LINCOLN BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF JULY 12, 2004
Gary A. Taylor, Chair
Sara A. Mattes
Sarah Cannon-Holden
Timothy S. Higgins, Town Administrator
Donna M. Adam, Recorder
Mr. Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:30. On behalf of the entire Board he complimented the Celebrations Committee for a fine Fourth of July event and thanked the Public Safety Departments for handling the entire day and evening without incident.
Also, the Board collectively sent their best wishes for a speedy recovery to one of the town’s Public Work’s employees, Dennis Botelho, who was struck by lightening on July 1st.
APPOINTMENT
Conservation Commission & Lincoln’s Agricultural Community:
At a meeting held recently between the Board of Selectmen and the Conservation Commission (ConCom), the Board and Commission discussed the ConComm’s mission and how it lines up with the Town’s vision Statement; together the Selectmen and ConCom hope to determine the most efficient and effective means to ensure that the town fully realizes its vision to be a community that supports and promotes its agricultural heritage. The Selectmen had invited all parties with an interest in maintaining a strong agricultural presence in the town, to join them to discuss ideas and thoughts as to how that might be accomplished. (A roster of those people attending is attached to these minutes.)
Ms. Mattes was pleased that so many people were in attendance. She and Jim Henderson of the ConComm have talked at length on how the town might best handle the challenges the ConCom faces. They are compelled to follow multiple regulatory mandates. More and more our wetlands protection has our full line of defense. Jim Henderson did some research to identify steps other communities have taken to promote farm friendly practices. One item Jim presented was a self assessment that could do to see if they are truly farm friendly.
Kerry Glass suggested that each person involved in farming share a bit of their experience with everyone else. Many people offered their stories, dreams, ideas, and hopes. The room was flowing with good will, enthusiasm and creative ideas. The general consensus was that the responsibility for agriculture should remain with the ConComm and that an advisory group to the ConComm might be beneficial, but having it as a separate entity might simply cause conflict.
Ms. Mattes and Mr. Henderson will get together and outline the next steps to be taken.
OPEN FORUM
No one took advantage of the opportunity to use the open forum to raise any issues with the Board.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
State of the Town:
The preliminary reports were due on July 16th and are starting to come in. On September 9th we will meet to discuss preliminary reports and develop the agenda for the October 16th meeting. In response to several inquiries, right now the town does not plan to have a Special Town Meeting, not does it appear that we need to have one.
Hobbs Brook Conservation Restriction Update:
We still have not received a signed copy of the letter. Once we do, we will release the Conservation Restriction.
Ms. Mattes asked what actions the Water Commission has taken to meet the Consent Order and if any fines are being accrued? Mr. Higgins will inquire about the status and report back to the Board.
Liaison Assignments:
A memo has been sent confirming the Board’s liaison assignments and explaining the role the liaision’s play. The Board asked that the list be posted in Town Offices.
Walden Pond:
Mr. Higgins, the Conservation Director and his assistant took the State Rep on a walking tour of the Walden property. Town Counsel has advised us that the title is clear. The last step is for DCR to go through the formality of voting to accept the transfer.
DISCUSSION:
Pre-BRAC Planning Grant
Mr. Higgins reported that he has been contacted by the Office of Economic Adjustment which is sponsoring a grant program whereby they will give out a limited number of grants. He is in the early stages of working with the DC-based consulting firm and has also been in contact with his counterparts who all seem interested in submitting a joint grant. The grant provides up to $175,000 per base per plan and requires a 105 match. Mr. Higgins has given notice to the Finance Committee. He has asked for a scope of work which he hopes to have to present to the Board by the next meeting.
Goals & Objectives
The Board discussed a first draft document.
DeCordova Proposed Trust Amendment
The Town has received communication from DeCordova in the form of a draft petition to submit to probate to amend the terms of the Trust Agreement. It deals with a request to change how the trust income is invested and distributed--DeCordova is looking to change to a more modern approach. Mr. Taylor was uncomfortable with the proposed petition feeling it puts too much of the principal balance at risk. He will propose a counter proposal.
LIAISION REPORTS
Ms. Mattes asked that Ms. Cannon Holden be in touch with the Board of Health regarding the new ruling by the Board of Health regarding new guidelines for food preparation for kitchens in ‘function halls’ .
ACTION ITEMS
Appointments/Reappointments to Various Town Committees:
In mid-June the Selectmen published a list of open positions seeking volunteers for town boards and committees. At this time a list of incumbents who seek reappointment, and for which no one else has expressed interest in that particular vacancy, has been compiled (attached and made a part of these minutes) and was presented to the Board for their consideration for reappointment.
Award Bituminous Concrete Contract:
At the recommendation of the Assistant Town Administrator and Highway Superintendent, and on a motion proposed by Sarah Cannon Holden, seconded by Sara Mattes, and on a roll call vote at which each member voted ‘Aye’, the Board voted to award the contract for In-Place Bituminous Concrete to Aggregate Industries and for At-Plant Bituminous Concrete to Mass Broken Stone Company for a one year contract starting July 1, 2004 and ending July 30, 2005.
The Minutes of June 28th were returned for corrections.
Weekly warrants were signed.
The Selectmen’s meeting was adjourned at 10:42 p.m.
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