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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMaster Plan Council CorrespondenceMASTER FLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL CORRESPONDENCE. Undated MEMORANDUM from Connery Associates to MFAC, presenting second draft of Affordable Housing Study. June 14, 1987 MEMORANDUM from Kelli Baker, Chairman MFAC, to Rande Wilson, Town Manager, re Supreme Court Land Use Decision. Request that Town Counsel study said decision and render a written opinion of same for consideration by MFAC. June 5, 1987 MEMORANDUM from Rande Wilson, Town Manager, to K:ell.i Baker, Chairman MFAC} discussing Consulting Services. Advising that certain funds have been allocated for settlement with IEP and continuation of Master Plan study by a new consultant; also advising that Mike Lacasse has been authorized to negotiate new contract. for Master Flan with Connery Associates. June 14, 1978 MEMORANDUM from I;elli Baker, Chairman MFAC to Board of Selectmen and Planning Board, advising that MFAC recommends negotiation with Connery Associates as new consultants for Master Plan study. June 14, 1978 MEMORANDUM from Kelli Baker, Chairman MFAC, to Rande 1 W.il.son, Town Manager, advising of Debbie H.i.11man's resignation effective July 1.; requesting that a new secretary be hired; commending Debbie for hard work: and diligence and requesting that a reference be given if ever requested by Debbie. June 10, 1987 LETTER from Scott P. Lopez, Assistant I:}istrict Attorney, Bristol. County, to Kelli Baker, Chairman MFAC, advising of complaint received re conduct of MFAC at May 7 meeting, specifically noting motion and vote taken to prohibit tape recording of session. Enclosing copy of open meeting law, requesting distribution of same to members of MFAC. ACTION TAKEN. Such letter sent to Board of Selectmen, Planning Board under cover of MEMORANDUM dated June 14, 1987, from Kelli Baker, Chairman MPAC; copies also sent. to Rande Wilson, Town Manager; Mike Lacasse, Planning Director; members MFAC. June 14, 1987 MEMORANDUM from Kelli Baker, Chairman MFAC, to members MFAC, advising of anticipated schedule from June 22 - August 13. Juie 14, 1987 LETTER from Kelli Baker, Chairman MFAC, to Robert. Catineau, Connery Assor_.iates, enclosing copies of minutes pertaining to discussions of Affordable Housing draft, and outlining anticipated schedule. June 16, 1987 MEMORANDUM from Rande Wilson, Town Manager, to Kelli. Ba4::er, Chairman MPAC, revising earlier memorandum of June 5, noted above. June 16, 1987 MEMORANDUM from Michel Lacasse, Planning Director, to Planning Board, enclosing Connery's draft proposal for completion of the Master Plan, and requesting comments regarding same by June 22, 1987. July 10, 1987 MEMORANDUM from Kelli BaF::er, Chairman MPAC, to members MPAC, enclosing agenda for July 16 meeting. July 8, 1987 LETTER from Thomas A. Pisaturo, Comprehensive Planning Manager of SRPEDD, to Michel Lacasse, Planning Director, enclosing revised estimates for community profile for Mansfield, and estimates for mapping project. July 10, 1987 LETTER from Thomas A. Pisaturo, Comprehensive Planning Manager of SRPEDD, to Michel Lacasse, Planning Director, enclosing draft contract for services. July 14, 1987 LETTER from Linda Sohn, Chairman Water Protection District Advisory Committee, to Norman Mahana, Chairman Board of Selectmen, enclosing recommendations of Water Protection committee. July 15, 1987 MEMORANDUM from Michel Lacasse, Planning Director, to Rande Wilson, Town Manager, reviewing information forwarded to Mr. Wilson by IEP regarding cost of services rendered to Mansfield. Contesting certain items and charges submitted by IEP; recommending payment of not more than 9x11,.'_•:60 based on status of proposed projects completed. July 17, 1987 MEMORANDUM from Michel Lacasse, Planning Director, to Rande Wilson, Town Manager, recommending execution of SRPEDD contract. July 17, 1987 LETTER from Rande Wilson, Town Manager, to Thomas A. Pisaturo, Comprehensive Planning Manager of SRPEDD, enclosing copies of contract executed by Mr. Wilson. (Target dates as originally proposed by SRPEDD revised by Mr. Wilson.) July 22, 1987 LETTER from Rande Wilson, Town Manager, to Robert. Catineau, Connery Associates, enclosing fully executed copies of contract between Town of Mansfield and Connery Associates for Master Plan study. July 29, 1987 MEMORANDUM from Kelli Bal%er, Chairman MPAC, enclosing agenda for August 6 meeting, and advising of anticipated schedule. July 30, 1987 MEMORANDUM from Michel Lacasse, Planning Director, to Rande Wilson, Town Manager, requesting advertising for evening secretaries for Master Plan Advisory Council. and Solid Waste Committee. August 5, 1987 LISTING of documents loaned by l"own of Mansfield to Robert J. Catineau of Connery Associates, for Master Plan study. Listing executed by Robert J. Catineau. August b, 1987 MEMORANDUM from Marilyn Ouellette, Committee Chair of Committee for Solid Waste Alternatives, to Boards of the Town of Mansfield, inviting all boards to Solid Waste meeting of August it to hear Betsy Loring of D=:GtF: speak on recycling. August 10, 1987 LETTER from Michel Lacasse, Planning Director, to Robert CatineaLA, Connery Associates, enclosing a number of maps for Connery's use. Date of meeting: Members Present: TOWN GF MANSFIELD MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING June 4, 1987 Kelli (Spedden) Stephen Calvin Joanne Colella Bill Madan Ralph Seifert Allen Willis Baker Mike Lacasse Steven Chapman Paul Folkman Carl Nelson Stuart Sweet The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM. Mr. Seifert requested that he be allowed to read a statement, which follows: "Let me apologize for my unkind remarks during last month's meeting. Regardless of how far one is pushed by others of opposing views, it does not give one license to that type of action. I sincerely apologize to those who were subject of those remarks. I intended no harm to them or this Council." Mr. Calvin made a motion to accept Mr. Seifert's statement as they seemed to be well-intentioned and sincere. The motion was seconded by Mr. Willis and passed by unanimous vote. The minutes of the April 30 and May 7 meeting, having been mailed to all members for their review prior to this meeting, were not read. It was pointed out that in the April 30 minutes, page 3, under New Business, "Rotary Club" should be corrected to read "Jaycees." A motion was made by Mrs. Colella to accept the minutes with that correction, seconded by Mr. Sweet, and passed by unanimous vote. Correspondence A memo addressed to Kelli Baker from Steve Quinn, dated 5/14/87, was received advising Mrs. Baker that the Planning Board would like her to attend one Planning Board meeting each month to update them on the Master Plan process and requesting that she advise them of the most convenient night for her. A copy of a letter from the Planning Board to Mr. Richard Sebetes dated 5/14/87 was received, in which the Planning Board apologized to Mr. Sebetes for any inconvenience he had suffered, and advised him that they were not going to fill the vacancy left by Mr. Annino's resignation from the Master Plan Advisory Council. A copy of a memo from Rande Wilson, Town Manager, to Steve Quinn, Planning Board Chairman, dated 5/15/87 was received in which Mr. Wilson advised the Planning Board that he had requested that IEP return to. Mansfield the surveys and any information regarding them, but that they had not been received. TO6JN OF MANSFIELD 2 MASTER PLAN ADVISOR`_' COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING - 6/4/87 Correspondence (cont) A memo to Kelli Baker from Steve Quinn, dated 5/29/87 was received advising her that the Planning Board in its 5/27 meeting voted unanimously to support the Master Plan process. Attached to this memo was a copy of a memo to the Board of Selectmen from the Planning Board advising them of their vote to request a joint meeting between the Board of Selectmen, Planning Board, and Master Plan Advisory Council before the Council votes on any positions to take on the information and materials gathered in the Master Plan process. A letter to Mrs. Baker, Chairman, from Debbie Hillman, Secretary, dated June 1 was received advising Mrs. Baker of Mrs. Hillman's resignation as Council secretary effective July 1, 1987, due to her return to school and consequent lack of time necessary to complete Council work. A motion was made by Mrs. Colella to accept this resignation with regret, seconded by Mr. Sweet, and passed by unanimous vote. A motion was made by Mr. Chapman to immediately secure a new secretary, and after some discussion, amended to send a memo to Mr. Wilson, Town Manager, requesting the expeditious hiring of a new secretary. This was seconded by Mr. Sweet and passed by unanimous vote. A memo to Mrs. Baker from Mr. Harrington dated 6/4/87 was received concerning the composition of the Council. Since he could not attend this meeting, he stated his concerns in the memo. He felt that the Council needed to demonstrate that it is thorough, unbiased, and professional. Since the expected completion date of the Master Plan process has been delayed, there has been a change in Planning Directors, a change in consultants, and will be a change in Town Manager, he questioned if the Council should reconsider its stand on accepting r.e,.�r members, and consider the addition of several members at large. Mrs. Baker asked that discussion of this be tabled until further into this meeting's agenda. P_ letter was received from Mr. Richard Gordon requesting copies of all Master Plan Advisory Council minutes since February 19, 1987. Before proceeding to the 0ld Business portion of the agenda, Mrs. Baker introduced Mr. Mike Lacasse, the new Planning Director, to the Council. Old Business Discussion of Connery Associates' Draft Housinq Plan Mrs. Baker opened discussion by stating that since the Council had discussed this draft following its presentation on April 30, she would like to keep this discussion to additional comments or questions. The Council discussed when Connery Associates receives copies of the minutes of Council meetings (after they are accepted). Mrs. Colella made a motion that the portion of tonight's minutes pertaining to Connery Associates be mailed to them, as soon as available, marked as a draft. The motion was seconded by Mr. Seifert, and passed by unanimous vote. TOTRC OF M1,11SFIELD 3 MASTER PLAN ADGISOFY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING - 6/4/87 Old Business (cont) Discussion of Connery Associates' Draft Housing Housing Plan (cont) The majority of the Council seemed to feel that the draft had received adequate question and comment already, and the Council discussed requesting another draft of this housing plan from Connery Associates that reflects Council comments made on April 30 before proceeding with the Plan to the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board. Mr. Willis made a motion to request a second draft of this Housing Plan, the motion was seconded by Mrs. Colella, and passed by unanimous vote. Discussion of Connery Associates' Draft Proposal/Outline Mrs. Baker advised the Council that this proposal/outline was given to Mansfield to list those options available in preparing a Master Plan; that Mansfield would have to establish what options it desires and/or can afford after settlement with IEP. It was noted by Mrs. Baker that the MPAC was reviewing this document at Mr. Wilson's and Mr. Catineau's request, and that questions and comments would be forwarded to both Connery and Mr. Wilson. Council members decided to review the proposal in full. Some general questions were: Is Connery Associates aware of the errors in IEP data if the, use this data? - Does this prop al include the survey of Mansfield citizens? tan to rafts? This question was answered by Mr. Wilson, Town Manager, who advised the Council that the only things returned to Mansfield were documents Mansfield had originally sent IEP, not any material generated by IEP, or a bill for their services. - Would it be appropriate for the Council to correct IEP's draft? Mr. Lacasse, Planning Director, felt this should wait until settlement is made with IEP and a new consultant hired. If there are sufficient funds, it would be best to let the consultant do this, but it could be an option if the funds were not available. - Where does the town stand with negotiations with IEP now? Mr. Wilson also answered this question by saying that IEP had agreed to send a bill, but hadn't to this date. The next step is to send a letter to IEP giving them a deadline to send a bill, which he would be acing. ,He felt two weeks'an adequate amount of time to give them to do this. - Would the surveys be returned? Mr. Lacasse felt IEP was keeping materials to be used in bargaining with the town. - Could the Council revise Phases I and II itself? Mr. Lacasse answered that a consultant is hired for their input and views of resulting statistics, and that if possible it would be best if the consultant does this. - Is it possible to utilize SRPEDD? There_is time available to the tcwn. - Are other consultants being considered? Mr. Wilson answered that since Connery Associates are already on board, they would be able to proceed the most expeditiously, and since they were involved in the initial bid, Town Counsel had advised that a new bid would not be necessary to hire them. T04OT OF MANSFIELD 4 DIASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING - 6/4/87 Old Business (cont) Discussion of Connery Associates' Draft Proposal/Outline (cont) - Will more Downtown work be included? The last study was in 1982 and needs revision. This may be done by Connery, also Mr. Lacasse is working on application for a grant to study the downtown. - In discussing publicity, Mr. Nelson stated that there should be a release to the papers each week of some information to inform the public. The need to inform the public of the issues, and gather public input on the issues was discussed at length, as well as the ways to accomplish this. Questions and comments on specific sections of the proposal were: Section 1 - Data base in this section should include airport plan, geological information, electric department, municipal government information, and evaluation of existing facilities and plans available for future facilities (such as Hutchinson Park). 1.13 - Natural resources and topography (wetlands, floodplain, farms, streams, ponds, slopes) - Is this available from IEP? Is it usable? If available, it would need to be checked. 1.20 - Assemble/generate traffic countson major streets; perform Capacity Analysis and Origin Destination Survey - Is this covered in the road study already done? If so, it could be used. 1.30 - Assemble available demographic base data (population trends, projections, school age children and projections_ - PThile there is a trend to smaller family units, Mansfield is seeing the development of many more units; the need for services must be recognized. 1.50 - Survey the regional market to determine the probable pace of residential, commercial and industrial development relative to possible market absorption - This could include a subsection. for Downtown. Section 2 - Some general comments were made on this section, including what funds were available to include Downtown in this section, including grants being applied for by the Planning Director; whether some work could be done internally, and the checking of material used from IEP's work. Members also questioned whether recreation facilities and conservation lands were being considered here. Section 3 - No specific questions or comments. Section 4 - No specific questions or comments. Section 5 - Does the Downtown survey belong in this section? Section 6 - Should include "trigger points." Section 7 - Items 7.3 and 7.5 should read to the Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen." TOWN OF MANSFIELD 5 MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING - 6/4/87 Old Business (cont Discussion of Connery Associates' Draft Proposal/Outline (cont) Further comments and questions included discussion of where funds might be available (such as money available for maps, grants, etc.). Also discussed was the survey begun by IEP, including the confusion created by its conflicting questions, its subjection to political interpretation, and its lack of statistical accuracy. Ways of obtaining public input and maintaining communication with the public including using press releases and public hearings were discussed. It was noted that Mr. Lacasse and Connery Associates' ideas in this regard were similar. Mr. Chapman made a motion that the Council send to Mr. Wilson, Town. Manager, this draft proposal, with the Council's comments, and request that he negotiate a contract with Connery Associates. In discussing this motion, some members felt they would like more time to review the proposal. Mrs. Baker advised the Council that Mr. Wilson had given this proposal to the Council for review and comment, not for Council approval; that it is the job of the Town Manager, Planning Board, and Board of Selectmen to decide on the hiring of the consultant. The motion was amended to read that the Council forward to the Town Manager its comments on Connery's draft proposal and recommend that he negotiate a contract with Connery Associates. The amended motion was seconded by Mr. Willis, and it passed with nine members in favor. Further discussion followed regarding who the memo should be addressed to, and about the Council's desire to avoid any further conflicts with the Boards which created it. Mr. Chapman moved for reconsideration cf his motion, to which no member was opposed. He then amended his motion_ such that the recommendation be addressed to the Planning Board and Board of Selectmen, with copies sent to the Town Manager and Planning Director. This was seconded by Mr. Willis and passed with nine members in favor. Mr. Folkman made a motion that the Council request that they be sent a final draft of the proposal before the execution of a contract with the new consultant. This was seconded by Mr. Willis and passed by unanimous vote. Old Business (cont) Field Trips to Mobile Home Parks Mr. Seifert outlined progress on the arrangements he has made for a field trip. As outlined the trip will include Rustic Pines Estates on Plain Street in North Attleboro, the park behind RIGHA in Plainville, possibly Manson's park on Route 1 in Foxboro, and if necessary, on a different trip, the park in Lakeville. Mr. Seifert will arrange for these directors available to meet with the members during this trip. It was decided to try to arrange the trip for a Thursday afternoon, and that members would be notified when a date was set. T �TV2T GF iL SIS_717 � 7 J NASTER PLP,N ADVISOR`: COU:AC1L MINUTES OF MEETINGMEETING - 6/4/8- old Business (cont Communication with Boards and Public The Council discussed the recent communication problems and discussed ways to avoid this in the future. It was noted that communications in the past have been addressed to the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board, with copies sent to the Town Manager and Planning Director, and that this should continue. Space in Town Hall for filing Master Plan Advisory Council materials was discussed and if possible, Mr. Lacasse will obtain filing space for this. New Business Mr. Willis distributed to the membership brochures on cluster development from the National Association of Home Builders. Round Table Discussion of Membershi The Council discussed the membership o= the Council and whether its stand on new members should be reconsidered. It was noted that there were originally 16 members, and were now 13. Those positions vacated were the representative of the Council on Aging, the representative of the Finance Committee, and the at -large member appointed by the Planning Board. Members discussed adding more members and/or filling the existing vacancies. There was some comment that it was not necessary to fill vacancies solely for the purpose of filling vacancies; that there was a core of members attending meetings now, and that the Council at present was well balanced and did represent the Tcwn well, and that members shouldn't be appointed just for political reasons. Mr. Lacasse added that there were many well intentioned peccle on the Council now; that he did not see a need to add more at this ti -:e. He added the importance of obtaining widespread public input in other ways. A motion was made by Mr. Madan to reconsider the Council's earlier stand on adding members, and seconded by Mr. Calvin. The motion failed with eight members opposed. In other round table discussion, Mr. Chapman pointed out discrepancies in a Sun Chronicle article about the termnination of IEP's contract, specifically that they stated it was done without consulting the Planning Board. He made a motion that a letter be sent to the editor of the Sun Chronicle in regard to this. The motion was seconded by Mr, Sweet. In discussion, some members felt that sometimes confusion and controversy are only increased by this type of action, and that it might be better to let this pass than bring it up again. The motion failed. Also in round table discussion, it was requested that members review the "Land Book" handout from Mr. Folkman before the next meeting. TOWN OF MANSFIELD 7 MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING - 6/4/87 Audience Comments A member of the audience questioned the Council on its criticism of the survey format, since it had been approved at a Council meeting. Members commented that at that time they had confidence in the consultant developing the form and had only that evening to review it as there were time constraints and commitments with newspapers to circulate it. Others noted that experience with the survey following its circulation was also a reason for changes in members' opinion of the survey. Another member of the audience questioned whether the hiring of a new consultant had to go out to bid. Mrs. Baker noted that she was not aware that it would be necessary but that this was not the responsibility of the Council (Mr. Wilson had noted earlier that Town Counsel had advised this would not be necessary). At 10 p.m. Mr. Seifert made a motion to adjourn the meeting which was seconded by Mr. Calvin and passed by unanimous vote. Respectfully submitted, Deborah Hillman, Secretary