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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-BOS-min Budget Collaboration/Financial Summit 4 March 1, 2007 Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by roll call 5-0 to immediately go into executive session at 5:30 p.m. in the Ellen Stone Room in Cary Memorial Building for the purpose of contract negotiations, with the intent to return to open session at approximately 7:30 p.m. for a Budget Collaboration/Summit meeting in Cary Auditorium. Budget Collaboration/Financial Summit 4 A joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Finance Committees was held on Thursday, March 1, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. in Cary Hall Auditorium. Present: Chairman Krieger, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Pagett, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Manz; Mr. Valente, Town Manager, Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk; all members of the School Committee, except Mr. Sakhuja; and Ms. Sarasin, Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development; all members of the Appropriation Committee; all members of the Capital Expenditures Committee with the exception of Mr. Borghesani. FY2008 Capital Budget Update Mr. Lamb updated everyone on CEC’s recommendations for capital items. The CEC has approved all of the requested capital items with a few exceptions: ?? Article 26h – CPA – Cary Hall Improvements – Architectural Concept & Performance Studies – CEC recommends waiting until the Feasibility Study has been completed before $70,000 is appropriated for the architectural concept and performance studies. ?? Article 26i – CPA – Unifying Signage – CEC has to reconcile a few numbers. ?? Article 26j – CPA – Douglas House – CEC recommends funds be approved contingent on the applicant paying real estate taxes or a PILOT. ?? Article 26l – CPA – Muzzey Condominium Architectural Study – CEC recommends only $11,900 which represents the percentage of the building owned by the Town. ?? Article 27 – Land Purchase – Off of Lowell Street – CEC waiting for information. ?? Article 27 – Land Purchase – Off of Adams Street – CEC waiting for information. ?? Article 31f – Municipal Capital - Storm Drain Improvements – Lake Street Reconstruction – CEC recommends $40K for D/E only. Budget Collaboration/Financial Summit 4 – March 1, 2007 ?? Article 31j – Municipal Capital - Building Envelope – ADA – CEC needs additional details. ?? Article 31k – Municipal Capital - Munroe Art Center Fire Alarms – CEC recommends funds come from CPA ?? Article 34 – School Capital – CEC reduced recommended amounts for: a) Classroom FF&E; b) Interior Finishes; c) Roof Replacement at LHS; f) LHS and Estabrook Paving. The Capital Expenditures Committee is waiting for information regarding the following articles: ?? Article 35 – Senior Center Design/Conceptual Study ?? Article 36 – DPW Facility ?? Article 12 – Transfer of Barnes Property (White House) to Selectmen ?? Article 38 – Rescind Prior Borrowing Authorization ?? Article 39b – Establish and Appropriate to Specified Stabilization Funds (Traffic Mitigation) ?? Article 40 - Appropriate to Stabilization Fund ?? Article 43 – Appropriate for Authorized Capital Improvement Selectmen feel Munroe Center for the Arts is a safety concern and do not want to delay getting the fire alarm work done immediately. However, the question of the center’s license must be resolved soon as well. Mr. Griffiths is uncomfortable with the recommendation of the CEC for $710,000 to come from energy savings. The group discussed energy savings and what the aggregate savings and costs would be in connection with the financing of projects to save energy. Mr. Cohen suggested that the School Committee speak to the town financial advisor to explore the issue and also speak to Town Counsel to see if all energy improvements have to be bid. The Selectmen would like to have numbers on projects for use in planning debt in future years. The Selectmen requested that the School Committee provide a list of capital projects with savings associated therewith. FY2008 Budget – Municipal Mr. Valente reviewed the FY2008 Municipal Budget. There was a $630,000 gap. The Town will see savings of $325,000 associated with new contracts for solid waste and recycling. To cover the remaining $305,000 the Selectmen voted on a list of items for service reductions, program savings, budget flexibility reductions, deferrals and revenue/fee increases. Budget Collaboration/Financial Summit 4 – March 1, 2007 The Minuteman Tech has sent notice that the budget request for FY2008 will be $1,236,000. The School Committee plans to review their budget at its meeting on March 6 and then expects to vote on the bottom line on March 15. The School Committee expects to provide a list of at risk items at the next Summit. Mr. Valente reviewed the current proposed State Budget and how it will affect Lexington. It is reasonable to expect approximately $280,000 additional. Mr. Valente suggests that the money from the state be used to cover the Minuteman Tech gap. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to offset the Minuteman Tech increase with the expected state aid amount expected. Budget Schedule Mr. Young expects to have the budget available on March 9 so that Town Meeting can start discussing financial articles on April 9. That would provide two nights of budget discussion prior to the April vacation week. The School Committee will not have the School budget numbers ready to put into the budget book until after March 13. After much discussion among the four groups, it was decided that the municipal budget would be available on-line on March 9, 2007. Copies would be made available for anyone that requests one. That will allow financial articles to be discussed prior to school vacation. The purpose of the next two summit meetings will be to discuss capital financing and the School budget. It was decided to meet at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2007, to discuss capital financing and at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, to discuss the school budget. Both these meetings are being held prior to TMMA information meetings. Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by roll call vote 5-0 to go into executive session to discuss collective bargaining, not to return to open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to adjourn at 9:20 p.m. A true record; Attest: Lynne A. Pease Executive Clerk Selectmen’s Meeting March 12, 2007 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, March 12, 2007, at 6:30 p.m. in Cary Auditorium. Chairman Krieger, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Manz; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk, were present. Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by roll call 4-0 to immediately go into executive session at 6:30 p.m. in the Ellen Stone Room in Cary Memorial Building for the purpose of collective bargaining, with the intent to return to open session at approximately 7:30 p.m. for a regular Selectmen’s Meeting in Cary Auditorium. Public Comment Larry Link, Precinct 9 and member of the Lexington Interfaith Coalition, spoke of the importance of affordable housing in Lexington and that we should support the Inclusionary Zoning By-Law. George Jackman, Global Warming Action Coalition (GWAC), updated the Selectmen on a program currently running called The Lexington High School Solar Challenge where the Town can win free solar panels for the high school, which power two classrooms. For every 150 households that make contributions of $100 or greater to New England Wind Fund the high school will receive a solar panel. They have already received one and are close to receiving a second solar panel. Look for another upcoming GWAC event called “Step it up 2007” on Saturday, April 14, 2007 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Hastings Bandstand. Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports Mr. Cohen and Mr. Manz visited the Cotting School earlier today and were very pleased to be invited and thought it was a wonderful school that serves the needs of special education students. Mrs. Krieger wants to invite the Lexington State delegation to Town Meeting to update everyone on state aid and other issues. She has spoken to Gloria Bloom, TMMA, and Margery Battin, Moderator, who are fine with the invitation. The Selectmen all agreed it was a good idea. Mrs. Krieger would like to send a letter to “Keep It Local MA”, a group who is opposed to the proposed statewide franchising regulation, saying that Lexington is also opposed. The Selectmen agreed that a letter should be sent. Selectmen’s Meeting – March 12, 2007 Town Manager Report Mr. Valente read a statement regarding the comments by the Lexington Police Association regarding the Association questioning the Town’s management decisions that was in the Lexington Minuteman on March 8, 2007. Report from the No Place for Hate Committee Chief Chris Casey and Jill Smilow, No Place For Hate, updated the Selectmen and citizens about the hate crime that occurred in Lexington Center at around noontime on March 7, 2007. Discussion of Center Sidewalk Material Mr. Hadley, DPW Director, and Mr. Cannon, Assistant Town Engineer, reviewed the process for selecting wire-cut brick and using structured soil for the Center Business sidewalks. The pilot program will be from the corner of Massachusetts Avenue at Waltham Street up through the alley at Michelson Shoes. This pilot program was agreed upon with representatives from the Lexington Center Committee, Design Advisory Committee, Sidewalk Committee, and Tree Committee. The Historic Districts Commission has also approved the project and the Commission on Disability was a participant in the discussions. The Commission on Disability has some reservations about the sidewalk material and wants to know what the performance criteria will be, the length of the pilot and then how will we know the material works. The Selectmen plan to review the pilot program prior to continuing the next phase of sidewalk construction. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 3-1 (Kelley opposed) to approve the recommended sidewalk material and installation, specifically wire-cut brick and structured soil, as agreed upon by the Historic Districts Commission, Lexington Center Committee, Design Advisory Committee, Sidewalk Committee and Tree Committee, subject to reexamination prior to construction of any further sidewalks in the center. 2020 Vision Economic Development Task Force Report Mr. Zurlo, Co-Chair of the 2020 Vision Economic Development Task Force (EDTF), presented an interim report to the Selectmen. The charge of the EDTF is to: 1. Engage the community in education about our existing businesses and potential for further commercial development in Lexington and elicit community opinion on these issues; 2. Conduct a modeling exercise through which community members could explicitly examine the tradeoffs associated with various commercial development choices vs. the affordability of current and expected public services; Selectmen’s Meeting – March 12, 2007 3. Examine with the public various regulatory issues affecting prospects for the current business sector in town and for future commercial development, and the structure of Lexington’s complex regulatory and advisory system bearing on development decision; 4. Coordinate the work and that of the 2020 Vision Task Force on sustainability and incorporate considerations of sustainable development in its own work and recommendations; and 5. Based on the previous steps work with town officials to arrive at an effective workable mission for Lexington’s economic development officer. The EDTF will focus on permitting and regulation, communications, financial impact and modeling and an Economic Development Officer. The EDTF’s progress and findings to date are: ?? Permitting and Regulation Sub-group began interviewing local businesses regarding ease of process and they evaluated current zoning districts and reviewed zoning and policy initiatives focused on economic development. ?? Communications Sub-group issued its first press release announcing that the task force is soliciting input and there will be feature coverage soon. ?? Financial Impact and Modeling Sub-group looked at a pro-forma of a status scenario developed by Paul Hamburger and an analysis of development potential prepared by Larry Smith of Cranberry Hill Associates. ?? Economic Development Officer (EDO) Sub-group interviewed EDO’s of other towns, refined the EDO job description and reported that the Town Manager is currently in the hiring process. The EDO will require support and resources in order to be successful potentially through an on-going Economic Development Advisory Committee and with access to expertise and resources. The EDTF next steps are to request a transfer of the 2006 unpaid EDO salary dollars for a consultant ($40,000), look at potential areas for a consultant focus, assist in hiring EDO as needed, study impact and modeling results from the consultant’s information relating to permitting and regulation, complete evaluation of permitting process, and provide community education on issues/solicitation of input. Mrs. McKenna is concerned that the focus of the Economic Development Officer will be too narrow and that tourism is one of the strongest economic items and it should belong to the EDO. Selectmen’s Meeting – March 12, 2007 2020 Vision Sustainability Task Force Report Toby Sackton, member of the Vision 2020 Sustainability Task Force, presented an evaluation and recommendation regarding Cities for Climate Protection. The Sustainability Task Force is charged to recommend actions that the town may take to mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, include a broad representation from Lexington, identify benefits to town and private sector, evaluate links and activities inside and outside of town that can help and identify cost to town, support activities within town, and to educate the town. The major issue is that carbon dioxide is accumulating in the atmosphere much faster than scientists expected, raising fears that human kind may have less time to tackle climate change than previously thought. The task force makes the following recommendations: that Lexington develop and execute a Climate Action Plan; that Lexington join the “Cities for Climate Protection” program; that Lexington establish a “Sustainable Lexington” Committee to oversee the development and implementation of the Climate Action Plan (CAP), including education in the community. A Climate Action Plan document would identify Lexington’s current emissions levels, strategies for reducing emissions, target level for reduced emissions and measures for monitoring progress towards the reduced emissions goal. Milestones of a Cities for Climate Protection Program (CCP) include: conducting a baseline inventory of Lexington’s global warming pollutants, developing a local CAP to identify the most efficient and practical actions to reduce global warming pollution, establish a community target for lower emissions, implement the local CAP and measure, verify and report performance. The cost to join the Cities for Climate Protection Program is $600.00. Benefits of joining include: software products and associated training, access to a professional network of peers, training workshops for staff and elected officials, technical assistance, notification of relevant grant opportunities, and assistance in publicizing local climate protection successes. In conclusion, many groups in town are working toward reducing green house gases, energy conservation and sustainable lifestyles; membership in Cities for Climate Protection will associate Lexington with greenhouse gas reduction programs around the world and will provide significant structure, support and advice toward our programs and creating a sustainability committee or subcommittee will help facilitate the introduction of Cities for Climate Protection and the reduction of energy consumption and greenhouse gas production within Lexington. Selectmen’s Meeting – March 12, 2007 The 2020 Vision Sustainability Task Force recommends that Lexington join the Cities for Climate Protection Program; that the Selectmen appoint an ad hoc committee with a limited term to oversee the development and implementation of a Lexington climate plan (the Task Force will provide a draft charge); and that the goal of establishing a Lexington Climate Plan be part of the annual visioning and goal setting process to determine the best way to develop a Town liaison with this effort. Mrs. Krieger feels the Town has accomplished a lot but has not measured the impact, so we do not know what the baseline is and what the measured improvements would be. She feels it is important to join Cities for Climate Protection and to establish an energy inventory. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to accept the recommendations of the 2020 Vision Sustainability Task Force and to proceed. Article Positions/Presentations Article 4 – Zoning By-Law, Inclusionary Zoning Ms. Manz, Chair, Mr. Hornig and Mr. Zurlo, of the Planning Board presented the Inclusionary Housing proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment. The Inclusionary Housing Bylaw would cover general objectives, applicability, inclusionary units, inclusionary credits, continuing affordability, development design, multiple site provisions, significant public benefit, segmentation and expedited review. The Bylaw would only apply to developments of 5 or more residential units. Residential developments, which add new dwelling units, must also create a proportionate number of “inclusionary units” which are affordable in perpetuity. The number is based on 15% of added dwelling units being affordable at 80% of Area Median Income. The bylaw would also provide many alternative ways to meet the requirements. Developments that meet the bylaw requirements will be approved. The Planning Board supports this article 4-1 (Mr. Galaitsis opposed). Mr. Bicknell, Chair of the Housing Partnership Board, would like the Selectmen to support this article to address a housing imbalance. The benefits of affordable housing are: businesses find it easier to hire and retain employees who are able to live within a reasonable commuting distance, the town benefits from employees living here because they are more interested in its future and activities; senior citizens have the choice to remain in the town where they have roots and younger families can find homes and become a revitalizing factor in town. Mr. Galaitsis, member of the Planning Board, presented his minority report. He supports affordable housing but disagrees on how best to achieve it. The small group that this affects should not have to finance affordable housing. Mr. Terry has lived in Lexington for 50 years and feels the cost burden would be put on a small minority. Selectmen’s Meeting – March 12, 2007 Mr. Gabler, Precinct 1, is for Inclusionary Zoning but against the method. Feels the burden will be on a small group of older people. Ms. Cohen, Precinct 5, is in favor of the article and feels the benefits far outweigh the cost. Article 5 – Zoning By-Law, Tree Management Mr. Canale stated that the objective of the By-Law amendment is to more explicitly include the protection of trees as a part of the findings and determinations required when the Planning Board or the Zoning Board of Appeals grants a special permit or a special permit with site plan review. It will become part of the standard submission for those projects under the jurisdiction of the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals. The individual jurisdictions are retained, but it will enhance the consistency between the requirements of the various permitting bodies in town by including as part of a landscaping plan a tree plan that more closely parallels the standards found in the Tree Bylaw. Article 13 – Amend Tree Bylaw Mr. Pinsonneault, Superintendent of Public Grounds, and the Tree Committee want to strengthen the current Tree Bylaw in five ways: 1. Extend the possibility of protection to certain trees that are 6 inches in diameter rather than the current 8-inch minimum. 2. Simplify interpretation and enforcement by creating a single general rule for defining the set back area that is uniform across all town zones. 3. Specify the types of replacement evergreens that are acceptable. 4. Provide measures and remedies to ensure that the trees covered by the By-law are also protected from loss due to construction damage. 5. Indicate that the Lexington Tree Manual is the standard for tree planting, maintenance and protection in the town. Article 15 – Amend Demolition Delay Bylaw Mr. Kelland, Chair of the Historical Commission, stated that the purpose of the article is to strengthen the Town’s Demolition Delay Bylaw together with the addition of a new feature relating to the stabilization of buildings undergoing “demolition by neglect”. The Article also cures certain ambiguities that have plagued its implementation. The Historical Commission consulted with Town Counsel, Building Commissioner, Planning Board and Selectmen in preparing the proposed changes to the bylaw. The effects of the article would be to delay total or partial demolitions by extending demolition delay from 6 to 18 months, which would still be imposed at the discretion of the Historical Commission. Selectmen’s Meeting – March 12, 2007 Demolition by neglect would impose remedies for unoccupied buildings left to decay and for structural failure or severe degradation over a period of time due to a general lack of maintenance. It would also enable the Building Commissioner to require that specific repairs be made to secure such unoccupied buildings, prevent further deterioration and structurally stabilize them, unless the deteriorating buildings pose a threat to public safety. Mr. Kelley was concerned that the residents do not know if their homes are included on the list of historically significant homes and feels it is the responsibility of the Historical Commission to send a mailing informing residents. Article Positions The Selectmen took positions on the following articles of which a majority supports: Article 5, Zoning By-Law, Tree Management Article 13, Amend Tree Bylaw Article 15, Amend Demolition Delay Bylaw Consent Agenda Reenactment of Arrival of Paul Revere and William Dawes at Hancock-Clarke House Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to approve the request of the Lexington Historical Society and the Lexington Company of Minute Men to do the annual reenactment of the arrival of Paul Revere and William Dawes at the Hancock Clarke House. The reenactment will begin Sunday, April 15, 2007 at 10:30 p.m. and will continue into the early hours of Monday, April 16, 2007. Proclamation – Arbor Day Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to sign a proclamation to proclaim April 27, 2007 as Arbor Day in the Town of Lexington and to urge all citizens to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands and to support our town’s urban forestry program. One-Day Liquor License – Lexington Symphony Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to approve a one-day liquor license for Lexington Symphony for Sunday, April 15, 2007 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for a gala reception for the season finale and a fundraiser. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to approve the minutes of February 26, 2007 and March 1, 2007. Executive Session Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to approve the executive session minutes of February 26, 2007 and March 1, 2007. Selectmen’s Meeting – March 12, 2007 One-Day Liquor License – The Waldorf School Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to approve the request for a one-day liquor license for The Waldorf School on Friday, March 16, 2007, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Follen Church, 755 Mass. Avenue, for a Benefit Concert for the Music Scholarship Fund. Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by roll call 4-0 to return to executive session in the Ellen Stone Room in Cary Memorial Building for the purpose of contract negotiations, with no intent to return to open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 11:20 p.m. A true record; Attest: Lynne A. Pease Executive Clerk Budget Collaboration/Financial Summit 5 March 15, 2007 A joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Finance Committees was held on Thursday, March 15, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. in Estabrook Hall. Present: Chairman Krieger, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Manz, Mr. Burnell; Mr. Valente, Town Manager, Ms. Chabot, Assistant to the Executive Clerk; Mr. Ash, Superintendent; Ms. Dunn, Assistant Superintendent; all members of the School Committee; all members of the Appropriation Committee with the exception of Mr. Michelson; all members of the Capital Expenditures Committee with the exception of Mr. Borghesani and Mr. Hurley. School Capital Project Requests Mr. Griffiths, School Committee, presented the School Committee Recommended Capital Projects for FY2008. The Capital Budget proposal is divided into three pieces: projects approved by the Capital Expenditures Committee ($910,000) using energy financing; projects approved by the Capital Expenditures Committee ($2,100,000) using conventional financing; and projects not approved by the Capital Expenditures Committee ($850,000) using conventional financing. Mr. Addelson, Finance Director, presented a chart comparing the School debt service in the FY2008 Recommended Budget and Financing Plan (“the Brown Book”) with the debt service in the revised proposal presented by the School Committee. The revised School Capital Plan exceeds the debt service in the Brown Book by $13,613 in FY2008; $162,875 in FY2009; $158, 895 in FY2010; $154,915 in FY2011; and $150,935 in FY2012. The shortfall results if all of the School’s projects are to be financed. If items marked priority 3 and 4 are eliminated from the School’s proposal, the shortfall goes away. Mr. Levine, Appropriation Committee, suggested funding all items on the School Committee list except priority 4 projects. He said this could be done by borrowing for certain projects over a 10 year period rather than a five year period and by reducing the amount of money the Town puts into the stabilization fund from $1 million to $500,000. Other members of the Appropriation Committee did not support this suggestion. Several members of the Capital Expenditures Committee, Board of Selectmen, School Committee, and Mr. Valente also voiced opposition to the idea. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by the School Committee, Board of Selectmen, and Capital Expenditures Committee to oppose reducing the amount of the tax levy fund required to be deposited in the stabilization fund from $1 million to $500,000. FY2008 Budget Update Mr. Griffiths reported that $3,010,000 is the proposed capital budget for the School Department. Budget Collaboration/Financial Summit 5 – March 15, 2007 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 7:30 p.m. A true record; Attest: Diana B. Chabot Assistant to the Executive Clerk Selectmen’s Meeting March 19, 2007 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, March 19, 2007, at 6:30 p.m. in Cary Auditorium. Chairman Krieger, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Manz, Mr. Burnell; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; Ms. Vine, Assistant Town Manager, and Ms. Manning, Clerk, were present. Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by roll call 5-0 to go immediately into executive session at 6:30 p.m. in the Ellen Stone Room in Cary Memorial Building for the purpose of collective bargaining, with the intent to return to open session at approximately 7:30 p.m. for a regular Selectmen’s Meeting in Cary Auditorium. Public Comment Three students from Lexington High School addressed the board. The students encouraged the Board to support Article 16, which would amend the General Bylaws to provide a regulation for the idling of vehicle engines by adopting a new chapter of the General Bylaws entitled “Engine Operation of Stopped Vehicles”. The students believe that adopting this amendment will benefit the health of the citizens of Lexington and the environment. Town Manager Report Mr. Valente commended the DPW staff for a tremendous snow removal job after the weekend snowstorm. Commitment of Water / Sewer Charges Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted 5-0 to approve the following water and sewer adjustments: Commitment of Water / Sewer Charges for January 2007 $172,386.28 Commitment of Water / Sewer Charges for 2/1/2007 to 2/28/2007 $1,453.88 Lexington Minute Men – Adding Names to Monument William Mix, representing the Minute Men, requested that the Board approve the addition of three Lexington Militia names to the Lexington Minute Man Monument. Mr. Mix explained that Thaddeus Bowan’s name should be added based on the fact that according to the 1825 depositions of E. Monroe Jr., W. Monroe and J. Underwood he was identified as the individual who first reported the approach of the Regulars to Captain John Parker. Without Thaddeus’ warning, the men of the Lexington Militia might have been taken completely unawares by the Regulars and perhaps suffered even greater consequences than they did. Selectmen’s Meeting – March 19, 2007 Sgt. Francis Brown, the name of the second addition being requested, is listed in E. Phinney’s book as being wounded in the face in the afternoon pursuit of he Regulars. Of all of those wounded that day, only the name of Sgt. Brown does not appear on the memorial monument. Lastly, Nathaniel Wyman was killed during the afternoon pursuit of the Regulars. He is the only individual who suffered death while under arms whose name does not appear on the Lexington memorials dedicated to the men of 1775. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the request of the Lexington Minute Men to add the names Thaddeus Bowman, Sgt. Francis Brown and Nathaniel Wyman to the Monument to the Lexington Minute Men. Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Residents have requested a review of parking situations on Slocum Road, Grapevine Avenue and at the Center Playground. Dave Cannon, Engineering, presented the requests and proposed changes to the Board. Slocum Road – No Parking The first request, made by a resident of Slocum Road, was to extend the No Parking zone on Slocum Street to include both sides of the street from Massachusetts Avenue 100’ Westerly. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the change to the regulations, to extend the No Parking Zone to include both sides of Slocum Road from Massachusetts Avenue 100’ westerly, as recommended by the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. Grapevine Avenue – No Parking The next proposal was requested by a resident of Grapevine Avenue to add parking restrictions on Grapevine Avenue due to safety concerns. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to post No Parking signs on Grapevine Avenue, North, at Waltham Street Easterly 100’ to improve traffic flow and maintain safety. Center Playground – Request for Parking Spaces The Lexington Pre-School Parent Teachers Association submitted this request. It is proposed that two parking spaces adjacent to the existing Handicap spots at the Center Playground be posted as two hour parking, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to provide access to the playground for parents with small children. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the proposed change to the parking code as recommended by the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee and designate two parking spaces 2 Hour Parking – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Center Playground, Clarke Street. Selectmen’s Meeting – March 19, 2007 Grant of Location - Verizon Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of Verizon to relocate and/or install poles, wires, cables, and fixtures, including anchors, guys and other such necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures along and across the following; On the easterly side of Lowell Street, in the grass strip, adjacent to the sidewalk, place pole number 9-52/1, at a point which is 178 feet (+) from the corner of Winchester Drive and Lowell Street. Article Positions/Presentations Article 31e Presentation-Geographic Information System Peter Bujwid, a consultant, from Applied Geographic Inc. who has worked with town employees putting together a GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan explained the GIS System and recommended a three year implementation plan. The Selectmen support Article 31e. Article 35 Community / Senior Center Conceptual Study Mr. LaPointe, representing the Council on Aging (COA), reported that the COA supports Article 16, which if approved by Town Meeting would reallocate $35,000 for a feasibility study to determine if using the White House, either on its own, or in addition to the present Senior Center in the Muzzey building would be sufficient space for a Community/Senior Center. The funding for the study would be the $35,000 unexpended balance from Article 8A of the 2000 Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Lapointe stated that members of the Council on Aging believe that the combination of the two buildings would be sufficient space to accommodate senior programs. The School Committee has already agreed to turn the White House property over to the Town and the COA sees this as an extraordinary opportunity. Mr. Kelley had several concerns regarding whether or not the White House could accommodate a senior facility. Mr. Kelley also asked if the COA had connected with the Historic District Commission (HDC) to determine what parts of the property the HDC wished to preserve. Mr. Lapointe commented that many of Mr. Kelley’s questions could be answered by the School Committee study done on this property in 