BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
April 9, 2007, 7:30 final
PRESENT: Gary Taylor (Chairman), PersonNameSarah Cannon Holden ,Sara Mattes
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.
Appointments: Water Board
Present: Water Board : Buck Creel, PersonNameAndy Hall, Andrew Cole; Water Superintendent Pat Allen; Jim Finnegan, engineer from Weston and Sampson; Others in Attendance: PersonNameRobert Steinbrook, Paul Giese from the Finance Committee, PersonNameBob Domnitz from the PersonNamePlanning Board, and Arthur Cotoni, Fire Chief.
Mr. Higgins explained that the 2006 Annual Town Meeting authorized the Water Board to expend funds to study the feasibility of extending the water distribution system. This involves seven roads and 114 residences that are currently outside of the water district. The Report looks at key challenges and sites as well as the advantages and disadvantages of various extension scenarios. Chairman Taylor thanked the Water Board for undertaking this effort. Mr. Hall introduced Mr. Finnegan of Weston and Sampson. Mr. Finnegan said that water distribution has two purposes: 1) a supply of potable water and 2) water for fire fighting. Expansion areas on the periphery of the system raise concerns about water stagnation in 8” dead end diameter pies (the standard for water main firefighting pipes). Mr.
Finnegan said placeCityLincoln water is filtrated and chlorinated. There should be a trace of chlorine throughout the system, but too much affects taste and odor. The Water Department also must minimize disinfection byproducts in the water. Mr. Finnegan briefly described DEP testing. It was noted that the treatment plant has capacity, but there were concerns about going over the DEP requirements. Mr. Allen said that once a water main goes down a road, then abutting homeowners may tie in to it. Selectmen asked if a local ordinance or legislative initiative could require that “dry” pipes function for fire fighting only. A plan was presented that showed the areas that did not have water service. Some of these areas pose construction problems. The Board asked about rural communities that draw water from ponds or use other systems for fire protection. Citing discussions with placeCarlisle and placeCityStow, Chief
Cotoni said there would be issues of water volume, pipe maintenance and man power. Mr. Higgins emphasized that placeCityLincoln participates in mutual aid with neighboring towns for firefighting support. According to Mr. Creel, of the towns surveyed, only Wayland provides water to their entire town. Discussion followed that extension might be more feasible in areas that have more housing density and “looping” potential versus areas that have engineering issues and dead ends. placeLoop systems are always preferred. The Water Board remained concerned that adding houses to the system would put them over their DEP permit limits. Mr. Creel said they would need a survey to determine who would be willing to have a deed restriction. Ms. Mattes said she would like to have the Fire Chief’s perspective, particularly as to what other communities are doing. Dr. Cole agreed that the Fire Chief should talk to other communities
regarding the best methods for tapping into local ponds or other systems which the Town could employ before investing in a large public works project. Mrs. Holden asked if there is a way for the Town to tap into a neighboring town’s’ system. Weston and Lincoln already share water resources in some areas of town. In discussing fire safety only, the Chief said the standard accepted distance from a fire hydrant is 500 feet. All agreed it would be useful to discern between those residences that cannot hook up to water and those which are beyond 500’ from a hydrant Mr. Creel suggested engaging the DEP in a more defined discussion after the town analyzes what options are worth considering. Next steps would include exploring systems that are feasible for the Fire Department within their staffing structure and refining the distinctions between those residents who do not have fire safety coverage versus those who do not have water
hook ups. Mr. Higgins said such information will help determine public policy and investment. He added that there may need to be an investment from either the Water Board or from the general funds, possibly borrowing, to further this effort. All agreed that finding out this information would further refine understanding the impacts and costs of extending the water lines. Mr. Taylor noted that Mr. Creel has tendered his resignation from the Water Board as of April 15. He thanked him for his service and also thanked Mr. Allen and other employees of the Water Department for their diligence. An announcement requesting applicants for the Water Board position will be sent to the newspaper and the Board will schedule a future meeting with the Water Board to jointly vote on a new member.
Announcements:
· Mrs. Holden reported on the Comprehensive Long Range Planning Committee (CLRP) meeting this week. A Steering Committee made up of representatives from each sub-committee of the larger CLRP will serve to lead and inform the process. The Steering Committee meets every two weeks. The entire group will meet again in May. While the Planning Board is legally empowered to the lead the Master Plan process, the Steering Committee will develop the scope of services, the interview, and any contracts. PersonNameKen Hurd will remain as Planning Board liaison. The Board discussed the challenges ahead in terms of directing the consultant.
Town Administrator’s Report:
· Mr. Higgins said that he serves on the Town Services subcommittee along with Noah Eckhouse.
· Mr. Higgins discussed the Governor’s revised budget, which increased State Aid by $70,000.
· The State has approved the LIP application for Minuteman Commons, which will add six subsidized housing units to the Town’s inventory.
· FOMA (Friends of Modern Architecture) is scheduled to come to the Board meeting on April 23.
· The Walden passage Feasibility Study received a grant from the Federal Highway Administration (with MAPC as grantor) to study a wildlife and recreation crossing including two underpasses and one overpass. The Board’s main concern is its impact on the Route 2 project.
Executive Session (8:45 PM)- Mrs. Holden made a Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 39, Section 23b and to return to regular Session upon its conclusion. Ms. Mattes seconded. A roll call vote was taken: placeCityTaylor- aye; Holden- aye; Mattes- aye. The Motion passed unanimously.
The Board returned to Regular Session at timeHour9Minute459:45.
Discussion
· “TIP” Day is scheduled for April 26 and Mrs. Holden and PersonNameJohn Snell will attend. Mrs. Mattes has brought it to the attention of the MAGIC group and HATS. She suggested that the other CAC members and representatives from the National Park Service also attend as part of the contingent. She also pointed out that the pending projects in placeCityWaltham will also be affecting the Route 2 corridor.
· Ms. Mattes reported from the MAPC “MetroFuture” Meeting: CPA could be dropping to 60% matching funds. There is legislation to “float” the fees which would provide a more guaranteed funding stream for CPA. Sudbury has adopted a five lot subdivision inclusionary bylaw (Lincoln has a four lot inclusionary bylaw). placeCityLexington has a Tree Bylaw that includes the Planning Board and the Tree Warden.
· Ms. Mattes reported that the Historical Commission and Historic District commission have reorganized. Lucretia Giese is Chairman of the Lincoln Historic Commission; PersonNameRuth Wales is the Vice-chairman. PersonNameRuth Wales is Chairman of the Historic District Commission with Lucretia Giese as Vice-chairman. Ms. Mattes also thanked Colin Smith for his many years of service, ”working for the future and being mindful of the past.”
· The L-S Review Committee meets on April 11 in the placePlaceNameSudbury PlaceTypeTown Hall. The meeting will be taped for telecast.
Action Items
· Fire Pumper Contract: The Board discussed the fact that there was only one bid. Three companies picked up bid documents. The documents were very specific. The bid is within the budget and the Fire Chief is happy with the contract. The Board noted there was a discount offered for meeting a specific time frame. Mrs. Holden made a MOTION, Ms. Mattes seconded to award the bid for the Fire Pumper to Pierce Manufacturing as outlined in the February 10, 2007 Memo. The Motion passed unanimously.
· The Board discussed their meeting schedule. The Board agreed they need some workshop time.
· Mr. Higgins reviewed Action Items from tonight’s Meeting.
· Minutes - A MOTION was made and seconded to approve the Minutes of April 3 as edited. The Motion passed unanimously.
· Warrants. The Board approved and signed Warrants.
The Meeting adjourned at timeMinute30Hour2210: 30 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
Approved dateMonth7Day9Year2007July 9, 2007
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