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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 2-6-1980BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS A G E N D A February 6, 1980 - REORGANIZATIONAL MEETING FOR NEW BOARD 7:00 p.m. - Meeting Opens for Correspondence Review 7:30 p.m. - Warrant Minutes of January 30, 1980 Clerk's Folder 7:45 p.m. Hearing- Community Area Revitalization and Development Plan Chad Maurer - Town Planner 8:00 p.m. - Interview of applicants for the Conservation Commission Veteran's Organization- Bob Marquis RE: Their budget Historical Commission Correspondence Town Manager's Report -( Transformer Bids) Board Reports Budget Review PENDING ITEMS Traffic Lights at 140 & Forbes Water Rates Foxboro Mall Traffic Pattern Railroad Station Parking Downtown Traffic Pattern Recreational Facility Back Bay Brook Bi- monthly meeting next week. Appointment to Conservation Commission also. BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Milnutes of the Meeting ; February 6, 1980 Page 2 of properties in a designated commercial district. The Mansfield CARD district follows the exact line of the downtown business zone and general business zone with the exception of the Millhous Apartments property. Selectman Avery questioned whether an applicant for such reduced interest bearing loan must provide data concerning increased employment opportunities. Depending upon facilities and labor requirements, a possible increase of 10% could be required. Selectman Avery also asked if the Plan includes property changes such as water, etc. The Plan does not cover such improvements; they must be made by the Town. There was a question from the audience relative to holding the Old Colony Way property for regional sewage. The response was that no problem was foreseen as - the line already runs through. Selectman Avery questioned whether the Board's decision could be postponed. Mr. Maurer responded that they would like immediate approval as "it would be nice to be first in line" submitting proposal to the Department of Communities and Develop- ment, the State sponsoring agency. Selectman DeLong moved to approve the Commercial Area Revitalization and Development Plan as submitted, seconded by Selectman Avery. VOTED 5 -0. Appointment to the Conservation Commission Following the new policy of the Board, all candidates for appointment to the Con- servation Commission were invited to meet with the Board of Selectmen for inter- views prior to the appointment. Applicants in attendance were Leonard Flynn, Diane Royle, Mildred J. Crowley, Beverly McConnell and Paul Split. David C. White appeared to advise the Board that he wishes to withdraw his application at present. Joseph D. Brugliera and Ronald Bonvie did not appear. Also in atten- dance were the following members of the Conservation Commission: Doris Webb, Frederick Rys, Charles tleszoely, Paul Boyden, Jane Sheehan and Stuart Sweet. The five candidates were interviewed by each member of the Board, having been interviewed previously by the Conservation Commission. At the conclusion of the interviews, Conservation Commission Chairman Doris Webb requested permission for her committee to caucus on their decision. Permission was granted by Chairman Mahana, and following the caucus the Conservation Commission indicated a unanimous decision in favor of Diane Royle. There was discussion in regard to polling individual members of each board, but because of the Conservation Commission's unamious decision, it was decided to approve the appointment of Diane Royle to the Conservation Commission by unanimous vote of the Board of Selectmen. VOTED 11 -0. Correspondence (continued) A Request for Transfer of Funds in the amount of $558.56 for Line Item 688 - Patriotic Holidays was received.. In connection with this, a delegation from the local Veterans Council led by Robert Payden spoke with the Board. The veterans stated that the appropriated funds were nearly depleted and would not cover expenses for the Memorial Day parade.. Also discussed was the increase in the Patriotic i +. BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 6, 1980 Present: Selectmen Norman Mahana, Lyman C. Avery, Robert M. DeLong, Sandra M. Levine, David E. May; Town Manager William P. Metropulos The meeting opened at 7:00 p.m. with three members present, and was called to order at 7:30 P.M. at which time all members were present. The first item on the agenda was the election of new officers. Selectman Avery stated that he wished to thank the members of the Board for their support and accomplishments during his term as Chairman. Selectman DeLong moved that Select - man Mahana be elected Chairman, seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 5 -0. Chairman Mahana then entertained a motion for the election of a Clerk. Selectman Avery was nominated by Selectman