HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-07 SB-min
SELECT BOARD MEETING
October 7, 2024
A meeting of the Lexington Select Board was called to order at 6:00p.m. on Monday, October 7,
2024, via a hybrid meeting platform. Mr. Lucente, Chair; Mr. Pato, Ms. Barry, Ms. Hai, and Mr. Sandeen,
were present, as well as Ms. Axtell, Interim Town Manager; and Ms. Katzenback, Executive Clerk.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. Executive Session: Exemption 4: To Discuss the Deployment of Security Personnel and Devices -
Semiquincentennial Celebration
VOTE: Upon motion duly made and by roll call, the Select Board voted 5-0 to enter into Executive
Session at 6:00pm. Under Exemption 4: To Discuss the Deployment of Security Personnel and Devices -
Semiquincentennial Celebration. Further, it was declared that an open meeting may have a detrimental
effect regarding the security for the Semiquincentennial Celebration events.
The Board returned to open session at 6:45pm
PUBLIC COMMENT
Erich Jacobs, 7 Hill Street, speaking on behalf of the Friends of Willards Woods Working Group
explained that the Conservation Commission is in the final stages of approving major accessibility
improvements to Willards Woods. The Working Group is concerned that a significant and very important
constituency, those who are the daily users of Willards Woods, were not consulted or made aware of this
project. Concerns were noted regarding some of the items of scale, the potential impacts of the project,
and the fact that plan fails to address certain issues that they experience firsthand. The Working Group
will be requesting that the Conservation Commission take a step back and delay final approval of the
project to get input from this important constituency. Secondly, the Working Group asks the Board for its
support in this effort.
SELECT BOARD MEMBER CONCERNS AND LIAISON REPORTS
1. Select Board Member Announcements and Liaison Reports
Mr. Sandeen stated that he attended Governor Healey's event where she announced infrastructure funding
for MBTA Communities. At that meeting, Secretary Augustus made special mention of Lexington as
going over and above in terms of MBTA Communities.
Ms. Hai noted that an item was added to the packet under liaison reports today that MAGIC had
distributed a request for municipalities to sign onto a letter they had drafted in support of the Public
Health Law. On behalf of the Town, Ms. Axtell signed the letter, as the deadline for submittal is
tomorrow. Ms. Hai also acknowledged the one-year anniversary of the Hamas terror attack on October 7,
2023. She stated that she hopes the community can continue to care for each other, to respect each other's
feelings, and to embrace all differences.
DOCUMENTS: EARLY VOTING FLYER - 2024 State Election, SAPHE-2.0-Fact-Sheet, Liaison
Reports for 10-7-2024
TOWN MANAGER REPORT
1. Town Manager Weekly Update
Ms. Kosnoff noted that this is a recertification year for Lexington property values. The DOR should be
releasing the preliminary values shortly and will then be posted publicly.
DOCUMENTS: Town Manager update
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Select Board Committee Reappointments
Communications Advisory Committee – David Becker
Design Advisory Committee:
o Minhaj Kirmani
o Danit Netzer
Economic Development Advisory Committee:
o Frederick DeAngelis
o Charles P Minasian
Fence Viewers – Dawn McKenna
Green Corridor Committee:
o Robert W Hausslein
o Bobak Moshiri
Lexington Center Committee – Jerold S Michelson
Tourism Committee:
o Marsha E Baker
o Ting Fang
o Elizabeth Wenrong Xu
Town Report Committee:
o David E Lawrence
o Varshagouri Ramanathan
Transportation Advisory Committee - Mark Valerian Andersen
Vision for Lexington Committee:
o John W Giudice
o Shannon Murtagh
o Min Zhou
Water and Sewer Abatement Board – William A Ribich
To reappoint the board and committee members as indicated on the attached list titled 2024 September
Board Committee Reappointments_10072024 to be effective on October 1, 2024.
DOCUMENTS: 2024 September Board Committee Reappointents_10072024, Not to be
Reappointed_10072024
2. Town Manager Committee Reappointments
Commission on Disability:
o Janet Perry
o Francine Stieglitz
o John Rossi
To confirm the Interim Town Manager's reappointments of Janet Perry, Francine Stieglitz and John Rossi
to the Commission on Disability with terms set to expire October 30, 2027.
3. Accept Select Board Committee Resignation
Vision for Lexington Committee- Ambalatharasu Sivabalan, effective immediately.
To accept the resignation of Ambalatharasu Sivabalan from the Vision for Lexington Committee,
effective immediately.
