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Selectmen's Meeting -3- October 7, 1935 Mr. Dailey asked the Senator if Lexington will again this year be likely to come up short under the local aid formula adopted last year. The Senator responded that the formula this year would probably be last years budget plus inflation plus the new costs which everyone faces. He said the numbers this year will probably be larger than last years= Senator Kraus gave a probable scenario for tax cap legislation, noting that the House and Senate had adopted very different versions. He noted that state budget surpluses had made Proposition 2 112 work up to now. He predicted that if state surpluses are missing, a huge struggle for local funds will follow. He will propose taking the House version with amendments in three areas. He will try to exempt increases in local aid from the tax cap base and he will proose adoption of a stabilization fund. Rep. Loran agreed with the amendments as listed but felt the worst should be assumed and that the question on the - November ballot will be adopted. Rep. Loran reported that the House and Senate are not too far apart on the Pension Reform bill, He listed the major provisions as listed in summaries distributed to Board members and noted that differences are now being negotiated. The legislation is supported by the Mass. Municipal Association. Mr. Hutchinson spoke of concerns regarding additional NESWC costs and asked for legislation which would help to control tipping fees. He referred to the NESWC Communities dealings -with New England Power -Company and reported that they are - getting -89% of avoided fuel costs whereas other communities are getting 104 %. Mr. Tonaszuck = added that- political support is needed to convince New England Power to negotiate and that backing is needed from the State. Mr. Eddison referred to three items involving the Dept. of Transportation and the State DPW on which there has been little or no progress: Bedford Street and Marrett Road Improvement projects; and the Town's request for lowered speed on Maple and Lowell Streets. He recapped Town efforts and State responses relative to the Bedford Street project and noted a draft letter, prepared by him to Commissioner Tierney, urging State action to implement the improvement plans. He referred to the latest State requirement for a hearing on the Marrett Road plans, which represents another delay of that project. He felt that Lexington is not getting reasonable support from the State. He noted the State's response to the request for lowered speed limit on Maple and Lowell Sts. which indicated that, based on a reevaluation of the posted speed limits, no changes are warranted. Senator Kraus informed the Board of his conference with officials at the State DPW District 4 Office. Regarding the Bedford Street project, he was told that the revised plan is not acceptable and that the only way to gain approval was to go back to the original design. Regarding the Maple Street situation, the Senator was told that the street had been designed for 40 mph and that drivers would continue to drive at that speed. The Town's wish to lower the speed limit will not be taken into consideration. Mr. Marshall pointed out that conditions have changed through heavier development and traffic since the road was designed and felt that the Town should have a voice in the matter.