HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 7-10-1998Board of Selectmen
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June 10, 1998 )t =js? C;l._ _1; , 0 F10E
Present: Chairman Madan, Clerk McCarter, and Selectmer%[NhNtd 1609
John D'Agostino, Town Manager tj;\ ;S IELD
t4ASSAC�IUSETTS
1. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM following the pledge of
allegiance.
A. Statement of Town Manager John D'Agostino
Town Manager D'Agostino made the following statement recommending the Selectmen
abandon the transfer station proposal:
"After hearing from a number of residents and contemplating the many issues of concern
to the residents of Mansfield relative to the development of a transfer station in town, I
would like to recommend to the Board of Selectmen the following for their action.
1. I would strongly recommend that the Board vote to permanently abandon any and all
efforts to investigate and /or site a Trash Transfer Station in the Town of Mansfield,
effective immediately.
2. Although a proposal has not been made, I would urge the Selectmen not to entertain
such proposals now or in the future.
3. This action does not preclude a private entity from investigating or actually building
such a facility. However, again, I would urge the Board of Selectmen not to support
such a proposal.
As your Town Manager, I believe it is my responsibility to provide solutions to inherent
problems faced by this community. In that vein, I will continue to pursue other options in
an attempt to address the issue of rising costs for waste disposal in Town. I will
concentrate my efforts on investigating other options including a flat waste collection fee,
in addition to real estate taxes, as a method of mitigating waste collection fees.
Finally, I would never propose any project that I believe would be detrimental to the
health and welfare of the comuunity. We need to work cooperatively together to address
the myriad of issues and challenges facing this community. We can and must grow
Mansfield together, identifying those projects worthy of development and recognize that a
proposal of this nature would only serve to divide the community rather than to bring us
together. We can and must encourage smart growth. The transfer proposal runs counter
to the concept of smart growth development."
Motion: That we abandon any and all efforts to investigate or to site a trash
transfer station in the Town of Mansfield immediately.
(Royle- McCarter) All in favor. Passes.
Motion: That Mr. D'Agostino relay this message to Sherry Clancy of National
Development and inform them that the Selectmen and townspeople of
Mansfield are not welcoming a trash station in Mansfield.
( Royle- McCarter) All in favor. Passes.
B. Warrant Nos. 49 and 50
• Warrant No. 49 - $829,781.50
Motion: So moved.
(Boyle- McCarter) All in favor. Chairman Madan abstained from all
Building Department items, Clerk McCarter abstained from the Recreation
Commission payroll, and Selectwoman Royle abstained from all Health
Department items. All in favor. Passes.
• Warrant No. 50
Motion: So moved.
( Royle- McCarter) Chairman Madan abstained from all Building
Department items, Clerk McCarter abstained from the Recreation
Commission payroll, and Selectwoman Royle abstained from all Health
Department items. All in favor. Passes.
C. Minutes
• May 13, 1998
Motion: So moved.
(Mahana - Royle) All in favor. Passes.
• May 20, 1998
Motion: To approve but not release the executive session minutes.
( Royle- Mahana) All in favor. Passes.
• May 27, 1998
Motion: To approve.
(Mahana - McCarter) All in favor. Passes.
D. Licenses and Permits
• Memo from Lorilee Fish, Park & Recreation Director, requesting the Selectmen vote
to authorize the Town Manager to sign contracts on behalf of the town for the
Summer Camp "Voucher Day Care Provider Agreement Authorization and Financial
Disclosure Form"
Motion: To sign (approve).
(Mahana - Royle) All in favor. Passes.
• Gas Bid Award to Corn/Energy Marketing, Inc.
Motion: To approve and sign.
(Boyle Mahana) All in favor. Passes.
• SERSG DPW Supplies and Water Treatment Chemicals Contract
Motion: To approve and authorize the Town Manager to sign.
( Royle- Mahana) All in favor. Passes.
• Mass Highway RED -077 — Notification in writing to Mass Highway of the amount
Mansfield expects to incur for the fiscal year 1998 for maintaining, constructing, and
policing streets and roadways - $1,844,081.00
Motion: So moved.
(Mahana- McCarter) All in favor. Passes.
( • Request for a $5,000 Reserve Fund Transfer to the Municipal Offices Account to
settle a claim with Consigh Construction
Motion: To recommend approval of the reserve fund transfer.
( Royle- McCarter) All in favor. Passes.
• Request from DPW for a $29,978 Reserve Fund Transfer for noise abatement for the
Town Hall chiller
Motion: To table until Monday night at the Light Commissioners meeting.
(Boyle- Mahana) All in favor. Passes.
2. Questions and Comments
Karl Clennney, 390 West Street, inquired about the status of the Town' response to
MEPA on the Great Waves project. Mr. Clemmey stated he is concerned that water will
not be available for his family if Great Waves is approved in Mansfield. Town Manager
D'Agostino read the Town's response to the Great Waves Environmental Notification.
Motion: Not to sell any water for recreational purposes.
(Mahana - McCarter) All in favor. Passes.
Karl Cletntttey, 390 West Street, stated the Massachusetts General Laws states that the
Town is responsible for supplying drinking water only. Mr. Clenuney also stated that it
was an insult for Great Waves to offer a $20,000 donation to the Town for water
conservation measures in light of the amount of money the Town has spent on improving
the water system.
Bill Antoine, 450 West Street, stated that lie supports Mr. Clemmey in reference to the
water situation and that the townspeople need to get on the water (Great Waves)
bandwagon. Lastly, Mr. Antoine requested the trash transfer discussion scheduled for
June 24 remain on the agenda.
Andrea Micheli, stated any and all information she distributed in relation to the transfer
station was taken from memoranda generated by Mr. D'Agostino.
3. Discussion with Jay Barrows, Downtown Business Association, re: July
Sidewalk Sale
Mr. Barrows requested the Selectmen close North Main Street from 106 to East/West
Street and block the following streets from entering North Main Street: Park Street, Court
Street, Cottage Street, and Pleasant Street during the upcoming July 15 sidewalk sale.
The Downtown Business Association will place fliers on cars at the train station notifying
commuters that North Main Street will be closed on July 15 a couple of days before the
event. Mr. Barrows also inquired about the status of improving the downtown traffic
pattern, specifically the intersection of North Main Street and Route 106, and provision of
additional parking in the downtown area.
Motion: So moved to close North Main Street pending the Police Chief's
recommendation.
(Mahana - McCarter) All in favor. Passes.
Selectwoman Royle requested the Town replace the Public Parking sign next to the
Mansfield Cooperative Bank,
4. Old Business
A. Town Manager
• Town Manager D'Agostino requested the Selectmen's approval to hire a dispatcher to
fill the vacancy of a newly hired dispatcher who recently resigned.
Motion: So moved.
(Mahana - Royle) All in favor. Passes.
• A meeting with Hope Street residents is scheduled for Thursday, June 11, at 7:00 PM
to discuss Memorial Park improvements.
• A meeting with abutters to the Oakland and Maple Streets rail crossings is being
planned to establish the cost to abutters and will be held within the next two weeks.
• Quotes have been requested from Hutchins- Trowbridge for a master plan for the
Plymouth Street recreational facility.
• A wastewater master plan workshop with the Planning Board and Board of Health is
scheduled for June 23. Material will be provided prior to the meeting for review by
attendees.
• The Town of Mansfield submitted comments on the Great Waves ENF.
(, • The advertisement for the Director of the Light Department has been placed. Mr.
D'Agostino requested the Selectmen's approval of the Director's job description.
Selectwoman Royle asked if a Superintendent would be hired in addition to the
Director and inquired about the salary range for the Director. Interviews to fill the
Diirector's position will begin after June 22, with the position being filled betweein the
middle to end of Judy.
B. Selectmen
• Selectwoman Royle inquired about the status of the purchase of the Gonsalves'
property and incorporation of the Industrial Development Finance Authority with IDC.
Selectwoman Royle requested a list of all costs associated with the South Common
beautification, as she also did of John Larch, including DPW overtime, cement work,
and the brick work around the flagpole. Mr. D'Agostino responded by reading a
memoraudmn from the DPW Director outlining the costs, including till doncitions.
• Selectman Mahana inquired about the status of the Walsh and Witch Pond wells and
asked if Board members have had an opportunity to review the information provided
by the Town of Shrewsbury relative to start up of a municipally operated cable system.
