Salem State University Neighborhood Advisory Committee

Salem State University Neighborhood Advisory Committee April 6, 2016 – Minutes Attendees: Dominick Pangallo, Adria Leach, Richard Riggs, Marcia Lambert, Councillor Steve Dibble, Polly Wilbert, Councillor Josh Turiel, Dana Lothrop, Jack Hoar Absent: Ben Szalewicz 1. Welcome • Councillor Dibble introduced a student that was joining him for student government day. • A representative of SSU’s chapter of MassPIRG gave a brief presentation on alternative and renewable energy. 2. Approval of March 16, 2016 Minutes • Edits suggested and approved 3. Construction Updates A. Sophia Gordon Center for the Creative & Performing Arts: update on construction progress (Elizabeth from Dan O’Connor) • Starting to close in the second floor • Roof is water tight; allowing for work to continue inside • Working on; HVAC, electrical & plumbing • Basement has a new concrete floor • Starting work on; underground utilities, drainage, court yard area, new access ramp in front of the building, new glass wall in front of the building • Project running on time • Elizabeth advised that the contractors are reminded every week about parking and not to park in the neighborhood • Adria advised that Ben is working to get an update on the air handler unit and will hopefully have an answer for May’s meeting • Jack & Dana asked for the update to include screening & noise mitigation B. 287 Lafayette Street: update on noise mitigation • Adria advised David has confirmed work is being completed on the sound mitigation equipment. Expectation is work will be completed in the next couple of weeks, then will begin addressing the visual aspect. • Signage is being reviewed at the historical commission meeting. 4. Old Business A. Garage Update • Working on occupancy sensors. • Looking at ways to adjust some of the light fixtures in the garage so they are less glaring. • Adria advised that they have titled one light to see if that will help the problem. If tilting the lights help with problem, they will tilt other light fixtures • Councillor Dibble requested to have a timeframe provided on this. • Polly asked if there was anything that could be done about the roof lights glaring into the neighborhood.  • Adria stated she had not heard about the roof lights bothering the neighborhood. • Councillor Dibble requested a time table on dimming of the lights, and rotating the light fixtures. • Councillor Dibble requested for the University to reconsider doubling the parking fees for the next school year. • Adria advised she will look into the fee structure • Polly asked if the garage is full on any given day, and if it’s not, then there is room to encourage students to go in there. B. O’Keefe Center Rink Replacement • Adria advised the team had their first meeting on Tuesday. • Working on logistics plan. • Nothing major happening until after graduation. C. North Campus RFP review • Adria advised they have narrowed it down to 5 firms • Conducting interviews now • Adria asked the committee if they would like to wait until June for the chosen firm to come in as they will most likely have something to present by then or have them come in May. Committee agreed the hired firm should attend the May 4th meeting D. Neighborhood disturbances • No calls • Captain Riggs provided an update and summary of campus stabbing on March 30. • A student is accused of stabbing a faculty member. • Assault took place at 5:08, assailant was arrested at 5:13. • Faculty member followed assailant after assault providing law enforcements with live updates of assailant’s whereabouts. • Victim is home and recovering. • Committee expressed the need to have the city provide faster updates and notifications in such situations. Chairman Pangallo advised that a group of city officials have a meeting scheduled to follow up on the shooting (fatal shooting in the Point Neighborhood) and will be discussing notification from the city during these events. Jack commented the city needs to have the bandwidth to get a reverse 911 call out when necessary. • Chairman Pangallo asked what SSU’s emergency notification system is used for. Captain Riggs advised that SSU uses it for true emergencies, sometimes snow emergencies. Chairman Pangallo asked if neighbors who live near the school could enroll so they can get notified of any issues on campus. Captain Riggs advised that this would be a policy issue. Councillor Dibble requested the Ward 7 Councillor be able to enroll. • Adria advised that she will look into that st E. Change meeting date to 1 Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  • Approved 5. New Business • Councillor Dibble informed the committee that large branches have been taken down and left in neighbor’s yards and on part of the bike path. • Need to find out who did that work, about 20 homes have been effected • Braches need to be removed and bollard replaced • Captain Riggs advised that they may have also knocked down a pole • Adria advised grass will be planted at 75 Loring Ave, and the WWII memorial is going back up • Adria advised that she going to see if they can get a group together for Clean Sweep Adjourn Next meeting: Wednesday, May 4, 7:00pm Enterprise Center