The Public Facilities Committee voted to Approve the following (see report and watch the video):
- Request for sewer extension in Dedham Street (7-0) Kevin Hennigan discussed relocating a city sanitary sewer main to allow expansion of a dwelling at 949 Dedham Street, involving the creation of two new manholes and a twenty-foot easement. Petitioner to pay the entire cost. No one spoke at the public hearing. Back-up Material
- Eversource petition for Grant of Location for 2370 Commonwealth Ave (7-0) Eversource proposed installing approximately 378 feet of conduit along Commonwealth Ave to support the MWRA Tunnel Boring Machine project, ensuring it does not affect a newly installed raised crossing. Back-up Material
- Schematic design and site approval for the Horace Mann School Building at 225 Nevada Street (7-0) The project entails a 22,000 SF addition to the existing school to enhance educational spaces, including a cafetorium and music room, with significant site improvements like accessible playgrounds and parking. Project Website
- Appropriate $31,578,632 for the Horace Mann Project (7-0) The amount authorized to be borrowed “shall be reduced to the extent that any grants are received by the City from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).”
- Request for drain extensions in Edgefield Road (7-0) starting in York Road from a new drain manhole to provide an overflow connection for 56 Marcellus Drive. Approved with the condition that lateral stubs be put in for all abutters at the cost of the petitioner. Back-up Material
- Reappointment of Jay Snyder to the Citizens Commission on Energy (Approved 6-0; Councilor Gentile not voting)
The Public Facilities Committee voted No Action Necessary on the following:
- Discussion with Director of Sustainable Materials Management regarding recycling and trash management (No Action Necessary 6-0; Councilor Gentile not voting) The City’s 20 disposal contract ends on June 30, 2028. Only 5-year contracts are available going forward. The cost of new trash disposal costs have increased by 40%+ in other municipalities.
- Organic waste collection currently costs residents $60 for 6 months of weekly collection. 3,085 households and businesses participate. Organic material is 33% of Newton’s trash. The cost of the City adopting a full curbside organic collection would be neutral (reduced waste tonnage costs roughly equal increased organic collection costs).
- FY 24 Newton’s trash cost $1,300,000; recycling $521,670
- The MassDEP Solid Waste Master Plan 2010-2020’s goal was to reduce trash disposal by 30%. Actual reduction was 16%. There is limited and decreasing solid waste disposal capacity in MA.
- Street Sweeping: Most squares swept daily, bike lanes twice a week, 7 streets ban parking for 4 hours each month for sweeping
- $100,000 was allocated for the development of a long-term sustainable materials management plan and analysis. Work is to begin in September.
The Public Facilities Committee voted to Hold the following:
- Verizon petition for a Grant of Location to move a pole on Chase Street (Held 7-0) Delayed to accommodate a new driveway, with discussions pending a representative from Verizon to address council and abutter concerns. Back-up Material
- Eversource petition for Grant of Location for Commonwealth Ave (Held 7-0) Held pending a discussion with Eversource to address concerns about disrupting a raised crossing. There was no Eversource representative available to attend the meeting. Back-up Material