2006 to determine if the building could be renovated to accommodate the School Department Administration Offices. Mr. Burnell asked if the COA would be willing to stipulate in the motion for this article exactly what the committee hopes to accomplish through this study. Selectmen’s Meeting – March 19, 2007 Mr. Lapointe said the COA would like the unanimous support of the Board when this motion is presented at Town Meeting. It was decided that Mr. Lapointe would meet with Mr. Kelley to address his concerns and review the previous study. The COA will meet with representatives of the HDC to determine what part of the property the HDC requires be preserved. It was also decided that the COA would amend the motion to include language regarding oversight of the project by the Board of Selectmen. Once the motion is completed it will be presented to the Board prior to the Town Meeting vote. Article 16 – Amend General ByLaws- Engine Operation of Stopped Vehicles Anthony Galaitsis, representing the Article 40 Committee, reported that after three years of research a majority of the committee is recommending Town Meeting vote to amend the Code of the Town of Lexington to provide for the regulation of the idling of vehicle engines by adopting a new Chapter of the General By-Laws entitled “Engine Operation of Stopped Vehicles” and to provide for the enforcement of such provisions. Mr. Galaitsis explained that Article 16 simply takes the state law and makes it a Town By- law. The fines are clear and explicit, making it easier to enforce. The vote of the committee was not unanimous, Mrs. Krieger, a member of the Article 40 Committee, spoke for the minority. Mrs. Krieger stated that it is her belief that education is more important than enforcement and that the public needs to be further educated on the hazards of engine idling before the Town begins enforcement. Police Chief Casey stated that the police department’s program of traffic enforcement prioritizes traffic violations that are the cause of traffic crashes involving pedestrians, vehicles and bicyclists. The violations patrol officers target is offenses including but not limited to, speeding, drunk driving, driving after license suspension, road rage, stop sign and red light violations. Chief Casey applauds the work of the anti idling committee in raising community awareness through its education campaign; nevertheless the priorities of the patrol division’s traffic enforcement program must remain focused on dangerous driving behavior. Sheryl Mason. Precinct 7, suggested that the Town wait to see what effect the new Anti Idling signs in Lexington Center have before adopting the state law. Mrs. Krieger and Mr. Kelley do not support Article 16. Mr. Manz does support the article. Mr. Cohen and Mr. Burnell will do some further research before taking a position. Selectmen’s Meeting – March 19, 2007 Article 20-Resolution Requesting School Committee Policy on Safe Transport of Special Education Children Mrs. Frymer is requesting the Board support the passage of a resolution that would provide for the safe transport of certain ill SPED students. The nonbinding resolution would request that the Superintendent of Schools create and publish a policy identifying the need for a monitor to ensure seat belt use. Such a policy would ensure that the driver remains in compliance with the Child Passenger Law. Mr. Cohen suggested that this issue should be presented to and acted upon by the School Committee. Mrs. Frymer stated that she has been working with the School Committee for two years and is not satisfied with the results. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted 5-0 to support Article 20. Article 23-Petition General Court to Increase Income Limits for Property Tax Deferral Benjamin Cohen presented Article 23 to the Board. Mr. Cohen began by saying that property taxes can become a burden for fixed income seniors. A property tax deferral provides tax relief to seniors without shifting the burden of funding town services unto others. Mr. Cohen believes the current income limitation for the property tax deferral program is unrealistically low. The intent of Article 23 is to “level the playing field” regarding the eligibility requirements associated with the Senior Property Tax Deferral Program (SPTD) and the Community Preservation Act (CPA). Currently to participate in the SPTD, one must be 65 years of age or older while at the same time - whether married or single - having a household income no greater than $40,000. To qualify for a CPA 3% surcharge exemption one must be 60 years of age or older while-in the case of a married couple - having an income no greater than $62,500 or in the case of a single individual 60 years or older having an income no greater than $58,900. Mr. Cohen emphasized the disparity within these income eligibility parameters. Mr. Cohen reviewed the number of applicants and participants for the SPTD and Senior Municipal Tax Work-off Program in 2006 and thus far in 2007. The number of participants in these two programs combined is 49. The number of participants in the CPA 3% Surcharge Exemption is 238. If Article 23 passes at Town Meeting the Town would petition the state legislature for a ‘Home Rule’ Petition. The qualifying income would become $62,500, for a married couple 60 years old or older or $58,900 for a single person 60 years or older. Petitioning the General Court for a Home Rule Petition would enable the Selectmen to raise the income levels of the SPTD in annual increments of $5000 until such time as Senior Property Tax Deferral eligibility Selectmen’s Meeting – March 19, 2007 Parameters are consistent with those of the Community Preservation Act. Mr. Cohen asked that the Board support this article. Vicki Blier, speaking on behalf of the Tax Deferral and Exemption Study Committee said the Committee does agree that the income limits need to be adjusted; however, the Committee does not think the age requirement for the SPTD should be lowered to age 60. The Board agreed to support the recommendations of the Committee and will not be supporting the motion offered by Mr. Cohen. Article 26-Appropriate for FY2008 Community Preservation Committee Operating Budget and fro CPA Projects Richard Pagett addressed the Board on behalf of the Community Preservation Committee (CPC). The Committee will be recommending twelve projects to Town Meeting for consideration and approval. Each of the twelve projects were evaluated based on criteria for acceptable Community Preservation Act projects. In addition to the twelve projects the committee is also recommending an allocation of $25,000 for administrative expenses. The twelve projects are: 1. Center Playfields Drainage Engineering Study - $40,000. The Board unanimously supports this recommendation. 