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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 1-14-1998Board of Selectmen Minutes January 14, 1998 Present: Chairman Madan, Clerk Royle and Selectmen Mahana, Robinson, land,. Colella 1.0 John D'Agostino, Town Manager i, J f'A; _,.,,,„i5'Ll r 1. The meeting was called to. order at 7:30 PM followed by the pledge of allegiance. A. Warrant No. 29 - $ 781,133.36 Motion: Move to approve. (Boyle- Colella) All in favor. Chairman Madan abstained from all Building Department items and Clerk Royle abstained from all Health Department items. Passes. B. Minutes Minutes of January 7, 1998 Motion: So moved. (Colella- Royle) All in favor. Passes. Executive Session Minutes of January 7, 1998 Motion: Move to approve but not release. ( Royle- Mahana) All in favor. Passes. ( C. Correspondence Action Town Manager and Staff Letter from Town Counsel Mangiaratti asking if the Selectmen would like him to take any action on an inquiry made by Thomas P. Walsh of Boro Sand & Stone Corporation about a parcel of land on Otis Street Mr. Walsh expressed an interest in purchasing the land, Assessors Map 7, Lot 34, approximately 13.7 acres Motion: Move to send Mr. Walsh a letter stating the Board is not interested at this time in selling a parcel containing approximately 13. 7 acres known as Assessor's Map 7 Lot 34. (Boyle- Robinson) All in favor. Passes. Other Board and Committee Letter from Noreen Larsen, Cable Access Board of Directors, stating that she will not be seeking reappointment at the expiration of her term on April 1, 1998 Motion: Move to accept Noreen Larsen's resignation and ask the Chairman to send her a thank you letter. (Boyle- Colella) All in favor. Selectman Robinson abstained. Passes. Town Manager and Staff Memorandum from John D'Agostino, Town Manager, to the Board of Selectmen concerning tree cutting on property owned by Frank Cavallo Memorandum from John D'Agostino, Town Manager, to the Board of Selectmen with an update on the Witch Pond Well, Walsh Well, Bids on Wells 2 & 3 and Cate Springs, Leak Detection Program, Water Conservation Program at Robinson School, and the Planned Water Ban for June 1, 1998 Memorandum from Lorilee Fish, Park and Recreation Director, thanking the Selectmen for their donation of $1,500 to the proposed in -line skate park but stating that the project will not be brought forward at this time due to the cost Memorandum from Lorilee Fish, Park and Recreation Director, thanking the Selectmen for their donation to the Rails to Trails project Miscellaneous Letter from Woodard & Curran with a status report on their projects 2. 7:40 PM Questions and Comments Kathy Piusz, 3 Heather Lane, announced that a fund- raiser is scheduled for Danielle Beausoleil, a thirteen year old Mansfield resident who was bit by train at the Attleboro Train Station twelve days ago. Danielle remains in a coma. The fundraiser will be held on February 15 at the Oasis Club in Norton. Ms. Piusz invited merchants to donate items to be raffled off at the fund- raiser. Collection buckets are located throughout the town, and a fund has been set up at Mansfield Cooperative Bank. Persons wishing to make donations or participate in the fund- raiser may contact either Kathy Healy at 261 -9575 or Kathy Oliver at 261 -7060. An announcement of the fund- raiser should be placed on cable. Marianne Kinney, 388 Gilbert Street, suggested the Selectmen discuss designating Gilbert Street "No Thru Trucking "during their joint meeting with Norton on January 20. Ralph Penney, 336 Maple Street, stated there is a need for a fire station in East Mansfield, as was previously recotmnended by the Capital Improvements Committee. Mr. Penney suggested the station could be constructed using volunteers and town forces. Selectman Mahana asked if Mr. Penney would be willing to take charge of the volunteer group, and Mr. Penney accepted. Clerk Royle stated she would be more interested in finding out how the Fire Chief feels about an East Mansfield station and suggested the Town Manager and Fire Chief meet to discuss the issue. Mr. Penney requested the Town follow the budget process established by the Capital Imrpovements Committee and Selectmen last year. Last year, the Capital Improvements Committee was alerted that there would be a need for a ladder truck in the future. At that time, it was agreed that $50,000 would be set aside each year for its eventual purchase. Mr. Penney did not notice a request for tlus amount in the FY99 capital budget. Walter Meehan, 292 Williams Street, stated that he, too, feels there is a need for a fire station in East Mansfield. Mr. Meehan also stated trees in the vicinity of the Williams Street bridge have been tagged in accordance with the Scenic Road Act but that no Town Departments have come forward to state who would be responsible for damage done to the trees and land in the area as a result of test boring. Lastly, Mr. Meehan stated although his brother who is a Water Department employee has nothing to do with the issue or with his bringing it to the Selectmen's attention, he was spoken to about it after Mr. Meehan last addressed the Selectmen. It was suggested that Mr. Meehan meet with the Town Manager to discuss this. 3. 8:10 Discussion with James Foley, 29 Angell Street Mr. Foley was not present for this discussion. 4. 8:10 PM Discussion with the Recreation Commission re: Mansfield Youth Basketball's use of Recreation Office Space - No members present for this discussion. 5. Old Business A. Town Manager Mr. D'Agostino stated he invited Chris Riley, Amtrak representative to a Selectmen's meeting and received a letter in response dated January 13, 1998. Mr. D'Agostino read the letter to the Board. Town Manager D'Agostino and Chairman Madan will be attending a meeting with the MBTA on January 21. Selectman Colella suggested that fencing relative to the High Speed Rail project should be discussed at the meeting. Selectman Colella stated while walking the tracks in Mansfield with Chris Riley, Amtrak, and Acting Manager Boucher, it was mentioned that if Mansfield, the MBTA, and Amtrak all contribute to the project it may be possible to install fencing from Norton to the Foxboro town line. Mr. Riley thought the officials might agree with idea. Selectman Colella requested this be discussed at Wednesday's meeting. Selectman Robinson suggested seeking Congressman Frank's and Representative Lepper's assistance. Selectman Mahana also suggested requesting Congressman McGovern's assistance. Chairman Madan stated Foxboro is having a similar problem and has heard they may be filing a suit. Chairman Madan would be in favor of joining Foxboro's suit. 6. Discussion with the Recreation Commission re: Mansfield Youth Basketball's use of Recreation Office Space Bob Pierce, Clerk, Recreation Commission, and Lorilee Fish, Recreation Director, were present for this discussion. Mr. Pierce stated recently the basketball program became independent from the Recreation Commission but would like to maintain the same desk as it had when a part of the Commission. The desk space /position would eventually be expanded to tie in other youth programs and would be used as a focal point for registration and field use coordination. Mr. Pierce stated the position would be funded through the youth organizations utilizing it. Town Manager D'Agostino stated his primary concern is having a policy in place allowing for equal access to the office space. Mr. D'Agostino requested the Recreation Commission develop a policy, and he would review it with them. 7. Old Business A. Town Manager Town Manager D'Agostino reported that the Town recently held a meeting with C Professor Mullen. Mr. D'Agostino stated lie would like to establish roles, responsibilities, goals, objectives, and a mission statement for the IDC and feel it could be a powerful group if it is redesigned. Professor Mullen has put together a scope of work to begin working with the IDC and will move forward as soon as possible. Mr. D'Agostino stated he expected a report this date from Town Counsel Mangiaratti regarding ownership of the Oakland Street crossing but has not received it. Lastly, Mr. D'Agostino reported that all labor contracts have been settled and that he is currently in the process of updating contracts. A summary of changes will be provided as the contracts are updated. B. Selectmen Selectman Robinson inquired of the status of the Police Chiefs review of a School Bus Stop Task Force similar to one adopted by Cambridge. Selectman Robinson suggested contacting the Director of Public safety to find out information about the system and stated he would like the system to go into effect before the end of the school year. Clerk Royle stated that there is still a "Municipal Parking Only" sign at the former Paine School building presently owned by Dr. Mc Bride, and suggested Dr. McBride be asked if the Town may remove the sign. Selectman Colella inquired about an abandoned house on Coral Street. Selectman Colella stated that a smell is emanating from a house on Willow Street, at which there was a fire, and stated the residents feel it may be hazardous. Selectman Colella stated he has talked with residents and they feel residents should be made aware that recycling is not free. Selectman Colella also stated that he knows of a couple of towns involved in the "Pay As You Throw" program that are not happy with it. Selectman Colella inquired about the number of years remaining in the cable contract and asked if the Town could go out for bid for cable service because he has received a number of complaints concerning Mansfield's present provider. Chairman Madan stated he has been reviewing the cable contract; the Town cannot go out to bid to replace the present licensee but can go out to bid for a second provider. Motion: So moved to look into establishing an RFP for a second cable service provider. ( Mahana- Colella) All in favor. Passes. Selectman Mahana stated he is in receipt of financial information he requested from cable access. Selectman Mahana asked the Town Manager for an inventory of all town vehicles listed by department. 8. New Business A. Town Manager Town Manager D'Agostino reported on the following: ATechnology Committee has been initiated to establish a standardized request for proposals bid for all Town Hall computers. Mr. D'Agostino is presently reviewing all current Town Hall equipment to be sure it meets the present and future needs of the Town. Mr. D'Agostino initiated a demonstration for GIS capabilities at the January 20 staff meeting at 8:30. The Selectmen are welcome to attend. Mr. D'Agostino will be scheduled for surgery on his shoulder in mid February and anticipates being out of work for one week, during which he will appoint an Acting Manager. Mr. D'Agostino will return the following week on a limited basis. Town Manager D'Agostino will be contacting Quadrant Software of Mansfield to review the Town's hardware and software. Mr. D'Agostino is reviewing whether or not a part or full -time computer maintenance position will be needed in the future but that he does not believe that it is needed now. Departmental budget hearings will continue through to the end of month; a balanced budget is anticipated by the end of February; A Capital Improvements Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 15, at 6:00 PM. The Selectmen are in receipt of the annual reports from cable access for 1995 and 1996; the report for 1997 is forthcoming. ( The Selectmen are sampling a number of different meeting chairs this evening to determine which style they would like to purchase. Each Selectman has in their possession revised descriptions for Water, Wastewater, and DPW, which will hopefully be voted on at next week's meeting. Department Heads will be present to answer the Selectmen's questions. B. Selectmen Selectmen Robinson suggested plans for an East Mansfield fire station be discussed with the Airport because the Town has land near the airport. It is possible that assistance may be provided by the Federal Aviation Administration. Selectman Robinson also suggested that a prefabricated structure for the station be considered. Selectman Royle asked if the Town could use the West Mansfield fire station plans for an East Mansfield station and asked if the central fire station would be closed if one is opened in east Mansfield. Clerk Royle requested the Town Manager and Fire Chief assess the Town's need for a third station and location for one. Selectman Colella requested the corner of Samoset Avenue and North Main Street be painted yellow from the hydrant to the intersection because cars turning left onto North Main from Samoset Avenue have a problem seeing oncoming cars. Chairman Madan stated he, Selectman Colella, and the Town Manager visited Marjorie Ranns this date. Mrs. Ranns fell down the front stairs of the Town Hall and had to have surgery. She is presently in a nursing home but will be returning home next Friday. Selectman Mahana asked if a status report could be requested from Mansfield Emergency Management, either verbal or written. Selectman Mahana also stated he received a couple of calls from citizens who were upset that they have not received information they have requested from Town Departments in a timely manner. Selectman Mahana will find out which departments there has been a problem with. Selectman Mahana stated people coming up to the third floor of the Town Hall can't help but notice barrels in connector. Town Manager D'Agostino stated he believes the problem causing the leaks in the connector roof has been determined. Apparently, the roof is not pitched properly, nor has it been installed properly. Water is accumulating on the roof compromising the membrane and causing leaks. Lastly, Selectman Mahana stated last week Mansfield received an installment from Norton for past due sewer bills and suggested allocation of future payments should be discussed. Town Manager D'Agostino stated lie believes the payments should be placed into a special account for water and sewer. Clerk Royle stated the Selectmen will need a draft list of Town Meeting articles to review shortly, and asked if sewer payments made by Foxboro could be included with the article for Norton's payments. 9. 9:40 PM Adjournment ( Motion: To adjourn. ( Colella- Mahana) All in favor. Passes. Clif'sSignature Date of Approval 1