MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Monday, July 28, 2008
PRESENT: Sara A, Mattes, Chairman, Gary Taylor
ABSENT: Sarah Cannon Holden
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 thanked Frank Breen from Concord who is providing cable coverage for tonight’s meeting, and also covered last week’s HATS meeting at Bemis Hall.
Appointments:
Public Hearing- Grant of Location – Conant Road - Joint petition by Verizon & NSTAR-
Mr. Paul DeBole of Verizon and Ms. Maureen Carroll of NSTAR appeared to support the petition. Mr. DeBole said the request was initiated by the Town. The present location is attached to a tree that is damaged and is to be removed. The new pole, No. 10/14A, will be located 35’ north-northeasterly of existing pole number 10/14 (across the street). Ms. Parkhurst indicated that a neighbor did come in to review the petition and plans. However, that neighbor has not appeared this evening. Mr. Taylor made a MOTION to approve the Grant of Location for Verizon and NSTAR to locate a new pole substantially as shown on a plan marked “Verizon No 08_22,” dated June 10, 2007 subject to the condition that there are no objections from the public by the end of this week (July 31, 2008), and further subject
to conditions set by Chris Bibbo, Highway Superintendent, in a Memorandum dated July 24, 2008.
Discussion: Mr. Taylor brought up the issue of double poles throughout the town. Ms. Carroll had followed up with information that more than 80 poles in Lincoln are “doubled”, but only four (4) of those are NSTAR. While Mr. DeBole of Verizon asked specifically where poles are located, the Board responded that they are all over town. Mr. Taylor expessed extreme frustration as he has asked that this be taken care of for several years. He noted red flags around a pole on Page Road, indicating it would be removed, but nothing has been done. He also noted a new pole on Winter Street which was then connected to the older existing pole. DeBole said he would investigate and get back to the Board. Mr. Higgins offered to convene a meeting of the various parties, including cable to take care of this issue. Following discussion, Ms. Mattes seconded and the MOTION passed unanimously.
Public Hearing – Grant of Location – South Great Road – Two new manholes
Ms. Maureen Carroll appeared in support of NSTAR’s request for the installation of two (2) new manholes #28880 and #28881 along South Great Road (State Road 117). The manholes will connect PVC pipe conduit as shown in a previous petition that was continued to this evening. This is in support of the reconstruction of Lee’s Bridge. Mr. Taylor made a MOTION to approve the Grant of Location for NSTAR to install two new manholes as shown on a plan made by A. Debendictis, Revised July 14, 2008, Work Order #1138333, and in accordance with the Memorandum dated July 24, 2008 by Chris Bibbo, Highway Superintendent, and providing there are no objections from the public by July 31, 2008. Ms. Mattes seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
Public Hearing Continuation – Grant of Location – South Great Road- 613’ Conduit
Ms. Carroll appeared to support the petition originally scheduled for July 14 and continued. This conduit is associated with the reconstruction of Lee’s Bridge along South Great Road (route 117). Mr. Taylor Made a MOTION to approve the Grant of Location for NSTAR to install new underground conduit and line as shown in a plan made by A. Debenedictis, Revised May 22, 2008, Work Order #1138333, and in accordance with the Memorandum dated July 7, 2008 by Chris Bibbo, Highway Superintendent, and further providing there are no objections from the public by July 31, 2008. Ms. Mattes seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
Open Forum:
Ms. Mattes spoke about newspaper articles that allege that volunteers are being influenced by the possibility of self interest in producing recommendations for the outcome of the Report of the At Risk Properties Committee (ARPC). Ms. Mattes further said that this is the first time she has ever heard a public accusation that a board member in Lincoln has a vested financial interest in a decision before his or her board . She said the original design of the ARPC was to inform the public of quantifiable development outcomes. She noted the many collective volunteer hours that the group comprises. Ms. Mattes also noted there have been a number of articles and op ed pieces written on this subject by an individual in town. She initially thought this came from ignorance of the town government process, but now does not
believe that to be the case. The individual has filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the implication that there is a problem with the process. The Town has fulfilled this request, spending considerable time and cost. If the person does find some inappropriate behavior, he has an obligation to go to the State and file a complaint; if not, he owes the Town an apology.
Caroline Connor, representative to the MBTA Advisory Board.
Ms. Connor reported that the MBTA has a $19,000,000 deficit. The Advisory Board has been encouraging that the State take over the capital debt for the MBTA and the Central Corridor. Ridership is up by 7% on the MBTA. However, fares only cover 12-135 of the cost of running the MBTA. She is not aware of any system where fares cover expenses. She noted the MBTA Advisory Board focuses on the MBTA budget and revenue collections. She asked the Board to support and encourage implementation of the State Finance Committee recommendations regarding the transportation initiatives. The MBTA is also experiencing capacity issues due to increased ridership as gas prices rise. Ms. Connor also noted problems with the commuter rail lines. There has been no movement towards having double track beyond Acton,
and Federal Funding seems to be on hold. She said she would try and find out why. She noted that the funding is funneled through the State MPO process. She reiterated that it is important that the State pick up the MBTA and Central Artery debt. Ms. Mattes mentioned the 128 Corridor Coalition, a group that has met with Secretary Bialicki and continues to have on-going conversations regarding transportation improvements along the 128/95 corridor. Burlington has now indicated that they would like to join this coalition. They are looking to institute mitigation measures and ways to institute a multi-model transportation center. It is unclear if mitigation measures can be instituted by the various individual cities and towns. The Board wanted to remind residents that the whistle ban has been continued in Lincoln. However, there will be intermittent whistle blowing when workers are on the tracks. The Board was encouraged to
communicate strongly with legislators and the Governor’s office regarding improved mass transit.
Mr. Taylor made a MOTION to reappoint Ms. Connor to the MBTA Advisory Board for one year. Ms. Mattes seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
· Hollingsworth Property: Mr. Higgins said the Town is working on developing complementary Conservation and Preservation Restrictions to govern the sale of the house. The Lincoln Historic Commission will be scheduled to come in on September 22. Mr. Higgins said he will also follow up with Joe Cornish of Historic New England. Historic New England may be able to offer insight and assistance. The Board expressed some reservations about “continuing oversight” of the LHC, and would rather be able to provide a document that provides specific style guidelines.
· Minuteman Commons. The Planning board will meet with them to review the merits of lifting the age restrictions. Mr. Higgins advised Bryce Wolfe that Sara Mattes will be the liaison.
· Lincoln and Bedford School Committees: Mr. Higgins reported that members of the School Committee and administration have been meeting with counterparts in Bedford . Bedford’s funding for the Hanscom school children who attend Bedford High School is different than Lincoln. Lincoln has a contract with the Federal government (through the Navy), while Bedford has a different arrangement in which they are only paid a certain amount per student and is much more to their disadvantage. Bedford believes this arrangement , based on agreements in the 1950’s or 1960’s, has lapsed. There are discussions regarding allowing Bedford to attach to
Lincoln’s contract. The Lincoln School Committee has some concerns. The latest meeting took place at the base to keep them informed. The board recognized that if the Bedford can no longer provide for high school students from the base, then as Lincoln residents their education would take place at Lincoln Sudbury or the regional Voc-Tech school. Currently, the arrangement is a good fit for Bedford in terms of its high school population. The board would agree with allowing Bedford to joi their contract as long as it does not jeopardize the current contract. The Lincoln School Committee is meeting August 22nd, and will continue to review the draft Memorandum of Agreement between the two School Committees.
· Lincoln Woods: Two candidates have come forward for the Lincoln Woods Charitable Trust::Kathy Ramon and Thomas Tetreault. The candidates will be scheduled for a meeting in September. Members of the Trust and the Lincoln Woods Board may also be invited.
· Liquor License: Mr. Higgins announced that the availability of a Beer & Wine License has been advertised. The Board requested it be run again with a time line for applications (30 days?). Staff should also follow up with Bedford or other towns regarding One Day Liquor License operations and fees.
· Trust Fund Commissioner: Neil Feinberg has been recruiting. One candidate has come forward although several have been mentioned.
Discussion:
· State of the Town planning: The Planning Board has requested the SOTT to be on November 8 rather than November 1. This will be devoted to the long range planning effort unless there is more from the governance committee. The Board agreed to continue to collect report cards from the different departments. The question remains if any portion of the discussion and meeting should be assigned to these reports. The Board would encourage active participation. Mr. Higgins said an Executive Summary by topic could be provided for the Long Range Plan process. Mr. Taylor said that it would also be useful to have a short up front piece about the Planning Process,
i.e, the State statute, what the Town is trying to accomplish as a way to narrow the focus. The board would like invite the CLRP Steering Committee to an early meeting in September.
· The Tax Classification hearing is scheduled for September 8.
· There is a possibility of a Special Town meeting to finalize contract negotiations. The Town may opt to adopt Section 18 of Medicare which would allow medicare to be the first payer for Town retirees.
Liaison Reports
· Ms. Mattes reported that the Traffic Committee will be hosting a meeting in September at Bemis Hall to present their concept to the public. The final plan must be ready by October 1. Roadwork would commence in Spring of 2009.
· Mr. Taylor reported that the At Risk Properties Committee has worked through a draft of its report. Comments from other people have been incorporated. He believes it could be finalized and posted to the website next week. The ARPC and Planning Board will jointly attend a Selectmen’s meeting in the fall. Ms. Mattes noted that the ARPC was most recently formed to respond to the fact that the owner of a residential parcel had signed an agreement with a developer, with a much higher value than a single family residence and the Board believed it was responsible to alert the Town to potential development scenarios. The ARPC looks at potential implications,
but does not advocate a particular result. The original SOTT model was before the Town in 2005.
· Ms. Mattes reported that Burlington has requested to join the 128 Corridor Committee.
· Ms. Mattes reported that HATS and this Board are submitting comments on the Section 106 Hearing held regarding the proposed demolition of the historical Charles draper Hangar at Hanscom Field.
Action:
· Mr. Taylor made a motion to appoint Michael Keough and Donald Bardsley as Special Police Officer for the Town of Lincoln as recommended by Chief Mooney. Ms. Mattes seconded and the Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Higgins commented that he understands that the department is currently experience some staff shortages.
· Ms. Parkhurst pointed out that the appointments made to the ZBA (two new associates) at the last meeting should be staggered. The ZBA Rules and Regulations sets the terms for associates at three years, but all three associates were appointed in 2008. The Board agreed that this could be corrected. Mr. Taylor made a Motion to amend the appointments so that they would be staggered terms, as suggested by the Chairman of the ZBA so that Megan Stride has a one year appointment and Margaret Olsen has a two year appointment. Ms. Mattes seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
· Schedule: the Board reviewed and finalized the fall (September to December) schedule. Minutes:
The following 2008 Minutes were approved with corrections.
April 7; April 14; May 5; May 12; May 19; May 30.
Mr. Higgins reviewed Action Items from this meeting.
The Board reviewed and signed the warrants.
The meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
APPROVED : MAY 4 2009
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