MINUTES
Board of Selectmen’s Meeting
February 13, 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 7:30 PM. The Chairman welcomed the public, reviewed the agenda and action items for the meeting.
Announcements – The Board and staff wished Mr. Taylor a Happy Birthday.
Open Forum – No one spoke in this session.
Appointments
Kemon Taschioglou, Lincoln Representative to Minuteman High School Committee: Annual Update
Mr. Taschioglou spoke on the merits of the regional high school, noting its emphasis on science, technology and college preparation. Out of 750 students, 500 come from the 16 member towns, while 250 come from non-member towns. Mr. Taschioglou then spoke of the costs of the school, noting that member towns pay based upon the number of students that attend the school, while students from non-member towns pay tuition. Members of the Board of Selectmen expressed concern that the member Towns may be subsidizing the non-member students. Mr. Higgins recalled that the matter of funding for out-of-district students was raised and studied closely in 2000/2001. Mr. Higgins recalled that then Superintendent, Dr. Fitzgerald, was working with DOE
to create a more equitable funding scheme for out-of-district students, but Mr. Higgins did not recall the particular outcome of those efforts. Mr. Higgins suggested that he and Mr. Taschioglou seek clarification from Minuteman’s Business Manager. The Board also asked that the process by which the Minuteman School Committee arrives at budget policy decisions, such as the immediate matter of funding for out-of-district students, be clarified. Mr. Higgins stated that he would attempt to get copies of the briefing documents that were prepared back in 2000/2001 which explained the problems inherent in the old Choice Program and the alternatives that Supt. Fitzgerald was attempting get enacted.Higgins explained that this is not a vote of Town Meeting, but rather a vote of the School Committee. The Selectmen remained concerned that the Town must pay a bill over which they have little control. The Board questioned the rationale for the member Town
subsidizing the non-member towns. Mr. Higgins and Mr. Taschioglou commented that the FINCOM is aware of this issue and can continue to explore efforts to understand and close the gap. The Chairman noted that the issue cannot be resolved at this time, and the rest of the Board noted that they have no question with the quality of the education, but rather how the budget is decided. Mr. Taschioglou then explained the process of how non-member towns enter students into the Minuteman School. Mr. Taschioglou highlighted aspects of the school’s curriculum, including its engineering, science and technology programs, trade and vocational training education, and its unique use of learning style analysis to help students achieve. It is notable that 55% of the student body is special education. Mr. Taylor acknowledged that the school is known for reading. The Board agreed that they need to understand and discuss the financial analysis and
rationale for funding for the Towns.
Ken Hurd, Chairman – Planning Board -Re:New England Deaconess Steering Committee
Mark Whitehead, Town Planner was also present. Mr. Higgins explained that this is a preliminary discussion regarding managing a process for the Deaconess proposal at the (former) BIIC property. The Board noted that there are issues that will confront each of the boards, including Planning, Health (septic), Water, and Housing; and that it is important to bring the various boards together. Mr. Higgins noted that he saw a benefit in bringing different groups together in the At Risk Properties Committee. Issues are too complicated to try to use the general type of meeting schedule, he added. Mr. Hurd commented that the Planning Board is moving towards a Master Plan process to guide boards in the future towards a Town-wide vision. Returning to the discussion about the Deaconess
proposal, the Chairman noted that their presentation was a concept proposal. Mr. Taylor said a steering committee would enable an opportunity to discuss important issues, such as affordable housing and access. Ms. Mattes concurred that this could help shape the concept. Ms. Mattes also added that she wished to correct a mis-statement in the Boston Globe; the property, would be taxed. Mr. Taylor noted that the participation of boards on the steering committee would be similar to the At Risk Properties Committee. Mr. Whitehead said they are coming before the Planning Board on March 1. The Planning Board will use the opportunity to lay out the process for the North Lincoln Planning District and share with Deaconess that a steering committee will be created. He added that Deaconess organization will be coming in to a Land Use Group Meeting (staff) as well. Mr. Feinberg asked if the purpose was to guide, steer, or negotiate. Mr.
Taylor said the steering committee will have two roles: to coordinate among the various boards and to advise the Deaconess regarding items that would be beneficial to the town. The Chairman said with a steering committee each board is able to see how one decision may impact another. However, the steering committee would have no charter to negotiate. The Board will review the numbers to see if it works financially. Mr. Higgins said the Board of Assessors analyze the property and determine the amount of payment. Current research indicates an estimated $300,000 annual revenue. Discussion continued on the make up of the committee. Ms. Mates suggested adding neighborhood representatives. Mr. Taylor said this needs to be seen as a working group. Mr. Whitehead added that the group will lay the groundwork prior to the proponents going before the various boards for approvals. Mr. Higgins said this would also provide a technical
analysis and provide knowledgeable input for the Planning Board. The Chairman said the Board needs to work on a charge for the committee. The 47-acre Committee might be used as an example.
Housing Commission, Community Preservation Committee & Lincoln Foundation Re: Proposed Housing Trust Fund
Present: John Koenig and Bryce Wolfe.
Discussion began by noting that there were originally three Housing articles on the Warrant relative to the Ridge Road Units. That development opportunity has gone by and now the question remains on how to proceed with the article to establish a Municipal Affordable Housing Trust. The original Housing Commission has some inherent weaknesses, in regard to its ability to respond to potential developments as they occur. The Commission may want to put funding aside for potential buy-downs, such as the pending opportunities for more units at Minuteman Commons. Mr. Higgins explained that most housing commissions are set up to manage properties, but are restricted as to the ability to be flexible. The Lincoln Housing Commission was established in 1979 by a vote of Town Meeting. It has broad ability
to manage and hold property, but there is a cumulative cap amount of $2.5 million on the scale of projects. A Housing Trust can act as a quasi-developer. This change is an outgrowth of the 40B Reform process. Municipalities asked for an increased ability to counteract bureaucratic slowdown. In real estate, a timeline is a factor, and unless a potential development opportunity happens within a certain time frame, then these opportunities are lost. The Trust Fund would allow expenditures by a Board of Trustees outside the Town Meeting process. To establish the fund requires a vote of Town Meeting. The Selectmen would appoint trustees (including one Selectman). Meetings would be subject to the Open Meeting Law, and the Trust would be subject to an independent annual audit. If this is a possibility, Mr. Higgins recommends phasing out the current Housing Fund that was set up to gather funds generated by the Inclusionary Zoning
Bylaw. Staff recommends asking Kathleen O’Donnell of Kopelman & Paige to discuss the merits of a Housing Trust. Parameters can be set in acceptance of the Statute and/or later as imposed by Town Meeting. Discussion continued on identifying the scope for use of the funds and also for a “sunset “for the appropriations. Mr. Koenig discussed how appropriations have been shifted in the past. Ms. Wolfe noted that there are no restrictions on the Conservation Fund and also asked how the Housing Commission Trust Fund would interface with the Lincoln Foundation. Mr. Higgins mentioned studying a side by side comparison of a Housing Commission Authority versus a Housing Commission Trust Fund. Ms. Mattes said that the HATS Meeting on March 2 will discuss Housing in both Lexington and Bedford, towns that have reached their 10% goals. A future meeting will be held with the Lincoln Foundation, Housing Commission,
Community Preservation Commission, Selectmen, and Attorney Kathleen O’Donnell
Town Administrator’s Report
Master Planning- The Planning Board has begun work on the Master Planning process. There is a need for close coordination. Discussion followed on the size and make up of the working committee. The Planning Board will identify some potential members prior to Town Meeting.
MBTA - Mr. Higgins reported that Caroline Connor is willing to continue as the MBTA representative.
Staff Training - Mr. Higgins reported Assistant Town Administrator Anita Scheipers and Librarian Barbara Myles have received Certification for procurement and will pass training on to other staff members.
Mr. Higgins reviewed future agenda items.
Mr. Higgins reported that the Planning Board would like to come in and discuss proposed changes to the Accessory Apartment bylaw.
Mr. Higgins reported out on the recent snow storm which cost $40,000 in clean up. He noted there is a deficit of $20,000 in the sand and salt budget.
Mr. Higgins reported that the case between Digiovanni and the Town regarding the “Aunt Sadie’s property on route 117 has been dismissed. The Board asked about the legal costs of the case.
Discussion
TOWN MEETING- Mr. Higgins reported that information regarding Town Meeting will be available on the Web at www.lincolntown.org. This includes the governing bylaw, the planning calendar, the Warrant, and the Moderator’s letter and guide. Other information will be posted as available. Mr. Higgins reported that the signed Warrant will posted around Town and mailed on March 10.
SENIOR HOUSING - The Board discussed the proposed Senior Housing Task Force. The Board agreed that it would be appropriate as a subcommittee to the master Planning Group as part of a broader view of the Town’s needs. In response to Mr. Kalisky’s ideas regarding Lincoln Woods, these should more appropriately be going to the Lincoln Woods Board and then moving forward.
KEYSPAN - The board discussed KEYSPAN. Ms. Mattes said she had heard from a disgruntled citizen. From her work with HATS she knows that they Lexington is very concerned with the KEYSPAN infrastructure. Mr. Higgins said there is a protocol regarding gas leaks. The Fire Department has equipment to determine gas levels. The Board would like to elevate public awareness and education. They suggested that KEYSPAN and the Fire Department should come to a meeting to discuss structure, equipment age and replacement schedules. Mr. Taylor noted that a record is kept with the Fire Department and a regulator looks at responsiveness.
ROUTE 2 – Mr. Higgins reported that the Statewide funds for highway improvements are in jeopardy, but it is too soon to know how this will affect Cosby’s Corner. This Thursday the MPO is meeting and Lincoln will be represented.
LIAISON REPORTS
Ms. Mattes reported that the next HATS meeting will focus on Housing in the four towns. The Noise Group Report indicates they do not believe they have enough information, but the group did weigh in on the proposed new locations for noise monitors. HATS plans to meet with MASSPORT regarding the location of Crosspoint and the fuel tanks.
Action Items
The Board discussed action items.
The following Minutes were approved:
Janauary3, 2006; January 9, 2006, January 16, 2006; January 23, 2006; January 30, 2006.
The Meeting adjourned at 10 PM.
Approved: 5/15/06
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