1/27/2014 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

Home Browse Search

5 Board of Selectmen Minutes January 27, 2014 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS: DPW Director—Recommendation for Private Road Conversion: In the matter of public safety, the DPW Director recommended the Selectmen consider initiating the process to convert the following roads in John's Pond from private to public; Annawon Road Metacom Road Wamsutta Road C anonchet Avenue Mohawk Road we s s agus s et Avenue Crow Road Oneida Avenue Huron Avenue Seneca Avenue Photographs of the road areas in serious disrepair were contained in the Selectmen's informational materials. Ms. Laurent indicated the pavement conditions do not meet the minimum standards for snow plowing, and the conditions effect emergency response. Several roads contain large potholes deemed impassible, and other damaged roads lack adequate drainage. It was disclosed the neighborhoods of discussion met with the Board of Selectmen on two previous occasions regarding this matter. Most of the residents who attended the prior meetings did not appeal for the roads to be converted from private to public. However, with the absence of improvements, the roads are continuing to deteriorate and several roads may be closed for safety reasons. If the Board were to initiate the process, a Town Meeting article would authorize funding for engineering pians to bring forth construction estimates. In normal process, a Public Hearing would be held, and a second article would be brought to Town Meeting for approval to authorize the road improvements. In the first phase, it is estimated the engineering budget would cost approximately $5,000. It was noted the initial cost would be assumed by the Town, and calculated into the betterment assessment. The betterment would be similar to the Timberland Shores process recently completed by the Town encompassing the subdivision in its entirety to combine the costs of the improvements. The DPW Director indicated she would also review construction costs on the basis of individual roads for cost comparison. Discussion followed with regards to scheduling an informational meeting prior to the initiation of the May Town Meeting article. It was agreed a Public Hearing would be scheduled after the Town Meeting article is approved and costs have been secured. A subsequent meeting would detail the estimate of improvement costs, and hopefully initiate the second Town Meeting article to move forward with the project.