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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-18-SB-ATM-rptSELECT BOARD TOWN OF LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD REPORT TO THE 2024 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MARCH 18, 2024 Select Board: Joseph N Pato, Chair; Suzanne E. Barry, Vice-Chair; Douglas M. Lucente; Jill I. Hai; Mark D. Sandeen; Kim Katzenback, Executive Clerk Table of Contents Message from the Select Board Page 1 Select Board Goals Page 3 Budget and Finance Planning Page 6 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Page 7 Lexington High School Project Page 8 Social Racial Equity Initiatives Page 9 Municipal & School Building Projects Page 9 Update on Recent Home Rule Petitions Page 11 2025: The 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington Page 13 1 March 2024 Message from the Select Board This report to Annual Town Meeting 2024 under Article 2 contains an update on issues and topics the Board felt would be of interest to Town Meeting Members. This year we have included: an overview of Select Board goals and actions taken to achieve them; reflections on budget and finance planning; use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding; Lexington High School project; social & racial equity initiatives; update on municipal and school building projects; update on recent home rule petitions; 2025: the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington. In addition, the Board would like to note Town Manager Jim Malloy’s plans to retire at the end of September 2024. Mr. Malloy came to Lexington in 2018 and has provided skilled leadership throughout the trying pandemic years. He brought to Lexington a deep background in financial planning and established guidelines for the use of the Capital Stabilization Fund that will serve to reduce the burden of big-ticket capital projects like the upcoming Lexington High School project. In addition, Mr. Malloy has been a statewide and international leader serving on the Board of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) and then as President of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). The Board looks forward to continuing to work with Mr. Malloy until his retirement. 2 Should you have any questions or comments regarding this report, we encourage you to get in touch with any member of the Board. Select Board meetings are generally held Monday evenings at 6:30pm in the Select Board meeting room of the Town Office building, and via zoom. Board members’ office hours as well as the Select Board meeting packets are posted at https://www.lexingtonma.gov/755/Select-Board. We can be reached via email (below) or by calling the Select Board Office (781-698-4580) to schedule a phone conversation or meeting. ● Joe Pato, Chair: jpato@lexingtonma.gov ● Suzie Barry, Vice-Chair: sbarry@lexingtonma.gov ● Jill Hai: jhai@lexingtonma.gov ● Doug Lucente: dlucente@lexingtonma.gov ● Mark Sandeen: msandeen@lexingtonma.gov Respectfully submitted, Lexington Select Board Joseph N. Pato, Chair Suzanne E. Barry, Vice Chair Douglas M. Lucente Jill I. Hai, Chair Mark D. Sandeen 3 Select Board Goals During the fall of 2023, the Select Board engaged Jon Wortmann to interview staff and Town Committees to gather input for the upcoming two-year goal set. The Select Board met on October 11, 2023, to review these aspirations and identified the Board’s top priorities. Each goal was assigned to one member of the Board with a second member volunteering on some to assist as needed. During November and December Board members worked with Mr. Wortmann to identify measurable actions against those goals. All goals will be continually reevaluated under core shared principles including: Our commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community that thrives on the principles of respect, dignity, and fairness. We recognize that diversity enriches our community, brings together unique perspectives, and strengthens our ability to effectively serve our residents. This includes our ambition to: o Increase and broaden diverse participation in our professional ranks and civic activities o Welcome all people in Lexington o Consider health in all decisions o Provide recreation facilities for all Honoring our rich historic traditions and taking pride in Lex250th celebration events Diversifying the commercial tax base to reduce financial burdens on residents allowing more to remain and lower the barriers for new residents to call Lexington home. Our commitment to being a sustainable and resilient community for all where we strive to: o Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, o Create cleaner indoor and outdoor environments, and o Ensure all members of our community have access to the tools they need to o Be resilient in a changing climate. Goal #1: Enhance community vibrancy by increasing diversity of housing stock in size, accessibility, and price (primary: Jill Hai assistant: Mark Sandeen) Update: Article 33 at Annual Town Meeting 2024 seeks authority for the Select board to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of Town owned land for the purpose of developing affordable housing. Any proposal at this site would