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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-11-BOS-minSelectmen's Meeting Minutes November 5, 2001 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, November 5, 2001 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at 7:30 p.m. Mrs. Krieger, Mr. Enrich, Mrs. Abbott, Mrs. McKenna, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Lahey, Town Counsel and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present. Public Comments Sam Silverman said he was irritated by the redistricting which he feels is a personal vendetta against representatives in Lexington, Cambridge, Chelmsford and Woburn. He asked if the Board has had any discussion about bringing suit along with the other towns. Mrs. Krieger replied yes. We have and we discussed it at our last meeting in Executive Session. I think not since it was a matter of potential litigation. Perry Pollins spoke of his concern that the school construction money will not be coming from the State. Mr. Enrich indicated that there is no basis for concern or doubt that the State has a legal, contractual obligation to come through with the funds. Fire Chief Peter Torode introduced the newly appointed Assistant Fire Chief William Middlemiss. Board members welcomed him. Keyspan Grant of Location — Lowell Street @ Westminster Keyspan Representative Warren Gibson reviewed a petition for a grant of location to install approximately 442 feet of 4' gas main in Lowell Street, along with District Regulator Station and Two Vent Pipes. The work is necessary to regulate gas pressure in Lexington's East end. Mr. Gibson reviewed findings at meetings held at the request of Rep. Kaufman to look into the delivery of services by the utility companies to the Town and to look into the high number of outages in Lexington as compared to other towns. Mr. Gibson said that the findings were that Lexington indeed has experienced a high number of outages compared to surrounding communities and that both Nstar and Keyspan were working on improving the situation. Mr. Gibson explained that the purpose of this request is to bring in higher- pressure gas because of increased use of gas in new buildings and schools. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of Keyspan Energy Delivery to install approximately 442 feet ( ±) of 4 inch gas main in Lowell Street from the existing 4 inch gas main in Lowell Street at Haskell Street southerly to the proposed district regulator in Lowell Street near House No. 38, also to install approximately 490 feet ( ±) of 8 inch gas main in Lowell Street from the existing 4 inch gas main in Lowell Street at Lot No. 5 North to the proposed district regulator in Lowell Street. Selectmen's Meeting— November 5, 2001 Keyspan Grant of Location — Buckman Drive and Locust Avenue Keyspan representative Harold Cooper reviewed a petition for a grant of location to install 270 feet of 4 inch gas main in Buckman Drive and Locust Avenue to service two or more houses. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of Keyspan Energy Delivery to install approximately 270 feet of 4 inch gas main in Buckman Drive and Locust Avenue from the existing 4 inch gas main in Buckman Drive at house #8 to Locust Avenue House #63 provided however that the words "and other structures' be struck from the order. Affordable Housing — Chapter 40B Town Planner Glenn Garber reviewed the Town's efforts to reach a goal of 10% affordable housing stock. The Town currently is at 7.6% due to recent efforts of Assistant Planner Maryann McCall - Taylor that resulted in the addition of 65 units to the count. Mr. Garber also explained that Rising Tide Development representatives are in very preliminary stages of a proposal to develop a parcel of land off Lowell Street under the comprehensive permit process. Rising Tide has submitted a proposal for a loan from First Mass Bank of Haverhill under the New England Fund program sponsored by the Federal Home Loan Bank. The Board has until November 10 to forward its comments concerning the proposal. Mrs. Krieger informed the audience that Rising Tide representative Russell Tanner had been invited to the meeting to give the Board members an informal presentation on the company's experience with affordable housing projects in Massachusetts and their proposed development plans. Mrs. Krieger reminded the audience that this presentation in no way is a public hearing Mr. Tanner reviewed Rising Tide's preliminary plans to purchase and develop a 3.6 acre parcel of land on Lowell Street into 52 units in a combination of townhouse and mid -rise units. Board members reaffirmed their commitment to affordable housing, asked many questions and expressed concerns about the high density of the development, lack of open space and exacerbating already very high traffic volumes in the area. It was agreed that Rising Tide representatives would work with the Town and neighbors to address concerns. Neighbors in the area expressed their concerns over the very high density of the project and the lack of open space and thanked the Board for agreeing to set up a group to work with the developers that would involve the neighbors. After further discussion, Board members felt they needed more information concerning the project but felt it was important to give preliminary comments to First Mass Bank. Selectmen's Meeting— November 5, 2001 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to direct the Chair to prepare a letter to First Bank articulating the Boards commitment to affordable housing, the specific concerns previously discussed and willingness to work with the developer to achieve a workable solution that is satisfactory to the community as a whole. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the Chair sit down with a group to negotiate a structure to receive public comments concerning the proposal. Met State Update Mr. Garber updated the Board on the Met State site development and the expectation that the housing piece would be filed some time before the end of the year followed by a series of hearings and a vote by the four towns. Budget Presentations Public Safety - Police Police Chief Chris Casey presented the Police Department budget requests for Fiscal Year 2003: Police Administration - $960,354, Patrol and Enforcement - $2,453,938, Parking Meter Maintenance - $44,350, Investigation/Prevention - $436,360, Combined Dispatch - $402,251. Chief Casey also reviewed Department performance measures and strategic initiatives undertaken as a result of a citizen survey. Those initiatives include improving communication with the public, improve traffic enforcement and concerns, internal departmental newsletter, increased police presence in the neighborhoods, senior driving program, working on a departmental web site and conducting an open house. Library Library Director Carol Mahoney presented the Library budget: Library General Services - $627,319, Adult Library - $718,920, Children's Library - $333,722, Branch Library - $97,940. Ms. Mahoney also reviewed three program improvement requests. The Library is working with the school librarians to expand services, interacting by going back and forth between libraries. They have also revised job descriptions and added performance measurements for staff who must attend at least two library workshops a year. Finance Finance Director John Ryan reviewed the requests o£ Appropriation Committee - $1,000, Reserve Fund - $150,000, Comptroller's Office - $527,204, Revenue Office - $275,305, Assessor's Office - $243,721 and Shared Expenses Accounts concerning funded debt, temporary borrowing, exempt debt, contributory retirement and non - contributory retirement. Selectmen's Meeting — February 5, 2001 Economic Development Economic Development Officer Joe Marino reviewed the Economic Development Office budget of $68,376 and updated the Board on performance measures during the past year and plans for FY03. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of October 1, 2001. Executive Session Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the executive session minutes of the meeting of October 12, 2001. Resignation from Tree Committee Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the resignation of Matt Foti from the Tree Committee. Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by roll call vote: Mrs. McKenna, Mr. Enrich, Mrs. Krieger, Mrs. Abbott and Mr. McSweeney to go into executive session to discuss a matter of litigation with no intent to return to open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 11:08 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk Summit Meeting Minutes November 6, 2001 A Summit meeting of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Finance Committees was held on Tuesday, November 6, 2001 at the Estabrook School at 7:00 p.m. Mrs. Krieger, Mr. Enrich, Mrs. McKenna, Mrs. Abbott, Mr. McSweeney; and Mr. White, Town Manager were present. The following items were discussed: FY 2003 Revenue & Expenditure Estimates a) Expenditure Projections for FY 03 b) Revenue Projections for FY 03 c) 9/11 Concerns 1) State Aid Chapter 70 2) Lottery 3) Interest Income 2. Cash Capital Target 3. FY 03 Budget/Revenue Gap 4. Budget Schedule 5. Future Summits Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. A true record, Attest: Richard J. White Town Manager Selectmen's Meeting Minutes November 19, 2001 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, November 19, 2001 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at 7:30 p.m. Mrs. Krieger, Mr. Enrich, Mrs. Abbott, Mrs. McKenna, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Lahey, Town Counsel and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present. Public Comments Chamber of Commerce Board Member Judy Moore invited the Selectmen to join the Chamber's Board of Directors at the Holiday Open House on Friday evening and assist them in stamping coupons and meeting with citizens. Mrs. Krieger said they would have the unanimous participation by the Board of Selectmen. Business owner at Depot Square Elizabeth Stevenson said she had been informed earlier today that the Depot Square Project was no longer on the Agenda for tonight and viewed the delay as another act of disregard and an attitude we are growing to expect from the Town. Depot Square is uninviting and difficult to navigate. The Project Manager is being paid for observation. We have heard numbers of amounts of money from the Town. We are here tonight to get answers to the questions. When will the work end? Will the sidewalks be completed? Three weeks ago it was agreed that the follow up on this project would be at the next Selectmen's Meeting. We expect that vote to be taken this evening. Mrs. Krieger responded that three weeks ago the Board did bring the matter up and there was a lot of discussion and we thought the Depot would be opened up by the 25 and we would have a review of the progress at a scheduled meeting after the 25 Mr. White is prepared at this time to give a review. Any other discussion about the contract will take place next week. Mr. White felt that to say it was previously arranged for tonight was presumptuous. What was said was that it would be discussed at another time two weeks hence. Two weeks would have been the holiday. Ginna Johnson is out of Town. The contract was signed by the State and the terms of the contract are determined by the State. Any particular questions you have about the contract we will be happy to answer them next Monday. The finished work at Yangtze has to be done. There is a forecast of rain. Most of the brick subcontractors work is done. The finishing work, however, can be done in the rain. They schedule the work accordingly. During the course of tomorrow and Wednesday, the work on the Yangtze River side will be completed. On the bank side the concrete forms have been poured and it is ready for bricking tomorrow. The focus of the contractor from here forward will be to finish the sidewalk along the bank side and to do finishing work both at the Lexpress Island and Yangtze side. The lot will be open on Wednesday. The contractor will be doing clean up work. The architect will be asking the Board of Selectmen to consider finish working on the Island without closing the road Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. There has been considerable progress on the job. Selectmen's Meeting— November 19, 2001 Mrs. McKenna indicated she was disturbed that the matter was not on the agenda this evening. I feel very sorry for the businesses. There is no date that was mandatory in the contract until May. I did advocate that this be on the agenda for this evening. Business owner Dick Michelson said I can't believe you are accepting the fact that it is not on the agenda tonight. You still don't have the street lights. When are we gong to get the lights on over there? Business owner Mr. Barry said he holds Mr. White, Ms. Johnson and Mr. Marino responsible for the situation and the only damages are to the businesses. Mrs. Krieger reported that this evening is Eva Heney's last meeting to cover as a reporter for the Minuteman. She has been following our meetings, Town Meeting and a variety of other committee meetings and has been persevering in understanding issues and presenting them so that they are understandable. I admire her dedication and perseverance and hope she will continue to serve the community. Consent Agenda Battle Green Guide License Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to issue a Battle Green Guide License to Herbert Wasserman, 5 Rogers Road. Petition General Court Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to petition the General Court for an act establishing a post retirement insurance liability fund as approved under Article 27 of the 2001 Annual Town Meeting. One Day Liquor License Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to issue a one -day liquor license to Currier & Chives for the sale of beer and wine at a reception for Town Counsel Norman Cohen at the Museum of Our National Heritage on December 4 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Appointments/Reappointments Bicycle Advisory Committee Chairman of the Bicycle Advisory Committee Jerry Van Hook advised the Board on some new initiatives of the Committee and the need to amend the Charge to the Committee and increase the membership. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the charge as amended and to increase membership of the Committee to nine citizens. Selectmen's Meeting— November 19, 2001 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Sara Iverson, Stewart G. Kennedy and Michael Tabaczyaski to the Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee for three year terms expiring September 30, 2004. Historic Districts Commission Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reappoint Mark DiNapoli to the Historic Districts Commission for a second five -year term expiring December 31, 2006. Lexington Council for the Arts Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Marion Kilson to the Lexington Council for the Arts for a three -year term expiring September 30, 2004. Tree Committee Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Karen Longeteig to the Tree Committee to fill a vacant term expiring September 30, 2002. Tourism Committee Charge and Membership Mrs. McKenna said that through the efforts of Mrs. Abbott Peter Lee has agreed to serve on the Tourism Committee in addition to the members previously submitted. Mrs. McKenna also requested that she serve as Chair of the Committee through the first year only. Mrs. Abbott indicated there is an issue around a selectman being chair of a permanent committee. The list of proposed committee members is very good. Mrs. McKenna has done a great job and has made us much more aware of the need for a Tourism Committee. One of the Boards policies is that selectmen do not serve as chairs of standing committees. At the same time in this case we ought to be looking at a limited time period in which Mrs. McKenna would serve as chair of the Tourism Committee until January of next year. That would help to give citizens who serve on this committee the impetus they need and at the same time it is important to empower them. I do support a departure from our policy but I would look favorably on an extension over a short period of time tied to the budget. Mrs. McKenna felt that tying it into the budget would bring it through this first Town Meeting. Board members discussed their position on such a proposal. Mrs. Abbott, Mr. Enrich and Mrs. Krieger felt they could support Mrs. McKenna chairing the Committee through January 15 but not through Town Meeting. Mr. McSweeney felt he could support Mrs. McKenna's willingness to continue on the Committee. A motion proposed by Mrs. McKenna and seconded that the membership of the Tourism Committee include the addition of Peter Lee and Mrs. McKenna as Chair for the first year was defeated 2 -3 (Mr.Enrich, Mrs. Krieger and Mrs. Abbott opposed). Selectmen's Meeting— November 19, 2001 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -0 (Mrs. McKenna abstained) to appoint the following to the Tourism Committee for a term to expire September 30, 2002: Dick Canale, Joel Berman, Betty Bohn, Kerry Brandin, Edmund Grant, Arthur Katz, James Kemler, John Ott, Marcy Quill, Lou Sideris, S. Lawrence Whipple, and Peter Lee. Mrs. McKenna will continue as Chair of the Committee until January 15 when she will become the Selectman liaison to the Committee and Joe Marino will give staff support to the Committee. Emergency Preparedness Fire Chief Peter Torode reviewed the Town's emergency preparedness plans that have been developed and recently amended and reviewed by members of the Fire, Police, Public Works, and Health Departments at least on a weekly basis. We had developed plans around Y2K and those plans could be used now as well. The Town is not certified and we don't see any advantage to certification. It is a process for an audit by MEMA. We will be reporting back to the Board later concerning regional plans. In terms of the Town being at risk, we are in fairly decent shape. The Chief said he had some emergency preparedness budget requests in but is not totally convinced that it is necessary at this time. MEPA Consensus Proposal re ESPR Mr. Enrich reported that there are two important processes going on concerning Hanscom. One is the so- called ESPR, formerly called GEIR, which is a process in which Massport is required to review activity of a future period and discuss impact and mitigation issues. They are just beginning the 2000 update. The first step is the proposed scope to MEPA. We are approaching the close of the public comment period. Each of the four towns is going to be making comments on the proposed scope. Board members have a draft letter going from us to Secretary Durand addressing process issues. I asked to have it put on the regular agenda. I would ask for your approval for the Chair to send the letter. Mrs. Abbott inquired about how many intersections were in the ground traffic study. Mr. Enrich said there were 13 intersections in the previous study and they propose to add one more; however, there are probably 30 intersections that should be included. Mrs. Krieger indicated she had attended the scope hearing and was impressed with the technical expertise of the volunteers from the four towns and hoped that MEPA will consider the comments from the four towns. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the Chairman send the letter as drafted to Secretary Durand. Selectmen's Meeting— November 19, 2001 Mr. Enrich said the second process is the Vegetation Management Plan. The Lexington end is private property, businesses along Hartwell Avenue and much if not all is in the Wetlands. Before they just topped the trees. This year Massport came up with a vegetation elimination plan. They intend to cut down thousands and thousands of trees and replace with essentially meadows. The regulatory process will eventually end up with the Conservation Commission. I ask that we authorize the Chairman to write to Massport indicating our endorsement and support of comments of the Conservation Commission which you have in front of you. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to recommend that the Chairman send a letter endorsing the comments of the Conservation Commission to Massporfs Vegetation Management Plan. Minntee Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of October 15 as corrected. Executive Session Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the executive session minutes of the meeting of November 5, 2001. Chapter 40B Process Mr. White reported that at a meeting with Russ Tanner and Josh Posner it became clear that Rising Tide is willing to do whatever they can to work with whoever you decide to come to some kind of consensus plan. They won't be filing until February 15. Mr. Enrich felt it is a very good move that they are not going ahead and filing and negotiating later. The notion of letting neighbors have a separate process is good. They should maintain close contact with representatives of the neighborhood. Mrs. McKenna felt this is a very good first step. I would like to hear more about he neighbors part of it. I feel the neighbors should be included, maybe have a couple of neighbors from different areas. I am not sure whether it is necessary to have the School Committee a part of it. I do have trouble with a representative from the ZBA. They are going to judge after this process about the worthiness of the development. It may put them into conflict. I strongly urge that we not include a member of the ZBA. Mrs. Abbott agreed with Mrs. McKenna about the ZBA. It is one thing for them to follow the meetings. I see neighbors as stakeholders; it is important to include them. I would rather see the neighborhood more actively part of this group as part of a negotiating team. Their opinion should carry some weight. Selectmen's Meeting— November 19, 2001 After more discussion, Board members agreed that two or three neighbors should be part of the group through the entire process. Mrs. Krieger indicated that she hoped that the matter would come back to the meeting after next with a slate of people including two or three neighbors. Budget Presentations Social Services Social Services Director Heather Sweeney presented budget requests for: COA Administration & Outreach - $163,499, COA Nutrition - $5,125, COA Community Programs - $33,185, COA Support Services - $75,093, Adult Day Care - $46,033, Veterans Admin and Benefits - $52,181, Services for Youth - $74,087 and Developmentally Disabled - $14,839. Community Services Public Works Director Bill Hadley and Superintendents Wayne Brooks, Dave Pinsonneault and Ralph Pecora presented the Community Services budget requests: DPW Administration - $381,645, Engineering - $323,641, Street Lighting - $333,220, Parking Operations - $68,143, Highway Maintenance - $1,018,414, Road Machinery - $519,604, Snow Removal - $301,025, Park Division - $766,944, Tree Maintenance - $227,488, Cemetery Division - $260,862, Refuse Collection - $669,420, Recycling - $746,650, Refuse Disposal - $1,709,400, Building Maintenance - $735,638, Lexpress - $331,646, and Chair Car - $22,316. The requested budgets include ten program enhancements. Mr. Hadley also gave the Board members an update on the trash collection and recycling figures. Mr. Hadley also reviewed renegotiation talks with Waste Management over a four -year extension on the collection and recycling contract. There was much discussion about going to weekly recycling. Mr. Enrich felt before the Board takes any vote we should take the opportunity to consult with the Appropriations Committee, Town Meeting Members Association and PAYT Committee to see where it fits in the larger budget picture and the revenue picture. Mr. White said he would sit down with Mr. Hadley, a Selectmen and the Committees in December. Planning Planning Director Glenn Garber presented the Planning requested budget of $233,584. Liaison Reports Mrs. McKenna praised the Police and Fire honor guards that were present for the Veterans Day celebration and commended the Public Works Department for their assistance to the Town Celebrations Committee. Selectmen's Meeting— November 19, 2001 Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by roll call vote: Mrs. McKenna, Mr. Enrich, Mrs. Krieger, Mrs. Abbott and Mr. McSweeney to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations and land acquisition matters with no intent to return to open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 11:20 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk Selectmen's Meeting Minutes November 26, 2001 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, November 26, 2001 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at 7:00 p.m. Mrs. Krieger, Mr. Enrich, Mrs. Abbott, Mrs. McKenna, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Lahey, Town Counsel and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present. Consent Agenda 2002 Warrant Closing Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to set the date for the closing of the Warrant for the 2002 Annual Town Meeting on Thursday, December 27 at 4:30 p.m. Date of 2002 Local Election Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to set the date for the local election on Monday, March 4, 2002. First Session of 2002 Annual Town Meeting Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to set the date for the first session of the 2002 Annual Town Meeting on Monday, March 25, 2002. Adelphi Business Solutions Operations, Inc. Grant of Location — Various Locations The Board was advised by the Engineering Department that Adelphi had not met requirements for a grant of location and requested that the Board table the matter. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to table the grant of location petition from Adelphi Business Solutions. All Alcoholic Beverage License Renewals Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the applications and issue all alcoholic beverage licenses as follows: Clubs Knights of Columbus Lexington Elks Lexington Golf Club Veterans of Foreign Wars, Inc. Selectmen's Meeting— November 26, 2001 Common Victualler Athenian Restaurant Bertucci's Dabin Restaurant Lemon Grass Restaurant Peking Gardens The Hartwell House Vinny Testds Yangtze River Restaurant Innholder Sheraton Lexington Retail Package Goods Store Bermans Market, Inc. Busa Brothers Liquors, Inc. Lexington Liquor Mart Vinebrook Bottle Shop Use of Battle Green Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request from Geoff and Meg Wade to conduct a live nativity celebration on the Battle Green on Saturday, December 15 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. provided that no vehicles are permitted on the Green. Common Victualler License Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application and issue a common victualler license to ASMV Corporation d /b /a Bollywood Cafe. Depot Square/Emery Park Construction Update Depot Square Construction Manager Ginna Johnson reported that today was a big day for the Town of Lexington. The Lexpress buses are in full operation. Ms. Johnson also reported that the contractor did not finish the park by Thanksgiving although they did everything in their power to meet the deadline. Ms. Johnson reported on the expected timelines on all phases of the project and indicated that if the weather holds the contractor is prepared to continue the project and hopes to commence work on the Mass. Ave. sidewalk on Wednesday and that phase should take two to three weeks. If the contractor continues the project after the holidays, it would first have to be approved by Mass. Highway and that should take a week to a week and a half. Board members asked many questions. Ms. Johnson replied that there is a contingency plan for paving the Mass. Ave. sidewalk so that it could be plowed and that would mean added work in Selectmen's Meeting— November 26, 2001 the Spring to remove the asphalt and hence it would cost more. The contractor has agreed to move equipment off site when it is not in use. They would still need heavy earth moving equipment and the concrete truck in there for one or possibly two days. The contractor did the brick laying; however, Ms. Johnson said she told them she was not accepting the work for the Town. The Southwest corner brick work will be replaced in the Spring. Mr. White reviewed the expenditures by the Town on the project since 1996 when four plans were presented, to meet with the various interest groups to reach a consensus plan, consideration of a fifth plan, entering into a contract through schematics to 100% and amendment of the contract to include management of the construction project. The total amount spent to date is $142,967.39 and the amendment comes to an additional $40,970. Mr. White further indicated that no Town Meeting vote was necessary for the project as the money came from grants, donations and Chapter 90 funds. Mr. Chalpin confirmed that the Town has paid $142,967.39 from Chapter 90 on the project. Appropriation Committee Chair Paul Hamburger said although he didn't have the figures with him he had come up with the same number. After much discussion among Board members about the financing of the non - construction piece of the project, Mrs. Krieger opened up the discussion to the audience. Mr. Michelson said the merchants were promised that as of last Friday the sidewalks would be completed, the buses would be there. There is a lot of bricks that have to be laid. I think we are being lead astray, told a lot of stories. Mr. Michelson asked if the fence at the Library could be moved off to the sidewalk so we can park cars there. Mr. White indicated they would look into adding back the parking spaces; however, it might make the contractor's job more difficult and may not be as safe. Mr. Enrich acknowledged the frustration that Mr. Michelson and others have experienced. You have raised a number of questions that deserve answers. One of the choices is to ask the State to ask the contractor to discontinue the sidewalk on the Mass. Ave. side. Mr. Enrich asked what the business owners preference would be. Mr. Michelson replied that at no extra charge he would prefer asphalt be put down until Spring. Mr. Enrich suggested to Ms. Johnson that there have been repeated comments that until people came to our meeting three weeks ago the work had been proceeding at a less than appropriate pace and since then all of a sudden the work has proceeded at an appropriate pace. Mr. McSweeney noted that as a Board the question before us is whether we would like to talk about the sidewalk on Mass. Ave., the eight parking spaces at Clarke Street and deal with handicap issues. We need to talk to the contractor about dates. It is going to take some time. My sense would be if at all possible to follow some of these items and to get the sidewalk on Mass. Ave. done as quickly as possible and as safely as possible. Mr. Enrich agreed. Mrs. Selectmen's Meeting— November 26, 2001 Abbott inquired about how much time it would take to do the temporary sidewalk. Ms. Johnson said it takes a couple of hours to do bituminous. Marchese is anxious to finish. If difference is between a day or two, it sounds like the merchants would opt for temporary. Mr. Enrich felt the merchants views are important, but felt there are some fairly compelling interests to get the work done. Business owner Liz Stevenson said unfortunately we are talking about the same amount of time. I think we would rather have a problem in the Spring than in the Winter. I think my feeling is I would rather have the real thing than the substitute. I would like the name of a person who we can go to with problems or things not getting done. Ms. Johnson said they are not going to default on a contract. We can't give firm commitments. DPW Director Bill Hadley asked the Board to vote to have the contractor proceed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to ask that the contractor continue and conclude the Mass. Ave. sidewalk, provide insured safety to pedestrians and and make best efforts to minimize impact on the businesses. Mr. White said he would talk to the Permanent Building Committee to consider the advantages and disadvantages of moving the fence at the Library and will report back to the Board at its next meeting. Budget Presentations Mrs. Abbott expressed her appreciation to the staff for their patience in waiting for the budget presentations. Water & Sewer Division Water & Sewer Superintendent Ralph Pecora presented operating requests for FY03 noting that all accounts when added up total only a 2.08% change from FY02 to FY03: Water Operation & Maintenance - $1,184,399, Debt - $97,532, MWRA Assessment - $3,094,554, Sewer Operation & Maintenance - $1,186,896, Debt - $1,392,876, and MWRA Assessment - $5,361,317. Mr. Pecora also reviewed two performance measure enhancements. Recreation Recreation Director Karen Simmons presented her budget requests for FY 2003: Recreation Activities - $758,958 and Pine Meadows Golf Course - $485,650. Ms. Simmons also presented several performance measure initiatives of the Recreation Department. Selectmen's Meeting— November 26, 2001 Fire Department Fire Chief Peter Torode presented the Fire Department requests for FY03: Fire Administration - $217,723, Fire Prevention - $77,000, Fire Suppression - $2,936,921, Emergency Medical Services - $642,910. The Chief also reviewed six program improvement requests. MIS MIS Coordinator Connie Rawson presented the requests of the MIS Department for FY03 : MIS Administration - $374,410, Web Page Development - $43,700 and a program request to rewire Town Offices. Liaison Reports Mrs. McKenna inquired about the group that is looking at both the 201 Bedford Street and Hartwell Avenue site for a new DPW building. DPW Director Bill Hadley said the group has met three or four times to gather information. They will be meeting with the neighborhoods and Capital Expenditures Committee. Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by roll call vote: Mrs. McKenna, Mr. Enrich, Mrs. Krieger, Mrs. Abbott and Mr. McSweeney to go into executive session to discuss a matter of potential litigation with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 11:40 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk