MINUTES
Board of Selectmen’s Meeting
June 26, 2006 – 7:30 pm
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. The Acting Chairman welcomed the public, reviewed
the agenda and action items for the meeting.
Announcements
Ms. Mattes showed the Board light shields she had recently purchased for her outdoor floodlights from the Dark Sky Initiative. The shields direct light downward and prevent unwanted glare outward.
Mr. Taylor announced that there will be a Deaconess neighborhood meeting tomorrow night (June 27, 2006) at 7 PM in the Donaldson Room.
Town Administrator’s Report
Mr. Higgins reported on the status of the Facilities Plan. He has received and reviewed a draft report, noting that it met the scope. This will facilitate the creation of a spreadsheet to compare town facilities needs with the school facilities needs. Mr. Higgins emphasized that the consultants gave them an investment plan to “stay where we are.” The plan does not take into account growth pressures. He also said the immediate investments needs are not substantial. Ms. Mattes asked if the houses owned by the Town were included; she is concerned about energy efficiencies for them. Mr. Higgins
said they were inspected and the information will be incorporated into the draft report. Mr. Higgins said that he and Assistant Town Administrator Anita Scheipers have met with Superintendent Mickey Brandmeyer and School Business Manager Buck Creel to discuss the integration of the two reports. He said the Library has produced its own report. Ms. Mattes asked if there was any way to integrate information regarding the infrastructure of the Water Board into such a report. Mr. Higgins said to his knowledge the Water Board does not have a long range capital plan and, as an elected board, they are independent of the Town. Discussion followed on capital planning needs. Mr. Taylor said that all the Boards who participate in capital planning have a five year plan. The Board noted that the Water Board does not participate. Mrs. Holden inquired if someone, including an average citizen, could go to the Water Board to ask why they do not
have a long range plan. The Board discussed the following years’ infrastructures expenses, which could reach seven million dollars without the schools and the library. The Board discussed escalating asphalt costs for roadway installation and repair. Ms. Mattes asked for report on what expenses might have to be adjusted. Mr. Higgins said he will talk to the Highway Superintendent and check the details of the contracts for the road work.
Mr. Higgins reported that he has started meeting with the alternative Energy Technology Committee and has been gathering data regarding usage. Mr. Higgins said the Town Offices lighting and plumbing have been looked at and replaced over the last few years. More effective windows and storm windows would help heat and energy loss.
Mr. Higgins reported that he had contacted the Codman Trust for two requests: funding for the Pierce House Business Plan and a second funding request for the Master Plan process. The Codman Trust elected not to support the Master Plan but will fund the Pierce House request. Mr. Higgins has met with Anita Scheipers and Richard Silver to start the process.
The Town Planner reported to Mr. Higgins that DHCD has reported back that the Minuteman Commons developer has not satisfied their obligations regarding the affordable housing units. The Planning Board has called them in to a meeting to discuss the issue. The Selectmen learned that occupancy permits will not be issued until there is compliance with the housing portion. The Board noted that this was a Zoning change (North Lincoln Planning District) voted by Town Meeting including the inclusion of the affordable housing.
Mr. Higgins reported that the Liquor License petition is being expedited by Lincoln’s state representatives.
Mr. Higgins reported that the Town does have an Emergency Preparedness Committee, the LEPC. He also said that Concord had developed a list of what families can do in the event of emergencies. Mr. Higgins is working with the Concord Board of Health Director on this. A flyer will be produced for distribution and for posting on the web site and cable. Ms. Mattes added that the HATS group will discuss preparedness efforts on a fall agenda. Mr. Higgins and Ms. Mattes will discuss base housing at the HAFB headquarters on July 17.
Appointments
8:30 PM - Buzz Constable (Lincoln Land Conservation Trust). Angela Seaborg (Conservation Planner), Ellen Meadors (Assessor)
Conservation Restriction Tract Index
Mr. Constable explained that Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 184, Section 33 deals with different kinds of restrictions, including land conservation and housing. Since the law was passed in the late 1960’s it has provided a mechanism for towns to submit a conservation restriction tract to the Registry of Deeds. This provides another place to find references to deed restrictions when they are being researched. Lincoln has 2,953 acres of either conservation deed or conservation restricted land. This is 31% of the Town, not counting the National Park. Mr. Taylor asked if Housing Restrictions could be added. At this time, they are not, according to Mrs. Meadors, although some may be counted as they may be part of larger tracts listed on the index. They will investigate a way
to perhaps add this layer or create a separate index and map. Mr. Taylor made a MOTION, Ms. Mattes seconded, to have the Town of Lincoln file the Restriction Tract Index, per Chapter 184, Section 33 of the Massachusetts General Laws. The MOTION passed unanimously.
Open Forum
Mr. Constable informed the Board of a new bench installed by the Land Trust in the woods near Flint’s Pond to honor Susan Okin. The Chairman thanked Mr. Constable and the Land Trust for their work.
Mr. Constable also informed the Board of the death of Bob Kuehn of Keene Development, who was instrumental in the development of Battle Road Farm and also active in other housing developments around the State. He said Mr. Kuehn went out of his way to offer advice on housing and land development. Mr. Constable had worked with him on the Community Preservation Act in the State, and Mr. Kuehn remained active in the CPA Coalition and CHAPA. The Board recognized Mr. Kuehn for his work on all these efforts and will write a note to the appropriate parties.
Discussion
Deaconess Steering Committee Update
The next meeting of the Steering Committee will be on Thursday, June 29 at 8 AM to discuss water and housing issues. The Deaconess is holding a neighborhood meeting on Tuesday evening at 7 PM in the Town Offices. Mr. Higgins has spoken with the Water Board and they were conducting water flow tests today, and with results to follow. Mr. Taylor reported that he, John Snell (Planning Board), Mark Whitehead (Town Planner), and Herb Taylor of the Deaconess spoke with Sarah Young and other members of the DHCD staff regarding an affordability strategy for the project. They discussed two models. Sarah Young was amenable to a separate rental component. However, DHCD has concerns with legal technicalities. The Regulations currently will not permit counting all rentals in this type of situation. While changes to the law are currently going through the legislative process, they are not certain and will not be passed until September. Mr. Taylor said that the “due diligence” time frame
for the Deaconess has passed, but that the property owner has granted the developer an extension. The Board discussed the various housing components. The third building would be one-third the size of the larger building, would be all rental, with some affordable units. The Board mentioned using Lincoln dollars to buy some down and create “moderate” units. The Chairman asked if there can be a commercial component, so that residents will have access to certain amenities. It was noted that these congregate living facilities usually provide some provision for shopping necessities, banks, hairdressers, etc. The status of the 3-4 land locked parcels is not clear at this point.
Master Plan Committee Update
Mr. Higgins and Mrs. Holden attended the initial meeting of the Master Planning Committee. This will be an 18 month process, with the Annual Town Meeting providing a mid-point check in. Larry O’Brien of Sudbury will attend the next meeting on July 6. The Planning Board has asked all boards and committees to answer three questions by August 1. The Meeting on August 8 will focus on the results of this input. The Board suggested looking at Master Plans from other towns.
At Risk Properties Committee
Mr. Taylor will finalize and circulate the final draft of the charge for the Committee.
BOS Liaison Assignments- The Board discussed liaison assignments and agreed to continue with the present assignments.
Liaison Reports
Ms. Mattes reported on a HATS workshop held last Thursday focusing on issues that the four towns have interest in. Each town will take on a particular subject for future meetings. On July 27, Representative Jay Kaufman will deliver an update on the municipal electric and expedited permit legislations. Gordon Feltman, regional representative to the MPO will present an update and discussion on Route 2 as well. In September or October, Mark Siegenthaler, Bedford Selectman, will present information on transportation and transit. Minuteman Park Superintendent Nancy Nelson is interested in discussing “connectivity” at a future date. In the late fall, Jeanne Krieger will lead of discussion of the four towns about emergency preparedness. Anne Shapiro of Concord will work with
area Planning Boards to discuss housing issues.
The Board confirmed future meeting dates. The Board will have a workshop on July 12. The Board also discussed a timeline for the State of the Town and a possible Special Fall Town meeting. The Board will also need to meet with RLF for clarification of the legal status of the right of way issues
Action Items
Authorize Water Easement -Mr. Higgins explained that this water easement had to be relocated. More information will be forthcoming. The vote was deferred.
The Board reviewed correspondence.
Mr. Higgins summarized new actions and reviewed status of previous actions.
Minutes – deferred.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
Approved July 10, 2006
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