Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-12-19 SB-min Select Board Meeting December 19, 2022 A remote participation meeting of the Lexington Select Board was called to order at 6:31 p.m. on Monday, December 19, 2022 via remote participation. Ms. Hai, Chair; Mr. Lucente; Vice Chair, Mr. Pato, Ms. Barry, and Mr. Sandeen were present, as well as 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 COMMENTS None at this time. SELECT BOARD MEMBER CONCERNS AND LIAISON REPORTS 1. Select Board Members Concerns and Liaison Reports Ms. Hai noted that she and Mr. Lucente met, along with the Economic Development staff and members of Lexington Minuteman, with the French Consul General and his Education & Culture Manager. Mr. Pato stated that he did not file a correspondence report this week, due to time. The Board received five or six messages from the public to be included in the January report, several of which were for items to be discussed today. DOCUMENTS: Select Board Concerns and Liaison Reports - December 19, 2022 TOWN MANAGER REPORT 1. Town Manager Weekly Update Ms. Axtell stated that she had nothing further to include at this time. DOCUMENTS: Weekly Update 12-9-22, Weekly Update 12-16-22 CONSENT AGENDA 1. Application: One-Day Liquor Licenses – Spectacle Management, Inc., 1605 Massachusetts Avenue  Handel & Haydn Society  The Moody Blues' John Lodge Performs Days of Future Passed To approve two One-Day Liquor Licenses for Spectacle Management, Inc. to serve beer and wine in the lobby of Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, for the purpose of two events as follows: Handel & Haydn Society Concert, Saturday, January 28, 2023 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm and The Moody Blues' John Lodge Performs Days of Future Passed Concert, Saturday, February 18, 2023 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm. th 2. Battle Green Use/Walk Request - 10 Annual Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day of Service To approve the request of the Town Celebrations Committee/MLK Day of Service group for the 2023 Lexington MLK Day Commemoration on Monday, January 16, 2023, to include use of the Battle Green and a walk along Massachusetts Avenue to the Cary Memorial Building. DOCUMENTS: 2023 MLK Day Event 3. Approve Select Board Meeting Minutes To approve and release the Select Board meeting minutes of:  November 2, 2022  November 7, 2022  November 14, 2022  November 28, 2022 DOCUMENTS: DRAFT 11022022 Select Board, DRAFT 11072022 Select Board, DRAFT 11142022 Select Board, DRAFT 11282022 Select Board 4. 2023 Class II License Renewals To approve the 2023 Annual Class II License Renewals for the following businesses: CLASS II Lexington Auto Center, Inc. - 1095 Massachusetts Avenue Lexington Auto Service, Inc. - 39 Bedford Street 5. 2023 Common Victualler License Renewals To approve the 2023 Annual Common Victualler License Renewals for the following businesses: COMMON VICTUALLER Akame Nigiri and Sake - 1707 Massachusetts Avenue #2 Alexander's Pizza - 180 Bedford Street Beijing Chinese Dining - 1709 Massachusetts Avenue Clay Oven Indian Restaurant - 1666 Massachusetts Avenue CoCo Fresh Tea and Juice - 1764 Massachusetts Avenue Dunkin Donuts - 10 Woburn Street Dunkin Donuts - 141 Massachusetts Avenue Dunkin Donuts - 277 Bedford Street Dunkin Donuts - 323 Marrett Road Inn at Hastings Park - 2013-2027 Massachusetts Avenue Ixtapa Cantina - 177 Massachusetts Avenue Lexington Golf Club - 55 Hill Street 6. 2023 Entertainment License Renewals To approve the 2023 Annual Entertainment License Renewals for the following businesses: ENTERTAINMENT Beijing Chinese Dining - 1709 Massachusetts Avenue Clay Oven Indian Restaurant - 1666 Massachusetts Avenue Inn at Hastings Park - 2013-2027 Massachusetts Avenue 7. 2023 Innholder License Renewals To approve the 2023 Annual Innholder License Renewal for the following business: INNHOLDER Inn at Hastings Park - 2013-2027 Massachusetts Avenue 8. 2023 Liquor License Renewals To approve the following 2023 Annual Liquor License Renewals: ALL ALCOHOL/ RESTAURANTS Beijing Cuisine - 1709 Massachusetts Avenue Clay Oven Indian Restaurant - 1666 Massachusetts Avenue il Casale - 1727 Massachusetts Avenue Ixtapa Cantina - 177 Massachusetts Avenue Royal India Bistro - 7 Meriam Street Via Lago - 1845 Massachusetts Avenue ALL ALCOHOL/ INNHOLDER Aloft Hotel - 727 Marrett Road – A Element Hotel - 727 Marrett Road – B Inn at Hastings Park - 2013-2027 Massachusetts Avenue WINE/MALT Akame Nigiri & Sake - 1707 Massachusetts Avenue Unit #2 Fiorellas - 25 Waltham Street Marios - 1733 Massachusetts Avenue Upper Crust - 41 Waltham Street CLUBS Knights of Columbus - 177 Bedford Street VFW - 2 Hayes Lane 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. Lexington Citizens' Academy Graduation James Robinson, Management Fellow, reviewed Lexington Citizen’s Academy, now in its 14th year. At Lexington Citizens' Academy, residents meet once a week in the evenings to learn about local government, specifically, the role each department plays in serving the public. The goal of the program is citizen engagement, and the program is designed to connect residents with the Select Board and Town staff, as well as encouraging participation on Town committees/boards and as Town Meeting Members. Nancy White, Lexington Citizen’s Academy participant, stated that this experience exceeded her expectations. The focus on excellence in Lexington runs through all of the Town Departments. Ms. Hai announced the 2022 Citizen’s Academy graduates: Sarah Morrison, Nancy White, Purvi Mavchi, Pamela Thornton-Richter, Alexis Porras, Jon Wakelin, Theresa Carilli, Michelle Race, Matt Tierney, Jay Luker, Nandini Kshatriya, Julie Barker, Ravi Gudipati, Barbara Tarrh, Shilpa Atnoor, Kathryn Roy, Jenny Xieyi Cai, Gunjan Goswami Sinha, Qiumei Du, Laura DeAmato, Norbert DeAmato, Nanette Byrnes, Vlad Antohi, Melissa Talal, Mark Steere, Raquel Leder, Dahua Pan, Samuel Ang, Kiruthika Ramakrishnan. The Board offered its thanks and congratulations to the graduates. DOCUMENTS: 2022 Lexington Citizens' Academy List of Graduates 2. Review Draft Article List for 2023 Annual Town Meeting Kelly Axtell reviewed the draft article list for the 2023 Annual Town Meeting. The draft warrant will be signed on January 23, 2023, and presentations on the articles will also begin that evening. Presentations will carry through the months of February and into March 2023 as needed in preparation for the annual town meeting. Annual Town Meeting begins on March 20, 2023. DOCUMENTS: 2023 ATM DRAFT ARTICLE LIST 3. Review and Approve Transportation Safety Group Recommendations for Amendments to §192 Traffic Rules and Orders  §192-53(D) (2) Obedience to Traffic Control Signals – Red o No Right on Red for Massachusetts Avenue and Maple Street Intersection  §192-69 Twenty-Mile-Per-Hour School Zones o 20 MPH School Zone on Concord Avenue for the Cotting School  §192-10 Schedule 7 Traffic Signs and Signals o Stop Sign on Alcott Road at Thoreau Road o Stop Sign on Wood Street at Hartwell Avenue o Stop Sign on Stedman Road at Allen Street Sheila Page, Coordinator for the Transportation Safety Group, explained that there are five recommendations of amendments to Chapter 192: Traffic Rules and Regulations. Regarding the recommendation for a 20-mph school safety zone at the Cotting School, one of the State requirements is that the school safety zone include a crosswalk. Two years ago, the Cotting School installed the crosswalk and so the Transportation Safety Group is now recommending this safety zone, with six signs to signify this. Mr. Pato stated that the Board received one public comment in support of this recommendation. Ms. Hai noted that the School also submitted a letter of support. Ms. Page explained that the Group received two requests over a two-month period for a No Right on Red sign, to be posted at the intersection of Maple Street and Massachusetts Ave. The No Turn on Red sign is proposed to be pedestrian activated. This will be an LED-illuminated sign. An additional sign is proposed across the intersection as well. This will be considered a pilot program for this type of sign. Mr. Pato noted that he has had difficulties crossing this intersection as a pedestrian and supports the proposal. He explained that he Board received two public comments on this item. One dealt with a concern with this impeding the flow of traffic. However, the Group has explained that this light will only turn on when activated by a pedestrian. Mr. Sandeen stated that recent studies show that permitting Right Turn on Red may have some negative impacts for pedestrians and bicyclists. He asked if Town staff has data on trends for crashes, injuries, and fatalities for pedestrians and bicyclists due to Right Turn on Red. Ross Morrow stated that, while he does not have any data, he has witnessed first-hand several near misses occurring at this intersection, due to cars turning red on right when pedestrians are present. Catherine Sullivan stated that, 3-5 years ago, she was so close to having been hit by a car at this intersection that she called the police. This exact same thing also happened to her approximately two years ago. She supports this proposal. Ms. Page explained that the Group received a number of requests from cyclists regarding a few stop sign proposals, at the intersections of Wood Street at Hartwell Avenue, Stedman Road at Allen Street, and Alcott Road at Thoreau Road. Mr. Lucente suggested putting the line further out onto Hartwell Avenue at the intersection, due to sight liens at this location. Ms. Hai requested that this treatment be considered. Mr. Pato stated that one public comment letter opposed to the stop sign at Wood Street and Hartwell Avenue was received. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 5-0 to amend Chapter 192 of the Code of Lexington as follows: § 192-53(D) (2) Obedience to traffic control signals – Red No driver of a vehicle facing a circular red signal indication shall make a right turn where the official traffic signs are installed and maintained prohibiting such turn at the following intersections: Street Direction of Travel At Intersection of Maple Street Southbound Massachusetts Avenue Massachusetts Avenue Westbound Maple Street VOTE: Further to amend Chapter 192 of the Code of Lexington as follows: §192-69 Twenty-mile-per-hour school zones: School Street Limits Time Cotting School Concord Avenue Between 481 Concord 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Avenue and 411 Concord Monday through Friday Avenue VOTE: Further to amend Chapter 192 of the Code of Lexington as follows: §192-10 schedule 7: Stop signs and YIELD Signs STREET LOCATION REGULATION Alcott Road at Thoreau Road Stop Stedman Road at Allen Street Stop Wood Street at Hartwell Avenue Stop DOCUMENTS: TSGPresentation on Recommendations, Memo on Right Turn Prohibition, Maple Street - Right Turn Prohibition, Memo on Stop Signs, Stop Signs, Memo on School Zone, School Zone, Cotting School Letter of Support - Traffic Regulation School Zone for Cotting School on Concord Avenue, Phil Press Letter of support for Traffic Regulations Cotting School 4. Discuss Inviting Public Back Into the Select Board Meeting Room Ms. Hai stated that the Select Board has had preliminary discussions regarding a return to in-person meetings. With the addition of both a free-standing air purifier and the CO2 monitor to the Select Board Meeting Room, the Select Board will consider resuming in-person attendance for Select Board meetings effective Monday, January 9, 2023. Drill session will be run to make sure that the IT in the room will work well, and a second owl is proposed to be added to the room. Mr. Lucente stated that other committees in Town are meeting in-person, remotely, and hybrid. He believes this Board needs to experiment more with a true hybrid solution, to set an example for other groups. Mr. Pato stated that he supports opening meetings up to the public, though he encouraged those who do attend to wear masks. He stated that he plans to continue to attend remotely at this time, due to breathing issues. He stated that he has a concern with how speaking requests from those who are remote will be integrated with requests from those present in the room. Ms. Hai noted that Board members will have to have a strict attendance to raising hands, instead of jumping in. Mr. Sandeen agreed with Mr. Pato’s concerns regarding fairness and equity of being able to speak whether in-person or remote. Ms. Barry stated that the public needs to be let back into Board meetings. The Board agreed that it did not need a vote on this item, but that it in addition to offering remote attendance, the Board would plan to include public in-person attendance at Select Board meetings, beginning January 9, 2023. 5. Review and Approve Tree Removal Near Minuteman Bikeway and Lexington Police Station Ms. Hai explained that that this item is related to the actual reconstruction of the parking lot behind the Police Station. This is not a project related to the solar installation. The project to reconstruct the adjacent and integrated parking lot surrounding the Police Station itself will have an impact on trees in the parking lot. An initial tree hearing was held on November 14, 2022, and several concerns were raised by both residents and committee members regarding the proposal. A new proposal was agreed upon by the Public Facilities Department, and the Tree Committee, which is being presented this evening. Mike Cronin explained that, as part of the scope of work for this project, the architect moved the edge of the parking lot on the north side, adjacent to the bike path, back to the property line. In some cases, this equated to 6” if space, and in some cases, this equated to a couple of feet. Unfortunately, that impacted some trees directly, but also the root structure of a series of trees. 15 trees were tagged as part of the original scope to be removed. The original scope had 164 parking spaces, as approved by the Board of Selectmen. Through a redesign, this was increased to 165. This includes all existing parking, and nine parking spaces inside the building. If the proposed tree well is approved, an additional 4-5 spaces will be removed, for a total of 160-161 parking spaces on site. Chris Filadoro explained that the trees proposed to be selected for removal were posted, advertised, and a Tree Hearing was held. Several members of the community spoke of their objections to the project. He stated that the Tree Hearing was closed with 9-10 objections heard. After further discussion, a revised proposal was submitted. Ms. Hai noted that the Tree Committee is fully in support of this new proposal, which reduces the removal from 16 trees to eight trees. Mr. Cronin noted that several trees which were scheduled for removal were able to be relocated to the outer edge of the field. Ms. Hai noted that, pre-construction, approximately 11 of the 169 parking spaces were being used by people other than staff. The proposed 160-161 parking spaces will still allow for adequate parking by staff but may reduce the number of spaces open to others. Additional spaces in the area may need to be sought for this purpose. Mr. Sandeen asked how this proposal will impact the solar installation. Mr. Cronin stated that a decision on this item, either way, will not impact the solar project. Mr. Pato expressed concern with the loss of additional parking. The bump out which will result in the loss of additional spaces will only save three trees. The other trees, saved by this adjusted design, remain whether or not the spaces are lost. He suggested a modified plan which preserves the trees but does not create the additional bump out. The three trees in that area could be removed or left to see if they survive. Mr. Cronin agreed that one of these three trees will be removed, but the other two could be left to potentially survive. Mr. Filadoro stated that he would be concerned that work near this root system would eventually lead to the removal of all three trees in this area anyway. He stated that he supports the original plan, and that the Town has done a very good job as stewards of the land to save and preserve as many trees as possible. The bump out could still lead to a loss of parking, due to stress on the root system. The three trees in this area cannot be transplanted, due to size. Mr. Lucente noted that this project makes the Police Station much larger, with a potential for more staff in the building at a future time. This would require additional parking. The Town values its trees, but also has an obligation to allow for parking for employees. Howard Cloth, 19 Sherman Street, stated that he is concerned that the Town is proposing to cut down trees for parking spaces, and/or solar panels. The parking lot could have been designed so as not to affect the trees on the verge of the bikeway in the first place. He also has an issue with the large communication tower proposed, approximately 100’ away from his back porch. Pamela Lyons, 51 Grant Street, urged the Select Board to adopt the alternative plan provided by the Director of Public Facilities and supported unanimously by the Tree Committee. There are approximately 500 parking spaces in Lexington Center, but mature trees are priceless. The Parking Management Plan effectively created additional parking spaces in Lexington Center that are essentially not counted. The Town can easily afford to lose five parking spaces in order to preserve eight priceless trees. She urged the Select Board to utilize the Parking Management Group for discussions like this, for both its institutional and practical knowledge of parking and Lexington Center. Ted Page, 6 Fletcher Avenue, expressed concern regarding the proposed communications tower. He noted that, per the plans, the scale of this is looks approximately the size of a 747 from tail-to-nose. This would be located over a residential neighborhood. He stated that this proposal has not been fully vetted by his neighborhood. Some of his neighbors are horrified and believe that more thought needs to be given to possible effects of property values in the area. He urged the Board to consider that this neighborhood deserves a hearing to better understand the scale and scope of this, and its effect on the neighborhood. He supports the Police Department in every possible way; however, he wants to know how the Police are going to serve and protect the neighborhood from a gigantic tower over its houses. Ms. Hai stated that, while she hears the concerns being raised regarding the communications tower, this item is to discuss the trees on the site. William Erickson, 31 Sherman Street, stated that his property directly abuts the bike path. He is concerned with the whittling away of the separation from a residential neighborhood to both the Police Station and the activities surrounding it, such as Massachusetts Avenue. He noted that all of the parking spaces located on the north of this plan do not have access to a sidewalk. The parking spaces that run along the south, adjacent to Fletcher Park, have a sidewalk, and he is unclear what function that's providing. He suggested moving those spaces 4’-5’ down, to alleviate this project pressing against residential lot lines. He stated that the proposal for this Police Station seems to break every vital zoning law. He encouraged the Board to stick with the plan that was agreed to by the Tree Committee. Mr. Cronin noted that the sidewalk along Fletcher Park will be utilized as part of the perimeter walking area for this project, and also for certain activities, such as a summertime farmer’s market. People will also be able to use the sidewalk to access a crosswalk, which will lead them into the front of the Police Station. Nancy Sofen, 3 Abernathy Road and member of the Tree Committee, stated that having this discussion at this point in the process, speaks to the fact that the Town needs to consider green infrastructure much earlier in the planning process for any Town buildings. She applauded Mike Cronin for walking the site with members of the Tree Committee and reconsidering the design this late in the process. She concurred with the Tree Committee's unanimous opinion in support of this modified plan. The eight trees proposed to be removed are very small trees and, in general, are not in very good condition. Their removal may actually benefit other trees nearby. The eight trees slated to be saved are large trees. If the Board agrees to pursue a modified plan, she urged Mr. Cronin to attempt to save a couple of the large black locust trees. In response to a question from Ms. Hai, Mr. Cronin explained that, if the tree well does not survive, it would not be a complicated process to change the area to parking spaces. Gerry Paul, 43 Highland Avenue and Chair of the Tree Committee, thanked Mr. Cronin for his responsiveness to resident and Committee concerns. He noted that it is difficult to replant for three mature trees in order to offset the carbon sequestration lost. He agreed with the proposal to try to keep the three tree well trees and reclaim the area for parking spaces if these do not survive. Mr. Sandeen stated that he supports the plan agreed upon by the Public Facilities Department, and the Tree Committee. Ms. Hai agreed. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 5-0 to approve the removal of 8 trees on Town property located at 1557-1625 Massachusetts Avenue as per the attached plan. DOCUMENTS: Tree Committee Recommendation, Tecton Plan th 6. Update on Possible Monument for the 250 Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington Ms. Barry explained that in June 2022 Howard Wolk offered $250,000 to help initiate the process of a th monument to commemorate the 250 Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington. Investigating a possible monument is deliverable #4 in the charge to the Semiquincentennial Commission (Lex250) from the Select Board. The Board did not voice any objection to Mr. Wolk moving forward with further investigation of a monument and suggested he form a small group to do so. Mr. Wolk took the Board’s advice and has been meeting with a small group (2 members of the Semiquincentennial Commission and 3 community members) to discuss the possibility of a monument and where it would be located. The group has looked at multiple locations and consulted with Mr. Pinsonneault, DPW Director and would like the Board’s feedback on the possibility of the monument being placed in Belfry Park at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Clarke Street. There is no proposed design yet and the small group has not yet officially discussed this location with any other Boards or Committees but wanted to see if the Board had any strong objections to the location before further discussions and before issuing a Request for Artists. The small group feels it important for any potential artists answering the Request for Artists to understand the location so they can design their project with the space in mind. Mr. Lucente noted future accessibility issues for this location. Also, this area is not very large and contains an existing monument. He asked about the size of another monument for this location. Finally, he suggested that the group engage the neighbors regarding potential issues. Mr. Pinsonneault explained that there will be some accessibility improvements to this area as part of the Streetscape project. Tree clearing or replanting will be taken into account, if this location is selected. Mr. Pato asked what this memorial will be commemorating. He stated that he does not feel a compulsion th to create a monument only for the 250 Anniversary. He echoed Mr. Lucente’s concerns with the proposed location. Mr. Sandeen echoed Mr. Lucente’s and Mr. Pato’s comments. He stated that he would like to see this displayed visually. Ms. Hai also expressed concern with accessibility to the site. The Board took a three-minute recess. 