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2014-03-31Minutes Minutes Town of Lexington Appropriation Committee March31,2014 : Ellen StoneRoom, Cary MemorialBuilding,6:30p.m. :Glenn Parker, Chair; John Bartenstein, Vice Chair and Secretary; Mollie Garberg;Alan Levine;Susan McLeish;Eric Michelson; Jonina Schonfeld;Richard Neumeier Members Absent:Robert Cohen Other Attendees:Theo Kalivas, Budget Officer; Dawn McKenna, Chair, Tourism Committee The meetingwas calledto order at 6:45p.m. Minutes: 1.It was agreed to approve minutes at the next meeting because comments are still being incorporated. Review and Confirm Positions on Warrant Articles: 2.Mr. Levine reported having looked at the Hartwell Avenue/Bedford Streettraffic islands,and, given the cost,hequestions the need for the landscaping that is recommended in Article 10(l)Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment; Traffic Island Renovations. He believes the islands don’tlook any worse than other islands in town. He asked that his vote to support this article be changed to a no vote. Mr. Neumeier decided to also change his vote from yes to no. The vote will now stand at 7-2 in favor of the project. Others reiterated their support of the project, noting the importance of supporting growth in businesses on Hartwell Avenue. There was discussion about Article 10(a)Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment; Center Streetscape Improvements and Easements and Article 10(h)Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment; Sidewalk Improvements and Easements. Mr. Bartenstein is supporting these projects but is concerned that other corridors, such as Massachusetts Avenue in East Lexington and Bedford Street, are not getting adequateattention. It was noted that some questions are being asked by Town Meeting members about Article 23 Amendments to the District Agreement of the Minuteman Regional Vocational School District. Mr. Michelson said thatthe Minuteman School Committee will respond to questions. He will comment briefly for this Committee at Town Meeting. He clarified that only a majority vote is required at Town Meeting but Lexington’s passage of the article does not mean theamendments will be adopted. All Minuteman member communities are voting on whether to accept the amendments, and they will only be adopted if all the member communitiessupport them. Announcements: 3.Mr. Kalivas reported on changes in the most recent budget materials. These primarily reflect theremoval of$1.0 million from the healthinsurance line item (2300) because the premiums willnot be as high as originally projected.It is proposed that these funds be allocated to the high school modular buildings ($495,000) and the Capital Debt Service Fund ($505,000). 1