MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Monday, March 9, 2009
PRESENT: Sara A, Mattes (Chairman), Sarah Cannon Holden, Gary Taylor
STAFF: Timothy Higgins (Town Administrator), Debra Parkhurst (Administrative Assistant
Welcome & Introductions: The meeting opened at 7:35 PM. Ms. Mattes reviewed the agenda.
Announcements:
· There will be a Green Forum at Bemis Hall on Sunday, March 15 from 2 to 5 PM. Coffee and refreshments will be available at 1:30.
· Town Meeting will be held at the Brooks School Auditorium on Saturday, March 28 beginning at 9:30 AM
· Town Elections will be Monday March 30 at the Smith School gym.
Appointments: – None
Town Administrator’s Report:
· Pierce House -Mr. Higgins reported that an ad to solicit additional members for the Pierce House Committee has been placed in the Journal in follow up to the discussion with members of the Pierce House Study Committee. Information regarding the Pierce House Study will be available at Town meeting. Mr. Stason recommends a citizen’s survey be conducted regarding the Pierce House. Members of the board agreed this requires a professional or technical understanding of surveys.
· Regional Public Health Services – Mr. Higgins reported that the Town has been invited to participate in a meeting on March 17 hosted by the Metrowest Community Health Care Foundation regarding regionalization of health services. The Town has also been discussing the possibility of a tri-town arrangement between Lincoln, Concord and another town. Lincoln already shares health services with Concord. It was also noted that the four HATS towns will be discussing regionalization at their next meeting on Thursday, March 26. Mr. Higgins said there is also a group of Town Administrators (West Suburban Managers Group) that has been formed to study these possibilities.
· Accounts Payables Process – the Town is going to a bi-weekly schedule for bill payment.
· Hollingsworth House – The Board has agreed to seek a “preservationist” buyer. Angela Kearney has contacted an appraiser so the Town will understand the market value.
· Collective Bargaining – there has been an agreement in principle and Mr. Higgins expects a formal signing in the next few weeks.
DISCUSSION:
· Ms. Mattes noted that it has been a challenging winter and asked that residents be patient regarding street clean up.
· Town Meeting – a large number of articles have been placed on the consent calendar. In addition the Citizen’s petitions were moved forward in order to have a wider discussion. The Chairman suggested that residents interested in those particular articles should come before lunch, rather than after, as suggested by an article in the paper. The Board will discuss the four petitioners’ articles at the next meeting.
· The Board discussed their annual appointment policy. As part of the process, Mrs. Parkhurst had contacted the chairman of Selectmen appointed committees regarding re-appointments for the coming year. In addition, notices have been placed in the Lincoln Journal asking for volunteers. A few new volunteer application forms have been submitted. The Board has requested that committee Chairmen come in to discuss with them the goals of the committees and the skill sets they would like to have on board their committees.
· School Regionalization – The Board discussed that a review of the regionalization of the school districts was a suggestion from the Sudbury Budget Review Task Force. The Town of Lincoln will now use their own committee to look at the opportunities to save by regionalizing as well as any negatives that might arise. Lincoln needs to participate in the discussion going forward. The Board suggested that the article for the High School be held out for discussion at Town meeting. Mr. Taylor will speak with Patty Mostue regarding this new initiative.
· Route 2- Crosby Corner – the State is moving towards 100% Design. Timing is now crucial. Mr. Murphy was in at the last meeting speaking of re-invigorating the neighborhood captains. The neighborhood groups could meet, and then provide a “punch list” to provide an accountability loop for the State. Mr. Higgins will contact Mr. Murphy.
Liaison Reports:
· The Agriculture Committee will have its first meeting 11 Am on March 11,2009 in the Donaldson Room, Town Offices. The goal of the meeting is to organize, elect chairmen, and figure out a regular meeting time and place.
· Mr. Taylor reported on an open house at the group home at 259 Concord Road. Many neighbors were there, as well as State Representative Tom Conroy. Mr. Taylor complimented the home. He also noted that they have three staff members on site during the day and two staff members at night.
Action:
· Mrs. Holden made a MOTION to appoint Catherine Dubeshter to fill the Administrative Assistant position in the Police Department. Mr. Taylor seconded and the Motion passed unanimously. The Chairman noted that Lee Seekts was retiring after 13 years. She grew up in Lincoln. The Board thanked Mrs. Seekts for her contribution to the town.
· Fire Chief Cotoni has reported that the potential call firefighter has found a full time position with another town. No action.
· Mr. Higgins reviewed Action Items.
· Minutes were deferred.
· Warrants were reviewed and signed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst Approved May 11, 2009
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