December 17, 2007
Special Session 6:00 pm
Ms. Tully, Mr. Riley, Ms. Burns
Creation of Voting Precinct
Ms. Tully explained that there had been a request from the residents of Linden Ponds to create an additional precinct or sub-precinct at Linden Ponds. She noted that Precinct 6 is out of line and the situation will only get worse with the expected expansion of Linden Ponds. Mr. Cristello advised that Town Counsel had spoken to the Elections Commission and found that the town would not be able to qualify under that section of the law that allows the creation of a sub-precinct by Selectmen's vote because that section applies only to communities with representative town meeting. In order to create a sub-precinct, it would be necessary to request action from the legislature. Such legislative action does not bind the Town to creating a sub-precinct put does give the town the option. Ms. Burns said she had discussed her concerns relative to the creation of a sub-precinct at Linden Ponds with Ms. McCracken. Mr. Cristello also noted that it is not clear if town meeting action is necessary.
Voted - to request Senator Hedlund and Representative Bradley to file special legislation for the creation of a sub-precinct.
Voted - to approve the minutes of October 16, 30 and November 27, 2007.
Tunnel Cap
Mr. Cristello explained that the proposed contract for installation of a brick walkway over the tunnel cap would be for labor only. The materials are being [purchased directly in order to match existing brickwork in the area.
Voted - to sign a contract for installation of a brick walkway over the MBTA tunnel cap with S & V Excavation Inc. in the amount of $62,238.00.
Voted - to sign an employment agreement with Ted Alexiades to serve as Town Accountant/Finance Director through June 30, 2010.
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Voted - to grant request for counsel as submitted by the Community Preservation Committee.
Selectmen/Town Administrator's Reports
Ms. Tully said she met with Mr. Hastings regarding the size of the units proposed for the Hersey House property. It is Ms. Tully's contention that the units as originally proposed were to be 1800-2000 square feet. She noted that the original offer was for 20 units at a high selling price but the number of units and the price were reduced during the process. She explained to Mr. Hastings that this matter was being brought up now to prevent further time and money being spent on a project with larger units. Mr. Hastings said that Mass Housing had scrutinized this carefully and that he has a very good understanding of the real estate dynamics in town. He expects to lose approximately $400,000 per affordable unit. Ms. Tully said that when the Selectmen reduced the number of units she felt there was a clear understanding of what was intended. Ms. Burns remarked that this is the point where Mr. Hastings' interest and that of the Town are diametrically opposed. The Board wants a project with smaller units that will meet the needs of a particular market.
Mr. Hastings said changing the proportion between the first and second floors can reduce the footprint but the size is what people want. He said that he has found that people who have lived in town for many years don't want to change the amenities they are accustomed to. Ms. Burns asked if Mr. Hastings would rather not do the project if the units were restricted to no more than 2,000 square feet. He replied that he does not want to build a home that nobody wants to buy. He went on to say that this was an extremely expensive site and the reduction of the number of units did not change the architectural and engineering costs or the cost of infrastructure of roadways, sewer, etc. Extraordinary expenses include moving the barn and restoration of the Hersey House itself. Mr. Kalblack said he did not see anything in the materials that limited the square footage of the units. Mr. Riley noted that the Selectmen have the final say. Mr. Kalblack said he cannot find any reference to the Selectmen's final approval in the documents and asked to speak to Town Counsel. Ms. Burns said that when the project was changed from a LIP the Board preserved the same approvals.
Mr. Hastings advised the Board that he had already reduced the units from 2400-2500 sq. ft. to 2200 sq. ft. The Board reiterated their intention of having units no larger than 2000 square feet. Mr. Hastings and Mr. Kalblack said there is a P & S and they disagree with the Board's position that it has final approval authority on the project. Mr. Kalblack commented that any seller can make a stupid decision but you do so at your own risk.
Mr. Hastings asked the Board if there was any interest in removing the age restriction or moving the Hersey House. Ms. Tully said the Board would take the age restriction under consideration but there was no interest in moving the Hersey House. Mr. Hastings indicated that he was unsure if he would be interested in removal of the age restriction.
Other Reports
Ms. Burns said she had attended a meeting on Wednesday with representatives of Avalon Bay about including their property in a 40R district. The incentive payment to the Town for the creation of such a district is $200,000. There are also incentives of $2,000 per unit but if Avalon held back in order to pull the permits after the fact it would cost them. Mr. Riley said he had received calls from residents in the Lincoln Square area requesting lights to shine on the area. The Board agreed that Ms. Young should be involved and a neighborhood meeting held to discuss the possibility.
Meeting adjourned 7:00 pm.
Betty Foley, Clerk