HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-08-BOS-minSelectmen's Meeting
August 25, 2003
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, August 25, 2003 in the
Selectmen's Meeting Room at 7:30 p.m. Chairman McSweeney, Mrs. Krieger, Mrs. McKenna,
Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Kelley, Mrs. Vine, Acting Town Manager, Mr. Lahey, Town Counsel, and
Ms. Tap, Recording Secretary, were present.
Mr. McSweeney thanked Management Intern Kerry Evans for her help in getting material ready
for this meeting while Mrs. Pease was on vacation.
Mrs. McKenna thanked the Town Clerk's Office for sending her daughter information on how
she could vote in elections when she is away at college.
Confirm Poll Vote — Acting Town Manager
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to confirm the poll vote conducted on
August 12, 2003 approving the Town Manager's appointment of Linda Vine to serve as Acting
Town Manager during his absence while on vacation from August 25 to September 2, 2003.
Confirm Poll Vote — Establishing a gift account for CMARC
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to confirm the poll vote conducted on
August 4, 2003 creating a Selectmen's gift account to support CMARC's service in Lexington in
FY05.
Keyspan, Grant of Location — Chase Avenue
Mr. McSweeney opened a public hearing on the petition for a grant of location to install
approximately 175 feet of 2 -inch gas main in Chase Avenue, from the existing 1 1 /4 -inch gas
main in Bennett Avenue. This work is necessary to provide gas service to 41 Chase Avenue.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of Keyspan Energy
Delivery to install and maintain approximately 175 feet of 2 -inch gas main in Chase Avenue,
from the existing 1 1 /4 -inch gas main in Bennett Avenue @ Chase Avenue, northerly to house #41
Chase Avenue.
Verizon and NSTAR Joint Grant of Location — Page Road
Mr. McSweeney opened a public hearing on the petition for a grant of location for the removal of
existing anchors and guys from private property and to install new anchors and guys in the public
way of Page Road.
Selectmen's Meeting — August 25, 2003
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the joint petition of Verizon New
England, Inc. and NSTAR Electric to locate and /or relocate anchors, guys and sustaining and
protecting fixtures to be owned and used in common by the joint petitions, along and across the
following public way:
From existing pole number 362/1, on the southwesterly side of Page Road, place a new
sidewalk anchor and guy, 9 feet (+ -) southwesterly of the pole to the property line of #1
Page Road; from existing pole number 362/2, on the southerly side of Page Road, place
a new sidewalk anchor guy 8.5 feet ( + -) southerly of the pole to the property line of #3
Page Road; from existing pole number 362/3, on the southerly side of Page Road, place
a new sidewalk anchor guy 8 feet ( + -) southerly of the pole to the property line of #5
Page Road; from existing pole 362/5, on the southerly side of Page Road, place a new
sidewalk anchor guy 8.5 feet ( + -) southerly of the pole to the property line of #9 Page
Road; from the existing pole number 362/6, on the south - easterly side of Page Road,
place a new sidewalk anchor guy 8.5 feet ( + -) southerly of the pole to the property line
of #11 Page Road.
All existing guys will be removed.
Transportation Advisory Committee — Lexpress Report and Fare Increases
Sara Arnold, co -chair of the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC), reported on the TAC's
efforts to retain grant money for Lexpress and restore at least limited service since the failure of
the override in June. She said their goal has been to restore as much service to as many people as
possible. At this time, Lexpress will be able to operate two busses on four routes, Monday
through Friday, beginning on September 3. It is hoped that service can expand in the future.
They want to keep the busses running for people who are dependent on the service and to keep
people in the habit of using public transportation. A fare increase of 50 percent is requested.
Outlining the funds available so far, she said that the July 30 Special Town Meeting approved
the use of $31,000 of Transportation Demand Management Reserves and Gift Account funds and
up to $85,000 in future fare revenues for the purpose of funding Lexpress for the remainder of
the fiscal year. The MBTA grant of $80,000 was retained and private donations came to $43,100.
Donations came from 150 individuals, seven businesses; one foundation; and the sale of raffle
tickets for a Bruce Springsteen concert raised $15,000. Mrs. Arnold thanked the TAC members,
the Enablement Committee, former Lexpress coordinators Pauline Burke and Barbara Lucas,
Richard Canale and many others who contributed their time and expertise.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the route structure, per
attachment one; the fee structure, per attachment 2; approve the resumption of limited service;
and to approve the provision of increased service, if possible, providing that it does not run a
deficit requiring expenditure of tax dollars.
