Bike committee paves the way
Published on November 25th, 1998
STONEHAM, MA - Subsequent to Town Meeting approval of a name change and extension of service, the Stoneham Tri-Community Bike/Greenway Committee kicked off its first meeting on Wednesday with more questions than answers, including who will serve as its members.
Town Moderator Michael Rotondi got the meeting under way. The first challenge to be addressed is the establishment of committee members and the level of service of each of them.
Article 2 on last month's Town Meeting warrant called for a committee "comprised of eleven members at least four of whom serve in an elected or other appointed capacity in the Town."
Formerly known as the Railroad Land Use Committee, the article called for an extension of the committee's charge of assisting the Board of Selectmen and the Town Administrator with preparation and development of town-owned land along the railroad right-of-way, as a recreational area for pedestrian and bike use. The Stoneham bike path will connect with bike routes through Winchester and Woburn. In addition, approval for a name change was granted by voters.
Selectman Cosmo Ciccarello urged Rotondi to advertise the positions.
"My recommendation, speaking as an individual, is that you make sure you advertise the positions...give everyone a chance," he said.
Rotondi agreed, but with the number of voting members limited to 11, and a status of current memberships yet to be reviewed, the number of positions to advertise could not be determined.
The question of whether existing memberships will be extended through the length of their original term versus a need for re-appointed is one which Town Counsel William Solomon will be called upon to answer.
In addition, the nature of the four positions of elected or appointed committee/board members will also need Solomon's investigation with regard to whether these will be voting or advisory positions.
Selectman John Biggio had previously served on the former committee. He requested that his role be clarified.
"I think the School Committee would like to have some representation," said School Committee Vice-Chairman Jeanne Craigie, speaking as a resident, particularly in light of the proximity of the bike path to schools.
"These are the issues we should flush out tonight," stated Rotondi who was pleased that e, the evening allowed for the concerns to be aired. He committed to having Solomon's input by the next scheduled meeting on December 16.
Cameron Bain, Chairman of the former Railroad Land Use Committee, stated that the committee has been a popular one in the past. With a limited number of voting members on that committee, many residents served in the capacity of associate members, with no voting rights but with a great deal of responsibility and input.
"Associate members are very valuable," stated Bain. "It would be a mistake not to participate if not selected as a voting member."
He reported that many people have expressed interest in serving on the committee thus far. Such interest would likely grow, he surmised, once the positions are advertised.
With current membership status in question, resident Joe Cunningham requested that attendance records from the former committee's meetings, be researched to identify members' meeting attendance.
Bain agreed, stating "It certainly would not be to our advantage to ask you to appoint someone who doesn't attend."
"We're looking for group of people who come in, roll up their sleeves and get right into it," said Bain, adding that a good and fair process to get the 11 is needed.
As Town Moderator, Rotondi is responsible for appointing members to the committee. The committee serves as an advisor to the Board of Selectmen which has the final say on the project.
"We want people who are committed...and will help move the process along," stated Rotondi. His aim is to get the position advertised and the outstanding issues resolved with Town Counsel within the next few weeks. Appointments to the committee are expected to take place at the next meeting on December 16.
Bain gave an update on the project status before the meeting adjourned. Request for proposals went out for the project's engineering work, resulting in eight candidates to be interviewed. Bain, along with Interim Building Inspector and Stoneham resident Gene Argiro and Town Engineer Robert Grover will serve on the selection committee.
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