SELECTMEN’S MINUTES
January 9, 2006
PRESENT: Sarah Cannon-Holden (Chairman), Sara Mattes, Gary Taylor,
STAFF: Timothy Higgins (Town Administrator), Debra Parkhurst (Adm. Asst.), Anita Scheipers (Asst. Town Administrator).
Welcome and Introductions: The meeting opened at 7:40 PM. The Chairman welcomed the public, reviewed the agenda and action items for the meeting.
Announcements: The Chairman called attention to the barriers set up outside Old Town Hall meant to simulate a proposed new curb cut requested by the Old Town Hall Corporation. The barriers will be up for a month and she invited people to comment.
Open Forum: No one came forward at this time.
Capital Planning and Community Preservation Committees
Present: Anita Scheipers, Assistant Town Administrator, Peter Von Mertens, BJ Scheff, Amalie Kass, Buzz Constable, John Koenig, John Robinson (Finance)
Mr. Taylor introduced the Committee members and turned the discussion over to Ms. Scheipers. She reported that the Capital Planning Committee had put together a prioritized list for capital spending. Some 29 requests for funding were received. The Capital Planning Committee and the Community Preservation Committee, through a consolidated process, determined items that were suitable for funding from the Community Preservation Committee. Those that were not eligible for the Community Preservation funds were given to the Capital Planning Committee for further review. These included items such as vehicles, technology, and school repairs. The capital program recommended by the Committee came in at an amount under the FINCOM guideline of $550,000. The Community Preservation Committee
presented the Fiscal Year 2007 projects that included housing, Library, Recreation requests.
Mr. David Ries, member of the Codman Farm Board, said he wanted to alert the town on structural issues with the barns at Codman Farm. Mr. Koenig said the CPC is working with what they have to spend. Ms. Mattes said they are still doing assessments of town buildings, including the Codman Farm House. Mr. Koenig discussed the process and funds that have been spent over the past few years including $163,000 for the Conservation Fund. Mr. Higgins discussed the State matching program for the CPC that is still at 100% and noted that there is a one year lag in crediting the State’s matching funds. CPA funds available in FY 06 are expected to total 1.1 million dollars.
Discussion turned to the Codman Barn, where a fire incident in 1996 may have caused some damage. Mr. Adamson, the Codman farmer, claimed that the beams were removed and not replaced following that incident. He further claimed that the barn was in danger of collapsing. The Chairman asked if a report was filed and if any insurance claims were made. Ms. Mattes said the BOS has a fiduciary responsibility to follow up on this. Mrs. Marsh said that the Codman Barn proposal was submitted last year, but the Town’s Needs Assessment of public facilities, which would also assess the condition of the barn is still not completed. Mr. Higgins said he expects that to be completed this year. Ted Tucker, introducing himself as a Structural Engineer, reported that there
was evidence of structural defects in the barn and presented a schematic drawing reflecting his assessment of the problem as well as photographs of disrepair. Mr. Higgins said he will investigate and report back to the Board. Mr. John Robinson, Chair of the FINCOM, said that a Reserve Fund Transfer may be requested if necessary to address any existing safety hazards. Mr. Peter Sugar discussed bids that have come in for roofing and windows for the Library. Bids for the roof work came in well below estimates, and he expects bids for the windows similarly to come in somewhat lower than the estimate. Any remaining funds from either project would go back to the CPC. Linda Miner, on behalf of Codman Farm, said that the barn has been an issue for ten years; she understands the town’s needs to understand all the building needs, but the library got their request without the assessment. [This statement is factually in error, as the Library
completed a Needs Assessment last year.] She contended the barn could be a bigger problem if it is delayed. The Chairman reiterated the need to understand all the circumstances. Discussion followed on how to assess the immediate concerns and costs. This will be on the next full agenda.
Town Administrator’ Report
BIIC Property – Mr. Higgins reported that the Deaconess is in negotiations with the present owners of the former BIIC property (now called St. Anne’s Woods) to purchase the property and construct a Continuing Care Facility or Senior Living Community. This would provide independent living through skilled nursing care for seniors. This project would require a zoning change. The Selectmen will have a meeting with representatives from the Deaconess on January 30. That meeting will be held at Bemis Hall to accommodate an expected large crowd. Ms. Mattes will inform the Council on Aging.
Master Planning Process- The Planning Board is hosting a 7:30 AM meeting on Friday, January 13 to discuss this.
Update on Old Town Hall Curb Cut Request – Mr. Higgins observed the cones being replaced on a trial basis. Public Safety and the Town Highway Engineer will have formal comments.
Budget- The Board has asked for updates. So far, the base budget is in compliance. The preferred budget came in $427,000 over. The Board discussed paring the preferred budget back in various ways to reach a total of $332,000 over the base budget. In this instance, the school is not asking for a large component for the override. The $332,000 on the Town side, includes the Firefighter request of $182,000. The Board discussed reductions for DPW, Conservation, and training. Ms. Mattes asked what training is mandatory and what is discretionary. A preferred budget will be presented on January 19.
Town Meeting – Still concerned about interest, the Board urged a moratorium on outside activities. They also asked if a handbook or shorter introduction to Town Meeting would be available.
Liaison Reports
Mr. Taylor reported on the Executive Session held prior to the regular meeting this evening. During that session, the Board authorized an offer for the purpose of purchasing the property known as Ridge Road Apartments (9 Ridge Road) which consists of 36 apartment units, for the benefit of the Town. This property was identified earlier by the At Risk Committee. The property is ideally located for this type of project, as it is near The Mall and the train. The living units are modest in style and size and suitable for affordable housing. The property was recently purchased by a group willing to work with the Town. At State of the Town, it was determined that the Town should be pro-active regarding projects with potential benefits for the Town. The Ridge Road purchase would achieve
the State mandated 10% affordable housing target and place the Town ahead of that target for the future. The owners have asked for a written offer, which was authorized in Executive session. The offer will be contingent upon Town Meeting approval for purchase. The structure would include a deposit, refundable through the due diligence process. The mechanics were made possible with the assistance of the Rural Land Foundation and the Lincoln Foundation. This is also contingent upon negotiating a mutually acceptable Purchase and Sales Agreement within 20 days of the owner’s acceptance of the offer. This will be presented to Town Meeting at the end of March, with a potential debt exclusion put to a vote and ballot, if required. Additional expenditures per unit for rehabilitation are expected to be 20 to 35 thousand dollars per unit.
Mrs. Mattes reported on the Crosspoint Project at Massport.
Crosspoint proposes to re-develop an old hangar with terminal capabilities, office space, and jet fuel tanks, all located within the crash zone of the runway. The HATS Selectmen asked for a full MEPA review. Secretary Pritchard denied the “Fail Safe Review”, but also said that the DEP should be involved. The HATS Selectmen are seeking a scope of services from an independent hydrologist. They had originally approached Camp Dresser McGee (CDM), however many companies have done or are already doing work for MASSPORT. HATS would like to submit a report to the DEP for review regarding environmental issues as will as assessments for cost of public safety implications. Mrs. Mattes expressed serious concern regarding response to fire and safety emergencies and they need
technical advice regarding the types of dangers that may arise.
Vote to Open Warrant:
A MOTION was made and seconded to open the warrant for the 2006 Annual Town Meeting. The Motion passed unanimously.
MINUTES
The following Minutes were approved:
12/05/05; 12/12/05; 12/19/05
Action Items
Mr. Higgins reviewed new action items from this evening.
Mr. Higgins reviewed past action items.
The meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
Approved 2/13/06
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