1998-04-06-ATM-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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ADJOURNED SESSION — 1998 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING APRIL 6, 1998 The April 6, 1998 Adjourned Session of the 1998 Annual Town Meeting was called to order by Moderator Margery M. Battin, at 8:10 p.m., in Cary Memorial Hall. A quorum of 176 members was present. The Moderator called the meeting open on Article 2. ARTICLE 2: REPORTS OF COMMITTEES 8:10 P.M. Selectman Chairman Peter Enrich reported under Article 2 on the action taken by the Selectmen at their meeting earlier in the evening in establishing an adhoc committee to review the proposal made by the proponents of Article 46 of the Annual Town Meeting, evaluate the needs for sporting /athletic fields, the potential options for creating new athletic fields; and recommend a use designation for Hennessey Field. It is expected that the Committee will make its report to the Selectmen in the fall of 1998. The Committee shall be comprised of 8 members; one each from the Board of Selectmen, Conservation Commission, Recreation Committee, Planning Board, citizen from sporting /athletic community, proponent of Article 46 and two Town Meeting Members appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The Planning Board will serve as the convener and Chairman. The Committee will report back to the next Annual Town Meeting. 8:13 p.m. Superintendent Jeffrey Young reported on "the audit ", educational management accountability and its favorable findings of operations in Lexington. Superintendent Young summarized findings on use of funds and identification ofBest Practices, stating that Lexington ranks highly in the eyes of the State. 8:26 p.m. Marshall Derby, Chairman of LexHab, reported under Article 2 an update for Town Meeting on LexHab activities over the past year. Mr. Derby identified the work completed on Grandview Avenue as well as proposed work for sites in the 1998 warrant — Spencer Street and Sedge Road. Mr. Derby listed the complexes at which LexHab units are located as well as individual sites, recruitment practices and outreach efforts. 8:31 p.m. The Moderator stated the meeting was open under Article 43. ARTICLE 43: LEXHAB REQUIREMENTS 8:31 p.m. Presented by Dawn McKenna, pr.9. ----------------------------------- MOTION: The Board of Selectmen be requested by Town Meting to instruct the Lexington Housing Assistance Board, Inc. (LexHab) to pursue a policy of providing affordable housing through the acquisition of existing structures and dwelling units as a priority over constructing buildings on vacant land or open space. ------------------- - - - - -- 8:31 p.m. Ms. McKenna presented the motion and further explained information on available housing and costs. 8:35 p.m. John Niles, 1 Spencer Street, urged passage of Article 43 to address concerns of a large number of citizens regarding town sponsored development and conflict with core values for open space, burdens placed on the town and public services from increased population. 8:42 p.m. Marshall Derby, Chairman of LexHab, reported costs of construction vs. purchasing existing homes and spoke in opposition to the article. 8:46 p.m. Selectman Dan Fenn spoke against inhibiting the means by which LexHab can accomplish its mission and reported unanimous opposition of the Board of Selectman to Article 43.