MINUTES
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
December 8, 2008
PRESENT: Sarah Cannon Holden (Acting Chair), Gary Taylor
ABSENT: Sara A. Mattes
STAFF: Timothy Higgins (Town Administrator), Debra Parkhurst (Administrative Assistant)
Welcome & Introductions: The meeting opened at 7:30 PM. Mrs. Holden reviewed the agenda.
Announcements: There were no announcements.
Appointments:
Tom Gumbart, Conservation Director
Re: Conservation Restrictions and Deeds, Booth and Thornton Property
· Mr. Gumbart requested that the Board accept the deed for 4.26 acre of the former Booth property off of Old Concord Road. The deed is being transferred from RLF (Rural Land Foundation) to the Town for conservation purposes. “Pleasant Meadow,” as it is called, will continue to be used for hay production. This was outlined in an earlier meeting.
Mr. Taylor made a MOTION, Mrs. Holden seconded to accept the Deed for 4.26 acres for “Pleasant Meadow” running from the RLF to the inhabitants of the Town of Lincoln. The Motion passed unanimously.
· Mr. Gumbart explained that the LLCT now owns 7.3 acres of the former Booth property that is located in Concord. However, the CR is going to the Conservation Commission and requires signatures from the Board of Selectmen. This was explained in an earlier meeting.
Mr. Taylor made a MOTION, Mrs. Holden seconded, to authorize the Execution of the Conservation Restriction from LLCT (Lincoln Land Conservation Trust) to the Lincoln Conservation Commission.
The Motion passed unanimously.
· Mr. Gumbart explained that Peter and Ann Thornton own 3.27 acres of undevelopable land on Todd Pond Road. They would like to donate the land to the town for conservation. The Conservation Commission supports this. The Board suggested waiting until the next meeting for approval since this is the first time this is being discussed.
· Mr. Gumbart said there is movement towards protecting the Millard property on Tabor Hill Road as a joint effort between the neighbors and the RLF. In this case, the LLCT will own the property and grant the CR to the town. This land protects land trust land and is all being protected through private funds.
· Mr. Gumbart requested that the Selectmen appoint Conservation Commission members to the SUASCO Rivershed Council. He noted that National Park Service handles volunteers. In the past town members have included John Kerr, David Katsuki, Jim Meadors and Jim Henderson.
Mr. Taylor made a MOTION, Mrs. Holden seconded, to appoint Jim Meadors as primary and Jim Henderson as secondary members of the SUASCO Rivershed Council.
· Mr. Gumbart said they are entering a second year of wooly algeid treatment for hemlock trees. The first year was funded by the CPC, and the Commission has asked the CPC for funding a second year, but they understand the CPC is reluctant to commit more funds. The Commission would like to request funding from the Codman Trust. Mr. Taylor made a MOTION to support the application of the Conservation Commission to the Codman Trust for $11,700 for treatment of the hemlock wooly algeid. Mrs. Holden seconded. Mr. Gumbart discussed how the hemlock wooly algeid attacks the trees. Two years are needed for effective control, then monitoring should
follow. They hope to find a more biologically friendly solution in the future. The Motion passed unanimously
Open Forum:
Several residents stepped forward to discuss the proposed group home at 259 Concord Road. Discussion centered on the use of accessory apartments in town towards the inventory of affordable units in town. Mr. Taylor explained that it is a difficult process to make these units eligible: they must meet specific state criteria, including long term leases (15 years) and the inability of homeowners to choose their renters (they come from a state qualified list). The Board also noted that there have been no zoning violations or zoning changes to the group home property at 259 Concord Road. The Selectmen stressed that the Housing Commission used the opportunities available to inform the citizens without violating antidiscrimination laws. The residents requested that the Selectmen or other Town committees provide an
opportunity to ask questions. Residents discussed their experiences with autistic individuals and their concerns as medical workers or teachers. Another resident was concerned that State financial support could falter in the coming fiscal recession.
Town Administrator’s Report:
OLD BUSINESS
· Mr. Higgins reminded the Board of the Town Report deadline.
· Hanscom Housing Update: Mr. Higgins reminded the Board of the Update. He has met with Colonel Orr and discussed the privatization initiative. He discussed the possibility of a civilian community within the base which raises issues for the Town. The Board did not believe this private use on a “federal” reserve is appropriate. Mr. Higgins said he has requested a complete set of documents.
· Liquor License: The application will be forwarded as soon as the CORI report has been received from the State.
· Public Health Nurse: Mr. Higgins has discussed this with the FINCOM Chairman and he agreed not to pursue a grant from the Codman Trust for the initial year at this time.
· ROUTE 2 Update: The Board has asked the Planning Board to think of alternative strategies for residents along Route 2, but the Planning Board will wait until after the December 17 CAC meeting where they should receive a report of Right of Way funding.
Regionalization: Mr. Higgins has developed a list of regionalized services. He and Chairman Mattes attended a meeting this morning.
NEW BUSINESS
· LIncoln Sudbury Regional High School voted to adopt Section 18. Chapter 32B, Section 18 gives the Town the ability to require retires to subscribe to Medicare while the Town provides the supplemental back up. This could save $50,000 per year, and lowers GASB liability by approximately 20%. Mr. Higgins will schedule a follow up on this for a future meeting.
· The Town needs to prepare for the 2010 Census. Massachusetts was under represented in the last census. Mr. Higgins will invite the Town Clerk to a future meeting of the Board.
· Master Planning: Draft working papers are in process. There will be another opportunity for public comment.
Discussion:
· Base Budget: Mr. Higgins highlighted elements of the Base Budget which is limited to 2.5% increases.
· Preferred Budget: This exceeds the Base Budget by $190,000 at this time. Mr. Higgins reviewed the Preferred Budget Key Elements. Given the economy, the FINCOM is reluctant to support any override this year. Mr. Higgins further discussed the decision not to support the Nurse Study Committee request for support of a grant from the Codman Trust. Both FINCOM and the Selectmen believe that future funds beyond the initial grant year may not be available. Mr. Taylor commented that the Board should review to see what items might be afforded from the preferred budget in the range of $50,000 to $60,000. What are the two or three items that might make sense? Mr. Higgins said that unlike other cities and town, Lincoln may be in the rare position of deferring considerations of enhancements rather than cutting back on necessary services. Mr. Taylor commented that LSRHS may have cuts of anywhere from $600,000 to $2,000,000 if there is no override in Sudbury.
· Liaison Reports:
1. Mr. Higgins attended a MAGIC Meeting this morning and then attended a budget presentation at the schools.
2. The Housing Trust has approved the Housing Commission request for funds to help fund a consultant for Lincoln Woods.
3. Mr. Taylor reported on the Sudbury Budget Review Task Force which includes a recommendation for the consolidation of K-8 school administration with LSRHS in Sudbury and Lincoln. They will be meeting on December 15.
Correspondence:
The Board reviewed correspondence. This included a letter of thanks to the Lincoln Fire Department for mutual aid provided.
Action:
Minutes: Deferred;
Warrants: Approved and Signed
The Meeting adjourned at 9:25 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
Approved on May 4, 2009
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