urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags013fBOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
dateYear2007Day3Month4April 3, 2007, timeMinute30Hour197:30 pm (Tuesday
PRESENT: PersonNameSarah Cannon Holden (Chairman), Sara Mattes, Gary Taylor
STAFF: Tim Higgins (Town Administrator), Debra Parkhurst (Administrative Assistant)
Welcome & Introductions: The meeting opened at timeMinute30Hour197:30 PM. The Chairman welcomed the public, reviewed the agenda and action items for the meeting.
Announcements:
· Ms. Mattes announced that the March and April HATS meetings have been consolidated into a single date on April 19.
· Mr. Taylor announced that the L-S Review Committee will meet on April 11 at timeMinute30Hour197:30 in the placePlaceNameSudbury PlaceTypeTown offices.
· Mrs. Holden thanked Richard Silver for his help with the cooking and arrangements for the After Town meeting dinner where there were 35 to 40 people in attendance.
· Mrs. Holden commended Town Clerk Susan Brooks for arranging a “swearing in” ceremony for the newly elected volunteers and thanked Mr. Higgins for his help and participation.
Appointments
PersonNameMary Day and PersonNameNeil Feinberg were present.
Mr. Higgins introduced Ms. Day by explaining that the recent Town Meeting and Election had voted to change the elected Treasurer and Collector positions to an appointed position. Mr. Higgins said that the job had become increasing complex and included working with banks, management of pension funds, and insurance benefits administration. Ms. Day came to placeCityLincoln with 15 years experience as a controller in the banking industry and has worked in the Lincoln Collector/Treasurer Office for five years. He added that financial controls have improved and that Mary, along with PersonNameNeil Feinberg, initiated the self insurance program. Mr. Higgins commented that Ms. Day brings dedication and energy to the job. Mr. Feinberg added that is has been a privilege to serve as the Town Treasurer and Collector, but
that Mary truly does all the work. He wholeheartedly recommends her for this position. Mr. Taylor noted that in the last few years, placeCityLincoln has been the “farm team” for other communities as the experienced assistant treasurer would move on to other towns. Ms. Day said that it has been a pleasure to work in placeCityLincoln. She thanked the Board for the opportunity.
It was noted that the appointment is a three year term.
Mr. Taylor made a MOTION, Ms. Mattes seconded to appoint PersonNameMary Day as Treasurer for three years effective immediately. The Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Taylor made a MOTION, Ms. Mattes seconded to appoint PersonNameMary Day as Collector for three years effective immediately. The Motion passed unanimously.
Open Forum: No one was present for this session
Town Administrator’s Report:
· Mr. Higgins reported that he had spoken with MAPC Representative Buzz Constable regarding the upcoming MPO elections. Mr. Constable suspects the incumbents will continue. The Board noted that Gordon Feltman is the current local representative to the MPO and a Bedford Selectmen. The Board recognized him as an extremely effective and helpful advocate in regard to the Route 2 process and traffic development. Nominations for the MPO are due by April 23 and the election is April 23. Ms. Mattes will contact Mr. Feltman
· Mr. Higgins reported that Buck Creel has resigned from the Water Board effective April 15. The Water Board will provide written notice to the PersonNameBoard of Selectmen, which then seeks candidates. The three Selectmen and the two remaining Water Board members then vote on a replacement until the next election to fill out the remainder of the unexpired term. The Chairman thanked Mr. Creel for his service on the Water Board, noting that he has been a good communicator and was helpful is several areas: engineering, conservation improvements and budget management.
· Mr. Higgins congratulated the School Administration for receiving and extension of the placePlaceNameHanscom PlaceTypeSchool contract for five years. He also said the Superintendent negotiated for full reimbursement from the federal government for retirees. Ms. Mattes mentioned that she had attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new housing at Hanscom, and she believes there could be increased enrollment as base families may return to the new housing. Many of the new units are 3 and 4 bedrooms. Mr. Taylor noted the benefit of having the placePlaceNameHanscom PlaceTypeSchool in the district as it adds scale and allows for additional programs. Mrs. Mattes
said that many military prefer the Hanscom posting due to the quality of the schools, both in Lincoln and Bedford.
Discussion:
Town Meeting Recap.
· Hollingsworth Gift: Mr. Higgins reported that the Selectmen have received great support from Conservation Staff regarding the creation of a conservation plan and house size limitation for the Hollingsworth property gift that was accepted at Town Meeting. Plans should be finalized before it is transferred to the Affordable Housing Trust. Mr. Higgins is meeting with the Trust on the morning of April 11, and they will come to a Selectmen’s Meeting at the end of April (April 30). Mr. Taylor asked to be informed of the formal process for seeking buyers, assuming it is similar to Town process.
· Liquor License: Staff will contact other communities concerning administration and regulatory samples of their procedures regarding the liquor license.
· Capital Items: The bidding process will begin soon in order to be ready for the new budget in July.
· Article 24, Chapter 90 funds: Ms. Mattes asked that the Highway Dept. confer with the Planning Board regarding roadway planning to develop plans that not only make sense from a roadway improvement agenda, but also are sensitive to traffic management issues.. In addition, the Board discussed the need for coordination between town departments regarding when other public works are done, such as extension of any water lines, to avoid having to “re-do” roads. The Board and staff should also have an understanding about the age of water pipes and the water distribution system in order to collaborate and coordinate infrastructure and other road work. The Board
also discussed the feasibility of extending the water line to those areas not currently served to both improve fire protection and the water circulation. Mr. Higgins said the Water Board will be invited to come to the Selectmen’s meeting on April 9. They have a Report from engineers Weston and Sampson regarding expansion of the water system.
· Solicitation bylaw: The new bylaw should be advertised to inform the residents The Police Chief can coordinate this effort and could include an article in the paper and on cable TV, as well as circulating flyers.
· Other Discussion:
· The Board discussed the importance of advocating for the Route 2 Project. The project seems to be at a critical juncture and it is important to finish the 75% Design. April 19 is the MPO/ TIP Meeting in placeCityBoston (subsequently changed to April 26)
· Ms. Mattes and Jim Henderson of the Conservation Commission have created a draft charge and mission for the new Agricultural Commission that is currently being circulated. This was supported by the 2006 Town Meeting with appointment authority going to the Selectmen.
· Deaconess: the Historic Commission is meeting this evening to determine the significance of the buildings on the property and if they may be demolished. Mr. Higgins has communicated with PersonNameHerb Taylor and the Deaconess is gathering information for the LIP application to the DHCD. There is a sales office in the Mall. The Board stated that at some point, there need to be staff meetings to understand construction timelines in order to coordinate traffic and safety management while the facility is under construction. This should also be coordinated with State Police since it involves Route 2.
· Hanscom Air Base. Ms. Mattes stated that there should be vigilance regarding monitoring how new base housing is occupied. The Board suggested getting back in touch with the attorney that helped the Town regarding obligations, jurisdiction, and responsibilities.
· At- Risk Properties Committee – The Board discussed re-convening the Committee in light of the new developments on Winter Street and addressStreetLexington Road in placeCityWaltham. The Town should look at available transportation reports from placeCityWaltham, Weston, and CTPS. It was noted that one of the Long Range Planning sub -groups will be studying transportation issues within placeCityLincoln and on its borders. The Board also discussed the impacts and options regarding a municipal waste system for the commercial center. Ms. Mattes suggested asking Lincoln Woods in for a meeting for an update on their MOU as well as what they may be thinking for the
future.
· Brooks property, addressStreet39 North Great Road- The Board asked if there was a date for the National Park’s Appeal of the Board of Health decision. The members were particularly concerned that the appeals process may not have been adequately explained to the petitioner.
· Land Acquisition- The Board will should meet with conservation groups and the RLF. The RLF is scheduled to meet with the Board on April 23.
· Commuter Parking – The Board discussed the on-going concern with the commuter parking lot. The Board would like to know the status of an application made to the State for a bike rack. The Board asked that the Planning Board, the Town Planner, Public Safety, and Mr. Constable come in to talk about the commuter lot.
· State of the Town – The Board discussed a “dynamic” program involving the CLRP committee(s)
· Census – The Board discussed supporting the MAPC initiative for a more robust census, and requested that correspondence be sent to the State representatives on how to support this pending legislation.
2007 Work Plan:
· Mr. Higgins reviewed office priorities office operations improvements, roadway improvements, facilities improvement plan, town services, supporting the L-S Review committee, long term health liability costs, GASB 45, collective bargaining, the radio communication system, the Affordable Housing Trust, Deaconess, tree maintenance (and the attendant issues of utilities, tree warden, and coordination with utilities -create a program of best pactices), land use permitting operations, Pierce House Business Plan, and communication with State representatives..
Discussion:
· The Board reviewed the events leading up to Patriot’s Day weekend.
· Mrs. Holden reported on the L-S Review Committee. Dennis Picker has been elected Chairman. There are 16 to 18 people on the Committee, including four alternates. The Board discussed the size and make up of the committee...Mrs. Holden will continue to report back. Their next meeting will be televised in the Sudbury Town Offices, and Mrs. Holden will offer the Donaldson Room in the Lincoln Town Offices where meetings may also be broadcast.
The Board reviewed the future meeting schedule.
Mr. Higgins summarized action items from tonight’s meeting.
Reorganization:
Ms. Mattes nominated Gary Taylor as Chairman of the PersonNameBoard of Selectmen for the coming year; Mrs. Holden seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
Minutes were deferred.
Warrants were approved and signed.
The Meeting adjourned at timeMinute25Hour219:25 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
Approved on dateYear2007Day10Month4April 10, 2007
| 
