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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