MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Monday, November 3, 2008
PRESENT: Sara A, Mattes (Chairman), Gary Taylor, Sarah Cannon Holden (late arriving)
STAFF: Timothy Higgins (Town Administrator), Debra Parkhurst (Administrative Assistant)
Welcome & Introductions: The meeting opened at 7:35 PM. The Chairman welcomed the public, reviewed the agenda and action items for the meeting.
Announcements:
· Chairman Mattes noted the passing of Wes Pippin, the “father” of Lincoln’s youth Soccer program. She also noted the passing of Claire Pinto, a town volunteer for many years. She extended condolences to the families.
· Ms. Mattes reminded citizens to vote tomorrow.
· Ms. Mattes reminded residents that the Annual “State of the Town” will be held this Saturday. November 8 from 9 AM until noon. She said the front end of the meeting will be open to allow free discussion.
· The Board reminded people that the Annual Police and Fire Ball will be Friday Night at Nashawtuc County Club.
Appointments
7:30 p.m. Lincoln School Committee & Superintendent
Re: School Facilities Planning – Statement of Intent
Julie Dobrow, Chairman of the School Committee and Buck Creel, Business Manager, represented the School Committee. The Schools intends to present a Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The School held a Multi Board meeting on October 1 to discuss the Statement of Interest. With the aid of a Power Point presentation, Mr. Creel and Mrs. Dobrow explained the goals and purpose of that meeting, including sharing information about facilities planning and to explain the new process for applying for school construction funds under MSBA. They reviewed facilities, operations, health and safety. The last school building project was in 1994, with some parts of the school complex built over 60 years ago. Initiatives and changes over the course of time have included
special education directives, scientific changes, cooperative learning, and emphasis on problem solving. Conclusions from the LPPA 2004 Facilities Study and the SMMA 2007 Master Plan indicate that current facilities are in disrepair. Space utilization is at 100% and the Schools need to explore options for flexible space. The Statement of Interest for the MSBA has eight priorities. The Town is applying under four of the eight. They noted that the Statement of Interest does not guarantee funding from the State nor does it commit the Town to fund the project(s). The Town first files the Statement of Interest, after which the State would come to the community for the assessments. The Board asked about time frames. Mr. Creel discussed the Town of Carlisle’s experience and believes the first step of the process could take six months to 15 months to get to the beginning of a detailed study. Cost estimates go from a low
estimate of 30 million dollars to a high estimate of 60 million dollars. The Selectmen noted that they have gone through a similar process for Town buildings, including the Town Offices. Mr. Taylor noted that these are millions of dollars and the Town needs to decide what it needs, what it can afford, and figure out how to sequence costs. The Board suggested some interface between this initiative and the long range planning discussions. The Board noted that filing the Statement starts the process. Mr. Taylor made a MOTION in the form of the MSBA Resolution to approve the filing of the MSBA Statement of Interest as submitted. Mrs. Holden seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
7:45 p.m. Public Hearing – Liquor License Application
Re: Madison’s Restaurant at Lincoln Station
Present for the hearing: Madison’s Restaurant owner Sam Cannarozzi; Anita Scheipers, Assistant Town Administrator, RLF Chairman Dan England and RLF Director Geoff McGean.
The Chairman read the public notice. Mrs. Holden made a MOTION to open the public hearing for the application for the Madison’s liquor license application and associated permits. Mr. Taylor seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Higgins briefly explained the background. In the late 1990’s the Town embarked on planning for the South Lincoln area. In 2005, the RLF committed to redevelopment of the Mall. The South Lincoln Planned Development District was approved in 2006, and the Town authorized the Selectmen to file legislation for one beer and wine license. In 2007, the Planning Board approved a Special Permit for a new building and other improvements at the Mall. Applicant Sam Cannarozzi has filed for a restaurant with indoor seating for 90 and an additional seating for 30 outside. There are three licenses to be approved: the Common Victualler’s (must be approved prior to any liquor license issuance; a Beer and Wine License and an Entertainment License. Mr. Higgins has reviewed the
CV License application. The Selectmen issue based on Board of Health approvals. The Board of Health has issued verbal approval and the formal written approval is in process. The Board asked the Fire Chief about the basement kitchen. Chief Cotoni said that there are two means of egress, and they need emergency lighting. He added that it is somewhat common to have kitchens on another level. Hours of operation were discussed. Last call will be 11 PM, and there will be limited kitchen available during that time. Exiting the premises depends somewhat on how busy the night is and could take up to 1.5 hours past last call. The manager is the last out. Discussion followed on how to make sure that some one is not intoxicated. Mr. Cannarozzi said that all wait staff have to follow the TIP Certification Program, which provides alcohol intervention training. Their goal is to avoid a situation where someone would become
intoxicated and not to let people drive drunk. Discussion followed on when police become involved. Mr. Cannarozzi also confirmed that the restaurant will offer a take out service.
· MOTION: Mr. Taylor made a MOTION to approve the Common Victualler License for Madison’s Restaurant, d.b.a. BenFleet Inc.. Mrs. Holden seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
The topic moved specifically to the Beer and Wine License. Mr. Higgins explained that the process is dictated by the ABCC (Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission and criteria is applied based on serving “the public need in a manner that protects the public good.” There are requisite prior approvals, including the Common Victualler’s License, Board of Health approval; approvals from the Fire Department, the Building Inspector, and others as required by the Town. Finally ABCC enforcement includes periodic inspection and monitoring by the local police department and others (including the Board of Health). Enforcement criteria could include suspension or revocation of permission to operate, if necessary. Discussion following on what circumstances and severity might cause
a revocation. The Board may enforce its own Regulations. Mr. Taylor asked Chief Mooney if he is comfortable that he can handle a nuisance factor. The Chief responded that the Police establish a relationship with the owners, and situations would be dealt with before someone is out of control. Chief Mooney said he is comfortable with the regulations. It was reiterated that a full menu will be available until 10 PM, while a more limited “pub” menu would be available until last call. Ms. Scheipers said the Liquor License is approved as submitted and any changes would have to go back before the Board. The Chief said he was comfortable with the # of seats in the restaurant. Mr. Cannarozzi said there will always be a manager on duty, either Erica Cannarozzi or two alternates.
· MOTION: Mr. Taylor made a MOTION to approve the Liquor License for Madison’s for 2009 conditional upon receipt of a clean CORI Check for the restaurant manager. Mrs. Holden seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
The Board briefly discussed the reasons for an Entertainment License, including music and television.
MOTION: Mr. Taylor made a MOTION to approve the EL1 Entertainment License for the Madison’s restaurant as submitted. Mrs. Holden seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
Open Forum – No one was present for this session.
Town Administrator’s Report and Discussion
· Mr. Higgins said the Town has received confirmation that CMark has closed on 259 Concord Road to be used as a Group Home. A meeting will be set up for Town Officials, community outreach, and then an Open House will be schedule. As soon as it is certified, five units will be added to the Town’s inventory of affordable houses. Discussion followed on the difficulty of adding accessory apartments to the inventory. While there have been efforts to approve these, it entails loss of control on a number of issues for the owners.
· Budget- Departments are developing budgets for FY10 to be submitted by November 17. These budget will be limited to 2 ½ % growth and guidelines stress that this is not likely a year for new initiatives.
· Collective Bargaining: Town contracts expired in June 2008. Successive agreements and processes are under way. The Insurance Advisory Committee is looking at insurance in other communities. The Town has good communication with the schools. Pension assessments are paid quarterly, while the pension assessment is made annually. Middlesex pensions are trending somewhat better than others. The Towns will have to absorb some of the losses.
· State of the Town Planning : Members have submitted items for discussion.
Liaison Reports:
· Ms. Mattes has learned indirectly from Minuteman National Historic Park that the Base is considering privatizing some of the housing on the base with the use of a separate gate. The Board was concerned with the lack of communication directly with the base.
· Ms. Mattes reported from the 128CCC Meeting. Some private stakeholders are discussing intramodel transportation centers along the Route 128 Corridor. The group is now meeting every other week.
· Mr. Taylor reported on the most recent Capital Planning Meeting. They are focused on managing and understanding capital investments, the associated carrying costs, and managing the tax burden. The Town will not be able to cover all the wishes put forward by various groups.
· Ms. Mattes reported on the Ad Hoc Traffic Committee. They met with the Lincoln Historic District members regarding signage and cross walks. There is also a proposal to cut off a portion of Old Lexington Road. Ms. Mattes has requested a matrix to aid decision making. She also suggested a mock up or temporary closure of Old Lexington Road to see the outcome and suggested using temporary speed mats prior to permanent installation.
Action Items:
· Mr. Taylor made a MOTION to allow the Boy Scouts t o sell Christmas Trees and Wreaths as described in their letter of October 20, 2008. Mrs. Holden seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
· Mr. Higgins summarized Action Items from this Meeting
· Minutes were deferred.
· Warrants were reviewed and signed.
The Meeting adjourned at 9:35 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst Approved on May 4, 2009
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