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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-09-BOS-minSelectmen's Meeting Minutes September 9, 2002 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, September 9, 2002 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at 7:30 p.m. Chairman McSweeney, Mr. Enrich, Mrs. Krieger, Mrs. McKenna, Mr. Kennedy; Mr. White Town Manager, Mr. Lahey, Town Counsel; and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present. Mr. McSweeney opened the meeting and reminded everyone of the events taking place in Lexington on Wednesday, September 11, the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks. New Employee Introductions Captain Raposa introduced two new police officers Brian Savage and John Frissore. Mr. White introduced the new Economic Development Officer Mary Jo Bohart. Consent Agenda The Lexington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution asked the Board to sign a Proclamation. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to proclaim the week of September 17 through September 23 as Constitution Week. Grant of Location Hearings Keyspan — Grove Street Keyspan representative Bill Costigan reviewed the petition for a grant of location to install approximately 80 feet of 4 inch gas main in Grove Street. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of the Keyspan Energy Delivery to install and maintain approximately 80 feet of 4 inch gas main in Grove Street from the existing 4 inch gas main in Grove Street at house #118 southerly to house #110 and that the work be done between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Keyspan — Bridge Street Mr. Costigan reviewed the petition for a grant of location to install approximately 80 feet of 2 inch gas main in Bridge Street. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of the Keyspan Energy Delivery to install and maintain approximately 80 feet of 2 inch gas main in Bridge Street from the existing 2 inch gas main in Bridge Street at house #65 westerly to house #62. Selectmen's Meeting — September 9, 2002 Keyspan — Middleby Road Mr. Costigan reviewed the petition for a grant of location to install approximately 80 feet of 2 inch gas main in Middleby Road. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of the Keyspan Energy Delivery to install and maintain approximately 80 feet of 2 inch gas main in Middleby Road from the existing 3 inch gas main in Middleby Road at house #8 westerly to house #4. Minuteman Regional High School Additional Chapter 70 Aid Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request from Minuteman Regional High School to access an additional $8,650 of Chapter 70 Aid. Liberty Ride Members of the Tourism Committee Joel Berman, John Ott, Marcy Quill and George Comtois were present to ask the Board to reconsider its vote to terminate the Liberty Ride based on anticipated poor ridership the first two weeks in September. The National Heritage Museum has contributed $2,500 to help offset the deficit and the Chamber of Commerce has contributed $1,700, which is the net proceeds from the sale of Liberty Ride tickets. Also, Marcy Quill indicated the Chamber is prepared to turn over the proceeds from ticket sales through October 31. Appropriation Committee member Paul Hamburger reviewed a report of the Committee and how they arrived at a 6 -2 vote to recommend continuing the Liberty Ride through October 31 using only one trolley. If the Tourism Committee can find $7,560 in contributions outside of Town money, then the "continue the program through October" option would be no more costly to the Town than the "shut it down as soon as possible" option. Mr. Ott presented a check in the amount of $12,000 that represents a gift from three individuals who wish to remain anonymous. Mrs. McKenna indicated the Tourism Committee is still committed to work towards finding sources of revenue to attempt to cover the rest of the deficit. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to allow the Liberty Ride to continue through its pilot program. Refuse Update Solid Waste Coordinator Robert Beaudoin reviewed updated solid waste and recycling comparisons and projections of potential brokering sales of 1,818 tons that if sold at $75.00 /ton would result in a savings of $136,372. Selectmen's Meeting — September 9, 2002 Mrs. McKenna indicated she had some recollection that last year we were told if the program were terminated the Coordinator position would end. Mr. White said they have $57,000 in grant money that is used to pay the coordinator. FY04 Street Acceptance Schedule Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the FY04 Street Acceptance schedule as drafted by the Engineering Department. Construction Update/DPW Facility Update DPW Director Bill Hadley updated the board on the ongoing construction schedules including the paving program, water rehab program, the library, high school and middle school construction projects and the preparation of a release abatement plan for closure of the landfill. Mr. Hadley recommended that the Board appoint a land reuse committee for the Hartwell Ave. site. The DPW facility is a high priority project due to the unsafe conditions at 201 Bedford Street. A public hearing was held in