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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 9-19-1979BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS AGENDA September 19, 1979 7;00 p.m. - Executive Session Warrant Minutes of September 5 and 12, 1979 Executive Minutes of September 5, 1979 7:45 p.m. - Light Commissioners Meeting 8:00 p.m. - Robert Mangaratti - Fairfield Optical Project 8:10 p.m. - Department Head Meeting Bid award for bucket truck - light dept. Town Manager's Report Board Reports Pending Items Traffic Lights at Rt. 140 & Forbes Back Bay Brook Phase 3 Water Rates Foxboro Mall traffic pattern Sanitary Landfill Oak St. Culvert- Bid opened 9/13/79 Railroad Station Parking Downtown Traffic Pattern Reminder- Cherry Sheet conference on Monday, 9/24- Boston ( $15.00 fee - Reservations made for Selectman Avery Town Clerk and Town Manager BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting September 19, 1979 Present: Selectman Lyman C, Avery, Norman Mahana, Frank Colella and Robert M. DeLong, Town Manager William P. Metropulos. The meeting was called to order at 7,05 p,m. Selectman Caponigro arrived late. A motion was made by Selectman Mahana to go into Executive Session to discuss labor negotiations relative to the Fire Department, seconded by Selectman DeLong. The Board was polled: Avery, yes; Mahana, yes; Colella, yes and DeLong, yes. The Board noted that they would return to open session. The Board returned to open session at 7:25 p.m. Selectman Caponigro arrived at this time. A Revenue Sharing Warrant in the amount of $821.03 was noted. This was approved * on a motion by Selectman Mahana, seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 5 -0. A Warrant in the amount of $361,223.92 was noted. This was approved on a motion * by Selectman Mahana, seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 5 -0. The minutes of September 5, 1979 were noted. These were approved on a motion * by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 5 -0 Executive Minutes of September 5, 1979 were postponed for approval until next week * on a motion by Selectman DeLong, seconded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 5 -0. The minutes of September 12, 1979 were approved with corrections to page 2, 4th paragraph and page 4, 3rd paragraph, on a motion by Selectman Caponiqro, seconded * by Selectman Colella. Voted 5 -0. * * ** A letter from Neil Mattera, CETA's Counselor for the Youth Summer Program was read with his view in the placement of the CETA workers for the Council -On- Aging. After the tletten, -- ,was -;reel Selectman DeLong noted that since this is in variante''.to both what Pam Plasse and Margo Fisher have said that Margo and Pam should be asked to come in and meet with the Board. Selectman Mahana noted that he would second the motion but would like to know Selectman DeLong's reason. Selectman DeLong read both the letter from Pam Plasse and Margo Fisher and feels that there is still a cloud here, either Mrs. Benson was lied to or there is some confusion in the letter, both these letters are in variance with the letter from Neil. Selectman Caponigro feels that it is like beating a dead horse, neither Pam or Margo are now involved with the Council. Selectman DeLong said he would ac- cept as an alternative to have the Town Manager talk: to Pam and Margo and then report back to the Board and the Board will then decide how they will go.. Selectman Avery agreed to this. Selectman DeLong then withdrew his motion. Selectman DeLong then made another motion that the Town Manager investi, ate the discrepancies in the letters, seconded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 4 -1 Selectman * Caponigro opposed.) -1- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting September 19, 1979 Page 2 Correspondence A report from the police department was read with a report of one disturbance in a local liquior establishment during the week. Since this disturbance happened at 1:20 a.m., Selectman Mahana questioned the closing time stated on the license and was told that it is 1:00 a.m. that they have to stop serving and then they have a half -hour to clean up. A memo from the Town Manager was read with notification that a public hearing is to be held on Tuesday, September 25 at the Foxboro Town Hall, on the Foxboro landfill leachate problem. Selectman Avery will be attending this hearing. A letter was noted from Karl Clemmey's Attorney, Attorney Charles Bennet request- ing that the Board of Selectmen set a date for a public hearing. Selectman DeLong moved that the hearing date be set for Wednesday, September 26, * 1979 at 8:30 p.m., seconded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 5 -0. A petition was presented to the Board from residents of Maple St. objecting to the proposed earth