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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 8-20-1980BOARD OF SELECTMEN/LIGHT 1 A G E N D A August 23, 1980 1. 7:00 P.M. Call to Order 2. 7 :00 P.M. Executive Session (Negotiations) 3• 7:45 P.M. Light Commissioners Meeting a. June Financial Statements b. Uncollectible accounts Authorization to expense c. Municipal Lien Bill 4. Correspondence 5. Warrants 6. Minutes of July 30, August 13, 1980 7. CATV Appointment 8. Town Manager's Report 1. Planning Director Position 2. Additional Comments 9. Board Reports NOTE: Next Week - Sludge Disposal Hearing 8:OO P.M. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING AUGUST 20 1980 Meeting was called to order at 7:00. !, PRESENT: Chairman Mahana, Selectmen Avery, May, DeLBng, Town Manager Chadwick Maurer. Selectman Levine arrived at 7:15 P.M. On a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May, the Board voted 4 -0 for * Executive Session to discuss the Police Collective Bargaining. (Executive Minutes prepared separately.) On a motion by Selectman Levine, seconded by Selectman May, the Board voted 5 -0 to return to open session at 8:10 P.M. LIGHT COMMISSIONERS June Financial Statements were discussed briefly with Light Department Director Jim Hall and Office Manager John Redding. I,Zncollectible Accounts John Redding informed the Board he would like to write off some old accounts. He explained that these would not be forgotten or dropped but rather on a vote from the Board would be taken out of accounts receivable and put into accounts uncollectible. There is no property involved as these are mostly apartment people. Motion was made by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May to remove from Accounts Receivable and * put into Accounts Uncollectible those accounts as presented. VOTED: 5 -0. Lien Bill #5137 - J. Hall noted this does not go into effect until October,9 and it will be explained in detail at the NEPPCA meeting this weekend. Then the banks and real estate agents can be notified. There being no further Light Commission business, Mr. Hall and John Redding were thanked and excused. Correspondence Letter from Whitman & Howard relative to the pumping test on the Ash Property to commence August 25, 1980 with the cost not to exceed $19,000. Letter from the Labor Relations Commission relative to the Town of Mansfield and Mansfield Police Association Informal Conference rescheduled from August 4, 1980 to September 16, 1980 at 2 :00 P.M. in Boston. Letter from Massachusetts Municipal Association requesting notification of the Legislative Liaison chosen for 1981. Notice from Leon Lombardi of reserved room at the Town Hall for Monday, August 25, 1980 at 7 :30 P.M. for a public meeting attended by area Legislators to discuss the proposed elimination of train service. Memo from Council -On -Aging with information that the Friends of the Drop In Center have purchased $3,083 worth of equipment over the past several years as well as supplying match money for the Senior Sentinel. Letter to be sent to COA congratulating them on the thrifty operation of the center. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF TEE MEETING AUGUST 20, 1980 Page 2 Request from Horizons for Youth for permission to conduct a walk for Disadvantaged 1 Youth on Sunday, April 5, 1981. Motion to approve made by Selectman Levine subject * to approval of Police Department, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED: 5 -0. Letter from Arthur Remillard resigning from Cable T.V. Committee in order that next applicant on list may be appointed. Motion to accept by Selectman Avery, seconded * by Selectman Levine. VOTED: 5 -0. Selectman Levine moved to appoint applicant Gerald D. Wright, no second. Board requested that Mr. Wright be asked to come before Board for interview next week, and to complete in further detail the application submitted. Letter from Shooshanian Engineering Associates enclosing a brochure on energy costs. Notice from Attorneys Armstrong, Pollis, and Clapp of CATW hearing to be held September 9th, with a presentation by Rollins to be held Tuesday, August 19, 1980 to be attended by Attorneys Murphy and Cronan. Letter from Executive Office of Communities and Development regarding energy conservation workshop scheduled for Southeastern Mass. on Sept. 30th. To be forwarded to JayCees's. Memo from HUD regarding revised schedules for fixed moving expense payments under the uniform act. Letter from Municipal Xii.lding Committee requesting to come before the Board for a joint appointment to fill vacancy and to discuss the revised public library addition plans. Advised to wait for