HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-03-BOS-min
Selectmen’s Meeting
March 4, 2015
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. in
the Lexington High School Library Media Center, 251 Waltham Street. Chairman Pato, Mr.
Kelley, Mr. Cohen, Ms. Ciccolo and Ms. Barry; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; and Ms. Chabot,
Assistant to the Executive Clerk, were present.
Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports
Ms. Ciccolo reported that the Sidewalk Committee held a public meeting on Monday March 2,
2015 to learn from neighbors how they felt about the Prospect Hill Sidewalk proposal. This
meeting was taped by LexMedia and can be downloaded for viewing and viewed online.
Mr. Kelley wanted to show his appreciation to the Clerk’s Office and all those who helped make
a successful election on Monday, March 2, 2015 during difficult winter weather conditions.
Ms. Barry wanted to make her colleagues aware that last week at the Patriot’s Day stakeholders
meeting the issue of the amount of snow currently on the Battle Green came up. DPW is
monitoring the level of snow on the Battle Green and may be looking for direction from the
Board somewhere around the first of April regarding snow levels and the reenactment
proceeding.
Council for the Arts – Update on Grant Process
Ms. Burwell, Chair of Lexington Council for the Arts (LCA) wanted to provide information
about what the Council is doing for residents and how they are using the money. The LCA is
charged with administering and monitoring Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) monies for
arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences in Lexington. This includes seeking grant applicants
and evaluating those applications. Ms. Burwell gave a breakdown of the total amount of money
awarded and a list of grantees in 2015. She also presented information on projects undertaken in
the community to further the appreciation and support of the arts in Lexington.
Ms. Barry thanked Ms. Burwell and her committee for all of their hard work. She noticed that
some of the grantees are not organizations or individuals based in Lexington. Ms. Burwell
explained that an event may be outside of Lexington but meant for residents to enjoy.
Ad Hoc Committee for Youth at Risk – Stress Report
Ms. Coppe introduced Mr. Rudman, Mr. Blout and Ms. Jay of the Ad Hoc Committee for Youth
at Risk. The Committee arose out of community concerns brought to the School Committee in
the spring of 2013 as a result of the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The Committee
presented their final report and recommendations to the School Committee in January. They are
here to present to the Selectmen their report on Improving Town and Community Services for
Our Youth at Risk.
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 4, 2015
Mr. Rudman gave a brief description of the Committee and their work and made a couple of key
points around framing the issue. Mr. Blout recommended that the Town implement a
community-wide Youth Suicide Prevention Program, develop a Town Suicide Response
Protocol; provide Free, accessible counseling for at-risk youth and families; and outreach to
youth at risk, including peer leadership at the Town Youth Center. Ms. Coppe made two
requests for immediate action:
1.Create a Committee for Lexington Youth – the Director of Youth Services to co-chair
with a comparable position in the Schools.
2.Join the Implementation Task Force – designate a Selectman as co-chair and a School
Committee co-chair.
Ms. Barry would like to hear from the Human Services Department, the Youth Services
Committee and Human Services Committee as well. In response to Mr. Kelley’s question about
whether there was something more concerning in the 2013 survey versus the surveys done in
years past, Mr. Rudman reported that the number of students who tried to commit suicide
increased. Mr. Cohen pointed out the work that the Youth Services Council and Human Services
Department are already doing. He asked for clarification on providing free counseling as some
families in town have insurance and plenty of resources. Mr. Pato commented that the Board
will need time to digest the information and follow up with the Youth Services Council to see if
that is a viable path. Ms. Coppe added that Dr. Ash put together a response to the Committee’s
final report and she will forward it to the Selectmen.
Article Presentations / Positions
Mr. Pato explained that in addition to hearing from the Commission on Disability about two
articles on the warrant, the Board will be walking through the warrant looking with particular
focus on candidate articles for the Consent Agenda. Ms. Brown, Town Moderator, commented
on how she plans to manage the Consent Agenda at Town Meeting. Her request is that the
Selectmen, together with the two finance committees come up with a group of candidates for the
Consent Agenda that all are in agreement can be included appropriately. Second, the Selectmen
and two finance committees’ recommendation to Town Meeting on each of the motions under
the consent agenda should be unanimous. At Town Meeting these motions will be presented
together as one Consent Agenda. The list will be provided in advance to Town Meeting
members. At Town Meeting, Ms. Brown will allow one member to request that an item be taken
off. She will also allow questions from the floor on items on the Consent Agenda. Town
Meeting will take one vote on all the items.
Article 42 – Commission on Disability Request
Ms. Cusack and Mr. Martignetti presented the resolution put forth by the Commission on
Disability regarding appropriate materials for public sidewalks. Mr. Martignetti talked about the
benefits of using concrete for new sidewalks and for replacement of old sidewalks when needed.
Ms. Cusack believes it is time to be more mindful of materials used for sidewalks and their
impact on safety. She advocates modeling what other communities have done to encourage
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 4, 2015
smooth travel surfaces and noted that brick pavers on the side are appropriate in most contexts.
Mr. Cohen read the resolution aloud. Mr. Pato noted that this is a resolution so it is not binding,
but it does establish the sense of Town Meeting should it prevail, and would serve as guidance
for how we would move forward. In response to Mr. Kelley’s question about the appropriate
width for the smooth surface, Ms. Cusack reported that a 36 inch pathway is the minimum, but
asked that some common sense be applied in expanding and narrowing the pathway depending
on how the sidewalk and surrounding spaces are intended to be used.
Article 8 – Appropriate the FY2016 Community Preservation Committee Operating
Budget and CPA Projects – (g) Cary Memorial Building Sidewalk Enhancement
Mr. Pato would like to get feedback from the Commission on Disability regarding the Historic
Districts Commission’s (HDC) recommendation to use granite at the drop off area and approach
to the steps of the Cary Memorial Building. The Community Preservation Committee has voted
in favor of a budget which would accommodate the granite. After hearing from Ms. Cusack, Mr.
Pato’s sense is that the Commission would prefer concrete in that area and not a smaller paver
like the granite proposal. Mr. Kelley pointed out that a smooth surface can be great when it is
new but as it wears and ages it can become slippery. Mr. Hadley, Public Works Director,
reported that they will do some sampling of materials in April to help with making a decision.
Ms. Hopkins, Chair of the HDC, wanted to clarify that the granite proposed would be in large
pieces, like the granite going up the ramp and would continue to the landing area. Ms. Cusack
feels that it is difficult to make a determination in the absence of a detailed proposal. Mr. Pato
reported that the proposal will come back from the engineering firm, BETA Group, Inc. in the
next few weeks in time for when this is addressed at the second Special Town Meeting.
