by Frank Schroth
The town accountant and Chair of the Capital Improvements Committee, Amy Dexter, appeared at the invitation of Selectman Hurley. She came bearing good news for proponents of redevelopment of East Milton’s parking and traffic. The Capital Improvements Committee revisited their initial recommendation and approved an additional request for $300,000 to have design engineering for remodeling the East Milton deck. Goals of the redesign include additional parking over the deck, reconfigure the traffic, and improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.
The approval by the Capital Improvement Committee is that latest tooth extraction for a project that many might characterize as pulling teeth. The project recently lost $1 million in funding. The Obama administration reallocated federal funds that were sitting idle and applied them to “shovel-ready” projects. The town found itself in a time crunch, unable to get the design done and obtain the requisite approvals in hand to secure the funding. Hence the need to ask the town for the money. An article for funding of the design engineering was made to the Warrant Committee. They voted not to appropriate any money to the project on the grounds that it lacked sufficient supporting material and detail relative to scope of work to be done to justify the amount being requested. Being denied the appropriation, Mr. Hurley went to the Capital Improvement Committee which he is a member of. At the Selectmen’s meeting a cost estimate of $240K was given. The balance of $60K will be applied to the actual construction assuming design engineering plans are approved. The town has another $1 million in funding available. However, this amount is earmarked for construction only and cannot be applied to design engineering. Concern over losing that funding was a major impetus in the request for the $300K to keep the project moving forward.
The Capital Improvement Committee had already approved $3,000,000 for requests. Most of these amounts went to the schools, DPW, and Consolidated Facilities (see related post here.). The total amount is now $3,473,255. That amount also includes additional amounts of $96,650 for the water and sewer departments.
Ms. Dexter was present because Hurley thought it would be a good idea for the accountant to provide a short update on town finances on a quarterly basis. The budget is tracking according to projections. The Town Clerk is likely to see an increase of $279 over appropriation due to the special election that has been called for. A reserve fund transfer will be requested to cover that.
Curry College’s Richard Sullivan appeared to discuss the Ulin Rink. They are coming to the end of their agreement with the town to operate the rink (it ends in August). The town has two years left on its lease with the state. The operation has imposed no cost on taxpayers. Mr. Sullivan estimates that Curry will be out of pocket about $400,000 when the agreement ends. The college made significant investments in capital improvements such as lowering the ceiling to improve energy efficiency. Dealing with issues like poison ivy coming through the walls etc. They have increased the season by 25% and seen a greater than 25% increase in usage. They did revise times for various groups. Acknowledging Ms. Keating’s comments earlier, he said the change in week end hours was conscious and done in consultation with the town. However, Sullivan said they had increased hours overall from 26 weeks of operation under DCR to 32.5 that includes making rink available to children when schools are closed. Member Sweeney who is involved with the rink through his Lean to Skate program said that the users were “very happy.” He said that the DCR seemed to be changing its position regarding rinks. They had been shedding rinks in the Commonwealth and turning them over to private operators. However, Sweeney sensed that was changing. Hurley said they were continuing to press the issue.
The firm seeking to put in a hospice facility at the site of the old St. Elizabeth’s Rectory (Howe House) at corner of Reedsdale and Randolph Ave gave a brief presentation. Marion McEttrick, an attorney working for Seasons Hospice, presented along with Kathy Bliss an executive director with the organization. The presentation was similar to one given recently to the Planning Board (see related post here). Member Denis Keohane asked what would happen if approvals approvals from the Board of Appeals were not received. McEttrick said she was not at liberty to discuss the specific terms of the P&S. She did say that the neighbors who are generally in favor of the proposal requested that the operation be managed as a non-profit. In a follow up with Ms. McEttrick she explained that their concern was to prevent of commercial businesses in their neighborhood. Seasons will operate this facility under auspices of their foundation as a nonprofit. It was acknowledged that this model is not beneficial to the town from a tax perspective. Pilot (payment in lieu of taxes) conversations are underway.
It had been hoped that the design of the facility would incorporate the granite from the house that had been torn down. However, it came to light that the granite according to Mr. Hurley was “all stolen.” How someone made off with that amount of granite from a fenced yard remains a mystery.
The Selectmen returned to the issue of sending a letter to the FAA regarding runway 33L. It was a lively exchange among both the board and members of the audience still in attendance. Member Sweeney advocated sending two letters; one from the Selectmen and one from the Selectmen together with officials from other towns. Keohane asked,”What are you hoping to achieve?” “No more noise,” responded Sweeney. To which Hurley said, “They (FAA) are saying the opposite.” The report from the FAA maintains that the actual noise levels will decrease because the planes will be flying at a higher altitude. However, residents have voiced skepticism about that. Member Keohane, who has a pilot’s license, said, “I think the information they are giving us is completely false.” Judy Kennedy, who recently resigned as Milton’s liason to the FAA, shared that point of view. She stated that planes are at 10,000 feet over Holbrook. Therefore, she questioned how they could be 12,000 feet above Milton which is closer to the airport. Hurley said a letter expressing the concerns voiced would be sent to the FAA. He said that Cindy Christiansen who has earlier in the meeting said the data was flawed would be engaged in the effort. However, when pressed by Ms. Corcoran about whether the letter would explicitly state they were opposed to the runway, Hurely responded, “I am going to say what I just said.” Sweeney was in favor of using the word “oppose,” but Hurley argued that “I don’t know what I am opposing. I need more facts.”
The Selectmen deferred a discussion of wayfaring changes regarding the East Milton deck until Town Planer Bill Clark was available. The Selectmen’s session was at the same time as a Planning Board meeting which Clark was attending.