Vermont Standard
By Curt Peterson
Standard Correspondent
KILLINGTON — When selectman Chris Bianchi said, “We’re not one of those cute little towns on the Cape, or a quaint New England village like Woodstock,” he was admonishing his fellow select board members to resist trying to sublimate a proposed AT&T cell phone tower in the middle of Killington’s business district.
“We should make it bold! It should stand out!” he said.
The tower will be approximately 100 feet high and display five separated panels 12 feet square that will disguise the antennas, according to Town Manager Seth Webb, and the town can provide design or artwork in digital form that AT&T will apply to the panels. Webb had presented some choices of colors and possible panel decorations, ranging from subdued pastels to schemes that suggest a sylvan motif. Webb said AT&T is expecting a decision by August.
Alice Sciore, a local graphic artist who did a large painting and at least one poster for the town, showed the board members a rough sketch of an alternative design incorporating bird shapes, then alternatively suggested reproducing at least part of her painting on the panels. Webb said he would look into the possibilities with AT&T and try to determine any cost to digitize the painting.
In addition to decorating the antenna covering panels, AT&T has offered to install a replica of the town logo on the top of the structure, the consideration of which inspired Bianchi’s urging the board to “make it bold!”
Jim Haff said that, because the business owner on whose building the tower is built will be getting “a sizeable fee” from AT&T, and the wireless company will benefit from use of the tower, he doesn’t see why the town should bear any cost at all for decorating the panels or installing the logo.
“Also,” he added, “the proposed agreement states that this 100 foot tall tower has to be lit up 24 hours a day. This may not sit well with condo owners and visitors who may have to look at it all night long.”
Vince Wynn advised the board members that Killington Resort is negotiating with two other cell carriers to install towers on their property as well. “Whatever the town chooses to do with their tower can be a template for the other two. It would be very helpful.”
Vito Rasenas endorsed Bianchi’s sentiment. “I originally supported this proposed tower because it was going to serve as a wayfinder, drawing attention to the business district. Whatever you decide, it should be with that goal in mind.”
Webb read a report from the Killington Volunteer Fire Department regarding a proposed new tanker fire truck. All the trucks are purchased on a 20-year turnover expectation, he said, and the tanker known as “E-4” turned 20 in 2013.
“Last year,” he read, “this truck cost us $10,000 in repairs, and should be replaced.”
Killington sites don’t always have pressurized hydrants, the report said, so tankers that can bring a supply of water to a fire are invaluable. E-4 holds 1,800 gallons of water and can pump it at 1,250 gallons per minute. KVFD went through a bidding process with three vendors, seeking a replacement truck that will hold 3,000 gallons of water and pump 1,000 gpm. Given the limited space in the current KVFD facility, the dimensions of the new truck are very important as well.
Two of the bidders failed or refused to match specifications, and the chief has recommended ordering the new truck from KME in Latham, NY, for $361,011 with five-year financing. KVFD has purchased trucks and equipment from KME in the past, he said, and the Department feels comfortable with the quality and service they provide.
The town budgeted $490,000 over the next five years for fire equipment replacement, so, even adding 3-4 percent finance costs estimated by Webb, the expenditure would be well within the budget. The board moved and unanimously approved the proposed purchase. Webb said the build time will be 360 days, plus or minus 25 days.
Corey Mack of RGS Engineering gave a slide presentation, the results of their study for the sidewalk extension from Killington Road to the resort. His proposal included three possible routes, one of which the board was able to dismiss out of hand. Mack explained that coordinating with Killington Resort was crucial, as the new pedestrian way will both benefit them and include passage through some of their property.
Consideration was given to pedestrian safety, possible inconvenience to residents of the lighting system that would be on all night, streamside regulations by the Agency of Natural Resources, snow removal, gradations vis a vis the Americans with Disabilities Act, roadway crossings, and, importantly, the number and type of easements or rights-of-way that the town would have to procure from private property owners. Some residents and board members voiced concern about newcomers or people using the walkway after dark getting lost on a winding route. Webb, Mack and the select board assured everyone that signage and other wayfinding assistance would be abundant and clear.
The cost of the RGS study is $30,000, which is split 50/50 between the state and the town. The two routes being considered, Mack said, would cost approximately $1.4 million and $1.5 million respectively. RGS was hoping to get enough direction tonight to move forward with a final proposal to the Agency of Transportation for a funding grant, but the board felt there were some alternatives to consider, and they want to have time to do some site inspections.
Webb said the Fire Department Facilities Committee members have visited the new Washington, Vermont emergency services facility and were very impressed. The project has similarities to Killington’s challenges and needs, and he hopes to have the committee come before the board to tell of their experience.
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Standard Correspondent
KILLINGTON — When selectman Chris Bianchi said, “We’re not one of those cute little towns on the Cape, or a quaint New England village like Woodstock,” he was admonishing his fellow select board members to resist trying to sublimate a proposed AT&T cell phone tower in the middle of Killington’s business district.
“We should make it bold! It should stand out!” he said.
The tower will be approximately 100 feet high and display five separated panels 12 feet square that will disguise the antennas, according to Town Manager Seth Webb, and the town can provide design or artwork in digital form that AT&T will apply to the panels. Webb had presented some choices of colors and possible panel decorations, ranging from subdued pastels to schemes that suggest a sylvan motif. Webb said AT&T is expecting a decision by August.
Alice Sciore, a local graphic artist who did a large painting and at least one poster for the town, showed the board members a rough sketch of an alternative design incorporating bird shapes, then alternatively suggested reproducing at least part of her painting on the panels. Webb said he would look into the possibilities with AT&T and try to determine any cost to digitize the painting.
In addition to decorating the antenna covering panels, AT&T has offered to install a replica of the town logo on the top of the structure, the consideration of which inspired Bianchi’s urging the board to “make it bold!”
Jim Haff said that, because the business owner on whose building the tower is built will be getting “a sizeable fee” from AT&T, and the wireless company will benefit from use of the tower, he doesn’t see why the town should bear any cost at all for decorating the panels or installing the logo.
“Also,” he added, “the proposed agreement states that this 100 foot tall tower has to be lit up 24 hours a day. This may not sit well with condo owners and visitors who may have to look at it all night long.”
Vince Wynn advised the board members that Killington Resort is negotiating with two other cell carriers to install towers on their property as well. “Whatever the town chooses to do with their tower can be a template for the other two. It would be very helpful.”
Vito Rasenas endorsed Bianchi’s sentiment. “I originally supported this proposed tower because it was going to serve as a wayfinder, drawing attention to the business district. Whatever you decide, it should be with that goal in mind.”
Webb read a report from the Killington Volunteer Fire Department regarding a proposed new tanker fire truck. All the trucks are purchased on a 20-year turnover expectation, he said, and the tanker known as “E-4” turned 20 in 2013.
“Last year,” he read, “this truck cost us $10,000 in repairs, and should be replaced.”
Killington sites don’t always have pressurized hydrants, the report said, so tankers that can bring a supply of water to a fire are invaluable. E-4 holds 1,800 gallons of water and can pump it at 1,250 gallons per minute. KVFD went through a bidding process with three vendors, seeking a replacement truck that will hold 3,000 gallons of water and pump 1,000 gpm. Given the limited space in the current KVFD facility, the dimensions of the new truck are very important as well.
Two of the bidders failed or refused to match specifications, and the chief has recommended ordering the new truck from KME in Latham, NY, for $361,011 with five-year financing. KVFD has purchased trucks and equipment from KME in the past, he said, and the Department feels comfortable with the quality and service they provide.
The town budgeted $490,000 over the next five years for fire equipment replacement, so, even adding 3-4 percent finance costs estimated by Webb, the expenditure would be well within the budget. The board moved and unanimously approved the proposed purchase. Webb said the build time will be 360 days, plus or minus 25 days.
Corey Mack of RGS Engineering gave a slide presentation, the results of their study for the sidewalk extension from Killington Road to the resort. His proposal included three possible routes, one of which the board was able to dismiss out of hand. Mack explained that coordinating with Killington Resort was crucial, as the new pedestrian way will both benefit them and include passage through some of their property.
Consideration was given to pedestrian safety, possible inconvenience to residents of the lighting system that would be on all night, streamside regulations by the Agency of Natural Resources, snow removal, gradations vis a vis the Americans with Disabilities Act, roadway crossings, and, importantly, the number and type of easements or rights-of-way that the town would have to procure from private property owners. Some residents and board members voiced concern about newcomers or people using the walkway after dark getting lost on a winding route. Webb, Mack and the select board assured everyone that signage and other wayfinding assistance would be abundant and clear.
The cost of the RGS study is $30,000, which is split 50/50 between the state and the town. The two routes being considered, Mack said, would cost approximately $1.4 million and $1.5 million respectively. RGS was hoping to get enough direction tonight to move forward with a final proposal to the Agency of Transportation for a funding grant, but the board felt there were some alternatives to consider, and they want to have time to do some site inspections.
Webb said the Fire Department Facilities Committee members have visited the new Washington, Vermont emergency services facility and were very impressed. The project has similarities to Killington’s challenges and needs, and he hopes to have the committee come before the board to tell of their experience.
