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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 8-14-1996Board of Selectmen Minutes August 14, 1996 ? PRESENT: Chairman Madan, Clerk Mahana, and Selectmen Colella, aril I�oUihSbn'' j 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM followed by the.Pledg6 of r_ j I S allegiance. A. Warrant No. 8 - $588,979.00 MOTION: To approve. (Mahana - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. B. Licenses and Permit • Purchase Orders Wastewater Treatment Plant - Northeast Resources Group Inc. - $5887.50 To Provide Power Factor Correction Mr. Williams stated that he has received a positive recommendation from John Larch, Light Department Manager, on this request. MOTION: To approve. (Colella- Robinson) All in favor. PASSES Clear Concepts - Mansfield Schools - Purchase Orders Totaling $28,037 - To provide data natring and network Equipment for the Quctlters Middle School and Robinson School MOTION: To approve the purchase orders. (Mahana- Robinson) All in favor. PASSES • Reserve Fund Transfer Request -Fire Department - Repair of the Ladder Truck Mr. Williams stated that lie would like to ask the Finance Committee to commit up to $50,000 for the repair of the Fire Department aerial ladder truck. Chairman Madan requested the report on the truck be read out. MOTION: To approve the transfer for emergency repairs. (Mahana - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. Robinson questioned the turnaround time for repair of the truck. Clerk Mahana stated that he would like to go on record as stating that he will not vote to support a no bid contract on anything unless the number is very small. C. Correspondence ACTION: Letter from Rick Goddeau, Director of Buildings and Grounds, requesting a wavier of the fees for the application for a certificate of inspection for the School Departments annual inspections of all the school buildings MOTION: So moved to waive the Town's portion of the inspection fees. (Mahana - Colella) (3 -0 -1) Madan abstained. PASSES. OTHER: Resident Letter from Karl Clenuney, 390 West Street, concerning an alleged safety hazard at the Great Woods emergency access road with an attached response t Letter from Robert and Diane Mainones, 65 Morrow Street, requesting to be included in the Morrow Street sewer extension This request was approved at last tiveek's meeting, but was not listed in correspondence. Town Manager and Staff Letter from Susan Jacobs, Volterra, Goldberg & Mangiaratti, to the Board of Selectmen concerning Fales Fuel Supply Clerk Mahana stated that he read that the Town is liable if there is a spill during removal of fuel tanks and he would like to see the tanks emptied rather than removed. State & Local Government Letter from the Town of Hanson Board of Selectmen concerning water source options D. Bonding Issue Treasurer- Collector Richard Boucher requested the Selectmen vote to approve the sale of $4,675,000 in Bond Anticipation Notes MOTION: To support the bonding issue that had previously been voted on. (Mahana - Robinson) All in favor. PASSES. 2. Town Manager Report A. Enterprise Accounts Lee Azinheira introduced Christopher Woodcock of Woodcock and Associates, Inc. Mr. Woodcock reviewed a report dated August 12, 1996 that he submitted to the Town Manager concerning enterprise accounts. Establishment of both water and wastewater enterprise accounts is being reviewed. Board of Selectmen Questions: Questions and comments from the Board of Selectmen were concerning the amount of surplus money in the water and wastewater accounts, control of spending funds in enterprise accounts, ability to transfer through a motion at Town Meeting from the enterprise account to other accounts; ability of the Water Department to loan money to the Town in lieu of borrowing money; whether or not sewer rates would increase if an enterprise account is established, and if it would be easier to help residents with Title 5 with the enterprise accounts. B. Fulton's Pond Dam Update Lee Azinheira gave an update on the status of the Fulton's Pond Dam. The present dam was never designed for a 10o year storm. The present spill way can only handle 9% of a 100 year storm. The Department of Environmental Management would like the dam designed for a 500 year storm because of possibility of loss of life with dam failure. However, the dam may be designed for a 100 year storm if the gates are opened to lower the water level every year and at the onset of a storm. Next, Mr. Azinheira reviewed the cost of the project and stated that he has put a call into Senator Keating's office to let them know the status of the project and the change in cost. C. Water Report Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System Proposal 2 John Buckley, Assistant DPW Director, reviewed his memorandum to the Town Manager and DPW Director dated August 14, 1996. Three proposals were received for the system, one each from Haley & Ward, Inc. at $11,500, Dusfrene -Henry Inc. at $14,600, and Tata & Howard at $15,500. The Town Manager is the awarding authority for this contract. Foolish Hill Water Main Clerk Mahana stated that he would like Foolish Hill line installation monitored by a Professional Engineer. Selectmen Colella stated that he does not feel the Water Department employees should be involved in the project. MOTION: To ask Water Department Superintendent Buckley to pursue the cost of a contract to supervise laying the watermain for Foolish Hill with Tata and Howard. (Mahana - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. Sodium Test Results Mr. Buckley stated that the sodium test results are in from Analytical Balance Corp. and are included in a report from the firm dated July 26, 1996. In the report, Mansfield's sodium levels are compared to the high and low sodium levels in North Attleboro, Attleboro, Foxboro, and Easton. Board of Selectmen Questions: Questions from the Board of Selectmen included water desalination cost and communication with the Board of Health concerning the sodium level in the water. Robert E. Walsh Wellfield Lastly, Mr. Buckley gave an update on the status of the Robert E. Walsh wellfreld project. D. Special Town Meeting Article Review Chairman Madan noted that the Selectmen originally called Special Town Meeting for capital projects. Mr. William's reviewed the "Manager's Draft" of the special Town Meeting warrant, dated August 14, 1996, 3:11 PM, with the Board of Selectmen. Unless otherwise noted below, the only discussion on each of the warrant articles was a brief explanation given by the Town Manager. Article No. 3 - Plymouth Street Fire Station Capital Project P,1111ding Mr. Williams referenced a memorandum from the Municipal Building Committee dated August 14 which includes a draft outline of their understanding of the cost to complete the Plymouth Street Fire Station. Clerk Mahana asked what the total cost of the project would be including this estimate. Article 4 - Police Headquarters Capital Project Funding Mr. Williams stated that the architect for the project presented the plans at last evening's Municipal Building Committee meeting. Mr. Williams also stated that furnishings are not included in the cost of the project, as they were not included in any of the capital project budgets. Chairman Madan stated that lie feels the voters need to know up front whether or not the Town will be asking for more money in the future for furnishings. 3 Mr. Williams stated that he would like David Young, Municipal Building Committee Chairman, to review the furnishing cost with the architect for the Police Station and stated that Municipal Building Committee has offered to attend the August 28 Selectmen's meeting with the architect to review the cost of the project. Article 6 - Well Rehabilitation and Cleaning, Pump Overhaul, and Conduction Ordinary Repairs Members of the Board of Selectmen questioned the water capital account being used as a funding source for this project, whether or not there will still be sufficient funding for Robert Walsh well, and the construction cost estimate for the Walsh well. Article 7 Meter Replcrcenrent S98,300 Mr. Buckley, Assistant DPW Director, explained the State's reimbursement procedure for this project. Chairman Madan stated that he would prefer to review the article again in the spring, MOTION: To dissolve Article 7. (Colella - Mahana) (3 -1) Robinson opposed PASSES. Article 9 Water System Demonstration Study Mr. Buckley explained that this article would provide funding for a twelve month long pilot study to add a chemical to the water supply for the purpose of sequestering iron and manganese in the water supply. Members of the Board of Selectmen asked if any other cites and towns have conducted this study and the need for the study at this time. MOTION: To dissolve Article 9. (Colella- Madan) (3 -1) Robinson opposed Article 10 - New Water Supply at the Witch Pond Site The Board of Selectmen would like a report prior to Special Town Meetng stating why it is necessary for the Town to purse new source approval with the Department of Environmental Protection for a new water supply at the Witch Pond site. Members of the Selectmen also questioned how far the Town would have to go to secure the source and if any applications have been filed to date. MOTION: To approve placement of•this crr•ticle on the wcn•rant. (Mahana - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. Article 11 - $450, 000 Aerial Ladder Truck Lease Purchase MOTION: To put the $450,00 article on the warrant. (Colella- Robinson) All in favor. PASSES. Article 12$50, 00 Aerial Ladder Truck Repctir Mr. Williams explained that this article will be necessary if the Finance Committee does not approve the a reserve fund transfer request for the repair. MOTION: To leave Article 12 on the Special Town Meeting warrant. (Robinson- Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. Article 14 - Tremont Street Small