Robert E. Beshara

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  www.CityofMelrose.org/departments/aldermen/Minutes/Appr - [Cached Version]
  Published on: 5/22/2008    Last Visited: 6/24/2008  

  In attendance: City Engineer Bob Beshara, City Auditor/CFO Patrick Dello Russo, Veterans Agent John Dunne, City Solicitor Robert Van Campen, Police Chief Mike Lyle
  ...
  President Conn asks Mr. Beshara if the $75,000 for Snow Hired Equipment is to reduce the snow budget deficit for this fiscal year and the amount of the remaining deficit.Mr. Beshara says it will still be quite high; the state promised some money but it's unlikely the City will receive it.FEMA money is coming in slowly, however.
  ...
  Mr. Beshara says no one may be hired by the City without going through the 30B bidding process.

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  www.CityofMelrose.org/departments/aldermen/Minutes/Appr - [Cached Version]
  Published on: 4/3/2008    Last Visited: 6/24/2008  

  City Engineer Bob Beshara says he has broken down the bond more specifically with a memo.
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  Mr. Beshara says it occurs in unlined cast iron pipes.Minerals in the water collect upon itself.Vice-Chairman Boisselle asks if the pipeline has to be removed completely; Mr. Beshara says yes.
  
  Alderman Wright asks if the Otis/Charles/Leeds project will bring that neighborhood to code for the purposes of water flow.Mr. Beshara says absolutely.Alderman Wright asks if the sewer issues will be addressed.Mr. Beshara says that is being studied now.Alderman Wright asks the timing of completing the work.Mr. Beshara says it is dependent upon approval of this bond.If the money is received this fiscal year the project will begin in July and finished in the fall using Chapter 90 funds.Alderman Wright thanks Mr. Beshara for having this project done.
  
  President Conn asks Mr. Beshara if any of these projects can be done with the operating budget.Mr. Beshara says some of the smaller projects could be, but not the Otis/Charles/Leeds or Mount Vernon Avenue.He wouldn't be able to meet the mandated lead service replacement, either.President Conn asks if there is a line-item in the budget for lead service.Mr. Beshara says yes.President Conn asks if there is any contemplation to do Clifton Park Court using funds in the operating budget.Mr. Beshara says it's possible but the City can't get less than the $658,656.00 requested.President Conn asks if he knows what other water and sewer bonding he will be doing in the FY2009 cycle.Mr. Beshara says none; the next opportunity would be this time next year.
  
  Alderman Tramontozzi thanks Mr. Beshara on behalf of the Clifton Park Court neighborhood.
  
  Alderman Brodeur asks if these funds would be available to other MWRA communities if the City of Melrose refuses them.Mr. Beshara says no.The money stays with Melrose and the City could get it next year.
  
  Alderman McAteer-Margolis asks if other projects could be done if a couple of these projects were done out of the budget and $70,000 was freed up from the bond.Mr. Beshara says no, the City would have to return that money.Alderman McAteer-Margolis asks if there could be another project that may come up.Mr. Beshara says the City always has projects but each one has to be identified to the MWRA.He would have to remove these projects and receive approval for other ones.
  
  Alderman Seaboyer asks if the lead service replacement entails replacing the lead pipe from the water main to the property line.Mr. Beshara says yes.He advises home owners to replace their lead pipe and if they replace theirs first, the City will replace it in the street.Alderman Seaboyer asks if the money is distributed as a lump sum.Mr. Beshara says yes, if the bond is in place.Alderman Seaboyer asks if the numbers are estimated in his department.Mr. Beshara says yes; no money may be spent until the City receives the bond.
  
  Alderman Infurna says she supports this for the projects listed.Mount Vernon Avenue is highly traveled.It doesn't make sense to rebuild the street without doing this work.
  
  Alderman Brodeur says he would like to know the effect this bond will have on the water and sewer rates.
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  Mr. Beshara says the ordinance changes and additions will bring the City into compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements.
  
  Alderman Brodeur asks what would happen if this ordinance change is not passed.Mr. Beshara says cities and towns will be fined.
  
  Alderman Forbes asks if home-owners pumping out their cellars into the street will be affected by this.Mr. Beshara says no, only if they are pumping water into the sewer system.
  
  Alderman Brodeur asks if the $300 per quarter fine for noncompliance is the only fine in the document.Mr. Beshara says he believes so.
  
  Alderman McAteer-Margolis asks if this allows the City to seek out home owners using illegal hook-ups.Mr. Beshara says smoke tests can be done.

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  www.CityofMelrose.org/departments/aldermen/Minutes/Thur - [Cached Version]
  Published on: 2/21/2008    Last Visited: 6/24/2008  

  In attendance: City Engineer Bob Beshara
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  Alderman Infurna thanks Mr. Beshara for attending the meeting.She says that in September when the Middle School reopened, the aldermen got many calls from parents about the difficulty their children were having crossing the streets.She asks where on Melrose Street this work will be done.
  
  Mr. Beshara says a crosswalk will be placed at Ashland Street at the location where there was an accident.He says it's important to put crosswalks where kids cross the street and there isn't one at this location.The money will fund two handicap ramps cut into the sidewalk, painting the crosswalk and signage for the crosswalk.
  
  Alderman Boisselle says that MGL says parking meter money may be used for the purpose of purchase or lease of additional parking lots, the care and maintenance of the same, and in general for any traffic control or traffic safety purposes, including payment for public liability coverage in connection with the use of said municipally owned or leased parking lots.He asks if money may be taken out of this account to pay for the new crosswalk.Mr. Beshara says that is a legal question which he can't answer.Alderman Boisselle says the money is not being used for parking lots and asks if the City will run into trouble down the line.Mr. Beshara says these funds have been used for line painting in the past.Alderman Boisselle says there is precedence for the use of these funds other than parking lots; Mr. Beshara says yes.
  
  Chairman Forbes reads from the opinion of the City Solicitor: " ... that the City of Melrose would be acting lawfully if it were to transfer a portion of monies from the Parking Receipts account to pay for the expenses described herein."
  
  Alderman Boisselle says the order says this money will be used to fund handicap ramps, signage, and crosswalks on Melrose Street; he asks if it is intended for lower Melrose Street.Mr. Beshara says it is all for the crosswalk at Ashland Street and maybe advance warning signs for the crosswalk.
  
  Alderman McAteer-Margolis says this is a good start.She asks Mr. Beshara if he is on the study team that is considering making Melrose Street one-way during certain hours.Mr. Beshara says the Traffic Commission is looking at Melrose Street, particularly at the intersection at the Fellsway.
  
  Alderman Medeiros says this is a good endeavor; there is a lot of congestion in the area.
  
  Alderman McAteer-Margolis says to be clear, there is no implied intent to place a crossing guard at this location; Mr. Beshara says that is correct.
  
  Chairman Forbes asks if speed is an issue; Mr. Beshara says that the volume of pedestrian and automobile traffic is the issue.

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  www.CityofMelrose.org/departments/aldermen/Minutes/Appr - [Cached Version]
  Published on: 3/13/2008    Last Visited: 6/24/2008  

  In attendance: Human Resources Director Marianne Long, Deputy City Solicitor Robert Van Campen, Deputy Director Steve McGoldrick, MAPC Executive Office Group; City Engineer Bob Beshara; City Auditor/CFO Patrick Dello Russo; Mayor Robert Dolan, Peter Frazier, Senior Vice President, First Southwest Company; Nick Gove, Superintendent of Mt Hood and Melrose Public Open Space
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  City Engineer Bob Beshara says it addresses storm water management required by the Department of Environmental Protection and the Federal Clean Water Act.It's required that municipalities adopt these amendments.
  
  Alderman Seaboyer asks what happens if a community doesn't adopt them.Mr. Beshara says the state will fine the city or town.Alderman Seaboyer asks if Section 228-59 C, which allows a representative of the City to inspect a building for sump pumps or other prohibited discharge into the sanitary system, is enforceable without violating the home owner's rights.Mr. Beshara says yes; the City owns the sanitary systems.Alderman Seaboyer asks if there is a timeline for home owners to disconnect an illegal system.Mr. Beshara says they have 30 days.It is his intent to work with residents to comply with the ordinance.
  
  President Conn asks if the state has imposed a deadline to adopt this.Mr. Beshara says no; the state requires him to make the proposal to the Board of Aldermen.President Conn asks if there is no compliance issues if this isn't passed on to the full board for Monday evening's meeting.Mr. Beshara says no. President Conn asks if all the verbiage is required by state or federal regulators; Mr. Beshara says yes.
  
  President Conn motions to place the order on hold, 2nd by Alderman Infurna.
  
  Alderman Wright says in regards to Section 228-59 C, the language "Property owners shall allow an employee of the City or a designated representative of the City to inspect the building to confirm that there is no sump pump or other prohibited discharge into the sanitary system" doesn't mean forced entry.He says the City will have to get a court order to enter the property.Mr. Beshara says that is correct.
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  Mr. Beshara says this transfer is necessary to fund a portion of the Budget and Project Administrator position that was just approved.

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  www.CityofMelrose.org/departments/aldermen/Minutes/Thur - [Cached Version]
  Published on: 3/13/2008    Last Visited: 6/24/2008  

  Mr. Beshara says it was requested by the Energy.Mayor Dolan says he is looking to do an energy audit of City buildings.
  
  Alderman McAteer-Margolis asks if the 200 junk mail kits are intended to reduce junk mail.Mayor Dolan says the kit provides ways to reduce paper.
  
  Alderman Seaboyer asks if the composting bins and rain barrels are distributed by lottery.Mr. Beshara says it's first come-first served.Alderman Seaboyer asks how the consumer education materials are distributed.Mr. Beshara says the recycling coordinator will have them available when the rain barrels are distributed and also at the Victorian Fair and at the City Yard on Public Works Day.

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  www.CityofMelrose.org/departments/aldermen/Minutes/Thur - [Cached Version]
  Published on: 1/10/2008    Last Visited: 6/24/2008  

  In attendance: City Engineer Bob Beshara
  
  Public Works called to order by Chairman Forbes at 8:22 p.m.
  
  Order No. 08-101, APPROPRIATION Amount $28,000.00 From: Capital Stabilization, Transfer Out - A/C #84052-590000 To: Capital Outlay, PW Vehicle and Equipment - A/C #019313-551002 The appropriation is necessary to fund the Superintendent's vehicle.
  
  Alderman Boisselle asks Mr. Beshara if he looked at an alternative energy vehicle.Mr. Beshara says they are more expensive.He tried to keep the cost down by choosing a vehicle that fits his needs and no more.He says the hybrids are about $52,000.00/.Alderman Boisselle asks if the vehicle will be used within the city.Mr. Beshara says yes, and to get back and forth to work.
  
  Alderman Brodeur moves to recommend, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle.
  
  On discussion Chairman Forbes asks if it is a diesel engine.Mr. Beshara says no, diesel fuel is very expensive.

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  www.CityofMelrose.org/departments/aldermen/Minutes/Appr - [Cached Version]
  Published on: 1/10/2008    Last Visited: 6/24/2008  

  In attendance: City Engineer and Superintendent of Public Works Bob Beshara
  ...
  City Engineer and Superintendent of Public Works Bob Beshara says his crew comes back and opens them up as best as they can.Alderman Boisselle the situation with the sidewalks not being shoveled forces people onto the street.He says this amendment doesn't address that and asks if the Alderman may do so.
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  Mr. Beshara says he tries to talk with people.The City faces this problem all the time.Talking with the owner or tenant usually resolves the issue.Alderman McAteer-Margolis asks if there are repeat offenders.Mr. Beshara says yes, but he hasn't had to fine anyone.Alderman McAteer-Margolis asks if the tenant of commercial property is responsible for shoveling the sidewalks; Mr. Beshara says yes.Chairman Brodeur says the current ordinance holds the tenant responsible and doesn't put the onus on the owner at all.Alderman McAteer-Margolis says they may need a mechanism to deal with repeat offenders.Mr. Beshara says there is one particular problem in which the owner doesn't respond.
  
  President Conn says there are two situations before them.The order puts sanctions in place for people creating a public nuisance which he doesn't think anyone objects to.The order as written with a couple of amendments is fine.Another problem, a serious one, is people's loss of civic mindedness that they need to keep sidewalks safe.It seems more people are not taking care of their sidewalks and it is clear that people need to do a better job.He says the ordinance change Alderman Boisselle spoke to earlier regarding the situation where sidewalks are not being shoveled after a snow storm would require another order.President Conn asks Mr. Beshara how this amendment would be enforced.Mr. Beshara says by letter or by lien to the property.It could also be dealt with civilly by taking the person to court.President Conn says to the people listening, that people don't have the right to block sidewalks.
  
  Alderman Forbes asks Mr. Beshara if he has the authority as Superintendent to tell a contractor that he can no longer plow for the City.Mr. Beshara says no. Alderman Forbes says that most problems are caused by private contractors and asks if they pay a fee for a permit to plow.Mr. Beshara says the City could license them but is unable to stop them from being hired by a private property owner.
  
  Alderman Mortimer says the City is densely populated and developments max out parking lots with occupants' cars.He says perhaps part of the discussion before the Planning Board should be snow storage on the lot.Alderman Infurna says that is already part of the Planning Board's review.
  
  Alderman Medeiros says in Section E.3, tenants could be causing the problem and suggests changing the word "shall" to "may."She asks how it is determined who is causing the problem - a neighbor or a City official seeing it in action and asks who is fined - the owner or the tenants and occupants.Mr. Beshara says this is referring to a residential situation.If a private plow is the cause, he can find out who did it.

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  www.CityofMelrose.org/departments/aldermen/Minutes/Appr - [Cached Version]
  Published on: 10/4/2007    Last Visited: 6/24/2008  

  In attendance: City Engineer Bob Beshara
  ...
  Mr. Beshara says the goal of the I/I program is to reduce the amount of inflow of ground water into the sewer lines and prevent potential sewer surcharges.The City is metered on the amount of sewer going out.Reducing the amount of inflow entering the system translates to a lower assessment.The program will identify root intrusion, collapsed pipes, and settled and sagging pipes in Wards 2, 4, and 6 and in the sewer pipes located on major roadways that are being paved this year.
  
  Alderman Boisselle says there is so much water coming into Melrose and so much going out.He asks how much extra ground water is entering the sewer lines.Mr. Beshara says that up to 10 times the normal flow during a major storm enters the sewer lines amounting to multiple millions of gallons of water.The City is charged on the amount of sewerage going through the system.As the inflow amount is reduced, the MWRA assessment will be reduced.Alderman Boisselle asks if any of this money will be used for ongoing projects.Mr. Beshara says no, this is for new projects.
  
  Alderman Conn says the Mayor's memo contains the ubiquitous sentence "This will fund repairs and improvements to reduce flooding in Melrose".Mr. Beshara says this project will not reduce the flooding in Melrose.Alderman Conn asks what financial vehicle is used for the loan and grant blend.Mr. Beshara says the entire MWRA program is grant/loan and is based on the amount of money available.Loans are always interest free and the total is distributed among cities and towns in the MWRA system.This program is available for 1½ years.Alderman Conn says the City will be spending $1 million per year for this I/I program.Mr. Beshara says the City roughly spends $850,000 to $1.1 million each year.Alderman Conn asks if he is currently using the money that the Board of Aldermen authorized to bond last year.Mr. Beshara says yes.Alderman Conn asks how long he anticipates this type of work to continue.Mr. Beshara says the water project is a 10-year project.The I/I project is annual and he doesn't know how long it will continue.Alderman Conn says if the state pulls the plug on offering the grant/loan program then the I/I program will end.Mr. Beshara says that is correct.Alderman Conn asks if the work will be done by the City or if it will be publicly bid.Mr. Beshara says it will be bid out.Alderman Conn asks the impact on the sewer rate.Mr. Beshara says he doesn't know that, but it won't affect the 2008 rates.
  
  Chairman Brodeur says the Aldermen passed an order last year requiring a schedule of how bonding projects will affect the sewer rates.He expects to have it by the full board meeting.
  
  Alderman Conn says that $6 million for drainage projects was passed last year.He asks Mr. Beshara how much of that has been expended.Mr. Beshara says between $600,000 and $700,000.Alderman Conn asks how long he anticipates it will take to spend it.Mr. Beshara says it is a three year program.Alderman Conn says that over $8 million was bonded last year to address the flooding problems.Mr. Beshara says that a portion of the work being done is funded by FEMA under the May 11 emergency money.He will stretch that as far as he can and is waiting to see how the first project works out.Alderman Conn says he wants to see the rate impact before voting for this and would like it before the full board meeting.
  
  Chairman Brodeur says the City doesn't know if the MWRA funding program will be renewed from year to year and asks what happens if a project is started and no additional funding is available.Mr. Beshara says that only money in the I/I account is used, and projects are based on that amount of money.

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  www.CityofMelrose.org/departments/aldermen/Minutes/Mond - [Cached Version]
  Published on: 6/23/2003    Last Visited: 3/31/2007  

  Alderman Infurna asks if City Engineer Bob Beshara can be brought up to answer any questions the Aldermen might have.Bob Beshara says this is to fund signs in municipal parking lots.There is no line-item in the budget for this - the money is from Commuter Rail parking fees.The signs are mostly replacements, as well as some new sins to notify the public that it is a municipal lot.
  
  Alderman Hitchman asks if any of these are stop signs.Bob Beshara says no. Alderman Hitchman asks if the Traffic Commission has voted on his request for stop signs on Hawley Road and Hayes Avenue, and Bob Beshara says they were voted down again.Alderman Hitchman says he is not voting for this appropriation or any other for street signs because Hawley Road and Hawes Avenue have been voted down four times.
  
  Alderman Infurna says she has tried to keep the Board updated with the votes of the Traffic Commission, and that she is sorry that the Alderman feels he won't be voting on any other street signs.She says his request did not meet the warrants.Alderman Hitchman says there is no indication of who has the right of way at that 4-way intersection.He says it makes good sense to put stop signs up even if state guidelines are not met.

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  www.CityofMelrose.org/departments/aldermen/Minutes/Mond - [Cached Version]
  Published on: 10/22/2007    Last Visited: 6/24/2008  

  Mr. Beshara says City Hall hasn't had a custodian for four years and he had been looking for a way to bring him back.The only way to do it was to share custodial duties with the police department.At full-time, both building's basic cleaning needs can be handled.
  
  Chairman Boisselle asks if the position will be split 50/50 between the two buildings.Mr. Beshara says yes.
  
  Alderman Conn asks if this will save money on the third-party vendor contract.Mr. Beshara says it will not save a lot of money but there will be enough to clean the carpets.Alderman Conn asks how the position is set up.Mr. Beshara says it is an hourly position but the same amount of money will be spent each week.Alderman Conn asks if more saving will be realized in future years.Mr. Beshara says yes.
  
  Alderman Brodeur asks if the position is currently active.Mr. Beshara says yes.Alderman Brodeur asks if this is the full year's salary.Mr. Beshara says half to three-quarters.Alderman Brodeur asks who will supervise the position.Mr. Beshara says he will be working under Operations; John Scenna is the director of that department.
  
  Alderman Seaboyer asks if moving the employee from the Sanitation department to this position creates an opening.Mr. Beshara says yes.Alderman Seaboyer asks about transportation from City Hall to the Police Department.Mr. Beshara says there is a vehicle available to him.

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