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Residents press Sudbury task force on porta‑potties, signal‑pole graffiti and dog‑waste management
Summary
Public commenters and members urged action on restroom access and restoration of rusty, graffiti‑covered signal poles; staff said two porta‑potty locations are in the design (Morris Road and Davis Field) and that Friends would likely fund placement and servicing, while Public Works will maintain trash receptacles once installed.
During public comment, resident John McQueen (2 65 Hudson Road) asked whether porta‑potty locations were included in the design and whether the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail or the town would fund them. Marsha replied that two porta‑potty locations are included in the current design — one at Morris Road and another at Davis Field — and that the town has made no provision for porta‑potties in the contract; she said the Friends group has historically funded and serviced units on portions of the Bruce Freeman trail.
"There are 2 locations that are part of the design. One is at Morris Road, and the other is at Davis Field," Marsha said, noting that placement at Diamond or Parkinson is not currently part of the contract but could be recommended by the committee in the future.
Resident Chris highlighted rust and graffiti on signal poles and large utility boxes and asked whether restoration was planned. Marsha said a Concord contractor previously had a welder who restored poles but that person has since died; she recommended identifying local welders and said the contractor will have to remove graffiti and could use rust‑inhibiting coatings followed by anti‑graffiti treatments.
Committee members and staff also discussed dog‑waste management. Glenn Pransky summarized research showing that frequent, clear signage helps change user behavior. Marsha said rule signs approved by the Friends and Select Board will be installed after construction, and Public Works will deliver six trash barrels for placement on the trail; she noted, however, that the town will not install bag dispensers and that trash barrels can fill quickly in summer, which raises operational concerns about household trash being left in trail bins.
The task force did not adopt formal new policies on restrooms, graffiti removal, or dog‑waste dispensers; members asked staff to follow up on potential funding sources and maintenance responsibilities and to consider Park & Rec input for any permanent restroom or pavilion proposals.
