April 25, 2016
The April 25, 2016 meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Soter with all members in attendance.
PUBLIC HEARING: Petition of Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless for a grant of location to attach a small cell antenna and supporting equipment to pole 108-2, 207 Hartford Avenue.
Elizabeth Mason of Verizon and Max Franco of Cellco appeared before the Board to present their plans to place a booster on a pole located on Hartford Avenue designed to increase Verizon reception.
Mr. Soter stated his opposition to the proposal is due to the lack of responsiveness from Verizon relative to pole locations on Pulaski Boulevard. Mr. Soter expressed his concern with the number of poles on each side of that roadway and the fact they are located in the middle of the sidewalk in some instances
Ms. Mason stated Verizon wireless was a separate entity from the Verizon which owns the poles. She further explained they have no control over their poles. Mr. Soter suggested the Board's opposition to the application could be viewed as a message to Verizon.
Mr. Connor asked if Verizon would be cutting into the roadway. He expressed his concern due to the pending paving of the roadway. Mr. Franco stated the road would not be cut and the structure would operate under the existing wires.
Town Planner, Jim Kupfer, stated the Zoning Board had reviewed and approved the plan; however, his Board expressed concern relative to overhead wires crossing Hartford Avenue. Additionally, the Zoning Board made it clear to Verizon they would look at each such application on a case to case basis.
Mr. Connor asked Ms. Mason why Verizon would not present multiple sites all at once for the sake of efficiency. Ms. Mason stated the proposed site is the only application they have at this time.
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Mr. Spencer asked Ms. Mason which entity owned the pole and Ms. Mason affirmed it was owned by Verizon. Mr. Spencer asked if Verizon would be compensated for the use of the pole and Ms. Mason stated they would be compensated.
Mr. Spencer asked how much disruption there would be to motorists during the install. Ms. Mason stated there would be no disruption to traffic.
Mr. Martinis stated he understood Verizon Wireless is a different entity from Verizon and did not have a problem with the application.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing.
On a Martinis/Connor motion, the Board voted with Mr. Martinis, Mr. Connor and Mr. Spencer in favor and Mr. Mayhew and Mr. Soter opposed to grant approval to the application. Mr. Soter asked Ms. Mason to relay the Board’s position relative to cooperation with pole locations on Pulaski Boulevard.
PUBLIC HEARING: on the application of Dauphinais Concrete for the storage of flammable liquids (5,000 gallons L.P. propane), 79 Hartford Avenue.
Mr. John Flaherty of Osterman Propane appeared before the Board stating he was the applicant for the license. Mr. Soter stated the applicant on the application is identified as Dauphinais Concrete at which time Mr. Flaherty stated he was appearing on the behalf of the applicant.
Mr. Flaherty stated his company is petitioning to install five 1,000 gallon propane tanks to provide heating and to remove the existing oil tanks. Mr. Flaherty stated he had coordinated the submittal with the Deputy Fire Chief and provided all necessary information.
Deputy Chief Poirier stated he had visited the site and reviewed the application and it was in accordance with the State Fire Code.
Mr. Martinis questioned if the Town had other locations of a similar size. Deputy Poirier answered there were many 1,000 gallon tanks at various locations throughout Town but not this many at one site.
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Mr. Spencer asked if the oil tanks would be removed. Deputy Poirier stated they would be removed in accordance with the Code.
Mr. Soter questioned the impact if the propone tanks were to explode. Karen Paradis is an abutter and expressed her concern with the close proximity of the tanks to her home on Grove Street.
Mr. Mayhew questioned why a representative from Dauphinais was not in attendance as they will be the licensee. Mr. Flaherty stated Osterman would be responsible for the tanks.
Mr. Martinis suggested Mr. Flaherty return at a future meeting with more information relative to the safety of their proposal. Additionally, the Board requested a representative of Dauphinais be in attendance.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to continue the Public Hearing until May 16 at a time to be determined.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to accept the April 4 minutes.
Mr. Soter requested the Board consider placing traffic signals at the intersection of Lake and Pulaski. All members agreed and requested Mr. DiMartino obtain an estimate for this project.
All members agreed to move forward with the Municipal Aggregation Article for the May Town Meeting.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board was polled and unanimously voted to go into Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations with a land owner. Mr. Mayhew stated there would be no further public comment and Public Session of the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Denis C. Fraine
Town Administrator
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