be required to be 100% affordable, and all units must qualify for and be included in the Subsidized Housing Index. The Board allocated $1,455,000 in ARPA funds for the acquisition of housing units by LexHAB in order to retain smaller one- and two-family houses, now included in the Subsidized Housing Index The first proposal under the revised Special Residential Development bylaw, which is the product of a Select Board appointed committee, has been introduced. Following the guidelines created by the committee, it proposes two 2-family homes and two three family condominium buildings, for 10 units in four buildings, rather than a conventional development of single family homes. Eight of the 10 homes will be served by elevator, increasing their accessibility and 15% of the gross floor area is dedicated to affordable housing. 40% of the developable lot is retained as open space. 4 Goal #2: Recognize and minimize issues around construction preserving quality of life (primary: Joe Pato, assistant: Mark Sandeen) Update: Proposed revisions to the noise by-law to remove ambiguities about construction techniques and the need for mitigation plans for consideration as Article 29a at the Annual Town Meeting 2024. Revised Noise Advisory Committee charge and began process to reconstitute the committee. When formed, the committee will be tasked to create a process for revising the noise by-law to establish noise limits appropriate to location or activity and clarify enforcement to be completed no later than Annual Town Meeting 2025. The Tree Committee has brought 3 articles to Annual Town Meeting 2024 (34, 35, and 36) providing additional protections for trees related to construction activities. Goal #3: Create a more vibrant downtown (primary: Doug Lucente, assistant: Jill Hai) Update: Prioritizing Initiatives: The Select Board heard the final report and recommendations from consultants on March 6th, stemming from the community workshops held in Fall 2023 titled "Lexington Center: The Journey Forward." These insights will be instrumental in refining and prioritizing our downtown revitalization efforts. Diversifying Alcohol Uses: Progress is underway to allow more varied alcohol-related experiences. Proposed bylaw amendments to allow Craft Beverage Establishments are encapsulated in ATM Article 49. Pending a favorable decision from the Town Meeting, subsequent actions will involve the Select Board re-evaluating our alcohol policies to support this diversification. Streamlining Business Signage: Enhancements to the sign bylaw, aimed at simplifying signage processes for businesses, are detailed in ATM Article 47. These changes await final adjustments by the Planning Board and a positive vote at the Town Meeting, marking a significant step towards a business-friendly downtown. Tourist-Focused Social Media Initiatives: In alignment with our goal to enhance downtown vibrancy, the Semiquincentennial Commission has partnered with a communications firm. This collaboration focuses on leveraging social media campaigns designed to attract tourists, especially during the 250th-anniversary celebrations, further enriching our downtown's appeal. These initiatives collectively represent our commitment to transforming Lexington's downtown into a more engaging, accessible, and vibrant community hub. Goal #4: Improve communication efficiency in Board meetings and with staff (primary: Joe Pato, assistant: Suzie Barry) Update: Working with staff to revise procedures for requesting an item on the Select Board agenda. Guidelines for submission materials include logistical information, requested action, as well common areas of concern that Board Members will want to see addressed. Completion expected by end of Spring 2024. Exploring how to integrate the above procedures with new agenda management software that will replace the now obsolete Novus Agenda package. Goal #5: Transition to 100% renewable energy (primary: Mark Sandeen) 5 Update: There are approximately 18 MW of solar energy systems currently installed in Lexington. There were 3.6 MW of new solar energy systems added in Lexington during 2023. Approximately 55 million kWh of Lexington’s commercial electricity usage is currently provided from 100% renewable energy sources. The Town of Lexington has established the HeatSmart Advisor program to provide Lexington residents who express an interest in converting their HVAC systems to heat pumps with the educational resources, advice, and consultation to empower them to make the transition with confidence. The program is now in its second year. There are currently 1,505 electric vehicles (6.2%) and 2,692 hybrid vehicles (11.3%) registered in Lexington versus 19,889 internal combustion vehicles (82.5%) according to the Massachusetts DOT vehicle census as of January 1, 2024. There were 431 additional electric vehicles registered in Lexington in the last year. There were 358 additional hybrid vehicles registered in Lexington in the last year. The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources approved Lexington’s application to participate in the 10 Communities Demonstration Project with a start date of March 21, 2024. The first year of Building Energy Use Disclosure Data has been published on the Town website. - https://www.lexingtonma.gov/1645/Building-Energy-Use-Disclosure Complete Net Zero Police Station – Construction is underway for the solar canopy structure, which is expected to be completed by the Fall of 2024. Establish Net Zero design standards for the new high school design – The School Building Committee has established design standards with the high school design team for a highly efficient, net-zero, all-electric high school. Establish High Performance Building standards for existing municipal buildings – The Select Board approved the High-Performance Buildings Policy on December 18, 2023. Complete Network Geothermal Feasibility Study – The Town of Lexington was awarded a grant to complete this study and expects to issue a report by the end of 2024. Develop the Getting to Zero Emissions Transportation Plan Develop Town’s Fleet Charging Infrastructure Plan – Initial discussions are underway. Curbside Composting for one third of Lexington residents – The Select Board has approved the use of ARPA composting from 2,000 households to 4,000 households or approximately one third of Lexington residents. Become a Climate Leader Community Goal #6: Advance age-in community initiatives for Lexington seniors (primary: Doug Lucente) Update: While there has been no notable advancement on these initiatives by the Select Board at the local level, at the state level, Governor Healey has filed the Municipal Empowerment Act, which introduces several measures that could indirectly support Lexington's age-in-community initiatives. Key components include: A new local-option means-tested property tax exemption for seniors, allowing cities and towns to offer additional property tax exemptions to qualifying seniors based on specific income and asset levels, residency duration, and homeownership. 6 Extension of the local option for personal exemptions to seniors, blind persons, and others, allowing those whose domiciles are held in trusts or other arrangements to qualify for exemptions. Authorization for municipalities to increase existing senior property tax exemptions beyond the current $500 limit. These measures, if passed by the legislature, could provide a framework for Lexington to advance its age-in-community initiatives, offering financial stability and support for seniors to maintain independent living in their homes. Goal #7: Raise community awareness and engagement with the high school project (primary: Suzie Barry, assistant: Joe Pato) Update: Working with the School Building Committee to publish and inform the community of community meeting information and updates on the Town website and in Link to Lexington e- newsletter with clear reference to LHS Project website. Budget and Finance Planning The Select Board is committed to ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth through careful budget and financial planning for FY2025, focusing on preserving the Aaa bond rating, avoiding operating overrides, and planning for significant projects like the new Lexington High School. The FY2025 budget, developed without a Proposition 2½ Operating Override, supports the Board's vision for Lexington, emphasizing staffing, environmental initiatives, capital improvements, and infrastructure maintenance to achieve a balanced financial plan that aligns with community priorities. Staffing - The budget incorporates staffing expansions to address the operational needs arising from new town bylaws and to continue investments in environmental initiatives, such as electric vehicles and enhancing our food waste and composting program. Specifically, it funds new roles such as an Assistant Superintendent of Public Grounds and a part-time Code Enforcement Officer, in response to the requirements of new tree and noise bylaws, as well as fire and mechanical inspectors due to the uptick in development from zoning bylaw modifications. These additions reflect the town's commitment to managing increased service demands while adhering to stricter regulations. Capital Improvement and Infrastructure - The Capital Improvement Program is designed to make timely investments in town assets, enhancing public services. The FY2025 Capital Budget includes funds for the new Lexington High School and allocates $6.0 million for renovations at 173 Bedford Street. This renovation is crucial for reorganizing town assets in light of the high school project and will make the building suitable for the School Administration staff during the construction period. The work involves installing an elevator, replacing the HVAC system, adding a sprinkler system, and reconfiguring interior spaces. Additional updates will be required after the Lexington Police Department relocates, especially to improve accessibility, fire protection, and new electric HVAC systems. Aaa Bond Rating - The Town of Lexington has maintained an Aaa credit rating, which is the highest credit rating a municipality can receive. This rating, affirmed by Moody's Investors Service, reflects the town's strong fiscal management, characterized by conservative budgeting, a sizeable and wealthy tax base, healthy reserves and liquidity, and voter support for debt exclusions. Holding an Aaa rating allows the 7 town to borrow funds at the most favorable interest rates, providing significant financial advantages for managing the town's debt and financing its projects. Capital Stabilization Fund - The Capital Stabilization Fund (CSF) underwent a policy revision in Fall 2021 to allocate new levy growth from specified commercial and industrial development to the CSF, rather than that growth becoming part of general revenue. This strategy aims to preserve levy capacity for managing sudden increases in debt service for major capital projects, such as high school construction. For FY2025, the budget maintains this approach, with $4,036,373 transferred to the CSF from the tax levy, consistent with FY2024. This amount is expected to increase as new levy growth is calculated for FY2025, with an additional transfer planned for the Fall 2024 Special Town Meeting. After this budget cycle, the CSF balance will exceed $36.0 million. The CSF plays a crucial role in our fiscal strategy, setting aside new tax levy growth for future capital projects. This approach allows us to build reserves for forthcoming capital endeavors, particularly the renovation or reconstruction of Lexington High School. Our commitment to this fund has not only provided tax relief to citizens by reducing debt service excluded from Proposition 2½ but also prepares us for significant capital projects ahead. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding As we approach the conclusion of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding period, we are pleased to present an update on the allocation and utilization of ARPA funds in our community. The Town of Lexington was allocated a total of $9,903,381 in ARPA funds, aimed at addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and fostering recovery across critical sectors. As of February 5, 2024, the Select Board has approved spending totaling $9,110,345. The funds have been allocated to the following initiative areas: Economic Stimulus & Resiliency: The largest portion, approximately 37% of the funds, was earmarked to support our local economy, including bolstering the cultural sector, aiding small businesses, enhancing community events, updating digital platforms, improving public spaces, and fostering bikeway mobility and engagement. Public Health & Safety: With 26% of the funding, this area focused on bolstering the town's health department and public safety measures in response to the pandemic. Housing: 16% of the funds were allocated to address housing needs, ensuring support for those affected by the pandemic in securing stable housing. Pandemic Response: 13% of the funds were directly used for pandemic-related expenditures, including testing, vaccination programs, and other immediate health needs. PIRs (Program Improvement Requests): 6% of the funds have been utilized for enhancing the Food Waste Program, acquiring a new electric vehicle for the Health Department, and formulating an ADA Town Building Self Evaluation and Transition Plan. Food Insecurity: A smaller, yet crucial 2% of the funds addressed food insecurity, ensuring that residents affected by the pandemic have access to necessary resources. The Participatory Budgeting (PB) process implemented in the previous year, which actively engaged our citizens in the decision-making process, leading to impactful community projects. However, given the stipulation that all ARPA funds must be committed by December 31, 2024, the continuation of the PB process will not be feasible this calendar year. Further, it is important to note that, despite concerted efforts, the initiative to establish a Dog Park will not proceed due to the inability to identify a suitable location within the time frames for ARPA spending. We extend our gratitude to all residents who participated in the PB process, contributing valuable insights and demonstrating the strength of our community's collective vision. 8 With an available balance of $899,974, the Select Board is dedicated to navigate the final phase of ARPA fund allocation and utilization. The Select Board remains committed to ensuring that these resources are deployed in a manner that maximizes benefits for our community, adhering to the guiding principles of transparency, equity, and strategic impact. Lexington High School Project The Lexington High School project is likely to be the most ambitious and expensive project undertaken by the Town of Lexington. Plans for this project have been brewing for years leading to the 2017 LHS Visioning process, the 2019 LPS Strategic Plan and the creation of the Master Planning Advisory Committee during the 2018-2019 year. In 2022 Lexington was invited into the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Eligibility Period beginning the current process for the project. During 2023 the Lexington High School Building Committee (SBC) was involved in the steps outlined by the MSBA in Module 2 Forming the Project Team. This phase of the project is where the Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) and the Design team are selected. The OPM selection process concluded in May with the selection of Dore + Whittier. The SBC then worked with the MSBA’s Designer Selection Panel and ultimately selected SMMA as the preferred Designer for the project in October 2023. The feasibility phase, MSBA Module 3, began in earnest in November 2023 and will continue through End of May 2024. In this phase a minimum of three options must be identified. At least one option for repair only, renovation, and new construction must be identified. The project team has begun to seek feedback from the multiple town groups, committees, boards, and departments through focus group discussions which are intended to be implemented in a 3-step approach: meeting 1 – listen to feedback from stakeholders; meeting 2 – the design team will report back what they heard and clarify with the stakeholders; meeting 3 – will be to have these focus groups make a recommendation on elements and attributes of the project that the SBC should consider. Detailed information about the project is publicly available at: https://lhsproject.lexingtonma.org The current expected timeline for the LHS Project is illustrated below. 2024 Annual Town Meeting is being asked to appropriate for design funds for the project of $10M via article 26. The next major funding action by Town Meeting expected to occur at a Special Town Meeting near the end of 2025 followed by a town- wide debt exclusion vote. Occupancy in the new or renovated facility is expected at the end of this decade or early in the next. Figure 1: Anticipated Timeline - all dates are subject to change. 9 Social Racial Equity Initiatives The Select Board recognizes that social and racial injustice has deep roots. The Board has made a proactive and ongoing commitment to engage in comprehensive and ongoing community conversations to better understand community needs and to consider diversity, equity, and inclusion in policies and plans, all with the goal of making Lexington a truly equitable community for all. The Select Board has adopted Diversity, Equity & Inclusion as one of its goals, including a commitment to develop and implement a comprehensive racial equity plan, consider racial and other equity impacts in all decisions and planning processes, and incorporate the goals of Town Meeting’s systemic racism resolution in each department’s goals and objectives. The Select Board recognizes that accomplishing these goals will require a budgetary commitment to training and continuous improvement and has recommended establishing a budget for accomplishing these goals. The Chief Equity Officer (CEO) leads the Town in achieving these goals. The CEO is in the process of updating job descriptions and expanding posting locations with the goal of encouraging a broader applicant pool for Town staff positions. The CEO is also working with senior leadership to incorporate more effective interviewing techniques with these goals in mind. The CEO has initiated an internal equity audit in collaboration with an independent diversity, equity and inclusion consulting organization. During this process 120 staff members participated in training sessions, 65 staff members participated in focus groups on racial identity, disability, management, women, and LGBTQIA+ topics that were open to all staff. In addition, 40% of town staff answered a survey on equity issues. The CEO has started a compensation study, in collaboration with an independent human resources consultant, considering internal pay equity and to ensure that salary ranges and benefits remain competitive for all staff. The CEO, in collaboration with the Police Chief, held six Coffee and Conversation with the Chief events, with a total of over 40 residents having an opportunity to discuss community concerns with the Police Chief. The CEO collaborated with the Sustainability & Resilience Officer to develop a framework used by senior leadership to consider Sustainability and DEI in staff’s day-to-day operational decisions and long-term planning processes. This framework has been presented to the Select Board who encouraged a broad and inclusive community-wide focus for these initiatives. Update on Municipal and School Building Projects The Board continues to address the issues of maintaining and improving our municipal and school building infrastructure. The following section includes the current status of Lexington’s building projects. The Lexington High School building project is covered in the Lexington High School section of this report. Westview Cemetery Administration Building Start Date: April 2022 Project Completion Date: August 2023 Project Budget: $4,330,000 Funding: ATM 2017-Article 12o /ATM 2020-Article 16k / STM 2021-1 Article 7 Design funding of $270,000 was approved at ATM 2017. Initial construction funding of $3,290,000 was approved at ATM 2020 under Article 16k. Initial construction bids came in higher than the appropriated amount. As a result, Town Meeting approved additional construction funding of $770,000 at STM 2021-1 10 under Article 7. Construction was completed and the building occupied in August 2023. During a significant winter storm, a 100-foot pine tree fell on the building. Fortunately, no one was injured, however the building did sustain minor damage. The roof has been temporarily patched and remains watertight. The roof, insulation, decking, and drip edge will be replaced when temperatures are warmer. A solar energy system will be installed in compliance with the Town’s net zero renewable energy policy goals. Construction of the solar energy system is expected to be completed during the summer of 2024. Lexington Police Station Appropriation: $34,517,622 Status: Construction underway Estimated Project Completion Date: Fall 2024 Funding: ATM 2018-Article 14 / STM 2021-1 Article 5a /STM 2022-1 Article 2 / ATM 2023 Article 16(i) The new Police Station facility is being constructed in compliance with the Town’s Integrated Building Design and Construction Policy and will be solar ready in furtherance of the Town’s net zero renewable energy policy goals. The building design and construction includes all of the infrastructure necessary to support onsite solar energy generation and energy storage systems designed to reduce the building’s energy consumption and peak demand charges, while improving the building’s resilience in the event of power outages and enabling high speed electric vehicle charging for the Police Department’s electric vehicle fleet. The solar energy canopy design went through an extensive public process to secure approval of a design that is appropriate for the neighborhood and meets the requirements of the Historic Districts Commission. The Historic Districts Commission issued a Certificate of Appropriateness in November 2023. Construction of the footings for the canopy have begun. Solar canopy and energy storage system construction is expected to be completed by the Fall of 2024 with a goal of having the solar canopy project completed at the same time as the Police Station to maximize efficiencies with the site contractor. Old Reservoir Bath House Renovation Appropriation: $620,000 Funding: ATM 2019-Article 14g Initial bids received by the Town exceeded the appropriation approved by Town Meeting. The Department of Public Facilities and Recreation Department staff proposed design changes and procurement alternatives to lower overall project costs. DPF went out to bid a second time and the bids received were still well above the appropriation approved by Town Meeting. The Recreation Committee is reviewing the current status and deliberating on next steps for this project. Center Bathroom & Maintenance Building Renovation Appropriation: $780,000 Project Completion Date: October 2024 Funding: ATM 2020-Article 16b / ATM 2021-Article 16g / ATM 2022-Article 10e 2020 Annual Town Meeting approved $100,000 in design and engineering funds for the Center Bathroom building renovation project. At the 2021 Annual Town Meeting, the Select Board recommended indefinite postponement of warrant article 16g requesting $915,000 in construction funding to a future Town Meeting. 2022 ATM approved warrant article 10e requesting $680,000 in funding for this project. The renovation of the Center Bathroom facility was completed in October 2024. 11 Update on Recent Home Rule Petitions There are six home rule petition requests approved at recent Town Meetings that remain under consideration by the legislature. No final action has been taken by the legislature on any of these petitions. STM 2020-2: Article 6 – Authorize Special Legislation Development Surcharge for Community Housing (Citizen Petition) Bill H.4314 (malegislature.gov) An Act authorizing a development surcharge for community housing in the town of Lexington Status: Reported favorably by the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government. Referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling, reported out for second reading. Second reading on 7/31/2022 and ordered to a third reading. No further action by the end of the legislative session. Refiled in the 193rd (Current) session of the legislature as Bill HD.3088. https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/HD3088 Status: House referred to committee on revenue 2/16/23, Senate concurred; Hearing 7/17/23 accepting written testimony only; House reporting date extended to 4/30/24 pending Senate concurrence. This may be mooted if Governor Healey’s Affordable Homes Act is adopted, which includes a provision for local adoption of real estate transfer fees. The Select Board and Housing Partnership have each voted unanimous support for the Real Estate Transfer Fee local option. More information and financial analysis can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/the-affordable-homes-act-transfer-fee- analysis#:~:text=The%20Affordable%20Homes%20Act%20includes,home%20price%2C%20whic hever%20is%20greater ATM 2021: Article 26 – Petition General Court to Amend Legislation Regarding Permanent Transportation Funding Bill H.3892 (malegislature.gov) An Act authorizing the town of Lexington to establish transit improvement districts. Status: Referred to Joint Committee on Transportation, reported favorably after study. No further action by the end of the legislative session. Refiled in the 193rd (Current) session of the legislature as Bill H3704. https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/HD2481 Status: House referred to the committee on Transportation 3/30/23, Senate concurred; Joint hearing scheduled 1/10/24 ATM 2021: Article 29 – Clean Heat-Authorize Special Legislation to Regulate Fossil Fuel Infrastructure