HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-07-28-HATS-min HATS Meeting
July 28, 2011
DRAFT Meeting Minutes
Members Present: Elise Woodward, Chair; Sara Mattes, Lincoln Selectmen; Michael Rosenberg,
Bedford Selectmen; Richard Canale, Lexington Planning Board; Dan Boynton, Lincoln Planning
Board; Doris Cole, Concord Planning Board; Dorothy Steele, Massport
Others present: John Corcoran, HAFB; Andy Friedberg, Lexington Representative
Ms. Woodward opened the meeting at 7:35 p.m. and welcomed everyone.
Updates:
Crosby's Corner Construction: Mr. Boynton has spent the last 18 years working on this project and
it is nearing its end. He gave an update on the construction and said a number of important
accomplishments have taken place in the past few weeks. Federal funding for this project has been
approved and there are technical and bureaucratic things to be worked out but there will be no more
public hearings. The Committee discussed funding for the area towns including specific projects to
be covered. There will be some conservation and wetland remediation involved. The project will be
advertised in late September for bidding for a 6-month period. In January 2012 an award will be
granted with construction to begin in June or July. Plans and drawings will be available for viewing
in the Lincoln Planning Board's office in a few weeks as well as in the MassDOT District 4 office.
Ms. Woodward congratulated Mr. Boynton on the success and progress of this project. Ms. Cole
asked about the length of time expected for construction and it is anticipated that the major part of
the construction will take 3 years, with an additional year for the landscaping and curbing. The
Committee discussed traffic issues during the construction period. Mr. Corcoran asked that the base
be added to the list of organizations to inform when construction begins.
Battle Road Scenic Byway, MAGIC and MPO: Mr. Canale said after 15 years this is his last meeting
as a HATS representative for the Planning Board. However, he will still be a part of MAGIC. At
the last MAGIC meeting, there was a presentation on the Battle Road Scenic Byway with a half hour
of questions. There is legislation proposed to extend the byway in Arlington and in Concord (to
Barrett Farm) and the hope is to extend in the fall. In the fall there will be an election for a new
Treasurer. There are 14 voting members of MPO; effective November 1st MPO membership will
move to 22 where every sub region will have a representative. There will be a reorganization of
MAGIC which will provide more municipal representation and will now include Bedford and
Framingham. Ms. Mattes said Mr. Canale has been an incredible contribution to all the towns and
everyone agreed he will be missed.
HFAC/Streamline Air Charter Service: The last meeting was fairly brief. Streamline Air Charter
Service will be adding service from Trenton to Florida. Mr. Friedrich stated there was considerable
concern expressed about service expansion and how future expansions would be impacted. There
was not a clear understanding where the FAA stands regarding this and there is a proposal to use jet
aircraft versus turbo aircraft. Streamline Air is considering what might be possible to grow their
business. There are still two daily runs from New Jersey. There was a reference made to the
Lexington Colonial Times July/August 2011 edition, which has a private publisher. The FAA
shutdown has impacted FAA funded construction projects so no new construction can begin but this
will not impact the tower or safety projects. Any types of operations for the air charter out of HAFB
HATS July 28, 2011
are below half of the level that would trigger an environmental review. Noise levels are down and
the message on the noise complaint line has been changed to provide information regarding military
operations. Joint military force exercises are going on based out of Hanscom in the evenings and
will increase air traffic through 8/6. Town Managers have been informed.
MassDOT: Ms. Mattes referred to a press release from MassDOT regarding a fatal truck rollover
accident in Saugus. There is a proposal to route trucks transporting hazardous materials from Route
1 to Route 128. No analysis has been done regarding density areas on Route 95 in Waltham so more
review is necessary to determine if rerouting is a safer option. One issue is these types of accidents
would shut down Route 1, blocking safety vehicles during the winter. There will be a public hearing
in Waltham on Tuesday 8/30 in the Clark Government Center main auditorium. More information
can be found by calling there. The Committee discussed traffic and safety issues.
Hanger 24 Amicus Brief Discussion: On July 12th the first circuit court denied the petition Hanger 24
can be demolished. FAA complied with relevant regulation and statutes relative to jet activity but
they are committed to regulating noise.
Air Force Social: Potential dates were discussed keeping in mind that the Air Force anniversary is
8/17 (to be celebrated on 8/16) along with a busy few months of activities. The point of the social
event is to show appreciation as a community. It was agreed to postpone this event until another
time. A subcommittee will discuss options. Mr. Corcoran suggested waiting for General Davis to
arrive. HAFB is still awaiting change of command, hiring freezes and expects another realignment.
Minutes:
Mr. Rosenberg moved to approve the December 8, 2010 minutes as edited. Ms. Mattes seconded the
motion. Approved 3-0-0. The edits for the May 2011 minutes will be made and circulated.
Future meeting dates:
September 8, 2011 - Town Managers and administrators will be invited to discuss challenges and
opportunities, including OPEB.
October 27, 2011 —History of HATS can be presented and discussed.
December 8, 2011 will be a combined November/December meeting.
Future meeting topics: The Finance Committee members will be invited to be an earlier part of the
budget process.
Adjourn: Mr. Mattes moved to adjourn. Ms. Rosenberg seconded the motion. Approved 3-0-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm.
2