Reservoir dam repairs to begin in July; traffic expected

By Mike Berger

The current owner of Reservoir Pond, the Illinois-based Napleton Company, has reached an agreement with town officials and the state Office of Dam Safety on technical repairs for the Pleasant Street dam, and repairs are expected to get underway by early July.

The project will take four to six weeks, and there may be times when Pleasant Street will be reduced to one lane or closed to all through traffic. The contractor performing the repairs will meet with representatives from the fire, police, and public works departments to map out detailed plans. Selectman Sal Salvatori, who has represented the board on this lengthy issue, said there may be significant tree removal because of the dam repairs.

The announcement was made Tuesday night by Rick Brandstatter, director of real estate for Napleton, just before selectmen met with company officials in executive session to discuss the acquisition of real estate. Napleton also owns the vacant Plymouth Rubber property on Revere Street, which is up for sale.

In another matter Tuesday night, DPW Operations Manager Dan Teague informed selectmen that there may be times during the summer or before the end of the year when water service will be delayed for businesses and residents in the downtown area between Chapel and Bolivar streets. Teague said five water gates have to be replaced, especially before the next water emergency occurs.

“We want to do this when there is the least amount of disruption to residents and businesses,” said Teague. “It may be a disruption for an hour or two or at night. We will give enough notice through the town website, cable, and handing out door-to-door notices.”

Teague, in his operations report to selectmen, said the mild winter and early spring allowed the DPW to complete street sweeping, and all streets will be swept again by the end of the year. DPW crews also got an early start on repairing pot holes and flushing hydrants. Once the new budget year begins on July 1, crosswalk lining will be done, particularly at Chapman and Beaumont and on Will Drive.

In other news:

* Town Administrator Bill Friel announced a tentative agreement on a three-year contract with the firefighters union, which would be the first major town union to settle a contract. A ratification vote among union members is expected soon.

* Friel also announced a soon-to-be signed agreement between Canton Playgrounds Associates (CPA) and the town over the use and maintenance of Messinger Field. Under the agreement, which is pending a review by town counsel, the town will maintain the field and CPA will donate $779 for two playground instructors.

* Selectmen presented a certificate of achievement to attorney Glen Hannington and Barry Schneider on behalf of the Sons of the American Legion Post 24, which is celebrating its 75^th anniversary. The organization donates money to the Canton Food Pantry as well as for fuel assistance, education scholarships, financial assistance for homeless veterans, and puts up American flags over highway bridges. The organization will be holding a free barbecue to celebrate its anniversary on Saturday, June 24, from 1-5 p.m. on the grounds of the American Legion.

* Selectmen signed letters of commendation for firefighter/paramedics Lyle Chandler, Daniel Whitley and Greg Woodbury and firefighter/EMTs David Smith and David George for their prompt response to cardiac arrest victim Anthony Camarra in January. Camarra has recovered well and attended the presentation Tuesday night.

* Selectmen had high praise for new Recreation Director Janet Maguire and the publishing of the summer program booklet, which includes many new activities. Maguire has also begun to implement financial safeguards and is no longer accepting cash for program registration or season pool permits. Payment must now be made in the form of a check or money order payable to the town of Canton. Maguire said the department website has been upgraded and an online payment system may be instituted soon.

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