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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-01 SB-min Select Board Meeting April 1, 2024 A meeting of the Lexington Select Board was called to order at 6:00p.m. on Monday, April 1, 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. Katzenback, Executive Clerk; and Ms. Axtell, Deputy Town Manager. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Application: One-Day Liquor License – First Parish in Lexington, 7 Harrington Road  Voices on the Green Storytelling and Live Music Event To approve a One-Day Liquor License for First Parish in Lexington to serve beer and wine inside the Parish Hall at First Parish in Lexington, 7 Harrington Road, for the purpose of Voices on the Green Storytelling and Live Music Event on Friday, April 12, 2024 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. 2. Approve Request for Event Signs on Minuteman Bikeway – Estabrook School PTO  Run of the Mill 5k & Jim Banks Kids Fun Run Registration To approve the Estabrook School PTO's placement of two signs on either end of the Lexington Center portion of the Minuteman Bikeway for the purpose of advertising the registration for their upcoming event called Run of the Mill 5k & Jim Banks Kids Fun Run on Sunday, May 19, 2024 starting at 9:30am and to further require that the two signs be removed immediately from the Bikeway following the conclusion of the event. DOCUMENTS: Estabrook School PTO's Rendering of Sign for Run of the Mill 5k & Jim Banks Fun Run 3. Approve Lexington Housing Assistance Board (LexHAB) Purchase of Property - 50 Valleyfield Street Affordable Housing Trust approved $600,000 towards this purchase. LexHAB would contribute $250,000 and the remaining $350,000 would come from MassSaves for the implementation of the energy efficiency upgrades. To approve LexHAB's acquisition of 50 Valleyfield Street for affordable housing purposes for the purchase price of $760,000 plus closing costs, and subject to any comments from Town Counsel on the closing documents being satisfactorily addressed. DOCUMENTS: Purchase and Sales Agreement VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda. ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION 1. 2024 Annual Town Meeting  Select Board Article Discussion and Positions The Board reviewed a proposed amendment to Article 48 from Mr. Shiple. The Board agreed to gather more information, including speaking with the Planning Board before taking a position on this Article. Mr. Lucente explained that he has crafted a statement regarding why the Board is proposing to IP Article 46 at this time. All Board members were in agreement to IP this Article. There was also agreement to th delay a conversation regarding who will be invited to the 250 Celebration until after Town Meeting is complete. Regarding Article 33, there was discussion about outreach specifically to neighbors within the RFP process in the summary language. It was agreed that Mr. Sandeen would work on this language offline. The Board recognized Mr. Goncalves for his contributions to the Town. Regarding Article 25, Mr. Malloy explained that in 1988 when the Town voted to purchase this property, there were conditions placed on the land. One of these states that the land acquired shall continue to be used as a municipal golf course and be available to the public during the winter months for cross country skiing and winter sports. In terms of placing fields on this land, the only flat area on the site is also a marshy area. The land also likely has Article 97 protection. The Town would need to find another 88 acres to use it for any purposes other than recreation or open space. Ms. Barry stated that the golf course has and is required to have an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan, which is followed and used as directed. Regarding the underground fuel tanks, there are two fuel tanks that are aboveground. The appropriation for the replacement of those tanks was approved during Annual Town Meeting this year. From 2000-2023, the course has generated $15,655,590 in profit. DOCUMENTS: Select Board Working Document - Positions 2024ATM, Moderators proposed schedule for ATM as of March 28, 2024, Amendment 48. S. Kaufman, Amendment 48. S. Kaufman (2), Amendment 48 T. Shiple, Revised Proposed Motion Article 46, Art. 46 Royal Family Invitation (IP) Statement 2. Discuss Concerns Raised at February 12, 2024 Select Board Meeting by Abutter of Battle Green Streetscape Project Ms. Barry recused herself from this item. John Livsey, Town Engineer, reviewed the abutters concerns. He explained that Staff would not recommend moving the existing lighting outside of 9 Hancock Street, as it would then not be properly cast on the roadway, leading to safety concerns. There would also be significant infrastructure work needed to move the lights. Dimming these is an option and this can be further field tested. Shielding has been ordered for the rear of the Type A lighting. The detectable warning panels for the bike ramps must be in place, per State and federal guidance. Staff does not recommend eliminating the crosswalk on the Hancock Street leg of the roundabout, as it would lengthen the travel time for pedestrians. A walkway could be installed at 9 Hancock Street in order to help this concern. The walkway from the Visitor’s Center will be made to better line up with the Bedford Street crossing. A grass strip could be added along the Bedford Street side of the Battle Green if guidance is issued by the Board. Ms. Hai expressed concern regarding the bike ramps themselves. Mr. Livsey explained that these are recommended but not required. These weas1re recommended by the Bicycle Advisory Committee. If the ramps are in place, the panels must also be in place. Mr. Lucente agreed that he feels the ramps are confusing. Mr. Pato noted that there does not appear to be a viable option to change this at this time, as there no funding to do so. There was agreement to support the grass strip along the Bedford Street side of the Battle Green. Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street, stated that the Board is the steward of national historic landmarks. There are two national historic landmarks in this area and the roundabout is right in the middle of them, impacting her property. She explained that her main concern deals with safety in this area. She has seen only one bicyclist actually riding on the sidewalk and is requesting is be eliminated. The lighting proposals do not address the visual blight. No amount of dimming or shading is going to help with a blocked view. There is a light pole that now blocks her view of the flagpole on the Battle Green. Reasonable proposals to keep the connections between the two national landmarks were made. This Board is the only one who has the authority and the responsibility to address these impacts. The impacts of this project went way beyond anyone’s good intentions and envisioning. Regarding safety concerns about the ramp at 9 Hancock Street near the crosswalk, Mr. Livsey explained that a walkway of various material could be installed from the driveway of this property to the front door. Similarly, a walkway could be installed behind the existing sidewalk, but there are plantings and a fence in that area. Ms. McKenna stated that this is not an acceptable solution. Mr. Lucente stated that the crosswalk is a concern for him. This crosswalk seems to be extraneous and does not serve a purpose. Mr. Sandeen explained that, as liaison to the Commission on Disability and the Bicycle Advisory, he addressed these concerns with the groups. Both groups recommended that the crosswalks be maintained. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 4-0 to proceed with the following actions recommended by the Town Engineer and DPW director in relation to the Battle Streetscape design: A light dimming plan, Screening from the rear of the lights has been ordered, Visitors Center gravel path will be lined up with the road crossing, Extend the fence and paint entirety of fence (existing and new) to match, Support the HDC application/fee for the fence extension and painting and the walkway and Add a grass strip along the Bedford Street side of the Battle Green. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 2-2 to remove the bike ramps and crosswalk on the Hancock Street leg of the roundabout. DOCUMENTS: Presentation, Action Items Summary - S. & D. McKenna 3. Present Plan of Action and Timeline for Amending the Lexington Human Rights Committee Charge The Board agreed to defer this item to a future meeting. 4. Review Request for Quotation/Proposal Document Regarding Executive Search Consultants for Town Manager Search The Board briefly reviewed the RFP. Any proposed changes to this document should be sent along for review at a future meeting. DOCUMENTS: Recruitment RFQ 2024 draft 1.1 4.1.2024, Recruitment RFQ 2024 draft -redlined ADJOURN VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 5-0 to adjourn the meeting at 7:12 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Select Board will be held prior to 2024 Annual Town Meeting on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 6:00pm via hybrid participation. A true record; Attest: Kristan Patenaude Recording Secretary