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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 1-22-1997Board of Selectmen Minutes Januar 22 1997 -H ELD 97 F[$7jffBPtj,, f, 20 y 1F� P Present: Chairman Madan, Clerk Mahana, and Selectment'l l' lA ',4Mquaie and Robinson 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM followed by the pledge of allegiance. A. Warrant No. 31 - $1,775,678.62 MOTION: So moved. (Robinson - Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. Chairman Madan abstained from all Building Department items, and Clerk Mahana abstained from all Sheriff vouchers. B. Minutes of January 15, 1997 MOTION: So moved to approve. (Colella- Robinson) All in favor. PASSES. C. Licenses and Permits Drainlayers License Application of Robert B. Our Co. Inc and Request for Waiver of the License Fee MOTION: So moved. (Mahana - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. MOTION: Not to waive the Town's portion of the fee. (Pasquale- Robinson) All in favor. PASSES. Reserve Fund Transfer Request of the Library for $800 to provide funding to contract with Thompson & Litchner, Inc. to determine problems, damage, and recommended action on leaks in the Mansfield Public Library/Council on Aging roof MOTION: So moved. (Mahana- Robinson) All in favor. PASSES. D. Correspondence Action Resident Letter from Karl Clermney, 390 West Street, requesting permission to access the abandoned railroad bed off of East Street once per month in order to inspect his property MOTION: To allow Mr. Clemmey to have access to the parcel provided he notifies the Police Department before going on it as requested by Department Heads. (Pasquale- Robinson) All in favor. PASSES. Town Manager and Staff Letter from Leslie Pasch, Library Director, offering a mural of Mansfield to be permanently displayed in the new Town Hall r l Miscellaneous Letter from Condea Vista requesting a crosswalk in front of their facility at 751 North Main ( Street with attached recommendation of Lance Lawson, Traffic Safety Officer MOTION: That we follow the recommendation of Lance Lawson. (Maliana- Pasquale) All in favor. PASSES. Other Resident Letter from Karl Clemmey, 390 West Street, with an enclosed BOSTON HERALD article regarding a mobile jail used at the last Patriots game in Foxboro Town Manager and Staff Memorandum from Scott Leite, Health Agent, concerning portable bathrooms at Great Woods 2. Questions and Comments Chairman Madan announced that he read an article in the newspaper that Town Manager Williams is a finalist in the Town of Lennox but that the door is not closed for him to stay in Mansfield. Chairman Madan stated that he would like to set up a time to talk with the Town Manager to see if he can stay in Mansfield. Next, Chairman Madan stated that he had an opportunity this past weekend to meet with a couple of people who are very concerned with the behavior of the Board of Selectmen stating they feel discussions are "knit picky ", they don't approve of the tone of voices used, and that money issues should be discussed behind closed doors. Chairman Madan continued stating that he would continue to work in the best interest of the Town and will support continuing doing business out in the open. Clerk Mahana cited several of his objectives while running for Selectmen such as water, stabilization of the tax rate, and a commitment to no closed door sessions and reviewed the results of his inquires into various issues. Clerk Mahana also stated that he is here to cut taxes and get into vouchers. Selectman Colella responded if the people do not want him they will vote him out of office. Selectman Pasquale responded that he agrees with the people who are not happy with the Board's behavior, that lie asked for a workshop in July, he thinks people are upset with the accusatory manner chosen to take actions, lie does not want to end his term with a recall, and requested the Chairman put together a workshop in open session for the Board to sit down and discuss its relationship and how it works with the Town Manager, Department Heads, and each other. Selectman Robinson commented on the Board's behavior stating that sometimes it takes something like this to wake people up and that there are some Board members who don't even speak. John Robbins, 10 Judy's Lane, stated at the Selectmen's January 8 meeting the Board rescinded its previous vote to send out for RFPs for private ambulance service and directed the Town Manager to create a committee to conduct a feasibility study, the following week Mr. Williams was told certain members could not be apart of the committee and other options were offered. Mr. Robbins asked if the vote for the different committee make up by the Board was taken out of order since the previous vote was not rescinded. Mr. Robbins also asked why the make up of the committee was changed. Chairman Madan responded that the majority of the committee presented by the Town Manager was firemen. Selectman Colella stated under new business Ire will be proposing to let the people decide at Town Meeting whether or not they would like to privatize the ambulance. 3. Town Manager Report A. Fire Chief • Conrmrmicaliotts - Tou n of Nor•loil Fire Chief Sliney, Police Chief O'Neill, and Motorola representative John Jackloinini were present for this discussion. Mr. Williams began the discussion stating Mansfield owns a Motorola radio system and was requested by Norton to interface with the system. The Selectman have expressed concern about the effect of Norton's interfacing on Mansfield's capacity. Members of the Board of Selectmen asked Mr. Jacklornini questions such as whether or not granting permission would diminish Mansfield's capacity, whether or not Norton will be using Mansfield's trunking system, if Mansfield will lose control of the system if Norton is licensed by the FCC, the manner in which Mansfield communicates with Norton now, and if adjacent neighboring communities will be requesting the same in the future and the effect. Mr. Jacklomini responded that lie doesn't believe Norton's use of the radio system for mutual aid would