Minutes

Waban Library Center

In attendance: Andreae Downs, Barbara Bower, Maureen Reilly Meagher, Sallee Lipshutz, Chris Pitts, Kathy Winters, Rena Getz.

Ald. Deb Crossley

Residents: Helen Goldberg, Barbara & Dan Kozaas, Gretchen Friend, Isabelle Albeck, Doug, Jones, Jose Portuondo, Maria Wilson-Portuondo, Barbara Darnell, Maria Cristina Portuondo, Kim Flannery, Sue Haggie, Julia Golden.

1. Minutes of November meeting approved by unanimous vote.

2. Treasurer’s report. Current balance $2277.15. Treasurer’s report approved by unanimous vote.

3. Waban Parking Plan. Ald. Crossley discussed the previously proposed Waban parking plan. We had been told that a comprehensive parking plan for Waban would be tackled in the new year in association with the opening of the new Angier building. However, many other areas in the city have been waiting for parking plans for years, and the Traffic Council decided not to do a complete Waban parking plan at this time. Instead, parking issues will be dealt with in phases.

• Immediate changes will occur on Beacon St. (from the T bridge to Metacomet) and the portion of Dorset Rd. from Beacon to Locke. Parking will be eliminated on certain portions of those streets, and restricted parking implemented on other portions. There will be a two-hour limit during the day. Residents will be issued permits exempting them from the restrictions. Residents will also receive a number of guest passes, and can call the police department to alert them if they are having an event where they expect a number of guests on a particular day.
• In January, the Traffic Council will address parking on Locke Rd. (and will consider whether parking restrictions are needed there).
• Sometime over the first three months of 2016, the Traffic Council will address parking on the following seven streets: Irvington, Manitoba, Nehoiden, Waban Ave., Annawan and Collins.

The Traffic Council and the City would both like to prevent commuters from regularly parking on Waban streets.

4. Other Angier Parking/Traffic Issues.

• Several residents at the meeting questioned the parking plan for teachers. There are up to 90 teachers with parking for 60 cars on site. Teachers will be issued permits allowing them to park on parking-restricted roads.
• The sidewalk is in on path to Angier by Dorset Rd. IA asked if the shortcut by Dorset Rd. would be plowed. · MRM recalled that at our last meeting it was suggested to have one place on Angier website to address parking/driving/walking issues. AD said Safe Routes to School is working on that.
• Solana Fefer asked who to contact about problems with the intersections etc. MRM advised that residents can call 311 and also the police department. You can request records from the police department to track complaints and comments.
• Rebecca Latimore suggested we gather information about the number of comments that are made and traffic data so that we can have a community narrative about the new design and changes.
• Adopt-A-Teacher: Car Parking. Ald. John Rice has told AD that the city legal department said city insurance will not cover any incidents related to teachers parking in residents’ driveways. KW suggested residents willing to allow teachers to park could have teachers sign liability waivers.

5. Planning for area council-sponsored event to discuss arrival and departure policies for Zervas. AD explained the desire to get Zervas planning started early and involving the Newton Highlands Area council. SL will call Srdj and try to set up a joint meeting to plan. Discussion of making sure that the Zervas neighbors are aware of construction vehicle parking that will likely occur.

6. SPN Update. The Developer’s attorney plans to file an application with the ZBA at the beginning of the year.

7. Bulletin Board Issue. SL asked if there is any motivation on the council to pursue taking responsibility for a new bulletin board. MRM will look into it.

8. WAC Future Funding. Our funds are down from high of $3300 to about $1400. SL asked if that is enough to get through the next year. CP suggests putting on an animal show as a community building event that could raise money. CP has offered to chair it. BB said she would help. MRM asked for some budget planning before proceeding with further fundraising.

9. Census Questions. SL asked David Olson whether we could add questions to the census. He explained that it is not practical -- questions would have to be city wide, non political, area council would have to pay, election commission would have to agree. Emailed surveys could go out if there is an appropriate distribution list. But we would have to have the email addresses.

10. Island Garden Update. MRM gave an update on the status for planning a garden at the Waban Ave./Collins Rd./Beacon St. island. MRM has already filed adopt an island application with parks and rec. JR has informed us that if WAC proceeded the alderman would vote and he recommends that we adopt the island. Need to hear from Carol Shulman that they have approved the plan.

11. Nominating meeting Jan 7th. Location TBD. Jan 14th we will have our regularly scheduled meeting. Still waiting on a swearing in date from the Mayor.

12. Charter Commission. First public hearing will occur on December 17, 2015 at City Hall. Residents will have 3-5 minutes to speak. SL encourages residents to attend.

13. Future Planning meetings will start occurring on the third Thursday of the month. Srdj will be joining the team. CP informed that we hope to come up with a future planning document. Will look into creating a historic district for Waban.

14. SL recognized BB’s service on the Board, and acknowledged Matt Gardella’s work as well (not present).

Adjourn, 9:08pm