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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 6-18-19801� �l BOARD OF SELECTMEN/LIGHT A G E N D A JUNE 18, 1980 7:00 P.M. Correspondence Review 7:30 P.M. Call to Order Light Commissioners - Jim Hall 8:00 P.M. Dave Loving - Fisher Richardson House 8:15 P.M. George Young - Water Correspondence Warrants Minutes of June 4, 1980 Town Manager Report Board Reports (CDM Draft Report) (Water Rules & Regulations -Fine Structure) 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 Council -on -Aging Vacancy BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING JcnaE 18, 1980 At 7:00 the meeting was opened for correspondence review. PRESENT: Chairman Mahana, Selectmen May, Avery, Levine; Town Manager Wm. Metropulos Meeting called to order at 7:30 P.M. by Chairman Mahana. Light Department Director Jim Hall and John Redding, Office Manager presented monthly report to Light Commissioners. Jim Hall informed the Board of two contracts needing approval. One for the purchase of power from Point Lepreau, Canada to be contracted for six years, then three more on a yearly basis. Reactor to go on line end of 1981. We must sign up for preference rights now. Mansfield's preference allocation is 4,182 101. Jim Hall recommends signing for 5,500 Mi. He explained that there is no obligation to take all, we would only pay for what is used. Chairman Mahana asked for the price compared to others and was told that the others with fuel adjustment and cost estimate charges was .06¢ KWH as compared to about .042 n1H with this contract. He asked for a vote and the Board signatures. Motion was made by Selectman May and seconded by Selectman Avery to accept Light Director's recommendation to contract from Point Lepreau for 5.5 megawatts. VOTED: 4 -0. James Hall then requested a vote to accept MMWEC Service Agreement which he explained was basically the same as last one signed in 1975 except it has been updated to allow a few systems not in Massachusetts to purchase power the same way we are. They would not have the same preference allocation we do, but if there is any excess, they will be allowed to contract after the 31 community members have been given priority. This contract will allow any publicly owned company to buy from MMWEC even if not a member. They will buy at our rate with one per cent added on for administra- tive costs. This contract is good indefinitely until updated again. Motion made by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May to authorize the Town Manager and Light * Department Director to sign WM MC Service Agreement. VOTED: 4 -0. Financial Statement - John Redding noted that he has tried to make an easier to understand statement. An analysis of operations gives a better view of income for April after adjusting for purchase power bills not put into account yet. Jim Hall noted that Vermont Yankee was down again. Reports were presented from both Digital Business Systems and also Diane Dubuc. Jim Hall stated that all the necessary information was available to McGonagle, however, he would not be available until early next week. John Redding noted that McGonagle's report was very general, while Diane's is more specific. Joe McGonagle has a list of what is left to be done. John Redding wants to talk with him to verify his acknowledgment of what is to be done. Chairman Mahana noted that he made it known at meeting with McGonagle that the Town was unhappy with services. Selectman Avery suggested that John Redding report to Board after meeting with McGonagle and not to wait for next Light Commissioner's meeting. At 8:05 P.M. David Loving of the Historical Commission approached the Board relative to the termites and powder post beetle problem at Fisher - Richardson House. He presented a list of estimates for extermination. After some discussion on the various proposals, Selectman Avery suggested that after July 1, 1980, funds be taken from consulting fees. Consensus of the Board was to notify Safety Fumigants (estimate of $2,200) that after July 1, 1980 funds would be available and that their methods and cost estimate was acceptable. David Loving also noted that Margot Fisher was the co -op student being utilized by BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING JurNE 18, 198o Page 2 the Commission and that she was accomplighing quite a bit. He also noted that the Commission was hoping to acquire services of Boy Scouts to restore some of the other cemeteries in Town as has been done with Happy Hollow. At 8:15 P.M. George Young addressed the Board relative to the Water Study and how to pay for sewer costs. On the sewer charges, he feels the bulk should be taken from the rates. Mr. Young feels that all utilities should pay their own way, and that users should pay for operation and maintenance and capital bonds. He commented that in his opinion, the Water Rate Study was not very good. The Board then explained their reasons for choosing the flat rate system. Mr. Young agreed that conservation methods were necessary. He questioned the non -use of Wells #4 & 5 and suggested they be recharged and the maganese problem be treated if not too costly. The Board then thanked Mr. Young for expressing his opinions. Correspondence Letter from Council -on -Aging regarding Affirmative Action Plan by Town which is needed for C.O.A. to receive $7,500 in matching funds for fuel assistance. (Town Manager to prepare and present to Board.) Copy of letter from D.E.q.E. to Bob Morrison of Water Department enclosing results of sampling conducted on groundwater sources of