TO: File

FROM: Jason Stone, Environmental Specialist

DATE: March 18, 2002

RE: VTrans

Subject: Conceptual Plans Steering Committee Meeting

Location: Pittsford Municipal Building

Attendees: *Peg Flory Town of Pittsford

*James O'Gorman Town of Pittsford

*Hank Pelkey Town of Pittsford

*Michael Balch Town of Brandon

*Lynn Saunders Town of Brandon

*Richard Baker Town of Brandon

*Dan Peterson VTrans, Project Manager

Greg Riley VTrans, Planning Coordinator

*Chris Bean CLD

Jason Stone CLD

Bill Taranovich Pittsford Resident

Bob Wood Representative, District R-2

*Steering Committee Member

• With regard to Crescent Park, Lynn Saunders noted that Bob Rand, a Brandon resident, asked her why cobble is proposed as opposed to simply adding grass along the southwesterly side of the park where a paved roadway currently exists. The project will remove the short segment of roadway along that side of the park. Chris explained that the cobble is proposed to preserve the visual appearance of a roadway in the area while providing a more pedestrian-friendly surface. Cobbles were historically present throughout downtown Brandon and were determined to be appropriate. Cobbles are also proposed as a design element at the nearby VT Route 73/US Route 7 intersection, and it was felt that the two areas should compliment each other.
• With regard to Brandon Central Square, it was noted that the Memory Tree (a spruce located at the northerly end of the green) was removed due to its failing condition. The Committee asked that the landscape plans be revised to show a location for another Memory Tree to be placed.
• Richard Baker noted that the access and egress circulation pattern shown at Brooks Pharmacy is not consistent with the Act 250 permit for the property. To be consistent, the westerly drive should be shown as an egress only, instead of a two-way driveway. He also asked whether a one of the three parking spaces in front of the dentist's office would be designated as handicapped-only. Dan Peterson indicated that the additional space required for a handicapped-only parking space may not be present in that location. CLD will investigate whether there is room to make the eastern-most space an official handicapped space.
• The Committee discussed access at the Whittaker building. As currently proposed, the circulation pattern would not be compatible with the existing drive-through window location. Chris explained that the building would not be taken by the project but that its use may change as a result of the project. Dan Peterson added that the building may be acquired under the project, but if that were to happen, it would be marketed according to its future economic viability. Subsequent to the meeting, CLD verified that the drive opposite VT Route 73 would be an entrance only.
• The Committee asked how buses would access the Brandon Inn. Chris explained that buses could access the inn in much the same manner as they do today, though it would be necessary to momentarily block some of the head-in parking spaces in front of the inn. It was noted that buses currently enter the alley at the northerly end of the inn to access an informal parking area at the rear of the building. It was asked whether buses would still be able to negotiate this turn. Subsequent to the meeting, CLD verified that a standard transit bus would not be able to negotiate a turn into the alley without encroaching on parking spaces adjacent to the park. A transit bus could make a left turn out of the alley without encroaching on parking spaces. An SU vehicle (delivery type vehicle) could make both movements without encroaching on parking spaces.
• With regard to the US Route 7 crosswalks, the Committee reiterated that the material used should not be likely to generate noise when traversed by large vehicles. Chris pointed out that given that concern, concrete would probably not be a viable option for the US Route 7 crosswalks, due to the potential for differential settling of the crosswalks and the roadway pavement which can cause a problem for snow plows. The Committee agreed. At the last meeting Scott Newman indicated that he would investigate various crosswalk materials. The issue will be continued for discussion at the next meeting.
• With regard to the improvements proposed along Center Street, the Committee approved of the revised streetscape design, crosswalk location, etc. Mike Balch noted there is minimal soil depth in front of the Town Offices. Mike was concerned that the tree proposed in this location would not do well. This should be kept in mind when the species are selected for this area. Jason Stone informed the Committee of Scott Newman's desire to extend streetscape improvements to the northerly end of the Neshobe River Bridge. He felt that this location defines the northerly entry to the Village and is an appropriate transition point. Jason added that, to date, CLD had not shown any impact to the bridge whatsoever, noting that the stone arch structure bridge is considered historic, and its structural integrity is not completely understood. Full depth reconstruction would stop before, and begin after, the bridge. It may be necessary to cold-plane and then overlay pavement. The Committee did not object to improving the sidewalk over the bridge. The Committee asked whether it would make sense to address the bridge under this project. Dan Peterson explained that in his opinion, including the bridge would result in significant delay in the project schedule due to historic and natural resource permitting implications. He stated his opinion that the bridge should be addressed under a separate project. Mike Balch explained that the Town has applied for funding to address the structural deficiencies of the bridge. The Committee did not object to proceeding without addressing the bridge as part of the US Route 7 upgrade project.
• Jason asked whether Chamber of Commerce representatives had contacted the Committee with regard to the proposed location for the Information Center Building. The Committee had not, but Mike Balch noted that the church might be concerned that the building would block the view of the church's stained glass windows from further north on US Route 7. Coordination with the church needs to take place

