HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-06-19 Infrastructure Committee Minutes
Infrastructure Committee
June 19, 2012
ATTENDEES
Councilors:
Benjamin Sprague Nelson Durgin Joseph Baldacci
Staff:
Art Morgan Norman Heitmann Dana Wardwell
Guests:
Meeting convened at 5:00 p.m.
1. Accepting Streets: Lyon’s Ledge, Phase 2 Subdivision – Brighton Avenue and Wellesley Way
Art explained Brighton Avenue and Wellesley Way were in a newly constructed subdivision in
Lyon’s Ledge with several homes. They were built to City standards and requested the
acceptance as official City streets.
Councilor Durgin moved and Councilor Baldacci seconded to accept Brighton Avenue and
Wellesley Way as City streets.
Votes: Unanimous
2. Amending Tree Ordinance, Chapter 284
Dana Wardwell explained that they often find themselves between private disputes or
disagreements amongst neighbors over minor issues such as roots, leaves falling over fences,
twigs, and whirligigs. The Ordinance had language that put them in the center of discussions
sometimes. The Ordinance had been revised so that the City would not be in the middle of two
individuals and their private tree matters.
Councilor Durgin asked when the City planted new trees as in such as in new developments,
would they be affected. Dana responded that was correct.
Councilor Sprague asked if citizens could come to the City to help mediate their private
disputes. It was explained that the proposed revisions would change that.
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Norm Heitmann said that currently the Ordinance was only when there were dangerous trees
and branches. The reality was everybody’s tree dispute was serious tree or branch issues and
the City often would get involved, but may not stay involved in. Often times it was difficult to
extricate once involved in the conversations. These parties would often use the Ordinance on
the basis that the City was responsible for all trees in the City, which was not the intent of the
Ordinance. It would not rule out their ability to direct private individuals to the City Forester for
advice on where to go in the private sector regarding these issues.
Councilor Baldacci moved to accept Staff recommendation and it was seconded with no further
discussion.
Vote: Unanimous
3. Hammond Street Sewer Extension – 1381 Hammond Street
Art explained the Hammond Street Sewer Extension was to serve the old Hirshorne Property
(frontage on Hildreth Street North) the City had purchased for the purpose of a future industrial
lot. The City would need to make it marketable and the first step would be to provide sewer
service. He also noted there may be need in the future to extend additional services if there
were to be future expansion.
Councilor Durgin moved and it was seconded by Councilor Baldacci with no further discussion.
Vote: Unanimous
4. Environmental Solutions for Communities Grant
Art explained the City had an opportunity to apply for funding through the Environmental
Solutions for Communities for a grant for the Penjajawoc watershed project by the Mall. The
grant, if successful would require a 50% match. The City had the entire funding from the
Compensation Utilization Fee Plan in the amount of $140,000 for the project to do stream
enhancement that they hoped to complete. The City would only have to spend half and the
remainder could be applied to another project within the Penjajawoc watershed area. To be
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considered the City must meet the application deadline of July 2. He expressed his
appreciation of this item being added to the Agenda for consideration.
Councilor Durgin asked if they were unsuccessful would they still be required to do the work in
this watershed and was it in the scope of the stormwater work that needed to be done.
Art responded that he was reluctant to use the word requirement, but that it was the plan to do
work in that area and yes it was in the scope of the stormwater work that needed to be done.
Councilor Durgin moved for the City to proceed with the grant application and it was seconded
by Councilor Baldacci. There was no further discussion.
Vote: Unanimous
Motion made and seconded to adjourn at approximately 5:09 p.m.
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