MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
SEPTEMBER 12, 2005
PRESENT: Sarah Cannon Holden (Chairman), Sara Mattes ABSENT: GARY TAYLOR
STAFF: Tim Higgins (town ADministrator), Debra Parkhurst (Recorder)
welcome and INTRODUCTIONS
Mrs. Holden welcomed the public and reviewed the agenda.
APPOINTMENTS
PUBLIC HEARING FOR TAX CLASSIFICATION
PRESENT: Assessors Buffer Morgan, John Robinson, and Principal Assessor Julie Miller were present to propose the new residential tax rates as well as a small increase in the Commercial/ Industrial/ Personal (CIP) property tax. The State allows a shift of up to a factor of 1.5% for CIP. As proposed this new rate would shift $155,000 from residential to the CIP. One half of this amount is paid by Lincoln North; the remainder is split between Boston Edison, The Rural Land Foundation, Verizon and other utilities. With the shift, the tax rate on CIP would be $11.73 per thousand. Discussion turned to the increase in the average residential tax bill. Ms. Mattes also expressed concern with the small family runs businesses that might be affected by the CIP tax. It was noted
that the tax shift includes a small commercial exemption.
· Ms. Mattes made a motion, Mrs. Holden seconded to adopt the residential tax rate as recommended by the Board of Assessors. The Motion passed unanimously.
· Ms. Mattes made a motion, Mrs. Holden seconded to adopt an open space discount as recommended by the Board of Assessors. The Motion passed unanimously.
· Ms. Mattes made a motion, Mrs. Holden seconded, to adopt a residential exemption as recommended by the Board of Assessors. The Motion passed unanimously.
· Ms. Mattes made a motion, Mrs. Holden seconded to adopt a small commercial exemption as recommended by the Board of Assessors. The motion passed unanimously.
OPEN FORUM
Mrs. Holden welcomed Mary Lincoln, Chairman of the Conservation Commission to the meeting and emphasized that the Commission currently has two vacancies, and Mrs. Lincoln is here to discuss the roles, mission, and goals of the Commission. Mrs. Lincoln explained that some of the work of the Board deals with enforcing the State Wetlands Protection Act and the local wetlands bylaw. The other mission of the Commission is managing the Town owned conservation lands. Members of the Commission have various skills and backgrounds. Someone with a legal background or an engineer/ wetlands scientist would be useful for the Commission, she said. She estimated that the work of the Commission might require ten hours a week of reading, preparation, site visits, and other land management issues. Mrs.
Mattes commented that there is a new agriculture commission being formed and they will be seeking a liaison from the Commission as well. Mrs. Lincoln commented that the Commission is involved with several town Boards, such as Natural Resources, Water, etc. Mrs. Mattes commented that multiple boards working together create the look and feel of the Town. Mrs. Holden asked at what point the Commission comes into the process when a Conservation Restriction is created. Mrs. Lincoln said they come in closer to the end, as most of the Conservation Restrictions are held by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust. She noted that it is easier for a private entity to deal with these transactions. Discussion followed on the process between the Commission, the Land Trust, and the State. The traditional attitude of the Town has been the assumption that open land should be conserved. CPA money can be also used by the Commission for these purposes without
going back to the Town. The Selectmen asked how the public can be involved. Mrs. Lincoln pointed to the Open Space Plan as a long standing accepted plan for acquiring and protecting open space. She also said that one must be concerned with privacy in some negotiations. Ms. Mattes commented that there has been concern that much of the shape of the Town happens behind closed doors. However, she noted that the upcoming State of the Town and the discussion on the At –Risk properties may alleviate these concerns. Mrs. Holden commented that serving on these Boards and Commissions is an opportunity to participate in democracy in a small town. Mrs. Lincoln noted that the members of the Commission are “smart, principled and funny.” She described their various skills and the skills brought forward by the Staff. The Board hopes to enlist new recruits and urge interested residents to contact Tom Gumbart, Conservation
Director or Mary Lincoln. The Office of the Selectmen will contact past applicants to see if they are still interested.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Higgins reported that he has interviewed several strong candidates for the Assistant Town Administrator position. He would like to invite Anita Scheipers in next Monday to meet the Board. Mr. Higgins briefly described her work experience and style. He also noted that she worked on the Fort Devens closure process and would be useful in any future base issues. The Chairman of the Personnel Board, Mrs. Holden and Mr. Higgins recently met with Ms. Scheipers.
Mr. Higgins also reported that a new State program will serve to lower the 20 year debt incurred by the Lincoln- Sudbury School District by 13 million dollars. During the peak year it will lower the cost by $500,000. The Board would like to publicly thank the governor and his staff, with copies to the representatives. The Board also suggested a letter in the paper.
Mr. Higgins briefly reviewed the Town Meeting Calendar. Town Meeting is scheduled for March 25, with the election on March 27, 2006. The Town Meeting Calendar should be finalized and posted.
Mr. Higgins reported that Capital Planning facilities review is temporarily on hold due to staff turnover. He would like to explore the efficiencies that might be gained for school and town building facilities. Discussion followed on being able to prioritize and also maintain goals. Mr. Higgins noted that capital spending was reduced last year with a few exceptions. Ms. Mattes said that when the Board reviews upgrades, they should also include looking at energy efficiencies and alternative energy sources. Mrs. Holden also noted roadside clearing on Bedford Road and Mill Street has had good results.
DISCUSSION
STATE OF THE TOWN- The “hold the date” letter went out to the Board and Chairmen. The Chair will produce the Selectmen’s Report card. October 10 is the deadline. The Selectmen will work on meeting management and the agenda.
AT RISK PROPERTIES - Mr. Higgins reported on the work of the committee.
CONSERVATION RESTRICTION POLICY – The Board reviewed the latest edits. Ms. Mattes wants everyone to understand the alternatives when a CR is proposed. Mr. Higgins will re-draft.
RECRUITMENT COMMITTEE – The Board discussed a committee to find volunteers for various boards and committees in Town government. They noted that in the past, the League of Women voters were active in a recruitment drive. Contacts for this would be Susan Taylor, Beth Ries, Denise Bienfang, Lee Harrison, and Jennie Greeson.
LIAISON REPORTS Ms. Mattes reported that there will be a hearing on September 20 at 10 AM regarding HB3294 advancing the support for municipal utilities. She will be there on behalf of Lincoln and HATS. Ms. Mattes also noted that the next HATS meeting is scheduled for September 29. After that, they are the third Thursday of the month. Ms. Mattes reported that the 4-H riding ring has been completed and is being used at Browning Field.
ACTION ITEMS
The Board signed the three Heck property Conservation Restrictions that were approved at the last meeting. Since the front parcel was only marked this morning, they delayed the vote on the fourth parcel in order to view the conservation restriction area.
Mr. Higgins reviewed the Action Items from tonight’s meeting.
Mr. Higgins noted that Public Safety has been working on policies regarding emergencies, including schools, hazardous material spills, emergency shelters, etc.
A MOTION was made and seconded to adjourn. The Motion passed unanimously. The Meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
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