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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 3-21-1979BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS A G E N D A MARCH 21, 1979 7:30 p.m. - Call to Order Warrant Leon Lombardi- FinCom Members to discuss Commuter Rail Service 8:00 p.m. - Public Hearing Street Acceptance (see list attached) 8:15 p.m. Glaro, Inc. Liquor License moving to another location 8:20 p.m. Appointment to Recreation Commission 8:30 p.m. Public Hearing - Abandon Right of Way Thompson Street & Bird Road Clerk's Folder Correspondence Minutes of March 14, 1979 Hearing transcripts of March 7, 1979 Town Manager's Report Report from light dept. to Light Commissioners Board Reports PENDING ITEMS. Traffic lights at Franklin & 106 Emergency Policy Job Classifications Back BAy Brook Phase 3 Water Rates Foxboro Traffic Mall Pattern Sanitary Landfill REMINDER BCSA MEETING TOMORROW NIGHT AT TITUS' - 6:30 p.m. I > BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting March 21, 1979 Present: Selectman Lyman C. Avery, Frank Colella, Robert M. Delong, Norman Mahana and Antonino Caponigro, Jr. Town Manager William P. Metropulos. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Town Manager William Metropulos opened the meeting calling for nominations for a new Chairman. Selectman Mahana moved that Selectman Avery be Chairman, seconded by Selectman Caponigro, Voted 4-0. Selectman Avery moved that Selectman Delong remain as Chairman since he feels that he did such an excellent job, and does not see why he could not "continuep Selectman Delong declined the nomination. The Town Manager then passed the gravel to Chairman Avery who entertained a motion for election of a Clerk. Selectman Caponigro moved that Selectman Mahana be Clerk, seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 4 -0 A warrant in the amount of $420,080.02 was read. This was approved on a motion by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 5 -0. , Correspondence An application for a sewer connection permit was noted, for John McGinley, 10 Hall St. Application was approved by the superintendent of the water department and the property has been assessed. Selectman Avery as Chairman signed the permit. An application was noted from Ronald King, 200 Union St. Ext. applying for the Parks and Recreation Commission. An application was noted from Robert Lynch, 282 Elm St., applying for the Parks and Recreation Commission. An application was noted from Ed Jameson, 360 Mill St., applying for the Parks and Recreation Commission. Ap ' zA A transfers n the amount of $550.00 was noted for Acct. #210 -4, Extra Time. This was approved on a motion by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Selectman Delong. Voted 5 -0. A transfer request in the amount of $950.00 for Acct. #356 -0 was noted. This was approved on a motion by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 5-0. A report was noted from the chief of police regarding disturbances during the week at the various liquor establishments. Four disturbances were noted during the week, requesting police assistance. A letter was noted from Representative Leon Lombardi regarding work on the re- location of Route 140. The contract for the demolition of buildings has been awarded to F & D Truck Co. for the price of $54,740.00, scheduled completion date is October 27, 1979. -1- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting March 21, 1979 Page 2 A letter was noted from Governor Edward J. King regarding the recently passed new law requiring person purchasing alcoholic beverages to be age twenty or over. The Governor is asking that a representative from the Board attend a meeting at the State House on Tuesday, March 27, at 10:30 a.m. to discuss the actual implementation of this important legislation. A motion was made by Selectman Mahana that Selectman Colella attend, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4 -0. (it was noted that either Selectman Colella or Mahana will attend) A notice was received from HUD that our preapplication for a single purpose grant under the FY 1979 Small Cities program did not score high enough and has been denied. A letter was noted from the League of Women Voters informing the Board that a seminar is to be held on Saturday, March 31, at the Bunker Hill Community College in Charlestown. This will be opened to the public, advance registration is required and will be paid for by the Norton - Mansfield League of Women Voters. Copy of,a letter was noted from the Town Manager to Governor King, informing him that at the Mansfield School Committee's Public Hearing on their FY80 budget, they refused to accept recommendations of the Town's Finance Committee to cut their proposed budget and have an increase of 9.4% over last year's. This in- crease does not include any of their proposed capital improvements. A memo was noted from the Town Manager to all departments informing them that the town is experiencing a cash flow problem and all purchases have to be cleared through the Town Manager. Selectman Avery asked if a copy of this memo was also sent to the School Department. The Town Manager noted he does not know if the Treasurer, Joan Cutillo forwarded one or not. It was noted by Benjami.n of the Mansfield News that they did receive a copy. A letter was noted from REACH OUT, requesting that we fund $4000. to provide a comprehensive counseling program to juvenile offenders. They are asking that aniarticle be placed in this year's town meeting. Selectman Caponigro moved that we write a letter to Lee Ghazil, Director and ask that he meet with the Selectmen.to explain the program further. Selectman Delong noted that it is too late to submit an article for this town meeting. Selectman Caponigro with- drew his motion. An invitation was received from the band direct0E.;, Mr. Gallo to the Chairman of the Board. A letter was noted from Marion D. Horton, Chairman of the Board of Library Trustees of the Mansfield Public Library informing the Board that the Trustees feel the financial barriers proposed by the FinCom is unrealistic. The minutes of March 14, 1979 were noted. Selectman Delong questioned one of the items under the Town Manager's report in which he referred to a letter received from the STate on the Oak St. Culvert, Selectman Delong asked what the letter was about. Selectman Delong questioned a line in the minutes on page 4, 5th paragraph regarding a rate study and it was noted that the 4th s 5th lines "to find the leaks" is wrong and to be stricken out. The minutes were accepted on a motion by Select- man Caponigro with corrections, seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 4 -0 -1 (Select- man Mahana abstained) -2- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting March 21, 1979 Page 3 Minutes of the hearings held on March 7, 1979 regarding amendments to the charter were noted. These were accepted on a motion by Selectman Caponigro, * seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 4 -0 -1 (Selectman Mahana abstained) Selectman DeLong questioned if the Board discussed having a rate study done before considering a rate increase in the water rates and was informed that the Superintendent, Ron Dubuc does not feel it is needed. Selectman DeLong feels that we should talk to Whitman & Howard for their opinion. Selectman DeLong moved that we ask Whitman & Howard to come to next week's meeting to meet with the Board and Ron. Seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 5-0. M I� '.31![10:10111,8 A public hearing for Glaro, Inc. 660 East St., was declared opened. Clerk Mahana read the notice posted in the paper of this hearing. Chairman Avery asked if there was anyone in the audience to speak in behalf of this request to relocate their package store business about 125 feet westerly in the same building. Mr. Glaropoulos owner of the business was present. Selectman Avery asked him if he had notified his abuttors and he presented_receipts . of certified mail that he had sent to them. The hearing was declared closed. Selectman DeLong made a motion that the request be granted, seconded by Select - man Colella. Voted 5 -0. Recreation Commission Recreation Commission members, Gino Cinelli and Edgar P. Vernon, Jr. met with the Selectmen to appoint a member to their board. The list of applicants were read. Selectman AVery asked them if they would like to postpone the appointment until they can meet with their board to determine ani_ applicant. Gino noted that his board has not had a meeting since, December. A motion was made by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Selectman Mahana to postpone the appointment until we hear from them. Voted.5-0. PUBLIC HEARING A public hearing for the acceptance of streets and related sewerage, drainage and utility easements for the following streets was declared opened. Willis Street Carol Road Hampshire Street Gale Lane Erick Road Berkshire Road Janet Lane Forbes Boulevard Suffolk Road Patricia Road Cabot Boulevard Oxford Road Plymouth St. (portion) The notice of the public hearing was read by the clerk as posted in the Mansfield News , March 15, 1979, -3- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting March 21, 1979 Page 4 Public Hearing Continued--- - -- - -- Chad Maurer, Town Planner was present for this hearing. Willis St. has been complete almost 2 years