2009-Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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't a l Q rt m a n continued from Pe a revious P g with the towns of Lincoln and Arlington and received a grant to assist in preparing to become a "Green Community ". Desig- nation as a Green Community will enable the Town to receive fund- ing for energy savings programs. Greater attention to snow re- moval on the center sidewalks has won the praise of mer- chants. Plowing the Minute- man Bikeway to the Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee was left to the Friends of Lex- ington Bikeways, thereby as- suring that Town resources are not strained and the bikeway can be maintained to the satisfaction of those hardy com- muters who depend upon a clean dry surface. Reconstruction of Woburn Street along with the construction of continuous sidewalks on both sides of the street was completed. In the course of reviewing the internal candidates during the civil service process to select our new Police Chief, Mark Corr, we were impressed by the experience and compassion of our public safety leadership and the talent they bring to their profession. The Town completed the Firefighters Me- morial on the lawn of the Bedford Street headquarters. It honors all Lexington Firefighters, past and present, for the invaluable services they perform. Funding was largely pro- vided by an anonymous donor. TOWN OF LEXINGTON 1 5 Board of Selectmen. (L -R): Hank Manz;Jeanne Krieger; Norman Cohen, Chairman; Lynne Pease, Executive Clerk; Peter Kelley; George Burnell. Rear: Carl Valente, Town Manager Communicating Community Values With regret, the Board approved the closing of the Support- ive Adult Day Care Program. The decision was predicated on the pending retirement of two long -time employees and the availability of other programs offering services to that special population. Programs at the Senior Center are in- creasing in popularity due to the financial times, but also to the creativity and dedication of our Human Services staff. Among the proposals before the Community Preservation Committee is an upgrade to the Muzzey Senior Center, to maximize the utility and comfort of the available space. The Board's home rule petition, requesting authority to set the age and maximum income for citizens seeking tax de- ferrals, was approved by the state legislature. At the Annual Town meeting the income limit was raised from $40 to $50 K. With this modest change, the Board will again examine the criteria for this important program, which helps seniors to stay in their homes. After an extensive review of possible uses for the site of the Munroe School, it was concluded that the continued pres- ence of an educational facility that supported the arts was valuable. Accordingly the Board undertook an RFP process for sale of the site. The Munroe Center of the Arts was the sole responder, but Town Meeting did not pass the proposal. The Commonwealth struggles with setting a transportation policy and we stand to lose from the fall -out. The Select- men responded to the `cost savings' measure proposed by the MBTA to eliminate the subsidy for Lexpress and to cut suburban bus service, just when commuter use of the Mass. Avenue #62 and #76 bus routes is growing. The T backed down for now. Massport continues to plan expan- sion at Hanscom Field both for aviation and non - aviation related activities. The Board was not successful in our sup- port of legislation that would require Massport to comply with local zoning for non - aviation development. For those who believe the Town is "going to the dogs ", that is only true around the Willard's Woods Conservation Land. Is- sues of parking, dog waste and off -leash dogs were the subject of a hearing held jointly with the Conservation Commission. The Town, through the outstanding effort of our Health Department, held several well- attended and efficient flu clinics, including two for the H 1 N 1 strain. The Board's successes are a direct result of the enthusiasm and dedication of Lexington's citizens, the support and leadership of the Town staff, and the collaborative spirit of the appointed and elected Town boards. The role of the Board of Selectmen is largely one of guidance and encour- agement for the other citizen's groups serving the Town. d