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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-04-27-ATM-min ADJOURNED SESSION — 1998 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING APRIL 27, 1998 The April 27, 1998 Adjourned Session of the 1998 Annual Town Meeting was called to order by Moderator Margery M. Battin, at 8:10 p.m., in Cary Memorial Hall. A quorum of 167 members was present. 8:10 P.M. The Moderator announced that articles would be taken up in order this evening except for articles 54 and 55 which would be the first order of business on Wednesday, April 29 The Moderator explained that it was expected Indefinite Postponement would be moved on articles 12, 16, 22, 24, 27, and 31 and that the long standing practice of Reconsideration is for people to inform the membership at least one session prior to the meeting at which reconsideration may be moved. ARTICLE 2: REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS, COMMITTEES 8:14 p.m. George Woodbury, Director of Public Works, recognized the Town's custodial staff in their efforts to make Cary Hall shine. Mr. Woodbury introduced the staff who were recognized by the membership with a standing ovation. 8:15 p.m. Appropriation Committee Chairman Paul Lapointe responded to an earlier request from Robert Whitman, pr.8, for a recap on the status of Free Cash and acknowledged work done by the Board of Selectmen and School Committee, in particular Selectman Peter Enrich and School Committee member Barrie Peltz, to present a balanced budget. Mr. Lapointe provided an explanation on the status of free cash along with a free cash allocation analysis. ARTICLE 11: STREET RELATED IMPROVEMENTS 8:23 p.m. Presented by Selectman Dan H. Fenn, Jr. ------------------ - - - - -- MOTION: That the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen be authorized to issue Highway Reimbursement Notes of the Town under G.L. c.44, sec. 6, as amended, in anticipation of reimbursement by the Commonwealth for highway reconstruction and improvements under the authority of Chapter 90 of the General Laws as funded, and that notes issued for a shorter period than two years may be refunded by the issue of new notes maturing within two years from the date of the original obligation, and that the Selectmen are authorized to accept highway funds from all sources including the $700, 000 allocated under Chapter 90 of the General Laws which are hereby appropriated for such highway purposes. ------------------------ --- Mr. Fenn explained street resurfacing needs and that the plans for this article also include costs for a traffic signal at the intersection of Bedford Street and the Minuteman Bikeway. Mr. Fenn provided an update on the status of street resurfacing and how far behind the Town is in the street resurfacing program. He also addressed the software for inventory /analysis of street needs. Mr. Fenn reported the Selectmen unanimously recommended approval. 8:30 p.m. Marita Hartshorn, Bicycle Advisory Committee, spoke in favor of the article and explained that the Committee, concerned about safety at the crossing, had advocated for the Bedford Street signal for the past two years. Ms. Hartshorn summarized reasons for support of the Minuteman Bikeway. 8:35 p.m. Charles Hornig reported the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously recommends increasing the appropriation to $980,000, explaining the past street resurfacing under - funding, but will not be moving to amend the article. Adjourned Session —1998 Annual Town Meeting, cont.... April 27, 1998 8:40 p.m. Appropriation Committee Chairman Paul Lapointe explained the Committee endorses a multi -year plan to deal with the problem but also agrees with the Selectmen's Free Cash policy, therefore the Appropriation Committee unanimously supports Article 11 as proposed. 8:41 p.m. Ephraim Weiss, pr.5, questioned the amount requested for appropriation and if the town is fully utilizing Chapter 90 funds. Mr. Fenn explained the amount is $700,000 and explained he was unaware of any year the town had not used every penny of funds available. 