HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-BOS-min69 -383
Selectmen's Meeting
April 4, 2016
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, April 4, 2016, at 6:00 p.m., in the
Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building. Mr. Pato, Chairman, Mr. Kelley, Mr.
Cohen, Ms. Ciccolo and Ms. Barry; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; and Ms. Pease, Executive
Clerk were present.
Article Presentations /Discussion/Positions
Article 14 — School Zone Traffic Calming
Mr. Craig Weeks, representing the Safe Routes to School (SR2S) Program, gave a presentation
on its purpose which is one of a continuing series of recommendations by SR2S to improve
pedestrian and bicycle safety for Lexington's students. This article focused on increasing driver
awareness around our neighborhood -based schools. Controlling vehicular speeds around
Lexington's schools, where the 7 out of 9 are located on/near arterial roads, is a critical safety
element. This article has been indefinitely postponed but has been referred to the Transportation
Safety Group (TSG) with the understanding that, if the FY2017 budget for TSG (Article 10q
Transportation Mitigation) is approved, TSG will consider implementing a trial school zone
program at one elementary school to evaluate its effectiveness, with the intent of determining if
other school zones could benefit from these signage upgrades in the future.
Article 2 — Tourism Report
Mr. Pato stated that the Tourism Committee Report has been rescheduled to the April 25 meeting.
Article Positions
The Board did not change any of their positions.
Review Draft of Brookhaven Memorandum ofAgreement for Article 45
Mr. Cohen recused himself from this portion of the meeting since he is on the Board of Directors
at Brookhaven.
Mr. Valente has been working with a Task Force that includes Ms. Ciccolo and Ms. Barry and
they have come up with the following options for the Memorandum of Agreement related to the
proposed Brookhaven rezoning, including:
1. Tax status — to be determined by the Board of Assessors
2. Contribution for affordable housing. Options to be discussed include:
• Cash contribution equal to the development cost for 7 affordable units discounted
to present value over 20 years;
• Cash contribution, paid in equal installments over a 10 year period;
• Brookhaven to provide 7 of its new units on a straight rental basis, in a manner
acceptable to DHCD to be included in the Subsidized Housing Inventory;
• Combination of land and cash to allow Town to construct affordable units on
Brookhaven property; or
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Selectmen's Meeting — April 4, 2016
• Contribution of land to allow Town to construct affordable units on Brookhaven
property.
Mr. Kelley stated that when the Town reached its 10% affordable housing units, a number was
calculated with the expectation that was the process going forward. Mr. Pato agrees; he would
build out the entire 79 units and request a cash contribution so town can construct the additional
units.
Mr. Valente stated it would be difficult to develop anything beyond the 79 units since the site has
wetlands.
Mr. Kanter urged the Board to ensure the full objective of 10 percent.
Mr. Valente stated the cost of construction for LexHAB units is $135 -165 /square foot; there is a
cost for construction and the cost of the land. LexHAB is paying anywhere from $400,000-
$500,000 for buildable lots.
Mr. Pato stated if the units have to be built somewhere else other than Brookhaven's property, a
cash contribution would be necessary.
Mr. Kelley is interested in perpetuity of the affordable units and wants to make sure they are
documented and tracked.
Selectmen Committee — Appointment — Board of Appeals
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 to appoint Ralph Clifford to the Board of
Appeals as a full member to fill the unexpired term of Leo McSweeney until September 30,
2016.
Approve and Sign Royal Ranger Congratulations Letter for Oneniotekowa Jude Maracle
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 to send a letter of commendation
congratulating Oneniotekowa Jude Maracle on attaining the Gold Medal of Achievement in the
Royal Rangers.
Approve and Sign Eagle Congratulations Letter for Michael Frank
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 to send a letter of commendation
congratulating Michael Frank for attaining the highest rank of Eagle in Boy Scouting.
Approve Requests for Water and Sewer Deferrals
Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted 5 -0 to approve Water and Sewer deferrals for
11 Garfield Street and 60 Wood Street.
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Selectmen's Meeting — April 4, 2016
Executive Session
Ms. Ciccolo recused herself from the executive session since her parents abut the property at 20
Pelham Road.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -0 to go into executive session to consider
the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, 20 Pelham Road, and to reconvene in
open session only to adjourn. Further, the Chairman declared that an open meeting may have a
detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Town.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at approximately 7:15 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk
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Selectmen's Meeting
April 5, 2016
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, April 5, 2016, at 4:00 p.m., in the
Selectme's Meeting Room, Town Office Building. Mr. Pato, Chairman, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Cohen,
Ms. Ciccolo and Ms. Barry; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk were
present.
Public Comment
Mr. Kanter, Precinct 7 Town Meeting Member, corrected a mistake he made about Brookhaven.
Belmont Country Club Recreation Land /Right of First Refusal - Discussion with Conservation
Commission Member
Mr. Hamilton, Chair of the Conservation Commission, explained the reasons why they were not
interested in purchasing the land, including limited access and it does not lend itself to public
enjoyment. The Conservation Commission supports the Greenways Corridor Committee efforts
but not as conservation land.
Mr. Ohmart, Chair of the Greenways Corridor Commission (GCC), stated that they were not
notified about the right of first refusal. The 19 acre parcel fulfills the following Land Evaluation
Criteria from the 1996 report of the Land Acquisition Planning Committee to the Conservation
Commission:
• Contribution to Town Character
• Biological Values
• Public Access Values
• Wetlands Protection Values
• Of the 23 parcels listed as Critical to protect, 6 exceed 20 acres in size while the
remaining 17 average just 7.7 acres in size. The Belmont Country Club parcels at 19
acres represents a rare and significant opportunity to protect existing open space.
There is ample public access /parking on Pleasant Street and there is the possibility of negotiating
weekend parking with Montessori School.
Passive recreational value limited to trail connection, which is true for nearly all of the existing
conservation properties.
The FEMA Flood Hazard map indicates that the proposed trail route is possible and it would
avoid the flood plain.
The Montessori School has created a soccer field on a portion of the 19 acres and wishes to
continue leasing the space should the Town acquire this property. There are other shared
Recreation/Conservation spaces. Structured recreational areas adjacent to undeveloped open
space provide a spectrum of outdoor activities for all age groups.
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Selectmen Meeting — April 5, 2016
A meeting was held with MassDOT District 4 Engineering staff on March 30 to discuss trail
easement opportunities. The staff were very supportive but needed to refer the request to the
regional Right -of -Way Division for final consideration.
The GCC strongly urges the Conservation Commission to publicly support the Town's
acquisition of this parcel. If the Town fails to purchase this parcel, the GCC strongly urges the
Conservation Commission to publicly support the Town's acquisition of a Conservation
Restriction on the property, including the provision for a trail easement.
Ms. Gery, Head of the Montessori School, explained that the Montessori School has leased
approximately 3 acres of the 19 -acre parcel from Belmont Country Club (BCC) for a modest
annual fee. Since December 2013 they have been working with the BCC to secure a fair price
for the 19 acres. They also hope to work with the Town to determine if there might be a
mutually positive outcome for the land and its uses.
Ms. Carpenter, 94 Pleasant Street, Conservation Steward, would not like to lose the current vista;
houses would impact that. She hopes something can be worked out between the Town and
Montessori School.
Ms. Ciccolo feels there is not a lot of time but suggested that a working group could work out the
details.
Review Draft of Brookhaven Memorandum of Agreement for Articles 45
Mr. Valente has no new issues to discuss with the Board.
