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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-03-27-HATS-min HATS Meeting March 27, 2014 DRAFT Meeting Minutes HATS Members. Mike Rosenberg, Bedford, HATS Chair and Bedford Selectmen, Peter Braun, Lincoln Selectmen; Alice Kaufman, Concord Selectmen; at-large HATS Representatives: Andy Friedlich, Lexington; Maggie Debbie, Bedford; others in attendance: Nancy Nelson, Superintendent Minute Man National Historical park; Scott Anderson, Steve Bussolari, David Pronchick, MIT Lincoln Laboratories; Amber Goodspeed, Massachusetts Port Authority, Thomas Schluckebier, Hanscom Air Force Base; Kati Winchell, Save Our Heritage Mr. Rosenberg opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. with welcome and introductions at the Bedford Town Hall, located at 10 Mudge Way, Bedford, Massachusetts. He announced the first meeting in Bedford as they are now equipped to share with the towns. Deb Mauger will not be in attendance this evening. Report Steven Bussolari, Lincoln Laboratories strategic initiatives: Mr. Bussolari reviewed a handout. He introduced Scott Anderson, Assistant Director for Operation, and Dave Pronchick, Head of Technology and Contracts. They have prepared for a facilities modernization project and we last heard from them in 2012 on the formative stages. Some background of the MIT Lincoln Laboratory was given, located on HAFB since 1951 It was formed and operated by MIT since its inception and is an outgrowth of the radiation lab in Cambridge Technology was discussed which is part of MIT's service to the nation in the national defense and security arena through a DoD funded research and development center. There was a discussion regarding facilities and roles in air defense system development(to include a partnership with MITRE), as well as systems and programs Facilities are being modernized to develop hardware and funding developed to bring in subcontractors Funding levels were discussed to total $402m in FY13 (with a little over $200m going to MA companies and about $18m to companies located in the HATS towns). The proposed project and pictures were discussed. The objective is to replace aging facilities that support the fundamental mission of developing hardware and facilities to build it. This includes compound semiconductors and microelectronics integration, clean rooms for the prototype chips, and engineering facility to test hardware The plan includes consolidating 2 energy efficient buildings located on HAFB with an estimated project cost of $316m. This is for the clean room, assembling spacecraft, preciseness of machinery, packaging chips for the instruments, and environmental testing. Historical infrastructure and current infrastructure were discussed to include needs and requirements The two buildings are needed as there would be two distinctly different things being done in each. (1) machine building hardware and environmental testing and(2) building chips in a vibration free environment. The new site location and plans were discussed. Old AFRL structures will be demolished, 325,000 s.f. are planned and site boundaries will remain the same Two parcels include (1) 1 3 acres in current parking lot adjacent to current building and(2) 11 acres up on Katandin Hill for the engineering prototyping facility There will be multi-story buildings with special air handling equipment installed to fit with the profile of existing buildings. They are currently working with the Air Force on the authonzation process and they expect the design process to conclude at end of the summer. The detailed architectural process could take a year with construction to start in 2016 and occupancy in June 2018. Next steps include site environmental assessments. Neither site impacts any historic district. There is continued infrastructure and energy planning with an expected savings of a few million dollars a year in energy efficiency The potential for solar is being reviewed They have to complete the MIT approval process, negotiate the lease of Air Force land, and develop detailed financing plans to move forward with construction. Projects will be privately funded and employment was discussed as remaining stable. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval was discussed—this is to ensure that, although no federal funds are being used for construction costs, there are no federal budget impact and that projects are consistent with federal budget regulations Finally, traffic was discussed Mr Braun asked for a copy of the presentation electronically Mr Rosenberg will distribute it The discussion was opened for questions. Mr. Friedlich asked about work with National Guard. There is some collaborative research efforts but no direct ties. Mr Rosenberg asked everyone to sign in and thanked everyone for taking time to present as it is important to the region Report by Nancy Nelson, Superintendent, Minute Man National Historical Park: Ms. Nelson discussed the recent shutdown and threat of an 8%reduction. The shutdown was shorter than expected and budget numbers reverted to 2012 The budget remains flat and spending has declined The focus is now on core mission and making the challenging choices between visitor services and resource preservation. There will be a smaller interpretive program this summer and work to keep everything open and moving in a normal way. Patriot's Day park events were discussed, to include a marathon and the march that will begin in Concord on April 19 (24 miles). They are expecting up to 450 people as well as friends and family. Some units with the MA Army National Guard