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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 11-12-1997Board of Selectmen Minutes ] G I o Pn 2: SG November 12, 1997 =1 -0 Present: Chairman Madan, Clerk Royle, Selectmen Robinson and Mahana Acting Town Manager Richard Boucher 1. 5:25 PMExecutive Session to discuss contract negotiations. Chairman Madan polled the Board of Selectmen to go into executive session to discuss contract negotiations. Mahana Aye. Madan Aye. Robinson Aye. 2. The open meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM followed by the pledge of allegiance. 3. Joint Meeting with Finance Committee The following members of the Finance Committee were present for this discussion Walter Wilk, Margie McShane, Joe Cutillo, and Jim Norris. Prior to beginning a review of the Special Town Meeting warrant articles, Walter Wilk questioned the free cash, reserve account, and water capital account amounts. Acting Manager Boucher stated the Town Accountant's approximate Free Cash amount is $2,026,452; Stabilization Amount is $1,201,851.00, and Reserve Fund amount is $374,120. Selectman Maliana suggested contacting State Representatives to request they request the State accelerate the free cash certification process. The Finance Committee reported on the following Special Town Meeting Articles: Article 1- Unpaid Prior Year's Bills The Finance Committee questioned the Hazmat and General Chemical Corporation bills and amount of money turned back by the School Department this year. The Finance Committee supports Article 1 without the above mentioned two bills. Article 2 - Transfer Money betrveen Various Departments The Finance Committee supports this article. Article 3 - Transfer Money frorn Reserve Fund to be Added to Personal Services and Expense Accounts The Finance Committee supports this article and suggests and "non -union personnel" be added to the article. Article 4 - Ash Property Judgment The Finance Committee and Capital Improvements Committee support this article. Article 5 - Witch Pond Well Land Acquisition Both the Finance Committee and Capital Improvements Committee believe this article is a worthwhile expenditure. The Finance Committee suggested using Free Cash to acquire the land rather than bonding the purchase. Selectmen and Finance Committee discussed the effect purchasing the land with cash would have on the purchase agreement and the possibility of using free cash to pay for $950,000 of the Ash Property judgment instead. Article 6 - Development of Well Sites Funding The Finance Conunittee supports an amended funding amount of $875,000 and suggests the well site names be included in the motion. The Capital Improvements committee also supports this article. Article 7- Health Insurance Costs The Finance Committee questioned the School /Town ratio for Health Care costs and recommends the appropriation be transferred into the Reserve Account so that fimds could be better tracked. Article 8 - Advanced Life Support System for Ambulance The Finance Committee supports this article. Article 9 - Ambulance Replacement - $25, 000 The Finance Committee and Capital Improvements Committee support this article and recommend the $25,000 be placed in a Capital Trust Fund. Article 10 - Ambulance Paramedic Salaries and Special Services and Uniform Protective Gear The Finance Committee supports this article. Article 11- Increase the School Department General Fund Budget by $121,300 The Finance Committee supports this article and recommends the funds be put into the Reserve Fund not the General Fund Article 12 - Memorial Hall Painting and Masonry Both the Capital Improvements Committee and Finance Committee support this article. Article 13 - Direct Chapter 43 Funds for School Building Needs Expenses The Finance Committee supports this amount if the funds are directed into the Capital Improvements Account. Article 15 - Inspection Fees Revolving Account The Finance Committee does not support this article. Article 16 - Oxford Standpipe De- Lending The Finance Committee and Capital Improvements Committee both support this article. Article 17- Water Conservation Account The Finance Committee does not support this article and suggests waiting for a water action plan. 4. 8:00 PMSunday Package Store Openings During the Holidays Public Hearing Motion: To open and continue this hearing until conclusion of the meeting with the Finance Committee. (Royle- Mahana) All in favor. Passes. 5. Discussion with Finance Conmuttee Continued Article 18 - DEP Mandates for Albertini Well Nos. 2 and 3 and Cate Springs Well No. The Finance Committee and Capital Improvements Committee support this article. Article 19 - Rehabilitation and Cleaning of Wells The Finance Committee recommends the $75,000 be transferred from Free Cash and supports the article along with the Capital Improvements Committee. Article 20 - Iron and Manganese Removal at Albertini Well Nos. 2, 3, 4 and Prescott Well Nos. 8 and 9 The Finance Committee does not support this article and suggested waiting for a water system management plan. Motion: To withdraw. (Malrana- Royle) All in favor. Passes. Article 21- Water System Management Plan The Finance Committee supports this article. Article 23 - DEP Mandated Canoe River Well Site Wetland Monitoring Both the Finance Committee and Capital Improvements Committee support this article. Article 22 - Foolish Hill Project The Finance Committee and Capital Improvements Committee support this article. Article 24 - Water Rate Study The Finance Committee does not support this article. Article 25 - GIS Needs Analysis The Finance Committee does not support this article. Article 26 - Brunch Street Sidewalks Engineering Study The Finance Conm itee and Capital Improvements Committee do not support this article. Article 28 - Skid Steer Loader Purchase The Capital Improvements Committee and Finance Committee support this article. Article 29 - Computer Upgrade The Finance Connnittee and Capital Improvements Committee do not support this article. Article 30 - Transfer money to the Stabilization Account The Finance Committee recommends transferring $460,352.00 to the Stabilization Account. Fire Minute Recess 6 8:15 Street Acceptance Public Hearing Motion: To open and continue this hearing at the conclusion of the Sunday Package Store Openings during the Holidays public hearing. (Robinson - Royle) Selectman Mahana was not present for this vote. All in favor. Passes. 9. 8:25 PM Sunday Package Store Openings Public Hearing Clerk Royle read the public hearing notice as it appeared in the Mansfield News and a memorandum from the Police Chief stating that lie has no objection to package stores opening on the Sundays during the holidays. Requests to participate in the program were received from: Bristol Liquors Dias West Mansfield Variety Inc. Dubs's Discount Liquors Mansfield's Variety & Deli Rum Runner Wine & Spirits The Store Tedeschi Food Shop Villa Liquors Public Connnents 660 East Street 428 Ehn Street 30 Chauncy Street 70/72 Pratt Sheet 377 Chauncy Street 213 South Main Sheet CVS Plaza 219 North Main Street Paul Kearns, Tedeschi owner /operator, 242 Chauncy Street, stated that he supports the Sunday Openings Program and requested the same operating hours as last year's, 12Noon to 11PM. Motion: So moved to close the public hearing. ( Royle- Robinson) All in favor. Motion: Move that the package stores listed during the Bearing be allowed to open on Sundays from the Sunday before Thanksgiving through New Years Day -- November 23 and 30, and December 7, 4, 21, and 28, 1997, and shall close no later than 11 pm. ( Royle- Robinson) All in favor. Passes. 8. Street Acceptance public hearing Clerk Royle read the public hearing notice stating the Selectmen's intent to layout the following roadways: Jameson Court, Baybrook Farm Road, Woodland Way, Wagonwheel Way, Farm Pond Path, Wildflower Lane, and Horseshoe Loop. Clerk Royle also read a memo from Dan Clifford, Subdivision Inspector, stating all work has been completed to his satisfaction and punch lists for the streets contain no outstanding items. Clerk Royle read a memo form Lee Azinheira, Town Engineer, stating the sewer systems have been reviewed and are acceptable in both subdivisions. The Town Engineer will be reviewing certain incomplete sewer items in the Saybrook Farm subdivision prior to the Special Town Meeting. Public Continent - None Motion: To lay out Jameson Court, Baybrook Farm, Woodland Way, Wagonwheel Way, Farm Pond Path, Wildflower Lane, and Horseshoe Loop, as public ways and make a note if Baybrook Farm still has unresolved punch list items the streets in the subdivision will be pulled. (Robinson - Royle) All in favor. Selectman Mahana was not present for this vote. Passes. 9. Santa Parade Update Jay Barrows, Downtown Business Association, gave a brief update on the Santa parade scheduled for November 30. 10. Public Hearing with Roy MacDonald re: Street Cut Permit to Connect to Town Water Mr. MacDonald requested a hearing with the Selectmen due to a recent denial from the DPW Director to connect to Mansfield's water for his residential compound on Mill Street. Mr. MacDonald's representative, Attorney Martin, addressed the Board of Selectmen explaining that at the time his residential compound special permit was granted no street cut regulations were in place prohibiting street cuts on newly paved streets for five years. Mr. MacDonald will be able to cut into Mill Street in 1998 even if he is not granted permission to by the Selectmen this evening. Board of Selectmen Questions Members of the Board of Selectmen questioned the date of the street cut limitation, possibility of installing a private well for the first lot in the compound, the date the special permit was granted, date of first home construction, sewer within the compound, and possibility of installing the water pipes in the compound to prepare for connection in 1998. Motion: To deny the request based upon the DPW Director's recommendation. (Royle- Mahana) All in favor. Passes. Selectman Robinson was not present for this vote. 11. Questions and Comments Marianne Kinney, 388 Gilbert Street, commented on an article she read in The Sun Chronicle regarding a tractor trailer accident and requested the Selectmen keep it in mind relative to instituting "No Thru Trucking" on Gilbert Street. Selectman Robinson returned to the meeting. 12. Great Wm,es Water Pork Proposal The following persons were present to present a proposal for a water park, "Great Waves ", adjacent to the Great Woods Center for the Performing Arts: Bruce Montgomery, General Manager, Great Woods Center for the Performing Arts; Dick Samuels, founder of Water Country in Portsmouth; Bob Vanesse, Vanesse Associates; Mr. Charles, Vanesse Associates; and partners Don Law and Sherman Wolf. Mr. Montgomery presented a map of the proposed location for "Great Waves ". The proposal would require site plan approval, Conservation Commission permitting, MBPA approval, and Mass Highway permits. The site would be accessed through Great Woods Center for the Performing Arts not via Route 140. Mr. Samuels explained the positive impact the facility would have on Mansfield, i.e. an increase in the tax base with no additional burden on services, local ripple effect, employment. The water for the facility would be recycled on site. Lastly, Mr. Samuels presented a preliminary master plan of the site. Mr. Venesse explained the permits that would have to be acquired from Mass Highway, compared preliminary statistics and traffic characteristics to the Portsmouth, New Hampshire water park, and submitted a letter from Porstmouth's Chamber of Commerce in support of their park. Great Woods General Manager, Bruce Montgomery stated he anticipates "Great Waves" will close at 6 PM during Great Woods concert evenings and later on off - nights. Board of Selectmen Questions and Comments: Members of the Board of Selectmen asked questions and commented on the following: whether or not water pressure will be a problem, the amount of water the showers and restrooms will use, anticipated daily sewer usage, park capacity, height of the highest slide, water source to initially fill the pools, anticipated noise and traffic generated by the site, use of employee microphones, effect of all -day festivals at Great Woods on the water park, coordination of hours of operation with the Performing Arts Center, lot frontage, and anticipated burden on police and fire departments. Public Comments Peter DeTrolio, 496 Elm Street, inquired of the number of gallons of water that would be used by the park and at which time parking begins in the Great Woods' lots for concerts. Mr. DeTrolio also stated that he finds it hard to believe that there will be no traffic problem with the facility and that he has heard the Portsmouth facility generates a great deal of noise. Chairman Madan noted that the proposed use for the site is a use by right in the Zoning By -Law and that he is not sure what role the Selectmen will have with the proposal. Kathy Piusz, 3 Heather Lane, inquired of the permitted capacity for the facility, average ticket cost, concession stands on site, public safety demands, the amount of time between "Great Waves" closing time and Great Woods' concert times. Tricia Smith, Newell Lane, stated the water park located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is loud and the traffic is heavy on hot days. Ms. Smith also stated there would be an increase of traffic on South Main Street if businesses are supported by patrons of the proposed park in Mansfield. Sara Forbes, 1 Clinton Street, inquired of the number of gallons of water that would be needed to initially fill the amusements, the amount of water that would be needed each day to keep the amusements filled, and irrigation use per day. Ms. Forbes also stated that she feels the proposal is outrageous. Karl Clennney, 750 South Main Street, stated he would like to hear from the project proposers that no legal fees will be incurred by the town and that any and all legal fees and consulting fees will be covered by the applicant. Lastly, Mr. Clemmey stated that the project needs direction. Thomas McShane, 8 Old Stable Drive, stated that besides water, town is in need of open space. Mr. McShane asked what would be done or has been done to discuss the proposal with site abutters, requested the Selectmen demand State Agencies, the Developers, Conservation Commission, and private non - profit development agencies meet to come up with an attractive project similar to Lego Land. Shirley Hanlon, Conservation Connnission Chairman, expressed concern regarding the impact of the project on potential wetlands, wildlife, and conservation land. 13. New Business A. Town Manager Acting Manager Boucher informed the Selectmen of an $875.00 donation from Rodman Ride for Kids and requested the Selectmen vote to accept the donation. Motion: To accept the gift from Rodman Ride for Kids for a youth program in town. (Robinson - Mahana) All in favor. Passes. Clerk Royle was not present for this vote. B. Selectmen i Motion: If the Special Town Meeting is continued that it be continued to Wednesday and the Selectmen's meeting be postponed. (Robinson- Mahana) All in favor. Passes. Motion: Not to hold a meeting the night before Thanksgiving. ( Royle- Robinson) all in favor. Passes. 14. Regular Weekly Business A. Licenses and Permits Clerk Royle read a Mothers Against Drunk Driving "Tie One On for Safety" Proclamation for the Month of November Motion: Move to sign the proclamation. (Robinson - Royle) All in favor. Passes. B. Warrant No. 20- $1,828,173.00 Motion: Move to approve. (Boyle- Robinson) All in favor. Passes. Chairman Madan abstained from all Building Department items, and Clerk Royle abstained from all Health Department items. C. Correspondence Resident Letter from Linda Lipson, 22 Glen Street, informing the Selectmen that she will not be seeking reappointment to the Library Board of Trustees in January Motion: Move to accept Linda's resignation with regret. ( Royle- Robinson) All in favor. Passes. 15. 11:00 PM Adjournment Motion: Move to adjourn. ( Royle- Robinson) All in favor. Passes. Ui td� /� -- 10-52 erk's Signature Date of Approval