HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-10-26-HATS-min Hanscom Area Towns Selectmen
Draft Minutes: October 26, 2017
Attending: HATS Selectmen Suzie Barry, Lexington; Jonathan Dwyer, Lincoln; Mike Rosenberg,
Bedford, chair Other HATS representatives Peter Braun, Lincoln, Margaret Coppe and Andy Friedlich,
Lexington.Others in attendance: Col. Roman Hund, commander, 66th Air Base Group; Chuck Paone and
Jessica Casserly, Hanscom AFB Public Affairs; Amber Goodspeed, director of airport operations,
Hanscom Field, Kati Winchell, Save Our Heritage
Col. Hund said this is his second annual report to HATS, and he will focus on Hanscom's recent
evolution and growth. Hanscom is part of the Air Force Materials Command, and its primary mission is
called life cycle management Hanscom supports some geographically separated units, including
operations in New Hampshire and on Cape Cod and the MITRE Corp. in Bedford. He also noted that the
base hosts Massachusetts National Guard headquarters, ROTC programs,professional development for
officers, and honor guard details. The total annual economic impact is around$6 billion. The Defense
Department is investing $693 million in the installation this decade, including planned improvements at
Lincoln Laboratories.
The colonel emphasized that Hanscom is the only active Air Force base in New England, and thus
provides services to active and reserve personnel in the six-state region and Upstate New York He noted
that the 66th is one of nine organizations that compose the base population.The new collaboration and
innovation center is emblematic of the partnership between the commonwealth and Hanscom AFB, Col.
Hund said He also noted the land transfer that facilitated the Vandenberg Gate improvements, and
partnerships with industries. Forty-two percent of the privatized housing units are occupied by active Air
Force personnel.Col. Hund cited several high-ranking Air Force officials who have spent time at
Hanscom in recent months
Col Hund said long-anticipated improvements to the Vandenberg Gate are covered in the current military
budget proposal. Work is ongoing toward a temporary expanded vehicle inspection area.Col. Hund
reported that the new middle school building is completed and the new elementary school is scheduled to
open in November 2019 A 66-room dormitory will open in June 2018 A systems management
engineering facility will be added beginning next spring.
Other federal offices are relocating to Hanscom. The Army Corps of Engineers and 350 employees will
relocate from Concord beginning in 2019, saving some $2 million a year Acquisition Management, with
289 personnel (some already on site), is scheduled for 2020 completion. The Defense Contract
Management Agency, with some 325 employees, is relocating from Boston, with an annual cost saving of
$3.4 million. The agency will use a former research laboratory. The base has now committed all of its
excess capacity, the colonel said The $39 5 million contract for a plant generating steam and power has a
payback period of 10 years, Col. Hund said.
There are plans to improve traffic flows at base entrances, with multiple lanes and more monitoring
personnel, the colonel said. He also noted growth of vanpool use. The colonel said officials are
investigating ways to facilitate access for food and newspaper delivery Mr Braun noted that HATS plans
to hold another round-table discussion on local transportation options, sharing experiences and
opportunities
Asked by Selectman Barry if he sees a need for mission support space outside the boundaries of the base,
Col Hund said it is too soon to tell, but he senses that he is running out of room In answer to Selectman
Rosenberg's question, the colonel confirmed that some military personnel are still commuting from area
towns. In answer to Selectman Dwyer's question, the colonel said the base volunteer coordinator would
be glad to hear about service opportunities in area towns Selectman Dwyer also encouraged consideration
of bicycle sharing.Asked by Selectman Barry if local representatives do a good job of making Air Force
personnel aware of activities in the communities, the group commander said everyone has been very
welcoming. Selectman Barry also noted plans to replace a bridge on Hartwell Avenue, which will have
implications for vehicles in and out of the air base.
In the category of municipal news, Selectman Barry said Lexington town meeting approved construction
of a new elementary school,preschool and fire station An $85 million debt exclusion vote is scheduled
for Dec. 4. Mrs. Coppe noted that Lexington's public school population ranks 22nd in Massachusetts.
Town meeting also approved rezoning for laboratory and office space and a parking facility on land off
Hayden Avenue. There were also votes approving both a prohibition of and moratorium on recreational
marijuana dispensaries Zagster will be operating a bicycle sharing facility in the town In answer to a
question from Selectman Rosenberg, Selectman Barry said planned improvements to the Bedford Street-
Hartwell Avenue corridor are on the state Transportation Improvement Plan
Selectman Rosenberg reported that Bedford town meeting on Nov 6 and 7 will decide issues that include
rezoning the former military housing compound on Pine Hill Road to accommodate a specific
development; and a study of achieving jet zero. Mr. Braun recommended that HATS out together another
multi-tow discussion on energy conservation efforts Selectman Dwyer said Lincoln voters will assemble
on Nov. 4 for the annual non-binding state-of-the-town session. The agenda includes proposals for new
school and community venter construction and environmental issues.
Ms Goodsped noted that the comment period closes on Nov 9 for the proposed scope of the next
Hanscom Field Environmental Status and Planning Report. Mr. Rosenberg reported on a meeting of the
Restoration Advisory Board on Oct. 24, updating efforts to oversee and restore contamination on the
airfield The sites are managed under the Environmental Protection Agency and are the responsibility of
the Air Force. Mr. Braun asked for information about the new executive director of the Massachusetts
Port Authority Community Advisory Council.
Upcoming meetings will include Nov 30,with the two state senators and state representative of the
Lexington district; Jan 18, local transportation round table; and Feb 22, an update on Minute Man
National Park. There will be no HATS meeting in march. Mr. Braun reminded that Dr. Tom Glynn, chief
executive of Massport, may be available for his annual meeting in the spring
The meeting was adjourned at 9.15 p m