2015-04-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Selectmen’s Meeting April 6, 2015 A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, April 6, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. in Room 148 at the Lexington High School, 251 Worthen Road. Chairman Pato, Mr. Kelley, Ms. Ciccolo and Ms. Barry; and Mr. Valente, Town Manager; and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk, were present. Article Presentations/Positions Article 11a – Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment - Center Streetscape The Selectmen discussed whether they wanted to ask Town Meeting to reconsider Article 11a or not and whether to reconsider the same motion or a different scope of project. Mr. Kelley does not want the project reconsidered, especially since he is against the signalization of the Massachusetts Avenue/Woburn Street intersection. He also feels there was not enough notification to residents about the project. He has concerns about the placement of crosswalks and whether they are safe with or without the signal. He suggests bring the project back to a fall Special Town Meeting or the next Annual Town Meeting. Ms. Barry is in favor of reconsideration and see where Town Meeting wants to go with the project and then get the additional information. Ms. Ciccolo has not made up her mind. She understands Mr. Kelley’s issues regarding whether the project is ready and whether residents have enough information, but also feels it is an important safety project that should not be put off too long. She wants to know what Mr. Cohen’s thoughts are and whether enough additional information could be brought forward for this Town Meeting. Mr. Pato talked with Mr. Cohen and he was disinclined to proceed with the project without the signalization. He would have to be convinced to have the project reconsidered. Mr. Pato feels the intersection needs to be addressed for safety and the sidewalks are currently not safe because of their condition. There needs to be a speedier solution but also have to do a better job of getting information to residents and receiving feedback. Mr. Melendez, 1556 Massachusetts Avenue, is not in favor of the signalization at the Massachusetts Avenue/Woburn Street intersection. He feels the proposed project does not address pedestrian crossing enough. Ms. Hai, Chair of the Capital Expenditures Committee, asked whether the project would be delayed another year if it was not approved at this Town Meeting.