2015-03-05-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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03/05/15 AC Minutes CEC Positions on Capital Articles: Ms. Haireviewed the position of the CEC on capital articles on the warrant. She statedthat the CEC is generally supportive of all items with the exception of certain projects or project elements that the CEC believes are primarilyaesthetic. The CEC feels that withthe growing demand for large projects for schools and public safety facilities,this is not the time to pursue such amenities. She identified the following capital Articles that the CEC is not currently supporting,or for which a position has not yet been taken: STM #2, Article 4: Appropriate for Cary Memorial Building Sidewalk Enhancement: The CEC postponed its vote because the Commission on Disability has not yet taken a position on this project. ATM, Article 8; FY2016 Community Preservation Act Projects: (e) Battle Green Streetscape Improvements:The CEC currently does not support this project, which includes a FY2016 request for $200,000; it is expected that $900,000 would be requested next year. The Harrington Road intersection is a safety issue, but it isn’t clear whether anything will be recommended to address this concern.Otherwise the project appears to be for aesthetic purposes. AC Comments: The projectincludes the use of Community Preservation Act funds for some of the costs. (o) Grain Mill Alley Design Funds: The CEC currently does not support this project because it would be spending Town funds on private property; there isn’t a critical need; and it is foraesthetic purposes. AC Comments: The Town has spent money on private property before. (p) Minuteman Bikeway Wayfinding Signs—Design Funds:The CEC currently does not support this projectbecause the State is exploring the idea of uniform signage statewide and the other Towns through which the bikeway travels should be sharing financial responsibilityfor design work. This project seems to be premature. ATM Article 11: Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment: (a) Center Streetscape Improvements and Easements—Phase 1: The CEC currently does not support this project because it appears that only a portion is for essential, safety- related components. There is also concern that future projects associated with the Hosmer House and/or PoliceStation could negatively impact work done as part of this project.There is a current effort to get a better understanding of the project and to determine whether it can be reduced in scope to focus on safety components. AC Comments: Massachusetts Avenue needs to be repaved and center sidewalks and crosswalks currently are not standardized; this project helps address these issues. (k) Hastings Park Undergrounding Wires: The CEC currently does not support this project because it is only for aesthetics. 3