Board of Selectmen Minutes 06/18/2007
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At the meeting of the Randolph Board of Selectmen held Monday, June 18, 2007 the following were present:  Chairman Paul J. Connors, Vice Chairman and Clerk Richard W. Wells, members James F. Burgess, Jr., William Alexopoulos, and Maureen C. Kenney, Executive Secretary Michael J. Carroll, and Administrative Assistant Linda M. Sproules.

Mr. Burgess said the opening prayer, and Ms. Kenney led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Moment of silence Edythe McElroy, retired School nurse and poll Warden, Herbert Devine, retired Police Officer, and Charles Mazules, retired Water Department employee.

Mr. Wells moved, seconded by Mr. Burgess to accept the minutes of 6-4-07.  Voted, 5-0.

Public Comments

Gerald Kaplan has the same problems with noise, and being followed by town employees.  He said he would provide signed, sworn statements.  He can’t go to Dana Farber on Tuesdays.

Judy Gangel read a statement regarding genocide in Darfur.  Urged passing of legislation to stop investment funds from going to Sudan.  Asked that the letters go to Senators for support.  She read a sample letter.  Bill #2255.  Asked that the Board look at the Darfur diaries as well as write to Senator Joyce.  Mr. Connors moved to write in support of the Commonwealth of Mass not spending funds in Sudan, and a letter should also go to the State Pension Reserve Fund – Timothy Cahill; and adopt the resolution.  Seconded by Mr. Burgess.  Voted, 5-0.

Hearing - Not Your Average Joe’s – It appeared they did not advertise.  No one was present.  No action was taken.

Hearing – Bank of America – Request for a Special Permit for a drive-through, and a Special Permit for 24-hour ATM operation, 173 North Main Street (rear)

Legal notice was read.  Michael Joyce, of Cavanaro Consulting, Vincent Sorrentino, of DRL Architects, Frank Cefali, of CBRE, and Jim Tuffo, Vice President of the Bank of America were present.  Modifications to the ingress are not finished as they are waiting for information from the landlord of CVS.  It is still a work in progress.  Mr. Burgess said this was resolved by Safety Officer.  Mr. Tuffo said it should not be an issue.  It is going through their (CVS) approval process.  

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Hearing – continued

A site plan of proposed kiosk area with traffic pattern was shown.  Mr. Connors asked if it would run parallel to the CVS drive-up window.  Mr. Alexopoulos said there were two rows of parking spaces now, and asked if it would eliminate these.  It would eliminate the 3 spots farthest away.  Opening into St. Mary’s, nothing is proposed. Band of America is looking for minimal impact.  There should be no traffic impact.  Mr. Connors asked about speed bumps to slow traffic.  Mr. Cefali said they could put them in.  Ms. Kenney asked about jersey barriers and the traffic pattern.  The island is painted not raised.  Concrete bollards will surround the kiosk.  Ms. Kenney expressed her concern.  The ATM is in the lobby now.  Mr. Connors said this would take it away from early morning run-in’s.  Mr. Connors said this needed a better parking plan, and it should show CVS parking and their relationship, show lanes, and turning arrows.  Bank of America will encourage directional signs.  Mr. Burgess said he would like to see it when done.  Bank of American does not want trees for safety reasons.  They will have mandated lighting.  The kiosk will be illuminated.  

(7:45 hearing was cancelled)

Public comments:  Mr. Connors, 24 School Street was strongly opposed and cited safety, security, and quality of life for School Street. He did not want additional lighting adding that it was a major cut-through now.  Traffic would back up.  CVS customers beep; there is loud music and exhaust systems.  The function hall is there.  The church is there. It would severely inconvenience him.  There is no positive impact to the community.  Why so far from the bank?  How will it affect his property values?  240 cars per day.  He asked the Board not to allow.  No one from the bank has approached him.  Bank of America would not increase but rather displace traffic.  It is for client convenience.  Judy Gangel said the lane would be parallel with CVS with 4 possible exits.  She asked, if a vehicle came through the drive-up from CVS, what is the arrangement to allow crossover the lane to go to the light?  Mr. Burgess said this is part of PWED.  There was a traffic study done.  The number of cars cutting through would be addressed. There will be meetings on that.  This would not be a negative.  A raised island would be better. It is consistent with what we are trying to do with the PWED.  Mrs. Connors asked about stopping the tractor trailers.  They don’t have enough room.  Mr. Alexopoulos asked about the reason for the drive-through.  They are trying to eliminate traffic parked on the side of building.  People won’t wait several cars to use an ATM.  The transactions are occurring now inside.  The cars are there, just parked outside. Ms. Kenney asked about putting in shielding landscaping by the abutters homes.  Mr. Burgess said it was not the bank’s property.  Mr. Connors suggested an updated plan with noise shielding.  Bank of America said there may not be a need for additional lighting.  Mr. Burgess wanted the jersey barriers done at the same time.  
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Mr. Alexopoulos moved to continue the hearing to July 23rd at 7:20 p.m.  Seconded by Mr. Wells.  Voted, 4-1 (Burgess).

Correspondence

  • Letter from 269 Chestnut Street – no littering signs requested.  Mr. Burgess said that trash is coming from shoppers at the convenience store.  We need a sit down with school, police and the Board because the Middle School students are an issue.  Mr. Alexopoulos said it is not just there, it is everywhere.  Mr. Burgess said this location has hoodlums.  Mr. Carroll was to expedite a meeting of the parties.   Mr. Alexopoulos said Scally Circle is the same issue.  If we need to get the District Attorney involved so be it.  Ms. Kenney said if you are a convicted felon, no public school needs to keep it but they’re not being convicted.
  • Letter from Schools to Recreation about revolving account.  Mr. Wells said it would be handled before the first of July.  Mr. Carroll was to follow up.  It would be done as a journal entry.
  • Email from Geoff Beckwith re: FY08 state budget.  Municipal Partnership Act – please take action before July 1st.  We were not rubber stamping.
  • Letter from Comcast about changes in NFL network – no longer available except by subscription.  Mr. Alexopoulos said he received the letter because he has digital preferred.  It is very unclear.  Ms. Kenney said she threatened to go to a dish and she was firm and got 30% off her bill for a year.
  • Letter from Library Director advising that he notified surrounding communities that they are fully funded.  No OCLN library will prohibit except maybe Braintree which has to meet and vote.  Letters to go out to all OCLN’s  Mr. Burgess moved to send letters thanking them and encourage Braintree.  Ms. Kenney seconded.  Voted, 5-0.

Requests

  • National Amusements request for late night showings – June 26th – Live Free or Die Hard, July 10th – Harry Potter at midnight.  Mr. Burgess moved, seconded by Mr. Wells.  Voted, 5-0.
  • Randolph Recycling committee formation – Mr. Connors said to add this to the Annual Appointments on July 23rd.
3  Charles Matthews request for Board of Recreation appointment.  Add to Talent bank.
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  • 1268 bargaining dates wanted.  PJC will try to get some.
Liaison

Mr. Burgess and Ms. Kenney met with Traffic Supervisors.  Prepared Board reminders.  Meetings set for 6/25 at 6 pm, and 7/12 at 5 pm for SEIU.

Ms. Kenney and Mary Wells toured the town to look at school crossings. Faded crossings.  Selectmen Wells suggested state funds on state highways. Mr. Wells moved to send a letter seeking funds for this purpose to improve crosswalks since there will be no busing in September.  Send it also to Reps, and District 4 Arlington per Mr. Connors.  They are responsible for this.  Get support.  Ms. Kenney said the crosswalks are faded and signage is far from some of the crossings. DPW needs to make it a priority.  Mr. Connors said it was in the budget, but Mr. Wells said it was not a line item.  Ms. Kenney said they all have to be done.  Mr. Alexopoulos said some may be obsolete and new ones could be needed.  Write to Police Chief for a report on school crossings in plenty of time to get it done for school year.  Mr. Wells spoke to Brian Joyce many times.  Senator asked for a letter.  Mr. Wells said there may be money to do side streets.  We need to get this under control.  It is all crosswalks not just schools.  Seconded by Ms. Kenney.  Voted, 5-0.

Mr. Wells said the country fair was the biggest event they have had.

Ms. Kenney said she went to rookie school (new Selectman training) on Saturday and passed.

Executive Secretary

In the absence of a Town Accountant, he has been reviewing balances. The Fire Department does not need a Reserve Fund transfer or Ch. 77 transfer.

There are small items that will need Reserve Fund Transfer requests. There is an ample amount in there.  There is one large item – Workers Comp.  He is working on it.  Depts. have lived within their budgets.

Underground utilities – Town Counsel has been involved with Verizon, National Grid and Comcast and they will remove the wires from the street, as of last week.  He met with the Verizon representative who gave him preliminary plans which he will give to Town Counsel and Comcast.

Health insurance for retired teachers – Mr. Connors is meeting on Wednesday with them.  Mr. Carroll said the Board is taking charge of this.

There will be an executive session and will not reconvene.
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Mr. Burgess referred to a letter from Harold Boothby.  The area near the Seth Mann Home needs a merge sign. Mr. Burgess agreed it can be a problem.  It can be a drag race area per Mr. Connors.  Mr. Burgess would like to restripe the street for today’s needs.  One lane southbound until you are over the bridge.  Mr. Alexopoulos said there is too much confusion.  Get recommendation from Safety Officer.  Mr. Carroll said he had talked to Steve Levreault and Dave Zecchini about this.  No progress made yet.  If Mr. Burgess sketches the plan, he will show it to police.

Mr. Burgess referred to the Richter Estates letters – We need to ask the DEP and see if the conditions are being upheld.  There is ponding in the back of Stevens Terrace.  More yard paving.  New structures and additions.  Neighbors have had erosion and water problems.  DEP and Building Commissioner need to check File #268-263.

Mr. Connors asked Mr. Carroll to call National Grid tomorrow to pull the (double) poles on Union Street, Prospect Avenue, and the 3 on South Main Street.  Mr. Carroll said there are buried cables in front of some retaining walls.  Mr. Connors said these were separate poles.

Mr. Burgess brought up the Town Planner position and said he was looking for recommendations from the Master Plan Implementation Committee and the Planning Board for the process.  Ms. Kenney volunteered.

Mr. Burgess asked Mr. Carroll to start the process to advertise for a full time Direction of Recreation position.  Mr. Connors said he would like to wait until after tomorrow’s meeting.

Mr. Carroll said that typically Town Planners report to a Planning Board.  It is important to the Board for economic development.  The position should report to the Board of Selectmen.  Their initial focus should be economic development.

Roll call vote for executive session:  Wells-yes, Alexopoulos-yes,  Kenney-yes, Burgess-yes, Connors-yes.  Board will not reconvene.

Adjourned at 8:55 p.m.


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CLERK OF THE BOARD