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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 4-8-1980BOARD OF SELECTMEN/LIGHT A G E N D A APRIL 8, 1980 7:00 P.M. - Meeting Open for Correspondence Review 7:30 P.M. - Call to Order Mansfield Carriage Service - Application Clerk's Folder 7 :45 P.M. - Margot Jellinek - RE Possible Contamination Compo Chemical and Reichhold Chemical 8:00 P.M. - Water Rates Hearing 8:30 P.M. - Leaque of Women Voters - Diane Mangiaratti Warrants - (April 1) # 91 9,845.69 - School # 92 39,014.94 - Town Minutes of April 1, 1980 Correspondence 9:30 P.M. - Maryann DeTrollo - RE Special Article for {A�/ II Scholarship Town Manager's Report Board Reports Pending Items Traffic Lights at 140 & Forbes Downtown Traffic Pattern Recreational Facility Back Bay Brook NOTE: Warrants to be Signed Tomorrow BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING APRIL 8, 1980 Present: Chairman Norman Mahana, Selectmen Lyman Avery, Robert DeLong, David May, Sandra Levine; Town Manager William Metropulos, Recording Secretary Beverly Amicone. Meeting called to order at 7:30 P.M. by Chairman Mahana. Mansfield Carriage Service application renewal for Vehicle #1, request for an additional Vehicle #2, and request for approval of new rate listing for fares due to rising cost of gas. After a brief discussion and several questions directed to owner Mr. Glenn, the Board approved the application and rate fare increase on a motion by Selectman DeLong and seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 5 -0. Clerk's Folder Letter from Cabot, Cabot, and Forbes along with application for sewer connection for warehouse to be built on West Street, adjacent to the Foxboro Company to employ 20 people. Motion made to approve sewer connection by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED 5 -0. Application for sewer connection from Vincent Tighe, 217 Union Street Extension. Motion made by Selectman Avery to approve subject to approval of various depart- ments, seconded by Selectman DeLong. VOTED 5 -0. Correspondence Letter of resignation from Light Department Office Manager, Diane Dubuc, to Light Department Director James Hall effective April 24, 1980. Letter of regret to be sent from Board of Selectmen. Motion to forward letter of appreciation made by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May. Selectman DeLong stated that Diane is a high caliber employee and will be greatly missed. VOTED 5 -0. Farmers Home Administration - Loan Resulution to be submitted to FMHA signed and voted on by the Board of Selectmen. Accompanying letter from FMHA dated March 27, 1980 established conditions which must be understood and agreed upon for a loan not to exceed $3,912,000. Interest rate will be that charged * by FMHA at the time o£'the loan approval. Selectman DeLong moved to accept Loan Resolution, seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 5 -0. Margot Jellinek - at 7:45 P.M. Mrs. Jellinek approached the Board with a copy of a letter and report on Monitoring of Sanitary Landfill from Whitman & Howard, dated December 13, 1976. She contends that any industries in Town should be surveyed to inventory the amount and type of solid and liquid wastes, and that these industries should be compelled to have local water supplies tested for contamination at their own expense and then report back to town. Water Rates Hearing - At 8:00 P.M. Clerk Avery opened a public hearing on the revision of water rates by reading notice appearing in MANSFIELD NEWS on April 39 1980. There being no representatives from large industry present, the Board proceeded to hold a general discussion. Selectman Mahana compared the step system with flat rates. Under the proposed step rate system domestic users would pay on the average of $101 per year, while the flat rate would be approximately $81, a slight increase over the present average bill of $73. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING APRIL 8, 1980 Page 2 Chairman Mahana feels that the flat rate might penalize heavy users, ;and it is not his intention to single out industry; however, under the flat rate industry in-general would not be penalized, only the large user. Selectman Avery felt that both the step and the flat rate would encourage large users to recycle water if possible. When questioned Whitman and Howard representative, Arthur Stockus, stated that he would recommend the. flat rate if there were no possibility of producing any further supplies. This would be one form of consumption control. Mr. Stockus commented that the Town is running out of areas of water to test. However, when pressed by Chairman Mahana to render a professional opinion, Mr. Stockus felt that he would recommend the step rate system at this point in time as being fair and equitable for all consumers, rather than coming doom hard on heavy users. Selectman Avery was in agreement that the fixed rate would be a conservation measure, but he felt that it would be in the interests of heavy industrial users to conserve either