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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 3-5-1980BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS A G E N D A March 5, 1980 7:00 p..m. -- Meeting Open for Correspondence Review 7.30 P.M. - Call to Order Warrant Correspondence 7:40 p.m. - Allen Willis - Snow Plowing 7:45 p.m. - Airport Commission (Possibly Home Coal re House Moving if Approval received from Planning Board) 8:00 p.m. - Whitman & Howard - Water Rate Study Town Manager's Report Board Reports Pending Items Traffic Lights at 140 & Forbes Foxboro Mall Traffic Pattern Railroad Station Parking Downtown Traffic Pattern Recreational Facility Back Bay Brook Town Manager will report on Police Negotiations following Regular Session *Board of Selectmen /Finance Committee Meeting Sunday, March 9 9;00 a.m, BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting j March 5, 1980 Present: Selectmen Norman Mahana, Lyman C. Avery, Robert M. DeLong, Sandra M. Levine, David E. May; Town Manager William P. Metropulos (arrived 7:40 p.m.) The meeting opened at 7:00 p.m. for correspondence review with four members present, and was called to order at 7:30 p.m. at which time all members were present. The award of a plaque to Hazel Maxwell in recognition of her 25 years of service to the Town was approved on a motion by Selectman DeLong, seconded by Selectman * Avery. VOTED 5 -0. Revenue Sharing Warrant No. 75 R.S. in the amount of $7,692.34 was approved on * a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman DeLong. VOTED 5 -0. Payroll Warrant No. 77 in the amount of $38,571.34 was approved on a motion by * Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman DeLong. VOTED 4 -0, with Selectman May abstaining. Warrant #76 for the School Department in the amount of $638,174.09 was approved * on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED 4 -0 with Selectman Levine abstaining. Correspondence Letter from Diane Dubuc to the Town Manager relative to a clarification of her duties as Data Processing Manager. Selectman DeLong suggested that this be deferred until the arrival of the Town Manager. Letter from Margo Jellinek et al relative to their objections to the use of Maple Park as a camping area for participants in the Lions Club Crazy Race. The Town Manager was directed to advise the Lions that they should contact the Conservation Commission for permission to use this area. Applications for the moving of two houses currently located at 353 and 360 West St. by the Home Coal Company. Police Department Liquor Disturbance Report listing one call to Titus Restaurant. Letter from the Town Manager recommending the promotion of William Handy to Supervisor of the Sewer Plant. Selectman Mahana would like to talk with him on this. Letter from the Town Manager recommending the promotion of Alfred Cipriani to Foreman of the Water Department, and appointment of Robert Morrison to Super- visor of the Water Department effective March 21, 1980. ---------------------------------------------------------- --------- ------ - - - - -- BOARD OF SELFCTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting March 5, 1980 Page 2 Allen Willis - Snow Plowing Mr. Willis appeared before the Board to offer an explanation of his company's part in plowing the recent snow fall which had occasioned adverse comments from the Board during the previous vdeek's meeting. He stated that his regular plowing route includes the Cabot, Cabot & Forbes Industrial Park and two other subdivi signs, and requires the same amount of time for plowing 1 ", 4" or more. Selectman Levine inquired how long it took to plow a mile, .Mr. Willis responded that it takes five hours to plow the industrial park and push back the snow due to the width of the streets. He feels that it is to the town's advantage to have his equipment and manpower on standby 24 hours a day. In response to a further question, he stated it was not possible to plow and sand at the same time. Plowing is primarily for the passage of emergency vehicles and the snow must be removed before it gets packed down. Selectman Mahana thanked Mr. Willis for his response, but noted that he feels it is the responsibility of the Board to question anything that they feel may be undue expense to the town. Airport Commission - Rod Stearns, Richard Bliss and Donald Zecher The Airport Commissioners requested that the warrant for the Special Town Meeting be reopened to insert.an article to see if the Town will vote to accept Federal and State grants for ramp and taxiway improvements at the Airport and the Master Plan. They also requested a second article to see if the Town will accept a $20,000 gift from Air Charter Services which will cover the Town's share of seed money for these grants. It is the Board's opinion that they can accept gifts for the Town without a vote at Town Meeting. This will be checked with the Town Counsel. There was a short discussion of the improvements to be made. Selectman Avery questioned if there will be a change in take -off pattern. There has already been a 300 cutting away from as many houses as possible. It is now angled toward Rte 495. The Airport Manager should be notified of any noise complaints. Selectman Avery also questioned the number of tie downs. They have been in- creased from 39 to 77 since Air Charter took over the operation, will eventually have 90 -100 tie downs. If it is verified that the Board can accept the gift, arrangements will be made for a public ceremony at the Airport. Home Coal Company - Mr. R. Pouliot Mr. Pouliot appeared in support of his applications for moving two houses on West Street. He had previously met with the Planning Board and had their approval to cut two trees on West Street (a scenic road). This was verified by Robert Morrison of the Planning Board Mr. Pouliot was cautioned that the Board wished to avoid any problems concerned with trimming of trees such as have occurred in the past. Mr. Pouliot stated that they will be responsible for any trimming necessary and will notify abbutters where branches will have to be cut. Selectman DeLong moved to grant permission for the two house movings, subject to the Town's * rules and regulations. Seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 5 -0. BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting March 5, 1980 Page 4 Whitman and Howard Report - continued peak demand (1979 max. day was 3.8 MG). The current maximum safe yield from all stations is 5.2 MGD. However, Wells 4 and 5 were constructed in a drought situation in 1954 and oversize pumps and motors were used. Too much reliance was placed on them for their ability to yield water. They can now only be considered emergency supplies. In response to further questions as to whether there is enough water in the Cates Spring area to support two new wells, Mr. Stocker stated that the additional wells would be insurance against overpumping any one well. He would not recommend pumping all three at the same time. The Meeting recessed for 10 minutes at 10:10 p.m. Correspondence The letter from Diane Dubuc relative to her duties as Data Processing Manager was taken up again, but action was deferred to next week after the Town Manager has discussed it with Mrs. Dubuc and Mr. Hall. Letter from James Hall relative to raising the charge for meter testing from the present $3.00 to $25.00 to cover actual cost of such tests more fully. Selectman May felt that the $25.00 charge proposed was too high and questioned how many calls for meter testing there are. Selectman DeLong moved to approve the $25.00 * charge for meter test, seconded by Selectman Avery. VOTED 4 -1 with Selectman May opposed. Members of the Board questioned why the electric.bills were being mailed in envelopes, and also whether the Elect Dept. could supply an information sheet to customers explaining the increased fuel adjustment charges. The Town Manager will investigate. Letter from the Police Department listing one disturbance call at Titus Restaurant. Letter from R. E. Kline relative to Town of Mansfield support for the Crossroads Arena in West Bridgewater. A report from the Mass. Tourist Information Center. Letter of resignation from the Planning Board from Karl Hartmann. Selectman Avery moved to accept Mr. Hartmann's resignation with regret, seconded by Selectman May. * VOTED 5 -0. Letter from the Downtown Advisory Committee relative to the Downtown Traffic Pattern. Selectman DeLong would like to hear from the Fire and Police Chiefs on this, and also obtain a dollar figure for the costs of alterations from the DPW. An application from Gerald Wright of 383 Elm St. for the Board of Assessors, Board of Appeals and Cable TV Committee. i BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting March 5, 1980 Page 3 Whitman and Howard Report on Water Rate Study - Arthur Stockus Mr, Stockua reviewed the 1972 water system report Master Plan through the year 2000 and indicated that projections of growth, CPD, etc, had been pretty much on target.. Since that time the Witch Pond and Dustin Wells have been constructed and new mains installed; also the Cabot, Cabot & Forbes standpipe holding three mi.11i;on galls was added to the town's reservoir system, Whitman and Howard is presently proposing construction of two additional wells, upgrading well No. 2, a new reservoir adjacent to the present one on Foolish Hill, and the construction of six transmission and distribution mains. Total cost of improvements is estimated at $3,8821000. Conventional financing of this construction currently would be at 7% to 9 -10%. Application has been made to the FmHA for 5% financing. However, this financing may not be available to the town in the future because of the 1980 census figures. Because of this and the inflation factor, Whitman and Howard recommends con- structing the ten listed projects at once rather than spreading them over three phases in a 10 year period. The new construction has been proposed in conjunction with the water rate study, and Whitman and Howard has established two sets of new rates, one which would put the water department on a self - sustaining basis, and the second which would incor- porate the cost of the proposed improvements with an FmHA loan. An example of the new rates was presented: Present New Proposed Rate Rate* Rate ** Water Consumer $45.93 $81.90 $126.66 Tax 28.80 4.40 18.48 $74.73 $86.30 $145.14 *Self- sufficient department with no initial improvement, * *Proposed improvements with FmHA loan. The above rates are for the average domestic user, based on 12,900 cubic feet per year consumption and $12,000 valuation.. "Tax" figure represents a fire protection charge. There was a discussion of the basic concept of the .rate structure, It was felt that the proposed new rates might encourage water use by large industrial con- sumers by offering lower rates for wholesale amounts. Domestic use in currently approximately 50% of the total. Since the water supply is not infinite, it might be wiser to encourage conservation by means of higher charges for larger consumption. The Board desired to meet with Whitman and Howard to discuss this further prior to Town Meeting. Whitman and Howard will also supply the name of an organization that provides information on conservation methods. There were also a number of questions on the need for the proposed improvements. Mr. Stockus stated that Whitman and Howard feel that they are necessary to provide adequate protection for the town in the event of a fire occurring at a time of BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting March 5, 1980 Page 5 Correspondence - continued An application from Joan E. Secher, 29 Coach Road, for the Council on Aging, Library Board, Recreation Commission and Conservation Commission. A letter from Town Counsel relative to the bonding of the Town Accountant. The Manager noted that all employees are covered under a comprehensive plan, but extended coverage can be obtained for the Town Accountant or other personnel with access to the computer. He will obtain cost. A notice from the University of Massachusetts regarding management training semi- nars. A letter from the State Department of Public Works relative to the right turn on red regulations. This will be discussed further. No action taken pending a report from the Police Chief. A letter from the Massachusetts Municipal Auditors' and Accountants' Association regarding a school session to be held at UMASS Amherst April 27 to April 29, 1980. It was suggested that John McAlice, Town Accountant, might attend if he is suf- ficiently recovered at that time. A letter from the Bureau of the Census relative to the Local Review Program. Chairman Mahana polled the Board as to whether they wished to hear from Mr. Bernie McKinley of 9 Robinhill Road who was in the audience. Selectmen Delong, Levine, Mahana, Avery, May all in favor. Mr. McKinley stated that he has been complaining about the condition of the vacant lot adjacent to his property for the past two years. He has been to the Board of Health on many occasions. He now has a letter from Town Counsel to the Board of Health which states that the matter comes under the jurisdiction of the Building Inspector, and he would like to have the problem resolved. The Board requested that the Town Manager take the matter up with the Building Inspector Tarn Manager Report The Town Manager brought to the Board a bid on approximately 350 water meters with a recommendation that it be awarded to Hersey Meters. Hersey was not the low bidder but offered a trade -in, availability of service, and supplied the meters currently in use. Selectman Avery moved to accept the recommendation and * award the bid to Hersey Meters, seconded by Selectman DeLong. VOTED 5 -0. A list of town vehicles which are taken home for emergency use at night was furnished to the Board. Following some discussion, Selectman May moved that personnel not be allowed to take town vehicles home at night, including the DPW, Water and Light Depts. No second. BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting March 5, 1980 Page 6 An estimate of $3500 for repair of Fire Engine #6 (pumper) repairs has been revised upward to $5482 and requires a transfer request from the reserve fund. Selectman DeLOng moved to approve the transfer request in the amount of $5,500 * for emergency repairs, seconded by Selectman Avery, VOTED 5 -0. A check for $5,000 for the ambulance has been received from the Governor's Highway Safety Fund.. A letter has been received from the Department of Environmental Management stating that the town should appropriate $1400 for Insect pest control and $1800 for the control of Dutch elm disease.. The Elm St._ Garage is expanding in the parking area in violation of the zoning laws and will require a variance. The Selectmen were informed that the Community Health Service will hold a clinic in the town meeting rooms next Tuesday, March 11th from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. This was scheduled some months ago.. The Selectmen will meet at 7100 p.m. in the Selectmen's. room. The Town Manager requested a session with the Board at the close of the meeting on police negotiations, Board Reports Selectman DeLong requested that the Board members be furnished with an up -to -date list of Boards and Committees including their terms, Selectman Levine would like to meet with DPW Director Bonome and the Town Manager on snow removal practices.. Selectman Levine stated that a member of the Lions Club had asked for the use of the area, between the Town Hall and the Veterans Memorial for display of a tool shed which will be the grand . prize at their penny sale. The display would be from March 29t1i until April 19th, Selectman Avery does not feel that this is the best place to put such an exhibit for reasons of security, etc. He would like to have a written request or an appearance before the Board from the Lions Club. Selectman Levine noted that her statements at last week's meeting relative to snow removal had raised a furor, However, she stated that as long as she is a Selectmen she will continue to question expenditures, etc. She feels her job is not to be a rubber stamp but a protector of the town, Selectman May would like to hold interviews for the Board of Appeals next week. These will be scheduled, Interviews to fill the vacancy on the Planning Board will be scheduled for the following week (March 18). Selectman Avery brought up the question of landscaping plans for the Veterans Memorial. The Planning Director is working on this.. It was also noted by the Town Manager that the local Red Cross Chapter is interested in donating a con- crete settee for this area and he has requested prices. BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting March 5, 1980 Page 7 Selectman Avery asked for the state description of the Council on Aging. The Town Manager will supply. Selectman Mahana requested that the Town Manager write to Rep. Lombardi and Sen. Locke to request that they send a letter to the State DPW asking that the State use prudence in the use of salt on state roads within the Town of Mansfield. He also suggested that the use of salt on all roads in Mansfield be prohibited. We currently use a ratio of 12 parts sand to I part salt. Selectman Mahana also asked if the Town Engineer would be qualified to give an opinion on the pollution of the aquifers. Selectman Mahana noted that the Board to talk with Town Counsel on an appeal funneled through the Town Manager. of Assessors had requested permission problem. All such requests are to be Selectman Mahana expressed interest in having the purchasing agent for the School Department do purchasing for the general town government. The Town Manager will explore this. At 11:38, on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman DeLong, the Board was polled on going into Executive Session to hear the Town Manager's report on police negotiations. Selectmen DeLong, May, Avery, Mahana and Levine all in favor. (Executive minutes prepared separately.)