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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-03-22 SB-min Select Board Meeting March 22, 2023 A meeting of the Lexington Select Board was called to order at 6:00p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, in the Select Board Meeting Room of the Town Office Building. Hybrid participation was offered as well via the webinar meeting platform. Mr. Lucente; Vice Chair, Mr. Pato, Ms. Barry, and Mr. Sandeen were present, as well as Mr. Malloy, Town Manager; Ms. Axtell, Deputy Town Manager; and Ms. Katzenback, Executive Clerk. Mr. Lucente chaired the meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS None at this time. SELECT BOARD MEMBER CONCERNS AND LIAISON REPORTS 1. Announcement: 2023 Annual Town Meeting began on Monday, March 20, 2023. 2. Select Board Member Concerns and Liaison Reports Mr. Pato stated that, regarding ongoing neighbor concerns about the construction at 69 Pleasant Street, he would like the Board to have a discussion on how the bylaw is implemented at an upcoming meeting. Ms. Barry noted that Lexington was voted to become a Cultural District by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The Lexington cultural district extends from Mass Ave at Hastings Park to Pleasant Street. She congratulated all involved. DOCUMENTS: Select Board Concerns and Liaison Reports - March 22, 2023 TOWN MANAGER REPORT 1. Town Manager Weekly Update There was discussion regarding a table listed with Article 40. DOCUMENTS: 3-17-23 Weekly Update CONSENT AGENDA 1. Application: One-Day Liquor License – Spectacle Management, Inc., 1605 Massachusetts Avenue -Garrison Keillor Tonight To approve a One-Day Liquor License for Spectacle Management, Inc. to serve beer and wine in the lobby outside of Battin Hall on the main level of Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, for the purpose of the Garrison Keillor Tonight performance on Thursday, April 27, 2023 from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. 2. Application: One-Day Liquor License – Lexington Symphony, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue  Post-Concert Reception To approve a One-Day Liquor License for Lexington Symphony to serve wine in the lobby outside of Estabrook Hall on the lower level of Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, for the purpose of a post-concert reception on Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 9:30pm to 10:30pm. 3. Application: Battle Green Permit – Lexington Historical Society -Annual Children's Reenactment of the Battle of Lexington To approve the request of the Lexington Historical Society to use the Battle Green on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 from 10:00am to 2:00pm for the purpose of their annual Battle of Lexington Reenactment for children with a rain date of Thursday, April 20, 2023 with the same times. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 4-0 to approve the Consent Agenda. ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION 1. Request to Approve Tree Planting on Buckman Tavern Grounds in Commemoration of the Semiquincentennial Cindy Woolworth, Treasurer of Lexington Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, explained that the Lexington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is requesting to plant a tree on Buckman Tavern grounds to commemorate the Semiquincentennial (America 250). The proposal is to plant an American Elm, Ulmus americana 'Princeton', at one of two proposed locations on the Tavern grounds. The tree would be purchased from Village Green Nurseries and a request has been put in for a 3- 4" DBH tree. The Lexington Chapter DAR has planted four trees since 1929 on the Tavern grounds. The sites were determined with the help of the Tree Committee. The group has been working with the Superintendent of Public Grounds/Tree Warden and he has offered to assist with the tree planting and watering. His preference would be for Site 1 to fill in the gap between two maple trees. The hope is to make this tree planting part of the annual Arbor Day ceremony, if approved. Arbor Day takes place on April 28, 2023. Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street, stated that she is fully in support of this item, but may want to have further discussion regarding the location of Site 2 with respect to her house. Jim Wood, Lexington Tree Committee, stated that he has a preference for Site 1. Mr. Pato suggested, due to the proposed date for the planting, that the Board approve both sites, with a preference toward Site 1, so that the Grounds Committee can choose the more appropriate location at the time of planting, with the caveat that Ms. McKenna’s concerns be addressed. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 4-0 to approve the request of the Lexington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to plant a tree on Buckman Tavern Grounds at either proposed site 1 or 2, as outlined in the attached map, in commemoration of the Semiquincentennial, after consultation with both the neighbors and the Lexington Tree Warden. DOCUMENTS: Map of Proposed Tree Planting Sites, Lexington Chapter DAR Request Letter/Email - Tree Planting on Buckman Tavern Grounds in Commemoration of Semiquincentennial 2. 2023 Annual Town Meeting – Select Board Article Discussion and Positions The Board reviewed which members will be presenting the Boards’ positions on various articles. Regarding Article 16h, Mr. Malloy noted that this proposal is for design work only, in order to make the building accessible by designing an elevator into it. This is design work for any future use of the building. th Regarding Article 16i, there will be another abutter meeting on April 4. Mr. Pato suggested this be held as a public meeting instead, as additional Board members may wish to attend. Mr. Lucente stated that this item should be addressed by the Board at its upcoming Monday meeting so that Ms. Hai can be involved in the planning. Regarding Article 15, Mr. Lucente noted that the School Committee recently took a unanimous position on this item, and it will likely be moved back to the Consent Agenda. The Board discussed and took positions on a proposed amendment for Article 25, which was submitted by Town Meeting Member Jay Luker, for consideration – Amend General Bylaws – Demolition Delay. Positions on the Luker proposed amendment were two waits by Mr. Lucente and Ms. Barry, and two yeses, Mr. Pato and Mr. Sandeen. Regarding Article 34, Carol Kowalski, Assistant Town Manager for Development, explained the proposed 15% affordable housing number. This is also a way to protect commercial uses in the Center, while trying to introduce some housing above. There is a risk in delaying this item, as other goalposts could move, making this more difficult to achieve. Mr. Lucente stated that he is leaning toward a no on this item, without knowing more about some of the proposed amendments that the Planning Board will be considering. Ms. Barry noted that she is also remaining a wait at this time and would like more information regarding what the term economically feasible is defined as. DOCUMENTS: Art25Amendment, Moderator's Proposed schedule for ATM 2023 - updated March 21, 2023, Select Board Working Document - Positions 2023ATM ADJOURN VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 4-0 to adjourn the meeting at 6:44pm. A true record; Attest: Kristan Patenaude Recording Secretary