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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 3-25-1980BOARD OF SELECTMEN/LIGHT A G E N D A MARCH 25, 1980 7:00 P.M. - Meeting Open for Correspondence Review 7:30 P.M. - Call to Order Correspondence Clerk's Folder Minutes of February 27, March 5, 11, 18 8:00 P.M. - Street Acceptance Hearing Rustic Drive Riverside Drive Juniper Drive Basin Street Hemlock Lane Union Street Ext. 8:15 P.M. - Whitman & Howard - FINCOM 8:30 P.M. - Ad Hoc Recreation Committee L- 8:45 P.M. - William Padelford - Petition for Azalea Road Vote on Warrants (3/19/80) #84 - General - - - -- $165,633.91 #85 - Payroll - - - -- 39,610.51 1186 - General - - - -- 75, 721.10 (3/25/80) Town Managerts Report Board Reports Pending Items Traffic Lights at 140 & Forbes Water Rates Foxboro Mall Traffic Pattern Downtown Traffic Pattern Recreational Facility BRck Bay Brook Parking Violation Fines *X)* *WARRANTS TO BE SIGNED TOMORROW *XXX BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MARCH 25, 1980 Present: Chairman Norman Mahana, Selectmen Robert DeLong, Sandra Levine, Lyman Avery, and David May, Town Manager William P. Metropulos, Recording Secretary Beverly Amicone. Meeting opened for correspondence review, 7:00 P.M. 7:30 P.M., call to order Correspondence A memo from the Town Manager explaining the voucher for Shevalier Corporation, architect's fee, which had been questioned at meeting of March 18, with recommendation to pay $1,125. Selectman Avery moved to approve voucher for payment, seconded by Selectman DeLong. VOTED 5 -0. Letter from Conservation Commission to Mansfield Lions Club outlining eight stipulations for overnight camping at Maple Park. Letter from the Mass. Department of Environmental Management regarding Gypsy Moth policy for 1980. Copy of letter from Town Counsel to Rod Stearns, Chairman of Mansfield Airport Commission regarding acceptance of Federal and State grants. Copy of memo to Police Chief D'Afile from Bert Cook, Building Inspector, regarding RTE. #1 Towing, Inc. with copy of letter of intent from Jack O'Leary. Town Manager noted that there is no prohibition of similar licenses being issued in the same building and there has been no violation of zoning ordinances. Letter from Council on Aging Director, Paula Kilby, requesting the Board to submit and support a special article in the Annual Town Meeting to see if the Town will vote to appropriate funds of $25,000 a year for five years for a permanent drop in center for the Council on Aging. Selectman DeLong requested clarification on Council on Aging reasons for refusal to be included in the proposed library addition. Representative from COA to be asked to come before Board at April 1 meeting. Request from Brockton - Foxboro District of Seventh -Day Adventist Churches for permission to conduct a Tag -Day in Mansfield On May 9, 1980. Selectman Avery moved for permission to be granted, seconded by Selectman DeLong. VOTED 5 -0. Request from Highway Department for transfer of $4,870.88 to Account #501 -8 to pay outstanding invoices for fuel. Selectman Avery moved to ask FinCom to transfer hands, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED 5-0. Request from Conservation Commission to transfer $600 to Account #125 -1 for secretarial services and supplies, due to increased work load. Selectman Avery moved to approve request, seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 5 -0. Request for transfer of $60 to Acct. #196 -2 for two police officers at the polls. * Selectman Avery moved to approve, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED 5 -0. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MARCH 25, 1980 Page 2 Application by Thomas Largesse, 11 Atwood Street, for sewer connection permit. Selectman Avery moved to approve sewerage connection, Selectman DeLong seconded. VOTED 5 -0. Letter from Foxborough Board of Selectmen requesting meeting between Mansfield, Plainville, and Foxborough Boards to discuss possible reconstruction of Route 106 in the three communities utilizing Federal and State funds. Selectman Mahana in favor of meeting with Foxborough Board. Selectman DeLong suggested Town Manager obtain a preliminary report and if project looks feasible, schedule meeting with the three Boards. Street Acceptance Hearing - At 8:04 P.M. Chairman Mahana requested Town Planner Chad Maurer conduct the public hearing for acceptance of these named streets- - Riverside Drive, Basin Street, Union Street Ext, Hemlock Lane, Juniper Drive, Rustic Drive - -all within approved subdivisions. Mr. Maurer pointed out that Rustic Drive, off of Ware Street has a septic system, Hemlock Lane and Juniper Drive, located between Fruit and Hall Streets are connected to Town sewerage. Basin Street, Riverside Drive and Union Street Ext. are located off of Benefit Street and are connected to town sewerage. The Town will also be accepting a Sewer Lift Station at corner of Basin Street and Union Street Ext. if these streets are approved. Mr. Maurer stated it is the Planning Board's policy to wait one year after major construction is completed before requesting acceptance. All required securities being held for deposit were released except for $1,200 for Riverside Park, $1,000 for Rustic Drive and $600 on Spruce Acres, which are being held in the event of minor problems occurring. All roads were inspected by Water and Sewer Departments and Planning Board and Town Engineer conducted tests. After some discussion about the Lift Station, Chad Maurer was