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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-11-BOS-minSelectmen's Meeting November 7, 2005 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held Monday, November 7, 2005, at 6:30 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. Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Mr. Pagett had concerns about fallen tombstones at the Munroe Cemetery. He requested the Town Manager have DPW look into fixing the tombstones. Consent Agenda One -Day Liquor License — Community Nursery School Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve a one -day liquor license for Community Nursery School for Wednesday, December 7, 2005, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for a community marketplace craft fair at Community Nursery School, 2325 Massachusetts Avenue. Two -Day Auctioneer License Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve a 2 -day rug sale for United Rug Auctioneers on Saturday, December 31, 2005, and Sunday, January 1, 2006, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 177 Bedford Street. Proclamation — Employee Recognition Day Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve and sign a Proclamation declaring Wednesday, November 16, 2005, as Employee Recognition Day. Ubdate on Poll Locations Donna Hooper, Town Clerk, reviewed the current status of voting locations. The Board needs to look at changing the following voting locations: • Precinct 1, Harrington School. There is concern with traffic and congestion because of the two schools presently at the location. As an alternative, Waldorf School would welcome becoming a voting location. • Precinct 4, Bridge School. Voting location was relocated to Bridge from the High School during high school construction; should consider moving back to the High School. • Precinct 5, Fiske School. Fiske School has been torn down. Voting location was moved to Fiske when Cary Hall was being used for the Library. Should consider moving back to Cary Hall. • Precinct 8, Fire Headquarters, is a less than ideal location. Should consider another location. Cary Library would welcome being used as a voting location. Selectmen's Meeting — November 7, 2005 Selectmen asked about storage of voting equipment at the possible new locations and also about handicapped accessibility. Ms. Hooper also wants to consider merging some of the poll locations and the Selectmen agreed. Ms. Hooper welcomes comments from the Selectmen on voting locations and will return to the Selectmen meeting on November 21 to request the Board's vote on some new voting locations. Battle Green Inn Mitigation Agreement Mr. Lahey, Town Counsel, explained that the Mitigation Agreement spells out three primary mitigation issues: Affordable Housing, Lexington Center Improvement Trust and Transportation Provisions (Lexpress passes). Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve and sign the Battle Green Inn Covenant. Amendment The Board discussed the proposed amendment submitted by Ruth Thomas to make changes or additions to the Preliminary Site Development Plan. Mr. Manz and Mr. Pagett are against the amendment. Selectmen wanted to hear the Planning Board's decision on the amendment. Article 5 - Supplementary Appropriations Mrs. Krieger explained that the request for $425,000 in part b of the motion under Article 5 was part of the total budget approved at the Spring 2005 Annual Town Meeting, although it was not specifically appropriated. Considers it a housekeeping item. Amount should be appropriated to reduce the tax levy for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2005 from the Overlay Surplus. The Selectmen support part b of the motion under Article 5. The Selectmen discussed a possible amendment to the motion under part a of Article 5 to add $75,000 to pay for peer mentoring (a drug and alcohol program) at the High School, which was cut because of Lexington losing a grant from the federal government. Program had been in place for 4 years and was reported to have had great success. Mr. Cohen explained that the amendment would request an additional $75,000 be added to the motion and the money would come from free cash. Selectmen would like to know the position of the School Committee and Superintendent. Also would like to know more about the program. Selectmen's Meeting — November 7, 2005 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 7:20 p.m. A true record, Attest: Lynne A. Pease Executive Clerk Selectmen's Meeting November 14, 2005 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held Monday, November 14, 2005, at 6:30 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. Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Selectmen Hours The Selectmen will be initiating Selectmen Hours beginning Monday, November 28, which will make each Selectman available for one hour a week for citizens to stop by to talk with the Selectmen about their concerns /issues. The Selectmen Hours will be: Mr. Manz Monday 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Mr. Kelley Tuesday 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Mrs. Krieger Tuesday 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Mr. Cohen Wednesday 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Mr. Pagett Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The hours will be announced in the Lexington Minuteman and will be posted on the Town Web Site. Heritage Landscape Inventory Mrs. Krieger asked the Board to review the description of the program she provided and asked the Board to be prepared to poll vote for approval of a draft letter to the Division of Conservation and Recreation to enable the Town to apply for a grant to enter into the Heritage Landscape Inventory Program prior to the November 21 meeting. The program would enable the Town to gain tools to help protect places that contribute to the character of Lexington, will participate in raising public awareness about landscape preservation, encourage coordination among municipal government, local groups, regional organizations and state agencies and provide practical strategies for landscape protection. This would be a preliminary step to entering along with adjacent towns (Lincoln, Arlington and Concord) into a Battle Road Scenic Byway that would allow the Town to begin to access its inventory. Mr. Canale has agreed to coordinate the effort and was available to answer questions about the program. Mr. Canale stated the intent of the program it to understand what in town is important and how the town goes about recording, inventorying and making decisions. Mr. Canale would like to speak to the Board at its next meeting about three related, but separate items: a potential designation for a scenic byway for the Battle Road and the possibility that there may be a need for a resolution at Town Meeting; the Heritage Landscape Grant Program; and in April 2006 there is a national conference called the Historic Roads Conference and one of the presentations will have to do with the Battle Road. There will be a couple of residents on that panel: Mr. Canale will be the Moderator, Dawn McKenna from the Tourism Committee will Selectmen's Meeting — November 14, 2005 be a presenter, Barbara Lucas from MAPC will be attending as well as the Superintendent of the National Park, Nancy Nelson. Mr. Pagett asked for clarification on the time commitment for town staff Mr. Canale said there is nothing that states how much time will be required. The grant program would provide consulting help and provide tools for the town to use. He envisions that a minimal amount of staff time may be required from the Planning Department, maybe Cary Library or other stakeholders that would be about 10 hours or so. There would be a kickoff meeting in which the Community is asked to provide a forum. There is no required amount of Town staff time and he believes the Selectmen and Town Manager can decide how much staff time should be allocated to this project. Budget Presentation Schedule Mr. Valente would like to schedule some of the budget presentations during the day. The presentations will include detailed information for a level service budget with no add -ons. Any additional items will be identified separately. The Selectmen will receive a package of information prior to the presentation for its review. Suggested dates were November 30, and December 1 and 2. Time suggested was 8 to 10 a.m. Article 5, Supplementary Appropriations The Selectmen discussed the proposed amendment to add $75,000 to the school budget to bring back the Drug Prevention Program. The School Committee voted 4 -1 not to support the amendment. The Superintendent feels it is not the schools highest priority. Mr. Cohen feels the Drug Prevention Program is a high priority. It was a very valuable program and a severe blow to the community that it cannot continue. Selectmen would like to know much more about the program. Because the School Committee does not feel it is the proper time to ask for the additional funds, a majority of the Selectmen will not support the amendment. Mr. Kelley will wait to hear the presentations at Town Meeting. Appointments/Reappointments/Resignations Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the resignation of William Kofoed from the Communications Advisory Committee, effective immediately. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Julie Duncan to the Housing Partnership Board to fill the unexpired term of David Williams until September 30, 2007. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reappoint Stana Gnatocvich to the Lexington Scholarship and Education Fund Board for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2006. Selectmen's Meeting — November 14, 2005 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Laurie Peck to the Personnel Advisory Board for a 3 -year term to expire September 30, 2008. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of October 24, 2005 Executive Session Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the executive session minutes of October 24, 2005. Comptroller Search Update Mr. Valente explained that the Comptroller Search has not been successful. Discussed with the Board options /strategies for going forward: re- advertise the position and look for someone with less experience but potential; re- advertise but raise the upper salary limit to attract quality candidates; re- advertise the position as Assistant Town Manager for Finance. Mr. Valente requested the Board give him flexibility on the upper end of the current advertised position by $15- 20,000. That would allow him to recruit a top rank person. The Board responded favorably to the Town Manager's request. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 7:15 p.m. A true record, Attest: Lynne A. Pease Executive Clerk Selectmen's Meeting November 21, 2005 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held Monday, November 21, 2005, 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; William Lahey, Town Counsel; and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk were present. Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports Mr. Kelley mentioned reading a Globe article on senior tax abatements and deferrals, which mentioned that a new law had been passed. He requested that it be looked into to determine whether interest rates could be reduced for tax deferrals. Mr. Manz reported on the Trivia bee in which the Selectmen team tied for second behind the School Committee. There were 42 teams that participated in the bee. Mrs. Krieger announced that the Selectmen would begin the Selectmen Office Hours on Monday, November 28. This provides the public with an opportunity to come talk to a Selectman. Town Manager Report Mr. Valente updated the Board on the Water /Sewer billing. The first section bills will be mailed out December 5. At the next Selectmen's Meeting there will be commitments for these bills. Ms. Stevens, Water /Sewer Business Manager, has been working on the bugs in the systems and thinks they have all been found. Mr. Valente and Ms. Vine met with the Farmers' Market representatives to discuss how the market did and how to improve for next year. They were pleased with this year's results. The farmers were enthusiastic. For next year they want to work on improving parking, making crossing Massachusetts Avenue safer, providing a sound system for entertainment, and possibly staying open later. They plan to come before the Selectmen sometime the beginning of next year to start plans for the 2006 Farmers' Market. Consent Agenda Alice Hinkle- Prince Estabrook Award Fund Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the Alice Hinkle- Prince Estabrook Award Fund on behalf of the Trustees of Public Trusts. Ratify Poll Vote — Field and Garden Club Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to ratify a poll vote allowing the Chairman to sign a letter of support to the Field and Garden Club for its work to maintain traffic islands in Lexington. Selectmen's Meeting — November 21, 2005 Ratify Poll Vote — Letter to Thrasher Family Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to ratify a poll vote allowing the Chairman to sign a letter to the Thrasher Family regarding the loss of their home because of the gas explosion. 2006 Annual Warrant Closing Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to set the date for closing of the Warrant for the 2006 Annual Town Meeting on Thursday, December 29, 2005. Date of 2006 Local Election Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to set the date for the local election for Monday, March 6, 2006. First Session of 2006 Annual Town Meeting Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to set the date for the first session of the 2006 Annual Town Meeting for Monday, March 27, 2006. Lincoln Park Award The Town of Lexington was selected by the Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association to receive the "Design of Facility Award for Lincoln Park ". Ms. Simmons, Recreation Director, presented the award to the Selectmen. Grant of Location — Nstar, Colony Road Maureen Carroll, representing Nstar, was available to answer any questions. Mr. Cohen asked for an update of the removal of double poles. He also asked about several poles that look like they would fall over any time. Ms. Carroll will look into and get back to the Selectmen. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of Nstar Electric to construct, and a location for, a line of conduits and manholes with the necessary wires and cables therein to be located under the surface of Colony Road: Northerly, approximately 508 feet west of Grant Street, a distance of about 3 feet — install conduit @ poll 180/5. Traffic Mitigation Group Ms. McCall - Taylor, Planning Director, presented a revised Traffic Mitigation Group and requested the Board adopt the charge. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adopt the Traffic Mitigation Group charge. Selectmen's Meeting — November 21, 2005 Tree Donation for Battle Green Mr. Hadley, Director of Public Works, showed the Board a tree that Matt Foti would like to donate to the town to replace the tree on the Battle Green that fell over last spring. The tree is a 7.5 inch, 22 to 24 feet high, sugar maple and would be installed Spring 2006. The Tree Committee and Town Celebrations Committee will be consulted for the best place to plant the new tree. The Selectmen are very grateful for this thoughtful gift and feel it will be a great addition to the Battle Green. Precinct Poll Location Changes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to designate Cary Memorial Building as the poll location for Precinct 1 and Precinct 5 effective with the March 6, 2006 Annual Town Election. Scenic Byways/Mass. Department of Conservation & Recreation Heritage Land Inventory Grant Program Mr. Canale updated the Board on three ongoing initiatives: 1. Potential Scenic Byway designation of the Battle Road in the Towns of Arlington, Lexington, Lincoln and Concord. 2. The Historic Roads Conference to be held in Boston on April 27 -30, 2006. 3. Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation: Heritage Land Inventory Grant Program. Mr. Canale requested the following action by the Selectmen: 1. Vote to support Application to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation: Heritage Land Inventory Grant Program; and 2. Begin discussion on sponsorship of a warrant article for spring 2006 Town Meeting to direct Selectmen and legislators to seek state designation of Battle Road Scenic Byway. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to send a letter of support on the application to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation: Heritage Land Inventory Grant Program. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to endorse Lexington's participation in an effort to seek Scenic Byway designation from the Commonwealth with the intention of seeking subsequent federal designation. Selectmen's Meeting — November 21, 2005 Water /Sewer Pilots Mr. Valente is in the process of preparing the FY2007 Revenue Projections and discussed with the Board whether to phase out and /or reduce the amount of the Water /Sewer Pilots. Mr. Valente suggests reducing the pilots by 25 percent in FY07 and move forward in future years. On November 30 the fall revenue projections will be presented at the Budget Collaboration meeting. The Selectmen discussed reducing pilots all at once or gradually over up to four years. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 2 -3 (Krieger, Cohen, Manz) to not end the water /sewer pilot practice as of FY 2007. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 2 -3 (Krieger, Cohen, Manz) to not reduce pilot payments by 1/3 in FY2007 and in the Spring put a line item to move remainder from enterprise fund to tax levy. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -1 (Kelley abstained) to instruct the Town Manager to take initial steps to phase out pilots by reducing them in the amount of $187,500 for FY2007. Change of Manager for Liquor License — Not Your Average Joe's Mr. Hebenstreit, proposed Manager for Not Your Average Joe's, was asked by the Board what steps have been taken since the establishment was caught serving underage persons during the Police License Compliance check on November 2, 2005. Mr. Hebenstreit said that it is company policy to terminate any employee who violates the law. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application and issue a license for a change of manager for an all alcoholic restaurant liquor license to Not Your Average Joe's, Inc., d /b /a Not Your Average Joe's, 1727 Massachusetts. Avenue. Common Victualler — Three Gorges of Lexington Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application and sign a Common Victualler license for the Three Gorges of Lexington, 211 Massachusetts Avenue. Energy Conservation Committee Charge This charge is intended to combine the current Energy Conservation Committee with the Lighting Options Committee, and will also include the DPW Director, Director of School Facilities and Grounds, and Selectmen and School Liaisons. Selectmen's Meeting — November 21, 2005 The Energy Conservation Committee will be a standing committee and the hope is that combining will reenergize the new committee. Mr. Cohen will contact all the current members of both committees to see if interested in continuing on the new committee. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adopt the Energy Conservation Committee charge. Appointments/Reappointments/Resignations Resignations Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the resignation of Michael Greene and Timothy Counihan from the Communications Advisory Committee, effective immediately. Appointment Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Mary Jo Bohart to the Tourism committee for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2006. Future Meetings The Board of Selectmen decided to schedule the following meetings: Monday, December 19, 2005 Wednesday, January 4, 2006 Monday, January 9, 2006 Wednesday, January 18, 2006 Monday, January 23, 2006 Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of April 27, 2005 and November 7, 2005. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:25 p.m. A true record, Attest: Lynne A. Pease Executive Clerk Selectmen's Meeting November 28, 2005 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held Monday, November 28, 2005, 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; William Lahey, Town Counsel; and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk were present. Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports Mr. Pagett noticed a story in the Globe about a fire at the Quality Inn in Lexington over the weekend. The Board had previously spoken to the Fire Chief about him meeting with the owners about the possibility of getting a sprinkler system in the building. The Board requested that Mr. Valente discuss with the Fire Chief the nature of the first discussion and what the strategy is to get a sprinkler system into the building. Mrs. Krieger discussed with the Board that the Selectmen's annual report is due the end of December. She requested the Selectmen get to her any information they would like included in the report for this year. She will draft a report by mid - December and send to each Selectman for review. Town Manager Report Mr. Valente undated the Board on the status of Keyspan's work on the gas leaks. Keyspan will be replacing gas mains in the affected area and 4 areas outside the original location. There is a list of affected areas on the Town Web Page. Keyspan expects the work to be completed within 3 weeks. Consent Agenda Commitments and Adjustments of Water and Sewer Charges Mr. Pagett requested three items be included in the water and sewer commitments and adjustments that were recommendations made by the auditor. That would allow the information to serve as a benchmark for trend analysis and to measure how we are doing in the future: 1. establish consistent set of codes and provide information to understand each code; 2. subtotal each month and cumulative by the various codes to identify where major problems may be; and 3. subtotal that shows the billing years to which the requested adjustments apply. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following commitments and adjustments: Commitment of Water /Sewer Charges from 10/1/05 to 10/31/05 (Cycle 9) $179,581.24 Commitment of Water /Sewer Charges from 9/l/05 to 9/30/05 (Final Bills) $12,179.76 Commitment of Water /Sewer Charges from 10/1/05 to 10/31/05 (Final Bills) $12,125.82 Commitment of Water /Sewer Charges for Section 1 $2,071,839.63 Adjustment of Water /Sewer Charges for the period from 9/l/05 to 9/30/05* - $249,941.39 Selectmen's Agenda — November 28, 2005 Liquor Compliance Check — 1 st Offense Letters Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to have the Chairman sign and send 1 st offense letters to Vinny T's of Boston, Khushboo, Not Your Average Joe's, and Busa Brothers Liquors. Traffic Safety Advisory Committee — Revised Charge Gail Wagner, Transportation Coordinator, discussed the changes suggested to the revised charge. The committee will consist of 4 citizens, plus the Police Chief or his designee, the Director of Public Works or his designee from the Engineering Department, the Superintendent of Schools or his designee, and the Transportation Coordinator. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adopt the revised Traffic Safety Advisory Committee charge. Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Town Engineer Peter Chalpin reviewed the following recommendations of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee: "No Parking Here to Corner" on Worthen Road right of exit at Captain Parker Arms John Gianoulis, a resident of Captain Parker Arms described problems when exiting onto Worthen Road due to obstructed sight lines to the right of the driveway closest to Waltham Street. James Campbell, Maintenance Supervisor at Captain Parker Arms, amplified concerns on behalf of tenants who were unable to attend. The issue of enforcement regarding existing No Parking signage on Worthen Road in front of Captain Parker Arms was raised, as well as lawn damage due to cars parked in front of the property. It was noted that there are two driveways at Captain Parker Arms and if an "Exit Only" was created at the far driveway relative to Waltham Street there would be no obstructed sight line to the right of this driveway. Mr. Campbell commented that the property management has discussed a one -way entrance /exit configuration at Captain Parker Arms. The TSAC recommends that a No Parking sign marking a distance of 25 feet easterly to the right of the first exit at Captain Parker Arms relative to Waltham Street be installed to improve sight lines for exiting vehicles. The Police Department will continue ongoing parking enforcement in the area. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. Selectmen's Meeting — November 28, 2005 Fletcher Avenue Parking All day parking in front of residences on Fletcher Avenue has created traffic safety issues on this narrow street traversed by the Minuteman Bikeway. Nancy Page, 6 Fletcher Avenue, told of difficulty in accessing her driveway. A neighbor told of her car being struck by another auto when exiting her driveway. Questions were raised by residents as to the feasibility of adding a stop sign at Sherman Street and creating a one -way traffic pattern on Hayes Lane. These interventions do not meet traffic criteria for posting. In response to residents' concerns for restricted visitor parking, availability of metered parking at the Town Hall Complex and all day parking at Depot Square were noted. Also, six parking spaces currently posted as "Town Permit Only" on Fletcher Avenue closest to Mass. Avenue are to be evaluated in upcoming months. Residents suggested two -hour parking restrictions in this area. In light of postal service employees all day parking in town center neighborhoods, such as Fletcher Avenue, it was noted that postal service employees are periodically reminded that the Depot Square lot is a parking option. The TSAC recommends that No Parking, Fletcher Avenue westerly from Sherman Street to Minuteman Bikeway and No Parking 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM Monday- Friday, Fletcher Avenue westerly from Sherman Street to Hayes Lane be instituted. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. Mr. Chalpin reviewed the current process for traffic safety issues: The Police Department will be the first responders in an attempt to reduce the response time to citizens. If the Police Department cannot solve with the help of DPW, Engineering, Schools, and Transportation Coordinator, then the issue will be discussed at a Traffic Safety Advisory Committee meeting and recommendation made to Selectmen. Tax Rate Presentation Joe Nugent, Town Assessor, and the Board of Assessors (Bill Jackson, Chair; Steven Foster, and Ed Grant) presented information to the Board in order to conduct a Public Hearing and Information Session on December 5, 2005 on the tax classification options available under Massachusetts General Laws. The classification amendment requires the Board to consider four sections with respect to the FY2006 tax rate. The Decision of the Board for each alternative must be submitted to the DOR. The four alternatives are: • Selection of a minimum residential factor (CIP); • Selection of a discount for Open Space; • A residential exemption; and • A small commercial exemption. Mr. Bartenstein requested that the Classification Package be made available on the Town Web Page in advance of the December 5, 2005 hearing. Selectmen's Meeting — November 28, 2005 Ms. Blier, Chair of the Tax Deferral and Exemption Study Committee, discussed the new elder deferral law that will allow the Town to charge less than 8 percent interest on deferred property taxes. This will require an annual vote of Town Meeting, and the interest rate must be below 8 percent. The law also increased the value limit on houses to $600,000 that qualify for the state income tax circuit breaker. The circuit breaker law amendment becomes effective with seniors 2005 state income taxes. Not Your Average Joe's — Appoint Assistant Manager Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve Kristen Selawsky as an Assistant Manager at Not Your Average Joe's. Warrant Article Process The Selectmen reviewed the Warrant Article Process for 2006. The only change was not to include preliminary article positions in the printed warrant. Lowering Flag on Battle Green Policy/Notaries Public Policy Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Lowering Flag on Battle Green Policy and the Notaries Public Policy. Appointments Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Stephen Ades and Stefan Schatzki to the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee for one -year terms to expire September 30, 2006. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of November 14, 2005. Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by roll call Mr. Cohen, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Pagett, Mr. Manz and Mrs. Krieger to go into executive session for the purpose of disposition of town property with no intent to return to open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:10 p.m. A true record, Attest: Lynne A. Pease Executive Clerk Selectmen's Meeting November 30, 2005 A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held Wednesday, November 30, 2005, at 8:00 a.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. Budget Workshop Presentations Mr. Valente explained that the budget presentations would include a level- service budget that is the same as last year except for contractual or mandated items. In additional departments would present program improvement requests that have not been prioritized yet. Police Department Chief Casey presented the Police Departments FY2007 Budget Requests. Level Service Requests: Police Administration $957,551; Patrol & Enforcement $2,499,761; Parking Meter Maintenance $67,410; Investigations & Prevention $432,256; Combined Dispatch $470,705; Animal Control $22,746. Total Level Service Budget $4,450,429. Program Improvement Requests: Account Clerk $37,503; Traffic Safety Officer $109,770; Management Analyst $50,646; Police Training $35,500; Expanded Center Officer and Desk Coverage $52,223; Animal Control Officer $22,599; School Resource Officer $67,455. Total Program Improvement Requests $375,696. Fire Chief Middlemiss presented the Fire Departments FY2007 Budget Requests. Level Service Requests: Fire Administration $243,850; Fire Prevention $102,059; Fire Suppression $3,967,147; Emergency Medical Services $100,532. Total Level Service Budget $4,413,588. Program Improvement Requests: Fire Inspector $63,800; 4 Lieutenants $27,643; 4 Firefighters $247,623; Intermediate EMS Course $62,500. Total Program Improvement Requests $401,566. Town Clerk Ms. Hooper presented the Town Clerk FY2007 Budget Requests: Town Clerk Administration $204,791; Board of Registrars $24,000; Elections $112,425; Records Management $3,200. Total Level Service Budget $348,416. Program Improvement Request: Archives/Records Management $84,345. Social Services Ms. McNeil presented the Social Services FY2007 Budget Requests: COA Administration & Outreach $191,984; COA Nutrition $5,125; COA Community Programs $14,598; Adult Day Care $270,367; Human & Veterans Services $59,349; Services for Youth $47,726; COA Support Services $32,191; Developmentally Disabled $14,839. Total Level Service Budget $636,179. Program Improvement Request: Supportive Day Care Request $60,896. Selectmen's Meeting — November 30, 2005 — 8:00 a.m. The Selectmen requested the Town Manager give a brief presentation at an upcoming meeting on the step increase program. The Selectmen also requested during the budget process a discussion to help understand all the various supports the town and schools offer in the area of youth services and activities. Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by roll call Mr. Cohen, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Pagett, Mr. Manz and Mrs. Krieger to go into executive session for the purpose of Exemption 7, medical information, with no intent to return to open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 11:00 a.m. A true record, Attest: Lynne A. Pease Executive Clerk Budget Collaboration/Summit 3 November 30, 2005 A joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Finance Committees was held on Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 5:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room. Chairman Krieger, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Pagett, Mr. Cohen; and Mr. Manz; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk were present. The Chairs of the School Committee and Capital Expenditures Committee called their members to order. The Appropriation Committee did not have a quorum. Town Manager's FY2007 Revenue Projections Mr. Valente presented his methodology of how he organized the revenue projections and then discussed the highlights and assumptions. Revenue Summary Property Tax Levy State Aid Local Receipts Available Funds Revenue Offsets $ 93,415,304 $ 8,693,525 $ 10,048,748 $ 2,573,000 ($ 2,619,019) 3.95 increase 1.05 increase 4.07 increase 29.25 increase 16.74 decrease TOTAL $112,111,556 4.80 increase The increase in property tax levy is based on the allowable 2.5 percent increase plus estimated new growth. This conservative figure is to assure that funds are available for any snow and ice deficit arising from FY2006. The increase in state aid is based on the Legislature's commitment last ear to "uncap" lottery distributions. The first indication of Lexington's likely state aid for FY2007 will be when the Governor's budget is presented at the end of January 2006. Local receipt estimates are based on the average revenue received in each category for the prior three or five -year period. Key changes include: a decreased water /sewer PILOT payment of $187,500; the addition of $195,000 in cell tower lease revenues previously accounted for off - budget as a revolving /gift fund account; and a decrease of $575,000 in non - recurring revenue which reflects the one -time NESWC payment made in FY2006. It is recommended that $2,573,000 be appropriated from available funds The Town has approximately $4,448,000 in Free Cash available for appropriation. It is recommended that $2,450,000 not be appropriated for FY2007 funding to maintain reserve accounts ($2,000,000); Fiske School Nstar rebate ($250,000); and FY2006 supplemental appropriations for shortfalls like utility costs ($200,000). The Selectmen requested a history of the overlay surplus account. Budget Collaboration/Summit 3 — November 30, 2005 — 5:00 p.m. The revenue offsets are for certain accounts that do not require Town Meeting appropriation. Included are state assessments and offsets, the overlay account and snow /ice deficits. FY2007 Budget Guidelines The group discussed the municipal and school budget guidelines and the need to find a set point to get to a unified budget. Updated Budget Calendar The current calendar has the municipal and school recommended budgets received on December 20. There was some concern expressed about the CPA vote and the need for an override. The Selectmen need to decide timing of the override to allow sufficient time to educate the public on both issues. Selectmen plan to finish the budget by the end of January /early February to allow discussion of the magnitude before the CPA vote and give time to prepare the public for an override vote. Consent Agenda Commitments and Adjustments of Water and Sewer Charges Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following commitments and adjustments: Commitment of Water /Sewer Charges from 9/l/05 to 9/30/05 (Cycle 9) $232,251.95 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 7:00 p.m. A true record, Attest: Lynne A. Pease Executive Clerk