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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 8-15-1979BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS A G E N D A August 15, 1979 7:30 P.M. - Call to Order Warrant Minutes August 1 & 8, 1979 Clerk's Folder Correspondence Town Manager's Appointment to Historical Commission 8:00 p.m. - Discussion with Town Employees RE: Town Vehicles Board Reports Town Manager's Report Pending Items Traffic Lights at Franklin & 106 Traffic Lights at Rt. 140 & Forbes Blvd. Job Classifications (Deadline Sept. 1) Back Bay Brook Phase 3 Water Rates Foxboro Mall traffic pattern Sanitary Landfill Oak St. Culvert Railroad Station Parking New Downtown Traffic Pattern BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS AGENDA August 15, '1979 Call to order: 7:30 p.m. Warrant Minutes of August 15, 1979 Correspondence 8:00 p.m. - Glaro's, Inc. 660 East Street ( Mr. Glaropoulos, owner will be present) Nancy Smith - Women's Resource Cooperative 9:00 p.m. - Board of Health Landfill rules and regulations Town Manager's Report Board Reports Pendino Items Traffic lights at Franklin & 106 Traffic lights at Rt. 140 & Forbes Blvd. Job classifications (deadline Sept. 1) Back Bay Brook phase 3 Water rates Foxboro Mall traffic pattern Sanitary Landfill Oak St. culvert Railroad station parking New downtown traffic pattern BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting August 15, 1979 Present: Selectmen 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 pm A Warrant in the amount of $286,371.42 was noted. This was approved on * a motion by Selectman Mahana, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4 -0. A Revenue Sharing in the amount of $22.66 was noted for maintenance on the fire department vehicle. A motion to approve this was made by Selectman * Mahana, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 3 -1 (Selectman Avery opposed this noting that maintenance should not be charged against Capital Improvement. Selectman Mahana then withdrew his motion, Selectman Caponigro withdrew his second, and it was voted to not to approve this Revenue Sharing warrant and turn it back to the Town Accountant for review. Motion by Selectman * Mahana, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4 -0. The minutes of August 1, 1979 were noted. The minutes were approved with corrections to pages 1, 6,7 and 10, on a- motion by Selectman Caponigro, * seconded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 4 -0. The minutes of August 8, 1979 were noted._ The minutes were approved with corrections on pages 4,5 & 6 on a motion by Selectman Caponigro, seconded * by Selectman Colella. Voted 4 -0. The minutes of August 12, 1979 were noted. The minutes were approved with a correction on the third page, last paragraph, add Margo Jellinek's name. Motion to approve by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Selectman Mahana. * Voted 4 -0. Clerk's Folder Appointment forms for new members to Boards was signed., by Selectmen. Correspondence A letter was noted from the EPA with attachments of revised contract documents for the increase in scope for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. A Sewer connection permit for Stuart A. Graf, 430 West Street was noted for connection to To�-msewerage on the corner of So. Walnut & West Streets. This was approved on a motion by Selectman Colella, seconded by Selectman * Mahana. Voted 3 -0 -1 (Selectman Caponigro abstained because he previously owned this lot. Correspondence was noted from the MBTA with copy of an agreement to be ap- proved by the Town in the leasing of the MBTA property for railroad parking. Selectman Avery suggest that Selectman Mahana and his committee study this agreement and make recommendations to the Board, also that the Town Counsel should look this agreement over. Copy of a letter was noted from the Fire Chief commending five of his firefighter EMT's for their prompt and professional actions in handling an emergency DOA call. BE BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting August 15, 1979 Page 2 A report from the police department was noted with a report of one disturbance call during the week from one of the local liquor establishments. A Western Union Mailogram was noted from Abreen Corp.. advising that there may be possible violence and damage to property at the Mansfield Motor Inn site over the past weekend. The Town Manager noted that he received a call on this last Friday and had two officers on detail, 24 hours over the weekend and no trouble was reported. A memo was noted that two gentlemen from the ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Commission) came into the Town Manager's office reporting that the owners of Glaro's, Inc. had expanded their business into the meat market next door without petitioning for a change in their license. The gentlemen felt that someone from the Board of Selectmen should go down and investigate this since they are also the Licensing Commissioner's. Selectman Avery suggested that the Town Manager check this out and also that the owner of Glaro's Inc. be asked to meet with the Selectmen at their next meeting. Copy of a letter from the Town Manager to Attorney Keach of Easton was noted informing him of the results of the water testing taken from wells at 498 Stearns Ave., 112 Mill St. and 206 Chestnut St. Attorney Keach has been concerned about the quality of the water in this area due to the area once being used as a dump . Testing showed that the water is acceptable also that testing will be done on solid waste material taken from the site, this testing is being done by the State DEQE. Historical Commission Appointments The Town Manager announced his selection for appointment to the newly formed Historical Commission, noting that it was a difficult decision due to the fact that he had received 17 applications for a 7 member committee. The applicants selected by the Town Manager were as follows: Andrew D. Barr 104 Oakland Street Jeanne M. Grady 55 South Main Street Connie L. Johnson 13 Gladiola Terrace Helen Anne Keith 395 Central Street David E. Loving 31 West Street Robert Paquin 885 School Street Patti Leis Rotert 1318 East Street. There will be 1, 2 & 3 year terms which will be decided by the Town Manager before letters of appointments are sent out. The applicants were all approved by the Board and a motion by Selectman Colella was made approving the Town Manager's selection, seconded by Selectman * Caponigro. Voted. 4 -0. Usage of Town Vehicles A few weeks back a question was raised at the Selectmen's meeting from former Town Manager George Young regarding usage of town vehicles by employees for traveling to and from work. Selectman Avery and Mahana were also interested in this subject. -2- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting August 15, 1979 Page 3 It was agreed to have the town employees with use of a town vehicle meet with the Board for discussion. A memo from James Hall, light department director was read. Mr. Hall could not attend the meeting because he is on vacation. Mr. Hall states that a vehicle was a condition of his employment with the Town. He also noted that he is on -call 24 hours and the vehicle is needed for attendance at meetings out of Town such as MMWEC meetings when at times he does not arrive in Mansfield until late in the evening. He estimates that travel to and from home is eight miles a day, a weekly total of forty miles. Also included in the memo is an explanation for the "standby lineman vehicle" and "line foreman vehicle ". Thom Bonome, highway director, who has a town vehicle at his disposal was in attendance at tonight "s meeting. Thom noted that the only vehicle leaving town is his, no vehicle from the highway or water department goes home at night during the week. In the water department a vehicle is used by whoever is on -call for the weekend to check the wells. Thom noted that unlike the light department these men do not get standby pay, only call -out with a 3 -hr. minimum. So there is no overtime and feels that it is a reasonable justifj- cation for use of a tot-in vehicle. Thom also noted that he feels the highway superintendent should have a vehicle for his use at all times to be available when need His hours are irregular especially in the winter months when he is back and forth many times during the day and he cannot guarantee that his own car will be available at all times. He also noted that this was part of his initial employment with the Town, that he would have a car available. Selectman Avery questioned the car going home on the weekends and was told that it is not the same person every weekend, that on -call duty varies from person to person. Selectman Caponigro noted that the only comment he would make is that seven years ago this was part of the hiring and it was felt that it would actually be cheaper for the Town when they have to respond to emergencies. Selectman Colella noted that he was on the Board at that time but the economy has changed and his only comment is do we need all these vehicles running back and forth and what do we call an emergency. Where do we draw the line, also seven years ago it was not stipulated how long an employee would have a town vehicle. Selectman Mahana noted that he just wanted to caution anyone using a town vehicle especially on the weekends because that is the most vunerable time for comments being made that the vehicle only be used for checking wells and not to stop at any stores or restaurants on the way. Thom noted that no one has ever mentioned any of this to him. Leon Grant, Ware St. who was recognized from the audience by the Chairman and wished to speak noted that he feels there is mdsuse of town vehicles by town employees, that they should not be used to go back and forth for coffee breaks. Selectman Mahana noted that he accepts the explanation for the light department director's car because it was a condition of his employment with the Town and -3- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting August 15, 1979 ( Page 4 he can also accept the explanation for the "standby lineman's vehicle" but feels the "line foreman vehicle "is not justified. The "standby" man is on standby from Monday to Monday and takes the vehicle home, he is instructed to report to the location of trouble directly from home to see if the problem can..be solved before calling more personnel out. This has saved time and money. However, it was felt that the "line foreman vehicle" should be discussed further with the light director to justify usage. Selectman Mahanaagain wanted to caution usage of town vehicles are for official business only and not to deviate from tie policy of the Board because it will only hurt the employees who need the vehicles and who do not misuse them. The Building Inspector, Bert Cook, who also has a town vehicle at his disposal was not present at tonight's meeting due to a personal problem. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager noted that the complaint regarding piles of wood on Elm St. has been checked out by the building inspector. The owner of the wood piles informed the building inspector that the wood is intended for fire -wood. The building inspector informed the owner that he have a fence erected to block the view from Elm St. and the neighbors. Regarding the streetsweeper, the central area of Town is swept on a weekly basis starting at 11 p.m. or midnight Wednesday's and continuing until approximately 6 a.m. This includes three underpasses. A letter was received from the State regarding right turn on a red light, however, because of restrictions mandated by the State, Mansfield will not be bble to implement this at any of their intersections. A request for additional lighting on James St. was investigated by light depart- ment personnel and it is recommended that a light on pole #5 would improve the lighting of the area. The policy of the Light Commissioner's of a light on every other pole would still be in effect. This was approved by the Board of Light Commissioner's on a motion by Selectman Caponigro' seconded by Selectman * Mahana. Voted 4- 0.(Selectman Colella left the meeting at this time.) . A two -day work shop on Collective Bargaining and Contract Negotiations will be held September 17 & 18 in Newton, Ma. The Town Manager noted that he would like to attend along with any of the Board members that would like to go. The Town Manager noted that the police are now checking cars parked over a two hour period in the public parking lot at Rumford and Old Colony Ave,_ and citing them, plus other areas in Town with two -hour parking. Selectman Avery noted that people should also be warned about using the 495 exit onto West St., that cars are being tagged. The Town Manager noted that he had the results of his survey from department heads relative to having the Town Hall open till 8 p.m. on Thursday nights. All departments are not in favor of this idea. The Town Planner and Building Inspector suggested a four -day work week having the Town Hall open eleven hours per day four days a week. No further discussion on this continued. -4- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT Minutes of the Meeting August 15, 1979 Page 5 Bid Award for Dump Truck COMMISSIONERS Only one bid was received for the dump truck, this being from Old Colony Motors at $10,621 with a trade -in of $2,021. A motion was made by Selectman Caponigro, to award the bid to Old Colony Motors for $10,621, trade -in of $2,021 and a total * price of $8,600. Seconded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 34 The Board questioned why we only receive bids from Old Colony Motors and the Town Manager noted that notice of bid awards are sent to all the local dealers. John Ahern from the light department noted that he has the same problem, that he sends specs to dealers outside the community and they say they don't want to bid because they don't want to take business away from the local dealers. Also dealers feel that it's too much trouble and takes too much time working out a bid and then they don't get it. The Town Manager did note that he has called Owens- Illinois regarding bins for collection of glass at the landfill but the gentleman he has to talked to aaa; not there and he is waiting to hear from them. Civil Service has notified us that a list will be available for police department vacancies on September 28, 1979. Veteran Agent, Gladys Cross has accepted a part -time position as veteran agent with the Town of Foxboro. The highway men have been working on Columbine, Thornton, Barberry and Azalea Streets, grading, widening, straightening, oiling and sanding. The asphalt surfacing of these streets and in particular Thornton is delayed because the lateral water lines and all tap -ins have not yet been made and in addition base materials to build up the road is needed. Some drainage has to be designed and constructed, also heavy rolling for completion has to be done. To asphalt these streets before all work is done would only mean cutting up the streets causing premature break -ups in the asphalt. The lights at 106 & Franklin will be energized as soon as the signs are installed. The signs are due for installation next week. After final check by the State DPW the lights will be in operation. Board Reports. Selectman Caponigro noted that the new monument at West Mansfield has been desecrated and he would like to talk to the Town Counsel to see if money can be taken from the bankbook turned over to him by Mr. Peck before he died, to be used to offer a reward for finding the people responsible for this act of vandalism. Selectman Mahana questioned the rules and regulations of the landfill regarding small businesses. The Town Manager told him that the Board of Health would be discussing this tonight at their meeting, because of problems since the change in the rules. Selectman Avery suggest that when the Board of Health decides on what the revisions will be they should then meet with the Selectmen to dis- cuss it. I&N BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting August 15, 1979 Page 6 Selectman Mahana noted that he would like to suggest that all department heads have back ups or assistants with chance of promotions within the department and salary to compensate. Selectman Mahana also discussed with Thom Bonome who was in the audience the problem a resident is having on Branch St. with flooding. This last rain storm wiped out his garden and Selectman Mahana wants to know what can be done to eleviate the problem. Thom noted that the problem is that his land is lower than the street, Selectman Mahana wants to know if a berm can-be put in to carry the water down to the storm drain. Thom noted that he willinvesti- gate it. Selectman Mahana noted that he wants to commend the highway department for the job they did up at the intersection of Gilbert St. and Bungay Road. Selectman Mahana asked what the status on khox0ak St. is. The Town Manager noted that the Town Engineer is working on the specs and as soon as they are ready it will go out for bid. Selectman Mahana asked wwhat the status is on junk cars, and the Town Manager noted that the list is with the Board of Health. Selectman Mahana asked what the status is on locks for the files. The Town Manager noted that he has not done anything yet and does not know if bar locks will work. Selectman Mahana feels that someone from the highway dept. can do the work. Selectman Caponigro feels that the problem is we need more fi +e space and should ask for more money for files. Selectman Avery noted that he is extremely concerned about our playing fields and feels that the Board of Selectmen will have to get involved with the people involved in this project. It's time the Tosco took the bulls by the horn and do something about the problem noted Selectman Avery, Selectman Caponigro and Mahana agree with this. Selectman Avery asked the Town Manager to contact all committees involved to discuss some long range plans for this project or to see if any long range plans have been made for the future. Also have the Town Planner notified. Selectman Caponigro asked the Town Manager what the status was for hiring a Water Superintendent, The Town Manager noted that he and Thom Bonome have gone over the applications received and have two they are planning on interviewing The Town Manager noted that he is having a problem getting someone knowledgeable in both water /sewer and management ability. There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. After adjournment, George Young, who was in the aduience discussed the Back Bay Brook project with the Board and Thom Bonome. -6-