2021-06-30-HATS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hanscom Area Towns Committee (HATS) June 30, 2021 Meeting Minutes Pursuant to notice duly filed with the Town Clerks of HATS member towns, the HATS meeting convened in a meeting via a recorded Zoom video conference on June 30, 2021 at 7:00 pm as allowed by legislation (S.2475) extending the suspension of certain provisions of the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law. Present: Select Board Members: Emily Mitchell, Bedford and HATS Chair; Linda Escobedo, Concord; Suzie Barry, Lexington and assigned Clerk for this meeting; Jonathan Dwyer, Lincoln. Guests: Colonel Katrina C. Stephens, Commander, Hanscom Air Force Base Public Participants: John Beatty, Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force- Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Anthony Berry, Bedford TV; Margaret Coppe, Lexington; Meg Deloner, Bedford; Robert Domnitz, Lincoln; Steve Gladstone, Lincoln; Sean Hagan, Bedford; Glen Kernusky, Hanscom Air Force Base; Chuck Paone, Hanscom Air Force Base Welcome and Announcements: Ms. Mitchell welcomed participants noting that the meeting was being recorded by the Town of Bedford and Bedford TV. Guest: Colonel Katrina C. Stephens, Commander, Hanscom Air Force Base Colonel Stephens gave a high level update on the following topics in relation to Hanscom: COVID-19; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts underway at Hanscom-one of the first bases in the Command to stand up a specific office for DEI issues; status of the security upgrades for the Base and the Sartain entry gate (Route 2A entrance) reconfiguration project; partnership efforts with MIT/Lincoln Labs; collaboration with Minuteman High School on STEM related issues; Base Exchange & Services upgrades; Support to Military Families; planning for a 20th anniversary commemoration of 9/11; partnership with Space Force Base on Cape Cod; decision by the publisher of the Hansconian Newspaper to cease publication; any potential for a BRAC; reviewing policy on telework and in person requirements especially in regards to workspaces. Ms. Escobedo (Concord) asked how the recent emergency preparedness exercises went. Col. Stephens indicated they went well and more will be planned for the future.. Mr. Dwyer (Lincoln) inquired about the status of the various construction projects and how the relocation of some staff back to base went. Col. Stephens stated the projects are all still moving forward and transition of additional staff to Base has gone well and the pandemic has taught them they can deliver the work product without needing to be in the building so as a result they will be looking at updating their telework policy. Mr. Dwyer (Lincoln) asked Mr. Beatty if he sees any economic impact to the status of Hanscom with tighter budgets. Mr. Beatty indicated he doesn’t see a negative economic impact for Hanscom, he feels Hanscom will remain vital, is physically sound and the mission continues to grow.