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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-27-HATS-min HATS Meeting September 27, 2012 DRAFT Meeting Minutes Members Present: Deb Mauger, Chair, Lexington Selectmen; Elise Woodward, Concord Selectmen; Peter Braun, Lincoln Selectmen; Michael Rosenberg, Bedford Selectmen Other Attendees: Tim Higgins, Lincoln Town Administrator, Chris Reilly, Lincoln Planning Director, Andy Friedlich, Lexington, Dorothy Steele, Massport, Sharon Williams, Massport, Mike Barrett, Lexington, Lou Sider's, Minuteman National Park, Lisa Mustapich, Bedford Planning Ms. Mauger opened the meeting at 7:36 p.m. with welcome and introductions at the Samuel Hadley Public Services Building located at 201 Bedford Street, Lexington, Massachusetts Ms Mauger stated they were pleased with the LEED silver certified building and announced the meeting was being audio recorded She introduced and welcomed Senator Donnelly. The October 18th meeting will include a visit with Col. Lester Weilacher from HAFB, followed by a visit from Representatives Kaufman and Stanley. There may be someone from the Lt. Governor's Task Force and possibly Cory Atkins. Questions to legislators concerning HAFB (Hanscom AFB) and potential BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) and discussion of shared community concerns: There were some questions sent to the legislators in advance of this meeting, that would be answered and discussed at the meeting, to help HATS members think through how to manage issues locally in the event of a BRAC There is no BRAC currently scheduled, but Mr Knisely, who attended the June 2012 meeting, mentioned it is likely as early as 2015. The Memorandum of Agreement was amended for HATS to become a local redevelopment authority during a BRAC process. Senator Donnelly thanked the Committee for the invitation and said he and others will miss Senator Fargo, who was invested in this issue and did a great job Senator Donnelly said that before he was the Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, he was the Chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee. As Senator Fargo was not running for reelection, Senator Donnelly was asked to be a part of the National Conference of State Legislators' task force which handles military affairs such as base closings and meets with the Department of Defense to determine what is needed in cooperation between state and municipalities Jan Larkin, who set up the task force, is leaving DoD and moving to MA and is willing to assist in this process. Senator Donnelly mentioned a program that was developed that compensates for land protection around bases, possibly through conservation means or historical relevance There are currently 60 locations in the range of $400m in this program Some goals of the National Conference of State Legislators include federal, state and local partnerships, private and public partnerships (Lincoln Labs), and the upcoming focus of cyber security HAFB is positioned well when it comes to intellectual power and educational institutions (including MIT, Harvard and Boston University) and this is why HAFB can be viewed as important in the next phase of national defense initiatives. Senator Donnelly has worked with Chris Andersen from the High Tech Council, who did a study on the defense technology industry and how much money comes into this area and can make a strong argument why the area resources are important to maintain Over $4b comes into HAFB (with double the return), over $2b to Natick labs, and $26b to the general New England area. The State budget also allocates $350k for this study. Senator Donnelly stated that other bases in the Commonwealth (Weymouth, Otis, and Devens) went through different situations which make it difficult to use for comparison. He does not think HAFB will close but stated a bigger concern is the upcoming January 2013 sequester, which would cause a 10% spending cut and includes the military budget. The DoD will look at what services can be regionalized as a cost saving measure. Mr. Braun said he appreciates the Senator's comments and perspective. Mr. Braun added that in 2005 HATS studied the economic impact of a BRAC, including the implications of half of the Base's land being in Lincoln (comprising 400 acres and 725 units of new housing). Lincoln is concerned that any service they are required to provide will unduly burden the taxpayers, since tax revenue will be insufficient. Senator Donnelly confirmed that the concerns are valid and recommended the HATS community involve the Lt Governor's office's task force It was agreed to tap into all available resources to include legislators, state officials, and the federal delegation Senator Donnelly said military installations fund the local economy and there are states willing to take on the costs of services. Ms Woodward discussed timeline, proactivity and collaboration with state and local entities A strong state and legislative voice will be needed whether HAFB closes or not, as the four HATS towns and the state economy will be impacted The past BRAC evaluation had an extremely strong state and federal advocacy voice to maintain HAFB as a functioning base. State and local representation and involvement were discussed, along with the LRA as a means to assist in planning. Mr. Braun pointed out that the LRA is intended to be a participant in an actual BRAC process and not intended to engage in any other planning or development activities There was discussion about the impact to the base and facilities in the event of DoD budget cuts and possible mitigating efforts in the surrounding area. Mr. Friedlich, Lexington, inquired as to the optimal time frame to reach out to Secretary Bialecki and the Lt Governer's office Senator Donnelly said he recommended meeting with the Lt Governor's office as a first step as they are focused on keeping HAFB open and contributing to the economy, but expressed the need for private, state and municipal partnerships in order to cut the Base's costs. There was a discussion about how the area Towns are already contributing to cost savings, including water and electricity, other efforts that would only become relevant if there were a base closure, as well as neighborhoods already surrounding the base that compliment the base to keep it vibrant. Ms. Mauger talked about using caution but moving forward with planning. Ms. Woodward discussed other stakeholders and roles in scenario planning. Stakeholders include the federal, state and local boards, but also MassPort and the National Park areas Resources were discussed and it was recommended the HATS community continue to reach out to stakeholders to find solutions Regionalization and enhancements were also discussed further. Questions include how the area towns can affordably provide fire protection, school access, sewer, water, and electricity to save cost to the government. This could make it more appealing to keep the base open. Ms Mauger asked how HATS can work more effectively with the federal delegation Senator Donnelly suggested relationships with other bases, representatives, High Tech Council, Natick Labs and the Lt. Governor's office in order to develop strategy. Mr. Rosenberg mentioned a recent ceremony to welcome home deployed military and that there was no representation from high levels of government. He was concerned that without this representation, those in higher levels of government may not see the importance of the base Senator Donnelly expressed to him the importance that government officials need to be aware of these activities and that the advantage to this area is intellectual power and the motivation people have to live and work in this area. Mr. Braun expressed that local concerns are coming from advice received from counsel that air force bases are likely to be on the next BRAC list and that HAFB is likely to be on a list since it was 10 years ago, even though the economic and intellectual climate factors were just as strong as today The Committee thanked Senator Donnelly for his time. He plans to be back for the October 18th meeting. HATS will put together a list of questions for the Lt. Governor's office The Committee agreed this meeting was a good starting point in preparation for talking with the Representatives and Lt Governor Discussion of disposition of private housing at closed military bases: Lincoln Town Administrator Tim Higgins was in attendance to discuss issues related to the base housing, along with Mr Braun Mr Higgins was the Ayer Town Administrator when Devens closed David Knisely was recommended to Ayer by Senator Kennedy as legal counsel regarding BRAC issues Mr Knisely advises that pre-planning from the State will not compromise the effort to keep the base open and that national politics are the major factor as to which installations are closed or not. The decision to close Ft. Devens came as surprise to even the Massachusetts delegation. Mr. Braun and Mr. Higgins have been working with Mr. Knisely and researching the Brunswick, Maine situation to learn of their experiences. As owner of the housing, Hunt Pinnacle has an option to acquire the land should the base close, which would unite the housing with the underlying fee interest in the property This is different than in Maine and other bases, where the local economic development commission acquired the fee interest in the land through the base disposition process, which allowed for negotiations with the developer. In our situation, the developer could be exercising that option with 100% occupancy. Housing occupancy, options and impact were discussed, including taxation and redevelopment. There was discussion about the agreement with Hunt Pinnacle, who became the developer as a result of a bankruptcy filing by the original developer, and how they will interact with Lincoln should the BRAC take effect Mr. Higgins discussed two potential paths for Lincoln and HATS in regards to a possible base conversion. The first involves the base property being encompassed within its own entity as a town-like enterprise zone, as Devens was handled. The second is where the land is ceded back to the towns There was discussion regarding the financial impact on the towns of these two paths, the Commonwealth's potential role, and the housing developer's rights and potential role. Mr. Braun mentioned that the housing is attractive and encouraged interested parties to view the housing. He is trying to set up a meeting with Hunt Pinnacle to keep open communications regarding mutual BRAC- related concerns. Ms Woodward raised the question of whether Hunt Pinnacle would be interested in other properties should the federal enclave be lifted. This is why the LRA was set up and the Lt. Governor's office can be included in a discussion about this. Other base conversions were discussed as well as the Commonwealth's position and interest in this process for benefits and economic development The Committee talked about addressing cost challenges, especially generating electricity HATS-ES (Environmental Subcommittee) Participation in Massport ESPR: Ms. Mauger said HATS needs to give direction to the HATS ES about participation with the Massport ESPR Ms Steele said they had the first meeting with [intelligence77] and they received the scope from the State Next steps include investigative work from consultants and meetings with various towns, planning boards, and businesses Ms. Mauger spoke with Mr. Canale, Chair, and he has no new information. The ES's recommendation is not to participate in this round of ESPR. Ms. Mauger suggested the Committee formally vote as to whether the ES should participate in this ESPR or decide if further information is needed The Committee discussed this to determine the rationale of ES and why it was questioning its participation The rationale includes a definition of scope, determining whether the level of effort from citizen volunteers would be meaningful, as well as the structure of ESPR. Ms. Steele reminded the Committee that Massport has made a commitment to sponsor up to $50k if HATS participates. MOTION: Ms. Mauger moved to direct the HATS-ES not to participate in ESPR on this round. Ms. Woodward seconded the motion. There was discussion on the wording of the Motion. The Committee amended the Motion. AMENDED MOTION Ms Mauger moved to accept the HATS-ER recommendation to forego participation in this round of the ESPR. Ms. Woodward seconded the amended motion. VOTE: Approved 4-0-0. Ms. Mauger will let Mr. Canale know and get something written up. Community updates: Transportation/Infrastructure: Mr. Reilly, Lincoln Planning Director, attends MPO meetings on the Rt. 2 project. There is now full federal funding and the general contract has been awarded to DW White. There was a meeting today where they discussed an upcoming informational meeting in Concord on10/2 at 7.30 p.m. where DOT will give history that led up to this as well as next steps The designer, Louis Berger, will talk to the public in depth about project components, including length of time for the project and traffic management. The contractor is still working through the conditions of the project and permitting process. The Committee discussed the geographic and construction details of the project, to include drainage, and Mr. Reilly stated the project is expected to be completed in May 2016. Mr Rosenberg talked about the improvements to Middlesex Turnpike in Bedford and how the electric utilities' lack of response to moving poles has forced the contractors to create a one-way section that has caused problems. The extension through Bedford into Billerica is still planned for completion in 2016. The Committee discussed the water main project on 2A and Marrett Road in Lexington which is a multi-year effort, the public discussion with Lexington regarding the 95/Rt 2A area, the little progress on the Rt 4/225 roundabout that the Bedford Selectmen have made a priority, and the overlay district at Hartwell where there are 2 roundabouts planned at the jug handle toward the East access to Rt 128. Ms. Mauger said Lexington can bring the Planning Board in to do a presentation regarding this as it might be helpful to see the plan but there is no funding identification at this point Bedford fields construction on Massport land: Mr. Rosenberg talked about the land on both sides of Hartwell Road near the airfield owned by the Port Authority. Part of the housing revolution at HAFB was to close personnel mobile home/trailer parks for open space Massport put out an RFP for the part that does not abut the airfield The accepted proposal was the construction of two synthetic fields, one under a structure by the athletic facility contiguous on private land There was a problem with the State building permit for the foundation of the structure field but that has been settled. This will be privately used through charging an hourly rate, does not fit into Bedford's municipal field space and will be an asset. The parcel to the East on both sides of the street was owned by the Navy and used by Raytheon The building on the hill was hazardous and cleaned up There are old Navy hangers across the street and the federal government no longer has use for that land. Mr. Rosenberg read from the Navy Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant Aviation Hanger Property document. According to Massport's status report the property was designated as surplus and offered to other federal agencies HAFB was not interested and Massport is listed as an interested party for the lower acreage An application was submitted by Massport in January He asked how continued development of that site will work once approvals are secured and what is the long-range plan? Ms. Steele said if the application is approved, permitting and jurisdiction stay under the State, there are no current specific development plans and it will be preserved for a future use. The Town hopes the other side of the street could be developed for commercial purposes Mr. Rosenberg said Hanger 24 is gone and asked about the status. Ms. Steele said TAA has been submitted to Massport and Ms. Williams stated Rectrix Aviation has completed their site investigation process and submitted a tenant alteration application for construction of the hanger. This is a 4-5 week process and if the TAA is approved they will mobilize for construction It was confirmed there will be no fuel storage on site Other issues: Lincoln has Town Meeting on 11/3 for the SBA project. Lexington has Special Town Meeting on 11/19. Lincoln Town Offices are projected for completion by May 1st. Confirmation of community HATS participants: The Committee decided to defer this topic to the next meeting Approval of minutes (June 6, 2012): Ms. Steele highlighted some suggested edits and gave them to the Committee. This will be put on the agenda for approval at the next meeting Future meetings, locations, and agendas: October 18th is the next meeting to include Colonel Weilacher and Representatives Kaufman and Stanley. Cory Atkins will be asked to attend. An invitation was extended to Senator Fargo and Charlie Murphy but it is not likely they will attend. Also the Lt. Governor might attend and Ms. Mauger is working through his office regarding this The agenda will focus primarily on the guests The November 15th meeting can likely focus on response but the agenda can be finalized later Mr Rosenberg would like the opportunity to talk to Congressman Tsongas and Ms. Mauger will extend an invitation for November or December. The Committee discussed the letter written to Congressman Tsongas, her reply, future contacts and delegation support, and the agenda for the next meeting. Adjourn: Mr Braun made a motion to adjourn Ms Woodward seconded the motion Vote Approved 4-0-0 The meeting was adjourned at 9 19 p m