directed to obtain a cost figure to tie alarm system on Lift Station into police department. Robert Chevaree, developer of Riverside Park, stated that the lift station could be pumped by portable generator if power failed. Town Manager stated it was the job of sewer supervisor to check Lift Stations periodically. At this time a resident of Juniper Drive, Don Rinaldi,stated he felt a retaining wall was necessary for a three to four foot overhang along several of the properties which might be hazardous. Allen Willis, the contractor of the subdivision, was present and explained that although the wall was not part of the approved plans in 1973, he felt morally obligated to provide the wall. Mr. Willis explained that until recently he had been prevented from bzilding the wall by a property owner who would not allow him on the property for the necessary work. Mrs. Roberta Kempt, the property owner, then identified herself, and stated she would prefer a sloped area, as the wall also might be dangerous to neighborhood children, but she conceded she would settle for a wall if this was agreeable to all parties. In response to a question by Selectman Levine, Mr. Willis stated the wall would be constructed of fieldstone in cement and would be constructed as soon as weather permitted. Mr. Rinaldi still felt the need for assurance that the wall would be completed before the streets are accepted. The Board agreed that Mr. Willis could be trusted to keep his word; however, Selectman Mahana stated that he personally would vote to have the Town DPW build the wall if Mr. Willis did not comply as promised. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MARCH 25, 1980 Page 3 At this point Torn Manager read a report from Town Engineer Stanzione regarding some minor problems he found in his inspection of the roads in question. The problems related to some minor ,cracks in the roads which should be sealed; on Juniper Drive and Hemlock Lane, the sidewalk pitch was not uniformly graded; and the use of fine gravel instead of coarse for the sub -base. At this point Bob Chevaree, contractor for Riverside Park, stated he felt none of these complaints had been made in reference to his development, and would like approval on his three streets, if not on all of them. Torn Manager stated it was not clear in Mr. Stanzione's report which streets had the lateral cracks, and that drainage had not been checked as yet. Another resident of Juniper Drive made mention of a drainage problem which Mr. Willis stated he tried to correct by tying the drain into a drywell. Chad Maurer stated the roads were put in before the hiring of Town Engineer and that he had records in the Planning Office that show routine inspection of improvements as the roads were being constructed. Allen Willis also voice displeasure over the manner in which Mr. Stanzione conducted his test borings of roads. Selectman Avery moved to defer action until Town Manager, Torn Planner, and Town Engineer could resolve the problems. Selectman DeLong agreed that these * problems would have to be cleared up. Selectman Avery moved to continue hearing until Tuesday evening, April 1, seconded by Selectman DeLong. VOTED 5 -0. A ten minute recess was called at 8:55 P.M. Whitman & Howard - Arthur Stockus of Whitman and Howard presented a report on the proposed water system project reducing the cost from the proposed $3.9 million to $2 million. This would be accomplished by dropping the reservoir on Foolish Hill, a 20 -inch water main, the elm St. Main, and the South Main Street line from the Rte. 495 Bridge to the Norton Town Line. The water rate tables are being revised for the new rate structure, which Mr. Stockus promised to the Selectmen by the end of the week. Chairman Mahana proposed that the Board could review new rates and reach a decision at a meeting scheduled for Sunday, March 30. Art Stockus feels that Mansfield has a very strong need for the entire Water System package as proposed, other than just financially. There is a need for additional water either through supply or storage. Selectman DeLong suggested, and the Board agreed, that both the complete package and the newly revised version should be presented at the Annual Town Meeting so that voters would have the complete picture of the water study. Selectman DeLong left meeting at 9:45 P.M. Ad Hoc Recreation Study Commission - At 9:45 P.M. John Todesco, Chairman came before the Board to recommend action to be taken at the Annual Torn Meeting in regards to the recreation study needs. Chad Maurer, Planning Director, introduced John Gustafson, a representative of Carrol Johnson Associates of Cambridge, consultants. Mr. Gustafson had prepared plans to show Board that there are at least six alternatives that will meet the needs of the Town. Mr. Gustafson had prepared plans to show three things: (1) to show the Community the approximate size of fields proposed; (2) how they could be constructed on the property available, and (3) how the facilities would fit into the surrounding landscape. Mr. Gustafson felt that out of the six plans he presented, either B or C would be the most advantageous to the Torn. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MARCH 25, 1980 Page 4 It was Mr. Gustafson's general feeling that the project would cost in the vicinity of $600,000 or $700s000 for either Plan B or C or D. Plan A allowed for the construction of a pool. Chad Maurer stated that six consultants had been approached by the planning department for an estimate of their fees pertaining to a project of this size. The fees ranged from $70,000 to $100,000. Carrol Johnson Assoc, based their consultant fee on the projected cost of the project at $700,000. Their references had been checked by Chad Maurer. Since the School Department had not made a decision as yet on the improvements to school property, FinComm felt no decisions could be made relative to the Ad Hoc Plans. Mr. Todesco pointed out that they were only requesting at this time the $45,000 for the engineering consultant fees, in order that viable plans can be had to be implemented when the Town is ready. Selectman Avery commended the Ad Hoc Committee for an excellent job in preparing presentation. William Padelford - At 10:30 Mr. William Padelford requested support from the Board regarding his petition to be presented at the Annual Town Meeting(Article 43) for the purchase of a lot 40' x 70' on Azalea Road. The Board recommended that Mr. Padelford obtain an overhead projection map to have at the Town Meeting. Board will support Artucle. Correspondence (continued) - Copy of letter from Great Woods Study Committee to Town Counsel regarding Town Article to acquire by eminent domain an eleven acre parcel of alnd in the Great Woods. Assessor's records show no taxes have been paid for years. Letter requests Town Counsel's judgement on ownership of land before proceedings begin. Copy of letter from Great Woods Study Committee to Town Counsel requesting assistance in acquiring a 2.3 acre parcel of Great Woods land with funds approved at the 1979 Town Meeting. New England Telephone petition for conduit and manhole locations on Chauncy Street. Selectman Avery moved hearing be scheduled for April 22 at 8E00 P.M., seconded by Selectman May. VOTED 3 -0, with Selectman Mahana absent from room. Letter from Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Office of Energy Resources regarding available federal matching grants for energy conservation. Notice from Executive Office of Communities and Development regarding grants under Chapter 689, Housing Program for the Handicapped. Copy of letter from Representative Leon Lombardi to Mass. DPW regarding use of salt on state roads. Notice from EOCD on How to Prepare a Developer's Kit. Regional Report from New England River Basins Commission Notice from EOCD regarding March as Housing Month. Notice from SRPEDD of meeting of full commission, Wednesday, March 26 at Raynham. BOSTON GLOBE article from Sunday, March 23, 1980 regarding Arts Council Lottery. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MARCH 25, 1980 Page 5 Letter from Margot Jellinek requesting clarification of Article #7 of the Special Town Meeting regarding monies for airport improvements. Mrs. Jellinek requested written response to her letter. Notice from SRPEDD regarding Joint Transportation Planning Group meeting April 99 1980 at 7:30 P.M., Raynham. Letter and questionnarie from Cooperative Extension Program regarding conservation. To be turned over to ConCom for completion. Receipt of Southeast Regional School Notes. Acknowledgment of Special Government Grants booklet from Comm. of Mass. "Pax Centurion" noted with attention to center page picture of new Mansfield Police cruiser. Clerk's Folder Request for Junk Dealer's License in the name of Barbara and Albert Collier, 710 East Street. Motion to approve by Selectman May, seconded by Selectman Avery. VOTED 4 -0. Minutes of February 27, March 5, March 11, and March 18 noted. Selectman Avery requested his name be added to the word Selectman on Page 5 of the March 11th minutes under Planning Board Director. The ommission of the Town Accountant's salary was noted. To be added to page 5 of March 11 is: Town Accountant - Selectman Avery moved for an 8% increase, seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 5 -0. Selectman Levine made note of correction on Page 4 of March 18th Minutes. Vote to appoint Selectman Levine as SRPEDD representative voted 4 -1 with Selectman Levine opposed. On page 6 of March 18, Selectman Mahana requested the minutes be corrected to show a vote of 4 -1 opposing Fire Chief Leonard's request for addition of four lieutenant positions, with Selectman Mahana in favor. Selectman Avery moved to approve minutes of March 18 with corrections noted, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED 4 -0 with Selectman DeLong Absent. Selectman Avery moved to approve minutes of March 11, seconded by Selectman * May. VOTED 4 -0. Selectman Avery moved to approve minutes of March 5, Selectman May seconded. * VOTED 4 -0. Selectman Avery moved to approve minutes of February 27, seconded by Selectman * May. VOTED 4 -0. Warrants - General Warrant #84 for $165,633.91 approved on a motion by * Selectman Avery, Selectman May seconded, VOTED 4 -0. Warrant #$5, Payroll, for $39,610.51 approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman Mahana, VOTED 3 -0 with Selectman May abstaining. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MARCH 25, 1980 Page 6 General Warrant #86 for March 25 in the amount of $75,721.10 approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED 4 -0. Town Manager's Report - Letter acknowledging Treasurer Gutillo's attendance at Accountant Cash flow Management seminar on March 3 -7, 1980. Copy of Garden Street Sales Agreement from Town Counsel. In reference to this property, Selectman May asked if it wasn't customary when town property is sold to do so at Auction? Selectmen decided to give abuttors first bid on Garden Street property. Note that New England Security is preparing a breakdown on amount of insurance on Town buildings. Mr. Metropulos noted that a letter was written to New Resources Group for Conservation information. Town Manager noted that Articles requested at meeting of March 18 have been inserted in Special Town Meeting Warrant. Application fees for firefighting courses requested at meeting of March 18 to be paid out of Account #173 - Out of State Travel. Town Counsel's opinion that the culvert on Otis Street by Richardson Mfg. and roadway are the Town's responsibility although Richarson owns rights. If they no longer want to retain rights, they can be deeded to Town or taken by eminent domain. A letter was sent by Town Manager to Bristol County Selectmen's Association. FinCom questioned whether Board of Selectmen could re -open Special Town Meeting Warrants for an Article to determine whether the Town would authorize assessor's to take money from surplus revenue to reduce tax levi for 1980. The Board determined that Article 48 of the Annual Town Meeting is for tax purposes. Selectman Avery questioned whether this might be in reference to overlay account. Town Manager to check further. A light Commissioner's meeting with J. Hall on DPU Report on Sunday, March 30 at 9:00 a.m. Board Reports Mention was made of a House Bill to allow the State to take over control of Housing Authorities within 33 cities and Towns. A suggestion was made for the Board to contact Representative Lombardi for information. Selectman May suggested that the Mansfield Housing Authority be contacted first for thier views. Board postponed Arts Council interviews. Parking Fine Violations - Town Manager will make report next week. Selectman Levine asked if a committee had been formed to review Town Charter. Since this is to be done at end of ten years, it was determined by Board BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MARCH 25, 1980 Page 7 that a committee would not have to be formed until January of 1983. Selectman Levine questioned where & How the Town's supply of salt is stored and whether the Town had requested new salt shed from State. Mrs. Levine was concerned about the location in regards to the water supply and whether salt supply should be relocated. Selectman Levine also questioned whether the Town had adequate firefighting equipment for a four -story high building as proposed for the Fairfield Project. The Board reassured Mrs. Levine that the ladder truck was more than adequate. In a discussion over the Town land for the Fairfield Development, Selectman Avery stated the Town will receive $40,000 for the land, which had been given to the Town. Selectman Levine also questioned the purchase of toilet tissue and paper toweling from Morse and Forrester Variety Store as shown on Voucher #4918. She suggested that the price charged at a small local store might be more than would be charged in a chain store, and al3ked Town Manager to look into the situation. Selectman Levine also asked the Board whether an expression of sympathy could be made in some form to Bruce Wood over the death of his son, since Mr. Wood had served the Town for some years. Selectman Avery stated that no funds were available for this purpose in Selectmen's Expense Account. x Selectman Levine moved for the Board members to make a donation to CSF in memory of Mark Wood, seconded by Selectman Avery. VOTED 4 -0. Selectman May referred to the question of combining town purchases with school or light department. Town Manager is checking on details and will report next week. Selectman May also requested a vacation schedule of all Department Heads for coming year. Also suggested that local organizations be contacted for help in beautifying parks and commons area for spring. Town Manager replied that $736 was still available in the tree replacement and beautification fund for this purpose. Plantings will be made as soon as weather permits. Selectman Mahana mentioned the complaints members of the Board had been receiving regarding the fuel adjustment costs on their electric bills. He had a letter and bills which a customer had passed on showing an unusual fluctuation of use. It was suggested that a comparison of fuel adjustment charges be made with the Town of North Attleboro, since they also were members of MMWEC.. Selectman Mahana also mentioned that some business establishments were expressing an interest in a proposed shuttle bus service. He would like cost figures on a weekly or monthly basis and the number of seats that might be available. Town Manager to contact Mr. Connors of Town and Country. Town Manager was asked to find out if CPR training for restaurants seating 25 or more people was State mandated. He was also asked if any contact had been made with Margaret Heckler's office regarding Jaycee Cleanup. Letter was sent to commander, but Heckler's office felt there should be no problems securing the use of military trucks. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MARCH 25, 1980 Page 8 It was noted that Back Bay Brook people would be back on April first. Chairman Mahana referred to downtown traffic pattern. Town Manager noted that he was waiting for Police Chief D'Afile to return from vacation to give his report. Selectman Levine asked for status on Police Negotiations. Town Manager reported the next meeting to be April 8th between Town Manager, Paul Kenney and labor board. There being no further business, Selectman Avery moved to adjourn at 11:45 P.M., seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 4 -0.