MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Monday, May 12, 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.
Announcements:
· Ms. Mattes announced that the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust Annual meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night in the Tarbell Room of the Lincoln Library at 7:30 PM. The featured speaker is Senator Pam Resor, a friend to Lincoln and the environment.
· Ms. Mattes wanted to call attention to the work of volunteers alongside the LLCT and the Garden Club, who worked to open up the view shed from Trapelo Road (opposite the “peace Barn”), where they cleared invasive species and fixed fencing.
·
Appointments:
Peter VonMertens and Jim Meadors, co-chairmen Conservation Commission
Mr. VonMertens opened the discussion by stating that the Conservation Commission (ConsCom) is continuing to work in crucial areas concerned with preservation of land in concert with the Rural Land Foundation (RLF) and Lincoln Land Conservation Trust (LLCT). He explained that the RLF is the private organization that helps to purchase and protect properties. The LLCT is a private member organization that holds property titles and holds the conservation restrictions. The ConsCom is responsible for adherence to State and local wetland protection laws, as well as also holding public land and managing certain farmlands. He further explained that the RLF is funded through earnings from the Mall and from private contributions, as well as some temporary borrowing. The ConsCom derives funding from the Town budget
(taxes). He called attention to the recent purchase of the Harrington land, which used a combination of Conservation funds, CPC funds, private sources, the City of Cambridge (further protecting their watershed), with advice and guidance from the RLF and LLCT. The RLF has two staff members, the LLCT has summer interns, and the Conservation Commission has four staff members. He also noted the tremendous assistance by Ellen Meadors, a volunteer and elected Assessor, who setup a land use database that has detailed information on all properties in town. The ConsCom and the LLCT monitor the properties they hold for compliance with the various conservation restrictions. The Chairmen also noted that the Open Space Plan was recently competed and accepted by the State. The ConsCom is now shifting its focus from acquisition to stewardship. The Town has a tremendous amount of land under protection and the Staff is working hard on managing
the land. He presented a pamphlet prepared by the CosCom, LLCT and the Garden Club regarding invasive species. The Chairmen recounted recent and ongoing projects including treatment of hemlocks near the Codman Estate for woolly adelgid (a pest to the hemlocks) and battling against invasive species on Town owned properties. The ConsCom has hired two summer interns with CPC funds. The ConsCom has one member up for re-appointment who would like to continue and seeks one new member. The Commission seeks a new member who would have enthusiasm for getting out in the field, some legal skills, and provide a better gender balance (the ConsCom currently only has one female member). The ConsCom currently has several members with farming and/or engineering knowledge. Current ConsCom challenges are related to active farming on 200 acres, and the effort to make sure that he soil is improved over time. The Chairmen noted that the ConsCom
has no jurisdiction over Chapter 61A properties, unless there are wetland issues. Ms. Mattes commented that the Selectmen are discussing how to monitor those Ch.61A lands. Properties in Ch.61A get property tax reductions from having over five acres and deriving a certain income revenue from agricultural use. Mr. VonMertens further said that other challenges come from a variety of requests for uses from the residents and making sure citizens’ wishes conform to the ConsCom’s plans and regulations. The ConsCom meets twice a month on Wednesday nights from 7:30 to 9:30. Members must prepare for meetings by reading the materials and going on site visits. Members may sit on other committees and subcommittees, and they work closely with the Staff. Interested applicants should contact the Chairmen, attend a meeting, and look at the website. A Volunteer Form is available on the Town website. The Selectmen will most likely make
appointments in early June.
Jay Hersh: Lincoln Cultural Council
Mr. Hersh said he took over the Chairmanship this past year. The Lincoln Cultural Council (LCC) is part of and receives funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. They received $4,000 last year. He listed several programs that the LCC has funded or partially funded (see website). However, the Cultural Commission is currently understaffed. While they currently have three members, they should have between 5 and 22 members. Two applicants are waiting to be appointed. There is some risk of losing State funding if there is not full membership. He described the work of the Commission. He noted that they do not set priorities. While most grants fund programs in town, some funding goes out of town, but still benefits residents (such as the Acton Discovery
Museum free day for Lincoln children or the Museum of our National Heritage. October 15 is the deadline for receiving grant applications. Following the receipt of grant applications, the group meets several times to discuss and fund various requests. The Council can also stage its own events (with the help of unused funds or gifts). Sometimes they partially fund events in order to provide more diversity. Mass Cultural Council does not stipulate use of funds. Mr. Hersh said the time commitment is minimal. Besides the review of applications, members are asked to attend events to evaluate their success and acknowledge the artists. Mr. Hersh noted that the Town has appointed members for two year terms, while the State stipulates three year terms. He requested that future appointments match the State. The Board agreed that they should match the State and members may serve two consecutive three year terms. The Board
acknowledged receipt of the applications from candidates Susan Welsh and Sara Bishop.
Mrs. Holden made a MOTION, Mr. Taylor seconded to appoint Susan Welsh to the Lincoln Cultural Council for three years (2008-2011), effective immediately. The Motion passed unanimously.
Mrs. Holden Made a MOTION, Mr. Taylor seconded, to appoint Sara Bishop to the Lincoln Cultural Council for three years (2008-2011), effective immediately. The Motion passed unanimously.
Open Forum: No one was present for this session.
Town Administrator Report:
· Hollingsworth Property – Angela Seaborg and Sara Mattes attended a meeting of the Lincoln Historical Commission regarding how to define the “modernist” form to further help inform any changes or reconstruction of that house. The process should culminate in a document defining what can be done on the property prior to its being handed over to the Housing Trust. The Deed Restriction will be held by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust.
· Roadway Improvement – Interviews have taken place with the final three design firms. The committee is moving towards consensus of the preferred candidate. This is a qualification process (rather than typical bid process) and price would be negotiated after references are checked and a candidate firm is selected.. Ms. Mattes commented that she had attended the meetings and it was helpful to learn things as a member of the Traffic Committee. Mr. Higgins reiterated the Lincoln’s “Design Guidelines” will be the heart of the roadway design. The design will be completed this winter and there will be forums for public
input.
· Lincoln Woods – Mr. Higgins received the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) back from Lincoln Woods today. The MOU was a result of the Selectmen’s desire that expectations, resources, and commitments are clarified as Lincoln Woods moves forward. The Board agreed to sign the MOU, contingent upon a 24 hour timeframe within which to review it. Mr. Taylor made a MOTION to authorize the Chairman to execute the MOU dated May 5, 2008, executed by John Scotti, president of Lincoln Woods, final release contingent up on the Board having 24 hours to review. Mr. Holden seconded and the Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Higgins said the Chairman can now also
execute the contract for the consultant to work with the Lincoln Woods Board. Their meeting is scheduled for May 20.
· Comprehensive Plan Update – The Steering Committee will be attending the Selectmen’s Meeting on June 23 for an update on the working papers and the results of the questionnaire.
· Minuteman Commons – The Mayo Group (present owners) have met with the Planning Board and have asked that the over 55 age limit be lifted. The Planning Board said that this was a matter for Town Meeting. The Planning Board suggested that the owner think about converting the condominiums to rentals. In a rental situation, if 25% of the units are affordable, all of them count towards the Town’s affordable housing stock. The Board also recognized that Hanscom Air Force Base may be able to use such convenient rental housing.
· At Risk Properties Committee – the Drafting group is working on Report
Discussion:
· Ms. Mattes reported that the Traffic Committee has expressed interest and willingness to work on a larger scope. The 1997 Guidelines may be reviewed and updated. It was noted that the FACTS sub- committee of CLRP is also looking at traffic. Peter Braun is “running along side” both groups. Mr. Taylor expressed serious concern with the length of the process given that Town Meeting authorized funding for the roadway. Ms. Mattes has said that the new guidelines or concepts must be ready by October 1 in order for the design firm to begin their work. Ms. Mattes the discussed the scope, timing, and the desire for a matrix of traffic calming
measures devices and costs. She said they are hoping for a holistic approach while making sure the 1997 Report is current. Mr. Taylor reiterated that the Town is on a critical path. He asked if there are areas of concern that we need to take regarding major steps about calming or traffic flow? He would want to know the feasibility of costs and design. Ms. Mattes said the first step is for the Traffic Committee to review the 97 Design Guidelines. They will also refine the traffic calming matrix that was provided by one of the design firms. Mr. Taylor suggested separating the issues. Ms. Mattes agreed that this could be a solution, and the traffic calming portion would be ready by October 1, with a longer time frame for revised design guidelines.
Liaison Reports:
· Mr. Taylor reported that the FINCOM is getting ready to study GASB 45. These are the regulations regarding healthcare obligations into the future for current and prior employees, and the Town must be prepared for the liabilities. Every community must get an actuarial report of their exposure, and then come up with reasonable steps to deal with that. In Lincoln, the cost to fully fund the presumed liability is several million dollars. To lower the liability, one strategy is to adopt Section 18 of 30B to make Medicare the First Payer. Another step would be to ask the Air Force to cover the liability for the Hanscom Teachers. GASB has established a
deadline of June 30, 2009 for preparing a liability plan. It does not have to be funded at that time. Without the plan, a community may suffer regarding the bond rating.
· Ms. Mattes reported that she continues to meet with HATS communities and the base regarding the Cyber Command initiative. The Governor has appointed a representative. The Department of defense will publish an outline on May 15. The case for Hanscom must be ready by July 1. This will necessitate letters of endorsement from Boards of Selectmen. The Governor will be touring the base on May 22. As an aside, she noted that the base is hosting a “Heroes Homecoming” on June 27.
Action:
· Mr. Taylor made a Motion to adopt the Municipal Relief Act. Mrs. Holden seconded. The Motion passed unanimously.
· Mrs. Holden made a MOTION to set the new business mileage reimbursement rate at $0.50.5 per mile in accordance with the IRS standard. Ms. Mattes seconded and the Motion passed unanimously
· Mrs. Holden made a MOTION, Mr. Taylor seconded to authorize the Chairman to sign the “Town of Lincoln Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice- WestMetro HOME Consortium, dated May 15, 2008,” on behalf of the Board of Selectmen. The Motion passed unanimously.
· The Board reviewed the Meeting schedule.
· The Board reviewed correspondence.
· Minutes were deferred.
· They Board reviewed action items.
The meeting adjourned at 9:50 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
Approved July 28, 2008
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