Positions
Ms. Hai gave preliminary positions from the Capital Expenditures Committee (CEC) with
respect to the financial articles on the warrant. She explained that there will be an opportunity
for members to further debate so some of this may change. Ms. Hai reported that in general the
CEC is in agreement with most of what is currently before them, but they have not yet taken a
position on Article 8 (g) the Cary Memorial Building Sidewalk Enhancement. The Committee is
not in support of Article 8 (e) Battle Green Streetscape Improvements, Article 8 (o) Grain Mill
Alley Design Funds, and Article 8 (p) Minuteman Bikeway Wayfinding Signs – Design Funds.
With regard to Article 11 (a) Center Streetscape Improvements and Easements – Phase I the
Committee is in support of the safety improvements for pedestrians, bicycles and vehicular
traffic but this is a lead in to an estimated $8 million project and many of these elements go
beyond the traffic safety. The CEC would like to see something that addressed the safety
elements, they don’t feel that they want to try to start carving anything up on the floor, however,
they would be very supportive of seeing a divided project addressing the safety elements
potentially even at a fall special town meeting. The CEC is not in support of Article 11 (k)
Hastings Park Undergrounding Wires.
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 4, 2015
The Selectmen unanimously support the following articles:
Special Town Meeting #1
Article 2 Appropriate for School Facilities Capital Projects
Special Town Meeting #2
Article 2 Pump Station Repairs
Article 3 Appropriate for Purchase of Fire Engine
Article 6 Appropriate for Authorized Capital Improvements
Annual Town Meeting
Article 5 Appropriate FY2016 Enterprise Funds Budgets
Article 6 Appropriate for Senior Service Program
Article 7 Establish and Continue Departmental Revolving Funds
Article 10 Appropriate for Recreation Capital Projects
Article 11 Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment
b) DPW Equipment
c) Storm Drainage Improvements and NPDES Compliance
d)Comprehensive Watershed Storm Water Management Study and
Implementation
f)Town-Wide Culvert Replacement
g)Town-Wide Signalization Improvements
Article 14 Appropriate for Water System Improvements
Article 15 Appropriate for Wastewater System Improvements
Article 17 Technical Correction to the Borrowing Authorization under Article 13b of the
2014 Annual Town Meeting
Article 19 Martingale Road Street Acceptance
Article 20 Richmond Circle Street Acceptance
Article 24 Appropriate Bonds and Notes Premiums
Article 25 Rescind Prior Borrowing Authorizations
Article 28 Appropriate from Debt Service Stabilization Fund
Article 35 Accept MGL Chapter 90-I, Section 1 (Complete Streets Program)
Article 36 Authorize Community Electrical Aggregation Program
Article 37 Amend General Bylaws – Street Performers
Article 38 Amend General Bylaws – Tourism Committee
Article 39 Repeal General Bylaws – Sale and Use of Tobacco
Article 40 Amend General Bylaws – Sale and Use of Tobacco (If 39 passes IP 40)
Article 41 Amend General Bylaws – Contracts and Deeds
Article 46 Acquisition of Land Shown on Assessors’ Property Map 22, Lot 51B
The Selectmen unanimously support indefinitely postponing the following articles:
Annual Town Meeting
Article 27 Appropriate to Stabilization Fund
Article 32 Establish Qualifications for Tax Deferrals
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 4, 2015
Article 33 Authorize Home Rule Petition for Tax Relief
The Selectmen took the following positions:
Special Town Meeting #2
Article 4 Appropriate for Cary Memorial Building Sidewalk Enhancement – the
Selectmen will wait for additional information.
Article 5 Amend FY2015 Operating, Enterprise and CPA Budgets – the Selectmen
supported this article with the exception of Mr. Kelley who abstained.
Annual Town Meeting
Article 4 Appropriate FY2016 Operating Budget – the Selectmen will wait for more
Information.
Article 9 Property Purchase – 241 Grove Street – the Selectmen are in favor of the
purchase but will wait until they see the proposal to take a position.
Article 42 Commission on Disability Request – the Selectmen supported this article with
the exception of Mr. Kelley who will wait to take a position.
Article 43 Amend General Bylaws – Demolition Delay (Citizen Article) – the Selectmen
will wait to take a position.
Article 44 Resolution on Fossil Fuel Divestment (Citizen Article) – Mr. Kelley and Mr.
Cohen do not support; Mr. Pato, Ms. Ciccolo and Ms. Barry will wait.
Article 45 Townwide Process for Safety (Citizen Article) – the Selectmen will wait.
Article 47 Amend Zoning By-Law – Medical Marijuana (Citizen Article) – the
Selectmen will wait for the report from the Planning Board.
Article 48 Amend Zoning Map – Commercial Zoning District Lines – the Selectmen will
wait for the report from the Planning Board.
The Selectmen reviewed the list of possible articles that could be included on a Consent Agenda
for Town Meeting: Articles 5, 6, 7, 10, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 25, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33 and 37.
The Selectmen decided to remove Article 29 and add Article 24 to the list.
Selectmen Committee Appointments / Resignations
Communications Advisory Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to appoint Benjamin Moroze to the
Communications Advisory Committee for a term to expire September 30, 2017.
Town Celebrations Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to accept the resignation of Mary
Gillespie from the Town Celebrations Committee effective immediately.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to appoint Melanie Gause, Suzanne
Caton and Linda Levitt to the Town Celebrations Subcommittee for terms to expire June 30,
2015.
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 4, 2015
Discuss Snow Removal from Business District
Mr. Kelley feels that there are fewer people coming in to the Center because of the difficulty
parking. Mr. Kelley believes that there was a time when some additional snow removal was
done during the day to improve parking and access to the sidewalk in a cost effective way. Mr.
Hadley described what has been done to remove snow in the Center. He believes that snow
removal during the day would not make the most sense and referred to emails from DPW
directors in other towns giving feedback on their experience with daytime and nighttime work.
He also noted that years ago there was not as much street furniture as there currently is in the
Center. Mr. Hadley’s recommendation would be to do the work at night in the Center and the
East Lexington business district. Mr. Pato agreed with Mr. Kelley that the DPW has done a
wonderful job of clearing the snow during an extreme winter. Mr. Pato appreciated that the
DPW at the end of last week marked cuts in the snowbanks and the cuts were made over the
weekend to provide better access. The Selectmen and Mr. Hadley discussed the cost of
removing snow on just the south side of Mass Avenue in the Center versus both sides of the
street and in the other business districts in Town. There was an interest in treating all the
business districts equally, but also in keeping the cost down as there is a $300,000 -$400,000
deficit for snow and ice removal already. Mr. Pato felt that this was a difficult issue because of
the inconvenience for residents and substantial effect on merchants, however removing snow in
the Center and not doing a comparable job in the other business districts seemed unfair.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-1 (Mr. Pato opposed) to support an
expenditure of $20,000 for snow removal in the Center, starting with the south side of Mass.
Avenue.
Consent Agenda
Approve Selectmen Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the minutes of the December
1, 2014 Budget Presentation Meeting.
Executive Session
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 by roll call to go into Executive Session
at 9:45 p.m.to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property for a new fire
station or public safety building; and to reconvene in open session only to adjourn. Further, the
Chairman declared that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating
position of the Town.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to return to open session at 10:40 p.m.
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 4, 2015
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:41 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Diana B. Chabot
Assistant to the Executive Clerk
Selectmen’s Meeting
March 9, 2015
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, March 9, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. in the
Selectmen Meeting Room, 1625 Massachusetts Avenue. Chairman Pato, Mr. Kelley, Mr.
Cohen, Ms. Ciccolo and Ms. Barry; and Mr. Valente, Town Manager; and Ms. Pease, Executive
Clerk, were present.
Mr. Hornig, Chair of the Planning Board, called the Planning Board meeting to order at 7:01
p.m. The Planning Board will move their meeting to the Planning Office and return to the
Selectmen’s Meeting during the Article Presentation portion of the meeting. The Planning Board
Members in attendance were: Mr. Hornig, Mr. Canale, Mr. Dunn and Ms. Johnson.
Town Manager Report
1.Mr. Hadley updated the Board on Gleason Road noise issues.
2.Mr. Hadley reported on the snow removal operations from the center.
3.Police Chief Corr reported on two new officers who were sworn in recently and on the
retirement of Captains O’Leary and Ferro and that there are good candidates ready to be
promoted beginning in April. He also reported that a boy scout who saw a man collapse;
he called 911 and started CPR with instructions from emergency dispatch until help
arrived. They were able to revive him using the Automated External Defibrillators
(AED). He also reported on about a police officer who was able to deliver a baby with
help from emergency dispatch.
4.Mr. Valente congratulated Sheila Butts, Assistant Director of Recreation, for being
recognized as the Community Professional of the Year by the Massachusetts Recreation
and Parks Association for her outstanding service to the Association and Lexington.
5.Mr. Valente reported that Lexington was recognized by Ash Center for Democratic
Governance and Innovation at the Kennedy School by increasing the Asian participation
in Town Government as part of the Bright Ideas Program.
6.Mr. Valente reported that each March the Town starts the semi-annual water reading and
this March will be challenging because of snow. If the meters cannot be read from the
outside staff will leave a card and ask residents to read meter and mail back card. It is
important to send the card back quickly so that the resident is not pushed into a higher
tier. Residents who do not have an outside meter reader can contact the public works
who will change the meter at no cost and install an outside meter so it can be read
electronically.
7.Mr. Valente reported on the Governor’s proposed budget for FY2016. His proposed
budget recommendation for local aid cherry sheet shows an increase of $227,000 which
is $20,000 less than anticipated. His recommended budget also includes eliminating a
grant program for full-day kindergarten, which is part of the school budget ($240,000
annually). The Town’s FY2016 budget includes a set-aside of $110,000, but that number
may need to be increased.
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 9, 2015
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Request of the Lions Club for the 59 Annual Carnival
Mr. Lucente and Ms. Rizzo-Riley, representing and Lions Club, requested use of Hastings Park
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for the 59 Annual Fourth of July Carnival from June 28, 2015 through Monday, July 6, 2015.
The Lions Club met with Town Staff (including Police, Fire, Public Works, Recreation,
Community Development and Public Facilities) and was provided with feedback/comments/
requirements to improve this year’s carnival.
A resident from 6 Wheeler Road had safety concerns about the carnival since her child was
injured by a sign board when it fell down Mr. Lucente responded that the carnival operator will
make sure that signage is secured this year.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the request of the Lions Club
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to hold the July 4 Carnival from Sunday, June 28, 2015 through Monday, July 6, 2015 with the
times as requested in the Lions Club letter dated February 9, 2015.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the request of the Lions Club
to have lighting turned on until 11:30 p.m. from June 29, 2015 through July 5, 2015.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve a fireworks display on
Thursday, July 2, 2015, at approximately 9:30 p.m., subject to approval of the fireworks vendor
and necessary safety precautions required by the Fire Department.
Massachusetts Avenue Parking Proposal for the Center
Ms. Tintocalis, Economic Development Director, and Mr. Kucharsky, Planner, made a
presentation and recommendations for three geographic areas to improve parking conditions in
and around the Town Center: 1) new striping for 14 parking spaces on both sides of
Massachusetts Avenue west of the Town Center to improve the safe utilization of existing
parking; 2) changing the posted regulation on the north side of Massachusetts Avenue east of the
Town Center to allow legal parking for 18 spaces; and 3) new regulations for Slocum Road.
The proposed parking proposals will maintain sightlines following the state regulation that
prohibits parking within 20 feet of an intersection (staff also evaluated driveways and crossways)
and identify potential conflicts between motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. The physical road
design elements are intended to reduce vehicle speeds and improve driver attentiveness and
narrowing the real or apparent width of the street is an effective design measure identified by
federal and state agencies to reduce operating speeds on a roadway.
The following monitoring program has been developed to gauge the recommendations
effectiveness and identify impacts if any:
1.Prior to implementation document activity on Massachusetts Avenue and residential side
streets;
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 9, 2015
2.Allow conditions to normalize for one quarter;
3.Each quarter conduct utilization counts for a one week period during AM, MD and PM
peak hours;
4.Counts will include parked vehicles, bicycle and pedestrian activity; and
5.Present findings to the Board of Selectmen after one year.
The recommendations are:
Massachusetts Avenue West of the Town Center – approve amending the code to allow for
vehicle parking with no time restrictions on the north side of Massachusetts Avenue from Forest
Street to approximately 340 feet east adding the necessary striping and approve amending the
code to allow for vehicle parking with no time restrictions on the south side of Massachusetts
Avenue from Forest Street to approximately 225 feet east adding the necessary striping.
Massachusetts Avenue East of the Town Center – approve amending the code to allow for
vehicle parking with no time restriction with Woburn Street/Fletcher Avenue to Rowland
Avenue adding the necessary striping and signage.
Slocum Road, Hunt Road and Rowland Avenue – approve amending the code to indicate No
Parking Anytime on the west side of Slocum Road from Massachusetts Avenue to Highland
Avenue adding the necessary signage; approve amending the code to indicate No Parking 7:00
a.m. to 10:00 a.m. with two hour parking 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday on the
east side of Slocum Road from the terminus of the existing No Parking Anytime zone to
Highland Avenue adding the necessary signage; and approve four permit parking spaces on east
side of Slocum Road from the terminus of the existing No Parking Anytime zone to Hunt Road.
Mr. Tremblay, 1949 Massachusetts Avenue, is concerned about the impact of painted parking
lines in the historic area and the recommended no parking restrictions.
Ms. Swartz, 15 Slocum Road, stated that cars parking starts at 6:00 a.m. each morning which
causes a problem with the kids getting safely on the bus and bus getting down the street. She
supports the recommendations to add No Parking signs, and restricting the time and length of
parking, but she does not support the permit parking.
Mr. Kossey, 1460 Massachusetts Avenue, is not in favor of adding parking along Massachusetts
Avenue in east Lexington because it is a gateway into the Town and because of the large volume
of traffic.
