2023-03-28-CPC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 in fact adhere to IDBC policy, and that the Select Board’s report would reflect that statement. In light of this, Mr. Himmel reported by email that he would not move his amendment. 3. Discuss proposed amendments to Warrant Article 10(i), Lincoln Park Field Improvements and Lighting (“Kern Amendment” and “Krieger Amendment”) Ms. Fenollosa described the two proposed amendments: that the project funds would “be made in accordance with the recommendations of the “Article 10(i) Working Group Letter of Support dated March 24, 2023” [a copy of which had been provided to the CPC] (the “Kern Amendment”), and that only natural grass turf would be installed in the Lincoln Field improvements (the “Krieger Amendment”). Ms. O’Brien reported that the Recreation Committee would be discussing these amendments the following evening, before the Town Meeting vote, and noted that the proposed Working Group policy would go beyond the Lincoln Field project and affect many more of the fields and playgrounds in town. Mr. DeAngelis described the need for turf vs. natural grass, citing the difficulties of maintaining natural grass, the complicated procedure to replace the existing artificial turf with natural grass, and the newer, safer materials proposed to be used. Ms. Krieger acknowledged these issues but expressed her concern with the health issues surrounding artificial turf. Ms. Battite described the advantages of artificial turf, noting greater playability, ease of maintenance, cost, and accessibility. Mr. Sandeen reported on the Select Board’s position on the two amendments: for the Krieger Amendment, 2 in favor, 2 opposed and 1 “wait”; for the Kern Amendment, 4 in support and 1 “no position”. Ms. O’Brien noted the position of the Lexington Board of Health, reading the text of a letter of support for artificial turf that had been issued that morning. Mr. Boutwell discussed the loss of playing time that would occur if natural grass were to be used, exacerbated by the high school construction project that would remove those playing fields during construction. Ms. Fenollosa then described the options for the Committee: to vote in favor of one or both of the amendments, to vote to oppose them, or to take no position since the use of artificial turf was specifically prohibited by the Community Preservation Act and thus these amendments were beyond the purview of the CPC. After a motion was duly made and seconded, the Committee voted by roll call (7-0) to take no position on either of the Kern or Krieger amendments.