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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 11-14-1979BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS AGENDA NOVEMBER 14, 1979 MEETING OPENS - 7:00 p.m. (Read Correspondence) Regular Meeting - 7:30 p.m. Warrant - Minutes - 11/7/79 1. Bristol Arms Apartments - Mr. Malcolm 'Post and Mr. James Hall - RE: Individual metering 2. Representative from the KIWANIS CLUB to request permission to hang a X -MAS DECORATION. 3. George Young- RE: Charter & Personnel Policy 4. Mr. Padelford - RE: Purchase of Town owned land. 5. Articles for Special Town Meeting - Monday- 11/19/79 6. Change date in Town Election 7. CORRESPONDENCE Town Manager's Report Board Reports PENDING ITEMS Traffic Lights at 140 & Forbes Water Rates Foxboro Mall Traffic Pattern Railroad Station Parking Downtown Traffic Pattern Recreational Facility REMINDER - Special Town Meeting Monday, 11/19/79- 8:00 p.m. Regular' Selectmen's meeting - Monday, 7:00 p.m. High School S BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COM14ISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting November 14, 1979 Present: Selectman Robert M. DeLong, Lyman C. Avery, Norman Mahana and Antonino Caponigro, Jr. Town Manager William P. Metropulos The meeting was called to order at 7:21 p.m. and opened at 7:30 P.M. with the regular meeting. A warrant in the amount of $201,815.64 was read. This was approved on a motion by Selectman Mahana, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4 -0. A Revenue Sharing warrant in the amount of $91,611.41 was read. This was ap- proved on a motion by Selectman Mahana, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4 -0. The minutes of November 7, 1979 were noted. They were approved on a motion by Selectman DeLong, seconded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 3 -0 -1 (Selectman Avery abstained, as he was not present for the meeting) Executive Minutes of November 13, 1979 were noted. They were accepted on a motion by Selectman DeLong, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4 -0. Bristol Arms Apartments Mr. Malcolm Post, President of Bristol' Arms Management and Mr. James Hall, Light Dept. Director met with the Board of Light Commissioners' to discuss jndividual metering of Bristol Arms. Mr. Hall presented to the Board a schedule of rate comparisons for one year, from September 78 to September 79 'for 35!units. This cost comparison includes fuel adjustment but does not take into consideration "energy conservation ". Mr. Post noted that he was disappointed because according to this schedule there is only a difference of $3.00 per unit and wondered if the rates are in pro- portion. Selectman DeLong also noted thatA t looks to him like the rates are not in proportion, either Bristol Arms has been paying too much are the residen- tial rates are too low, hopefully, the new rate study being 'done will pick this up if so. Mr. Post also noted that individual metering will not include the cost of the hot water, this will still be borne by Bristol Arms, which he also noted is 1/3 of the electric bill, the leasee will be responsible for the lights, cooking, heat and air - conditioning . The total difference with individual metering would be approximately $11,000 per year, $1,000. per month per unit. Mr. Hall was asked if this new system would necessitate the hiring of additional personnel and he noted that he would have to bring back a part -time meter reader about 30 hours per week, but for the $1000. he could read, service and test the meters . All the units are wired for in- dividual metering as required by law , the cost of the change over is.minute. Mr. Hall then noted that he does not want to become a collection agency and asked Mr. Post if he would be responsible for the collection of "guarantee security l deposits" and he noted that he would. Mr. Hall also noted that he would need a list of all the tenants because some of the people living at Bristol Arms have a balance due from a previous move, and he will not give them service until their old balance is paid up. Mr. Hall was asked his opinion on the individual metering 1^ BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting November 14, 1979 Page 2 and he noted that for the "energy conservation" side he is for it, if this will help to cut down our demand he is more or less in favor it it. After some further discussion a motion was made by Selectman DeLong that Bristol Arms be switched to individual meter ng subject to the boards approval of the final agreement between Mr. Post and Mr. Hall. Seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4 -0. George Young - Mr. Young noted that he was Town Manager when the Bristol Arms apartment building was built and that they have 39 units which can be subdivided so that they can put in their own meters and read them themselves. Mr. Young also noted that he was here tonight to discuss some charter changes. (1) elim- ination of the Board of Health to be replaced by the Board of Selectmen as it was before and that the Town Manager be their agent. All the Town Managers prior to 1975 were the Board of Health's agent. George noted that he appeared before the Charter Commission and asked that this change not be made at the time because he knew what was going to happen. (2) - That the Town Manager appoint department heads and their employees. Since he is the appointing authority, no one should be appointed who has been in elec- tive office within two years, including the School Committee. Selectman Avery noted that he was not here last week and could not agree with him more, he always