HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-10-31 Board of Public Works MinutesBoard of Public Works Meeting of October 31, 1983 Page I
A meeting of the Board of Public Works convened in Room 16,
Municipal Building at 7 :30 P.M. Present were Chairman Wood, Secretary
Barker, Board Members Polyc.hrones, Griffin and 11ampson and Assistant
Superintendents Edward D. McIntire, Jr. and William R. Bergeron.
It was moved, seconded and voted 5 :0 to accept the minutes of the
Board of Public Works meeting of October 17, 1983 as amended.
It was moved, seconded and voted 5 :0 to accept the minutes of the
Board of Survey meeting of October 17, 1983 as written.
The Board reviewed the petition of the New England Telephone
Company and the Reading Municipal Light Department to legally validate
four (4) existing poles on Covey Hill Toad which is now a public way.
It was moved, seconded and voted S :O to approve the petition of
the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company and the Reading Municipal
Light Department to maintain poles, wires, cables and fixtures, along and
across the following public way or ways:
Covey Hill Road: Four (4) poles;
Poles 331/1, 331/27 331/3 and 331/4,
in accordance with Plan No. 4 -3672 dated September 15, 1983.
The Board next met with David L. Vines regarding his petition for
a special permit to build a dwelling on Lots 2 & 21 Assessors Map 99 -
(off Willow and Lowell Streets).
Also present were Andy Bramhall, Mr. Vines surveyor, and
approximately iB abuttors.
Mr. Vines has requested a written recommendation from the Board
of Public Works to the Board of Appeals in regard to his petition to build
a single family home on private property at Willow and Lowell Streets.
The majority of Lot 21 is within the Flood Plain District as
established by the Planning Board Zoning. Mr. Vines, et al, proposes to
Hoard of Public Works Meeting of October 31, 1983 Wage 2
locate the home with attached garage on the extreme limit of the existing
flood Plain.
As part of the original submittal to the Board of Appeals, Mr.
Vines submitted a detailed hydraulic analysis of the watershed which
showed that their estimate of the 100 Year flood Elevation is 89.3 feet
USGS vs. the Planning Boards previously established 90.0 feet USGS.
I.E.P., Inc. from Northborough, Ma. prepared this analysis using
established flood routing procedures using the DR'AINCALC Computer Model.
Mr. Vines stated he is seeking a Special Permit from Sections 4.2
and 4.4 of the Zoning By -Laws which relate to the flood Plain Districts.
to substantiate the facts, he engaged I.E.P., a well known engineering
firm, especially well thought of in environmental issues, to in fact do a
drainage profile of this area to identify exactly where this flood plain
is and how it relates to this property. They prepared a detailed report
which was presented to Mr. Bergeron for his review. lie understands that
Mr. Bergeron has reviewed it and concurs with the findings of I.E.P. We
intend to use the piece of land as indicated on the site plan developed by
Mr. Bramhall, the Surveyor.
Mr. Bramhall described the site plan to the Board. He stated
there will be 87 feet of frontage on Lowell Street, and a 230 foot gravel
driveway is proposed. He stated the dwelling will be 3.7 feet above the
elevation of the 100 year flood plain.
Mr. Bergeron asked did you do spot elevations in the survey.
Mr. Bramhall replied yes, he did.
Mr. Bergeron stated when you walk the area in the field, it is
obvious that Mr. Caratelli's lot is much lower than this site. What do
you plan to do with the proposed driveway in that area.
Mr. Vines replied according to the Zoning, you can put a driveway
Board of Public Works Meeting of October 31, 1903 Page 3
in the Flood Plain at grade. We would certainly grade it so that it would
not flood onto Caratelli's lot.
Mr. Bergeron stated I assume you will file with the Conservation
Commission after this.
Mr. Vines stated we will only do what makes sense. We will
establish a good base under the driveway. I believe the amount of water
that would flow onto the Caratelli property would be minimal. I would be
more than receptive to alleviating this problem.
Mr. Fernando Caratelli of 204 Lowell Street stated he has been
flooded out three times in the past twelve years and pumped out by the
Reading Fire Department. He stated this has been an extremely dry Summer
and is not indicative of the normal conditions. The 230 foot gravel
driveway is seven feet away from his property.
Chairman Wood asked are you proposing any fill under the
driveway.
Mr. Vines stated there would be no additional fill brought in.
He also added that regarding Mr. Caratelli's property, it is true he may
have water in his home at times. The first floor elevation of the
proposed dwelling would be five feet higher than his cellar. Regarding
the driveway, we would excavate the area and replace it with good gravel.
Mr. Pol.ychrones asked why did you pick gravel over hot top for
the driveway.
Mr. Vines replied certainly money was a consideration, and I
thought aesthetically gravel would be a better option.
Chairman Wood stated one of the concerns I have is that this area
is a natural valley and it would tend to trap water.
Mr. Vines stated I don't quite know how to respond except that
I.E.P. did an extremely detailed study of the area and I would tend to
Re
Board of Public Works Meeting of October 31, 1983 Page 4
think that I.E.P. took all of these things into consideration and I rely
heavily on what they recommend.
long?
Mr. Polychrones asked how do you propose to plow a driveway that
Mr. Vines replied I would just consider it to be another expense.
Mr. Bergeron stated the plowing of the driveway is not germaine
to the foundation of the house. The box culvert by the railroad tracks
creates a damming effect and constricts the flow of the water in that
area. The hydraulic calculations we have reviewed take into account that
the water is rushing in too fast for it to drain through the box culvert.
Mr. Daniel Mulawski of 270 Lowell Street stated Mr. Vines
received a letter from the Fire Department requiring a hot topped driveway
18--20 feet wide for access for their emergency vehicles. Mr. Mulawski
then presented the Board with a signed petition stating;
"We, the abuttors of the Willow, Lowell Street Aberjona Flood Plain
have lived for many years with seasonal floods and dangers of a river
that floods beyond its banks. These floods will continue in the
future without any solution in —site. Therefore, we are united against
the proposal to eliminate the towns accepted protection 90 foot
contour.
We are also against the proposed building of any dwelling of any kind
on the Maillet property on lots 2 and 21 of Map SS."
Mr. Timothy Murphy of 22 Willow Street stated the abuttors have
hired an engineering firm to help them dispute these figures. lie stated
he would like to request that the Board delay further action on this
subject until next Monday. He stated they have engaged Robert Anderson
Company to get some spot readings.
He stated he also took a boat down that back area after a
rainstorm. He stated that land does flood and he believes I.E.P.`s
I
Hoard of Public Works Meeting of October 31, 1.903 Page 5
figures are hypothetical.
Mr. Barker moved to table discussion on the petition of David L.
Vines until 7,45 P.M. on Monday, November 7th. The motion was seconded
and defeated 2:2:1 (Mr. Griffin and Mr. Nampson opposed, Chairman Wood
abstaining).
Mrs. Lester Norton of 6 Willow Street stated we have seen a great
deal of flooding in the last 37 years, however, this was a very dry year
and not typical.
Mr. Nampson stated I don't have faith in a measurement of 89.3
feet. I would like to move the question. I can't believe that
engineering - wise you didn't allow for a margin of error.
Mr. Daniel Mulawski of 274 Lowell Street stated you have a
petition in front of you from the taxpayers of this community. You must
take into consideration what they desire.
Mr. Barker moved that the Board of Public Works write to and
advise the Board of Appeals that the house location as shown is not
subject to flooding to the extent zoned (94' elevation) and is suitable
for human habitation. The motion was seconded.
Mr. Caratelli of 284 Lowell Street asked why doesn't the Town
have their own surveyors do this work.
Mr. Vines stated in an effort to do this as easily as possible
without having to justify the credentials of the engineering firm, I
sought out the foremost engineering authority on related environmental
issues in the State of Massachusetts. I.E.P. is not going to compromise
its position over one building lot. It would immediately lose its
credibility within the State of Massachusetts. I would tend to think that
although I am paying for this, I am receiving no extra service from T.E.P.
except an ear to listen to and someone to in fact, present things in a way
Board of Public Works Meeting of October 31, 1453 Page G
that relates directly to this proposal. I think I.E.P. is a first rate
firm and I think that 59.3 is a conservative number. In truth, what we
have done is to address 4.4.2 and to establish that the proposed dwelling
is not within the Flood Plain to the extent zoned.
Katherine Quimby asked did our engineering department do any
field testing of their own.
Mr. Bergeron replied we did not do any survey work.
Chairman Wood asked is it the desire of the majority of abuttors
that this Board reconsider the vote to table the discussion until next
Monday and allow the abuttors to hire an outside engineer.
It was evident from a show of hands that the abuttors desired
more time.
Mr. Griffin moved to table the present motion, it was seconded
and voted 3:2 (Mr. Barker and Mr. Hampson opposed).
Mr. Griffin moved to consider the preceding vote on next Monday
to allow for the abuttors to hire their own engineer. The motion was
seconded and voted 4 :1 (Mr. Oampson opposed).
Chairman Wood left the meeting at 9:25 P.M.