8:43 p.m. Ephraim Weiss, pr.5, questioned how soon a report of the analysis of street conditions would be available. Mr. Fenn explained that results for 1/3 of the streets is expected next year. 8:45 p.m. Sheldon Spector, pr.6, questioned the segments of Massachusetts Avenue and Waltham Street to be resurfaced, the status of street construction on upper Spring Street, status of street construction on Grant Street, pot holes, and the bicycle path signal being funded from Chapter 90 funds under Article 11. Peter Chalpin, Senior Engineer, explained Waltham St. from Marrett Road to Route 2 and Massachusetts Avenue from Woburn St. to Tower Park would be resurfaced. He also explained the status of upper Spring Street, Grant Street and potholes. 8:50 p.m. Selectman Dan Fenn explained the Selectmen feel strongly the Bedford Street light is an important safety matter and Chapter 90 is the most satisfactory method to fund it this year. 8:51 p.m. David Kanter, pr.7, questioned the right of way to bicyclists when the signal is present. Mr. Fenn explained cyclists may cross only if a light tells them they can. Mr. Kanter spoke in opposition to the motion, stating the amount is inadequate. 8:53 p.m. Alan Lazarus, pr.6, commented on the poor condition of the zebra striping at the Bedford Street bikeway crossing and encouraged it be a priority for striping. 8:54 p.m. David Rudner, pr.2, questioned the software package to be used for assessment of road conditions. Public Works Director George Woodbury explained that many packages may be incorporated into the planned purchase. 8:55 p.m. David Rudner, pr.2, questioned the Capital Expenditures Committee on the cost of reconstruction vs. resurfacing. Public Works Director George Woodbury explained the difference. 8:55 p.m. David Rudner, pr.2, commented on the costs incurred by not staying on schedule with the resurfacing. 8:56 p.m. Selectman Dan Fenn explained the risks of delaying resurfacing but that the software package will help to assess and identify the risks for each street. 8:57 p.m. Robert Whitman, pr.8, moved the question. 8:58 p.m. Following a voice vote the Moderator declared the main question now before the meeting. 8:58 p.m. Following a voice vote, the Moderator declared the motion adopted. 8:58 p.m. William Kennedy, Capital Expenditures Committee, served notice of reconsideration of Article 11. Adjourned Session —1998 Annual Town Meeting, cont.... April 27, 1998 ARTICLE 12: STREET RECONSTRUCTION 8:58 p.m. Presented by Selectman Dan H. Fenn, Jr. ------------------------------------ MOTION: That this article be indefinitely postponed. ------------------------------------ 8:59 p.m. Mr. Fenn explained the purpose of moving indefinite postponement. 8:59 p.m. Charles Hornig reported the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously recommended indefinite postponement. 8:59 p.m. Isabel Mroczkowski reported support of the Appropriation Committee for indefinite postponement. 8:59 p.m. Following a voice vote, the Moderator declared the motion adopted. ARTICLE 13: STREET ACCEPTANCE AND CONSTRUCTION 9:00 P.M. Presented by Selectman Dan H. Fenn, Jr. ------------------------------------ MOTION: To establish as Town ways and accept the layout of the following Town ways: Butterfield Road from Maple Street westerly to the 1990 town layout of Butterfield Road; Currier Court from Webb Street to its terminus; Granger Pond Way from Lowell Street to its terminus; John Hosmer Lane from Butterfield Road to its terminus; Schoolhouse Lane from Concord Avenue to its terminus; Sedge Road from the end of the 1961 town layout of Sedge Road 150 feet westerly. All as laid out by the Selectmen and shown upon plans on file in the office of the Town Clerk, dated November 6, 1995, August 29, 1997 and November 7, 1997, and to authorize the Selectmen to take by eminent domain, purchase or otherwise acquire any fee, easement or other interest in land necessary therefor. ----------------------------- 9:00 P.M. Selectman Dan Fenn explained the streets to be accepted under the subdivision control law, except that the Sedge Road acceptance is due to the work to be performed by LexHab to develop the town -owned lot. 9:02 p.m. Francis X. Fields, Town Engineer, explained the process of street construction under the subdivision control, and inspection by the Engineering Department. 9:03 p.m. Selectman Dan Fenn expressed unanimous support by the Selectmen for this article and took the opportunity to also express the support and gratitude of the Selectmen to Frank Fields, in recognition of his upcoming retirement, for all he has done for the Town of Lexington over the past years. Mr. Fields thanked Town Meeting and the Board of Selectmen. 9:05 p.m. John Davies, pr.4, as Vice Chairman of the Planning Board, reported the Board was unanimously in favor of the article. 9:05 p.m. John Davies moved that the report of the Planning Board on Article 13 be accepted and placed on file. Following a unanimous voice vote, the Moderator declared the report to have been accepted and placed on file. Adjourned Session —1998 Annual Town Meeting, cont.... April 27, 1998 9:05 p.m. Charles Hornig, Capital Expenditures Committee, reminded the meeting that every street acceptance makes the need for street resurfacing greater. 9:06 p.m. Following a voice vote, the Moderator declared the motion under Article 13 unanimously adopted. ARTICLE 14: PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT 9:06 p.m. Presented by Selectman Jeanne Krieger. --------------------------- MOTION: That the sum of $364,529 be appropriated for the purchase by or with the approval of the Selectmen of equipment for the Department of Public Works, and that to meet the appropriation $48,500 shall be transferred from the Water Enterprise Fund, $48,500 shall be transferred from the Sewer Enterprise Fund, and $267,529 shall be raised in the tax levy. ----------------------------- 9:07 p.m. Selectman Jeanne Krieger explained the equipment replacement needs and plans and that the Selectmen recommend approval of this article. 9:08 P.M. Charles Hornig reported the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously recommends approval. 9:08 P.M. William Kennedy, Capital Expenditures Committee, served Notice of Reconsideration on Article 13. 9:09 P.M. Ronald Colwell reported support of the Appropriation Committee for this article. 9:09 P.M. Following a voice vote, the Moderator declared the motion adopted. 9:09 P.M. William Kennedy, Capital Expenditures Committee, served Notice of Reconsideration on Article 14. ARTICLE 15: TOWN BUILDING ENVELOPE PROGRAM 9:09 P.M. Presented by Selectman Jeanne Krieger. ---------------------------- MOTION: That the sum of $287,600 be appropriated for remodeling, reconstructing and making extraordinary repairs to Town buildings, and that such amount be raised in the tax levy. ------------------------------ 9:09 P.M. Selectman Jeanne Krieger explained the project needs and plans for this year, reporting that the Board of Selectmen recommended approval. 9:12 p.m. Charles Hornig reported the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously recommends approval of this article. 9:12 p.m. Ronald Colwell reported the Appropriation Committee unanimously recommends approval of this article. 9:12 p.m. Following a voice vote, the Moderator declared the motion adopted. 9:12 p.m. William Kennedy, Capital Expenditures Committee, served Notice of Reconsideration on Article 15. Adjourned Session —1998 Annual Town Meeting, cont.... April 27, 1998 ARTICLE 16: BEDFORD STREET TRAFFIC SIGNALS 9:13 p.m. Presented by Selectman Elizabeth Eddison. --------------------------------- MOTION: That this article be indefinitely postponed. -------------------------------- 9:13 p.m. Following a voice vote, the Moderator declared the motion adopted. ARTICLE 17: DPW FACILITY STUDY 9:13 p.m. Presented by Selectman Peter Enrich. ------------------------- MOTION: That the sum of $75,000 be appropriated for architectural and engineering services in order to determine the physical plant needs of the Public Works Department building located at 201 Bedford Street, and that such amount be raised in the tax levy. ------------------------------------- 9:13 p.m. Selectman Peter Enrich explained the needs for the study and addressed its relationship to any possible plans for moving the DPW facility. Mr. Enrich reported the Board of Selectmen recommended approval. 9:15 p.m. Charles Hornig reported the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously recommends approval. 9:15 p.m. Isabel Mroczkowski reported the Appropriation Committee unanimously recommends approval. 9:15 p.m. Dawn McKenna, pr.9, spoke in opposition. 9:17 p.m. David Kanter, pr.7, questioned the cost basis for the $75,000 and likelihood for achieving stated objectives with the $75,000. 9:17 p.m. Public Works Director George Woodbury explained that it would be a fixed -price contract and priorities would be established. 9:18 P.M. Jacqueline Davison, pr.3, expressed her reservations on the expenditure and identified other facilities needing attention and of the need to address the issue in total. 9:19 P.M. Kenneth Reich, pr.4, addressed the "21E" site assessment. 9:19 P.M. Public Works Director George Woodbury responded. 9:19 P.M. Kenneth Reich, pr.4, questioned if the scope of work had been developed for the 21E study and if the article is approved what is the Town authorized to do regarding remediation. 9:19 P.M. Selectman Peter Enrich explained the Board of Selectmen will review with care any scope of work to be done at the site. 9:19 P.M. Ira Bernstein, pr.2, questioned Mr. Woodbury on how long the project will take. 9:19 P.M. Mr. Woodbury explained the work expected to be completed by next town meeting. 9:21 p.m. David Kaufman, pr. 6, commented on any possible site remediation and benefits to the community. 9:22 p.m. Joyce Miller, pr. 7, encouraged Public Works to conduct the study due to the site location near the North Lexington Brook. Adjourned Session —1998 Annual Town Meeting, cont.... April 27, 1998 9:23 p.m. Paul Chernick, pr.6, echoed not avoiding the remediation and supported funding a study upon which to base further action. 9:24 p.m. Following a voice vote, the Moderator declared the motion adopted. 9:24 p.m. William Kennedy, Capital Expenditures Committee, served Notice of Reconsideration on Article 17. ARTICLE 18: LANDFILL STUDY 9:25 p.m. Presented by Selectman Peter Enrich. --------------------------- MOTION: That the sum of $170,000 be appropriated for engineering services and an environmental assessment of the closed landfill on Hartwell Avenue, and that such amount be raised in the tax levy. ---------------------------- 9:25 p.m. Selectman Enrich explained the need to assess the landfill closure completed in 1981 since the State, having no documentation the landfill was properly closed, has outlined acceptable procedures for the Town to take. Mr. Enrich reported the Selectmen recommended approval. 9:27 p.m. Charles Hornig reported the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously recommends approval and commented on possible upcoming expenses. 9:28 p.m. Isabel Mroczkowski reported the Appropriation Committee recommends approval. 9:28 p.m. David Kanter, pr.7, questioned the D.E.P. approval timeline. Selectman Enrich explained the process. 9:28 p.m. Following a voice vote, the Moderator declared the motion adopted. 9:28 p.m. William Kennedy, Capital Expenditures Committee, served Notice of Reconsideration on Article 18. ARTICLE 19: PURCHASE FIRE EQUIPMENT 9:29 p.m. Presented by Selectman Daniel P. Busa, Jr. ------------------------- MOTION: That the sum of $105,000 be appropriated for the purchase of a new ambulance, and that such amount be raised in the tax levy. -------------------- - - - - -- 9:29 p.m. Selectman Busa explained the need to replace the Rescue 2 ambulance and stated the Board of Selectmen recommended approval. 9:30 p.m. Chankey Touart, Capital Expenditures Committee, stated the unanimous support of this article by the Committee. 9:30 p.m. Steven Coit, Appropriation Committee, stated the unanimous support of this article by the Committee. 9:30 p.m. Following a voice vote, the Moderator declared the motion adopted. 9:30 p.m. William Kennedy, Capital Expenditures Committee, served Notice of Reconsideration on Article 19. Adjourned Session —1998 Annual Town Meeting, cont.... April 27, 1998 ARTICLE 20: PURCHASE ELECTIONS OPTICAL SCAN SYSTEM 9:30 p.m. Presented by Selectman Jeanne Krieger ----------------- -------- MOTION: That the sum of $99,000 be appropriated for the purchase of an optical scanning election system, and that such amount be raised in the tax levy. -------------------- - - - - -- 9:30 p.m. Selectman Krieger explained the status and condition of the current AVM election system and request for purchasing a state of the art system consisting of optical scanners, ballot boxes, voting booths, and other equipment. Ms. Krieger reported the Board of Selectmen recommended approval. 9:35 p.m. Chankey Touart, Capital Expenditures Committee, reported unanimous support of the Committee for this article and stated they found it to be particularly timely. 9:35 p.m. Paul Lapointe, Appropriation Committee, reported unanimous support of the Committee for this article and pointed to possible financial benefits. 9:35 p.m. Nyles Barnert, pr.4, asked how long it would take to re- program the scanner cards for a new election. 9:35 p.m. Town Clerk Donna M. Hooper responded that the cards could be programmed well within the 3 5 days required by law to call an election. 9:36 p.m. Alan Lazarus, pr.6, asked if it was possible to write -in candidates on the new system. Ms. Hooper explained that the new system could handle write -ins. 9:36 p.m. Ira Bernstein, pr.2, asked if the new system would be installed for the November election. Ms. Hooper explained the intent would be to implement the new system with the March, 1999 town election. 9:37 p.m. Sheldon Spector, pr.6, asked what were the variable costs. Ms. Hooper responded that the costs were comparable. 9:37 p.m. David Kaufman, pr.6, explained he realized why 10 system are being requested for 9 polling places but inquired about strategy if two systems were to malfunction. 9:37 p.m. Ms. Hooper responded that should the scanner system fail the paper ballots would be collected and sealed into the ballot box for scanning at another time if needed. 9:38 p.m. Robert Rotberg, pr.3, questioned the Secretary of State's approval of only two vendors and if the systems are the same. Ms. Hooper explained the Secretary of State's two approved systems, Accu -Vote and Op -Tech, have slight differences. 9:39 p.m. Mr. Rotberg requested the membership be enlightened on the differences. 9:39 p.m. Ms. Hooper explained the two systems basically differ on the ballot appearance, manner in which the ballot is marked, and the types of marking devices. 9:40 p.m. Mr. Rotberg questioned how the vendor will be decided. Ms. Hooper explained plans for establishing a committee to establish criteria and determine system to be selected after a competitive bidding process. Adjourned Session —1998 Annual Town Meeting, cont.... April 27, 1998 9:42 p.m. Frank Sandy, pr.6, questioned why it takes 35 days to reprogram the computer cards. Ms. Hooper explained that state law requires at least a 3 5 day notification to call an election, the cards do not take 3 5 days to program. 9:43 p.m. Andrew Friedlich, pr.5, suggested adjacent towns be canvassed to determine if a better price may be obtained by group buying. 9:44 p.m. Ms. Hooper explained that most of the adjacent towns are currently operating one of the two systems. She also explained that of the approximately 30 communities mandated to change from the decertified punchcard systems have selected one of the two optical scan systems. 9:45 p.m. Richard Michelson, pr.8, questioned if the funds requested cover all costs. Ms. Hooper explained the requested funds cover all costs. 9:46 p.m. Nyles Barnert, pr.4, questioned if the town planned to raise funds by selling the current AVM machines. 9:46 p.m. Ms. Hooper explained the machines have minimal re -sale value and that every effort will be made to obtain as much for the machines as possible. 9:46 p.m. Following a voice vote, the Moderator declared the motion under Article 20 adopted. 9:47 p.m. William Kennedy, Capital Expenditures Committee, served notice of reconsideration of Article 20. ARTICLE 21: PINE MEADOWS EQUIPMENT 9:47 p.m. Presented by Donald Chisholm, Recreation Committee. ------------------------- MOTION: That the sum of $50,000 be appropriated to make improvements in the Pine Meadows Golf Course as determined by the Recreation Committee with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, and to raise such amount $50,000 be transferred from the Recreation Enterprise Fund. ------------------------------ 9:47 p.m. Mr. Chisholm explained the needs and reviewed operations at Pine Meadows. 9:50 p.m. Selectman Daniel P. Busa, Jr. reported the Board of Selectmen unanimously supports this article. 9:50 p.m. Shirley Stoltz, Capital Expenditures Committee, reported the Committee's unanimous support. 9:50 p.m. Steve Coit, Appropriation Committee, reported the Committee's unanimous support. 9:51 p.m. Following a voice vote, the Moderator declared the motion adopted. 9:52 p.m. William Kennedy, Capital Expenditures Committee, served notice of reconsideration of Article 21. Adjourned Session —1998 Annual Town Meeting, cont.... April 27, 1998 ARTICLE 22: PLAYGROUNDS AND RECREATION FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS 9:52 p.m. Presented by Selectman Dan H. Fenn, Jr. ------------------------- MOTION: That this article be indefinitely postponed. ------------------------------ 9:52 p.m. Mr. Fenn explained the fiscal constraints and need to postpone this article. Mr. Fenn reported the Board of Selectmen urge Indefinite Postponement. 9:53 p.m. William Kennedy, Capital Expenditures Committee, moved a substitute motion as follows: MOTION: That the sum of $25,000 be appropriated to make improvements at selected playgrounds, tennis courts and ball fields as determined by the Recreation Committee with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, and that such amount be transferred from the Unreserved Fund Balance. 9:54 p.m. Shirley Stoltz, Capital Expenditures Committee, explained the need to re- institute $25,000, and addressed possible funding sources. 9:56 p.m. Paul Lapointe, Appropriation Committee, explained the situation where the two policies collide; recreation needs vs. reserve fund needs, and reported the Appropriation Committee unanimously opposes the substitute motion. 9:58 p.m. Selectman Dan Fenn explained the $80,000 was transferred into the reserve fund as a contingency item for possible special education program overrun next year. It is not available for Free Cash. 10:00 P.M. David Rudner, pr.2, questioned if the substitute motion were to be voted down would Sutherland be next on Recreation's list. Sandra Shaw, Recreation Committee, responded that yes, that would be the plan. 10:00 P.M. Following a voice vote on the substitute motion, the Moderator declared the motion not adopted. 10:00 P.M. Following a voice vote on the main motion, the Moderator declared the motion adopted and the article indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 23: SCHOOL CAPITAL PROJECT 10:01 P.M. Presented by School Committee Chairman Barrie Peltz. ------------------------- MOTION: That the sum of $600,000 be appropriated for remodeling, reconstructing and making extraordinary repairs to school buildings and for the purchase of additional equipment therefor; that to meet this appropriation $70,000 be raised in the tax levy and the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen is authorized to borrow $530,000 under G.L. c.44, §7 or Chapter 645 of the Acts of 1948 as amended; that $70,000 be raised in the tax levy, and that the Permanent Building Committee is authorized to take all action necessary to carry out this project. ------------------------------ 10:01 P.M. Ms. Peltz explained comparability between the cash capital requests on school and town sides and the FY99 major school capital request is in response to needs. Ms. Peltz explained that Article 23 includes all projects that must be done which are not reimbursable under the larger capital plan. Reimbursable items have been deferred. Adjourned Session —1998 Annual Town Meeting, cont.... April 27, 1998 10:05 p.m. Selectman Peter Enrich reported the Selectmen unanimously urges support of this request which they view as a prudent and appropriate step while awaiting a comprehensive project. Mr. Enrich explained that Selectman Busa will be reporting at the Wednesday, April 29 meeting, on the capital plan. 10:06 p.m. William Kennedy, Capital Expenditures Committee, reported the Committee unanimously recommends approval. 10:06 p.m. Roger Borghesani, Appropriation Committee, reported the Committee unanimously supports the article. 10:07 p.m. Richard Michelson, pr.8, questioned if the School Department and Department of Public Works will get together to bid the roof work. Ms. Peltz explained the two departments would be as collaborative as possible to keep the costs down. Town Manager Richard White reported that everything would be done to economize, including joint construction projects. 10:08 P.M. Dawn McKenna, pr.9, questioned the debt management and total allowable debt, as per page 10 of the budget handbook. Ms. McKenna stated her support of the article. Town Manager Richard White confirmed the budget handbook information and $184,000,000 as the town's total allowable debt. 10:10 P.M. Following a voice vote, the Moderator declared the motion unanimously adopted. 10:10 P.M. William Kennedy, Capital Expenditures Committee, served notice of reconsideration of Article 23. ARTICLE 24: SCHOOL CAPITAL PROJECT 10:10 P.M. Presented by School Committee Chairman Barrie Peltz. ------------------------- MOTION: That this article be indefinitely postponed. ------------------------------ 10:10 P.M. Following a voice vote, the Moderator declared the motion adopted. ARTICLE 25: SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM 10:11 P.M. Presented by Fred Rosenberg, School Committee. ------------------------- MOTION: That the sum of $1,225,000 be appropriated for the purchase of computer hardware and software; and that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen is authorized to borrow $1,225,000 under G.L. c.44, §7. --------------------------- 10:11 P.M. Mr. Rosenberg explained that this is the third of a five year technology plan for the schools, and provided an update on the current status and progress of the 5 year plan. 10:17 p.m. Selectman Peter Enrich reported the Selectmen's support for the article and that this was a valuable and important investment. 