Village Planning Committee Minutes – 10-29-08

Attending: Dave Drasba, John Jordan, Kurt Grassett, Tom Pisaturo, Dennis Rossiter, Jim Gamble, Mary Covington, Howard Mansfield

 

 

1) RFQ Selection

Kurt & Dave reported: Interviewed AC Engineering, Meridian, and Underwood. Meridian did very well. Brought in a graphic & landscape designer. Engineering was solid. Sketches were particularly impressive. Brought an aspect over and above the engineering. Helps to visualize.

 

AC Engineering – two engineers that are very good at engineering.

 

Underwood – nice packets that explained what they could do in relation to what VPC has been doing. Didn’t finish within the timeframe. Did also have a historical preservation consultant.

 

Reason for going through this process is to get state aid. Have to rank 1, 2 3 and negotiate.

 

 

Next step is to advise select board of the plans and then open up negotiations.

 

Next meeting: Dec. 3 – talk about what to do to promote the plan and discuss warrant article.

 

 

2) Lighting Tests – John & Dave

Lighting from church -- too many lights and too much maintenance.

Lighting from flagpole may be an option. Need to try it out to figure out how many lights, the correct wattage, how high up, etc. Other issue would be getting power to the flagpole. Could light from top of pediment up. Ground lighting not a good option – can’t get back far enough. Also issues with snow removal.

 

 

3) Wires – Kurt, Mary

Kurt sent email to Hancock Improvement Association about needing additional budget. Mary circulated message to HIA members to see if they approve the additional budget and all agreed. Kurt’s department got hit pretty hard the last couple months. Lost one employee to retirement; another to illness. Can’t complete the work they originally planned to complete. Looked at projects – what could finish, etc. Drainage is on hold for the time being. Also took 17% hit on fuel. Wires remain. Budget was approx. $165,000 after initial estimate of $200,000 was negotiated down. Still will come in well under the $200,000 but need to hire subcontractors in order to finish the work and that will be in addition to the $165,000.

 

Current status: Poles are up. Conduit is coming. Pads are ordered. All set to start on Nov. 6.

 

 

4) Drainage – Kurt

On hold for the rest of this year due to staff shortage.

 

 

5) Registering the survey – John

Not a priority to select board. Would like to do it, but need additional money. VPC urged select board to register as soon as possible and suggested ways to come up with additional funding.

 

 

6) New business: None.

 

 

Next Meeting: December 3

 

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