2016-02-09-CEC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes of the Lexington Capital Expenditures Committee (CEC) Meeting February 9, 2016 Projects for the March 2016 Annual Town Meeting: Mr. Kanter reported that the BoS had not taken a position on the Center Streetscape project at its meeting the night before. At the suggestion of Suzie Barry, BoS member, the BoS agreed to create an ad hoc committee including representatives from the stakeholders to review and make recommendations on the elements of the project. Mr. Kanter asked the BoS to include liaisons from the finance committees. Ms. Hai agreed to send a memo to the BoS reinforcing this request. After discussing availability for attending such meetings, it was agreed that she would recommend Mr. Kanter or Ms. Manz. Mr. Kanter also reported that, contrary to his previous understanding, the BoS has not taken a position on a design for the center sidewalks. Ms. Barnett reported having reviewed John Livsey’s (Town Engineer’s) response to questions raised at this Committee’s meeting a week ago regarding the Center Streetscape project. She identified her continued concerns, including: There is no information about the additional cost for breaking the project into three phases. The contingency figure is only 20% of the projected costs, and it should be 25-30%. Bricks cause tripping hazards and can create access issues, but there is a proposal to take bricks out of the current sidewalk and reuse them in the streets for crosswalk borders. The project estimates do not include costs for a project manager. The project includes over $1.0 million for street lights. Value engineering is needed. The “shelf life” for this project has not been identified. The large amount of pavement is likely to cause buckling because of the soil structure. It was suggested that Ms. Barnett submit her personal concerns in a memo to the BoS, with a copy to this Committee. There was discussion about the impact of delaying the project another year. Temporary resurfacing may be necessary in some areas if the project does not proceed in FY2017. In preparation for presenting CEC comments at the next Budget Summit, Ms. Hai reviewed th the January 25 memo she wrote to Mr. Valente regarding this Committee’s positions on the funding and deferral of projects. Projects were discussed, as follows: Parking Meter Replacements—Phase 2: Mr. Cole added his vote in support of this project, making the results 4–1 in support. Grain Mill Alley Improvements: It was reported that Melisa Tintocalis, Economic Development Director, plans to meet with the Community Preservation Committee tomorrow to present changes to the project. There are still uncertainties. Mr. Cole concurred that this project should be deferred, making the vote for deferral 5–0. Wright Farm Needs Assessment and Feasibility Study: It was reported that the Town has agreed to purchase the Wright Farm property “as is”. This committee’s original vote included contingencies. Page 2 of 4