MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
JANUARY 29, 2007, 7:30 pm
PRESENT: PersonNameSarah Cannon Holden (chairman), Sara Mattes, Gary Taylor
STAFF: Tim Higgins (Town Administrator), Debra Parkhurst (Administrative Assistant)
Welcome & Introductions: The meeting opened at timeHour19Minute307:30 PM. The Chairman welcomed the public, reviewed the agenda and action items for the meeting.
Announcements: (see below)*
Appointments
Grant of Location Hearing – Verizon Petition for Underground Conduit – addressStreetVirginia Road
Dan Fitzgibbon of Verizon presented the petition to place conduit along 1200 feet on addressStreetVirginia Road. This mainline conduit would provide additional capacity and infrastructure for- intra office facilities for Verizon. The opening would provide four conduits, one copper, one fiber and two spares. The Selectmen asked about the process if Massport wanted to use this line. Mr. Fitzgibbon said that a request to access the conduit would come through the Verizon office. This is for Verizon’s use. The Selectmen said that any new requests in the area raise concerns about development at Massport. Ms. Mattes made a MOTION to continue the hearing until dateMonth3Day5Year2007March 5, 2007. Mr. Taylor seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Discussion turned to other Verizon
issues. The Board asked about retaining copper wire when switching to fiber optic services. A resident had told them they were informed that they would have to remove the copper wire if they switch to Verizon cable and internet. This is a reversal of what the Board heard at past meetings. The other issues include the number of power outages in placeCityLincoln and impacts to the landscape as tree clearing takes place along roadsides. Mr. Fitzgibbon said areas of concern should be identified and directed back to Verizon.
Open Forum – No one was present for this session.
Town Administrator’s Report
Public Safety Communications
John Caswell and Fire Chief Art Cotoni joined the Board for the discussion. The Public Safety Departments have experienced communications problems for the last 18 months to two years. Problems with electronics (head end) and distribution (copper line and tower) are in process of being resolved. Capital Planning is supporting funds to replace the electronics. Verizon has provided a $50,000 grant to replace the copper wire with fiber optic. Another issue involves the tower height at the Town Hill and the ability to distribute the signal around town. The Board reviewed a map which showed several “dead” areas on the periphery of the Town. Chief Cotoni added that the ideal location is at Town Hill where there is an existing pole and antenna. The consultant for the project recommended
extending the height which should provide signal throughout the Town. However, a test revealed that the proposed 100’ tower would extend above the tree canopy and would be visible from several perspectives. The Board asked if neighboring towns could help with these communications issues. The Chief has talked to other communities, but he is not sure if that is sufficient. The Administrator suggests a committee to study the Town Hill site as well as other sites. Discussion followed with Mr. Caswell discussing aspects of the “homework” that could be done to gather empirical data. Additional residents (John LeGates, Fred Hopengarten, Pat Phillips) will be contacted as potential additions to the committee. They would begin by meeting with staff and the Chief prior to meeting with the consultant. Mr. Higgins added that the ZBA hearing (ZBA approval is necessary for a taller tower) has been continued to March 1. The
ZBA and the Planning Board will be advised that a committee is being formed to make recommendations. The Chief noted that the current Public Safety transmitter license is for 80 watts, and they may need 100 watts to get the desired level of coverage across town. The Board asked the Chief to look into reapplying to the FCC. The Board also asked if cell towers can accommodate the Town antennas. The Board of Health should also weigh in on any health risks.
Budget
The FINCOM is meeting this evening with the Sudbury FINCOM. The Board briefly discussed the budget status report included in the packet, which included override versus no override scenarios. The Board has discussed their priorities at past meetings. Ms. Mattes cautioned against using Free Cash.
Town Meeting
A copy of the warrant article list for Town Meeting was provided and reviewed. Mr. Higgins explained that the budget process has been delayed due to recent events at the high school. The Town may have to separate out the Warrant and the Financial Report. This will depend on timing. There are four ballot questions which must be approved no later than February 20.
Selectmen’s Legislative Priorities
The Board briefly discussed the governor’s remarks to the MMA Convention, and hoped that the governor remains committed to the smaller municipalities. Ms. Mattes is concerned that MAPC no longer reflects the wishes of the smaller communities, particularly the push for expedited permitting. She was also concerned with some appointments that are being made in the light of the recent streamlining of the permit process. She believes the small towns must be cautious and noted that the Pioneer Institute is filing legislation. She added that the essay “Guarding the Town Walls” was not complimentary to small towns and local forms of government. Mr. Higgins said the new administration could be reminded of past work the LGAC did on zoning reform. The Board suggested another letter to the
governor to follow what placeCityLincoln has endorsed in the past. The Board briefly touched on the new Health Care legislation that should be watched at the staff level.
Liaison Reports
· Ms. Mattes reported that HATS did not meet in January. They will meet in February and hope to meet with the group promoting an aviation museum in hangars that Massport wishes to tear down.
· Mr. Taylor reported that some issues have come up regarding land development in Town and the At Risk Properties Committee should be re-mobilized.
Future Meetings.
The Board will use February 5th as a workshop, with a regular meeting on Feb 12th.
The Board will begin its annual appointment process. Of immediate concern is the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Correspondence
The Board reviewed correspondence.
Minutes
The Minutes and Executive Session of January 8 were approved
*The Chairman announced that Cheryl Lecesse will be moving from the Lincoln Journal to the Concord Journal as Editor. The Board expressed congratulations to Cheryl and appreciation for the fine work she has done as editor in the past few years.
The Meeting adjourned at timeHour21Minute59:05 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
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