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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 9-24-1980BOARD OF SELECTMEN/LIGHT COM A G E N D A SEPTEMBER 24, 1980 1. 7:00 P.M. Correspondence Review 2. 7:30 P.M. Call to Order 3. Minutes of September 171 1980 Minutes of Executive Session, September 100 1980 4. Warrants 5. Correspondence 6. Clerk's Folder 7• 7:45 P.M. Finance Committee Joint Appointment 8. 7:50 P.M. Ed Morrison - CATV Update 9. 8:00 P.M. Community Development Grant Application Hearing 10. 8:15 P.M. Harry Bloom RE: proposed bus routes 11. 8:30 P.M. Fernando Requena - Camp, Dresser, and McKee Jim Wallace 12. Old Business 1. Depot Lounge License 2. Special Town Meeting 3. Water Ban 4. Charter Study Committee 5. Downtown Traffic Pattern 6. WIEC Study of Small dams 13. New Business 14. Adjournment NOTE: Light Commissioners Meeting Tomorrow Night 7:30 P.M. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING SEPTEMBER 24, 1980 Call to Order - 7:30 P.M. PRESENT: Chairman Mahana, Selectmen DeLong, Levine, Avery, May, Town Manager Maurer. * Minutes of September 17, 1980 approved by Selectman DeLong, seconded by Avery. 5 -0. Minutes of Executive Session of September 10, 1980, approved by Selectman Avery, * seconded by Selectman May. 5 -0. Warrants 31 School and Town Expenses for $381,269.95 approved, May/Avery. 4 -1 Levine abstaining. #32 Revenue Sharing for $1,599.73 approved, May/Avery. 5 -0. * #33 Town Payroll for $388,981.48 approved, Avery/Levine, 4 -1 with May abstaining. #34 School Payroll for $180,319.82 approved, May /Avery, 4 -1 with Levine abstaining. Correspondence Letter from Mansfield Regular Police Assoc. enclosing tickets for Annual Ball on October 25, 1980. Board will be attending Mass. Municipal Conference. Selectman DeLong requests their regrets be sent to Police Assoc. Attleboro Area Council for Children notice of Human Service Providers meeting on . October 27, 1980 at 9:30 a.m. Norton Conservation Commission RE: Alternative Sludge Disposal requesting that they be informed of the alternative proposals and possible use or discharge into the Norton Reservoir. Town Manager noted Norton will be invited to October 29 hearing. Receipt of application by Joseph W. Norcott for Cable T.V Advisory Committee. Letter from Elwyn Atherton regarding proposed intentions for distribution of Jacob Williams Lecture Fund. Street light request for post #3 opposite 90 Gilbert Street received from Thomas Horowiec. Light Director does not recommend installation since there would be two lights in a row. However, he did note that the area is unusually dark because the location of house is at the end of a wooded road. Selectman Avery moved to accept the recommendation of Light Department Manager not to approve installation so as not to set a precedent. * seconded by Selectman May. VOTED: 3 -2 with Selectmen Levine and Mahana opposed. It was suggested Mr. Horowiec be advised that the Town will install a oecurity light at our expense if he will agree to pay the monthly charge for service. Local Officials Human Services Council survey to be completed by Town Manager Northeast Public Power Association notice of Energy Audit Program and MEAM Recommendation. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING SEPTEMBER 24, 1980 Page 2 Finance Committee Roger Dotson, William Flannery, and John White of the Committee approached the Board with their recommendation for joint appointment to fill vacancy. After interviewing those candidates on file, the Committee nominated Vincent Forte who had been interviewed by both the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee last week. Chairman Mahana polled the Board of Selectmen on the nomination with all in favor. The three members of the Finance Committee present were also unanimously in favor. * VOTED: 8 -0. CATV - Ed Morrison reported to the Board that preliminary hearings for the companies that have submitted applications will be held in October. CATV has until January for a final decision. After the preliminary hearings, recommendations will be made to the Board of Selectmen. The final hearing will be scheduled with the Board of Selectmen in attendance. Ed noted that he has been contacted by four towns who expressed an interest in regionalization. After a discussion on the merits of regionalization, Selectman Avery commented that this might not be the best time to accept Cable T.V. and Ed Morrison agreed that might be true. Chairman Mahana on the advice of the Board suggested that the CATV advisory committee make the decision on whether or not to go regional. Ed noted that the application process would begin all over again if the town goes regional. Community Development Hearing - At 8:00 P.M. Clerk May opened a public hearing by reading the published legal notice. Town Manager Maurer noted that the application is essentially the same as that submitted two years ago which was not funded. The Drop -In Center and sidewalk improvements for the handicapped are included to attract funding. Included in the application is $70,000 for acquisition, 850,000for rehabilitation, and $15,000 for trees and landscaping, $S0,000 for Sidewalk Paving for Handicapped, $30,000 for Planning $ Design, and $10,000 for Administration. Chairman Mahana asked if Fairfield property could be designed with this grant? It was noted by Town Manager that the Fairfield property site will be privately developed and therefore does not qualify. However, the Downtown Advisory Committee's report as submitted several years ago is contained in the present application. Hearing no further comments, and after Town Manager noted that another hearing will be held on the subject next week, Chairman Mahana closed the hearing at 8:15 p.m. Bloom Bus Lines - At 8:15 p.m. Mr. Harry Bloom and Anthony Rubella, owner and traffic manager respectively, of Bloom Bus Lines approached the Board to seek permission to run a Taunton to Mansfield line. Mr. Bloom noted that in 1966 he had permission for this route with the restriction that passengers were discharged in Mansfield but not picked up. After 18 months this was dropped because of the restrictions. Now would like to try again without the restriction. Mr. Bloom noted they presently run a Fall River to Boston route, serving every Town in between. After servicing Mansfield the route will be express to Boston, via Rte. 106 to Rte. 24,to South Station and Park Square. They will run five trips a day, two in the morning, one at midday, and two in the evening. Fares have not been figured as yet from Mansfield to Boston, however, will probably be higher than the $2.40 charged presently from Taunton. Mr. Bloom noted there will be nosubsidies involved. At present no designated bus stops in Mansfield have been planned. Selectman Avery requests in writing the fact that after a trial period the town can designate bus stops if necessary. Mr. Bloom would like to take a survey of the area and then come back with stop suggestions for Board,'s approval. A route map and list of streets to be travelled was presented to Board. A motion was made by Selectman Avery to approve the application of Bloom Bus Line BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING SEPTEMBER 24, 1980 Page 3 through Town of Mansfield from the Norton limits to the limits of Mansfield going onto Boston. If at a later date we decide to have designated bus stops, we have * the right to make that decision. Motion seconded by Selectman Levine. VOTED: 5 -0. Selectman Avery suggested that when the State DPW hearing is scheduled, Mr. Bloom should contact the Town Manager to perhaps represent Mansfield in showing the need for this service. Depot Lounge License - Town Manager reported he had check the references given by Mr. O'Donnell at last week's hearing and were all favorable. Applicant had also been approved by Police Department. Mr. Maurer did comment that the weekly police liquor disturbance log shows a complaint for Saturday, September 20, 1980. Mr. O'Donnell noted that he did not know who lodged the complaint of noise, but both he and a neighbor were observing from a distance, and could find no cause for complaint. He commented that both he and his wife have spoken with some of the neighbors and hope to continue a working relationship with them. On a motion by Selectman Belong, seconded by Selectman May, the board approved the granting of the liquor license transfer to Patrick O'Donnell, for the Depot Lounge. VOTED: 5 -0. The Board was asked to waive the building permit fee for improvements to the V.F.W. Building on Fruit Street. Approved on a motion by Selectman DeLong, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED: 5 -0. ( Kowzick's Diner Pinball Machine Application Mr. Kowzick explained the machine was purchased as an amusement for his son and would prot.ably be operated only between the hours of 4p.m. to 8p.m. Approved on a motion * by electman DeLong, seconded by Selectman May. VOTED: 5 -0. Selectman DeLong questioned Mr. Kowzick on whether he agreed that Bruce Wood would sell him land on Garden Street that abuts the diner. Mr. Kowzick said he was in agreement. Camp, Dresser, and McKee - Report on Sludge Study. Jim Wallace updated the Board on the continued study of alternative sites and methods of disposal for sludge. The original sites reported on previously were the existing wastewater treatment plan, the Mansfield Airport site, an industrial site off Ware St., and the Maple Street site. CDM is proposing to eliminate the airport site because of deed restrictions that were brought up at the last meeting. The industrial site off Ware Street appears in a little less favorable view because the buffer zone is not as great as the other two sites. It is acceptable but is not as attractive as Maple Street or the WWTP site, according to Jim Wallace. Be also noted that if composting becomes the primary manner of disposal, I the category has not been decided by the Federal government as to use, there are some uncertainties involved. A primary method of composting is not as reliable as a landfill. Jim Wallace pointed out that this leaves two sites in Mansfield; namely, Maple Street and the existing Wastewater Treatment Plant. The cost on an equivalent basis is within the same numbers when compared with the new site in Norton. The lowest cost presently is the proposed WWTP site in Norton. About 15 per cent of the capital cost will have to be added to the two proposed sites for engineering development. Trans- portation costs have been added into operation and maintenance costs. CDM used a figure of $10,000 per acre for price of land on Maple Street as varying estimates BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING SEPTEMBER V4, 1980 Page 4 have been received. There is the possibility of materials having to be removed from the site( kane $ kettle )fo� which a contractor has offered $80,000 to remove. Maple Street has been refigured using these figures which would bring the equivalent annual cost to $200,000 rather than $164,000. Jim Wallace stated that each additional community joining the regional system would shorten the lifespan of the landfill. CDM is considering the possibility of putting a composting facility on the landfill site. This would require a one acre corner and would be operated on a seasonal basis, and would not require much of a capital expenditure. There are some monies from the federal government in setting up a composting facility. Fernando Requena of CDM reports that when risks are involved with unproven technology, the federal government will allow an 85% grant on this type of project for construction costs. However, the State then will allow only 996 rather than 15go, thereby allowing for 949/6 funding as compared to 90%. They will consider the composting and landfill as one single unit to be funded. The combined composting and landfill facility would be about 159/6 higher in cost. According to Mr. Requena, from preliminary conversations with EPA and the State, they will consider this project as innovative on any of the proposed sites. The original purpose of the study was to find an alternative site in Mansfield. However, CDM has been comparing the alternative sites with the Norton site for costs and finds that Norton is somewhat lower. On an annual cost basis, the Mansfield WWTP using composting inside the landfill would be about $205,000 a year, the Maple Street site under best of conditions approximately $208,000, the proposed Norton site would be about $186,000. Because the cost on all sites is very similar, the main consideration is public acceptance. Selectman Belong asked. Mr. Requena how long the existing plant would last as compared to proposed site, and was told that all three sites have the same 20 year life expectancy. Chairman Mahana asked what happens to the landfill site if Norton or Foxboro or another community comes in.and was told that at least § of the sludge will be composted, and as other communities are added, this could be expanded if necessary, thus prolonging the life of the landfill. Town Manager asked if EPA would increase design grant to decommission the existing plant, and was told they would not give a Step 3 grant until a finding of no impact was issued. Once that condition is met, there is no other condition for Step'3. Mr. Requena told the Board that CDM was asked to conduct a study for the purpose of finding sites in Mansfield. They have proposed two sites in Mansfield which will have to be compared to the proposed Norton site. After The public hearing to be held October 29, 1980 at Mansfield Town Hall, Mr. Requena explained to Herbert Levine, after opening the discussion to the floor, in answer to Mr. Levine's question regarding the burning of sludge, that some areas will accept it for burning now but may not in five years due to the increased cost of oil. Selectman Levine asked several more questions concerning composting which ( were answered by Jim Wallace to clarify his previous statements. She also asked about keeping the buildings on the existing site for composting and was told that the way the compost facility will be designed, there is no need for buildings. Selectman Avery commented that he was of the opinion the E.P.A. would make the final decision on the site. Mr. Requena stated decision would be made by Board of Selectmen, BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING SEPTEMBER 24, 1980 Page 5 Environmental Protection Agency, and State. Jim Wallace commented that the engineering findings show all three sites will work, cost wise they are about the same; however, information and input on public acceptance will have to come from the Town. Correspondenoe(continued) Request for proclamation of U.N. Day of Shame by Joe Trainor of TRAIN Committee. No action taken. Communication from Executive Office of Energy Resources relative to Alternative Energy Property Program. Letter from Community Antenna Television Commission relative to emergency regulations affecting the cable television licensing process. To be forwarded to CATV. Department of Revenue, Bureau of Accounts certifying "free Cash" as of July 1, 1980 in the amount of $383,124. UPDATE: 128 WRRC for September. Newsletter from Pilgrim Resource Conservation Council. First Boston Public Power Financing Newsletter. Attlebor Area Council CHILDRENS' ACTIVIST Bulletin. Notice of Regional briefing on 1980 HUD Legislation to be held October 8 at Commonwealth Pier. Notice regarding Cable Licensing in Massachusetts. To be forwarded to CATV. Annual report from Bristol County Commissioners. Sewer Connection application from Paul Boyden for 200 and 206 Central Street. Town * Manager reviewed and approves. Motion to approve May/Avery 5 -0. Sewer Connection application from John Wilkinson, Jr. f(r27 Hall St. approved by * Assessors for betterments. Motion to approve May/Avery 5 -0. Old Business Special Town Meeting - Town Manager asked for vote of the Board for their support for each Article. Article I - Motion to support May /Levine, 5 -0. Article 2 - Motion to support MayAevine, 5 -0. Article 5 - Motion to support May /Levine, 5 -0. (Town Manager reports that Finance ( Committee feels only $40,000 needed, as $10,000 remains in account.) Article 4 - Motion to support May /Levine, 5 -0. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEE`T'ING SEPTEMBER 24, 1980 Page 6 Article 6 - Motion to support Avery /May, 5 -0. Article 7 - Motion to support Levine /May, 5 -0. (FinCom will support.) Article 8 - Motion to support Avery /May, 5 -0. Article 3 - Water Ban By -law a draft of which was provided to the Board. Motion to support Avery /May, 5 -0, subject to approval of Town Counsel. Selectman DeLong questioned whether or not the amount of the fine should be specified in the Article. Wording to be changed to state "subject to fines as established by Board of Selectmen.' Eliminate the charges and fines in By -law. Article 9 - Revolving Fund - Motion to support Avery /May, 5 -0. Articles 10,11,12, - Library - Motion to support Avery /May, 5 -0. Article 13- WWII Scholarship Fund rewording - Motion not to support Levine /May. Selectman DeLong commented he would oppose motion primarily because all taxpayers contribute by force to fund and should be entitled to elegibility for scholarship. VOTED: 2 -3 motion fails. Motion to support by May /DeLong, 3 -2 with Levine and Avery opposing support. Water Ban Water Ban on recommendation of Town Manager, should be kept in force until Witch Pond Well is cleaned and Whitman & Howard has the opportunity to put water system back on a 16 hour daily pumping schedule. Motion to keep ban in effect, May /Levine, 5 -0. Charter Study Committee Town Manager does not feel there is a need to re- evaluate the Charter at this time. Selectman DeLong moved to dismiss the By -law committee that was founded in 1974, seconded by Selectman May, 5 -0. Selectman DeLong moved that Fred Sarro, Jr. be given a rebate on the disputed Electric Bill of $50 with the understanding that it will be donated to C.S.F. by Mr. Sarro. Motion seconded by Selectman Avery. VOTED: 5 -0. Chairman Mahana noted this is a reaffirmation of a previous vote. Downtown Traffic Pattern Town Manager noted that the Board did not formally accept the recommenda- tions of the Downtown Advisory Committee. We have a complaint from the Fire Chief about his men having difficulty getting into the fire station in an emergency. Selectman DeLong suggests hearing from the Fire Chief, Police Chief, Town Manager and then meet with Downtown Acvisory Committee. Charter Study Committee action deferred until next week. On a motion by Selectman DeLong, seconded by Selectman Avery, the Town Seal and names will no longer be printed on Selectmen's note pads, 4 -1. There being no further business a motion to adjourn by May /Avery, 5 -0.