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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-12-BOS-minSelectmen's Meeting Minutes December 4, 2000 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, December 4, 2000 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room 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. Auctioneer's License Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application and issue an auctioneer's license to Custom Liquidators of America, Inc. d /b /a Newton Oriental Rugs for an oriental rug auction at Heritage Hall on Saturday, January 6, 2001 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. License Renewals Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the renewal applications and issue the following licenses: Class I Lexington Toyota Sales Class III Amas Enterprises John P. Carroll Company, Inc. Common Carrier Boston Tours, Inc. — 2 licenses Lexpress Shuttle Service — 4 licenses Common Victualler Bertucci's Dabin Restaurant Fife and Drum Restaurant /Grill Lexington Golf Club Mario's Italian Restaurant New Asia II Pine Meadows Golf Club The Hartwell House Vinny Testa's Yangtze River Restaurant Entertainment The Hartwell House Selectmen's Meeting — December 4, 2000 Innkeeper Battle Green Inn Resignations /Appointments/Reappointments Fair Housing and Human Relations Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept with regret the resignation of Mary Haskell from the Fair Housing and Human Relations Committee. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Chang -Sheng Ting to the Fair Housing and Human Relations Committee for a term to expire September 30, 2001. Solid Waste Action Team Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Richard Strauss to the Solid Waste Action Team. Historic Districts Commission Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the nomination of the Lexington Historical Society and reappoint Joann Gschwendtner to the Historic Districts Commission for a term to expire December 31, 2005. Council on Aging Appointment Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Town Manager's appointment of Ron Colwell to the Council on Aging. Minuteman School District — Chapter 70 Additional Aid Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Minuteman School District to expend an additional $10,000 in Chapter 70 aid to be received in FY2001. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of October 30, 2000 as corrected. Tax Classification Hearing The Board of Assessors Chair Bill Jackson and members Bob Foster and Sara Robinson were present to review the property tax classification options available under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 56, in order for the Board of Selectmen to select a residential factor, after which a tax rate for residential, commercial and industrial properties will be set. Selectmen's Meeting — December 4, 2000 Board members discussed whether to set the CIP factor at 1.60 or 1.65 and the consensus was that setting it at 1.60 would allow for more flexibility next year. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to set the CIP factor at 1.60. Buffets Library Library Director Carol Mahoney reviewed the Library FY2002 requests for: General Services - $668,334; Adult Library - $691,553; Children's Library - $303,117; Branch Library - $88,263. Fire Acting Fire Chief Peter Torode reviewed the Fire Department FY2002 requests for: Fire Administration - $209,197; Fire Prevention - $91,446; Fire Suppression - $3,086,165; Emergency Medical Services - $516,151. Community Development Building Commissioner Steve Frederickson reviewed the Community Development FY2002 requests for: Building Inspection - $360,723; Board of Appeals - $31,135; Conservation - $83,551; Historic Districts Commission - $9,672; Public Health - $142,482; Animal Control/Rabies Clinic - $37,033. Selectmen/Legal Selectmen's Executive Clerk Phyllis Smith reviewed the Selectmen's FY2002 requests for: Board of Selectmen Administration - $138,016; Legal - $250,000. Town Manager Assistant Town Manager Linda Crew Vine reviewed the Town Manager's FY2002 requests for: Unemployment Benefits - $39,558; Police & Fire Medical - $53,965; Municipal Salary Adjustment - $512,667; Municipal Services and Expenses - $171,212; Town Report - $8,000; Organizational Direction and Administration - $305,476; Human Resources - $52,899; Miscellaneous Boards and Committees - $8,755; Public Celebrations committee - $18,000. Selectmen Liaison Reports Mr. Enrich reported on Hanscom related matters concerning the defeat for the communities on the Federal appeal of the FAA action, and the FAA lottery to reduce the number of slots at LaGuardia. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:00 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk Selectmen's Meeting Minutes December 11, 2000 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, December 11, 2000 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room 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 Mr. Steve Tripi inquired as to whether it would be okay if he parked a truck in front of the Battle Green to display the creche. Mrs. Krieger replied that many regulations would have to be looked at to ascertain whether a truck would be allowed in front of the Battle Green. Mrs. McKenna also mentioned the overnight parking ban that is in effect. Mr. Enrich indicated there are several other sites available for the creche. Mrs. Eddison announced that she would not be running for reelection in March. Mrs. Krieger thanked Mrs. Eddison for all her contributions to the Board and the Town and her extraordinary efforts as liaison to 14 committees. Mrs. Abbott also praised Mrs. Eddison for all she has done over the years. Mrs. Abbott asked Mrs. Krieger if she planned to run for reelection and Mrs. Krieger said she will be running for reelection. Consent Agenda Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following commitments and adjustments: Commitment of water charges for 10/12/2000 (cycle 09) $162,008.00 Commitment of water charges for 10/1/2000 to 10/31/2000 $2,389.59 Commitment of sewer charges for 10/1/2000 to 10/31/2000 $2,906.16 Adjustments of water charges for 10/01/2000 to 10/31/2000 - $735.52 Adjustments of sewer charges for 10/1/2000 to 10/31/2000 - $953.11 License Renewals Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following license renewals for 2001: Class II David Riccardi, 35 Bartlett Avenue Dr. Paul E. Bombara, 2 Northgate Circle Selectmen's Meeting — December 11, 2000 Coin Operated Amusement Machine Josiah Willard Hayden Centre (4 licenses) Common Victualler Dunkin Donuts, 317 Woburn Street Lexington House of Pizza, 399 Lowell Street Peking Gardens, 27 -31 Waltham Street U.S. Census Bureau Certificate of Reco ni tion Mrs. Krieger asked the Town Manager to convey the thanks of the Board to Town Clerk Donna Hooper for her valuable contributions to the success of Census 2000 in Lexington. Preservation of Obelisk on Battle Green Larry Whipple indicated he was very worried about the fencing around the Old Burying Ground. The first burial was in 1690. The fence consists of 1280' of wooden rails that need to be replaced. Another need is restoration and preservation of some 308 slate markers. He feels now is the time to resurrect a restoration program that was ongoing for some years and involved the schools and Historical Society. Preservations from Concord that were used before are still available. Mr. Enrich suggested that staff work with the Historical Society and the Historic Districts Commission to determine the scope of the project and come back to the Board with a report around the beginning of February if it is to be incorporated into the cash capital budget. Mr. White felt there are enough funding sources outside of the budget to cover the entire project, which will also include repair to the obelisk on the Battle Green. Mr. White suggested applying $1,400 from the Selectmen's Battle Green gift account to determine the scope of work necessary to repair the obelisk. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to apply $1,400 from the Selectmen's Battle Green gift account to determine the work necessary to repair the obelisk on the Battle Green. Community Preservation Act Planning Board Chairman Steve Colman reviewed the Planning Board's recommendation to appoint a Community Preservation Act Task Force. They recommend appointing a committee to come back to the Boards with recommendations on local adoption of the Community Preservation Act. Selectmen's Meeting — December 11, 2000 Mr. Enrich felt the recommendation of the Planning Board to be a very sensible one. Mr. Enrich reviewed efforts of communities including Lexington in the mid 1980's for a land bank legislation. The basic theory was to use new revenue sources to fund land acquisition for the same purposes that the Community Preservation Act proposes. It did not include a new revenue stream. The result is a bill that is a profound disappointment. It will carry a heavy price and will compete with all of the other financial needs of the Town. It is best not to act and wait until the legislation is changed. We received the report of the Selectmen's Blue Ribbon Committee that addresses very significant challenges to pay for pressing capital needs. It recommends average tax increases of 5% a year over the next decade. That is a very significant increase and adding an additional 3% is not an insignificant hurdle. It is very important that the Committee be set up not just by the Planning Board and Board of Selectmen but should include the School Committee. There was some discussion of the makeup of the Task Force. Mrs. Krieger explained the request is to establish a committee to investigate opportunities and limitations of the Community Preservation Act. It should be sponsored by the Board of Selectmen, Planning Board and School Committee. Mrs. Krieger further indicated a willingness to work with School Committee Chair Robin DiGiammarino and the Planning Board on the specifics of the charge and membership to the committee. Buffets Recreation Recreation Director Karen Simmons presented the Recreation Department FY 2002 Budget Requests: Recreation Activities - $746,171 and Pine Meadows Golf Course - $470,650. MIS MIS Director Connie Rawson reviewed the MIS FY 2002 Budget Requests: MIS Administration - $311,446 and Webpage Development - $43,700. Social Services Social Services Director Heather Sweeney presented the Social Services FY2002 budget requests: COA Administration & Outreach - $175,364; COA Nutrition - $7,324; COA Community Programs - $33,336; COA Support Services - $87,641; Adult Day Care - $46,055; Veterans Administration and Benefits - $56,186; Services for Youth - $76,309; and Developmentally Disabled - $14,839. Selectmen's Meeting — December 11, 2000 DPW DPW Director Bill Hadley presented the DPW Budget requests: DPW Administration - $411,216; Engineering - $339,574; Street Lighting - $342,500; Parking Operations - $66,874; Highway Maintenance - $966,185; Road Machinery - $510,262; Snow Removal - $297,045; Park Division - $809,151; Tree Maintenance - $231,021; Cemetery Division - $276,869; Refuse Collection - $737,000; Recycling - $539,685; Refuse Disposal - $1,595,440; Building Maintenance - $762,682; Lexpress - $289,553; Chair Car - $16,664; Water Debt - $112,136; Water Operation and Maintenance - $4,954,855; Sewer Debt - $1,577,824; Sewer Operation and Maintenance - $6,274,018. Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by roll call vote: Mrs. McKenna, Mrs. Eddison, Mrs. Krieger, Mr. Enrich and Mrs. Abbott to go into executive session for the purpose of discussion of land acquisition and litigation matters with no intent to resume open session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:45 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk Selectmen's Meeting Minutes December 18, 2000 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, December 18, 2000 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room 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 Town Meeting Member Perry Pollins asked the Board to reconsider their actions and allow the placement of the creche on the Battle Green. Mr. Enrich reminded Mr. Pollins that the issue has been discussed many times. Mr. Enrich also reiterated the Selectmen's reasons for banning the placement of unattended structures by private parties on the Battle Green. Mrs. McKenna reminded the audience that she did not vote with the majority on the issue. Mrs. McKenna expressed concern over the divisiveness of the community over the issue and hopes the Board can find a way to bring people together, stop the attacks and respect everyone's needs in the community. Catholic Priest Jim Bertelli, 4 Payson Street, a resident since 1949 asked the Board to reconsider the ban. He said he is a troubled and concerned Lexingtonian and am proud of our traditions, one of those being the placement of the creche on the Battle Green. It has been placed there for fifty -one years. The Town has changed; we have a rich diversity of ethnic, religious groups. We have a level of toleration. We respect their right to express their belief. I only came here after much thought. You are elected by your peers in Lexington to promote the common good. You have a serious responsibility to promote justice, peace and harmony within the community. It is sadly divided. I feel this is getting beyond the Town in the Minuteman, religious newspapers and on TV. I ask you to reconsider your vote in this the 2000 anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a jubilee year. Lexington resident Jeffrey Wade also felt it was disconcerting that this is the year when it should be taken off My other thought is that the other requests are harassing. This isn't the way in justifying it. Could you reconsider. You may not know this is a very holy year. Use of Battle Green Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request from Lorraine Fournier for a live Nativity and Service by Reverend Thomas DiLorenzo on the Battle Green on December 23, 2000 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with an estimated attendance of between 50 and 500. Extension of Hours of Businesses to Serve Alcohol on New Year's Day Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve requests for extension of hours of business for alcoholic beverage licensees New Year's Day until 1:00 a.m. subject to the Town Manager's granting such permission if he and the Police Chief agree it is appropriate. Selectmen's Meeting — December 18, 2000 Pay as You Throw Committee Presentation Pay As You Throw Committee Member David Kanter presented the report of the committee recommending implementation of a Pay as You Throw Program on July 1, 2001. Mr. Enrich said he was staggered by the volume, detail and care of the material that has been pulled together. The Board is very indebted to you for your efforts. When we decided to establish the committee we wanted to move beyond the SWAT and bring in a wider range of views including people who were skeptical. My recollection was that as we made up the Committee three members were skeptics; and now I gather that the Committee is unanimous. How did that happen? Mr. Kanter said it came about as a result of reviewing the volumes of material from other towns that have gone to pay as you throw. PAYT Committee member Paul Chernick and member of the Meriam Hill Board said he started out as a skeptic about how people would react. However the program will reduce the waste stream, encourage recycling and will be fairer to those who have been responsible about reducing the waste stream. Bud Frawley said he also came on the committee a skeptic; however, he too changed his mind after reviewing the material. Ninety -five towns have totally adopted the pay as you throw program. Mr. Enrich asked that the committee consider 26 free tags versus 10. Mrs. McKenna said she too was awed by the amount of research and work that was put into the report. I have not come out of the skeptics ranks. I would feel more comfortable with weekly recycling. There was much discussion about the amount of reduction in the waste stream, increased recycling and the number of free tags. The committee was asked to come back after the New Year after looking at the numbers and come back with recommended budget numbers. License Renewals Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to issue the following license renewals for 2001: Class TT A to Z Auto Wholesale Lexington Auto Sales Coin Operated Amusement Device Lexington Elks (2 licenses) Selectmen's Meeting — December 18, 2000 Common Victualler Aesops Bagels, Inc. Athenian Restaurant Dagwood's Deli Dunkin Donuts Friendly's Gingerbread Construction Co. Lemon Grass Restaurant Lexington Elks Nick's Place Carolinas Peet's Coffee & Tea, Inc. Sheraton Lexington Inn Starbucks Coffee The Lexington Club Entertainment Sheraton Lexington Inn Innkeeper Sheraton Lexington Inn Lodging House Wild Acre Inn Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of November 6, 2000. Buffets Mr. White explained the health insurance issues for FY 2002 as well as FY2000 and FY2001. The FY2002 request is preliminarily estimated at $9,715,000, a $2,907,944 increase over FY2001 appropriated. Health insurance costs in Lexington have increased substantially since 1999 due to changes in plan administrators (one time run -out costs incurred in 2000), increased enrollments, claims, escalating administrative and reinsurance costs compounded by medical cost inflation. Board members discussed their concerns over the magnitude of the problem, and the status of the Trust Fund. Mr. Hamburger said he felt compelled that he ask no questions. Selectmen's Meeting — December 18, 2000 Blue Ribbon Capital Finance Advisory Committee Recommendations Board Members discussed the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Capital Finance Advisory Committee and felt it is a good framework for the Board to work with and use as guidelines for capital spending. The growth rate will depend on both capital and operating spending. Mrs. Abbott expressed concern about the probability of significant reductions in State Aid and Federal Aid. Appropriation Committee Chair Paul Hamburger expressed concern that while this policy sounds great, once you adopt it as a policy, it sets some expectations. The policy needs more work to be clear about a number of mid -level details. We are not ready to endorse this policy. There needs to be some clarification of some of the specific issues. Mr. Enrich felt both the points of the Appropriation Committee and Capital Expenditures Committee are very important. The reports are something the Board can react to. We are not adopting the recommendation of the Blue Ribbon Committee as a policy. Capital Expenditures Committee Chair Tom Griffiths discussed the critique of the Committee and said the single feeling of the report is that it doesn't segregate big ticket capital and the Committee feels that capital appropriations will be shortchanged. Capital Budget Review Capital Budget Team members Candy McLaughlin, Dave Carbonneau, Peter Chalpin, Brian Gilbert and Bill Hadley reviewed the capital budget requests for FY 2002. Candy McLaughlin commented on the overall cash capital policy. Dave Carbonneau presented the DPW Facilities Study, Landfill Closure, Street Maintenance and Construction and Sewer System Inflow /Infiltration Program. Peter Chalpin presented the Building Envelope Program, Storm Drainage Replacement on Lake Street, and Water Main Cleaning and Lining. Acting Fire Chief Peter Torode, Recreation Director Karen Simmons and Finance Director John Ryan presented their cash capital requests for FY2002. 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