May, seconded by Selectman DeLong. VOTED 5 -0. A payroll warrant in the amount of $41,124.27 was read. This was approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman DeLong. VOTED 3 -0, with Selectmen Levine and May abstaining. A general Town warrant in the amount of $985,754.09 was read. This was approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman DeLong. VOTED 5 -0. ( The minutes of January 30, 1980 were noted and approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman DeLong. VOTED 5 -0. Clerk's Folder An application for a transfer of a Common Victualer's License for the Fresh Catch to William R. Sarro, 25 Kingman Avenue, Mansfield was approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED 5 -0. Correspondence A copy of a letter from the Town Manager to the Chairman of the Finance Committee dated Feb. 1, 1980 and relating to the difficulties encountered in securing the necessary transfer of funds for the purchase of the pump for the No. Main St. underpass was noted. The Finance Committee approved this transfer on Feb. 4, 1980 and tt was hand carried to the Town Manager's office by Selectman Mahana. Hearing on the Commercial Area Revitalization and Development Plan The hearing was opened by Selectman Avery at 7:45 P.m. with a reading of the legal notice advertising the hearing. The CARD proposal, which was developed by the Town Planning Department and the Downtown Advisory Committee to encourage the revitalization of the down town area, was presented by Planning Director Chad Maurer and Robert Mangiaratti of the D.A.C. The CARD Plan was described as similar to the Industrial Development Financing Authority which assists industrial developers in obtaining low interest loans from commercial sources. In the case of the CARD Plan, low interest loans would be made available for the development or rehabilitation BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 6, 1980 Page 3 Holidays appropriation requested for 1980 -81 to $1,240. and the letter from the Town Manager requesting a contribution to the Veterans Memorial landscaping in time, material or labor. It was mentioned that Morse & Beggs was supposed to donate two concrete settees. This will be checked out by the Town Manager. Selectman Avery advised the veterans that they should meet with the Finance Committee when they are considering the Transfer Request and also be prepared to speak at the Annual Town Meeting in behalf of their request for additional funds for 1980 -81. A motion was made by Selectman Avery to approve the Transfer Request in the amount of $558.56, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED 5-0. Historical Commission Members of the Historical Commission met with the Board to present a report on their recent activities. Chairman David Loving showed a set of slides of the Hodges Cemetery on Elm St. and the Ephraim L. Leonard Cemetery in East Mansfield. So far 15 cemeteries have been located, and the Commission requested that the Selectmen direct the proper Town department to care for these cemeteries. Select- man Avery expressed concern as to the availability of money needed for this work. It is apparent from the photographs that the Leonard Cemetery is most in need of attention at the present time, as the flat gravestones are being broken up by the passage of motor bikes. It was decided that the DPW should erect protective barricades here immediately. The Commission was also concerned about the condition of some of the stones in the cemetery on Union Street and the fact that it is used as a "short cut." They suggested signing such as "Historic Site - Please Preserve" as a means of preventing further damage. They are endeavoring to interest a local group such as a scout troop, Lions Club, etc, to work on the Williams Street Cemetery. They will also try to get a grant for funding an educational program in the schools. It was also men- tioned that the owner of the Hodges Cemetery has requested the Town to take over its care. Howard Fiske appeared before the Board to request reappointment to the Borderland State Park Commission on which he has served since 1974. Selectman Avery moved to reappoint Mr. Fiske as the Board's representative to the Borderland State Park Commission, seconded by Selectman Hay. VOTED 5 -0. Correspondence (continued) A Request for Transfer in the amount of $1,200 for Secretarial Expense for the Board of Health Account 452-2 was noted. This amount would cover increasing secretarial hours from 6.2 to 15 hours per week. Selectman Avery moved to approve the Transfer Request for $1,200, seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 5-0. 1 The monthly Recreation Notes were received and noted. A letter was received from Ralph Uva of Central Street requesting that the Fire Dept. fill the cracks on Fulton Pond to improve skating conditions. The Town Manager will check with the Fire Dept. BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 6, 1980 Page 4 A notice to all interested parties relative to the presentation by Camp Dresser McKee on the Wastewater Treatment Plant at the Selectmen's meeting of Feb. 20, 1980 was noted. A letter of resignation from David E. May from the Zoning Board of Appeals was received. It was accepted on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 5 -0. A letter of resignation from the World War II Scholarship Committee from Sandra Levine was received. It was accepted on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED 5-0. The Liquor Disturbance Calls Report from the Police Department listed one call from the Mansfield House of Pizza. A letter from the Outdoor Advertising Division relative to renewal permits was noted. The Town Manager will reply. The Highway Department weekly work reports were received and noted. An application was received from William R. DeBaggis of 41 Cottage Street for the Board of Health and Board of Appeals. A letter from the Committee for Responsible Limits relative to Tax Caps, Spending Limits and Home Rule Reforms was noted. It is to be reviewed by the Board prior to next weekts meeting. A letter from the Civil Service Commission relative to a public hearing on Thursday, Feb. 28, 1980 on Civil Service Rule 14 (9 + 3" Rule - Certification of Other Eligibles) and the repeal of Rules 4, 12, and 13. Room 413, 1:00 p.m. at One Ashburton Place, Boston. Applications for appointment to the Arts Council were received from Doreen Tighe, 56 Spring St.; Cynthia R. Seifert, 150 Rumford Ave.; Barbara Grady, 55 So. Main St.; Arthur A• Remillard, 42 So. Main St.; Barbara B. Hinchey, 69 Rumford Ave.; James H. Musto, 2 Hillside Terrace, It was decided to schedule this appointment for the meeting of Feb. 13, 1980. An application for the Cable TV Advisory Committee was received from Robert W. Tighe, 56 Spring St. An application for the Planning Board, Conservation Commission and Board of Health was received from Ronald Bonvie, 650 Ware St. The latest UPDATE on the 128 WRRC was received and noted. A copy of a letter from the North Attleboro Board of Selectmen to Senator Robert E. McCarthy expressing support for legislation to establish a Massachusetts Commuter Rail Authority was received and noted. BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 6, 1980 Page 5 A letter from the Department of Housing and Urban Development soliciting Appli- cations under Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation - FY -80 was received and noted. A clipping from the Wall St. Journal relative to Cable TV franchising forwarded by Att John P. Pollis was noted. A letter from Mrs. Ann Barrett of Branch Street commending a Mansfield NEWS editorial was noted. Selectman Levine will bring this letter to the attention of School Superintendent Barbarisi. A letter from the Governor's Development Office regarding the Commission to Simplify Rules and Regulations was received and noted. A copy of a letter from the Town Manager to to the Board's secretary, Mary Truczinskas, regretfully accepting her resignation, was noted. A letter from Bay State Gas Company relative to adjustment of its marketing policies was received and noted. This would involve new customers being put on a pay -as -- you-go basis for the cost of extending the system. A notice of the Bi- Monthly Meeting scheduled for Feb. 13, 1980 was noted. A letter from the Light Department regarding their policy for Terminations for Nonpayment - Financial Hardship was received. Selectman Avery moved to approve formal procedures as outlined by the Light Department, seconded by Selectman DeLong. VOTED 5 -0. Town Manager's Report Pad Mount Transformer Bid for Light Dept. There were a total of six bids received following newspaper advertising and notification of suppliers, with Westinghouse as the low bidder. Selectman Avery moved to accept and award the bid to Westinghouse, seconded by Selectman DeLong. VOTED 5-0. The Town Manager reported that he had checked with the school department regarding the crossing at 106 and Franklin Street. Some children do cross here with bicycles and there are walkers in grades 8 and above. School department may extend busing limits, and then more people will have to cross. We will continue to provide a crossing guard at that location and will monitor. The Town Manager reminded the Board of the Bristol County Budget Hearings set for Saturday, Feb. 23, at 10:00 a.m. in the Taunton Court House. The New England Telephone letter regarding house movings has been discussed with Francis Brown. It appears that any route through Mansfield other than through the Industrial Park would present problems for the Telephone Company. Mr. Brown wants to make sure the house movers contact N.E. Telephone well in advance of a move. The