COCHITUATE RAIL TRAIL TASK FORCE
MINUTES OF MEETING
June 17, 2008
Attendance:
Name |
Affiliation |
Term Expires |
Present |
|
|
|
Yes |
No |
Josh Ostroff |
BOS |
June 30, 2008 |
X |
|
Martha White |
Town Admininstrator |
June 30, 2008 |
|
X |
vacant |
Planning Board |
June 30, 2008 |
|
X |
Adrienne Spelker |
Conservation Committee |
June 30, 2008 |
|
X |
vacant |
Finance Committee |
June 30, 2008 |
|
X |
John Griffith |
Recreation and Parks |
June 30, 2008 |
X |
|
A. Richard Miller |
Bicycle and Pedestrian |
June 30, 2008 |
|
X |
Jon Gelchinsky |
Member at Large |
June 30, 2008 |
|
X |
David Comacho |
Member at Large |
June 30, 2008 |
X |
|
Karla Sangrey |
Member at Large (chair) |
June 30, 2008 |
X |
|
Peter Henry |
Alternate member |
June 30, 2008 |
X |
|
Matt Daniels |
Alternate member |
June 30, 2008 |
X |
|
Harry Newell |
Alternate member |
June 30, 2008 |
|
X |
Karen Patterson Greene |
Member at large |
June 30, 2008 |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
Andy Palmgren |
Visitor |
|
X |
|
Chair Karla Sangrey called the meeting to order at 6:20.
1) Minutes of May 15th
Reviewed the minutes from May 15, 2008; several spelling corrections and other language refinements were offered and accepted. On a motion by Josh, seconded by Peter, the minutes were approved.
2) CSX Update
a. Request for Quotation: The second version of the Request for Quotation (RFQ) for an appraisal was issued, but no bids were received. In conversations with potential bidders, Josh and Martha (White) received feedback about why potential appraisers had not submitted bids. Contract language and timeline were the two largest obstacles for potential bidders. A third version of the RFQ will be issued soon.
b. Repairs: Repairs to the culvert have been made by CSX. Repairs to the Route 9 bridge are still planned.
c. Aerial Photographs: Three aerial photo maps provided by CSX were passed around the table. The photographs have been marked with the starting and ending locations for the CSX abandonment and seem to clarify that the abandonment starts at the main line and not farther up the Saxonville Branch.
3) Outreach – Debrief on May 28th Community Forum
a. Josh reviewed the flip chart notes from the public comment portion of the meeting. Environmental issues along the trail near Natick Paperboard were the primary concern of citizens who spoke at the meeting. Natick Compliance Officer, Bob Bois, has stated that the trail itself is not a Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) listed site, but that the Natick Paperboard property is a listed site. An abutter to the trail also voiced his opinion that the trail should never be used for motorized transit. The question of whether the property should be assessed and taxed by the town was also voiced.
b. Framingham – Andrea Carr-Evans, a Framingham CRT member, spoke at the forum and offered information about the Framingham portion of the CRT as well as suggestions for Natick. She offered that Natick could learn from the Framingham experience with environmental assessment, brownfields insurance, and the design process. Andrea invited Natick to share/participate in the Framingham design process.
4) Task Force Membership Renewals
CRT Task Force membership is set to expire on June 30, 2008. Membership renewal forms are due to the Board of Selectman as soon as possible. Josh again floated the idea of asking other committees to appoint representatives rather than having fixed members who often do not have time to attend the CRT meetings.
5) Tour of Regional Rail Trails
Dick is willing to lead a tour of regional rail trails and other multi-use paths. Dave offered to gather information about the Minuteman rail trail. Matt offered to gather information about other rail trails in the area.
6) Meeting Dates - July 16th was proposed as the next meeting date.
7) Other Business – The Framingham CRT group is moving forward with their portion of the trail. Meeting with them might be beneficial to us.
On a motion by Peter, seconded by Dave, the meeting was adjourned at 7:24 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Matt Daniels and Karla Sangrey
Appendix to June 17 Minutes
Notes from May 28 Community Forum
Questions and Comments following the Presentations:
Emily Tobin:
When might it be open?
How will you make sure to design safe intersections [with roadways]?
Judy D’Antonio
In favor of the project.
Concerned about test borings near Washington Street (57/59) and #6 oil found in groundwater and Natick Paperboard site contamination
Russ Brown
Environmental Concerns (including #6 oil and Natick paperboard)
Dick Williamson
What is the level of the Framingham Design? (25%)
Brownfield’s insurance?
John Cavanaugh
Transit concerns
Tax the ROW.
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