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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 9-14-1983BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING SEPTEMBER 14, 1983 PRESENT: Chairman Dunn, Selectmen Wills, Levine, D'Onofrio, McNair; Town Manager; Board Secretary; Also present: DPW Director, Joe Zeneski and Attorney Paul Kenney The meeting was called to order at 6:40 P.M. * 1. MOTION: To go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion with re- spect to collective bargaining and /or litigation. D'Onofrio /Wills VOTED: 5 -0 Meeting returned to open session at 7:53 P.M. 2. Meeting with School Committee and Finance Committee Town Manager opened the meeting with a summary of how the projected shortfall occurred, referring to documents previously distributed to all members. He explained the Town had been borrowing money in anticipation of Federal aid, the interest rate is less on these funds; Town Manager, Town Accountant and Treasurer have an appointment with the Dept. of Revenue on September 19th in the hope of clarification. Mansfield is the first town to have received such a ruling and the Town feels it is an administrative ruling rather than according to law. The budget projections presented at Town Meeting were sub - stantially less than had been anticipated; the Southeastern Regional School has asked for a return of $7,807 as compensation for.Mansfield's share of the School's shortfall; assessments are less than anticipated due to a short- fall from new growth. The Assessors do not yet have a firm figure. Every projection made fell on the short side. Suggested action: Answer from the Department of Revenue first; firm figure from the Board of Assessors for new value; however, there is no question there will be a deficit. Discussion followed as to how to handle the shortfall; Chairman Dunn suggested basing it on percentage at present - each committee work with same percentage of the shortfall as their percentage of budget cut. Selectman Wills felt the Town must live within the budget, without the hoped -for source of revenue; must not use revenue sharing money for budget items. Supterintendent Barbarisi did not feel that adjusting the budget could be discussed advantageously until the amount has been determined. Selectman D'Onofrio felt the philosophy of an adjustment could be discussed; the ability of the School Board and Town to make some cuts; and suggested asking the Finance Committee to make a study. Town Manager discussed use of the revenue sharing money, used mainly for cap- ital improvements (replacement of equipment), explaining that if it is not there the Town would end up deeper in a hole; he feels revenue sharing should be kept separate. Selectman McNair asked about free cash, which Accountant hastened to point out is only "paper money "; use of it would only put the Town further behind in the long run. Selectman D'Onofrio then offered consideration that the essential concern should be for services and personnel; he feels that the Finance Committee BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING SEPTEMBER 14, 1983 PAGE 2 could look at the whole picture and decide what is and isn't essential. Selectman Levine asked is it possible there are duplication of services by departments. D'Onofrio summarized the meeting by stating that we need better figures to work with, but must keep in mind that it will be necessary to take a conservative approach when beginning the budgeting.. Superintendent Barbarisi then went down the list of guidelines as provided earlier, asnwering them from the School's standpoint. The meeting was then closed, at 9:05 P.M., with plans for another meeting at a later date when facts and figures are firmed up. 9 :10 P.M. Dog Hearing The Clerk read the Statute, the Complaint of Antonio DePalma against Earl Chartier, the investigation by the Dog Officer, and noted that there was a Petition and accompanying letter from Mr. DePalma, plus the appropriate letters of notification concerning date of the Hearing. The Dog Officer then made a brief statement concerning the many calls he has received and visits made to the Chartier house over the past six months. Richard Alessandri stated his property abuts the Chartier's in the rear and he has not been able to be out in his yard this summer because of the stench; a neighbor, John White confirmed this. Mary Demers spoke of the incessant barking keeping her awake so much it was difficult to get up and go to work in the morning. After considerable discussion back and forth and a series of motions, amendments, further discussion: MOTION: That Mr. Chartier be directed to comply with the following within three weeks: 1) Provide such sanitary and other facilities as stip- ulated and approved by the Dog Officer; 2) That the dogs be licensed and receive rabies shots; 3) That the dogs be kept indoors from 10:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M. The Board further cautions Mr. Chartier that any further formal complaint, after October 5, 1983, from the neighbors will result in directing the Dog Officer to remove from the premises one or more of the dogs. D'Onofrio /McNair VOTED: 5 -0 It was then established that the Dog Officer is empowered to make the deci- sion at that time, if necessary, and that Mr. Chartier has ten days in which to file an appeal with the District Court. A copy of the Vote taken is to be sent to Mr. Chartier, Mr. DePalma and the Dog Officer, Jocelyn Rosado. The Hearing closed at 10:10 P.M. 4. Minutes of September 7, 1983 Warrent #11 should show the following vote: McNair /D'Onofrio VOTED: 4 -0 MOTION: To approve'the Minutes as amended. Wills /Levine VOTED: 5 -0 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING ( SEPTEMBER 14, 1983 PAGE 3 5. Warrants * MOTION: To approve Warrant #13 in the amount of $1,510,505.28, broken down as follows: General Fund - $161,146.88 Federal Revenue'- 5,666.66 Special Revenue - 6,575.62 Recreation Revolving - 1,005.72 Sewer Enterprise - 779,331.82 Water Enterprise - 3,689.00 Electric Enterprise - 553,089.58 Wills /McNair VOTED: 4 -1 Levine abstained * MOTION: To approve Warrant #12, dated 9/6/83, signed 9/8/83, in the amount of $237,435.20, broken down as follows: General Fund - $231,411.84 School Lunch - 568.08 Special Revenue - 5,455.28 Wills /McNair VOTED: 4 -1 Levine abstained 6. Applications a) Richard Stanchina application for Constable; available weekdays after 4:00 P.M.; has worked for Mansfield'.Police Dept. as Special Police Officer. * MOTION: To appoint Richard Stanchina as a Town Constable. Levine /D'Onofrio VOTED: 3 -2 Wills and McNair opposed. b) Request from United Way to wave the fee for two temporary signs to be erected on Augat and Sheraton property for about six weeks. * MOTION: To waive the fee for United Way's two temporary signs. D'Onofrio /Wills VOTED: 4 -1 Levine opposed c) Clerk Wills explained that the Minutes of August 17, 1983 and the subse- quent license issued do not read correctly for St. Mary's Parish. They requested a One -day All Alcoholic License for 9/17/83 and One -day Beer and Wine License for 9/18/83. * MOTION: To amend the license to provide the two licenses for St. Mary's Parish. Wills /Levine VOTED: 5 -0 d) Sewer Connection Application for Karen Construction.Co., on Francis Avenue. * MOTION: To grant the sewer connection on Francis Avenue for 350 GPD Levine /McNair VOTED: 4 -1 Wills abstained BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING SEPTEMBER 14, 1983 l PAGE 4 e) Sewer Connection Application for Bornwod Company, Inc., Lots 3 and 4, Creedon Lane. Selectman Levine again voiced her concern over this area. * MOTION: To grant the sewer connections for Lots 3 and 4, Creedon Lane. D'Onofrio /McNair VOTED: 3 -2 Wills abstained; Levine opposed 7. Juror Selection a) Fall River Superior Court, October 3 Tracey Annese, 325 Pratt Street Ernest LaBarge, 4 Erick Road b) New Bedford Criminal Court, October 3 Karen N. Collins, 3 Bungay Road Angelo J. Risotti, 445 N. Main c) Fall River District Court, 6 -man jury, October 3 Diane E. Thomas, 163 Rumford Ave. 8. Correspondence a) Letter to Board of Selectmen from Stephen J. Payne requesting amendment to description of premises for Bristol Package Store to shad addition of 530 sq. ft. * MOTION: To amend description on license of Bristol Package Store to show size increase from 1350 sq. ft. to 1880 sq. ft. D'Onofrio /McNair VOTED: 5 -0 b) Copy of letter to Donald E. Graves, Superintendent of the Southeastern Regional School advising of Board of Selectmen's vote to increase Cherry Sheet aid to the School in the amount of $7,807. c) Letter from State Auditor, John J. Finnegan, re: establishment of an office within Auditor's office for local mandates. * MOTION: To send letter to State Auditor, Division of Local Mandates, ad- vising him we wish him to support the rules and legislation which will go alot further than anything he can do; and include a com- parison of what Mansfield had hoped for from State aid and what it received. Wills /Levine VOTED: 5 -0 d) Letter from Philip Connor re: request to turn on; street light at corner of Cottage and North Main Street. * MOTION: To have this light turned on. McNair /Levine VOTED: 5 -0 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING SEPTEMBER 14, 1983 PAGE 5 e) Letter from George R. McCarthy of ABCC advising of amendment to alcohol control laws; specifically, the granting of license applications in rela- tion to schools and churches. f) Memo from Chairman of the Library Board to Town Manager re: Painting bids for the library. Town Manager has rejected all bids and project will be readvertised in the Spring. g) Copy of letter from A.L. Willis to Planning Board relative to release of securities for Strawberry Meadow Subdivision. * MOTION: To recommend to the Planning Board that they review the situation pertaining to the securities' release and act as soon as possible. Levine /Wills Not.voted. h) Petition from residents of Old Farm Road relative to speeding on Old Farm Road. Referred to DPW Director and Police Chief. i) Copy of letter to Conservation Commission from DEQE re: Hatheway & Pat- terson Co. No action required. j) Letter from John J. O'Brien introducing himself as a Certified Public Accountant. Q Memo from Chief of Police to Town Manager re: Liquor license violation for Christopher's Lounge. * MOTION: To support the Police Chief and forward a letter to the owner of Christopher's Lounge informing him of the violation and that the Board will hold a Public Hearing for suspension of their license if there is another violation. McNair /Levine VOTED: 5 -0 1) Memos from Police Chief re: Radar violations and liquor disturbances. * MOTION: That we inform the owner of Hidden Country that any further dis- turbances reported by the police at his establishment will result in a public hearing to move the status of the 2:00 A.M.-license back to a 1:00 A.M. license and /or: possible suspension. McNair /Wills VOTED: 4 -1 D'Onofrio opposed m) Letter from A.L. Willis Co., Inc. requesting that a letter be written to the phone company asking that Pole #56 on Ware Street be moved as soon as possible. * MOTION: Grant approval and write the letter, subject to whatever require- ments are necessary and subject to review of DPW Director. If removal requires a public hearing, it shall not be moved until the hearing is held. Wills /Levine VOTED: 5 -0 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING SEPTEMBER 14, 1983 PAGE 6 * MOTION: To adjourn at 11:25 P.M. and to leave the Old Business and New Business until next week. Levine /Wills VOTED: 4 -1 Dunn opposed. MINUTES APPROVED: Date signed