MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING
VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL PERMIT
AND SITE PLAN REVIEW
FEBRUARY 11, 2009
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Patricia Halpin, John Baker, Karen Paré, Lawrence Salate, Vincent Vignaly
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Wayne Amico, Jim Valeriani, Brad White, Jason Flanagan, George Evsiou, Christopher Chen, Patrick McKeon, Stan Szczurko, John McGillicuddy, John Wilson
Mr. Vignaly asked to be recused and left the room. He is employed by an abutter to the
Tower site.
The Chair opened the public hearing at 7:01 p.m. Ms. Paré read the legal notice of public hearing that was published in the Telegram & Gazette. Applicable filing fees were received and Attorney Valeriani, representing the applicant, submitted the receipts for the certified mailing to abutters of the Notice of Public Hearing.
Mr. Valeriani summarized the proposed project, which is to collocate an antenna on the wireless communication tower on Beaman Street and erect a 12’ x 30’ equipment shelter, which will contain extra switches, transmitters and batteries, as well as a diesel generator. The generator will engage six hours after a power outage and has a leak detection monitor and a basin with no drain to prevent any leakage of the fuel from the shelter. Verizon’s antenna will join that of Nextel, Cingular and Sprint on the tower and will be at a height of 74’. The site will be checked once or twice a month.
Mr. Valeriani submitted a response letter to VHB’s review letter, as well as design drawings for the shelter and a structural analysis stating that the tower can support the proposed antennae. This analysis was stamped by a registered engineer. A revised plan was also submitted adding details such as a signature block and a revised cover sheet and vicinity map. Engineer Jason Flanagan addressed the issue of road runoff. The tower is owned by TowerCo Assets on land leased from the Water District who is responsible for maintaining the road. During installation, Verizon agrees to repair any erosion or damage to the road caused by their trucks.
Minutes of the Public Hearing 2.
February 11, 2009 – Verizon Wireless
Ms. Paré noted that Mr. Westerling, Director of the DPW contacted the Water Department with concerns about the runoff and icing. Mr. Szczurko spoke on behalf of the Water Commissioners and agreed that the road does get damaged from vehicular traffic and has to be restored periodically. This has been ongoing for 40 – 50 years. The Water Department has contracted with Rotti Co. general contractors to oversee the repair to the road. Ms. Halpin noted that the chief concern is the water freezing on Beaman Street. Ms. Paré noted that there are no residential abutters to the site (such as there were on Lawrence Street) and there is apparently a plan to the address the problem in the Spring. Mr. Szczurko stated that there is no reason the problem cannot be addressed before Spring, now that there is
snow melt.
Ms. Paré inquired whether the Water Department has a bond from TowerCo for the dismantling of the tower, if necessary. Mr. Szczurko stated that he is not certain, but under the state’s drinking water regulations, TowerCo would be obligated to finance any dismantling. Ms. Paré stated that the Zoning Bylaws require such a bond. If there is not such a bond already in existence, then Verizon needs to ensure that TowerCo acquires one and sends it to the Planning Board. Mr. Szczurko stated that he will follow-up with Mr. Coveney on that question.
Mr. Amico, review engineer from VHB, stated that, in response to Verizon’s application, VHB issued a review letter on January 26, 2009. Mr. Valeriani’s response letter, submitted today, seems to adequately address the issues raised in VHB’s original letter. Mr. Amico suggested that the Planning Board consider putting a condition on their Approval that the applicant return to the Board in three months (then six months and nine months, if necessary) to report on progress made between the DPW and Mr. Westerling on the road’s drainage problems. Mr. Valeriani replied that, beyond the completion of their construction, after which they will grade the road, TowerCo is the responsible party for negotiating the road’s conditions. He suggested that a condition stipulate that, prior to receiving a
Building Permit, a “walk through” of the road take place to guarantee that erosion issues have been addressed. Mr. Amico cautioned that this issue should not be dropped and Mr. Valeriani can serve as a “conduit” back to the Planning Board. Ms. Paré stated that, if Mr. Westerling is satisfied with the condition of the road, then she will be satisfied.
Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Salate, it was unanimously voted to close the public hearing.
Date Accepted:____________ By:_____________________________
Karen Paré, Clerk
Submitted By:___________________
Susan Abramson
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