Board of Selectmen
February 20, 2007
Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 4:35 p.m. by Chairman David Whitcomb in the Town Hall downstairs meeting room. Selectmen present included Deborah Connors, Ronald Bergstrom and Sean Summers. Selectman Douglas Ann Bohman was absent. Town Manager William Hinchey also attended.
On a motion by Connors, seconded by Bergstrom, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of February 13, 2007.
Public Forum:
· Earl Hubbard asked whether the Board would allow input from the public during the upcoming zoning bylaw update discussion and questioned the decision to move responsibility for the zoning bylaw rewrite to Community Development Director Kevin McDonald. Chairman Whitcomb indicated that the Board will be receptive to ideas which move things forward.
· Donald Nolan commented on the appearance of the Community Center and suggested that the Board create a committee to oversee building projects.
The Board discussed:
a) Planning Board, Zoning Bylaw Update – Planning Board Chair, Wayne Jostrand, discussed: Direction - the Planning Board’s original charge was to present an entire package to town meeting but it was felt that it would be difficult to gain town meeting approval of the entire bylaw. The Planning Board has voted to take a different approach and plans to address each section of the bylaw as an entity to bring forward to town meeting. Future – the Planning Board plans to initially address the non-conforming aspects of the bylaw, which are the areas most in need of an update. Process – the white papers are meant to present
a platform for discussion and will be drafted by Kevin McDonald. Discussion included timeframe – Mr. Hinchey indicated that the first white paper should be available in time for completion of the first section and that the delay during the fall was due to his direction of staff to focus on other priorities; addressing affordable housing via the bylaw and addressing 40B proactively. A motion was moved and seconded that after the Planning Board works on the non-conforming issues, the next topic for the zoning bylaw rewrite be affordable housing. Jack Farrell indicated that he disagrees with the Planning Board’s proposed approach due to the interrelation of the various sections of the bylaw and suggested looking at the basics of the bylaw first, before non-conforming issues. Bill Horrock suggested that the definitions in the bylaw be modified as the rewrite moves forward. Earl Hubbard suggested that the Board create a five member ad hoc
committee to develop a new zoning bylaw. Steve Buckley suggested that the approach to amendment of the bylaw be more conceptual using fundamental concepts that are more easily understood. Gloria Freeman suggested working through the current bylaw and including the protections from the Comprehensive Plan. Frank Messina suggested that a plan to proceed is needed to gain public confidence. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.
Page 2 – Board of Selectmen Minutes – 2/20/07
b) Road/Sidewalk Bond – Mr. Hinchey explained that the proposed projects are included in the mid-range capital plan and if approved, will not be completed within the existing tax rate and will cause a tax rate increase of $.01. Highway Superintendent Jeff Colby outlined the proposed projects including intersections, sidewalks/bike paths and roads. Discussion included partnering with the state for projects on Route 28; intersection of Crowell Rd. and Queen Anne – although there have been few accidents, there is a need to improve the geometry and signals; timeline – projects will be scheduled over several years in the spring and
the fall to minimize disruption to the public; crosswalks – need to be addressed; utility poles and trees – taken into consideration; funding such projects within the regular budget – Mr. Hinchey explained that addressing these projects in this manner will accelerate their completion. On a motion by Bergstrom, seconded by Connors, the Board voted unanimously to place this article on the warrant. Bergstrom moved and Connors seconded a motion to approve this article. Coleman Yeaw requested that consideration be given to including a sidewalk between Bridge St. and Main St. Bob Dow requested inclusion of the intersection of Old Queen Anne and Stepping Stone. Mr. Hinchey noted that there is no right of way for a sidewalk on Bridge St. to Main St. but he will look into the suggestion and that proposed projects were prioritized to maximize the use of TIP funds on Route 28. On the motion, the Board voted 3-1, with Summers voting against.
c) Community Center Expenditures – Mr. Hinchey indicated that the issue before the Board is whether or not to address the list of outstanding items now using the balance of the authorization or to seek subsequent funding from town meeting. He noted that the Parks and Recreation Commission has supported completing these items now. Discussion included the need to include audio/visual for the main meeting room – Chris Cannon, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission, spoke in favor of including audio/visual noting that it would benefit the Town through room rental revenues. Bergstrom moved and Connors seconded a motion to allow
funds held back to be used for the purposes listed in the document before the Board. (concession stand at the teen room - $26,500; wood floor in aerobic room - $11,950; exterior building sign - $3,400; replace clock mechanism - $9,800; bleachers in the gym - $10,000; internet installation - $27,000; landscaping materials and tree relocation - $10,000; fencing in sideyard - $5,000; sidewalk to street - $12,900; AV for main meeting room - $250,000) The need for AV facilities was discussed further and it was noted that such facilities will also be available at the Annex. On the motion, the Board voted 3-1, with Summers voting against.
Connors requested that the Board discuss the upcoming reappointment interview process and handbook modification as an agenda item.
Dr. Duncanson announced that there is a meeting scheduled for Monday, February 26th at St. Christopher’s Church regarding the upcoming St. Christopher’s Church/Main Street project.
On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously at 6:48 p.m. on a roll call vote (Summers, Connors, Bergstrom, Whitcomb – yea) to enter executive session to discuss land acquisition, with no public meeting to follow.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Smulligan
Recording Clerk
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