DOCUMENTS: 2024.10.02 Letter fromA. Sivabalan resigning from Visions for Lex
Committee_Redacted
4. Amend Battle Green Use Permit – The Outdoor Channel – Filming of TV Segment
Amend permit date to be for Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 8:00 am - 10:00 am.
To approve the Battle Green Use Request to be amended to the date of November 12, 2024, from 8:00 am
- 10:00 am in front of the John Parker Statue.
5. Approve Battle Green Use Permit - Lex250 Light Up Event
Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm.
Move to approve the request of the Lexington Semiquincentennial Commission to use the Battle Green
for the Lex250 Light Up Event on Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm, as outlined in the
request and for a road closure of Clarke Street to Massachusetts Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue at the
Battle Green to Harrington Road for the procession from the High School to the Battle Green.
DOCUMENTS: Light Up Event Diagram
6. Approve Town Celebrations Committee Requests – Veterans Day Monday, November 11, 2024,
from 10:30am - 12:00pm
Approve Battle Green Use Permit
Approve a portion of Massachusetts Avenue Road Closures Request for Veterans Day Car
Parade
Move to approve the request of the Town Celebrations Committee to hold the Veterans Day Car Parade
and use the Battle Green on Monday, November 11, 2024, from 10:30am to 12:00pm, as proposed.
7. Approve One-Day Liquor License – Lexington Housing Assistance Board, 13 Depot Square
Raise the Roof Fundraiser- Friday, October 18, 2024, from 7:00pm - 10:00pm
To approve a One-Day Liquor License for Lexington Housing Assistance Board to serve beer and wine at
13 Depot Square on October 18, 2024, from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm.
8. Approve One-Day Liquor License – Galaray House, 1720 Massachusetts Avenue
Monroe Art Center Art Walk Reception- Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 5:00pm - 8:00pm
To approve a One-Day Liquor License for the Galaray House, 1720 Massachusetts Avenue, to serve wine
from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
9. Approve One-Day Liquor Licenses – Galaray House, 1720 Massachusetts Avenue
'First Friday' Monthly Art Shows - November 1, 2024 & December 6, 2024, from 5:00pm -
8:00pm
To approve 2 One-Day Liquor Licenses for the Galaray House, 1720 Massachusetts Avenue, to serve
wine from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, November 1, 2024, and December 6, 2024, at their 'First
Fridays' Event showcasing art from local residents.
10. Approve One-Day Liquor License - Galaray House, 1720 Massachusetts Avenue
Holiday Shopping Event- Thursday, November 21, 2024, from 5:00 pm - 9:00pm.
To approve a One-Day Liquor License for the Galaray House, 1720 Massachusetts Avenue, to serve wine
from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
11. Vote and Sign November 2024 State Election Warrant
To approve and sign the November 5, 2024, State Election Warrant.
DOCUMENTS: Warrant for 2024-11-05 State election, Information Flyer- EARLYVOTING2024 State
Election
12. Approve Select Board Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2024, Select Board Meeting
September 16, 2024, Select Board Meeting
To approve and release the following minutes: September 9, 2024, Select Board Meeting, September 16,
2024, Select Board Meeting.
DOCUMENTS: DRAFT 09092024 Select Board Minutes, DRAFT 09162024 Select Board Minutes
13. Approve Town Comptroller's Employment Agreement - Carolyn Kosnoff
To approve and authorize the Select Board Chair sign the Employment Agreement with the Town
Comptroller.
DOCUMENTS: Carolyn Kosnoff Employment agreement
VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted by roll call 5-0 to approve the
Consent Agenda.
ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
1. Update on Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Maggie Peard, Sustainability & Resilience Officer, explained that Lexington currently has more electric
vehicles and hybrids per capita than any other Massachusetts community. Around 10% of vehicles in
Lexington are electric vehicles, or plug in electric vehicles, and require charging. The Town currently has
12 public charging stations with 23 ports across six locations, and the current rate is set at 30 cents per
kilowatt hour in addition to parking fees. Usage went down after the fee was instituted in 2021 but has
rebounded well past the pre-fee demand.
Rosalind Impink, Budget Officer, explained that the parking fees for these stations are placed directly into
the Parking Fund, which is managed by the Police Department. Usage has increased over the last three
years.
Ms. Peard stated that Eversource has a rate available to accounts that have very low demand usage that
would be significantly more advantageous as it would reduce the demand charges that are proportional to
the peak demand each month. A request to change to this rate has been made to Eversource. Initially,
there was a suggestion to consider an increase to the rate. But, as it stands now, the recommendation is to
keep the rate as it is and reassess after six months or a year. There is a recommendation to halt installation
of new public EV chargers. The current number of chargers are not being used to a huge extent.
Currently, over a 24-hour period, each of those charges are being used about 10% of the time which
seems to be meeting the public demand at this time.
Jerry Michelson, Lexington Center Committee, asked if employees are able to forgo the parking rate
when they charge their cars during the daytime at the Depot Lot. Ms. Peard stated that these are the same
parking fees assessed as other public parking lots.
Ms. Peard presented two proposed options for a charging rate structure for the Level 3 charger is
anticipated to be installed in the near future in the NSTAR (Grant St) lot. Some of the considerations for
this include seeking a competitive rate, whether there should be a flat rate versus a time of day rate,
considering an idle fee, and considering a connection fee to help recoup costs. One option is a time of use
rate, at 30 cent per kilowatt hour during off peak times, and 55 cents per kilowatt hour during on peak
times. These rates are similar to those used by other towns. The second option is a flat rate of 45 cents per
kilowatt hour. An idle fee seems to be a standard practice for Level 3 chargers, so the recommendation is
$1 per minute after a 10-minute grace period for any car that has been parked for more than two hours.
The Board asked for a bit more information prior to making a determination.
DOCUMENTS: Level 3 Charging Rate Recommendation, SB Memo. EV Charging Station Rate Options
wFY24 data
2. Approve and Sign Town Manager Contract
Mr. Lucente stated that a Town Manager employment agreement has been successfully negotiated with
Steve Bartha for the period of November 4, 2024, through November 3, 2027.
VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted by roll call 5-0 to approve and
sign the Town Manager's employment agreement with Steve Bartha for the period of November 4, 2024,
through November 3, 2027.
DOCUMENTS: Town of Lexington and Stephen Bartha Employment Agreement
3. Review Affordable Housing Proposal from Causeway Development for Parcel 68- 44 Located on
Lowell Street
Elaine Tung, Affordable Housing Trust, explained that, in response to the June 27, 2024, Lowell Street
Parcel 68-44 RFP, the Town received seven proposals from reputable and high-quality affordable housing
developers. On September 16, 2024, the Affordable Housing Trust interviewed four developers, and the
Proposal Review Working Group also attended. On September 23, 2024, the Proposal Review Working
Group recommended to the Affordable Housing Trust two developers, the first being Causeway
Development. The Affordable Housing Trust recommended Causeway Development to the Select Board.
Dave Traggorth and Dan Hubbard, Causeway Development; Jamie Pelletier and Elizabeth Whittaker,
Merge Architects; and Kate Kennen, Offshoots; presented the highlights of the 100% affordable housing
proposal for Parcel 68-44 located on Lowell Street. The design proposes 40 units at a variety of income.
The units will 100% affordable, with six units at 30% area median income, six units at 50%, 22 units at
60%, and six at 80%. The intention is to build a mixed income community. The site plan strategy includes
a single lane, one-way loop road. Each building has ten units and parking for one spot per unit below the
buildings. There will be a central woodland courtyard. A new evergreen buffer to neighbors will be
planted.
Ms. Tung stated that the objectives presented for this project included a unit count of approximately 40
units, which has been hit by this proposal; 66% of two and three bedrooms, which is exceeded by this
proposal at 85%; and an average of AMI of 60% which has been exceeded by this project with an average
AMI of 57%. The proposed architecture is respectful and compatible with the neighborhood. Causeway
Development looks to retain a consultant who is extremely experienced in public engagement and
outreach. Each unit it proposed to be a corner unit and have private outdoor space. For these reasons, the
Affordable Housing Trust recommends the proposal by Causeway Development.
Mark Lang, 2 Opi Circle, stated that he is disappointed the Select Board and Affordable Housing Trust
have continued to not include neighbors in this process. They created a Working Group and refused to let
any of the neighbors participate. There has been a lack of transparency in this process. The design is
impressive but does not resemble anything in the neighborhood. The proposal looks to pave
approximately 80%-90% of the site that is not wetland. It is an inaccurate statement that this proposal will
not cost Lexington anything. The land is worth approximately $4M and the Town is paying
approximately $20,000 per pupil.
Ms. Hai stated that she is impressed with the proposed project, and she supports the Affordable Housing
Trust’s recommendation. Mr. Pato echoed that he also impressed with the proposal as it seems to meet
what was being sought.
Ms. Barry stated that she is pleased with the proposal. She asked that the community and direct abutters
not be dismissed throughout this process.
Mr. Sandeen stated that he is very pleased with the proposal, finding it to be quite beautiful and
something the Town can be really proud of. He noted that the proposed design would install solar on the
roof, which would provide all the power needed to run a central HVAC system. This will mean that the
residents of these homes will not be paying utility bills. This is a real step forward in terms of making the
lives of the residents living in here much easier. Not only is this design sustainable, it is financially
sustainable for the residents.
Mr. Traggorth stated that the next step will be to hopefully meet with direct abutters, within a 300’ radius
of the parcel, on site to discuss the project further.
DOCUMENTS: AHT Recommendation to Select Board - Parcel 68-44, Causeway Development
Presentation
The Board took a give minute recess.
4. ARPA - 3rd Quarter Requests
Ms. Kosnoff, Assistant Town Manager for Finance, explained that there are 12 third quarter 2024 ARPA
funding requests that have been sent in from the senior management team. They total $521,796.
st
December 31 is the deadline for which all ARPA funds must be under contract.
The Board reviewed the proposed requests.
In an answer to a question raised by Mr. Sandeen, Mr. Pinsonneault, DPW Director, stated that the
Lex250 Sound/Video Equipment item is a funding request for a company to provide sound and large
screen display equipment and staff to operate that equipment for the day of the Lex250th event.
Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street, reminded the Board that the most important event that the Town has
coming up that to determine its tourism revenue, which the Town desperately needs for the High School
project, is Patriots Day. The last thing the Town should do is bring people in for this event and then not
have a way for them to be able to view it, which could be aided by the sound/video equipment request.
Landscaping as opposed to economic development, is not what ARPA funds were for. She suggested
removing all requests that do not have a true nexus for what the ARPA money was for and give it to the
Visitor Center Revolving Fund to spend.
Mr. Lucente noted that $75,000 of the SemiQuincentennial budget was given to the Visitor’s Center to
purchase merchandise with zero money coming back.
VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted by roll call 5-0 to approve the
following ARPA funding requests:
DPW Water Wagon - $70,000
LexHAB Decarbonization - $18,195
Police Department Landscaping - $75,000
Grain Mill Alley Wayfinding Signage - $30,000
Economic Development Event Support & Lex Retail Grant - $20,000
Library Hybrid Tech for Living Room - $76,258
Lex250 Sound/Video Equipment -$164,085
Election Labeling Machine - $15,000
Ambulance Supplemental Funding (to FY25 Cap Budget) - $14,870
Police and Health Department Pocket Translators - $10,500
Police Department Mobile Radio Upgrades for Vehicles - $8,486
Police Department Security Camera Equipment - $19,402
Reallocation of the remaining $11,800 toward Election Labeling Machine from a prior allocation
of election equipment
DOCUMENTS: ARPA Summary Update_Q3.2024, Project Spending_Status Update_Q3.2024, ARPA
Request_DPW_Water Wagon, ARPA Request_LedHAB_Decarbonization, ARPA Request_DPF_PD
Landscape, ARPA Request_ED_Grain MillAlley, ARPA Request_ED_Events, ARPA
Request_Library_Tech, ARPA Request_DPW_Lex250 Sound, ARPA Request_TownClerk_Election
Printing, ARPA Request_Fire_Ambulance, ARPA Request_PD_Lex250 Equip
5. Lexington 250th Anniversary Celebration
Progress Update
Inter Municipal Agreement (IMA)
US Army Golden Knights Battle Green Use Request
Suzie Barry, Chair Lex250, explained that Lexington signed an Inter Municipal Agreement (IMA) with
Concord, Lincoln, and Arlington, with each community contributing $50,000 to a grand total of $200,000
to be used across the four communities towards the 250th Celebration events. Anthem has been the event
planner for the four communities over approximately the last six months.
Mr. Lucente asked about the activities occurring through Anthem. There seems to be a lack of clarity on
some of the deliverables. Ms. Barry stated that the engagement with the event planner has been a bit light
in terms of expectations and their involvement. The question is if the IMA is still needed for the
collaborative process and if there is any benefit from the IMA at this time. The Town could try to recoup
some of the ARPA funding that was used for this to be placed toward other items for the event, such as
transportation. Chief Sencabaugh stated that there is no working benefit to his Department from the IMA
as there are other mutual aid agreements in place.
The Board agreed that the engagement from the event planner seems light. Ms. Hai suggested a
conversation with Anthem regarding the proposed scope of work for the $33,000 contracted.
Ms. Barry explained that the US Army Military District Washington DC has contacted Lex250 and is
th
interested in participating in the 250 Anniversary events on April 19, 2025. The year 2025 is also the
th
250 Anniversary of the US Army and the First Battle Streamer on the Army flag is the Battle of
Lexington, so the date and Lexington are significant to them as well. She and various senior staff
members, along with MEMA, have been in conversation with US Army representatives from Washington
DC to understand the request. At this time the request would be for the following US Army units to come
to Lexington for Saturday, April 19, 2025: The Continental Color Guard, The Commander in Chief
Guard, The US Army Fife and Drum Corps, The US Army Drill Team, a marching unit from the US
Army, and the US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team. These groups would like to perform on the
Battle Green and also participate in the Afternoon Parade.
Current Select Board Battle Green Regulation 3f prohibits parachuting onto the Battle Green. At this time
and prior to an Application for Use of the Battle Green being submitted to the Select Board for approval,
the Army is looking to gauge if there is interest from the Select Board for the US Army Golden Knights
Parachute Team to perform a jump into the Battle Green on Saturday, April 19, 2025 (most likely mid-
morning) as part of a performance by the other US Army units on the Battle Green, as there is a
significant amount of advance preparation that goes into a planning for the jump.
Ms. Barry stated that she spoke with Town Counsel who felt that, given the special circumstances of the
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250 Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and the 250 Anniversary of the US Army in 2025, the
Board could vote a one-time exception to Select Board Battle Green Regulation 3f to allow the Golden
Knights to perform the jump on April 19, 2025.
Mr. Pato stated that he is not keen on the idea of a parachute jump onto the Battle Green. Ms. Hai stated
that she is intrigued by the idea. This is meant to be a once in many generations event to commemorate
these items. Mr. Sandeen stated that he believes this additional item would stretch the Town’s available
safety resources. This event should be kept as simple as possible. The level of complexity would require
months of coordination to ensure the safety of the event which could be a major stressor for Town staff.
He is not in favor of providing an exemption for parachuting on to the Battle Green.
Chief McLean stated that this proposal actually falls within a sweet spot for the Department where there
would still be more than enough staff cover the event while closing off the air space. It also falls in with
the new rope line that will be installed for that morning. The Department does not object to the event and
believes it will be able to cover it.
Mr. Lucente asked why the Town does not allow parachuting onto the Green. Mr. Pato stated that he
believes this had to do with protecting the airspace over the Battle Green, although this type of event was
likely not contemplated.
Chief Sencabaugh stated that there should not be any additional EMS requirements for this request. EMS
will have staff on standby anyway.
Dave Pinsonneault, DPW Director, stated that there is proposed to be a hard barricade around the Battle
Green anyway and this would be used for the additional requested event.
Mr. Lucente stated that he would like to see how this plays out further with more details presented in the
future. This would fill a gap in time for event planning of the day. Ms. Barry stated that the Army
requested information from the Board as to if it was in favor of this occurring in order for them to move
forward with planning.
Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street, stated that, as a direct abutter that will be impacted by this, she is in
support of this idea. This is an idea that will draw people to Lexington.
VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted by roll call 3-2 to suspend Select
Board Battle Green Regulation 3f on Saturday, April 19, 2025 for the US Army Golden Knight Parachute
Team could parachute onto the Lexington Battle Green on Saturday, April 19, 2025, in recognition of the
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250 Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and the 250 Anniversary of the US Army.
DOCUMENTS: IMA Final 11-8-23, 250th Meeting & Call Breakdown - The Anthem Group (March-
August 2024), IMA Amthem Point People Per Town, 250th Summary - The Anthem Group_9.1.24,
RFP24-2002-Contract-TheAnthemGroup-FINAL-signed, RFP 24-2002 Addendum 1, RFP 24-2002 Event
Management Final, Battlegreen Regulations
8. Update on Future Development Projects – The Board took up this item at this time.
Abby McCabe, Planning Director, explained that since 2020 the Town has seen some significant zoning
changes, which have incentivized more development in Town. In 2023 there were two significant zoning
amendments at Annual Town Meeting related to amending the zoning for special residential
developments and the creation of the new Village and Multifamily Overlay Districts, often referred to as
the MBTA Community Zoning. There have been eight development applications that have come forward
under these two new zoning sections before the Planning Board. Most applications are going through the
approval process in 4-5 months and most construction then takes approximately two years. Most of the
applications are for housing, along with some mixed used developments. The total number of housing
units currently before the Planning Board is approximately 970 new housing units. During the public
hearing process for these proposals, there have been requests for additional infrastructure, such as
crosswalks and sidewalks, and increased public transportation.