2. Historic Cemetery Preservation at Ye Old Burial Ground and Monroe Cemetery - $367,000. The Board unanimously supports this recommendation. 3. Improve Fire Monitoring at Lexington’s Historic Houses - $18,120. The Board unanimously supports this recommendation. 4. New Boiler and Oil Tank for Buckman Tavern - $10,685. The Board unanimously supports this recommendation. 5. Comprehensive Cultural Resources Survey of Lexington - $90,000. Mrs. Krieger and Mr. Cohen support this recommendation, Mr. Kelley does not. Mr. Manz and Mr. Burnell were not ready to take a position. 6. Greeley Village Window Replacement - $228,404. The Board unanimously supports this recommendation. 7. Historic Building Evaluation Report - East Lexington Branch Library - $43,000. Mrs. Krieger, Mr. Cohen and Mr. Manz support this article. Mr. Kelley does not. Mr. Burnell was not prepared to take a position. 8. Cary Hall Restoration and Rehabilitation - $147,130. The Board unanimously supports this article. 9. Tourism Signs - $18,360. The Board unanimously supports this project. 10. Supportive Living, Inc. Affordable Housing - $300,000 (15 Units for Brain-Injured Persons, Rehabilitation of 7 Oakland Street). The Board unanimously supports this project. Selectmen’s Meeting – March 19, 2007 11. West Lexington Greenway Corridor - $125,000. The Board unanimously supports this project. 12. Muzzy Condominium Building Study - $53,500. A majority of the Board supports this project; Mr. Kelley is opposed. The Board unanimously supports the recommendation of $25,000 of CPA funds being allocated for administrative expenses. The total cost of the twelve projects as well as the administrative expenses is $1,441,000. Mr. Pagett briefly reviewed the status of 2006 CPA projects. Article 4- Zoning By-Law, Inclusionary Zoning The Board had a very brief discussion of Article 4. Mr. Kelley and Mr. Burnell do not support this article. The other Selectmen do support this article. Article 31, b-d and f-h Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment The Selectmen took positions on the following items: b. Wireless Fire Alarm Boxes. The Board unanimously supports this project. c. DPW Equipment. The Board unanimously supports this project. d. Woburn Street Reconstruction. The Board unanimously supports this project. f. Storm Drain Improvements. The Board unanimously supports this project. g. Sidewalk Improvements. A majority of the Board supports this project; Mr. Burnell chose not to take a position. h. Central Business District Sidewalks. The Board unanimously supports this project. i. Bikeway Repair/Repaving. The Board unanimously supports this project. j. Building Envelope. A majority of the Board supports this project. Mr. Burnell is waiting for further information before taking a position. k. Munroe Center Fire Alarms. The Board unanimously supports this project. l. Dam Repairs. The Board unanimously supports this project. m. Traffic Mitigation. The Board unanimously supports this item. n. Street Improvements. The Board unanimously supports this item. o. Nstar Parking Lot. The Board unanimously supports this item. p. Replacement of Fire Engine 5. The Board unanimously supports this item. q. Hydrant Replacement. The Board unanimously supports this item. Article 32- Appropriate for Water Distribution Improvements The Board unanimously supports this article. Article 33 - Appropriate for Sewer Improvements 33a. - Wastewater System Improvements 33b. - Pump Station Upgrades Selectmen’s Meeting – March 19, 2007 The Board unanimously supports both items included in this article. Approval of Use of PEG Funds for Audio Visual Systems Municipal staff has been working with Mr. Manz, Mr. Becker, representing the Communication Advisory Committee, and Mr. Preston, LexMedia, to design a new audio- visual system for the Selectmen’s Meeting Room. The proposed system will cost approximately $50,000. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0-1 (Mr. Burnell abstained) to authorize the expenditure of funds from the Cable TV Account and PEG Account for the purchase and installation of audio-visual equipment for the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, as shown in the AdTech proposal dated February 13, 2007, to be spent under the jurisdiction of the Town Manager. Governors Proposal for Local Option Revenue The Town’s State Representatives have asked the Board to take a position on the options proposed by the Governor in his proposed Municipal Legislation. The legislation would allow towns to tax telecommunication equipment; increase the hotel occupancy tax to 5% and raise the meal tax by 2%. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to send a letter stating the Town supports making these options available. Traffic Mitigation - Use of Transportation Demand Mitigation Funds Residents have been working for several years to obtain a pedestrian initiated traffic light and crosswalk to facilitate crossing Waltham Street at the Lexington-Waltham line. The preferred location for the light is on the Waltham side of the border. Representative Stanley has obtained $80,000 from Mass Highway to spend on the installation before July 1, 2007. It is unlikely that the City of Waltham will appropriate the remaining necessary funds toward this project. The Traffic Mitigation Group is suggesting that $70,000 of the $250,000 traffic mitigation fund from the Avalon development at Met State for traffic improvements in South Lexington be spent to fund the crosswalk. They based their recommendation on the following facts: that the best place for the crosswalk is on the Waltham side of the border; much of the traffic coming out of the shopping center turns left toward Lexington; we need the crosswalk and putting it in Lexington would surely cost the Town more than $70,000. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 3-2 (Mr. Kelley and Mr. Burnell opposed) to appropriate $70,000 of Avalon traffic mitigation funds to help construct a pedestrian activated light and crosswalk just south of the Lexington line on Waltham Street. Selectmen’s Meeting – March 19, 2007 Appointment - Historical Commission Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the Town Manager’s reappointment of Marilyn Fenollosa to the Historical Commission for a term to expire March 31, 2010. Selectmen Article Presenters The Board reviewed the list of Article Presenters for Town meeting. The only change made to the list of presenters was that Mr. Cohen will present Article 15 instead of Mrs. Krieger. Revised Selectmen Liaisons to Committees The Board reviewed the revised listing of Selectmen Liaisons to committees. The only change was that Mr. Burnell will be the Selectmen Liaison to the 2020 Vision Committee instead of Mrs. Krieger. Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to adjourn at 11:40 PM. A true record; Attest: Lori A. Manning Clerk Selectmen’s Meeting March 21, 2007 A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. in the Legion Room, in Cary Memorial Building. Chairman Krieger, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Burnell; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; and Ms. Vine; Assistant Town Manager, were present. Budget Carl Valente discussed two line items of the budget that needed to be increased: an additional $270,000 needed for unemployment should the potential override for school costs fail and an additional $30,000 for debt service should the newly suggested school capital projects pass. It was recommended that the funds come from the snow budget. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to use $300,000 from the snow budget to cover the increases in the two line items. Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by roll call 4-0 to go into executive session for the purpose of contract negotiation, personnel matter and litigation, with no intent to return to open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 6:30 p.m. A true record; Attest: Linda Crew Vine Assistant Town Manager Selectmen’s Meeting March 26, 2007 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, March 26, 2007, at 6:30 p.m. in Estabrook Hall. Chairman Krieger, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Manz, Mr. Burnell; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; and Ms. Chabot, Assistant to the Executive Clerk, were present. Public Comment Mr. Hadley, Director of Public Works, said that two employees from the Public Works Department, Jim Fogg and Sue Benoit, are using their vacation time to go to New Orleans and help with the clean up efforts there. They have done this for the last three years. The Board commends them for doing this. Article Positions Members of the Board who had not already done so, took positions on the following articles: ?? Article 5 – Zoning By-Law, Tree Management ?? Article 13 – Amend Tree Bylaw ?? Article 14 – Amend General Bylaws – Tourism Committee ?? Article 16 – Amend General Bylaws – Engine Operation of Stopped Vehicles ?? Article 17 – Accept MGL Chapter 32, Section 7 (2)(a)(iii) and 9 (2)(d)(ii)-Dependent Children Payments Future Meetings The Board discussed dates for future meetings. Discussion of CPA Agreement with Historical Society for Depot Elevator Mr. Valente and Town Counsel suggest an agreement along the following lines. Should the Depot be sold within the next ten years, the repayment of CPA funds will be $44,000 plus three percent simple interest per year for the next five years. After five years, no additional interest would be charged and the amount to be repaid would no longer increase (approximately $51,000). If the Depot were sold from years six to ten, the repayment to the Town would be $51,000. After year ten, no repayment would be required. All of the Selectmen supported the terms suggested by Mr. Valente and Town Counsel. Consent Agenda Deferral of Water and Sewer Payments Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the request of Ruth M. Walsh, 16 Cliffe Avenue, for deferral of water and sewer payments. Selectmen’s Meeting – March 26, 2007 Order of Sewer Taking – Oakmount Circle Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the request of the Engineering Department for an Order of Sewer Taking for the accepted town street known as Oakmount Circle. One-Day Liquor License – Historical Society Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the request of the Historical Society for a one-day liquor license for Friday, March 30, 2007, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Depot Building for a Relinquished Treasures Benefit Auction. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 7:10 p.m. A true record; Attest: Diana B. Chabot Assistant to the Executive Clerk Selectmen’s Meeting March 28, 2007 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday, March 28, 2007, at 6:30 p.m. in Estabrook Hall. Chairman Krieger, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Manz, Mr. Burnell; Ms. Vine, Assistant Town Manager; and Ms. Chabot, Assistant to the Executive Clerk, were present. Future Meetings Ms. Vine gave a copy of the Post Retirement Benefits Analysis to the Board. The auditors will come and explain the analysis to the Board at their meeting on April 18, 2007. The Appropriation Committee will be invited to attend. Town Manager Review A full copy of Mr. Valente’s performance evaluation is on file in the Selectmen’s Office. The summary section of his review follows: Carl has had an outstanding year in difficult financial times. He has dealt with all of the goals we identified for him in an effective manner. Under his leadership, we have maintained our Aaa bond rating and we have continued to receive praise and awards for our budget process. The high cost of energy, health care, etc. cannot be blamed on the Town Manager. It would not hurt, in certain instances, to forcefully, but politely, point this out to persistent critics of the way Lexington is governed. Carl has quickly gained a good understanding of how Lexington works, and is defining a series of steps that will make Lexington government operate even more effectively. Having five bosses must be challenging in the best of circumstances. He has done a wonderful job in respectfully considering everyone’s issues and allowing the Board to work through differing points of view to reach a conclusion that can well serve the Town. We believe Lexington is most fortunate to have Carl Valente as our Town Manager. Article Positions The Board took positions on the following articles: ?? Article 22 – Appropriate FY2008 Enterprise Funds Budget ?? Article 24 – Appropriate for Senior Service Program ?? Article 29 – Appropriate for Recreation Capital ?? Article 30 – Appropriate for Battle Green Flagpole Maintenance ?? Article 38 – Rescind Prior Borrowing Authorization The Board requested presentations on the following articles: ?? Article 25 – Continue and Approve Departmental Revolving Funds ?? Article 26 (e) – Comprehensive Cultural Resource Survey ?? Article 26 (g) – East Lexington Library Study Selectmen’s Meeting – March 28, 2007 ?? Article 26 (l) – Muzzey Condominium Study ?? Article 34 – Appropriate for School Capital Projects and Equipment Article 37 – Appropriate for Post Employment Benefits was indefinitely postponed. Consent Agenda Use of the Battle Green – Iraq Send-Off Ceremony Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the request of the Army National Guard to use the Battle Green on Thursday, May 3, 2007, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a send-off ceremony for one of their companies going to Iraq, provided that there are no vehicles on the Battle Green. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 7:15 p.m. A true record; Attest: Diana B. Chabot Assistant to the Executive Clerk