MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Monday, MAY 5, 2008
PRESENT: Sara A, Mattes, Chairman, Sarah Cannon Holden, Gary Taylor
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.
Mr. Higgins requested to add two items to the agenda in the Actions section:
1. Town Home Rule petition relative to GASB 45.
2. Town Home Rule petition relative to Appointment of additional members to the Historical Commission
Appointments:
Warren Flint – 5 Sandy Pond Road, the Charles I Realty Trust
Also in attendance: John and Jamie Atkins; Tom Gumbart, Conservation Director
Mr. Flint outlined the history of the parcels previously owned by his aunt, Mrs. Chapin. Mr. Flint and his siblings inherited the properties and ultimately wanted to preserve certain aspects. In 2001, the town voted to put the parcels in the Historic District (it had not previously been included). In 2002, development rights to the field were obtained and protected with the generous assistance of the RLF and neighbors. To further protect 5 Sandy Pond Road and 8 Bedford Road, development restrictions were placed on those two parcels. The main field would remain agricultural. The parcels had previously been put under Chapter 61A. Implementation of the restriction involved reconfiguration of the lots to achieve the required minimum lot size. In this case the residential area was only 30,000 sf for
5 Sandy Pond Road (the field was over 7 acres). A plan was recently submitted to the Planning Board which enlarged the residential lot to 80,000 sf as required by zoning. Mr. Flint also said that 10 years ago the family had received a letter of interest regarding 5 Sandy Pond Road from the Atkins family. They have been part of the process and he described them as the “perfect buyer.” Through a series of meetings with the Historic District Commission, the Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Conservation Commission they have finalized a satisfactory deed restriction running to the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust. At this time they are asking the Board of Selectmen to agree to relinquish their rights under 61A, with the understanding that the agricultural portion of the lot is permanently protected while other goals of preservation have also been met. For clarification to the public, the Chairman explained the
location of the properties in question. She also said that this is a model of what Lincoln has done in the past and continues to do to preserve its agricultural, historic, and aesthetic tradition, and the Board is honored to participate in this process. Mr. Taylor also noted the tremendous effort by the present and future owners. Mr. Gumbart said the Conservation Commission supports the request and noted that the participants have been through a series of meetings for this complex development. Mr. Higgins added that the Planning Board has added their support in a written statement. Ms. Mattes expressed the hope that others in town will note this and see other opportunities to protect the landscape.
Mr. Taylor made MOTION, Mrs. Holden seconded, to waive the Right of First Refusal under Chapter 61A and further to authorize the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen to sign the Relinquishment of Right of First Refusal on the Board’s behalf. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Flint informed the Board when 61A and 61B were first authorized, owners of more than five acres in Lincoln were identified and informed of these possibilities. The board discussed that it might be an opportune time to re-visit these larger properties. It was noted that much of this information is in the Open Space Plan. Mr. Flint noted the great deal of knowledge and expertise are available within the Conservation Commission, the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust and the Rural Land Foundation.
Open Forum: No one was present for the public for this session
Town Administrator Report
· Hollingsworth Property - Mr. Higgins reported that he is re-starting the process for sale of the Hollingsworth property and Angela Seaborg has been working with the Historic Commission. Mr. Higgins also discussed the need to honor the will, including restrictions to preserve the land and the house and benefit affordable housing. After developing the restrictions, the Town may transfer to the Housing Trust, so that proceeds may be readily available for affordable housing. In the recent past, the Housing Trust had focused on buy downs. Mr. Taylor said the objectives are to preserve the five acre parcel, sell for affordable housing and maintain the character of the
house within the neighborhood. Ms. Mattes further noted that there are currently no self-imposed design restrictions within that neighborhood. She also noted that the Town looked at this residence with an architect versed in the vernacular of the modernist mid-century style house. A set of conditions could be established to preserve the house along with a “reservation price” to assure that the property generates an acceptable sale price.
· Roadway Improvement – Mr. Higgins reported that there will be three firms competing for the contract for the design of the roadway. The interviews will be conducted on May 8. All the design firms were given the copies of the town guidelines concerning design and management. The interviews will include both town staff and members of the traffic committee. Mr. Higgins said that during the interviews, they will press the design firms to see what they have done in the past about traffic calming in a non urban environment.
· Lincoln Woods – Lincoln Woods is in a strategic planning process, and the Town is attempting to support this exercise by introducing them to a consultant (Peter Smith) specializing in housing matters and problem identification. Hopefully, it will lead to an understanding of the nature of the challenges and re-thinking the organization, if necessary. Lincoln Woods voted to work with him, and Mr. Smith will be meeting with Lincoln Woods on May 20. A draft Memorandum of Understanding between the Board of Selectmen and Lincoln Woods has been sent back to Lincoln Woods. Funds have been committed. The Board asked that the contract (not to exceed $12,000) be
contingent upon a signed MOU. Mr. Higgins noted that Lincoln has approximately 200 counted affordable housing units. Lincoln Woods represents 120 of these (action item later in this meeting).
· Comprehensive Planning Process – The June 23 BOS meeting will be dedicated to the Comprehensive Planning Process. The Board will review the working papers as well as the citizen and board members questionnaires. Ms. Mattes said that the surveys contain complex information. She asked if there had been discussion about using an independent consultant to look at the survey and data analysis. Mr. Higgins said a professional tabulated the results, but there was no analysis. Ms. Mattes was concerned that major public policy may come out of this, but some questions may be biased or responses unreliable. Mr. Higgins said that some members of the
committee have expertise in statistical analysis and some have backgrounds in public policy. The Board asked that the committee consider the questionnaires and how they will be analyzed.
· Records Management – Mr. Higgins said that the staff, led by Susan Brooks, Anita Scheipers, and Chuck Miller is beginning to look at modernizing records management in the office. He is requesting that the offices be closed on June 26 to allow staff to focus on this. Mrs. Holden made a MOTION, Mr. Taylor seconded to close the Town Offices on June 26, as requested. The Motion passed unanimously. Susan Brooks will be invited to a future meeting.
· Statewide Tax Revenues- Mr. Higgins presented a report from the DOR on trends in tax growth resulting from new construction. Lincoln’s growth is 1.08% (over three years). This is 335 out of 351 in the Commonwealth. The statewide average is more than double Lincoln’s figure at 2.27%. Ms. Mattes said the Town must face future challenges and this may mean either raising taxes, cutting services, or diversifying the tax base. Mr. Taylor noted that the Town although the town managed to restrain growth in taxes, it has nevertheless been able to expand staff and equipment in public safety to provide needed services.
· Hanscom Air force Base will be conducting exercises on the base on May 15 and 16, which may involve some noise and possible smoke. The Town will be alerted via the Lincoln Journal and cable.
Discussion
· At Risk Properties Committee – Mr. Taylor reported that there was a well attended public meeting chaired by Paul Giese. The Committee will write a Final Report on this property (Arshad property on Winter Street). Mr. Higgins added that there is a drafting committee. The neighbors have been and will be advised. The Report will ultimately go to the Planning Board.
· Ad Hoc Traffic Committee – The Town is in the process at looking at roadways to be rebuilt, keeping in mind Lincoln’s aesthetic along with road demands from development east and west of Lincoln. Ms. Mattes suggested to the Traffic Committee that a matrix be devised that would show types of treatments measured against costs and outcomes. The public should be reminded that the money approved at the last TM for the Roadway Improvement Program can not be expended until July. The Design firm must first be chosen, and thereafter the design process will take six months. Roadway construction will not begin until next spring/summer.
· Route 2 – Mrs. Holden reported that the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) TIP (Transportation Improvement Program) Meeting took place on May 1. Peggy Briggs made the presentation in support of the Crosby’s Corner/Route 2 reconstruction project. The cost for the project now has escalated to $100 million dollars. The state budget allocation for land takings for the entire region is $30 million, and th allocation for construction for the region is $60 million. Thus the estimated costs for the Route 2 project are very high relative to available funding. Continuing delay is hard on the neighbors to the project. Ms.
Mattes asked about alternative plans. Mr. Higgins said he is hopeful that the project would stay on the list. Ms. Mattes asked how the town can be creative and helpful to these residents and asked if the Town can begin to explore what can be done.
Liaison Reports
· Mr. Taylor reported that the Housing Commission, Lincoln Foundation, and Lincoln Affordable Housing Trust have been investigating bringing group homes into Lincoln. He described two specific non-profit agencies, CMARC and Edinburgh that support these endeavors for group homes for the developmentally disabled. He noted that these are households for people to stay together and age in place. They have 24/7 supervision. Some of the residents are placed in jobs while some are placed in structured workshops.
· Ms. Mattes reported on a meeting of the 128 Coalition next week She will also be attending a meeting regarding promoting Cyber Command, a new mission for Hanscom Air Force Base. The next HATS meeting will focus on area housing issues and options. The HATS Meeting for May will focus on Climate Action Networks. She noted continuing interest in the preservation of Hangar 24 at the Air Field as it goes through its Section 106 Review.
Action Items
· Mrs. Holden made a MOTION to award the Contract for the Pierce House Painting to the low bidder, Roumbakis Contracting Inc. of Fitchburg, MA. Mr. Taylor seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
· Mr. Taylor made a MOTION to allow the 8th Graders to play music at Bemis Hall until 11 PM. On Thursday, June 19, 2008 for their 8th Grade Graduation Dance. Mrs. Holden seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
· Mr. Taylor made a MOTION to authorize the contract between the Town and Peter Smith Associates for Lincoln Woods Strategic Planning, contingent upon Lincoln Woods signing the Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Lincoln and Lincoln Woods, not to exceed the amount of $12,000. Mrs. Holden seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
· Mr. Taylor made MOTION to call upon Representative Tom Conroy to submit to the General Court on the Town’s behalf the petition, adopted under Article #37 of the 2008 annual Town Meeting relative to the establishment of an “OPEB” Trust Fund to prepare for possible funding to address GASB 45. Mrs. Holden seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
· Mr. Taylor made a MOTION that the Board call upon Representative Tom Conroy to submit to the General Court on the Town’s behalf the petition, adopted under Article #43 of the 2008 Annual Town Meeting, that would authorize the Board of Selectmen to appoint two or more alternate members to the Lincoln Historical Commission. Mrs. Holden seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
· Mrs. Mattes commended the Town of Weston and particularly Selectman for their leadership regarding understanding the traffic impacts of recent developments in the Waltham,/ 128 area. Chairman Mattes will author a letter of thanks.
· Selectmen’s Meeting Schedule. The Board would like to only interview two chairmen of the various boards at each of the next two meetings. This will help facilitate broader discussion on the workings of the boards and identify any skill set needs for membership. This allows those interested a chance to listen and learn about different committees and to consider joining one of them.
Correspondence – The Board reviewed correspondence. They noted the 4th of July Celebration had a theme of “Eye on the Future.”
Minutes
Minutes for 2008 up to March 4 were considered complete and approved.
Minutes of March 17, March 24, April 7 and April 14 were deferred.
Warrants were approved and signed.
The meeting ended at 9:30 PM
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
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