Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutLight Comm Minutes 7/7/1999Board of Selectmen/Light Commissioners ..... - Meeting July 7, 1999 - Present: Chairman Robinson, Clerk Amoroso, and Commissioners "McCarter and Willsr ;S John D'Agostino, Town Manager Jack Beliveau, Light Department Director Kimberly Stoyle, Electric Department Accountant Mike Lawless, Electric Department MIS Employee 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM followed by the pledge of allegiance. A. Correspondence of June 30, 1999, Selectmen's Meeting Action Resident Request from Pamela J. Edwards, 1369 East Street, for the Town to install a traffic mirror in front of her house so that she can see beyond the blind spot to the left when exiting her driveway Forwarded to the Police Department for review and a recommendation Miscellaneous Letter from Susan Cinelli, YMCA, requesting a waiver of the $200 inspection fee for the Jordan Jackson Complex An inspection is required for every area utlilized for their "Schools Out" childcare program. Motion: To waive the Town's portion of the fee. (Amoroso - Wills) All in favor. Passes. Other Resident Letter from Thomas Greene, 1365 West Street, requesting "full and truthful information, as to your intentions, and what you contemplate doing, re applying any further penalties, or destructive acts, etc., against Thomas G. Greene" Letter from Jane Sheehan, 600 South Main Street, requesting that the Selectmen not settle for compromise measures with the Great Waves proponents Town Manager and Staff Memorandum from David Field, Engineer, stating the Canoe River Sewer project, which involves both sewer and water construction along Route 106 has begun and will continue for approximately 4 months. Time delays can be expected through the work area. State and Local Government Memorandum from SRPEDD with enclosed MISER (Massachusetts Institute for Social and Economic Research) population projects ( Miscellaneous Letter from MediaOne providing an update of what to expect in the near term and in the future with the AT &T and MediaOne merger Letter from Thomas Wroe, Jr., Chairman, United Way announcing that Mr. Vincent Eagles has accepted the position of President and Chief Professional Officer for the United Way Letter from Bonnie Coughlin, Bell Atlantic, inviting the Selectmen to attend the opening ceremony for the Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial, known as "The Wall That Heals" on July 1 at l lam on the Boston Common B. Minutes • Light Commissioner Minutes of May 12, 1999 Motion: To approve. (McCarter - Amoruso) All in favor. Passes. • Light Commissioner Minutes of June 7, 1999 Motion: To approve. (McCarter - Wills) All in favor. Passes. 2. Questions and Comments — None 3. Discussion with DPW Director Lee Azinheira DPW Director Lee Azinheira recommended maintaining Phase 2 of the water ban, continuing to monitor well levels, and providing an update to the Selectmen at next week's meeting. Mr. Azinheira reported that eight leaks were discovered in the Walsh wellfield, one crack and seven areas related to the joint glue. It is anticipated that the well will be back on line next week. Mr. Azinheira reviewed the town's watering practices for the municipal fields, as outlined in his July 7, 1999, memorandum to the Town Manager and suggested if the Selectmen wish to modify the practices to advise him accordingly. Selectman McCarter suggested installing additional "Well Water In Use" signs on the South Common. Selectman Amoroso stated he still has a problem, he can understand continuing to water the playfields, but that he feels that it is not appropriate for the area around the Town Hall to be kept bright green and watered at l 1pm with the residents' yards being brown. Selectman Amoroso suggested watering the South Common during the evening and letting the Town Hall grass go. DPW Director Azinheira responded that he would review watering options for the Town Hall and South Common and report back to the Selectmen at next week's meeting. Both Selectmen McCarter and Amoroso stated they would like to see as much compliance by the Town as possible with the water restrictions. Lastly, Mr. Azinheira requested a letter from the Board of Selectmen waiving the fees associated with the Fruit Street Compost facility. Motion: That we waive the Town's portion of the fees associated with the compost facility on Fruit Street. (Wills- McCarter) (5 -0) Passes. 4. Discussion with Gary Warner and Ed Maloney Mr. Warner's firm has been studying the Town's options for expansion of existing capacity. Mr. Beliveau explained that the Commissioners have time to review documents presented to them this evening, consider the content, and request Mr. Warner return to a meeting in a month or two. Mr. Warner recommended the 23KV subtransmission system be eliminated and Option B implemented because of cost and other positive factors. The cost estimate for Option B does not include salvage values for the retired 23KV system. Commissioners asked questions concerning the timetable for the project, why the present system would be replaced, reliability of the new system, and location of transformers. Mr. Beliveau proposed the Commissioners authorize the consultant to proceed with 30% of the design, which would include designing common areas regardless which option is chosen. 5 Pole Attachment Agreement A verbal agreement has been reached concerning pole attachments but has not been put into writing. 6. Power Supply Status No significant power outages have been experienced. Overloads on some streets have caused some transformers to trip off and put customers out of service. Mansfield should make it through the summer as long as none of the power plants trip off line. 7. Smiley Avenue Pole Location Gary D'Ambra reported that this application was withdrawn because Bell- Atlantic will be pulling the conduit underground. 8. Telecommunications Advisory Committee Mike Lawless reported that the first meeting of the Telecommunications Advisory Committee was held last evening, summarized the meeting, and reported that meetings would be held regularly at 5pm on Thursdays. 9. Electric Department Financials Kimberly Stoyle reviewed the Electric Department's financial status with the Commissioners. 10. Electrical Engineer Position Description Commissioners asked Mr. Beliveau questions concerning the salary range, if the position would reduce consultant fees and the need for consultants, and qualifications. Commissioner Amoruso suggested amending the qualification paragraph to state that a bachelors degree in engineering is required and suggested applicants should be informed that they may be involved in the development and construction of a new power facility. Motion: To approve the position description for the electrical engineer with the minor language adjustments. ( Amoruso- Wills) (3 -1) Selectman Robinson opposed. Passes. 11. Purchase of Office Candy A question was raised with respect to candy being purchased by the Electric Department, using petty cash, to place on the office counter for children. Mr. Beliveau stated he was told last Christmas that it was a long- standing practice for the Electric Department to purchase candy for the Town Tree Lighting Ceremony, expenses for which totaled $1,500. There have been instances where staff has been asked to work through lunch because of emergencies, two to three times, and the Electric Department purchased pizza for them. Discussion continued concerning whether or not a written policy exists concerning purchase of candy, candy purchased by Parks & Recreation for the Halloween parade, treating all departments fairly, and the amount of available petty cash. Chairman Robinson stated that he has no problem with the Town purchasing coffee and donuts for meetings. Clerk Amoruso stated that he would expect that the Town would pay for lunch for employees working through their lunch, but that he feels candy is a new issue and that the Town has not typically paid for it. 12. Old Business Commissioner McCarter inquired about the Light Department's payment collection policies. 13. New Business • Clerk Amoroso inquired if the Commissioners would be in favor of voting on the 30% design as proposed by Electric Department Director Jack Beliveau. Chairman Robinson stated he would prefer to wait. Commissioner McCarter stated he would prefer to have the specifics of the proposal in writing. Clerk Amoroso would like to know the cost prior to voting. Chairman Robinson requested an update on Bell Atlantic's application for a pole location on Park Street. Gary D'Ambra, Light Department Foreman, responded that an application was filed with Dig Safe this date. Chairman Robinson updated the Commissioners on an APPA convention he attended and stated that he would leave a packet he received at the convention in the Selectmen's office. • The Light Commissioner's meeting concluded at 9:45 PM. 14. Town Manager Report • The projected revenue for the Water Department enterprise account is $200,000. • The projected revenue for Wastewater is $3,044.31. • The Town's water consultant's, Woodard and Curran, filed an application under the Interbasin Transfer Act for the as part of the permitting process for the Morrison Well. The owner of the property that Morrison Well would be located on, Joe Rezza, agreed to extend the purchase and sales agreement for the land until January 2000, by which time a decision should be made on the application. • The Town completed an update of the financial, Town Hall, and other main frame servers in the Town Hall. Mr. D'Agostino would like to connect the Town Hall to the Schools, Council on Aging, Police Department, and Fire Department. Selectman Amoruso stated that he read an article on developing written policies for use of the Internet and feels it would be useful. • Last week, Department Heads met with an auditor from the State Department of Revenue who is conducting an independent analysis of all Town departments. A report is expected by the end of July. The School Superintendent and Town Manager have been meeting with various field users to discuss development of a multi - purpose stadium. Playing fields separate from practice fields are not presently available in town. Ice hockey is being considered for the complex. The project architect Doug Annino, who is also a Mansfield resident, will be working design along with the subcommittee of the Town Manager, Ken Fallon, John Moretti, and At DeSimone. Various locations are being explored. • Mr. D'Agostino will be on vacation the last week of July and first week of August. 15. Old Business • Clerk Wills inquired about the status of installing additional crosswalks downtown. • Selectman Robinson requested the Police Department attend next week's meeting to discuss handicap parking on Main Street and speed limit signs downtown. Selectman ( Amoruso requested a marked -up plan of the downtown for review during the discussion. • Clerk McCarter requested an update on the status of the Hutchinson Property field on Route 106. Mr. D'Agostino responded that the field would be seeded in September. • Clerk McCarter inquired of the date of the next public train station renovation meeting. Mr. D'Agostino responded the end ofsunnner or early fall. Clerk McCarter also stated that he endorses the sentiments in Mr. D'Agostino's letter to Congressman McGovern in response to a letter to Congressman McGovern from the Foxboro Board of Selectmen. • Selectman Amoruso reminded the Selectmen and public of Thursday's Farmers' Market from 2pm to 6pm and Saturday's from 9am to 1pm. • Selectman Robinson commented during tree trimming efforts last week, trees were left in the road on Mill Street. Selectman Amoruso added that he noticed branches from the tree trimming project also left in other roadways. • In reference to an article in the Mansfield News, Selectman Robinson commented that he hopes the Town Manager will discuss the traffic situation and lack of crossing guards at the school complex with the Police Chief and resolve the issue, even if a Police Detail has to be hired. • Selectman Robinson inquired of the status of repairing a sinkhole on Plowshare Court 16. New Business • Selectman McCarter inquired to whom a letter should be sent requesting representation as a single district. Selectman Amoruso responded that Mansfield may not be large enough to be represented by a single individual but that the Board may want to discuss the issue of sharing one representative with Foxboro officials. • Selectman McCarter requested a list of streets scheduled for construction • Selectman McCarter inquired about a letter in the Reading Folder from a middle school student, Kelley Doherty, requesting an official greeting from the Selectmen to Sir Andrew Bowden, M.B.E., that she would like to present to him during her participation in the peer to peer program in England, Scotland, and Whales. • Selectman McCarter stated he feels the Selectmen should request a second zoning opinion on whether or not Great Waves is an allowed use. Selectman McCarter feels the Town should spend money determining if the use complies with zoning. Motion: To get a second opinion on the issue of zoning for the water park. (McCarter - Wills) Withdrawn. Discussion followed concerning the above motion and what effect of the second opinion not being in agreement with Town Counsel's original opinion and the appropriateness of using the fiords appropriated at Town Meeting to seek a second opinion. Motion: To authorize the Town Manager to investigate and make contact with attorneys regarding potential representation of the Selectmen before the Zoning Board of Appeals on the issue of zoning as it relates to the aquatic recreational facility. (McCarter - Amoruso) (4 -0) Passes. • Clerk Wills stated another bad accident occurred at the West Street/Forbes Boulevard intersection and asked if State approval would be required to install a four -way stop sign at the intersection. Town Manager D'Agostino responded as part of the train station renovation project, a temporary light will be installed at that intersection and he is hoping that it will become permanent. 17. Adjournment 10:50 PM Clerk's Si attire Da of pproval Light Commissioners Minutes June 07, 1999 Present: Chairman Robinson, Commissioners Amoruso, McCarter, Royle and Wills John D'Agostino, Town Manager Lee Azinheira, Director, DPW Jack Beliveau, Director, Light Department Kimberly Stoyle, Accounting Officer, Light Department Doug Reed, Woodard & Curran L The meeting was called to order at 7:30PM followed by the pledge of allegiance. 