HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 9-24-1969September 24, 1969
i Meeting called at 7:40 P.M.
All members present, and the Town Manager.
The Chairman read the amount of the Treasurer's Warrant, and Selectman Zecher
suggested accepting the Warrant with the exception of voucher #2796 which
will be submitted at a later date, and charged to Selectmen's Engineering
Expense instead of Highway Expense. The Town Manager advised that he had
checked with the Chairman of the Finance Committee and the bill for $312.00
charged to the Highway Expense can be charged to Selectmen's Engineering
Expense by making a transfer from available funds. After further discussion,
upon a motion by Selectman Saunders, seconded by Selectman Zecher it was voted
to accept the Warrant in the amount of $88,469.40, minus voucher #2796.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved with corrections to be made
as noted.
Upon a motion by Selectman Clemmey, seconded by Selectman Zecher it was voted
to grant permission to Calvin E. Russell, Commander of the V.F.W. Post to
sell Buddy Poppies from October 27, 1969 up to and including Veterans' Day,
November 11, 1969, the proceeds to be used for the Post's relief fund.
The Board received an invitation from the American Legion Post #198 to partici-
pate in the Veterans' Day activities on November 11, 1969.
Letter received from the Planning Board calling to the Selectmen's attention
several matters of mutual interest that are pending advising that their Board
would appreciate the Selectmen making an effort in the future to improve com-
munications between the two Boards.
Letter received from Ralph Seifert regarding the suggestions made by him a
few weeks ago regarding how the Airport Commissioners can provide the needed
leadership necessary to develop the Airport into a profitable operation. The
Board to refer the letter to the Airport Advisory Committee.
Letter received from James D. Mullen, Jr., Clerk of the North Easton Board of
Selectmen advising that it had been brought to that Board's attention that
there is a possibility of the Town renewing dumping operations near the Easton -
Mansfield line. The letter cited the difficulty in the past of pollution to
the private wells in the vicinity, and the Fire Chief's concern of the danger
of fire spreading over the Easton line. The Town Manager to advise the Easton
Board of the action taken at the Special Town Meeting regarding the dump
problem, advising that a new Study Committee is to be appointed.
The Board received notice from the County Commissioners advising the Town is
ordered to assess and raise the sum of $78,822.29 County Tax, to be paid on or
before the first day of November next.
Letter received from the Chairman of the School Building Committee regarding
payment of $2,799, to J, Willijams Beal Sons and Poskus being withheld, ad-
vising that the town is obligated to pay the architect's fees on schedule
as agreed to under the terms of the contract. Also, that it is possible for
the architect to demand and be paid six per cent interest on overdue payments,
also per the contract,. The 36,hool Building Committee in approving the bill
is exercising its responsibility and authority from the vote of theTown Meeting.
9/24/69
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The Board signed the appointment .form for Lincoln S. Noble, Temporary
lManager of the Airport,
The Town Clerk advised the Board regarding picking names for the jury list,
and that 86 names were necessary, The Board will pick the names next Wednesday
night,
At 8:00 P.M. .John Cananzey and a group from Mill Street appeared before the
Board, The Board went upstairs to the auditorium to hold the meeting,
Mr, Cananzey inquired whether or not the Board is going to enforce the 7 ton
load limit, The Town Manager advised that the Police had started checking
the bridges, and the limit would be enforced, All the truckers concerned had
been notified that if they are caught driving over,.the bridge with excessive
weight they will be taken into court. As of today, the Police Department had
not observed anyone going over the bridge over the 7 ton limit, Chief DtAfile
advised�lthe group that the Police Department would enforce the law, Mrs.
Shaw, and others spoke regarding the load limit and the danger to children
because of the narrow road, etc. After a lengthy discussion, upon a motion by
Selectman Zecher, seconded'by Selectman Clemmey it was voted that this matter
be tabled for one week at which time the Town Counsel would have an opinion
regarding the 7 ton load limit, (Both Plain and Mill Streets to be posted with
new signs,)
Members of the Police Department were at the meeting with their Attorney Joseph
McParland, counsel for the Police Association, to discuss whether or not
the 2% increase that was voted by the Special Town Meeting would be honored,
The Town Manager advised that he and the Chairman of the Finance. Committee
went to see Mr, McKinnon, Director of Accounts regarding the vote, taking a
copy of the motion that the Police presented at the meeting, Mr. McKinnon
advised that the motion was illegal, but the intent was there as far as being
a legal motion. Therefore, we can substract and add to line items in the
Warrant providing we do not over spend the right hand column. We have money
available to restore the 276 within this salary account, and the Town Manager
recommended that the 217S be restored, bringing the Police Department back to the
rates as negotiated at the beginning of the year, Mr. McFarland inquired whether
or not this would include the Chief also, since he is not a member of the
Association, and it was agreed that it would. Upon a motion by Selectman
Saunders, seconded by Selectman Clemmey it was voted to accept the Town Manager!,,
recommendation to restore the Police Department Salaries Account to the amount
of money negotiated for Police Salaries from the first of the year,Unanimous
vote,
Attorney McFarland also brought up matters regarding orders issued recently
to the Police Department regarding the question of one man in a cruiser, and
advised that no one talked to the Chief regarding it; also regarding releasing
anything to the Press before checking with the Town Manager, and he indicated
the Police still have their constitutional rights, and he also mentioned the
question regarding Police Officers for the FAi,r to be held by the Congregational
Church, After further discussion, Selectman Clemmey advised that the order
regarding news to the press was concerned with departmental policies only.
A group was present at the meeting regarding the sewer assessments on Hillside
Terrace areas, The Town Manager read the regulations regarding sewer costs,
and a discussion followed,
9/24/69
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The Town Manager advised of the bids received for the crawler loader for
the dump program, and after a discussion, upon a motion by Selectman Saunders,
seconded by Selectman Clemmey it was voted to accept the low bid of Hans
Bernt Tractor Company, Inc, in the amount of $28,993,00. Unanimous vote,
Selectman Zecher suggested that the Check List be reviewed and brought up to
date.
A group was present from the Maple Street area to protest the use of the gravel
pit on Manle Street being used for the burning of tree limbs, lumber, etc,
Nicholas Anagnosadvised that he would go on record as being opposed, that he
would not have moved up there in the first place if he knew there would be a
dump there, and also that it would jeopardize the pumping station and town
forest, The Town Manager advised that if the Board disapproves the site he
will have to look for another site, but this was town-owned land. Others in the
group spoke regarding the matter, all opposing the site.
Upon a motion by Selectmen Saunders, seconded by Selectmen Zecher it was voted
to ge into executive session.
The regular meeting adjourned at 10:10 P.M.
In executive session upon a motion by Selectman Clemmey, seconded by Selectman
Saunders it was voted not to change the load limit on the Mill and Plain Street
bridges, the 7 ton load limit to be enforced on both bridges,