diminish Mansfield's capacity, nor would use by other neighboring communities for mutual aid, and Mansfield would not lose control of the system even if Norton is licensed by the FCC. MOTION: To approve the request. (Pasquale- Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. Fire Deparhnenl Aerial Ladder Truck Referring to a memorandum from him to the Town Manager, dated January 17, 1997, Fire Chief Sliney stated that the final cost of repairs to the ladder truck was $89,72.50 but additional body work needs to be done. The Selectmen asked questions such as the cost of the additional body work, if the work will be done locally, and the length of time the truck will be out of service. Town Manager Williams took this time to express his respect for the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief Bellevance. Fire Cliief Sliney thanked the Town Manager and stated that the firemen are a credit to him and the Town. Fn e Chief O ice Location Mr. Williams asked Fire Chief Sliney to explain the necessity for his office to be at the Plymouth ( Street location. Fire Chief Sliney explained when determining the location of his office he reviewed the best way the public would be served, handicap accessibility, and the best way to nm f the department without inconveniencing the public. Deputy Bellevance is in command of the North Main Street station and Fire Chief Sliney is in command of the Plymouth Street station. Discussion among the Selectmen followed concerning the Town Manager's directive for the Fire Chief to maintain an office at the central station, Selectman Colella's motion for the Fire Chief to maintain his office at the central station, and whether or not the Fire Chief's office location is within the Selectmen's jurisdiction. MOTION: That we support the Town Manager in his decision of where to let the Fire Chief sit. (Pasquale - Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. • Dispatchers Mr. Williams stated that he met with the Finance Committee two weeks ago and they consider the civilian dispatcher positions fully funded. Mr. Williams asked the Selectmen if they have any questions about the positions or feel there are any reasons to delay filling them. Mr. Williams asked Fire Chief Sliney if he would now be able to do a planned upgrade and utilize fiords to upgrade department ambulance personnel as planned. Chief Sliney responded that one class will be beginning Thursday and the Brockton Chief will also be running and EMT -I class, which his men can attend. Chairman Madan asked Chief Sliney if his department could train other town departments in CPR, such as the School Department, Electric, DPW, and possibly do a demonstration on cable. Clerk Mahana inquired about the cost to hire a paramedic, four paramedics, and whether or not luring paramedics would reduce fire department overtime costs. Discussion of the objective of the ambulance service feasibility committee followed. MOTION: That we clarify what the committee is about. This committee will look at the cost of upgrading to EMT -P status for ambulance service and alternatives associated with that. (Pasquale - Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. 9:25 PM - Fire Minute Break B. Police Chief O'Neill • Police Officer Entrance Exam Police Chief O'Neill announced the last day to file for the Police Officer entrance exam is January 31. The exam will be held on April 26. • Bottled Water Chief O'Neill stated lie has been instructed by the Town Manager that lie may no longer purchase bottled water and that the water in the Police Station is undrinkable. Chief O'Neill requested reconsideration by the Selectmen. Chairman Madan responded that the Selectmen have set no policy. • Police Deparbnwit Pei'S07iilel ( Chief O'Neill stated last week a concern was issued by Norman Mahana regarding a recent hire in the Police Department and that any questions regarding hiring in the Police Department should be directed to him. C. Police Detail Policy Mr. Williams asked if the Selectmen have any questions on the revised Police Detail Policy. Selectman Pasquale asked that it be communicated that any arrangements agreed upon by departments must be put in writing to the Treasurer. Clerk Mahana requested Town Counsel review the draft. D. Report on Questions of January 15 Meeting In response to questions asked of Mr. Williams by the Selectmen at their January 15 meeting, Mr. Williams offered the following: o Trees to be removed for the sidewalk program in the spring are all within the Town's right of way. Selectman Robinson asked if any of the streets are scenic roadways. e Mr. Clifford submitted a memorandum dated January 22, 1997, concerning West Street snow removal during the January 11 storm in response to Mr. Devine's plowing questions. e Traffic Safety Officer Lance Lawson submitted a memorandum not favorable to School Street Plymouth Street signalization. a The Police Officers' union contract has a section in it establishing mileage reimbursement at $.20 which is why Voucher No. 889 reflected mileage at $.20. • The Town Manager's office received a call this date concerning an abandoned house at 33 Coral Street, whose door had been kicked in. The house is in tax collection. Chairman Madan suggested the concern be forwarded to the Building Inspector. • Ken Hackett, Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager, submitted a memorandum to the Town Manager dated January 16, 1997, concerning a purchase from Attleboro/Foxboro Electric. 