes made regarding Self Help, all at the State's request. Mr. Flynn will be picking up the restriction from Town Counsel's office on Thursday and will drop it off at the Selectmen's office for signatures. MOTION: To sign the agreement subject to approval of it after each member reads it. 1 (Pasquale- Robinson) All in favor. PASSES. B. Mill Pond Dam Mr. Lewis gave a brief history of the plan and stated that that he is requesting the Selectmen's direction on whether or not to pursue the project. Ed Tartufo, Canoe River Aquifer Advisory Committee, stated that the dam received Area ( of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) designation in 1991 and that funding for the project should have come out of capital prgjects in the past. MOTION: To instruct the Town Engineer to proceed with taking a management lead in this project (Pasquale - Robinson) All in favor. PASSES. 5. Industrial Development Commission Committee Update Ian Macdonald, Jay Barrows, Karl Clenuney, Tom Prestwhich, and John Larch were present. Mr. Macdonald stated that the Industrial Development Cotmnission would like to meet with the Selectmen sometime in the near future. Selectman Colella asked if the Industrial Development Comnission knows of the reason why Foot Joy has not approached the business park in Mansfield for space when it has approached other cities and towns. Commission member Barrows stated that the Commission will need to find out why businesses are leaving Mansfield and/or why they are staying. Commission member Prestwhich stated that the Commission needs to find out where the business demand will be in the future. Board Questions: Questions and cotmnents from the Board of Selectmen were concerning whether or not businesses are happy with the current tax rate, if there is any possible reuse of the glass factory, compiling a package of land in Town available for sale and contacting potential buyers, recruiting businesses needing office space, status of marketing brochure, communication with successful businesses in Town, communication with the Governor's Office and Economic Development, Economic Development program, what Cabot Partners has been doing to market remaining lots; tax incentive review, and establishment of an Industrial Development Commission budget. Lastly, it was noted that "Mansfield Day" has been scheduled for June 8 of this year, and will include a sidewalk sale. 6. Town Manager Report A. Park Row Water Line Mr. Williams requested the Selectmen's direction on weather or not the Water Departtnent should proceed with installation of the necessary plumbing to facilitate a sprinkler system in the South Common and Park Row Town Hall lawns areas. MOTION: To approve. (Pasquale - Colella) (4 -1) Selectman Robinson opposed. PASSES. Selectman Robinson stated that he would rather see the water go to the drinking population. B. East Street Fields Williams referenced a request from Dr. Nicoletti. dated April 18. 1996, that the Town of \4ansfield administer the capital improvements at the East Street fields. mOT10N: To have the Department of Public Works take over the construction management of the East Street fields. (Pasquale- Niahana) All in favor. PASSES. A consensus of the Board of Selectmen was in favor of the School Department buildings and grounds person being used as a resource. C. South Common Electrical Panel Mr. Williams requested the Selectmen's authorization for the Electric Department to existing telephone pole on trelocate the electric service on an inside panel in the Park Row Towu Hall from the he South Common. MOTION: To approve. (Pasquale- Robillson)All in favor. PASSES. D. Mansfield High School Baseball Team the Department of Public Works Commendation Mr. Williams referenced a letter of commendation from the High School baseball team for the great job done at Memorial Park this past year. E. White Property - School Sheet Mr. Williams informed the Selectmen of an additional letter he sent to Congressman Bhrte and to the Marshall Service for White Property located on School Street. F. Joint Meeting with Towns William Williams, Town Manager, stated that Professor DiSantes is willing to do a seminar for elected and appointed officials on working together in groups in an abbreviated form, at no cost to the Town. The seminar will last for approximately two and a half hours. Selectman Pasquale suggested the seminar be arranged for the Selectmen and chairman of other Boards in Town. A consensus of the Board was in favor of hosting the workshop and inviting other Town Board and Committee Chairmen. Clerk Mahana stated that Assistant District Attorney Sam Sutter will be willing to come to Mansfield in the early part of summer to discuss executive sessions and open meetings. 