Board of Selectmen’s Minutes
November 14, 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:
Ms. Mattes announced that BRAC took effect on November 9.
Mr. Higgins reported on State of the Town follow-up and that he and the Chairman will attend the Chapter 70 Workshop to be held by Representative Pope. Mr. Taylor said he is also available.
The Chairman congratulated Cheryl Lacasse on her promotion to Editor of the Lincoln Journal and thanked her for her fine coverage and reporting.
Open Forum – No one was present for the Open Forum.
Appointments
7:30 p.m. Katherine Deickler, Candidate for appointment to Disabilities Commission
Mr. Higgins introduced Ms. Deickler to the Board. The Disabilities Commission works with Town Staff on projects such as renovations at Bemis Hall and the Town offices. Staff Liaison will be Anita Scheipers, Assistant Town Administrator. The Board expressed their appreciation for her willingness to work on this important Board. Mr. Taylor noted that they will be taking on a facilities inventory study, and part of this will be to consider access issues. Ms. Mattes made a motion and Mr. Taylor seconded to appoint Katherine Deickler to the Disabilities Commission for a three year term, to November 2008. The Motion passed unanimously.
8::00 p.m. Curb Cut Application, Jamie Atkins, 8 Upland Field Road
Ms. Atkins explained that she presently has a curb cut on one street (Beaver Pond Road), while her front door faces Upland Field Road. To increase safety and ease of parking for guests who would come to the front door she would like to create an area off this narrow road for parking two cars. This are would be composed of crushed stone. It was noted that the Bylaw discourages more than one curb cut. It was also noted that the Planning Board had approved a second curb cut (off of Beaver Pond Road) as part of an earlier site plan approval. Mrs. Atkins said they have decided not to construct the addition approved by the Planning Board and will abandon plans for the second curb cut onto Beaver Pond Road. The Board agreed that this should be a condition of the approval. A MOTION was
made and seconded to approve the plan conditioned upon abandonment of the previously granted curb cut on Beaver Pond Road and consistent with the plan as drawn. The Board discussed notification of neighbors. While such notification is not required, the Board determined that it would be a courtesy to notify the neighbors that the curb cut is under consideration. The original motion was tabled. A MOTION was made and seconded to continue the hearing to November 28, 2005, in order to notify neighbors. The Motion passed unanimously.
Town Administrator’s Report
Last year, the Selectmen held a preliminary discussion with Verizon regarding their application to provide cable service. This had to be delayed due to staff changes. The Selectmen will now schedule a hearing to discuss issues and process.
The Finance Committee had scheduled November 30 as their target date for the budge summit. This may be postponed for one week, if necessary. The Town department budgets are due on November 21. A preliminary budget from the school is currently available.
Discussion
State of the Town – The Board discussed an analysis following the State of the Town Meeting. They want to compile the results and identify the boards for appropriate response. The Board is interested in controlling the development of affordable housing in Town by purchasing existing housing or creating smaller developments over time. The Board also discussed creating more housing through the accessory apartments in town. However, they were concerned that the apartment process was not “user friendly.” Mr. Taylor noted that there is an “Accessory Apartment Task Force” that is looking to change some of the bylaw language. He also noted that the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is in the process of changing their
regulations regarding accessory apartments. The State should be contacted as to where they are with this update. The Lincoln Accessory Apartment booklet should be re-visited. Mr. Taylor will also speak with Avram Kalisky regarding the Senior Housing Task Force. Discussion followed on the possibility of a future Master Plan. A copy of the detailed analysis of the At Risk Properties Committee will be available in the Library. Ms. Mattes noted that the studies for these models were used to generate evaluation. Mr. Taylor added they were used to measure impacts and trade-offs for different scenarios. Discussion followed, noting that certain development tools used in the past may no longer be available.
The Board discussed the deer situation in Town. The Board would like to invite the Board of Health and the Wildlife Advisory Committee to a meeting.
Liaison Reports
Ms. Mattes reported on concern for the National Parks and their mission. There is tremendous pressure for commercial development. She noted that the Minuteman National Historical Park has had to cut back hours when the main building is open.
Ms. Mattes reported on a concern that Hanscom Air Force Base (HAFB) remains open, and also expressed concern that the State had not yet taken action to build on the effective collaborations that had existed in the Mass. Defense Technology Initiative – the campaign to “Save the Base.” She commented that proactive measures would be needed to “build mission,” that would ensure survival, in the long term of HAFB. Ms. Mattes also cited particular concerns for the proposed fuel storage and parking of fueled planes near a crash zone that might prejudice the military against the airfield in future BRAC analysis.
Mr. Higgins summarized the Actions.
The Board approved and signed the Warrants.
The Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
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