Selectmen's Meeting — August 25, 2003
Recycling Update — Robert Beaudoin
Mr. Beaudoin updated the board on trash and recycling volumes and curbside leaf pickup. Mr.
McSweeney expressed dismay at the increase in trash tonnage since Pay As You Throw was
halted, saying it is important to keep people on the recycling program. Mr. Beaudoin said that in
the Beyond 2000 Solid Waste Master Plan, the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection
has established the following waste reduction goals to be achieved by 2010: 70 percent total
waste reduction; 88 percent construction and demolition (C & D) debris reduction; and 60
percent municipal solid waste reduction. Mr. Beaudoin submitted solid waste and recycling data
for Lexington to the DEP for calendar year 2002 but has not yet received final results from DEP.
However, based on the data he has analyzed, he estimates that our town wide recycling rate for
2002 is around 60 percent. Mr. Kennedy urged him to make every effort to meet DEP's goals.
Educational Efforts: Cleanup Day was a big success with many volunteers helping. Recycling
barrels and "how to recycle" signs were in place, and recycling brochures handed out. A
recycling calendar will be out soon. New programs are being instituted at the schools. Mr.
Beaudoin noted that donations left at the Goodwill Industries trucks in town are counted as
recycled material. CRT and appliance recycling has greatly increased.
Mrs. McKenna suggested putting notices in water bills instead of tax bills and to be pro - actively
present at fairs and other events.
Responding to questions from Mr. Griffiths, School Committee, Mr. Beaudoin said he
coordinated an effort that provided additional recycling carts during the end -of -the -year clean -
outs at most of the schools and arranged with the school custodial staff and Waste Management
recycling staff, resulting in the collection of an additional 15,000 — 20,000 pounds of paper.
Mr. Griffiths suggested that businesses in Lexington could use some help with recycling.
Educating them as to the town's commitment to recycling would be an important step.
The Selectmen urged Mr. Beaudoin to place more recycle containers in the center and at
recreation areas such as the skate park, but acknowledged the high cost of containers acceptable
in the historic districts.
The Board took a brief recess and resumed the meeting at 9:13 p.m.
Lexington Center Committee — Alcohol Licenses
As the 2003 Annual Town Meeting had approved the Lexington Center Committee's request to
amend Alcohol Beverage Licensing Provisions in Lexington, the Board signed letters to
Representatives Stanley and Kaufman asking them to file a bill to seek approval from Lexington
voters to change the Town's authorization to grant licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages in
Lexington. Letters to Senators Havern and Fargo requesting their support for a proposed bill
were also signed.
Selectmen's Meeting — August 25, 2003
Friends of the Arlington Great Meadow — Sign Request
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve placement of a sign, visible from
the bikeway, identifying the Great Meadow providing it is maintained.
Early Retirement/ Pension Holiday
Mr. Ryan, Comptroller, provided the Board with an overview of the Early Retirement/Pension
Holiday legislation and plans for examining the potential of acceptance for Lexington.
Lieutenant Governor Healy signed the so- called Municipal Relief Bill, which became Chapter 46
of the Acts of 2003, on July 31, 2003. The Act included the Municipal Early Retirement
Incentive and the Municipal Pension Holiday. Mr. Ryan also provided a summary of the
provisions of the Act. All employees who are able to take advantage of the early retirement
program would have to be retired by December 31, 2003. He expects a recommendation from the
Retirement Board after they meet on Wednesday and will present it at the Selectmen's Meeting
on September 8 and report further on the programs.
Trivia Bee — Support a Team
Mr. Griffiths, School Committee, challenged the Board to enter a team in the Upcoming Trivia
Bee put on by the Lexington Education Foundation. The Board agreed to do so.
Hanscom Field Advisory Commission — Reappointment Confirmation
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to confirm the appointments and terms of all
of the non - four -town commissioners and to confirm the appointment of Lexington's
representative, as follows:
Local Citizens Groups Expires
1. South Lexington Civic Association: Margaret Coppe (Lexington) 6/2004
2. North Lexington Association: Graydon Wheaton (Lexington) 6/2006
Area -wide Organizations
1. League of Women Voters: Janet Kennedy (Bedford) 6/2004
Other Area Towns
1. Carlisle: Steve Lerner 6/2006
2. Waltham: Thomas Stanley 6/2005
(alternate: Michael R. Squillante) 6/2005
Business Basing Aircraft at Hanscom
1. East Coast Aviation: Tom Hoban (Bedford) 6/2004
Selectmen's Meeting — August 25, 2003
Aviation - Related Businesses
1. Signature Flight Support: Larry Jorash (Bedford) 6/2005
Alternate: Paul Gamache (Bedford) 6/2005
2. Jet Aviation: Frank Diglio (Bedford) 6/2004
Alternate: Thomas Mitchell (Bedford) 6/2004
Business Aviation Org. NBAA: Ken Heider (Bedford) 6/2004
Alternate: John Williams, MBAA' 6/2004
General Aviation Org.: Hanscom Pilots Assoc: Tom Hirsch 6/2006
Alternate: Bradford von Wiese (AOPA) 6/2006
Representatives of the Four Towns (each appointed by own town only)
Bedford: Sheldon Moll; alt. Mark Siegenthaler 6/2006
Concord: Anne Shapiro; alt. Charles Blair 6/2004
Lexington: Peter Enrich; alt. Michael Barrett 6/2005
Lincoln; Sara Mattes; alt. Sarah Holden 6/2006
Mrs. Krieger noted that FedEx has postponed a scheduled September presentation to the
Hanscom Field Advisory Commission about their interest in bringing cargo flights to Hanscom
Field. A FedEx spokesman said that the company is exploring other possible locations.
Future Meetings /Goal Setting
The Board set meetings for Monday, October 6 and Monday, October 20 and will hold their
goal- setting meeting on Wednesday, September 24.
Reappointment — Recording Secretary
As Ms. Tap had been appointed only until August 30, 2003, the Board discussed whether or not
to continue with having a recording secretary who attends their meetings and prepares the
minutes. Mrs. McKenna noted that Mrs. Pease has had to attend a number of meetings because
Mrs. Tap could not. She presented her preferred model for providing the Board's administrative
support in which Lynne would hire someone to work in the Selectmen's office for 16 hours a
week plus cover the meetings at $16 /hour. She figured that this pay, combined with Lynne's
salary (including benefits), would add up to just under the $60,813 budgeted for personal
services in FY04 and that we had already cut Personal Services by $15K. We previously had 58
hours per week coverage in our office plus meetings. This model gives us 30 hours, which Mrs.
McKenna felt did the Board and the community a disservice.
Mr. McSweeney said he thought the current arrangement is working well. Mrs. Krieger said that
pursuing a more costly model for administrative support after the defeat of the override would be
inappropriate and that using a recording secretary will result in significant savings.
Selectmen's Meeting — August 25, 2003
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 3 -2 (McKenna, Kelley) to appoint Elissa
Tap as recording secretary until June 30, 2004.
Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of June 9 and 30 and
July 7 and 21, as amended.
Executive Session Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Executive Session minutes
for May 5, 12 19 and June 9, 2003.
Battle Green Request — Lexington Justice and Peace Committee
The Lexington Justice and Peace Committee would like the Selectmen's permission to hold one -
hour peace vigils on the Battle Green on Wednesdays in September and October. Mrs. McKenna
stated her objection to this continuous use of the Battle Green.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -1 (McKenna) to approve the request of the
Lexington Justice and Peace Committee to use the Battle Green on Wednesday, September 3 and
on each succeeding Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in September and October 2003.
Liaison Reports
Town Golf Tournament: The Recreation Committee invited the Selectmen to play in the Town
Employee Golf Tournament on September 26. The Board agreed to field a team in the
tournament.
Liberty Ride: Mrs. McKenna reported that the finance committee put together for the Liberty
Ride met and that everyone's numbers agree. Expenses are down and ridership is higher than
projected. The Tourism Committee has applied for grant money and will do other fundraising to
cover any deficit. Town Meeting authorized a $43,000 deficit. The current deficit is about
$18,000, but by the time of the 2004 Annual Town Meeting it is hoped to be at $0.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn the meeting at10:00 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Elissa M. Tap
Recording Secretary