1. Conceptual Plans Submission and Section 502 Public Hearing Schedule Updates

Chris informed the Committee that Revised Conceptual Plans for project Segments 1, 2 and 5 have been submitted to VTrans. He stated that CLD expects to submit the plans for Segment 6 by the end of March. Chris explained that there are issues that remain on project Segment 3 (studies on providing fish passage at Sta. 11+912) and Segment 4 (Fort Vengeance Monument Site parking area) that need to be resolved before plans can be submitted for those segments. Chris noted that CLD anticipates submitting plans for Segments 3 and 4 by mid-April. Dan Peterson added that VTrans has accepted the plans for Segments 1 and 2. He is awaiting the results of a culvert investigation at Sta. 19+710 in Brandon before accepting the Segment 5 plans, as the need to replace this culvert would result in natural resource impacts and affect the amount of property that would need to be acquired.

Chris informed the Committee that a Section 502 Public Hearing for project Segments 1 and 2 has been set for Tuesday, May 14, 2002. Dan added that the "Skull Session," or dry run, is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, at VTrans Headquarters. Meeting times were not set. Chris indicated that it should be possible to schedule Section 502 Public Hearings for project segment 6 for mid-June, and for project Segments 3, 4 and 5 for late June, 2002. Chris noted that CLD has completed the property owner research and had identified approximately 500 property owners that abut the overall project.

Richard Baker asked whether it was the correct time to determine the priority for constructing the projects. Dan Peterson responded that such decisions should be made after the Section 502 Public Hearings. He added that project Segment 6 could advance ahead of the others as a municipally managed project administered through the VTrans Local Transportation Facilities Office if the Town is interested in pursuing that option.

2. Changes to Roadway Slope Design, Station 7+100 ~ 7+160 - Project Segment 1

Jason Stone informed the Committee of a recent change in the plans for project Segment 1. A retaining wall approximately 200 feet in length is now proposed to avoid impacts to Furnace Brook. Dan Peterson noted that VTrans Hydraulic and Environmental Staff favored making the change now as opposed to after the Public Hearing. Dan also noted that the wall would increase the overall project cost. The Committee did not object to installing a wall in this location.

3. Video Inspections of Culverts on Project Segments P5 and P6

These inspections are necessary to determine the structural integrity of two culverts (Sta. 19+710 and 21+890 in Brandon Village). The stone arch bridge over the Neshobe River will also be inspected. CLD has initiated landowner contacts and video inspections will be conducted soon.

4. Structure Type Study for Sta. 11+912 Culvert

Dan Peterson informed the Committee that CLD has submitted a Draft Structure Type Study for replacement and rehabilitation options for the culvert on project Segment 3 at Sta. 11+912. Dan gave a brief description of the options that CLD included in the study and the associated costs. Dan noted that the costs are subject to change somewhat. He explained that rehabilitating the culvert would cost about $100,000 and would not provide fish passage, while replacing it would cost about four times as much and would provide fish passage according to the design criteria specified by VTANR. Dan explained that once the study is final, it would be provided to VTANR, which will make its recommendation of its preferred option at this location. Peg Flory, Lynn Saunders and Bob Wood asked whether Ron Regan - Commissioner of VTANR Fish and Wildlife Department would be a party to the recommendation. Peg added that Mr. Regan had indicated to her that he would closely monitor coordination on this issue. Dan stated that he would notify the Committee once the final study has been forwarded to VTANR and asked that VTANR staff be given the opportunity to review the study before Committee members contact VTANR. The Committee agreed.

5. Other Issues

Cattle Pass at the Rasmussen Property

Chris Bean asked whether consideration should be given for providing a cattle pass for this property. Chris pointed out that if the cattle pass was constructed in close proximity to the culvert at Sta. 11+912, there may be an opportunity to reduce construction related costs, especially if it is determined that the culvert should be replaced. After some discussion, it was agreed to proceed with the plans as currently proposed. It was pointed out that the landowners and/or the farm operators would have the opportunity to request a cattle pass during the Section 502 Public Hearing process.

6. Next Meeting

JAS:jm