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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 2-28-1979BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS A G E N D A February 28, 1979 7:30 p.m. - Call to Order Warrant Minutes of 2/14/79 - 2/19/79 and 2/21/79 Executive Session (Union Contracts) 7 :50 prM. Board of Library Trustees (Appointment to Board) 8:00 p.m. Robert Barbarisi, Jeffrey Ptaschnik James Fitzgerald and Robert Tighe (Governor's Caps) Town Manager's Report Board Reports Pending Items Traffic Lights at Franklin & 106 Emergency Policy Airport Boiler Job Classifications Back Bay Brook Phase 3 Water Rates Foxboro Traffic Mall Pattern Traffic Lights at CC &F Sanitary Landfill Cocktail Party at the Airport Sunday, March 4 - 4:00 p.m. BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 28, 1979 Present: Selectmen Lyman C. Avery, Robert M. DeLong, David R. Clemmey, and Antonino Caponigro, Jr. Town Manager William P. Metropulos (Selectman Frank Colella arrived at 8:00 p.m.) The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. A motion was made by Selectman Clemmey to go onto Executive Session to discuss negotiations on union contracts, seconded by Selectman Avery. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Avery, yes; DeLong, yes; Clemmey, yes; and Caponigro, yes. The Board will return to Open Session. (Executive Minutes prepared separately) The Board returned to Open Session at 8:10 p.m. (Selectman Colella arrived 8:00 p.m.) The Board met with the Board of Library Trustees to appoint a new member in place of Edward Beatty who resigned. Clerk Clemmey read the list of appli- cants. Eight were present to vote, five Selectmen and three members of the Library. James Grady of 55 So. Main Street,.was voted in on the first ballot unanimously . Robert Barbarisi, Superintendent of Schools; Jeffrey Ptaschnik, Assistant Super- intendent; James Fitzgerald, Business Manager and Robert Tighe, member of the School Committee met with the Board to discuss the school's deficit and the Governor's CAP proposal. Mr. Barbarisi noted that there is a deficit withing the Fiscal 79 budget and that he would do everything in his power to see that this does not happen:; There*_;,.,,rs.: is already a projected deficit of $147,874, $84,669. of which will be recovered through a surplus in the salary budget, leaving a total of $63,205 deficit. The School Committee reacted by putting a spending freeze on the budget to reduce this deficit. Hopefully, Mr. Barbarisi noted that they will be able to get up all or some of what is projected, but it may be impossible to get all of it up this is why the article is being submitted for the Special Town Meeting and are asking the Selectmen to support it. It is hoped that by the time the Town Meeting comes around that they are out of the woods but there is a possibility that they won't be. The expenses are heavy in the mandated programs, Special Education and Vocational Education. - Vocational Education this year had 7 students going to the Peabody School at a transportation cost of $12,450. In Special Education it is hard to figure because you don't know who may come along and need this. Special Education has to be provided from the age of 3 to 22 years, and we are responsible forever for people going on with it, we are reimbursed but it takes 1 to 2 years before we get it back. Superintendent Barbarisi explained to the audience who the Special Education students are and the type of training they receive. Along with the cost of education, utilities have increased, telephone, electricity, heat, etc. Selectman Avery asked Mr. Barbarisi why the School Committee cut $80.000. from the budget when in September we had a tremendous increase in the number of tuitions. Mr. Barbarisi noted that the School Committee cut the contingency fund, but even with the contingency fund they would be in the red. -1- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 28, 1979 Page 2 Selectman Delong noted that there is a serious problem with $900.000. taken out of free cash because of the $100.000. deficit at the end of the year. There are caps proposed for the school, public safety workers and the general municipal government and everyone has to be under the same situation. Some parts of the government is in worse shapethan others. Mr. Barbarisi noted that if they were under a cap and had to budget the same as last year, they would be in serious trouble. Programs would have to be cut. Most of the increases are in salaries, which amounts to about $300,000. at least 20 teachers would have to be laid off, assuming this is where the cuts are made and unlike most schools we are an exception. We do not have a loss of children, our kindergarten next year will probably be the biggest yet, out high school will have 100 more students graduating than 2 years ago. In order to keep the budget down to 9% positions had to be eliminated. Selectman Delong suggested double sessions. Mr. Barbarisi noted that the schools that would have to be closed down would we the small ones and the savings would be around $12,000 to $30,000. but even if closed down they would have to be maintained and the heat would have to be supplied to keep the pipes from freezing. Mr. Barbarisi noted that they did talk about eliminating four elementary teachers, but the room is still needed for Special Education programs. Going to half day