Town Council - Public Works Committee

MEMBERS Braintree Town Council Charles Ryan, Chairman Julia Flaherty, Vice Chairwoman Committee on the Department of Public Works Lawrence Mackin, member One JFK Memorial Drive Braintree, Massachusetts 02184 May 31, 2022 MINUTES A meeting of the Committee on the Department of Public Works was held in Johnson Chambers, Braintree Town Hall, on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at 6:30p.m. There was a moment of silence for all those serving in our armed services, past and present, and the meeting was opened with the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Councilor Charles Ryan, Chairman was in the Chair. Clerk of the Council, Susan Cimino conducted the roll call. Present: Charles Ryan, Chairman Julia Flaherty, Vice-Chairwoman Lawrence Mackin, member Also Present: James Arsenault, DPW Director John Thompson, Assistant DPW Director/Town Engineer Mary Mulroney, National Grid Representative APPROVAL OF MINUTES • None OLD BUSINESS • None May 31, 2022 Department of Public Works Page 1 of 7 NEW BUSINESS • 22 022 National Grid Petition: Sherbrooke Ave and Robinson Ave or take up any action relative thereto Chairman Ryan discussed the recommendations by BELD and DPW. He asked National Grid representative if they agree to all the recommendations. National Grid agrees to all requested recommendations. Motion was read by Vice-Chairwoman, Councilor Flaherty for favorable recommendation to the full Council with Staff Recommendations: MOTION: To relay approximately 560 feet of 1.5-inch bare steel (1960) with approximately 560 feet of 2-inch plastic in Sherbrooke Ave from Washington St to #50 Sherbrook Ave, and approximately 395 feet of 1.5-inch bare steel (1941) and approximately 450 feet of 2-inch plastic (1975) with approximately 845 feet of 2- inch plastic in Robinson Ave. from Washington St. to #68 Robinson Ave. with Staff Recommendations: BELD: No Conflicts with BELD DPW: The DPW has reviewed the subject petition and the accompanying sketch for the gas main replacement on Sherbrooke Avenue and Robinson Avenue. The work is being proposed to eliminate aging gas infrastructure. These sections of Sherbrook Ave. and Robinson Ave. are not subject to the excavation moratorium. Sherbrook Ave. was last resurfaced by total reconstruction in 2012 and is excellent condition. Robinson Ave. was last resurfaced with a micro-surfacing in 2008 and is in fair condition. The DPW recommends the following conditions for this petition, if it is to be granted: - A temporary patch shall be placed immediately after the work. The street excavation should be saw- cut, backfilled and compacted in 8-inch lifts, paved to match existing asphalt depth (with a minimum depth of four inches) in two-inch lifts to match the existing street grade. - After maintaining the temporary patch through one winter, a permanent patch shall be placed the following spring. The permanent repair on Sherbrook Ave. shall be a curb-to-crown mill and overlay with a pavement depth 1.5 inches. The permanent repair on Robinson Ave. shall be a 1.5-inch “grind and inlay” patch, encompassing the width of the original trench plus one foot on each side. If the permanent patch falls within 2 feet of the roadway edge, the patch shall extend completely to the gutter. We also recommend that the following requirements be added to the permit, if it is to be granted: - National Grid must arrange a pre-construction meeting with Braintree the DPW to discuss utility corridor assignment. The new gas mains must not encroach on any existing utilities. - Neither National Grid nor any of its contractors is authorized to close any street or to close a direction of travel to facilitate their work without authorization from the Director of the Department of Public Works or the Highway Superintendent. The Chief of Police can also authorize a closure for a May 31, 2022 Department of Public Works Page 2 of 7 police or fire emergency. Construction zone traffic safety issues are to be addressed by using appropriate traffic control signs and devices and the use of police officers for traffic control to safely guide traffic through the work zone. If a closure is authorized by the DPW, it shall not be implemented until signs and police officers (where needed) are properly in place in conformity with the written plan prepared by the contractor’s engineer and approved by the DPW and Police Department.” Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to Approve Order 22 022 Second: by Councilor Mackin Vote: For (3 – Flaherty, Mackin, Ryan), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) • 22 023 National Grid Petition: Elm Street to Railroad Street or take up any action relative thereto Chairman Ryan discussed the recommendations by BELD and DPW. He asked National Grid representative if they agree to all the recommendations. National Grid agrees to all requested recommendations. Motion was read by Vice-Chairwoman, Councilor Flaherty for favorable recommendation to the full Council with Staff Recommendations: MOTION: To relay approximately 300 feet of 6-inch bare steel (1911) with approximately 300 feet of 4-inch plastic in Elm St. from Washington St to Railroad St., and approximately 180 feet of 6-inch bare steel (1911) with 180 feet of 4-inch plastic in Railroad St. from Elm St. to the end of the main with Staff Recommendations: BELD: Please note, BELD has an 115,000 volt oil filled transmission line located on River, Washington, Storrs Ave. BELD Engineering should be notified in advance of any excavation to be performed in close proximity to this line. BELD will provide onsite support and safety personnel at no cost to the project. BELD also has a 13,800 volt underground system on Elm Street. This is a concrete encased duct bank to be identified through the Dig safe process. DPW: The DPW has reviewed the subject petition and the accompanying sketch for the gas main replacement on Elm St and Railroad St. The work is being proposed to eliminate aging gas infrastructure prior to the DPW’s resurfacing of Railroad St., which is currently planned for this year. Elm St. is also not subject to the excavation moratorium, having been last resurfaced in 2000. Given the late nature of National Grid’s request, the DPW recommends the following conditions for this petition, if it is to be granted: - National Grid shall begin work as soon as possible following Council approval, so that the DPW’s 2022 resurfacing project on Railroad St. is not delayed. - National Grid shall guarantee that all excavated trenches within the town’s right-of-way are backfilled to attain a minimum of 95% compaction, to ensure that the excavated areas will not settle once the roadway and sidewalks are resurfaced. Should the newly paved roadway and/or sidewalk May 31, 2022 Department of Public Works Page 3 of 7 settle because of poorly compacted trenches, National Grid will be required to perform large scale, curb-to-curb repairs to fully mitigate any deficiencies - A temporary patch shall be placed immediately after the work. The street excavation should be saw- cut, backfilled and compacted in 8-inch lifts, paved to match existing asphalt depth (with a minimum depth of four inches) in two-inch lifts to match the existing street grade. - After maintaining the temporary patch on Elm St. through one winter, a permanent patch shall be placed the following spring. The permanent repair shall be a 1.5-inch “grind and inlay” patch, encompassing the width of the original trench plus one foot on each side. If the permanent patch falls within 2 feet of the roadway edge, the patch shall extend completely to the gutter. We also recommend that the following requirements be added to the permit, if it is to be granted: - National Grid must arrange a pre-construction meeting with Braintree the DPW to discuss utility corridor assignment. The new gas mains must not encroach on any existing utilities. - Neither National Grid nor any of its contractors is authorized to close any street or to close a direction of travel to facilitate their work without authorization from the Director of the Department of Public Works or the Highway Superintendent. The Chief of Police can also authorize a closure for a police or fire emergency. Construction zone traffic safety issues are to be addressed by using appropriate traffic control signs and devices and the use of police officers for traffic control to safely guide traffic through the work zone. If a closure is authorized by the DPW, it shall not be implemented until signs and police officers (where needed) are properly in place in conformity with the written plan prepared by the contractor’s engineer and approved by the DPW and Police Department.” Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to Approve Order 22 023 Second: by Councilor Mackin Vote: For (3 – Flaherty, Mackin, Ryan), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) May 31, 2022 Department of Public Works Page 4 of 7 • 22 024 National Grid Petition: Cherry Street or take up any action relative thereto Chairman Ryan discussed the recommendations by BELD and DPW. He asked National Grid representative if they agree to all the recommendations. National Grid agrees to all requested recommendations. Motion was read by Vice-Chairwoman, Councilor Flaherty for favorable recommendation to the full Council with Staff Recommendations: MOTION: To relay approximately 100 feet of 1.5-inch bare steel (1937) and approximately 200 feet of 2-inch coated steel (1957) with approximately 300 feet of 2-inch plastic, in Cherry St. from Common St. to the end of main at #35 Cherry Street with Staff Recommendations: BELD: No Conflicts from BELD. DPW: The DPW has reviewed the subject petition and the accompanying sketch for the gas main replacement on Cherry St. The work is being proposed to eliminate aging gas infrastructure. Cherry St. is not subject to the excavation moratorium, having been last resurfaced by overlay in 2011, however the roadway is in excellent condition. Given the pavement condition and the narrow width of the existing roadway, the DPW recommends the following conditions for this petition, if it is to be granted. - A temporary patch shall be placed immediately after the work. The street excavation should be saw- cut, backfilled and compacted in 8-inch lifts, paved to match existing asphalt depth (with a minimum depth of four inches) in two-inch lifts to match the existing street grade. - After maintaining the temporary patch through one winter, a permanent patch shall be placed the following spring. The permanent repair shall be a curb-to-crown mill and overlay with a pavement depth 1.5 inches. We also recommend that the following requirements be added to the permit, if it is to be granted: - National Grid must arrange a pre-construction meeting with Braintree the DPW to discuss utility corridor assignment. The new gas mains must not encroach on any existing utilities. - Neither National Grid nor any of its contractors is authorized to close any street or to close a direction of travel to facilitate their work without authorization from the Director of the Department of Public Works or the Highway Superintendent. The Chief of Police can also authorize a closure for a police or fire emergency. Construction zone traffic safety issues are to be addressed by using appropriate traffic control signs and devices and the use of police officers for traffic control to safely guide traffic through the work zone. If a closure is authorized by the DPW, it shall not be implemented until signs and police officers (where needed) are properly in place in conformity with the written plan prepared by the contractor’s engineer and approved by the DPW and Police Department.” Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to Approve Order 22 024 Second: by Councilor Mackin Vote: For (3 – Flaherty, Mackin, Ryan), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) May 31, 2022 Department of Public Works Page 5 of 7 • 22 028 National Grid Petition: West Street or take up any action relative thereto Chairman Ryan discussed the recommendations by BELD and DPW. He asked National Grid representative if they agree to all the recommendations. National Grid agrees to all requested recommendations. Motion was read by Vice-Chairwoman, Councilor Flaherty for favorable recommendation to the full Council with Staff Recommendations: MOTION: To relay approximately 2300 feet of 3-inch coated steel (1951/1954) and 20 feet of 3-inch plastic (1987) with approximately 2320 feet of 6-inch plastic in West St. from Herbert. - Relay approximately 15 feet of 2-inch plastic (1987) and approximately 310 feet of 2-inch coated steel (1951) with approximately 325 feet of 2-inch plastic in Oak St. from West St. to the end of main - Relay minor amounts of old gas pipe in Mt. Vernon St. (25 ft), Tremont St. (35 ft), and Hollingsworth Ave. (70 feet) to make connections to the new pipe on West St. - Relay approximately 255 feet of 2-inch coated steel with approximately 255 feet of 2-inch plastic in a private way at #162 West St. to the end of main all with Staff Recommendations: BELD: No Conflicts with BELD DPW: The DPW has reviewed the subject petition and the accompanying sketch for the gas main replacement on West St and Oak St. The work is being proposed to eliminate aging gas infrastructure. West Street and Oak Street are not subject to the excavation moratorium having been resurfaced by mill and overlay in 2009, and by microsurfacing in 2014, respectively. West Street is a collector road that carries a higher volume of traffic and the pavement is in great condition. As such, the DPW recommends that the subject petition be granted with the following conditions: - A temporary patch shall be placed at all locations immediately after the work. The street excavation should be saw-cut, backfilled and compacted in 8-inch lifts, paved to match existing asphalt depth (with a minimum depth of four inches) in two-inch lifts to match the existing street grade. - After maintaining the temporary patches through one winter, permanent restoration shall be completed the following spring. The permanent restoration on West St. shall be a curb-to- crown mill and overlay with a pavement depth 1.5 inches. The permanent restoration on Oak St. shall be an eight- foot wide grind and inlay patch with a pavement depth of 1.5 inches. If the edge of the permanent patch on Oak St. falls within 2-feet of the roadway gutter, the patch should be extended completely to the roadway edge. - National Grid or it’s paving subcontractor shall meet with the Engineering Division prior to completing the permanent restoration to agree on the work limits with regards to the other side street connections that are made. - These conditions apply to all work within the public rights-of-way. National Grid must ensure that any necessary permissions required for excavation within the private way are sought prior to construction. May 31, 2022 Department of Public Works Page 6 of 7 We also recommend that the following requirements be added to the permit, if it is to be granted: - National Grid must arrange a pre-construction meeting with Braintree the DPW to discuss utility corridor assignment. The new gas mains must not encroach on any existing utilities. - Neither National Grid nor any of its contractors is authorized to close any street or to close a direction of travel to facilitate their work without authorization from the Director of the Department of Public Works or the Highway Superintendent. The Chief of Police can also authorize a closure for a police or fire emergency. Construction zone traffic safety issues are to be addressed by using appropriate traffic control signs and devices and the use of police officers for traffic control to safely guide traffic through the work zone. If a closure is authorized by the DPW, it shall not be implemented until signs and police officers (where needed) are properly in place in conformity with the written plan prepared by the contractor’s engineer and approved by the DPW and Police Department.” Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to Approve Order 22 028 Second: by Councilor Mackin Vote: For (3 – Flaherty, Mackin, Ryan), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) It was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:15p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan M. Cimino Clerk of the Council Documents provided for Meeting • 22 022 National Grid Petition: Sherbrooke Ave and Robinson Ave or take up any action relative thereto • 22 023 National Grid Petition: Elm Street to Railroad Street or take up any action relative thereto • 22 024 National Grid Petition: Cherry Street or take up any action relative thereto • 22 028 National Grid Petition: West Street or take up any action relative thereto May 31, 2022 Department of Public Works Page 7 of 7