MINUTES BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Monday, March 4, 2008
PRESENT: Gary Taylor (Chairman), Sarah Cannon-Holden, Sara Mattes
STAFF: Debra Parkhurst (Administrative Assistant)
ABSENT: Timothy Higgins (Town Administrator)
Welcome & Introductions: The meeting opened at 7:30 PM.
Announcements: Mrs. Holden reminded the public that Friday, March 7 is the last day to register to vote for the Town Election and at Town Meeting
Appointments:
Chris Bibbo, Highway Superintendent
Forman Appointment
Mr. Bibbo explained that the opportunity to apply for the foreman position was opened to employees within the department. Applications and resumes were received and the interview process was conducted by a committee made up of Assistant Town Administrator Anita Scheipers, Beth Ries (Personnel Board), Superintendent Bibbo, and the DPW Superintendent from North Reading. The Committee recommended Joe Hayward be promoted to Foreman, having had one prior year as Crew Chief. Mr. Bibbo added that Joe Hayward has done outstanding work on every job presented to him. The Board complimented the DPW for their road treatment this winter. Mr. Bibbo also thanked his crew, adding that it has been a tough and challenging winter. Mr. Bibbo confirmed that the DPW has exceeded its snow budget, but that they have the lowest cost per
mile of roadway for snow removal of surrounding communities.
Mrs. Holden Made a MOTION, Mr. Taylor seconded, to appoint Joe Hayward as Foreman of the Department of Public Works. The MOTION passed unanimously.
Environmental Impacts Discussion
Mr. Bibbo presented a report entitled, “Environmentalism, Snow Removal and Public Works.” He noted that in 1971, the Town went to a use of 90% sand, and 10% salt for road surfaces. Recent studies and technical advances have shown that new materials and pretreatment of roads can help break the bond between snow and ice and the road surface. He said the extensive use of sand creates runoff of that material into streams and catch basins. The use of a brine pre-treatment would not “eat up” the road surface, and he wanted to see if it could be used in Lincoln. Concord uses the brine pre-treatment now. He showed photos of the road surface on Route 126 during a snow storm, comparing the route in Concord (with pre-treatment) and Lincoln (without pre-treatment). The
Board agreed to allow him to proceed and requested that he send his report to the Conservation Commission, the Board of Health, Water Commission, and the Cambridge Watershed Board. The Board indicated that it would be appropriate to have a meeting of interested and affected boards/agencies to get agreement on how best to proceed once they have had a chance to review the report.
The Selectmen asked Mr. Constable if he would allow the Board to hear from the Fire Chief and School Superintendent to speak prior to his scheduled discussion. Mr. Constable agreed, and added, “Anything for the Chief!”
Update on Fire at Brooks School (Feb 27-28)
Fire Chief Artie Cotoni, Superintendent Mickey Brandmeyer, School Business Manager Buck Creel
Mr. Brandmeyer explained that there had been a fire in the Science Lab at the Brooks School. The Fire Department responded immediately, and held the fire to that room. There was heavy smoke damage to the Brooks School, but not in the Smith School. The Fire Chief added that following this type of incident, the department checks for carbon monoxide. Mr. Brandmeyer said the schools were closed the next day (Feb.28). Mr. Creel went to the site immediately and then contacted the insurance carrier (MIIA). A recovery crew was in at 8:30 the next morning. Mr. Creel said MIIA has been exceptionally responsible. The schools re-opened on Friday. The Science Labs will remain closed for at least one month to take care of smoke damage. There is also some clean up work required in the
auditorium and hallway, which will hopefully be completed by Town Meeting. Mr. Creel and Mr. Brandmeyer discussed the replacement of cabinets, computers, and other materials, but were also concerned with the “intellectual property” loss of 20 years of lesson plans, etc. by one of the teachers. They believe there was a malfunction of a heater in a fish tank, and the unit has been sent to the Fire Marshall. An e-mail was sent around at 4:45 AM to tell parents about the closure. Announcements were made by the local news agencies and placed on the Public Safety website. The PTA also made use of its phone chain to tell parents. It was noted that the schools no longer use Connect Ed, as parents had not been interested. That decision may have to be re-visited. Mr. Creel then turned to the insurance policy. There is a full replacement policy with a $10,000 deductible. Mr. Brandmeyer said that following the
fire, they brought in substitute teachers so the effected classroom teachers would have a chance to get organized. It was noted by all that with a full contingent of fire fighters on duty, response was quick. The critical work was done early and they served the community well.
Buzz Constable – MAPC Representative - Legislative Update
Ms. Mattes said that the MAPC Council Meeting will host Greg Bialecki, Under Secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Community Development, and she has asked Mr. Constable in to brief the Board regarding draft legislative reforms being advanced by the governor. Mr. Constable first reported on the work to reform Chapter 40A (The Zoning Act). Due to its controversial nature, there still needs to be compromise. The March 4 Metro Future draft is meant to answer questions raised from the earlier January 15 zoning reform framework draft. The Transportation Bond bill has not passed, and failure to make funding available means that there will be limited bidding this year; the only available money will be money left from prior years. The Legislature wants to deal with the budget prior to passing any bond
bills. He noted there is a $20 billion shortfall for road and bridge repair. He said there are 40 to 50 proposals regarding raising money. With regard to Route 2 and Crosby Corner, while Mass Highway continues to have a budget every year (400 million), without a bonding bill, the TIP (Transportation Improvement Plan) will not be certified by the Federal Highway Administration and this will delay action on all significant projects another year. Approximately $40 million in federal matching money is lost as well. Ms. Mattes suggested that there should be a moratorium on zoning reform until there is an adequate transportation plan; development should not be expanded with out providing infrastructure. Mr. Taylor noted that Route 128/95 is at a standstill during much of the morning and evening commutes between Woburn and Waltham. Mr. Constable said a construction moratorium is different than zoning reform. He said that
zoning reform is not a “pro-development” law, but rather guidelines to create a better process and facilitate improvements. Creating and implementing a community plan allows municipalities an opportunity to make zoning consistent and predictable. He noted that communities would still have to address State interests in housing, economic development, transportation and air quality. There are nine (9) Smart Growth Sustainable Development principles. He added that increased housing in the State is necessary for growth, but the current State Zoning Act does not allow much flexibility for towns. Ms. Mattes asked how zoning reform would affect permitting for non-profit institutions. Mr. Constable said that the Zoning Act addresses residential and commercial use, and institutional use is not seen as a major factor. He added that this is a “home rule” state and the municipalities could be more pro-active and
create master plans to better control institutional uses and “mansionization.” Discussion turned to housing. The Board said Lincoln has been pro-active on affordable housing, but must be vigilant about any further State directives. Mr. Constable went on to discuss the proposed changes in the MEPA process. Ms. Mattes said that the Board has reviewed the MAPC comments and sent a letter in support of these, underscoring three basic comments:
1. That all projects eligible for integrated review be consistent with the Commonwealth’s sustainable Development Principles and smart growth objectives.
2. That all projects eligible for integrated review meet location-based criteria that are consistent with Smart Growth principles.
3. That participation in pre-ENF meetings be broadened to include at all times the host community, the regional planning agency, and neighboring communities in cases where the project is on the border or has significant impacts.
Mr. Constable noted that the MEPA changes include early discussions with developers at the front end of projects. He sees this as a benefit and believes the proposed changes will include state conditions which will in turn affect the “conversation” and be part of the scope of the process and conditions. The group then discussed possible benefits that could accompany the proposed zoning change, including collecting impact fees from developers, or providing limits based on water or septic uses; mandatory protection of open space when a project is developed; funds for technical assistance, and impact fees for a “transportation bank.” The Board also expressed their concern that a change in the zoning would create a “one size fits all” and municipalities would lose their individuality.
Open Forum: No one was present for this session.
Discussion:
· Public Safety Radio Tower Committee. The Board reviewed the Charge and amendments to support the Committee’s request to seek a 45 day extension. Mrs. Holden made a MOTION, Ms. Mattes seconded to support the 45 day extension requested in order to allow the necessary drive signal test under conditions of fully leafed trees. The Motion passed unanimously.
· The Board briefly discussed the National Park’s interest in limiting traffic on Route 2A. Support for this may have to wait until Route 2 reconstruction is resolved. Minuteman National Historical Park has applied for and may receive a grant for work on the Route 2A corridor. A requirement is that the Town provide some staff help for the project. The Board suggested that the Chairman of the Planning Board come in to a Selectmen’s meeting to discuss such use of staff And how that staff might be funded.
· The Board noted that materials related to Town Meeting including the Town Report and Annual Town meeting are on the Town’s website. The Board reviewed the warrant list and agreed to individual assignments for Town meeting.
· Mrs. Holden reported that there were approximately 70 attendees at the Rt 2 75% Design meeting. John Snell, Roz DeLori, and Representative Conroy also plan to continue on with the effort of keeping the Route 2 Project active by attending the upcomingmeeting with representatives of the MPO in Boston. The goal of this meeting is to highlight for the MPO the urgent reasons for the Rt. 2 upgrades in advance of the TIP meeting in April.
· Ms. Mattes reported on Lincoln Woods. The annual Meeting is this week where they will have an opportunity to discuss their financial situation and decide on how they will move forward in order to maintain and stabilize their situation.
· Town Meeting – The Board discussed advertising the importance of attendance at Town meeting.
Liaison Reports
· Ms. Mattes reported on Drumlin Farm. Neighbors have expressed concern with activity. She suggested that Drumlin Farm might be invited in to discuss their general scope of services and programs prior to any Planning Board process.
· Ms. Mattes reported that MASSPORT commented to the Mass Historical Commission that they were interested in a larger (than originally proposed for the Hangar building) aeronautical museum. Ms. Mattes also said that the last HATS meeting in Bedford discussed convening the towns’ Historical Commissions and Historic District Commissions to discuss their roles in planning and preservation.
Action
· Mrs. Holden made a MOTION, Ms. Mattes seconded, to vote to allow road closures (Silver Hill, Conant Road, Lexington Road) for the annual salamander and frog migrations on one or two nights in March or early April. The Motion passed unanimously.
· Ms. Mattes made a MOTION, Mrs. Holden seconded to authorize Chairman Gary Taylor to execute a statement that Lincoln’s representations made during the course of the annual audit are accurate. The Motion passed unanimously.
Minutes – Deferred
Warrrants – Approved and signed
The Meeting adjourned at 10:00 PM
Debra Parkhurst
Approved on May 5, 2008
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