HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-02-BOS-min
Selectmen’s Meeting
February 2, 2004
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, February 2, 2004 in the
Selectmen's Meeting Room at 7:30 p.m. Chairman McSweeney, Mrs. Krieger, Mrs. McKenna,
Mr. Kennedy, Mr. White, Town Manager, and Ms. Tap, Recording Secretary, were present. Mr.
Kelley was absent.
Public Comment
Mr. Loren Wood, Precinct 3, stated that at the Planning Board's Avalon Bay information meeting
on the Met State Hospital site, a representative of the State Department of Capital Asset
Management suggested that if Avalon Bay's proposal were not approved by Town Meeting the
land might be sold to a developer to build a 40B Comprehensive Permit development. He would
like to know from the Planning Board if the Board of Appeals could limit the number of
dwelling units to 300 in such a development.
Mr. Tom Diaz, Precinct 2, indicated that he believes public transportation relative to the Met
State development is more than just a traffic issue; it is a public safety issue for the likely
population that will live there, most especially the elderly and those living in the affordable units.
He indicated that all facets of public safety must be ensured.
Four residents indicated that they want to be offered the choice of an override election.
Jeanne Levine expressed her concern about the poor condition of the DPW operations barn. She
described it as a known safety hazard in terms of ventilation and structural strength and urged the
Selectmen to see that it is upgraded.
Jill Smilow, of the No Place for Hate organization, thanked the Selectmen and Police Chief
Casey for their support of the organization's current study circles initiative. Mrs. McKenna
indicated that she has concerns about the organization's activities and thought that the group
would be back before the Board before scheduling any new study circles.
Mr. McSweeney expressed his support of the organization and the study circles, indicating that
they are an important opportunity for communication in our busy lives. Mrs. Krieger indicated
her belief that their study circles are very much needed. They are a chance for people who feel
they are not heard to express themselves in a structured, non-threatening setting.
Mrs. McKenna asked that this issue be put on an agenda before the end of the month. Mr.
McSweeney said OK. Ms. Smilow offered to provide information to Board in anticipation of
that meeting.
Sign Bonds, Bond Anticipation Notes and State Aid Notes
Revenue Officer Rose Ducharme and financial bond consultant David Eisenthal, Unibank, were
present to report to the Board on the successful sale of bonds of $8,906,000 general obligations
Selectmen’s Meeting – February 2, 2004
on January 28 to fund several capital projects including Harrington School, street reconstruction,
building renovations departmental equipment and other items. The bonds will be amortized over
ten years beginning in FY05. The winning bid was from UBS Financial Services and was at a
true interest cost of 2.33 percent.
Mr. Eisenthal spoke about recent discussions with Moody's and town officials on the Town's
recent bond rating from Moody's, which remained AAA but with a negative outlook. Due to
some recent events – the No vote on the override, the drawdown of financial reserves and the
pension holiday – town officials had anticipated some reaction by Moody's. But they presented a
strong case that the Town's financial condition remains fundamentally sound, as it has been since
1975 when the AAA rating was first awarded to the town.
Moody's referred in their report to the Town's "challenged" financial position. A negative
outlook indicates that corrective action needs to be taken, and that conditions need to change in
order to retain the rating over the next few years. But the report also referred positively to the
administration's plan for rebuilding reserves and proactive approach to management.
Mr. Eisenthal indicated that he believes the Town can retain its rating by taking steps as it has
planned to do to rebuild its reserves and, if needed, adopt an override to supplement what have
been stagnating revenues.
Mr. McSweeney asked about the effect of the rating on the individual tax bill. Appropriations
Committee Chair Deborah Brown asked for more information on the negative outlook
designation.
Mrs. McKenna requested that, in the future, the Selectmen be provided with information about a
bond sale in advance of the sale. The Board should not be presented with documents for
signature on the night they need to be signed.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the sale of the $8,906,000 Municipal
Purpose Loan of 2004 Bonds of the Town dated February 1, 2004, to UBS Financial Services,
Inc. at the price of $8,964,621.51 and accrued interest is hereby confirmed. The bonds shall be
payable on February 1 of the years and in the principal amounts and bear interest at the
respective rates, as follows:
Interest Interest
Year Amount Rate (%) Year Amount Rate (%)
2005 $2,021,000 2.00 2010 $350,000 2.50
2006 1,685,000 2.00 2011 350,000 3.00
2007 1,675,000 2.00 2012 350,000 3.00
2008 975,000 2.25 2013 350,000 3.25
2009 800,000 2.25 2014 350,000 3.25
Selectmen’s Meeting – February 2, 12004
It was further voted to approve the sale of a $195,000 1.39 percent State Aid Anticipation Note
of the Town dated February 12, 2004 and payable February 11, 2005, to UniBank at par and
accrued interest.
