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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 11-2-1977BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS A G E N D A November 2, 1977 0 - 7:30 p.m. Call to Order Treasurer's Warrant Minutes of 10119177 - 10/24/77 & 10/26/77 Clerk's Folder (none) Correspondence 0 - 7:45 p.m. Discussion of a Kennel License Mr. & Mrs. Thurber Ron Dubuc - Explanation of West Street Sewer Extension 0 - 8:00 P.M. Bi- Monthly meeting with department heads of Committees and Commissions Town Manager's Report School dept "request for mercury lighting Board Reports PENDING!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cabot Pond - Mr. Provost Honor Roll Mill & Cherry St. - Hearing to be held 11/9/77 Town Insurance West Street - Sewer Extension (explained above) Fuel Tank estimates Extension of Old Colony Way BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting November 2, 1977 Present: Selectman Robert DeLong, Frank Colella, David Clemmey and 1 Antonino Caponigro. Town Manager William Metropulos and Recording Secretary Mary Truczinskas. (Selectman Titus not present for the meeting) The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M. Selectman Caponigro moved that Selectman David Clemmy be Acting Chairman, * seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 3-0. Selectman Caponigro moved that Selectman Robert DeLong be Acting Clerk, seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 3 -0. Warrant: Selectman DeLong moved that the weekly warrant in the amount of $277,637.84 be approved, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4 -0. Selectman DeLong moved that the minutes for October 19, 1977 be approved, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4 -0. Selectman Delong moved that the minutes for October 24, 1977 be approved, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4-0. Selectman Delong moved that the minutes for October 26, 1977 be approved, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4 -0. Correspondence - Letter from V.F.W. notifying Selectmen of their annual Veterans Day Parade on November 11, 1977. The parade will form at 10:30 a.m. Breakfast will be at 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. at the VFW Hall. Headstart requested that the fee for the Building Inspector's permit be waived, for the Hartwell School. Selectman Delong moved that the fee be waived, seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4 -0. Letter from Margot Jellinek to the Board of Selectmen regarding her being refused to be put on the Selectmen's agenda for the week of October 26, 1977. Selectman Delong made a motion that she be put on the agenda for next week, seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 4 -0. Selectman Clemmey made a motion to have her come in to tonight's meeting if she wanted, seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 4 -0. Bids for the Fire Department Surplus Equipment were reviewed by the Select- men. Selectman DeLong made a motion to accept the high bid of $1530.82 submitted by James Thibault of Mansfield for the 1918 Seagrave Pumping Engine. Seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 3 -1. (Selectman Colella voted against the bid award) Selectman DeLong made a motion to accept the high bid of $1616.16 submitted by Steven Cummings of Foxboro, Mass, for the 1948 Maxim Ladder Truck. Seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4 -0. ('NOTIONS PASSED) -1- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting November 2, 1977 Page 2 Acceptance of the bid for the 1970 Cadillac Ambulance was deferred pending further information. A Kennel License for Mr. & Mrs. Thurber of 490 Fruit Street was granted. Selectman DeLong first asked if anyone in the audience was opposed to the kennel, hearing no objection, Selectman Caponigro moved that the license be granted, seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 4 -0. A letter from the Planning Board commenting on the memorandum of September 26, 1977 regarding the services of Town Counsel, The Planning Board feels that this new policy of having all request for Town Counsel's opinion filtered through the Town Manager is contrary to the provisions of the Town Charter. Kenneth Parsons was in the audience during th& reading of the letter and commented on it. Selectman DeLong and Caponigro were opposed to the new policy change, Selectman Clemmey stated that there is nothing preven- ting any board from writing to the Town Counsel and asking advice, the Selectmen just want to know what is going on. it is only when it involves substantial cost for legal services, then the Town Manager should be informed first. The Senior Class and Student Counsel for Mansfield High are requesting permis- sion to hold a Home Coming Day parade on November 5, 1977. Selectman Caponigro moved that the request be granted subject to clearance of the police depart- ment and enforcement of public safety measures, seconded by Selectman DeLong. Voted 4 -0. Ron Dubuc - Water Superintendent met with the Board to discuss the feasibility of extending the sanitary sewer system west of 1 -495 on West Street to Tremont Street. A letter from Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc. which Ron felt explained the situation clearly was referred to. Selectman Caponigro stated that he would like to see a sleeve installed under the road before 1 -495 goes over it. and made a motion that we look into getting funds from the FINCOM for a 30" con- crete sleeve to install under 1 -495. Seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 2 -2 Split vote. Selectman DeLong and Clemmey opposed. Bi- Monthly Meeting Council -On -Aging - Delores Benson met with the Board and discussed the differ- ent projects that the Council has been involved in. The Mini -Bus is scheduled for shopping trips locally five times a week, and one day a week goes to the different Malls, Brockton, Walpole etc. and another day for other appointments such as doctor appointments. We have a Turkey Dinner scheduled on November 8, at the Gloria Columbo Hall, the Lions Club is giving it for 75 senior citizens. We have several trips planned in the near future, one to New York. Mrs. Benson informed the Board that Mansfield ranks third in leading up the most work units with Fall River first and Attleboro second. All and all things are going along good. -2- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting ( Page 3 November 2, 1977 Board of Assessors - Al Turinese distributed copies to all Selectmen, Town Manager and the press of a list of business in Mansfield and their assess- ment value. He stated that at the last bi- monthly meeting there was a tax increase of $5.60 and at that time there was a question raised ,-what did industry do for us over the last few years. We went back to 1970 and took the CC &F Park and the Ryan & Elliott Park together and up to the present time industry represents about 22.4 percent of our total tax base and at the rate we've been spending at today's tax rate of $89.60 without industry it would have been approximately $115.47. Mr. Turinese stated that he or his colleagues would be gladlto answer any questions that the Board has. Finance Committee - Robert Powers stated that there was not much to report since this is a quiet time for the Finance Committee other to state that he attended a seminar last week with Joan Cutillo and Arther Remillard on Unemployment. The seminar dealth with the two options regarding reim- bursement or :, contributory rate. I got the feeling that the state and everyone is making a good effort in trying to convince the towns to go the contributory route. Joan and Arthur will be coming before you with a re- commendation the decision is required by December 1, 1977• Selectman DeLong feels that based on our past history of no layoffs it seems pretty foolish for us to contribute unless we are forced to, however, nobody knows what the future holds. World Ward 11 Scholarship Fund - Dr. Carl DePrizio met with the Board to bring them up to date. Dr. DePrizio stated that they are doing very well and they are getting some income from the interest, and I think last year we gave about $3500 dollars. We had one problem of a person who was awarded a $200 scholarship, she moved from Mansfield to Springfield and did not attend the school she in- dicated on the application and three or four years later she wrote to us and wanted the scholarship back, however, it was denied her. Once they leave the Town of Mansfield they lose it, my committee was 100% with me-and that decision. We usually pay after the first of the year to make sure that the applicant has gone to the college indicated and continuing in their studies. It was noted that Dr. DePrizio has been on the committee since 1946 or 1947. Airport Commission _ Ronald Muise met with the Selectmen to report that the Airport is having a vandalism problem and the only answer we can come up with is fencing in the area, the whole airport, the runway lights have been shat- tered and we can't keep up with the expense of replacing them. We have spoke to the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission and they advise us that there is financing available for fencing up to 95 %. 1 would like to know where we go from here. Selectman DeLong stated that it would go to the Capital Improvements Committee, to talk with the Town Manager since he is Chairman of the Capital Improvements Committee and you would have to fide your application for funding and we would want to know what your chances are for getting it. Other than that problem, every else is going good. Board of Appeals _ George Wojtkiewicz stated that the main problem right now are two gravel pit operations, one that was approved some time ago (the Norman Gray operation) and one that was approved last night, against the recommendation of the Planning Board. It':just seems lately that the Board of Appeals and the Planning Board just don't agree. It was suggested that possibly the two Boards should get together. Other than that we have no budget problems, but -3- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting November 2=.1977 (the following are the opinions of George Wojkiewicz only) as you probably all know the changes in the Mass. General Laws have gotten rid of all the old variencies and all the old permits so I imagine that most