HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-11-BOS-minSelectmen's Meeting Minutes
November 6, 2000
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, November 6, 2000 in the
Selectmen's Meeting Room at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Krieger, Mr. Enrich, Mrs. Abbott, Mrs.
McKenna; Mr. White, Town Manager and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present.
Public Comments
Perry Pollins spoke about an article he had read in the Northwest Weekly that said cities and
towns will be reimbursed for school construction projects at the rate of 40 + %. He felt the
citizens were deceived because they were told that the reimbursement rate for the Lexington
school renovation project would be 59 %.
Mr. Enrich replied that he was mistaken in his interpretation of the article. The Lexington High
School and Middle Schools renovation project will be reimbursed at the 59% rate. However,
what the article was saying is that future projects will be reimbursed at the lower percentage.
Mr. Tripi attempted to verbally attack members of the Board and Mrs. Krieger asked him to
please sit down.
Mr. Tom Griffiths said he was tired of seeing vilification of the Board members by certain
citizens.
Mrs. McKenna mentioned she had spoken with Liz Andrews from the League of Women Voters
who arrange for rides for voting. The two new polling places are not on Lexpress routes and it is
hoped that something can be done for future elections. Mr. White indicated it would be looked
into.
Consent Agenda
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request for package stores to
open on Sundays from the Sunday preceding Thanksgiving through the Sunday before New
Year's Day.
Street Opening Regulations
Assistant Town Engineer David Carbonneau was present to receive Selectmen comments on
proposed street opening regulations. Mr. Carbonneau indicated he would be back to the Board
for a vote on a comprehensive set of regulations at a later date.
Selectmen's Meeting — November 6, 2000
Selectmen's Blue Ribbon Capital Finance Advisory Committee Update
Co- Chairs of the Selectmen's Blue Ribbon Committee Paul Marshall and Bill Dailey were
present to review the final draft of the Committee's report. Other committee members Jim Beck,
Dan Busa, Jean Cole, Jane Pagett, Alan Wilson and Capital Expenditures Committee liaison
Tom Griffiths were acknowledged for their part in the report.
Board members thanked the Committee for their valuable efforts and acknowledged that it now
becomes a challenge for the Board of Selectmen.
Metropolitan Fiber Systems /WorldCom, Inc. Grant of Location — Hartwell Avenue, Hartwell
Place
Assistant Town Engineer David Carbonneau reviewed the petition of Metropolitan Fiber
System/WorldCom, Inc. for a grant of location for conduit to be installed to provide
communication services to the Mitre Corporation located at 91 Hartwell Avenue and to serve 40
Hartwell Avenue. They will be going across Hartwell Avenue at #91; however the only work
they will be doing at Hartwell Place at #40 will coming out of an existing manhole. It was
suggested that the work be done during the weekend and Mr. Carbonneau said that could be
done.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of Metropolitan Fiber
System/WorldCom, Inc. to lay and maintain underground conduits and manholes, with the wires
and cables to be placed therein, under the surface of portions of Hartwell Avenue and Hartwell
Place.
Common Victualler License — McDonalds at Route 128
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application and issue a
common victualler license to McDonald's Restaurant at Route 128 subject to meeting all
requirements of the Community Development Department.
Employee Recognition Day Resolution
Mrs. Krieger read a proclamation concerning this year's Employee Recognition Day.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign a proclamation declaring
Wednesday, November 29, 2000 as Employee Recognition Day.
Selectmen's Meeting — November 6, 2000
Release of Executive Session Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to release the following executive session
minutes for public inspection: January 3, January 10, February 28, March 7, March 14 and July
11, 1994; January 30, August 28, and November 27, 1995; January 16, March 25, June 17, and
September 9, 1996; April 16 and August 11, 1997; October 5, December 14 and December 21,
1998; February 1, February 8 and February 22, 1999.
Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of
October 16, 2000 with a minor correction noted.
Executive Session Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the executive session minutes of
the meeting of October 16, 2000.
Set Date for Closing of the Warrant for 2001 Annual Town Meeting
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to set the date for the closing of the Warrant
for the 2001 Annual Town Meeting on Thursday, December 28, 2000 at 4:30 p.m.
All Alcoholic Beverage License Renewals
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application and issue all
alcoholic beverage licenses for 2001 as follows:
Club
Knights of Columbus
Common Victualler
Athenian Restaurant
Dabin Restaurant
Peking Gardens
The Hartwell House
Yangtze River Restaurant
Innholder
Sheraton Lexington Inn
Package Goods Stores
Bermans Market, Inc.
Vinebrook Bottle Shop
Selectmen's Meeting — November 6, 2000
Selectmen Liaison Reports
Mrs. Abbott reported on the success of a breakfast conducted by the No Place for Hate Steering
Committee and attended by individuals from many different agencies /associations who are
working on racial intolerance and other issues of intolerance.
Mrs. Abbott reported that there would be a meeting of the Senior Center Siting Committee on
Thursday, November 9 at which the Committee hopes to narrow down the number of sites.
Mr. Enrich gave the Board a quick update on the filing of an appeal of the FAA's granting an
operating certificate to Shuttle America. The appeal was filed by Lexington, Lincoln, Concord,
Save our Heritage, Shhair and Orchard House.
Mrs. Krieger reported that on Wednesday, November 15 there will be a Pay as You Throw
hearing and expressed a wish that they have a big turnout and get citizen input.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 8:25 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Phyllis A. Smith
Executive Clerk
Selectmen's Meeting Minutes
November 27, 2000
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, November 27, 2000 in the
Selectmen's Meeting Room at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Krieger, Mrs. Abbott, Mrs. McKenna; Mr.
White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present.
Mrs. Krieger announced that since the Board last met, we have lost a friend and colleague. Jack
Quinlan passed away Saturday, November 11 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jack was a
Vietnam veteran and dedicated public servant. He advanced through the Lexington Fire
Department, most recently serving as Chief. Jack's sense of fairness, humility and humor made
him an exemplary leader and colleague. Lexington will miss Jack Quinlan.
Mrs. McKenna also spoke of Town Meeting Member Carol Batstone's passing and burial over
the weekend.
Consent Agenda
Town Election and Start of Town Meeting 2001
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to set the date of March 5, 2001 for the local
election and March 26, 2001 for the start of the Annual Town Meeting.
Water /Sewer Commitments and Adjustments
Commitment of water charges for 8/2/2000 (cycle 9)
Commitment of water charges for 8/29/2000 (cycle 9)
Commitment of water charges for 9/21/2000 (cycle 9)
Commitment of water charges for 8/1/2000 to 8/31/2000
Commitment of sewer charges for 8/1/2000 to 8/31/2000
Commitment of water charges for 9/1/2000 to 9/30/2000
Commitment of sewer charges for 9/1/2000 to 9/30/2000
Adjustments of water charges for 9/1/2000 to 9/30/2000
Adjustment of sewer charges for 9/1/2000 to 9/30/2000
Boston Edison Grants of Location
$163,289.79
$62,349.58
$90,525.36
$8,050.17
$12,097.42
$3,494.06
$4,662.39
- $1,019.90
- $615.81
Boston Edison Representative Christine Crosby reviewed the following Boston Edison petitions:
Foster Road
Grant of location for conduit to be installed to provide underground electric service to #6 Foster
Road.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of the Boston Edison
Company to lay and maintain underground conduit and manholes, with the wires and cables to
be placed therein, under the surface of Foster Road: Install conduit easterly, approximately 230
feet south of Dane Road, a distance of about 8 feet ±, at pole #329/2.
Selectmen's Meeting — November 27, 2000
Concord Avenue
Grant of location for conduit to be installed to provide underground electric service to #240
Concord Avenue.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of the Boston Edison
Company to lay and maintain underground conduit and manholes, with the wires and cables to
be placed therein, under the surface of Concord Avenue: Install conduit southwesterly,
approximately 308 feet east of Scott Road, a distance of about 15 feet ±, at pole #21/21.
Boston Gas Grant of Location — Woodland Road and York Street
Boston Gas Representative Harold Cooper reviewed a petition for a grant of location to install
230 feet of 4 inch gas main in Woodland Road to provide gas service to a home located at #4
Oakmount Circle.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of the Boston Gas
Company to install approximately 230 feet, of a 4 inch gas main in Woodland Road, southerly to
York Street.
RCN Grant of Location — Pleasant Street
RCN- BecoComLLC Representative Katie Kirkpatrick reviewed a petition for a grant of location
for conduit to be installed to provide telecommunications services to #85 Pleasant Street.
Alan Lazarus asked if it was necessary to have such big boxes and also expressed concern over a
humming noise. Ms. Kirkpatrick indicated they cannot do anything about the size of the box;
however, they should be able to do something about the humming.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of RCN -
BecoComLLC to lay and maintain underground conduit to serve number 85 Pleasant Street.
Use of Battle Green — Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request from the Ladies
Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars to conduct their Annual Loyalty Day Ceremony on
the Battle Green on April 29, 2001 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Sign at the Center Pool
Mr. White reported that Mr. Gillis has requested that a sign be put up on the fence at the Center
Pool in recognition of the Lexington 2000 Girls' State Tennis Champions. The request has been
approved by the Recreation Committee.
Selectmen's Meeting — November 27, 2000
Board Members requested that the Recreation Committee develop a policy and come back to the
Board with more information such as the duration it will remain on the fence, and the
dimensional standards.
Alcoholic Beverage License Renewals
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following all alcoholic
beverage license renewals for 2001:
Club
Lexington Elks
Lexington Golf Club
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Inc.
Common Victualler
Bertucci's
Carolinas
Lemon Grass Restaurant
Vinny Testa's
Package Goods Store
Busa Brothers Liquors, Inc.
Lexington Liquor Mart
Budget Presentations
Public Safety
Police Chief Chris Casey reviewed the Police Department's FY2002 requests for:
Investigation/Prevention - $432,904, Parking Meter Maintenance - $52,299, Patrol and
Enforcement - $2,486,509, Police Administration - $984,675 and Combined Dispatch -
$400,559.
Economic Development
Economic Development Officer Joe Marino presented his 2002 request in the amount of
$72,107.
Revenue Update
Finance Director John Ryan updated the Board on the revenue estimates. The Board of
Assessors will be coming before the Board for the annual tax classification hearing. It appears
there will be an increase in new growth in the amount of $1.5 million versus the budget estimate
of $665,000. The increase is spread between personal property - $600,000, residential -
$600,000 and commercial - $300,000. The values have not been certified by the State yet but it
looks like the total value will be in excess of $5 billion.
Selectmen's Meeting — November 27, 2000
Chapter 70 Receipts
Mrs. Krieger reported that the School Committee has requested approval of the use of additional
Chapter 70 aid in the FY2001 Cherry Sheet that would increase the School Department budget
for FY2001. Mr. White said the funds will be used to build the Health Trust Fund back up.
There has been a 24% increase in the number of subscribers and the severity of the claims. We
have added almost 400 subscribers to the medical plan since 1995. The charges were capped at
7% of claims up until February 2000. In July of this year after considerable marketing, bidding
and negotiations, that cap is closer to 12 to 13 %. We did not anticipate significant claims
experience by two employees.
Mrs. McKenna asked what the shortfall is for both the school and municipal government for
FY01. Mr. White replied that right now the consultant is telling us with the recommended
appropriation from Chapter 70 and with the funds that are in the Trust Fund we will come out
with a positive balance.
Mrs. McKenna asked several questions such as what the balance is in the Trust Fund, what has
been expended, how many catastrophic illnesses have we had, and what does 10 to 11% of the
employees share mean to the Town. Mrs. McKenna also asked if the vote could be taken up
before the Classification Hearing on December 4. Mrs. Krieger felt it is appropriate to approve
the appropriation now and to provide staff the opportunity to continue to analyze the health
benefits budget and Mrs. Abbott agreed. Mr. Ryan recommended action on the matter this
evening.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 2 — 1 (Mrs. McKenna) that the Town of
Lexington provide additional funds of $142,100 to the School Committee for expenditure, in
addition to the appropriation voted on March 27, 2000 of $52,939,850, the increase representing
additional Chapter 70 aid, so- called, in the final Cherry Sheets for FY2001, this vote taken
pursuant to provisions of Chapter 159 §3 of the Acts of 2000.
Planning Budget
Planning Director Glenn Garber reviewed his requested FY02 budget of $252,425 that includes
$35,000 for a planning intern.
Town Clerk
Town Clerk Donna Hooper reviewed the following budgets: Town Clerk Administration -
$171,108, Board of Registrars - $22,575, Elections - $36,210 and Records Management -
$12,500.
Selectmen's Meeting — November 27, 2000
Finance Departments
Finance Director John Ryan reviewed the following budgets: Comptroller - $502,926 that
includes $40,000 for a budget analyst, Revenue Office - $282,711, Assessors' Office - $248,663;
Appropriations Committee - $1,000, Contributory Retirement - $3,529,231, Non - Contributory
Retirement - $149,026. Mr. White explained that there would be a functional decrease in the
Town Manager's office, but there would not be a dollar for dollar decrease for the intern position
versus the budget analyst position in Finance.
Mr. Ryan reviewed the requested FY02 budget request for the following: payment on funded
debt - $3,105,000, interest on funded debt - $406,066, temporary borrowing - $225,000, exempt
debt - $1,700,000 and reserve fund - $150,000.
Parking Fines
Center Business owner Dick Michelson presented the Board with a petition from the owners,
business managers and property owners of Lexington Center "to reverse its decision to increase
the parking meter violations fines and maintain them at the present rate of $5.00 for overtime
parking." The petition further requested "that the Selectmen involve the Economic Development
Officer, utilize the information derived from the parking study, and include the business
community input in developing a concerted effort to address the long -term parking problem in a
manner that will not adversely effect our customers, upon whom we rely on to make our business
successful."
Board members explained that the fines were increased to be more comparable to other
communities; and the hope is to insure that there is turnover in parking. Mrs. Abbott felt the
Board could have done better in communicating with the business owners but also felt that the
Center Committee would have involved the merchants in their review of the matter.
Requesting the Board to reconsider the increase because they felt they would lose customers
were: Dick Michelson, Mr. Lucas, Patty Tropeano, Paul Mammola, Eric Michelson, and
Elizabeth Stevenson. Mrs. Krieger indicated that the Town will be looking at the parking issue
and monitoring it.
Met State Reuse Update
Mrs. Krieger and Planning Director Glenn Garber gave an update on the Tri Community Met
State Reuse plans and some of the obstacles that had to be overcome and the plans to amend the
Reuse Plan. The next step is a formal RFP probably in 2002. Things now look promising;
however we have felt that before. After the next meeting, a memo of understanding will be
drawn up for the three communities to sign. That will allow the RFP to go forward and would
allow the transfer of land to Waltham for the golf course and the MDC for open space.
Selectmen's Meeting — November 27, 2000
Selectmen Liaison Reports
Mrs. McKenna reported on attending the charrette on the Battle Green. One thing that was
labeled as urgent is restoration of the monument marking the graves from 1799. It is the first
war memorial in the United States and is seriously deteriorating. We need to get someone in to
analyze the situation. Federal grant monies are available for restoration. We will need to find
$1,000 to $1,500 to start the process immediately. Mr. White indicated there are funds in one of
the Selectmen's gift accounts. Board members agreed that the matter should be addressed
immediately.
Executive Session
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by roll call vote: Mrs. McKenna, Mrs.
Krieger and Mrs. Abbott to go into executive session for the purpose of discussion of land
acquisition with no intent to resume open session.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 11:30 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Phyllis A. Smith
Executive Clerk