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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 3-19-1997! , Board of Selectmen Minutes March 19, 1997 Present: Chairman Madan, Clerk Royle, Selectmen Robinson Richard Boucher, Acting Town Manager RECEIVED F,TOWN _ ... ; OE FiGE 97 APR -3 AM 10: 47 Colella, .� IA d l�t� r� �U MASSACHUSETTS 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM followed by the pledge of allegiance. A. Reorganization • Chairman Acting Town Manager, Richard Boucher, called for nominations for Chairman. Selectman Mahana nominated Selectman Madan, and Selectman Royle nominated Selectman Robinson. MOTION: To close nominations. (Colella - Royle) All in favor. PASSES. Selectmen Mahana, Colella, and Madan voted for Selectman Madan, and Selectman Royle and Robinson voted for Selectman Robinson. Selectman Madan was appointed Chairman. • Clerk ( Acting Town Manager, Richard Boucher, called for nominations for Clerk. Selectman Royle nominated Selectman Mahana, who declined the nomination. Selectman Colella nominated Selectman Robinson, and Selectman Mahana nominated Selectman Royle. MOTION: To close nominations. (Mahana - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. It was a unanimous vote to appoint Selectman Royle Clerk. Two Minnie Recess B. Warrant No. 39- $2,134,219.14 MOTION: So moved. (Robinson - Colella) All in favor. Chairman Madan abstained from all Building Department items and Clerk Royle abstained from all Health Department items. Selectman Mahana was not present for the vote. C. Licenses and Permits Auctioneer Special Permit Application of Benson Associates for Monday, March 31, at the VFW MOTION: So moved. (Robinson - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. D. Minutes Executive Session Minutes of March 10, 1997 MOTION: So moved to approve and release the minutes of March 10. (Colella- Robinson) (3 -0 -1) Clerk Royle abstained. PASSES. Executive Session Minutes of March 5, 1997 MOTION: So moved to approve and not release. (Colella - Royle) (3 -0 -1) Clerk Royle abstained, and Selectman Robinson only voted on the portion of the meeting minutes for which he was present. Minutes of March 10, 1997 MOTION: So moved on the minutes of March 10. (Colella- Robinson) (3 -0 -1) Clerk Royle abstained. PASSES E. Correspondence Action Resident Letter from Jean C. Lee, Mrs. Ray Martin, inquiring of the process to appeal parking tickets through Small Claims Court and requesting the Selectmen dismiss parking tickets she received in early January MOTION: To request the Police Department advise Ms. Lee of the procedure. ( Royle- Robinson) (4 -0 -1) Selectman Mahana abstained. PASSES. Town Manager and Staff Memorandum from Judith Scott, Town Clerk, requesting an increase in the rate of pay for Election and Town Meeting workers from $5.00 to $5.25 per hour, which will bring the rate in line with minimum wage MOTION: So moved. ( Mahana- Robinson) All in favor. PASSES. Letter from Walter Crickard, Lieutenant, Mansfield Police Department, requesting the Selectmen come to a final decision on the sick time buy back option This ivill be on next week's agenda, possibly in executive session. State & Local Government Letter fi•om Jon M. Jadrosich, Center of Economic Development, University of Massachusetts, requesting the Selectmen complete a survey concerning Mansfield's master plans and zoning by -laws This should be fonvarded to the Planning Director. Letter fiom Mansfield Music & Arts Society requesting permission to post signs for their annual plant sale on the North and South Commons and to hang a banner over Route 106 at the intersection of Main Street in early August. Also requested is a waiver of any fees associated with the hanging of the banner and that matters of parking be resolved in advance, suggesting behind the Police Station and new Town Hall would be ideal parking areas MOTION: To approve the signs and banner. (Colella- Royle) All in favor. PASSES. Parking matters should be referred to the Police Chief. Other Resident Letter from Edward Rosenberg, 796 Ware Sheet, stating the Board of Selectmen has done the Town of Mansfield a tremendous disservice in creating the situation which caused the Town Manager Bill Williams to accept a similar position in the Town of Northbridge Board and Committee Memorandum from the Conservation Commission concerning articles for the Special Town Meeting Town Manager and Staff Memorandum from Robert Morrison, Acting Assistant DPW Director, concerning FY98 budget changes Memorandum from Bea Kearney, Town Accountant, designating Patricia Metrano Acting Town Accountant while she is away at school from March 17 to March 19, 1997 Miscellaneous Letter from Stephen Grossman, General Manager, CVI, with enclosed franchise fee payment of $3,062.50 Letter from Little, Brown and Company giving notice that there will be a relocation of Little, Brown's Mansfield Distribution Operations to Indiana, which will result in permanent mass layoffs at its Mansfield site in the Cabot Business Park This letter should be copied to the IDC. 2. Questions and Comments Peter DeTrolio, 496 FJm Street, responded to a statement made at a previous Selectmen's meeting that the Great Woods is no different than any other business in town. Mr. DeTrolio stated Great Woods uses town roads more, police and fire more, uses a great deal of water during the Town's difficult season, and puts air pollution into West Mansfield and the Town of Norton. Mr. DeTrolio asked the Selectmen to do something about the noise prior to issuing the entertainment license. Selectman Colella responded that he has been fighting the noise problem but has not gotten anywhere. Selectman Mahana responded noting the positive contributions Great Woods has made to the Town Peter DeTrolio stated he feels the Selectmen, as the licensing authority, have the right to lower the decibel level lower than the limit set by the State. Chairman Madan suggested if Mr. DeTrolio can provide the Selectmen with this documentation they would review it. Richard Devine, 6 Morgan Road, congratulated Selectmen Royle on recently being elected. Mr. Devine asked when Little Brown would be leaving Mansfield's industrial park, as he noticed a picture of one of their employees is posted at the Town Hall because he is a Level III Sex Offender. Mr. Devine suggested notification needs to get out concerning the offender. Ken Torman, downtown merchant, requested downtown parking restrictions voted at last weeks meeting be extended to 5PM rather than 4PM and that Saturdays also be included. MOTION: To have the parking restriction Monday - Saturday, 8AM -5PM. ( Colella- Royle) All in favor. PASSES. Kathy Finer, West Mansfield resident, stated the newly instituted parking restrictions will include all side streets and will affect many tenants. Selectman ( Mahana responded that he thought the Police Chief had mentioned issuing stickers for residents. 3. 8:19 PM Teleport Communications Public Hearing Mike Byrne of Teleport Communications was present for this hearing, as was John Larch, Light Department Manager. Clerk Royle read the public hearing notice. Mr. Byrne presented his proposal to expand his business communications network into this area which will require construction on existing telephone poles and installation of underground lines in the business park. The business would service primarily businesses and high volume telephone network users. John Larch, Light Department Manager, stated the Light Department has no problem with proposal, which would involve one additional wire on telephone poles. Teleport Communications has offered to submit one lump sum rent payment to the Town, approximately $40,000 - $45,000, but rent could be charged, $2.30 per pole per year, similar to the procedure used for Cable. Public Questions A woman resident asked why the cable will go through residential areas and not only through business areas. Also questioned was the location of the substation and if residents would have access to the system. Lastly, the resident expressed concern that there are already alot of wires on the poles. Chairman Madan asked if industrial park businesses would be served and if this would be a major advantage for the park. Lee Azinheira, Town Engineer, asked if the Department of Public Works had been consulted with relative to installation of underground lines in the industrial park. DPW has been consulted with and in some areas it will be necessary to provide a horizontal bore. Bob Gagan, 8 Bungay Road, asked which portion of Bungay Road would be included in the project. Chairman Madan asked the public if anyone objects to project. No one responded. Board of Selectmen Questions and Comments Members of the Board of Selectmen asked questions concerning what advantage approval of the application would be to Mansfield, if installation of the wires would be offered to Mansfield's Light Department, if there is any potential for future use by residents, telephone pole ownership, setting of the rental rate, number of companies currently connected to the poles now, anticipation of additional companies corning forth with similar requests, room for additional companies on the poles, project time frame, cities and towns where the lines are currently installed, and review of the application by the Industrial Development Commission. MOTION: To continue the hearing to March 26 at 8:15 in order to allow for review and comments by the Industrial Development Commission. (Mahana- Royle) All in favor. PASSES. 4. 8:40 PM Discussion with Town Engineer, Lee Azinheira, concerning requests of the Foxboro Water and Sewer Commissioners relative to Centennial Court Mr. Azinheira explained the Foxboro Water and Sewer Commissioners requests. The Commissioners have requested permission to transfer connection of the Housing Authority's Walnut Terrace development to the Mansfield sewer system to the Housing Authority's Centennial Court development: The request has been made because Centennial Court's septic system has failed. Due to the failure, raw sewage is not only breaking out through and underneath the tennis courts at the Igo Elementary School playgrounds but is also flooding playfields. Mr. Azinheira recommended, based upon the situation, the Selectmen approve the request because additional flow is not being requested or allowed. Selectman Colella expressed concern that in the 1970's Foxboro declined Mansfield's request for them to join in a ti -town treatment plant project. Selectman Mahana stated he considers the treatment plant as a ti -town sewer facility and capacity given Norton and Foxboro is paid for by them. Selectman Mahana stated he has no objection to transferring capacity. MOTION: To approve the transfer of the gallons from Walnut Terrace to Centennial Court. (Mahana - Royle) All in favor. PASSES. Joan Sozio, Chairperson, Foxboro Water and Sewer Commissioners, presented a second request that Mansfield charge the Foxboro Housing Authority a disposal fee based on Foxbough's sewer rate as opposed to a septage rate. Ms. Sozio also requested Mansfield use a billing procedure identical to Lafayette Park's until Centennial Court's septic system problem is solved. Mr. Azinheha suggested approval of the request as long as additional handling costs, such as Saturday overtime costs for Wastewater Treatment Plant employees, are included. MOTION: So moved to approve the wastewater rate plus handling charges. (Robinson - Royle All in favor. PASSES. Selectman Mahana addressed Ms. Sozio stating at a previous preliminary meeting with the Foxboro Water and Sewer Commissioners a determination was made by Mansfield's Town Engineer that there are monies due Mansfield for Sharon Estates hookup to Mansfield's sewer system. Selectman Mahana requested another meeting to finalize the amount due Mansfield so that project could move forward. Ms. Sozio responded that she is hoping to have a meeting next week with Foxboro Officials Mike Coppola, Warren McKay, and Andy Gala to discuss the issue. Selectman Mahana also stated that he only wants to deal with Foxboro Officials not with private entities. Ms. Sozio suggested Mansfield and Foxboro approach Sharon jointly. 5. 9:00 Wastewater Master Plan Presentation with Camp, Dresser, and McKee John Donovan of Camp, Dresser, & McKee presented Phase I of the Town of Mansfield Wastewater Master Plan, dated March 19, 1997. The presentation agenda included the put-pose of the facilities plan, analysis of needs areas, recommendation for needs areas, projected flows, current wastewater treatment plant capacity, Phase I conclusions, and the proposed scope of Phase II of the master plan. Board of Selectmen Questions and Comments Members of the Board of Selectmen asked questions concerning the effect of growth in East Mansfield on sewer capacity, if sewered areas in Foxboro and Norton could be showed in the plan, and whether of not treatment plant expansion will reflect future charges to Foxboro and Norton for additional capacity. Gerry St. Hillaire, Mansfield resident, suggested the cost for Phase II of the master plan be shared with Foxboro and Norton Town Engineer Lee Azinheira recommended the Town not sell any additional sewer capacity. 6. Town Manager A. Old Business • Well Status Update Acting Town Manager Boucher noted a well status report the Selectmen received fi•om the Acting Assistant DPW Director, Robert Morrison, which is in their mail boxes. • Computer System Acting Town Manager Boucher stated he and DPW Office Manager, Betty Amicone, have been reviewing the Town's computer system since the Town offices relocated to the new Town Hall. A meeting has been set for Friday with Unisys to review the Town's computer contract and get all the contracted features up and running. • Joint Grant Application with the Toran of Norton - Great Woods Land Acting Town Manager Richard Boucher stated he received a letter form Walter Lindberg, Norton Town Manager, this date requesting the Selectmen forward a letter in support of the grant application to the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. The deadline for the application is this Friday. Grant monies would be used to review development or conservation of great woods land. Town Engineer, Lee Azinheira, stated that although Norton's and Mansfield's interest may not be the same, he is recommending the Selectmen forward a letter of support and actively participate in the process. Acting Town Manager Boucher noted he and Mr. Azinheira feel Mansfield should be part of the grant application in order to protect the Town's interests. Mr. Boucher did also note that the Planning Board voted this evening not to endorse the grant application. Clerk Royle questioned the amount of the grant and suggested Norton may go forward with or without Mansfield. MOTION: That we apply along with Norton for the joint application for the grant. (Mahana - Royle) All in favor. PASSES. Clerk Royle suggested the Planning Board should be involved in the process. B. Nei, Business • MW Consulting Group Acting Town Manager Boucher stated the Massachusetts Municipal Association Consulting Group has been contacted concerning assistance with Mansfield's Town Manager's search. The Consulting Group has offered two scenarios. The fast option would develop a position profile, establish the pay and parameters of the position, develop and place advertisements, conduct a limited independent search, acknowledge and review incoming applications, screen applicants, conduct preliminary inquiries, hold meetings with the officials for the semi - finalist selection, and develop an interview process, at a cost of $7,950. The second option would include the consultants in the interview process and negotiations, at a cost of $9,600. Mr. Boucher suggested the Selectmen may wish to discuss this in executive session. Mr. Boucher also suggested the Selectmen may wish to discuss contract negotiations in executive session. Mr. Boucher will not be able to be involved in negotiations because his is also in a union as the Town's Treasurer - Collector. C. Mystic Club Acting Town Manager Boucher stated he received communication firom the Director of Planning and Development, Shaun Burke, that the Selectmen will need to vote that the Mystic Club property is surplus property with the stipulation that it will be leased not sold. This vote is needed to complete a Request for Proposals package for leasing the property. MOTION: That the Mystic club property be declared surplus property to be leased. ( Royle- Mahana) All in favor. PASSES. 7. Selectmen A. Old Business Selectman Robinson stated that he is disturbed with a letter the Town Manager received fiom Amtrak, specifically because the letter denotes fencing in other communities but does not reflect any track fencing for Mansfield. MOTION: That we send a letter to Amtrak stating that the Board of Selectmen would like to discuss why Mansfield was left out of fencing with the High Speed Rail Project when Mansfield has residences abutting the tracks. (Robinson - Royle) All in favor. PASSES. Clerk Mahana requested a compilation of all letters the Selectmen have received from residents reflecting danger spots along the tracks. MOTION: - Move we hire Massachusetts Municipal Association to conduct our Town Manager search, in the amount of $7,950. (Royle- Robinson) All in favor. PASSES. Selectman Colella inquired about availability of grant money for cleaning the Rumford River. Town Engineer Lee Azinheira responded that he does not know of available grant money for this purpose but that Highway Department Foreman, Mark Cook, will be meeting with a representative of the Mosquito Control Board this Friday, who may be able to clean up the area for the Town. Acting Town Manager Richard Boucher responded to a request made by Selectmen Colella at last week's Selectmen's meeting concerning 42 Morrow Sheet. The Department of Public Works has repaired the damage that they could from the last snow storm, but driveway pavement will not be repaired until the spring when the roadway is overlaid. Selectman Mahana stated it is very distressing to hear that the Dustin Well No. 7 cannot be recovered because it has not been cleaned for sometime. Discussion among the Selectmen continued concerning funding to try to repair the well. MOTION: That we ask the Finance Committee for an $8,000 Reserve Fund Transfer to be replaced with money fi-om the Water Capital Account at the Special Town Meeting within the Annual. (Mahana- Royle)WITHDRAWN Acting Town Manager Boucher will request additional information from the Assistant DPW Director concerning the Dustin Well No. 7, such as means for repair and suggested funding. Clerk Mahana requested weekly status reports be given on the progress in the Back Bay area. B. Miscellaneous • King Street Water Main MOTION: So moved on the King Sheet water main. installation of 460' of ' water main (Colella- Robinson) All in favor. PASSES. B. Miscellaneous Items • Drainlayers Application Town Engineer, Lee Azinheira, requested the Selectmen approve the application of Plainville Pump and Excavating for a drainlayers license subject to submission of a bond in the correct format. MOTION: So moved. (Boyle - Colella) All in favor. PASSES • Wastewater Master Plan Town Engineer Lee Azinheira stated that a line item is proposed within the Wastewater budget for engineering services which would be used to fund Phase II of the Wastewater Master Plan. Mr. Azinheira also stated and that he will be requesting that Foxboro and Norton supply additional information for the Master Plan. • Acting Interim Town Manager MOTION: Richard Boucher be appointed Acting Town Manager until a full - time Town Manager is selected. The premium in salary should be worked out between Mr. Boucher and the Chairman. (Mahana - Royle) All in favor. PASSES. Acting Town Manager Boucher noted that with the appointment he would like to include that the Treasurer's Office will have temporary help to help out with some of the work with him out of the office. C. New Business Selectman Mahana stated he was informed last night that a former Selectman, Paul Secher, passed away in Florida. MOTION: That we honor Mr. Secher for his service to the Town as a former Selectman and that when the appropriate dates are set for the ceremony we by to attend in his honor and the flags be flown at half mast. (Mahana- Colella)Colella All in favor. PASSES. Selectman Robinson referenced a memorandum fiom Finance Committee Chairman, Andy Gazzolo, to Bob Gurek, concerning Buildings and Ground Maintenance, and inquired of the status. Selectman Robinson thanked Selectman Royle for nominating him to be Chairman and continued discussing the Selectmen's present and past communication, and hope for better communication in the future. 8. Adjournment 10:30 PM MOTION: To adjourn. (Mahana - Colella) All in favor. PASSES. �.. Clerk's Signature y` Date of Approval