Town of Antrim – Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
March 23, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Michael Genest in the Little Town Hall at the Antrim Town Hall.
Members Present: Michael Genest, Steven Schacht and Gordon Webber.
Staff Present: Neal Cass (Town Administrator).
1. Public Information Meeting on the replacement of the Water Street Bridge.
Lisa Martin from Quantum Construction Consultants presented the process and the plan for the replacement of the Water Street Bridge. Minutes for this portion of the meeting are attached at the end of the regular minutes. Quantum will provide the Board of Selectmen with recommendations based on the information gathered at this meeting.
2. Meeting with Lisa Martin from Quantum Construction Consultants concerning Depot
Street.
Selectmen asked that Ms. Martin look at different options as the replacement of the stone arch and concrete slab bridges are studied. Options to review include: 1. No bridges. 2. Replace two bridges with one. Ms. Martin stated that there is lots of water under at least one of the bridges and that one of the purposes of replacing them is to widen them. She also said that the stone arch is not on the redlist and could be done when the large bridge over the Contoocook is done.
3. Discussion of North Main Street
Ms. Martin informed the Board that there is a $1,900 Change Order from Underwood Engineering. She is reviewing it now. Work will begin again on the bridge at the beginning of April weather permitting.
4. Approval of the Minutes.
VOTE: Selectman Webber moved that the minutes of the March 9, 2009 Board of Selectmen meeting be accepted as printed. Selectman Schacht seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, Chairman Genest called for the vote. All members voted in favor and the Chairman declared the motion carried.
5. Election of a Chair of the Board of Selectmen.
VOTE: Selectman Genest moved that Steve Schacht be appointed the Chair of the Board of Selectmen. Selectman Webber seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, Chairman Genest called for the vote. All members voted in favor and the Chairman declared the motion carried.
6. Approval of Meeting Schedule.
Selectmen determined that their meetings will continue to be held on Monday evenings at 5:00 p.m. in Little Town Hall. The following dates were approved:
April 6, April 27, May 18, June 8, June 29, and July 20. Other meetings will be scheduled as needed.
7. 2009 Member Assignments
VOTE: Selectman Webber moved that Selectman Schacht represent the Board of Selectmen on the Planning Board. Selectman Schacht seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, Chairman Genest called for the vote. All members voted in favor and the Chairman declared the motion carried.
VOTE: Selectman Schacht moved that Selectman Genest represent the Board of Selectmen on the Parks & Recreation Commission. Selectman Webber seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, Chairman Genest called for the vote. All members voted in favor and the Chairman declared the motion carried.
VOTE: Selectman Genest moved that Selectman Webber represent the Board of Selectmen on the ConVal Selectmen’s Advisory Committee. Selectman Schacht seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, Chairman Genest called for the vote. All members voted in favor and the Chairman declared the motion carried.
VOTE: Selectman Webber moved that Selectman Genest represent the Board of Selectmen on the Regional Prosecutor Committee. Selectman Schacht seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, Chairman Genest called for the vote. All members voted in favor and the Chairman declared the motion carried.
VOTE: Selectman Webber moved that Town Administrator Cass serve as the Press Relations person for the Board. Selectman Schacht seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, Chairman Genest called for the vote. All members voted in favor and the Chairman declared the motion carried.
8. Committee Appointments.
The Town Administrator was instructed to advertise the position where terms expire in 2009.
9. Appointment of Deputy Treasurer
VOTE: Selectman Schacht moved that Benjamin Pratt be appointed the Deputy Treasurer for the Town of Antrim. Selectman Webber seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, Chairman Genest called for the vote. All members voted in favor and the Chairman declared the motion carried.
10. Non-public Session – RSA 91-A:3 II (c) Reputation
VOTE: Selectman Webber moved that the Board of Selectmen enter into Non-Public session under the provision of RSA 91-A:3 II (c). Selectman Schacht seconded the motion. Chairman Genest called for the vote. Selectman Webber, Schacht and Genest voted in favor and the Chairman declared the motion carried (3-0).
The Board entered Non-Public Session at 7:55 p.m. returning to open session at 8:04 p.m.
The Board determined that it would be inappropriate to seal the minutes. The minutes are attached.
There being no further business, the Board decided by consensus to adjourn at 8:05 p.m. The next meeting will be Monday, April 6, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.
Recorder: Neal A. Cass
Date: March 26, 2009
MEMORANDUM OF MEETING
CLIENT/OWNER: Town of Antrim
DATE: Monday, March 23, 2009
RE: Water Street Bridge over Great Brook
Bridge No. 178/069, NHDOT Project No. 15350
SUBJECT: Public Information Meeting
LOCATION: Town Offices
TIME: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
ATTENDEES: Neal Cass, Town Administrator
Michael Genest, Chairman, Board of Selectmen
Stephen Schacht, Selectman
Gordon Webber, Selectman
Scott Burnside, Landsite Corp.
Diane Chauncey
Ben Pratt
Josh Bond, Ledger-Transcript
Linda & Eric Tenney (lot 244-2)
Ian Johnson, (lot 104-18, 104-19)
Luke Johnson
Lisa Martin, QCC
Ryan Clay, QCC
ITEMS PRESENTED:
Lisa Martin (QCC) presented the following information:
1.0 Team Introduction – Quantum Construction Consultants, LLC is the prime
consultant and is responsible for overall design of the project. Meridian Land
Services, Inc. performed the survey, property line research and right-of-way
research. Ward Geotechnical Consulting, PLLC performed the soil explorations
and geotechnical engineering on the project.
2.0 Existing Conditions Overview – The purpose of the project is replacement of the
existing corrugated metal pipe due to structural condition. The pipe is severely
corroded and failed, and is on the New Hampshire Department of Transportation
(NHDOT) Municipal Redlist. Lisa explained that the culvert is considered a
bridge and is eligible for NHDOT funding. Any structure over 10 feet in span is
considered a bridge by the NHDOT definition, which is different than the federal
definition. If the culvert were less than 10-feet it would not be eligible for
funding under the NHDOT Municipal Bridge Aid Program. The culvert is
currently inspected periodically by the NHDOT, which prompted the bridge
closing last fall. The Town installed steel plates over the culvert so that the road
could remain open.
3.0 Design Criteria – The project must be designed per NHDOT standards. The
loading criteria is AASHTO LRFD HL-93, which allows essentially any truck
within legal load limits.
4.0 Hydraulic Analyses – Hydraulic analyses are required to determine the size of
the new waterway opening under the bridge. NHDOT criteria requires one foot of
clearance above the 50-year flood. The existing pipe does not meet that criteria.
QCC performed hydraulic analyses and determined that a 20-foot span is required
to meet NHDOT design criteria. The analyses results are from flooding on the
Great Brook and not on the Contoocook River. If the Contoocook River
experiences flooding at the same time as the Great Brook, the roadway may still
be overtopped.
5.0 Bridge Types Studied – QCC presented the recommended alternative of a
precast rigid frame. This alternative allows the roadway profile to remain similar
to the existing, except for a 6-inch rise at the bridge. A precast arch type was
studied, but it required the roadway profile to be raised, which severely impacted
driveways and lengthened the limits of roadway reconstruction. The NHDOT
requested that QCC also study a precast box alternative. The required size
resulted in a double box, which QCC recommends against due to the potential for
debris getting caught on the center pier.
6.0 Bridge Rail – The proposed bridge rail is a two bar aluminum rail similar to the
rail on the North Main Street Bridge or Summer St. There is no sidewalk on the
bridge.
7.0 Environmental Considerations – QCC filed a data check with the Natural
Heritage Bureau (NHB) and the NHB determined that the project would not affect
any endangered species. The Great Brook is a protected stream under the
Shoreland Protection Act. Wetland and Shoreland Permit applications have been
filed with the NHDES Wetlands Bureau.
8.0 Historic/Cultural Resources – QCC met with the NHDOT Cultural Resources
Committee, which includes staff from the State Historic Preservation Office
(SHPO). The project was determined by SHPO to have no adverse impact.
9.0 Right of Way/Easements – The project will require easements. QCC will be
contacting abutters to discuss easements.
