July 31, 2006
Present: Harvey Nasuti, Vice Chairman; Dan Winslow, Member; and Vida Holmes, Member. Absent: Ed Melanson, Chairman; Ellen Friedman, Member
Harvey Nasuti called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. at the Town Hall in Room 124.
Mr. Nasuti opened with the Open Public Forum portion of the meeting and with no one from the public in attendance at this time he deferred to the next item on the agenda.
Mr. Nasuti made a motion to accept the meeting minutes of May 9, 2006; May 22, 2006; June 5, 2006; and July 10. Ms. Holmes seconded, and it was so voted.
Mr. Nasuti continued with the Report from the Director of Public Works:
T.I.P. Project for Route 115: Mr. Vito informed the Board that funding for the T.I.P. project for Route 115 was moved from FY’08 to FY’10. Mr. Vito has been to meetings with various offices including District 5 and MPO in Boston. Mr. Vito stated reasons that he feels can work in our favor with regard to having the funding pulled back in. These reasons include new guidelines for these types of projects that could result in cost savings of 10-15% with some re-engineering; Patriot Place project impacting the corridor; 115 water main project being completed, so we are 100% ready when the money becomes available.
Stormwater Phase II Management: Guerton-Elkerton was bought out by S.E.A. Consultants. We have met with S.E.A. Consultants, and discussed our stormwater program. Mr. Vito asked a representative from S.E.A. to put together new bylaws and regulations with the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and Board of Health. Mr. Vito feels the current level of involvement from these Boards sometimes creates complex drainage systems that are expensive and difficult for Department of Public Works to maintain, and it would be beneficial for the DPW, in conjunction with our consultants, to exercise jurisdiction over drainage. Mr. Vito stated that there seems to be consensus with the Planning Board and Board of Health on this matter. Mr. Vito stated that he would like our consultant to
attend the Board of Public Works meeting on August 28, 2006.
Mr. Vito also stated that it might be beneficial for one consultant to cover water and stormwater concerns. Mr. Winslow suggested that perhaps residents could take advantage of having residential drainage concerns addressed on a fee basis, and Mr. Vito stated that could be a possible goal.
Chapter 90 Funds: Of the supplemental $50 million going into the state program, Norfolk will receive an additional $97,079. Mr. Vito will meet with the Selectmen on 8/22 regarding allocation of these funds. Mr. Vito feels that $47,000 should replace that amount which was taken from the Road Program at Town Meeting. The remaining $50,000 will help to offset industry price increases on concrete, drainage supplies, etc., since estimates were done.
Mr. Vito also stated that the Department of Public Works is focusing on revising the Accepted Street List, which may qualify us for more Chapter 90 funding next year.
Well Exploration: The Stantec (formerly Dufresne-Henry) report definitely identified two sites, one within 150’ of the existing well, will require very little permitting to move forward. The other well on the same property does encroach on some private property; property owner is open to discussion. Discussion continued regarding build ability of the land. Mr. Vito suggested that since some of the main currently coming off the primary well back to Medway Street needs to be replaced, it might be better to abandon that, and use the new well, putting the main down Gold Street to Myrtle Street. Mr. Vito also stated that he has been discussing with our engineers, Dufresne & Henry, the concept of having a “well field” as opposed to separate wells, which require more
stringent testing and permitting procedures. It was agreed that Mr. Vito would move ahead with getting the first well operational within a year, and continue discussions with the landowner and obtaining well field designation for the remainder.
Project Updates:
Medway Branch Sidewalk: Many residents are requesting Town water. Mr. Vito stated to residents that if a tie-in helped the system, the potential for funding it would be brought before the Board; a hydraulic analysis was done showing no beneficial impact to our system, therefore, a betterment would be the more appropriate way to fund the project. Some residents did complain of perceived well contamination, and testing is currently in progress. Because there may be a water main project, which could include replacing asbestos cement piping currently running from Tucker Street to Barnstable, plans for the sidewalk include getting the box cutting done, poles moved, sidewalk binder and tree plantings by November 15.
Holbrook Street: Finish leveling course from Pondview back to Cleveland Street.
Union Street: Put the finish pavement on from the intersection with North Street (Wrentham end), back to King Street intersection.
Noon Hill Ave: Totally reconstructing upper end (Fruit Street to Cowesitt) – minimally reclaim and binder.
Cleveland/Seekonk Intersection: Complete by November 15, 2006.
Seekonk Drainage Improvements: High Priority - from Cleveland to Noon Hill Ave complete by November 15, 2006.
Remainder of road program will be addressed in the spring.
Town Center Project: Paving, plantings, signage issues, total project completed before September 9. Mr. Winslow asked Mr. Vito to look into pricing for fountains in the roundabout, such as in Harwich, MA; Florida; London. Short discussion ensued regarding success of roundabouts in substantially decreasing accidents.
Water Rate Study: Mr. Vito spoke with Omer Dumais of Tighe & Bond with regard to putting together a scope of services, and with Patick Hughes of CDM to let him know his firm is runner-up if consensus is not reached with T&B.
Water Meter Replacement RFPs: 2 draft RFPs are being prepared; one for wireless system, and one for radio reads.
Wireless Lease for Cingular (on Weeber Tank): Verbiage regarding 20% for land owner is being discussed with Town Counsel and Town Administrator; recommendation is to go back to original verbiage. Need to research how formal vote was taken.
Weekend Storm: Brief discussion regarding extensive damage; estimated cost $18-20,000.00; looking into possibility of MEMA aid. Mr. Vito commended all workers, and Mr. Winslow made a motion to convey appreciation, Ms. Holmes seconded, and it was so voted. Discussion continued regarding Utility response time; utilizing our own tree crews when authorized, housing utility trucks.
6 Cresson Avenue: Resident’s water system subjected to frequent freezing due to inadequate depth of pipes – resident seeking restitution; documentation is unclear as to whether system was installed and inspected before or after the grading was changed. Vote postponed until August 14, 2006
Draft Job Description: A draft job description for the DPW Superintendent was presented to the Board for review in order to publicize as soon as possible.
September 9, 2006 - Community Day: It was agreed to staff a DPW booth.
Board Business:
FY-07 Roadway Rehabilitation “Overlays” contract and FY-07 Tree Service Contracts signed
DPW Director annual evaluation and goals discussion postponed until August 14, 2006.
At 8:05 p.m. being no further business Mr. Winslow made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Ms. Holmes seconded and it was so voted.
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