SELECTMEN MINUTES
January 30, 2006
7:30 p.m. -Bemis Hall
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 – There were no announcements.
Open Forum – No one spoke in this session.
Appointments
New England Deaconess Association
Re: Proposed Senior Living Community -17 Cambridge Turnpike
The Chairman noted the recent State of the Town Meeting of November 2005 where alternative uses for six significant sites in Lincoln were discussed. She said that New England Deaconess Association has come forward with a proposed use for the site at 17 Cambridge Turnpike, currently known as St. Anne’s Woods (formerly BIIC; Bethany). The Chairman then recognized and turned the discussion over to Herb Taylor of the New England Deaconess Association. Mr. Taylor introduced members of the team for tonight’s presentation: Sharon Gurley, Walter Bartkus (EGA Architects), Jerry Menhke. Mr. Taylor proceeded to discuss the Deaconess Hospitals and their mission over the last 50 years. The current focus is on providing a continuum of care in a residential rather than institutional
setting, providing services as needed in place. He also discussed the synergies with the Concord health care facilities including Emerson Hospital, Newbury Court, etc.. The proposal for Lincoln would provide 100 units in a congregate living area and 50 cottages, ranging in size in size from 750 s.f. for a one bedroom apartment in the congregate unit to 1500-2000 square feet for a cottage. Mr. Taylor, with the assistance of the architect and visual aids, described the 31.6 acre site. The main building, located in the approximate location of the current school building would also provide 30,000 square feet of program area (restaurant, shops, meeting spaces, health facilities) as well as 100 living areas The main building would also provide 100 spaces for underground parking. The current proposed configuration maintains the 50’ residential buffer required in the R-1 District as will as a 200’ buffer from a stream that forms
some of the boundary of the property. The also presented a proposed complex of four cottages. The proponents further discussed average age of entry (80), the safety and security and healthier lifestyles these arrangements provide. They also stressed that their new paradigm is to provide services in the home as a person ages, rather than moving them from area to area. Costs would be an entry fee, which is 90% refundable, and the monthly fees which pay for the services. Discussion followed on soundproofing against the noise of Route 2, providing some affordable housing, traffic issues and solutions, septic and water issues. It was noted that the units will count in the denominator for counting housing units in Lincoln. However, Town Planner Mark Whitehead noted they will have to provide approximately 23 units as directed in the Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw. Buck Creel, Water Commissioner, noted that while the Commission commends the
project, the Town is under an Administrative Consent Order, and in consideration of their proposed water needs, they may have to find other water supplies (Concord, MWRA). Fire Chief Artie Cotoni discussed the time needed for emergency transport. Questions followed on personnel on site and the monthly fees which are dependent on the level of care needed. In response to other question, Mr. Taylor said that priority may be given to Lincoln residents and their families. Other discussion items included percentage of residents who typically come from the surrounding areas, longevity of the residents, and the use of “green” building methods and materials. The meeting ended at 9:00 PM. Approximately 70 residents attended.
Town Administrator’s Report
FINCOM: Mr. Higgins said that State Aid to the Town will be up 13% (approximately $180,000), and the FINCOM is modeling on a 10% increase. They will continue to track the changes. This is not under Chapter 70. FINCOM has reviewed the Selectmen’s budget and has made a slight revision, allowing 29,000 increase to the base budget. COMMUNITY PRESERVATION: CPA Committee is waiting for the final outcome on the Ridge Road acquisition. The Board agreed that Pierce House improvements and Codman Farm requests can be put off until after the Facilities Study is complete. The Tot Lot may be reduced in size and cost. Ms. Mattes asked if the windows in the Library can be done incrementally or is there an economy to doing them all at once. The Board also asked if the Fire Suppression
Study can be deferred. The Board was unsure if this was a study or actual implementation of a fire suppression study and that will have to be determined.
BRIGHT LIGHT AWARD: The Board reviewed the nominee list and agreed that one person should receive the award. A MOTION was made and seconded to award the “Bright Light” award to Earl Midgley, Building Inspector. The Town Administrator and the Board noted in particular his hard work on the Tower Road houses as they were being renovated. Staff will inform the Housing Commission so that they can participate in the presentation at Town Meeting.
Discussion
Town Meeting Warrant: The Board briefly discussed articles that might be needed for Ridge Road development, should that go forward.
Facilities Study: Staff received nine responses to the Request for Qualifications that went out. Mr. Higgins and Mrs. Scheipers interviewed three firms and recommend McGinley Kalsow & Associates, LLP. During the interview, the firm had discussed the process of working with small towns and creating a document that could be used for future capital planning. They have a structural engineer who is a specialist in restoration and barns.
Action: Mr. Taylor made a MOTION to authorize staff to negotiate a price. Ms. Mattes seconded. Ms. Mattes asked that staff find out about an additional cost to include the houses on Tower Road that the Town owns. Her intention had been that all town facilities would be included on the list. The Motion passed unanimously.
Liaison Reports: Ms. Mattes reported that MASSPORT is changing noise monitoring system. She briefly discussed their new website.
The Board briefly discussed the introduction to the Town Warrant. Mr. Taylor will e-mail Jack French.
Minutes were deferred.
The Meting adjourned at 10:05 PM
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
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