10.0 Schedule – The project is scheduled to advertise for bid May with bids due June
8. QCC recommends that the Town request that NHDOT allow a 2-week bidding
period to allow the contract to be signed earlier. This project requires road
closure. QCC anticipates actual bridge excavation to be in late June or July. The
roadway work should be completed before the asphalt plants close in November.
11.0 Public Participation – Topics discussed by the public are summarized below:
11.01 It was asked if the culvert could just be left in place or replaced with
another culvert. QCC responded that the culvert is failed and must be
replaced. The Great Brook is a protected stream and the NHDES would
likely not allow another culvert. They would require an open bottomed
structure. Also, the NHDOT does not recommend corrugated metal pipes
because they deteriorate quickly due to anaerobic bacteria.
11.02 Flooding in the area was discussed. The Tenneys pointed out that the
photos of April 2007 were extreme and are not a normal occurrence. The
water in the brook appeared to overflow the south bank trying to follow
the old canal (penstock intake), behind the garage (lot 104-19) before
reaching the bridge, and flowed over the roadway south of the bridge.
Lisa asked if fill had been placed on the south bank because the current
survey shows that the grades (El 610 to 612) are higher that the roadway
grades (El 608) at the culvert. No one was aware if fill had been placed.
QCC will review the area to see if the potential for overtopping still exists
in that area.
11.03 Ian Johnson expressed concern about the historic character of the existing
wingwalls and that the new bridge will not fit the historic setting of the
mill building on lot 104-18. Lisa showed pictures of the existing
stonewalls and commented that the culvert was installed in 1978. The
NHDHR reviewed and provided a no adverse impact statement for the
project. Lisa stated that QCC could hire an architect to design some
options to look historical, but it would delay the project and NHDOT may
not participate in the additional work. Discussion ensued about the
possibility of a façade or stone wingwalls. Lisa recommended that the
proposed concrete wingwalls remain because they are structural and
support the guardrail. A shelf in the concrete foundation could be made
for a stone façade. Lisa commented that a stonewall could be provided in
front of the concrete wingwall but cannot guarantee it would remain under
flood conditions. A structural stonewall would require a very wide base
due to the highway surcharge loading. The Board requested that QCC
review and look at the possibility of stonework and additional cost.
Coloring of the concrete was also discussed as an option, so that the
concrete would not look so white. The Board requested that QCC
research other stone patterns for the Town to review. QCC will provide
catalog cuts of other available stone patterns.
11.04 Ian Johnson expressed concern about flooding of his mill building. He
stated that there are penstocks that are under the roadway in front of the
building. A sewer line is in one of them. He is concerned that we will
“energize” those penstocks and he will get water in the basement. He
commented that he raised the floor of the basement with concrete to make
the basement dry and has not had water in the basement since. Lisa
responded that excavation will be at the existing bridge location and not in
front of the building. If excavation at the bridge does uncover
unanticipated existing utilities, construction will halt temporarily to assess
the situation. The end result of the project is a free flowing stream under
the bridge. The project will not change water levels in the brook. Lisa
stated that however, we cannot control natural events.
11.05 Linda Tenney asked if the bridge would prevent flooding in the area. Eric
Tenney commented that Water Street floods QCC responded no. The
bridge is intended to replace the culvert due to its structural condition.
Flooding may occur on the Contoocook and the Great Brook. The Flood
Insurance Mapping shows Water Street inundated during the 100-year
flood event. This will still happen.
11.06 Linda Tenney did not want guardrail since there is no guardrail now. Lisa
responded that guardrail is necessary due to public safety and the liability
to the Town if someone drove off the roadway into the brook. NHDOT
will require guardrail. The proposed guardrail is two bar aluminum,
similar to the North Main Street Bridge.
11.07 Driveway impacts were discussed. The Tenney driveway will have a
paved apron at the entrance. Eric Tenney was concerned about grading at
the entrance and the sewer manhole cover. He has farm equipment that
comes in and out and does not want to have trouble pulling onto the
roadway. He expressed concern about the speed of traffic that comes
around the corner over the bridge. QCC will grade the driveway near the
entrance and make sure the manhole top is at grade. The Johnson
driveway will also be regraded and repaved to accommodate proposed
grading.
11.08 Sewer line and manholes – Eric Tenney asked about the sewer line and
manholes. QCC responded that the sewer manhole frames will be
adjusted to match proposed grade. They will not be paved over. The
sewer line goes through the proposed wingwalls of the bridge. QCC
proposes to leave the existing line in place during construction and sleeve
around the existing line. QCC included a sewer line relocation plan in the
Wetland Permit Application in case there are difficulties during
construction.
11.09 Eric Tenney asked when the bridge would be closed. He has farm
equipment that will have to go up over Depot Street. Lisa responded that
we anticipate it will be closed in late June early July. Eric commented that
would affect corn season. QCC will require that the Contractor provide
access to driveways will be required at all times.
11.10 Mike Genest asked if the Town should be ordering the precast now as
originally proposed. Lisa responded that it is best to push the complete
project out to bid instead. This pushes the scheduling responsibility onto
the general contractor. At this point, it would take the same amount of
time to bid the precast as to complete the design. There are two local
precasters that are capable of providing the rigid frame. QCC
recommended that the Town request permission from NHDOT for a two
week bid period instead of 30 days. The preliminary plans have been
submitted to NHDOT and we are waiting for approval. QCC is continuing
design and is prepared to submit final plans immediately after approval by
NHDOT.
11.11 Ian Johnson stated that a previous project last year impacted the trees and
snake population along the brook. He asked if we will be diverting water.
Lisa responded that water will not be diverted except at the project area in
accordance with the environmental permits. The incoming flow will be
maintained through the site and discharged downstream of the project into
Great Brook. Ian asked if the impact would be less than previous project.
Lisa responded that the project will comply with the environmental
permits for this project. Ian asked what impact the bridge would have on
sediments in the stream after it was built. Lisa responded that whatever
sediments are in the brook will continue to be carried through the bridge
as a free flowing stream. The bridge is not designed to trap sediments.
11.12 Ian asked what the review comment period was for the permits. Lisa
responded that we don’t know the time frame; but that the Wetland and
Shoreland permit applications were submitted to NHDES several weeks
ago. Ian asked if the Conservation Commission had reviewed the
application. Lisa responded that the Conservation Commission is
supposed to review it but does not know their schedule. Town officials
responded that they did not know the schedule.
11.13 Ian Johnson asked if the Conservation Commission will review the
historic aspect of the project. Town officials replied that the Conservation
Commission reviews environmental concerns, not historic.
11.14 Ian Johnson asked what the lifespan of the bridge would be. Lisa
responded that it is anticipated to be 75 years. Scott Burnside commented
that there must be maintenance to get that lifespan. Lisa clarified that yes,
maintenance is required. Also, the membrane that seals the deck may
need to be replaced in approximately 25 years, if leakage is observed.
Town of Antrim – Board of Selectmen
Non-Public Meeting Minutes
March 23, 2009
THESE MINUTES WERE NOT SEALED
The non-public session was called to order at 7:55 p.m. by Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Michael Genest in the Little Town Hall at the Antrim Town Hall.
Members Present: Michael Genest, Steve Schacht, and Gordon Webber
Staff Present: Neal Cass (Town Administrator).
Selectman Genest shared his concern that prior to Town Meeting Selectman Webber had been aware of a potential amendment from the Parks & Recreation Commission that he did not share with the Board. The Board only became aware when informed by Moderator Flanders. Selectman Webber said that there had been discussion of an amendment, but he did not find it that important.
Selectman Genest said that Board members who represent the Board of Selectmen on Boards and Commissions are obligated to bring information back to the Board. He also shared his concern that Selectman Webber has released information concerning the Police Department when it had only been discussed in non-public session.
Selectman Genest stated that the Board has to do a better job updating each other. The Town Administrator will add a “member updates” section to the agenda.
Selectman Webber said that he did not see any of this as an issue.
There being no further business, the Board decided by consensus to adjourn the non-public session at 8:04 p.m.
Recorder: Neal A. Cass
Date: March 26, 2009
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