Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 10-30-1989BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING OCTOBER 30, 1989 r J i� NOS 4 119 �) W ov ���� PRESENT: Chairman Tartufo; Selectmen Dunn, Harrington, Sarro, Markt; Town Manager 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:36 P.M. and the Flag saluted. 2. Payroll Warrant * MOTION: To approve the payroll warrant. Harrington / Markt The Town Manager explained that because of the change in meeting day there will be a separate payroll approval each week. VOTED: 5 -0 Selectman Markt abstained on police salaries Selectman Harrington then reported onthe Town Accountant contract which he and Selectman Markt had worked together to complete satisfactorily. * MOTION: To change the Town Accountant performance evaluation date to July 1,1989 and approve a salary of $40,000 retroactive to July 1, 1989. Harrington/Markt VOTED: 5 -0 3. Correspondence a) Letter to the Board from the Town Administrator of Brookline re: Local aid lawsuit against the Governor. b) Invitation from AMES Distribution Services to their celebration of con- version Friday, November 3rd. c) Two (2) Chamber of Commerce announcements of meetings: "The Customer" Tuesday, November 7; and "How is Your Company's Cash Flow ?" Thursday, November 16th. d) Copy of Civic Action, News From the National Civic League. e) Notice from GATRA re: The GATRA /H & L Bloom, Inc. garage dedication postponed until Friday, November 17th at 11:00 A.M. f) One (1) Dept. of Public Utilities notice of Hearing re: Zip Call, Inc. II, Mobilephone Radio Paging Corp. and Comex, Inc., November 13th. g) Copy of two (2) letters to Town Counsel from Director of Planning & Development re: Massapoag Estates & "a zoning related issue ". - Selectman Harrington asked about possibility of recovering legal ex- pense when a developer forces the Town to do this. The Town Manager said he would ask Town Counsel. h) Two (2) letters to the Town Manager from President of Appraisal Consul- tants of New England re: Town land for sale. - Selectman Harrington asked that this come up at next Monday's meeting BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINTUES OF MEETING OCTOBER 30, 1989 PAGE 2 i) Letter to the Board from "Residents of Stearns Ave." re: Proposal for an on -site wastewater treatment plant on Erick Road. - Selectman Harrington requested that a copy be sent to DEQE 4. Audit Report /Peat Marwick Main & Co. Lon Compton and Barbara Breen were present to discuss the 6/30/88 report; Larry Gallagher, Town Accountant, and Joan Cutillo, Town Treasurer, were also present. Lon Compton said the situation changed dramatically from the 1987 report which was almost unauditable. The Town was "out of control in 1987 ", they have had very few findings in the 1988 report. He did recommend a Financial Director for the Town, rather than "splintered handling" to date. Barbara Breen advised she expects the 1989 audit to be completed by the end of Novem- ber, and overall everything looks better. Selectman Harrington said he would like a letter of congratulations sent to the Town Accountant and Town Treasurer. He also said the real responsibility is on department heads, and he would like congratulations sent to all of them for the tremendous effort they put forth. Selectman Markt said to see such a turn - around in a short period of time deserves alot of credit to all employees. The Town Manager expressed appreciation for the help of Peat Marwick in being available and tolerant. He also mentioned the detailed revenue report of last year and this with the Town Treasurer and Accountant monitoring revenue. 5. Old Business a) Selectman Markt asked the Town Manager if the Town will have to maintain Copeland Drive. The Town Manager said nothing has come up other than rumors. b) Selectman Sarro asked about the communication system. The Town Manager reported he has received an estimate from the consultant but has not yet had a chance to really review it. He feels utilizing the consul- tant for certain aspects will be helpful and important; a 3 % -5% of the budget for a consultant would be helpful. c) Selectman Harrington reported the Halloween parade went well with 800- 1000 attending. He went on to say he has seen the parade grow and the Recreation Director, Lorilee Fish, deserves alot of credit in bringing the community together this way. d) Chairman Tartufo addressed the Initiative Petition again and urged others to help circulate them. He said this gives a message to both the House and the Governor. BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES OF MEETING OCTOBER 30, 1989 PAGE 3 6. New Business a) Selectman Dunn reported briefly on the Mass. Municipal Association Annual Conference & Trade Show which he and the Town Manager had at- tended the end of last week. He said several important issues were dis- cussed, the most important meeting being the referendum ballot. Mansfield was presented the "Best Overall Safety Performance Award" for 1988 -89 in Category II (based on population). The award is presented by the Mass. Interlocal Insurance Association, and this is the second consecutive year Mansfield has received it. The Town Manager said it is a credit to the Safety Committee and Town employees; it has paid dividends. Safe work practices make for less lost time and reduce Town premiums. The Town Manager also advised that Workmen's Compensation cost will most likely go up 30 -35% and MIIA should soften it for the Town. Selectman Harrington pointed out the three topics of tonight's meet- ing - audit, Recreation Commission and Safety Committee, indicating the very positive things Town employees are doing. He suggested some publicity for this aspect of Town news. b) Selectman Harrington reported on an article he read in the Sun Chronicle concerning Mansfield's drug problem. It said the Chief claims his bud- get is not adequate to fight the drug problem. Selectman Harrington sug- gested an executive session with the Police Chief so the Board can under- stand his needs and problems. He felt it could be very valuable for the Board to udnerstand how serious the drug problem is in Mansfield. The Town Manager will pursue this with Tam Counsel and the Chief. c) Selectman Harrington announced the third Thanksgiving dinner at St. Mary's parish Thanksgiving Day and urged the elderly to contact his home number if they would like to partake; transportation will be provided. He also advised donations are welcome. d) Selectman Sarro praised the work the DPW has done this summer on drain- age problems, holes in streets, etc. Selectman Markt added he recently watched the DPW working on a long -time problem on Brook Street and said the residents who had complained were appreciative. 7. Adjournment * MOTION: To adjourn (at 8:40 P.M.). Markt /Harrington V TED: 5 -0 MINUTES APPROVED: Clerk Date signed