HomeMy Public PortalAbout06-29-2010 Public Works ReportTown Council
Town of Watertown
Committee on Public Works, Meeting June 29, 2010
Report: July 13, 2010
The Committee met June 29th at 5 pm in the Council Chambers to discuss the community path,
driveway permits, and the recycling center. Present were: Susan Falkoff, Chair; Steve Corbett, Vice -
chair; Vincent Piccirilli, Secretary; DPW Superintendent Gerald Mee; Deputy Superintendent Sue
Tamber; DPW Clerk Mary Haley; Steve Magoon, Director of Community Development & Planning; and
Eunice Kim, Tufts University student serving as a summer intern in the Community Development &
Planning office. Also present were Councilor John Donohue, Deb Peterson, and Ernesta Kraczkiewicz.
1. Community Path
Mr. Magoon gave an overview of the study dated May 7, 2010 that was created by Tufts University
Urban + Environmental Policy graduate students under the supervision of the Department of
Community Development and Planning. He asked that the Committee recommend that the Town
Council formally adopt the conceptual route as shown in the study, so that that the town can use it as a
guideline as adjacent properties are developed, and so that the DPW and Planning departments can
proceed with discussion of design details.
Mr. Mee supports the plan's concept even though there are many details to work out for the final route,
but he thinks that Acton St should be considered as an alternative to Howard St for the final connection
to Pleasant St and the Charles River.
After further discussion, the Committee voted unanimously to recommend adoption of the study and the
conceptual route as shown, amended to include Acton St - Rosedale Rd — Waltham St as a possible
alternative to the Howard St route.
(The study is available at http://www.watertown-ma.gov/index.aspx?NID=602)
2. Driveway Permits
Councilor Falkoff expressed concern that driveways are sometimes enlarged without the homeowner or
contractor obtaining proper permits.
Mr. Mee explained that a DPW permit is needed to repave a driveway, and that if a driveway is
expanded it also needs zoning approval before the DPW will issue its permit. The DPW does not have
any inspectors to track down work being done without a permit, but DPW workers informally report on
driveway repaving while driving around in the course of other duties. Mr. Mee provided a copy of the
DPW regulations, permits and other documents that govern driveway repaving.
Mr. Magoon stated that many homeowners believe they can do the work themselves without getting a
permit, and that this is a public education problem.
Mr. Mee said the DPW is willing to develop an educational pamphlet to give to contractors. The DPW
has sent out letters to local contractors advising them of the regulations. However, the fine for paving
without a permit is only $50, and there are some contractors who ignore the rules.
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Committee on Public Works Report — July 13, 2010
There was further discussion of the difficulty of catching illegal paving work. The Committee suggested
asking the Town Council to make a joint referral to the Rules & Ordinances and Public Works
Committees to review the DPW fine structure but Mr. Mee stated that the fines are created by
regulation, not ordinance, and his department would like to come up with suggested changes in the fine
structure to discuss with this Committee. The Committee concurred with this suggestion and also
unanimously recommended that the Town Council consider a joint referral to the Budget & Fiscal
Oversight Committee to discuss the feasibility of hiring an inspector to enforce construction and other
regulations and evaluate whether additional revenue from fees and fines might cover the cost of
creating this position.
3. Recycling Center
Councilor Falkoff asked about the status of the recycling center.
Mr. Mee said he is waiting for policy guidance on moving the recycling center, and he is reluctant to
spend money for improvements at the temporary location. However, he agrees that the current
signage is inadequate to clarify the center's rules and discourage illegal dumping and he will be
requesting improved signage. He noted that the center is very active particularly with yard waste and
business recycling.
Mr. Magoon noted that the Town Council needs to provide input on moving the center. Councilor
Falkoff asked Mr. Magoon to please revive discussions with DCR and Russo's about the possibility of
locating a center near to Russo's and/or Conalonga Park.
4. Other Issues
Mr. Mee provided a short update on road projects.
• Common St is well underway, as are Summit and Rangeley, and Capitol and Eliot will be
starting shortly.
• Elm St has been changed to full depth reconstruction with granite curbs due to the deteriorated
condition and Conservation Commission requirements abutting the pond, increasing cost but
improving the project.
• The project funded by the MWRA loan to replace water mains on various streets was estimated
at $1.3M but the low bid came in at $718K, so the DPW is looking to replace water mains on
additional streets.
• The Town currently has no TIP project applications pending, and Mr. Mee feels it would be
prudent to submit an application for these federal/state funds as soon as possible.
• National Grid has a new construction supervisor, and Mr. Mee is working with him to get
overdue street and sidewalk patching completed from gas line utility work.
The meeting adjourned at 6:45 pm.
Report prepared by: Vincent Piccirilli
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