2018-03-01-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

03/01/2018 AC Minutes While the current focus has been on commercial buildings, Lexington participated in a National Grid program to help residents upgrade the energy efficiency of their properties. The level of participation by residents resulted in Lexington receiving a grant of approximately$41,000 from National Grid. :s- Residents have also benefited from the Lexington Community Choice Program, which was able to provide businesses and residents with electricity generated 100% from renewable sources at a lower cost than the Basic Service Rate charged by Eversource. On average, this has resulted in electricity bills being lower by $18.57/month/household. The RFP for the Community Choice Program is published after EverSource proposes its Basic Service Rate, but before the rate is approved by the Mass. Department of Public Utilities. RFP responses have an incentive in providing a quote lower than the proposed EverSource Basic Service Rate, while providing the generation mix desired by the Town. If no quotes come lower, the Town can still pick the EverSource Basic Service Rate. It is likely that the Community Choice Program will continue to be able to provide electricity generated in high proportion from renewables at beneficial rates to the residents. It was agreed that Mr. Sandeen should report on the positive results of the project to the ATM, even if the article is included on the Town Moderator's Consent Agenda. A motion was made and seconded to support Article 7 for $40,000, as discussed. The motion passed. VOTE: 9-0 • Article 11, Westview Cemetery Building Construction: Mr. Padaki discussed his write up on this project and reviewed supporting background information. Although it is expected that the sale of burial plots would be used to cover associated costs, there was discussion about the adequacy of the Cemetery Sale of Lots Fund to cover the anticipated 20-year debt service. Ms. Kosnoff agreed to review and provide additional information. Some suggestions for the write-up in the report were made. A motion was made and seconded to support Article 11 for $3,040,000, as discussed. The motion passed. VOTE: 9-0 Article 4, FY2019 Operating Budget-Minuteman Regional Technical High School (Minuteman Tech): Mr. Michelson explained that the $2,126,217 being requested in this article represents Lexington's assessment for FY2019, which is 27.3% greater than the FY2018 assessment. The increase was driven in part by an increase in Lexington's rolling enrollment from 48 students to 49.6 students, and in part by a cost per student increase of approximately 9.0%. The debt service for the replacement building increased from $207,000 to $477,000. Mr. Michelson explained that, after the new building opens in the fall of 2019, the number of member towns may increase, which would likely generate an increase in in- district enrollments and reduce assessments. Ms. Yan expressed concern about the assessment increase and wanted to abstain at this time. It was noted that Lexington has an obligation to pay this assessment. A motion was made and seconded to support Line 1200 in Article 4: Minuteman Tech, as discussed. The motion passed. VOTE: 8-0-1 2