August 7, 2007
Regular Session - 7:30 PM
Ms. Tully, Mr. Riley, Ms. Burns
Questions from the Public - John Hersey left three pictures of a fallen tree that damaged a fence on Governor Long Road with Selectmen Riley
Report on Recycling and Enforcement Efforts at the Landfill - Randy Sylvester, Asst. DPW Superintendent and Joe Stigliani, DPW Superintendent informed the Board that their efforts of reinforcement has shown a 50% improvement and they are working hard to a achieve a goal for a 60% improvement. Guidelines have been posted at the Swap Shop. There were a total of 92 violations to-date, consisting of unauthorized removal of items, recycling violations, improper disposal of trash, swap shop violations and a few speeding violations. Employees have been instructed to initially verbally deal with offenders. Fifty-three letters were sent to first time offenders. Second time offenders are required to meet with DPW staff to discuss the town's recycling regulations. Third time offenders will be prohibited from using the landfill for one year. To-date there has been no third time offenders. Mr. Sylvester reported that in 2006 the town saved $45,000 over 2005 dumping costs due to increased recycling efforts, as residents are putting greater effort into recycling.
Long Range Waste Disposal Recycling Committee - Pat Durkin recommended that more emphasis is needed to educate residents to recycle. She would like the Committee to have access to funds for printing flyers and posting signs. Selectmen took the request for funding under advisement. The Board would like a list of priorities before considering if funds should be under a DPW line item in the budget. Ms. Devine advised that since the Committee has no authority to prosecute violators, she would like the Selectmen to exercise leadership by getting the message to that recycling is mandatory, not optional. The Committee would like to start educating school children. Ms. Devine also felt that there isn't enough advertising or signage and would like to see more information on the town website. Mr. Stigliani pointed out that a mailing was sent out two years ago, there were press releases, notices in past Annual Town Warrants, new residents were given a map of the landfill, the Rotary Phone Book has a listing of all articles that can be recycled, and there are large signs at the landfill stating that recycling is mandatory. Mr. Sylvester explained that the program is running better and easier to deal with and enforcement does seem to be working. The Committee will concentrate on making the schools a high priority and would like to see an announcement in the next Town Warrant. They will also continue to work with Mr. Stigliani and Mr. Sylvester to establish a list of priorities and bring 100% mandatory recycling into a reality.
Review of Wompatuck Park Plan - Rod Gaskell and Jeffrey Kucher of Sitec Environmental presented a draft proposal that showed a mini park to be built on town owned land. This plan also addressed drainage improvements for area residents too alleviate their ongoing flood problems. Mr. Gaskell explained that a design plan has to be permitted as this area is dominated by wetlands and cannot be altered. This park would be a low maintenance park with an open space of green area with robust plants to provide screening. There would be no structures, only a pathway, and rail fence. Mrs. Coughlin expressed concern that changes needed to construct the park would make it difficult to enter and exit her driveway. The neighbors were divided in their opinion for the park. Mr. Gaskell and the Selectmen felt that this plan was a compromise. Some residents expressed concern over the area being open to the public, the proposed screening, parking, access to their property, snowplowing, and the cost and maintenance of a park. Mr. Stigliani and Mr. Sylvester of the DPW thought the drainage solution noted on the plan was not a very difficult solution. The catch basins do not function well as the pipes are at the lowest point and the water has no way to get out. Access could be provided to catch basins, a proposed driveway storm water runoff trench drain with sediment pump, an 8 inch PVC outlet pipe with check valve, possible location for underground infiltration system. Mr. Gaskell pointed out that the drainage work could only be accomplished under an Order of Conditions issued by the Conservation Commission. The Selectmen thanked the residents for their input and their attendance. Further comments were also requested. This matter was taken was taken under advisement until cost estimates could be determined.
Voted, to grant the request for Counsel as submitted by the Country Club Management Committee.
Voted, to sign a Contract Agreement with Patriot International Trucks, LLC, in the amount of $122,932.00 for the purchase of one (1) new 2008 International Dump Truck with underbody sander/spreader and plow for the Department of Public Works. This purchase is through the 2007 Greater Police Council/MAPC Procurement Program.
Voted, to sign a Contract Agreement with C.N. Wood Co., Inc. in the amount of $124,178.00 for the purchase of one (1) new Elgin Street Pelican P. Three Wheeled Street Sweeper for the Department of Public Works. This purchase is through the Plymouth County Commissioners Bid Contract.
Voted, to award the bid for the Lincoln Street (Route 3A) & Shipyard Drive Roadway & Traffic Improvements to J. Derenzo for the lump sum total of $2,180,000.00
Voted, to appoint Laura Burns as representative to the South Shore Coalition for a term expiring in 2009.
Voted, to appoint Charles Cristello as representative to the Metropolitan Area for a term expiring in 2009.
Selectmen's/Town Administrator's Reports - Mr. Riley reported he attended the Open House for Blue Cross/Blue Shield on Reservoir Road. The building, a "green building" won an award for its architecture. Mr. Riley asked Mr. Cristello to check with the MBTA to see if there is a way to change the route so the bus does not have to go into Station Street. Ms. Burns reported she had reviewed John Hersey's letter regarding hazardous trees. She read her thoughts on shade tree maintenance which include the following:
1) every shade tree which belongs to the town or extends over a public area should be inspected once a year by a qualified person.
2) there should be a permanent record of each inspection that allows easy access to all information on a given tree, or a given street or area of town.
Include the date, identify the tree, give a summary of its condition, the name of the employee doing the inspection, any action that is proposed, the date by which such action should be taken, and the date on which the action was taken.
3) Investigate what tools there are to track tree maintenance electronically. Use a hand health device, such as the Board of Health uses, with the data going back to into their computer system. No paper is involved. Check to see if such a system could be designed for tree maintenance.
4) Investigate using GPS technology to help identify and located every tree the town is tracking. Should there be a shade tree layer in our GPS system?
Ms. Tully had taken the tour of the Fire Central Station. The renovations were going well. She thought the entire new building looked fabulous and will be a great space to work in. Mr. Cristello had attended the TIP meeting in Boston regarding Route 228. The bids will go out this fall and hopefully the work will start in the Spring.
Adjourned: 10:30 PM Marilyn A. Harrington
Clerk pro tem