Public Service Committee

PRESIDENT Elizabeth J. Kazinskas CITY OF GARDNER COUNCILLORS AT LARGE MASSACHUSETTS 01440-2630 James S. Boone Craig R. Cormier OFFICE OF THE Ronald F. Cormier CITY COUNCIL Elizabeth J. Kazinskas Judy A. Mack George C. Tyros WARD 1 COUNCILLOR James M. Walsh, Esq. WARD 2 COUNCILLOR Dana M. Heath WARD 3 COUNCILLOR Paul Tassone WARD 4 COUNCILLOR September 21, 2023 Karen G. Hardern WARD 5 COUNCILLOR Alek Dernalowicz, Esq. PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE MEETING Date: Friday, September 29, 2023 Time: 8:00 a.m. Location: DPW Office 50 Manca Drive ANNOUNCEMENT - Any person may make a video or audio recording of an open session of a meeting, or may transmit the meeting through any medium, subject to reasonable requirements of the chair as to the number, placement and operation of equipment used so as not to interfere with the conduct of the meeting. Any person intending to make such recording shall notify the Chair forthwith. All Documents referenced or used during the meeting must be submitted in duplicate to the Clerk of the Committee, pursuant to the Open Meeting and Public Records Law. All documents shall become part of the official record of the meeting. AGENDA I. Main Street Road Opening, Tony Molina II. Water/Sewer Appeals • 202 Leamy Street • 77 Nichols Street III. Review and Approval of Minutes for meetings dated August 31, 2023. IV. Pole Petitions • 11052 – A Petition by National Grid, Park Street – to install 1 Single Owned Pole and Relocate 1 Single Owned Pole on Park Street beginning at a point approximately 100’ feet west of the centerline of the intersection of Park Street and Vernon Street and continuing approximately 150 feet in a west direction. Install 1 Single Owned Stub Pole (12-84) to replace old stub pole in back yard of apartment (will remove old stub pole 12-84). Relocating P9 and associated guy wires back ~10 in accordance with the City’s Park Street Project. (In the City Council and Referred to Public Service Committee 9/5/2023) • 11053 – A Petition by National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc., Park Street - to relocate 5 Jointly Owned Poles on Park Street beginning at a point approximately 150 feet west of the centerline of the intersection of Park Street and Lake Street and continuing approximately 720 feet in a west direction. Moving Poles 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and associated Anchors back ~5’ for City’s Park Street Project. (In the City Council and Referred to Public Service Committee 9/5/2023)  V. Department Updates • Public Works/Sewer/Water – Dane Arnold, DPW Director • Survey/Engineering – Rob Oliva, City Engineer • Conservation Commission – Sophie Dorow, Conservation and Planning Agent VI. Councillor Requests VII. Adjournment NOTICE: The listing of Agenda items are those reasonably anticipated by the Chairman which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law. CITY COUNCIL OF GARDNER James M. Walsh, Esq. Councilor James M. Walsh, Esq. Chairman, Public Service Committee  REGULAR MEETING PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE of August 31, 2023 Meeting of the Public Service Committee was held in the office of the DPW, 50 Manca Drive at 8:00 AM on Thursday, August 31, 2023. Members Present: Councilor James M. Walsh, Chairman; Councilor Alek Dernalowicz; Councilor George C. Tyros; Administrative Assistant Christine Harty Attendees: Dane E. Arnold, DPW Director; Rob Oliva, City Engineer CALL TO ORDER Councilor James M. Walsh called the meeting to order at 8:00 am. OPEN MEETING RECORDING ANNOUNCEMENT – any person may make a video or audio recording of an open session of a meeting, or may transmit the meeting through any medium, subject to reasonable requirements of the chair as to the number, placement and operation of equipment used so as not to interfere with the conduct of the meeting. Any person intending to make such a recording shall notify the chair forthwith. All documents referenced or used during the meeting must be submitted in duplicate to the Secretary of the Committee, pursuant to the Open Meeting and Public Records Law. All documents shall become part of the official record of the meeting. WATER/SEWER APPEALS 65 Waterford Street- Kimberli Nutting, homeowner, present for appeal. Re-visit to appeal, not enough information on water meter at last meeting. Had previously stated a water tank hose had snapped, causing significant water loss/leak at the last meeting. Billing office has obtained meter reading for period in question, consumption is approximately double average. Recommendation by Councilor George Tyros to abate amount in sewer charges that are more than the norm. Motion made to abate sewer charges $100.00 and a waiver on interest accrual for one year. Motion made by Councilor Alek Dernalowicz, second by Councilor George Tyros, all in favor motion carries. 