HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-14 SB-min
Select Board Meeting
June 14, 2021
A remote participation meeting of the Lexington Select Board was called to order at 6:30 p.m. on
Monday, June 14, 2021 via Zoom remote meeting services. Select Board Chair Ms. Hai; Vice Chair Mr.
Lucente; and members Mr. Pato; Ms. Barry; and Mr. Sandeen were present, as well as Mr. Malloy, Town
Manager; Ms. Axtell, Deputy Town Manager; and Ms. Katzenback, Executive Clerk. Town Counsel
Mikarios was present for the Executive Session.
VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 5-0 by roll call to adjourn the
Open Session of the meeting to enter into Executive Session under Exemption 6 to discuss strategy with
respect to purchase exchange, lease or value of real property regarding the community center land. It was
further declared that an Open Meeting discussion may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating
position of the town.
Following the close of Executive Session, the Select Board reconvened in Open Session at 7:07 p.m.
Ms. Hai stated that the meeting was being conducted via zoom as posted with the agenda on the Town’s
website, and members of the public may participate by clicking the link on the agenda.
Ms. Hai provided directions to members of the public, watching or listening via the Zoom application,
regarding the procedure for making a public comment.
Ms. Hai reminded Board members, staff, and members of the public about Lexington’s Standard of
Conduct regarding civil discourse during Town Government meetings.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Mr. Malloy reported that the Massachusetts State Senate passed a bill to extend through April 2022 the
ability for Town Governments to meet virtually. The House is expected to take up the bill tomorrow.
Governor Baker said he would sign the bill as soon as it lands on his desk. Mr. Malloy said Lexington’s
boards and committees have been notified of this status and will continue to be updated.
ACTION ITEMS: Mr. Malloy will send emails to any committees with meetings that would be affected
by the possible gap in authorization to meet virtually. If public meeting locations are needed in the
interim, they will be made available through the Town Manager’s office.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Select Board Committee Appointment
To appoint Jaclyn Anderson to the Ad Hoc Stone Building Feasibility/Re-Use Committee for a term set to
expire upon the completion and presentation of deliverables for the newly proposed purpose of the Stone
Building.
DOCUMENTS: 2021 Ad Hoc Stone Building Feasibility/Re-Use Application—J. Andersen.
2. Water and Sewer Adjustments
To approve Water & Sewer Adjustments of ($9,663.29) as recommended by Water/Sewer Abatement
Board (WSAB) on May 6, 2021.
DOCUMENTS: Water/Sewer Adjustments from WSAB 5/6/2021
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3. Approve and Sign Proclamation—Recognition of Harriet “Hattie” Fels Price’s 101
Birthday
To approve and sign a proclamation in recognition of Harriet "Hattie" Fels Price's 101st birthday.
DOCUMENTS: 2021 Harriet “Hattie” Fels Price’s 101 Birthday Proclamation.
4. Acceptance of Deed for Luongo Farm Lane
Town Meeting voted under Article 31 of the 2021 Annual Town Meeting to accept Luongo Farm
Lane. The final step in the Town process is for the Select Board to vote to accept the deeds.
To approve and accept the Deed of the Property from Eugene R. Luongo and Jeanne S. Luongo, not
individually but as Trustees of Pleasant Street Realty Trust, said Deed being substantially in the form
presented at the Board’s June 14, 2021 meeting, with final changes to be made by the Town Manager in
consultation with town counsel; AND To authorize the Town Manager to take all actions reasonably
necessary, in the judgment of the Town Manager, to effectuate the acquisition of the Property.
DOCUMENTS: Luongo Farm Lane Deed; Map; CERTIFICATION OF VOTE—Luongo Farm
5. Town Manager Committee Reappointment
To confirm the Town Manager's appointment of Deborah Hankins to the Youth Commission.
VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 5-0 by roll call to approve the
Consent Agenda.
ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
1. Discuss Formation of Task Force to Research Adoption of Municipal Affordable Housing
Trust
This is a follow-up to the Joint Meeting held in May re: forming a study committee to research creation of
a Municipal Affordable Housing Trust.
Carol Kowalski, Assistant Town Manager for Development, presented a draft committee charge for
review. The three-part committee charge would produce three distinct products: a bylaw to be voted on by
Town Meeting; the declaration of a Trust, similar to those which Lexington’s Town Counsel has created
for other client communities; and an adoption of the Massachusetts General Law pertaining to Housing
Trusts.
