Comprehensive Patriot Place Review

Committee Meeting

Minutes of October 23, 2006

 

Chairman Mark Sullivan opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. 

 

Members present: Anthony LaChapelle, Paul Feeney, John Michelmore, Arthur Barrett, Neil Forster, and Arthur Muldoon (alternate) – Bert Delaney and Bill Buckley were excused

 

Minutes from the October 16^th meeting were approved motion by Mark Sullivan second by Neil Forster approved by all.

 

A statement from Bill Buckley was read into the record by Neil Forster (attached) It was read prior to Leo Potter's statement since it addressed some of the Water and Sewer issues.

 

Chairman Sullivan informed the group that ConCom was working with the Bass Pro Shop only.

 

Leo Potter was introduced and gave a statement of the Water & Sewer Department’s involvement with the project to date.

            W&S have begun to meet with town consultants and the Patriots, they have reviewed relevant plans and given their suggestions and comments.

            A main concern is the need for improvement of the water main on Route One.  Once the road is widened plans should be made for the laying of new pipe, upgrading from the existing 10” pipe  to a 12” pipe.  The existing 10” piping is prone to leaks and problems, there is about 3000 to 4000 feet in the problem area.  It was noted that the Commonwealth presently allows the Town to pump water at a rate of 2 Million gallons a day; the Patriot’s will require about 80 Thousand gallons a day more, the State Hospital Development also. W & S has already submitted a request to the State for permission to pump an additional amount

            W&S are in discussions about the future of the leaching bed for the town and Patriots treatment plants.  These discussions will continue, they have only had preliminary discussions at this point. The Patriots intend on fully utilizing their treatment plant only.  Nothing will be ready or available for other additions by the Town. The leaching field in question is an approximate 125,000 gallon per day capacity bed that was originally reserved to accommodate further expansion along Route 1.  It is in an area known to have the required absorption capability, there are other areas in the vicinity that are not capable. The only other capable areas left to the Town are the State Hospital area where Recreation facilities are presently contemplated and the Spring Street area.

So there is still space available for the town to use as a leaching field, however the town must reach a decision  before the space is filled or paved over. W&S have raised the question about putting piping in the leaching area for the Town prior to paving but the Patriots have not responded.

            Mr. Potter stated that the leaching field is the towns forever, there is no sunset clause, however, there is a sunset clause on the treatment plant, the date is the year 2010.  The town could assume responsibility for the Patriots plant and a town’s plants after that date.

             

            The town has an option to build a one-million gallon treatment facility on the site with a 125 gallon bed with reserve if needed

            The fire-flow test is at 2000 gallon per minute, which is more than adequate.

In summary the W&S top priorities and concerns for this project are that the Water Main on Route One be replaced, there have been four main breaks in the past couple years and the time time to work on the breaks is always very limited because of the heavy volume of traffic, etc.  Need to upgrade to 12” piping.  Leo noted that this can and will be very expensive.

W&S ultimately would like the town and the Patriots systems to integrate together.  The best plan should be put in place that will benefit the town as well as handle the additional usage by the Patriots area.

 

The W&S also want to ensure that the new system is of sound construction and is properly completed.  Also, it must be kept in mind that the town must inform Mansfield of their plans so that Mansfield can proceed with their improvement plans.

 

Leo noted that this should not have any affect on man hours for his department, stating that permit fees should compensate for any additional time spent by his staff or consultants for the department.

 

Mark Sullivan questioned the board on the Advertising rights for the Water Tower.  It was stated that this may play a role in negotiations with the Patriots.  It was noted that the water tank is under the jurisdiction of the W&S Department, all proposals must be brought to them and then after their recommendation is signed off on, it is brought to the Selectmen for sign off.  No one could come to a definite answer about who has the final say.  Mark to investigate more. 

 

John Michelmore asked Leo, et al, if there was some way of having a blown up view of what is actually being proposed for use at our future meetings. Chairman Mark Sullivan suggested that a copy be obtained from consultant MAGUIRE or Town Planner Marc Resnick for the use of the Committee.

 

Michael Kelleher  of the Foxborough Fire gave a slide presentation showing what the impact of Patriots Place will have on the department.

The report’s  concerns are that the Fire Department is already short staffed compared to area stations and that, in the best interest of the town, the personnel for the department should be increased by 14.  These concerns address all the added developments that are being constructed in Foxboro in addition to the adding of Patriots Place. Five additional workers should be in place during construction of Patriots place, so that they’re trained and ready when the complex is complete. 

At this point the current replacement of equipment will continue as usual, the department is not looking for additional equipment.  The main focus and concerns are with the need for additional personnel.

 

John Michelmore inquired about the Patriots going out for their EMT Services.  Chief MacNamara reminded everyone that the FFD is the licensed 911 responder, regardless.  If the outside ambulance has taken someone from Patriots area, they must call for FFD to help.

Captain Don Treannie reminded the Committee that there are many other activities that happen at the Stadium and that FFD is constantly making the run up there.  During the construction of the new stadium there were many calls for services.

 

Neil Forster read his suggestion for the committees Mission Statement…

 

It is the intent of this Committee, acting in the interests of the Town of Foxborough and it’s residents, to study and analyze the overall impact of the proposed Patriot Place Mall and supply the Board of Selectmen with a summary containing a comprehensive set of suggested guidelines and actions to be taken, both in advance of construction; during construction; and during occupation of the Mall by potential Lessees.

 

In pursuit of this Mission a Fiscal Impact Study will be undertaken which will also include a broad Economic Impact Study.  While respectful of the jurisdictions of various Town Departments it is considered crucial to look to all Boards for information and guidance and to suggest to them any actions deemed to be vital for taking at this early point in time.

 

It was asked that each board member review the statement and come back with their comments/suggestions.

 

Neil Forster made a motion to ask permission from the Board of Selectmen for their approval to publish a website for the committee as a portal to keep the public informed on the workings of this committee.  The motion was seconded by Paul Feeney, all in attendance were in favor.

 

Citizen Input

 

Jim DeVellis questioned what is the common glue between the planning board, and this committee.  He expressed his concerns that although this committee is working diligently, that the Planning Board has the final sign off and all this could happen while this committee is still working on its’ findings.  What is the time frame this committee has to work with?  It was stated that once the public meetings are concluded there is a 30 day time limit to submit the findings.

 

Neil and Tony are working together to firm this situation up.

 

Nancy Campany informed that e-mail is not a form of discussion to be used with an open meeting.  Mark will investigate the laws on open meeting to see if e-mail is allowable.

 

Nancy also is concerned that our hired consultant should be well versed in the large commercial development.  Chairman Mark stated that the committee has the same concerns and that the request to hire a consultant is in the works and has been approved.

 

John Michelmore motioned to adjourn, seconded by Paul Feeney all were in agreement at 9:30 p.m.

 

Submitted,

 

Lynda Walsh

 

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