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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 3-1-1989BOARD OF SELECTMEN i MINUTES OF MEETING MARCH 1, 1989 PRESENT: Chairman Dunn; Selectmen Harrington, Markt, Tartufo; Town Manager; Selectman Levine arrived at 7:40 P.M. 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M. and the Flag saluted. 2. Minutes of February 15, 1989 MOTION: To approve the Minutes of February 15, 1989. Harrington / Markt VOTED: 4 -0 3. Warrant #36 MOTION: To approve Warrant #36 in the amount of $1, 135,088.48, dated February 28, 1989, broken down as follows: General Revenue - $ 824,463.11 Revenue Sharing - 3,427.00 School Lunch - 5,016.51 Special Revenue - 10,779.04 Capital Projects - 5,767.00 Sewer Enterprise - 16,475.06 Water Enterprise - 6,221.88 Electric Enterprise - 262,938.88 Tartufo / Markt VOTED: 4 -0 Markt abstained on police items 4. Licenses & Permits a) Application for a Common Victuallers License at 888 S. Main Street by Ronald Lefebvre, who was present. He hopes to have carry -out food, a few tables and chairs and some frozen food. The location is directly across from Great Woods Center for the Performing Arts and the Town Manager said he would like to have the Police Chief study the situation because of potential traffic concerns. MOTION: To table until next week for report from Police Chief. Markt /Tartufo VOTED: 4 -0 b) Transfer Request #4, Town Clerk Election & Registration Expense. Nec- essary because of October 13th Special Election and unforeseen start- up costs for new voting system.($3,827.00). MOTION: To approve Transfer Request #4. Harrington /Tartufo VOTED: 4 -0 c) Board members signed deeds for the recent land sales to Karl and Michael Clemmey, Cobb Street property. 5. Questions & Answers Bill Richards, reporter for The Enterprise, asked Selectman Harrington to elaborate on his decision to reconsider running for election to the BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINTUES OF MEETING MARCH 1, 1989 PAGE 2 Board of Selectmen. Mr. Harrington said he had received over 100 letters asking him to, after his announcement, and after discussing it with his wife and his boss, he had decided he would like to. 6. Correspondence a) Letter from Executive Office of Communities & Development re: Common- wealth's Incentive Aid Program. - Selectman Harrington reported he had a recent conversation with Rep. Vernon and been given the impression there was not going to be any new State aid. b) Letter from MMA re: Cutting Local Aid by nearly $100 million. c) Mass. Dept. of Revenue, Division of Local Services BULLETIN re: Work- shops on Accelerated Certification /Tax Rate. d) Notice of Comprehensive Permit Workshop, for Local Officials from Mass. Housing Partnership. e) Letter to the Board from Town Counsel, Max Volterra, re: Reorganization of government. f) Copy of letter to the Planning Board from Town Counsel re: Powers of the Planning Board and other town officials. g) Copy of letter to Arlen Shaw, Lions Club, from the Town Manager re: Fulton's Pond project. h) Letter to Chairman of the Board from Edward Kelley, Cobbler's Corner, re: Sewer system connection. The Chairman advised that staff is reviewing this. i) Copy of letter to the Mansfield Historical Commission from Edward Kelley, Project Director for Cobbler's Corner re: Cobbler's Corner affect on Fisher - Richardson House. j) Copy of Mass. Dept. of Public Works "Program of Projects to be Adver- tised January 1989 through December 1990 ". k) Letter to the Board from Chairman of the Recreation Commission re: Public informational meeting for discussion of a new municipal swim- ming facility, March 9th. 1) Letter from Mo Prasad, Mansfield Cable Access Chairman, re: Appointment re- appointment of Board Director; also letter from John Swafford asking for re- appointment; also letter from Mo Prasad recommending John Swafford for' re- appointment. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING MARCH 1, 1989 PAGE 3 Public Hearing /Ladonna Restaurant Liquor License (Selectman Dunn left the room for this hearing) The Clerk read the Notice of Hearing; Mrs. Karla Foley and her husband were present, Mrs. Foley as owner of the proposed restaurant. Mrs. Foley said she has held a liquor license, for her restaurant in Norwood for nearly five years, and has never had a problem. Both her present restaurant and the pro- posed one for Mansfield are primarily a dining establishment, not a liquor establishment. She expects to have a cafe and dining room, 210 seats with 56 parking spaces. The second floor is for the kitchen and office; basement for electrical equipment. Karla (Foley) would like hours 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., but said they are usually closed by 11 - 11:30 P.M. She mentioned the management training she holds regarding handling drinkers. The hearing was opened to the public and Karl Clemmey addressed an issue con- cerning a sliver of land adjoining the parcel for the restaurant which, he said, he was asked to bring up by the owners, Butch & Mary Picciandra, who are now living in Arizona. He said they need a curb cut and drainage study; he was advised by Mr. Foley that the Commonwealth has issued the curb cut. Karl said this piece of land is presently in Land Court. He wanted the Sel- ectmen to consider this problem. Selectman Tartufo said he does not think the Board of Selectmen should get involved with it; it is an individual prob- lem with the land. The Foleys have met with the Planning Board and received 6 -0 vote in favor and they have met the building requirements; they have also been given an address, on Central Street, which allows proper frontage. He urged them to pursue the land boundaries. MOTION: To approve the liquor license pending all requirements for permits, approval of a legal boundary and approval of the liquor license ap- plication and pledge of the liquor license by the ABCC, then issu- ance of the Occupancy Permit. Levine / Tartufo Selectman Harrington pointed out this will include the curb cut document from the Commonwealth. VOTED: 5 -0 8. Budget Matters /Proposed New Positions Review a) Reference Reader Librarian - The Library Director, Dinah Amsden, and Chairman of the Library Trustees, Colin Cauldwell, were present to ex- plain why they feel they need this additional employee, which they are requesting be full time. They said that with the new building which is considerably larger, they anticipate a large increase in circulation, and they need this added position to help adults. Dinah said her hours have increased, as have the demands for service. Selectman Harrington said he is not opposed to the position, but there is a funding problem. Selectman Levine said she does not feel the Town BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING MARCH 1, 1989 ( PAGE 4 should build a new building if it cannot staff it. Chairman Dunn agreed, a new building must be staffed. Selectman Tartufo suggested looking at necessity and need first, then prioritize the needs. The Town Manager addressed the custodial service needed, saying the new building is 23,000 square feet. A private contractor service is more expensive and not as advantageous. * MOTION: To include both positions but subject to later information. Harrington / Tartufo VOTED: 5 -0 b) Recreation Program Supervisor - The Recreation Director, Lorilee Fish, and Chairman of the Recreation Commission, Steve Jackson, were present. Steve Jackson said Lorilee is a full -time "pro" administering an excellent recreation program. She needs a Program Supervisor, part -time, and also wants added secretarial hours for when she cannot be in the office. Selectman Harrington asked about increased fees vs. covering added ex- penses, and expressed concern about whether increased fees will nullify attendance and thus reduce number of attendees. Selectman Tartufo felt if the funds are not available, there may be some activities they could cut. * MOTION: To approve both positions with the same stipulations; they have agreed to raise the fees to cover the costs. Harrington /Markt VOTED: 5 -0 c) Animal Control Officer - Chairman of the Animal Welfare Committee, Linda Sohn, and Chief of Police, Jesse Earls, were present. Linda Sohn opened by advising that she in no way is critizing the Dog Officer, Jock Rosado; he is only part -time and opens and closes the shelter and tends the dogs twice a day. She said there is no one to pick up stray dogs, etc. She would like to see a humane officer 4 -5 hours a day to patrol the town for stray dogs, etc. He could be at the shelter at certain hours for people to claim dogs, etc. Linda would like to see the leash law enforced as well as licensing of all dogs. Selectman Levine said she felt when you have to cut, this is one position she would be able to. She was reminded that Jock will retire in April. * MOTION: To support the budget request as submitted by the Town Manager with the stipulation that the revenue side also be adjusted. Consider increasing license fees to break even so there is no additional burden on the taxpayers. Harrington /Dunn Selectman Harrington suggested increased license fees by $5.00 which will go towards dog officer salary. Selectman Tartufo felt the salary should be tried at $17,000 (Linda had indicated $21,000); he did not feel it is a high priority position. Chair- BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING MARCH 1, 1989 PAGE 5 man Dunn felt the town needs animal control. Selectman Levine thanked Dr. Sohn for what he does for the town (veterinarian work free). VOTED: 4 -1 Levine opposed At this point Selectman Harrington pointed out that the Board has now approved $175,000 in positions and rejected $50,000; of course these are only preliminary. d) Board of Health and DPW Director could not be present tonight, the Town Manager advised, but will attend another meeting to explain their re- quests for a Health Inspector Aide and DPW Maintenance Superintendent. 9. Old Business - Town Manager a) Order of Town Meeting Warrant Articles - Selectman Tartufo would like to see them listed in the order in which they were received. Chairman Dunn suggested a sub - committee study; Selectman Harrington advised the Finance Committee suggested drawing out of a box (lottery style). Sel- ectman Tartufo said that system would be a mistake; it could create con- fusion because of more than one article hinging on another. Chairman Dunn felt it makes sense to keep similar articles together, i.e., zoning, house keeping, etc. The Town Manager reminded the Board the Town Clerk needs the Warrant signed next Wednesday and posted Friday, March 10th. Selectmen Tartufo and Markt were appointed as a sub - committee. b) Board members had been given a Memo regarding abatement of Hullquist Warehouse, Inc. water and sewer bills issued prior to September 1987_ totaling $897.80. This is an outstanding balance preceding Hullquist take -over of the property; the error is on the part of Town records. * MOTION: To abate the outstanding bill and send a letter to the previ- ous owners informing them there was a mistake and would they like to cover it. Harrington / Markt VOTED: 5 -0 c) Community Development Director Position - The Town Manager reviewed Town Counsel's opinions on the questions previously raised concerning the new position /change of title. The job description as written by the Town Manager indicates indicates that the Director serves as Town Planner secondarily to the responsibilities of overall town development. Town Counsel indicates that "In contrast, the Charter states that the Planning Director's primary responsibility shall be to the Planning Board ..." Town Counsel saw no conflict with the Environmental Planner position, as proposed, as that position, nor Conservation Agent, is not set forth in the Town Charter. The Town Manager had made suggested revisions for changes and title, the latter to Planning and Development Director. Selectman Tartufo said he does not like it; he would like to see the title remain Planning BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING ( MARCH 1, 1989 PAGE 6 Director, and he does not want to see the Planning Director be over. the Conservation Agent, nor to have to pay the Planning Director more to supervise the Conservation Agent. Selectman Levine questioned whether or not the Planning Director's eval- uation, done by the Town Manager, will be affected by the amount of duties he has or has not accomplished that the Town Manager wanted him to do. Steve Quinn, member of the Planning his Board's preference as to the job tor, copy of which the Board had. Board, was present and commented on description for the Planning Direc- * MOTION: To support the Town Manager's recommendations to incorporate changes as outlined and to revise present position to reflect those changes. To forward that job description to the Plan- ning Board for their comments to be brought back to the Select- men. Levine /Markt VOTED: 5 -0 d) Environmental Planner Position - The Town Manager reviewed his changes to the Conservation Commission's recommendations. Selectman Levine asked if the Conservation had had time to review Tom's points. Marilyn Ouellette, Acting Chairman of the Commission, was present and said they had not; they will be doing it March 13th. The Selectmen said they would wait for the comments back from the Conservation Commission. * MOTION: To handle same as the Planning Director's position motion. Tartufo /Harrington VOTED: 5 -0 e) Town Meeting Date - Decision was to postpone it indefinitely. f) The Town Manager had provided a copy of Town Counsel's contract; there was discussion concerning some of the numbered points; Selectman Levine felt any enforcement officer should have the ability to contact Town Counsel any time. The Town Manager will revise it and bring it back to the Board next week. g) The Town Manager reported that he will have well level readings shortly; at present the wells look good. h) Selectman Levine again asked about progress on the Jackson Court situ- ation, then asked that Paul Folkman be asked to meet with the Board in two weeks - March 15th. The Town Manager said he believes it is the lighting that is holding things up. 10. New Business a) Selectman Harrington reported he had received a letter from John F. Kennedy Grass Roots Committee asking for a designee for fund raising BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING MARCH 1, 1989 PAGE 7 to help in fund raising for a statue in Boston; contact to be the Demo- cratic Committee. There were no volunteers. 11. Executive Session The Board was polled to go into executive session to discuss land acquisi- tion, to come out only to adjourn; 5 -0 - Executive Minutes typed separately - 12. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 11:50 P.M. MINUTES APPROVED: 4C_ k �' Date signed