bi- monthly meeting on September 3 since there are no ( present applicants for vacancy. Weekly Liquor Disturbance Calls. Letter from Whitman & Howard relative to the discovery of one prehistoric site located in the right of way between the two well sites as per an attached letter from the archaeologists, Raber Associates. Letter suggested restricting all vehicular traffic by blocking road. Town Manager informed Board that this precaution might be difficult to enforce but he would see what the DPW could do. Letter from the Executive Office of Communities and Development relative to the U.S. Census Bureau and challenges to the working counts, with a number to contact for further information. Town Manager reported he called the number only to find the State representative handling the matter was on vacation and would contact Town next week. At this point Chairman Mahana interrupted the reading of correspondence to recognize members of the planning Board who presented Chadwick Maurer with a service plaque on his departure from the Planning Board. Correspondence Continued New England Telephone petition to place and maintain buried cable on Pratt Street. Hearing required. Town Manager feels it is the responsibility of party submitting application to present a list of abuttors to be notified. Also when a hearing is required, the party requesting such should be billed the advertising fees directly. Selectman May moved that it be the Policy of the Board of Selectmen to charge advertis- ing fees to party requesting hearing, seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED: 5 -0. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING AUGUST 20, 1980 Page 3 Letter from Camp Dresser &. McKee, Inc. advising that the requirements of contract with the Town to prepare the permits and applications for the wastewater treatment plant and interceptor projects have reached 94yo of the original budget estimate. After meeting with Norton Conservation Commission on August 18, 1980, CDM will be better prepared to advise of additional funds required to complete work. Copy of letter from Whitman & Howard to Charles 'T.Main regarding their observations and recommendations concerning the Northeast Corridor Improvement Project and possible conflicts with the existing water distribution system. Letter from Norton Board of Selectmen inviting Town representatives to attend a Tax Limitation Symposium on Monday, September 15, 1980 at 8:00 P.M. in the Norton High School Auditorium. SRPEDD 1979 Annual Transportation Report. Letter from David Benjamin, Editor of Mansfield NEWS requesting permission for use of the Town Hall, October 2, 1980 at 7:30 P.M. for a debate on the topic of Proposition 22 with the Norton - Mansfield League of Women Voters and representatives of the Mass. Municipal Association and Citizens for Limited Taxation, as well as Rep. Leon Lombardi. A motion to grant permission made by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED: 5 -0 with Chairman Mahana planning to attend. Letter from the Norton Conservation Commission with notification of the continued public hearing relative to Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant to be held on August 25, 1980 at 8:00 P.M, in Norton. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING AUGUST 20, 1980 Page 4 ( Warrants #20 Town and School Expenses for $242,166.07 approved on a motion by Selectman May * seconded by Selectman Avery. VOTED: 4 -1 with Selectman Levine abstaining. #21 Town Payroll for $43,296.93 approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by * Selectman Levine. VOTED: 4 -1 with Selectman May abstaining. Minutes of July 30 - Selectman Avery asked if letter was sent to Vachon requesting details of objections raised in their letter regarding DPW vehicle bids. Former Torn Manager sent letter with no response received to date. Selectman Avery questioned whether the Board was seeking another appraisal of Garden Street property as voted upon on July 16? Paragraph 3, Page 4 of July 30th minutes referred to Town Counsel ruling that appraisal is just a guideline. Torn Manager Chadwick Maurer feels the original appraisal documents the property quite well by using recent sales of comparable property. The best comparable sale is the piece of property on the northerly side of Chauncy Street that the Town sold at public auction and has since been resold for substantially more than was paid the Town. This piece of property was a fair market sale with same type of restrictions. It is the Town Manager's feeling that abuttors are asking for another appraisal when the one submitted is a fair price, and the Town should go with present