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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 5-6-19801 BOARD OF SELECTMENAIGHT COMMISSIONERS A G E N D A May 6, 1980 7:00 P.M. Correspondence Review 7:30 P.M. Call to Order RIph Seifert - Rotary Exposition Bob Bolton - Youth Hockey Carnival 7:40 P.M. Greg Matoian - Class II Auto LIcenso 7:50 P.M. Margot Jellinek 8:00 P.M. New England Telephone o Chauncy Street Hearing 8:30 P.M. Public Hearing a Crocker Street 8:35 P.M. Department Heads Clerk's Folder Correspondence Warrants (April 30, 1980) x¢105 School Payroll $47,205.45 h106 Town Payroll 46,796.02 Minutes of April 29, 1980 Town Manager's Report Board Reports Work Session Pending Items Traffic Lights at QO & Forbes Blv. Downtown Traffic Pattern Back Bay Brook Landfill Cover Materials NOTE: WARRANTS TO BE SIGNED TOMORROW NEXT WEEK: Arts Council Applicants BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 6, 1980 Page 1 At 7:18 P.M. the meeting convened for correspondence review with Chairman Mahana, Selectmen Levine and Avery and Town Manager William Metropulos present.(Selectman De Long on vacation/ May absent. At 7:30 P.M. the meeting was called to order. Mr. Bob Bolton representing Youth Hockey requested permission for the Youth Hockey Carnival to be held May 18 -23 at the usual location next to Robinson School. Selectman Levine requested that no head shop (marijuana paraphernalia) be allowed. Mr. Bolton agreed that ;,omission of that booth could be arranged. Selectman Avery moved that permission be granted on condition that no head shop be permitted, seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 3 -0. At 7:35 Greg blatoian made a request for a Class II Auto Licence for the buying and selling of used automobiles and tires (to be sold as an accessory under the name of Tire Man Auto Sales, 425 North Main Street. The owner of the business now present at this location(Standard Auto Body stated he wishes to relinquish his Class II license to Mr. Matoian. However, the Board deferred action pending consultation with building inspector. At 7:45 Mr. Ralph Seifert representing the Rotary Club invited the Board to attend ribbon cutting ceremonies for the Industrial Exposition to be held at the Sheraton - Mansfield from May 16 -18 with 36 exhibits to be presented. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to be Friday, May 16 at 7:00 P.M. A copy of article taken from The Patriot Ledger relating to the Local Disclosure Bill with note from Town Clerk to write to Legislator with comments. (The Board responded to this previously in September, 1979•) Letter to Town Manager from Town Counsel relative to Lawrence Jackson Court decision regarding open trench on Hope Street. Torn Manager spoke with Tom Bonome who suggests installation of pipe to carry off water as impervious material that was used is not holding out. A transfer request for $960.00 for Court Order Award in this case was deferred by the Board until Town Counsel could be consulted. A transfer request for $165 for Election and Registration Fees was approved on * a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 3 -0. A transfer request for $1,500 Account #155 -5 Postage(Town Hall Office Expense) was approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED: 3 -0. A transfer request for $1,000 to Account #491 -0 to pay balance as agreed with contractor for negotiated costs due to fuel cost.inerease. Motion to approve * by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 3 -0. At 7:50 P.M. Margot Jellinek presented to the Board a petition containing 565 signatures of citizens and taxpayers to recind the decision not to rehire Town Manager when his contract expires in August of 1980. The taxpayers demand to know within two weeks reasons for dismissal. Petition accepted without comment. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 6, 1980 Page 2 Correspondence (continued) Transfer request for $50 to Account #197 -0 Election & Registration Fees approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 3 -0. Newspaper notice of public hearing to be held by Commonwealth of Mass. on May 3 on Water Pollution Control. Police. Disturbance Report for May 3 - Depot Lounge reported husband and wife battle. One male subject was placed in protective custody. Copy of letter from Town Counsel to Margot Jellinek regarding Chadwick Maurer, Town Planner. Correspondence refers to letter of January 2, 1980 which 15rs. Jellinek received from Attorney General Bellottils office suggesting she contact Town Counsel regarding alleged misconduct actions of Mr. Maurer as the actions in question (allowing a performance bond to lapse; and, allowing building on sites without first requiring a percolation test) do not require action by the Criminal Bureau of the Depart. of the Attorney General. Chairman Mahana asked why, if Mrs. Jellinek had received the letter in January, she had waited this long to take any action? Mrs. Jellinek replied that she had another course of action in mind which didn't work. Meeting to be held between Town Manager, Town Counsel, and Mrs. Jellinek. New England Telephone Company Hearing - At 8:00 P.M. Clerk Avery opened the public hearing for proposed conduit and manhole locations on Chauncy Street by reading i the published hearing notice of April 24 and May 1, 1980. Mr. Ken Carlson engineer for New England Telephone was present to answer questions for the Board and several abuttors who were present. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has requested that N.E.T. lay underground cables in connection with the relocation of Route 140. This would be done during the construction of the new ,Route 140. The abuttors present examined the map locations provided by N.E.T. and questioned Mr. Carlson as to whether all disturbed areas would be returned to their existing condition by N.E.T; and when work would resume. Mr. Carlson stated that the .State contract for Route 140 would be going out to bid in June and it could possibly be several months before construction could begin. Chairman Mahana commented that the green telephone box adjacent to the common and Town Hall had not been provided with plantings as promised by N.E.T. Mr. Carlson assured Board that this would be taken care of, delay was due to weather conditions, the month of May being their usual planting time. Selectman Avery also noted that when a new telephone pole was installed at 116 S. Main Street the disturbed sidewalk and damaged lawn areas were not returned to original state. Mr. Carlson to follow up. Hearing no further comments or questions, Clerk Avery moved that permission be granted pending State contract for relocation of Route 140, seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 3 -0. Hearing closed at 8:10 P.M. Correspondence (continued) Copy of letter to Bert Cook, Bldg. `,Inspector, from Town Counsel relative to Town of Mansfield vs. Richard A Morse, et al with enclosed copy of court order and conditions. Court found in favor of defendant to be allowed to recommence gravel pit operations April 21, 1980. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 6, 198o Page 3 Correspondence (continued) Copy of letter to Fire Chief Leonard from Town Counsel relative to evacuation of Town owned buildings for bomb scares. A meeting is to be arranged between superintendent of schools, Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Town Counsel to draft a policy statement on the issue. Copies of letters from Town Manager to State DPW and Rep. Leon Lombardi regarding condition of Route 140 underpass. Copy of letter from Attorney Iddings to DPW Sewer Superintendent regarding used mechanical equipment available for sale to Town for wastewater treatment plant. Letter from Library Board of Trustees thanking Board of Selectmen for their support of Library addition at Town Meeting and will continue efforts to complete project. A copy of the same letter sent to J. Houghton, Finance Committee. Letter from Rev. Plug, Mansfield Council on Aging, outlining upcoming Council Activities. 128 WRRC UPDATE: Public Works Committee reviewed the changes on Tuesday, April 29, for the proposed "interim" landfill contract. Date soon to be set for contract negotiations with Clean Communities. HOUSING AFFAIRS Letter, "The Weekly Washington Report on Housing ". Notice of GATRA meeting to be held Tuesday, May 6 at 7:00 P.M. Chairman Mahana requested letter be sent to F. Gay asking for more than a two -day notice of meetings and requesting Rev— Plug:be contacted regarding funds available for mini -bus maintenance and salaries. Letter to Dept. of Environmental Quality Engineering from Town Manager requesting testing for contamination of groundwater and Back Bay Brook due to past dumping by Compo Industries. Copy of letter to be sent to ConCom. Copy of letter from SRPEDD to Mass. Housing Finance Agency acknowledging receipt of application of MB Associates for Mansfield on the Square and SRPEDD vote of support with attached A -95 Summary prepared by Lisa Ruben. Notice from HUD of public forum sponsored by the HUD Office of Neighborhoods and Consumer Affairs to be held on May 10, 1980 from 9 to 3:30 at Boston University. Letter from U.S. Bureau of Census with information for local reviewer program when census figures are provided. To be forwarded to Town Clerk, Arthur Remillard. Public Hearing to make Crocker Street One -way - At 8:30 P.M. Clerk Avery opened the hearing by reading published notice from Mansfield News for the proposal to make Crocker Street one way from North