2001-10-24-CEC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Traffic Improvements: 120K for the center traffics is requested for 03 in response to request from chairs of the two finance committees. PeterC said while he hears many suggestions and complaints, he does not feel additional studies are warranted but they would consider a program of the order of 25K to be more responsive to citizen traffic complaints and improve safety. 500K in 07 is just the place holder. Side walks: DavidC said the issue is very complex as many residents do not want it and for DPW there is too much non-productive time fighting permits and abutter issues. As a start they are requesting 100K per year to be divided 50-50 between constructing new side walks and resurfacing the existing ones. They will initially focus on two schools -- Bowman and Hastings. The program is drop in the bucket. 50K will buy 100 feet of new side walks. Resurfacing is cheaper -- 20' of resurfacing can be done in $50 to $75. Water Distribution: The 800K program includes 50K for planning, 150K base level activity and 200K accelerated activity to coincide with new road program -- these mains may not have been done otherwise. 400K is for cleaning and lining water mains. DPW likes the results of the C&L program so far and would extend it to larger mains. A zero percent interest, ten year loan is available from state for this activity. Sewer Improvements: DavidC said that while the $3 million appropriation of '98 for the I/I program was supposed to self liquidating from savings in water bills, the results so far have been inconclusive so further I/I work cannot be justified. DPW will move away from the comprehensive I/I program and instead focus on system-wide structural/other deficiencies. About half the town has been inspected so far and they will inspect the balance of the town where high capacity lines are involved. General: DPW was asked to provide back ups supporting the one page summary sheet as per the new format. TomG commented on the Peter Meher article on comparing the electricity costs between Concord and Lexington and asked if DPW had any opinion. A very guarded response from PaterC and BillH -- no comments, all questions must be sent to the town manager, DPW is busy in pursuing its assigned mission. CEC discussion after DPW personnel left: TomC invited comments on the elementary school project in light of the issue being taken up by AC as well (as per their meeting agenda). Some need for coordinating CEC and AC on this issue. NarainB commented on the potential reduction in state funding. He cited the state budget shortfall of $1.1B, proposed reduction in state education budget from $50 to $20 million, southward bound economy and potential difficulties of convincing voters may require re-visiting the advisability of constructing two schools at a time. GeorgeB said that he had talked to Jay Kaufman on this subject and according to Jay the re- imbursements percentages will be reduced because less funds will be available. CharlesH commented that second swing space availability will be the clincher and that there is some merit in completing the school reconstruction program as soon as possible -- equity issues for different schools districts and earlier educational benefits of newer space. Adjourned 10.45 PM Respectfully submitted, Narain Bhatia 8 Nickerson Rd Lexington, MA 02421 email: bhatia@cheerful.com Tel: 781-863-0893 (USA) Fax: 781-861-1143