supply. Notice from Chief of Police of no liquor disturbances during the week. Letter from Margot Fisher expressing concern about M.B.T.A. cut -back in service. Letter from Council -on -Aging to Chief of Police expressing concern for the increased speed of traffic on North Main Street including ambulance and fire vehicles. Copy of Notice of Approval from State DPW for one -way traffic on Crocker Street. Copy of letter from Department of Labor and Industries referring to Police negotiations. Selectman Avery suggested executive session to discuss. Letter from Codex Corp. expressing concern over Water Ban, and Town's seemingly unwillingness to cooperate. Board feels Mr. Storey did not receive entirely accurate report from representatives present at discussion. Selectman Avery suggests a letter be drafted to Mr. Storey with copy of excerpt from Minutes of Meeting of June 4, 1980. The Board expresses concern for the necessary inconvenience and suggested that perhaps groundskeepers' hours could be changed to be compatible with watering times or that high school students be hired for the evening hours to water. Board feels that if conservation methods are not taken now, there will be a shortage later in the season affecting all residents. Notice of New England River Basins Commission workshop on June 19 RE: Water Conservation, and one on June 20 RE: dredging, river management, and acid rain both to be held at Amherst College, Amherst. Notice of MMWEC Regional Power Supply Meeting to be held on Wednesday, July 9, 1980 at Sheraton Inn, Mansfield to run from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 and an evening session from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. It was suggested that one Board member should attend. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING JUNE 18, 1980 ( Page 3 Letter from Town of Norton, Board of Selectmen, relative to allowing the Norton Industrial Development Commission to connect to the Mansfield Sewer System. Attached copy of letter from Mansfield Board dated November 8, 1977 granting permission at that time. Would like reassurance from present Board. Selectman Avery moved that a letter be sent indicating continued support, subject to all fees and regulations. * Motion seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED 4 -0. Representative Leon Lombardi's letter and list of first Legislative Report for 1980 containing bills that have been passed. Selectman Levine noted she would like copies of Chapter 15 and Chapter 108. Copy of letter from Library Board of Trustess to Ted Robinson of Park Department requesting that the two trees flanking the entrance to Memorial Hall be removed as per his advice. Revenue Sharing Warrant #128 for $838.20 was approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, * seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED: 4 -0. General Warrant #129 for $347,387.56 was approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, * seconded by Selectman May. VOTED: 3 -0 with Selectman Levine abstaining. School Warrant #130 for $715,814.18 was approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, * seconded by Selectman May. VOTED: 3 -0 with Selectman Levine abstaining. Town Payroll Warrant #131 for $168,806.14 approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, * seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED: 3 -0 with §electman May abstaining. Minutes of June 4, 1980 approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by * Selectman May. VOTED 4 -0. Town Manager's Report Monday oiling program was started. Approximately five miles of roadway will be oiled and sanded, using emulsified asphalt which is quicker drying. Selectman Avery was told in response to his question that Ware Street has only been paved with a base coat and will therefore be oiled this year. The bucket truck delivered to the Light Department has been returned to manufacturer to correct defaults in bucket. Garden Street appraisals have been received. Abuttors have requested to meet with Board July 16, 1980 at 8:00 P.M. Will be on Agenda. Building Report for May - new construction costs $1,969,458, total year to date of $2,808,627. Largest was Augat at 81,778,558 and WRC Properties at $77,000. New England Security informed Town Manager that relative to parking lot insurance, coverage extends only within 100 feet of a public building. Coverage can be obtained if the lot is properly paved. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING JUNE 18, 1980 Page 4 Letter received by Town Manager from State DPW concerning Rte.140 underpass. Department is making a study for permanent roadway repairs. Monthly Police Report - 470 investigations, 379 cleared leaving 91 pending. Totals to date, investigations 2,028, cleared 1612, pending 416. There were 12 burglaries last month with 20 larcenies over $50. Legislation has been passed for land acquisition from ConCom for well construction. Should have been signed today by Governor and then we can proceed with the public hearings. Reminder of Cherry Sheet Conference to be held June 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wastewater Treatment Plant has been upgraded to a Grade 5 plant by Water Resources Commission. Bill Handy passed his Grade 6 and Tom Weir passed Grade 3. Upgrading of plant may mean we will have to go to 16 hours of supervision and maintenance. Survey crews are out working on improvements to water system.by laying out new water lines under the $L 8 million improvement plan. Art Stockus was in yesterday to report that work is on target for water improvements and we should be sble to go to bid by end of July, with construction to start late in August on water mains. The contract for engineering services to be reviewed by Town Counsel for content and form. Motion needed to authorize Town Manager to sign in order to submit in conjunction with Farmers Home Loan application. Selectman Avery moved that Town Manager be authorized to sign contract subject to approval of Town Counsel, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED 4 -0. Town Manager reported on Monday's meeting held with the State DPW regarding the signals on 140 at Forbes Blv. in Foxboro, attended by Cronin and Hartnett for the State, Mr. Gayla from Foxboro, and also Foxboro- Police Chief, and highway supervisor, Mr. Povier. The State did agree to go along with the installation of signals. They had delayed because of the impending relocation of Rte. 140. However, since monies have been held up, 140 relocation has been shelved. Foxboro has to put stop sign on Forbes coming out onto 140. Cabot, Cabot, & Forbes engineering and the State have to work out what type of light to install. An agreement is necessary between State DPW & Foxboro, and between Foxboro and C.C.F. Foxboro also has to refile application. Once ordered, new light fixtures take some 9 to 11 months to be delivered. However, if they can find "loaners" these can be installed within three months. Tom Bonome has reported Back Bay Brook to be about 80% complete. Some clean up necessary and repairs to some sidewalks. Town Engineer estimates about another week. Selectman Avery asked what will be done to streets that have been torn up and was told by Tom Bonome that they will be patched now and then will be resurfaced which has been included in DPW program. Selectman Avery moved that warrant #119 be corrected to read $233,788.61 after Town Accountant discovered typographical error, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED: 4 -0. Board Reports After a review of fine structure for incorporation into water rules and regulations, Selectman Levine asked to have the fine of $25 per day raised to $100 for first violation, after verbal notification. Selectmen Avery, May, and Mahana not in favor. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING JUNE 18, 1980 Page 5 Bob Morrison suggests that anyone with well water put up a sign. Selectman Avery noted that the Board wishes to stress the importance of the situation by imposing penalties for violation, but that it was not the amount of the fine that was at issue. On a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May, the Board voted to accept the amendment to Water Rules & Regulations for a fine structure as presented. Voted 3 -1 with Selectman Levine opposing after hearing no second to her motion to amend paragraph three fine to $100. In answer to Selectman Levine's question concerning salt storage, Town Manager stated that State has turned dorm two requests for a new storage shed and not much can be done. Selectman Levine suggests moving amount left under cover to prevent run-off from elements. Selectman Levine noted she had received a request from the James Gallo Planning Committee to have the Board proclaim June 29, 1980 as James Gallo Day. On a motion by Selectman May, seconded by Selectman Avery, the Board voted 4 -0 to proclaim * June 29, 1980 as James Gallo Day. Proclamation to be issued and committee notified. Selectman May requested that Tom Bonome check to see that all yards and areas disturbed by Back Bay Brook project be returned to their original state. Selectman Levine suggests a letter of thanks be issued to those people who suffered inconvenience due to Back Bay Brook. Chairman Mahana would like Town employees thanked also for their time and continued services even after hours. MBTA meeting tomorrow night. House Bill #6614 would create a new agency to take MBTA out of commuter rail business and have State subsidize. Public to attend meeting at 7:00 P.M. if concerned. Chairman Mahana requested Torn Manager to take legal action concerning woodpile on School Street. Also requests that Town Engineer identify torn owned land in and around railroad station, and to look into ownership of land opposite Big 4 Lumber. Chairman Mebane, asked if we received notification on application of variance from Old Colony on land opposite Town Hall. Also requested that Wells 4 '$o 5 be checked again for water quality. Selectman Avery asked that Whitman & Howard be consulted on what it would cost to start these wells again and it it would be worthwhile. Chairman Mahana commented that he would not be opposed to seeking another consultant's opinion, however, Selectman Avery feels there is no reason to doubt Whitman & Howard. Chairman Mahana asked Town Manager if a meeting had been arranged between Police Chief and Steve Quinn but was informed by Town Manager that the Chief had been sick this week. The question arose as to whether some of the $25,000 proposed for valve maintenance could be taken out of well cleaning account, but Bob Morrison talked with John McAlice and was told that these funds are gone as voted at Town meeting. Town Manager talked with Art Stockus about obtaining funds. Chairman Mahana deferred discussion of CDM report until next week. Town Manager reported he has a meeting scheduled with two engineers to discuss study of traffic lights at 106 and North Main St. Plainville B/S to be notified that four Board members will attend parade on July 19. Board polled 4 -0 to enter Executive Session at 9:55 P.M. for Police Negotiations . Meeting adjourned at 10:00 P.M.