MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
SEPTEMBER 6, 2005 7:30 PM
PRESENT: Sarah Canon-Holden (Chairman), Sara Mattes, Gary Taylor
STAFF: Timothy Higgins (Town Administrator), Debra Parkhurst
Ms. Holden opened the meeting and reviewed the agenda. Ms. Mattes requested to add discussion of a local disaster plan following the recent hurricane and flood disaster in the South. She said she is concerned with how the local government interacts with State and regional authorities, particularly given the proximity to Boston and important open water sources. Mr. Higgins will arrange to have Public Safety officials meet with the Selectmen for an update. Mr. Taylor added he would like to have a discussion on the Emerson Hospital request to increase fees for advanced EMT services.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Police and School are setting up a Katrina Relief Fund. There is a need for food and clothing. Details will follow.
The Fire Station is hosting an Open House on October 9 from 11 AM to 2 PM.
APPOINTMENTS - Health Insurance Funding Option
Mr. Higgins introduced Kevin Walsh, Health Insurance Advisor, Neil Feinberg (Town Treasurer), and Colleen Wilkins (Finance Director) who appeared before the Board to discuss the option of switching to a partially self -funded insurance plan. Mr. Higgins summarized the concept of a partially self funded option which involves the Town paying some claims directly, buying re-insurance for larger claims and establishing a trust fund. The trust fund would also help smooth out cost increases over time. This would involve Blue Cross/ Blue Shield Plans only. As with the present program, the annual contribution is a management decision. Mr. Walsh and Blue Cross/ Blue Shield will still be the actuaries and manage the program. There is an annual benefit fair for employees held in September and this
could be used as an education opportunity. Both Mr. Feinberg and Ms.Wilkins recommend the program. Ms. Mattes made a motion and Mr. Taylor seconded to support as of November 1, 2005, the move to a partially funded health insurance plan as recommended by the Town Administrator, the Town Treasurer and Finance Director. The Motion passed unanimously.
Rural Land Foundation
PRESENT: Geoff McGean, Executive Director, Rural Land Foundation (RLF); Amalie Kass Chairman, Rural Land Foundation;, William (Buzz) Constable, Lincoln Land Conservation Trust (LLCT).
Mr. McGean explained that the purpose of the meeting was to finalize the conservation restrictions for the Heck property at 23 Bedford Road. Mr. McGean reviewed recent properties that have had Conservation Restrictions (CR), including the Harrington and Row properties. Of the original 17-acre Heck property, they were able to preserve nine acres with a series of four conservation restrictions:
1. the rear of the property which preserves the view of Lincoln Hill; the land goes to the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust while the CR goes to the Conservation Commission;
2. a CR along the north side of the property now owned by the Nardi family;
3. a CR consisting of a 50’ wide strip along the front of the property;
4. a CR along the south side of the property now owned by the Azrack- Congdon family.
Another parcel was purchased by the Town Water Department.
A trail was recently established within the main conservation area. The four CRs protect four wooded areas. Specimen trees have been flagged. Discussion followed on the possibilities of further subdivision of the six acres. The lot will be recorded as one lot and the frontage along Bedford Road has a CR in perpetuity. The Nardi lot, despite its increase in lot size, will still be non-conforming. Ms. Mattes and Ms. Holden each expressed concern about maintenance of the six acre parcel and its estate “park-like setting.” Some of these matters can be addressed during the site plan review process held by the Planning Board. The Selectmen asked Mr. McGean to convey their concerns to the Lammerts, present owners of the property. They also asked that the
front CR area be adequately marked so that they can see the permanently protected area. Discussion followed on the process for approving CRs in the future. The Selectmen recently discussed a two-prong process, whereby the Conservation Director and the Town Planner would come and discuss the CR early in the process, followed by a second meeting where major issues that come up from abutters can be addressed. Ms. Mattes emphasized that the CR must be a public benefit and the applicant must show the various alternatives in a public forum. Ms. Kass said the RLF prides itself on a transparent process. In answer to a query from Ms. Holden, Mr. Constable explained who holds the CRs as well as their obligations. If these obligations are not met, then the owner has to deal with either the Conservation Commission or the LLCT. He also noted that the Land Trust has completed a Lincoln Hill Baseline Inventory.
Mr. Taylor made a motion, Ms. Mattes seconded, to approve the Conservation Restriction for property shown as Parcel 3. The Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Taylor made a motion, Ms. Mattes seconded, to approve the Conservation Restriction for property shown as Parcel 4. The Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Taylor made a motion to approve the Conservation Restriction for property shown as parcel 1. Ms. Mattes seconded, with the additional amendment that this will not create any additional building envelope and that the lot is non-conforming and will remain so due to lack of sufficient width and this grant of conservation restriction will not alter that. The Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. McGean will see that the flags marking the 50’ frontage CR will be installed.
Ms. Mattes requested that the RLF return to the Board later this month with an update on plans for the Lincoln Mall.