6 Voucher No. 879 was to cover the cost of the Department of Public Works Christmas party. • Lorilee Fish, Parks and Recreation Director, submitted a memorandum to the Town Manager dated January 16, 1997, explaining a Flower bill paid by the Recreation Department. The Selectmen requested payment of this type of bill be clarified with the Town Accountant to be sure it is legal. • Voucher No. 8818 contains charges paid to Fleet Securities for $5,394.50 for a legal opinion. ( • Lorilee Fish, Parks and Recreation Director, submitted a memorandum dated January 16, 1997, stating that she submitted a bill for the January 21 warrant for reimbursement for pizza and drinks for herself and two other individuals while photographing groups for the Annual ( Town Report. • Selectmen must wait six months after leaving office before becoming a Town employee. • The cost to purchase bottled water from Belmont Springs is $2000 annually. Mr. Williams received an offer from Town employees to pay for bottled water. If their is a health issue with drinking non - bottled vs. bottled water, the Town will pay for the cost. E. Absence of Town Manager on January 29 and 30, 1997 Mr. Williams stated that he will be taking vacation days on January 29 & 30 and he has asked Police Chief O'Neill to attend next week's Selectmen's meeting in his place. F. Assistant to the Town Manager Mr. Williams requested the Board's reconsideration of his request to fill the Assistant to the Town Manager position. Selectman Pasquale suggested Mr. Williams put together a proposal and justification for the position for Board review. In response to Mr. Williams request, Selectman Colella stated he would like the Board's position to stand; Chairman Madan stated that he would be willing to look at the issue again and alot would depend on whether or not Town Manager Williams stays in Mansfield. G. FY1998 Budget The Capital Improvements Committee needs direction of where the Selectmen are headed with the Capital budget. The Finance Committee will be meeting with the School Committee on February I and Municipal departments on February 8 and 15. H. Town Hall Smoking Designation Chairman Madan asked the Town Manager if Municipal employees who smoke were given the Opportunity to review proposed designated smoking areas. Employees submitted pictures to the Town Manager proposing smoking areas as follows: South Main Street side of the Town Hall near an electric transformer and behind the old gas house. Tobacco Control Coordinator, Karen Doucette, will review the proposed areas and submit her recommendation to the Town Manager on Thursday. Ms. Doucette questioned establishing designated smoking areas at other Municipal buildings such as the Library and Police Department. Mr. Williams requested Ms. Doucette review the two buildings and provide a recommendation to him. 4. Selectmen A. Old Business Selectman Pasquale referenced a memorandum the Selectmen received from the Capital Improvements Committee stating they will continue to meet on Thursday evenings and suggesting if Selectman Robinson is unable to attend the meetings on that day that the Selectman may want to appoint another representative. Selectman Pasquale, in reference to a memorandum from the Planning Board, asked if the Town l will need to adopt a by -law concerning Zone II. Chairman Madan suggested a memorandum be sent to the Planning Board expressing the Selectmen's support of the article and stating the Selectmen look forward to the articles coming from them. Selectman Colella inquired about the status of EMC2. Selectman Pasquale will be talking with Jay Barrows, Downtown Business Association President, on Thursday. Chairman Madan stated that he saw the Town Clerk's memorandum concerning the procedure used when issuing resident stickers. Chairman Madan continued stating that he received another call from a resident who got their resident sticker and June and thought that it was valid for twelve months until the next June. Chairman Madan would still like to see a policy explanation given out with stickers. B. New Business Selectman Pasquale requested a workshop in the near future to discuss Board relationships. Selectman Pasquale also asked Town Manager Williams if all outstanding issues with the Selectmen have been clarified and suggested periodic status reports. Selectmen Pasquale asked with the move to the new Town Hall Friday, if an open house could be held next Wednesday. Mr. Williams stated that he thought the open house would be held during a weekend. Selectman Colella asked the Selectmen if they would like to take any action on placing a question on the ballot regarding ambulance service. Clerk Mahana responded that he does not want to rush the Committee; Selectman Pasquale stated he does not feel the question should be put out; Chairman Madan stated that he does not feel there would be enough facts in the question; and Selectman Robinson stated the idea is good but that he feels it is too soon. Selectman Colella stated he went to the Mass Municipal Association Trade Show this past weekend, at which he attended a Charter workshop, and reviewed several items discussed. Clerk Mahana added that he has several names of persons that could be contacted about Charter Review. Chairman Madan stated violence in the workplace was also discussed at the trade show. Polaroid reviewed their guidelines. Chairman Madan suggested Polaroid's guidelines be given to the Town Manager to think about developing a policy. Selectman Robinson stated that he hopes something can be worked out between the Municipal Building Committee and the Robinson School contractor because the East Street needs to be swept. Selectman Robinson inquired about the status of the snow removal budget. Selectman Pasquale referenced a letter from a resident inquiring about a tax rebate system for senior citizens and asked the Selectmen review the idea. Clerk Mahana requested the Town Manager contact Massachusetts Municipal Association to get together with other Town Managers to try to get a state wide purchases of fire trucks. Clerk Mahana stated three weeks ago lie questioned the Fire Chief about a Levelor Blind purchase for the North Main Street Fire Station and now he understands the blinds are in West Mansfield. Selectman Pasquale asked if Clerk Mahana may have been looking at two separate requisitions for the blinds. Fire Chief Sliney will review. Lastly, Clerk Mahana stated he didn't get a chance to take a look at the vouchers this week but lie will continue to look at them in the future and ask questions where public funds are used. 5. Adjournment - 10:40 PM MOTION: To adjourn. (Pasquale- Colella) All in favor. PASSES. Clerk's Signature Dwe ofA1)proval