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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 5-18-1988�i 1- 4UVL�] BOARD OF SELECTMEN �fU1 MAY 2 61 MINUTES OF MEETING MAY 18, 1988 PRESENT: Chairman Harrington; Selectmen Dunn, Levine, Markt, Tartufo; Town Manager The meeting was called to order at 7:12 P.M. and the Flag saluted. Reoraanization of the Board John Dunn and Lawrence Harrington were nominated for Chairman, Tom Markt for Clerk. Chairman Harrington and Selectman Markt retained their former designations. Signalization Improvements /R.A. Cataldo & Associates The Town Manager opened by reviewing the project for signalization at the intersection of Rt. 106 (Chauncy Street) and North Main Street, then turned it over to a representative of R.A. Cataldo & Associates, a consultant eng- ineering firm; the Town Engineer, Joe Campo, was also present. Cataldo's representative, Paul Anorumo, reviewed the three alternatives which the Selectmen had received information on, as well as blueprints. Alternatives 2 and 3 were discussed in most detail, with the indication 0) that Alternative 3 was more comprehensive and desirable except for the fact that a small portion of the North Common would be taken by the improvement and use of "park land" might delay implementation of the project due to fur- ther Federal review. Paul advised the Board the delay could be as much as one to two years. Alternate 3 would cause loss of 4 parking spaces in the downtown area, but would improve the radius from Crocker Street turning onto North Main Street and relocation of the curb line. In either altern- ative wheel chair ramps and signals for fire trucks would be incorporated. Selectman Dunn said Alternative 3 takes care of a big problem, i.e. truck travel on Crocker Street. Selectman Tartufo said he does not like taking land from the park, or taking parking spaces. Alternative 2 will improve the turning radius for westbound vehicles. Selectman Levine asked can the Thomas Street portion, of Alt. 3, be put into Alt. 2; she was told it can. The Town Manager said he wanted to identify Board concerns, then decide which way to go, Alt. 2 or 3. Some of the concerns were: a problem for trucks coming off Crocker Street onto North Main; strong concern of busi- nesses in that area not having enought parking now. Selectman Levine sug- gested just moving the sidewalk back. Chairman Harrington suggested pur- suing Alternative 2, but pursue portions of Alternative 3 at that inter- section. Paul said the two alternatives are presently under review of the State Department of Public Works as the project is under State and Federal funding. Selectman Dunn felt Alternative 3's treatment of the south side of Route 106 is preferable. Selectman Tartufo waid he would rather en- dorse Alternative 2 with modifications rather than the opposite; in other words, incorporate the best of Alt. 3 in Alt. 2; the Crocker Street turn is the main question, because the Board does not want a year or two delay. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING MAY 18, 1988 PAGE 2 Paul said the time frame is for review by State and Federal, with timely comments, then go out for bids next Spring. The Town Engineer then added there is a letter stating there may or may not be Federal funds available, but Chapter 90 funds would be. A rough estimate of cost is $200,000; the Federal funding is for a "high hazard district ". The Chairman thanked both Paul and Joe Campo for their time and input. & Committee Round Table Discussion Chairmen of all boards and committees had been invited to tonight's meet- ing for a round table discussion of pertinent issues. Chairman Harrington opened with the Override question for the operating budgets, after asking everyone to introduce themselves. He asked if everyone supports the over- ride. Ed Rosenberg, Board of Health, said he feels the Town is in deep trouble if the override is not passed, and it would present serious legal problems for his board. Steve Quinn, Planning Board, said the Planning Board would be in the same situation; Stewart Sweet, Conservation Commission, said it would be the same for his commission. Steve MacCaffrie, Municipal Building Committee, said the Town is going to be hard pressed if the Override does not pass; Calvin Cauldwell, Library Board of Trustees, said they would be in trouble. Ed Rosenberg stated the biggest problem would be personnel for the Town; with less personnel that means less services. Steve Calvin, School Committee, said it is the same situation for the schools. Kevin Sullivan, Finance Committee Chairman, suggested a figure of $930,000 for the Override question, but said