HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-09-BOS-min
Selectmen’s Meeting
September 10, 2007
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, September 10, 2007 at 7:00
p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room. Chairman Krieger, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Manz;
Mr. Valente, Town Manager; and Ms. Chabot, Assistant to the Executive Clerk, were present.
Public Comment
Mrs. McKenna, Chairman of the Tourism Committee, reported that the new Liberty Ride trolley
unexpectedly came with a cooler. They have begun to sell water on the trolley. They plan to
make t-shirts, hats, and bags available soon.
Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports
Mr. Manz reported first, that he reduced his packet of information for the Selectmen’s Meeting
to a searchable CD. This was done to cut down on the use and storage of paper. Second, as
Liaison to the Transportation Advisory Committee, Mr. Manz said that there has been some
linkage, incorrectly, between Lexpress and the School Bus System. And third, in light of the
recent loss of two Boston Firefighters, he thanked the Town Inspectors who keep our citizens
safe. A grease-laden ceiling contributed to the fire in Boston, and a similar situation existed in a
building here in Lexington, but has been corrected thanks to one of our inspectors.
Mr. Kelley has received comments from citizens who were surprised that a beveled brick was
used in the sidewalk installation project on Mass. Avenue. He also wondered what happened to
the promise that abutting businesses would not be affected. Mr. Valente explained that the day
the kids went back to School was the day the installation started. The thought was that most of
the back to school purchases would have been made before school started, but that was
apparently not the case for one business. Mr. Cohen has received positive feedback about the
sidewalk.
Town Manager Report
Mr. Valente reported that the Town has received recognition from the Government Finance
Officers Association for our budget prepared by Mr. Young, Budget Officer and Mr. Addelson,
Assistant Town Manager for Finance.
Water Sewer Rate Discussion
Mr. Addelson and Mr. Young presented the FY2008 Water/Sewer Cost Analysis. This is the
first of two steps leading to the Board establishing FY2008 water and sewer rates. Mr. Young
reviewed the results of FY2007 water and sewer operations, and also reviewed direct and
indirect cost analysis based on the budget approved at the 2007 Annual Town Meeting. Overall,
in FY2007, expenses were in line with appropriations and revenues were higher than expected.
Mr. Addelson reviewed consumption history in FY2006 and FY2007. Mr. Wood, Chairman of
the Water and Sewer Rate Study Committee, discussed the issue of evaporative cooling towers
Selectmen’s Meeting – September 10, 2007
that cool large commercial buildings in town and billing for those structures. These systems may
be putting less water back into the sewer system, but it could be water that is more concentrated
in undesirable chemicals. Mr. Meehan, Superintendent of Water & Sewer, is collecting more
information from the state on how the MWRA calculates its charges for this water.
The Board will receive a recommendation on proposed water and sewer rates at its next meeting
on September 24, 2007.
Selectmen Appointments/ Reappointments/Resignations
Board of Appeals
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to reappoint John McWeeney to the
Board of Appeals for a five-year term to expire September 30, 2012.
Board of Appeals Associates
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to reappoint John Gilbert, Daniel Lucas,
Leo McSweeney, David Williams, Carolyn Wilson, and Martha Wood to the Board of Appeals
as Associates for a one-year term to expire September 30, 2008.
Communications Advisory Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to reappoint Jeanne Canale, James
Gonzalez, Maria Kieslich, and Edmond Vail III to the Communications Advisory Committee for
a three-year term to expire September 30, 2010.
Fence Viewers
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to reappoint David Buczkowski,
William Simmons, and Robert Warshawer to the Fence Viewers for a one-year term to expire
September 30, 2008.
Gammel Legacy Trust
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to reappoint Lillian MacArthur and
Jacquelyn Ward to the Gammel Legacy Trust for a one-year term to expire September 30, 2008.
Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to reappoint Stewart Kennedy, Abraham
Shenker, and Michael Tabaczynski to the Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee for a three-
year term to expire September 30, 2010.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to accept the resignation of Jim
Wichman from the Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee, effective immediately.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to appoint Margaret Enders to the
Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee to fill the unexpired term of Jim Wichman ending
September 30, 2008.
