Wilber School Redevelopment Committee

December 5th, 2005 Meeting Minutes

Amended and Approved December 12th 2005

Committee Attendees

Jim Goldsmith – Chairperson

Marilyn Z. Kahn

Michael Baskin

Steve Lesperance

Craig Edwards

Joel Tran

 

Guests

Walter Newman - ZBA

Paul Lauenstein – Planning Board

Lynn Wolbarst – PO Square Committee

Barbara Nadler – Library

Scott Horsley – Planner

Nate Kelly - Planner

 

Meeting Initiation

Meeting was called to order at 7:40 pm by Jim Goldsmith.

 

Meeting Minutes

Approval of the November 7th and 21st minutes was deferred to a future meeting.

 

Presentation by Horsley Witten Group

Scott Horsley and Nate Kelly of the Horsley Witten Group (planners that specialize in low-impact development) gave a presentation entitled “Integrated Water Management and a Smart Growth Proposal for the Wilber School.” The proposal provided a concept plan for a hydrologically sustainable development designed with innovative use and re-use of water supply, wastewater and storm water. Horsley Witten has worked for the EPA, as well as with various municipalities and the Commonwealth of MA: in addition they developed a Smart Growth Tool Kit with techniques applicable to the Wilber School.  They see the site as representing opportunity to the community and feel it is an ideal opportunity to integrate Smart Growth into the site.

 

When questioned, Horsley stated that Titled V is not designed to protect water quality but to protect the water from bacterial contamination and other public health concerns.  He stated the solutions needed are to minimize impact, create no new net impact and perhaps form a positive impact to the water supply. Strategies include a) water supply conservation, b) re-use of waste water, c) storm water management and d) land-use planning and better site planning.

 

It was mentioned that in Germany, “green roofs” is a very common technique in which run off storm water is collected in rain barrels and cisterns and then reused. Storm water can even be stored underneath parking lots. For wastewater options, Horsley discussed separating black and grey water. He thinks it is feasible to treat and return water from within the catch basins.  He also thinks we can take sewage from houses nearby, involve them in the treatment process and add less nitrates to the soil.

 

Horsley noted this was done in Mashpee where nitrogen loading was reduced. The developer negotiated a deal with a nearby condo complex with Title V problems and the situation was resolved. He also stated there are new Title V standards coming out. He recommended designing a site that is flexible and expandable as the need arises. He suggested we design the Wilber site to be functional and economically viable.

Horsley stated that there are many options for technologies, with the best being a biological vegetative system.  It can be designed on a small space and the action is subsurface. It breaks down sewage particles and puts the nitrogen gas into the atmosphere. The cost is low and though techniques are non-conventional they have been used in Massachusetts. There is a special approval process to present to the DEP for qualified landmarks. This type of system produces positive impact to the soil. Horsley stated that in looking at the site, he sees more opportunities than constraints. The Wilber site can become a town center for other projects.  His team would look at maximizing waste water.

 

Tran asked Horsley about his thoughts on the amount of pre-planning to be included in the RFP. Horsley stated that it is critical that the town guide the RFP, maintain control and direct the project. Horsley can provide parameters. We should give the developer the concept and the requirements. Horsley would like to provide the concept design which would be done in time for the RFP. He stated there are various grant programs that may help us to fund some of the work and they would assist. These include Riverway Grant, Smart Growth Grant and TOD Grant. He thinks Sharon is a design opportunity. They want to develop a concept site plan and report for the Wilber, to be included within the RFP to the developers. He stated there are different ways to deal with waste water and more options for parking. Horsley would prepare an overlay of the changes proposed and show options and locations for the options. All information would be included within a 10 – 15 page report explaining what is being suggested thus making it a site planning report not a detailed engineering report.

 

Baskin interjected that the committee needs to decide on how to proceed. The more capacity, the more credits we can give to the developer. It may make development in town center more attractive. Tran stated if we can reduce nitrates and produce a positive effect, we can develop the site differently.

 

Horsley added that a 10,000gpd restriction was not a “tight” number; it can be changed based on fixtures and water use as well as the system chosen. As an example, with use of composting toilets, there can be a 60% reduction in leaching fields.

 

The committee members who were present thought the presentation was excellent. The firm seemed knowledgeable, committed, and seemed to want to provide alternatives. By employing the firm we can earn credibility to deal with other boards in town.

 

 

Next Steps

  1. Goldsmith to email Horsley’s PowerPoint presentation to members once received.
  2. It was suggested that someone communicate with BOH to update them on this new information.
  3. Need to meet with selectmen, BOH, Planning Board and WSRC.
  4. Review RFP draft and come to next meeting prepared with comments.
  5. DePree will look at potential lenders.(as discussed in 11/21 meeting)
  6. Edwards to speak to Peter O’Cain regarding an abatement grant suggested by Robert Young at the 11/21 meeting.

 

Future Meetings:

Monday, December 12th, 7:30pm at the Library, Main Floor Reference Room

 

Meeting ended at 9:15pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Rachelle F. Levitts