BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES
October 17, 2005
PRESENT: Sarah Cannon-Holden (Chairman), Sara Mattes, Gary Taylor
STAFF: Tim Higgins (Town Administrator), Debra Parkhurst (Administrative Assistant
Welcome & Introductions: The Chairman welcomed the public, and introduced the members of the Board and the Staff. The Chairman introduced and welcomed Anita Scheipers, the new Assistant Town Administrator. Members of the Board noted that the Town was fortunate to attract a candidate with such a strong background and qualifications.
Announcements: Selectmen Mattes requested an Executive Session at the end of the meeting to discuss legal matters regarding HATS.
Appointments
7:30 PM.: 250th Anniversary Committee
Chairman Sarah Andyusiak, members Jack MacLean and Kerry Glass of the 250th Anniversary Subcommittee presented a booklet commemorating the events. Ms. Mattes, Selectmen Liaison, noted that they had no official Town funding, but rather had help from the Lincoln Cultural Council, the Lincoln Historical Society and the Bemis Trustees. The Codman Trust provided the funding for the Town wide mailing. The 250th Committee had 50 events by the end of the year. The Booklet follows an earlier booklet that was produced at the 200th anniversary. The earlier booklet had pictures of early houses in Lincoln, while the new booklet has pictures of houses and structures built since 1954. The Board thanked all those that were involved. It was also noted that
besides the edition that will be sent to residents’ homes, there will be a “collector’s” edition that will be presented to new residents. Ms. Andrysiak also thanked Ms. Mattes for all her help on the project.
7:45 PM.: Natural Resources Committee
Chairman Sue Klem, members Tom Gumbart (Conservation Director), Jim Meadors (ConCom), John Snell (Planning Board), and Buck Creel (Water Commission) reported on the NRC Water Conservation Analysis. Noting the many variables involved in the analysis, the members said they began by using the Assessor’s data, and divided it between residential use and commercial use. The Water Department currently uses a two tier billing system, charging a lower amount for the first 58,000 gallons used per household per year. They are considering a three tier system to further encourage water conservation. The NRC said that the summer usage is almost twice as much as winter usage. They also noted that at this time, it is difficult to find out who has sprinkler systems. They discussed usage breakdown,
where the top 5% users used 20%; the second 10% used 35%, etc. Some NRC members theorized that the highest users may be insensitive to the cost, and the additional cost, that is a higher cost per gallon, may not be the disincentive that the town would hope for. Mr. Creel also noted that the water plant itself may last longer if the Town as a whole cut down its water usage. He added that they hope to create a bill that contains a usage history. Discussion followed on responsibility for leaks. Homeowners must be responsible for leaks within their property. The Water Department checks leaks on behalf of the Town, and they have replaced all the old hydrants. Cost to residents was discussed, noting that more than 50% of the residents used enough water to be in the second tier for billing. Discussion turned to the non-residential uses, which includes several multi family dwellings. The biggest users in this category are the
Codman Pool, the Lincoln Schools, and the Pierce House. Drumlin Farm and Codman Farm have similar water use. The multi-family users have a better summer to winter usage ratio. The parties discussed different methods to encourage conservation. Suggestions included: offering a water audit, public education, control of lawn irrigation, and a tiered system that could reward the lowest users. Members expressed a concern about driving residents to dig wells, noting that they must protect three watersheds in Town as well. It was noted that there are property rights involved in private wells and it is a complicated issue. They discussed a bylaw that would include limits on lawn sprinklers. Mr. Gumbart asked who would write the bylaw and then who would be responsible for it. Mr. Higgins suggested that a bylaw, jointly authored by the Water Commission and the Board of Health might be appropriate, at the very least for back flow prevention.
Models are available from other towns and the DEP that could be useful for regulating sprinkler use, well use, education and conservation. Mr. Taylor also discussed the possibility that at some point in the future, the Town may hit the limit of its capabilities. Mr. Creel said that the Town is no longer able to store a day’s worth of water in the summer. Mr. Taylor asked if the Water Commission would know when Town would reach the limit of their capacity capability. The Committee asked what the Board would like for Town Meeting. Mr. Higgins suggested that the Committee report back with a model, with early January as a target date to return to the Selectmen with a report. The Selectmen thanked the Committee.
Town Administrator’s Report
Mr. Higgins reported on the budget, noting that the Selectmen have the summary and schedules. FINCOM is recommending a 2% growth, with departments able to submit a preferred budget as well. Budgets are due back by November 21, with a hearing to be scheduled for late November or early December. Large budget items include the fire apparatus in the near future and the library vault in 2008. The latter came out as a result of the facilities study. Sara Mattes asked if green technologies could be advanced so as not miss opportunities as facilities are improved. Mr. Taylor suggested using Ed Kern as a resource. He is also working on the Lincoln Campus Facilities. Mr. Higgins reported on the DOD reply to the Freedom of Information Act request. Some generic
information may be available, but it appears that the developer does have the right of first refusal should Hanscom Air Force Base close. Mr. Higgins reported that the Dept. of Revenue can fully fund the CPA.
Discussion
State of the Town Meeting & At Risk Properties Examination
Mr. Taylor will begin the presentation by explaining the reasons for the study, the consultants will present their reports, and this will be followed by discussion and feedback.
Liaison Reports
Mr. Taylor reported on the RLF. He said that the economics of housing are turning out to be better than retail. The emphasis for mall development is shifting to more housing, and less retail. The ZBA and the Planning Board have had discussion regarding the permitting process. The overlay district process may be the way to go forward. The ZBA has already addressed parking and safety in their approval from the Post Office/Café. The ZBA, RLF and Planning Board will attend the Selectmen’s meeting on Oct. 24. The Board agreed that the area should be considered in a holistic manner. Ms. Mattes stressed that the concept plans should be made quickly, and there needs to be an action plan.
Ms. Mattes reported that the HATS Selectmen have been meeting in Executive Session regarding the MEPA process. Of particular concern was the location of proposal and fuel storage close to a crash zone and a Zone 2 aquifer. The next HATS meeting is Thursday, October 20, 2005.
Action Items
Minutes of: 9/26 and 10/4 minutes were deferred
Mr. Higgins summarized actions and reviewed previous actions
The Board reviewed and signed warrant.
A MOTION was made and seconded to adjourn and go into Executive Session, not to return to Regular Session. A Roll Call Vote was taken: Mattes – Aye; Taylor-Aye; Cannon-Holden – Aye. The MOTION passed unanimously. The Meeting adjourned at 10:15 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
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