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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-01-BOS-min Selectmen’s Meeting January 4, 2006 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held Monday, January 4, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room. Chairman Krieger, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Pagett, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Manz; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; Mr. Lahey, Town Counsel; and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk were present. Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports Mr. Pagett discussed an e-mail sent to TMMA members chastising a member of a committee appointed by the Selectmen for the outcome of that committee’s work. He wanted to make clear that while the Town uses many volunteers for information gathering and advice, it is the Selectmen alone who make decisions about policy adoption. If citizens are unhappy about particular actions, they should direct their concerns to the Selectmen and not abuse individual committee members. Mr. Kelley presented a gavel to Chairman Krieger on behalf of Neil Cronin for her work as Chairman from 2000 to 2002. Chairman Krieger thanked Mr. Cronin and said it was an honor to be a volunteer in Lexington. Town Manager Report Mr. Valente discussed with the Selectmen forming the Community Preservation Act Committee in January. That would give the Committee time to form during February and then be able to act in March if the CPA question passes. Appointing organizations of the CPA Committee should make appointments by the end of January. The Selectmen discussed how to outreach to people who may be interested in becoming a member of the CPA Committee. Decided to put on Town webpage and in the two local newspapers. Consent Agenda Use of Battle Green – ALS Charity Walk Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the use of the Battle Green on Saturday, April 22, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. for ALS to begin a walk along Mass. Avenue into Arlington. Ambulance Rates Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the 2006 ambulance rates as recommended by Coastal Medical Billing. Selectmen’s Meeting – January 4, 2006 Selectmen’s Ad Hoc Financial Policy Committee Update Paul Lapointe, Chair of the Selectmen’s Ad Hoc Financial Policy Committee, came before the Board to give a progress report and to request an extension to March 1. The Committee expects to have a preliminary document to the Selectmen by the end of January/early February. Town Manager Appointment Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to confirm the Town Manager’s recommendation to appoint Robert Boudreau to the Recreation Committee. Appointment – Historic Districts Commission The Historical Society has submitted two nominations (Alfonso Hernandez and Paul Ross) to replace Joann Gschwendtner as a full member on the Historic Districts Commission who has served the two-term limit. The Selectmen thanked Mrs. Gschwendtner for her 10+ years of service to the Commission. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Alfonso Hernandez to the Historic Districts Commission for a five-year term to expire December 31, 2010. Future Meetings The Selectmen will meet on the following dates: February 6, 13, and 27; March 6, 13, 20, 27 and 29. A Budget Collaborative/Summit will be scheduled for early February. Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by roll call to go into executive session for contract negotiations, potential litigation, and potential land use, with no intent to return to open session. Selectmen’s Meeting January 18, 2006 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held Wednesday, January 18, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room. Chairman Krieger, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Pagett, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Manz; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk were present. Public Comments rd Mr. Bartenstein, Town Meeting Member, Precinct 1, presented the Board with the 3 Annual Report of the Friends of Arlington’s Great Meadows and asked for the Board’s support. Margaret Coppe, Town Meeting Member and member of the League of Women Voters, rd presented the Board with the 3 version of “Town Meeting in Lexington”. Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports Mr. Pagett brought up the Lexington Center Committee’s (LCC) memo regarding issues and priorities for the Board’s consideration. In particular, the LCC is looking for the Board’s support of a walkway extending from Mass. Avenue through to the Depot Square Parking Lot. The LCC will be at the Selectmen’s next meeting to discuss this issue and others. Mr. Pagett read in the Boston Globe about an initiative the Town of Acton School Department is initiating to push for changing how Chapter 70 funds are distributed. They are having a meeting on January 30 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the issue with legislators. Mr. Pagett would like to encourage the School Committee and Board of Selectmen to attend. Town Manager Report Mr. Valente reminded the board that they will be signing some BANS at its meeting on January 23, 2006. Mr. Valente and finance staff met with Moody’s regarding Lexington’s rating. All verbal response was positive; and the Town Manager expects to receive information on the rating by Friday. Mr. Valente and Mr. Hadley, DPW Director, met with the Permanent Building Committee (PBC) regarding the proposed DPW facility. There is a discrepancy on total square footage that needs to be reviewed further. It is likely that construction documents will not be done in time to present to Town Meeting. PBC will come to a Selectmen’s meeting in February to explain and talk about how to approach this between now and Town Meeting. Selectmen’s Meeting – January 18, 2006 Budget Mr. Valente presented an overview of the FY2007 Recommended Budget and Financing Plan. The FY2007 Budget Shortfall is projected to be: ?? Level Service Budget: $3,358,956; ?? Recommended: $6,941,044; and ?? Enhanced Budget: $7,373,036. An increase in revenue is projected to be $5,717,748, or 5.25%. The FY2007 recommended Budget includes 4 items that were Selectmen priorities: reduce PILOT, increase reserves, energy conservation, and maintaining infrastructure. Two Selectmen priorities were not successfully included in the recommended budget: expand downtown police officer hours and restore Economic Development Director. Major components of the budget increase include the schools, health insurance, salary increases, program improvements, debt service, utilities and reserve/contingency accounts. Reserve recommendations include: uninsured losses ($35,000), reserve fund ($300,000), Stabilization Fund ($650,000), continuing balance accounts; and other post employment benefits. The Capital Budget includes the following: General Fund Debt ($4,330,000), Water Enterprise Fund Debt ($1,150,000), Wastewater Enterprise Fund Debt ($550,000), and Cash Capital ($1,040,000). Outstanding issues include: state aid, health insurance, Minuteman Voc-Tech Assessment; new requests/new capital; and reserve policy implementation. The “next steps” will be to: ?? continue to “scrub” the budget; ?? respond to Selectmen, Appropriation Committee, Capital Expenditures Committee questions; ?? discuss “sharing of revenues” with Superintendent of School ?? Budget Collaboration/Summit meeting in February ?? Begin preparing “at risk” list. Mr. Lapointe, Chair of the Selectmen’s Ad Hoc Financial Policy Committee, said the committee is making every effort to have a draft report to Selectmen by February 8. Selectmen’s Meeting – January 18, 2005 Special Municipal Employees Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to rescind, reaffirm, or vote the following as Special Municipal Employees: Special Municipal Employee Voted Rescinded Reaffirm 2020 Vision Committee1/18/2006 Accessory Apartments Committee 1/18/2006 Ad Hoc Committee Under Article 40-Engine Run-up1/18/2006 Ad Hoc Local Emergency Planning Committee1/18/2006 Ad Hoc Water and Sewer Rate Study Committee1/18/2006 Adams School Conversion Committee 1/18/2006 Advisory Committee for Alternative Tax Revenue 1/18/2006 Advisory Committee on Cable Television 1/18/2006 Anderson & Krieger 1/18/2006 Animal Inspector 1/18/2006 Appeals, Board of 1/18/2006 Appropriation Committee 1/18/2006 Assessors, Appointed 1/18/2006 Assessors, Board of1/18/2006 Assistant Dog Officer 1/18/2006 Auxiliary Firemen 1/18/2006 Auxiliary Police 1/18/2006 Basketball Supervisor 1/18/2006 Bio Safety Committee1/18/2006 Bridge Charitable Fund Trustees 1/18/2006 Burial Agents 1/18/2006 By-Laws Committee (authorized by TMTG appt. by 1/18/2006 BOS) Cable Television & Communications Committee 1/18/2006 Call Firemen 1/18/2006 Cambridge Watershed Advisory Committee Reps. 1/18/2006 Capital Expenditures Committee 1/18/2006 Census Coordinator 1/18/2006 Census Takers 1/18/2006 Center Revitalization Committee and Subcommittee 1/18/2006 Civil Defense Plan Study Committee 1/18/2006 Civil Defense Volunteers 1/18/2006 Commission on Disability1/18/2006 Committee on Cary Lectures 1/18/2006 Committee to Study Efficacy of Section 15 of Zoning 1/18/2006 Communications Advisory Committee1/18/2006 Selectmen’s Meeting – January 18, 2006 Special Municipal Employee Voted Rescinded Reaffirm Community Health Committee 1/18/2006 Comptroller Selection Committee1/18/2006 Condominium Conversion Board 1/18/2006 Congregate Housing Study Committee 1/18/2006 Conservation Commission1/18/2006 Conservation Committee 1/18/2006 Constables 1/18/2006 Council for the Arts1/18/2006 Council on Aging 1/18/2006 Data Processing Advisory Task Force 1/18/2006 Deputy Forest Wardens 1/18/2006 Design Advisory Committee 1/18/2006 Desk Attendants 1/18/2006 Director of Guides 1/18/2006 Diving Coach 1/18/2006 Dog Officer 1/18/2006 Electric Utility Ad Hoc Committee1/18/2006 Energy Conservation