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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 10/26/2005 r- Town of Mansfield Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 26, 2005 F'FjC:[ ~. 'n: no ,II t. cJ Present: i I of Chairman Roger Achille, Clerk David McCarter, Selectma~ t~iS Amoruso and Selectman Michael McCue Town Manager John D' Agostino L~ 0 I !"'--'frS {) ~,:j t. The Board of Selectmen's meeting was called to order at 7:55 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. He is a member of Troop 55 and is going for his Eagle Scout badge. He introduced members of his troop and family members. He prepared a PowerPoint presentation. His project is to refurbish the West Common, in front of the Old Country Store. His plan is to restore the common to a more respectable condition. The flagpole is deteriorating and is disrepair; the tree in the center is dying; the bushes are overgrown; the monument is dirty and in need of cleaning and there is a utility pole in the common. r- His project plan is to remove all existing bushes, tree and flagpole; install two new flagpoles behind monument; clean existing monument; build granite benches and patio areas; add lighting in the three corners; plant a new tree and approximately 20 shrubs; install granite curbing. For landscaping, there will be three raised beds, etc; the monument will be flanked by two burning bushes, blue holly and other junipers; and the tree will be replaced with other coniferous species, fir or spruce. His schedule is to plan to complete planting before Thanksgiving; plan on removing bushes on November 5th and 6th and planting and building benches on November 19th and 20th. Adam noted that there might be some follow-up work if necessary. He has received help from Mark Cook, Roy Bain, Aaron Fine, Anthony Cogliano, Donald Zecher, and the scouts of Troop 55. He is looking for the Board's support and approval of his project. He is asking for the movement of the utility pole on the common and route the wires across Otis Street to poles that are there. His project will cost $4000, but noted that Don Zecher has donated the flagpoles. He is looking for donations from the townspeople for landscaping and bricks. Individuals can send checks payable to: Boy Scout Eagle Project, c/o North Easton Savings Bank, 71 Copeland Drive, Mansfield, MA 02048. Chairman Achille noted Adam's desire to help the Town. Selectman Amoruso noted that the Director of the Light Department is here and he will look into the request of the r- Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 26, 2005 1 . , r- moving of the utility pole. Selectman McCue noted that the Eagle Scouts have contributed a lot to the town. Motion: To support Adam Hoy's Eagle Scout presentation (McCue - Amoruso) Selectman McCarter asked if we can do a gift account for this project. The Town Manager said that if Adam falls short, we will get him the money. Vote: All in favor PASSES Chairman Achille asked Adam to come in again and give a status update when the project is completed. Motion: To open the tax classification public hearing (McCarter - McCue) All in favor PASSES Motion: To continue to November 9th at 8:15pm (McCarter - McCue) All in favor PASSES Selectman McCarter said that the reason for the continuance is that we are a member short and want the full Board here in order to make an informed decision. r- Mr. Babin was present to report that the Mansfield Municipal Electric Department will be required to raise the PP AC one-half cent for the November billing. It will spike our costs during the winter. This translates into approximately $2.50 per month for the average customer - an average 4.8 % . We are not alone on this rate increase - other companies, National Grid, NStar, etc., will also be doing increases. Several municipal light departments will also be increasing their rates. Selectman McCue asked if Mr. Babin will have to come back again and he said that we may have to. We are overly dependent on natural gas for energy. We have $3 million in stabilization. Chairman Achille asked if we could tap into that for this. Mr. Babin said that we don't recommend that and added that we may still have to tap into stabilization. We are projecting that this increase will get us through until June, 2006; and that if we need more, then we will use stabilization. Selectman Amoruso noted that we are not increasing the rate but rather we are paying for the additional cost of getting the power. Mr. Babin said that it is a fuel adjustment charge. If we are under collecting our fuel costs again, we will pull from stabilization. The Town Manager said that we don't see the need to tuck money into rate stabilization and then continue to raise the rates. Mr. Babin wanted to publicly announce this rate increase and doesn't believe that this ,,--. 4.8% increase is enough to tap into rate stabilization. Chairman Achille asked what the Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 26, 2005 2 ,......... I average amount is kept into rate stabilization. Gary said that there isn't an average amount and that this particular fund was developed to allow the town to retain a competitive position with deregulation. Selectman Amoruso noted that we have the rate stabilization is for circumstances where a plant shuts down and the prices went high, so MMED would go to rate stabilization. The Town Manager said that the PP AC rate fluctuates as energy prices go up and down, so it can be adjusted. Selectman McCue said that he will defer to Gary's recommendation and noted that if something like this happens again, we will use stabilization. In attendance: Members of the Planning Board Ken Buckland, The Cecil Group Dick Paik, Bonz & Company Mr. Buckland began by telling the Board that we have hadlistening sessions and spoke with various boards, and residents regarding traffic congestion, downtown connections, neighborhood access and impacts, parking/ garage, design, activities. We brought on Walker Parking Consultants as the TOD regulations require that we look at parking very closely. r We did an updated analysis and noted the single family home price is $437, 200. There are some underserved retail markets. We wanted to look at what could happen there with zoning to begin with. We came up with several reuse options. One plan would put the garage adjacent to Route 106 and the train tracks. Another plan would put the garage further back, so you don't see the garage alongside Route 106. This plan would put retail on the other side of the tracks, where the station is located - it would bring it all together. This would have separate access for garage and neighborhood - it would be next to the Jeep dealership. Selectman McCue asked about signalization at the existing location and with the new access road and Mr. Buckland noted that the existing location will only be residents if all of the traffic is coming out of the new access road/ garage. Mr. DeMassi of the Planning Board asked if there is only one way to get in and out of the garage and Mr. Buckland replied yes. Selectman McCue noted that one of the prerequisites of the TOD project is that housing must be included. In response to a question from the audience, Mr. Buckland noted that there was a market analysis done and residential properties are driving the market. There is a basic choice of whether or not you want this is your community. The proposed building program would consist of 250-285 housing units with 11 % affordable (affordable with income at 80% of median); 1,200 space parking garage with ,......... Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 26, 2005 3 (' 400 spaces for Mansfield residents; additional on-grade parking (200 spaces); 9,000 sf civic use; 18,000 sf retail/ commercial space adjacent to parking garage and in separate day care; 10-15% buffer and open space on TOD site. On the other side of the street, there would be 40,000-90,000 sf of retail and flex-commercial space on Mansfield Ave/North Main Street. Selectman Amoruso asked about the number of parking spaces in the garage. Mr. Buckland replied that we are allocating 1200 spaces and added that the demand will drive how many spaces will be allocated for commuter parking. Mr. DeMassi asked about the number of parking spaces for non-residents. Mr. Buckland said that we looked at a 1,600 space parking garage. Ken said that he will have Walker Parking come in for the next presentation. Mr. Buckland discussed the benefits: reinvestment in underutilized, poorly used land; gain new taxes; reinvigorate the downtown while large-scale retail is being built outside of the downtown; reduce the barrier caused by the rail line; and raise the opportunity for state funds. He discussed the costs: requires agreement of land owners, state and town; required funding for total package of infrastructure projects - highway and pedestrian improvements, and garage; and adds additional service costs. r A garage analysis was done by Walker Parking Consultants - they looked at 26 MBTA stations. They noted that Mansfield was at the top of the list of usage. The existing parking is 806 spaces with utilization at 101 % of capacity at $2.00/ day. Proposed parking is garage construction with 1200 spaces at a cost of $26.3 million. The income could grow from $500,000 to $1 million within 10 years; the maximum parking rate would be $3.00 day. Income would cover 5% to 10% of project cost. The Town Manager said that synchronization is needed with the lights to accommodate all of the traffic. Mr. Annino asked if there is only one way out of the garage and Mr. Buckland replied that right now, there is only exit but that they are looking at an exit on County Street. A traffic analysis was done and the results were that 28,000 vehicles per day travel on Route 106; 54 % of train commuters are Mansfield residents; and the existing lots (806 spaces) generate 285 to 440 peak hour trips. Traffic mitigation options include new exit lanes onto Route 106; signalization on Route 106; separation of commuters from neighborhood residential traffic; and the reconstruction of Route 106 from North Main to Route 140. Mr. Buckland briefly went through a financial analysis with projected values and costs. Typical elements from other communities for TOD regulations include: allowed uses r- are a mix of mostly residential and compatible commercial; an approved master plan Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 26, 2005 4 r- for development is required; residential densities set at a maximum except when approved with master plan; developer agreements required; and public amenities required. Typical design standards include building forms defined; streets designed for proposed use, with pedestrian amenities added; environmental features protected; usable/ active open space provided; and density added based on master plan. Mr. Buckland would like to go to another public meeting and get this out to a broader audience. He can put the slides on the website as well and is looking for guidance from the Board. Chairman Achille would like to place the slide presentation on the website and thinks the public meeting is a good idea and asked when the meeting should take place. Mr. Buckland thinks the meeting should take place before the Special Town Meeting. Selectman Amoruso asked how the landowners feel about this proposal. Mr. Buckland replied that one landowner likes it and he is unsure about how the other landowner feels. Town Manager said that with the Winthrop St.lot, if we build that second platform, it would be for all Mansfield-resident parking only. Selectman McCue would like to get the figures for building a platform/ garage for the Winthrop St. lot. r- Selectman McCue noted that he isn't 100% comfortable with the proposed plan - he would like to see more commercial elements there. Mr. Paik said there is plenty of small office space and if things start happening, this area could be more attractive, but added that it may not be the best place to start the battle. Selectman Amoruso said that he isn't in favor of that much residential in that area. He added that we have to have a parking solution if we are going to develop the rest of that area. Selectman Amoruso asked about medical facilities in that area - is that something we might look at? Mr. Paik said that is strong office space -medical office space. Selectman McCarter said that he is opposed to using public money to subsidize parking. Mr. Buckland pointed out that 54 % of the parking lot users are Mansfield residents. Chairman Achille asked if the Planning Board has any questions for Mr. Buckland. Mr. Annino noted that we need to get people to use the downtown. Selectman McCarter added that a parking authority could float bonds. Mr. Buckland thanked the Board. r Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 26, 2005 5 , T r- Kurt Gaffney, Water Operations Manager, and Lee Azinheira, DPW Director were present for the discussion. Selectman Amoruso said that some of the language in the document is a little strong, such as if you don't let us in to change your meter, we'll shut off your water. Mr. Gaffney said that we will work at the wording. Selectman Amoruso said that overall, he didn't have a problem with it. Mr. Gaffney said that we are here to discuss water regulations and fee schedule. The new regulations also include licensed water installer regulations that previously did not exist. The wording that you are concerned about it is difficult because if a resident doesn't let us in the house, we have to shut off the water. Selectman Amoruso said that we have the old and proposed fee schedule and asked for a survey of fee schedules from surrounding communities. Mr. Gaffney said that Woodard & Curran looked at other communities and came up with these figures and he will get the survey to the Board. Selectman Amoruso said that he thought some of the fees could be even higher than they proposed. Mr. Gaffney said that we don't want to raise the fees so much that people won't call us for help. r- Mr. Azinheira said that if you have any other comments, call or email us and we will try to come back and address these concerns. Mr. Gaffney added that all new customers will get a copy of the regulations. Selectman Amoruso thought these regulations were comprehensive. It is important to get across to people that the Water Department and the residents need to work together to solve problems, added Mr. Gaffney. Chairman Achille thanked Mr. Gaffney and Mr. Azinheira for coming. . Warrant No. 17 in the amount of $3,781,147.19 Motion: To approve (Amoruso - McCue) All in favor (Chairman Achille abstaining from check #139126 and Selectman McCarter abstaining from check #226542) PASSES . Warrant No. 18 in the amount of $1,260,522.69 Motion: To approve (Amoruso - McCue) All in favor (Selectman McCarter abstaining from check #226900) PASSES . Regular Session Minutes of October 12, 2005 Selectmen's Meeting Motion: To approve (Amoruso - McCue) All in favor PASSES r Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 26, 2005 6 f' r- . Drainlayers License for 20th Century Homes, Inc. Motion: To approve (Amoruso - McCue) All in favor PASSES . Application for Parade Permit for the Veterans Day Parade on November 11th at 10:00am beginning at Memorial Park and ending at the Keach Memorial (McCue - Amoruso) All in favor PASSES . Application for Parade Permit for Mansfield High School's Homecoming on October 29th at 3:00pm, beginning at MHS parking lot and ending at Memorial Park Motion: To approve (Amoruso - McCue) All in favor PASSES . Application for Parade Permit for Forest Park neighborhood Halloween parade on October 31st at 4:30pm, beginning at comer of York Rd. & Lancashire Dr. and ending at comer of York Rd. & Victoria Ln. Motion: To approve (McCue - Amoruso) All in favor PASSES r-- · Massachusetts Smart Growth Toolkit from the Office for Commonwealth Development, received October 7th. . Email from a resident received October 11th forwarding a trash-related website to the Board as an FYI. . Letter from the Department of Revenue received October 11th regarding the timely tax rate setting process by communities. . Memo from Town Treasurer Richard Boucher regarding a tax title property. Selectman Amoruso asked if we have specific parcels in mind. The Town Manager said that he does not know. Selectman Amoruso has no problem with the Treasurer serving in the role of custodian. The Town Manager said that we can find out. As parcels become available, they are circulated around various town departments. Selectman Amoruso believes the public should have some say, through their elected officials, as to the status of the parcels. No action was taken on this item. . Memo from the Town Manager received October 13th informing all department heads, boards & committees and the School Department of the STM date of December 6, 2005. r Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 26, 2005 7 . . r- · Letter from a resident received October 14th regarding the parking situation at the Train Station as well as requesting sidewalks on Mill St. . Letter from the Department of Revenue certifying the amount of free cash for the Town of Mansfield as of July 1, 2005. . Letter from the MMA received October 17th regarding MMA Fall Regional Update meetings. . Memo from the Finance Committee received October 17th concerning the FY06 budget and economic outlook. . Letter from Catman Cafe requesting a "one day" 8:00am liquor license for Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2005. Board members discussed the issue of allowing them to serve at 8:00am. Selectman McCarter suggested sending letter to Town Counsel for review. Selectman Amoruso believes they already have the right to do it. . Memo from MIS Director Lou Costa, received October 19th, regarding a re- classification of an existing administrative position. The Town Manager said that it is an existing position and no additional hours will be r-- added. There is a vacancy at this time. The Town Manager said that the salary will be the same. He added that there is a need to fill the position. Chairman Achille said that this description enhances the responsibilities of the position. Selectman McCue asked how time sensitive is and the Town Manager said that there is some training that needs to be done. Selectman McCue said that it seems straightforward. Motion: To approve job description (McCue - Amoruso) All in favor PASSES . Two emails from residents regarding commuter rail parking. . Email from Traffic Enforcement Officer Lance Lawson regarding the sign request for Justin Drive - he has no problem with this request. . Memo from Treasurer Richard Boucher regarding revenue anticipation notes. Selectman McCue noted that this is to float us until the tax bills go out. Motion: To approve the sale of a $7,000,000 at 4.00 percent Revenue Anticipation Note of the town dated October 28, 2005 and payable December 29, 2005 to First Southwest Company at par and accrued interest plus a premium of $13,090. (McCarter - Amoruso) All in favor PASSES (' Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 26, 2005 8 ,,--. Further Motion: To confirm the consent dated October 19, 2005 to the financial advisor bidding for the note. (McCarter - McCue) All in favor. PASSES . Received a phone call from North Attleboro Selectman John Rhyno to see if Mansfield would be willing to join Attleboro and North Attleboro in a fundraising program to help area residents with the high cost of home heating fuel. The program will be administered by the United Way and the funds raised by each community will remain with that community. He will speak with Gale Farrugia about the mechanics of this initiative. Selectman Amoruso said that it sounds like a good idea to him. . Mansfield has petitioned the AG's office for an emergency procurement to initiate repairs to the West Street Bridge. MassHighway has established a weight limit of 6 tons, meaning that emergency vehicles, including fire trucks, school buses and DPW trucks, are prohibited from crossing the bridge. The next inspection, scheduled to take place in January 2006, may result in the complete closure and added we are trying to fix it before the next inspection. (' . Provided the Board with a status update on drainage problems in the Town. The drainage problems still existing since the flooding of 1998 are Hodges Brook overtopping School Street just west of the Plymouth Street intersection andWater overtopping Route 106 Chauncy Street at the culvert pipes just west of the intersection of Giles Place. Drainage problems during 1998 that have been addressed are culverts at West Street, Willow Street, and School Street near Spring Street; Windermere Drive at intersection with Jewell Street and Lakeview Avenue, adjacent to Bungay Lake (Le., Greenwood Lake). Other drainage issues addressed since 1998 include: Fulton Pond Dam reconstruction; Mill Pond Dam reconstruction; Kingman Pond Dam temporary repair; Chauncy Street railroad underpass; Otis Street Bridge and Dam temporary repair; Drainage installed on Jewell Street and Angell Street; replaced collapsed 30" culvert on Mill Street; drainage improvements to Plantingfield Road; drainage improvements to Windermere Drive; development and implementation of Mansfield's 5-year Stormwater Phase II Plan; and drafting of a proposed Stormwater By-law. While we have made significant gains, we need to commit resources to other drainage issues. He wanted the Board to recognize that the Engineering Department and the DPW Office and noted that Hodges Brook and Spring Street is not an easy fix. Selectman Amoruso said that it is a big issue. The Town Manager added that the flooding on Chauncy St. occurred from the overtopping of the two 18" diameter culverts under Chauncy St. ,,-. Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 26, 2005 9 ~ . Provided the Board with documents regarding tax classification for the public hearing at the next meeting. Selectman McCue: . The legislation for snow and ice reimbursement was defeated in the Legislature. . Suggested the expansion of parking on Old Colony / in front of stores in lot for additional commuter parking. . Referenced a pending bill to excuse town vehicles from the gas tax Motion: To authorize the Town Manager to write letter of support (Amoruso - McCue) All in favor PASSES Motion: To enter into Executive Session at 10:19pm and return to open session for the sole purpose of adjournment (McCue - Amoruso) r Roll Call Vote: McCue, aye; Achille, aye; Amoruso, aye; McCarter, aye All in favor Passes Motion: To adjourn at 11:06pm (McCue) All in favor Passes Ay~~ ~~ :1?1~t?~H Signature of Clerk no1"en.,k, ( 2~~.5 Date of Approval r Board of Selectmen Minutes of October 26, 2005 10 . ,