City Council - Property Committee

Property Committee Meeting Minutes: November 1, 2021 Councilor Zaret called the meeting to order at 6:03 pm Members Present: Councilors: Owen Zaret, Erica Flood, James P. Kwiecinski Also in Attendance: Elisabeth Weissbach, Elizabeth Wroblicka (Kestrel Land Trust), Jeff Squire, Lucy Baruch, Peg Conniff (City Council President), Jeff Bagg (City Planner), Councilor Homar Gomez Approval of Minutes: October 18, 2021 Motion (Flood) Second (Zaret). Voted 2-0, minutes accepted. (James P. Kwiecinski-Absent during this vote) Public Speak Time: No comments from the public. New Business: - Conservation Restriction request from the Lathrop Community Councilor Conniff asks what is definition of conservation restriction. Planner Bagg explains city council is being asked to determine whether or not this is in the city’s public interest. Jeff Squire (Berkshire Design Group) presents process and information. This special permit dates back to 1996. Kestrel Land Trust will hold/manage restriction for Lathrop. E Wroblicka explains that the area in green on the map is prevented from being developed, it is a permanent restriction and passes with deed transfer. Kestrel’s role is to make sure Lathrop conforms to terms. Councilor Kwiecinski asked about process of creating trails and how will they be addressing stream crossings. Motion to recommend the full city council support the conservation restriction request from the Lathrop Community as it is in the public’s best interest due to its many benefits named therein. (Flood) Second (Kwiecinski) Vote 2-0 Motion Passes. - South Street sidewalk easement – 334 Main Street Planner Bagg summarizes the sidewalk project at South Street and Main Street. Information and request is in the October 20 city council agenda packet. Councilor Kwiecinski inquired about parking spaces, how many are being lost or gained in this process? All current spaces are non-conforming. Councilor Flood voices that this is a much needed improvement to the intersection, adding the proposed flashing beacons for cross walk are much welcome. Motion to recommend that the full council authorize the mayor to negotiate an easement with the property owner at 334 Main Street in regards to the South Street sidewalk project proposal. (Flood) Second (Kwiecinski) Vote 3-0 motion passes. . Continuing Business: - Easement request for utility conduits to service a cellular & communications tower on city owned property at 32 Payson Avenue. Chair reports no issues have been identified with the outreach he has conducted. Motion to Adjourn (Flood) Second (Conniff) 2-0 Vote. Meeting adjourns at 7:13pm Respectfully Submitted, Councilor Erica Flood Clerk to the Property Committee