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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-11-28 SB-min Select Board Meeting November 28, 2022 A remote participation meeting of the Lexington Select Board was called to order at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, November 28, 2022 via hybrid meeting services. Ms. Hai, Chair; Mr. Lucente; Vice Chair, 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. Ms. Hai stated that the meeting was being conducted via Zoom as posted, with the agenda on the Town’s website. Public comment will be taken on the two public hearing items on the agenda. She reminded the community that the Town offers a large number of mental health resources for residents. Providing these resources has been a focus and a commitment of this Board, working with the School Committee and Town staff. The Mental Health Task Force was created, and they have listed resources on the Town website. Residents may also contact the Human Services Department. PUBLIC COMMENTS None at this time. SELECT BOARD MEMBER CONCERNS AND LIAISON REPORTS 1. Select Board Members Concerns and Liaison Reports Ms. Barry thanked all involved with the Tree Lighting event. Mr. Lucente noted that he will be running for reelection to the Select Board. Mr. Sandeen stated that he is also running for reelection to the Select Board. DOCUMENTS: Correspondence Secretary Report - November 28, 2022, Select Board Concerns and Liaison Reports - November 28, 2022 TOWN MANAGER REPORT 1. Town Manager Weekly Update Mr. Malloy stated that the former Police Station will begin to be demolished next week. A camera view of the project will be linked to the Town website for residents to watch the progress. He noted that the Board should discuss resuming normal parking enforcement at the beginning of the calendar year and sidewalk use charges at an upcoming meeting. Mr. Sandeen asked if the Board might consider a presentation from Representative Ciccolo regarding a grant from the State for $75,000, to provide support for leaf blower contractors. The Board agreed. DOCUMENTS: Weekly Update 11-11-22, Weekly Update 11-18-22 CONSENT AGENDA 1. Select Board Committee Appointments To appoint the committee members with terms as indicated in the attached list (Select Board Committee Appointments - November 28, 2022). DOCUMENTS: Select Board Committee Appointments - November 28, 2022, 2022 Economic Development Advisory Committee Application - S. Ang, 2022 Economic Development Advisory Committee Application - J. Wakelin, 2022 Greenways Corridor Committee Application - Y. Gong, 2022 Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee Application - S. Hews, 2022 Lexington Council for the Arts Application - C. Lach, 2022 Lexington Council for the Arts Application - E. Xu, 2022 Lexington Human Rights Committee Application - A. Iqbal, 2022 Lexington Human Rights Committee Application - S. Jaramillo, 2022 Semiquincentennial Commission (Lex250) - LPS Rep. Application - J. Hundley, 2022 Sustainable Lexington Committee Application - A. Joynt, 2022 Tax Deferral and Exemption Study Committee Application - J. Murphy, 2022 Tourism Committee Application - M.R. Clifford, 2022 Tourism Committee Application - G. Desrouleaux, 2022 Tourism Committee Application - K. Ramanathan, 2022 Town Celebrations Subcommittee Application - D. Grabel, 2022 Transportation Advisory Committee Application - M. Andersen, 2022 Transportation Advisory Committee Application - J. Schwarz, 2022 Vision for Lexington Committee Application - M. Cohen 2. Approve One-Day Liquor License Applications To approve a One-Day Liquor License for the Lexington Chamber of Commerce to serve beer, wine, and spirits in Battin Hall and the lobby of Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, for the purpose of their Annual Meeting and Party on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. To approve a One-Day Liquor License for the Anthem Group for the purpose of serving beer and wine in a beer garden within a cordoned off area on the Visitors Center Lawn, 1875 Massachusetts Avenue during the Lexington Winter Garden event on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. DOCUMENTS: 2022 Lexington Winter Garden Beer Garden Location Map, 2022 Lexington Winter Garden Beer Garden Procedures for Serving Alcohol 3. Approve Entertainment License Application To approve an Entertainment License for the Anthem Group for the purpose of providing a live musical performance for patrons of the Lexington Winter Garden event to take place on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 12:00pm to 6:00pm on the Visitors Center Lawn, 1875 Massachusetts Avenue. DOCUMENTS: The Anthem Group - Map of Lexington Winter Garden Live Band Location for Entertainment License 4. Approve Liquor License Amendment – Change of Manager – CHFP the Hangar, LLC d/b/a Revolution Hall, 3 Maguire Road To approve the CHFP The Hangar, LLC d/b/a Revolution Hall amendment application for a Change of Manager naming Matthew Oliva as Manager and upon ABCC approval, issue an updated 2022 Liquor License to CHFP The Hangar, LLC d/b/a Revolution Hall, located at 3 Maguire Road reflecting this Change of Manager. DOCUMENTS: CHFP The Hangar, LLC d/b/a Revolution Hall, Liquor License Change of Manager Amendment application 5. Approve Select Board Meeting Minutes To approve and release the Select Board meeting minutes of: September 29, 2022 FY2024 Budget Summit I, October 24, 2022 Select Board, October 27, 2022 FY2024 Budget Summit II and November 1, 2022 Select Board. DOCUMENTS: DRAFT 10242022 Select Board, DRAFT 11012022 Select Board, DRAFT 09292022- BudgetSummit I, DRAFT 10272022-BudgetSummit II 6. Approve Amendments to Greenways Corridor Committee Charge To amend the Greenways Corridor Committee charge by making the following changes as proposed: -Change "Board of Selectmen" to "Select Board" -Change the number of members from "7-9" to "9" -Update meeting times -Update Description, Deliverables and Criteria for Membership Add Non-Voting Members -Add and specify Staff Support and Ex-Officio Liaisons DOCUMENTS: Amended Greenways Committee Charge – Redlined, Amended Greenways Committee Charge VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda. ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION 1. Public Hearing – Flammable Fuel Storage – 10 Maguire Road Ms. Hai opened the public hearing at 6:43pm. Darren Germain, Eastern Propane, on behalf of SRE Flag LLC, stated that this is in response to a complete renovation and update of the heating system. A temporary heating system is proposed for workers in the building. This license request is for the temporary usage of above ground storage tanks (AST) for approximately 9 months, after which time, the AST will be removed from the property and the License will then be revoked as it will no longer be needed for flammable storage on the property. In response to a question from Ms. Barry regarding a similar project capacity last year with lower capacity, Mr. Germain stated that there were no issues with this project, and it followed all local and federal requirements. In response to a question from Ms. Barry, Assistant Fire Chief Flaherty stated that the tanks will be protected with jersey barriers or bollards, and there will be no smoking around them. The Building Department, Plumbing Inspector, Gas Inspector, and Fire Department are all on board with the proposal. In response to a question from Mr. Sandeen, Assistant Fire Chief Flaherty stated that he does not believe the tanks will be used for the months of June, July, and August, even though included in the License. Evelyn Dixon, 87 Westview Street, stated that she considers the proposal for tank storage dangerous. She cited news articles regarding properties destroyed by fires from propane tanks. Cheryl West, 75 Westview Street, concurred with Ms. Dixon. She asked if other heating options, such as electric options, were pursued for this project. Mr. Germain stated that he is unsure if the electrical load available was adequate to heat the space. There are other sources, such as oil and natural gas, but natural gas was not available for this project. Fire Chief Sencabaugh stated that 1,000-gallon tanks are the standard used for this type of temporary heating. These have previously been used for projects around town. Teri Ford, on behalf of the building owner, stated that propane is currently the best option for the project. This was successfully used last year at the same location. Electric heaters have their own pros/cons, and natural gas is being brought to the site but not yet available. Propane tanks are being used as a bridge to the new heating system for the building. Lexington Fire will be very involved with installation and monitoring of the tanks. Ms. Hai closed the public hearing at 6:59pm. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 5-0 to approve a Flammable Fuel Storage License for SRE Flag LLC for the storage, operation, and maintenance of flammable and combustible storage at 10 Maguire Road, Parcel 85-15 as presented. DOCUMENTS: Flammable Fuel Storage License application - 10 Maguire Road, Location for temporary Above Ground Storage Tanks 2. Public Hearing – Flammable Fuel Storage – 1050 Waltham Street Ms. Hai opened the public hearing at 7:00pm. In response to a question from Mr. Sandeen regarding tenant stored gasoline, Teri Ford, Greatland Realty Partners, stated that there are lab tenants in the building which will require some level of chemical storage related to their business. Dina Lloyd, Safety Partners Inc., explained that the intention was to capture any potential future activities on the site. If this level was ever required to be exceeded, the License would be amended. Assistant Fire Chief Flaherty stated that this request is typical of lab buildings. Ms. Hai closed the public hearing at 7:04pm. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 5-0 to approve a Flammable Fuel Storage License for Revolution Labs Owner LLC for the storage, operation, and maintenance of flammable and combustible storage at 1050 Waltham Street, Parcel 5-14 as presented. DOCUMENTS: Flammable Fuel Storage License application 3. Approve Historic Preservation Restriction – 75 Outlook Drive Ms. Hair explained that this Historic Preservation Restriction (HPR) is a condition of the Planning Board's approval of a special permit to subdivide and develop this property. The HPR requires the Town, acting through the Historical Commission, to review future interior and exterior changes to the house, barn, and site. This agreement will be recorded at the Registry of Deeds and is intended to preserve the public's interest in the historic preservation of the property in perpetuity under the terms of the applicable statute, MGL Ch. 184 Section 32. The Lexington Historical Commission accepted the form of the Historic Preservation Agreement at their November 16, 2022 meeting. The Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) will also approve/sign this Restriction and have reviewed the content. Acceptance and approval by the Select Board is required by the MHC prior to MHC's approval and signature. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 5-0 to approve and accept the Historic Preservation Agreement between the Town of Lexington and Alpha Echo 75 Outlook LLC, shown as “Proposed Lot A” on that certain Subdivision Plan titled “75 Outlook Drive, Property Rights Plan of Land Located in Lexington, Massachusetts (Middlesex County) Prepared for Alph Echo – 75 Outlook, LLC” dated February 25, 2022, revised to May 23, 2022, prepared by Patriot Engineering, Lexington, Massachusetts and recorded in the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds as Plan # 539 of 2022, containing 28,064 square feet, more or less, pursuant to said Plan, and further to authorize the Town Manager to sign the agreement. DOCUMENTS: 75 Outlook Drive Historic Preservation Restriction, 75 Outlook Drive Photos 4. Discuss and Approve Final Design of Battle Green Streetscape Project Ms. Barry recused herself from this item. John Livsey, Town Engineer; Ross Morrow, Assistant Town Engineer, Scott Ritter; Registered Landscape Architect; and Ken Ho, engineer, and project manager, addressed the Board. Mr. Livsey stated that the project goals include pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular safety; vehicular operational improvements; improved connectivity and ADA accessibility throughout the project; and enhancement to landscape features. Final direction on certain items is needed tonight, in order to maintain th the timeline for completion by the 2025 250 Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington. The project encompasses the roads and sidewalks, both the sidewalks in the Battle Green and the sidewalks of three roads, Bedford Street, Massachusetts Avenue, and Harrington Road. It also encompasses the intersection of Bedford Street at Massachusetts Avenue to the east; the intersection of Bedford Street, Hancock Street and Harrington Road, to the north; and the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Harrington Road to the west. The intention is to add benches at the Liberty Ride stop near Meriam Street, and at the entrance to the Old Burying Ground. An electrical cabinet is also proposed at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Harrington Road. There will be landscaping placed to mask this cabinet. Some trees will be removed as part of this project. One American Elm will be transplanted within the limits of the project. Additional tree plantings within the project will occur. Mr. Livsey stated that he would like the Board’s opinion regarding tour bus parking proposed locations. Regarding the Hancock United Church of Christ entrance area, the newly proposed location of the crosswalk will line up nicely with existing items and will be made completely ADA accessible. He pointed out the shortened crosswalks for pedestrian crossings, all made accessible, including accessibility from the Battle Green to the sidewalk on the south side of Massachusetts Avenue, which is not currently accessible. An island with a mix of hardscaping and drought-resistant landscaping is also proposed. In front of the Belfry, there is an intention to install a stonewall feature. A wider stone dust path is proposed along Bedford Street, eliminating the grass strip between the curbing in the front of the sidewalk and along that stretch of roadway. Mr. Livsey explained that the proposed roundabout will slow vehicular speeds. There is a bump out along Meriam Street to accommodate one tour bus. The intention is to extend this area to create three bus parking spots. Less than two feet of the green behind the sidewalk in this area will need to be eliminated. This appears to be the most logical solution for the parking with very limited impact. Mr. Livsey stated that there are currently 18 lights along the Battle Green, with five different styles. The lighting levels in the Battle Green area vary significantly. Upon meeting with numerous committees and boards in Town, the final recommendation for lighting style is to stay consistent with the fixtures that were recently installed in the Center streetscape. However, a 12’ pole, instead of 14’ is being proposed. Banners and outlets at the top of the poles are not being proposed as part of this project. He explained that taller lights are proposed on Bedford Street to the northeast of Bedford Street. Those 20’ tall poles will allow for full coverage lighting of the roadway. An alternative is to use 12’ poles outside the Tavern, but this will require additional lighting along the Green. A concern was received from a representative of the Hancock Church regarding sparse lighting on the Massachusetts Ave side, along the Battle Green. The proposed project thus includes two or three lights on that side. All lighting will be dark sky compliant. The brightness or dimness of the lighting will be able to be controlled remotely. The lights will have the same temperature of those used for the Center streetscape project. Mr. Lucente stated that he is okay with the bus parking along Meriam Street. He stated that he prefers the second lighting option, with lower poles but more of them around the Green. He asked about adding outlets to the poles for ease of use during events/ceremonies. Mr. Livsey stated that he will look into power at a lower level, off the poles. Mr. Lucente noted that he would like to keep the grass strip on the Bedford Street side, if possible. Mr. Pato agreed with the additional lighting proposed along the Green, the bus spaces proposed on Meriam Street, and stated that he prefers a stabilized strip along Bedford Street. Ms. Hai stated that she appreciates the creative solution for bus parking and the proposed parking spaces on the Battle Green. She stated that she prefers the lower pole heights, with more of them to be placed along the Green, and the proposed dust stone strip along Bedford Street. In response to a question from Mr. Sandeen, Mr. Livsey explained that the proposed bus parking spots also consider eliminating one spot in the Depot Lot and one spot along Meriam Street. He noted that there are no “No Buses” signs proposed along the nearby neighborhood streets, but these can be added in the future if needed. Mr. Sandeen stated that he supported the proposed bus placement along Meriam Street. He stated that he prefers the second lighting scheme presented, with the additional lighting along the Green. He suggested leaving the grass strip along Bedford Street for a year to see if it survives. Bob Pressman, 22 Locust Ave, expressed concern regarding the proposed layout for the bus parking with access safety and sighting for the bike path nearby. Mr. Livsey stated that, regarding the sight distance, there should be enough space for bikes to pull out after safely stopping. He stated that some minor enhancements to this area can be examined as part of the project. The buses in this area should not cause significant issues. There is enough granite curbing in that area so that the buses should not back up and block the bike path. Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street, pointed out that the Battle Green is one of 2,600 national historic landmarks in the country. The master planning process tried to restore as much grass as possible, and she would like to see the grass strip remain. She expressed concern regarding not seeing the Liberty Ride trolley stop sign on the obelisk. She agreed with the smaller size lights proposed on both sides of the Green but noted that there should be no cobra head lights, as they are inappropriate for the Green. She also expressed concern regarding an area in front of the Masonic Temple that seems to be proposed as low enough to allow for a truck ramp. This would also take away from part of the national historic landmark. Bridger McGaw, Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member and Vice Chair of the Economic Development Committee, suggested that more parking spaces may need to be removed from the back parking lot, in order to clean up the sightlines as buses move through. He encouraged the bus parking design on Meriam Street to be built as long as possible, to allow for extra room towards Massachusetts Ave for buses to pull in. Jerry Michelson, 3 Clyde Place, stated that the bus parking on Meriam Street might be good to use in the evenings and off-hours as customer parking for local restaurants. He suggested that the bump for parking be made deeper, in order to move the buses off the street. He stated that having power in the light poles is key to allow for holiday lighting. Having this up high on the poles is not a problem. Lyle Swanson, representing the Hancock Church, stated that there is still a space for the Liberty Ride trolley near the obelisk. Regarding a drainage problem off Belfry Hill along Massachusetts Ave, Mr. Livsey stated that this is not currently part of the design for this project but will be addressed either under this or a separate project. Mr. Sandeen reinforced the comments regarding seasonal/evening parking as part of the plan. He noted that, if the Battle Green Master Plan calls for a strip of green down Bedford Street, that this should be the tiebreaker for that item. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 4-0 to approve the Battle Green Streetscape project as presented with modification discussed this evening. DOCUMENTS: Presentation, Memo - Response to guidelines for information to provide in presentations to Select Board 5. Discuss and Approve Pleasant Street/Watertown Street Roundabout Project Ross Morrow, Assistant Town Engineer, explained that the funding for this project comes out of the annual Street Improvements budget, which is supplemented by Chapter 90 funds. Overall, the project from Mass Ave to Route 2 was planned to be reconstructed as part of our yearly repaving projects. This would add approximately $300,000 to the cost of that roadway. In response to a question from Mr. Pato about a nearby development’s driveway, Mr. Morrow stated that he does not foresee any issues with integrating that driveway or the small amount of traffic that it would add to the intersection. In response to a question from Mr. Sandeen regarding how the priority for this intersection was determined, Mr. Morrow stated that the Town’s Vision Zero plan was reviewed for intersections without current improvement plans. Also, part of the priority for this area was because Pleasant Street itself needs to be reconstructed. Jeff Howry, 5 Bennett Ave, expressed concern regarding the visibility sight line of this project. He explained that the distance in which a car driving 35 miles per hour (mph) can safely stop is recommended to be approximately 250’; the existing distance is roughly 125’. Mr. Morrow explained that the developer has committed to making the nearby driveway meet the intersection sight distance requirements as part of that project. One of the benefits of a roundabout is that everybody has to slow down as they approach it. Cars will not be able to drive 35 mph through the intersection, and the critical sight distance is actually lessened. He stated that he is working with the designer to try to reduce the speed in the roundabout to less than 25 mph. Mr. Pressman expressed concern regarding the traffic and access for the development driveway. Mr. Morrow stated that a traffic light was considered for this area, however it did not seem to fit and would likely increase delays more than a roundabout. The cars coming to/from the development will use the roundabout as a way to enter the traffic flow. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 5-0 to approve the roundabout design on the Pleasant Street & Watertown Street intersection as presented. DOCUMENTS: Presentation - Roundabout Pleasant Street at Watertown Street, Memo - Pleasant St Roundabout - Response to guidelines for information to provide in presentations to Select Board 6. Establish 2023 Annual Town Meeting and Annual Town Election Dates VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 5-0 to open the 2023 Annual Town Meeting Warrant for submission of Citizen Petitions through Friday, December 16, 2022 at 1pm; Further to establish Monday, March 6, 2023 as the date for the 2023 Annual Town Election; Further to establish Monday, March 20, 2023 as the date for the opening session of the 2023 Annual Town Meeting. DOCUMENTS: Calendar ATM and Election 2023 7. Approve FY2023 Tax Classification Options Mr. Kosnoff explained that there are four options for the Board to vote on this evening: establish a tax shift factor between 1.00 and 1.75 (see Exhibit A of the classification packet); determine whether to adopt the Open Space Discount (the Town has no property classified as Open Space); determine whether to adopt the Residential Exemption and, if so, the percentage (up to 35 percent); and determine whether to adopt the Small Commercial Exemption, and if so, the percentage (up to 10 percent). Regarding the tax shift factor, Ms. Kosnoff suggested that the Board approve a residential factor of 0.884, giving the Finance staff leeway to round the last three decimals in order to get to a full shift. This will bring the Town up to the max levy limit, and there may be a very small amount of unused levy capacity, due to rounding. Regarding the Open Space Discount, Lexington does not have any property classified as open space. It is recommended that the Board not adopt this option. Regarding the Residential Exception, the Town has not previously adopted a Residential Exemption, but if the Board chose to consider this, it would need to elect a percentage up to 35%. Regarding the Small Commercial Exemption, there are very few properties in Lexington that would qualify, and this has not been adopted in past years. If the Board chose to consider this, it could elect a percentage up to 10%. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 5-0 to establish a residential factor of 0.884 (plus additional decimals or rounding as needed) to result in a tax rate of 1.75%; Further to not adopt the Open Space Discount; Further to not adopt the Residential Exemption: and further to not adopt the Small Commercial Exemption. DOCUMENTS: Tax Classification Exhibit A Rounding Extended, FY2023 Tax Classification Packet v2 The Board took a five-minute recess. 8. Approve FY2023 Water and Sewer Rates Ms. Hai explained that this is the final meeting on the proposed FY2023 water/wastewater rates. The rd Select Board opened a public hearing on the proposed rates on Monday, October 3, which was continued thth to Monday, November 7, and Monday, November 14. This agenda item is to set the FY2023 water/wastewater rates. The proposed rates represent a combined increase of $39.90 or 4.2% for the th average Lexington household. These rates remain the same as presented on November 14. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 5-0 to approve the proposed FY2023 water and wastewater rates shown on page 2 of the attached presentation. DOCUMENTS: FY2023 Water & Wastewater Rates 9. Request to Approve 10% Administrative Charge for Police Details Ms. Hai explained that, as discussed during the Police Contract negotiations, there is an administrative fee added to extra duty details. State Law provides that the State and local governments may charge up to a 10% administrative fee for details to cover the cost of scheduling, billing, and collecting. Lexington charges 7.0%. The Police Chief has surveyed all area communities and the State, and all communities are charging 10%. Staff recommends increasing the police extra duty detail administrative fee to 10%. This increase will only apply to newly requested details. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 5-0 to increase the Police Extra Duty Detail Administrative Fee for all newly requested (after11/28) details to 10%. 10. Discuss Potential Community Charette on Lexington Center Revitalization Mr. Lucente explained that the Economic Development Advisory Committee recently discussed trying to revitalize Town Center. The Center Committee also had the same discussion and considered a charrette or some form of a summit. The results of the 2022 Town-wide survey by Vision for Lexington indicated that Lexington could do better and have a more vibrant downtown. Mr. Pato emphasized that a charrette allows for more than just stakeholders, such as business owners and property owners; it's for the public as well. Mr. Sandeen suggested that this be part of a longer discussion, instead of just one charrette. In response to a question from Ms. Hai regarding the commitment level required of staff for this item, Mr. Malloy explained that he is not too concerned regarding staff capacity, but a budget will need to be developed. Ms. Barry agreed that the Center needs to be considered, but also all of the corridors that contain retail as well. She suggested a charrette being funded through ARPA funds under economic development. Mr. Sandeen suggested that stakeholders be expanded to housing and transportation stakeholders. Mr. Lucente stated that he believes there should be a non-biased facilitator for the charrette. He stated that he is unclear if this project should tackle all of the economic areas in Town at this time. Ms. Hai agreed that this project could tackle the Center to start, to give a model for expanding it into the future. DOCUMENTS: EDAC Motions from 9/29/2022 11. Presentation – Town Organizational Assessment Project Implementation Mr. Malloy explained that the FY23 items have already been implemented. These include retitling the IT Director to the Assistant Director for Technology Infrastructure, to have the Admin Assistant for the IT Department report to the Director instead of the Assistant Director, and to eliminate the Webmaster position as it was no longer needed. For FY24, the highest priority is upgrading the part-time Administrative Assistant to full-time and making it a permanent position. Also, to add a Benefits Assistant to the Benefits Coordinator. Other items are to automate the Employee Self Service System to reduce the repetitive task and reduce the workload, move the Health Department out of the Land Use, Health, and Development Department and establish a new Health Department, and change the name of the Land Use, Health, and Development Department to the Land Use, Housing, and Development Department. For FY25, he is recommending that the Select Board create an ad hoc study committee that would be charged with reviewing whether the Lexpress service is financially viable, and to consider adding an Administrative Assistant for the Town Manager's Office. Mr. Lucente noted that he believes the ad hoc study committee should be addressed shortly. Regarding the Administrative Assistant position for the Town Manger’s Office, he would like to see a point of central communication to allow for better central customer service. Mr. Malloy stated that his intent is to create the study committee within the next few weeks, so that a recommendation could be made to the Board by December 2023, to potentially incorporate items into the FY25 budget. DOCUMENTS: Organizational Assessment Memo 12. Review Pending American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Proposals Ms. Hai explained that Town Counsel, with a concurrence from the Assistant Town Manager for Finance, has stated that ARPA funding cannot be used as seed money for the Affordable Housing Trust. She suggested that some funds could be earmarked for the first housing project that comes through the Trust. Mr. Pato explained that LexHAB had specific ARPA requests for upcoming projects which he does not see included on this list. Ms. Hai suggested that this item be tabled to the next meeting. DOCUMENTS: ARPA Spreadsheet Updated 11-22-22, Recreation Request (NEW), EVTrolley Presentation, Legal Opinion 13. Discuss Future Meeting Dates The Board reviewed its future meeting dates. DOCUMENTS: Proposed 2023 Select Board Calendar - Calendar View, Proposed 2023 Select Board Calendar - List View ADJOURN VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 4-0 to adjourn the meeting at 9:33pm. A true record; Attest: Kristan Patenaude Recording Secretary