HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-03-05-TE-Warrant-and-1990-03-26-ATM-Warrant Local Election March 5, 1990
WARRANT
to the
1990 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
TOWN FINANCE TERMINOLOGY
The following terms are frequently used in the annual town report and at the town
meeting. In order to provide everyone with a better understanding of the meaning, the
following definitions are provided.
AVAILABLE FUNDS - "FREE CASH"
The amount certified annually by the Bureau of Accounts, Department of Revenue.
The certified amount is the Unreserved Fund Balance less all outstanding taxes. This
fund may be used by a vote of the town meeting as available funds for appropriation.
AVAILABLE FUNDS - OTHER
Usually refers to balances in special funds or balances remaining in specific articles for
which previous town meetings had approved appropriations. When the project is
complete, the balance is available either for re-appropriation or being turned back
along with unexpended operating budgets to the town's general fund balance.
"CHERRY SHEET'
A financial statement from the State, printed on cherry-colored paper, which itemizes
state disbursements due the town, and the state and county charges to the town,
usually resulting in a net receipt of funds usable by the town for the items specified. It
is due from the state in March, and necessary before the assessors can set the tax
rate.
ENTERPRISE FUND
A self-supporting account for a specific service or program that the town operates as a
separate "business." Enterprise funds do not depend on taxes for operating revenue.
Ideally, overall revenue and expenses should balance over time.
OVERLAY
The overlay is the amount raised by the Assessors in excess of appropriations and
other charges for the purpose of creating a fund to cover abatements granted by the
Board of Assessors.
RESERVE FUND
This appropriation is voted at the annual town meeting in an amount not to exceed 5%
of the tax levy of the preceding year. Transfers from the reserve fund are within the
exclusive control of the Appropriation Committee and are for "extraordinary or
unforeseen expenditures."
UNRESERVED FUND BALANCE:
This term was previously referred to as Surplus Revenue or Excess and Deficiency.
This fund represents the amount by which assets exceed Liabilities and Reserves.
See Fair Housing Brochure at back of Warrant
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Town Finance Terminology Inside Front Cover
Board of Selectmen's Message 3
FY 91 Revenues and Expenses Pie Charts 5
FY 91 Budget Projection 6
WARRANT FOR TOWN MEETING
Article 1 Election 7
Article 2 Reports of Town Officers, Boards, Committees 8
Article 3 Appointments to Cary Lecture Series 8
FINANCIAL ARTICLES
Article 4 Operating Budget 8
Article 5 Salary Adjustments and Collective Bargaining Settlements 13
Article 6 Water Operations 14
Article 7 Sewer Operations 14
Article 8 Recreation Enterprise Fund 14
Article 9 Supplementary Appropriations for Current Fiscal Year 15
(FY 90)
Article 10 Prior Years' Unpaid Bills 15
Article 11 Supplementary Appropriations for Authorized Capital 16
Improvement Projects
Article 12 Reserve Fund 16
Article 13 Tax Anticipation Borrowing 16
Article 14 Unemployment Compensation Fund 17
Article 15 Conservation Fund 17
PUBLIC WORKS
Article 16 Water Mains 18
Article 17 Install Drains/Widening, Deepening or Altering Brooks 18
Article 18 Construct Sidewalks 19
Article 19 Sewer System Improvements 19
Article 20 Public Works Equipment 20
Article 21 Street Improvements 20
Article 22 Street Acceptance and Construction 21
Article 23 Well Water Supply Exploration 22
Article 24 North Lexington Pump Station Replacement 22
Article 25 Parking Lot Operation and Maintenance 22
OTHER FINANCIAL
Article 26 Underground Tank Testing 23
Article 27 Lincoln Street Development 23
Article 28 Harrington Fields Rehabilitation 24
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Article 29 Old Res Weed Control Management Plan 24
Article 30 Hazardous Waste Collection 24
Article 31 Miscellaneous School Article 25
Article 32 Computer Catalogue System, Cary Library 25
Article 33 Five Forks Traffic Study 26
Article 34 Lot 82, Skyview Road 26
CONSERVATION AND PLANNING BOARD
Article 35 General By-Laws Amendment, Wetlands Protection 27
Article 36 Zoning By-Law, Technical Corrections 27
Article 37 Zoning By-Law, Bed and Breakfast 28
Article 38 Zoning By-Law, Parking Adjustments 28
Article 39 Zoning By-Law, Private Flags 29
GENERAL ARTICLES
Article 40 General By-Law Revisions - TMMA 29
Article 41 Acceptance of Chapter 147, s.10f of the M.G.L. 30
Article 42 Acceptance of Chapter 32, s.22D of M.G.L. - Retirement Board 31
Article 43 Acceptance of Chapter 41, s.41 B - Direct Deposit of Payroll 31
Article 44 Acceptance of Chapter 60, s.23B of M.G.L. - Municipal Lien Certificate
Fees 31
Article 45 Acceptance of Chapter 40, s.58 of M.G.L - Ambulance Fee Lien 32
Article 46 Provision for Quarterly Tax Bills 32
Article 47 Provision to capture new growth 32
Article 48 Acceptance of Chapter 40, s.57 of M.G.L. - License and Permit 32
Denial for Nonpayment of Taxes
Article 49 General By-Law - Licenses and Permits of Delinquent 33
Taxpayers
Article 50 By-Law Amendment - Town Clerk Fees 33
Article 51 Regulations re School Bus Capacity and Operation 34
Article 52 Lots 407 & 408, Leighton Avenue 34
Article 53 Cut in Military Spending 34
Article 54 Equal Educational Opportunity Grants 35
Article 55 Pine Meadows Development 35
Article 56 Meagherville Land, Housing, Conservation, Recreation Uses 36
Article 57 Use of Funds to Reduce Tax Rate 37
List of Town Meeting Members 38
Election Information 43
Map 44
Calendar Inside Back Cover
2
To the Residents of Lexington:
The Warrant provides notification of the Annual Town Meeting and advises residents of the various issues being
considered at the meeting. Only articles listed in the Warrant can be discussed. The Warrant includes the Town
Manager's Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 1991. The Town Manager submitted the proposed budget for FY91
to the Selectmen for their review on December 22, 1989. Generally, the proposed budget includes funds for the
operation and maintenance of municipal government including schools. The Town Manager's proposed FY91
budget was developed recognizing severe financial limitations. It has presented the Board of Selectmen with
some difficult service and revenue decisions. The Board is deliberating on a number of specific budget issues
and will present their budget recommendations during Town Meeting. The Board has targeted a number of
areas within the Town Manager's budget for policy deliberations. Specifically, the Board is reviewing the
following municipal operating budgets:
MUNICIPAL OPERATING BUDGET
FY90 FY91 FY91
APPROP. REQUEST MGR. RECOMMEND
Town Payroll $ 9,253,122 $ 9,281,853 $ 9,281,853
The FY91 budget for town payroll as submitted by the Town Manager proposes a 3/10 of 1% increase despite
existing collective bargaining commitments that provide 5% salary adjustments. The Police contract has been
settled for FY91 and Public Works and Fire contracts are currently under negotiations.
Expenses
Insurance 3,463,103 4,161,783 4,101,783
Dramatic increases in health insurance premiums for school and town employees have caused the insurance
budget to increase by 23% or $724,000. The town pays 75% of the employee health insurance premium. 804
active school and town employees and 593 retirees are insured by the town. 67% or $2,748,195 of the insurance
budget directly supports school programs and personnel. The restrictions of Proposition 2 1/2 allow the tax levy
to grow by $954,057. The insurance budget alone absorbs over 75% of the 2 1/2% allowable increase.
Public Schools 26,343,135 27,923,723 26,869,998
The School Committee and school superintendent have submitted a budget that proposes an increase of
$1,580,588 or 6% over FY90. The Town Manager's proposed FY91 budget restricts the growth in the school
budget to 2%. The Board of Selectmen and the School Committee will be meeting to discuss this budget in
detail.
LEXPRESS and Services for Youth
The FY91 Town Manager's proposed budget does not include funds for the continuation of LEXPRESS bus
service and youth counseling services provided by Replace. The Board of Selectmen will be discussing this
proposal and will make its recommendations regarding LEXPRESS and Services for Youth at Town Meeting.
Recreation
An enterprise fund for all recreational programs is proposed for FY91. For the first time recreation services are
proposed to be provided as a fee-for-services operation. The consequences of such an action may require the
elimination of some recreation programs if revenues do not meet expenses.