2. Discussion with Lee Azinheira, Director of DPW Mr. Azinheira referenced his memo to Mr. D'Agostino dated June 7, 1999 regarding "Foxboro - Greenview Estates Sewer Project/Grove Street ". Motion: To waive the inspection fee associated with the sewer line installation on South Grove Street as well as the intersection of West Street per the Town of Foxborough Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners request. (Amoruso- Wills) All in Favor. Passes. Motion: To approve Mr. Azinheira's recommendations as follows: • Foxboro will install the sewer as proposed and will install a permanent asphalt patch over the trench on Grove Street • Approximately one year later, the Town of Mansfield will install a 1 '/z inch overlay on Grove Street at a cost of approximately $8,000. Grove Street currently has cosmetic cracking but appears structurally sound. The overlay will improve the life and aesthetics of the road. (Tire value of the 8 services is approximately $5,000 and the overall value of the sewer line, which will serve Mansfield residents, is approximately $43,000.) • The Town of Foxboro will be responsible to install a permanent rectangular patch on West Street and to infrared the edges. This is for the intersection only, which is new pavement. The Town of Foxboro will be responsible for any repairs that are necessary within the first year. (Amoruso- Robinson) All in Favor. Passes. 3. Discussion with Woodard & Curran A. {Pater Update Referencing his reports "Town of Mansfield Department of Public Works Status Report of Water Systems Projects ", "Water Connection Issues ", and "Town of Mansfield Morrison Well No. 10 Interbasin Transfer Act Permit Review Process Timeline" all dated June 7, 1999, Mr. Doug Reed of Woodard & Curran updated the Board on such issues as Corrosion Control of Dustin Well No. 7 and Albertini Well Nos. 2 and 3; New Water Supply at Morrision Well No. 10 and Water Systems Management Action Plan. Park Street Conduit Locations Continued Public Hearing At 8pm Mrs. Royle opened the Park Street Conduit Locations Continued Public Hearing. Mr. Wills read the notices for both the Park Street Conduit Locations Continued Public Hearing and Smiley Avenue Pole Location Public Hearing as they appeared in the Sun Chronicle on April 9, 1999 and May 21, 1999 respectively. Mrs. Royle continued the Public Hearing until 8:20pm. Mr. Reed continued to field questions from the Board regarding his update. B. Information Management System Update Mrs. Royle apoligized for running out of time for the update on Information Management Systems and requested that Mr. returns at a later meeting to present his update. Light Commissioners Mtg. Pagel of 3 06/07/99 4. Park Street Conduit Locations Continued Public Hearing 8:35 PM Maureen Nolan and Sandra Culligan from Bell Atlantic Motion: To approve the application of New England Telephone and Telegraph Company to lay and maintain underground conduits and manholes, with the wires and cables to be placed therein, under the surface of the following public way: Park Street: On the southerly side, beginning at Pole No. 2, which is approximately 204 feet east of the intersection of North Main Street, place conduit from existing Pole No. 2, running approximately 140 feet easterly to existing Pole No. 3 (Amoruso- Royle) All in Favor. Passes. 5. Smiley Avenue Pole Location Public Hearing 8:45 PM Douglas McGee from 40 Smiley Avenue brought to the attention of the Board that the location is actually Chestnut Street and Smiley Avenue and not Aspen Drive and Smiley Avenue as was published in the notice. He also recommended three alternatives: • Place pole at Chestnut Street and Smiley Avenue on east side and run directly into Woodlawn through Edgewood • Place pole at Chestnut Street and Smiley Avenue underground • Place pole on west side of street so as to camiflouge it in the trees Based on the drawing provided by Bell Atlantic the wrong abbetters were notified. A Public Hearing will be held at the next Light Commission meeting on July 7, 1999 at 8pm. Bell Atlantic should also have reasons why they can not use the options recommended by Mr. McGee by that time. 6. Questions & Comments None Discussion with Kim Stoyle, Accounting Officer, Light Department A. Financial Report April 1999 As anticipated, Mansfield Electric Department incurred a loss for the month of April 1999. Again, this was due to the fact that both Seabrook and Millstone our Nuclear Facilities were down for refueling. In addition, one of Stony Brook's turbines failed. Seabrook came back up on May 27'", two weeks later than expected. Millstone is still down for refueling. In light