felt and still feels, that he is opposed to any member of an el.ecti;ve board working for the Town of Mansfield Selectman Avery then noted that there are arguments on both sides, he is not so much in favor of the first change mentioned because of an instance he had with the Board of Health when he was with the school and the Board of Health was then under the jurisdication of the Board of Selectmen. Also, the population of the Town has a lot to do with it, when he first come to Mansfield in 1968 the popu- lation was 9,000 now it's grown to 14,000. He would personally prefer to see it a separate Board of Health. George noted that he would like to see more pro fessional people on the Board. Selectman Caponigro praised the Board of Health for their involvement and noted that sometimes they will not take the advice of a professional, George noted that they should take their .advice. Selectman Caponigro noted however, that he agrees 100% with his second request for a charter change and will vote for it tonight, also explaining his reason for not voting for it last week. Mr. Padelford A Mr. Padelford met with the Board to request information about purchasing a piece of town owned land. He noted that he just bought a piece of land on Azalea Rd. and right next to it is a plot of vacant land owned by the Town that he would like to purchase. The Board told him that he would have to submit an article for the annual town meeting and also that he should get in touch with the Town Planner and go over the bounds. The Board then went over the Articles for the Special Town Meeting to be held on Monday, November 19, 1979 at 8100 p.m. and voted to support all of them. -2- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting November 14, 1979 Page 3 The Selectmen then discussed the date for the Annual Town Election next year. Selectman Avery said that he asked the Town Manager to call M'r: Barbarisi, School Superintendent to see if the high school gym would be available on Satruday, February 2, 1979. The Town Manager noted that he did call and was informed that there is a basketball game on the Friday night before, which would mean that the workers would not be able to get into the gym until about 10:30 at night to set up. It was then suggested that maybe the middle school could be usedi It was left that the Town Manager will again check with the school to see what arrangments can be made and a date for the Election will be voted on at Monday's Selectmen's meeting. Selectman Mahana then read the letter of Selectman Colella, who is resigning from the Board and going to work as the Foreman of the highway. Selectman Caponigro then noted that he knew Chico has wanted a job on the high- way for a long time and will miss him. He was probably one of the closet Select- men to the people that this Board has ever had. His motto, "call me anytime" was always kept. He knows that he was a thorn in every Town Manager's side, be- cause he never cared about the big things, it was the little things that he tried to take care of for the people. He really hates to see him go. He told a story in which he remebers one time when a resident called to say that his leaves were not picked up and Chico went down and picked them up and threw them in the trunk of his car. Selectman Mahana noted that he would like to have the Board purchase a badge and float it in clearfloat, however, the Selectmen noted that it is customary to have a plaque made up for 10 years of service and more. A motion was then made by Selectman Caponigro to accept Selectman Colella's resignation and to have a plaque made up, seconded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 4 -0. Selectman Avery noted that he was not here the last two weeks for the meetings because he was on vacation, but wanted it known that Selectman Colella had called him before he went on vacation and asked him how he felt about the whole thing. Selectman Avery noted that he told him at the time he was ultimately opposed to anyone who serves on an elected board to take a position of employment while,:ser-' ving on the board and if he were here last week, although there is not much the Board can do, he would not have voted in favor of it. He just wanted to make his position clear tonight. Correspondence A request from the League of Women Voter's was read requesting permission to hang signs on various telephone poles throughout the Town. This request was granted on a motion by Selectman Mahana, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4 -0. A letter was noted from the Board of Health with a breakdown of their activities and a copy of their minutes. A letter was noted from a Mr. & Mrs. Lazarra requesting that their $25.00 guarantee deposit be waived since they are a newlywed couple and can produce bills showing their good credit standing. Selectman DeLong suggested that the Town Manager write a letter to the Lazzara's telling them that we do not have the facilities to check credit, it is not included in our service and he does not feel that the $25.00 fee is an excessive amount to ask for a deposit. -3- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting November 14, 1979 Page 4 A letter was noted from the Town Counsel regarding Louis Brugliera, Sr. vs. the Town of Mansfield and acquisition of the Kingman Pond area for Conservation purposes. A news release was noted from MMWEC regarding public meetings to be held in the development of hydroelectric resources within the Comm, of Mass. and border- ing states. A letter was noted from Al Turinese, Chairman of the Board of Assessors notifying the Selectmen that they endorse the reappointment of Peter Saunders to their board for the next three years. A letter was noted from the Board of Health advising that they are in the process of trying to set up another meeting with Howard Winsley and Nancy Roncetti of the State DEQE. The past three meetings that have been scheduled were cancelled out by the State. A report from the police department was noted informing the Board that there were two disturbances during the week at local liquor establishments. The Recreational Director, Paul Split, sent a copy of his programs schedule for the winter months. Copy of a letter from the Planning Board to Attorney Peter O'Brien regarding the Richard Morse earth removal permit was noted. Correspondence was noted from the Executive Office of Community and Development regarding low income weatherization assistance program. Selectman DeLong noted -that he has already discussed this with the Town Manager. A motion was the made by Selectman DeLong to appoint the Town Manager as the coordinator for emergency fuel allocations and to work with the the. Civil Defense.,Di, rector. Secondedrby, Selectman C.aponligro!.. Voted 4 -0. ^ Correspondence was noted from the Civil Service Commission regarding a hearing to be held on proposed changes in the Civil Service rules. A letter was noted from the Planning Board on King Street, an unaccepted street. There are nine families now living on King Street, and there seems to be a problem in the grading of the street , creating a safety hazard to the various residents of the street. The Planning Board is suggesting that the Town accept the minimum responsibility of providing the adequate grading of the gravel road so that proper access can be given to the various properties for emergency equipment to service the (9) houses there. It was the King Street situation that brought to a head the problem of how the Town should deal with persons developing on unaccepted streets. The Town Manager noted that he sent a memo to the Planning Board re- questing information on why the building of these houses was allowed in the first place. However, in the meantime the Board felt that the Town should send a grader in and level off the street , and instructed the Town Manager to have the highway department to have a grader level off King Street. A letter was noted from the Town Counsel regarding the Richard Morse gravel re- moval operation and renewing the permit. -4- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting November 14, 1979 Page 5 A hearing notice from the Division of Water Pollution Control was read. The hearing which will be on regulations governing the administration of construction grant programs, will be held Friday, November 30, at the State House in Boston from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. An application was received from the Office of the Secretary on a request from the Mansfield Assemblies of God, Inc. 180 Rumford Ave. to incorporate. A motion was made by Selectman DeLong, seconded by Selectman Mahana that they approve of the site and the application. Voted 4 -0. A notice was read from the Mass. Municipal Association about the underfunding of the state budget for court rents. Town Manager's Report A police negotiating meeting is scheduled with the police department personnel tomorrow, Nov. 15 at 10:00 a.m.. After that meeting Mr. Kinney and he will meet with the Board of Selectmen to bring them up to date. The Town Manager noted that he met with a gentleman representing CATV- cable T.V, who would like to give a short presentation at the Selectmen's meeting of Nov. 28th. Material is available for review by the Board on the conference table. The Town Manager noted that he met with Art Stockus of Whitman and Howard and reviewed the water rate study. Mr. Stockus will meet with the Selectmen at their meeting of November 28th, at 8:00 p.m. A complimentary letter was received from the Bristol County Tree service com- mending the DPW and Mr. Bonome on their cooperation and assistance. The Town Manager noted that he received verbal information from the DEQE, George Howland, that the earth removal project in Foxboro that it would not have an adverse effect on the existing town wells. However, they noted that they would not reduce this information in a letter. Advertising for the three police cruisers will be done next week. The last cruiser we purchased will be a year old in February and we probably won't re- ceive delivery of the new cruisers until sometime in March. Selectman Avery noted that he would like to have a list of who the 'specs are sent to. Board Reports Selectman Caponigro noted that he has received inquiries from residents about cutting down some of the dead wood on town owned land, under supervision. Selectman DeLong feels that this is a goad idea. Selectman Mahana noted that we probably should have someone from Bristol County mark the trees to be taken down. Selectman DeLong asked the Town Manager to write to the Conservation Commission and see what they think of it. Selectman Caponigro said that the concrete on the bridge going over School St. is deteriorating. The Town Manager noted that he has spoke to the State DPW on this but has not heard anything and will call them again. Selectman Caponigro noted thatthe has read where Senator Paul Tsongas is op- -5- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting November 14, 1979 Page 6 posed to sending the Iranian students back and feels that the Board should send a letter to the President, commending him for his action. A motion was then made by Selectman Caponigro to write a letter to the President commending his action and supporting him on sending back the Iranian students who are here illegally. Seconded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 4 -0.�; Selectman Mahana noted that a Mr. LaMarre, 99 Pleasant St. is disputing the boundaries relative to the Back Bay Brook work, he feels that his land is being trespassed on, he is not disputing the Town going on his land but he thinks that the Town should ask his permission. The Town Manager noted that a "hold harmless' agreement" is usually sigred before any work starts. However, there is some dispute as to whether this piece of property is Mr. LaMarre's or the Town's so the Town Engineer will check this out, and report his findings to the Town Manager. Selectman Mahana wants the Town Manager to investigate what the "white soap suds" are that are floating in Fulton's Pond. Also, he would like to have the intersection at 106 & No. Main investigated due to trailers trucks taking right hand turns from the middle lane creating a very dangerous intersection. Other items that Selectman Mahana brough up was the wood pile on School St., the No. and So. Commons being ankle deep in leaves and also the clutter and debris aound the Curtis Compact parking lot. A letter will be sent to the owners of Curtis Compact, asking them to clean the area up. Selectman Mahana noted that he attended the GATRA meeting today and was told that the information on the lease agreement will have to be given to GATRA no later than December l,if it is to be incorporated in GATRA's proposal for funding. Selectman Mahana noted that the COMPARK Committee has printed up a circular which will be passed out to all the commuters. Selectman Mahana noted that GATRA is concerned with what we would do with the revenue that we are going to make and he told them that this would be put into a revolving account.,' The committee is waiting for Town Counsel's opinion on the lease agreement from the META. Selectman DeLong noted that he thought the Town Manager made a good suggestion regarding having a by -law inserted in the next annual Town Meeting relative to employment with the Town. A motion was made by Selectman DeLong thattthe Board of Selectmen insert an article in the next annual Town Meeting for an additional by -law that no Selectman is eligible for ]employment within the Town Mansfield except the School Departmentwithin two years of completion of his term of office Seconded by Selectman Mahana. Voted 4 -0. Selectman DeLong was asked why the School Departmentshould be exempted and he noted that if it is to include them, it should be discussed with them but he can see no room for influence between the two boards. Selectman Avery noted that he is very much in favor of this and also agrees with Selectman DeLong as far as the School Committee. Selectman Caponigro noted that last week in fairness to Chico he did not want to make a decision that would influence Chicb''.s decision, he wanted him to make this decision on his own. -6- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting November 14, 1979 Page'7 Selectman Avery noted that regarding the ad being put in the paper requesting applications for the various boards and committees he noted -that he would like to see come good candidates and more involvement with town government, it is very easy to sit back and critize but without new applications there is not much of a change in the various boards. Selectman Avery also noted that he would like to see the present person in the Water Dept. made manager and have the Town Manager find an active working supervisor. A motion was then made by Selectman Mahana that the acting senior clerk be appointed as the office manager of the water department and that the Town Manager endeavor to find a working supervisor for the water department. Seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4 -0. The Town Manager concurs with this. The Board then discuss the salary and it was agreed that there is money now available for this new postion and that the Town Manager is to come back with a salary proposal to the Board. Roger Dotson representing the Kiwanis Club requested permission from the Board to put their bell in front of the Central Fire Station for donations for needy families in Town during the Christmas season. Approved on a motion by Selectman Mahana, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4 -0. The Board were then requested by Sandra Holske, Chairman of the Board of Health to attend the Board of Health meeting next door. The Selectmen then meet with the Board of Health meeting. Karl Clemmey noted that the reason the Board was asked to attend the meeting was because of a disposal work permit that came before the Board of Health at their meeting of last week. The applicant was Leo Peloquin of Franklin St. It was noted by Karl that this permit was voted for approval at the meeting by Dr. Sohn and Ed Tartufo, Karl voted against it, and Fran Gasson and Sandra Holske voted to abstain. The permit was not signed at the meeting but signed the next day at the Town Hall by Ed Tartufo,. Since there was so much contro- versy surronding this to begin with (Ed Tartufo sold this piece of land to Mr. Peloquin) he decided to destroy the original permit and have another made that he brought up to Dr. Sohn to sign. The duplicate permit was not changed in anyway. The Board questioned Karl as to why they were asked to attend the meeting and what he wanted them to do, and he noted that he was only bringing i't to the Doard!s attention, that plans are taken out of the Town Hall The Board then thanked Karl for the information. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. -7- -7-