7. Review and Approve Parking Enforcement in Lexington Center th Ms. Hai explained that this is a continuation of the discussion from the December 5 meeting on parking enforcement in the Center. The Center Committee since voted unanimously to recommend that the Town return to parking enforcement as was in place pre-pandemic as of February 1, 2023 (when new permits are issued). Sean Dugan should put information out through all the normal channels and, during the week before, electronic sign boards will be posted at entrances to the Center indicating when Parking Enforcement will begin. Ms. Barry suggested that the Parking Management Group go door-to-door to explain this to businesses located in the Center. In response to a question from Mr. Sandeen about how many total vehicles are typically parked in the center, Police Chief Michael McLean noted that, as of last week 1,365 Senior Parking passes have been issued, with an average of 15 vehicles with Senior Parking passes parked in the center per day. Spots are being turned over and enforcement is being done to make sure there is equal access available. Mr. Lucente agreed with additional outreach to Center businessowners regarding this item, along with the Town’s parking program in general. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 5-0 to re-establish parking enforcement as it was previously enforced prior to the COVID pandemic, in the Center area as of 2-1-23. DOCUMENTS: Parking Map, Parking Memo - Chief of Police 8. Review and Approve Sidewalk Rentals to Restaurants in Lexington Center Ms. Hai explained that this is a continuation of the discussion from December 5, 2022, regarding the fees charged to establishments that use public sidewalks for outdoor dining. Mr. Malloy attended the Lexington Center Committee meeting and the group voted unanimously to recommend establishing new rates and performance standards. Ms. Hai stated that she appreciates the balance proposed of benefiting community members by giving them place to gather, while also furthering efforts to boost the businesses in Town, by giving them expansion opportunity, and significantly lowering their fees. Mr. Pato stated that he believes the fees proposed are low enough not to create any inhibitors for the robust use of sidewalks by businesses. He has one concern regarding the fee proposed for the parklet, as this did not originally belong to any business; it was a parklet for the community. He requested that this item be removed from the vote, as he does not want to dedicate the parklet to any businesses in particular. Mr. Lucente noted that there has been a lot of interest from businesses to use the parklet. Mr. Sandeen agreed with Mr. Pato’s concerns about charging fees for the parklet that has historically been open to the public. He would like to see more parklets. He suggested that if multiple businesses are requesting a parklet, that he would consider a fee for the businesses requesting access to a parklet. This will need to be discussed further. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 5-0 to set a fee for rental of public sidewalks for outdoor dining in the Center at the following rates:  Up to 10 outdoor seats on public sidewalks $100 per year  Over 10 seats on public sidewalks $250 per year 9. Review and Approve Ad Hoc Transportation Committee Charge Bridger McGaw, 9 Mariam Street and Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member, asked if it will be free to ride the shuttle buses, while the study group reviews how fares impact utilizations and how revenue generated would be impacted through fares. Ms. Hai stated that this would not be a purview of this Committee. Mr. McGaw agreed. He stated that this decision should be made prior to formation of this Committee. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 5-0 to create an Ad Hoc Transportation Committee to study Lexpress as per the attached Committee Charge and to report back to the Select Board prior to December 31, 2023. DOCUMENTS: Revised Ad Hoc Transportation Committee Charge ADJOURN VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 5-0 to adjourn the meeting at 8:53pm. A true record; Attest: Kristan Patenaude Recording Secretary