HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-12-06-HATS-min HATS Meeting
December 6, 2012
DRAFT Meeting Minutes
Members Present. Deb Mauger, Chair, Lexington Selectman; Elise Woodward, Concord
Selectman, Peter Braun, Lincoln Selectman, Michael Rosenberg, Bedford Selectman
Other attendees. Andy Friedlich, Lexington; Sharon Williams, Massport; Nancy Nelson, MNHP;
Senator-Elect Michael Barrett, guest; Chris Reilly, Lincoln Planning and Land Use Director; Bob
Domnitz, Lincoln Planning Board Chair
Ms. Mauger opened the meeting at 7.30 p.m. with welcome and introductions in Concord,
Massachusetts It was announced that the meeting was being recorded by CCTV
Senator-Elect Barrett was introduced as a special guest
Discussion with Senator-Elect Mike Barrett about the Lt. Governor's Military Asset and Security
Strategy Task Force and long-term community planning issues centered on the towns' interests
in keeping the Base open as a viable entity The towns have different interests and will
experience different impacts if the Base were to close. Lincoln operates the elementary
schools, Bedford provides high school education, all of the housing is in Lincoln The Task
Force's mission is to preserve and enhance the long-term viability ofall military installations in
Massachusetts. The HATS towns are interested in having a voice in decisions regarding long-
term planning should a BRAC be initiated by the DoD
Senator-Elect Barrett mentioned the potential that the communities will be asked to participate
in costs to support on-going activities at the Base. He will be interested in identifying budget
line items to the Senate President in which towns may have involvement. Veteran Service
Healthcare provider and mental health clinics were discussed HATS referred Senator-Elect
Barrett to the Defense Technology Initiative (DTI) report for his review and understanding of
some of the important systems work being undertaken at Hanscom In short, we will need to
understand the complex economic incentives and needs of the Base.
Planning for Crosby's Corner Construction. Chris Reilly and Bob Domnitz joined the
conversation to report on the environmental permitting going forward for the Route 2 project
The contractor will be working 7 00-3 30 on weekdays Two lanes will be open each way A
task force of public safety officials of the towns is in place. Chuck Sabella, the Project Manager
for MaDOT, has an office in Lincoln Public Education is of interest to HATS and collaboration
between towns is desirable
Special Town Meeting Updates
Bedford reported on warrant articles concerning synthetic turf fields, stabilization funds,
additions due to new growth
Lexington is on track to fully fund the retiree health benefits with increased OPEB funding It is
important to show long term commitment to OPEB. Vistapoint is the program being used for tax
increment financing (TIF). Electronic Voting will be revisited. In Lexington, revenue will be
allocated for roadway repairs ($40M) and to rebuild one elementary school because of PCB
contamination in the existing school A new stabilization fund was created to even out debt
service.
Lincoln's STM failed to pass the article for the new K-8 school budgeted by MSBA at $50M
They have several weeks to develop a plan to indicate to MSBA how the Town wishes to
proceed with this school
Concord did not hold a STM this fall.
A discussion of Hurricane Sandy and electricity recovery in the aftermath indicated that all
towns had challenges in restoring power due to the number of downed trees Tree clearing had
to be accomplished before electric lines could be reinstalled. Lincoln is interested in knowing if
Concord's Municipal Light Plant has the capability to include Lincoln as a user.
The next meetings of HATS will be January 24, 2013; February 28, 2013' and March 28, 2013
These meetings will be held in the Hearing Room at the Concord Townhouse
Adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 9.20 p.m.