Main Street to Pratt Street. Paul Boyden presented a plan which had the approval of the School Department, Fire and Police Chiefs and all abuttors. Downtown advisory Committee also on record as being in favor. Police Chief D'Afile commented that the plan should help to eliminate traffice problems in the area. Chief Leonard could forsee no problems. State BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 6, 1980 Page 4 would have to be petitioned. Selectman Avery moved to approve one tray on Crocker Street from North Main to Pratt Street, seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 3 -0. * Hearing closed at 8:39 P.M. Department Head Meeting Water Department Supervisor - Robert Morrison noted that he had been on the job now for approximately six weeks. He has encountered problems with dead ended mains on Route 495, Whitman & Howard are discussing with State. He noted that no T.C.E. asbestos lined pipes are in use in Town. On the average of 2.5 to 2.9 million gallons of water are being pumped dailey, capacity is three million. Gtater level has been brought up by recent rains, but wells are still pumping more than they should be. Two new wells will be much needed addition. Chairman Mahana suggested that Highway Director Tom Bonome be advised when water level becomes too low and ban becomes necessary. In Bob's opinion, ban will be necessary. Mater Department billing almost computerized. Delay because computer people lost all information on sewer customers. Bob reported that ten meters had been replaced. Selectman Levine asked whether the wells were being pumped according to Whitman & Howard designs. Bob Morrison stated that this could not be done, but that each well was getting some rest period. He noted that the department was trying to maintain the practice of replacing six hydrants a year. Town Treasurer - Joan Cutillo noted that real estate taxes have been collected with about 95o collected to date and more still coming in. All monies that can be spared have been invested. Thirty more hearing with Registry of Motor Vehicles will be held in June to revoke licenses for non - payment of excise tax. Approximately thirty per month will continue to be scheduled. At the hearing, -resident will be given option to pay back taxes before license is revoked. Police Chief -Chief D'Afile reported 393 investigations for the month of April, 1980, with 311 being cleared. Arrests nWibered 45, with 44 citations being issued, accidents numbered 30. Accidents are still occuring at Forbes Blvd. and Route 106. Chief thinks drivers on Forbes Blvd. are not stopping at -red blinking light. Chief D'Afile noted one assault in April. In March three armed robberies occurred, total to date, four. Residential Burglaries to date, 26; stores and offices to date, 21. Auto thefts to date total 23. Arsons to date total two. Three new men trained in use of ladder. Problem with traffic back -up noted at lights on Route 106 and Franklin Street. Installation of lights has reduced speeders. When Route 495 is completed, Route 106 traffic should be reduced somewhat. Chairman Mahana questioned whether a delay system could be implemented at the North Main St. Route 106 light. State to be contacted regarding delayed light at 140 and 106. Fire Chief - Chief Leonard reported having difficulty with the FinCom regarding ambulance account. Emergency costs are causing problems, and also maintenance has been high. Plans are to begin implementation of smoke detector law passed at the Annual Town Meeting by July 1. Six new call men have been appointed with two more pending. Looking for another man from West Mansfield area. The new truck is due in momentarily. Will be in service two weeks after arrival. 'Chairman Mahana would " like a public demonstration of equipment by Fire Department perhaps July 4th. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE I=ING / MAY 6, 1980 Page 5 DPW Highway - Tom Bonome noted that the .dontractcrew is presently in the process of repainting crosswalks and traffic lines. The cleaning of catch basins is-under contract. Cemetary being groomed for Memorial Day. Reported that William Street bridge is under repair while there is a problem with the High Street bridge which is beyond repair. Rails on underpasses are being painted, and one pump has been repaired. Roadway clean-up by street sweeper has been 759/5 completed. Landfill cover material good until June 30. Tom noted that the landfill from the Sheraton at C.C.F. is free but the Town has to haul it; therefore, trucks would have to be leased. Town Manager suggested a Special Town Meeting to transfer funds for the hauling of cover material from the snow removal account unless the FinCom would transfer funds from the reserve account until a Town Meeting could be held. Tom noted that the cost to lease trucks would be approximately $1.50 per cubic yard with an estimated 20,000 cubic yards available. Chairman Mahana asked whether the Torn front end loader and trucks could handle the job. Tom Bonome replied that with only four dump trucks owned by the Town, all other DPW projects would come to a standstill while hauling was being done. Chairman Mahana feels all present projects should be deferred until cover material is moved. With four Town trucks, each holding 8 cu. yards, 80 yards per truck per day can be moved. Tom Bonome noted that the fill belonged to the contractor and he was beginning to move it out. Chad Maurer, Town Planner stated he was under the impression the Sheraton fill was still available to the Town. He spoke with Paul Dalton of C.C.F. and found they had no problem with the Town taking the fill. Town Engineer, T. Stanzione, feels that material from Mill Pond might have to be mixed in order to be usable. Also approximately 30% from C.C.F. is'not suitable. It would take approximately 80 yards daily of good fill to service landfill. Selectman Avery stated that with no money available, the dump will be closed June 20 unless the Town starts trucking immediately. Tony Stanzione commented that if a written statement of permission were provided by Paul Dalton of C.C.F. then a schedule for trucking could be worked out. Sewer Plant - Bill Handy, Supervisor noted that the Commonwealth Division of Water Pollution Control gave their approval for the wastewater treatment plant. The CETA worker hired in November has left for a better paying position. Lack of personnel is a problem. Bill would like more summer help for mowing. He noted that his main concern is with infiltration in the sewer lines. For Maximum plant efficiency, 1.2 million is normal, but with heavy rains this is increased to three million. There is money budgeted for a contractor to repair and grout pipes. Selectman Avery suggested that the High School be contacted for graduating students who might be interested in training program for wastewater system. Bill feels that with some training, a license is not difficult to obtain and he is making every effort to interest prospective trainees. Town Engineer - Anthony Stanzione stated that he had completed 110 perc tests this past season which was delayed due to the drought conditions. He has answered numerous health complaints, is working on Back Bay Brook in conjunction with DPW, and Hope and Shield St. by Jackson property. Drainage has been completed on East and Branch Street. He is working on reviewing plans with the Planning Board on drainage and other engineering problems that can be corrected before roads axe sealed. He has worked with the ConCom on various projects and with Chairman Mahana on MBTA. Mr. Stanzione is in the process of obtaining an estimate on the High Street bridge. Feels there is no immediate danger in using the bridge. Town Manager to contact Light Department and Kirley Fuel to minimize use of bridge with heavy equipment. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 6, 1980 Page 6 Town Engineer has reviewed State drainage involved with the relocation of RTE. 110. Box culvert for drainage at Willow Street also reviewed. Work on Otis St. next to Richardson Mfg, will be done. Chairman Mahana would like torn wide master drainage report updated. Selectman Levine noted that she had complaints from Brookside estates that as trains go by gravel is being shaken into ducts and is acting as a dam. Al Turinese, developer of Brookside Estate does not want to see culverts open. Feels the brook should be cleaned. Bristol County Mosquito Control tried to clean-up stream but stopped due to complaints. Chairman Mahana suggested this work could be done by hand rather than with heavy equipment. Selectman Levine to check with Boy Scouts as a project for them. Torn Clerk Town Clerk Remillard reported that 10 of the census takers who had been trained at the Town Hall quit because rather than being paid by the hour, in actuality they would be paid by each form which would reduce the hourly rate promised by the Federal Census Bureau. He also reported that Cable T.V. questionnairs were being distributed via light department bills. He noted that each additional bill for Town Meeting and elections will have to be a transfer. Nomination papers for Presidential Ballot will have signatures checked. Dog licenses and fish and game licenses are being issued. Assessors - Al Turinese reported that the Department of Revenue is trying to get certification of assessors through legislation. Association of Mass Assessors has presented objections. A letter from Board of Selectman in order to get Depart. of Revenue to certify or grandfather present assessors. Some home rule will be taken away from local jurisdiction. Mr. Turinese reported that at present all deeds have been transferred to proper owners. A section of East Mansfield has been covered by Appraisers. Torn Accountant -John McAlice thanked the Board and Nina Collingwood for their help while he was out -recovering from surgery. John stated that in his opinion the transfer submitted in January for ambulance maintenance was very well documented, but FinCom did not approve entire amount. It seems there is a problem getting the FinCom to approve, transfers. %They have been very slow. Selectman Avery moved to have Fin Com meet with Board of Selectmen Tuesday, May 13, 1980 with Town Counsel also present, seconded by Selectman Levine, VOTED 3 -0. John also noted that he has been having problems in the area of the computer. Joe McGonagle of DBS is not being effective on the Town's behalf. Selectman Avery asked if Computer Advisory Committee was aware of problems and was told by John they had been advised at their last meeting. John reported he had attended the First Annual Mass Auditors School at U. of Mass. for an update on the uniform accounting system to be instituted for municipalities. He feels this is an important area of study and would like to attend any future programs. A. Remillard was recognized at this time and stated he resigned from the computer study committee because McGonagle was not following the contract terms. He suggested Selectmen attend a committee meeting for support. Joan Cutillo noted 1 that the Light Department was not up to date and has supplied McGonagle with all necessary information, however, to date he has not returned. The deadline for Light Department computerization was to have been April 26. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 6, 1980 1 Page 7 Town Planner - Chad Maurer noted that the water master plan had been approved by Town Meeting, and that legislation had been filed to transfer conservation property back to Town. Whitman & Howard to set up public hearing to be held in the next month or month and a half. One property owner for largest piece has accepted Town's offer. Camp, Dresser,XcKee will file application with EPA for final funding for construction money. Hopefully notification of funding will be received sometime in November. Application will be filed with Town of Norton for hearing on pipe crossing. Wetland Hearing is required for outfall into three Mile River. CARD Plan approved by Department of Community Affairs. Rep. Leon Lombardi received a copyof approval, Town has not as yet.' Fairfield Project Applications are in for funding. Still working on Landfill cover. Asked if Town should persue Gonsalves Property, and if necessary engineering should be done now to have information available at next year's Town Meeting. Chad noted that the Ad Hoc Recreation Committee sponsored money article for Town Meeting for Recreation Plan, but that any contracts to be filed would have to be signed by the Recreation Commission. At this point Selectman Levine asked of Sewer Superintendent Bill Handy whether sludge pits were filled in and he replied that two large ones were, smaller ones in back have not been done yet. Town Manager talked with Tom Bonome about dirt pile which he says was placed there in early 1940's on land owned by Doris Webb. Library - Peg Bradner reported that library use has increased. She has been cooperating with Recreation Department on Dog Show, and coordinating with recreation for summer plans. She attended Department Head seminar in Taunton. Peg outlined the history of janitorial services at Memorial Hall since 19019 to emphasize need for full time custodian. A janitor would help to carry books, prepare signs, clean, set up chairs, etc. Someone from the highway department has been &ing -over to thelibrary on a part -time basis, however, highway cannot spare personnel at this time of year. The library is a mess and desperately needs a janitor. Tom Bonome has a proposal for Janitorial services which Town might accept. However, Peg commented that this would be for cleaning services only and would not provide the help a full -time janitor could. Janitorial services were deferred to Town Manager. Chairman Mahana interjected at this time that any comments or suggestions made to Department Heads, especially highway, are not to pick on the individual, but are due to frustrations because of shortage of manpower and funds. Clerk's Folder Building moving permit application by James B. White, Westport, Mass. for building to be moved from 339 School Street to two Oak Street. Motion to approve by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 3 -0. Warrant #105 School Payroll for $47,205.45 approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman Mahana, VOTED 2 -0 with Selectman Levine abstaining. Town Payroll Warrant #106 for $46,796.02 for April 29 approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman Levine, VOTED 3 -0. Minutes of April 29 - Add to second paragraph the arrival of Sandra Levine during Alan Millis discussion of Cabot Pond. General Jftrrant #107 for $1,895,522.28 approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, second * by Selectman Levine, VOTED 3 -0. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 6, 1980 Page 8 Minutes of April 29, page 2, paragraph 6 should read approval withheld pending name and address of mover. Page 6, paragraph 7 under Town Manager report add Selectman Avery requests a more specific cost analysis. Page 7, Board Reports paragraph 2, sign approval vote should read with Selectmen Avery and Levine opposed. Board Reports, paragraph 5 should read Selectman Avery rather than May. Minutes of April 29 approved with corrections noted on a motion by Selectman Avery, * seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 3 -0. Town Manager's Report Signs placed on commons require approval of Recreation Commission as they have jurisdiction for Parks and Commons. There will be no affect on sewer charges with new water rates based on cubic feet used. Residents charged z of lesser cubic foot usage, industry charged z of cubic foot usage payed throughout year. Relative to Article 28, FinCom taking monies as voted at Torn Meeting, decision was made in 1975 by Whitman and Howard and Department Head not to clean water mains; therefore, no problem arises from the passing of this Article. The planters at Route 106 underpass will be done by highway or parks and commons. Trees at entrance to sub - station were removed by Light Department in preparation for installation of station. These were on Town property. Mr. Haskell, the owner of trees damaged in house moving on Willow Street, was contacted and assured us that he was completely satisfied with repairs to trees. The waterbed sign on Mansfield- Foxboro Town line removed from Mansfield. Town Manager passed out to Board DPW work schedule for May, report on cost of East Street drainage project, list of streets to be oiled, and,ihe snow and ice removal policy and procedure for next year. The two additional appointment for Historical Commission made by Town Manager for Board approval were Patti L. Retort, to expire in 1982 and Jeanne Grady, to expire in 1981. Motion to approve by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman Levine. * VOTED: 3 -0. Fire Chief Leonard will attend "Arson for Profit" conference to be held May 20. Town Manager reported that the snow and ice account is used for meals for highway employees on overtime because this is the time when most lunch expenses occur and according to contract these must be provided. Work on Veteran's Memorial has begun. Request for permission to use some of the $1,152.10 in Agnes I. Cobb gift account. Some money will be left in tree and beatification account. Motion to use Cobb funds made by Selectman Avery, seconded x by Selectman Levine. VOTED 3 -0. VOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 6, 1980 Page 9 Town Manager related that the police have been notified and will keep a check on any dumping that might take place on cart path off of Hope Street going back toward Owens- Illinois. No contractors dumping, but local residents could be dumping leaves, etc. Town Manager reported in answer to a question from previous meeting, the reason for extra men on police duty April 25, 1980 at 11:46 P.M was due to a change of shifts. Building Department Report for April - construction costs $283,669, total to date $839,169. Board Reports Chairman Mahana:reported that he approached a member of ConCom regarding stream cleaning and the feeling is that the Conservation Commission is in favor. Chairman blahana would like to see it done by hand rather than heavy machinery. There is a sandbar building up in Oak Street stream. Selectman Levine to contact boy scouts to see if they would consider this as a project. Chairman Mahana suggested that one Selectman attend FinCom meetings on a rotating basis with a FinCom member attending B/S meetings. Selectman Avery commented that if Boards and Commissions were not doing their jobs, then Selectmen should make changes. Chairman blahana suggested that High Street bridge be closed if condition is at the point of being dangerous. Light Department and Kirley Fuel & Oil to be contacted to reduce unnecessary use of bridge. Since only three Board members present, work session for Town Manager ad postponed. Selectman Levine to work on preliminary ad and present to Board. There being no further business, Selectman Levine moved to adjourn, seconded by Selectman Avery. VOTED: 3 -0 at 11:40 P.M.