HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-03-15 Board of Public Works Minutes Fr-
March 15, 1976
Meeting of the Board of Public Works opened at 7:30 P. M.
' in Room 16, Municipal Building.
Present were Chairman Russell , Secretary Dustin, Board
Members Blood, Price ,and Botka and Superintendent Louanis.
Minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as corrected.
The Board met with the Tree Warden, Irving Dickey, who out—
lined the Lowden Treatment Program for a cure of Dutch Elm Disease.
The program calls for treatment of individual trees twice during
a single growing season at a total cost of $150 per tree. Allotted
funds provide for the treatment of eight to ten trees and the elms
in the common were selected to receive the care. Following a
lengthy discussion it was moved, seconded and voted to continue
the program and fund it from the existing account.
The Board read letter from Whitman and Howard, Inc. (copy
attached) reporting on their meeting with Dr. Jerome Carr, engin—
eering representative of the Conservation Commission regarding
design criteria for the Master Drainage Plan. Following a dis—
cussion it was moved, seconded and voted to accept the letter as
a point of progress. Mr . Price abstained from the discussion and
the vote.
Read Petition from residents of Belmont Street requesting the
extension of the sewer line in Belmont Street be scheduled in 1976
rather than 1977 and letter from the Board of Health reporting on
the sanitary conditions in the area. Following a brief discussion
it was moved, seconded and voted that Belmont Street be included
in the 1976 Sewer Construction Program.
Read letter from 0. Bradley Latham of the law firm of Latham
and Latham together with Petition signed by 376 interested persons
requesting the Town secure additional off—street parking facilities
' in the shopping area near Haven, Linden and Chute Streets. It was
moved, seconded and voted to write Mr. Latham advising him there
is no Town owned land available for this purpose and that the peti—
tion has been forwarded to the Board of Selectmen for their
consideration.
The Superintendent reviewed letter from the State Depart- ,
ment of Public Works regarding a reclassification of certain
streets within the Town of Reading as shown on the State . High-
way Classification Map and recommended that the Board accept
the State's recommendation of the new Federal-Aid System
Classification.of local highways. It was moved, seconded and
voted the Board approve the State Plan regarding the layout of
Federal-Aid System of local highways.
The Board read note from Mr. Bergeron, Town Engineer con-
cerning calculations in arriving at cost estimates for Twin Oaks
and Norman Roads. It was moved, seconded and voted to table this
item until the meeting of March 29.
The Chairman informed members of the Board that a meeting
is scheduled Wednesday, March 17th to negotiate with Union Repre-
sentatives for anew contract.
Mr. Russell reported that Mrs. Lynn Stasz was concerned '
about the loss of revenue in the recycling effort since the
aluminum cans are not separated satisfactorily from the tin cans.
A lengthy discussion relative to various means in separating the
cans was followed by a motion that the Board spend no more money
separating cans. This was seconded and voted 3-2 in favor.
The Chairman reported on his meeting with the Finance COm-
mittee stating that cuts made by the Finance Committee had
been partially reinstated. Another meeting is scheduled Tues-
day, March 16, to complete discussion on the Comprehensive Water
Study and special park construction program.
Mr. Dustin reported as the Board's representative to the
Recreation Committee that progress had been made on the replace-
ment of the Municipal Bath House recently severely damaged by fire
in that the Recreation Committee had obtained funds from the
Finance Committee to hire an architect for the plans and speci-
fications. Services of the firm of Whitman and Howard have been
obtained and the Recreation Committee anticipates having a good
estimate of the new construction prior to the Town Meeting on
March 22nd. However, funds have not been allocated for the
supervision of the construction phase and the Recreation Committee
requested the consideration of the Board in providing inspection
from the Department 's Engineering Division. After considerable
discussion it was moved, seconded and voted (Mr. Price abstained
from the discussion and the vote) to notify the Recreation
Committee that the Board of Public Works was unable to assume
responsibility of supervision of this contract because of work
load.
Mr. Botka reported that he had been investigating the possi-
bility of the Public Works developing a community garden project
in which the Town might provide public land for private gardens.
He had contacted Mrs. Smith, President of the Garden Club and
she indicated that the club had no particular interest in this
project. He had also contacted Ronald Bouchard of the Conserva-
tion Commission requesting consideration be given by the Commission
to make some of the Conservation's land available for this purpose
and received a negative response. It was accepted as a point of
progress.
The Board signed the Pay Roll for the period ending March
14 and the Bill Roll dated March 19, 1976.
Chairman Russell stated it would be necessary to go into
Executive Session for the purpose of discussing labor negotiations
and it was not the intention of the Board to reconvene in open
session.
At 9:30 P. M. Mr. Blood moved and it was seconded to go
into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing collective
bargaining. The roll call vote, as follows:
Mr. Botka In favor
Mr. Price In favor
Mr. Blood In favor
Mr. Dustin In favor
Mr. Russell In favor
Meeting adjourned.
ectfu 1hY submitted,
Secretary -�
EST. Lew—eNC. 1924
wGH
Robes T.kneeBuckram,
,PreTem
ASSOCIATES
Paul C.Bucknam,Jr.,Jc,Treasurer WHITMAN & HOWARD , INC. ;°,.IC ;�Ph.D.
C R.wickerson,Cheirman 8
C.Roser Pearson,Ch..Emeries �L Robert E.Crawford
Anthony CFurawloRi Engineers and Architects Donald F. Ellis
Daigle
Eli.A. Cooney Charles G.Ellis
Rrewsler Hm
W.fuller 69 BROAD STREET, BOSTON, MASS. 02110 a TEL. (61]) 0264400 Ernest , fasentro
Robert E. Hickman
Myles E Howard Geoge A.Howland III
Frederick D.A.King,Ir, Arthur List
James T.McDonough lam.A. Little
Edward R.
his sHowardA S Perkins,Manger March 6 1976 Alai.
JaA.S.Walkeq Arch.Comm ffer burnsSle,eI. Medlar
Arthur T.LuttMnl,Controller lamp i. Murphy
IueepM1 A.Murphy
Town of Reading
Board of Public Works
Municipal Building
Reading, Massachusetts 01867
Re: Design Criteria
Gentlemen:
on March 1, 1976, we met with Dr. Jerome Carr, the
engineering representative of the Conservation Commission at
his office in Weston, Mass. The purpose of this meeting was
to make a comparative analysis of the alternative methods of
calculating peak runoff and to discuss the differences of
the two Town Boards in their approach to drainage design and
analysis.
Two drainage areas were chosen for this comparison.
Area #1 is located south of Franklin Street with its outlet
at Pearl Street. This area contains swamp, natural high
ground, developed areas and also exhibits overland and
'channel flow. The soil composition and type of ground cover
were not known. Area #2 is located in the vicinity of
Forrest Street and Grove Street with its outfall at Grove
Street, north of Henzie Street. This area includes natural
ground, developed areas with piped drainage and also exhibits
both overland and channel flow. The soil composition and
type of ground cover were not available with any degree of
accuracy.
The basic criteria used in both analyses was maximum
development according to zoning regulations and ground
slopes and drainage patterns to remain similar to existing
conditions. The soil classification of both areas was
assumed to be "C° by Dr. Carr based on the poorest expected
soil conditions. Initially, a 50-year design storm was used
with each method.
Out 10614. Co.glin.uous 'Setvice
Town of Reading -2- March 8, 1976
We used the rational formula for peak runoff deter-
mination. A runoff coefficient of .45, a one-hour intensity
of 2.4 inches/hour, and the time of concentration determined
from the existing ground slope were the criteria used with
the rational formula. The modified soil cover complex
method was used by Dr. Carr with development to 1/2 acre
residential lots and soil classification "C" as the basic
criteria.
Initially, the peak runoff as computed by both methods
indicated considerable variation in the expected flows.
Further refinements in the calculations, however, resulted
in expected flows which were much more comparable. Refine-
ments included modifying the soil classification somewhat,
reducing the design storm in the modified soil cover complex
method, since the basic formula differs from the rational
formula, and raising the coefficient of runoff to .50. The
results in Area #1 were a peak runoff of 34 cfs for the
rational formula and 60 cfs with the modified soil cover
complex method initially; a final result of 38 cfs with both
methods using a design storm of 10 years and a soil classifi-
cation "B" in the modified soil cover complex method. In
Area #2, the peak runoff was calculated at 55 cfs by the
rational method and 112 cfs for the modified soil cover
complex method, initially; a final result of 60 cfs by the
rational method and 70 cfs for the modified soil cover
complex method, using the above-mentioned criteria. We note
that these figures are based on final development and
represent approximations of possible conditions in both
cases.
The modified soil cover complex method computes peak
flows which exceed those computed using the rational formula.
This difference appears to increase as the size of the
drainage area decreases. The magnitude of this difference
depends greatly on the criteria used in each method and,
especially in the modified soil cover complex method, on the
availability of field data. Criteria should not be inter-
changed between the two methods since factors inherent
within each system vary considerably. As an example, a
design storm of 50-year frequency used with the rational
method roughly approximates a 10-year storm analysis with
the modified soil cover complex method. Care should be
taken, therefore, to insure that comparable criteria be used
in design and review situations.
Town of Reading -3- March 6, 1976
The modified soil cover complex method represents a
very conservative approach to drainage analysis. Some
studies have indicated that the rational formula may compute
less than actual flows in some parts of the country, however,
our experience has been that computed flows more than
adequately describe actual conditions in this area. Also,
little evidence has been shown that the additional expense
required by designing for increased flows is warranted for
health or safety reasons. It is interesting that most
structures which have proven inadequate were designed for 5-
10 year design storms, or have become damaged or blocked by
debris and improper maintenance. While designing on a very
conservative basis may appear as an advantage, we suggest
that it may, in fact, be a liability. Maximum design
criteria is determined from many factors including pro-
tection of upstream and downstream land and economy of
construction and maintenance. Since culverts act as con-
trolling structures in very severe storms using higher
design flows in culvert design may result in considerable
damage downstream due to excessive discharge quantities
while controlled flows may produce minor flooding upstream.
Excessive design in retention basins may result in areas
which are very large and expensive to maintain and place
unnecessary restrictions on public and private development.
We realize that the Board of Public Works and the
Conservation Commission have somewhat different points of
view on this matter. We feel, however, that the objectives
of both are compatible within the framework of good design
practices. Often, the differences in expected flows may
result in additional head being developed at the inlet
which may be handled with higher banks. Also, culverts
designed for a 50-year storm may only be required to satisfy
a 10-year analysis if full development of the area results
in a closed drainage system. In any case, we recommend that
the design criteria outlined in our report be utilized in
all public and private designs to insure an adequate in-
tegrated system which controls outlet quantities to protect
downstream lands and property within the Town of Reading.
If, due to other considerations, developers are required to
supply additional storage capacity, it should be constructed
in such a way that easy maintenance and multiple uses may be
obtained. For example, retention basins could be designed
with moderately sloped sides and landscaping so that rec-
reational uses can be realized.
Town of Reading -4- March 6, 1976
Our report deals with overall drainage system in
Reading and sets criteria on a town-wide basis. The criteria
may not satisfy each particular condition, but is essential
for setting and maintaining standards of design and con-
struction. We are completely confident in the criteria and
designs included therein as our experience has proven them
adequate for all expected conditions in applications in
other communities. Also, we feel that it presents an
economically feasible system which will adequately serve the
Town through its development. The report will act as a
planning tool to identify existing and potential problem
areas, set priorities, and aid in designing individual
elements of the system.
If you have any questions concerning this matter, we
shall be pleased to answer them.
Very truly yours,
WHITMAN & HOWARD, INC.
ByI�D7.GLCEF2�3L'�.-
rewst�
Brewster W. Fu e1Z rte, I VE
Vice President
By
-- chard F. Merri
BWF:pdd
WHITMAN & HOWARD. INC.
ENGINEERS AND ARCHITECTS
March 5, 1976
Town of Reading
Conservation Commission
c/o Mr. Gary Gilbert
60 Hillcrest Road
Reading, MA 01867
n Re: Design Criteria For
JII Drainage Design
Gentlemen:
We are enclosing a copy of the design criteria to be
used in the Moater Drainage Study being completed for the
D Town of Reading at the request of the Conservation commis-
sion and the Superintendent of Public Works. Please note
that the coefficient of runoff for Res. A. has been revised
at the request of Dr. Carr.
Very truly yours,
WHITMAN 6 HOWARD, INC.
chard F. Herr n
RFM/hmg
cc: Superintendent of Public Works
Dr. Jerome Carr
encl.
Design Criteria
Area:
1. Land Use: the land within the study area is assumed to
be completely developed in accordance with current zoning regulations.
Flood plain zones will be considered undeveloped except any obvious
exceptions which may be discovered.
Rainfall:
1. -Average Frequency of design storm
50 years for culverts
10 years for roadway structures
2. Duration of design storm 60 minutes
3. -Rainfall intensity
50 year frequency 2.4 inches per hour
10 year frequency 1.8 inches per hour
4. Inlet time
15 or 20 minutes for computer analysis, .variable depending
on conditions for other analysis.
5. Runoff determination by the Rational Method.
6. Coefficient of runoff
Res A - .50
Res B - .65
Business - .75
Industrial - .75
.Swamp - .15
Storm Drains
1. Coefficients for Manning Formula
a. pipes n=.015 (reinforced Concrete)
n=.024 (corrugated Metal)
b. channels: t
Clean, straight, no pools n=0 .030
As above, with weeds and stones n=0 .035
Winding, pools and shallows,
weeds and stones n=0.045
Sluggish, weedy, with deep pools n=0 .065
Very weedy and sluggish - n=0.112
Man made Channels
-9-
i
Smooth earth n=0.018
Firm gravel n=0.020
2. Minimum diameter
I
drains - 12 inches
culverts - 18 inches
3. Allowable velocity -
minimum - 3.0 feet/second .'
maximum - 8 .0 feet/second
4. Maximum spacing of manholes and catch basins - 300 feet.
5. pipe material - reinforced concrete, except where
clearance requires asphalt coated corrugated metal pipe.
6. Minimum pitch of drainage pipes - 0.58.
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