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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 2-24-1971February 24, 1971 Executive session. The Board voted to accept the low bid of Augustine Oliveira in the amount of $110,000. for rubbish pickup in the town per speci- fications, pending Town Meeting budget approval. February 24, 1971 Meeting called at 7:33 P.M. Members present# Selectmen Main, Zecher, Saunders and Caponigro, and the Town Manager. Upon a motion by Selectman Zecher, seconded by Selectman Saunders it was voted to approve the Treasurer's Warrant in the amount of $37,076.10. (Chairman Main abstained from voting on voucher #458 _ Airport Construction). The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as distributed. In the absence of Selectman Clemmey, Clerk of the Board, Selectman Zecher nominated Selectman Saunders temporary Clerk which was seconded by Selectman Caponigro and so voted. Board members received invitations from Mr. Bonnyman, Hoerner and Waldorf Corporation to attend a meeting at 11 :00 A.M. on February 25, 1971 in the Selectmen's Room to transfer funds and property to the Town of Mansfield. Letter received from Robert Button, Civil Defense Director regarding the possibility of obtaining Federal Matching Funds to construct and equip portions of the new Town Hall. These funds are available if the Town Would utalize the basement as a combination fall -out shelter and emergency operations center for town officials during an emergency. The letter ad- vised how other towns making only minor changes in their original plans worked out plans so that there were meeting. rooms, etc.within the plans. He advised that he is collecting data and sample plans which he will pre- sent in the future to the Board, and thought a substantial saving could be realized in the construction of the new town hall by the use of available Federal Funds, Civil Defense Director Robert Button also wrote to the Board requesting per- mission to set up a Civil Defense tabletop display at the High School in the hallway, near the entrance to the auditorium, on the evenings that the annual Town Meeting is held. Upon a motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Caponigro it was voted unanimously to give permission to Mr. Button to set up this tabletop display at the High School the nights of the Town Meetings. The Chairman commended Mr. Button for doing all the research regarding the use of Federal Funds. Letter read from Senator John F. Parker regarding the Board's unanimous vote in opposition to the Bill to construct a new, central Court House in Bristol County. He assured the Board that he would what he can to prevent this tremendous burden on the taxpayers of Bristol County. He also suggested that the County Commissioners be informed of the Board's views on this matter. Upon a motion by Selectman Zecher, seconded by Selectman Saunders it was voted to send a copy of the letter sent to Senator Parker to the three County Commissioners. 2 Letter received from Francis J. Cinelli, Jr., advising the Board that he did not wish to be reappointed to a four-year term on the Planning Board when his current term expires on February 28, 1971 because of personal obligations on Monday nights, the Board's meeting night. He did advise that he would like to submit his name for consideration to a position on the Zoning Board of Appeals if an opening should arise. Upon a motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Zecher it was voted to send Mr. Cinelli a letter of appreciation for his services while a member of the Planning Board. Unanimous. Communication received from the Massachusetts Selectmen's Association ad- vising that the Executive Board of the Association met on February 13, 1971 and voted unanimously that the Massachusetts Selectmen's Association will support a tax program that will afford relief to the cites and towns pro- viding that every effort be expended to curtail expenditures at the local county and state levels. The Association would appreciate the Board's views on the proposed tax programs. Notice read regarding the Board of Appeals hearing on March 2, 1971 at 8 :15 P.M. on the application of Delores M. Benson for a permit or variance to establish a five unit apartment use in a Residence "C" zone. Communication received from the Mass. League of Cities and Towns regarding hearing dates for county budgets. All hearings will be held in Room 427 at the State House and will begin at 10:00 A.M. Bristol County hearing to be / held on March 15, 1971, The Town Manager advised that he had discussed the new fee schedule for natural gas and L.D. Gas permits with Harold Jackson, Gas Inspector. There are some areas that are not covered in this schedule, and advised that con- version burners at $10.00; Roof gas heaters (each one) at $5.00; and space hanging gas heaters (each one) $5.00 should be added to the approved schedule of fees. Upon a motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Zecher it was voted to add the above three items to the Fee Schedule. Unanimous. The Town Manager advised of the bids received for the radio for the Police Department; namelys A. J. Nielson $11600.; Lakeside Communications $1,445.; and Motorola $1,710. Town Manager stated that he would like to hold up making an award for another week to discuss further details with Chief D'Afile. The Board agreed to table the awarding of the bid until next week. The Town Manager told the Board about the fire.insurance advising that the figures are not final. The Insurance Company has agreed to allow $268,000. fire 16ss:on the building, subject to final approval for the full amount. Changes on contents had been questioned. The insurance company did not agree that the town hall clock was part of the contents, and Ralph Seifert agreed that it was part of the building. We requested $37,428.85 and $30250.00 was esti- mated damage to the town hall clock. The amount offered was $349178:,85. If we have to pay for the accounting equipment lost in the fire it will be with the provision that if we are forced to pay for this equipment by court action or otherwise, the company will reimburse between the agreed on amount and $50,000, There was a difference of$150. clerical error which we are checking with the insurance company, As sgon: as we hear back from the insurance company regarding this agreement we can bring this thing to a close. - 3 - Warren A. Reed, a member of the Permanent School Building Committee, before the Board regarding the article submitted last week by this committee. He advised the Board that the committee's request was basically for adding four rooms to be added to the Robinson school for kindergarten. Talked about relocating classrooms in other