HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 10-6-1971EXBCUTIVE SESSIQVS
October 60 1971
Chairman Main discussed security at the Town Collector's office during
peak tax periods.
Meeting adjourned at 11:15 P.M.
October 13, 1971
Executive session 9:55 P.M.
Board interviewed Mr. Edward W. Richards for the position of Superintendent
of the Highway Department,
10:10 P.M. Meeting with Mr, Welsh, Mr, Wise of Merkins Chocolate and Don Breda
of Camp, Dresser and McKee. Meeting was to discuss Merkens sewerage discharge
and schedule and plan of their planned facilities. Mr. Breda discussed the
town sewer treatment plant details. Mr. Welsh and Mr. Wise explained the
status of their plans.
Olen session: Motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Titus to
go into open ssion.
The Board discussed Mr. Richard's qualifications and approved Mr. Camp's rec-
ommendation to hire him as Administrative Superintendent of the Highway Depart-
ment at a salary of $11,176, per year. He is to start work October 14, 1971.
Voted unanimously.
The Board discussed the Treasurer's broken check writer, The Board advised
to
the Town Manager not /repair, but to get prices for a new one.
October 6, 1971
Meeting called at 7:31 P.M.
Members present: Selectman Main, Saunders, Caponigro and Titus, and the
Town Manager.
Upon a motion by Selectman Cponigro, seconded by Selectman Titus it was
voted to approve the Treasurer's Warrant in the amount of $45,806.17. All
in favor.
Upon a motion by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Selectman Titus it was
voted to approve the minutes of the last meeting as distributed.
Request received from the Commander of Foreign Wars that permission be given
to sell Poppies between the dates of October 21 and October 25, 1971. Upon a
motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Titus it was voted to
grant permission. All in favor.
Upon a motion by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Selectman Saunders it was
voted to grant permission to the Massachusetts Electric Company for one pole
location on Chauncy Street, (original grant 1955).
The Board received a letter from the Massachusetts Selectmen's Association
with a copy of the 1971 M.S.A. 'Survey on Town Government', the survey has
been expanded to cover several new items. Towns that have Charter Commissions
or town studies under way are invited to contact the MSA office for any in-
formation on town government. Any copies of current studies, or reports
would be appreciated for the MSA records.
Letter read from Cushner & Cushner, Attorneys written by Harold Jacobi,Atty.
for Mr. Parente, advising that he is prepared to meet with hydrologists and
engineers from C.C.& F., Department of Natural Resources, as well as with
the consulting Engineer hired by the town. In talking with Mr. Maurer it
was learned that such a meeting could be arranged; but the meeting would take
place in the latter part of next week rather than this week. The letter ad-
vised that the Department of Natural Resources has extended the report dead-
line from the town of Mansfield to 'October 27, 1971, as per Mr. Maurer's re-
presentations.
Discussion regarding the consultants getting together for a meeting. Mr.
Maurer had received another call that the State would not be able to meet
at a suggested meeting since the original engineer left the State, and they
did not know when they could hold this meeting Final plans are for the Board
to meet with the Planning Board and its consultant on Tuesday, October 12 at
8 :00 P.M,
Memo received from Representative John Ames on• copy ,of letter he received from
the Department of Public Works regarding a briefing on the relocation of
Route 140 in the towns of Norton, Mansfield and Foxboro to be held on Monday,
October 18, 1971 at 10;30 A,M, in the Auditorium, fourth floor of the Depart-
ment headquarters, .100 Nashua Street, Boston,
2 -
Letter read from John P. Dillon, 14 Court Street with an enclosed estimate of
the cost to replace the shrubs and trees damaged in connection with the town
grading and resurfacing the Old Colony Railroad Line. The estimated cost for
planting, seeding of plants, shrubs, etc, was $650.00 The estimated cost for
landscaping, if a fence were installed for the property line, would be $400.
Letter read from the Planning Board regarding the town following the Zoning
By -Law. The Board is of the opinion regarding Fulton Pond gravel removal
that where the area is in Residence B zone it is necessary that the town obtain
the necessary permits for the removal of the gravel. Letter referred to Robert
Jones, Chairman of the Conservation Commission.
The Board invited to the joint installation of the American Legion Post 198 and
Auxiliary to be held on October 10, 1971 at 7:00 P.M. at the Legion Home.
Copy of letter read from the Planning Board to the Town Counsel regarding an
opinion regarding the Board's decision regarding a preliminary subdivision plan
entitled Highland Estates for land located in West Mansfield.. On November 23,
1970 a Preliminary Subdivision Plan was filed with the Town Clerk, The Planninc
Board sent a letter to the applicant indicating that they voted not to grant
tentative approval of the plan for specified reasons indicated in a letter to
the applicant. The formal submission to the town on this plan was submitted to
the town clerk, but the Planning Board turned down the application because the
definitive plan did not contain all of the information required in the Subdivi-
sion Rules and Regulations. When the petitioner submitted the plan which con-
tained the information required, the time element was considered and the Plan-
ning Board advised they considering the submission as a new submission under
the Subdivision Rules and Regulations because more than seven months had
elapsed from the time that the preliminary plan was submitted.
The Town Counsel advised the Planning Board that the action taken by the Planninc
Board was proper in that it was considered the definitive subdivision plan
filed September 1971 as a new submission because more than seven months had
expired since the filing of the preliminary plan on November 23, -1970.
Upon a motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Titus it was voted
to sign a Proclamation designating October 31 through November 6, 1971 as
Mentally Retarded Children's Week.
Letter received from Robert Button, Civil Defense Director, with an attached
copy to be sent to all town departments and boards concerning surplus property
available from the Federal and State governments, and the procedures to be
followed in obtaining this material. The letter requested that all departments
make a listing of desired items so that he can submit it and get our name high
on the waiting list,
Mrs. Margot Jellinek read a prepared statement regarding the specifications for
Fulton's Pond. She advised that according to last week's vote she had paid for '
her copy of the plans and specifications, but the advertisement did not specify
there would be a charge for the specs to anyone beside a qualified bidder. The
statement dealt with the amount of gravel to be removed, and she advised what
the town should receive per cubic yard for this gravel. Discussed the amount
of the bond required and the Zoning By -Law with regard to the contractor sub-
- 3 -
mitting to the Planning Board for its approval a topographical map showing the
contours of the existing land. After approval the contractor shall apply for
a public hearing on a variance to remove the gravel. A discussion followed,
(Mrs. Jellinekts statement in minute book),
The Board met with members of the Bungay Lake Association. The Association
felt that with the Town of Foxboro drawing from this small area, and now
Mansfield too, that it would effect Bungay Lake. If the water table is lowerec
it would have hazardous effects, and there maybe legal action. There are one
hundred families that have individual wells for water. If the lake is down
where will they get their water. Also, there are property values to be con-
sidered.
The Chairman advised that the Town Engineers, Whitman and Howard, do not think
it will do any harm to draw one million> gallons from this area. The Associa-
tion felt there are times during the year when you can draw one million gallon:
without much harm, but during a drought, this water is not available in that
watershed, If it is drawn down and pumped into another supply, there is a
question that the small aqueducts will ever come back again. Once this is
done, the town has thrown money away. This area also might effect the other
wells the town has in West Mansfield. All towns are going to one water supply,
The value of the property on Bungay Lake will be diminished if the lake goes
down.
There was discussion regarding the town talking about this area for many years,
There is no question but what someone is going to grab this water. If the
town uses it, it can be controlled, Discussion regarding setting up a meeting
with Representatives Ames, Bliss and Volterra and Senator Quinlan, Bungay
Lake Associates, Foxboro and Mansfield Selectmen to see if the group could
come up with something -might be that there are other sources of water.
The State has approved the Witches Pond area for the town. The Town Manager
discussed the map where wells have been tested by Whitman and Howard. Tested
15 places north of Rt, 95 and 15 south as far as Norton. Number 71 Witches
Pond is the only one that shoes any sign of water, and is 2,0001 from Bungay
Lake. Would not pump more than one -half millions gallons a day, the rest
of the time the pumps are not pumping 24 hours a day. The townts big supply
is out of Cates Spring. Also, we do not have large enough mains in that area.
The Environmental Health Committee met with the Board. Herb Levine read a
report from the committee with recommendations for the land fill site, and
other recommendations. The land fill operation should be properly operated.
There should be additional resources to expand the present land fill operation.
Recommended the burying of tree stumps, brush, etc. on private property under
proper conditions. Must be fifty feet away from construction, and no new
construction should be placed on the filled area for a period of years.
State rules are forced upon the town, and we have to comply with all of the
State regulations, The Committee is not impressed with the operation of
the present land fill site, and would not recommend another land fill site.
Should be an administrative program set up, with a chain of command.
Suggested industrial and manufacturing properties and contractors doing work
on property in town should pay a fee starting with the second load each month,
this money to be put into a fund, There was a discussion regarding putting
the land fill site under a contractor.
4
.Petition signed by 50 people presented to the Environmental Health Committee,
given to the Selectmen regarding the problem of pollution and discomfort of ,
odors created by the Merckens Chocolate Company, The Board to discuss the
matter with Mr, Wise,
Upon a motion by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Selectman Saunders it was
voted to approve sewer permits for George Generoux, 115 Rumford Avenue; Peter
Fontanini, 40 Grove Street and Frank Signoriello, Central Street,
Upon a motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Titus it was voted
to appoint Paul Burke, 31 Belleview Drive a member of the Finance Committee,
Discussion regarding traffic plan in center of town, and putting an article in
the Town Warrant for the former Old Colony Railroad land.
Selectman Caponigro advised the Board that the Town Hall Study Committee is
going to have a meeting on the 21st of October at Room 227 at the High School
at 8s00 P.M. Committees and townspeople are invited'to come to the meeting.
On behalf of the Citizens' Scholarship Fund, Robert Menga will give a benefit
concert at the High School on November 5, 1971, It was requested that the
Board sign a Proclamation declaring November 5, 1971 Robert Menga Day in town,
Upon a motion by Selectman Titus, seconded by Selectman Saunders it was voted
to declare November 5, 1971 Robert Menga Day,
Selectman Titus advised that he had viewed theold town garage with a builder,.
Found that the walls that are existing are in good shape, and the floor is in
good shape. A rough. estimate of the cost to put on a new roof, close the
building in would be about $10,000. Would be a good storage space, should
not let it remain in the condition it is now,
Discussion regarding the application of Donald and Mary Reed for a taxi license.
Agreed to have Mr. Reed in next week for a discussion.
Upon a motion by Selectman Titus, seconded by Selectman Caponigro it was voted
that the C,S.F, Committee be permitted to sell popcorn at the football games
at Memorial Park, the location of equipment to be approved by the Recreation
Committee,
Upon a motion by Selectman Titus, seconded by Selectman Saunders it was voted to
give permission for the use of Memorial Park to Mr. Long for a baseball league
on Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings, (New League for individuals from
12 to 15 years of age).
Upon a motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Titus it was voted
to go into executive session.
The regular meeting adjourned at 10:50 P,M,
Margot Jellinek
I551 West Street
Mansfield2 Mass. 02048
October 6,I971
Board of Selectmen:
Last Nenesday,September 299you voted that any citizen could purchase at
the cost of one dollar per page,any specification for bids,advertised by
the town.
Of course the information is puplic propertytand I agree that the cost of
making up the many sets needed for all the many people who want to bid on
ouer projectsFis a drain on the town treasury.
It is my feeling that at least one copy should be made avalable for pu-
blic inspection at the town office buildingIat no cost.
Since this was not possi.ble,I, purchased for the pi:ice of $ 27.00,the spe-
cification for the bids on Fulton fond.
your advertisement for Fulton Pond bids,on September 23,6 days before
your vote,made no mention of a chage for the specification,nor a distinc-
tion between a qualified bidder and a not qualified bidderpto be deter -
m6W by the town manager.
Gentlemen,this is what I purchased for my $ 27s
The bids says I) Supplementary general conditions shall have precedence
when they conflict with the.AIA set of general Conditions wich are part
of these specification.
Nowhere in the specification are there a set of Amerdcan Institute Of Ar-
chi-tects,Ceneral Conditions.
A) The contractor will furnish the heat,fuel,electricity and water that
is needed for the construction of this contract.
B) The Contractor will pay for all temporary work on electrical heating
that he may feel is necessary to protect his material and work.
8) The Contractor shall keep the building broom clean at all times., and
other matters that refer more to a possible reconstruction or alterations
of a building,than to the excavation of gravel.
The specification ,)conterdi.ct themself,Onder 9,acceptance of work:
The final acceptance of material and workmanship will be the responsibi-
lity of the town managertwhile on page 2 of the specifications, it says,
the work will be under the direction of th engineer and the town ma.nvMr.,
and the supervision of the engineer.
As a taxpayer and part owner like the rest of the taxpayers, of the town,
I feel that the town should. realize the maximum dollar income for a job
such as this.
The contractor is being asked to remove at least onehundredsixty thousand
I60.000,cubic yards of gravel, if not more.
With the present demand. of gravel,the town should receive at least 35c,/
per cubic yard,for the first 160.000acbic yards,and at least 25c/p per
cubic yardsfor anything over that amount..
';fe are talking about an amount in excess of � 50.000 income to the town.
At first I could not understand why we did not recieve any bids when
gravel is so desparatly needed aisl over this areatbut after reading the
specification,l can understand the reluctancy to bid on this job.
With a job of such magnitude ,I do not think that it would be wise for the
town,only to ask for a bond of $10 000.
The town had a bond of 3 I0.000,on the renovation of the police station in
the old town haRL19Wich has proven not to be sufficient.
Don't you think that a bond of 25.000 dollars for the Fulton Pond project
would be more realistic,since it is possible for a contractor to remove the
best gravel and than default,thereby leaving the town with the expence of
finishing the job,for about $ 25.000.
Last but not least,the sample contract /172 reads as follows$
The contractor agrees to conform at all times with all applicable laws•of
Massachusetts and the-Town,wich are hereby incorporated into this contract
�y�reerence _____
Therefore under the Ma.nsirield Zoning By ® Law,the contractor shall submit
to the -planning board for there approval_a topo grahpical map,gilbving the
existing contours of the land and thecontours as they are proposed after
the compl.iti -on of the operation. -With the approved pl.an,the contractor shall
apply for a public hearing on a variance to remove gravel,as Fulton POnU
does not lay in agriculturer zone,to the Appeals Board.,whQwill advertice
the public heari.ng,two weeks in succession.
Margot Jellinek
r,
f