HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 6-20-1984*
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BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF MEETING
JUNE 20, 1984
PRESENT: Chairman Wills; Selectmen Dunn, D'Onofrio, McNair, Levine; Town
Manager.
1. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. and the Flag saluted.
2. Paul O'Neill, the Town's representative to GATRA, was present to report
on an Executive Session held by GATRA, for which Paul wanted the Board's
direction before going to the next Executive Session June 27th. He was
advising his report be held in an Executive Session as the subject per-
tained to strategy which could lead to litigation. The Chairman polled
the Board 5 -0. The Board came out of Executive Session at 7:45 P.M.
3. Warrant #59
MOTION: To approve Warrant #59 in the amount of $817,358.16, dated June
19, 1984, broken down as follows:
General Fund -
Special Revenue -
Recreation Revolving -
Motor Pool -
Sewer Enterprise -
Water Enterprise -
Electric Enterprise -
$116,153.44
3,470.23
73.50
29.01
191,682.62
8,692.16
497,257.20
McNair /D'Onofrio VOTED: 4 -0 Levine abstained; Dunn abstained
on Voucher #6351 -8
4. Warrant #58
MOTION: To approve Warrant #58 in the amount of $871,870.04, dated June
15, 1984, broken down as follows:
General Fund - $842,036.53
School Lunch Salaries - 5,268.78
Special Revenue - 24,564.73
McNair /D'Onofrio VOTED: 4 -0 Levine abstained
5. Special School Payroll Warrant
MOTION: To approve the Special School Payroll Warrant in the amount of
$4,401.74, dated and signed June 15, 1984.
D'Onofrio /McNair VOTED: 4 -0 Levine abstained
6. Transfer Request #22
* MOTION: To approve Transfer Request #22 in the amount of $19,250.00, for
Fire Department Salaries. The Town Manager explained this was due
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF MEETING
JUNE 20, 1984
PAGE 2
to extended I.O.D. leave, overspent Sick Leave Account and Over-
time Account (court time); this amount will cover the Fire De-
partment until the end of the fiscal year.
Levine /Dunn VOTED: 5 -0
The Town Manager said the bulk of the sick leave now is Injured -
on -duty, since January 1, 1984, and at present the Chief has done
a good job of trying to curtail the sick leave situation. Asked
about the amount in the reserve fund, he gave a rough breakdown
of what is expected in further transfer requests between now and
the end of the fiscal year, at which time it will leave approxi-
mately $13,850 as a balance in the Reserve Fund.
7. Town Manager Salary
* MOTION: To do the Town Manager salary next week.
VOTED: 5 -0
8. The Clerk advised those present that both the Norton and Foxboro Boards
of Selectmen will meet with Mansfield's Board, at the Wastewater Treatment
( Plant next Monday evening, June 25th at 6:00 P.M.
9. WORKSHOP - Work Programs FY -85
The Town Manager opened the discussion stating that the purpose of this
meeting is to enable the Selectmen to more fully understand the work pro-
gram objectives of each department and it will also give the department
heads present an opportunity to become familiar with the operation of vari-
ous departments. He explained that he has met with all department heads
now and will be preparing a summary of those meetings, which should relate
as to whether objectives are being met.
(a) The Town Manager reviewed the General Government objectives and there
was discussion on some of the items. The Word Processors, Spreadsheet
Analysis and the Assessors Program have not been purchased yet; the Records
storage problem needs funding to be solved. Discussion here concentrated
on microfilming which came up again with the Community Development/Inspec-
tions Department. The Chairman asked the Town Manager for prospective dates
for completion of some of the items; it was felt this was not possible at
present.
(b) The Police Chief spoke briefly on renovations and improvements to the
cell block, advised that 3 new cruisers have been purchased, and outlined
what advantages the new computer will afford the department. When asked
when he thought it would be in full use, he said it would depend on sched-
uling and how fast they master its use; plus it will be a slow process
feeding records into the computer once they learn how. He said they will
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF MEETING
( JUNE 20, 1984
PAGE 3
maintain dual records for some time, until they feel the computer is func-
tioning reliably. Discussion followed on a feasibility study for a new
public safety facility (Police and Fire). Selectman D'Onofrio suggested
the possibility of funds for a feasibility study; it was believed that a
loan could be secured for such a study.
(c) The Fire Chief advised the Board the two additional Firefighters, and
a Provisional Firefighter will be added in July; he has $33,000 for updat-
ing the fire alarm system from previous years encumbered funds; they are
presently installing a new washroom and an upstairs kitchen area at the
Central Station. He said the West Mansfield station is in very poor shape
with a building too small for the equipment, the heating system must be re-
paired prior to next winter, the second door must be replaced, and he feels
consideration should be given as to whether it is practical to spend more
money to fix up the building when it is inadequate and needs so much now.
Ambulance alternatives need to be studied.
(d) The Town Manager reviewed the various-DPW department objectives rather
quickly since the Board had met with the DPW Director recently concerning
both the Water Department and the Landfill. The DPW Director was present.
The Town Manager told the Board there is some problem with cramped quarters
in the DPW area, especially when there is discussion with developers, etc.
concerning plans which should not be public information. It was felt that
"Service requests" would be preferable phraseology, rather than "Complaint
calls ". There was some discussion concerning a policy.for developers where-
in subdivisions /developments would center in areas whereby the developer
would be responsible for extending water lines, etc., from existing ones,
rather than the town having to extend lines to a development. This topic
should be considered at a future workshop the Board felt, preferably in
conjunction with the Planning Board /Master Plan. Discussion touched on
the need for road maintenance and the need to keep ahead of road surfaces
breaking up, by applying the top surfacing layer more often.
(e) Under Community DevelopmentJInspections, the Building Inspector, Plan -
ning Director and Health Agent were all present. There was, again, con-
sideration of microfilming records for the Inspection Departments. The
Planning Director said the Planning Board tries to have one meeting a
month as a workshop for the Master Plan; they have three sub - committees
working on various aspects; they are still aiming for some Self -Help fund-
ing. Progress depends upon how much time is spent reviewing site plans and
subdivision plans, etc. each week. The Health Agent reviewed his role and
aims, stating the Board of Health requirements are the same as the State
requirements. The thought was expressed that the Health Department should
be a part of the Disaster Plan.
(f) Human Resources department heads were present; Council on Aging, Library
and Parks and Recreation. The Council on Aging Director explained the pro -
jects that are on- going, and said they now have an Outreach Companionship
Program, with a Companion who visits in homes, on a part -time basis (20
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF MEETING
i JUNE 20, 1984
PAGE 4
hours per week). The possibility of securing a new van through GATRA was
discussed briefly and will be pursued if other means fail.
The Town Manager introduced the new Library Director, Dinah Amsden, who
then outlined improvements presently being accomplished at the Library,
with painting just being started. She made a strong statement about the
need for a new, larger library, stating they simply have no room. The
Library will be celebrating its centennial September 8, 1984.
The Parks and Recreation Director touched briefly on his on -going projects
one of which is the Tot Lot at Memorial Park, made possible through funds
from the Rotary Club. The Town Manager spoke of the improvement of the
grounds around Town Hall, with the planting of flowers, and the handling
of maintenance with only seasonal help.
The meeting was summed up with the feeling that some items of some depart-
ments could be subjects for further consideration, and that some priorities
may have to be moved up, such as the combined public safety building, the
new library, the utility plan, and the Disaster Plan. The Board was left
with the idea these points need to be given serious thought.
10. Executive Session
Selectman Dunn requested the Board to go into Executive Session to discuss
the Board's position on a personal matter; it was further outlined as for
the purpose that a person in the employ of the Board of Selectmen has re-
quested that we discuss the matter in Executive Session because it involves
the person's reputation. Discussion followed.
The Chairman polled the Board: 5 -0, and to come out only to adjourn.
11. Adjournment
* MOTION: To adjourn at 11:10 P.M. Levine /Dunn VOTED: 4 -0
MINUTES APPROVED: