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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 6-4-1980BOARD OF SELECTMEN/LIGHT COMMISSIONERS A G E N D A JUNE 4, 1980 7:00 P.M. Correspondence Review 7:15 P.M. Police Negotiations - Executive Session 7:30 P.M. Call to Order Warrants of May 27 #119 - General $223,788.61 #120 - Town Payroll - $ 45,293.30 W47II Scholarship Fund Plaque Presentation Sandra Levine Correspondence 8:00 P.M. Bi- Monthly Meeting of Boards & Committees 9:30 P.M. Codex Representative (impending water ban) Board Reports Pending Items Traffic Lights at 140 & Forbes Blvd. Traffic Lights at 106 & N. Main St. Back Bay Brook Landfill Cover Materials Water Ban Charter Study Town Manager Advertising CDM Draft Report BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF TEE MEETING JUNE 4, 198o Meeting opened at 7:00 P.M. for correspondence by Acting Chairman Lyman Avery, with Selectmen Levine and May present. Selectman DeLong and Chairman Mahana arrived shortly thereafter. (Toi�m Manager William P. Metropulos absent due to family death.) At 7:15 the Board was polled by Chairman Mahana for Police Negotiatons Executive Session. All in favor 5 -0 for Executive Session. At 7:30 P.M. the meeting convened in open session. Warrant #119 for $223,788.61 was approved on a motion by Selectman DeLong, seconded by Selectman May, voted 4 -0 with Selectman Levine abstaining. Town Payroll Warrant #120 was approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded b�Y Selectman DeLong, voted 3 -0 with Selectmen Levine and May abstaining. ($45,293.30) Chairman Mahana presented World War II plaque to Sandra Levine for 10 years of service on the Scholarship Fund Committee, with mention of presentation to John White last :reek. Correspondence Sewer Connection application for WRC properties, Texas Instrument warehouse approved * on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May, VOTED 5 -0. Transfer request for $2,200 to Account #211 -0 approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED: 5 -0. Selectman May expressed concern that if FinCom does not hold some requests,the Reserve Fund would be depleted before end of year with nothing on hand for an emergency. A transfer request for $7600 to Account #472 Sewer Plant was withheld pending appearance of FinCom later. Resignation received from Diane Dubuc from Computer Advisory Committee. Letter of appreciation to be sent. Application noted from Caroline Bregnard for Computer Advisory Committee. On a motion by Selectman DeLong, seconded by Selectman Avery, John Redding of the Light Department was appointed to Computer Advisory Committee. VOTED: 5 -0. Memo from Light Department advising of delivery of a new 1980 Ford Bucket Truck. Recreation Notes for Summer Thing 80. Police Radar Report and Liquor Disturbance Report for June 4, 1980. Notification from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of approval of claim for reimbursement of eligible projectexpenses relative to 4AITP. Check to be issued shortly. Letter from SRPEDD to Daniel Buckley regarding UMTA grant application, requesting opportunity to review final application in accordance with SRPEDD's policy. Next meeting of the board will be June 25. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING JUNE 4, 1980 Page 2 Corresp8ndence(continued) Letter from Whitman & Howard to confirm discussion of water supply situation and to present some recommendations on courses of action to follow through coming summer months. Chairman Mahana noted that in anticipation of this, a notice of water ban has been prepared to be inserted in newspaper. Selectman DeLong feels that food production should be excluded. Should be able to water gardens automatically. Selectman Levine asked how this would be enforced. Selectman DeLong thought water would be shut off at street and Chairman Mahana agreed. Selectman DeLong then questioned whether this could be done. Selectman Avery said he would like to see the ban become effective Saturday. Selectman May feels the situation is critical with four wells being pumped 24 hours a day. Selectman Levine will go along with Selectman DeLong's recommendation to exempt commercial agriculture and vegetable gardens effective Saturday. Selectman May moved that all watering be limited to hand -held hoses between 6p.m. & 9p.m., swimming pools to be filled between 10p.m. & 7a.m., with commercial agriculture exempt, effective Saturday, June 7. Selectman Avery seconded the motion. Selectman Levine amended motion to exclude home vegetable gardens from ban. Voted 2 -3 against amendment with Avery, May, and Mahana opposed. Original motion voted 3 -2 with Selectmen Levine and DeLong opposed. Bi- monthly Committee Reports - 8:12 P.M. Finance Committee - Joseph Houghton informed the Board that there is $18,581 in Reserve Account, They are holding approximately $10,000 in transfers that were approved last week. During the month of May, $44,000 had been approved in requests. Letter to Toone Manager asking for Department Heads to project expected transfer requests through June. Selectman Avery asked if FinCom would prefer Board of Selectmen to hold on transfer requests for the present or pass on to FinCom for that decision. Joe Houghton thought FinCom should receive transfer requests and decide which ones to hold. He noted that the Street Light request for $23,000 was approved for a reduced amount of $14,000. Suggested a meeting with Selectmen on June 12. Selectman Avery moved to place the water ban notice in Sun Chronicle, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED 5 -0. On a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectmen DeLong, transfer of $7,600 to Sewer Plant was approved. CATV - Ed Morrison reportedthat response to questionnairs shows the townspeople 2 -1 in favor of Cable T.V. A member from Attleboro has met with CATV. Their goal is a regional committee for a number of subscribers. Selectman DeLong questioned the time schedule. Ed responded that there was still 4 months to go on original hearing which was held in February. Airport Commission - Rod Stearns reported that the annual financial report from Air Charter services had been received and also the letter of credit from New England Merchants. It was the bank that had delayed receipt of the letter. Airport rules and regulations have been forwarded to Mass. Aeronautics Commission. These are being advertised locally as per Town Counsel request. Con Com has presented instructions pertaining to ramp and taxiway project. Presently in the process of BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING JUNE 4, 1980 Page 3 Airport Commission - continued readvertising and re- bidding. Gonservation Commission - Jane Sheehan reported that meetingshave been held weekly and they are making on site inspections of every project. Bonvie's Wetland's Protection Hearing has been held. Also hearing for Stivaletta for lowering brook and cleaning out silt and debris in area of apartments. Airport hearing held and information received that was requested in Order of Conditions for Cabot Pond. Have had several inquiries about culvert problems which have been referred to Town Manager and Town Engineer. Order of Conditions issued to Kelton Potter which was returned to Con Com unopened, Town Counsel will determine how to deliver this. Approved plans for the building for Little League on land in West Mansfield. Have been notified of several possible violations of the Wetlands Protection Act and members will make on site inspections. We have determination to make in request to move a house to within 72 feet of Hodges Brook. State law is 100 feet. This went before Appeals Board last night. Selectman Avery commented that this was continuedto late June-or July because there was not a full Board present. Jane noted that they have had some debate with Rebecca White relative to form she sent about parcel of land on School Street because it was stripped without a Wetlands hearing. A cease and desist order was placed on land, the violation being that work had been performed in wetlands area without filing for a Wetlands hearing. The ConCom is trying to obtain some kind of plan showing where Wetlands are and how they will be when applicant completes work. Council -on -Aging - Rev. Flug reported that things were harmonious. He is persuing grants for fuel assistance through Bristol County Home Care and GATRA. He questioned whether Town had Affirmative Action Plan for hiring. This is required for funding he is seeking. If GATRA provides funds we could receive $1,900 for bus driver salaries and vehicle repairs. However, GATRA stipulates that mini -bus charge a fee. of 25 cents a ride. Chairman Mahana responded that he was told there would be no strings attached. Rev. Plug replied that reimbursement would be provided only after fare fees had offset expenses. Board of,Health - Ed Tartufo reported that some complaints had been received. Those relating -to Parente chicken farm were referred to DEQE as Board of Health is not qualified to handle the situation. Five pert testa were made. A hearing was held on property at 575 Ware Street. Board voted to contaminate property. The tenant requested an additional hearing. They were allowed an additional 30 days to stq y on advice of DEU. He reported that the choke saver course was held with 56 people taking the course and certifying. Course will be offered again in September. One repair permit issued for septic system.. A