MINUTES
Board of Selectmen’s Meeting
June 7, 2006
PRESENT: Sarah Cannon- Holden (chairman), Sara Mattes,, Gary Taylor,
STAFF: Timothy Higgins (Town Administrator), Debra Parkhurst (Adm. Asst.)
Welcome & Introductions: The meeting opened at 7:30 PM. As the Chairman was late in arriving, the opening of the meeting was chaired by Sara Mattes. The Acting Chairman welcomed the public, reviewed the agenda and action items for the meeting.
Announcements- There were no announcements
Appointments
7:30 p.m.: Firefighter Candidates
PRESENT: Fire Chief Arthur Cotoni; Firefighter candidates William Toomey, Matthew D’Innoncenzo, William B. Whalen III, Michael O’Donnell
Town Administrator Higgins reviewed the recruitment and interview process. .Mr. Higgins also noted that the annual Town Meeting supported the funding for the 4 additional shift firefighters. Mr. Higgins discussed the selection committee and their approach which included an interview process that assured consistent questions and process for the nine candidates interviewed. The Chief advised the Union as well. The Selection committee voted the four finalists unanimously. Selectmen Taylor said he was impressed by the level of training the candidates had and that they all came from the call firefighter force. He also noted that funding for the four new positions was a major commitment on the Town’s part to improve safety. Each of the four final candidates then
introduced themselves and spoke individually regarding their background and interest in firefighting. Mr. Taylor made a Motion to appoint the four candidates (William Toomey, Matthew D’Innocenzo, William Whalen, and Michael O’Donnell) to fulltime Firefighters effective July 1, 2006 as outlined in the Memo dated May 17, 2006 from Anita Scheipers, Assistant Town Administrator. Mrs. Mattes seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Open Forum
Mrs. Mattes brought up how best follow up the concerns raised by Jim Meadors of the Conservation Commission regarding materials sent in by a citizen regarding the disturbance to the environment caused by leaf blowers. She requested that a letter and the back up materials be sent to the Planning Board and the Board of Health
Town Administrator’s Report
Mr. Higgins confirmed that the Selectmen will have a Workshop Meeting on June 20.
Mr. Higgins reported on a meeting he attended that was sponsored by the State Dept. of Public Health regarding the state’s efforts on pandemic flu. He also followed this up with a phone call to the Chairman of the Lincoln Board of Health. Dr. Weinberg has authored an informational letter to be distributed to the COA and the Lincoln Journal regarding current preparedness. The Selectmen would like to develop a list of precautions at the local level to complement any steps taken at the State or Federal level. This could include information, phone numbers, and helpful directions. Ms. Mattes also noted that local poultry and other animal owners should be made aware of any concerns. The Town Administrator said he will call together a core safety preparedness group
regarding responses to real challenges, from basic to more acute needs that are rational for a small town, and will report back to the Selectmen. The Board discussed various practical options for getting information to the public including a brochure, distribution of important contacts, information via cable TV.
Mr. Higgins reported on a request from Codman Farm to display a restored farm tractor on the property in the parking area of Codman Gardens (across from the Police Station). The Board approved this request, but suggested the request also go before the HDC/LHC.
Mr. Higgins reported on a follow up to the Selectmen’s past discussion regarding consistent cable TV coverage. He has had a conversation with Karen Santucci and Myrna Morse for seniors who might like to help with these broadcasts as part of their senior tax write off program. It would also be appropriate to have paid interns in this position and local high schools could be contacted for these positions.
Mr. Higgins reported on the Deaconess proposal. Deaconess and their professional consultant will meet with the Water Board on Tuesday, June 13 at 7:30 AM. to review the legal and technical issues, as well as the feasibility and impacts of using Town water for this project. The Deaconess Steering Commission will then meet on June 14 at 8 AM. He is also working a on a meeting with DHCD to find a creative way to pursue affordable housing in conjunction with the project.
Mr. Higgins reported on the Mall Project. The Planning Board is meeting with the mall tonight (June 7) for a preliminary meeting about their use of the Overlay District zoning provision and their application process. Mr. Higgins will follow up the outcome of the meeting with the Town Planner and the Chairman of the Planning Board. A Town Meeting would be required for the Overlay. The Board briefly discussed the issue of parking spaces on Town property that was designated for the Mall had they provided affordable housing as part of their re-development,. Mr. Higgins said that the rehabilitation and expansion of the retail will necessitate a new agreement on parking between the RLF and the Town.
Mr. Higgins reported that he and Assistant Town Administrator Anita Scheipers will be meeting with the Facilities group to see if the consultant’s analysis meets the scope established for the audit of the Town facilities. He will also meet with Al Schmertzler to see that the Town and the school have the comparable information for the capital planning committee. The Board suggested a matrix to review this.
Mr. Higgins said that Ed Kern had contacted him regarding the Green Energy Committee. He said that once the Assessment is completed, they will look at the Green Technology alternatives as systems have to be replaced.
Mr. Higgins reported that the Boy Scouts have requested to use Pierce Park for their end of the year cookout on June 12. They have gotten approval from the Pierce House, Police and Fire. Ms. Mattes made a motion to approve the use, Mr. Taylor seconded and the Motion passed unanimously. Richard Silver reported that the upper pond is flooding. The headwall is failing and the culvert pipe has failed. The DPW is working with the Conservation Commission on a way to temporarily divert the water in order to make the necessary repairs
Discussion
At Risk Properties Committee – Mr. Taylor will work on a charge for the next meeting.
Green Energy Committee – The Board discussed the need for two committees. The first would be an Alternative Energy Technology Committee that would look specifically at the infrastructure and needs of the Town’s buildings. The second would be a “Green” committee that would take a broader, more holistic review of the community. Mr. Higgins reported on meeting with Elizabeth Churniak regarding this second committee. The Board will work on the charge and membership makeup. They noted there maybe some overlap with the Conservation Commission and the Natural Resources Committee.
Annual Appointment Policy – The Board reviewed the policy and made edits. Ms. Mattes made a MOTION, Mr. Taylor seconded to approve the policy as amended, with the further provision that they will continue to review the issue of balance between longevity and “new blood” on a given board of committee. The Motion passed unanimously.
Liaison Reports
Mr. Taylor reported that he had met with Farrington Memorial, the Lincoln Representative, Sue Klem, and Tom Gumbart, Conservation Director to begin a dialog with respect to Town resources and what the Farrington Board is thinking for the future of the property. Mr. Taylor thanks Sue Klem for starting the dialog.
Mrs. Holden attended a recent Route 2 update meeting where it was explained that the proposed takings are three times more expensive than originally anticipated.
Action Items
Authorize revolving fund for Minuteman High School :
Mr. Taylor made a MOTION that the Board approve the action of the Minuteman Regional School Committee in its acceptance of the provisions of MGL, c. 74, s. 14B with regard to the reauthorization of vocational technical program revolving funds held by the Minuteman Regional Vocation Technical School District. Ms. Mattes seconded and the motion was adopted unanimously.
Vote to appoint:
Mr. Taylor made a MOTION, Ms. Mattes seconded to appoint the following residents to committees:
Valerie Lee to the COA for a three year term;
Adeline Naiman to the Disabilities Committee for a three year term;
Pam Gallup to the Housing Commission as the State designated member;
Lindsay Clemens to the Lincoln Cultural Council for a two year term.
The MOTION passed unanimously.
The Board discussed two candidates for Alternate positions on the HDC. Mr. Taylor made a MOTION, Ms. Mattes seconded to appoint Eric Harris as the At-large Alternate to the HDC and Jack MacLean as the In-district Alternate to the HDC. Both positions are three year terms.
Confirm BOS meeting schedule: The Board approved the schedule through the summer and into the fall. The Board would like to meet with Planning Board, Conservation, Zoning Board of Appeals and Board of Health as soon as meeting schedules permit.
Correspondence
The Board discussed space needs for storage of documents. Ms. Mattes proposed using the Town Historian for help with the indexing and accessing of historical documents.
The Board asked that correspondence regarding preserving the Town’s role in the permitting process be addressed to State Representatives and Senator. Ms. Mattes discussed recent hearings on this matter at the State House.
Mr. Higgins summarized the Action Items
The Board approved the Minutes of April 10 and April 24.
The Board Approved and signed Warrants.
The Meeting adjourned at 9:45 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
Approved July 10, 2006
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