Committee (new 2006)1/18/2006 Energy Conservation Committee (old) 1/18/2006 Fair Housing & Human Relations Committee1/18/2006 Fair Housing Committee 1/18/2006 Fence Viewers 1/18/2006 Field Drivers 1/18/2006 Forest Warden 1/18/2006 Franklin School Conversion Committee 1/18/2006 Fund for Lexington Board1/18/2006 Gammel Legacy Income Trustees 1/18/2006 Gammel Legacy Trust1/18/2006 Garrity House Committee 1/18/2006 Gate Attendant 1/18/2006 Gym Attendant 1/18/2006 Hale & Dorr LLP 1/18/2006 Hanscom Area Towns Committee1/18/2006 Hanscom Area Traffic Committee 1/18/2006 Hanscom Field Advisory Commission1/18/2006 Hanscom Field Commission 1/18/2006 Hanscom Field Working Commission 1/18/2006 HATS II 1/18/2006 HATS: DRI Review Committee1/18/2006 HATS: Environmental Subcommittee1/18/2006 Selectmen’s Meeting – January 18, 2006 Special Municipal Employee Voted Rescinded Reaffirm Hazardous Substance Systems Review Committee 1/18/2006 Head Lifeguard 1/18/2006 Health, Board of 1/18/2006 Health, Board of - Agents 1/18/2006 Heavy Equipment Noise Study Committee 1/18/2006 Historic Districts Commission 1/18/2006 Historical Commission 1/18/2006 Housing Partnership Board1/18/2006 Human Services Committee1/18/2006 Human Services Committee & Enablement 1/18/2006 Subcommittee Junior Lifeguard 1/18/2006 Lexington Arts Council II 1/18/2006 Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee1/18/2006 Lexington Center Committee 1/18/2006 Lexington Forum on Aging and Advisory Board 1/18/2006 Lexington Housing Assistance Board (LEXHAB) 1/18/2006 Lexington Lighting Options Committee1/18/2006 Lexington Scholarship & Education Fund Board1/18/2006 Lex-Recycle Committee 1/18/2006 Local Building Code Board of Appeals 1/18/2006 Management Intern 1/18/2006 MAPC/MAGIC Representative1/18/2006 MBTA Representative1/18/2006 Meadows Golf Course and Adjacent Land 1/18/2006 Memorial Day & Veteran's Day Committee 1/18/2006 Metropolitan State Hospital Land Task Force 1/18/2006 Middlesex County Hospital Ad Hoc Committee1/18/2006 Minute Man Cane Award Selection Committee1/18/2006 Minuteman Commuter Bikeway Committee 1/18/2006 Minuteman Commuter Bikeway Implementation 1/18/2006 Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School 1/18/2006 District School Committee Moderator 1/18/2006 Morning Field House Supervisor 1/18/2006 MPO Advisory Study Committee1/18/2006 Muzzey School Conversion Committee 1/18/2006 MWRA Advisory Board Representative1/18/2006 Noise Advisory Committee1/18/2006 North Lexington Road Improvement Study 1/18/2006 Committee Selectmen’s Meeting – January 18, 2006 Special Municipal Employee Voted Rescinded Reaffirm Old Age Assistance Bureau 1/18/2006 Part-Time Employees1/18/2006 Permanent Building Committee 1/18/2006 Personnel Advisory Board 1/18/2006 Planning Board 1/18/2006 Planning Intern 1/18/2006 Playground Instructor 1/18/2006 Playground Instructors -Special 1/18/2006 Police Manual Policy Committee 1/18/2006 Policy Manual Committee1/18/2006 Pool Manager 1/18/2006 Posture Clinic 1/18/2006 Public Weighers 1/18/2006 Public Welfare, Board of 1/18/2006 Purchase of Conservation Land and the Acquisition 1/18/2006 of Pine Meadows Recreation Clerk 1/18/2005 Recreation Committee 1/18/2006 Recreation Committee - Subcommittees only 1/18/2006 Recreation Custodian 1/18/2006 Regional Refuse Disposal Planning Committee 1/18/2006 Regional School District Committee 1/18/2006 Registrars of Voters 1/18/2006 Retirement, Board of 1/18/2006 School Doctors 1/18/2006 School Sites Committee 1/18/2006 School Traffic Supervisors 1/18/2006 Sealer of Weights and Measures1/18/2006 Selectmen/Town Manager Act Review Committee 1/18/2006 Selectmen's Ad Hoc Financial Policy Committee 1/18/2006 Selectmen's Advisory Committee on Financing Cons. 1/18/2006 & Acquisition of Pine Meadows Senior Center Action Plan Committee 1/18/2006 Senior Lifeguard 1/18/2006 Sidewalk Committee1/18/2006 Soccer Aide 1/18/2006 Soccer Supervisor 1/18/2006 Special Events Aide 1/18/2006 Special Needs Leader 1/18/2006 Special Needs Supervisor 1/18/2006 Standing School Building Committee 1/18/2006 Selectmen’s Meeting – January 18, 2006 Special Municipal Employee Voted Rescinded Reaffirm Summer Clerk 1/18/2006 Summer Laborer 1/18/2006 Swim Aide 1/18/2006 Swim Coach 1/18/2006 Swimming Instructors 1/18/2006 Tax Deferral and Exemption Study Committee1/18/2006 Tax Policy Committee 1/18/2006 Tennis Booth 1/18/2006 Tennis Clerk 1/18/2006 Tennis Leader 1/18/2006 Tennis Sign-in 1/18/2006 Tennis Supervisor 1/18/2006 Tourism Committee1/18/2006 Town Celebrations Committee 1/18/2006 Town Report Committee 1/18/2006 Traffic Mitigation Group1/18/2006 Traffic Safety Advisory Committee 1/18/2006 Transportation Advisory Committee 1/18/2006 Tree Committee1/18/2006 Trustees of Cary Library1/18/2006 Trustees of Public Trusts 1/18/2006 Veterans Agent1/18/2006 Veterans Graves' Officer 1/18/2006 Waste Management Committee 1/18/2006 Waste Management Task Force 1/18/2006 Westview Cemetery Development Committee 1/18/2006 Youth Commission1/18/2006 