MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Monday, July 14, 2008
PRESENT: Sara A, Mattes, Chairman, Sarah Cannon Holden, Gary Taylor
STAFF: Debra Parkhurst (Administrative Assistant)
ABSENT: Timothy Higgins (Town Administrator)
Welcome & Introductions: The meeting opened at 7:35 PM. The Chairman welcomed the public, reviewed the agenda and action items for the meeting.
Announcements:
· Ms. Mattes announced that HATS will host a public information session regarding Hangar 24 in preparation for a Section 106 Review conducted by the FAA.
· Mr. Taylor thanked all the Town Staff and participants who made the Fourth of July parade and celebrations a success.
· Mrs. Holden asked that the Emergency Assistance Fund be placed on a fall agenda to alert the public to its needs and regarding its availability to the public.
Appointments:
NSTAR Public Hearing – Grant of Location for conduits along South Great Road.
The Chairman opened the hearing requested by NSTAR for a Grant of Location to construct conduit and manholes, with necessary wires and cables, along South Great Road northerly at Pole 30./127, turning north westerly a distance of 613 +/- feet – conduit at Man Hole @2881. Ms. Carroll said this is in regard to the construction of the new bridge (Lee’s Bridge) along South Great Road. Ms. Carroll also said that she has dropped off (today) a new Grant of Location to add two new Manholes #28880 and #28881 and approximately 535 +/- feet of conduit at South Great Road. The Board was unclear if this could be added to tonight’s hearing or if it should be re-advertised. Ms. Carroll said it is the same area involving the re construction of the bridge along Route 117and will be an improvement as they wish to
lay conduit under the road. Conduit installation facilitates easier repairs. The installation involves opening the road, but it was noted that the DPW has laid out specific requirements following the installation. Mr. Taylor said three years ago he had first raised the issue of double poles around town. Until the issue is resolved, he will be a dissenting vote. The Chairman noted several past conversations with utility representatives, but the issue has still not been addressed. Ms. Carroll said that Verizon maintains the poles in Lincoln. She said she will get a listing of the poles in Lincoln will provide that information. Ms. Mattes also said that some lines in Lincoln cannot support 220v service and residents cannot upgrade their service. She has asked before and requests again to see a map and information about the utility infrastructure. A MOTION was made and seconded to continue the hearing to the next meeting
(one week) in order to allow interested parties to comment. The Motion passed and the meeting will be continued.
Master Plan Sub-committee on Culture, Historic Resources & Governance (CHUG):
Present: Peter Sugar (Chair), Karen Keane, Bill Stason, Harriett Todd, Mark Hochman, Jack MacLean, and Paul Giese. Chairman Mattes noted that several of the members of this sub-committee have significant experience with town government. Mr. Sugar discussed seven goals of the CHUG subcommittee:
1.~~~~~~ Identify actions for implementation that can make Lincoln’s Town Meeting format inviting to the maximum number of citizens
2.~~~~~~ Examine opportunities for increased sharing of resources with neighboring towns and with organizations
3.~~~~~~ Provide enhanced avenues for community outreach and involvement
4.~~~~~~ Improve Electronic Data Systems for All Major Town Databases
5. Identify actions for implementation that can make Lincoln’s Town Meeting format inviting to the maximum number of citizens.
6. Examine opportunities for increased sharing of resources with neighboring towns and with organizations
7. Provide enhanced avenues for community outreach and involvement
8. Improve Electronic Data Systems for All Major Town Databases
CHUG has written the first draft of the governance document. The draft and attendant commentary have been sent to Community Opportunities Group (COG), consultants to the Long Range Planning Committee. Main concerns include a significant drop in Town Meeting attendance and lack of volunteers. This could indicate satisfaction among townspeople and general societal trends. However, Mr. Sugar pointed to a perception among some townspeople that decision making is by a “clique.” Some unhappy residents also indicate issues of trust and a lack of conversation for these people.
Mr. Taylor commented that this has been a problem for 20 years. Paul Giese commented that the “dark side” could be the disappearance of traditional town meeting and it is important to get everyone to agree on the significance of Town Meeting. Mark Hochman commented that at this time there is no strategy to engage new people. He also said that people communicate differently now, the use of “blogs” in certain sectors. Mr. Taylor noted that the Town at present has one IT person running systems for the entire town, and it would be difficult to provide the resources for this type of vehicle.
Ms. Mattes said the By’80 Committee noted similar difficulties (lack of interest in town meeting or volunteerism), and one outcome was the State of The town, instituted in 2002. The SOTT Report provided a way for early communication with all households in Town and the day of the SOTT Meeting allowed for feedback and communication. She asked if that process was still serving the purpose of engaging the community. Mrs. Todd commented that SOTT has evolved. In the early years it was focused on the budget, but more lately it has focused on a particular issue of town wide interest. The original process allows for early scrutiny of the budget. Ms. Mattes said that other issues are opened up in this iterative process. Mr. Sugar commented on the breakdown in communication when the School Committee
vetted their budget last September, and the budget passed at Town Meeting in March, yet in June there is a group of outraged parents.
Turning to the discussion of volunteerism, it was noted that the survey indicated that people were concerned about the time commitment. While there may be recommendations to make it easier for volunteers, Mr. Taylor believed that volunteers must realize they have a commitment to public service that must be taken seriously.
Mr. Giese returned to the issue of re-energizing Town meeting and improving communication. The Board agreed it would be helpful if the final report included mechanisms to make these improvements. The Board would also want to see an implementation cost for these initiatives. The Board also asked if there were improvements to the SOTT that could be used to further engage people. Mr. Taylor said the group raised the issue of tension between efficiencies and outcomes. What makes sense for the town given the values and resources?
Discussion returned to the downward trend of Town Meeting. Ideas to improve that trend include engaging school age children in the process, enhancing the role of the moderator, welcoming brochures for new residents that include “know your town or “how to participate.” The Board noted that there should be an implementation group after the long range planning process is complete. The Board also asked that certain statements in the report be footnoted or annotated to provide context.
Open Forum: There was no one present for this session.
Discussion:
· Beer and Wine Regulations: Assistant Town Administrator Anita Scheipers was present to discuss the new Beer and Wine Regulations. Ms. Scheipers has worked along with Mr. Higgins and Mrs. Holden on the Regulations. Ms. Scheipers reviewed the 3-step process involved in granting a license. She noted the State requires that licenses be renewed January 1 of every year. The State controls many details. The Town of Lincoln Regulations were informed by the best regulations from surrounding towns. The Board asked what would happen if several applicants came forward at one time to apply for the license. She explained that there is some degree of “first come, first served”, but the Board still has some ability to make determination of the best proposal. The Board asked about transference of the license. Ms. Scheipers said that a liquor license can be sold and transferred but only with the approval of the Board. Ms. Scheipers noted that the closing time of the restaurant
shall be 11:30 PM with “last call for drinks at 11:00 PM. She noted that there is the potential for outdoor seating, but the Board may take consideration of noise, etc. The Bar area is limited to one bar seat for every four table seats. While the restaurant is full service, a bar menu will always be available after 9 PM. The License fee is $100.00. The Annual Fee is set for $1500.00. These fees are typical for wine and beer licenses in this size community. Ms. Scheipers also noted that the enforcement section gives the Board a broad range for enforcement. Ms. Scheipers reminded the Board that they have already approved the Common Victualler’s Regulations. The Entertainment Regulations will serve to protect the neighbors to some degree. She hopes the Board will vote the remaining regulations this evening.
· Mr. Taylor made a MOTION to approve the Town of Lincoln Liquor License Regulations as exhibited on July 14, 2008. Mrs. Holden seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
· Mr. Taylor made a MOTION to approve the Town of Lincoln Liquor License Application Guidelines as exhibited on July 14, 2008. Mrs. Holden seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
· Mr. Taylor made a MOTION to approve the Town of Lincoln Liquor License Board of Selectmen Internal Guidelines as exhibited on July 14, 2008. Mrs. Holden seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
· Mr. Taylor made a MOTION to approve the Town of Lincoln entertainment License Regulation as exhibited on July 14, 2008. Mrs. Holden seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
Discussion turned to the One Day Liquor License. Ms. Scheipers explained that the Board is authorized to issue these licenses once the Board approves the Regulations for “Special “ or ”One Day” Liquor Licenses. This provides authority for the Board to issue one- time full serve licenses for non-profit organizations and one- time beer and wine license for “for profit” organization. The Selectmen requested that notice that Liquor License applications are available be advertised again.
· Train Whistle Ban: Mr. Higgins had reported that the Train Whistle Ban will remain in effect, and the Town was able to re-establish the quiet zone due to the Town’s work to implement the required intersection improvements. The Chairman said the Board and the Town were grateful to Mr. Higgins for work toward this goal. There will be times when the whistle will be sounded due to workers on the tracks.
· At Risk Properties Committee: Mr. Taylor reported that the ARPC is in the process of drafting their final report and a meeting is scheduled for July 22. the final presentation will be presented to the Selectmen and the Planning Board in September.
Liaison Reports:
· Mr. Taylor reported on the status of group homes. Negotiations are on-going regarding the type of real estate interest the Town would hold on the Edinburg project. This project would generate four to five units, and the Town interest would be to assure that the units do not revert back and to help with the expense of housing in Lincoln. A second project with CMARC may also come forward.
· Ms. Mattes met with the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development, Greg Bialecki, Mark Draisen of MAPC, as well as leadership from Waltham, Lexington, and Weston to discuss transportation issues and alternatives. They will continue to meet.
Action Items:
Rizzo Easement – Mrs. Holden made a MOTION to accept the and sign the Easement Agreement to allow the Town to cross the Rizzo property for a secondary school access, conditional upon all the recording information be provided on the final document. Mr. Taylor seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
Booth Conservation Restriction – The Board requested that a representative from the Conservation be present to provide background information prior to signing.
Mileage Reimbursement – Mr. Taylor made a MOTION to approve an increase for mileage reimbursement to $0.585 in accordance with the latest IRS rate. Mrs. Holden seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
Selectmen’s Meeting Schedule:
The Board will meet the last two weeks in July, but will not meet the month of August. The Selectmen will re-convene on September 8.
Minutes- Deferred
Warrants were approved and signed.
The Meeting adjourned at 10:00 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
Approved: May 4, 2009
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