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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-02-BOS-minSelectmen's Meeting Minutes February 7, 2000 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, February 7, 2000 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Krieger, Mrs. Eddison, Mr. Enrich, Mrs. Abbott, Mrs. McKenna; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present. Warrants for Presidential Primary and 2000 Annual Town Meeting Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Warrants for the Presidential Primary Election to be held March 7, 2000. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting. Bonds, Bond Anticipation Notes and State Aid Anticipation Notes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the sale of the $5,100,000 Municipal Purpose Loan of 2000 Bonds of the Town dated February 15, 2000, to Roosevelt & Cross, Inc. and Associates at par and accrued interest is hereby confirmed. The bonds shall be payable on February 15 of the years and in the principal amounts and bear interest at the respective rates, as follows: Year Amount Interest Rate 2001 625,000 4.75% 2002 625,000 4.75 2003 625,000 4.75 2004 625,000 4.75 2005 625,000 4.85 2006 400,000 5.00 2007 400,000 5.00 2008 400,000 5.05 2009 400,000 5.10 2010 375,000 5.15 Further voted to approve the sale of a $22,250,000 4.50 percent Bond Anticipation Note of the town dated February 15, 2000 and payable February 15, 2001, to First Albany Corporation at par and accrued interest, plus a premium of $86,330. Further voted to approve the sale of a $1,105,000 4.50 percent State Aid Anticipation Note of the town dated February 15,2000 and payable February 15, 2001, to Fleet Securities, Inc. at par and accrued interest, plus a premium of $2,756.25. Selectmen's Meeting — February 7, 2000 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk Selectmen's Meeting Minutes February 14, 2000 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, February 14, 2000 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Krieger, Mrs. Eddison, Mr. Enrich, Mrs. Abbott, Mrs. McKenna; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present. Public Comments Steve Tripi complained that the School Department is putting out flyers regarding the override on school letterhead. He said he would be watching very closely. Mr. Enrich explained his understanding of the rules of the State Campaign Finance Committee and there is a clear distinction between communications before and after an override election date has been scheduled. The School Department is getting out information for Town Meeting and that absolutely falls within the guidelines. Mr. Tripi thanked Mr. Enrich for the clarification. President of the East Lexington Community Association Andrea McAleer said there are 356 family members that are concerned about the very disturbing trend of the override process that includes the East Village Fire House. The Association urges the Board to reconsider as fire service is not an amenity but special services. Mr. Enrich explained the difficulty of a budget process that is more than $3 million short The choice is to present to the Town a reasonable proposal of how we would survive if the community is not prepared to support tax revenues. One of the things we had to consider is could the Town function with fewer services of the Fire Department. We will lose a lot of services if we lose $3.4 million of funding. It is not a matter of picking on anyone or scaring anyone. Mrs. Eddison encouraged the East Lexington Community Association to get the word out to the community to support the override. Perry Pollins complained about the Citizens for Responsible Spending being allowed to have only two members on a panel discussion of the override at the Senior Center on April 11. Mrs. Krieger indicated there would be ample opportunity for debate. Consent Agenda Water /Sewer Commitments and Adjustments Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to make the following commitments to the Revenue Officer: Commitment of water charges for 8/l/99 to 8/31/99 $9,975.64 Commitment of sewer charges for 8/l/99 to 8/31/99 $24,163.26 Commitment of water charges for 9/l/99 to 9/30/99 $5,982.25 Commitment of sewer charges for 9/l/99 to 9/30/99 $11,178.77 Selectmen's Meeting — February 14, 2000 Commitment of water charges for 10/1/99 to 10/31/99 $5,939.22 Commitment of sewer charges for 10/1/99 to 10/31/99 $13,852.13 Commitment of water charges for 11/1/99 to 11/30/99 $4,551.48 Commitment of sewer charges for 11/1/99 to 11/30/99 $10,229.41 Proclamation — American Red Cross Month Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to proclaim the month of March, 2000 as American Red Cross Month. Deed — Laconia Street Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign a deed on a parcel of land shown as Lot 117 on Property Map No. 54 at the corner of Laconia Street and Rumford Road containing 1520 square feet more less to Daniel J. Taylor, 24 Rumford Road, Lexington for two thousand five hundred dollars consideration paid. Appointment of Election Officers Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint 22 elections officers as compiled and listed by the Town Clerk. Traffic Safety Advisory Committee TSAC Chair Myla Kabat -Zinn and TSAC member and Senior Civil Engineer David Carbonneau reviewed four traffic safety matters. Crosswalks Adams/Hancock: Yield Sians Mass. Ave./Bedford St._ Cedar & Hill Street Intersection The TSAC met with Mrs. Bertina Norford and another resident from the Hancock Street neighborhood to discuss crosswalks at the intersection of Hancock and Adams Street. Mrs. Norford requested the TSAC to evaluate a crosswalk on Hancock St. just north of the Adams St intersection and a crosswalk on Hancock St. just north of the Adams St. intersection. Sight distance is good and there are curb ramps and a clear pedestrian route at this location. The TSAC could not find an acceptable location for a crosswalk on Adams St. at Hancock St. The sight distance for vehicles approaching northbound from Hancock is poor and the grading and landscaping make it difficult to traverse the island at this location. Mrs. Abbott expressed concern about a crosswalk in this area without a sign warning of a crosswalk ahead. Mrs. McKenna indicated her preference was to keep signage at a minimum. She would prefer to see the crosswalk in and check later to see if a sign is necessary. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -1 (Mrs. McKenna) to approve the recommendation of the TSAC to install a crosswalk on Hancock St. just north of the Adams St. intersection. Selectmen's Meeting — February 14, 2000 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -1 (Mrs. McKenna) that a "crosswalk ahead" sign be installed coming around the curve from Adams Street. Parking Sheridan Street The TSAC brought a request from the residents of Sheridan Street for limited duration parking regulations to the Lexington Center Committee. The Committee is waiting to hear from the Lexington Center Committee and will come back to the Board with a recommendation. Follen Road Traffic The TSAC met with two residents from Follen Road regarding the high speed and volume of traffic. The residents were particularly concerned about the Follen/Dawes and Follen/Locust intersections. The TSAC recommends the following actions to improve safety on Follen Road: • Add a stop line at the existing STOP sign on Locust at Follen • Add a STOP sign and stop line on Dawes at Follen • Add a VEHICLES ENTERING AHEAD sign on Follen Road just south of the Dawes Road entrance • Increased enforcement Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendations of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. Waldorf School School Zone The TSAC met with staff of the Waldorf School regarding their request for a 20 mph School Zone in the vicinity of the school and assistance in securing a traffic detail or crossing guard at their driveway exit. The TSAC had some reservations about recommending a school zone in this area due to the protection to pedestrians afforded by the signal on Mass. Ave. and the fact that few if any children walk to school. We also questioned whether the regulation was necessary considering the congestion in the area. The Waldorf School staff pointed out that children walk from locations along Mass. Ave. where their parents drop them off and also pointed out that the signal does not stop traffic exiting the school. In the end, the committee felt that the presence of two schools and a library in the vicinity justified the School Zone. The Waldorf School indicated they would pay for the signs. At the Selectmen's meeting on April 27, 1998, it was suggested that the Waldorf School obtain a Police Detail to facilitate traffic exiting to Mass. Ave. and pedestrian crossings. The Waldorf School has attempted to secure a detail for drop off and pickup times but has only been able to fill the afternoon detail. The school staff requested the assistance of the TSAC in securing a Crossing Guard in lieu of a Police Detail for the morning period. The TSAC agreed to work with the Waldorf School and the Police Department to find a solution to this problem. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendations of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee subject to approval by the Historic Districts Commission. Selectmen's Meeting — February 14, 2000 Resignations /Apointments/Reappointments Board of Registrars Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reappoint Mary Abegg to the Board of Registrars. Human Services Committee Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept with regret the resignation of Gregory T. Kotonias -Payne from the Human Services Committee. Resolution to Increase Recvclina and to Reduce Waste Generation in Massachusetts There was much discussion among Board members concerning a couple of provisions of the resolution and it was decided to postpone taking a position until the next meeting and to invite John Andrews in to review the provisions of the resolution. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of December 6, 1999. One -Day Liquor License Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve a request from the Borghesani Family and issue a one -day liquor license for a fundraiser for the Anne E. Borghesani Memorial Fund on April 8 at the Museum of Our National Heritage. Use of Battle Green for Prayer Rally Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve a request from Pastor Jed Snyder of the Countryside Bible Chapel to hold a Prayer Rally for the National Day of Prayer on the Battle Green on Thursday, May 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Liaison Reports Mr. Enrich reported on the next meeting of HATS in which they will be hearing from Marriott about the Minute Man Vocational proposal regarding a life care facility. The matter will be coming before the Lincoln Planning Board and Town Meeting. The Planning Board and Conservation Commission members will be attending. Selectmen's Meeting — February 14, 1999 Mrs. Krieger reported on the concerns of the Communications Advisory Committee regarding proposed legislation on wireless communications facilities. The legislation would be substantially weaker than the by -law that the town has in place. The CAC would like the Board to go on record as being opposed in view of the fact that our by -law allows us much more control. Communications Advisory Committee member David Kanter recommended sending a strong letter to the Joint Committee on Regulations with a copy to our legislators expressing objection to the proposed legislation. Mr. Enrich also suggested sending a letter to MMA Director Geoffrey Beckwith expressing our profound concern how this legislation process has taken place. Mrs. Abbott spoke as a state employee stating that Rep. Kaufman and she thanks David Kanter on the very fine work on what they both think is a good and very strong letter and asked that copies of the letter be sent to Rep. Kaufman and Senators Fargo and Havern. Planning Board Chair John Davies indicated that the Planning Board is unanimously in favor of the Town sending a strong letter to the Joint Committee on Regulations and the Planning Board would like to be listed as endorsing the letter. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to draft a letter coming not only from the Board but also the Planning Board as suggested and also a letter to Geoffrey Beckwith. Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 Mrs. McKenna, Mrs. Eddison, Mr. Enrich, Mrs. Abbott and Mrs. Krieger to go into executive session for the purpose of discussion of collective bargaining with no intent to resume open session. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk Selectmen's Meeting Minutes February 28, 2000 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, February 28, 2000 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Krieger, Mrs. Eddison, Mr. Enrich, Mrs. Abbott, Mrs. McKenna; Mr. White, Town Manager; and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present. Public Comments Lexington Bicycle Advisory committee Chair Jerry Van Hook said he has become very much involved in the process for the laying of fiber optic cable along the Minuteman Bikeway. Last Fall the Board asked that a third conduit be laid. MFN is now saying they will not be laying a third conduit. Mrs. Krieger indicated that Mr. Carbonneau is working closely with TRA and MFN now. The Town has just permitted the street crossings. We wanted to make sure all trenching was made off the pavement. We don't know whether they will need to come back to the Board or not. Mr. Tripi said he understood the school project bids came in and were over what has been budgeted. Mr. White explained that the bids have been received from the subcontractors and general contractor. The HVAC bid has been rejected. The Town is looking at options, either rebidding the whole project or rebidding the HVAC. There are a whole series of issues that have to be resolved. No award has been made yet. Mr. Enrich pointed out that the Town can only expend those funds that have been appropriated for the purposes of school expenditures. If there is need for additional monies, that would require the Town to go back and ask for additional monies. Perry Pollins spoke of the deplorable conditions of the roads. Budgets have been a major concern over the past twenty years. The School Committee has never met its budget. Mrs. McKenna reported that the School Committee will be looking at their expenditures on a regular basis. Mr. Pollins felt it wouldn't happen, that line items have disappeared. Mr. Enrich indicated that since Proposition 2 '/2 , school budgets are appropriated as a single line item. The Town controls only one number and the only amount that can be spent is the amount that Town Meeting has authorized. Consent Agenda Trustees of Public Trusts The three Trustees of Public Trusts David Williams, Alan Fields and Tom Taylor were present to receive the thanks from the Board members for their tremendous work on behalf of the community. The Trustees indicated it is a privilege to be able to serve the Town and reviewed the many funds the Trustees manage. The Board was asked to establish several new funds. Selectmen's Meeting — February 28, 2000 