Youth Committee and Subcommittee 1/18/2006 Youth Services Council1/18/2006 Traffic Mitigation Group Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint the following to the Transportation Mitigation Group per the charge: Staff: Gail Wagner, Transportation Coordinator, Scott Schilt, Planning Dave Cannon, Engineering/DPW Boards: Wendy Manz, Planning Board Jeanne Krieger, Board of Selectmen Judy Uhrig, Zoning Board of Appeals Selectmen’s Meeting – January 18, 2006 Consent Agenda Annual Little League Parade Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of the Recreation Department to conduct the Annual Little League Parade on Saturday, April 29, 2006, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Muzzey Field. One-Day Liquor License – Parenting Resource Associates, Inc. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve a one-day liquor license for a “Laugh ‘til it Helps” Comedy Fundraiser on Saturday, March 4, 2006, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Temple Isaiah, Lincoln Street. One-Day Liquor License – Armenian Sister Academy Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve a one-day liquor license for the Annual Valentine Dance Fundraiser on Saturday, February 4, 2006, from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Armenian Sister Academy, Elliot Road. Resignation – Noise Advisory Committee Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the resignation of Andrew McAleer from the Noise Advisory Committee, effective immediately. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of December 19, 2005, December 22, 2005, and January 4, 2006. Executive Session Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the executive session minutes of December 19, 2005 and January 4, 2006. Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by roll call to go into executive session for potential land purchase, with no intent to return to open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:35 p.m. A true record; Attest: Lynne A. Pease Executive Clerk Selectmen’s Meeting January 23, 2006 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held Monday, January 23, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room. Chairman Krieger, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Pagett, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Manz; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; Mr. Lahey, Town Counsel; and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk were present. Public Comments Mr. Fedorochko presented the Selectmen with a petition asking that the Town consider not having an override to fix management problems. Mrs. Krieger provided information on available tax deferrals and exemptions available to seniors. The information will be put on the Town webpage. Mr. Fedorochko asked that the information also be posted in areas around town (like the Library and Senior Center). Mr. Cohen requested that the petitioners suggest what services they would be willing to lose if sufficient funds are not available, and also suggested they lobby Lexington’s legislators requesting more local aid. Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports Mrs. Krieger will draft for Selectmen approval a letter of support for the Community Preservation Act Group. Sign Bonds Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the sale of a $11,752,685 4.25 percent Bond Anticipation Note, Series A of the town dated February 1, 2006 and payable August 25, 2006, to First Southwest Company at par and accrued interest plus a premium of $69,160.56. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the sale of a $2,100,000 4.25 percent Bond Anticipation Note, Series B of the town dated February 1, 2006 and payable February 1, 2007, to Banc of America Securities LLC at par and accrued interest plus a premium of $19,830. National Incident Management System Resolution Mr. Hadley, Director of the Department of Public Works, asked the Selectmen to sign a resolution formally accepting the National Incident Management System (NIMS). NIMS provides a consistent nationwide framework for all levels of government to work together effectively and efficiently to prepare for, prevent, respond to, and recover from domestic incidents of all shapes and sizes. Selectmen’s Meeting – January 23, 2006 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the resolution stating that the Town of Lexington has formally adopted the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Security in Knowledge – Be Informed, Be Prepared, Be Safe Mr. Hadley, DPW Director and member of the Northeast Homeland Security Regional Advisory Council, presented a package of information to the Selectmen. The Northeast Homeland Security Advisory Council is concerned that citizens do not know what to do when the color-coded National Homeland Security alert level changes. To raise awareness the Council put together a public education campaign that provides information about what to do in the event of an emergency and how to be prepared. Materials will be distributed to the following locations: Town Hall, Police Station, Fire Stations, Cary Memorial Library, East Lexington Branch Library, Council on Aging, and Public Works Facility. The public education tape will be delivered to LexMedia. Lexington Center Committee Mr. Smith, Co-Chair of the Lexington Center Committee (LCC), presented the LCC’s No. 1 priority, which is the connectivity of the private driveway between Bank of America and the 1775 Building and connecting the parking lots with the center of Town. Mr. Oldenburg reviewed renderings of what the plan would look like. Funds will be provided by the two owners of the privately-owned land for the area between the Mass. Avenue sidewalk and the rear of the 1775 Building as well as through private fundraising. Town money would be needed for the Mass. Avenue sidewalk and the area between the Depot Square Parking Lot and the rear of the 1775 Building. The LCC is requesting the Selectmen’s support of the plan concept so they can continue to work with all parties to finalize a plan. The LCC is also looking for an additional $18,000 appropriation from the Parking Fund in the FY2007 budget. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to support the concept of the proposed pedestrian walkway as presented. Electric Utility Ad Hoc Committee Mr. Chernick, Chair of the Electric Utility Ad Hoc Committee, requested the Selectmen put $150,000 into the budget for a Municipal Electric Feasibility Study. The Committee hopes two bills will be voted on this session of the General Court to allow Lexington to more easily move forward with a facility in Lexington. Selectmen discussed putting the $150,000 on the list for a possible override. Selectmen’s Meeting – January 23, 2006 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to support recommending $150,000 be set aside for the Municipal Electric Feasibility Study if the two bills pass in the General Court. Budget Selectmen reviewed the list of recommended program restoration/improvement items. The Selectmen all support the Supportive Day Care Request for $52,296. Selectmen are interested in the Personal Property Canvassing of commercial property because of the money it will generate. The Selectmen asked questions about the following program restoration/improvements: Vehicles, the Traffic Safety Officer, School Resource Officer, Public Health Nurse, Archives/Records Management, Storm Drains, and Restoring Library Materials. Reviewed the revenue and reserves. Mr. Valente is recommending using $2 million from Free Cash to help balance the budget. Board discussed whether the $2 million should be used to help balance the budget or if the reserves should be built up. Mr. Pagett pointed out that using $2 million in Free Cash really masks the structural deficit and means that the budget shortfalls presented on January 18 range from $5.3 million to $9.3 million. Mr. Pagett is concerned with using one-time payments in Free Cash to balance the budget because it would push $2 million in budget shortfalls into next year.. Mr. Valente feels it is important to build up reserves slowly, to have a target and implement a plan to reach that target. No conclusions were reached tonight. Selectmen are waiting for the Selectmen’s Ad Hoc Financial Policy Committee’s recommendations and the Town Manager’s list of prioritized items. Mr. Valente will present a list of recommended at-risk items at the next Selectmen’s meeting. Draft Warrant Another draft will be given to the Selectmen at the end of this week. The plan is to sign the warrant at the February 6 meeting. Vote CPA Question Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the text of the Community Preservation Act question and summary to be voted by the citizens on March 6, 2006. Selectmen’s Meeting – January 23, 2006 TV Shows Mrs. Krieger has spoken with the LexMedia Executive Director regarding the Selectmen TV Shows. The shows will be done live at the studio with two Selectmen and staff or committee members depending on the topic. The Selectmen should begin shows soon and have one every two weeks. The suggested name of the show is “Lexington Selects”. Suggested show subjects include: Snow Plowing – Krieger, Kelley, Hadley, Brooks, Ash CPA – Cohen, Manz, Weiss Tax Rate/Exemptions – Cohen, Kelley, Blier Recycling – Krieger, Kelley, Beaudoin Meet the New Town Manager/Assistant Town Manager for Finance – Cohen, Pagett, Valente, Addelson Archives Police Programs Aftermath of Keyspan Incident Historical Society Appointment – Electric Utility Ad Hoc Committee Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Joshua Hassol and Jon Dreyer to the Electric Utility Ad Hoc Committee. Town Manager Appointment – Board of Health Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Dr. Judith Feldman to the Board of Health for a three-year term to expire April 30, 2009. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:50 p.m. A true record, Attest: Lynne A. Pease Executive Clerk