MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Monday, February 11, 2008
PRESENT: Sarah Cannon-Holden (Acting Chair), Sara Mattes
ABSENT: Gary Taylor
STAFF: Timothy Higgins (Town Administrator), Debra Parkhurst (Administrative Assistant)
Welcome & Introductions: The meeting opened at 7:30 PM. The Acting Chairman welcomed the public, reviewed the agenda and action items for the meeting.
Announcements: There were no announcements at this time.
Appointments:
John Snell for the Green Energy Technology Committee
Mr. Higgins explained that the current warrant has two articles proposed by the Green Energy Tech Committee for town meeting. The first will be a report from the committee and the second proposes to establish a Town Facilities Energy Performance Standard. Mr. Snell summarized the activities and the direction of the committee. The Committee wants to start to take action regarding green technologies. They decided to gear standards to either new construction or major rehabilitation of an existing structure (30%+ of a building). The target is from the 2030 Challenge (adopted by the Town in 2002 and adopted by the Federal government in 2007). This target is set to limit climate change to 1% or less, and to do this buildings have to dramatically reduce energy consumption. The reduction can
be accomplished in three ways:
1. More efficiencies;
2. Generate renewable energy; and
3. Buy renewable energy elsewhere.
As proposed in the article, if a standard cannot be achieved because it is impractical in a particular case, the Selectmen may adjust the standard. Mr. Snell noted that the Town buildings consume 5% of the energy consumption in the Town. The only anticipated opposition may come from Town Meeting participants if they do not believe in global warming or are concerned about the cost. Mr. Snell believed that the cost savings over the life of a building may help with the cost concerns. However, he noted that the other challenge is our growing dependency on electronics and electricity usage. It was noted that this is a guideline, not a zoning bylaw. Mr. Higgins said the Town would have to research how this could be incorporated as a law, and may require special legislation. Ms. Mattes commented that
demolition is also consumptive. Mr. Snell said that there are green standards for recycling, materials. Ms. Mattes asked about “Free Watt.” Mr. Snell explained that this is a specific technology that provides heat and electricity at the same time. Mr. Snell added that technology is not the problem; public awareness is. Ben Aaronson of the Lincoln Journal asked is there is a feasible economic benefit, such as putting energy back in the grid. Mr. Snell said that on an individual level it is economically better to properly size an energy system for the use intended. There are problems for the large utilities if energy is going back into the grid when the system is shut down, for instance. The Selectmen thanked Mr. Snell for informing them about this initiative.
Open Forum: There were no citizen comments or questions presented to the Board.
Town Administrator’s Report:
· Radio Tower Safety Committee: Mr. Higgins reported that the meeting on February 6 was productive, and attended by several interested parties. A draft charge, decision making matrix, and list of contacts were created.
· Local Aid: The MMA is asking cities and towns to contact their legislator to support providing minimum local aid levels by March 1. Ms. Mattes moved and Mrs. Holden seconded to have the Town Administrator contact them. The Motion passed unanimously.
· Mr. Higgins confirmed that Lincoln’s Open Space Plan received Final Approval from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
Discussion:
· The Board discussed the weekend Long Range Planning events. The speaker on Friday evening was interesting and informative. Ms. Mattes suggested that besides looking at the larger picture, the planning process might also be informed by a look at the smaller region and local pressures. Mrs. Holden agreed that the next meeting could be more concrete without limiting the thought process. Ms. Mattes attended the break out session dealing with Land use and Economic Development, and noted interest in “de-coupling” discussion of zoning from economics. Mrs. Holden attended the breakout session dealing with Governance.
· Town Meeting Warrant: Mr. Higgins said that two articles have been eliminated. Town Counsel said they were unnecessary. The Historic District Bylaw can be placed with the General Bylaws by the Town Clerk, and the past acceptance of the State Statute adopting the a Historical Commission is sufficient. The home rule petition to allow alternates on to the Historic Historical Commission remains on the warrant.
· Vote :Ms. Mattes made a MOTION to Execute the Warrant Articles as printed and provided by the Town Administrator. Mrs. Holden seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
· Vote: Ms. Mattes made a motion to accept the ballot questions for bonding a debt exclusion for $5,500,000 for the High way Improvement Plan and $200,000 bonding for a debt exclusion for Fire Pumper Tanker as explained by Town Administrator Tim Higgins. Mrs. Holden seconded and the MOTION passed unanimously.
Liaison Reports:
Ms. Mattes said the Crosby’s Corner project remains on the list as urgent for the MAGIC towns and will be discussed at the next MAGIC Meeting. She urged representatives from interested boards to attend. She also said the MPO workshop on the matter needs coverage as well. The MAGIC attendees also discussed and decided to try to lobby the Legislature for transportation and infrastructure spending. She asked that this Board urge the MAPC to take up the matter of a gas (user) tax to be used as earmarks for infrastructure and mass transit expenses, hopefully to also reduce consumption and generate revenue.
Vote: Ms. Mattes made a MOTION to send a directive to the local legislative representative from MAPC to take up the advocacy of a gas tax in some form. Mrs. Holden seconded and the MOITON passed unanimously.
Mrs. Holden noted that there will be a meeting on Monday, February 25 at Town Offices to discuss the 75% plans for Crosby’s Corner and Route 2.
Action:
A MOTION was made and seconded to appoint Robert P. Millian as Constable for one year. Mrs. Holden seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
The Board noted that they will not be meeting on the next two Mondays, but will next convene on February 27 (a Wednesday) at 7:30 PM.
Warrants were approved and signed.
Minutes were deferred.
The Meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
Approved May 5, 2008
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