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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-06-06-HATS-min HATS Meeting June 6, 2012 Revised DRAFT Meeting Minutes Members Present: Deb Mauger, Chair, Lexington Selectmen; Steven Ng, Concord Selectmen; Peter Braun, Lincoln Selectmen, Michael Rosenberg, Bedford Selectmen Other Attendees: David Knisely, Attorney, Dorothy Steele, MassPort, Carl Valente, Lexington Town Manager; Tim Higgins, Lincoln Town Administrator; Bob Domnitz, Lincoln Planning Board Ms. Mauger opened the meeting at 6.33 p.m. with welcome and introductions in Estabrook Hall, Cary Memorial Building, at 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, Massachusetts. Ms. Mauger announced the meeting was being audio recorded Attorney David Knisely was also in attendance this evening Attorney David Knisely - Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA) and the BRAC: Ms Mauger announced that the Memorandum of Agreement was amended to allow HATS to become a planning LRA, which would become useful in the event of a BRAC process Mr Knisely began his discussion by stating that it is likely that a BRAC process will be authorized as early as 2015. He discussed the process DoD goes through to determine realignment and closure. He predicted that whereas the last BRAC focused more on Army and Navy installations, the next BRAC process will focus more on Air Force installations He recommended, because of the unpredictable nature of a BRAC, that HATS begin discussions of the possibility and implications of this soon Mr. Rosenberg mentioned Senator Brown's proposed legislation that would require restoration of the former command structure at Hanscom There was a discussion about the current Hanscom structure, the potential purpose of a BRAC process, and the events related to the prior BRAC process An LRA is given certain powers for planning and implementation in the context of a BRAC process. An organization such as HATS could serve as a planning LRA, but a planning LRA does not necessarily also have to have the authority to be an implementation LRA with the power to receive and dispose of property or issues bonds To proceed, a planning LRA needs to be organized, represent all the communities within the footprint of the military installation, and be DoD-recognized Its primary function is twofold first, to produce a comprehensive reuse plan when the installation is disposed of- generating cooperation with area towns - and second, provide a homeless assistance submission that is HUD-approved The DoD will conduct its own environmental assessment and cleanup and consider future uses Homeless statistics in the Commonwealth are considered to determine need, and there is a specific HUD process for approval, which would include legally binding provider agreements. Mr. Knisely discussed how this has been implemented in the past as well as the functionality and process of becoming an implementation LRA, which is a broader legal authority like a town There was a discussion about how an implementation LRA would be approved and formed and that it could include a strong role from the Commonwealth, There was also discussion of timing in regards to financial resources to begin the planning phase, appropriate liaison relationships with representatives of the Commonwealth, and the preferred scenarios for the Hanscom Area towns once a BRAC is announced. Mr Knisely said that HATS continues to be a joint planning organization and neither has nor would have the authority to be an implementation LRA. Only a town, an authority like MassPort, or a special authority authorized by State legislation could be an implementation LRA. . Mr. Knisely said HATS is well equipped to undertake the basic functions of a planning LRA, and he thinks the Commonwealth, because of the HATS towns' local planning capabilities and zoning authority, might be amenable to allowing HATS to play a very active role The Commonwealth will look at the BRAC as an economic development opportunity and will cooperate with the towns for infrastructure development. The 50-year real estate lease between the housing developer and the Air Force was discussed, and it was mentioned that Lincoln is seeking a copy of the Air Force-developer master development and management agreement to gain an understanding of the developer's rights in the event of a BRAC process Ms. Mauger requested an agenda adjustment. Mr. Canale, Chair of the Environmental Subcommittee, is not in attendance this evening Ms Mauger asked Ms Steele about the Hanscom Field 2012 Environmental Supplemental Report timelines Ms Steele updated the Committee that the scope has been determined by the Commonwealth and a consultant had been selected, but a contract was not yet signed. The Committee agreed to move the ESPR agenda item to the end of the meeting. The Committee discussed next steps in the process Mr Rosenberg mentioned that although the focus is a regional one, there are certainly local issues to resolve Some of these issues include housing, roadways, public safety functions, development opportunities and cost, and are understandably defined by the needs and diversity of local towns. The Committee discussed the role of the Commonwealth in this process, including financing and determination of uses and boundaries There was a discussion about the benefit to the Base provided by the K-8 schools located on the Base that are operated under a contract with Lincoln, as well as the high school students' attendance at Bedford High School. There was also discussion of the long planning and implementation process that occurs when there is a BRAC, which process can extend well beyond the actual installation closure Options for redevelopment in the event of a BRAC process were discussed, which could include pre-closure activities and post-closure leasing arrangements. The size and composition of the LRA was discussed Ms Mauger mentioned they are looking forward to being a part of the process It was pointed out by Mr Valente that impacts on the tax base will need to be considered Mr Higgins said that speaking with one voice in discussions with the Commonwealth is important, whether it be about transportation, infrastructure, housing, mixed developments, or any other issue brought to the table. There was a discussion that a next step would be to begin dialogue with town administrators and the legislative delegation regarding the HATS towns' concerns with the potential for and implications of a BRAC process The discussion ended with the topic of considering the availability of local financial resources, as well as creating a collaborative environment. Action items: The Selectmen will take these issues back to their town boards to determine potential budget line items appropriate for these efforts and begin the process of identifying potential financial resources and staff moving forward. The Devens experience was discussed, which had line items of about $10-20k. It was mentioned that a 2005 federal grant was for just over $100k, a significant amount The Planning Departments from the four HATS towns will also begin collaborations Ms Mauger thanked Mr Knisely for attending the meeting and for providing helpful information HATS Environmental Subcommittee: The Chair is in a Planning Board meeting for Lexington and was not able to attend the HATS meeting this evening The Committee discussed postponing discussion regarding this topic to a future meeting. They briefly discussed a letter from Rep. Kaufman and that Rep. Stanley should also be in attendance to participate in the discussion. Mr Braun stated the letter being referenced was clear and the Committee should consider postponing the discussion until Rep Kaufman and Rep Stanley can be in attendance to participate. Also, earlier in the meeting, Ms. Steele indicated the need for the discussion is not imminent, but that Massport is eager to know the decisions and hopes the communities will fully participate in the ESPR process Ms Mauger was in attendance at a transportation forum today with Mr Canale and learned he would not be in attendance this evening. Mr. Canale indicated there are some issues that come up when considering that the communities desire a more collaborative relationship with MassPort There are activities that HATS communities can join to provide deeper collaboration The Committee discussed some issues and the ability to resolve them, to include the Environmental Statues & Planning Report (ESPR) It was decided to postpone the discussion to a future meeting. Future meeting dates and agendas: Ms Mauger will bring Mr Higgins back regarding the Brunswick housing experience She will also coordinate with State Representatives to be included in a discussion regarding the LRA and BRAC process, how to partner with the appropriate State entity, as well as ESPR and a continued relationship with MassPort It was pointed out by Mr. Domnitz that the Environmental Subcommittee could have a useful role to make sure the limits set in the master plan are adhered to. The HATS Environmental Subcommittee will meet separately to begin to develop a plan Adjourn: Mr Rosenberg made a motion to adjourn Mr Ng seconded the motion Vote. Approved 4-0-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8.03 p.m.