people who have had permits inthe past will be coming back to the Board so I feel in 1978 we will be doing more business. Finally, the thorn in our side happens to be the enforcement of decisions and the enforcement.of the zoning by -laws which is now up to the building inspector, unfortunately the building inspector has enough to do as it is, and the gravel operations alone are enough to keep someone busy 8 hours a day. Mr. Wojtkiewicz continued noting that the - Planning Board's recommendations are right most of the time and we don't fol-,Dow them, we need a Civil Engineer on our board-;, People are giving up on the Board of Appeals and it shows with all the articles being introduced at the Town Meeting. Planning Board - Ken Parsons represented the Planning Board and opened the dis- cussion y announcing that the Planning Board will need another al�il5ointment Rodney Ploude resigned as of 10/21/77. Mr. Parson brought up what was dis- cussed earlier regarding asking for Town Counsel's help. Selectman Clemmey stated that the only time they request having it routed through the Selectmen r is when it is going to litigation; or when it will incur substantial cost Other issues are regulations regarding earth removal, restoration of ponds, gravel pits. We will have a recommendation for the Town regarding business zoning throughout the Town not just downtown but throughout the whole Town. Advertising cost are up, and our telephone expense is high because of all the calls having to be placed to Boston, we would like to have you consider a WATTS line. Bicentennial Committee - The tennis court is up and sealed but will not be ready until next Spring. We cannot spend anymore money and by the end of the year we will give $1000.00 back to the Town. The tennis court will need another coat of sealer but the second coat was not part of the deal. When the specs came out they, did not include nets and the sealer because we did not want to have to pay for the labor. This report was given by Carol Lucas. Library _ Marion Horton reported that the staff has been very busy attending many meetings and workshops also visiting other libraries to get ideas for the potential future library of Mansfield. The library has started their armchair presentations and movies for children and adults alike. Recreation Commission Louis Cinelli stated that Maple Park has been winterized, drained and dredged the pond. The winter program is now started providing pro- grams for all ages weeknights and Satrurdays. Mr. Cinelli also stated that re- garding the flags on the East Common as soon as one is put up it is taken and it cost $100 every time we have to call a man out to climb the pole. Mr. Cinelli also stated that the tennis poles and nets are in and all it needs is to be sealed. SRPEDD - Patricia Manget reported on the 1 -495 Impact study she is one of four core persons on the committee and states that this will be a six month study and has re- served six seats for Mansfield officials. Ms. Manget states that Planning Direc- tor Chad Maurer will serve and Antonino Caponigro will represent the 3dlcctmdn. Letters will be sent to the Conservation Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board to send a representative to serve. On Commuter Rail service Ms. Manget states that there is a Memorandum of Understanding between Massachusetts ( and Rhode Island, whereby Rhode Island would pay next year's deficit in exchange for federal funds through GARTA (Greater Attleboro Regional Transit Authority). Ms. Manget reports that the 1 -495 extension from School Street to So. °Main will be ready in December and So. Main to Norton around August of 197$• -4- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting November 2, 1977 Page 5 Civil Defense - Robert Buttons stated that the coffeee break held over the Labor DAy Weekend brough in $3000., the highest total in the Southwest in- cluding R.I. Mr. Buttons stated that this was the quietest: Halloween he can remember, 42 of his members were out in 20 radio cars. Mr. Buttons stated that the surplus property program will be handled in the same manner as in the past, and states that he has picked up some good material. The home heating assis- tance bureau will be in operation again this year. Conservation Commission - Fred Rys met with the Selectmen to report on his com- mittee and stated that Planning Director Chad Maurer was in error when he re- ported that $28,000 in state reimbursements went into the land acquisition fund. It went back into the general fund. Mr. Rys also stated that any project signs required by the state will not cost the town anything money is donated for the sign to be installed on conservation land. Great ds Woo Study Committee - Lou Andrews and Mary Dee Flynn report that deed search on unknowns in the Great Woods is being done by the Coasevvdeloncc mmis`sl '6n, and are still doing work on parcels from last years meeting. Regarding the bridge that committee is requesting which would span 1 -495 and provide access to the Great Woods , the state estimates that this will cost approximately $1,000,000. The committee is just looking for a walkway which will not interrupt the present trail, and feel that they would just as soon not have any thing at all if that is what the states wants. Selectman Caponigro made a motion to send a letter to the state asking that they bring a section of this',land up closer to So. Main St. and all we want is a foot bridge and we are against the 400 ft. wide bridge, would like something similar to the one over Storrow Drive. This is requested by the Board of Selectmen, Conservation Commission and the Great Woods Study Committee. Seconded by Selectman DeLong. Voted 4 -0. Selectman Caponigro made a motion to send a letter to the Civil Defense and the Channel 4 Radio Club commending them on the good job done on the Labor Day Week - end. Seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 4 -0. .4 Correspondence Continued - Letter from Norwood Engineering Co. with a bill attached in the amount of $5148.00 for work performed in the land court pe- tition of Norman Gray and Great Woods. Action postponed on this until next ,week. Selectman DeLong made a motion to send a letter to Ronnie Ploude on his resignation. Seconded by Selectman Colella. Voted 4 -0. An appointment to this committee will be made in two weeks. The committee is looking for an engineer. Letter notifying the Town of Mansfield of a Full Settlement Offer for property on Mill Street has been accepted. Letter from Merchens Chocolate Co, advising the Board of Selectmen that they expect to be in compliance with the 1!600 per day B.O.D. by January 1, 1978. Selectman Caponigro made a motion to recommend a transfer from the reserve fund the sum of $310.00 for the Conservation Commission to purchase a file cabinet. Seconded by Selectman DeLong. Voted 4 -0. -5- BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting November 2, 1977 Page 6 Building construction totals were read for the Month of October 1977• The total being $602,000. A total cost to date for 1977 is $4,057,354. Letter from Selp -Help, Inc. advising the Board of Selectmen that they are putting together a monthly eight page newspaper and would like to meet with the Selectmen to discuss the many programs that effect our district. Selectmen agreed to have Mr. R.L. Collins, Jr, public relations supervisor come to their meeting of 11/16/77. Weekly pumping records of all wells read. Letter from rheiCOnseivati:on Commission regarding a bill in the amount of $2,000. for consulting services for hydrololgic engineering studies. Selectmen are request- ing more information on this b4:ll." Letter from CETA regarding a grant in the amount of $2,217,668, for a skill train- ing improvement program. Letter from SRPEDD stating that they have been given approval to give thirty hours (30) free municipal assistance in the area of traffic improvements planning. Town Manager's Report - The Back Bay Brook is moving along well. The reason that there was two warrants last week is because one is for revenue sharing. Expenses for Revenue Sharing require separate warrants for tracing. Concerning fuel tanks for diesel fuel, Thom Bonome checked this out and the rough estimate he came back with for three 10,000 gallon tanks would cost approximately $20,000. Selectman Delong stated that he would like to know the savings over.a 1 year period when purchasing larger quantities. Flags are on order but because of vandalism would there be some type of flexiable cable to prevent this from happening, the possibility of a lighted flag pole will be looked into. Mr. Metropulos states that he spoke with the Police Chief regarding the parking in the area of the railroad station and a recommendation will be worked out. Rt. 106 and Forbes has had only 1 accident in the last two weeks. The estimated cost for the Opening of Old Colony Right -a -Way is estimated to cost $1100. There is no law requiring a public hearing, however, Selectmen want one advertised. The cost of insurance for Workmen's Compensation has risen to $107,000. this year and Mr. Metropulos states that he is looking into this and the reason for the increased rate. The School Committee is requesting additional lights around the area of the High School and Middle School because of vandalism. Ten lights will be needed at a cost of $199.00 each. Selectman 'DeLong.r, made a motion that the light department purchase and install the lights providing the school pays for the cost and to waver the bidding process. Seconded by Selectman Gapon•igrot, 'VotoO 4 -0 IN BOARD OF SELECTMEN /LIGHT COMMISSIONERS Minutes of the Meeting November 2, 1977 Page 7 Board Reports- Selectman Colella stated that he has had a few calls regarding the picking up of leaves and asked that Mr. Oliveira be contacted to see what arrangements can be done. Mr. Metropulos will contact him. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m.. Motion' by Selectman Colella, seconded by Selectman Caponigo. Voted 4 -0. Selectman DeLong made a motion to reopen the meeting to have Mrs. Jellnick in': * Seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4 -0. Mrs. Jellnick stated that she did not want to be on the agenda for tonight's meet- ing and after a small discussion with the Selectmen, Selectman Delong moved that the meeting be adjourned. seconded by Selectman Caponigro. Voted 4 -0.