MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Monday, March 24, 2008
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:
Marty Fahey, Captain of the Lincoln Minutemen, was present to inform the Board and the Town of the upcoming activities associated with Patriot’s Day. The Lincoln Minuteman organization is now 42 years old. Captain Fahey appeared in an authentic reproduction of a “frock” coat as representation of what a gentleman might wear in 1775, noting that the original Minutemen were a diverse group, without uniforms. Captain Fahey also noted that the Lincoln Minuteman participate in educational programs at appropriate levels for the 3rd, 5th and 8th graders. He said the Minutemen support themselves by membership dues, paid jobs, and contributions. On April 12, 2008 at 3 PM the Minutemen will commemorate the capture of Paul Revere and William Dawes at the capture site in
Lincoln. On April 20, there will be a Fife and Drum performance at 3 PM, with the Alarm and Muster ceremony at 6 PM. On April 21 at 6 AM is the 42nd March to Concord. On April 27, there will be a graveside ceremony, where they will be joined by the British Council and the family of Henry Rugo, one of the founders of the company. Following the grave ceremony, there will be a gathering at the Pierce House.
Appointments:
Chris Bibbo, Superintendent RE: Crew Chief Position
Mr. Bibbo is recommending Dennis Botelho, a 30 year employee, for promotion to crew chief. He said that Mr. Botelho brings dedication, knowledge, and experience to the job in all aspects of DPW work, including the cemetery, the transfer station, and snow removal. Staff discussions of operations and procedures have already begun. The Selectmen expressed their approval and appreciation to Mr. Botelho. Mrs. Holden made a MOTION, Ms. Mattes seconded, to appoint Dennis Botelho to the position of Crew Chief. The Motion passed unanimously.
Announcements (continued):
Ms. Mattes announced that there will be a HATS meeting on Thursday, March 27 in the Lincoln Town Offices. HATS will be joined by the Historical Commissions and Historic District Commission in the HATS communities.
Mr. Taylor announced that Town Meeting will commence at 9:30 AM on Saturday, March 29. The Moderator’s Meeting is Wednesday, March 26 at 7:30 PM in the Town Offices.
Open forum: No one was present for this session.
Discussion:
· The Board reviewed the article list and their assignments for Town Meeting. The Board reviewed the Budget proposal presentation. This included the Roadway Paving Plan. The public should be reminded that roadway treatments will adhere to the existing roadway design guidelines. Mr. Higgins noted that superintendent Bibbo included the Mission Statement from “Roadway Design Guidelines” in his Paving Plan.
· While it may face challenges, the courts have ruled that NSTAR must make additional property tax payments to communities for their equipment. For Lincoln that could mean $80,000 to 90,000 per year in revenue, but Mr. Higgins said this will not be in the revenue stream until FY09.
· The Board discussed presentation for the Fire Tanker Truck. Ms. Mattes noted the new truck will have a 20 minute capacity (rather than a 5 minute capacity), and is more maneuverable than the older vehicle. Mr. Higgins reminded the Board that there are still only four firefighters on at a time, and the town is dependent on mutual aid. The first priority is to get water (or other fire retardant) on the fire as soon as possible,
· The Board discussed GASB 45 (Government Auditing Standard Board, Standard 45). This requires towns to study the costs of retiree benefits over 35 years, including the costs for health benefits. The Town now has to calculate the costs and acknowledge the liability, although there is no requirement to fund the obligation at this time. This could affect bond ratings over time. Mr. Taylor thought the Town might want to use State of the Town for municipal finance discussions. The Board agreed financial planning has to be part of overall long-range planning.
Annual Appointment Process
The Board reviewed the list of committee members who have volunteered to continue serving. The Board also reviewed recent applications from volunteers.
Liaison Reports
Ms. Mattes reported on the most recent meeting of HFAC (Hanscom Field Advisory Commission). The last commercial airline has left Hanscom Field. There is concern regarding the loss of revenue to Massport and what that could mean regarding commercial development there. The Mass Historic[al?] Commission has asked the FAA to require a “Section 106” review on Hangar 24. While the Hanscom area towns were interested in saving Hangar 24 due to its historic nature, Massport has proposed, an alternative location for a much larger Air and Space Museum. A large museum could be a concern for traffic.
Action Items:
Mrs. Holden made a MOTION to grant the request by Karen Cowles, for the Lincoln Kids Triathalon, to close Lincoln Road between Ballfield Road and the Five Corner Intersection between the hours of 8:30 AM and 10:30 PM on Saturday morning, June 28, 2008 as requested in their letter of March 19, 2008. Mrs. Mattes seconded, and the Motion passed unanimously.
Town Meeting is Saturday, March 29 and the Town Election is Monday, March 31. The Board may consider closing the transfer Station part of that day in the future.
The Board reviewed their upcoming meeting scheduled. Regular meetings will be on April 7 and April 14. There will be no meeting on April 21, and there will be scheduled workshop on April 28.
There is a MAGIC Legislative breakfast on Monday.
Minutes: deferred
Warrants: Reviewed and signed.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
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