MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMENS MEETING
JANUARY 22, 2007
PRESENT: PersonNameSarah Cannon Holden (chairman), Sara Mattes, Gary Taylor
STAFF: Tim Higgins (Town Administrator), Debra Parkhurst (Administrative Assistant)
INTRODUCTION
Mrs. Holden opened the meeting with a Moment of Silence to reflect upon the recent death of a student which occurred on Friday, January 19 at placePlaceNameLincoln PlaceNameSudbury PlaceTypeHigh School. Mrs. Holden announced that tonight’s meeting would be abbreviated and would provide an update on the incident. This would be followed by discussion on the budget.
placePlaceNameLINCOLN PlaceNameSUDBURY PlaceTypeHIGH SCHOOL
Mrs. Holden said that the Selectmen and the Town Administrator have been over to the High School at some time over the past few days. She noted a service at First Parish on Sunday evening. Patty Mostue, a member of the Lincoln Sudbury School Committee and Julie Dobrow, Chairman of the Lincoln School Committee were present along with Police Chief Kevin Mooney. Chief Mooney discussed a very difficult day at the High School. Lincoln Police assisted the Sudbury Police in their lockdown and crime scene investigation. He noted the full cooperation of the students in the lockdown and dismissal. The investigation took place all day and all night. Through NEMLEC, the Medford Police Chief provided assistance through the Schools Threat Assessment Response System (STARS) by supplying a team of counselors that
included principals and psychologists from other districts who conferred with Superintendent Ritchie and the other counselors from the school as well as L-S students. The High School was open that night and over the weekend with further assistance from officers from placeCityBedford and placeCityWilmington. Many of these professionals had been involved in several other crisis situations and worked on how best to keep staff and students safe. Three police officers have been assigned to the investigation, and six STARS officers are in the school reaching out to students and staff. Mrs. Mostue joined in the conversation and added that there will be a meeting on Thursday, January 25 in the High School Auditorium which will be open to all. A “tip” line has been added if people feel a need to call in, she said. The Chief noted that the placeCityLincoln and placeCitySudbury police departments meet monthly with the school.
The Selectmen expressed appreciation for the school and public safety thoughtful response, as well as the visible and effective public response by NEMLEC and STARS. Mrs. Dobrow said the placePlaceNameLincoln PlaceTypeSchool expressed condolences to the High School as well as appreciation for their faculty and community. The Lincoln Schools held assemblies for the 8th, 7th, 6th, and 5th grades and also had Officer Regan and the school psychologist on hand for the children. She said they may have a speaker for the parents at some later date. The Chairman said that the Selectmen support any effort from the public safety or Town staff in support of the High School at this time.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mrs. Holden announced that the Open Space and Recreation Public Forum will be held on Wednesday evening dateMonth1Day24Year2007January 24, 2007, and encouraged people to return their surveys to the Town Offices.
BUDGET
Mr. Higgins presented an updated budget for the Board’s review. He said the base budget may have some additional funding, so it is possible for the Board to consider a third (middle range) budget. Ms. Mattes said that she would like to make sure that the staffing in the Clerk’s Office and the COA stays in the budget. Mr. Higgins added that the COA addition is benefit neutral. Mr. Taylor also commented that the summer help for the DPW is a good way to get projects done. The Board briefly discussed the tree maintenance budget. Mr. Higgins noted that the DPW does not have adequate staff or equipment to do all this work. The additional budget gives them the ability to hire a contractor. The Board expressed interest in oversight of NSTAR tree cutting and the use of an arborist. Mr.
Higgins noted that some companies may be able to work near the wires (the Town can not). Mr. Higgins noted that addition to staff is a key priority in the budget. He also said that the Town has drawn resources from Public Works for five years to meet other needs, and this should be addressed moving forward. He also noted that there are additional monies for emergency communications, although most of this is in the capital budget for a new tower. Public Safety is not wedded to any particular site for the radio tower, but it is in a sensitive area and the FAA may require lighting. The Board discussed the need to maintain a solid base in the Reserve Fund. Despite a rise in local aid last year, this may not be maintained and the Board should not plan on this as an annual event. The Board all agreed that conservative fiscal management is needed for the long run. Projections for the coming year back this up. The Board reiterated that
budget allocations for personnel coverage in Town Clerk’s Office and the COA are a priority.
Mr. Taylor made a MOTION to close the Warrant for the 2007 Annual Town Meeting. Ms. Mattes seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
The Board reviewed action items and signed warrants.
The Meeting adjourned at timeHour21Minute109:10 PM
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
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