HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-09-19-ETF-min Estabrook Task Force Meeting Minutes
Selectmen's Meeting Room
September 19, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.
The meeting was called to order at 6:08 p.m.
Participants present: Jim Brown, Michelle Ciccolo, Pat Goddard, Deb Mauger, Richard
Larrabee, John Himmel, Keith Hoyle, Mark Corr, Harold Payson, Christian Boutwell,
Ben Moroze, Ed LoTurco, Hank Manz, Katherine O'Hare-Gibson (teacher from
Estabrook), Maryanne Stewart, Superintendent of Schools Paul Ash, Judy Crocker,
Sandy Trach, Jaklyn Centracchio and Kien Ho from Beta.
A motion was made to approve the minutes of the August 31, 2011 meeting but it was
later realized that the incorrect minutes were distributed. The 8/31 minutes will be
approved at the next ETF meeting.
Update on Parent Input Subcommittee:
Margaret Counts-Klebe gave highlights from a report that was generated from a ten
question survey distributed electronically to parents. The survey found that a majority of
people are using cars to take their children to school. There was, however, a positive
response when asked if they would have their children ride the bus at no cost during
construction. Cost, placement of bus stops, and length of routes were all factors cited by
parents as reasons their kids do not take the bus. If the majority of Estabrook students
take the bus during construction, there would be a need for around eight routes. There
was a guesstimate that possibly 10% would not use bus under any circumstances.
There is a concern if the back of the school would be off limits during construction, but it
is not clear yet. There was also some discussion around further bus options; in particular
having only a drop off in the morning as opposed to a morning drop off and an afternoon
pick up. This may not be an option with the present bus company contract.
Update on OPM and/or PBC:
John Himmel reported for the PBC. The architect was selected last Tuesday (Name of
architect is DiNisco. If all goes according to schedule, the MSBA will decide on the
schematic design by the end of March, 2012.
Beta Group Presentation:
Kien Ho and Jaklyn Centracchio presented the scenarios for the Beta Group.
There are approximately 1,800 households in the Estabrook district and 450 students.
Beta discussed four options in detail. A 5th option was briefly presented but quickly
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discounted as the connection was from Grove Street north of the site and almost 100% of
the route would go through conservation land which was not seen as a viable option.
Option #1 Eldred Connection. This entailed converting the existing driveway from two
way to a one way route which would connect directly across from Eldred Street creating
a 4-way intersection. Access for the residential driveways would need to be
accommodated. With this option, the hill/entrance to the school will be lowered to a 7%
grade but with this, two residents will be significantly affected. From a cost standpoint,
this option is significant due to the extent of excavation work, amount of RE Takings
required, and because of the amount of ledge in area.
Option #2 Robinson Road Access. Currently there is limited access through Robinson
Road. This road does not meet design standards as the existing roadway ranges from 12'
to 15' and would need improvements to accommodate greater traffic volume. This road
would need to be improved to conventional design standards. Also, if this option is
chosen, there would be an additional 3,000 feet of additional travel for cars coming from
Grove Street.
Option #3 Mountain Road Access. This option would begin at Turning Mill and
provide a connection to the school site via Mountain Road. 400 feet of road would need
to be improved and an additional 600 feet would need to be constructed through
conservation land. Since this option has a major conservation land impact, drainage
issues may pose also problem.
Option #4 Widened Existing Driveway. This option proposes making the existing
entrance to Estabrook a 4-lane access point. Currently there is 35' of roadway with a 5'
sidewalk. This Beta concept proposes a 70' curb to curb width with a possible 6'
median. The Estabrook driveway is presently at a 9% grade. Widening and improving
the existing access could enable that grade to be reduced. Consideration should be given
to an exclusive right and left turn lane into the Estabrook property. In addition, a 6'
median could be provided to separate traffic. It is recommended that the sidewalk be
widened to at least 6' by 8' may be preferable. Care must be taken to accommodate the
access of 121 Grove Street driveway in the best feasible manner. A traffic light at the
entrance could also improve the flow and safety of vehicle movements in and out of site.
Beta provided examples of comparable school projects with similarly tight sites and
discussed ideal queuing lengths.
The 4 scenarios were discussed at length. Some concerns surrounding the options
suggested were that Grove Street has a lot of safety issues. Vertical alignment of the
roadway is poor, and the sight line is not optimal. Some felt the options didn't touch
upon fire and police safety issue/access. There is a concern about getting town Police,
Fire and DPW involved in these discussions as they will need to be able to access and
service the site on an ongoing, permanent basis.
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It was noted that Beta Group's analysis of the options did not take into consideration the
costs of lowering the existing school access driveway which likely would be significant
due to the need for retaining walls and lowering of the existing utilities in the driveway
sewer, water, gas, drainage, electric and telephone.
It was noted that the school population and distribution of students within the community
varies overtime thus traffic patterns will also vary over time.
The Police Chief discussed the models that have been used at the newer schools in Town
where typically two entrances are used where traffic can be separated to gain access to
the school.
It was noted that in order to proceed with analyzing these options further, the committee
needs a better grasp of the on-site layout of the school.
Nonetheless, in an effort to narrow the focus to the most likely preferred scenarios, the
ETF took several votes:
A motion was made and seconded to eliminate Option#1 Eldred Connection; vote:
unanimous.
A motion was made and seconded to eliminate Option#3 Mountain Road Access; vote:
unanimous.
A motion was made and seconded on to designate the current main entrance as the future
main entrance with Robinson Road access as a candidate to be explored for secondary
access. A modification was made on this motion to add that the Task Force would
recommend to the designer that Grove Street remain the primary access with Robinson
Road being the secondary access. Motion made by Christian Boutwell and seconded by
Judy Crocker; vote: unanimous.
A Doodle Poll will be sent out to determine date of the next meeting.
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 8:14 p.m.; vote: unanimous.
----Final Minutes adopted by Task Force on 11/28/11
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