Selectmen’s Meeting – September 10, 2007
Lexington Center Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to reappoint Frederic Johnson, Howard
Levin, Daphne Politis, and Jerome Smith to the Lexington Center Committee for a three-year
term to expire September 30, 2010.
Lexington Council for the Arts
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to reappoint Louise Cady-Fernandes,
Barbara Ciampa, and Sirapi Heghini Walzer to the Lexington Council for the Arts for a three-
year term to expire September 30, 2010.
Personnel Advisory Board
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to reappoint William Barnes and Janet
Perry to the Personnel Advisory Board for a three-year term to expire September 30, 2010.
Police Manual Policy Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to reappoint Chief Casey, Cleveland
Coats, Jr., Edith Flynn, William Hays, and Gerald McLeod to the Police Manual Policy
Committee for a one-year term to expire September 30, 2008.
Transportation Advisory Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to reappoint Sally Castleman, and to
appoint Danny Moraff, to the Transportation Advisory Committee for a three-year term to expire
September 30, 2010.
Eagle Letters – Tom Osborn and Jesse Weeks
Mr. Manz congratulated Tom Osborn and Jesse Weeks for attaining the highest rank in Scouting.
Jesse Weeks’ project was to rebuild the fire rings at Willard Woods, and Tom Osborn built a
retaining wall behind the First Baptist Church.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to send a letter to Tom Osborn and Jesse
Weeks congratulating them on attaining the highest rank in Boy Scouts.
Use of Battle Green/Walk – Masonic Learning Center
The Masonic Learning Center requested permission to hold the Fifth Annual Battle Green Walk
on Sunday, October 7, 2007, beginning at 12:00 noon and ending at approximately 2:00 p.m.
The walk will begin at the Masonic Learning Center and proceed to the Battle Green and then
back to the Masonic Learning Center. The police have requested that there be one police detail
at Mass. Avenue and Marrett Road. The DPW has requested that the Masonic Learning Center
make sure to cleanup at all water stops and the Green.
Selectmen’s Meeting – September 10, 2007
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to approve the request of the Masonic
Learning Center to hold the Fifth Annual Battle Green Walk and use the Battle Green on
Sunday, October 7, 2007, from 12:00 noon to approximately 2:00 p.m. subject to complying with
the requests of the Police and DPW.
Lexington Minute Men – Monument Ceremony
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to approve the request of the Lexington
Minute Men to fire muskets during the ceremony to unveil the soldiers’ names added to the
monument on the Buckman Tavern Grounds, on Saturday, October 13, 2007, between 11:00 a.m.
and 12:00 noon.
Consent Agenda
Authorize the Town Manager to Submit the MORE Grant Application
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to authorize the Town Manager to
submit a MORE Grant Application for road intersection improvements.
One-Day Liquor License – Friends of Cary Memorial Library
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to approve a One-Day Liquor License
for the Friends of Cary Memorial Library Fundraiser on October 26, 2007.
Tax Bill Insert – Lexpress Routes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to approve inserting the Lexpress
Revised Schedule into the mailing of the Tax Bill.
Ratify One-Day Liquor License – Khushboo
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to ratify the poll vote approving a One-
Day Liquor License for Nikita Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Khushboo Restaurant on Saturday,
September 1, 2007.
Use of Bikeway (rain date) – Yale Club of Boston
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to approve the rain date September 23,
2007 for the Yale Club of Boston to use the bikeway.
Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to approve the minutes of August 27,
2007.
Executive Session Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to approve the executive session minutes
of August 27, 2007.
Selectmen’s Meeting – September 10, 2007
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 property considerations, with no intent to return to open session.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 8:30 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Diana B. Chabot
Assistant to the Executive Clerk
Selectmen’s Meeting
September 17, 2007
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, September 17, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in
the Selectmen’s Meeting Room. Chairman Krieger, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Cohen, and Mr. Manz; Mr.
Valente, Town Manager; and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk, were present.
October 10 Special Town Meeting Warrant
The Selectmen declared the warrant for a special town meeting for October 10, 2007 as open.
The warrant will include articles for a TIF Agreement with Shire, some housekeeping articles
and one citizen article regarding a resolution supporting the establishment of municipal electric
utilities.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to close and sign the warrant for the October
10, 2007 Special Town Meeting.