Town Manager reported that he has investigated parking ticket penalties, and a rough draft has been given to the Board. The maximum fine i•s $15.00 by statute. BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 6, 1980 Page 6 Selectman De Long suggested that the fourth violation should have a $10.00 fine. With regard to the "skip" on the electric bill (Mark Hayward, 46 King St.), the school department has no record of such an employee, and police report was nega- tive. The Foxboro school department will be checked. The Town Manager reported that new state regulations went into effect Jan. 31, 1980 which prohibit an electrician who works in the town being wiring inspector for the town. Bert Cook and the Town Manager have talked to another man from Foxboro. There is a bill being submitted which hopefully will change this to allow electricians to inspect each other's work. The Town Manager stated that Augustine Oliveira wants to renegotiate the contract for the combined trash and garbage pickup. He is looking for $100 additional per week for gasoline, or $5,200 per year, and said he will let the town pick up his bond in the amount of $10,000 if it is not renegotiated. Selectman Avery wants specific figures from Mr. Oliveira on what his costs have been and what he anti - pates they will be. A discussion was held with Paul Dalton of Cabot, Cabot & Forbes on the proposed traffic lights on Route 140 and main entrance to the Industrial Park. Foxboro has requested an automatic timer with over -ride on it. A meeting was held in Boston with Camp Dresser McKee and E.P.A. officials to discuss alternate sludge landfill sites and the scope of service to be rendered by C.D.M. They will also investigate the possibility of composting. The tentative time table at present is to go to Step 3 Grant approximately Nov. 15, 1980, with advertising, review of bids and awarding bid in Spring 1981. Completion is possible in 1984. Wastewater treatment equipment cost has jumped 29% in the last month. Selectman Mahana asked for an updated estimate on the cost of the plant. Figures will be available for the April Town Meeting, but in general the cost is being inflated by about 1% per month. Selectman De Long expressed concern about the effect on the Town's credit rating when borrowing 20 or 25 million dollars; also whether such a large bond issue will affect the rate at which we have to borrow. Town now has a rating of A -1; it was suggested submitting to Moody a prospectus of the Town in hopes of a AA rating. Selectman Avery said the Town is still 8 million dollars below the debt limit. Selectman Levine stated that she had been approached with the suggestion that the Board change its meeting night for better press coverage. The Board will consider a change to Tuesday night if it does not create a problem with the warrant. Plans for the banquet were changed to make it a "couples" night on February 22, 1980, Former Selectmen Colella and Caponigro will be notified. Selectman Avery asked that the DPW trim and treat the trees on the Haskell property on Spring St. that were cut by the house mover. BOARD OF SELECTMEN/LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 6, 1980 Page 7 Selectman May inquired whether the Town had an energy audit program such as the school department has done. The Town has a set of regulations on energy saving including heating and cooling maximum and minimum temperatures. Selectman May suggested that an audit might be useful; also questioned the control on gasoline for Town vehicles. Selectman Avery questioned why the main Fire Station is not using the SPOKE bid for fuel oil.. It is impossible for the supplier's truck to fill tank at this location. Chairman Mahana reported that Francis Gay of GATRA has suggested that the Town request the M.B.T.A. to clean up the parking lots before contracts are signed. Also, Town Counsel should go over the articles for commuter rail. On the proposal to establish a shuttle bus service for local industries from the railroad station, Chairman Mahana suggested that perhaps the school bus operator could provide this service. He would like to get the operator and interested companies together and arrive at a satisfactory financial arrangement. Selectman Avery stated that there appeared to be no opposition to the present No. Main St. traffic pattern at the meeting Monday night. The Fire Chief does feel that the amount of traffic has increased with a bigger backup coming up to the fire station. Perhaps better lane striping would help. The Town Manager will check with Gong. Heckler's office regarding procurement of assistance for the JAYCEE's annual cleanup. Selectman Avery moved to meet on Sunday, February 10, 1980 at 9:00 A.M. for further budget review. Seconded by Selectman DeLong. VOTED 5 -0. There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 11;30 P.M.