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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-06-BOS-minSelectmen's Meeting Minutes June 11, 2001 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, June 11, 2001 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Krieger, Mr. Enrich, Mrs. Abbott, Mrs. McKenna, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present. Reorganization of the Board Executive Clerk Phyllis Smith opened the meeting. The first order of business is the election of a chair. Mrs. McKenna nominated Mrs. Abbott. Mrs. Abbott said she was honored but wished to decline the nomination. Mrs. Abbott nominated Mrs. Krieger. It was voted unanimously to elect Jeanne K. Krieger Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. Mrs. Krieger thanked her colleagues for their confidence and noted that with Mr. McSweeney's election the Board is more representative of the wide spectrum of the community. She noted the Board members are respectful of each other and have worked well with other communities. She spoke of the list of tasks before the Board with a high priority on the capital needs, the need to begin planning and come forward with a Special Town Meeting and debt exclusion in the fall and the continuing work of the 2020 vision implementation committee and the development of a comprehensive plan. Public Comments Loren Wood said he felt a committee should be formed to evaluate the success of PAYT and report to next year's Town Meeting. Mr. Wood volunteered to be a member of such a committee. Mr. Tim Reny read a statement in which he feels the Board should once again address the cutting down of the two red maples in Depot Square in light of the fact that he and his wife obtained the signatures of 600 residents on a petition to save the maples. Mrs. Krieger said she would talk to each of the selectmen individually to decide on whether to reopen the issue. Perry Pollins spoke of his concern about the percentage of his taxes that go to the schools. Consent Agenda Establish the Jacqueline Toye Hoiriis Scholarship Fund Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to establish the Jacqueline Toye Hoiriis Scholarship Fund. Selectmen's Meeting —June 11, 2001 Establish the Steven Teitelbaum Memorial Scholarship Fund Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to establish the Steven Teitelbaum Memorial Scholarship Fund. Resignation from Police Manual Policy Committee Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the resignation of Patrick Fitzgerald from the Police Manual Policy Committee. Use of Battle Green — Lexington Lodge of Elks Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request from the Lexington Lodge of Elks to conduct their annual Flag Day Ceremony on the Battle Green on Thursday, June 14 at 7:00 p.m. Boston Gas Grant of Location — Bridge Street Boston Gas Representative Harold Cooper reviewed the petition, plan and orders for a grant of location to install 175 feet more or less of 2' gas main in Bridge Street to provide service to a home at #68 Bridge Street. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of Boston Gas Company to install approximately 175 feet of 2' gas main in Bridge Street, from the existing 4' gas main in Bridge Street at Valleyfield Street, west to the end. Lions Club 4 th of July Carnival Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request from the Lions Club to hold the 4 th of July Carnival at the Center Playground on Tuesday, July 3 from 6 -11 p.m., Wednesday, July 4 from Noon -11 p.m., Thursday and Friday, July 5 and 6 from 6 -11 p.m. and Saturday, July 7 from Noon -11 p.m. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the extension of the ball field lighting to 11:30 p.m. on the five nights of the carnival. Use of Battle Green —Great Salt Lake Council Boy Scouts Mrs. Krieger reviewed a request from the Great Salt Lake Council Boy Scouts to hold a short all - faith service on the Battle Green on Sunday, July 15 from 8:00 a.m. to about 8:30 a.m. Expected attendance will be 815. Mr. White indicated that all vehicle parking will be off the street at the Meriam Street Parking Lot. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request from the Great Salt Lake Council Boy Scouts to hold an all -faith service on the Battle Green on Sunday, July 15 at 8:00 a.m. with an anticipated attendance of 815 on the condition that all vehicle parking be off the street. Selectmen's Meeting —June 11, 2001 Council on Aging Appointment Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Town Manager's appointment of Megan Davis Collins to the Council on Aging for a term to expire on May 31, 2004. Town Complex Parking Assistant Town Manager Linda Vine updated the Board on the successful parking plan for the Town Offices while the Library is located in Cary Hall. Ice Cream Truck— Summer Concerts Mr. White reported that the Chamber of Commerce has asked for permission to add the WBMX- FM, Mix 98 -5 Radio Station's Summer Ice Cream Truck to two of its summer concerts scheduled for July 6 and July 20. Board members thought it would be a nice addition to the concerts. Mrs. McKenna suggested that they be asked to be sure not to park the truck on the lawn. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the addition of the ice cream truck to the summer concerts on July 6 and July 20, 2001. Center Parking Draft Report Assistant Town Engineer David Carbonneau outlined the intended process to be followed in implementing recommendations that come out of the final report. The broad policy objectives are to try to maximize essentially all existing resources; address concerns of center residents; take all reasonable measures to increase parking supply in the center and address more permanent structural problems, then address some of the temporary problems. Once we establish objectives we will bring a set of recommendations before the Board. Mr. Carbonneau introduced Bill Cranshaw who is the project manager at Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. Mr. Cranshaw reviewed the findings from the draft report. There are 849 public parking spaces in the center, 270 are on the streets and 579 in off - street lots. The peak times are at noon on Thursdays and Fridays when there is a 135 space deficit. One recommendation is to accommodate the long -term parkers in all -day parking spaces and thus freeing up for the short- term lunchtime parkers. One possibility is to switch the Clarke Street two -hour meters to 10 hour meters; another is to get as many as possible long -term parkers in the Meriam Street lot. Board members posed several questions and recommendations such as presenting the Board with a spread of anticipated future scenarios based on the 135 deficit today; talking to the homeowners in the area, involving the Planning Board, Center Committee and Chamber of Commerce; studying the impact of recent zoning changes and the impact of taking parking away from around the Battle Green including the tour buses. Selectmen's Meeting —June 11, 2001 Mr. White said the staff would review the comments of the Board and come back with more data. Mr. McSweeney left the meeting. As You Throw Ubdate Matt Zedikk reported on a planned mailing on PAYT that will include a schedule, fact sheet, 30 free tags and a cover letter from the Chairman. The yard waste curbside pickups will be increased to 17 and we are trying to spread them out more. The mailing at the end of June will be very important. There are a great number of volunteers willing to help distribute additional recycling bins. Mr. Enrich feels it is important to make very explicit that there is going to be a reduction in the tax levy with PAYT. Year End Finances Mr. White reported the need for a transfer from the Reserve Fund between $40,000 and $60,000 for Legal Fees and Expenses. Mr. Cohen reported there are three areas where there has been much more activity this year than in the past. There have been a number of contracts and bidding questions for major capital projects going on with contractors and architects. The second big increase, unfortunately, is litigation matters. There have been challenges to a number of regulations such as the creche matter and respecting differences. Decisions have been rendered and then appealed. The third increase is land use questions and cases where developers appeal decisions. Mrs. McKenna felt there is a real problem with the notion of approving quite a substantial check without back up data. There is no comparison data. Mr. Enrich agreed the number is significant but not in the least bit surprising. Our past experience and longstanding relationship with Palmer & Dodge has been extraordinary. The firm is very reasonable and has given us a fairly substantial discounted rate. Mr. Enrich feels comfortable at this point going forward with supporting the increase; however has no objection about Mrs. McKenna needing more detailed information. His understanding is that it has been a longstanding practice to use the Reserve Fund for a number of years where the workload has exceeded an anticipated budget. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 3 -0 (Mrs. McKenna abstained) to approve a Reserve Fund transfer of up to $60,000 for the legal budget. Mr. White also reviewed the year end transfers from account 2320 to cover salary adjustments effective July 1, 2000. Selectmen's Meeting —June 11, 2001 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following transfers from Account 2130: Board of Selectmen $ 2,816 Organizational Direction and Administration $16,123 Finance $25,345 Town Clerk $ 8,938 Planning $ 4,391 Inspectional Services $64,176 Economic Development $ 1,684 Department of Public works $76,401 Veteran's Benefits $ 520 Library $31,168 Appointments/Reappointments Town Celebrations Committee Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reappoint Cecil Jones to the Town Celebrations Committee for a term to expire June 30, 2004. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Mary Gillespie to the Town Celebrations Committee for a term to expire June 30, 2004. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Henry Murphy to the Town Celebrations Committee for a term to expire June 30, 2004. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Charles Price, Jr. to the Town Celebrations Committee for a term to expire June 30, 2004. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reappoint Julie Miller and Perry Pollins to the Town Celebrations Subcommittee for terms to expire June 30, 2002. Keeper of the Lockup Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reappoint Chief Chris Casey as the Keeper of the Lockup for a term to expire June 30, 2002. Executive Clerk Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reappoint Phyllis Smith as Executive Clerk to the Board of Selectmen for a term to expire June 30, 2002. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of February 12, 2001 as corrected. Selectmen's Meeting —June 11, 2001 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of May 7, 2001. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of May 14, 2001. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of May 16, 2001. Executive Session Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the executive session minutes of the meeting of May 7, 2001. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the executive session minutes of the meeting of May 14, 2001. Liaison Reports Mrs. Abbott speaking as a Library Trustee and on the Executive Committee spoke of the great success of the fund raiser at the golf course and paid thanks to all who helped make it a success, particularly John Carroll and the Wilson family. Mrs. Abbott spoke of the No Place for Hate award in the amount of $1,000 given to the Town for diversity training. Board members spoke about attendance at the School Committee meeting on the 20 and the need to explain the road construction and land acquisition piece of the debt exclusion. Mr. Enrich said he will be attending the School Committee meeting. Mrs. Krieger complemented Center Business Owner Dick Michelson for a very successful Discovery Day. Mrs. Krieger asked Board members whether they supported the donation of a flag that will be flown over the Battle Green on Flag Day to the Save Our Heritage fund raiser on June 14. Mr. Enrich explained the difference between Shhair that has been the grass roots organization against Hanscom expansion and Save Our Heritage that is working on protecting the historical environment on a national plan. Mr. Enrich felt the flag would be a good gesture. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to donate a flag flown over the Battle Green on Flag Day to the Save Our Heritage fund raiser. Selectmen's Meeting —June 11, 2001 Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by roll call vote: Mrs. Abbott, Mrs. Krieger, Mr. Enrich and Mrs. McKenna to go into executive session for discussion of labor relations with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:48 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk Selectmen's Meeting Minutes June 25, 2001 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, June 25, 2001 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at 7:30 p.m. Acting Chair Mrs. Abbott, Mr. Enrich, Mrs. McKenna, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present. Public Comments Lorraine Fournier asked Mrs. Abbott why the local newspaper had an article on the No Place for Hate Award that spoke of three initiatives that won the award but did not explain the initiatives. She asked Mrs. Abbott what the initiatives were. Mrs. Abbott said there was a town -wide breakfast of all boards and committees and included church groups and scouts to talk about their own initiatives. There was also an anti bias training session for the Senior Management Team. She also indicated she would advise Mrs. Fournier of the third initiative as she could not recall it at the moment. Consent Agenda Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to dissolve the Senior Center Siting Committee. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to dissolve the Ad Hoc Tree Committee. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to dissolve the Ad Hoc Noise Committee. Bedford Street/Hartwell Avenue Assistant Town Engineer David Carbonneau reviewed a development proposal at 445 Bedford Street and its potential impact on the area. Mr. Carbonneau passed out a suggested draft letter to Mass Highway requesting them to deny the permit to the Lexington Club at 475 Bedford Street for a relocated entrance serving an enlarged recreational facility on Bedford Street just before the Hartwell Avenue intersection. The letter asks the State to address the numerous deficiencies of Bedford Street at this location before issuing a permit to the Lexington Club. Mr. Carbonneau cautioned the Board that the Town has been at impasse with Mass. Highway on the improvements to the jughandle since 1971 because Mass. Highway will not undertake the project without restricted access to Eldred Street and that is unacceptable to the Town. The big issues have been access to Eldred Street, potential wetland issues and other large projects in Lexington, e.g. Route 2A. The State will not agree to any other funding until 2A is completed. The consultants have had some preliminary discussions regarding resolving getting additional capacity and maintaining Eldred Street access. It looks promising. The Town will initiate a process with the State to get it on for funding. We don't have a time line now but it looks promising. Selectmen's Meeting —June 25, 2001 Board members discussed the importance of beginning the process in this very important area. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that Mrs. Abbott would send the proposed letter on behalf of the Board of Selectmen to Mass. Highway. Depot Square Project Update Mr. Carbonneau reported that the project is scheduled to get underway on Monday, July 23. The roadway and sidewalk should be completed in October and the landscaping in May, 2002. There have been some minor changes to the consensus plan such as lot configuration. Board members discussed keeping the businesses, Center Committee and the Meriam Hill Association informed as the project goes forward. Mr. White answered Mrs. McKenna's question of costs to the Town that amount to, including amendments, $142,967.39. There will be an additional $40,970 to manage the project through construction for a total of $183,937.39. The bid came in at $636,000. It is a well- defined project. Mr. White assured Mr. McSweeney that there have been a series of discussions with the Police and Fire Chiefs over safety issues. Several residents spoke of their concerns about cutting down the Norway Maples, the cost of the project, the rolling edges versus the current flat appearance, saving the trees by use of tree wells. Board members expressed their positions on whether to reopen the matter of the two maples. Mr. McSweeney and Mrs. McKenna felt it would be advisable to have a hearing on the matter. Mr. Enrich and Mrs. Abbott expressed concern that the matter has been reviewed thoroughly and that the State is ready to start construction and the Town will lose the grant money if the project does not go forward. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 2 to 2 to reconsider cutting down the Norway Maples. Since the vote was tied the motion did not carry. Compost Facility Fees DPW Manager of Operations Brian Gilbert presented the Board with a recommended increase in the Compost Facility Fees. The rates haven't changed since 1998 while costs have risen. Board Members asked whether the contractors could be notified before the new rates take effect; however, it was explained that the new rates need to take effect on July 1. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following increases in the Compost Facility Fees effective July 1, 2001: Selectmen's Meeting —June 25, 2001 Yard Waste Annual Permit Fee for GWV 15,000 to 20,000 lbs. From $1,000 to $1,500 Punch Card fee from $5.00 to $6.00 /yd. Screened Compost fee 5,000+ yards from $3.00 /yd. To Best Negotiated Pric6' New Fee for Dumping of Brush - $6.00 /yd. Revoke Fortune Telling License Lexington Police Captain Robert Raposa was present to recommend that the Board revoke the fortune telling license issued to Dian Stanley, d /b /a Psychic Corner. Captain Raposa reported that Ms. Stanley had been arrested by the Lexington Police on May 30 on four warrants and had admitted to falsifying information on the Lexington fortune- telling license application. Ms. Stanley has had her fortune- telling license revoked from the City of Medford for similar falsification of information on her license application. Captain Raposa further reported that Police Chief Chris Casey had sent a letter to Ms. Stanley on May 31 giving her an opportunity for written response by June 12, 2001 explaining why he should not recommend revocation of her license to the Board of Selectmen. Ms. Stanley has not responded and therefore, it is the recommendation of the Lexington Police Department that the Board revoke Ms. Stanley's license. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to revoke the license issued to Dian Stanley, d /b /a Psychic Corner on April 9, 2001. The Executive Clerk will notify Ms. Stanley of this action and ask her to return the license. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meetings of May 21, 2001 and June 11, 2001. Executive Session Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the executive session minutes of the meeting of June 11, 2001. Acting Town Manager Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Town Manager's designation of Linda Crew Vine as the Acting Town Manager from July 14 through July 28, 2001. Liaison Reports Mrs. Abbott reported on the very successful LexFest Program that was held on June 2 and 16 this year and recognized the hard work of Leona Martin. Selectmen's Meeting —June 25, 2001 Mrs. Abbott invited Board Members to the Cary Library groundbreaking ceremony on June 28 at 5:00 p.m. Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, by roll call vote: Mrs. McKenna, Mrs. Abbott, Mr. Enrich and Mr. McSweeney to go into executive session for discussion of a matter of litigation with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:08 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk