BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
October 4, 2005
PRESENT: Sarah Cannon-Holden (Chairman), Sara Mattes
STAFF: Timothy Higgins, Debra Parkhurst
Welcome & Introductions
The Chairman opened the meeting. The Board and staff were introduced.
Announcements
No announcements
Open Forum
No one from the public was present for the Open Forum.
The Chairman said that she had spoken with Dana Robbat. The Friends of Modern Architecture (FOMA) had received their 507A(?) status, and they would like to give the Selectmen a tour of the houses identified in their inventory. Ms. Mattes added that Freedom’s Way Heritage Corridor is holding a workshop on October 11, and Ms. Robbat might be interested in that.
Appointments
Patrol Officer Appointment: Police Chief Kevin Mooney introduced Ian Spencer for appointment to the Police Force, effective October 11, 2005. He will replace Robert Sweetland. Chief Mooney described Mr. Spencer’s background and qualifications. Mr. Spencer passed his entrance exam in 2004, and currently works in Bolton. He has had D.A.R.E. training and the Chief believes he is a good fit for Lincoln. A MOTION was made and seconded to appoint Ian J. Spencer to the Lincoln Police Department as recommended. The MOTION passed unanimously.
Emergency Preparedness: At the request of the Town Administrator, Fire Chief Art Cotoni and Police Chief Kevin Mooney were present to discuss the Town’s preparedness in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. Chief Mooney said they two chiefs work well together and coordinate with other agencies and departments. Both departments are part of NEMLEC (Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement) that includes 42 other cities and towns. Lincoln is also part of the NERAC (North East Regional) district. There are six regions in the State that were organized with the assistance of the MAPC (Massachusetts Are Planning Council). Chris Coleman, past Assistant Town Administrator, participated in a study conducted by MAPC to help revise Massachusetts Emergency Management (MEMA) plans. In
2004 the department received a local preparedness grant, and with the assistance of the second grant round, they will be purchasing new digital radio equipment. Chief Cotoni said that all firefighters are trained in HAZMAT and individual towns are able to call for mutual aid. State wide mobilization happens through MEMA for weather disasters, wild fires, etc. Chief Mooney commented that the same rules apply for “incident command” in all locations and training provides understanding of joint operations. The Chiefs also discussed a Mobile Command Trailer the Town has that can be used for joint operations. Mr. Higgins asked how regional models might apply to local disasters, including hazardous accidents or school emergencies. The Selectmen asked about local options for disasters. Chief Mooney said a new generator is able to provide heat and electricity to the Field House and to the Brooks School for a week. For traffic
management during a crisis, Chief Mooney said that the municipalities communicate with one another, and noted the traffic management during the Democratic National Convention in Boston. Situation control is always local, according to the Chief. Chief Mooney also said that Reverse 911 would be useful for sending messages out to the Town, if it was available. Instructions and information could go out in tax bills or other town wide mailings. Doherty’s has agreed to have buses available for evacuation purposes. Seven buses hold 44 passengers each. The Field House and Brooks School could hold up to 800 persons. Chief Cotoni said they received a grant for 54 cots with blankets, tents for triage and 20 first aid kits. Donelan’s Market would provide other supplies in an emergency. Chief Mooney said it is difficult to use civilian support due to on-going training. Discussion followed on interfacing with the Base and other area
communities. Ms. Mattes noted that the other HATS communities are having these discussions with their public safety officers. The Chairman thanked chief Mooney and Chief Cotoni for the update and thanked them for all the work they do.
In a related matter, Ms. Mattes reported on the concerns in the HATS community regarding a Runway Safety Area to be upgraded adjacent to the Crosspoint Redevelopment proposal. Fueled jets and a proposed fuel storage facility would be located adjacent to a designated “crash zone. They would also be located in a Zone 2 watershed area. Fire Chief Cotoni said that he had looked at the maps and called Deputy Fire Chief Kelley from Concord and the Chief from Hanscom, noting that all the areas are in Concord. Ms. Mattes asked how fire apparatus would get in an area that is populated and on a small road. Chief Cotoni has located the hydrants in Lincoln and Concord. He would prefer if all the jet fuel was stored in a single location. He noted that the Hanscom Fire Chief was not aware
of the proposal prior to their discussion. Ms. Mattes has told MASSPORT that Lincoln would like to meet with their public safety people.
Town Administrator’s Report
No discussion.
Discussion
State of the Town Meeting & At Risk Properties Examination
The Town Administrator reported that the Selectmen’s introductory memo was distributed for comment. The Selectmen Report Card is due by October 11. A “Save the Date” card will go out to the Town as soon as possible. This will be followed by one mailing to include the committee report card and the At Risk Committee information. The Town Administrator commended Mark Whitehead on his leadership of the At Risk group. The final report is due tomorrow. Discussion followed on the facilitation of the State of the Town Meeting. While Selectman Taylor would make the introductions, present the consultants and the impetus for the At Risk Committee, the Selectmen believe a facilitator would be able to create an interactive dynamic. The Selectmen urge the At-Risk
Committee to talk to facilitators regarding meeting management
Conservation Restriction Policy
A MOTION was made and seconded to accept the Conservation Restriction Policy as written. The MOTION passed unanimously.
Liaison Reports
Ms. Mattes reported on HATS (see above).
Mrs. Mattes reported on a recent League of Women Voters meeting, noting that it is now difficult to keep the League functioning, just as it is difficult to find volunteers for various Town functions. She noted that the League has a lot of information that could be shared with the Selectmen and suggested inviting Bryce Wolf to a meeting.
Action Items
Review Correspondence
A MOTION was made and seconded to allow the Boy Scouts to sell Christmas Trees and Wreaths at the corner of Lincoln and Codman Roads as requested in their correspondence dated September 21, 2005. The MOTION passed unanimously.
The Board discussed a proposal by State Auditor Joe DeNucci to change the Senior Tax deferral Program. Mr. Higgins said he had met with Representative Pope and will stay in touch on this matter.
Review/Approve Minutes: Minutes were deferred.
Summarize Actions: Mr. Higgins summarized actions.
Review Previous Actions. The Board reviewed.
Approve Warrants: the Board approved warrants.
The Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
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