101 Pelley Street- Jonathan Teken, homeowner, present to for appeal. Had received high water bill. Checked property found no leaks. States there was a water main break during this period, may have caused water loss? States property has two units and checks toilets regularly for leaks. Dane states water main breaks will not cause water loss or increase water bills, apart from the slight increase in water use in the event the customer must run water through pipes to clear following water break repairs. Councilor Alex Dernalowicz confirms one meter is at location for both units. Reiterates as Dane stated, water main breaks do not cause leaks within homes. In favor of abating small portion for running water to clear following break, suggests $75.00. Motion made to abate $75.00 in charges. Motion made by Councilor Alek Dernalowicz, second by Councilor George Tyros, all in favor motion carries. 184 Connors Street- Janice Hamel, daughter of property owner Marie J. LeBlanc present for appeal. States Mother has not lived at her home for some time now. Had suffered fall, hospitalization and now resides with daughter. Received high use card in mail and checked location. Discovered toilet leak and turned off immediately. Most recent reading obtained confirms no current water usage, repair was made. Good faith payment of $200.00 has been applied excessive water bill. Councilor George Tyros notes, homeowner left property in an emergency, unaware at time of issue with toilet. In favor of abating unpaid portion of water bill in the amount of $503.00. Motion made to abate $503.00 in charges. Motion made by Councilor George Tyros, second by Councilor Alek Dernalowicz, all in favor motion carries. ROAD OPENING Appealing party, Tony Molina is not present today for appeal. Committee agrees keep on agenda for next meeting. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES Motion made to accept minutes by Councilor George C. Tyros, second by Councilor Alek Dernalowicz, all in favor motion carries. POLE PETITION 10993 – A Petition by National Grid and Verizon New England Inc., Elm Street – to install 1, Remove 1 and Relocate 1 Jointly Owned Pole on Elm Street beginning at a point approximately 360 feet southeast of the centerline of the intersection of Elm Street and Cross Street and continuing approximately 500 feet in a south direction. P6-80 Replace and Relocate +/- 30’ West. Install anchor guy on West of Pole. P7-99 is being removed. P10-99 is installing Push Brace on West side of P10. (In the City Council and Referred to Public Service Committee 5/15/2023; Public Hearing 6/20/2023; More Time 6/5/2023, 6/20/2023; 7/3/2023; 8/7/2023) Rob Oliva begins stating the project has been pushed out. Councilor James Walsh notes the petition will change as well as carry into the next year. Request by Committee for Rob Oliva to reach out to National Grid and request withdrawal of current petition pending new action from DOT. Motion made requesting Rob Oliva, City Engineer contact National Grid requesting withdrawal of current petition pending new action from DOT by Councilor George C. Tyros, second by Councilor Alek Dernalowicz, all in favor motion carries. REPORTS FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS Dane Arnold: a. Tree removal at Park and Eaton is complete. Base coat is down, completing with new guardrails, both sides. Topcoat in a couple weeks. b. Once notification is received on reimbursement from State for Partridge Street will move forward with request will go in and complete Keyes Road. c. DPW currently on Cross Street replacing a drain on the intersection where meets Elm Street. Drain became completely plugged by roots grown in.  d. There is a new 10-wheel dump arriving soon, replacing an older one (of about 18 yrs. in age). Had a new sweeper not long ago not working properly, company took sweeper back, new one arriving Sept-Oct. e. Completed dam inspections. Vegetation at Cowey Pond will need to be removed, growing up and around the spillway. Will meet soon with Conservation to determine course of action. f. Will be installing pickle ball soon up at new park on Leo Drive soon, placing picnic tables at dog park and replacing 8 shrubs at City Hall. g. A portion of the line painting is complete. Rain has made rescheduling difficult for the company. h. City parade on September 17th will have many street closures. School, Police and DPW will be working together on the closures. i. Have hired one laborer since last meeting. Have two retirements coming up soon. Councilor James Walsh makes mention of recently completed Lawrence Street project. States the process taken by the crew to complete the job was respectful to the neighbors involved, much appreciation for quality of work as well. Councilor Alek Dernalowicz, with new sweeper likely arriving in October will there be time to sweep before winter? Dane, yes, believes will be time. Dane says about 75% of City done as of now. Rob Oliva: a. Update on the pedestrian bridge over 140. DOT had communicated open to work with us. Since then, city is also working with Central Mass Regional Planning on grants. Mass DOT has agreed to cover the difference should we get the grant. The grant is through the rural and tribal portion of the Federal Highway Administration, we applied for 323K. Hoping to hear in a month or two. Sophie Dorow: Not in attendance, responded by email, no update at this time. REPORTS AND REQUESTS FROM COUNCILORS Councilor George C. Tyros: No requests today. Councilor James Walsh: No requests today. Councilor Alek Dernalowicz: 1. Resident on Summer Street had reached out about light out. Rob, will reach out to check status. States the contractor is in once a month, will often tell residents could take couple weeks to repair. 2. Resident at 311 Mill Street reported dead trees, could we check to determine if City trees? Dane, will check. Motion to adjourn, Motion made by Councilor George Tyros, second by Councilor Alex Dernalowicz to Adjourn the meeting at 8:37 am. Roll Call vote: Councilor Alek Dernalowicz yes, Councilor George C. Tyros yes, Councilor James Walsh yes. Motion Passes. Next meeting scheduled as needed. All documents submitted at this meeting are stored in the office of the DPW, 50 Manca Drive, for any review. Respectfully submitted: Christine M. Harty, Administrative Assistant  11052 CITY OF GARDNER MASSACHUSETTS 01440-2630 OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK Room 121, City Hall Tel (978) 630-4058 Fax (978) 630-2589 NOTICE TO ABUTTERS September 7, 2023 TO ABUTTERS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES: Pursuant to the provisions of M.G.L., c. 166, §22, you are hereby notified that a Public Hearing will be conducted on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 at 7:30 o'clock P.M. on the petition of Massachusetts Electric Company, d/b/a NATIONAL GRID for permission to erect and maintain poles and wires to be placed thereon, together with such sustaining and protecting fixtures as said Companies may deem necessary, in the public way or ways hereinafter referred to, as requested in peition of said Companies: PARK STREET – A Petition by National Grid, Park Street – to install 1 Single Owned Pole and Relocate 1 Single Owned Pole on Park Street beginning at a point approximately 100’ feet west of the centerline of the intersection of Park Street and Vernon Street and continuing approximately 150 feet in a west direction. Install 1 Single Owned Stub Pole (12-84) to replace old stub pole in back yard of apartment (will remove old stub pole 12-84). Relocating P9 and associated guy wires back ~10 in accordance with the City’s Park Street Project. A sketch of the proposed pole location is attached for your edification. CITY COUNCIL OF GARDNER By: TITI SIRIPHAN City Clerk  ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT CITY OF GARDNER 50 Manca Drive, Gardner MA 01440 Robert E. Oliva, City Engineer Telephone (978) 630-8195 roliva@gardner-ma.gov PROJECT REVIEW MEMORANDUM To: Public Service Committee Cc: Dane Arnold, DPW Director Christine Harty, DPW Administrative Asst. Titi Siriphan, City Clerk From: Robert Oliva – City Engineer Date: September 13, 2023 Project: National Grid Pole Petitions - City Council Item #11052, #11053 National Grid has submitted pole petitions associated with the City’s project at the new Park Street Park and Monument Park. I have inspected the proposed locations, reviewed the petition applications, and have no comments at this time. Council Item # Comment 11052 To remove and relocate stub pole (12-84) and relocate pole #9 on Park Street. No comment 11053 To relocate existing poles 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 and associated anchors on Park Street. No comment 11052 11052 11052 11052  11053 CITY OF GARDNER MASSACHUSETTS 01440-2630 OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK Room 121, City Hall Tel (978) 630-4058 Fax (978) 630-2589 NOTICE TO ABUTTERS September 7, 2023 TO ABUTTERS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES: Pursuant to the provisions of M.G.L., c. 166, §22, you are hereby notified that a Public Hearing will be conducted on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 at 7:30 o'clock P.M. on the petition of Massachusetts Electric Company, d/b/a NATIONAL GRID for permission to erect and maintain poles and wires to be placed thereon, together with such sustaining and protecting fixtures as said Companies may deem necessary, in the public way or ways hereinafter referred to, as requested in peition of said Companies: PARK STREET – A Petition by National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc., Park Street - to relocate 5 Jointly Owned Poles on Park Street beginning at a point approximately 150 feet west of the centerline of the intersection of Park Street and Lake Street and continuing approximately 720 feet in a west direction. Moving Poles 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and associated Anchors back ~5’ for City’s Park Street Project. A sketch of the proposed pole location is attached for your edification. CITY COUNCIL OF GARDNER By: TITI SIRIPHAN City Clerk  ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT CITY OF GARDNER 50 Manca Drive, Gardner MA 01440 Robert E. Oliva, City Engineer Telephone (978) 630-8195 roliva@gardner-ma.gov PROJECT REVIEW MEMORANDUM To: Public Service Committee Cc: Dane Arnold, DPW Director Christine Harty, DPW Administrative Asst. Titi Siriphan, City Clerk From: Robert Oliva – City Engineer Date: September 13, 2023 Project: National Grid Pole Petitions - City Council Item #11052, #11053 National Grid has submitted pole petitions associated with the City’s project at the new Park Street Park and Monument Park. I have inspected the proposed locations, reviewed the petition applications, and have no comments at this time. Council Item # Comment 11052 To remove and relocate stub pole (12-84) and relocate pole #9 on Park Street. No comment 11053 To relocate existing poles 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 and associated anchors on Park Street. No comment 11053 11053 11053 11053