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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-06-10 Board of Public Works Minutes! ! Board of Public Works Meeting of June 10, 198S Page 1 | k ` \ � A meeting of the Board of Public Works convened in Room 16, Municipal Building, Reading, Ma. at 7: 30 P.M. Present were Chairman ! Barker, Secretary Hampson, Board Members Polychrones, Griffin and Boucher, | � Supt. A.V. Fletcher, P.E. and Asst. Supt. William A. Redford. It was moved, seconded and voted S: O to accept the minutes of the Board of Public Works Meeting of May 20, 1985 as amended. It was moved, seconded and voted S| O to accept the minutes of the Board of Public Works Meeting of May 28, 198S as amended. It was moved, seconded and voted S| O to accept the minutes of the Board of Survey Meeting of May 28, 1985 as amended. It was moved, seconded and votpd S: O to accept the minutes of the Executive Session Meeting of May 28, 198S as written and that they remain in private privy. The Board adjourned temporarily at 7:4S P.M. to meet as the Board of Survey. The Board reconvened at 8: 45 P.M. The next item of discussion was the continuation of the John Street Pole Hearing. It was moved, seconded and voted 3: 2 (Mr. Boucher and Mr. Pnlychrones opposed) to approve the move of the poles from the westerly to the easterly side of John Street as outlined in their Petition dated April 10, 1985. Mr. Polychrones stated I have an objection to the poles being moved from one side of the street to the other. If the poles are to he � moved, they should be put underground. Mr. Barker stated I have had extensive conversations with the Light Department. They inform me that the concept of underground utilities is logically the way to go in that area. However, there are two / | Board of Puhlic Works Meeting of June 10, 1985 Page 2 � � constraints to doing that at this time. First, we do not know in / � sufficient substance what the so-called development of the landfill will ^ be. Secondly, the Light Dept. does not possess either the layout nor the ^ �m� legal right of easement over adjacent properties from the Ash Street � . � Station to bring an area line down to the general vicinity. I would hope the motion would be amended that the guy wires be placed somewhere other than on the side of the slope. It is my personal opinion that this matter � � might be resolved very nicely down the road when more of the facts are known. Unfortunately, the petitioner is not willing to wait. Lastly, this was an agreement made by the Board of Selectmen on behalf of the Town. I � would also like to suggest that all the letters received on this subject be incorporated into the minutes of this meeting. (attached) � Mr. Boucher stated I understand the primary reason for moving these poles is the dish on the roof of the buildings. Is this going to be aimed toward the light poles? Marvin Cohen of TASC replied I don't know the details exactly. Mr. Polychrones asked what objections does TASC have to putting these underground? Mr. Cohen replied last year TASC agreed with the Selectmen to move the poles across the street at a certain copt, this is not costing the Town anything. This was the developers option. Mr. Polychrones asked is the reason you are objecting to this the cost.? « Mr. Cohen replied I really can't see where this is the issue. Supt. Fletcher stated I want to point out to the Board that RMLD has no intention of giving up the easement on the westerly side of John Street. Mr. Hampson asked were you at the negotiations with the Selectmen? Please refer to Item #1 of the Board of Selectmen's letter dated May 28, 198S. � Board of Public Works Meeting of June 10, 1985 Paoe 3 ( ' � � ' ( i � Mr. Polychrones made reference to Item #3 of the Board of | / Selectmen's letter dated May 28, 198S which reads as follows. (3) "The �� � | Selectmen are well aware that it is beyond our purview to enter into � ' � agreements that are the domain of other departments and thus beyond our � � � authority. For this reason no such agreements were entered into". Mr. Cohen replied TASC is not interested in going underground � � with these poles. Mr. Hampson read Item No. 1 of a May 28 letter from Selectmen Dustin to Chairman barker which indicated that the cost of potting the i poles underground during negotiation with TASC was $139,000 and that TASC indicated that such cost would likely be deducted from the purchase price. Mr. Hampson was making the point that a future developer on the east side of John Street would have to pay over $100,000 to pot the recently ° relocated poles underground. This cost would undoubtedly be deducted from -- the purchase price of the so called landfill property. � Mr. Hampson stated that he would vote in favor of the motion but stated I think you are gypping the Town of $100,000.00. Another developer wouldn't have batted an eyelash to put the poles underground but TASC / can't see the wisdom in doing it right. It was moved by Mr. Hampson, seconded and voted 4: 0: 1 (Mr. � � Polychrones abstaining) that this motion in no way prevents the RMLD or a � � f future owner of the landfill on the east side of John Street to install underground electrical conduit on the west side with appropriate lighting � � abutting the so-called TASC property. / It was moved, seconded and voted 4: 0: 1 (Mr. Polychrones abstaining) that the DPW and RMLD will work to specify the location of the guy wires to a location satisfactory to both. The board next discussed the M&E Proposal to review, study and report on the Draft E. I.R. for Riverpark 93. � � [ ! / Board of Public Works Meeting of June 10, 1985 Page 4 ` ` Chairman Barker read a letter from the Conservation Commission . . � � regarding this issue. They are asking that we immediately hire M&E to � � NN� / review, study and report on the Draft FIR for Riverpark 93. � ! Supt. Fletcher stated I recommend Item #4 not be included. / However, I feel the Town is much better protected if they have the expertise of M&E behind them. Mr. Griffin asked did M&E include Item #4 Just following a � � standard form? i � � Supt. Fletcher stated we came to this conclusion using a different system for review than when we hired M&E initially. Whether or not they just want to substantiate the findings of IEP, I don't know. Mr. Griffin asked are IEP's findings in contradiction to the findings of M&E? Supt. Fletcher replied no. Mr. Griffin asked what would be the savings to the Town if Item #4 is not included? ; � � Mr. Fletcher replied my educated guess would be a savings of * $2,500.00. Mr. Griffin stated my concern is the rationale for exclusion. Supt. Fletcher stated I have no problem with this if the Board wants to leave it in. � / Mr. Griffin stated I would like to add to Item #2: "Even if the drainage enters from off-site sources and enters via the lagoon process". It was moved, seconded and voted 4: 0: 1 (Mr. Hampson abstaining) ° that the figure of up to $10,000.00 be negotiated with M&E per their [ Mr / letter dated May 31, 1985. � Supt. Fletcher stated there is a return due from the State on grant eligible items. We are expecting this at any time. ^ _ � � � ` Board of Public Works Meeting of June 10, 198S Page S � � � It was moved, seconded and voted S: O that Sheet No. 7, Bill No. 8 > John R. & Harriett A. Bennett, 3S Martin Road, Plat 137, Lot 12, dated x ^ June 10, 1985 in the amount of $247.94 be committed to the Tax Collector � . and betterments assessed accordingly. � � It was moved, seconded and voted S:O that Sheet No. 8, Bill No. � 9, Charles R. O'Soro, 20 Summer Avenue, Plat 81 - Lot 11, dated June 10, 1985% in the amount of $400.00 he committed to the Tax Collector and ` . � betterments assessed accordingly. Regarding the quote for the Pitney-Bowes Model 6100 Mailing � � Machine, Supt. Fletcher stated this needs to be replaced. He stated I don't think this Department should pay in total for this machine, this machine is used as much by the Collector as it is by this Department. Chairman Barker stated the Freeden Co. also sells these machines. ' He stated he does not favor the purchase of anything at this time. Mr. Polychrones stated I would like to see some other prices from other companies. The Board next made final changes to the July 1, 1985 water bill o insert regarding the changes in the water and sewer rates. Under the Superintendent's Report: Supt. Fletcher stated the ash is still coming in on a regular basis and is shaping up very well. We have had no complaints about odor or � � dust, I think the activity will. run through the summer, however. He stated the street sweeping program is only 1/3 complete. CSX bought out J&K Municipal Services. They evidently did not do any � maintenance this winter, we are averaging two machines per day instead of IL four or five. I will be sending out a very strong letter to CSX. ' � � . Board of Public Works Meeting of June 10; 1985 Page 6 i ` ` ^ Mr.% He stated that Van Norden Road should be taken care of pretty ^ much by the end of this week, the blasting will be done on the contractors schedule. ( { � Mr. Griffin asked at what stage is Minot Street? � Mr. Redford replied it will be torn up some time after July 1st. Supt. Fletcher reported the sodium hypochlorite generator at the � � Water Treatment Plant is operating, we are keeping a running account and will give you a cost analysis at the end of a six week period. � Chairman Barker stated the June 17th meeting will be concerned with a general policy discussion. We should then spend the summer letting the staff prepare responses to these questions, we will then take the matter up again in August. Mr. Hampson stated he wants something done to the Board of Survey Rules & Regulations prior to August, I would like to see this addressed very quickly. Mr. Hampson isntrurted the Department to prepare a position statement and meet with the Fire and Police Departments to understand the rationale for their opposition to cul-de-sacs. Supt. Fletcher stated the Department will work on this as quickly \ as possible. Mr. Griffin reported on his meeting with the Regional Water Advisory Board, sponsored by Rep. Geoff Beckwith. It was moved, seconded and voted S: O to accept the Weather « Services Inc. contract for the period July 1, 1985 through June 30, 1986 ( � in the amount of $1,O9S.00. � The Board signed the Payroll and the Billrol] for the period ending June 7, 198S. ^ ` ~~ Board of Public Works Meeting of June 1O, 1985 Page 7 | -" � � ° Mr. Polychronps moved that the Board go into Executive Session at 10| 30 P.M. to discuss litigation, not to reconvene in open session, and � � . the Chairman polled the Board as follows: o Mr. Boucher - aye Mr. Griffin - aye / / Mr. Polychrones - aye � � Mr. Hampson - aye i Mr. Barker - aye � � The meeting adjourned at 10| 30 P.M. r i ( Respectfully submitted, � � Secret�ar up- � � � � � f � � � � � RECEIVED OOARD Of RWC WORKS June 6, 1985 6 445- READI G INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION TOWN Of READING Reading, MA 01867 TO: Douglas L. Barker, Chairman Board of Public Works FROM: Roc O ' Connell , Secretary Industrial Development Commission SUBJECT: John Street Pole Hearing As per your April 10 memo, the IDC was "represented" at the May 20 John Street Pole Hearing and the IDC ' s position was stated by Mr. Don Stroeble . Your May 21 memo requests a written response. The IDC position is as follows : Because the pole relocation along John Street was reportedly one of the items negotiated by TASC and the Board of Selectmen, the IDC recommends that TASC be permitted to relocate the poles to the opposite side of John Street as per the oral agreement between the Board of Selectmen and TASC . Please call me if you need anything further . xc Dan Ensminger, IDC Paul Dustin, Selectmen 1 M V NI GIPRL J& h�V�� NEAUIN6 IVIL LINO MRSSACNVSETTS ' TOWN OFREADING PLANNING BOARD RECEIVED May 30, 1985 BOARD DP PUBLIC WORKS Douglass L. Barker, Chairman Board of Public Works TOWN OFREADINO 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Re: John Street Pole Relocation Request Dear Chairman Barker and Board Members: Thank you for requesting our input into the John Street pole relocation issue. As we stated at the public hearing of May 20, ' 1985, the Planning Board was not involved in the negotiations for the purchase and sales agreement of the former BPW garage and incinerator site, and, therefore, we are not in a position to resolve this issue. However, the Reading Planning Board would like you to consider some of our concerns during your deliberations. As you are aware, the Planning Board, through Minot, DeBlois and Maddison, Inc. , is studying the entire John Street area. MDM believes, and we concur, that underground utilities are a requirement for the type of development that will most likely occur in this area. Therefore, we believe that moving and modifying utility poles at this time would be apremature effort as it would be a costly, temporary solution to a much larger problem. If TASC wishes these poles removed for aesthetic purposes only, surely they will see the wisdom in addressing the issue for the entire area at some future point in time. Best wishes to you as you negotiate a solution that is in the best interst of our community. Very truly yours, �® Maureen Rich, Ch firman cc: Board of Selectmen Municipal Light Board Finance Committee �auu� of �¢uiling, �uanur!luaefis RECEIVED 21 PIMP* BOARD OF PDBUC WORKS TOWN OF FIEADING May 24, 1985 Board of Public Works Municipal Building Reading . MA 01867 Dear Mr. Barker, Chairman, RE: John Street Pole Hearing The Commission has reviewed the matter, and has determined that the moving of the electric poles from the west to the east side of lower John Street will have no effect upon the historical character of the area. Thank you for your consideration. Please feel free to call upon us in the future. SinFerely, Virgoia M. Adams, Chairman CONSERVATION COMMISSION a , 52 SANBORN STREET, ROOM I "`„✓`�e READING, MASSACHUSETTS 01867 942-0500 X44 May 28, 1985 Mr. Douglass Barker, Chairman RECEI "Tt FET Board of Public Works BIIARIIOF PM WO Town of ReadingJ REP : John Street Pole Hearing �'✓" e-H , TOWN OF READING Dear Mr. Barker: As per your request, the Conservation Commission offers its comments on the above-referenced project. 1) The project would fall under jurisdiction of Conservation because of alterations in and near the drainage channel. At the least, the Commission would require a Request for Determination on the project. Thanking you for this opportunity to comment for the Commis- sion, I am Sincerely, Sal(l, M —t/01-7 Sally M. Hoyt Chairperson 1 dJedicaled La lee /"reseroalion � aur //alar¢[ �esourcee ` OfficE 'If vara of !$P1Prt1-aCn o.�e PAUL C. DUSTIN.CHAIRMAN 617- 842-0500 PAUL E. IANDERS,VICE CHAIRMAN IMnniC1}ta� DdbLnQ MARY S.LEGLER.SECRETARY JOHN H. RUSSELL EUGENE R. NIGRO READING, MASSACHUSETTS 01867 JOHN W. AGNEW.JR. ��''f'��I EXECUTIVE SECRETARY May 28, 198 RECEIVED ED BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Mr. Douglas L. Barker, Chairman (2—:1S P.N - l.6 Board of Public Works Municipal Building TOWN OF READING 16 Lowell Street Reading, Mass. 01867 Dear Doug and B.P.W. Members, We are in receipt of your letter of May 21, 1985 requesting information and our position regarding the request by TASC for the relocation of telephone poles from the westerly to the easterly side of John Street. In our letter of the same day, May 21st, I believe that we have responded with the information that you have requested. Upon forther reading of both letters, however, it appears that you may be expecting further definition from the Selectmen. I hope the following comments may be of some beneit. (1) The pole relocation question was addressed during TASC negotiations and due to the cost involved of $139,000 (see letter of May 17, 1984 to TASC by the R.M.L.D. , available from the R.M.L.D.) , TASC indicated that any such cost would likely be deducted from the purchase price. This seems a reasonable stipulation since the land has a tertian value, however, it is arrived at. (2) In view of (1) above since TASC indicated that they would pay for the pole relocations, the Selectmen stated that they would support a request to move the poles. (3) The Selectmen are well aware that it is beyond our purview to enter into agreements that are the domain of other departments and thus beyond our authority. For this reason no such agreements were entered into. Doug, I would ask you to convey to the Board, that not only are we addressing what would normally be a routine request but also the integrity of the Town is at stake. Regardless of what may occur in the future, TASC is now a fact of the present. If we continue to impede their progress it could well have serious and adverse effect on the Town in the future. The B.P.W. have the ability to effect a solution here and the Selectmen would ask that you do so. Should the poles become an issue of some future sale they can be addressed at that time. We would ask that you act favorably on TASC's request. If we can be of any further help please let me know. Very truly yours, i Paul C. unuir�n Board of Selectmen PCD/lh (Office of �ioarb of $Plertmen PAUL C. DUSTIN.CHAIRMAN 617 - 942-0500 PAUL E. LANDERS.VICE CHAIRMAN �EUnicipaf AlUxibin$ MARY S. DESLERSECRETARY JOHN H. RUSSELL EUGENE R. NIS. READING. MASSACHLISETr0 01607 JOMN W. AGNEW.JR. EXECUTIVE SECRETARY May 21, 1985 RECEIVED OW of r=woVW Mr. Douglass L. Barker, Chairman 5-22A9 Reading Board of Public Works Town Hall Reading, MA 01867 TOWN OF READING Dear Doug, This is in response to your memo of April 10, 1985 in which you request comments on TASC's petition to have the Light Departments poles moved from the west side to the east aide of John Street. Please be advised that this matter was discussed at the Selectmen's meeting of May 20, 1985 and the Board strongly recommended the movement of the poles. The motion concerning this was that "the Board of Selectmen strongly support the movement of the nine poles requested to be moved by TASC from the west aide to the east side of John Street which support is consistent with the Selectmen's negotiations with TASC and with the overall present day plans for the area by TASC and which was agreed with TASC and the Selectmen." The Selectmen in their negotiations with TASC agreed to support this move and again urge that the Town support this. Sincerely, + in, Chair man Board of Selectmen JWA/lh DOUGLASS L. BARKER. Chazrn n OFFICE OF BARRY E. HAMPSON, Seviefv�y TOWN OF READING ARTHUR POLYCHRONFS _ ROBERT P. GRIFFIN BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS J. K BOUCHER A. V. FLETCHER. P.E.. Superintendent )t Y MUNICIPAL BUILDING READING. MASS. 01867 ae'uo MASSACHUSETTS13f . DOUGLASS L. BARliER. Chaifmah OFFICE OF BARRY E. HAMPSON, SeIeta" TOWN OF READING ARTHUR POLYCHRONM ROBERT P. GRDFIN BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS J. R� RGUGHER A. Y. FLETCHER. P.E., Su%vmMaarnt MUNICIPAL BUILDING �Cr READING, MASS. 01867 MASSACHUSETTS i