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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 7-16-1980BOARD OF SELECTMEN/LIGRT COM41SSIONEIRS A G E N D A JULY 16, 1980 7:00 p.m. Correspondence Review 7:30 p.m. JayCees - Road Race $:(j0 p.m. Garden Street Abuttors Correspondence Warrants Minutes of July 2 I Town Manager Report Board Reports Pending Items Traffic Lights at 140 & Forbes Blvd. Traffic Lights at 106 & N. Main St. Landfill Cover Materials Water Ban Charter Study *-x-*NOTE Plainville Parade Saturday 10:00 a.m. - Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF TEE MEETING JULY 16, 198o i The meeting was opened at 7:00 P.M. for correspondence review. PRESENT: Chairman Mahana, Selectmen Avery, Levine, May, and DeLong, Town Manager William P. Metropulos. At 7:30 P.M. Chairman Mahana called the meeting to order. JayCee Member Ted Volante approached the Board with a request for permission to use the streets in Mansfield for an A.A.U. sanctioned road race of 6.2 miles to be held on either November 2, 9, or 16 depending on availability of A.A.II. sanctioning and police commitment, and availability of ambulance. Mr. Volante described the route to be used, beginning at 1:00 P.M. at the High School, covering 6.2 miles of roads in town in approximately one hour, and ending at High School. After answering several questions from the Board, Mr. Volante assured them that police and JayCee members would be posted at dangerous points of low vilibility. On a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman Levine, the Board granted permission subject to the JayCee's meeting all other conditions regarding use * of police and ambulance. VOTED: 5 -0. A discussion of the condition of the present water situation ensued with Clerk May reading a letter from DEQE regarding water use restrictions. In compliance with our letter of June 9, 1980, DEQE declares a water supply emergency in Mansfield allowing the Board to restrain the use of water, including shutting off the water where necessary. This declaration to expire October 19 1980. Selectman Mahana suggested a motion to eliminate fine structure and substitute guidelines suggested by DEQE, the first to be a warning; the second offense, water to be turned off with a charge of $25 to turn back on; the third offense, water to be shut off with a $100 fee to turn on. Selectman Avery asked for recommendations from Town Manager based on weekly pumping record. Town Manager responded he had spoken to Art Stockus today, that the wells were pumping 24 hours per day and just about their maximum capacity. We are unable to keep the reservoirs replenished, #3 Well is down 10 inches, Witch Pond 5 inches, the reservoir has dropped 7 feeti He reported that Art Stockus would have figures on wells by end of this week. Selectman Mahana suggested a motion be made to direct water supervisor to institute action to reinstate well #2 as soon as possible. This could be put on line depending on the quality of the water. The water has to be tested and the well cleaned. Selectman Mahana would . like a meeting with Whitman & Howard. Selectman Avery requested a recommendation on the water ban immediately. Town Manager reported that Art Stockus recommends a total ban on all unnecessary use of water, becoming effective Monday July 21. The first offense would result in a verbal warning and notice signed by violator; second offense, water to be turned off with a charge of $25 to be paid before 3 P.M. to reinstate on a weekday, on weekend, would have to wait until Monday morning to turn back on; third offense, $100 fee to turn on again. The legalities of restricting automatic car washes and commercial laundries will be checked. It was noted that the seven capped wells would yield approximately 300 thousand gallons per day in total which would not justify the cost to reinstate. The time and cost involved in putting the Gilbert St. site on line was also questioned. Selectman DeLong moved that the Town institute a water ban on unnecessary usage with the Town Manager to decide those areas that are considered unnecessary to be effective immediately upon publication, with the fines mentioned previously to be effective. This is to be published as a legal notice by the Water Commissioners. Motion seconded by Selectman Levine, VOTED: 5 -0. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING JULY 16, 1980 Page 2 Garden Street abuttors met with the Board at 8:00 P.M. to express their displeasure with the appraisal figure. The appraisal firm of William E. Coyle, Jr. and Assoc. established a fair market value as of May 15, 1980 of $5,800 for Parcel #1 and $10,000 for Parcel #2. Parcel #3 was not appraised since it was privately owned. Those present for discussion were Al Turinese, Peter Saunders, Bruce Wood, Ed Benson, and E. Cowsick. Al Turinese noted that the original vote at Town Meeting was to abandon Garden St. He commented that much work had been done along the property line behind the Sons of Italy Hall and the piece of property was cleaned up nicely, however, the pipe crossing Pleasant St to Garden St was plugged up. He asked what would become of the catch basin in front of the Lovely property? Al noted that the purpose for which this property had been sold to the Town was to clean it up. This has been done and he questions the motives of the individual seeking to purchase it. After some discussion on the value of the property and possible uses regulated by zoning by -laws, the abuttors were asked by Selectman Avery if they thought the appraisal too high and others should be sought? To this Peter Saunders replied, yes. Or, asked Selectman Avery, should the Torn not sell at all? Mr. Saunders replied that if the Town does not have a use for the property, it should be appraised and sold at open auction. Selectman Levine asked if the drainage pipe mentioned had been blocked by the Town or an individual. Ed Benson when cleaning had dumped some materials there. Selectman Avery felt another appraisal should be sought. Bruce Wood asked if appraisals were in agreement at the present figure, if the Town could rent the land? Chairman Mahan replied that if the property is being used adjacent to business property, this would be enhancing the profits of the business, and should not be subsidized by the Town. Chairman Mahan asked the Board of Assessors for a list of five or six appraisers who are competent. Selectman Avery moved to seek a second appraisal, seconded by * Selectman Levine. VOTED: 3 -1 with Selectman May opposed and Selectman DeLong abstain- ing due to his friendship with abuttors. Al Turinese asked if the Town could sit down with abuttors and try to reach an agreeable figure rather than pay for another appraisal. This would have to be checked with Town Counsel first. Bruce Wood noted that:he would like the Torn to clean up area behind his building. Tom Bonome feels this is a constant problem and the property was not meant for improvements. Town Manager talked with Bruce Wood about this. Town Manager feels residents should take some action to help themselves. However, being Town property Town Massager would recommend this be cleaned. Al Turinese would like catch basin cleaned at same time. Correspondence Letter from Richard Bliss of the Airport Commission seeking residents to volunteer for Citizens Advisory Committee to discuss and formulate the Master Plan. Would like a Board member to join the Committee and reply by August 4, 1980. Selectman Levine moved to nominate Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman DeLong, VOTED.-A3-2 with Selectmen May and Avery opposed. Police radar report noted. State DBUnotice of public hearing on July 21 as to the propriety of a proposed purchase of shares of stock of Boundary Gas Company by Boston Gas and others. t BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF TEE MEETING JULY 16, 1980 Page 3 Letter from Mass. Outdoor Advertising Division requesting status of permits for the maintenance of signs in Mansfield to be renewed for F%Y 1982. Letter from E.P.A. on minority participation conference. Chairman Mahana asked that this be brought to the attention of C.D.M. to see if they satisfy the requirements for the Town. Notice from Farmers Home Loan Association of approval of $1.8 million loan for water system improvements. D.E.Q.E. notice of public hearing on proposed adoption of environment /energy regulations to be held in various locations. Memo to Department Heads, Boards, and Commissions from Planning Director Chad Maurer to request they begin preparation of capital improvement budget for next six year period. Received and noted from Council on Aging, Job Description of C.O.A. Director. Letter from Mass. Bureau of Accounts noting review and acceptance of Mansfield's financial statements for F/Y ended June 30, 1979- Letter from Bristol County Selectmen's Association requesting membership for the coming F/Y. On a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman Levine, the Board voted to continue not to belong for the same reasons as before. Letter to be sent. VOTED: 5 -0. Letter from U. S. Senator Paul Tsongas relative to new transportation developments. Memo from dater Dept. Office Manager, Caroline Bregnard to Tom Bonome requesting additional personnel immediately due to increased work -load. Suggested CETA could be contacted but Town Manager noted that no CETA funds are available. Letter from Margot Jellinek relative to her complaint against the Light Department for cutting of Oak Tree and installation of anchors and guy wires. Board requests letter be sent in reply that Town is not liable. Letter from SRPEDD regarding Community Development block grants available for F%Y 81. Deadline for applications is October 6, 1980. Give copy to Chad, possible C.O.A. could apply for funds for Drop -in Center. Memo from SRPEDD relative to the annual progress report of the Overall Economic Development Program for 1979• Letter from Joan Secher volunteering services on Board or Committee to fill any interim appointment that might occur. Notice from Stavisky, Shapiro & Whyte, C.B A., introducing the firm and requesting to be added to Town's mailing list. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING JULY 16, 1980 PAGE 4 Notice from New England Municipal Center of Workshop on HUD Small Cities Program to be held Thursday, August 7, Sheraton Inn in Boxborough. Public Power Financing Newsletter for July. Attleboro Area Council for Children notice of Council Meeting Thursday, August 7. Letter from Hill International, Inc., Engineers, expressing interest in WWTP. JayCee Newsletter, July. Flyer on CATV Seminar to be held Saturday, July 19, at Wheaton College, Norton. Warrants General Warrant #141 for $14,037.99 approved on a motion by Selectman May, seconded * by Selectman Avery. VOTED: 5 -0. School Warrant #142 for $33,304.08 approved on a motion by Selectman May, seconded by Selectman Avery. VOTED: 4 -0 with Selectman Levine abstaining. Town Payroll Warrant #6 for $195,123.19 approved on a motion by Selectman DeLong, seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED: 4 -0 with Selectman May abstaining. School Warrant #7 for $115,655.71 approved on a motion by Selectman May, seconded * by Selectman Avery. VOTED: 4 -0 with Selectman Levine abstaining. Revenue Sharing Warrant #5 approved for $104,711.75 on a motion by Selectman May, seconded by Selectman Avery. VOTED: 5 -0. Minutes of July 2, 1980 approved on a motion by Selectman DeLong, seconded by Selectman Avery. VOTED: 5 -0. Town Manager Report "Notice received from U. S. Dept. of Agriculture approving$1.8 million loan from Farmer's Home Loan Association. Bond