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