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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 5-13-1980BOARD OF SELECTMEN/LIGHT COMMISSIONERS A G E N D A I May 13, 1980 7:00 P.M. Correspondence Review 7:30 P.M. Call to Order Greg Matoian - Class II Auto License Introduction of New Police Officers Arts Council Interviews 7:50 P.M. Paul Burke - CSF 8:00 P.M. Bob Baptiste 8:10 P.M. Transfers mTKXXXmXmamff Correspondence 8:30 P.M. FinCom 9:00 P.M. Attorney Brad Johnson/Town Counsel 9:30 P.M. Walter Day - Little League Warrants of May 7th School Payroll #108 for $212,253.69 Town Payroll #109 for 34,792.57 Town Managerfs Report Board Reports Pending Items Traffic Lights at 140 & Forbes Blvd. Downtown Traffic Pattern Back Bay Brook Landfill Cover Materials Charter Study NOTE: WARRANTS TO BE SIGNED TOMORROW NEXT WEEK: DISCUSSION OF WATER RATES WITH INDUSTRIAL USERS BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 13, 1980 ( Meeting opened for correspondence review at 7:00 P.M. with Selectmen May, Avery, DeLong, and Chairman Mahana present. l(Town Manager Metropulos arrived shortly thereafter.) Charles Singleton and friend requested permission to address the Board. The Board was informed of their attempts to restore the Happy Hollow Cemetery on Williams St. under the guidance of the Historical Commission. Mr. Singleton stated that overgrowth of weeds had been removed and grass mowed. However, they were in; need of grass seed and possibly a fence to keep out intruders. They were commended for their efforts by Chairman Mahana and told to see Torn Manager and Parks Superintendent Ted Robinson for their needs. If funds are needed, they are to return to the Board. Meeting convened at 7:30 P.M. Greg Matoian returned with a request for Class II Auto License for 425 North Main Street which had been deferred from last meeting. An accompanying note from Torn Clerk stated a Class II license had been in existence since 1976 at same address under the name of Standard Auto Body and Sales and note from Bert Cook that all zoning requirements have been met. Motion by Selectman Avery to * approve, seconded by Selectman May. voted 4 -0. Arts Council - Selectman DeLong moved to amend number of members from five to * seven, seconded by Selectman Avery, VOTED 4 -0. The following seven applications were received and noted: Marion D. Horton, Cynthia B. Seifert, James H. Musto, Barbara A. Grady, Doreen J. Tighe, Barbara B. Hinchey, Nick Zaharias. Selectman DeLong moved to appoint all seven applicants, seconded by Selectman Avery, VOTED 4 -0. Chairman Mahana suggested that the Council meet shortly thereafter to appoint a Chairman and establish contact with the State. Chief D'Afile introduced three new police officers to the Board; Philip Lessard who graduated as number one student from the Criminal Justice Center in Fall River, Walter Crickard who was number three, and William Goodale, Jr. who was number four. They were top three on civil service list. Transfer request for $960, judgement in damage awards RE: Jackson(Hope St. trench) deferred until Town Counsel arrives to comment. Transfer of $275 to Health Department Fees for payment of balance of animal inspector and inspector of slaughtering approved on a motion by SelectmanjAvery, * seconded by Selectman May. VOTED 4 -0. Transfer request for $203.24 for election and registration fees approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED: 4 -0. Transfer of $1,100 to Torn Counsel Expense for payment of attorney fees in Victory Realty Case approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED: 4 -0. ( Transfer of $355.00 to Council on Aging Expense approved on a motion by Selectman * Avery, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED: 4 -0. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 13, 1980 Page 2 Correspondence Letter from Chief of Police to Paul Burke to inform that C.S.F "Toll Booth" cannot be conducted according to the rules of Chapter 85, Section 17A. The Board agreed to hear comments from Mr. Burke who was scheduled later on the Agenda. Mr. Burke noted that all funds solicited and received were given out in scholarships. Approximately $2,000 is obtained from Toll Booth, largest fund raiser, which is about 10% of the total intake. Since Toll Booth idea cannot replaced with another large scale fund raiser at this date, Mr. Burke asked for suggestions. Several alternatives were offered by the Board along with their regrets, however, Police Chief's decision has to be respected or he would be considered neglectful of duty.( Selectman Levine arrived at 7:50 during this discussion.) Bob Baptiste - at 8:00 P.M. Mr. Baptiste addressed the Board relative to Town Manager. He asked the Board to reply to the following questions: 1. Is there a written periodic evaluation report on the Town Manager? (A) No, this is not necessary. 2. Asked of Selectman May, "What do you do for a living ?" Chairman Mahana intervened at this time with the comment that he would possibly make a public statement next week, but would not allow the Board to be questioned as to motives or background. Mr. Baptiste stated that the Board does not have " a finger on the pulse of the taxpayers of the Town." In his opinion, not much information has been provided by the Board; and therefore, taxpayers must make their own opinions. He noted that the Board is elected by the taxpayers and possibly would not be re- elected if public opinion is not respected. Would like to know why the Board has reached this arbitrary decision. Chairman:M€chana thanked Mr. Baptiste for his comments. Clerk Avery continued with the correspondence. Sewer Connection application for Augat, Inc. with enclosed permit fee. Approved * on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED: 5 -0. Letter from Town Counsel to Doris Webb responding to her letter to Counsel dated May 6 relative to Ronald Bonvie, Wind Chime Acres. Letter to Doris Webb from Torn Counsel in reply to her letter of May 7 relative to Kelton 0. Potter. Counsel's opinion that no further action be taken regarding his various construction projects until he agrees to meet with ConComl At this time Selectman DeLong stated he would like to respond to Mr. Baptiste. He stated that Chairman Mahana is having a statement prepared for the Board's approval, and does not wish the Board's silence to be misconstrued. Mr. DeLong stated that speaking as an individual, he would not parade before the Town an employee's performance. The Board and his personal opinion of the Town Manager is fine, but speaking for himself, Mr. DeLong feels that Mr. Metropulos has not done well enough. Correspondence(continued) Memorandum from Town Manager to all Departments regarding age p g ng purohase order procedure. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 13, 1980 i Page 3 1 Memorandum from Town Manager regarding Audit reports and copy of report. Chairman Mahana asked if a meeting had been scheduled with J. McGonagle of DBS and was told by Town Manager that it has been arranged for Monday, May 19th at 1:00 P.M. in Reading. 'Chairman Mahana plans to attend with Town Manager. Notice from Commonwealth of Massachusetts from Rep. Lombardi relative to extension of deadline for energy conservation grants. Letter to Town Manager from Aetna Insurance regarding semi - annual service call made April 14, 1980 to inspect Town departments and equipment all of which appeared to be receiving adequate maintenance. Notice from Bristol County One Care on distribution of monies. Letter from Charles Jepsen to Edward Sliney, Jr. commending the EMT team for their quick and efficient action in handling his son's injury. Motion made by Selectman Avery to send letter to Ed and his team in appreciation of their proven * competenceo seconded by Selectman May. VOTED 5 -0. Letter from Carr Research in reply to issues and concerns raised in the April 22 report prepared by IEP, Inc. on the Cabot Pond Restoration Project. Memorandum to Airport Commission from Town Manager regarding Lessee Financial Report. Police Report for May 12 call to Titus Restaurant at 1:55 a.m. to clear parking lot. Letter from American Legion Auxiliary Post 198 requesting permission for annual Poppy sale May 22 -26. Motion to approve by SelectmW Avery, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED 5 -0. Memorandum to Department Heads from Town Manager reminding that all motor vehicle accidents or vandalism must be,reported to New England Security. Letter from Veterans Council inviting the Board to participate in the Memorial Day parade to start at Memorial Park at 10:00 a.m. Chairman Mahana will attend and encourages Board to participate. Letter from Attorney Mangiaratti relative to injury sustained by Ronald Courtemanche and damage to motorcycle on April 14 at 2 a.m. when he encountered flooding conditions under the railroad overpass on North Main Street in Mansfield. As a result he is claiming damages of $ 780.54. Town Counsel to handle. Letter from ConCom with copy of Assessment of the Proposed Cabot Pond Restoration Proposal prepared by IEP, Inc. Letter from SRPEDD relative to the Project Information Statement regarding Michelin Tire Corporation $6,000,000 Industrial Revenue Bond. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 13, 1980 I Page 4 l Notice from Comm. of Mass. DPU of public hearing May 28, 1980 at 9:00 in Boston relative to improved method of freight station service. Letter from James Hall to John Redding appointing him as office manager of Electric Department as of May 12, 1980. Letter from Executive Office of Communities and Development approving Mansfield Central Commercial Area Revitalization District .Plan with boundaries noted. Chairman Mahana commented that boundaries were perhaps limited to provide for a balance of residential to commercial development. Copy of letter to James Hall from Attorney Begley regarding Indemnification of Municipal Employees. Chairman Mahana questioned whether this could be placed on the November ballot. Newspaper article submitted by W. Wolf of 186 Mill St., questioning whether the Dow Chemical roofing materials referred to in article were those used on High School Roof. Selectman Avery responded that GAF materials were used on Mansfield High School Roof. FINCOM - At 8:30 Chairman Mahana addressed Fin Com with the statment that this meeting was to be for informational purposes and he had requested Town Counsel to preside. Chairman Mahana then expressed the concerns of department heads over the FinCom's preference for having funds transferred between line items before going to the FinCom for transfer from Reserve Account. He also asked why FinCom had been slow to act on transfer requests. He noted that the biggest problem is to increase communication between the Board and all committees, especially the FinCom on transferring of funds from Reserve Account. Mr. Mahana noted that the dailey operation of the Town could be hindered by delays. J. Houghton noted that most transfers relate to unexpected expenses, and that it was the FinCom's practice to wait until zero account is nearly depleted, before approving any transfers. They do not mean to spend against the zero account. The transfer is made to the zero account, but actual spending is on a line item basis. Chairman Mahana wants to know for next year hou much should be budgeted to provide for adequate hands. If budget is reasonable, transfers should not be necessary. He noted that the Town is becoming known as a bad credit risk and is looking for a way in which to overcome this. J. Houghton stated that if zero account is not depleted, FinCom will not approve transfer request, unless known expenses will deplete funds. Chairman Mahana then asked for permission to include department heads that were present in the discussion. Selectman Avery questioned Town Counsel about roll of FinCom. He does not like to see any Board get into an adversary type role. Roger Dotson noted that sometimes the reason for transfer request is not documented adequately. If a Department Head is in a hurry for transfer approval, he is welcome to attend FinCom meeting. Fire Chief Leonard noted an example where a transfer request for the ambulance account was only partly funded although according to FinCom and Town Account it was very well documented. Thus an additional request had to be made at a later date. l BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 13, 198o Page 5 Town Accountant, John MCAlice, would prefer to see spending from line account rather than zero account. Town Manager and FinCom agree that as long as there is money in the zero account, a transfer is not necessary. Selectman Avery noted that he heard that it was the FinCom's intention to conduct audits of departments. Joe Houghton said that there had been some discussion about reviewing matters within departments. Selectman Avery noted that FinCom had not authority to do so and Joe Houghton agreed. Town Counsel stated that FinCom would be exceeding its authority unless a specific request were made. He stated that the FinCom is considered an advisor primarily for Annual Town Meeting. Town has not given FinCom wide powers, limited powers are all that can be exercised. Joe Houghton noted that he has always received informa- tion when he has asked. John McAlice feels basically that what is happening is breaking down the budget process. Also that if zero account is going to be spent, it should be done with some consistency. He also feels that some reliance must be placed on the department heads and the Town Manager who must approve all requests. Selectman DeLong noted that some flexibility must be allowed, and that the purpose of having zero account plus line accounts is so that transfers can be made within line items. Town Counsel suggested that the selectmen state the policy regarding transfers, with proposals from the FinCom. Selectman Avery noted that the policy on zero account had been adopted some time ago by the Board to deplete zero account. Selectman DeLong noted that Department Heads and Tovm. Manager want some flexibility toward end of year. Chairman Mahana felt that the policy should be renewed by the new Board. J. Houghton stated that whatever the Board decides, the FinCom should have some policy for approving transfers. Steve Quinn suggested that perhaps FinCom could receive and start to prepare months in advance budget information for Town Meeting. Selectman Avery suggested that this be worked out with the Town Manager. Tom Leonard, however, felt that amounts are difficult to predict too far in advance, and that needs should be considered rather than amounts. Steve suggested a preliminary budget review process, as the FinCom does not have sufficient time to talk to department heads for explanations. Chairman Mahana closed the discussion with the hopes for better communication between the selectmen, department heads, and FinCom. There being no further comments, he thanked,'the FinCom for their attendance. At 9 :35 P.M. Walter Day approached the Board with plans for a 20 x 40' poured concrete building for the Little Leaque field in West Mansfield. Looking for construction to begin in mid June with four to six fields completed by September. Would like permission to talk to Department heads for the installation of lines and pipes for electricity and water, and then will return to Board. It was suggested that he come back with specific money costs to be incurred by Town. After a brief recess the Board was polled and unanimously agreed to enter Executive Session with Town Counsel to discuss litigations pending against the Town. Executive Minutes prepared separately. Back in open session, Clerk Avery continued with the correspondence. Letter to Board of Selectmen from Margot Jellinek regarding landfill cover material and her opposition to to the proposed excavation of Gonzales pit. On a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May, the Board voted to approve School Payroll #108 for $212,253.69. VOTED 3 -0 with Selectmen Levine and DeLong abstaining. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 13, 1980 Page 6 Town Payroll Warrant #109 for $34,792.57 was approved on a motion by Selectman Avery * seconded by Selectman Levine, VOTED 3 -0 with Selectmen May and DeLong abstaining. * General Warrant #110 for $168,990.58 was approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED 5 -0. Revenue Sharing Warrant #111 for $22,055.86 was approved on a motion by Selectman * Avery, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED 5 -0. Tom Manager's Report In response to the questions last week concerning the public hearing article noted in the correspondence, Town Manager reported that two kinds of lists are being established, economic benefits and economic benefit priority list. Trying to build up point total by going into design material and based on how many jobs will be provided or continued. Mansfield's position is listed at K0 points. However, this does not mean that we won't get any funding. Town Manager reported that Dustin Well is now back in operation. A seal was broken and has been replaced. This should be done on an annual basis and all pumps will be put on an annual maintenance program. Art Stockus to come back with a proposal of costs for maintenance on wells. Electrical problems occurred today at Dustin well, but it will be back in operation tomorrow afternoon. Did not create any serious water problem to Town. Experiencing some electrical problems on well #3• These will be corrected shortly. Bob Morrison, Tom Bonome, and Town Manager have discussed present and future use of buildings at Water Plant. Some buildings could be put to use for storage, but will require repair work and refurbishing. Will put together cost figures for both. JayCee's have asked for use of Town Hall on May 31 for Bloodmobile. There is no problem accept that they will have to pay for use of Janitor's services as there is no money left for overtime. Veteran's Memorial work is underway. Telephone Company is getting prices for Canadian Hemlocks from J.P. Smith. Letters have been written to various service organizations for contributions of money or shrubs. Selectman Levine suggested that Bristol County Agricultura School be contacted for purchase of small shrubs they may have available. Referring to culvert on School Street(Banana Road), Tom Manager reported that the culvert is controlling the water level in this area. Water Shed areas are presently in balance and should remain as is. Chairman Mahana suggested that some stream cleaning be done 100 yards north of Oak Street Bridge. The culvert is handling everything coming down but a sandbar build -up has occurred. Would like to see this cleaned without the use of heavy machinery. Bristol County Mosquito Control made a mess of Hodges Brook and Chairman Mahana does not want a repeat. This summer some groups could be contacted to help clean stream. Selectman Levine who had been asked to contact the Boy Scouts regarding cleaning of streams reported that some areas in need of cleaning are deep into marshy woodland and Boy Scouts would have a problem hauling out materials. Chairman Mahana noted that the stream is dry during July and August. However, as Selectman Levine pointed out, the Boys Scouts usually do not meet during those months. BOARD OP SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 13, 1980 Page 7 Board Reports Selectman Levine noted that a call had been received from a resident complaining that the library should be considered more of a priority than the Veteran's Memorial. Selectman May again approached the subject of underpass plantings of flowers. Town Manager noted that the DPW and Parks & Commons were proceeding with this. Selectman May also asked if the common off of Rte. 106 and Thomas St. could be cleaned up. A brief discussion ensued over the provision for janitorial services at the library. Peg had noted at the Department Head meeting that two salaries had been combined with the assumption that services would be continued at the library. In 1977 this was taken out. We are checking into possibility of contractual services, but library is looking for more than that. Selectman DeLong asked if there might be enough money in the budget for a high school student to provide some part -time work. Chairman Mahana thought perhaps during the summer months a school custodian might be able to provide some hours at the library, however, Selectman Avery pointed out that is the busiest time. Selectman May asked what is going to become of the V.F.W. liquor license since they now have no building. Selectman DeLong noted that the Board can renew the license at the end of the year if they are going to replace the building. Selectman May ( also asked that the police watch for drinking outside the American Legion building on Fruit Street. He thought the crowd from V.F.W. might now be patronizing the legion. Chairman Mahana commented that non - profit organizations should be limiting their services to members of the particular lodge, Post, or their guests, otherwise complaints might be received. Chairman Mahana asked about the gravel at the Sheraton and the status of the gatekeeper situation at the dump. Town Manager stated these were still up in the air. Chairman Mahana asked about the woodpile on School Street and Town Manager noted that Bert Cook had informed that it would be sold or given array. Chairman Mahana also noted that the State had done a nice job of cleaning up the Route 140 underpass. He reminded Board of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Industrial Exposition scheduled for 7:00 P.M. May 16 at the Sheraton. List of MBTA owned land has been approved by Charlie. A meeting of COMPARK to be held before executing acceptances. He also requested Town Manager to check if Town has adequate insurance. Selectman Levine commented that she had not formulated an ad for Town Manager as yet. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:30 P.M.