The Board deferred action on the last of the four proposed CRs for the Heck property until the September 12th meeting to provide time for RLF to better delineate the area of the CR and to provide any interested residents the opportunity to visit the site.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Mr. Higgins discussed the issues around Emerson Hospital’s decision to increase fees for Emergency Medical services. The communities have secured a one-year notice provision in case they (Emerson) decide to terminate the service. Emerson Hospital is proposing a $100.00 fee per run (effective next July 1st). Mr. Higgins indicated the area Chiefs and Town Administrators are preparing a financial analysis to compare status quo, Emerson’s new proposal and the cost of taking on the paramedic service locally. Mr. Higgins also said he is impressed with the support and commitment from the Fire Fighter’s Union which has indicated a willingness to help the town respond as the discussions with Emerson have evolved.
MEETING CALENDAR
Due to the Rosh Hashonah holiday, the Selectmen will postpone their October 3 Meeting to October 4.
PIERCE HOUSE
The draft agreement for compensation for the Pierce House Manager has gone to Town Counsel. The Finance Committee supports the change in compensation and the new rates have already taken effect.
NSTAR
Mr. Higgins reported on a meeting he had with representatives of NSTAR. NSTAR provided data that showed that most outage problems occurred in the Oxbow, Minebrook and Birchwood areas. They have been urged to focus tree trimming in the area where most problems occurred. NSTAR will also update a circuit in that area. The Board asked to be informed when this will be installed. The new DPW Chief will be involved in tree trimming as well. The Board also wants the parties to be aware of Lincoln’s concern and care with tree trimming. Mr. Higgins reported that DPW Director Bibbo has met with Ken Bassett, Tree Warden. Mr. Higgins also reported that the Town of Bedford lost a court case regarding “double poles.”
SOCIAL SERVICES
Mr. Higgins reported that Karen Santucci, COA Director, has put together directory of social services. This can be augmented and edited as new information becomes available.
DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS
Chris Bibbo began work on August 16. Presently the crew is out working on clearing vegetation on Mill Street, and the work has been complimented by several area residents. Mr. Bibbo is overseeing road work on Ballfield, Macintosh, Lincoln, and Bedford Roads
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Chief Cotoni reported that he has gone to the Water Commission regarding extending the water mains. The Water Commission will hire an outside engineering consultant to design the changes and establish a budget prior to Town Meeting.
DISCUSSION
STATE OF THE TOWN
The Board discussed the dual intent of this year’s State of the Town (SOTT) scheduled for November 5, 2005. The main focus will be a discussion of the At Risk Properties Committee and their findings. A draft report should be available by October 5. Sara Mattes and Sarah Cannon-Holden will draft a memo for Committees and Boards to “hold the date” and make a general announcement to the Town regarding the At Risk Property discussion. A second memo will outline what the report cards from the various boards and committees will include, such as what they have accomplished, not accomplished, or is still in progress. The second focus of the SOTT meeting will be the board reports and the opportunity to raise questions or comments early in the budget process.
Discussion followed on the use of two separate mailings, as well as information to be provided by the media (newspaper and cable) to set the framework two weeks before the meeting. A recorded discussion could be useful.
AGRICULTURE COMMISSION
Ms. Mattes reported on an initial meeting with good attendance. Mr. Paul Westbrook of the US Dept. of Agriculture was the featured speaker. A smaller committee will be formed to review materials, bylaws, warrant articles, and work plans. The next meeting has not yet been scheduled.
HOUSE BILL 3294
Ms. Mattes reported that 110 municipalities have endorsed this House Bill that could lead to allowing small towns to form their own municipal utilities. They are looking for sponsorship and letters should go to the Co-chairs of those committees and the Lincoln State representatives.
HANSCOM
Ms. Mattes reported that Crosspoint has made a proposal to rebuild an old hangar as a fixed base operator (fbo) to service corporate jets. She requests that a letter be drafted to the Governor to ask him to urge MEPA to review this proposal.
Ms. Mates also reported that the initial BRAC recommendation to have Hanscom remain open with 1100 new jobs has been revised. The BRAC recommended that Hanscom stay open, but the mission was revised with a net loss of 200 jobs. She noted that this does not shut the door on new growth for jobs, depending on the mission. The Board also thanked all those who participated in the planning for the continuation of Hanscom Air Force Base as a partner and neighbor.
CODMAN FAIR
Ms. Mattes made a motion that Codman Road be one way on the day of the Codman Fair, September 17, 2005. Mr. Taylor seconded with the addition that temporary signage be placed to direct through traffic to alternate routes. The Motion passed unanimously.
NEW HIRES
Ms. Mattes made a motion, Mr. Taylor seconded to appoint Laurel Mavilia as Special Police Officer. The Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Taylor made a motion, Ms. Mattes seconded to appoint Craig Campbell as a Full-Time Dispatcher. The Motion passed unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Higgins reported on correspondence regarding Aunt Sadie’s. There is a pending application to go forward with a single family house on this site, which may make the underlying litigation “moot.”
The Board discussed forming a Recruitment Committee to find Town volunteers.
ACTION ITEMS
Mr. Higgins reviewed the action items from the meeting.
The Meeting adjourned at 10:15 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
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