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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 5-19-1977BOARD OF SELECTMEN AGENDA May 19, 1977 ® 7:30 P.M. - Call to Order Treasurer's Warrant Approval May 11 Minutes Clerk's Folder: PM Club - Common Victualler Application Transfer Requests (3) Correspondence ® 7:45 P.M. - HEARING - Gypsy Moth Spraying e 8:00 P.M. - Computerization - Lou Tarsa, S.E. Regional School Rep.. Steven Remmes, Data Processing, S.E. Regional School Members of Computer Study Committee: Joan Cutillo, Arthur Remillard, James Blake, Lawrence Pigeon e 8:15 P.M. - Joan Cutillo re. Public Auction - Terms of Sale ® 8:30 P.M. - HEARING - Dog Complaint, Owner, George Thompson, 17 Carpenter Avenue 0 8:45 P.M. - Cost Estimates - Ron Dubuc - Improvements on Azalea Road Barberry Road Columbine Road Thornton Road o - Town Manager's Report s - Board Reports 0 - Adjournment BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting May 19, 1977 Present: Selectmen Robert DeLong, Frank Colella, Douglas Titus, David Clemmey, and Antonino Caponigro; Town Manager Dennis Hannon, and Acting Town Manager Appointee Stephen Conroy; Recording Secretary Diane Hunt Meeting opened at 7:30 p.m. Treasurer's Warrant - $517,748.79. Motion to approve by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Selectman Clemmey, voted 5 -0. Minutes of May 11 Selectmen's meeting. Motion to approve by Select- man Clemmey, seconded by Selectman Caponigro, voted 5 -0. From Owens- Illinois, letter of thanks to town crews regarding recent storm work. From Self -Help, Incorporated, notice of joint appointment (with town of Easton) to be made on or before September 12, 1977. From Bristol County, notice of supplemental County Tax - Mansfield's portion $5,789.62. Motion to pay by Selectman Clemmey. No second or formal vote. (Will be forwarded to Treasurer and Assessors). Notice from HUD regarding Community Development Block Grant 'award for Transit Seeding. Letter from the Board of Health requesting joint meeting to fill vacancy recently created on that Board by Paulette Shaw's resigna- tion. Board of Health requests that meeting be held on June 1. No formal vote, but the Board of Selectmen agreed to the June 1 date. Notification to be sent. Request from the FinCom to consider the present members plus Mr. Richard Cooney and Mrs. Virginia Shaw when the appointment of the 7- member com- mittee formed at the 1977 Annual Town Meeting is made. It was noted that the Attorney'General's office must return the certified vote Of the Town Meeting before the appointment can be made. Review of Angell Street sewer betterment assessment - Memo from Town Treasurer Joan Cutillo that the assessments for the lower- numbered houses on Angell Street {see last week's Minutes) had been located, and that all the properties were assessed in 1949 for $1 /foot of frontage. Transfer Requests: 1. Group Insurance - $2,200. Motion to approve by Selectman Clemmey, seconded by Selectman Caponigro, voted 5 -0. 2. Insurance - $3,681.34. Motion to approve by Selectman Clemmey, seconded by Selectman Caponigro, voted 5 -0. 3. Airport Commission - $1,666.89 Motion to approve by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Selectman Clemmey, voted 5 -0. Airport Commission transfer request mentioned lack of funds was partially due to "careless groundskeeping and mowing ", vandalism. After discussion, (* - MOTIONS PASSED) -i BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes of the Meeting May 19, 1977 Page 2 Selectman Caponigro moved that if it were within the jurisdiction of the Board of Selectmen, to erect "NO TRESPASSING" signs at the airport; to minimize the damage to the runway lights from recreational vehicles, and if not the Board's power, then to recommend same to Airport Commission. * Seconded by Selectman Clemmey, voted 5 -0. Common VictuallerApplication - P.M. Club Arts Festival, Saturday, June T1, South Common. Motion to approve by Selectman Clemmey, seconded by * Selectman Caponigro, voted 5 -0. Fee waived. Application for Computer Study Committee from Michael D. Spence * ** Selectman DeLong commented that the Mansfield News had carried a story about possible conflict of interest of some Health Board members. He suggested that the questions should be referred to Town Counsel James Grady. Discussion: Selectman Clemmey said that he thought it should be up to the person involved to seek a ruling, not the Board of Select- men. Selectman DeLong answered that he thoguht it was the Board of Selectmen's responsibility as the appointing authority. Selectman DeLong then moved that the Board of Selectmen include on the agenda (June 1) for the joint meeting with the Board of Health a dis- cussion of the article in the Mansfield News, and that we request Town Counsel Grady to be present and give an opinion to see if the members * are in conflict. Seconded by Selectman Caponigro, voted 5 -0. Selectman DeLbng.also suggested that the Board set up a schedule rela- tive to appointment of a new Town Manager. He noted the many applica- tions, and that the Board should start reviewing these and setting up interviews. This will be put on next week's agenda. * ** Gypsy Moth Hearing - separate transcript. 8:30 p.m. - DOG COMPLAINT hearing - Owner, George Thompson, 17 Carpenter Avenue. Complainant, Jeremiah Long, 55 Campbell Street. Present: Mrs. Thompson, Mr. Long. Dog Officer submitted written report, as he was un- able to attend. The formal complaint form was read, citing the dog biting children. Dog Officer's report said he had no record of dog bites, but police have notification on their log. Mrs. Thompson noted that the dog had been harassed by the paperboy, but that she was aware of the dog biting. She had put the dog into the house, but with her children going in and out, it got loose in the neighborhood. The dog was described as a medium size mongrel. Mr. Long cited repeated biting incidents. Mrs. Thompson's babysitter testified that the dog played and was with other children; the only ones that seemed to be a problem were the Long children, as they harassed the dog. Another neighbor, Mr. Bernier, testified that he had seen the dog attack the Long boy. After further discussion, Selectman DeLong moved to -2- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes Of the Meeting ( May 19, 1977 Page 3 remove the dog from town within 7 (seven) days or have it destroyed. The * motion was seconded by Selectman Caponigro, and it was voted 5 -0. Dog Of- ficer will be notified. Public Auction - Treasurer Joan Cutillo discussed the terms of the public auction sale of land coming up June 7, 1977, at 10 a.m. at`the Town Hall as a result of the votes of Articles 47 and 48 of the 1977 Annual Town Meeting. Terms of the sale were set as follows: $50 deposit cash or certi- fied check each parcel, balance within 30 days; $375 minimum bid each parcel. Computer Study - Mr. Hannon gave the background for this: the Light Commis - sioners originally looked into the possibility of obtaining computer service or a computer to bill electric bills, and there were discussions of looking at other town functions such as payroll, water billing, property taxes, etc. to see if these could also be computerized. An article was sponsored by the Finance Committee, which passed at the 1977 Annual Town Meeting, setting up the Computer Study Committee recently appointed. Mr. Hannon thought that the Board as Light Commissioners should work in con- junction with the Computer Study Committee. Mr. Hannon said that Mr. Tarsa and Mr. Remmes from the Southeastern Regional School could give the Board an idea of the potential from the School as far as computer services. Mr. Hannon also told the Board that he has gotten several names of companies who might do a feasibility study of the town's needs. He said that Informa- tion General, Inc. had done a proposal, and recommended that the Town consider this. Chairman Titus said that the joint meeting had been called to see what com- puter services the Regional School could offer, and to get the Computer Study Committee off and started with some direction. Southeastern Regional School Committeeman Lou Tarsa told the meeting that the School already does some work for the School Department of Mansfield; and introduced Steve Remmes, data processing manager for the School. Mr. Remmes said that the Regional School has a Univac 9300, which is a medium sized computer. He said that presently it is not set up for certain functions, but that it could handle them if so programmed. He said that if asked, the Regional school could do some of these things. Selectman Caponigro asked about the town buying a minicomputer system. Mr. Remmes pointed out that the Town would then have to hire people to run the system. Selectman Caponigro asked members of the Computer Study Committee present (Joan Cutillo, Arthur Remillard, Lawrence Pigeon, and James Blake) how long it would take them to evaluation the proposal of Information General, Inc. Mr. Pigeon said that the Committee had just been appointed, and would have to get together first and study this. -1- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting May 19, 1977 Page 4 Mr. Hannon asked that the quoted price from Information General, Inc., be kept confidential among the committee members. There was discussion of the Committee reviewing this proposal. Selectman DeLong said that he would like to see the Committee read the report and meet with the people from the Regional School. He noted the Light Commissioners had funds available for the study. James Blake of the Computer Study Committee said that the Committee would have to look at the report and determine the scope of the work. Lawrence Pigeon said that they would have to look at the needs of the town. Chairman Titus cited the obsolete machine used for billing electricity. The Committee will meet and review the report and get back to the Board when they have completed the initial review. * ** Improvements