2019-03-06-CEC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Minutes of the Lexington Capital Expenditures Committee (CEC) Meeting March 6, 2019 Mr. Lamb expects to explain this Committee's opposition to this Article at Town Meeting when it is brought for a vote. • Article 6: Appropriate for Cremation Facility at Westview Cemetery: Ms. Beebee noted that this article was proposed by a group of citizens and not by the Ad hoc Crematory Advisory Committee. She will write the back matter in the report after the Motion is made available. • Article 14: Appropriate the FY2020 Community Preservation Committee Operating Budget and Community Preservation Act Projects: ➢ (b) Willard's Woods Site Improvements: This funding request is for a study to develop trails in Willard's Woods, but a recent email from David Kaufman indicates that the woods cannot accommodate 1.8 miles of trails as proposed. It was agreed to get additional information and re-visit this next week. ➢ (f) Athletic Field Complex at Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School: A Motion was made and seconded to support an IP of this proposal and to give Mr. Kanter the authority to ensure the wording in the report reflects this Committee's issues with it. Roll Call Vote: 6-0 • Article 15(b): Recreation Community Needs Assessment. A Motion was made and seconded to support this project. Roll Call Vote: 6-0 • Article 16: Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment: ➢ (e) Center Streetscape Improvements-Construction: Discussion was postponed until there is time to review the 75% design, due today. ➢ (f) Automatic Meter Reading System: Mr. Smith reported that the project is requesting approximately $6.0 million, but old meters need to be replaced whether or not this project is approved, and the net cost is estimated at $3+ million. The return-on-investment is de minimus, but the new system would be more equitable and could identify some leaks on a more-timely basis. It is expected that water rates would increase about 5% to pay for the full system. Ms. Beebee expressed opposition to the project; in her opinion, the benefits do not counteract the increase in costs to the residential homeowner. Others were conflicted and were not prepared to take a position. • Five-Year Capital Plan: Mr. Kanter agreed to distribute his suggestions for changes to the BoS' Five-Year Capital Plan to be included in this Committee's Five-Year Capital Plan. He noted that, as is our standing practice, every change would be footnoted. Further discussion of the distribution date for this Committee's report was postponed until next week. Adjourn: A Motion was made and seconded at 9:38 A.M. to adjourn. Roll Call Vote: 6-0. These Minutes were approved by the CEC at its meeting on March 13, 2019. Page 2 of 2