has roots back to the fight at North Bridge --representing a strong and important relationship that has been significant for many years She referenced the schedule of events also located at www nps gov/mama and invited everyone to join The usual Saturday Battle Road event will not happen this year. There is structural exterior construction and interior renovations going on at the Wayside Home of Authors in Concord. The exterior work is near completion. Friends of the Minuteman National Park are helping lead an effort to restore Parkers Revenge (the 2nd battle of Lexington). This is where Captain Parker regrouped his people after the loss of 20% of his troops, a pretty amazing feat. There is also the reconnaissance and documentation of existing data and archeological studies being done. Those doing this work use higher forms of technology that rely less on digging although there have been some artifacts on loan to the parks Reenactment and publicity was discussed as well as using some resources as an agricultural enterprise (possibly to house an apprentice farmer), to raise animals in the park and possibly grow row crops. Area structures are unoccupied by residents but used by the park staff for meetings. Publicizing activities to base residents was discussed as well as communication with the Lincoln Intercultural Commission Concord purchased the McGrath Farm house and converted it to housing units for farmers The RFP, examples,weather and issues were discussed Mr Rosenberg was thankful for the presentation and the proximity of park Ms Nelson said they are working toward stewardship as well as with the Port Authority on signage and announced that the National Park Service turns 100 in 2016. They want to get HATS partners together to review future goals, one of which is to engage every American to become familiar with the Parks. Studies of the economic value of national parks show $54m benefitting the local economy-- Ms Nelson will distribute the source of the study to HATS HFAC, other regional and transportation updates: Mr. Rosenberg said the annual presentation of the State of Hanscom showed no surprises. Mr. Friedlich recommended a piece regarding the synergies between Massport and the air force base Mr. Braun said the MPO study provided by the Lincoln Planning Director regarding Route 2 traffic is being reviewed. Route 2 projects continue. Landscaping and fencing enhancements are making progress, bridge footings will be poured soon at Crosby's Corner and will eventually be pushing 2 lanes north to create room (they are required to keep all 4 lanes going during peak hours), and the health care facility is progressing (awaiting architectural approval) In Spring, reconstruction of the Route 2 overpass over 128 will begin This was discussed as well as landscaping at Crosby's Corner Bedford has finished Town Meeting and one important vote taken was to bond a replacement for the town sole sewer main that connects with the metropolitan system through Lexington under Bedford Street. Discussed a recent main break and that$2m will be spent to line a half mile of main with a substance that will repair it intravenously by injecting the lining and enable use without excavating the whole street Mr. Braun met with Katherine Clark(Lincoln and Lexington Congresswoman) and attended a base mission meeting with her. She is interested in being involved with local communities and understands military issues. She will have a staff person available 2 1/2 days a month in each community. She asked about attending a Lincoln Board of Selectmen meeting and began discussion about attending a HATS meeting as well The table top exercise had about 50 people in attendance to brainstorm with local communities as if the base is another town and working to regionalize. There was brief discussion regarding change of command at Hanscom and this will be publicized when there is more information. The governor signed the bond bill and the first spend will be just under$3m for a building renovation on the base A document map was viewed with proposed siting of the Vandenberg gate The new visitors center is also being planned Easement and the Air and Space Museum were discussed The President's budget was discussed and for a 3rd year in a row includes a BRAC. The Joint Stars Recapitalization program, a major item for Hanscom's future, is also in the budget. Other projects in process are domestic use drone testing, a singles dormitory on the base, the Middle School replacement that has begun already, and the primary school that has been authorized Projects will be phased and may begin in 2015. It was announced that Rep. Niki Tsongas invited the Air Force secretary to visit Hanscom for mission briefing. Future agenda items Mr Braun's election is coming up on 3/31 HATS has a scheduled Chair transition Mr Rosenberg would like to entertain nominations for Mr. Braun as Chair and meetings can be held in Lincoln. It was suggested to invite Katherine Clark for the April meeting. HATS representation was suggested as an item to expand to the maximum of 4 selectmen/planning board members and 2 at large members and determine how to utilize this membership This would include HATS roles and involvement to help overall mission Mr Braun would like a list of current HATS representatives to find an appropriate way to move forward. Another suggestion was shanng town OPEB approaches and include Finance Committees. Budgets and OPEB were briefly discussed and will be proposed to appropriate people for inclusion on the future agenda. Mr Rosenberg thanked everyone for coming The meeting adjourned at 9.06 p m