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Police and Fire
Limited revenue has required the Town Manager to propose reductions in services in the Police and Fire
programs. The Town Manager's budget proposes to reassign fire personnel staffing the East Lexington Fire
Station to staff peak overtime periods at the main station during the summer months. It is anticiapted that
$78,000 would be saved. In addition, the FY91 Town Manager's proposed budget reduces funding for two
uniformed police positions.
Water and Sewer Enterprise Accounts
The Annual Town Meeting of 1987 voted to accept Section 39K of Chapter 40 of the M.G.L. allowing the town to
establish separate accounts for the water and sewer system. FY90 was the first year for operating the water and
sewer operations were captured through user fees. The goal for enterprise accounting is to assure the town's
ability to fund water and sewer services on a fee-for-services basis similar to other public utilities. Enterprise
accounting requires the town to fund capital projects and equipment purchases through user fees. The FY91
budget includes proposals for capital improvements and the purchase of equipment associated with the water
and sewer operations for funding from the enterprise accounts.
Revenue
State funding for local government has become impossible to predict. Cities and Towns in Massachusetts have
been forced to react, rather than plan, for the future because the State Legislature and Executive Branch of
Government have been unable to resolve severe revenue deficits. The FY90 budget absorbed a 20% reduction
in local aid. Preliminary estimates indicate that Lexington will assume an additional 5% reduction in local aid for
FY91.
Free Cash
Lexington has appropriated unusually high amounts of free cash to support operating costs over the last three
years. Appropriations of large amounts of free cash have helped offset significant increases in the school, health
insurance and capital improvement projects. Revenue underestimates, arbitrage and reversions helped to create
a healthy balance of free cash which has in the past provided the Town with significant financial flexibility.
Unfortunately, almost $6 million of free cash was appropriated in FY90 to offset recurring operating budget
expenses even though there was no reasonable expectation that the same amount of free cash would be
available for appropriation in FY91. The FY90 budget process began with a $7.5 million free cash balance. $5.9
million of free cash was used. Reversions and revenue underestimates increased the free cash balance to $3.4
million. $2.7 million is proposed to be appropriated in the Town Manager's FY91 budget submission. The
balance left in free cash represents Lexington's only available fiscal response in case of unexpected
emergencies.
A table of contents is provided for easy reference. The articles are grouped by topic and a brief description for
each article is provided to make the Warrant useful and understandable. A map shows locations of proposed
public works and special projects. In addition to the Warrant, the Town Manager's proposed budget will be
mailed to all Town Meeting Members prior to the start of Town Meeting.
In addition to the program reductions identified above, the Town Manager has proposed service reductions in
Public Works, General Government, and Library programs, the impact of which the Board of Selectmen are still
considering. This will clearly be a year of difficult choices in terms of identifying service reductions or new
revenue sources. As always, the Board of Selectmen encourages your comments relating to this year's
proposed Town Meeting Warrant.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
John C. Eddison, Chairman
Paul W. Marshall
William J. Dailey, Jr.
Jacquelyn R. Smith
Leo P. McSweeney
4
FY 91 REVENUE SOURCES
Local Receipts $4,879,801 7.8%
lite
Opr Available Funds $3,805,141 6.1%
W&S Enterprise $6,774,127 10.8%
'4444114„
Recr. Enterprise $903,428 1.4%
Cherry Sheet $4,994,160 8.0%
Debt Exclusion $1,822,000 2.9%
Property Tax $39,466,354 63.0%
FY 91 EXPENSES
Shared Expenses $6,754,683 10.8%
11 kwn Services $14,871,431 23.7%
W&S Enterprise $6,774,127 10.8%
Recr. Enterprise $903,428 1.4%
Overlay & Charges $2,426,846 3.9%
Other Debt Service $1,603,739 2.6%
Exempt Debt Service $1,822,000 2.9%
\Education $27,488,757 43.9%
5
FISCAL YEAR 1991 BUDGET PROJECTION
APPROP. APPROP. MGR. REC.
1989 F.Y. 1990 F.Y. 1991 F.Y.
Personal Services 8,720,996 9,253,122 9,281,853
Expenses 11 ,573,249 12,427,511 12,901,000
Articles & Capital Improvements 2,644,000 2,860,920 1 ,047,000
Pine Meadows Debt 711 ,000 2,230,500 1 ,822,000
Total Town $23,649,245 $26,772,053 $25,051,853
Public Schools 24,044,768 26,343,135 26,869,998
Regional Vocational 399,815 372,904 618,759
Total Education $24,444,583 $26,716,039 $27,488,757
TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS $48,093,828 $53,488,092 $52,540,610
Sewer Enterprise 1,759,229 2,785,801 2,866,631
Water Enterprise 1,841,292 2,865,075 2,700,496
W&S Enterprise Articles -- -- 1 ,207,000
Recreation Enterprise -- -- 903,428
State/County Assess. & Offsets &
Assessors Overlay & Judgements 2,506,390 2,879,850 2,426,846
GROSS AMT:TO.BE RAISED BY TAXES $54,200,739 $62,018,818 ` $62,645,011
Less: Est. Receipts-Cherry Sheet 6,491 ,907 5,257,010 4,994,160
Local Rev. Estimates 3,803,540 4,003,022 4,879,801
Use of Available Funds 3,867,016 6,716,910 3,805,141
Enterprise Revenues 2,773,375 5,649,079 6,774,127
Recreation Enterprise 903,428
NET AMT TO BE.RAISED BY TAXES $37,264,901 $40,392,797 $41 ,288,354
Last Year's Levy Limit 35,276,782 36,616,420 38,162,297
Allowable 2 1/2% Increase 881,920 915,411 954,057
Allowable New Construction 457,718 630,466 350,000
Debt Exclusion 711,000 2,230,500 1 ,822,000
LEVY LIMIT $37,327,420 $40,392,797 $41,288,354
(Over)/Under Levy Limit $62,519
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TOWN WARRANT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex, ss.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Lexington, in said County,
Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify the
inhabitants of the Town of Lexington qualified to vote in elections and in Town affairs to
meet in their respective voting places in said Town.
PRECINCT ONE, HARRINGTON SCHOOL; PRECINCT TWO, BOWMAN SCHOOL;
PRECINCT THREE, JONAS CLARKE MIDDLE SCHOOL; PRECINCT FOUR,
LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL; PRECINCT FIVE, CARY MEMORIAL BUILDING;
PRECINCT SIX, WILLIAM DIAMOND MIDDLE SCHOOL; PRECINCT SEVEN,
ESTABROOK SCHOOL; PRECINCT EIGHT, FIRE HEADQUARTERS BUILDING;
PRECINCT NINE, MARIA HASTINGS SCHOOL, on Monday, the fifth day of March,
1990, at 7 a.m., then and there to act on the following articles:
ARTICLE 1 ELECTIONS
To choose by ballot the following Officers:
Two Selectmen for terms of three years;
One Moderator for a term of one year;
One member of the School Committee for a term of three years;
One member of the Planning Board for a term of five years;
One member of the Lexington Housing Authority for a term of five years;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct One for terms of three years;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Two for terms of three years;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Three for terms of three years;
Nine Town Meeting Members in Precinct Four, the seven receiving the highest number
of votes to serve for terms of three years; the one receiving the next highest
number of votes to fill an unexpired term ending March, 1992, and the one
receiving the next highest number of votes to fill an unexpired term ending March,
1991;
Eight Town Meeting Members in Precinct Five, the seven receiving the highest number
of votes to serve for terms of three years; the one receiving the next highest
number of votes to fill an unexpired term ending March, 1991;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Six for terms of three years;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Seven for terms of three years;
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Nine Town Meeting Members in Precinct Eight, the seven receiving the highest
number of votes to serve for terms of three years; the two receiving the next
highest number of votes to fill unexpired terms ending March, 1992;
Ten Town Meeting Members in Precinct Nine, the seven receiving the highest number
of votes to serve for terms of three years; the two receiving the next highest
number of votes to fill unexpired terms ending March 1992, and the one receiving
the next highest number of votes to fill an unexpired term ending March, 1991;
The polls will be open at 7 a.m. and will remain open until 8 p.m.
You are also to notify the inhabitants aforesaid to meet in Cary Memorial Hall in said
Town on Monday, the twenty-sixth day of March at 8 p.m., at which time and place the
following articles are to be acted upon and determined exclusively by the Town
Meeting Members in accordance with Chapter 215 of the Acts of 1929, as amended,
and subject to the referendum provided for by Section eight of said Chapter, as
amended.
ARTICLE 2 REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS, COMMITTEES
To receive the reports of any Board or Town Officer or of any Committee of the Town.
ARTICLE 3 APPOINTMENTS TO CARY LECTURE SERIES
To see if the Town will authorize the appointment of the committee on lectures under
the wills of Eliza Cary Farnham and Susanna E. Cary; or act in any other manner in
relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article which provides for the appointment of
three citizens to the Cary Lecture Series by the Moderator.
FINANCIAL ARTICLES
ARTICLE 4 OPERATING BUDGET
To see if the Town will make appropriations for expenditures by departments, officers,
boards, and committees of the Town for the ensuing fiscal year and determine whether
the money shall be provided by the tax levy or by transfer from available funds,
including any special funds, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any
other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
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SUMMARY FY 91 OPERATING BUDGETS
TOWN MGR.
EXPENDED APPROP. REQUESTED
ACC'T# ACCOUNT NAME FY89 FY90 FY91
EDUCATION
1100 Lexington Public Schools 24,344,124 26,343,135 26,869,998
1200 Regional School 399,815 372,904 618,759
TOTAL EDUCATION $24,743,939 $26,716,039 $27,488,757
SHARED EXPENSES
Employee Benefits
2110 Contributory Retirement 2,040,896 2,079,175 2,439,750
2120 Non-Contributory Retirement 195,339 198,000 198,000
2130 Pension Funding 291,000 291,000 0
2140 Board of Retirement 4,550 15,150 15,150
2150 Insurance 3,146,190 3,463,103 4,101,783
Total Employee Benefits 5,677,975 6,046,428 6,754,683
Debt Service
2210 Payment on Funded Debt 925,000 925,000 925,000
2220 Interest on Debt 769,364 711,552 653,739
2230 Temporary Borrowing 54,701 25,000 25,000
2230 Exempt Debt 711,000 2,230,500 1,822,000
Total Debt Service 2,460,065 3,892,052 3,425,739
TOTAL SHARED EXPENSES $8,138,040 $9,938,480 $10,180,422
COMMUNITY SERVICES
DPW
3000 DPW Personal Services 2,073,096 2,217,180 2,240,414
3110 DPW Admin. General Expense 30,685 23,430 31,230
3120 Engineering General Expense 17,570 8,000 8,000
Total DPW Administration 2,121,351 2,248,610 2,279,644
Highway Expenses
3210 Highway Maintenance 126,134 163,850 145,450
3220 Street Lighting 416,517 480,000 450,000
3230 Road Machinery 223,810 174,525 174,525
3240 Sanitary Landfill 0 7,500 3,000
3250 Traffic Reg/Street Signs 46,176 40,342 40,342
3260 Snow Removal 123,362 194,000 194,000
Total Highway 935,999 1,060,217 1,007,317
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TOWN MGR.
EXPENDED APPROP. REQUESTED
ACC'T# ACCOUNT NAME FY89 FY90 FY91
Parks&Grounds Expenses
3310 Park 76,809 84,550 117,850
3320 Shade Tree 5,758 17,800 16,020
3330 Insect Suppression 0 1,350 1,350
3340 Dutch Elm 0 3,800 3,800
3350 Cemetery 17,952 15,184 35,909
Total Parks&Grounds 100,519 122,684 174,929
3400 Refuse Collection 1,580,801 1,688,000 1,633,005
3510 Town Bldg. Maintenance Expense 217,144 243,153 212,573
TOTAL COMMUNITY SERVICES $4,955,814 $5,362,664 $5,307,468
PUBLIC SAFETY
Law Enforcement
4100 Police Personal Services 2,148,973 2,328,823 2,369,387
4100 Police Dept Expenses 243,571 255,971 264,528
Total Law Enforcement 2,392,544 2,584,794 2,633,915
Fire Services
4200 Fire Personal Services 2,082,002 2,285,734 2,207,734
4200 Fire Department Expenses 156,198 167,295 180,770
Total Fire Services 2,238,200 2,453,029 2,388,504
Building &Zoning Inspection
4300 Inspection Personal Services 139,190 146,967 146,967
4300 Inspection Dept. Expenses 4,195 4,225 4,225
Total Building &Zoning Inspection 143,385 151,192 151,192
TOTAL PUBLIC SAFETY $4,774,129 $5,189,015 $5,173,611
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TOWN MGR.
EXPENDED APPROP. REQUESTED
ACC'T# ACCOUNT NAME FY89 FY90 FY91
CULTURE & RECREATION
Library Services
5100 Library Personal Services 789,810 840,955 821,561
5100 Library Expenses 249,450 230,700 230,700
Total Library Services 1,039,260 1,071,655 1,052,261
Recreation
5200 Recreation Personal Services 186,967 207,137 0
5200 Recreation Expenses 26,663 27,660 0
Total Recreation 213,630 234,797 0
5300 Celebrations Committee 7,092 10,000 10,000
5400 LEXPRESS 250,000 250,000 12,500
TOTAL CULTURE& RECREATION $1,509,982 $1,566,452 $1,074,761
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Health
6110 Health Personal Services 81,315 96,469 96,469
6110 Health Expenses 18,928 22,550 22,550
6120 Visiting Nurse &Community Health 4,218 8,400 8,400
6130 Rabies Clinic 1,103 3,350 3,350
6140 Animal Control Personal Services 18,582 20,184 20,184
6140 Animal Control Expenses 4,512 8,280 5,000
Total Health 128,658 159,233 155,953
Council on Aging
6200 Council on Aging Personal Services 68,355 64,605 65,292
6200 Council on Aging Expenses 74,103 97,646 104,672
Total Council on Aging 142,458 162,251 169,964
Veterans
6300 Veterans Administration 17,392 18,148 18,148
6300 Veterans Expenses 16,647 11,091 11,656
Total Veterans 34,039 29,239 29,804
Human Services
6410 Youth Services 73,500 73,000 0
6420 Service to Developmentally Disabled 10,000 11,000 11,000
Total Human Services 83,500 84,000 11,000
TOTAL HEALTH &HUMAN SERVICES $388,655 $434,723 $366,721
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TOWN MGR.
EXPENDED APPROP. REQUESTED
ACC'T# ACCOUNT NAME FY89 FY90 FY91
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Executive
7110 Selectmen Personal Services 44,150 47,389 47,389
7110 Selectmen Expenses 10,552 12,350 12,200
7120 Town Manager Personal Services 182,202 206,737 188,444
7120 Town Manager Expenses 9,688 12,850 12,850
Town Manager Jurisdictional
7130 Temporary Help &Overtime 33,913 41,750 36,750
7130 Clerical Pool 10,362 17,434 17,434
7130 Fire & Police Medical 32,703 36,444 36,444
7130 Out of State Travel 5,145 7,500 7,000
7130 General Professional Services 72,334 86,500 79,000
7130 Director of Guides 1,500 1,500 1,500
7130 Tuition &Training 16,177 14,000 14,000
7130 Instate Travel 13,413 12,000 12,500
7130 Town Report 5,774 6,250 6,250
Total Executive 437,913 502,704 471,761
Legislative
7210 Appropriation Committee 1,279 950 950
7220 Miscellaneous Boards&Committees 7,684 7,400 7,400
Total Legislative 8,963 8,350 8,350
Finance
7310 Comptroller Personal Services 144,551 150,391 148,691
7310 Comptroller Expenses 115,347 112,850 95,350
7320 Treasurer/Collector Personal Services 117,692 140,035 121,067
7320 Treasurer/Collector Expenses 17,920 14,850 14,750
7330 Assessors Personal Services 111,454 120,601 121,616
7330 Assessors Expenses 10,804 9,710 9,650
7340 Data Processing 41,964 48,000 38,000
Total Finance 559,732 596,437 549,124
Staff
7410 Legal Fees 96,426 143,360 143,360
7410 Legal Expenses 29,650 31,640 31,640
7420 Town Clerk Personal Services 90,731 95,183 95,331
7420 Town Clerk Expenses 2,094 2,480 2,475
7430 Board of Registrars Personal Services 1,591 1,645 1,806
7430 Board of Registrars 25,902 31,840 32,920
7440 Elections/Town Clerk 28,779 12,475 32,266
7450 Elections/Selectmen 24,251 18,100 29,900
Total Staff 299,424 336,723 369,698
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TOWN MGR.
EXPENDED APPROP. REQUESTED
ACC'T# ACCOUNT NAME FY89 FY90 FY91
Community Development
7510 Planning Dept. Personal Services 89,222 96,439 96,439
7510 Planning Board Expenses 5,814 6,900 6,900
7520 Board of Appeal Personal Services 21,228 22,627 22,627
7520 Board of Appeals Expenses 678 900 900
7530 Conservation Commission Pers. Svcs. 50,023 52,207 52,207
7530 Conservation Commission Expenses 4,867 10,730 9,650
7540 Historic Districts Commission 2,000 2,800 2,800
Total Community Development 173,832 192,603 191,523
TOTAL GENERAL GOVERNMENT $1,479,864 $1,636,817 $1,590,456
f
TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET 45,990,423 50,594,190 51,182,196
DESCRIPTION: This article requests funds for the Fiscal Year 1991 (July 1,
1990 - June 30, 1991) operating budget. The operating budget includes the
school and municipal budgets; water, sewer and recreation operations,
however, are carried in separate articles. The municipal budget also includes
certain school costs. These are primarily the costs of health insurance for
school employees, debt service requirements, property and liability insurance on
school buildings and contents, and pension costs for school employees other
than professional staff. The preceding chart lists by account FY89 expenditures,
FY 90 appropriations and FY91 Town Manager requested. At press time the
Selectmen were still reviewing the Town Manager's proposed budget.
ARTICLE 5 SALARY ADJUSTMENTS AND
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING SETTLEMENTS
To see if the Town will make appropriations for the ensuing fiscal year, in addition to
those authorized under Article 4 of this warrant, to fund cost items (a) included in
collective bargaining agreements reached between the Town and employee
organizations and (b) resulting from such agreements as they bear on the Town
employee wage and salary plan; determine whether the money shall be provided by
the tax levy or by transfer from available funds, including any special funds, or by any
combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $311,414
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DESCRIPTION: This article requests funds for salary adjustments for all Town
employees excluding water, sewer and recreation employees. At press time no
FY91 contracts have been settled with the fire and public works collective
bargaining units. Funds for the Police settlement are included in the FY91
request.
ARTICLE 6 WATER OPERATIONS
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money to fund the operation of the Water
Division of the Department of Public Works; determine whether the money shall be
provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, including the water
enterprise fund, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner
in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $2,700,496
DESCRIPTION: This article requests funds for expenses, personal services, and
charges billed by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, for operation
and maintenance of the Town's water distribution system, exclusive of capital
requests.
ARTICLE 7 SEWER OPERATIONS
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money to fund the operation of the Sewer
Division of the Department of Public Works; determine whether the money shall be
provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, including the sewer
enterprise fund, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner
in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $2,866,631
DESCRIPTION: This article requests funds for expenses, personal services, and
charges billed by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, for operation
and maintenance of the Town's sewer collection system, exclusive of capital
requests.
ARTICLE 8 RECREATION ENTERPRISE FUND
To see if the Town will vote to accept section 39K of chapter 40 of the Massachusetts
General Laws, relating to the establishment of an enterprise fund for recreational
facilities and activities, and will vote to appropriate a sum of money to fund the
operation of the Recreation Department; determine whether the money shall be
provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, or by any combination of
these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
14
FUNDS REQUESTED: $903,428
DESCRIPTION: Acceptance of this section will allow the Town to establish a
separate account called an "enterprise fund" for the Recreation Department.
The costs of operating recreation programs, including the Pine Meadows Golf
Course, will be funded by the revenues generated through investment income
earned, user fees, plus any additional tax revenues that may be needed on an
annual basis. This article also requests funds for expenses and personal
services to operate the Recreation Department.
ARTICLE 9 SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATIONS
FOR CURRENT FISCAL YEAR (Fs( 90)
To see if the Town will make supplementary appropriations, to be used in conjunction
with money appropriated under Article 4 of the warrant for the 1989 Annual Town
Meeting, to be used during the current fiscal year, or make any other adjustments to
the current fiscal year budget and appropriations that may be necessary; determine
whether the money shall be provided by transfer from available funds; or act in any
other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: None at press time.
DESCRIPTION: This is an article to permit adjusting current fiscal year (FY 90)
expenditures. At this time it is not anticipated that adjustments will be
necessary.
ARTICLE 10 PRIOR YEARS' UNPAID BILLS
To see if the Town will raise and appropriate money to pay any unpaid bills rendered
to the Town for prior years; determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax
levy, by transfer from available funds, or by any combination of these methods; or act
in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $14,034.28
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article to request funds to pay bills received
after the close of the fiscal year in which the goods were received or the
services performed and for which no money was encumbered. There are
approximately 60 unpaid bills from the School Department amounting to
$14,034.28.
15
ARTICLE 11 SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATIONS FOR
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
To see if the Town will make supplementary appropriations to be used in conjunction
with money appropriated in prior years for the installation or construction of water
mains, sewers and sewerage systems, drains, streets, buildings, recreational facilities,
or other capital improvements that have heretofore been authorized; determine
whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds,
by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in
relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: None at press time.
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article to request funds for capital
improvement project expenditures which exceed the level of appropriation. At
this time it is not anticipated that additional funds will be requested.
ARTICLE 12 RESERVE FUND
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money for the Reserve Fund as provided
by Section 6 of Chapter 40 of the General Laws, and determine whether the money
shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, or by any
combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $250,000
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article which requests funds for the Reserve
Fund, from which monies can be voted by the Appropriation Committee where it
determines that a requested transfer is either extraordinary or unforeseen
thereby saving the delay and expense of a Special Town Meeting.
ARTICLE 13 TAX ANTICIPATION BORROWING
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the
Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue for the
fiscal year beginning July 1, 1990, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within
one year, in accordance with provisions of General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 4 as
amended and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than
one year, in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 17;
or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: None
16
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article which authorizes the Town Treasurer,
with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to borrow in anticipation of taxes.
ARTICLE 14 UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION FUND
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money for the unemployment
compensation fund to be used in conjunction with money previously appropriated for
this purpose; determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by
transfer from available funds, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any
other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: None
DESCRIPTION: This article requests funds for payment of unemployment
compensation benefits for town and school employees. At press time the
unexpended balance in this appropriation is $38,000. No additional request for
funds is anticipated in FY91.
ARTICLE 15 CONSERVATION FUND
To see if the Town will appropriate an additional sum of money to the Conservation
Fund, established by vote under Article 9 of the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting
held on June 8, 1964; determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy,
by transfer from available funds, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any
other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: None
DESCRIPTION: This fund is used to purchase small parcels of real
estate and to pay for appraisals, title searches, legal fees and other costs
incidental to land acquisition. At press time the balance in the
Conservation Fund is $100,018.41. No additional funds are requested
for FY91.
17
DPW ARTICLES
ARTICLE 16 WATER MAINS
To see if the Town will vote to install new water mains and replace or clean and line
existing water mains in such accepted or unaccepted streets or other land as the
Selectmen may determine, subject to the assessment of betterments or otherwise, and
to take by eminent domain, purchase or otherwise acquire any fee, easement or other
interest in land necessary therefor; appropriate money for such installation and land
acquisition and determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by
transfer from available funds, including any special water funds, or by borrowing, or by
any combination of these methods; authorize the Selectmen to apply for, accept,
expend and borrow in anticipation of federal and state aid for such projects; or act in
any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $645,000
DESCRIPTION: This article requests funds for two separate water main
improvement projects. $220,000 is requested to fund the 5th year of a ten-year
program to replace or reline heavily tuberculated water mains and to improve
water quality and flow. In FY91 water mains on Follen and Summit Roads are
scheduled to be relined. $425,000 is requested to complete the final phase of a
program to replace water mains to improve the fire flow capacity for present and
future needs. In FY91 water mains with small or defective pipe on Winter and
Sylvia Streets, Hancock and Smith Avenues, will be replaced or supplemented
with 2,730 feet of new eight inch water main.
ARTICLE 17 INSTALL DRAINS/WIDENING, DEEPENING OR ALTERING BROOKS
To see if the Town will vote to install drains in such accepted or unaccepted streets or
other land as the Selectmen may determine, including widening, deepening or altering
the course of brooks, streams and water courses and the construction of new
channels in said other land, in accordance with Chapter 263 of the Acts of 1926, as
amended, or otherwise, and to take by eminent domain, purchase or otherwise
acquire any fee, easement or other interest in land necessary therefor; appropriate
money for such installation and land acquisition and determine whether the money
shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, by borrowing, or by
any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: None
DESCRIPTION: This article is for drainage improvements from the master plan.
There are no requests or recommendations for funding in FY91.
18
ARTICLE 18 CONSTRUCT SIDEWALKS
To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to construct or reconstruct concrete,
bituminous concrete or other sidewalks, and to take by eminent domain, purchase or
otherwise acquire any fee, easement or other interest in land necessary therefor;
appropriate a sum of money for such construction and land acquisition, and determine
whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds,
by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in
relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: None
DESCRIPTION: This article is for funds to construct or reconstruct sidewalks.
No request has been made for FY91.
ARTICLE 19 SEWER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
To see if the Town will vote to install or abandon sewer mains and sewerage systems
in such accepted or unaccepted streets or other land as the Selectmen may
determine, subject to the assessment of betterments or otherwise, in accordance with
Chapter 504 of the Acts of 1897, and acts in addition thereto and in amendment
thereof, or otherwise, and to take by eminent domain, purchase or otherwise acquire
any fee, easement or other interest in land necessary therefor, appropriate money for
such installation and land acquisition and determine whether the money shall be
provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, including any special sewer
funds, or by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; authorize the
Selectmen to apply for, accept, expend and borrow in anticipation of federal and state
aid for such sewer projects; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $170,000
DESCRIPTION: This article is for sewer construction and system
improvements. In 1986 the MWRA constructed a major sewer interceptor
through Lexington. Completion of this project, called the Millbrook Valley Relief
Interceptor, allows the Town to abandon, by plugging pipes and filling
manholes, 4,100 feet of the old Lexington sewer interceptor built in 1916.
Sewerage from the Lexington interceptor has been diverted to the new MWRA
interceptor. This project also includes the removal of the Byron Avenue
Pumping Station by constructing a gravity sewer connection to the MWRA
interceptor. Groundwater infiltration into the sewer system will be greatly
reduced by this project.
19
ARTICLE 20 PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money for the purchase by or with the
approval of the Selectmen of equipment for the Department of Public Works; determine
whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds,
including any special funds, or by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods;
or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $350,000
DESCRIPTION: This article requests funds for new replacement road
equipment. The Town's inventory of equipment is currently valued at $3.3
million. The Five year capital equipment program recommends replacement of:
1968 backhoe; 1976 dump truck with plow; 1977 brush chipper; 1978 dump
truck with winch and plow; 1978 Jimmy; 1980 sweeper; 1980 pickup, and 1981
mower. All of these vehicles have outlived their useful lives and are no longer
cost effective to repair. Of the funds requested, $200,000 is recommended from
the tax levy, and $150,000 is recommended from water and sewer enterprise
revenues, to be used to purchase replacement backhoe and dump truck with
plow for the Water & Sewer Division.
ARTICLE 21 STREET IMPROVEMENTS
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money for highway improvements under
the authority of Chapter 90 of the General Laws and any other applicable law;
determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from
available funds, or by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; authorize
the Selectmen to apply for, accept, expend and borrow in anticipation of state aid for
such projects; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $650,000
DESCRIPTION: This article authorizes the Town to use its funds in conjunction
with state funds for improving and upgrading streets within the Town. The
Town has a continuing 20 year street improvements program that includes cold
planing, crack sealing, and resurfacing. Of the funds requested, $450,000 is
recommended from the tax levy, and $200,000 is recommended from
anticipated State Chapter 90 funds.
20
ARTICLE 22 STREET ACCEPTANCE AND CONSTRUCTION
To see if the Town will vote to establish as a Town way and accept the layout of as a
Town way the following streets:
Philbrook Terrace from Grassland Street a distance of 651 feet, more or less, southerly
to end;
Solomon Pierce Road from Maple Street a distance of 5,404 feet, more or less, to
Woburn Street;
Joseph Comee Road from Solomon Pierce Road a distance of 955 feet, more or less,
to Butterfield Road;
Lothrop Circle from Joseph Comee Road a distance of 517 feet, more or less, westerly
to end;
Butterfield Road from Solomon Pierce Road a distance of 550 feet, more or less,
easterly to Joseph Comee Road;
East Emerson Road from south of Maureen Road a distance of 3,350 feet, more or
less, to Ridge Road;
Jonas Stone Circle from East Emerson Road a distance of 552 feet, more or less,
southerly to end;
Tidd Circle from Grove Street a distance of 630 feet, more or less, easterly to end;
North Emerson Road from Diamond Road a distance of 140 feet, more or less,
westerly to end.
as laid out by the Selectmen, all as shown upon plans on file in the office of the Town
Clerk, dated December 21, 1989, and to take by eminent domain, purchase or
otherwise acquire any fee, easement, or other interest in land necessary therefor; and
raise and appropriate money for the construction of said streets and for land
acquisition; determine whether the money shall be provided in the tax levy, by transfer
from available funds, or by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or act
in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: None
DESCRIPTION: All of the above listed roads were constructed under the
Subdivision Control Law and meet or exceed the minimum Town standards for
acceptance. No appropriation is required.
21
ARTICLE 23 WELL WATER SUPPLY EXPLORATION
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money to evaluate the potential of using
groundwater for a supply source for watering lawns at the following locations: Lincoln
Park, Center Field, Harrington Field, Lexington Battle Green, and Westview Cemetery;
determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from
available funds, including any special water funds, by borrowing, or by any
combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $28,000
DESCRIPTION: Funds are requested to evaluate the potential of using
groundwater supplied by wells to replace the usage of water supplied by the
MWRA and paid for by the Town. The evaluation consists of a geohydrologic
analysis of the sites, installing ten test wells, water quality assessment and
recommendations relating to the feasibility of the project.
ARTICLE 24 NORTH LEXINGTON PUMP STATION REPLACEMENT
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money to design, construct, and equip a
replacement sewer pump station; determine whether the money shall be provided by
the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, including any special sewer funds, by
borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in
relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $214,000
DESCRIPTION: This article requests funds to provide engineering services
necessary to design a new pump station to replace the existing 51 year old
North Lexington pump station. Construction is scheduled to occur in FY92.
ARTICLE 25 PARKING LOT OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money for parking lot operation and
maintenance in the Town; determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax
levy, by transfer from available funds, including the parking meter fees account, or by
any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $80,000
22
DESCRIPTION: This article requests funds to continue the program of
managing the parking facilities in the Center business district which was initiated
by Article 63 of the 1981 Annual Town Meeting. The program includes lease of
several permit parking lots and continued operation of the attendant parking lot
at Meriam Street. The funds requested are recommended to be appropriated
from the parking meter fees account.
OTHER FINANCIAL
ARTICLE 26 UNDERGROUND TANK TESTING
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money to test Town owned underground
fuel storage tanks; determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by
transfer from available funds, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any
other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $27,000
DESCRIPTION: This article requests funds to comply with State regulations
requiring testing of Town and School owned underground fuel storage tanks to
protect against contamination of soil and water. These funds also provide
repair, removal and limited replacement of leaky tanks. There are 33 tanks at
19 Town or School owned locations.
ARTICLE 27 LINCOLN STREET DEVELOPMENT
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money to construct a restroom facility at
the Lincoln Park as determined by the Recreation Committee with the approval of the
Board of Selectmen; determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy,
by transfer from available funds, including any special recreation funds, by borrowing,
or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation
thereto,
(Inserted at the request of the Recreation Committee)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $149,600
DESCRIPTION: This article requests funds to commence work on Phase 2.5 of
the multi-phased program at the Lincoln Park recreation complex. The funds
requested here will be used to construct handicapped accessible restroom
facilities.
23
ARTICLE 28 HARRINGTON FIELDS REHABILITATION
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money to reconstruct and rehabilitate the
two multi-purpose playing fields at Harrington School as determined by the Recreation
Committee with the approval of the Board of Selectmen; determine whether the money
shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, including any special
recreation funds, by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any
other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted at the request of the Recreation Committee)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $180,000
DESCRIPTION: This article requests funds to completely reconstruct the two
soccer fields on the Harrington School playground. The fields will be turned-
over, loamed, graded, fertilized and seeded to accomodate heavy three season
use by youth and adult leagues, schools, industrial groups and the Recreation
Department.
ARTICLE 29 OLD RES WEED CONTROL MANAGEMENT PLAN
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money to hire a consultant to analyze and
make recommendations regarding the weed problem at the Old Res as determined by
the Recreation Committee with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, determine
whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds,
including any special recreation funds, or by any combination of these methods; or act
in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted at the request of the Recreation Committee)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $29,495
DESCRIPTION: The Old Reservoir is a 6 acre pond used primarily for
swimming. The recreational water uses have been threatened in recent years
by the encroachment of weeds into the bathing areas as well as elevated
bacterial counts during mid to late summer. Funds requested will be used to
analyze the water quality, prepare a management plan for the weed problem
and implement recommended weed control measures.
ARTICLE 30 HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION
To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to enter into a contract with a licensed
hazardous wastes transport, storage, and disposal company to collect and dispose of
residential hazardous wastes; appropriate a sum of money for such contract and
determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from
available funds, by user fees, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any
other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
24
FUNDS REQUESTED: $40,000
DESCRIPTION: This article requests funds to collect household
hazardous wastes. These wastes, including but not limited to pesticides,
paint and cleaning solvents, herbicides, and other poisons cannot be
legally discarded with other household trash and are dangerous to the
environment if discarded in woods or backyards.
ARTICLE 31 MISCELLANEOUS SCHOOL ARTICLE
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money to remodel, reconstruct and make
extraordinary repairs to school buildings and purchase additional equipment therefor;
determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from
available funds, by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any
other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the School Committee)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,275,765
DESCRIPTION: The School Committee has recommended several capital
improvements for funding in FY91 including walkway and roof repairs, asbestos
abatement, HVAC and locker room repairs, school remodeling, computer
hardware and software purchase and rebuilding of an emergency generator.
ARTICLE 32 COMPUTER CATALOGUE SYSTEM, CARY LIBRARY
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money for the online computerization at
Cary Memorial Library; determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy,
by transfer from available funds, by borrowing, or by any combination of these
methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $150,000
DESCRIPTION: It has become increasingly difficult to maintain the computer
system installed at Cary Library in 1984. It will soon become impossible, and
we have been advised to upgrade or replace the existing system. A larger
computer system, along with additional terminals are required for an up to date
user friendly public access catalog. This project has been on the Library's long
range plan for scheduled replacement for five years. The Library Trustees are
seeking matching federal funding as well as private grants towards this project.
25
ARTICLE 33 FIVE FORKS TRAFFIC STUDY
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money to undertake a traffic study at the
Five Forks intersection of Lincoln Street, Marrett Road, and School Street for the
purpose of recommending safety improvements; determine whether the money shall
be provided by tax levy, by transfer from available funds, or by any combination of
these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by Rosamond G. Rabinowitz and nine or more registered voters)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $30,000
DESCRIPTION: The Board of Selectmen has requested the Massachusetts
Department of Public Works to conduct a detailed traffic engineering study of
this intersection, including recommendations for improvements and cost
estimates. This article requests funds to complete the study if the state is
unwilling to do so.
ARTICLE 34 LOT 82, SKYVIEW ROAD
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to acquire by eminent
domain or otherwise, the land on Skyview Road shown as Lot 82 on Assessors'
Property Map 90, now or formerly of the Town of Lexington, for housing purposes;
determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from
available funds, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in
relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: None at press time
DESCRIPTION: This article authorizes the Town to acquire, by eminent domain,
Lot 82 on Skyview Road in order to clear title defects, if any.
26
CONSERVATION AND PLANNING
ARTICLE 35 GENERAL BY-LAWS AMENDMENT WETLANDS PROTECTION
To see if the Town will vote to amend Article XXXII of the General By-Laws of the Town
of Lexington by deleting Section 7.3 and substituting therefor the following:
"Section 7.3 The terms marsh, freshwater wetland, swamp, wet meadow
and bog as used in this By-Law shall be defined as set forth in
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 131, Section 40. The boundary of
these wetlands is either the line within which fifty (50) percent or more of
the vegetation community consists of wetland plant species identified in
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 131, Section 40 or the line within
which the soil consists of soil types designated as poorly drained, very
poorly drained, alluvial, or floodplain as defined from time to time by the
National Cooperative Soils Survey, of the Soil Conservation Service of the
United States Department of Agriculture, whichever line includes a larger
area."; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted at the request of the Conservation Commission)
DESCRIPTION: Acceptance of this amendment to the Wetlands By-Law
includes adding the criterion of soil to the current definition section.
Massachusetts law sets out the limits of wetlands on the basis of vegetation.
However, in some situations where an area has been disturbed, or winter
conditions exist, soils may be the only indicator of wetlands conditions. The
amendment adds four soil types that can be used as a basis for delineating
wetlands. The addition of these criterion will not expand the Commission's
jurisdiction.
ARTICLE 36 ZONING BY-LAW, TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By-Law by making a number of
technical corrections, as set forth in a document entitled Zoning By-Law, Technical
Corrections, which is on file, and available for inspection, in the office of the Planning
Board and of the Town Clerk, the principal features of which deal with: 1) time period
for appeals, 2) responsibility for filing decisions in the Registry of Deeds, 3) regulation
of uses or developments for religious or educational purposes, 4) change in use from
a previously approved use, 5) listing specific names of permits granted to replace a
general term, 6) clarification by cross reference, 7) frontage reduction on circular
turnarounds, 8) clarification of names for planned residential developments, 9) access
to usable open space, 10) parking space and driveway setbacks, 11) substitution of
the term, Zoning Officer, for Building Commissioner, and 12) correction of typograph-
ical errors; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted at the request of the Planning Board)
27
DESCRIPTION: This article includes a number of amendments, which are
lengthy, that: 1) correct typographical errors and cross-references, 2) bring the
wording of the By-Law into conformance with state law or court decisions, 3)
clarify interpretations, 4) group provisions dealing with a subject, and 5)
update obsolete provisions and references.
ARTICLE 37 ZONING BY-LAW, BED & BREAKFAST
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By-Law by making a number of
amendments, as set forth in a document entitled Zoning By-Law, Bed & Breakfast,
which is on file, and available for inspection, in the office of the Planning Board and of
the Town Clerk, the principal features of which deal with: 1) a definition of a bed and
breakfast operation as an accessory use in a dwelling unit, 2) a requirement for a
special permit from the Board of Appeals to conduct a bed and breakfast operation,
3) a maximum of three bed and breakfast units permitted in a dwelling unit, 4)
standards so that a bed and breakfast operation does not become a lodging house,
5) standards to insure that the exterior appearance of the dwelling remains that of a
one-family house, and 6) off-street parking requirements; or act in any other manner in
relation thereto.
(Inserted at the request of the Planning Board)
DESCRIPTION: A bed and breakfast operation in a house is not now permitted
by the Lexington Zoning By-Law. The proposed amendment allows the Town
Meeting to choose whether or not they should be allowed in Lexington. The
proposed amendment, which is lengthy, is summarized in the article. In
essence it would allow a bed and breakfast operation to be conducted as an
incidental use of a one-family house with standards so that the exterior
appearance of the house is not changed.
ARTICLE 38 ZONING BY-LAW, PARKING ADJUSTMENTS
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By-Law in Section 11, OFF-STREET
PARKING AND LOADING, in subparagraph 11.3.2 f., by striking out the existing
sentence and by inserting in place thereof:
"f. Where places of public assembly are provided with benches rather than
individual seats, each two lineal feet of bench shall equal one seat, and
where no fixed seats or benches are used, each 20 square feet of floor
area in the largest assembly area shall equal one seat."; or act in any
other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted at the request of the Planning Board)
28
DESCRIPTION: The Zoning By-Law requires that off-street parking spaces be
provided in relation to the number of seats in a place of public assembly. The
proposed amendment adds language to cover the situation where benches are
provided rather than individual seats. In cases where seats are set up
temporarily, the By-Law determines the number of parking spaces needed on
the basis of an equivalent amount of floor area. The amendment increases the
requirement from the present one parking space for each 40 square feet of floor
area to one space for each 20 square feet of floor area.
ARTICLE 39 ZONING BY-LAW, PRIVATE FLAGS
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By-Law in Section 13, SIGNS, by
adding a new sentence in subsection 13.2.9 PROHIBITED SIGNS, subparagraph b.,
that deals with prohibited wind actuated signs, as follows:
"However a single flag or banner, containing advertising matter, may be allowed
in a commercial zoning district provided the Board of Appeals grants a special
permit for it under the provisions of subparagraph 13.1.4. A special permit is
not required for a flag owned and installed by a governmental agency."; or act
in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted at the request of the Planning Board)
DESCRIPTION: The sign section of the Zoning By-Law now prohibits pennants,
spinners, streamers and other wind actuated devices. Several businesses in
Lexington Center have asked to be allowed to use flags or banners with logos
or advertising. Permission of the Board of Appeals would be needed before a
private flag or banner could be displayed. In Lexington Center and for most of
Massachusetts Avenue, approval of the Historic Districts Commission would be
needed as well.
GENERAL ARTICLES
ARTICLE 40 GENERAL BY-LAW REVISIONS - TMMA
To see if the Town will vote to amend Article V of the General By-Laws as follows:
(1) In Section 17, by deleting the words "(b) to adjourn sine die" and by replacing them
with the words "(b) to dissolve the meeting";
(2) By deleting Section 19 and substituting therefor the following:
"Section 19. During debate on subsidiary motions listed in Section 18, no
person shall speak more than three minutes or more than once, and
debate shall be limited to ten minutes, except that the debate on the
subsidiary motion to amend shall be thirty minutes unless changed by
vote of the meeting.";
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(3) By deleting Section 20 and substituting therefor the following:
"Section 20. When debate is closed by ordering the previous question or
by vote to close debate at a specified time, the maker of the main motion
or the amendment under consideration shall be allowed to speak for
three minutes and may grant to any other member a part or all of his
time, or give his time to the meeting.";
(4) By deleting Section 25 and substituting therefor the following:
"Section 25. The previous question shall be put in the form: "Shall the
question on the amendment now be put?" for an amendment or,
alternatively, "Shall the main question now be put?" for a main motion and
all debate shall be suspended until the previous question is decided.";
and
(5) By deleting Section 26 and substituting therefor the following:
"Section 26. The adoption of the previous question shall put an end to all
debate on the motion under consideration except as provided in Section
20 of this Article." or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen at the request of TM MA)
DESCRIPTION: This article which would amend Article V of the General By-
Laws is placed on the warrant by the Town Meeting Members Association
Executive Board and is based on the recommendations made by the TMMA By-
Law Subcommittee. It would (1) translate a Latin phrase; (2) increase to 30
minutes the time allotted for debate on amendments to warrant articles; (3)
allow debate to be closed by moving the question without closing debate on the
entire article as currently exists; and, (4) after debate has been closed, to grant
to the maker of an amendment and/or motion a three minute summation time.
ARTICLE 41 ACCEPTANCE OF CHAPTER 147, S.10F OF M.G.L.,
PARKING CONTROL OFFICER
To see if the Town will vote to accept Section 1OF of Chapter 147 of the
Massachusetts General Laws, relating to the appointment of parking control officers; or
act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
DESCRIPTION: Acceptance of this section will enable the Town to appoint a
civilian parking control officer to enforce parking regulations and perform meter
collection duties.
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ARTICLE 42 ACCEPTANCE OF CHAPTER 32, S.22D OF M.G.L. -
RETIREMENT BOARD
To see if the Town will vote to accept Section 22D of Chapter 32 of the Massachusetts
General Laws relating to funding of the pension system or approve the acceptance by
the Retirement Board of any of various benefit options contained in said Chapter 32; or
act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Retirement Board)
DESCRIPTION: Chapter 32 of the Massachusetts General Laws relate to the
area of public pensions. The General Laws have recently been amended and
certain provisions therein require local acceptance. This article seeks to
maintain an appropriate degree of flexibility in dealing with these changes. The
Retirement Board is currently reviewing the options available and will make its
recommendations to the Town Meeting.
ARTICLE 43 ACCEPTANCE OF CHAPTER 41, S.41B OF M.G.L. -
DIRECT DEPOSIT OF PAYROLL
To see if the Town will vote to accept Section 41 B of Chapter 41 of the Massachusetts
General Laws, relating to the payment of Town employees by direct bank credits; or
act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
DESCRIPTION: Acceptance of this section will enable the Town to directly
deposit payroll checks for those employees who request direct deposit.
ARTICLE 44 ACCEPTANCE OF CHAPTER 60, S.23B OF M.G.L. -
MUNICIPAL LIEN CERTIFICATE FEES
To see if the Town will vote to accept Section 23B of Chapter 60 of the Massachusetts
General Laws, relating to fees for municipal lien certificates; or act in any other manner
in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
DESCRIPTION: Acceptance of this section will allow the Town to increase the
fees for municipal lien certificates on land with four or more family dwelling units
from $25 to $100; on land with a commercial, industrial or public utility structure
from $25 to $150; and farms and forest land from $25 to $50.
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ARTICLE 45 ACCEPTANCE OF CHAPTER 40, S.58 OF M.G.L. -
AMBULANCE FEE LIEN
To see if the Town will vote to make ambulance fees subject to a "municipal charges
lien" as provided in Section 58 of Chapter 40 of the Massachusetts General Laws; or
act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
DESCRIPTION: Acceptance of this section will further the collection process by
enabling the Town to place liens on the real estate owned by persons who do
not pay ambulance charges.
ARTICLE 46 PROVISION FOR QUARTERLY TAX BILLS
To see if the Town will accept Section 41 of Chapter 653 of the Acts of 1989 relating to
quarterly tax bills; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
DESCRIPTION: Acceptance of this section will allow the Town to issue
quarterly rather than biannual real estate and personal property tax bills.
ARTICLE 47 PROVISION TO CAPTURE NEW GROWTH
To see if the Town will accept Section 40 of Chapter 653 of the Acts of 1989 relating to
assessment date changes for capturing new growth; or act in any other manner in
relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
DESCRIPTION: Acceptance of this section will allow the Town to extend the
date for which the Board of Assessors can add the value of new construction to
the tax levy from January 1st, 1990 to July 1, 1990. This will allow the Town a
one time windfall to capture eighteen months of new growth in one assessment
period. Each year thereafter, the assessment date will be July 1st.
ARTICLE 48 ACCEPTANCE OF CHAPTER 40, S.57 OF M.G.L. -
LICENSE AND PERMIT DENIAL FOR NONPAYMENT OF TAXES
To see if the Town will vote to accept Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40,
Section 57, providing for the non-issuance of licenses or permits to any person or
corporation who has failed to pay any local tax assessment or other municipal charge,
or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
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DESCRIPTION: Acceptance of this section will allow the Town to authorize local
licensing and permit granting authorities to withhold or revoke licenses and
permits to those who owe taxes to the Town.
ARTICLE 49 GENERAL BY-LAW -
LICENSES AND PERMITS OF DELINQUENT TAXPAYERS
To see if the Town will vote to amend Article XXVII of the General By-Laws by adding a
new Section 10 thereto as follows:
"LICENSES AND PERMITS OF DELINQUENT TAXPAYERS
Section 10. The appropriate licensing and permit-granting authorities of the Town may
deny any application for, or revoke or suspend any local license or permit, including
renewals and transfers issued by the Board of Selectmen, or any Town officer,
committee or board for any person, corporation or business enterprise who has
neglected or refused to pay any local taxes, fees, assessments, betterments, or any
other municipal charges. The procedure for denying application for, revoking or
suspending such local license or permit shall be as set forth in Massachusetts General
Laws, Chapter 40, Section 57 as amended. The Collector of Taxes shall charge a fee
determined annually for certifying that the person, corporation or business enterprise in
question is in good standing with respect to all local taxes, fees, assessments,
betterments, or other municipal charges."; or act in any other manner in relation
thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
DESCRIPTION: Amending this section of the By-Laws will allow the Town to
implement the provisions of MGL Chapter 40; Section 57, as proposed in Article
48, and will allow the Tax Collector to charge a fee for conducting the research
necessary to determine whether an individual, corporation or business is in
good standing with respect to local taxes, fees, assessments, betterments or
other municipal charges.
ARTICLE 50 BY-LAW AMENDMENT, TOWN CLERK FEES
To see if the Town will vote to amend Article VII of the General By-Laws by deleting
Section 5 and substituting therefor a new fee schedule as set forth in a document on
file and available for inspection at the office of the Town Clerk; or act in any other
manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
DESCRIPTION: These increases will bring fees into alignment with current
costs. They are based on increases in inflation since they were last changed in
1981, as well as an analysis of the effort needed to perform the services. They
have been recommended by the Joint Fee Schedule Study Committee of the
Massachusetts Town and City Clerks' Associations and support uniformity
among the various cities and towns of the Commonwealth.
33
ARTICLE 51 REGULATIONS RE SCHOOL BUS CAPACITY AND OPERATION
As from the Mass. General Laws, Chapter 90, section 7L, Standee in School Buses
Prohibited, we ascertain that, "Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (2) of section
seven B, in any city or town which accepts the provisions of this section, the operator
of a school bus shall not allow the number of school children riding in the bus at any
one time to exceed the number of seats therein, nor shall he drive said bus until each
child is seated. Whoever violates the provisions of this section shall be punished by a
fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars."
(Inserted by Joan H. Cordell and nine or more registered voters)
DESCRIPTION: Passage of this article will adopt the state recommended
language for safe standards on school buses. School bus drivers would be
required to wait for school children to seat themselves before driving away.
Currently, no such requirement exists in Lexington; bus drivers are now free to
leave the stop while the young children are still standing, and thus in danger of
falling. Adoption of this article will help introduce a precaution against the
needless potential for injury.
ARTICLE 52 LOTS 407 & 408, LEIGHTON AVENUE
To see if the Town will vote to acquire by eminent domain or otherwise Lots 2 and 4
on Leighton Avenue as shown on a plan entitled "Taking Plan of Land in Lexington,
Mass." by Northeastern Engineering Associates dated January 9, 1990 which is on file
in the office of the Town Clerk; to authorize the Selectmen to convey such parcels to
the abutting land owners; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
DESCRIPTION: A 12 foot wide strip of land on the southerly side of Leighton
Avenue was once part of the 40 foot right-of-way for Leighton Avenue, but was
not included in the 1959 taking for the 28 foot wide Town layout. Since the
town has no use for this strip, and one of the abutters has part of a garage on
it, the abutters have asked the Town to take the remaining 12 foot wide strip
and then convey it to the abutters.
ARTICLE 53 CUT IN MILITARY SPENDING
To see if the Town will recommend that the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation
and the President of the United States reduce military spending in order to cut the
federal deficit and to fund pressing economic, environmental and social needs; or to
see if the Town will act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by Rachel S. Rosenblum and nine or more registered voters)
34
DESCRIPTION: This citizens' petition requests the U.S. Government to direct a
greater portion of the nation's budget to non-military needs. 52% of federal tax
dollars are now allocated to the military budget. Over the last eight years,
domestic spending has been reduced by 22%, while military spending has risen
44%. As a result, Lexington residents now pay each year $36,450,000 to the
military portion of the federal budget while paying $26,946,000 in property taxes
to fund local services. This translates into an average yearly payment per
household of $2,438 to the town and $3,557 to the military budget. In view of
the fiscal crisis facing Lexington, and the State, we feel this is an appropriate
action to bring to Town Meeting.
ARTICLE 54 EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANTS
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the School Committee to accept Equal
Educational Opportunity Grants that may be available for the current and subsequent
fiscal years; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the School Committee)
DESCRIPTION: Districts that wish to accept the FY90 Equal Educational
Opportunity (EEO) grants must submit a vote of acceptance by the School
Committee and the local appropriating authority. To be eligible for these EEO
grants, the schools must spend an amount equal to or greater than its previous
year's per pupil expenditure.
ARTICLE 55 PINE MEADOWS DEVELOPMENT
To see if the Town will vote to take such actions as may be necessary to promote the
construction of affordable housing, as such term is defined in the Comprehensive Plan
adopted by the Planning Board, and such other housing and public facilities as may
complement, or be needed to serve, the affordable housing, on part of the land in the
Meagherville school site, so called, which was transferred to the jurisdiction of the
Board of Selectmen by Article 51 of the warrant for the 1985 Annual Town Meeting,
and on part of the land in the Pine Meadows Golf Course which was acquired under
Article 2 of the warrant for the Special Town Meeting held on July 13, 1988; authorize
the Board of Selectmen to lease or to transfer the ownership of such land to the
Lexington Housing Authority, to the Lexington Housing Assistance Board, to a private
or public corporation or real estate trust, or any combination thereof, for the purpose
of constructing affordable housing and other complementary housing and public
facilities; to see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money for the design of, the
preparation of plans for, and the construction of streets, sidewalks, storm drainage
facilities, sanitary sewage facilities, other utility lines and facilities, and recreation
facilities needed for the construction of affordable housing; determine whether the
money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, by
borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in
relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Undetermined at press time
35
DESCRIPTION: The 1989 Town Meeting instructed the Board of Selectmen to
appoint a Pine Meadows-Meagherville Site Development Committee, and
charged the Committee with preparing and submitting to Town Meeting for its
review and approval, a site development plan for affordable housing. The
Committee is comprised of representatives from the Selectmen, Planning Board,
Conservation Commission, Housing Authority, LexHAB, Fair Housing
Committee, and the Reed and Cedar Street areas of Precinct Eight. The
Committee is scheduled to submit its preferred site development plan under this
article.
The 1989 Town Meeting simultaneously instructed Selectmen to appoint
a townwide Affordable Housing Options Committee, and instructed that
Committee to assemble an inventory of potential affordable housing sites;
summarize existing affordable housing data and studies; integrate
housing goals with other town objectives and policies; examine financing
options; and generally, to foster townwide discussion and understanding
of affordable housing guidelines and possibilities through education and
information programs. The Affordable Housing Options Committee is
comprised of one member from each of seven Town boards and one
representative from each precinct, and will report its preliminary findings
to Town Meeting under this article.
ARTICLE 56 MEAGHERVILLE LAND, HOUSING, CONSERVATION,
RECREATION USES
To see if the Town will vote to take such actions as may be necessary to promote the
construction of affordable housing, as such term is defined in the Comprehensive Plan
adopted by the Planning Board, and such other housing and public facilities as may
complement, or be needed to serve, the affordable housing, on part of the land in the
Meagherville school site, so called, which was transferred to the jurisdiction of the
Board of Selectmen by Article 51 of the warrant for the 1985 Annual Town Meeting,
and on part of the land in the Pine Meadows Golf Course which was acquired by
Article 2 of the warrant for the Special Town Meeting held on July 13, 1988; authorize
the Board of Selectmen to lease or to transfer the ownership of such land to the
Lexington Housing Authority, or to the Lexington Housing Assistance Board, or to
lease to a private corporation or real estate trust, or any combination thereof, for the
purpose of constructing affordable housing and other complementary housing and
public facilities; authorize the Board of Selectmen to transfer, for conservation
purposes, including outdoor recreation, as provided by Section 8C of Chapter 40 of
the General Laws, as amended, the portion of such land not used for affordable
housing and golf course purposes to the Conservation Commission; to see if the Town
will appropriate a sum of money for the design of, the preparation of plans for, and the
construction of streets, sidewalks, storm drainage facilities, sanitary sewage facilities,
other utility lines and facilities, and recreation facilities needed for the construction of
affordable housing; determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by
transfer from available funds, by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods;
or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by Alan Mayer Levine and nine or more registered voters)
36
FUNDS REQUESTED: Undetermined at press time
DESCRIPTION: The Board of the Precinct 8 Resident's Association is
proposing an alternative plan for the construction of affordable housing at the
Pine Meadows - Meagherville site. The plan will not include sale of land to
provide funding nor will it include a road connecting Cedar and Garfield Streets.
It is also proposed that the land not to be used for the development of
affordable housing be transferred to the Conservation Commission.
ARTICLE 57 USE OF FUNDS TO REDUCE TAX RATE
To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money from available funds toward the
reduction of the tax rate for the fiscal year; or act in any other manner in relation
thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Undetermined at press time
DESCRIPTION: This article requests the use of available funds--"free cash"--to
reduce the tax rate. Subject to certain adjustments, "free cash" is surplus
revenue less uncollected overdue real estate and personal property taxes from
prior years.And you are directed to serve this warrant seven days at least before
the time of said meeting as provided in the By-Laws of the Town.
Hereof fail not, and make due return on this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the
Town Clerk, on or before the time of said meeting.
Given under our hands at Lexin ton this twelfth day of February, A.D., 1990.
f; ,-
C. Eddis , hairman
' aul . Mars all Board
William J. Dai44,‘,Z6,-4,m/Gdie47
Jr. of
1
,bac. iyn Smith Selectmen
L;o P. cS -eney
A true copy, Attest:
Constable of Lexington
37