Executive Session
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 to go into executive session to discuss
strategy with respect to litigation of 430 Concord Avenue (Exemption 3) and to consider the
purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property (Belmont Country Club) (Exemption 6) and
to reconvene in open session only to adjourn. Further the Chairman declared that an open
meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Town.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 to adjourn at 5:48 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk
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Selectmen's Meeting
April 6, 2016
A meeting of the Lexington Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, September 26, 2016, at
6:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room of the Town Office Building. Chairman Pato, Mr.
Cohen, Ms. Ciccolo, Mr. Kelley and Ms. Barry were present as well as Mr. Valente, Town
Manager and Ms. Chabot, Assistant to the Executive Clerk.
Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports
Chairman Pato noted that the Selectmen take "no positon" on Town Meeting Article 34 since the
Board's vote was 2 -2 -1. Mr. Cohen clarified that although it was recorded as an abstention, the
purpose of his vote was to withhold his opinion until hearing Town Meeting debate.
Procedurally, Mr. Pato said he would rise from his place at Town Meeting and stand in line at the
microphone to make a brief presentation on his position.
Town Manager's Report
Mr. Valente said that on March 21, he gave a presentation to Town Meeting on what the tax
impact would be of all known proposed debt exclusion projects to the "average" household over
the next 5 years. A subset of those total projects was also shown that included the Hastings
School. Since that presentation, Mr. Valente has been asked to recalculate the projections
without the Hastings project included. To report on those findings, Mr. Valente asked that Mr.
Addelson, Assistant Town Manager for Finance, be recognized.
Mr. Addelson showed three slides: Slide #1 was the same as presented at TM that demonstrated
the impact of all projects over the course of 5 years. The list of projects in this slide included the
Hastings School renovation; Police and Fire stations; Lexington High School (LHS) HVAC
renovation; accommodations for the Lexington Children's Place (LCP) at an as- yet - unknown
location; and acquisition of the Pelham Road property. With the base property tax bill, a 21/2%
annual increase, and the CPA surcharge, the impact to a median value home would increase from
$11,790 in FY16 (with $603 attributed to excluded debt) to $15,148 in FY25 (with $1,166
attributed to excluded debt). A variable amount of tax mitigation from the Capital Stabilization
Fund is shown as well, ranging from $14 in FY16 to a high water mark of $328 in FY20,
thereafter, declining to zero in FY24 and FY25.
Just as Slide #2 on March 21 at Town Meeting showed the tax impact of a subset of projects, Mr.
Addelson's Slide #2 also showed a subset but with the Hastings School removed from the
calculation. This subset list includes $4M authorized a year ago for master planning designs for
School facilities; $5.386M authorized in December to continue the design phase plus six modular
classrooms for 3 elementary school sites; and the recent authorizations for Clarke and Diamond
middle schools. The after - mitigation tax impact shows median home taxes of $11,776 in FY16
to $14,557 in FY25. Mr. Addelson said the assumed drawdown of approximately $12.7M from
Capital Stabilization would leave a fund balance of $5.7M to mitigate the impact of other
pending projects: the Hastings School, LHS HVAC; LCP; Police and Fire stations; and the
Pelham Road property.
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Selectmen's Meeting – April 6, 2016
Slide #3 shows the tax forecast if the debt exclusion does not pass. In this scenario, tax bills in
some years would not increase by the full 21/2% allowed because the debt service would decline
over time for existing capital projects and no new debt would be added. Mr. Addelson said these
slides will be posted on the Town's website.
Article Presentations /Discussions /Positions
Article 43 —Amend Zoning Bylaw— Banking and Real Estate Service Uses in CB
District
Mr. Pato welcomed the Planning Board as well as Mr. Jerry Michelson of the Lexington Center
Committee. Mr. Pato verified that the Selectmen had seen previous drafts of the proposed zoning
bylaw amendment and clarified that the Planning Board was in session as it made the evening's
presentation.
Mr. Richard Canale, Vice Chair of the Planning Board, said the Planning Board had met with the
Center Committee and a variety of stakeholders to develop the amendment, ultimately reaching a
consensus that provided not only a blueprint for banking and real estate businesses in the Center
but also a plan that presented a vision for the Center as an attractive, active and cultural
destination with an identifiable sense of place.
As a precondition for acquiring a special permit that would allow the establishment, relocation,
or expansion of a bank or real estate business in the Central Business District, an applicant would
have to satisfy a seven point list of criteria. Reasons for identifying this particular list of criteria
include assuring a diversity of businesses so that banks and real estate establishments do not
dominate the Center, visually or commercially.
Mr. Michelson said he anticipated the Center Committee would support Article 43 at Town
Meeting but it has not yet taken an official vote on the final draft. It was noted that the Planning
Board voted 5 -0 to approve the article.
Mr. Kelley asked if Town Counsel had approved the amendment because it seemed to him as
though Item D of the criteria (re: hours of operation) had looser language than before. Planning
Director Aaron Henry said Town Counsel had been in close contact throughout the amendment's
development. Criterion D, specifically, is intended to ensure that banks seeking the special
permit keep hours similar to retail businesses so that storefronts are not dormant for significant
parts of the day. Parking was also a consideration— i.e. overlapping and complimentary
utilization of available spaces —as well as promotion of the concept that banks should consider
themselves partners in a vibrant business center rather than stand -alone enterprises.
Mr. Michelson commented that, in his committee's view, it would be acceptable for the Zoning
Board of Appeals to say "no" to a bank or realtor that failed to meet the criteria.
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Selectmen's Meeting – April 6, 2016
Mr. David Kanter, Precinct 7 Town Meeting member, asked if the ZBA would be mandatorily
bound by the criteria to approve or deny applications. Mr. Canale replied that the ZBA would
indeed be bound and would need to apply them.
Ms. Ciccolo said she supported the amendment and called it reasonable and workable. She added
that the bylaw may require revision once the ease of applicability has been tested but this would
be understandable. Mr. Kelley agreed, saying the amendment achieves the intended goal. Mr.
Cohen said he would support the amendment but feared that Criterion D, as Mr. Kelley pointed
out, contains language too loose to pass legal muster. He asked that Town Counsel be asked once
again to review the amendment. Mr. Cohen also questioned whether the Attorney General would
deem the language of Criterion D to be adequate but he otherwise viewed the content of the
amendment positively. Ms. Barry and Mr. Pato supported the amendment. Mr. Pato added that
the Board had heard much from residents on the issue of business diversity in the Center. He
noted, further, that the Planning Board and Center Committee had worked against the clock to
produce the amended article for Town Meeting.
Center Streetscape Design Review Ad Hoc Committee Revised Charge
This item was postponed for discussion until a future meeting as certain edits were not reflected
in the material in hand. Board members were asked to forward any additional edits to Ms. Pease
who will revise the document and return it to the Board.
Mr. Michelson said the next Center Committee meeting is scheduled for April 14 and he asked if
the Committee could discuss the draft in its current form and submit comments. Mr. Pato said the
Selectmen might vote on the charge before then; if that is the case, he will send Mr. Michelson
the revised document and will also attend the Committee's meeting on April 14.
Munroe Center for the Arts — License Amendment
Town Meeting will consider Article 15k that would approve roof replacement at the former
Munroe School, now leased to the Munroe Center for the Arts. The MCA has said it would
support the cost of the roof replacement if it is within its capacity to do so; however, replacement
estimates received to date have given rise to concern that MCA's funding ability, without
assistance, may be inadequate. If that is the case, MCA has asked the Town to fund that part of
the cost the MCA cannot support.
