Streets & Roads Commission
Regular MeetingMount Airy, MD · May 4, 2021
Minutes
STREETS AND ROADS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, May 4, 2021 7:00 PM VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE
THIS MEETING WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE AT https://www.facebook.com/TownofMountAiry/
I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE
3/2/2021 Meeting called to order at 7:25pm. In attendance: Chairperson Lynne Galletti, Mary Beth
Obremski, Jonathan Samayoa, Luci Riegel, and Councilwoman Patty Washabaugh.
II. APPROVAL OF PRIOR COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES –
Meeting Minutes- No changes to the minutes- Motion to approve made by Luci Riegel and seconded by
Chairperson Lynne Galletti. Minutes approved unanimously.
III. Staff Updates- Town Engineer Barney Quinn introduced AMT Engineering members in attendance
that will give a presentation of the South Main Street Roundabout Feasibility Study. Heidi is the Project
Manager; Cathy is the traffic engineer Ken Vaughn is the design engineer. Heidi presented the benefits
of having a roundabout. They will help to slow down traffic, keep traffic flowing, and having fewer
conflict points and better pedestrian crossing options. Ken Vaughn presented three options.
Option 1-Double Roundabout, 2 lanes, 4-legged roundabout, separate bypass lane, left turn-prohibited
from Ridgeside Drive, and exiting traffic movements maintained during construction. (Advantages-Free
flowing)
Option 2- Double Roundabout, 2 lanes, 4-legged roundabout, no bypass lane, left turn-prohibited from
Ridgeside Drive, and exiting traffic movements maintained during construction.
Option 3-Phasing consideration- 2 lane roundabout (2022) Transition to 2 lane roundabout when traffic
threshold met, Full 2 lane “footprint” constructed, left turn prohibited from Ridgeside Drive, Existing
traffic maintained during construction. (Coordination still has to happen with CSX because of the
underground tunnel) (Addresses short term needs)
Member Luci Riegel asked what one of the lanes was in the drawing and Mr. Vaughn reported that it
was a bike lane and that a bike lane was something that the town wanted to have explored.
Cathy talked about the Traffic impact. The data was from 2019. The levels range from A-F. DEF are
usually considered to be unacceptable conditions. The major concern was the traffic coming out of
Ridgeside drive. The 2022 conditions with Chick-Fila opened it will impact that intersection. Then in 2040
conditions will make this intersection a failing intersection. One of the options to try and mitigate this is
to prohibit the left turn out of Ridgeside drive. Drivers have three options. They can make a right turn
out of Chick Fila and then another right and continue to Route 27. They can also make a right turn onto
South Main Street and follow this around to the light at 144 and make a right to return to Route 27. The
third option is when they turn right and the try to make a U-turn where the circle will be. Drivers tend to
find the shortest route back to the highway. Cathy reported the Roundabout Option 3 will help alleviate
this. This will improve the level of service at this intersection. Only for the short term. The traffic
conditions in 2040 the one lane roundabout will not be able to alleviate the issues. When you look at the
two-lane roundabout (Option2) this will help these intersections be at an acceptable level.
Councilwoman Washabaugh asked if Option 3 is good for now and not for the long term? And if the
other two are good for 2022 and 2040. Does Option 2 have both lanes entering the roundabout? It was
explained that you must decide if you want to stay on the bypass lane or move over one lane and go into
the roundabout. On the right-hand side that is grey, is the old road and will become landscape. If we do
the 2 lanes into the roundabout is that a safer option, then the other option. Yes, it is simpler and safer
for pedestrians as well. One last question. When you enter the roundabout, how will they know where
they are going? Will it be clearly marked so you will not have a lot of people weaving between lanes?
Yes, the marking and striping will be clearly marked. Tony Burke asked to clarify that regardless of any
option no one will be able to make a left turn. If you lived in Mt. Airy which option, would you pick?
They answered that if they lived there, they would be more comfortable with Option 2. They all agreed
with that. Option 3 will only work in the short term. Town Engineer Quinn added that as being a town
resident, with the traffic being what it is and the added traffic with the new development it is best to
have Option 2. Chairperson Galletti asked what the line is in the grass, and they responded that it is a
pedestrian/bike trail. Chairperson Galletti asked if eventually we could connect this bike lane to 144.
Town Engineer responded that there is a wider lane and at that point bikes enter and share the road.
Member Luci Riegel asked if Main Street was 2 lanes going down the hill right now and yes, it is.
IV. Council Liaison Report-
Councilwoman Washabaugh said that this is her last meeting. During last night’s Town Council meeting
the taxes will not be increased and they passed the budget. They had a concern about publication
budget and that will be looked at again but for now it’s a balanced budget and it was passed. The EDC
shifted some money because of Covid. Thanks to them. There were projects that were shifted into the
next fiscal year. The elections were yesterday. The results were Larry Hushour got 802 votes and Pat
Rockinberg got 804 votes. For the council seats Steve Domotor got 969 votes and Lynne Galletti got 956
votes and Heather Hobbs got 787 votes. This was a well-run race and congratulations to all the winners.
Lynne and Steve will be the new council members. The mayor will decide the next Liaison for this group.
She did remind Mayor Rockinberg to have people appointed to this commission for the 2 open seats.
Her hope is the members would be vetted a little bit more. The last thought is that every vote counts.
This was a very close election. Chairperson Galletti added that all votes count and kudos to the younger
voters for coming out and voting.
V. COMMUNITY CONCERNS/CITIZENS COMMENTS TO NON-AGENDA ITEMS- We are not on Facebook
live so there were no public comments. Please send a message to us if you have any questions.
VI. 2023 Master Plan Items-
Member Luci Riegel has questions prepared. Chairman Galletti shared the spreadsheet that shows the
areas that are a concern to us.
Chapter 1
Question #3- Luci Riegel asked about implementing speed cameras in school zones. She wanted to know
if we are looking at renting out a company to use this as profit or is the town looking to purchase these
and move them around the town. Or is this just for educating drivers to slow traffic down. Chairperson
Galletti asked Town Engineer Barney Quinn his opinion since we have a problem on Prospect. Would a
movable speed camera be good here? Not so much for a revenue generator but use it to make drivers
slow down. Member Luci Riegel asked if they must be at a school zone to have the cameras or can it be
anywhere. Chairperson Galletti said she will start to gather information from other counties to see what
their initiatives are and see how they are notifying residence of the cameras. Councilwoman
Washabaugh added that since we have such a speeding issue on Prospect and Rising Ridge Road and
maybe adding a portable camera can help as a traffic calming measure.
Question #4-Member Luci Riegel asked if there are other places that circles are being discussed. Town
Engineer Barney Quinn said the mayor has asked but no action has been taken on anything.
Question #7-Pedistrian Crossing that will be needed after the next section of Rails to Trails is complete
be on Main Street at the caboose and the Train Station. Will we put that in or does that have to be done
by the state? Barney Quinn stated that you would have to work with the state since that is their road.
Chapter 6
Question 1-Chairperson Galletti asked who would do the Comprehensive Local Transportation Study.
Barney Quinn said the AMT could do that since they are our new consultants.
Question #3-Member Luci Riegel had some questions about certain streets that should be considered as
a problem.
South Main Street and 27, where you make a left onto northbound 27.
Twin Arch and 27.
Ridgeville and South Main Street needs a left turn signal.
Question #4-Refers to a Master Pedestrian Plan. Town Engineer Quinn stated that we already have this
plan and can share that with the commission.
*Luci Riegel asked since we put in the big metal mailboxes why are there still mailboxes there? He
responded that the town did not force residence to switch to be in the cluster boxes.
Question #7-included things the town does already. All agreed it looks good.
Question #8-All agree looks good. Just need to develop a plan to make this happen for parking. Town
Engineer said that we have already done a downtown parking study to see where a parking structure
would work well.
Question 9#-What are the benefits to owning Main Street. Barney Quinn stated that the advantages
would be that we would not have to coordinate for permits for things on Main Street, could make the
changes to make things the town needs happen instead of asking the state. The disadvantages are that
we would have 2 miles of road to plow and to repair. The cost to resurface the 2 miles of Main Street
would be $500,000 every 20 years. Also, would have to provide funding for storm drains. State does
absorb some costs before the road would be turned over. The state will turn over the ownership of Main
Street at any time for no cost. Downtown Streetscape, this is something we would like to do and it
would be around $5 million and would be higher now. John Breeding will look into what the cost would
be. That might be a good time to add a gas line in. Tony Burke added the New Market just completed
this and they were a little surprised at some of the costs that they had to incur.
Question #10-Chairperson Galletti asked what type of transportation they are looking for. Town
Administrator said they looked into this before and that with Mt. Airy’s, demographic there was not a
high demand for this type of transportation. Need to decide if this should be on the plan. Luci Riegel
added that there are patients that live in Carroll County can easily get a bus to her office for their
appointments on Carroll Transit. If they live on the Frederick side, they cannot get a bus to their
appointments. Can there be something that can go to all 4 counties in Mt. Airy?
All these questions will be added to the spreadsheet and given to John Breeding.
VII. OLD BUSINESS
a) Speed and Traffic Studies:
• (1) Riding Ridge @ Village Gate- Just on the edge of the 85%
o There is a crosswalk and there is a bus stop here. The kids have to walk across
this busy intersection. Would like this updated and put in the pedestrian signs. If
a stop sign is added the trucks will make noise while when they are idling.
Action Item- The lines repainted, and pedestrian signs installed. Chairperson
Galletti and Town Engineer Quinn will talk to the resident about a potential
stop sign.
• (2) Rising Ridge at Deer Hollow- a little higher speed but still within the 85%
• (3) Rising Ridge @ Leafy Hollow-not above the guidelines of 85%
• (4) Summer Sweet and Bridlewreath-Not above the state guideline of 85%
• (5) Beck Dr.-Not above the state guidelines of 85% will redo in the summer.
• (6) South Main Street and Paradise next to the auto parts place-Some high speed but
not above the guidelines of 85%. Can put some enforcement in place during peak times.
*Will request two new ones going both ways. One on Deer Hollow from Rising Ridge to Park
Ridge and one on Meadow Green from Deer Hollow to Park Ridge.
b) Route 27 Corridor Study- Commission members will review and discuss at the next meeting.
Action-Table for the next meeting.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
a) Flower Avenue Speeding Concerns-A resident reported that there are no sidewalks and
gathered information about speed humps and gave the info and we will pass onto Town
Engineer Barney Quinn for his response. There are a lot of factors in play with this.
b) Citizen submittal Sterling Glen-Councilwoman Washabaugh did not have time to update the
spreadsheet with this but will update it and pass it along for our next meeting. It’s on Buffalo
Road and there is a concern, but the town cannot ticket there. Action Item-Will keep on agenda
for July meeting.
c) Speed Cameras-Cost benefit/stationary vs mobile-Action-Chairwoman Galletti is still gathering
information and will report back at the next meeting. Action Item-Discuss at the next meeting.
IX. New Officers
a) Chairperson-Chairperson Lynne Galletti after consulting all commission members made a
motion to make Mary Beth Obremski Chairperson and Luci Riegel seconded the motion. Motion
passed unanimously.
b) Secretary-Chairperson Lynne Galletti made a motion to make Jonathan Samayoa secretary. Luci
seconded the motion. Motion passes unanimously.
*Councilwoman Washabaugh recommended moving the meeting to end of the month so that you
have more time to prepare for the commission meeting.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Galletti motioned to adjourn the meeting and Luci Riegel seconded
the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 9:50pm. The next meeting date is July 6th, 2021, at 7:00pm.
Agenda
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes of a Meeting – October 20, 2022
The City of Methuen Conservation Commission held a hybrid meeting via in-person and Zoom video
conferencing (VC) on October 20, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Searles Building 2nd floor conference
room, 41 Pleasant Street, Methuen MA 01844. Present for this meeting were Matt Davidson,
Chairman; Sandra Boulay, Financial Secretary (arrived at 7:16); Ken Sateriale, Secretary; and
Commissioners Christopher Parsons, Cara Seaman, Leah Santone (arrived at 7:02), and David Di
Zazzo. Also present were Conservation Officer (CO) Joseph Giarrusso; and Head Clerk Jodie Furey.
The Chairman opened this meeting and announced that Pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021,
this meeting will be conducted via remote means, in accordance with applicable law. This means that
members of the public body as well as members of the public may access the meeting via virtual
means. The meeting may be accessed remotely via Zoom video conferencing (VC) by contacting the
Conservation Office. When required by law or allowed by the Chair, persons wishing to provide
public comment or otherwise participate in the meeting, may do so by in-person attendance, or by
accessing the meeting remotely, as noted above. For this meeting, members of the public who wish
to listen/watch the meeting may do so in the following manner: To be contacted by phone or by VC,
please contact the Commission Office. In the event that access and participation is not achieved, then
the Commission will post, on the City of Methuen website, an audio or video recording, transcript, or
other comprehensive record of proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting. The following are
actions, comments, and concerns regarding the information submitted for the Commission’s meeting
of October 20, 2022.
I. NOTICES OF INTENT:
A. Notices of Intent – DEP File #219-1276 – MCC File #22-008 – 26 Myrtle Street –
Michael Norton – Norse Environmental Services, Inc. (Con’t from 10/6/2022)
The file in order, a motion was made by Mr. Parsons; seconded by Mr. Sateriale, so voted
UNANIMOUS TO ACCEPT the above Notice of Intent.
The Notices of Intent filed by Susan Hutchinson with plans Sheet 1 of 2, dated November 1,
2021, revised October 4, 2022 prepared by Cyprus Design, Inc is for the proposed replacement of
an existing failing septic system within the 100’ Buffer Zone of Bordering Vegetated Wetlands.
The proposed system will be 51’ from the existing Bordering Vegetated Wetlands and installation
of erosion control within 31’ of the resource area. This design has been approved by the Methuen
Board of Health.
In review of the submitted Notice of Intent and plan, the CO provided the following comments
with responsive actions shown in bold:
- The submitted plan does not provide a location of the proposed stockpile areas. This should be
provided on the plan or no stockpiling of materials will be allowed in the Commissions
jurisdiction. (The revised plan added stockpiling areas.)
- The proposed erosion control is “hay wattle”, with no further detail information. In taking into
consideration the existing slope of the yard and location of the resource areas, it is my
recommendation that the Commission require approved erosion control to consist of 12” compost
filled wattle and properly installed silt fencing to provide the necessary protection to the resource
areas. (The revised plan added 12” compost for erosion control.)
METHUEN CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes of a Meeting – October 6, 2022
- This system has been failing for almost a year, with obvious signs of sewage flowing into the
resource area. I would recommend that if this repair is not done immediately, the property
owners should be required to pump this system to prevent further breakout. (The applicant
stated that the intent was to repair the system as soon as possible and all permits are in
place. I would recommend if there is an more breakout of sewage, additional pumping
should be required.)
- I have spoken to the Health Department consultant regarding the system design and she stated
that the system design does not comply with all the standards and that there may need to be some
adjustments to the design.
A this time, the Chairman opened it up to public participation. There was no public participation.
Comments from the commission were as followed:
Mr. Sateriale questioned the septic comments. He was concerned with the location of the over
dig.
Mr. Giarrusso’s opinion was the commission could condition their approval upon the applicant
obtaining approval from the board of health.
A motion was made by Mr. Parsons; seconded by Mrs. Seaman; so voted UNANIMOUS to
CLOSE the public hearing. The Commission now has 21 days in which to make their decision.
B. Notices of Intent – DEP File #219-127? – MCC File #22-009 – (VP) Brentwood Road,
Parcel ID 412-126B-123 – RKA Co., LLC - Norse Environmental Services, Inc. (Con’t from
10/6/2022)
The file in order, a motion was made by Mr. Parsons; seconded by Mr. Sateriale, so voted
UNANIMOUS TO ACCEPT the above Notice of Intent.
The Notices of Intent filed by RKA Co., LLC., with plan by Stower Assoc. Inc., dated July 20,
2022, is for the proposed construction of a single family dwelling with associated paved driveway
and utilities within the 100’ Buffer Zone of Bordering Vegetated Wetlands. The project appears
to comply with the 50’ “No disturb” setback as the proposed limit of work and erosion control
appear to be 58’ from the existing Bordering Vegetated Wetlands.
In review of the submitted Notice of Intent and plan, the CO provided the following comments:
- The submitted plan provides limited grading information, so it is difficult to determine how the
lot presently drains and how it will drain post development. Additional grading information is
needed to properly review the proposed project.
- The submitted plan has a note #2, that states that there is a proposed “Stone Construction
Entrance”, but provides no detail on the location or the design standards of this structure.
Additional information is required for proper review and permitting.
- The submitted plan has a proposed driveway, But provides little detail on the location or the
design standards of this structure. Additional information is required for proper review and
permitting.
- The plan shows proposed “Wattles limit of work & Conservation Markers” but it is unclear
where the wattles, limit of work, or the Conservation Markers will be located, since there is no
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METHUEN CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes of a Meeting – October 6, 2022
clear plan legend to identify each item. Therefore, I am unable to properly review the location
and/or benefits of each item.
- The proposed erosion control is “wattles”, with no further detail information. In taking into
consideration the scope of alteration and locations of the resource areas, it is my recommendation
that the Commission require approved erosion control to consist of 12” compost filled wattle and
properly installed silt fencing at a minimum, if not double staked hay bales and properly installed
silt fencing, in order to provide the necessary protection to the resource areas. In addition, I
would recommend that the whole site be surrounded by erosion control, inasmuch as it the only
open area located nearby the location of the Stone Construction Entrance.
A motion was made by Mrs. Seaman; seconded by Mr. Parsons; so voted UNANIMOUS to
TABLE the public hearing to the meeting of November 17, 2022.
II. CALL TO ORDER: The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
III. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA / AMENDMENTS (IF ANY): A motion was made by Mr.
Parsons; seconded by Mr. Sateriale; so voted UNANIMOUS to ACCEPT the agenda with
amendments.
IV. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
A motion was made by Mr. Sateriale; seconded by Mrs. Seaman; so voted UNANIMOUS to
ACCEPT the minutes of October 6, 2022. It should be noted the minutes of February 3, 2022
were not ready for approval.
V. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Request for Determination of Applicability – 22-021 – 11 Rivers Edge Place –
Michael Dunn
The applicant has filed Requests for Determination of Applicability for a proposed replacement
and expansion of an existing driveway associated with the single family dwelling, which will be
constructed in the buffer zone of Bordering Land Subject to Flooding associated with the
Merrimack River.
A motion was made by Mr. Parsons; seconded by Mrs. Seaman; so voted UNANIMOUS to
ISSUE a Negative 3 determination under the Local ordinance with the following stipulations:
1. Work shall conform to description of work and plan, submitted with Request for Determination of
Applicability, received on September 22, 2022 on file with Methuen Conservation Commission.
2. A 48 hour written notice shall be given to the Methuen Conservation Commission prior to
any activity on site.
3. Any changes made or intended to be made to the above referenced plan shall require the
owner or his successor in interest to inquire in writing of the Methuen Conservation
Commission whether the proposed change is significant to the interests of the Act/Ordinance.
4. Members and agents of the Methuen Conservation Commission shall have the right to enter
and inspect the premises to evaluate site conditions for compliance and to require the
submittal of any data deemed necessary by the Commission for that evaluation.
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METHUEN CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes of a Meeting – October 6, 2022
5. Upon completion of this project, a letter stating that the work has been completed in
compliance with the Determination of Applicability shall be sent to the Commission.
VI. OLD BUSINESS:
A. Enforcement
(1) NOV - #22-001 – 945 Riverside Drive – 945 Riverside Drive Condominiums (Con’t
from 9/15/2022)
A restoration plan has been provided to assist in revegetation of the impacted area. It is my
opinion that the implementation of this plan will lead to the restoration of the impacted area.
The commission will review this item again on the December 1, 2022 meeting.
B. Certificates of Compliance – DEP File #219-1246 – MCC File #20-005 – 42 Atkinson
Street, Lot 2A – Armano Realty Investments (Con’t from 9/15/2022)
The applicant has not provided the required information to complete the review for their request. I
would recommend that the Commission deny the request, stating that the applicant has failed to
provide the required information under Special Condition #21.
A motion was made by Mr. Parsons; seconded by Mr. Sateriale; so voted UNANIMOUS to
DENY the request at this time.
C. Certificates of Compliance – DEP File #219-1035 – MCC File #07-011 – 254
Broadway/ 4 Gleason Street – David Spada – Merrimack Engineering Services, Inc.
I have reviewed the site, finding it stable. It should be noted that Special Conditions E and G
shall be required to remain in perpetuity.
A motion was made by Mrs. Seaman; seconded by Mr. Parsons; so voted UNANIMOUS to
ISSUE the certificates of compliance including a requirement for Special Conditions E and G to
remain in effect in perpetuity.
D. Certificates of Compliance – DEP File #219-315 – MCC File 06-89-01 – 235
Hampstead Street - Randall Hart – Andover Consultants, Inc.
I have reviewed the site, finding it in compliance with the Order of Conditions
A motion was made by Mr. Parsons; seconded by Mrs. Seaman; so voted UNANIMOUS to
ISSUE the certificates of compliance.
VI. CONSERVATION OFFICER’S REPORT: Nothing on the CO’s report at this time.
VII. OTHER BUSINESS: There is not any other business at this time.
VIII. ADJOURN: A motion was made by Mr. Parsons; seconded by Mrs. Seaman; so voted,
UNANIMOUS to ADJOURN the meeting at 7:23 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by: Reviewed by: Approved on:
___________________ _____________________ ____________
Jodie Furey, Kenneth Sateriale, Date Approved
Head Clerk Secretary
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