removal project of the Plymouth Home National Bank through the application of the ERE Corp. of Mansfield to be located in a 32 acre plot off Maple St. in Mansfield. Selectman Caponigro questioned if there is a way that the trucks can be stopped from going through there. The Tom Manager will check this out with Town Counsel. Light Commissioners;Meetin Jim Hall, Light Plant Director and Gerry Lemieux, Bookkeeper met with the Com- missioners. Mr. Hall noted that he is replacing a 1970 bucket truck which is in need of repairs that would be very costly. They went out for bids on August 23 and received two bids , the lowest bidder was Morse Body of Watertown, Ma, for $39,500 not including a trade -in. The old truck will be kept for emergency purposes. A motion was made by Selectman Mahana to accept the Light Director's recommendation of the low bid in the amount of $39,500. from Morse Body, Watertown. Seconded by * Selectman DeLong. Voted 5 -0. Mr. Hall noted that he would like to replace the meter reader's car also, the car they now have, has 65,000 miles on it. He would like to replace it as a Capital Improvement item with a 4- cylinder small pick -up which one person will drive and would like to have this replacement program every year for about five years. Selectman DeLong then made a motion that we establish a program replacing a small * vohic16;: one per year for fiveyears, seconded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 5 -0. Balance Sheet - The balance sheet was reviewed, and Jim noted that Gerry has been v_iorking with the accountants and that by the next meeting things should be up to date, one girl in the office is working full time on the deliquent accounts. Work is progress on new feeders going down School St. and out to Gilbert St, also work on 1 -.495 & 41est St. will be done this Saturday. The cost of the work being done for I -495 is $150,000 all reimbursed by the State. -2- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting September 19, 1979 Page 3 Mr. Hall noted that they are having a problem with the air - conditioner because it freezes up and because of the freeze ups the,,- computer has to be shut down. Jim noted that he has talkedyiith air - .conditioning experts and has an estimate of $950. for a unit, also he has someone coming in next Tuesday to give an estimate.. Selectman deLong noted that he would like to see this Board give approval now that this thing has dragged on long enough and he is scared to death that the computer will go down. A motion was then made by Selectman DeLong that the light.department be authorized to spend up to $1500.. for an air - conditioner * for the computer room. Seconded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 5 -0.. Selectman Mahana congratulated Jim on his election as vice - president with NEPPA. Robert Mangaratti-. Fairfield Optical Proposals Bob noted that the Committee received some pretty impressive proposals. Nine proposals were received, all nine companies were interviewed and finally narrowed down to three bidders; Clairmont, Bristol Housing and MB Group. Town Planner Chad Maurer checked out all references and they were all excellent, he also spent a lot of time with the Mass. Association of Financing and they liked the process of the Selectmen and Town Boards working on projects like these. All have extensive expei,rence in management. Bob handed out the criteria to the Board on how they will handle the final decision. Reaction from the three final bidders has beensone of complete cooperativeness. Tax revenue to the Town from a project like this will be in excess of $40,000, it now generates about $4,000 as it now stands Bob noted that the reason he is here tonight is to let the Board know that they have reached this step and eventually the Board will be called upon to approve or disapprove the final project. Bob noted that it was a tough decision in picking thou three, they could have easily picked six. Al Turi.nese asked if there are any grey areas where this could be used as a tax concession at a later date. Bob noted that no promise of any tax break was dis- cussed, he understands that the State has forms in subsidized housing and will talk to Chad and have Chad get back to his Board. * * ** Department Heads Town Accountant John McAlice - noted that the accountants from Peat, Marwick & Mitchell are ere an nex week will be the last week,to be followed by a report and management letter advising if things have been done right or wrong, each department head will know what will go in this letter. John noted that the closing went smoothly and everything is in good shape, John also wanted it noted that Gerry Lemieux gave up a half -day of her vacation to help John out Selectman DeLong asked John to what extent the accountants will be involved with the departments going on computers. John noted that someone is coming in Monday from Peat, Marwick & Mitchell because they are concerned that things have not gone faster than they have.. Ted Robinson Park Department - Ted noted that everything is fine, good cooperation, good weather and they are doing the best they can. Everything is going along nicely. -3- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting September 19, 1979 Page 4 Selectman DeLong asked Ted if the highschool track could be sealed, that it seems to hime that the schools does nothing about maintaining it. Ted noted that even with sealing it would keep opening up, it was sealed about five or six years ago. Ted noted that the problem with the track is drainage. Bertram Cook- Building Inspector - Bert noted,, that ,he: is busy. Selectman Mahana questioned him on the wood pile on School St., Bert, noted that the owner is selling it as fire wood. Thomas Leonard - Fire Chief - The Chief invited the Board to hold their meeting of October 10 at the Central Fire Station, in observance of "Fire Prevention Week ". The Board noted that they have a hearing scheduled for that night and will be happy to hold their meeting of October 17 at the station. The Chief noted that he would like to have the Board send a letter to the Insurance Services Office to request a fire station location survey and has submitted this as a capital improvement item for this year. The Chief, noted that there is no cost for this survey just takes a request from the Board.. The Chief noted that the week of October 6- 13 is Fire Prevention Week and programs will be presented at the station throughout the week. A Woodstove program will be one of the main' programs to be presented. The Chief noted that this past week tha3 had a house bUnning on West St. with particpation from the Mass Fire Academy and State Police who came into do investigations on the cause of the fire and he is hopeful; that he will be able to do this same thing next month with his men. These are houses that are slated for demolition by the State. The 4 -wheel truck has gone to Worcester to have the electrical work done and noted that he would like to extend a big thanks to Bob Buttons for his help on this project. The Chief noted that he is working on a winterization program for the Central Fire Station by caulking casements, putting plastic on the skylights and install- ing plexiglass on the inside of the windows to help prevent heat loss, last year some storm windows were installed. Selectman DeLong asked the Chief if it would be a lot of work to find out how many times he has had to respond to Bristol Arms and the cost. The Chief noted that he could get this information over the last nine months because for the past nine months monthly calls are now being put on computer. Bristol Arms has hired a new manager, who has been working to resolved the problems and redo the wiring in the buildings causing the problems, the two new buildings that have gone up are working properly. library- Ped Bradner- Ped thanked the Board for the CETA people who have really helped them and they also have two highschool, girls who are helping with the a housekeeping, clerical and filing work. The CETA custodian that they have will not be with them after December and previous to the CETA custodian they had Jimmy Mei for two hours a day which has not been budgeted so come December they will need some- one. Peg handed out a list of programs the Library has planned for the year and noted that they had over seventy people attend their recently sponsored Pot -Luck supper, also on hand for that evening were members of the Municipal. Building Committee with a plan for renovations to the Library. Selectman DeLong asked Peg if this is what they are going to go for and Peg noted that she would rather have Bob Saquet answer any questions.on this. The cost is based on a 1977 estimate with cost added on for inflationary prices since then. Peg also handed out a list of reference magazines, and noted that the Library has over 200 of them with the -4 BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting September 19.,1979' Page 6 Thom noted that tomorrow he and the Town Engineer are meeting with the State DPW regarding Chapter 90 funds. A letter was sent to them sometime ago with a list of streets to be considered under Chapter 90 and they have never answered the letter, he hopes tomorrow at this meeting to be able to get some answers , Thom also noted that he may be able to recover 75% on the streets that he has already done. Bid on Infra -Red Heater - Advertisement for repairing bituminous concrete by the infra -red heating method was in the Mansfield News, August 30, 1979 with the bid opening date, September 12, 1979. Two bids were received at exactly the same price, it was thought that possibly the bids could be split, but in checking this out with Town Counsel this cannot be done and it must be awarded to one of the bidders. The Town Manager and Thom Bonome are recommending that we just throw out the bids and go with the same method that we have been using. A motion was made by Select- man Caponigro, that the Board accept the recommendation of the Town Manager and Thom * Bonome and reject all the bids, seconded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 5 -0. Board of Assessors- Al Turinese, Al noted that State bureaucracy is unbearable and asked if the Town Manager and Board of Selectmen could put some heat on them via MMA, that it seems like it will be another two weeks before they set the tax rate, there are 30 tovins ahead of us. Al has not recieved any satisfaction from them. Al also noted that there is bad news for deliquent tax payers, 10 -14% penalty on unpaid taxes, 12 -16% on anything going in tax title . Another change is that all exemptions such as, widows, blind, handicapped, etc. will become 6ffe6tiv&' ::as of July 1, and not January 1 as before. Tonight the Assessors met with the Computer Study Committee relative to revaluation and were told that there is plenty of room for them in storage. Al noted that in the near future his Board will want to meet with the Selectmen for their input on revaluation. Al noted that after tonight's meeting with the Computer Study Committee and being assured that the in -house com- puter will be able to handle them they will now work on the specs for revaluation. Town Clerk- Arthur Remillard - Arthur noted that is department is operating okay, will be starting on the census next week which will take about one- 'and'half .months. To date $2000. has been collected as a result of the new landfill regulations from residents and small businesses. He has also issued about 1000 dog licenses and expects about 1200 by the end of the year. Arthur noted that the date for next year's election may have to be changed because of the primary. Town Planner - Chad Maurer - Chad noted that the design of the WWTP is on schedule and definitely will be presented at the next Annual Tot-in Meeting for discussion.. Chad noted that he, Selectman Avery and a representative from CDM met with Norton's Board of Selectmen and various town officials to review the plans. A Wetlands hearing will also be required. . The fire department is now in the process of making inspections . Investigation and elimination of ground water infiltration is being done by Eastern Pipe, the work is part of a grant from the EPA and a report will be forwarded to CDM before payment is made by EPA. Regarding the Water Master Plan, Chad noted that he has met with Whitman & Howard and has come up with many solutions for a program to improve and develop additional sources of water supplies. and supplement what we have. Because of the iron content in wells 4 & 5 they suggest we just maintain them for emergency purposes but the 1.4 million gallons we get from our other wells cannot be depended on forever , but we have found a source in Maple Park. For immediate action on the Water Master Plan, the well in Maple Park should be located. The 400 ft. circle fallsout0 de the land that Pie own and we should have the land surveyed. Chad noted that the Capital Improvements Program this year will be difficult due to items that have been deferred past years coming up again this year which will be necessities, vie may have to appropriate more money this year than we have any other years, there will be some pretty tough decisions that will have to be made. _6 — BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting September 19, 1979. Page 7 Selectman DeLong asked Chad if he was going to initiate the survey for the well in Maple Park. Chad noted that the State still require an actual field survey, Selectman Caponigro then moved that the Town Manager draw up a propposal to have * a survey done on this land in Maple park, sewnded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 5 -0. Chad.: noted that on bond issues, he feels that we will need separate estimates for each project, Town Engineer - Tony Stanzione - Tony noted that the traffic signals on 106 & Franklin St. 1, —am wwor iFng, complaints have been received that the light is on red too long but that is how the State set it up and has proven to be the best timing. Tony also noted that the State will not have time to design the signal - ization for Forbes and 106, so we will have to do it on our own, Tony noted that he is planning on meeting with the State on this, Thom Bonome noted that this can be charged against monies that we have and the State will reimburse US, Tony noted that an outside engineering firm will have to be hired.. A motion was made by Selectman Caponigro that the Town Manager hire an engineering firm to design the * lights for Forbes and 140. Seconded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 5 -0, Tony noted that the Back Bay Brook plans will be done within two weeks and the job should take about four to six weeks to complete. Tony noted that he is worki,n� with the Board of Health . on septic systems and also workingg with the Conservation Commission.. Regarding the sanitary landfill he had hoped to have phase 3 complete by March or April but will have to do something about another parcel, he feels that we should be at least a year ahead. Tony noted that there are alternative sites in Town and would much rather use sites in Town if possible.. The Board recessed at 10:25 p.m, for five minutes.. Clerk's Folder An application from the Old ColonyrDiner was noted transfering tHeir,Common,Vic- tualer's'license tomtnewl ownership., Thisa'was approved on a motion by Selectman Caponigro, effective upon purchase of the property, seconded by Selectman * DeLong. Voted 5 -0. Correspondence A memo was read from the Town Manager regarding the ICMA Conference he will be attending in Phoenix from October 22 -26, 1979 and also will be taking his vaca- tion from October 29 to November 2, 1979., A letter of resignation was noted from Robert C. Lesuer, resigning from the Planning Board effective at the conclusion of the last meeting in September. Selectman Caponigro moved that a letter of thanks be sent when the resignation * takes effect. Seconded by Selectman DeLong. Voted 5 -0. The next meeting of the Bristol County Selectmen's Association will be held on Thursday, September 27, 1979. Selectman DeLong and Coella will be attending. Applications were noted from Ronald Bonvie, applying for the Planning Board and Board of Health. A transfer request in the amount of $4500, was noted for the pump needed for the 106 underpass. This was approved on a motion by Selectman Mahana, seconded by * Selectman Caponigro. Voted 5 -0 -7- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting September 19, 1979 Page 8 Town Manager's Report The Town Manager noted that he checked out hoax many unmetered homes there are in the Town. There is no approximate number but it is with older homes that have unheated basements and no crawl space and the fear of freeze -ups. Also, they do not get cooperation from the people to put meters in and he suggest that the meters be put in utility rooms and if we do not get cooperation from people that we send them a letter telling them that we will shut off their water. The Town Manager noted that we again applied for funding for a salt shed and have been turned down again. Regarding the liquor license held by Jimmy's Pub, they have not picked up the license but do pay for it to be renewed every year. They have not yet completed their plans which was a stipulation before release of the license. The Town Clerk did indicate to him that the State will not go along with this for too long. The Town Manager will be attending a Mass. Manager's meeting tomorrow and is thinking of filing a formal complaint against the State for their holding up the' setting of the tax rate. There is a Cherry Sheet conference in Boston on Monday, September 24, 1979. A street light has been requested on So. Main St. near the Norton town line, however this is not being recommended because the pole is located in Norton. A street light has been requested for 700 Elm Street. This is being recommended by the light department and Town Manager. A motion was made by Selectman Caponigro, * seconded by Selectman Colella to approve this request as recommended. Voted 5 -0. The Town Manager noted that the police chief could not attend the department head meeting and he read his report of the number of investigations, arrest, etc since the beginning of the year. The Town Manager noted that the Town Engineer will not be able to assiststhe little league in their survey and has informed them of this. Board Reports Selectman Mahana noted that we have been directed by the Town Meeting to purchase a police cruiser. The Town Manager noted that he did speak to the police chief on this because of the staffs shortage and that he did indicate that it could be used a total of about 6 days a week. Selectman Mahana noted that he is antici- pating the Civil Service list to be released the end of the month. A motion was made by Selectman DeLong to approve replacement of a cruiser in October, * seconded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 4 -1 (Selectman Avery opposed) Selectman Colella noted that Harry Nordberg, Branch St. has two dead trees in front of his house. ( Selectman DeLong noted that Jim Hall can get the Board a tour of Seabrook and they decided on the date of October 18, 1979 at 12:00. There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m. -8-