At a Special Meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Middletown, RI held at the Middletown Town Hall on Friday, February 11, 2005 at 5:00 P.M.
Vice Chair Charles J. Vaillancourt, Presiding
Councillor Barbara A. Barrow
Councillor Louis P. DiPalma
Councillor Shirley R. Mello
Councillor M. Theresa Santos, Members Present
Council President Paul J. Rodrigues, Absent
Councillor Edward J. Silveira, Jr.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to receive said communication.
Present also were Eric Offenberg and Matthew Viana, representing Northeast Engineers and Consultants, Inc.
Mr. Viana described the nature and reasons for drainage problems in the Birchwood Manor subdivision. These issues, as well as potential options for remediation, are addressed in a document entitled Summary Report birchwood Manor Drainage Issues, entered here:
It was the consensus of those present that option D or E provided the best solutions to the problems. Estimated cost of remediation is $1. - $1.5 million.
The following named residents addressed the Council concerning this issue.
Bob Jankuska, 1 Weetamoe Road, who described problems dating back to 1986.
Roman Powaluk, 2 Namquid Drive, who isn't certain that the problem is severe enough to justify a potential $1.5 million expenditure.
Karen Danin, 905 Fairway Drive, who supports Option E.
Tom Nasser, 19 Squantum Drive, who described flooding in his back yard and more severe flooding in his neighbors basements.
Don Mallinson, 201 Fairway Drive, who supports Option E and Westridge Condominium Association participation in the process, particularly providing input about landscaping.
John Horan, 10 Namquid Drive, who offered that while Squantum Drive and Weetamoe Road residents have severe flooding, his property on Namquid has back yard water but no flooding. He favors Option E but hopes the solution will be done in such a way as to guarantee the integrity of homes and safeguard the character of the neighborhood. He is particularly concerned that the solution will involve a large open ditch.
Diane Andrews, 11 Colony Drive, who noted the severity of the problem and thanked the Council for its consideration.
Art Benner, 3 Namquid Drive, an area resident for 40 years who noted that the first 20 years were problem free. As the area was developed and JT's and Stop and Shop were built, problems arose. He urged the Council that when development is planned, the Town must consider and analyze how the entire area will be affected.
Manny Mello, No. Beacon Terrace, who believes the problem can be solved for far less money. He maintains that Westridge issues must be addressed first.
Sandy Powaluk, 2 Namquid Drive, who expressed concern about standing water and increased taxes.
Steve Aten, 33 Namquid Drive, who noted that problems arose as development touched the area. The Town failed to exercise due diligence and it supports developments which have an adverse impact on neighborhoods. He expressed concern also about open ditches.
Northeast representatives responded that there will be no standing water or open ditches resulting from remediation; there would be underground pipes but no pumps. Everything would be underground.
Town officials noted that the project no doubt will be on the tax rate but funding will come mostly from previously approved bonds and CIP funds already budgeted. The impact will not be substantial.
The project time line was also discussed. Phase I drain works would start as soon as Spring breaks. The Council must choose an option. Then follows the design phase which normally takes 4 - 6 weeks; the DEM permitting process may be 6 - 12 months but it could be expedited, then the bid process. Construction then could take about three months. If the project is fast tracked, it could possibly be completed within a year.
The Finance Director will identify funding sources for each of the favored options. The Council hopes to take action on those options at either its March 7 or March 21, 2005 regular meeting.
Vice Chair Vaillancourt noted that mistakes in the past will not be repeated and the Town needs to move forward. He added that the Town hopes for the least disturbance to the privacy area behind Northam Lane homes.
On motion of Councillor Santos, duly seconded, it was voted unanimously to adjourn this meeting at 6:30 P.M.
Barbara L. Nash, CMC.
Council Clerk