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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-03-AC-min4/3/13 Minutes Minutes Town of Lexington Appropriation Committee April 3, 2013 Place and time: Reed Room, Town Office Building, 6:30 p.m. Members present. Glenn Parker, Chair; John Bartenstein, Vice Chair and Secretary; Robert Cohen; Alan Levine; Susan McLeish; Eric Michelson; Richard Neumeier; Jonina Schonfeld; Rob Addelson (non- voting, ex officio) Members Absent: Mollie Garberg Other attendees: Aaron Henry, Assistant Planning Director The meeting was called to order at 6:37 p.m. 1. Announcements: Mr. Levine reported on the Ad hoc Town -wide Facilities Master Planning Committee (MPC) meeting that had taken place that morning. That Committee voted, by a vote of 1 -4 -2, against a motion to support indefinite postponement of an appropriation for design and engineering funds under Article 8c (Cary Memorial Building Upgrades). Some had argued at the MPC meeting that postponement would give the MPC time to complete its work of recommending building project priorities and timing before a decision is made to proceed with the Cary Memorial Building renovations. Mr. Levine added that the MPC had discussed the possible use of the Cary building, especially the lower level where Estabrook Hall is located, for swing space while the police station is renovated or rebuilt in its current location, should that be pursued by the Town. Those discussions touched on whether the potential swing space use should influence the timing of the proposed renovations. The point was made by several at the meeting that much of the proposed work — including, for example, the renewal of mechanical and electrical systems, accessibility upgrades, and improvements to life safety systems — would not be compromised if the building were to be used later to provide swing space. After considering this report, Appropriation Committee did not express an interest in revisiting its present position of support for the Article 8c appropriation. 2. HOME Partnership: Mr. Parker stated that Deborah Mauger, Board of Selectmen Chair, had asked this Committee to make a recommendation regarding the Town's continued participation in a HOME consortium that receives funds from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Aaron Henry briefly described the HOME consortium and Lexington's participation in the program, and answered questions posed by Committee members. The program is administered by the City of Newton. Earlier in the year, Newton expressed interest in a different model for managing the program funds that could have been disadvantageous to Lexington. Lexington considered withdrawing from the program, and Newton in response agreed to modify its proposal to address Lexington's concerns, and to ensure that all participating towns will eventually receive a fair share of the program funding. 4/3/13 Minutes HOME funds are used to support affordable housing. Lexington has some reporting requirements but they are not onerous. There do not appear to be any significant disadvantages to staying in the consortium, and the Town is currently eligible to receive $170,000 for a housing project on Massachusetts Avenue near Pleasant Street. There was a motion to recommend that Lexington remain in the HOME consortium, with the understanding that the concessions proposed by Newton will become part of the new consortium agreement. The motion passed. VOTE: 8 -0 3. Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Articles: Article 23 (Appropriate for Prior Years' Unpaid Bills): Mr. Addelson reported that the Town has received bills from Siemens, Inc., for FY2009, FY2010, and FY2011 street light work. The bills total approximately $38,000. Siemens experienced billing problems when it acquired Republic ITS, Inc., the original vendor. When the bills were received, William Hadley, Director of Public Works, reviewed them to ensure they were legitimate. Although Mr. Hadley is still reviewing some details, it appears that the Town is responsible for these expenses. Free cash and the current FY2013 operating budget are two potential funding sources for the obligations. The motion for Town Meeting will specify the funding source. At least one Committee member expressed a mild preference for using FY2013 funds, noting that should this unduly stress the FY2013 budget, a Reserve Fund transfer could then be in order. Article 19 (Rescind Prior Borrowing Authorizations): Mr. Addelson reported that there are five articles from prior Town Meetings that have excess appropriated funds. There was a motion to support Article 19 as outlined in the motion distributed to Town Meeting members. The motion passed. VOTE: 8 -0 Article 20 (Establish and Appropriate To and From Specified Stabilization Funds): Mr. Addelson reported that this article will be amended to make a technical correction Article 14 (Appropriate for Public Facilities Capital Projects): This article may be postponed until Monday. There are some questions about the demand on the print shop given the increased use of technology. The meeting was adjourned at 7:27 p.m. A list of documents and other exhibits used at the meeting is attached. Respectfully submitted, Sara Arnold Recording Secretary Approved May 9, 2013 2 4/3/13 Minutes Exhibits Town of Lexington Appropriation Committee April 3, 2013 1. Meeting Agenda posted by Glenn Parker, Chair 2. HOME Investment Partnerships Program Summary, distributed by Mr. Henry