Since so far there have been no concrete numbers to discuss, the Board of Selectmen has not
voted on whether to accept or decline this course of action. Tom Griffiths, Chairman of the
Board of Directors of MCA informed Mr. Valente that MCA voted to authorize the Town to bid
out the job. Once the actual cost of the project is known, the matter would come back before the
Board of Selectmen to determine if /how to proceed.
The letter in hand from the Town to MCA is intended to accomplish two goals: 1) to provide
documentation of the possible agreement described above and, 2) to extend MCAs license to
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Selectmen's Meeting — April 6, 2016
occupy the Town's property (Munroe School) through June 30, 2018. Mr. Valente noted there
would be a new Chairman of the Board of Directors of MCA by that date; June 30 allows for the
new Chair to become acclimated to the role before a new lease contract must be negotiated.
Mr. Kanter, speaking as a member of the Capital Expenditures Committee, said he was
concerned with a change of approach that opens the door to a shared cost agreement since CEC's
model anticipated full funding for the roof from MCA. He further added concern with the final
sentence of the agreement letter that characterizes any reimbursement to the Town from MCA as
being tied to the term of the debt rather than to a specified dollar amount.
Mr. Pato agreed that this warranted clarification. Mr. Kelley agreed with Mr. Kanter, adding that
the term of the roof debt would be decided by the Town based on the amount and on other debt
exposure. Additionally, depending on how aggressively the Town pays down this debt, the bond
for the roof may be retired before MCA is able to fully reimburse its share of the cost. Mr.
Kelley said it does not seem reasonable that MCA would continue to reimburse the Town if it
were to move from the building at some later date; however, he would be comfortable with an
arrangement that created a structure for MCA to pay back the Town based on occupancy.
Ms. Dawn McKenna, Precinct 6 Town Meeting member, said she was surprised to see re-
licensing for MCA without resolution to the question of MCA's responsibility to take care of the
building as understood in the original agreement. Although she supports MCA remaining in the
building, Ms. McKenna, a former Selectman, said the maintenance agreement has never been
honored.
Mr. Cohen said it was his understanding that MCA had done a number of capital projects during
its tenancy.
MCA Chairman Tom Griffiths said there had never been a formal agreement between the Town
and MCA, merely an agreement to agree. It was, however, specified that MCA would engage in
fundraising for the building but this has never been done. Mr. Griffiths apologized for this but
added that he and Mr. Valente finally discussed clearer guidelines, now that MCA has a better
sense of its financial position. While Mr. Griffiths and Mr. Valente did not agree on every point,
the agreement to consider cost sharing for the roof is an example of the new relationship between
MCA and the Town.
Mr. Valente suggested eliminating the part of the sentence about the term of the debt with which
people disagree. If the Board approves the deletion, the letter can be edited and the matter can
move forward.
Ms. McKenna said she was uncomfortable with the language that leaves MCA's share of the
project open- ended, saying she is concerned for the Town's interests.
On motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted 5 -0 to approve the license for the Munroe
Center for the Arts as amended and to authorize the Town Manager to enter into this agreement.
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Selectmen's Meeting – April 6, 2016
Use of the Battle Green
Patriot Ordnance Factory — Request to Film Commercial
Mr. Pato offered an update on POF's request to use the Battle Green to film a commercial for a
new rifle. Questions posed by the Board following the initial presentation on this matter have
been forwarded to Zev Nadler, agent for POF. Several conditions were stipulated and the Board
also requested that POF consider postponing the filming until May. If May is not acceptable,
April 11 is the only day available to the group; April 11 has already been approved as long as
Patriot agrees to the conditions.
Confirmation has not yet been received from Patriot, so the Selectmen took no action.
Ryan Riney — Assembly to Protest Passage of Article 34
Mr. Pato said, due to a scheduling conflict on the original date, Mr. Riney has revised the date of
his request to Sunday, April 10. If the subject of the protest — Article 34 —does not pass at
tonight's Town Meeting, Mr. Riney will not hold the event.
Ms. Barry questioned whether conditions on the Green were favorable for events since there was
still snow visible and rain is predicted for the next couple of days. Mr. Valente said the final
approval for both requests lies with the DPW, as stated in the stipulations sent to Patriot.
In response to Ms. Barry's point, Mr. Pato said the motion to grant Mr. Riney's request should
contain the proviso that use of the Green is subject to DPW authorization. Mr. Pato will ask Mr.
Riney to consider an alternate site for the event due to this uncertainty.
In motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5 -0 to approve the use of the
Battle Green for a protest to the passage of Town Meeting Article 34 on Sunday, April 10 after
1:00 p.m. subject to ground conditions and approval by the DPW.
Consent Agenda
Sign National Library Week Proclamation
On motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5 -0 to sign a Proclamation
honoring National Library Week, the staff of the Cary Memorial Library, and the contributions
of the Cary Library to the quality of life in the community.
Sign Arbor Day Proclamation
On motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selection voted 5 -0 to sign a Proclamation
urging all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day on April 29, 2016, and to support efforts to protect
trees and woodlands, the Town's urban forestry program, and also to urge all citizens to plant
trees to promote the wellbeing of present and future generations.
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Selectmen's Meeting — April 6, 2016
On motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5 -0 to adjourn at 6:53 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Diana Chabot
Assistant to the Executive Clerk
Transcribed by Kim Siebert
69 -394
Selectmen's Meeting
April 11, 2016
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, April 11, 2016, at 6:00 p.m., in the
Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building. Mr. Pato, Chairman, Mr. Kelley, Mr.
Cohen, Ms. Ciccolo and Ms. Barry; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; and Ms. Pease, Executive
Clerk were present.
Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports
Ms. Ciccolo reported that she was asked to brief the Lt. Governor on Tuesday, April 12, at the
Massachusetts Municipal Association on the Lexington Community Compact. Mr. Pato also
mentioned that Lexington recently signed the Community Compact in Lowell.
Ms. Barry reported that the Old Guard was coming to Lexington for an indoor concert on Friday,
April 15, at 7:30 p.m., an outdoor concert on Saturday, April 16, at 12:00 noon and then they will
participate in the afternoon parade on Monday, April 18.
Mr. Pato reported that on behalf of the Town he attended the Boston Chinese Musicians
Association (Dream of the Red Chamber), which was sold out. It is an asset to see the venue
used for so many local cultural events.
Mr. Pato also reported that at the Town Meeting on April 6, a gun resolution was passed. He
asked the Selectmen to think about three possible phases: what to do as community, how to
deliver the message, and how to engage residents. He asked for another member of the Board to
work with him and bring it back for discussion.
Mr. Pato also reported that in the Lexington Minuteman there was a letter about the Center
Streetscape that was inaccurate. He would like to respond to the letter and requested that the
Board review the letter at the meeting on Wednesday.
Mr. Pato announced that he will not be continuing as Chairman at the conclusion of this year's
Town Meeting.
Town Manager Report
Mr. Valente recognized Police Chief Corr who provided an update on the Lexington High
School bomb threat.
Liquor License Change — Lexington Golf Club
The Lexington Golf Club has submitted all the necessary paperwork needed to request approval
of change of manager and new officers /directors on their All Alcohol Club Liquor License,
except the letter of Good Standing from the Department of Revenue, which is only good for 90
days and the Lexington Golf Club's is dated November 15, 2015.
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Selectmen Meeting — April 11, 2016
Mr. Kelley will abstain from voting on this item since he is a member of the Lexington Golf
Club.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -0 -1 (Mr. Kelley abstained) to approve the
application reflecting a change of manager and new officers /directors and issue an All Alcohol
Club Liquor License to the Lexington Golf Club, 55 Hill Street, subject to receiving an updated
Letter of Good Standing from the Department of Revenue.
Approve Lexington Ridge - Avalon Regulatory Agreement
Ms. Elizabeth (Liz) Rust, of the Regional Housing Services Offices (RHSO), provided an update
on the proposed Affordable Housing Regulatory Agreement for Lexington Ridge- Avalon
property on Waltham Street and requests that the Town Manager be authorized to execute the
final regulatory agreement. There are 198 total units on Lexington's SHI of which 56 are
affordable and 142 are market rate units. Of the affordable units 40 are affordable to lower
income households, and the remaining 16 more moderate (AMI) households. Since the Town is
now the responsible Monitoring Agent, through the Regional Housing Services Board (RHSO),
they proposed executing a local regulatory agreement to confirm the terms of affordability for
the low income units.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 to authorize the Town Manager to sign
the binding letter and Regulatory Agreement for the Lexington Ridge - Avalon affordable housing
program.
Update on Use of HOME Funds
Ms. Rust updated the Board on the use of federal HOME funds to be used for a portion of the
purchase price for the Keeler Farm affordable housing property. The Keeler Farm project was
just awarded CPA funds at the 2016 Town Meeting at a cost of $185,000. She is proposing to
utilize Lexington's HOME funds in the amount of approximately $70,000. If the Board supports
it, the RHSO will complete the requested administrative activities and return to the Selectmen so
that the funds can be committed by the Consortium deadline of June 30, 2016.
The Board supports using HOME funds for the Keeler Farm project. The RHSO will complete
the necessary work and return to a Selectmen's meeting for a hearing.
Article Presentations /Discussion/Positions
Article 10p — Parking Meter Replacement — Phase 2
Ms. Tintocalis reviewed the Article 10p — Parking Meter Replacement — Phase 2. Last year the
Town Meeting approved meters for 119 spaces (83 on Massachusetts Avenue, 16 on Waltham
Street, 11 on Meriam Street and 9 in Depot Square. The credit card usage has increased and 15
minute courtesy feedback has been positive. Police Chief Corr stated that the parking meter
program is part of a bigger program. It has been 5 -6 weeks but compliance has increased.
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Selectmen Meeting — April 11, 2016
Businesses are taking advantage of the outer lots and free spaces. This is an opportunity to bring
technology forward to build on the current enthusiasm. To retrofit the old meters would take all
summer and then would require more frequent emptying of coins.
Article 2 — Town -wide Process for Safety (Article 45 of the 2015 Annual Town Meeting)
Ms. Ciccolo reviewed the Article 2 presentation on 2015 Article 45 - Town Wide Process for
Safety. The plan of action includes: administrative changes and policy adoption, committee
coordination, data collection and information sharing and funding. Administrative changes
include dissolving the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee in October 2014 and replacing it with
a Town Manager working group, Transportation Safety Group. In addition, on June 17, 2014,
the School Committee approved the Traffic Safety and Mitigation Policy and on March 7, 2016,
the Selectmen adopted the Complete Streets Policy.
Center Streetscape Design Review Ad Hoc Committee
Mr. Pato explained that each Committee was to send two names to the Selectmen and each
Selectmen was to provide one name back to Ms. Pease. Tourism Committee has not provided
the necessary names so that appointment will wait until later.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 to approve the Center Streetscape
Design Review Ad Hoc Committee charge.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 to designate the members of the Center
Streetscape Design Review Ad Hoc as Special Municipal Employees.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 to appoint:
Peggy Enders (Bicycle Advisory Committee)
Pam Shadley (Center Committee)
Victoria Buckley (Commission on Disability)
Timothy Lee (Design Advisory Committee)
Anne Eccles (Historic Districts Commission)
Wendall Kalsow (Historical Commission)
Nancy Corcoran- Ronchetti (Planning Board)
John Frey (Tree Committee)
and the following Liaisons:
Beth Masterman (Appropriation Committee)
Wendy Manz (Capital Expenditures Committee)
Ada Wong (Chamber of Commerce)
David Wells (Historical Society)
Meg Himmel (Field and Garden Club)
Eric Michelson (Retailers Association)
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Selectmen Meeting — April 11, 2016
Consent Agenda
Water and Sewer Adjustments
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 to approve the following:
Adjustments to Water and Sewer as recommended by WSAB 3/17/16 ($60,042.92)
Proclamation — National Public Works Week
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 to sign a proclamation for National
Public Works Week, May 15 to 21, 2016.
Proclamation — National Public Safety Telecommunicator's Week
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 to sign a proclamation for National
Public Safety Telecommunicator's Week, April 10 to 16, 2016.
Use of the Battle Green — Old Guard Performance
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 to approve the request of the Town
Celebrations Committee to have the Old Guard to perform on the Battle Green on Monday, April
18, at 12:00 noon.
Executive Session
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 by roll call to go into executive session
under Exemption 6, to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property (Belmont
Country Club parcel in Lexington and 20 Pelham Road) and to reconvene in open session only to
adjourn. Further, the Chairman declared that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on
the negotiating position of the Town.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -0 by to adjourn at 7:26 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk
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Selectmen's Meeting
April 13, 2016
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. in
the Selectmen's Meeting Room. Mr. Pato, Chairman, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Kelley, Ms. Ciccolo and
Ms. Barry; Mr. Valente, Town Manager and Ms. Chabot, Assistant to the Executive Clerk, were
present.
Public Comments
Mr. Nyles Barnert, Precinct 4 Town Meeting Member, would like the Selectmen to talk to the
Center Streetscape consultants about evaluating two issues. The Woburn Street /Mass. Ave.
decision should consider mitigation. People on Winthrop Road would like a solution that has the
best chance of mitigation. Also, he proposed a 4 -way stop sign at the intersection of Harrington
Road and Bedford Street, so that people are much more cautious in order to reduce accidents.
Mr. Pato stated that he will convey his request and some of the questions have already been
posed.
Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports
Mr. Pato stated that he gave the Board a draft of a letter to submit to the Lexington Minuteman.
It is on the agenda for tomorrow night. If there are any comments, they can be sent to Mr. Cohen
or Mr. Pato. Tomorrow night they will have a 2nd letter because they will have had an
opportunity to discuss the tax policy and debt exclusion question. Mr. Pato is looking for
endorsements of both letters tomorrow night.
Approve Parklet on Massachusetts Avenue
Mr. Valente stated that for the past three years, the Town has installed a parklet near the Ride
Studio Cafe. They are required to come before the Board each year to have it approved.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 — 0 to authorize the installation of the
Massachusetts Avenue parklet from May 15 to October 30, in two parking spaces in the vicinity
of the Ride Studio Cafe.
First Steps for Gun Resolution Response Planning
Mr. Pato wants to have an inclusive process and requests that a second member of the Board join
him in preparing an initial plan for responding to the request. The plan would consist of three
phases: 1) Information Gathering; 2) Process Development; 3) Community Conversations. The
first phase of information gathering includes how to have the inclusive process that proceeds to a
resolution without preconceived outcomes. This would identify how to engage facilitators, how
to engage and identify key stakeholders and how to keep the conversation moving toward a good
outcome.
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Selectmen's Meeting - April 13, 2016
Ms. Barry asked how many members there would be. Mr. Pato responded that he is just looking
for two members of the Board for the information gathering.
Mr. Cohen stated that he would like to make sure that he hopes they do not have to appoint a
committee. The League of Woman Voters volunteered to take charge of this so if we are not
having them do so, we should let them know. Mr. Pato stated that he has been in contact with
the League and they are aware of what he is proposing. Ms. Ciccolo stated that she likes the idea
but also thinks that if other committees want to be involved, they should be able to. Mr. Pato
responded that he encouraged the League to proceed as they seem fit but he feels that this should
involve multiple committees. Ms. Ciccolo stated that she will assist Mr. Pato in the further
discussion.
Review Draft of Brookhaven Memorandum of Agreement
Mr. Cohen had a conflict so left the room.
Mr. Valente presented the agenda item: A request by Brookhaven to extend the zoning bylaw so
they can extend their facility on Waltham Street. They need to work on the non - zoning aspects
of the plan. There are two main components: The first issue is tax status. Since 1986,
Brookhaven has done a payment in lieu of taxes to the Town and since that time there has been
various court cases on the type of facilities that are exempt from taxes and so one of the issues
they are discussing is to have the Board of Assessors determine if they are tax - exempt. The
second issue is Brookhaven's proposal to contribute to affordable housing. They have had many
meetings with Brookhaven and at the last meeting they stated that they felt in order for this
project to go forward, they would like to keep the tax - exempt status and continue to make the
payments in lieu of taxes. Their proposal for the affordable housing is to either contribute
$50,000 per year for four years or contribute $25,000 per year for ten years. The project is not a
definite go yet until they get through Conservation. They are looking for some direction from
the Board moving forward.
Mr. Pato stated that they are joined by the Planning Board now as a joint meeting.
Mr. Kelley asked Mr. Valente if the tax question is going before the Board of Assessors.
Mr. Valente responded that it is not an issue for the Board of Selectmen to be looking at and will
be an issue for the Board of Assessors to look at regardless of the Board's decision, since
organizations are required to go before the Board of Assessor's each year. Mr. Kelley responded
that the Selectmen need to focus on the affordable housing issue. Mr. Valente stated that
Brookhaven's position is that they will not move forward with the project if they are given a tax
status. Mr. Pato stated that it is not for the Board of Selectmen to determine if they meet the law.
Mr. Kelley stated that with respect to affordable housing, the Planning Department will have
input.
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Selectmen's Meeting - April 13, 2016
Mr. Hornig, the Planning Board, stated that they have discussed this without having discussions
with Brookhaven. Typically with a private development of this size, they would expect to see 8
affordable units created. They are flexible with how they are created and assume they may not
be done in kind as is usually asked. As a result, they were looking for full cost recovery of the
creation of 8 units with the cost estimated at $2 million. The Board would be open to them
constructing the units onsite or offsite but they would like to see the 8 units.
Mr. Pato stated that they are looking for more input from the Planning Department. Brookhaven
provides a healthy living experience for our senior citizens so it is not just another housing
development, but with respect to pure numbers and 40B, it is another housing development and
increases our denominator. Mr. Pato views it as providing a social good but it leaves us with a
potential liability. His understanding is that there is no land available on the site. Mr. Valente
responded that there is no land available due to conservation issues.
Mr. Hornig asked if this would be a contingency to the memorandum of agreement. Mr. Valente
stated that the memorandum of agreement would be signed first because once they get Town
Meeting approval, then it moves forward with the conservation process Mr. Hornig asked if
once it moves through the conservation process, would the contingency be satisfied? Mr.
Valente stated that is his understanding.
Mr. Kelley stated that it has been filed as an RD. They have something before Town Meeting
that if it passes, then it would stay with an RD. Mr. Kelley stated that the numerator should be
satisfied. Mr. Hornig stated that the figure he gave is based on the most recent LexHAB project.
It came to about $1 million in costs to construct 3 units. So looking at 8 units, they scaled it up.
Mr. Kelley stated that that does not seem right and he does not think it is a fair way to come up
with the cost. Mr. Pato stated that the number does not seem right and they have cause to
consider this using a different formula since it is not a conventional housing facility. Ms. Barry
stated that this is on the schedule for April 25. Mr. Pato stated that they may need to continue
this to May 9. Mr. Kelley stated that he would like to volunteer to figure out the formula but
would like another selectmen to sit with him and Aaron Henry, the Planning Director. Ms.
Ciccolo stated that we have a negotiating team that is sitting down with Brookhaven so any input
can be given to the Town Manager or Mr. Henry.
Mr. Hornig stated that that may be a valuable exercise to go through but he still thinks there will
be a need to go through a compromise on the number. Mr. Pato stated that he agrees but the
Town will need to know the kind of housing and why the Town would be interested in a
compromise.
Mr. David Kanter, Precinct 7, Town Meeting Member, stated that he thinks it essential that the
normal allocation of units be achieved so the Town -wide liability of 40B is not jeopardized.
Ms. Ciccolo asked Mr. Valente to consider speaking with the Department of Revenue or other
agencies to see if Brookhaven would be eligible to qualify as an assisted living facility so that
they would not fall under the Town's denominator.
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Selectmen's Meeting - April 13, 2016
Mr. Pato stated that he expects this will not be ready for the next meeting on the 25t.
Mr. Hornig stated that they should know if this will be indefmitely postponed before Town
Meeting.
Article Presentations /Discussion/Positions
1. Article 25 Amend FY 2016 Operating, Enterprise and CPA Budgets
Mr. Rob Adelson presented the article, which would be an adjustment to the current FY 2016
budget. Under that article, they are needing the Board to consider a supplemental appropriation
in the amount of $33,600.00 to the Town Clerk's budget to address costs not anticipated in the
original budget, such as additional election costs. If they are amenable to that, they have already
prepared the motion. Article 26 is to request supplemental appropriation to provide
supplemental funding for capital projects that have been approved at prior Town Meetings. They
found that the budget was inadequate to fund the bids that they received in this current year.
They are recommending that Article 26 be indefinitely postponed.
The Board unanimously approved both articles.
2. Article 2 — Tourism Committee Report
They were not able to come tonight but are expected at the April 25 meeting.
3. Discussion of Articles before Town meeting as needed
Ms. Barry stated that when they meet on April 25, they have STM4 on the agenda and the Board
has not taken any positions. Mr. Pato stated that the Belmont article is moved to May 9, if it
proceeds. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 — 0 on the Minuteman issue.
The easement for the bus stop — 5 yes; Country Club will wait because they have not worked out
the details; the changing of the number of membership for Capital is a request from the
moderator to accommodate the scale of work in capital for the next couple of years. Mr. Cohen
stated that this is not just changing numbers so they should see if Town Council is working on
that. Mr. Pato asked if the Board is in support. The feedback would be that the Board is in
support and would like to see the actuals.
Mr. Kanter, member of Capital Expenditure Committee, said the liberty to change the number
does not dictate the actual number, so it could remain and go larger. Ms. Barry asked if it could
be smaller. Ms. Hayes, the chair of the Capital Expenditures Committee, stated that the
proposed language would allow the Committee to be comprised of between 5 -9 members. The
charge will determine what the number is, so based on what is happening, they can moderate size
as necessary. The first charge that would follow a bylaw change would be a 7 person
Committee. Mr. Kelley said that the choice would be 5, 7, or 9 not 6 or 8. Mr. Cohen stated that
the current bylaw talks about 5 and how long the terms are and that will all have to be changed.
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Selectmen's Meeting - April 13, 2016
Consent Agenda
1. Use of the Battle Green — Promotion Ceremony Sunday, May 7, at 1:00 p.m. for U.S.
Army Colonel Michael D. Sullivan
2. Proclamation — Minuteman Cane Award to William C. "Bill" Hays
3. Proclamation for Citizen — Declare Lynne Wilson Day on April 16, 2016
4. Approve One -Day Liquor License — Berman's Package Store to serve wine and beer for
Revolutionary Revelry in the Berman's parking lot on Sunday, May 29 from 1 to 4 p.m.
5. Approve One -Day Liquor License — National Heritage Museum for a music concert on
May 7 and to serve wine and beer from 9:00 to 10:45 p.m.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 — 0 to approve the Consent Agenda.
Executive Session
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 - 0 by roll call at 6:26 p.m. to go into
executive session to consider Exemption 6, the Purchase, Exchange, Lease or Value of Real
Property at Belmont Country Club and 20 Pelham Road. Further, the Chairman declared that an
open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Town.
Ms. Ciccolo stated that she will only participate in the Belmont item but will recuse herself from
the Pelham item.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 - 0 to return to open session only to
adjourn.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 — 0 to adjourn at 7:13 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Diana A. Chabot
Assistant to the Executive Clerk
69 -403
Selectmen's Meeting
April 14, 2016
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday, April 14, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. in
Estabrook Hall, Cary Memorial Building. Mr. Pato, Chairman, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Kelley, Ms.
Barry; Mr. Valente, Town Manager and Ms. Chabot, Assistant to the Executive Clerk, were
present.
Approval of Lexington Minuteman Articles
There are two items for the Board to approve:
1. Refutation of Letter dated 4/7/2016 re: Center Streetscape Project
There were no comments or questions from the Board on this draft letter. Mr. Pato asked the
Board to consider the letter. There was a short discussion on the general scope.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 — 0 to approve sending a refutation letter
to the Lexington Minuteman.
2. Op -ed piece to appear in the 4/28/16 issue of the Minuteman. This is a 600 -word
piece addressing taxation issues and employee compensation issues that were raised in
relation to the debt exclusion question to be voted on May 3.
Mr. Kelley stated that he cannot comment on this because he did not read it. Mr. Pato stated he
needs the authorization of the Board to submit it. Ms. Barry stated that she just sees a few edits
and will get them to Mr. Pato offline.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 — 0 to authorize the Chairman to send an
op -ed regarding taxation issues and employee compensation issues to the Lexington Minuteman.
Public Meeting Regarding a Portion of the Belmont Country Club Land Located in Lexington
Mr. Pato presented the agenda item. The Belmont Country Club notified the Board that it will be
selling a portion of its property to the Montessori School. Because this property currently enjoys
favorable property tax status, the Town has a Right of First Refusal and may purchase this parcel
at the price of $1,800,000, which the Belmont Country Club and the Montessori School have
negotiated. This is a public meeting to receive comments on whether the Town should exercise
its Right of First Refusal. The property is on approximately 19 acres of land and is currently
leased by the Montessori School. Comments will be received until April 15, 2016 and the Board
will make its decision on April 25, 2016.
Mr. Keith Omart, Precinct 5, Chairman of the Greenways Corridor Committee (GCC) indicated
the property is an open space. Approximately 2/3 is forest and it is protecting areas of marsh. It
is a goal of Across Lexington to create trails across open spaces; the GCC would like to explore
use of this property for a future Across Lexington Trail.
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Selectmen's Meeting — April 14, 2016
Mr. Frank Sandy, Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member, suggested this parcel might be another
possible site for the schools. There would be a lot of problems with that area for a school site.
Ms. Laurel Carpenter, Precinct 2, 94 Pleasant Street, Lexington Conservation Steward, stated
that the Board needs to make a determination at this meeting. Mr. Pato stated that if they do not
make a decision tonight, it will be postponed to May 9.
Mr. Steve Heinrich, 11 Potter Road, Precinct 3, grew up at 136 Pleasant Street. The Montessori
school is in a wonderful neighborhood. He is concerned that if we do not purchase the property,
it will be bought by a developer. We should work with the Montessori School to buy the
property and require that it could not be sold to a developer.
Mr. Sathish Gobichettypalayam, 119 Concord Ave. stated that we should work with the school to
leave the land as it is.
Ms. Gloria Bloom, Loring Rd., Precinct 4, agrees with Mr. Sandy's suggestion.
Ms. Margaret Fitzgerald, 17 Lawrence Lane, encouraged the Town to try to buy the land.
Mr. Mike Andriolo, 29 Lawrence Lane, agrees that the Town should buy the land.
Mr. Bob Pressman, 22 Locust Ave. asked the Board whether they are amenable to conservation
restrictions on the land.
Mr. David Kanter, Precinct 7 Town Meeting Member, asked if there is sufficient time for the
Board to review this.
Mr. Pato stated that the timeline is what we have before us.
There were no further comments from the audience. Mr. Pato thanked everyone for sharing their
input..
Consent Agenda
Sign 2016 Outstanding Youth of Lexington Awards
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 — 0 to approve the Consent Agenda.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 — 0 to adjourn at 7:37 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Diana A. Chabot
Assistant to the Executive Clerk
Transcribed by Jennifer Gingras
69 -405
Selectmen's Meeting — Morning Session
April 25, 2016
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday, April 25, 2016, at 8:00 a.m. in
Selectmen's Meeting Room. Mr. Pato, Chairman, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Kelley, Ms. Ciccolo and Ms.
Barry; Mr. Valente, Town Manager and Ms. Chabot, Assistant to the Executive Clerk, were
present.
Executive Session
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 - 0 by roll call at 8:00 a.m. to go into
executive session to consider the compensation review strategy for the Executive Clerk. Further,
the Chairman declared that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating
position of the Town.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 - 0 to return to open session at 9:11 a.m.
Article Presentations /Discussion Positions
Annual Town Meeting Article 45: Brookhaven Rezoning — Memorandum of Agreement
Mr. Cohen recused himself from this discussion due to a conflict.
Mr. Valente stated that at the last meeting, Mr. Kelley proposed an alternative model for
calculating the affordable housing mitigation payment that Brookhaven should pay as part of
their zoning proposal. The Planning Director, Mr. Aaron Henry, reviewed the Agreement with
the Planning Board and the comments were provided to the Selectmen. Under this methodology,
this would bring the mitigation payment for eight (8) affordable houses to the $700,000 range.
Ms. Ciccolo stated that they want to work with Brookhaven but the concern is that down the road
there would be an issue with not having enough affordable housing units in town. That has to be
balanced with our desire to help them. If the land cost piece were more in line with the actual
cost that we would have to pay to purchase the land, it would be better.
Mr. Pato stated that this proposal falls between what we would expect for a developer adding
affordable housing units: the costs are not high. It is too low when you are trying to find new
land. The price associated with what a developer has to pay in lieu of providing affordable
housing units in their development: it is not a good model. For Brookhaven, they are providing a
continuous care service to the community and not just creating housing: the model is too
expensive. He is looking for a model that recognizes the value of the service provided to the
community by Brookhaven.
Ms. Ciccolo asked how the numbers relate to what they paid the last time the town had an
agreement with them. Mr. Valente responded that in 2004 they paid $100,000 for affordable
housing. Ms. Ciccolo asked if they were a non - profit. Mr. Valente stated that is correct. Ms.
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Selectmen's Meeting — April 25, 2016 Morning Session
Ciccolo asked if there was any progress about her comment at the last meeting about
Brookhaven being recognized as a hybrid form of assisted living so their houses do not count in
the denominator. Mr. Valente responded no, that is a determination that is made by the census
bureau. Mr. Pato stated that the fact that Brookhaven is a non -profit is not his concern. It is not
the nature of the business model, it is that what they are providing is not a conventional model.
Mr. Kelley stated that he has always viewed Brookhaven as housing units with benefits. We
have to keep the numerator equal to the denominator and keep the same affordable housing unit
percentage. He wanted a commitment with Brookhaven and the Town to look for an opportunity
to bring more affordable housing units.
Ms. Ciccolo stated that Mr. Kelley's statement to bring the numerator unit up is the right
emphasis but removing the nursing units is an issue. She asks what the total of units is that we
would have to create. Mr. Valente responded eight.
Ms. Barry asked Mr. Valente about the definition about the assisted living part and if it is 7 -8
units or is it 5. Mr. Valente responded that it is a census bureau determination. If they are year -
round living units, then they are part of the denominator. All 79 units would count in the
denominator. The feedback from the Planning Board is that they are uncomfortable with the
$700,000.
Mr. Valente stated that they would like the Board to give some direction to the negotiating team
about the affordable housing part.
Mr. Kelley stated that the hard part is addressing the numerator. Mr. Kelley does not support the
number and stated that we cannot ignore the need to adjust the numerator.
Mr. Pato stated that they do not have any more land right now to do this. Ms. Ciccolo stated that
her understanding is that the units are already counted in the existing growth. Mr. Kelley agreed
with Ms. Ciccolo. He does not think we should set a denominator.
Mr. Kelley stated that we could seek out a real estate inflation factor to add to the number. Ms.
Ciccolo stated that we may not be able to develop a MOU in time for May 9. Mr. Valente stated
that the Board of Assessors are hoping to take up a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) question in
mid -May.
Ms. Barry stated she was concerned this could be precedent setting and that they need more time
to get the number right for the numerator and denominator.
Mr. Kelley stated that he agrees and Brookhaven needs clarification on their tax - exempt status.
He does not think the Board can get them an answer by May 9.
Mr. Pato stated that they can ask to delay it and give them the feedback. He is comfortable with
the $700,000 with inflation included but he wants justification on how to reduce the amount for
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Selectmen's Meeting – April 25, 2016 Morning Session
an organization providing a service like continuing care— either by having the DHDC not count
the units in the denominator or by establishing a value for the service. In addition, he is looking
for how to find land for developing affordable housing.
Ms. Ciccolo stated that MAPC was in the process of assisting DHDC to look at its methodology
in counting assisted living as development and being more thoughtful about its classification.
She asked if the Board would object to her having a conversation with them. The Board
responded there would be no issue.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 – 0 to adjourn at 9:40 a.m.
A true record; Attest:
Diana A. Chabot
Assistant to the Executive Clerk
Transcribed by Jennifer Gingras
69 -408
Selectmen's Meeting — Evening Session
April 25, 2016
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday, April 25, 2016, at 5:45 p.m. in
the Selectmen's Meeting Room. Mr. Pato, Chairman, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Kelley, Ms. Ciccolo and
Ms. Barry; Mr. Valente, Town Manager and Ms. Chabot, Assistant to the Executive Clerk, were
present.
Executive Session
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 - 0 by roll call at 5:45 p.m. to go into
executive session to consider the compensation review strategy for the Executive Clerk. Further,
the Chairman declared that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating
position of the Town.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 - 0 to return to open session at 5:52 p.m.
Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports
Ms. Barry stated that Patriots' Day was celebrated last week and wanted to thank the many
departments that helped make sure that weekend was a success. She also said that the Arbor Day
celebration will be this Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Lincoln Field.
Article Presentations /Discussion/Positions
1. Article 2 — Tourism Committee Report
Ms. McKenna presented the Tourism Committee's Article 2 Presentation and
handed out the Economic Development Department staff report.
2. Mr. Cohen stated that he has a number of items from Mr. Kanter on item 8.0.
Mr. Pato asked if the Board is ready to take a position since they received it as they came in.
Liquor License Hearing — Lexx Restaurant
Lexx submitted all the paperwork to request an alteration of premises and a change of manager.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 — 0 to approve the application reflecting an
alteration of premises and change of manager to a Common Victualler Liquor License to sell all
alcohol to be drunk on the premises and issue an All Alcohol Common Victualler Liquor License
to the Lexx Restaurant at 1666 Massachusetts Ave.
Belmont Country Club Parcel/Montessori School/Right of First Refusal
Mr. Valente presented the continued discussion regarding the Town's Right -of -First Refusal for
purchase of land from the Belmont Country Club, adjacent to the Lexington Montessori School.
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Selectmen's Meeting — April 25, 2016 Evening Session
Mr. Kelley stated that it is in the best interest for both parties to work together to work through
conservation protection and a walking easement that works with the West Greenway Group and
structure an agreement before May 9. He recommends not going forward. Mr. Cohen stated that
he agrees with Mr. Kelley to not exercise this option. Ms. Barry also agreed and also stated they
should work to get the trail easement. Ms. Ciccolo also agreed. Mr. Pato stated this would not
be a future Lexington school site due to the wetlands in the area.
Mr. David Kanter, member of the Capital Expenditures Committee, stated he was not clear on
whether the Town is trying to pursue both or if just the trail easement. Mr. Pato responded that
they are just looking for the easement.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 - 0 to not exercise its right of first refusal
and continue negotiating with the Montessori School in regards to the easement.
Town Manager's Appointment — Historical Commission
Mr. Valente is requesting the Board's approval of the reappointment of Wendall Kalsow to the
Historical Commission. Mr. Kalsow has been a member since 2007.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 — 0 to approve the Town Manager's
appointment of Wendall Kalsow to the Historical Commission.
Town Celebrations Request for Use of Battle Green and Parade — Memorial Day Celebration
Mr. Pato stated that the Town Celebrations Committee has requested permission for the
Memorial Day parade and ceremonies on the Battle Green for Monday, May 20, 2016.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 — 0 to approve the request of the Town
Celebrations Committee for Memorial Day that includes a parade and ceremonies on the Battle
Green, as outlined in their letter dated April 1, 2016.
Purchase of Land — 20 Pelham Road and 6 Eliot Road
This will be moved to Executive Session and then continued in open session.
Consent Agenda
1. Water & Sewer Commitments
Water and Sewer Cycle 9 for March 2016 $221,084.64
Water and Sewer Finals for March 2016 $299,771.61
2. Approve and Sign Eagle Congratulation Letters for:
• William S. Conrad, Spenser P. Hobbs and Joseph D. Williams
3. Sign National Police Week/Peace Officers' Memorial Day Proclamation
4. Sign Emergency Medical Services Week Proclamation
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 — 0 to approve the Consent Agenda.
69 -410
Selectmen's Meeting — April 25, 2016 Evening Session
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 - 0 by roll call at 6:17 p.m. to go into
executive session to continue the discussions regarding the 20 Pelham Road purchase and the
related property at 6 Eliot Road. Further, the Chairman declared that an open meeting may have
a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Town. Ms. Ciccolo stated that she will not
participate in the 20 Pelham Road discussion but will participate in the discussion of 6 Eliot
Road. They will reconvene in open session.
The Board returned to open session at 7:13 pm. Ms. Ciccolo recused herself from the Pelham
Road discussion.
Exemption 6: Purchase of Land — 20 Pelham Road
Mr. Pato stated that the Board intends to proceed with the acquisition of 20 Pelham Road at
Town Meeting. The Board of Selectmen request that on May 9 that Special Town Meeting
authorize the acquisition of 20 Pelham Road. The property provides significant opportunities for
municipal and school uses. Town Meeting will be asked to authorize appropriation of $8M for
the acquisition to purchase the property and engineering studies and connecting the property to
the Community Center parcel. The Board of Selectmen is hopeful to negotiate a Purchase and
Sale Agreement with the Armenian School Sisters, the motion will also include authority for the
Town to obtain this property under an eminent domain taking.
Ms. Ciccolo rejoined the Board.
Article 8 — Grain Mill Alley Bike Node
Mr. Pato stated that they need to discuss the proposed amendment to Article 8.
Ms. Ciccolo is opposed to the Amendment. She believes the project can proceed without having
the design done in advance. Mr. Cohen stated that he thought the Capital Expenditures
Committee was unanimously for this amendment but after reading what Mr. Kanter presented, it
seems that he is the only one supporting the amendment. This has gone through the CPC and the
liaisons showed they were in favor of the part in the back and they had eliminated the front. Mr.
Cohen will be voting no for the amendment. Ms. Barry and Mr. Kelley stated that they are
opposed to the amendment for the same reasons Ms. Ciccolo raised. Mr. Pato stated he is
opposed as well. Reducing it to just the construction in the region of the bike path was
reasonable in scope and it is ready to go forward without amendment.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 — 0 to adjourn.
A true record; Attest:
Diana A. Chabot
Assistant to the Executive Clerk
Transcribed by Jennifer Gingras
69 -411
Selectmen's Meeting
April 27, 2016
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. in
the Selectmen's Meeting Room. Mr. Pato, Chairman, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Kelley, Ms. Ciccolo and
Ms. Barry; Mr. Valente, Town Manager and Ms. Chabot, Assistant to the Executive Clerk, were
present.
Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports
Ms. Ciccolo mentioned she attended a session at the Mass. Dept. of Public Utilities for
stakeholders in municipal coordination. They have a new commission to improve working
relationships between private utilities and municipalities. There are promises for improvement
moving forward.
Mr. Pato mentioned that there will be a meeting on Tuesday, May 17, which will address natural
gas leaks and National Grid has been invited. On Monday, May 2, the meeting agenda will have
an item on proposed traffic trials at the intersections of Bedford St. and Harrington Rd., Mass.
Ave. and Waltham St., and Mass. Ave. and Edison Way. The Board will make a decision on the
subsequent Monday, May 9.
Town Manager Report
Mr. Valente updated the Board on the water main replacement project that started on Mass. Ave.
last week. It goes approximately from Marrett Road eastbound to just past Pleasant Street.
Public Works is replacing two (2) water mains that date back to the early 1900s. The Marrett
Road to Maple Street work is going on presently. Right now they are limiting the contractor's
work to start at 9 a.m. and once they are past Maple St., they will start at 7 a.m. This will go
until November and they will expect to have two -way traffic open during the entire construction.
They had two glitches during the first couple days and had to shut off water mains to another
area. That same day, the contractor hit an unmarked gas main and National Grid had to be called
to shut off the gas main and repair it. Public Works is setting up an e -mail list serve to send out
e -mail updates on the project. Public Works also has a Twitter account (diginLex) to send out
updates. There is also an on -site inspector (an employee of Weston & Sampson) at all times so
any neighbors or abutters that have questions can speak with him.
Article Presentations /Discussions /Positions
Mr. Kelley asked if just the Wastewater budget and Brookhaven were the only ones left for the
Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Valente responded that the negotiating team is meeting with
Brookhaven on Friday morning so they will know more after that meeting.
Ms. Ciccolo recused herself from the discussion on the 20 Pelham Road property since her
parents own property that abuts it.
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Selectmen's Meeting — April 27, 2016
Mr. Pato provided the Board his response to the Capital Expenditures Committee in response to
the Committee's request for information. They were looking for documents over the past 9
months in regards to the Pelham purchase. The Board has not made a commitment yet as to the
use of the property; the response is a reflection of the discussions the Board has had. Mr. Pato
wants to discuss who from the Board they can assign the task for presentation at Town Meeting.
If any Board member would like to take on the discussion, they can let him know. Ms. Barry
stated that she would not be interested as she is already presenting Article 12 at Town Meeting.
Ms. Ciccolo will take the Brookhaven article.
Belmont Country Club Parcel/Montessori School/Right of First Refusal
Mr. Kelley asked if they received any additional correspondence from the Montessori School
about the willingness to continue to work with the Town on a conservation protection and a
walking easement. He would like something before May 9.
Mr. Valente responded that Carol Kowalski, Assistant Town Manager for Development,
contacted the school today and is attempting to set up a meeting and include a representative
from ACROSS Lexington.
Mr. Pato indicated the Right of First Refusal was completed on Monday.
Discovery Day Discussion
Ms. Barry stated that last year the Board participated in the event and would like to know if they
will do it again and who is available. It is May 28 with a rain date of June 4. Ms. Ciccolo is
happy to participate. Mr. Cohen will be out of town, but the rest of the Board will be in
attendance. Ms. Barry will obtain a new banner. Board members can talk individually with
citizens.
Appointment — Tourism Committee
The Board is being asked to appoint Mr. Jonathan Himmel to the Tourism Committee. He is up
to date with his Ethics training and will be filling a vacancy.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 — 0 to approve the appointment of
Jonathan Himmel to the Tourism Committee for a term to expire September 30, 2016.
Conflict of Interest Determination: David Williams — Board of Appeals
Mr. Williams filed a disclosure form of potential conflict of interest. On the form he states that
he has had business dealings with an applicant to the Board of Appeals in the past but he has no
ongoing or anticipated future business. Because of this, there is no actual conflict of interest and
Mr. Williams' filing simply makes that clear and provides him confirmation that the Board
agrees that there is no conflict.
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Selectmen's Meeting — April 27, 2016
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 — 0 to determine that the financial interest
is not so substantial as to be deemed likely to affect the integrity of the services which the
municipality may expect from the employee.
Consent Agenda
Commitments and Adjustments of Water & Sewer Charges
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 - 0 to approve the following commitments
and adjustments of water and sewer charges:
Commitment of Water & Sewer charges Section 1
Adjustments to Water & Sewer charges as recommended by WSAB
Adjustments to Water & Sewer charges as recommended by WSAB
Appoint Ralph Pecora — MWRA Advisory Board
$1,757,827.55
($32,512.03)
($17,973.68)
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 — 0 to appoint Ralph Pecora as the Board
of Selectmen's designee to the MWRA Advisory Board.
Executive Session
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 - 0 by roll call at 6:26 p.m. to go into
executive session to consider the compensation review strategy for the Executive Clerk. Further,
the Chaiiiiian declared that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating
position of the Town.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 - 0 to return to open session at 7:16 p.m.
only to adjourn.
A true record; Attest:
Diana A. Chabot
Assistant to the Executive Clerk
Transcribed by Jennifer Gingras