Ms. Cohen, 14 Slocum Road, does not support the permit parking because of her concern for the
safety of the kids.
Mr. Palant, 16 Slocum Road, is against the permit parking because of the poor site lines. He is
also concerned about the traffic getting worse on Slocum Road if a traffic light is installed at the
Winthrop Road/Massachusetts Avenue intersection.
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 9, 2015
Mr. O’Brien, 1454 Massachusetts Avenue, is not in favor of moving employees from downtown
to Slocum Road; there should be other alternatives.
Ms. Wahl, 5 Rowland Avenue, is concerned the parking problem in the center is being moved
down to east Lexington.
Ms. O’Keefe, 22 Slocum Road, is against the permit parking because the existing road is narrow
and it would impact traffic.
Ms. McEwen, 1436 Massachusetts Avenue, is not in favor adding a bike lane to Massachusetts
Avenue. She also feels Slocum Road is too dangerous to have parking spaces. She suggested
looking at alternatives for employee parking.
Ms. Tintocalis responded that employees are encouraged to use alternative modes of
transportation, which is part of the Complete Streets Program.
Ms. Toomey, 23 Slocum Road, feels Slocum Road is too narrow, not safe for kids and there is
not enough room sometimes for the bus to get through. She is also opposed to the permit
parking.
Mr. Toomey, 23 Slocum Road, is against the permit parking. The cars that park are commuters
who provide zero dollars for the benefit of the Town.
Ms. Sahagian, 11 Slocum Road, has difficulty parking in his driveway.
Mr. Teague, 7 Rowland Avenue, feels the cost to the residents is higher with more traffic and
parking spaces that will change the feel of the neighborhood.
Mr. Pressman, 22 Locust Avenue, asked if the Selectmen had considered a single deck parking
structure.
Ms. Tintocalis responded that there is no specific recommendation currently but will look at for
the future. Cost is an issue.
Mr. Melton, 22 Slocum Road, asked if parking at Muzzey and local churches had been looked at
as an alternative.
Mr. Kucharsky responded that the Town currently has leases with some of the churches in Town
for parking and trying to find additional spaces.
The Selectmen asked why there are no restrictions on parking in this area. Ms. Tintocalis
responded that if there is no signage the restrictions cannot be enforced.
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 9, 2015
Police Chief Corr stated that the current bylaw prohibits overnight parking all year round, but the
policy has been to enforce only during winter.
Mr. Kelley thought the plan was to look at parking alternatives to free up short-term spaces in the
center and to move long-term employee parkers out of the center. He is not ready to vote on the
recommendations and is not a fan of the proposed painted parking spaces; he suggested using
signage rather than painted lines.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-1 (Mr. Kelley opposed) to approve
amending the code to allow for vehicle parking with no time restrictions on the north side of
Massachusetts Avenue from Forest Street to approximately 340 feet east adding the necessary
striping.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-1 (Mr. Kelley opposed) to approve
amending the code to allow for vehicle parking with no time restrictions on the south side of
Massachusetts Avenue from Forest Street to approximately 225 feet east adding the necessary
striping.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-1 (Mr. Kelley opposed) to approve
amending the code to allow for vehicle parking with no time restrictions on the north side of
Massachusetts Avenue from approximately 75 feet east of the intersection with Woburn
Street/Fletcher Avenue to Rowland Avenue adding the necessary striping and signage.
The Selectmen decided to wait on the proposed signage changes for parking and the Slocum
Road permit parking until additional discussions take place and there is better agreement on what
should be done.
Additional Parking Signage Proposal for the Center
Ms. Tintocalis, Economic Development Director, and Mr. Kucharsky, Planner, made a
presentation and recommendations for three additional parking signs: Massachusetts Avenue at
the Town Office Exit. Massachusetts Avenue at Meriam Street/Clarke Street, and Massachusetts
Avenue at Waltham Street (2 options). The Option 1 parking sign would be installed on the arm
of the street light and Option 2 would be installed on the pole at the corner of Massachusetts
Avenue and Waltham Street. The parking sign recommendations are consistent with the
Lexington Center Parking Management and Implementation Plan, staff and the Town Manager’s
Parking Management Group.
Mr. Kelley does not feel the parking sign is needed at the Massachusetts Avenue/Waltham Street
intersection.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the installation of a parking
sign at Massachusetts Avenue at the Town Office exit and one at Massachusetts Avenue at
Meriam Street/Clarke Street intersection.
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 9, 2015
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-1 (Kelley opposed) to approve the
installation of a parking sign on the arm of the street light (Option 1) at the intersection of
Massachusetts Avenue and Waltham Street.
Article Presentations/Positions
Special Town Meeting #1 – Article 2 – Appropriate for School Facilities Capital Projects
The proposed motion was reviewed by the Selectmen. The presentation at Town Meeting will
refer to the consensus plan that was voted on by the Selectmen and School Committee.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the proposed motion as
presented for Article 2 of the Special Town Meeting #1.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the School Building Project
Consensus Plan dated March 4, 2015.
Article 11 – Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects
Center Streetscape Improvements and Easements-Phase I (Article 11a). Mr. Livsey, Town
Engineer, explained that the Phase I proposal is for work from the Woburn Street intersection to
the Cary Memorial Building driveway entrance and exit and would include reconstructing the
road with granite curbing, new concrete sidewalk with brick border, traffic lights at the Woburn
Street intersection, lighting on the sidewalk and crosswalks and aesthetic features (benches,
trees, signage). The project will improve safety for all modes of transportation, including
pedestrians and bicyclists.
Mr. Pato mentioned that the Capital Expenditures Committee is not in favor of the project
because of the beautification piece. Mr. Livsey responded that 80-90 percent of the Phase I work
is for safety improvements.
Mr. Kelley is not in favor of the signalization of the Woburn Street intersection because it will
ruin one of the gateways to Lexington. He asked what the options would be if the signalization
is not supported at Town Meeting.
Mr. Livsey stated the intersection would likely be reconfigured. He will provide the conceptual
plans to Mr. Kelley for review.
Mr. Cohen feels the project has been discussed for several years and should move forward. Mr.
Kelley does not want to delay the project but wants to see the options.
Ms. Ciccolo is sympathetic to the change in character to the Woburn Street intersection, but her
greater concern is falling behind in making transportation safe for pedestrians, bicyclists and
vehicles.
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 9, 2015
Article 8 – Appropriate the FY2016 Community Preservation Committee Operating
Budget and CPA Projects
Battle Green Streetscape Improvements (Article 8e) – Mr. Livsey stated the $200,000 would
complete the design work. Currently the project is at 25% conceptual design and there are not
any approvals on a particular design. There still need to be more hearings. The project is
expected to go through the construction process next year.
Ms. Ciccolo requested that angle parking be considered on the south side of Massachusetts
Avenue rather than the Battle Green.
Community Center Sidewalk Design (Article 8f) – Mr. Livsey stated that several alternatives are
being considered, including the option where the sidewalk would be built along the driveway.
Cary Memorial Building Sidewalk Enhancement – Article 8g – Mr. Valente explained that a
meeting was held with a few members of the Historic Districts Commission, Commission on
Disability and Engineering to see if a consensus could be reached on the Cary Memorial
Building sidewalk materials and discussions continue. The amount of money approved by the
Community Preservation Committee should cover whatever consensus is agreed to. Also, Public
Works plans to do a concrete pour for review when the weather is better.
If Article 4 (Appropriate for Cary Memorial Building Sidewalk Enhancement) is passed during
the Special Town Meeting #2, Article 8g will be indefinitely postponed.
Minuteman Bikeway Wayfinding Signs (Article 8p) – Ms. Ciccolo explained there were
questions about the possible MAPC regional branding signage project and whether it would
remove the signs to be installed using funds in this article; the MAPC signs would not include
local sites.
First Parish Church Restoration Historic Structure Report (Article 8c) – Mr. Kelley does not
support using public money for private work; it would set a precedent. There should be an effort
by the church to outreach to the community for help.
Mr. Cohen stated that each project that comes before the Community Preservation Committee is
reviewed on its own merits. Because of the view down Massachusetts Avenue looking at the
Battle Green and the First Parish Church it is an important structure in Lexington.
Ms. Ciccolo had concerns about how the building would be preserved. Some of the funds were
to be used for internal work and she questioned whether the building would be open to the
public.
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 9, 2015
Ms. Fenollosa, Chair of the Community Preservation Committee, stated the historic report would
be on the buildings framework to help determine safety issues. The report said it would be open
to events. She also reminded the Board that the First Parish Church would be regulated by the
Historic Districts Commission. It is important as a first step that the church have a plan so work
done reflects long and short-term needs and preservation.
Grain Mill Alley Design Funds (Article 9o) – Mr. Kelley requested information about where the
project is and how much money has been spent and whether the plan is to continue with the
current consultant. He feels there is a disconnect between what the citizens want and what the
consultant suggested. He would like there to be a way to have citizens participate early before
the professional design.
Ms. Fenollosa stated the amount requested is $21,500 which is what was requested to complete
the design.
The Selectmen asked how the project relates to the center streetscape. The Selectmen requested
that the Economic Development Director come to a Selectmen’s meeting to discuss this project.
Planning Articles (Articles 46 to 53)
Mr. Horning reviewed all of the Zoning/Land Use Articles and what the Planning Board’s
positions were.
Article 34 Accept MGL Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 54 and Set Personal Property
Minimum Tax
Mr. Addelson, Assistant Town Manager for Finance, explained the costs associated with
reviewing Personal Property accounts each year and provided different tax scenarios options.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to support Article 34 and to establish a
minimum value of personal property subject to taxation at $2000.
Article 21 – Appropriate to Post Employment Insurance Liability Fund
Last year guidelines were set up which should be followed. The Board will discuss with the
Appropriation Committee why they are suggesting a reduction to the suggested amount for the
Post Employment Insurance Liability Fund
Article 22 – Adjust Retirement COLA Base for Retirees
Ms. Barry recused herself from discussion on this article and left the room.
The Retirement Board unanimously supports this article. Mr. Cohen supports this article since
the teachers already have had their base raised.
Ms. Barry returned to the meeting.
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 9, 2015
Article 23 – Accept Chapter 235 of the Acts of 1994 (Regulating Pension Rights of
Certain Firefighters and Police Officers Terminated Due to a Reduction in Force)
Mr. Valente explained that this article would allow police who were laid off in 2003-2004 to
buyback time into their pension as if they were not laid off. The Actuary has looked at and
believes it would be a disadvantage to the 7 or 8 employees that were impacted if they were to do
so.
Positions
The Selectmen unanimously support the following articles:
Special Town Meeting #2
Article 4 Appropriate for Cary Memorial Building Sidewalk Enhancement
Annual Town Meeting
Article 8 Appropriate the FY2016 Community Preservation Committee Operating
Budget and CPA Projects
Conservation Meadow Preservation Program
a)
Parker’s Revenge Site Restoration
b)
e)Cary Memorial Building Records Center Shelving
f)Battle Green Streetscape Improvements
g)Community Center Sidewalk Design
h)Community Center Preservation Restriction Endowment
i)Park and Playground Improvements
j)Park Improvements – Athletic Fields
k)Park and Playgrounds ADA Accessibility Study
l)Parks Improvements – Hart Court Resurfacing
m)Lincoln Park Field Improvements – Phase 3
n)Minuteman Bikeway Culvert Rehabilitation
p)Minuteman Bikeway Wayfinding Signs – Design Funds
r)Community Preservation Fund Debt Service
s)Administrative Budget
Article 9 Property Purchase – 241 Grove Street
Article 21 Appropriate to Post Employment Insurance Liability
Article 23 Accept Chapter 235 of the Acts of 1994
Article 34 Accept MGL Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 54 and Set Personal Property
Minimum Tax
Article 49 Amend Zoning By-Law and Map – Civic Use Districts
Article 50 Amend Zoning Map – CM District, Waltham Line Near Route 128/I95
Article 51 Amend Zoning By-Law – Site Plan Review Applicability
Article 52 Amend Zoning By-Law – Technical Corrections
Article 53 Amend Zoning By-Law – CB District Moratorium on Banks
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 9, 2015
The Selectmen took the following positions:
Article 8 CPC Operating Budget and CPA Projects
c)First Parish Church Restoration Historic Structure Report – Mr. Pato, Mr.
Kelley and Ms. Barry do not support. Mr. Cohen supports; Ms. Ciccolo
will wait for additional information.
o)Grain Mill Alley Design Funds – Mr. Pato supports; Mr. Kelley does not
support; Mr. Cohen, Ms. Ciccolo and Ms. Barry are waiting for additional
information.
q)Lower Vine Brook Paved Recreation Path Reconstruction – All Selectmen
support except Mr. Kelley is waiting for additional information.
Article 11 Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment
a)Center Streetscape Improvements and Easements – Phase I – All
Selectmen support except Mr. Kelley does not support.
Article 22 Adjust Retirement COLA Base for Retirees – All Selectmen support except
Ms. Barry recused herself.
Article 47 Amend Zoning By-Law – Medical Marijuana – All the Selectmen do not
support this article.
Article 48 Amend Zoning Map – Commercial Zoning District Lines – Mr. Pato, Mr.
Cohen and Ms. Barry support this article. Mr. Kelley and Ms. Ciccolo are
waiting for additional information
Liquor License – Change of Manager – Lexington Golf Club
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the application reflecting a
change of manager and issue an all alcoholic Club Liquor License to Lexington Golf Club, 55
Hill Street
Authorization to Submit a Statement of Interest to the MSBA for Hastings School
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to authorize the Superintendent to
submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest dated February
24, 2015, for the Hastings Elementary School located at 7 Crosby Road, Lexington,
Massachusetts, 02421, which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority
category(s) for which the Lexington Public Schools may be invited to apply to the Massachusetts
School Building Authority in the future:
Priorities
2. Elimination of existing severe overcrowding.
5. Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs,
windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation
and decrease energy related costs in a school facility.
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 9, 2015
7. Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range
of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements.
and, hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest, the
Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of
an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts
School Building Authority, or commits the Town of Lexington to filing an application for
funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.
Selectmen Committee Appointment – Human Rights Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to appoint Jeffrey Toronto to the Human
Rights Committee for a term to expire September 30, 2017.
Consent Agenda
Commitment of Water and Sewer Charges
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the following commitments
of water and sewer:
Commitment of Water and Sewer Cycle 9 December 2014 $ 221,116.48
Commitment of Water and Sewer Finals December 2014 $ 4,917.74
Vote Intent to Layout Richmond Circle and Martingale Road as Public Ways
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 to vote to layout Richmond Circle and
Martingale Road as public ways and recommend acceptance at the 2015 Annual Town Meeting.
Lower Battle Green Flag
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to lower the Battle Green Flag on
Saturday, March 14, 2015, in memory of Robert Kent who passed away on February 5, 2015.
Mr. Kent was active in the community for over 60 years, including as Town Moderator and
Board of Selectmen.
Documents Presented
1.Proposed Motion for Article 2 of the 2015 Special Town Meeting #1.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:30 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk
Selectmen’s Meeting
March 23, 2015
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, March 23, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. in
Room 148 at the Lexington High School, 251 Worthen Road. Chairman Pato, Mr. Kelley, Mr.
Cohen, Ms. Ciccolo and Ms. Barry; and Mr. Valente, Town Manager; and Ms. Pease, Executive
Clerk, were present.
Town Manager Report
Mr. Valente recognized Mr. Hadley, Public Works Director, who reported on the following
items:
1.There has not been any noise issues on Gleason Road since the VFD was installed.
On Tuesday, March 24, at 8:00 a.m., Public Works will hear the long-term
recommendations from the consultants. Neighbors have been invited to attend.
2.Ms. Caragliano, Department Lead Secretary in the Public Works Operations Division,
is retiring after 23 years of service.
Approve and Sign Assignment and Assumption of Grant of Option Agreement for Wright Farm
If approved by Town Meeting, the purchase of 241 Grove Street, Wright Farm Parcel 2, will be
funded with CPA funds. The parcel will then be subdivided such that the house will be deeded
to Lexington Housing Assistance Board (LexHAB) for community housing and the remaining
land will be deeded to the Conservation Commission for conservation/open space purposes.
Currently the option to purchase this parcel is solely with the Conservation Commission. In
order to affect dividing the lot into two parcels, Town Counsel recommended that the
Conservation Commission assign its rights to purchase the parcel to the Board of Selectmen.
Following the purchase the Selectmen will then have the lot divided into two parcels, with one
being deeded to the Conservation Commission and the other to LexHAB.
Ms. Mullins, Conservation Director, explained that the Conservation Commission is interested in
the portion of the land with the barn. They are thinking of doing environmental programs using
the barn.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve and sign the Assignment and
Assumption of Grant of Option Agreement for the parcel at 241 Grove Street.
Approve and Sign Shire Conservation Restriction and Drainage, Sidewalk and Trail Easements
Ms. Ciccolo recused herself from this item since she is an abutter to Shire and she left the room.
Ms. Mullins, Conservation Director, explained that the granting of a Conservation Restriction
and Trail Easement were a requirement of permits issued for the Shire site, both the Zoning
Board of Appeals Special Permit and the Conservation Commission’s Order of Conditions. The
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 23, 2015
proposed Conservation Restriction and Trail Easement are acceptable and have been approved
by Shire and the Conservation Commission, including the Conservation Stewards, and the State
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
The Sidewalk and Drainage Easements were requirements of the Engineering Division as part of
the Spring Street sidewalk construction and the Shade Street roadway project. Both easements
are required to be recorded prior to the Conservation Restriction since these easements fall
within Conservation Restriction Area B.
The Conservation Commission approved the Conservation Restriction and the Drainage,
Sidewalk and Trail Easements at their meeting on March 16, 2015.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to accept and sign the Conservation
Restriction and the Trail Easement between Shire and the Conservation Commission.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to accept and sign the Drainage
Easement and Sidewalk Easement between Shire and the Town of Lexington.
Article Presentations/Positions
Article 11(a) Municipal Capital Projects-Center Streetscape Improvements-Phase I
Mr. Kelley does not want a signal put at the Woburn and Massachusetts Avenue intersection. He
made a motion to divide Article 11(a) in two: cost for signalization and all other elements.
There was no second. He will propose an amendment to Town Meeting to split Article 11(a)
before a vote is taken and explain why.
Mr. Pato and Mr. Cohen were concerned that dividing the article would make it necessary to re-
engineer the entire project.
Article 21 Appropriate to Post Employment Insurance Liability Fund
The Board discussed the Appropriation Committee recommendation to appropriate $1.2 million
instead of the requested $1,862,194 and discussed appropriating the remainder at a fall Special
Town Meeting.
Mr. Valente explained that after last year’s Town Meeting a Working Group was formed and
they recommended going forward with funding the Post Employment Insurance Liability Fund
between 35% and 100% each year. The $1,862,194 is close to the 100% guidelines that were
adopted. He does not see any problem with making a decision later.
Mr. Cohen is concerned that Town Meeting Members will vote the $1.2 million but will not vote
the additional funds at the next Town Meeting. Ms. Ciccolo agrees that the process was
followed and should move forward.
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 23, 2015
Mr. Pato suggested that since the $1.2 million is within the guidelines he would be more
comfortable holding back the additional $600,000 until the fall because of questions about state
funding.
All Selectmen support requesting an appropriation of $1.2 million instead of $1,862,194 for the
Post Employment Insurance Liability Fund and requesting the additional $862,194 at a fall town
meeting. Mr. Cohen was opposed and wanted to ask for the $1,862,194.
Article 11(k) – Municipal Capital-Hastings Park Undergrounding Wires
Mr. Kelley, Mr. Cohen and Ms. Barry support this article. Mr. Pato and Ms. Ciccolo do not
support the request.
Article 34 Set Personal Property Minimum Tax
The Selectmen reviewed again the personal property tax scenarios discussed at a prior meeting
and whether they wanted to change the $2,000 minimum value. It was suggested that the
minimum value be changed to $1,200 which would provide the greatest savings for the Town.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to change the minimum value of
personal property subject to taxation from $2,000 to $1,200.
Article 41 Amend General Bylaws – Contracts and Deeds
All Board members support indefinitely postponing this article.
Article 43 Amend General Bylaws – Demolition Delay
The Board considered data on the effects of the demolition delay bylaw and decided to not
support this article. The Selectmen recognize that the high rate of home demolitions throughout
Lexington is a source of concern for the community and that whatever action is taken at Town
Meeting regarding Article 43, a broader community conversation should be had on the topic.
This conversation should take place in various contexts and should feed into an update to the
Town’s Comprehensive Plan through the leadership of the Planning Board.
Town Manager Appointment – Conservation Commission
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the Town Manager’s
reappointment of Kevin Beuttell to the Conservation Committee for a term to expire March 31,
2018.
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 23, 2015
Consent Agenda
Approve Water and Sewer Commitments and Adjustments
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the following water and
sewer commitments:
Commitment of Water and Sewer Cycle 9 February 2015 $ 264,673.64
Commitment of Water and Sewer Finals February 2015 $ 1,659.04
Vote to Layout Richmond Circle and Martingale Road as Public Ways
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to vote to layout Richmond Circle and
Martingale Road as public ways.
Approve and Sign Bike Walk ‘N Bus Week Proclamation
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to sign a proclamation that proclaims
May 8 to 17, 2015 as Lexington Bike Walk ‘N Bus Week.
Executive Session
Ms. Barry recused herself from the Executive Session and left the room.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 by roll call to go into Executive Session
to discuss strategy with respect to contract negotiations related to the Lexington Police
Association and to reconvene in Open Session only to adjourn. Further, the Chairman declared
that an open meeting discussion may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the
Town.
Ms. Barry returned to the meeting after the executive session was completed.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to adjourn at 7:10 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk
Selectmen’s Meeting
March 25, 2015
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. in
Room 148 of the Lexington High School, 251 Waltham Street. Chairman Pato, Mr. Kelley, Mr.
Cohen, Ms. Ciccolo and Ms. Barry; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; and Ms. Chabot, Assistant to
the Executive Clerk, were present.
Article Presentations / Positions
Article 8 (o) CPA Projects – Grain Mill Alley Design Funds
Ms. Tintocalis, Economic Development Officer, handed out a picture of the Grain Mill Alley,
which lies between 1775 and 1761 Mass. Avenue. Last year, the Community Preservation
Committee (CPC) approved $21,500 for a pocket park. To date $3,000 has been spent on legal
fees, $13,875 on site analysis, design and public process, and $4,625 is left. The request to the
CPC is for additional design money to be used with the original consultant and to field test some
ideas. The idea to use the alley space was originally initiated by the Center Committee about 10
years ago. A few years ago, the late Rick Abrams came to Ms. Tintocalis with several ideas. To
move forward, the recommendation from the Center Committee is to form a Steering Committee
with one representative from the Board of Selectmen, property owners, Bike Committee, and
Historic Districts Commission.
Ms. Ciccolo thinks the idea of field testing would be well received by the community and
supports moving forward. Mr. Kelley is hopeful that the Design Advisory Committee could
participate on the Steering Committee. Mr. Pato believes it is essential to move forward with a
more focused steering group and move forward with field testing.
Ms. McKenna, as chair of the Tourism Committee requests that her committee be represented on
the Steering Committee. As an individual Town Meeting Member she is reluctant to support the
funding request because of concerns that money spent so far that has not gotten us a lot of
consensus about what the design should be. She has spoken with Ms. Tintocalis about the
proposal for a street piano project at Revolutionary Revelry in May, and feels that a good testing
place would be the grain mill alley.
Mr. Kanter, Precinct 7 Town Meeting Member, would like the Board to consider constraint
against any further funds to the current designer since the outcome of the first effort didn’t
produce anything that met with any acceptance. He would ask the Board to consider a fresh
consultant before moving forward.
Mr. Pressman, member of the Community Preservation Committee, reported that his
understanding of the last presentation to the CPC was that the funding included field testing of
ideas. Mr. Cohen thinks it would be a mistake to not proceed with funding right now. Ms. Barry
sees the Steering Committee as an important step.
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 25, 2015
Ms. Barry changed her position from Wait to Yes. Mr. Pato confirmed that all of the Selectmen
are in support of Article 8 (o). The Selectmen will weigh in on the makeup of the Steering
Committee at a later date with preparation on Ms. Tintocalis’ part.
Positions
The Selectmen unanimously support the following articles for the Annual Town Meeting:
Article 11 Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment
e) Sidewalk Improvements, Additions, Designs and Easements
h) Hartwell Avenue Infrastructure Improvements and Easements
i) Street Improvements and Easements
j) Bikeway Bridge Repairs and Engineering
l) Hydrant Replacement Program
m) Westview Cemetery Building Assessment
o) Municipal Technology Improvement Program – Phase III
p) Police/Fire Dispatching and Records Software
q) Parking Meter Replacement
r) Public Safety Radio Stabilization – Phase I
s) Design/Engineering – Firing Range at Hartwell Avenue Compost Site
Article 16 Appropriate for School Capital Projects and Equipment
Article 18 Appropriate for Public Facilities Capital Projects
a)Middle School Space Mining
b)Clark Middle School Circulation and Parking Improvements, Design
c)LHS Phase 2 Overcrowding/Completion
d)Major Mechanical/Electrical Systems’ Replacement
f)LHS Heating Systems Upgrade – Phases 2 and 3 – Design
g)School Building Envelope and Systems
h)Municipal Building Envelope and Systems
i)Repairs/Replacements/Upgrades:
School Building Flooring Program
School Interior Painting Program
Diamond Middle School Lighting to Rear Parking Lot
j)School Paving Program
k)Public Facilities Bid Documents
l)Security Cameras Upgrade
The Selectmen unanimously support indefinitely postponing the following article for the Annual
Town Meeting:
Article 18 (e) Appropriate for Public Facilities Capital Projects – Lexington Public
School Educational Capacity Increase – Short and Long-Term
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 25, 2015
The Selectmen took the following positions for the Annual Town Meeting:
Article 11(n) Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment – Replace
Town-wide Phone Systems – Phase IV – the Selectmen supported this
article with the exception of Mr. Kelley who abstained.
Article 44 Resolution on Fossil Fuel Divestment (Citizen Article) – Mr. Pato
changed his position from Wait to Yes and Ms. Barry changed her
position from Wait to Recusing herself. Mr. Kelley and Mr. Cohen do not
support; Ms. Ciccolo will wait.
Adjust Sidewalk Permit Fees
Mr. Valente explained that it has been the Town’s practice to allow food establishments in the
Center to license the use of their adjacent public sidewalks. Specifically, Bertucci’s and Peets
Coffee have licensed the use of the sidewalk for customer tables. The Town Manager is
recommending an increase of approximately 2.5% in license fees for 2015, consistent with the
increase in the tax levy. If the Board approves this change, Bertucci’s monthly fee will increase
to $430 from $420 per month and Peets Coffee will increase to $65 from $63 per month.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to establish sidewalk license fees of
$430 per month for Bertucci’s and $65 per month for Peets Coffee.
Selectmen Committee Appointments / Resignations
MBTA Advisory Board
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to designate Jeanette Rebecchi as
Lexington’s representative to the MBTA Advisory Board and to designate Michelle Ciccolo as
Lexington’s Alternate Representative.
Town Celebrations Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to appoint Julie Miller to the Town
Celebrations Committee for a term to expire June 30, 2015.
Town Counsel
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to reappoint Anderson and Kreiger,
represented by William L. Lahey, as Town Counsel for Lexington for a term to expire March 31,
2016.
Permanent Building Committee
The appointments to the Permanent Building Committee representing the Board of Selectmen on
the Visitor Center project were deferred to another meeting.
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 25, 2015
Approve Proposed Building Signage on the Lexington Community Center
Mr. Pato explained that the Public Facilities Department has a vendor lined up to rework the
stone sign over the entrance to the new Community Center and wants to verify that the name of
the building will be “Lexington Community Center.” Mr. Kelley is wondering if there is an
interest to have a date put on the sign, perhaps 2015 or established in 2015. Ms. Ciccolo is not
opposed, she thinks it is a nice idea. Ms. Barry is not opposed but thinks it might be more
appropriate someplace else on the building. She asked about whether there will be a plaque in
the lobby. Mr. Pato is not ready to vote for anything more than “Lexington Community Center”
at this time. Mr. Kelley suggested moving this item to another meeting so that the Board has
time to consider it.
Town Manager Appointment
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the Town Manager’s
reappointments of Joyce Miller and Philip Hamilton to the Conservation Commission.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 6:50 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Diana B. Chabot
Assistant to the Executive Clerk
Selectmen’s Meeting
March 30, 2015
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, March 30, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. in
Room 148 at the Lexington High School, 251 Worthen Road. Chairman Pato, Mr. Kelley, Mr.
Cohen, Ms. Ciccolo and Ms. Barry; and Mr. Valente, Town Manager; and Ms. Pease, Executive
Clerk, were present.
Public Comment
Ms. Floyd, 16 Oxford Street, read a letter to the Selectmen requesting that a winter public safety
brochure on fire hydrant clearing and sidewalk clearing be sent to each residential household.
The Selectmen will discuss this request at a future date.
Town Manager Report
Mr. Valente reported on two items:
1.DPW has scheduled a meeting for 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31 with the force
main/pump station consultant regarding strategies moving forward toward long-term
solutions.
2.A small cavity was found behind the eagle that hangs above the stage area in Battin
Hall in the Cary Memorial Building and it contained a letter written about the
building construction. A copy of the letter was provided to the Selectmen.
Article Presentations/Positions
Article 4 Appropriate FY2016 Operating Budget
All of the Selectmen support this article.
Article 45 Townwide Process for Safety
Mr. Kelley will wait to hear the debate at Town Meeting before taking a position. All of the
other Selectmen support this article.
Article 21 Appropriate to Post Employment Insurance Liability Fund
Mr. Cohen supports this article and Ms. Barry recused herself from taking a position on this
article.
Article 11a Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment (Center
Streetscape Improvements and Easements – Phase I)
Mr. Kelley is concerned about the signalization of the Massachusetts Avenue/Woburn Street
intersection. He is concerned about pedestrian safety at that intersection. He also has concerns
about the Phase I work between the Cary Memorial Building and the intersection being done
now because of some uncertainty of the police station, Hosmer house, sidewalks, and utility
poles. He will be asking Town Meeting to vote down Article 11a.
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 30, 2015
Mr. Pato pointed out that the project has been designed over a four year period with lots of
public meetings and approval by the entire Board of Selectmen. The consultants have
recommended the signalization of the Massachusetts Avenue/Woburn Street intersection and that
without the signal the intersection would be inferior for safety.
Ms. Ciccolo asked what the financial implications would be to modify the design and how much
has been spent so far. She also asked what the cost would be to modify curb cuts for any new
plans near the police station and Hosmer house.
Approve Request for Discovery Day Street Fair
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the request of the Lexington
Retailers Association detailed in a letter dated March 12, 2015 to have exclusive use of the
Muzzey Street/Waltham Street parking lot on Saturday, May 23, 2015 (rain date May 30) from
th
5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the 36 Annual Discovery Day Street Fair, to erect seven temporary
signs, park a flatbed trailer in Lexington Center and provide free parking, subject to having a pre-
event meeting with staff from Police, Fire, and DPW to work out all the details.
Town Manager Appointments – Board of Assessors and Board of Health
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the Town Manager’s
reappointments of Edmund Grant to the Board of Assessors for a term to expire April 30, 2018
and Dr. Burt Perlmutter to the Board of Health for a term to expire April 30, 2018.
Approve Proposed Building Signage on the Lexington Community Center
The Selectmen discussed if the sign on the building should include the date it was established as
the Lexington Community Center. It was suggested that a plaque similar to one put at the new
Estabrook School be installed in the lobby.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the proposed wording on the
building of the new Community Center which will be “Lexington Community Center”.
Consent Agenda
Approve Water and Sewer Commitments and Adjustments
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the following adjustments of
water and sewer charges:
Adjustment of Water and Sewer charges as recommended by WSAB $ (37,855.79)
Adjustment of Water and Sewer charges as recommended by WSAB $ (16,569.29)
Selectmen’s Meeting – March 30, 2015
Approve One-Day Liquor License – COMPASS for Kids
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the request of COMPASS for
Kids for a one-day liquor license to serve all alcohol at the Club Shake It Fundraiser to be held
on Saturday, June 13, 2015, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Hayden Lower Field, Worthen
Road, subject to liquor only being served until 11:30 p.m. and the music being turned off by
12:00 midnight; hiring two police details, acquiring a temporary food permit, renting portable
toilets from a company permitted by the Health Department, acquiring a permit for use of
outdoor tents that are flame resistant and no cooking or open flames can be located under the
tents, and pickup of all trash and debris.
Approve One-Day Liquor License – Cary Memorial Library Foundation
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the request of the Cary
Memorial Library Foundation for a one-day liquor license to serve beer and wine at the “Fuel
Your Mind with Local Ingenuity” fundraiser on Saturday, April 11, 2015, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00
p.m. at the Cary Memorial Library.
Documents Presented
1.Letter from Norma Floyd dated March 30, 2015, requesting a winter public safety brochure
on fire hydrant and sidewalk clearing.
2.Old Document titled “Memorandum to go in Compartment in the Rear of Ornamental Eagle”
found behind Eagle in Battin Hall at the Cary Memorial Building.
Executive Session
Ms. Barry recused herself from the executive session and left the meeting room.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 by roll call to go into executive session
for an update on coalition bargaining and to reconvene in open session only to adjourn. Further
the Chairman declared that an open meeting discussion may have a detrimental effect on the
bargaining position of the Town.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to adjourn at 7:10 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk