Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAboutHousing Partnership -- 2014-07-21 Minutes aswa 04 °, : kt Town of Brewster office of: Board of Selectmen s = ,:1;1 •w ; 2198 Main Street Town Administrator " Brewster, MA 02631-1898 r ,,:"' a Phone: (508) 896-3701 * - ---.. ¢ Fax: (508) 896-8089 1 0 MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN REGULAR SESSION MEETING DATE: July 21, 2014 TIME: 6:30 P.M. PLACE: Brewster Town Office Building,2198 Main Street PRESENT: Selectman deRuyter, Chairman Foley, Selectman Norton, Selectman Hughes, Town Administrator Charles L. Sumner, Assistant Town Administrator Jillian Douglass, Sarah Turano-Flores, Bob Miller,Ralph Ingegneri, Chief Moran, Dan Murphy, Jessica Elder, Chief Koch, Glenn Cannon, John Kissada, Sue Leven, Dave Telman, Robert Bersin, Elizabeth Taylor, Suzanne Walton, Fran Schofield, Lois & Peter Kugler, Dorothy Leone, Tyler Kugler, Mary O'Neil, Ed Barber, Mr. & Mrs. Villandry, Betty Zimmerberg and many Citizens Remote Participate: Selectman Dickson, due to geographic distance Call tq Order Chairman Foley called the meeting to order at 6:32pm. Executive Session Chairman Foley announced that the Board would be going into executive session to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Town and to discuss strategy with respect to litigation as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Town. Selectman Hughes moved that the Board dissolve open session and go into executive session at 6:33pm to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Town and to discuss strategy with respect to litigation as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Town and to return to open session, Selectman deRuyter second. The Board voted unanimously: Selectman Hughes—Yes, Selectman deRuyter —Yes, Selectman Norton—Yes, Chairman Foley—Yes, Selectman Dickson—Yes. Selectman Hughes moved that the Board dissolve executive session at 7:12pm and return to open session, Selectman second. The Board voted unanimously: Selectman Hughes—Yes, Selectman deRuyter—Yes, Selectman Norton—Yes, Selectman Dickson—Yes, Chairman Foley—Yes. Chairman Foley announced that Selectman Dickson is participating remotely by speaker phone due to geographic distance. www.town.brewster.ma. BoS Minutes 07-21-14 Page 1 of 7 Citizens Forum None Discuss Fire Station Project Next Steps Chairman Foley stated that there was a meeting with himself, Selectman deRuyter, Charlie Sumner, Robert Miller and Ralph Ingegneri on the possible next steps for this project as the override did not pass at the Town election. Selectman deRuyter stated that the Building and Needs Assessment Committee (BNAC) is looking for direction for this project as the override was not successful. He feels it is important to acknowledge that there is still a great need for a new building for the Fire Department. Most of the feedback he received was that the current building should not be torn down. He notes that the current building should be addressed in terms of its needs for HVAC, etc. He would like to see a firm brought in to create a survey for a comprehensive plan in terms of what the Town needs. Selectman Hughes thanked the BNAC for their work on this project. She feels that if there is an opportunity to use the current fire station building for other uses if a new station is built, they should be examined. She agrees with the need for a Town wide survey for long range planning. Selectman Norton stated that due to the Town meeting vote, he feels that the Town is not ready to support the cost of a Fire Station. Unfortunately, the longer the Town waits, the higher the cost of building a new station. He also supports a survey. He noted the trouble that the Town of Hyannis is having getting approval for their fire station. Selectman Dickson suggested that the BNAC consider the inclusion of the future needs of the Council on Aging and Natural Resources as well as the Fire Department on this site. Selectman deRuyter would like to see the Board start to address the issues of the current building's long term maintenance. Chairman Foley stated that the Town has not looked at maintenance of the current facility as they were hoping for a new building. He believes that the Townspeople were not in favor of the demolition of the current facility. The Town has never let buildings run into the ground and have renovated and repaired buildings when needed. He would like to see the survey on the Town's needs and take a look at renovating or the upkeep of the fire station for another department. Mr. Sumner stated that Sue Leven has been looking at this and a professional survey would be $7,000 - $10,000 and would have to go to Town Meeting. There has recently been work on the roof of the fire station. The furnace needs to be addressed and there is a ventilation issue in the basement. These things can be addressed now. Mr. Sumner added that the price of construction goes up every year. Robert Miller stated that he agrees with the idea of a survey, and the BNAC can reconvene for the fire station project to look at the