MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2007
PRESENT: Gary Taylor (Chairman), Sarah Cannon Holden, Sara Mattes
STAFF: Timothy Higgins (Chairman), Town Administrator (Debra Parkhurst)
Welcome & Introductions: The meeting opened at 7:30 PM. The Chairman welcomed the public, reviewed the agenda and action items for the meeting.
Appointments:
State Legislators: Senator Susan Fargo and Representative Tom Conroy
The Chairman opened the discussion by outlining local and regional concerns, including permit process streamlining, infrastructure funding, municipal partnerships, school construction funding, Massport and Hanscom Field, and the municipal utilities initiative.
Senator Fargo noted there has been an increase in Chapter 70 funding and the Legislature is continuing to enhance that program. She discussed the recent report from the Transportation Commission. She is currently chairman of the Joint Committee on Public Health, working on regional issues. That committee has reported out on a school nutrition bill, and will be holding a hearing on medical errors this Wednesday. Concerned about limits to the appeals process, she has not been in favor of expedited permitting. Senator Fargo believes there are improved communications, better access and greater opportunities to have initiatives go to the Governor’s Office. She noted the successful outcome of three additional affordable housing units for the Town due to a
State process for disposing of surplus state lands. Mr. Higgins discussed his work on the Municipal Partnership Act to better use local advocacy groups. While that never happened, he noted that the present governor has a “municipal coordinating cabinet” to help channel concerns from communities. Mr. Conroy added that Geoff Beckwith, President of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) continues to be a voice that is heard from the towns. Ms. Mattes expressed concern that cities are heard more than towns, and that towns must rely on their legislatures to voice their concerns. She noted the influx of traffic expected from the office construction in Waltham (32,000 trips), as well as planned construction along the I-95 corridor, and questioned how towns can cope with the influx of traffic. Representative Conroy spoke of meeting with the State Secretary of Transportation last month. Most of the current push is towards the
commuter rail expansion down to New Bedford and an increase of parking spaces at commuter rails around the area, which he admitted was far from enough. He suggested thinking about increasing the gas tax, fee hikes, advertising, and other creative ways to improve maintenance funding for the transportation infrastructure. Discussion turned to broader issues concerning transportation including long term planning and use of a “multi model transportation plan.” Both Senator Fargo and Representative Conroy received copies of the latest MPO materials on the route 2 Crosby’s Corner project. The Board discussed the stall on the 75% plan for Crosby’s Corner which needs to be completed to show “readiness.” Discussion turned to the Muni Electric Bill. The Board would like to see it come out of committee. Ms. Mattes said the HATS communities are interested. Rep. Conroy said that the traditional “levers” have been used. The Board asked that they find out who the key legislators are. Rep. Conroy said he will also talk to the MMA. Mr. Higgins added that the Towns are frustrated with the utilities superseding local authority, particularly noting the double-poling as well as other issues. The Board noted that the Lincoln Schools are contemplating building in the near future, and they are now at the feasibility stage. Senator Fargo and Representative Conroy said that there was a major reform of the school building funding reimbursement and that fund is now more solvent under new recent management. Both sides of the legislature will be very busy after January. The Board thanked them for coming.
Tax Classification Hearing
Present: Edward (Buffer) Morgan, Harold Scheid (Regional and Contract Assessor), and John Robinson.
Mr. Morgan explained that the hearing requests the Selectmen consider four questions:
1. Residential Factor
2. Open Space Discount
3. Residential Exemption
4. Small Commercial Exemption
The Residential Factor provides a mechanism to shift some of the tax burden to commercial properties. The current factor is 1.3, and can be from between 1.1 to 1.5. The Board of Assessors recommends keeping it at 1.3. They reported no complaints from commercial properties in town.
The Open Space Discount was recently instituted by the Town of Bedford and the Assessors explored that option. In Lincoln, many properties already have conservation restrictions. The DOR sees open space as a valuable amenity. The Board is not recommending the discount at this time.
The Board of Assessors is not recommending the Small Commercial Exemption at this time.
The Residential Exemption is a local option that allows the exemption of the first 20% of the average value of the residential property to be exempted from tax. However, the entire levy must still be raised so taxes overall are increased. The effect is a more progressive tax. The Board discussed that while this is Board of Selectmen discretion, this Board would seek input from the Town by either a Town Meeting vote or a sense of the Town, including more focused discussions with other Boards such as Planning, Housing, etc.
MOTION – Mrs. Holden made a MOTION, and MS Mattes seconded to accept the Assessors recommendation as outlined in their memo dated 09/10/2007, to set the factor for commercial at 1.3; to reject the open space discount; reject the small commercial exemption; and reject the residential exemption. The Motion passed unanimously.
