HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-12-BOS-min
Selectmen’s Meeting
December 3, 2012
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, December 3, 2012, at 7:00
p.m. in the Selectmen Meeting Room of the Town Office Building. Chairman Mauger, Mr.
Kelley, Mr. Cohen; Mr. Manz; and Mr. Burnell; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; and Ms. Pease,
Executive Clerk, were present.
Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports
The Holiday Lighting event held over the weekend was very successful and well attended.
Mr. Manz reminded the residents that the holiday lighting is not funded by taxpayer dollars and
contributions can be made to the Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Cohen commented on the wonderful Lexington Symphony concert held over the weekend.
Town Manager Report
Mr. Valente recognized the Police Department for completing the Massachusetts Police
Accreditation Commission certification process. Lexington met 149 mandatory certification
standards as part of the process. Lexington will be certified in January 2013 and in May 2013
will be invited to attend the Commission’s award ceremony.
Proposed HOME Project and Update on Housing Production Plan
Housing Production Plan
Mr. Henry, Assistant Planning Director, provided an update on the Housing Production Plan
(HPP). HPP is grant funded and the Town worked with the Metropolitan Planning Advisory
Committee (MAPC) and the Metro West Collaborative. The HHP had a forum on various
st
housing entitles in June at the Cary Library and MAPC held their 1 kickoff in November. HHP
was created by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in response
to citizens who wanted to be proactive and regularly produce affordable units while living under
the threat of 40B projects if below the state’s 10 percent threshold. HHP was adopted by the
Selectmen and the Planning Board and there is a 5 year planning horizon (FY14 to FY2019).
The HHP must include comprehensive needs analysis and affordable housing goals. Lexington
needs between 2 and 3 units per year to maintain the current position. Every 10 years DHCD
recalculates so want to make sure units are monitored and in 2020 the Town is in a favorable
position. In 2019 the Town will know where it stands with affordable housing units and whether
we would be safe until 2030. When discuss growth, need to keep in mind that LexHAB units
come on line every year.
Mass. General Law 40B mandates that 10 % of housing be affordable. If the mandate is not met
the Board of Appeals would be compelled to authorize projects provided they include the
minimum amount of affordable housing (usually 25%).
Selectmen’s Meeting - December 3, 2012
The goal for completion of the HPP is June-July 2013.
Mr. Sandy, North Emerson Road, asked about the affordable units that are owned where can stay
for life even if their income and assets go up.
Mr. Henry answered that for the Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) units that are owned that is
the case but when they sell the new owner has to meet the guidelines. There are only 12
ownership arrangements in Lexington of the 1000 affordable units.
HOME Project
Ms. Rust and Mr. Golin, from the Regional Housing Services Office and Dan Golin, provided an
update of the HOME program.
Lexington is one of 14 communities that is part of the HOME Program Consortium and the
Town signed a Mutual Cooperation Agreement to join in 2006. The Federal government
provides funds and allocates them to the communities annually. HOME Funds were used for the
Douglas House project in 2009 and the Town has been accumulating funds since then.
Mr. Golin and Mr. Keane, Lexington Housing Authority Executive Director, reviewed a
potential HOME project. HOME funds can be used to help maintain and renovate existing
rentals in public housing. The property that the Housing Authority owns at 561-563
Massachusetts Avenue was the best candidate for the use of HOME funds. The property is a
Duplex; one side is leased to the Cooperative for Human Services and is used by handicap
tenants and the other side is leased to two handicap boys who grew up in Lexington. The project
will include a new roof, replacement of the furnace and air condition systems, replacing the two
existing kitchens and upgrading the bathrooms. It also includes replacement of one of the
handicap ramps, pruning bushes and trees and landscaping. The project will use three years
worth of HOME funds (approximately $170,000).
HOME Consortium Program Changes
Ms. Rust explained that since funds are difficult to commit and also take a number of years to
use, the HOME Consortium is proposing changes to how the program is administered. The
reason for the changes is because funds have decreased, towns have been stockpiling a number
of years before using and the Mutual Cooperation Agreement (MCA) is due for renewal next
year. Ms. Rust is looking for the Selectmen’s comments to bring to the Consortium so the
Agreement can be finalized before it takes effect in July.
Major funding changes include giving one year for funds to be used before they are swept into a
pool of funds that communities can apply for. The funds will still expire after two years if not
used. Proposals would be reviewed by a 5-member Project Review Committee. Each
community in the Consortium would have a vote on how funds are awarded. Lexington and
Lincoln are important to the Consortium because they are connectors for Bedford, Sudbury,
Wayland, Natick and Framingham. The Regional Housing Services Office (RHSO) would
Selectmen’s Meeting – December 3, 2012
continue to assist with administrative responsibilities for Lexington to lessen the burden.
Lincoln has already decided not to renew with the Consortium.
Mr. Kanter, Capital Expenditures Committee, suggested that the Selectmen ask to see what the
possible range of projects in Lexington could be for the HOME funds before making a decision.
The Board would like to get advice from the Housing Partnership Board, Lexington Housing
Assistance Board and the Housing Authority before making a final decision on continuing with
the HOME Consortium.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to authorize staff to proceed with
scheduling a public hearing on the potential HOME project.
Vote FY2013 Tax Rate
Mr. Addelson, Comptroller, explained the purpose of this meeting was for the Board to set the
tax rate by: establishing a residential factor, determining whether to adopt the Open Space
Discount, determining whether to adopt the Residential Exemption and, if so, the percentage and
determine whether to adopt the Small Commercial Exemption.
Changes to the Tax Classification Packet since the November 26, 2012 meeting include:
1)A revised Maximum Allowable Levy Limit in Exhibit D that is increased by $86,892
which reflects a correction in the amount of levy to be raised outside the limits of
Proposition 2 ½ (approximately $64,000) and a correction of FY2012 new growth – with
its attendant impact on the FY13 levy limit (approximately $22,000) – based on the
Department of Revenue’s (DOR) review of data submitted by the Assessing Department;
2)A revision of Exhibit D to include a presentation of data for Lab Office and slight
modifications in FY2012 and FY2013 values for Large Office (FY13 value), Medium
Office (FY2012 and FY2013 values) and Downtown Retail (FY13 value); and
3)A revision of Exhibit D-1 with an added column that shows the change in assessed values
for a combined presentation of commercial and industrial values.
Information was also provided on the tax impact on selected residential and commercial
properties as requested by Mr. Burnell and a memorandum on FY2013 Unallocated Revenue and
its relationship to the July 1, 2013 certification of free cash and free cash support of operating
and capital budgets.
Residential Factor
Mr. Kelley asked the Board to consider moving the residential factor from 1.70 to 1.67 to show
support to the business community and because a considerable amount of tax burden is debt
exclusion for school renovations.
Selectmen’s Meeting - December 3, 2012
Mr. Kelley’s motion to set the Residential Factor at 1.67 was not seconded.
Ms. Mauger is not in favor of reducing the Residential Factor because of the increased impact on
residents and because of the recent Town Meeting approvals for TIFs and attempts to fix the
Hayden and Hartwell areas.
Mr. Kelley made another motion to set the Residential Factor at 1.69 and there was no second.
Mr. Burnell discussed the tax impact on selected properties. On his own property taxes would go
up 1.8 percent when new growth is included in the numbers. It also shows that the commercial
tax increase will be less than that. He feels there is no reason this year to increase the residential
burden when the commercial burden is rising at a lower rate than residential.
Mr. Sandy, 353 North Emerson Road, Town Meeting Member from Precinct 6 does not agree
when people claim Lexington is unfriendly to businesses. He provided the current tax rates for
Burlington and Waltham where the commercial tax rate is much higher than the residential. He
supports increasing the factor to 1.75.
Ms. Bloom, 17 Loring Road, stated that many residents do not add a burden to the school
system. She suggests raising the CIP factor by .01 each year until the Town gets to the
maximum 1.75.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-1 (Kelley opposed) to establish the
residential factor at 1.70 for Fiscal Year 2013.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to not adopt the Open Space Discount
for Fiscal Year 2013.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to not adopt the Residential Exemption
for Fiscal Year 2013.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 not to adopt the Small Commercial
Exemption for Fiscal Year 2013.
DiscussTax Rate
Mr. Kelley would like the Board to consider not taxing to the full 2.5% increase allowable and
take into consideration using Unallocated Funds of $1.7 million to reduce the increase to 1.5%.
He made a motion to reduce the increase to 1.5% and there was not a second.
Mr. Burnell had a different perspective. When looking at the revenue side it is important to look
at the expense side. There are funds set aside in a reserve to help mitigate the exempt debt
burden. If the Town set aside the same amount of funds that has been suggested and put them
into a stabilization fund to mitigate exempt debt, taxpayers would pay same amount of money.
Selectmen’s Meeting - December 3, 2012
Mr. Cohen does not support Mr. Kelley’s motion to reduce the tax increase below the allowable
2.5% because of the need for funds to reduce the exempt debt burden. Other reasons for
opposing the motion include the possible reduction of state aid, cuts in state programs and the
unpredictability of special education needs.
Mr. Manz would rather see long-term plans rather than just a one-year tax break.
Ms. Mauger pointed out that the Town has the unfunded pension and OPEB liabilities, the need
to renovate public safety buildings, other capital projects and the Board’s commitment to try not
to have overrides. The impact on tax bills will be significant in FY14 through FY16 when the
Estabrook, Bridge and Bowman projects will be included in the debt service for exempt debt.
Mr. Kanter, Capital Expenditure Committee, stated that the Committee’s position is that it would
not be proper to identify using the capital stabilization fund as an alternative to asking voters for
support through a debt exclusion.
Ms. Bloom suggested it would be helpful if the tax bill provided information on what projects
were being paid for. Mr. Addelson will look into the suggestion.
Mr. Kelley agreed it would be helpful to taxpayers and they would have an appreciation for
operating expenses and debt exclusion projects being payed for now and in the future.
Liquor License Renewals
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve liquor license renewals for
the following establishments, subject to receiving all required information and paperwork:
Club Liquor License Knights of Columbus, 177 Bedford Street
Lexington Elks, 959 Waltham Street
Lexington Golf Club, 55 Hill Street
Lexington VFW, 2 Hayes Lane
Common Victualler Liquor Bertucci’s Brick Oven Ristorante, 1777 Mass. Avenue
Dabin Restaurant, 10 Muzzey Street
Ixtapa Cantina Mexican Restaurant, 177 Mass. Avenue
Khushboo, 1709 Mass. Avenue
Lemon Grass, 1710 Mass. Avenue
Lexx Restaurant, 1666 Mass. Avenue
Nourish eat well live well, 1727 Mass. Avenue
Royal India Bistro, 7 Meriam Street
Ruyi Restaurant, 27 Waltham Street
Tio Juan’s Margaritas Restaurant, 438 Bedford Street
Via Lago, 1845 Mass. Avenue
Selectmen’s Meeting - December 3, 2012
Common Victualler Liquor Vine Brook Tavern, 20 Waltham Street
(concluded) Yangtze River Restaurant, 21-25 Depot Square
Waxy O’Connor’s, 94 Hartwell Avenue
Innholder Liquor License Aloft Lexington, 727 Marrett Road-A
Element Lexington, 727 Marrett Road – B
Package Store Liquor Berman’s Wine & Spirits, 55 Mass. Avenue
Busa Brothers Liquors, Inc., 55 Bedford Streets
Omni’s Crushed Grapes & More, 411 Waltham Street
Vinebrook Bottle Shop, 131 Mass. Avenue
Wine and Malt Liquor Daikanyama Japanese Cuisine, 43 Waltham Street
The following establishments did not submit renewal forms for their liquor license:
Package Store Liquor Lexington Liquor Mart, 46 Bedford Street
Nikki’s Fine Wine & Spirits, 1726 Mass. Avenue
Common Victualler Liquor The Upper Crust, 41 Waltham Street
Reappointments – Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to reappoint Stephen Ades; David
Cannon, representing Engineering/DPW; Manuel Ferro, representing Police; Steve Frymer and
Sudhir Murthy to the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee for terms to expire September 30,
2013.
Approve Leary House Demolition by LexHAB
The Leary House has satisfied the one year delay of the Demolition Delay Bylaw. The structure
was reviewed by two structural engineers who agreed there was nothing of value that could be
saved.
Mr. Sam Doran, 168 East Street, opposes the demolition and feels it is one of 3 important houses
in the Vine Street area. He is concerned the Town is demolishing important pieces of history.
He pointed out that Lexington is high on the list of towns that have demolished many homes and
the number of historic homes that are affected.
Ms. McKenna, 9 Hancock Street, said in the realm of Tourism that Lexington is unique because
it has original historic buildings. She feels it is important to put on the record that Lexington was
first in the state to have historic districts and first to have a demolition delay bylaw to preserve
history and it is painful to see the Town tearing down buildings that could be preserved, even if
they require extra effort to preserve. Many buildings have been preserved which were in bad
shape. She hopes the Board will reconsider demolishing the Leary House.
Mr. Manz agrees that the Leary House is not worth saving. Mr. Cohen reminded the Board that
the purchase of the Leary land was for Conservation and Affordable Housing.
Selectmen’s Meeting - December 3, 2012
Upon motion duly made it was voted 5-0 to approve demolishing the Leary House located at 116
Vine Street and to ask the Lexington Housing Assistance Board to proceed.
Consent Agenda
Ratify Poll Vote – Sign Proclamation for Eagle Cole Oshiro-Leavitt
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to send a letter of commendation to Cole
Oshiro-Leavitt congratulating him on attaining the highest rank of Eagle in Boy Scouting.
Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the minutes of October 31,
2012, November 5, 2012, November 8, 2012, November 13, 2012 and November 15, 2012.
Executive Session Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the executive session minutes
of October 31, November 5, 2012, November 8, 2012 and November 13, 2012.
Executive Session
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted by poll vote 5-0 to go into executive session
to discuss a possible real estate purchase at 33 Marrett Road and to reconvene in open session
only to adjourn. Further, the Chairman declared that an open meeting may have a detrimental
effect on the negotiating position of the Town.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:05 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk
Selectmen’s Meeting
December 4, 2012
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. in the
Selectmen Meeting Room, Town Office Building. Chairman Mauger, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Cohen,
Mr. Manz and Mr. Burnell; Mr. Valente, Town Manager and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk, were
present.
FY 2014 Budget Presentations
Recreation
Ms. Simmons, Recreation Director, Ms. Butts, Assistant Director and Mr. Coleman, Recreation
Supervisor, presented the Recreation FY2014 Budget Requests. Level Service Requests:
Recreation $1,220,203; Pine Meadows $536,235; and Indirect Costs $228,600. Total Level
Service Budget $1,985,038.
Department Goals:
1.Implementation of the Recreation Strategic Plan
2.Manage Active Recreation Construction Projects: projects approved by FY2014 funding;
Phase I and II of the Marrett Road Stormwater Mitigation Project; Installation of an
irrigation system at Garfield Park and completion of irrigation system at Diamond and
Clarke; and Phase III of the Center Playfields Drainage Project.
