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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 11-17-1971November 17, 1971 Executive session: Board discussed letter from Light Department Superintendent re- questing an extension of sick leave for Billy Robertson, no action was taken. The Town Manager presented the proposal of W, Coyle for appraisal of Witches Pond area landtaking, the price quoted was $900. The :Board authorized tlje Town Manager to go ahead with the appraisal. November 17, 1971 Meeting opened at 7:35 P,M, All members present and the Town Manager. The Chairman read,the amount of the Treasurer's Warrant in the amount of $101,007.02, The Chairman questioned regarding a voucher for bills for the Police Department which dated back to the first of the year,, and a meeting will be set up with the Chief for December 1, 1971 to discuss the problem, Discussion regarding going out for bids for the townts landfill site- put two articles in Warrant; one for going out for bid, and one for a piece of equipment. Gilbert Sullivan, from the Traffic Division.of the State Department of Public Works and Charles Gotgart from the Registry of Motor Vehicles before the Board to explain the procedure regarding - .speed, imi;t'signs,'Several streets were mentioned by the Board regarding speeding areas,and Balcom, Elm, School and Oakland were decided upon to be done first. The State will conduct a study with a Police Officer, and if the Chief is in agreement a regulation will be prepared for the Board for adoption. Selectman Titus questioned regarding the Stop sign at Mill and East Street, and Mill and Essex Streets which had been put up as a safety measure, but not approved, Mr, Sullivan advised that in this respect the Board should write a letter to the County Engineer asking him regarding installing Stop signs at certain locations, and he will send someone up to investigate. Money is available for radar, and the cost would be approximately $good, which is reimbursable to the town. Should have a radar, then:the speed limit is realistic. Information regarding the radar may be obtained from James Stratford, Division of Highway Safey, State House, Boston, At 8 :00 P.M, a hearing was held on the petition of the Brockton Taunton Gas Company for permission to install approximately 2501 of welded steel gas mains on Creeden Street from Central Street to a point 2501 up Creeden Street, There was no opposition, and upon a motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Titus it was voted to grant permission for the installation. Upon a motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Titus it was voted to approve the Treasurer's Warrant, and to check on Vouchers 3873, 3874 and and 3979 for further information. The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted. The Chairman brought up about the submission of budgets. Everyone was given a deadline for turning in their budgets to the Town Manager. Five Departments have not submitted their budget, and the Board agreed that Selectman Titus l would check regarding the Police Department ;'Selectman Caponigro the Fire De- partments Selectman Main Building Inspector and Cors;o_,rirat-iog Commission, and Selectman Saunders the Industrial Development and Financing Authority, The Chairman complimented those who had turned in their budget,: - 2 - Hearing held at 8s15 P.M, on the petition of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to place and maintain buried cable, etc. on Stearns Avenue to serve the Stivaletti Complex. Mr. Melpignano was present from the Telephone Company, and there was no opposition. Upon a motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Titus it was voted to grant per- mission for the installation. Letter received from Mrs; Jellinek regarding complaint about two dogs chasing her cat# Letter referred to the Dog Officer. Letter read from W. Chadwick Maurer, Town Planner to Town Counsel enclosing copies of the agreement betweenWaldor Realty Corp. and the Bella Construction Corporation for the installation of the required improvements with the Pine Needle Park Subdivision. Requested the Town Counsel's opinion since Waldor Realty intends to use this agreement as a substitute for bonding as is re- quired by the Subdivision Rules. Letter read from Chad Maurer, Town Planner regarding the Town Meeting vote with regard to petitioning the State Board.of.Standards.for adoption of the Building Officials Conference of.America!s Basic Building Codes excepting those sections that are in conflict with the State Codes and Regulations. This review by the Bureau of Standards is necessary.prior to the formal adoption of the Building-Code to.the Bureau of Standards. The Planning Board recommends that the necessary action be taken in order that a revised Building Code can be presented to the 1972 Town Meeting. Copy of letter from the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District written to the Assessors requesting each municipality to provide the District with assistance in inventorying uncommitted public land. Letter of resignation received from Sumner E. Merrill Communications Director of Civil Defense, effective December 15, 1971. Mr. Merrill has served under Civil Defense since it was started after World War ::II. The Chairman advised Mr. Merrillts resignation was a great loss to Civil Defense. The Board agreed to accept with regret his resignation, and to send him a letter of appreciation for his long years of service. Letter received from Representative John Ames regarding the deadline for filing legislation is December 1, 1971. He advised that if the town is still in- terested in getting the State to take over the maintenance of the two problem underpasses in town if a copy of the bill that Walter O'Brien filed is sent to him that he will include it with bills to be filed before December It 1971. The Board discussed the problems at the underpasses and agreed that if the State would take over the maintenance of the structures, the town would take care of the snow removal. Letter read by Mrs. Jellinek regarding the improvement of Brown Avenue under Chapter 90 started this summer. Questioned that it was not done under State specifications and no drainage put iw and that there is further work to be done. It is her understanding that Brown Avenue will be extended out to West Street within the next two years, most likely through her land. She advised that she would appreciate that whoever will be in charge of the layout get in touch with her so that she can show what is involved. The Board advised her nw� there were no immediate plans for this project. Letter from Chad Maurer, Town Planner advising that.Daniel,Potter, Regional Supervisor of the Mass, Department of Natural Resources reviewed a drainage problem:on Ware; - Street involving the altering of a- stream causing a well to go dry in the area. A portion of the wet land area was filled and a duplex house is now under construction on the site. The diversion of the stream and the filling of the wet lands should have been controlled under the Hatch Act, The owner of this property is Patrick Walsh of Ware Street, Mr, Potter recommended that work be discontinued on the house or on the diversion of the stream until Mr. Walsh has filed a plan with the Board of Selectmen and the Department of Natural Resources. A.stop work:_order will be issued by the State within the next few days, but such action could.be taken by the Board of Selectmen immediately, Mr, Maurer requested the Board to take immediate action regarding the problem, The Board of Health directed the Plumbing Inspector to investigate, Charles Jones, Plumbing Inspector advised the Board that he was leaving November 20 and will be gone one month, Francis Jones, Assistant Plumbing Inspector will take over his duties, Copy of letter from Town Planner to Christopher Clancy of Cabot, Cabot and Forbes read regarding the Planning Board's conern about the intersection of Forbes Boulevard and Chauncy Street as it creates a safety problem, The Planning Board will support any long range plan that CC,& F, might have to install traffic signals at this intersection. Advised installing more effective warning devices at this intersection to prevent future traffic accidents. Further discussion regarding the Ware Street problemi and upon a motion by Selectman Titus, seconded by Selectman Saunders it was voted that mpon receipt of the letter from the_:State. regarding the Stop Order that the Board of Select:. men, acting as the Board of Health, would require the Building Inspector to revoke the building permit for the premises. Letter read from the Town Counsel regarding Gladys Holmes vs. the Town. He advised that he presented the townts position and after argument of counsel the Court Judge Ponte ordered that the temporary restraining order be dissolved. The case has been referred to a Master with hearings to begin. December 1, in Taunton, The Town Counsel advised that Mrs. Holmes' predecessor owned the land in ques- tion since 1861, The railroad owned the property since 1858, and the General Laws provides that you can not have adverse possession against the railroad. The pine trees and fence are within the taking of the Old Colony Railroad pro- perty, if there is any one trespassing it ks.:the:.,ownerj:ndt, the, town, Letter read from Robert Almeida, Communications Officer of the Attleboro Civil Defense extending sincere thanks to the Mansfield Civil Defense for their immediate help in the intensive search on October 17 for Mr, Johnson of Attleboro, Through the efforts of all units, Mr. .Johnsone was located. ® 4 Notice received from Louis.F, Saba, Director of the Massachusetts Civil Defense Agency that effective November 8, 1971 Mr, Harry Pardee is appoint- ed Acting Director of Area II, Massachusetts Civil Defense Agency, Letter received from the Town Counsel in answer to Edward Richards, Adminis- trator-Superintendent summarizing the procedure wherein a private way is accepted to be a public way by the town. Notice received from the Southeastern Association of Boards of Health re- garding the next meeting to be held on Wednesday, December 8, 1971 at the 'Casa Berrianell Restaurant in Marshfield, The speaker for the evening will be Mfr, Robert F, Troy, Chief Attorney from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health; his topic will be "The Legal Authority of a Board of Health", Reservations to be returned by Friday, December 3, 1971, A hearing was set for December 1, 1971 at 800 P.M. on the application of the Brockton Taunton Gas Company for permission to install 21, welded steel gas mains on all streets within the approved Brookside Estates Subdivision, Two requests received from the Firefighters Local 1820 IAFF and the Mans- field Police Association for questions to be put on the ballot at the Annual Town Elections Question 1; "Shall the town, in addition to the payment of fifty per cent of a premium for contributory group life and health insurance for employees in the service of the town and their dependents, pay a sub- sidiary or additional rate ?" and question 2, "Shall the town, in addition to the payment of fifty per cent of a premium for contributory.group life and; health insurance for employees retired from the service of the town, and their dependents, pay a subsidiary or additional rate ?" The Board referred to the Town Counsel,, , 4 The Town Manager advised the Board that he had received an estimate for a steel building, a steel shell on piers, which was $47,000, He advised that the water department and sewer department operation should be pulled into the highway department, All equipment kept in one area to operate from the highway department, Should set up a maintenance garage on rolling stock. Upon a motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Caponigro it was voted to approve the bid of Hendricks Sales, Inc, for aerial cable in the amount of $14,294,04, as recommended by L. Ferrier, All in favor, The Town Manager advised the Board that the Treasurer will have to borrow money for the sewer project on West Street, which requires a vote of the Board, Upon a motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Caponigro it was voted that the Board of Selectmen authorize the Town Treasurer to borrow $140,000, forthe payment of the construction cost of the West StJ7eet Sewer Project, (Reference made to the annual business meeting of the legal voters of the Town of Mansfield on February 23, 1971, who voted in favor of Article 5 to raise and appropriate $321,000, for the.construction of a sewer main on West Street,) The Town Manager advised of the bids received for the garbage packer, Henry ( Allison of Littleton,-New Hampshire was high bidder in the amount of $1,800, and the Board agreed to accept the bid, and if he does not take it,:-it would go to the next bidder, Beam Disposal in the amount of $1,227, by December 1, 1971 - 5 - The Town Manager reported on the figure received from the Merchant's Burglar Alarm for the windows and 3 doors in the downstairs offices - $190.00 and a $9.00 a month rental fee, and the Board.agreed to have this done. Discussion regarding putting an article in the Warrant to take land in the general area of the Dustin well, along with the Witches pond well site article, Apparently another well site was tested in the vicinity when the Dustin well site was tested. To check with Whitman and Howard regarding this other well site. Upona:motion.by.Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Titus it was voted to cancel the meeting of November 24, All in favor. December 14, 1971 the Board will hold a workshop session, specifically to line up the articles for the Town Meeting. Meeting will be open, but not official. Forbes Boulevard was discussed regarding the dangerous condition at this intersection with Rt. 106, and upon a motion by Selectman Titus, seconded by Selectman Saunders it was voted to complete ly, block - off�ahe'fidrth -`side of Route 106 within the limits of Route 106 layout until further action by this Board. On the request of Herbert Levine, the Board agreed to ;put.;up , a ,' sign :on- Walnut Street eliminating; :trunks' in' a 'residenti'al area, Discussion regarding the old highway garage,. Upon a motion by Selectman Titus, seconded by Selectman Saunders it was voted to instruct the Town Manager to have the Highway employees shore up the roof and Board up the windows and doors until further action is taken by the Board, All in favor, Upon a motion by Selectman Titus, seconded by Selectman Saunders it was voted to appoint Charles Campbell an Associate „member of the Board of Appeals, Chairman Main abstained from voting, Upon a motion by Selectman Titus, seconded by Selectman Saunders it was voted to appoint the following to,. the Investigation Committee for the Council of the Aging: Mrs, Edith Ennis Mrs, Silvia?Moro Mrs. Gardner Alexander Mrs, Eva Strese Reverend Wilbur B. Sadleir Mrs. Nora P. Bayley. Mrs. Laura Chap*an James Tarte Chairman Main brought up about the problems in bidding and suggested that that the amount necessary for requesting bids be raised from $1,000, to $2,000, an article to be placed in the Warrant for this, and upon a motion by Selectman Titus, seconded by Selectman Saunders it was voted to increase the limits for bidding from $1,000, to $2,000, Discussion regarding the approving of school vouchers on the weekly Warrant, Upon a motion by Selectman Main, seconded by Selectman Titus it was voted to instruct the Town Accountant to have one warrant broken down into two parts, Members of the Environmental Health Committee before the Board. The Chairman displayed and described two maps regarding the expansion of the land fill site, advising that we are running out of space for disposal of material. Should consider other sites. The present land fill site is 26 acres, and consideration should be given to purchase two parcels of land adjoining the site which are owned by Mr. Dor.rance and Mr. Seltzem. Suggested that this might be a suitable site for the expansion of the land fill site. Three steps should be considered; call iWithe State Department of Public Health to determine whether or not they approve the site; have a survey made of the property in question, and have an appraisal made regarding the cost of the property for an article for the Town Meeting. There was further discussion regarding the matter. Won a motion by Selectman Caponigro, seconded by Selectman Titus it was voted to go into executive session. The regular meeting adjourned at 11a05:'$4,.M.