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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-10-22-HATS-min Hanscom Area Towns Committee (HATS) Meeting Minutes October 22, 2015 HATS Members. Peter Braun, HATS Chair and Lincoln Selectman; Steve Ng, Concord Select Board, Michael Rosenberg, Bedford Selectman; Joe Pato, Lexington Selectman Other HATS Representatives: Timothy Dunn, Maggie Debbie. Others in attendance: Colonel Michael Vogel, HAFB Installation Commander; Chief Patricia Hickey, HAFB Liaison; Misty Vogel; Amber Goodspeed, MassPort; Chuck Paone and Jessica Casserly, HAFB Public Affairs Introductions and Announcements Mr Braun opened the meeting at 7.30 p m. with welcome and introductions at the Lincoln Town Offices Mr Braun said that HATS is honored to have Colonel Michael Vogel visiting again but also noted that it has been a difficult time at the Base as a result of the recent deaths in Afghanistan of two security-force airmen who deployed from Hanscom Mr Braun dedicated the meeting to the memory of the deceased airmen and displayed on the overhead projector for the duration of the meeting the pictures and descriptions of the airmen in the brochure for the recent Memorial Service that he and others from HATS had attended. Air Force Base - Installation Commander, Colonel Michael Vogel Colonel Vogel thanked HATS for the invitation and said that he considers the HATS communities as neighbors and appreciates all they do for the Base and community He also introduced Chief Patricia Hickey, the new HAFB liaison Colonel Vogel then provided an update on various Base-related matters. He noted the recent appointment of four-star General Ellen Pawlikowski as commander of the Air Force Materials Command (AFMC) that includes Hanscom and her recent meeting with HATS members and other community partners. He also noted that there continues to be little appetite for a BRAC process and that General Pawlikowski has indicated that it was highly unlikely that any AFMC base would be affected negatively in a BRAC process He also reported that the General had expressed appreciation for the special relationship between Hanscom and the local communities. Colonel Vogel then discussed his continuing efforts to improve Base security He described a new plan to install a more secure barrier between the Base and Airport, enabled by Task Force Bond funds. He also reported on progress towards accepting the State's land-gift that will enable dedicated truck-lane improvements at the Vandenberg gate soon, as well as the continuing planning for a substantial visitor center and security improvement of the Gate in several years (subject to MILCON funding). He also reported on progress towards adding canopies to the existing gates. In response to questions by Mr. Rosenberg, the Colonel assured HATS that the environmental and traffic impacts of these improvements will be minimal. The Colonel also reported that the CEIF Building cyber upgrades, being funded by $2.9 million from the State's Military Assets Bond Bill, is 25% complete and expected to be completed in March. The Colonel also reported that the P-4 Community Partnership effort recently identified six new initiatives that include mentoring in STEM, snow removal, recycling, non-profit coordination, joint education and workforce internships, and animal control The next P-4 meeting is scheduled for December. He also reported that the Middle School $34 million replacement project is 67% complete and estimated to be completed in April, while the Primary School replacement project will begin shortly thereafter and is expected to be completed by 2018 Mr Braun mentioned that when he talked with the General he had invited her to consider a visit and tour of the schools and that she had seemed interested. Colonel Vogel also reported that a second memorial service will be held for the airmen's family, the surviving members of the security force, and Base leadership. The surviving nine members of the security force will be returning in November, and 16 members will deploy soon. The Colonel noted the particular emotional difficulties faced by the survivors He also reported that construction of the single-airman dormitory replacement will begin next fall and that the plans are being developed with input from airmen. He also mentioned other lifestyle improvements being considered for the single airmen, including enhanced food-service options. In this connection, Mr. Pato announced the groundbreaking ceremony at 115 Hartwell Avenue where there will be food trucks and additional restaurants, providing additional food-service options Mr. Braun said that HATS appreciates the many invitations to HAFB events and the opportunities to demonstrate local support for the Base as an essential part of the economic and academic ecosystem of the region. Colonel Vogel reiterated that appreciation for the local community's support is a common theme in presentations to visiting commanders. In response to Mr. Rosenberg's question, Colonel Vogel said that information on the personnel working and residing on the Base is available on the Base website. In closing, Mr. Braun said that the Colonel, his successor next year, and the Base leadership in general are always welcome at HATS meetings and that HATS would look forward to another annual update next fall, if not sooner. MassPort/Air Field and Community Advisory Committee Mr. Braun reported that he had been informed by the Lincoln representative that the September Community Advisory Committee meeting did not have a quorum and no business was conducted. Appointees are mainly employed staff and prefer to have a business hours meeting, which is creating a challenge in scheduling There is proposed legislation to reduce the quorum requirement. Hansom Field Advisory Commission (HFAC) Update Ms Goodspeed reported that manufacture of the new 2A/Hanscom Drive sign has been delayed. Mr. Braun reminded the public that noise-related matters should be reported to Ms. Goodspeed or at the HFAC meetings. Rt. 2 Updates (Crosby Corner and 1-95 Bridge Projects) Landscaping is proceeding as long as weather permits into the Fall and will be completed in the spring. All new service roads have been named, and barriers are going up, as well as fences The flyover is open, but lane restrictions will continue. Mr. Ng reported that the opening of the flyover has triggered renewed interest in Concord to advocate for improving the Concord Rotary. Mr. Braun reiterated that Lincoln would be pleased to participate in a multi-town coordination, just as occurred for the Crosby's Corner project. Future Meetings and Main Agenda Items November - no meeting December 3 - Climate/Sustainability Roundtable Discussion, to be led by Lexington Sustainability Committee Chair, Mark Sandeen. Jan. 28 - Nancy Nelson, National Park Superintendent, will present an update on the Park and the National Park centennial celebration, Mr. Braun is in touch with Lt. Gov. Polito's staff about her attendance. Feb. 25 - MassPort CEO Thomas Glynn March 24 - No meeting, due to Town Meetings April 28 - A new Chair will need to be appointed and elected Based on the usual rotation, the next Chair will be from Concord. Mr. Ng indicated that he is prepared to become Chair and would be glad to take on responsibility for the HATS website. Mr. Braun indicated that he would be glad to assist in the transition Potential future topics include a return-visit by MBTA Executive Director Paul Regan; another roundtable discussion of traffic-management activities; a Task Force update; a discussion with the area Legislators; and a discussion with one or more US Reps Minutes - September 24, 2015 Meeting There were no comments or edits to the minutes Mr. Braun asked for a motion to approve. Mr. Rosenberg moved to approve the 9/24/15 minutes as is. Mr. Ng seconded the motion There was no discussion Vote: Approved 4-0-0 Adjourn Mr Ng moved to adjourn Mr Braun seconded the motion. Vote: Approved 4-0- 0. The meeting adjourned at 8:39pm.