Board of Selectmen’s Minutes
January 3, 20052006
PRESENT: Sarah Cannon Holden, Sara Mattes, Gary Taylor
STAFF: Timothy Higgins (Town Administrator), Debra Parkhurst (Administrative Assistant
Welcome & Introductions: The Chairman opened the meeting, noting there were no appointments. The Board will go into Executive Session to discuss real estate. Ms. Mattes added that she would like to add HATS to the Executive Session, noting that while Secretary Pritchard denied the HATS committee request for Fail Safe Review, he said that the DEP should be involved in review of the proposed re-development. HATS met with Counsel and the Board Executive Session will discuss future actions.
Announcements: There were no announcements.
Open Forum: No one was present for the session.
Town Administrator’s Report
Budget: Mr. Higgins discussed the Operating Budget, presenting a spreadsheet the base versus preferred budget. He noted a difference of$427,000 between the base and the preferred budget. He also discussed the 15 page report from the Fire Chief that supports the additional firefighters. The DPW has asked to increase the equipment maintenance budget by $28,000, as well as costs for additional details and road patch materials, and custodial services.
Recreation has requested enhanced field maintenance. In summary, Mr. Higgins said that restoring prior positions lost and avoiding expense cuts that hinder operations is a priority. He also said there is support for the Chief in bringing forth more firefighters and noted that in the past funds were cut from the DPW and now the Town should increase its investment.
Ms. Mattes requested that they look at the installation of artificial turfturn for overused fields, as this might be a more cost-effective approach for the long-term... She also said that the Board needs to have a discussion of bonding for road repairs on the more heavily used and major roadways... Mr. Higgins discussed the DPW Superintendent’s work on a two year plan and agreed that the Selectmen need to have a discussion regarding road policy and budget over time, including the State budget cuts. Mr. Taylor said Superintendent Bibbo did have a discussion with Capital Planning, and it was agreed that he should attend a meeting to discuss the topic with the BOS...
Mr. Taylor expressed concern over the level of support from the Town for the number of firefighters requested versus other departmental needs. He noted there is a real case for the firefighter increase. The Chairman asked if there was a cutback at one time. Mr. Higgins discussed changes in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s in response to a Report at that time that suggested increased staffing, and noted there was an attempt recently to increase call firefighters. However it is difficult to attract call firefighters who live a reasonable distance and many of them are waiting for full time positions. It was noted there is only a 30% response rate to requests for call firefighters at this time. Mr. Higgins said much of the shortage of staff that is due to the increase in
ambulance calls. There are almost 400 ambulance runs a year, which takes two men away from the station. Mr. Higgins noted that they have now improved mutual aid agreements with neighboring towns, however, Hanscom can only respond to a fire not medical. Noting that the At-Risk properties (where development is likely) tend to be in the North side of Lincoln, the problem will remain. Mr. Taylor suggested consideration of structuring the override requests so that the Firefighter increase may be separated. The Chairman asked if there was a rationale for adding two firefighters versus four. Mr. Higgins said that anything less than one additional person per shift was not effective.
Discussion turned to the change in the professional Assessor position, noting that the position calls for a consultant two-three days or as needed.
Discussion turned to reducing some of the other spending, and noting the differences between discretionary spending and required “in-service” training for public safety employees. Ms. Mattes has asked for a report on the costs associated with State and Federal mandates on planning for disasters and emergencies (including terrorism, health pandemics). Mr. Higgins said the next Selectmen’s Meeting will be a joint meeting with the Capital Planning and The Community Preservation committee on January 9.
Taxation of Telecommunications Companies:
Mr. Taylor made a MOTION, Ms. Mattes seconded to pass a resolution to support House Bill 2408, An Act Relative to the Taxation of Telecommunications Companies. The MOTION passed unanimously. The Board signed the Resolution. Mr. Higgins noted that if the legislation passes, this could create additional tax revenues of $68,000 for the Town.
Confirm Selectmen’s Meeting 2006 Meeting Schedule: The Board reviewed, revised and approved the Calendar of Meetings from January through July of 2006.
Determine Town Report Cover: The Board reviewed various options. Due to the fact that the BRAC initiative and the retention of Hanscom Air Force Base was a large factor for the past year, the Board determined that it should be represented. Ms. Mattes will contact the Base.
Review/Approve Pierce House Manager’s Contract: Mrs. Mattes made a MOTION, Mr. Taylor seconded to approve the contracts for the Pierce House Manager and Assistance Manager positions as presented in the packet and as recommended by the Selectmen’s Liaison, retroactive to July 1, 2005. The MOTION passed unanimously and the Board signed
Review Correspondence: Mr. Taylor noted that the interest rate on the Senior Tax relief deferral amount should be voted annually.
The Board discussed the need for appointments for the Conservation Commission.
Review/Approve Minutes: deferred
Mr. Higgins summarized actions and reviewed previous action items.
The Board reviewed and signed the Warrants.
A MOTION was made and seconded to go into Executive Session pursuant to MGL c.39, ss23B, Real Estate Exemption, not to return to Regular Session. Mrs. Mattes will also update the Board on HATS possible litigation. A roll call vote was taken: Holden- Aye; Mattes- Aye; Taylor –Aye.
The Regular Session of the Board adjourned at 9:35 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
Approved 2/13/06
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