The Town of Lincoln, MA - Selectmen Minutes 02/27/06

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 Chairman announced the opening of the process for developing “Freedom’s Way,” a public process to develop an inventory of historic places. The opening meeting is 7 PM on February 28, 2006 in the Town Offices. This is being developed in conjunction with HATS and the Dept. and Recreation (?). Ms. Mattes said that citizens should think “outside the box” when contemplating important places – they could be landmarks or viewscapes. Ms. Mattes also announce that the next HATS meeting would focus on housing diversity in the four member towns.

Mr. Higgins reported that he had spoken with Tom Markham regarding clarification on the funding of Minuteman Regional High School, and he is waiting for a follow up memo. He reported several years ago there was a debate regarding how out of district “School Choice” were funded. At that time, the then Superintendent Ron Fitzgerald worked with the State to find a more equitable solution. Chapter 74 (State funding for vocational schools) was subsequently revised.

Mr. Higgins reviewed the Action Items for Town Meeting, noting that March 10 is the mailing date for the Warrant. Motions are nearly final. He discussed presentation of the operating budget, noting that it will be separated for NESWC, Fire Department staffing, and pensions. The Board reviewed the presenters and the Consent Calendar.

Ms. Mattes suggested taking out (Chapter 90 out of the Consent Calendar in order to have an opportunity to discuss and explain policy, procedures. Since the cut back in Federal funding will affect State funding, it was suggested that John Snell should be prepared to discuss the Route 2 highway project and its timing. The Board briefly discussed whether it should be the Selectmen or Capital Planning who discussed facilities .management. The Board then proceeded to work through the Warrant.

· Article 25 – The Committee should provide the background and criteria of what is spent yearly, and if the money is banked for larger projects. Mr. Higgins noted that money has been banked an the Committee works in close collaboration with the Capital Planning committee. Mrs. Holden noted that overlap of committee members helps with collaboration, and the Selectmen can point out how it is all connected and coordinated. Mr. Taylor said that accomplishments as well as the amount of State funding received should be noted. The Selectmen discussed the following articles:

· Art. 34,35,36 – The Planning Board. They will come in and speak to the Board regarding Art. 36 (Accessory apartment change). A second issue regarding the LIP application will also be discussed (Mr.. Taylor).

· Art. 42- Need a fact sheet about the process. The Board recognized that to make a cafe – restaurant viable, a wine and beer license may be necessary. Mr. Taylor said the Board needs to discuss this as well as understand how to exert some long term control. Ms. Mattes, noting there is a winery in Town, wondered how to enable a “tasting room.” The lead petitioner (Brian Mehigan) and others should come in on March 20.

Facilities Study - Mr. Higgins discussed recent meetings with staff regarding Town buildings. They have compiled materials to give to McGinley Kalsow for their Facilities Study. They have also given them information regarding the town owned houses and will McGinley Kalsow expand their quote to include them.

Mr. Higgins also mentioned that $3,000 will be coming back from Minuteman High School appropriation and this could be used for COA budget requests as it still under the levy limit. He will talk to J. Robinson of the Finance Committee.

Green Energy Committee – Ms. Mattes has talked to Ed Kern. The Board commented that the vision of the submittal was broad, and at this time, the Board needs to concentrate on energy savings for the Town buildings. The Board further noted that this was a good time to mesh this effort in with the facilities study, with long term investments tied into capital planning. At this time, the focus should be narrowed, leaving the opportunity for long term educational opportunities and goals as suggested in the Memo from several interested citizens. The Board discussed citizens who have particular knowledge in these types of energy conservation efforts.

Annual Appointment Process- The Board discussed an appointment process that would begin yearly in December and culminating in May for new and continued appointments.

Deaconess Steering Committee – the Board discussed the draft charge by the Planning Board. While Ms. Mattes was concerned that there was no at-large and no neighborhood member, Mr., Taylor commented that there had been a concern with conflict or appearance of conflict issues. Ms. Mattes recalled the good work of the 47 Acre Committee that produced the North Lincoln Overlay District, and subsequently, Lincoln North and Battle Road Farm.

Appoint Constables- A MOTION was made and seconded to appoint Robert Millian, Jr. of Weston and Barbara Hartnett of Maynard as constables duly authorized to serve process in the Town of Lincoln. The appointments were good for one year from March 1, 2006 to March 7, 2007. The MOTION passed unanimously.

Review Correspondence -The Board reviewed correspondence from BRPPA, the Lincoln Minutemen, and Representative Pope. The Selectmen will attend several activities of the Bedford Minuteman: Mr. Taylor will attend, the 8^th, Ms. Mattes, April 16, and Mrs. Holden, April 23. Mrs. Holden will respond to Mrs. Pope.

Ms. Mattes made a motion to go into Executive Session to Discuss Collective Bargaining pursuant to MGL, c. 39, s.23B not to return to Regular Session. Mr. Taylor seconded. A Roll Call vote was taken.