Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 01-21-15_2015Board of Selectmen Minutes January 21, 2015 Present: George Dentino, Chair; Jess Aptowitz, Vice Chair; Doug Amrino, Clerk; Olivier Kozlowski, Frank DelVecchio; William Ross, Town Manager Chairman Dentin called the meeting to order. The Chairman reminded everyone the meeting is beine broadcast live and taned for future broadcast on Mansfield Cable. Present before the Board are: Mahendra Patel - Project Manager for MBTA Design & Construction, James Rush - MBTA Real Estate, Ron Morgan - MBTA Development, Kyle Davis - AECOM and Ryan Sullivan - AECOM Mr. Patel began the presentation which has been made a part of the record. Mr. Patel summarized that Mansfield is the 5 °i busiest commuter rail station on the 133 station system and in spite of that it is not fully accessible. The MBTA launched an Accessibility Improvement Project a few years ago with a pedestrian ramp design to facilitate the access from both inbound and outbound sides. Mr. Patel noted that the project has expanded and will focus on the following areas: • Ramps and Stairs on Inbound and Outbound • Accessible Parking • Mini -High Platforms • Improvements To Station Platform Surfaces Mr. Davis from AECOM explained the biggest goal with this project is to make the station accessible through platform upgrades, site accessibility improvements and ramps and stairs. He noted at the station depot improvements will include: • Creating a raised crosswalk — flushed surface travelling from North Common straight into the depot building for people with ambulatory devices • Because the platform is being raised (FRA requirements), addition of ramps at the back of the depot • Change and replace all handrails Mr. Davis moved on to improvements with regards to making parking more accessible. Currently there are a total of 806 spaces. The concept and the goal here is to provide fully paved accessible parking to both the inbound and outbound platforms with pay stations on both sides, through the following: • 10 handicap spots on each side of the platforms (2 will be van accessible) • Inbound will be completely ripped up and repaved with restriping • Outbound will be the same, tying in with existing pavement, regarded with drainage improvements • Level surfaces (flush access to parking lots and platforms) • All sidewalks will lead to stairs and ramps to get to Route 106 • New lighting • Goal for drainage improvements is no new increases of flow to Route 106 drainage (on site detention and retention with underground infiltration beds) Mr. Davis spoke to the improvements with regards to ramps and stairs: Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 21, 2015 Page I of 7 • There will be a ramp /stair combo at both outbound and inbound platforms allowing passengers to traverse between the platforms in an accessible path • Ramps and stairs are filly covered by canopies • New lighting • There will be similar architecture between the ramps and stairs, station and mini -highs Mr. Sullivan from AECOM spoke to the renovations to the platforms: • New concrete platforms—flush with parking area • New tactile strips — along both platforms • Replace outbound Platform —timber edge • New lighting — along both platforms • Payboxes — outbound platform moved from parking lot to area near Mini -High • Inbound Pay Box — 1 on inbound moved from depot building to new Mini -High • New guardrails /bollards • Additional emergency exits — along platforms to meet code requirements • New wayfinding and tactile braille signage throughout Mr. Sullivan explained there will be improvements to the mini- highs, which are in bad shape: • Intent is to keep the same general layout but upgrade: slightly shifted with addition of stairs • Will use precast foundation and platform panels, cast in place ramp, retractable edge and galvanized painted steel Mr. Davis then went through the Construction Phasing which he anticipated to be approximately 12 months: • Construct temporary mini -high platforms — will need to demolish existing • Construct new ramps and stairs from Route 106 • Demolish existing stairs once new stairs are constructed • Construct new platform and mini -highs • Re -pave parking lot • Construct new parking lot • Temporary loss of 50 -60 parking spaces for duration of construction Mr. Davis stated that they will work with the Town to have as much of a minimal impact as possible. Mr. Rush from the MBTA Real Estate noted they will need property rights from the Town (for two permanent easements and one temporary easement) and it is the MBTA's intent to acquire those rights through eminent domain but would ask the Town to agree to that action. The MBTA will also ask the Town to agree that the compensation for those rights would be for a nominal fee. Mr. Rush noted the MBTA would be willing to give the Town 10 acres of conservation land in the Xfinity Center area. Mr. Morgan from MBTA Development, furthered Mr. Rush's statement by noting there is a possibility of reactivating the old King Street/County Street grade crossing, which would allow alternate access into the site (as CSX no longer controls). Mr. Morgan stated that he and Mr. Ross can work with MassDOT, the actual owner to reopen and will hopefully also lead to successful TOD. Board Of selectmen's Meeting January 21, 2015 Page 2 of 7 Mr. Kozlowski noted the reason behind Town Meeting