HomeMy Public PortalAbout05-13-2014 Public Works report_201405011447401893Meeting of the Committee on Public Works
Thursday, April 17, 2014, 7:00 PM
Mastrangelo Town Council Chambers
May 6, 2014
The Public Works Committee met to 1) interview candidates for the Stormwater Advisory Committee, 2)
discuss safety issues at the intersection of Palfrey and Church Streets, 3) review a conceptual design for the
intersection of Orchard and Common Streets, and 4) discuss the status of the Mt. Auburn Street design.
Committee Members Present: Councilors Lenk (Chair), Corbett (Vice -Chair) and Palomba (Secretary).
Attending: Councilors Piccirilli, Public Works Superintendent Gerry Mee, Steve Magoon, Director of the
Department of Community Development and Planning, DPW representative Mary Healy, Richard Benevento of
World Tech Engineering, and residents, Elliot Friedman, Paula Kaplan, Cherlyn Corbett, and Larry Rand.
1) Interview Candidates for the Stormwater Advisory Committee
The Committee interviewed Ms. Nancy Hammett and Ms. Anita Roy Dobbs for appointment to the Stormwater
Advisory Committee.
Councilor Corbett made the following motion:
The Committee recommends to the Town Council that it approve the reappointment of Ms. Nancy Hammett
to the Stormwater Advisory Committee for a term ending July 15, 2015 and the appointment of Ms. Anita Roy
Dobbs to the Stormwater Advisory Committee for a term ending July 15, 2015.
Councilor Palomba seconded the motion and it was passed 3 — 0.
2) Discussion of Safety Issues at the Intersection of Palfrey and Church Streets
Discussion included traffic speed and ways to slow traffic. Mr. Mee reported that the intersection is
geometrically sound and there are no line of site issues. Suggestions for improving the safety of the intersection
included installing raised tables, an overhead flashing signal, bump outs, thermal plastic crosswalks, and
limiting parking further down Palfrey Street in the direction of Mt. Auburn Street.
Councilor Corbett made the following motion:
The Committee recommends to that the Town Council request that the Department of Public Works conduct
a mini -study of the intersection and report its recommendations to the Public Works Committee.
The motion was seconded by Councilor Palomba and it was passed 3 — 0.
3) Review of a Design for the Intersection of Orchard and Common Streets
Mr. Mee presented a conceptual design for improving traffic and pedestrian safety at the intersection of Orchard
and Common Streets and the intersection of Spring and Common Streets (attached). The main points of
discussion included:
a) There is no funding for this project at this time. Possible funding sources include: Chapter 90 funds,
School Zone Safety funds, and Town revenues.
b) Although there is no time frame for the project, the Committee recommended that the Public Works
Department meet with the School Department as well as hold community meetings to discuss the
conceptual design.
4) Update on the Mt. Auburn Street Project
Mr. Mee shared the good news that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MDOT) accepted the
MAP as eligible for Federal Highway funding at a level of $12.3 million. The MDOT is very excited about the
project as it meets the criteria of the Healthy Transportation Initiative proposed by Governor Patrick. Mr. Mee
thanked Mr. Benevento from World Tech Engineering for his efforts to secure MDOT's support. He also
attributed MDOT's support to the fact that Watertown was prepared to answer all MDOT questions and had the
requested documents. Additional points made during the discussion were:
a) The project is in the very early stages, but it is important that Watertown be ready to proceed as Federal
funds become available. DPW is still in the preliminary design phase that include a topographical
survey (presently being conducted) and a safety audit.
b) The process of building widespread support among stakeholders is important to MDOT. Working to
secure the support of quasi -government and regional planning groups and the public are important to
moving the project forward.
There were no formal motions offered by members of the Committee, though the Committee requested that
DPW provide a short outline of the steps in the process and provide updates to the Committee.
Minutes prepared by Councilor Palomba