and Adopt Bylaw Amendment Enabling Legislation 12 Bill H.3893 (malegislature.gov) An Act authorizing the town of Lexington to adopt and enforce local regulations restricting new fossil fuel infrastructure in certain construction. Status: Referred to Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy No further action by the end of the legislative session. The need for this home rule petition has been largely made moot by Chapter 179 of the Acts of 2022 authorizing a demonstration program for municipal regulation of fossil fuels in new construction. Lexington received approval to become one of the Participating Communities in the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Demonstration Project. The acceptance did suggest certain updates to Lexington’s bylaw to comply with DOER’s regulations and those revisions are included in the warrant for this Town Meeting as Article 38. ATM 2021: Article 36 – Authorize Special Legislation-Development Surcharge for Affordable Housing (Citizen Petition) Bill H.3891 (malegislature.gov) An Act to establish a surcharge on specific commercial development activities for the purpose of funding the creation of community housing. Status: Passed by the House but did not reach a third reading in the Senate. No further action by the end of the legislative session. Refiled in the 193rd (Current) session of the legislature as Bill HD.3085. https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/HD3085 Status: House referred to committee on revenue 2/16/23, Senate concurred; Joint hearing scheduled for 7/25/23 written testimony only. Reporting deadline extended to 4/30/24. STM 2022-2: Article 3 – Amend General Bylaw to Allow Remote Participation at Hybrid Town Meetings Bill H.4876 (malegislature.gov) An Act authorizing the town of Lexington to allow remote participation at town meetings Status: Reported favorably by the committee on Election Laws and the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling. Concluded a second reading and ordered for a third reading. No further action by the end of the legislative session. Refiled in the 193rd (Current) session of the legislature as Bill HD.118. https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/HD118 Status: House referred to committee on Election Laws 2/16/23, senate concurred; Joint hearing scheduled 6/21/23; reporting deadline extended to 3/19/24. STM 2022-3: Article 14 – LEXHAB Reorganization Filed in the 193rd (Current) session of the legislature as Bill HD.119. An Act reorganizing the Lexington Housing Assistance Board, Inc https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/HD119 Status: Filed as H3775 in the 193rd (Current) session of the Legislature. Transmitted to the Secretary of State on 3/22/23 and returned to the House from the Secretary of State on 4/12/23. Referred to 13 the committee on housing on 4/13/23; joint hearing 6/26/23; reported favorably out of committee and referred to House Steering, Policy and Scheduling on 10/18/23; House second reading and ordered to third reading on 11/20/23; House third reading and passed to be engrossed on 12/7/23. Senate read on 12/11/23; Senate second reading and ordered to third reading 1/18/24. Technical suggestions by Senate counsel scheduled for discussion 3/12/24. STM 2023-1 Article 9 Rank Choice Voting for town wide offices Filed as H.4223 in the 193rd (Current) session of the legislature. An Act Establishing Ranked Choice Voting for Certain Offices in the Town of Lexington. Referred to House committee on Election Laws 12/21/23, Senate concurred. House reporting date extended to 3/19/24. 2025: The 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington The Semiquincentennial Commission (Lex250) continued their work on helping the Town of Lexington plan events for the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington. The Semiquincentennial Commission-Lex250 continues to meet at least twice a month and accomplishments in the past year include: forming a collaborative partnership with the towns of Arlington, Lincoln, Concord and Minuteman National Historic Park so as to coordinate schedules and resources. This also included signing an Inter Municipal Agreement (IMA) among the four town to share in services in relation to the planning of events. The collaborative 250th towns met quarterly in 2023 and now meet every other month in 2024. Working with the collaborative towns, the committee identified Saturday, April 19, 2025 as the day the majority of large events will take place in Lexington. Selected and hired a public relations firm to handle publicity, crisis communication and dedicated website build and management. Added five additional members to the Semiquincentennial Commission-Lex250 with experience in fundraising, transportation planning, publicity and security as we all as added a second Select Board Member. Attended the America250 Press Conference in Boston for the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party and also attended the quarterly meeting of REV250 the state level group coordinating events related to the 250th anniversary. pHeld a successful community meeting update and information gathering session in late January 2024 at the Community Center.