MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING
AUGUST 10, 2011
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Patrick McKeon, Marc Frieden, Karen Paré, Vincent Vignaly, Lawrence Salate
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Wayne Amico, Patricia Domigan, Michael Kane, Linda Isgro, Brian Allen
All documents referenced in these Minutes are stored and available for public inspection in the Planning Board office, 127 Hartwell Street
PATRICIA DOMIGAN: DISCUSSION OF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR PROPOSED TOWN PROJECTS
Ms. Patricia Domigan from VHB attended the meeting in order to provide information to the Board concerning funding opportunities for municipal projects that the town has contemplated for the last several years. Mr. Vignaly asked that Ms. Domigan research available funding of the full construction costs as well as projects/programs that might pay or reimburse the town for the design costs of some projects that have been noted in the Open Space and Recreation Plan and the Town’s Master Plan. Mr. Vignaly stated that Mr. Gaumond and Mr. Baruzzi, the new Director of the DPW, expressed an interest in garnering the information from Ms. Domigan, but neither were available to attend the meeting.
Ms. Domingan stated that for municipal projects there are different programs that may supply funding, such as MassWorks and the Executive Office of Housing and Human Development. Money is still available for some or all of the construction costs, but in most cases, a preliminary design of the project is necessary before an application is considered.
Reconstruction of State Highway Route 12, including paving and restoration of sidewalks, is not yet at the point of planning where an application can be made for funding. CMRPC
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did a traffic study 1999, including impacts from private curb cuts, but nothing substantive has been done since then. Ms. Domingan stated that the question should be asked, “What does the town want for Route 12?” Much homework needs to be done before the cost of a project can be determined. Since Route 12 is a state highway, all potential changes need to be approved by the Massachusetts DOT. Once a clear scope of the work is agreed upon by the town, they can ask the DOT for money and support of their planned reconstruction. Ms. Domigan suggested that District 3 personnel be approached and a “Project Need Form” (“PNF”) be prepared, applying for their support to have this project added to the regional Transportation Improvement Program (“TIP”). They will look
over the form and then ask for more feasibility studies, including an updated traffic study. The town needs to consider what is important, such as bike lanes, sidewalks, etc. Although the DOT will not pay for underground utilities, it will otherwise fund construction costs if a project is approved. If underground utilities are desired by the community, the proposal should be voted at Town Meeting and could be funded through a surcharge on the utility bill. Mr. Amico cautioned that underground utilities are extremely expensive. Mr. McKeon asked what percent of a project’s cost is for the design plan. Ms. Domigan replied approximately 10-12%, but it depends on the details of the project.
MassWorks is a program that will pay for a portion of the design. Applications are due September 9th for this year’s proposed projects. Applications should demonstrate how the plan will aid economic development of the area. Mr. Vignaly asked when the revised Master Plan will be completed and Ms. Paré stated that it will be presented to Town Meeting in the Fall of 2012 with an updated transportation plan. Ms. Domigan suggested that the town contact CMRPC to see if they have “technical assistance” money to help with the plans (i.e. a corridor study). Mr. Vignaly stated that when applications for Site Plan Review have been submitted to the Planning Board, the Board has consistently asked that sidewalks be constructed. Mr. Salate stated that the state really doesn’t
want sidewalks and Ms. Domigan added this is because they are a maintenance issue; and a clear ordinance is needed. There are ways to negotiate that issue, Mr. Amico stated, by the municipality signing an agreement to maintain and plow the sidewalks as they do with others that are town-owned. There are maintenance guidelines, Ms. Domigan stated, for the sidewalks, especially concerning ADA issues.
The widening of Route 140 (not a State highway) for its complete length, approximately four miles, for bicycle and pedestrian traffic, was then discussed. Ms. Paré noted that the road has been widened in Sterling and Boylston. Ms. Domigan stated that the design must be prepared by the town and, if eligible, construction costs will be funded through the TIP by the state. She suggested speaking with the DOT, especially if the width of Route 140 is substandard, which is a justification for the need to fund this construction. Mr. Frieden stated that it is his impression that CMRPC does not believe that West Boylston has a transportation problem. Mr. Vignaly suggested that, since the town hasn’t requested any TIP projects or funding in over 10 years, the assumption is made that there are no problems.
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The last potential project discussed was the Mixter Building, which has asbestos. Ms. Domigan stated that there used to be Brownfield money for mitigation but that is no longer available. Mr. Vignaly stated that this land has a potential for affordable housing, a senior center, sport fields and playgrounds. There are low-interest loans for municipal properties, Ms. Domigan stated. The town could also sell the property while making restrictions on what type of housing could be constructed on the land.
Ms. Isgro noted that there is a real need for sidewalks on the lower part of Franklin Street, up to and along Route 12, where Franklin Village is located. Children living there are not eligible for bus services and walking to school along that road is dangerous. Ms. Domigan suggested discussing this matter with the DOT to see if they agree to get construction going there, because this is an obvious need if children are on the road walking to school. Ms Domigan noted that the Safe Routes To School Program is one possible program, but that the School Committee needs to do some research and make the request. They will conduct a free assessment, but there are lots of hoops to jump through and there is a long line of other communities in the process.
