2022-11-01-AC-STM#3-rpt - Laserfiche WebLink

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2022-3 STM APPROPRIATION COXMTTEE 25 OCTOBER 2022 SED Associates was hired to conduct a study of a number of options for the replacement heater and a Rooftop Solar Water Heater was identified as the best option because of the low cost to purchase the system plus the low operational costs over its lifespan. This heater will not use fossil fuels. This article seeks to appropriate $60,000 of the increase in the new growth of the tax levy for the purchase and installation of the solar hot water heater. The amount covers all costs related to demolition, disposal, purchase of new system, engineering, construction, landscaping, and other services. Article 11 Appropriate for Center Streetscape Sidewalk Extension Funds Requested Funding Source Committee Recommendation $700,000 Tax Levy Approve (8-0) This article seeks Town Meeting's approval to fund sidewalk improvements to enhance accessibility and to match the aesthetics of the ongoing Center Streetscape Project and the upcoming Lexington Green improvements project. The request includes a 10%contingency. This request will be funded by new growth revenue from the tax levy. The Department of Public Works (DPW) is requesting that funds be approved during this Special Town Meeting so that the work can be implemented as a change order under the current Center Streetscape contractor. This contractor will be able to match the brick that was recently installed on Massachusetts Avenue, and is more likely than a new contractor to reuse existing granite curbing. In the event that this work has to be re-bid in 2023, the overall project cost would be negatively affected by inflation. In addition,the start of the work would be delayed pending approval of a sample installation using new materials by a new contractor. The sidewalk extension upgrades will bring these walkways up to current standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA),providing access ramps and replacing currently uneven surfaces. New brick sidewalks will be constructed on Meriam Street from Abbott's Frozen Custard to Pinot's Palette, on both sides of the Emery Park driveway along the storefronts, and at the entrance to Edison Way from Massachusetts Ave to the first driveway. The brickwork will match the aesthetics of the new sidewalk on Massachusetts Ave in the Center. A concrete sidewalk will be constructed on Meriam Street from Massachusetts Ave to the Visitor's Center. This will match adjacent sidewalks in the future Lexington Green improvementsproject. Article 12 Creation of Housing Trust Funds Requested Funding Source Committee Recommendation None N/A Approve (8-0) This article seeks Town Meeting approval to establish an Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) following the recommendations of the Affordable Housing Trust Study Committee. This trust would, among other things,become the primary repository of the Town's affordable housing funds. An AHT would make affordable housing funds available throughout the entire year, so that special opportunities can be addressed on a timely basis. The ultimate goal of the AHT is to work with a range of developers to increase Lexington's stock of affordable housing. A new chapter which defines the AHT's structure and powers will be added to Lexington's bylaws. An AHT created under this article would be a municipal entity that would accumulate and distribute funds to support affordable housing in the Town. This mechanism is currently used by 128 Massachusetts municipalities. Funds will come from existing sources of affordable housing funds, and from potential new sources. In addition to oversight from the AHT's Board of Trustees, the Town's Finance Department will administer the AHT's accounting, accounts payable, investment of assets, and oversee Trust audits. The Trust's investments would be 9