10:17 p.m. Karen Dooks, Capital Expenditures Committee, reported the unanimous support of the Committee. Adjourned Session —1998 Annual Town Meeting, cont.... April 27, 1998 10:17 p.m. Roger Borghesani, Appropriation Committee, reported that a majority of the Committee (7 -1) supports the article. Mr. Borghesani reported the concern of the minority that the $500,000 of the secondary schools should be carefully looked at and reminded the membership of the consequence on debt service. 10:20 p.m. After a voice vote which was not unanimous, as this motion requires a two - thirds vote, the Moderator called for a standing vote on Article 25, tallied as follows: Precinct Yes No 1 11 0 2 11 0 3 14 0 4 15 0 5 17 0 6 16 0 7 13 0 8 16 0 9 11 2 At Large 18 0 TOTAL 142 2 10:20 p.m. More than the 2/3 required, the Moderator declared the motion adopted. 10:22 p.m. William Kennedy, Capital Expenditures Committee, served notice of reconsideration of Article 25. ARTICLE 26: BOARD OF HEALTH — TITLE V 10:22 p.m. Presented by Selectman Elizabeth Eddison. ------------------------- MOTION: That the sum of $200,000 be appropriated for the purpose of financing the following water pollution abatement facility projects: repair, replacement and /or upgrade of septic systems, pursuant to agreements between the Board of Health and residential property owners, including without limitation all costs thereof as defined in Section 1 of Chapter 29C of the General Laws; that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the Board of Selectmen is authorized to borrow $200,000 and issue bonds or notes therefor under G.L. c. l 11, § 127B 1/2 and /or Chapter 29C of the General Laws; that project and financing costs shall be repaid by the property owners, in accordance with those agreements, but such bonds or notes shall be general obligations of the Town; that the Treasurer with the approval of the Board of Selectmen is authorized to borrow all or a portion of such amount from the Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust established pursuant to Chapter 29C and in connection therewith to enter into a loan agreement and /or security agreement with the Trust and otherwise contract with the Trust and the Department. ---------------------------- 10:22 p.m. Selectman Eddison explained the intention of the stated funded loan program for residents to make repairs to failing septic systems. This program is at no cost to the Town to provide the service. Mrs. Eddison reported the Selectmen recommended approval of the article and explained the Title V state program, including the betterment to be included on real estate tax bills for from 5 to 20 years. 10:27 p.m. Catherine Abbott, Appropriation Committee, reported the Committee's unanimous recommendation for approval. 10:27 p.m. Sam Silverman, pr.5, questioned Lexington's moving toward being completely sewered and noted that the presentation referenced repairing systems as well as connecting to sewer. Health Director Beverly Anderson explained the program. Adjourned Session —1998 Annual Town Meeting, cont.... April 27, 1998 10:28 p.m. Mr. Silverman questioned the number of homes in Lexington which can't connect to sewer. Ms. Anderson explained that the number is very small. Public Works Director George Woodbury addressed the number of homes not yet serviced by sewer. 10:30 p.m. David Kanter, pr.7, questioned if a betterment constitutes a property lien. Selectman Eddison confirmed that it did constitute a lien. 10:30 p.m. Following a voice vote, the Moderator declared the motion adopted unanimously. 10:30 p.m. Paul Lapointe, Appropriation Committee, served notice of reconsideration of Article 26. ARTICLE 27: MASS. HISTORICAL COMMISSION MATCHING GRANT 10:31 p.m. Presented by Dawn McKenna, pr.9. ------------------------- MOTION: That this article be indefinitely postponed. -------------------- - - - - -- 10:31 p.m. Following a voice vote, the Moderator declared the motion adopted and the article indefinitely postponed. 10:32 p.m. Peter Enrich, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, moved that the meeting be adjourned until Wednesday, April 29, 1998 at 8:00 p.m., at Cary Memorial Hall. Adopted by voice vote. 10:32 p.m. A true copy. Attest: Donna M. Hooper, Town Clerk