MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2007
PRESENT: Gary Taylor (Chairman), Sarah Cannon Holden, Sara Mattes
STAFF: Timothy Higgins, Town Administrator, Debra Parkhurst, Administrative Assistant.
Welcome & Introductions: The meeting opened at 7:30 PM. The Chairman welcomed the public, reviewed the agenda and action items for the meeting.
Announcements:
· Ms. Mattes announced that there will the Hats Meeting Thursday, September 27, 2007 in the Lincoln Town Offices. There will be two main topics for discussion: regional traffic and the future use of Hangar 24.
· Mr. Taylor announced that this morning was the groundbreaking for the renovations and improvements at the Mall.
· Mrs. Holden announced that Mass. Highway will be meeting on Wednesday morning, September 26, 2007 at 8 AM at District 4 Headquarters in Arlington to review the 7554 –75% design.
Appointments
Mark Whitehead, Town Planner, Bob Domnitz, Chairman, Lincoln Planning Board
RE: Land use Permitting Guide
Mr. Higgins introduced the discussion by explaining that the creation of the Town Planner position was to give technical support to the Planning Board and to provide a coordinator for the Land Use boards, the latter position giving emphasis to communication and coordination. Mr. Whitehead said that the creation of a Permit Guide was to improve process and make it less of a mystery for applicants. The Land Use Group (LUG) meets every two weeks, and consists of staff members from the following boards or committees: Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic Commission, Historic District Commission, Board of Health, Housing Commission, Conservation Commission, Public Safety and DPW as needed.. The charge given to the staff members was to come up with a “typical” process. Each staff member
wrote down their process using a standard format, and then it went out to the Boards for edits. The guide is necessary to provide guidance on a “typical” project, to provide clarity to the Zoning Bylaw and the General Bylaw, and to direct applicants as to who to see “up front” in the process. The guide sets up questions and answers for a typical process and timeline. Mr. Whitehead then explained the Town Planner role as “Gate Keeper.” If a project is not typical, then the applicants would talk to Mr. Whitehead early to help determine critical issues and develop the order of appearance before the different boards to avoid unnecessary frustrations. Discussion followed on the advantages of the staff coordination and permit guide, as well as methods to disseminate the information to the public.
John Caswell, Veterans Service Officer (VSO); Priscilla Leach, candidate for VSO (Veterans Services Officer)
Mr. Caswell explained that the Department of Veterans Services provides benefits and aid for veterans. Every city and Town is obligated to provide benefits and has a VSO. In large communities, the positions are paid; in Lincoln it is voluntary. The position answers requests for monetary and health aid, guidance for jobs, etc. The State subsidizes the program and pays back 75% of what the Town provides. The VSO, as a liaison for the veterans, gets notice of all the veterans in the area. Mr. Caswell estimates that there are about four requests for assistance a year in Lincoln. Three days of training are provided every year. Discussion followed on the broad range of services available, including health and human services. Mr. Caswell commented that fellow VSOs are very helpful. Ms. Leach explained that
she was in the Coast Guard and on Active Duty during the first Gulf War. Much of her work involved paperwork for the Coast guard, so she is familiar with the kind of work involved, although she understands that Massachusetts laws and benefits are not the same. The Chairman said the Town and Board appreciate her willingness to serve in this capacity. Mrs. Holden made a MOTION to appoint Priscilla Leach as the Veterans Services Officer for the Town of Lincoln. Ms. Mattes seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
Town Administrator’s Report and Discussion:
· Mr. Higgins reviewed the Planning Calendar. State of the Town will take place on November 3. The budget will be developed in mid- November. Mr. Higgins is developing a running list of budget priorities, including, roadway and traffic management planning, facilities planning, DPW Staffing, Health Insurance, and GASB 45.
· Mr. Higgins reported on a meeting regarding the Codman Farm and the McGinley Kalsow Report. They will be looking to get a third opinion as to the rehabilitation requirements for the historic barn.
· Ms. Mattes and Mr. Higgins will work on a charge for a Pierce House Committee to work on operating strategy.
· The Board reaffirmed their support for a concept of a second emergency easement for the schools.
· The Mall groundbreaking ceremony was this morning at 8:15 PM.
· State of the Town Planning-the Board will return to the type of agenda in prior years (2004) to look at capital planning rather than land planning. This is a vehicle to allow citizen awareness and participation prior to the Annual Town meeting. The agenda will be set by the Selectmen, with a follow up by the Finance Committee. Various agencies, including the Library, Municipal function and Schools will talk about their infrastructure needs. FINCOM will follow with financial modeling and implications. Both Lincoln Sudbury and Minuteman Regional High Schools should be checked on as well for future infrastructure issues.
· Discussion turned to the Ad Hoc Traffic Committee. Ms. Mattes said the development projects in Waltham as well as in Burlington, Lexington, Bedford, and Belmont will impact traffic in Lincoln. She suggested re-convening a traffic committee to build on past work, collect information from MAGIC, MAPC and CTPS, as well as new tools that would mitigate or allow traffic to pass through safely.
Liaison Reports
· Ms. Mattes has talked to Peter VonMertens regarding the emergency access road for the schools. Conservation and Public Safety will work together to find a solution for public safety concerns.
· Ms. Mattes attended a MAGIC Meeting in Topsfield regarding MetroFuture. There is concern that area growth does not have companion infrastructure.
· Ms. Mattes said that she will attend the Wednesday, October 3 Planning Board hearing on 39 North Great Road
· Ms.Mattes reported on a comment letter to the Memorandum of Agreement regarding the use of hangar 24 at Hanscom Field. A draft will go to the Selectmen.
· Ms. Mattes discussed the legislative agenda. The Muni Electric Bill (#3319) is still in committee. The lead sponsor is Jay Kaufman. The legislature is also discussing raising the bond cap for highway funds and public transportation. Discussion should be brought to Town Meeting for a “Sense of the Town.”
· Mrs. Holden reported that the Lincoln Sudbury School Committee is asking the Safety Review Committee for the next steps.
Action Items:
· The Pierce House has requested to change their rate structure, to include increasing the resident rate; decreasing the non-resident rate; crate a new five hour rate, and small event rate. The Board unanimously agreed to support the rate change
· MINUTES
Minutes of July 9, 2007 were accepted.
Minutes of March 12, 2007 were accepted.
· WARRANTS – Warrants were approved and signed.
Executive Session
A MOTION was made and seconded to go into Executive Session pursuant to MGL, Ch39, ss23B, Real Estate Exemption, not to return to Regular Session. A Poll was taken of the Board: Holden-Aye; Mattes- aye Taylor- aye. The Motion passed unanimously, and the Regular Session closed at 9:30 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
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