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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 2-7-1979BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT A G E N D A February 7, 1979 7:30 Call to Order Warrant Minutes - January 24, 1979 February 1, 1979 Ron Dubuc - Water Dept. Rates 7:45 p.m.- Appointment to Board of Assessors Appointment to Finance Committee 8:00 p.m. - Bi- monthly Meeting with Boards, Committees and Commissions Clerk's Folder Correspondence Town Manager's Report Board Reports Pending Items - Traffic Lights Emergency Policy Job Classifications Back Bay Brook - Phase 3 Water Rates Foxboro Mall Pattern - Traffic lights at CC &F & 140 Close warrant for Spcial Town Meeting April 4, 1979 BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the meeting February 7, 1979 Present: Selectmen Lyman C. Avery, Robert M. Delong, Frank Colella, David R. Clemmey and Antonino Caponigro, Jr. Town Manager William P. Metropulos. The meeting was called to order at 7:27 p.m. The weekly warrant in the amount of $107,599.15 was read. This was accepted on * a motion by Selectman Clemmey, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4 -0. (Selectman Colella out of room at time of vote.) Water Superintendent - Ronald Dubuc, met with the Board to discuss revisions of the water rates. The goal of the Board is to make the water department self - sustaining Ron told the Selectmen that $370,000. is the minimum revenue that is needed now assuming that there are no major capital improvements. The actual 1978 revenue is $210,000, additional revenue needed is $160,000. which will mean an increase of 75 %. The Board discussed with Ron some of the expenses in the department and Ron noted that he has been trying to keep the electricity costs down by turning down the thermostats but can't cut back on pumping water, the more water pumped the higher the cost of electricity-. Discussed also was how the figure of $225. is arrived at for water hook -up.. Ron also noted that there are certain services that the department does without any charge such as standby for fire protection incase there is a problem with the hydrants, routine maintenance, turning water on weekends for people who want to do work in a house that they are not living in and they don't charge to take final readings. All of these services can be set up to charge on a flat rate basis. Selectman Delong noted that the question here is whether to increase the fees or go up on the water rates. A study was done in 1976 but nothing came of it. Ron noted to raise the $160,000. cneeded the rates would have to be increased at least by 75% Ron noted that the average bill is $30.75 per year for 11,500 cubic feet of water. Projected increase would be about $72.00 per year compared to what people in Boston are paying, around $200.00 for the same amount. Ron noted that he plans on calling around to the. area towns to check what their average bill is. If new rates are adopted they could be implemented by July 1. Selectman Delong is concerned with the large user who has a yearly bill of $2000. and all of a sudden with the increase he is hit with a bill for $4000. He feels that the reasonable thing to do is go for small increases, possibly 20% each year. Selectman Colella noted that he would like to give the increase to industry and leave the individual residents alone, he is concerned with the people on fixed incomes, and would like the Board to establish some type of policy where they would only pay the minimum. Selectman Colella noted that he could not go along with a 20% increase for homeowners. Ron noted that there are many ways to increase the rates. Selectman Avery noted that we could sit here all night but without facts and figures we are wasting our time. Selectman Delong noted that he wants Ronnie to come back with a recom- mendation and figures concerning what other towns are charging. It was decided that the Board would meet with Ronnie on Monday, February 19, 1979 at 7:30 p.m. along with the Light Commissioners -1- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 7, 1979 Page 2 Appointment to the Board of Assessors - Selectman Avery moved for the appoint- ment of the present Assessor, Al Turinese and also wanted to say that prior to tonight he checked into the business of retirement and found out that anyone who is on an appointed board qualifies for retirement benefits. in his sixth year and not the tenth. Selectman Avery noted that,Al is not the only one who qualified for this retirement fund and read a list of people who in the past contributed to the pension fund and feels that it is unfortunate to pick on him for this tenth year when in fact he qualified in his sixth year. The motion was seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 3 -2 (Selectman Clemmey and Colella opposed) Selectman Clemmey said that he does not feel that those people are collecting and that Mr. Turines'.is also collecting health benefits, also that the two other members on the board don't contribute. Selectman Avery noted that anyone has the right to make that choice. Selectman Clemmey feels that it just isn't right. Selectman Caponigro noted that in going back over the records it has always been set up as a salary account , the reason that Al is getting Blue Cross is because it is a salaried account, now that this has been brought up people are aware of it. Selectman Avery noted that this is an option that the Town Meeting can change not the Board. Finance Committee Appointment Selectman Clemmey read the list _of applicants, for the Finance Committee. Selectman Colella moved that Guy Scarpaci, 46 Cottage St. be appointed, No second. Selectman Avery moved that Matt Williams, 46 Cottage Street be appointed, no s second. Selectman Caponigro moved that I. Jeffrey Ptaschnik, 21 Hemlock Lane be appointed, no second. Selectman Caponigro moved that John White, 152 Court St. be appointed, -no second. Selectman Colella moved postponement of the ap- pointment until we can get a recommendation from the FinCom. Selectman Delong noted that the FinCom was contacted and do�ndt have a recommendation - no second to Selectman Colella's postponement. Selectman Caponigro moved that Matt Williams, 46 Cottage Street be appointed to the Finance Committee to fill out the unexpired term of Lyman Avery, term to ex- pire January 1, 1980. Seconded by Selectman Avery. Voted 4 -0 (Selectman Clemmey abstained) The minutes of January 24, 1979 were noted. Selectman Clemmey moved that they be * accepted, seconded by Selectman Avery. Voted 5 -0 The minutes of February 1, 1979 were noted. Selectman Avery moved that they be accep- ted, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 5 -0. The Executive _minutes of February 1, 1979 were noted. Selectman Clemmey moved * that they be accepted and made public, seconded by Selectman Avery. Voted 5 -0. A Revenue Sharing Warrant in the amount of $252.12 was read. This was accepted * on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman Clemmey. Voted 5 -0. Bi- Monthly Meeting * * * * -2- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 7, 1979 Page 3 Airport Commission - Larry Pigeon. Chairman reported that the Commission consum- mated the lease agreement at a regular meeting of the Airport Commission, February 5, 1979 held at the Mansfield high school auditorium. The Commission is working on budget review and will nedd a transfer request for a new boiler and some other bills. Selectman Delong noted that he was under the impression that a new boiler wasn't needed, Larry informed him that for -now overhauling it would do'but eventually a new one will be needed. It was also questioned why this would not be the responsibility of the leasee. Don Zecher, member of the Airport Commission noted that the boiler replacement was to have taken place prior to the new leasee taken over the Airport so that this in no way represents a cost to the town. This obligation was agreed to before the specs went out. The Airport Commission reported that the JayCees will be having an air show at the airport on May 20. Larry Pigeon read a letter from the Airport�Commission expressing their thanks to the Selectmen and townspeople for their support in- keeping the airport opened and to those people who showed up for the Special Town Meeting, Monday, 2/5/79. Selectman Delong noted that he is asking the Airport Commission to talk to the leasee about this boiler and see if they will handle it because there will be a big problem at Town Meeting after all that we have been through as this was not discussed at any of the public hearings and should have been brought up. Select- man Caponigro asked the Commission if they would have any objections to having the Chairman (DeLong) speak to Air- Charter Service. Larry Pigeon noted that this lease agreement was negotiated ingood faith, that this boiler was to be replaced prior to the leasee taken over. Selectman Caponigro made a motion that Chairman Delong contact Air Charter Service and discuss this to see if he can talk them into picking * up the tab. Seconded by Selectman Avery. Voted 5 -0. Civil Defense - Mr. Robert Button greeted the Selectmen and audience with "Happy Anniversay" as tonight is the year anniversary of the 1975 "Great Blizzard" Mr. Button reports that during the past flooding storm CD delivered 250 sandbags to help control the water problem. The meetings scheduled for outlining an emergency plan is now in its second week and the general comment from the state is that they hope to take our 250 page plan and condense it down to about 35 pages to make for easier reading but still with the current standards being incorporated. The projec- tor for the Library has been delivered . Conservation Commission - Fred Rys and Lou Andrews presented the Selectmen with a check in the amount of $4920. which represents half of the - -- price paid for land acquisition purchased in 1977 by the Great Woods Committee. This check is presented to the town by the National Resource Commission and represents 50% of the total re- ceived from,the state. Selectman Delong noted that NRT should be congratulated, they have worked many years in support of conservation and this is not the first time that they have contributed their own funds. Fred Rys noted that he has a meeting on the 22nd with Mike Whelan from the Bristol City Sewer Conservation Commission who will prepare maps of the wetland basins this wijl cost the town nothing . The commission is planning on having signs made to mark the diffeVent areas and trails on conservation land. Great Woods Committee - Fred reported on the Great Woods for Marydee Flynn. The Great Woods is negotiating for possible land acquisitions for next year. -3- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 7, 1979 Page 4 A motion was made by .Selectman Caponigro that a letter be sent to the Natural Resource Commission for their file thanking them for their help and contribution * seconded by Selectman Avery. Voted 5 -0. Board of Assessors - Al Turinese, Chairman reported that the article for the Annual Town Meeting to raise monies to revaluate to 100% is ready, other than that there is not much except a change in the law regarding the taxing of boats. Boats of 15 feet or under will not be taxed, boats of 16 feet or over will be taxed at their place of mooring. Excise tax bills on these boats will be mailed out by the statee Selectman Clemmey asked Mr. Turinese if he had any figures on the cost . of revaluating, Mr. Turinese noted that they have narrow it down to three firms who have given them figures. The estimate figure is between 100,000 and 130,000 dollars. Selectman Clemmey asked Mr. Turinese if the assessor maps were up to date and he noted that he did not feel they were in that bad a shape. Selectman Delong asked Mr. Turinese if he was going to ask the governor for a waiver because of his cap program if the money can't be raised at the Town Meeting for revaluating. Al did not respond. Council -On- Aging- Delores Benson, President of the Council, reported that the center has many activities going, such as the hot -lunch program, crafts, services trips, shopping and doctor visits via the mini bus also much support is received from many of the orgazizations in town. The $3000. grant that was received last year and was to have been used by March of this year has been reinstated until April, an article is being submitted for the Special Town Meeting to be held, April 4, 1979 to raise and appropriate or transfer money for acquisition of a new mini -bus for the drop -in- center. Selectmen indicated that they will sup- port this article. Selectman Colella wanted to commend Delores and the Council for what they are doing. Selectman Avery noted that he would like to comment on two things, first on how well the report was put together and secondly it is very pleasing to see that people from the community went out to raise monies to buy the tables for the center, these people should be commended. Selectman Clemmey made a motion that the article be submitted for the Special Town * Meeting to be held on April 4, 1979. Seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 5 -0. Delores commented on the mini -bus and noted that an out of town agency told her to see what money she can come up with and if she falls short he may be able to help. Industrial Development Commission - Gerry Abbott report for the Commission. She commented on the Open House that Codex held, January 24, 1979 and that Mansfield is very happy and proud to have this exciting industry in our industrial park. the pro- jected figure of employees by 1950 is 5000. Recreation Commission - Gino Cinelli reported that he has no good news and no bad news to report that everything is going smoothly. SRPEDD - Elwyn Atherton, reports that he has no formal report, he is just trying to get acclimated to all the paper and reading, he has been to several meetings and is just getting his feet wet. Board of Health - Karl Clemmey, Chairman noted that elections were held tonight and Sandra Holske, is the new Chairman, Stanley Sohn was elected the new Clerk. WIN BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS MINUTES OF THE MEETING February 7, 1979 Page 5 Mr. Clemmey reports that James Dunn, Eggineering has been hired on a temporary basis. A meeting was held with the Foxboro Board of Selectmen and Board of Health regarding the possible hiring of a joint health agent /sanitarian. Karl reports that all complaints are now being handled by the Board. Selectman Avery askedjfor his own information what the difference was between a health agent and sanitarian, Karl noted that a sanitarian has a degree, however the classification is almost the same for the two positions and one person can do both jobs. Selectman Colella asked Karl if he thought that the town needed a full time engineer. Karl does not feel that the town needs a full time engineer, that he is wasting his time because most of the work is done by a sanatarian. The problem with the Board not being able to do it is because most of them work out of town and if three calls a day are received most of the day is spent running around to take care of them. Karl feels that the system of jointly working with Foxboro is the best way to go. The Town Manager noted that he spoke to a Mrs. Sorely of the DEQE in Lakeville and she is happy to hear that we were able to work out a tentative agreement even though there will be more than two communites involved. She will send the proper legal papers and is also going to send us a list of qualified sanitarians. The average weekly wage is $210.00 a week, this is what they are paying in Lakeville. Clerk's Folder - An application was noted for an Auctioneer's License by the Bill Handly Associates to auction off furniture of the H &P Furniture co. 87 Central S St. A motion approving this license was made by Selectman Clemmey, seconded by * Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4 -0 (Selectman AVery out of the room at the time of the vote.) A motion was made to grant a Class 2 license to Grants Motor Sales, 44 Wood Ave. * Motion by Selectman Clemmey, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4 -0 (Selectman Avery out of room at time of vote.) A Junk License applied for by Joseph Dirienzo of School Street is to be taken under advisement for another week until he can notify his neighbors. This will be on the agenda for next week. A letter of resignation was noted from Edward Beatty resigning from the Board of Library Trustees, and as an associate member of the Municipal Building Committee. Selectman Clemmey moved that a letter be sent to Mr. Beatty noting the Board accepts his resignation and thanks him for service. Seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted * 5 -0. A letter of resignation was noted from Barbara Tarsa resigning from the Board of Registras. The Board accepts her resignation and Selectman Clemmey moved that a * letter of thanks for her service be sent, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 5 -0. A letter was noted from the Town Clerk regarding the vacancy on the Board of Registras. The Town Clerk is recommeding Carleton N. Davis of 52 Casa Drive, Mansfield for this position. Selectman Colella noted that this is a good recom- mendation that he has worked at the polls for a long time. Selectman Delong noted that he will have to submit an application. A report from the police department was noted with report of one disturbance during the week at Jack's Cafe. A.memo was noted from the Town Manager on the status of the house at 4 Samoset Ave.. The compliance date for demolition of the building is March 2, 1979. -5- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 7, 1979 Page 6 A letter from the Commonwealth of Mass., Secretary of State was noted with a list and a schedule of how long to keep certain records before disposing of them . was n ted • Copy of a letter from Town CounselXto tYie Fire Chief regarding the legality of fire equipment being able to operate in excess of posted speeds or going the wrong way on a 1 -way street. This letter is the result of the proposed traffic plan on North Main Street. Selectman Clemmey feels that the Fire Chief should discuss this with the Police Chief. Selectman Avery questioned whether or not firemen have the legal right to stop the traffic. The Town Manager noted that he met with the Fire Chief, Police Chief and Town Planner on this letter and the time limit for getting to the Back Bay section is 30 seconds. A fire lane has been ruled out so what is being suggested is that the ladder truck will follow the path as planned, the other two pieces of equipment will take Pleasant Street all the way down, that way the ladder truck will get there 30 seconds later. The Town Planner is writing up the proposed plans for submission to the state and then they will come down to make sure that the plan is feasible. The Town Manager noted that one of the problems is that the Police Chief said he does not have the manpower to be available to direct and stop traffic whenever an alarm is rang in. A memo was noted from the Town Manager that the plumbing inspector does not have his rcords up to date but will be ready to meet with the Board at their next meeting 2/14/79. A letter was noted from Representative Leon Lombardi with two bills, one of them to establish an office for Municipal assistance. Selectman Delong wonders if the assistance is not available elsewhere and if another bureaucracy is needed. The Town Manager will check on this. An application was noted from David E. Loving, 31 West St. applying for the Down- town Advisory Committee. A memo was noted from the Town Manager on the status of the traffic signal at Rt. 106 and Forbes Blvd. A memo was noted from the Town Manager regarding an incident that happened involv- ing two employees of the highway department, that was investigated. Selectman Delong wanted to know if the Town Manager really meant the last statement in the memo " "that any future complaints where the complaintants refuses to properly iden- tify themselves, regardless of the seriousness of the charge(s) will not be investi- gated nor lionored." Selectman Delong felt that the Town Manager may want to keep this open and leave himself the option of looking into situations like these, he should use his own judgement because the complaint may be valid. The Town Manager gave his reasons behind the letter. Selectman Clemmey feels that there will be certain things and areas that will have to be looked into, and that As Selectmen and the Town Manager it is our responsibility to do this;. The seriousness of the complaint will have to be determined. Selectman Clemmey also wanted it clarify that people can still go down to the highway garage to pick up sand, salt or some black top for their driveways. Selectman Delong does not agree with this, people should not be allowed to go down there and take what they want , this is too open ended they should have permission from the highway director or from the Town Manager. -6- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 7, 1979 Page 7 Selectman Caponigro feels that if the residents go down there just for a bucket full and not a pickup truck load then that would be alright. Selectman Avery feels that the highway director should make the judgement. Select- man Delong noted again that it is a question whether or not it is legal for them to do this without permission. Selectman Caponigro feels that it should be left the way it is and if more problems arise there should be a change in policy. A letter was noted from the Plymouth Bay Girl Scout Council, Inc. requesting per- mission to conduct a fund drive from March 28 through May 1, 1979. Approval has been granted on a motion by Selectman Clemmey, seconded by Selectman Avery. * Voted 4 -0 (Selectman Colella out of room at time of vote.) Town Manager's Report There was a power outage yesterday due to downed lines along High St. power was switched over to the Gilbert St. feeder until the lines were repaired. Four -all day conferences on controlling taxes will be held, the first meeting to start February 23 with the later dates being March 22, April 19 and May 3. Each meeting is $15.00, the Town Manager is planning on attending. A letter was noted from Representative Charles Flaherty that hearings on the County Budget is scheduled for March 12, at 12:30 p.m.. Selectman Avery asked that he be reminded of this. A tentative meeting with the DEQE has been scheduled for the 13th of March on the sanitary landfilll, discussion will be on well testing and possible expansion of the landfill. Complaints of flooding conditions at Henry and Fowler Streets have been noted which has been a long and on -going problem and not as bad as in some areas, The cost to remedy the problem would be around $820. and Thom Bonome feels that we have more pressing problems. Selectman Avery asked if Thom has a list of priorties on drainage systems and the Town Manager noted that he does, Selectman Avery said that he would like to see this list. The Town Manager noted that Leon Lombardi called him and there will be a meeting in Brockton tomorrow scheduled by the Mayor of Brockton regarding the Governor's cap proposal. The Town Manager will attend, weather permitting. A fact - finding meeting on police negotiations is to be held Tuesday, February 13. at the Town Hall. A letter has been forwarded to the Army Corp of Engineers on our flooding problems and a letter has been forwarded to Leon Lombardi on House Bill #613 - Tourist Ex- penditure advising him that our stand is to reduce it to zero. The questions regarding hydrants is as follows: each hydrant cost about $1000. This includes $750. for material plus labor, a 20 per year replacement is $20,000. Ron feels that he can live with this budget. A meeting with the Retirement Board is being planned for the first week in March, will probably be an afternoon session, a letter will be forwarded with the date is firmed. -7- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT Minutes of the Meeting February 7, 1979 Page 8 Board Reports Selectman Delong asked the Town Manager if there was any response from the Housing Authority on meeting with them to go over their audit. The Town Manager will check on this. Selectman Delong asked the Town Manager if his idea of combining the fire and police department is a dead issue now. The Town Manager noted that he has hot had a chance to get into it but does intend to investigate it. Selectman Delong noted that the possibility of combining our departments with other towns could probably be implemented over a long period of time and could save us some money. Selectman Delong noted that if it is mandated by state law to limit our budget to the amount of money that we spent last year we may have to lay people off and a way to do this and still retain our full force but reduce our salary account would be to lay one person off every 4th week, this person would not lose his benefits and could collect compensation. Selectman Delong and the Town Manager discussed this and what the effect would have on the police and fire departments. Selectman Delong asked the Town Manager to keep in mind the possibility that this thing may come about in the future and decide where the layoffs will be best. Selectman Clemmey noted that he wanted to clarify his position on the appointment of the assessor, not the vote just his position. He said that he was not aware of the retirement benefits untils just this past year and feels that it is a bad practice and should not continue. Selectman Avery feels that it should be determined on the town meeting floor. The Town Manager gave an update on snow plowing and how the emergency meetings are going in getting an emergnecy plan together. Computer Advisory Committee James Blake, Chairman of the Computer Advisory Committee met with the Selectmen along with other Computer Advisory members and told the Selectmen that his committee also met tonight. His committee went over the problems that the light department has been having and why the billing is still behind. Jim noted that he is sure after tonight's meeting things have been cleared up and a meeting is scheduled for Saturday morning with all the employees of the light department torrover procedures again. It seems that they have been quadruplicating the work unnecessarily and as a result the billing is only complete until the end of November. Hopefully with this meeting on Saturday morning and reorganizing procedures to follow the billing will be complete by the end of March. The next major item is implementing tax billing, they hope to have this complete by next November. Selectman Clemmey asked if the large users were on the system and Jim noted that he thought the high tension users were and Diane Dubuc, manager of the light department noted they were not, that there were still doing their bills by hand. Joan Cutillo noted that a letter will have to be written to the Bureau of Accounts that they are going on computer. Selectman Clemmey questioned Joan Cutillo if she knew of people being sent home when they came into pay their bills and disputed them. She knows nothing of this happening because if there is a question on their bill all she has to do is pull the yellow card on file. 1 BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 7, 1979 Page 9 Selectman Delong asked Joan how the cash flow was and she noted that she is getting concerned, if something does not happen fast we will run out of money by tAay Herb Levine, member of the Computer Advisory Committee feels that after tonight's meeting he learned a lot and feels he has found out what the problem is. Working this coming Saturday shoxld resolve everything. Monies budgeted for the computer was discussed, Herb feels that the only increase will be the cost of electricity. Jim Blake noted that he may need an increase in hardware maintenance. Selectman Colella made a motion that the board adjourn at 10:20 p.m., seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Motion failed 3 -2 The Board worked on the Town Manager's Budget. A motion was made by Selectman Caponigro that account 193 -0 - Licensing Commission Expense be deAed and that the people requesting hearings on licenses pay for them * theirselves. Seconded by Selectman Avery. Voted 5 -0. •79-