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HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin brd of selectmen 02012006 r' Town of Mansfield Board of Selectmen Minutes of February 1, 2006 L ~ ..1 , i q. II Present: Chairman Roger Achille, Clerk David McCarter, SeleMdtan~IWuiii~iPIjJSo and Selectman Michael McCue Town Manager John D' Agostino The Board of Selectmen's meeting was called to order at 8:05 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. It was noted that Mr. Dolan was not present due to a death in his family. Ms. Molina-Villella said that she has been volunteering for the Shelter for ten years and has been on the Animal Welfare Committee for eight years. She noted that the volunteers have suggested that she be a full member. Mr. Achille asked Ms. Molina-Villella what the issues the Committee is facing. She replied that overcrowding is a problem and they are trying to work to get the animals adopted. Mr. McCue said that he began on the Animal Welfare Committee and noted that Ms. Molina- Villella is one of the most dedicated people he knows and how much time and effort she puts in. Motion: To appoint Ana Molina-Villella to the Animal Welfare Committee as a full member for a term ending January 1, 2007 (McCue - Amoruso) 4-0 Passes ,-... . Warrant No. 31 in the amount of$5,291,013.71 Motion: To approve (Amoruso - McCue) 4-0 Passes (with Mr. McCarter abstaining from check # 390440) . Warrant No. 32 in the amount of $2,452,434.38 Motion: To approve (Amoruso - McCue) 4-0 Passes (with Mr. McCarter abstaining from check # 350547) . Regular Session Minutes of January 18,2006 Selectmen's Meeting Motion: To approve (Amoruso - McCue) 4-0 Passes . Comcast's Annual License Fee for 2005 in the amount of $3,458.00 - Board should vote to accept check Motion: To accept (Amoruso - McCue) 4-0 Passes ~ Board of Selectmen Minutes of February 1,2006 ~ Water Installers Licenses (All documentation is in order and the Water Operations Manager is recommending approval): . Brunelle Contracting Company, 52 Gilbert Street, Mansfield Motion: To approve (Amoruso - McCue) 4-0 Passes . J. Hockman, Inc., 43 Plimpton Street, Walpole Motion: To approve (Amoruso - McCue) 4-0 Passes . Peter DeGirolamo & Sons, Inc., 77 East Belcher Street, Foxboro Motion: To approve (McCue - Amoruso) 4-0 Passes . Sunday Entertainment License Renewal for Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts (all documentation and routing slips are in order) Motion: To approve (Amoruso - McCarter) 4-0 Passes . Change of Manager transaction for the Holiday Inn's liquor license (Board has already approved, ABCC has also approved and Board must vote to sign license) Motion: To approve (Amoruso - McCarter) 4-0 Passes ~ . Letter from Southeastern Superintendent informing the Board that David Grasfield, Chairman of the Sharon Board of Selectmen, was elected to represent the executive officers and boards of selectmen of the school district in the collective bargaining process. . Email from a resident regarding construction issues on Route 106, including flooding and the lights at the intersection of Route 106 & East Street. . Letter from Police Chief Arthur O'Neill notifying the Board that the Executive Office of Public Safety has awarded the Mansfield Police Department $35,952 through the community policing grant program. . Memo from Fire Chief Bob Bellavance regarding the completion of the North Main Street Fire Station kitchen repairs. . Letter from the Taunton River Watershed Campaign announcing that residents can apply for 'mini-grants' to fund local environmental projects to protect land and water. For more information, visit the web site www.savethetaunton.org . Memo from Sandra LaRosee, Assistant Treasurer/Collector, regarding a foreclosure decree -. for a property on School Street. Board of Selectmen Minutes of February 1,2006 2 ---- . Memo from Town Engineer John Sullivan regarding the Kingman Pond Dam reconstruction. . Bridge inspection report from MassHighway for the Balcom Street/Wading River Bridge. A copy of the report was forwarded to Town Engineer John Sullivan and DPW Director Lee Azinheira. . Letter from a resident regarding the condition of the wooded area behind the Fisher- Richardson House and requesting the town take a look at the area in the spring. . Copy of a memorandum from Kopelman & Paige from 2002 regarding providing solid waste collection services to condominium units. . Letter from a resident regarding the rental deposit policy for the Electric Department. Mr. McCarter noted that the individual is moving from one apartment to another and doesn't feel she should have to pay. Mr. D'Agostino said that he will have Electric Department Director Gary Babin investigate. . Letter from Kevin Donovan, Town Administrator for Kingston, informing the Board that the Kingston Board voted to send a letter to all municipalities seeking support to petition each state legislator to remove the current cap on Lottery distribution to the cities and towns. Motion: To send the letter to that effect to our local legislative delegation (McCue - Amoruso) 4-0 Passes ,- . Liquor license violation letter from Police Chief Arthur O'Neill involving EI Azteca Restaurant. Motion: To send a letter to EI Azteca notifying them of a hearing (McCue - Amoruso) 4-0 Passes . FY0710cal aid estimates based on the Governor's budget from the Department of Revenue. . Memo from Town Engineer John Sullivan regarding the Branch Street reconstruction. Mr. Sullivan is requesting time on the March 1 st agenda for a public meeting to review the proposed Branch Street Reconstruction and Utility Project with the Board and the abutters. Mr. Amoruso suggested sending the meeting information to the individuals who wrote regarding concerns on Branch Street. . Memo from Town Manager John D' Agostino regarding state aid assessments. . Memo from Town Engineer John Sullivan concerning the flood control project for Hodges Brook at School Street. Mr. McCarter asked that this memo be sent to the property owners who talked to the Board about their concerns about flooding. ,-.. Board of Selectmen Minutes of February 1,2006 3 ~ Mr. McCue asked about MEMA's response and reimbursement and suggested creating a fund to help residents in the case of disaster, particularly in situations where disaster areas are not declared. Mr. Achille thanked Mr. Shurtleff for applying. Mr. Shurtleff said that he is a Hanover, MA native. Mr. McCarter noted that Mr. Shurtleff has volunteered with Cable Access in the past. Mr. Shurtleff noted that he has taped COA programs, including the Lunch Bunch program. Mr. Amoruso asked if Thursday evenings would be a problem for Mr. Shurtleff, as that is the meeting night and Mr. Shurtleff said that he is available most nights. He added that he has done work at the High School through the Senior Work Program. Motion: To appoint Russell Shurtleff to the Cable Access Board of Directors [for a term ending the first Thursday in April, 2007] (McCue - Amoruso) 4-0 Passes Mr. D'Agostino said that we have the authorization to sell the Fales Property from Town Meeting. Mr. McCue asked if we have the authorization to sell the Homestead Property and Mr. D'Agostino doesn't believe so. Mr. D'Agostino said that we spend $3,000 per year to insure the Fales Property, as there is a building on the property. The building is insured for $165,000 for a r- deductible of$I,OOO. Mr. McCue asked Mr. D'Agostino's thoughts on moving forward with doing something with the Fales Property. He further asked if it is something we could put out to bid to see what interest there is in the property. Mr. D'Agostino said that we have sold property before and seen decent returns in the past. Ifwe were to dispose of the property, it would have to go out to bid. Mr. D'Agostino's recommendation is to keep town property for a public purpose when applicable. Mr. D'Agostino said that if we were to level the building and use it for parking, there would be a lot of costs. Mr. McCarter suggested having Town Planner Shaun Burke look at the potential uses of the property and Mr. McCue suggested speaking with the Downtown Business Association on potential uses. Mr. Amoruso said that he would like to establish an RFP process should the town decide not to use the property. Mr. D'Agostino said that we could get basic numbers from Engineering on the costs for drainage. Mr. McCue asked if putting out an RFP now might be a good idea while at the same time Mr. Burke is looking at potential uses. Mr. Amoruso discussed the issue of affordable housing with respect to this property. Mr. D'Agostino said that any public property to be used for affordable housing is a good project. Mr. McCue said that he doesn't want to look exclusively at affordable housing - he would like to put out an RFP, potential parking, or potential affordable housing. Mr. D'Agostino said that if we do an RFP process, we would have to declare that this is not the deciding factor - it will give us an indication of possibilities from the private sector. ~. Board of Selectmen Minutes of February 1,2006 4 ---- Mr. McCue noted that both he and Mr. Amoruso have the disposition of the Fales Property as one oftheir goals for 2006. Mr. D'Agostino said that we need to decide what the highest reuse options for this property are and then write them in to the RFP process. Input will be needed by staff and will present this to the Board so the Board may select the options to be listed in the RFP. Mr. McCarter asked if we hold title to the Homestead Property and Mr. D'Agostino said that we do. He asked what public use could there be for access to water and Mr. D'Agostino said that it could be used for a boat launch. Mr. Amoruso said that building on it may not be possible because there may not be enough land to build on with our current zoning regulations. Mr. McCue asked what can be done now with respect to this property. Mr. D'Agostino said that he will get the ball rolling and explore potential uses. Mr. D'Agostino said that the Board will get a lot of input from residents and abutters on these two properties. Mr. McCue suggested holding a public meeting on these issues before the RFP goes out. Mr. McCue noted that road improvements may need to be done to that end of Plain Street. Postponed until the full Board is present. ,.-. The Town Manager reported the following: . We have just been informed that Mansfield can join the trash consortium taking curbside collection to Wheelabrator and need to sign an agreement by June 1, 2006, effective July 1, 2008. We will be submitting a bid for trash services in the next couple of weeks. Joining the consortium could result in potential savings to the town. The problem with joining the consortium is that if we don't produce enough tonnage, we will still have to pay as if we were producing that tonnage. He noted that it is a 20-year commitment. There are 36 communities involved in the consortium and all communities are offered the same deal. Mr. McCarter asked who is the contractor is and Mr. D'Agostino said that the town will have to decide who the curbside collector is and what we are talking about is for the contractor to haul away the trash. This may allow greater competition at the curbside collection level. We are also looking at the possibility other than the curbside collectors collecting recyclables. Mr. McCarter asked if Mansfield has looked at collecting our own trash and Mr. D'Agostino said that we can explore that issue, but salaries and equipment are costly. . Spoke with Don Walsh of the Village at Willow Crossings and the delinquency of the Common Victualler license renewal paperwork. He submitted the paperwork two months ago to the parent company and has yet to receive it back. Mr. D'Agostino informed Mr. Walsh that he is going to impose a 48-hour window of opportunity to submit the paperwork ,,-- Board of Selectmen Minutes of February 1,2006 5 /" so that action may be taken on it at the next meeting. If the paperwork is not filed, action could be taken against them. Mr. McCarter suggested establishing a fine schedule and Mr. D'Agostino said that he will look into the general by-laws. . He has spoken with Verizon on the timeline of action on Route 106. Verizon has moved some of the poles that were considered to be public safety concerns and some of those have been moved. He is awaiting the time line and will make sure that he gets that. . We have another biotech company looking to move into the Industrial Park and will help to reshape the Park. This company would like to meet with the Board and also meet with the nF Committee. The average salary is $90,000-$100,000. Their offices are in Boulder, CO and Texas. Mr. D'Agostino said that he heard that this company was looking in New England and he sent them information about the Town. He met with the principals and they noted that Mansfield was business-friendly. They recently received FDA approval on their procedures and they may do manufacturing as well. Mr. McCue noted that the President of Samsonite is willing to speak to other potential companies thinking to move to Mansfield. He also recognized Mr. D'Agostino's efforts in bringing these businesses to Mansfield. He hopes that this will be another "win" for the Town of Mansfield. Mr. McCarter noted that we have to do our own work to attract businesses to Mansfield and not rely on the Commonwealth. Mr. McCue noted that the residents can see the big picture and look toward the future. ,-... . We have commenced budget reviews internally and Mr. D'Agostino provided a memo to the Board on state aid assessments. We are going from 16.3 to 18.9. There are some state assessments that are going up but some are going down. We are looking at a $4.4 million shortfall as of right now and will require cooperation by both the School Department and the Town. He noted that there is a piece of legislation pending to increase the senior work write- off program from $750 to $1000 and he recommends that the town institute the higher amount. Mr. D'Agostino noted that there is a waiting list for the work program. Mr. McCarter commented on a letter to the editor that claimed that Mansfield is getting more money due to the special election, but he noted that Mansfield has been lobbying for additional state aid for years. Mr. McCue said that the Lt. Governor came to Attleboro yesterday and he attended. There was a discussion at that meeting about that issue and Norton, who is impacted by the special election, did not receive an increase the way Mansfield is. Mr. D'Agostino will keep the Board informed as to the pending legislation. . He has met with GATRA, the MBTA, and tele-conferenced in the SRPEDD Director regarding additional parking at the Train Station. He indicated to the group that there is a moratorium in place and we are exploring ways to buffer the residents from more traffic. One of the things that he learned from the MBTA is that CSX may be looking at grade crossings and the County Street access appears to be back on the table. Board members discussed who owns the rails. Mr. McCarter noted that the Foxboro Board of Selectmen sent a letter about five or six years ago stating that the Board did not support the use of County Street. "....... Board of Selectmen Minutes of February 1,2006 6 ~ Mr. McCarter: . Asked about the Memorial Park field use meeting. Mr. D'Agostino said that the meeting was called by Superintendent Moretti and he will be attending to learn more about the issue. The issue involves the potential use of Memorial Park fields due to school reconstruction. Mr. McCarter noted that there was an issue in the past where the Board voted to not support the School Department taking over the fields. Mr. Amoruso: . Suggested scheduling an Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining issues before Mr. D'Agostino gets too far in the process. . Attended a reception at Hannaford Supermarket and noted that they gave local organizations money, such as the Library and the food pantry. He wanted to Motion: To send letter of thanks to Hannaford Corp. (McCue - Amoruso) 4-0 Passes Mr. McCue: . Noted that Chief Bellavance was back and is excited to have him back. . Noticed that the sign is still up with the weight restrictions on the West Street Bridge and asked if MassHighway will be coming to examine that. . He is still working on the letter to the ABCC. . The Board sent a letter in support of Rep. Jones' legislation exempting municipalities from the gas tax. He noted that a lot of communities have now sent letters to their legislative delegation in support of this legislation and Mansfield got the ball rolling. r Motion: To adjourn at 9:56pm (Amoruso) 4-0 Passes N~ Signature of Clerk ~~ 8; 2~~~ Date of Approval /'*"--- Board of Selectmen Minutes of February 1,2006 7