Shire TIF Agreement
The Selectmen feel that the proposed TIF Agreement with Shire will provide a great opportunity
for Lexington to see significant commercial revenue. Shire would be a commercial development
with lower impact on the community.
Mrs. Krieger thanked Mr. Valente, Rob Addelson, Maryann McCall-Taylor, Susan Yanofsky for
their hard work in creating a model for the proposed TIF Agreement and feel it is an excellent
opportunity for the Town.
Mr. Cohen thanked Mrs. Krieger for being a part of the process and hopes that everything falls
into place and the TIF Agreement can be approved at the Special Town Meeting on October 10,
2007.
Information regarding the proposed TIF Agreement will be available prior to the Town Meeting
Information Session planned for October 1, 2007. A fact sheet was made available to those in
attendance and will be put on the Town’s webpage.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 2:49 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk
Selectmen’s Meeting
September 24, 2007
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, September 24, 2007 at 7:30
p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room. Chairman Krieger, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Manz,
Mr. Burnell; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; and Ms. Chabot, Assistant to the Executive Clerk,
were present.
The meeting was adjourned to Cary Hall for the Public Comment period, with the intention of
returning to the Selectmen’s Meeting Room for the rest of the meeting.
Public Comment
Over 100 citizens came to request that the Town and the No Place for Hate Committee sever its
ties with the Anti-Defamation League due to the ADL’s failure to first, unambiguously
acknowledge the Armenian Genocide and second, support congressional affirmation of the
Armenian Genocide. Several citizens stated that the best way to get the ADL to change is to
sever ties. One citizen suggested that the No Place for Hate program reconstitute as a Town
sponsored committee; another, asked the Selectmen to give the No Place for Hate Committee a
deadline to sever its relationship with the ADL; and another, said that the Selectmen should not
be concerned with losing funding from the ADL because the members of the group present
would provide funding in the form of a Trust.
A member of the ADL New England Regional Board asked the Selectmen to differentiate
between the moral issue (unambiguous acknowledgement of genocide) and the foreign policy
issue (congressional affirmation of the genocide). The chairman of the No Place for Hate
Committee clarified the goals of the Committee and reported that they had recently met with
Armenian citizens. The Committee recognizes the Armenian Genocide, but is not ready to make
the recommendation to the Board of Selectmen to sever ties with the ADL. They would like to
continue to study the issue and make sure that everyone is heard.
Mrs. Krieger stated that the Board would not be making a decision that evening, and asked the
No Place for Hate Committee to make a recommendation at the next Selectmen’s meeting on
October 15, 2007.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. and reconvened at 8:55 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting
Room.
Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports
Mrs. Krieger pointed out that the Selectmen are no longer using disposable water bottles at their
meetings. Mrs. Krieger also described two letters she would be drafting this week, regarding the
conversion of Hangar 24 at Hanscom Air Force Base to a museum celebrating the history of
aviation communications and command and control technology that took place there.
Selectmen’s Meeting – September 24, 2007
Mr. Cohen reported that he attended the retirement sermon of Reverend Peter Meek and the
tribute to him following the service at the Hancock Church. Mr. Cohen thanked Reverend Meek
for all of his service to the Town and wished him well.
Lexpress – Schedule Adjustment
Mr. Hadley, Director of Public Works, and Sara Arnold, Chairman of the Transportation
Advisory Committee, presented the request to advance the start time of Lexpress Route 2 and
Route 1 to allow passengers arriving at Lexington High School to get to school on time. The
change would take effect from September 27, 2007 and run through the end of June 2008.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the proposed Lexpress
schedule adjustment of advancing the start time on Route 2 to 6:35 a.m. and the start time on
Route 1 to7:05 a.m.
Rotary Club – Bandstand at Hastings Park
Mr. Freehling, Lexington Rotary Club, presented the request to install seven benches around the
Bandstand at Hastings Park. The Rotary Club of Lexington and its members, in cooperation
with the DPW, recently completed repainting the bandstand and landscaping around it. In
addition, the Rotary Club would like to purchase seven teak park benches to be installed by the
Town, adjacent to seven sides of the bandstand leaving the eighth side open where the portable
stairs are located. These benches would be positioned far enough away from the bandstand to
not interfere with the band concerts’ interactive audience activities. They also propose to install
plaques on each bench with the names of the founding fathers of the Rotary Club of Lexington.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the location of seven benches
around the Bandstand at Hastings Park as presented by the Rotary Club.
Recycling and Trash Update
Mr. Beaudoin, Superintendent of Environmental Services, and Mr. Hadley, Director of Public
Works, reviewed the FY2007 Solid Waste and Recycling data. Last September the Town
implemented a ban on “visible recycling”. A comparison of trash tonnage showed a 660-ton
reduction from FY06 to FY07. There was also a 28-ton increase in recycling for the same
period. This represented a solid waste tonnage savings of $45,000.
Public Works Projects Update
Mr. Hadley, Director of Public Works, updated the Board on ongoing and recently completed
DPW projects, including: repaving of streets, sewer improvements, sidewalks repaired and
repaved, crosswalks installed, compact fluorescent bulbs installed in street lights, new water
meters installed, tree and turf improvements, restoration work at the Colonial and Munroe
Selectmen’s Meeting – September 24, 2007
Cemeteries, Lincoln Park methane gas mitigation, installation of a new municipal parking lot at
Edison Way, and approval of a new DPW building.
Mrs. Krieger commended the DPW on an impressive amount of work with little disruption to the
community.
DPW Transition Plan
Mr. Hadley, Director of Public Works, brought the Board up to date on plans to move staff,
vehicles, supplies, and equipment while the new DPW facility is constructed at 201 Bedford
Street. The DPW will not consider using the old Harrington School during the transition.
Various public works functions will be spread out in different locations including, the lower
level of the White House, the Westview Cemetery building and the rear portion of Westview
Cemetery, the main pump station by Rte 128 and Bedford Street, and the State sand and salt area
on Forbes Road. The DPW is also discussing the possibility of finding space at Minuteman
Regional High School and Lexington Technology Park.
Mr. Manz wonders what the old Harrington School building could be used for in the future. If
all plans will be met with protests, we might as well raze the building and stop trying to support
it. Mrs. Krieger pointed out that with the various DPW functions spread out in different
locations, the Town will need to be patient and expect some delays while the work gets done.
FY2008 Water/Sewer Rate Proposal
Mr. Addelson, Assistant Town Manager for Finance, reported that at this time the Finance
Department is recommending no change in rates for FY2008 for either water or sewer
operations.
The Board will take public comments on the proposed rates and vote to establish the FY2008
rates at their meeting on October 15, 2007.
FY2008 Budget Adjustments for the Special Town Meeting
Mr. Young, Budget Officer, and Mr. Addelson, Assistant Town Manger for Finance, presented
the FY2008 budget adjustments the Finance Department is proposing for the Special Town
Meeting. These adjustments are “housekeeping” in nature and affect the operating budget and
water and wastewater enterprise budgets.
Selectmen’s Meeting – September 24, 2007
Selectmen Appointments/ Reappointments/Resignations
2020 Vision Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to reappoint Charles Benson, Marian
Cohen, and Stacey Hamilton to the 2020 Vision Committee for a three-year term to expire
September 30, 2010.
Communications Advisory Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to reappoint David Buczkowski to the
Communications Advisory Committee for a three-year term to expire September 30, 2010.
Design Advisory Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to reappoint Virginia Johnson, Bahig
Kaldas, Timothy Lee, Alenka Slezak, Colin Smith and Gregory Zurlo to the Design Advisory
Committee for a one-year term to expire September 30, 2008.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to accept the resignation of Patrick
Goddard from the Design Advisory Committee, effective immediately.
Housing Partnership Board
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to reappoint Florence Baturin, Robert
Bicknell, William Carlson, Julia Duncan, Mary Haskell, and Arthur Katz to the Housing
Partnership Board for a three-year term to expire September 30, 2010.
Human Services Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to reappoint Pamela Joshi and Ellen
McDonald to the Human Services Committee for a three-year term to expire September 30,
2010.
