HomeMy WebLinkAboutCapital Improvements 01/16/1997UCEIVED
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CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS COMMITTEE
Minutes of January 16,1997 MANSFIELD
MASSAcp,USET 1 S
PRESENT: Bernie Dolan and Ralph Penney of the Planning Board; Gerry St. Hilaire
and Walter Wilk of the Finance Committee; Norman Mahana of the Board of Selectmen
Shaun P. Burke, Director of Planning and Development
Richard Lewis, Conservation Agent
Leonard Flynn, Natural Resource Trust
Shirley Hanlon, Conservation Commission
Leslie Pasch, Library Director
Nancy Breef-Pilz, Library TrusteesChairman
Gail Farrugia, Council on Aging Director
Sandra LaRosee, Assistant Town Treasurer
Jack Folan, Council on Aging
The first meeting of the Capital Improvements Committee for the FY97-98 Capital Plan was
called to order at 7:00 p.m• at the Town Hall.
Organization: Mr. Dolan nominated Mr. Penney as chairman; Mr. Wilk nominated
Mr. St. Hilaire. Mr. Penney received three votes in favor, Mr. St. Hilaire two.
Chairman Penney lead a discussion of the process, membership and school committee's role
in the capital planning process.
Mr. Wilk said that the Finance Committee had requested that municipal government items be
separate from the operating budgets items in order to better define capital expenses.
Mr. Penney said that the committee should consider all alternatives and prioritize what we
need to include in this year's plan.
The committee requested that items requested and the items funded for several years be given
to them. The format will be to put the request in regular type and the funded project in bold.
Conservation Commission Requests
$200.000, for open space acquisition
Dick Lewis, Shirley Hanlon and Leonard Flynn presented the Conservation
Commission's request. Mr. Lewis stated that $25,000. given to the Conservation
Commission last year and is still in the land acquisition account. Mr. Penney asked what
other Conservation Commission expenses there are, other than land acquisition. Mr. Lewis
said they also need money for cleanup, signs, etc., and minor purchases.
Mr. Flynn explained the Canoe River Aquifer Committee's plans for acquisition of
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the acquifer of land along the Canoe River to create a "green belt." Ten parcels are being
( considered for inclusion at the Annual Town Meeting, with appraisals under way. Mr. Wilk
explained that the amount needed should be the amount of the appraised value minus the
$25,000 already held by the Conservation Commission.
Mr. Mahana asked if the Great Woods has been studied as a potential water site. Mr.
Flynn said no in-depth studies have been done but, based on limited geologic studies, the
Great Woods does not appear to have potential for a well site. Mr. St. Hilaire stated that it
has been discussed in the past about using water rates to acquire land in the Canoe River
Aquifer to protect well heads. This land acquisition policy could assist in creating the Canoe
River greenbelt.
Council on Aging/Library
Request for $10,000 for roof replacement- roof has been patched
Ms. Pasch presented a history of the leaking roof. Mr. Wilk asked if the town has filed a
claim; against design firm or presented demand letter. Mr. Wilk suggested that the general
contractor be named in any claim. He further suggested actual cost of replacement may be
much higher. Several members were concerned that this action had not already been filed, as
it was discussed at least two years ago. The committee suggested Ms. Pasch go to Finance
Committee for $800 for consulting engineer to evaluate the roof. After roof is examined, the
cost of repairs or replacement will be known with greater certainty.
Motion:Memo to Town Manager about issue, of a claim for the roof, with Town
Counsel action against architect and contractor and support $800 reserve fund transfer
for the services of a consulting engineer to evaluate the Library/COA roof.
(Wilk, St. Hilaire) PASSES 5-0
Treasurer/Collector
$30,000 for item processing machine - approximately 2/3 of bills posted come from the
Light Department
Sandra LaRosee, Assistant Treasurer/Collector, presented the request. Mrs.
LaRosee explained the billing and posting process in her department. In response to a
question, Mrs. LaRosee estimated that more than half of the billing done in her
office comes from the Light Department.
Motion: To send memo from Capital Improvements Committee to Light
Commissioners asking them to support alternative funding sources
(Light Dept.)
(Wilk -Dolan) PASSES 5-0
Mr. Wilk suggested that CIP should look at alternative funding sources, including Waste
Water Depreciation Trust Fund.
Open Discussion
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Alternative funding sources: real estate transfer tax (See Master Plan) The committee should
t also evaluate all potential alternative funding sources --Waste Water Depreciation Trust Fund,
Light Department.
Mr. Penney suggested we should decide how we will operate the committee.
1. Do we have consensus on establishing a list from 1-24 in ranking of need? Yes
2. How may articles should we reserve on the warrant? One question for the entire plan or
four or five questions for different requests? The committee decided five questions to be
submitted.
3. How should we submit five warrant articles for capital funding amount, according to
department funding source or other method to be grouped by the committee.
* Ask Lee Azinheira for cost estimate for dam reconstruction.Ask him to provide two
cost estimates.
Adjournment at 9:25 P.M.
Date of next meeting: January 23, 1997 at 7:00 p.m, at Town Hall
Signature Date of Approval