2019-02-07-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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02/07/2019 AC Minutes Introduction for the Report to the 2019 ATM Mr. Parker reported that he is developing a skeleton of the report. The introduction will review trends, the demand for capital projects, and the need for balance,prioritization, and timing recommendations. Proposed Warrant Articles for the 2019 ATM Warrant articles were reviewed, as follows: • Article 4: Reduce Community Preservation Act(CPA) Surtax Rate from 3% to 1%Pursuant to G.L. c. 44B, § 16 (Citizen Article): It appears that the petition for a citizens' warrant article signed by residents, as written,has issues with implementation. Town Counsel has suggested alternative wording that would allow some flexibility, but the petition has already been signed and submitted. • Article 14: Appropriate the FY2020 Community Preservation Committee (CPC) Operating Budget and CPA Projects (Multiple Categories): Ms. Basch was previously assigned to cover these. • Articles 7, 8, and 9, respectively: Appropriate Funds for The Creation of a Lexington Economic Development Strategy(Citizen Article); Funding for Sustainability Actions (Citizen Article); and Sustainability Director(Citizen Article): Mr.Neumeier previously agreed to prepare material in response to these citizens' articles. Ms. Kosnoff noted that the BoS supports sustainability but may decide to present a resolution to Town Meeting. She also said that a revolving fund, as requested by the proponents, would not work legally; a stabilization fund might be possible,but this allows little flexibility; options are being explored. • Article 16: Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment—Automatic Meter Reading: Ms. Kosnoff reported that a report on the meter reading proposal is to be presented to the BoS on February 25. Funding sources would include $500,000 from the water enterprise fund, $500,000 from the sewer enterprise fund, and $2.0 million from a Massachusetts Water Resources Authority interest-free loan taken by the enterprise funds. • Article 22: Establish, Dissolve and Appropriate to and from Specified Stabilization Funds: Ms. Kosnoff plans to prepare the relevant information in the next few weeks. • Article 27: Appropriate for Authorized Capital Improvements: Ms. Kosnoff reported that the two possible items are for athletic field lighting and the Munroe School windows, but this article may be indefinitely postponed. • Article 25: Prior Year's Unpaid Bills: Ms. Kosnoff reported that there may be one small bill to be paid. • Article 42: 186 Bedford Street Rezoning: Ms. Kosnoff reported that the BoS support the new design for this building. Mr. Parker reminded Committee members that if they are Town Meeting members, they may vote differently, based on their personal interest, as Town Meeting members than they do when voting in the Town's best interest as Committee members. Questions for the Town Manager on February 12 The following issues were identified for discussion with Mr. Malloy, who is planning to attend this Committee's February 12 meeting: • Tax rate policy in regard to the Personal Property Tax • Funding plans for the new or renovated Lexington High School 2