results of the survey. They will continue to work on the school roof and window projects. Presentation of the Draft Pavement Management Plan There was a Powerpoint presentation that covered the background of the Pavement Management Plan,the existing conditions of streets, funding scenarios and next steps. The pavement condition index (PCI) goes from 0-100; the higher the rating number, the better condition of the road. Roads were tested every 25,000 square feet. There was also a breakdown of private roads vs. Town roads vs. State roads in both paved and gravel. The average PCI for Town roads is 73. Less than 4%are in poor condition. There was a breakdown of pavement maintenance and rehabilitation strategy based on road PCI. Roads under a PCI of 55 would require full depth construction, 56-75 would require milling and overlay 76-85 surface sealing, 86-90 crack sealing and 91-100 no work needed. If money were no object it would cost $12.4 million to address all needed road work. The next steps are for the Town to decide on the level of funding, review, adjust and finalize a work plan, incorporate sidewalk& drainage as appropriate, provide a 5-year plan to public and private utilities and train staff. Chairman Foley stated that the Town does not let buildings fall into disrepair, although one thing the Town has not been able to address due to the cost is the roads. We have been reactionary to road problems and have dealt with them when needed. Selectman deRuyter asked what it will cost the Town to maintain this living document. Dan Murphy stated that the software costs approximately www.town.brewster.ma. BoS Minutes 07-21-14 Page 2 of 7 $1,000. CDM could also maintain the database at a cost of$1,000 - $5,000. The shelf life of a pavement management plan is approximately 7 years. The Town average PCI was calculated using PCI by section and branch. Selectman Norton asked about the reference to be able to secure additional funding besides chapter 90 funds and if that is still a possibility. Mr. Murphy stated that once projects are identified there are grants through MassWorks,they could help with an application. The State just passed a$13 million transportation bond. Selectman Norton asked Mr. Sumner how the Town could fund the projects. Mr. Sumner stated that the Town can do some work to maintain the PCI index and then work with the DPW and CDM to work on some of the worst condition roads, one per year. Some of these projects will require engineering and permitting. If the Town went for an override for roads, you could not spend it all in one year. Chapter 90 funds can be used for design. The plans should be shared with the water department and utility departments so that they can see what roads/projects they have coming and you coordinate them to be done at the same time. Chairman Foley noted that some of the state and federal grant programs have a long wait list, some as long as 10 years. This should be considered in the planning process as well. Selectman Hughes asked if some of the roads with the serious base/sub base issues were included in the cost estimates. Mr. Murphy answered that that would be independent and the Town will need to include that in the work plan. Selectman Hughes noted that the Bikeways Committee should be included in some of these conversations. Selectman deRuyter stated that there will also be cost in developing the work plan and how will that be funded? Mr. Sumner stated that this would be a meeting with the DPW and public safety officials to talk about what should be done first. Suzanne Walton asked if the Town would approach the State for a grant, what restrictions may the State put on the work. Mr. Sumner gave the example of the Route 124 project in Harwich and the State may impose restrictions that the Town may not like. The next steps would be for a meeting to develop a work plan and a request at fall Town meeting to request some seed money to develop a long term work plan. This would most likely come out of free cash. At this time Selectman Dickson stated that he was having difficulty hearing everything and would disconnect from the rest of the meeting at 8:22pm. Public Hearing—NSTAR Petition to Install & Maintain Underground Cable and Conduit for White Rock Road Chairman Foley read the public hearing notice. Mr. Sumner stated that this is a project on Route 39 and it will be serving a new affordable housing project that will be built on White Rock Road. This will be underground moling. This also includes maintenance responsibility for NSTAR. Selectman deRuyter moved the NSTAR petition, Selectman Norton second. Sue Leven stated that NSTAR needs to be aware that there is someone who lives at the back of the property and still needs access to their driveway. NSTAR cannot do anything that would make it difficult to pass. The Board voted 4-Yes, 0-No. Discuss Preliminary Concept Plan for Linnell Landing& Crosby Beach Access Parking Plan John Kissada from CDM Smith stated that this has been in the works for two years and is a follow up to work that was started by the State. The Town has a lease agreement for Crosby Mansion and two cottages. One part of the plan was for parking at the mansion and the other was beach parking for Crosby and Linnell. This is one of the few areas where the beach is not eroding but expanding. This is a partnership with the State for the mansion and the beach area from Nickerson through a bikeway and for the beaches. There were several meetings with Department of Conservation& Recreation(DCR). There was a meeting in February where DCR encourage the Town to develop a plan for access through the States property for a road and parking. The area for the road is close to the Cape Rep Theater and there were meetings with the theater. John Kissada showed where a new bike path would be established near the theater and connects to Weathervane Way. A new drive would terminate at the old tennis court for parking. Parking at Crosby Mansion is now done on the grass. There could be 75 spots for the mansion. There could be control gates for various uses of the lots. Selectman Hughes stated that there are many people from this neighborhood in attendance this evening as they www.town.brewster.ma. BoS Minutes 07-21-14 Page 3 of 7 have been dealing with increased traffic to the beaches. The Board is interested in accommodating more pedestrian and bike traffic. It is a big change and has been a vacant area for many years, but the idea is to provide more access to Linnell and Crosby. Chairman Foley stated that when the State took the property their intent was to build many parking lots to create access. The Town has remarkable beaches, but we have lost a lot of beach and parking lots. This is a way to look at how the Town can accommodate those who want to go to the beach. In discussions with the State, they wanted access through their property, not through Town property. This is the only area that is gaining beach area/sand. This is an opportunity for the Town to take advantage of this. The next step would be to take this plan to the State and then discuss who would fund it. Selectman Norton asked for the total of new spaces; a total of 275 spaces spread out over 3 locations. The beach area between Linnell & Crosby is now very crowded. Selectman deRuyter stated that this is State land and this is a unique opportunity for Brewster to drive the project and put our stamp on it. This plan seeks to relieve the traffic on Crosby and Linnell by putting a road on State property. Fran Schofield owns on Crosby Lane and stated that many of the residents were involved in the plan on improving the traffic on Crosby Lane and many asked the Board to do what they have now done and she feels that the plan is a tremendous improvement on what was originally discussed, which was to widen Crosby. She asked that any further resolutions be mindful of the abutters and residents of Crosby and Linnell. Chairman Foley stated that the road by Weathervane and the theater would be naturally screened. Lois Kugler of 190 Crosby Lane, stated that this will impact her children more than her. She doesn't see how the access on Crosby will reduce the traffic on Crosby, especially regarding the mansion. People who go to Crosby Mansion are often backing into her driveway and hit her fence. She is worried about safety at that area. Peter Kugler asked if there was a feasibility study on why we need a new parking lot. Selectman Foley stated that there are 60 spaces at Crosby beach. Mr. Kugler stated there is less than 60 feet of beach at high tide. He does not understand why more spaces are needed as there are very few people at the beach at the high tide time. Selectman Hughes stated that this is an area where sand is accumulating, where all the other beaches are eroding, especially Paines Creek and Mants landing. This beach is expanding, and is still the largest beach. In another 20-30 years the Town may have to abandon the current parking lot at Crosby. Mr. Kugler still believes that there is less beach at high tide. There has been a problem with people parking at Crosby Mansion for the beach and the police do not ticket. Chairman Foley stated that Crosby Mansion is State property, so the Brewster Police cannot ticket that property. Selectman deRuyter stated that there are public safety issues that this plan will address and the parking at Crosby for the beach would be directing cars to the new access road on State property. The gate on Crosby would be closed. Dorothy Leone, 57 Linnell Landing Rd., stated that no abutters received this plan or were notified of this meeting. She asked that the Town not go forward with the project; it alters the State land and they have enjoyed the growth of the land. This project would generate fees for only two months out of the year; who will maintain the road; visitors who do not want to pay will start parking off road where they shouldn't and the Town will have to pay for a gate attendant. One more road means more litter on the road; would the road then be open to housing? They oppose the project and would take legal action if it goes forward. She would also like to!!see research on the area gaining sand. Tyler Kugler, 190 Crosby Lane, stated that at the bottom of the path, there are the trash receptacles and garbage is already overflowing. He feels that by adding parking spaces it will add to the trash problem. He would like to know how the project can go forward as it is in a historic area. Chairman Foley stated that there are wetlands by the Weathervane Way area that are not allowed to be touched and have not been touched. By using the area that was formally tennis courts no trees are being brought down, it is a repaving of an already paved area. If this project is to go forward, it would go through Town and State permitting and would go through the appropriate offices, such as historic. Selectman Hughes wanted to address the issue of no public notice and stated that this is only a first draft, preliminary plan and the information from this meeting would be used in the plan. There was a question on access on Weathervane Way. Selectman deRuyter stated that the access on Weathervane has been discussed and will be looked at further. Dale Fink, 55 Flying Mist Lane, asked if any of tonight's points would be changed in the plan? Selectman deRuyter stated that they will be. Selectmen Norton stated that when the time comes there www.town.brewster.ma. BoS Minutes 07-21-14 Page 4 of 7 will be an advertised public hearing for this project. He also asked that the Town examine the number of parking spots as one spot represents more than just one person. Mary O'Neil, Eagle Wing Lane, supports the main concept of the plan. She supports the idea of the bike path and she has often asked why the State hasn't done something to extend the road. She questions the additional parking for Linnell and Crosby and agrees with Selectman Norton in looking at the number of added spaces. Ed Barber, 197 Linnell Landing, stated that he also represents Linger Longer. The Town beach at Linnell is the width of the street. The foot path leading to Linnell would put a lot more people on the beach. He does suggest moving the foot path more the east,to the Orleans sides. He does, generally, approve of the plan. Developing the concept now will also help. Dave Villandry agrees that the concept can work if the Town can keep the access more to the east/Orleans side. Mrs. Villandry, 50 Flying Mist Lane, likes the idea of the new road, and would like to know if this road would need to make the State requirements of width etc. The new parking lot is 300-500 feet from the beach and there will still be people who drive the road to drop off at the beach. She is also concerned about the number of additional spaces. Will there be a cross walks at Crosby, Linnell and the bike path? Chairman Foley stated that there has been discussions with the State on the site lines and the Town would prefer a tunnel for the bike path due to the bad site lines. Mrs. Landry stated that when she drives to the beach, people are generally very good and kind about waiting for a spot. Betty Zimmerberg, 55 Flying Mist Lane, stated that she is also concerned about the number of parking spaces being added. She is in favor of the bike path, but could the Town look at a shuttle for transportation to the beach. Chairman Foley stated that this is just a preliminary plan and the Board will take the ideas from tonight back to the plan. He asked if it is possible to get an email list for the next meeting, which may take place in September. Citizens will send comments or their email address to Susan Broderick for the next meeting. Update on State's Route 6A Roadway & Sidewalk Paving Project Mr. Sumner stated that he, Bob Bersin, Sue Leven and Chiefs Moran & Koch have been working on this issue. MassDot is planning on repaving Route 6A, fixing drainage, installing and repairing sidewalks. There will also be the narrowing of lanes to 11 feet to slow traffic and offer safer bicycle routes. There will be installation of leaching catch basins to fix direct discharge in Quivett Creek Marsh. Part of the project will be to install a sidewalk from Drummer Boy Park to the Museum of Natural History. Flooding sidewalks and road run off onto sidewalks will also be repaired. There will be a sidewalk on the south side of the road from Tubman to Stonybrook. There will be repair of the sidewalk at the Council on Aging. There will also be work at the area of Route 137 and 6A. There is a lot of concern on the intersection of Route 124 and 6A. There is a proposal to create a sidewalk on the south side of this intersection, which would also change the visibility of the crosswalk. The State indicated that if there is 5 feet of grass from the road to the sidewalk, curbing is not necessary; curbing is needed if it is less than 5 feet. There is a sidewalk proposed for the intersection of Underpass Road, as there will be a new 40B housing project in this area, which will increase traffic in this area. There is also a new sidewalk site near the TD Bank driveway, as well as from Thad-Ellis Road toward the True Value Hardware store. A new sidewalk east of Millstone to east of Linnell; east of Nickerson State Park to Laurino's and will continue to Holly Ave. This project will be coordinated with the National Grid project of installing new pipe from Millstone Road to Orleans and the Water Departments project to replace old service lines that cross route 6A. Glenn Cannon from the Cape Cod Commission had some photo simulations of what the road would like with a narrowing to 11 feet and a sidewalk. He stated that the State will not move the utility poles, but will work around them. The projected timeline is for the State to bid this project in October 2014, construction in spring and fall of 2015. The drainage and installation of the curbing for sidewalks would most likely be first, but that will not be known until the contractor is chosen. Route 6A is a State Road and this project is 100% funded by the State. Mr. Sumner stated that if citizens have questions or concerns, the Town is very willing to work with them and the businesses in Town. The Chamber of Commerce has been involved as well. Selectman deRuyter asked if there was one section of the sidewalk that the Town wanted to brick how would we go about that. Mr. Cannon answered that the Town would need to work with the State on this, the State could ask the Town to do the work themselves or may just ask the Town www.town.brewster.ma. BoS Minutes 07-21-14 Page 5of7 to pay the overage. Selectmen Norton thanked Mr. Sumner and all of the people involved in this project for their hard work. Mr. Cannon stated that the new visitor to Cape Cod is looking for alternative transportation, walking and biking. He also stated that the Town being proactive on this project has been a great asset to the project. Discuss Selectman Goals This item is postponed to the next meeting. Review & Approve April 7,2014 Regular Session Meeting Minutes & May 19, 2014 Executive Session Meeting Minutes Selectman Norton moved to approve the April 7, 2014 regular session meeting minutes, Selectman deRuyter second. The Board voted 4-Yes, 0-No. Selectman Norton moved to approve the May 19, 2014 executive session meeting minutes, Selectman deRuyter second. The Board voted 4-Yes, 0-No. Appointments Selectman Hughes stated that she would like to hold off on the appointments of Russell Schell and Daniel Ryan to the Comprehensive Water Planning Committee. Selectman Hughes moved to appoint David S. Reid as special Town counsel for the Planning Board in the matter of MP Renaissance and Coridian Associates, LLC; Zeb Barker as Brewster's representative to the Lower'!Cape Community Access Television Board of Directors, Selectman Norton second. The Board voted 4-Yes,0-No. Action Items Selectman Norton moved to approve action items 1-7, as recommended by Administration, Selectman deRuyter second. The Board voted 4-Yes, 0-No. FYI Items Selectman Hughes commented on Don Schober's letter and his willingness to help the Government Study Committee. She also commented on the Human Services year end updates and the increase in services in the Town and she also commented on the percent of low income housing in the Town and on Cape Cod. She also made mention on the notice of the back taxes and interest and asked what the Town's policies and procedures are on them and how to collect on them. Liaison Reports Selectman Norton stated the Golf Commission met and appointed Anne O'Connell as Chairman and Colin Odell as Vice Chair. Mark O'Brien gave a preliminary report on the year end. The Regional School Committee met and discussed the Superintendent's contract which will run for another year and then he would retire. Selectman Hughes stated that the Government Study Committee met for the first time last week. Colin Odell is chair and Todd Montgomery is Vice Chair. Donna Moberg is providing administrative support. They will meet the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the Month and they will be televised. They would also like an email for the committee and are also taking about a survey. Topicl the Chair did not Reasonably Anticipate None Discuss Possible Future Agenda Items An executive session, PAYT, Selectmen Goals and Town Administrators Review www.town.brewster.ma. BoS Minutes 07-21-14 Page 6of7 Media Questions None Future Meetings August 4, 2014 Selectman Norton moved to adjourn at 10:26pm, Selectman deRuyter second. The Board voted 4-Yes, 0-No. Respectfully submitted, Susan Broderick Administrative Supervisor Approved: js / Signed: 77p4' Date Patricia Hughes, Clerk of the Board of Selectman Accompanying Documents in Packet: agenda,discussion points on Fire Station project,NSTAR public hearing notice,NSTAR petition for underground cable and condit locations,draft concept plan for Linnell and Crosby beach parking,memo from Chief Koch on Route 6A paving project,Route 6A typical roadway section from MassDOT,proposed sidewalk&drainage alteration to Route 6A,Selectman goals for Dickson,Hughes&Norton,April 7,2014 Regular Session Meeting Minutes,May 19,2014 executive session meeting minutes,appointments,FYI items,action items www.town.brewster.ma. BoS Minutes 07-21-14 Page 7of7