HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 2-24-1999Board of Selectmen
Minutes
February 24, 1999
Present: Chairman Madan, Clerk McCarter, Selectmen Amoruso, RoliiWsoh,' Ahd'Rbyle 0 1
John D'Agostino, Town Manager
1. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM followed by the pledge of
allegiance.
A. Warrant No35
Motion: To approve.
(Amoroso- Royle) All in favor. Chairman Madan abstained on all Building
Department items; Clerk McCarter abstained on the Municipal Building
Committee payroll; and Selectwoman Royle abstained on all Board of
Health items. Passes.
B. Licenses and Permits
* Request of Citizen Scholarship Foundation to place thermometer type signs on the
North and South Commons to report the progress of their fundraiser
Motion: To approve.
( Royle- Amoruso) All in favor. Passes.
Common Victualler License Renewal Application of Lori Berneburg dba Lori's
Sunnyside Cafe, 265 Fruit Street
Motion: To approve.
(Amoroso- Robinson) All in favor. Passes.
* The Selectmen signed the amended Personnel Policy approved at last week's meeting.
C. Minutes
* Executive Session Minutes of February 10, 1999
Motion: To approve but not release.
(Boyle- Amoruso) Selectman Robinson abstained. Passes.
* Minutes of February 10, 1999
Motion: To approve.
( Amoruso- Royle) Selectman Robinson abstained. Passes.
* Minutes of February 17, 1999
Motion: To approve.
( Amoruso- Robinson) All in favor. Passes.
D. Correspondence
Action:
Miscellaneous
Letter from Alec Ciminello, Assistant Principal, Jackson Elementary School, inviting the
Selectmen to take 15 -20 minutes to read to a class of third to fifth grade students on
March 2, 1999. The Town Manager will be reading to a third grade class at 2: OOPM that
day.
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Other:
Town Manager and Staff
(' Memorandum from Lorilee Fish, Park & Recreation Director, concerning the Park &
Recreation Department's budget review session with the Finance Committee
Memorandum from John D'Agostino, Town Manager, to the Board of Selectmen with an
attached Special Permit example
State and Local Government
Letter from the Mass Executive Office of Transportation and Construction notifying the
Selectmen that Mansfield has $670,594.00 of uncommitted funds remaining in its Chapter
90 account
2. Questions and Comments
Peter DeTiolio, 496 Elm Street, asked why the Selectmen voted to negotiate the Great
Woods contract at last week's meeting and stated that he found the vote interesting
because he feels the Town Manager did a good job last year finally establishing a decibel
level within the regulations. Selectwoman Royle responded that she feels the Selectmen
should continue to negotiate the license, as they have done in the past. Town Manager
D'Agostino responded that he would be more than willing to provide input to the Board.
Ed Tarti fo, 9 Brookside Road, expressed concern regarding the Charter Commission and
proposed revisions, the amount of time taken to complete the revisions, and the number of
persons who visited the Commission's meetings.
Peter DeTrolio, 496 Elm Street, responded as one member of Charter Commission, to Mr.
Tartufo's statements.
Ed Tartu fo, 9 Brookside Road, stated he did not address the Selectmen to exude the work
done by the Commission but to point out that members' of various boards and committees
opinions were dismissed and that only four guests outside of government attended the
meetings.
Selectwoman Royle added when the Selectmen invited all boards and committees into a
meeting to discuss the Charter revisions, all but two committees were opposed,
Recreation and Animal Welfare Committee, and that all opinions should be respected.
3. Discussion with Jay Barrows and Trish Bolea Downtown Businessmen's
Association
This year's downtown sidewalk sale will be on July 21 and will have a carnival theme.
The Association would like to extend the hours of the sale from 6 -10 rather than 6 -9 and
will be requesting the Town close North Main Street from East/West Street up to Route
106, leaving Old Colony Way open. The Association discussed the possibility of moving
the John Michaels Band from the South Common up to the Cooperative Bank parking lot
on that day with the Recreation Department. Mr. Barrows asked how receptive the
Board would be to allowing service of alcohol at outdoor cafes during the sale.
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Selectwoman Royle inquired of the number of establishments that would be interested in
the one -day license (probably three).
The Association plans on distributing information on the parade sometime in April. The
Farmer's Market will run on Thursdays and possibly Saturdays this year.
4. 8 :25 PM Morrison Well Site Update with Woodard & Curran
Both Doug Reed of Woodard and Curran and Steve Bishop, Acting Water Operations
Manger, were present for this discussion.
Mr. Reed reviewed the tasks required to secure a new water supply. All final permits have
been filed with the exception of the Interbasin Transfer Act Permit. The Town filed a
request for a Determination of Insignificance, which would speed up the procedure;
however, DEP requested a full application, which will take approximately six months.
That process is beginning now with most of the efforts looking at the cumulative impacts
of the well.