not authorizing the easements was a desire to have something similar to Route 128 (pedestrian bridge over tracks) and asked if any thought had been given to that. Mr. Morgan noted the 1995 original plan was construction of a building followed by a ramp system similar to this presentation that was planned through GATRA. He explained that as time has gone by, GATRA has lost funding, the station has deteriorated and as it did the regulations for accessibility changed. Mr. Morgan referenced a story of the last Assistant Manager for Accessibility for the MBTA, who regrettably is in a wheel chair, being unable to properly access the system to get to work, which has reactivated this entire process. Mr. Morgan noted it has had a domino effect as the process started with accessible ramps, then moved to accessible parking which led to tactile, improving mini -high platforms and is now between $6 - $8 million (precludes elevators). At this junction, this project is a first good step and noted there would be other measures down the road by the MBTA (referenced an elevator) but felt the ramps will at least make the station accessible. Mr. Kozlowski asked who actually owns the "CSX line" to which Mr. Morgan noted MassDOT is soon to be the official owner. Mr. Kozlowski just wanted affirmation as to who the Town would need permission from in order to activate that crossing to which Mr. Morgan reported it would be MassDOT. Mr. Aptowitz reminded Mr. Morgan of the longstanding agreement the Town has with the MBTA regarding lot maintenance (Town maintains the lots and splits the parking fees). Mr. Aptowitz stated the Town has been trying (for years) to update that agreement and is quite frustrated as there has been no progress. He does not understand why this is an issue and questioned if the MBTA cannot work with the Town on that why it should trust that this will be different. Mr. Aptowitz asked for Mr. Morgan's thoughts. Mr. Morgan was unsure and deferred to the Real Estate and Parking divisions within the MBTA, who were not present. Mr. Aptowitz then asked who would maintain the ramps and lighting to which Mr. Morgan noted it would be the new MBTA vendor (Keyolous). With regards to the movement of the pay boxes or installation of new boxes Mr. Aptowitz reminded that the Town paid for those and asked for how those were being handled. Mr. Davis reported that in a meeting with Mr. Ross and a few other Town representatives it was agreed that the initial installer would work on the relocation of the pay boxes and that the cost is part of the construction contract. Mr. Aptowitz reminded that great efforts and monies were spent redesigning the North Common and wanted assurances that that would not be disturbed. Mr. Davis was only speaking with regarding to pedestrian access and the North Common in his presentation where the goal is to make a level walking surface. Finally, Mr. Aptowitz asked about the cost of detail fees for police to which Mr. Davis stated those fees are included in the construction contract. Mr. DelVecchio asked when the project is anticipated to start. Mr. Patel noted the design is 90% complete with about another month left in the design phase. It would then move on to bidding in the spring. Mr. Patel noted there is funding for the engineering of the project but that the construction funding is still not in place but it is expected that the budget "people" will federalize the money. Mr. Patel noted since this is an operating station that the MBTA will need to work around the project will take about 12 months. Mr. DelVecchio was concerned about the loss of parking to which Mr. Patel noted they would try to minimize that as much as possible. Mr. DelVecchio asked if the proposed design is similar to any other station lines in the system. Mr. Davis noted this design is based off the design from the Fitchburg line, with slight modifications, and is sensitive to the design elements of the area but stated his team was unaware of the full scope of the North Common when designing. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 21, 2015 Page 3 of 7 Mr. Annino was pleasantly surprised with the plan and felt this design could work. Mr. Armin questioned the following: • Construction easement on the North Common was not fully addressed and asked will any structures or pavement be affected, how will the temporary enclosure be constructed and where will materials be stored as this is a significant project Mr. Davis explained this to be a work in progress. He noted the reasoning for the extent of the temporary easement is to reset the curb, rebuild the curb ramp with the flush crosswalk and repave and restripe the area at the entrance to the parking lot. He did state they will need to resurvey to see what is now there since the North Common redesign, clearly define what they are doing and what they will need to repair once the contractor is completed. Mr. Annino stated he will need something visual before he can get behind the project and knows exactly what the Town is getting. Mr. Davis noted with MBTA projects they do not allow the contractor to store on site as it impacts both the customers and the Town. The MBTA anticipates one trailer and will encourage the contractor to rent space in the downtown area. It is expected to locate the trailer, which acts as the field office, to be in the dirt lot with no stock piling of soil. Mr. Davis has found that contractors know how the MBTA works but stated they will come back with better graphics and address concerns with the proposed layout. • Suggested that the raised crosswalk have stamped surface (referenced brick pavers) which would tie in with the flag pole Mr. Davis liked the suggestion as it would have great continuity and noted that the crosswalk will be graded out as well. • Any landscaping with regards to the parking lot at the station instead of striping The concern here was the constant traffic with regards to buses and cabs. Mr. Davis would review the use of buses and the turning aspect. Mr. Annino would like to see some type of green area in the mini high as well. • Quantity and locations of bike racks to which Mr. Davis was open to recommendations. • Opportunity to heavily landscape areas on both sides of 106 to allow for green space Mr. Davis reported that once the stairs are demolished the plan was to loam and seed. Mr. Annino would not like to see anything that would need to be maintained • Signage and way finding — Mr. Amritto would like more specifics Mr. Davis explained that the MBTA has an agreement, as a result of the Boston Center for Independent Living lawsuit, where there is a formalized signage and way finding program and will be consistent with that: signage at each mini high on where to board, tactile signage on how to use pay boxes, signage at rails and stairs located at Route 106 with directions for inbound/outbound, station identification signage visible from every car and will try to integrate that with advertising and system map. Mr. Annino would like clear and consistent communication. • Appreciate use of lighting from North Common but looking for explanation of ramps on Route 106 Mr. Davis stated the lights he spoke of were for the underside of the canopy which will be recessed (fluorescent) and 4x the code as well as inside the wall to light the path. • Drainage Mr. Davis reported effort into the grading and trench drains so any water can be collected Mr. Annino stated there are continual problems with drainage at this underpass and now with the addition of an impervious surface was concerned about the ramp drainage. Mr. Davis explained that the ramp drainage is being collected with a trench drain at the bottom Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 21, 2015 Page 4 of 7 and tying into the drain man hole that discharges to Route 106 but covered with a canopy and runoff will be negligible. Mr. Ross noted the issued faced at that location is the Rumford River is located underneath the western portion and constant high ground water level. It was thought that if infiltration is put in it will increase the amount of possible infiltration in that area and may be something to look at carefiilly to not increase that issue. Mr. Davis stated they will bring back the information to the engineers for new calculations. Building permit needed Mr. Ross stated no as the MBTA is exempt but will be going through State Building Department. Chairman Dentin asked if it was thought that the station will now be fully accessible when improvements are completed. Mr. Davis stated he is hired by the MBTA to ensure that it is accessible and the station will be. Chairman Dentino asked if the 806 parking spaces included both Town and MBTA spaces to which Mr. Davis stated yes but not private. It is the Chairman's thought that the addition of spaces is a double edge sword where more spaces leads to more traffic. Chairman Dentine asked where the additional impervious area was located to which Mr. Davis referenced the outbound platform area that is currently dirt and will be regarded and resurfaced. The Chairman asked what the square feet of additional asphalt to the lots would be to which Mr. Davis was unsure. Chairman Dentino reminded of the original infiltration system of water through dirt which dealt with retention areas where a lot of asphalt was added and increased the flow of water. He asked if there were catch basins with proper sediments to which Mr. Ross noted the portion that the Town redid has the proper catch basins. Mr. Davis stated as he does not have the engineering plans he did not want to state something incorrectly. Chairman Dentino noted it would have to be engineered "tight ". Chairman Dentine discussed the ownership of the tracks in terms of the MBTA owning the rail line from Mansfield to Framingham to Readville. Mr. Morgan explained there is a lot of interconnectivity between the rail and freight lines and he can't confirm. He did clarify that the MBTA is not the owner but MassDOT, which is a different entity. The Chairman understands that the DOR was funding the purchase of the track which Mr. Morgan stated he could not continent. Chairman Dentin is worried about the track into Mansfield and asked where it ends where Mr. Morgan answered the track actually goes a good distance up to Framingham. Mr. Ross wanted to note that with pay box locations have been worked out and based on what the Town thought would be more convenient for the commuters. He also mentioned the new lighting where the Town could provide specifications of what was used on the North Common and at least try to match for architectural flow as it have plans to carry that lighting and landscaping theme through the downtown. Chairman Dentino thanked the group and asked that the group please keep the Town informed. None. n: a. Vote To Approve Board of Selectmen Minutes January 14, 2014 b. Vote To Approve Warrants: • Town Vendor Warrant No. 15030T in the amount of $338,595.38 • Electric Department Vendor Warrant No. 15030E in the amount of $572,945.61 • School Department Vendor Warrant No. 15030S in the amount of $405,680.66 Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 21, 2015 Page 5 of 7 c. Licenses and Permits Common Victualler License for Deco's Italian Cuisine (formerly Majic Pizza) Subject to Satisfactory Inspection By Board Of Health and Building Department d. Banners And Signage • Consideration of Banner Request from Mansfield Rotary For Its Annual Auction Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda as presented (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) Discussion: Chairman Dentino would like to remove the license for Deco's Italian Cuisine for separate consideration as he would like a record that the license is subject to satisfactory inspections by Building and the Board of Health. Motion: To remove the Common Victualler License for Deco's Italian Cuisine from the Consent Agenda for separate discussion (AptowitzlAnnino) PASSES 5:0 Motion: To approve the Consent Agenda with the removal of the license for Deco's Italian Cuisine (Aptowitz/Annino) PASSES 5:0 Motion: To approve the Common Victualler License for Deco's Italian Cuisine subject to satisfactory inspections by the Board of Health and Building Department (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 • Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 1503OPT in the amount of $293,099.30 Motion: To approve Town Payroll /Town Medicaid Payroll 1503OPT $293,099.30 (DelVecchio/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 • Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15030TV in the amount of $89,379.69 Motion: To approve Town Deductions — Vendor Payroll 15030TV $89,379.69 (DelVecchio/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 None. Mr. Ross reminded that the MMA Conference is Friday and Saturday, January 23'" and 24 "'. Mr. Aptowitz reminded the Board that there needed to be a vote to nominate a participating member to vote on the Town's behalf. Motion: To authorize Chairman Dentino or Mr. Aptowitz in the Chairman's absence as the participating member to vote on the Town's behalf (Aptowitz/Kozlowski) PASSES 5:0 Mr. Ross reported that SERPDD completed its study on signal timing at Route 106 and Main Street where the Town is considering taking the west bound traffic at peak periods from a level of service F to a level of service C which will improve the flow. At this time it is not yet known what can be done on the east bound side. Drawings are not yet available but Mr. Ross defined the change as creating a protected left hand turn lane, a thru lane directly into the underpass and a protected right turn lane. Mr. Ross also followed up with SERPDD with regards to the simulation work on Route 106 from Main Street to 140. As it is more complex it is still in the process. Mr. Ross reported that Dr. Dulasky reviewed the North Main and Oakland work with a few minor suggestions but felt it to work well. Mr. Ross reported there would be a joint meeting with the Planning Board and the public on February 25"' and that Dr. Dulasky would be in attendance. Mr. Ross noted that Dr. Dulasky would like to do another cap stone project and is looking at Cabot Park and the possibility of narrowing some streets to reduce maintenance and create green/walking space. Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 21, 2015 Page 6 of 7 Mr. Ross announced that he sent DRAFT of his renewal of employment agreement to Town Counsel. He stated he will submit to the Board to review once it has been received back. Chairman Dentino felt it worthwhile for public safety to review the traffic study, which Mr. Ross noted that both Fire and Police Chiefs are always asked for input. Mr. Aptowitz asked for the status on the budget. Mr. Ross reported the first sub - committee meeting would be Thursday, January 22 ad. Mr. Aptowitz reminded Mr. Ross that he was looking for the status of the agreement between the Town and the Montessori School. At last week's meeting Mr. DelVecchio had mention that SERPDD was looking for possibilities with regards remaining consulting time free of charge. It was his suggestion that perhaps there could be some type of support or training for the newly formed Industrial Development Committee. Mr. Ross asked Mr. DelVecchio to have Daniel Horowitz, the Town's SERPDD representative to contact him. Mr. Kozlowski reminded the Board and residents of his campaign to raise money for the Special Olympics through the Polar Plunge on Valentine's Day at Lake Massapoag. He is still looking for donations and reported that Sergeant Larry Crosman of the Mansfield Police Department is organizing the event. Chairman Dentino noted that he furthered his research with regards to using the Denver Boot where he found articles that proved it to be a failure. He stated that if the Town is considering using that method then perhaps it should invest in newer models. None. To adjourn Board of Selectmen's Meeting at 8:35PM (AptowitzIDelVeechio) PASSES 5:0 ) Signature of Clerk Date of Approval /tdw Inclucles: META Presentation of the Mansfield Station Accessibility Improvements Board Of Selectmen's Meeting January 21, 2015 Page 7 of 7