7. Selectmen A. Old Business o Train Station Advisory Committee Selectman Colella stated that the Train Station Advisory Committee met on Monday night. David McCarter, Chairman of the Comimittee, summarized the meeting and stated that a request was made at the meeting for the Selectmen to contact Geoffrey Slater to meet with the Advisory Commnittee. Mr. McCarter also stated that he has received additional requests to be on the Commmittee and requested additional applications to be accepted. It was noted that if \tr. Slater does come to Mansfield. the meeting should be joint with the Board of Selectmen. ( • Municipal Building Committee Cable Advisory Committee Clerk \9ahana resigned as an associate member on the \dunicipal Building Committee and Cable Advisory to go by the spirit of law of the Town Charter, as brought up last week by Mr. Devine. • lurpact Legislation Clerk Mahana stated that he has not heard from Congressman Blute or Frank on impact legislation. • Leak Detection Program Clerk Mahana referenced a memorandum from John Buckley, Assistant Department of Public Works Director, concerning leak detection, and stated that he would like a report on the amount of water pumped vs. the amount billed. • Central Dispatch System MOTION: Central Dispatch be located in the Police Department by December 1, 1996. (Mahana - Pasquale) All in favor. PASSES. If the Police Chief or Fire Chiefrnd the date vrrworkable, the Selectmen and the Chiefs wit/ discuss the issue. Prior to voting on the above motion, Selectmen Pasquale suggested a policy be established by the Selectmen to have centralized dispatch in the Police Department and the Chiefs suggest a date for implementation. Discussion of the number of available dispatchers, funding for dispatchers, and timing relative to moving into new fire station continued among the Selectmen. • Status of Projects Next, Clerk Mahana inquired about the status of the following: Town fleet reduction, Norton Water Billing, Ash Property, and Cross - Training Departments. • May 23 Informational Seminar MOTION: To strongly urge all. Board and Committee members attend the May 23 seminar and send a letter to all Board and Cormnittee members requesting they all attend stating some of the issues that will be discussed. (Pasquale - Madan) All in favor. PASSES. • Summer Meeting Schedule MOTION: To begin the summer meeting schedule effective June 5, meeting every two weeks except for July 3, which will be pushed back and may be rescheduled. (Pasquale- Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. • Household Hazardous Waste Selectman Pasquale noted that Household hazardous NVaste Collection Day will be this coming Saturday at Great NVoods. i • Police Department Budget Reduction Chairman Madan stated that he has received a lot of calls about $80,000 being cut out of Police Department's budget at Town N4eeting and asked the Town N4anager if Police Department staffing is being effected. • Police Training for New Recruits Selectman Robinson asked if funding is available for new recruit training, and inquired about the effect of Fascop passage on the Town. B. New Business • Liquor License Violation - Tahana Restaurant Selectman Pasquale referenced a memorandum from the Police Chief and an attached Police Report concerning the violation and suggested a public hearing be scheduled. MOTION: To call for a public hearing. (Robinson - Pasquale) as soon as possible All in favor. PASSES. • PAC Fund - raiser - April 26 Selectman Pasquale noted that School Department Parent Advisory Council will be holding a fund- raiser on Friday April 26. • Stop & Shop Food Drive Selectman Robinson noted that the Stop & Shop Food Drive will be held on May 4 and stated that it is important to go. • Main Street Lights Chairman Madan stated that he has noticed clot of damaged street lights on Main Sheet, and asked that the extent of damage, cost estimate, and what can be done to prevent the damage from happening again be reviewed. • Well Down Time Chairman Madan stated that he would like to keep a watch on the down time of wells, a weekly report on the down time, and would like to know the first time the down time is exceeded. - • Purchase Orders MOTION: No purchases above 1,000 be granted without Board approval until June 30 1996. (Mahana- Colella) (3 -2) Selectmen Pasquale and Robinson opposed. PASSES. Clerk Mahana suggested an amendment to the motion to say "without the Chairman's approval, acting for the Board"; Chairman Madan suggested that emergency items be excepted from this procedure. -\ discussion of the role of the Board of Selectmen followed the above motion. • Notification of Contract Endorsement Clerk Mahana requested the Selectmen be informed of any contracts the Town Manager siens. • Personnel Policy Guideline Clerk Mahana stated that the Personal Policy Guidelines have not bee updated since 1983. A committee is working on them now. • Enterprise Account Clerk Mahana commented on establishment of Enterprise Accounts, impact funds, and permit fees. • Letter to the Editor Clerk Mahana responded to a "Letter to the Editor" from a Norton resident concerning commuter traffic. • Legal Expenses Clerk Mahana referenced an article in THE BROCKTON ENTERPRISE concerning Mansfield's legal expenses and asked why the Town does not advertise for an in -house attorney. MOTION: For the Town Manager to look at issuing a request for proposals for Town Counsel. (Pasquale - Robinson) All in favor. PASSES. • Capital Projects Status Report Clerk Mahana suggested a status report be given by the Municipal Building Committee on the capital projects on a weekly or bi- weekly basis. Peter DeTrolio suggested having a Municipal Building Commmittee member give a status report similar to the Master Plan Committee. Selectman Pasquale suggested the report be given fifteen minutes before the start of the Selectmen's meetings and be cablecast. 8. 11:00 PM - Adjournment MOTION:` To adjourn. (Robinson - Pasquale) All in favor. PASSES. Cle k's Signamre DalekofApproval