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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 11-3-1971November 3, 1971 Hxecutive session - discussed Rumford Avenue pigeon menace, Motion by Selectman Titus, seconded by Selectman Saunders it was voted to send the following letter to Miss Helen Paine: In view of the fact that you have failed to respond to our letter of September 209 1971 concerning the unhealthly condition of the pigeon menace located on,your premises as stated therein, accordingly unless we hear from you within five days of receipt of this letter we shall have no alternative,other than to seek a criminal complaint at the Fourth District Court in Attleboro, We hope that this recourse will not be necessary. Copies to Reverend WAskell and George wojtkiewicz, Motion to go into open session by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Se- lectman Titus, Motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Caponigro that the Airport Commission be authorized to use the money from the Airport Maint- enance Account #751 -4 to pay for the repairs to the runway, not to exceed $1,968,50, so voted, Selectman Main abstained from voting, Motion to adjourn by Selectman Titus, seconded by Caponigro, so voted, November 3, 1971 Meeting called at 7:30 P,M. Members present: Selectmen Main, Caponigro and Titus, and the Town Manager. Selectman Saunders came to the meeting later. The Chairman read the amount of the Town Treasurer's Warrant in the amount of $1,2439135,55, and brought up voucher #3680 which had a speed letter attached. The speed letter was written by Supt. Ferrier and read as follows: "I have deleted the shipping cost from the subject invoice to keep out of an embassass- ing situation with the Board of Selectmen, and to stay within the required $1,000. limit. I don't know what may have gone wrong, but it was my under- standing that the $995, quoted was FOB Mansfield, and I had so notifed the Board last June after your visit here, flee our P,O. E- 4587'1, Letter written to Allis Chalmers who rebuilt the transformer. The Chairman thought this was going around the law of $1,000, and not going out for bids. It is making a mockery of the town By -Law, since the amount of the bill for the equipment was $995.00, and the total bill, plus freight charge was $10102.95. The Board to write a letter to Mr. Ferrier regarding bidding. Upon a motion by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Selectman Titus it was voted to approve the Treasurer's Warrant in the amount of $1,243,135.55. All in favor. Discussion regarding the vote on page 3 of last week's minutes regarding the purchase of transformers for the Light Department, Upon a motion by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Selectman Titus it was voted to rescind the vote for the purchase of nine transformers to six transformers. All in favor. Upon a motion'by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Selectman Titus it was voted to accept the minutes of last week's meeting. All in favor. Letter read from the Airport Limousine Commuter Service advising that a re- presentative was unable to be present the previous week at the informal hear- ing scheduled, and further advised that permission was requested only to pass through the town on I -95, neither stopping or picking up passengers. Upon a motion by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Selectman Titus it was voted to grant permission to the Airport Limousine Service to pass through the town of Mansfield on I -95 Upon a motion by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Selectman Titus it was voted to grant permission to the Mansfield Midget Football team to sell decals on Sunday, November 7 from 12 :30 to 3:30 P,M. Petition received pertaining to having the Board of Selectmen take necessary action -to slow traffic on Balcom Street. Copy of letter read written by Representative John Ames to Robert Hartnett, Department of Public Works Taunton, regarding the speeding problem on Balcom Street requesting that a check be made on this particular street to determine the validity of the problem and an appropriate speed be posted should such be required. Letter advised that he had checked with the Town Manager so this request is being made with the full understanding and endorsement of town management, 2 Permission requested by Merry Contracting Service to move a building 55x28x25 from 96 Tremont Street about 500 -609 feet down Tremont Street. No action taken regarding request. Petition received from residents of Charles and Oakland Streets requesting that Charles Street be restored or paved for the safety of• pedestrians and motor vehicles, Petition stated that this street is in a deplorable condi.. tion and unsafe, and immediate action is requested, Notice received from the Bristol County Selectmen's Association advising that the next meeting of the Bristol County Selectmen's Association will be held on Thursday, November 18, 1971 at the Assonet Inn, Water Street. Reservations to be made by November 16, 1971. Election of Officers and a surprise program. Letter received from Anthony Sarro and Ralph Sarro, d /b /a Sarro'sp- 11;de:ad_.= vising that they would like to be considered to sell State lottery tickets. When this decision has to be made they requested that consideration be given to them. Discussion regarding Town Report and budget reports. Town Manager advised that he had advertised for bids for the Town Report, and had notified Depart- ment heads to have budgets in by November 15, and Town Report material by December 10, 1971. The Chairman advised that a list should be made of all who have not sent in their budget by November 15,. Letter read from the Town Counsel,regarding the law that provides that no public way may be laid out, altered, relocated or discontinued until the matter has been referred to the Planning Board of its report, or forty ®five days has elapsed without said report, The Board may then act according to Gen. Laws Chapter 82, Section 229 after seven days' notice to the Town Clerk and acceptance by Town Meeting, as provided by Chapter 82, Section 23. Further approval is required by the County Commissioners, Joseph Greaney, Dept. of Community Affairs regarding Council for the Aging. He explained the advantages of having this Council for the senior citizens of the town. Have the approval of the clergy through Reverend SadjAer who was also,,present at the meeting, and advised that the group could meet in his church. Mr. Greaney requested that the Board appoint a study group,- to discuss this project, and to out an article in the Town Meeting Warrant, Recommended a study group of 7011 members, but 7 would be good in a small area. The Board was in favor of the suggestion and the Chairman advised that he would meet with Reverend Sadlier:aegarding:: this amattex. Mrs. Bregnard advised that she had called Boston regarding the census figures, and *had resolved the problem of the +8 count. Verified by recounting of the cards. Another Certificate would be mailed soon, and they will accept the town's figures. Warren Reed before the Board regarding the Back Bay brook situation. He advised his back yard had been flooded last week, and after telephone calls, some men took out a little bit of debris from the brook, and since then the water has started to flow. He wanted to know what the town is going to do to get the brook cleaned out. He had talked to the Highway Superintendent, 3 and the Board and Town Manager discussed the problems and various ways of alleviating the problem. The Board agreed to issue a directive to have the Town Manager clean up this project this week, check on who owns the abutting property, check the whole length of the brook and have Superintendent Richards put a crew on it, Letter read from the Building Inspector regarding the old highway garage, He advised the roof is in very poor repair, sagging and leaking profusely; the walls of the structure appear to be sound with small amount of pointing up to be done, Felt that the structure could be saved with an entire new roof, doors and other woodwork. Cost of repairs versus the cost of replacement would run between $9,000 x$130000. The cost to replace the building would run about $25,000, o $309000. depending upon the extent of the replacement. If the building does not have a present or projected use, it would be wise to demolish it. If it could be:.used for storage he would recommend restoration. The Town Manager advised that the school department has very little storage for bleachers, etc., they could use one section, and the parks and playground department could store equipment for the winter, and the highway department stores equipment there too, Discussion whether to restore old garage or build -a storage building at the highway garage. The Building Inspector advised the roof should be repaired before winter, if the building 1sr toa.be` saved and the Town C6*0sel „ advised . that- No.: .Trespa'ssing signs,.should be put up on the property. Upon a motion by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Selectman Main it was voted to have the Town Manager see that the entrances to the highway garage are boarded up; put No Trespassing signs up, and get an estimate to replace the building with a steel building, andi:repoit back- to.'the.Board.byc November 24, 1971, All -in favor. Selectman Caponigro suggested that the Recreation Commission be asked to come up with some locations for getting space for the Coffee House, but there was no action taken. Mrs. Jellinek read a prepared statement regarding the Fulton Pond project. Chairman advised that this is a conservation project, and the Board has no jurisdiction over this project. Should be taken up with the Conservation Commission, Town Planner advised that the Conservation Commission had made application to the Department of Natural Resources for approval for both Fulton and Kingman ponds, and it was approved, This spring the Conservation Commission also requested a Hatch Act hearing for improvement to the dam, This application has not been approved, but developed in accordance with orders of Natural Resources in 1970. All it would take is a request by the Commission to request an extension of time for construction. All requirements have been fullfilled. Discussion regarding approval from the Board of Appeals regarding the removal of gravel, and.Chairman.of the Commission Robert Jones advised they had applied. Discussion regarding permit not being required for material of this type, Town Manager advised that we received a low bid because the material was not suitable for sale as gravel. Lincoln Holske before the Board regarding request by residents of town to have Slow.;and; stop >signs:inetalled, and questioned.``the>:StopssigW at-thes:corner -;of Mill and :Bast; Street, Presented a plan which he•: had drawn regarding this sign. Advised there were other streets such as Stearns Avenue, Franklin Street. 4 - and Lawndale Road that have no Stop signs, and these streets come out on Route 10.0, Traffic is four times greater, Should be a Yield sign rather than a Stop sign, The Board took the matter under advisement. Copy of letter from the Town Counsel to the Planning Board read regarding proposed revision of the Mansfield Subdivision Rules and Regulations advising that he had reviewed the proposed revisions, and advised of several suggestions regarding the proposal. Letter read from the Planning Board.which was sent to Robert Jones, Chairman of the Conservation Commission regarding Fulton Pond - gravel excavation The Board had reviewed the proposed specifications$ and noted three dis- crepancies$ and' that_. no 1. Hatch Act hearing was held or application filed for the removal of the gravel within the pond. It would appear that because a new plan was submitted for channel relocation any previous approvals would not be valid. The proper procedure for application of a gravel removal permit has not been followed up to this dates in accordance with the Zoning By -Laws, Letter read from the Town Manager to the Planning Board regarding future planning for the Highway Department. Asked for consideration regarding Selectmenss Expense account.as to whether this should be Selectmness Exp, or Planning._Board .Expense. .Feit.it.should be Selectmenss but would like an opinion. Listed streets: -to be laid out which need new.construction and drainages that the Highway Department could do; sidewalks; Chapter 90 work; replacement of dam on East Street that controls the water.table at Cate Spring; relocation of Maple Street, Thought that with the new Administrative Supt$ Edward Richards that we w4l be able to complete some of these projects in 1972, Letter read from the Planning Board in answer to the above letter from the Town Manager advising that the Planning Board still wishes to maintain its own Engineering account,and does not anticipate requesting an additional amount at this time. This account is used for special engineering studies and not for specific projects as they believe that engineering costs for specific projects should be part of the total cost of the project, The Planning Board feels that the street improvements$ as well as water and sewer should be outlined on a long range basis$ and a program established for the annual maintenance$ and or reconstruction on a specific time table, This work would be carried out in conjunction with the Capital Improvement Program, Each street improvement project could be incorporated into the total program, Projects should be listed on a priority basis. A comprehensive listing of all anticipated projects should be prepared for annual capital improvements and scheduled over the next six year period, and presented at Town Meeting in order to vote on the needed capital expenditures. Request received from Edward L. and Dolores M. Bensons DBA - Manat Realty Trust regarding land shown as Parcel I'D" proposed Garden Street as shown on an attached plan. They are interested in purchasing this parcel of land$ and request the Board's assistance in determing the proper procedure to do so. There are some doubts regarding the ownership of this proposed street, They would like to purchase this property, clean it up, fill it in and include it in landscaping plans since it adjoins their property on Pleasant Street, The Town Counsel advised that if the town owns the land the title might not be too good, Would have to go to Land Court and find out who owns its check with the Assessors to see if it is actually town property, If town owned it would have to go to Town Meeting. Suggested getting an Attorney to check it out, - 5 - Notice received that the Planning Board will hold a public hearing at 8 :00 P.M. on November 15, 1971 regarding the application of Nancy Skein regarding a subdivision located off of Elm Street, Letter received from the Planning Board regarding the petition of Cavallo and Signoriello for the rezoning of land located on the southerly side of Chauncy Street and the northerly side of Bella Vista Avenue from a Residence A and B Zone to a Business Zone advising the Planning Board held the required hearing on October 4, 1971, and voted on October 18, 1971 that based upon:�the work;''. that is presently being done towards comprehensive zoning changes which will be presented to the 1971 Town Meeting, this petition may present a conflict with the proposed recommendations of those changes, At this time the Board recommends indefinite postponement of this petition, The "petition to be considered as part of the overall change to the Zoning and may look favorably upon a change of at least some portion of this property to a Business Zone, Copy of letter read sent to Alfred Edwards, Chairman of the Southeastern Region. al Planning and Economic Development District from the Planning Board advising that the Board looks favorably upon the Regional Solid Waste Study which will be completed by the District, The Board voted to prdvide the necessary in -kind services to the District in order to complete this project, The time that 'the Town Planner will spend on this project would be determined by a formula equit- able to that of other communities in the District. Letter from the Planning Board to the Board with copy of above letter advising the Planning Board has offered the in -kind services of the Town Planner and recommends that a similar procedure be adopted by the Selectmen concerning the Town Manager and the Administrative Highway Superintendent, Letter read from the Department of Public Health regarding the proposed con- struction of a well on the Dustin site, The letter reviewed previous tests made, and advised that further tests conducted this at the Dustin site showed the presence of hydrocarbons in excess of the State Health Department's limits, as well as detectable amounts of specific contaminants. It was thought at one time there was a possibility of removing contaminants such as these from a water supply by use of carbon filters. More recent experience shows that such treatment does not have the degree of reliability needed when deal- ing with a drinking water supply. The Department continues to be of the opinion that the Dustin site is not now suitable for the development of a source of public water supply, and urges the Board to proceed with the development of Witches Pond area. Discussion regarding this matter, and the Town Counsel advised that with regard to the Witches Pond area, appraisals will be necessary to determine the value of the land to be taken. Discussion regarding putting money in the budget for water research for another well site. Letter read from the Municipal Airport Commission regarding the bids for repairs to runway 14 -32 which were advertised as required and approved by the Airport Commission. The Triram Corporation was the only bidder and the Airport Com- mission has approved the bid. The Commission has the right to enter into con- tracts for such work, but since the budget for 1971 is the responsibility of the Selectmen, acting as Airport Commissioners, they should also approve of this expenditure. The two members of the Board that could vote had no objection, and the Chairman abstained from voting. - 6 - Communication received from the Massachusetts Selectmen's Association regard- ing the bill signed by the Governor authorizing retirement credit for service as a Selectman which outlined the text of the new law. Letter read from Robert C. Currivan regarding the damages incurred at the Cate Spring pumping station. He advised that the deductible clause under the insurance it $10,000. and there will be no claim for the insurance company to take care of. Hearing set for 8:15 P.M. November 17, 1971 on the petition of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to place and maintain buried cable, etc. on Stearns Avenue from existing pole 80 at East Street extending northeasterly thence southeasterly to property line 375 feet buried cable. Two request & received from Paul MitrangoInc. for illuminated signs; one 8tx8t and one for an lltxlly sign to be installed on lot between Route 106 and Pratt Street, near Pratt Street. After discussion it was agreed to refer these applications to the Building Inspector for his recommendations. Letter received from the Board of Registrars advising that after reviewing Chapter 43B, Section 3 of the General Laws; that they have certified the re- quired number of valid signatures on the petition for the revision of the Town Charter. It was suggested that the Board adopt a vote placing this question on the ballot. Upon a motion by Selectman Titus, seconded by Selectman Saunders it was voted to place the petition for the revision of the Town Charter on the ballot for the Annual Town Election. All in favor. Application received from Leon Grant for permission for a sign 41x51 at his place of business, Grant's Loam and Garden, Grants Plolaris. ,Sign to be located on land of Mr. Aiken. Board referred application to the Assistant Building Inspector for recommendation The Board approved the request for transfer from the Town Accountant for $32.50 to be transferred from the Reserve Fund to the Election and Registration Salaries Account Ad to be put in the News for a special fall clean up starting November 15 for the west side of North Main Street, and November 22, for the east side. Town Manager advised that he had received one bid for repairs on the crawler tractor in the amount of $3,419.36, and has already ordered the work to be started. The Town Manager reported on the bids received for 121 dump stake body to be mounted on truck chassis, Jannell & Son Body Company was low bid in the amount of $1,123. When questioned regarding the Town Report bid, Town Manager ad- vised that he has advertised for bids. - 7 - Selectman Titus brought up about having a playground for Bast Mansfield. He had discussed it with Louis Cinelli, Chairman of the Recreation Commission. Feel it should be somewhere in the common area, and he felt the Commission would gladly "develop any park that would be available. Have the Board find some land suitable for a playground area and turn it over to the Recreation Commission. A motion was made by Selectman Titus, and seconded by Selectman Caponigro to appoint Charles Campbell as an associate member of the Board of appeals. There was a discussion about making appointments in this way, and Selectman Titus withdrew his motion. Board would like to get as many names as possible before making appointments. The Board will hold a workshop session on November 10, 1971 instead of its regular meeting. Upon a motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Titus it was voted to go into executive session. The regular meeting adjounred at 11=15 p.M.