Seiner Extension The Selectmen discussed the need for this article to be placed on the Special Town Meeting warrant relative to the construction start time if it is not acted on until the Annual Town Meeting. Article 15 Branch Street Seiner Line Lee Azinheira, Town Engineer, explained the need for this article stating that this line has been the biggest source of repeated problems and that he fully recommends replacement of the line. MOTION: To put Article 15 on the warrant. (Mahana - Colella) All in favor. PASSES Article 17 Cops Fast funding for FY97 Police Department Scrim y Clerk Mahana stated that he would like an evaluation done of the Police and Fire Department by a professional police /fire organization to identify each departments strengths and weaknesses, before adding any additional officers. Selectman Colella noted that he had previously requested an evaluation of all Town departments. MOTION: Not to place the article on the warrant. (Colella- Mahana)(3- 1)Selectrnan Robinson opposed. PASSES. Article 16 - Research and Development Agreement for Public Safety Computer Softn are Mr. Williams explained that this article is not to purchase anything new but is to cover the cost of a maintenance agreement. MOTION: To reserve the money in Article 17 for a Police Department evaluation. (Mahana - Colella) (3 -0 -1) Selectman Robinson abstained. PASSES. Article 16 should be reirritten to reflect that funding being requested is to cover the cost of a maintenance agreement MOTION: To support placement of Article 16 on the inarrcmt. (Mahana- Robinson) All in favor. PASSES. Article 18 - Rand Improvement Fmrds MOTION: So moved to pictee on the u cnrcmt. (Colella- Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. Article 19 - Plymouth Street Recreational Eield Discussion among the Selectmen was concerning the effect putting this article off until Town Meeting would have on seeding the field and the when it would be ready to be used. MOTION: To support placement on the ira rant. (Mahana - Robinson) All in favor. PASSES. Article 20 - Fales Fuel Supply Tank Removal Clerk Mahana stated that he read that the Town is held accountable if there is a spill during fuel supply tank removal and that he would prefer emptying the tanks rather than removing them. Mr. Williams responded that the person or company removing the tanks would be insured in the event that a spill should occur. Chairman Madan stated that he would prefer not to have the tanks emptied because of left over fumes. 5 MOTION: To leave this article on the warrant to be discussed at Town Meeting (Robinson - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. Article 23 -Water Enntenprise Account MOTION: To put on the warrant. (Mahana - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. Article 24- Wasten,ater Enntenprise Account MOTION: To put Article 24 on the warrant. (Mahana - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. Article 25- Building Permit Cap MOTION: To put on the warrant. (Mahana - Colella) All in favor. PASSES In reference to this article, Chairman Madan stated that he feels if this Zoning By -Law is adopted, the Town will not see results for five to ten years and all existing lots will be grandfathered. Chairman Madan also questioned the Selectmen's authority to sponsor a Zoning By -Law amendment Article 29, 30, 31, crud 32 - Oakland Street, Park Street, Reservoir Street, and Spring Street Acceptannce Acceptance of the above streets is needed in order to use Chapter 90 funds for their repair. MOTION: To place all street articles on the uarrrant. (Mahana - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. Article 33- Brian Lane Acceptance Chairman Madan stated that other petitioned articles were submitted but they had to get one hundred signatures and that the Selectmen should be consistent (this petition only has ten signatures). MOTION: Not to support inclusion of Article 33 on the Special Town Meeting Warrant. (Mahana - Colella) All in favor PASSES. MOTION: To open the Special Town Meeting warrant (Mahana - Colella) All in favor. PASSES MOTION: To include all articles as discussed. (Colella- Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. MOTION: To close the warrant. (Mahana - Robinson) All in favor. PASSES. F. West Mansfield Fire Station Lease Mr. Williams reviewed a lease agreement for the Old West Mansfield Fire Station, attached to a letter from Robert Mangiaratti, Town Counsel, to John Pollis, Esq., dated August 13, 1996. Mr. Williams stated if the lease is signed now, the money from the sale of the fire station will be in the bank for the Special Town Meeting. 6 MOTION: To sign this and enter into the lease agreement. (Mahana - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. 3. Selechnen A. Old Business • Sick Leave Buyback Clerk Mahana stated that he read a letter from Labor Counsel concerning sick leave buy back and that he interpreted that it is not legal to give sick leave buy back. Clerk Mahana stated that Labor Counsel should put it in writing that he approves of sick leave buy back. • Sharon Estates Clerk Mahana asked how Sharon Estates was able to hook into Mansfield's wastewater plant and requested the history of Cannon Forge be reviewed. • "No or Low Salt Areas" Chairman Madan inquired about the status of declaring certain areas in Town "No or Low Salt Areas ". • Salt Policy for Winter Chairman Madan inquired about the status of development of a salt policy for the winter months. B. New Business • Bristol County Selectmen's Association Meeting Selectman Robinson stated that the next Bristol County Selectmen's Association meeting will be in Mansfield on October 17 and the Association would like it if the Town Manager could attend. o Blain Chemical Selectman Colella inquired about the Blain Chemical site asking if a new company moved onto the site and if there is hazardous material on the site. • Sun Chronicle Article Clerk Mahana referenced an article in the this date's Sun Chronicle which states that the State has started an interest fee loan program for sewer plants. Treasurer- Collector Richard Boucher explained the program. o Foxboro's Request Clerk Mahana stated that lie would like to treat Foxboro the same way they treated us with our request for water and not say anything to them. • Emergency Medial Technician Upgrading Clerk Mahana inquired about the status of EMT upgrading in the Fire Department. • Vacation Time Clerk Mahana stated that with the hiring of the Town Treasurer, the Town Manager i awarded vacation time and some Department Heads grieved the amount of vacation time given to him. Clerk Mahana inquired about the status of the grievance. Mr. Williams responded that he grandfathered the department heads involved for one year rather than 7 going to arbitration. Clerk Mahana questioned the Town Manager's authority to settle the grievance in this manner and asked if it would fall under the Board of Selectmen's polices and procedures. �. • Town Accountant Chairman Madan inquired about the amount of training time for the new Town Accountant with the current Accountant's retirement schedule. • Sick Leave Buy Back Clerk Mahana stated that feels sick leave buy back received in the past by certain Department Heads is a violation Section 23 of the the State Ethic's Commission and that he would like to send a letter to State Ethics Commission for the Police Department, Fire Department, Social Services, and Town Manager. • Capital Projects Clerk Mahana asked the Town Manager why he has allowed the four or five capital building projects to go sky rocketing out of hand. • Branch Street Potholes Chairman Madan stated that he received a couple calls concerning deep potholes on Branch Street in front of 134 and 200 Branch Street. • One Way Streets Downtown Chairman Madan stated that lie has received several calls concerning one way signs downtown, one street in particular is West Church Street behind the dance studio. Also, there are no signs stating right hand turns are prohibited off of Old Colony to Church Street. People have been turning onto the one way street. • Town Accountant Appointment Clerk Mahana asked the Board of Selectmen to offer the position of Town Accountant to Beatrice A. Kearney at $40,000. MOTION: To offer the position. (Robinson - Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. Discussion of among the Selectmen followed concerning the amount of vacation time to be granted to Ms. Kearney in her new position. Mr. Williams responded that Ms. Kearney would not be effected by the recent grievance decision as she only has three years prior experience which would not push her into a different bracket for vacation days granted. • Election Works/Polling Hours In a memorandum to the Board of Selectmen dated August 12, 1996, the Town Clerk requested the Selectmen appoint an attached list of election workers and set the polling hours for the September 17 State Primary from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. MOTION: To set the voting hours as outlined by the Town Clerk. (Robinson- Maliana) All in favor. PASSES. MOTION: To approve selection of election workers as outlined by the Town Clerk (Robinson- Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. 0 4. Questions and Comments 10:50 Peter DeTrolio, 496 Elm Street, questioned a statement made by Chris Woodcock that every resident of Mansfield is paying for the Sewer Department. Mr. DeTrolio also inquired about another statement made by Mr. Woodcock concerning the Sewer Department deficit in that each year it incurs $30,000 in labor cost from the Highway Department. Lastly, Mr. DeTrolio asked what casing refers to in the Plymouth Street Fire Station article. Mr. DeTrolio asked if this article has to be put to Town Meeting vote, as the budget was voted on once. 5. Adjournment - 11:00 PM MOTION: To adjourn. (Mahana- Coleila) All in favor. PASSES. Clerk's Signature Date of Approval 1 9