Board of Selectmen’s Minutes
November 7, 2005
PRESENT: Sarah Cannon Holden, Sara Mattes, Gary Taylor
STAFF: Tim Higgins (Town Administrator), Debra Parkhurst
Welcome & Introductions: The Chairman welcomed the public, introduced the members of the Board and the Staff, and reviewed the Agenda.
Announcements
The Chairman announced that there will be a lecture on Stem Cell Research at 3 PM on Sunday November 20 as part of the Bemis Lecture Series.
Ms. Mattes announced that the 250 Limited Edition Booklet is available for sale at the Old Town Hall, Library, and Town Clerk’s office.
The LLCT has created a new Lincoln Trail Guide for sale and it will be presented at the Library on November 19 at 3:30.
Open Forum
Ms. Mattes welcomed visitors from Wisconsin to observe Town governance.
Appointments
7:30 p.m. Highway Superintendent
Re: Carroll School Crosswalk Proposal
Chris Bibbo Highway / DPW Superintendent appeared along with Mike Haines, Superintendent of grounds and buildings of the Carroll School. Mr. Bibbo explained that following the purchase of property on the south side of Baker Bridge Road, the Carroll School requested to install a crosswalk from the main campus to their new outdoor area. Mr. Bibbo, Mr. Haines and Police Officer Bob Gallo had physically inspected the site. The Selectmen reviewed drawings of both existing conditions and proposed conditions. According to Mr. Bibbo, the site met the AASHTO standards of 225’ of sight distance.30 They Mr.Bibbo proposed to establish a school zone in this area. He has contacted the State and reported they had met the four criteria necessary to establish a school zone. The proposed
zone and crosswalk will be done according to AASHTO and MUTCD guidelines. The proposed crosswalk will conform to Lincoln Standards of 2’ x 2’ with a crossing sign. The Board reviewed the materials. It was proposed that there would be walking paths with a post and rail wood fence to separate the children as they are walking along the right of way. The Carroll School has offered to pay for the cross walk, the sidewalk and the signs. The proposal included three sign postings in each direction for a total of six signs. Old signs would be taken down. Following review of the locations and signs, members of the Board expressed concern with the number of signs and the cross walk , noting a long time struggle between maintaining the rural character of Lincoln and meeting standards set by other agencies. Mr. Bibbo said the signs come in various color and brightness intensities so they can be modified. Mr. Higgins noted that
other crosswalks in Town, including Mt. Misery and the schools have used the roadway guidelines. Ms. Mattes reminded the Board that the notion of a crossing had been suggested when the property was contemplated for sale to both Carroll School and Lovelane Farm. The Board cautioned any potential use should not require a pedestrian crossing, as this was an especially narrow and winding roadway, unsuitable for intense foot traffic. Ms. Mattes recalled an earlier conversation where the school had said they would bus students to the new outdoor areas. Mr. Haines said student classes of 8 to 16 students would make twelve (round trip) crossings per day. Ms. Mattes asked what the school would do for an alternative to the crosswalk. The Board agreed to take this matter under advisement and will continue the discussion at a future meeting.
Jack French, Town Moderator
Re: Improving Town Meeting Participation
Beth Ries, former Selectman and League of Women Voter (LWV) president, was also present. Mr. French said he wanted to have a discussion about how to encourage more residents to participate in Town Meeting. Discussion followed on increasing publicity, and using other organizations such as the Lincoln School Association and the Lincoln Family Association. They also discussed using the annual Newcomer’s Event at the Pierce House scheduled for December 4. All agreed that the numbers at Town Meeting are gradually decreasing and the attendant population is aging, noting that this is a common problem in many small towns. Ms. Mattes commented that prior to Proposition 2 ½, all budget decisions had to be made at Town Meeting. This guaranteed a better turnout than today, as most
budgets are decided at the polls by vote on the Override. Mr. Taylor said that Sudbury has a “New User’s Guide” to their Town meeting whichmeeting, which talks about the mechanics of Town Meeting. Some members noted that the Town Meeting may appear like a “club” if the same people always participate. Town Meeting participants should identify themselves along with their address when they speak. It was suggested that an older LWV “Guide to Town Meeting.” should be re-visited. It was also suggested that the Financial Section could include such a “user’s guide.” Discussion followed on use of the microphones, the pros and cons of a “passed around” mike versus a “standing” mike. To increase turnout, Ms. Mattes suggested working with the School system early so that conflicts, such as sports events, are minimized. It was also suggested that the Transfer station could be
open Sunday instead of Saturday that week. Ms. Ries suggested that Town meeting has become too long, and needs discipline for presentation and discussion. Some Towns have their zoning and policy articles at a fall town meeting. It was also suggested that more items can be put on the consent calendar. Mr. Higgins said the capital items can be addressed as a group. Discussion followed on increasing volunteerism. A booklet or outline of all the volunteer committees, with descriptions, including whether they are elected or appointed, the length of the terms, the responsibilities and how often they meet would be useful. The website is another tool. The Board will schedule a continuation of the discussion about volunteer recruitment to a future date.
Neighborhood Conservation District (NCD) Study Committee
Re: Status Report
Present for the discussion were Joel Freedman (Chairman), David Ries (Planning Board), Colin Smith (Historic District Commission), Pamela Green (ZBA), Ruth Wales (At-large)
Mr. Freedman said the group had met two weeks ago with the Brown’s Woods neighborhood, considered one of the neighborhoods at risk currently without adequate protection. What they are proposing is not an historic district and not a zoning district, but rather a bylaw that would allow a focus on each neighborhood and landscape into the future. The discussed various model types, noting they are more common in other areas of the county. The Committee proposes to set up an “enabling” bylaw at Town Meeting that would allow each neighborhood to form its own neighborhood bylaw. Thus, the Town creates a tool for the conservation districts. The first step following bylaw approval would be a study to be done for each neighborhood that applies. Mr. Freedman noted that while the Brown’s Woods neighborhood was positive, there was concern about over regulation. Discussion followed on how NCDs would be designated. While there would be no deed notification, the designation would be similar
to a historic district, and could be viewed as a “feature,” and not a detriment. Potential new buyers would be made aware prior to purchase and very likely would buy into the concept as well as the neighborhood, according to Mr. Freedman He added that while there is concern about what the designation does to values, in many instances, it may be an enhancement. However, Mr. Freedman added that in many areas of Lincoln, the NCD designation is not an applicable tool. He said that it only works in a neighborhood that has consistent general landscape or architectural attributes. The Committee is proposing a General Bylaw rather than a Zoning Bylaw. The first step would be to pass the enabling General bylaw. The Committee requested that the Selectmen save a place on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Ms. Green said the Committee will need to work to explain what an NCD is. The Selectmen suggested that the
Committee work through enough process to provide the Town and the neighborhoods the information necessary to understand and accept the goals. Mr. Freedman said that Brookline and Concord are studying similar bylaws. The only current Massachusetts law is in Cambridge, but the State has also produced a “model” bylaw. The Board thanked the Committee.
Town Administrator’s Report
Mr. Higgins asked the Board to formalize the appointment of Rita McFadden as dispatcher. A MOTION was made and seconded to appoint Rita McFadden as dispatcher. The MOTION passed unanimously.
The Chairman also congratulated Lieutenant Kennedy for passing the Massachusetts Bar exam.
Mr. Higgins reported on the capital planning meeting that served as an orientation and included a summary of projects for the future. Next meetings are November 10 and November 29.
Representative Pope is holding a meeting on Chapter 70 funds. Several Town officials will attend.
The Town Administrator discussed “Fiscal Facts,” a report from the Federal Reserve Bank. While there has been criticism that municipalities hire too many employees or pay too much in salaries, the conclusion of the article is that Municipalities have fewer employees with some higher salaries.
Discussion
State of the Town Meeting & At Risk Properties Examination
The Board agreed that the State of The Town Meeting went well. It helped establish a factual basis before getting into the policy issues. It also would be helpful to understand change as it may affect future financial, aesthetic and character issues for the Town. The meeting helped to focus debate on fiscal issues versus quality of life issues. The participating At Risk Board members were able to listen, and will report back to their boards, who can hopefully come back to the Town with guidance on approaching future problems. Mr. Taylor said there was a positive response to asking the Planning Board to develop a Master Plan. Ms. Mattes said that the 40B issue is critical and asked when the RLF would be coming back to the Board with an update. Ms. Mattes commented that it
would be important to take 40B “off the table” by meeting the requirement and then being able to open up discussion regarding the critical properties. The Ridge Road apartments were discussed as critical at this juncture. Discussion followed on next steps for the At Risk Committee. A revised charge and procedure should be considered. .
Liaison Reports
Sara Mattes reported that Attorney John Georgio filed a petition to MEPA on behalf of HATS requesting that they look at the Zone 2 Aquifer Protection Zone regarding the Crosspoint proposal at Hanscom Field
Ms. Mattes presented a draft letter to the Lincoln Journal explaining to local citizens why the Board was responding to a Federal Budget issue (the proposed sale of land and development rights in our national parks).
Action Items
Review Correspondence
Review/Approve Minutes: The Minutes of September 19 and September 26 were approved as amended.
The Town Administrator summarized action items.
The Town Administrator reviewed past action items.
The Board approved Warrants.
The Meeting adjourned at 10:00 PM.
Submitted by,
Debra Parkhurst
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