CELL TOWER DISCUSSIONS: LAWRENCE STREET AND BEAMAN ST.: TOWER MODIFICATIONS
Mr. Brian Allen from KJK Wireless attended the meeting in order to discuss proposed modifications to be made by New Cingular Wireless LLC (DBA, AT&T Mobility) to the cell towers on Beaman Street and Lawrence Street. On Beaman Street, three antennas and six remote radio heads as well as a surge protector will be added at the existing height (104’) on the tower. They will be connected by three cables to the equipment on the ground. ATT will also be adding an additional equipment rack and surge arrestor in the shelter. Mr. Allen suggested that these are minor modifications to the tower and should not require any site work. These changes are meant to provide a better data network. The coverage will remain the same and no change to the height of the tower or to the structure is proposed. Mr. Frieden asked
what the weight is of the antennas and Mr. Allen stated that they are each 40 pounds. Ms. Paré stated that the Board holds a $10,000 bond for the equipment and that the Special Permit was issued to New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC on October 26, 2005. Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Salate, it was unanimously voted to amend the Special Permit for New Cingular Wireless LLC (DBA AT&T Mobility) for additional equipment to be placed on the monopole on Beaman Street. Mr. Allen will send a corrected cover letter to the Planning Board, correcting the height of the tower.
AT&T Mobility also seeks to add similar equipment to the tower at 100 Lawrence Street. Mr. Allen presented a letter from Mr. Michael Coveney, Superintendent of the West Boylston Water District, who, as landlord of the property, grants permission “to New Cingular Wireless and its agents for the purpose of consummating any applications necessary to gain the required approvals…from the town of West Boylston.” Crown Castle owns the tower. The footprint of the tower will remain the same, Mr. Allen stated, so the Water District does not object to the addition of the 4G equipment. Ms. Paré stated that the
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town does not hold a removal bond for this equipment and Mr. Allen agreed to submit such a bond in the amount of $10,000. Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Vignaly, it was unanimously voted to amend the Special Permit of TeleCorp PCS., (New Cingular Wireless LLC (DBA AT&T Mobility) on the Lawrence Street Communications Tower. The amendment will reference the new plans and a bond will be provided prior to the equipment “going live”, Mr. Allen stated.
STAR TOWER: DISCUSSION OF COMPLETION ISSUES AND TRANSFER OF PERMIT
Ms. Paré stated that, during the course of the last month, VHB had received and reviewed the as-built plans for Star Tower, as well as the engineer’s stamped certification (addressed to the Building Inspector) that the construction had been completed substantially conforming to the approved plans. Based upon these documents and a recent site inspection, VHB recommended on August 9th, by email, that the Planning Board issue a Certificate of Completion for this project. Upon motion of Mr. Vignaly and second of Ms. Paré, it was unanimously voted to authorize Mr. McKeon to sign the Certificate of Completion for Star Tower.
OLD BUSINESS: HOUSING PRODUCTION PLAN UPDATE
Ref. Document: Letter dated August 9, 2011 to Planning Board and Board of Selectmen from the ZBA re Regional Housing Specialist
Mr. Frieden stated that he attended a recent Housing Partnership Meeting. Mr. Vignaly stated that the Housing Production Plan draft will be reviewed in September and then a meeting will be scheduled with the Housing Trust. Ms. Isgro submitted a letter addressed to the Planning Board and Board of Selectmen, stating that the ZBA voted not to support a regionally shared Housing Specialist. Members of the ZBA decided that the costs did not outweigh the need for a specialist as “these services can be provided by Town staff and volunteers”. Ms. Paré stated that, when she asked for SHI figures (for the Housing Production Plan and reports for the state), no one had the answers. No one had the answers when she asked about affordable units at Afra Terrace. If the town has someone
to track and monitor this information, then the reports will get done, Ms. Paré stated. “That knowledge does not live here”, she stated. Ms. Isgro replied that it is not fair to say that (tracking affordable units) can’t work without a specialist. Ms. Paré stated that she has neither the time nor the expertise to do this job as a volunteer. Ms. Isgro stated that the town needs to have the Housing Production Plan to certify the SHI. Things change with these projects, she continued, and the ZBA is the first to learn of these changes. The ZBA does not want a regional goal, but more local control. Mr. McKeon stated that Mr. Gaumond’s goal is to get someone competent and affordable to the town, someone who has the expertise to organize and track the housing information.
Ms. Paré stated that a census liaison person from the state will be attending a future meeting of the Townwide Planning Committee. Mr. Vignaly stated that he is looking at how the town of Concord extrapolated their figures, because they also have a jail in town.
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Inmates create the need for lower-income housing, Mr. Vignaly stated, but the jail doesn’t count as housing. Ms. Paré stated that she agrees that the Housing Production Plan needs to be completed as soon as possible.
REPORTS FROM OTHER BOARDS
Earth Removal: Mr. Vignaly reported that Mr. Mercurio renewed his permit for Legg Road, even though he is not doing any work at the site currently.
CMRPC: Mr. Frieden reported that he called CMRPC and made sure that they have the correct name of the town’s delegate and that the town received proper credit for attendance last year.
OTHER TOPICS NOT REASONABLY ANTICIPATED BY THE CHAIR 48 HOURS BEFORE THE MEETING
Inspection Reports from VHB:
Hillside Village: The remaining bond in the amount of $10,000 was released and VHB has had no further contact from the condo association at Hillside Village.
Angell Brook: Issues have been resolved with Basin #3. No further information about the paving has been received.
Gerardo’s: No as-builts have been submitted, nor has there been a final inspection.
Wachusett Plaza: No as-builts have been submitted nor has there been a final inspection.
Honey Dew (Dairy Queen): The Certificate of Completion was issued May 25, 2011.
PAYMENT OF INVOICES/REVIEW OF MINUTES OF JULY 13, 2011
An invoice from VHB for engineering review services was approved for payment. Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. Frieden, it was unanimously voted to approve as written the Minutes of the July 13, 2011 Meeting of the Planning Board.
Date Accepted:______________ By:_______________________________
Karen Paré, Clerk
Submitted By:_____________________
Susan Abramson
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