HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-27-HATS-min HATS Meeting
October 27, 2011
Final Meeting Minutes issued for the Record
Members Present Deb Mauger, Lexington Selectmen(Chair), Michael Rosenberg, Bedford
Selectmen; Sara Mattes, Lincoln Selectmen; Sharon Williams, Massport; Lisa Mustapich, Bedford
Planning Board; Dorothy Steele, Massport; Bob, Lincoln Planning Board
Not in attendance- Elise Woodward, Concord Selectmen; Doris Cole, Concord Planning Board
Others present. Sen Susan Fargo, Rep Jay Kaufman, Margaret Coppe, Lexington School
Committee; Peter Braun, Lincoln Selectmen
Ms. Mauger opened the meeting at 7:39 p.m., welcomed everyone and gave introductions.
Elect Chair to Pro Tern:
Mr. Rosenberg nominated Ms. Mauger as Chair Pro Tem in Ms. Woodward's absence. Ms. Mattes
seconded the motion. Vote: Approved
Conversations with members of Legislative Delegations:
Casino bills
Senator Susan Fargo indicated the casino bill will likely pass this year(it did not pass last year), as
there is currently a strong focus on jobs and revenue. There is currently little information available
on the cost benefit analysis and this bill will pose a challenge for the local communities. Some
details of the bill and casino options were discussed to include an amendment to eliminate of free
drinks Also a smoking ban is included in the bill this time The Gaming Commission will be
appointed rather than elected and given particular authority, having political power that may be
perceived as unconstitutional. A provision to compensate the towns for the additional public safety
personnel needed to police the roadways around a casino area was discussed. It was explained that
there has been an attempt to mitigate the impact on community neighborhoods but this too is a
challenge The Committee discussed concerns including statistics concerning the negative impact to
those who already struggle with an addiction to gambling, as well as the negative impact of casinos
on foreclosure, theft and small business closings. There is concern that a casino will negatively
impact the rich history of Massachusetts, which is currently ranked 3rd in the nation for tourism.
There was a discussion regarding the political environment leading to an approval for a casino bill
and of casinos in neighboring states that are not doing well There was a discussion of action items,
what can be done by communities, the risk to local aid and lottery money, and the effect on public
policy
There were some questions from those attending the meeting. One was from Peter Braun, Lincoln
Selectmen, who asked what might be done if one of the provisions is unconstitutional. Ms. Fargo
has contacted the Secretary of State's office and but as it will take resources to address this Ms
Fargo suggested there be a number of local queries regarding community interests
Rep. Kaufman, despite his own position, challenged HATS members by suggesting they ask the
following question: what is in it for our local community and how much should be invested? A
HATS October 27,2011
focal point is what controls local authorities have over decisions about their own community, not
necessarily whether there should there be a casino.
Redistricting
There was a discussion concerning the comment period as well as amendment deadlines. Mr.
Kaufman explained maps were officially approved by the Committee and slated for House and
Senate action next Tuesday.
Ms Mattes explained Lincoln is in a new district with Waltham yet shares a regional high school
with Sudbury There is shared interest around the Air Force base with the HATS communities but
there is no legislative connection except through the Senate. There is a potential upcoming BRAC
which may also affect the communities. It seems a town of 6,000 is being compared with a city of
60,000 and there may be a question as to the equity of this kind of arrangement even though there is
an alignment along Route 128 This is the 3th redistricting for Lincoln Rep Kaufman and Lincoln
have a good working relationship with the Mayor of Waltham
Margaret Coppe, Lexington, asked what the district changes will be. The Senate district is virtually
unchanged. Senator Donnelly has moved from Woburn. There is no change for Bedford in the
House district and Concord remains in the current Senate district. Tom Stanley will no longer be
representing part of Lexington, however, he has been a good partner and advocate for the local
communities
Update on State budget conversations:
Mr. Kaufman explained that budget conversations will pick up after the first of the year. The
decision that may affect states and towns will be announced around Thanksgiving and the news is
not expected to be good There was a discussion regarding the DoD budget, direct and indirect
grants, and the significant impact to HAFB Mr Kaufman explained that Markey's office analyzed
and the reasons why Massachusetts is highly vulnerable to cuts including that in Massachusetts there
is a high concentration of defense industry, high tech and life sciences. Therefore, the investment of
the state in intellectual and research industries are high. Health care is a strong industry here as well,
which has helped through the recession but hospitals are concerned about Medicare and Medicaid
cuts The state rating has gone up and the rainy day fund is at about $1 4m, which will keep the
bond rating strong Transportation funding is also vulnerable (under chapter 90)
The Crosby corner project is moving along. However, legislation must be filed by Senator Fargo in
the Senate Council to resolve a few environmental conservation land issues.
Lincoln bill addressing 3 liquor issues was being considered today Senator Fargo will follow up
Ms. Mattes asked about the municipal electric bill. Rep. Kaufman said the hearing was well
attended, a compelling case was made and the committee chairs are favorably predisposed to the bill.
There are issues of accountability, how to account for the value of the facilities that would be bought
if the service is taken over, and language is being crafted There was a discussion about process and
resolving legitimate issues politically Ms Mattes suggested the importance to have an adequate
understanding about the process as there is significant investment in capital infrastructure The costs
will run about $500k just for the analysis after the bill passes.
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Peter Braun asked for comments on the following:
1 Bill to have a minimum CPA contribution of 75% It was explained there is a good amount of
legislative support for this and that there should be an understanding of increased fees or taxes Mr
Rosenberg mentioned a coalition that communicates by email regarding progress
2. Double polls: This problem was discussed as well as resolution it through fines, that may be a
challenge to enforce at the local level.
Ms Mauger asked about the following
1. Status and work on hazardous materials along Route 128: There is joint concern about
hazardous materials on the roadways and it is being addressed. There was a study done by a
reputable company to find alternatives for moving materials off Boston streets. However, a criticism
indicated the math, logic and framing of questions in the study are faulty DOT has received the
critique and a request was sent for the study to be redone There is compelling data in the review to
move the hazardous waste transport nearer to Boston
2. Public safety and radio communication problems: This is currently an issue in Lexington, a result
of the need for the copper wire infrastructure to be maintained-- it causes downed systems in an
outage There was a discussion about Verizon potentially misleading customers in regards to the
requirement to remove copper wire There will be follow up with Representatives regarding this
Other Matters:
1. Airport: Rep. Kaufman spent time recently with MassPort board chairs and there is a new and
good team in place as well as an awareness of the history of the surrounding communities There is
not an interest in commercial and cargo air and the economy would not support expansion at this
time A written MOU is being developed and was discussed The communities involved are the
HATS communities, Logan communities as well as Worcester.
2. Hanger 24: There was a discussion regarding the hanger to see if it can be maintained as a
historic site Ms Steele advocated for the development of new hangers.
3 Facility closures A concern was raised by Ms Mattes about the US Postal Service and the
closure of South Station Boston facility not being moved to another location. There was a
discussion of moving postal services to MassPort property.
4 Navy parcel: The transfer of ownership of the Navy Research Weapons Facility was discussed
MassPort is interested in the lower level portion of the parcel No state agencies are interested in the
parcel and neither is the Air Force Federal government is interested in the other portion of the
parcel. Bedford is taking over the upland portion and the ongoing cleanup is almost completed.
There will be no underground storage tank on the property.
5 BRAC: Another BRAC round is expected in 2015. The House and Senate Representatives were
encouraged to work with the Governor to avoid a last minute scramble Mr Rosenberg asked if the
upcoming budget cuts could assist in avoiding a BRAC and there was a discussion about how this
could work. It is in the interest of MassPort to keep the base vital and they are willing to help with
the BRAC.
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6. Revenue system: Rep. Kaufman is still working to reform the revenue system as it is not doing
what it is structured to do He will attend a future meeting to keep HATS informed
The Committee discussed staying informed through LexMedia. Senator Fargo participates on the
health committee and there is a need to focus on taking care of sick people not just maintaining
wellness. She mentioned a section in the casino bill that revenue may trickle down to local
communities to assist with a loss in education funds as has occurred in lower income communities.
Updates:
HFAC: The last meeting was on 10/18 and issues, updates and status reports were discussed. They
are planning to submit an application for the parcel mentioned above. The RFP for the Hanger 24 is
no longer viable. Comments and questions were due last Friday and responses are being developed.
Margaret Coppe participated in the pre-submittal meeting
Future meeting topics:
Note new location: December 8 will be at the Lincoln Town Offices in the multipurpose room.
There will be no meeting in November.
AFB Change of Command Colonel Yike is responsible for maintaining community relations and
she will be coming for an update at the December 8th meeting
Legislative conversations: Continued conversations and invitations will be scheduled.
Cable television: There is a hope to have collaboration across towns
Massachusetts Aeronautics and Space Museum There is a proposal for this to be located on
MassPort property. The sponsors of the museum are moving forward with fundraising and they plan
to make a presentation to HFAC and HATS. This is an impressive facility geared toward education
with local schools and colleges and will be located at the corner of Hanscom Drive and the
Vandenberg Gate Ms. Steele will provide the Committee with a list of sponsors composed of
businessmen, pilots, and educators
Confirm secretary for December meeting. The current Recording Secretary is planning to attend.
Minutes: July and September minutes were deferred to the December 8th meeting.
Adjourn Ms Mattes moved to adjourn Mr Rosenberg seconded the motion Approved 3-0-0
The meeting was adjourned at 9 16 p m
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