of this, we had to purchase replacement power while continuing to pay for these facilities. We anticipate an increase in Purchased Power Costs of approximately one hundred thousand dollars for the month of May as these plants were out of service for May as well. Our earnings before payment in lieu of taxes were a loss of $194k. After payment in lieu, our earnings were a loss of $220k. We had a prior period adjustment (which was a refund relating to 1998 Purchase Power Costs) for $90k. Thus, bringing our actual bottom line to a loss of $120K. Year -to -date earnings are $329k which is right on track for our forecasted $1 million dollar gain for Fiscal Year 1999 after payments in lieu of taxes. B. Deposits Included within my report, "MMED Financial Report April 1999 ", please find a copy of the DTE statute requiring utilities not to charge residential customers a deposit. We did call the DTE regarding this policy and were told that the statute is flexible with municipals and that if we were charging a deposit, then we could continue to do so. However, the spirit of the statute is that residents should not be charged a deposit, and again we would like to suggest eliminating deposits for a trial period of one year as it is not cost effective. Included also is a survey prepared by Laurie Anderson that was sent to several municipals in the state. We received many responses and agreed to share the information gathered with those who participated in the survey. The question regarding deposits shows that eighty eight percent do require deposits. Forty eight percent of those who do require deposits hold the deposit until the account is finalled. This is an issue that must be discussed with Richard Boucher. C. Cash One hundred percent of municipals accept both cash and checks at their offices. Seventy three percent allow their meter personnel to accept payments in the field. It makes good business sense to allow our office and meter personnel to continue accepting payments. Motion: To accept cash in the exact dollar amount at the office and by meter personnel in the field. (Amoruso - Wills) 3 -2 in favor. Motion carries. Light Commissioners Mtg. Page 2 of 3 06/07/99 7 i S. New Business Commissioners Telecommunication Board — Mr. Beliveau stated that it has been difficult to contact the members and thus to schedule a meeting. He will keep working on it. Harris Software — Mrs. Royle inquired about how the software has been working. Mr. Beliveau stated that there have been some difficulties and that if a major Harris software user changes we would possibly tag along. Cable TV — Mr. D'Agostino inquired about the Time Warner new pole agreement. Mr. Beliveau will be meeting with Media One's attorney next week. Date of Next Meeting — July 7, 1999 at 7pm Director Street light survey - due for 6 month review; will schedule for September. New Engineer Position — Mr. Beliveau proposed the hiring of a full -time Engineer for the Light Department. Mr. Beliveau is busy with the daily management of the Light Department as well as dealing with purchase power on a daily basis due to the new competitive market that opened up on May 1, 1999. The commissioners requested a job description for the Engineer for the next meeting. Gilbert Street Substation Update- Mr. Beliveau will invite the consultants to the next Light Commission Meeting to update the Board on their report. 9. Old Business Commissioners Teamsters — Mrs. Royle inquired about the proposed contract between the Teamsters and the Light Department office staff. Mr. Beliveau stated that Jennifer Trask has attempted to make contact with the Teamster's representatives but has not been successful. Mr. D'Agostino stated that once the Teamsters learnt that we would not be able to participate in their pension plan theyseem to have lost interest. MMWEC Meeting — Mr. Robinson recently attended an MMWEC meeting where 2 professors from Boston University and Northeastern University spoke on Deregulation. They would be available to do a "dog and pony show" for the customers regarding deregulation. Underground duct in Downtown —need to approve $10k for an engineering study regarding the burial of cables on North Main Street. The poles have exceeded their life expectancy. Motion: To approve $10,000.00 for an engineering study on the burial of cable, phone and electric wires on North Main Street. (Amoroso— Wills) All in favor. Passes. NEPPA Convention - The NEPPA Convention will be held in Providence, RI from August 22 "d through August 25 . Th' commissioners believe that it would be beneficial for the Customer Service staff to attend some of the 1 —day workshops. 10. Adjournment Motion: To adjourn. (Boyle- Wills) All in Favor. Passes. Respectfully submitted, Laurie M. Anderson Light Commissioners Mtg. 06/07/99 10:40pm Page 3 of 3