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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 2-14-1979BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS A G E N D A February 14, 1979 7:30 Call to Order Warrant Minutes of January 31 and February 7, 1979 Clerk's Folder Regent Cafe, Inc. :License for Public Entertainment on Sundays Retail Package Store (Beer & Wine) Retail Package Store (All alcoholic) Correspondence Appointment to Board of Registras 7:50 - GATRA officials Joan Colella - Audit on Housing Authority Budget Review Town Manager's Report Board's Reports Pending !!!!!!!!!!!! Traffic lights at Franklin & East St. Emergency Policy Job Classifications Back Bay Brook - Phase 3 Water Rates Foxboro Traffic Mall Pattern Traffic lights at CC &F & 140 Reminder _ Light Commissioner's Meeting Monday, 2/19/79 and report from Ron on the water rates. BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 14, 1979 Present: Selectman Lyman C. Avery, Frank Colella, Robert M. Delong, David R Clemmey and Antonino Caponigro, Jr. Town Manager William P. Metropulos. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. The first order of business was a Junk Dealer's License for a Mr. DiRienzo of 328 School Street, that was taken under advisement from last week. Mr. DiRienzo was present tonight to answer any questions that the Board may have. Select- man Delong asked Mr. DiRienzo if he contacted his neighbors to see if they had any objections. Mr. DiRienzo noted that he had and none of them objected. Mr. DiRienzo noted that he has been operating from this same spot since 1952 and was under the impression that he came under the "grandfather clause* when there were no variance rules, however he received a notice from the Town Clerk that he was operating illegally and would need a license, so here he is. Selectman Delong questioned Mr. DiRienzo as to what type of business he operates and Mr. DiRienzo noted that it is sales, repairing of seweing machines and selling used machines and antiques. The antique business only operates during the warmer months because he does not have a facility to protect them. A motion was made by Selectman Clemmey tv approve the license, seconded by * Selectman Caponigro. Voted 5 -0. A motion was made to accept the Revenue Sharing Warrant for Street Improvement in the amount'of $900.55, motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman * Caponigro. Voted 5 -0. A motion was made by Selectman Clemmey to approve the Weekly warrant in the * amount of $433,223.06, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 5 -0. Minutes: The minutes of January 31, 1979 were noted. Selectman Avery noted that Selectman Clemmey's name was ommitted on page 6, third paragraph from the bottom. Selectman Clemmey also commented that on page 6, under Board of Assessors, Mr. Turinese should not be paid for the week that he did not get appointed. Selectman Delong disagrees. Selectman Clemmey said that he does not see how we can pay a man if he does not work. This was a motion by Selectman Clemmey and seconded by Selectman Colella. Discussion: Selectman Caponigro noted that he wants to make sure that Mr. Turinese did not presume that he was to work for that week. Selectman Clemmey noted that it did not matter, they were just re- instated until the 31st. Selectman Avery moved that we should have an opinion on this from the Town Counsel, Selectman Clemmey noted that he would second this motion if Selectman Colella would withdraw his second to his motion (Selectman Clemmey's). Selectman Colella with- * drew his second. Motion seconded by Selectman Clemmey. Voted 4 -1 (Selectman Delong opposed he feels that it is rdculous. Minutes: February 7, 1979 - Selectman Colella noted that he wanted it in the minutes on page 2, 4th paragraph, that he made a motion that Guy Scarpaci, 46 Williams street be appointed to the Finance Committee, this motion received no second. Selectman Avery also wants it corrected that on page 2, 1st paragraph, 5th line down after Selectman Avery noted that "he" - should be changed to Al. The minutes of January 31, 1979 and February 7, 1979 were approved with correc- tions on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 5 -0 -1- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 14, 1979 Page 2 Clerk's Folder License for the Regent Cafe, Inc. No. Main Street was noted requesting a license for Public Entertainment on Sunday, this was approved on a motion by Selectman * Clemmey, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 5 -0. Selectman Caponigro asked that the Town Manager explain to Mr. DiRienzo, School Street what the story was on his request to abate the $225. fee for a tap -in on the water system. The Town Manager noted that the request was made on behalf of Mr. DiRienzo's mother who lives at 328 School Street. The Board asked the Town Manager to see if the State put in the water line. At a Town Meeting in 1978 $55,935. was approved for water betterments, resulting from construction of I -495 by the Mass. Dept. of Public works to increase the size of the pipe from 8" to 16 ". The tap was put in by the State it was discovered and the cost of it is included in the $55,935. The motion made by the Board on January 24, was to charge only for the meter and the cost of labor, which was figured out as $50.00 for the meter, $25.00 for labor and $25.00 for administrative services for a total cost of $100.00. The Town Manager told Mr. DiRienzo what the cost was and that they were still waiting verification that the state did the tap -in. Ron Dubuc Slater Superintendent is checking the original prints of the State. The Town Manager noted that this is where it stands right now and as far as he feels the work that was done by the State, was done at our expense and that MR. DiRienzo should be charged the full cost ($225.). Selectman Delong noted that he would authorize the Town Manager to go ahead at the usual fee. Selectman Caponigro said that the first night it was discussed, it was agreed to charge only for the meter and labor. Selectman Caponigro made a motion to charge only for the meter and labor as follows: $50.00, meter and $25.00, labor at a total cost of $75.00, seconded * by Selectman Colella. Voted 3 -2 (Selectan Delong and Avery opposed) Selectman Delong noted that he is opposed to it because he does not see why Mr. DiRienzo should have special treatment. Selectman Caponigro feels that they have been put through enough trouble with the State and I -495 construction. The Building Inspector asked that the Board look into waiving fees for certifica- tion of buildings. These would only be buildings owned by the municipality and county also houses of worship. A motion was made by Selectman Caponigro that fees for certification of inspections under Article 1, Section 108.15 for buildings, structures or parts thereof; owned by the municipality or county and houses of worship but not limited to schools, libraries, conservation buildings, housing for * the elderly, etc. have the fees waived, seconded by Selectman Clemmey. Voted 5 -0. Correspondence Report from the Police Department was noted with report of two disturbances during the week. Selectman Caponigro noted that he feels some of these liquor establish- ments are going to require a police officer on duty. A letter was noted from the Board of Library Trustees asking that Cynthia Seifert be appointed to the Municipal Building Committee. A motion by Selectman Clemmey was made to appoint Cynthia Seifert to the MBC, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. * Voted 4 -0. -2- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT Minutes of the Meeting February 14, 1979 Page 3 A transfer request in the amount of $215.37 was noted for Account 195 -0 Town Counsel Expense . This was approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, seconded * by Selectman Clemmey. Voted 5 -0. A transfer request in the amount of $1602.25 was noted for Accounts 170 -1 and 170 -3 - Town Clerk /Town Accountant. This was approved on a motion by Select- * man Avery, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 5 -0. A transfer request in the amount of $390.81 was noted for Account #162 -0 Con- sultant Services. This was approved on a motion by Selectman Clemmey, seconded * by Selectman Colella. Voted 5 -0. A transfer request in the amount of $500.00 was noted for a Court Order Award (R. Hillman). This was approved on a motion by Selectman Clem -ey, seconded by * Selectman Avery. Voted 5 -0. A letter was noted from a Mr. Jack Stewart, Jackson Heights, New York, comment- ing on how well done the Special Town Meeting held on February 5, 1979 on the Airport issue was handled. The letter was addressed to Selectman Delong and also commended Larry Pige6n•. for the way he handled himself. A letter was noted from the Commonwealth of Mass. Alcoholic Beverages Centel Commissinn, saying that they have not received from Mansfield since 1976 a report on how many licenses of each class have been granted, and the revenue thereof, together with the established schedule of fees for all classes of licenses. The Town Manager noted that this is being checked out. The Board noted that they would also like a copy of this information. A letter was noted from the Comm. of Massachusetts, Office of the Supervisor of Public Records with report of the findings and observations resulting from a visit of that department, recommendations are also included. Selectman Delong asked that the Town Manager look into some of the comments pointed out in the letter. ..Copy of a letter to the Department of Public Utilities was noted from the Mans- field Electric Department on the report of electric poorer outage on February 6, 1979. Selectman Clemmey wanted to know why it was not picked up before it hap- pened, he heard that it was an overload. Selectman Colella wants to know where, Jim Hall was, what happened and why, he wants the whole breakdown in a report for next week's meeting. A letter from the Town Counsel was noted on a case of the Town of Mansfield vs. Lumbermen's Mutual Casualty Company regarding the chlorinating house fire back in 1974, which was subsequently declared a total loss. There has been a tentative offer of $1000. to settle this case and Town Counsel awaits the Board's orders. Selectman Clemmey moved that we accept the $1000. offer, seconded by Selectman * Caponigro. Voted 5 -0. A letter from Robert V. Barbarisi, Superintendent of Schools was noted, with an article he would like submitted for the Special Town Meeting to be held within the Annual 1979 Town Meeting. A motion to submit this article was made * by Selectman Clemmey, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 5 -0. Selectman Delong noted that in Superintendent Barbarisi's letter he offered to -3- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 14, 1979 Page 4 give any additional information if desired, so Selectman DeLOng asks that a letter be written to Mr. Barbarisi asking that he meet with the Board. Board of Registrars - Selectman Clemmey moved that Carleton N. Davis be ap- pointed to the Board of Registrars, seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 5 -0. GATRA- Mr. Larry Ross of GATRA met with the Board to give them an update on the status of the rail service. Mr. Ross noted that the situation is, the MBTA wants us to sign a contract which does not have a price (an opened end contract). Selectman Delong noted that he would not agree to sign a con- tract without knowing the cost. Selectman Caponigro noted that a bill is now in the legislature for 100% payment by the State. Selectman Clemmey noted that this is a perfect example for the Governor's cap program, this is not just a service for Mansfield but for the State to get into, the service is needed but just how much can the Town pay. It was noted that Sharon pays $200,000. a year. The other alternative is to look into some other type of transportation, possibly bus service. Selectman Avery asked why fares can't subsidize the railroad and Air. Ross noted that it cost an average of 1,600,000. a year which averages out to $15.00 per ride per person. The Town Manager asked if they have tried to talk to other towns and Mr. Ross noted that, this is not the MBTA's way of doing things. There is a possibility that the cost of rail service could be $100,000 for the Town of Mansfield to continue in it. Selectman Clemmey noted that maybe the people from Mansfield should have passes. (This is because people from other towns where rail service has been discontinued are coming to Mansfield to take the train.) Mr. Ross noted that Attleboro is waiting for our Town Meeting, if we go with it they will, if we say no, they will say no. Mr. Ross recommends that we work with our representatives and see if we can get a bill passed to the effect that other towns should contribute. Also discussed was a possible write -off if we agree to maintain the station for roughly the same cost of the subsidizing. MR. Ross noted that this was submitted and unofficially they rejected-it. Selectman Caponigro noted that there is a bus service running in Attleboro and Taunton and Mr. Ross was asked how much it would cost if Mansfield were to get into this. Mr. Ross noted that if we could get Attleborr,) Norton and Mansfield in on it it would cost about $6400. per year for a bus from Mansfield to Attleboro every hour. Selectman Delong asked about a bus that could go to Sharon, Mr. Ross noted they are not allowed to go out of the greater attleboro area. Selectman Delong feels that we should assume discontinuance of the rail service and look into bus service. Mr. Ross noted that he will look into something for bus service to Boston. Mansfield Housing Authority The Housing Authority Board met with the Selectmen to discuss the audit recently completed of their records. Clifford Pearl noted that the auditor was very praise worthy of how the books are kept (which are done by Joanne Colella). Copies of the audit were mailed to each of the Selectmen to review and some of the items brought out as a result of the audit were discussed. Selectman Delong questioned the Committee as far as an affirmative action plan and Joanne Colella noted that they don't have one but do intend to . The affirmative action office is in op- position to the Dept. of Community Affairs as soon as these offices can get toge- ther, they can start their plans. Selectman Caponigro praised the work that the housing authority has been doing. SC BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 14, 1979 Page 5 A copy of the audit was also sent to the newspapers, and Selectman Delong feels that a cover letter should be sent along with it to explain some of the items that were questioned, in case the papers have questions of their own. Correspondence Cont'd - - - - -- A letter from the Planning Director was noted addressed to the Town Manager regarding - H2324 - An Act amending the law relating to Industrial Revenue Financing.. This bill would eliminate the population requirement for towns and enable all communities withing the Common- wealth to participate in the Commercial Area Revitalization Program. Selectman Clemmey moved that a letter be sent to Senator Robert D. Wetmore, Chairman of the Legislative Committee on Commerce and Labor, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. * Voted 5 -0. Correspondence was noted from the County Commissioners of Bristol County that a meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 20 at the Taunton Superior Court House on the matter of the County Budget for the Fiscal Year 1979 -1980. A letter was noted from SRPEDD on the I -495 growth policy. A letter was noted from Representative Leon Lombardi, on the Governor's Cap Proposal. Selectman Delong feels that we should set up an appointment to meet with him next week. A motion to that effect was made by Selectman Caponigro, * seconded by Selectman Clemmey. Voted 5 -0. It was also suggested that the School Committee be invited to attend. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager noted that he has a meeting tomorrow with the DEQE in Lakeville to discuss the future of the sanitary landfill. Karl Clemmey and Jim Dunn will also be going with him. Mr. Metropulos also will be picking up information on a health agent and sanitarian. Mr. Metropulos reports that last Thursday, February 15, 1979 he met with officials in Brockton on the Governor's cap program. Leon Lombardi was also present. The general opinion was that the plan is incomplete, inconsistant and leaves many questions unanswered. The message that the group wanted to get to the Governor is that he listen to and hear the towns and their problems before setting down caps arbitrarily we should have something to say. A meeting with Sppke was held on February 9th for diesel and fuel bids. A meeting was held on February 13, with the Ceta Advisory Committee regarding funding for CETA workers. Mr. Metropulos noted that funding is being cut back. Mr. Metropulos has put in a request for dispatchers and a bus aid for the Council - on- Aging, Selectman Delong questioned the request for the bus aid and felt that a CETA worker could drive the bus and help the people on and off. Selectman Delong feels that this is a gross waste of money and it just seems that if the gentleman doing the driving can't handle it, it seems like a waste of money. The Town Manager noted that tomorrow he is meeting in New Beford with the Municipal Managmant Association to discuss municipal audits and the caps program. Mr. McCann of the Bureau of Accounts will be the principle speaker. -5- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 14, 1979 Page 6 The Town Manager noted that the underpasses have been given us a lot of trouble, the State has been maintaining the one at 140 and we are taking care of 106. One of the marked cruisers has been received, the other one is in transit and should be received next week. The Town Manager noted that he received worn that Blue Cross /Blue Shieid'has been increased. Board Reports Selectman Delong noted that he wants the Town Manager to look into some other service other than Bc /BS he does not feel that the contract requires us to carry BC /BS if we can get comparative coverage. The Town Manager noted that he met several days ago with No.E. Security, and Liberty Mutual regarding a safety program to be set up for the various depart- ments . What they are trying to do is develop a plan_ for all town departments to get involved in. The next meeting is scheduled for March. Selectman AVery asked the Town Manager if this will help reduce the number of accidents and the Town Manager noted that he hopes it will. A list of drainage areas was noted as listed by the highway director. Selectman Cappnigro commented that #6 on the list he understands is property that has been sold and feels that we should get together with the new owners and developers and advise them of the problem. Selectman Delong noted that he would like the Town Manager to contact the local Governor's Advisory Board and find out what the Governor is going to compromise on and find out how adamant he is. If we had a better idea we could recommend to Representative Lombardi how we want to go. The Town Manager noted that he may be able to find out tonorrow, at the meeting, that Jim Sullivan who has been work- ing with the Governor will be at the meeting. Selectman Delong asked how far we are with the Audit ?. The Town Manager noted that there have been three meetings so far with Bob Reed one of the auditors and that he will also be in tomorrow. The preliminary things are just being done for now, trying to determine the path of things. Selectman Clemmey noted that he would like to invite Leon Lombardi to the Joint Legislative Conference to be held on Saturday, March 10 in Boston. This was a * motion by Selectman Colella, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 5 -0. Selectman Clemmey noted thht a Public Hearing should be held on the two articles for the Annual Town Meeting regarding the Police Chief and Airport Charter change. A motion was made by Selectman Clemmey to hold the hearings on March 7, 1979 at * 8:00 p.m. in the Town Hall, seconded by Selectman Avery. Voted 5 -0. Selectman Avery asked the Town Manager if he contacted the Corp. of Army Engineers. The Town Manager noted that he wrote a letter. Selectman Avery also questioned if we have received the reports from the Plumbing Inspector, Electrical Inspector and Building Inspector? We are still waiting for them from the Plumbing /Gas and Electrical Inspectors. -6- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting �( February 14, 1979 Page 7 Selectman Colella noted that regarding the problem with flooding in the West Mansfield area, Oak St. Culvert, that the amount of money that was discussed is way out of line. Town Manager noted that he hopes the Corp. of Army Engin- eers will be able to channel some of their attention here and see the damage that has been done, however, in his dealings with them in the past he is afraid that there has not been enough damage done for them to step in. Selectman Delong feels that "in a blue moon will they come in" referring to the Corp. of Army Engineers. Selectman Avery feels that it should still be investigated. The Board recessed at 9:05 for a five minute break. The Board returned to Open Session at 9:10 to work on the budget.