areas, and after the committee meets on March 4 we will be able to tell better what the committee plans to do. Selectman Saunders suggested that the school facilities and the Town Hall committee should get together. Mr. Reed spoke about the monies left from the Robinson School and High School, but advised this money cannot be used for planning purposes, only for construction.. After further discussion, upon a motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Zecher it was voted to insert an article in the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting to see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, and /or transfer from available funds, a sum of money to be used by the Permanent School Building Committee for operating expenses, and to hire an architect to prepare construction drawings for classroom space that will be necessary by September 1973, or take any other action in relation thereto. Unanimous The Building Inspector and Mr. Giordani before the Board regarding the marquee put up at Shoppers Guide without the proper permits. The Town Counsel had drawn up an agreement which was sent to Mr. Giordani to sign which he read, and he advised that he would take full responsibility for the marquee. There was a discussion regarding the feasibility of having the gutters and down- spouts installed, and it was agreed to eliminate these temporarily. If conditions warrant, then they could be installed if necessary. After a dis- cussion, upon a motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Zecher it was voted to approve the agreement with Mr. Giordani regarding the marquee. 3 -1 vote Chairman Main opposed - builder should applied for the necessary permits before building the marquee - could set a precedent. Richard Wise, Plant Manager, Mr. Doten and a representative from the New York office of National Biscuit Company came to the meeting to answer any questions in regard to the letter received from the Town Manager setting March 1 as the deadline for corrections to be made at the Chocolate Company according to stipulations by Camp, Dresser and McKee and the State Water Pollution Resources Commission. Mr. Wise advised they had met with the State and have conducted the tests that we agreed upono; all but the BOD and grease results. Have ad- vised them verbally and in writing, done everything you have asked and what the State has asked. Can meet the new deadline set, the only thing would be delivery of materials such as pumps, motors, etc. Discussion followed. Annette Shaw from the Civic Association before the Board regarding a recommend. ation regarding the specifications for the Police Department alterations at the High School. Questioned whether a performance bond was included in the specs, and the Town Manager advised that the requirement was not in the specifications. She quoted the Town By -Laws, Chapter 3, Section 1. 11 that every contract exceeding one thousand dollars shall be accompanied by a suit- able bond for the faithful performance of the same, or by the deposit of money for security to the amount of the bond ------ 11 The Board agreed that a performance bond would be required before the bid was awarded for the Police Station renovations. The Town Manager brought up the matter of the center line on West Street, and requested the approval of the center.11iie for_'direation - on West, Street to - 4 - meet with a Chapter 90 road construction requirement. The center line will enable the engineers to properly lay out West Street for its proper elevation and the proposed elevation that would be approved for a Chapter 90 layout. Also this would enable the engineer to properly design the grade of the sewer line to be constructed on West Street, After a discusion, upon a motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Caponigro it was voted that this proposed center line of West Street as discussed be accepted for the purpose of establishing the course of the proposed and future sewer. Plan drawn by George H, Poor, dated February 24, 1971, Selectman Zecher questioned regarding the town's liability at the Airport re- garding snowmobiles, and the Town Manager advised that he had checked and found there was insurance to cover this operation, Selectman Caponigro spoke again about the marquee and gave his reasons for voting for it, after observing other overhanging signs over the sidewalk, Thought the Board should not get in this predicament again, people should get the necessary permits. Should write or tell the Building Inspector his job is to stop work immediately, and not let people proceed without the necessary permits. After a discussion regarding the parking problem with regard to the Drug Store on Monday and Wednesday nights, upon a motion by Selectman Caponigro, which was seconded by Selectman Saunders it was voted to have the Town Manager put 30 minute parking signs in six parking areas outside the town offices. Unanimous, The Board was advised that Mr. Vose will donate to the town a large air condi- tioner for the downstairs offices, the town to pay for the water. Town Manager to check regarding this. Upon a motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Zecher it was voted to insert an article in the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting to see if the town will vote to transfer a sum of money from available funds to the Statiliza- tion Fund, or take any action in relation thereto. Unanimous. Requested by Finance Committee, The Board discussed the articles for the special Town Meeting, copy in minute book, and upon a motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Zecher it was voted to sign the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting March 8, 1971 at 8:00 P,M, at the High School. Upon a motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Zecher it was voted that the Finance Committee be commended for completing the budget, Discussion regarding Town reports not available for Town Meeting March 8, 1971 and whether or not the meeting could be held since the budget and articles will be delivered the necessary seven days before the meeting. The Town Counsel advised from a legal point of view to donduct a business meeting without the Town report he would not Advise +,doing;: , and referred to the Town Charter, Dis- cussed possibility of having copies run off and have required material on file at the office of the Town Clerk and Town Manager during business hours. Mrs. Shaw spoke regarding the Special Meeting, and to postpone annual meeting at 7:30 P.M. and have special meeting. Discussion followed. Upon a motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Zecher it was voted to go into executive session. The regular meeting adjourned at 9:55 P.M.