Town Manager D'Agostino explained when going through the full process, DEP can
impose restrictions as part of the draw down permit, such as that the well cannot be used
during the summer months when it is needed most. Discussion among the Selectmen,
Town Manager, and Mr. Reed continued concerning the timetable on the Purchase and
Sales Agreement for the Rezza Land, whether or not a similar problem was encountered
when permitting the Walsh Well, timetable after receiving the permit to obtain approval to
pump the well, confidence in receiving the permit, whether or not the Town should apply
for an increase in the withdrawal permit, the cost estimate to establish the Morrison Well,
including development and consultants fees but excluding land purchase ($800,000.00),
area of Mansfield in the vicinity of the Morrison Well, how basin borders established, if
there is evidence of any species that may cause a problem permitting the Morrison Well,
timetable to increase Mansfield's allotted withdrawal permit, number of basins Mansfield
wells pump from; additional water sources, and whether or not bedrock wells produce
potable water.
Selectwoman Royle asked if it would be possible to put together data reflecting the
Town's water withdrawal amounts for the past fifteen years at five -year increments
evaluated with the Town's population based upon the census.
Steve Bishop stated that he is presently in the process of applying for an increase in the
withdrawal permit. When asked if an automatic increase in the withdrawal permit had ever
been granted, Mr. Bishop answered in the negative.
5. 9:15 Discussion with James Street Residents re: Designating James Street
One -way
David Reilly, James Street resident, inquired of the procedure that must be followed to
make James Street one way.
Police Chief O'Neill addressed the Board and Mr. Reilly stating that no changes should be
made to James Street without the benefit of research and a traffic count, which cannot be
conducted for a month or so. Chief O'Neill recommended an enforcement approach to
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the speeding problem. Chief O'Neill also asked Mr. Reilly which would be the best way
to direct it the one -way designation.
( Selectwoman Royle commented that she feels if James Street is made one way, vehicles
will travel even faster and that she is concerned with additional traffic exiting and entering
on South Main Street.
Mr. Reilly stated that he is upset that the Town both widened and straightened James
Street when he was told several times that acceptance of James Street would not result in
improvements such as these.
Clerk McCarter inquired of the number of houses on James Street. The Police Chief
stated that he would check to see if a sign exists that would help with the situation.
Steve Garneau, 45 James Street, stated at the August 12, 1998, Board of Selectmen's
meeting he submitted a petition to the Board of Selectmen to have the Police Department
monitor the traffic speed on James Street and suggested an option of restricting its use as
not a through way between the hours of 7 -9 am and 4 -6 pm. Mr. Garneau stated he does
not feel designating James Street a one -way street will alleviate the problem.
Upon the suggestion of Selectman Amoruso that the Police Department would need a
James Street resident's permission to conduct radar on in their driveway, Town Manager
D'Agostino responded that permission had been granted in the petition submitted by Mr.
Garneau.
Bill Dempsey, 20 James Street, stated the School Department should determine the traffic
flow direction because of school busses. Mr. Dempsey also expressed concern regarding
the speed on James Street, a flooding problem in front of his house which worsened after
the street was repaved, stated rocks are sent flying onto his front stairs twenty -five feet
from the road from speeders and after confronting Riverside Drive residents about
speeding, a "No Parking" sign was installed in front of his home.
Selectman Amoruso stated he feels stopping the traffic flow in either direction at given
times during the day may be the solution.
Ken Eickard, 13 James Street, state he is concerned because his wife runs a daycare
program on James Street and the cars do not stop for pedestrians. Mr. Eikerd granted the
Police Department permission to park in a field next to his home anytime day or night to
monitor the traffic.
Selectman Robinson asked what it would take to put up signs at the Pratt and East Street
crosswalk directing people to stop for pedestrians in the cross walk.
6. Old Business
A. Town Manager
* Town Manager D'Agostino is preparing a response to the Great Waves Final
Environmental Impact Report and expects to submit it by the March 12 due date. Mr.
D'Agostino directed the Selectmen's attention to Traffic Safety Officer Lawson's
February 13 letter to the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs in response to the
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Great Waves Final EIR. Officer Lawson's letter outlines several traffic issues that
have not been addressed. Clerk McCarter asked if the Town Manager would include
a copy of the Selectmen's minutes reflecting their vote not to support the project, as
well as all letters received from residents.
Selectman Amoroso suggested that all residents in opposition of the Water Park may
want to write to the proponent's New Hampshire Water Park expressing their
opposition to locating in Mansfield. Selectwoman Royle suggested when preparing
his response to the Final EIR, Mr. D'Agostino should mention the cumulative impact
of all future development proposals on Route 140, i.e. the potential golf course,
Polaroid building, and office park. Lastly, Selectwoman Royle suggested the impact
on the sewer system should also be addressed.
* Chairman Madan suggested holding a public hearing on the Great Waves proposal
next week. Notices should be placed on cable and in the newspaper.
* Selectman Robinson stated that he would try to attend the March 4 Amtrak meeting.
Motion: To postpone the Board of Assessors interviews until March 10, 1999.
(Amoroso- McCarter) All in favor. Passes.
The budget review process is continuing and the deficit is just above $800,000, after
the $300,000 reduction made by the School Department. Capital Improvements
Meetings began last Thursday with the balance of meetings to continue in early March.
* The Selectmen may need to delay Town Meeting for two to three weeks, as
outstanding capital and administrative issues still exists. The Town will be soliciting
bids for property and liability insurance and possibly health.
Selectman Amoruso and Brad Wills, Selectman candidate, completed the first round of
Town facility tours this past weekend at the water and wastewater facilities. The
Police and Fire Station tours will be this weekend, and DPW will be scheduled soon.
The closing on 12.46 acres of land behind the Robinson School owned by Phil Eramo
is scheduled for March 3 at 8:30 AM. A copy of draft Purchase & Sales Agreement
has been placed in the Selectmen's Reading Folder for review. Selectwoman Royle
asked what the balance of the account used to purchase the land would be used for.
* The joint meeting with the Foxboro and Norton Boards of Water and Sewer
Commissioners went fairly well last evening. The next joint meeting will be in Norton.
* Clerk McCarter asked if the Town should be reviewing the sewer connection policy in
light of the Town's inability to expand capacity. Mr. D'Agostino will check with the
Town Engineer on a joint meeting date with the Board of Health and Planning Board
to discuss server policies.
* Mr. D'Agostino will be touring a solar aquatic facility in Weston on Tuesday, where
the septic treatment is localized.
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The balance of the Stabilization Account is $2,365,476.03, which includes
$500,000.00 allocated for the Morse judgement.
( Written recommendations on reorganization of the Motor Pool organizations are
expected from the Motor Pool and Highway Department Foremen in the near future.
B. Selectmen
* Selectman Amoruso requested the Town Manager write a letter to Time Warner
concerning the contract obligation to wire Mansfield's schools.
7. New Business
A. Town Manager
B. Selectman
x Selectman Robinson asked if Attorney William August had been contacted to
negotiate the cable license transfer from Time Warner to MediaOne.
Motion: To hire the same attorney as was used for the original cable license
agreement at a cost of up to $5,000.
(Robinson- Royle) All in favor. Passes.
M Selectman Robinson received a letter at his home from the Bristol County Sheriff's
Office notifying him of a terrorism seminar. Selectman Robinson asked if any Board
members would be available to attend and if representatives of the Police and Fire
Department would be attending (yes).
Selectman Robinson asked if the Police and Fire Chiefs received notification of the
upcoming Amtrak training workshops (yes).
Selectman Robinson inquired about a letter to the Town Manager in the Reading
Folder from RIM Engineering. In his letter, Mr. Maloon requests permission to
conduct field surveys on town -owned land to investigate the feasibility of pumping
sewage from a 12 Unit apartment building at 171 Ware Street into the existing sewer
system in the Baybrook Farm Subdivision. Connecting to Baybrook Farm's system
would require an easement through Town land and the right to use the Town's
easement within the Baybrook Farm subdivision. Selectman Robinson expressed
opposition to granting an easement through the Town's property. Selecrivoman Royle
inquired if a vote of the Board of Selectmen is required to allow Mr. Maloon to
conduct the surveys on town land
Motion: To establish a policy to follow the Sewer Master Plan guidelines.
(Robinson- Amomso)(4 -0 -1) Selectwoman Royle abstained. Passes.
In reference to a memorandum in the Reading Folder from the Town Manager
informing the Selectmen of a tentative agreement between the Town (Zoning Board of
Appeals) and Edgewood Church of Christ concerning their sign, Selectwoman Royle
asked if any action by the Selectmen is required (no).
Selectwoman Royle reminded the Selectmen and the public of the landbank article
discussion scheduled for the Selectmen's March 10 meeting.
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Selectman Amoruso mentioned the Board of Selectmen is in receipt of a letter in the
Reading Folder from Time Warner stating beginning in 1999, as part of their contract
with the Town, Time Warner is responsible for the payment of $8,500 to Cable Access
for the salary and benefits of the program coordinator and $2,000 for equipment
maintenance. Time Warner further states that the fixed franchise fee charged to
subscribers will increase from $.15 to $33 as a direct result. Selectman Amoroso
stated this was not the intent or understanding of the contract.
Motion: To send a letter to Time Warner stating that they are incorrect in their
interpretation of the subject matter and if they continue we feel they would
be in violation of their license if they impose the charge.
(Royle- Amoruso) (4 -0 -1) Selectman Robinson abstained. Passes.
S. 10:50 Adjournment
Motion: To adjourn.
(Royle- Robinson) All in favor. Passes.
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Clerk's Signature
7 oD �
Date o 'Ap ro al
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