Agenda
Public Health & Safety · from the Town's website · released Jul 14, 2026 · 1 page · 20 KB
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TOWN OF WINTHROP, MASSACHUSETTS Public Health, Safety and Public Works Committee NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Time: 4:00 PM Location: Harvey Hearing Room Invited Participants: • Public Health, Safety and Public Works Committee • Disabilities Commission • Department of Public Works (DPW) • Public Health Department • Tree Warden AGENDA 1. Call to Order and Roll Call 2. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting 3. Sidewalk Safety and Tree Preservation Policy • Define a town policy that maintains safe, accessible sidewalks while preserving healthy street trees • Establish criteria for when a tree may be saved versus when removal is warranted • Input from the Disabilities Commission on ADA accessibility requirements and pedestrian safety concerns 4. Alternative Sidewalk Structures and Repair Methods • Identify alternative construction options where roots conflict with sidewalks (e.g., ramping/bridging over roots, flexible or rubberized pavement, root barriers, sidewalk realignment or curving around trees) • Review repair techniques that save trees: grinding/beveling displaced panels, mud jacking, panel replacement with root pruning under arborist supervision • DPW to present estimated costs per method and recommend priorities 5. Future Street Planting Plan • Develop a planting plan selecting appropriate, sidewalk-compatible tree species (non-invasive root systems, appropriate mature size) • Standards for planting strips, setbacks from sidewalks, soil volume, and root barriers for new plantings • Suggested priorities, planting schedule, and associated costs 6. Priorities, Cost Estimates, and Funding • Rank sidewalk locations by safety risk and accessibility impact • Preliminary cost estimates for repairs, alternative structures, and plantings • Potential funding sources (capital budget, Chapter 90, grants) • This is a complex issue that involves competing priorities, making this a very difficult issue to address. We will be exploring how other towns with dense populations and very little land have tackled this issue. Please bring your expertise. 7. Public Comment 8. Next Steps and Scheduling of Follow-Up Meeting 9. Adjournment Posted in accordance with the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, M.G.L. c. 30A, §§ 18–25. The listing of agenda items is those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed, and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.