The Board next met with Mr. H. Lee Donley to discuss the Mineral
Street Bridge.
Mr. Barker assumed the Chair and introduced the members of the
Board to Mr. Donley.
Mr. Donley presented the Board with a petition regarding the
bridge with over 504 signatures thereon, asking that prompt action be
initiated by the Town to repair or replace said bridge to the end that
vehicular traffic may be restored.
Mr. Donley also presented the Board with a list of concerns and
recommendations regarding the bridge. He stated that the majority of
Board of Public Works Meeting of October 31, 1503 Page 7
people he spoke with were very concerned with the situation.
Mr. Griffin stated that the figures in cost and time for the Town
to repair this bridge were extremely high.
Mr. Donley stated he felt if the State took control of this
bridge it would be given a very low priority.
Mr. Polychrones explained to Mr. Donley that our Town Engineer,
William Bergeron, has been in contact with the State Department of Public
Works in regards to the status of the inspection and ranking of the
existing bridge. He was informed by the State that the bridge did receive
a high ranking that would put it high on the State priority list if it was
presently under the control of the State. Pte has obtained the sample
forms that would allow the transfer from Town ownership to the State.
The State indicated that once it is responsible for the bridge
that the study and design would begin with a complete new structure in
place in 3 to 5 years.
A Warrant Article would be required for the Fall Town Meeting
through the Selectmen's Office to get the transfer underway.
Mr. Polychrones presented Mr. Donley with a copy of Mr.
Bergeron's memo.
newspaper
Mr. Donley felt that perhaps this memo should be published in the
Mr. Harker stated this is also the subject of a Town Meeting
Article to be brought up in November. There is no quick fix that can
restore traffic even for light vehicles on that bridge.
Mr. Griffin stated it was his impression that there was concern
from hr. Bergeron, his recommendation was leaning towards seeking State
assistance and turning it over to the State.
Board of Public Works Meeting of October 31, 1983 Wage £
Mr. Barker stated he would have a hard
that this bridge is given a quick fix, however,
Bergeron that this is what the Town wants.
Mr. Donley thanked the Board for their
The Board next met with Mr. John Quigl
discuss the Computerized Engine Analyzer.
Mr. Quigley presented the Board with a
time accepting the fact
we can recommend it to Mr.
time.
?y of Bear New England to
pamphlet regarding the
Bear Computer Analyzer. He stated it is capable of doing the
Massachusetts Vehicle Inspection tests. The unit is a building block and
will be used in the future for whatever testing regulations may come up in
the future.
He then showed the Board the specifications for 158 tests that
can be done on a vehicle. He stated the computer has the capacity to
interface with other computers.
Mr. Guigley stated the price of this unit to the DPW would be
$15,210.00 complete with Mass. inspection, after January 1, 1984 the price
will be $17,900.00.
Mr. Hampson asked what level of expertise do the operators need?
Mr. Ouigley stated the first thing that happens is when I deliver
the machine, I will spend 3 to 4 hours with the operators and then come
back and spend an additional 3 to 4 hours with them. They are then
welcome to attend any of our open sessions which are held at our training
center and included in our price for the unit.
Mr. Griffin asked where the training center is located.
Mr. Puigley replied at Cummings Park in Woburn.
Mr. Polychrones stated that Bob Ripley, DPW mechanic, was
satisfied the machine could perform all tests as far as diesel engines are
concerned.
Board of Public Works Meeting of October 31, 1903 Page 9
Mr. Quigley stated to lease this equipment for the first six
months would cost $354.40 per month, the down payment being the first
payment. The interest rate is just under 14% annually.
Asst. Superintendent McIntire asked what is the monthly
maintenance fee on the unit, and what kind of servicing could we expect?
Mr. Quigley stated you are only going to inspect one month a
year, there would be a one time fee of $115.00. If you have any service
problems you would have to call us and we would be happy to service you.
There is a filter on the machine that is required to be replaced each
week. The computer is guaranteed for three years, the typewriter is
guaranteed for one year. The computer will self - diagnose any problems it
has.
Mr. Barker requested that fir. Quigley send the Board a letter and
summarize the costs involved.
It was moved, seconded and voted 4:0 to accept the items of
concern written by fir. William R. Bergeron on Criterion Street and Avalon
Road as points of information.
It was moved, seconded and voted 4:0 to accept Senate Frills 1124
and 1166 as points of information.
It was moved, seconded and voted 4:0 to accept the letters from
the Planning Board regarding the John Street property and Scenic Roads
meetings as a point of information.
The Board signed the Payroll and the Billroll for the period
ending October 28, 1983.
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
