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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 4-11-1979i ( BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS A G E N D A April 11, 1979 7:30 p.m. - Call to Order Warrant Minutes of April 4 and April 11, 1979 7:40 p.m. - Margot Jellinek 7:50 p.m.- Planning Board RE: Fairfield Optical 8:15 p.m. - Board of Health RE: Landfill Cderk's Folder Correspondence Town Manager's Report Board Reports Planning Board Appointment PENDING ITEMS Traffic Lights at Franklin & 106 Traffic Lights at 140 & Forbes Blvd. Job Classifications Back Bay Brook Phase 3 Water Rates Foxboro Traffic Mall Pattern Sanitary Landfill Oak St. Culvert BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting April 11, 1979 Present: Selectmen Robert M. DeLong, Frank Colella, Lyman C. Avery, Norman Mahana and Antonino Caponigro, Jr. Town Manager William P. Metropulos. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. A warrant in the amount of $438,319.80 was read. This was approved on a motion by Selectman Mahana, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 5 -0. A Revenue Sharing Warrant in the amount of $190.00 was read. This was ap- proved on a motion by Selectman Mahana, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 5 -0. The minutes of March 28, 1979 were noted. A motion was made to accept these minutes by Selectman Caponigro with corrections (typographical errors) seconded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 5-0. The minutes of April 4, 1979 were read. A motion was made to accept these minutes by Selectman Caponigro with corrections (typographical errors) and the date of the second Special Town Meeting to be inserted on Page 9, 3rd paragraph from the bottom. Seconded by Selectman Mahana Voted 5 -0. Margo Jellinek, Mrs. Jellinek met with the Selectmen to request that they insert an article in the second Special Town Meeting, so that the taxpayers will have a chance to decide what to do with the money after July 1, whether to have it rebated or used to reduce next year's tax rate. Mrs. Jellinek noted that the Selectmen can open and close the warrant as often as they want and this will save the town $400 -to $500. having the article inserted in the Special in May rather than to wait until the Fall to do it. Selectman Delong noted that he does not think it can be done, that the Town Moderator will rule the article invalid until the money is established after July 1. Margo noted that the money will be established and that the taxpayers overpaid by $200. last year and face to the taxpayers who voted them in and the on is the town vote. Selectman Delong noted that the end of the year may not be the amount being talked the town had last year. reminded_ Selectman DeLong to do this would show good ly thing legally binding estimated free cash at the about because of the deficit Selectman Avery noted to Margo, that as he understands ittshe is asking for the Board to authorize the opening of the warrant for the Special to insert an article asking that this amount of money be rebated after July 1 to each and every taxpayer who paid in excess of what they should have.. Selectman Avery feels that this will be ruled out of order because we have already been told that the money cannot be rebated , it can only be used to reduce the tax rate in the year to come. We have already been told by the Bureau of Accounts and Department of Taxation that the money cannot be rebated. Mrs. Jellinek feels that they have been misinformed. -1- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COM14ISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting April 11, 1979 Page 2 Selectman Avery noted that he would like the Town Counsel to discuss this with the Bureau of Accounts to see if this is legal and would like to hold the vote on inserting this article until next week, if it is legal to do this, then he will be all for it. There is no sense in putting in an article that we cannot act on. Selectman DeLong noted that he does not see any point in it. The Town Manager and Town Clerk have already gone into Boston and he sees no point in investi- gating it any further. As a matter of fact, the Town Manager was told when he called for an appointment to meet with the Bureau of Accounts that there was no sense in going in because what they told the Town Clerk a couple of weeks ago would not change. However, the Town Manager told them that he was asked by the Board of Selectmen to go in and he was going in. As it turned out the in- formation that the Town Manager received was the same that was given to the Town Clerk when he went in. Selectman Caponigro noted that his only comment is that he does agree with Selectman DeLong, however, in comments that he has heard from residents during the week he is in favor of inserting this article. Selectman DeLong disagrees with this and thinks that this is misleading the people by putting this article in, it will give the people the feeling that they can act on it. Selectman Mahana is not in favor of putting the article in and thinks that it is mean to do this, but if there`is any possibility or a glimmer of hope he supports it. Selectman Colella noted that he has no qualms over this and agrees with Mrs. Jellinek and made a motion to open the warrant for the second Special Town Meeting.to be held on Wednesday, May 9, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 3-2 (Selectman DeLong and Avery opposed) y Selectman Caponigro made a motion to insert an article in the second Special U to see if the Selectmen should petition the state to refund to the taxpayers from free cash the money that will be made available after July 1. Seconded Us' by Selectman Colella. Voted 3-2 (Selectman DeLong and Avery opposed) Selectman Avery noted that he has as much sympathy.`; as anyone else, but from the knowledge that he has, he would still prefer to have a legal opinion from Town Counsel. Thomas Greene, 1365 West St. was also in the audience and gave his opinion on the error, how he feels it should be handled and what should be done. CPA BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting April 11, 1979 Page 3 Downtown Advisory Committee Town Planner, Chad Maurer, and Robert Mangiaratti met with the Selectmen to ask for their support on an article for the Town Meeting regarding the Fairfield Optical building. The Committee has held a Public Hearing and has had communication with private developers and other boards in the Town. There is no guarantee that the project will be for people over 55, originally this was called a project for the elderly, however this condition cannot be put in, that it will only be used for this. Each proposal will be considered so that it meets the needs of people over 55, but it is not an iron clad con- dition. The long concept is to try to find a beneficial use for the building and improve the climate of the downtown area, so it is a balancing act but we have to assure that the needs will be met and have to allow for flexability in case a proposal comes in that benefts the town. The needs of citizens over 55 will be outlined in the preliminary proposals requesting that each developer indicate the number of units, size, style of buildings, and what recreational use will be included, also the type of construction. Another issue raised at the Public Hearing was establishing a minimum price for the property. Chad noted that in speaking to an appraiser he was told that the property may not have much value and could be sold cheap but for a less desirable use than what the committee is trying to do. If we want a developer to come in and buy he may have to acquire other parcels as well and won't be interested in having to pay one price for the Fairfield property plus, so the Committee has decided not to set a price on the property. What the Committee is looking to do, is to provide a better tax benefit for the Town in the future and to generate more money, rather than to just sell the property only. It has been suggested by the Town Counsel that a contract between the Town and developer be drawn up, Chad also noted that this is being done along with a performance bond to insure the completion of the project as outlined in the proposal and approved by the Downtown Advisory Committee. There was a little too much inflexability as to the one bedroom apartments so it will be changed to read one and two bedroom apartments. The committee wants to assure that everything meets with all the criteria] set on the proposal and that is to stick with the original proposal that it will be for the elderly. Before the project is approved there have been safeguards built in and approval will be needed from all three boards, Planning, Dowtown Advisory and the Selectmen. The project cannot go for development withoutapproval from these three boards. Selectman Delong moved that the Board of Selectmen support this article in the Annual Town Meeting, seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 5 -0. Selectman Mahana questioned Chad on the 128 WRRC committee meeting that he at- tended and Chad noted that it looks good and the project will be operated by a private contractor. Chad said that what they are looking for is a letter of interest that we would like to be involved in this project, because once it is established it will be on a "first come, first serve basis." Chad will draft this letter of interest. -3- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting April 11, 1979 Page 4 Board of Health Board of Health members, Sandra Holske, Chairman_, Karl Clemmey, Francis Gasson and Edward Tartufo met with the Selectmen to discuss the new rules and regula- tions for the landfill. Selectman Delong noted that he read the draft and found that it looks good to him and he would call it very tight. Sandra noted that the Town Manager was very helpful to them. Selectman Avery asked how different the new regulations are from the old ones? It was noted that the new regulations primarily prohibit industrial and com- mercial dumping. Only residents, small businesses and our rubbish contractor will be allowed in the dump,Special permits will be issued through the Town Manager's office for jobs done by a contractor hired by the Town. Stickers will be issued out of the treasurer's or town clerk's department in- stead of the police department as they now are. The charge will be $2.00 for residents per year and $10.00 per year for small businesses. Selectman Colella is against charging the residents a fee and Mr. Clemmey noted that this fee will pay for the price of getting the new stickers, the man at the landfill and the extra work involved for the girls issuing and collecting the money. Also the fact that $25,000. is needed for cover material for the landfill. It was noted by the Board of Health that in checking other towns they all charge fees. Selectman Caponigro feels that this is very fair to the homeowner and small bus- inesses and it will also add life to the landfill. Selectman Mahana in reading over the regulations asked what one is suppose to do with their old tires if they can't bring them to the landfill, it was suggested that they trade them in. Selectman Colella feels that a public hearing should be held to get input from the people. The Board of Health noted that this is not necessary that they in- tend to publish the rules and regulations in the newspaper for two consecutive weeks before they go into effect. The Board was polled to see who was in favor of holding a hearing: Selectmen Delong, Avery and Mahana do not feel a public hearing is necessary, Selectman Caponigro said only if the Board of Health feels it is necessary and Selectman Colella is in favor of having one. Correspondence A letter was noted from the Bureau of Solid Waste Disposal on proposals for the 128 WRRC committee. Five bidders will present proposals at the Stoughton Town Hall on Saturday, April 21, and April 28, 1979. A report from the police department was noted and there were no disturbance calls reported for any of the local liquor establishments during the week. A summary from the Fire Chief on his attendance at the Spring Conference held April 5 -8 was noted, and this report was read aloud. Selectman Avery feels that anyone involved with the town that attends a conference should give a report upon his return to the Town Manager and Selectmen and if it provides information for the people then it should be read. -4- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting April 11, 1979 Page 5 A memo from the Town Manager was read announcing his choice of a new Town Engineer, Anthony C. Stanzione, who will be starting, Friday, April 27, 1979. A letter was noted from the EPA with notification that they have approved a grant in the amount of $6668.00 for the infiltration contract.] A $1000. check was received in settlement for the fire at the chlorination building. This check will be put back into the general fund. Correspondence was noted from the Recreation Director with a list of programs held in the past year and the coming season. A petition was noted from the New England Telephone Co. for the location of one (1) pole on Thornton Street. A hearing will be required with notification to the abuttors. Selectman Delong moved that the hearing be held April 25, at 8:00 p.m., seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 5-0. Selectmen approved a sewer application permit for Stephen Holford, 387 Willow St. Approved on a motion by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 5 -0. An application was noted from Larry Pigeon, 34 Clinton St. for the Finance Com- mittee. An application was noted from David Clemmey, 165 Essex St., for the Finance Committee. A letter was noted from Planning Director, Chad Maurer that was sent to Mr. Edward Stivaletta, Elmwood Park Realty Trust on the decision of the Selectmen not to accept a portion of Erick Road this year because of a flooding and drainage problem.. A letter was noted from the MBTA that as of May 1, 1979 patrons who purchase the unlimited monthly pass will no longer receive the 25 -cent rapid transit pass free of charge. Copy of a letter from the Department of Environmental Quality Engineering jent to Dunn Engineering Co. was noted. The DEQE is satisfied with the report and plan submitted by Dunn Engineering in bringing the landfill into compliance with the operational plan and report approved by the department 13 years ago. A letter was noted from Leon Lombardi with an attached legislative report for 1979• Selectman Mahana noted that there are 4 acts which will cost the town money. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager noted that he they will be finalized i,n time The Town Manager noted that at road depot was discussed. Mr. towns that have rail stations enlarged and improved their pa has been involved with negotiations and hopefully for the Town Meeting. last week's meeting parking stickers for the rail - Metropulos noted that he checked with two other and found that Sharon does not charge but has rking lot to provide more spaces. The Town of -5- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting April 11, 1979 Page 6 Wellesley charges 25C for all day parking and have parking meters but they have hired meter maids to check cars parked illegally. The Town Manager noted that he came up with $12,500. a year on a basis of 200 cars daily at 25f per car. This would cost a person $62.50 per year if they were to park every day for 50 weeks. Selectman Mahana suggested that the tickets could be the responsibility of the school crossing guards . The Town Manager felt that this is possible, the problem would be to enforce it, we could have an enclosed parking lot in which the driver pulls a ticker upon entering and pays for it as he leaves. Selectman Delong asked what is wrong with the sticker system that is used down the cape for their beaches. This was discussed by the board a little further and Selectman Delong then asked the Tom Manager decide on a system to follow that would the least hassed for the Town to,enforce. Selectman Avery feels that the Town Manager, Chief of Police and Selectman Mahana should look into this and report back to the board after they have had time to discuss and look over the different systems. It was decided that a report will be presented to the board on May 2. The Town Manager noted that he attended the monthly meeting of CETA yesterday and they are still hoping that the guidelines will change as far as their pay level, the maximum CETA will pay now is $6800. and it used to be $10,000. It depends on what the lobbiest do in Washington. The Town Manager reported that the Jaycees clean -up this past week -end had no problems. Selectman Caponigro moved that a letter be sent to the Jaycees and the Army to thank them for their support and help, also one is to be sent to Peter Degirolamo for the use of his truck, seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 4 -0 (Selectman Mahana out of room at time of vote) The Town Manager noted that the third session of the governor's 4% cap is to be held on April 19 at the Sheraton Yankee Drummer in Auburn. The Town Manager noted that on the joint sanitarian for Mansfield and Foxboro, he met with Mr. Corliss of Foxboro and they went over the sample contract that they received from Wellesley. A joint meeting will be set up with the Mansfield and Foxboro Boards of Health also. The signs that were requested infront of Amici's Funeral Home, No. Main Street have been put up. Appointment to the Planning Board Clerk Mahana read the list of applicants. A motion was made by Selectman Caponigro, to appoint Marydee Flynn, 102 Jewell St. as the replacement for Norman Mahana. Seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 5-0. ( Board Reports Selectman Colella wants the Town Manager to check into the brook that goes through from Glen to Brook Street. A resident on Court St. said that it needs some cleaning up. M BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting April 11, 1979 Page 7 Selectman Mahana noted that a jogging friend of his noted that debris up by Foam -Fab is still a problem and it looks like someone is ripping the bags open. Also, Selectman Mahana noted that he heard someone is cutting trees down in Maple Park. Selectman Delong noted that before the Town Meeting he would like to have the board review the budget in light of the 4% cap and have the budget broken down to separate salaries and take out those items not reflected in the caps. Selectman Avery would like to have a meeting with the Finance Committee on Sunday, April 22, 10:00 a.m. for a final rundown on their recommendations. Selectman Delong noted that he would like to have a thorough explanation on the water department and what the procedure will be if the article to put it on a self- sustaining basis passes. Selectman Avery asked the Town Manager if the Town Counsel has reviewed the articles for the two Special Town Meetings and would like to have his expert opinion before the Town Meeting. Selectman Avery noted that there is a storm drain at School & Otis streets which is constantly being repaired and refurbished but the problem still exists. The Town Manager will look into this. Selectman Caponigro noted that a couple of years ago it was reported that the two bridges on School Street were pulverizing and they should be looked into. A motion to adjourn at 9:45 was made by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Select - man Colella. Voted 5 -0. -7-