Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
BOS minutes exec session 08-23-11
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Minutes Board of Selectmen Executive Session August 23, 2011 Memorial Hall - Salah Meeting Room Present: John J. Connolly, Chairman, Avril Elkort, Vice-Chairman, Gerald A. Salvatori, Jr., Clerk, Robert E. Burr, Jr., Member, Victor D. Del Vecchio, Member, William T. Friel, Town Administrator. Meeting was called to order at 7:50 p.m. Also present: Jim Donovan, Town Engineer, James Turner and Bob Stevens of Stevens Associates, Lou Ross, Town Counsel, Rick Brandstatter, CDP. Mr. Connolly made the introductions. He began by addressing what he felt the status is of the repair of the Reservoir Pond dam and what the concerns are including the continued unacceptable delay. Mr. Brandstatter announced that the project had been Conservation Commission approved and State ODS approved. He made the Board aware that the new approach is piles versus grouting. Mr. Friel indicated the state had not approved and he was told by ODS officials the pile approach had not been used in Massachusetts. He continued by noting that the original estimate was $263,000 but other bids are in the $300,000 range. There was a general discussion or acceptable water level of the dam once repaired and the settlement agreement in that regard. It was noted that the operating manual for the dam needs to be reviews by Town Counsel after submission by CDP the dam owner There was an overall discussion of the project schedule and scope to fix the dam. The Board of Selectmen cited frustration with progress of design and construction of dam improvements. Mr. Burr raised a general discussion regarding the logic of foregoing 10 million dollar tax break by not agreeing (Canton Development Partners) to fix the dam as promised. The breach option was discussed and its related costs were reviewed. It was noted that the breach may not be feasible for a variety of reasons including costs and long delays related to legal challenges expected largely brought by residents. Those in attendance agreed.