2016-01-29-CEC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes of the Lexington Capital Expenditures Committee (CEC) Meeting January 29, 2016 Mr. Parker reported that the AC had discussed the draft memo at its recent meeting and there was concern expressed that it was asking too much of the School Committee and Dr. Czajkowski, particularly at this stage in the process for the projects that are being considered at the STM. The AC members support efforts to enhance communications with the School Committee, but there were reservations about the memo, as written, being the right tool toward that end. Mr. Kanter suggested that the document needs a mission statement, while adding that he does not want the memo to disrupt the current process for the projects being brought to STM. After additional discussion, Ms. Hai concluded that the memo should have a clarifying introduction that explains the document's potential use in improving the process for future projects; the introduction should emphasize that it is not reflective on the past. She envisions minimally sharing the document with the School Committee Chair, perhaps from the Chairs - plus -One group rather than the finance committees, as a communication effort and not as a directive. FY2017 Town Manager's Preliminary Budget & Financing Plan ( "White Book "): Ms. Hai reported on Monday night's Board of Selectmen (BoS) meeting, where she presented the CEC's position on the capital projects that were in conflict with what was funded or deferred in the White Book, as follows: • Fire HQ Exercise Room: This project was deferred in the White Book, but was supported by the CEC for funding in FY2017. The BoS decided to support the project. • Hartwell Avenue Area Transportation Improvements: Although supported by the CEC because it would provide a pedestrian crossing at Eldred and Bedford Streets, the BoS left it deferred based on being told there is not adequate engineering capacity for this project in FY2017. • Visitors' Center: While this project is not being supported by the BoS or this Committee, the BoS heard from its proponents. • Center Streetscape: There is opposition and reservations about this project. This Committee has requested additional information on the safety and infrastructure elements, and has questioned whether "decorative" elements could be postponed. The current funding request is only for Phase 1. The BoS postponed taking a position on this project until their February 8th meeting. Peter Kelley, BoS, wants estimates for burying the overhead utility wires. Michelle Ciccolo, BoS, wants to explore the advisability of funding all three phases of the project to avoid periodic disruptions and ensure efficiency. Ms. Hai suggested that if the entire project is funded, Ms. Barnett's desire to hold a debt exclusion vote for the project should be considered. Ms. Hai added that there were some questions about the CEC's role and timing of its input to the BoS. Member Concerns and Liaison Reports: Mr. Kanter reported that he had advised the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) at its meeting yesterday of this Committee's Page 2 of 3