2020-02-05-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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02/05/2020 AC Notes ➢ The FY2021 budget identifies a savings of$35,000, as compared to FY2020, for Line Item 3130 (Street Lighting)which reflects the savings to be realized from converting from induction streetlights to LED lights. This is a conservative estimate that reflects a delay in receiving credits and consideration that some of the reduction will be in energy savings. The FY2022 budget is expected to show greater savings. It should be noted that the grant for the LED lights only includes roadway lights, not those for parking lots or pedestrian ways. ➢ The Town's current contracts for trash and recycle collection provide favorable rates compared with other towns, approximately $80 and $40 per ton, respectively. Although the market for some recycling materials has decreased or disappeared, it is hoped that those markets will recover. New uses for some recycled materials are being developed. Residents are encouraged to continue to participate in the recycling program, even if a substantial portion of the resulting waste stream (particularly paper)is not actually being recycled, because it is best if residents stay in the habit of recycling. It should also be noted that disposal through the Town's recycling contract is economical, since the per- ton cost is substantially less expensive than for trash. ➢ The funding request in this article for playgrounds is for maintenance only; playground upgrades are included as capital requests. • Article 5: Appropriate FY2021 Enterprise Funds Budgets: ➢ Ms. Kosnoff noted that there are no major surprises in this year's enterprise fund operating budgets, although there is concern about continued water and wastewater rate pressure resulting from declining consumption. This rate pressure may be increased by a plan to gradually transition the funding of the recurring capital expenditure for continuous maintenance and upgrade of the system (roughly $2 million per year for the water system and $1 million per year for the wastewater system appropriated under Articles 13 and 14)from borrowing to cash raised in the rates. The changeover will lower debt service cost in the long run but result in higher up-front capital costs in the short term. Ms. Kosnoff said that it is not possible to build flexibility into the annual town meeting appropriation process because, although the warrant may allow for funding alternatives, the motion for this article must be specific. • Article 9: Establish and Continue Department Revolving Funds: ➢ DPW has five revolving funds, which may be used to cover operating and/or capital costs. ➢ The installation of solar panels at the Hartwell Avenue landfill resulted in making some adjustments to the functioning of the facility. ➢ The Hartwell Avenue facility brings in some revenue by processing a variety of materials that are then sold in large quantities to landscapers, including bark mulch, leaf mulch, loam, and compost. The Town does not want to compete with the local businesses that sell such products to residents. ➢ Siting a Police Department firing range at the landfill is being discussed. ➢ Hazardous waste collection costs have increased. Volume does not impact the costs as much as the rates because the Town pays a per-vehicle fee. The Town shares the service with other towns; it is well utilized by Lexington residents. • Article 10: Appropriate the FY2021 Community Preservation Committee Operating Budget and Community Preservation Act Projects: ➢ The Battle Green Master Plan was completed in 2011 and accepted in 2012 by the Select Board. The FY2021 funding request is for implementation of the final portion of this project, which has experienced a number of starts and stops but only minor adjustments. 2