November 23, 2005
Special Session 4:15
Ms. Tully, Mr. Edmundson
Ms. Tully reviewed her comments on the State of the Town Forum. Mr. Edmundson noted that this meeting provided an opportunity to communicate with the public. The expense of the mailing written materials is a matter of concern to the Advisory Committee. Perhaps written materials could be provided more often via email or on the website. He suggested that the warrant be sent out in the spring, then the State of the Town Forum in the fall and perhaps a third mailing in January or February updating issues.
Communication was one of the concerns of those attending the Forum. A suggestion was made that the Board publish a quarterly e-mail newsletter. In order to avoid conflicts on town meeting nights the Board could send notes to community organizations asking that activities not be scheduled for those evenings. The School and Recreation Departments should also be asked to cancel activities on those dates.
Another suggestion was that of a neighborhood ombudsman. Someone who would keep neighbors informed of what is going on and where to go when a town service is not working.
Many voiced concern regarding land use and liveability issues including controls on development. It was suggested that the website be used to keep the public aware of projects and development. Possibly the Selectmen's updates could include information update from Planning Board. The question is does the Board want to take a more active stance on development issues. The public looks to the Board of Selectmen for leadership. It is possible the Board could work with the Planning Board or other bodies to draft town planning objectives and revise every two years. Mr. Edmundson said he would like objectives that are concrete and measurable. A certain number of citizens are looking to the Selectmen to make clear objectives regarding development. Mr. Cristello said there was some sense that the Board could be seeking greater mitigation from the developers. The Blue Cross Blue Shield negotiation resulted in a very favorable PILOT payment. The questions are: what are we asking developers to do? Who is doing the asking?
The water issue is something to pursue with the Water Supply Committee. The statute requires that there be a water conservation plan - perhaps the town should create a policy.
There are challenges in keeping the lower prices houses in Town. The Town has approved Brewer Meadows, a rental property. The Housing Authority is developing a property for rental units. If the Board of Selectmen is looking at a LIP perhaps there could be varying levels of subsidy - some at 80%, some at 60%, etc. in addition to the market rate unit. The problem is there is not federal or state money going towards this effort.
Traffic concerns continue. There seems to be a dramatic improvement at High, Free and Main. There is a question of what the Town wants to see in the way of a transportation policy. The Master Plan transportation section is really a traffic study. Ms. Tully said she would like to see a unified approach to the signs along roads, particularly at crosswalks.
Another topic was the creation of public transportation and the possibility of re-routing buses or linkage to the train.
Citizens discusserd beautification of the harborfront and expansion of the harbor park. Mr. Cristello suggested referring these issues to committees and ask for response by a certain date. The Development and Industrial Commission is looking at addressing downtown parking and seeking federal money. The Cecil report should provide a basis for a funding request.
It was the consensus of the Board that education issues should be referred to the School Committee for review.
In summary the two big things issues to surface at the forum were (1) communication - the need to get information out to people and (2) development. The Board agreed that some type of newsletter to update topics from the forum would be sent out. There will be research done on the concept of a voluntary tax.
Ms. Lacy suggested a theme for the next forum might be the involvement of other boards.
The discussion of new public works facility caused the Herseys to look at the existing arrangement for the property being leased to the Town for Department of Public Works use. The proposed license will get the Town through the next several months for $2,200 per month for storage of salt and sand. The Town would have to explore the site for environmental issues and remediation.
Voted - to sign a License Agreement with the Estate of John R. Hersey, Sr. for the property located at 109 Hersey Street.
Meeting adjourned 5:45 PM.
Betty Foley, Clerk