The Public Facilities Committee voted to approve the following (see Report and watch the video on NewTV):
- Appointment of David R. Gane to the Design Review Committee for the Countryside School project.
- Request to appropriate $1.15 million for Franklin Elementary School for the feasibility study and sale of bonds. More information on financing is to be presented at a future meeting.
The Public Facilities Committee voted to hold the following:
- Request for a grant of location for a new plastic gas main on Valentine Street: Councilors questioned why new gas pipes were needed here when there are more significant leaks elsewhere in Newton. National Grid response: DPW is about to pave the street and lining old pipes is not possible. DPW used drones to find manhole covers and gate valves that were paved over. Councilors asked if NationalGrid checks for gas leaks only after reports. No reply. Asked criteria for new versus repairing pipes. NationalGrid will get back to Committee with an answer. Councilors felt the DPW paving schedule should be coordinated with high gas leak sites.
Public Hearing Comments: Several members of the public disputed whether relining was possible. The site near the recent manhole cover explosion and other spots with greater leaks should be a higher priority.
- Request for an annual discussion on Sustainable Materials Management (recycling and trash)
The City could add organics pick-up if trash and recycling and organics were picked up every other week. Some residents are concerned that backyard composting attracts rats. The clothing bins program is run by the School Department.
The trash contract is up for bid in 2028. Other communities have seen 40% increases in costs.
Newton recycling values:
- FY22 Jul‐Mar rebate of $42,000
- FY23 Jul‐Mar cost of $458,000 (29% of households have contaminated recycling, 53% with plastic bags)
Newton trash value:
- FY22 Jul‐Mar cost of $947,000
- FY23 Jul‐Mar cost of $947,000
Yard waste volume is up, increasing costs. State Department of Energy is changing the grant programs to promote reduce carts or moving to trash as a utility model.
- Discussion on the Countryside School Project
Presentation of options for new building and parking, space, and wetlands issues. Powerpoint presentation and preferred option are contained in the Committee report.
