MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Monday, May 11, 2009
PRESENT: Gary Taylor (Acting Chairman), Sara Mattes
ABSENT: Sarah Cannon Holden
STAFF: Timothy Higgins (Town Administrator), Debra Parkhurst (Administrative Assistant)
Welcome & Introductions: The meeting opened at 7:30 PM. Mr. Taylor reviewed the agenda.
APPOINTMENTS:
John Koenig, Finance Committee Chairman, RE: Budget Status
Appearing with Mr. Koenig were Finance Committee (FINCOM) members Peter Braun and Ellen Meyer Short as well as Colleen Wilkins, Finance Director.
Mr. Higgins opened the discussion by explaining that due to the current fiscal climate the FINCOM and Staff have revisited the budgets for FY09 and FY10. There have been several revisions to State Aid and the some of the projections regarding the new growth from the Deaconness have been revised. The Town continues to be in good shape for FY09, and fiscal assumptions have held up. Despite $80,000 in cuts, the budget is balanced. The Finance Director watches revenues both monthly and quarterly, and the overall position for FY09 has not been compromised. However, now the Governor and legislature continue to look ahead to FY10 and back to FY09. Mr. Higgins discussed recent correspondence from the MMA regarding the State’s use of funds that would normally be used in 2010 and 2011, from either the
State stabilization account or federal stimulus funds. As an example, the Cities and Towns will receive funding for 2009, but the normal Chapter 70 funding is being replaced by Federal Stimulus funds that could be spent later. This could mean a shortfall for 2010 and 2011. The governor’s budget also assumes support of a room and meals tax, half of which would go to the State and half would go to cities and towns. The 10% reduction is a reasonable assumption but FY10 could mean a shortfall of $100,000 to $200,000 if there are no new state revenues. The town only derives 8% of its budget from the State. Of that some 55-60% comes from “State Lands” funding which is secure for the time being. Mr. Higgins then discussed the Deaconess construction. Construction costs have increased and the property assessment is based on construction costs. However, the build out schedule has slowed down, so
while some revenues have been billed, other revenue will be realized later (2011). If both State Aid and Deaconess do not meet assumptions, then the Town could be looking at a shortfall of between $200,00 and $400,000. Ms. Mattes also spoke of a possible changing scenario at Hanscom Air Force Base. She suggested that it would be prudent for the FINCOM to create a model if the town had to absorb some 50 to 800 units at the base. She also suggested that a model could be created to look at how commercial assets could offset some of these expenses. Discussion turned to use of “rainy day” funds, or if necessary, altering the tax rate. This would have to be done through a town meeting vote prior to the bills going out in the fall. Mrs. Wilkins verified that the Town does not have excess levy capacity. Mr. Higgins noted that there is $450,000 in the Reserve Fund, of which half will most likely be used for Snow and Ice. Free Cash is $982,000 for FY10. Ms. Mattes reiterated that
the long range plan should be informed by what the State and Town are going through now, and that the Town should take another look at the residential / commercial mix in Town. The Board briefly discussed using the “At Risk” model. Finally, it was noted that there is a possibility of a $200,000 to $400,000 imbalance for FY10, and a special town Meeting may be necessary to balance the budget in late September.
Megan Stride & David Summer, ZBA Candidates
Megan Stride was not able to attend. David Summer introduced himself. He said hat he movedo Lincoln last summer. Prior to moving to his move to Lincoln, he and his family previously lived in Salem where he served on the Conservation Commission for two years. Mr. Summer is a practicing attorney and has some familiarity with zoning laws and writing legal memos. He was interested in joining either the Conservation Commission or the Zoning Board of Appeals after having seen the need advertised in the paper and attending Town Meeting. While in Salem, he also served on an ad hoc committee to re-zone sites in Salem. He noted there was some overlap on certain projects between the Conservation Commission and the ZBA in Salem. The Board thanked him for coming in and for stepping up to
volunteer.
