MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Monday, April 07, 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.
Appointments:
Melinda Webster Loof, Decordova Museum Representative
Ms. Loof introduced Dennis Kois, the newly appointed Decordova Museum Director, and Robert Scott, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Decordova Museum. Ms. Loof said that following a long search process, the Board has appointed the new director who came from the Grace Museum in Abilene Texas. Mr. Kois added that his prior experience included the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian, but he has found that he enjoyed working in the smaller communities. He particularly noted the regional presence and significance of the museum, while also partnering with the local community. The Chairman welcomed Mr. Kois.
Christy Foote-Smith, Drumlin Farm Director
Appearing with Ms. Foote-Smith were Gary Clayton, Vice-president of Programs and Stu Wienreb, Capital Assets and Planning for Drumlin Farm. Mr. Clayton opened the discussion by explaining Mass Audubon has been part of the community in Lincoln for over 50 years. Much of their mission involves environmental education work and has involved many Lincoln residents over the years. Mass Audubon has been a leader and partner in land conservation efforts and the property is open and accessible to residents. Ms. Foote-Smith added that a pre-school has been operating three mornings a week for several years on the Farm. The Farm consists of 232 acres with resident wildlife and farm animals. The Farm has restored views and maintained trails while managing species and protecting wildlife, she said. Drumlin Farm was
a bequest from Louise Hathaway in 1955, with the stipulation that it be maintained as a sanctuary and farm open to children. Since that time, there have been thousands of visitors and they have modeled ways to steward land and sustain farming. Recent improvements were made to the parking areas, and traffic calming measures were implemented. With the visual aid of site plans, Mr. Weinreb discussed the existing residential structure that is proposed for use as an expanded nursery school. The proponents are concerned with traffic flow and would like to widen the driveway from 12 to 16 feet wide at the entrance to facilitate two way flow on to Lincoln Road. He further discussed improvements to the house (for accessibility and safety), and provisions for adequate parking and drop off and pick up areas for the parents. They also plan to remove trees. They will meet with Fire Chief Cotoni to discuss emergency response and to meet code
compliance. Use of the facility also requires approval from the Board of Health, and they are working with the Town Planner to review zoning issues. They do not intend to have a sign at the street or additional lighting. The addition of plantings for aesthetics and screening for the parking area are part of the plan. Mr. Weinreb showed the Board a very preliminary drainage plan, noting that run-off will be taken care of on site. In response to the Board, Ms. Foote-Smith said that future programming is hard to anticipate and they don’t expect to expand the structure at this time. As part of the Master plan, the entry and parking to the main campus have been re-configured, the greenhouse restored, poultry house renovated, and the pig house re-located. There is a new “bird hill,” and a new discovery trail. New bathrooms were constructed with help from the students at Minuteman Technical High School There is also a new greeting area, new farm stand, and “green center” class
room. The Massachusetts Cultural Council had provided a grant to address accessibility issues and they have created a path more in compliance with ADA standards. Ms. Mattes asked if progress has been made in removing the security lights. Mr. Weinreb said the new parking lot included a detailed assessment of lighting, but there are still challenges. He said there is a difficult balance between necessary lighting for emergency and security and the neighborhood wishes. They have re-visited the timing of the lights, and they are now on a timer and shut off at 11 PM. They will continue to review the lighting situation. The proponents said there will be a repeat of their successful Farm Tour on August 17 to include Drumlin Farm, Blue Heron, Codman, Lindentree, Food Project, Flint Farm and Turtle Creek Winery. The following neighbors had questions:
Kevin Williams: Q: What is the asphalt on the footprint?
A: At 200 sf per parking space, there will be approximately 3,000 sf.
Travis Connors: Q: What other sites were explored for the nursery school use?
A: We looked at every site on the grounds. There is active education and programming in all spaces. This space was vacated and became available.
Jeff Hacker: Q: What is the current level of service of the nursery school?
A: Currently, the school runs three mornings a week. The intention is to add two mornings and afternoon sessions.
Margaret Olson: Q: Could you consider grass and pavers for the driveway?
A: This was discussed and they are willing to consider this option.
Elizabeth Thompson: Commented that the mix could actually slow traffic.
Housing Commission, Renel Fredriksen, Chairman and Phyllis Mutschler, candidate.
Mrs. Mutschler, has volunteered to be appointed as the State representative on the Housing Commission. She moved here in 1972, and worked on various committees, including one on income diversity. She is interested in affordable and supportive housing, and has experience and knowledge in the areas of housing and the elderly. The Board noted her excellent qualifications and also said the Council on Aging and the new Nursing Task Force is interested in what she could add to their committees. Mr. Taylor noted that the Groves has a new model for offering services in place, and hope that perhaps the Town can move towards “assisted living without walls.” Mrs. Holden made a MOTION to nominate Phylllis Mutschler as the State appointed member of the Housing Commission. Ms. Mattes seconded and the
MOTION passed (3-0).
Open Forum: No one was present for this session.
Town Administrator’s Report:
· Mr. Higgins reported that there is a pending sale of 5 Sandy Pond Road which is under 61A, and the Selectmen have the First Right of Refusal. However, the property already has conservation restrictions and agricultural restrictions. The proponents will meet with the Selectmen prior to moving forward.
· Update on Traffic Committee: The Committee will review the Design Guidelines established in 1997. He expects that bidding will take place next winter. The Committee will work with Conservation Planner Angela Seaborg for mapping. The Committee also discussed using the Garden Club and consideration of striping for bike lanes. Mr. Higgins said the numbered State Roads are a “proceed at your own risk” category in terms of road treatment.
Discussion:
· Town Meeting: Ms. Mattes commented on the good attendance and vigorous debate, ultimately leading to consensus, which she saw as a good sign. She also wanted to thank Assistant Town Administrator Anita Scheipers, the schools and the “sound system” personnel for a job well done. The Board agreed that the sound system was much improved.
· Mr. Higgins reported that the Deaconness will be making their contribution as pledged.
· Route 2 – May 1 is a critical date. The proponents will go to the MPO to make the case for moving forward and to keep Route 2 on the list. They hope to enlist the support of the towns of Acton, Concord, as well as Walden Woods and the Minuteman National Park. Ms. Mattes asked if there had been any discussion of a “Plan B” or Plan C.” Mrs. Holden suggested that perhaps there could be some sequencing.
· Lincoln Woods is in discussion with Peter Smith regarding a planning process. Mr. Higgins will contact Codman Trust regarding a possible grant. A proposed MOU is being reviewed.
· Board Annual Appointments – Ms. Mattes made a MOTION to approve the list of incumbent appointees as prepared. Mrs. Holden seconded and the MOTION passed unanimously.
Liaison Reports;
· Ms. Mattes reported on a meeting last Tuesday at Hanscom Air Force Base, which included other representatives from the Hanscom Area towns. The topic was a new “cyber command” mission for Hanscom which would call upon the considerable intellectual capital in the area. Other states are interested in this priority for their own bases, and made investments. The Air Force will contact the Towns as to what they might need.
· The 128 Corridor Coalition met on Friday afternoon regarding the EIR response, which acknowledged the points made by the surrounding towns regarding transportation challenges and economic development. Ms. Mattes wanted to thank the Town of Weston for their huge assistance by employing Jay Wickersham of VHB on this matter.
· Today Ms. Mattes attended a meeting hosted by Colonel Schlechbier concerning the fact that the developer of the new housing has abandoned the job, leaving much of the work unfinished. A new developer is on the job. Mr. Higgins reminded the Board that the Town must keep an eye on fluctuating school enrollment on the base. Ms. Mattes noted that many bases are downsizing with personnel moving off base. Privatization of houses on the base could complicate the situation.
· MAGIC meets next Thursday.
Minutes were deferred.
Warrants were reviewed and signed.
The Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
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