MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Monday, May 19, 2008
PRESENT: Sara A, Mattes, Chairman, Sarah Cannon Holden
ABSENT: 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 HATS Meeting on May 22 will be a discussion of Cyber Command, a possible permanent new mission for the base. The second part of the meeting will be a discussion with various town “green” committees. Ms. Mattes then read a “green tip” of the week.
· Mrs. Holden reminded all that next Monday is Memorial Day. Event will be posted in the paper and on cable.
Appointments:
Council on Aging: Bob Sutherland, outgoing Chairman, and Dot Taylor, incoming Chair.
Mr. Sutherland read the Mission Statement of the Council on Aging (COA). He believes they are doing very well in meeting the mission. The COA is appreciative of the Selectmen and FINCOM support of providing a full time assistant director. We are fortunate to have two certified Social Workers, Pam Alberts, the new Assistant Director, and Director Karen Santucci. Mr. Sutherland said that Pam Alberts has been very effective in broadening services for the COA, including conducting “mini needs assessments” for transportation, shopping, cooking, and other helpful services. She also can check references and “CORI.” Mr. Sutherland said that many seniors want to stay in their homes and may require services. There are 1400 seniors out of a population of 5400 in Lincoln. Some
800 of them have some contact with the COA. Pam has also facilitated joint family, senior, and caregiver sessions, where they can openly discuss issues and deal with providers. The COA runs exercise and social programs which help the heart and mind, he said. The Council also provides outreach and a daily phone call to seniors who are alone at home. The COA recently held an informational meeting on how to modify your home for aging. There are links to outside services, such as Minuteman Home Services, referrals and geriatric case management. Discussion turned to the use of Bemis Hall. Mr. Sutherland said Bemis hall is a wonderful facility, with several offices, meeting rooms, and a fine hall upstairs. However, he commented that parking is a major setback. It is limited and dangerous, he said. Chairman Mattes said that there has been on going discussion on this topic, and several years ago a “Center”
group was formed to try and solve some of the issues. Discussion followed on some of the impediments to solving the parking issue. Mr. Sutherland said the recent additional parking at First Parish is helpful. Ms. Taylor said that the COA also provides blood pressure clinics, podiatry clinics, activities, and movies once or twice a week (with refreshments). The Newsletter has recently expanded and collating is a “social event.” The Friends of the COA, an additional funding arm for the COA, provides underwriting for other events, such as the Top of the Town, as well as additional funding of some office expenses. The total budget last year was $165,000, with approximately 63% from the Town. Volunteers also take care of rides for seniors and delivery by Meals on Wheels. Several seats on the Board need to be filled, necessitated by the departure of Bob Lennington (7 years) and Fez Morse (4
years). Barbara Terrano and Ben Horne have been nominated. Ms. Mattes explained the interview and appointment process. Mrs. Taylor discussed the Nurse Questionnaire that is going out town wide in the COA newsletter (and on the web) and hopes people take the time to answer and return it.
John Kimball, Chairman, Zoning Board of Appeals:
Mr. Kimball told the Board that the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) applies the Zoning Bylaws to applications for construction projects on non-conforming lots and structures. These parcels make up over one-third of the lots in town. The ZBA consists of five members, and three associates. The ZBA advertises, notifies abutters, and then holds hearing on these applications. At the hearing, they review the application, listen to applicants and abutters, and apply the standards of the Bylaw to the application. The standard for approving a special permit is a finding that the change is not substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood. He called attention to the fact that over time, the Zoning Bylaw has changed and created non-conforming lots and houses. In Lincoln the ZBA reviews
everything from sheds to large houses. He commented that Planning Board review is regulatory and they negotiate and condition their approval. The ZBA can turn down an application (too large, too close, etc). In some cases, the ZBA may tell an applicant that a change is too large and they should come back with a reduced plan. A hearing may take several sessions. The Board also hears applications for variances (rare), requests for reversals of decisions by the Building Inspector, and applications and renewals of accessory apartments. They are in the process of changing the renewal period from three to seven years. He briefly discussed the time frame for decisions. He discussed a recent Supreme Judicial Court Ruling regarding what can be done by right. He also noted that the “Article 7” Committee of several years ago created a framework where most changes are reviewed by the ZBA. Currently the ZBA has two
associate openings. The Board asked about certain skill sets that the ZBA might like to see on the Board. Mr. Kimball said that currently there is a good mix of members, but that lawyers and architects are useful members. Two applicants for those positions have recently talked with Mr. Kimball and attended the most recent ZBA Meeting. Mr. Kimball said that he supports both applicants. Chairman Mattes explained the interview and appointment process. The interviews will be scheduled.
Open forum: No one was present for this session.
Town Administrator Report:
· Update on Lincoln Woods – they are beginning the process for developing a strategic plan for the property. There is a meeting a 7 PM on May 20 at Lincoln Woods. The Housing Consultant will be there. Two of the three members of the Lincoln Woods Charitable Trust have been involved. A third member may resign. Mr. Higgins is following up with the Codman Trust to support the on-going work. The Chairman encouraged residents of Lincoln Woods to attend this meeting
· Beer and Wine License – Mr. Higgins and Mrs. Scheipers are developing the application and regulations. Mrs. Scheipers has contacted area towns looking for best procedures. Ms. Mattes suggested an exploration of this process is something that can be utilized for the Pierce House. Mr. Higgins said the first liquor license process will better inform a second license.
· Traffic Committee Update – Ms. Mattes is to revise the traffic committee charge to integrate roadway design and traffic calming. This will incorporate suggestions from Ken Bassett, but also make sure the work is done within the time frame necessary.
Liaison Reports
· Chairman Mattes will be meeting with Sate and Federal delegations as well as other public official and Mass Development regarding bringing Cyber Command to Hanscom Air Force Base (HAFB). This will provide up to 750 jobs and provide direct and indirect benefits to the area. Local comments are expected and welcome. The proposal must be made by July 1. Hats will vote on a joint letter from the four towns. The HATS Selectmen will be meeting with the governor on Thursday at HAFB. A concept letter has been formulated. Mrs. Holden made a MOTION to affirm the concept letter in support of the new mission of Cyber Command at HAFB. MS. Mattes
seconded and the MOTION passed unanimously.
· Chairman Mattes will be meeting in two weeks with the 128 Central Corridor Coalition regarding the traffic impacts belong Route 95 between Route 20 and Route 2A. This will be coordinated with help from the MAPC and they hope to expand the area from Burlington to Wellesley.
· The next CAC meeting is scheduled for June 19. The MPO Tip decision will take place in August. Mr. Higgins said the first objective is to get the project reaffirmed on the TIP list. The Board discussed the need to stay active, but to start to re-think some options.
· Ms. Mattes reported that HATS is participating in a Section 106study by Massport regarding the disposition of Hangar 24. There will be a meeting on June 5 at the Massport Building.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mrs. Holden made a MOTION, Ms. Mattes seconded to go into Executive Session, pursuant to MGL , c. 39, Ss 23B re: Collective Bargaining, and not to return to Regular Session. A Poll was taken of the Board: Holden – aye; Mattes – aye. The Motion passed unanimously.
The regular meeting ended at 9:00 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
Approved: July 28, 2008
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