Dot Taylor, Council on Aging Chairman
Dot Taylor proceeded with an overview of the Council on Aging and handed out a brochure (2009) that explained the COA services and programs as well as the current membership. She said they produce a monthly newsletter outlining all the programs. She complimented the staff, Director Karen Santucci and assistant Pam Alberts on their continuing good work for the seniors.. She said besides the regular activities of exercise programs and entertainment, a recently added feature has been the weekly “Lincoln Academy” and the Senior Men’s Coffee, both very successful programs. There is always a monthly trip and an Art Show at Bemis Hall. There are four positions up for appointment. Three of these have members wish to continue. One will require a new appointment by the Board. Mr.
Taylor said that the Selectmen give great weight to the recommendations of the COA regarding these appointments. Mrs. Taylor invited the Selectmen to the June 11 Strawberry Ice Cream Social.
Jonathan Keyes, Lincoln Woods Charitable Trust
Mr. Keyes described the Trust. It was established at the time Lincoln Woods was developed. It was initially a gift trust of $100,000 to help low income people finance the purchase of their shares in the co-op. This was more recently re-financed by the Massachusetts Housing Financial Authority, which at that time required that a similar type of financial loan be made available to moderate income people. The trust is running out of money. The initial loan must be paid back at 4% interest. However, he said there is a “flawed formula” and appreciation is keyed to equity build up. As the mortgage goes down, the shares increase in value and must be paid out to those leaving the co-op. There are three Trustees designated: one from the Town (Robert Denormandie), one representing
Community Builders (Jonathan Keyes) and one to be appointed who is a resident of Lincoln Woods. Mr. Keyes said Donna Brown moved last year, but has kindly stayed on until a replacement is appointed. Mr. Keyes said the appointee from Lincoln Woods is a kind of “point man” who would deal with the management company. Some financial skills would be an asset, but commitment is also important, he said. He said that one solution to the Trust running out of funds is converting the units to standard rentals. Mr. Keys explained his own financial background. He serves on the Community Builders Board. There is some chance they would return to the property they developed. Mr. Taylor expressed hope that they can reach an agreement. If it can not be reorganized, the Trust may run out of funds or be dissolved.
OPEN FORUM – No one was present for this session.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Bond Anticipation Notes – Mr. Higgins explained that despite the project delay, it is still important to go forward with the short term bonding. The Town has received excellent interest rates at 1.5% for a net interest of 0.5% for one year
Ms. Mattes made a MOTION to authorize short term bonding as outlined. Mr. Taylor seconded and the MOTION passed unanimously. The Board signed the Bond Authorization.
LIAISON REPORTS
· Ms. Mattes will attend the Battle Road Scenic Byway Working Group
· Mr. Taylor said the next meetings of the Lincoln Sudbury Consolidation Working Group will be held on May 19 and May 21at 7:30 PM in the Flynn building in Sudbury.
DISCUSSION
The Board discussed appointments to the LHC/HDC. No appointments were made at this time.
ACTION ITEMS:
Minutes – The Minutes of March 9, 2009 and April 27, 2009 were approved as corrected.
Warrants – Approved and signed.
DISCUSSION AND ACTION
Ms. Mattes reported that Senator Jay Kaufman has introduced an Amendment to the pending Transportation Bill that would require that Massport partner with HATS and Minuteman National Park to study impacts of any proposed expansions to operations, facilities or infrastructure at Hanscom Field.
Vote – Mr. Taylor made a MOTION to support the amendment to the Transportation Bill as proposed by Representative Kaufman. A letter will be sent to Senator Fargo urging support. Copies will be sent to all the HATS Selectmen and the HATS towns’ State Representatives. Ms. Mattes seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A MOTION was made and seconded to go into Executive Session, pursuant to Chapter 39, Section 23B to discuss real estate and pending litigation and not to return to regular session. . A poll was taken of the Board: Mattes- aye; Taylor – aye. The Motion passed unanimously. The Regular Session ended at 8:55 PM.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst
Approved on September 14, 2009
| 