3.Assist with the evaluation and usage for 33 Marrett Road.
4.Work with the Finance Department, Town Manager’s Office and Board of Selectmen to
review and update the Recreation Enterprise Fund policy.
5.Assist in Updating the Open Space and Recreation Plan.
6.Develop and Facilitate Customer Service training to all seasonal staff.
Capital Projects: Park Improvements, Synthetic Turf Replacement - $565,000; Park and
Playground Improvements - $147,500; Park Improvements - Athletic Fields - $65,000; and; Pine
Meadows Improvements - $75,000.
Recreation is in need of dedicated space for programs both indoor and outdoor. They hope to
use Community Preservation Act money in the future.
The Selectmen hope that a software program for scheduling recreation programs and reserving
fields will be acquired soon.
Town Clerk
Ms. Hooper presented the Town Clerk FY2014 Budget Requests. Level Service Requests:
Town Clerk Administration $277,484; Board of Registrars $16,825; Elections $59,350; and
Records Management $44,039. Total Level Service Budget $397,698.
Budget Presentations – December 4, 2012
Department Goals include:
1.Continued development of coordinated Archives & Records Management Program,
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requesting for the 6 year CPA support for historic records conservation and preservation
and records indexing
2.Enhancement and further implementation of Laserfiche Document Imaging System for
records retention, electronic access and Archives/Records portal
3.Elections Administration – ongoing review of own/state/federal elections with statutory
requirements to provide legal and accessible elections to Lexington voters while
identifying potential building issues.
Capital Projects: Archives & Records Management/Records Conservation and Preservation -
$20,000.
Ms. Hooper will start the process of making a formal request to the schools about scheduling a
professional day when there is an election.
Town Manager
Ms. Stevens, Management Intern, and Ms. Casey Human Resources Director, presented the
Town Manager’s Office FY2014 Budget Requests. Level Service Requests: Organizational
Direction and Administration $583,499 and Human Resources $237,124. Total Level Service
Budget $820,623.
Department Goals include:
1.Develop a process to review and prioritize the operational recommendations made in the
Fire Department Organizational and Staffing Study by Municipal Resources, Inc.
Recommend a strategy for future phasing and implementation of prioritized list. Board
of Selectmen will review recommendations that have policy implications.
2.Manage the electronic permitting project to ensure completion of deliverables and total
project on schedule and within budget.
3.Respond to the Town’s changing demographics and the associated service delivery needs
by recruiting a diverse staff and providing customer service training for working in a
diverse environment.
4.Work with Public Facilities to develop a Town-Wide Master Plan that reviews present
and future public facility needs for meeting program requirements and delivering
services. The final report will describe a 10-year plan of priorities, including anticipated
funding sources.
5.Finalize the community farm lease, including evaluating the proposals and awarding a
lease for the Busa Farm property.
Police
Chief Corr and Lt. Mazerall presented the FY2014 Police Budget. Level services requests:
Police Administration $1,178,150; Patrol & Enforcement $3,184,165; Traffic Bureau $278,379;
Investigations $640,712; Dispatch $584,192; Animal Control $33,270; and Crossing Guards
$141,601. Total Level Services Budget: $6,040,469.
Budget Presentations – December 4, 2012
Department Goals:
1.Using a new assessment center program, promote 2 Sergeants in the Spring of 2013.
2.Hire for 2 police officer vacancies seeking diversity with recruits with Asian language
skills.
3.Advance the Department’s Accreditation Certification to full Accreditation.
4.Assist the Ad Hoc Townwide Facilities Master Planning Committee and identify options
for improving the Hartwell Avenue outdoor gun range.
5.Identify a Police/Fire/Emergency Dispatching software suitable for Town needs from
2015-2030.
6.Develop and implement training for officers and residents on Sex Offenders/Offenses and
Cultural Diversity.
Program Improvement Requests: Add Administrative Sergeant $72,513; Add One Patrol Officer
$79,023; Spectracom NetClock $8,197; Fingerprint Scanner $21,800; 12-Month Crossing Guard
Coverage $11,789; Frangible (lead free) Ammunition $12,000; and Computer Forensic &
Information Specialist $80,416. Total Program Improvement Requests: $285,739.
Fire
Chief Wilson presented the Fire Department FY2014 Budget Requests. Level Service Requests:
Fire Administration $400,097; Fire Prevention $199,059; Fire Suppression $5,084,952;
Emergency Medical Services $141,600; Emergency Management $4,540; Total Level Service
Budget: $5,830,247.
Program Improvement Requests: Support Lieutenant - $82,023.
Department Goals:
1.With input and approval from Town officials begin to implement chosen
recommendations from the Fire Department Consultant Study.
2.Evaluate staff functions and assign tasks as appropriate with hiring of new administrative
personnel.
3.Implement Comprehensive Department Training Program.
4.Remove overhead Fire Alarm cables, ¾ complete.
Capital: Replacement Fire Pumper - $485,000.
Documents Presented
1.Recreation Department Requested Budget for FY2014.
2.Town Clerk Requested Budget for FY2014.
3.Town Manager’s Office Requested Budget for FY2014
4.Police Department Requested Budget for FY2014.
5.Fire Department Requested Budget for FY2014.
Budget Presentations – December 4, 2012
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:10 a.m.
A true record; Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk
Selectmen’s Meeting
December 6, 2012
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. in
the Selectmen Meeting Room, Town Office Building. Chairman Mauger, Mr. Kelley, Mr.
Cohen, Mr. Manz and Mr. Burnell; Mr. Valente, Town Manager and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk,
were present.
FY2014 Budget Presentations
Finance
Mr. Addelson, Comptroller, presented the Finance FY2014 Budget Requests. Level Service
Requests: Comptroller $617,138; Treasurer/Collector $388,249; Assessor $533,934; and Utility
Billing $70,122. Total Level Service Budget $1,609,443.
Program Improvement Requests: Additional Part-time Position - $16,000; Full Time Residential
Analyst/Inspector $69,473; Professional Services for Appellate Tax Board $50,000. Total
Program Improvement Requests: $175,473.
Department Goals include:
1.Assessing
a.develop a 6-year cyclical annual inspection program for interior and exterior inspections;
b.develop a protocol for regular data entry of permits and deeds into Vision to mitigate
backlogs;
c.embark on cross-training program among Assessing Department employees to promote
staff capacity at all times;
d.activate GIS functionality in Vision software and train staff in its use.
2.Comptroller
a.implement electronic purchase order system; and
b.implement general billing for miscellaneous receivables.
3.Treasurer/Collector
a.Continue progress in putting delinquent taxes into tax title to insure ultimate collection of
past due amounts; and
b.move unpaid water and sewer bills onto tax bills preparatory to moving delinquent taxes
(inclusive of unpaid utility charges) to tax title, thus insuring ultimate collection of past
due utility bills.
MIS
Ms. Goodman, MIS Director, presented the Management Information Systems FY2014 Budget
Requests. Level Service Requests: MIS Administration $913,310 and Web Development
$24,695. Total Level Service Budget $938,005.
Department Goals:
1.maintain stable and secure local area networks;
2.provide on-going training and support to employees;
Budget Presentations – December 6, 2012
3.introduce VoIP to more buildings;
4.create self service improvements for Town employees and residents (including on-line
permitting, improved on-line document management and resources);
5.develop GIS based improvements (including meeting new state GIS standards and
delivery GIS on-line with improved function and information);
6.improve staff mobility and efficiency via new technology;
7.reduce technology energy burden via ‘green’ initiatives;
8.improve network and services resiliency through installation of redundant network
pathways and failover servers; and
9.introduce new ways to engage citizens via social media and mobile apps.
