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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 5-20-1980BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COa'!aSSIONFRS A G E N D A MAY 20, 1980 7:00 P.M. Correspondence Review 7:30 P.M. Call to Order Light Department Reports Clerk's Folder - None 8:00 P.M. Water Rates Discussion - Industrial Consumers, Whitman & Howard Correspondence Warrants of May 14th ;/,.8112 School Payroll 852004.44 {113 Town Payroll 44,058.48 Minutes of May 6 Tom Manager's Report Board Reports Advertisement for Torn Manager Pend; —Items Traffic Lights at 140 & Forbes Blvd. Downtown Traffic Pattern Back Bay Brook Landfill Cover Materials Charter Study NOTE: WARRANT TC BE 20NED TOH ..RO,:i BOARD OF SELECTMEN/LIGHT MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 20, 1980 At 7:00 P.M. the meeting was opened for correspondence review and was called to order at 7:30 P.M. PRESENT: Chairman Mahana, Selectmen DeLong, May, Levine, and Avery and Tom Manager William Metropulos. LIGHT DEPARTMENT Light Department Director Jim Hall introduced the new Office Manager, John Redding, to the Board. Monthly financial statements and balance sheets were presented for review. Selectmen Mahana and DeLong commented that these figures were meaningless to Board members unless compared to prior year for same period. Selectman Avery suggested that a comparison should be programed for the computer while still in the planning stages. He noted that it was not Gerry Lemieux work that was being criticized, but the format of the report. Selectman DeLong reiterated that while the computer was being programed, a comparison should be included between the expenditures and amount budgeted. Mr. Hall noted that Town Counsel had approved the wording contents of the new service agreement by the M%-1EC Board of Directors. The only change is in allowing a small community in Rhode Island to join. Will require Board signatures. NEPCO rate cases: Since 1975 legal expenses to Mansfield has been $55,000 for three cases; R10, Rll, R12. With the settlement of R10 Mansfield will receive back $66,000; from R119 $164,000; and R12, $130,000; totaling with interest,$360,000. This according to Jim Hall should be received around July or first of August, from New England Pourer. There are no limitations on usage of this money, recommendation will be made by Mr. Hall. Money can be kept in fund to defray cost of other expenses. Mr. Hall reported that a contract is ready to sign with New Brunswick(Canada) Power to buy surplus power. This is a nuclear unit which would provide reasonably inexpensive power to be available in 1981. Jim Hall recommends the purchase within reason of all that we can get. The exact cost per kilowatt hour will be available within a week, but will be substantially lower than oil or gas. Jim Hall answered affirmatively that we can drop some of the oil or coal now being purchased when this supply becomes available. He explained that this is a long range program planned to coincide buying from New Brunswick with the dropping of short -term contracts now held. There being no other questions, the Board thanked Jim for his report. Water Rates Discussion - At 8:00 Chairman Mahana explained to those present that some of the large water consumers were not notified of the water rates public hearing, therefore, they have been invited tonight to participate in an open discussion of the proposed adjusted water rates and reasons behind it. Several industries in Town out of the twenty contacted had representatives present and they proceeded to question the Board. Anthony Weston of Textron asked how rates would be affected. Chairman Mahana explained that at the present time $2.40 of the tax rate paid in real estate taxes goes to support the water department. This is taken out of the real estate tax and put directly on crater usage. Mr. Mahana commented that the Board chose a flat rate system because of their concern for the limitations on available water supplies, and to urge conservation of present resources. This decision was not a means to punish or penalize industry. Chairman Mahana pointed out that new construction in town that is valued at a higher rate will pay more through real estate taxes to support the water system under the present billing system. BOARD OF SELECTMEN/LIGHT C MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 20, 1980 Page 2 Water Rates Discussion Continued Thus he explained to Ron Lind of Codex that their water bill should actually go down when put on the flat rate. Chairman Mahana then requested Art Stockus of Whitman & Howard to present a brief synopsis. Other industries present were: Peter Fontinini, Billings; Leon Colson, Owens- Illinois; Ken Bedrosian, Sheraton- Mansfield; Dick Sternisa, Cleveland Twist. Art Stockus explained that the burden of supporting the water system should be on the water users not on taxpayers themselves. The rates were computerized by taking consumption from individual services and meters, unmetered services were given assumed rates, and these were programmed into the computer arriving at several rate structures to support the growth the town needs in order to provide good service. The concern being adequate fire protection and the ability to provide water to all parts of the town during peak demands and summer months. Whitman & Howard in the past recommended the town acquire and construct four wells between the 1970's and 1990. None have been put on to date, with two in the present proposal. Therefore, idea of stressing conservation through use of the flat rate system, a pay as you go method, seems to be a reasonable one at this time. This information was fed into the computer and arrived at the rate seen on chart (attached). Chairman Mahana noted that the primary consideration is that there is not an infinite supply of potable water. Areas of water are extremely limited and of low yield. Conservation of water and protection of present water supplies is necessary. Mr. Bedrosian expressed concern for water supplies when industrial park reaches full potential. Chairman Mahana noted that two new wells will be rated for one million gallons per day each. We are also updating water mains to reduce loss through infiltration and if necessary will procure more wells which will be of a low yield but which will provide back -up needed to meet the demands of both industry and residents. Mrs. Boone of Owens- Illinois asked when rates would go into effect, how long before dollar amounts will be changed, and if the new rates will go on for an indefinite period? Arthur Stockus stated that these rates should be good for 10 years if the Town does not complete recommended projects. Peter Fontanini asked whether other proposals would be presented next year to fulfill the two areas that have been dropped from this year's proposal? Art Stockus replied that if more improvements are needed, the water rates would be adjusted again. Mr. Weston of Textron asked how sewer rates would be affected. It was explained that these rates would be based on the water billing of cubic feet consumed. Caroline Bregnard of the water department noted that industry is now charged 500/6 of their water bill based on what they are now paying and that will remain unchanged until the new 107TP goes on line in 1984 when rates will be increased drastically. Ken Bedrosian of Sheraton asked whether any of the open ponds he has noted in Norton or Foxboro could be tied in with the area's water supply. Chairman Mahana replied that many of the what would appear to be large ponds are actually stagnant bodies of water; however, at some point in the future some of these ponds will have to be used as a water supply. That is why the Town is trying to trace water polutants so that these ponds of water can be used in the future. After a brief explanation of the rate chart, explaining that the first 2000 cubic feet consumed would be billed at .778 Dollars per 100 cu. ft., and anything over 2000 cu. ft. would be billed at .563 dollars per 100 cu. ft., Chairman Mahana directed any further questions to arise in the future be brought to either the Town Manager or water department. PI ~AT RATS 1,831,2$0 IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM MANSFIELD WATER OEPARTMEN't.. _. FIRST 2000• CU* FT# AT 0.7T8 DOLLA45 PCR 100 CU. FY. OVCR 2000• CUs FT•.AT 4.6,53 DOLLARS VVA- 100._CU. FT. MINIMUM SERVICE C14ARGES (PER PERIOD) METER MTMtmUM FLOW 511:°. CNAA,E ALLOWANCE 4IN•1 tat t CU. FT.) . - 510 _ ._ ._�. 18456 2000.00 9 29x63 4300600 1-314 � 38.07 6000.00 ldl /Y 49.33 0000.00 • 2 25067.96 12000.u0 3 116007 20000.00 • d _ - •- 4.44 4` .- 229.44 -�� - 40000.00 6 398.29 70000.00 0 4444 . 567.14 .--- - -0 #24 FLAT RATE PER'SERVtCU 71.04 4.51 PERIOD 1 ESTIMATED REVENUE. ...... MANSFIELD WATER DEPARTMENT METER REVERUF. PERCENT SIZE, 14 DOLLARS OF TOTAL ._ .. 6/6 116154.50 49.66 a 2221.16 0.95 1 ®1/4 4 444 761.60 0.10 1 ^1/2 13414.39 5.73 • 2 25067.96 -'.. -_ _._ . -_. 10.72 3 23345.39 9.98 4 --4 iB00e6tl _ e__._ 17.07 6 0.0 0.0 0 4444 . 567.14 .--- - -0 #24 FLAT. RATE: • 10561.19 4.51 PERIOD 1 ESTIMATED REVENUE PERIOD 2 ESTIMATE -D REVENUE. $JO . 1 4-1/4 2 3 4 6 0 FLAT RATE PERIOD 2 _ s +22')4.5- 4i4e40 3392.00 _ __. _ _ _ --- .. Y.07 929.05 0.29 ._._. . 10679.55 26745.13 0.45 16510.84 .. _._..__ .__ 6.21 75011.30 7.3.69 . -_. 0.0 . _ .----- _..._,.�.� 4_444 ____. -- -- 0.0 567.14 0.10 10561.19 TINATUD REVENUE 316691.56 ANNUA riMATE® REVENUE Y 550.605.44 BOARD OF SELECTMEN/LIGHT MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 20, 1980 Page 3 Correspondence With the Town Manager's permission Clerk Avery read the following statement concerning the non - renewal of Town Manager's contract: "The Selectmen have determined that a great deal of false and misleading information has been circulated recently concerning the non - renewal of Town Manager William P. Metropulos' contract which ends August 1, 1980. For this reason, vie are issuing the following statement to clarify the issue and resolve the misconceptions regarding the non - renewal which is not synonymous with a municipal employee being fired. The Board has determined that Mr. Metropulos' overall administrative philosophy is incompatible with that of the Board of Selectmen. This Board is not questioning Mr. Metropulos' honesty, integrity, or sincerity, but has decided that there is a lack of direction which is absolutely necessary in the critical position which the Town Manager occupies. His failure to accurately and effectively implement policy decision necessitating the Board's intervention indicates a lack of administrative ability to encompass the total operations within: his area of responsibility. For these and other reasons the Board has determined that the community would be better serviced by hiring a new Town Manager to be the executive and administrative officer of the Town." Transfer request for $14,300 for Highway Expense #501 with attached invoices. Chairman Mahana asked Tom Bonome if his budget had been underfunded. Tom explained that fuel consumption was doom but costs had increased. On a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman Levine, the request was approved for FinCom recommendation. Vote: 5 -0. Transfer request for $23,000 for street lighting #525 -0. Tom Bonome explained that fuel costs have increased at a rate of $1,000 per month. Earlier in year they were averaging about $5,000 per month, now about $9,000 all attributed to increase in fuel charges, not consumption. Selectman DeLong asked that this figure be checked with light plant, however transfer was approved on a motion by Selectman DeLong, seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED: 5 -0. Transfer request approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman Levine * for $300 to conservation commission for secretarial expenses. VOTED: 5 -0. Letter from Water Department Office requesting abatement of airport unpaid viater bills incurred during 1077 to 179 while Carleton - Whitney leased property. Attempt was made to collect from Carleton - Whitney to no avail. Total abatement requested $69.01. Selectman Avery moved for abatement then on Selectman DeLong's suggestion amended motion to read charge off as bad debt. Seconded by Selectman May, voted 5 -0. At this point Selectman DeLong suggested to Tom Bonome he should indicate to FinCom the reasons for requested transfers other than fuel costs, as some of attached invoices were not fuel related. Letters from the Mansfield Permanent Firefighters Association and Police Officers Ed Cormier and Gerald Mullen asking for reconsideration of Frank 116hico" Colella's demotion. Letter from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency RE: payment Reimbursement Approval of expenses incurred to date of $48,300. Letter from ICMA regarding correspondence Course in Managing Fire Services. To be turned over to Fire Chief. BOARD OF SELECTMEN/LIGHT MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 20, 1980 :Page 4 Corresypndence(continued) Letter from Henry and Priscilla Larochell Re: Town -owned railroad parcel which runs through their land located on Plain Street in Norton. They would be interested in purchasing this parcel. Selectman Avery pointed out that the piece in question will be the site of the sewer interceptor line. Town Manager directed to reply explaining that once the sewer line is put through, the Town would be in a position to sell the parcel if an easement were obtained. Letter from Town Counsel to Judith Bacon Hartwell, Attorney RE:iRonald W. Courtemanche requesting a copy of estimate. Letter to Town Manager from Town Counsel RE: Ben Carvalho vs. Raymond Collins in tree cutting incident on Williams St. Letter from the U.S. Department of Energy relative to the establishment of an Energy Extension Service for small energy users. Letter from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approving Wastewater Treatment Plant, Final Report prepared by Camp. Dresser & McKee with the exception that a final determina- tion on the need for a chlorine contact tank be made at a later date. Letter from EPA referring to request for sludge disposal report notifying of grant increase. Letter from Commonwealth of Mass. Arts and Humanities, To be turned over to Arts Council. Notice from Mass. Civil Defense Agency pertaining to Search and Re- search agreement for rescue and recovery service. To be turned over to Bob Button of Civil Defense. Police Disturbance report for May. Weekly report from Recreation Department. Letter pertaining to the 2- proposal to be on November ballot, from EOCD. Comm. of Mass. Water Resources Commission regarding informational meeting on Construction grants priority list to be held June 2, 1980 in Boston. Public Hearing to be held Friday, June 20 in Gardner Auditorium. Advance notice of full commission meeting of SRPEDD on Wednesday, May 28 at 8:00 P.M. in Taunton. Selectman Avery will attend with Representative Levine if needed. Election information noted from Southeastern Mass. Health Planning and Development. Copy to Board of Selectmen of letter to Town Manager from Ware Street residents concerning drainage and flooding problems signed by approximately 20 residents. Request that stream be cleaned out to Canoe River. Chairman Mahana suggested that Bristol County be contacted, but that hopefully they wouldn't repeat in the manner of Hodges Brook. Town Manager noted that he had been in contact with Bristol County and they would send a supervisor out to inspect. Selectman May asked if stream cleaning would aReviate the problem, or if the culvert could be opened again? Town Manager replied stream cleaning would help somewhat. There is a condition in effect that the culvert be closed for one year. Opening it now may cause legal problems unless condition were removed on recommendation of Town Engineer. Mrs. Jones of Ware St. who was present at meeting agreed that once stream had been cleaned, she would not oppose change. The Board wants BOARD OF SMECTMEN/LIGHT MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 20, 1980 Page 5 to assure that they do not alleviate one problem and cause another further doom the line. Selectman Avery suggested that Bristol County be notified to contact us when they send out supervisor so that Town Manager, Town Engineer, and Tom Bonome can also be on site. If necessary, Town Manager to contact State representatives for action. At this time Art Stockus of Whitman & Howard was asked to address Board as to what should be done on wells. Mr. Stockus discussed running wells at 12 -16 hours with sufficient time to recharge. with wells #4 & 5 out and #2 presently down, existing wells, with Dustin out back to 600 gal. a minute, total capacity approximately 3.1 million gal. per day. Average right now is about 2.6 on a dailey basis. It is becoming harder and harder for the wells to keep tanks full. Expects demand for 4.5 million gal. on peak day. In Mr. Stockus' opinion restricting water use should be considered before summer season, by limiting crater hours or restricting outside watering to hand -held hoses. Selectman DeLong asked for written suggestions as to limitations. Chairman Mahana asked for something in incremental stages. Selectman DeLong noted that if the wells are continually abused, they will not see us through to implementation of new wells. Art. Stockus suggested relaxing a water ban during the weeks that heavy users might shut down for vacations. He stated that if all goes well, the two new wells could be on line at the earliest by September of 1981. Chairman Mahana asked of Mr. Stockus if Town will continue to seek new well sites and he replied that funds are built in for well exploration. Joan Cutillo asked Art if in emergency situation wells 2, 4, and 5 could be used. He replied that wells 4 & 5 have high iron content. Complaints had been received from residents of odor and unpleasant taste. However, these are usable in an emergency. A filtration system could eliminate the problem or it could be treated with chemicals, but a filtration plant would be impractical. Well #2 is doubtful. Money has been provided to repair #2. Metaphos is not being used presently because of complaints of water becoming greasy. Only 2 or 3 stations in need of it. Art Stockus will give Tom Bonome some feed rates for pumps on metaphos. Not more than three wells would require it. Chairman Mahana questioned whether this might be dangerous to health. Art Stockus would have to check results on wells, but did not think so. In a real emergency, chemicals could be added to wells 4 & 5 for use. Application for Charter Revision Committee noted from Linda Kricher, 111 Plain St. Warrant #112 School Payroll was approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by * Selectman DeLong for $52,304.44. VOTED: 4 -0 with Selectman Levine abstaining. Warrant #113 Town Payroll for $44,058.48 approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED: 4 -0 with Selectman May abstaining. Warrant #114 approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May for $27,934.70 with the exception of Voucher #5942 for $7,030.40 being withheld for explanation. * VOTED 5 -0. Minutes of May 6 correction noted by Selectman Levine under DPW Highway report should read that the contract crew is presently in the process of repainting crosswalks. A discussion of cover material for landfill ensued with Town Manager's feeling that C.C.F. material not available since contractor wishes to be paid for hauling costs. Chairman Mahana asked Tom Bonome to contact Conservation Commission for information on Mill pond. He commented that C.C.F. could have been obtained earlier except that a citizen requested that it be tested which caused a delay. Selectman Delong wants BOARD OF SELECTMEN/LIGHT MINUTES OF THE MEETING" MAY 20, 1980 Page 6 information on how much cover material would be available from Mill pond. If this is only good for six months, the only viable solution seems to be Gonsalves property. The Town is not exempt from permit procedures, therefore, it will still take approxi- mately one year before material can be extracted from Gonsalves. Next May would be the earliest we can obtain fill. Selectman DeLong requested that Gonsalves be asked if testing can be done on the land. If test wells can be put in in December, we can still go into Tom meeting next year for funds to buy land. The only other alternative is to truck out of Town. Chairman Mahana suggested that if there is any new activity in the industrial park, we try to obtain material. Town Manager to pheck with Clean Communities on cost of hauling or cost of purchasing cover material through them. On a motion by Selectman Avery, sec ended by Selectman Levine, the minutes of May 6 * were approved with the correction noted. VOTED: 5 -0. Town Manager Report Plants installed and seeding taken place at Veteran's Memorial. Telephone Company has installed plants around green box adjacent to Memorial. Selectman De Long noted that the telephone Company green box off Rumford Ave. does not look like it is on Town property, which it should be. Bristol County was supposed to start mosquito spraying yesterday. Tom Bonome contacted Bristol County Agricultural School for plants as suggested by Selectman Levine but they only had small seasonal plants. Order must be placed in early Fall for March pick -up. Hodges Brook mainstream is fairly clear. No alterations needed within stream. Chairman Mahana noted that sandbar is slowing down flow causing it to back up. To be persued further. Garden Street Appraisal should be in our hands by next week. Grass seed has been given to Charles Singleton for Happy Hollow Cemetery. Dustin and Well #3 are back in operation. Still waiting for some parts but they are operating now. Fisher Richardson House is being inspected for termites and powder post beetles. Cost estimates will be obtained. Building Inspector Bert Cook out sick last week. He has been given notice of problems with Bielan, woodpile, etc. Reminder of Wastewater Treatment Facility tour in Medway Thursday, May 22, with dinner to follow. Board Reports Selectman May reported he was pleased to see flowers being planted. Relative to the Route 140 underpass which has been repaired, Lino Holsky is concerned about this being turned over to the Town by State. Town will not recommend acceptance of underpass untill all repairs are made satisfactorily. BOARD OF SELECTMEN/LIGHT COMMISSIONERS MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 20, 1980 Page 7 Selectman May asked about status of Fire Chiefs recommendations for charges at Bristol Arms. Town Manager reported that smoke detectors were being replaced. Selectman May questioned whether the Fire Department would be required to clean up in industrial park if sprinkler system was set off. Selectman DeLong responded that only if it were a fire, but not for false alarm. Selectman Levine noted the first fatality had occurred at the intersection of Route 140 and Forbes Boulevard. She suggested that Town appeal to State onceagain for lights. She requested that State Senator and Representative be asked to apply pressure to the State for action. Same problem exists at 106 and Forbes. Selectman Avery suggests trying again, but feels no action will be taken by State until Rte. 140 is relocated. Chairman Mahana suggested a patrolman be placed at Rte. 106 & Forbes during peak hours and ask Foxboro to do same at 140 & Forbes. Selectman Avery commented that he felt most accidents were not occurring at peak times. Selectman DeLong suggested a check be made to see when accidents were occurring, and then ask for Representative's support since a fatality had occurred. Town Manager reported that Foxboro refused to put patrolman at 140 and Forbes because of the danger. Selectman DeLong commented that light bills were supposed to be post cards using bulk mailing rate, and placing flyers in envelopes with the bills was becoming costly. Selectman DeLong also asked when new water rate would be implemented. I-later billing is being done monthly now. Selectman DeLong moved to institute new water rates effective as of July 1, seconded by Selectman Avery. VOTED: 5 -0. Chairman Mahana reported that he attended the meeting with Joe McGonagle of DBS along with Town Manager, Joan Cutillo, and John MCAlice. They emphasized that the Board was concerned about service. They covered and resolved most problems. Custodial Service at the library was again discussed with the recommendation that Jimmy Mei be sent over three hours a day. It was suggested that information be gathered for the purchasing of X -mas tree lights — Chairman Mahana requested that the MBTA be contacted to give volunteers permission to paint railroad station. He also questioned the adequacy of the Town's Workman's Compensation Insurance. To be checked. Reported that reflectors were knocked down on the bend at Oak Street and there are many youngsters in the area to be concerned about. Ask Tom Bonome to make some repairs. Chairman Mahana at this time requested an executive session for Authority on limits for police negotiations. Board polled for executive session, all in favor, 5- 0.(10:50p.m.) Executive Minutes prepared separately. After returning to open session, Selectman Avery gave approval to Town Manager ad prepared by Chairman Mahana. To be advertised as soon as possible as directed. Selectman Avery moved to return meetings to Wednesday night beginning with first BOARD OF SELECTMEN/LIGHT COMMISSIONERS MINUTES OF THE MEETING MAY 20, 1980 page 8 Wednesday in June. Selectman Levine commented she would be late for next Tuesday's meeting. Motion seconded by Selectman May. VOTED 4 -1 with Selectman DeLong opposed. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:15 p.m.