transfer will be needed for payment of invoice submitted by restaurant inspector, Tony Vento, for an increase in number of inspections. Mr. Tartufo also noted Board's inability to obtain the services of Town Engineer Tony Stanzione to witness pert tests. He was supposed to act as Board of Health Agent, but is unable to give enough time because so many other departments are requesting his services. This is the reason for request for Sanitarian. Chairman Mahana suggested that a work study student be used to witness pert tests, however Ed felt the situation required a more responsible employee. Selectman Avery suggested BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING JUNE 4, 1980 Page 4 ( Board of Health(continued) that the School Department be charged for inspections done by Tony Vento since they have not been in the past. Downtown Advisory Committee -(Not in attendance) Recreation Commission - Ed Vernon reported that the new purchase order procedures would cause additional work for their secretary to make out vouchers for bills resulting in an increase of salary. He noted that they were not aware of this change before Town Meeting to request additional funds. Selectman Avery noted the reason for the change was a recommendation from the Audit Committee. Ed also noted that it appeared C.C.F., namely Codex and Datel, were trying to take over use of Memorial Park. Letters were sent to them requesting they abide by the appointed times for softball. He also noted a request from one of the commissioners for a ruling from Joan Cutillo, John McAlice, and Town Counsel on the handling of incoming and outgoing monies by Recreation Director, Paul Split. Ed commented that this was one of the reasons for their request to have a revolving fund. Board gave permission for ruling to be obtained from Joan Cutillo. Ed noted that the Police Chief has requested he be informed before any more applications for the use of South Common are approved. He informed Board that the contract has been signed with Carol R. Johnson Associates on advice of Ad Hoc for Memorial Park expansion. He also noted that Town Manager has been informed of a person interested in training for new 4WTP. Ed mentioned complaints that Memorial Park was being overused. He noted that the summer Recreation program will be cut back somewhat. Maple Park beach is in need of additional sand. Also it will be opened -a little later and close a little earlier, with shorter public bathing hours. Summer day camp will be held seven weeks rather than the usual eight weeks to out back on expenses. They will make every effort to transport participants until funds run out. He noted that the Park Department will be busy without CETA help. They moved the portable bleachers for the High School Department. Since last report, one merry -go -round at Memorial Park has been completely destroyed and 150 gallons of fuel oil was lost because somebody out tube. It almost impossible to maintain baseball fields because of heavy usage. A suggestion was made for the Roard to request a field located in C.C.F., for industrial use. Ed commented that Ted Robinson and Paul Split were doing a great job with so little help and so much park use. Ted Robinson planning to retire,.and some consideration should be given to replacing him. Historical Commission - Dave Loving reported that the Fisher - Richardson House was severely infested with powder post beetles. Jesse Fisk reported this 5 years ago to no avail. Guestamates range from $1200 to $5200 for exterminators. Termites are also present. The accepted method for beetles is to fumigate. .If building is not airtight, it has to be tented which will then raise the cost to about $3,000; Federal funds for historical house grants have dried up. Even if they were available, it would take two years to obtain. Dave reported that the $100 per year allocated for maintenance of the house is not enough. The Historical Commission has entered into an agreement with Boston University for a work study student. Two- thirds of the money needed for salaries has been received from business establishments. Student will work twenty hours a week primarily on historical research. The commission will be responsible for 259/6 of the salary. The boys are still working on Happy Hollow Cemetery. Another cemetery has been located on Bird Road, with four gravesites. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING JUNE 4, 1980 Page 5 (/ Historical Commission(continued) Selectman DeLong asked Mr. Loving how soon the proposals would be in for extermination of Fisher - Richardson House and he replied as soon as possible. Then a transfer could be requested in next Fiscal year. Municipal Building Committee - Bob Saquet reported that the last project was the Middle School Roof. The projects passed at Town Meeting are still arriving. His feeling was that the DPW building request came up at a poor time during annual town meeting. They will bring this back again at a special or at next year's annual. The library project will be scaled down. Its failure at Town Meeting was probably due to its being a little more than what the townspeople wanted to bite off because too much had already been spent previously. The new project will not involve any land acquisitions. If there is a Town Meeting in the Fall, most likely the Committee will have articles ready. Bob's suggestion was that perhaps they could piggyback th4 library bond issue with the sewer plant in order to get the lowest possible interest. In answer to Selectman Levine's question as to how soon plans for the library proposal would be ready, Bob responded that architecturally, they will be similar to present plans, unless the materials specified prove to be too expensive. They could be presented by middle of summer. No plans to include Drop -in Center in new proposal becuase of lack of space and only present needs would be solved. In response to Selectman Levine's questions on parking, Bob felt additional, parking at present would be doubtful and would probably remain as is. In the future as the need arises, more land would have to be acquired for parking. ( Library Trustees - Jim Grady reported that the trustees recommend that the property of abuttor not be taken at this time. There is enough land between property lines, with expansion, for fire aparatus. When the abutter decides to voluntarily sell property, trustees will take another look at it for parking. They don't want to build a library they will outgrow in five or 10 years. Will meet with architect for his views. The hope is to come up with a library addition that will blend with the neighborhood and yet not have to come back for future expansion due to growth. Jim feels they will be aiming for an Annual Town Meeting rather than a special. He noted that the reference room will be moved upstairs. The Youth Room will no longer be available for meeting groups. The primary floor will have an area for study. He feels adequate study facilities must be provided for research. Planning Board - Marydee Flynn reported that hearings will be held on the new gravel pit on Elm Street which will abut present pit of Mr. Morse. The Board has applied for a $10,000 federal grant for water quality study. Chairman Mahana asked if this had been corelated with Whitman & Howard to which Marydee replied not as yet. Mrs. Flynn was asked if this might be a duplication of effort of Whitman & Howard or SRPEDD. Chairman Mahana questioned the validity of such a study even if funds are available. Mrs. Flynn noted that this study will have more to do with protection of underground areas from fuel storage tanks, etc. It would be especially tailored to Mansfield needs. Mrs. Flynn also commented on the Ware Steeet situation and the complexities involved. Three outside engineering firms are doing a study on Canoe River water shed area for decision on subdivision to be approved or denied by the end of the month. Funds from consulting account are being used for this purpose. The Planning Board has also been looking at Cabot Pond restoration, and will make a decision in the near future. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING JUNE 4, 1980 Page 6 i At this point Selectman Levine asked if there was any salt left in the Town salt storage shed. DPW Director Tom Bonome responded that there was a mixture of salt and sand which is being monitored but appears to be leaking into Canoe River. Town Manager applied twice to State for new storage shed and was denied. The Planning Board will check to see if this falls in their domain. Tom Bonome suggested that a study be made before moving shed to another location. Board of Assessors - Al Turinese reported that the office was in the process of proving totals for net worth. Cherry sheet conference scheduled for June 27. House Bill #2711, Cerification of Assessors, Bill passed House of Representatives with addendum to grandfather all present assessors. Thereon after, all new assessors will have to meet certain criteria. He noted that a new list was just released containing another section of Town to be covered by appraisers. When they send voucher, they will also send report. Shirley attended a classification meeting which she did not feel was worthwhile. Selectman Levine wanted to note that the appraiser that did her house was very pleasant. At 9:30 representatives from Codex met with the Board to discuss the proposed water ban. Chairman Mahana noted that the Board had voted a water ban earlier in the evening on the advice of our water engineering consultants, Whitman & Howard. A program for implementing a ban in incremental stages was requested from them and received this week. The ban would have been implemented last week had this been received earlier. Vie are faced with a water shortage because of limitations on pumping. Chairman Mahana requested that Water Supervisor, Bob Morrison, comment on any suggestions Codex would like to make. The Representative from Codex then explained that they have $750,000 invested in landscaping. This represents approxi- mately 1 per cent of what has been invested in buildings, etc. Water is needed for grass, trees, shrubs, plants. Some of the plants are showing water stress now. However, Chairman Mahana reiterated that he would continue to vote for strict adherance unless assurances were given from Bob Morrison and engineers that no danger is involved. Selectman Avery suggested renting trucks to pump from Hodges Brook. Bob Morrison noted that reservoirs start to build up between 6 p.m. and 5 a.m.; therefore, watering should be done during evening hours. We are presently operating with a reserve of 600,000 gallons per day which could quickly be eaten up in a fire emergency. Codex asked if there is room for a compromise. He was told to contact Tom Bonome with any further questions. Selectman Avery stated he saw no other way to go. Tom Bonome suggested that Codex install a storage tank to be pumped when Town supplies are low. Fire Chief Leonard suggested tying this in with their sprinkler system. Codex reported that they do hand water their shrubs, but would require more than the three hours allowed to complete it. Bob Morrison noted that Well #2 could be repaired when bond is approved after first of July. Chairman Mahana asked if treasurer could borrow in anticipation of bond. Board feels Tom should check with Joan on this. Mill Street well is capable of one million gallons. It was suggested that any money should be spent there. Chairman Mahana asked why this was not mentioned by Art Stockus. He also asked how much it would cost to install a shallow well, as a suggestion for Codex. Board was told that Codex already has one installed which fills the pond on site. However, this pond holds approximately one million gallons of water which they are required to keep on hand for fire insurance purposes. Selectman May asked if well #2 could be activated in an emergency. He was told that State has to approve water quality each time a well is shut down for any reason. Bob noted that it was recommended to clean swamp area around pond. Also BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING ,NNE 4, 1980 Page 7 that Wells 4 & 5 have a tendancy to run dry, and there is a lot of manganese present. Four wells are now in use. Town Manager has requested Whitman & Howard to close down wells 4 & 5 permanently. Selectman Levine asked if these wells always had a high manganese content, and if it was Whitman & Howard who put them in. Tom Bonome replied he thought they came on line before Whitman & Howard. There wasn't much of a water study done at that time. Chairman Mahana asked if the Fire Department was planning to flush hydrants. Both Chief Leonard and Bob Morrison feel that this cannot be done while water ban is in effect. Selectman May noted that the hydrant on Oakland Street is leaning but he was told that the well has to be shut down in order to make repairs. This is scheduled for repair when Merckens is shut down for two weeks. Chairman Mahana asked how many unmetered places had been found and Bob Morrison responded that he located about five industrial locations which have been corrected accept for two. It was reported that Whitman & Howard was in the process of preparing a maintenance contract. Selectman May stated he would like to see the bi- monthly water reports continue. A brief discussion of the traffic signalization ensued with Tom Bonome suggesting that a traffic engineer be hired with Chapter 90 funds that are available. Tony Stanzione felt this money is available for use in isolated areas and was not specifically earmarked. Chairman Mahana asked if this would include the installation of lights in front of the fire station. Selectman Levine was told in reponse to her question that it does take approximately 15 months time to initiate changes on existing lights which approximates the length of time for new lights. Tony Stanzione, Town Engineer, feels the time frame for re- vamping present lights is much shorter. Selectman May moved that Town Manager be directed to initiate engineering study for the purpose of re- designing traffic lights at Rte. 106 and North Main Street using state -aid funds that are available. Motion seconded by Selectman Levine, with the addition by * Selectman DeLong that signals are to be controlled by Fire Station. VOTED 5 -0. Fire Chief Leonard commented that he feels traffic speed on North Main has increased. Town Manager to be directed to ask Police Chief for use of radar on North Main St. Selectman DeLong asked whether proposed lights at Church St. could be included in engineering study. Selectman Avery moved to amend previous motion to include fire control light at corner of North Main and Church or North Main and Cottage. Motion * seconded by Selectman May. VOTED 5 -0. Relative to a cost comparison for disposal of refuse, Selectman DeLong feels we can wait until Camp, Dresser, &, McKee completes sludge - study. This would also be an available site for landfill. At that time we might have to go to Town Meeting. Tom Bonome has located pit on South Main and another on Reservoir owned by a former Board member where cover material might be obtained. Correspondence (continued) Board members have received copies of Digital Business Systems Report to Computer Advisory Committee. Letter from Marydee Flynn to Byron Matthews, EOCD submitting application for funding for Comprehensive Planning Assistance. DPW weekly report and requests for service. Letter to Board of Selectmen from Mansfield Republican Town Committee noting that Laura Chapman, Ralph Maloon, and David Clemmey would like to serve as election officers. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING JUNE 4, 1980 Page 8 ( Notice from Massbay Petroleum of $.02 increase in fuel oil effective May 24, 1980. Attleboro Area Council for Children needs survey. Copy of letter to Mary Ann Eckler, 653 Ware Street, from SRPEDD relative to the Conservation Commission requesting advice from DEQE and SRPEDD on Bonvie subdivision Notice from Norton Conservation Commission of public hearing to be held for W6-ITP and sludge landfill disposal area on June 2 at 9:00 P.M. in Norton. Chad Maurer attended this hearing as noted by Clerk Avery. Copy of letter to Margot Jellinek from Town Manager regarding Chad Maurer, Town Planner. Notice from Activist Children pertaining to child abuse. Letter from W. P. Upham of 498 Stearns Ave. requesting light. Notice from Electric Light department that street light is recommended if basketball hoop is removed. Motion by Selectman Avery seconded by Selectman May to approve installation. * VOTED 5 -0. Letter from Foxboro Board of Selectmen relative to intersection at 140 & Forbes Boulevard which was sent to State DPW. Press Release from Electric Department for Board approval, which after review, was given to local press. Chairman Mahana suggested at this time that the Board arrange subcommittees with two members on two committees, with the fifth member available when necessary in order to facilitate reviewing Town Manager applications. Chairman Mahana mentioned that he had spoken with a past Town Manager of another town who would be willing to assist with the hiring of a new Town Manager at $20 per day. Selectman DeLong suggested that they wait and see how marry applicants will be interviewed. Selectman Avery did not see a need for consultant. Selectman DeLong recommended that the Board keep in mind about ten applicants they wish to interview. Out of State appli- cants who have specified a date they will be in area are to be kept separate. He does not have objections to consultant.(Selectman DeLong excused himself at this time and left meeting at 10:45 p.m.) Correspondence (continued) Memo from Mass Municipal Association regarding energy exemption bill Letter from Plainville Board of Selectmen inviting Board to attend Diamond Jubilee celebration and parade on July 19 and 20th. Would like reply by June 20th. Letter from Mansfield Band Parents inviting Board to assist in the planning of testimonial dinner for James Gallo. Meeting to be held June 2 at 8:30-(Sandy Levine attended) Notice of changes in certain civil service rules from Comm. of Mass . General Warrant #123 for $211,835.77 approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING JUNE 4, 1980 i Page 9 * by Selectman May. VOTED 3 -0. Warrant #122 for S'cknol Payroll $449,375.42 approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, * seconded by Selectman May. VOTED: 3 -0. Revenue Sharing Warrant for $7,275.30 approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED: 3 -0. (Selectman Levine out of room for warrants.) Warrant #124 Town Payroll for $81,453.34 approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, * seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 3 -0 with Selectman May abstaining. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Selectman * May, seconded by Selectman Avery. VOTED 4 -0.