2021-10-13-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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10/13/2021 AC Minutes • Article 7: Appropriate for Westview Cemetery Building Construction: Mr. Pinsonneault explained that$3.29 million had been appropriated for this project at the 2020 ATM. The new building would be constructed in a new location, eliminating the need for swing space, and it would be crematory-ready. Covid 19 impacts are affecting construction costs, and bids exceeded the budget. An additional $770,000 is requested, based on staff's current best professional estimates. Contingency funding is included. Approximately 24% of the costs would come from the tax levy; the balance from cemetery fees. Ms. Kosnoff agreed to update the cost analysis that identifies the funding sources. A motion was made and seconded to recommend approval of this article. The motion was approved by roll call vote. VOTE: 7-0 Ms. Kosnoff reported that the following items, included in a previous draft warrant, have been removed and will likely be brought to the 2022 ATM: • Rescind Prior Borrowing Authorizations • Appropriate for Center Recreation Complex Bathrooms and Maintenance Building; this could become a Community Preservation Act(CPA)project. • Sale of Land to Abutter Items included in Article 4: Amend FY2021 Operating and Enterprise Budgets were updated, as follows: • Ms. Kosnoff reported that a job description and rationale for a new budget analyst position is being prepared by the Town Manager. • Mr. Bartenstein reported that the SB had discussed a 6% combined increase in water/sewer rates. He noted that FY2021 water and irrigation usage had shifted, probably reflecting Covid 19 impacts, so that more revenue was realized in 2021 than had been projected. As a result, there are excess funds in the retained earnings accounts. Ms. Kosnoff said that these funds would likely be used for cash capital, such as the water tower replacement project, rather than for reducing rates. She also reported that installation of the automated meter reading system has started. This will assist in making improved estimates of future usage, which will help in setting the rates. Additionally, there are isolated situations where leaks have already been detected. Eventually this will eliminate the need to read meters individually. Mr. Parker reported that Karen Mullins, Director of Community Development/Conservation, is planning to attend next week's meeting to discuss the playground and conservation projects included in Article 6: Appropriate for Community Preservation Projects. Ms. Yan reported that she is preparing material on Article 8: Climate Action Plan. Mr. Kanter reported that the State plans to release its intended Community Preservation Act(CPA) funding allocations on November 15, 2021. Lexington may see as much as an additional $1.0 million for CPA projects. Mr. Parker asked that all material for the report be submitted before next week's meeting. Minutes of Prior Meetings A motion was made and seconded to approve the draft minutes for September 29, 2021, with edits prepared by Mr. Levine. The motion was approved by a roll call vote. VOTE: 7-0. 2