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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 9-12-1973September 12, 1973 ( Meeting convened'; at 7:30 P.M. All members present and the Town Manager. Chairman Titus reviewed the Town Treasurer's Warrant in the amount of $200,440.71. A motion was made by Selectman Levine, seconded by Selectman Colella to approve the Treasurer's Warrant, and it was so voted - all in favor. A motion was made by Selectman Levine, seconded by Selectman Colella to approve the minutes of the previous meeting with a correction to be made on page 1, paragraph 7, line 4 by adding the word "not" after the word had. Also a correction to be made on page ?, paragra h 1, line 5 change word "offices °to'officers" (Corrections noted in minutes in book. Letter received from School..Committe6iChairman Bernard O'Malley concerning the need for a joint meeting with the Board to appoint a new member; -to the School Committee to replace James Kelly who resigned. A motion was made by Selectman Becher, seconded by Selectman Caponigro that the School Committee and the Selectman meet next Wednesday night to make this appointment, and it was so voted. Selectman Levine desired that the Town Clerk list the applications for the position. Letter received from the Municipal Building Committee requesting a,Town Counsel opinion on the Committee's functions. The Board agreed to send a letter to the Town Counsel regarding this request. School Superintendent Collins requested that the town prepare a "turn around" on Oak Street for the school buses. The Town Manager stated that he and Mr.,Bcp =e:-will'dheok -thi' problem and will check with the School Superintendent, and report back to the Board on possible costs. The Board set a hearing date on the application of Travenol Laboratories, Forbes Boulevard and West Street for September:261:r1973- :at.8:30 P.M. for the underground storage of 4 - 1,000 gallons of liquid propane gas. Selectman Caponigro raised the question whether the Chairman could permit or control the tape recording of meetings by private individuals. He disagreed with the need for the tapingt because it would tend to limit discussions from the Board and pre- vent individuals appearing before the Board. Chairman Titus advised?thatche,�was''inu; ' formed by the Town Counsel that a person could not plug the recorder into an electrical outlet. Selectman Levine suggested that anyone taping a meeting should inform the' Board and anyone who speaks before the Board as a courtesy. Application received from the Peter Pan Bus Lines, Inc, for a permit to travel over town streets without any passenger stops in town. A motion was made by Selectman Becher to approve the request for the permit which was seconded by Selectman Caponigro, and so voted - all in favor. Chairman Titus introduced Miss A °nna Prohodsky who read a statement concerning the relocation of 140. Selectman Becher suggested that Miss Prohodsky might wish to send her statement to the Department of Public Works. Selectman Colella noted that the statement was helpful for the Board's consideration. The Board requested Town Manager Hannon to contact the D.P.W. to see why their recently prepared traffic projects had not been submitted to the town yet. The Board agreed that more discussions would take place when the projects were received and studied. Selectman Becher stated that spme of the objectional features of the relocation of 140 could be minimized if the DP.W. is willing to consider alternatives. Copy of Miss Prohodsky's statement in minutes_ book. - 2 - Concerning recent development, the Town Manager noted thea new plans for another warehouse at the C. C. & F. Park for Travanol Medical Supplies Company. Selectman Levine moved, seconded by Selectman Caponigro that Travanol Associates be granted a sewer connection permit. The Board also agreed to send Travanol's State applica- tion to the Water Resources Commission for its approval. Town Manager Hannon recommended that the Selectmen notify the Board of Assessors regarding an abatement of $19193.165 which is the balance of the 1973 taxes for the Town Hall site acquired from the United National Bank. The Bank paid its pro rata share to the date of the sale. Shcectman Caponigro moved that the Board approve the abatement of $19193*45 to the United National Bank, which was seconded by Selectman Levine, and so voted. The Board of Selectmen upon a motion by Selectman Colella, seconded by Selectman Caponigro voted to request "No Parking" at the inside radius of the "Oakland Street Mansfield Avenue curve" subject to an inspection of the corner by Board members, and it was so voted. Any objections to the motion will be considered before send- ing it to the D.P.W. ` Town Manager Hannon reviewed the recentaoreation of the town Department