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Home My WebLink About1996-Annual Report1996 Annual Report Town of Lexington `OVS MORN��C o �0 N 4 W i y � APRIL 19TH Gro� Settled 1642, incorporated as Town of Lexington 1713 Latitude - 42.26N Longitude - 71.13W Area of town in acres Area of town in square miles Extreme length in miles Extreme width in miles Highest elevation, feet above m.s.l. Lowest elevation, feet above m.s.l. Town -owned conservation land, acres Accepted public streets, miles Unaccepted public streets, miles Condominium and private drives State highways Trunk sewers Street sewers Water mains Population 10,650.42 16.64 5.80 4.85 374 110 1,289.8 125.89 12.12 4.75 18.98 34.09 122.63 156.40 Assessed Valuation Fiscal Year 1997 Residential / Open Space $3,099,278,410 Commercial 313,486,740 Industrial 82,025,000 Personal Property 50,047,000 Total town $3,544,837,150 Tax Rate per $1,000 (Fiscal Year 1997) Residential / Open Space $13.88 Commercial / Industrial 26.25 Personal Property 26.25 Typical Property Valuation $318,000 Typical Annual Property Tax Bill 4,416 Typical Annual Water /Sewer Bill 625 Town Credit Rating (Moody's): AAA 1996 Census 30,505 Introduction 1996 Lexington Overview 2 Town Report Committee 2 1996 Revenue Sources 3 1996 Operating Expenses 4 Govern / Administrate Board of Selectmen 5 Traffic Safety Committee 7 Building Finance Committee 7 Long -Range Planning Comm. 7 Business Committee 7 HATS 8 Hanscom Advisory Committee 9 Met State Land Committee 10 Personnel Advisory Board 10 MAPC 10 Town Manager 11 Moderator 13 Town Clerk/Board of Registrars 14 Town Meeting 15 Elections 18 TMMA 19 Education Lexington Public Schools School Expenditures Minuteman Tech Cary Memorial Library Dep't of Public Works DPW / Engineering Public Safety Fire Department Police Department Police Manual Committee Board of Health 20 24 27 28 Table of Contents Environment Board of Appeals 42 Lighting Options Committee 45 Planning Board 46 Conservation Commission 47 Permanent Building Committee 49 Building/Inspection 49 Design Advisory Committee 50 Lexington Center Committee 51 Life Quality /People Recreation Department Bikeway Committee Transport Advisory Committee LexHAB Lexington Housing Authority Council on Aging Human Services Committee Fair Housing Committee Veterans Services Youth Commission Employee Honor Roll The Arts Cary Lectures Historical Commission Historic Districts Commission Battle Green Guides Town Celebrations Committee Cable Advisory Committee Legal Town Counsel 31 Financial 36 37 37 40 52 54 54 55 56 56 57 58 58 59 59 60 60 61 61 62 62 63 64 Trustees of Public Trusts 66 Appropriation Committee 71 Capital Expenditure Committee 72 Revenue Officer 73 Comptroller 73 Board of Assessors 74 Retirement Board 75 Financial Data 76 Directory Town Meeting Members 87 Town Organization 88 Voters' Info Inside Back Cover Telephone Numbers Back Cover Cover Chiesa Farm, from awater color by Lexington Artist and Town Meeting Member Margaret F. Rawls. Chiesa Farm is 23 acres of Conservation Land located off Adams Street. Financial reports, with the exception of Retirement Funds, are based on the fiscal year that ended June 30, 1996, usually referred to as FY96. All other statistics, unless otherwise noted, are based on the 1996 calendar year. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page I ANNUAL REPORT 1996 1996 Lexington Overview "Town Meeting was often confused and sometimes angry, " the Moderator observes in her report. "Budget meetings during the winter did not always showcase individual particip- ants at their collegial best, " is the under- stated comment you can find in the School Committee report. So Town Meeting opened with an unbal- anced budget and see -sawed through 10 sessions averaging 2 hours 45 minutes, as selectmen, finance committees and town meeting members all took turns shifting loads from one end of the balance beam to the other. The school budget went through as easy as Dick and Jane. Then the battle started. Among other moves, the Branch Library was shuttered, then reopened, Lexpress was shut off, then restarted and $50,000 drained from the Recreation Dept. Town Meeting finally voted to switch off every other street light, leaving the sticky implementation task to the beleaguered but game DPW. Be patient; DPW Director George A. Woodbury has his sights on getting all the lights back on, and at less cost, too. See reports from the Selectmen and Town Manager for some challenging ideas on how the budget process could be improved. Both seek more interplay with the schools and ruminate about "increme- ntal" changes vs. the "holistic" approach. Another solution would be to get more revenue. Here, the ad hoc Business Committee came up with several ideas, like going after new business by hiring a drummer, relaxing some zoning and pro- tective restrictions; all fuel for a heated Town Meeting session or two. If mulling over burdensome money matters leaves you aching all over, get a massage! The Health Director reported he issued 21 licenses for "massage therapy" and nine "massage establish- ments." Perhaps there's one in your pre- cinct. For those who think the town fathers here and in Concord, Bedford and Lincoln are sleeping while pirates from Massport scheme to storm our verdant ramparts, read Dan Fenn's well documented report on how a vigilant HATS continues to watch and negotiate in our behalf. Housing and related matters were upfront all year. See reports from the Planning Board, Historical Commission and Building Inspector. The most nettlesome concern; large houses going up in rela- tively small lots, exacerbated when a small house is demolished to make way for a big one. And who moves into these homes? Families with a half dozen kids? No. The Historical Commission has a clue. Planning Board won a round in this area when Town Meeting passed revisions to cluster subdivision regulations. Meanwhile, building pounds along — permits were issued for 56 new homes. Common wisdom used to say there is hardly any land left to build on. Even the area's master planners, MAPC, project that Lexington's population is already headed down. But wait! The Planning Board notes there ! are hundreds of acres of land still suitable for planting houses. Meantime, LexHAB plugged resolutely along, building affordable homes where it could. In other sections of this Town Report: • The state denied funds, shelving Cary Library's expansion plans. But Cary trustees will try again. • The new Social Services Director took over in the Senior Center, upgraded with new air conditioning apparatus. • The new Town Clerk records a healthy increase in the number of registered voters; there are nearly as many Unenrolled as there are Democrats. Republicans are far behind. • The Trustees of Public Trusts distribut- ed $142,238 to good causes here in town, thanks to the generosity of past and present residents. • The old Depot Square dilemma got resolved when the Transportation Director snagged a federal grant; it lets Lexpress buses stay put while providing some beautification for the area. Several groups labored for years on that one. • The Historic Districts Commission, which can spot an off -color paint job in a trice, held a record 144 hearings. • Police reported some crimes up, some down. Bedford Street is still the place to go for accidents. • Fire fighters helped over 400 residents pump out or otherwise recover from October's heavy rains. The location in town that records the most Fire Department emergency calls is the high school. Like, you know, the kids jump around a lot, you know, and things, like, happen, you know... Bob Morrison Town Report Committee This committee's work is in your hands; we hope you find it useful. Most of the boards and departments that generate the individual accounts herein, and this committee, are under increasing pressure to do more with the same, or reduced resources. Printing costs have remained stable; the town raised our appropriation to $6,000 but we plan to spend less. The volunteers for 1996: photographer Ray Barnes, numbers crunchers John Avazian and Bob Halfman, chief com- puter expert Bill Hoyt, editors Winifred Friedman, Zelda Sokel and Chairman Bob Morrison. There are two vacancies on this committee. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 2 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 1996 Revenue Sources it Real 41,679,849 al Real 8,244,755 Real 2,022,389 'roperty 1,238,770 eipts 5,864,784 5,525,482 Funds 770,002 Surplus 770,002 Funds Water 5,209,735 Sewer 5,975,224 creation 1,484,805 s $77,931,979 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 3 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 1996 Operating Expenses Education Public Schools 37,774,062 M M Tech 620,850 38,394,912 D. P. W. 7,330,266 ubllc Safety y olice 3,144,128 717,184 Fire 3,058,575 Health Dispatch 311,399 8,063,807 Health 150,371 6,664,773 Library Personal Services 985,294 Expenses 297,057 1,282,351 Planning Board 141,799 Building & Zoning 217,777 nvironment Board of Appeals 30,834 and Conservation Com. 73,574 People p Historic Dist. Com. 5,255 Council on Aging 221,298 Veterans 38,751 Human Services 43,800 Celebrations 16,753 LEXPRESS 227,607 1,017,448 Town Counsel 254,970 Town Clerk 139,794 Legal Bd. of Registrars 16,920 and Elections 39,849 Executive 677,075 government Legislative 6,073 Financial 871,665 State & County Assess. 960,692 2,967,038 Employee Pens 3,061,721 Shared General Insurance 717,184 Debt Serv. Prin. 3,356,000 Expenses Debt Ser. Int. 928.902 8,063,807 Enterprise Water 4,418,635 Sewer 5,574,66 Recreation 1,170,569 11,163,865 Total Operating Expenses $76,884,460 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 4 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Board of Selectmen FY96 FY95 Payroll $51,359 $38,949 Expenses 54,983 51,975 Every governing board, public or private, has two broad sets of responsibilities. One is to handle day -to -day matters and the other is to provide pro- active planning and leadership. Our agenda for 1996 was dominated by implementing earlier initiatives and launching new ones; this year's report will focus on policy rather than events. Talk of "change" is such a cliche that it has little impact on most of us. One can speculate that cave dwellers noted that technology, including astronomy and agronomy, was working massive shifts in their way of life. But there is a consid- erable gap between talking or writing about change and dealing with it on the ground. In the first place, change is incremental. In the second, responding with effective action demands the ability to predict successfully. And as Yogi Bera said, "prediction is very difficult, especially if it involves the future." Fully aware of these twin hazards, the Board has spent the last few years fash- ioning new processes and programs to meet the social changes of our times. Business Development The Business Development Committee, created in 1995 in response to the down- sizing and shifting of the nation's defense establishment and to the widen- ing spread between commercial and resi- dential values in town, made its prelimi- nary report to the Board last year. It provided a road map for Lexington, including promotion of appropriate busi- ness, changes in zoning and a welcoming climate. Though the report was too late to include in the 1997 warrant, the Selectmen are encouraging the Planning Board to review the zoning by -law in light of it. Board of Selectmen: Seated, Dan H. Fenn, Jr., William J. Dailey, Jr., Chairman Leo P. McSweeney, Executive Secretary Phyllis Smith, Daniel P. Busa, Jr., and Elizabeth B. Eddison. Standing, Town Counsel Norman Cohen and Town Manager Richard J. White. Photo: Ray Barnes. We will also try to find ways to include an economic development officer in next year's budget, and to implement other Committee recommendations. The Long Range Planning Committee, also created in 1995 following the sug- gestions of Town Meeting, built on the Mercer Survey and community conversa- tions. Its draft report, unveiled before Town Meeting, anticipated an annual deficit of $10 million in 2001 and sug- gested four possible strategies for meeting the problem: revenue enhance- ment, salary caps, reductions in non -core programs and cuts due to improved effi- ciency. The Selectmen have placed on the 1997 Warrant an article requesting that the Legislature allow us to impose a land transfer tax. We have also set a goal of 1.5 percent salary growth on the munici- pal side until the fiscal crisis eases. Looking ahead, the Board will be con- ducting discussions with the School Committee to establish some town -wide personnel policies, including salaries, and a town -wide reprogramming initia- tive to stimulate additional savings. The deteriorating Town infrastructure, from roads to equipment, has been a serious concern for some years. In 1996, the Selectmen began to invest in tax levy capital again. Further steps were taken, looking to FY 1998, by including a Stabilization Fund for fire equipment on the 1997 Warrant. Fiscal Planning Fiscal Planning and the budget process continue to be a wrenching operation under Proposition 2 -1/2 which left shaping budgets in towns like ours ambiguous at best. When School Committees had fiscal autonomy, at least the lines were clear. We are continuing with our efforts to make the process more inclusive and collaborative. Further, we are seeking to have Town Meeting establish basic policy directions on crucial matters like major capital expenditures, the use of free cash and the appropriate level of the Reserve Fund. The latter is especially pressing, with a multi - million capital program coming off the boards. We are a mature community with an aging infrastructure TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 5 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Board of Selectmen (cot which needs updating to meet new needs close; recognizing and understanding and modern technology. each other's needs are better than scorn; reaching an accommodation is better than Land Development failing; and bilateral budget adjustments are better than trying to force unilateral Land developments in areas outside of our direct control continue to present serious threats to our community. The Met State Hospital land development moves along the track established by Belmont, Lexington and Waltham but the precise use of the land in Lexington is still undetermined. For the first time, Hanscom Field (see HATS report) became a formal part of the Selectmen's annual agenda with the adoption of a set of specific goals. No longer are those citizens, who have been especially alert to these issues for years, left to carry the burden of vigilance and action alone. When the County Commissioners announced their plans to dispose of land and facilities at the County Hospital, some of which are in Lexington, the Selectmen formed a high - powered committee led by Chairman Leo McSweeney to make certain the Commissioners did not simply sell the land to a developer for jumbo housing as they were planning. Looking ahead, we need to think careful- ly about just what we do want on both Met State and Middlesex Hospital land. A Town -Wide Budget Though mentioned above under Fiscal Planning, our continuing mutual efforts with the School Committee to find a way to work together and fashion a truly town - wide budget are worthy of mention. Members of both bodies are sensitive to the Town's fiscal constraints, but still have different emphases, responsibilities and constituencies. If we can establish some pattern for these annual discus- sions, the Town will be well served. Some of the lessons we have learned are: inclusion is better than exclusion; sharing information is better than holding it ones on the other party. The Board was pleased to see other ini- tiatives, put in place in prior years, bear fruit. For example: the Senior Service Corps is up and running; our first LexFest! took place on the Green in May; the Fund for Lexington made its first grants; we welcomed our first visi- tors from our new Sister City of Antony, France; Volunteer Recognition Day has become an annual event; after three years of grinding negotiations by the Cable Committee, our renewal license with Cablevision was completed and signed. There's more! Thanks to Caleb Warner, the Selectmen's Meeting Room is finally equipped for the hearing impaired; a comprehensive municipal wage and job classification plan was completed and adopted. The Town Manager, who had undergone his second annual formal evaluation by the Board, was reappointed in October for another three year term. He had rejected the blandishments of a Florida community. Too hot down there, he said. We thought it was even hotter here! Implementing Town Meeting's decisions to increase parking meter fees and turn off every other street light presented the Board and Lexington's professional management with enormous challenges and engendered great controversy. Despite some views to the contrary, the Board feels that the job was well done. It is the Board's policy to encourage conflicting groups to work out their own resolution of their differences rather than have the Board impose solutions. We do, however, accept that responsiblity when no compromise emerges. Thus, we asked the various parties with different ideas about enhancing Depot Square to come up with a mutually itinued) agreed on scheme. (P.S. They could not, as the New Year began, so the Board did.) Personnel Changes Several personnel changes were made. The Board hailed Town Clerk Bebe Fallick for her years of person- able service to the Town, and greeted her successor, Donna Hooper, with enthusiasm. Further, we welcomed Nancy Freed to the newly created post of Director of Social Services. We want to pay tribute to the Town Manager whose combination of dedication, resource- fulness, fiscal and managerial prowess and imagination was so crit- ical to the achievements noted in this report. In addition, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Phyllis Smith and Lynne Pease who take on ever - expanding responsibilities in the Selectmen's Office with efficiency and good grace. Finally, the Board notes with sorrow the passing of citizens who have served us all. We especially note the loss of Jason Berger. At the 1996 Town Meeting he received a stand- ing ovation for his pro bono defense of the Town in a school suit. He was also co- Chairman of the Personnel Advisory Board which produced the Wage and Classification Study referred to above and was a warm- hearted, light - hearted constructive presence in many areas of our common life. Dan H. Fenn, Jr. for the Board of Selectmen TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 6 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Building Finance Committee Prior to the 1996 Town Meeting, the Building Finance Committee analyzed Cary Library's deferred maintenance needs, should the library's renovation plans fall through. These recommendations remain in place, should the library's second attempt to win state funding be denied. When asked to analyze the school space utilization report, the committee responded that existing boards could provide sufficient expertise, and that instead, the ad hoc Building Finance Committee should disband. This ques- tion had not been resolved at year end. Members, five appointed by the select- men and two by the School Committee: Chairman Peter Kelley, David Eagle, Gilbert Garber, Donald Jenkins, William Kennedy, Mark Moore and Walter Pierce, with assistance from Town Engineer Francis X. Fields and Director of School Buildings John Moynihan. Traffic Safety This committee met seven times and considered 23 items re. traffic signals, stop signs, speed limits, crosswalks etc. Among the locations investigated were: Middleby, Wheeler, Hamilton, Follen, Worthen and Harrington roads; Cedar, Garfield, Spring, North, Waltham and Bedford streets, Mass. Avenue and the High School. Many items were submitted to the select- men and referred to the committee for review and recommendations. Committee meetings are open to the public. Recommendations include input from town departments, the Center Committee, Design Advisory Committee and the Chamber of Commerce Members, appointed by the selectmen: Chairman Peter Chalpin, PE, Myla Kabat -Zinn, William Mix, Police Capt. James Kilmartin, Ronald Marble, Roy Murphy and William Fitzgerald TOWN OF LEXINGTON Long -Range Planning Committee In its initial report requested by the selectmen, the ad hoc Long -Range Planning Committee predicted that by FY2001 there could be a gap of $32,000,000 between available town revenues and revenues needed to main- tain core values The core values, identified last year, were; quality education, open space, safety and affordability. To help bridge the gap, the committee explored many ideas, among them: • Promote Lexington as a center for emerging knowledge industries. • Appoint a full -time development officer. • Consolidate some municipal services. • Generate new revenue through a real estate transfer tax. • Control salary increases. • Reduce non -core value programs. The committee also urged the Board of Selectmen and School Committee to embrace long -range planning aimed at shrinking the revenue /expenditures gap. Members, appointed by the selectmen: Chairman Paul Hamburger, Philip T. Jackson, Peter Kreisky, Alan J. Lazarus, Judy Leader, Eric Michelson, Kristin O'Sullivan, Fernando Quezada, Geze Szonyi, Donald D. Wilson. Page 7 Business Committee The ad hoc Business Committee, appointed by the selectmen, came up with many ideas for attracting new busi- ness to town. In its initial report, the committee first noted that the valuation of commerci- al /industrial property is substantially lower than it was in 1990, and that this has resulted in the average homeowner paying annually $358 more in taxes than if the commercial /industrial valuations had held up. The committee advised that it would not be sufficient to restore these valuations, but that the town should seek to increase them above the 1990 levels. To that end, the committee made several comprehensive recommendations. • Streamline the permitting process, through, in part, by creating "one stop" shopping for applications; • Attractively package Lexington's exist- ing resources and amenities to target high - end office space, health care services, telecommunications, bio and environ- mental technology and other emerging fields. These resources should include Minuteman Tech, Middlesex Community College, Hanscom Air Base and the library. • Establish an "Office of Community Development" to coordinate all efforts to attract new business. Upgrade existing commercial properties, by, in part, examining the zoning laws. The committee: Chairman Fernando Quezada, Narain Bhatia, Julian Bussgang, Frederick DeAngelis, Elaine Doran, Carla Fortmann, Edmund Grant, Ted Hansberry, John Mahoney, Richard Nolan, Mark O'Neal, Laurence Prusak and Jan Siren. ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Hanscom Area Towns Committee (HATS) 1996 proved to be the busiest and most complex 12 months in the recent history of the four -town organization known as HATS. Made up of four representatives each from the towns of Bedford, Concord, Lexington, and Lincoln, with the four Selectmen as the voting members, HATS was established to facilitate joint planing and, especially, the continuing relationships between the towns and Massport, owner and operator of Hanscom Field. The year started with a series of joint meetings of the full Boards of Selectmen to deal with Massport's plan to float some Requests for Proposal. They wanted to find out if some private firms might be interested in taking over part or all of the non - military operations of Hanscom. Concord Selectman Lee Wood had sug- gested that perhaps HATS might want to put forward a proposal of its own to operate the airport. The four Boards met to review that idea and other possible responses to the Massport initiative. The combined Boards decided that we needed more time to determine whether or not to put in such a bid. Consequently, we wrote to Massport asking for a six - month stay to study the implications. The upshot of extensive written and verbal communication with Massport, Governor Weld and other interested parties, complemented by a considerable amount of citizen activism, was that Massport took the RFP idea off the table entirely. First Objective HATS, at the direction of the four Boards, then established two objectives for the year. The first was to do every- thing we could to ensure that the Generic Environmental Report Update, started by Massport in late 1995, represented a comprehensive and objective statement of the existing environmental conditions as a baseline for the evaluation of any future developments. The second, discussed in more detail below, was to reach agreements with Massport on both aviation and non - aviation uses of Hanscom. To provide the factual basis for such agreements, the four boards decided to hire a consultant to help us determine what we want insofar as Hanscom is concerned. We need to establish some measure of control over our own communities. To provide the factual basis for such agree- ments, the four Boards decided to hire a consultant to help us determine just what we want insofar as Hanscom is con- cerned. As to the first objective, the aggressive and informed participation by HATS in the preparation of Massport's GEIR update, the process moved ahead during the year. Massport provided an initial $40,000, later supplemented with an additional $35,000 at HATS' request, to pay for consultants to assist us. We established a group of Technical Review Committees under the leadership of Lexington Planning Board Chair Dick Canale to capitalize on the citizen exper- tise in the towns around specific techni- cal issues such as air and water pollu- tion, noise measurement, traffic conditions and the like. Massport ran a series of public work- shops focused on each of the topics to be covered in the GEIR. Dames and Moore, our consultants, met with Massport, did studies of their own, and commented extensively on each of the Massport reports. HATS meetings were devoted to the amalgamation of information and views of these various sources, and of interested citizens in attendance, on each of the issues. None of this was easy or without its conflicts. Establishing the process for HATS involvement in Massport's prepa- ration of the GEIR update was complex and sometimes controversial. Implementing the process, including working with Massport to acquire the information we felt we needed in a timely fashion was not always smooth nor completely satisfactory. Identifying the important differences between Massport and HATS was often complicated. There was a major conflict and confusion over the definition of the scope of the study early on, before the Secretary of Environmental Affairs exercised her responsibility under the relevant statues and issued the final and official scope. But for all this, HATS did achieve its basic objective, stated to Massport in 1995 when the process started. We told the Executive Director, Stephen Tocco, that "we want to be in the kitchen while this cake is being mixed and not simply be given a look at it for our reac- tion after it's been baked." At the time that Tocco agreed to open up the kitchen doors, none of us knew exactly what it would mean for us to get our hands into the dough. We found out: it was messy and time consuming and sometimes confusing. But the final product, though we will have differences with it, is going to be far more to our liking than it would have been if only Massport chefs had been creating it. We expect their draft report to be avail- able to us for review sometime in late winter or early spring; hopefully the required review by the Secretary will be late spring. Second Objective Our second objective was to move forward on reaching some mutually accepted agreements with Massport on Hanscom. As we saw it, we have been engaged in a long series of struggles over a wide range of specific actions starting with a propo- sal by Continental Airlines to start a commuter service. Under the leadership of a small group of interested Lexington citizens, a successful effort was mounted to beat back that expanded use of Hanscom. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 8 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Since those days, the town governments have taken over the leadership of the joint effort to shape and manage our rela- tionships with Hanscom. The fact that there has been no agreed - upon procedure for the participation of the towns in Massport decision - making has posed a major problem throughout this period. Consequently, backed by a four -town study which got underway with the selection of Daylor and Associates of Braintree as consultants, HATS has been pushing ahead to hammer out such arrangements. The effort is complicated by the fact that, while Massport has sole jurisdiction over non - aviation development of their land in Lincoln and Concord (for a golf course, conference center, or whatever), their controls over aviation use of Hanscom are constrained by the requirements of the Federal Aviation Agency. Hanscom is a public facility, like a highway, and Massport's ability to limit its use is severely curtailed. However, the promo- tion of its use is another matter; over such activities Massport does have control. On the non- aviation side, HATS' efforts bore fruit. Massport has agreed in writing not to proceed with any development on its own and has bound itself to a process of discussion and negotiation with HATS; it has further stated that HATS will join in the selection of a developer, if the process gets that far, and that any developer will be required to come to the towns and to their Planning Boards with any plan that may emerge from this process. In addition, any such development would be subject to required environment reviews which would take about a year. In other words, there has been, is, and can be nothing imminent in terms of land development at Hanscom. The one part of the agreement which still needs to be fleshed out is the precise nature of a developer's presentation to the towns. There are some unresolved legal issues imbedded in this question. HATS (continued) But we have the basics of our long - sought agreement, confirmed by the Chairman of the Massport Board, in place. And that is no small accomplish- ment. Achieving the parallel agreement on the aviation side will likely be more difficult and that is on HATS' agenda for 1997. We have made a start on that process; we have retained Washington counsel; we have launched our four -town study defin- ing our goals so we do not need to con- tinue just to be reactive to Massport's initiatives. But we have a long way to go. Team Hanscom Here in town, in order to maximize the input of our citizens, who are both con- cerned and informed, we have created "Team Hanscom ", a monthly meeting of those officially charged with Hanscom matters, and held the first two of what are likely to be a series of community meet- ings designed to think together about the direction Lexington should take. The Selectmen have made several Hanscom - related appointments: Margaret Coppe has been added to our representa- tion to HATS, along with Lisa Baci, Dick Canale and Dan Fenn. Michael Barrett and Florence Koplow have been named our representatives to the Hanscom Field Advisory Committee. Peter Johnson -Staub of the Town Manager's Office has been of inestim- able help to HATS and to me personally as its Chair. Citizen input has been con- tinuing; sometimes we agree on particu- lar strategy and /or tactics, and sometimes we disagree, but the discussions in them- selves have been beneficial. Happily, there is no disagreement about the over - arching purpose of all this never - ending effort: all of us are and have been committed to the protection of our town and its unique historical heritage from damage due to activities at Hanscom and to the mitigation of the existing viola- tions to the quality of life here. The Selectmen, at the urging of some citizens, for the first time established a set of formal goals which specifically delineate those objectives. Massport has a new leader, former Congressman Peter Blute, and HATS has a new Chair, Selectman Peter Sugar of Lincoln. Working with them, the Lexington Board and I as their delegate will contin- ue to push ahead to get the best possible GEIR update we can, and to fashion mutually - agreeable arrangements with Massport which will, at long last, provide us with some stability, some predictability and some formalized control over our own destiny. It is criti- cal that we pursue these two goals with skill, single mindedness and persistence, and not allow ourselves to be diverted from that path by the distractions that plague us. Dan H. Fenn, Jr. Chair, HATS HFAC The Hanscom Field Advisory Committee (HFAC) serves by legislative mandate as a forum for communications between MassPort and the towns surrounding Hanscom. The commitee includes indi- viduals appointed by the selectmen of each community as well as representa- tives of the League of Women Voters, Minuteman National Historic Park, busi- ness aviation interests, the Small Pilots Association, People Against Hanscom Expansion and HATS, among others. HFAC plays an advisory role. However, the committee has been a lively forum for discussions involving Hanscom and expects to take a more aggressive role in the coming year. Michael J. Barrett and Florence Koplow are Lexington's appointees to HFAC. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 9 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Met State & Middlesex Land Concord Avenue 3 Metropolitan I N Middlesex Hospital to County O Hospital A Waltham One hundred and forty eight acres of land in Lexington are targeted for change, now that the state and county have bowed out of the hospital business. Lexington's parcels are 84 acres in the Met State site and 64 acres in the county site. Both are zoned residential. The remaining land, 301 acres, are in Belmont and Waltham. The three communities worked hard to establish their priorities for the land's future use, which has yet to be worked out. Map: Warren Devenney. Personnel Advisory Board During the first half of 1996, the Personnel Advisory Board (PAB) con- tinued the work begun in the Fall of 1995, collaborating with the town and Ralph Anderson and Associates on the wage and classification study. The project involved reviewing the consultant's findings, making recom- mendations on the best option and dis- cussing an appropriate plan for commu- nicating with town staff. We also were asked to review and rec- ommend a compensation plan for FY98. PAB also was involved in discussions on the following topics: 1. Performance -based compensation; 2. New employee orientation processes; 3. An exit interview questionnaire. The board suffered a great loss in November with the passing of Jason Berger, board co- chairman and member for over 10 years. His expertise, dedica- tion and sense of humor will be sorely missed by the board as well as the town, to which he gave of his time and efforts tirelessly. PAB is appointed by the selectmen: Co- chairman Janet Perry, William Barnes, Richard Evans, Elmer Guilmartin, Katherine Page and Evelyn Silber. The newest member as of October is Jules Pieri. TOWN OF LEXINGTON MAPC The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), which includes Lexington and 100 other greater Boston communities, again produced numerous plans, studies, meetings and workshops on subjects of common interest, such as transporta- tion and environmental needs. Of special interest to Lexington were the population forecasts extend- ing to the year 2020, broken down by total population and population by age groups. As the first chart shows, there may be a small drop in total population. It is the forecast of population by age groups that is the more signifi- cant. It indicates fewer kids and many more seniors - folks aged 60 and up by MAPC's reckoning. Assistant Town Planner Joe Marino is Lexington's MAPC representative. 36000 Population Forecast 32000 28000 24000 20000 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 Population Age Group Forecast 990 2000 2010 2020 0 75 + 60 -75 45 -59 030-44 ® 15 -29 00-14 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 FY 96 FY 95 Payroll $271,348 $258,762 Expenses 15,633 13,152 Personnel Full Time 4 4 Part Time 1 1 The Town Manger is the Chief Executive Officer of the Town as established in the Selectmen Town Manager Act. He, directly or indirectly, administers the policies and procedures of the Board of Selectmen, enforces by -laws and actions passed by Town Meeting, prepares the budget and manages the daily operation of all Town departments. Finances The Town maintained a payroll of $12,282,450 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1996, covering 281 full time and 91 part time employees. The total budget appropriated for fiscal year 1997 was $81,603,437. Revenue limitations and a growing school popula- tion continued to challenge elected offi- cials, staff and citizens alike. It appears that the fiscal problems Lexington faced during the past eight years will not go away in the foreseeable future. As a result, a number of changes have been made to how the budget is developed and presented to the town. The Budget Process For two years now department heads met with Selectmen in a public setting to discuss budget options. We expanded public participation to the point where this budget is as much the Selectmen's and the community's as it is the staffs. This inclusive process began as depart- ment heads presented, at regularly sched- uled Selectmen's meetings, their needs and described the various levels of service options available The sessions were successful in that they gave citizens some understanding of the tradeoffs, initiatives and sacrifices required to construct a budget, given sta- tutory restrictions and budget guidelines. Town Manager The process could be improved next year with better coordination with the School Committee. The School and Town budget cycles are not coordinated. This seems like a simple problem to cure given the interest and desire of the community for both the Selectmen and School Committee to work together. As it is now, the School Committee begins its budget deliberations two weeks after the Selectmen's process ends. But the process should begin with a joint meeting in late summer to develop mutu- ally agreed upon goals. Further, budget review schedules should be coordinated to begin in October and finish by the end of December. This adjustment would provide the town with a better sense of the needs of all munici- pal entities. Tax levy Capital In 1996, the Town did make a stronger commitment to its infrastructure despite revenue restrictions. Capital programs traditionally funded with cash from the tax levy — equipment, roofing, paving, street reconstruction, etc. — have not benefitted from the level of funding experienced during the 1970's and early 1980's. Capital cash expenditures fell dramatical- ly from 1990 through 1995. The Capital Budget Team identified a desirable range for capital cash funding of between 1.5 percent and 5.0 percent of the prior year's tax levy. For each year between 1992 and 1995, the Town invested less than 0.2% in capital cash. As a result, the Town lost its capital cash investment base. The 1996 Annual Town Meeting altered this poor practice by supporting a begin- ning investment of $550,000 in tax levy related capital equipment. Although $550,000 falls far short of addressing the need for tax levy capital investment, it is a start after a long drought. Financial Policies The budget culture during the past several years has been difficult. There have been several head -on collisions with Proposition 2 -1/2. To date the damage has been limited. We are able to drive the car that provides municipal and educa- tional services but there is clear evidence that our vehicle is wearing down after several Proposition 2 -1/2 fender benders. Our limited resources have prevented us from making renovations to our service vehicle, yet each collision makes us more vulnerable to the threat of a major break- down. We need to either acquire more income that will allow us to continue operating our current vehicle or search for a less expensive model. Failing to choose between these two options could leave us helpless when we next collide with Proposition 2 -1/2. The politics of the annual budget process have prevented us from getting our fiscal house in order. Mostly, our debate focuses on solving the most current budget problem. Incremental policy initiatives that would have helped make Lexington healthier financially were usually rejected or set aside. For years, we have been caught in the classic "chicken -egg" debate. I think there's agreement that there are too many budget needs in Lexington and not enough revenue to support them. Some citizens and Town Meeting members concerned about sustaining existing service levels encourage an holistic approach in resolving our financ- ing problems. Others focus on a specific issue; (cash reserves, capital investment, infrastruc- ture maintenance, etc.). Last year, we developed policy recom- mendations regarding the capital budget and capital cash tax levy investment. They have helped provide direction for us in building this year's budget. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 11 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Town Manager(continued) We need to come to terms with as many financial policy issues as possible and as soon as possible, answering questions such as: Do we want to establish: A cash reserve policy at 5, 10, 15 or 20 percent of the budget... A continuing investment in a deprecia- tion account through systematic appropriations to a Stabilization Fund... A policy relationship between large tax levy capital building investments and a Proposition 2 -1/2 override for exclud- ing debt service costs... A fair compensation policy that provides our employees with some assurance that our thinking/planning about their fiscal future holds equal footing with all other fiscal planning issues? Approaching these issues holistically appears to be an attractive and sensible option since each policy decision affects another. Unfortunately these are difficult and complex policy issues. Examining the options and consequences of each policy issue separately requires signifi- cant work, time and discipline. Insisting that these issues be dealt with together as a whole will only perpetuate our current fiscal problems. Nothing will get done. Moving ahead on these and other import- ant issues requires involvement and approval of the whole community. We can deal with our long term financial difficulties successfully if we approach these issues incrementally. It is much easier to alter an existing policy than to create a new one. Recreation Enterprise Fund The Recreation Enterprise Fund is under tremendous fiscal pressure. All recreation programs are funded by fees. The Pine Meadows Golf operation, and its revenue, although part of the larger Recreation Enterprise Fund, is accounted for separately. The non -golf related revenue stream is consistent and predict- able. We can provide a full range of recreation programs without tax levy investment even if the golf course were to cease operations as a municipal entity. But the revenue generated by the golf course is highly variable. Revenue col- lected is dependent upon course condi- tions and weather. A well maintained course generates more play and more revenue. Good weather produces more play and pay. Last year, bad weather and several reconditioning and reconstruc- tion projects significantly reduced Pine Meadows revenue. Revenue generated from Pine Meadows not only funds golf course operations, but also supports the DPW Parks Division which maintains all Town - owned recreation facilities. In addition, all recreation capital related projects and equipment purchases are funded via Recreation Enterprise Funds. The weather, course reconstruction and the 1996 Annual Town Meeting action to charge the Recreation Enterprise Fund a $50,000 in -lieu of tax payment com- promised the Fund's fiscal integrity. We are projecting a deficit for the year ending June 30, 1997, and have post- poned capital projects and some pur- chases to reduce the projected deficit. Clearly, we need to rethink our fiscal policies regarding the Recreation Enterprise Fund. Note that in -lieu of tax payments from the Water /Sewer Fund make sense and can be easily implemented. It has over 22,000 accounts and collects $11,000,000 annually. Its in -lieu of tax payment can be distrib- uted fairly to consumers and there are enough consumers so that the in -lieu of tax payment does not burden or jeopard- ize the enterprise operation. Unfortunately, the Recreation Enterprise operation is more fragile and does not have the same user base to share the costs of an in -lieu of payment. Public Works George Woodbury's sense of optimism and limitless energy has created a sense of encouragement within the Public Works Department even during some particularly difficult times. Expanded operating hours at the Hartwell Landfill, electric utility deregulations, NESWC contract extensions, October flooding, new Center parking hours, changes in street sweeping operations, a cemetery restoration and several other initiatives were dwarfed by Town Meeting's reduc- tion of the street lighting budget by $117,000. Thirteen hundred lights were shut off inspiring responses from at least 1300 or more residents, expressing concerns about the new street -light policy. George and his crew remained positive despite the consistent displays of displeasure expressed by residents over the inconven- ience of having fewer street lights. George and the DPW have displayed great patience and professionalism under very difficult circumstances. They deserve our thanks and admiration. Public Safety Chief Chris Casey's leadership and focus on community continued to build bridges between the Police Department and resi- dents. Community policing is based on a strong commitment to problem solving rooted in the Police Department's having values compatible with those of the community. A citizens' academy was established and produced 15 graduates. Another academy is planned for 1997. Fire Chief Jack Quinlan and his new lead- ership team have been working hard to establish a better coordinated effort from the Fire Department staff. New initiatives are surfacing. A team approach to equip- ment specifications, emergency routing responses and recruitment, all offer promise for the future. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 12 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Town Manager (continued) Personnel The Town experienced an overall work force turnover of 7.12% in 1996. Bebe Fallick retired as Town Clerk for the freedom of an empty work calendar but continues to contribute as a member of the Conservation Commission. Her efforts and presence will be missed. Senior Management Team The Senior Management Team (SMT), created in 1992, emerged as a force in 1996. Members are: the Assistant Town Manager, Public Works Director, Finance Director, Town Clerk, Recreation Director, Inspectional Services Director, Planning Director, Management Analyst, Library Director, Police and Fire Chiefs, Social Services Director, and me as Town Manager. Budgets, strategies, planning, and polic- ing major policy recommendations are developed by the group. All major per- sonnel decisions and recommendations are reviewed and considered within the team. We believe that the mechanism has greatly enhanced communication and understanding within the organization. Together we hope to establish a shared vision that is embraced by all Town employees. We would like to create an environment that encourages flexibility, effective communication, and proactive behavior. In addition we hope to encourage risk - taking and to develop a broad external perspective that motivates our employees to move beyond the departmental per- spective. A defined and agreed upon mission is critical for the SMT to be successful in transferring this success to the next level of the organization. The Technology and Capital Budget Team efforts were good beginnings for tapping the competency, skills and insights of employees who are not traditionally offered leadership opportunities. Most recently, the team created a mission statement in an attempt to begin the process of developing a mission -driven organization. The team's Mission Statement is as follows: "The Lexington Senior Management Team is committed to create a culture of interdependency, trust and support in an effort to reach common goals that benefit the community. We strive to enhance the quality of services and to embrace teamwork and continuous improvement as our operating standards." The first step: a strategic plan which specifies a course of action that advances the organization's mission. The strategic plan also considers how trends in the external environment will impact the Town's mission. A set of concrete, short-term goals will then be developed to measure progress in carrying out the plan. Team staff devel- opment, internal /external marketing, Town and committee structure, and service delivery are the four general focus areas of the strategic plan. We are in the process of developing our plan from the bottom up. I extend heartfelt congratulations and thanks to each member of the Senior Management Team for an excellent effort and a great product. Collective Bargaining DPW and police contracts are settled for FY97. Fire contracts are currently under negotiation. The Town evaluates all employee performances on a regular basis; it does not provide automatic step increases for the non -union work force. Non -union employees received an average increase of 2 percent in FY96. Inquiries and comments regarding the administrative operations of Town Government are encouraged. Special thanks are extended to all citizen volun- teers. Richard J. White, Town Manager Moderator Times are hard for municipal govern- ment; choices are limited and the law of unintended consequences often prevails. This was a more difficult Annual Town Meeting than usual. Official budget decisions were late, leaving little time for analysis by the two finance committees. Alternative budget cuts were proposed by the two commit- tees and Town Meeting members, and were, in many cases, voted. The meeting was often confused and sometimes angry. However, everyone concerned realized that the process should be improved and that all players must be involved earlier in preparing for the 1997 Town Meeting. The following practices were continued by the Moderator: 1. A pre -Town Meeting planning session with article sponsors, town counsel, town clerk and finance commit- tee chairmen to review procedural matters, anticipate scheduling difficul- ties, audio - visual requirements and potential areas of disagreement. 2. A two -hour workshop for new Town Meeting members to answer questions, clarify financial and planning terms and concepts and explain legal issues and parliamentary procedures. In addition, the Moderator sent written instructions to sponsors of citizen articles and wrote a newspaper article explaining the protocol regarding citizen participa- tion. The description of Town Meeting procedures was updated. The Moderator was elected 1st Vice President of the Massachusetts Moderators Association and chaired their Legislative Committee. The Moderator enjoyed working with the committed, intelligent and enthusiastic Town Meeting members, boards and committees. The quality of Lexington's citizen participation is unparalleled, the dedication of its staff unequaled. Margery Battin, Moderator TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 13 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Town Clerk/ Board of Registrars FY95 FY96 Payroll 125,494 125,778 Expenses 2,452 2,642 Personnel 4 4 Elections 68,164 38,849 Registration 10,086 16,920 The Town Clerk's office saw many changes in 1996. It was "farewell" and `thank you" to Town Clerk Bebe Fallick in July and Assistant Clerk Mary Hen in March for their many years of dedicated service. Newly appointed Assistant Clerk Marie Hill and Diane McKenzie welcomed Jean Coates to the staff in April. In August, the new Town Clerk, Donna Hooper, came on board. She was appointed by the Town Manager. The March Town Election, September Primary and November General Election ran smoothly with the cooperation of the nearly 100 election workers, a multitude of DPW staff, school custodial staff, police and others. A district -wide recount, Lexington's first since 1982, occurred as a result of the close margin of votes for Democrat hopefuls vying for County Commissioner in the September primary. The Clerk's office successfully transi- tioned from the town's in -house database to the state's Voter Registration Information System (VRIS). Many enhanced capabilities will now be possi- ble, including voter history and linkages with town census data. Voter Registration Voter registration grew in anticipation of the presidential election and as a result of the recent Motor Voter legislation which makes it easy to register in many loca- tions outside the town clerk's office; i.e., Registry of Motor Vehicle offices, post offices and others. In November, there were 20,435 regis- tered voters, an increase of 1,057 over the March count. They signed up as follows: Democrat 8,621 Republican 3,453 Unenrolled 8,329 In addition, there were 33 of various political designations, including 25 Libertarians. Town Clerks Office: Diane McKenzie, Assistant Town Clerk Marie Hill, Jean Coates and Town Clerk Donna M. Hooper. Photo: Ray Barnes. Records show that over the years, voter participation in Town Elections ranged from 12 to 39 percent of the registered voters, and in state elections, 80 to 90 percent. In Proposition 2 -1/2 overrides, participa- tion ranged from 46 to 67 percent, in votes taken in 1988, 1990, 1992 and 1995. Vital Statistics Births 220 Deaths 379 Marriages 140 (as of 12/12/96) The office issued 2,217 licenses for dogs, 228 for fishing and 88 for hunting. Sales of hunting and fishing licenses were impacted by the brief reprieve during which the Clerk's Association voted to cease license sales pending reso- lution of Division of Fisheries and Wildlife legislation. Board of Registrars The registrars oversaw voter registration, the three elections and the September 30th recount for county commissioner. Appreciation is extended to Reed K. Taylor for his help with the recount. The registrars, appointed by the Selectmen, were: Chairman Mary C. Abegg, Luanne E. Devenis, Connie Foster and the Town Clerk. The clerk's office looks forward to further improvements in VRIS and maxi- mizing the use of available technology. Possible use of an optical scan voting system will be investigated. Further, the town's records management program will be enhanced to better serve resi- dents. Donna M. Hooper, Town Clerk TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 14 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 1996 Annual Town Meeting The 1996 Town Meeting opened April 8, held ten sessions and adjourned May 15. All sessions were called to order by Town Moderator Margery M. Battin in Cary Memorial Hall and lasted an average of two hours 45 minutes, compared to last year's eight sessions averaging two hours 34 minutes. Meetings were opened by various announcements and reports from departments and committees. Prior to the first session, Moderator Battin lauded the contributions of retiring Town Meeting members Lois Coit, Erna Greene, Sam Nablo, Jack Sarmanian, Jackie Ward and Ruth Souza, and observed the passing of Town Clerk's Office staff member Elinor Cahill. Selectman Leo McSweeney announced that the budget was still unbalanced. Prior to the fourth session, Rep. Jay Kaufman introduced the National Merit Scholar finalists from the high school, and Nyles Bernart lauded Minuteman Tech's outstanding student, Peter Saradjian. Steps being considered to balance the budget were aired prior to the sixth session; at the next meeting, reducing street lighting was introduced as one way to solve the budget impasse. Prior to the final session, retiring Town Clerk Bebe Fallick was honored for her 10 years of service. The following summary was extracted from the Town Clerk's Town Meeting Minutes, available at the Clerk's office. Article Action Summary Annual Town Election, Art. I See Elections Reports of Committees, Art. 2 Numerous reports presented before and during each session. Appointments to Cary Lecture Committee, Art. 3 Adopted April 8. The Moderator to appoint a committee of three to run the Cary Memorial Lectures. Operating Budget, Art. 4 Adopted May 6. Monies for all town departments. All amounts to be raised on the tax levy, except as noted. Line Use Amount 1100 Public School Education $39,921,213 Amended on April 29, from $39,756,213. Also see Articles 5 and 21. 1200 Minuteman Tech 424,087 Amended on May 1, from $432,919. Technical Literacy Program in Lexington Middle Schools 48,328 2110 Employee Benefits 3,125,709 Contributory retirement; $82,203 trans - ferrred from Water /Sewer Enterprise Funds. 2120 Non - contributory Retirement 189,736 2130 Insurance 561,060 With $68,000 transferred from Water /Sewer Enterprise Fund. 2140 Unemployment Benefits 65,000 2150 Police/Fire Medical 35,430 2210 Payment on Funded Debt 2,291,750 2220 Interest on Funded Debt 474,033 2230 Temporary Borrowing 75,000 2240 Exempt Debt 1,174,088 2310 Reserve Fund 250,000 2320 Municipal Salary Adjustments 356,069 With $27,736 transferred from Water /SewerEnterprise Funds, $12,213 from Recreation Enterprise Fund. 2410 Municipal Services 180,706 (formerly Jurisdictional accts.) 2420 Town Network Expenses 11,400 3000 DPW Personal Services 3,025,111 With $325,976 transferred from Water /Sewer Enterprise Funds, $66,995 from Parking Meter Fund, $100,000 from Cemetery Trust Funds, $218,597 from Recreation Enterprise fund. 3000 DPW General Expenses 4,006,213 With $245,187 transferred from Water /Sewer Enterprise Funds, $104,750 from Parking Meter Fund, $451,200 from Recreation Fund. 3600 Water Department 3,624,029 Transfer from Water Enterprise Fund. 3700 Sewer Department 5,913,372 Transfer from Sewer Enterprise Fund. 4110 Combined Dispatch 324,351 4200 Police Department 3,331,117 With $174,765 transferred from Parking Meter Fund. 4300 Fire Department 3,050,197 5100 Cary Memorial Library 1,316,973 Amended on May 1, from $1,26,7973. 5200 Recreation 695,487 Amended May 6, from $645,487 Transfer from Recreation Enterprise Fund. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 15 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 1996 Annual Town Meeting (continued) 5300 Town Celebrations 15,500 I Other Appropriation Articles 5400 LEXPRESS 229,595 Town Clerk Amended May 1, from $64,595, with Board of Registrars 8440 $80,000 transferred from Parking Meter Fund. 6100 Council on Aging 322,044 Amended May 1, from $286,044, with $16,513 transferred from Recreation Enterprise Fund. 6210 Veterans Services 56,396 6310 Youth Services 69,834 6320 Services to Developmentally Disabled 12,800 7100 Inspectional Services 490,994 Health Dept., Building Inspector, Appeals Bd. 7200 Planning Department 8110 Selectmen With $2,728 transferred from Water /Sewer Enterprise Funds. 8120 Town Manager With $43,084 transferred from Water /Sewer Enterprise funds. 8130 Town Report 8210 Appropriation Committee 8220 Misc. Committees 8310 Comptroller With $126,139 transferred from Water /Sewer Enterprise funds. 8320 Treasurer/Revenue With $64,702 transferred from Water /Sewer Enterprise funds. 8330 Assessors With $3,956 transferred from Water /Sewer Enterprise funds. 8340 Data Processing With $32,463 transferred from Water /Sewer Enterprise funds. 8410 Legal 8420 Town Clerk 8430 Board of Registrars 8440 Elections 141,545 129,114 287,783 6,000 800 500 356,234 184,862 197,777 247,316 205,000 135,859 21,700 64,637 Supplementary Approp. for current FY, Art. 5 1,070,400 Adopted May 15. $600,000 to DPW Exp, $456,000 to Public Schools, $9,900 to COA, $4,500 to Public Celebrations. To be transferred from Unreserved Fund Prior Years Unpaid Bills, Art. 6 Indefinitely postponed, April 22. Supplementary Appropriation, Art. 7 For authorized capital improvements. Indefinitely postponed April 22. Water Mains, Art. 8 Adopted April 22; transfer from Water Enterprise Fund. Federal aid expected. Sanitary Sewers, Art. 9 Adopted April 22. Transfer from Sewer Enterprise Fund. Federal /State aid expected. Street Improvements, Art. 10 Adopted April 22. To be funded by notes, with state reimbursement anticipated. Public Works Equipment, Art. 11 Adopted April 22. Of that amount, $90,000 transfer from Water /Sewer Enterprise Fund, $15,000 from Recreation Enterprise Fund. 280,000 560,000 400,000 105,000 Town Buildings Program, Art. 12. Adopted May 8. 85,000 Improvements to various buildings. Sewer Infiltration Program, Art. 13 600,000 Adopted April 22. To be borrowed from Mass. Water Resources Authority. Library Construction, Art. 14 7,850,000 Adopted May 13. Treasurer authorized to borrow $7,850,000, after 2 /3rds of the amount is secured from grants and donations. Minuteman Library Network, Art. 15 68,000 Adopted May 13. Senior Center Air Conditioning, Art. 16 60,000 Adopted May 8. Transfer from Unreserved Fund Balance. Fire Engine Purchase, Art. 17 262,150 Adopted May 8. Transfer from Unreserved Fund Balance. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 16 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 1996 Annual Town Meeting (continued) Fire Equipment, Art. 18. Adopted May 8. 60,000 To replace breathing apparatus and other equipment. Pine Meadows Golf Course, Art. 19 150,000 Adopted April 22. Improvements. Transfer from Recreation Enterprise Fund. Playgrounds and Ball Fields, Art. 20 50,000 Adopted April 22. Improvements at various locations. Transfer from Recreation Enterprise Fund. Miscellaneous School, Art. 21 2,210,000 Adopted May 13. Repairs and remodeling; equipment purchases. To be borrowed. Land Acquisition, Woburn St., Art. 22 275,000 Adopted May 15. Authorization to borrow to acquire property at 10 Woburn St. for municipal purposes. Buckman Tavern Repairs, Art. 23 20,000 Adopted May 13. Transfer from Unreserved Fund Balance. Land Acquisition, Art. 24 150,000 Adopted May 15. Authorization to borrow to acquire Augusta property (eight acres near Maple St.) for conservation, including recreation purposes, and to apply for state and federal aid. Wetlands Administration, Art. 26 4,662 Adopted April 8. Transfer from Wetlands Protection Fund account. Reduce Tax Rate, Article 40 799,506 Adopted May 15. Transfer from Unreserved Fund Balance. Total Appropriation $92,706,467 Prior Year 77,714,532 Zoning By -Laws Winning Farm Purchase, Art. 25. Indefinitely postponed, May 13. 186 Grove St. Easement, Art. 27. Adopted April 8. Granted Ursula and Charles Pike road access in exchange for a walking easement. Living Facilities for Seniors, Art. 28. Adopted April 10. Revised definitions to be consistent with state agencies. Residential Zoning By -Law, Art. 29. Adopted May 8. Comprehensive changes to Section 9. Zoning By -Law, Frontage Reduction, Art. 30. Adopted April 10. Amendments to subsection 7.4.5, passed in 1995 Town Meeting, that gives Planning Board more flexibility in granting permits for developments on small, two -lot subdivisions. Zoning By -Law, Art. 31. Adopted April 10. Changed zoning district designation from RS to RD on land known as the Grey Nuns, to permit building an assisted - living facility on the Pelham Rd. site. Zoning By -Law, Art. 32. Indefinitely postponed, May 8. Would have rezoned 0.8 acre RO site on Waltham St. to CD. Zoning By -Law, Art. 33. Adopted May 15. Rezoned property on Marrett Rd., known as Lawless Motors, from CS to RS. General Use of Driveway on 18 Philip Rd., Art 34. Adopted April 8. Granted to Anthony and Beatrice Busa for one dollar. Land Sale to Minuteman National Park, Art. 35. Adopted May 13. Discontinuance of Old Wood St. confirmed; land conveyed to the Park for one dollar. Acceptance of Quinn Bill, Art. 36. Adopted May 15. Provides incentive salary increases, with state reimbursement, for police officers who obtain degrees in specified educational institu- tions. Municipalization of Utilities, Art. 37. Adopted April 8. Authorized DPW, Town Manager and Selectmen to pursue creating a municipal gas and electric company. NESWC Agreement, Art. 38. Adopted April 8. Authorized Selectmen to implement strategic plan with North East Solid Waste Committee, including entering into an agreement with Massachusetts Refusetech, Inc. Citizen Article, Marion Angoff, Art. 39. Not adopted, April 8. Would have awarded back pay to former teacher. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 17 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Town Election, March 18 Voting: 24% of those regis- tered Selectman Dan H. Fenn, Jr. 3340 Daniel P. Busa, Jr. 2929 Dawn E. McKenna 1700 Moderator Margery M. Batten 3206 School Committee Joseph J. Dini 2957 Planning Board Steven L. Colman 2547 Lexington Housing Authority Nicholas Santosuosso 2931 Town Meeting Members Precinct One Francis V. Busa 249 Nancy M. Adler 245 James E. Barry 235 Albert P.Zabin 215 Mary Bowes 206 John E. Curry 199 Marsha S. Goldberg 198 Paul G. Topalian 169 Norma D. Floyd 92 Precinct Two Carolyn C. Wilson 308 Robert W. Culma 288 Christina J. Welch 261 Daniel A. Lucas 248 Leonora K. Feeney 240 Paul H. Lapointe 220 Rene D. Varrin 191 Timothy P. Enright 185 Thomas R. Diaz 183 Karen Gray 24 Katherine Kiefer 3 Precinct Three Gloria V. Holland 306 John P. Carroll 263 Richard L. Neumeier 259 Eric Jay Michelson 256 Francis W.K. Smith 226 Paul J. Rose 196 Richard R. Eurich 169 John H. Sellars 168 Franklin J. Sorrento, Jr. 154 David Kessler 121 Elections, 1996 Precinct Four Margaret F. Rawls Ronald W. Colwell Peter D. Enrich Jeanette P. Webb Donald A. Chisholm Martin K. White Nicholas Santosuoso Robert A. Leone Scott F. Burson Precinct Five Wallace Cupp John Hayward Elaine Dratch David G. Williams Ephraim Weiss Joseph F. Gilbert, Jr. Samuel Powers William H. Copp, Jr Don Daily Precinct Six David L. Kaufman Richard Pagett John S. Willson Jason Berger Anne A. Ripley Peter Diamond Marshall J. Derby Michael R. Barry Ronald B. Pawliczek William B. Simmons Mark C. French Precinct Seven Martha C. Wood Jonathan S. Lederman Robert M. Farias Catherine M.D. Abbott James C. Wood, Jr. John E. Taylor Audrey J. Friend Martin Horowitz Muriel Taylor Neal E. Boyle, Jr. James L. Scanlon Steven L.Colman Glen Franks Matthew Proujansky 380 330 324 299 291 274 272 255 245 236 230 226 220 215 201 177 166 127 330 325 306 265 260 255 253 236 208 201 193 276 249 249 248 238 235 235 201 175 163 157 146 112 100 Precinct Eight Richard A. Michelson Ione D. Garing Rogert F. Borghesani John T. Cunha Charles Hornig Florence E. Connor Margaret B. Schwartz Donald L. Bailey Setha G. OLson Cerise Jalelian Precinct Nine Janice A. Kennedy Michelle L. Ciccolo Alice J. Adler Louise V.T. Kava Richard Schaye Isabel M. Mroczkowski Michael E. Schroeder 315 311 308 301 255 251 230 213 191 115 247 235 234 228 224 215 193 State Primary Election Sept. 17 A paucity of contests kept participation to 9.8 percent of the registered voters. On the Democratic side, eight vied for Register of Probate, with Wanda M. Milik getting 249 votes over runner -up Francis X. Flaherty's 162. For County Treasurer, it was James E. Fahey , Jr. with 666 votes over Warren R. McManus' 259. For County Commissioner, Thomas Larkin led a field of six with 543 votes over Melissa Hurley's 305. And for Sheriff, James V. DiPaola with 362 over Edward J. Kennedy, Jr.'s 299. The only Republican contest was for Commissioner, where Anthony G. Marino won with 386 votes over Jerry Vengrow's 261. General Election, Nov. 5 Registered voters voting: 82% President/Vice President Clinton/Gore (D) 10,659 Dole /Kemp (R) 4,829 Browne /Jorgensen 164 Nader/Laduke 24 Perot/Choate 793 Senator in Congress John F. Kerry (D) 9,577 William F. Weld (R) 6727 Representative in Congress Edward J. Markey (D) 9,925 Patricia H. Long (R) 5,740 Councilor, 3rd District Cynthia S. Creem (D) 5,131 Councilor, 6th District Dorothy K. Gay (D) 3,701 Senator, 5th District Susan Fargo (D) 5,591 Hasty Evans (R) 2,916 Senator, 4th District Robert Havem, III (D) 4,148 Representative Jay R. Kaufman (D) 10,371 John T. Cunha (R) 4,919 Register of Probate Robert B. Antonelli (D) 6,846 Donna Lambert (R) 5,961 County Treasurer James E. Fahey, Jr. (D) 9,235 County Commissioner Thomas J. Larkin (D) 7,777 Edward J. Sullivan (D) 5,673 Anthony G. Marino (R) 4,992 Sheriff James V. DiPaola (D) 7,510 Brad Bailey (R) 6,236 Referendum Questions Wildlife Protection: Yes: 22 No: 2 Public financing of candidates for office: Yes: 19 No: 0 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 18 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Town Meeting Members Association (TMMA The TMMA resumed, in 1996, its pre - Town Meeting bus tour designed to acquaint members with various Warrant Articles. The tour covered the Augusta proper- ty slated for town acquisition, a parcel to be transferred to the National Parks, and sites related to zoning articles; Youville Place, the Woburn St. Exxon station, Winning Farm and three other sites. Library renovation plans were presented to members at the Library following the tour. Prior to the tour, Town Meeting members examined equipment related to Warrant articles assembled by the DPW, Police and Fire Departments. In other pre -Town Meeting actions, TMMA prepared an information booklet distributed to all members prior to three meetings held to go over all articles on the Warrant. With the town's fiscal bind and budget processes of greatest concern, TMMA's Executive Committee was kept up -to -date by the several finan- cial committees, Town Manager, Board of Selectmen and School Superintendent, as well as negotia- tions concerning Hanscom. TMMA was formed in 1936 to provide Town Meeting members with information vital to the Town Meeting process. Its Executive Committee represents members when Town Meeting is not in session. 1996 - 1997 Executive Committee Chairman Andrew Friedlich, Pre. 5; Clerk Alan Lazarus Pre. 6 Vice Chair Robert Cohen, Pre. 3; Treasurer Suzanne Barry, Pre. 6 Precinct Chairman Clerk Alternate One Laura Boghosian John Breen Mary Bowes Two Heather Hartshorn Christina Welch Marita Hartshorn Three Caleb Warner Samuel Berman Shirley Frawley Four Michael Wagner Nicholas Santosuosso Jeanette Webb Five Samuel Powers Ira Crowe Ephraim Weiss Six David Kaufman Frank Sandy Anne Ripley Seven Neal Boyle Robert Coyne Gordon Hardy Eight Bigelow Moore Donald Jenkins, Jr. Anne Frymer Nine Susan Cusack Janice Kennedy Henry Manz TMMA Board: Seated, Suzie Barry, Andy Friedlich, Laura Boghosian, Mary Bowes and Heather Hartshorn. Standing, Frank Sandy, Hank Manz, Caleb Warner, Mike Wagner, David Kaufman, Sam Powers, David Kaufman and Don Jenkins. Photo: Ray Barnes. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 19 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 No year proved more convincingly that the work of the School Committee (SC) is about relationships - with our fellow members, with the superintendent and through him with the administration and staff. We also interact with the Select- men, Appropriation and Capital Expendi- ture Committees, Town Meeting and organizations beyond Lexington. First and foremost, the SC is a policy - making board, which focuses on the evolving picture of the school system. Policies must provide consistent guide- lines for responding to problems and anticipating future trends and needs. Policy decisions on such issues as program deletion, class size, space utili- zation and contract negotiation, give direction to the administration and form a framework for budget building. The SC had two major concerns for 1996. The first was the operating and capital budget requests brought to Town Meeting in April. The second was the system -wide space limitations Each budget request may be interpreted as a response to the questions: what do you want to accomplish? And how do you want to accomplish it? The SC's original operating budget request of just over $40,000,000 sought to accomplish four objectives. They were: to maintain reasonable class sizes; to fund more fully the Special Education costs and to continue our FY96 level of commitment to building maintenance and to honor all contractual obligations, including a one -time only distribution of $325,000 to all teachers hired under the three- for -one years of service terms of the previous LEA contract. The annual school budget represents a statement of laudable purpose, but too, it may forfeit its legitimacy and credibility when the needs expressed surpass the financial resources to fund them. Meeting with the selectmen, town manager and representatives from Appropriation during the winter did not School Committee School Committee: front, Susan Elberger and Chairman Barrie Peltz. Back, School Superintendent Jeffrey M. Young, Joseph Dini and Fred Rosenberg. Not shown, Mary Neumeier. Dini was unopposed at the annual town election. Photo: Ray Barnes. always showcase individual participants at their collegial best. We did, however, manage to reconcile both municipal and school requests by cutting corresponding amounts to balance the overall town budget. The final operating budget figure for education services was $39,921,213. Capital Spending Plans The largest piece of our FY97 capital budget request, $1,200,000, was for upgrading wiring and computer network- ing installation necessary for future phases of the 5 -year Technology Plan. Town Meeting endorsed this investment. It also approved funds for capital improvements to Harrington school, renovations to elementary and secondary classrooms to handle immediate enroll- ment increases, and a final appropriation to hire an architectural firm to study space needs in all nine schools, and to develop a master plan to meet them. Consideration of the schools' capital building needs began in 1993. At that time the town received the Arche- type Report, a study of the physical plants and operating systems of all town facilities, with recommendations to address both maintenance and functional deficiencies. For the school buildings alone, Arche- type's digest of revisions carried a price tag of $64,000,000. To follow up on Archteype's study, the selectmen created a blue -ribbon committee of citizens well acquainted with building /equipment analysis, repair and replacement. The charge to the Building Finance Committee (BFC) was to take a compre- hensive look at all town buildings, assess needs and costs, organize projects by priority and suggest a timetable. In the Spring of 1996, the BFC published its findings. These included a recom- mendation by the schools to hire special- ty architects for a separate study of school facilities to extend the functional efficient life of the buildings. The SC had included funds for this study in its FY97 capital budget request. It put the proposal for architectural services to bid in early summer, and after interview- ing three firms, the Permanent Building Committee, school administration and committee selected HMFH Architects of Cambridge. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 20 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 School Committee (continued) HMFH scrutinized all schools, analyzing existing space in relation to program needs, enrollment projections, SC policies and ADA requirements. It also considered strategies for renovations and possible new building to qualify for 59 percent state reimbursement under regu- lations published in June 1996. The committee is proud of the process it used to bring a capital building plan before the town. We solicited and wel- comed wide public participation. Our capital plan is the result of exhaus- tive efforts to integrate the educational and space needs of current and future students to promote parity and flexibility in delivering educational services. We believe that all of the careful and dedicated work to date will produce a plan worthy of the challenges and finan- cial sacrifices needed to enact it. Policy Changes In addition to this work, the SC adopted two new policies: the first, an underage admissions policy, makes only those children whose fifth and sixth birthdays fall between 9/1 and 9/30 eligible for early admission to kindergarten or first grade. The second, a non - resident policy, defines residency criteria for Lexington School attendance, and for the foresee- able future, denies the superintendent the discretion to admit a non - resident student. We are also finalizing a policy on Internet Acceptable Use to insure that students at all levels accept the system's expectations for the use of technology as an educational tool and enhancement to established curricula. During the year the SC endorsed several initiatives. We approved new and more academically rigorous graduation stan- dards for the high school, and approved a joint venture with the Police Depart- ment to place an officer in the high school. We approved plans submitted by each school council for the 96 -97 year. We also evaluated the superintendent's performance, and authorized formal eval- uation of our elementary math curricu- lum. We supported the commitment to focus the year's professional develop- ment training on the theme of anti - racism, and promoted system wide efforts to recruit and hire culturally diverse candidates for staff positions. We received the report of the Special Education Task Force, and detailed the superintendent to explore its findings with principals and their staffs. Mary Neumeier worked through the year with a subcommittee of the LEA Nego- tiating Team and administration to develop a more effective approach to the schools' central functions of supervision and evaluation. Finally, on a lighter note, we fielded a respectable team for the First Annual LEF Spelling Bee and managed to trans- form Dr. Diane Tabor, our new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, from a Lexington fledging to a veteran in just a few short weeks, by the sheer volume of our requests. In concluding our capsule report on 1996, the committee wishes to thank the community at large for the opportunity to work for you and among you. With your help, we feel we can grow in our effec- tiveness and do our part to insure that the Lexington tradition of providing quality education to all its young people proudly continues. Chairman Barrie Peltz Joseph Dini Susan Elberger Mary Neumeier Fred Rosenberg Superintendent of Schools In 1996, members of the Lexington Public Schools community engaged in numerous activities, some responding to needs identified by the system itself, others to outside mandates from the state. Faculty, staff, administrators, parents and students again this year worked hard to meet the goals of the school system at a time when resources were reduced. Budget Planning At the outset of the budget process, the School Committee instructed the Super- intendent of Schools to prepare a budget proposal based on the needs of the system as defined by two elements: the projected increase in enrollments and current fiscal constraints. Consequently, the FY97 school budget did not propose enhanced programs or bold initiatives. Rather it provided an explanation of the costs of maintaining essential services. Some services deemed essential previously were judged less central to our mission, and were eliminat- ed from the budget to allow added strength in core academic areas. The $39.9 million budget was ultimately approved by the annual Town Meeting. It maintained reasonable class sizes in most grade levels, more fully funded special education, continued the present level of building maintenance, and met the con- tractual obligations of the School Com- mittee with its five unions. At the same time certain programs, which had existed in Lexington for many years, including home economics and industrial technology, were deleted from the curriculum. The decision to cut these programs was based on the belief that we must define the schools' mission in order to make effective use of limited resources. We must preserve the quality of what we do, even if this means we do fewer things. Thus, the 1996 curriculum was stronger in core academics and technology. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 21 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Superintendent of Schools (continued) Capital Planning Student enrollments have been projected to increase for the foreseeable future, and nine school buildings need renovation and repair. The school system undertook a comprehensive analysis of space needs and ways to protect the physical plant. Toward this end, Town Meeting approved funds to retain the services of HMFH Architects. With representatives of town boards and committees, HMFH worked with the school system to describe capital needs. Major renovations are required in all nine schools to accom- modate future enrollments and provide safe, adequate learning environments. Through the latter half of 1996 and the first part of 1997, the school community will be reviewing these recommenda- tions. We will then come to the 1997 Town Meeting with a proposal for bring- ing all schools up to the levels required to meet the needs of twenty -first century learners. Technology The Schools' five -year technology plan was approved by the Massachusetts State Department of Education in October 1996. Lexington's five -year plan was developed with input from more than 80 people, including technical specialists from Bolt Beranek and Newman, MIT Lincoln Laboratory and other industries, teachers, administrators, community members and parents. This plan guides the integration of dis- trict -wide networking and technology to ensure that technology becomes an inte- gral and routine part of the learning experience throughout the school com- munity. Currently the schools are imple- menting year one of the plan which high- lights building the infrastructure. The schools are extending the network and the broadband cable institutional (I) trunk that interconnects all schools and town offices to the classroom. By fall 1997, each classroom will be connected to the townwide network using Ethernet standard cabling (unshielded, twisted pair category - five). Anti - Racist Education This year the school system tailored its professional development program for all faculty and staff to the important issue of racism in a series of systemwide work- shops and seminars. Everyone in the Public Schools will learn ways to combat racist attitudes and practices as they exist in classrooms, hallways, playing fields, and society at large. The school system acknowledges that there is perhaps no greater, more endur- ing problem in American society than race. Through this effort we try to help Lexington's youth prepare to take a lead- ership role in combating this scourge. State Education Reform Act Passed by the State Legislature in 1993, the Massachusetts Education Reform Act continues to carry major implications for systems across the Commonwealth. In Lexington there are two main areas of focus. The first involves aligning Lexing- ton's curriculum with the curriculum frameworks being developed statewide. Faculty members have been engaged in curriculum committees in all these areas to ensure that Lexington meets and exceeds the state standards. The second major area involves Time and Learning. The state mandated that elementary schools offer 900 hours of structured learning time per year and secondary schools 990 hours. These regulations, which go into effect in Sep- tember 1997, are brand new. Prior to 1997, the state had no standards in this area. School principals and councils have been working to ensure that Lexington com- plies with these standards. In general, the Education Reform Act has raised many questions about the way children are educated. Lexington's approach has been to preserve what we have always done best and allow the new ideas coming forward from the state level to advance our philosophy, programs, and practice. Student Achievements Many Lexington students excelled in academics, the arts, and athletics during the school year. Following are highlights of student achievements: • Seventeen Lexington students advanced to the Massachusetts State Science Fair and competed in several categories taking six first places, seven second places, one third place, and three honor- able mentions. • For the seventh consecutive year Lex- ington students represented the state in the International Science and Engineer- ing Fair in Tucson, Arizona. • Three Lexington students were selected as semifinalists in the 55th Annual West- inghouse Talent Search. • The Lexington High School science team captured the Massachusetts State Science Olympiad Championship, and represented the state at the National Science Olympiad in Atlanta, Georgia placing eighth overall in the United States. • The Diamond Middle School math team finished in first place in the United States in the pre - algebra category, tenth in the algebra I category, and second in the grade 6 category in a competition sponsored by the National Mathematics League. • In the American Association of Teach- ers of French Examination, Clarke student Yuen Liu placed first nationally, Jessica Wright from Diamond placed second nationally, and Ceen Yenn Lin from Lexington High School placed second nationally. • In the American Association of Teach- ers of Spanish and Portuguese Examina- tion, Diamond student Amal Dorai placed second nationally, and two High School students, Pablo De La Huerta and Morgan Landel, placed first nationally. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 22 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Superintendent of Schools (continued) • In the American Classical League, Lexington High School students Ashurni Nadkarni and Siobhan Quinlan both received gold medals and a National Summa Cum Laude status. • Five members of the Lexington High School orchestra were selected for membership in the National High School Honors Orchestra which performed in Kansas City as part of the Music Educa- tors Conference Convention in April. • Lexington students in the Visual Arts Department were acknowledged for their excellent work submitted to the Boston Globe Scholastic Arts competition. • The Visual Arts Department of the Lexington Public Schools exhibited a variety of student work in the Parsons Gallery at the Lexington Arts and Crafts Society in January and February. The High School Girls' Swimming Team repeated as undefeated league champions. Carissa Carter was named to the All Scholastic Team. The Girl's Lacross Team won their first ever league championship and advanced to the state semi - finals. Laura Kidney and Virginia McCauley were named to All Scholastic teams. The high school baseball team completed their most successful season in over 25 years and advanced to the sectional quar- ter -finals of the state tournament. Estabrook fifth grader Grace Bathon won the American History Essay Contest sponsored by Lexington's Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Average SAT Scores Verbal Math 591 605 Faculty Notes • Leonard Swanton, a fifth grade teacher at the Estabrook Elementary School, was Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. • Ellen Vera was named All- Scholastic Coach of the Year. • Sandra Curt was named Boston Globe Coach of the Year for her work with the high school field hockey team. • Bowman teachers Jo Ann Greene and Catherine Cote took part in creating and producing an MCET television program on mystery books. • Diamond Middle School was awarded a grant from the Coalition of Essential Schools to continue its work in teaching for understanding. • Clarke and Diamond Middle Schools were awarded a joint community service grant for $10,000 by Tufts University. • Dr. Diane Tabor joined the Lexington Public Schools faculty as Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Enrollments Grand Total 5,448 5,589 Lexington High School Class; 1996 Size of class Actual Projected 93% 96/97 97/98 Bowman 537 531 Bridge 491 507 Estabrook 499 501 Fiske 394 386 Harrington 401 413 Hastings 404 417 Total Elem. 2,726 2,755 Clarke 683 715 Diamond 595 655 Total Middle 1,278 1,370 Lexington High 1,444 1,464 Grand Total 5,448 5,589 Lexington High School Class; 1996 Size of class 331 Continuing education 93% 4 -year college 89% 2 -year college 4% Other schooling 1 % Employment 5% Other 1% National Merit Scholarship Program; Class of 1997 35 Letters of Commendation 14 Semifinalists Jeffrey M. Young, Superintendent of Schools School Inventory Elementary, Grades K -5 Bowman, 9 Phillip Rd., Blt. 1967 Dr. Malcolm Astley, Principal Bridge, 55 Middleby Rd., Blt. 1966 Barbara Manfredi, Principal Estabrook, 117 Grove St., Blt. 1960 David Horton, Principal Fisk, 34A Colony Rd., Blt. 1948 Joanne Benton, Principal Harrington, 146 Maple St., Blt. 1956 David Crump, Principal Hastings, 2618 Mass. Ave., Blt. 1955 Richard Rogers, Principal Middle Schools, Grades 6 -8 Clarke, 17 Stedman Rd., Blt. 1972 Pamela Houlares, Principal Diamond, 99 Hancock St., B1t.1957 Joanne Hennessey, Principal High School, Grades 9 -12 251 Waltham St., Blt. 1950 Philip Lanoue, Principal TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 23 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Personnel Services Lexington School Expenditures 1991 -1992 1992 -1993 1993 -1994 1994 -1995 1995 -1996 Administrative Offices 343,174 336,176 337,742 393,467 386,216 Principals and Assistants 911,452 957,187 1,019,507 1,054,657 1,079,025 Supervisors /Coordinators 723,214 571,270 640,221 676,976 668,739 Classroom Teachers 13,430,885 14,314,334 14,897,077 15,696,252 16,385,616 Degree Changes 28,872 28,750 28,500 40,000 45,000 Severance Pay 84,000 58,420 205,011 180,688 206,506 Special Needs Staff 1,859,951 1,953,213 2,040,613 2,296,173 2,661,947 Tutors 657,482 594,847 898,518 1,024,390 1,114,999 Stipends (Extra Duty) 97,138 69,919 88,495 101,470 61,894 Nurses 146,352 153,136 161,957 179,322 184,275 Instructional Materials Specialists (Library) 394,015 400,046 403,630 470,949 512,435 Guidance Counselors 672,676 690,526 680,908 780,342 842,858 Psychologists 98,982 100,362 97,424 135,934 137,896 Doctors 16,430 27,668 25,372 24,335 26,225 Aides 362,802 431,987 494,166 500,755 483,739 Special Needs Assistants 209,695 185,918 198,960 224,557 225,161 Secretarial and Clerical 1,005,875 1,007,985 1,040,650 1,134,917 1,231,308 Computer Center Technical 41,621 43,978 45,324 46,706 70,685 Student Programmers 11,209 6,646 3,569 9,891 14,725 Custodians and Maintenance 1,536,249 1,583,063 1,589,111 1,580,885 1,569,347 Crossing Guards 64,585 67,059 65,616 76,751 79,337 Workers' Compensation 53,092 24,192 18,625 36,216 1,699 FICA 182,679 211,647 258,769 136,115 148,208 Sub -Total 22,932,430 23,818,329 25,239,765 26,801,748 28,137,840 Employee Benefits included beginning 1994 -95 2,982,086 3,180,190 Expenses Fuel 292629 308,147 239,275 217,090 319,788 Vehicle Parts, Gas, Oil 4441 3,352 4,305 4,548 7,647 Office Supplies 120355 80,449 63,835 80,981 103,139 Teaching Supplies 335714 334,355 283,135 314,919 300,324 Other Supplies 121129 148,068 74,551 111,638 125,277 Textbooks 162764 191,170 164,330 213,097 240,109 Library Books and Cataloging 45275 29,131 25,214 41,600 40,925 Periodicals and Newspapers 14532 10,210 9,812 10,706 14,830 Recruiting Materials 3926 5,194 8,686 12,188 13,564 Report Cards /Progress Reports 0 237 1,671 2,383 2,064 Handbooks 4078 2,600 1,896 1,030 (319,720) Professional Books /Subscriptions 6224 5,264 4,050 6,949 6,289 Student Publications 4970 2,085 5,674 8,999 7,500 Film Rental 1997 2,309 2,349 2,230 2,759 Media Purchase 17602 10,522 7,277 13,383 9,789 Computer Software 32925 23,793 18,187 36,000 49,556 Repair of Plant (Supplies) 79674 79,1.38 60,525 54,092 85,854 Repair of Grounds (Supplies) 1287 1,710 583 116 1,268 Sub -Total 1249522 1,237,734 975,355 1,131,949 1,010,962 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 24 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Lexington School Expenditures (continued) Equipment Purchase and Rental 1991 -1992 1992 -1993 1993 -1994 1994 -1995 1995 -1996 New Equipment Replacement of Equipment Sub -Total Contracted Services Consultant Services Special Testing Built -in Items/Bldg. Repairs Electrical (Repairs) Plumbing (Repairs) Heating (Repairs) Painting Roofing (Repairs) Glass (Repairs) Other Property Services (Repairs) Mop Rental Electricity Water Gas (Bottled and Natural) Telephone Insect Control Elevator Service and Repair Pupil Transportation Regular Special Needs, in Town Special Needs, outside Field Trips Other Transportation Travel and Meetings Intrastate Travel Out of State Travel Within Lexington Printing Newsletter Equipment Service/Maintenance Tuition Special Needs Membership Other General Equipment Rental Sub -Total Grand Total 234,862 59,387 31,858 218,951 216,583 69,247 15,771 10,140 52,941 83,621 304,109 75,158 41,998 271,892 300,204 323,639 314,101 512,696 663,693 527,109 20,023 30,853 26,118 57,215 53,696 125,832 90,124 100,477 55,338 92,955 25,358 28,734 22,884 27,999 22,896 21,364 18,451 19,423 16,565 17,604 34,583 45,136 32,398 36,924 59,577 23,354 27,583 12,122 13,851 30,172 6,000 7,859 6,000 3,333 10,069 9,035 6,000 4,401 5,172 4,745 17,622 21,984 27,480 31,066 24,938 0 6,308 8,136 6,149 8,193 481,547 522,551 517,177 526,990 539,795 57,911 93,596 96,519 101,237 103,485 9,800 13,119 11,312 9,173 15,934 112,672 103,757 106,562 110,989 121,903 4,315 3,885 3,918 4,534 5,380 3,337 5,369 0 0 16,665 401,565 478,986 507,984 535,432 642,243 96,942 72,093 73,978 70,133 85,886 109,584 89,488 96,064 113,215 134,210 5,582 3,070 2,441 5,208 5,832 98,855 72,933 65,916 94,185 115,599 16,255 11,498 23,201 24,762 23,997 22,056 1,077 11,584 6,197 4,425 5,637 7,551 7,373 7,145 8,695 3,362 7,540 7,707 9,066 5,730 8,127 7,068 9,865 3,185 2,087 259,170 200,620 181,385 198,770 209,773 884,594 794,504 887,153 1202,009 1,485,484 36,277 39,552 32,737 40,958 37,555 72,471 150,006 221,365 215,516 700,344 207,909 23,490 5,628 10,637 16,863 3,504,778 3,298,886 3,642,004 27,990,839 28,430,107 29,899,122 4,206,646 35,394,321 5,133,839 37,763,035 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 25 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 1995 -96 Summary of Outside Funding Grants Area Lexington Use Amount Federal PL 94 -142 Special Education Lexington Special Services $349,440 PL 94 -142 Early Childhood Mainstreaming for Pre - School 53,063 PL 97 -35 Chapter 1 Reading 53,705 PL 97 -35 Chapter 2 Block Grant Instruction/Technology 12,907 PL 100 -297 D. D. Eisenhower /Title II Math/Science 10.040 Total Federal Funds $479,155 State Chapter 636 METCO $882,767 Comprehensive Health Health Education 134,004 and Human Services Drug Free Schools and Life Skills 21,189 Community Act Ed Reform Act Coalition of Essential Schools 10,000 Middle School /College Partnership 10,000 Time and Learning 9,300 High School Restructuring 5,000 Curriculum Frameworks 10,000 Dept. of Public Health Enhanced School Health Service 67.500 $1,149,760 Federal/State Commonwealth Inservice Institute Special Needs Working toward Inclusion $14,000 Special Needs IEP 13,440 Special Needs NAECP 2,650 $30,090 Lexington Education Foundation (FY95) $59,536 Fees Local (Collected in 1995 -96) Transportation $297,790 Athletics 135,745 Athletics Gate Receipts 32,656 Tuition 16,875 Building Rental 11,049 Medicaid Reimbursement 72,903 $567,018 Grand Total All Sources $2,285,560 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 26 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Peter Saradjian of Lexington was named Minuteman Tech's outstanding technical student and also one of two outstanding technical students in the state. Nyles Barnert, long -time Lexington Representative on the Minuteman School Committee, retired and was replaced, by the Moderator, with Jane Pagett. Senior Gareth Driver of Arlington scored a perfect 800 on his verbal SAT test to become Minuteman Tech's first national semi - finalist in the National Merit Schol- arship competition. His accomplishment highlighted Minute- man's growing emphasis on academic excellence and preparation for college as well as technical competence. This is in keeping with a major study by the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University. The study showed that post -high- school learning combined with specific career training makes graduates attractive to employers. The majority of Minuteman graduates go on to college with the advantage of spe- cific career training that gives direction to college studies. Minuteman's programs focus on prepar- ing students for the jobs that are replac- ing manufacturing in Massachusetts. Opportunities are increasing for techni- cians in biotechnology, the environment, telecommunications, dentistry, and for electromechanical specialists, builders who understand energy savings, graphics technicians with computer skills and computer - literate craft and sales workers. Minuteman is also active in a new Metro South West School - to - Careers Con- sortium in partnership with the district's feeder high schools, state agencies and private industry. During FY 1997, the school's staff gen- erated over $1,600,000 in funding to support the growth of the new science/ - technology career training. Minuteman Tech Among the school's accomplishments: Horticulture students won top awards for their exhibit at the New England Flower Show - for the 11th straight year. In the past three years, Electromechani- cal Technology students took four 1st places, two 2nd places and two 3rd places in national competitions spon- sored by Robotics International Society of Manufacturing Engineers. In the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America Skill Olympics, Minuteman Tech students dominated the Commercial Baking competition. In athletics, the boy's varsity soccer team won the Commonwealth Conference championship, the varsity wrestling team copped the Colonial Athletic League title for the third year in a row and the boy's basketball team won the Corey O. Smith Tournament for the second year in a row. Lexington's `96 graduates were: Angela Devenney, Christopher Falone, Daniel Fertitta, Stephanie Mills, Peter Saradjian, Kimberly Savini and Patrick Snell. Minuteman's budget for FY 1996 was $11,485,208. Lexington's assessment was $620,850. Lexington's enrollment: 1994 1995 1996 All grades 44 33 51 Two Lexington seniors at Minuteman Tech are Sharon Keeley, a Graphics Technolo- gy major, and Gregory Perpignan, a Drafting major. Photo: Minuteman Tech. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 27 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 FY96 Payroll $985,294 Expenses 220,785 Personnel Full Time 26 Part Time 60 Cary Memorial Library FY95 $803,057 224,236 27 66 Cary is woven into the very fabric of Lexington - its residents, schools, civic institutions, businesses and municipal agencies. Its mission is to furnish the highest standard of library services to this community. In fulfilling this mission Cary Library will: • Provide materials, resources, and serv- ices that promote lifelong learning and cultural enrichment. • Enhance the curricula of the Lexington schools. • Promote reading as central to literacy and learning. • Initiate and implement a dynamic program of reading and learning for pre- schoolers. • Respond to the needs of the municipal government with nationwide access to relevant special data. Library Building Committee Members of the Library Building Com- mittee are; Chairman, Walter Pierce, Elizabeth Eddison, Dan H. Fenn, Mary Lou Touart, Sara B. Chase, Rev. Peter Meek, Jay K. Lucker, library building program consultant, and architects Stephen Hale and Melissa Bennett. They and the library staff submitted renovation plans for a construction grant to the state Library Commissioners in April, 1996. Through the year the committee met with other town boards to keep them informed of these plans. At Town Meeting, the Chairman of the Board of Library Trus- tees, Rev. Dr. Peter H. Meek, and Library Director, Carol A. Mahoney requested Town Meeting to consider bonding to finance the renovation. Town Meeting voted to borrow $7,850,000, with all grants and fundraising by the Board of Trustees to be used to offset the $7,850,000 bond. The Trustees were informed in Septem- ber that the library would not get a grant. The Library Commissioners encouraged the Library to reapply and submit another grant request for the next round of funding in February 1997. The Building Committee met throughout the Fall and made plans to resubmit the grant. Staff Changes In January Stella Liu retired. Her career at Cary began in 1968. She worked in the reference department and headed the Technical Services Department for several years before being appointed Assistant Director of the Library. As the systems specialist, Stella Liu brought the library into the computer age. She oversaw the computerization of the card catalog, managed the in -house computer system, and made the transition from a stand -alone system to member- ship in the Metro- Boston Library Network. The library staff wishes Stella well as she moves on to pursue her many other interests. In December 1995, Elaine Garnache, formerly a branch librarian in both Brookline and Framingham, was hired as the Children's Librarian to replace Susan Decker. Connie Rawson was hired in November, 1996 as Assistant Director of the library. Connie was previously the Assistant Director at the Stoneham Public Library where she also held positions in the refer- ence and children's department. Adult Services • In FY96 the Adult library circulated 405,571 items, an average of 33,797 items per month. • Attendance at the main library was 538,034 • In FY96 3,870 interlibrary loans were received and the Cary Library provided 3,137 items to other libraries. • Total non - resident circulation in FY96 was 156,428. • 27,777 residents in Lexington have library cards. Reference Department The Reference Department continued to answer an average of 4,000 reference questions per month and offer instruction on the use of the automated catalog and other equipment. The Internet stations became very popular and classes were given by the reference staff. With the implementat4vof the new tele- phone system, telephone reference was discontinued on Sundays. An average of 1,200 people visit the library on Sundays and the reference desk usually has lines of people waiting for assistance. Preservation Grant The Library submitted a grant request to the Board of Library Commissioners for a Title I Preservation survey. This grant, entitled "Lexington's Legacy," seeks to identify and preserve critical collections. The Library has identified the Worthen, Piper and other historic collections to be surveyed by a preservation consultant. The Library also received from the Commissioners instruments which moni- tored temperature and relative humidity in the building. Audiovisual Department The high rate of activity in this depart- ment has started to level off. An average of 10,000 items circulate from the a -v desk a month. A second full time posi- tion was added to the department. Weeding out the phonograph collection was begun to save space. CDs will take the place of a number of the phono- graphs. Video fines were dropped from $2.50 per day to $1.00. Videos can now be returned in the book drop. Eastern MA Literacy Council In January, the Council moved from offices in the East Lexington Branch Library to an office at 5 Raymond Street. In August 1996, the library was informed by the Dept. of Education that the Title VI - LSCA - Literacy Program would not be funded in FY 1996. The Council started a successful sponsor- ship and fundraising program to supple- ment this grant. The literacy collection continues to be housed at the main library and is actively used by students and tutors. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 28 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Cary Memorial Library (continued) Library Network Transfer Town Meeting, May 1996, approved funds for the transfer of the Library from the Metro - Boston Library Network (MBLN) to the Minuteman Library Network (MLN), effective July 1997. The public libraries of Brookline, Cam- bridge, Newton and Lexington will be leaving MBLN because of the difficulties of being a member of a network with the largest library in the state. The uniqueness of the Boston Public Library placed limitations on the system These curtailed our ability to provide the best possible services. We will not lose access to the Boston collection however. Through a screen menu located on the public access com- puters, customers can access Boston Public Library material. The library staff will be preparing for the transition throughout 1996 and 1997. Children's Services • In FY96 the Children's Room circulated 279,507 items, an average of 5,375 items a week. This represents a 4% increase over the FY95 total. • 344 children's programs were attended by 10,017 children, parents, and teachers. TV- Turnoff Week The second annual TV turnoff program was held from April 22 - 28, 1996, with cooperative programming at the Main Library. East Branch, Bowman, and Hastings elementary school libraries. Participating children were given a record sheet to keep track of the number of hours they turned off the TV and to list alternative activities in which they participated. Special programs were offered in the afternoons and evenings at the branch and main Library. Summer Reading Program The Children's library staff and elemen- tary school librarians collaborated on a video shown on the local cable station to advertise the summer Reading program, "Catch the Summer Spark: Read!" 1,413 children registered for the program and read a total of 20,424 hours. The pro- grams were very well attended (2,433) at both the main library and the branch. A summer reading list prepared by the school and library staff was distributed in the schools and was available at the library. A New Books for Young Adults list was also prepared. Teacher Orientation Jane Eastman, Reference Librarian and Elaine Garnache, Children's Librarian, participated in the Lexington Public Schools Teacher Orientation program. A "Service for Teacher's" brochure was distributed which discussed the resources available at the library. Forty Lexington preschool teachers attended the fifth annual "Best Preschool Books of the Year" workshop held in February. Ruth Lynn, Head of Children's Services and Elaine Gamache, Children's Librarian discussed hundreds of new preschool books and gave each teacher a copy of the library's "Notable Books for Preschoolers, 1995" book list. Sixty children's CD -ROM programs were purchased for a new circulating CD- ROM. The CD -ROM station in the child- ren's room will now be used for child- ren's reference programs only. East Lexington Branch Library • In FY96 the East Lexington Branch Library circulated 31,941 items. The East Lexington Branch Library, located in the historic Stone Building, provides a recreational reading collection of 10,000 items for children and adults. In 1996 a rental plan called the McNaughton collection was implement- ed at the branch. Due to limited shelf space this rental collection allows the branch to receive current popular materi- al and return it to the distributor after interest has diminished. This makes the branch collection a much more active collection. The branch, in coordination with the main library, offers children's programs and limited reference services. Friends of the Library Friends of Cary Memorial Library: • Enhance community support for Cary • Sponsor special events • Organize library volunteers • Assist in fundraising for the Library During 1996 the Friends of the Library began the process of incorporation as a non - profit organization. The organization has been directed by the Advisory Committee of the Board of Library Trus- tees. It became clear in 1995 that The Friends should operate more indepen- dently from the Board of Trustees. Bylaws were drawn up and a Board of Directors put into place. The Friends will apply for a 5010 tax exempt status in 1997. The Friends of Lexington Authors Even- ings showcased local authors, Thomas Sileo, R. C. Blinstock, Lee Sinai, Lynn Harris, Alice Hinkle, Andrea Cleghom, Rodney Lowe, and Barbara Ehrlich White. Deborah Swiss another Lexington author spoke at the Friends Annual meeting. In 1996 the Friends implemented "Gently Used Book Sales ". These sales were held every three months in the Oval Room and were successful as was the annual book sale. This year the book sale was held outdoors in the staff parking lot under beautifully blue skies. The Friends of the Library also coor- dinate the volunteer program. 147 people volunteered at the library in FY96. Carol A. Mahoney, Director Executive Committee (Elected by the Board of Trustees) Rev. Dr. Peter H. Meek, Chairman Dan H. Fenn, Jr., Vice - Chairman Rev. Brian S. Dixon Elizabeth B. Eddison Susan A. Elberger Advisory Committee (Appointed by the Executive Committee) Stephen A. Krensky, Chairman, Sara B. Chase, Edwin B. Cox, Paula Fowler, Audrey J. Friend, Ione D. Garing, Timothy P. Hart, Marilyn Mairson, Theodore Mairson, Walter S. Pierce, Ann Wallace, Nancy R. Winsten. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 29 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Cary Memorial Library (continued) Library Benefactors The investment portfolio began in 1868 when Maria Hastings Cary donated funds to the town to establish a public library, provided the town supported it with annual appropriations. Throughout the years many other residents have estab- lished funds in the amounts shown below. The income is used primarily for the purchase of library materials. Leroy & Geneva Brown $4,000 Beals 1,100 Maria Hastings Cary 400 Book Purchase 1,000 Alice Butler Cary 2,958 Jane Phinney 300 Goodwin Musical 1,100 Laura M. Brigham 3,100 George W. Sarano 300 War Parents Book Memorial 1,800 Nelson W. Jenny 2,000 Paulina Burbank Peirce 1,000 Caira Robins 300 Wellington Library 1,100 Emma Ostrom Nichols 1,000 Sarah Elizabeth Raymond 2,528 Abbie C. Smith 1,000 Lewis L. Hoyt 1,000 Sue Medeiros 949 Pearl Toback Feld 666 Ann E. Ferry 3,370 The Rev. Harold T. Handley 1,938 Beryl M. Safford 1,484 James Stuart Smith 11,072 Warren Sherburne 4,020 Edith J. Childs 300,810 Diane Lund 3,765 James and Pauline McDevitt 4,000 Sub Total $358,060 CAMPAIGN FOR THE NEW CENTURY: Manfred Friedman $3,925 John N. Pierce 2,183 William F.Buckley 5,125 Robert Wendell Hannam 2,700 Evelyn & Samuel Borshay 3,000 Margaret F. Kinley 2,565 Edward C. Stone 3,340 Frederick Cowing Frick 4,447 John C. Eddison 6,625 Wilson/Furey/F. Schofield 2,860 Stanley Hill Amer. Leg. Post 2,500 Ethan Bogen 3,725 Larry & Sophia Ho 2,500 Science & Technology 4,836 Winsten Fund 1,835 Cox Family Gift 5,072 Robert T. Davison 2,710 Albert Gallatin Friend 2,000 Harriet B. Hathaway 1,500 Oscar & Stella Liu 1,500 Sinai Family 1,500 Robert C. Hilton 1,035 Robbie LaMantia 1,500 Sub Total $68,983 GRAND TOTAL $427,043 Trustee Funds Statement Balance on Hand, 6/30/95 Lexington Savings $137,942.01 Receipts Building Fund 125.00 Canceled Checks 436.81 Copy Service 4,175.59 Data Process 1,000.00 Fines, etc. 105,752.62 Friends 19,816.38 Fundraising 118,975.51 Investments 50,392.75 Subtotal, Receipts $300,674.66 Tranfers In From Federal Gov. Literacy $40,960.00 From Pre - School PTA 600.00 Subtotal, Transfers in $41,560.00 Total Receipts, Transfers In and 7/1/95 balance $480,176.67 Disbursements Children's Room Prog $3,686.92 Custodial Uniforms 1,119.20 Data Processing 8,617.50 Equipment 3,648.47 Exhibits 652.20 Friends 5,021.99 Fundraising 92,698.46 Library Materials 148,677.67 Mileage 1,364.84 Miscellaneous 45,042.98 Office Supplies 107.00 Recruitment 236.52 Staff Development 9,814.17 Subtotal Expenses $320,687.92 Transfers Out To Town of Lex., Literacy $43,960.00 Total Expenses and Transfers Out $364,647.92 Balance on Hand, 6/30/96 Lexington Savings $115,528.75 4,000 Northern Pacific RY Prior 3,950 1/1/97 @4% Accr. Int. Trustee Funds Portfolio 100,000 Warner Lambert Co -Notes June 30, 1996 103,274 Equities 2,600 Shares Name Value 300 Alco Standard Corp 13,575 200 American Int. Group 19,725 300 AT&T 18,600 300 Bristol Myers Squibb 27,000 500 Chase Manhattan Corp. 35,313 500 Chrysler Corp. 31,000 300 Citicorp 24,788 800 Coca Cola Co. 39,100 300 Crown Cork & Seal Co. 13,500 300 Walt Disney Co. 18,863 100 Eastman Kodak 7,775 500 Equity Residential Prop. 16,438 300 Enron Corp. 12,263 500 GTE Corp. 22,375 525 Gaylord Entertainment 14,831 400 General Electric Co. 34,600 600 Health Care Prop. Invs. 20,250 300 Hercules Inc. 16,575 500 Home Depot Inc. 27,000 1,200 H & Q Life Sci. Invest. 17,850 800 Johnson & Johnson 39,600 400 Kimberly Clark Corp. 30,900 400 Magna International Inc. 18,400 1,366 Mattel, Inc. 39,102 400 Motorola, Inc. 25,150 400 Post Properties Inc. 14,150 420 Procter & Gamble Co. 38,063 200 Royal Dutch Petrol, Co. 30,750 200 Schlumberger LTD 16,850 600 Singer Co. 12,150 500 SunAmerica 28,250 900 Thermo Electron Corp. 37,463 300 United Healthcare Corp. 15,150 400 Unocal Corp. 13,500 200 Warner - Lambert Co. 11,000 Sub -total $801,899 Bonds /Government/Cash Shares Name Value 4,000 Northern Pacific RY Prior 3,950 1/1/97 @4% Accr. Int. 39 100,000 Warner Lambert Co -Notes 103,274 9/1/98 @ 8% Accr. Int. 2,600 100,000 Pepsico Inc -Notes 102,763 10/1/98 @7.75 %Accr. Int. 1,873 100,000 Fedl Natl. Mtge Assn. 103,281 5/11/98 @8.15% Accr. Int. 1,064 3,000 US Treasury Bond 3,651 11/15/2018 @9% Accr. Int. 32 135,233.88 Cash Account 135,233 Sub -total $422,357 Total Portfolio $1,359,489.00 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 30 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Department of Public Works / Engineering What a great year —an invigorating winter, a couple of positive personnel changes, and several new operations which have produced new revenue for the Town. We have also had our chal- lenges —the street light issue, wrestling with the NESWC trash disposal contract, a leaking underground fuel storage tank, and deregulation of electric utilities. As promised, we expanded the operating hours of the composting operation and assigned a full -time employee. This improved our product flow and allowed an appropriate increase in the fee struc- ture for contractors. These changes increased revenues by over $30,000. We have begun the process of establishing a regional household hazardous waste col- lection site there. Contributions from other communities combined with a state grant should allow us to provide eight or more drop off days at the same or lower cost to the Town. We assisted another community with their street sweeping, working after hours and weekends when their contractor failed to perform. They paid our employees overtime and the Town earned $5,000. The assisted community saved money. David Turocy, the former Highway superintendent moved on to greater chal- lenges in Concord and Warren Monsignore took his place in September. Warren's previous extensive experience in the Highway Division has been invalu- able and he has proven to be an excellent choice from the very tough competition for the job. Dennis Mazzone has been holding the reins at the Cemetery Division while we plan the future of that superintendent's position. Dennis and his outstanding crew have done a marvelous job. Fred Sweet retired from the Building Maintenance superintendent's position and was replaced by Steven Hatch. Steve brings an impressive set of creden- tials to the job and has already earned the respect of everyone. Fred Sweet was a tough act to follow but Steve is equal to the task and a great addition to the team. Lexington has been in the forefront ensuring a role for municipalities in helping their citizens gain full advantage of pending electric utility deregulation. The first stage of the groundwork for allowing Lexington to develop a process was introduced and approved at Town Meeting in March. NESWC contract negotiations have pro- duced significant improvements in the contract, but the uncertainty of the future makes this a particularly vexing issue. The 100 -year rainstorm and associated flooding in October gave the Town staff an opportunity to demonstrate what the Town Manager's team building efforts have accomplished. The coordinated, cooperative response was a great help to many residents during a trying period. Overall, it has been a very good year and we look forward to the opportunities which will present themselves from the foundation that has been laid in 1996. George A. Woodbury, Director DPW Administration Number of employees: 7 FY Budget: $347,651 DPW Administration consists of the Director of Public Works, the Manager of Operations, Office Manager and four clerical employees who provide support to the Administration/Engineering and Operations offices. Staff supervise the numerous competitively bid contracts for Public Works services including rubbish, recycling and disposal of trash, snow plowing, etc., monitor the parking program and Town - building utilities. In 1996, staff accomplished the following: • Represented the Town in negotiations to improve the Town's waste disposal contract with the North East Solid Waste Committee ( NESWC). • Manager of Operations was responsible for the early detection of a potential leak from an underground diesel fuel storage tank and oversaw its safe removal, avoiding expensive environmental conse- quences. • The yard waste composting program was expanded to accomodate residents who use private contractors and to accomodate small operators like high school students. • Street lighting issues consumed admin- istrative time. Staff tracked the turn -off program and attempted to determine where exceptions should be made for at- risk residents. • Sidewalks were installed on Bedford Street from the armory to Winter Street as a result of negotiations with a private company. • Operations and Engineering staffs worked together to plan for the siting of a new salt storage facility at 201 Bedford Street. • Notification from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that the Hartwell Avenue landfill closure docu- mentation is incomplete resulted in research and development of a plan of action. Engineering Division Town Engineer: Francis X. Fields, P.E. Number of employees: 6 FY96 Budget: $293,664 The Division provides design and con- struction services to the DPW as well as to many other departments, boards, committees, and the general public. Infrastructure Renewal: This year the Engineering staff designed and supervised the construction of infrastructure contracts totaling approx- imately 1.1 million dollars. Contract 96 -1 $363,549 Street Resurfacing Article 10/95 Bardon Trimount 3.2 miles of streets resurfaced. Contract 96 -2 $545,200 Grant Street Water Main Replacement Article 8/95 A. R. Belli Corp. Replacement of 6,400 feet of 8" and 10" pipe with a 12" ductile -iron water main. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 31 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Department of Public Works / Engineering (continued) Contract 96 -3 $211,411 Water Main Cleaning & Lining Article 8/95 Federico Constr. Corp. Renewal of 5,000 feet of 6" water main on Bowker, Charles, Cherry and Lisbeth Streets, and Chase, Taft and Tarbell Avenues. Facilities Renewal: Division staff provided construction serv- ices for the following contract: Contract 96 -8 $64,200 Senior Center Air Quality Improvements Article 16/96 Mechanical Services Eng. Installation of an air exchange unit for the entire Senior Center and an air condi- tioning unit for the dining room. Roads and Utilities built at no cost: The following roadways and utilities were built to Town standards at no cost to the Town under Engineering staff supervision: Fox Run Lane 620' Granger Pond Way 170' Johnson Farm Road 290' Howard Munroe Place 330' Litchfield Road 300' Water, & Sewer Connection Permits: Division staff inspected the installation of 180 water and/or sewer service con- nections by licensed contractors for con- formance to Town standards. Street Opening Permits Issued: In 1996, 359 permits for opening or occupying the public way were approved and issued to contractors. Property/Utility Records Information: Citizens, contractors, developers and realtors were among the 581 persons requesting information this year. Street Lighting Program FY96 Budget: $517,678 The Street Lighting program is overseen by the Director of Public Works and a Senior Civil Engineer. The 1995 Town Meeting reduced the street lighting budget by $117,000 and, as a result, a street light turn-off program was devel- oped and implemented. Thirteen hundred lights were turned off and "red- banded" by Boston Edison Company beginning in September, 1996. It is hoped that the savings accrued by the turn-off program will allow new state -of- the -art lights to be installed when the lights are turned back on. The Engineering Division, in cooperation with the Lexington Lighting Options Committee, continued to direct the Demonstration Lighting Project to deter- mine if the Town should replace incand- escent and mercury vapor street lights with high pressure sodium lights. During 1996, residents were invited to partici- pate in a survey of the sample test lights that were installed in several subdivision streets. Results are due in early 1997. Types of Street Lights as of Dec. 1996 Mercury Vapor 1,574 Incandescent 184 High Pressure Sodium 137 Total Lights in Service 1,895 Building Maintenance Superintendent: Steven Hatch Number of employees: 5 FY96 Budget: $477,167 This division is responsible for custodial services, preventive maintenance and minor repairs on Town -owned buildings, except for the schools. It is also responsi- ble for monitoring utility usage and overseeing contracted repairs. The superintendent has expanded the preventative maintenance program and begun training custodians in various systems maintenance tasks. Through this program, custodians will be able to perform many preventative maintenance operations that we currently contract. In July, this division began overseeing the maintenance of the Library and several changes have been made to improve systems performance, extend equipment life and reduce utility costs. Two major emergency repairs were nec- essary in 1996 — replacement of an oil line on the Town Office Building eleva- tor, and excavation and removal of an underground fuel storage tank from the DPW facility. Staff supervised interior painting at the Senior Center, Police Station and Cary Memorial Hall. Parking Operation Superintendent: Steven Hatch Number of Employees: 6 Part-time FY96 Budget: $59,658 Center parking facilities include a 300 - car attended lot, 4 permit lots and about 500 parking meters in the business area. In July 1996, the Board of Selectmen approved attending the Meriam Street lot on Saturdays from April through November. Also increased were the charges for all -day and night parking, and the permit fee for the attended lot. Revenue for FY96 Parking Meters $220,282 Attended Lot $100,740 Parking Permits $39,573 Total Parking Revenue $360,595 Highway Division Superintendent: Warren M. Monsignore Number of Employees: 17 FY96 Budget: $841,284 This Highway Division maintains 126 miles of accepted streets and sidewalks, the drainage system and brooks, and manages the solid waste disposal and yard waste composting programs. In 1996 Warren Monsignore was promoted to superintendent of this division. Street and Sidewalk Repair: The Division used over 1,300 tons of asphalt in maintaining roads throughout the Town. Three employees served as inspectors for the street resurfacing pro- gram and staff installed 400' of granite curbing and sidewalks on Woburn Street from Mass. Ave. to the Bikeway. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 32 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Department of Public Works / Engineering (continued) Street Cleaning: Two brooms are used in weekly street and parking lot main- tenance. In order to accelerate the process, the Town contracted street cleaning and all streets were swept within a two week period in the spring. Street Sweeping: $24,936 Contractor: American Sweeping Co. Storm Drains: 70 catch basins and man- holes were repaired or rebuilt. 250 feet of drainpipe and 4 manholes were installed at the Garfield Street Interfaith housing to correct drainage problems. Catch basin cleaning: $28,714 Contractor: Lloyd Truax Traffic Regulations: The Town con- tracts out the painting of all traffic lines and markings during the summer and fall. In the spring, the crosswalks on Mass. Ave. and throughout the Center are painted a second time. Traffic Lines and Markings: $35,208 Contractor: Markings, Inc. The Town is responsible for over 2,400 traffic control signs and 500 parking meters. While Town forces perform some of the maintenance, most repairs are done by a private contractor. Traffic Sign Maintenance: $24,425 Contractor: L & C Flashing Barricades The Town owns 13 traffic signals. Besides paying electric costs, staff per- form minor maintenance (i.e. light bulbs). This year 29 service calls were made by the contractor. Traffic Signal Maintenance: $2,943 Contractor: Tri-State Signal Community Work Program: Crews from the Billerica House of Correction Community Work Program were used to sweep sidewalks, repaint snow plows, and clear brush along the Bikeway from Woburn St. to Revere St. Snow Removal Operation: Number of employees: All DPW Staff FY96 Budget: $1,075,467 In FY96, the Boston area experienced an exceptionally severe winter. Lexington accumulated a record - setting 122" of snow through 27 winter storms, 3 of which produced over 12" of snow and required extended snow plowing opera- tions. The entire DPW staff and 31 private contractors were involved in snow plowing operations. Seven sanders were used in sanding operations. Solid Waste Management Number of employees: 1 FY96 Budget: $2,009,873 The Town's waste management pro- grams include refuse collection and dis- posal, recycling, composting and house- hold hazardous waste collection and disposal. Programs are monitored by the Highway Superintendent, the dedicated recycling employee and staff. In FY96, residents generated 10,828 tons of solid waste. This material was dis- posed of at the North East Solid Waste Committee's North Andover incinerator. Residents removed 36% more recycled materials from the waste stream in 1996. BFI distributed 3,942 tons of recycled materials to various plants for processing into post- consumer recycled products. The composting program is operated by one full -time employee at the Hartwell Avenue Recycling Facility. Residents recycled 3,350 tons of yard waste- - leaves, grass clippings and brush. Highway staff assist with the manage- ment of the composting facility and dis- tribution of the biodegradable bags. On October 26, 900 residents participat- ed in the 15th annual Hazardous Waste Collection Day. Contracted Solid Waste Disposal: Refuse Collection: $549,300 Contractor: Browning - Ferris Industries Refuse Disposal: $1,037,666 Contractor: Mass. Refusetech, Inc. Recycling Collection: $275,355 Contractor: Browning - Ferris Industries Other reycling costs: $20,816 Household Hazardous Waste Collection: All costs: $3,134 Contractor: Clean Venture Company Road Machinery Division Superintendent: Robert H. Lesley Number of Employees: 7 FY96 Budget: $516,762 This division maintains the Department of Public Works equipment fleet, current- ly valued at over $4 million. There are 59 vehicles consisting of sedans, pickup trucks and large dump trucks, and 64 pieces of off -road construction and main- tenance equipment. Preventive main- tenance and minor repairs are made on all Fire and School Department vehicles. Vehicles and equipment are serviced and checked under a computerized scheduled Preventive Maintenance Program involv- ing periodic lubrication, adjustment, inspection, and cleaning of all equip- ment. Of the 45 vehicles repaired under the Vehicle Restoration program 7 were complete restorations. Major repairs performed by this staff included replacing complete cabs on #20, a 10 wheeler dump, and #28, a 10 wheeler tractor, rebuilding #69, a Mott mower, and two street sweepers. They also welded the bell for the Old Belfrey and rebuilt the Robbins Cemetery gate. All employees in this Division are skilled in welding, sheet metal design, fabrica- tion, and making new parts. These skills allow the mechanics to repair vehicles, construction equipment and snowplows. In support of other DPW divisions, Road Machinery staff construct special pro- jects in the shop, when it is cost effec- tive. They also drive during snow removal operations. Park Division Superintendent: Brian Gilbert Employees: 16 permanent, 2 seasonal FY96 Budget: $654,181 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 33 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Department of Public Works / Engineering(continued) The Park Division is responsible for maintenance and general care of over 600 acres of town, school and recreation lands, including assistance to the Conservation Commission in maintaining vegetative growth on properties under their jurisdiction and improvements at the Pine Meadows Golf Course. In addition to required on -going main- tenance, the Parks Division engaged in several projects to improve the appearance and infrastructure of the Town's open space system in 1996: Playgrounds and Tot Lots: Staff com- pleted modifications to the Waldorf School tot lot and Center Field restrooms to conform with Americans with Disabil- ities Act standards, assisted the PTA's efforts with the installation of the tot lot at Fiske School, constructed and installed 2 backboards and hoops at Baskin Park, installed 6 basketball posts and hoops at Estabrook School, repaired fitness path stations and the boardwalk at Lincoln Park, and installed new shot put and long jump stations at the High School track. Sports Fields: Completed the renova- tion of Lincoln #3 field and began the renovation of Lincoln #1 field, installed an irrigation main to water Harrington School fields; completed the construction of a new softball field at Bridge School including player benches and backstop, modified the baseball field at Estabrook School for softball play, and constructed and modified benches at various baseball fields and the football field. Park Maintenance: Park Staff painted, repaired and constructed picnic tables and trash receptacles used throughout the Town's park system, oversaw and assist- ed with the installation of an automated sprinkler system on the Battle Green, installed new turf at the monuments on the Buckman Tavern grounds and the Battle Green, installed teak benches throughout the Center, and cleaned and sanded all existing benches. Support for Civic Events: Parks staff provided support for 25 sports or special events requiring overtime. New ones added in 1996 were the LexFest multi- cultural celebration, balloon rides, a high school football rally and a roadrace. Tree Division Superintendent: Brian Gilbert Number of employees: 6 Budget: $231,652 The Tree Division is responsible for the care and preservation of all woody plant vegetation in parks, along streets and public properties owned by the Town. The division addresses emergencies as its highest priority. In FY96, tree crews responded to 23 emergencies. Division staff maintain about 9,000- 10,000 street trees, 7.5 miles of bike paths, all invasive roadside brush, shrub- bery plantings and trees in parks, play- grounds, cemeteries, Town and school properties. General Tree Care: Staff resolved over 263 requests for service, pruned Cedar Street and Pine Meadows Golf Course as part of a preventative maintenance pro- gram, fertilized and watered all newly planted trees, trees showing stress and the large mature trees on the Battle Green, Hastings Park and at Town Hall. Tree Removal: Removed 119 dead, diseased or hazardous trees, including the grinding of stumps, adding loam to grade and seeding of site. Planting: Planted 31 new trees funded through local donations and $3,000 from the operational budget, instituted a Selectman's Gift account to receive donations for planting trees on public property. Pest Control: Applied systemic pest- icide to the birch on Hastings Park to control birch borer, sprayed the honey locusts along Worthen Road to control defoliation by honey locust plant -bugs and applied herbicide to curbside weeds. Recycling: Staff chipped 3,800 Christ- mas trees. The by- product from chipping operations is used in the Park system or is bid and sold for the highest bulk price. Other projects: Assisted the Cemetery Division with Memorial Day prepara- tions and the Engineering Division with survey locations as needed, conducted a town -wide tree survey to determine the approximate number of public street trees and develop a general overview of species and condition. Cemetery Division Acting Supt.: Dennis M. Mazzone Number of employees: 7 FY96 Budget: $303,783 The Division operates and maintains 34 acres of grounds, and all buildings and equipment for our four cemeteries: Westview, Munroe, Robbins and Colonial (Ye Olde Burial Ground). In 1996, longtime superintendent Warren Monsignore moved to the Highway Division. During 1996 there were 186 interments in Westview Cemetery and 5 in Munroe. In Westview Cemetery, 71 lots were sold, totaling 106 graves. Foundations for 125 flush markers were approved and set. Ye Olde Burial Grounds Restoration Project continued. To date, the cleaning, repairing and poulticing of stones by volunteers and preservation consultants has resulted in 58 stones being restored. Division staff repaired the wrought iron gate and began the process of restoring the stone wall in the Robbins Cemetery. The turf restoration program begun in 1995 with funding from the Trustees of Public Trusts has begun to reverse the severe deterioration of the grounds in Westview Cemetery. The positive results have been noticeable to visitors. In FY96, $291,330 was collected and forwarded to the Town Treasurer. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 34 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Department of Public Works / Engineering (continued) Water /Sewer Divisions Superintendent: William P. Hadley Number of employees: 16 Budget: $9,106,912 The mission of the Water and Sewer Divisions is to serve the needs and con- cerns of its customers, sustain quality drinking water, and provide for the safe and proper discharge of wastewater by maintaining the Town's complete water and sewer infrastructure and imple- menting various service programs. The infrastructure consists of 154 miles of water main, 2 water towers storing 3 million gallons, 1,500 fire hydrants, 3,400 street and hydrant control valves, and about 10,000 residential control valves located on property lines. Four main water transmission lines serve Lexington: a 16" main at Summer St., a 16" main on Mass. Ave. in East Lexington up to Pleasant Street, a 12" main at Watertown Street, and a 24" main on Concord Avenue. The sewer system has 120 miles of street line sewers, 34 miles of trunk line sewers and 9 sewer pump stations, including the Town's new main pumping station at Route 128 and Bedford St. The divisions are divided into three sec- tions: water distribution, sewer main- tenance, and construction. Employees are cross trained to perform all division func- tions and participate in snow removal . The distribution section has 7 employees who respond to service calls from resi- dents, repair curb and water control boxes, read and install water meters, take water samples, perform hydrant main- tenance, and maintain and update the water control valve locations. They oversee the cross - connection control pro- gram and investigate all water bill com- plaints. They also mark out services for contractors, utility companies and assist the Engineering Division. The sewer maintenance section consists of three employees who maintain the sewer system of 154 miles of pipe and 9 sewer pump stations, implement the sewer main flushing program and manage the pump station maintenance program. These two programs assure residents of the safe and proper discharge of wastewater. This staff has the techni- cal knowledge to identify any electrical problems with relay or pressure switches. The construction section of the division consists of four employees who are responsible for the lead water service replacement program, installing new control valves where needed and replac- ing defective control valves. Staff oversee replacements of hydrants, sewer mains and sewer services. The Town belongs to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). Approximately 2 billion gallons of water are purchased from them annually. The Town pays the MWRA to treat and dispose of the town's sewage. The average residential water /sewer bill in FY96 was $607. In October, the Board of Selectmen approved an average resi- dential rate increase of 5 %. For the third year, increases have been less than 10 %. The State Legislature assisted in rate relief by budgeting $41 million for MWRA communities. This reduced the Town's assessment by $577,089. Lexington has received $1,635,813 since the implementation of sewer rate relief from the State. FY96 was the second year of the policy allowing a second meter for outdoor watering. Water consumed through this meter is only charged a water rate. Staff respond to emergency water and sewer repairs day and night. Service interruptions are kept to a minimum but breaks are often at times and locations inconvenient to customers and motorists. Repairs and Replacements Water main breaks 19 Water service leaks 5 Hydrants repair 32 Hydrants replaced 7 Service control valves 62 Street control valves 15 Renewed water services 45 Replaced sewer services 15 Sewer main blockages 13 Sewer service blockages 22 Sewer manholes 18 Sewer mains flushed and cleaned 35 154,365 feet New Installations Outdoor watering meters 416 Control valves 3 8" Water main - Cary Avenue 1,485' Valley Road 100' Hydrants 3 Water meters 329 Water services 35 Sewer services 97 Pine Meadows Golf Course Operator: New England Golf Corp. Contract Manager: Brian Gilbert FY96 Budget: $364,919 The Town contracts with a professional golf management company to operate the Pine Meadows Golf Course. The Recre- ation and Parks Division staffs work closely with the Recreation Committee in monitoring this contract. The term of the contract expired December 31, 1995. The Town solicited Requests for Proposal for quality of programming and financial packaging, and also considered the appli- cability of in -house management. Operational improvements included: The clubhouse interior was completely renovated, all greens and tees were heavily seeded and meticulously main- tained to restore turf canopy cover, the 5th green was opened for play after resto- ration of turf, the expanded tees on holes 1, 6 and 7 and the weak tee on 4 were regraded and sodded, trees were pruned and removed to improve shot value, increase light and air circulation to greens and tees and eliminate hazards, the stockade fence on the 4th tee was replaced and extended, and a swing gate was installed at the course. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 35 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Fire Department Operations The department responded to a total of 3,528 emergency calls last year, a new high. Medical emergencies accounted for 1,925 - that's more than half - fires and related emergencies for 1,603. There were no multiple alarm fires (2nd alarm or greater) but there was a 10 percent increase in structure fires. Four of these resulted in major damage to structures and 36 others caused reportable damage. During October, the department's resources were stretched to the limit when the "no name" storm dropped almost 12" of rain. Firefighters worked around the clock, four days, helping some 400 residents pump out their cellars. The emergency medical component responded to 1,925 calls and transported 1,257 patients to area hospitals. These calls included basic and advanced life support, motor vehicle and industrial accidents and patient assists. The back up ambulance transported 242 patients, of which 137 were the result of simultaneous calls or the need for two units at an incident. These numbers are significant because calling on mutual aid or a private ambulance service translates to lost revenue. The top 10 most frequent locations for emergency responses had the high school #1, with 103 calls, and Route 128 second, with 87. As a result of a new training program, nearly all firefighters are qualified to use the defibrillator in medical emergencies. The value of this capability was demonstrated during the October floods when an engine and ambulance were pulled off other assignments in response to a medical emergency. A man whose heart was not functioning was revived by fire- fighters using the defibrillator, then taken to a hospital. The man walked in to the fire station weeks later to thank the crew for saving his life. New safety equipment came on line in 1996; state -of -the -art, self - contained breathing apparatus, and protective coats and pants. The latter were chosen after a research group of firefight- ers tested and evaluated the gear over a period of several months. Due to budget restraints, gear was ordered for half the staff, the other half waiting for the next fiscal year. Staff also drew up specifications for a new engine, approved by Town Meeting. Delivery is expected in July, 1997. Community Involvement Department personnel continued to reach out to residents in several ways. They conducted monthly blood pressure clinics at the Senior Center and held the annual Open House at the central fire station. The department's Honor Guard participated in Patriot's Day, Veteran's Day and Memorial Day ceremonies. Fire Prevention The Fire Prevention Division made quarterly inspections of nursing homes, motels, hotels and theaters. Inspections were also made available to businesses. Assistant Chief Sullivan and Lt. Ken Tremblay developed a grant proposal that brought in $5,000 from the state to develop a Safety Awareness Program for the elementary schools. John F. Quinlan, Fire Chief FY 95 FY 96 Payroll: $2,331,559 $2,497,459 Expenses: $159,463 $151,217 Capital 0 $322,150 Personnel Full time 52 55 Operations The department responded to a total of 3,528 emergency calls last year, a new high. Medical emergencies accounted for 1,925 - that's more than half - fires and related emergencies for 1,603. There were no multiple alarm fires (2nd alarm or greater) but there was a 10 percent increase in structure fires. Four of these resulted in major damage to structures and 36 others caused reportable damage. During October, the department's resources were stretched to the limit when the "no name" storm dropped almost 12" of rain. Firefighters worked around the clock, four days, helping some 400 residents pump out their cellars. The emergency medical component responded to 1,925 calls and transported 1,257 patients to area hospitals. These calls included basic and advanced life support, motor vehicle and industrial accidents and patient assists. The back up ambulance transported 242 patients, of which 137 were the result of simultaneous calls or the need for two units at an incident. These numbers are significant because calling on mutual aid or a private ambulance service translates to lost revenue. The top 10 most frequent locations for emergency responses had the high school #1, with 103 calls, and Route 128 second, with 87. As a result of a new training program, nearly all firefighters are qualified to use the defibrillator in medical emergencies. The value of this capability was demonstrated during the October floods when an engine and ambulance were pulled off other assignments in response to a medical emergency. A man whose heart was not functioning was revived by fire- fighters using the defibrillator, then taken to a hospital. The man walked in to the fire station weeks later to thank the crew for saving his life. New safety equipment came on line in 1996; state -of -the -art, self - contained breathing apparatus, and protective coats and pants. The latter were chosen after a research group of firefight- ers tested and evaluated the gear over a period of several months. Due to budget restraints, gear was ordered for half the staff, the other half waiting for the next fiscal year. Staff also drew up specifications for a new engine, approved by Town Meeting. Delivery is expected in July, 1997. Community Involvement Department personnel continued to reach out to residents in several ways. They conducted monthly blood pressure clinics at the Senior Center and held the annual Open House at the central fire station. The department's Honor Guard participated in Patriot's Day, Veteran's Day and Memorial Day ceremonies. Fire Prevention The Fire Prevention Division made quarterly inspections of nursing homes, motels, hotels and theaters. Inspections were also made available to businesses. Assistant Chief Sullivan and Lt. Ken Tremblay developed a grant proposal that brought in $5,000 from the state to develop a Safety Awareness Program for the elementary schools. John F. Quinlan, Fire Chief Lt. Arthur Washburn, who retired November 30, climbs into Engine 1 in East Lexington for the last time. He served with the department for over 31 years. Photo: Fire Department. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 36 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Emergencies Emergency Incidents . .---■ ■� 3528 _�_ 2758 1925 1318 EMS Responses 1991 1996 Lt. Arthur Washburn, who retired November 30, climbs into Engine 1 in East Lexington for the last time. He served with the department for over 31 years. Photo: Fire Department. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 36 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 FY 96 FY 95 Payroll $2,955,554 $2,725,029 Expenses 292,264 3,008,679 Cap. Ex. 0 1,850,000* Personnel Full Time 64 64 Part Time 5 8 *Reflects station renovations and equipment for dispatch center. "Community Committed" is prominently marked on each police cruiser. This brief phrase signifies our philosophy of pro- moting community partnerships and focusing department resources toward improving the quality of life in Lexington. Community Resource Officer Officer Dana Ham was appointed the full - time School / Community Resource Officer at the High School. Working in partnership with school administrators, teachers and students, Officer Ham shared his experiences and insight while addressing a wide variety of situations at the school. Officer Ham also assisted the Health Department in checking retail com- pliance with local tobacco regulations. Six of the 25 stores selling cigarettes received warnings for selling to minors. During the summer vacation period, Officer Ham will conduct crime preven- tion and safety programs within the town. Family Services Detective Officer Linda Cahill was appointed Family Services Detective specializing in domestic abuse cases, including elder and child abuse and sexual assaults. Officer Cahill implemented an Alzheim- er's awareness program and will main- tain a registry of residents afflicted with the disease. She will also coordinate the department's Youth Diversion Program, which uses community service in lieu of criminal prosecution for qualifying first - time offenders. Police Department Drug Enforcement/Education With help from a grant, Lexington pooled resources with Waltham, Water- town, Weston, Lincoln, Belmont and Newton to form a task force to suppress drug distribution in the area. One detective is assigned 24 hours each week to the Suburban Middlesex County Drug Task Force. This regional investi- gative unit has been remarkably effective since its inception in September, with dozens of arrests. The Task Force has seized two guns, five vehicles, $46,000 cash, 138 grams cocaine, 45 grams crack, 72 lbs marijua- na, 65 bags heroin and 1,250 pills. Now in its seventh year, the D.A.R.E. program continues to promote valuable interaction between students, teachers, parents and police participating in classes and social events. Officer Manuel Ferro was appointed the full -time D.A.R.E. officer for the 1996- 97 school year. The program is now taught in the elementary and middle schools. A $16,000 grant from the Exec- utive Office of Public Safety helps to defray the program's expenses. Personnel Changes Three veteran officers and a civilian dis- patcher retired in 1996 after long and dis- tinguished careers. We wish Officer Robert King (36+ years), Officer Thomas Raboin (29+ years) Detective Don Birch (31 years) and Dispatcher Robert Sweeney (30+ years) well in their well deserved retirements, and express our appreciation on behalf of the community for their years of conscientious service. Four new officers, Stacey Macaudda, Aidan Evelyn, Lester Baker and Michael Barry joined the force after completing an 18 -week police academy course in Gardner. A 13 -week in -house field training program introduced the officers to local policies, procedures and patrol tech- niques. They are now serving on the force. The Police Manual Committee oversees the department's policies and procedures. At the December 12 meeting, new member Cleveland Coats was welcomed. In other actions, the committee reviewed the Field Training Officer Program, discussed domestic abuse guidelines, sexual harassment policy and the accreditation process. In the photo: Chief Christopher Casey, member Edith Flynn, Capt. Philip Taylor, and members Cleveland Coats, Gerald McLeod, William Hays and William Dailey, Jr. Police Dept. photo. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 37 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Police Department (continued) Other changes include: Officer Richard Corazzini appointed Detective, Sgt. Ham the new supervisor of the Bike Patrol and Officer Dan Hoag as a full -time center patrol officer. Officer Hoag is also a member of the Bike Patrol and will combine these two functions to cover the center business district. Murder Conviction On December 6, 1994, Mary Lou Sale was found murdered in her Massachu- setts Ave. home. An intensive investiga- tion was conducted by Detectives, the State Police and the District Attorney's Office, culminating in the arrest of Craig Conkey, a neighbor, on December 29, 1994. In January 1996, Conkey was found guilty of first degree murder in a trial televised nationally from Cambridge Superior Court. The ability of officers to protect the crime scene, and the strong follow -up by detectives was praised by District Attorney Tom Reilly as the key reason Conkey was convicted. Conkey was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Crime and Incident Response The combined dispatch center logged 13,349 service calls for the police, an increase of 5.6 percent over 1995, due in large measure to the heavy winter snow storms plus several rains that flooded large areas of the town. The department investigated 1,135 crimes, an increase of 7.7 percent, but for the second year, breaking and enter- ing, including attempts, dropped 11.8 percent. Arson offenses also dropped, from 10 to two. The malicious destruction of prop- erty and vandalism was up 22.6 percent Four rapes were investigated; none were reported the previous year. The timely reporting of crime is crucial to the department's ability to successful- ly investigate and solve a crime. In May, a 911 call reporting an armed robbery in progress at a restaurant was answered within 30 seconds. Four armed individuals had confronted the manager and made off with the even- ing's receipts. Officers, with assistance from police in neighboring towns, state police canine and helicopter units, caught the robbers and recovered the money. In another case, two local men entered more than 20 vehicles in one evening, ripping out radios, cell phones and other property. The thorough processing of each vehicle brought this small crime wave to an end, and the men were prose- cuted. There was a significant drop in the number of 911 hang -up calls that had to be investigated; only 219, representing a 25 percent decrease over the previous year. In hang -up cases, police investigate these calls by phone or in person to see if a real problem exists. If you do dial 911 in error, stay on the line and tell the dis- patcher it was a mistake. Christopher Casey, Chief of Police Complaints and Calls for Service Accident calls 1,024 Animals (sick, injured or other) 191 Alarms; home or commercial 1,839 Alarms - all others 1,253 Reports of fire investigated 332 Medical assistance 1,609 Assist motorist 1,128 Missing persons investigated 58 Disturbances /disputes 492 Building & person checks 803 Suspicious activity reports 652 All crimes 1,135 Other calls for service 3,883 Total 14,399 Motor Vehicle Citations Issued Warnings 344 Civil Infractions 1,968 Criminal complaints 168 Arrests 89 Total 2,569 Criminal Court Summary Arrests w/o warrant 163 Arrests with warrant 72 Criminal summons 286 Clerk/Judge Hearing 96 Private complaints 3 Total 622 Other Criminal Court Cases Persons Charged MV homicide 1 Operating MV to endanger 35 Operating MV;Lost Lic /Reg 85 Operating MV w/o license 34 Operating MV under influence 59 Operating MV w/o insurance 49 Using a MV w/o authority 13 Disorderly conduct 5 Liquor law violations 31 Malicious damage /vandalism 6 Forgery 2 Receiving stolen property 12 Protective order violation /A &B 11 Narcotic drug law violation 32 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 38 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Police Department (continued) C Accidents 873 1150 1986 1996 High Accident Locations (10 or More Accidents) Bedford Street @ Route 95/128 38 Bedford Street @ Hartwell Avenue 28 Marrett Road @ Waltham Street 22 Bedford Street @ Eldred Street 22 Marrett Road @ Massachusetts Avenue (MM Tech) 14 Massachusetts Avenue @ Maple Street 20 Waltham Street @ Concord Avenue 19 Bedford Street @ Worthen Road 11 Bedford Street @ Hill/Revere 10 Lowell Street @ Maple Street 17 Route 128 @ Route 2 20 Hartwell Avenue @ Maguire Road 12 Lowell Street @ East Street 12 Route 128 near Bedford Street 12 Massachusetts Avenue @ Grant Street 1 Serious Offenses 650 520 1986 1996 Summary of Serious Offenses Classification No. of Persons Offenses Charged Arson 2 0 Rape 4 6 Assaults (including weapons) 60 32 Robbery 4 1 Burglary - breaking and entering 68 5 Larceny - theft - except vehicle 369 45 Motor vehicle theft 13 1 Total 520 90 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Civil Motor Vehicle Infractions Offenders Fines Red Light Violations 483 9,065 Stop Sign Violations 123 2,210 Failure to Use Care 260 4,680 Unregistered Motor Vehicle 155 9,900 Speeding 550 47,780 Turning Violations 428 5,340 Crosswalk Violation 91 1,015 Other Violations 746 11,075 Total 2,090 $79,990 Parking Enforcement Issued Fines Parking violations 6,106 $91,590 Parking Meter violations 2,046 32,965 Total 8,152 $124,555 Page 39 Larcenies - Reported 369 230 1986 1996 Calls for Service 12750 14399 1986 1996 Auto Thefts 24 13 1986 1996 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 FY96 FY95 Payroll $109,599 $114,699 Expenses 27,476 21,981 Personnel Full Time 3 3 Part Time 1 1 Notable Events of 1996 Board of Health activities during 1996 include: a new mission, new personnel, and new programs. • Dr. Burt M. Perlmutter appointed to the Board of Health • John Garside, Health Inspector, Acting Director resigns • Tobacco Control Director, Laura Marron, resigns • Roy Sanderson, Appointed as Health Director • Edward Goulding, Jr., Appointed Health Inspector • Grant funded Town -wide Title Five evaluation program • Food Safety Training Program for Lexington Food Service Workers Mission Statement The mission of the Lexington Board of Health is to protect and promote the health and well being of residents and those who work or visit the town, through the: • developing and implementing of effec- tive health regulatory policy • providing programs of disease preven- tion and community health education • providing accurate and timely informa- tion on health issues • participating in state and federal pro- grams on specific health issues of concern • encouraging community involvement in resolving health issues • supporting community programs which advance the health interests of the resi- dents and promote a healthy environment Board of Health Board of Health: Front, Barbara Marshall, Chairman Martha Wood and Dennis Sterzin; back, Dr. Bert M. Perlmutter, MD, Inspector Ed Goulding, Health Director Roy Sanderson and Dr. James C. Beck. Photo: Ray Barnes. • developing collaborative relations with schools, senior centers, human service and public safety agencies on matters of health promotion and protection Board of Health Staff Board members Martha Wood, Chair Barbara Marshall Dennis Sterzin Dr. James C. Beck Dr. Burt M. Perlmutter Staff members Roy Sanderson, Director Edward Goulding, Inspector Kathy Fox, Animal Control Officer Beverly Anderson, Title 5 Grant Agent Carol Joyce, Clerk Community Health Programs Immunizations and Vaccines: Through the state vaccine program, the Board distributed biologicals and diag- nostic test kits to local health care pro- viders, who administered them to resi- dents. In the fall, the Board distributed or administered 2,250 doses of influenza and pneumococcal vaccine. Communicable Disease Investigation: Reportable communicable diseases were investigated and follow -up care was initi- ated by the Visiting Nurse Association of Cambridge. The Board plans to hire a part-time public health nurse in order to provide a wider range of services to the Town. Ninety -five cases of communicable dis- eases were reported to the Board of Health. They include: 16 Campylobacter, 15 Chicken Pox, 12 Giardiasis, 13 Hepatitis, 1 Measles, 11 Pertussis, 13 Salmonella, and 4 Tuberculosis. STD's and Aids, 1996 Gonorrhea 2 Syphillis 0 Chlamydia 4 Aids Aggregate 15. Domestic Violence Intervention Program: Dr. Beck initiated a proposal for a com- prehensive program for Domestic Violence Intervention. Board members continue to work closely with local agen- cies to develop this program. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 40 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Board of Health (continued) Tobacco Control The Tobacco Control Regulations were amended to include a prohibition on smoking at Town recreation areas. Fees for Tobacco sales permits were increased to $100 and fines for the sale of Tobacco to minors were increased. Public support for the Tobacco Control Program remains high. Title Five Grant The Board of Health was awarded a $20,000 dollar grant by the Department of Environmental Protection to evaluate subsurface sewage systems in Lexington. The grant requires that all subsurface sewage systems be identified and rated as to their potential for ground water con- tamination. The grant also requires that the Town initiate a loan program for repair and upgrade of failed systems. Beverly Anderson, was hired as a part- time Health Agent under the grant and is working on the project. Food Safety Training Program In September, the Board began offering monthly Food Safety Certification Classes to all Lexington food service facilities. To date 97 food service workers from 27 area restaurants have completed the training program. The training program is free and will continue to be offered on a monthly basis. Animal Control Animal Control Officer Kathy Fox enforces state and local animal control laws and maintains the animal shelter. A Lexington dog tested positive for rabies in November. This was the first dog to test positive for rabies in Massachusetts for decades. Sixteen residents were exposed to the animal and received the rabies vaccine. State law requires all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies; distemper inoculation is recom- mended. Animal Control Statistics Licensed dogs 1976 Dog Data Leash law violations 21 Unlicensed dog violations 180 Unlicensed dog notices 450 Biting dog complaints 20 Dogs placed in shelter 25 Dogs adopted 7 Animal Inspection Motel/Hotel Bites of Livestock 4 Dogs 17 Horses 32 Cats 3 Cows 2 Other 1 Goats 2 10 Deer 11 Wading Pools Poultry 10 Mosquitoes The town participated in the East Middlesex Mosquito Control project, now in its 52nd year. Household Hazardous Waste The 15th annual Household Hazardous Waste Day was held in October. Over 800 households participated. Motor oil, oil -based paints, batteries, pesticides, and solvents constituted the bulk of the col- lection. The League of Women Voters provided valuable assistance by issuing a questionnaire to participants. Work Completed Activity Food service evaluations Swimming pool inspections Housing inspections Day camp inspections Septic system inspections Demolition inspections Lead paint inspections Asbestos inspections Information or assistance Complaints investigated Number 252 64 108 27 69 24 13 93 863 72 Permits Issued Tyne Number Food 293 Motel/Hotel 3 Nursing Homes 4 Rest Homes I Recreation Camps 9 Rubbish Disposal 16 Sewage Disposal 15 Installers 10 Swimming Pools 22 Wading Pools 7 Jacuzzi 1 Medical Waste Trucks 9 Syringe 4 Frozen Desserts 13 Catering 4 Temporary Food 89 Methyl Alcohol 23 Asbestos Removal 48 RDNA 3 Massage Therapy 21 Massage Establishment 9 Tanning Salon 1 Funeral Director 2 Roy D. Sanderson, Health Director TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 41 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 During 1996 the Board dealt with 89 petitions: 45 requests for a special permit; 31 requests for variance; five appeals of a decision of the zoning enforcement officer; six minor revisions to already approved special permits; one request for a six -month extension to an existing variance and one special permit with site plan review. This is a similar workload to the prior year's 83 hearings. Of the 89 petitions, 83 were approved, two withdrawn and four denied. Housing demand was the source of most petitions. Last year the largest number of special permits dealt with signs. This year the largest number dealt with expanding nonconforming dwellings. The Bean Moving Company on Parker Street will be leaving, replaced by new homes by special permit. The Board received several appeals regarding the legal status of lots for building new homes, and several requests to add addi- tional units to single - family homes. Of the requests for variances, 27 were granted, two were denied, and two were withdrawn. In all cases where a variance was granted, there was a finding of hard- ship resulting from soil conditions or the shape or topography of the lot. A special permit for a telecommunica- tions tower on Hartwell Avenue was granted. Members of the Board appointed by the Selectmen: John J. McWeeney, chair- man; Edwin P. Whittemore, vice chair- man; Francis W. K. Smith; Robert V. Whitman; and Robert F. Sacco. Associates are Nyles N. Barnert, Joseph A. Campbell, Natalie H. Riffin, Arthur C. Smith, Judith J. Uhrig and Lynne C. Wilson. Elinor Greenway is the adminis- trative clerk. Petitions heard by the Board of Appeals in 1996 are listed in the order in which hearings were scheduled. Decisions may have been subject to conditions. For details please see the decisions on file with the Town Clerk. Board of Appeals Board of Appeals: Front, Francis W.K. Smith, Vice Chairman Edwin P. Whittemore, John J. McWeeney, Clerk Elinor Greenway, Natalie H. Riffin and Robert F. Sacco. Back., Judith J. Uhrig, Carolyn C. Wilson, Arthur C. Smith, Joseph A. Campbell, Nyles N. Barnert and Zoning Enforcement Officer Maryann McCall - Taylor. Photo: Ray Barnes. January 2 Morris St., Eleanor Licata. A variance from the side yard setback for a deck was granted. 59 Outlook Dr., Theo and Judy Manschreck. Variances from side yard setback for a chimney and deck were granted. 135 Massachusetts Ave., Bagel Haus. A special permit for a bagel and sandwich shop was renewed for five years. (Expires 1/31/01) 1707 Massachusetts Ave., Minuteman Donuts, Inc. A Special permit for a Dunkin' Donuts was renewed for five years. (Expires 1/31/01) 15 Richard Rd., Barbara Holleman. Special permit for a home office was renewed for five years. (Expires 1/26/01) 93 Hancock St., Lexington Gardens. Special permit for nursery and garden center was renewed for five years. (Expires 2/12/01) February 19 Highland Ave., Francis and Rita McGovern. A special permit to replace a nonconforming garage was granted. 34 Grant St., Catherine England. A special permit for an accessory apartment in an accessory structure was granted. 40 Hartwell Ave., Nextel Communica- tions. A special permit for a free standing sign was granted. 40 Hartwell Ave., Nextel Communica- tions. A special permit to allow an antenna to exceed the height restriction was granted. March 40 Ledgelawn Ave., Jorge and Claudia Lach. A variance from front yard setback for a new front porch and steps was granted. 44 Homestead St., Chung Ping and Joyce Cheng. A variance from rear yard setback for a new garage was denied. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 42 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Board of Appeals (continued) 19 Woodland Rd., Bennett and Susan Sharpies. A variance from side yard setback for an addition was denied. 10 Muzzey St., Mother Earth. A special permit for take - out -food business was granted. April 56 Adams St., Francesca Anderson. A special permit for an art gallery in a resi- dence was renewed for five years. (Expires 4/1 /01) 34 Waltham St., Hit & Run Sportscards. A special permit to relocate a projecting sign was granted. 4 Carol Lane, Linda and Jonathan Arnow. A special permit to replace a nonconforming shed was granted. 148 Grant St., Brian Michon. A special permit to add a second story to a noncon- forming dwelling was granted. 10 Hillside Ter., Richard Baughman. Granted a special permit to extend the second floor of a nonconforming dwell- ing. 10 Hillside Ter., Richard Baughman. A variance from the front yard setback for a porch and steps was granted. May 294 Woburn St., Mary Pedrotti. A special permit for a telephone answering service in a residence was extended for five years. (Expires 5/14/01) 54 Blake Rd., John and Marjorie Nickles. A variance from the rear yard setback for a shed was granted. 1781 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge Savings Bank. A special permit for a temporary banner was granted. (Expires 7/31/96) 1707 Massachusetts Ave., Enchantments, Inc. The board determined that the relo- cation of a projecting sign is minor and a public hearing not required. 24 Lincoln St., Hayden Recreation Centre. A special permit for a temporary free - standing sign was renewed for five years. (Expires 6/9/01) 2 Oxbow Rd., Douglas Nardone. A special permit to add a second story to a nonconforming dwelling was granted. 20 Bryant Rd., C. Neville and P. Kelley. A special permit to convert a single -fam- ily dwelling into a two - family dwelling was granted. 10 Churchill Ln., Ruth Pike. A variance for an accessory apartment to exceed the maximum gross floor area was granted. 2270 Massachusetts Ave., James and Susan Johnson. A variance from the side yard setback for a deck and fireplace was granted. 7 Hancock Ave., William and Carol Kenealy. A variance from the side yard setback for a two -story addition was granted. 121 Cedar St., Neal and Amy Chamberlain. A variance from the side yard setback for a two -story addition was granted. Lot abutting 40 Earl St., Appeal of Joanne Kerwin. An appeal of a decision that a lot has been combined with the abutting lot was granted and the decision of the zoning enforcement officer over- turned. June 3 Turning Mill Rd., Daniel Tocci. A special permit to allow gravel and loam to remain as placed was granted. 13 Maple St., Kathleen Yates. A special permit to add an upper deck and porch over an existing deck was granted. 22 -24 Garfield St., Richard and Ann Crogan. A variance to increase the net floor area of a nonconforming two - family dwelling was granted. 35 Locust Ave., Robin and Matthew Fishman. A variance from the side yard setback for a new deck and porch was granted. 31 Percy Rd., Shawn and Mary-Lou McDonough. A variance from the side yard setback for an extra parking space was granted. 27 Percy Rd., Timothy and Carol Counihan. A variance from the front yard setback for a two -story addition was granted. 17 Sutherland Rd., Bruce and Lauren MacNeil. A special permit to expand the second floor of a nonconforming dwell- ing was granted. 28 Slocum Rd., Param and Anne Singh. A variance from the front yard setback for a portico was granted. 58 Oak St., Jon and Myla Kabat -Zinn. Variances from the setback to a side street for a bay extension and porch were granted. 20 -22 Cliffe Ave., Julie and Eric Shapiro. A variance to increase the net floor area of a nonconforming two - family dwelling was granted. 4 Summit Rd., Appeal of Kenelm Loomis. An appeal of a decision that it is possible to access a dwelling from its legal frontage was denied and the deci- sion of the zoning enforcement officer upheld. 10 Pelham Rd., Youville Place, Inc. A special permit with site plan review to develop an assisted living facility at the Grey Nuns property was granted. July 1777 Massachusetts Ave., Bertucci's, Inc. A special permit for a restaurant and take- out operation was renewed for five years. (Expires: 6/30/01) 12 North St., Dochul Choi. A special permit to add a second floor to a noncon- forming dwelling was granted. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 43 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Board of Appeals (continued) 58 Liberty Ave,. Donald Gray. A special permit to convert a single - family dwell- ing into a two - family dwelling was granted. 3 Chadbourne Rd., Rick and Cheri Testa. A variance from the rear yard setback for a child's playhouse was granted. 13 Holton Rd., Wendell Benway. Variances from the front and rear yard setbacks for a shed were granted. 521 Marrett Rd., L.Lloyd and M.Coppe. A variance from the height restriction to add a full -shed dormer to a two -story dwelling was granted. August 6 Sherman St., Michael and Sally Lehman. A special permit to extend the second floor of a nonconforming dwell- ing was granted. 9 Woodcliffe Rd., Jonathan and Kathryn Rawle. A special permit to add a second story to a nonconforming dwelling was granted. 2 Leroy Rd., Alejandro Chu. A special permit to add gable dormers to a noncon- forming dwelling was granted. 343 Bedford St., Philip and Vickie Lanoue. A variance from the setback to a side street for a covered porch was granted. 223 East St., Sallie Haywood. A variance from the front and side yard setbacks for a detached carport was withdrawn with the board's approval. Lot abutting 67 Bridge St., Appeal of Peter Volante. An appeal of a decision that a lot has been combined with the abutting lot was granted and the decision of the zoning enforcement officer over- turned. 1729 Massachusetts Ave., Starbucks Coffee. The board determined that changing the projecting sign is minor and a public hearing not required. 1666 Massachusetts Ave., Aesop's Bagels. A special permit to operate a bagel and sandwich shop was renewed for five years. (Expires 7/30/01) 301 Massachusetts Ave., Enterprise Rent - A -Car. A special permit for an automo- bile rental service and to modify the parking and landscape screening was granted for one year. (Expires 12/31/97) 2 Angier Rd., A.Gordon and M.Cherepov. A variance from the rear yard setback for a two -story addition was granted. 851 Emerson Gardens Rd., Bedford Builders. A variance hearing was post- poned to September at petitioner's request. Lot abutting 97 Blake Rd., Appeal of Nancy Hayes. An appeal hearing was postponed to September at applicant's request. Lot abutting 28 Dexter Rd., Appeal of Joseph Bisognano. An appeal of a deci- sion that a lot on Dexter Road is not a buildable lot was denied and the decision of the zoning enforcement officer upheld. 21 Minute Man Ln., Kenneth Kan. A six - month extension of a variance for an addition was granted. September 29 Volunteer Way, Ronald and Nancy Hubert. A variance from the front yard setback for a new front entrance was granted. 1088 Massachusetts Ave., Wendy Tighe - Hendrickson. A special permit for a home office was renewed for five years. (Expires 8/15/01) 135 Massachusetts Ave., Noodles, Etc. A special permit for a take -out and fast - food business was granted for one year. (Expires 12/31/97) 851 Emerson Gardens Rd., Bedford Builders. A variance to construct the basement floor of a new dwelling two feet above the water table was withdrawn with the board's approval. 40 Hartwell Avenue, Nextel Communications. The board determined that the addition of a generator and fuel storage tank is minor and a public hearing not required. 177 Massachusetts Ave., Athenian Restaurant A special permit for a restau- rant was renewed for five years. (Expires 9/15/01) Lot abutting 97 Blake Rd., Appeal of Nancy Hayes. An appeal of a decision that a lot has been combined with the abutting lot was granted and the decision of the zoning enforcement officer over- turned. October 6 Plymouth Rd., Richard DiFronzo. A variance from the front yard setback for a new front portico and steps was granted. 4 Morris St., Scott Lundahl. A special permit to add a second story to a noncon- forming dwelling was granted. 117 & 121 Vine St., Building Solutions. A special permit for a common driveway was granted. 8 Holton Rd., Frank Ferguson. A var- iance from the side yard setback for a bulkhead was granted. 324 Marrett Rd., Gulf Oil Co. The board determined that the replacement of the Gulf ID and price sign is minor and a public hearing not required. 60 Baker Ave., Denis Haskin. A special permit to add dormers to a nonconform- ing dwelling was granted. 9 Ledgelawn Ave.,Robert and Lisa Salisbury. A special permit to add a shed dormer to a nonconforming dwelling was granted. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 44 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Board of Appeals (continued) 4 Paul Revere Rd., Sanjay Bhasin. Variances from the front and side yard setbacks for a two -story addition and garage were granted. 26 Parker St., Woodhaven Realty. A special permit to replace a commercial barn and shed with two single - family dwellings was granted. 29 Hartwell Ave., Partners Community Healthcare. The board determined that the increase of 17 parking spaces is minor and a public hearing not required. November 47 Rindge Ave., Les Wallerstein. A special permit for a home office was granted for one year. (Expires 12/31/97) 32 Winter St., Diane Learned. A special permit to add a second story to a noncon- forming dwelling was granted. 32 Winter St., Diane Learned. Variances from the side yard setback for a new entrance and dormer were granted. 581 Marrett Rd., Century 21. A special permit for the temporary use of commer- cial space for a real estate office in a new residential district was granted for 18 months. (Expires 5/1/98) 7 Buckman Dr., Alan and Ellen Adolph. A variance from the side yard setback to extend a porch was granted. December 1666 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington Square Trust. A special permit for a pro- jecting sign was granted. 10 Muzzey St., Dabin, Inc. A special permit to operate a restaurant was renewed for five years. (Expires 12/31/01) 2160 Massachusetts Ave., Amalia Samoylenko. A special permit to convert a single - family dwelling into a two - family dwelling was granted. 150 East St., Doran Farms. A special permit to operate a roadside stand and sell Christmas trees was renewed for two years. (Expires 12/31/98) 440 Bedford St., Holiday Inn Express. The board determined that the conversion of 60 hotel guest rooms to 30 suites is minor and a public hearing not required. Lighting Options Committee Working with DPW Director George Woodbury, DPW's Peter Chalpin, Boston Edison and consultants Ripman Lighting Design, this committee has overseen completion of the street lighting demonstration project. Sixty energy efficient street lights were installed in selected locations around town. On a wet September night, Lexpress buses conveyed a large contin- gent of town officials and citizens through town to evaluate the project. Participants were asked to fill out and return the evaluation forms to the DPW office. Residents may also take part by completing an evaluation form. Meantime, the committee has asked Edison for rates on lights which to date seem most promising. The committee was divided on the "lights out" project ordered by Town Meeting but made extensive cost analy- ses to answer the question, "how can the town save money and turn all the lights back on ?" The answer was that Lexington could reduce the lighting budget by 50 percent and turn on all the lights if the town could own the lighting system. There are ongoing discussions with Edison and the Dept. of Public Utilities on the issues of ownership and control. Both state representatives and consultant Paul Chernick are negotiating a solution that will help Lexington to be both well lit and economically fit. The committee, appointed by the select- men: Chairman Myla Kabat -Zinn, Peter Kovner and Don Olson. Planning: Seated, Jacqueline B. Davison, Clerk John L. Davies, Chairman Richard L. Canale and Fred L. Merrill, Jr. Standing, Planning Director Robert A. Bower, Assistant Director Joseph A. Marino and Steven L. Colman, who was elected to the board in the Spring. Photo: Ray Barnes. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 45 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 FY96 FY95 Payroll $122,948 $120,403 Expenses 6,614 6,608 Personnel Full Time 3 3 Cluster development revision Town Meeting approved Article 29, which the Planning Board believes is the most important zoning change it has proposed during the 1990s. That amend- ment revises the cluster subdivision regu- lations in Section 9 of the Zoning By- Law, with several objectives: - Protect or add to open space *Encourage site planning sensitive to the natural features of land - Encourage a diversity of housing types - those that meet the needs of the town's changing age groups - Encourage alternative housing types - those that have a positive revenue /cost ratio for town finances - Encourage development compatible with existing neighborhoods of single family houses The Planning Board met with developers to seek suggestions and explain the new regulations. Many developers welcomed Article 29 because it provides a feasible choice to building large single - family houses and provides a chance to reach the empty- nester and retiree markets. The Board believes this revision is important because Lexington is not fully developed. There are about 222 acres of vacant land and about 1407 acres of underdeveloped land remaining in town. These data are based on parcels that have at least 50,000 sq. ft. or more in the RS, One Family Dwelling, district and 100,000 sq. ft. or more in the RO, One Family Dwelling, district. Underdevel- oped means developed to less than half of what the Zoning By -Law now allows. Section 9 will allow proposed subdivi- sions to be evaluated according to their impact rather than on the basis of the number of dwelling units. Five impact measures will be used - the gross floor area, living area, site coverage, number of occupants and number of motor vehicle "trips ". The regulation insures that the impact of a cluster subdivision cannot be greater than that of a compar- able subdivision of single family houses. Planning Board Assisted - living facility approved As illustrated in Planning Department study, "Socio- Economic Characteristics, Volume I: Population," Lexington's population is aging in place. The Planning Board recommended approval of a rezoning to renovate the Grey Nuns Provincial House on Pelham Road to provide assisted living for the elderly. Assisted living is an accommodation for elders who need some assistance in daily activities but do not need the extensive services of a nursing home. The Grey Nuns' rezoning petition was approved unanimously by the Town Meeting — the first time in memory that a rezoning petition was approved una- nimously. The reasons for support and approval were: - There will be minimal change or impact on the neighborhood, - The long sloping hill that faces Massachusetts Avenue and Tower Park, which is one of the most visible and sig- nificant large pieces of open land left in Lexington, will be protected. - 26 percent of the assisted living units will be for moderate - income elders. Comprehensive planning The Planning Board looked at "West Lexington ", an area of land west of Route 95/128, south of Bedford Street and north of Route 2. To the west, it abuts the towns of Bedford and Lincoln. As part of the land -use element of the planning process, the Board considered possible uses for this land which will be impacted by Massport's plans fort Hanscom Airfield's land, and develop- ment at the peripheries of Bedford, Concord and Lincoln, and at Minuteman National Historical Park. This examina- tion will be part of the Board's input to the Four Town Master Plan Study of Hanscom Field and surrounding areas, being undertaken by Lincoln, Concord, Bedford and Lexington. The Board weighs issues such as a balance between added development and the capacity of the roadways to accom- modate it, ways to increase tax revenue from the commercially zoned property, encouraging alternative modes of trans- portation to single- occupant cars, and the environmental impacts of development. Members and staff members In the 1996 Annual Town Election, Steven L. Colman was elected to a five year term on the Planning Board. John L. Davies, Clerk, will serve on the Board until the year 2000; Frederick L. Merrill, Jr., Vice Chairman, until 1999; Richard L. Canale, Chairman, until 1998; Jacqueline B. Davison's term expires in March, 1997. Staff Robert A. Bowyer, Planning Director Joseph A. Marino, Assistant Planner Elissa M. Tap, Department Clerk New dwellings built in1996: 19 one - family houses in subdivisions 17 one - family houses on existing vacant lots 19 one - family houses built on lots where the previous house was demolished Subdivision plans approved 627 Massachusetts Avenue, near Pleasant Street, 2 housing units; Johnson Farm Road, between Burlington Street and Flintlock Road, 3 housing units Denver Street, between Cedar and Bellflower St., 1 housing unit Sketch plans 94 Adams Street at Brent Road, 2 housing units 22 Revere Street, 1 housing unit 155 Old Spring Street, near Spring St. bridge, 2 housing units 577, 581 Marrett Road, near Lincoln Street, 9 housing units 160/170 Wood Street, 7 housing units Street improvement plans Summit Road, off Follen Road, 1 housing unit Valley Road/Myrtle Street, off Bedford Street, 1 housing unit Haskell Street, off Lowell Street, 1 housing unit TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 46 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Conservation Commission FY 96 FY 95 Payroll: $60,439 $58,803 Personnel: Full Time 1 1 Part Time During its 33 years, the Lexington Conservation Commission has acted as the regulatory agency enforcing federal, state, and local laws protecting the wetlands and the environment in Lexington. Homeowners and developers who wish to do work within 100 feet of a wetland must appear before the commis- sion for guidance and approval of con- templated projects before proceeding. In the past year, the commission acted on 15 Notice of Intents, 15 Requests for Determinations, 2 Enforcement Orders, and 2 Emergency Certifications. Protection was established on two key parcels of open space in Lexington: • The portion of the Grey Nuns' prop- erty, known as the front lawn, is protect- ed by a legal restriction covering the area from Mass. Ave. to beyond the pond, • Eight acres of prime land, formerly known as the Augusta property, located along the Minuteman Bikepath between residential lots east of Maple Street and the Great Meadow through acquisition by the Town for Conservation purposes. This year the summer crew maintained 14 miles of trails by repairing bridges, gates, and stairs and by clearing brush. In addition, the prisoner program provided help in cleaning debris along brooks and streams. Continuing issues of interest are: • Hardy Pond Brook cleaning; • Route 2A widening; • Land issues such as the Great Meadow and Arlington's plans for its preservation; Hanscom Field projects; Pine Meadow Golf Course improve- ments; Stone Meadow Driving Range and Golf Course; Middlesex Hospital grounds, slated for development; Winning Farm land in Lexington; and the Minute Man National Park Visitor Access Trail; • Sites other than Lincoln Field for snow storage. The conservation subcommittee for Land Acquisition has completed its inventory of open space in Lexington and the commission has approved its report. It will be included in the new Open Space and Recreation Plan which will be pub- lished in 1997. The Commission is appreciative of the many volunteer groups who support the commission in its work. The following groups have been extremely helpful. • The Conservation Stewards, a volun- teer group who monitors and helps main- tain conservation land in Lexington; Citizens for Lexington Conservation (CLC), a strong support group for con- servation and environmental issues; • The Community Gardening Program which continues to grow under the guidance of associate conservation commissioner Paul Riffin aided by John Garing and Jim Evans. In addition special recognition is given to the following individuals: John Moriarty, who donated materials and assisted the Conservation crew with the construction of a bridge in Dunback Meadow; the Precinct 8 Residents Association who donated the materials for two bridges on the Meagherville Conservation land; the Clarke Middle school students, who con- tinue their program of environmental awareness by reconstructing a bridge over Clematis Brook; the Wilson family who installed three benches on the West Farm conservation fields; and the Juniper Hill Trust who installed a bench on the Juniper Hill conservation land. Many other volunteers in town help maintain our conservation land and offer support to the commission in a variety of ways. To them, we give our thanks and appreciation. We hope you continue. David Langseth resigned from the com- mission and will be greatly missed. He was replaced by former Town Clerk Bebe Fallick. Conservation Commission: Joyce Miller, Chairman; Robert Stewart, Vice Chairman; Angela Frick, Lisa Baci, Richard Wolk, Philip Hamilton, and Bebe Fallick. Marilyn Nordby is the administrator and Linda Gaudet the administrative assistant. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 47 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Conservation Land Inventory Summary 1964 - 1996 Year(s) Reimbursements Net Cost Voted/Given Acres Total Cost Federal State to Town Total Land Acquisition 1289.8 $5,377,786 $335,406 $1,199,031 $3,843,349 Cataldo Reservation '74'84* 5.4 6,150 - - -- - - -- 6,150 Great Meadow Expansion '74'82 1.9 3,857 - - -- - - -- 3,857 Lillian Rd @ Munroe Brk '92 1.1 transfer - - -- -- - - - - -- Orchard Crossing '88'89# 8.5 gift - - -- - - -- - - -- Whipple Hill '63'66- 7'74'77 *'94#'95# 121 142,489 47,487 35,020 59,982 Bowman Park Expansion '75 1.2 18,000 - - -- 9,000 9,000 Daisy Wilson '78 8 75,995 - - -- 37,997 37,998 Dunback Meadow '65- 6'72'77 -8- 9'80 -1 *# 170.5 374,147 87,100 87,050 199,997 Liberty Heights '74* 5.5 9,596 - - -- 4,618 4,978 West Farm '66'76'77'85* 12.8 323,000 - - -- 12,100 310,900 Brookhaven '89# 3.3 gift - - -- - - -- - - -- Concord Avenue Area '71'79 #'94# 30.7 102,890 - - -- 49,534 53,356 Hayden Woods '69'77 -8'81* 78.9 152,598 68,304 38,540 45,754 Juniper Hill '70'72'74# 28.4 120,413 - - -- 56,872 63,541 Metropolitan State Hospital '73# 6.2 gift - - -- - - -- - - -- Philbrook Terrace '89# 2 gift - - -- - - -- - - -- Waltham Line '77* 12 transfer - - -- - - -- - - -- Waltham Street Farms '72'76 -7 *# 41.5 300,450 - - -- 154,225 146,225 Upper Vine Brook '72'75 -6'95* 34 121,443 - - -- 55,803 65,640 Lwr Vine Brook/Pinard Woods '68- 9'75'78- 9'81'85 *# 98.5 339,235 42,069 147,200 149,966 Munroe Brook Pond '85# 3.1 gift - - -- - - -- - - -- Pheasant Brook Estates I '85'89# 4.6 gift - - -- - - -- - - -- Pheasant Brook Estates II 190# 29.7 gift - - -- - - -- - - -- Shaker Glen '73 16.8 85,636 - - -- 41,143 44,493 Tower Park Expansion '87 2.3 180,000 - - -- - - -- 180,000 Chiesa Farm '7685 23.1 1,592,500 - - -- 46,125 1,546,375 Hammer Hill '79 0.9 gift - - -- - - -- - - -- Parker Meadow '76'79'80 17.7 237,000 - - -- 60,000 177,000 Willard's Woods Exp '64'66'67'79 *95* 103.2 116,786 32,906 17,997 65,883 Woodland Bird Sanctuary '89# 7.2 gift - - -- - - -- - - -- Burlington Strip '71'77* 8.6 106,097 - - -- - - -- 106,097 Paint Mine '75'77* 35.5 8,811 - - -- 2,000 6,811 Simonds Brook North '70'76 -7'82# 57.7 291,736 38,526 131,600 121,610 Simonds Brook South '68'70'79 20.7 49,028 19,014 12,006 18,008 Turning Mill Pond '77'78'85# 9.7 5,000 - - -- - - -- 5,000 Turning Mill Road '89# 4.4 gift - - -- - - -- - - -- Hastings Sanctuary '71 1.7 6,000 - - -- - - -- 6,000 Meagherville/Pine Meadow '66'77 * #95* 90 gift/transfer - - -- - - -- - - -- Meagherville Lots '91 #'93 #'94# 0.5 gift - - -- - - -- - - -- Poor Farm '83* 10.7 transfer - - -- - - -- - - -- Valley Road '82* 3.2 transfer - - -- - - -- - - -- 128 Greenbelt '78* 11.7 transfer - - -- - - -- - - -- Bates Road 191 * 9.3 transfer - - -- - - -- - - -- Cranberry Hill '77 24.6 73,929 - - -- 15,201 58,728 Fiske Hill '78'84* 10.2 transfer - - -- - - -- - - -- Idylwilde '75 9.4 200,000 - - -- 100,000 100,000 Katandin Woods '77'80'89# 37.5 185,000 - - -- 85,000 100,000 Tophet Swamp '81* 25.5 transfer - - -- - - -- - - -- Sutherland Woods '95* 24.9 transfer - - -- - - -- - - -- Brown Homestead '95* 6 trade - - -- - - -- - - -- Augusta Land '96 8 150,000 - - -- - - -- 150,000 * All/part Town -owned transfer # All/part gift Another 150 acres are protected by restrictions and easements given to the town by residents. The largest are: Munroe Brook, 65.7 acres; Tophet Swamp/Kiln Brook, 34.3 acres; Potter's Pond, 15.1 acres; and Vine Brook, 9 acres. The others are small tracts ranging on down to 0.1 acre. Boston Edison Company licenses 26.4 acres. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 48 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Permanent Building Committee The Permanent Building Committee (PBC) provides oversight in planning and constructing all town buildings. In 1996, Cary Library and school pro- jects received considerable PBC scrutiny and assistance, especially in selecting architectural and planning firms. While the library project was denied state approval for reimbursement, reapplica- tion is planned for 1997. Through the year, PBC worked closely with Director of School Buildings John Moynihan on upgrading for technology, and improvements to Harrington School. They chose the firm HMFH to study space utilization in all schools as a basis for major upgrading and expansion. Longest standing member William Kennedy left the PBC to join the Capital Expenditures Committee. Another long- time member, James Scanlon, moved out of town. At year's end, the Town Manager appointed Peter Kelley to replace Scanlon. The School Committee appoint- ed Philip Poinelli to replace Kennedy. Other Town Manager appointed members are Chairman William R. Bruckman, Theodore M. Edson, Peter D. Johnson and Daniel McCabe. Building / Inspection Payroll Expenses Personnel Full Time Part Time FY96 FY95 $185,313 $178,851 $5,838 $4,381 3 3 4 4 A high level of construction continued in 1996. Along with homes constructed on scattered sites, single family home con- struction continued in Pheasant Brook Estates, Granger Pond Way and Howard Munroe Place. Subdivisions at Currier Building / Ins Court, Ellen Dana Court and School House Lane were completed and con- struction began in new subdivisions at Fox Run Lane and Winship Common. Locke Village, on Lowell Street, com- pleted the three - building 64 unit residen- tial condominium complex. Demolition of existing houses and con- struction of new larger houses on scat- tered sites continued. A total of 56 permits were issued for construction of single family houses in both subdivisions and on scattered sites, 15 of which were for reconstruction of demolished houses. Conversion began of the Grey Nuns /Armenian Sisters Academy on Pelham Road to Youville Place, an assisted -care living facility. The Building Division of the Department of Inspectional Services enforces the State Building Code, Uniform State Plumbing and Gas Code and the State Electrical Code. This involves plan review, permit issuance, inspection of building, electrical, plumbing, gas and mechanical construction, including new structures, additions, alterations and repairs. ion (continued) The Building Division also enforces the State Architectural Access Board regula- tions involving handicapped accessibility to buildings. Issues regarding require- ments for handicapped accessibility are handled by this division. The Sealer of Weights & Measures works under the jurisdiction of the Building Division to determine the accu- racy of all weighing and measuring devices in commercial and public use. In 1996, inspectors continued attending training sessions to maintain State Certification. In addition, inspectors were trained and certified by the Mass. Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for post- disaster response. A part-time Zoning Officer, who came on board in 1995, has been helpful in assisting homeowners and developers in understanding and complying with the zoning codes. Steven R. Frederickson, P.E. Inspectional Services Director/ Building Commissioner PART I - Total Permit Activity Year Bldg. Elec. Plbg /Gas Reported value of Single Multi- Additions/ all construction* Family Family Alterations 1996 952 968 1242 $37,263,844 56 2 805 1995 867 908 1236 $32,935,035 35 1 742 1994 858 926 831 $30,917,312 42 3 * ** 729 1993 792 857 698 $29,674,410 27 7 ** 709 1992 789 790 716 $17,256,673 27 - 651 * Actual construction valuation is higher ** Lexington Ridge (198 apartments) * ** Locke Village (3 buildings -62 condominium units) PART II - Explicit breakdown of building permits New Units - Residential New Units - Commercial Additions - Residential Additions - Commercial Miscellaneous 58 Repairs /Alterations 274 1 Stoves 8 215 Swimming Pools 2 7 Roofing /Siding 179 170 Garages /Carports 9 Sheds 29 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 49 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Design Advisory Committee The Design Advisory Committee (DAC), a group of nine design profes- sionals, assists the selectmen and other town boards and organizations in apply- ing professional standards to new struc- tures, renovations, signage, lighting and landscape improvements. DAC's efforts for enhancing Depot Sq. made great progress in 1996. A public hearing was held in March, the select- men discussed it in April and in August, a "white knight ", Transportation Coordinator Barbara Lucas, secured a $264,000 Federal grant for improving LEXPRESS accessibility. DAC sees this as a catalyst to gaining a beautiful center focus for Lexington's business district DAC made recommendations in three detailed reports to the Department of Environmental Protection regarding the Marrett Rd (Rt. 2A) project. Most of these recommendations were accepted and drew commendations from the department for DAC's hard work. DAC reviewed over 11 Board of Appeals applications and made design recommendations on seven signs and four site plans. The committee gave enthusiastic recommendation to IDEO's proposal for integrating signage with sculpture on Hartwell Ave. that reflects the company's image as one of the coun- try's top industrial design firms. How to more attractively package the proliferation of ugly newspaper vending machines around town is DAC's next charge. Spurred by Historic District Commissioner Joanne Gschwendtner's photos of how Carmel CA did it, DAC accepted member Jack Nolan's offer to head up the project. Members: Chairman John Frey, Clerk Elizabeth Whitman, Karen Bechtel, Thomas Coffman, Bruce Creager, Barbara Hulsizer, Steven Hurley, Jack Nolan and Carl Oldenburg. Associate members: John Ellis, Richard Friedson, Don Olson, Robert Ossman, Walter Pierce, Terry Rookard. Design Advisory Committee: Seated, Elizabeth Eddison, selectmen liaison; Clerk Elizabeth Whitman, Associate John Ellis and Barbara Hulsizer. Standing, Steven Hurley, Chairman John Frey, Thomas Coffman, Karen Bechtel, John Davies, Planning Board liaison, Bruce Creager and Carl Oldenburg. Photo: Ray Barnes. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 50 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Lexington Center Committee Emery Park (Depot Square) dominated the committee's discussions in 1996. The committee's Steve Hurley worked tire- lessly to find consensus on the best solu- tion that balances the needs of merchants, traffic flow, parking and LexPress. The committee finally recommended "Plan B" to the selectmen; it appeared to be the best compromise of the many plans examined. "Project 2000" will likely dominate the committee's work this year; it involves ways to dress up the Common for the 225th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, fixing up the sidewalks, signage and the Minuteman statue's setting. The committee, appointed by the select- men: Chairman David Wells, Carla Fortmann, Morton Kahan, Bigelow Moore, Bob Burbidge, Janet Tiampo, Steven Hurley, Robert Ossman, Judith Urhig and David Williams. Center Committee: Seated, Janet Tiampo, Chairman David Wells, and Judith Uhrig. Standing, David Williams, Bob Ossman and Bob Burbidge. Photo, Ray Barnes. Lexington Population 30000 1 ' "�0_■.1.L■_ 20000 ■ ■IN' 10000 ■ � 700 ,� ■��/ 0 1750 1775 1800 1825 1850 1875 1900 1925 1950 1975 2000 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 51 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Recreation Department This was a year of challenges for Lexington Recreation. In carrying out our mission to provide quality recreation- al opportunities for the citizens of Lexington, we were constantly chal- lenged to maintain and improve our existing facilities and resources. We were challenged to listen to the changing recreational needs of residents and to assess and support the develop- ment of new ideas as they came from the community. We were challenged to meet our respon- sibilities to the youth of Lexington with opportunities to develop social and athle- tic skills through sports and leisure activ- ities. We were challenged to promote our conviction that recreation is a vital part of community life, especially in a time of shrinking financial resources. We were particularly challenged to protect fair funding for recreation in an environment in which many worthy community enter- prises competed for the same dollars. Staff In the midst of these challenges, Recreation had a busy and productive year. In the beginning of the year, Karen Simmons was welcomed as the new Director of Recreation. Karen was for- merly Director of Recreation at the Fernald School and brought strong skills in management, therapeutic recreation and program development, as well as a great deal of energy, to the job. Karen hit the ground running and, in addition to meeting the everyday chal- lenges of managing the office and overseeing existing programs, she applied her considerable energy to making useful connections with other town programs, upgrading and streamlin- ing the organization of recreation infor- mation in the office, and developing new programs. In July, Jonathan Jalbert was hired as the new Recreation Program Coordinator, bringing a strong combination of youth and experience in innovative program development to the team. Don Chisholm resigned as Chairman of the Recreation Committee in June, but agreed to stay on as a member. Both the Committee and Town have benefited from Don's skilled and steady leadership and we are fortunate to have his con- tinued presence on the Committee. Sandra Shaw became Chairman, and Pamela Varrin, Vice Chairman. The other members, appointed by the Town Manager, are Rick DeAngelis and Paul Keane. Financial Challenges Recreation spent much of 1996 respond- ing to a major financial challenge. 1996 Town Meeting voted to impose a $50,000 in- lieu -of tax payment on the Recreation Enterprise Fund to generate needed funding for other town programs threatened by fiscal constraints. The Enterprise Fund holds income from fees charged for recreational programs sponsored by the town. Roughly half the income comes from Pine Meadows Golf Course and the rest from other pro- grams (swim tags, tennis cards, etc.) From the Enterprise Fund, Recreation meets all its expenses, including capital improvements to maintain and improve infrastructure, with approval of Town Meeting. The Enterprise Fund also pays a portion of the DPW budget - last year it was $248,597- having to do with playground and field maintenance (including school fields, not in the school budget). Although Recreation realizes that belt - tightening involves all town services, the sudden $50,000 levy exacerbated serious concerns about maintaining recreational resources at adequate levels. While it has been true that the Recreation Enterprise Fund has carried Undesignated Fund Balances at the close of FY94 and FY95, these reserves have been and continue to he critical to our ability to maintain facilities without funds from the tax levy. Recreation facilities in Lexington are heavily used and will deteriorate quickly without timely capital improvements. In addition, income from Recreation pro- grams has seasonal highs and lows, necessitating a budget carry over to deal with emergency repairs. The Recreation Committee and staff sought to meet this financial challenge in the only way open to us, by raising program fees. Because the In Lieu of Tax Payment was a surprise and was applied after the fees for many programs had been set and advertised, we had limited options for spreading cost increases among a larger number of programs. This added to our concern that fee increases may make it less possible for some families to partici- pate in our programs. We have also been concerned that if fees increase to a level that is more than the market will bear, we will drive down participation and ultimately decrease revenue to the Enterprise Fund and all it supports. So far, we have increased fees at Pine Meadows, for groups who rent our facilities and fields, and for non- residents. Pine Meadows The beginning of 1996 also brought new management to Pine Meadows Golf Course. A Request for Proposals resulted in an interview and selection process that included members of the Recreation Committee. New England Golf Corporation was selected to manage the course, with Bill Harrison, president of NEW, providing hands -on oversight. Revenue from Pine Meadows provides roughly half the income for the Recreation Enterprise Fund. Since citi- zens voted to purchase Pine Meadows to preserve open space, it became the responsibility of the Recreation TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 52 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 FY96 FY95 Payroll 344,604 347,187 Expenses 536,498 544,038 Revenue 1,050,251 1,099,427 Personnel Full Time 4 4 Part Time 200± 200± This was a year of challenges for Lexington Recreation. In carrying out our mission to provide quality recreation- al opportunities for the citizens of Lexington, we were constantly chal- lenged to maintain and improve our existing facilities and resources. We were challenged to listen to the changing recreational needs of residents and to assess and support the develop- ment of new ideas as they came from the community. We were challenged to meet our respon- sibilities to the youth of Lexington with opportunities to develop social and athle- tic skills through sports and leisure activ- ities. We were challenged to promote our conviction that recreation is a vital part of community life, especially in a time of shrinking financial resources. We were particularly challenged to protect fair funding for recreation in an environment in which many worthy community enter- prises competed for the same dollars. Staff In the midst of these challenges, Recreation had a busy and productive year. In the beginning of the year, Karen Simmons was welcomed as the new Director of Recreation. Karen was for- merly Director of Recreation at the Fernald School and brought strong skills in management, therapeutic recreation and program development, as well as a great deal of energy, to the job. Karen hit the ground running and, in addition to meeting the everyday chal- lenges of managing the office and overseeing existing programs, she applied her considerable energy to making useful connections with other town programs, upgrading and streamlin- ing the organization of recreation infor- mation in the office, and developing new programs. In July, Jonathan Jalbert was hired as the new Recreation Program Coordinator, bringing a strong combination of youth and experience in innovative program development to the team. Don Chisholm resigned as Chairman of the Recreation Committee in June, but agreed to stay on as a member. Both the Committee and Town have benefited from Don's skilled and steady leadership and we are fortunate to have his con- tinued presence on the Committee. Sandra Shaw became Chairman, and Pamela Varrin, Vice Chairman. The other members, appointed by the Town Manager, are Rick DeAngelis and Paul Keane. Financial Challenges Recreation spent much of 1996 respond- ing to a major financial challenge. 1996 Town Meeting voted to impose a $50,000 in- lieu -of tax payment on the Recreation Enterprise Fund to generate needed funding for other town programs threatened by fiscal constraints. The Enterprise Fund holds income from fees charged for recreational programs sponsored by the town. Roughly half the income comes from Pine Meadows Golf Course and the rest from other pro- grams (swim tags, tennis cards, etc.) From the Enterprise Fund, Recreation meets all its expenses, including capital improvements to maintain and improve infrastructure, with approval of Town Meeting. The Enterprise Fund also pays a portion of the DPW budget - last year it was $248,597- having to do with playground and field maintenance (including school fields, not in the school budget). Although Recreation realizes that belt - tightening involves all town services, the sudden $50,000 levy exacerbated serious concerns about maintaining recreational resources at adequate levels. While it has been true that the Recreation Enterprise Fund has carried Undesignated Fund Balances at the close of FY94 and FY95, these reserves have been and continue to he critical to our ability to maintain facilities without funds from the tax levy. Recreation facilities in Lexington are heavily used and will deteriorate quickly without timely capital improvements. In addition, income from Recreation pro- grams has seasonal highs and lows, necessitating a budget carry over to deal with emergency repairs. The Recreation Committee and staff sought to meet this financial challenge in the only way open to us, by raising program fees. Because the In Lieu of Tax Payment was a surprise and was applied after the fees for many programs had been set and advertised, we had limited options for spreading cost increases among a larger number of programs. This added to our concern that fee increases may make it less possible for some families to partici- pate in our programs. We have also been concerned that if fees increase to a level that is more than the market will bear, we will drive down participation and ultimately decrease revenue to the Enterprise Fund and all it supports. So far, we have increased fees at Pine Meadows, for groups who rent our facilities and fields, and for non- residents. Pine Meadows The beginning of 1996 also brought new management to Pine Meadows Golf Course. A Request for Proposals resulted in an interview and selection process that included members of the Recreation Committee. New England Golf Corporation was selected to manage the course, with Bill Harrison, president of NEW, providing hands -on oversight. Revenue from Pine Meadows provides roughly half the income for the Recreation Enterprise Fund. Since citi- zens voted to purchase Pine Meadows to preserve open space, it became the responsibility of the Recreation TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 52 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Recreation Department (continued) Committee and staff to maximize the town's return on its investment. Investments in the course this year included improvements to the turf and organization of the course, improvements to the clubhouse, continued work on the 5th hole, and a transition to more envi- ronmentally friendly electric golf carts. The course looks better than it ever has, attracting 42,490 rounds of golf in the season. Recreation worked closely with Bill Harrison to look at the costs and benefits of planned and wished -for improvements to the course. Concerns about adequate irrigation resulted in plans to expand the irrigation system and generate additional water through wells and expansion of the existing pond on the course. Discussion about these plans is still in process. Youth Soccer The Recreation Committee and staff continued their partnership with Lexington Youth Soccer (LYS) to deal with the continuing problem of playing field conditions. Discussion resulting from this partnership led to increased understanding of the extraordinary use the youth leagues give these fields, as well as of the efforts applied by Brian Gilbert and his DPW crew. They worked to stretch limited resources to maintain all fields,which is especially difficult as demand for fields limits the opportunities to rest them adequately. LYS paid for soil tests and made the results available to Brian, resulting in a new soccer field maintenance schedule that conformed to the recommendations generated by the tests. We commend LYS for coming forward, not only with concerns, but also with a plan. Our partnership allows us to do more than either of us could do alone and serves as a model for thinking about how related community groups can be brought together to cope with shrinking resourc- es. LYS remains committed to quality fields and continued support to make this commitment a reality. Recreation remains committed to supporting youth leagues by maintaining the many town and school fields. We are also committed to looking ahead to meet expanding enrollment in youth leagues by planning capital projects for new fields. For example, our capital plan for FY99 includes new soccer fields at Hennessey. Plans and Proposals In 1996 citizens brought a number of innovative ideas for recreation programs and facilities to the Committee. These proposals are always welcome and are assessed according to the potential bene- fits, the cost and the order in which the ideas were presented. For example, a proposal for a sand vol- leyball court for adults to play this fast - growing sport was presented in late 1995. Plans were drawn up in 1996, but put on hold for financial reasons. In addition, discussions on the feasibility and design for a skateboard park were initiated by a group of youths. A little - used area at the high school was desig- nated, which the young people agreed to police themselves. Unfortunately, policing difficulties arose and the high school withdrew its support. However, working with the youths, the Recreation Department did hold several supervised skateboard days during the year. Another proposal was made for a roller hockey site. Community response was positive. But plans for a usable site ran into obstacles, primarily financial. Discussions will continue. Current Concerns 1996 also saw the installation of fencing to protect the player benches at the Little League fields, renovation of the Adams tot lot and plans to renovate the tot lot at Rindge, improvements to the Town Pool, and, the successful continuation of a growing summer day camp program. In concert with DPW, Recreation is updating its open space plan and bringing facilities into full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Committee continues to participate in town -wide discussions about how to balance the protection of recreational space with other town needs. In recent discussion of LexHAB's pro- posal to build a house at Sutherland Park, the Committee's vote to oppose building on that site was a vote to protect the scarce recreational space in the neighbor- hood. We begin the new year with renewed commitment to better educate the com- munity about the services provided by Recreation and the role the Recreation Enterprise Fund has always played in supporting a variety of town services. We believe that a strong Recreation Department is more important than ever. In times of community stress and divi- siveness recreation provides opportuni- ties for citizens of all ages, income levels and abilities to come together in a common pursuit. In both social and eco- nomic terms, recreation gives to the community more than it takes. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 53 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Bikeway Committee The Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee and the related Friends of the Minuteman Bikeway are committed to developing and maintaining safe and convenient routes for those who wish to travel to work or school or simply to two - wheel-it around town. We made some progress last year. The traffic light at Bedford St., for which we have lobbied for years, is in the design stage. We will work with the state to get a permit and hope for installation as soon as possible. Bob Sawyer is working with the Metro Area Planning Council and Lexington's Conservation Commission to make Hartwell Ave. bicycle - friendly to the more than 20,000 employees in the Hanscom/ Hartwell Ave. area. Harvey Bingham has posted, on the Inter- net, connecting routes to Lexington Center from neighboring towns. Sandy Shaw, our Recreation liaison, is updating the local bike route map. Marita Hartsorn is coodinating the ste- wards who help maintain parts of the Minuteman (Jack Eddison) Bikeway. Section captains are Katy Wells, Louise and Bob Curtis, Jerry Van Hook, Harvey Bingham and John and Murial Simmons. The committee, appointed by the select- men: Chairman Marita Hartshorn, Harvey W. Bingham, John W. Frey, Colleen M. Haggerty, Robert Sawyer, Jerry Van Hook, Sandra Shaw, Richard L. Canale and Angela Frick. Transportation Advisory Committee Expenses, FY96 Personal Services 45,058 Benefits 5,514 Expenses LEXPRESS 162,658 Chair Car 15,456 Total $228,686 The Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC), through its Services Office, coor- dinates the town's transportation services to help meet the needs of Lexington's residents. Although the Services Office is best known for managing LEXPRESS, the Town's minibus system, it is involved with a range of transportation services and programs. Transportation Coordinator Barbara Lucas continued to pursue outside funding for transportation programs. The proposals got favorable action at the state level. The funding for purchasing compressed - natural -gas vehicles for LEXPRESS continued to progress. Funds should be available in fiscal 1998 and the vehicles are expected to begin operating in Lexington before the end of the year. Having vehicles that are funded from an outside source may reduce the costs to the town of providing LEXPRESS. The second proposal, for Transportation Enhancement funds, was developed in cooperation with the Design Advisory Committee (DAC), and also received preliminary approval. The funds are earmarked for transportation and land- scaping improvements at Depot Square where LEXPRESS and other transporta- tion services interconnect. TAC members continue to work with the DAC and other committees to finalize a plan. A third proposal for funds to begin a seasonal tourist trolley service between Lexington and Concord also received preliminary approval. Finally, a proposal prepared in coopera- tion with businesses in the Hartwell Avenue area to start a Transportation Management Association (TMA) received Commonwealth approval. When companies in the Hartwell Avenue area form the TMA there will be match- Transportation Advisory Committee: seated. Lorraine Pacocha, Chairman Sara Arnold and Elizabeth Andrews. Standing, Coordinator Barbara Lucas, Donald Graham, Ben Turk and William Mix. Photo: Ray Barnes TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 54 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 T .A.C.(continued) ing funding to develop commuting alter- natives to the single- occupant vehicle. Because the Transportation Services Office handles the contracts for LEXPRESS and the Lexington chair car service, the TAC is involved in recom- mending policy changes and encouraging cost - saving measures that impact these services. The 1996 LEXPRESS contract with Joseph's Limousine Service includ- ed a favorable per - vehicle -hour cost that kept the total budget manageable. LEXPRESS provides daytime service on six routes that connect the town's resi- dential neighborhoods with Lexington center, schools, recreation centers, shop- ping and the Senior Center. In FY96, LEXPRESS provided 100,236 rides. Senior citizens accounted for 21 percent of those rides, adults 17 percent and youths 62 percent. Lexington's chair -car service continued to provide door -to -door transportation for residents of limited mobility. Quick action was required during 1996 when Share -A -Ride declared bankruptcy. The chair -car service is currently provided by SCM Transportation. In 1996, 657 trips were provided, primarily to medical appointments, to the Senior Center for nutrition and other programs, and to shopping areas. TAC worked with several developers who needed to include transportation proposals as part of their applications for zoning changes. Transportation is an important compon- ent of Lexington's infrastructure. Residents of Lexington who are interest- ed in transportation issues should contact the Transportation Services Office and are welcome at TAC meetings. Members: Sara Arnold, chair, William Mix, co- chair, Elizabeth Andrews, Sally Castleman, Edward Ganshirt, Donald Graham, Lorraine Pacocha, Nicholas Santosuosso, Betty Eddison, liaison for the Board of Selectman LexHAB One house was completed, one was started and two new sites were chosen for study in LexHAB's scattered site program during 1996. The completed home was on Philip Rd. on property transferred by Town Meeting from the School Committee in 1993. The one under construction and sched- uled for completion in 1997 is on Grandview Ave. The project was started in 1995 when LexHAB used the Local Initiative Comprehensive Permit process to get the right to build one house on an undersized lot created by combining two small tax title lots. Houses built by LexHAB result from a collaborative effort of Minuteman Tech, the Rotary Club and LexHAB. Minuteman students build the house under teacher supervision as part of their on-the-job education, Rotary members provide technical and trade assistance and LexHAB pays for the materials. At the 1995 Town Meeting, almost all of a Sutherland Rd. school site was trans- ferred to the Conservation Commission. A small portion of the site was reserved for the selectmen's control to be studied by LexHAB as a potential single family site. That study is underway. LexHAB at year end was in the processs of getting permission from the selectmen to buy, with LexHAB funds, a single family home at 425 Bedford St., as part of the scattered site program. LexHAB's inventory now has 41 dwell- ing units: • 33 attached units: seven 1 bedroom, 23 two - bedroom and three 3- bedroom units in three developments; • Eight single family homes; two 3- bedroom and six 4- bedroom units. LexHAB is represented on the Lexington CRA (Community Reinvestment Act) Committee and the Middlesex County Hospital Ad -Hoc Committee. The CRA Committee is a bank - oriented business committee in the process of putting together a first time home ownership program aimed at LexHAB tenants. The Middlesex County Hospital commit- tee is working with the county to get the best possible reuse of the hospital proper- ty, now up for sale. LexHAB also serves the town by admin- istering the Muzzey Condominium resale restrictions, by being the reporting board for privately developed residential pro- jects containing affordable units and by commenting on proposed residential developments with affordable compon- ents. LexHAB was created in 1984 to provide affordable housing for low and moderate income families. The board does not receive town funding. It did receive sub- stantial seed money from three housing projects which, for various reasons, did not have an affordable component as specified in the inclusionary housing requirement of the Zoning by Law. This seed money allows LexHAB to acquire and build units free and clear of mortgages. The debt -free cash flow from these units enables LexHAB to continue building housing stock without additional funding. LexHAB board members are appointed by the selectmen for staggered three -year terms. They are: Chairman Marshall Derby, David Eagle, William Hays, Gerry Howell, Eleanor Klauminzer, Donald Wilson and Martha Wood. Joan Wall is the office manager. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 55 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Lexington Housing Authori A Federal grant of $350,000 was awarded to the Lexington Housing Authority (LHA) in September. The money is for bath renovations, flooring, roofing and bulkheads on 16 scattered housing sites and for handicapped- acces- sible renovations on one scattered site. Minuteman Tech students continued to provide many hours of valued home care to seniors in the three villages. The Supper Club and Well- Elderly clinics sponsored by the COA were held once a month in each village. LHA is a corporate political body with five members serving five year terms. Four, Chairman Donald D. Wilson, Vice - Chairman Nicholas Santosuosso, Treasurer Leona W. Martin and Assistant Treasurer John E. Ryan, are elected. The fifth, Elizabeth Flynn, is state - appointed. Executive Director Rita Sullivan retired in April after 10 years in the post. The Acting Executive Director is Annette L. Carroll. LHA was established in 1965 to receive state and federal grants to provide housing for low income people. It oper- ates under Chapter 121B of the State and can issue its own tax- exempt bonds or finance through other sources. Expenses are funded by the state and federal governments; rents are applied to operating expenses. Since LHA proper- ties are tax - exempt, LHA pays an amount to the town in lieu of taxes. Ongoing responsibilities of the Housing Authority include the following: • Greeley Village; 25 buildings with four apartments each, plus community build- ing. (State Program of 200 subsidies for the elderly.) • Vynbrooke Village; four buildings with 12 apartments each plus community building, maintenance office and garage. (State Program of 48 subsidies for elderly and handicaped.) • Countryside Village; five buildings with 12 apartments plus community building, LHA office, maintenance workshop and garage. (Federal program of 60 sudsidies for elderly and handi- capped.) • State MRPV Program; nine rental sub- sidies for elderly, handicapped and/or family. Administers 12 certificates for the Department of Mental Health. • State 705 -2 Progam; rental subsidies for two handicapped units. • State 689 -1; Rental subsidies for eight disabled persons. • Rate 689 -2; Rental subsidies for two handicapped units. • State 689 -3; Rental subsidies for six disabled persons. • Federal 067 -1 Program; rental subsi- dies for 17 single family LHA -owned homes. • Parker Manor Condominiums; seven units of family, handicapped and elderly housing (LHA owned). • Bedford Street; Duplex house for families (LHA owned). A detailed financial report is on file in the selectmen's office. Council on Aging FY96 FY95 Payroll 127,424 86,999 Expenses 167,032 107,201 Personnel Full Time 5 4 Part Time 7 6 More than 25 percent of Lexington resi- dents, 8,089, are over 60. The Council on Aging advocates for them and provides programs to meet their changing social, educational and health- related needs. It also represents the town's interests with the State Department of Elder Affairs and Federal Administration on Aging. The COA operates the Senior Center at 1475 Mass. Ave., where services are geared to a diverse population, from the younger active seniors to the more frail. Support services are provided to the housebound and to those who come to the Center. At -home medical and psy- chosocial assessments, case manage- ment, telephone assurance, and others, detailed below, are available. Council on Aging: Margaret Jemison, Anne Kriebeil, Sheldon Spector, Jacqueline Davison, Chairman Clark Cowen, Gene Lisotte, COA Director Nancy Freed, Phyllis Rand, John Curry and Barbara Rubin. Not shown: Jack Fisher and Edmund Grant. Town Manager appointed. Photo: Ray Barnes. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 56 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Council on Aging(continued) In 1996, the COA Social Worker provid- ed information and counseling to 49 families, worked with 157 elders, coun- ciling and helping with financial assis- tance and locating appropriate services. The Senior Volunteer Corps mobilizes active elders to contribute their skills to the community. In FY96, 20 volunteers worked at 12 local sites. The Property Tax Work -Off Program provides a $500 credit toward an individual's property tax in exchange for 100 hours of work for the town. A total of 23 eligible home- owners participated, providing 2300 hours to 16 town departments. Recreation More than 2,000 people took part in a variety of recreational activities; discus- sion groups, physical fitness programs, estate planning, line dancing, muscle - strengthening. The Center has an exer- cise area with treadmills, stationary bicy- cles and rowing machines. Day trips are popular. Other activities; dance band, chorus, bridge and billiards clubs. The Fix -It Shop repairs appliances and lamps and the library is well- stocked; both are run by volunteers. In 1996, computer classes were started to teach Windows software, intemet demonstra- tions were held and E -mail addresses established. Nutrition COA staff manages four nutrition pro- grams. • The Congregrate Meals Program served 9,781 lunches to about 396 seniors. The lunches are served five days a week to an average of 50 elders. • The Supper Club serves an evening meal each month at the Center and at Greeley, Vynebrook and Countryside Villages. At that time, nurses offer blood pressure screening. • Meals -on- Wheels delivers two daily meals to frail, housebound, ill or injured residents. Volunteers pack and deliver the meals. Last year, the volunteer drivers delivered 6,825 meals to about 80 clients, and in the process, assisted in two life- saving incidents. Frozen foods are delivered once a week to low income seniors through the Minuteman Home Care Program. Senior Health Monitor Program This program offers home nursing care to elderly residents who have chronic health problems and wish to remain living inde- pendently. Staff provides health assess- ments and develops in -home care plans, also monitors the health of each particip- ant, offering direct nursing, medication support and counseling. In 1996, 66 elders were served. Adult Day Care The Adult Day Program operates at the Center on a fee - for - service basis to provide stimulating activities for elders with impaired physical, emotional or psychological functioning. In FY96, the COA served 42 frail elderly. The COA also contracts out adult day health serv- ices to seniors unable to attend. Other Programs . Recognizing the need for companion- ship, good cooking and intellectual stim- ulation, a monthly Men's Breakfast was started, with lectures on prostate cancer, cardiology, long term care and bereave- ment. . The town's Enablement Committee met regularly at the Center to integrate people with disabilities into COA programs. .A new shopping service was planned to meet the growing need being expressed by those who are house - bound. .The COA gave logistical support to the first annual LexFest!, an event designed to celebrate cultural diversity, and held in May on the Battle Green. . The COA Newsletter is published by volunteers and distributed monthly to households with residents over 60. .Frances Wortman won the Minuteman Cane Award, which honors a senior over 80 who demonstrates the opportunities inherent in the aging process. In addition to these programs, a compu- terized Caller Log showed that 270 families received assistance from COA Intake on many social issues. Council members, appointed by the Town Manager: Chairman Clark Cowen, Phyllis Rand, Gene Isotti, John Curry, Barbara Rubin, Jacqueline Davison, Edmund Grant, Jack Fisher, Margaret Jemison, Anne Kriebel and Sheldon Spector. Human Services Committee Last year the Human Services Committee and Human Services Coordinator moved toward on imple- menting goals that came out of a recent needs assessment. A resource Pocket Guide of Human Services was started; planning for a separate guide for youths was also begun. A Task Force was set up to discuss the need for a drop -in center and after - school services for youths. Taking part; the schools, Hayden Recreation Center, churches, RePlace and the Human Services Department. Following a study of services provided by RePlace, an outside evaluator recom- mended that RePlace concentrate on fewer resources and more fully report its activities and outcomes, such as why clients leave and whether problems have been successfully resolved. In FY96, Youth Services was funded at $69,834, with the contract awarded to RePlace. Until June 30, RePlace was affiliated with Children's Behavioral TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 57 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Human Services(continued) Health Care, Inc., and then with Wayside Youth and Family Support Network, Inc. Responding to the suggestion of Ephraim Weiss, Town Meeting Member, the committee created a subcommittee to answer questions on how best to address the need for child care in town. To be considered are the need for trans- portation, day care vs. preschool and findings on parents hesitant to apply. The town contributed $12,800 toward the salary of a Job Procurer employed by the Central Middlesex Association for Retarded Citizens. Enablement Committee The Enablement Committee, a subcom- mittee of Human Services, continued to monitor accessibility in Lexington. An updated Transition Report was complet- ed by Emily Silberberg. The subcommit- tee organized regional training on newly issued regulations from the Architectural Access Board regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act. Members, named by the Town Manager: Co- Chairmen Robert Harris and Emily Silberberg, Christine Chase, Cari Luterman, Michael Martignetti, Martin Quinlan, Rick Safford and Gary Strong. The Human Services Fund uses dona- tions and interest from trusts adminis- tered by Trustees of the Public Trusts, to help citizens in emergencies. In FY96, $3,497 was spend on behalf of 13 households; $1,077 was received in paybacks from fund recipients, as well as donations from The Church of Our Redeemer, Hancock United Church of Christ and St. Brigids. The Human Services Committee, appointed by the Town Manager, was co- chaired by Donna M. Hooper and Jolley Anne Weinstock until Ms. Hooper resigned to become Town Clerk, leaving Weinstock to continue as Chairman. Other members: D. Barbara Ciampa, Helen W. Cravis, Julie E. Fenn, Rosalyn L. Gittleman, Eva S. Glick, Jeanne S. Luongo and Richard W. Safford. Staff to the committee, Stephen Baran, Human Services Coordinator. In September, Nancy Freed was appoint- ed Social Service Director. Ms. Freed is a graduate of the University of California, Berekely, with an MBA and MSW from Boston University. Her responsibilities are to supervise the COA and Human Services Department. Veterans' Services In FY96, the Veterans Department spent $10,831, with 75 percent reimbursable by the state. Recipients were three men, a married couple and two widows. These expenditures were administered by the Human Service Coordinator and approved by the Veterans Agent, John J. Ryan, and the state commissionor of Veterans Services. Fair Housing / Human Relations In March, Rep. Jay Kaufman chaired a forum, "An Opportunity to Celebrate our Differences." Chairman Michelle Waters - Ekanem spoke on her reservations about progress in making Lexington a town that welcomes all groups. Committee members marched with the Lexington Coalition for Racial Equality and LexFest! in the Patriots Day Parade. A brochure, "Diversity is Our Heritage," was published in conjunction with LexFest!, the May event that included over 40 groups supporting diversity. The committee supported individuals seeking fairness in housing or alleging discrimi- nation because of their backgrounds. Michelle Ekanem was appointed to a special committee investigating reuse plans for the Met State property. Members: Mary Haskell and Michelle - Waters- Ekanem co- chaired in the earlier part of the year, with Ekanem later taking full responsibilities. Others, appointed by the Town Manager: Florence A. Baturin, James R. Brannon, Ralph D. Clifford, Susan R. Cusack, Donnalee A. Farris, Beverly Goodridge, Leona Martin, Robert Pressman and Ernest Tsai. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 58 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Youth Commission Youth Commission: Top row, Steve Cole, Bob Nasson, Mike O'Connor, Matt Plasse, Mike Sperandio, David Ziekle, Andy Bechtal. Third row, Beverly Kelley, Katie Schmaltz, Becky Busa, Amber Moore, Laura Chamberlain, Liz Palladino, Chairman Nancy Barter. Second row, Tracey Cole, Emily Sterzin, Ellen Humphrey, Sarah Schein, Heather Flett, Eric Kelley. Front row, Suzanne Burbridge, Meredith Calado, Lia Gilbert, Courtney Benson, Tiffaney Shih. Members had another action- filled year. Among their good deeds: Plantings on their `island" across from the playground, help with Christmas dinner at the COA, caroling at Greeley Village, clothing drives, a float in the April 19th parade. Photo: Ray Barnes. Employee Honor Roll Lexington's Employee Recognition Day was November 20, honoring those who have served Lexington the longest. Altogether, there were 50, excluding the School Department, who have worked 10 or more years in the community. Listed are those with 20 or more years. 40 Years Nancy O'Neil, DPW 35 Years Francis Bussey, Fire John Whitney, DPW 30 Years James McLaughlin, Comptroller Lawrence Carroll, Jr., Fire Joe Medlin, DPW 25 Years Eric Huoppe, DPW James Brooks, Police Robert Washburn, Fire James Donovan, Fire 20 Years William Hadley, DPW James Fogg, DPW Charles Sargent, Police The Fire Department Honor Guardperforms at local civic events and parades; Patriots Day, Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies. They are shown here in new uniforms financed by a fundraiser and contributions from local businesses. Photo: Mark Bellino. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 59 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Cary Lectures The past season featured three programs of varied interest to residents. The first was an evening of music from South America performed by "Quetzal" a group that played on such instruments as the Tiple, Custros, Charango, Zampona, hand drums and accoustic guitar. The next was a lecture by author Doris Kearns Goodwin, who related tales of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt from her Pulitzer Prize winning book. The final show was a double header; dramatist Robin Lans gave a multi -media drama on Boston's own Isabella Stewart Gardner, of Gardner Museum fame, and Guy Rotondo presented a musical revue of songs from ragtime to opera. The Cary Lectures are free to residents, thanks to the Isaac Harris Educational Fund established in 1921. Dana A. Regillo is chairman, with Don Gillespie, Georgia Smith and Jim Cowan. Arts Council The council, as charged by its charter, distributed funds from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to several local arts programs. The total amount was $7,351 with $2,850 going to individual and group performances and $4,501 to the PASS program. The performances included a special music program at the Senior Center, a dance presentation at LexFest and com- munity theater performances. The PASS program awarded subsidized student attendance at performances of the Boston Symphony Orchestra Youth Symphony, North Shore Music Theater, Boston Baked Theater and field trips to Old Sturbridge Village and the Tsongas Industrial Center. The council established an endowment fund in memory of E11aLou Dimmock; the first annual prize under the endow- ment went to High School vocalist Kate Gang. Cary Lectures: Chairman Dana A. Regillo, Georgia Smith, Don Gillespie and Jim Cowan. Photo: Ray Barnes. At the first LexFest in May, the council displayed works of art in a gallery in the Church of Our Redeemer. At year end, the council was planning a grant- writing workshop in April 1997 and a benefit concert for the EllaLou Dimmock Endowment Fund. Council members Bob Anderson, Teri Dini and Sam Powers ended their terms in September, and were replaced by Fredi Blume, Genevieve Dulac and Janet Stork, all appointed by the selectmen. Other members: Co- Chairmen Judith Ozuransky and Joyce Fearnside, Secretary Margaret A. Warner, James W. Courtemanche, Lynn S. Feldman. Pamela Giller, Florence Trefethen and Marcie Theriault. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 60 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Historical Commission The demolition of buildings continued in 1996 at a significant pace, and this threat to important structures continues. Twenty one buildings were demolished to make way for the next generation of homes, those with four or five bedrooms. According to realtors, the market for these seems to be older or retired couples rather than couples with children. One major loss was the ell of the Daisy Wilson farm on Jon Wilson Ln. This house is surrounded by conservation land and is a highly visible example of the few remaining farm sites. The commis- sion denied a demolition permit for the ell part of the house which was then removed and left standing a few yards away; but the house was replaced with a new structure. The commission is working with the Building Inspector, Town Counsel and the Mass. Historical Commission to try to prevent such circumvention of accept- ed preservation practice in the future. The proliferation of demolition requests points out the need to bring the town's seven - volume Comprehensive Cultural Resources Survey up to date; copies of this inventory are available in the library and town offices. Demolition activity and a lack of funds have left the inventory sadly incomplete; the commission has applied for a grant to update the record, important to the pres- ervation of the town's historic fabric. The commission works closely with other town boards and many other like organizations, such as the Minuteman National Park and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Its charge is to preserve, protect and develop historical, architectural and archeological assets throughout the town. Members, appointed by the Town Manager: Chairman David R. Kelland, Marilyn Fenollosa, Martin Gilman, Alfred Mattes and Thomas Taylor. Historic Districts Commission During 12 meetings in 1996, the commis- sion held a record 144 hearings, and conducted 35 informal and 98 formal hearings. Certificates of Appropriateness were issued for 88 requests, seven requests did not receive approval and three were with- drawn. Residential properties accounted for 53 requests. The majority of commercial property requests were for new signage. Other projects approved included restora- tion of the `old school house" building at 1656 Mass. Ave., restoration of Buckman Tavern's exterior, several new businesses, more wood benches and bike racks and a facade facelift at the corner of Waltham St., and Mass. Ave. The rise in the number of hearings can be attributed to an increased awareness in the town of the district's requirements and a dedicated effort by the town to enforce zoning by -laws. The commission oversees four contigu- ous districts: Battle Green, Hancock - Clarke, Munroe Tavern and East Village. The districts run along Mass. Ave. from East Village to Hastings Park, Bedford St., to the Fire Station and Hancock St. to the Hancock - Clarke House The commission reviews proposals for all exterior changes, renovations and additions to buildings in its jurisdiction. Its charge is to preserve economic, social and aesthetic values. Commissioners are appointed by the selectmen from nominations submitted by the Lexington Historical Society, Lexington Arts and Crafts Society and Library trustees. Chairman Stephen M. Politi, Clark L. Griffith, Mark Dinapoli, Richard Bechtel and Joann Gschwendtner. Associate Commissioners: Walter H. Bergler, Ellen MacQueen, Sara Chase and Elaine Doran. Historic Districts Commission: Seated, Joann Gschwendtner, Chairman Stephen Politi, Clerk Margo Ruschton, Walter Bergler. Standing, Elinor MacQueen, Mark Dinapoli and Sara Chase. Photo: Ray Barnes TOWN OF LEXINGTON ds to begin a Page 61 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Battle Green Guides Judging by the number of visitors wan- dering around our Battle Green and signing in at the Visitors Center, the 1996 tourist season was another active one. If they were fortunate, tourists were met by one of our licensed volunteer guides. However, our young guides are volun- teers, and as such, determine their own schedules. Unfortunately, this past season we had fewer guides available, so there were times when visitors found no one on the common to interpret Lexington's place in history. In short, we need more guides, teenagers and seniors. The seasoned guides, emeri- tus Neil Cronin and Ken Smith, could be counted on at all times to respond on short notice. Among the high schoolers who faithfully put in appearances were Steven Davis, Eric Kelley and Larry Liff. Other young people who were licensed and served during the season were Ben Elgart and Stephen Hart. Tours are tailored to the amount of time the tourists have to spend - from 20 minutes to an hour or more. Groups of school children and leaf peepers are par- ticularly active in the Spring and October, and on those occasions we are able to call upon our senior guides. One observation that needs to be made; more and more our common is being used for frisbee, soccer and other distrac- tions. Increasingly, these activities impinge on our visitors' quiet enjoyment of the Battle Ground. At some point, the town should begin to enforce ordinances already in place. Perhaps 1997 is the time to start. S. Lawrence Whipple, Director of Guides Town Celebrations Committee Patriots Day, Monday April 15. Ringing of the Old Belfry bell announced the Reenactment of the Battle of Lexington. It marked the 26th year the Lexington Minutemen (LMM) and His Majesty's 10th Regiment of Foot met head -to -head in recreating the opening shots of the American Revolution. Picture - perfect weather drew thousands of spectators. Following this were pancake breakfasts sponsored by the Rotary Club, DeMolay, First Baptist Church and Boy Scout Troop 160. The Youth of Lexington Sunrise Parade was led by Chief Marshal Chris Amar, President of the High School Class of 1996, assisted by Chief of Staff Dave Myung and Aide Dave Lee. First Division Marshall was Jerry Titus, Second Division Marshal, Matt Moore. Pat Flynn, chairman of the Town Celebrations Committee (TCC) wel- comed observers to the 221st anniversary of the battle and introduced Suzie Barry of the TCC as Master of Ceremonies for the morning. Rep. Jay R. Kaufman read the governor's proclamation. Selectman Leo P. McSweeney presented Youth Recognition Awards to Laura Ginns, Jennifer O'Connor and Amy Porter. They were selected for their combined academic excellence, com- munity service and athletic achieve- ments. The White Tricorn Hat Award was pre- sented to Clarence Turner, Sr., by Lion's Club President Kristen Gillan. Invocation and benediction by Rev. Msgr. Robert P. Deeley of St. Brigid Church, the national anthem sung by Kate Gang. At 1 pm Paul Revere was greeted at the Statue of Captain Parker by the Selectmen and LMM. Theme for the afternoon parade was "Spring in Colonial Lexington," and the winning floats were: Youth Division: 1st Girl Scouts, 2nd Youth Commission. Commercial Division: 1st Wilson Farm, 2nd Ace Hardware. Civic Division: 1 st Lexington Elks. Grand Marshal for the parade - William P. Fitzgerald, past president of the LCC; Chief of Staff Jeffrey P. Leonard, high school band director. The LCC thanks the many businesses and organizations, recruited by the Chamber of Commerce, who contributed to the parade's success. Memorial Day, Monday May 27. Services at Westview Cemetery preceded the morning parade to commemorative services at other sites and memorials; Chief Marshal Aurio J. Pierro, Commander VFW Post 3007. Suzie Barry, LCC, was master of ceremonies for services at the Battle Green. The speaker was Fire Chief John Quinlan, the invocation and benediction by Rev. David O'Donnel of St. Bridget's Church. Veterans' Breakfast, Wednesday Oct. 23. LCC hosted its fourth annual breakfast for Lexington veterans and their families at the Air Force Officers Club at Hanscom Field. Master of Ceremonies; Pat Flynn, LCC chairman, speaker George Woodbury, DPW director. Veterans' Day, Monday Nov. 11. Lexington paid tribute to its veterans with a mid - morning parade, led by Chief Marshal Aurio J. Pierro, to the Battle Green. The veterans delegation was fol- lowed by the LMM, Fire Department Color Guard, members of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Lodge of Elks and high school band. The speaker was Police Chief Christopher J. Casey. The Committee, appointed by the select- men: Chairman Pat Flynn, Vice Chairman, Robert Schuster and David Taylor, Paul Jenkins, Sondra Lucente, Julie Miller and co- secretaries Suzie Barry and Jean Coates. Subcommittee: Jim Cataldo and Henry Murphy. Honorary members William Fitzgerald and Marion Snow. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 62 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Cable Advisory Committee Lexington's Cable Television & Communications Advisory Committee: 1. Advises on communications within the town; 2. Watches performance of the licensee - A -R Cable Services, Inc. ( Cablevision); 3. Represents the town in contracts with the licensee; 4. Acts as ombudsman for cable system users; 5. Oversees the institutional trunk con- necting town and school buildings. Further, the committee now assists in managing the town's growing informa- tion handling network and connecting with the Internet - thus steering the town toward participating in the "information superhighway" of the future. Cable TV provides several services not offered by commercial TV; higher quality images for local stations, a wider spectrum of programs, access to pro- grams produced by Lexington citizens, and digital and video communications between schools, libraries and town offices. This latter service produces sig- nificant savings to the town. In 1996, the committee recommended that an independent employee be hired to make long range plans to keep this inter - town network efficient, reliable, cost - effective and up -to -date. With about 60 percent of the town's resi- dences and over 500 locations within municipal buildings already hooked up, cable TV might provide additional safety and utilitarian services in the future. It remains to be seen how these services will be implemented and how this com- mittee can contribute in this area. Rate re- regulation and program tiering are a continuing problem for subscribers and the committee. Cable Advisory Committee: Seated, Julie Longcope, Chairman Jane Gharibian and David Buczkowski. Standing, David Becker, Stephen Ellis, Robert Warshawer, Julian Bussgang and David Kantor. Photo: Ray Barnes. Some types of subscriber complaints have dropped off, as explanations of changes have been issued. Formal com- plaints have been filed with the state and the FCC on issues the committee feels need to be clarified or corrected. Since committee members attend state and federal hearings, the committee stays involved and registers opinions on issues affecting the town and its subscribers. The license renewal process was com- pleted; the license expires in 2001. A license transfer hearing, required by the transfer of assets within Cablevision, was held by the selectmen; the transfer was approved. Coverage of local events increased, with help from local studio staff. However, volunteers are still needed in production. Town communications are still being addressed, especially in the the form of: 1. Improvements in the net which con- nects all town facilities and which is funded through Cablevision; 2. Technical consulting on Police and Fire dispatch; 3. Expansion of fiber -optic utility cabling; 4. Appointment by the selectmen of an interim network supervisor; 5. And most importantly, how these serv- ices will be funded and run by whom. The committee: Chairman Jane Gharibian, Julian Bussgang, John Cunha, Theodore Mairson, Stephen Ellis, Martha Stanton, David Becker, Julie Triessl, Peggy Bateson, Julie Longcope, Robert Warshawer, David Buczkowski and David Kanter. License renewal negotia- tion team; Caleb Warner, Bussgang, Ellis and William Lucas. Technical con- sultants: Bryon Blanchard and Paul Nesbeda. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 63 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Pursuant to Section 5 of Article XXI of the General By -Laws of the Town of Lexington, I hereby submit my report in writing as Town Counsel for the period from January 1, 1996 to December 31, 1996. The report is divided into the several sections required by the By- Laws. (a) All actions by or against the Town which were pending January 1, 1996. Town of Lexington vs. Donald G. Jones d/b /a New England Steel Building Company, District Court of Central Middlesex No. 820084. Suit for damages arising out of installation of insulation in Public Works building. Richard Hamilton et al vs. Joyce A. Miller et als, Land Court No. 122701. Appeal from an order of conditions issued by the Conservation Commission. Elena Massimilla vs. Zoning Board of Appeals et als, Land Court No. 123 -774. Appeal from a decision of the Board of Appeals upholding the denial of a build- ing permit. Town of Lexington vs. Heirs of Jessie Bullock, Land Court No. 82829. Petition to foreclose tax lien. Town of Lexington vs. Briggs Associates, Inc. et als, Middlesex Superior Court No. 90 -3507. Action for damages arising from the continued leaking of the high school field house roof. Eldorado Transportation Corp. vs. Town of Lexington et als, Middlesex Superior Court No. 90 -7624. Action chal- lenging the award of a bid. Christina Gelev Wilson et al vs. The Town of Lexington et als, Land Court No. 156555. Complaint to quiet title. John H. Shea, Trustee vs. Jacquelyn R. Smith et als, Land Court No. 41427. Petition for contempt in connection with a land registration matter and to clarify the status of the frontage of plaintiffs lot. Town Counsel Bernard J. Rothmel et als vs. Zoning Board of Appeals et als, Middlesex Superior Court No. 93 -4189. Appeal from decision of the Board of Appeals modifying the grant of a special permit. Mrs. Janet Dube et als vs. Town of Lexington, Middlesex Superior Court No. 93 -7511. Suit alleging anti -trust and other violations arising out of the sale by the Town of grave boxes and burial vaults. Town of Lexington vs. Smith -Grove Construction Company, Inc. et al, Middlesex Superior Court No. 94 -0944. Suit for damages arising out of a school construction contract. Douglas E. Yeo, et als vs. Town of Lexington et als, United States District Court No. 94- 10811. Suit to force the publication of certain ads in the Lexington High School newspaper and yearbook. Frances R. Frankenburg et al vs. Board of Appeals, Land Court No. 212044. Appeal from a decision of the Board of Appeals granting a variance to an abutter to permit the construction of a concrete retaining wall. George Ostrow vs. Town of Lexington, Middlesex Superior Court No. 94 -4782. Suit for damages to an automobile alleg- edly incurred as a result of failure to place warning devices in a roadway under construction. Kevin P. Devereaux vs. Francis W.K. Smith et als, Land Court No. 212209. Appeal from a decision of the Board of Appeals upholding decision of the Building Commissioner that a lot is not buildable. Apostolos E. Germeles vs. Town of Lexington, Middlesex Superior Court No. 94 -7180. Suit for damages allegedly sustained by a fall on the high school track. Depositors Trust - Paul Morgenstern - ... and 4 additional plaintiffs vs. Board of Assessors, Appellate Tax Board Nos. F219290, F220944.... Petitions for abatement of 1994 real estate taxes. Colonial Development Corp. vs. Town of Lexington, Middlesex Superior Court No. 95 -2068. Action for damages alleg- edly caused by the failure to maintain an adequate drainage system. Marion Angoff vs. Lexington School Committee, et al, Middlesex Superior Court No. 95 -0746. Suit for damages allegedly caused by failure of various school officials to honor an agreement reached with the plaintiff at the time of her resignation from her teaching posi- tion. Joanna Roberts vs. Robert Renna et als, Middlesex Superior Court No. 95 -4074. Suit for damages by former LABB Collaborative employee alleging wrong- ful termination. Richard Tringale et al vs. Town of Lexington Board of Appeals, Middlesex Superior Court No. 95 -5283. Appeal from a decision of the Board of Appeals upholding Building Commissioner's decision that two lots are not buildable. Cumberland Farms, Inc. - Nicholas Santosuosso ... and 2 additional plain- tiffs vs. Board of Assessors, Appellate Tax Board Nos. 226030, 230914... Petitions for abatement of 1995 real estate taxes. (b) All actions brought by or against the Town during 1996. Building Solutions, Inc. vs. Joyce A. Miller et als, Middlesex Superior Court No. 95- 05643. Appeal from a denial by the Conservation Commission of an order of conditions. The Sheldon Corp. vs. The Lexington Conservation Commission, Middlesex Superior Court No. 96 -3083. Appeal from a denial by the Conservation Commission of an order of conditions to permit development of a parcel of land. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 64 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Town Counsel (continued) Daniel F. Splaine et al vs. Town of Lexington et al, Middlesex Superior Court No. 96 -3774. Suit for damages allegedly sustained from a collision with a town vehicle. Jeffrey Osoff vs. Town of Lexington, Middlesex Superior Court No. 96- 04491. Suit for property damages allegedly sus- tained from the back -up of a sewer. Joseph P. Bisognano vs. John J. McWeeney et als, Land Court No. 2336- 7. Appeal from a decision of the Board of Appeals upholding a decision of the Building Commissioner that a lot is not buildable. Intercargo Insurance Company vs. Sun Valley Industries, Inc. and Town of Lexington et al, Middlesex Superior Court No. 96 -6762. Suit naming the Town as an equitable defendant to prevent it from paying any funds to the defendant. Cumberland Farms, Inc. - Tropeano T &N Realty Trust - ... and 22 addi- tional plaintiffs vs. Board of Assessors, Appellate Tax Board Nos. 234387, 234831.... Petitions for abatement of 1996 real estate taxes. Town of Lexington vs. Baumgartner, Land Court No. 104300. Petition to fore- close tax lien. Town of Lexington vs. Bredesen, Land Court No. 104301. Petition to foreclose tax lien. Town of Lexington vs. Worrell, Land Court No. 104302. Petition to foreclose tax lien. Town of Lexington vs. Colarullo, Land Court No. 110482. Petition to foreclose tax lien. (c) All actions settled or disposed of during 1996. Town of Lexington vs. Donald G. Jones d/b /a New England Steel Building Company, District Court of Central Middlesex No. 820084. Suit for damages arising out of installation of insulation in Public Works building. Case no longer active. Eldorado Transportation Corp. vs. Town of Lexington et als, Middlesex Superior Court No. 90 -7624. Action challenging the award of a bid. Decision for the Town. Christina Gelev Wilson et al vs. The Town of Lexington et als, Land Court No. 156555. Complaint to quiet title. Case removed from active case list. John H. Shea, Trustee vs. Jacquelyn R. Smith et als, Land Court No. 41427. Petition for contempt in connection with a land registration matter and to clarify the status of the frontage of plaintiffs lot. Case dismissed. George Ostrow vs. Town of Lexington, Middlesex Superior Court No. 94 -4782. Suit for damages to an automobile alleg- edly incurred as a result of failure to place warning devices in a roadway under construction. Case dismissed. Kevin P. Devereaux vs. Francis W.K. Smith et als, Land Court No. 212209. Appeal from a decision of the Board of Appeals upholding decision of the Building Commissioner that a lot is not buildable. Decision for the Town. Apostolos E. Germeles vs. Town of Lexington, Middlesex Superior Court No. 94 -7180. Suit for damages allegedly sustained by a fall on the high school track. Case dismissed. Depositors Trust - Paul Morgenstern - ... and 4 additional plaintiffs vs. Board of Assessors, Appellate Tax Board Nos. F219290, F220944.... Petitions for abatement of 1994 real estate taxes. All cases settled or tried. Joanna Roberts vs. Robert Renna et als, Middlesex Superior Court No. 95 -4074. Suit for damages by former LABB Collaborative employee alleging wrong- ful termination. Decision for the Town. Richard Tringale et al vs. Town of Lexington Board of Appeals, Middlesex Superior Court No. 95 -5283. Appeal from a decision of the Board of Appeals upholding decision of the Building Commissioner that two lots are not build- able. Case dismissed. Cumberland Farms, Inc. - Nicholas Santosuosso ... and 2 additional plain- tiffs vs. Board of Assessors, Appellate Tax Board Nos. 226030, 230914.... Petitions for abatement of 1995 real estate taxes. Three cases settled or tried. Building Solutions, Inc. vs. Joyce A. Miller et als, Middlesex Superior Court No. 95- 05643. Appeal from a denial by the Conservation Commission of an order of conditions. Case dismissed. Respectfully submitted, Norman P. Cohen, Town Counsel TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 65 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Trustees of Public Trusts The Trustees of Public Trusts, estab- lished in 1910, are responsible for admin- istering the 56 trusts donated to the town for specific public purposes. These pur- poses cluster around six distinct areas; All Purpose, Beautification, Celebration, Human Services, Recognition and Scholarship. The oldest trust was estab- lished in 1873, the latest, this year. The Trustees are also responsible for the perpetual care funds held separately for Munroe and Westview Cemeteries. The trustees' responsibilities expanded in 1996. Five additional trusts were estab- lished or transferred to the trustees: 1. The Fund for Lexington was estab- lished to enhance the town and quality of life for citizens, in three areas; assistance, beautification and innovation. 2. The Lexington PTA Scholarship Fund was set up to hold moneys given to the PTA Scholarship Committee; specifical- ly, "named funds" too small to be held individually by the trustees. Included: The High School Class of 1996 Scholarship Fund; The Mickey Finn Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by family and friends of this individual who was so much a part of Lexington Little League; The James H. Nolan, Jr. Scholarship Fund established by his family. Nolan, the father of three daughters, was a champion for higher education for all. 3. The Virginia M. Powers Scholarship fund was established by her family in memory of this life -long resident. Her commitment to education and honorable service are values her family and friends wish to perpetuate. 4. The Carolyn E. McCabe Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 1986 by her family in memory of this gifted scholar /athlete, was transferred to the trustees in 1996. The recipient must be a college -bound woman graduate of Lexington High School, member of a varsity team who exemplified good sportsmanship while inspiring competi- tion, spirit and fun. 5. The Mary Sorenson Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 1979, was transferred to the trustees by the PTA. The recipient to be chosen based on financial need. All funds honor donors long after a trust is established. Knowing that a trust is in perpetuity, will be managed at no cost, that gifts will be used locally and that donations are tax deductible is most satisfying to donors. Any citizen or organization may create a trust with a gift of $5,000 or more. Trustees welcome inquiries and offer every assistance needed. Also, contribu- tions may be made to any existing trust at any time. The total market value of the 56 trusts as of June 30, 1996, was $1,151,731. The total value of the cemetery trusts was $1,678,119. During 1996, the trustees distributed a total of $142,238, as follows: Beautification $2,718 Celebration 4,000 Human Services 5,607 Scholarship 24,725 Lex. Education Foundation 73,238 Westview Cemetery 31,950 A summation of each trust follows. Principal Balance refers to the original gift and additions plus realized capital gains. Income Balance refers to unspent interest and dividends. Disbursements is the money disbursed in fiscal 1996. Alan S. Fields, Chairman Thomas G. Taylor David G. Williams ALL PURPOSE George. L. Gilmore Fund -- Established 1950, the income to be used as the Town may vote; and if at any time a special use arises to which the Selectmen believe the principal of the fund may be applied, then that principal may be applied by a vote of the Town meeting. Principal balance: $21,932 Income balance: $46,775 Fund for Lexington -- Established 1995, the income to be used in three areas; assisting those in need, beautification and providing seed money for innovative ideas and projects. Donations can be earmarked for any of the three areas. Disbursements: $1,000 Principal balance: $163 Income balance: $18,163 BEAUTIFICATION Geneva M. Brown Fund -- Established 1947, the income is to be used for improving and beautifying the common and the triangular parcel of land in front of the Masonic Temple. Principal balance: $4,029 Income balance: $8,446 Colonial Cemetery Fund - -The income provides for repairs and upkeep at the cemetery. Principal balance: $2,298 Income balance: $769 Jack Eddison Blossom Fund- - Established 1993, three - fourths of the annual net income to be used to help preserve the character and green spaces of Lexington and its Bikeway, through maintenance, new projects and the plant- ing of flowers and trees. Disbursements: $165 Principal balance: $33,681 Income balance: $2,608 Frederick L. Emery Fund -- Established 1936, the income is to be used by the Lexington Field and Garden Club for the work of grading, grassing and keeping in order grass borders lying between side- walks or footpaths and the driveways on public streets, and in otherwise beautify- ing the public streets, ways and places in Lexington, preference be given to said objects in order stated. Disbursements: $280 Principal balance: $5,523 Income balance: $303 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 66 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Trustees of Public Trusts (continued) Orin W. Fiske - Battle Green Fund- - Established 1899, income of this fund is to be used for maintenance of the Battle Green and its monuments. Principal balance: $572 Income balance: $205 Charles E. French Colonial Cemetery Fund - Established 1905, the annual income to be devoted to care of the older part of the cemetery in which repose the remains of Rev. John Hancock and wife. Principal balance: $4,646 Income balance: $3,184 Gordon/Souza Juniper Hill Fund- - Established 1993, three - fourths of the annual net income shall be used to help preserve the character of Juniper Hill Conservation Land; such income may be spent for plantings, signs, maintenance work and land acquisition. Disbursements: $600 Principal balance: $13,790 Income balance: $681 Hayes Fountain Fund -- Established 1895, the income is to be used for the perpetual care of the fountain and grounds around it. Principal balance: $1,205 Income balance: $1,104 Teresa and Roberta Lee Fitness Nature Path -- Established 1990, the income, and, if necessary, the principal, shall be used by the Recreation Committee for grading, planting, beauti- fying and maintaining the Nature Path. Principal balance: $15,967 Income balance: $11,083\ Lexington Community Playground- - Established 1991, the income, and, if necessary, the principal, are to be used by the Town of Lexington Recreation Committee for repairing and maintaining the Playground. Disbursements: $1,063 Principal balance: $5,759 Income balance: $1,011 Lexington Nature Trust Fund- - Established 1992, the income and if necessary the principal, is to be used by the Town of Lexington Conservation Commission for the acquisition, promo- tion and management of its properties. Principal balance: $16,535 Income balance: $396 Everet M. Mulliken Fund -- Established 1948, the income shall be used under the supervision of the town authorities, for the care of Hastings Park in Lexington. Principal balance: $7,721 Income balance: $13,137 George O. Smith Fund -- Established 1903, the income thereof to be expended by the Field and Garden Club in setting out and keeping in order shade and orna- mental trees and shrubs in the streets and highways in the town, or the beautifying of unsightly places in the highways. Disbursements: $110 Principal balance: $2,212 Income balance: $124 Edith C. Redman Trust -- Established 1928, the income only be used and applied for the care and maintenance of the Lexington Common; known as the "Battle Green ". Principal balance: $614 Income balance: $763 George W. Taylor Flag Fund- - Established 1931, the income to be used for the care, preservation and replace- ment of the flagpole on the Battle Green, or for the purchase of new flags; any balance of income from said fund to be used for the care of Lexington Common. Principal balance: $2,317 Income balance: $1,302 George W. Taylor Tree Fund- - Established 1931, the income to be used for the care, purchase and preservation of trees for the adornment of the town. Principal balance: $4,811 Income balance: $4,896 Albert Ball Tenney Memorial Fund- - Established 1950, the income is to be used to illuminate the Minuteman Statue nightly. Principal balance: $10,051 Income balance: $1,479 William Tower Memorial Park Fund- - Established 1913, the income to be used each year for the care, maintenance and improvements of Tower Park. Principal balance: $17,566 Income balance:: $49,892 CELEBRATION American Legion Celebrations Fund- - Established 1982, three - fourths of the annual net income of this fund is to be used towards defraying the town's cost for the Patriots' Day, Memorial Day and Veterans' day celebrations: Disbursements: $1,000 Principal balance: $6,246 Income balance: $649 Leroy S. Brown Fund -- Established 1940, the income is to be used towards defraying the expense of an appropriate and dignified celebration of the anniver- sary of the Battle of Lexington. Disbursements: $3,000 Principal balance: $5,881 Income balance: $2,017 HUMAN SERVICES Beals Fund - Established 1891, the income of this fund is to be expended for the benefit of worthy, indigent, aged men and women over sixty years of age, American -born. Principal balance: $2,389 Income balance: $2,195 Bridge Charitable Fund -- Established 1880, the income of the trust fund shall be annually distributed among the deserving poor of Lexington without dis- tinction of sex or religion. Disbursements: $3,000 Principal balance: $33,688 Income balance: $8,639 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 67 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Trustees of Public Trusts (continued) Friends of the Lexington Council on Aging, Inc. -- Established 1992. Income, when requested, shall provide programs and services for older Lexington adults. Principal may be used for programs and services but also may be used for capital improvements to the Senior Center. Principal balance: $119,702 Income balance: $3,880 Jonas Gammell Trust -- Established 1873, the income is to be expended by the board of public welfare and by two ladies appointed annually by the select- men for purchasing such luxuries or deli- cacies for the town poor, wherever located, as are not usually furnished them, and shall tend to promote their health and comfort. Disbursements: $100 Principal balance: $587 Income balance: $307 Elizabeth Bridge Gerry Fund- - Established 1885, the income from the trust fund shall be distributed to the deserving poor of Lexington without dis- tinction of sex or religion. Principal balance: $2,304 Income balance: $1,386 Harriet R. Gilmore Fund -- Established 1892, the income is to be expended for the benefit of poor people in Lexington. Principal balance: $658 Income balance: $1,203 Lexington Human Services Fund- - Established 1990, to be funded by trans- fers from other funds administered by the Trustees as well as private contributions, to provide funds for the Human Services Committee to help individuals in need. Disbursements: $3,507 Principal balance: $6,877 Income balance: $889 RECOGNITION Jacquelyn R. Smith Memorial Internship Fund -- Established 1993, three - fourths of the annual net income is to be used to help professionals gain valuable work experience and explore career options within local government. Principal balance: $47,137 Income balance: $2,793 Paul Foley Leadership Fund- - Established 1990, this award shall be made periodically to a member of the administration, faculty, staff, or a volun- teer in the Lexington Public Schools to recognize and reward his/her outstanding leadership in facilitating a team approach to meeting educational needs of students, individually or as a group. Principal balance: $2,513 Income balance: $230 Lexington Education Foundation- - Established 1989, the fund is to be used to promote innovative approaches to enhance excellence in education by funding projects in creative program development, innovative materials and instructional resources. Disbursements: $73,238 Principal balance: $5,101 Income balance: $12,454 SCHOLARSHIP Sangwook Alm. Memorial Scholarship Fund -- Established 1992, three - fourths of the annual net income is to be awarded to a Lexington High School senior whose life encompasses a joyful display of zest, a respect for all, a striving for excellence and service towards others. Disbursements: $500 Principal balance: $11,494 Income balance: $59 Hallie C. Blake Fund -- Established 1920, the income is to be expended annu- ally in cash prizes to two seniors (a boy and a girl) of Lexington High School, who by example and influence have shown the highest qualities of leadership, conduct and character and who possess in the largest measure the good will of the student body. Disbursements: $300 Principal balance: $5,540 Income balance: $276 Robert P. Clapp Fund - -The income to be used to provide two prizes for pupils of Lexington High School, one for excel- lence in speaking and the other for excel- lence in composition. Principal balance: $1,112 Income balance: $482 Anne E. Borghesani Memorial Prize- - Established 1990, three - fourths of the annual net income is to be awarded to a woman in the senior class of Lexington High School who has demonstrated a commitment to the community. Disbursements: $800 Principal balance: $22,388 Income balance: $94 Bettie Clarke Scholarship Fund- - Established 1993, three - fourths of the annual net income to be awarded to a Lexington senior at Lexington High or at Minuteman Regional Vocational Tech, who joyously, intelligently and creatively participates in community public service, and has demonstrated a respect for all points of view. Disbursements: $500 Principal balance: $13,151 Income balance: $183 Millerd Chandler Crocker Family Scholarship -- Established 1973; This scholarship will not be awarded until the principal balance reaches $5000. Three - fourths of the annual net income then will be awarded to a Lexington High School senior, preferably a Bridge School graduate, who has financial need, loves family and is involved in communi- ty and school activities. Principal balance: $2,957 Income balance: $71 June Denk Fund -- Established 1994, three - fourths of the annual net income shall be used to award a scholarship and book, selected by the Lexington High School's Principal, to a graduating senior who may have volunteered in, or made extensive use of the Student Library. Disbursements: $225 Principal balance: $8,124 Income balance: $110 Harrington Memorial Fund - -To the Lexington School Committee for schol- arships for needy children. Disbursements: $6,500 Principal balance: $50,097 Income balance: $1,034 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 68 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Trustees of Public Trusts (continued) Charles E. French Medal Fund- - Established 1905, the income is to be used annually to purchase silver medals (or scholarship) to be distributed to pupils in the senior high school for the best scholarship. Principal balance: $3,131 Income balance: $632 Richard Isenberg Scholarship Fund- - Established 1986, three - fourths of the annual net income of this fund is to be awarded annually to a member of the junior or senior class of Lexington High School who has demonstrated excellence in sports writing. Disbursements: $450 Principal balance: $10,092 Income balance: $117 Lexington Outlook Club / Bessie and Gabriel Baker Scholarship Fund- - Established 1989, three - fourths of the annual net income is to be awarded to women in the senior class of Lexington High School who are going to college. Principal balance: $8,992 Income balance: $407 Lexington Outlook Club Scholarship Fund -- Established 1902, three - fourths of the annual net income is to be awarded to college -bound women in the senior class of Lexington High School. Disbursements: $1,000 Principal balance: $12,942 Income balance: $601 Lexington Outlook Club / Maxine Francis Warnecke Scholarship Fund- - Established 1986, three - fourths of the annual net income is to be awarded to women in the senior class of Lexington High School who are going to junior college or college, who need financial assistance and who have made a choice of a career in medicine or science. Disbursements: $10,000 Principal balance: $184,824 Income balance: $8,283 Lexington P.T.A. Scholarship Fund- - Established 1996, three - fourths of the annual net income is to be awarded to students needing financial assistance and in accord with the criteria of the funds held under this "umbrella" fund. Principal balance: $ 5,318 Carolyn M. McCabe Memorial Scholarship Fund - Established 1986, three - fourths of the annual net income will be awarded to a woman in the senior class of Lexington High School who was a varsity athlete who demonstrated aspects of Carolyn's character; i.e. good sportsmanship, inspired competition, spirit and fun; nominations must be made by a team mate or coach. Principal balance: $13,859 Virginia M. Powers Scholarship Fund- - Established 1995, three - fourths of the annual. net income is to be awarded to a woman student with financial need who evidences a seriousness of purpose, a clear sense of responsibility, coupled with humility and respect for others. Disbursements: $250 Principal balance: $9,869 Income balance: $ 129 Elsa W. Regestein Award Fund- - Established 1933 by Marcia Dane; the income to be expended for awards to a member of the senior class of the Lexington High School who has done the school work conscientiously and credit- ably and who, in the judgment of the faculty, deserves public commendation for carrying on at the same time either in or out of school, a worthwhile activity or employment which has not been given other recognition. Principal balance: $1,143 Income balance: $587 Dorothea Schmidt -Penta Memorial Scholarship Fund -- Established 1980; this scholarship will not be awarded until the principal balance reaches $5000, at which point three - fourths of the income will be awarded to a Lexington High School senior planning to enter the field of health service. Principal balance: $3,355 Income balance: $81 Mary and August Schumacher Trust Fund -- Established 1988, three - fourths of the income is to be used annually to fund two scholarships, of equal value, to seniors at Lexington High School who have been accepted at an accredited college, have worked diligently on aca- demic studies while perhaps not being in the top 10 percent of the class and who need funds to obtain a college education. Disbursements: $1,400 Principal balance: $36,781 Income balance: $1,040 Foster Sherburne and Tenney Sherburne Fund -- Established 1956, the net income shall be awarded annually to assist in the education of such deserving young men or women domiciled in Lexington. Disbursements: $2,100 Principal balance: $27,734 Income balance: $1,087 Mary Sorenson Memorial Fund- - Established 1979, three - fourths of the annual net income will be awarded to graduating seniors in need of financial assistance. Principal balance: $5,000 Ellen A. Stone Fund -- Established 1890, the accrued interest is to be paid to the school committee who are to employ it in aiding needy and deserving young women of Lexington in obtaining a higher education. Principal balance: $2,280 Income balance: $1,118 Charles Lyman Weld Fund- - Established 1946, both principal and income are available upon a vote of the town, for educational purposes, a chapel at Westview Cemetery or scholarships. Disbursements: $500 Principal balance: $10,605 Income balance: $201 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 69 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Trustees of Public Trusts (continued) Sevag Yazijian Memorial Scholarship Fund -- Established 1995, three - fourths of the annual net income is to be awarded to a Lexington High School senior planning to become a physician, who has demon- strated consistent academic improvement and possessed aspects of Sevag's easy going personality, is dedicated to family, friends and community, and evidences a desire to see others happy, and evidences pride in an ethnic heritage. Disbursements: $250 Principal balance: $5,207 Income balance: $21 Pooled Endowment Account: 56 Funds All balances as of 06/30/96 Principal securities and cash Shares Company Amount 200 Coca Cola $19,600 200 Warner Lambert 11,000 200 Chrysler Corp. 12,500 500 Singer Co N V 10,125 585 Mattel Inc. 16,746 200 Motorola Inc.. 12,550 440 Ericsson LM Telephone 9,460 200 General Electric Co. 17,350 412 Thermo Electron Corp. 17,150 300 Crown Cork & Seal Inc. 13,500 300 Kimberly Clark Corp.. 23,175 200 Boatmens Bankshares 8,025 100 Bristol Myers Squibb 9,000 300 Pfizer Inc.. 21,413 300 Citicorp 24,825 100 Walt Disney Co. 6,288 150 IBM Corp.. 14,850 200 Alco Standard Corp.. 9,050 600 Nationwide Health Prop. 12,675 175 American Intemat'l Grp 17,259 200 Shares Unical Corp.. 6,725 300 Shares Chase Manhatn Corp. 21,188 300 Shares Post Properties Inc.. 10,613 400 Shares GTE Corp. 17,900 100 Sunamerica Inc.. 7,475 1,000 Fedl Home Loan Mort 51,871 Corp PFD 7.90% 25,500 150,000 U.S. Treasury Notes 5.125% 02/28/98 $147,750 100,000 Fedl Home Loan Banks 5,725% 06/15/98 98,938 100,000 Fedl Natl Mortgage Assn 7.0% 08/12/02 98,281 91,656 Fidelity Institutional U.S. Government 91,656 Cambridgeport Savings Bank CD 105,891 Bank of Boston CD 12,559 Total principal $931,014 Income securities and cash 220,717 Fidelity Institutional U.S. Government $220,717 Total income $220,717 Total market value of acc't. $1,151,731 Munroe Cemetery Fund Perpetual Care Fund Principal securities Market and cash value 50,000 U.S. Treasury Notes 5.125% 02/28/98 $49,250 50,000 Fedl Home Loan Banks 5.725% 06/15/98 $49,469 50,000 Fedl Natl Mortgage Assn 7.6% 01/10/97 $50,500 1,980 Fidelity Institutional U.S. Government $1,950 Total principal $151,199 Income securities and cash 128,655 Fidelity Institutional U. S. Government $128,655 Total income $128,655 Total market value of account $279,854 Westview Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund Disbursements $31,950 Principal securities and cash 100 Shares Bankamerica Corp. 7,575 300 Shares Baybanks Inc. 32,325 400 Shares Citicorp 33,100 400 Shares Comerica Inc. 17,850 300 Shares First Union Corp. 18,263 100 Shares Morgan J.P. & Co. 8,463 400 Shares State St Boston 20,400 400 Shares Suntrust Banks Inc. 14,800 300 Shares Union Planters 9,113 800 Shares Amer. Genl. Corp. 29,100 450 Shares Amer. Intmat'l Grp 44,381 2,000 Fedl Home Loan Mort Corp. PFD 7.9% 52,500 123,829 U.S. Treasury Notes 6.0% 10/15/99 123,829 200,000 U.S. Treasury Notes 5.125% 02/28/98 197,000 100,000 Fed] Home Loan Banks 5.725% 02/28/98 98,938 100,000 Fedl Natl Mort Arms 7.600% 01/10/97 101,000 150,000 Fedl Home Loan Banks 7.00% 08/12/02 147,422 100,000 Ford Motor Credit Co 8.0% 01/15/99 N/C 103,290 5,000 Hocking Vly Railway Co 4.5% 07/01/99 1st Cons Mtg 4,703 50,000 GTE Corp. DEB 8.85% 03/01/98 51,871 37,575 Fidelity Institutional U.S. Gov. 37,575 Total principal $1,151,995 Income securities and cash 226,269 Fidelity Institutional U.S. Gov. 226,269 Total income $226,269 Total market value of acc't. $1,378,264 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 70 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Appropriation Committee The Appropriation Committee, as fiscal advisor to the town and Town Meeting, is aware of the effects of spending on all citizens. Fiscal policy guidelines recom- mended by this committee to the 1995 Town Meeting were reiterated: • Improve the budget process, • Balance the operating budget, • Maintain a `free cash" balance of 2 1 /2percent (about$ 1.5M) of the general fund revenues while appro- priating surplus, above 2 1 /2percent, for capital expenses or other non- recurring necessities, • Fund major capital projects with bonds, matching debt retirement schedules to the expected lives of the projects. Exclude from Prop. 2 1/2 limits debt service for renovating or expanding facilities. Replace vehicles and equip- ment from revolving fund, or reserve created through depreciation. At the 1996 Town Meeting, the commit- tee supported the following requests: 1. A transfer from the Wetland Protection Fund required by the Conservation Commission to meet its responsibilities under the Wetland Protection Act. 2. Acquisition of the Augusta property. 3. Increase the Council on Aging funding request to support a satellite Senior Center. 4. Increase library funding to restore East Lexington branch operation. 5. Library construction request depend- ing on grant approval by state. 6. Upgrade funding to transfer from Metro - Boston Network to Minuteman Library Network. 7. Amendment to restore LEXPRESS. 8. The amended school operating budget. 9. DPW requests for projects dependent on state aid; e.g., sewer repairs, water mains, inflow /infiltration project, street - related improvement, Appropriation Committee: Front, Isabel Mroczkjowski and Mary Miley; back, Stephen Coit, Robert Leone, Roger Borghesani, Paul Lapointe and Ron Pawliczek. Not shown: Colwell, Peck and John Ryan. Photo: Ray Barnes. 10. Buckman Tavern repairs. 11. Amendment to reduce Minuteman Tech budget. The committee opposed the following articles at the 1996 Town Meeting: 1. Supplementary appropriation under Art. 5 for 1996 fiscal year, proposed by DPW, schools, COA, Celebrations. Chairman Paul Lapointe emphasized need for long term policies and systemat- ic processes for considering supplemen- tary requests. 2. Amendment reducing DPW operations and personnel expenses. 3. Amendment to reduce transfer from Parking Meter Fund for transportation and law enforcement. In fiscal 1996, the following transfers from the Reserve Fund were approved: Fire Department $116,000 Retired Police/Fire medical 4,012 Additional legal expenses 50,000 Retirement payment 5,050 Reporting to Town Meeting on April 24, the committee strongly recommended an action plan for the next budget process: • Set agenda by August 1. • Present reports by Sept. 30. • Prepare budgets reflecting policies. • Include policies in Warrant. • Discuss policies at first Town Meeting session. • Vote financial articles on basis of finan- cial policies. The committee has and will continue to work in close collaboration with the Capital Expenditures Committee and has met regularly with representatives of town government and the schools. We are grateful to Chief Financial Officer John Ryan for his able counsel and service as secretary during the year. The nine members for FY97, appointed by the Moderator for overlapping three - year terms were: Chairman Paul Lapointe, Vice Chairman Mary Miley, Roger Borghesani, Ronald Colwell, Mary Hastings, Robert Leone, Marilyn Mairson, Jane Pagett and Laurie Peck. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 71 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Capital Expenditures Committee The capital planning process for FY97 was intense and drawn out. Our work load was substantially increased as we became involved with two new ad hoc committees set up by the selectmen: the Long Range Planning Committee and the Building Finance Committee. The lengthy Town Meeting was extended because financial articles were delayed, then often revised. We hope this is not a trend, as there is only so much real time available for the entire process. At the 1996 Town Meeting, the Capital Expenditures Commitee supported all 16 capital articles. We did, however, recom- mend a modest reduction in Article 21, Miscellaneous School. It is not this committee's intent to micro - manage any department's budget, there- fore, our requests of this nature are usually intended to reduce the final budget figure, if appropriate. Our recom- mendation was voted down. Other observations: • The library construction request was the most complex but, once understood, it passed unanimously. • A new fire engine was authorized; in recent years, the Fire Department has not presented such a major request. • Five of the more substantial capital requests were for DPW ongoing projects, supported by Enterprise Funds. Below, a summary of the capital articles Art. 8: Replacing /cleaning/lining water pipes, phase 13 of a 20 -year program. State reimbursement expected. $280,000 Art. 9: Extending sewer mains to serve residential dwellings. State reimburse- ment expected. $560,000 Art. 10: Paving about two miles of streets and building a fuel depot. State reim- bursement anticipated. $400,000 Art. 11: DPW equipment: One ten -wheel dump truck, one gang mower. $105,000 Art. 12: Replace roofs on fire station and Visitors' Center. $85,000 Art. 13: Phase two - I & I Program. Remove infiltrated ground water from sewers. Additional state grant money anticipated. $600,000 Art. 14: New addition and remodel Cary Library. Town share: $2,463,888 Balance from state and private funding: $7,847,699 Art. 15: Library network; change from Metro- Boston to Minuteman Network. $68,000 Art. 16: Senior Center air quality. New partial A/C and venting system. $60,000 Art. 17: New fire engine. $262,150 Art. 18: New breathing apparatus for fire fighters. $60,000 Art. 19: Improvements to Pine Meadows Golf Course; irrigation pond, rebuild 3rd green and 4th tee. $150,000 Art. 20: Improvements to playgrounds and ball fields. $50,000 Art. 21: Misc., School. $2,210,000 Art. 22: Land acquisition: Selectmen authorized to make offer for abandoned Art. 24: Land acquisition; Conservation Commission to buy eight acres of land- locked Agusta property. $150,000 Each year, the Capital Expenditures Committee is committed to open commu- nications between committees and departments, to long term capital plan- ning and to keeping abreast of all infrastructures supported by the tax levy and enterprise funds. Perhaps it is time to take a hard look at requiring a fixed percent of the town budget to be used for capital and capital only. Our committee did present a $36,000,000 capital spending plan to the 1995 Town Meeting. The Moderator appoints the five members to the commmittee to serve overlapping three -year terms, running from July 1 through June 30. Serving the 1996 Town Meeting were Chairman Karen Dooks, Vice Chairman Ron Grammont, Secretary C.N Touart, Nicholas Cannalonga and David Miller. The committee beginning July 1: Chairman Karen Dooks, Vice Chairman David Miller, Secretary C.N. Touart, Ron Grammont and newcomer William Kennedy. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 72 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Revenue Officer FY96 FY95 Payroll 151,505 144,904 Expenses 14,483 12,627 Personnel 6 6 The Revenue Office collected $51,192,025 in real estate taxes in FY96, for a collection rate of 99.7 percent. Payment plans were arranged for the majority of outstanding accounts, and tax liens placed on the remaining. Motor vehicle excise taxes, prepared with information provided by the DMV, brought in $2,447,192. The office issues more than 100,000 bills annually, working closely with the Assessors and DPW (water /sewer fees) to ensure prompt collections and strong cash flow. General fund investment income in FY96 was $754,786, compared to $722,128 in FY95. This income depends on three factors; cash availability, interest rates and investment options. Cash availability remained positive due to aggressive bill collections and concen- tration of cash into fewer bank accounts. A contract was awarded to BayBanks to provide further automation of the town's cash and investment operations. The town issued $2,360,000 in short term notes, Oct. 3, for several school capital articles voted at the 1995 and 1996 Town Meetings. Short term notes were also issued in anticipation of state funds for highway projects. Once the funds are received from the state, the notes are repaid. There was no long term borrowing in FY96, so a credit rating was not sought. The town's credit rating on its last bor- rowing in FY95 was Moody's AAA. Maureen G. Valente, Revenue Officer Comptroller FY96 FY97 Payroll 247,967 271,168 Expenses 99,543 126,940 Personnel Full Time 6 6 Data Processing Payroll 52,148 51,125 Expenses 88,834 47,873 Personnel Full Time 2 2 The Comptroller's Office continued to work with the School Department to enhance our accounting and financial reporting procedures. Staff from both departments are working with our State Representative to address some of our concerns over public bidding statutes as they currently exist, and the problems we associate with existing legislation. The two items referred to in the 1995 Town Report will continue to impact the town's financial operations. The Government Accounting Standards Board is completing the exposure draft which will require us to perform actuarial valuations to quantify post- retirement medical liabilities. And the Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 15c2 -12 impacted our recent bond anticipation note, temporary borrowing. In preparing the offering, the Finance Department staff had to submit an official statement, similar to those required in permanent borrowings, with copies sent to Washington D.C. Temporary borrowings used to be rela- tively simple before the new ruling. The department is currently pursuing methods to help in preparing these docu- ments in the future, in an attempt to ensure that the process is completed as efficiently as possible. Linda Degrazia retired as Assistant Finance Director in FY96 and was replaced by Patricia F. Nolan who had similar responsibilities in Sturbridge and Concord. John J. Ryan, Chief Financial Officer Board of Assessors: Janet L. Vacon, Town Assessor, Sarah Robinson, Chairman, Willliam Jackson, Robert Foster and Joseph Nugent, Appraiser /Analyst. Photo: Ray Barnes TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 73 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Board of Assessors FY 96 FY 95 Payroll 181,007 172,517 Expenses 4,000 3,788 Personnel 5 5 The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing taxable properties. To meet this charge, office activities center around main- taining an extensive property database to determine and defend property values, develop tax rate options, and compute taxes. The office also serves the public by sharing valuable property data with property owners and real estate professionals. The primary objective of the department is the ongoing task of increasing assessment equity. Emphasis will be on further enhancements to the assessment system, verifica- tion of property data through continued property inspec- tions, and continued interaction with property owners. The Fiscal Year 1996 revaluation of all properties was completed as part of the triennial certification process. As in the past, all revaluation work was done by assessing personnel. In all, 11,348 properties, both real and person- al, were valued. Values were certified by the Commis- sioner of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. The FY97 assessments were also updated to reflect changes in the real estate market. Analysis showed a con- tinuing increase in residential, commercial and industrial property values. Members of Board of Assessors, Chairman William Jackson, Robert N. Foster, and Sarah F. Robinson, provide policy direction and guidance to the full time staff. Janet L. Vacon Town Assessor Assessments for Fiscal 1997 Property Class Single Family Condominiums Two Family Three Family Multi -Unit Land Misc. Residential Commercial Industrial Agricultural (61 A) Recreational (61B) Mixed Use Res /Corn Personal Prop/Utilities Total # Parcels 8774 765 191 13 13 646 46 413 42 8 3 23 423 11,360 AssessedValue 2,791,978,000 153,703,650 47,307,000 3,795,000 49,634,300 28,482,200 18,080,000 306,503,000 82,025,000 86,000 2,696,000 10,500,000 50,047,000 $3,544,837,150 Fiscal Year 1997 Recapitulation Amount to be raised Appropriations Total Town Meeting Appropriation 80,332,961.00 Other amounts to be raised Debt and interest charges 0.00 Final court judgements 0.00 Total overlay deficits of previous years 35,915.65 Total cherry sheet offsets 1,100,644.00 Snow and ice deficit Ch. 44 Sec. 3 1 D 0.00 TOTAL $1,136,559.65 State and County cherry sheet charges $972,227.00 Allowance for abatements and exemptions $320,674.26 Total amount to be raised $82,762,421.91 Estimated receipts and other revenue sources Estimated receipts - State Cherry sheet estimated receipts 6,069,475.00 Cherry sheet overestimates 4,775.00 Total 6,074,250.00 Estimated receipts - Local Local receipts not allocated 6,151,726.65 Enterprise funds 13,079,316.00 Total 19,231,042.65 Revenue sources appropriated for particular purposes Free cash 1,412,550.00 Other available funds 531,172.00 Total 1,943,722.00 Revenue appropriated specifically to reduce tax rate Free cash 799,506.00 Total estimated receipts and other revenue $28,048,520.65 Summary of total amount to be raised and total receipts Total amount to be raised 82,762,421.91 Total receipts 28,048,520.65 Net amount to be raised (Tax Levy) 54,713,901.26 Tax Levy and Tax Rates: Fiscal Year 1997 Class Residential Open Space Commercial Industrial Personal Prop Total Levy % Levy $ 78.63% 43,022,803.76 0.00% 0.00 15.03% 8,225,636.07 3.93% 2,152,269.02 2.40% 1,313,192.41 100% 54,713,901.26 Valuation Tax Rate 3,099,278,410 13.88 0.00 0.00 313,486,740 26.25 82,025,000.00 26.25 50,047,000.00 26.25 3,544,837,150.00 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 74 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Retirement Board The legislature in 1996 passed sweeping changes to the state's public pension plans. Significant changes were: • Lexington's Retirement Board will be increased to five members from three in 1997. One new member will be chosen at large by the employees, one by the selectmen. • Administrative changes at the state level: • A new agency will be created to oversee retirement law. • Disability pension reform. • Early intervention program. The Lexington board will be working closely with the new state agency to insure that provisions of the new law are implemented. Investments In making investments, the board is guided by the prudent person rule. The board's mission is to maximize return on investments within acceptable levels of risk appropriate for a public fund. The average rate of return for the portfo- lio in calendar 1996 exceeded 12 percent. In assessing investment results, the true measure is long term performance; Lexington achieved a five -year return of 13.33 percent, or 5th place out of 106 state wide systems. The 10 year return was 11.80 percent, or 19th place. Nineteen employees retired in 1996, with annual pensions totaling $293,340. We wish them well in their retirement and thank them for their many years of service to the town. Robert W. Cunha ran unopposed for ree- lection to a three -year term. The other two members are Robert M. Gary, appointed by the state, and Comptroller John J. Ryan. The retirement system covers all perma- nent full and part time employees, except for teachers. Currently there are 660 active and 354 retired members. Contributory Retirement System 12/31/96 Cash & Equivalents $147,434 Fixed Income Securities Govt. & Agency Securities Corporate Bonds Total Fixed Income Equities Fidelity Mutual Funds Contrafund Equity- Income Fidelity Fund Growth & Income Value Total Equities Total Assets 15,899,419 2,977,909 18,877,328 6,268,871 5,818,255 8,246,128 5,762,433 4,638,683 30,734,370 49,759,132 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 75 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Combined Balance Sheet, June 30, 1996 General Special Fund Revenue Assets Cash and Investments: Cash $9,744,935 $463,628 Other Investments Total $9,744,935 $463,628 Property Taxes Receivable: Fiscal 1996 $25,019,313 Current Year's Levy 456,015 Prior Year's Levies & Deferred 245,756 Total $25,721,084 $0 Other Receivables, Tax Titles: Capital Enterprise Treasurer Long Term Projects Funds Trusts Debt $0 $1,061,303 $2,512,895 $0 $1,061,303 $2,512,895 $0 $0 $0 Motor Vehicle Excise $282,736 User Charges & Liens 2,767,781 Special Assessment - Current 1,230 Special Assessment -Long Term 259,257 Departmentals 365,368 Tax Titles 609,090 Due from Other Governments 3,058,078 Other 20,755 1,403,964 Prepaid Expenses Total $1,538,436 $0 $0 $5,825,859 $1,403,964 Due from other Funds ($3,989,850) $1,390,083 $1,669,640 $599,470 $330,857 Property and Equipment - Net $42,163,374 Amount to be Provided For: Total - - -- $13,782,761 0 0 $0 $13,782,761 $25,019,313 456,015 245,756 $0 $25,721,084 $282,736 2,767,781 1,230 259,257 365,368 609,090 3,058,078 1,424,719 0 $0 $8,768,258 $200 $42,163,374 Repayment of L T Obligations $0 Retirement of Bonds 18,024,000 18,024,000 Repayment of Grant & Bond Anticipation Notes 888,000 888,000 Total $0 $888,000 $0 $0 $0 $18,024,000 $18,912,00 Total Assets $33,014,605 $2,741,711 $1,669,640 $49,650,005 $4,247,715 $18,024,000 $109,347,676 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 76 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Combined Balance Sheet, June 309 1996(continued) General Special Capital Enterprise Treasurer Long Term Fund Revenue Projects Funds Trusts Debt Total Liabilities & Fund Balances Liabilities: Warrants Payable $682,429 $322,221 $8,782 $272,659 $355,689 $1,641,780 Accrued Expenses 26,405 26,405 Accrued Payroll 80,368 80,368 Reserved for Abatements 311,986 311,986 Deferred Revenues 26,823,648 26,823,648 Deposits for other Liabilities 33,190 6,996 1,435,679 1,475,865 Due to other Funds 0 Bond and Grant Anticipation Notes Payable 888,000 888,000 Bonds Payable 7,509,652 18,024,000 25,533,652 Total Liabilities $27,931,621 $1,210,221 $8,782 $7,815,712 $1,791,368 $18,024,000 $56,781,704 Fund Balances: Contributed Capital $34,022,620 $349022,620 Retained Earnings 7,811,673 7,811,673 Retained Earnings Appropriated 0 Fund Balances: Unreserved 39577,865 1,136,189 2,456,347 7,170,401 Reserved for Expenditures 916,186 9169186 Reserved for Encumbrances 532,266 395,301 1,660,858 2,588,425 Reserve for Future Year Tax Levy 123,109 123,109 Snow & Ice Deficit (66,442) (66,442) Total Fund Balances $5,082,984 $1,531,490 $1,660,858 $41,8349293 $2,456,347 $0 $52,565,97 Total Liabilities; Fund Balances $33,014,605 $2,741,711 $1,669,640 $49,650,005 $4,247,715 $18,024,000 $109,347,676 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 77 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Revenues /Expenditures & Fund Balance, June 30, 1996 Education Public Works Public Safety Pension General Government Culture & Recreation State & County Assessments Health & Human Services Debt Service Other, Net Total Expenditures Other Financing Sources (Uses): Continued Appropriations Proceeds of BANS /GANS/Refundings Repayment of BANS /GANS/Refundings Transfer from Reserve for Abatements Transfer from(to) other Funds Total Other (Uses) Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues Over Expenditures Fund Balance, Beg. of Year Fund Balance, End of Year $34,983,138 $2,662,278 Fund Types 6,734,703 356,239 Governmental 7,090,942 5,911,689 Fiduciary Combined Totals 328,620 6,857,488 Special Capital Expendable Memorandum Only 2,256,408 General Revenue Projects Trust 1996 Revenue: 7,605 1,380,318 960,692 ($3,753,632) ($22,931) Property Taxes $52,473,601 294,879 5,698,026 6,461,152 $52,473,601 Intergovernmental 5,254,658 2,039,040 63,623 7,738 7,365,059 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax 2,447,196 $4,158,966 $328,620 $5,729,546 $70,128,29 2,447,196 Departmental & Other 3,532,117 2,439,328 1,359,591 7,331,036 Interest 754,786 68,024 822,810 Special Assessments 44,686 44,686 Total Revenue $64,507,044 $4,478,368 $63,623 $1,435,353 $70,484,388 Expenditures: Education Public Works Public Safety Pension General Government Culture & Recreation State & County Assessments Health & Human Services Debt Service Other, Net Total Expenditures Other Financing Sources (Uses): Continued Appropriations Proceeds of BANS /GANS/Refundings Repayment of BANS /GANS/Refundings Transfer from Reserve for Abatements Transfer from(to) other Funds Total Other (Uses) Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues Over Expenditures Fund Balance, Beg. of Year Fund Balance, End of Year $34,983,138 $2,662,278 $37,645,416 6,734,703 356,239 7,090,942 5,911,689 617,179 328,620 6,857,488 2,256,408 (888,000) 2,256,408 3,041,319 126,811 23,915 3,192,045 1,271,133 101,580 7,605 1,380,318 960,692 ($3,753,632) ($22,931) 960,692 468,247 294,879 5,698,026 6,461,152 4,283,834 $949,913 $2,261,219 4,283,834 $1,531,489 $1,660,858 $2,544,297 0 $59,911,163 $4,158,966 $328,620 $5,729,546 $70,128,29 ($35,916) ($35,916) 1,432,000 1,432,000 (888,000) (888,000) 0 (3,717,716) (22,931) (106,417) 5,244,106 1,397,042 ($3,753,632) ($22,931) $437,583 $5,244,106 $1,905,126 $842,249 $296,471 $172,586 $949,913 $2,261,219 $5,208,591 $1,531,489 $1,660,858 $2,544,297 $2,261,219 $6,050,840 $1,827,960 $1,833,444 $3,494,210 $4,522,438 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 78 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Statement of Revenues, Expenditures & Fund Balances - Special Revenue, June 30, 1996 Balance Transfers/ Balance July 1, 1995 Adjustments Encumbrances Expenditures Revenue June 30, 1996 School Lunch $3,662 0 $0 $726,134 $820,450 97,979 Total $3,662 $0 $0 $726,134 $820,450 97,979 Highway MA 35929 0 716,024 344,325 0 0 371,699 Chapter 90 contract 33645 6,728 (6,728) 0 0 0 0 Highway Layout 49,690 0 0 0 0 49,690 CH. 90 FY 92 309 (309) 0 0 0 0 CH. 90 FY 95 MA 35574 249,498 139,216 42,093 328,620 0 18,001 Total $306,225 $848,203 $386,417 $328,620 $0 439,391 Other Special Revenue Spring St/Hayden Ave 80,000 0 0 0 0 80,000 Hutchinson 875 (875) 0 0 0 0 Needy Family 100 (100) 0 0 0 0 Traffic imp -N.Lex 5 (5) 0 0 0 0 Traffic imp -S.Lex 80,000 0 0 0 0 80,000 Youth 1,781 (1,781) 0 0 0 0 LWV "Vote Today" Flag 66 (66) 0 0 0 0 Fitness 540 1,626 0 906 1,610 2,869 School Smoke Detection 30 (30) 0 0 0 0 Hats II (7,100) 5,100 0 0 3,000 1,000 Selectmen Gift Nynex 0 0 0 0 40,500 40,500 Lexington Center Benches 5,007 0 6,320 4,030 6,484 1,141 Bikeway 2,663 0 0 962 215 1,916 Countryside Beautification 137 (137) 0 0 0 0 Cable T.V. 11,807 0 0 10,191 0 1,616 Depot Square Beautification 10,000 0 0 0 0 10,000 Selectmen Gift Fund 1,000 (1,000) 0 0 0 0 Nextell Comm. 21,600 0 8,000 12,005 22,248 23,843 Estate Charles Ramsdell 3,000 0 0 2,780 0 220 Public Celebrations 0 0 0 6,970 6,970 0 Flexible Spending 0 0 0 3,206 8,162 4,956 N.O.I. Fees/Local Share 13,302 (9,740) 0 0 1,512 5,074 Hardy Pond Brook 0 0 10,680 4,320 25,000 10,000 Insurance Recovery Police (247) 0 0 1,937 3,687 1,503 Suicide Prevention Grant 1,313 (1,313) 0 0 0 0 Off Duty Detail - Police (79,769) 0 0 556,498 570,297 (65,970 Community Policing FY96 0 0 1,750 13,517 20,000 4,733 Lexington D.A.R.E. Gifts - Revolving 2,644 4,082 0 4,928 6,020 7,818 DARE FY 94 3 (3) 0 0 0 0 Gov Alliance D.A.R.E. 40 (40) 0 0 0 0 Community Policing 6,535 0 0 6,462 49 122 DARE FY 95 10,274 2,096 0 12,369 0 0 FY 96 DARE 0 0 259 13,077 16,000 2,664 Off Duty Detail -Fire 6,568 0 0 5,149 3,681 5,100 Fire Dept - Gifts 0 0 0 0 1,175 1,175 Heart Defib Program 2,187 41 0 2,228 0 0 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 79 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Statement of Revenues, Expenditures & Fund Balances - Special Revenue, June 309 1996 (continued) TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 80 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Balance Transfers/ Balance July 1, 1995 Adjustments Encumbrances Expenditures Revenue June 30, 1996 Insurance Reimb Fire 183 1,088 0 8,045 6,774 0 TTY Device 11 (11) 0 0 0 0 Firefighter Exam 1,649 (1,649) 0 0 0 0 County Dog Fund 1,020 (1,020) 0 0 0 0 DPW Revolving 0 0 1,895 67,115 89,537 20,527 Mass Refeaf SBA (9,500) 41 0 0 11,409 1,950 Mass Refeaf (2,131) 2,131 0 0 0 0 Munroe Paving 3,065 (3,065) 0 0 0 0 Sale of Cemetary Lots 61,583 0 0 80,000 44,502 26,085 Off Duty Custodian 2,089 0 0 2,728 4,822 4,182 DPW Insurance Reimb under $10,000 14,752 0 0 852 3,223 17,123 Traffic Signs and Fences 6,316 0 0 0 0 6,316 Trees 871 0 0 595 0 276 Hydrants 20,164 0 0 0 468 20,632 Parking Meter 139,431 0 0 110,002 220,282 249,711 Parking Permits 65,964 0 0 130 39,573 105,407 Parking Lots 6,818 0 0 200,000 100,740 (92,443) NESWC Recycling Assistance FY96 0 0 0 0 25,441 25,441 Off Duty Detail -DPW 4,399 0 0 3,952 3,952 4,399 MASS Releaf SBA FY 94 3,349 (3,349) 0 0 0 0 Hanscom AFB Waste Trans Facility 0 0 1,861 3,969 0 (5,830) COA- Social Day Care 32,842 0 0 81,206 87,594 39,230 COA- Transportation Grant (1,824) 0 0 5,176 7,000 0 Selectmen Gift - C.O.A. 0 0 0 180 16,430 16,250 Meals on Wheels 10,426 0 0 38,673 39,171 10,924 Senior Service Copr - C.O.A. 0 0 0 3,000 3,000 0 DEA Formula Grant (1,630) 0 0 19,487 21,117 0 Lexpress Fare/Passes 71,498 0 0 50,746 81,725 102,477 MBTA Grant 0 0 0 74,441 74,441 0 Lexington Transit Guide 1,115 0 0 4,458 9,525 6,181 State Aid to Libraries 58,565 0 0 35,498 49,451 72,519 Literacy Grant 9 (9) 0 0 0 0 Fed Literacy Grant 1,829 0 0 42,428 43,960 3,362 Total 667,221 (7,989) 30,765 1,494,217 1,720,747 854,998 School Special Revenue Off Duty Custodian 16,962 0 0 33,332 24,174 7,804 Metco FY 94 832 (832) 0 0 0 0 Comp Health Hum Svc FY 94 35,433 (8,578) 0 0 99 26,954 Drug Free Schools FY 94 (527) 527 0 0 0 0 Eisenhower 9/93 -8/94 (7,550) 8,578 0 99 0 929 Enhanced School Health Svcs. 7,365 (7,365) 0 0 0 0 Tech. in Aircraft 1/1/94 - 8/31/94 136 (136) 0 0 0 0 Teacher of the Year FY 94 1,631 0 0 776 0 855 Bowman Library 4,440 0 0 2,500 0 1,940 Early Childhood Enhancement 94 (4,898) 4,898 0 0 0 0 NAECP Early Child 94 (2,650) 2,650 0 0 0 0 Drug Free Schools 7/1/95- 6/30/96 0 0 0 18,638 27,961 9,323 Comp Health Hum Svc FY 96 0 0 0 134,712 138,437 3,725 CH II 11/95 -8/96 0 0 0 11,348 6,825 (4,523) Harrington School Gift 50 (38) 0 0 0 12 Early Childhood 9/94 -8/95 13,422 3,609 0 18,682 1,650 0 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 80 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Statement of Revenues, Expenditures & Fund Balances - Special Revenue, June 309 1996 (continued) TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 81 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Balance Transfers/ Balance July 1, 1995 Adjustments Encumbrances Expenditures Revenue June 30, 1996 Metco 7/94 -6/95 5,664 0 0 17,261 0 (11,597) IEP Training 9/94 -8/95 840 0 0 840 0 0 Mainstream 9/94 -8/95 3,731 0 0 2,195 0 1,535 Lexington Spec. Serv. 9/94 -8/95 6,386 0 0 16,649 0 (10,263) Eisenhower 9/94 -8/95 3,508 0 0 3,320 0 189 Working Inclusion 9/94 -8/95 2,705 0 0 2,705 0 0 CH II Ed Tech 9/94 -8/95 146 0 0 0 0 146 Comprehensive Health 7,865 0 0 6,386 0 1,479 Sumner Richards Memorial 3,730 0 0 1,280 0 2,450 Chapter 19/94-8/95 (5,918) (4,670) 0 1,547 12,135 0 Enhanced School Health (15,660) 7,365 0 887 11,484 2,302 Perkins Cons & Home Ec. 171 (8) 0 163 0 0 Time & Learning Study 2,018 (41) 0 1,977 0 0 Technology Science 305 1 0 306 0 0 Lex. Prof. Develop 3,406 0 0 3,406 0 0 Curriculum Framework 2,802 (68) 0 2,734 0 0 Teaching For Understanding 700 0 0 379 0 321 Environ Mgmt/Res Cons 0 2,905 0 2,905 0 0 Early Childhood 9/1/95- 8/31/96 0 8,728 0 42,007 51,799 18,519 Lex Special Services 9/1/95 - 8/31/96 0 0 0 321,569 334,001 12,432 Metco 7/1/95- 6/30/96 0 0 0 852,263 882,767 30,504 Adult Education 44,437 0 0 120,464 165,861 89,834 Ch 1 0 5,866 0 65,025 66,588 7,428 Bridge School Gift 0 0 0 0 853 853 Eisenhower 9/1/95 - 8/31/96 0 0 0 5,995 10,362 4,367 DPH Enhanced Sch Health 7/95 -6/96 0 0 0 82,820 55,441 (27,379) Time & Learning 7/95 -8/96 0 0 0 8,052 9,300 1,248 Middle Sch Partnership FY 96 0 0 0 1,934 5,000 3,066 Driver Ed 29,239 0 0 54,692 56,932 31,480 Lost Books 16,211 0 0 12,000 45 4,256 Athletics 25,091 0 0 27,306 20,554 18,339 Drama Foundation 20,464 0 0 10,945 35 9,554 Insurance Reimb <$10,000 22,311 0 0 0 0 22,311 Susan Spencer Memorial Fund 483 0 0 78 0 404 Eisenhower FY 92 (3,600) 3,600 0 0 0 0 Instructional Mat. FY 92 (975) 975 0 0 0 0 Diamond Sch Improvment FY96 0 0 0 9,864 10,000 136 High Sch Restructuring FY96 0 0 0 933 10,000 9,067 Ed Reform Study Groups FY96 0 0 0 15,321 15,925 604 Lexington Education Foundation 37,795 1,007 0 71,792 83,268 50,277 Lex Summer Camp 1,940 0 0 12,939 16,442 5,443 Diamond Band 396 0 0 0 0 396 CH 19/93-8/94 2,897 (1,195) 0 1,701 0 0 Lex Spec Svcs 93 -94 6,958 0 0 6,958 0 0 Project Mainstream 93 -94 (6,918) 0 0 0 6,918 0 Early Childhood 93 -94 24,073 (24,073) 0 0 0 0 CH 11 Block Grant 213 0 0 0 0 213 Total 308,061 3,703 0 2,009,685 2,024,856 326,934 Special Revenue Fund Total 1,285,169 843,918 417,182 4,558,656 4,566,053 1,719,301 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 81 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Comptroller Schedule of Appropriations, June 30, 1996 Reserve Fund Expenses 250,000 (175,062) 0 Carry Total 1,640 1997 Account BudEet Transfer Expended Forward Expended Balance Budeet Selectmen 125,778 79 122,620 Legal Fees 205,000 50,000 254,970 Personal Services 48,231 1,097 48,711 0 48,711 617 49,688 Expenses 57,014 (2,031) 34,618 20,000 54,618 365 79,426 Town Manager 15,624 0 13,621 Registration 6,043 451 7,417 Personal Services 237,687 13,869 251,518 0 251,518 38 244,345 Expenses 33,967 (19,830) 11,760 875 12,635 1,502 43,438 Temp Help & OT 50,000 0 49,547 0 49,547 453 56,000 Clerical Pool 18,926 (1,010) 17,564 0 17,564 352 18,935 Police & Fire Medical 35,430 4,012 39,439 0 39,439 3 35,430 Out of State Travel 5,000 0 4,980 0 4,980 20 Page 82 Professional Services 35,000 0 34,001 350 34,351 649 35,000 Director of Guides 1,500 0 1,500 0 1,500 01,500 Tuition & Training 40,000 0 39,878 120 39,998 2 69,271 Travel in State 15,000 0 12,692 1,719 14,411 588 Salary Adjustments 245,916 (199,627) 0 75,000 75,000 (28,711) 356,069 Art 19 of 95 10,900 0 8,100 2,700 10,800 100 Appropriation Committee Expenses 735 0 730 0 730 5 800 Reserve Fund Expenses 250,000 (175,062) 0 Finance 627,433 1,640 653,976 Personal Services 612,638 16,435 627,433 Expenses 250,471 (62,020) 176,292 Law 125,778 79 122,620 Legal Fees 205,000 50,000 254,970 Town Clerk 26,228 1,772 44,237 Personal Services 122,082 3,775 125,778 Expenses 14,020 (11,374) 2,641 Election P.S. 28,000 0 26,228 Election Exp. 15,624 0 13,621 Registration 6,043 451 7,417 Personal Services 1,825 0 1,825 Expenses 23,956 0 15,095 Conservation Commission 27,838 207 28,993 Personal Services 59,029 1,861 60,439 Expenses 13,586 (7,092) 5,703 Planning Board Personal Services 120,403 3,464 122,948 Expenses 18,909 (12,295) 6,556 Board of Appeals Personal Services 27,234 811 27,838 Expenses 3,042 (2,302) 694 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 82 0 0 74,938 150,000 0 627,433 1,640 653,976 5,920 182,212 6,239 343,613 0 254,970 30 205,000 0 125,778 79 122,620 0 2,641 5 13,239 0 26,228 1,772 44,237 0 13,621 2,003 20,400 0 1,825 0 1,825 0 15,095 8,861 19,875 0 60,439 451 60,670 340 6,043 451 7,417 0 122,948 919 123,421 0 6,556 58 18,124 0 27,838 207 28,993 21 715 25 2,374 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Comptroller Sched. of Appropriations, June 30, 1996 (conr °a) Police Personal Services 2,686,552 23,709 2,628,724 Carry Total 81,537 1997 Account Budget Transfer Expended Forward Expended Balance Budget Public Works Personal Services 94,882 (5,974) 85,682 0 85,682 Personal Services 2,629,790 257,460 2,871,494 0 2,871,494 15,756 2,710,474 Expenses 3,931,207 218,184 3,863,210 272,326 4,135,536 13,855 3,899,650 Art 23 of 96 0 20,000 0 20,000 262,150 0 91,395 Town Reports 27,244 946 27,982 0 27,982 208 28,090 Expenses 4,800 0 4,800 0 4,800 0 6,000 Police Personal Services 2,686,552 23,709 2,628,724 0 2,628,724 81,537 2,781,563 Expenses 515,801 (238,537) 266,067 11,102 277,169 95 549,554 Fire Personal Services 94,882 (5,974) 85,682 0 85,682 Personal Services 2,492,808 100,651 2,585,405 0 2,585,405 8,054 2,519,367 Expenses 449,580 (278,363) 159,807 5,000 164,807 6,410 530,830 Art 17 of 96 0 262,150 0 262,150 262,150 0 91,395 Dispatch Personal Services 263,698 0 263,690 0 263,690 8 277,974 Expenses 47,712 (32,712) 7,997 7,000 14,997 3 46,377 Building & Zoning Officer Personal Services 94,882 (5,974) 85,682 0 85,682 Personal Services 182,858 9,506 191,997 0 191,997 367 185,313 Expenses 25,795 (21,457) 4,324 0 4,324 15 66,198 Dog Officer Personal Services 92,146 4,217 91,395 0 91,395 Personal Services 27,244 946 27,982 0 27,982 208 28,090 Expenses 11,325 (2,095) 4,852 210 5,062 4,168 1,969 School Pers. Svcs. & Exp. 37,320,579 (2,724,190) 34,362,198 231,674 34,593,872 Vocational 620,850 0 620,850 0 620,850 Board of Health Personal Services 94,882 (5,974) 85,682 0 85,682 Expenses 25,047 (2,031) 19,584 499 20,083 Visiting Nurse 7,500 0 4,450 2,986 7,436 Council on Aging Personal Services 92,146 4,217 91,395 0 91,395 Expenses 122,202 (5,250) 113,921 832 114,753 Art 16 of 96 0 60,000 0 60,000 60,000 Art 16 of 95 8,000 0 8,000 0 8,000 Human Services Youth Services 32,800 0 32,800 0 32,800 Veterans P.S. 20,487 1,600 22,072 0 22,072 Veterans Exp. 35,030 (5,117) 11,510 53 11,563 Develop. Disabled 11,000 0 11,000 0 11,000 Art 21 of 95 35,000 0 35,000 0 35,000 2,516 39,921,213 0 472,415 3,226 97,327 2,933 2,023 64 7,500 4,968 127,424 2,199 194,620 0 0 0 69,834 15 21,414 18,350 34,982 0 12,800 0 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 83 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Comptroller Sched. of Appropriations, June 30, 1996 (cont °d) General Fund Prior Year Selectmen Town Manager Tuition & Training Finance Town Clerk Elections Registration Art 47 of 77 Art - N.O.I. Fees Public Works Police Department Art 37 of 89 Fire Department Art. 22 of 91 Art. 16 of 93 Dispatch Dog Officer 361 361 361 Carry Total 1,590 1997 Account Budget Transfer Expended Forward Expended Balance Budget Lexpress 2,896 2,896 283 136 0 Personal Services 42,978 2,428 45,059 0 45,059 347 45,230 Expenses 183,972 (5,514) 175,009 2,024 177,033 1,425 184,365 Misc. Boards & Comm. 3,288 3,288 4,499 94,070 68,327 68,327 6,075 0 6,073 0 6,073 2 8,500 Library 1,581 1,581 0 27,140 27,160 27,160 Personal Services 985,295 0 985,294 0 985,294 1 1,007,282 Expenses 299,765 (75,281) 221,693 83 221,776 2,708 309,692 Art 15 of 95 47,393 0 47,393 0 47,393 0 Historical Commission Personal Services 3,120 1,900 4,992 0 4,992 28 3,120 Expenses 400 0 263 0 263 137 0 Public Celebration Expenses 12,506 4,500 16,753 0 16,753 253 15,500 Debt Service Principal 3,356,000 0 3,356,000 0 3,356,000 0 3,301,000 Interest 928,907 0 927,835 1,067 928,902 7 716,871 Pension/ Retirement Noncontrib. 187,803 (27,803) 141,093 0 141,093 18,907 189,736 Contributory 2,887,775 (772,460) 2,115,315 0 2,115,315 0 3,125,709 Insurance Expenses 667,811 (156,691) 491,627 9,649 501,276 9,844 561,050 Unemployment Expenses 65,000 0 38,982 0 38,982 26,018 65,000 Court Judgement 0 0 55,185 0 55,185 (55,185) 0 Total General Fund 63,970,618 (3,783,543) 58,950,476 993,700 59,924,176 242,900 66,903,662 General Fund Prior Year Selectmen Town Manager Tuition & Training Finance Town Clerk Elections Registration Art 47 of 77 Art - N.O.I. Fees Public Works Police Department Art 37 of 89 Fire Department Art. 22 of 91 Art. 16 of 93 Dispatch Dog Officer TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 84 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 361 361 361 0 1,590 1,557 1,557 33 3,960 3,960 3,960 0 3,179 2,896 2,896 283 136 0 136 1,238 85 85 1,153 2,218 1,000 1,000 1,218 2,019 2,019 2,019 0 7,787 3,288 3,288 4,499 94,070 68,327 68,327 25,743 5,111 5,009 5,009 102 1,581 1,581 1,581 0 27,140 27,160 27,160 (20) 4,580 4,580 4,580 0 5 84,995 84,995 84,995 5 4,096 3,452 3,452 644 5,000 5,000 5,000 0 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 84 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Comptroller Sched. of Appropriations, June 30, 1996 (cost °d) Enterprise Funds Sewer Personal Services 179,866 2,901 140,527 Carry Total 1997 Account Budget Transfer Expended Forward Expended Balance Budget Public Schools 942,499 77,771 29,418 0 29,418 48,353 Art 21 of 90 9,683 199,448 108,928 9,683 9,683 0 Council on Aging 300,000 5,000 5,000 300,000 5,000 0 Lexpress 10,000 917 201 0 201 716 Misc. Boards & Comm. 29,442 1,000 1,427 9,942 1,427 (427) Debt Service - Interest 0 4,511 1,054 0 1,054 3,457 Total Prior Year(s) 25,655 322,293 244,190 0 244,190 103,758 Enterprise Funds Sewer Personal Services 179,866 2,901 140,527 0 140,527 42,240 Expenses 4,347,912 2,271 4,473,992 5,222 4,479,214 (129,031) Debt Service 942,499 0 942,497 0 942,497 2 Art 20 of 91 7,978 199,448 108,928 98,498 207,426 0 Art 9 of 95 300,000 0 0 300,000 300,000 0 Art 11 of 95 10,000 0 10,000 0 10,000 0 Art 11 of 93 29,442 115,360 134,860 9,942 144,802 0 Art 12 of 93 17,260 124,291 126,674 14,877 141,551 0 Art 10 of 94 5,906 301,376 302,067 5,215 307,282 0 Total Sewer Fund 5,840,863 745,647 6,239,545 433,754 6,673,299 (86,789) Water 125,000 0 29,157 95,843 125,000 0 Personal Services 411,801 4,686 393,512 0 393,512 22,975 Expenses 2,830,486 (51,408) 3,645,530 12,074 3,657,604 (878,526) Debt Service 313,811 0 313,811 0 313,811 0 Art 8 of 93 14,359 97,562 88,447 23,474 111,921 0 Art 11 of 95 30,000 0 30,000 0 30,000 0 Art 8 of 95 850,000 0 75,219 774,781 850,000 0 Art 8 of 94 323,490 56,463 342,062 37,891 379,953 0 Total Water Fund 4,773,947 107,303 4,888,581 848,220 5,736,801 (855,551) Recreation Fund Personal Services 404,157 2,123 334,604 0 334,604 71,676 Expenses 599,178 6,236 776,254 47,178 823,432 (218,018) Art. 23 of 91 6,760 450 1,228 5,982 7,210 0 Art. 31 of 87 4,722 0 0 4,722 4,722 0 Art. 16 of 92 7,158 0 0 7,158 7,158 0 Art. 19 of 92 11,111 4,000 2,200 12,911 15,111 0 Art. 15 of 93 2,868 0 0 2,868 2,868 0 Art. 17 of 93 3,884 0 3,581 303 3,884 0 Art. 18 of 93 23,208 9,208 20,716 11,700 32,416 0 Art. 11 of 95 67,000 0 62,749 4,251 67,000 0 Art. 12 of 95 125,000 0 29,157 95,843 125,000 0 Art. 13 of 95 50,000 0 13,108 36,892 50,000 0 Art. 13 of 94 (57) 8,170 8,170 (57) 8,113 0 Total Recreation Fund 1,304,989 30,187 1,251,767 229,751 1,481,518 (146,342) TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 85 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Debt Service Summary, January 27, 1997 Tax Levy Supported Debt: Fy 97 Fy 98 Fy 99 Fy 00 Fy 01 Fy 02 Fy 03 Fy 04 Fy 05 Total Ambulance 22,895 21,820 20,920 65,635 DPW Equipment 202,860 168,185 141,210 512,255 Dispatch Center 230,120 221,520 214,320 206,960 199,440 191,760 183,920 176,000 168,000 1,792,040 Land Acquisition - 1986 156,500 149,320 141,229 133,750 125,445 19,377 725,621 Pine Meadows Land Purchase 189,922 187,397 178,116 555,435 Planning/Facilities Study 43,540 42,140 40,720 126,400 Refuse Tech Judgement 84,108 81,483 78,820 66,235 310,646 Schools 1,838,838 1,696,164 1,573,159 1,185,824 1,122,474 1,053,425 295,023 282,468 225,750 9,273,125 0 Sub Total 2,768,783 2,568,029 2,388,494 1,592,769 1,447,359 1,264,562 478,943 458,468 393,750 13,361,157 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Tax Levy Exempt: Pine Meadows Land Acquisition 1,174,088 1,100,500 1,033,500 3,308,088 Enterprise Fund : oo Water 300,151 286,232 272,056 858,439 04 Sewer 529,729 550,232 578,233 649,280 613,060 518,103 494,358 56,183 3,989,178 ct 0.1 State Water Pollution Abatement Tr 435,623 435,663 435,663 435,662 435,663 435,663 217,831 2,831,768 Sub Total 1,265,503 1,272,127 1,285,952 1,084,942 1,048,723 953,766 712,189 56,183 7,679,385 Total 5,208,374 4,940,656 4,707,946 2,677,711 2,496,082 2,218,328 1,191,132 514,651 393,750 24,348,630 Long Term Debt Summary The format of this debt summary is markedly different from previous years. It projects payments, principal and interest, for each bond issue, and total debt payments due for each year to FY 05 TOWN OF LEXINGTON Members at Large Margery M. Battin, 15 Paul Revere Road Daniel P. Busa, 6 Farm Road Norman P. Cohen, 56 Coolidge Avenue William J. Dailey, Jr., 1 Bushnell Drive Elizabeth B. Eddison, 20 Nickerson Rd. Donna Hooper Dan H. Fenn, Jr. 59 Potter Pond Jay R. Kaufman, 1 Childs Road Leo P. McSweeney, 84 Shade Street Precinct 1 - Term Expires 1999 Nancy M. Adler, 22 Village Circle James E. Barry, 10 Crescent Hill Avenue Mary Bowes, 32 Arcola Street Francis V. Busa, 42 Lowell Street John E. Curry, 33 Sanderson Road Marsha S. Goldberg, 49 Sanderson Road Albert P. Zabin, 1 Page Road Precinct 1, Term Expires 1998 John P. Breen, 8 Crescent Hill Avenue Jonathan G. Cole, 23 Whipple Road Joseph J. Dini, 16 Sanderson Road Nancy C.Gordon, 10 Fiske Road Barry E. Sampson, 8 Brandon Street Thomas B. Sullivan, 9 S. Rindge Ave. James S. Wilson, 855 Emerson Gdns Rd. Precinct 1, Term Expires 1997 Joel A. Adler, 22 Village Circle Laura L. Boghosian, 4 Russell Road Jean W. Cole, 23 Whipple Road James A. Nicoloro, 4 Winship Road Charles E. Shaw, 219 Lowell Street Joseph J. Volante, 85 Lowell Street Judith L. Zabin, 1 Page Road Precinct 2, Term Expires 1999 Robert W. Cunha, 10 Stevens Road Leonora K. Feeney, 4 Moon Hill Road Paul H. Lapointe, 224 Follen Road Daniel A. Lucas, 3 Tower Road Rene D. Varrin, 30 Dawes Road Christina J. Welch, 41 Locust Avenue Carolyn C. Wilson, 33 Oak Street Precinct 2, Term Expires 1998 Thomas R. Diaz, 10 Tower Road Karen A. Dooks, 5 Mohawk Drive Timothy P. Enright, 241 Worthen Rd. E. Karen Gray, 225 Follen Road Jennifer L. Hartshorn, 28 Locust Avenue Myla Kabat -Zinn, 58 Oak Street Barry Orenstein, 132 Follen Road Directory Town Meeting Members Precinct 2, Term Expires 1997 Marian A.O. Cohen, 8 Plymouth Road Heather L. Hartshorn, 28 Locust Avenue Marita B. Hartshorn, 28 Locust Avenue Katherine Kiefer, 55 Pleasant Street Michael J. O'Sullivan, 12 Ariel Street Alan B. Wilson, 33 Oak Street Donald D. Wilson, 36 Fern Street Precinct 3, Term Expires 1999 John P. Carroll, 29 Allen Street Richard R. Eurich, 7 Pitcairn Place Gloria V. Holland, 38 Webster Road Eric J.Michelson, 46 Munroe Road Richard L. Neumeier, 2 Pitcairn Place Paul J. Rose, 748 Waltham Street Francis W.K. Smith, 4 Clematis Road Precinct 3, Term Expires 1998 Robert N. Cohen, 10 Grassland Street Bruce Collier, 2 Barberry Road Shirley R. Frawley, 68 Potter Pond Paul E. Keane, 17 Woodcliffe Road Marjorie K. Madoff, 27 Normandy Road Marilyn K. Mairson, 29 Lawrence Lane Mary E. Neumeier, 2 Pitcairn Place Precinct 3, Term Expires 1997 Samuel Berman, 11 Barberry Road Jackqueline B. Davison, 86 Spring Street Carol J. Grodzins, 15 Barberry Road Jeanne K.Krieger, 44 Webster Road Robert Rotberg, 14 Barberry Road John H. Sellers, 430 Concord Avenue Caleb Warner, 546 Concord Avenue Precinct 4, Term Expires 1999 Donald A. Chisholm, 166 Lincoln Street Ronald W. Colwell, 127 Kendall Road Peter D. Enrich, 35 Clarke Street Margaret F. Rawls, 9 Winthrop Road Nicholas Santosuosso, 2 Washington St. Jeanette P.Webb, 22 Fair Oaks. Trerrace Martin K.White, 50 Bloomfield Street Precinct 4, Term Expires 1998 Nyle N. Barnert, 142 Worthen Road Nancy M. Cannalonga, 120 Kendall Rd. Christina E. Coughlin, 17 Outlook Drive John L. Davies, 18 Prospect Hill Road Sandra J. Shaw, 51 Wachusett Drive Ruth S. Thomas, 10 Parker Street Judith J. Uhrig, 15 Vine Brook Road Precinct 4, Term Expires 1997 Nicholas Cannalonga, 120 Kendall Road Katherine G. Fricker, 93 Marrett Road Carol B.Hartman, 16 Bloomfield Street Peter C. Kelley, 24 Forest Street Frederick L. Merrill, Jr. 22 Downing Rd. Susan B. Peltz, 8 Jackson Court Michael Wagner, 44 Prospect Hill Road Precinct 5, Term Expires 1999 Wallace Cupp, 141 Woburn Street Elaine Dratch, 2 Maureen Road Joseph F. Gilbert, Jr., 231 Woburn St. John Hayward, 358 Woburn Street Samuel L. Powers, 7 Dunham Street Ephraim Weiss, 462 Lowell Street David G. Williams, 1433 Mass. Avenue Precinct 5, Term Expires 1998 Howard Dravis, 6 Rogers Road Irene M. Dondley, 22 Leonard Road Andrew J. Friedlich, 22 Young Street Paul E. Hamburger, 18 Cooke Road Sally Huebscher, 52 Solomon Pierce Rd. Carol A. Liff, 19 Douglas Road Charles T. Vail, 66 Woburn Street Precinct 5, Term Expires 1997 Marsha F. Byrnes, 3 Blodgett Road Steven Colangelo, 172 E. Emerson Road Ira W. Crowe, 47 Grant Street Margaret C. Nichols, 4 Rumford Road Sam Silverman, 18 Ingleside Road Melinda D.Vinton, 11 Leonard Road Mary K. Wolf, 116 E. Emerson Rd. Precinct 6, Term Expires 1999 Jason Berger, 9 Glen Road Marshall J. Derby, 23 Suzanne Road Peter Diamond, 15 Franklin Road David L. Kaufman, 152 Burlington St. Richard Pagett, 10 Oakmount Circle Anne A. Ripley, 83 Hancock Street John S. Willson, 16 Hathaway Road Precinct 6, Term Expires 1998 Michael R. Barry, 159 Burlington Street Suzanne E. Barry, 159 Burlington Street Florence A. Baturin, 11 Alcott Road Priscilla Diamond, 15 Franklin Road Joseph L. Faber, 43 Somerset Road Alan J. Lazarus, 22 Woodland Road Dennis M. O'Connor, Jr., 16 Seaborn Pl. TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 87 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Marjorie M. Daggett, 9 Burroughs Road Edmund C. Grant, 27 Grove Street Jane Pagett, 10 Oakmount Circle Edith Sandy, 353 N. Emerson Road Frank Sandy, 353 N. Emerson Road Sheldon A. Spector, 26 Suzanne Road Precinct 7, Term Expires 1999 Catherine M.D.Abbott, 38 Eldred Street Robert M. Farias, 21 Eldred Street Audrey J. Friend, 84 Fifer Lane Jonathan Lederman, 15 Drummer Boy John E. Taylor, 11 Linmoor Terrace James C. Wood, Jr., 51 Gleason Road Martha C. Wood, 51 Gleason Road Precinct 7, Term Expires 1998 George A. Burnell, 4 Eaton Road Clark A.Cowen, 104 Fifer Lane Gordon M. Hardy, 52 N. Hancock Street Linda Horowitz, 123 Blake Road Martin Horowitz, 123 Blake Road David G.Miller, 23 Fifer Lane Joyce A. Miller, 23 Fifer Lane Precinct 7, Term Expires 1997 Marsha E. Baker, 46 Burlington Street Neal E. Boyle, Jr., 23 Pine Knoll Road Robert G. Coyne, 2 Heritage Drive Alan Garber, 7 Linmoor Terrace Richard T. Howe, 9 Fuller Road Fred H. Martin, 29 Dewey Road Muriel Taylor, 20 Dewey Road Precinct 8, Term Expires 1999 Roger F. Borghesani, 24 Hastings Road Florence E. Connor, 12 Cedar Street John T. Cunha, 11 Homestead Street Ione D. Garing, 157 Cedar Street Charles Hornig, 75 Reed Street Richard A. Michelson, 54 Asbury Street Margaret B. Schwartz, 48 Bellflower St. Precinct 8, Term Expires 1998 Elizabeth J. Bryant, 18 Liberty Avenue Anne E. Frymer, 64 Asbury Street Diana T. Garcia, 3 Gerard Terrace Alan M. Levine, 54 Read Street H. Bigelow Moore, 50 Hancock Street James A. Osten, 8 Revere Street Robert V. Whitman, 5 Hancock Avenue Directory (continued) Susan A. Elberger, 37 Vaille Avenue Steven J. Hurley, 70 Reed Street Donald Jenkins, Jr., 19 Childs Road Paul W. Jenkins, 19 Childs Road Morton G. Kahan, 44 Hancock Street Carolyn H. Tiffany, 109 Reed Street Precinct 9, Term Expires 1999 Alice J. Adler, 10 Nickerson Road Michelle L. Ciccolo, 215 Wood Street Louise V.T. Kava, 60 Shade Street Janice A. Kennedy, 135 Wood Street Isabel H. Mroczkowski, 4 Francis Road Richard Schaye, 7 Jean Road Michael E. Schroeder, 2 Welch Road Precinct 9, Term Expires 1998 Anthony B. Close, 174 Wood Street Margaret E. Coppe, 12 Barrymeade St. Thomas O. Fenn, 16 Middle Street David J. Harris, 18 Eastern Avenue Frank J. Kava, 60 Shade Street Henry N. Manz, 14 Ellison Road Richard M. Perry, 16 Ellison Road Precinct 9, Term Expires 1997 Richard L. Canale, 29 Shade Street Susan R. Cusack, 58 Middle Street Paul E. Mazerall, 32 Roosevelt Road Dawn E. McKenna, 2564 Mass. Avenue Janet M. Perry, 16 Ellison Road Loretta A. Porter, 2318 Mass. Avenue Fred D. Rosenberg, 76 Wood Street Town Organization This section lists the elected and appoint- ed town offices, boards and committees. To save duplications, the names of partic- ipating members are included within each specific report. Some ad hoc groups, and inactive committee members still on the record books, are not included in this edition. Elected Town Officers Board of Selectmen Moderator Lexington Housing Authority Planning Board School Committee Appointed by the Moderator Appropriation Committee Capital Expenditure Committee Cary Lectures Committee Minuteman Tech Representative Appointed by Selectmen Town Manager Comptroller Town Counsel Executive Clerk Fence Viewers Keeper of the Lockup Registrars of Voters Board of Appeals Representative to MWRA Cable/TV & Comm. Advisory Comm. Design Advisory Committee Fair Housg / Human Relations Comm. Hanscom Area Towns Committee Hanscom Field Advisory Committee Historic Districts Commission Human Services Committee Lexington Center Committee Council for the Arts Housing Assistance Board Lighting Options Committee Met. State Hospital Land Task Force Bikeway Advisory Committee Personnel Advisory Board Police Manual Policy Committee Town Celebrations Committee Town Report Committee Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Transportation Advisory Committee Trustees of the Public Trust Appointed by Town Manager with Selectmen's Approval Board of Health Conservation Commission Council on Aging Historical Commission Recreation Committee Youth Commission Appointed by Town Manager Assistant Town Manager Town Clerk Revenue Officer Planning Director Assistant Planner Health Director Director of Public Works Town Engineer Chief of Police Fire Chief & Assistant Fire Chief Animal Control Officer Building Commissioner Electrical Inspector Mechanical /Plumbing Inspector Sealer of Weights/Measures Conservation Administrator Council on Aging Director Recreation Director Director Veterans Services Human Services Coordinator LEXPRESS Coordinator Civil Defense Director Board of Assessors Constables Biosafety Committee MAPC Representative Permanent Building Committee TOWN OF LEXINGTON Page 88 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Voters' Information Voter Registration: Residents may register at the Town Clerk's office on any business day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The town clerk will provide additional registration sessions (including one Saturday) before each election. Voting Places: Precinct 1: Harrington School Precinct 4: High School Precinct 7: Estabrook School Precinct 2: Bowman School Precinct 5: Cary Memorial Hall Precinct 8: Central Fire Station Precinct 3: Clarke Middle School Precinct 6: Diamond Middle School Precinct 9: Maria Hastings School How to Contact Your Representatives United States Senators: Edward M. Kennedy (D) Phone: 617 -565 -3170 Room 2400, JFK Federal Building, Boston, MA 02203 Phone 202 - 224 -4543 315 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 John F. Kerry (D) Phone: 617 -565 -8519 1 Bowdoin Square, 10th Floor, Boston, MA 02114 Phone: 202-224-2742 421 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 U. S. Representative, 7th Congressional District: Edward J. Markey (D) Phone: 617 - 396 -2900 5 High Street/Suite 101, Medford, MA 02155 Phone 202 - 225 -2836 2133 Rayburn House Office Bldg, Washington, D.C. 20515 Governor: William F. Weld (R) Phone: 617 - 727 -3600 Room 360, State House, Boston, MA 02133 Governor's Executive Council: 3rd Dist: Cynthia Creem (R) Phone 617- 727 -2756 Ext. 3 6th Dist: Dorothy Kelly Gay (D) Phone 617 - 727 -2756 Ext. 6 State Senator, 4th Middlesex District: Lexington Precincts 1, 5, 6, 7 Robert A. Havern III (D) Phone: 617 - 722 -1432 Room 513, State House, Boston, MA 02133 35 Bartlett Avenue, Arlington, MA 02174 State Senator, 5th Middlesex District: Lexington Precincts 2, 3, 4, 8, 9 Susan Fargo (D) Phone: 617 - 722 -1572 Room 413E, State House, Boston, MA 02133 House of Representatives, 15th Middlesex District: Jay R. Kaufman (D) Phone: 617 - 722 -2030 Room 43, State House, Boston, MA 02113 Phone: 617- 862 -6181; 1 Childs Road, Lexington, MA 02173 e -mail: Rep. Jay Kaufman @House State. MA. US Middlesex County Commissioners: Francis X. Flaherty (D), Chairman Edward J. Kennedy (D) Thomas J, Larkin (D) Phone; 617 - 494 -4100; Superior Court House, 3rd Floor 40 Thorndike Street, Cambridge, MA 02141 TOWN OF LEXINGTON ANNUAL REPORT 1996 Emergency Numbers DIAL 911 for Police • Fire • Ambulance Public Works Emergency: 862 -1618 Emergency Signal on Town Fire Whistle 4444 -Alert Warning, turn on radio/TV for information • 2222 -Final Warning Lexington Town Offices Assessors 861 -2703 Housing Authority 861 -0900 Public Works Garage 862 -1618 Animal Control 861 -2740 (Countryside Village) 862 -8043 201 Bedford Street 861 -2540 Animal Shelter 861 -2701 Human Services/ 861 -2742 Highway 861 -2759 3:30PM- 4:30PM 861 -2703 Veterans Agent 861 -2500 Mechanics 861 -2760 Board of Appeals 861 -2707 LEXPRESS 861 -1210 Park and Tree 861 -2758 Building/Inspection 861 -2711 Library (Main) 862 -2688 Water and Sewer 861 -2757 Conservation 861 -2726 Library (Branch) 862 -2773 Billing 861 -2779 Health Department 861 -2770 Personnel 861 -2777 Purchasing 861 -2721 Board of Selectmen 861 -2708 Planning Board 861 -2745 Recreation 861 -2762 Cemetery Department 861 -2718 Police Department 862 -1212 Retirement 861 -2720 Comptroller's Office 861 -2722 Public Works Administration Tax Collector 861 -2765 Council on Aging 861 -0194 Town Hall 861 -2752 Treasurer's Office 861 -2768 Fire Dept Offices 862 -0272 Engineering 861 -2731 Town Clerk's Office 861 -2770 Town Manager 861 -2776 School Department Administrative Office & Receptionist 861 -2580 Estabrook School 861 -2520 Senior High School 861 -2343 Fiske School 861 -2530 Adult Education 862 -8043 Harrington School 861 -2540 Clarke Middle School 861 -2450 Hastings School 860 -5800 Diamond Middle School 861 -2560 Minuteman Tech. 861 -6500 Bowman School 861 -2500 Community Education 861 -7150 Bridge School 861 -2510 No- School Recorded Message 862 -7581 Holidays for Town Offices, Libraries and Trash Collection New Year's Day, Martin Luther King's Birthday, President's Day, Patriots' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Following a holiday, all trash and recycling collections will be one day later that week. TOWN OF LEXINGTON ANNUAL REPORT 199E