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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMaster Plan Council 02/05/1987Date of meeting: Members Present: TOWN OF MANSFIELD MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING February 5, 1987 Kelli Spedden Doug Annino Steven Chapman Paul Folkman Carl Nelson Stuart Sweet The meeting was called to order at 7:38 p.m. Richard Callinan Stephen Calvin Joanne Colella Larry Harrington Ralph Seifert Allen Willis The minutes of the January 8th meeting, having been mailed to all members for their review prior to this meeting, were not read. A motion was made by Ms. Colella, seconded by Mr. Willis, and passed by unanimous vote to accept them. Correspondence A letter was received from Richard Callinan regarding his resignation as Planning Director for the Town of Mansfield, due to his appointment as Planning Director in the Town of Bridgewater. Ms. Spedden congratulated him on his new appointment and offered the Council's regrets on his leaving. Presentation by Linda Sohn, Chairwoman of the Water Protection District Advisory Committee Linda Sohn presented the Council with a brief review of the formation of that Committee, an outline of its phases of operation, and an overview of the main points made by guest speakers at their meetings to date. Ms. Sohn stated that at their first meeting the Committee decided that due to the number of areas of concern that relate to water protection, their first phase of operation would be to educate themselves by inviting guest speakers with expertise in this field. The first guest to speak was Steve Smith of SERPDD. SERPDD had developed the layout of the current water protection districts, and Mr. Smith explained that this was accomplished by determining the average rainfall per year, less percentages for runoff and evaporation, factoring in the town's average daily water consumption, to arrive at a figure which is the area necessary around each aquifer area to provide for this use. Mr. Smith also discussed sewer expansion as a way to protect ground water, the problems of effluents from septic systems, and the problem of runoff from pavement and lawns. TOWN OF MANSFIELD 2 MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING - 2/5/87 Presentation by Linda Sohn, Chairwoman of the Water Protection District Advisory Committee cont Scott Leite, Health Agent in the Town of Mansfield, was the second speaker before the Committee, and explained how septic systems work, that it wasn't only the failed system that was a problem. He also explained that some towns determine allowable lot sizes by the type of soil, because of the way this affects the operation of the septic system. The third speaker was William Mackey of Camp, Dresser & McKee, Inc., the firm which designed the waste water treatment plant. He outlined what areas had been sewered to date, and the planned phases of expansion. Lyn White of Easton, an Audubon Society speaker on water protection, also addressed the Committee on how the actions of each town affect the other in regard to water supply, and the possible need for joint planning. Ms. Sohn advised the Council that they will be having more speakers, and that in March they will begin to work with the information they have gathered and develop recommendations which will then be forwarded to the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board, and then to the Council. When questioned about the time frame, Ms. Sohn felt their recommendations would be completed in May. The Council and Ms. Sohn discussed the issues of IEP's involvement in Easton and Mansfield and the need for joint action between Norton, Mansfield, Foxboro and Easton in addressing water concerns, possible sites for land aquisition for water protection, hazardous waste disposal, problems of road salt, advantages of cluster development to protect open spaces, and hearings for public input and education. Old Business Scientific Survey Mr. Callinan updated the Council on the progress of the scientific survey. To date, 75 surveys out of 300 had been returned and the deadline for return had been passed. The Council was reminded that the accuracy of this survey depends on a 100% response. He outlined the possible ways to pursue this, which were 1) to send a follow-up letter, 2) to try to contact individuals by phone (a brief experiment in trying to ascertain phone numbers yielded only about 60%) or in person, or 3) to depend on the results of the "informal" survey, of which about 535 were received. Although no vote was taken, the general feeling was that the scientific survey was not worth pursuing. Council members discussed using the 75 surveys returned in the scientific survey, the surveys received in the informal survey, and having IEP, Inc., tabulate both. TOWN OF MANSFIELD MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING - 2/5/87 Old Business (cont Draft Results of Informal Survey 3 Each Council member who had tabulated results from the informal survey outlined their findings. Although these findings will not be viewed as conclusionary until IEP's final tabulation, some trends seemed to be noted, as follows. There seemed to be some common factors in Section I, General. Most had more responses from males than females, most were homeowners, a majority were not on fixed incomes, ages of those responding varied, but responses were mostly from those over 30, the majority seemed to be employed outside of Mansfield, and had chosen Mansfield because of location, affordability, and tax rates. In Section II, Future Directions, most seemed to feel that Mansfield was a suburban community, that while they might be in favor of more development of single family housing and light industry, they were not in favor of more multi -family or condominium development. There did appear to be interest in open space acquisition; and traffic and protection of water supply appear to be viewed as problems. In Section III, Growth Management, most indicated that residential growth was too rapid, and commercial growth was about right, with some feeling it was not fast enough. In Section IV, Economy, there seemed to be some support for light industry, medical facilities, and services, while there was feeling against hotel/motels, bars, and fast food establishments. In Section V, Open Space, most seem to support 1) preservation of ground water recharge areas to ponds and to public water supplies, 2) and ponds, to be a priority; many seem willing to support the acquisition/ preservation of these with property tax dollars. There appears to be support for additional passive recreational and swimming facilities and willingness to pay a fee for use of these. In Section VI, Town Services, most seemed to feel town services were good, with the fire department and police department rating highest. These along with town water received top priority for more financial support. In Section VII, Traffic and Parking, not enough roads travelling east/west, downtown parking, and poorly designed intersections received the most mention. Some specific roads and intersections mentioned were 106 at North Main, 106 at 140, and School at 140. In Section VIII, there seems to be some support for subsidizing housing for elderly and special needs, but not others. Most seemed to be against multi -family housing, but may support "accessory apartments". The Council discussed the possible problems involved with interpreting these results because of the wording of the question. TOWN OF MANSFIELD 4 MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING - 2/5/87 Draft Results of Informal Survey (cont) In Section IX, Airport, while many have not used the facility, the majority seem to see it as an asset. In Section X, Downtown, parking and appearance seem to be improvements those responding would like to see, and most seem to feel the Downtown is important to Mansfield. It appears there is some mixed opinion on where future business development should be concentrated. In Section XI, Other, the most mentioned concerns appear to be the dump, electric service, and ground water. The Council discussed these preliminary results, and felt that tabulation of these surveys by IEP, Inc., should be completed before any conclusions are drawn. Affordable Housing Study In reviewing Connery Associates' Affordable Housing Study, Council members discussed the need for affordable housing, and the increasing average age of the population. In discussion of whether members feel Connery is on the right track, Mr. Harrington stated that the wishes of town residents should provide direction for the Council; that that was why the survey was undertaken, and its results will determine if the town wishes to proceed in the manner that Connery is proposing. The need for public hearings to clarify public wishes was also discussed, as the Council is concerned about the wording of the survey question regarding housing. Participation of audience members in Connery's handout ranking housing initiatives was discussed by the Council, with Mr. Willis specifically stating that he wished his opposition to be recorded. Discussion followed in regard to the importance of public input and the importance of educating the public. New Business Council members discussed the proposed "Trash to Energy" incinerator facility, and recent developments in regard to it. Ms. Spedden and Mr. Harrington both had visited a similar facility in Oswego County, New York, and offered their insights to the Council. Mr. Harrington updated members on the reasons for the Board of Selectmen's recommendation against this proposal. He explained that they are opposed to the proposed site for the plant, that they are concerned about potential traffic problems, possible water contamination, and problems involving enforcement of regulations. TOWN OF MANSFIELD MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING - 2/5/87 New Business (cont 5 Council members discussed the problems of waste disposal, the need to close the current dump and the costs involved in closing it, expansion of these types of plants, and the need for the Council be aware of developments in this area. At 11:00 PM Mr. Chapman made a motion to adjourn the meeting, which was seconded by Mr. Harrington, and passed by unanimous vote. Respectfully submitted, Ltn- Deborah Hillman, Secretary