of Public Works. The Department was reorganized, effective August 10 in pursuant to the guidelines established in the new Town Charter. The various Foremen and Mr. Cahoon and Mr. Bonome had recently reviewed the new orga4i:.zation in detail so that it was understood-'.by them. Also Park Superintendent Ted Robinson, Read Librarian Mary Colpas studied the 'proposal as it affected their departments in varying degrees. Board members commented that the Department of Public Works could be an effective means of overseeing and inspecting new development in the town. Selectman Caponigro also mentioned that the new Charter provided that the Board of Selectmen be responsible for maintaining a system of jobtolassifaoatioAs and and for policy matters in the general personnel field. The Board suggested that Selectman Caponigro be responsible for this topic, but Selectman Caponigro declined because of his involvement in the Town Hall building project and moved that Selectman Levine handle this responsibility which was seconded by Selectman Colella and so voted. The Town Manager announced that the State Health Council had verbally notified him that the C.C. & F. property for the standpipe had been approved. Written notifica- tion •.is expected shortly. For their agenda next week the Selectmen will ask the Recreation Commission to join them in discussing Maple Park development, and the general recreation program. Selectman Caponigro moved that inquiries be sent to former Maple Park Shores, Inc. to' determine if the Association might be re- established to assist in future park development, which was seconded by Selectman Colella, and so voted -all in favor. Selectman Levine inquired whether the State D.P.W., the Traffic Study Committee or the Town Planning Board could give study and attention to the traffic being generated on Oakland Street and Mansfield Avenue. The Town`.Managertadvised'that he would pursue the concern with each of these groups. Selectman Caponigro requested that the Park Superintendent continue to take the once a month water samples at Maple Park during the winter so that a several month long test period would be conducted prior to the next annual Town Meeting. The Board approved the temporary closing of Rumford Avenue and High Street for the - 3 - Episcopal Church Fair to be held on October 13, and it was so voted. The Town Manager advised that the Police and Fire Departments will be notified. The Board formally received the petition with 211 approved voters' signatures re- questing that a'Special Town Meeting be convened to consider a rezoning request on an Otis Street property. Selectman Caponigro moved that a Special Town Meeting be held Monday October 15, 1973 at 8:00 P.M. at the Mansfield High Softool Auditorium, subject to availability of the Auditorium, which was seconded by Selectman Colella, and so voted. Also the Board requested that the Town Manager prepare a list of articles from the previous Special Town Meeting which had not been acted upon. Selectman Caponigro reported on his meeting with Veterans' and Civic groups interest- ed in a War and Peace Memorial. Various proposals were discussed, and will be pursued again at a mid October meeting. ChAirman,Titus asked that the ownership of Skinners Bridge bn OldaSOhool:Street be checked out to see who would be responsible for dismantling it. The Board reviewed the various recommendations proposed in the 1973 Capital Improve- ment program for street reconstruction. D.P.W. Director Tom Bonome outlined the various procedures involved in land taking and engineering and layout plans. Se- lectman Colella moved that Williams Street and Willow Street both be set for lay- out and engineering plans not to exceed the current balance in the street construct- ion account. Selectman Levine moved to amend that motion so that Williams Street would be the first priority and Willow Street the second priority. On the previous motion, Selectmen Becher and Levine voted for, and Selectmen Caponigro and Colella against. The Chairman voted to defeat the motion. Selectman Colella moved that Willow Street be established as the priority, seconded by Selectman Titus who had passed the gavel to Selectman Becher. Selectmen Colella and Titus forj;iagainst it were Selectmen Levine and Caponigro, Selectman Becher passed the gavel and voted against it. Selectman CaponigVo moved that the matter be discussed in full at a workshop meeting Monday September 17, at 8:00 P.M. and that the Planning Director and Public Works Director should attend the meeting. Selectman Becher seconded the motion, Selectman Caponigrov += Seohef and.'Levine for, Selectman Colella voiced "no" and the Chairman passed the gavel and voiced his objection also, 3 - 2 vote. Further discussion with the Public Works Director including questions