Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 10-1-1997Board of Selectmen Minutes October 1, 1997 - t" Present. Chairman Madan, Clerk Royle, Selectmen Colella, Wlfff, p8d (1 7: 58 Robinson Acting Town Manager Richard Boucher 14A 115 jjs 1. The meeting was called to order at 7.•30 PM followed by the pledge of allegiance. A. Discussion with Ed Tartufo & Tone Kallio - Plymouth Street Fields Mr. Tartufo presented the Selectmen with checks from the following persons, businesses, and organizations: • $100 Video Mania e $100 Drs. Steven and Benjamin Gamm • $100 Currivan Insurance Agency $100 BDO Engineering • $100 Shaw's Auto Leasing • $25 Smith & Nephew • $50 Attractions Hair Salon • $100 Great Woods Center for the Performing Arts • $100 ACT Manufacturing • ($600) Tent & Accessories Special Occasions Rentals and Taylor Rental • $3000 for Slice Seeder Mansfield Youth Soccer • ($2,000) Regrade Entrance & Parking Areas'Burgeois & Shaw Inc. Mr. Tartufo recognized all those persons who have helped with the Plymouth Street Recreational Facility, namely - -Lou Amoruso, past School Committee member; Andy Gazzolo, Soccer Representative; Karl Chambers, Mansfield Youth Soccer Present President; Ray Martin, former member of Recreation Commission; Kenny Fallen, Little League and Girls Softball Representative; Joe McCarthy, Little League Representative; Skip Arnold, Past President Pop Warner Football; Darrel Benson, current President Pop Warner Football, and Mark Wojner, Cabot Partners. Tom Kallio, past President of Mansfield Youth Soccer, presented a proposed fund- raiser for the Plymouth Street Recreational Facility which would involve sale of memorial bricks. The bricks would contain the purchasers name and would be installed at the Plymouth Street fields. Motion: That we endorse the idea that has been proposed this evening having memorial bricks sold with a fund- raiser with the funds to be used for enhancement of Plymouth Street. (Mahana- Robinson) All in favor. Passes. B. Discussion with Bristol County Sheriff, Tom Hodgson { Sheriff Hodgson, Bristol County Sheriff, was present to explain the duties /daily workings of the House of Correction and offered his assistance to Mansfield, specifically with the inmate work release program. Sheriff Hodgson also spoke about Bristol County's regional "Lock Up" program stating utilization of the program will allow Mansfield's officers to get out on street more quickly following arrests. Transportation of prisoners to the Bristol County jail by Bristol County employees is currently being reviewed. 2. Questions and Continents Jim Noris, 6 Goward Drive, expressed disappointment with a memorandum sent to the Finance Committee by the Board of selectmen not authorizing the Finance Committee to conduct a water rate analysis. Mr. Norris stated that the Selectmen's Transfer Request for $10,000 to fund the study was denied by the Finance Committee and he feels Town staff should be used for it. Members of the Board of Selectmen responded to Mr. Noris' comments. Mr. Noris continued expressing concern with the lack of accountability with Town Staff and Boards. Marianne Kinney, 388 Gilbert Street, requested an update on the Town's reapplication to Mass Highway for "No Thru Trucking" on Balcom, Otis, Bungay, and Gilbert Streets. Acting Clerk Royle read two memoranda aloud - -one from the Fire Chief in favor of "No Thin Trucking" in this area and one from the Police Chief opposed to it. The Town Manager is awaiting comments from the DPW Director and Town Engineer prior to sending a letter requesting reconsideration of the Town's previous request. Motion: To send a letter to the Norton Board of Selectmen requesting their support of Mansfield's request for "No Thru Trucking" on Balcom, Otis, Bungay, and Gilbert Street. (Colella- Royle) All in favor. Passes. Clerk Royle requested the Police Department be reminded of the Selectmen's request for a three -way stop sign at Gilbert and Otis Street. Richard Devine, 6 Morgan Road, asked if an article he read in newspaper stating the possibility of a 20% increase in water rates was correct and asked the Board to consider both expenses and revenues for the Water Department when reviewing the need for the increase. Malcom Smith 18 Oakleaf Drive, representing Mansfield Elks, requested an extension of the Municipal Lot's (near Mansfield Cooperative Bank) closing time on Monday, October 6, 1997 to 11:00 PM. The Elks is expecting a large turnout at an event being held on that day. Motion: To keep the parking lot open on Monday night until l 1prn for that one evening only. (Boyle- Robinson) All in favor. Passes. 3. Discussion with Robert Morrison, Assistant DPW Director A. Update on Foolish Hill Assistant DPW Director Morrison stated on Monday morning lie received a count of one for coliform at the Foolish Hill Reservoir. DEP demanded the tank be cleaned. DPW crews cleaned the tank beginning at 3:30pm in the afternoon that day until 4:30am the following morning. Utilization of Town forces saved the Town approximately $70,000. Mr. Morrison thanked all the persons who worked around the clock to clean the tank. It is hoped that the tank will be back on line on Saturday. B. Water Rates ( Members of the Board of Selectmen discussed whether or not the water rates should be increased at this time and reviewed a memorandum from Betty Amicone, DPW Office Manager, to Robert Morrison, reflecting the actual dollar amounts water bills would increase if a 20% increase is instituted. There will be an approximate $300,000 deficit in the Water budget if rates are not increased. There may still be a deficit if rates are increased, but it will not be as great. Motion: Move that we increase the rates twenty percent starting November 1, which is approximately $11 for a family of four quarterly. ( Royle- Mahana)(2 -3) Clerk Royle and Selectman Mahana in favor. Fails. Motion: To table until further notice. (Colella- No Second) Motion: To submit an article for Town Meeting to fund the rate study for water and wastewater. (Mahana - Royle) All in favor. Passes. Motion: To raise the rates 10% starting November I and 10% for the second billing period. (Boyle- Mahana) (3 -2) Selectmen Colella and Robinson opposed. Passes. Assistant DPW Director Robert Morrison announced that the Town's flushing program will begin Sunday and the leak detection program will begin November 1. 3. Weekly Business A. Warrant No. 14- $8,580,007.84 Motion: Move to approve. ( Royle- Colella) Chairman Madan abstained from all Health Department items and Clerk Royle abstained from all Board of Health items. Passes. R Minutes • Minutes of September 24, 1997 Motion: So moved on the minutes of September 24. (Colella- Robinson) All in favor. Passes. s Executive Session Minutes of September 24, 1997 Motion: Move to approve the content but not release them. ( Royle- Colella) All in favor. Selectman Robinson abstained. Passes. C Licenses and Permits Request for a parade permit for a neighborhood parade in York Road for Halloween Motion: Move to approve. ( Royle- Colella) All in favor. Passes. D. Correspondence ( Action: Board and Committee Letter from the Board of Assessors stating the Assessors voted to recommend additional FY1997 lottery revenues be applied as estimated receipts when setting the FY98 tax rate and stating they hope the Selectmen agree Town Manager and Stuff Memorandum from the Director of Planning and Development asking the Selectmen if they will be sponsoring an article containing an amendment to the Zoning By -Law relative to Commercial Parking Lots Letter from Rick Goddeau, Director of Buildings and Grounds, requesting a waiver of the fee for electric permits required for all electrical work performed at each School Department building Motion: Move to waive the Town's portion of the electrical fees for School Electrical Services doing business as Mansfield Public Schools. (Boyle- Robinson) (2 -2 -1) Chairman Madan abstained. Selectmen Mahana and Colella opposed. Fails. Members of the Board stated that they would like to review the requests on a job by job basis. Letter from Police Chief O'Neill reporting that the Open Air Parking Facility at 875 South Main Street exceeded its license on the evening of September 19 Motion: To hold a hearing. (Robinson- Royle)All in favor. Passes. Other: Resident Letter from Thomas Fuller, 35 Darby Drive, expressing concern regarding an increase in the water rates Torpn Manager and Stuff Memorandum from Bea Kearney, Town Accountant, concerning enterprise funds State and Local Government Letter from Mary Lee King, Chief Policy Adviser, responding to the Selectmen's letter to Governor Cellucci re: deregulation of the cable television industry copy board of selectmen Miscellaneous Letter from Bell Atlantic regarding funding for modification of the Enhanced 9 -1 -1 network across Massachusetts 4. Ohl Business A. Town Manager In response to a resident's request for sidewalks on East Street from Route 106 to Mill Street, East Street is scheduled for sidewalks in the spring of 1998. Acting Manger Boucher referenced a memorandum from the Environmental and Conservation Planner, Richard Lewis, concerning contaminated soils found on the Police Station site during installation of guard rails. Two options are available to the Town. The Town may either remove and dispose of the contaminated soils at a cost of approximately $40,000 or leave the soils in place if tests prove that the contaminated soils will not leach into the water. Motion: That we ask the Municipal Building Committee to develop an agreement with the contractor of police station to eliminate the parking lot from the project to determine the best route for this project. ( Royle- Robinson) All in favor. Selectman Mahana was not present for this vote. Passes. Lastly, Acting Manager Boucher gave an update on the Town Hall air conditioner. The noise study was delivered to the Health Department this date and just barely meets the noise level standards. Acting Manger Boucher asked the Town Hall Architect to obtain information from sound engineers to determine what can be done to make the unit quieter. B. Selectmen Clerk Royle thanked Paul Shepherd of Rainbow Sprinklers for his donation of labor while installing the well at the Town Hall. Clerk Royle also thanked Kevin Guerrini for his donation of labor when landscaping the Town Hall grounds. Clerk Royle asked Mr. Boucher to contact the Town's insurance company, MIIA, to establish a liability insurance estimate if a skating park is developed in town. Selectman Colella requested the Oakland Street railroad crossing be looked into. Selectman Colella also stated that he has had discussions with Mr. Calhoun, abutter to the Town Hall fence at the rear parking area, who informed him of problems with the recently installed fence. Acting Manager Boucher gave an update on the fence stating a building permit was never obtained for the fence and that it will have withstand a number of structural tests. 5. New Business A. Town Manager An information hearing will be held during next week's Selectmen's meeting regarding Route 106 improvements. Because next week is Fire Prevention Week, Fire Chief Sliney requested permission to block off the front Town Hall parking lot on Saturday, October 4, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM to eliminate through traffic during a presentation of fire equipment. Chief Sliney also requested permission to use the gazebo at the South Common to demonstrate escape plans from the home. Motion: So moved. ( Mahana- Colella) All in favor. Passes. B. Selectmen Selectman Robinson suggested the Selectmen send letters of appreciation to persons who have made donations to the Town Hall. Clerk Royle stated that Compo Chemical representatives will be in Massachusetts on October 21 to meet with Versa Care and are willing to meet with the Selectmen that Cmorning. Time to be set. Motion: To send a letter to the Bristol County Sherrif's Department asking if, under their community work release program, they could paint the exterior of memorial hall. ( Royle- Robinson) (4 -0 -1) Selectman Mahana abstained. PASSES. Selectman Colella requested that the traffic lights at the following intersections be reviewed: • Rt. 106 and 140 near Stop & Shop Chairman Madan requested the lines at this intersection be painted also. • Rt. 140 and West Street • Rt. 140 and School Street Selectman Colella reminded the Selectmen that a Light Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Monday night at 7:30 PM. Selectman Mahana stated that he received a telephone call from an outraged citizen who was upset with the bid amounts for the Balcom Ridge Lots recently put out to bid. Five Minute Recess 6. Torun MrrnagerAppointment Chairman Madan called for nominations for Town Manager. Clerk Royle nominated Michael Hartman and explained the reasons she feels he would be the best candidate for the position. Selectman Mahana nominated Warren Rutherford and stated why lie feels he would be the best candidate for the position. Mike Hartman received two votes from Clerk Royle and Selectman Robinson; Warren Rutherford received three votes from Chairman Madan and Selectmen Colella and Maliana. Motion: To offer a contract to Warren Rutherford. (Mahana - Colella) Chairman Madan and Selectmen Colella and Mahana in favor. Passes. 7. 10: 45 Ar journn:ent Clerk's Signature _ Date of Approval