Board of Selectmen’s Minutes
December 5, 2005
PRESENT: Sarah Cannon Holden, Sara Mattes
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 the Transfer Station will be open on December 24 from 9 to 11 AM only. The Chairman said that she had attended a swearing in ceremony for new members of the Massachusetts Bar Association and was pleased to see Lieutenant Kevin Kennedy, She congratulated him on his achievement.
Mr. Higgins announced that the initial budget conference will be held by the Finance Committee on Wednesday night beginning at 6:30 PM
Ms. Mattes thanked the D.P.W. for their good work Sunday morning cleaning up the first snow storm of the season. She also thanked the League of Women voters for their Newcomer’s Party on December 4, “Linking up with Lincoln.” In particular, she wished to thank Susan Harding and the League of Women Voters, the Lincoln Family Association, Richard Silver, and the musicians.
Open Forum No one was present for this session.
Appointments
7:30 p.m. Rural Land Foundation Re: Mall Redevelopment
Chairman of the RLF, Amalie Kass, And RLF Director, Geoff McGean were present.
Ms. Kass reported that following a lengthy process, the RLF has received permission from the Zoning Board of Appeals to go forward with their additional building (the Post Office/ café) and parking. They are in the process of reviewing the lease from the Post Office. Ms. Mattes asked if there are deadlines. It was noted that the Post Office is under an Emergency Order to replace their facility, but there are no set time parameters. The RLF will meet with the Planning Board on January 4, 2006 to begin the permit process using the South Lincoln Overlay District for the remainder of the site, which includes retail and housing. Ms. Mattes was concerned with the length of time for the process. Using the Overlay District, the vote of Town Meeting would set up the use
parameters and restrictions. Affordable housing units that are created would not officially count until occupancy permits are granted. Mrs. Kass told the Board that the RLF had hired a consultant for retail and housing and have come up with a different plan that is being analyzed for financial viability. The cost is considerable, she added. The RLF is concerned about raising rentals for loyal tenants. The bank building cross the street was noted as a successful re-development. Ms. Mattes asked about a timeline for construction of the Post Office. Mr.McGean believed that could begin late summer. The Board, noting the success the RLF has in developing land with conservation interests, suggested that perhaps they may want to consider a separate entity to deal with more intense kinds of development. The Board thanked the RLF for coming in with the development update.
Town Administrator’s Report
Mr. Higgins reviewed the Town ’07 budget, noting that there are two budgets: a “no override” budget versus a “preferred” budget. He reviewed the service level targets, the key factors and assumptions, allocation of funds, and budget “drivers.” He also noted that the number of town staff has not changed since 1991, although there have been departmental staffing changes. Finally, he reviewed the FY 07 priorities.
The Board discussed the Pierce House budget. Ms. Mattes cautioned the reference to this as a “Town Contribution,” since the Town uses the facility and must pay its portion. Mr. Higgins noted that it is built into both budgets and is not a discretionary item. Mr. Higgins said that NESWC is outside of the 2% guidelines. Discussion turned to ALS (Advanced Life Support) as it affects the Public Safety budget, and how that would be handled if forced into using the base budget. This would involve mutual aid agreements and contracting with private ambulance companies. Ms. Mattes asked if there was potential for revenue since the person making the phone call could be charged. Mr. Higgins commented providing the service is still costly and that the Chief still believes
that the relationship with Emerson Hospital ALS is the most cost effective. He will be at the budget discussions on Wednesday. Mr. Higgins said the budget for the DPW is realistic. The Superintendent will improve and enforce the sticker program for the transfer station, since the Town now pays by tonnage.
Discussion
Emergency Preparedness: The Board requested that Staff find out what mandates are coming from the State and the Federal government regarding the avian flu. The mandates should also be analyzed for costs to the Town.
Signs: The Board is concerned about the increase in signs along the roadways (not private property). Many of these are commercial in nature and are not allowed. Contractors and Realtors should be informed of Town policy when they come in for permits and information. The MBTA sign was noted as one that should be removed. Mr. Higgins said the MBTA had been notified.
Liaison Reports
Ms. Mattes said that she will be meeting with the COA Board tomorrow to discuss housing alternatives. Ms. Mattes also reported that HATS had petitioned MEPA under their “Fail Safe” Review and MEPA called for a response from MASSPORT.
Action Items
Appointments to Zoning Board: The Board deferred action until a full Board could be present.
Award Town Report Plowing Contract: Ms. Mattes made a MOTION, Mrs. Holden seconded to award the contract to the second low bidder (the lowest bidder withdrew). The Motion passed unanimously.
Award Snow Plowing Contracts: Ms. Mattes made a MOTION, Mrs. Holden seconded to award the snow plow contracts as presented by the Highway Superintendent. The motion passed unanimously. In response to Board concerns about the width of plowed ways and concerns with stone walls and fences, Mr. Higgins said that the drivers work under the supervision of the Superintendent.
MINUTES: The following Minutes were approved.
October 4, 2005
October 17, 2005
October 24, 2005
Mr. Higgins summarized actions from the Meeting and reviewed past action items.
The Meeting adjourned at 9:30 P.M.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
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