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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-03-HATS-min HATS Meeting October 3, 2013 Meeting Minutes HATS Members: Selectmen: Mike Rosenberg, HATS Chair and Bedford Selectmen; Elise Woodward, Concord Selectmen; Peter Braun, Lincoln Selectmen; Planning Board Representatives: Other HATS Representatives Andy Friedlich, Lexington, John Willson, Bedford Also attending Amber Goodspeed, Massport Authority Mr. Rosenberg opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. with welcome and introductions in the Hearing Room at the Concord Town House, located at 22 Monument Square, Concord, Massachusetts Ms. Mauger had a conflict this evening, the Annual Financial Summit, so she asked that the remote participation agenda item be postponed to the November meeting. Mr. Braun said that Concord adopted this policy and it has to be available to every public body in the town -- opting out is an option. Lincoln designated a Selectmen to work on this and she is planning to be at the next meeting in November Lincoln is looking at a first draft of a policy to adopt in the short-term future. This item is on the Bedford list of priorities. Ms. Woodward said Concord can report on its progress. HFAC and Other Regional Transportation Updates: Mr. Braun is spending a considerable amount of time on the Rt. 2 project. He and the Town Administrator, Land Use Director, Public Safety and Conservation Planning Board members, attend a bi-weekly DOT and contractor meeting regarding this project, to include review of leaking septic tank and neighborhood issues. An oversight committee of key officials was formed in the Spring, to obtain input and maintain a good working relationship with DOT. There are funds to resolve some issues and the committee members are working well together. Projects include service roads that will give residential access Timelines and purpose were discussed as well as benefits of privacy and safety. Ms. Woodward gave an MBTA update. There are upgrades to the on-grade crossings in Concord and Lincoln and all the towns along the Fitchburg route, with work extending into the weekend. Weekend service has been discontinued through November. Alternative bus transportation was not budgeted and is not being provided. The project is improving the paving between the tracks. Mr. Friedlich gave an update on the HVAC meeting last month. He referenced a policy regarding the Hanscom Field Advisory Commission and that their duties include involvement in the transportation needs for HAFB and the Hanscom area. It was decided that HFAC should have written a notification letter regarding the proposed cuts in service. The Committee discussed the impact of services and responsibilities for communication and provision of other solutions. The 128/Rt 2 overpass project was discussed and there is no news regarding the timeline for its completion. Ms. Woodward said that a significant project in Canton was moved up in the TIP - she will look into that for the next meeting. Mr Rosenberg talked about a Minuteman Bikeway extension that has been approved in Bedford, where it currently terminates in Bedford Center. There is some current discussion with the engineer to determine the best way to resolve outstanding issues to move forward with this project -- issues include an area where it is difficult to determine right of way and other connections. Mr. Friedlich said that traffic is slow along Marrett Road as there is a new fiber optic cable being installed up to HAFB. Mr. Braun appreciates Bedford doing the work on the bikepath. Ms. Woodward will check into connections with other parks. Mr Rosenberg asked about other developments from the HFAC meeting regarding noise and volume. Mr. Friedlich said that 4 of the 6 sites have experienced reduced noise except at the 2 HAFB field sites. TruAir has postponed introduction of scheduled service at Hanscom as it has not worked out with their carrier Dorothy Steele suddenly retired from MassPort and this is unfortunate as there was no opportunity for the Committee to say thank you. Mr. Rosenberg said this was indeed a surprise and wished her well. Amber Goodspeed announced that at the last HFAC meeting it was mentioned that Jet Aviation was drafting an environmental assessment and this has been released There is a meeting for public comment on the report on Wednesday 10/16 at 6pm at the Hanscom Field Civil Air Terminal in room 115. Contact information for comments are: kpeace(c�hovletanner.com or 603-669-5555. Documents can be viewed at massport com/hanscomfield Ms. Woodward asked about the public comment period after the environmental status and planning report is filed and there is currently no information regarding this The meeting space holds just under 100 people so they would like to know who would be attending. No one will be turned away but the venue might need to be moved. The Committee discussed sending representatives. Mr. Braun wanted to be sure Chris Riley, Land Use Director, was informed and asked about advertising It is being well advertised There were no MAGIC updates at this time. Mr Braun is the Lincoln representative to the 128 CCC organization, comprised of Lexington, Weston, Lincoln and Waltham They are meeting early in November and he can report at the next meeting, a report that will likely include Polaroid. The Battle Road Scenic Byway was discussed which involves Lexington, Lincoln, Concord, Arlington as well as the Minuteman National Historical Park. Concord voted to sign the MOU at last meeting in September. Lincoln is taking it up on Monday. MAPC staff, Peter Dunn, is doing the legwork and informed Mr. Braun that all parties have approved this except for Lincoln. Chris Riley will be appointed as Lincoln's representative. A management plan was put in place several years ago. There will be some meetings to form a byway committee to oversee the management plan but the committee will have no regulatory authority. Future agenda items: Jim Corcoran is now retired so Mr. Rosenberg found out from Col. Weilacher that Gen Welsh's visitation is scheduled for 11/7-8, and there is a community component scheduled for Thursday evening Mr. Rosenberg suggested that HATS should meet again to determine how to respond to this visitation. Mr Friedlich outlined issues to address for this visit per a meeting with Katie Enos, Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, as follows. 1 . EXPO that the Air Force Base will be doing 2. area's importance to the Air Force 3 Air Force's importance to the area 4. synergy between MA National Guard and Air Force e.g. cyber security 5. importance of keeping military base presence in the Boston area Mr Friedlich added a 6th item -- the areas strong support of the Air Force Base The Committee discussed these items along with who would be responsible to address them. Due to the government shut down, some planning meetings were postponed Meeting invitations and communication was discussed for planning meetings, the General's visit, as well as with Congresswoman Tsongas. The Committee discussed the importance of surrounding community involvement and support. A future meeting was tentatively set for 10/24 to discuss the General's visit Mr Rosenberg thanked everyone The next meeting is scheduled for 11/14 and will cover November and December. This meeting and agenda items were discussed along with getting back on a regular 4th Thursday meeting schedule Agenda items will include remote participation, an update on General Welsh's visit and any future action items, and an update on legislation proposed for OPEB. Thursday nights are uniquely difficult as that is when Finance Committees meet. Green communities were discussed - Concord will be applying for this program as they are newly eligible. This might also be a future agenda item. Mr. Braun announced there is a public hearing on 10/29 regarding making it easier for communities to become municipal electric members. They were urged to attend and submit testimony. He will will send the bill number so those interested in attending can find out more about it. Lincoln's State of the Town Meeting in early November will include discussion as to whether Selectmen should focus on this. There was a discussion of some issues and what could be researched Meeting Minutes: Mr Braun moved to approve minutes from 6/26/13 Mr Freidlich had an edit that he discussed Mr Braun moved to approve the minutes as amended as a draft record of the meeting, not as official minutes. Ms. Woodward seconded the motion. Vote approved: 3-0-0 HATS and leadership time limits were discussed. Adjourn: Ms Woodward moved to adjourn. Mr Braun seconded the motion The meeting adjourned at 8:27pm.