SELECTMEN’S MINUTES
January 23, 2006
PRESENT: Sarah Cannon-Holden (Chairman), Sara Mattes, Gary Taylor,
STAFF: Timothy Higgins (Town Administrator), Debra Parkhurst (Adm. Asst.)
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: Ms. Mattes announced that she has taken out papers to run for Selectman.
Open Forum: No one was present for the open forum.
Appointments
Housing Commission & Lincoln Foundation
Re: Status Report – Current Activities
PRESENT: Kathy McHugh (Lincoln Foundation President), Peter Von Mertens, B-J Scheff , Bryce Wolf, George Georges (Housing Commission), Avram Kalisky (COA Liaison), Bryce Wolfe (Housing Commission)
Mrs. McHugh opened the discussion stating that the two housing groups were present to clarify their roles and responsibilities. They hope to create a brief document to describe the different housing entities and responsibilities. Mrs. Scheff described the various housing options in Town, including 48 affordable units at Battle Road Farm; the 65-70 units within Lincoln Woods that are affordable (not owned by the Town); two houses off of Cambridge Turnpike, 2 houses on Tower Road (Town owned and maintained); 2 at the Codman Farm, one at the Pierce House, and currently one on Sunnyside Lane. There are currently 182 units of subsidized housing as accredited by the State (8.9%). The group has not yet heard from the State regarding the accessory apartment program submitted last year. Units in
houses are not covered under the anti-discrimination rules, and the Town cannot require that landlords take anyone off a particular list. The Housing Commission will maintain a list and advertise one time per year. Two affordable accessory apartments have been permitted by the ZBA under the new (not yet approved) program. Three units were previously granted under the old bylaw that had a five year limit. The new unit at 30 Sunnyside will be constructed by Minuteman Tech High School and will begin in September when the school year begins. The two unit house also on Sunnyside is waiting for proposals. They noted that it was difficult for small contractors to comply with state regulations. The Commission had assumed they would save money using a modular design, but they are having a hard time finding contractors. Minuteman Commons is being marketed, but they have not received documents back from DHCD. When completed, this will
provide an additional six affordable units out of 32 being constructed, and at least one will be handicapped compliant. The Town will have the right to buy down one or two more. The developer will not get occupancy permits until they comply with DHCD. The Commission also said that Ridge Road Apartment is an opportunity that could provide 33 units that would be in keeping with the Town’s plans to have affordable housing near stores and transit. Negotiations are still open. Avram Kalisky suggested adding 22 affordable units to Lincoln Woods by adding more units and other services. The Board suggested he pursue this with the Board of Directors for Lincoln Woods. Ms. Scheff suggested that this raises the question about dealing with the South Lincoln area as a whole and suggested that a re-development authority might be in order. The Board noted that in the last few years, the Planning Board created the South Lincoln overlay zoning district to
allow the Planning Board to be pro-active rather than reactive in the planning process. Discussion followed on moving the process forward. Kathy McHugh discussed the mission of the Lincoln Foundation, a 5013C non-profit corporation to promote, protect and mange affordable housing in Lincoln,, and specifically to manage the home ownership program in Lincoln, The Lincoln Foundation serves as the Town’s agent for managing deed restrictions. The Foundation is responsible for maintaining waiting lists for affordable housing. It receives a transfer fees and a portion of the funds go into a revolving fund. They are currently in a working group with the RLF (Rural Land Foundation) regarding the Mall and adding housing stock. Mr. Taylor commented that having this public private relationship is important because it is difficult for the Town to move quickly in real estate dealings. Ms. Wolfe discussed the Lexington Housing
Partnership, an umbrella group for the various organizations in that town. The Chairman thanked everyone for attending this discussion.
8:00 p.m. Codman Community Farms Re: Codman Barns
PRESENT: Peg Marsh, Ted Tucker, Kit Carmody, David O’Neill, Linda Miner, Deborah Kahn
Mr. Higgins opened the meeting by stating that questions were raised at the last meeting regarding the integrity of the barns, noting also that this came up following an application to the CPC for funding. Mr. Higgins then discussed the review process for funding requests. In December of 2004, Codman made an application for restoration of the barn, with a report on the need to replace horizontal supports, but more importantly for the need for an historic restoration. Following this, the Selectmen voted to defer the project until there is a full facilities report for all the Town buildings. At the start of the present funding cycle, there has been no change in the request, and no inclination of the imminent risk suggested at the last meeting. At that meeting on January 9, there was as
suggestion that damage occurred as a result of Fire Department response to a fire in the barn. However, the files of the Town Administrator, Fire, Police, and Building Inspector have been reviewed and no damage was found to be the result of any fire fighting activity. The Selectmen added that their concern is an immediate look at the barn. Mr. Higgins hired Vannasse Hangin Brustlin, town engineers, to look at the barn. From a visual inspection, they see no obvious signs of distress. Mr. Higgins added that they are qualified to do a structural analysis, a longer and more involved process. It has been noted that there are some structural beams missing. The fire occurred where A and B barns meet. Many of the missing timbers in question were removed to accommodate newer barn equipment and were not a result of the fire response in 1996. Mrs. Marsh said that the Codman Board is aware of the fire and what happened in 1996 and are
satisfied. The Chairman said that while the facilities study has been delayed, they will follow a process for the funding of these upgrades. However, the Board noted that allegations had been made regarding public safety, and the Board must be satisfied that the barn is in a safe situation. Mr. Tucker said that he had looked at the horizontal members that had been removed, and that the barn is not in imminent danger. The Chairman asked about VHB. Mr. Higgins said a structural study would take two days and cost $10,000. The Board noted that the facilities study allows for $25,000 for all the facilities. The Board also noted that the CPC request in 2004 did not talk about structural defect. Mrs. Marsh said that the VHB review should hold for awhile. Replacing the timbers were in the original request. The Board wondered if an additional $5,000 would be needed for the study or if $25,000 is enough. The also noted there is nothing
stopping Codman Farms from replacing the timbers on their own. It was noted by the Board that as the removal of the structural beams had been done by the tenant (CCF), perhaps the tenant should pay for their replacement, rather than asking for the taxpayers to underwrite the tenant’s decision to replace the beams.
David O’Neill said that barns are a unique architectural specialty. Mrs. Marsh said that they had gone through the Selectmen’s office to apply for CPC funds, knowing that the funding is available. The Selectmen noted that the safety issue was not apparent to them before. The Town should proceed with the facilities study and the Codman Farm request will be considered with the other facilities. The Chairman said she wanted to give the Fire Chief opportunity to speak. Chief Artie Cotoni said that in 1996 two holes were made in the roof where barns A and B meet to get the hay out of the barn. No beams were involved. He has talked to the surrounding towns that were involved in the call, and no chain saws were used at the time. Mrs. Holden added that she wanted
the record to be clear. There was a second fire that was put out in a few minutes. Mrs. Mattes said they may need a specialist for the barn. Mrs. Marsh said a letter of apology was placed in the paper regarding the previous allegations.
Town Administrator’s Report
Mr. Higgins said that they will have Kemon Taschioglou in for a future meeting to discuss Minuteman Regional High School.
The Town Moderator is preparing a short welcome and explanation of Town Meeting to go in front of the warrant.
The Town has received a check from NESWC closing out the account.
The Old Town Hall Exchange “trial” curb cut openings will be in place for four weeks.
Budget – The Town has until 2/13/06 to place an override request on the ballot. The question remains with L-S High School if one is necessary.
Discussion
“Bright Light” Award – The Board reviewed the letter of recommendation.
Liaison Reports
Sara Mattes reported that she had attended a memorial service for Perry Culver who had served the Town on the Board of Health, School Committee, School Building Committee in the 1990’s.
Mrs. Mattes reported on HATS and Crosspoint. They will probably have an executive Session on Thursday (1/26/06) regarding impacts to the aquifer. They will be consulting with the other HATS area Selectmen. The Noise Consulting group has met with Massport. Mr. Taylor inquired about funds to pay for legal matters. Mr. Higgins said that there is a fund and it can be replenished from the legal budget.
Mrs. Mattes reported that she hopes to have a series of meetings for the Agricultural Commission and hopes to have representatives from Sudbury and Acton Commissions attend.
- Vote to Close the Warrant for Annual Town Meeting
The Board briefly discussed the wine and beer license issue and the difficulty of a café at the Mall sustaining itself.
Ms. Mattes made a MOTION, Mr. Taylor seconded to close the Warrant. The MOTION passed unanimously.
- Vote to Sign Freedom’s Way Grant Stipulation
Mr. Taylor made a MOTION, Ms. Mattes seconded to adopt the Memorandum of Understanding. The MOTION passed unanimously.
- Chapter 70 Reform Proposal
There is no comment from FINCOM at this time. This will be added to a future agenda.
- Review/Approve Minutes: Minute of 1/3, 1/9, 1/16 were deferred.
- Summarize Actions: Mr. Higgins reviewed action items
- Review Previous Actions: Mr. Higgins reviewed previous action items.
- Approve Warrants: The Board approved and signed the warrants.
The meeting adjourned at 10: 10 PM
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
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