Selectmen Meeting Minutes — January 22, 2009—7:00 p.m. — Memorial Hall Call to Order: Chairman Manners called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Other members present: none. Member John Payne is ill and member Joe Judd is attending the Massachusetts Municipal Trade Show in Boston. Noteworthy News: Correspondence: On behalf
of Shelburne Selectmen, Bob inquired about the overall length of the
third phase of Main Street's reconstruction and whether or not any trees
were slated for removal. Dan Lawrence explained that the length of the
third and final phase of Main Street is approximately 621 feet. As for
tree removal; Dan noted that one tree located in the area of 109 Main
is slated for removal and replacement at the request of the homeowners
(Eric Grant and Suzanne Tromara). The tree is located within inches of
the sidewalk's edge and its root system is causing the sidewalk to buckle.
The affected homeowners are concerned for the overall health of the tree
once the tree's root system is disturbed. John Walsh, 91
Main Street asked three questions relevant to the Main Street project: Theodore Merrill, 30 High Street indicated that he was not overly pleased with the aesthetic outcome of Main Street (phase 1); particularly the grass-filled islands that were installed around the few utility poles that were located in the roadway. He hoped that the town did not lose sight of what is important to the community. Suzanne Tromara, 109 Main Street stated that she was in attendance to ensure that the town would not be creating additional on-street parking in her neighborhood. Bob Manners indicated that the town has no intention of deviating from the proposed plans presented by Weston & Sampson Engineering, Inc Diana Hardina, 21 Main Street noted her displeasure with the outcome of phase one asked whether or
not the plans for phase 2 of Main Street's construction had presented
to the public and if the town had considered creating verges on the "river" side
of Main Street 2 and 3. Diana Hardina, 21 Main Street suggested narrowing the road width. Chairman, Bob Manners indicated that the town was not interested in narrowing the width of the road. He cited emergency response and maintenance as the town's priorities. John Walsh, 91 Main Street asked for a clarification of the two different phases of construction. Dan Lawrence indicated that phase 2 of Main Street will begin just beyond Grove Street and continue to 96 Main Street. Phase 2 will begin at 98 Main Street and continue to the intersection of Hope Street. Eric Grant, 109 Main Street asked how the project will accommodate the additional width needed for handicapped accessible sidewalks. Dan Lawrence explained that handicapped accessible sidewalks are typically between 3'-5' wide; although he has yet to evaluate the existing widths of the sidewalks all measurements would begin at the road's center line. Eric Grant, 109 Main Street mentioned that a portion of his sidewalk is caving and he wonders whether or not his sewer line connection is somehow involved. John Ryan stated that if the problem lies between the street and the back-side of the sidewalk, than the grant could address the problem if documented and budgeted for. Any problems beyond the edge of the sidewalk however, are the homeowner's responsibility. Eric Grant, 109 Main Street asked if the additional section of sidewalk (near 110 Main Street) had been added since last Tuesday's planning meeting. Dan Lawrence indicated that the addition of sidewalk and the relocation of the proposed crosswalk were in fact changes made after hearing feedback at Tuesday's planning meeting. Kara Ballentine, 95 Main Street mentioned that 91 Main Street has a fence that might be affected if the sidewalks were widened. She wondered how that would be handled. John Walsh, 91 Main Street stated that he would have no problem with his fence or his perennial garden being moved providing that everything was reinstalled and/or replanted properly. Diana Hardina, 21 Main Street asked about the Citizen's Advisory
Committee and their role. Chairman
Manners asked if there were any residents from Buckland who wished to
comment on the proposed application. Dino Schnelle, Coordinator from the West County
Food Pantry spoke briefly about their program that distributes food to
seniors 60 years or older at Highland Village and the Senior Center on
a monthly basis. If the grant is successfully funded, the Food Pantry
will be able to provide food delivery services twice a month as well
as deliver boxes of food to residents who are homebound. He is currently
working with Senior Center Director, Jamie Godfrey to send out a needs
assessment survey to approximately 125 households. Residents expressing an interest to serve on the Citizen's Advisory group are as follows:
Meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m. |