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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