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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 6-13-1979A BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS A G E N D A n. June 13, 1979 7:30 p.m. - Call to Order Warrant Minutes - June 6, 1979 May 30. 1979 - Executive Minutes Clerk's Folder 7:45 p.m. - Executive Session Municipal Building Committee (Maint. Storage Bldg.) GeorT-Young - Electric Light Bills Emergency Operations Plan to be voted on. Board Reports PENDING ITEMS Traffic Lights at Franklin & 106 Traffic Lights as Rt. 140 & Forbes Blvd. Job Classifications Back Bay Brook Phase 3 Water Rates Foxboro Mall (Traffic Pattern) Sanitary Landfill Oak St. Culvert Railroad Station Parking BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting June 13, 1979 Present: Selectman Robert M. DeLong, Norman Mahana and Antonion Caponigro, Jr. Selectman Lyman C. Avery is absent. Selectman Frank Colella arrived at 9:10 p.m. Town Manager William P. Metropulos is on vacation. The meeting was called to order at 7 :30 p.m. Selectman DeLong moved that Selectman Caponigro be Acting Chairman, seconded * by Selectman Mahana. Voted 2 -0. The weekly warrant in the amount of $204,988.34 was read. This was approved * on a motion by Selectman DeLong, seconded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 3 -0. A Revenue Sharing warrant in the amount of $2,585.10 was read. This was ap- proved on a motion by ,Selectman Mahana, seconded by Selectman DeLong. Voted 3 -0. A warrant in the amount of $384.97 for the Town Planner's vacation pay was read. This was approved on a motion by Selectman Mahana, seconded by Selectman DeLong. * Voted 3 -0. The minutes of June 13, 1979 were noted. Selectman DeLong was not present for this meeting and questioned some of the material that was discussed. An error was noted on page 4, under the heading "Board of Assessors ", the eighth sentence down which notes, "ramifications of the charter change" should read _�+ "ramifications due to their status change at the Town Meeting. ". The minutes were approved with with corrections on a motion by Selectman Mahana, seconded * by Selectman DeLong. Voted 3 -0. Brouqhtup also by Selectman Delong was the discussion by the Recreation Commis - sion of their needing more help. Selectman Delong feels that Thom Bonome, highway director, should be the coordinator on this and supply more help for the Park Department. Also brought up at this time by Selectman Delong was the issuing of special alcoholic licenses for recreational functions. It has been brought to the Board's attention by the Town Clerk that the Town by -laws prohibit drinking of alcoholic beverages in,any public park or place under control of the Board of Selectmen acting as the Park Commission. Selectman Delong wondered if the Board of Selectmen have the right to waive this by -law at times. The Town Counsel who was present during this discussion said that he would have to research the discussion for this Town Meeting vote, and does not know if the Selectmen as the Licensing Authority of the Town have the right to do this. Town Counsel said that he will research this question and have an answer for the Board next week. * * ** The Selectmen acting as Light Commissioners were asked to go into Executive Session to discuss a light bill of a Mr. Peter Bent that is in arrears, finding no legal reason to discuss this behind close doors the meeting was held in open session. Also in attendance at this meeting was Diane Dubuc, light department mananger and James Hall, light plant director. Mr. Peter Bent who owes in arrears a bill of $650.00 is moving and is asking permission to have his account transfer to the new address. Mr. Bent was ques- tioned by the Commissioners what the problem is? Mr. Bent noted that he is un- employed, and that he has a sick child who is required to have her food blended until liquified and fed into a esophageal tube, this requires electricity. -1- BQARD.QF SE.LECTMEN(LIGHT CQMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting June 13, 1979 �I Page 2 The last payment received on Mr. Bent's account was in the amount of $400.00 last November from Welfare. Diane noted that she told Mr. Bent if he could make arrangements for payments they would continue service. Diane also noted at this time that the Board's policy has been extended longer than what it should have been. The Town's policy is sixty days and the DPU's is forty -five before termination. Diane noted that she put Mr. Bent in touch with Self -Help, Inc. who will consider his case and pay up to $250.00 as a one time grant. Commissioner DeLong asked Mr. Bent what his average electric bill is and he noted that it is about $80.00 a month. Commissioner DeLong asked -Mr. Bent how much he thought he could pay and he noted that he felt he could handle about $80.00 a month on the present bill and $50.00 a month on the old balance. After some further discussion Commissioner Delong moved that Mr. Bent be allowed to change his residency with the stipulation that he maintain the present light bill and pay $50.00 a month on the old balance. Discussion: Commissioner Mahana felt that this seemed like a lot to have to pay, and Commissioner Delong noted that this is what Mr. Bent agreed to. Mr. Hall noted that in the summer months the average bill does not run as high as $80.00 a month and therefore would be paying less than the $80.00, Commissioner DeLong amended his motion to read that Mr. Bent would pay $130.00 a month until the old balance is paid up. * Seconded by Commissioner Mahana. Voted 3 -0. Mr. Hall informed the Commissioner; that he would be out of town next week and would like to postpone the Light Commissioners meeting until June 27. A motion was made by Commissioner DeLong, seconded by Commissioner Mahana to postpone the Light * Commissioneers meeting until June 27, 1979. Voted 3 -0. Mr. Hall noted that he would like the a vote of the Board to change the truck rates for jobbing to- -small trucks - $10.00 per hour and large trucks to $15.00 per hr. This was approved on a motion By Commissioner DeLong, seconded by Commissioner * Mahana. Voted 3 -0. Mr. Hall noted that there is a convention in Vermont sponsored by -- North East Public Power during August 19,22, 1979. Mr. Hall noted anyone wanting to attend please tell him in time so that he can make reservations. George Young, So. Main Street , met with the Commissioners because he noted that he was upset over. the lack of proper billing and referred to the new computer as "the new monster we have ". What Mr. Young is upset over is "double billing" shown on his bill when he has already paid the balance shown. Mr. Young was assured by the Commissioners and the light department personnel that this is just a temporary problem and that the next bill he receives will not reflect a past balance. After some further discussion on light bill problems, Commissioner Delong noted to Mr. Young, that as a former Town Manager and Light Plant Director that he would have more understanding than anyone else. * * ** Correspondence A transfer request was noted from the Board of Health in the amount of $166.40 for account #455 -0. A motion to:approved this transfer was made by Selectman * DeLong, seconded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 3 -0. r, - 2- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting June 13, 1979 Page 3 A transfer request in the amount of $362.33 was noted for Account 210 -0. This was approved on a motion by Selectman DeLong, seconded by Selectman * Mahana. Voted 3 -0. A transfer request in the amount of $134.44 was noted for a Court Awarded payment. This was approved on a motion by Selectman DeLong, seconded by * Selectman Mahana. Voted 3 -0. A memo was noted from Town Planner, Chad Maurer asking various departments to submit their plans on conserving energy in their departments and still be able to function properly. A report from the police department was noted with disturbances in the local liquor establishments during the week. * * ** The Board was asked to go into Executive Session by the Board of Assessors regarding a personality matter. Town Counsel Charles Mulcahy was present and noted that Executive Session could be held in accordance with Chapter 30A, Section 11A2. Selectman Delong moved to go into Executive Session to discuss the reputation and character of an individual, seconded by Selectman Mahana Roll call vote: DeLong - yes; Mahana - yes; and Caponigro - yes. Executive Minutes typed separately. * * ** The Board returned to open session to discuss an application by the JayCees for a 1 -day beer & wine license that the Jaycees would like to havejto hold a family outing at Memorial Park. Selectman Delong noted that until we get clarification from Town Counsel on the Town by -laws that he will not vote for it. Selectman Mahana noted that his only thought is that they are not selling it and it would be the same as asking for a license for your own backyard. However, it was decided that the Board would table this request until next week. The Board also decided to table voting on the Emergency Operations Plan until next week when there is a full Board. Correspondence continued -- A letter was noted from the Tri- County Beagle Club of Mass. requesting to have their builing permit fee waived for the new clubhouse they are building. (Selectman Colella arrived during this discussion). Selectman Caponigro noted that the fees are only waived on municipal buildings. Selectman Mahana recom- mended that a letter be sent to them advising them of this. A motion to send this letter was made by Selectman Mahana, seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted * 4 -0. A letter was noted from OwenSIllinois requesting the Selectmen to write a letter to our Senator asking him to vote against the bottle bill when it comes to the floor of the Senate. The Selectmen have asked the Town Manager to write this letter. A motion to this effect was made by Selectman Mahana, seconded by -3- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting June 13, 1979 Page 4 f * Selectman Delong, Voted 4 -0, The Administrator's monthly report on the Tourist I -95 center was noted. At- tendance has increased over 20% since last year with an even greater increase in the number of spaces being rented out.for advertising. Correspondence was noted from the Comm. of Mass., Commission Against Discrimination. In the future all applications to the DEQE for a construction grant must be evaluated to make sure that it complies with the civil rights status. Correspondence from Representative Leon Lombardi was noted with his second Legislative Report for 1979. Selectman Delong noted that he would like to have Leon meet with the Board to discuss some of these Acts and Resolves. A letter will be forwarded to Leon asking that he meet with the Board at his convenience. Correspondence was noted from the House of Representatives requesting that a questionnaire on local by -laws relative to safety requirements for privately owned swimming pools be filled out. This will be forwarded to the Building Inspector and the Town Planner. A booklet "Local Charter Procedures" was received from Michael J. Connolly, Secretary of State. This booklet will be forwarded to the Town Counsel. * * ** Municipal Building Committee, member Bob Saquet and highway director Thom Bonome met with the Selectmen to discuss the Maintenance /Storage building proposed for various departments. Mr. Saquet noted that prior to the Town Meeting the final word was that before Town Meeting that the Town Manager get involved and gather as much information as possible. In accordance with this request, Mr. Saquet noted that he met with an architect and also held a meeting with the Town Manager and the various departments involved, he thought all the information needed was there along with the method of funding which was to combine this project along with the renovations to the Middle School roof and noted that he was very disappointed at the Town Meeting because the Selectmen felt they didn't have enough information. Selectman DeLong noted that they didn't. Mr. Saquet noted that the information given to the Town Manager was a report by the architect with the estimated space needed for each department and the cost of the project , which is estimated at $241,000. At the time of the meeting the Parks and Commons were not interested in being a part of it, but since then Mr. Saquet has heard that they would be interested if the space is available. A rundown on the space needed for each department was read. Thom Bonome noted that his basic needs is a service building to maintain vehicles which are done now out of a parking garage, also to secure a fuel storage area and update it to modern equipment. Office space will have to be improved to conduct public works business on a day to day basis. Selectman DeLong noted that he would like the whole public works department included, also the seater department. Thom noted that there is a lot of duplication of equipment which should not be. If all under one roof equipment could be utilized more effectively, also the equipment is not being serviced properly. Selectman DeLong feels that there is a lack of coordin- ation as far as the Recreation Department and this department should come under Thom. Discussion as to how the Charter reads relating to the Recreation Commission was discussed. BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting June 13, 1979 J Page 5 Selectman Colella at this time noted that he wants the REcreation Department to be a separate entity, all by itself. Thom then noted that the Recreation Depart- ment is one thing but the parks should come under him for maintenance because they are not being kept up properly and it reflects on him. All the dedicated commons are done by Ted Robinson all the highway department does is roadside trimming. Memorial Park is also done by Ted Robinson. Discussion continued again on the Maintenance building and the type of construc- tion to be used, concrete blocks vs. steel. Mr. Saquet noted that whichever is the cheaper way out will be used, - -- they are looking to put up a building as inexpensive as possible and maintenance free. The funding whs then discussed and Mr. Saquet noted that Joan Cutillo said that if there was a Special Town Meeting in August there would probably still be time to combine the Middle School roof and this project together. Selectman DeLong asked Thom Bonome if they would also maintain the school department vehicles and if they would need another mechanic. Thom said that he did not feel another mechanic would be needed and that the vehicles would be maintained on a rotating monthly basis. Selectman DeLong asked Thom, } with this facility would they be able to do more work versus taking them to the garage. Thom noted that his men handle everything now at the garage including the park, the only additional vehicles would be the school and police cars. Thom noted that prevention maintenance is what is needed on the vehicles. Selectman DeLong noted that a schematic plan would be needed at the town meeting and Mr. Saquet felt that this could probably be done for about $500. Selectman Colella at this time wanted to go on record as being opposed to this project totally because he feels it goes againstthe Charter (the Parks and Recreation under public works). It was the consensus of the Board, Selectman Colella opposed, that the Municipal Building Committee proceed with the preliminary plans and if they exceed the $500. to come back to the Board. Mr. Saquet also noted that a letter is needed from the SElectmen to request a meeting with the Emergency Finance Board for a hearing to do the alterations of the Middle School roof that was voted at the Town Meeting. The Selectmen approved this request. Union St. Ext. - Selectman Colella noted that heawas there last night and that the Pierce's are in favor of running the pipe down to the back, it's the people next door who are opposed. Thom Bonome said that he knot-is all about this and that the woman who abuts the property is opposed, this piece of property is a paper street. Selectman Caponigro noted that the paper street is owned by the Town. Thom noted that we need an easement from her and Selectman Caponigro noted that we do not need an easement from her because she does not bwn it)the only property she owns is what they have in their deed. Thom noted that Bob Chevree who built in that area told Thom that he tried to convience her and couldn!t so he gave up. Selectman Caponigro wants Thom to get a copy of their deed. When all the facts pertaining to this has been researched it will again be discussed. Thom was also questioned about the traffic lights at Franklin & 106 by Selectman Mahana. Thom noted that no equipment is in yet and the a copy of the bond had to be forwarded to the State. -5- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting June 13, 1979 Page 6 Selectman Mahana asked Thom if we are responsible for cleaning the sidewalks around So. Main St. and Spring St. and Thom noted that his department does do sidewalks, however, the Town Manager does not want to continue providitlg this service, he feels the residents should do their own. Thom also agrees with this. Another area that Selectman Mahana would like to have done is the vacant lot across from the Allied store. Thom noted that if he starts this it will lead to other areas in Town that people will want done. However, he noted that he will do it. Correspondence continued A letter from the EPA was noted with a grant amendment increasing the amount to include work related to the WWTP. The increase in eligible costs is $29,501. increasing the grant from $52,745 to $74,871. This increase does not change any of the conditions or assurances of the original grant award. The amendment change is to be signed by Chairman Avery/ A house moving application was noted from D.R. Betts, Inc. The route of the house to be moved is from Foxboro, down Central Street onto Atwood Ave. Selectman approved the application subject to approval from the various town departments. Motion by Selectman DeLong, seconded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 4 -0. I An application was noted from Donald B. Kaufman, applying for the Planning Board. Correspondence was noted from the Office of Communities and Development announcing a new round of grants to local housing authorities for the development of low - income family housing under the Chapter 705 program will be offered. Copy of this will be forwarded to the Downtown Development Committee. Board Reports Selectman Colella said that he has received calls again on the noise from the trains and wanted to have someone get in touch with the Amtrac people. Selectman Colella was informed that Amtrac was contacted and they said that nothing can be done about it for now becuase of the track work being done and that they will be moving on up the track shortly Selectman Mahana said that he has notice the proliferation of signs again some attached to poles and wants to have the building inspector and the highway director instructed to take down any sign that is on town property or poles. The Selectmen have recived notification that, Elwyn Atherton, their representative to SRPEDD has resigned. Selectman Caponigro noted that he would like a report from the Town Manager on what has been done about the deterioration of the concrete on the School St. bridges. Their being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m. 'a•