Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes

August 2, 2004

 

The Board of Selectmen met this evening at the Easton Town Offices, Selectmen’s Office with Chairman Colleen Corona presiding.  Also in attendance were Gerard Marsan, John Haederle, Colleen Less, Charles King and Town Administrator Martha White. (7:00pm)

 

Appointment of Election Workers

On Less’ motion, seconded by Haederle, the board voted unanimously by roll call to appoint the slate as submitted by the Town Clerk.  See attached list.

King slate, Haederle slate, Corona slate, Less slate, Marsan slate.

 

Public Participation

None

 

Discussion Regarding “Statement of Ethics” and “Statement of Values” for Board of Selectmen

Corona referred to the concept of adopting policies as other communities have done.   See attached policy from the Town of Sudbury.  Corona spoke of other types of policies like liquor license violations that the board should consider adopting.  The board will review the proposed Statement of Ethics and Values Policy and submit comments.  The issue will be discussed again in approximately one month.

 

Press Notes

None

 

Discussion Regarding Appropriate Mitigation for Installation of Water Line by Aquaria Water LLC

DPW Director Wayne Southworth was present.  White explained the multi town coalition and the different types of mitigation that communities may be proposing regarding this project.  See attached recommendations by the TA.  White noted that she met with Southworth to look for possible mitigation factors.  Southworth would like to see a legally binding contract to purchase water from Aquaria along with a waiver of Aquaria fees when the time comes; White spoke of other pending capital needs that also may be used to ask Aquaria to address.  Less questioned what types of mitigation other communities are proposing.  White used Taunton as an example and the problem of fitting the project into the roadways.  Southworth explained Taunton’s problem because they have sewer lines, gas line, drainage, etc.  Southworth noted that W. Bridgewater might also be considering a sidewalk; Raynham may be considering a new bike path.  Corona suggested that the town should ask for as much as possible to maximize opportunities and negotiate from there.  Southworth spoke of the required pumping station if we choose to purchase water and the costs involved.  Marsan expressed interest in the idea of exploring tapping into water now and saving our own resources.  Marsan spoke of the present industrial park and the proposal of the Coweseet Industrial Park.  Haederle asked about the cost proposal as Marsan suggested.  Southworth noted that there would be a cost but the town should be looking to waive the fee for hook up.  Southworth spoke of the Water Management Act requirements within the state and feels that the only alternative for the future would be to look at the possibility of connection with Aquaria.  Marsan noted that we have been looking at this proposal as a burden but maybe we should be looking at it differently with the possibility of grant availability.  Southworth explained that he knows of no federal or state money available now.  The board discussed who would be the contract authority.  White explained that she would be proposing the TA and the DPW Director.  The board discussed the other current capital needs while looking at this proposal.  Corona discussed taking a firm stance on negotiating for the town bringing the town a step further.  White and Southworth will work with Aquaria.

 

Class II (continued) Hearing – 5-Corners Petroleum, 490 Foundry Street

The Applicant, Mr. Fadi Daher was present.  White recapped the discussion at the previous meeting with the Selectmen.  White noted that this location has not gone through site plan approval. White feels that the site plan is essential given the current status of the Foundry Street reconstruction project.  White also noted that Daher has met with the Town Planner.  White spoke of a brief meeting with the owner of the Foundry Street property owner and noted that he is aware of the concerns.   Marsan questioned if there is an existing license at the location.  White indicated no.  Daher explained that he is leasing the property for 15 years.  White suggested that the board continue this hearing for at least a month while he is going through site plan approval.  White reiterated the need to establish how many cars should be at this site.  Marsan reiterated the need for the site plan approval and the need for the owner to go through the process. Daher explained the Class II quota and does not want to lose the opportunity.  After discussion, the consensus was that the staff in the Administrator’s office will work with the applicant if any new applications come forward so that he does not lose his opportunity.

On Marsan’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously to continue the hearing to 9/13/04 at 7:15pm in the Selectmen’s Office.

 

Discussion Regarding 5-Corners Master Plan/Foundry Street Corridor Project

DPW Director Wayne Southworth, Town Planner Marc Rousseau, Rob Nagi and Joe Magni of Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB), Kelli Burke Samuels & Associates were present.  White referred to documents given to the board.  Nagi gave an overview of the project.  Nagi complimented White and Rousseau on the project to date, specifically the master plan.  Drainage and traffic congestion seem to be the major concerns with the five corners intersection.  A series of roadway cross-section alternatives will be proposed along with other amenities.  Nagi also noted that they have been helping with the review of ongoing projects in this area(Shaws, Mobil, Walgreen, potential 40B projects, etc).  Nagi asked for the town’s guidance on how to move forward.  Different alternative plans were viewed and discussed by the board.   Two 12 ft lanes, 3 ft grass shoulders and the sidewalk are suggested by VHB.  This fits within the right of way with the width of the roadway today.   This proposal keeps traffic moving and provides area for pedestrians or bicycles.  Haederle spoke positive of the 3-foot grass strip proposal for safety reasons.  Magni discussed different options to add the strip without any additional cost.  The maintenance issue and the lack of manpower to provide the maintenance to the grass strip were discussed. 

 

Marsan suggested designing the best roads for now and the land takings could come later.  Nagi noted the three phases of work; immediate, short term and long term solutions.  Corona asked for the DPW Director’s recommendation.  Southworth referred to the importance for planning for the future and the fact that with the business expansions as proposed, the town could benefit as well with their cooperation.  Southworth suggested that the maintenance of the proposed grass strip is an issue although he supports the concept.  Nagi suggested that the three foot strip can be maintained with small shrubs, etc and still look great.  Nagi suggested that they still continue to consider the three foot strip and if it becomes problematic, the board will know right away and other alternatives can be viewed.    It was noted that the federal government requires 12 foot lanes with adequate shoulders.  At this point, White indicated that no formal vote was needed as VHB need direction at this point. 

 

Highland Plaza Discussion

Possible action regarding mitigation agreement with Highland Plaza, LLC

White introduced Kelli Burke of Samuels & Associates, James Winn of Greenman Pedersen Inc, and Brian McCarthy of RJ O’Connell & Associates.  Marsan recused himself and left the room at this point of the meeting due to conflict.  Burke gave a brief summary of the project to date. 

The board asked questions relating to the project.    Nagi noted the meeting held with White, Southworth and Rousseau and their recommendations.  Southworth agreed with their assessments but feels that we need to work with VHB on the transition with other roads.  Nagi suggested that it makes sense to do this now, especially while the new project is currently being constructed.   Brian McCarthy gave a presentation of the Highland Plaza proposal.  Wynn spoke of traffic, specifically the left hand lane.  Burke depicted a map of the proposed shopping center and the traffic signal.  Burke explained the square footage and the potential tenants. 

White asked for approval of the plan subject to the conditions in the memo and the engineers and staff working out the merging out with the other area improvement plans.

Corona spoke of not wanting to approve a short term need only to have to go back again for other improvements.  King asked for percentage of building vs. land.  They replied 20%. 

On King’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously of those present to approve the intersection improvement plan subject to developers addressing issues in VHB technical memorandum, also ensuring that they work it out with other intersection improvement plans.  

 

Possible action regarding Traffic Signal Agreement for 106/123 Intersection

White explained the proposed agreement.  See attached.  White noted the DPW Director’s concern with Shaws agreeing to install signal at this intersection and the cost associated with it. 

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously of those present to approve the traffic signal agreement for the 106/123 intersections as proposed.  

 

Agreement for Traffic Improvements by and Between the Town of Easton and Highland Plaza LLC

See attached memo.

White spoke of money for turning lanes at Poquanticut Ave/South Street paid for by Highland Plaza.  Also, gateway improvements are proposed along with esthetic improvements.  $25,000 for this for a total of 75,000 in addition to signals, etc. 

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously of those present to approve the agreement for traffic improvements as proposed.

 

Marsan returned at this point of the meeting.

 

Review of other related plans

White explained that Walgreens, Mobil and owners of the adjacent vacant site are coordinating for better site access between the properties.  They applied this theory to septic and detention areas.  Both sites are coordinating stormwater management issues.  Site access is also being addressed as suggested by White.  White noted this discussion is for informational purposes only, no board action is required.  Corona asked about dedicated egress.  Nagi explained what the expectations are and the options of speed bumps, etc., in efforts to reduce the amount of people cutting through.  Nagi noted that it is designed currently as a two way street.  Corona asked if this helps the traffic situation at all.  Nagi stated yes, very much so.  Nagi showed on a map the mutually agreed upon location for Walgreens and Mobil.  White noted that Walgreens is still going to Conservation with an alternate plan as an attempt to meet requirements.  Less asked about traffic patterns and if the new plan just moves the traffic problems to a different area on Foundry Street.  Nagi doesn’t see this as a problem. Marsan asked the status of the curb cut and the relocation.  Rousseau noted that this is still being discussed.  Nagi again noted that speed bumps might be placed to prohibit some of the people cutting through. 

 

In general, White spoke of moving forward with the Public Works Economic Development (PWED) grant application.  Magni noted that 1 million is the ceiling and we most likely would be applying for such.  The PWED grant is looking positive at this point.  Nagi will definitely looking at the support of the business owners and their giving to this project.  The proposed 40B off Foundry Street may also be a positive aspect of this grant.  Less asked about time frame of the grant application.  Magni noted that if everything goes well, a public hearing will be scheduled and can be submitted within two months.  Magni discussed timeframes in detail.  It could be 15 months before you get a notice of acceptance, an award letter is granted, and then the board signs an agreement.  It may be 18 months before you have an executed PWED Grant.  White noted that the current signals at 5 corners are a great concern of the DPW Director.  White suggested upgrades sooner than later. Nagi explained that they would go out to the site within a week and suggest short-term solutions, which can be used for the long-term 5 corners plan.  White noted Southworth’s participation on TIP program and he is working toward putting Foundry Street all the way out to Rt. 138 for the future.   The board thanked both VHB and the staff for the update.

                                 

Town Administrator’s Notes

None

 

Selectmen’s Notes

Corona noted the vandalism at the new WW Memorial Park at Pond/Sullivan Ave and expressed appreciation for the people who have donated their time.

 

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by Marsan, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:20pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Mary Southworth

 

                                                                                                                ______________________________

                                                                                                                Approved

 

 

                                                                                                                ______________________________

                                                                                    Date