Board of Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
June 13, 2005
Attending:
Sarah Cannon Holden, Gary Taylor and Sara Mattes – Selectmen
Timothy Higgins, Town Administrator
Ms. Holden convened the meeting at approximately 7:30 p.m. and reviewed the meeting agenda.
Crosby’s Corner Project: Massey Property Access Road
Ms. Holden explained that Mr. Massey cancelled his 7:30 p.m. appointment with the Board, which had been scheduled to continue the discussion concerning Mr. Massey’s proposal to redesign the access road to his property. The Selectmen had initiated a discussion with the various stakeholders during the Board’s prior meeting (June 6th). Mr. Massey informed Mr. Higgins that he (Mr. Massey) needed to better define his development plans before he could have meaningful discussions with the Town.
Town Administrator’s Report
Mr. Higgins reviewed several items from last week’s report which were deferred due to the length of the prior meeting: 1) Finance Committee approved Municipal Relief Act provision regarding year end budgeting 2) ZBA recruitment ad has been placed and one respondent thus far 3) letter to Codman Trust in follow up to luncheon sent 4) Verizon – next step is to arrange to have Cable Committee briefed.
Mr. Higgins also introduced new business items:
1) Pre BRAC report will be presented to HATS on 6/23
2) Freedom’s Way Heritage Corridor – proposal: Mr. Higgins and Ms. Mattes reviewed the intent of the Heritage Corridor concept and the history of Lincoln’s assessment of the proposal. Ms. Mattes explained that MAGIC had voted, unanimously, to support the Heritage Corridor legislation. Mr. Taylor reminded the Board that the Board had expressed reservations in the past and that the matter had been tabled in large measure due to the view that the primary benefit appeared to be the promotion of tourism. Ms. Mattes urged that the old records be resurrected and that the proponents be asked to provide the current explanatory materials. The Board requested that the matter be set aside for discussion during the next meeting.
3) Highway Supt. Search – Mr. Higgins informed the Board that the search process has been initiated. The Personnel Board will participate in the initial round of interviews. Mr. Higgins hoped to have a list of finalists for the Selectmen to interview in September.
4) Base Housing – The developer of the Hanscom Housing project will present to the Conservation Commission this Wednesday, in Lincoln, at 7:45 p.m. Ms. Mattes indicated that she would attend.
At Risk Properties Committee
Ms. Holden presented an outline for discussion that included a suggested list of properties that were at risk of development. Ms. Holden’s outline also listed potential types of reuse, revenue sources, implications for the various boards, other municipal implications and affirmative steps to be undertaken.
The Board discussed the various properties, adding several to the list (i.e., Ridge Road Apartments, 117 Gas Station, Aunt Sadie’s, 118 Lexington Road and the Minute Man School properties along Mill Street.
The Board agreed that there were several that were more time sensitive than others. These were 1) Massey 2) Kennedy, and 3) the Mall.
The Board agreed that the best way to ensure thoughtful planning around the reuse of these properties is for the Town to do what is necessary to qualify for the one year grace period under MGL, Chapter 40B. Ms. Mattes pointed out that once the threat of a 40B is removed then the developers are forced to work with the Town. Mr. Taylor reviewed the various affordable units that were in process:
Minuteman Commons – 6 units with an option for 2 more
Sunnyside Lane - 3 new units
Greenridge Apts - 1 recently converted
Accessory Apts. - 4 or 5 that seem likely
Mr. Taylor estimated that the Town would need to generate approximately 15-16 units to qualify for the 1 year grace period under Chapter 40B. The Board requested that Mr. Higgins research the matter of when units actually are credited towards the Town’s inventory.
The Board had extensive conversation about the housing plan at the Mall. Mr. Taylor stated that it was important to first speak with RLF to get a status report before determining how best to encourage progress. Mr. Taylor will speak with RLF and report back.
The Board had extensive conversation about the Kennedy property. Mr. Taylor stated that RLF and others had attempted to provide the previous owner of the property some indication of the Town’s assessment of development options. That owner seems to have elected to sell the property however. There is information that the new owner may partner with a large national housing developer (i.e., Avalon). The new owner will be meeting with the Town Planner and Mr. Higgins later in the week to discuss their intentions. Mr. Higgins will apprise the Board. Mr. Taylor pointed out that the fact that the property straddles the border with Waltham means that the owner likely has access to water and sewer from Waltham. Mr. Taylor requested that Mr. Higgins explore
the implications of this with legal counsel.
The Board summarized the status of discussions concerning the Massey property and urged that all stakeholders, particularly those in the Sandy Pond Road area, be consulted as discussions with Mr. Massey progress.
The Board acknowledged that in certain circumstances, grants could be an important financing component. Mr. Higgins outlined several grant programs that were available for so-called “Smart Growth” developments. Mr. William (Buzz) Constable, who happened into the meeting, also discussed several potential programs that could be explored. Mr. Constable stated that RLF was getting guidance from the Mass Housing Partnership which he found to be a capable resource.
A number of other action items were identified:
1) Mr. Taylor will contact Mrs. Bryce Wolf to assess the status of the 117 Gas Station property.
2) Mr. Higgins will contact Bedford and Lexington to determine how quickly Avalon Bay, Inc. filed its 40B applications in those communities once they assumed ownership of the properties.
3) Mr. Higgins will also consult Mr. Buck Creel to determine the status of the accessory apartments that might be added to the Town’s inventory.
4) The Board voted to amend the Charge to the At Risk Properties Committee, adding the Community Preservation Committee to the list of Town Committees that are represented.
5) Mr. Taylor will lead the effort to get the At Risk Committee together to determine next steps.
Ms. Holden expressed the need to convene the various town boards which will have a role in the future use of the so-called "at risk" properties. Everyone agreed that this is the time to be pro-active rather than reactive and that the best results will emerge when all the boards have open and clear channels of communication. Ms. Holden will seek to find a date when the majority of the stakeholders can meet.
Ms. Mattes and Mr. Taylor thanked Ms. Holden for her excellent outline.
Train Whistle Ban
Mr. Higgins reported that there was no indication from FRA or DTE that the new regulation would be delayed, therefore, he expected that FRA would instruct the MBTA to reinstate the ban effective June 24th.
Liaison Reports
Ms. Mattes reported that HATS would be meeting on June 23rd and that one of its agenda items was municipal energy and how the Towns might collaborate. Ms. Mattes reported on the recent MAGIC meeting as part of the previous discussion concerning Freedom’s Way.
Mr. Taylor provided an update on the Town’s efforts to develop a new contract with the Pierce House Manager. Mr. Taylor expected that the agreement would be completed within the next few weeks.
Action Items
1) Harrington CRs - The Board voted unanimously to endorse the Harrington Conservation Restriction agreements recommended by the Conservation Commission and RLF. Ms. Holden made the motion to endorse. Mr. Taylor seconded the motion. With Ms. Mattes voting aye, the motion was approved unanimously.
2) CPA BANs - The Board voted to sign the Bond Anticipation Notes for the Library Roof and Harrington property acquisition. Mr. Taylor made the motion to execute the BANs, Ms. Mattes seconded the motion. With Ms. Holden voting aye, the motion was adopted unanimously.
3) DeCordova Appointment - The Board voted to appoint Ms. Melinda Webster Loof as the Selectmen’s Representative to the DeCordova Museum Board. The Board expressed its appreciation to Mr. Beenhouwer. The Board requested clarification of any legal requirement placed on the DeCordova Board which requires a minimum contribution from trustees. If such is the case the town should consider making the required minimal ($25.00) contribution.
4) Minutes – The Board requested an opportunity to review at the next meeting. Ms. Mattes did submit suggested edits.
The Board voted to adjourn the meeting at approximately 9:45 p.m.
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