Selectmen introduce new land use director, approve 30-day liquor license extension

LINCOLN -- September 13, 2010, Lincoln Selectmen open the season with $265,000 in health insurance savings and a restructured land use staff. Town Administrator Tim Higgins reported that all six town and school unions voted unanimously to move health coverage to the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Agency, simplifying administration and cutting the town budget by roughly 1 percent. Selectman Noah Eckhouse called it "a great collaborative effort." The board also welcomed Chris Riley as the town's new Director of Planning and Land Use, a consolidated position replacing the former town planner role. Selectmen voted unanimously to grant Lincoln Wine and Cheese Shop applicant Mr. Blakely a 30-day extension on his liquor license approval timeline, set the State of the Town meeting for Nov. 6, and heard that the town offices renovation is now estimated at roughly $6 million, down from an initial $8 million.