November 2001 and it would be beneficial to hold another hearing. Mrs. McKenna felt the DPW facility should be a priority for the 2005 debt exclusion process. Mrs. Krieger felt the move to Hartwell Avenue would provide better service and a more efficient operation. Mr. Enrich expressed concern that we have been discussing and reviewing the issues of the location of the DPW facility and senior center for a number of years. We are getting to a point where we need to make decisions. Mrs. McKenna expressed feeling uncomfortable where the discussion is leading as it relates to disposing of 201 Bedford Street. Mr. Enrich indicated he feels a need to move ahead. My read is that there is substantial interest on the part of the Board that would ultimately lead to moving to Hartwell Avenue. Mr. Kennedy indicated he is going to have to get up to speed on the matter. I still need to be convinced that it is the right thing to do. Mr. McSweeney indicated he feels setting up a land reuse committee is a process that will get people involved in order to find out what we need and want to do with the site. We do need to go forward. Mrs. McKenna felt she is not there yet and is not ready to dispose of 201 Bedford Street. Mr. Enrich made a point where he felt all Board members were in consensus. We should be moving ahead with both projects no later than the Spring of 2005. We need guidance from staff about the intermediate steps. All Board members agreed. COA Facility Planning Update COA member and member of the Senior Center Siting Committee Paul Lapointe reviewed a recommendation of the Committee to build a senior center at 201 Bedford Street provided that: The site plan for the center not be limited by the existing DPW structures. The site can be released so that a senior center can be completed by 2007. Selectmen's Meeting — September 9, 2002 • The Board of Selectmen commit to confirming by early November that 201 Bedford Street will be the site for the senior center. • The Board of Selectmen pursue opportunities for public /private investment in an effort to offset the Town's share of capital and borrowing costs for the senior center. Mrs. Krieger suggested that the Committee go forward with evaluating the 201 Bedford Street site. Mrs. McKenna agreed that all Board members support having a center on the 2005 debt exclusion; however Board members differ about whether 201 Bedford Street is or is not a prudent site. Mr. McSweeney indicated that the Board would talk about the matter again at the next meeting. Use of Chapter 90 Funds Mr. White informed the Board that he will be using $15,790 of Chapter 90 funds to complete the project of removing the underground gasoline storage tanks at the Police Station as part of the Fuel Depot Project approved by town meeting in 1996. The funds will be coming from the 1999 Chapter 90 allocation. Mr. White will also be informing the Appropriation and Capital Expenditures Committees. COA appointment Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Town Manager's reappointment of Don Chisholm to the Council on Aging. Budget Schedule Mr. White reminded the Board members of a scheduled Summit Meeting on September 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the High School and distributed a budget process schedule. Mr. Enrich expressed concern about the budget process. If we want to avoid erosion of the integrity of the budget process, we need to remind committees that if they need funding they need to be consistent with the budget process and get their requests in by October 7. Selectmen Liaison Reports Mrs. McKenna said she had her first meeting as liaison to the Center Committee. They are planning two fall programs, the first on September 14, which is a celebration of families and the second is planned for October 26. Mr. Enrich reported that the electric utilities committee is expecting to be before the Board at its meeting on October 7 to provide an update and status report. They will be giving an explanation on why they are going to be seeking money in the upcoming budget process. Selectmen's Meeting — September 9, 2002 Mrs. McKenna also indicated that the Tourism Committee will be asking for funds to continue the Liberty Ride Program and the signage next year. Mr. White reported that although it has been announced that Raytheon will be moving to Waltham, that move is a year away. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:30 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk Selectmen's Meeting Minutes September 23, 2002 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, September 23, 2002 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at 7:30 p.m. Chairman McSweeney, Mr. Enrich, Mrs. Krieger, Mrs. McKenna, Mr. Kennedy; Mr. White Town Manager, Mr. Lahey, Town Counsel; and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present. Public Comments Steve Tripi complained again thatt the TMMA E -mail server has been at the high school for years at taxpayers expense. It has been used by committees to conduct meetings, which is against the open meeting law. You are not giving access to the public. Chair of TMMA Andy Friedlich once again stated that the Association is an independent body. It is not subject to the open meeting law. Our views are shared but no decisions are made over the list server. Mr. McSweeney read a letter of welcome to foreign exchange students and their instructors from Guadalajara, Spain who are visiting Lexington for two weeks. Lexington High School Senior Ashley McKenna translated the letter for two of the students who were present. Consent Agenda Commitments and Adjustments of water and sewer charges Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to make the following water /sewer charges commitments and adjustments: Commitment of water charges for 7/l/02 to 7/31/02 (finals) $4,973.88 Commitment of sewer charges for 7/l/02 to 7/31/02 (finals) $8,537.89 Commitment of water charges for 7/31/02 (cycle 9) $54,560.84 Adjustments of water charges for 7/l/02 to 7/31/02 - $53,749.60 Adjustments of sewer charges for 7/l/02 to 7/31/02 - $136,678.95 Sewer Betterment Deferral Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the sewer betterment for Lot 5A for Jeffrey N. Rosenberg, Trustee JNR Trust in the amount of $6,210.29 be deferred. Early Retirement Incentive Retirement Board Chair Robert Cunha introduced Board member Michael McNab, Retirement Clerk Marguerite Oliva and Buck Consultants representatives David Driscoll and Bridget Orr. Mr. Driscoll reviewed the findings in the report on the January 1, 2002 actuarial valuation of the Lexington Contributory Retirement System. Mr. Driscoll also reviewed their estimated cost to the Lexington Contributory Retirement System of providing an early retirement incentive program pursuant to Chapter 116 of the Acts of 2002. Selectmen's Meeting — September 23, 2002 Board members asked many questions about the parameters they can set, what the tiers of employees meant, how many school employees would be covered and what the ramifications might be in extending the funding period another five years. Board members all expressed concerns about funding such an endeavor in such a difficult year. It was decided to bring the matter up again at the meeting on October 7 after getting answers to their questions and getting the feel of the Appropriation Committee, School Committee and Personnel Advisory Board. Committee Resignations /Appointments/Reappointments Communications Advisory Committee Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the resignation of David Kanter from the Communications Advisory Committee. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to make the following appointments and reappointments: Condominium Conversion Board Reappoint Daniel J. Griffin, Jr. for a three -year term expiring September 30, 2005. Fair Housing & Human Relations Committee Reappoint Margaret Cole for a two -year term to expire September 30, 2004. Reappoint Thomas Montanari for a two -year term to expire September 30, 2004. Reapoint Michelle Waters - Ekanem for a two -year term to expire September 30, 2004. Fence Viewers Reappoint David Buczkowski for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint William Simmons for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint Robert Warshawer for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Gammel Legacy Trust Reappoint Lillian MacArthur for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint Jacquelyn Ward for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Lexington Scholarship & Education Fund Board Reappoint Joanne Benton for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint Thomas Fenn, Jr. for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint Pauly Joe Kemler for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint Nancy Rogier for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint David Williams for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee Reappoint Erna Green for a three -year term to expire September 30, 2005. Reappoint Marita Hartshorn for a three -year term to expire September 30, 2005. Reappoint James Wichmann for a three -year term to expire September 30, 2005. Selectmen's Meeting — September 23, 2002 Lexington Center Committee Reappoint Sheila Watson for a three -year term to expire September 30, 2005. Reappoint David Williams for a three -year term to expire September 30, 2005. Lexington Council for the Arts Appoint Guler Padgett for a three -year term to expire September 30, 2005. Appoint Joan Reddy for a three -year term to expire September 30, 2005. Personnel Advisory Board Reappoint Evelyn Silber for a three -year term to expire September 30, 2005. Police Manual Policy Committee Reappoint Chris Casey for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint Cleveland Coats for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint Edith Flynn for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint William Hays for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint Gerald McLeod for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Retirement Board Reappoint Michael McNabb for a three -year term to expire September 30, 2005. Tourism Committee Reappoint Joel Berman for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint Kerry Brandin for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint Richard Canale for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint James Kemler for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint Peter Lee for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint John Ott for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint March Quill for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint Lou Sideris for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint Lawrence Whipple for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Town Report Committee Reappoint Kerry Brandin for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Reappoint Susan Bottan for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint David Carbonneau for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint Steven Corr for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint Steve Frymer for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint Nijdeh Havan for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint William Mix for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint Sheryl Tavilla for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Reappoint Eric Zanin for a one -year term to expire September 30, 2003. Selectmen's Meeting — September 23, 2002 Transportation Advisory Committee Appoint Diane Pursley for a three -year term to expire September 30, 2005. Reappoint Elaine Dratch for a three -year term to expire September 30, 2005. Reappoint Donald Graham for a three -year term to expire September 30, 2005. Reappoint Ben Turk for a three -year term to expire September 30, 2005. Tree Committee Reappoint John Frey for a three -year term to expire September 30, 2005. Reappoint Susan Solomon for a three -year term to expire September 30, 2005. Trustees of the Public Trusts Reappoint David Williams for a six -year term to expire September 30, 2008. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to express the intent to change the Selectmen's Policies and Procedures relating to appointments at the meeting on October 7. DPW /Senior Center Reuse Disposition Committee Charge and Membership Mr. White drafted a charge and membership of a DPW /Senior Center Reuse and Disposition Committee for the Board's review. Board members will review the proposed membership and the matter will be on the agenda at the October 7 meeting. Proposed Changes to Traffic Rules & Regulations Chief Chris Casey requested changes to the existing traffic regulations and to approve an increase in the penalty for parking in a handicap parking space from $50 to $100. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve modification to the Traffic Rules & Orders amending Articles of Section 192 of the Code of the Town of Lexington. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve that the penalty for parking in a handicap parking space be increased from $50 to $100. Review of Summit Material Mr. White briefly reviewed the agenda and other materials prepared for the first Summit meeting with the School Committee and Finance Committees scheduled for September 24. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of August 26 and the meeting of September 9, 2002 as amended. Selectmen's Meeting — September 23, 2002 Selectmen's Gift Account — Lexington Center Committee Mr. White explained that the Lexington Center Committee would like to solicit funds to hold events in and around Lexington Center. A Selectmen's Gift Account will allow them to designate an account for people to make donations. Mrs. McKenna felt the Economic Development Officer should be looking at such an idea in an overall way and come back to the Board. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -1 (Mrs McKenna abstained) to set up a Selectmen's Gift Account for use by the Lexington Center Committee. Use of Battle Green The Lexington Justice and Peace Committee requested permission to use the Battle Green for a one -hour peace vigil on September 25 and every Wednesday through November 27, 2002. Mrs. McKenna felt the group should not be using the Green on an ongoing basis. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -1 (Mrs. McKenna) to approve the request from the Lexington Justice and Peace Committee to use the Battle Green for a one -hour vigil at 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday through November 27, 2002. Selectmen Liaison Reports Mr. Enrich reported that there has been a technical review of Massport's ESPR at Hanscom and they will be seeking public input about the issues. Some time in October he will have a substantive update to the Board. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk Summit Meeting Minutes September 24, 2002 A summit meeting of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Finance Committees was held on Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at the Clarke Middle School Cafeteria at 7:30 p.m. Mr. McSweeney, Mr. Enrich, Mrs. Krieger, Mrs. McKenna, Mr. Kennedy; and Mr. White, Town Manager were present. The following items were discussed: 1. Overview — Mr. White a.) Budget Drivers i. Wages ii. Trash iii. Program enhancements iv. Health insurance V. Cash capital vi. Enrollment vii. Capital viii. The State ix. Economy b.) Process schedule i. Future summit dates ii. Deadline for determining need and amount 2. Working towards identifying the gap a.) Expenditure projections b.) Revenue projections c.) First cut gap Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk