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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 11-19-1980BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS A G E N D A NOVEMBER 19, 1980 1. Call to Order 2. 7:00 P.M. Executive Session - Negotiations 3. 8:00 P.M. Airport Commission Joint Appointments 4. 8:15 P.M. Margot Jellinek 5. 8:20 P.M. Light Commissioners 1. September Statement 2. Rate Returns 6. 9:00 P.M. Tony McGee (Clerk's Folder) 7. Warrants 8. Minutes of November 5, 1980 Sludge Study Transcript 9. Correspondence 10. Town Manager's Report 1. Old Business 2. New Business 11. Adjournment BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 1980 PRESENT: Chairman Mahana, Selectmen Levine, May, DeLong, Avery, Town Manager Maurer. 7:00 P.M. On a motion by Selectman Avery, Seconded by Selectman May, the Board voted 5 -0 to enter Executive Session for the purpose of discussing union contract negotiations. At 8:15 p.m. the Board returned to open session. AIRPORT COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS Rod Stearns noted that the Commission unanimously recommended Jock Rosado and Allen Willis. Clerk May read the list of applicants: Robert Lewis, Jocelyn Rosado, Allen Willis, Steven Quinn. Rod Stearns noted that the two recommended have been attending meetings and appear knowledgeable. Mr. Stearns feels that Robert Lewis' ideas and concepts are in direct disagreement with the airport and that he is trying to close the airport. Chairman Mahana asked if it would not be wise to have someone with an opposing opinion on the Commission? Mr. Stearns feels there are enough challenges without having an opposing member and he himself does not feel lie could work with Mr. Lewis. Chairman Mahana nominated Jocelyn Rosado and Allen Willis. Board and members were polled, there were no other nominations. Leonard Russell of the airport commission joined the meeting at this point. x Members were polled for Robert Lewis, failed 6 -1 with Chairman Mahana in favor. x Members poled for Jocelyn Rosado, all in favor, 7 -0. x Members polled for Allen Willis, passed 6 -1, Chairman Mahana opposed. Mr. Rosado and Allen Willis to be notified of appointments. 8:20 P.M. Mrs. Jellinek - NEPCO rate case returns She presented Board with article from Boston Globe relating how municipalities receiving $5.7 million share of refunds will rebate to customers. She requested a vote from the Board tonight as Light Commissioners to give a reduction on all bills starting next month. Chairman Mahana commented that the Board had given Mr. Hall three months to come back to Board with recommendations and he will be doing so tonight. Selectman Avery stated he would like to hear the recommendations from Light Department. Hearing no motion to Mrs. Jellinek's request, Chairman stated there would be no vote. Lorraine Lucke: People cannot elect to place money for their electric bills in an escrow account to be paid in three months, we should therefore get our rebate immediately. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 1980 page 2 LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Jim Hall presented to Board recommendations regarding rate cases. He had a list of estimated expenditures for power year 1981, and noted they had received a rate increase from NEPCO to start December 1 at an annual cost of $60,000, but noted they are going to fight this. These are additional expenditures. Also two large apartment complexes are being converted to individual metering. Estimated changeover will be 250 apartments at $60 per meter, estimated cost of $15,000 for next F /Y. If the customer requests the change, he is charged. If we do it on our own there is no charge. In the case of a homeowner with a defective meter, if it does prove defective, there is no charge for replacement, if it tests out properly the resident is charged. This was in answer to a question from the floor.) At this time Selectman DeLong suggested that the Board decide whether to call a public hearing or to continue by adhering to Agenda. Mrs. Lucke asked how she could go about requesting another public hearing and was told by Chairman to speak with Town Manager. The third estimated expenditure reported by Mr. Hall is a new feeder from Gilbert Street for the industrial park at a cost of $4S,000. The fourth expense is in regards to a feasibility study for a new 115kv Bus -Tie Switch estimated at $150,000. The fifth is the state mandated residential conservation program for a total of additional expenses at $27,300. The estimate of $100 per audit has been increased to $127 per audit. The sixth is an increase cost from NEPOOL over the next few months amounting to an estimated $74,000. The Seventh is the total of legal fees for the rate cases amounting to $55,000 over a four year period. The total monies available 411,358 less 55,000 in legal fees. Light Director's recommendation is to retain these funds in a special account to implement Items 1 through 6 which total approximately $375,000 of additional expenditures. Chairman Mahana asked how these programs would be phased in if we didn't have this money and Mr. Hall stated the rates would be raised. The last rate increase was in July of 1975. Mr. Avery asked Mr. Hall if the Board decided to do as Mrs. Jellinek requested and return the overcharges to the consumer, then they would receive a return plus an increase in rates? Mr. Hall stated that is correct, and that if we returned the total rate refunds, a person who uses 700 KWH would receive $20.37 in a one lump sum, which would be deducted from the current bill or if they were in arrears, from that. The average monthly increase would be about $21.08 yearly using 700 KWH. MOTION: That the money be retained in a special account to implement the proposals as indicated in the memo dated November 18, 1980 from Light Director. * DeLong /Avery, 5 -0. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 1980 Page 3 Mrs. Luck asked if the public has any recourse, and was told by Selectman Avery the only thing is to bring suit. Light Director was asked to return again next week before the Light Commissioners to present Financial statements. Clerk's Folder Goal Post Arcade - Continuation on application by Tony McGee for license for pinball arcade. Building inspector submitted letter to the effect that the business would be in compliance with Mansfield zoning laws. A business plan was also submitted by Mr. McGee which was read by Clerk May, in which it was noted Mr. McGee's intentions to have a snack bar, Patriots souvenir shop, as well as the showing of NFL highlite films, approximately 25 -30 pinball machines with weekday hours to extend from 2:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. and 12 noon to 10:00 P.M. on Saturdays. MOTION: That license be granted for Goal Post Arcade, DeLong /Avery. Selectman May asked Mr. McGee why he had extended hours from 8:00 P.M. as first reported to 9:00 P.M. as presented in business plan. Mr. McGee replied that due to the Patriot's time schedule, if he planned to have autograph sessions, the players would not be able to attend much before 8:00 P.M. and would require an hour for the session. Selectman Levineasked Mr. McGee if it would be necessary to attract the youths with pinball machines, or why he couldn't go directly to the exercise program, to be like a health club. Mr. McGee responded that the cost of the necessary equipment would necessitate charging a membership fee of approximately $200 which most young people could not afford. I may not always have the benefit of being a Patriot and therefore, must attract them in other ways. Mr. McGee commented that he is trying to bring the community something he thinks might benefit it. He stated, "I have already been misjudged because of the issue with Peter Bent." Selectman May: Under your future projection, you have the exercise program projected for 1984. I was under the impression you would do this fairly soon. Tony McGee: I have to take a three year lease. If this is renewed, I will then take on the exercise equipment. Selectman May: Will Ray Hamilton still be involved? Tony McGee: Only if I am traded. Then he will take over. Selectman May: Who will be the adult supervisor? Tony McGee: Myself or my wife. I will have a police detail if necessary, but I would rather not have to do this. Bill Dissinger of Lantern Lane asked if the license were granted if it could be transferred any time. Chairman Mahana responded they would have to come before the Board again to request such transfer. Mrs. Luck: I am in favor because there is very little provided in the town of Mansfield for children. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 1980 Page 4 Clerk's Folder Continued Ed Morrison: Kids are standing on corners throughtout the town. There are no activities in town for children. I think it is a good idea. Joe Courtemache: The only place we have something like that is in the bars. It will keep them off the street. Mr. Dissinger: What will be the frequency that Patriot players would be there? T. McGee: I would be the only player on a regular basis. The others will be there when I pay them. Selectman Levine: If you were traded to another team, would Ray take over? T. McGee: Only until I return during off season. Chairman Mahana/ I am opposed because I see no beneficial rewards coming to the youths of the Town. I base this strictly on the type of business. * VOTE: 2 -3 Motion FAILED with Levine, May Mahana opposed. Tony McGee: Why wasn't Peter Bent asked the same information that I was? Also my character was defamed by certain members. IVARRAAITS * #54 Town Expenses for $551,298.89 approved. Levine /Avery, 4 -1 with May abstaining. x #55 School Expenses for $227,607.32 approved. May /Avery, 4 -1 with Levine abstaining. * MINUTES of November 5, 1980 approved Avery /Levine, 5-0. * MINUTES of the Public Hearing Sludge Disposal Alternatives, Approved, DeLong /Levine, 5-0. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 1980 Page S MOTION: To reconsider the vote on Warrant #54, May /Avery, 5 -0. * MOTION: To approve Warrant #54 for 551,298.89, Avery, DeLong, 3 -2 with May and Levine abstaining. SLUDGE DISPOSAL ALTERNATIVES Town Manager commented on the fact that the real purpose in constructing the new Wastewater Treatment Plant was to resolve the problems of the Norton Reservoir. The sludge disposal has been a side issue. We do have approval from DEQE for the proposed site. At the time it was approved it was before local Boards of Health had a voice in the site. We can gather from the concerns that we have heard that Norton Board of health would object to it. Town Manager feels that it would delay the project for a considerable period of time. When comparing the equivalent annual costs for both sites, the difference is not really that much. If we delay the project any further, it will delay solving the serious water problem at the Norton Reservoir, which we have an obligation to solve. Town Manager: It is my recommendation that we provide for the combined landfill and composting on our present Wastewater Treatment Plant site in Mansfield. We will retain the alternative to locate a landfill in Norton at a future date. We will have to investigate the possibility of re- couping the additional costs from the town of Norton. MOTION: That the combination landfill and composting be located in the town of Mansfield at the present site of the treatment plant, including proposals as outlined by Town Manager on page three of Memorandum dated November 18. DeLong /Levine, 5 -0. Selectman Levine: If and when Norton decides to join us, will we address using the Norton site at that time? Town Manager replied that if Norton wants to join, they will have to find their own landfill. Correspondence DPW Request for Service 10/30 to 11/14/80 Invitation to transportation construction fact finding hearing at District Office in Taunton on November 25, 1980, from Mass. DPW Letter from Town Counsel RE: Cavallo vs. Collins, vs. Town of Mansfield. Letter from Richard Howe, Easton Town Administrator noting the resignation of Jean Kent as delegate to the Self -help Board of Directors. Letter of resignation from Jean Kent, delegate to the Self -help Board of Directors. Letter from Howard C. Bassett, S3 South Street, So. Easton requesting he be considered as appointee to fill the Self -help vacancy. Letter of application also from Gerald A.Groom, 67 Pine Street. So. Easton. MOTION: To send applications to Easton and let them make the designation, Avery No Second. Chairman Mahana noted that he had received telephone calls from a gentleman opposed to Mr. Groom as an applicant for a number of reasons. Town Manager noted that Easton is suggesting that the town of Mansfield have an opportunity to put a Mansfield person in that position. Town Manager suggests that the -5- BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 1980 Page 6 Board of Selectmen advertise for people who would want to serve in that position. Comm. of Mass. DPU public hearing on the petition of Mass. Municipal Wholesale Electric Co. to be held December 10, at 10:00. * Request from Town Treasurer for authorization to release paychecks Wednesday morning, November 26, with Warrant to be signed Wednesday evening. DeLong, Mahana (Avery absent from room) , vote: 2 -0 with May and Levine abstaining. Letter from Leon Lombardi re: Proposition 22. Press Release from Senator David Locke re: Proposition 2'z amendments. Selectman Avery feels Board should take a position on some of the amendments that have been filed. MOTION: That we communicate with Senator Locke and Representative Lombardi that the Board of Selectmen supports the bill that Senator Locke has filed. /DeLong Selectman DeLong suggested that any additional items or comments be brought up before the Mass. Municipal Association and then either support or not support Senator Locke's bill. Second to motion by Selectman Avery, voted 5 -0. Send letter to Leon Lombardi thanking him for his letter. Bulletin from Community Antenna Television Commission Request from County Commissioners of Bristol County for name of appointee to represent Mansfield on the 1981 Bristol County Advisory Board. x MOTION: To appoint David May/ DeLong /Levine, voted 5 -0. Letter from Reverend Flug, Mansfield Council on Aging. MOTION: That we send Rev. Flug a letter that we concur with his interpretation * of the function of the Council. DeLong /Levine, 5 -0. Federal /State Update EPA ENVIRONMENT NEWS Press Releases from Special Commission on Civil Service Sewer Application from Ronald Bonvie for 18 Pleasant St. Town Manager informed Board that the Planning Board recommended against the proposal because they were not in agreement with it, however, the proposal does conform with zoning by -laws as per Building Inspector. He is to submit letter to that effect. Town Manager noted that the building inspector has authority to issue a permit over the objections of the Planning Board. Estimated amount of flow, 1650 Gallons per day. MOTION: To approve Avery /May, 5 -0. -6- BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF THE MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 1980 Page 7 Town Manager's Report IYe requested that DEQE extend water ban into December at least until the new well is on line. We are still having problems with people Bleachery. Water consumption is down, partly because of the Oak Street leaking problem which has been corrected. Town Manager reported that the water main was tapped today for the line that will go up into Maple Park. Jim Hall informed us today the electrical transformer won't be here until December 1, therefore, we will not be able to pump on the first of December. The pipe will be coming in tomorrow. The well is just about completed. We have a copy of letter from Town Counsel to A. Terenzi asking for information contained on the deed. Board Reports Selectman May requested that the Cooperative Bank be sent a letter of appreciation for sending $100,000 to the town from real estate escrow account. Selectman DeLong noted a letter of resignation has been received from Ted Robinson of the parks department. MOTION: To acknowledge with regret and order service plaque. DeLong, Levine, 5 -0. Selectman Levine commented that perhaps a Ted Robinson Day at the Park could be planned. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned, May /Avery, S -0. -7-