Lexington Center Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to accept the resignation of Anne
Cuervo from the Lexington Center Committee, effective immediately.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to appoint Richard Pagett to the
Lexington Center Committee to fill the unexpired term of Anne Cuervo to expire September 30,
2008.
Lexington Scholarship and Education Fund Board
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to appoint Janine Cohen to the
Lexington Scholarship and Education Fund Board for a one-year term to expire September 30,
2008.
Selectmen’s Meeting – September 24, 2007
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to reappoint Paul Ash, Thomas Fenn,
John Miller, and David Williams to the Lexington Scholarship and Education Fund Board for a
one-year term to expire September 30, 2008.
Noise Advisory Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to reappoint Julian Bussgang and Myla
Kabat-Zinn to the Noise Advisory Committee for a three-year term to expire September 30,
2010.
Tourism Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to reappoint Susan Bennett, Mary Jo
Bohart, Kerry Brandin, Bernice Fallick, Dawn McKenna, Paul O’Shaughnessy, John Ott, and
Lou Sideris to the Tourism Committee for a one-year term to expire September 30, 2008.
Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to appoint Martha Batten to the Traffic
Safety Advisory Committee for a one-year term to expire September 30, 2008.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to reappoint Stephen Ades, Steve
Frymer, Sudhir Murthy, Charlie Sargent, Stefan Schatzki, and Gail Wagner to the Traffic Safety
Advisory Committee for a one-year term to expire September 30, 2008.
Transportation Advisory Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to accept the resignation of Patrick
Goddard to the Transportation Advisory Committee, effective immediately.
Tree Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to reappoint Markus Pinney and James
Wood to the Tree Committee for a three-year term to expire September 30, 2010.
Approve Regulation – Alcoholic Beverages – Enforcement
The Policy Manual Committee has requested that the Board approve the Alcoholic Beverages
Enforcement Regulation with one small change: in Section II, Number 8 the word “may” was
changed to “shall”.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the revised Alcoholic
Beverages – Enforcement regulation.
Consent Agenda
Commitments of Water and Sewer Charges
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the following commitments
of water and sewer charges:
Selectmen’s Meeting – September 24, 2007
Commitment of Water/Sewer Charges for August 2007 (Cycle 9) $247,430.96
Commitment of Water/Sewer Charges for 8/1/07 to 8/31/07 (Final Bills) $13,033.10
Commitment of Water/Sewer Charges for 8/1/07 to 8/31/07 (Interim Bills) $16,284.48
One-Day Liquor License – Lexington Symphony
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve a One-Day Liquor License
for the Lexington Symphony Fundraiser at the National Heritage Museum on October 21, 2007.
One-Day Liquor License – Corporate Chefs
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve a One-Day Liquor License
for Corporate Chefs, Inc. to cater an event at 95 Hayden Avenue on October 18, 2007.
One-Day Liquor License – Temple Emunah
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve a One-Day Liquor License
for Temple Emunah’s Comedy Night Fundraiser on October 20, 2007.
Use of Bikeway – Quilt Show
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the request of Marita
Hartshorn to place a sandwich board on the bike path to advertise the Quilt Show and Craft Sale
at Cary Hall on October 13 & 14, 2007.
Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the minutes of September 10,
2007 and September 17, 2007.
Executive Session Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the executive session minutes
of September 10, 2007 and September 17, 2007.
Executive Session
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by roll call 5-0 to go into executive session
at 10:15 p.m. for the purpose of property considerations, with no intent to return to open session.
Following a portion of the executive session, the Board returned to open session.
LexHAB
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-1 (Kelley opposed) to support the
acquisition by LexHAB of Units 4, 7, and 107 of the Parker Manor Condominium.
Mr. Kelley fully supports LexHAB’s interest and efforts, but did not support the process.
Selectmen’s Meeting – September 24, 2007
Executive Session
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by roll call 5-0 to return to executive session
at approximately 10:35 p.m. for the purpose of property considerations, with no intent to return
to open session.
A true record; Attest:
Diana B. Chabot
Assistant to the Executive Clerk
Budget Collaboration/Financial Summit 1
September 26, 2007
A joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Finance Committees was held
on Wednesday, September 26, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. in Cary Auditorium, Cary Memorial Building.
Present: Chairman Krieger, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Manz and Mr. Burnell; Mr. Valente,
Town Manager, Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk; Mr. Ash, Superintendent; Ms. Dunn, Assistant
Superintendent; all members of the School Committee, with the exception of Ms. Cohen; all
members of the Appropriation Committee, with the exception of Mr. Cole; and Mr. Lamb and
Mr. Kanter of the Capital Expenditures Committee.
1. Financial Conditions Overview and Budget Projections
The format for the meeting was to be a discussion of data in three parts: an evaluation of
Lexington’s fiscal health, three-year projection of revenue and expenditures and an outline of the
FY2009 budget calendar and issues.
Key Financial Trends in Lexington
Mr. Young presented an Indicator Analysis for Fiscal Years 2000 to 2007. Lexington is strong
in tax collections, stable labor costs as a percentage of total operating costs, adequate retirement
funding, revenues related to economic growth and low debt service. Lexington is satisfactory in
the areas of revenues and expenses per household and levels of reserves. Lexington is
unsatisfactory in the areas of state aid and employee liabilities and continues to witness
significant increases in benefit costs and receives only modest increases in state aid.
Mr. Young presented information on where Lexington stands financially. Detailed information
on the following indicators was presented:
1. Revenues per Household
2. State Aid
3. Revenues Related to Economic Growth
4. Personnel Costs
5. Employee Benefits
6. Debt Service
7. Reserves and Fund Balance
FY2009-2011 Revenue and Expenditure Projections
Mr. Addelson presented revenue and expense projections for the period FY2009 to FY2011 to
show recurring revenues and expenditures while segregating out unknown costs. Unknown costs
include: collective bargaining settlements, new capital projects and the implications of
implementing the recommendations of the Selectmen’s 2006 Ad Hoc Financial Policy
Committee.
Budget Collaboration/Financial Summit 1 – September 26, 2007
Policy Issues Related to FY2009 Budget
Mr. Valente discussed FY 2009 Budget Policy Issues:
1. Wages/Benefits;
2. Capital Plan – cash vs. debt (Financial Policy Committee Recommendation);
3. Funding of Post Employment Benefits; and
4. Potential Debt Exclusions (Roads, Community Center/Senior Center, School
Administration)
2. Special Town Meeting (October 10)
Mr. Young presented preliminary information on the need for the special town meeting budget
articles:
Article 3: Amend Operating Budget
Article 4: Amend Enterprise Budget
3. Establish Date: Collaboration-Summit Meeting 2
The next summit will be scheduled for Tuesday, November 13, 2007, at 7:30 p.m.
4. Shire HGT Tax Increment Financing Proposal
Mr. Valente presented the Shire HGT tax increment financing proposal.
Summary of Financial Provisions
$71,500,000 Gross Taxes for Lexington Technology Park
$50,700,000 Gross Taxes Paid by Shire in TIF Zone
$ 8,100,000 Estimated Value of TIF to Shire
$ (400,000) Shire’s Proposed Contribution to The Town of Lexington
$ (100,000) Patriot Partner’s Proposed Contribution to The Town of Lexington
$(2,600,000) Potential Mitigation Grants from the Commonwealth
$ 5,000,000 Estimated Net Value of TIF to Shire
Keynotes and assumptions include:
1. Estimated property tax figures are based on FY2008 preliminary assessed valuations.
FY2008 is a revaluation year and final values have not yet been approved by the
Department of Revenue. Further, values in subsequent years are subject to the
regular assessment process of the Board of Assessors.
Budget Collaboration/Financial Summit 1 – September 26, 2007
2. The 400/500 parcel in the Lexington Technology Park has not yet been subdivided to
reflect the 400 parcel only (which will be occupied by Shire). The estimated assessed
value of the 400 parcel, therefore, may change based on the final subdivision plan.
3. The Massachusetts Economic Opportunity Coordinating committee (EOCC) must
approve the form of the TIF agreement. The EOCC may require the Town and Shire
to have two separate TIF’s; one for the 200 and 300 parcels and a second one for the
400 parcel. This is a drafting matter and does not impact the value of the TIF.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:04 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk