MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Monday, July 20, 2009
PRESENT: Sarah Cannon Holden (Chairman), Sara Mattes, Gary Taylor
STAFF: Timothy Higgins (Town Administrator)
Welcome & Introductions
The Chairman welcomed the public and reviewed the agenda.
Announcements
There were no announcements
Appointments
Public Hearing : Grant of Location for a Gas Main on South Great Road
Dennis Regan, representative from National Grid, presented the petition to install underground gas main along South Great Road for a distance of 1400 feet east from the intersection of South Great Road and Lincoln Road. Mr. Higgins noted the report from Chris Bibbo, DPW Superintendent as well as the comment that the conduit runs in front of Drumlin Farm. The Board discussed the construction schedule with Mr. Regan, stressing that they would not want the work to interfere with Drumlin Farm operations. Mr. Regan said that they can excavate the two foot wide trench a distance of between 80’ and 100’ per day. He noted that the plastic pipe is placed on a bed of sand then covered with 6” of gravel, leaving 4” for pavement. The Board emphasized that this needs to be worked on with the DPW
Director to make sure that this is in compliance with the engineering standards used in the upcoming road pavement project. Mr. Higgins noted that Mr. Bibbo put out a notice months ago informing utilities of the road projects. Mr. Regan explained that their proposed work closes a gas loop for the company. He agreed that the information regarding the road project is beneficial and they will confer with the DPW.
· MOTION: Mr. Taylor made a MOTION to grant the petition by National Grid to install and maintain 1400 feet of 2” gas main on South Great Road location as described in their petition dated June 5, 2009, subject to the following conditions:
1. That National Grid contact Drumlin Farm Director Christy Foote-Smith to coordinate the construction schedule to avoid conflicts.
2. That National Grid also determine whether Drumlin Farm requires a new or upgraded service connection.
3. That the Town’s engineers review to ensure that the new main is installed at a proper depth and manner that eliminates any potential impacts for the repaving of Route 117 which is expected to take place next year.
4. All conditions outlined in D.P.W. Superintendent Bibbo’s July 16th memorandum.
Ms. Mattes seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
OPEN FORUM: No one was present for this session.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
Mr. Higgins reported that the Police chief has recommended that Michael Ott, current dispatcher, also be appointed as a Special Police Officer.
· Ms. Mattes made a MOTION to appoint Michael Ott as a Special Police Officer. Mr. Taylor seconded and the Motion passed unanimously.
Sarah Andrysiak, President, Board of Directors, Codman Community Farm: Update:
Ms. Andrysiak thanked the Selectmen for inviting her in to discuss Codman Community Farm (CCF)
The CCF recently received a grant from the Ogden Codman Trust to fund a position of Farm Director which they expect to be self sufficient in two years. Ms. Andrysiak described some of the new programs that CCF has recently launched. CCF has hired a new farmer (Peter Merrill), started a Community Supported Agriculture program for meat, started a program to “foster a farm animal (fund raiser), and new programs to engage the community, including barn dances and camp outs. Ms. Andrysiak noted that the CCF traditionally has counted on their endowment as a source of funding, but as with other invested funds in the current environment, capital is down. She said farming is a “tough business” and they lose money on every bale of hay they sell. They increasingly use the hay to feed the animals. She said that switching to other agriculture (vegetables for sale) is also difficult, because many of the fields belong to the conservation entities in Town, who wish to maintain the aesthetics
of an open field. CCF does not have a large number of members. Cost of membership is only $40.00 for an individual and $75.00 for a family so membership fees do not cover their resource needs. There are other membership categories as well. They have “engaged” volunteers. CCF has recently completed its search for a new Farm Director and has offered the position to Jen James, currently with The Food Project. The CCF hope is that with new staff and growing awareness, the Farm can build financial resources and return to stability. In response to Board member questions, Ms. Andrysiak said that there will be no major changes. They will have new signage, and the Farm is looking to create a different sense of space. Members of the Board noted that agriculture was listed in the Economic Development portion of the Comprehensive Plan. However, they recognize the inherent difficulty of small farming and
that it is even difficult for a non-profit to survive. Farms are a way to optimize the local land resources. Mr. Higgins noted that there is on-going concern with maintenance of the buildings on the farm, which are owned by the Town, and the need for continued dialog and responsible long-term planning.
Discussion:
Comprehensive Plan: The Planning Board hearing for Comprehensive Plan is scheduled for July 21. The Selectmen are invited to attend. Ms. Mattes said this is an opportunity for the general public to comment, and officially opens the comment phase for the document. Mr. Higgins said the draft is on the web site for people to read. Mr. Higgins outlined the Planning Board’s outreach during the process. Ms. Mattes was concerned that too much specificity in some areas would eliminate creativity in planning and flexibility in responding to development proposals. Mr. Taylor expressed similar concerns, noting success in the past process regarding the protection of open space and the high degree of approval by the Town for most developments. The impetus for the high level of
specificity of criteria may have come from a group of people that do not trust the town’s decisions. Mr. Higgins noted that an early information process may mean certain projects don’t come before the Town. Mr. Taylor surmised that guidelines are subject to interpretation and may create confusion and litigation. The Board asked how to express concerns at the Steering Committee meeting. Mr. Taylor said he would speak to economic development, particularly focusing on small areas (core/ Mall development and transportation). All agreed that agriculture should not be under economic development. Mr. Higgins reflected on the lessons learned from the roadway project; that anecdotal evidence must be followed with real studies to reflect the reality. Mr. Taylor commented on balancing different interests, and the preamble should highlight this effort. Mrs. Holden commented on the mixed message found in the governance
chapter; noting some items would require either a stepped up volunteer force or expanded staff to achieve goals.
Route 2 Update: Mrs. Holden attended the second TIP meeting with Dan Boynton of the planning Board. While it had been previously announced that there would be no public comments, comments were received, and Mrs. Holden told people that Lincoln was there in support of the project. While the vote was supposed to be taken at 5:30 PM, Mrs. Holden received an e-mail that no vote was taken. The Board discussed their representation on the MPO and the MAPC as not accurately representing the Town on Route 2 interests. Ms. Mattes questioned the roles of the representatives of the MPO and the MAPC. She said a generic discussion of their roles will be brought forward at a future HATS meeting. Mr. Higgins added that the Director if the Regional Planning Agency (MAPC) did not let the sub-regions
and towns know how he was voting at the MPO on the recent TIP. Members of the Board agreed that this is problematical [problematic is preferred spelling in the dictionary]. If the representative does not clarify his position to the member towns, how can they have a real discussion? Ms. Mattes commented that Route 2 is not “Lincoln’s project”, as was characterized by the MAPC Director at the TIP Meeting, but rather a regional project in scope, and came out of long standing discussion with the CAC, a region of towns along the Route 2 corridor. Mr. Higgins noted that the project has always had a large dollar amount that may have blocked other projects. Ms. Mattes added that entering the political process is difficult due to Lincoln’s size, and further suggested that perhaps the small towns should hire their own regional planners Mr. Higgins commented on the difference in tone between the first and second
meetings. Ms. Mattes said that a new study by CTPS shows that congestion is at 100% between Route 128 /95 and Crosby’s Corner. Mr. Draisen (MAPC) contends that by the time the overpass is done, the roadway will again be at capacity. Discussion followed on support from other communities and the need for a 2/3 vote to approve the complete TIP.
Liaison Reports:
Ms. Mattes reported that representatives from Boston Properties and the Waltham Business Council met with the 128CCC. The next Meeting will be with Caroline O’Connor and much of the discussion will regard the business contract with shuttle buses that the businesses have in Waltham. She noted the business push for multi-model solution to traffic congestion.
Ms. Mattes reported on the Battle Road Scenic byway meeting. She noted that the MMNHP desire to get truck traffic off of Route 2A, cannot be encouraged until the Crosby’s Corner portion of Route 2 is completed.
The Board reviewed correspondence and their schedule. The next meeting is September 14.
Minutes were deferred.
A MOTION was made and seconded to go into Executive Session to discuss Collective Bargaining pursuant to MGL sec. 39, Ch. 23b, and not to return to regular session. A poll was taken of the Board: Holden- aye; Mattes- aye; Taylor – aye. The Motion passed unanimously. The Regular session adjourned at 9:15.
Submitted by Debra Parkhurst from video recording.
Approved on September 21, 2009
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