Lincoln selectmen weigh remote participation rules as boards split on adoption

LINCOLN — February 25, 2013 — Lincoln selectmen take up remote participation, deCordova liquor license and legislative agenda. The Board of Selectmen on Feb. 25 hosted Sen. Michael Barrett and Rep. Tom Stanley for an introductory legislative visit, heard from deCordova director Dennis Kois on Article 29 seeking a beer and wine license, and ran a 45-minute workshop with Town Counsel Joel Bard on whether to authorize remote participation under the Attorney General's regulations. Selectman Peter Braun told legislators Lincoln receives about $250,000 a year in Chapter 90 funds and that the governor's transportation plan would raise that by 50 percent. Bard estimated only 20 to 30 percent of Massachusetts municipalities have adopted remote participation; Lincoln boards split, with the Finance Committee and Housing Commission in favor and the Planning Board citing concerns about document-heavy hearings. The board also endorsed a Lincoln Journal letter and tax-bill stuffer to replenish the Emergency Assistance Fund, which gave out roughly $6,600 last year under a $500 lifetime cap.