HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-09-20 SB-min
Select Board Meeting
September 20, 2023
A meeting of the Lexington Select Board was called to order at 6:32p.m. on Wednesday, September 20,
2023, via hybrid meeting platform. Mr. Pato, Chair; Ms. Barry, and Mr. Sandeen were present, as well as
Mr. Malloy, Town Manager; Ms. Katzenback, Executive Clerk; and Ms. Axtell, Deputy Town Manager.
ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
1. Select Board Work Session - Discussion on Noise Bylaw Regarding Landscaper and Construction
Noise
Mr. Malloy explained that the proposed changes to the Noise Bylaw were previously provided to the
th
Select Board on July 24 for comment. The Working Group then made some additional modifications to
thth
the proposal. There are public meetings scheduled on September 26, (hybrid) and October 11 (hybrid)
to obtain any public input.
One other issue related to the current bylaw that the Board can discuss is whether there should be a one-
year delay in the implementation of the gas-powered leaf blower prohibition by pushing the effective date
for commercial landscape contractors from 2025 to 2026 (which would seek to amend Section 80-
4(H)(6)).
Mr. Sandeen stated that he believes the charge that the Select Board gave to the Working Group was to
find a way to better protect residents from the types of noise that have been disturbing them. The Board
has received substantial amounts of complaints in the last year regarding construction noise and concerns.
He does not believe this item should be brought to Town Meeting at this time, as he does not believe this
proposal is providing better protection for residents than the current bylaw. The 85dB mentioned is a
1972 OSHA standard for occupational hearing loss. He does not believe the Town should establish a
standard that is the absolute minimum standard required to prevent hearing loss. Other municipalities,
including Boston and Cambridge have established construction noise limits which are substantially lower
than what is currently being proposed at this time.
Mr. Pato noted that he believes the Town needs to reconstitute the Noise Committee and include clear
participation of sound professionals to guide along the policy. However, this will not be completed prior
to Fall Town Meeting, and potentially not by annual Town Meeting. While the current proposal may not
be fully sufficient, the Board should consider moving forward as a way to move in the right direction
prior to the next construction season.
Mr. Sandeen suggested going back to the existing bylaw and make proposed changes regarding ledge
work definitions and holidays changes. This could then be brought forth to Town Meeting.
Mr. Pato read a statement from Ms. Hai that the proposal is a step in the right direction that should be
carried out, although more needs to be done in the future. There was no feedback from Mr. Lucente at this
time.
The Board agreed to hear from the public during the public presentation on this item next week and then
make a final decision.
DOCUMENTS: All proposed Changes – Redline, All Proposed Changes – Clean, 7-24 to 9/20
Comparison - Redline
2. Select Board Work Session – Update on Goal Setting Process
Mr. Malloy explained that the goal is to receive all feedback and compile it for inclusion at the October
11, 2023, Select Board Goal Setting meeting. Jon Wortmann met with the Senior Management Team to
discuss the goal setting process and shared the Senior Team's goals in working with the Select Board
moving forward. Mr. Wortmann also met with boards/committees in two different sessions and facilitated
a similar session aimed at connecting board/committee goals with the Select Board. The Town Manager's
Office has received a few written goals/feedback from boards/committees that were not able to attend the
in-person meeting. Those have been sent to Mr. Wortmann, to include them with the feedback.
3. Select Board Work Session - Continuing Review of Draft Select Board Report for Fiscal Year
2023 Annual Report
The Board agreed to allow Mr. Pato to be the editor for the draft report, as items continue to be drafted
and compiled.
VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted by roll call 3-0 to approve the
draft Select Board report to the 2023 Annual Report and grant the Select Board Chair final editing
authority.
DOCUMENTS: Draft Annual Report Submission
ADJOURN
VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 3-0 to adjourn the meeting at
7:54pm.
A true record; Attest:
Kristan Patenaude
Recording Secretary