Program Improvement Requests: LexEngage Hosting - $3,500; Redundant Bandwidth - $4,800.
Total Program Improvement Requests: $8,300.
Capital: Head End Equipment Replacement – Phase IV $60,000; MIS Technology
Improvements $160,000; Network Redundancy and Improvement Plan $36,000; Replace Town
Wide Phone Systems – Phase II $146,000; and Town-Wide Electronic Document Management
System – Phase III $60,000. Total Capital for FY2014: $1,892,000.
Planning
Ms. McCall-Taylor, Planning Director and Mr. Henry, Assistant Planning Director, presented the
Planning Department FY2014 Budget Requests. Level Services Requests: Planning $299,502.
Program Improvement Request: Consultant Services - $25,000.
Department Goals include:
1.Update the Development Regulations;
2.Draft the zoning bylaw changes that were identified as highly desirable during the
recodification of the Zoning Bylaw;
3.Continue implementation of the transportation management plan for the Hartwell
Avenue Area; and
4.Long-term planning, including reviewing the Comprehensive Plan.
Economic Development
Ms. Tintocalis, Economic Development Director, presented the Economic Development FY
2014 Budget Requests. Level Services Requests: Economic Development Office $85,199;
Liberty Ride $289,572; and Battle Green Guides $38,050. Total Level Service Budget $412,820.
Department Goals include:
1.“Reboot” the Center Parking Initiative designed to improve the parking conditions with
the goal being to cultivate positive perceptions of parking in the Center by businesses and
visitors;
2.Lead efforts to support new investment along Hartwell Avenue; and
Budget Presentations – December 6, 2012
3.Continue to serve as a resource and offer technical assistance as an ombudsman for all
businesses and entrepreneurs through the permitting process.
Program Improvement Request: Retail Best Practices Workshop - $1,500.
Public Works
Mr. Hadley presented the Department of Public Works FY2014 Budget Requests: Level Service
Requests: DPW Administration $535,298; Town Engineering $651,328; Street Lighting
$277,781; Highway $1,172,264; Road Machinery $738,369; Snow Removal $1,091,534; Parks
Division $921,443; Forestry $307,406; Cemetery $318,524; Refuse Collection $769,376;
Recycling $1,470,757; and Refuse Disposal $655,200. Total Level Service Budget: $8,909,279.
Program Improvement Requests: Forestry - W-4 Arborist/Tree Climber $53,068; Parks -
Synthetic Turf Sweeper $17,200; Parks - Museum Property Grounds Maintenance $40,000;
Total Program Improvement Requests: $110,268.
Department Goals include:
1.Finalize the American Public Works Association Accreditation process;
2.Support implementation of GIS;
3.Explore long-term alternative disposal options for refuse disposal and collection;
4.Work with the Energy Committee to improve energy efficiency and savings; and
5.Continue the regular tree planting program.
Capital: Hastings Park Gazebo Repairs $30,000; Sanitary Sewer System Investigation and
Improvements $1,200,000; Street Improvements $2,814,238; Water Distribution System
Improvements $900,000; Town-Wide Culvert Replacement $390,000; Estabrook School off-site
Street and Access Improvements $340,000; Storm Drainage Improvements and NPDES
compliance $340,000; Equipment Replacement $640,000; Hastings Park irrigation $73,000;
hydrant replacement program $100,000; comprehensive watershed storm water management
Study and Implementation $390,000; Mass. Avenue – Three Intersections improvements
$500,000; pump station upgrades $100,000; Hartwell Avenue Infrastructure Improvements
$690,000; sidewalk improvement $600,000; Concord Avenue sidewalks $3,000,000;. Total
Capital $13,392,238.
The Selectmen asked about transportation funding moving forward. The Town will weigh in
when the Governor rolls out his plan for long-term transportation.
Water Enterprise
Mr. Hadley presented the FY2014 Water Enterprise Budget Requests: Water Operations
$2,064,450; MWRA $5,668,868; Indirects $665,848. Total Water Enterprise Budget
$8,398,984.
Budget Presentations – December 6, 2012
Department Goals include: continue with the Hydrant Maintenance Program; continue seeking
out the last 2 percent of meters that have not been changed out; implement a backflow/cross
connection program; reduce the amount of Pit Meters in Town and change out the manual reads
on the ones that cannot be eliminated; and update all the “paper tie cards” for GIS
implementation.
Sewer Enterprise
Mr. Hadley presented the FY2014 Sewer Enterprise Budget Requests: Sewer Enterprise
$1,413,828; MWRA $7,735,663; Indirects $623,444. Total Sewer Enterprise Budget
$9,772,905.
Department Goals include: continue to rehab and refurbish all 9 pump stations and bring them
up to OSHA standards; clear and repair all access routes to all sewer easements; prioritize and
repair problem areas; continue pipe flushing program and root removal in all problem areas; and
initiate an educational program for the entire Town as to the costs and problems created by
Inflow and Infiltration.
Documents Presented
1Finance Department Requested Budget for FY2014.
1.Management Information Systems Requested Budget for FY2014.
2.Planning Department Requested Budget for FY2014.
3.Economic Development Department Requested Budget for FY2014.
4.Department of Public Works Requested Budget for FY2014.
5.Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund Budgets for FY2014.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:45 a.m.
A true record; Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk
Selectmen’s Meeting
December 7, 2012
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Friday, December 7, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. in the
Selectmen Meeting Room, Town Office Building. Chairman Mauger, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Cohen,
Mr. Manz and Mr. Burnell; Mr. Valente, Town Manager and Ms. Chabot, Assistant to the
Executive Clerk, were present.
FY2014 Budget Presentations
Library
Ms. Stembridge, Library Director, presented the Library FY2014 Budget Requests. Level
Service Requests: General and Technical Services $384,986; Adult Library $1,316,715; and
Children’s Library $376,126. Total Level Service Budget: $2,077,826.
Departmental Goals include:
1.To provide a variety of rich, historical and current print and electronic resources for the
public.
2.To promote the love of reading in order to encourage a community of lifelong learners.
3.To serve as a physical as well as virtual “commons”: informational, cultural and social.
4.To utilize appropriate technology to maintain, enhance and extend library services both
within the library and beyond.
5.To provide a welcoming environment to all.
Capital Projects: Cary Memorial Library RFID conversion project - $123,435.
Human Services
Ms. Rodgers, Human Services Director, presented the FY2014 Human Services Budget
Requests. Level Services Requests: Administration $196,720; Community Programs $135,649;
Supportive Day Care $15,000; Veterans’ Services $207,574; Family/Human Services $52,171;
Services for Youth $70,884; Senior Services $135,804; Transportation Services $556,901. Total
Level Service Budget $1,370,702.
Program Improvement Requests: Transportation Services Coordinator - FT $10,868.
Departmental Goals:
1.In response to current economic stressors, the Human Services Department will provide
outreach, identify and assist Lexington residents in accessing financial assistance
programs, education and resources.
2.Increase awareness of services available to Veterans and their families by participation in
community events and celebrations, outreach and multi media presentation information.
3.Assist with evaluation and usage planning for 33 Marrett Road property.
4.Collaborate with Department of Public Facilities to manage ongoing projects (pending a
decision for the 33 Marrett Road purchase):
a.Muzzy Life Safety and Improvement Phase 1 and 2
5.Initiate planning for Council on Aging Board Strategic Planning Process
Budget Presentations – December 7, 2012
6.Continued analysis of the effectiveness of the Town’s transportation programs, services
and amenities, with identification of unmet transportation needs and implementation of
pilot programs to address these needs.
At Ms. Mauger’s request, Mr. Valente will have Ms. Rebecchi, Transportation Coordinator,
discuss with the School Department how the Town is transporting students especially in the
afternoon to afterschool programs and get back to the Selectmen.
Office of Community Development
Ms. Mullins, Community Development Director, presented the FY2014 Community
Development budget requests. Level Service Requests: Building and Zoning $547,637;
Regulatory Support $258,805; Conservation $194,868; and Health $257,258. Total Level
Service Budget $1,258,568.
Program Improvement Requests: ViewPermit Mobile Technology Equipment - $21,899; Town
Ranger - $24,603; Seasonal Land Management Interns - $5,400; Old Idylwilde Garden Site
Restoration - $7,500; 5 Year Open Space and Recreation Plan Update - $30,000; ACROSS
Lexington Project - $5,875; Arlington Reservoir Water Chestnut Harvesting $5,000. Total
Program Improvement Requests: $100,277.
Departmental goals include: continue to implement the Laserfiche Document Imaging software,
including converting historical records to digital format and migrating into software. Implement
ViewPermit Software to provide a comprehensive electronic permit management and tracking
system.
Health Goals: continue pandemic flu planning, including continuing to partner with Human
Services and Public Schools to provide vaccination clinics for the aging and school age
population; continue Food Establishment Emergency Operations Planning; provide food and
public health related educational outreach materials to targeted demographics based on needs
identified in the recent Demographic Task Force’s Report; establish an Abandoned Properties
Task Force to coordinate a unified response to address code issues related to identified
abandoned properties; and continue planning and implementing the CHNA Health Communities
Survey.
Conservation Goals: continue to implement the Willard’s Woods Action Plan, including
increased education and enforcement regarding regulations; prepare and implement a plan to
restore the resource area and natural habitat at the old Idylwilde Community Garden site; prepare
and implement a Baseline Documentation and Land Management Plan for Wright farm
Conservation Area; Co-coordinate the Watershed Stewardship Water Quality Sampling Program
with the Engineering Division; complete the Paint Mine and Whipple Hill Conservation Area
trail improvements via awarded DCR Recreational Trails Grants; finalize the Town open space
map and database; and update the Open Space and Recreation Plan in collaboration with
Recreation Department, subject to CPA appropriated funds.
Budget Presentations – December 7, 2012
Capital Projects: CPA Conservation Restriction Enforcement Funds - $25,000; 5-Year Open
Space and Recreation Plan Update - $30,000.
Mr. Manz left the meeting at 9:20 a.m.
Public Facilities
Mr. Goddard, Public Facilities Director, presented the FY2014 Public Facilities Budget. Level
Service Requests: Education Facilities $7,159,426; Municipal Facilities $1,654,702 and Shared
Facilities $997,639. Total Level Service Budget: $9,811,767; which includes $384,641 from the
Public Facilities Revolving Fund and $10,000 from the LexMedia Revolving Fund.
Departmental Goals include: utilize work order and PM program to continuously improve
equipment reliability; identify opportunities to perform more in house repair work with lower
costs and improved service; and support town-wide goals on facility energy efficiency resulting
in a town-wide reduction in facility energy consumption.
Program Improvement Request: Clerical Support - $19,800; Facility Manager – full time -
$32,258.
Capital Requests for FY2014: Municipal Building Envelope and Systems $173,954; Muzzy
Senior Center upgrade Phase 3 $526,818; Cary Memorial Building upgrades $550,000; School
Building Flooring Program $125,000; Public Facilities Second F350 Vehicle $80,000; Interior
Painting Program $150,000; School Window Treatments Extraordinary Repair $50,000; School
Paving Program $150,000; LHS overcrowding – Phase 3 $362,000; Public Facilities Bid
Documents $75,000; Visitor Center $175,000; School Security Standardization $370,000;
Installed Wall Units – Air conditioner $56,000; Building Renewal Funding $2,000,000; School
Building Envelope and Systems Program $215,000; New Clarke Middle School Bus Loop
$35,000; Human Resources Office Renovation $29,500; Hastings Kitchen Renovation $90,000;
Print Shop Renovation $430,835. Total Capital Projects $5,644,107.
Ms. Mauger asked Mr. Valente to look at gymnasium space at all the schools and see how it is
being used during non-school time and who is using it.
Approve Tax Bill Inserts
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Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to approve the request of the 300
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Anniversary Celebration Committee to insert a 300 informational bookmark, with a slight
change in the graphic as presented, and the Town-wide Vision Survey announcement as
presented, in the next tax bill.
Budget Presentations – December 7, 2012
Documents Presented
1.Library Department Requested Budget for FY2014.
2.Human Services Department Requested Budget for FY2014.
3.Community Development Department Requested Budget for FY2014.
4.Department of Public Facilities Requested Budget for FY2014.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:40 a.m.
A true record; Attest:
Diana B. Chabot
Assistant to the Executive Clerk
Selectmen’s Meeting
December 17, 2012
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, December 17, 2012, at 7:00
p.m. in the Selectmen Meeting Room of the Town Office Building. Chairman Mauger, Mr.
Kelley, Mr. Cohen; Mr. Manz; and Mr. Burnell; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; and Ms. Pease,
Executive Clerk, were present.
Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports
Because of the events that happened at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown,
Connecticut on Friday, December 14, the School Committee put out a statement and the
Selectmen put out the following statement:
“On behalf of the Board of Selectmen, I want to convey our shock, horror, and deep sadness over
the unspeakable tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. We wish we could provide solace to the
parents who have lost their children and to the families who have lost their adult loved ones.
Words fail us in response to such a tragic event. We are reminded of the importance of
community in supporting each other during this difficult time.”
Police Chief Corr provided some information on the safety of Lexington’s school buildings.
Efforts are always being made to make the schools more secure, such as applying for grants to
make sure plans are in place that make sense, having a resource officer in the schools and
working with the state on specific kids at risk, and making changes to equipment and training.
The Town of Lexington and the schools are very safe. You cannot plan for these kinds of
indescribable events. He anticipates a continuing dialogue in the continuing effort to identify
other ways to secure town buildings.
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Ms. Mauger asked that the teachers, educators and 1 responders be recognized for their heroism
and for a moment of silence for those affected by the tragedy in Newtown Connecticut.
Mr. Manz shared two items: He attended a project kickoff meeting on Commonwealth Connect,
which builds on a Boston initiative to improve ways to report problems like streetlights out or
potholes. More information will be coming. On Saturday he attended a tea burning and bonfire
which was organized by Rick Beyer, a film producer, and the Historical Society. It was a
wonderful event attended by many Lexingtonians and he hopes it will become an annual event.
Grant of Location – NStar Electric – Hartwell Avenue
Ms. Mauger opened this hearing at 7:12 p.m. The NStar Electric representative was unable to
attend due to illness. The Selectmen reviewed the petition and had no questions that needed to
be answered.
Mr. Burnell asked that cable issues be addressed, if necessary, on Hartwell Avenue. Mr. Valente
will ask Engineering to follow-up on this issue.
Selectmen’s Meeting – December 17, 2012
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the petition of NStar Electric
to construct, and a location for, a line of conduits and manholes with the necessary wires and
cables therein to be located under the surface of Hartwell Avenue: southeasterly side at Pole
411/2 approximately 270 feet northeast of Westview Street install 149 feet of conduit and 1
anchor guy at pole 411/2.
The hearing was closed at 7:14 p.m.
New Liquor License – Apex Wine & Spirits LLC – 46E Bedford Street
The hearing was opened at 7:14 p.m. This is a request for approval of a new all alcoholic liquor
license package store.
Ms. Scanlon, McDermott, Quilty and Miller, Licensing and Permitting Attorney, and Mr.
Ostrovsky, proposed owner/manager of a new package store at 46E Bedford Street, presented his
plans for a boutique wine and spirits store, which will focus on craft beers. He does not plan to
sell lottery tickets or tobacco products. The hours of operation will be 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday, Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.
Mr. Macey, North Emerson Road, is opposed to issuing another package store liquor license. He
feels there are enough package stores in town. Mr. Kelley let Mr. Macey know that Lexington
currently has only four open package stores, with two closing over the past year.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the application for a new
package store liquor license and to issue an all alcoholic Package Store Liquor License to Apex
Wine and Spirits LLC, 46E Bedford Street.
The hearing was closed at 7:25 p.m.
2013 Dog License Fees and Schedule
Ms. Hooper, Town Clerk, reviewed Chapter 193 of the Acts of 2013 – An Act Further
Regulating Animal Control, which stipulates that: the license fee for a spayed or neutered dog
shall be less than the license fee for an intact dog; by vote of the Selectmen, towns may institute
a no-fee license for a dog owned by a person aged 70 years or over; and the license period for
which a municipal licensing authority prescribes the validity of a dog license, including the date
of issuance of the license through the date on which the license expires, inclusive.
Ms. Hooper requests the following:
1.License period – effective with the 2013 dog licensing, Lexington’s dog license period will
run from April 1 through March 31 annually.
Selectmen’s Meeting – December 17, 2012
2.Late Period – all payments for annual licensing shall be made not later than 30 days from the
date of the license period – annual renewals due by April 30 and new dog licenses due by 30
days after notification.
3.License Fee - $20 per dog fee for in-tact dogs and $15 per dog for those that are
neutered/spayed. No reduced/discounted rate is set for dogs owned by persons 70 years of
age or older.
Notifications will be issued to all dog owners outlining the license period and fees for the annual
dog licensing to run April 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to adopt a dog license period, effective
with the 2013 dog licensing, that will run from April 1 through March 31 annually.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to adopt that all payments for annual
licensing shall be made not later than 30 days from the date of the license period – annual
renewals due by April 30 and new dog licenses due by 30 days after notification.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to adopt a $20 per dog fee for in-tact
dogs and a $15 per dog fee for those neutered or spayed, with no reduced/discounted rate for
dogs owned by persons 70 years or older.
Townwide Facilities Master Planning Committee Report on 33 Marrett Road
The Townwide Facilities Master Planning Committee was asked to provide an interim report on
just the 33 Marrett Road facility. Mr. Kennedy, Chair, and members of the Committee were
available to answer any questions.
Mr. Buckland, from Cecil Group, who has been working with the Townwide Facilities Master
Planning Committee, gave a presentation on the Scottish Rite Assessment. The assessment
included looking at: the configuration of site and buildings (single family residence, carriage
house and manor house with addition), building conditions, site opportunities and restrictions,
potential use options and zoning constraints.
The property is 10.3 acres and the assessed value is $5,594,000. Possible uses considered
include: community/senior center, police station, fire station, event center and adult living and
care facility. Parking options were reviewed and there are options for expansion of the existing
parking. Cecil Group also showed an option to add a half-court gym. For emergency access, a
second access is recommended, which can be accomplished from the back of the manor house
down to Marrett Road. They estimated the cost of a community center by renovating the
existing building without a gym to be between $8.6 million and $9.5 million (with a gym $10.9
to $11.9 million). The cost for new construction of a community center without a gym would be
between $15.1 million and $16.2 million (with a gym $17.8 and $19.1 million). Yearly
operating and maintenance costs are estimated to be $473,000 without a gym ($557,000 with a
gym).
Selectmen’s Meeting – December 17, 2012
Findings are that: the buildings have utility but require improvements that add to total cost and
affect value; the property has value as open space but has higher value for an active facility;
secondary access can be secured to allow new municipal facilities; multiple uses of the buildings
and property are possible; and zoning does not appear to be a constraint to the options.
Mr. Burnell asked if other uses had been looked at for possible use of the property. Mr.
Buckland responded that the Committee looked at a new fire station and police station near the
headquarters home so there would be direct access to the main road. Would be a difficult
location because would have to be a multi-story building. Also looked at a non-profit taking
over the main building for an adult living facility, but it did not make sense because the facility
would need to be on one floor. Cecil Group believes a Community Center would be the best fit
for the property.
Mr. Burnell made it clear that the Committee is looking at all town property and all possible
uses. Looking at 33 Marrett Road was just the first step in the process.
Mr. Manz questioned whether 33 Marrett Road would be the best site for a Community Center.
Mr. Buckland said the task of the Committee is to determine if this property is appropriate for a
municipal facility. The Committee will be looking at other alternatives for other locations. The
33 Marrett Road property needs to be looked at more broadly, not just for municipal purposes,
but also what the value of the property is.
Mr. Burnell stated the reason the Committee looked at this property first was it came up for sale
and had to be looked at because of time constraints. This presentation provides information on
what a Community Center would look like in that space and the Town now needs to decide if
that is the direction to go.
Mr. Kanter asked whether the Senior Center programs were included in the Community Center
as presented.
Ms. Mauger clarified that the Community Center Task Force charge looked at programmatic
needs and they provided information in their report, not for specific programs, but for services
Lexington residents were interested in for Lexington and they included information on
Community Centers in other communities.
Mr. Buckland used the Community Center Task Force’s information on existing Community
Centers in other communities as a basis for their the review and matched and compared them to
Senior Center programs.
Ms. Haskell, 6 Trotting Horse Drive, has been a Lexington resident for 32 years and a member of
Housing Partnership Board since its inception in 2003. The Housing Partnership Board was
charged “to promote and support affordable housing activities and to recommend appropriate
Selectmen’s Meeting – December 17, 2012
actions”. The policy provides that we work with others “to achieve broadly shared goals of
affordable housing in Lexington”. In keeping with the charge and town standards promulgated
in other places, the Housing Partnership Board sent a letter on November 18, 2012 to the
Selectmen and other participants, including the Townwide Facilities Master Planning
Committee. She read a key paragraph in the letter: “The Partnership perceives four potential
approaches for providing significant affordable housing units at this site. These are congregate
housing in the single family residence; apartment units in a portion of the large office building;
apartment units in the carriage house; and new construction. The housing envisioned could serve
veterans, senior citizens, or persons with disabilities, or more than one of these populations. The
size of the parcel and the facilities now present are such that housing could co-exist with a
community center and retained open space. We think that housing for veterans is especially
appropriate on this site, and in Lexington given our proximity to Hanscom Air Force Base and to
the Bedford Veterans Affairs Hospital.” Until now there has been little discussion about
affordable housing, only briefly in connection with the Commander’s house and now Mr. Kelley
stated that the Commander’s house may be excluded from the purchase. If that is the case, the
Housing Partnership Board requests that the Townwide Facilities Master Planning Committee
look at affordable housing more broadly and closely on this property.
Mr. Goell asked the Committee to look into the possible use of the Museum’s auditorium.
Ms. Mauger thanked the Committee for the presentation and will look forward to hearing form
the Committee again in the future.
FY2012 Budget Presentations
Tourism/Liberty Ride
Ms. McKenna and Ms. Rickets, Tourism Committee, presented the Tourism/Liberty Ride
FY2014 Budget Requests. Level Service Requests: Liberty Ride $289,572 and Battle Green
Guides $38,050. Total FY2014 Budget Requested $327,622.
The Liberty Ride trolley contract ends on March 31, 2013. The budget was based on the current
Lexpress contract.
Regarding the Visitor Center, the Tourism Committee is interested in moving the project forward
and is asking for support for the design phase. Mr. Goddard, Facilities Director has carved out
an appropriate size design. Public meetings about scope of project will be held soon.
Board of Selectmen
Ms. Mauger, Chairman, presented the Board of Selectmen’s FY2014 Budget Requests. Level
Service Requests: Selectmen’s Office $196,813; Legal $410,000; Town Report $7,500; and
PEG TV $450,000. Program Improvement Request: $16,329.
Selectmen’s Meeting – December 17, 2012
Shared Expenses
Mr. Addelson, Comptroller, presented the Debt Service FY2014 Budget Requests: Within-Levy
Principal $4,511,471; Within Levy Interest $718,869; Temporary Borrowing $304,483.
Ms. Casey, Human Resources Director, presented the Employee Benefits FY2014 Budget
Requests. Level Service Requests: Contributory Retirement $4,805,537; Non-Contributory
Retirement $12,907; Medicare $1,300,000; Health Insurance $20,230,289; Dental Insurance
$882,764; Life Insurance $20,400; Unemployment $200,000; Workers Compensation $600,000;
Property and Liability Insurance $726,620; and Uninsured Losses $150,000.
Use of the Battle Green – U.S. Army 3d Infantry Division “The Old Guard” Performance
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the request of the Town
Celebrations Committee to use the Battle Green on Monday, April 15, 2013, for the U.S. Army
3d Infantry Division “The Old Guard” performance.
Approve License Renewals
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the following license
renewals:
Class I Lexington Toyota, Inc., 409 Mass. Avenue
Class II A to Z Auto Wholesale, 20 Vine Street
Auto & Diesel Sales, 75 Westview Street
Autobahn East, 436 Marrett Road
Lexington Auto Group, 1095 Mass. Avenue
Lexington Auto Sales, 542 Mass. Avenue
Lexington Auto Service, Inc., 39 Bedford Street
Scott the Car Guy,, LLC, 401 Lowell Street, Suite 1
Class III John P. Carroll Company, Inc., 700 Waltham Street
Coin Aloft Lexington, 727 Marrett Road (2)
Lexington Elks, 959 Waltham Street (3)
Lexington VFW, 2 Hayes Lane (4)
Tio Juan’s Margaritas Restaurant, 438 Bedford Street (1)
Waxy O’Connor’s, 94 Hartwell Avenue (3)
Common Carrier Boston Tours, 56 Williams Street, Waltham (2)
Joseph’s Transportation, 44 James Street (1 – Liberty Ride)
M&L Transit Systems, 60 Olympia Ave., Woburn (4 – Lexpress)
Common Victualler Alexander’s Pizza, 180 Bedford Street
Aloft Lexington, 727 Marrett Road –A
Bertucci’s Brick Oven Ristorante, 1777 Mass. Avenue
Bollywood Café, 135 Mass. Avenue
Selectmen’s Meeting – December 17, 2012
Common Victualler Bruegger’s Bagel Bakery, 413 Waltham Street
(concluded) Dabin Restaurant, 10-12 Muzzey Street
Daikanyama Japanese Cuisine, 43 Waltham Street
Dunkin Donuts, 317 Woburn Street
Dunkin Donuts, 141 Mass. Avenue
Dunkin Donuts, 373 Waltham Street
Dunkin Donuts, 10 Woburn Street
Element Lexington, 727 Marrett Road
Fruitee Yogurt, 1707 Mass. Avenue
Ixtapa Cantina Mexican Restaurant, 177 Mass. Avenue
Khushboo, 1709 Mass. Avenue
Knights of Columbus, 177 Bedford Street
Lemon Grass Restaurant, 1710 Mass. Avenue
Lexington Elks, 959 Waltham Street
Lexington Golf Club, 55 Hill Street
Lexington House of Pizza, 399 Lowell Street
Lexx Restaurant, 1666 Mass. Avenue
Mario’s Italian Restaurant, 1733 Mass. Avenue
McDonald’s, 690 Marrett Way
Minuteman Regional Tech. School, 758 Marrett Road
Nick’s Place, 197 Mass. Avenue
Nourish eat well live well, 1727 Mass. Avenue
Orange Leaf, 1726 Mass. Avenue
Panera Bread, 1684 Mass. Avenue
Peet’s Coffee & Tea, 1749 Mass. Avenue
Pine Meadows Golf Club, 255 Cedar Street
Prime Roast Beef & Seafood, 321 Marrett Road
Qdoba Mexican Grill, 46 Bedford Street
Quality Inn & Suites, 440 Bedford Street
Rancatore Ice Cream, 1752 Mass. Avenue
Ride Studio Café, 1720 Mass. Avenue
Royal India Bistro, 7 Meriam Street
Ruyi Restaurant, 27 Waltham Street
Starbucks Coffee, 60 Bedford Street
Starbucks Coffee, 1729 Mass. Avenue
Taipei Gourmet, 211 Mass. Avenue
Tio Juan’s Margaritas Restaurant, 438 Bedford Street
Via Lago, 1845 Mass. Avenue
Waxy O’Connor’s, 94 Hartwell Avenue
Yangtze River Restaurant, 21-25 Depot Square
Selectmen’s Meeting – December 17, 2012
Entertainment Aloft Lexington,727 Marrett Road – A
Element Lexington – 727 Marrett Road – B
Lexx Restaurant, 1666 Mass. Avenue
Nourish eat well live well, 171 Mass. Avenue
Prime Roast Beef & Seafood, 321 Marrett Road
Ride Studio Café, 1720 Mass. Avenue
Ruyi Restaurant, 27 Waltham Street
Starbucks Coffe, 60 Bedford Street
Tio Juan’s Margaritas Restaurant, 438 Bedford Street
Waxy O’Connor’s, 94 Hartwell Avenue
Lodging/Innkeeper Aloft Lexington, 727 Marrett Road – A
Element Lexington, 727 Marrett Road – B
Quality Inn & Suites, 440 Bedford Street
Wild Acre Inn, 50 Percy Road
Appointments/Resignations
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300 Anniversary Celebration Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to accept the resignation of Benjamin
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Soule from the 300 Anniversary Celebration Committee, effective immediately.
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Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to appoint Cheryl Meadow to the 300
Anniversary Celebration Committee.
Communications Advisory Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to accept the resignation of John Rudy
from the Communications Advisory Committee, effective immediately.
Housing Partnership Board
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to accept the resignation of Arthur Katz
from the Housing Partnership Board, effective immediately.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to appoint Robert Pressman to the
Housing Partnership Board to fill the unexpired term of Arthur Katz until September 30, 2013.
Tax Deferral and Exemption Study Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to accept the resignation of Annie
McQuilken from the Tax Deferral and Exemption Study Committee, effective immediately.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to appoint Alan Seferian to the Tax
Deferral and Exemption Study Committee.
Selectmen’s Meeting – December 17, 2012
Town Celebrations Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to accept the resignation of Jim Shaw
from the Town Celebrations Committee, effective immediately.
Transportation Advisory Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to accept the resignation of Larry Link
from the Transportation Advisory Committee, effective immediately.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to appoint Larry Link as an Honorary
Member of the Transportation Advisory Committee.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to appoint Michael Boudett to the
Transportation Advisory Committee to fill the unexpired term of Larry Link until September 30,
2015.
Consent
Water and Sewer Commitments and Adjustments
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the following commitment of
water and sewer charges:
Commitment of Water/Sewer charges Section 3 $4,362,389.46
One-Day Liquor License – BBQ Festival
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve a two-day liquor license for
the Lexington Battle Green BBQ Festival to serve beer and cider outside on May 18, 2013 from
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on May 19, 2013 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. at 1557
Massachusetts Avenue.
Co-Sponsor Community Conservation on Climate Change
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve co-sponsoring a community
conversation on climate change hosted by the League of Women Voters.
Proclamation
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to sign a proclamation for Ken
Kreutziger for his years of service on the Housing Partnership Board.
Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the minutes of November 19,
2012, November 20, 2012, November 26, 2012, December 3, 2012, December 4, 2012,
December 6, 2012 and December 7, 2012.
Selectmen’s Meeting – December 17, 2012
Executive Session Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the executive session minutes
of November 20, 2012 and December 3, 2012.
Executive Session
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 by roll call to go into executive session
to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property at 33 Marrett Road. Further,
the Chairman declared that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating
position of the Town.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 by roll call to go into executive session
to discuss strategy with respect to non-union wage negotiations, and to discuss collective
bargaining strategy related to the AFSCME Building Maintenance Custodians and AFSCME
Public Safety Dispatchers. Further, the Chairman declared that an open meeting may have a
detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Town.
Documents Presented
1.33 Marrett Road Drawings Showing Options for Administration and Training Center
prepared by HMFH Architects Inc., dated December 7, 2012.
2.Tourism Liberty Ride Requested Budget for FY2014.
3.Board of Selectmen Requested Budget for FY2014.
4.Shared Expenses Requested Budget for FY2014.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:35 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk
Summit Meeting 3
Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Appropriation Committee
and Capital Expenditures Committee
December 19, 2012
A Summit was held on Wednesday, November 19, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. in the Public Services
Building Cafeteria, 201 Bedford Street. Ms. Mauger, Chairman, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Cohen, Mr.
Manz and Mr. Burnell; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; Mr. Addelson, Assistant Town Manager for
Finance, Mr. Kalivas, Budget Officer and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk, were present.
Also Present: School Committee (SC) members: Ms. Coppe, Chair; Ms. Steigerwald and Ms.
Stewart; Dr. Ash, Superintendent and Ms. Dunn, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and
Business; all members of the Appropriation Committee (AC) with the exception of Mr.
Michelson; all members of the Capital Expenditures Committee (CEC) with the exception of Mr.
Hurley.
Establish Date for Budget Collaboration-Summit 4
The next meeting will be scheduled for Wednesday, January 16, 2013, at 7:00 p.m.
Revised FY2014 Revenue Projections
Mr. Addelson reviewed the revised FY2014 revenue projections that were revised since the
Summit 2 meeting:
Property Tax Levy $140,804,184
State Aid $9,410,134
Local Receipts $10,525,979
Available Funds $11,876,931
Revenue Offsets $(1,953,571)
Enterprise Receipts $1,512,892
Gross General Fund Revenues $172,176,369
Less Revenues Set-Aside for Designated Purposes $10,467,250
Net General Fund Revenues $161,709,118
The only change since the Summit 2 meeting was an increase in the Property Tax Levy of
$757,972 (3.98 percent).
Proposed FY 2014 Revenue Allocation Model
Mr. Valente reviewed the FY2014 revenue allocation model. The projected Incremental
Revenue for FY2014 is $7,327,191.
Summit 3 – December 19, 2012
Policy and administrative objectives include: maintain flexibility in light of Federal/State budget
uncertainties; provide for policy direction from Selectmen and Summits; manage debt service by
providing for future debt service capacity; continue tax relief for Bridge/Bowman/Estabrook
excluded debt service; considering purchase of 33 Marrett Road and options for potential capital
and operating costs; provide for measured growth in operating budget balanced against capital
needs and unfunded liabilities.
Mr. Addelson presented details on the proposed FY2014 Revenue Allocation. The Unallocated
Revenue is projected to be $954,128 for Schools and $1,638,282 for Municipal. It is proposed
that $1,325,202 ($954,128 from Schools and $371,074 from Municipal) be a used for shared
cash capital financing of FY2014 capital project requests to mitigate future years’ debt service
and $1,267,208 from Municipal be used as set-aside funds for the Marrett Road property land
acquisition, building improvements and/or program operating costs.
Asked about OPEB funding, which is a policy issue, a majority of the Selectmen feel it is an
important issue that should move forward with additional information and explanation. The
OPEB Working Group will reconvene in January and discuss how to approach. It is too
important to drop even given the will of Town Meeting.
Asked whether the Town has been able to catch up on maintenance of roads, Mr. Valente is
basing his budget recommendations on the Pavement Report that suggested making
improvements over 10 year period, in a financially feasible way and recognizing the limited staff
time. The Selectmen also want an additional issue addressed which is the disruption to citizens.
Mr. Valente presented a table showing Projected Revenue differences between FY2013
Appropriated and FY2014 Proposed. He highlighted Contributory Retirement which shows a
decrease because of the $1 million appropriation in FY2013 to help moderate the increase in
assessment for future years and Debt Service had an additional $400,000 appropriated in FY2013
to offset excluded debt.
Mr. Valente reviewed policy issues for consideration:
1.Free Cash Set-Asides
a. Potential Federal Budget Reductions $ 750,000
b.OPEB $ 775,000
c.Cash Capital $2,000,000
d.Additional Cash Capital/Manage Debt Service $1,325,202
e.Unallocated Revenue $2,474,222
2.Set-Aside for 33 Marrett Road (Shared Expenses) for $ 364,040
Building and Grounds
3.Set-Aside for 33 Marrett Road (Municipal Allocation) $1,267,208
for Acquisition, Building Improvements, Program Costs
4.Continue Tax Relief for Excluded Debt Service $1,600,000 (FY2014)
$ 950,000 (FY2015)
Summit 3 – December 19, 2012
He is comfortable with the proposed $750,000 set-aside for potential federal budget reductions.
The $1,325,202 additional cash capital to manage debt service is new and will provide flexibility
if the Lexington High School Project is to be done in the fall of 2013.
Ms. Stiegerwald talked about the need to rethink transportation for school kids and whose
obligated to provide and pay for services. Transportation should be thought about as a townwide
issue.
Mr. Burnell discussed OPEB and the need to set aside money to address the unfunded liability,
which is roughly $165,000,000 and increases each year approximately $2 to $2.5 million. There
needs to be a discussion on whether or not it is ethically appropriate for us to keep adding to that
unfunded liability or whether the Town has an obligation to fund at least the current amount of
money committed to.
Mr. Cohen asked whether the State study on OPEB had been finished yet. He feels it is
important to continue to put money aside for this unfunded liability. Mr. Valente said it was due
out in a week to 10 days.
Ms. McKenna asked for information on the hotel/motel tax. Mr. Addelson will get the specific
information she requested to her.
Mr. Bartenstein asked about using excluded debt versus tax levy debt. Mr. Valente wanted to
provide options to try to stay away from debt exclusions, but it is a policy issue that needs to be
discussed. The Selectmen have had some discussions and need additional discussions on such a
policy.
Mr. Kelley appreciates what new growth contributes and would like to encourage and seek
additional opportunities for the commercial tax base to grow sooner rather than later to provide
the additional tax base for tax levy projects.
Mr. Lamb is concerned about how the Community Preservation Projects have been higher than
the $1 million threshold and feels there needs to be a policy on when items should go out as for a
citizen vote.
Mr. Kanter feels strongly that there is a point where projects go beyond Town Meeting and there
needs to be a policy that substantial projects need ctizen support and a vote.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 8:15 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk