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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-08 SB-min Select Board Meeting April 8, 2024 A meeting of the Lexington Select Board was called to order at 6:00p.m. on Monday, April 8, 2024, via a hybrid meeting platform. Mr. Pato, Chair; Ms. Barry, Mr. Lucente, Mr. Sandeen, and Ms. Hai were present, as well as Mr. Malloy, Town Manager; Ms. Axtell, Deputy Town Manager and Ms. Katzenback, Executive Clerk. ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION 1. 2024 Annual Town Meeting  Select Board Article Discussion and Positions Ms. Axtell explained that the two amendments for Article 48 have been combined into one, with the language Mr. Shiple submitted. Mr. Pato stated that he is a “Yes” with this change. Ms. Axtell stated that the Moderator has asked if the Board would be willing to consider Article 24 - Appropriate Funding For Semiquincentennial Commission to taken up at the Annual Town Meeting on April 10, 2024. Ms. Barry stated that she would prefer this Article not be moved in the schedule. Regarding Article 49: Amend Zoning Bylaw – Permitted Uses and Development Standards, Mr. Pato, Mr. Lucente, and Mr. Sandeen updated their positions to a “Yes.” DOCUMENTS: Select Board Working Document - Positions 2024ATM, Moderator’s Proposed schedule for ATM 2024 - as of 4-4-2024, Art 48 Revised Amendment S. Kaufman, Art48motion 2. Discuss and Approve Prioritized Intersections for Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) Along the Minuteman Bikeway Ross Morrow, Assistant Town Engineer, explained that the Board voted to approve $250,000 to install as many Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at street crossings along the bikeway as possible. The Town has engaged an independent engineer to design and prioritize the intersections based on need. Once the Board approves the locations, DPW and Engineering will finalize the design and move this project from the Participatory Budgeting forward. A decision needs to be made if the RRFBs will be installed based on priority locations or if the Board wants Staff to forego some intersections. Motion sensors would likely not be appropriate for the street crossings along the bikeway, as they may lead to false flashing. Mr. Morrow reviewed the proposed RRFB locations along the bikeway. It is unclear if the amount of money will cover all eight locations. The project will be bid assuming that the first four crossings will be covered, with the next four prioritized if funding allows. Betty Gau, Chair of the Bicycle Advisory Committee, stated that the Committee agreed with the ranking as presented. She noted that all of these crossings really require flashing beacons, as there have been accidents and people hit in many of these locations. Hancock Street was designated as the most dangerous intersection on the bikeway. In response to a question from Mr. Pato, Mr. Morrow explained that, to the best extent possible, all signs will be placed on the right-hand side of the person approaching the intersection. In response to a question from Mr. Sandeen regarding safety concerns about installing push buttons in opposing travel lanes, Mr. Morrow said that staff would look into motion activated sensors if push button activation was not feasible. Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street, stated that she has an objection to the first two signs proposed. The proposed sign on Hancock Street as the designated high accident area does not make sense as there were zero accidents between 2020 and 2023, only one a year prior to that in 2019, and one in 2018. Her house is supposed to be in a historic, quiet setting and the proposed light will flash into her home. The front side of her house has been encompassed with lights and this proposal will only add to it. As this intersection is still being redone, she asked that this be reconsidered. The data does not show this is needed and it will continue to inundate her property. Ms. Hai asked if the light on the sign will only be activated when the button is pressed. Mr. Morrow agreed. Ms. Hai stated that she would oppose motion activated lights adjacent to residential areas. Mr. Pato agreed that he would like motion activated lights to be a last, and likely not acceptable, option. Mr. Lucente asked if there is a way to shield the lights from residential properties. Mr. Morrow agreed that there is. The sign on Hancock Street will be twisted away from the properties as much as possible. He is also looking into lights that are dimmer at night. Mr. Pato also suggested screening to nearby properties. Ms. McKenna stated that people walk in this area at all hours and will use this lit sign. Also, there is not a way to twist the light so that it will not shine into her house. Mr. Lucente recommended tabling approval of the sign on Hancock Street until the angling of the light away from nearby residences can be further studied. There was a majority agreement on this suggestion. Mr. Sandeen expressed concern regarding potential life safety issues associated with putting off addressing the number one priority as presented by Staff, the Bicycle Advisory Committee and the consultant. The Board agreed to bring this back for a vote in approximately one week. DOCUMENTS: Memo from Ross Morrow, Assistant Town Engineer, Design Plans, Presentation 3. Request to Add Parking Restriction for REV Shuttle Adjacent to Brookline Bank, 1793 Massachusetts Avenue Susan Barrett, Transportation Manager, explained the request to move the Rev Shuttle drop off spot from in front of the Depot Building to a spot in front of the Brookline Bank. The proposal is to reserve these two parking spots only on Monday through Friday from the hours of 7 AM to 9 AM. At all other times, the parking would be open to general parking. This is proposed as a one-year pilot project. Mr. Sandeen asked about where the Rev shuttles currently park and where they would park if the proposed spot is occupied. Ms. Barrett explained that the space is directly in front of the Depot building on private land owned by the Historical Society. Susan Rockwell, Lexington Historical Society, stated that it was assumed that permission had been given for this current arrangement. This arrangement created an issue for people coming to the Depot and it was determined it would be best to make other arrangements. There have been recent interactions between the Rev drivers and people legitimately visiting the Depot. The proposal would be a solution. Ms. Barry suggested that the proposal be monitored by the Police Department until the community becomes used to the new parking arrangement. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 5-0 to approve reserving two parking spaces for The Rev Shuttle, adjacent to Brookline Bank on Depot Square for the hours of 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM Monday through Friday. DOCUMENTS: Presentation 4. Review and Approve Town Manager Search Screening Committee Charge The Board reviewed the amended draft Town Manager Search Screening Committee Charge. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 5-0 to approve Town Manager Search Screening Committee Charge as proposed, allowing staff to make non-substantive edits as necessary. DOCUMENTS: Proposed TM Search Screening Committee Charge, Proposed TM Search Screening Committee Charge - Redlined EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. Exemption 6: To Consider the Value of Real Property – Muzzey High Condominiums VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 5-0 by roll call at 6:48pm to enter Executive Session under Exemption 6: To Consider the Value of Real Property - Muzzey High Condominiums and to not reconvene in open session. Further, it was declared that an open meeting discussion may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Town. ADJOURN VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted by roll call 5-0 from the Executive Session to adjourn both the Executive Session and Regular Meeting at 6:59pm. A true record; Attest: Kristan Patenaude Recording Secretary