now and was held up because the Ceccerelli's who put in this road took the town to court over work not being completed and lost the case. They have since completed the work Brookside Estates - Gale Lane, Janet Lane, Patricia Road and Carol Lane were all scheduled for acceptance at last year's Special Town Meeting but we did not get a quorum, all the work has been complete on these streets. Erick Road , which is located in the Bristol Arms apartment complex. The Town Planner noted that they received the plans in January and there is still a drainage problem there, he recommends that the street not be accepted, until corrections are made. The Town is holding securities but the developer has not yet been contacted. Selectman Delong moved that the Board recommend at the town meeing that the road not be accepted until the Planning Board advises that all the work has been completed. Seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 5-0. CC &F Industrial Park - Forbes Blvd., Cabot Blvd., Hampshire -.t., Berkshire Rd., Suffolk Road, Oxford Road and Plymouth St. (portion). Chad noted that not all the work has been completed on all the roads mentioned, CC &F was in the process of getting the work completed but because of the weather they had to stop, however this is acceptable to the Planning Board, the work is scheduled to be completed this Spring. The Town is holding securities in the amount of $24,000 to complete the final inch of pavement. Another security for $40,000 for the final inch of pavement from the railroad track to School Street is also being held by the Town. Paul Dalton, of CC &F noted that he had agreed to hold it up because of the con- struction and then it was the weather , also when the new motel comes in more utility cuts would have to be made and these have already been done. The Planning Board recommends accepting all the roads and hold the bond on the piece of the section not completed.( during this discussion the board was looking at the map of the industrial park pointing to different areas.) Margo Jellinek, West Street, does not feel that the board should accept the portion of Plymouth St. and Forbes Blvd. because of the work being done for the completion; of 495. If accepted the town has not been held harmless so if there are any accidents the town will be responsible where the road will not be paved. Margo notes that the $40,000 and $24,000 is only to finish up and not to pave the road. She feels it is too dangerous for the town to accept these roads , her concern is in the liability of the town, she noted that it is not the fault of CC &F. Selectman Delong noted that he disagrees with her, that CC &F has been paying lights for a long time now and feels that it is unreasonable to stall any longer as far as accepting the streets. Selectman Mahana asked Chad if it is true that the developer intended to pave the road but with the havey trucks going back and forth it would damage the paving. Chad noted that this was true. Paul Dalton noted that with the type of companies coming into the park, it is a benefit to the town and easier for the companies to be able to operate on public ways and not private roads. Selectman Delong moved that all streets with the exception of Eric Road be recommended for accep'tance'at Town Meeting, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 5 -0. -4- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting March 21, 1979 � Page 5 PUBLIC HEARING On a recommendation by the Town Planner an article is being presented at the Town Meeting to abandon as accepted public ways, portions of the following rights -of -ways. Thompson Street and Bird Road The Town Planner explained his reason for wanting to have these streets abandoned, and referred to a similar problem that the Town of Norton had. The Town Planner's reason for this article is that if a developer,decided to build on Thompson St., which could yield about 20 house lots, the Towtid would be put in a position to pay for improvements on the individual lots and Chad feels that this should be paid for by the developer. However, in discussing this with the Town Counsel, he told Chad that the town has a court case with some of the property owners of Thompson St. and he recommends�in' order not to prejudice our case we should drop this. Bird Road is another problem, the Town Counsel told Chad that this is a county road established before 1846 and that the town cannot abandon it. The Town.Planner recommends that the article be withdrawn, however, it may come back'.to us. A motion was made by Selectman Mahana to table this article to abandon .these streets, * seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 5 -0. Selectman Caponigro made a motion that an opinion on the above two matters be requested from Town Counsel, seconded by Selectman Delong. Voted 5-0. Clerk's Folder A Common Victualler's license for Cousin's Pizza, 660 East St., was acted upon. This is a change of name, formerly, Phil's pi,t;ida. This was approved on a motion by Selectman Delong, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 5-0. A 1 -Day Beer license was requested for the Lion's Club, June 16, 1979. This was taken under advisement until next week. Motion by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 5-0. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager notes that there has been an increase in Blue Cross /Blue Shield, due to the Civil Rights Act. The new Act prohFbw discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, benefits are alsp to be paid for single as well as married women. On plans prior to 10/31/7&a ave 180 days to comply. On plans after 10/31/78 benefits must be incorporated into plan. The cost to changWiaster Medical program will be approximately 1% of the monthly premium. If we do not comply we will be in violation of the federal law. A card has to be signed by the Town Treasurer and sent back. Selectman Mahana questioned what the cost would be. The Town Manager notes that it will be $1.48 per individual per month and .05C per family per month. It was also noted that 500 of the cost is paid by both employee and the Town. A motion was made by Selectman Delong, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. for the Town Treasure-rto sign the card and comply% with the increased rates. Voted 5=0. -5- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting March 21, 1979 Page 6 The Town Manager noted that at last week's meeting there was some discussion on getting fill for the landfill from the Toyota Co., free of charge. However, the cost to have this moved into the landfill would be $22,500. Toyota wants the area cleaned up at our own expense and it would take town forces,90 days to do it. The Town Manager notes that he understands that they are now selling it to the State. Right now we are hauling dirt from land that the town owns for cover material. Selectman Avery asked if it could be moved sporadically and the Town Manager noted that Toyota wants the land cleared as soon as possible because they are putting up a building. Selectman Avery asked if we could get some of it and the Town Manager noted that he is looking into it. As far as routine work being done by the highway department, they are busy filling potholes, sweeping streets and cleaning areas around the landfill of debris from high.winds blowing it. Street signs are also being put up. Regarding the meeting last week with the JayCees and their request to borrow town vehicles for their clean -up project schedule for Saturday, April 7, 1979, the Town Manager noted that he checked this out with Town Counsel and the town would be held liable for any damage done to the vehicles, this liability cannot be passed on to the person borrowing the vheicle. The Town Manager noted that he also spoke to the highway director about asking if the DPW employees would volunteer their time and they said, no, because it takes them 2 to 3 daysafterwards to go around picking up after the JayCees get done. Selectman Delong wanted to know what that has to do with them not volunteering. The Town Manager said that they feel the job is not done right in the first place, and the trucks are misused. The Town Manager does not recommend lending out town vehicles. Selectman Colella noted that he is in favor of lending out the vehicles and he will get four qualified drivers. Selectman Colella then made a motion that we loan out four vehicles to the JayCees for their annual clean -up program, seconded by Selectman Mahana. Discussion: Selectman Caponigro asked what would be wrong in asking the highway men to work and pay them for it. The Town Manager noted that they were asked this and still refuse. Selectman Mahana asked that the motion be amended to be subject to the Town Counsel's opinion that the Town not be held liable for accidents caused by non -town employees driving the vehicles. This motion was seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4 -1 (Selectman Colella opposed the motion because he feels they deserve the trucks without any amendments.) The Chairman then asked for a vote on the original motion of Selectmen Colella's which was seconded by Selectman Mahana, this was voted 3 -2 (Selectman AVery and DeLong opposed, Selectman Delong noted that he is opposed to the motion even though he voted for the amendment because he does not agree with lending out town equipment. The Town Manager noted that he attended a meeting of the Mass. Manager's Association on March 15, regarding the CAPS and informed the board as to what went on at this meeting. The second meeting on the CAPS is schedule for tomorrow in Newton. The Town Manager noted that he and Mr. Corliss of Foxboro meet in Wellesley with their Sanitarian, Mr. Heustis. The Town Manager noted that Wellesley has a three town system which has been in existence since 1956 and a much more elaborate system than we have been thinking about. Mansfield would handle the daily paper work and Foxboro would be assessed a given amount of money to pay Mansfield. The assessment would be based on a per capita basis. Wellesley charges $3.16 per capita and has -6- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting March 21, 1979 Page 7 a 16 member committee. They will send down some sample contracts for us to look at. Selectman Avery asked if we will have a definitive cost and the Town Manager told him that we would. How to divide the time between the two towns will be the problem. Mr. Heustis noted that he has had no complaints as far as not spending enough time in each community. The Town Manager noted that as far as the funds go it looks like we will have to appropriate the money first and then be refunded. J. Board Resorts Selectman Colella noted that he spoke with Ed Pierce of Union St. and the sewer problem on Union St. Extension. Selectman Caponigro noted that he has been discussing this with Ron Dubuc for the past three weeks and noted that the highway director is going to build up the manhole and install a catch basin across the street. Selectman Caponigro noted that the road will not be built Up higher than his lawn. Selectman Mahana wanted to know if there have been any plans or anything else regarding the Oak St. Culvert. The Town Manager updated Selectman Mahana on this. Selectman Mahana asked if there has ever been an attempt made in contacting the Town of Foxboro or Norton on the possibility of a joint lanfill, he noted that he would like to see this discussed. Selectman Delong noted ' "that's alright as long as they put:it in their town ". Selectman Mahana asked if it would be legal on major money increaseritems to try rather than delay the town meeting to pass a 2/3 "s vote if it shows a substantial increase, Selectman Caponigro and Avery feels that this cannot be done and would need a bylaw change. Selectman Avery noted that in regards to the last point that Selectman Mahana brought up , Chapter 22 which authorizes the Town to delay the town meeting by a majority vote of the Board, we should decide what we are going to do. Personally, Selectman AVery feels that we are going into a town meeting with a "sword over or heads, with bare threads and nothing to go by ". Selectman Delong moved that we delay the Town Meeting until May 7, 1979, seconded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 5 -0. Selectman Delong sees no benefit in having the Town Meeting earlier, it is much fairer to the people to have the correct information, we would not gain anything by requesting a 2/3's vote. Ed Benson, Co- Chairman of the FinCom %4as in the audience and was asked what the FinCom proposed to do and he noted that the only action they were requesting was that the people pass the article by a 2/3's vote. Selectman Avery feels that if we vote only on the non -money items we will not get a quorum and he noticed that in looking at the warrant there is no money for salaries. (these are still in negotiations) -7- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting March 21, 1979 Page 8 Selectman Caponigro feels that we should do what we want regardless of the caps. Selectman Delong noted but then we have the School Committee! A report was noted from the Light Department in lieu of someone appearing for them. Selectman Avery noted that he would like someone from the Light Department at the meeting. The report was not read and the Light Department will be asked to come to next'week's meeting. Selectman Caponigro asked if we were going to continue the separate meeting night? Selectman DeLong said that at least in the past year it seemed unnecessary to have the two separate meetings and feels that we could combine them. This was a unanimous decision by the Board. Selectman Caponigro noted that in regards':to the meeting tonight with Representative Lombardi and Eugene Skoropowski, Director of Operations in the Commuter Rail Service of the MBTA (discussion of this meeting follows) what would be wrong with having a flyer printed and passed out at the train station to have non residents bring back to their towns advising them of this hold harmless agreement. Selectman Delong noted that we could go by the survey that was taken some time ago on non residents taken the service out of Mansfield and write to the boards of those towns and ask them:to contact their representative for support of commuter rail. A motion was made by Selectman Caponigro that we review the list of commuters and write to their boards, Mayors or representatives as far as continuing the rail service. Seconded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 5 -0. Commuter Rail Service As a result of a meeting tonight with Representative Leon Lombardi and Eugene Skoropowski, Director of Operations in the Commuter Rail Service of the MBTA the cost of rail service to the Town of Mansfield could cost either $27,979.20 or $72,030.00, depending on legislation pending now in the state legislature. Representative Lombardi notes that he has a bill submitted for 100% state funding for all additional subsidy costs, which he is pessimistic of passing. Another bill would "hold the town harmless" for increases in percentage of subsidy's paid by the Town. Leon noted that a Nick Innello, Chairman of the Transportation Committee has submitted a bill asking the State to pick up the full cost outside of the commuter rail district. However, Leon feels that it will probably be mid- summer before anything comes out of the legislature. Mr. Skoropowski, had with him tonight.-copies of the financial trends of Commuter Rail since 1976 along with a sample computation revenue sheet which is attached. Selectman Delong questioned why since Mansfield has a, greater percentage of rider- ship our assessment is higher than what Attleboro has to pay and Mr. Skoropowski noted that it's a good question and he really does not know the answer, except that all the information was supplied by GATRA and it was felt that this was the fairer way to go. 1'x:31 (' 4!f -11) EYC EASF r i1l1FF - -- -. e 877 c . /97P cY O/17/o -- ` 390 - — - _ — 1 IT - -- —G� I 000 LICAL ! d — o71, s a 1� — I i -- qb 88 A o)L� - — s 8 , 38 o > -- — - i� °P - 37 'i - - - ,' p ' -- - -- 1 - - -- - 8 s, -- — - ► ea - -- -- - -- - - -- - - 5a4 a & c -- -- - -- -- — - -- - -- — — - -- — �lUl�de� a - - -- — — I4I 1318�zD� 4-1-j 60, - -- = /197129W-- 017 .G - -- -- -- —I2 L II �� dz 3!1 - - - -- n �f � II Tll` ii — — Incentive Management Fee ( ^'btotal R3 Insurance Prov. E.H. Lease' 1). H. Loco. Lease Gross Cost Gross Revenue Net Cost Base Cost Additional Cost -/ ./ 19PP,)>ES TD QM'PA Share -Sec. 17 -80% E CbsT /.�EdENUF Share -;20$ ('44-1,00 74 1-;vl/ �. /i 5 E i /Toll April thru 'total June Operating 1,587,384 Mechanical 1,425,043 Engineering 298,383 All Other Departments 127,441 Incentive Management Fee ( ^'btotal R3 Insurance Prov. E.H. Lease' 1). H. Loco. Lease Gross Cost Gross Revenue Net Cost Base Cost Additional Cost -/ ./ 19PP,)>ES TD QM'PA Share -Sec. 17 -80% Local Share -;20$ 48,150 train /Toll UMTA, -Share 'total Local £/Base % /vs � / Total Net Cost train car car pass South Service � April 1 thru June 30, 1978 79,396 no cost 62,500 pass 4.6 3,580,147 75,789 Rhode 30,000 Mansfield 48,150 train Island 3,734,086 Attleboro 61,077 9.7% 153,976 14.9 % 236,520 1.6 % 11.3 161,030 7.4.0 199,506 2.1 11.3 33,717 14.0 41,774 2.1 '. 4.6 5,862 11.7 14,911 3.6 79,396 no cost 62,500 pass 4.6 3,580,147 75,789 pass 30,000 car 48,150 train 4,588 3,734,086 7.19 61,077 March 78 849,468 audit 2,884,618 / 1,168,086 3,486 1,716,532 3,390 001q1411 SE�viC� 1;37�,2 5 4,588 369,007 7.19 61,077 630 1, 73,22 2.0 ,511,3 2 / 2 88 ,6. 74,848 2,875 11.7 7,313 3.6 357,460 500,024 4.6 3,486 11.3 3,390 9.7 4,671 4,588 369,007 7.19 61,077 630 307,930 2.0 0 11.7 8,867 14,0 4,200 14.9 7,174 520,265 16.95 143,985 376,280 n 307,930. 376/,28/0 24 OY� ;344 3 7; 30 7" ILI 3.6 2.1 1.6 3.66 Stoughton 25,398 2.0 % 29,926 2.1 6,266 2.1 4,588 2.0 2,250 68,428 2,729 630 770 72,557 31,090 41,467 0 41,467 / t 6 / � 3 /0 �i 0 75 / 8,19 NEr 0067- o/= S6,eV1eE ZUFO/R2!� . G2FUE,Clk- 5-r2112' A SS Srar.✓c°E Is fJFPL 1E/) // FLT 3 > sox/n1 /KC&'D 411 ym 174Rcl 41&6117j' 17j' Franklin 31,748 71.8 % 29,926 70.5 6,266 70.5 2,549 78.1 2.0 1,250 78.1 71,739 2.0 1,516 78.1 2.1 630 70.5 2.0 963 71.8 74,848 3.75 31,855 68.45 42,993 0 42,993 34 /42,993 MBTA 1,139,742 1,004,655 210,360 99,531 79,396 48,812 2,582,496 59,191 21,150 34,572 2,697,409 581,461 2,115,948 1,168,086 947,862 t 7 8�0> 89, 2 7 2 6/ / 1'3 7,,�8 ,11 �� BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting March 21, 1979 Page 9 Mr. Skoropowski noted that with the percentage of ridership now, the system should be shut down, however, it is understandable with the condition of the cars. Mr. Skoropowski noted that he has 17 cars that were built between 1908 and 1916 and they can't go on much longer. The MBTA is investing two million for new cars and coaches in which people will think they are in heaven when they ride, lights work, toilets that work and heat. Also being done is a 1/4 million spent for signs to show people, especially people from out of town where the rail stations are. All this Mr. Skoropowski noted is being done to'give the system a chance to prove itself. Representative Lombardi noted that there is an effort by Representative Larkin of Needham to start a rail caucus to put pressure onthe executive level for the necessity to support commuter rail in hopes that the State will eventually take seriously the idea of making commuter rail service a statewide service. Representative Lombardi asked Mr. Skoropowski if there is a time deadline as far as signing the contract and Mr. Skoropowski noted that a standard contract has been forwarded to GATRA for their signing enabling them to apply for federal funding, if there is no approval at the town meeting it would only be a vote to execute the contract and then this would be charged against the cherry sheet. Selectman Delong asked if the town could agree to continue the service and then if the funding did not come through they would terminate. Mr. Skoropowski noted that all their contracts have a 60 day termination notice. Selectman Mahana feels that bus service should be investigated because he feels that the rail service is too high and wanted to know who would be the governing agency? If totally within the GATRA region, GATRA would be the governing body, -he was told, but because we are a member of GATRA we would be the regulatory board. Discussed was how other states operate their rail systems and what the cost of the system is with more cars added and Mr. Skoropowski noted that for example a train with 9 cars, needs 7 men to operate it which means that this needs 150 passengers per man to make it profitable. Selectman Mahana asked Mr. Skoropowski if if were not true that Mansfield is the second highest passenger station after South Station and was told this is true. Selectman Mahana noted to Mr. Skoropowski not to misunderstand him, he wants to keep the rail service but feels that it is too high. Mr. Skoropowski noted that he is only laying the facts on the table. Representative Lombardi noted that if Mansfield drops the service so will Attleboro. Representative Lombardi noted that Mr. Skoropowski is in a very tough situation and is trying to improve the situation, all he can do is tell you what the situation is he cannot give a firm promise as to how it will come out but urges the town to continue the raillservice and if the State does not come through with it's funding to discontinue the service within the 60 days. Leon noted that there are represen- tatives in the area who are not going to support the funding and this is what we have to fight,.so in order to get a public opinion we will need help, to show the governor the amount of track in use and being used. Leon noted that money has been slated to relocate the Orange line and extend 10 miles of track to the Red line at a cost of 1''; billion dollars and these two projects are taking all the available money, over 100 million a mile for improvements. Leon also noted that for 300 million all the rail service could be improved all around. Leon also noted that as bad as things seem, Gloucester pays well over 100 thousand because they do not get the rail subsidy that we have been getting. M BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting March 21, 1979 Page 10 Mr. Skoropowski noted that what he is looking for tonight is a letter of intent that we want it and if the funding does not come through then we drop out. Selectman Delong asked if we would owe anything if this letter of intent is sent and the funding does not come through, Mr. Skoropowski noted that we may owe about 1/12 of the year. Representative Lombardi noted that he will attend the town meeting to speak on this. Mr. Skoropowski noted that a lot of the problems are in the process of being corrected, most communities are not griping about how much they pay, in fact some people feel that this is the only benefit they get from paying taxes, it's what they get for what they are paying that is the biggest complaint. Selectman Avery noted that he has listen to a lot of MBTA people before and noted that Mr. Skoropowski said it the way it is and he thanked him for it. One parting note from Mr. Skoropowski was that he does not expect the gross figure to be any higher. Their being no further, the board adjourned on a motion by Selectman Delong, at 10:30 p.m., seconded by Selectman Caponigro.