there is a chance of bringing it down. Chairman Harrington said since everybody seems to support the Override, what can we do to make the townspeople understand? George Wojtkiewicz, Zoning Board of Appeals, said with industrial and other growth we should be rolling in money; where is the money? What is the source of the prob- lem? Chairman Harrington answered: trash collection, health insurance, and property and casualty insurance. Kevin Sullivan added salary increases. With an 828 million tax base now in Mansfield, at 1.25% Mansfield is lose. Kevin Sullivan pointed out that the Enterprise accounts lower the tax rate. Chairman Harrington asked Kevin Sullivan about the ballot question, say- ing the Town Manager feels the question should identify specific services and amounts, as a good marketing technique. George Wojtikiewicz said "unbundle it" and let the electorate decide what they want to fund and don't want to fund. Steve Quinn said don't beat it to death, but select one member from each committee to discuss it with their board /committee, form a consensus, then come back to the Board. Selectman Markt suggested a workshop with members from each board /committee. Selectman Tartufo felt it should be kept simple, the townspeople know what it is for. George Wojtkiewicz added he would like their fees in a fund for them (revolving). BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING MAY 18, 1988 PAGE 3 The Chairman asked those present how often they thought this type of meet- ing should be held. Steve Jackson, Recreation Committee, pointed out that instead of each of them coming to the Selectmen meeting, why can't one Selectman attend their meetings at set times? George Wojtkiewicz said he was the architect of this type of meeting and the idea was to open communi- cation. 5. Great Woods 1988 Schedule Discussion Bruce Montgomery, General Manager of Great Woods, Ed Rosenberg, Chairman of the Board of Health, and Scott Leite, Health Agent, as well as Jesse Earls, Mansfield Police Chief were present by request of Chairman Harring- ton. Chairman Harrington opened by advising that he and other Selectmen had received phone calls recently about the proposed Great Woods programs for the upcoming season and he had, therefore, asked the Board of Health and Police Chief to attend tonight's meeting. He said Ed Rosenberg and Scott had been working with Bruce Montgomery over the past month or so on the problem with sound and asked them to make a report. They said they have developed a six -point program, of which the most important point is a contractural element of sound; Bruce will meet with performers' sound engineers prior to signing of a contract to discuss limits, etc. Also, Great Woods is installing a weather station to indicate weather conditions; the Board of Health will be spending time with their management to monitor sound, etc. The Police Chief was then asked to explain his process for screening the proposed performers and how he determines the number of officers needed on a given night. He said most drinking problems within the facility are by people who had been drinking prior to entering. Bruce Montgomery said last year they started a "pat down" of people when they entered. Town Counsel, who had also been asked to attend the meeting, was asked to explain why Foxboro Stadium can turn down a performer and Mansfield can't. Jack advised that no performer can be turned down because of content of music, only because of a large number of arrests previously. Selectman Tartufo asked about behavior in the parking lots. He was told they are policed and Great Woods continually attempts to keep everyone moving into the performance area. Selectman Dunn said he feels fairly com- fortable with the way everything has been regulated. Bruce Montgomery ad- vised that they have turned down a few acts in the interest of good rela- tions with the Town of Mansfield. The meeting was then opened to the pub- lic. Virginia Lynch, a 21 -year resident in the town reported that handi- capped people have said they feel very comfortable at Great Woods. Marie Brooks, of Big E Mobile Park, spoke of the first year when Great Woods claimed they would have no hard rock groups; they do have tailgate parties, and she would like to see better control in the parking lots; also, that they have fire works after the concerts. One resident questioned whether it was appropriate to hold so many meetings on this topic when there are other concerns that need attention also. Peter DeTrolio, West Mansfield, BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING MAY 18, 1988 PAGE 4 said he had asked the former General Manager to come to his home some night when a concert is on, but no one ever has. Bruce Montgomery said he would one night during a concert. Chairman Harrington thanked everyone for coming out. 6. Minutes of May 4, 1988 * MOTION: To approve the Minutes of May 4, 1988. Markt /Dunn VOTED: 3 -0 Levine & Tartufo abstained 7. Warrants No. 48, 49 & 49A * MOTION: To approve Warrant No. 48 in the amount of $1,244,643.76, dated May 10, 1988, and broken down as follows: General Fund - $935,749.78 School Lunch - 22. 315,12 Special Revenue - 11,904.27 Capital Projects - 2,049.83 Sewer Enterprise - 10,130.08 Water Enterprise - 20,410.56 Electric Enterprise - 242,084.12 Dunn / Markt VOTED: 4 -0 Levine abstained * MOTION: To approve Warrant No. 49 in the amount of $1,180,545.91, dated May 17, 1988, broken down as follows: General Fund - $ 111,215.75 School Lunch 4,159.62 Special Revenue - 2,598.39 Sewer Enterprise - 30,948.72 Water Enterprise - 16,697.44 Electric Enterprise - 1,014,925.99 Dunn / Markt VOTED: 4 -0 Levine abstained * MOTION: To approve Warrant No. 49A in the amount of $131,759.85, dated May 17, 1988, for Payroll. Dunn / Markt VOTED: 4 -0 Levine abstained * MOTION: To approve Payroll for Kathy King (School) in the amount of $900.00. Markt /Dunn VOTED: 4 -0 Levine abstained 8. Licenses & Permits a) Application for Common Victuallers License, John Koutsogiannis d /b /a Village Pizza (formerly Town Pizza), 365 N. Main Street. * MOTION: To approve the Common Victuallers License. Dunn / Markt VOTED: 5 -0 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING � MAY 18, 1988 PAGE 5 b) Application for Auctioneer Special Permit, Jerroll C. Wood d /b /a J. Wood & Co. Auctioneers, 223 Franklin Street; auction to be held at the Mansfield Airport May 21, 1988, 12 Noon (rain date May 22, 1988). * MOTION: To approve the Auctioneers Special Permit. Markt /Dunn VOTED: 5 -0 9. Correspondence a) Copy of Memorandum from Chairman /Planning Board to Chairman of the Con- servation Commission and Board of Health re: Joint Meetings. b) Copy of Memorandum to Board of Health from Town Manager re: Review of Status of Closure Plans for Town Landfills May 25th. c) Copy of Memorandum to the Town Manager from Chairman Harrington re: Great Woods 1988 Schedule. d) Copy of Mass. Division of Local Services Bulletin re: Classification Training Workshop. e) Copy of an Article for "Mandatory Recycling ", submitted by Rep. Mary Jeanette Murray. f) Copy of DEQE Solid Waste Update. g) Letter from Executive Office of Environmental Affairs re: Self -Help; Urban Self -Help Land & Water Conservation Fund, Fiscal Year '89 Fund- ing Round. h) Memorandum to the Board, Conservation Commission & Recreation Director from Planning Director re: "Captain John Williams Estates" Subdivision; also copy of response from the Conservation Agent and Recreation Direc- tor. i) Invitation to attend the Library /COA Official Groundbreaking Saturday, May 21, 1:30 P.M. j) Copy of letter to the Town Manager from Town Counsel re: Deed Restric- tions for Spaulding School. k) Letter to the Board from Linda Jodice re: "Critical parking situation down town ". - There was brief discussion during which the Town Manager advised that there is a "mini master plan" for that area. 1) Letter and new brochure from Dept. of Environmental Management re: Flood Hazard Management Program. m) Copy of Memorandum to the Conservation Commission from the Planning Board Chairman re: "Maplewood Estates II" Drainage Basin. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING MAY 18, 1988 ( PAGE 6 n) Copy of Memorandum to Mass. Town /City Councils from Center for Health Action re: Update on artificial water fluoridation. o) Letter from Director, Civil Defense Agency re: SARA Planning Workshops May 31st at Bridgewater State Hospital. P) Notice from North Attleboro Solid Waste Disposal Committee re: Presen- tation Refuse -to- Energy Plant for the Western Bristol County Region by Bridgewater Energy Center, et al. q) Copy of letter to the Federal Aviation Admin. from Chairman of the Air- port Commission re: Termination of a grant. r) Memorandum to the Board from the Conservation & Recreation Commission re: Maple Park Bath House. s) Letter to Chairman Harrington from Peat Marwick re: New Pension Reform Act. t) Letter to the Board from DEQE re: Contract No. 5A, Equipment Purchase approval. u) Letters from DEQE indicating approval of the following contract Change Orders: Contract No. 4, Change Orders No. 3,4,5,6,7 Contract No. 2, Change Order No. 1 Contract No. 1, Change Order No. 4 v) Letters to the Board from Mass. Cable Vision General Manager re: Intro- duction of a "Pay- Per - View" service; also explanation concerning Reuters New Service termination. w) Copy of letter to Mo Prasad from Cable Vision re: Complaint issue. x) Notice of a Norton Planning Board Public Hearing May 31st concerning a Special Permit to lcoate a single family home within the Wetlands Protection & Water Resources Protection District (land abuts Mansfield). A Memorandum from SRPEDD re: Land Use Legislation. z) Memorandum to the Board from the Health Agent re: Answer to request of the Selectmen concerning the DEQE Division of Hazardous Waste letter of April 15th. aa) Copy of letter sent to Parents of school children from the Director of Parks & Recreation and Recreation Commission Chairman re: Atten- dance at Tommy Mason Summer Camp. bb) Copy of letter to the Foxboro Zoning Board of Appeals from Chairman Harrington re: Board's vote taken prior to Monday Town Meeting con- cerning sewer connections in the Cate Springs area. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING MAY 18, 1988 {' PAGE 7 cc) Memorandum to the Board from Board secretary, Elinor, re: Veteran marker for Frederick H. Devine, Jr. - This was discussed and a decision made to contact Mansfield's Veter- ans' clubs for possible funding support. 10. Old Business a) Selectman Markt asked the Town Manager about the Fire Chief position and was told he had interviewed three applicants last week and hoped to make an appointment by the end of the month. b) The Town Manager reported he and Jerry St. Hilaire (Acting DPW Director) are working on the heater /air conditioning problem in the front of the Town Hall, securing ideas, estimates, etc. c) The Override question was brought up, with the decision that it should read exactly as the original one on the March ballot with the exception of a change in the amount. The Chairman quoted the amount on the ap- proved budget - $920,892; Selectman Tartufo felt a rounded out number was better ($930,000) and, also, said he feels it would be better to hold off for more money until a Special Town Meeting in the Fall. Selectman Levine advised that the Finance Committee is not the policy making board and maybe it's time for the Selectmen to use initiative. The Town Manager again expressed his feeling that an override goes better if there are specific items named, with amounts. * MOTION: For the ballot question to read: "Shall the Town of Mansfield be allowed to assess an addi- tional $920,892 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purpose of funding the operating budget of the Mansfield Public Schools and the Municipal Government for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1988. Markt/Tartufo VOTED: 5 -0 * MOTION: To set the polling hours for the June 14, 1988 Election as 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Levine /Dunn VOTED: 5 -0 11. New Business a) Selectman Levine took a minute to thank all the voters who placed their confidence in her to reseat her on the Board of Selectmen. She also thanked her fellow Board members for their kind welcome. b) The Town Manager advised the Board that the Accounting Department book- keeper had major surgery the previous day and she will be out for six weeks. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING MAY 18, 1988 PAGE 8 c) Selectman Tartufo said he also wanted to thank the townspeople for electing him to the Board. d) Selectman Tartufo said he feels alot of Town problems come down to dol- lars and cents, and he wonders what the State uses as their formula for reimbursement. The Town needs help in substantiating the Town's growth and accompanying problems. Chairman Harrington suggested invit- ing Senator Keating and Representative Vernon to attend the Open Meet- ing sessions. e) Selectman Tartufo reported the Canor River Aquifer Awareness Day had a good turnout and fun was had by all. f) Selectman Markt voiced the feeling that the Poll Workers should have their pay increased to $5.00 the same as the Election Workers, which the Town Clerk had requested and the Board voted to approve last week. * MOTION: To increase the pay for Poll Workers to $5.00, subject to re- view between the Town Clerk and Town Manager. Markt /Dunn VOTED: 5 -0 g) Selectman Dunn raised the issue of the vacant building next to the downtown Fire Station, suggesting definite plans to purchase the build- ing. The Town Manager was to look into ownership, etc.. h) Chairman Harrington asked the secretary to put an ad on the local TV channel for a vacancy on the Conservation Commission and the Munici- pal Building Committee; the MBC is also looking for a part -time secre- tary. 12. Adjournment * MOTION: To adjourn (at 11:25 P.M.). Markt /Levine VOTED: 5 -0 MINUTES APPROVED: Ce Date ned