HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-22-NAC-min
MEETING MINUTES
NOISE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
22 APRIL 2008
A duly posted meeting of the Noise Advisory Committee (NAC) held in the Selectmen’s
Meeting Room, Town Office Building, was called to order at 7:30 pm by Chairman Tony
Galaitsis with members Jeane Krieger, Debby Thompson, Jack Maloney, Ted Page
present.
1. DPW Application for a Special Permit under the Noise By-Law
The first topic of discussions was the DPW application for a special permit to the
noise by-law for a sidewalk project near the intersection of Massachusetts Ave. with
Waltham St. Mr. Galaitsis reiterated the need for advanced notice of projects with as
much information as possible to allow enough time for the review of submitted
material and for a response from the noise committee.
Mr. David Cannon, engineer for the town of Lexington, outlined details of the scope
of work. The project will utilize the same type of equipment as last year’s pilot
sidewalk project, but it will affect a stretch of sidewalk in front of different
businesses. No noise complaints from the construction last year. David pointed out a
typo in the attachment in the financial hardship section. It should read, “This project
does NOT have a financial hardship but it represents an issue of safety to the general
public in the center business district.”
After a duly seconded motion, the NAC voted to recommend to the Selectmen that
the sidewalk construction be exempted from the requirements of the noise by-law.
Mr. Galaitsis asked Mr. Cannon whether the DPW has any suggestions for
improvements to noise by-law special permit process that may have resulted from the
town projects completed to date. Mr. Cannon mentioned that having more
explanation of the plot plan requirement would be helpful. “Plot Plan” implies a
document prepared by a registered surveyor. Mr. Cannon will email language that can
be used to illustrate the fact that homeowners or businesses can request a copy of a
map from the town of the area in question. This will be emailed to Mr. Galaitsis.
2. FOX TV Application for a Special Permit under the Noise By-Law
Mr. Galaitsis reported on his conversations with FOX TV representatives. He felt that
FOX TV was not informed about the requirements of the noise in time to assemble
and submit the required materials for the NAC’s review. More importantly, from his
discussions with FOX TV representatives, he felt that this one time event (use of an
electric generator in early morning hours) would have a minimal impact, if any, on
the surrounding community. Therefore, he waved the requirement to have them come
in front of the NAC, and asked for the board’s support of this action. The committee
approved the decision.
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Mrs. Krieger recommended that the committee consider giving the chairman the
authority to speak and act on behalf of the NAC on one-time-only issues such as this;
if needed, a subcommittee could also be considered. Following a discussion, the NAC
voted to give the chairman the authority to approve one-time events that may be in
need of a noise by-law exemption, and to inform the NAC members of the decision.
Events or projects deemed to be more long-term with more significant potential
impact to town residents or businesses will be brought before the full committee.
3. Process for New Appointments
It was recommended that everyone read the noise policies received from other
municipalities for the next NAC meeting in June. In the June meeting, the committee
will also discuss recommendations of new appointments to the NAC. Members
should think of possible candidates, and bring them to the committee’s attention at the
next meeting.
The next meeting will be on June 3rd.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.
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