2016-09-01-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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9/1/2016 AC Minutes • The Chiefs office does not have a conference area, and there is no permanent place for a series of rolling files. • The station does not have a protected operations center: an operations center, with an enhanced dispatch system and high tech equipment, should be within the building so that it is protected from adverse conditions or events. > Chief Corr prefers the current location to 171 -173 Bedford Street primarily because it includes easy access to Lexington center. He added that if there is an accident on Routes 128/95 involving hazardous materials 171 -173 Bedford Street would be particularly vulnerable to air -borne toxicity because of the prevailing winds. It was also noted that 171 -173 Bedford Street has radio frequency challenges — requiring hard -wired repeaters. In response to questions about timing, Mr. Addelson suggested that design funds for the station would be requested in the spring of 2017 and construction funds would be requested in 2018. There were questions about the need to request the conceptual design funds at STM 2016 -5. It was agreed to postpone taking a position on this article until after Mr. Michelson talks to Suzie Barry, Chair of the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Kanter advised that the CEC supported the article with the understanding that the Hosmer House and the surrounding land would be included in the analysis. He noted that some time ago the CEC endorsed the concept that public safety building replacements should be the Town's number one priority, with a new fire station being built before a new police station. In response to his concern that the $65,000 request may be inadequate, Mr. Addelson said that the appropriation request could be increased. Ms. Colburn questioned prioritizing public safety over the schools, noting that the environment has changed in recent years because of burgeoning school populations; the high school now has approximately 2,200 students. Mr. Neumeier noted that the current police station was built in the 1950s and the fire station in 1947. Ms. Garberg stressed the need for moving forward with both school and municipal projects, pointing out that debt exclusion referendums are more likely to pass when there is an appropriate balance between the two. Mr. Addelson stated that both municipal and school projects have been included in his financial modeling, using 30 -year debt service assumptions where appropriate, but the model will need to be updated to include funds for the Bedford Street land acquisition. He noted that the approximately $1.5 million proposed for appropriation into the Capital Stabilization Fund under Article 7 during STM 2016 -5 could help offset some of the costs associated with replacing the fire and police stations. In response to questions, he stated that most of the new revenue that has been recognized comes from more Chapter 70 aid than anticipated; although this is a result of growing school enrollments, Lexington is not required to spend Chapter 70 funds on school - related projects because the Town exceeds minimum school spending requirements. He added that the purchase of 171 -173 Bedford Street might be financed with short -term debt and then included with the Hastings Elementary School debt exclusion referendum. • Article 6: Amend FY2017 Operating, Enterprise Fund and CPA Budgets: Mr. Addelson reviewed expected sources for increased revenue, including Chapter 70 state aid (approximately 1.5 million), new growth increases (based on $2.7 million in new growth 2