Rural Land foundation – Mall Update
Present: Dan England, Geoff McGean, Sarah Andrysiak
Mr. Higgins introduced the RLF, noting that beside the update on tier permit process, they are requesting that the Board:
1. Execute the Easement Relocation;
2. Permit reconstruction of the island separating the Mall and commuter parking lots;
3. Authorize RLF contractors to use a portion of the commuter lot for their private/commuting vehicles.
The Board began by thanking the RLF and Lincoln Woods for their thoughtfulness in coming together on agreement to make this happen. They also noted that as an integral part of the community there wer strong feelings and interest and with process there was resolution. Mr. England thanked the Board of Selectmen for helping to facilitate this.
MOTION: Ms. Mattes made a MOTION to approve the Execution of the Easement Relocation. Mrs. Holden seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Mrs. Holden made a MOTION to approve the relocation of the island separating the Mall and Commuter. Mrs. Mattes seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Ms. Mattes made a MOTION to authorize the Rural Land Foundation contractors to use a portion of the commuter lot during construction. This will involve about 25 spaces. The Board noted that there is a surplus of spaces in the paid commuter lot. The RLF plans for stricter enforcement of no commuter parking in the RLF lot. Mrs. Holden seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
Discussion followed on the phasing of construction for the Mall project:
1. New parking and egress;
2. Building of Post Office and Restaurant space;
3. Expand and Renovate the Mall.
Town Administrator’s Report and Discussion:
The At Risk Properties Group will meet Monday, September 17 at 7:30 AM. The primary focus is potential development of the Arshad property on Winter Street. Concerns will focus on financial, social (Noise and traffic), and aesthetic concerns. This first meeting is organizational. Following study, an analysis will be issued by the group. The past At Risk model looked at several scenarios, including by right uses. The abutting Kennedy owned parcel was reviewed in the last group. Bundling the Kennedy land with the Arshad parcel may allows for access to Winter Street in Waltham as well as potential water and sewer hook up through Waltham. Following the initial informal discussion on the 17th, there will be a lot of process. The Selectmen noted concern with
residential parcels in between Arshad and Kennedy, and would not support development that did not take into accountt?? also include these neighbors in some way. The Town will continue to analyze the situation to better understand the complications. Ms. Mattes again noted that the ARPC should ask MAPC, MAGIC and the surrounding towns for traffic studies as office development proceeds forward. She noted that 32,000 additional car trips per day will be coming on line in the near future.
Mr. Higgins reported a meeting with Nancy Nelson superintendent of Minuteman National Historic Park. They are working on a re-design of the Battle Road to improve safety and access. Improvements would include: landscaped entrance islands or gateways; restoration of Old Mass Ave; narrowing the intersection at Airport Road; redesigning the intersection of Bypass and Lexington Roads; placement of utilities underground; standardize street lights; wood guardrail (to replace steel) installations.
Mr. Higgins reported that CLRP (Committee for Long Range Planning) had a retreat in July. The Steering Committee has met and awarded the consultant contract to Judy Barrett of Community Opportunities Group (COG) and the first meeting with her was September 12, 2007. A brief discussion followed on next steps.
Mr. Higgins reported that there is an applicant for Veteran’s Services Officer and the office will put her in contact with John Caswell, the current VSO. The Chairman thanked Mr. Caswell for all his years on this important town function.
Pat Phillips has retired from the Finance Committee. Jack French makes appointments. The Board discussed how people may volunteer for this committee. The Board briefly discussed forming a sub-committee to look for volunteers for committees. It was suggested that perhaps there could be a place at the library with information.
Mr. Higgins reported that Capital budgets are due in on September 27. A main issue for budgeting is roadway improvement. They will do an analysis on how to sequence investments and amounts as well as coordinating different agencies. Town Offices and Bemis Hall are under review. The Codman Farm group is looking at the McGinley Kalsow Report. The Pierce House needs and use requires discussion with the larger community, including programmatic uses for several buildings.
Mr. Higgins reported on the Route 2 Wildlife Crossing. It is unclear what will happen after the feasibility study. The main interest for the Town is that it will have NO negative impact on the construction of the Crosby Corner Flyover.
Action
Motion – Mrs. Holden made a motion to authorize expenditures from the Wetland Protection Fund as necessary for salaries for conservation staff. Ms. Mattes seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion – Ms. Mattes made a MOTION to reconfirm the Annual Appointment Policy. Mrs. Holden seconded and the MOTION passed unanimously.
Motion - Mrs. Holden made a motion to endorse the grant application by Drumlin Farm/ Mass Audubon to for the Lincoln Farm Tour. Ms. Mattes seconded. Following discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
Motion – Mrs. Holden made a motion to endorse a museum at Hangar 24, Hanscom Field. Mr. Taylor seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Minutes were deferred.
The Board reviewed discussion items for the next meeting.
The Board reviewed and signed the Warrants.
The meeting adjourned at 10 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
Approved 02/04/2008
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