Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSELECTMENminutes08052010 Town of Mansfield Board of Selectmen Minutes of August 5, 2010 Present: Chairman Moran, Vice Chairman George Dentino, Clerk Douglas Annino, Selectman Jess Aptowitz, Selectman Olivier Kozlowski, William Ross Town Manager, Lee Azinheira DPW Director Norton Board of Selectmen Mary Steele, Bob Salvo, Brad Bramwell and Town Manager James Purcell Norton Water and Sewer Commission members and Water Supt. Dwayne Knap. David Young, CDM Engineer and State Representatives Poirier and Barrows Leo Potts, Foxboro water and sewer commissioners Effluent recharge sites The Town of Mansfield owns and operates the Mansfield Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) that is located in the Town of Norton. The existing treatment plant was planned in the 1970's, went online in 1985 and Mansfield, Norton, and Foxboro all need more capacity. The DEP will not allow any flows above the permitted 3.14 mgd into the river, therefore any plant expansion requires land effluent disposal. Suitable effluent disposal sites are difficult to find and we now have the opportunity to purchase two parcels of land in Norton that abut our facilities. Mr. Ross gave a brief overview of the past events and as to why they would like to partner with the Town of Norton in purchasing land near the facilities. Mr. Purcell gave another overview of what happened at their last town meeting when the issue of land purchase and conservation preservation efforts where presented. The townspeople were not in favor of such efforts. As such, Norton is not in the position to purchase land with Mansfield. Boord of Selectmen Minutes of August 5, 2010 Representative Barrows was just leery of Mansfield buying land in Norton by them selves. Mr. Purcell stated in the past Norton has not felt that they were an equal partner in developments; but that is no longer an issue. Selectman Dentino would not like to purchase land without the participation of both Norton and Foxboro. However, Rep. Barrows stated that even if Norton and Foxboro back out of the association, Mansfield still needs more land for usage. Regionally though, he would still like the IMA to get together on purchases. Mr. Ross would also like to see the three towns go forward together but Mansfield can do it alone if necessary. Selectman Kozlowski asked if the two parcels identified where the only sites looked at. Mr. Azinheira stated that several sites have been looked at in all three towns and luckily these sites became available and are right near the facilities. Chairman Moran stated that while there are details to work out, we have a willing seller and purchaser so we should go forward in drafting an agreement. Rep. Barrows stated the fact that Mansfield has had the luxury of sewer capacity and it has been very valuable in development of the town. Both Norton and Foxboro have not had that opportunity in many years and this purchase would afford them that. This purchase would be a win - win situation for all three towns. He would like to know if Mansfield should go forward now or wait for town meeting (for the town of Norton and Foxboro approval). Selectman Aptowitz asked if this agreement went forward, would our sewer employees would still be Mansfield employees or district employees. Mr. Ross stated that they would be Mansfield employees working in a district facility. Mr. Purcell asked what the purchase price (Norton's share) would be. Mr. Azinheira stated $40-50k of a 1.1 million dollar purchase. Foxboro would be two thirds of the total. A short discussion ensued regarding going forward with the purchase before the district is up and running or after. The public perception of what the land would be like with effluent on it is different that reality (the discharge is already highly treated). The Board of Selectmen and water/sewer commission will have to create a presentation that will not only educate the public but will sell the concept. Mr. Young compared the finished project with a cranberry bog without the berries. In addition, the TPC has expressed interest in using the gray water and they would not do that if it was "bad" water. Boord of Selectmen Minutes of August 5, 2010 2 Rep. Barrows suggested harnessing the power of the schools and their people as Some of the Norton schools would benefit from tying into sewer. Rep. Barrows suggested that everyone report back to their respective committees/towns and they can meet again in September for a hopeful fall town meeting approval. Selectman Aptowitz suggested that the Mansfield Board of Selectmen attend the Norton fall town meeting in a show of support. Mr. Purcell said he would put a place holder on to the warrant for this proposal. Mr. Ross would like to go forward with Norton in utilizing grant monies that were awarded to Norton through the DEP. The Mansfield and Norton bos agreed. August 31't at 6pm will be the next meeting, Adjournment Motion: Adjourn meeting at 7:31pm (Aptowitz) 5-0 Passes Z3(}u;?~?;: ~ Signature of Clerk ~u:t:f 2:5; 2&71&7 Date of Approval Board of Selectmen Minutes of August 5, 2010 3