THIS TEXT VERSION IS PROVIDED AS A COURTESY FOR THE SIGHT IMPAIRED AND IS NOT THE OFFICIAL VERSION OF THE TOWN WARRANT.

 

Town of Mansfield

 

Annual Town Meeting

 

Adjourned to May 6, 2003

 

Article 1

 

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the sum of $29,954,024.12 to defray the expenses of the Municipal Town departments, as further described below for the ensuing 12-month period beginning July 1, 2003:

 

 

Raise and Appropriate

$28,336,898.12

Transfer from Available Funds:

 

  Wetlands Protection Act 2,500.00

  Betterment Fund 21,223.00

  Water Operations 545,144.00

  Wastewater Operations 600,757.00

  Electric Department 447,502.00

Total $29,954,024.12

 

 

 

 (In the following order under each listing)

2003Budget

2004 Proposed

Dollar Difference

Percent Change

 

Selectmen's Other Expenses

91,100.00

83,700.00

(7,400.00)

-8.12%

 

Total

91,100.00

83,700.00

(7,400.00)

-8.12%

  

Town Manager

 

2a

Personal Services

197,359.08

381,095.04

183,735.96

93.10%

2b

Other Expenses

50,612.00

51,512.00

900.00

1.78%

 

Total

247,971.08

432,607.04

184,635.96

74.46%

 

Data/Finance

 

3a

Personal Services

237,454.60

228,904.14

(8,550.46)

-3.60%

3b

Other Expenses

59,570.00

89,570.00

30,000.00

50.36%

3c

Capital Outlay

100.00

100.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

297,124.60

318,574.14

21,449.54

7.22%

 

Accountant

 

4a

Personal Services

118,904.52

120,442.75

1,538.23

1.29%

4b

Other Expenses

21,830.00

27,830.00

6,000.00

27.49%

 

Total

140,734.52

148,272.75

7,538.23

5.36%

 

 

Assessor

 

 

5a

Personal Services

144,740.79

144,740.79

0.00

0.00%

5b

Other Expenses

16,850.00

16,850.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

161,590.79

161,590.79

0.00

0.00%

 

 

Personnel

 

6a

Other Expenses

13,100.00

13,100.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

13,100.00

13,100.00

0.00

0.00%

 

 

Data Processing

 

 

7a

Personal Services

80,195.48

145,709.48

65,514.00

81.69%

7b

Other Expenses

85,040.00

95,400.00

10,360.00

12.18%

7c

Capital Outlay

28,800.00

28,800.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

194,035.48

269,909.48

75,874.00

39.10%

 

Town Clerk

 

8a

Personal Services

115,967.17

115,842.17

(125.00)

-0.11%

8b

Other Expenses

28,212.50

27,333.00

(879.50)

-3.12%

 

Total

144,179.67

143,175.17

(1,004.50)

-0.70%

 

 

Conservation

 

9a

Personal Services

62,199.01

62,199.01

0.00

0.00%

9b

Other Expenses

2,300.00

2,300.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

64,499.01

64,499.01

0.00

0.00%

 

 

Planning Board

 

 

10a

Personal Services

110,088.88

110,088.88

0.00

0.00%

10b

Other Expenses

3,170.00

3,170.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

113,258.88

113,258.88

0.00

0.00%

 

Zoning Board of Appeals

 

11a

Personal Services

7,000.00

7,000.00

0.00

0.00%

11b

Other Expenses

750.00

750.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

7,750.00

7,750.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Boards/Commissions

 

 

12a

Other Expenses

8,300.00

8,330.00

30.00

0.36%

 

Total

8,300.00

8,330.00

30.00

0.36%

 

 

Municipal Building Committee

 

13a

Personal Services

21,919.00

22,200.25

281.25

1.28%

13b

Other Expenses

1,325.00

1,325.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

23,244.00

23,525.25

281.25

1.21%

 

 

Public Buildings

 

14a

Personal Services

168,343.43

169,303.43

960.00

0.57%

14b

Other Expenses

224,909.00

224,909.00

0.00

0.00%

14c

Capital Outlay

86,900.00

86,900.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

480,152.43

481,112.43

960.00

0.20%

 

Police

 

15a

Personal Services

2,220,432.84

2,252,115.83

31,682.99

1.43%

15b

Other Expenses

285,075.00

285,075.00

0.00

0.00%

15c

Capital Outlay

116,000.00

116,000.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

2,621,507.84

2,653,190.83

31,682.99

1.21%

 

Fire

 

16a

Personal Services

2,037,341.38

2,070,267.74

32,926.36

1.62%

16b

Other Expenses

111,950.00

109,450.00

(2,500.00)

-2.23%

16c

Capital Outlay

33,500.00

28,500.00

(5,000.00)

-14.93%

 

Total

2,182,791.38

2,208,217.74

25,426.36

1.16%

 

Emergency Medical Service

 

 

17a

Personal Services

305,181.06

302,631.06

(2,550.00)

-0.84%

17b

Other Expenses

51,873.00

54,423.00

2,550.00

4.92%

17c

Capital Outlay

4,500.00

4,500.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

361,554.06

361,554.06

0.00

0.00%

 

Dispatchers

 

18a

Personal Services

387,125.04

334,406.00

(52,719.04)

-13.62%

18b

Other Expenses

15,100.00

14,500.00

(600.00)

-3.97%

18c

Capital Outlay

700.00

700.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

402,925.04

349,606.00

(53,319.04)

-13.23%

 

Building Inspector

 

 

19a

Personal Services

216,440.42

216,440.42

0.00

0.00%

19b

Other Expenses

10,094.00

10,094.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

226,534.42

226,534.42

0.00

0.00%

 

 

Emergency Management

 

 

20a

Personal Services

3,000.00

3,000.00

0.00

0.00%

20b

Other Expenses

30,198.00

30,198.00

0.00

0.00%

20c

Capital Outlay

3,600.00

3,600.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

36,798.00

36,798.00

0.00

0.00%

 

 

Traffic Control

 

21a

Personal Services

6,000.00

6,000.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

6,000.00

6,000.00

0.00

0.00%

 

 

Town Expense for Education

 

 

22a

Personal Services

19,627.00

19,627.00

0.00

0.00%

22b

Other Expenses

1,155,844.00

1,155,844.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

1,175,471.00

1,175,471.00

0.00

0.00%

 

 

Engineering

 

 

23a

Personal Services

164,043.25

169,571.21

5,527.96

3.37%

23b

Other Expenses

8,102.00

8,102.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

172,145.25

177,673.21

5,527.96

3.21%

 

 

D.P.W. Administration

 

 

24a

Personal Services

205,015.31

205,515.31

500.00

0.24%

24b

Other Expenses

1,485,813.00

1,506,005.00

20,192.00

1.36%

 

Total

1,690,828.31

1,711,520.31

20,692.00

1.22%

 

 

Highway

 

 

25a

Personal Services

688,737.40

681,453.87

(7,283.53)

-1.06%

25b

Other Expenses

421,700.00

421,700.00

0.00

0.00%

25c

Capital Outlay

6,000.00

6,000.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

1,116,437.40

1,109,153.87

(7,283.53)

-0.65%

 

Winter Maintenance

 

26a

Personal Services

77,360.00

77,360.00

0.00

0.00%

26b

Other Expenses

110,780.00

110,780.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

188,140.00

188,140.00

0.00

0.00%

Airport

 

27a

Personal Services

900.00

0.00

(900.00)

-100.00%

27b

Other Expenses

2,500.00

0.00

(2,500.00)

-100.00%

 

Total

3,400.00

0.00

(3,400.00)

-100.00%

 

Wastewater

 

28a

Personal Services

691,428.50

687,468.66

(3,959.84)

-0.57%

28b

Other Expenses

799,933.00

799,933.00

0.00

0.00%

28c

Capital Outlay

83,215.00

83,215.00

0.00

0.00%

28d

Debt

222,164.30

219,748.89

(2,415.41)

-1.09%

28e

Internal Services

526,433.00

600,757.00

74,324.00

14.12%

 

Total

2,323,173.80

2,391,122.55

67,948.75

2.92%

 

Health

 

29a

Personal Services

82,389.56

82,389.56

0.00

0.00%

29b

Other Expenses

23,640.00

23,640.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

106,029.56

106,029.56

0.00

0.00%

 

 

Right to Know

 

30a

Personal Services

3,000.00

3,000.00

0.00

0.00%

30b

Other Expenses

4.00

4.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

3,004.00

3,004.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Senior Citizens

 

31a

Personal Services

220,633.01

222,243.42

1,610.41

0.73%

31b

Other Expenses

30,425.00

30,425.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

251,058.01

252,668.42

1,610.41

0.64%

 

Veterans Services

 

 

32a

Personal Services

48,339.74

48,389.74

50.00

0.10%

32b

Other Expenses

40,655.00

40,655.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

88,994.74

89,044.74

50.00

0.06%

 

 

Social Services

 

 

33a

Personal Services

27,268.45

28,041.00

772.55

2.83%

33b

Other Expenses

12,582.00

12,582.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

39,850.45

40,623.00

772.55

1.94%

 

 

Library

 

 

34a

Personal Services

304,507.81

304,507.81

0.00

0.00%

34b

Other Expenses

150,041.00

150,041.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

454,548.81

454,548.81

0.00

0.00%

 

 

Park/Recreation

 

 

35a

Personal Services

100,856.47

100,856.47

0.00

0.00%

35b

Other Expenses

22,428.00

22,608.00

180.00

0.80%

 

Total

123,284.47

123,464.47

180.00

0.15%

 

 

Historical Commission

 

 

 

36

Other Expenses

1,500.00

1,500.00

0.00

0.00%

 

Total

1,500.00

1,500.00

0.00

0.00%

 

 

Insurance

 

 

37a

Town Insurance

568,210.00

664,710.00

96,500.00

16.98%

37b

Employee Benefits

6,597,324.00

7,431,920.00

834,596.00

12.65%

 

Total

7,165,534.00

8,096,630.00

931,096.00

12.99%

 

 

Debt

 

 

38a

Principal

3,265,000.00

3,337,151.63

72,151.63

2.21%

38b

Interest

2,439,406.03

2,301,387.55

(138,018.48)

-5.66%

 

Total

5,704,406.03

5,638,539.18

(65,866.85)

-1.15%

 

 

39

Miscellaneous

109,096.26

108,585.01

(511.25)

-0.47%

40

Reserve Fund

150,000.00

150,000.00

0.00

0.00%

41

Revaluation

25,000.00

25,000.00

0.00

0.00%

 

 

Sub Total

28,717,053.29

29,954,024.12

1,236,970.83

4.31%

 

Or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 1 – Explanation

 

This article establishes the FY2004 budget appropriations for municipal and wastewater expenses, as well as all debt, insurance and employee benefits for all Town departments.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 2

 

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the sum of $32,773,752 to defray the expenses of the Mansfield Public School System for the ensuing 12-month period beginning July 1, 2003 as follows:

 

 Salaries $24,820,402

Goods and Services 7,953,350

  TOTAL $32,773,752

 

Or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 2 – Explanation

 

This article establishes the FY2004 budget appropriations for the School Department broken down by Salaries and Goods and Services.

 

SPONSOR:    School Committee

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 3

 

To see if the Town will vote that the income from the sale of electricity to private consumers or for electricity supplies to municipal buildings or for municipal power and street lights, together with receipts from jobbing accounts, be appropriated for the Municipal Electric Department, the whole or any part to be expended by the Manager of the Municipal Electric Department under the direction and control of the Board of Selectmen as Municipal Light Commissioners, for expenses of the Department for

FY2004, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 3 – Explanation

 

This article provides the appropriation from Electric Department receipts for the Electric Department maintenance and plant operations.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 4

 

To see if the Town will vote to raise from water enterprise revenue or transfer from available funds the sum of $3,162,813.81 to defray the expenses of the Water Enterprise, as further described below for the ensuing 12-month period beginning July 1, 2003:

 

Raise from Revenue $3,054,228.80

 Transfer from General Fund 108,585.01

Total $3,162,813.81

 

 

(In the following order under each listing)

2003Budget

2004 Proposed

Dollar Difference

Percent Change

 

a

Personal Services

$641,750.94

$670,140.03

28,389.09

4.42%

b

Other Expenses

690,696.00

789,726.00

99,030.00

14.34%

c

Capital Outlay

100,026.00

100,026.00

0

0

d

Debt

1,019,232.78

982,777.78

(36,455.00)

-3.58%

e

Internal Services

476,541.00

595,144.00

118,603.00

24.89%

f

Reserve Fund

25,000.00

25,000.00

0

0

 

Total

$2,953,246.72

$3,162,813.81

209,567.09

7.1%

 

Or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 4 – Explanation

 

This article establishes the FY2004 budget appropriations for the Water Enterprise account.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 5

 

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow or transfer from available funds the sum of $462,500 for various Capital Improvement Projects for the Mansfield Public Schools, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 5 – Explanation

 

The above article includes the following: $200,000 for Technology Purchases, $32,000 for Pick Up Truck with Plow, $40,000 for Dump Truck with Plow, $14,500 to replace the Exterior Doors at the Robinson School, $125,000 to Replace the Roof at the Robinson School, and $51,000 to Replace the Roof at the Roland Green School.

 

SPONSOR:    School Committee

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 6

 

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds a sum of money to defray the expenses of the Southeastern Regional School District for the ensuing 12-month period beginning July 1, 2003, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 6 – Explanation

 

This article establishes the appropriation to pay for the expenses of educating Mansfield students who attend the Southeastern  Regional School.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 7

     

      To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the sum of $15,000 for a Household Hazardous Waste Collection, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 7 - Explanation

 

This article is to fund a collection of a variety of chemicals, paint, solvents, automobile products and lawn care products. The collection is limited to households only; proof of residency is required. The collection costs from $3,000 to $4,000 an hour to operate and is held on a Saturday morning.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Health

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 8

 

To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Building Inspector's Department to establish for Fiscal Year 2004 a Revolving Inspection Account in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53E½ for the collection of 65% of electrical, mechanical, gas and plumbing inspection fees, (the remaining 35% to be credited to General Fund estimated receipts) and to authorize expenditures of up to $150,000 in payment to inspectors performing these inspections, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 8 – Explanation

 

This account was established by Town Meeting vote in 1999 to avoid requesting a transfer from the Reserve Fund. Transfers were requested because the Town was unable to accurately estimate the plumbing, gas, electrical and mechanical fees brought in for any given year. Below is a reporting of last year's activity in this account.

 

FY2002

Revenue     $135,049.48

Expenditure   $89,038.80

FY2003   (July 1 – December 31, 2002)

Revenue  $78,103.93  

Expenditure  $69,154.73

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 9

 

To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Police Department to establish for Fiscal Year 2004 a Revolving Firearms License and Permit Fees Account in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53E½ to receive 50% of firearms license and permit fees, and to authorize expenditures of up to $5,000 from such fund to pay the expenditures and wages involved in the issuance of said licenses and permits, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 9 – Explanation

 

The intention of this account is to provide financial resources to pay for expenses and equipment used in activities related to the issuance of various state firearms licenses. It has enabled the Police Department to acquire and or replace equipment and materials for this purpose without using funds intended or needed for other purposes. Below is a reporting of last year's activity in this account.

 

FY2002   

Revenue     $1,875

Expenditure  $$0.00

 

FY2003   (July 1 – December 31, 2002)

Revenue $1,012.50

Expenditure  $0.00

 

 

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

 

Article 10

 

To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Department of Public Works to establish for Fiscal Year 2004 a Revolving Home Compost Bin Account in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53E½ for the collection of proceeds from the sale of home compost bins and to authorize expenditures of up to $5,000 for the purchase of these bins, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 10 – Explanation

 

Compost bins were obtained through a grant from the Department of Environmental Protection. As criterion for receiving the grant, all revenues collected must be put into an account to be used solely for the purpose of purchasing additional bins. Below is a reporting of last year's activity in this account.

 

FY 2002

Revenue      $1,152.00  

Expenditure  950.00    

 

 FY2003 (July 1 – December 31, 2002)

Revenue  $274.00  

Expenditure   $  0

 

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 11

 

      To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of MG.L. Chapter 44, Section 53F ½ with respect to the establishment of a Wastewater Department Enterprise Fund effective Fiscal Year 2005, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 11 – Explanation

 

The purpose of this article is to establish the Wastewater Department as an enterprise fund as already exists for the Water and Electric Departments.  This will make sure that sewer revenues are only used for sewer related items including operational costs and future capital needs.  

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 12

 

To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53F½ which empowers the Town to establish for FY2004 a separate account for airport operations (enterprise account) to be maintained by the Treasurer, and all receipts, revenues and funds from any source derived from all activities of the airport operations shall be deposited in such separate accounts, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 12 - Explanation

 

In March of this year, the Airport Commission negotiated leases for the airport that increased revenues from $1,000.00 per year to over $50,000.00 per year. This increase in revenues will make the airport self-sufficient. By law, all funds collected from airport operations must be spent for airport maintenance and improvements. The Finance Committee and Town Accountant recommended that an Airport Enterprise Account was the best way to track and control these funds. Article 12 establishes the account. 

SPONSOR:    Airport Commission/Finance Committee

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 13

 

To see if the Town will vote to raise from airport enterprise revenue the sum of $52,520 to defray the expenses of the Airport Enterprise, as further described below for the ensuing 12-month period beginning July 1, 2003:

 

 

Airport

2004 Proposed

a

Personal Services

$2,500.00

b

Other Expenses

7,545.00

c

Capital Outlay

30,975.00

d

Debt

0

e

Internal Services

1,500.00

f

Reserve Fund

10,000.00

 

Total

$52,520.00

 

Or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 13 - Explanation

 

Article 13 defines the FY04 airport budget and gives authority to expend the funds. This article will be withdrawn if Article 12 does not pass.

 

SPONSOR:    Airport Commission

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 14

 

To see if the Town will vote to transfer the remaining balance at June 30, 2003 in the Airport Revolving Account to the Airport Enterprise, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 14 - Explanation

 

At the last Town Meeting, a revolving account was established for airport revenues collected from January 1 through June 30, 2003. This article transfers the revenues collected (estimated to be around $25,000.00) to the Enterprise Account. This article will be withdrawn if Article 12 is not passed.

 

SPONSOR:    Airport Commission

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 15

 

To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Airport Commission to establish for Fiscal Year 2004 a Revolving Account in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53E½ and to authorize expenditures for the operations of the airport up to $52,520.00, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 15 - Explanation

 

If the Town Meeting chooses not to set up an Airport Enterprise Account, this article renews the revolving account established at the last Town Meeting. If Article 12 passes, this article will be withdrawn.

 

SPONSOR:    Airport Commission

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

     

Article 16

 

To see if the Town will vote to accept M.G.L. Section 4 of Chapter 73 of the Acts of 1986 as amended by Chapter 126 of the Acts of 1988 which allows an additional real estate tax exemption of one hundred percent (100%) on Clauses 17D, 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 37A, 41C of Section 5 of Chapter 59 of the General Laws, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 16 - Explanation

 

This article is an annual article to allow 100% of allowable exemption on certain clauses.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Assessors

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 17

 

      To see if the Town will vote to accept the new local option available under Chapter 184 §51 of the Acts of 2002 amending M.G.L. Chapter 59 §5 (41C), which allows cities and towns that have accepted M.G.L. Chapter 59 §5 (41C) to adjust (1) the age, income, and asset requirements seniors must meet to qualify for the exemption and (2) the amount of the exemption the community may grant to eligible seniors, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 17 – Explanation

 

This article allows communities in fiscal year 2004:

 

1.    to reduce the eligibility age from 70 to 65; and 2.    to increase the gross receipts up to $20,000 if single and $30,000 if married; and the whole estate limits up to $40,000 if single and $55,000 if married.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Assessors

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 18

 

      To see if the Town will vote to establish an Ambulance Trust Fund, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 18 – Explanation

 

A YES vote would establish a trust fund, with the approval of suggested wording, for the raising of funds to purchase ambulances and equipment in the future. 

 

A NO vote would NOT approve a trust fund.

 

TOWN OF MANSFIELD

Ambulance Trust Fund

 

1.    The Town of Mansfield Ambulance Trust Fund is hereby established for the purpose of receiving gifts of funds to be used for the purchase, equipping and supporting of an ambulance, other than salaries, for the Town of Mansfield.

 

2.    The intention of said Trust is to allow citizens of the Town of Mansfield and other interested persons or organizations to raise and set aside funds, which would assist the Town in acquiring and maintaining state-of-the-art ambulances in the Town of Mansfield. 

 

3.    The Trustees are hereby authorized to accept gifts of funds and to expend same for the purposes of said Trust.  All gifts other than funds shall only be accepted by a majority vote of the Board of Selectman.

 

4.    Trustees of the Town of Mansfield Ambulance Trust Fund shall be the Town Treasurer, the Town Manager and the Chief of the Fire Department.

 

5.    The Town Treasurer shall be the custodian of the assets and shall invest the funds of said Trust in accordance with the General Laws of Massachusetts. Any interest shall become part of the principal.  Disbursements there from shall be made by the Town Treasurer with the written approval of a majority of the Trustees.

 

6.    The Trustees shall have no power to expend funds nor to make or do any purchase, activity, or commitment, which shall cause expenditures of any funds not presently available and unencumbered among the assets of said Trust without the prior approval of the Town Manager and the Board of Selectmen.

 

7.    This Trust may be terminated by a majority vote at any Town Meeting, in which event the remaining assets shall be used and applied for the benefit of said ambulance or supplies.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 19

 

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow or transfer from available funds the sum of $525,000 for various Capital Improvements Projects for the Department of Public Works/Highway Division, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 19 – Explanation

 

Street Sweeper - $115,000.00

This would replace a 1988 Athey street sweeper which is used to sweep sand and debris in the spring and leaves in the fall from all the roadways.

 

Two-Ton Tool Truck - $ 60,000.00

Used to store and haul tools to and from the job sites, equipped with a generator and air compressor similar to the Water Division vehicle. Cost also includes $5,000 for miscellaneous tools to outfit the vehicle.

 

Tractor/Loader/Mower (24-26HP) - 15,000.00

Used in the day-to-day operations at Memorial Park and Hutcheson fields, replacing a 1989-20HP Wheel Horse.

 

Six-Wheel Dump w/Sander and Plow - $130,000.00

Used to replace a 1979 International five-ton dump.  This vehicle has been taken out of service due to safety factors and extremely high repair costs.

 

Front End Loader - $150,000.00

Used to load bulky materials and sand and salt on a daily basis.

 

Two-Ton Four Wheel Drive Dump w/Plow - $55,000.00

Used in the day-to-day operations of road maintenance and repair. Will replace a 1992  pick up truck with approximately 100,000 miles.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 20

 

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow or transfer from available funds the sum of $60,000 for various Capital Improvements Projects for the Water Division, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 20 – Explanation

 

   

Article 20 - Explanation

* Incorporate changes to the distribution system since completion of the 1995 Water Distribution System Update.
* Verify the updated computer model with hydrant flow testing.
* Recommend distribution system improvements to meet estimated fire flow requirements to the year 2022.
* Evaluate storage requirements.
* Evaluate water supply yields and capacity to meet future demands to the year 2022.
* Provide computer training on use of the computer model.
* Review and update the town rules and regulations in a booklet.
* Review all fee schedules and charges and make recommendations for improvements.
 

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 21

 

      To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow or transfer from available funds a sum of money for various Capital Improvement Projects for the Engineering Department:

 

     Inflow & Infiltration Reduction (I&I)

     EPA Stormwater Permitting Compliance

     Owner Registration and Inspection of Dams

 

 

     Hope Street Drainage

     Ware Street Sewer Extension

 

Or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 21 - Explanation

 

Approval of this article will fund the Capital Improvements Projects that are managed or performed by the Engineering Department. These projects were requested by the Engineering Department for consideration by the CIP Committee, and only those projects approved by that Committee are brought forward for a vote at Town Meeting.  The requested projects are:

 

     Inflow & Infiltration Reduction (I&I)

Continuation of significant repairs to the Town's sewer system and removal of unnecessary flows, that affects the cost and capacity of a Wastewater Treatment Plant.

 

     EPA Stormwater Permitting Compliance

Start of a five-year program, to comply with new Stormwater regulations, to improve water quality of drainage discharges to our rivers and streams.

 

     Owner Registration and Inspection of Dams

New regulations to be adopted this spring will require additional documentation, inspection and repair of dams.

 

     Hope Street Drainage

To design and construct drainage improvements on Hope Street, between Cottage Street and Robin Hill Road, to address historic flooding issues.

 

    Ware Street Sewer Extension

To begin the field survey and design for a sewer system along Ware Street, which was identified as a priority area in a 1997 sewer study.  Project would require resident participation for construction.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 22

 

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow or transfer from available funds the sum of $213,000 for various Capital Improvements Projects for the Fire Department, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 22 – Explanation

 

This article includes the following: $40,000 Ambulance Replacement, $25,000 Air Packs, $60,000 Engine #1 Replacement, $18,000 Taurus Replacement, $70,000 F450 Skid Unit.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 23

 

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds a sum of money to purchase conservation land Canoe River aquifer land, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

SPONSOR:    Conservation Commission

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 24

 

      To see if the Town will vote to amend Section I of the Southeastern Regional School District Agreement as amended, as follows:

 

Striking in its entirety, Section I: The Regional School District Committee, and inserting in place thereof the following:

 

SECTION I:  REGIONAL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE

A.    COMPOSITION

 

The Regional School District Committee, hereinafter referred to as the Committee, shall consist of ten members; two members shall be residents and registered voters of the City of  Brockton, one member shall be a resident and registered voter of the Town of East Bridgewater, one member shall be a resident and registered voter of the Town of Easton, one member shall be a resident and registered voter of the Town of Foxborough, one member shall be a resident and registered voter of the Town of Norton, one member shall be a resident and registered voter of the Town of Mansfield, one member shall be a resident and registered voter of the Town of Sharon, one member shall be a resident and registered voter of the Town of Stoughton, one member shall be a resident and registered voter of the Town of West Bridgewater. The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Board of Selectmen/City Council and the school committee, as the case may be, in each of the respective towns and city. For instance, the Sharon Board of Selectmen/City Council and the school committee will appoint the Sharon Committee member.

 

B.    APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES:

 

Appointment to the District School Committees shall be done as follows:  

(1)   No later than August 31st of each year in which an appointment is to be made, the selectmen or city council of a town or city whose seats are up for appointment during that year will post notice of such vacancy in the city or town hall. Notice of the vacancy shall remain posted for at least thirty (30) days.

 

(2)   Each individual interested in being appointed to the Committee shall submit a written statement of interest to the Board of Selectmen/City Council and school committee of the town or city in which he or she resides no later than October 1st during the year in which an appointment is scheduled to be made. The selectmen/city council and school committee will review the statements of interest, conduct interviews of the candidates if they desire, and make their appointment decisions no later than October 31st.

 

(3)   Interested applicants must be residents and registered voters of the town or city in which they wish to be appointed in order to be considered for appointment to the Committee.

 

(4)   Should a mid-term vacancy occur on the Committee, the town or city in which the vacancy occurs need not follow the appointment process set forth herein and may appoint through its board of selectmen or city council a resident and registered voter whom it decides in its discretion would be best suited to act as an interim committee member. Should a mid-term vacancy occur in the positions of Chairman, Secretary or Treasurer, the Committee may immediately appoint by majority vote new individuals to fill the position(s) on an interim basis for the duration of the term of the departing officer without following the appointment procedure set forth in Section C (3). In no case, shall any of the positions set forth herein remain vacant for more than thirty (30) days.

 

C.    ORGANIZATION AND COMMENCEMENT OF TERMS OF OFFICE:

 

(1)   Initial Appointment: No later than August 31, 2004, each city and/or town represented by the five seats whose term is set to expire in November 2004 shall post a notice in the city and or town hall notifying the public of the impending vacancy and inviting interested parties to submit a statement of interest to the respective Board of Selectmen/City Council and school committee no later than October 1, 2004. The Selectmen or City Council shall make their appointment as soon as practicable, but in no event later than October 31, 2004. New appointees will typically be sworn in at the first Committee meeting in November 2004 and shall serve a term of four (4) years in duration. The remaining five seats will follow the same appointment process, except such process shall take place in calendar year 2006. The present committee members for the five municipalities who were duly elected in the November 2002 election will continue to hold their seats until 2006.

 

(2)   Subsequent Appointments: Each term shall be for four (4) years. Subsequent appointments shall be made in the same manner as initial appointments, with postings no later than August 31st, statements of interest provided no later than October 1st and appointment decisions made no later than October 31st.    The individual appointed by the selectmen/city council and school committee shall begin to serve his or her term effective November 1st.

(3)   Appointment of Officers: On the date of the first School Committee meeting following the November appointment and every November thereafter, the Committee shall choose by majority voice vote a Chairman for a term of one year from its own membership. At the same meeting, or at any other meeting, the Committee shall choose by majority vote a Treasurer and a Secretary, who may be the same person but who need not be a member of the Committee, choose such other officers as it deems advisable all to

serve for a term of one year, and describe the powers and duties of any of its officers, fix the time and place for its regular meetings and provide for the calling of special meetings.

 

D.    POWER AND DUTIES:

 

The Committee shall have all the powers and duties conferred and imposed upon it by this Agreement and such other additional powers and duties as are specified in Chapter 489 of the Acts of 1963, and any amendments thereof or additions thereto, now or hereafter enacted, or as may be specified in any other applicable general or special law.

 

E.  QUORUM:

 

The quorum for the transaction of business shall be a majority of the Committee, but a number less than the majority may adjourn.

 

Or take any action in relation thereto.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 25

 

To see if the Town will vote to change the tax billing to a quarterly basis instead of semi-annually, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 25 – Explanation

 

A YES vote would change Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Billing to a quarterly cycle, making bills due August 1st, November 1st, February 1st and May 1st. The first two bills would be estimated with any adjustments made on subsequent bills. This would also improve the Town's cash flow.

 

A NO vote would leave the billing due November 1st and May 1st.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 26

 

To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into a loan agreement to borrow money for the purchase of a building for the Cable Access Corporation, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 27

 

To see if the Town will vote to adopt House Bill 3054 as enacted November 13, 2002 relative to dog licensing fees for senior citizens.  Such bill amends Section 139 of Chapter 140 of the General Laws by inserting in line 21, after the word "person" the following new sentence:  "No fee shall be charged for a license for a dog owned by a person aged seventy years or over."  and to further require that such person aged seventy years or over be required to provide proof of identity and age and a certificate of current rabies vaccination of the dog being licensed, such certificate to include the name and address of the dog's owner, or take any action in relation thereto. 

Article 27 - Explanation

 

This article states that no fee shall be charged for the purchase of a dog license for a dog owned by a person aged seventy years or older.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 28

 

      To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Mansfield General By-Laws Chapter One – Town Meeting, to read as follows:

 

"The Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting shall be closed on the first day of March preceding the Town Meeting."

 

Or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 28 – Explanation

 

This article changes the date of the closing the Annual Town Meeting warrant from February 1st to March 1st. This extra month will give town departments more time to better prepare for the town meeting.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 29

 

      To see if the Town will vote to amend the Home Rule Charter, Article 2, Town Meeting, Section 2-5 Procedures, second paragraph to read:

 

"The warrant for the Annual Town Meeting shall be closed to additional articles the first day of March by the Board of Selectmen."

 

Or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 29 – Explanation

 

This article changes the date of the closing the annual town meeting warrant from February 1st to March 1st. This extra month will give town departments more time to better prepare for the town meeting.

 

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 30

 

      To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Mansfield General By-Laws Chapter One, Section I – Town Meeting, to read as follows:

 

" … A quorum at a Town Meeting shall consist of one (1) registered voter, present in the meeting room, to open a Town Meeting, one (1) registered voter, present in the meeting room, to open any adjourned session thereof, and one (1) registered voter thereafter to continue the business of the Town Meeting, except such parts as are devoted exclusively to the election of Town Officers." 

 

Or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 30 – Explanation

 

This article changes the quorum number from 200 to 1 to open a meeting, from 100 to 1 to open an adjourned session, and from 50 to 1 to continue the business of town meeting.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 31

 

To see if the Town will vote to amend the General By-Laws, Chapter One - Town Meeting, Section VI to read as follows:   (changes in bold)

 

The order of all articles in the Town warrant, except financial articles that deal with Article 1, establishing expenses of the municipal town departments as proposed by the Board of Selectmen and Article 2, the school budget, as proposed by the School Committee, all other articles shall be determined by a lottery at Town Meeting. Once the budget related articles described above are completed, the next article for consideration shall be determined by lottery; each successive article shall be determined by lottery after completion of the previous article.  Before the start of the Town Meeting, the Town Moderator shall determine which articles require consideration together or need to be taken in chronological order. This order shall only occur if the articles are directly related to each other due to monetary consideration or dependency of one or the other for passage or use. These articles shall be marked for selection together. The

Town Clerk shall administer the Lottery, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 32

 

      To see if the Town will vote to amend the General By-Laws, Chapter One - Town Meeting, by adding a new Section XV to read as follows:

 

Add Section XV

 

The decision of the Town Moderator may be challenged by ten (10) voters standing and then a majority of the voters present voting in favor of the challenge.

 

Or take any action in relation thereto.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 33

 

      To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Mansfield General By-Laws Chapter Eight – Humane Control and Regulation of Animals, Section IV – Licensing, to read as follows:

 

k.    Persons who fail to obtain a license as required with the time period specified in this section will be subject to a late fee of $15.00.

 

l.    A license shall be issued after payment of the following application fee:

 

Unneutered Male Dogs    $15.00

Neutered Male Dogs            $10.00

Unspayed Female Dogs    $15.00

Spayed Female Dogs            $10.00

 

Said fees will be effective on July 1, 2003.

 

Or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 33 – Explanation

 

A $5.00 increase on all fees is requested in this article.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 34

 

To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Mansfield General By-Laws

Chapter Eight – Humane Control and Regulation of Animals, Section V – Permits, to read as follows:

 

h.    Annual permits shall be issued upon payment of the application fee:

 

Kennel authorized to house more than ten dogs   $85.00

 

Said fees will be effective on July 1, 2003.

 

Or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 34 – Explanation

 

A $10.00 increase on this fee is requested in this article.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 35

 

      To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Mansfield General By-Laws, Chapter Eight - Humane Control and Regulation of Animals, Section VII, Restraint, as follows:

 

Definition:

 

Restraint:  A dog shall be deemed to be under "restraint" if it is on the premises of the owner accompanied by a person who shall have the dog under control, or is in a suitably enclosed area to include electronic fences, or if outside the premises of the owner, is accompanied by a person who shall have the dog under control by holding it firmly on a leash no greater than six (6) feet in length, or within a vehicle being driven or parked on a

public way.

 

Leash Law & Restraint (Section VII)

 

The provisions of this section shall not be intended to apply to dogs participating in any dog show, nor seeing eye dogs properly trained to assist blind persons for the purpose of aiding them in going from place to place, nor to any dogs properly trained and under the control of aiding the deaf, nor to any properly trained assistance dogs for the handicapped.

 

A.    No person shall own, keep or harbor in the town, within the confines of the owner's property (meaning owned, rented or leased), any dog which is left unattended and is not leashed or otherwise restrained.

 

B.    If outside the premises of the owner, a dog must be restrained by a person who shall have the dog under control by holding it firmly on a leash no greater than six (6) feet in length.

 

C.    Or within a vehicle being driven or parked on a public way.

 

D.    No owner/keeper shall fail to exercise proper care and control of his dogs to prevent them from becoming a public nuisance.

 

E.    Every female dog in heat shall be confined to a building or secure enclosure in such a manner that such female dog cannot come into contact with a male dog except for planned breeding.

 

F.    Every female dog in heat in violation of section 7.E shall be subject to a fine of $100.00.

 

G.    Every vicious dog, as determined by the Board of Selectmen, shall be confined by the owner within a building or secure enclosure, as determined by the Humane Officer, and shall be securely muzzled or caged whenever off the premises of the owner.

 

or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 35 – Explanation

 

This article basically states that no dog shall be left unattended while unleashed (or otherwise restrained) on the owner's property (whether owned, leased or rented).

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 36

 

      To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Mansfield General By-Laws, Chapter Fourteen – Fee Schedule for the Town Clerk, Section I as authorized by Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 262, Section 34, Clauses 1-79, as follows:

 

Certified copy of birth, death or marriage certificate $10.00

Abstract copy of birth and marriage $  8.00

Filing of Notice of Marriage Intention and Issuance of License $25.00

DBA for filing certificate of a person conducting business any other than his/her real name  $40.00

DBA for filing by a person conducting business under any title other than his real name of a statement of change of his/her residence, or of his/her discontinuance, retirement or withdrawal from or change of location of such business $20.00

 

Said fees will be effective on July 1, 2003.

 

Or take any action in relation thereto.

 

 

 

Article 36 - Explanation

 

The Town Clerk Fee increases in this article are requested accordingly: certified copy from $5 to $10; abstract copy from $4 to $8; marriage intentions from $15.00 to $25.00; filing DBA other than real name from $20.00 to $40.00; filing DBA other than real name, change of residence, discontinuance, retirement or withdrawal from $10.00 to $20.00. These fees will cover the cost of doing business. The Town has not raised these fees since 1989.

 

SPONSOR:    Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 37

 

To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By-Laws to add Section 5.3.11 under "Site Plan Approval" as follows:

 

5.3.11      The Applicant shall submit to the Building Inspector a final as-built of the site neer and Land Surveyor (as necessary) in both hard copy and digital format (preferably in AutoCAD DWG format, but DXF format will be acceptable). The media shall be a 3.5" floppy disk or CD. The plan Vertical Datum shall reference the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88), and the plan shall contain a minimum of two benchmarks. The horizontal orientation shall reference the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83).  The plan shall show the locations and dimensions of the building foundation(s), and all utilities, including sanitary sewer, storm drain, water and electric. The location of the foundation(s) shall be shown with respect to the lot lines.  The locations of all utility connections shall include the elevation, the size and material of the connections, and the distance from the points where the services leave the foundation to the nearest foundation corner. For sewer and drainage, swing ties shall also be provided from at least two foundation corners to any sewer or drain structure, or change in horizontal or vertical line of the services and the distances from the nearest Town manhole to the points of connection to the Town mains.  For water service(s), swing ties shall also be provided from at least two foundation corners to any bends, valves, fittings, curb stop and corporation stops. For electric service, swing ties shall also be provided from at least two foundation corners to any underground conduit bends, hand holes or manholes. The Engineer or Registered Land Surveyor shall certify that the construction conformed to the approved site plan or approved modifications thereto. Both the above as-built plan and the certification must be received and approved prior to sign off of the Certificate of Occupancy.

 

Or take any action in relation thereto.

 

 

 

Article 37 - Explanation

 

Approval of this article will require final as-built drawings of site plans to be in digital format, in addition to hard copy.  This digital submission will allow the Town to update its current baseline of computer information in the GIS system for new site construction, at minimum time and cost.  This requirement is consistent with amendments approved for new subdivisions by the Planning Board in September, 2002.

 

SPONSOR:    GIS Steering Committee/Board of Selectmen

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 38

 

To see if the Town will vote to accept Michael Lane within South Meadow Estates subdivision and related drainage, water and utility easements as shown on the "As-Built Plan of Michael Lane, Station 0+0 to end" by Hutchins-Trowbridge Associates, dated February 2, 2000, revised April 10, 2000, May 18, 2000, May 23, 2000 and May 24, 2000, and approved by the Mansfield Planning Board on May 24, 2000, as a public way and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire by gift, purchase, or eminent domain an interest in land as may be necessary or appropriate to create such public way. Said roadway and related easements are more specifically described as follows:

 

MICHAEL LANE

 

Beginning at the Northwest corner of said lot at a point on the Easterly sideline of South Main Street.

 

Thence running counter-clockwise by a curve having a radius of 30.00' for a length of 47.12' to a point of tangency;

 

Thence running S 73-20-53 E 100.00' to a point of curvature;

 

Thence running clockwise by a curve having a radius of 175.00' for a length of 106.90' to a point of reverse curvature;

 

Thence running counter-clockwise by a curve having a radius of 125.00' for a length of 79.96' to a point of tangency;

 

Thence running S 75-00-00 E for a length of 117.16' to a point of curvature;

 

Thence running counter-clockwise by a curve having a radius of 30.00' for a length of 31.42' to a point of reverse curvature;

 

Thence running clockwise by a curve having a radius of 80.00' for a length of 418.87' to a point of reverse curvature;

 

Thence running counter-clockwise by a curve having a radius of 30.00' for a length of 31.42' to a point of tangency;

 

Thence running N 75-00-00 W for a length of 117.16' to a point of curvature;

 

Thence running clockwise by a curve having a radius of 175.00' for a length of 111.95' to a point of reverse curvature;

 

Thence running counter-clockwise by a curve having a radius of 125.00' for a length of 76.36' to a point of tangency;

 

Thence running N 73-20-53 W 100.00' to a point of curvature;

 

Thence running counter-clockwise by a curve having a radius of 30.00' for a length of 47.12' to a point of tangency;

 

Thence running N 16-39-07 110.00' along the Easterly sideline of South Main Street to the point of beginning.

 

Drainage Easement

 

Beginning at the Northwest corner of said easement at a point on the Southerly sideline of Michael Lane.

 

Thence running counter-clockwise by a curve having a radius of 175.00' for a length of

48.73' along the sideline of Michael Lane;

 

Thence running S 75-00-00 E 11.59' to a point;

 

Thence running S 15-57-23 E 173.95' to a point;

 

Thence running S 63-16-36 E 61.22' to a point;

 

Thence running S 83-06-30 E 298.77' to a point;

 

Thence running N 22-37-10 E 14.85' to a point;

 

Thence running S 67-22-50 E 20.00' to a point;

 

Thence running S 22-37-10 W 30.00' to a point;

 

Thence running N 83-06-30 W 317.41' to a point;

 

Thence running N 63-16-36 W 121.99' to a point;

 

Thence running N 15-57-23 E 188.64' to the point of beginning.

 

Said roadway and easement are as shown on "South Meadow Estates" by Hutchins-Trowbridge Associates Inc., dated February 14, 2000.

 

Or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 38 – Explanation

 

This article requests that the Town accept Michael Lane as a town road.

 

PETITIONED BY:    Michael McClanahan, 104 Cottage Street, Mansfield

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 39

 

      To see if the Town will vote to transfer from the Stabilization Account the sum of $2,000,000 (two million dollars) or a sum of money to defray the FY2004 expenses of the Municipal Town departments and the Mansfield Public School system, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 39 - Explanation

 

The purpose of this article is to prevent municipal workers and schoolteachers layoffs beginning FY2004.

 

PETITIONED BY:    Richard Devine, 6 Morgan Road, Mansfield

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 40

 

      To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 6.2.2C of the Zoning By-Laws and

add Section 6.2.2C, as follows:

 

6.2.2C.a:   Special permits may be issued for attached Garages and/or Additions to Single Family Dwellings only (Section 3.3.1) from the terms of this By-law, when such Garages and/or Additions violate the Minimum Lot Frontage (ft) and/or Minimum Setbacks (ft) requirements of Section 4.2.1. To grant a Special Permit the Zoning Board of Appeals must determine that the benefits of the proposed project outweigh its detrimental effects on the neighborhood after consideration of all appropriate criteria and without regard to where, owing to conditions relating to the soil conditions, shape of the lot or topography, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 40 – Explanation

 

This by-law change will allow homeowners to build an attached garage and/or addition without meeting the difficult requirements for a variance. This will also increase tax and permit revenues to the town and at the same time allowing the homeowners to enjoy the full use of their property.

 

PETITIONED BY:    Richard Devine, 6 Morgan Road, Mansfield

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 41

 

      To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town zoning map to the extent necessary to rezone certain parcels of land from its present classification which is R-2 zone to the classification of I-1 zone. The following parcels of land situated on the southerly side of Chauncy Street (Route 106) as shown on Assessors Map 20, Lots 147, 148, 198, 197, 149, 150. The above-mentioned parcels are described as follows:

 

FIRST PARCEL:  Beginning at the northeasterly corner thereof on said street at a corner of land formerly of Williams Graves; thence N. 69 degrees 30' W. 313 feet on said street to Walnut Street; thence S. 47 degrees W. 13 feet; thence S. 6 degrees E. 70 feet on said Walnut Street to land of Florence Brackett; thence easterly by said Brackett's land 298 feet to the aforesaid Graves land; thence northerly by said Graves land 10.5 feet to

the point of beginning on said Chauncy Street.

 

SECOND TRACT:  Beginning at the northwesterly corner thereof in the southerly line of Chauncy Street; thence running southerly by land now or formerly of Smith or Graves, now the first described parcel 10.5 feet; thence continuing in same direction by land of Brackett, aforesaid, 114.5 feet to other land now or formerly of one Smith; thence easterly by said Smith land 125 feet to the southerly line of said Chauncy Street; thence

westerly by said street line 100 feet to the point of beginning; containing 12,500 square feet more or less.

 

THIRD TRACT:  Beginning at the northwesterly corner thereof, in the southerly line of Chauncy Street; thence running easterly by said street line 75 feet to land now or formerly of one Smith; thence southerly at right angle with said street, 150 feet to a right angle corner; thence westerly by land now or formerly of said Smith about 80 feet to land of one Brackett; thence northerly by said Brackett's land about 52 feet to the above described tract; thence easterly parallel with said Chauncy Street 100 feet; thence northerly 105 feet to the southerly line of said Chauncy Street and point of beginning. Or however otherwise the same may be described and adjoining owners being past or present.

 

FOURTH TRACT:  Beginning in the easterly line of said Walnut Street at a corner of land now or formerly of T. Willard George; thence running S. 4 degrees 54' E. by said Street 251 feet more or less, to a corner of land now or formerly of Florence M. Brackett, (it being the land described in a mortgage given by Florence M. Brackett to Mansfield Cooperative Bank recorded in Book 843 at Page 255 of Bristol Co. No. District Registry of Deeds); thence easterly at right angles with said street 125 feet to a corner; thence southerly parallel with said street 22.4 feet to a corner; thence N. 78 degrees 48' E. 167 feet to an iron pipe for a corner; thence N. 6 degrees 30' W. 164 feet to a corner at land of said George; thence running by said George land N. 83 degrees 15' W. 299.5 feet to the point of beginning.

 

Or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 41 – Explanation:  Route 106 Re-zoning This land, which consists of 2.1 acres, is located on Route 106 opposite Stop N' Shop. Rezoning this land will allow it to be used for office buildings, retail stores and other business uses. Except for these residences, all the property on Route 106 from Copeland Drive to the Foxboro town line is zoned for business use.

 

PETITIONED BY:    Karl Clemmey, 750 South Main Street, Mansfield

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 42

 

      To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Mansfield Zoning Schedule 4.2.2, "Density and Dimensional Regulations, Business and Industrial Districts". In the I-1 district under the minimum open space (%) percentage is currently at 35% and to change to 30%. This would be a more realistic value in planning and utilizing available land areas, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 42 – Explanation:  35% to 30% Open Space

This 5% decrease in open space will not adversely affect aesthetics but will allow more buildable area in I-1 zones that will generate more tax revenue to the Town.

 

PETITIONED BY:    Karl Clemmey, 750 South Main Street, Mansfield

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 43

 

      To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By-Laws of Special Permits, Section 5.5, to add a new section to Special Permits, Section 5.5.7.1, providing a new section as follows:

 

      The Board of Selectmen shall appoint two (2) persons to serve as associate members to the Planning Board. The Chairman of the Planning Board shall designate one or more of said associate members when necessary to fill a vacancy on said Planning Board as a result of absence or disqualification of a regular member, for hearings concerning Special Permits, Section 5.5, or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 43 – Explanation:  Associate Members - Planning Board

The present Planning Board has seven members. Most development today in Mansfield is by Special Permit, which requires a super majority vote: five out of seven members voting positive. If the Planning Board has members who will be absent or disqualified, these associate members can fill these vacancies so there will be a full seven-member Board to act on Special Permits.

 

PETITIONED BY:    Karl Clemmey, 750 South Main Street, Mansfield

    Vote:                     Yes ____          No    ____

 

Article 44

 

      To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town's Zoning map to the extent necessary to rezone from its present classification of R-2 to the classification of I-1, the following parcel of land:

 

Westerly: Beginning at a point at the corner of relocated Mass Highway Route 140 and the northerly side of West Street, approximately 414 feet, more or less, along West Street to a point at the southwesterly corner of 395 West Street (Assessors Map 20, Lot 192);

thence

 

Northerly: Along westerly property line of 395 West Street, 318 feet, more or less, to a point; thence

 

Easterly: Along northern property line of 395 West Street and 375 West Street (Assessors Map 20, Lot 5) 378.8 feet, more or less, to a point at the relocated Mass Highway Route 140 boundary; thence

 

Southerly: Along the boundary line of the relocated Mass Highway Route 140 to the point of beginning.

 

Or take any action in relation thereto.

 

Article 44  - Explanation:  West Street & Route 140 Rezoning This property, which consists of 2.87 acres, is located on the corner of Route 140