Town Mcouiger D'Agostino responded stating he has plans to meet with the
Shrewsbury Mcrnager in early July to discuss their cable system and nuniieipally
providing long distance service telephone service.
Selectman Mahana stated that lie is opposed to a summer meeting schedule. Clerk
McCarter also stated that he, too, does not support a summer schedule at this time.
Motion: To support the summer schedule, and if the Town Manager feels there is a
need to meet, the Board will.
( Royle- Madan) (1 -3) Selectwoman Royle in favor. Fails.
6. Weekly Correspondence
Action
Resident
Request from Sam David, 156 Balcom Street, for a 30 -day extension on purchasing
Balcom Ridge
Motion: To grant a thirty -day extension, if there are no repercussions with the
second highest bidder.
(Boyle - Mahana) All in favor. Passes.
Letter from Mary B. Penza, 15 Branch Street, requesting the Selectmen's assistance with
resolving a billing problem she is experiencing with the Water Department. Ms. Penza
receives her delinquent notice but not the original bill
Town Manager & Skiff
Memorandum from Lorilee Fish, Park & Recreation Director, requesting the public
parking lot on North Main Street remain open until I I:00PM during "Movies with the
Stars" and "Concerts on the Common" evenings, Juste 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29, and
August 5, 12, 19, and 26; and inviting the Selectmen to the June 24 Great Duck Race at
7:30 PM
Motion: To keep the parking lot open until I 1 pill on those dates.
( Royle- Mahana) All in favor. Passes.
Request from Lorilee Fish, Park and Recreation Director, for a waiver of the $40.00
building inspection fee for the Memorial Park buildings
Motion: To waive the Town's portion of the inspection fee for the Memorial Park
buildings.
( Royle- Mahana) All in favor. Chairman Madan abstained. Passes.
Memorandum front Bill Madan, Chairman, proposing a summer meeting schedule of the
2 "d and 4 °' Wednesdays of each month from June to August. Meeting dates would be June
10 and 24; July 8 and 22; and August 12 and 26
Miscellaneous
Letter from Attorney Eugene Boyle, representing owners of a parcel of land on Stearns
Avenue, Map 40, Parcel 115, inquiring of the procedure to obtain water for the property
because it appears that the only way water service could be provided is from the Town of
Easton
Letter from Jonathan Muskrat, Training for Life, requesting the Selectmen issue a public
endorsement, post an enclosed flyer in the Town Hall, and include an enclosed bill stuffier
in the water and /or tax bills in respect to the Recycle for Gold, Special Olympics
Massachusetts find- raiser Recycle for Gold removes free of charge unwanted cars and
truck and recycles them into funds for special Olympics
Motion: To approve the public endorsement, post a flier in Town Hall, and post a
notice on cable.
(Mahana Royle) All in favor. Passes.
Letter from Michael Trowbridge, Hutchins /Trowbridge Associates, Inc., requesting the
Selectmen review and comment on a proposal for a developer to a baseball and multi-
purpose field on the open space land in a proposed cluster development adjacent to the
Canoe River Selectwoman Royle requested Mr. Trowbridge present the plans at a
Selectmen's meeting.
Board and Committee
Resignation from James Burke, 10 Canoe River Drive, from the Conservation Commission
This vacancy has been placed on cable. No applications have been received to date.
Burke
Motion: To accept the letter of resignation and ask the Chairman to send a thank
you letter.
(Boyle- McCarter) All in favor. Passes.
Resignation from Joseph Kowalczyk, 14 Deer Path Lane, from the Board of Health This
vacancy has been placed on cable. Two applications have been received to date: Peter
Fontanini and Phil Giangara
Motion: To send a letter of appreciation to Joseph Kowalczyk.
(Mahana- McCarter) Selectwoman Royle abstained. Passes.