about the-- :street sweeper, catch basin cleaning, the East Mansfield Common fence and the beautifuoation of Pine Needle Park entrance land. Selectman Colella was interested in completion of the project by early October. The Town Manager stated that he would approach Mr. Millette, the developer, for his contribution, and would check on the participation of the Conservation Commission on the project. The meeting adjourned at 11:55 P.M. 9 -12 -73 My Opinion Against The Proposal To Relocate Rt. 140 The last scheduled town meeting didn't have a quorum and one important item for this meetingNAs never discussed by the townspeople. At this meeting the Board of ( Selectmen wanted to have the opinions from the voters if Rt. 140 should be relocated or not. According to the reports I have read in the newspapers recently, it seems the only opinions this Board is getting at meetings are that 140 should be relocated - because we need it. There is no doubt that when Rt. 25 is built, it will take�'of 99% of the traffic problems and I am sure the town officials are all aware of the fact that the traffic tie -ups are not on Rt. 140, but are on Rt. 106, heading towards Easton. Easton is aware of the heavy traffic on their roads - Article by Rep. John Ames recommended that Rt. 25 should be done as quickly as possible, and then take a look at the 140 plan. This planned relocation of Rt.140 will move the road out of one residential area and put it in another residential area. If West St. (this part is residential) has an access to the relocated 140, the residents will have the annoyance of heavy trucks (as well as cars) to and from the CCF Industrial Park. The present plan to relocate 140 will create more problems for the town than it will eliminate; creating more intersections in an area already filled with intersections. At the present time it seems most of the trouble spots are where the traffic lights are: Rt. 106 & 140 and Rt. 106 &Main St. Not too many months ago someone on this Board asked to have traffic lights installed at 140 (Copeland Drive), School & West St. I don't recall the town having problems with traffic tie -ups on Rt. 140 and So. Main St., although at times traffic may be heavy. When Rt. 25 is done people who are now using this way to go Taunton, etc. will be using the new highway. Very few would want to drive thru residential streets when a superhighway is the quickest way to get to and from work - or to the race tracks. We now have 5 intersections in a very small area: 140 & Forbes Blvd. /Foxfield Plaza 106 & Central St. (old 140) 140 & Chauncy St. (Rt. 106) 106 & Forbes Blvd. 140 & Creeden St. 140 & West /School Ste. also: the one near the Mansfield Garage & 106 & Main St. & 106. The relocation of Rt. 140 as proposed will add to - without eliminating any of the present intersections: Fisher St. (Foxboro) Chauncy St. (Rt. 106) Forbes Blvd. West St. One in the CCF Indust. Park School St. From some of the meetings I understand the new road will be a controlled access road - controlled by timed traffic lights. This means when one direction of traffic is moving, the other side sits and waits, and while traffic is sitting and waiting there will be quite an accumulation of auto and truck fumes - which in turn pollute the air. All of the roads will be 'at grade' - no overpasses or bridges. There will be about 9 intersections in an area of approx. 1/2 mile. Plus other intersectionsha little larger area ( approx. 12-14). 9 -12 -73 My Opinion Against The Proposal To Relocate Rt. 140 Pg. 2 This plan to relocateRt. 140 is certainly not for the good of the town. If moving traffic is the reason this road is needed, it is a poor attempt to accomplish the job. If a road is needed because of the future heavy traffic because Mansfield is growing, why don't they plan a road that will move traffic - not hinder it. Did you ever listen to the traffic reports on the radio when they report that on certain roads the traffic is moving smoothly, and in other areas they report there is a lot of congestion at the traffic lights. I think Mansfield will be making a big mistake if they recommend the building of the planned relocation of Rt. 140. Also, why do they need two roads so close to each other and going in the same direction? And only for about 2 -3 miles. Will the town be stuck with the maintenance of the troublesome Rt. 140 underpass? This could cost the taxpayers thousands of dollars each year. With the present highways, and the planned highway we have Rts. 95 - 495 & 25 - UK-people will travel North & South - East & West on these highways. They will not travel thru Mansfield - the only ones who will use the present Rt. 140 will be people who want to come to Mansfield. So I ask again - why do we need Rt. 140 relocated? Anna Prohodsky 73 Fowler St. Mansfield, Mass.