Comprehensive Patriot Place Review

Committee Meeting

Minutes of December 4, 2006

 

Chairman Mark Sullivan opened the meeting at 7:10 p.m. 

 

Members present: John Michelmore, Neil Forster, Bert Delaney, Paul Feeney, Bill Buckley, Arthur Barrett, Maryanne Baker, and Arthur Muldoon (alternates)

 

The minutes of the November 21st meeting were approved upon motion by Mark Sullivan seconded by Bert Delaney and approved by all.  The minutes of the November 27th meeting were approved upon motion by Bert Delaney and seconded by Paul Feeney and approved by all.

 

During the Chairman’s Remarks Mark Sullivan suggested that all committee member’s reports will be included in the final report to the Board of Selectmen.  Mark also informed the group that Tony LaChapelle has resigned from this committee due to his workload at his place of employment.

 

Bert Delaney suggested that the committee use John Michelmore’s summarization report as the overview document in the report.

 

Bill Buckley expressed concern about the traffic report and the fact that the Planning Board and the Water & Sewer department have not yet produced a final report due to continuing discussion with the developer.  Bill suggested that a list of town needs be given to the negotiating team.  He would like to include a figure for all the things the town needs that should to be done.  Bill believes that the amount the town is asking the Kraft Organization to spend is much less than what the tax payers of this town have already spent to enhance the stadium.

 

Bert Delaney stated that this is a “one shot deal” and will impact the town more than just 12 days a year during football.  This mall will have impact on the town 365 days a year.

 

Paul Feeney stated that the Police and Fire Department have needs, urgent needs, and that the town should be asking the developer to contribute funding to those needs.  He agreed that John’s report is a perfect summary to present to the Board of Selectmen.  Paul stated that he would have liked more time to investigate subject a little deeper, but understands the time restraints.

 

Mark Sullivan stated that the group has accomplished it’s charge. Our fact finding has been completed and we’re passing along a lot of information to any new negotiation committee.  He stated that Phil Henderson (Water and Sewer) has a meeting with the Kraft Organization on December 5th.

 

Arthur Barrett expressed concern that perhaps we are being too specific, this may give us a disadvantage.  We should let the peer review consultant report on their findings, it may be a case that our number conflict with their numbers.

 

Bert Delaney questioned whether we should add specific numbers to the Public Safety Department.

 

Neil Forster disagreed, stating that he believes we should include all of our reports and that the Police Department numbers are suggestions which should be investigated using the “bottoms up” or non-linear” method.  He pointed out in his report that a consultant might be assigned this task along with others.

 

Bert Delaney stated that somewhere there should be a statement that these are facts gathered from all the information we had and that we are awaiting the outcome of the impact peer review by the newly hired consultant.

 

Bill Buckley reminded the committee that we are just an advisory sub-committee.  The Board of Selectmen can pick and choose what they want from our report.

 

John Michelmore reminded the committee that our final document will become a public document.

 

Neil Forster stated that he stands by his report and points out that time is running out.  There should be a conclusion this evening.

 

Mark Sullivan told the group that he would like all committee members to be present at the Board of Selectmen meeting on December 12th.

 

John Michelmore stated that his concerned that Phil Henderson (Water & Sewer) have been in deep discussion with the Kraft Organization.  Mark Sullivan assured John that he had spoken to Phil and that it has only been a fact finding exercise to this point.

 

Don Treannie (Foxboro Fire) wanted to clarify that the department is NOT merely running at capacity, at this point and that they are truly understaffed.  At capacity would mean that they’re meeting the town needs, but that is not the case, the department calls for help from other towns constantly.  He also informed the group that he had visited the newly hired consultants’ web site and there was no mention of Public Safety in any of their portfolios, also that it is a three person company.

 

Bert Delaney asked Mark to question the Board of Selectmen as to consultants’ Public Safety experience.

 

Paul Feeney stated that the Public Safety issues are an important part of our report and should be included in the consultants report.

 

Neil Forster also wanted it noted that the Police and Fire Departments are very concerned about the ability to access to the mall during emergencies.

 

Don Treannie (Foxboro Fire) commented that at this point the Fire can use Fidelity Way, however they have to wait for Stadium security to come and unlock the gate, and that once the vehicle is in the gate is locked.

 

Nancy Dewar of Washington Street stated that litter has become a large problem and is concerned it could become worse.  Paul Feeney agreed that the littering problem should be looked into

 

Bert Delaney questioned the format for presenting the report to the Board of Selectmen.  Mark stated that he’d like John Michelmore to present opening remarks and have each department liaison give their remarks.

 

MaryAnne Baker commended Lynda Walsh for her work in taking and distributing the Minutes in a timely manner.  All committee members agreed, adding appreciative comments and giving Lynda a round of applause.

 

Mark moved to adjourn, seconded by Bill Buckley, all were in favor.

 

Adjourned at 9:10.

 

Submitted

 

Lynda Walsh