Ms. Kowalski noted that the composition of the committee and the number of committee members are not
prescribed by law or custom. Lexington’s particular housing needs, potential funding sources, and
community housing vision would all influence committee configuration and which groups are
represented. Ms. Kowalski noted it is often helpful to have members with backgrounds in finance, real
estate lending, real estate development, affordable housing, planning, and/or construction.
Mr. Lucente believes the draft charge is a good start but decisions— such as the starting and ending
points of such a study— need to be made. He also wants to clarify what the Select Board’s role would be
re: oversight and providing a liaison.
Mr. Pato believes a Select Board member should be on the committee, not least because a member of the
Board will be one of the Trustees of the housing trust, if created, and therefore someone on the Board
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should be intimate with the particulars. He is in favor of moving forward with the creation of a study
committee but he also believes completing the study committee’s charge will require substantial work.
Ms. Barry noted that even though there are seven different categories of skill sets sought, the number of
committee members should not be so large that work becomes cumbersome.
Mr. Sandeen asked if the committee charge should include the potential formation of a community
development corporation. He also asked if diversity and sustainability advocates should be specifically be
included and he asked if assessing Lexington’s housing needs means comparing goals with outcomes or
assessing the current housing inventory.
Ms. Hai seconded those concerns, adding it might be better to use the information and recommendations
developed by the Comprehensive Plan Committee and the Special Permit Residential Development
Committee. Ms. Hai believes the charge should be clear about whether or not the committee will look into
both the creation of a housing trust and the creation of a development corporation. Ms. Hai also asked if
the study committee would have the benefit of staff support.
Ms. Kowalski said she, when she wrote the draft charge, she believed the Select Board wanted to tackle
the question of a trust first and consider a housing corporation second but she agreed it might be better to
do both at the same time. She agreed staff support would be beneficial.
Select Board members agreed the charge might include two steps: the creation of a trust and then— if
recommended and approved— the study of creating a development corporation.
ACTION ITEMS: Ms. Kowalski will amend the charge based on the above comments and bring the next
draft back to the Select Board for further review.
DOCUMENTS: Committee Charge.
2. Review Request for Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons on Wood Street
Sheila Page, Assistant Planning Director, presented a request from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation
Authority (MBTA) to install rectangular flashing beacons on Wood Street. The MBTA is updating bus
stop accessibility throughout its system. Lexington’s Transportation Safety Group (TSG) has been
working with the MBTA to identify priorities.
Three crosswalks and flashing beacons are now being recommended by the MBTA. Ms. Page said it was
somewhat unusual to have three flashing beacons in such close proximity to one another but pedestrian
safety would be improved in each case.
Ms. Page stated that TSG held a public meeting about the MBTA’s request. Concerns were expressed at
the meeting and via email about how long the lights would flash and whether the beacons would be
pedestrian activated. Ms. Page reported the beacons are activated by request and the lights would flash for
60 seconds, long enough for pedestrians to cross Wood Street safely.
Two representatives from the MBTA plus a project design associate provided an overview of the bus
route along Wood Street and the reasoning behind the request to install the three beacons. They reported
that the (currently) combined 62/76 bus route that travels down Wood Street will again become separate
routes. However, the MBTA is unsure when— or if—ridership will return to pre-Covid levels.
The MBTA is investing about $350,000 in Lexington alone to ensure that bus stops are accessible and
well-spaced, in some cases increasing the distance between stops. The addition of the flashing beacons on
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Wood Street is primarily due to the speed at which traffic travels on the street. The three flashers would
be installed at the intersections of: Wood Street and Patterson Road; Wood Street and Woodpark Circle;
and Wood Street and Conestoga Road. The crosswalk/flasher at Conestoga Road was most welcomed by
the neighborhood because children could more safely access their school bus stop there.
If the Select Board approves the MBTA’s request, the project will move to 100% design and permitting,
then go into the construction phase later this summer.
Mr. Pato said he supports this request but is concerned that adding three rapid flashing beacons here
might spur requests all over town.
Ms. Barry said a crosswalk/beacon at Fairview would help connect the affordable housing units there to
the bus route. She asked if the Town will become responsible for maintenance of the beacons post-
installation. The MBTA representative said the beacons would become the responsibility of the Town
through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Dave Pinsonneault, DPW Director, stated the beacons
would not constitute a maintenance burden.
Mr. Sandeen asked if there is a warrantee on the components of the lights that would help the Town
defray maintenance expenses. The MBTA representatives said maintenance costs are minimal but they
will ask the contractor about the warrantee.
David Kanter, Vice Chair of the Capital Expenditures Committee, asked if any land-taking is required.
The MBTA representatives said that all work is within the 10-foot right of way with one exception and, in
that case, the property owner— MIT/Lincoln Labs— has already given permission.
Mr. Kanter asked if there will be sequencing issues with three lights in such close proximity. The MBTA
representatives stated that, with bus stops at least 1000 feet apart, traffic should not back up.
Mr. Kanter asked what the power source would be if solar power turns out not to be an option. The
MBTA reps said that the beacons would be hooked up to the closest utility pole.
VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 5-0 by roll call to approve three
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons on Wood Street as per the proposal from the Massachusetts Bay
Transit Authority (MBTA).
DOCUMENTS: Presentation—June 14, 2021; Existing and Proposed Steps; Memo.
3. Approve Submission of Statement of Interest for Lexington High School
Dr. Julie Hackett, Superintendent of Schools, asked the Board for authorization to submit the Statement
of Interest letter for Lexington High School to the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The content
of the SOI is not being approved, merely the authorization to submit. This is the third year in a row that
such a letter will be submitted for Lexington High. Each year the letter is updated with new information
and reassessments of need. June 16, 2021 is the date chosen to submit the SOI.
VOTE: Resolved: Having convened in an open meeting on June 14, 2021, prior to the SOI submission
closing date, the Select Board of Lexington Massachusetts, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and
ordinances, has voted 5-0 by roll call to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts
School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated June 16, 2021 , for the Lexington High
School located at 251 Waltham Street which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the
priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building
Authority in the future:
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PRIORITIES
2. The elimination of existing severe overcrowding;
3. The prevention of the loss of accreditation;
4. The prevention of severe overcrowding expected to result from increased enrollments
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;
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 Form, 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.
ACTION ITEMS: Letter to be signed and submitted.
DOCUMENTS: SOI SB Vote; SOI Letter.
4. Update of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Carolyn Kosnoff, Assistant Town Manager for Finance; and Jennifer Hewitt, Budget Officer; provided
the overview of the American Rescue Plan Act that channels funds through the State to municipalities to
cover costs incurred by Covid-19. Lexington expects to receive $9.9M, distributed in two tranches.
Lexington has submitted its first-round application. The second tranche will be distributed no less than 12
months after the first (July 2022). The funding will be available for use by the Town through the end of
calendar year 2024.
Currently, how the funds can be applied is being broadly interpreted but they are directed toward several
primary objectives: support urgent Covid-19 response efforts; replace lost revenue; support immediate
economic stabilization; and/or address systemic public health and economic challenges that have cause an
unequal pandemic impact. Impacts can include mental and behavioral health; providing premium pay for
essential workers; and making investments in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure.
Ms. Kosnoff noted that the Cares Act, unlike ARPA, did not allow include an infrastructure application.
ARPA funds cannot be applied to pensions, replenishment of rainy-day funds; make direct appropriations
to reduce taxes; settling legal disputes; or debt service. OPEB is not specifically disallowed but it would
require a higher reporting threshold to demonstrate applicability.
Ms. Kosnoff noted that Lexington came in under budget in many areas during Covid so none of the
funding can be used for excess expenditures. The biggest loss area, however, was the delta between
expected and actual revenue in areas like local excise taxes; recreation enterprise; and tourism (programs
like the Liberty Ride).
Ms. Kosnoff explained the formula by which funding submissions can be calculated, and also the
numbers Lexington will use in the application. She noted that additional sources of funding are being
offered to schools, human services, agricultural concerns, small businesses, environmental improvements,
energy, and housing assistance.
Mr. Malloy has asked the Senior Management Team to consider ways the funding can be applied and to
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prioritize identified needs. Other applicable stakeholders are to be included in these discussions. A draft
plan will come back before the Board at a later date.
Dawn McKenna, Chair of the Tourism Committee, asked for some clarification about whether the
funding could be applied to lost revenue from the Liberty Ride and Battle Green tours, noting they were
already impacted by having to use a temporary headquarters during construction of the new Visitors
Center. To provide an accurate accounting of lost revenue, Ms. McKenna recommended using pre-
disruption figures from 2018. She further noted that a new trolly for the Liberty Ride program is needed,
which she cited as the only direct public transport link between Lexington and Concord.
Ms. Barry asked in what sort of instrument these funds would be held in. Ms. Kosnoff replied that a new
“Federal Grant Fund” would be created, similar to the one that was created to hold CARES Act funds.
She believes, and State guidance will verify, once applications for the funds are determined, they would
then be transferred into the General Fund.
Ms. Barry asked for more information about lower motor vehicle excise tax receipts and asked if these
lower expectations might be a longer-term trend. Ms. Kosnoff reported that the first round of excise tax
bills brought in $400,000 less than expected, based on the prior year. Some of the shortfall was made up
in the second round but growth was substantially less than projected.
Mr. Lucente asked if money would have to be returned if the Town miscalculated amounts or
applicability. Ms. Kosnoff said she did not think it would come to that, given the reporting mandate and
the eventuality of clearer State guidance. There is a sense the Federal government wants cities and towns
to use the money, not make it hard for them to access.
Mr. Sandeen asked how the distribution of funds would work. Ms. Kosnoff said it is feasible, over the
four-year period of time, that the entire $9.9M might be dedicated to lost revenue but she does not believe
that will be the way the funding is allocated.
DOCUMENTS: ARPA Federal Funding—Presentation.
5. Liquor License Change of Manager—Lemon Grass, Inc. d/b/a/ Love at First Bite Thai
Kitchen and Bar
All the necessary paperwork to request approval for a Change of Manager on the All-Alcoholic Common
Victualler Liquor License for Lemon Grass, Inc. d/b/a Love at First Bite Thai Kitchen & Bar has been
submitted.
The proposed manager, Apichat Chuenprapa submitted a current Alcohol Awareness Training Certificate
and completed the required CORI check.
VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 5-0 by roll call to approve the
application reflecting a Change of Manager to be Apichat Chuenprapa and issue a Common Victualler
Liquor License for Lemon Grass, Inc. d/b/a Love at First Bite Thai Kitchen & Bar located at 1710 Mass.
Avenue reflecting the same.
DOCUMENTS: Change of Manager Application—Love at First Bite.
6. Liquor License Change of Manager—Lixi Hospitality FB MGT, Inc. d/b/a Aloft Lexington
All the necessary paperwork to request approval for a Change of Manager on the All-Alcoholic Innholder
Liquor License for Lixi Hospitality Lexington FB MGT, Inc. d/b/a Aloft Lexington has been submitted.
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The proposed manager, Patricia Elkins, submitted a current Alcohol Awareness Training Certificate and
completed the required CORI check.
VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 5-0 by roll call to approve the
application reflecting a Change of Manager to be Patricia Elkins and issue an All-Alcoholic Innholder
Liquor License for Lixi Hospitality Lexington FB MGT, Inc. d/b/a Aloft Lexington located at 727 Marrett
Road–A reflecting the same.
DOCUMENTS: Change of Manager—ABSS application—Aloft.
7. Application: Entertainment License—CFHP The Hangar, LLC d/b/a Revolution Hall
CFHP The Hangar, LLC d/b/a Revolution Hall, 3 Maguire Road, has submitted an application requesting
approval for an Entertainment License for the purpose of a concert event on Saturday, June 26, 2021. The
live musical performances will take place in the business parking lot at 3 Maguire Road from 12:00pm to
8:00pm.
The Fire and Police Departments have met with the applicant and reviewed the event for any
requirements related to their respective departments (no Fire Permits or police details are necessary). Both
Fire and Police have no concerns.
The Building Department has no concerns, but did inform Revolution Hall that the Stage Company must
obtain a permit for the stage.
Ms. Barry asked if Police expressed traffic concerns, given the location. The presenter from Revolution
Hall affirmed that the Police expressed no concerns.
David Kanter, 48 Fifer Lane, asked if the motion should be contingent upon receiving the necessary
staging permit. Ms. Katzenback said that in order for the permit to be granted, the Select Board must first
approve the request for an entertainment license.
VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded. The Select Board voted 5-0 by roll call to approve
an Entertainment License for CFHP The Hangar, LLC d/b/a Revolution Hall, 3 Maguire Road for the
purpose of providing live musical performances for patrons of the concert event to take place on
Saturday, June 26, 2021 from 12:00pm to 8:00pm in the parking lot of 3 Maguire Road.
DOCUMENTS: Revolution Hall—Overview of Event for Entertainment License; Revolution Hall—Map
of Event Location for Entertainment License.
8. LexSeeHer Update
Jessie Steigerwald, Betty Gao, and other LexSeeHer group members reported the progress made to
identify a monument site following the passage of Special Town Meeting 2020 Article 7 –Resolution for
Establishment of a Monument. This monument to honor” contributions made by Lexington women
across time” will be privately-funded.
Ms. Steigerwald said that several representative Lexington historical female figures have been identified
for the LexSeeHer logo. For the monument, the group has worked to identify a site and an artist and a
request for qualifications has been issued to begin the process of finding an artist for the project. Finalists
will be selected in July.
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When the Cary Memorial Library lawn turned out not to be a viable monument site, the group met with
Mr. Malloy and Mr. Lucente to determine a process to pursue a site near one notable protest mounted by
Lexington women in 1769. The Historic Districts Commission has said the group should return to them
once it has a final drawing with specific dimensions and materials, as well as location information.
Director of Public Works Dave Pinsonnault and the Commission on Disabilities have provided the group
with helpful direction on site criteria. Twenty possible locations have been evaluated, which have been
narrowed down to five. The most preferred site is nearest the corner of Merriam Street and Massachusetts
Avenue, close to the Liberty Ride stop.
Ms. Steigerwald said the group would like to meet with Select Board members individually for feedback
before the next full-Board presentation. Information about joining the group as Founders is available on
the LexSeeHer website. The call for artists info is there as well.
Dawn McKenna, Chair of the Tourism Committee, said that the site lines around the Visitors Center—
where the preferred monument site is— were within the scope of the Battle Green Master Plan. The
Tourism Committee will discuss the proposed monument at its July 8, 2021 meeting. Ms. McKenna noted
that the Tourism Committee has, so far, not been brought into LexSeeHer discussions.
Wendy Reasenberg, Precinct 8 Town Meeting Member, believes the monument will be in harmony with
other aspects of the Battle Green and that the Select Board should indicate to LexSeeHer what outcome it
desires.
ACTION ITEMS: LexSeeHer will return to the Board following the artists’ submissions.
DOCUMENTS: LexSeeHer Overview Map.
Ms. Hai called for a 5-minute recess, starting at 8:52 p.m. and ending at 8:57 p.m.
9. Review and Approve List of Potential Sites for Relocation of Hosmer House
Mr. Malloy reported that staff have developed a list of Town-owned properties to consider for relocation
of the Hosmer House. This initial list of 300 sites was reviewed by the Conservation, Building and
Zoning Departments to determine which parcels were appropriate and buildable. After that assessment, 26
parcels remained on the list. The Historic Districts Commission (HDC) and the Historical Commission
(HC) have recommended 2 of the 26 for further consideration: 3 Harrington Road and 41 Hancock Street.
It was noted, however, that 41 Hancock Street is privately-owned.
Mr. Malloy said if the Board opts to move forward with these two possible sites, he would advance the
project by notifying abutters to attend a meeting to provide comment. He asked the Board to indicate how
big a radius of abutters his notification should include.
Ms. Barry said the largest radius (500-feet) seems appropriate so that the greatest number of abutters will
be included. As Ms. Barry has said in previous discussions, she is not in favor of the 3 Harrington Road
site. As far as 41 Hancock Street goes, Ms. Barry would like to hear Town Counsel’s opinion about
including a potential site in the RFP that the Town does not currently control.
Mr. Malloy said he believes that narrowing down the relocation sites will encourage— rather than
discourage— bidders and he noted there is also a Special Permit process to undergo to be able to move
the house to the Hancock Street address.
Mr. Sandeen said he would feel more comfortable if the preferred site was Town-controlled so that a
successful outcome could be assured. He agreed that a 500-foot radius for abutters is preferable. Mr.
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Malloy noted that only sites approved by the HDC and HC would have had any prospect of approval.
Mr. Lucente said he is surprised 3 Harrington Road is still on the list of potential sites after the Select
Board deemed the location inappropriate. He is frustrated that the site on which the Hosmer House sits is
not included as a potential location. He also does not understand how the HDC and HC can determine
sites to be appropriate or inappropriate without viewing a site plan. Nonetheless, he would be happy if 41
Hancock prevailed. As for an abutter radius, he is also fine with 500 feet.
Mr. Pato agreed with the 500-foot buffer and said he feels strongly that if 41 Hancock is the preferred
site, the Town should have a formalized agreement with the owner before identifying it in an RFP.
Ms. Hai confirmed with Mr. Malloy that the prevailing bidder of the RFP would have to privately
contract with the owners of 41 Hancock Street to purchase the land. Mr. Malloy said that current owner,
Anders Lundstrom, is indeed interested in subdividing and selling a portion of the site for the purpose of
moving the Hosmer House. The RFP would also be written to specify that the Hosmer House would be
used as a single-family residence.
Moving forward, the sequence of events will be to: drop 3 Harrington Road from consideration; notify
the 500-foot abutters of either a stand-alone meeting or a portion of a Select Board meeting to provide
comment; generate an RFP that would include the need for an “option to purchase” agreement between
owner and bidder. The RFP will come back to the Board before being released once abutter comments are
taken into account.
Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street, believes neighborhood associations and Town Meeting members
from areas affected by controversial projects such as this should be included in the notification for
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feedback meetings. She hopes the 41 Hancock Street feedback meeting will occur after the July 4
holiday to allow adequate time for interested residents to attend. She believes it should be an in-person
meeting rather than a Zoom meeting. Ms. McKenna is also disappointed that the current Hosmer House
parcel is not being considered.
David Kanter, 48 Fifer Lane, said he believes moving the house to further down Fletcher Avenue should
be considered. He feels strongly there should be a firm commitment from the current owner of 41
Hancock Street before the process goes any further.
Edward Adelman, Historic Districts Commission, speaking for himself, asked the Select Board to re-
consider its disapproval of 3 Harrington Road, saying the HDC feels that location offers the least
complicated and most appropriate option. The HDC envisions the Hosmer House as a way to provide
attainable housing for Town employees.
Bridger McGaw, Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member, said the Hosmer House has undergone so many
alterations it should no longer be considered “historic”. The Town has spent much time and expense to try
to decide what to do with the house. Mr. McGaw said he fears that having an agreement with the owner of
41 Hancock Street, as has been suggested, will infer that the Town is rubber stamping the necessary
Special Permit before the process has had a chance to unfold. Additionally, 41 Hancock Street has a
number of old growth trees that would have to be removed. He supports starting the demolition delay
process in case demolition is the only remaining recourse.
Taylor Singh, Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member, agreed that having an agreement with the owner of 41
Hancock Street will signal favoritism, noting that residents in the area are already upset about a Special
Permit development going up at 53 Hancock Street.
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Mr. Malloy noted that Article 39, adopted at Town Meeting, was passed specifically to find an alternative
site for the Hosmer House. Mr. Malloy read an email from owner Anders Lundstrom that demonstrated
full support for the potential relocation to 41 Hancock Street. Mr. Lundstrom also noted in the email that
only 2 or 3 trees would need to be removed if the house was placed on the flat of the parcel instead of on
the slope.
Mr. Lucente said he did not want to eliminate the option of relocation within the current Hosmer House
site. Narrowing the choice to either 41 Hancock Street or demolition would not be a good conclusion.
Mr. Pato said that keeping the house anywhere on the current lot would be problematic due to a how
small the home’s yard would have to be. Members generally agreed that what they— and other
committees—have been working toward is not to have to tear the house down.
VOTE: On a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 5-0 by roll call to move forward by
exploring, via public outreach, the potential site of relocation of the Hosmer House to 41 Hancock Street
but not to limit the potential location exclusively to that location.
ACTION ITEMS: The issue will come back before the Board following public input.
DOCUMENTS: 100 foot abutters; 250 foot abutters; 500 foot abutters.
10. Vote to Name Town Manager as Administrator for Muzzey Resales
The Lexington Housing Assistance Board (LexHab), the Regional Housing Services Office (RHSO), and
current Muzzey Administrator Pat Nelson from LexHab have agreed that they would like the Town
Manager to play the role of Resale Manager. The RHSO will conduct the resale reviews to ensure that the
terms are in compliance.
VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 5-0 by roll call to appoint the
Town Manager as the Muzzey Administrator for resales.
11. Approve Fisal Year 2022 Cost-of -Living Adjustment for Non-Represented Employees
Ms. Barry recused herself because her husband is employed by the Town.
The Town Manager and HR Director recommend a 2 percent cost-of-living adjustment for non-
represented employees for fiscal year 2022. This amount is consistent with settled collective bargaining
agreements and the Board's overall guidance for settlements for FY2021.
VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 4-0 by roll call to approve a 2
percent cost-of-living adjustment for non-represented employees for fiscal year 2022, effective July 1,
2021.
DOCUMENTS: List of TNON Staff.
Ms. Barry rejoined the meeting.
12. Review of Small Cell Policy
DISCUSSION POSTPONED.
13. Discuss Remote Work Policy—Select Board Office Staff
Ms. Katzenback said that the opportunity to work off-site is a positive benefit for current and future staff.
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Ms. Hai noted that the Select Board office sees a lot of public interaction, the bulk of which should fall on
staff members evenly. She noted the policy draft indicates remote work could happen occasionally, rather
than routinely, which would provide an option depending on circumstances. Ms. Hai feels more
comfortable with the occasional provision rather than allowing remote work routinely.
Mr. Sandeen, Mr. Lucente, and Mr. Pato supported the option to work remotely. Mr. Lucente also noted
that many calls to Town Hall, generally, are fielded by the Select Board office because of how the phone
menu is configured. He would like the phone system to be upgraded so staff can answer and re-direct
calls from their home offices.
Mr. Malloy said with the move away from desktop computers to laptops, staff will be able to field and
direct calls through the computer itself.
Ms. Barry wholeheartedly supported adopting the Town’s remote work policy for the Select Board office
and urged upgrade of the computer/phone system upgrade as soon as possible.
ACTION ITEMS: The remote work policy that has already been approved for other Town Staff will be
revised to apply specifically to Select Board Office staff. A formal vote will be taken on that motion at the
next Select Board meeting.
DOCUMENTS: Town of Lexington Remote Work Policy; Town of Lexington Remote Work Application
& Agreement.
14. COVID-19 & Reopening Update: Strategies, Implementation, Community Response
Actions and Reopening Efforts Related to COVID-19 Guidelines and Directives
The State reports that the number of positive Covid cases continues to decline. Lexington has had four
positive cases in the last two months. 69% of all eligible residents have been fully vaccinated and 80%
have had at least one shot. There is concern that some demographic groups have slowed down getting the
shots.
Ms. Barry asked when the Board would discuss meeting again in person. Ms. Hai asked members to send
Ms. Katzenback a note describing how comfortable they are returning to in-person meetings.
ACTION ITEMS: These Covid updates will be discontinued at the end of the month. A discussion of
when/if to return to in-person meeting will take place at the June 28, 2021 Select Board meeting.
Technology and ventilation challenges for in-person meeting will be investigated prior to that date.
DOCUMENTS: Updated COVID-19 Report 6-13-21; COVID-19 Update.
15. Update on Next Steps for Social Equity Initiatives
Kelly Axtell, Deputy Town Manager, said training through All Aces consultants and vision-setting have
been completed. All Aces is working on its report which is expected to be shared by the end of the month.
Town Staff will meet with the new Chief Equity Officer who starts work in Lexington on July 19, 2021.
SELECT BOARD MEMBER CONCERNS AND LIAISON REPORTS
Ms. Hai:
The memorial service for Hank Manz at St. Brigid’s on Monday, June 21, 2021 at 1 p.m.
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The Town received approval from the Attorney General’s office for passage of 2020 Fall Town
Meeting’s Article 5 (General Bylaw amendment re: running bamboo control) and Article 9
(Zoning Bylaw amendment re: distance from basement slab or crawl spaces and groundwater)
Ms. Barry:
Long-time Town Meeting Member Barry Sampson has passed away. His memorial service will
be held at Sacred Heart Church this Saturday, June 19, 2021.
Ms. Barry asked Mr. Malloy to provide an update at a later meeting on the Massachusetts Avenue
and Worthen Road utility pole relocation project, noting that it has become hard for drivers to see
the road lanes and turning movements with no lines on the pavement.
ADOURN
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 5-0 by roll call to adjourn the meeting at
10:07 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Kim Siebert, Recording Secretary
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