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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 8-19-1976Board of Selectmen Minutes of the Meeting August 19, 1976 Special Meeting M. B. T. A. Present: Mansfield Selectmen Clemmey, Colella, Caponigro, and Titus Town Manager Dennis Hannon,Town Counsel James Grady Foxborough Selectman Carol Burns Town Administrator Francis X. Corlis5 Stoughton Selectman Geneveive Glennon M.B.T.A. Chief of Railroad Operations, Walworth B. Williams Representative Philip Filosa Mr. Williams noted that the Town of Mansfield and others have been re- ceiving commuter rail service at no cost since Conrail took over the rail lines. This would,have <.been eliminated after September 27 of this year unless subsidized, according to a July 12 Conrail letter, but Mr. Williams noted that this has since been amended. He said that in March of 1977, Conrail will pick up the full cost of the M.B.T.A. ser- vice up through March 31 of 1978. From March 31, 1978 until September 27, 1978, 90% of'the cost would be picked up. After September 27, 1978, only 50% of the cost would be picked up. Town Manager Dennis Hannon noted that the Board members had some questions on the proposed contract for rail service, and that Town Counsel James Grady would review the contract. Mr. Williams noted that the UMTA reimbursement would drop to 90% after March 1977, and that the communities outside of the M.B.T.A. district would be liable then for that portion not subsidized. Mr. Williams dis- cussed the state subsidy for rail service. He said that unless there was new legislation, there would not be any state subsidy after the dates he mentioned. Selectman Titus of Mansfield asked why the towns were being informed of this situation so late. Mr. Williams answered that it was because of the workload in his office. Mr. Titus also discussed M.B.T.A.'s "track record ", saying that it was not one of the State's favorite operations. He said that he would be wary of getting locked into a contract not knowing the details or costs. Mr. Williams said that he understood the feelings and reactions, but that Mansfield would not be joining the M.B.T.A, only contracting for service for commuter rail service. He said that Mansfield would only be paying what it cost Conrail to provide the service, and that the town would not have to pay for other M.B.T.A. overhead. Selectman David Clemmey asked why Conrail does not provide commuter service itself, why the M.B.T.A. is involved. Mr. Williams answered that Conrail is a freight- carrier under the law. Board of Selectmen -2- August 19, 1976 Selectman Clemmey asked who was responsible for the service. Mr. Williams answered that the M.B.T.A. is responsible to see that Conrail provices the best service - that Conrail is responsible to the M.B.T.A. under the con- tract. The equipment is owned by the M.B.T.A. Mr. Williams said that the contract between the towns and the M.B.T.A. would be for a one -year period, July 1 through June 30 of the next year. It would be the option of the town to renew or not. It was pointed out by. Mr. Williams that if one of the several participa- ting communities dropped out, then the other remaining communities would be assessed for the extra cost. Selectman Burns from Foxborough asked Mr. Williams if the Town of Sharon had a contract with the M.B.T.A. Mr. Williams said they did not. There was discussion on the method for assessing the communities for the service. Mr. Williams said that at this time, the exact figures were not known, but that it would be figured on a car -mile basis, and the number of people using the service. He said that the number of people using the service would affect the cost - the more, the cheaper. Town Administrator FrancisCorliss from Foxborough commented on the M.B.T.A. He said that the costs for this service is unknown at this time, and that ( a contract would be binding. He said also that the formula for figuring assessments should be tested. Mr. Williams noted that the towns would not have to pay for capital costs, only for the service. Mr. Corliss noted that the M.B.T.A. was the highest- costing transit autho- rity in the country. Representative Filosa discussed the State subsidy of the M.B.T.A. Town Counsel (Mansfield) James Grady discussed looking at the contract in advance. George Young, South Main Street, Mansfield, discussed the previous vote of the town 9 years ago regarding the M.B.T.A. He said that the funds were voted, and then returned to the General Fund when the contract was not signed. Mr. Williams noted that Penn Central was involved at that point in time. George Wotjkiewicz discussed the number of riders boarding at the various stations. Norman Mahana noted that he objected strongly to signing of any contracts without knowing the costs involved. Mr. Williams assured the Board that he would forward the costs to the towns when he knows them. Chairman Colella closed the meeting.