HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-08-22 Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Minutes Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Tuesday, August 22, 2006 Minutes Councilors Attending: Richard Stone, Peter D’Errico, Geoffrey Gratwick Staff Attending: Ed Barrett, Jim Ring, Norman Heitmann, Don Winslow, Rebecca Hupp, Sally Bates Others Attending: Committee convened at 5:00 p.m. Councilor Gratwick starts the meeting 1. Review of Pine Grove Cematorium Norm stated the Committee had recommended approval to the Council which it approved in June with an agreement with Pine Grove Crematorium for the transfer of land for the purpose of building a crematorium. It’s similar to the City’s Development Agreement, with the submission of plans for the City’s review and approval. It includes the building and land plan and floor plan. Andrew Hamilton announced himself as well as Mike Clishum and Dave Merritt the project manager. Mike Clishum gave an overview of the structure which was designed to appear like a residential structure, with two stacks on the back but when viewed from the front are in line and appear as one. The location is outer Hammond Street Extension and to the north of Martel’s and west of the Pine Grove Cemetery. The colors are concept colors and Brookings Smith has not chosen colors as yet and will let the Council know if there are changes. The location can be viewed as he points out for Councilor Gratwick, from the exhibit. Dave Merritt described that there will be a viewing area, kitchenette, small utility room, private family room. Councilor D’Errico moved and Councilor Stone seconded to refer to the Planning Board. 2. Parking Issues Around Freese’s Building Councilor Gratwick stated he will be out of town and would be interested in this topic and suggested it be rescheduled for a meeting in four weeks. 1 3. 56 Larkin Street-Order Condemning Building Structure th Dan Wellington stated that on the scheduled meeting of September 13 there will be an item regarding condemnation of a dangerous structure and wished to make the Committee aware of. The owner of the property Marie Gearheart died in 1991, the property has never been probated, her daughter in Maryland being the point of contact, last contact with Ms Kelly was in 1999. It’s been vacant since 1991; neighbors stated she was in declining health for some time so may not have been occupied since the mid 1980’s. It is on a 30 by 100 foot lot, being not visible from Larkin Street, and brought to Code’s attention by abutters in 1999 who were concerned about kids breaking into it. The foundation has caved in on three sides, listing and no utilities since 1991. Mr. Button, an abutter could verify it’s been vacant longer than her death. Notification was made to Kay Kelly over five years and attempted to communicate with her with no response. She was notified in July of the date of the condemnation hearing and had no th response again and will appear on September 13 agenda. Neighbors and abutters will be notified of the meeting to speak of their concerns. Dan Wellington responded to Councilor D’Errico that there were at least six certified letters sent they have received signatures for, but with no response. Councilor Stone asked what the process is after it’s condemned. And Dan stated that it goes through the judicial system of the municipality after condemnation and if found dangerous under State Statutes would be demolished within thirty days, at which time Code would arrange. Cost would be posted as a lien against the property, which is usually in the negative. The last three tax payments had not been made and it is unlikely there is interest in the property. Councilor Gratwick asked if the house could go out to RFP for rehab and asks that this option be explored due to the need for housing stock. Councilor Stone recommended passage of staff recommendation to condemn the property and Councilor D’Errico seconded. 4. Routine updates of Codes-Building (specification code), mechanical,residential property maintenance code ((for existing properties.) Dan explained the need for the updates and references the hand outs, and to move forward with the 2006 version of the codes. Councilor Stone stated there is no action required by the Committee. 5. Routine updates of Codes-Mechanical Dan Explains the need for the updates and references the hand outs, and to move forward with the 2006 version of the codes. 2 Councilor Stone stated there is no action required by the Committee. 6. Routine updates of Codes-Residential Dan explained the need for the updates and references the hand outs, and to move forward with the 2006 version of the codes. Councilor Stone stated there is no action required by the Committee. 7. Routine Updates of Codes-Property Maintenance Code Dan explained the need for the updates and references the hand outs, and to move forward with the 2006 version of the codes. Councilor Stone stated there is no action required by the Committee. Councilor Gratwick requested additional information for future use on radon. Councilor Stone moved for adjournment, Councilor D’Errico seconded. Meeting Adjourned. 3