Counsel will prepare necessary papers for repayment period. Chairman Mahana asked if Bond Counsel is always the same bank. Selectman Avery suggested checking this with Treasurer, Joan Cutillo. Relative to the letter Town sent to Bureau of Census regarding discrepancy in count, we have been advised by the Washington office that Mansfield has been listed to be recanvassed. At Town Meeting article 43 relative to the sale of land on Azalea Road received approval of voters with no minimum bid requirement. Town Manager suggests a;bank appraisal. Selectman DeLong will not approve sale without minimum bid requirement. Selectman DeLong moved that Town Manager get a value for the property from a local bank and the Board will then take action, seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED: 5 -0. Community Health Agency requests use of Town Hall for November 10, 1980, March 10, 1981, July 14, 1981 from 4:30 to 7:15 P.M. Town Manager has authorized use. Town Manager reported building inspector has contacted owner of woodpile on School St. and was told wood would be given away. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING JULY 16, 1980 Page 5 In response to an inquiry from Selectman DeLong, Light Department has reported that a breakdown of charges could be presented as follows: on the back of bills a residential rate showing KWH for first 300 used, rate for next 700 KWH, and rate for anything over 1000 KWH. Fuel adjustment charges appear on front. Selectman DeLong stated he wanted the cost per KWH including the fuel adjustment charges, with a breakdown shown below. Chairman Mahana suggested applying to DPU to adjust base rate to include some of the fuel adjustment charges. Selectman DeLong feels then we would be burying charges. He feels fueld adjustment charges should be kept separate because they are passed on directly from supplier to customer. Board consensus is that electric bills should be left as is. Notification was received from State DPW regarding Chapter 90 funding in the amount of $38,362. Letter from Mass. Municipal Association relative to the State removing limits on local fees and charges. This would permit local municipalities to increase fees where State has established them in the past such as for licenses, etc. This will be reviewed and fee schedule will be updated if possible to add revenue to Town. Town Manager reported it is his understanding that the Police Chief has discussed the Auxiliary Police problem with Steve Quinn and the matter should be resolved between the two of them. Light Department has received bid proposals on communication system which was advertised on June, 2 and opened on June 27 for a new high -band VHF two -way radio system. Light Department would like approval for a separate band which would require a new radio communication system. This would prevent any interference from other departments. However, Town Hall would not be on same frequency until a base station is in the Police Department. Selectman DeLong suggested this should tie in with the proposed central communication system. Central Communication system has been approved in budget for this year. Selectman Levine feels that a separate frequency would inhibit communication rather than promote or improve present situation. Decision tabled until Light Commissioners meeting next week. Town Manager reported that Affirmative Action Plan is in rough draft stages, and will be typed for Board next week. Pump at Rte. 106 underpass has been installed. Final payment will not be made until adjustments are completed. Back Bay Brook very near completion. Town holding back $5,000 until Tom Bonome is satisfied with the job. JayCee's request permission to include flyers with water and electric bills for home conservation of energy and water. Bills would not require additional postage for enclosures. JayCee's will do a home audit for $5, if contacted. Would like mailing between August and late November. Board consensus that if no additional postage is necessary, mailing could be allowed with electric bills. Suggestion was made that JayCee wives could fold flyers. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING PAGE 6 Town Manager Report (cont'd) Rte. 106 has been detoured because of Granada Park drainage going in. Board Reports Selectmen DeLong and Mahana suggest a work session for Town Manager applications for Thursday, July 17, at 7:30 P.M. Selectman Levine asked if the findings from the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting held last night could be obtained. As soon as the minutes are available and approved a copy will be obtained. It was suggested that Tom Bonome should cover any stored road salt with a heavy vinyl tarp to protect from weather since a salt bin has not been obtained from the State. It was noted that the Rte. 140 underpass was full of holes again. Selectman Levine moved for an addendum to Water Rules & Regulations adding penalty charges for water ban violations as outlined on Page 1, Minutes of July 16. Seconded by Selectman DeLong. VOTED: 5 -0. Chairman Mahana requested a get -well card be sent to Francis Gay of the MBTA. Chairman Mahana also noted that the Foxfield sign was back again and asked that Town Counsel take action. Chairman Mahana asked if the court was advised of new parking fine fees and was told by Town Manager yes, that the Police Chief was having the tickets printed. Chairman Mahana noted that the Board will meet with Light Department next week and would like to go over the rate cases that were won. Chairman Mahana reminded Board of the Plainville parade this coming Saturday morning. Selectman Avery asked that the Sewer rates be placed on Agenda for discussion next week. There being no further business, Selectman May moved for adjournment at 10:25 p.m. seconded by Selectman Avery. VOTED: 5 -0.