Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-26-HATS-min HATS Meeting January 26, 2012 Final Meeting Minutes issued for the Record Members Present Elise Woodward, Chair, Concord Selectmen, Sara Mattes, Lincoln Selectmen, Michael Rosenberg, Bedford Selectmen Other Attendees. Dorothy Steele, MassPort; Sharon Williams, MassPort; James Corcoran, HAFB; Margaret Coppe, Lexington School Committee, Bob Dominitz, Lincoln Planning Ms. Woodward opened the meeting at 7.30 p.m. with welcome and introductions. Mass Air and Space Museum: There was a presentation regarding planning for the museum. Buzz Gillogly, President of the Massachusetts Air and Space Museum, introduced himself and said he was former Air Force active duty military and is retired now, working for industry since 1990 Al Mundo, Chairman of Air and Space Museum, founded this venture about 5 years ago. They now have a museum concept and preliminary design and are ready to start fundraising to build the museum. Outreach will begin in the communities and in the Commonwealth to move forward and gain support The objective is to show the historical value and artifacts of the MA contributions and activities that have led to air and space excellence around the world but also to educate youth in applications of science, technology, engineering and mathematics They are hopeful the museum will inspire people in the future to contribute to the legacies started by Goddard, who was instrumental in getting aerospace moving in this area. A DVD was played to give a summary and history of how this venture began in Massachusetts as well as an indication of the benefits of the programs offered by the museum to include energizing students to choose meaningful careers. These museums have received outstanding support from local industrial and educational institutions. The location near HAFB and Minuteman is ideal. Mr. Gillogly described what they have done to date as well as the facility and planned location on 17 acres near HAFB in Lincoln They are working with Massport and will be their own site developer for the project, which is set up as a 501(c), nonprofit. Funding, space and contributors were discussed. There will be a teaching component to the facility to incorporate the historical relevance into the museum Universities such as MIT and architectural firms have been involved in the planning process, which will be phased. The project would be LEAD certified by the port authority and have solar panels for power There would be the capacity for conferences, catering events, and open space for jets. Traffic flow and parking was discussed and there is an expectation that the activities would occur on off-peak traffic hours They expect 2100 bus loads of students per year and are working with the State to educate teachers to incorporate science and technology in this regard into curriculum. They are in the marketing phase for fund raising and expect construction to begin in 2015 The Committee asked about traffic along route 2A. Work is being done with DOT to obtain recent studies to take into account traffic issues and tourist flow Ms Mattes pointed out that when Crosby's Corner is completed there will likely be a traffic reduction and asked if there has been a meeting with the Lincoln Conservation Commission, which will be a determining factor for this project It was discussed that anything built on Massport property and part of aviation activities is exempt from local jurisdiction Only a small revenue stream is expected from the conference center and other uses were discussed as well as access and gate location and its impact on the mission and vitality of the base A meeting with General Davis and base security will be a factor in planning. Mr. Corcoran explained that an inspection zone will be established for base security, that there is a design in mind and the hope is for the museum to have an Air Force community relations office to assist with security issues and establishing relationships The phased timetable was discussed and is based on fundraising progress They also anticipate a lot of volunteers, minimal staff and an operating budget to cover costs. Staffing positions were discussed as well as educational requirements for curriculum HATS January 26, 2012 and planning for curriculum development It is a process that involves the Joint Committee on Education and Rep Jay Kaufman is also involved There has been an enthusiastic response from MinuteMan Tech and the museum hopes to be a positive resource in the area for the schools. Building plans were discussed to include ramps, hangers used for artifact restoration and planes, grading, parking and the relationship between the food tax and Massport's role Aviation Heritage Park, site lines and bus service were also discussed. Mr. Dominitz mentioned land use planning issues and it was recommended MASM go through proper channels for permitting Ms Woodward thanked everyone for their presentation Those interested can visit the website at www.massairsr ace.orq. Review of MOU Amendments approved by 4 Towns and Approval by HATS. Lincoln, Lexington, Bedford and Concord all approved the MOU amendments The next step is a planning meeting and vote. MOTION: Mr. Rosenberg moved that the HATS Selectmen approve the MOU amendments as endorsed by the 4 member towns Vote Approved 3-0-0 Town Managers and Administrators will be invited to the planning meeting Confirm 2012 HATS Participants- Chair changed in January and participants are the same for now through April. Lincoln does not have a community representative in place at this time. Announcement will be made at the next Selectmen's meeting to obtain interest levels Planning Board Rep. is Bob Dominitz and the Conservation Rep. might be Jim Henderson. Identification will be made for the next meeting to be sure there is an up-to-date mailing list Committee Reports. HFAC Report/ Ongoing Projects at Hanscom- Area signage, aesthetics and safety were discussed A concern was expressed that there was no input sought from area towns on standard signage as there are sign bylaws in place for this Noise has decreased as a result in the change in the type of aircraft The Battle Road Scenic Byway was signed into law by Governor Patrick Ms Mattes explained there is some tension about the Scenic Byway being supported by the Town of Lincoln as the National Park is opposing Lincoln's efforts to build a group home for the disabled on a piece of property that abuts the Air Force gate. Appeals may be filed in Federal and State Courts. There has been no filing yet. The Committee discussed how to resolve issues and strengthen the HATS venue as a means for planning and resolution, with representatives from every entity involved to include brainstorming with Town Managers regarding these issues Goals for 2012 Mr Rosenberg mentioned his interest that congressional delegations meet to be better informed about the role of the AFB in the region and state The base briefing was discussed and it was explained that Sen. Kerry was responsive, Sen. Brown had just visited the base and Congresswoman Tsongas is on Veterans Affairs and is responsive as well They are missing Kennedy's support and organization in this regard. Rep. Kaufman has also made sure the Commonwealth Delegation is organized around the issue but his Public Policy Forum conflicts with the HATS meetings. Another person to invite is Chris Anderson from the High Tech Council to get a briefing based on his perspective Col Yike will also be giving a briefing Ms Woodward will contact Congresswoman Tsongas Ms Coppe, the Lexington representative, will inquire with Rep Kaufman to see if he is still the point person and if there is a coordinated effort in the Commonwealth for a Support the Base campaign to maintain awareness and give briefings, as well as getting an update regarding what the Executive Branch is doing. Reports from the Planning Boards Reps. was identified as a future topic along with permits and projects 2 HATS January 26, 2012 Future Meeting Topics The list is being carried forward The next meeting will be a working meeting to discuss MOU steps and integrated or consolidated planning among entities that abut HAFB Review Meeting Dates and Locations. There was a suggestion to go to every other month and change the meeting week for HATS. Conflicts were discussed and a suggestion made to meet the 3rd Thursday of each month HFAC meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month The February meeting is set for the 16th and the location is TBD in Concord. Approval of Minutes - July, September, October, December 2011 Only the December 2011 minutes can be approved tonight as Lexington is not in attendance. Edits were discussed Ms Woodward will make the changes Ms Mattes made a motion to approve as amended. Mr. Rosenberg seconded the motion. Vote. Approved 3-0-0. The Recording Secretary position was discussed to include pay scale and advertising options. Adjourn Ms Mattes made a motion to adjourn Mr Rosenberg seconded the motion Vote. Approved 3-0-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9.06 p.m. 3