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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 9-3-1980BOARD OF SELECTMEN/LIGHT A G E N D A L September 3, 1980 1. 7:00 P.M. Correspondence Review 2. 7 :30 P.M. Call to Order 3. Minutes of July 31, 1980, August 6, August 20, 1980 4. Warrants 5• Correspondence 6. 8:00 P.M. Diane Mangiaratti, Grace Genatossio - Presentation of LWP Booklet, "All About Mansfield" 7. 8:05 P.M. Bi- Monthly Boards & Committees 8. Old Business 7 Limited Taxation Committee 2. Town Manager Report 9. New Business 1. Special Town Meeting 2. Town Manager Report 10. Adjournment NEXT WEEK: Scheduled Hearings l BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE :MEETING SEPTEMBER 3, 1980 Meeting opened for correspondence review at 7:00 P.M. Call to Order at 7:30 P.M. PRESENT: Chairman Norman Mahana, Selectmen De Long, Avery, Levine, May, Town Manager W. Chadwick Maurer, Jr. Minutes o£ Jul 1 approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman May, VOTED: -0. Minutes of August 6, 1980 approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by * Selectman May, VOTED: 5 -0. Minutes of August 20, 1980 correction on Page 7, paragraph 2 Garden St. should be changed to Gilbert St. Minutes approved with correction on a motion by Selectman * Avery, seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED: 5 -0. Warrants #25 School and Town Expenses for $156,330.87 approved on a motion by Selectman May, seconded by Selectman Avery. VOTED: 4 -0. with Selectman Levine abstaining. #26 Town Payroll for $42,782.06 approved on a motion by Selectman Levine, seconded by * Selectman Avery. VOTED: 4 -0 with Selectman May abstaining. Correspondence Invitation to Board to attend COA senior citizens cook -out Saturday, September 6 at 21 Branch Street. Attleboro Area Council for Children Flyer for August. Childrens' ACTIVIST newsletter. Notification from Office of Environmental Affairs relative to Wind Chime Acres and the fact that it does not require an Environmental Impact Report. Notification from Massachusetts Historical Commission relative to Wind Chime Acres being in close proximity to an important prehistoric archaeological site and suggestion that MEPA request an archaeological survey of the planned project. Approval of Building permit application for house to be moved from 302 Chauncy St. to 79 Walnut St. subject to payment of light department deposit. U.S. Treasury Securities and Money Market reports from First Boston noted. Letter from WARA requesting that the Board of Selectmen and families join in celebrating the 30th anniversary at a "Charity Fair" to be held Sunday, Sept. 7 at the Sheraton Ballroom. Communication from Executive Office of Energy Resources relative to the New England Energy Expo to be held at Commonwealth Pier Exhibition Hall, Boston October 2 -5. Planning Board Seminar "Working with Consultants" on Saturday, October 4, 1980 at Framingham Motor Inn sponsored by U. of Mass. Cooperative Extension Service. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING SEPTEMBER 3, 1980 Page 2 Sewer Connection permit from John H. Riccio for 226 Union Street Extension approved * on a motion by Selectman Avery, Seconded by Selectman May. VOTED: 5 -0. Inspection report of Sanitary Landfill submitted by Town Engineer A. Stanzione. DPW request for services, highway division, for August 8, through August 27, 1980. Notification from HUD of application by Department of Community Affairs to administer 64 housing units in Bristol and Plymouth Counties. Copy of unsigned letter from Mansfield Tax- Payers Association to THE SUN CHRONICLE. Leaque of Women Voters representatives announced the availability of their booklet, "All About Mansfield" for 50 cents. Copies distributed to Board and Town Manager. BOARDS AND COMMITTEES - BI- MONTHLY MEETING Council on Aging - Paula Kilby for Rev. Flug invited the Board members and spouses to Louis Antosca's third annual cook -out for Senior Citizens to be held Saturday. Paula announced she had applied for and received three grants in the past month: (1) Mansfield and Attleboro for escort service, transportation above and beyond that supplied by mini -bus. This grant was in the amount of $7,5209 federal share in the amount of $5,640. (2) Postage for monthly newsletter for seniors, $725, federal portion $543.75. (3) Classes for Drop -in- Center - $1,550, federal portion $1,162.50. These three grants plus $10,000 for fuel assistance amount to $19,970 in federal funds to be received. Paula noted that approximately 116 of total is donated by the Friends of Drop -in Center. Paula noted that the Director's Job Description had been updated and finalized and that the Council was now going over the Assistant's position description and looking into the bus policies. Chairman Mahana asked if Paula had contacted Francis Gay regarding mini -bus funds and she noted that he cancelled both meeting dates and there has been no further contact made. Chairman Mahana also suggested to Paula that she contact those names he had provided to her for donations of materials to the planned woodworking class. Finance Committee - Bill Flannery reported he is now Board Chairman with Roger Dotson as Vice Chairman. He reported that $6,000 has been spent from reserve fund and the Board is concerned because it seems the budget is already extended. He noted the reserve fund cannot be extended until Town Meeting, however, various departments cannot extend budget requests at a Special Town Meeting. He reported there are still some unpaid bills remaining from F%Y 1979 -80 which should be placed on a Warrant Article for the Special to be called. Also the request for a transfer from Police Chief for parking tickets which was refused, should be placed on the warrant. He noted the FinCom will be meeting on the first and third Mondays of the months except holidays. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING SEPTEMBER 3, 1980 Page 3 CATV - Ed Morrison reported that five applications for Cable T.V. were received. A fee of $100 received from all applicants except Colony who was the original applicant. One applicant from Dallas, Texas came to the meeting to ask that their application be accepted even though late as they had requested a Town map by letter and request was not received delaying application. Ruling to be made by State Commission, upon receipt of letter stating details. Mr. Morrison submitted to the Board a copy of a letter drafted to be sent tt local communities inviting representatives to meet with the Mansfield Cable T.V. Advisory Committee at Willowdale Golf Course, 8:00 P.M. September 16 for the purpose of deciding whether or not to form a Regional Cable T.V. Advisory Board. Selectman Avery asked how much time Mansfield has to decide to go regional and Mr. Morrison explained that the process would have to start all over again if the decision is made to go regional. Selectman Avery moved to approve letter to be sent out to other area towns regarding * a Regional Cable T.V. Advisory Board, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED: 5 -0. Municipal Building Committee - Bob Saquet explained to the Board that the Committee had hoped tonight by joint appointment to fill the vacancy, however, the one applicant interested has left for vacation for four weeks. They requested to postpone the joint appointment for four weeks until he returns and can meet with the Board of Selectman. Selectmen were polled and all in favor or request for postponement. Mr. Saquet noted to the Board that the Building Committee has been working on two projects during the past year, neither of which passed at the annual Town Meeting, possibl because of the late hour they came up (1) Expansion of Mansfield Public Library,(2) DPW Building. If they are to be acted on by the Town, the Committee would like to do so as soon as possible for bonding to be obtained as soon as possible with the lowest possible interest rate. He commented that the library plans have been revised to retain the character of the existing building but will allow adequate space for present- neede,without any long range projections. At this time the revised plans were presented to the Board and a discussion followed. Mr. Saquet noted that the new plans would provide for approximately 14,000 square feet as opposed to 21,000 square feet on original plans. Projected cost to be $999,0000 which, based on a 20 year bond and current tax rate, the effect on the tax rate should not be too bad. A list of three Articles was presented to be included on the Warrant for Special Town Meeting: (1) To see if the Town will vote to borrow $999,000 for renovation and addition to Mansfield Public Library; (2) to see if the Town will vote to allow for the borrowing of funds for expansion; (3) to see if the Town will vote to allow funds for historical renovation and preservation. Chairman Mahana asked if the Historical Commission is in agreement with the revised plans and was told by Bob Saquet that the Commission does not want to see anything done to the building structure. However, Mr. Saquet commented that in its present state the building will not be serviceable to the library, and if they cannot use it he does not see justifying the expense involved to restore and preserve it as an historical building. The proposal by building commission would restore and preserve interior and will leave three sides of building unchanged. Therefore, they will be recycling the building. BOARD OF SELECTMEN 1IINLTTES OF THE MEETING SEPTEMBER 39 1980 l Page 4 At this time (�C`� Selectman DeLong asked how the Library Trustees felt about the proposal. Bob Grady of the Trustees replied that all trustees are in favor of supporting the new proposal. He feels if this proposal does not pass, there isn't much point in working with the present building. He noted that this proposal would allow for twenty years growth. He asked that the Board of Selectmen join in support of the proposed article and asked that it be placed on the warrant for a Special Town Meeting if it is going to be held this fall After several other questions were asked and answered, the question of parking arose. Bob Grady noted there is ample parking now due to the continued turnover of those using the Library, however, appropriate parking signs might be necessary. Town Manager asked whether the parking problem should be addressed now so that we know the options available. Bob Saquet answered that if they are assured of the project go ahead, an overall master parking plan will be drafted and the Commission would be happy to receive suggestions from the Town Manager. Selectman DeLong moved that the Board of Selectmen support the new proposal for expansion of the library and put an article into the next Special Town Meeting, * seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED: 5 -0. The Selectmen felt the proposal for a DPW building should be held for further discussion. SRPEDD - Richard Curley, the newly appointed representative, was present and reported that he had not as yet attended a meeting since being appointed but has received material and correspondence from Selectman Levine and will attend next scheduled meeting. Board of Health - Ed Tartufo reported receiving a letter from Town Manager W. Chadwick Maurer expressing his desire to work with the Board in solving any problems. Ed reported that the complaint log has been kept but is now being brought up to date. Board members have been handling complaints. He reported that new dump stickers were purchased in small amount, two repair permits were taken out, two out of season pert tests were granted(not necessarily accepted , two reports of pre - mature births were received,(which can also be reported to Medicaid for financial aid), and 575 Ware Street has been condemned and the building is presently vacant. Board of Assessors - Al Turinese reported that legislation on certification of assessors went into effect. Three present assessors will be automatically grand - fathered on vote of Board of Selectmen. He also reported on the land sites the assessors were asked to look into in Foxboro that had been re- evaluated. Mansfield Board of Selectmen walked grounds assisted by Foxboro assessors. Parcel that went up considerably was the 26 acres where the reservoir is located. Storage parcel on Belcher Street assessed at $1,000 per acre. Mr. Turinese feels these figures on values do rot seem unreasonable. The parcel with frontage on Belcher Street seems to be a little high. If the Town has any objections, they can put in for hearing. on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman Levine, the Board voted to approve * the certification of present assessors. VOTED: 5 -0. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING SEPTEMBER 39 1980 Page 5 Al Turinese at the request of Chairman Mahana stated he would delay the setting of tax rate until after special Town Meeting. Selectman May asked where the Mansfield re- evaluation team stood and Al reported they are on schedule and have covered the largest part of South Main Street area and West Mansfield. They are starting up at the North end of Town and will advertise the days they will go back to West Mansfield and other areas where people where people have not been home during summer months. George Wojtkiewicz asked Al if he had seen any figures on the re- evaluation and Al replied that he received a progress report on areas covered, but does not see figures until completed. Figures have to be approved by Department of Revenue. Board of Appeals - George Wojtkiewicz noted there is trend on behalf of many residential owners who want to expand houses, therefore, there has been a great many applications having to do with side yards and the Board has tried to grant these wherever possible in order to improve the properties. Another kind of request being received is for the expansion of commercial areas into residential areas on non - conforming uses. In the revision of zoning by -laws, we should take another look at revision of commercial variances: George rated that in 1980 there was almost a complete absence of apartment conversions. That will probably change in 1981 due to the state of the economy. Selectman Levine asked if George was suggesting that we need a re- zoning study of the Town and Ile replied vie need a study in relation to commercial areas and also the agricultural zoning. George then proceeded to ask several questions concerning the water project work to be done on South Main St. He asked if the contract had gone out for bid yet, and Town Massager replied that hopefully they would this fall. George asked if it was the Town or State's responsibility to repave that section of South Main St. and Town Manager replied that a permanent patch would be used. George noted that it appears that where the water pipe is located, a new section of paved road will eventually have to be dug up. Town Manager replied that the State pipe should have been extended for the full length of the job to have eliminated this problem. George asked who he could contact about getting that section of South Main St. repaved rather than patched. Town Manager replied that the State may say they want it repaved but plans now are for patching with Town money that has been budgeted for that purpose. Recreation Commission - Ed Vernon reported that the baseball backstop has been painted, the bleachers have been painted, Fisher - Richardson House has been maintained, litter is being picked -up on Parks and Commons daily, and restrooms are being maintained, chlorinated water at Maple Park each work day. The Park was closed early this year because the rust coming up from the springs discolored the water. He noted that Little Leaque Field #2 was mowed, and that approximately $500 in vandalism had been incurred including part of the scoreboard which was stolen. Ed reminded the Board that at last Town Meeting there was money voted, $6,000, for repairs at South Common and nothing has been done about this. He reported that the Department is in desperate need of help. There are positions available which have not as yet been filled and possibly within two weeks Ted Robinson could be only one left. Chairman Mahana offered the suggestion that the Jaycee's might donate some time to help, however, Ed noted these were full -time positions that are available and must be filled. He noted it did not look as though CETA would come through with much. Ed reported that the summer camp program was very successful as well as Maple Park until the last few days. They will go back to FinCom for money for the winter program. Chairman Mahana noted to Ed that the revolving account article was slated for Special Town Meeting. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING SEPTEMBER 3, 1980 Page 6 Planning Board - Marydee Flynn reported they had recently approved a 32 -lot sub- division for Ronald Bonvie and that he will cooperate with Board of Health to do some work in reference to septic tank maintenance. Board will meet within the month with Metcalf & Eddy Engineering Consultants on ground water protection zoning. They are preparing to review applications for new Planning Director. Great Woods Study - Town Counsel Charles Mulcahy will pass papers on Vazza land in Great Woods for footbridge. Everything is in order, and Town Counsel and ConCom are ready to take control of land. Application has been submitted to Self -Help for conservation program, but not sure if funding is available. Chairman Mahana asked Ms. Flynn why Metcalf & Eddy had been chosen and she reported receiving brochures offering free information which they supplied. No commitment has been made. He also asked if the Planning Board would continue to update and revise zoning laws and she noted they have work sessions scheduled with Town Engineer. Chairman Mahana commented he always thought there is an inconsistency in the side yard zoning. Ms. Flynn stated the Planning Board would be happy to receive suggestions on zoning from the Board of §electmen or Town citizens. Conservation Commission - Diane Royale reported hearings for three major Wetlands Projects, 1 Fruit Street Interceptor, (2) Northeast Corridor Improvement Project for Federal Railroad, and (3) a Gilbert Street gravel pit. Also involved with two ( major subdivisions (1) Ware Street -R. Bonvie, (2) Woodland Park off Fruit Street. Regarding Woodland Park, two years ago an appeal was made to the State as Order of Conditions were issued contrary to those of Conservation Commission. The re- routing of BackBay Brook has allowed approximately 6 new lots. Commission would like to have another hearing on the new lots. The matter of possible litigation on East St. and Branch St. has been resolved with the help of Town Counsel. Registrar of Voters - Arthur Remillard reported he is getting ready for State Primary. He has finished updating voters list with a total of 6,480 as opposed to 6,492 last year. Preparing for census, hopefully to start October 1. Letters have been sent to enumerators. He noted that Mansfield produces the census figures at a cost much less than other Towns. Arthurs stated with regard to the proposed Special Town Meet - ing, if it is to be held on September 22, it will have to be closed as of September 8, and if held on September 29, warrant to be closed by the 15th. Arts Council - Barbara Grady noted that this is an Arts Lottery Council, but nothing has been done as yet because no State guidelines have been received. They have been in touch with the State and told that tickets will be on sale a week from Saturday. Monies realized from the sale will be coming in the Spring. A figure given to us is 50 cents per dollar of capita. Tickets will be $5. Ms. Grady reported that Massachusetts is the first state in the Union to have an Arts Lottery. The first workshop will be held a week from Saturday in Acushnet with several members planning to attend. Old Business Limited Taxation Committee - response received from several areas. Norton is also planning a symposium on same subject matter scheduled for September 15. Selectman BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING SEPTEMBER 3, 1980 Page % Avery does not see what kind of impact the formation of our own committee would have. He advises not forming our own committee but to suggest to those responding that Norton is holding symposium and Mansfield Press along with Leaque of Women Voters will hold a debate October 2 at Town Hall to discuss alternatives to Proposition 22. Town Manager Report Sullivan Drilling Company under the direction of Whitman & Howard are working on three things: (1) Completing 24 -hour test on observation well North of the Highway garage, sample will be tested and then hearing can be held on two well sites; (2) has moved equipment into Cate Springs to clean, to take about five days during which time well will be out of service starting now; (3) last Friday we got notification from State that Well #4 could go back into service which has been done. Well #2 will be pumped in conjunction with Well #3 at night time only to reduce manganese problem. While Cate Spring is down, they will.be pumped more than just the late hours. Town Manager met with Art Stockus today to go over a program of how wells can be pumped in the future in order to maintain only 16 hours per day of pumping. This should yield about 2.8 Billion Gallons at that rate, which is the recommended pumping schedule. We are on a standby emergency arangement with Foxboro, and the Fire Department has been notified to contact the water depaiRment in case of an emergency fire. Sullivan will do a prolonged testing on Ash property after completion of Cate Springs. The gravel permit mentioned by the Planning Board is on Ash property. Planning Board will hold their decision until Whitman & Howard can make a recommendation on gravel pit. After completion of Ash property they will go in and clean Witch Pond Well. Chairman Mahana asked if Whitman & Howard would come back with some definitive plans on the wells. Town Manager noted he met with Arthur Stockus today and will present his information formally to the Board. Art Stockus stated the Farmers Home Loan Assoc. will not honor another loan request until original loan project is complete. Selectman DeLong asked if Ash property works out what the next step would be. ; Town Manager replied we would have to go to annual town meeting for acquisition of property. This cannot be done in time for Special. Should be cheaper for the pipe on Ash property than to go back to Mill Street which would involve more pipe. Town Manager feels we should look at other areas of water supply for possible well sites. Selectman DeLong suggests preparing an article for Mill Street pumping station on Special Town Meeting Warrant. However, it is the Board's opinion that this is too costly, and other areas such as Witch Pond should be sought. Town Manager asked Board for specific requests to be made of Whitman & Howard and the following four requests were made for inclusion in Special Town Meeting: (1) cost of cleaning area around Well #5 and upgrading, or possibly an additional well in that area, or cluster of wells; (2) Connection and development of Mill Street Well with option I to put in street and II to go diagonally across swamp and tie into main line of Dustin Well, which will need permission from some of the owners. (3) put money into well exploration account. (4) To appropriate funds for installation of temporary pumps in new wells(if not included in loan issue). BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING SEPTEMBER 3, 1980 Page 8 Water(continued) The Board has also asked for a cost of land acquisition for development of Ash property to be included in the next Annual Town Meeting. Whitman & Howard has also been asked for a price to be hiredby the Town on a fee basis to do an annual maintenance inspection of the wells. Selectman Levine felt communication between the Town and Whitman & Howard is poor. Chairman Mahana feels it would benefit both the Board and the Town to have a general meeting with Whitman & Howard to clear the air. Selectman DeLong suggests before we make a decision on whether or not they are doing the job, Chad should have a chance to work with them to see if they will respond. Selectman DeLong also commented that the annual inspection does not have to be conducted by Whitman & Howard, but would like a cost estimate from them first. Town Manager reported that for several years Town Meeting action curtailed well exploration program along with the FinCom and Capital Improvements committee. Selectman DeLong feels Board of Selectmen were not aware of what was going on. This happened over several Town managers and water supervisors. If a private consultant comes in on an annual basis, each Board will always be aware of water situation. Selectman DeLong feels if there were separate Boards for water commissioners and light commissioners, we would be in a better situation. Town Manager reported in response to a question last week from Selectman Avery that he spoke with Mr. Vachon and some of the problems concerning bid specs was outlined and Mr. Vachon would follow with a letter to this effect. Digital Business Systems - Town Manager met with Joe McGonagle last Thursday. A letter was sent to him containing two specific dates on completing Phase I and II and their ability to meet these deadlines will determine whether we would want to continue with them on Phase III. The present contract is for all three Phases. Garden St. - One property owner has been contacted who is not interested. Other two owners still to be contacted. Town Manager spoke with Bruce Wood who has already contacted the Diner. Town Manager will verify. Assuming everything is in order, we will prepare purchase agreement. NEW BUSINESS Special Town Meeting -A handout was given to Board members by Town Manager listing at least six Articles to be placed on Warrant for Special Town Meeting. He explained it would have to be held fairly soon before tax rate is set in case monies are appropriated. Two Articles listed are for the Police contract, (1) to pay back pay of $60,919 for F%Y 78 -79 and Fly 7980 and (2) appropriation for implementation of new contract, no figure available yet. Selectman DeLong asked if we need Town Meeting authorization to expand police personnel. Town Manager replied that we don't for ( additional personnel only for additional wages, and we should probably go for that at Special because this will be less money than overtime to cover 4 & 2 shift. Town Manager is preparing figures on options and will present next week. Article #3 - Money was taken from Water Department operating accounts for these emergency situations, and will have to be replaced. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING SEPTEMBER 3; 1980 Page 9 Article #4 - To adjust appropriation for Town Accountant and Town Clerk's salaries. Also appropriation for parking ticket printing which was not previously appropriated. Chairman Mahana asked if the parking ticket fines had been reviewed and approved by the Court. Town Manager to check. Chairman Mahana also asked if the situation of the Town Clerk not being certified as a professional member due to lack of fees could be rectified. Town Manager replied that it is the responsibility of the individual involved to make a presentation during budget season for requests on Professional membership fees. Treasurer and Town Accountant expenses to be certified were unknown at Town Meeting time. Article #5 - Recreation Commission Revolving Fund. Town Manager review this with Town Counsel and it is legal. Town Manager would like to see a detailed budget as to how they will do this and programs they will run. Article #6 - World War II Scholarship Fund. A citizen has requested this be opened up to Mansfield residents rather than just students of Mansfield schools. If this is approved, legislation has to be petitioned. Article #7, #8, #9 the three library articles submitted earlier tonight. Article #10 - Appropriation for unpaid bills as requested by FinCom. Article #11 - Appropriation for paying interest on short -term borrowing for Wastewater Treatment Plant. Payment has been made from another account but will have to be replaced. Article #12 Something on wells or water( to be determined during the week). Chairman Mahana commented that the Board would take a look at all the information presented by the Town Manager and Whitman & Howard next week, then will decide on whether to go for a standpipe. Selectman Levine moved for a Special Town Meeting to be held September 29, 1980 at 7 :30 P.M. seconded by Selectman May. Selectman Levine rescinded motion and moved for a Special Torn Meeting to be held September 30, 1980 at 7:30 P.M., seconded by Selectman Avery. VOTED: 4 -1 with Selectman May opposed. A request was made that Town Boards and Committees not meet that night. Town Manager noted that a petition had bealreceived from approximately 250 citizens this week requesting the calling of a Special Town Meeting for fuel adjustment charges. However, Torn Manager explained that there is no action that can be taken at Town meeting in relation to fuel adjustment charges. The concern should be addressed by the Light Department regarding the $360,000 reimbursement of overcharges. An explanation of part of the Town is in order. Town Manager suggested to spokesperson they meet independently with Jim Hall and Town Manager, but was told the citizen wish to come before the Board of Selectmen preferably not on a Wednesday meeting night. Town Manager to set date. It was noted that Governor King would make an appearance at the Sheraton next Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. to promote Massachusetts as a growing industrial base. Selectmen Mahana asked Torn Manager to request that the early Amtrak stop blowing the whistle while travelling through Town or if they could make a stop in Town. Adjournment at 11:15 P.M. moved by Avery, seconded by May. VOTED: K -0.