to Azalea, Columbine, Barberry and Thornton Roads - DPW Director Tom Bonome and Highway Division Engineer Ron Dubuc were present for this discussion, along with some of the interested residents. Mr. Dubuc presented to the Board costs for installing water and oiling the roads. He also discussed the moritorium that the Town of Norton has at the present time on new water service connections. Selectman DeLong said that the Board of Selectmen should write to the Norton Water Commissioners to see if they will allow us to install a 6" connector line to their stubs for the present homes being serviced. He said that we could mention in the letter that we understand about the moritorium on additional connections, and that we would honor that. There was discussion of funds available for this project. The question arose why this could not be applied for under the Public Works bill, and Mr. Hannon pointed out that this was too small a project for the $300,000 minimum. Also discussed was whether this should be considered as an article for the next special town meeting. Ron Dubuc mentioned seeing what the timetable Norton has set up for work in the area. Selectman Caponigro discussed going to the Norton Water Commissioners to see if they would be willing to allow the extension. The cost estimate for the work was discussed: $26 - 28,000 Ron Dubuc will contact the Norton Water Commissioners in this regard, and the Board discussed sending letter also. BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting May 19, 1977 Page 5 Conclusion of hearing on Gypsy Moth spraying - see attached transcript. * ** Town Manager Hannon recommended that the Board as Light Commissioners abate a total of $14,492.02 for street lighting bills from last year. Motion to abate by Commissioner Caponigro, seconded by Commissioner * Clemmey, voted 5 -0. Light Commissioners' meeting May 23, 1977. * ** As it was Mr. Hannon's last meeting as Town Manager, the Board expressed it thanks to him and commended him on his service. Mr. Hannon expressed that he had enjoyed working with all the Board members. Motion to adjourn at 10:40 p.m. by Selectman Colella, seconded by Selectman Clemmey, voted 5 -0. -F- BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes of the Meeting ( May 19, 1977 Hearing - Gypsy Moths Page 3 Mr. Laverdure cited the effects of defoliation of trees by gypsy moths - saying that this also upset the balance of nature, allowing other life forms to be affected. Mr. Holford cited the stand of the Audubon Society regarding reported harm to birds. Joan Cutillo, Town Treasurer, said that it was the will of the Town Meeting that this $15,000 be spent - that the majority of the people wanted some- thing done about the gypsy moth situation. (At this point, the hearing was adjourned until later in the evening be- cause of other scheduled agenda items.) When the hearing resumed, DPW Director Bonome told of the enormous number of complaints coming in. John Kricher, 111 Plain Street, noted that people should be educated as to what the gypsy moth was, and that it was not a tent caterpillar. He suggested that an alternative to aerial spraying would be to use a "sexual distractant ", composed of the female gypsy moth hormones, which is applied to the area and confuses the male, thus disrupting the repro- duction process. Leonard Flynn asked that the Board consider spraying from the ground, spraying only the areas that needed spraying (or requested it). DPW Director Bonome noted the time factor here, saying that time would not allow for such a program. Doris Webb, 255 Fruit Street, said that she did not want her area sprayed. The Board discussed spraying from the ground, on an individual location basis. Selectman Caponigro moved that the Town use the $15,000 designated for gypsy moth control to hire a private contractor to spray individually - requested areas. No second to this motion. Further discussion, then Select- man Colella seconded the motion. Motion failed, 3 -2, with Selectmen Titus, DeLong and Clemmey opposed. Selectman Clemmey moved to commence with the aerial spraying in the most * heavily infested areas. Seconded by Selectman DeLong, voted 5 -0. Select- man DeLong commented that either way was taking chances to eliminate a nui- sance, but felt that as a Selectman he was sworn to uphold the will of the town meeting.to the best of his ability. Members of the audience asked that the Board consider the alternatives to spraying for next year's con- trol program. Hearing concluded. -3- BOARD OF SELECTMEN May 19, 1977 j Minutes of Meeting Hearing - Gypsy Moths Page 2 Mr. Laverdure discussed the conditions under which spraying must be done - clear, not more than 7 m.p.h. wind. He said that the spray will be applied 1 quart per acre. The spraying program for the Town of Norton was discussed. He said that Nor- ton was spraying 400' strips on each side of the road. Norton had received bids for $3.50 per gallon.. Linda Kricher, 111 Plain Street, said that she had obtained the town's speci- fications for bids, and that it was for aerial spraying with Sevin. She said that it seemed the town had already had made its mind up that this was the method and insecticide to be used, and thought that this should not have been determined until after the hearing and input from the public. She said that she is against the use of Sevin. She said that Town Meeting voted the $15,000 for the control of gypsy moths, not necessarily the spraying of same. Chairman Titus said that the Town did not know the best method, and that is why it consulted with Mr. Laverdure, who is the expert in this field. Fred Rys of the Conservation Commission said he felt the aerial spraying is not effective. He was concerned about the affects of the chemical on other wildlife. He noted the caution on the label of carbyl that he had seen in a local store - avoid contact with skin, avoid breathing and allowing contact with food. Mr. Rys said that in his opinion spraying would be a waste of $15,000 as it would not be effective and possibly dangerous. Selectman DeLong asked Mr. Rys what other animals would be harmed by spraying. Mr. Rys replied that there was no conclusive evidence about the specific af- fects.on birds. Mrs. Kricher of Plain Street told the Board that her husband, a biologist had done graduate work in this area, and presented a paper on the affects on birds which noted the relocation of certain birds when gypsy moths' feed- ing affected the feeding "canopy" of birds, shifting them to another area, allowing the balance of nature to be affected. Leonard Flynn, Jewell Street, expressed concern about the pesticide being toxic to other forms of life besides Gypsy Moths and bees. Mr. Laverdure told the Board that they would have to weigh the side effects of the spraying against the nuisance factor the people have to put up with. from the caterpillars. Mr. Flynn expressed opposition to having his property sprayed. He also said that this was not an effective use of the taxpayers' money. Stephen Holford, South Main Street, said that spraying would be only a short - term answer, and questioned the long -term affects. -2- BOARD OF SELECTMEN May 19, 1977 Minutes of Meeting Hearing - Gypsy Moths Present: Lawrence Laverdure, District Supervisor, Bureau of Insect Pest Control Thomas Bonome, Director, Mansfield Department of Public Works Town Manager Dennis Hannon gave the background - he noted that the Parks Superintendent and the Highway Division had taken egg counts of the gypsy moth egg masses in various parts of town. He said that where the egg masses numbered over 600 per acre, defoliation would result. He noted almost every part of town was affected by the egg masses. Mr. Hannon noted that he had recommended this hearing because he has re- ceived calls expressing concern about the type of pesticide to be used, area to be sprayed, etc. Mr. Lawrence Laverdure said that he represented the Department of Environ- mental Management. He said that the local superintendent of pest control has submitted monthly reports as requested, and that the DPW Director has cooperated in gathering information about the egg masses. Mr. Laverdure explained the procedure for determining egg masses per acre, and noted that Mansfield has a significant problem. He noted that the pest travels with the prevailing wind, which, at this time of the year in this area is south- westerly. Mr. Laverdure continued that he recommended to communities that Sevin 4 oil be applied by helicopter. He said that one other chemical, Dylox, had not shown sufficient evidence to be safe and effective. Other chemicals in the same category include Emiden and Dimilen. He noted that some of these chemicals could be used only under the direct supervision of him, as he was registered by the federal government. He noted that with the amount of money that Mansfield has to spend on con- trol, he would recommend spraying a 200' strip on either side of the road in the heavily infested areas to give the homeowners some relief. Mr. Laverdure reviewed the life cycle of the gypsy moth, noting that when weather conditions allowed the oak leaf to open up, then the egg masses ap- peared. He noted that the spraying would have to be done the first or se- cond week of June. He said that if the spraying was done after the 2 -3 instars (cycles), it would be almost useless. He said that it had to be done while the moth was still in the pupa state. Mr. Laverdure also dis- cussed the outmoded method of using creosote and burning the nests. Selectman DeLong asked about the use of carbyl (Sevin) - how it worked, and what were the side effects. Mr. Laverdure noted that this does affect bees - that notice had to be given to beekeepers to keep the bees inside until several hours after spraying, as it would kill them. He noted that Bristol County Agricultural School would keep an up -to -date list of keepers, and also would know the address of the Beekeepers' Association, which should be contacted. -1-