ZBA Hearing Minutes
Date: 11/15/07
Hearing: Mt Wilcox/Massachusetts Electric and WMESCO
Hearing began at: 4:15pm
Members Present: Cynthia Weber Chair, Fred Chapman (Acting Clerk), Dean Amidon, Robert Lazzarini, and Susan Cooper (Alternate)
Also present: Dorothy Wrona, Engineer with NE Utilities, Lou Deemis, representative from the Department of Conservation and Recreation, John Natcholine from NE Utilities and Ronald Kowalski from National Grid
The hearing began with Cynthia Weber, Chair, explaining the hearing process and then Fred Chapman, Acting Clerk, read the legal notice and letters from the Conservation Commission, and Board of Health. The Planning Board did not submit a response. Fred Chapman questioned the Conservation Commissions response and why the Scenic Mountain Act wouldn’t apply in this instance.
Dorothy Wrona explained that the proposal is to improve communications in Tyringham. The existing structure will be used to add the additional radio equipment. There is already a radio facility at the top of Mt Wilcox. Currently there is very poor coverage in Tyringham.
Susan Cooper questioned one of the lines on the plans that didn’t have a key. Fred Chapman asked who owns the tower that they are going to use; there is an agreement being worked on with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to share the tower which is primarily used as a fire lookout tower. Maintenance is performed annually by a team from the DCR. There are currently 3 antennas located on the tower, one of which (the 10foot microwave dish) will be coming down as part of this proposal. The road will not be plowed but off road vehicles will be able to access the tower during the winter months in an emergency.
Robert Lazzarini asked the representative from DCR to explain how the Commonwealth enters into these contracts outside of emergency services (i.e. cell towers, private pager companies and electric companies). Susan Cooper asked why the project is suddenly a priority when they’ve been getting along with the current tower and the representative from National Grid state it was because of funding and the need to improve communications. Fred Chapman asked why they haven’t gone to satellite and Dorothy Wrona stated that there are many reasons but the main ones are the cost and non-ability to repair it (access). Dean Amidon stated that everyone is missing the national security issue part of this proposal. Fred asked about supplementing the generator with solar panels or a wind turbine.
Right now with the trees and inclement weather it wouldn’t be ideal. They hope to start this project as soon as possible. Cynthia asked from which road they’d be accessing Mr. Wilcox with their heavy equipment; they stated that it would be coming over from the best entrance point of South Lee (probably Meadow Street) through Beartown State Forest. Cynthia stated that any use of Monterey roads would require advance notice to Monterey’s Road Superintendent.
The bylaws state that the Town is supposed to consult with an expert that is chosen with the Select Board and the other boards that commented. Fred Chapman stated that a consultant has not been hired yet. There was also a question of whether or not a bond should be posted to cover the cost of remediation and any damage done to the landscape. The bylaws also state that the Town needs to be listed as an additional insured. Susan Cooper mentioned that once a final copy of the Memorandum of Understanding is complete the Town should be provided with a copy of that.
Dorothy Wrona stated that when they applied for this same type of permit in Becket, Becket required a consultant which they chose which they charged to the applicant (at a cost of no more than $500.00). Fred asked hypothetically if the applicant had an infinite amount of money if there was anything they’d do differently or better and Dorothy stated that she initially had a vision to have one larger tower that was shared with one generator, etc.
The board closed the evidentiary portion of the hearing and began deliberations. The Board voted unanimously to adjourn to and continue the meeting to December 11, 2007 at 3:45 so the Town can contact Becket and a consultant to review the documents.
The hearing concluded at 5:20pm
Submitted by
Melissa Noe, ZBA Secretary
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