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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-10-03-DAC-min.pdf DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes October 3,2000 Present: Steve Hurley(Chair), John Frey, Olga Voronina, Barbara Hulsizer, Betty Eddison(Selectman), David Kanter(Communications Advisory Committee), Brian Gilbert (DPW) (Part time), Carl Oldenburg Scribe: Carl Oldenburg Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 8:05 PM by Steve Hurley Approvals: There was no meeting in September, therefore there were no minutes to approve. Discussion: ( 1 Emery Park/Denot Sauare: Construction bidding has been advertised, according to Rick White. Estimated construction cost is $637,000 Bids are to be opened in the winter, with a construction start time in the spring. 2. New Members/Resignation: Stacey Bridge-Denzak is resigning from the DAC. Possible new members with whom Steve Hurley has had recent discussions are Eva Kas$ell and Gary Johnson. The rest of the committee is encouraged to help recruit new members. 3 Plannine Board: Nominations to the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee: Steve Hurley received a note from the Planning Board indicating that they are seeking nominations for the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee. 4. Newspaper Boxes: The Selectmen are working with newspaper publishers toward agreement regarding number and placement of newspaper vending boxes. 5 Cary Hall/Town Offices Landscape Planting: John Frey presented his version of the landscape plan and compared it to Bruce Creager's earlier plan. The new plan has slightly narrower sidewalks, and more planting area behind the benches. The HDC has reviewed this plan. DAC Meeting Minutes—October 3, 2000 Page 2 Both proposals call for the elimination of four parking spaces in front of Cary Hall, so it was suggested that the plan not be fully implemented until the temporary occupation of Cary Hall by the Library is completed. The planting can be done soon, but the paving, sidewalks, curbing, etc. should wait. John also has a planting plan with no changes to the road, sidewalks, etc. Brian Gilbert from the DPW discussed irrigations systems, and indicated that they are looking for finding to implement the irrigation system as soon as possible. Betty Eddison indicated that there might be funds available from the Blossom Fund for this project. Mr Gilbert will put together a budget for Ms. Eddison to review The DAC agreed that this plan should be implemented. Brian Gilbert will talk with Rick White regarding how to proceed, and will work with John Frey on overall budget and irrigation system design. 6. Skvtel Communications. 181 Serine Street: John Fitch and Nancy Yetman, who do permitting for Skytel Communications, presented plans for new antennas on the roof of 181 Spring Street. They have not yet filed with the Board of Appeals but were at the DAC meeting for informal review The proposal is for 2 omni-directional whip antennas, 6' —8' tall, and a 1.2-meter diameter disk antenna. All elements would be gray in color, and located in front of an existing gray rooftop mechanical unit. Although not concealed, the installation appears to be a visually insignificant change to the existing building roofscape. ( The DAC's chief suggestion was for greater clarity in the presentation, since there was initial confusion as to the location and nature of the proposal. 7 Traffic island. Meriam Street: Kerry Brandin and Elaine Tung presented a proposed landscaped traffic island to clarify rights-of way, and to reduce the amount of pavement at the intersection of Meriam Street and Franklin Road. They have presented the plan to the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, who apparently thought it was an improvement. The model is the island at the intersection of Woburn Street and Mass. Avenue. The Town would not be inclined to spend money on the project. Police records do not show accidents at the intersection, but there may have been several near-misses. Ballpark cost estimate is $20,000, which may be raised from the neighborhood. The DAC reacted generally favorably to the proposal. It was stressed that landscaping should not block visibility from cars. It was suggested that Ms. Brandin and Ms. Tung talk with Peter Chalpin. The DPW would do the actual engineering. Following design development by the DPW, Mr Chalpin, Ms. Brandin and Ms. Tung could present the plan to the Board of Selectmen. 8. Nextel Communications. 394 Lowell Street: Daniel Rosemark of Nextel was scheduled to appear to present updates to a proposal for a mostly concealed installation of antennas, however he was not present. The DAC reviewed ( drawings and discussed the proposal with David Kanter. DAC Meeting Minutes—October 3, 2000 Page 3 Previously approved were antennas concealed in a fiberglass false chimney designed to match two existing stucco chimneys and to replace one existing stucco false chimney The current proposal is a modification consisting of 2 GPS antennas, not concealed, and mounted on the roof near the false chimney There was some confusion because the drawings were not clear as to the size and proposed mounting height of the GPS antennas, but they appeared to be 6 inches in diameter, mounted at least 14" above the roof. The DAC felt that the proposed modification was acceptable providing that the added antennas are not too big or mounted too high, and that cabling was concealed within the roof structure. 9 Rational Software_ oronosed siert 12 Hartwell Avenue: James Tracey of Rational Software presented a proposed sign to replace the Number Nme Technologies sign at 12 Hartwell Avenue. The proposed sign would be 11 feet long, the same length as the existing brick pier, which would remain. The sign was previously presented in August, at which time the DAC had some suggestions regarding materials. The DAC felt that the proposed sign was acceptable as presented. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10.15 PM. Next meeting: Tuesday, November 7, 2000