way. Allen Johnson commented from the floor that with the rising costs of fuel oil and gasoline, everyone is charged the same base rate and pays according to their consumption and water should be billed the same way. Selectman Avery at this time voiced an opinion that he was leaning toward the fixed rate. Selectman Levine asked,if the flat rate system were instituted, how soon would it take effect and could the Town make any provisions to lessen the impact of a large cost increase to heavy users. Selectman DeLong answered that initiation of the flat rate system would depend on action taken at Town Meeting. There should not be any abatement or adjustment to heavy users. Selectman DeLong did not feel the fixed rate would be an effective conservation method except for the top three heavy users. Selectman Avery asked for an opinion from Town Planner and Town Manager. Chad Maurer had no comments;.however, Mr. Metropulos did agree with Whitman and Howard on the step rate system and would recommend the entire $3.9 million water program rather than the $1.8 million revised program, in order to save the Town money in the long term. Margot commented that a bargain is no bargain if you cannot afford the money to take advantage of it and the Town will have to be satisfied with the $1.8 million plan for the present. Selectman Avery stated that the Board of Selectmen have an obligation to explain both sides to the public. ' Chairman Mahana hearing no other questions or comments requested a motion to be in order. Selectman DeLong moved to approve the step rate system. Selectman Avery moved to adopt the fixed rate system. No Second to Selectman DeLongts motion. Selectman Levine seconded the motion for adoption of fixed rate. VOTE 4 -1 with Selectman DeLong opposed. Water Rates hearing closed at 8:55 P.M. 128 WRRC - Diane Mangiaratti reported on the meeting held on March 18, 1980 in Stoughton. She reported that the -council voted in favor of three motions: (1) the designation of Plainville as the preferred site for a resource recovery facility, and landfill; (2) a request that the Commonwealth acquire the plant BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF TEE MEETING APRIL 8, 1980 Page 3 site and landfill for the use of the 128 WRRC; and (3) an authorization for the 128 WRRC Negotiating Committee to negotiate an interim landfill uniform contract with the Clean Communities Corporation, operator of the Plainville landfill. Memorandum of March 26, 1980 from 128 WRRC recommends that Legislators be contacted and told of Boards support for Plainville site. Selectman Avery moved to send a letter to 128WRRC in support of Plainville site and a letter to John A. Bewick, Secretary of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs urging the Commonwealth to initiate procidures to acquire the Plainville * site. Seconded by Selectman Levine, VOTED 5 -0. Diane Mangiaratti - Representing the Leaque of Women Voters, Ms. Mangiaratti requested the- support of the Board for the Leaque's Article at Town Meeting proposing to eliminate the word develop from the pond article to prevent future pond development but not restoration. The Leaque is mainly concerned with the risk of possible groundwater contamination, and the fact that pond developing seems to be a way for coAtractor's to circumvent the earth removal zoning by -laws. This action would possibly move the Planning Board to re- examine the by -laws to gap any existing loopholes. Selectman Mahana asked if the LW would accept an amendment to the Article limiting the proposal to a period of one year until the Planning Board could draft additional rules and regulations. Ms. Grace Genatossio felt the League would accept the amendment. Warrant #91 for the School Deaartment in the amount of $9,845.69 was approved on a motion by Selectman Avery and seconded by Selectman DeLong, VOTED 4 -0 * with Selectman Levine abstaining. Warrant #92(Town) for $39,014.94 was approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, * seconded by Selectman DeLong, VOTED 4 -0 with Selectman May abstaining. General Warrant #93 for $363,258.93 approved on a.motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May, VOTED 5 -0. Selectman Avery called for a correction to the Minutes of April 1, 1980, on page 7 under Sanitarian should read no financial aid for Mansfield if we were to go alone. Selectman Avery moved that the Minutes of April 10 1980 * be approved with the corrections noted, Seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 5 -0. Correspondence Letter from Bristol County Mosquito Control requesting each town to indicate at what level they wish to be .taxed for the services provided by the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project. Selectman DeLong moved to disapprove the Mosquito Control, seconded by Selectman Avery. VOTED 3 -0, with Selectmen Levine and Chairman Mahana absent at the time. Mary Ann DeTrolio - 9:30 P.M. Mrs. DeTrolio approached the Board requesting an Article in the Special Town Meeting Warrant to reword the World War II Scholarship Fund qualifications to include all high school graduates who live in Mansfield. Presently only tjose attending Mansfield Schools are eligible. Chairman Mahana responded that if a Special Town meeting is called within the next few months for other reasons, this Article could be included by the Board. The Special to be held within the annual has been officially closed. APRIL 8, 1980 Page 4 Correspondence Letter from Rev. Flug, Council on Aging, indicating that the COA has no plans to purchase another bus. They had only requested some general infor- mation of available grants. Memorandum from SRPEDD relating to UMTA 16 applications for grants for the purchase of vans and /or minibuses for elderly and handicapped. Letter from the Conservation Commission relative to the vote in favor of transferring property to the Town of Mansfield for the purpose of constructing two wells, with stipulations noted in letter. Horizon's for Youth request for permission for walk on Sunday, April 13, 1980 at 1:00 P.M. to and from Mansfield High School. Walk route prepared and approved by Police Sgt. Figueredo. Motion to approve by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED 5 -0. Application from Richard E. Nilsson, S. Main Street, for Board of Health, Application from Larry Pigeon, 34 Clinton St., for Planning Board, and from Marion D. Horton, 309 South Main St., for Arts Council. Letter to Board relating possible violations of second class license issued to Standard Auto Body. Town Manager, Registry, and State are to investigate complaints. Town Manager to request Town Counsel and Building Inspector to check also. Copy of a letter from Town Counsel to New England Merchants Bank relative to the Irrevocable Letter of Credit for account of Air Charter Services. Letter from SRPEDD requesting written support for a grant application to Farmer's Home Administration to expand SRPEDD programs to rural towns. Selectman DeLong moved to send letter of support, seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 5 -0. Copy of letter from Town Manager to Rep. Leon Lombardi regarding House Bills #25 and 27. Copy of letter from Town Manager to Mass. Housing Finance Agency regarding MHFA #80- 016 -B. Copy of letter from Town Manager to New England Security Agency and Fire Department thanking them for participating in school Fire Prevention Program. Transfer request for $150 to Acct. #169 -0 Town Clerk Expense for telephone bills. Selectman Avery moved to approve, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED 5 -0. Transfer request for $1500 to Acct.#216 -0 Memorial Bldg. Expense for oil, electric, and repairs. Motion to approve by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman Levine. Chairman Mahana questioned the amount to be used for repairs. Selectman Avery withdrew motion pending further discussion with Librarian. Letter from Medicompts, Inc. with enclosure from Quincy Patriot Ledger regarding Ambulance Billing. Notification of GATRA meeting April, 9, 1980, 3:00 P.M, in Taunton. \ BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING APRIL 8, 1980 Page 5 Letter from GATRA regarding correspondence received from EOTC relative to Plainville being accepted as a participating member. Copy of letter from Willowdale Golf Course to ConCom regarding condition of bridge over the culvert and suggestions for improvement. Letter from the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs regarding air quality planning activities, Public Hearings to be held April 22, 23,25 in Springfield, Worcester, and Boston. Letter from Council on Aging to Town Manager advising that Account #678 -4 Telephone will have a deficit balance as of April 22, 1980. Memorandum from Light Department regarding disconnection of Service for Patricia Ruts, 135 Fruit Street for non - payment. New England River Basins Commission Release Reportfor March 20, 1980. Letter from Margaret M. Heckler, Congresswoman, urging that Census data be carefully reviewed for accurate figures. Town Manager's Report New Street List books have been published at a cost of $3.33 each. Three hundred were printed at a total cost of $999. Town Manager recommends that the charge be upgraded to $3.50 for public offices and $4.50 for the general public, with a restriction on the number of copies distributed to each Town Department. Selectman DeLong moved that everyone be charge the same price, * namely $4.00. Selectman Avery seconded the motion. VOTED 5 -0. Mr. Metropulos reported a scheduled police department meeting with the Joint Labor Board to discuss police negotiations for Friday, April 11, 1980 at 3:30 P.M. Due to recent newspaper articles relating to the need for more police manpower, the Town Manager has discussed with Police Chief D'Afile the possibility of an overall police study of the department. Mass. Police institute could do the study for a cost of $2,000 or $3,000 for equipment and materials and no charge for labor involved. The-,study would take several days to complete, and three or four months before a report on recommendations could be made. There are no funds appropriated for F/Y 80 -81, however, these could possibily be taken from the Consultant' services Account. FinCom to be contacted. Selectman Avery suggested that a more definitive list of costs be sought. Town Manager reported that he has received approval for the Jaycees request for military trucks which will be supplied from the Engineering Division from Taunton for April 12 Clean-up Day. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING APRIL 8, 1980 i Page 6 Board Reports Selectman DeLong questioned whether test results on landfill site are received annually. Selectman DeLong referred to Town Manager for appointment to Arts Council. Town Manager recommends visiting for State guidelines. Selectman DeLong moved to insert an Article relating to rewording the WWII Scholarship Fund language in the next special town meeting as per request * of Maryann Detrolio. Motion seconded by Selectman Avery. VOTED 5 -0. Selectman DeLong suggested that someone, possibly Town Clerk, should check census figures when received to see that the count is correct. Town Manager advised Selectman DeLong that the roadway over the culvert adjacent to Richardson Mfg. is the Town's responsibility to maintain. If the culvert should colapse, this is part of the roadway and would come under the Town's responsibility. There is a question over who has responsibility for regulation of water. Selectman Levine questioned whether all seals on Town vehicles were magnetic. Town Manager responded that most are the glue -on type. She suggested that any with magnetic seals should be replaced, as they can be easily removed by unauthorized persons. She also commented that the Annual Town Report was not up to par. Selectman Avery,however, felt that containing both the past year and present in one book was a good idea. Selectman Levine also suggested that work sheets be kept by each department; giving job locations for each day or perhaps department plans for upcoming work. Town Manager has requested a priority list for drainage work. Selectman Avery requested that the CATV Committee contact Attleboro or other Towns who have formed committees for some ideas and assistance. Selectman May questioned the practice of some invoices being dated prior to the purchase order. Town Manager advised that a new method is being instituted to comply with the audit report. Each department will be given a batch of purchase orders which will be numbered and which they are responsible for. Purchases of $25 or less can be made without waiting for authorization, but a purchase order must still be used. Emergency orders must be approved by phone with a purchase order to follow. Selectman May also requested that the State be contacted to repair patch on Route 140 underpass which has worked loose. Also to replace broken sign on 47est and School Street. Selectman May moved that only.Department Supervisors be allowed to take home Town vehicles. Selectman Levine seconded. Selectman DeLong explained that in some instances a Town vehicle to provide transportation to and from the home for the employee enhances the position which puts the Town in a more competitive situation by offering incentives . Selectman Levine then BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING APRIL 8, 1980 Page 7 withdrew her second. Chairman Mahana then seconded the motion. Selectman Avery * called for a vote. VOTE 2 -3, motion failed with Selectmen DeLong, Avery, and Levine opposed. Chairman Mahana requested appraisal and amounts of gravel at Gonsalves property. Town Planner and Tom Engineer to have test results from Gonsalves property for Friday afternoon at 4 :15P.M. Also an analysis to be made on pile donated by C.C.F.. Statement to be obtained from State regarding fill because this has to be stockpiled. Also status report requested on woodpile on School Street. Chairman Mahana suggested that the Board review remainder of Articles for Town Meeting on Friday afternoon. Chairman Mahana would like to have Town Counsel appear before Board periodically to report on status of pending law suits. Chairman Mahana suggested that the Board meeting night be returned to Wednesday in view of the fact that the MANSFIELD NEWS coverage has not improved with the change. There being no motion, the matter was dropped. On Chairman Mahana's request a motion was made by Selectman Belong and seconded by Selectman May to give letter of consent to Richard D'Onofrio, a member of COMPARK, to attend the next GATRA meeting as a voting representative of the * Board of Selectmen. VOTED 5 -0. Selectman DeLong moved the Light Director's salary be increased to 10'/0, seconded * by Selectman May, to be effective July 1. VOTED 4 -1 with Selectman Levine abstaining. Next week's meeting on April 15, 1980 to be held at 7:00 P.M. at the High School before Annual Town Meeting. There being no further business, Selectman Avery moved to adjourn at 11:00 P.M. * seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 5 -0.