Other
Resident
Letter from Antoni F. Bielan to the Board of Selectmen requesting if the Selectmen are
considering guaranteeing certain amounts of water to any entity in Town, that they also
guarantee him a sufficient amount of water to meet his needs whenever required by him or
his family
Petition of twenty -one residents adamantly opposed to the proposed establishment of a
waste transfer facility in Mansfield
Letter from Michael R. Moomey, 1 Lancelot Lane, requesting the Selectmen defer the
approval of the Great Waves Water Park until Mansfield addresses the current water
demands and issues
Letter from Michael R. Moomey, 1 Lancelot Lane, requesting the Selectmen represent the
people of Mansfield and make a prudent decision to stop the opening of the waste transfer
station
Board and Committee
Memorandum from Richard Blandori, Recreation Commission Chairman, stating at their
meeting of May 19, the Commission voted three /zero against construction of an additional
parking lot at Memorial Park
Memorandum from Richard Blandori, Recreation Commission Chairman, requesting the
Recreation Commissions recommendation on the placement of Plymouth Street tennis
courts (in north/south position at the far end of the park near the fields) be included in the
new master plan being prepared by Michael Trowbridge
t
Letter from Katheryn P. Viens, Chairman, Historical Commission, apologizing that none
of the Commissioners attended the Chairmen's meeting and expressing appreciation for
the Selectmen's support of the town meeting warrant article providing matching funds for
the Fisher Richardson House
r Town Manager and Staff
Memorandum from Town Manager John D'Agostino stating that the Conservation
Commission will be meeting with Sherry Clancy of National Development on Monday,
June 8, 1998, to discuss a transfer station
Memorandum from Town Manager John D'Agostino stating a joint Wastewater Master
Plan workshop of the Board of Selectmen, Planning Board, and Board of Health has been
scheduled for June 23 at 7:00 PM
Memorandum from John D'Agostino, Town Manager, to the Chairman of the Board of
Selectmen and several Department Heads requesting their attendance at a meeting to
discuss the Wastewater Master Plan on June 16 at 9:30 AM
Memorandum from Arthur O'Neill, Police Chief, with an attached report from Traffic
Safety Officer Lawson on the Housing Authority's request to use the parking area directly
across the street from the Park Court complex The Police Department will continue to
work with the Housing Authority to facilitate a solution.
Miscellaneous
Letter_ from Paul O'Leary, with attached letter from Dr. John Silber, Chairman of the
Massachusetts Board of Education, to the U.S. News & World Report stating that
Southeastern is "a truly superb high school... that is not only outstanding but genuinely
inspiring ".
7. New Business
A. Town Manager
• Mr. D'Agostino will be on vacation from July 25 to August 8 and will appoint an
Acting Town Manager.
• A meeting has been scheduled for June 16 with staff on wastewater treatment issues.
• Mr. D'Agostino attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Village at Willow
Crossing retirement facility this morning.
B. Selectmen
• Selectwoman Royle stated that she noticed that advertising signs may be on Town
property, Dominos and Student Painters, and asked the Town Manager to alert the
police officers and DPW employees to remove them when they see them.
Selectwoman Royle also inquired about the status of the Town's interest in land
owned by the Elks on Route 106.
• Chairman Madan announced that Selectman Robinson's sister passed away earlier this
week.
• Selectman Mahana asked if the old fire station horn could be incorporated into bad
weather warnings for hurricanes and tornadoes, etc. 7buw Manager D'Agostino will
request the Fire Chief's recommendation.
Selectman Mahana also inquired about the possibility of increasing funding for the senior
tax program at the fall town meeting. Selectman Mahana stated he is very disappointed
that Congressman McGovern voted in favor of the highway transportation bill that cut
$15Billion from veteran funding.
• Clerk McCarter requested DPW take a look at a branch hanging down from a Pine
tree across from the Mansfield Cooperative Bank to see if it should be removed.
Clerk McCarter also stated he received several calls a couple of weeks ago regarding
noise at Great Woods, which he did look into, and according to their meters, Great
Woods did not exceed their 95 dB limit.
Clerk McCarter stated lie received a complaint of low acrobatic flying at the Mansfield
airport, and requested the Town Manager check with the airport commission on any
restrictions that would apply.
While attending the breakfast this morning at the Village at Willow Crossing, Clerk
McCarter was asked if the trucks traveling in and out of the construction area pose a risk
to the sewer interceptor in that area.
Lastly, Clerk McCarter asked if the Selectmen would like to discuss the Light
Department Manager stipend or salary amount for Mr. D'Agostino. A consensus of the
Board was in favor of discussing the stipend daring the Light Commissioners' meeting
Monday evening.
8. Adjournment — 9:50 PM
Motion: r Move to adjourn.
r
(Mahana- Royle) All in favor. Passes.
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