Ms. Barry stated that she would like to understand what impact these projects may have in terms of what
they are replacing with regarding to sewer connections, water connections, water pressure, etc. It will be
interesting to know what impact there will be from these developments on the schools, staffing for
municipal departments, and response times.
Ms. Hai added that public health, the community center, and human services in general, will also likely be
impacted. She suggested a summit meeting to further discuss all of these concerns.
Mr. Pato agreed that items such as trash collection may also need to be considered, as to if an expansion
would be needed.
Mr. Sandeen agreed that he would like to hear more about what may be coming down the pipeline and the
proposed mix of bedrooms in these developments.
Mr. Lucente stated that it will be important to know what the financial gain may be from these
developments in order to know how to budget appropriately and determine which departments will need
help first. Additional check-ins for the Board will be important moving forward.
Ms. Barry stated that she would like the Economic Development Department to consider what is needed
and valued in Town as part of all of this new development.
Mr. Sandeen stated that the Board, School Committee, and School Building Committee need to consider
how to approach the Governor regarding the need to build affordable housing and the proposed size of the
High School project. The project needs to be sized appropriately for the Town.
Taylor Singh, 40 Hancock Street, stated that she would like the Board to create an ad hoc committee to
review the effect of the MBTA rezoning.
Bob Pressman, 22 Locust Avenue, stated that there are some undesirable effects of the MBTA projects.
For example, at 3-5 Piper Road, the project will involve blasting to remove 7,612 cubic yards of ledge.
Robert Creech, Planning Board, expressed concern regarding intersections and the impact of these
projects. The Planning staff is flat out with all of these projects and likely needs help as soon as possible.
Ms. Kowalski agreed that another Planner is needed, and a budget item is planned to be included in the
FY25 budget. Ms. McCabe agreed that the projects were originally trickling in, but now the new
applications seem to be coming in every two weeks or so. The amount of material being submitted to the
Planning Board is tremendous.
Jay Luker, 26 Rindge Avenue, stated that there is some nervousness in the community regarding the
volume of development proposed so far. He thanked the Board for approaching it in a rational way. He
requested that the Planning staff have the resources needed to manage these projects. Alternative
transportation needs should be prioritized as part of these developments.
Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street, noted that, with all of the additional students proposed to come to
Town from these developments, they will need more facilities than the Town is currently being given by
MSBA. She believes there may be double the number of units currently projected within a short time
period. There should be a conversation regarding the Town’s capacity and potential adjustments needed
to the bylaw.
Ms. Kowalski stated that the Town should advocate to get its MBTA service back to where it was pre-
pandemic, at a minimum, due to the amount of proposed development.
DOCUMENTS: Memo Development Projects
6. Review and Sign 2024-1 Special Town Meeting Warrant
Review and sign 2024-1 Special Town Meeting Warrant
Review Letter from Town Moderator for Inclusion in 2024-1 Special Town Meeting Warrant.
Kelly Axtell, Interim Town Manager, stated that the warrant was presented two weeks ago. She reviewed
the changes proposed for the final version.
VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted by roll call 5-0 to approve the
request of the Moderator that Special Town Meeting 2024-1, scheduled to commence Wednesday,
November 13, 2024, at 7:30pm, be held through hybrid participation using a combination of: (1) the
Zoom videoconferencing platform, (2) the online voting tool developed by Select Board member Joe
Pato, and (3) an online queuing function developed by Select Board member Joe Pato to facilitate the
process of debate. Further, to approve and sign the Special Town Meeting 2024-1 Warrant and authorize
staff to make non- substantive edits as necessary or as recommended by Town Counsel or Bond Counsel.
DOCUMENTS: 2024-1 STM Moderator Letter, 2024-1 Warrant
7. Review Draft Select Board Report for FY24 Annual Town Report
The Board reviewed and commented on the draft Select Board's Report submission for the Fiscal Year
2024 (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024) Annual Town Report.
VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted by roll call 5-0 to authorize the
Select Board Chair to submit the Select Board Annual Report with any grammatical edits as required.
DOCUMENTS: FY24-SB-Annual-Report - v2 10-7-24, FY24-SB-Annual-Report
ADJOURN
VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted by roll call 5-0 to adjourn at
10:06pm.
A true record; Attest:
Kristan Patenaude
Recording Secretary