Board of Selectmen’s Minutes
September 26, 2005
PRESENT: Sarah Cannon-Holden (Chairman), Sara Mattes, Gary Taylor
STAFF: Timothy Higgins (Town Administrator), Debra Parkhurst (recorder)
Welcome & Introductions
Mrs. Holden opened the meeting at 7:30 PM. The Board introduced themselves and then the Chairman reviewed the agenda. Mr. Taylor said he would like to add a discussion about the Housing Commission.
Announcements
Ms. Mattes informed the Board that there will be a HATS meeting in the Town Offices on Thursday, September 29, 2005. HATS will have a full agenda discussing the municipal utilities bill and a proposal in the Federal government to sell off National Parks.
Mr. Taylor commented on the nice social event for HATS and Hanscom Air Force Base at the Pierce House on September 22, and thanked Ms. Mattes for her work on the event. Ms. Mattes, in turn, thanked Richard Silver for his help.
TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REORT
Capital Planning
Mr. Higgins reported on the capital planning process. Mr. Taylor will continue as liaison. Capital plans were due from departments last Friday. The first meeting of the capital planning committee will be in October. Mr. Higgins also reported that there are two major, non-recurring expenditures expected from Town departments: a new ambulance and radio system. Ms. Mattes said that she is concerned about the Town continuing to spend funds on capital expenditures without the benefit of a full review. Mr. Taylor agreed that that the Board should push ahead on having that full survey, but not everything should be held in abeyance. He noted that there is a five-year capital plan in place. His concern is that by putting expenditures off, there is a “hole” to fill
in a later year. He also noted that the “green” projects or other enhancements, such as a new kitchen in the Pierce House, are not on a plan. Mr. Higgins said the building survey has been funded, but the timing of its completion may not allow it to be a factor in this year’s process. Mr. Higgins also said that “rolling stock” is on a replacement schedule already. The four major buildings operated by the Town have been managed by people with good knowledge of building and management. The biggest item within the infrastructure consideration is the DPW. Ms. Mattes said the Codman House and the Pierce House have not been reviewed closely enough. The Board discussed having an expert opinion that is consistent for all the buildings. Mrs. Holden discussed a two pronged approach: continue the replacement policy for the rolling stock, but also obtain a consistent level of service review for all the buildings
so that they can also be placed on a long term plan.
Operating Budget
Mr. Higgins said he has spent some time with the John Robinson, Chairman of the Finance Committee. They will use a Time Line similar to last year that was effective. He will also meet with John Robinson and Paul Giese to form the basis of the Budget Guideline. In addition, the Selectmen’s Office needs to formulate its budget before the submission deadline.
School Building Assistance Plan
Mr. Higgins briefly reviewed the impact of the new Commonwealth school building financing program. He noted that significant reduction in costs for Lincoln, the Lincoln Sudbury School District and taxpayers throughout the Commonwealth. Mr. Higgins drafted a letter on behalf of the Board of Selectmen to the Governor expressing appreciation for the new program. The Board briefly discussed an article in “City and Town” regarding 05 average single family tax bills and assessed values. While reported home values went up 4.7% in Lincoln, tax bills went up an average of 3.6%, including the overrides.
Highway Projects
Mr. Higgins reported that under the new Highway Superintendent, the repair of second tier roads scheduled for this year has been completed. Residents have called and stopped by expressing appreciation for the work well done. He noted a letter in the packet. Mr. Higgins discussed the highway budget, noting that the DPW will not be asking for a capital expenditure by the Town this year; the balance of State funds should be sufficient to cover needed repair of the smaller roads. Ms. Mattes commented that the Town should be setting aside funds for the larger roads as well. Mr. Taylor said that if they had done that in the past in addition to paying for the maintenance that was done, they may have had to increase taxes. He added that the tax reduction from the school building funding
may allow the Town to think about bonding to get the main roads done.
DISCUSSION
State of the Town
Mr. Higgins reviewed the At Risk Committees schedule in the packet. The Selectmen’s Office will send out a Town-wide mailing that will include information on the date and the process for State of the Town. The At Risk Committee should author a letter for the packet. The Board still wants Report Cards from the different boards to be organized and included. The Selectmen still need to write their own report as well. Mrs. Holden suggested an article in the paper as well, particularly to inform the public regarding the work of the At-Risk Committee. The State of the Town Meeting is scheduled for November 5, 2005 from 9AM to 12-1 PM.
Conservation Policy
Mr. Higgins has prepared an updated draft. Ms. Mattes suggested that the process should be led by the officials, elected and appointed, that are accountable to the public. She recommends that the Conservation Commission be the applicant. Mrs. Holden added that the Conservation Commission would be the primary applicant or advocate, with the private entity as the secondary applicant. Mrs. Holden will work on the draft policy.
Munis
Mrs. Holden attended and testified at a hearing on House Bill 3294, sponsored by Jay Kaufman. She reported that other communities have been successful with their municipal utilities, noting the favorable differential in costs in comparison to service from NStar and other investor-owned utilities. While there is a transition cost, she heard there was still a 20% savings. Municipalization could force utility companies to be more competitive. The Boston Globe had an opinion editorial in favor of the bill and 110 Massachusetts communities are in favor of the bill.
LIAISON REPORTS
Mr. Taylor reported that the Chair of the Housing Commission has written a letter to DHCD regarding the State appointment to the Commission. The State had appointed Bryce Wolf two years ago, and she was nominated again this year by the Board, but not reappointed. Mr. Taylor would like pursue this with the State. Any correspondence should be copied to Representative Pope and Bryce Wolf. Mr. Taylor will call Bryce to inform her that the Board is working on this issue.
Ms. Mattes reported on the BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure Process). The recommendations were sent to the President and it was sent to Congress with no alterations. The process will be completed around November 1. She noted that there is a lawsuit regarding the recommendation. She also reported on the QDR (Quadrennial Defense Review) that looks at strategic capabilities.
Ms. Mattes reported that Representative Marty Meehan has filed a bill to include Barrett’s Farm within Minute Man National Historic Park. She also reported that Richard Pombo, Chairman of the National Resources Committee has made a move to sell of 15 National Parks to private development, which she believes sets a dangerous precedent. Ms. Mattes has drafted a letter on behalf of HATS noting their support of the National Park and the bill to add Barrett’s Farm. Chairman Holden will also write a letter from the Board. Jim Cunningham informed the Board that it has passed the House. The letters will ask U.S.Senators Kerry and Kennedy to support the bill.
Ms. Mattes reported on the Agriculture Commission. She noted two separate pieces of State legislation regarding small wineries shipping to private entities, one against and one in support. Lincoln does now have a small winery. She asked that the Board write a letter to State Senator Fargo and Representative Pope in support of allowing small wineries to ship their products directly to individual purchasers/private parties.. Mrs. Holden will write that letter. Ms. Mattes also noted that the Boston Globe had an editorial in support.
Mrs. Holden reported that she has met with Barbara Myles, Library Director.
Mrs. Holden reported on a meeting with Amalie Kass, Chairman of the Rural Land Foundation.
Mrs. Holden reported on the HFAC (Hanscom Field Advisory Commission) meeting, and she would like to see the group find a way to better relationships with MASSPORT.
Mrs. Holden reported on A CAC (Corridor Advisory Committee) Meeting. She said there is a good working rlationship between Mass Highway and the Route 2 neighborhoods. This was seen as a credit to the early work by (past Selectman) Roz Delori and the enormous effort recently put in by Planning Board member John Snell.
The Board reviewed current and past action items.
The Board discussed emergency preparedness, and Mr. Higgins said he will bring in Public Safety for a meeting.
The Board reviewed current and past action items.
Minutes were deferred.
Warrants were signed.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
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