Sign Warrant for 2004 Presidential Primary and Annual Town Meeting
The Board reviewed some last minute changes to the Warrant for the 2004 Town Meeting.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Warrant, as amended.
FY05 Budget Requests and Enhancements
Mr. White thanked Michael Young for providing all of the iterations of the budget that have been
needed during the budget process.
The Board reviewed and discussed two documents: a summary sheet showing the total operating
budget and a list of all requests and enhancements above FY04 Levels of Service.
Mr. McSweeney and Mr. Kennedy indicated that an override is not appropriate in FY05.
Mrs. Krieger expressed her belief that an override is needed, especially in light of Mr. Eisenthal's
report on the Town's bond rating.
Mr. White will provide budget material to the Board via email before their summit on February
11. The Board agreed to begin their meeting at 6:00 p.m. that night.
Designate Acting Town Manager
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Town Manager's designation
of Linda Vine as Acting Town Manager during the period between February 13 and February 21,
2004.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn the meeting at 10:15 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Elissa M. Tap
Recording Secretary
Selectmen’s Meeting
February 9, 2004
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday February 9, 2004 in the
Selectmen's Meeting Room at 6:00 p.m. Chairman McSweeney, Mrs. Krieger, Mrs. McKenna,
Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Kelley, Mr. White, Town Manager, and Ms. Tap, Recording Secretary, were
present.
Public Comment
Mr. McSweeney announced that the time for public comment would be at 7:30 p.m.
Committee Appointments and Resignations
Registrars of Voters
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Ann Miller to the Registrars of
Voters for a term to expire March 31, 2007
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.
One-day Liquor License – National Heritage Museum
The National Heritage Museum has requested a one-day liquor license for a Rock n' Roll
Fundraiser on February 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of the National
Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Road, for a one-day liquor license for a Rock n' Roll Fundraiser on
Friday, February 27, 2004, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Review Parking Fees
The Board discussed the staff's recommendation to make changes to the Center Parking
Program. Eight recommendations were put forward in a memo from DPW Director Hadley. The
memo states that Police Chief Casey, Mr. Hadley, Mrs. Wagner, Mrs. Burke, Parking Officer
Donahue and Officer Ahern met to review the recommendations. Representatives from the
Chamber of Commerce, Lexington Retail Association, Center Committee, Historic Districts
Commission and Transportation Advisory Committee were notified of the proposals.
Briefly, the recommendations are:
1. Change the name of the "Meriam Street Parking Lot" to "Depot Square Parking Lot'.
2. Increase annual permit fees at all lots.
3. Change 14 2-hour meters to 30-minutes meters in the rear of the Edison Way parking lot.
4. Change 13 2-hour meters to 30-minutes meters on Edison Way along the NSTAR
property.
Selectmen’s Meeting – February 9, 2004
5. Change 9 2-hour meters in Depot Square to 30-minute meters.
6. Change all meters to accept only quarters.
7. Increase meter fees to 25 cents for 30 minutes and 50 cents for an hour: eliminate
increments of less than 30 minutes and eliminate the 90-minute meters
8. If the meter rates are increased (as above) the rates in the attended lot should also be
increased.
The total new revenue projected from these recommendations would be $185,725.
Tonight is an information session on the proposal. A public hearing will be held also.
Questions and comments from the Selectmen included: What is the present income from fees?
What can the fees be used for? Mrs. McKenna asked for an accounting of where the money goes
and asked that feedback from center employees be sought. Will some of the fees still go to
Lexpress? Why don't center business employees park in the Meriam Street lot instead of paying
more putting money in meters all day?
Chief Casey indicated that they try to keep the long term parkers off the streets, but the parking
officer has had to take on other administrative duties due cuts in police staff. She can’t spend as
many hours checking parked cars.
Questions and comments from the audience included: The center businesses will be hurt if the
fees are raised. When was the last fee increase? The Depot Square redesign caused a loss of
parking spaces. It also left the condition of a very deep puddle due to poor storm water control
Mrs. Arnold, Transportation Advisory Committee, indicated that the committee supports the fees
increase. She noted that school bus and Lexpress fees are up and asked why drivers of cars
should be subsidized.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mary Jo Bohart indicated that businesses are
concerned about where the meter money goes. Also, since they want customers to visit more
than one store at a time, the increase in 30-minute meters also concerns them.
Mr. White noted that a 1987 feasibility study for a parking garage at the Meriam Street lot was
denounced by Town Meeting.
It was noted that 2001 parking study was done and should be used.
Mr. Kelley indicated that only Town Meeting could decide how the parking meter money is
spent.
It was agreed that only by having all the affected parties working together could we produce an
accepted parking plan.
Selectmen’s Meeting – February 9, 2004
7:30 p.m. Public Comment
Six residents spoke of their concern about the reductions in services due to budget cuts and the
failed override. They urged the Selectmen to offer a budget override in the spring.
Mr. Marshall Derby, Lexington Housing Assistance Board, indicated that he believes an
unbundled override would be very divisive and damaging to the town.
Budget – Selectmen Prioritization
Working from a document dated February 6, 2004, entitled FY2005 Budget Requests:
Restorations and Enhancements, along with a list of prioritizations of capital items by the Capital
Expenditures Committee, dated February 9, 2004, and a list with an additional $500,000 in
potential reductions provided by the Town Manager, the Board began a prioritization of budget
items in order to craft a final budget. It was hoped that they could accomplish this and be ready
for the Summit scheduled for Wednesday, February 11.
At 11:30 p.m., it was agreed to meet again as soon as possible to complete the prioritization
process.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn the meeting at 11:35 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Elissa M. Tap
Recording Secretary
Selectmen’s Meeting
February 11, 2004
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 in the
Selectmen’s Meeting Room at 5:00 p.m. Chairman McSweeney, Mrs. Krieger, Mrs. McKenna,
Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Kelley; Mr. White, Town Manager; and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk were
present.
Budget
Mr. McSweeney explained that the Selectmen had gone through part of the list of restorations
and enhancements requested in the budget and ranked each item. The goal of the meeting is to
prioritize and finalize the list, to be prepared to go to the summit meeting with the prioritized list.
Mrs. McKenna discussed her suggested list of possible cuts totaling $617,561. None of those
suggestions will be included.
Before the meeting Mrs. McKenna discussed with Elaine Sterzin the request for $40,000 for the
Youth Services. The $40,000 was a fund that would be used to help people who could not afford
the services or might not have insurance. Ms. Sterzin and the Committee Chair felt that it was
important to get the Youth Services Coordinator, but it would be a fair tradeoff if the fund was
not established in the first year. The Board all agreed to cut the $40,000 for contractual services
for youth services from the budget.
Mrs. McKenna asked the Board about adding an item for the Stabilization Fund. Through work
on the policy manual subcommittee she learned that the Board had voted in the mid 1990’s to
contribute $75,000 per year to the stabilization fund. Board members felt it was not necessary to
add a line item, but should be discussed at some point what money should be used and how
much should be put into a Stabilization Fund.
The Board decided to include a line item for the Visitor Center utilities (approximately $9,000)
but would give it a very low priority.
The Board requested that the prioritization list be resorted and arranged so that items that should
be together (contractual items, including step increases and differential pay) appear with the line
item to which it relates to and that it also be sorted by department.
The Board requested that the full-time Public Nurse be reduced to a part-time (approximately
$19,000), but that the prioritization ranking stay the same.
The Board decided to remove all Liberty Ride items from the prioritization list, assuming receive
outside revenue to cover costs of program. Upon the suggestion of the Town Manager, a
revolving fund will be requested to address the program that is expected to operate April to
October.
Selectmen’s Meeting - February 11, 2004
Regarding the Lexpress items on list, question asked whether entire amount should be shown or
just portion not part of tax levy. Mr. White reminded the Board that the Transportation Advisory
Committee said they could not replicate the effort from FY04. Mr. Kelley and Mrs. McKenna
requested that the Lexpress items remain on the prioritization list, but that the Committee be
asked to answer what amount they would like used in the event of an override.
