March 24 Select Board Update: propane tank license hearings, an open meeting law complaint & more

The Select Board opened up with an announcement about 432 Adams Street in regards to purchasing land for a new fire station. They have put together a non binding letter of intent for the town to purchase the parcel of land, and have presented an article to the Warrant Committee for bonding the purchase price of land.

The meeting then moved on to the hearing portion, in which Select Board Chair, Melinda Collins, chaired this event.

The hearing was for a discussion of the installation of nine 1.000 gallon and one 500 gallon propane storage tanks at Wollaston Golf Club, 999 Randolph Ave. 6,500 gallons are proposed to be stored in above ground containers and 3,500 gallons will be stored in underground containers to be located at 999 Randolph Ave. All abutters have been notified.

Fire Chief Christopher Madden and Fire Prevention Officer Steve Mattaliano were in attendance. Anything over 2,000 gallons requires a license, and the tanks will be inspected every 6 months. The license is a new addition as tanks are common in Milton. The Wollaston Golf Club is a large building and to make sure they are operating appropriately, it was permitted and inspected for safety. The new step is going before the Select Board to obtain the license.

During the public portion of the hearing, a few callers expresesed their concerns over the proximity of the location of the tanks to their homes and neighborhoods.

In response, Chief Madden noted that the Fire Department is working to map out the location of every tank in the town for the public to have access to. He feels that the locations of the tanks to homes is a safe distance.

Another concern mentioned was the lack of 24/7 personnel coverage at the golf course. Recently, a permitted brush fire that got out of control was one such instance of concern. It was a permitted spring burn and the winds picked up and  the fire spread rapidly, but the Fire Department’s swift actions resulted in quick control management.

In response to the above-mentioned concern, the golf course is undergoing changes and is becoming a 12-month facility. The golf course will be providing catering and events/functions year-round now.

In addition, Chief Madden addressed what to do if someone smells gas. The fire department is trained to deal with these situations, there are safety measures in place, and if you smell gas, call the Fire Department, they will go right out to investigate.

The Select Board motioned to approve this license request for Wollaston Golf Course pending approval by the Fire Department.

At this point, a second hearing began in response to a submission by Northland Company, developing Wolcott Woods, for propane storage tanks and installation at Wolcott Woods, 1672 Canton Ave., for twenty-three 1,000 gallon propane tanks and thirteen 500 gallon propane tanks for a total of 29,500 gallons to be stored in underground containers at 1672 Canton Ave. All abutters have been notified. 2 propane tanks have been installed already, so they are below the 2,000 gallon restriction but as they continue to build and grow they expect to hit the threshold. All tanks will remain underground.

The Select Board motioned to approve this license request for Wolcott Woods pending approval by the Fire Department.

After the hearings portion, The Select Board moved on to regularly scheduled agenda items.

Metro fire mutual aid agreement for fire and ambulance service

The recent fire that took place at the Hoosic Club was discussed. This unfortunate event is what has prompted Chief Madden to come before the Select Board to request the authorization for the Milton Fire Department to aid any town under this agreement, as Milton has been aided in the past and for such an event like at the Hoosic Club. A lot of work went into keeping the neighborhoods and fellow firefighters safe that night and the town is grateful for the assistance from neighboring towns departments.

The Select Board motioned to authorize Milton Fire Department to aid any town under the terms of this agreement.

FEMA

FEMA is in the process of making changes to the flood rate maps, so they are asking for the town and individuals to provide comments on their maps for this flood insurance and study notification period of comment. June 16 is the deadline to register. A public meeting will be held with a date to be determined.

Milton Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan

Director of Planning and Community Development, Tim Czerwienski requested the approval of a grant between the town of Milton and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) for professional services related to the Milton Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. Many bike and pedestrian safety issues are brought to the Boards attention, so the intent is to work with the MAPC to develop a scope of work surrounding the town. The Select Board authorized the Town Administrator to sign the contract.

Open meeting law complaint

Town Council, Kevin Freytag addressed a complaint that was submitted following a Town Meeting. The complaint focuses on the fact that the Select Board held a caucus at the Town Meeting over a private phone line.

The suggested response is that the open meeting law does not apply to Town Meetings. The Select Board motioned to have Kevin respond to the complaint and handle accordingly.

Town Administrator report

The Health Department noted that the Covid-19 positive cases has sank to the lowest number in a long time. The last free Covid-19 testing resulted in 117 tests administered and only 3 came back positive. The next free Covid-19 test date is scheduled to be held on April 25 from 10-3 at the DPW Yard. There may be one more after that.

The annual town election will be held on April 27. The deadline to register to vote is April 7. For more information please visit the town’s website at: About | Milton MA (townofmilton.org)

Additional items of discussion

The Select Board motioned to declare the property at 334 Edgehill Road available for lease and to approve the RFP (request for proposal.)

The Select Board motioned to declare the property at 101 Bluehill Parkway available for disposition by sale.

The Select Board motioned to approve the date of September 14 for the Milton Road Race.

The Select Board motioned to accept the transfer of a Common Victualler License from Tino’s Pizza to Stevie’s, which should open some time in early May.

The Select Board motioned to accept a grant from Health Resources in Action to Milton Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition.

The next meetings are schedule to be held on April 14 and April 28.