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to establish: • Chiesa Farm Conservation Land Trust Fund • Earl & Elsie Dooks Scholarship Fund • The Dominic and Assunta Modoono Family Scholarship Fund • Morton L. Salter Scholarship Fund • The Lexington High School Class of 1954 Lawrence G. Movsessian Memorial Scholarship Fund • Backers of Lexington Track (BOLT) Hennessy's Field Deed Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the deed transferring the Hennessy Field Property to the Conservation Commission. Use of Battle Green - LexFest Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request from LexFest 2000 to use the Battle Green on Saturday, May 20, 2000 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Bell Atlantic/Boston Edison Grant of Location — 87 Hancock Street Bell Atlantic representative Dan Fitzgibbon and Boston Edison representative Maureen Carroll were present to request a grant of location to provide underground utility service to a new home at 87 Hancock Street. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of Bell Atlantic to maintain existing underground conduit, install wires and cables therein, under the surface of Hancock Street starting at existing pole number 42/39 on the southerly side of Hancock Street, run cable in a northeasterly direction, a distance of 47 feet ( ±) to private property at 87 Hancock Street. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of the Boston Edison Company to maintain existing underground conduit, install wires and cables therein, under the surface of Hancock Street easterly, approximately 420 feet northwest of Revere Street, a distance of about 48 feet to pole 42/39. Waste Recycling Resoluton Solid Waste Advisory Team (SWAT) member John Andrews explained a request for a resolution to increase recycling and to reduce waste generation in Massachusetts. Board members thanked Mr. Andrews for his very clear explanation of the purpose of the resolution. Mrs. McKenna expressed her concern about resolution 3 and the use of the word "requires ". Mrs. McKenna feels reluctant at imposing costs to manufacturers without knowing what the costs are. The producers will then impose the costs on to the users. Selectmen's Meeting — February 28, 2000 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -1 (Mrs. McKenna) to sign the resolution that calls upon Governor Cellucci, Environmental Affairs Secretary Robert Durand, DEP Commissioner Lauren Liss, and the Massachusetts Municipal Association to support including in the Beyond 2000 Solid Waste Master Plan the following: 1. Aggressive waste reduction with the goal of reducing waste generation by 20% or more in Massachusetts by the year 2010 to reduce or eliminate the need for more landfills or incinerators and to reduce local solid waste management costs; and 2. Increased state funding for local recycling programs, with the goal of increasing the overall state recycling rate to more than 50 %; and 3. A commitment to pursue Extended Producer Responsibility programs that will require manufacturers to take financial responsibility for the collection of used products to take this unfunded mandate off the cities and towns. No Place for Hate Mrs. Abbott, Assistant Town Manager Linda Vine and Fair Housing and Human Relations Committee co -chair reviewed several program initiatives the Town has undertaken working with the schools, the Police Department, LexFest, Recreation recognizing the diversity of the community and that Lexington is a community that has no place for hate. Mrs. Eddison mentioned trying to get people interested in running for Town Meeting. Board members endorsed the efforts of the Town staff. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the minutes of the meeting of January 3 as amended and the meeting of January 10, 2000. Future Meeting Dates It was agreed that the Board would meet on March 6 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, March 27, 29, April 3, 5, 10 and 12 at 7:00 p.m. at Clarke Middle School. Patriot's Dav Guidelines for Vendors Mr. White asked the Board to endorse an addition to the Patriot's Day Guidelines for vendors by adding number 6. "Vendors are required to solicit from behind the crowds and are not allowed in the streets." Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the change in the vendors guidelines for Patriot's Day. Selectmen's Meeting — February 28, 2000 Liaison Reports Mrs. McKenna reported on the findings of the Space/Buildings Needs Assessment Advisory Committee. The draft report, which will be ready for Town Meeting, looked to safety of employees as a high priority. Some of the recommendations include: a reception area in each building, combining Fire and DPW in one building at 201 Bedford Street, freeing up space at Town Hall to possibly bring in the School Administration, taking advantage of a short window to give notice of possible reacquisition of the Waldorf School as a potential site for the senior center. Mrs. McKenna praised the hard work of the Committee Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:05 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk