HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-13-CEC-ATM-STM1-rptCAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
REPORT TO THE
2017 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING (ATM) & SPECIAL
TOWN MEETING (STM) 2017 -1
Released March 13, 2017
Submitted by:
Jill L Hai, Chair
David G. Kanter, Vice -Chair & Clerk
Rodney Cole
Charles Lamb
Wendy Manz
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Summary of Warrant - Article Recommendations
is Appendix B at the end of the report
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Table of Contents
Executive Summary 1
The Mission of the Capital Expenditures Committee 2
How to Read This Report 2
Summary of FY2018 Capital - Budget Requests 3
Capital Budget 5
"Capital" Projects 5
The Community Preservation Act (CPA) 6
Enterprise -Fund Projects 9
Revolving -Fund Projects 9
Five -Year Capital Plan 10
Programs 14
Conservation and Open Space 14
Lexington Community Center 15
Fire & Rescue 16
Police 17
Cary Memorial Library 18
Public Works 19
Public Facilities 27
Recreation 30
Schools 31
Information Services Department 33
Town Clerk's Office 33
Affordable Housing 34
Planning 36
Economic Development 37
STM 2017 -1 Warrant - Article Explanations and Recommendations 38
Article 2: Appropriate Design Funds For Fire Headquarters 38
Article 3: Appropriate Design Funds For Fire Station Swing Space 38
Article 4: Appropriate Design Funds For Lexington Children's Place /20 Pelham Road 39
Article 5: Appropriate Bonds And Notes Premiums To Pay Project Costs 39
2017 ATM Warrant - Article Explanations and Recommendations 40
Article 10: Appropriate the FY2018 Community Preservation Committee Operating
Budget and CPA Projects (Multiple Categories) 40
(a) Interpretive Signage Project (Historic Resource) 10
(b) Packers Revenge Interpretive and Public Education Signage &
Displays (Historic Resource) 10
(c� Greeley Village Rear Door and Porch Supplemnental Request
(Community housing) 11
(d) A fordable Units Preservation — Pine Grove Killage /Judges Road
(Community housing) 11
(e� W./lard's Woods and Wright Farm Meadow Preservation (Open Space) 11
(f9 Cotton Farm Conservation Area Imnpro vemnents (Open Space) 12
(g) Wright Farmn Supplemnental Funds (Open Space) 12
(h) Stone Building Feasibility Study (Historic Resource) 12
O Munroe School Window Restoration (Historic Resource) 12
Center Streetscape Imnpro vemnents (Historic Resource) 13
(k) Community Center Sidewalk (Historic Resource) 13
(1) Park Impro vementsAhletic Fields (Recreation) 13
(m) Town Pool Renovation (Recreation) 13
i
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
(n) Park and Playground hnprovemnents (Recreation) 11
(o) CPA' Debt Service 11
fldninistrative Budget 11
Article 11: Appropriate for Recreation Capital Projects 45
Article 12: Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment 46
(a) Center Streetscape Imnpro vemnents andEasemnents 16
(b) Automatic Meter Reading System 16
(c) DPWEquipunent Replacement 17
(d) StreetImnprovemnents andEasemnents 18
(e) Storm Drainage Improvements andNPDES Compliance 18
(f/ Hydrant Replacement Program 19
(g) Comprehensive Watershed StornwaterManagementStudy and Imnplemnentation19
(h) Sidewalk Improvements, Additions, Design andEasemnents 19
(i) Dam Repair 50
Townwide Culvert Replacement 51
(k) Townwide Signalization Improvements 51
(1) Hartwellfl venue Infrastructure Improvements - Supplemental Funds 52
(m) Bikeway Bridge Renovations 52
(n) Hartwellfl venue Compost Site Improvements 52
(o) Westview Cemetery Building Design 53
Westview Cemetery Irrigation 53
(q) Highway Sign Machine 53
(r) Townwide Phone Systems -Phase TAI 51
(s) Municipal Technology Imnpro vemnent Program 51
(1) Network Redundancy & Imnpro vemnent Plan 51
(u) Bedford Street at Eldred Street Safety Improvements 55
(v) Transportation Mitigation 55
(w) Hill Street Sidewalk Design 55
(x) Ambulance Replacement 56
Article 13: Appropriate for Water System Improvements 56
Article 14: Appropriate for Wastewater System Improvements 56
(a) Wastewater System Investigation andhnpro vemnents 56
(b) Pump Station Upgrades 57
Article 15: Appropriate for School Capital Projects and Equipment 57
(a) Food Service Equipment 57
(b) School Furniture, Equipment & Systems Program 58
(c) LPS Technology Capital Request 58
Article 16: Appropriate for Public Facilities Capital Projects 59
(a) School Building Envelopes and Systems Program 59
(b) Lexington High Schoolflir Conditioning — Teacher Planning Offices
and Library 60
(c) Municipal Building Envelopes and Systems 60
(d) Facility and She Improvements 60
(d)(1) Building FlooringProgramn 61
(d)(2) School PavingProgramn 61
(d)(3) School Traffic Safety Improvements 61
(e) Public Facilities Bid Docutnents 61
(f/ Public Facilities Mechanical /Electrical System Replacements 62
(g) LHSSecurity Evaluation and Upgrade 62
(h) LHS Guidance Space Mining 62
O LHS Nurse Office and Treatment Space 63
Parking Lot for Commmnunity Center 63
Article 17: Appropriate For Hastings School Replacement Design 63
Article 18: Appropriate For Visitors Center (Citizen Article) 64
ii
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Article 20: Accept Harbell Street 64
Article 21: Appropriate To Post Employment Insurance Liability Fund 65
Article 22: Appropriate Bonds And Notes Premiums To Pay Project Cost 66
Article 23: Rescind Prior Borrowing Authorizations 66
Article 24: Establish and Appropriate To and From Specified Stabilization
Funds (SFs) (Only those actions related to Capital) 67
Article 25: Appropriate to Stabilization Fund 68
Article 26: Appropriate from Debt Service Stabilization Fund 68
Article 28: Amend FY2017 Operating, Enterprise And CPA Budgets (Enterprise &
CPA only) 69
Article 29: Appropriate for Authorized Capital Improvements 69
Article 36: Amend General Bylaws— Municipal Modernization Act (Only MGL
Chapter 40, Sections 22B & 22C) 69
Appendix A: Information on the Town's Current Specified Stabilization Funds A -1
Appendix B: Summary of Warrant - Article Recommendations B -1
iii
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Executive Summary
Beginning last October, the Capital Expenditures Committee ( "CEC ") vetted proposals from municipal
departments, the school administration, and various citizens groups for capital projects to be included in
Lexington's Fiscal Year 2018 ( "FY2018 ") budget. Those that are in the FY2018 Recommended Budget
& Financing Plan ( "Brown Book ") presented to Town Meetings are addressed in this report, along with
this Committee's recommendations thereon. A Summary of our Warrant - Article Recommendations is
found in Appendix B and the individual Warrant - Article Recommendations begin on Page 38. As a result
of the detailed review, collaboration, and resulting refinement of capital requests since the initial
presentations, Town Meeting will observe that the CEC most often has joined a consensus among the
boards and committees relative to the capital articles being presented.
As has been stated repeatedly over the last several years, our budgetary focus has been, and continues to
be, "capital, capital, capital ". The Town needs to invest in new and expanded capital assets to meet our
changing demands, but we must also continue to invest in existing infrastructure to maintain our assets.
This means we have two tracks of capital demands: expansion, and maintenance and renewal.
The demands placed on our schools' capacity at every level by the growth in our school enrollment have
been well publicized and discussed. While we have made significant investments in our elementary- and
middle – school buildings (see the Department of Public Facilities Funding History table on Page 29),
enrollment projections indicate that under the School Committee's current policies, additional capacity
will be needed in the near term. This Special Town Meeting presents an appropriation request (see STM
Article 4) for a new facility for the Lexington Children's Place (our mandated pre -K program). There is
also a significant need looming at the High School. The eventual High- School project is not yet defined
and therefore is reflected as "TBD" in our table, but it is worth noting that the most recent neighboring
project to be approved was in Somerville where a $257 million high school for 1,590 students was
approved by voters in October 2016. Our High School may be very different, but our current enrollment
is 2,185.
The significant investment needs at the schools are not all the Town faces. There are also demands in
municipal areas. Most immediate among those are our aged public -safety facilities that were designed for
equipment and technology of an earlier century. At the Special Town Meeting we will be asked for
appropriations to begin the replacement of the Fire Headquarters —the first stage in the improvement of
our public -safety facilities. Additional needs include upgrades to our Central Business District
Streetscape; changes to mitigate traffic issues; and continuing development and acquisition of affordable
housing.
The Town also faces a continuing and significant need to invest in our buildings and systems. The
creation of the Department of Public Facilities has worked diligently to reduce the backlog of deferred
maintenance projects that had accumulated over many years. This investment needs to be ongoing as we
continue to reduce the backlog and invest in building and systems renewal. This Committee is pleased to
see the continued commitment in our building- and - systems maintenance evidenced throughout the capital
requests presented in this year's budget.
While this Committee lauds the significant contributions being made by the Town toward our capital
needs, including financing through the use of Community Preservation Funds, in order to accomplish the
projects listed in our capital plan through FY2022 (not to mention those which we know fall just outside
that timeline), it will take the additional support of tax payers through approval of debt exclusions from
the limits of Proposition 2'/2. This Committee remains mindful that while we deem the recommended
capital investments as prudent and necessary, there is an impact on the changing demographics of
Lexington.
1
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
The Mission of the Capital Expenditures Committee
From the Code of the Town of Lexington ( §29 -13):
A. Each year the Capital Expenditures Committee shall request and receive from the Town
boards and departments a list of all capital expenditures that may be required within the
ensuing five -year period. The Committee shall consider the relative need, timing and cost
of these projects, the adequacy thereof and the effect these expenditures might have on
the financial position of the Town.
B. The Committee shall prior to each annual meeting for the transaction of business
prepare, publish and distribute by making copies available at the office of the Town
Clerk and at Cary Memorial Library, and by mailing or otherwise distributing to each
town meeting member, a report of its findings, setting forth a list of all such capital
expenditures together with the committee's recommendations as to the projects that
should be undertaken within the five -year period and the approximate date on which
each recommended project should be started. This publication may be combined with and
distributed at the same time as the Appropriation Committee Report.
From the Code of the Town of Lexington ( §29 -14): The term capital expenditures shall mean any and all
expense of a nonrecurring nature not construed as an ordinary operating expense, the benefit of which
will accrue to the Town over an extended period of time.
From the Code of the Town of Lexington (§29-26): ... the Capital Expenditures Committee shall state
whether it endorses each recommendation of the Community Preservation Committee.
How to Read This Report
Our report is divided into four sections:
• An overview of capital projects in Lexington;
• Presentation of a five -year capital budget;
• Spending history and general capital plan for each department and program; and
• This year's capital - related Warrant Articles.
"ATM Town Warrant" refers to the Town of Lexington Town Warrant for the 2017 Annual Town
Meeting; "STM Town Warrant" for the Town Warrant for Special Town Meeting 2017 -1. "Brown Book"
refers to the "Town of Lexington Fiscal Year 2018 Recommended Budget & Financing Plan ",
February 27, 2017. Where our narrative includes a "See Article " it is referring you to that Article in
the last section — "Warrant- Article Explanations and Recommendations ". (Unless the reference explicitly
includes "STM ", it is to an ATM Article.) In that section you will find:
We have quoted the Town's or a Town Committee's documentation for each of the Articles on which
we are reporting. If we believe that quote has both adequately described the proposed work and
satisfactorily made the case for the Town's need, we will not reiterate either of those matters in this
report. However, additional narrative is included where we felt it helpful.
Our Committee's recommendations and how we voted are shown only in the boxed header for each
Article and, if applicable, in any sub - elements unless there are further comments on our
recommendation. (In any case where we are not unanimous in an Approval recommendation to Town
Meeting there will be comments.) If there are comments, they will be in italics at the end of the text
below the boxed header.
Our oral report on Town Meeting floor will highlight elements of our written report and present any new
information not available as of this writing. When we report on a capital article on Town Meeting floor
during the deliberations, a committee member will provide the committee's recommendation and, if
applicable, comments related to that recommendation.
2
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Summary of FY2018 Capital- Budget Requests
Article
Categories
Requestsl
CEC
Differences
General Fund
Enterprise
Funds3
CPF4
Approp. &
Auth. Other5
Total
Debt Cash2
Land Use, Health, and Development
Conservation
10(e)
Willard's Woods and Wright Farm Meadow Preservation
$40,480
$40,480
10(f)
Cotton Farm Conservation Area Improvements
$301,300
$301,300
Land Use
10(g)
Wright Farm Supplemental Funds
$37,900
$37,900
10(h)
Stone Building Feasibility Study
$25,000
$25,000
Planning
10(d)
Affordable Units Preservation -Pine Grove Village /Judges Road I I I 1 $1,048,0001
$1,048,000
Pending Vote
Traffic Safety Group (TSG) (Planning /Engineering)
12(v)
Transportation Mitigation
$100,000 $100,000
Land Use, Health, and Development Totals
;21M36LI!I!J!I MIIE9Yxiirli3b7.'YIi:a
Public Safety
12(x)
Ambulance Replacement (Fire & Rescue) 1 $280,0001 1 1 1 1 $280,000
Recreation & Community
10(1)
Park Improvements - Athletic Fields
$125,000
$125,000
10(m)
Town Pool Renovation
$1,620,000
$1,620,000
10(n)
Park and Playground Improvements
$60,000
$60,000
11
Recreation Capital Projects
$55,000
$55,000
Recreation & Community Totals
$0
$0
$0
$1,805,000
$55,000
$1,860,000
Public Facilities Department
2017 -1; 2
Design Funds For Fire Headquarters
$450,000
$450,000
Later
Construction Funds For Fire Headquarters
$18,350,000
$18,350,000
2017 -1; 3
Design Funds For Fire Headquarters Swing Space
$50,000
$50,000
Later
Funds For Fire Station Swing Space
$2,043,000
$2,043,000
2017 -1; 4
Design Funds For Lexington Children's Place /20 Pelham Road
$581,500
$581,500
Later
Lexington Children's Place /20 Pelham Road
$23,628,750
$23,628,750
10(1)
Munroe School Window Restoration
$620,000
$620,000
16(a)
School Building Envelopes and Systems Program
$222,200
$222,200
16(b)
Lexington High School Air Conditioning- Teacher Planning
Offices and Library
$600,000
$600,000
16(c)
Municipal Building Envelopes and Systems
$194,713
$194,713
16(d)(1)
Building Flooring Program
$150,000
$150,000
Against
Bundling 3
projects
16(d)(2)
School Paving Program
$172,226
$172,226
16(d)(3)
School Traffic Safety Improvements
$45,000
$45,000
16(e)
Public Facilities Bid Documents
$217,979
$217,979
16(f)
Public Facilities Mechanical /Electrical System Replacements
$489,000
$489,000
16(g)
LHS Security Evaluation and Upgrade
$150,000
$150,000
16(h)
LHS Guidance Space Mining
$230,200
$230,200
16(1)
LHS Nurse Office and Treatment Space
$320,100
$320,100
160)
Parking Lot for Community Center
TBD
TBD
17
Hastings School Replacement Design
$720,000
$720,000
Later
Hastings School Replacement
$59,480,000
$59,480,000
18
Visitors Center
Unknown
Unknown
Against
funding at
this ATM any
work past
Schematic
Design
Public Facilities Department Totals
$106,453,550
$1,641,118
$0
$620,000
$0
$108,714,668
See Above
Continued of next page
3
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Summary of FY2018 Capital- Budget Requests (continued)
Article
Categories
Requestsl
CEC
Differences
General Fund
Enterprise
Funds3
CPF4
Approp. &
Auth. Other5
Total
Debt Cash2
Public Works Department
10(j)
Center Streetscape Improvements & Easements
IP
N/A
10(k)
Community Center Sidewalk
$220,000
$220,000
12(a)
Center Streetscape Improvements & Easements
IP
N/A
12(b)
Automatic Meter Reading System
$40,000
$40,000
12(c)
DPW Equipment Replacement
$558,000
$525,000
$1,083,000
12(d)
Street Improvements
$2,542,927
$971,016
$3,513,943
12(e)
Storm Drainage Improvements and NPDES Compliance
$340,000
$340,000
12(f)
Hydrant Replacement Program
$75,000
$75,000
$150,000
12(g)
Comprehensive Watershed Stormwater Management Study and
Implementation
$390,000
$390,000
12(h)
Sidewalk Improvements, Additions and Designs and Easements
$800,000
$800,000
12(1)
Dam Repair
$760,000
$760,000
120)
Townwide Culvert Replacement
$390,000
$390,000
12(k)
Townwide Signalization Improvements
$125,000
$125,000
12(I)
Hartwell Avenue Infrastructure Improvements-Supplemental
Funds
$2,185,000
$2,185,000
12(m)
Bikeway Bridge Renovations
$249,426
$118,574
$368,000
12(n)
Hartwell Avenue Compost Site Improvements
$200,000
$200,000
12(0)
Westview Cemetery Building Design6
$270,000
$270,000
12(p)
Westview Cemetery Irrigation
$35,000
$35,000
12(q)
Highway Sign Machine
$40,000
$40,000
12(u)
Bedford Street at Eldred Street Safety Improvements
$175,000
$175,000
12(w)
Hill Street Sidewalk Design
$150,000
$150,000
13
Water System Improvements
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
14(a)
Wastewater System Investigation and Improvements
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
14(b)
Pump Station Upgrades
$800,000
$800,000
20
Accept Harbell Street?
$147,000
$147,000
Public Works Totals
$5,749,426
$3,566,501
$2,915,000
$220,000
$1,731,016
$14,181,943
Lexington Public Schools
15(a)
Food Service Equipment
$75,000
$75,000
15(b)
School Furniture, Equipment& Systems Program
$123,000
$123,000
15(c)
LPS Technology Capital Request
$1,331,900
$1,331,900
Lexington Public Schools Totals
$1,331,900
$123,000
$0
$0
$75,000
$1,529,900
Information Services Department
12(r)
Town Wide Phone Systems -Phase VI
$120,000
$120,000
12(s)
Municipal Technology Improvement Program
$100,000
$100,000
12(t)
Network Redundancy & Improvement Plan
$130,000
$130,000
Information Services Department Totals
$Ol $350,000
$0
$0
$0
$350,000
Government (Other)
10(c)
Greeley Village Rear Door and Porch Supplemental Request
$56,712
$56,712
21
Appropriate To Post Employment Insurance Liability Fund
$1,842,895
$1,842,895
See Article
Comment for
Concern
2017 -1, 5
& 22
Appropriate Bonds and Notes Premiums to Pay Project Costs
$2,315,343
$2,315,343
24
Appropriate To and From Specified Stabilization Funds
$4,965,898
$4,965,898
25
Appropriate To Stabilization Fund
IP
28
Amend FY2017 Operating, Enterprise and CPA Budgets
TBD
29
Appropriate for Authorized Capital Improvement
IP
Government (Other) Totals
$0
$6,808,793
$0
$56,712
$2,315,343
$9,180,848
Non - Government
10(a)
Interpretive Signage Project
$38,400
$38,400
10(b)
Parker's Revenge Interpretive and Public Education Signage &
Displays
$41,350
$41,350
Non - Government Totals
WI $0
$0
$79,750
$0
$79,750
Community Preservation Committee (Other)8
10(p)
Administrative Budget 1 1 1 1 $150,0001 1 $150,0001 I
O Community Preservation Committee (Other) Totals! $113,814,8761 $12,589,4121 $2,915,0001 $4,384,1421 $4,176,3591 $137,879,7891 See Above I
1 Not included is the $124,057 debt service using State reimbursement for school projects (Art. 26) and rescinding $316,070 of debt authorizations (Art. 23).
2AII types of General Fund (including set -aside for roads from FY2001 Override). For the specific types, see the Summary in Appendix B or the Warrant - Article Explanations and
Recommendations starting on Page 34.
3lncludes use of retained earning and debt. For specific types, see the Summary in Appendix B or the Warrant - Article Explanations and Recommendations starting on Page 34.
4lncludes both cash & debt appropriations, but excludes the $2,390,998 debt service on prior, financed, appropriations (Art. 8(p)).
5lncludes using Town - created Revolving Funds (within the authorizations), Town Specified Stabilization Funds, Town's Parking Meter Fund, State Chapter 90 funds, State
Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) funds, and private funding.
6Debt service will be funded from the Cemetery Special Revenue Account
7Reimbursed as Street Betterment.
8 Does not incude the $2,398,998 requested under Article 10(o) for the appropriation for debt service by the Community Preservation Fund.
4
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Capital Budget
Lexington allocates appropriate resources to needed capital projects by considering them in three
categories:
• Capital Projects (by definition those greater than $25,000 and with a useful life of at least 5 years for
vehicles and equipment and 10 years for buildings or building components);
• Enterprise & Revolving Funds projects (greater than $25,000); and
• Community Preservation Fund (CPF) projects (any dollar amount).
The Capital Expenditures Committee:
• Assesses capital needs brought forward by each department (municipal and schools) as well as the
Community Preservation Committee (CPC) through the annual budgeting process;
• Works with those departments and the CPC to identify likely capital needs for the next five years;
• Independently considers public facilities, infrastructure systems, and prospective longer -term needs,
as well as issues and facilities not being addressed within any department; and
• Through this report and in presentations, this Committee advises Town Meeting about the necessary
and prudent investments to maintain, improve, and create facilities required to serve Lexington
citizens safely, effectively, and efficiently. During the year, Committee members also work with and
advise staff members in various departments, consult with other public committees — notably in
budget summits with the Board of Selectmen (BoS), the Appropriation Committee, and the School
Committee —and advise in an effort to shape a responsible capital budget for Lexington.
Please note these important caveats:
• All cost figures are estimates and generally do not reflect the cost in then -year dollars. The degree of
accuracy varies by project. Those projected several years into the future are the most uncertain.
They are subject to refinement as projects are designed, bid, and built. Even relatively near -term
work is subject to cost uncertainties until projects are bid and contracts signed as material, labor, and
contract - management costs are often highly variable even over a period of just a few months.
• The scope of future projects is often highly uncertain. Accordingly, project budgets are subject to
significant revision as the work is defined through the political and budgeting processes.
• Dates for appropriations and taxpayer impact of financing projects are given in fiscal years,
beginning July 1, unless otherwise specified.
"Capital" Projects
These require careful analysis, budgeting, and broad support. Generally recommended capital projects
over $1,000,000 have been funded through borrowing, consistent with their expected life and annual
budgeting for operating needs.
This borrowing can be done in one of two ways:
1.Through absorption into the operating budget of any portion of the borrowing not covered by
Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. This option has significant implications for the
financing of other Town needs.
2.Through voter- approved debt exclusions that place the costs of financing outside the
Proposition 2'/2 tax -levy limit and ensuring broad support, or
When projects are funded under the CPA, a debt- exclusion vote is not required. An example of this is the
authorization at the March 18, 2013, STM of $7,652,500 toward the $11,212,500 purchase expenses of
the property off of Marrett Road now in use as the Town's Community Center.
Additional Capital projects that cost between $25,000, the minimum qualification for consideration as a
non -CPF capital expenditure, and $1,000,000 and represent projects that should be funded on a regular,
timely, basis to maintain Town infrastructure may be funded through tax -levy funds or borrowing. With
the creation of the Department of Public Facilities as well as the Building Envelope "set- aside" passed in
5
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
the June 2006 operating override, a new emphasis has been placed on continual infrastructure
maintenance, a move that this Committee applauds. We continue to work closely with the stewards of our
assets to prioritize, plan, and project such work for a period of five years or more.
The Projects Agenda
The following is a fairly comprehensive list of big - ticket items that are under consideration in Lexington.
Except for the first three items identified by the BoS as the Town's highest priorities —and with which
this Committee agrees —no such ranking is intended and the rest of this listing is simply alphabetical.
• School Buildings— Expansion, Renovation & Reconstruction. Additional space is needed
imminently at the Pre -K (See the Committee's comments at STM 2017 -1 Article 4 and further
discussion of the school needs under the following program sections for Department of Public
Facilities (DPF) and Schools) and elementary- school levels to accommodate growing enrollment.
Expansion of existing buildings, replacement of the Maria Hastings Elementary School (with
Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) partnership) and ultimately renovation or
replacement of the High School are all contemplated in upcoming years.
• Fire Station Central Headquarters — Renovation or Replacement (see STM Articles 2 & 3)
• Police Headquarters — Renovation or Replacement
• Community (Affordable) Housing — Development and Acquisition (See Article 10(c))
• Conservation/Open Space Land — Acquisition and Enhancement (See Article 10(e –g))
• Center Streetscape Improvements (See Articles 10(j) & 12(a))
• Greenways Corridor— Implementation. Projects to link open spaces with trails. The major West
Lexington Greenway Project —the proposed trail network west of I -95 /Route 128 linking all
Town -owned open space and the Minuteman Bikeway with the Battle Road Trail in the
Minuteman National Historic Park via accessible trails —has been studied.
• Hammond A. Hosmer House, 1557 Massachusetts Avenue (previously called the White House).
This structure has been stabilized, but is not code compliant nor suitable for use without further
renovation or build -out.
• Hartwell Avenue Transportation Management Overlay District Improvements
• Munroe School (See Article 10(i))
• Muzzey High Condominium Unit (former Senior Center), 1475 Massachusetts Avenue
• Recreation Facilities —A continuing need (See Articles 10(1 –n) & 11)
• Roads —A continuing need (See Article 12(d & u))
• Sidewalks —A continuing need (See Article 12(h))
• Stone Building (previously the East Lexington Library), 735 Massachusetts Avenue (See Article
10(h))
• Transportation Mitigation —A continuing need (See Article 12(u &v)) (Actions taken are often an
element of road - related projects, rather than being solely to achieve the mitigation)
• Visitors Center— Expansion & Renovation (See Article 18)
The BoS, School Committee, CPC, and Permanent Building Committee will continue to evaluate, refine,
prioritize, and schedule these projects for the next several years. Realistic cost proposals should be
incorporated in the 5 -year projections. The Town -wide Facility Master Plan, still a work in progress, will
contribute to that process.
The Community Preservation Act (CPA)
On March 6, 2006, Lexington voters approved adopting the CPA for our Town at the level of a
3% surcharge on property taxes.
In addition to the funding provided by that surcharge on its taxpayers, the CPA provides a process by
which all municipalities that have adopted that Act are eligible for supplemental State funding provided
6
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
from surcharges on the transaction fees charged by the State's Registries of Deeds. Those funds are
transferred to the State's Community Preservation Act Trust Fund (CPATF) from which, according to a
formula based on each town's prior - fiscal- year's property -tax surcharges, that supplemental funding is
distributed. The supplement can theoretically be as high as a 100% match to the town's own surcharge
revenue, but the percentage is not guaranteed and has not reached 100% since FY2008. When the
distribution is less than 100 %, the State does a 2"d- round, and potentially 31-d- round, calculation to
determine the final supplemental funding for those communities that have adopted the maximum 3%
surcharge, including Lexington.
In the last four years, the State has also annually had a provision by which the CPATF has received
additional funding if the State's prior - year's budget ended with a surplus. However, the State's FY2016
did not end with a surplus so such additional funding did not occur.
The Community Preservation Coalition, of which Lexington is a member, continues to be the
organization that works with municipalities in Massachusetts to increase the adoption of the CPA and,
importantly, with our State House to improve the funding of the CPATF. Rather than advocating for
continuing the "if there is a surplus" approach for increasing that funding, an "An Act To Sustain
Community Preservation" has been filed in the Massachusetts Legislature which would call for the filing
fees at the Registries of Deeds to be established such that a 50% matching rate of the State's distribution
to what the municipality has raised by its CPA surcharge or other authorized municipal revenue can be
expected to be achieved. At this time, the sponsors in both the House and Senate have been joined by 121
other members has co- sponsors. If the bill should pass in the current Legislative session and be signed by
the Governor, that enhanced funding would first be experienced in FY2019.
This table reflects how Lexington has fared since adopting the CPA, along with a projection for FY2018:
Year in which
supplement received
Prior - Year's CPA
Surcharge Collected'
State Supplement Percentage
Total Suppl
Amount
1st Round
2nd Round
3rd Round
Total
FY2008 (Actual)
$2,556,362
100.0%
N/A
N/A
100.0%
$2,556,362
FY2009 (Actual)
$2,777,882
67.6%
1.8%
N/A
69.4%
$1,927,708
FY2010 (Actual)
$2,931,678
34.8%
0.9%
0.5%
>n 36.2%
$1,060,390
FY2011 (Actual)
$3,042,587
27.2%
0.6%
0.4%
28.2%
$858,729
FY2012 (Actual)
$3,206,117
26.6%
0.6%
0.4%
5' 27.6%
$885,463
FY2013 (Actual)2
$3,344,371
26.8%
0.6%
0.4%
P 27.8%
$929,507
FY2014 (Actual)3
$3,572,460
52.2%
1.1%
0.7%
54.1%
$1,932,347
FY2015 (Actual)4
$3,777,676
31.5%
0.7%
0.4%
P. 32.6%
$1,230,116
FY2016 (Actual)5
$4,012,883
29.7%
0.6%
0.4%
30.7%
$1,229,774
FY2017 (Actual)6
$4,217,305
20.6%
0.4%
0.3%
21.3%
$897,243
Total Actual:
$33,439,321
Received to date:
40.4%
$13,507,639
FY2018 (Projected)7
$4,418,000
TBD
TBD TBD
19.0%
$839,000
Totals including projected:
$37,857,321
37.9%
$14,346,639
I The "actuals" are the net amounts as used by the State; the "projected" is the Town's projection for the gross collection.
2 The Total Suppl Amount includes $255 to correct an underpayment in FY2012 from an error with Phillipston's surcharge.
s The Total Suppl Amount reflects there was a $25 million addition to the State's CPA Trust Fund because the State finished FY2013 with a
surplus of at least that amount - thereby permitting the maximum amount authorized by the State Legislature to go into that Fund.
4 The Total Suppl Amount reflects there was a $11.4 million addition to the State's CPA Trust Fund because the State finished FY2014 with
a surplus of at least that amount - thereby permitting the maximum amount authorized by the State Legislature to go into that Fund.
e The Total Suppl Amount reflects there was a $10 million addition to the State's CPA Trust Fund because the State finished FY2015 with a
surplus of at least that amount - thereby permitting the maximum amount authorized by the State Legislature to go into that Fund.
6 There was no State budget surplus from FY2016 so, while the State Legislature authorized for there to be up to a $10 million addition if
there were such a surplus, there was no subsequent State infusion into the State's CPA Trust Fund.
The projected percentage does not include any increase that would result from the State deciding to continue to infuse the State's CPA
Trust Fund with additional funding from a prior -year budget surplus or a revision to the fees at the Registries of Deeds
As shown above, except last year, our experience in the 2nd & 3rd rounds had been at least an additional
1.0 %.
7
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
So while the supplement level had fallen substantially since our first year —but with the last three years
having a rebound when there was additional funding into the CPATF from the State's surplus —our Town
will continue to receive significant help from the State toward the cost of our CPA - funded projects.
The proceeds under the CPA may be used for various capital projects proposed by Town and non -Town
(see ATM 10(a & b)) entities within the categories of Community Housing, Historic Resources, Open
Space, and Recreational Use that fall within the provisions set forth in the enabling Act.
Projects are put forth to Town Meeting for action by a Community Preservation Committee (CPC) whose
membership, in our Town, is prescribed in the Code of Lexington as follows:
§ 29 -23A. There is hereby established a Community Preservation Committee pursuant to Section
5 of Chapter 44B of the General Laws (the "Act ") consisting of nine members. The Board of
Selectmen shall appoint three members of the Community Preservation Committee and the
following bodies shall each select one of its members for membership on the Community
Preservation Committee: the Conservation Commission, the Planning Board, the Recreation
Committee, the Historical Commission, the Housing Authority and the Housing Partnership.
Town Meeting can only approve, reduce the funding, or disapprove a project; it cannot change the
purpose. Town Counsel has provided an opinion that Town Meeting can change the funding mechanism
(cash or debt). As with any capital project, this Committee will give our recommendation on each of the
projects put before the Town Meeting. (See Article 10)
The CPA provides an alternative funding mechanism for capital projects. The CPA creates a separate pool
of money that can be used for a limited set of projects. It can help accomplish some of the Town's
traditional capital needs, but only those that fall within the limited purposes of the Act.
See the report of the CPC for information on how Lexington has spent the funds received from its
taxpayers and the State under the Act.
It is important to note that the projected available CPF cash is not a limitation on what the CPC can
recommend to Town Meeting for approval. The method of paying for what the CPC recommends can —
and now often does — include, in part or in total, issuing debt instruments. It remains the recommendation
of this Committee that any such debt be for as short a term as practical after considering the funding
projected for the CPF (not including any State matching fund) over at least the next 10 years and
consideration of projects that might come before the CPC for consideration which would require funds
beyond those allocated to the three, mandatory, 10% of revenue, Reserves for use on Open Space,
Historic Resources, and Community (Affordable) Housing. If front -end loading of such debt were
practical, that, too, remains a recommendation.
The debt service on such debt instruments is an obligation borne by the CPF throughout the term of those
instruments — whether short -term financing (e.g., notes, such as a Bond Anticipation Note [BAN]) and/or
long -term financing (i.e., a Bond). In the future years, it is incumbent on the CPC to recommend to Town
Meeting, and for Town Meeting to appropriate in full, those obligatory debt - service payments. (See
Article 10(o))
One approach that provides flexibility in making a decision about how much, if any, CPF cash should be
applied, up front, for a very -large project is to defer that decision by initially issuing a BAN that has a
term of 1 year or less for the full amount of the project. When that BAN matures (which typically carries
an interest rate substantially below even the relatively low rates on the Town's bonds), at that time make
the decision on whether to use CPF cash to reduce the total for which a bond would then be issued. Doing
so permits the Town to have a better idea of how much CPF cash should be held in anticipation of the
next —and later— years' demands upon the CPF. That mechanism has been used in the past and this
Committee would expect it to be proposed for FY2018 and in the future for other very -large projects.
See the CPA Summary in the Brown Book (Appendix C, Page C -7) for a summary of the CPF status
including what projects have been funded from the CPF since its inception in Lexington and what is being
requested in FY2018. Also see the CPC's report to these Town Meetings for its projection of what the
8
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
CPF balance would be after these Town Meetings if Town Meeting were to approve all of the CPC's
recommendations. See Article 10 for what is being recommended to the 2017 ATM by the CPC.
Enterprise -Fund Projects
The Town operates three enterprise funds for revenue - producing activities funded outside the tax levy by
user fees: water distribution, wastewater distribution [sanitary sewers], and certain Recreation and
Community Programs (R &CP) services, such as the golf course, swimming pools, and tennis courts.
Unlike property -tax revenues, enterprise -fund fees are not subject to a limit under Proposition 2'/2.
Recreational playground restoration and equipment, in contrast, is not fee generating and capital
investment for such equipment is therefore, normally funded as part of the small- ticket program of the
GF. The 2012 amendments to the CPA expanded the range of recreation projects that are eligible under
that Act; therefore, many recreational projects since then have been submitted to our CPC with requests
for use of the CPF as the fund source. That continues this year and you'll find many of the recreation
projects coming before this ATM will be for full or partial funding from the CPF rather than from the EF
or GF.
$100,000 per year is paid from the R &CP Enterprise Fund for Lincoln Field debt service that is expected
to continue until February 1, 2018, when that debt will be retired.
Coming before this Town Meeting are recommendations for capital projects in support of responsibilities
of the Departments that manage the Water, Sewer, and R &CP Enterprise Funds. (See Articles 12(b & f)),
13, & 14)
Revolving -Fund Projects
Revolving funds established under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 44,
Section 53E'/2, must be authorized annually by vote of the Town Meeting. (As the Schools Food Service
Revolving Fund was established, instead, under MGL Ch. 548 of the Acts of 1948, it does not require
Town Meeting's annual authorization or appropriation to use it.)
The fund is credited with only the departmental receipts received in connection with the programs
supported by such revolving fund, and expenditures may be made from the revolving fund, without
further appropriation, for those programs.
Revolving funds are usually expended to cover non - capital costs and, therefore, this Committee normally
doesn't report on their annual authorizations unless a capital expense is contemplated. Such an expense is
not known to be contemplated in FY2018.
9
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Five -Year Capital Plan
The table on the next three pages summarizes the five -year capital plan that this Committee is submitting
for Town Meeting's consideration. It reflects the expected FY2018 appropriations at the 2017 ATM and
STM 2017 -1 and the FY2019– FY2022 requests that this Committee contemplates. We started with the
amounts and timing shown in the Brown Book, Page XI -4 & -5 for FY2018, and XI -32 for
FY2019– FY2022. Those requests have been updated based on any information we received after it was
published and we have made additional entries or changes in the out years where we feel, based on earlier
studies, design & engineering (D &E) (also architect /engineer [A /E]) work, or the existence of a
multi -phase project, that there might be future requests, but where there is no formal position taken by the
Town. In that vein, there are important caveats to that table:
• Please see the footnotes for information on the status of many of the entries and how this
Committee's position differs from that presented by the Town in the Brown Book.
• Excluding the many tens of millions of dollars of to- be- determined (TBD) entries, the total in this
Committee's Plan for FY2019– FY2022 already exceeds $235 million. The TBD entries include
future construction phases and yet to be determined elements of projects for which there may be
additional phases not yet specified (e.g., Lexington Public School Educational Capacity Increase)
or entire major facility projects (e.g., Police Outdoor /Indoor Firing Range). The TBDs could
exceed the total estimated amounts.
• The Capital Stabilization Fund (CSF) is receiving another meaningful appropriation for FY2018.
(See Article 24) For several years we have been building the resources of this Fund so that we can
use them toward mitigation of the tax impact of the debt service from our capital projects. Given
the current proposed and possible out -year projects in our Capital Plan, it is expected that the use
of the CSF to mitigate our debt service will fully deplete that reserve before the debt service for
the projects currently contemplated in this Plan is completed. Additionally, an appeal to the voters
to support exclusion of major capital projects from the limitation of Proposition 2'/2 is expected in
the fall.
• Compounding the challenge of the next five years, inevitably there will be "Big- Ticket" projects
facing the Town in the years past FY2022 (e.g., the High School).
• Because of the huge challenge this Town faces with regard to the renovation /replacement /renewal
of its Capital Assets, this Committee urges the BoS to continue to refine a formal, Town -wide,
Facilities Master Plan — including a financing plan. This Committee stands ready to assist in any
way it can.
• This Committee appreciates the Town's concern about citing a preliminary estimate for projects
that are not yet well defined and, hence, the Town's out -year amounts generally do not reflect the
costs in then -year dollars. As this Committee does not have the means reasonably to adjust
current -year values to then -year values, we are using the Town's dollar values unless we have
made a change for another reason —in which case there will be a footnote explaining that.
10
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
DRAFT CEC FIVE -YEAR CAPITAL PLAN (FY2018- FY2022)1
Capital Projects (by executing department)
FY2018
Recommended
FY2019 Plan
FY2020 Plan
FY2021 Plan
FY2022 Plan
Non -TBD
Totals
Land Use, Health, and Development
Conservation
Willard's Woods and Wright Farm Meadow Preservation
$40,480
$2,870,000
$370,000
$2,500,000
$40,480
Cotton Farm Conservation Area Improvements
$301,300
$100,000
TBD
$100,000
$100,000
$301,300
Land Acquisition2
$62,900
TBD
$0
$0
$0
$62,900
Subtotal- Conservation
$341,780
$0
$0
$0
$0
$341,780
Land Use
Wright Farm Supplemental Funds
$37,900
$2,870,000
$370,000
$2,500,000
$37,900
Stone Building Feasibility Study3
$25,000
$100,000
TBD
$100,000
$100,000
$25,000
Subtotal -Land Use
$62,900
$0
$0
$0
$0
$62,900
Planning
Affordable Units Preservation - Pine Grove
Village /Judges Road4
$1,048,000
$2,870,000
$370,000
$2,500,000
$370,000
Transportation Mitigation
$100,000
$100,000
$100,000
$100,000
$100,000
$500,000
Hartwell Avenue Area Transportations
$1,620,000
$50,000
TBD
$50,000
Subtotal - Planning
$1,148,000
$150,000
$1UU,000
$1UU,000
$1UU,000
$1,598,000
Subtotal -Land Use, Health, and Development
$1,552,680
$150,000
$100,000
$100,000
$100,000
$2,002,680
Public Safety (Fire & Rescue and Police)
Radio Console Replacement (Both)
$18,800,000
$2,870,000
$370,000
$2,500,000
$370,000
Protective Clothing (Fire & Rescue)
$60,000
$1,000,000
$67,500
$70,000
$370,000
$67,500
Portable Radio Replacement (Both)7
$1,620,000
TBD
TBD
$1,620,000
Ambulance Replacment (Fire & Rescue)
$280,000
$381,266
$400,000
$280,000
$125,000
$560,000
Subtotal - Public Safety
$280,000
$0
$437,5001 $280,000
$0
$997,500
Recreation & Community Programs
Pine Meadows Improvements
$18,800,000
$2,870,000
$60,000
$2,500,000
$60,000
Park and Playground Improvements8
$60,000
$1,000,000
$18,200,000
$70,000
$370,000
$500,000
Town Pool Renovation
$1,620,000
TBD
$1,620,000
Park Improvements - Athletic Fields
$125,000
$381,266
$400,000
$225,000
$125,000
$875,000
Park Improvements- Hard Court Resurfacing
$222,200
$227,750
$58,000
$43,000
$65,000
$166,000
Athletic Facility Lighting
$600,000
$855,000
$855,000
Pine Meadows Equipment
$55,000
$55,000
$50,000
$60,000
$50,000
$270,000
Center Track and Field Reconstruction9
$150,000
$3,000,000
$125,000
$125,000
$125,000
$3 000,000
Subtotal- Recreation & Community Programs
$1,860,000
$3,910,000
$568,000
$398,000
$610,000
$7,346,000
Public Facilities
Fire Headquarters Replacement10
$18,800,000
$2,870,000
$2,500,000
$2,500,000
$18,800,000
Police Headquarters Renovation or Replacement
$1,083,000
$1,000,000
$18,200,000
$946,000
$948,000
$19,200,000
173 Bedford Street Improvements11
$2,093,000
TBD
$2,093,000
Townwide Roofing Program12
$381,266
$3,500,715
$1,939,206
$502,538
$6,323,725
School Building Envelopes and Systems Program
$222,200
$227,750
$233,448
$239,285
$245,199
$1,167,882
LHS HVAC Systems Upgrade
$600,000
$600,000
Municipal Building Envelopes and Systems
$194,713
$198,893
$203,205
$208,285
$213,492
$1,018,588
Building Flooring Program
$150,000
$125,000
$125,000
$125,000
$125,000
$650,000
Public Facilities Bid Documents
$217,979
$100,000
$100,000
$100,000
$100,000
$617,979
Hastings School Renovation /Replacement13
$60,200,000
$60,200,000
LHS Upgrade14
$1,825,000
$1,825,000
Lexington Public School Educational Capacity Increase15
TBD
Lexington Children's Place & Municipal Uses/
20 Pelham Road16
$24,210,250
School Traffic Safety Improvements
$45,000
$35,000
$40,000
$25,000
$145,000
LHS Security Evaluation and Upgrade17
$150,000
$477,320
$627,320
LHS Guidance Space Mining
$230,200
$230,200
LHS Nurse Office and Treatment Space
$320,100
$320,100
Munroe Center for the Arts Window Restoration
$620,000
$620,000
School Paving Program
$172,226
$176,278
$180,565
$184,172
$188,354
$901,595
Westview Cemetery Bldg Renovation /Replacement18
$270,000
$2,660,000
$2,930,000
Visitors Center19
Unknown
$3,933,500
$3,933,500
Public Facilities Mechanical /Electrical System
Replacements
$489,000
$544,500
$605,000
$672,000
$728,000
$3,038,500
Parking Lot for Community Center
TBD
Subtital-Public Facilties
$108,984,668
$9,859,507
$23,187,933
$3,492,948
$3,927,583
$149,452,639
Public Works
Center Streetscape Improvements -All Phases20
$2,870,000
$2,500,000
$2,500,000
$7,870,000
DPW Equipment Replacement
$1,083,000
$953,000
$949,000
$946,000
$948,000
$4,879,000
Continued on next page
11
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
DRAFT CEC FIVE -YEAR CAPITAL PLAN (FY2018- FY2022)1 (continued)
Capital Projects (by executing department)
FY2018
Recommended
FY2019 Plan
FY2020 Plan
FY2021 Plan
FY2022 Plan
Non -TBD
Totals
Street Improvements
$2,542,927
$2,559,218
$2,576,019
$2,593,240
$2,610,892
$12,882,296
Water Distribution System Improvements
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$5,000,000
Sanitary Sewer System Investigation and Improvements
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$5,000,000
Pump Station Upgrades
$800,000
$800,000
$800,000
$800,000
$800,000
$4,000,000
Hydrant Replacement Program
$150,000
$150,000
$150,000
$150,000
$150,000
$750,000
Storm Drainage Improvements and NPDES Compliance
$340,000
$370,000
$370,000
$370,000
$370,000
$1,820,000
Comprehensive Watershed Stormwater Management
Study and Implementation
$390,000
$390,000
$390,000
$390,000
$390,000
$1,950,000
Sidewalk Improvements, Additions and Designs21
$800,000
$800,000
$800,000
$800,000
$800,000
$4,000,000
Town Wide Culvert Replacement
$390,000
$390,000
$390,000
$390,000
$390,000
$1,950,000
Town -wide Signalization Improvements
$125,000
$125,000
$125,000
$125,000
$125,000
$625,000
Police Outdoor /Indoor Firing Range - Hartwell Ave22
TBD
TBD
Automatic Meter Reading System
$40,000
$657,250
$496,000
$496,000
$1,689,250
Dam Repair
$760,000
$760,000
Battle Green Master Plan -Phase 3
$570,438
$570,438
Municipal Parking Lot Improvements
$40,000
$440,000
$480,000
Hartwell Avenue Infrastructure Improvements
$2,185,000
$2 185,000
Bikeway Bridge Renovations
$368,000
$368,000
Hartwell Avenue Compost Site Improvements
$200,000
$200,000
Battle Green Streetscape Improvements
$3,000,000
$3,000,000
Westview Cemetery Irrigation
$35,000
$35,000
Highway Sign Machine
$40,000
$40,000
Public Parking lot Improvement Program
$500,000
$500,000
$500,000
$500,000
$2,000,000
Muzzey St/Clark St Parking Lot
$105,000
$1,500,000
$1,605,000
Staging for Special Events23
$60,000
$60,000
Bedford Street at Eldred Street Safety Improvements24
$175,000
$175,000
Hill Street Sidewalk25
$150,000
$1,500,000
$1,650,000
Accept Harbell Street (Reimbursed as Street Betterment)
$147,000
$147,000
Community Center Sidewalk
$220,000
$220,000
Subtotal - Public Works
$12,940,927
$17,799,906
$13,586,019
$12,500,240
$9,083,892
$65,910,984
Schools
School Furniture, Equipment & Systems Program26
$123,000
$200,000
$200,000
$200,000
$200,000
$923,000
LPS Technology Capital Request26
$1,331,900
$1,550,000
$1,550,000
$1,550,000
$1,550,000
$7,531,900
Food Service Equipment27
$75,000
$75,000
$75,000
$75,000
$75,000
$375,000
Subtotal - Schools
$1,529,900
$1,825,000
$1,825,000
$1,825,000
$1,825,000
$8,829,900
Information Services
Replace Town Wide Phone Systems
$120,000
$20,000
$20,000
$100,000
$20,000
$220,000
Head End Equipment Replacement/Packet Shaper -
Phase V & Later
$0
$250,000
$250,000
$20,000
$180,000
$680,000
Municipal Technology Improvement Program - Phase IV &
Later
$100,000
$85,000
$150,000
$85,000
$150,000
$420,000
Network Redundancy & Improvement
$130,000 $330,000 $220,000
$680,000
Subtotal- Information Services
$350,000 $665,000 $620,000 $185,000 $180,000
$2,000,000
Town Clerk
Archives & Records Management/Records Conservation
& Preservation
$56,712
$20,000
$20,000
$20,000
$20,000
$80,000
Subtotal -Town Clerk
$0
$20,000
$20,000
$20,000
$20,000
$80,000
Government (Other)
Greeley Village Rear Door and Porch Preservation
$56,712
TBD
Lexington Housing Authority Projects 28
$56,712
Subtotal- Government (Other)
$56,712
$0
$0
$0
$0
$56,712
Non - Governmental
Interpretive Signage Project
$38,400
$38,400
Parker's Revenge Interpretive and Public Education
Project
$41,350
$41,350
Subtotal-Non-Governmental
$79,750 $0 $0 $0 $0 $79,750
Community -Wide
LexHAB Projects28
TBD
Lexington Housing Authority Projects 28
TBD
Community Housing on the Leary Property28
TBD
CPA Restriction Drafting & Enforcement Funds28
TBD
CPC Administrative Budget
$150,000
$150,000
$150,000
$150,000
$150,000
$750,000
Subtotal- Community -Wide
$150,000
$150,000
$150,000
$150,000
$150,000
$750,000
Totals (No Allowance forTBDs)
$127,784,637
$34,379,413
$40,494,452
$18,951,188
$15,896,475
$237,506,165
Continued on next page
12
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
DRAFT CEC FIVE -YEAR CAPITAL PLAN (FY2018– FY2022)1 (continued)
FOOTNOTES
1The following apply to all items below: (a) all actions or positions cited, unless otherwise identified, have been taken by this Committee; (b) the
amounts include all fund sources; (c) "TBD" indicates undefined at present, but the potential exists for one or more requests in those years; (d) most
FY2018– FY2021 amounts are not presented on an inflation - adjusted basis; and (e) individual amounts may be below the $25,000 capital threshold if
projected to be funded from the CPF.
2May serve the Town for Recreation, Community Housing, and /or Open Space (which could include providing land for the West Lexington Greenway
Project). It is likely that a major portion of the funding would be request from the CPF.
3FY2020 is a placekeeper for any follow -on renovation, etc., of the property.
4As of this report, while the negotations have been completed and the total dollar amount has been provided to this Committee, the details of the outcome
have not yet been provided to this Committee so there is no recommendation yet by this Committee.
5Update of Transportation Mitigation Overlay District Plan.
6This Committee hopes this can be accomplished earlier.
7Placekeeper for when the Federal Communications Commission issues an expected directive that requires public - safety radios change to another
frequency band.
6FY2022 includes $100,000 for Outdoor Pickleball Court Construction and $200,000 for Cricket Field Constuction. As it is not known whether the introduction
of those two activities would be accomplished by repurposing existing facilities (thereby replacing an existing use) or by acquistion of new recreation land,
this Committee has reservations about the plan to effect those actions.
9While this Committee recognizes the need for the reconstruction, additional information is needed to confirm there'd be no interference with this site when
the High - School Upgrade is underway.
101ncludes both design funding (ATM) and construction funding (STM)
11FY2018 includes both design (ATM) and construction funding (STM. FY2020 is a placekeeper for Police Headquarters swing space if decision is to
renovate its current location rather than permanently relocating to 173 Bedford Street.
12lncludes deferred replacement of the Bridge School Roof.
13lncludes both design funding (ATM) and construction funding (STM). Amounts are not net of the hoped -for 25% reimbursement by the MSBA.
14Fund Feasibility Study in MSBA process. Amounts is not net of what would hoped -for 25% reimbursement by the MSBA if project accepted by MSBA.
15Additional capacity enhancements may be needed (e.g., for the Elementary & High School).
16lncludes both design funding (ATM) and construction funding (STM); $18,300,000 for LCP; $6,100,000 for Municipal Uses (e.g., LexCC).
17FY2018 had $477,320 deferred; that amount put in FY2019 as a placekeeper for execution of the deferred scope (or more).
18Moved from DPW as expect DPF to execute the project.
19lncreased from $3,815,000 (the current construction estimate) by including the $118,500 (deferred from FY2018) estimate to carry the project from
Schematic Design to Construction Documents. Considering using the approximately $130,000 remaining in available, already appropriated funds, to carry
the project from its current Conceptual Design, that would bring the to- complete project cost to about $4,063,500.
29Changed FY2019 to the $2,870,000 (for the first phase) that was deferred from FY2018 and slipped the two $2,500,000 entries each by one year;
however, as the previous 25% design is to be revisted with new design elements and that includes the first phase elements not yet having been established,
this Committee now considers the to- complete -all- phases current total of $7,870,000 as just a placekeeper.
21The Town's consultant (Stantec) on the sidewalk and pedestrian -ramp conditions recommended $750,000 /year for what would be just extraordinary
maintenance and $825,000 /year to ensure both quantity and quality. This Committee accepts the $800,000 /year (current -year dollars) as a reasonable
position by the Town going forward.
22Placekeepers for design and construction as no results reported yet from the previously funded initial study. Moved this project from Police to DPW as
DPW will likely execute the project as it is on their site —with the support of DPF with regard to the planned building.
23$60,000 deferred from FY2018 has been entered in FY2019.
24Has been moved from Planning to DPW as DPW is expected to execute this project.
25This Committee added construction funding in FY2019.
261-his Committee is expecting a long -term plan for these purchases rather than just level funding.
27These fundings from the Food Services Revolving Fund do not require an appropriation.
28Added as potential requests to the CPC during the time frame of this Plan.
13
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Programs
Conservation and Open Space
Following the Town's purchase of the Busa Farm property in 2012, the Town signed a lease with the
Lexington Community Farm Coalition, Inc., to operate a community farm for a ten -year term
commencing January 1, 2014, with options for two five -year renewal periods. Operating revenue and
private donors support the operation of the farm.
The 2012 ATM approved the acquisition of most of the Wright Farm property on Grove Street
(12.6 acres) for open space, with an option to purchase the remaining parcel of the 43,446 square feet.
The 2015 ATM approved the exercise of the Town's option and the purchase of the remaining parcel for
open space and community housing. Purchase of this property closed on February 11, 2016. The newly
acquired parcel contains a single family home, which will be restored for community (affordable)
housing, and a barn, which, after needed restoration, is intended as public space for environmental
education. The 2016 ATM approved $35,000 of CPA funding for structural and architectural analysis of
the barn as well as an educational programming needs assessment. The merged lot has now been divided
to reflect the different uses for CPA purposes. However, progress has been delayed by the discovery of
soil contamination on the newly acquired parcel that has required the Town to seek additional funding this
year for hazardous waste remediation and the legal costs of a conservation restriction.
The 2015 ATM approved the following CPA funding requests:
• To preserve meadow lands in Town by clearing woody vegetation and removing invasive
species. Work on Hennessy Field was largely completed during summer 2015, and the
first phase of work on Joyce Miller's Meadow was completed during 2016, with the final
phase expected to be complete in the summer 2017;
• To restore a paved Recreation Path along the Vine Brook. Phase I of the work was
completed in 2016, and final grading and stabilization will be completed in 2017;
• To design the sidewalk from Marrett Road to the Community Center. The design has
been submitted to the Selectmen, and CPA funds for construction of the sidewalk are
being sought from this ATM.
For the FY2018 funding requests, see Article 10(e, f, g & p).
14
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Conservation and Open Space 5 -Year Capital Appropriation History (All
Sources)
Purchase of 12.6 acres (Parcel 1) was authorized at the 2012 ATM, Article 9. Closing date was December
20, 2012. The purchase price was $2,950,000 and there were $122,000 needed for purchase- associated
costs.
2This project is the result of a joint request from the Conservation Commission, the Commission on
Disability, and the Recreation Committee.
3Purchase of Parcel 2 of 43,446 square feet (just under 1 acre) was authorized at the 2015 ATM, Article 9.
Closing date was February 11, 2016. The purchase price was $520,000 and there were $98,000 needed
for purchase- associated costs. The acquisition is for both Open Space and Community Housing, and final
square footage and cost have not yet been allocated between those two uses so, for now, the FY2016
amount is also shown in the funding history for Community Housing.
42016 ATM, Article 8(g), funded structural and architectural analysis of the barn as well as an educational -
programming needs assessment.
Lexington Community Center
Lexington's Community Center (LexCC), at 39 Marren Road, was purchased by the Town in 2013. A
Selectmen - appointed Ad hoc Community Center Advisory Committee ( "AhCCAC) worked to identify
short -term and long -term improvements to the building needed to support Town programs there.
Appropriations for the resulting renovations appear in the DPF section below.
The LexCC incorporates what had been the functions of the Lexington Senior Center and provides
expanded, multi - generational services to the Town. To manage the LexCC and the closely associated
Town functions, the BoS created a new Recreation and Community Programs Department. Offices of the
new Department, as well as the Human Services Department, were moved into the LexCC in 2015, and
programming has been offered since July 2015. Programming includes drop -in programs such as yoga,
table tennis, and billiards, as well as structured classes.
The 2016 ATM appropriated supplementary funds for debt service on the final stages of the LexCC
renovations. A bond anticipation note (BAN) was issued for additional costs, but available CPA funds
allowed the BAN to be retired without the need to issue a bond, avoiding bond - issuance costs and long-
term interest.
While planned renovations of the LexCC have been completed, the AhCCAC suggested that two more
additions —a gymnasium and a larger, multipurpose, space —would allow the Center to offer broader
programming. The 2016 Town Meeting approved $8 million for the purchase of a parcel of land on
Pelham Road (adjacent to the LexCC) for school and municipal purposes. When the acquisition is
completed, and contingent on further funding being approved by the this ATM, it is anticipated that an
existing school building on the parcel will be renovated for use as the Lexington Children's Place
(LCP) —the Town's pre – kindergarten program for children with special needs. The existing building
contains a gymnasium and a kitchen /cafeteria that will not be used by the LCP, and design work would be
continued for that portion to be used for municipal purposes (e.g., for LexCC and recreational
15
FY2013
FY2014
FY2015
FY2016
FY2017
Wright Farm1'3'4
$3,072,000
$618,000
$35,000
Conservation Restriction Enforecement
1 $25,000
Lexington Center Pocket Park
1 $21,500
ACROSS Lexington
$5,875
5 -Year Open Space & Recreation Plan
Update
$30,000
Land Acquisition Off Concord Avenue
(Portion of Sellars Parcel)
$220,000
Parkers Meadow Accessible Trail D &E2
$34,500
Conservation Meadow Preservation
$26,400
Lower Vinebrook Paved Recreation Path
$369,813
Totals
$3,072,000
$82,375
$254,500
$1,014,213
$35,000
Purchase of 12.6 acres (Parcel 1) was authorized at the 2012 ATM, Article 9. Closing date was December
20, 2012. The purchase price was $2,950,000 and there were $122,000 needed for purchase- associated
costs.
2This project is the result of a joint request from the Conservation Commission, the Commission on
Disability, and the Recreation Committee.
3Purchase of Parcel 2 of 43,446 square feet (just under 1 acre) was authorized at the 2015 ATM, Article 9.
Closing date was February 11, 2016. The purchase price was $520,000 and there were $98,000 needed
for purchase- associated costs. The acquisition is for both Open Space and Community Housing, and final
square footage and cost have not yet been allocated between those two uses so, for now, the FY2016
amount is also shown in the funding history for Community Housing.
42016 ATM, Article 8(g), funded structural and architectural analysis of the barn as well as an educational -
programming needs assessment.
Lexington Community Center
Lexington's Community Center (LexCC), at 39 Marren Road, was purchased by the Town in 2013. A
Selectmen - appointed Ad hoc Community Center Advisory Committee ( "AhCCAC) worked to identify
short -term and long -term improvements to the building needed to support Town programs there.
Appropriations for the resulting renovations appear in the DPF section below.
The LexCC incorporates what had been the functions of the Lexington Senior Center and provides
expanded, multi - generational services to the Town. To manage the LexCC and the closely associated
Town functions, the BoS created a new Recreation and Community Programs Department. Offices of the
new Department, as well as the Human Services Department, were moved into the LexCC in 2015, and
programming has been offered since July 2015. Programming includes drop -in programs such as yoga,
table tennis, and billiards, as well as structured classes.
The 2016 ATM appropriated supplementary funds for debt service on the final stages of the LexCC
renovations. A bond anticipation note (BAN) was issued for additional costs, but available CPA funds
allowed the BAN to be retired without the need to issue a bond, avoiding bond - issuance costs and long-
term interest.
While planned renovations of the LexCC have been completed, the AhCCAC suggested that two more
additions —a gymnasium and a larger, multipurpose, space —would allow the Center to offer broader
programming. The 2016 Town Meeting approved $8 million for the purchase of a parcel of land on
Pelham Road (adjacent to the LexCC) for school and municipal purposes. When the acquisition is
completed, and contingent on further funding being approved by the this ATM, it is anticipated that an
existing school building on the parcel will be renovated for use as the Lexington Children's Place
(LCP) —the Town's pre – kindergarten program for children with special needs. The existing building
contains a gymnasium and a kitchen /cafeteria that will not be used by the LCP, and design work would be
continued for that portion to be used for municipal purposes (e.g., for LexCC and recreational
15
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
programming) —with the design update for the whole building expected this June. (See Article 16(e))
Additionally, a new sidewalk is proposed to improve access. (See Article 10(k))
At present, there is no decision on use of the space in the Muzzey High Condominiums that previously
housed the Senior Center. Deed restrictions on that space limit it to uses for the benefit of seniors. The
Department of Public Facilities currently maintains the space in a caretaker mode
Fire & Rescue
The Fire & Rescue Department uses industry standards and its own experience to establish the
replacement schedule for its capital equipment. Unlike many pieces of Town equipment, fire engines and
medic trucks (rescue- ambulances) are partially custom -made and equipped, require detailed
specifications, and typically require many months between placing the order and the delivery and
acceptance.
The mission of this Department in the 21st century has shifted beyond traditional firefighting to
emergency services, homeland security, and community education, with our firefighters now being
trained for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS). The equipment to
perform these missions has changed with new technologies for firefighting and communications, yet the
basic pumper truck, ladder truck, and rescue - ambulance are still essential to the mission.
For the FY2018 Capital request, see STM Articles 2 & 3, and Article 12(x)
Lexington must continue to replace its aging equipment and retain back -up capacity. The table on the next
page includes the forecasted need for replacing major capital vehicles in the current Department
inventory.
16
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Major Capital Equipment
The following is the current inventory of the Fire & Rescue Department's major capital equipmenti-
ordered by the year of the currently projected replacement funding:
Projected
Replacement
Funding
ID
Type
Make
Model Year
Purchased
Put -in- Service
Date
Originally
Projected
Useful Life
(Years)
Original Cost
Chevrolet
FY2018
M -09
Ambulance
Lifeline
2009
Jul 2009
92
$204,000 5
FY2021
M -12
Ambulance
Ford /Horton
2012
Mar2012
92
$251,199 6
FY2024
E -3
Pumper
Emergency
2004
Jan 2005
203
$345,000
One /Typhoon
FY2024
M -15
Ambulance
Ford /Horton
2015
Feb -15
92
$238,210
Ferrara/
FY2027
E -2
Pumper
Intruder II
2007
Apr 2008
203
$389,000
FY2033
E -4
Pumper
Emergency
One /Typhoon
2013
Mar 2014
3
20
8
$465,000
FY2034
L -1
Aerial
Emergency
One/ Cyclone
2017
expected to be
Oct 2017
20
$874,685 9
FY2035
E -1
Pumper
Emergency
One /Typhoon
2015
Nov 2015
s
20
10
$485,000
1 Includes ID series "E" (pumpers), "L" (ladder), & "M" (Medic)(M designation followed by vehicle year). Not included are ID
series "C" (cars), "H" (trailer), "S" (service vehicles, including trailer), "F" (forestry) and a light unit as they are funded from
the operating budget.
2 The life span of ambulances is based on 3 years of primary service, 3 years of secondary service, and 3 years in reserve.
3 The life span of these vehicles is based on 10 years of frontline service, and 10 years in reserve status.
4 Order was placed in December 2016.
5 Replacement cost is not expected to exceed $280,000. (See Article 12(x))
6 Net cost was $241,199 ($251,199 less $10,000 for the trade -in for old M -3), but gross cost being listed as future status of a
trade -in is unknown —plus it's expected any purchase -8 years out will, as with all the other out -year purchases, be at a
much higher cost.
7 Net cost was $228,210 ($238,210 less $9,999 for trade -in 2006 Chevy).
8 $485,000 was appropriated for FY2014 to replace E -2 that was plagued with serious mechanical issues. (See Committee's
Report to the 2013 ATM, Article 10(a), for the background on that matter.) The legal action taken by the Town fora refund is
been resolved. The replacement was purchased under the 23 Feb 2015 STM #2, Article 3, $500,000 appropriation for
$415,000 ($465,000 less $50,000 for the trade -in of E -4 —a 2003 Ferrara /International pumper that had been purchased for
$210,000 and put in service in Jul 2003). Approximately $20,000 of the FY2014 appropriation was spent for ancillary
equipment for the new pumper. A rescission of $20,335 of the 23 Feb 2015 financing authorization was approved at the 2016
Annual Town Meeting under Article 20 which closed out all the related funding.
9 This is the full purchase price. Rather than having traded in the current aerial truck as part of purchase of the new aerial
truck, that current truck will be auctioned off believing that will provide a larger return for the Town. (There is no new -
equipment cost as the current equipment will be used on that newly purchased truck.)
10 Pumper was purchased using funds received in Town's legal settlement with Ferrera Fire Apparatus. The 2010 Pumper
was returned to the manufacturer.
(Fire & Rescue Department 5 -Year Capital Appropriation History has been combined with the Police
Department History as some appropriations are for the joint benefit of both Departments. That combined
Public - Safety History is after the following Police Department narrative.)
Police
The Lexington Police Department, which provides public safety services through a team of dedicated
police officers, detectives, dispatchers and support staff, is supported by the Town's Capital Program in
the areas of communication systems, computer systems, and improvements to the facilities in which it is
housed and trained.
The FY2018 Capital Budget has no capital requests for this department. A new firing range at the
Hartwell Ave compost site has been contemplated for several years in order to meet current firearms
training requirements and the needs of modern police work, as well ensuring readiness to respond to
weapons currently on the streets— $50,000 of D &E was appropriated for FY2016 toward development of
a new facility. This Committee looks forward to the results of that study and the follow -on request for
construction — currently expected in FY2019.
17
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Replacement or renovation and add -on to the existing Police Headquarters (located at 1575 Massachusetts
Avenue) is currently planned for D &E funding in FY2019, with construction funding in FY2020. Beyond
correcting basic needs due to overcrowding and functional inadequacy, the renovation or replacement of
the Police Headquarters will include other necessary enhancements to bring it to 21st- century standards.
Such enhancements include adequate evidence processing and secure storage, and secure prisoner entry to
the building. Currently, there is no secure entry to the building for a police vehicle transporting a prisoner.
Industry standard is a secure, controlled entryway through which a vehicle could enter the building and
then escort a person in custody directly to the booking and holding area ( "a sally port ").
The Federal Government has mandated that public - safety agencies (including Lexington's Police and Fire
Departments) will be required to move their radio -band frequency from the current 400 MHz band, to the
800 MHz band. This will require a complete replacement of radio equipment, including hand held,
mobile, and base stations. The radio system was upgraded and changed in 1994, at a cost of over
$1,000,000. A change to the new frequency band will be a capital project affecting both the Police and
Fire & Rescue Departments. Those Departments are currently studying how best to comply with the new
mandates. Cost estimates will follow once the scope and timing of the project is clearly defined.
Public- Safety Departments 5 -Year Capital Appropriation History (All
Sources) (Combines Fire & Rescue and Police Departments Appropriations)
1
Of the FY2015 $250,000 appropriation, $21,789 of unused borrowing authority was rescinded at the 2016 ATM.
2 Of the FY2016 $500,000 appropriation, $20,335 of unused borrowing authority was rescinded at the 2016 ATM.
(Police Department 5 -Year Capital Appropriation History has been combined with the Fire & Rescue
Department History —hence this Public - Safety Departments History —as some appropriations are for the
joint benefit of both Departments.)
Cary Memorial Library
In December 2010, architects Adams and Smith were hired to study how operations at the Main Library
could be improved ($25,000 under 2010 ATM, Article 12(q)). Funding of $100,000 for recommended
changes was approved under 2011 ATM, Article 13(1). The recommendations include changes to
workflow and ergonomics. Under 2013 ATM, Article 10(b), $124,000 was appropriated to purchase
equipment and supplies and provide for staff time to convert the Library materials to Radio Frequency ID
(RFID) as a direct result of that report. That implementation was largely completed in October 2016 and
the final minor installations will be in place before the end of FY2017. The Library has seen significant
improvement in operational efficiency. As a result of a 2013 strategic plan, the Library sought to realign
and reconfigure some of its spaces and services to today's Library patron needs. "Transformative
Spaces ", a $1,200,000 project was fully funded through private donations and is now open.
Restoration work to, and updating the Massachusetts Historical Commission Inventory on, the Stone
Building (former East Lexington Library Branch), including a new roof, gutters, aluminum siding
removal, painting, and window glazing, were completed in 2010 using $202,933 from the CPF under
2010 ATM, Article 8(q). Although the Historic Structures Report on which this work was based
recommended a small addition to the rear, those plans were not acted upon as the Town has not yet
determined a new use for the building. A feasibility study for possible use of the first floor as exhibition
space is contemplated. (See Article 10(h) The building continues to be maintained by the DPF under the
oversight of the Library's Board of Trustees.
18
FY2013
FY2014
FY2015
FY2016
FY2017
Fire Trucks & Ambulances1'2
$485,000
$228,211
$479,665
$875,000
Firefighter Protection Turnout Gear
Public Safety Radio Connectivity
$50,000
Public Safety Radio Stabilization
$90,000
$90,000
Heart Monitor
$105,000
Police /Fire Dispatching & Records Software
$705,900
Totals
$50,000
$485,000
$333,211
$1,275,565
$965,000
1
Of the FY2015 $250,000 appropriation, $21,789 of unused borrowing authority was rescinded at the 2016 ATM.
2 Of the FY2016 $500,000 appropriation, $20,335 of unused borrowing authority was rescinded at the 2016 ATM.
(Police Department 5 -Year Capital Appropriation History has been combined with the Fire & Rescue
Department History —hence this Public - Safety Departments History —as some appropriations are for the
joint benefit of both Departments.)
Cary Memorial Library
In December 2010, architects Adams and Smith were hired to study how operations at the Main Library
could be improved ($25,000 under 2010 ATM, Article 12(q)). Funding of $100,000 for recommended
changes was approved under 2011 ATM, Article 13(1). The recommendations include changes to
workflow and ergonomics. Under 2013 ATM, Article 10(b), $124,000 was appropriated to purchase
equipment and supplies and provide for staff time to convert the Library materials to Radio Frequency ID
(RFID) as a direct result of that report. That implementation was largely completed in October 2016 and
the final minor installations will be in place before the end of FY2017. The Library has seen significant
improvement in operational efficiency. As a result of a 2013 strategic plan, the Library sought to realign
and reconfigure some of its spaces and services to today's Library patron needs. "Transformative
Spaces ", a $1,200,000 project was fully funded through private donations and is now open.
Restoration work to, and updating the Massachusetts Historical Commission Inventory on, the Stone
Building (former East Lexington Library Branch), including a new roof, gutters, aluminum siding
removal, painting, and window glazing, were completed in 2010 using $202,933 from the CPF under
2010 ATM, Article 8(q). Although the Historic Structures Report on which this work was based
recommended a small addition to the rear, those plans were not acted upon as the Town has not yet
determined a new use for the building. A feasibility study for possible use of the first floor as exhibition
space is contemplated. (See Article 10(h) The building continues to be maintained by the DPF under the
oversight of the Library's Board of Trustees.
18
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Library 5 -Year Capital Appropriation History All Sources
Public Works
The Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for design, bidding, construction, and
management of projects related to all Town infrastructure (including, but not limited to, roads and
sidewalks), department equipment, and Town property except buildings that are assigned to the
Department of Public Facilities (DPF). (Routine maintenance and other operational activities are not
capital - related matters and thus, normally not addressed by this Committee.)
The DPW is organized around seven divisions that are responsible for these elements: Administration,
Engineering, Highway, Public Grounds, Environmental Services, Water, and Sewer. Environmental
Services manages solid waste; recyclables; yard waste from Lexington –and private contractors; and
hazardous products from Lexington and 8 other neighboring communities.
Major components of DPW's FY2018– FY2022 capital projects include:
• Road and sidewalk improvements
• Water distribution and sanitary -sewer systems improvements
• Storm -water control and management
• Hartwell Avenue Infrastructure Improvements
• East Massachusetts Avenue Three - Intersection Improvements
• Comprehensive Watershed Storm -water Management and Dam Improvements
• Storm Drainage and National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Improvements
• Comprehensive Watershed Storm -water Management and Dam Improvements
• Trucks and heavy equipment necessary to accomplish the DPW mission
DPW's capital needs — except when funded all, or in part, by the Town's CPF, Revolving Fund, or
Enterprise - Funds —must be funded by cash or financing through the general tax levy and/or voter -
approved debt exclusions. Almost all construction projects for the sanitary -sewer system and for the
water - distribution system are funded by Water- and Sewer -rate payers through the Enterprise Funds.
Large trucks and heavy equipment used in support of the sanitary -sewer and water - distribution systems
are also funded, either in whole or in par, by Enterprise Funds.
Engineering
Engineering work for all DPW projects is either done "in house" or contracted through public
procurement to outside consulting and/or design firms. In addition to supporting on -going DPW work,
Engineering will continue to be a major participant in the DPW's future projects. While the scope of this
Division's responsibilities can be so concisely stated, that does not reflect its enormous and crucial
contributions across the breadth of the DPW's capital and operational activities.
Roads
Lexington has a total of 199.6 miles of roads, which include State and unaccepted roads. This total
consists of 135.0 miles of Town - accepted roadways (TAR), 18.5 miles of private /unaccepted roadways,
and 46.1 miles of State highway. (Source: Stantec FY2017 Asset Management Summary (Roads),
January 2017, which addressed the condition of the TAR, sidewalks, and pedestrian ramps) The DPW
maintains the TAR; the remainder being maintained by the private owners or the State. The DPW also
maintains the Town's portion (5.3 miles) of the 10.0 -mile Minuteman Commuter Bikeway ( "Bikeway "),
which opened in 1993.
In April 2010, the Town retained Fay, Spofford & Thorndike (FST) (since acquired by Stantec), a
civil – engineering consulting firm, to develop and implement a Pavement Management System (PMS) for
19
FY2013
FY2014
FY2015
FY2016
FY2017
RFID Conversion Project
$124,000
Totals
$0
$124,000
$0
$0
$0
Public Works
The Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for design, bidding, construction, and
management of projects related to all Town infrastructure (including, but not limited to, roads and
sidewalks), department equipment, and Town property except buildings that are assigned to the
Department of Public Facilities (DPF). (Routine maintenance and other operational activities are not
capital - related matters and thus, normally not addressed by this Committee.)
The DPW is organized around seven divisions that are responsible for these elements: Administration,
Engineering, Highway, Public Grounds, Environmental Services, Water, and Sewer. Environmental
Services manages solid waste; recyclables; yard waste from Lexington –and private contractors; and
hazardous products from Lexington and 8 other neighboring communities.
Major components of DPW's FY2018– FY2022 capital projects include:
• Road and sidewalk improvements
• Water distribution and sanitary -sewer systems improvements
• Storm -water control and management
• Hartwell Avenue Infrastructure Improvements
• East Massachusetts Avenue Three - Intersection Improvements
• Comprehensive Watershed Storm -water Management and Dam Improvements
• Storm Drainage and National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Improvements
• Comprehensive Watershed Storm -water Management and Dam Improvements
• Trucks and heavy equipment necessary to accomplish the DPW mission
DPW's capital needs — except when funded all, or in part, by the Town's CPF, Revolving Fund, or
Enterprise - Funds —must be funded by cash or financing through the general tax levy and/or voter -
approved debt exclusions. Almost all construction projects for the sanitary -sewer system and for the
water - distribution system are funded by Water- and Sewer -rate payers through the Enterprise Funds.
Large trucks and heavy equipment used in support of the sanitary -sewer and water - distribution systems
are also funded, either in whole or in par, by Enterprise Funds.
Engineering
Engineering work for all DPW projects is either done "in house" or contracted through public
procurement to outside consulting and/or design firms. In addition to supporting on -going DPW work,
Engineering will continue to be a major participant in the DPW's future projects. While the scope of this
Division's responsibilities can be so concisely stated, that does not reflect its enormous and crucial
contributions across the breadth of the DPW's capital and operational activities.
Roads
Lexington has a total of 199.6 miles of roads, which include State and unaccepted roads. This total
consists of 135.0 miles of Town - accepted roadways (TAR), 18.5 miles of private /unaccepted roadways,
and 46.1 miles of State highway. (Source: Stantec FY2017 Asset Management Summary (Roads),
January 2017, which addressed the condition of the TAR, sidewalks, and pedestrian ramps) The DPW
maintains the TAR; the remainder being maintained by the private owners or the State. The DPW also
maintains the Town's portion (5.3 miles) of the 10.0 -mile Minuteman Commuter Bikeway ( "Bikeway "),
which opened in 1993.
In April 2010, the Town retained Fay, Spofford & Thorndike (FST) (since acquired by Stantec), a
civil – engineering consulting firm, to develop and implement a Pavement Management System (PMS) for
19
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
the TAR and its portion of the Bikeway. The first study was completed in November 2010 and has been
updated annually. The PMS is based upon an extensive roadway database describing pavement conditions
and roadway characteristics, and among other things reports conditions using a Pavement Condition Index
(PCI), which is a 100 -point scale with 100 representing the best possible condition. Using the FY2017
Stantec update, the average PCI for the TAR continued to improve, from 74.9 the previous year to 77.0
this year. That 77.0 PCI signifies that the typical TAR condition in Lexington is within the "Routine
Maintenance" band (68 -87). (Note: The Town is transitioning to different software to continue the PMS.
While the new software will use the term "Road Surface Rating (RSR)" rather than PCI, it will serve the
same purpose and have comparable condition bands.)
The initial study reported the replacement cost for just the TAR would be in excess of $85,000,000 in
FY2011 dollars. (A more detailed analysis of the report is contained in this Committee's report to the
2011 ATM, beginning on Page 21).
The FY2017 update states:
Since the previous report, Lexington's PCI has improved by 2 points while the backlog dropped
by nearly $6M...This is good news for the Town as the roadway network is in "good" condition
while the backlog [the cost of repairing within one year all roads —but not including drainage,
sidewalk, or traffic signals —to a near - perfect 100] is also at a very sustainable level. While the
work done over the previous year resulted in some of the reduction in the backlog, Stantec
reduced unit costs this year to reflect the Town's pavement repair costs....The distribution [of the
network PCI] reflects a very positive trend with the majority of the network requiring no
treatment or "Routine Maintenance ".
and cites the current backlog is $16,697,104.
However, the update goes on to caution that:
...it is important to note that it is vital for the Town to establish an effective `Preservation
Maintenance" program to bring "fair" condition streets to "good" condition at relatively
inexpensive costs. The Town has been progressive with this approach by piloting various
different treatments in recent years, but needs to determine which methods are most beneficial to
maximize future life cycle costs.
...Stantec suggests the Town to secure at least $3.0M annually, at a minimum to maintain current
conditions. However, if the Town secures $4.0M annually, after five years the backlog and
network conditions will be vastly improved and allow the Town to lower budget allocated for
roadways toward other assets.
This Committee remains extremely pleased to see a quantitative basis for determining the condition of the
Town - maintained pavements and the Town's success in making meaningful gains in the overall
network's condition. It also supports the DPW's continuing efforts further to raise the Town's baseline
pavement - condition grade to the next- higher band ( "Crack Seal ") Continuing with the PMS, along with
DPW management of other potential impacts to our pavements (e.g., utility work, construction for
storm -water and wastewater system improvements, sidewalk - related projects, etc.) offer the promise of an
even -more productive and cost - effective program going forward. Funding for roads is provided by a
combination of Town Funds (typically 72 %±) and State Chapter 90 funds. (See Article 12(d, 1, & q))
Sidewalks
The TAR is comprised of 907 segments and creates a sidewalk network with approximately 85 miles of
sidewalks and contains 818 pedestrian ramps ( "ramps "). (Source: Stantec Sidewalk & Ramp Network
Conditions Update, January 2017.) In 2005, due to the overdue need to upgrade and extend the sidewalks,
the BoS appointed the Sidewalk Committee. In 2014, the DPW with assistance from FST (its report,
December, 2014), completed a sidewalk - condition survey. The survey results found that "the average
area -based Sidewalk Condition Index (SCI) in Lexington was 68 which puts it in the middle of the
"Partial Repair" treatment band. (An 85 -100 score is the "Do Nothing" band.) The survey found 40% of
the sidewalk network in the "Do Nothing" treatment band and 34% in the Localized Repair' treatment
20
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
band. The Stantec survey recommendation was that it would require $750,000 to maintain current
conditions, but would require $825,000 on sidewalks and ramps to ensure both quantity and quality. The
proposed DPW sidewalk replacement program is based upon the priority list developed in conjunction
with the survey.
The FY2017 update to that survey reported that in December, 2016, Stantec completed a 20% re- survey
of the TAR's sidewalk network and found the average, area - based, Sidewalk Network SCI was 68.8 (i.e.,
only marginally better than the 2014 value.) It also reported that the percentage of non - compliant ramps
was 63 %; a modest improvement from the 67% in 2014, and that the current backlog of outstanding
repairs for sidewalks and ramps is $7,527,990 (an increase of about $500,000 from the 2014 amount).
In regard to that backlog, the update says:
The backlog has however increased from sidewalks deteriorating into more expensive repair
bands. As can be seen from the distribution of SCI by sidewalk area, the Town is trending in the
right direction with the majority of the network in the "Do Nothing" treatment band. The Town
should continue to follow the previous budget recommendations of spending $750k annually for
its sidewalk and ramp network. The Town should remain diligent when inspecting work that gets
done, to ensure both sidewalks and ramps are completed in accordance with MAAB /ADA
regulations.
In October 2015, the BoS assigned what had been the responsibility of the Sidewalk Committee (now
inactive) to the Transportation Safety Group (TSG):
The Transportation Safety Group is a Town Manager appointed Working Group which meets
monthly to evaluate issues and concerns relative to traffic, transit, pedestrian, bicycle and parking
safety. Recommendations are made to the Board of Selectmen and the Town Manager.
The working group includes citizens and representatives of the Police, Public Works, Planning
and School Departments. Liaisons from the Transportation Advisory, Bicycle Advisory, and Safe
Routes to School committees as well as the Commission on Disability also participate.
(http: / /www.lexingtonma.gov /transportation - safety- group)
With regard to the sidewalk network, including ramps, DPW maintains the primary responsibility for both
the maintenance and capital projects of the existing sidewalk network while the TSG's focus is with the
need for new sidewalks and pedestrian ramps, and with ensuring safety- related concerns about the
existing network are brought to the attention of DPW.
Sidewalk replacement and extension are costly initiatives. Imbedded in these costs are sidewalk -
construction obstructions, easement issues, and negotiations with residents. The DPW and TSG overall
policy has been to develop a prioritized sidewalk - construction plan focusing on the "Safe Routes to
School Program ", other high - pedestrian - traffic routes, and high — walking- hazard streets. All
reconstructed/new sidewalks and their pedestrian ramps are designed and constructed to comply with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)."
This Committee is pleased that funding requests for center - business - district (CBD) sidewalks are
presented separately from those for residential sidewalks and that there are now three sidewalk categories
for restoration: residential, CBD, and non -CBD business; and, further, that requests for entirely new or
extended sidewalks would be presented separately than requests for restoration.
The new Prospect Hill sidewalk that was an FY2016 authorization is completed. The FY2017 sidewalk -
funding request will allow the completion of residential projects outside the CBD. FY2018 requests for
sidewalk work can be found in Articles 12(h) & (w).
Townwide Signal Improvements
Many of the Town signals are outdated, with sometimes failing equipment, and limited ADA
accessibility. An Engineering Division study, funded with Traffic Mitigation funds, using signalized level
of service (LOS) has identified and prioritized those locations in need of improvement, after assessment
of conditions, signal timing, delays, ADA requirements, etc. As recommended, the Town has adopted a
21
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Standard Specification that allows for cost and maintenance efficiencies. [Note: The study did not include
the signals which are under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, including,
but not limited to: Bedford Street at Hartwell Avenue, Lowell Street at Waltham Street, Marrett Road at
Spring Street, and Hayden Avenue at Route 2.] The FY2018 funding request is in Article 12(k).
Water- Distribution System
Many of the Town's 154 miles of water mains were installed in the early 1900s and require an ongoing
engineering program plan of pipe cleaning, lining, or replacement. On an annual basis, the DPW
implements work for cleaning, lining, and/or replacement of unlined, inadequate, aged, and breaking
water mains to improve water quality, pressure, and fire- protection capabilities, and to reduce frequency
and severity of water -main breaks, as well as to minimize long lengths of pipe not fed at both ends,
known as "dead ends ". This work often requires excavation prior to pipe - condition analysis. Work
continues to replace remaining unlined pipes, of which 2% or 4 linear miles presently fall in to this
category. Following this, work will then focus on replacing aging mains or those with a higher -break
history. Using some of the funding authorized in FY2016, engineering is undertaking an analysis of the
entire distribution network in order to prioritize work for the next phase of the improvement plan. The
work is under contract and the model of the network is near completion.
This analysis work will allow the Engineering Division to continue its best practices in the documentation
of the materials, age, and break history of the Town's water mains and to use that information as well as
ongoing material sampling (when appropriate) to determine its engineering
replacement- and - rehabilitation plan. Some of the "out- year" funding in the capital plan is still
approximate due to the difficulty of actual testing in a working water system, unlike roads which can be
analyzed visually and with easily accessible samples; water systems require more complex exploratory
testing by excavation, when and where possible. In some instances work scope cannot be completely
developed until preliminary exploratory work on actual site conditions has been performed. The East
Massachusetts Avenue water -mains improvement work that was funded with prior authorizations is now
completed. For the FY2018 request, see Article 13.
Heavy equipment and trucks used by the Water Division to maintain the system are procured with Water
Enterprise funds that are funded directly by Water -rate payers. Where equipment is shared with the Sewer
Division, the costs are shared.
Hydrant System
This Committee continues to encourage replacement at an accelerated rate and supports the level of
funding proposed —which remains at what was the FY2017 level. The FY2018 funding for hydrant
replacement continues to be evenly divided between Tax Levy funds and the Water - Enterprise Fund. For
further system information and the FY2018 funding request, see Article 12(0.
Sanitary Sewer
The sanitary -sewer system (34 miles of trunk lines; 119 miles of street lines), like the water - distribution
system, has sections that date back to the early 1900s. Due to age - related deterioration, some sections are
susceptible to storm -water inflow and groundwater infiltration which increases the total flow to the
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) treatment system, resulting in increased charges to
the Town, and causing overloading of parts of the system, and the potential to spread waterborne disease.
Engineering has an ongoing program of investigating, evaluating, replacing and repairing sections of the
system. This work had been partially funded by the MWRA Infiltration /Inflow (I/I) Local Financial
Assistance Program, which provides grant and interest -free loan funding for member communities;
however, at this point the Town has draw of its allocation in that Program. For further system information
and the FY2018 funding request, see Article 14(a).
The system has 10 sewage - pumping stations that need continual maintenance and periodic upgrading and
which the Sewer Division has been doing. In July 2013, the engineering firm Wright- Pierce performed a
22
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
detailed survey of the pump stations, generating a 20 -year repair /replacement plan for them. This year's
request is consistent with those findings. (See Article 14(b))
Four pumping stations (Main, Concord Avenue, Potter Pond, and Brigham Road) now have backup
electric -power generators. Significant improvements to the main pump station were completed in October
2016, which include Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning upgrades to bring up to current code
requirements, installation of Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) motors (which provide energy savings and
noise reduction in the sewer force main) on all the pumps, and a surge tank.
This Committee considers that backup generators should be provided at all of the other pump stations as
soon as practicable; therefore we are pleased that DPW has design in process for three more (Worthen,
Constitution, and Marshall) and it plans to address the remaining three (Bowman, Hayden, and North
Street) under future funding requests. (See Article 12(b)).
Heavy equipment and trucks used by the Sewer Division are procured with Sewer Enterprise Funds that
are funded by Sewer Rate -Payer fees, additional fees and charges, investment income, and connection
fees. Where equipment is shared with Water Division, the costs are shared.
Dam Restoration
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation mandates inspecting every five years
every dam that is rated as a "significant- hazard dam" or "high- hazard dam ". There are two dams at the
significant- hazard level in Lexington. That rating is assigned to dams based on the risk from the water it
impounds being released; it does not reflect its state of repair.
Butterfield Dam on Lowell Street: Engineering studies and construction work were funded under
2011 ATM, Article 10(a), and 2012 ATM, Article 12(g). Construction is now complete, with continuing
State - required monitoring of landscaping in sensitive resource areas. The dam now complies with State
requirements.
Old Reservoir Dam on Marrett Road: Dam inspection reports performed for the Massachusetts
Office of Dam Safety determined that there was a need for repairs and improvements. 2014 ATM,
Article 10(i), funded design and cost estimates for the work on this dam to insure the long -term stability
of it. The design work continues and a cost estimate has been prepared for engineering and construction.
(See Article 12(i))
Stormwater Drainage and National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems
(NPDES)
Storm drains collect stormwater along Town streets and parking areas, and convey this water to streams
and other bodies of water. The storm -drain pipes and the 4,700 catch basins on the TAR that direct storm
water to them occasionally fail due to heavy loads passing over them and/or loss of supporting soil around
them thereby creating holes in the street. In addition, as streets are repaired and repaved, it is frequently
discovered that the storm - drainage system is seriously deteriorated. Concurrent drainage- system repairs
are required to prevent further deterioration and to protect newly paved streets. It also is necessary to
study and repair drains where overflow conditions develop and/or complaints are received. The goal of
the Federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, under which the Town
has a State - administered permit, is to maintain water quality. New permitting regulations have been
published and will become effective July 1, 2017. (The Town's "Notice of Intent" will be due
September 29, 2017.) Those new regulations are expected to increase costs and complexities of this work
in future years; however, because of the Town's aggressive efforts to date, it is expected FY2018 can
remain compliant with the same level of funding provided in FY2017. Recent drainage improvements are
complete. Continuing trouble spots include the watersheds of the Vine Brook, Mill Brook, Beaver Brook
and Kiln Brook, as well as other areas. This Committee welcomes Engineering's leadership and efforts, in
compliance with Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements, to improve the water
quality in Lexington's streams and ponds while protecting the Town's investment and structural integrity
of its streets. (See Article 12(e))
23
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Comprehensive Watershed Storm Water Management Systems
In order that the Town's storm- drainage system capacity is maintained to handle runoff from impervious
surfaces, the Town must manage its storm -water runoff associated with its 18 brooks and three
watersheds. Additionally, sediment deposits, organic debris, and refuse can impede the flow of water
through watershed areas, and cause flooding and damage to private property, thus creating liabilities for
the Town. To date, the Charles River, Shawsheen River, and Mystic River watershed - management plans
have all been completed. The Willard Woods "daylighting" and drainage improvements, as well as
stream -bank stabilization for the Vine Brook in the Saddle Club Road area are completed. The Whipple
Brook storm -water design is underway. DPW is reviewing which specific locations will be addressed
with the FY2017 funding. For the FY2018 funding request to address other priority areas, see
Article 12(g)). [Note: There is some location overlap with Town -Wide Culvert Replacement as some
projects require both culvert repair and stream - management planning ]
Culvert Repair
There are more than 50 culverts in Town. Many of the older culverts are near or at failure. A culvert is
defined as a pipe or drain that carries a stream or ditch under a roadway. DPW's engineering program for
on -going culvert inspections has confirmed a need for culvert replacement and extraordinary repairs. This
is a companion effort to the ongoing Comprehensive Storm -water Management Watershed work. In 2015,
worked was funded for the culvert work under Revere Street at the North Lexington Brook, and the
culvert under Concord Avenue at Hardy's Brook. This work, as well as the Bikeway culvert which was
funded for FY2016, have been completed. For the FY2018 funding request, see Article 120)).
Public Grounds
The Town owns approximately 630 acres of land of which approximately 110 acres are in parks,
playgrounds, conservation areas, athletic facilities, school grounds, and historical sites. In addition, Town
staff administers and maintains four cemeteries with a combined area of just over 30 acres. The Forestry
staff maintains approximately 10,000 trees along roadways and an undetermined number of trees, shrubs,
and plantings on Town -owned land. For the FY2018 funding requests that are not cited under Recreation,
see Article 12(o & p).
Minuteman Commuter Bikeway
In FY2015, a request was being made to investigate restoring the bridge carrying the Bikeway over Grant
Street. As noted above under Culvert Repair, there also was a request to replace a culvert supporting the
Bikeway.
In addition, in FY2015 funding was authorized for the design of Way - Finding- and - Etiquette signage for
the Lexington portion of the Bikeway (Arlington and Bedford declined to participate), with follow -on
FY2017 funding. Design is complete and bids are being prepared. For the FY2018 funding request, see
Article 12(m).
Town Center Streetscape Project
Increasing the vitality of Lexington Center has long been an open -ended goal of the Town as businesses
come and go and usage patterns change. Projects in support of the Center have been both large and small,
including rezoning the former Battle Green Inn site and the installation of a seasonal "pocket park" on
Massachusetts Avenue in front of the Ride Studio Cafe. The deterioration of the infrastructure through the
Center, and the needed safety enhancements as the traffic volume has increased are significant concerns.
To address these infrastructure, safety, and enhancement issues in a coordinated manner, the Center
Streetscape Improvements Project was created. When fully implemented, it would address from
business -front to business —front across Massachusetts Avenue and run from just beyond the intersection
with Woburn Street, Winthrop Road, and Fletcher Avenue northwesterly to just beyond Meriam Street.
The results of that Project would be further enhanced at that Meriam Street end by work under the Battle
Green Streetscape Project.
24
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
The last funding of the Center Streetscape Project was at the 2014 ATM, under Article 10(a), where
$600,000 was approved by that Meeting to carry the design to 100 % — including bid documents. The
design that had been advanced to the 25% level was stopped at that point because unresolved issues with
the Project led to a failure to get approval of construction funding at the 2015 ATM, under Article 11(a),
for the first phase (the above -cited intersection). As issues with the designs for not only the first phase,
but also the rest of the project, still remained at the time of the 2016 ATM, another request for
construction funds (under Article 10(a)) was Indefinitely Postponed.
Because many design elements (primarily, but not solely, related to later phases in the CBD) remained in
question, on February 22, 2016, the BoS established a Center Streetscape Design Review Ad hoc
Committee to specifically investigate a broad set of elements and make recommendations to the BoS.
That Committee completed its work and made a final presentation to the BoS in a public meeting on
January 30, 2017. Many of the recommendations for the design choices were not the same as used by the
architects for the 25% design. That Committee urged the BoS to obtain a revised 25% design (and cost
estimate) that reflected their design choices. The BoS accepted all of the proposed design choices and
directed the Town Manager to have the 25% design revised, accordingly.
Articles 10(j) & 12(a) of this ATM were to be the new request for the construction funding for the first
phase of the project; however, based on the need for the revised design, the BoS decided to move for
Indefinite Postponement of Article 12(a) —and the CPC is expected to move the same for Article 10(j)—
with the intent to defer any funding request for this Project to the 2018 ATM.
DPW Equipment
DPW has 160 pieces of significant equipment (includes vehicles). The replacement value for that
equipment today, based on its insured value, is approximately $8 million. This equipment includes pick-
up and dump trucks, construction vehicles, and specialized equipment including pumps, rollers, sprayers,
and mowers. Replacement intervals vary from 5 to 25 years and are based upon manufacturers'
recommendations and DPW experience. Of these, 90 pieces had an individual acquisition cost in excess
of $25,000; therefore, their replacement would normally be characterized as Capital and subject to this
Committee's review.
DPW has developed a well- conceived program, which includes annual updates produced by the Road
Machinery element of the Highway Division and other Division Superintendents, with review by the
Manager of Operations and Department of Public Works Director. This program replaces the older, less
fuel- efficient, and high - maintenance equipment with standard, off -the -shelf vehicles and equipment that
will last longer and cost less to maintain and operate. Replacement of equipment with individual
acquisition costs under $25,000, and of all automobiles, is funded with operating funds. The current
5 -year equipment - replacement schedule projects annual costs between $900,000 to $1,000,000 per year.
The FY2016 funding included the purchase a windrow turner for the compost operation at Hartwell
Avenue. This piece of equipment was added to the budget as a result of the study done in conjunction
with the solar project that was approved for the compost site. That project included the loss of some
composting area and the windrow turner was expected to increase productivity of the remaining
composting area to that of the original area. For the FY2018 funding request, see Article 12(c & n).
25
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
DPW 5 -Year Capital Appropriation History (All Sources)
Capital using Tax Levy & Chapter 90 Funds
1 FY2013 1 FY2014 1 FY2015 1 FY2016 1 FY2017
DPW Equipment
$582,693
$556,635
$401,418
$499,000
$464,000
Street Improvements & Easements2
$4,026,000
$2,814,238
$3,716,029
$3,231,250
$2,526,835
Street lights /Traffic signals
$125,000
$125,000
$125,000
$125,000
$125,000
Center Business District ( "Center ") Streetscape
$240,000
$600,000
$350,000
Battle Green Area Improvements
$203,845
$90,000
Town -wide Culvert Replacement3
$362,000
$390,000
$390,000
$100,000
$390,000
Drainage /dams /brook cleaning
$600,000
$340,000
$490,000
$340,000
$340,000
Sidewalk /walkway /bikeway improvements4'5'6'7
$550,000
$3,600,000
$400,000
$660,000
$924,500
Comprehensive Watershed Study & Implement
$165,000
$390,000
$390,000
$390,000
$390,000
Hydrant Replacement
$25,000
$50,000
$50,000
$75,000
$75,000
Public Grounds
$88,000
$203,000
$35,000
Hartwell Avenue Infrastructure Improvements
$600,000
$4,750,000
Tax Levy & Chapter 90 Totals
1
Unused borrowing authority was rescinded: of FY2013
appropriation, $83,365 at the 2016 ATM; of FY2015
2A11 years include State Chapter 90 funding. FY2013
Robinson Road work that, although off the site and,
School project. FY2015 includes $500,000 for the Massachusetts
30f the FY2013 $390,000 appropriation, $28,000 of
4FY2016 includes $10,000 toward Bikeway Bridge
Lexington Community Center
5FY2017 includes $149,500 for Cary Memorial Library
6FY2014 includes $3,000,000 for a Concord Avenue
sidewalks outside the Central Business District.
7FY2015 includes unspecified amounts for a new sidewalk
where no sidewalk exists, and reconstructing the intersection
Capital using Enterprise Funds
$6,879,5381 $8,953,8731 $6,855,4471 $10,205,2501 $5,585,335
$595,000 appropriation, $12,307 at the 2014 ATM; of FY2014 $640,000
$428,440, $27,022 at the 2016 ATM.
includes $175,000 of D &E & $1,500,000 of construction for Grove Street &
thus, is the responsibility of DPW, is in conjunction with the New Estabrook
Avenue Intersections Project.
unused borrowing authority was rescinded at the 2016 ATM.
Repairs and Engineering. Work & $50,000 for design of a new sidewalk to the
walkway and $175,000 to complete having sidewalks on Pleasant Street.
Sidewalk, $200,000 for the Hartwell Corridor, and $400,000 for other Town
on Pleasant Street, new sidewalk on portions of Prospect Hill Road
of Prospect Hill Road and Marrett Road.
Sanitary Sewer
Sanitary Sewer System
$1,200,000
$1,200,000
$1,200,000
$1,200,000
$1,000,000
Pump station upgrades
$100,000
$100,000
$600,000
$1,350,000
$800,000
DPW Equipment
$145,000
$40,500
$40,500
$145,500
Sewer Sub - Totals
Water
$1,300,0001 $1,445,0001 $1,840,5001 $2,590,5001
$1,945,500
Water Mains Relining & Replacement
$900,000
$900,000
$900,000
$3,400,000
DPW Equipment
$145,000
$216,500
$40,500
$145,500
Hydrant Replacement
$25,000
$50,000
$50,000
$75,000
$75,000
Water Sub - Totals
Enterprise -Fund Totals)
Capital using DPW Compost Operating Revolving
$925,0001 $1,095,0001 $1,166,5001 $3,515,500
$220,500
$2,225,0001
$2,540,0001
$3,007,0001
$6,106,0001
$2,166,000
Fund
DPW Equipment 1
1
1 $690,0001
Revolving Fund Totals
$0
$0
$0
$690,000
$0
Grand Total
$9,104,538
1 $11,493,873
1 $9,862,447
$17,001,250
$7,751,335
26
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Public Facilities
The Department of Public Facilities (DPF) coordinates and cares for all Town -owned buildings under the
control of the BoS, Town Manager, Library Trustees, and School Committee. Expenses associated with
the DPF staffing, maintenance (including preventative maintenance), custodial services, capital - project
management, utilities, landscaping and grounds (at schools only), and managing of building rentals and
other reservations for use of building spaces are the responsibility of this department.
DPF is currently responsible for buildings at 25 locations. One more is pending completing the purchase.
• Town Office Building
• Cary Memorial Building (CMB)
• Police Headquarters
• Fire Department Headquarters
• East Lexington Fire Station
• Samuel Hadley Public Services Building
• Stone Building (previously used as the East Lexington Library)
• Cary Memorial Library
• Visitors Center
• Lexington Community Center (LexCC)
• Senior Center in the Muzzey Condominiums, 1475 Massachusetts Avenue
(now in caretaker status as Senior - Center activities are now at the LexCC)
• Westview Cemetery
• Hammond A. Hosmer House
• Animal Shelter, Westview Street
• 173 Bedford Street (recently purchased for initial use as swing space for
the Fire Department Headquarters and then the Police Department)
• Nine schools
• Old Harrington School (Schools' Central Administration is the primary occupant).
• (Pending purchase completion) 20 Pelham Road property (primary use planned as
Lexington's pre - kindergarten facility)
The DPF is organized around four areas: Administration, Project Management, Facility Maintenance and
Repair, and Custodial Services. Administration administers the Department. Project Management handles
major capital renovations and provides staff support to the Town's Permanent Building Committee for
new construction. Facility Maintenance and Repair maintains and repairs all the facilities listed below.
Custodial Services is responsible for custodial services in all those facilities.
DPF has taken a systematic approach to solving problems that affect both Municipal and School
buildings, including roofs, flooring, building envelope, and school paved parking and sidewalk areas. In a
few cases the solutions have been programs with annual funding and could be considered more as
on -going maintenance than capital expenditures. However, as the needs exist and the work has, and will
be, funded using GF cash, the Committee supports labeling these projects as "Capital ".
The 2016 ATM and STMs approved several DPF - related appropriations. Municipal building- envelope
funds (Article 15(d)) were used to evaluate ice dams at the Cary Memorial Library south entrance. Fire
Headquarters exercise -room upgrade funds (Article 15(p)) are on hold while the move to temporary space
at 173 Bedford Street is evaluated. The LHS Security Evaluation and Upgrade funds (Article 15(1)) have
been put on hold so that a larger discussion regarding LHS security can take place with the community at
large. (However, a request to enhance the security- camera system is being presented to this ATM.) The
LHS Guidance Space Mining Design (Article 15(m)) and LHS Nurses Office and Treatment Space
Design (Article 15(n)) have both been completed and construction funds are being requested at this ATM.
LHS Fitness Center /Athletic Training Floor (Article 15(o)) work has been completed. The standalone
LHS Heating System Upgrade (Article 15(c)) work went to schematic design where it was determined
that the construction cost would far exceed what had been expected so that project was stopped. The
School Committee has voted to no longer support this project as its purpose is expected to be addressed
by a Statement of Interest to be submitted to the MSBA in the 2020 timeframe for a complete upgrade of
27
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
the LHS. (A project to provide additional, limited, air conditioning at LHS is being presented at this
ATM.) The Security Camera Upgrade to Digital from Analog (Article 150)) is out for bid and will be
completed in the spring. The School Traffic Safety Improvements project (Article 15(i)) has not been
started. The Townwide Roofing Program (Article 15(a)) appropriation was used to repair the Harrington
School roof. The Munroe School Roof (Article 15(k)) work was completed for $160,205. (The original
appropriation was $298,000.) The Munroe Center for the Arts will pay the debt service for this over 5
years. The Munroe Center Windows Study (Article 8(b)) using CPA funds has been completed and
construction funds are being requested in this ATM.
This year's request for DPF Capital funding includes a wide range of important work to both enhance
buildings to meet the programmatic demands of the programs that occur in them as well as to attend to the
extraordinary repairs and maintenance that are essential to extending the useful life of the buildings. (See
Article 16).
28
DB CLUB M!FYCFOEJJVSFT!DPN N JUUFF!SFC SU!UP!3128!BUN !' !TUN !3128.2!
Public Facilities 5 -Year Capital Appropriation History (All Sources)
Program 1 FY2013 1 FY2014 1 FY2015 1 FY2016 1 FY2017
Department -Wide
Town -wide Facilities Master Plan 1 $65,0001
Municipal
Public Services Building
$200,000
Muzzey Senior Center2
$561,518
Hosmer House
$381,000
Visitor Center
Renovation /Upgrade
$220,608
Building Envelope
$169,711
$173,954
$178,302
$182,760
$187,329
Townwide Roofing
$176,400
Fire Headquarters
$4,666,000
East Lexington Fire Station
$75,000
Paint Mine Barn Preservation
$34,770
Munroe School (Munroe Center
for the Arts13
$328,000
Cary Memorial Building4
$75,000
$550,000
$8,677,400
$269,598
Community Center Renovations
$3,269,000
$3,551,000
Municipal Sub -Total
$1,421,9991 $3,992,9541 $12,702,3101 $452,3581 $5,357,729
Schools
Schools Master Planning
$250,000
Multiple School Education
Capacity
$10,966,000
Evaluation of Middle Schools
Spaces
$35,000
$40,000
New Estabrook5
$39,594,433
Diamond Energy Improvements
$25,000
Hastings Natural Gas Conversion
$45,000
High School Overcrowding
Renovations /Expansions6
$400,000
$8,062,000
$495,000
$1,030,400
$97,020
High School Heating System?
$48,920
$500,000
Public Facilities Bid Documents5
$75,000
$75,000
$75,000
$75,000
$100,000
Grounds Vehicles9
$70,510
$80,000
Building Envelope
$215,000
$235,000
$230,000
$210,000
$215,000
Landscaping /Paving /Playgrounds
$150,000
$100,000
$150,000
Major Electrical /Mechanical
Systems Upgrades10
$275,000
$613,000
Interior Renovations
$69,300
$674,000
Extraordinary School Repairs
$610,000
$666,500
$423,750
$335,425
Security Standardization
$370,000
$38,500
$49,500
Wall Unit Air Conditioners
$56,000
School Traffic Mitigation for Safety
$30,000
$25,000
Clarke Middle School Bus Loop"
$35,000
$0
Hastings School Kitchen
Renovation
$90,000
Schools Sub -Total
$41,069,943
$9,819,500
$2,036,970
$14,092,325
$986,520
Grand Totals
$42,556,942
$13,812,454
$14,739,280
$14,544,683
$6,344,249
Allowed use of insurance -claim p oceeds toward project cost; was not an increase in the project's budget.
2 None of the FY2013 appropriation was used nor was a planned FY2013 appropriation of $526,818 ever
presented to the 2012 Annual Town Meeting. As the Senior Center's functions are being transferred to the new
Community Center, that obviated the need for that estimated $1,088,336 expendtiture for work at the space owned
by the Town at the Muzzey Condominiums for that use.
3 FY2017 is $298,000 for roof replacement whose debt service shall be covered by an increase in the lease
payments by the Munroe Center for the Arts and $30,000 for a study of the windows funded from the CPF.
4 FY2015 includes $200,820 from PEG Access Revolving fund; FY2016 includes $75,398 for Records Ctr Shelving.
5 Of one FY2013 appropriation of $39,742,248; $147,815 of unused borrowing authority was rescinded at the 2014
ATM. Another FY2013 appropriation was a $2,600,000 more in borrowing authority to ensure sufficient funds would
be available for a contract award; however, that supplement was not needs and was rescinded at the 2016 ATM.
6 FY2016 Includes $150,000 transferred from the Appropriation Committee Reserve Fund.
7 Of the FY2015 $75,000, $26,080 of that authority was unused and rescinded at the 2016 ATM.
8 FY2014 includes $100,000 from the CPF for D &E for the initial build -out at 39 Marrett Road for use as the
Community Center; however, that is being shown in the Municipal section as part of the funding for that Center.
s Of the FY2013 $80,000, $9,490 of the borrowing authority was unused and rescinded at the 2013 ATM.
10 FY2015 for Clarke School Auditorium & Elevator
11 The FY2016 appropriation was rescinded at the 2016 ATM as that work has been included in that school's
renovation under the Middle Schools Building Projects.
29
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Recreation
Recreation Department programs are funded from three sources:
• General -Fund Tax Levy (e.g., used for neighborhood playgrounds, athletic fields, and
basketball court improvements if not recommended by the Community Preservation Committee for
CPA funding);
• Recreation & Community Programs Enterprise Fund (e.g., used for fee -based activities such as
Pine Meadows Golf Course, Community Center, Irving H. Mabee Pool, Old Reservoir, and tennis
courts). Fee collections for Enterprise Fund -based activities are weather dependent and can vary from
year to year. The Recreation Enterprise Fund makes an annual debt - service payment of $100,000 per
year for Lincoln Fields (ending in February 2018). It also makes an annual indirect payment to the
Town that in FY2018 will be $254,826. For the FY2018 funding request from this Enterprise Fund, see
Article 11.
• CPA funds (available for creation and preservation of recreation facilities, including those for
fee -based activities). CPA monies have enabled some large projects which otherwise might not have
been financially viable. For example, CPA monies have funded the multi -year renovation of the Town
pool complex, which is currently in Phase III. Design and engineering appropriations were made at the
2016 Town Meeting, and a cost update completed in fall 2016. Funding for implementation is being
sought this year, with the expectation that construction will begin in 2017 and be completed in time for
the 2018 summer season.
For the FY2018 funding requests from the CPF, see Articles 10(1 —n).
Recreation 5 -Year Capital Appropriation History All Sources
Program
FY2013
FY2014
FY2015
FY2016
FY2017
Athletic Fields
$60,000
$65,000
$100,000
$85,000
$120,000
Park, Playgrounds, & Tot Lots
$185,000
$147,500
$150,000
$123,000
$136,000
Pine Meadows Golf Course
$46,000
$75,000
$51,000
$68,000
$65,000
Irving H. Mabee Pool & Old Res
$166,000
Center Playfields Drainage
$605,718
Lincoln Fields Improvements
$565,000
$620,000
$650,000
$30,000
Accessible Study
$78,000
Antony Park (within Tower Park)
$60,000
Minuteman Commuter Bikeway
$120,000
Totals
$896,718
$852,500
$921,000
$1,004,000
$697,000
30
Schools
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Overview
The Lexington Public Schools (LPS) provide educational, athletic, and club activities for students in
grades Pre - Kindergarten -12. This is the enrollment for the current and the three previous academic years:
Enrollment in Lexington Public Schoolst
tEnrollment figures are those as of October 1st as required by the State's Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for each academic year.
LPS currently owns and operates six elementary- school buildings, two middle - school buildings, and the
high- school complex of four, freestanding, academic buildings and a field house. Central Office
( "Administration ") personnel and services are located in what had been the old Harrington School. The
Pre -K program is primarily located in the new Harrington building, but has outgrown that space and uses
two additional classrooms on the lower level of the old Harrington building. In addition, the old
Harrington houses elements of the Lexington, Arlington, Burlington, Bedford, Belmont (LABBB)
Collaborative. The maintenance of those fourteen buildings is overseen by the DPF.
Perhaps the most important capital issue facing LPS is the fact that the school system has an enrollment in
Pre -K through high school that is over the system capacity, so the increasing enrollment presents a
growing pressure on the schools from a building - capacity perspective. The LPS enrollment forecasts
continue to call for strong growth into the foreseeable future.
• Pre -K: The current plan is to acquire and renovate the Armenian Sisters Academy at 20 Pelham
Road. The school capacity for the preschool program is measured in "slots ", where two slots is a
full day. Depending on specific needs a student may attend morning only or afternoon only (one
slot each) or may attend a full day (two slots). The current capacity in the dedicated space at
Harrington is comprised of four classrooms for 97 slots. The current enrollment of 78 students
requires 127 slots. This deficit is closed by utilizing space on the lower floor of the Old
Harrington School building that has two classrooms dedicated to the preschool program that can
provide up to an additional 60 slots. The combined space from Harrington and Old Harrington
provides for 157 slots. The number of special - education children needing a full -day placement vs.
a half -day placement has been rising which has added significantly to the pressing need for
additional Pre -K classrooms. The renovation of the Armenian Sisters Academy at a preliminary
expected cost of about $18 million would result in a capacity for 187 slots. An important
additional benefit is that four classroom spaces in Harrington would become available for the K -5
program. Given the current and expected continued overcrowding in the LPS K -5 program, this
additional space would be very beneficial. This would also reduce the traffic congestion on the
Harrington site and improves the flexibly for future site uses. (See STM Article 4)
• Elementary Schools: To begin to address the current overcrowding at the Elementary level, the
LPS will be adding six modular classrooms: two each to the Bowman, Bridge, and Fiske schools.
The first time this project went out to bid there were no bidders and additional funding was
appropriated to bring the total appropriation to $4,430,000 from the original $3,000,000. The
second time this project was put out to bid there were two bidders, and the winning bid was for
$3,644,672 —for a total project cost $4,430,000. The work has commenced with occupancy
31
Academic Year
Grades
2013/2014
2014/2015
2015/2016
2016/2017
Pre - Kindergarten (Pre -K)
52
52
76
78
Kindergarten (K) -5
2,925
3,024
3,054
3,066
Middle Schools (6 -8)
1,657
1,616
1,646
1,743
High School (9 -12)
2,002
2,094
2,166
2,185
Totals
6,636
6,786
6,942
7,072
tEnrollment figures are those as of October 1st as required by the State's Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for each academic year.
LPS currently owns and operates six elementary- school buildings, two middle - school buildings, and the
high- school complex of four, freestanding, academic buildings and a field house. Central Office
( "Administration ") personnel and services are located in what had been the old Harrington School. The
Pre -K program is primarily located in the new Harrington building, but has outgrown that space and uses
two additional classrooms on the lower level of the old Harrington building. In addition, the old
Harrington houses elements of the Lexington, Arlington, Burlington, Bedford, Belmont (LABBB)
Collaborative. The maintenance of those fourteen buildings is overseen by the DPF.
Perhaps the most important capital issue facing LPS is the fact that the school system has an enrollment in
Pre -K through high school that is over the system capacity, so the increasing enrollment presents a
growing pressure on the schools from a building - capacity perspective. The LPS enrollment forecasts
continue to call for strong growth into the foreseeable future.
• Pre -K: The current plan is to acquire and renovate the Armenian Sisters Academy at 20 Pelham
Road. The school capacity for the preschool program is measured in "slots ", where two slots is a
full day. Depending on specific needs a student may attend morning only or afternoon only (one
slot each) or may attend a full day (two slots). The current capacity in the dedicated space at
Harrington is comprised of four classrooms for 97 slots. The current enrollment of 78 students
requires 127 slots. This deficit is closed by utilizing space on the lower floor of the Old
Harrington School building that has two classrooms dedicated to the preschool program that can
provide up to an additional 60 slots. The combined space from Harrington and Old Harrington
provides for 157 slots. The number of special - education children needing a full -day placement vs.
a half -day placement has been rising which has added significantly to the pressing need for
additional Pre -K classrooms. The renovation of the Armenian Sisters Academy at a preliminary
expected cost of about $18 million would result in a capacity for 187 slots. An important
additional benefit is that four classroom spaces in Harrington would become available for the K -5
program. Given the current and expected continued overcrowding in the LPS K -5 program, this
additional space would be very beneficial. This would also reduce the traffic congestion on the
Harrington site and improves the flexibly for future site uses. (See STM Article 4)
• Elementary Schools: To begin to address the current overcrowding at the Elementary level, the
LPS will be adding six modular classrooms: two each to the Bowman, Bridge, and Fiske schools.
The first time this project went out to bid there were no bidders and additional funding was
appropriated to bring the total appropriation to $4,430,000 from the original $3,000,000. The
second time this project was put out to bid there were two bidders, and the winning bid was for
$3,644,672 —for a total project cost $4,430,000. The work has commenced with occupancy
31
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
planned for mid -May.
As just noted, moving the LCP out of Harington will provide additional space there for up to four
classrooms with a to— be— determined mix of general education and special education classrooms.
These additional classrooms are expected to be available in approximately two years from now
and at a renovation cost of $200,000 — $300,000.
In addition, the LPS is in the process of replacing the current 21- classroom Maria Hastings
School with a new 30- classroom school at a cost of approximately $61.7 million, gaining nine
additional classrooms. The MSBA is partnering with Lexington to provide approximately 25% of
the cost. This process is on track to have a new Hastings available by February 2020. (See
Article 17)
It should be noted that this plan, in total, may not fully alleviate the overcrowding in the
elementary schools. With these added classrooms, if enrollment growth continues at the level of
the median forecast, the schools would be just over capacity for the 2019/2020 school year, and
afterwards, if growth continues at the median forecast rate, the enrollment will be approximately
100 students over capacity in 2020/2021, and by 2021/2022 the system would be at
approximately the level of overcrowding we have today. Note that this assumes the modular
classrooms on Bridge, Bowman and Fiske become permanent classrooms.
• Middle Schools: Extensive renovations to the Clarke and Diamond Middle schools are underway,
and on schedule to be available for use at the beginning of the 2017/2018 school year. This will
add capacity for 3.5 teams (with a planning capacity of 86 students /team) at a project cost of
about $66.7 million (See this Committee's separate report to the March 21, 2016,
STM 2016 -3, Article 2). This is expected to accommodate the median enrollment projections out
to the 2018/2019 school year, with minor overcrowding in 2019/2020, and growing overcrowding
if enrollments continue to increase. Note that the middle school enrollments, while well within
the expected limits of forecast accuracy, have been trending slight higher than the median
forecast.
While capital projects for the LPS buildings and their environs are managed by the DPF, there are
often requests for capital appropriations directly managed by LPS in the following four areas.
School Technology Program
There is a long -term plan to upgrade technology throughout the schools by replacing the oldest
computers, peripherals, projection systems, network- delivery systems, and other associated hardware
and software to use as enhanced instructional and administrative tools. Some additional equipment,
such as iPads for the middle school, is needed to accommodate the increased enrollment and some
new equipment is needed for mandated computerized testing. Additional equipment is being sought to
improve delivery of science, technology, engineering and arts curriculum. (See Article 15(c))
Classroom and Administrative Furniture
On an annual basis the school department replaces and/or repairs old or outdated furniture such as
student and teacher desks, chairs, tables, filing cabinets and other basic furnishings. In addition to
classroom and office furnishings, other system -wide furnishings include conference and cafeteria
tables, bookshelves, and storage units need to be replaced over time. The increase in enrollment
drives additional requirements for the purchase of furniture for students and staff. (See Article 15(b))
Food - Service Equipment
Food - service operations in all schools serve hot and cold meals to thousands of students each school day.
It is essential to purchase and maintain equipment for preparing and maintaining cooked items and that
provides for safe distribution. The food - service operations are contracted to a private vendor, but the
32
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
purchase of equipment is the responsibility of the school system. To the extent practical, such purchases
are funded from the Food- Service Revolving Fund and in FY2018, that is the case with $75,000 being
budgeted for that purpose. (See Article 15(a))
Usb
d!NL t bt po!
!in
S.
b
tits
While traffic mitigation to improve safety has been a Capital request in past years, there was no FY2017
request. This year there is a request; See Article 16d(3). (The implementation of any projects that result
will be executed by the DPF and the funding history for this purpose is included in that Department.)
Schools- Managed 5 -Year Capital Appropriation History (All Sources)
Program
FY2013
FY2014
FY2015
FY2016
FY2017
Tech nology
$1,002,000
$1,213,000
$1,110,000
$1,378,000
$1,198,000
Classroom & Administrative Furniture
$83,000
$281,031
$261,594
$317,500
$186,000
Food Service Equipment
$256,000
$140,000
$82,500
$150,000
Time Clock /Time Reporting System
$145,000
$30,000
$208,000
School Defibrillatror Replacement
$786,000
$462,000
$30,500
$192,000
$171,000
Totals
$1,085,000
$1,524,031
$1,402,094
$1,986,000
$1,384,000
Information Services Department
The Information Services Department (IS) supports, maintains and manages the Town's information -
technology systems (hardware, software, and Web sites) that are critical service- delivery elements and
program management for all of the Town's departmental operations. Services provided include: municipal
information - technology (IT) hardware /software operations and support for all activities; staff training;
financial - management hardware and software (including the Town's Munis system) maintenance that
serves Town and School departments; electronic mail and Internet access; Town website support; phone
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) infrastructure and applications; head -end management and support;
and co- management, with School Department IT staff, of the Town's wide -area network that connects 30
Town and School buildings.
There are three FY2018 requests for capital upgrades to the IS infrastructure. (See Article 12 (r —t))
IS 5 -Year Capital Appropriation History (All Sources)
Program
FY2013
FY2014
FY2015
FY2016
FY2017
Public Safety Radio Connectivity
$50,000
Telephone System Replacements
$591,000
$146,000
$260,000
$52,000
$21,000
MIS Technology Improvement Program
$256,000
$140,000
$140,000
$150,000
Town -wide Electronic Documentation
Management System
$145,000
$60,000
Totals
$786,000
$462,000
$400,000
$192,000
$171,000
Town Clerk's Office
This Office is the primary repository of official documents for the Town, and the custodian of, and
recording office for, official Town and vital records. Responsibilities include: issuing marriage licenses,
recording vital statistics, issuing dog licenses, registering businesses, conducting the annual Town Census
and publishing the results, maintaining the Town Archives, managing the Public Meeting Calendar in
accordance with the Open Meeting Law, overseeing ethics training, and creating and recording permanent
Town Meetings records. This Office conducts elections in conformance with State and local laws and,
with the Board of Registrars, processes voter registrations and certifications.
There are no FY2018 capital requests for this Office.
33
DB QJUB M!FYCFOEJUVSFT!DP N N JUUFF!SFC SU!UP !3128!B UN !' !TUN !3128.2!
Town Clerk's Office 5 -Year Capital Appropriation History (All Sources)
Program
FY2013
FY2014
FY2015
FY2016
FY2017
Archives & Records Management/Conservation
$150,000
$20,000
Election System
$81,000
Totals
$150,000
$20,000
$OI $0
$81,000
Affordable Housing
To provide for the needs of its residents and to meet the requirements of State law, the Town must plan
and budget for the creation of units of affordable housing.
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40B, passed in 1969, is the State statute that requires each
municipality in the Commonwealth to have 10% of its housing "affordable" as defined by the statute and
its regulations. An affordable unit is defined as one that could be purchased or rented by a household
receiving income of up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), assuming that the household spends
no more than 30% of that income on housing. AMI for different regions of the country are adjusted
annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and vary according to
household size. The current AMI for Middlesex County for a family of four is $98,100. To be maintained
as affordable, a unit must be subject to a long -term, preferably perpetual, deed restriction limiting its sale
price to the affordable level as determined at the time of sale. To encourage the creation of more rental
units, the statute also provides that if a rental - housing development deed - restricts 25% of its units, all of
the rental units will count as part of the town's Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI), even though 75% of
them are actually priced at market rate.
The Lexington Housing Partnership (LHP) is a nine - member board of Town residents appointed by the
Board of Selectmen to 3 -year terms. Its mission is to keep Lexington residents informed of the Town's
housing needs and to plan and advocate for the preservation and creation of affordable housing units on
an ongoing basis.
The Lexington Housing Authority (LHA) was created in 1969 under Massachusetts General Law,
Chapter 121B. Under the statute, municipal housing authorities manage State- and Federally- subsidized
housing units and administer Federal housing vouchers to individuals and households who qualify. Four
members of the LHA are elected, and a fifth is appointed by the Governor. As of May of this year, the
LHA will own or manage 248 units, which include one - bedroom units for elderly or disabled residents at
Countryside Village, Greeley Village, and Vynebrooke Village, as well as 18 two -to- four - bedroom units
scattered throughout the Town. The LHA also administers 78 housing vouchers, which are used by
households to pay private landlords. Depending on the size and type of housing unit, the LHA's wait time
for eligible households varies from 11/2 to 8 years.
LHA routinely applies for State and Federal contributions for maintenance and improvement of these
housing units. However, State contributions are calculated according to a "facility condition index" (FCI)
and distributed as a pro rata share of housing funds apportioned across the state, and these contributions
are insufficient to meet annual needs. Use of Lexington's Community Preservation Act funds for those
capital improvements eligible under the statute allows the Town to keep existing units functional and in
compliance with legal standards. Appropriation of FY2013 CPA funds, along with a grant from the
Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), allowed the Town to
complete four new handicapped- accessible units at Greeley Village in 2016 which were added to
Lexington's (SHI).
The Lexington Housing Assistance Board (LexHAB) is unique to Lexington. It was created in 1983 by
the Selectmen, who were concerned about the need for affordable and transitional housing for Lexington
residents experiencing economic difficulties. With initial contributions from the developers of the Potter
Pond condominium, and later, the Brookhaven Life -Care Living Facility, LexHAB began acquiring
rental - housing units, which now total 64. They are administered by the volunteer nine- member Board,
which uses rents to maintain and improve the units as needed. LexHAB also maintains a funds balance
34
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
that may be used to build new units or to purchase units on which the deed restrictions maintaining their
affordability may expire.
Lexington's SHI. The housing units administered by the LHA and those LexHAB units which have been
assigned under the State's lottery procedure all count on Lexington's SHI. Including all rental units, as
permitted by statute, the Town's SHI stood at 11.2% at the 2010 census. However, as 75% of the Town's
rental units are not actually deed - restricted, the true percentage of Lexington housing units that are
affordable to households below the AMI is closer to 5 %.
As the Town's inventory of market -rate units increases more rapidly each year than do deed - restricted
units, there is concern that by the 2020 census, Lexington's SHI will fall below the statutorily required
10 %. In that event, the statute provides that private developers who deed - restrict 25% of the units in their
projects will not be subject to the density restrictions of Lexington's zoning bylaw, allowing them to build
larger and more densely sited subdivisions than Lexington would otherwise allow.
The Community Preservation Act (CPA) provides that 10% of each year's revenue under the Act (i.e.,
the designated tax- surcharge revenue, the State contribution, and interest earned on the Community
Preservation Fund (CPF)) be allocated for community (affordable) housing. Since Lexington's adoption of
the Act in 2006, CPA funds have been the primary means of adding affordable units to Lexington's
inventory. Town Meeting has approved LexHAB requests for CPA allocations to purchase and
rehabilitate individual homes, which are then deed - restricted and rented to eligible households.
In 2012, the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) capped the amount available for any one
purchase and rehabilitation project at $525,000. As housing prices in Lexington have continued to rise,
this has left few, if any, opportunities to purchase and rehabilitate properties within the guidelines.
However, LexHAB has continued to develop new units of affordable housing:
• A four -unit rental project on Fairview Avenue, which was financed entirely through LexHAB's
existing funds and did not require Town Meeting approval for funding, is nearing completion.
• The Board of Selectmen recently approved LexHAB's Local Initiative Project (LIP) application
for construction of two three -unit buildings on Lowell Street on the parcel designated for housing
along the edge of the Lexington Community Farm. The application has now been submitted to the
Massachusetts DHCD, and once approved there, will be brought to the Lexington Zoning Board
of Appeals for final approval, as required by M.G.L. 40B, before construction can begin. CPA
funding for this project was voted by the 2015 Annual Town Meeting.
• LexHAB has recently signed a Purchase and Sale Agreement to acquire a one - bedroom
affordable unit at the Keeler Farm development on Lowell Street. $185,000 in CPA funds were
approved for this purchase at the 2016 Annual Town Meeting.
• Future projects on LexHAB's agenda include creation of affordable housing units on Vine Street
(formerly the Leary dairy farm) that was purchased by the Town for conservation land and
affordable housing in 2007, and the renovation of the Wright farmhouse on Grove Street. While
the larger part of the Wright Farm was acquired by the Town as conservation land in 2012, the
parcel containing the farmhouse was purchased in 2016 with a CPA housing allocation approved
by the 2015 Town Meeting. The November 2015 Special Town Meeting also approved funds for
the renovation of the farmhouse.
The CPC is recommending additional community- housing funds in FY2018. (See Article 10(c & d))
35
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
CPA - Funded Community Housing 5 -Year Appropriation History
(All Sources)
Total project cost was $1,455,832 of which $254,159 was paid by a State DHCD Capital Improvements Award and
$391,000 was paid by a State DHCD grant.
2Total project cost was $190,734 of which $18,000 was paid by a State DHCD grant.
3Total project cost was $901,653, of which $601,102 was paid by a State DHCD grant.
4The 2014 ATM voted to add the requested sum of $750,000 to funds already held by LexHAB: $84,653 in unused
funds from the FY2012 allocation and $450,000 in unused funds from the FY2013 allocation; fora total of
$1,284,653 for use in building community housing at the Busa Farm site.
5The purchase price was $520,000 and there were $98,000 needed for purchase - associated costs. The acquisition
is for both Community Housing and Open Space, and final square footage and cost have not yet been allocated
between those two uses so, for now, the full FY2016 amount is shown here and also shown in the funding history
for Open Space.
6Total project cost was $317,013 of which $53,763 was paid by a State DHCD grant.
Planning
The mission of the Planning Board and the Planning Department is to envision the Lexington that will
best serve the needs and preferences of its residents and to work toward realizing that vision by managing
growth and change. Among its responsibilities is transportation planning.
In 2014, the Town Manager appointed a working group, the Transportation Safety Group (TSG) to
receive input from liaisons from the Commission on Disability, and the Bicycle, Sidewalk, and
Transportation Advisory Committees, and bring proposed projects or regulation changes to the Town
Manager. Funding requests for project design come from the Planning Department, which manages
appropriations at this stage. The projects should ultimately move to the Department of Public Works for
implementation. The Planning Department has submitted a request for a fund to support the work of the
TSG in reviewing citizen requests, collecting data and performing analysis of projects, so that this work
can go forward without requiring individual requests to Town Meeting for each project. (See
Article 12(v))
In 2009, Town Meeting approved the Planning Department's request to create a Traffic Management
Overlay District (TMOD) for the Hartwell Avenue commercial corridor, as well as an associated traffic
36
FY2013
FY2014
FY2015
FY2016
FY2017
Construction of 4 handicapped accessible
units at Greeley Village (LHA)1
$810,673
Set aside for purchase of properties as
available (LexHAB)
$450,000
Replacement of doors at Greeley Village
(LHA)2
$172,734
Vynebrook Village Renovations
(replacement of roofing, siding,exterior
doors) (LHA)3
$300,551
Set -aside for development of community
housing at Busa Farm on Lowell St
(LexHAB)4
$750,000
Property Purchase 241 Grove Street
(Town)5
$618,000
Purchase of an affordable unit at Keeler
Farm (LexHAB)
$185,000
Rear door and porch preservation at
Greeley Village (LHA) 6
$263,250
Totals
$1,260,673
$172,7341 $1,050,5511 $618,000
$448,250
Total project cost was $1,455,832 of which $254,159 was paid by a State DHCD Capital Improvements Award and
$391,000 was paid by a State DHCD grant.
2Total project cost was $190,734 of which $18,000 was paid by a State DHCD grant.
3Total project cost was $901,653, of which $601,102 was paid by a State DHCD grant.
4The 2014 ATM voted to add the requested sum of $750,000 to funds already held by LexHAB: $84,653 in unused
funds from the FY2012 allocation and $450,000 in unused funds from the FY2013 allocation; fora total of
$1,284,653 for use in building community housing at the Busa Farm site.
5The purchase price was $520,000 and there were $98,000 needed for purchase - associated costs. The acquisition
is for both Community Housing and Open Space, and final square footage and cost have not yet been allocated
between those two uses so, for now, the full FY2016 amount is shown here and also shown in the funding history
for Open Space.
6Total project cost was $317,013 of which $53,763 was paid by a State DHCD grant.
Planning
The mission of the Planning Board and the Planning Department is to envision the Lexington that will
best serve the needs and preferences of its residents and to work toward realizing that vision by managing
growth and change. Among its responsibilities is transportation planning.
In 2014, the Town Manager appointed a working group, the Transportation Safety Group (TSG) to
receive input from liaisons from the Commission on Disability, and the Bicycle, Sidewalk, and
Transportation Advisory Committees, and bring proposed projects or regulation changes to the Town
Manager. Funding requests for project design come from the Planning Department, which manages
appropriations at this stage. The projects should ultimately move to the Department of Public Works for
implementation. The Planning Department has submitted a request for a fund to support the work of the
TSG in reviewing citizen requests, collecting data and performing analysis of projects, so that this work
can go forward without requiring individual requests to Town Meeting for each project. (See
Article 12(v))
In 2009, Town Meeting approved the Planning Department's request to create a Traffic Management
Overlay District (TMOD) for the Hartwell Avenue commercial corridor, as well as an associated traffic
36
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
fund to come from mitigation contributions from commercial developers. In 2015 it permitted its first
major commercial development, and received an initial mitigation payment of $87,345. This year the
Planning Department has submitted a request to use a portion of these funds to create a safe and
accessible crosswalk at the Bedford and Eldred Streets intersection within the TMOD. (See Article 12(u))
The Planning Department expects to receive additional mitigation funds in 2017 and anticipates a future
request to update the TMOD Plan. It has also requested funding to update the Town's Comprehensive
Plan, which covers Land Use, Housing, Economic Development, Natural and Cultural Resources, and
Transportation —which would be funded in the Operating Budget. The existing Comprehensive Plan was
completed in 2003.
Economic Development
The Economic Development Office serves as a liaison between businesses and local government. It works
to retain and expand local businesses by providing information, conducting research, and leveraging State
economic development tools and resources designed to improve the business environment. The Office
maintains relationships with State -level partners for business development and infrastructure investment
opportunities. The Office seeks to develop economic opportunities from tourism, and maintains and staffs
the Lexington Visitors Center with sales revenue generated from the Visitors Center gift shop.
The 2016 Annual Town Meeting appropriated incremental design funds to develop the bike path juncture
with Grain Mill Alley as an information and bike - parking hub. The ground extent of the project has been
approved by the BoS and the next step is further specifications from the Town's Engineering Department.
Progress on the Battle Green Master Plan has also been deferred while the Streetscape work goes forward.
While the Town is not seeking funds for the Visitors Center at this Town Meeting, there is a Citizen
Article that is expected to request some funding, (amount unknown at this time), as a supplement to
previously appropriated funds under the control of the Board of Selectmen, for advancing design work.
(See Article 18)
This year the Town seeks funds for a feasibility study for use of the Stone Building on Massachusetts
Avenue. Used historically as a meeting hall and library, it is one of the Town's most historic buildings.
While the Town has expended funds to preserve the building envelope, a plan for current use has never
been developed. The proposed study would focus on use as a rotating exhibit space and lyceum. (See
Article 10(h).)
Economic Development 5 -Year Capital Appropriation History (All Sources)
Program
FY2013
FY2014
FY2015
FY2016
FY2017
Battle Green Master Plan
Lexington Center Pocket Park
$21,500
Grain Mill Alley
$18,000
$127,838
Totals
$0
$21,500
$0
$18,000
$127,838
37
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
STM 2017 -1 Warrant - Article Explanations and
Recommendations
Cites of the "STM Town Warrant" refer to the "Town of Lexington Warrant for the Special
Town Meeting 2017 -1 ", March 20, 2017. Cites of the "Brown Book" refer to the "Town of
Lexington Fiscal Year 2018 Recommended Budget & Financing Plan", February 27, 2016.
Article 2: Appropriate Design
Funds For Fire Headquarters
Funds
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee
Recommends
$450,000
GF (Debt) (Candidate for
Debt Exclusion)
Approval (5 -0)
"The Town has acquired 173 Bedford Street, a commercial property previously owned by Liberty Mutual,
to use as a Fire Department swing space while the existing facility at 45 Bedford Street is rebuilt and
upgraded to meet modern standards. The proposed sequence will be to renovate the 173 Bedford Street
facility for Fire Department staff use and add a temporary heated structure for apparatus during the
approximate 18 month construction period.
"2016 Special Town Meeting #5 appropriated $85,000 to evaluate requirements for facility renovation
and identify traffic control requirements to operate from 173 Bedford Street. The evaluation is expected to
be complete in advance of the 2017 Annual Town Meeting. The cost to implement the plan is anticipated
to be approximately $2,093,000 which will be requested under separate FY2018 capital requests.
"Funds to progress the new 45 Bedford Street Fire Station Design through design development will be
requested at 2017 Annual Town Meeting in the amount of $450,000. Subsequent funding of construction
documents ($550,000) and remaining estimated project costs including construction ($17,800,000) will
likely be requested at a special town meeting in the fall of 2017."
(Brown Book)
Article 3: Appropriate Design
Funds For Fire Station Swing
Space
Funds
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee
Recommends
$50,000
GF (Debt) (Candidate for
Debt Exclusion)
Approval (5 -0)
"2016 Special Town Meeting #5 appropriated funds for the acquisition of 173 Bedford Street and the
evaluation of both the facility and traffic control requirements to enable the Fire Department to operate
from this location while the 45 Bedford Street station is rebuilt. The anticipated costs for facility and
traffic control requirements will be approximately $2,043,000.
"$50,000 for design funds is being requested at 2017 Annual Town Meeting to progress the swing space
design through design development. It is anticipated that an appropriation for construction documents and
construction funds will be requested at a special town meeting in the fall of 2017 so that swing space can
be available in the spring of 2018.
(Brown Book)
38
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Article 4: Appropriate Design
Funds For Lexington
Children's Place /20 Pelham
Road
Funds
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee
Recommends
$581,500
GF (Debt) (Candidate for
Debt Exclusion)
Approval (5 -0)
"Lexington Children's Place (LCP), the pre - kindergarten program for Lexington Public Schools, has
outgrown its original location in the Harrington School. A 2015 study determined that the program
requires between 11,500 and 13,500 square feet of net program space; the current space provides only
5,446 square feet. LCP also utilizes 4,000 square feet of space in the Old Harrington School Building but
results in the program operating in two separate buildings on one campus. The School Committee has
identified the property at 20 Pelham Road as the preferred location for LCP. The goal for LCP is to
provide adequate program space at one location in order for the program to be as efficient as possible
while meeting the educational needs of students. The FY2018 request would fund design and construction
documents to meet this goal. It is expected that construction funds will be requested at a subsequent Town
Meeting.
(Brown Book)
Article 5: Appropriate Bonds And
Notes Premiums To Pay Project
Costs
Funds
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee
Recommends
$2,315,343
$2,276,387 (Bond
Premiums) + $38,956
(BAN Premiums
Approval 5 -0
"To see if the Town will vote to (i) appropriate the premium paid to the Town upon the sale of bonds
issued on February 13, 2017 and notes issued on February 13, 2017 to pay costs of capital projects and to
reduce the amounts borrowed for such projects (if any) by the same amount, and (ii) supplement each
prior vote of the Town that authorizes the borrowing of money to pay costs of capital projects to provide
that, in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 20 of the General Laws, the premium received by the Town
upon the sale of any bonds or notes thereunder, less any such premium applied to the payment of the costs
of issuance of such bond or notes, may be applied to pay project costs and the amount authorized to be
borrowed for each such project shall be reduced by the amount of any such premium so applied: or act in
any other manner in relation thereto."
"DESCRIPTION: Passage of this article would permit premiums received upon the sale of bonds or
notes issued to finance projects to be appropriated to pay for project costs, subject to guidelines
promulgated by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Such appropriations would be for the
purpose of supplanting, not supplementing, bond financing of the project in question."
(STM Town Warrant)
The same purpose is addressed under ATM Article 22. Which ever is adopted first— which, most likely,
would be this STM Article —the other would be moved to be Indefinitely Postponed.
At the recommendation of the Town's Bond Counsel, the dollar amount of all the premiums (for both
bonds and BANs) received by the Town from the financing awarded this past February 13t is to be
included in the Motion. (The Motions for all future requests for capital authorizations where financing is
include as a funding source will include a statement about applying premiums to project costs.)
39
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
2017 ATM Warrant - Article Explanations and
Recommendations
Cites of the "ATM Town Warrant" refer to the "Town of Lexington Warrant for the 2017 Annual
Town Meeting", March 20, 2017. Cites of the "Brown Book" refer to the "Town of Lexington
Fiscal Year 2018 Recommended Budget & Financing Plan", February 27, 2016.
Article 10: Appropriate the FY2018
Community Preservation
Committee Operating Budget
and CPA Projects (Multiple
Categories)
Funds
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee
Recommends
$6,775,140
CPF (Cash)
See Below
Project Description (CPA Category)
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(a) Interpretive Signage Project
(Historic Resource)
$38,400
CPF (Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"In 1975 the Lexington Historical Society, in cooperation with the Town's Bicentennial Committee,
established three historic walking trails in the areas comprising Lexington's historic districts. A total of
32 interpretive signs are placed along those trails. While the project has largely stood the test of time,
some markers are missing, some require replacement and all eventually need to be remounted. The
proposal also includes a modest expansion of signage, particularly in Lexington Center. FY2018 funds
would allow for the replacement of four missing signs, the expansion of the trail with up to eight signs,
the replacement of eight existing signs that are damaged and the re -mount of three signs currently in
storage. Funds will also be used to update signage content where necessary and to replace current wooden
mounts with heavy metal mounts."
(Brown Book)
Project Description (CPA Category)
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(b) Parker's Revenge Interpretive and
Public Education Signage & Displays
(Historic Resource)
$41,350
CPF (Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"$36,790 in CPA funds was appropriated by the 2015 Annual Town Meeting for Phase I of the Parker's
Revenge Site Restoration, a project to restore a heroic battlefield on which the second battle of Lexington
was fought on April 19, 1775. The FY2016 funding supported field studies and three metallic surveys that
successfully uncovered 29 fired and unfired musket balls from the Parker's Revenge Battle.
"The Friends of Minuteman National Park submitted this FY2018 request for funding to support Phase II
of the project. CPA funds will support the design, fabrication and installation of a wall - mounted, museum
quality exhibit case constructed to house the archaeological artifacts discovered during Phase I. It will
also fund the design and installation of graphic wayside exhibit panels and the development of a solar
powered audio component for external exhibit panels. This project aims to preserve, restore and maintain
the historic Parker's Revenge battle site and to educate the public of the battle's significance as it relates
to the Revolutionary War."
(Brown Book)
40
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
l plfdi.lEftdsjgL.jpo!)DQB!DbLfhpsz
Bn pvotl
Sfrvfttfe!
Gvoejoh!
Tpvsdf!
Dpn njuff!SfcOn n foet!
(c) Greeley Village Rear Door and
Porch Supplemental Request
(Community Housing)
$56,712
CPF (Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"FY2017 funds were approved to help finance a portion of the preservation of all rear doors and porches
at Greeley Village. The failing doors and porches were identified by the Lexington Housing Authority
(LHA) as priority needs due to their continued deterioration. $56,712 is requested in FY2018 to
supplement the initial FY2017 request. A more in -depth analysis of the conditions was conducted and the
porch decking was also determined to be in disrepair. The porch decking was not included in the original
scope of work. LHA submitted this supplemental request for FY2018 in order to complete the project in
its entirety."
(Brown Book)
Project Description (CPA Category)
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(d) Affordable Units Preservation —
Pine Grove Village /Judges Road
(Community Housing)
$1,048,000
CPF (Cash)
TBD
"The Town is currently exploring its rights in an older affordable housing development that may soon be
released from the terms of its affordability. To upgrade these units and keep them on the Subsidized
Housing Inventory (SHI) the Town has requested a potential CPA appropriation in order to financially
assist the development and, more importantly, to obtain a permanent, affordable deed restriction on the
units."
(Brown Book)
At the time this report was prepared, this Committee had been given the Amount Requested, and its Fund
Source, to achieve the Article's objectives (which amount includes $16,000 for legal and other ancillary
expenses). However, this Committee has yet to have a discussion on the details in the just - completed
negotiations with the Pine Grove Village.
Project Description (CPA Category)
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(e) Willard's Woods and Wright
Farm Meadow Preservation (Open
Space)
$40,480
CPF (Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"Many of Lexington's meadows have received minimal maintenance since their acquisition, resulting in
the advancement of invasive plants, the loss of historic stone walls and vistas and the invasion of shrubs
and trees within the meadow habitat. A multi -year Conservation Meadow Preservation Program was
implemented to protect and preserve the nearly 65 acres of upland meadows owned and managed by the
Conservation Commission. This FY2018 request is the second phase of the program. $26,400 in CPA
funds was appropriated by 2015 Annual Town Meeting for restoration and preservation at Hennessey
Field and Joyce Miller's Meadow. The FY2018 request consists of restoration, preservation and
protection of approximately 20 acres of conservation meadow at Willard's Woods and Wright Farm. The
project aims to provide scenic places for passive recreation, enhanced wildlife and plant habitat and the
recovery of stone walls and scenic vistas."
(Brown Book)
41
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Project Description (CPA Category)
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(f) Cotton Farm Conservation Area
Improvements (Open Space)
$301,300
CPF (Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"The 2010 Annual Town Meeting authorized the use of CPA funds for the purchase of the four -acre
Cotton Farm Conservation area. A subsequent land management plan was also completed which
identified both short and long -term goals aimed at enhancing the property's recreational, cultural and
conservation values. A number of those goals have since been completed and this FY2018 request seeks
to fund several long -term goals, including removal and naturalization of a major portion of the existing
driveway and parking area, relocation and construction of a new expanded parking area and installation of
an ADA accessible trail and pond viewing platform along the edge of the pond and wetlands located on
the property."
(Brown Book)
Project Description (CPA Category)
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(g) Wright Farm Supplemental
Funds (Open Space)
$37,900
CPF (Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"Article 9 of 2015 Annual Town Meeting authorized the purchase of a second parcel of the Wright Farm
property, including the existing farmhouse and barn. Following the purchase, an environmental site
assessment revealed high concentrations of lead in the soil near the barn, likely from agricultural pesticide
preparation. This resulted in higher remediation costs than originally anticipated. FY2018 funds will
supplement the legal work, site assessment work and land management originally associated with the
2015 purchase of the property under Article 9. An appropriation of $35,000 authorized by 2016 Annual
Town Meeting for a needs assessment and feasibility study of the barn remains unspent, pending
completion of the site assessment and remediation."
(Brown Book)
Project Description (CPA Category)
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(h) Stone Building Feasibility Study
(Historic Resource)
$25,000
CPF (Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"FY2018 funds are requested in order to ascertain market interest among local and regional groups for use
of the first floor space. $25,000 is requested to contract with an exhibit curator to research arts and
cultural groups and to gauge the feasibility of and interest in using the first floor as a rotating exhibition
space in a manner consistent with a prior historic structures report and historic preservation
recommendations. The report would also identify the arts and cultural groups' general security
requirements, climate control needs and other physical conditions necessary to secure and protect the art
and artifacts while on exhibition at the Stone Building. Previous Town Meetings have appropriated funds
for exterior stabilization and preservation, including recommendations for reuse of the structure in order
to make the building functional for its intended use."
(Brown Book)
Project Description (CPA Category)
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(i) Munroe School Window
Restoration (Historic Resource)
$620,000
CPF (Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"The 2016 Annual Town Meeting appropriated funds to carry out a study to produce recommendations
and cost estimates for the replacement or functional restoration of all windows at the Munroe Center for
42
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
the Arts (formerly the Munroe School). The FY2018 request will fund the restoration of all 117 windows
in the building. Restoring the windows will improve the building's energy efficiency and the window's
functionality."
(Brown Book)
roject Description (CPA Category)
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(j) Center Streetscape
Improvements (Historic Resource)
N/A
N/A
Approval of Indefinite
Postponement (5 -0)
Combined CPF & GF funding of $2,870,000 deferred.
(Brown Book)
That decision also affects Article 12(a). (For background on this project, see Page 24, Town Center
Streetscape Project.)
roject Description (CPA Category)
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(k) Community Center Sidewalk
(Historic Resource)
$220,000
CPF (Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"The 2014 March Special Town Meeting appropriated funds for renovations to the Community Center. At
the time of the funding request, the design of the sidewalk from Marrett Road to the Community Center
was not yet complete. $50,000 was appropriated by the 2015 Annual Town Meeting for additional design
funds. The FY2018 request represents construction costs for the proposed design of a bituminous
sidewalk with pedestrian level lighting that will allow access from Marrett Road to the Community
Center."
(Brown Book)
While that Amount Requested is the last information provided to this Committee for one specific design,
there are on -going discussions that may result in a change to this sub - Article.
Project Description (CPA Category)
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(1) Park Improvements — Athletic
Fields (Recreation)
$125,000
CPF (Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"This FY2018 request seeks to fund improvements to the Town's current irrigation systems. Proposed
changes to the current systems will allow for improved water usage, efficiency and repairs. The updates
will allow for the irrigation to be more targeted on the playing areas and will result in less water usage.
Town athletic fields see excessive use and timely renovations and updates are critical for providing safe
and playable fields for all user groups. This request is part on an ongoing, multi -year capital program
aimed at addressing safety and playability concerns while providing adequate and safe field conditions for
neighborhood families, recreation and school programs."
(Brown Book)
Project Description (CPA Category)
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(m) Town Pool Renovation
(Recreation)
$1,620,000
CPF (Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"FY2018 funds will be used for Phase III of the multi- phased program for renovations to the Irving H.
Mabee Pool Complex. An FY2017 appropriation funded design and engineering costs, construction/bid
documents and a mini -audit resulting in updated recommendations for necessary improvements for the
43
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
successful operation of the Town Pool Complex. In addition to replacement of the filtration systems, the
pool facility audit recommended the following:
• Reconfiguration of the wading pool and installation of new water spray features
• Replacement of the existing roof
• Re- plastering of the wading, main and dive pools
• Replacement of the three diving boards
• Reconfiguration of the three one -meter diving board rails
• Installation of new lifeguard chairs
• Replacement of the fencing with new black vinyl - coated chain link fencing & gates
• Resetting of the copings for the wading pool
• Installation of a new shade structure
"Pending approval of funds at the 2017 Annual Town Meeting, the contract for the project is expected to
be awarded in May 2017 with construction beginning as soon as the facility closes in early September
2017. The project would continue through the fall and winter and is scheduled to be completed in May
2018, ensuring that summertime pool operations are not interrupted."
(Brown Book)
Project Description (CPA Category)
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(n) Park and Playground
Improvements (Recreation)
$60,000
CPF (Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"This FY2018 request will fund the replacement of swing sets and the installation of bike racks at Bow
Street Park, Franklin Park and Munroe Park. These are heavily used park and playground areas and the
equipment requires replacement. The existing swing structures are not in compliance with current
standards — the swings at Bow Street Park were last replaced in 1986 and swings at Franklin and Munroe
Parks were last replaced in 1989. The proposed playground improvements will renovate and rehabilitate
existing safety surfacing and equipment so that all sites will be in compliance with the Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA). Future appropriations are expected to be requested and used for updates to
both Sutherland and Rindge Parks."
(Brown Book)
Project Description (CPA Category)
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(o) CPA Debt Service
$2,390,998
CPF (Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
(Brown Book)
Project Description (CPA Category)
Amount Requested
Funding Source
Committee Recommends
(p) Administrative Budget
$150,000
CPF (Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
(Brown Book)
Of the request:
$50,000 is for the planning, legal, survey and appraisal work associated with the acquisition of
open space. Such funds will enable the Conservation Commission to complete the due diligence required
to prepare for a land acquisition. While other Town projects use "study monies" to investigate the benefits
of a particular project, the Conservation Commission does not have the advantage of this type of
lead -time. It must often act quickly to evaluate a property through legal, survey and appraisal work.
Without designating these funds for open space planning, the CPC's charge of allocating a portion of its
revenues to open -space preservation would be hindered.
44
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
The remaining $100,000 funds administrative, legal, membership, and advertising expenses.
Included are funds for a year- round, 3 days /week, administrative assistant (the Town's GF covers the
other 2 days) and $7,900 for membership in the Community Preservation Coalition, a State -wide, non-
profit, organization working on behalf of communities who have adopted the CPA.
If any of these appropriated Administrative Budget funds are not required by the end of the fiscal year,
then that balance will become part of the Undesignated Fund Balance and, thus, part of the CPF's total
amount available for later appropriation.
The following shows the past use of each year's appropriation for the Administrative Budget.
Use of the CPA Administrative Budget
Funds Requested
Funding Source
Amounts (rounded)
Fiscal
Year
Appropriation
Each Year
Used
Percentage
Used
Returned to
the CPF
2007
$25,000
$926
4%
$24,074
2008
$50,000
$45,495
91%
$4,505
2009
$75,000
$75,000
100%
$0
2010
$150,000
$81,270
54%
$68,730
2011
$52,784
35%
$97,216
2012
$78,955
53%
$71,045
2013
$96,577
64%
$53,423
2014
$77,490
52%
$72,510
2015
$121,911
81%
$28,089
2016
$61,844
41%
$88,156
Total
$1,200,000
$692,252
58%
$507,748
Article 11: Appropriate
for Recreation Capital
Projects
Funds Requested
Funding Source
Committee Recommends
$55,000
Recreation &
Community
Programs EF (RE)
Approval (5 -0)
"This request will fund the purchase of a new lawn mower intended to replace an existing mower
acquired in 2002. The new Toro Triplex mower has improved technology and specifications that will
improve the quality of cut compared to the existing mower which has exceeded its useful life of ten years.
Greens are mowed on a daily basis throughout the golf season and sufficient equipment is needed to
properly set up a golf course and provide superior playing conditions on a consistent basis throughout the
year. Past and future success at Pine Meadows can be attributed to the ongoing investment in golf course
infrastructure and equipment to maintain the 88 acres of property. The new mower will ensure proper
maintenance of the turf, improved pace of play and superior playing conditions."
(Brown Book)
45
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Article 12: Appropriate for
Municipal Capital
Funds Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
Projects and Equipment
N/A
N/A
Approval of Indefinite
Postponement (5 -0)
$11,744,943
$5,882,426 GF (Debt)
(10,773,927 to be
appropriated)
+ $1,355,595 GF
(Free Cash) +
$2,542,927 GF (Cash)
(b) Automatic Meter Reading System
$40,000
+ $971,016 Chapter
Approval (4 -1)
90 + $725,000
Compost RF (Debt) +
$35,000 Cemetery
See Below
Special Revenue
Account + $117,979
Unused GF Debt
Proceeds + $95,000
Water EF (RE) +
$20,000 Wastewater
EF (RE)
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(a) Center Streetscape Improvements
and Easements
N/A
N/A
Approval of Indefinite
Postponement (5 -0)
Combined GF & CPF funding of $2,870,000 deferred.
(Brown Book)
That decision also affects Article 10(j). (For background on this project, see Page 23, Town Center
Streetscape Project.)
Project Description
Amount
Funding
Committee Recommends
Requested
Source
$20,000
Wastewater
(b) Automatic Meter Reading System
$40,000
EF (RE) +
Approval (4 -1)
$20,000 Water
EF (RE)
"This FY2018 request will provide funding to contract with a firm to evaluate the existing meter
equipment for compatibility with an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) technology. The goal is to
research and install a town -wide radio read system that will provide the ability to read meters from a
remote location and provide the Town with more frequent meter readings to improve the billing process.
It is expected that the implementation of the automatic meter reading system will be accomplished in
three phases over a three -year time period. The Water Division is currently working on prepping meters
for acceptance of the AMR equipment which requires the replacement of the water meter and installation
of a third radio read wire on existing meters."
(Brown Book)
One member is opposed as that member does not believe adequate, requested, justification for even this
initial funding for such a system —and especially at that funding amount —has been provided.
46
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Project Description
Amount
Funding
Committee Recommends
$525,000
Requested
Source
$120,000
2 -Small Deck Mowers — Public Grounds Division
$558,000 GF
$120,000
1- Holder Tractor with Snow Blower and Articulated
Moving Arm — Public Grounds Division
(Debt) +
(c) DPW Equipment Replacement
$1,083,000
$525,000
Approval (5 -0)
$153,000
Compost RF
$525,000
$1,083,000
(Debt)
"This is an annual request to replace equipment that is beyond its useful life and whose mechanical
condition no longer meets the requirements of the Department of Public Works (DPW). The DPW has an
inventory of 146 pieces of equipment including sedans, hybrid SUVs, construction vehicles and
specialized equipment used to mow parks, plow snow, repair streets and complete a variety of other
projects. Without regular equipment replacement, the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the DPW's
operations would be handicapped due to equipment down time and excessive repair costs. The FY2018
request, by funding source, is shown in the table below.
"Each piece of equipment is inventoried with original and current replacement cost, state of condition and
replacement time interval. Replacement intervals vary from five to 25 years and are based on
manufacturer recommendations and use (type and duration).
"The selection of vehicles to be replaced begins with the proposed replacement date. Then each vehicle is
assessed as to its mechanical condition and work requirements. The systematic replacement program
defines what equipment is expected to need replacement during the next five years with the intent of
preventing any unexpected emergency purchases. Annual updates are conducted by the Road Machinery
Division, Division Superintendents and reviewed by the Manager of Operations and Director of Public
Works."
"The table below shows each piece of eauipment recommended and its nronosed financing source.
Compost I
GF Debt RF Debt Total
1- Material Screener
$525,000
$525,000
1- Loader Backhoe for Cemetery Operations
$120,000
$120,000
2 -Small Deck Mowers — Public Grounds Division
$120,000
$120,000
1- Holder Tractor with Snow Blower and Articulated
Moving Arm — Public Grounds Division
$165,000
$165,000
1 -Snow Go Snow Blower —Snow Operations
$153,000
$153,000
$558,000
$525,000
$1,083,000
Material Screener: ...The current composting operation at the landfill site on Hartwell operation involves
the hiring of a contractor on an annual basis to screen compost and loam at cost of approximately $30,000
per year. Scheduling of this work is subject to the availability of the contractor which is often not at a
time that is most efficient and effective for the operation of the compost site. In addition, in recent years,
DPW has rented a screener for a month annually at a cost of $20,000 per month in order to ensure that
material on site is managed efficiently and effectively; but this has negative impacts on other DPW
operations due to the need to re- allocate staff to move material to the rented screener and to run it. The
purchase of a screener will allow DPW to screen compost, loam and other materials at optimal times
resulting in efficiencies, and the shedding of annual operating costs (contract screening and screener
rental). The screener requested will also do a better job of removing plastics, wood and other undesirable
materials, increasing the product quality. Timeliness of screening various materials will be critical as we
move forward with a reduced site for storage.
(Brown Book)
47
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(d) Street Improvements and
Easements
$3,513,943
(2,542,927 to be
appropriated)
$2,542,927 GF
(Cash) +
$971,016
Chapter 90
Approval (5 -0)
"This is an annual request for the street resurfacing and maintenance program. In addition to the
$2,542,[9]27 appropriated from the tax levy, $971,016 of Chapter 90 funds will be utilized. (Chapter 90
funding is based on Lexington's most recent allocation and on the current state allocation of $200 million
statewide). Funds will be used for design, inspections, planning, repair, patching, crack sealing and
construction of roadways and roadway related infrastructure including repair and installation of
sidewalks. A preliminary list of the streets to be repaired under this article is currently being developed. A
pavement management system is utilized to assist in analyzing the road network and selecting roadways
for repairs. This funding will allow for the proper improvements and repair of Lexington's streets and
sidewalks, increasing their quality and safety...."
(Brown Book)
The State's Chapter 90 funding does not need to be appropriated.
This tables provides the basis for the level proposed to be from the GF:
Street Improvements— Financing Components
Basis /Source
Amount
2001 Override Increased by 2.5% per year
$655,654
Maintenance of unallocated revenue from FY12 Revenue Allocation Model
$281,234
Maintenance of unallocated revenue from FY13 Revenue Allocation Model
$164,850
FY14 Health Insurance Savings
$1,100,000
Additional Tax Levy Funding— Traffic Calmingt
$50,000
Portion of the municipal share of incremental FY17 revenue from the FY17
Revenue Allocation Model
$291,189
Estimated Chapter 90 Aid
$971,016
Total
$3,513,943
Total without Chapter 90
$2,542,927
t $100,000 approved by Selectmen to fund a portion of Shade Street traffic - calming measures
in FY15. $100,000 in FY16, and $50,000 in each of FY17, FY18 and FY19 are for generic
traffic - calming measures townwide.
This Committee welcomes that the total funding has not dropped from the $3,500,000 amount provided
for in FY2017 —which makes the FY2018 request the 4th year in a row above the $3,000,000 level that the
Town's roads consultant (Stantec) has recommended as the minimum to maintain current conditions.
However, Stantec recommended $4,000,000/year (in current -year dollars) for five years to vastly improve
the backlog and roadway conditions that, in turn, should then allow the Town to lower the budget
allocation for roadways.
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(e) Storm Drainage Improvements and
NPDES Compliance
$340,000
GF (Free
Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"This is an annual request to replace and supplement existing drainage structures, issues typically
uncovered during roadway related construction activity. Funds will also be used for continued compliance
with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Phase II regulations which help improve the water
quality of Lexington's streams and ponds. $70,000 is estimated for compliance with the construction
related portions of the National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) minimum control
48
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
measures as mandated by the EPA in the storm water general permit. An estimated $270,000 will be used
to repair /replace drainage structures encountered during road construction, repair other drainage areas of
concern in the town and improve storm water issues discovered during NPDES investigation work.
Engineering evaluations are underway in the Wheeler Road neighborhood and upcoming drainage
installations may include Allen Street and other areas identified needing improvement. Illicit discharge
detection has been ongoing in the Vine Brook and Mill Brook areas where contamination has been
identified. The pre - emptive repair of existing drainage structures will reduce damage to structures
themselves, existing pavement and private and public property."
(Brown Book)
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(f) Hydrant Replacement Program
$150,000
$75,000 GF
(Free Cash) e
$75,000 Water
EF (RE)
Approval (4 -0 -1)
"This is an ongoing replacement program designed to maintain the integrity of the fire protection system
throughout town. Faulty hydrants need to be replaced to meet safety requirements. A list of hydrants
needing replacement is generated each year during the annual inspection and flushing of hydrants by the
Water and Fire Departments. Based on discussions between the two departments, the target goal is to
replace approximately 60 hydrants per year at a cost of $2,500 per hydrant. The Town of Lexington has
1,200 fire hydrants in its fire protection system; a total of 380 hydrants have been replaced."
(Brown Book)
One member abstained as requested information had not been provided to help ensure the requested
amount did not deserve to be more than is being requested.
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(g) Comprehensive Watershed
Stormwater Management Study and
Implementation
$390,000
GF (Debt)
Approval (5 -0)
"DPW, Engineering and Conservation collaborate on this annual capital request which addresses
drainage/brook management issues. The request funds the continuing design and implementation of
watershed plans and the construction of priorities established in those plans. Staff has reviewed three
watershed plans already completed (Charles River, Shawsheen River and Mystic River) and developed a
prioritization schedule with built -in flexibility pending unforeseen changes. Requested funding will be
used to move forward with those prioritized areas; in FY2018 it's likely funds will be used to further the
Valleyfield area design (within the Clematis Brook area), Whipple Brook and Pleasant Street area
construction. Long -term benefits of the program include prevention of property damage, reduction in
liability and overall improvement to the health of Lexington's waterways."
(Brown Book)
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(h) Sidewalk Improvements,
dditions, Design and Easements
$800,000
GF (Debt)
Approval (5 -0)
"This request seeks funds to rebuild and/or repair existing sidewalks that are in poor condition. DPW (in
conjunction with various committees and town departments) generates a list each year of sidewalks most
49
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
in need of repair /replacement, based on four determining factors:
1) Is the sidewalk unsafe for travel due to trip hazards, defects, etc.?
2) Is the sidewalk within the Safe Routes to School Program?
3) Is the volume of pedestrian traffic heavy, light or average?
4) Is the general condition of the sidewalk poor, fair or good which dictates treatments
such as full reconstruction, overlay or patching?
"DPW successfully completed a sidewalk condition survey in early 2015 with the help of an engineering
firm, Fay, Spofford & Thorndike and is currently working from the priority list that was compiled by the
report. Sidewalks considered for FY2018 funding include: Emerson Garden -North and South, Hathaway
Road – north side, reconstruction of ramps town -wide, Waltham Street from Brookside to Blossomcrest,
Massachusetts Ave. from Bow Street to Fottler Street – north and south, Charles Street, Daniels Street
and Ariel Street.
"The history of prior Sidewalk appropriations is:
FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY141 FY15 FY16 FY17
$100,000 $ 275,000 $- $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ 300,000 $ 400,000 $ 400,000 $ 600,000 $ 600,000
1
Does not include $200,000 of a $600,000 appropriation that was designated for the construction of a Hartwell
Avenue mixed use path.
(Brown Book)
As the Town's current practice is separately to request funding for sidewalk work in four categories (i.e.,
for the existing residential network, for new residential sidewalks, for the CBD, and for non -CBD
commercial districts), it should be noted that the FY2016 entry in that funding history includes $120,000
related to two, new, residential sidewalks.
,,
The preliminarily proposed work using FY2018 funding would total 12,450 linear feet, includes design
(as needed), as well as reconstruction of existing sidewalks in residential areas.
This Committee applauds that the funding request is not only I /3rd greater than last year's, but —more
importantly —is in the range of the earlier- explained recommendation by our sidewalk consultant
(Stantec) require, in current -year dollars, $750,000 just to maintain current conditions; $825,000 on to
enhance both quantity and quality.
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(i) Dam Repair
$760,000
GF (Debt)
Approval (5 -0)
"FY2018 funds are requested for repairs and improvements to the Old Reservoir Dam based on inspection
reports performed by the Office of Dam Safety. $150,000 was approved by the 2014 Annual Town
Meeting for design and engineering services for the repairs; the design report has been completed. CPA
funds were also appropriated in previous funding cycles for reconstruction of the gatehouse and dredging
of the retention pond (FY2009) and storm water mitigation and retention pond improvements (FY2010).
The total cost for design and construction services in FY2018 is noticeably higher than standard civil
design and construction projects due to the complex design of earth dams. This project will also require a
fair amount of environmental permitting through the Office of Dam safety. Full -time construction
oversight by a geotechnical engineer is anticipated in addition to periodic monitoring for three years after
the completion of the project. The goal of this project is to maintain the dam's structural integrity and
ensure its long -term stability."
(Brown Book)
If the impounded water level can be reduced during the project, it is estimated about $150,000 can be
saved when doing the needed work.
50
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(j) Townwide Culvert Replacement
$390,000
GF (Debt)
Approval (5 -0)
"This request is part of an ongoing program to replace culverts that are at or near failure. Of the funding
requested, $250,000 is estimated for construction costs necessary for culvert replacement, $65,000 is for
design, permitting and bidding and the remainder is for contingency. On -going culvert inspections
continue to reveal a need for the replacement program as many older culverts are failing. This program is
a companion effort with the ongoing Watershed Management Plan. It's anticipated that this and future
appropriations will fund further design and construction for Valleyfield and Waltham Streets at the
Clematis Brook (where early design evaluation is already underway) and for the culvert at Curve Street.
These locations have been identified in the Charles, Shawsheen and Mystic Rivers Watershed
Management Plans. Culverts at Revere Street at North Lexington Brook, the Minuteman Bikeway near
Camelia Place and Concord Ave at Hardy's Brook have all been constructed. Proactive replacement of
townwide culverts prior to failure will allow for proper design considerations and funding while also
minimizing the impact to residents through unexpected road closures and flooding."
(Brown Book)
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(k) Townwide Signalization
Improvements
$125,000
$7,021 GF
(Free Cash) +
$117,979
Unused bond
proceeds of
prior - years'
capital
projects
Approval (5 -0)
"This is an annual request that seeks funds to update traffic and pedestrian signals in Lexington. A signal
inventory and compliance study has been completed which includes ADA compliance, condition
assessment, signal timing, delays and priority recommendations. FY2018 funds will implement signals
identified in the plan and other issues identified by the Transportation Safety Group (TSG). Potential
locations for FY2018 funding include ongoing design and possible construction at the intersection of
Bedford Street and Worthen Road, pending reconstruction plans for the main Fire Station. Additional
locations include Lowell Street at East Street, and Lowell Street at North Road and Bedford Street at
Worthen Road. Data collection analysis and design is estimated to be approximately 20% of the total cost.
Replacement of signals at the Concord Ave and Waltham Street intersection is complete with the
exception of punch list items. The ongoing improvements will prevent equipment failure, improve traffic
flow, decrease energy consumption and allow for proper accessibility."
(Brown Book)
This table identifies the sources of the available cash proceeds from financing that are no longer needed
for their original purpose and are being proposed for re- appropriation toward the funding of this project:
Unexpended Bond Proceeds to be Re- Appropriated
Original Appropriation
Original Purpose
Amount
2010 ATM, Article 12(f)
Reconstruct and Equip Town Office Building Server Room
$27,060
2013 ATM, Article 14(f)
Lexington High School Overcrowding – Phase 3 Engineering
and Improvements
$26,565
2015 ATM, Article 18(c)
LHS Phase 2 Overcrowding /Completion
$5,834
2015 ATM, Article 18(f)
High School Heating Systems Upgrade— Design
$58,520
TOTAL
$117,979
51
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(1) Hartwell Avenue Infrastructure
Improvements — Supplemental Funds
$2,185,000
GF (Debt)
Approval (5 -0)
"This FY2018 request represents an estimate of anticipated supplemental funds needed for improvements
to Hartwell Avenue. Proposed funding will be used to replace or rehabilitate the Hartwell Ave Bridge
crossing at Kiln Brook, upgrade the Maguire Road intersection and potentially provide a protected
pedestrian crossing at the Bedford Street intersection. The proposed conceptual improvements were
developed as part of the Transportation Management Plan for the Hartwell Ave area (developed by the
Planning Board with assistance from TetraTech Rizzo Transportation Consultants) but does not include
funding for improvements to Bedford Street. The FY2018 request will fund construction, construction
oversight and potential land acquisitions (easements, land takings, etc.).
"The FY2018 estimate is highly variable due to anticipated difficulties with relocating the large amount
of utilities attached to the existing bridge. The request of $2.185 million is seen as the upper limit of
funding needed but will be refined as the design phase moves forward. For example, there are also
wetlands impacting the design and discussions between the design team and the Conservation
Commission are expected to help determine the feasibility of the proposed plan options. Estimates for
these refinements will be better defined as the design phase moves forward. Due to these complications, a
revised construction schedule is being prepared and more precise cost estimates are expected as
alternatives are reviewed and the possibility of phasing is explored. "
(Brown Book)
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(m) Bikeway Bridge Renovations
$368,000
$249,426 GF
(Debt) +
$118,574 GF
(Free Cash)
Approval (4 -1)
"The Grant Street Bridge along the Minuteman Bikeway is showing signs of deterioration and the
Engineering Division has received an evaluation from a structural engineer. Costs for rehabilitation and
maintenance are high due to existing lead paint on the bridge. This adds substantial cost to the project
since full containment and proper disposal of the lead paint is required as part of its removal. This work is
essential to keeping a safe pathways for all users."
(Brown Book)
The member opposing believes, based in part on the Town Counsel's advice that this work is not eligible
for funding under the CPA, this should not be a capital project.
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(n) Hartwell Avenue Compost Site
Improvements
$200,000
Compost RF
(Debt)
Approval (5 -0)
"This request would fund the installation of a new prefab trailer with utilities to serve as administrative
office space at the Hartwell Ave Compost Site. The trailer would provide adequate space for computers,
meetings, filing and educational opportunities while ensuring a safer and more efficient administrative
office."
(Brown Book)
52
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding Source
Committee Recommends
(o) Westview Cemetery
Building Design
$270,000
GF (Debt) with debt
service funded from
the Cemetery Special
Revenue Account.
Approval (5 -0)
"FY2018 funds are requested to hire an architect to design and engineer the building on the Westview
Cemetery grounds. The current building serves as the cemetery office, meeting area for grieving families
and work space for maintenance staff. An FY2016 appropriation funded an assessment of the current
building and operation to determine if the existing building could be renovated or if a new building was
required. TBA Architects is preparing the assessment report which will be used to determine the project
scope and cost. A burial services area will also be researched as part of this process.
"The only significant upgrade to the building in the last 15 years has been the installation of a new roof.
The current facility has deteriorated and needs to be brought up to code. Limited space does not permit
private space for grieving families and the maintenance area lacks adequate space for all equipment to be
stored indoors. The renovation or expansion of the building will enhance the cemetery operation by
providing a welcoming and private space for families and visitors and provide staff with more efficient
and adequate office space, storage space and maintenance space. It is expected that construction funding
will be requested in FY2019.
(Brown Book)
This Committee believes that although DPW is the "customer ", it is a facility project that should be
executed —from design through construction —by DPF and, therefore, carried under that Department.
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding Source
Committee Recommends
(p) Westview Cemetery
Irrigation
$35,000
Cemetery Sale -of-
Lots Special Revenue
Account (Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"There remains one section of Westview Cemetery that needs in- ground irrigation to help improve and
maintain turf appearance, vigor and recovery. FY2018 funds will be used to complete the irrigation
system. Water is essential for turf to grow, recover and thrive and is especially important for seed
establishment and aesthetics. Westview Cemetery is frequently visited by family and friends who expect
to see well - maintained turf. The completion of the in- ground irrigation system will allow for those
expectations to be met."
(Brown Book)
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
Highway Sig n Machine
$40,000
GF (Free
Cash)
A pp roval (3-2)
"This request would fund the upgrade of the Highway Division's Sign Shop digitizing machine. The
current machine limits which signs can be manufactured by in -house personnel. The new digital printer
would allow for the DPW to manufacture 95% of all signs with current DPW personnel. Currently, the
department manufactures about 95% of street signs and about 70% of regulatory and custom signage. The
remaining signs are fabricated through a vendor. Every year, custom sign requests have increased and the
requested technology will provide the tools to make signs in the DPW sign shop with department
personnel, helping to reduce costs and improve efficiency."
(Brown Book)
Two members are opposed because requested, additional, justification has not been provided.
53
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
1::plfdUUEftdsjgt.jpo!
Bn pvocl
Sfrvfttfe!
Gvoejoh!
Toyed!
Dpn njuff!Sfdpn n foet!
(r) Townwide Phone Systems -Phase
I
$120,000
GF (Free Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"The FY2018 request for this multi -phase project will fund Phase VI of the Townwide Telephone
Replacement Project. At the 2008 Annual Town Meeting, $30,000 was appropriated to fund a needs
assessment for the replacement of phone systems in all town and school buildings. The recommendation
of the consultant was for the Town to replace existing municipal and school phone systems with VoIP
phone systems. Subsequent Town Meetings have appropriated additional funds for the various phases of
the project. To- date, the new VoIP phone systems have been installed in the Town Offices Building,
Lexington High School, the School Administration Building, Clarke School, Diamond School and the
Cary Memorial Library. VoIP phones have also been installed at the Community Center but only the
Human Services Department installation was funded by capital requests; installation in the rest of the
Community Center was funded by construction capital.
"Phase VI requests $120,000 to supplement $373,000 of unspent funds from Phases I -V. It is expected
that the total amount ($493,000) will be sufficient to complete the project, including phone installations at
the public safety facilities, upgrades to the remaining telecommunications core equipment and completion
of the remaining upgrade installations at both Harrington and Fiske Elementary Schools."
(Brown Book)
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(s) Municipal Technology
Improvement Program
$100,000
GF (Free Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"This FY2018 capital request is part of a multi -phase program to enhance the Town's network storage
capabilities. Previous appropriations have funded the initial installation and subsequent expansion of
server area network (SAN) equipment in the server rooms at both the Town Office Building and 201
Bedford Street. These appropriations also funded the purchase of necessary software to assist with file
storage, archiving and discovery. The FY2018 request will fund additional storage space for the existing
SANs and expand server capacity. The need for the equipment is driven by rapidly growing data sets and
unstructured files due to email archiving. The project aims to reduce financial burdens, staff time and
power consumption while increasing management efficiencies. An FY2019 request is expected to include
funding for the installation of servers and server infrastructure at the Community Center."
(Brown Book)
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(t) Network Redundancy &
Improvement Plan
$130,000
GF (Free Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"The functionality of the Town's computer network is critical for the efficient and effective delivery of all
municipal services. In an effort to decrease network downtime (occurring beyond the Town's control), the
FY2018 request seeks to fund the pilot installation of a single site wireless failover link as a redundant
pathway for the fiber network, reducing the risk for outages within the Town's network. The project
includes funding for equipment, cabling, installation and network programming which will set -up and test
the network for future installations of the wireless redundant network. Pending successful implementation
of the pilot program, it is anticipated that general Town -wide implementation would begin in FY2019
with completion in FY2020."
(Brown Book)
54
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(u) Bedford Street at Eldred Street
Safety Improvements
$175,000
GF (Free
Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"The intersection of Eldred Street at Bedford Street (also the location of two MBTA bus stops) has been
identified as a dangerous crossing for pedestrians trying to walk across four lanes of traffic. This FY2018
request would fund the creation of a safe and accessible pedestrian crossing and related infrastructure.
More specifically, it would finalize design and build the proposed crossing and related improvements.
This appropriation would ensure that the Town continues to advance and implement one of several
transportation system improvements that were identified as part of the Town's 2010 Traffic Mitigation
Plan for the Hartwell Avenue Transportation Management Overlay District."
(Brown Book)
This Committee believes that although initially conceived by the Planning Department, this project needs
to be executed by DPW and, therefore, carried under that Department.
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(v) Transportation Mitigation
$100,000
GF (Free
Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"This capital request is to support the ongoing work of the Transportation Safety Group (TSG). The TSG
is staffed by the Planning, Engineering, School and Police Departments. These FY2018 funds are
proposed for evaluation and development of construction cost estimates for future capital requests and to
fund the design and construction of smaller scale safety- related projects. Between FY08 and FY11, Town
Meeting appropriated funds to collect data, perform analyses, review citizen requests and
recommendations for various townwide transportation improvements in support of the Traffic Mitigation
Group (dissolved in 2012 and later reconstituted as the TSG). Due to an increase in the number of citizen
requests received over the past few years, the TSG seeks to renew this funding for FY2018 and
anticipates the need to be ongoing in order to ensure that transportation safety remains a critical part of
Lexington's quality of life."
(Brown Book)
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(w) Hill Street Sidewalk Design
$150,000
GF (Free
Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"This request is for design funds for the installation of a new sidewalk along the 0.7 mile stretch of road
from Bedford Street to Cedar Street which has poor sightlines due to the winding character of the road,
and abuts approximately 45 residences as well as the Lexington Golf Club and Poor Farm Conservation
Area. A survey of the roadway has been conducted which included a preliminary evaluation of sidewalk
locations along both sides of the street. Funds will be used to finalize the design work (i.e., refine the
placement of sidewalks as well as retaining walls, drainage and other design elements) in order to provide
a more detailed cost estimate for the project."
(Brown Book)
This Committee believes that although initially conceived by the Planning Department, this project needs
to be executed by DPW and, therefore, carried under that Department.
55
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(x) Ambulance Replacement
$280,000
GF (Debt)
Approval (5 -0)
"The Fire Department's ambulance replacement program attempts to rotate ambulances every three years.
The new vehicle runs as the primary ambulance, moves to the secondary position and finally to
mechanical back -up status. At the end of the nine -year rotation, the mechanical back -up vehicle has
roughly 150,000 miles on it and completes more than 9,000 medical transports. This FY2018 request will
fund the purchase of a new ambulance with the mechanical back -up ambulance being traded in."
(Brown Book)
F4rticle 13: Appropriate
for Water System
Improvements
Funds Requested
Funding Source
Committee Recommends
$1,000,000
Water EF (RE)
Approval (5 -0)
"This is an annual program that replaces unlined, inadequate, aged and vulnerable water mains,
deteriorated service connections and eliminates dead ends in the water mains. Currently, a model is being
developed which will identify areas of vulnerability and those areas with low volumes and pressures.
Upon completion this winter, the plan is expected to guide in future water system capital improvement
planning and may result in an adjustment of the annual requests. Water main replacement has been
completed on Mass Ave (from Pleasant Street to Marrett Road) and in the Prospect Hill area. Work is
nearing completion at the Woburn Street intersection. The model will also help evaluate the town's water
break history and its relation to pipe type and age. Combined with the replacement of the remaining
unlined water mains, the model will help create a long -term capital plan and ensure a proactive approach
for keeping Lexington's water both safe and reliable."
(Brown Book)
Article 14: Appropriate
for Wastewater System
Improvements
Funds Requested
Funding Source
Committee Recommends
$1,800,000
$1,270,000
Wastewater EF
(RE) + $530,000
Wastewater EF
(Debt)
Approval (5 -0)
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(a) Wastewater System
Investigation and Improvements
$1,000,000
Wastewater EF
(RE)
Approval (5 -0)
"This is an annual program that provides for rehabilitation of sanitary sewer infrastructure. Work will
include replacement or repair of deteriorated sewers, force mains and manholes in order to improve flow
and reduce inflow and infiltration into the system. Work was recently completed in sewer basin areas
encompassing the northeasterly area of Lexington. Possible future areas of removal include the North
Hancock Street area, Locust Street and Follen Road area, and the Peacock Farm, Pleasant Street and
Worthen Road east area. It is also anticipated that the lining of the 24" sewer main leading from the
Clarke Middle School area to the Bowman School area will be re -lined due to a collapse in the line earlier
this year that resulted in an emergency repair. These capital investments improve the operation of the
sewer system, reduce backups and potential overflows, prevent system malfunctions and reduce the
measured flows through the MWRA meter."
(Brown Book)
56
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(b) Pump Station Upgrades
$800,000
$530,000
Wastewater EF
(Debt) +
$270,000
Wastewater EF
(RE)
Approval (5 -0)
"This is an ongoing program to upgrade Lexington's ten sewer pumping stations. A 2013 evaluation and
capital plan was developed for the Town with the assistance of Wright - Pierce, including a detailed
engineering survey of the pump stations. The survey helped determine current and future needs, timetable
and probable costs for the proposed work. FY2017 funding was expected to be used for a full replacement
of the Marshall Road Pump Station but a subsequent determination instead noted an urgent need for funds
to be applied towards the Worthen Road Pump Station. (Stations are constantly monitored and the
schedule adjusted to meet urgent needs.) FY2018 funds are now expected to be utilized for the Marshall
Road Pump Station. The goal of this program is to upgrade all the pumps and support systems to enable
better energy efficiency and avoid emergency expenditures."
(Brown Book)
Article 15: Appropriate
for School Capital
Projects and
Equipment
Funds Requested
Funding Source
Committee Recommends
$1,529,900
($1,454,900 to be
appropriated)
$75,000 Food
Service RF (Cash)
+ $123,000 GF
(Free Cash) +
$1,331,900 GF
(Debt)
Approval (5 -0)
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(a) Food Service Equipment
$75,000
Food Service
RF (Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"This FY2018 request will fund the replacement or repair of existing kitchen equipment for the Lexington
Food Service Program. Some school kitchens currently function with residential -grade equipment and
commercial equipment operating at the end of its useful life. The Food Service program is currently able
to support approximately $75,000 for such repairs and replacements. The program provides nutritionally
balanced, low -cost or free lunches to students and employees on a daily basis. This funding request will
ensure the successful operation of the school lunch program by preventing equipment failures and the
utilization of temporary and expensive satellite operations. The Food Service Revolving Fund does not
require a vote of Town Meeting for appropriation."
(Brown Book)
Use of that RF does not require appropriation.
57
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(b) School Furniture, Equipment &
Systems Program
$123,000
GF (Free Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"School Department submits annual requests for replacement of classroom and office furniture that has
reached the end of its useful life. Enrollment is also projected to increase over the next five years,
triggering the need for additional furniture for staff and students.
"The FY2018 Furniture, Equipment and Systems Program includes requests for:
Cafeteria Tables (18) — Clarke & Harrington
Student Desks (50) & Chairs (134) — Clarke, Diamond, Harrington, LHS
Standing Student Desks (60) — Clarke
Classroom Tables (11) — Diamond & Harrington
Teacher Desks (12) & Chairs (10) — Estabrook & LHS
Specialty Desks (5) — ADA Compliant and Therapeutic Learning Desks
Cabinets (4) — Estabrook & Diamond
Whiteboards /Bulletin Boards (35) — Clarke, Estabrook, Diamond
Teacher Refrigerator Replacement (1)
Classroom FM Soundfield Systems
Visual Art Lab Tables & Computer Tables
Furniture Moving & Disposal"
(Brown Book)
This Committee continues to believe that the LPS should provide an inventory and a 3 -5 year plan for the
purchase and replacement of furniture and equipment to ensure that needs are being fully and consistently
addressed across schools and programs, and to ensure that if a larger funding will be needed in a
particular out -year, that amount is properly planned in advance.
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(c) LPS Technology Capital
Request
$1,331,900
GF (Debt)
Approval (5 -0)
"This request addresses the District's strategic goal for enhancing the capacity to utilize technology as an
instructional and administrative tool.
"This capital improvement project would provide funding for the following:
"Tech Workstations (Desktops, Laptops, Mobile Devices) — $426,500 is requested for the replacement of
aging computers with up -to -date devices which are more cost - effective and better able to meet the needs
of learning and teaching. New devices will be selected based on their ability to provide sufficient capacity
for continued use over a five to six year life cycle. It's the intent to diversify the device inventory to
leverage lower cost devices to fit instructional needs.
"Enrollment Increases — $23,500 will be used to fund the purchase of new iPads for the middle schools
due to increased enrollment.
"Mobile Tech Initiative in Elementary Schools — $142,000 will be used to purchase technology in order to
comply with mandated online testing and the recent adoption of new state learning standards which have
accelerated the need for more students in the district to have access to a digital learning device while at
school. These funds will be used to replace outmoded teacher devices and desktop computers with
Chromebooks, fund the purchase of iPads for new 7th and 8th grade students participating in an iPad
program and provide iPads for a large 7th grade class anticipated to enter in FY2018.
"Initiative to Increase Student Access to Digital Devices in Lexington High School — $165,400 is
requested to increase high school students' daily access to digital devices in order to reduce classroom
disruption and the loss of instruction time. The majority of the new devices will be Chromebooks which
58
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
are ideal for most students. MacBooks and iPad Pros will be purchased for classes that require specialized
software and iPad pros will be purchased for visual arts classes.
" MakerSpace/ Digital Fabrication Initiative – $33,000 is requested for MakerSpace and Digital
Fabrication equipment which will provide students with the opportunity for hands -on STEAM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) learning and encourage the design, engineering, fabrication and
redesign of useful objects. School -based access to these 21st century tools allow students in all grades to
benefit from learning experiences aligned with newly adopted state learning standards. FY2018 funds will
be utilized for the purchase of five 3 -D printers and Arduino microcontrollers for three classrooms per
school.
"Interactive Projector/ Whiteboard Units – $120,000 is requested for the replacement of dated interactive
projection systems and the installation of ceiling projection systems where units have come to the end of
their life cycle. Many K -2 classrooms currently do not have interactive projection systems but many
teachers have expressed interest in having them in their classrooms.
"Upgrade District and Building Network Infrastructure – $259,000 is requested for head end upgrades to
the school network, AP upgrades, Switch /LAN upgrades to support new mobile initiatives and a wireless
controller ICE for Lexington High School which will increase network resilience and Wi -Fi coverage.
The upgrades are necessary to support state mandated online testing, rich media digital learning
experiences in schools and the growth of digital devices used by students, teachers and administrators.
"Server /Storage Infrastructure – $30,000 is requested for the purchase of servers for each school to serve
up cached software for next generation MCAS testing and to increase the server capacity to support a
growing tech infrastructure.
"Power – $85,000 is requested to connect the existing data cabinets to the existing circuits currently
located on the emergency generators in order to prevent the loss of phone access when power is out.
"Independent Digital Learning Center Equipment – $47,500 is requested for equipment to support the
learning needs of all Lexington High School students in the newly established Independent Digital
Learning Center. Technology equipment includes the purchase of 15 MacBooks, 15 iPads, 60
Chromebooks and three carts."
(Brown Book)
This Committee would like to see LPS produce a 3 -5 year plan for technology purchases with
replacements of, and upgrades to, existing technology Capital items —as well as for any desired, new,
technologies. Currently, the technology - Capital request is simply assumed to be level funded. A plan
would ensure that the needs across schools and programs are being consistently and fully addressed, and
to ensure that if a larger funding will be needed in a particular out year, that amount is properly planned in
advance.
Article 16: Appropriate
for Public Facilities
Capital Projects
Funds Requested
Funding Source
Committee Recommends
$2,791,418
$1,150,300 GF
(Debt) + $1,418,918
GF (Cash) +
$222,200 GF (Free
Cash)
See Below
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(a) School Building Envelopes and
Systems Program
$222,200
GF (Free Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"FY2018 funds will be used to perform annual prioritized extraordinary repairs and modifications to
school buildings and systems. Specifically, this request will be used to repair water infiltration issues on
59
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
the main facade of the main entrance columns at Harrington Elementary School. This project seeks to
prevent continued deterioration of the building's exterior and discomfort to the building's occupants due
to air and water infiltration."
(Brown Book)
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(b) Lexington High School Air
Conditioning— Teacher Planning
Offices and Library
$600,000
GF (Debt)
Approval (5 -0)
"2016 Annual Town Meeting, Article 15C, funded $500,000 to produce design development and
construction documents to replace HVAC equipment that has operated beyond its useful life and to
improve the educational environment of Lexington High School's main building. After completing design
development, the construction estimate increased from $12 million to over $18 million.
"With a major project at LHS likely in the next five years, to be initiated by the submittal of a Statement
of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority, the School Committee has voted to defer the
major HVAC Upgrade. As an interim measure, the School Committee is requesting funding for teacher
planning offices and the library. Adding air - conditioning to these spaces will provide areas for staff and
students to work with temperature control. The last several years has seen an increase in temperatures
during the spring and fall of the school year. The funds requested will cover the cost of installation."
(Brown Book)
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(c) Municipal Building Envelopes
and Systems
$194,713
GF (Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"This ongoing capital request, originally approved for funding in the 2006 Proposition 212 Override,
includes repair /replacement projects for the maintenance and upgrade of municipal buildings and systems.
The FY2018 request seeks $194,713 of funding to implement extraordinary repairs to the foundation and
original drainage system of the Town Office Building. A portion of the FY2017 appropriation will be
utilized to supplement the project cost. The Town Office Building experiences ongoing water infiltration
issues in the basement level due to holes, voids and failed seals through the existing foundation walls.
Conditions are further exacerbated by oversaturated soil from storm water run- off due to roof and site
grading conditions. This project would secure the health of occupants who utilize the basement area and
repair ongoing foundation deterioration."
(Brown Book)
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(d) Facility and Site Improvements
$367,226
GF (Free
Cash)
Approval (5 -0) of the
proposed work, but see
below for 1—
position -4
against bundling three
projects for a single vote
Four members are opposed to three programs being consolidated for a single vote whereby the
cumulative dollar amount is now completely fungible so that no further action is required by Town
Meeting to permit reduction or even elimination of pursuing the identified scope of work of each
program. This Committee has individually evaluated the requested appropriations —which in one
instance already included a contingency amount —as warranted for the identified scope of work and for
those efforts to be executed. That allocated funding and scope of each should not be abandoned outside of
60
DB QJUB M!FY CFOEJUVSFT!DP N N JUUFF!SFC SU!UP !3128!B UN !' !TUN !3128.2!
Town Meeting. (This Committee recognizes that just one of the three programs —the School Paving
Program —has included a contingency amount; however, that appears to be the only one whose nature
warrants it.) If presented to this ATM for a single vote without maintenance of binding funding
appropriations for the individual programs, this Committee will request that Town Meeting agree that
individual votes be taken.
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(d)(1) Building Flooring Program
$150,000
GF (Free
Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"Initiated in FY11, this is an annual request for funds to be used for the replacement of flooring
systems in municipal and school buildings. The FY2018 request will be used for continuing
replacements at the Cary Memorial Library and Lexington High School, including the floor of the
dance classroom. The goal of this program is to ensure floor surfaces remain clean and safe for all
users."
(Brown Book)
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(d)(2) School Paving Program
$172 226
GF (Free
Cash)
A pp roval (5-0)
)
"This capital request would address pedestrian, bicycle and driver safety on school grounds by funding
the replacement of deteriorated paving at the Bridge Elementary School. Pot holes have impacted
driving and walking conditions, causing unsafe conditions for pedestrians, drivers and plowing
equipment. The project is planned for implementation during the summer of 2018. Extraordinary
repairs for school paving areas are necessary to maintain parking and pedestrian surfaces in a condition
suitable for public safety and Safe Routes to School."
(Brown Book)
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(d)(3) School Traffic Safety
Improvements
$45,000
GF (Free
Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"This request is part of a multi -year program to improve traffic flows and traffic - related safety at
Lexington's schools. The School Committee commissioned a Traffic Safety and Mitigation study of
school sites on February 26, 2014, which identified site specific traffic improvements. Prior years'
funding has been directed to improvements at the Clarke Middle School, the Bridge Elementary
School and the Lexington High School. This FY2018 request is seeking funding for design of
improvements for traffic and pedestrian flows at the Bowman Elementary and also for construction of
site signage and lot marking to help with traffic calming at LHS."
(Brown Book)
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(e) Public Facilities Bid Documents
$217,979
GF (Free
Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"This is an annual request for funding of professional services to produce design development,
construction documents and/or bid administration services for smaller school projects in anticipation of
requests for construction funding at town meeting that have a high probability of approval. This will
61
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
ensure that the projects can be completed in the then - current construction season, which is particularly
important for the timely completion of such projects given the short window between the end of school in
June and the beginning of school the following August."
(Brown Book)
The extra $117,979 has been added to the normal amount of this annual request in order to fund the major
portion of the estimated $189,750 needed for the further design at the 20 Pelham Road property to
accommodate the proposed Municipal activities there. The balance of $71,771 needed for that further
design is available from the FY2017 appropriation that was also for Public Facilities Bid Documents.
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(f) Public Facilities
Mechanical/Electrical System
Replacements
$489,000
GF (Free Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"This FY2018 request is part of an annual replacement of HVAC and electrical systems that have
exceeded their useful life and require replacement before excessive failures occur. The bulk of the
FY2018 appropriation would be used to replace the chiller at the Cary Memorial Library; funds would
also be spent to develop a plan for the replacement of geothermal well pumps at both Fiske and
Harrington Elementary Schools. The existing chiller at the Cary Memorial Library has a higher rate of
component and structural failures that have been linked to manufacturing and installation issues.
Replacement of the chiller will ensure uninterrupted library operations and prevent temporary cooling
measures which come at a considerable cost."
(Brown Book)
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(g) LHS Security Evaluation and
pgrade
$150,000
GF (Free Cash)
Approval (5 -0)
"At the 2016 Annual Town Meeting $25,000 was appropriated for a security evaluation of the Lexington
High School. The evaluation assessed the current security systems, including the closed circuit television
system (CCTV) and the feasibility to upgrade /install electronic door access controls. Funding of this
proposed project would improve the reliability and functionality of the security cameras system by
upgrading from digital video recorders placed throughout the schools to a server based system in the
server room and add 30 cameras for more complete coverage."
(Brown Book)
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(h) LHS Guidance Space Mining
$230,200
GF (Debt)
Approval (5 -0)
"The 2016 Annual Town Meeting appropriated funds for the design and engineering portion of the
proposed project, which seeks to make more efficient use of existing guidance space at the high school by
mining the existing counselor suites in the Math Building and the World Language Building. The high
school has an existing student support model that clusters each Dean /Counselor team in a specific
location on campus. The cluster model provides a `home base' for students and student teams, organized
by homeroom location. Construction documents were developed with the FY2017 appropriation and this
FY2018 request is for the construction phase of the project. The goal of the project is to create a calming,
private space for counselors to meet with students and maintain the student support cluster model by
keeping Deans and student counselors in proximity to one another. The construction phase of the project
is expected to go out for bid in spring 2017 with construction completed during the summer of 2017."
(Brown Book)
62
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(i) LHS Nurse Office and
Treatment Space
$320,100
GF (Debt)
Approval (5 -0)
"An appropriation made by the 2016 Annual Town Meeting funded construction documents for the
expansion and reconfiguration of the existing high school Health Office space. If approved, the FY2018
appropriation would fund the construction phase of the project. Higher enrollment and special
programming have caused student health care needs to increase and the current facility lacks the
capability to meet such demand. The expanded space would be able to accommodate more treatment /rest
beds and provide more confidential examination spaces. It's expected that the project would go out for
bid in spring 2017 with construction completed by the start of the 2017 -2018 school year.
(Brown Book)
Project Description
Amount
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
(j) Parking Lot for Community
Center
TBD
GF (Free Cash)
TBD
"When the Town purchased the Community Center property in 2013, most of the parking lot area was
retained by the Scottish Rite with the Town obtaining an easement to use those lots when not in use by
patrons of Scottish Rite programs. Shortly after the Community Center purchase, the Scottish Rite
expanded the parking lot area between the existing lot and the Town's lot adjacent to the front of the
Community Center. The new lot is regularly used by Community Center patrons even though it is not
owned by the Town. The Scottish Rite has indicated that they rarely have a need to use the new lot and
have offered to sell it to the Town for $400,000, an amount that covers the construction cost. Additional
funds of $25,000 are requested for legal costs, survey work and other administrative expenses that may be
required. The purchase of the parking lot would expand parking for the Community Center to
accommodate increasing demand as programs expand. Ownership would also permit the Town to identify
the lot as part of the Community Center property, eliminating uncertainties about whether parking is
allowed for Community Center patronage."
(Brown Book)
At the time of this report, there are on -going discussions regarding this sub - Article so this Committee is
awaiting further information before taking any position.
rticle 17: Appropriate
For Hastings School
Replacement Design
F4
Amount Requested
Funding Source
Committee Recommends
$720,000
GF (Debt) (Candidate
for Debt Exclusion)
Approval (5 -0)
"In January 2016, Lexington was informed that the Hastings Elementary School was selected by the
Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) program for renovation or replacement. At the 2016
Special Town Meeting #1, $1,500,000 was appropriated to fund a feasibility study, expected to be
completed in September 2017, which will provide a Project Scope and Budget Agreement (PSBA). The
PSBA will outline the scope of the building project in order to implement the most cost effective solution
for the Hastings educational program, the budget to implement the building project and the maximum
MSBA reimbursement.
"The next step in the MSBA process is for Lexington to provide funding for the project as identified in
the PSBA. This amount is anticipated to be $60 million (including the $1.5 million previously
appropriated for the feasibility study). The Town has 120 days to secure funding after the MSBA
approves the budget. To ensure that the project design can continue while the Town is securing funds, an
appropriation of $720,000 for design development is being requested at 2017 Annual Town Meeting. It is
63
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
anticipated that construction financing in the current estimated amount of $57,780,000 will be requested
at a Fall 2017 special town meeting. (The amounts shown in Tables I and V are net of estimated MSBA
reimbursement of 25 %.)"
(Brown Book)
Article 18: Appropriate
For Visitors Center
(Citizen Article)
Funds Requested by
Proponent
P
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
Unknown
Unknown
Fund Only Through
Schematic Design
(5 -0)
"To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for planning, constructing,
originally equipping and furnishing a new Visitors Center, or for planning, remodeling, reconstructing
and making extraordinary repairs to the existing Visitors Center, and for the payment of all other costs
incidental and related thereto; determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer
from available funds, by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner
in relation thereof."
"DESCRIPTION: The Visitors Center was built over 50 years ago for the Battle of Lexington
Bicentennial visitors. It is the information gateway for tourists, residents, newcomers, and corporations
considering locating in Lexington. Last year 120,000 people entered the building, making it one of the
most heavily used buildings in Lexington; they spent $190,000 in the shop underwriting the cost of
operations. Lexington collects $1.4 million in annual hotel and meals taxes. The building has become
outdated and is not fully accessible. When originally built, it was staffed by the Chamber of
Commerce. Today the Town occupies, manages and staffs the Visitors Center; it has become the hub
of the Liberty Ride. Many who use the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway benefit from the facility as
well. As we approach the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, and implement the Battle
Green Masterplan, this article would fund the design and construction of a 21st century Visitors Center
providing new economic growth opportunities."
(ATM Town Warrant)
The requested $118,500 is shown as deferred.
(Brown Book)
The amount deferred is the estimate to carry the project from Schematic Design to Construction
Documents —with a currently estimated construction cost of $3,815,000. Including the approximately
$130,000 remaining in available, already appropriated funds, that would bring the remaining, estimated,
project costs (from the current Concept Design through Construction) to about $4,063,500.
This Committee supports the use of the already appropriated funds under the control of the Board of
Selectmen (last reported to be about $131, 000 GF) and more GF, if necessary, to advance the Conceptual
Design, with value engineering, to a Schematic Design and accompanying cost estimate. This Committee,
however, does not support any funding at this time to carry work beyond Schematic Design.
Article 20: Accept Harbell
Street
Funds Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
$147,000
GF (Debt)
(Reimbursed as
Street Betterment)
Approval (4 -1)
"The FY2018 request seeks to fund the acceptance of Harbell Avenue as a town roadway under the
betterment process. This entails survey, road design and reconstruction in addition to the legal steps for
acceptance (including Town Meeting approval), road lay- out by the Board of Selectmen and recording at
64
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
the Registry of Deeds. The addition of this roadway to the Town's inventory will result in a small
increase to yearly Chapter 90 funding received by the Town. The Town currently performs minor
maintenance on the road to ensure that properties are accessible for emergency vehicles and plowing
equipment. The accepted roadway would provide residents with improved emergency services and snow
removal. The cost of this work will be recouped through betterment charges assessed to the abutting
properties.
(Brown Book)
One member is opposed to this discretionary addition of what will henceforth be a Town responsibility
for the routine or extraordinary maintenance of that street —and especially in this instance when there are
no new, taxable, abutters.
Article 21: Appropriate To
Post Employment
Insurance Liability
Fund
Funds Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
$1,842,895
$750,000 GF (Cash)
+ $1,079,721 GF
(Free Cash)
See below for this
Committee's
commentary on this
request
"To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to the Town of Lexington Post Retirement
Insurance Liability Fund, as established by Chapter 317 of the Acts of 2002; determine whether the
money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, including enterprise funds, or
by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto."
"DESCRIPTION: This article will allow the Town to continue to fund its unfunded liability for post -
employment benefits for Town of Lexington retirees. Beginning with the FY2007 audit, the Town was
required to disclose this liability. In preparation for funding this liability, Town Meeting voted to
request special legislation to establish a trust fund for this purpose. This special legislation was
approved in 2002."
(ATM Town Warrant)
Normally this Committee would not advise Town Meeting on such an Operating Budget matter; however,
as a large amount of discretionary -use cash is being assigned to this purpose, this Committee believes it is
important to raise its concern as to whether, in this period of extraordinary pressure to fund multiple,
expensive, Capital projects, this is the best use. Of the total funding proposed, only the $329,721 of the
Free Cash — representing the Federal contribution to the Town regarding Medicare Part D— represents a
firm tie to being used toward this primarily medical - benefits - related purpose.
While Lexington currently calculates it has, and acknowledges, a huge unfunded liability to this Fund
(often identified as Other Post - Employment Benefits (OPEB)). The last actuarial report, which was as of
June 30, 2015, had it at $123,562,553 with a discount rate of 8 %; $189,661,655 with a discount rate of
4 %. It is only under a policy of the BoS that the annual dollar amount is determined. So while this
Committee endorses making some annual payment into the fund to affirm Lexington recognizes it has the
liability, this Committee encourages the BoS to revisit its policy to recognize the amount each year should
be tempered by other competing demands. One of which is having as robust a Capital SF as practical as
the Town plans in the next few years to use all of that SF's cash to alleviate the impact of the debt service
for the large Capital projects —which does not yet address the LHS.
This Committee also looks to the Appropriation Committee to provide its own position in the near future
on whether the currently proposed use of these discretionary funds is in the best interests of the Town and
its taxpayers.
65
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Article 22: Appropriate
Bonds And Notes
Premiums To Pay
Project Cost
Funds Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
$2,315,343
$2,276,387(Bond
Premiums) +
$38,956 (BAN
Premiums
Approval (5 -0)
"To see if the Town will vote to (i) appropriate the premium paid to the Town upon the sale of bonds
issued on February 13, 2017 and notes issued on February 13, 2017 to pay costs of capital projects and to
reduce the amounts borrowed for such projects (if any) by the same amount, and (ii) supplement each
prior vote of the Town that authorizes the borrowing of money to pay costs of capital projects to provide
that, in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 20 of the General Laws, the premium received by the Town
upon the sale of any bonds or notes thereunder, less any such premium applied to the payment of the costs
of issuance of such bond or notes, may be applied to pay project costs and the amount authorized to be
borrowed for each such project shall be reduced by the amount of any such premium so applied: or act in
any other manner in relation thereto."
"DESCRIPTION: Passage of this article would permit premiums received upon the sale of bonds or
notes issued to finance projects to be appropriated to pay for project costs, subject to guidelines
promulgated by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Such appropriations would be for the
purpose of supplanting, not supplementing, bond financing of the project in question."
(ATM Town Warrant)
The same purpose is addressed under STM Article 5. Which ever is adopted first which, most likely,
would be the STM Article —the other would be moved to be Indefinitely Postponed.
At the recommendation of the Town's Bond Counsel, the dollar amount of all the premiums (for both
bonds and BANs) received by the Town from the financing awarded this past February 13t is to be
included in the Motion. (The Motions for all future requests for capital authorizations where financing is
include as a funding source will include a statement about applying premiums to project costs.)
rticle 23: Rescind
Prior Borrowing
Authorizations
14
Amount for Rescission
Original
Authorization
Committee Recommends
$316,070
See Below
Approval (5 -0)
"To see if the Town will vote to rescind the unused borrowing authority voted under previous Town
Meeting articles; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
"DESCRIPTION: State law requires that Town Meeting vote to rescind authorized and unissued
debt that is no longer required for its intended purpose."
(ATM Town Warrant)
The following rescissions are being requested as those projects are completed without needing the
remaining authority:
Unused Borrowing Authorizations to be Rescinded
Original Appropriation
Purpose
Amount
2013 ATM, Article 14(1)
Print Shop Renovation
$38,070
2015 ATM, Article 16(a)
School Furniture & Equipment
$28,500
2015 ATM, Article 18(f)
High School Heating Systems
Upgrade— Design
$7,500
2016 ATM, Article 15(c)
Lexington High School Heating
Systems Upgrade
$242,000
Total
$316,070
Note: No- longer- needed cash balances from issued debt are not a subject for rescission. Those are
normally proposed to Town Meeting for re- appropriation to later Capital Articles.
66
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Article 24: Establish and
Appropriate To and From
Specified Stabilization
Funds (SFs) (Only those
actions related to Capital)
Funds
Requested
Funding
Source
Committee
Recommends
Capital SF
Deposit
$7,690,398
GF
Approval (5 -0)
Withdraw
$324,500 to
apply to debt
service for
In –Levy Debt
Capital SF
Approval (5 -0)
Withdraw
$2,400,000 to
apply to debt
service for
Exempt Debt
Capital SF
Approval (5 -0)
"To see if the Town will vote to create, amend, rename and/or appropriate sums of money to and from
Stabilization Funds in accordance with Section 5B of Chapter 40 of the Massachusetts General Laws for
the purposes of: (a) Section 135 Zoning By -Law, (b) Traffic Mitigation, (c) Transportation Demand
Management/Public Transportation, (d) School Bus Transportation; (e) Special Education, (f) Center
Improvement District; (g) Debt Service, (h) Transportation Management Overlay District, (i) Capital; (j)
Payment in Lieu of Parking; and (k) Avalon Bay School Enrollment Mitigation Fund and determine
whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, or by any
combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto."
"DESCRIPTION: This article proposes to establish and/or fund Stabilization Funds for specific
purposes and to appropriate funds therefrom. Money in those funds may be invested and the interest
–may then become a part of the particular fund. These funds may later be appropriated for the specific
designated purpose, by a two- thirds vote of an Annual or Special Town Meeting, for any lawful
purpose."
(ATM Town Warrant)
"7,690,398 be appropriated into the Capital Stabilization Fund for tax relief related to debt service for
within levy and excluded debt service;
"• $324,500 to be appropriated from the Capital Stabilization Fund to mitigate the increase in debt
service for those capital projects financed within the property tax levy limit;
"• $2,400,000 be appropriated from the Capital Stabilization Fund to provide property tax relief
related to the Middle Schools and elementary schools modular classrooms debt exclusion vote in May
2016.
(Brown Book)
Available cash would be added to that SF (whose opening balance is $23,066,687), by a 2/31d vote of this
Town Meeting, with the intent that this SF will be having continuing withdrawals, by a 2/31d vote of
future Town Meetings, to mitigate the tax burden of major capital projects. If this addition and these two
withdrawals were to be approved, the SF balance would be $28,032,585. The withdrawals are expected to
be in the form of amounts cited for appropriation under the Operating Budget —as is the case for this
Town Meeting —to be an additional source toward each year's projected debt service for projects within
the Proposition 2'/2 property -tax -levy limit and for debt excluded from that limit as approved by the
voters.
,,
67
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Note: All of the Town's Specified Stabilization Funds are in addition to the Town's General Stabilization
Fund. See Appendix A for a table with information on all the Specified Stabilization Funds.
rticle 25: Appropriate to
Stabilization Fund
Funds Requested
Funding Source
Committee Recommends
N/A
N/A
Approval of Indefinite
Postponement (5 -0)
"To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to the previously created Stabilization Fund in
accordance with Section 5B of Chapter 40 of the Massachusetts General Laws; determine whether the money shall
be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any
other manner in relation thereto."
"DESCRIPTION: Money may be appropriated into the existing Stabilization Fund that may be invested
and the interest may then become part of the fund. These funds may later be appropriated, by a two- thirds
vote of an Annual or Special Town Meeting, for any lawful purpose."
(ATM Town Warrant)
At this time, there is no planned action under this Article.
rticle 26: Appropriate
from Debt Service
F4 Stabilization Fund
Funds Requested
Funding Source
Committee Recommends
$124,057
Debt Service SF
Approval (5 -0)
"To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money from the Debt Service Stabilization Fund to
offset the FY2018 debt service of the bond dated February 1, 2003 issued for additions and renovations to
the Lexington High School, Clarke Middle School and Diamond Middle School, as refunded with bonds
dated December 8, 2011; or act in any other manner in relation thereto."
"DESCRIPTION: This article would allow the Town to pay a portion of the debt service on the
2003 School Bonds from the Debt Service Stabilization Fund set up for that specific purpose."
(ATM Town Warrant)
In August 2006, the Town received over $14 million from the Massachusetts School Building Authority
as reimbursement toward the Town's secondary- schools renovation project. After using over $11 million
of those funds to retire short -term debt taken on in anticipation of that reimbursement, there was
$2,143,079 excess reimbursement that needed to be applied toward the project's long -term exempt debt.
By Department of Revenue [DOR] regulations, these funds must be used only to offset debt service on
the outstanding bond for that exempt debt.
With the prior -years appropriations from this fund and, over the same period interest being earned on the
amount in the fund, the latest provided balance for this year is $774,396. With continued, yearly,
appropriation of this same amount ($124,057), all the excess reimbursement will have been applied with
the payment in FY2023.
With the present balance, that would still leave $30,053 in the fund, but the residual balance will be
higher as a result of interest that will have been earned over the intervening years. Whatever the balance
becomes at the time of the payment in FY2023, the full balance would be appropriated (not just the
$124,057). It is the Town's position that the residual balance should be applied against other exempt debt
as the requirement to reserve these funds was to "return" the funds to the taxpayer through the mitigation
of exempt -debt service.
68
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Article 28: Amend
FY2017
Operating,
Enterprise
And CPA
Budgets
(Enterprise &
CPA only)
Budget
Funds
Requested
Purpose
Funding
Source
Committee
Recommends
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
"To see if the Town will vote to make supplementary appropriations, to be used in conjunction with money
appropriated under Articles 4, 5 and 8 of the warrant for the 2016 Annual Town Meeting, to be used during the
current fiscal year, or make any other adjustments to the current fiscal year budgets and appropriations that may be
necessary; to determine whether the money shall be provided by transfer from available funds including Community
Preservation Fund; or act in any other manner in relation thereto."
"DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article to permit adjustments to current fiscal year (FY2017)
appropriations."
(ATM Town Warrant)
At this time, there is no planned action under this Article.
r rticle 29: Appropriate
for Authorized Capital
Improvements
Funds Requested
Funding Source
Committee Recommends
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Indefinite Postponement
(5 -0)
"To see if the Town will vote to make supplementary appropriations to be used in conjunction with
money appropriated in prior years for the installation or construction of water mains, sewers and sewerage
systems, drains, streets, buildings, recreational facilities or other capital improvements and equipment that
have heretofore been authorized; determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by
transfer from the balances in other articles, by transfer from available funds, including enterprise funds
and the Community Preservation Fund, by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or act in
any other manner in relation thereto."
"DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article to request funds to supplement existing appropriations for
certain capital projects in light of revised cost estimates that exceed such appropriations."
(ATM Town Warrant)
At this time, there is no planned action under this Article.
Article 36: Amend
General Bylaws—
Municipal
Modernization Act
(Only MGL Chapter
40, Sections 22B &
22C)
Funds Requested
Funding
Source
Committee Recommends
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Approval (5 -0)
"To see if the Town will vote to accept the following sections of the Massachusetts General Laws which were
amended by Chapter 218 of the Acts of 2016, known as an Act Modernizing Municipal Finance Act:
a) MGL Chapter 40, Section...22B and 22C (Parking Meter receipts and uses),
or act in any other manner in relation thereto."
69
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
"DESCRIPTION: The recent State law known as the Municipal Modernization Act includes a number of
provisions that require local acceptance. That is, for a municipality to avail itself of the provision it must first be
accepted by Town Meeting. The Board of Selectmen are recommending the following provisions of the Act be
accepted:
• Chapter 40, section...22B and 22C: These provisions will...2) allow the Town to continue to acquire off -
street parking areas and facilities with receipts of the parking meter fund; and 3) allow the Town to
continue to purchase and install parking meters with receipts of the parking meter fund....
(ATM Town Warrant)
This Committee is taking a position on just those two sections as they include authority for the
Town to make what could well be Capital - related actions.
70
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Appendix A: Information on the Town's Current Specified
Stabilization Funds
Review of Lexington's Specified Stabilization Funds for Applicability
to the Lexington Capital Expenditures Committee's Reports to a Lexington Town Meeting
Town Warrant, Town of Lexington, for 2017 Annual Town Meeting on 20 Mar 2017, signed 30 Jan 2017
Article 24: ESTABLISH AND APPROPRIATE TO AND FROM SPECIFIED STABILIZATION FUNDS
To see if the Town will vote to create, rename or appropriate sums of money to and from Stabilization Funds in
accordance with Section 5B of Chapter 40 of the Massachusetts General Laws for the purposes of: (a) Section 135
Zoning By -Law, (b) Traffic Mitigation, (c) Transportation Demand Management /Public Transportation, (d) School Bus
Transportation, (e) Special Education, (f) Center Improvement District; (g) Debt Service, (h) Transportation Management
Overlay District , (i) Capital; (j) Payment in Lieu of Parking; and (k) Avalon Bay School Enrollment Mitigation Fund and
determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, or by any
combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto."
Warrant
Town Meeting (ATM = Annual; STM = Special)
Capital
Related
Sequence
Name
Created
Purpose
(a)
Section 135 Zoning By -Law
2007 ATM, Art 39
"for the purpose of financing public
improvements pursuant to Section 135 of the
Code of Lexington"
Yes
(b)
Traffic Mitigation
2007 ATM, Art 39
"for the purpose of financing traffic mitigation
projects pursuant to conditions of special
permits issue by the Town
Yes
(c)
Transportation Demand
Management /Public
Transportation
2007 ATM, Art 39, &
repurposed under
2016 ATM, Art 21b
"for the purpose of supporting the planning
and operations of transportation services to
serve the needs of town residents and
No
(d)
School Bus Transportation
2007 ATM, Art 39
"for the purpose of supporting transportation
of students to and from school on a daily basis"
No
(e)
Special Education
2008 ATM, Art 24
None stated when created, but Appropriation
Committee Report to that Town Meeting says
"for setting aside reserves to help cover
unexpected out -of- district Special Education
expenses that exceed budget"
No
(f)
Center Improvement District
2009 ATM, Art 25
"to fund needed improvements in Lexington
Center"
Yes
(some
actions)
(g)
Debt Service
2009 ATM, Art 26
"for the purpose of paying a portion of the
debt service on certain outstanding bonds of
the Town issued for the purpose of the
Diamond Middle School, Clarke Middle School
and High School construction projects"
Yes
(h)
Transportation Management
Overlay District
2011 ATM, Art 20
"for the purpose of financing transportation
infrastructure improvements per Section 135 -
43C of the Code of the Town of Lexington"
Yes
(i)
Capital
2012 STM 19 Nov,
Art 3, & renamed
under 2015 ATM,
Art 26e
Originally name "Capital Projects /Debt Service
Reserve /Building Renewal Fund "; purposes
remained the same when renamed
Yes
(j)
Payment in Lieu of Parking
Being Proposed
under 2017 ATM,
Art 24
Expect to be about this: "for the purpose of
management, construction and acquisition of
public parking and related improvements,
including bicycle and pedestrian
accommodations serving Lexington Center."
Yes
(some
actions)
(k)
Avalon By School Enrollment
Mitigation Fund
2011 ATM, Art 20
"to mitigate the cost of students attending the
Lexington Public Schools who reside at Avalon
Bay"
No
Note: The School Bus Transportation and Avalon By School Enrollment Mitigation Stabilization Funds are expected to
have their small residual balances (less than $50 each) applied under Article 4, FY2018 Operating Budget, and then be
inactive.
Prepared 12 Mar 2017
A -1 1
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Appendix B:
Summary of Warrant - Article Recommendations
Abbreviations: RF = Revolving Fund; CPF = Community Preservation Fund;
EF = Enterprise Fund; RE = Retained Earnings; GF = General Fund;
SF = Stabilization Fund; TBD = To Be Determined; ATM = Annual Town Meeting;
STM = Special Town Meeting; R &CP = Recreation & Community Programs
Article
Description
Request
Funding Source
CEC
Difference
2017 -1; 2
Appropriate Design Funds For Fire Headquarters
$450,000
GF (Debt) (Candidate for Debt Exclusion)
2017 -1; 3
Appropriate Design Funds For Fire Station Swing
$50,000
GF (Debt) (Candidate for Debt Exclusion)
2017 -1; 4
Appropriate Design Funds For Lexington Children's
Place /20 Pelham Road
$581,500
GF (Debt) (Candidate for Debt Exclusion)
2017 -1; 5
Appropriate Bonds And Notes Premiums To Pay
Project Costs
$2,315,343
Bond & Ban Premiums
10(a)
Interpretive Signage Project
$38,400
CPF (Cash)
10(b)
Parker's Revenge Interpretive and Public Education
Signage & Displays
$41,350
CPF (Cash)
10(c)
Greeley Village Rear Door and Porch Supplemental
Request
$56,712
CPF (Cash)
10(d)
Affordable Units Preservation - Pine Grove
Village /Judges Road
$1,048,000
CPF (Cash)
Pending Vote
10(e)
Willard's Woods and Wright Farm Meadow
Preservation
$40,480
CPF (Cash)
10(f)
Cotton Farm Conservation Area Improvements
$301,300
CPF (Cash)
10(g)
Wright Farm Supplemental Funds
$37,900
CPF (Cash)
10(h)
Stone Building Feasibility Study
$25,000
CPF (Cash)
10(1)
Munroe School Window Restoration
$620,000
CPF (Cash)
100)
Center Streetscape Improvements
IP
N/A
10(k)
Community Center Sidewalk
$220,000
CPF (Cash)
10(1)
Park Improvements - Athletic Fields
$125,000
CPF (Cash)
10(m)
Town Pool Renovation
$1,620,000
CPF (Cash)
10(n)
Park and Playground Improvements
$60,000
CPF (Cash)
10(0)
CPA Debt Service
$2,390,998
CPF (Cash)
10(p)
Administrative Budget
$150,000
CPF (Cash)
11
Appropriate for Recreation Capital Projects
$55,000
R &CP EF (RE)
12(a)
Center Streetscape Improvements & Easements
IP
N/A
12(b)
Automatic Meter Reading System
$40,000
$20,000 Wastewater EF (RE) + $20,000 Water
EF (RE)
12(c)
DPW Equipment Replacement
$1,083,000
$558,000 GF (Debt) + $525,000 Compost RF
(Debt)
12(d)
Street Improvements
$3,513,943
$2,542,927 GF (Cash) + $971,016 (Chapter 90)
12(e)
Storm Drainage Improvements and NPDES
Compliance
$340,000
GF (Free Cash)
12(f)
Hydrant Replacement Program
$150,000
$75,000 GF (Free Cash) + $75,000 Water EF
(RE)
12(g)
Comprehensive Watershed Stormwater Management
Study and Implementation
$390,000
GF (Debt)
12(h)
Sidewalk Improvements, Additions and Designs and
Easements
$800,000
GF (Debt)
12(i)
Dam Repair
$760,000
GF (Debt)
120)
Town Wide Culvert Replacement
$390,000
GF (Debt)
12(k)
Town -wide Signalization Improvements
$125,000
$7,021 GF (Free Cash) + $117,979 Unused bond
proceeds of prior - years' capital projects
12(1)
Hartwell Avenue Infrastructure
Improvements -Supplemental Funds
$2,185,000
GF (Debt)
12(m)
Bikeway Bridge Renovations
$368,000
$249,426 GF (Debt) + $118,574 GF (Free Cash)
12(n)
Hartwell Avenue Compost Site Improvements
$200,000
Compost RF (Debt)
12(o)
Westview Cemetery Building Design
$270,000
GF (Debt) with debt service from the Cemetery
Special Revenue Account
12(p)
Westview Cemetery Irrigation
$35,000
Cemetery Sale -of -Lots Special Revenue Account
(Cash)
12(q)
Highway Sign Machine
$40,000
GF (Free Cash))
12(r)
Town Wide Phone Systems -Phase VI
$120,000
GF (Free Cash)
12(s)
Municipal Technology Improvement Program
$100,000
GF (Free Cash)
12(t)
Network Redundancy & Improvement Plan
$130,000
GF (Free Cash)
12(u)
Bedford Street at Eldred Street Safety Improvements
$175,000
GF (Free Cash)
12(v)
Transportation Mitigation
$100,000
GF (Free Cash)
12(w)
Hill Street Sidewalk Design
$150,000
GF (Free Cash)
12(x)
Ambulance Replacement
$280,000
GF (Debt)
13
Water System Improvements
$1,000,000
Water EF (RE)
Continued of next page
B -1
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2017 ATM & STM 2017 -1
Summary of Warrant - Article Recommendations (continued)
Article
Description
Request
Funding Source
CEC
Difference
14(a)
Wastewater System Investigation and Improvements
$1,000,000
Wastewater EF (RE)
14(b)
Pump Station Upgrades
$800,000
$530,000 Wastewater EF (Debt) + $270,000
Wastewater EF (RE)
15(a)
Food Service Equipment
$75,000
Food Service RF (Cash)
15(b)
School Furniture, Equipment & Systems Program
$123,000
GF (Free Cash)
15(c)
LPS Technology Capital Request
$1,331,900
GF (Debt)
16(a)
School Building Envelopes and Systems Program
$222,200
GF (Free Cash)
16(b)
Lexington High School Air Conditioning— Teacher
Planning Offices and Library
$600,000
GF (Debt)
16(c)
Municipal Building Envelopes and Systems
$194,713
GF (Cash)
16(d)(1)
Building Flooring Program
$150,000
GF (Free Cash)
Against
Bundling 3
projects
16(d)(2)
School Paving Program
$172,226
GF (Free Cash)
16(d)(3)
School Traffic Safety Improvements
$45,000
GF (Free Cash)
16(e)
Public Facilities Bid Documents
$217,979
GF (Free Cash)
16(f)
Public Facilities Mechanical /Electrical System
Replacements
$489,000
GF (Free Cash)
16(g)
LHS Security Evaluation and Upgrade
$150,000
GF (Free Cash)
16(h)
LHS Guidance Space Mining
$230,200
GF (Debt)
16(1)
LHS Nurse Office and Treatment Space
$320,100
GF (Debt)
160)
Parking Lot for Community Center
TBD
GF (Free Cash)
17
Appropriate For Hastings School Replacement
Design
$720,000
GF (Debt) (Candidate for Debt Exclusion)
18
Appropriate For Visitors Center
Unknown
Unknown ($118,500 was deferred in Brown
Book)
Against
funding at
this ATM any
work past
Schematic
Design
20
Accept Harbell Street
$147,000
GF (Debt) (Reimbursed as Street Betterment)
21
Appropriate To Post Employment Insurance Liability
Fund
$1,842,895
$750,000 GF (Cash) + $1,079,721 GF (Free
Cash)
See Article
Comment for
Concern
22
Appropriate Bonds and Notes Premiums to Pay
Project Costs
$2,315,343
$2,276,387 Bond Premiums & $38,956 Ban
Premiums
23
Rescind Prior Borrowing Authorizations
$316,070
Unused and Unneeded Borrow Authorizations
24
Establish and Appropriate To and From Specified
Stabilization Funds
$4,965,898
$7,690,398 deposit GF less $2,724,500 GF
25
Appropriate To Stabilization Fund
N/A
N/A
26
Appropriate from Debt Service Stabilization Fund
$124,057
Debt Service SF
28
Amend FY2017 Operating, Enterprise and CPA
Budgets
TBD
29
Appropriate for Authorized Capital Improvement
IP
N/A
36
Amend General Bylaws— Municipal Modernization Act
(Only MGL Chapter 40, Sections 22B & 22C)
N/A
N/A
Totals (Does not include TBDs) $39,524,507
See Above