sessions would not save money because of the heat. Selectman Delong noted that it would depend on the type of building be closed meaning the size. Bob Tighe noted that on the question of caps, we would have to eliminate programs and this would be the extra curricular programs such as, basketball, football, etc. all the extras and probably going with the state mandated 2 mile limit on bus transportation. Mr. Barbarisi noted that if the Governor wants something done about caps, some- thing will have to be done about the mandated ones. Air. Tighe noted that the state does have something mandated to require a series of minimum competence tests for students paid for by the state but if the student fails this then it is up to the school to set something up and this cost money. Mr. Barbarisi noted that today he was notified that the state will not provide lunches for the elderly anymore. We will no longer be reimbursed for these lunches. Selectman Delong noted that there is going to be a way of going around the caps by means of a referendum or a 2/3's vote at the town meeting . If this is rem quested thenit will be necessary for the school department to make it clear to the voters just what they are voting for . Selectman DeLong noted that the caps makes it impossible to maintain education. Mr. Barbarisi noted that if held to the caps, programs will have to go and this hurts people. Teachers will also have to be notified by April 15 as to whether they should return next year. Selectman Delong suggested that they write to Byron Matthews, Office of the Executive Secretary of Community Affairs . -2- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 28, 1979 Page 3 A warrant in the amount of $261,639.94 was read. A motion to accept the warrant as read was made by Selectman Clemmey, seconded by Selectman Avery. * Voted 5 -0. A Revenue Sharing Warrant in the amount of $13,549.77 was read, this was accepted on a motion by Selectman Clemmey, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. * Voted 5 -0. The minutes of February 14, 1979 were approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, * seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 5 -0. The minutes of February 19, 1979 were approved on a motion by Selectman Avery, * seconded by Selectman Clemmey. Voted 5 -0. The minutes of February 21, 1979 were approved on a motion by Selectman Clemmey, seconded by Selectman Caponigro with correction on page 5 under board reports, Selectman Avery noted that under his report "underpass" should read "overpass" * Voted 5 -0 * * * * Correspondence A letter was noted from William Hebard of Tbrton regarding damage to his car from a tree limb that fell on it while it was parked on private property at Morse & Forrester's store. A letter from the Town Manager sent to Mr. Hebard was also read. Mr. Hebard feels that this is the town's responsibility and that they should pay for the damages. The Town Manager's answer to him is that Mr. Hebard should consider submitting a claim to his insurance company. Selectman Caponigro asked if the tree was on town property? The Town Manager noted that it was but that the tree was marked for removal in a reasonable period of time after notification of damage to the tree and its claimed damage to the general public. The damage of the tree was due to high winds and not our fault. Selectman Colella noted that Mr. Hebard told him that he called and warned them (the town) about the tree before the accident happened. Selectman Colella moves that the bill be paid or send it to the department head who received the phone call. This motion received no second. Selectman Caponigro said that the only proper thing to do is that he go after his insurance co. Selectman Colella wants the Town Manager to notify Mr. Hebard and tell him what the outcome of tonight's meeting was. Selectman Colella made a motion that an article be put in the Special Town Meeting * to see if the town wants to pay for it, seconded by Selectman Clemmey. Voted 4 -1 Selectman Avery opposed. Selectman Delong noted that he always felt that if a member of the Board wants an article in the Town Meeting he would go along but he does not feel this gentlemen should be paid and putting this article in the town meeting will cause other people to request this to be done in the future. -3- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 28, 1979 Page 4 Another letter from Mr. Hebard, addressed to Selectman Colella was read. This was in regards to the wastewater treatment plant and the high cost of chemicals being used. Selectman Avery moved that this letter be turned over to Ron Dubuc, Superintendent of the Water /Sewer Dept. to answer, seconded by Selectman * Caponigro. Voted 5 -0. A notice was received from Sheridan and Associates, labor - relations consultants that a seminar will be held at the Marriott Hotel on April 5, in Springfield on "A FULL DAY'S 19ORK FOR A FULL DAY'S PAY" Correspondence from the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Mass. was received on a application for a certificate of incorporation for the Kiwanis Club of Mansfield, Inc. Selectman Caponigro moved that this application be ap- proved, seconded by Selectman Avery. Voted 5 -0. A letter from the Town Clerk was noted requesting that a hearing date be set on March 21, 1979 at 8:15 for the request of, The Glare, Inc., 660 East St. to moved their package store business approximately 120 feet westerly in the same block. The date was approved on a motion by Selectman Clemmey, seconded by Select- * man Caponigro. Voted 5 -0. Copy of a letter was noted from the Town Manager to Mr. T.J. Cronin, P.E., District Hi(hway Engineer for the State, requesting that they install "NO Parking" signs on Route 140 in the vicinity of D'Angelo's Sub shop, and Fernandes Supermarket, both sides of the street. Also "No Right Turn" signs are being requested at the, intersection of Route 140 & 106. The town will take all the necessary steps to enforce the regulations. A letter was noted from the Comm. of Mass., Dept. of Public Works, regarding the proposal to install traffic control signals at Chauncy St. (106) & Forbes Blvd.. The state is requesting that certain problems in the area be taken care of, for instance, cutting back brush and trees on Chauncy St. because of the limited visibility at that intersection, also that the town has to apply for a revised permit to operate the flashing signals installed at that intersection . Selectman Delong asked the Town Manager if he has followed this letter up and the Town Manager noted that he has, the brush has been cut back where we could within our right -of -way. The Town Manager feels that the problem in that area is people are traveling too fast on Forbes Blvd. and are not stopping. Select- man AVery noted that the only way to make them stop is to enforce it. The Town Manager noted that policing of the area has been increased. Selectman Caponigro noted that there are no signs indicating that there is a dangerous intersection approaching coming down 106. Signs to this effect may' help. Copy of a letter from Deputy Fire Chief, David W. Brown, Town of Easton was noted, addressed to Fire Chief Leonard thanking Mansfield for their mutual aid in a fire on February 18, 1979. A report from the police department was noted reporting that there was one dis- turbance during the week. BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 28, 1979 Page 5 The Town Manager commented on the question that came up at last's weeks meet- ing regarding a disburbance at the Depot and who made the call. The Town Manager noted that he checked this out and the call was made by an anonymous person. Correspondence was noted regarding a conference to be held March 10 at MIT in Cambridge on the dangers of radioactive waste transportation and what to do if such an accident happened in our town, who would be the first to respond, and what emergency measure would be taken. Selectman Delong asked the Town Manager who would be the first Berson to be called, and the Town Manager noted that he would be the first to be notified and he then would determine if an emergency exist , he would then notify the Selectmen and police, civil defense, DPW, etc. The civil defense has avail- able to them special gear that is stored at their central headquarters in Taunton. Selectman Caponigro noted that he would like some type of report on what the civil defense would do in an emergency such as this. The Town Manager noted that there is a meeting tomorrow night with the Defense Civil Preparedness Agency, which the civil defense will also attend and all of this will be gone over. Clerk's Folder A Common Victualler's License for Cousin's Pizza, 660 East St. was taken under advisement until next week. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager noted that at last week's meeting there was a question on whether or not a leak had been reported on Old Coach Road. The Town Manager reports that the water department had been aware of it and that it has since been repaired. The underpass in West Mansfield near the Old Country Store has also been taken care of. The "No Parking" signs at the mini mall on 106 and across from Kbwzie's Diner on 106 have been put up, however, they are still parking there (trucks) but for now warnings -are being given out. A letter was noted from a Joseph Pfeil of Essex St. regarding a problem that was discussed at last week's meeting which is a severe drainage problem affecting his property. Supposedly a culvert exist on his land which has not yet been located, the Town Manager noted that Mr. Pfeil bought this land from a Mr. Flint back in 1973. Regarding the inspection that was made on the vault and the storage of records specifications were met at the time the Town Hall was built and this includes the fire rating on the door and other things . New specifications have been passed since then after the building was built, we are not going to replace the vault ( door because of the police station being located within a short distance. Leaks are being checked on , one leak has been discovered coming from the roof down the air vent. The builders and architects have been notified but have not been down to check them out. Selectman Caponigro noted that in the good weather he is going to give. them (the contractors) 30 days and if they do not take action we will fix the leaks and deduct it from the amount that is owed them. -5- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting February 28, 1979 Page 6 The Town Manager noted that the shelving in the vault will be replaced with fire proof shelving and books not being used will be removed to the downstairs, also recommened was fluorescent lights be replaced or covered to protect the records. Selectman Delong asked if we are doing any microfilming now. The Town Manager noted that he thought the last time this was done was back in 1974 and he is thinking about having this done again. The Town Manager will get more infor- mation on this from the Town Clerk. The Town Manager reports that we received our application back on surplus property and that we do qualify for this. Regarding alternate medical coverage other than Blue Cross /Blue Shield he spoke to Joan Cutillo and in the pas; this was looked into with Aetna, Metropolitan and Traveler's however none of these companies could meet the coverage Blue Cross/ Blue Shield provides at the same premium. We are tied in with Bristol County and in that way the number of subscribers is much higher than carrying 'Mansfield town employees only resulting in a much lower premium payment with good coverage. It is a combination of both benefits and premium that these other companies could not meet. Selectman De Long feels that it may pay to just give a call to New England Security and check this out. The Town Manager noted that he received a letter from the Corp. of Engineers and they noted that they cannot do anything to help us on the Oak St. culvert. Selectman AVery suggested that he write to the state which the Town Manager noted he already has. A follow up letter will be written in a couple of weeks if we do not hear from them. The MDC contract for septage removal was never received by us, consequently, one had never been signed for the year. However, the MDC has sent us one based on $1.90 per capita averaging out to $11,824.65 for the year. We have been notified that they are only receiving septage until December 1979, by that time hopefully, we will have our owh facility working. Selectman Caponigro asked the Town Manager to check and see who uses the MDC facility to get an idea if the money that we are expending is worth it. The Town Manager noted that he did a check with the haulers from Mansfield and did receive answers that they do use the facility but was unable to verify any of this through the MDC. Selectman Caponigro noted that he would like an update on the status of the wastewater treatment plant. The Town Manager noted that he will get in contact with Camp Dresser & McKee for this. The Town Manager pointed out to the Board that in the BEACON it was noted that the minimum wage will affect all municipal employees = $2.90 as of January 1979 and $3.10 as of January 1980. Board Reports Selectman Caponigro noted that in relation to the meeting they had tonight with members of the school department, we should send a letter to the Governor that M-2 BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT Minutes of the Meeting February 28, 1979 Page 7 they are sending mandates down to us and it is impossible to have a CAP on the budget. Selectman Delong noted that the Governor is aware of this but the point ithat Superintendent brought up is that teachers will have to be notified by April 15. .. _ Selectman Colella noted that he received a lot'.of calls regarding the figure that was printed in the paper of $100,000. it would cost to correct the Oak,. St. culvert and wanted to know where this came from. Benjamin from the Mansfield News noted that at the time it was discussed it was being compared to what it cost to fix the bridge in Foxboro and this cost $90,000. Selectman Colella noted that he has some information and costs on this and will have a report next week for the board. Selectman Avery noted that the reason he voted against that article for the Special Town Meeting (this was on the letter from a Mr. Hebard who sustained damage to his car from a tree limb falling on it) is because he wants to know why Mr. Hebard did not go to his insurance company, also he would like to see the estimate on the damage and the report from the police department. Also, Selectman Avery wants to know if he knew it was dangerous "why did he park under it "? Selectman Colella noted that because Mr. Hebard'thought the'tree was taken care of. Selectman Avery moved to reconsider the vote, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Motion failed. 3 -2 (Selectmen Delong, Colella, Clemmey opposed) Selectman Delong wants the Town Manager to find out if it is possible to charge.. a fire protectinn fee? The Town Manager noted that he did check into putting the water department on an independent basis and that it may only require a town meeting vote to do this. Selectman Delong also wants the Town Manager to check into charging fees for rubbish pick up and if this can also be done by a town meeting vote. Selectman Delong feels that rather than charge on an individual basis , we could contact it out and charge the fee , it would be less money. Selectman Delong feels that we have beencompared with other states unfairly , we do not charge anymore than any other municipality for service but people don't want it to come off their tax rate. Other ways of lowering the tax rate by chargine user fees were mentioned such as, charge for library cards, rental of books, fee for use of town facilities (tennis!: courts , football and ball fields, etc.) Discussed also is whether or not anything can be done about the fire alarm system at the Bristol Arms Apartments, which has the fire engines down there at least once a day. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m. with the board staying to work on the budget. -7-