appraisal. Let the abuttors get a second appraisal if they so wish, was the Town Manager's feeling. Selectman Avery moved to reconsider.action of July 16 regarding an additional * appraisal of Garden Street, seconded by Selectman May, voted 3 -1 with Selectman Levine opposed and Selectman DeLong abstaining. Selectman Avery moved that abuttors who had initial right to bid on property may obtain a second appraisal if so wished, * seconded by Selectman May, voted 3 -1 with Selectman Levine opposed and DeLong abstaining. Selectman Levine asked Town Manager if results of salt bids were received. Town Manager replied they came in the mail, but he does not know if Town will purchase any. Spelling of the word "manganese" to be corrected, Page 3, Paragraph 7. Minutes of July 30, 1980 approved as corrected on a motion by Selectman Avery, * seconded by Selectman May. VOTED: 5 -0. Minutes of August 13 Town Manager was asked to find out from Arthur Remillard if the number of liquor licenses is based on our population figure or the Federal Census Bureau. Selectman Avery questioned the meaning of 'third sentence � in paragraph 4 of Page 4. It was suggested to add "above information" after the word giving. On a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May, the Board voted to approve the Hold Harmless Agreement received from Henley- Lundgren. They are to be notified of approval and asked to sign a letter of agreement to repair slope on Fruit Street, * and one to repair any damage to culvert. VOTED: 5 -0. Minutes of August 13 approved with corrections noted on a motion by Selectman Avery seconded by Selectman May. VOTED: 4 -0 with Selectman DeLong abstaining. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING AUGUST 20, 1980 Page 5 Town Manager's Report W. Chadwdick Maurer, Jr. reported that the first two days of his appointment he spent meeting with various department heads on the projects they are working on and the procedures used. He informed the Board this is the practice he expects to follow, making formal and informal requests to the Board. When a policy decision is needed, it will be presented to the Board in writing. In other instances, He will make informal written reports. Any formal recommendations will be done in writing. Mr. Maurer noted that he would like to post the position of Planning Director as soon as possible. The appointment is to be made by the Town Manager from a group of candidates that the Planning Board would select. Town Manager last week reviewed the position description with the Planning Board. Town Manager feels the Town Engineer should be involved on a more technical basis with the Planning Board. Also Planning Director should be more involved in major long term capital improvements of the Town, as well as to work on special projects. Town Manager commented that he would like to post the Planning Director position in time to meet the Friday deadline for the BEACON. The Town will also advertise in the Boston GLOBE and the Employment Security Job Bank. At this time a discussion to clarify the salary and residency requirements was held. It is the Town Manager's feeling that a residency requirement is not necessary in most Town positions. However, if the policy of residency is to be continued, this must be advertised in the position opening and would have to be consistently enforced. Selectman Avery commented that he was not aware that the residency requirement was not being enforced. Town Manager reported that Town Engineer, Tony Stanzione, lives out of Town and the residency requirement was not enforced at the end of his first year of employment. Selectman Avery moved to rescind residency policy on this particular position and in positions to be filled in the future, each would be looked at individually, seconded by Selectman Mahana(after passing gavel over to Clerk May). Selectman Levine asked who would determine the need for residency requirement if done on an individual basis? Chairman Mahana stated this would be based on the Town Manager's recommendation. Town Manager commented that regardless of what is done tonight, residency will have to be looked at with regard to affirmative action. Selectman Avery at this point moved to move the question, seconded by Selectman May. * VOTED: 4 -1. Vote on Selectman Avery's motion to rescind residency requirement as stated above - failed VOTED: 2 -3 with Selectmen May, Levine, and DeLong opposed. Selectman DeLong feels that if in a particular case the residency requirement is a hardship, the Board can make an exception. He also feels it is not necessary to advertise the residency requirement, but that the candidate would be notified of the condition if he is being considered for position. Selectman Belong would like Town Manager to discuss with Town Engineer why he has not moved into Town, as he does not want to ignore this situation. PLANNING DIRECTOR SALARY - Town Manager recommends a salary range of $18,500 to $21,200. After a discussion of the qualifications required and a review of the position description as provided to Board members, a motion was made by Selectman Avery for a salary range for Planning Director of $16,000 to $19,000, seconded by Selectman * Levine. This would be a starting salary range. VOTED: 5 -0. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING AUGUST 20, 1980 Page 6 Town Manager Report (continued) Christmas Lights bid will be advertised tomorrow. Whitman & Howard's Art Stockus recommended the bonding of water project from 20 - 40 years. A comparison was submitted of the 40 year figures to the 20 year figures.. A decision will have to be made next week. In a discussion with Light Department and other Department Heads, it came to light that there is surplus equipment not being used. The Fire Department has two pieces of old fire trucks not being used. A list is being prepared of those that can be disposed of and a bid requirement will be prepared. Community Development Grant Applications - Relative to including the Drop -in- Center as has been suggested, Town Manager noted that this had been included in the past, but did not get anywhere. They are funding housing rehabilitation projects. Looks like those same types of projects will be funded again this year. We can send in the application for the Drop -in- Center as previously submitted, or we can submit rehabilitation proposals. Selectman Avery felt this would be too involved, and suggested the previous application for Drop -in Center be submitted. Reminder that a public meeting will be held in the Town Hall for the proposal of Sludge Disposal by Camp, Dresser, and McKee. Town Manager announced the Retirement of Police Chief Lawrence D'Afile to become effective November 13, 1980. He will be leaving on October 7th, as he has ( accumulated 27 days of time. Chief will appoint acting Police Chief on October 7 through November 13, 1980. Then Town Manager will appoint acting chief until recommendation is made. Town Manager is to make recommendation of replacement. Board of Selectmen will have opportunity to set salary figure. Whitman & Howard is ready to advertise for bids on 48% of water main projects. They want to do it sometime in the middle of September. Town Manager told them money to borrow has to be authorized. Board Reports Selectman Levine asked if any information had been received on the unusual sewer and water surge noted at Cabot, Cabot & Forbes. Town Manager reported that the water surge could have been due to the fact that power was lost for a time on Sunday, so that when it returned, the reservoir had to recover on Monday. Selectman Levine also asked about the drainage on the corner of Post Office and Villa Street. Mr. Phillips on Court Street says there is a drainage problem. She also reported that she had spoken with Paul Dalton regarding the lights on Rte. 140. He was supposed to have met yesterday with DPW Commissioners to sign agreement for permission to put up lights. October is still a reasonable deadline expectation. Chairman Mahana asked for a figure on how much we would lose in excise tax through Proposition 2a. Chairman Mahana asked Town Manager to check with Arthur Stockus as to whether i temporary pumps can be installed in new wells by May 15, 1981. Town Manager replied that would depend on when hearings will be held. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING AUGUST 20, 1980 Page 7 Chairman Mahana stated he would like to have the locks changed on the front door of the Town Hall as well as the Town Manager's Office. Selectman May would like to have recommendation from Town Manager on security in Town Hall. Selectman DeLong asked whether the Board would still want to pursue a standpipe at Special Town Meeting? Chairman Mahana replied he would like to pursue the GilbertStreet or Ash property rather than a standpipe. Selectman DeLong asked Town Manager to obtain another recommendation from Whitman & Howard. The question was asked whether it was too late to get these proposals in under the FMHA Loan. Town Manager replied it wasn't, but that we could also reapply for more money. Chairman Mahan stated he would like more definitive plans from Whitman & Howard on how to proceed on water program. Chairman Mahana is in favor of going after additional wells. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:25 P.M.