Requested that the Summit be scheduled for Wednesday, February 25 at 5:30 p.m. At the
Summit meeting the plan is to discuss revenues, for the Selectmen and School Committee to
discuss the prioritization lists and meld the two lists together, and the Manager will be putting
together possible scenarios to look at. After the Summit, the Manager will prepare the FY05
budget.
Briefly discussed capital items. Per earlier discussions, the Board identified that they did not
want to include the $50,000 appropriation for a School Administration Building study. Mr.
White will be including two pieces of DPW equipment: screener and potholer. From the
Building Envelope he would like to include the Cary Hall proposal, although there is no clear
plan, but he would like to provide a facility ready for anticipated uses.
Mrs. McKenna asked if the board would consider having recreation playground equipment on
the override as a certain dollar amount and have recurring funding. Board agreed to discuss at a
later time.
The Board discussed the need to know what the revenue number might be. Mr. White believes
the board should look at putting money left over from early retirement program in Free Cash to
increase cash position and put the Town in position to build up cash reserves to provide some
rational for retaining Lexington’s AAA rating. Mr. White also recommends level funding the
local aid. Only feasible new revenue source is new growth. Will check with the Assessor to see
if he can provide some information for the summit.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 7:05 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk
Selectmen’s Meeting
February 23, 2004
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday February 23, 2004 in the
Selectmen's Meeting Room at 7:30 p.m. Chairman McSweeney, Mrs. Krieger, Mrs. McKenna,
Mr. Kelley, Mr. White, Town Manager, Mr. Lahey, Town Counsel, and Ms. Tap, Recording
Secretary, were present. Mr. Kennedy was absent.
Public Comment
Mr. Hamburger provided some estimated figures for the average tax increase on a home in
Lexington and explained some options the Selectmen could consider before they set the CIP
factor. He had also given this information to the Assessor.
Tax Classification Hearing – Continue to March 1
Mr. McSweeney opened the Tax Classification public hearing, which had been advertised in the
Lexington Minute Man, at 7:40 p.m. He indicated that since Mr. Kennedy was out of town, he
would prefer to continue the hearing to next week when all board members are present.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to continue the tax classification hearing to
7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 1, 2004.
Accept Scholarship Fund – Robert and Edith Cataldo Family Scholarship
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the terms for the Robert and Edith
Cataldo Family Scholarship in memory of Jerie Cataldo DeAngelis set forth in a letter from
Robert and Edith Cataldo to David G. Williams, member of the Trustees of the Public Trusts,
dated January 12, 2004.
Mr. McSweeney thanked the Cataldos. Mr. Kelley noted the many generations of the Cataldo
family who have served Lexington, saying that Jerie Cataldo DeAngelis was always involved in
and helped athletic activities in Lexington.
Mr. McSweeney thanked Mr. Williams for his many efforts in the town's behalf.
Recreation Fee Increases – Karen Simmons
Recreation Director Simmons was present to review with the Board the Recreation Department's
new fee structure developed in response to Town Meeting's requirement that Recreation
contribute $100,000 towards Lincoln Park debt. She noted that, last year, ballfield season permit
holders were invited to work with the Recreation Department to review the field usage policy
and help recommend a new fee structure. Over 11 adult and youth sports organizations
participated in the process and most agreed with the changes made. The Recreation Committee
approved their recommendation on March 11, 2003.
Selectmen’s Meeting – February 23, 2004
Mr. Kelley asked that groups using the fields be required to clean up after their games and pack
out any trash that they brought in. He indicated that now, as groups are applying for permits, is
the time to make it a policy connected with use of the fields.
In response to Mr. McSweeney observation about buses taking up too many parking places, Mrs.
Simmons indicated that she has asked Mr. Tony Porter to deal with this issue.
One-day Liquor License – St Nicholas Greek Church
The St. Nicholas Greek Church is requesting a one-day liquor license to sell beer and wine at
their food festival held April 17 to 19, 2004. Pamela Gianatsis, representing the church, provided
details about the festival, which will open at 11:00 a.m. all three days.
Questions from the Board had to do with security at the festival, the proof-of-age issue, keeping
the drinks on church property and other legalities. Mrs. McKenna noted that liquor stores in town
cannot open until noon on Sundays. Board members were concerned about a liquor permit for
Patriots Day, as no other vendors or groups sell alcohol that day. Asked if he had any other
concerns, Police Chief Casey said he had not yet had a chance to meet with Mrs. Gianatsis but
that he would in the next few days.
The Board agreed to postpone their decision until it’s next meeting.
Liquor License – Change of Manager/Directors for the Lexington Golf Club
Lexington Golf Club is requesting a change of manager to Robert Bicknell and also a change of
officers/directors.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application and issue an all-
alcoholic beverage license to Lexington Golf Club, reflecting a change of manger and
officers/directors.
Resignations/Appointments/Reappointments
Lexington Center Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the resignation of Kenn Elmore
from the Lexington Center Committee, effective immediately.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Daphne Politis to the Lexington
Center Committee to fill unexpired term expiring September 30, 2004.
Comptroller Search Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the resignation of Paul Marshall
from the Comptroller Search Committee.
Selectmen’s Meeting – February 23, 2004
Policy Manual Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Robert Kent to the Policy Manual
Committee.
Budget
The Board continued to prioritize items in a document entitled FY05 Budget Planning,
Restorations, Enhancements and Potential Reductions, dated February 20, 2004. (The document
had been updated by Mr. Young to show the ratings Board members gave items already
discussed.) It is hoped that the school department and town administration can begin to "meld"
their two budgets at the summit on February 25.
As shown on a document entitled FY05 Operating Budget, (Incremental Summary, preliminary,
for discussion purposes only), dated February 23, municipal additions under consideration
(FY2004-2005) total $2,257,180; Mandatory Additions for FY05 total $728,721; budget
adjustments that staff had been able to make through further reorganizations, savings achieved
through better than anticipated bond sales and refinements to previous projections total
$444,687. After taking the $444,687 in reductions, the resulting difference is the amount of new
revenue necessary to fund the priority and mandatory additions to the budget while avoiding an
override, $284,034. Total revenues available are $903,829 (once $1,410,000 has been removed
to cover the incremental increase in the pension holiday).
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 3 – 1 (McKenna) to agree with the Town
Manager's budget adjustments, which were discussed and which add up to $444,687.
Town Manager Evaluation
Each Board member has rated the Town Manager's performance according to the same criteria
and each will meet with Mr. White in the coming week to discuss their evaluation. At the
Selectmen's meeting on March 1, the evaluations will be presented.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn the meeting at 10:30 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Elissa M. Tap
Recording Secretary
Summit Meeting
February 25, 2004
A joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Finance Committees was held
on Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. in the Lexington High School Commons II.
Chairman McSweeney, Mrs. Krieger, Mrs. McKenna, Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Kelley; Mr. White,
Town Manager; and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk were present.
The Chairs of the School, Appropriations and Capital Expenditures Committees called their
members to order.
Mr. McSweeney wished all the best to Tony Close as he ends his term on the School Committee.
Review of Priority Lists
Mr. White reviewed the municipal priority list that includes 42 items proposed for additional
funding over and above what was appropriated in the FY04 budget minus the implications of the
early retirement programs, totaling $1.8 million. Ms. Benton reviewed the school priority list
that includes 36 items, which totals $3.97 million.
Review of Revenue
Mr. White estimates that revenue will increase by $2,313,829 for FY05, including level funding
state aid, local receipts of $18,423, allowable 2.5% increase of $1,950,957, and allowable new
construction of $1,000,000, minus $655,551 of available funds. The pension holiday is
$1,410,000, which leaves approximately $900,000 in new revenue.
Mr. White and Mr. Ryan cautioned the Boards, that just recently the Town was rated by
Moody’s. The Town retained its AAA rating but with a negative outlook. The negative outlook
was a result of all cash reserves having gone down. They specifically noted the reduction in free
cash in the previous two years and that the Town took the Pension Holiday. There are significant
negative ramifications of the community losing its AAA rating. The intangible effect of losing
the AAA rating are almost as costly if not more costly than the money we could lose with a
higher bond rating and a higher interest rate.
The Boards discussed whether it was wise to take the pension holiday or not again in FY05.
Each Board voted: Capital Expenditures voted unanimously to oppose using the Pension
Holiday this year; Appropriations Committee voted 6 opposed (1 abstained) to using the Pension
Holiday; and the School Committee voted unanimously to oppose using the Pension Holiday this
year.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted unanimously to instruct the manager to
prepare a budget assuming that we do not use the Pension Holiday at this time.
Selectmen’s Meeting – February 25, 2004
Boards discussed whether to use free cash. Each Board voted: School Committee voted 5-0 not
to use free cash; Capital Expenditures voted unanimously to not use free cash; Appropriations
voted 3 yes and the rest abstained because they believe the discussion is premature.
Mrs. McKenna feels Moody’s clearly gave us an indication that they were concerned about the
pension holiday and that whatever else could do to help with the reserves would be most
appropriate. Feels have taken several steps: 1) agree not to use the pension holiday; 2) created a
way to build a stabilization fund; 3) looking at the water and sewer position, which is another
balance piece. Need to have the option of using free cash for this moment.
School Committee looking for guidance on the amount of money that could be counted on to
include in the budget and not at risk.
Mrs. McKenna asked about putting M1 through M4 in the base budget. The total is $465,732. Is
there a way to accomplish the goals within that $465,732 if we are allocated approximately
$400,000? Mr. White said if set aside a mandatory maintenance contract and give the police a
higher priority, he believes it can be accomplished.
What is the sense of the school if we were to take the $903,000 and subtract Municipal items M1
through M4 totaling $465,732 and then as a first step the difference of that would go toward
Schools item S1?
Mr. White stated as the budget moves forward the numbers do change. We would look at two
areas: overlay and new construction as the assessor continues to get more data. The concept of
keeping free cash sacred is not a hard and fast rule. If it is modest and solves the decision-
making problem it could be justified. Modest means the $200-300,000 range. We would be able
show some significant increase from our cash reserves from last year even if we used some free
cash.
Mr. Griffiths did a calculation and if the municipal side wants to use $465,732 that would mean
the schools would want to protect $697,500 of item S1. That means finding $260,000 to make
the numbers work.
Mrs. McKenna believes that leaves us with two choices: either accept some use of free cash or
not. If we don’t use free cash then we have to have a discussion about what each side is going to
get of the available money.
Mrs. Krieger wanted to clarify the proposal being considered: include in the base budget items
M1 through M4 totaling $465,732 and on the school side it would $687,592 of item S1. Need to
find approximately $260,000 either from free cash or as we reexamine the overlay of the growth
we would be able to accommodate that $260,000. Mr. Griffiths says that is his understanding of
what is being discussed.
Selectmen’s Meeting – February 25, 2004
From Mr. Close’s perspective, years of cuts in the school system and tremendous cuts in the at-
risk list here leave us with a school system that is unacceptable. We need an override so lets
define one and move ahead.
Mr. Hamburger asked a question – if this proposal is adopted for base budget, how many full-
time teachers will be gone from the current staff. Answer – 54. On the municipal it is 4
positions (post ERI).
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-1 (Kelley) to remove items M1 through
M4 (total $465,732) from the at-risk list and put them in the base budget and reduce S1 from
$839,356 to $140,827 which means putting $698,529 in base budget.
The School committee voted 5-0 on the same motion.
The “Melding”
School Committee thought the melding would be done by value and merge according to
collective sense of value. Like the remainder of S1 along with M5-8
The purpose of the melding process was to have value programs or services that have equal value
together as we go down the list, so that as we began to get to the revenue discussion we would
have some places to go. Perhaps the decision that needs to be made now is whether we are
willing to put at risk an override that includes all the items the School Committee would like.
On the municipal side, how many of the items that remain do the Selectmen believe should be
reflected as part of an override? Are we at the point where we can decide that the remaining
items that are on this list will in fact be on an override without defining what that question looks
like? We have already agreed to put out an override question that at least that includes school
items.
Mr. McSweeney wants an override to be successful unlike last year’s results, so believe the
override has to do two things: be small and include some choice. On the municipal side he
would be willing to support an unbundled override of municipal services of $400-500,000.
Would work from top of list down for amount.
Mrs. McKenna concerned about Lexpress. We owe them an opportunity to weigh in on that
particular item.
Mrs. Krieger said there is no service on this list that I would not hesitate to put forward on a
bundled override.
Mrs. McKenna does not feel it is necessary to continue the melding process at this point. The
Selectmen need to decide whether the budget should reflect the entire at-risk list knowing full
well that there may be some changes going forward but that the Selectmen define an override as
the items that the school and municipal sides have laid out.
Selectmen’s Meeting – February 25, 2004
Jeanne Krieger feels the appropriate action is to put forward a budget that includes
approximately $4.6 M of items at risk and those values would be M5 through M42 and balance
of Sl and S2-36 and that we would structure an override that would provide choice.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to ask the Town Manager to build a budget
that includes Municipal Items M5 through M42, all of which will be subject to an override, and
School Items S1, at the reduced number, as well as S2 through S36, all of which would be
subject to an override.
Mr. Kennedy will vote in affirmative, but does not support an override, either municipal or
school. We have a lot of work to do before we should be going for override. Concerned about
medical costs going up 15% per year. Need to find other means to reduce costs.
Public Comments
Edith Flynn, Chairman of the Public Safety Staffing Review Committee, presented some brief
comments. The Committee has been in existence since the end of December and the final report
will be ready by the end of April to give some assistance during town meeting. Focus of
Committee was to look at the level of staffing and services for the Police and Fire departments
and the steps to be taken by the reductions that have been imposed because of the failed override.
At the fire department the budget cuts reduced the manning of the fire apparatus below national
standards requirements. These actions, if not remedied, not only increase the Town’s liability,
but would also increase the insurance for each resident. National standards call for a supervisor
to be at the scene. The sole job of this individual is to focus on the problem at hand and to
properly assess and make the right decisions to save lives and property. This individual should
not have to worry about connecting water hoses and other activities.
At the Police Department we face an entirely different situation. We have no national standards.
The Lexington Police Department has responded to the recent budget cuts the only way they
could and that was by reducing the focus on prevention. Community policing has been cut. This
action has put Lexington into a regressive mode and as a result the department is out of line with
national training. Lexington Police Department has been pushed back to what the department
was in the 1980’s. We need to focus on tracking and preventing crimes; the current police
department cannot do that.
Despite community growth, according to the Town Budget, the Police budget is below 2001
levels and Fire is below 2002 levels. Also, there is a very real threat of terrorism. Also consider
the construction of many large housing units.
The Committee will continue to provide the necessary data that we can in the report to come out
in April.
Selectmen’s Meeting – February 25, 2004
Capital Inventory and Decisions
Mr. White plans to include all the capital items supported by the Selectmen in the budget,
including School item, except $150,000 requested by the municipal feasibility study committee
which the Selectmen have not taken a position on.
Mrs. Krieger asked about whether the system-wide technology should be built into the budget in
the future so there would be permanent funding for technology.
Mr. Burnell, Capital Expenditures Committee, said the CEC would maintain hardware for 10
years, does not include software. The $250,000 in the school budget is a bare minimum number.
Mr. Lamb, CEC, has been discussing technology issues with the schools. There are two parts
being considered: 1) how to maintain servers and printers and 2) how to maintain approximately
2000 desktops being used mostly for teaching. Desktops cost approximately $900 and servers
cost approximately $5000. The problem they are running into is that when software is needed
they need additional power from the computers to run the software. Maintaining computers for
10 years is not feasible.
Mr. Griffiths asked what the realistic dollar number would be to make the system work.
$360,000 would cover desktops but would not include servers, printers and software. Need to
get to 5-year maintenance timeframe. Current ratio of computers to students is 1-3. State ratio
of 1-5 is not followed.
Mrs. McKenna supports the idea of trying to create a recurring revenue. If it were to be included
as an override question, it would have to be phased in a way that we do not lose this year’s
technology, but instead it became part of the borrowing package for capital.
Technology is an area where we can be working closer together and Mrs. McKenna asked what
would an adequate replacement schedule for municipal be? A 3-year replacement program
would be approximately $40,000.
Mrs. McKenna feels should seek an appropriate level for recurring revenue, that we include a
municipal piece to that and share that budget to make sure we are keeping up not only with the
education equipment, but with the municipal equipment as well. Ask both staff to recommend a
number they feel appropriate.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:15 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk