HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-09-BOS-min 71-1
Selectmen's Meeting
September 11, 2017
A meeting of the Lexington Board of Selectmen was reconvened at 7:01 p.m. on Monday,
September 11, 2017 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room of the Town Office Building. Ms. Barry,
Chair; Mr. Kelley; Mr. Pato; Ms. Ciccolo; and Mr. Lucente were present as well as Mr. Valente,
Town Manager; and Ms. Siebert, Recording Secretary.
Ms. Barry asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of the events of September 11, 2001.
Selectman Concerns and Liaison Reports
Mr. Kelley presented two photographs of the former Chiesa Farm on Adams Street. Much of the
land is in conservation but the adjacent parcel is the hands of a private developer who is willing
to entertain an offer from the Town to buy the property. Mr. Kelley asked that a discussion about
Chiesa Farm be added to a future agenda.
Ms. Barry reported that the well-attended ribbon cutting for the Lincoln Field lights took place
on Sunday, September 10. She thanked all involved for a successful public/private partnership.
Town Manager Report
Mr. Valente reported one item:
• The new 25 mph speed limit on Town roads was implemented on September 1. The law
applies to all Lexington roads unless otherwise posted. Staff has started a public
education campaign. All police officers have received a pad of cards to be given to
drivers at any traffic stop, as a soft introduction meant to explain the new law. An article,
authored by Police Captain McLean, appeared in last week's Lexington Minuteman.
Approve Contract—Vote Tabulators
Nadie Rice, Town Clerk, reported that the Evaluation Team has unanimously agreed to
recommend the purchase of the Imagecast Precinct Tabulator, an LHS Associates product and
one of two machines certified in Massachusetts. This machine has a paper-based system and no
internet interface. It ranked higher in portability, access to the tabulator, font on the results tape,
handling of write-ins, number of compartments, security, and ballot format.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to discontinue use of
the Accuvote voting tabulation equipment and to authorize the Town Clerk to purchase
Imagecast Precinct tabulation equipment to use in Lexington's elections beginning in December
of 2017 and all elections and primaries (both federal and state) and all local elections from that
date forward. Ms. Rice will notify the State within five days of the Selectmen's decision.
Report on Fire Station Schematic Design
Present were Pat Goddard, Consultant; Fire Chief John Wilson; Jeff McElravy, Tecton
Architects; and Derek Bride, project manager CES Consulting Services.
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Selectmen's Meeting— September 11, 2017
Mr. McElravy reviewed both the new and temporary headquarters projects, including several
add-alternates not yet included in the base price, such as a new traffic signal at Bedford Street
and Camelia Place and the purchase, rather than lease, of the temporary exterior structure at 173
Bedford St. The total project cost for the permanent HQ at 45 Bedford Street is estimated at
$19.307M, including soft costs and contingencies, demolition of the existing station; and
$100,000 for hazmat abatement. The total project cost for the temporary swing space at 173
Bedford Street is estimated at$2.191M.
The Historic District Commission has reacted favorably to the exterior rendering of the new
headquarters at 45 Bedford St. It was reported that the Permanent Building Committee approves
of a solar hot water/natural gas combination system for the new HQ and this cost has been
included in the base price. Mr. McElravy assured the Selectmen the project will attain LEED
Silver certification, at least, but Gold is perhaps achievable. Camelia Place will be realigned
while respecting the wetland buffers.
Ms. Ciccolo asked how the public would access the administrative offices to obtain permits and
that changes to Camelia Place improve safety for the access driveway to adjacent businesses.
Chief Wilson said the department clerk's office will be located immediately inside the entryway.
Camelia Place will not be used as an egress for emergency response.
Mr. Kelley asked if the new headquarters will be big enough to house all current and anticipated
equipment. He asked if the proposed folding bay doors are durable and why they were preferred
to overhead doors. Mr. Kelley asked if there would be scuppers or internal drains for the roofs.
He asked if the Fire Department memorial adjacent to the current HQ could be saved and if the
public will be able to use the training room as meeting space. He asked if the temporary
apparatus structure at 173 Bedford Street will have value when the Fire Department is finished
with it and if 10 bunks provide adequate dormitory capacity. He asked what considerations the
Board should make regarding energy choices for the permanent building.
Chief Wilson said there is enough room inside to house all equipment. The folding door design
requires less maintenance, decreases response time, and allows less heat loss. Mr. McElravy said
where there are parapets in the roof, there will be scuppers. The little park will be relocated,
although the site is tight. Chief Wilson said allowing public access to the training room would
hinder operations. Mr. Goddard said if 173 Bedford Street becomes the site of the new Police
Station, the 5,000 SF temporary structure could be relocated to the rear of the property and used
for vehicle and bike storage. Chief Wilson said there are nine firefighters on duty per shift but
cot space is planned for emergency situations. Mr. Goddard said the energy design is an all-
electric VRF system which is included in the base price. A reliable hot water supply is critical so
the solar hot water system will be backed up by natural gas.
Ms. Barry noted two benches and a bus stop in front of the current HQ that will need to be
moved. Noting the position of the temporary structure at 173 Bedford Street, Ms. Barry asked if
parking would be prohibited to allow for apparatus drive-thru and whether the site would be
paved all the way to the rear of the property. Mr. McElravy said the apparatus would be backed
in, not driven through, and paving will not be extended to the rear of the property.
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Selectmen's Meeting— September 11, 2017
Mr. Pato asked if Sustainable Lexington has been part of the integrated building design process.
He asked if building resilience has been considered and whether there is battery storage capacity.
He noted that an early December bid timing for the temporary location is somewhat premature.
He requested feedback from Sustainable Lexington from this point forward.
Mr. Goddard said Mr. Sandeen of the Sustainable Lexington Committee has fielded questions as
they have arisen. Mr. McElravy said the only area of the permanent building he has concerns
about exceeding 600 parts per million CO2 is the training room. There is enough room for solar
on the roof for both power generation and hot water. Rain gardens are planned along the west
side of the building as part of the stormwater management system. Because the Fire Station is a
public safety building, higher standards of resiliency will be met, such as power back-up. Battery
storage is being considered and space has been allocated, although the team is not yet sure what
its recommendation will be. Energy cost assumptions are .15 cents per kWh for electricity and
1.50 with CCS for natural gas.
Mr. Lucente asked why the permanent building is not positioned closer to Bedford Street. He
asked what the thinking is behind having four vehicle bays and how the square footage cost of
$742 compares to project costs for other regional fire stations. Mr. Lucente is worried that the
hazmat abatement estimate is not sufficient.
Mr. McElravy said the practice is to design to accommodate the full length of the fire apparatus
within the front apron of the building. A drive-thru design would need the same apron space
behind as in front. Chief Wilson said the response standard to send four emergency vehicles
simultaneously, leading to the four-bay design. Mr. McElravy admitted the square footage cost is
"on the high side" but some differentiating factors are: better sustainability; hazardous material
and environmental abatement costs; demolition; traffic work. Additionally, the region is in a
construction escalation period. Based on environmental testing done at 45 Bedford Street, the
environmental engineer calculated the cost of removing all the soil from the site, providing a
cushion to cover a worst-case hazmat scenario.
Dick Friedson, Design Advisory Committee, asked what materials the building would be
constructed with. He asked if the cost has been benchmarked because the hard cost of$650/SF
seems extremely high for an institutional/public project. Mr. Friedson asked if the roof will cast a
shadow on the photovoltaic panels for part of the day. He highly recommended the project be
identified as a 149A so a construction manager is hired to control costs. He asked the Board of
Selectmen to consider allowing the Design Advisory Committee to review the project.
Mr. McElravy said the building will have a steel-frame and the apparatus bays and support
facilities will have a masonry back-up to the brick; the living quarters and administrative offices
will have metal stud back-up to the brick. Mr. Bride said the solar study has not yet been done
but with new inverter technologies, panels that receive shade can be isolated. If necessary, the
panels can be placed on the upper roof but the team is worried about aesthetics. Mr. McElravy
said the cost estimates are more generous now than they will be in later phases. He agreed to
conduct a benchmark exercise against other recent fire station projects, adjusted for location and
date, although he knows of recent projects that have come in at$450/SF.
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Selectmen's Meeting— September 11, 2017
Report on Visitors Center Schematic Design
Pat Goddard, Consultant; Melisa Tintocalis, Economic Development Director; Don Mills,
Architect, presented a revised design for the Visitors Center. Without making program
adjustments, the project cost estimate is $4.315M, using some lower priced material substitutes,
down from $4.5M.
Mr. Lucente said he likes the design of the building but the project cost is still too high. He
recommended the scope be reconsidered.
Mr. Pato is worried about cost and the timing, although the design meets the program goals. He
is concerned that the only restrooms are located on the lower level.
Ms. Barry also had cost, timing, and bathroom accessibility concerns. No funding for the Visitors
Center has been included in any capital model to date. Ms. Barry asked whether temporary
facilities for the construction period have been determined. She asked how the building design
interacts with the Battle Green Master Plan, about a turnaround suggested for the Depot parking
lot, and whether the bathrooms would be available after hours.
Mr. Mills said several ideas were floated for temporary space but none have been chosen.
Estimated costs for swing space have been carried over from the original estimate. The Battle
Green Master Plan is silent on the Visitors Center, beyond acknowledging its existence. Mr.
Goddard said the Master Plan speaks mainly to the landscape architecture, a portion of which is
eligible for Community Preservation funds. Mr. Mills said the turnaround is not within the scope
of the project although he believes 4-6 spaces would be affected. There are ways in which
bathrooms could be made accessible after hours but this was not a design driver. Police were not
comfortable with the concept when it was originally presented to them.
Mr. Kelley asked if there could be an all-access bathroom on the rear porch area of the building.
Some value engineering may be available in the envelope design and public/private partnerships
might decrease overall costs to the Town. Mr. Kelley stated that the price, as presented, is higher
than he wishes to endorse.
Mr. Mills said one of the advantages of having the bathrooms accessible from the inside and
downstairs is that people must come through the building. The rear vestibule area can be open
after hours for access to the bathrooms downstairs.
Ms. Ciccolo believes the revised design is an improved fit for the program but there seems to be
wasted space in the basement. She wondered how the second-floor offices would be accessed
when a meeting is taking place. Ms. Ciccolo struggles with the cost but agreed the Town needs
to address the inadequacies of the current building.
Mr. Mills said the proportions of the upstairs offices and meeting rooms have merely been
sketched in. The meeting space is envisioned for staff and volunteers only, not for the public.
There is room on the basement level for an exhibit.
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Selectmen's Meeting– September 11, 2017
David Kanter, Capital Expenditures Committee, suggested that the second-floor build-out be
postponed to stagger costs.
A short recess was called at 9:09 p.m. The meeting resumed at 9:15 p.m.
Approve—Hartwell Avenue Compost Operations Fee Schedule
Robert Beaudoin, Environmental Services Superintendent, and David Pinsonneault, DPW
Director gave a follow-up presentation about the operation fees and the Compost Revolving
Account that has been reviewed for long-term viability. On August 14, they proposed fee
increases and new revenue sources to the Selectmen that would cover facility operating costs.
The proposed fees are comparable to or less than rates charged at similar facilities in the region.
Mr. Kelley asked if the goal is for the Hartwell Avenue facility be self-sustaining. Mr. Beaudoin
said adjusting costs as presented is one step toward that goal.
David Kanter, Capital Expenditures Committee, asked how a load's capacity is calculated. Mr.
Beaudoin said the size of the vehicle and load is evaluated by staff and sticker and punch card
systems are used.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to adopt the proposed
fee schedule for the Hartwell Avenue Compost operation as presented, effective March 1, 2018.
FYI 8—Water/Sewer Rate Discussion (1 of 3 presentations to be given)
Carolyn Kosnoff, Assistant Town Manager for Finance presented preliminary FYI Water&
Sewer rates for consideration. Covered at this meeting were:
• Results of FY2017 water and sewer operations, billed consumption and retained earnings
history.
• FY2018 water and sewer budgets as adopted at the 2017 annual town meeting (direct and
indirect costs) and proposed revisions to these budgets, which will serve as the basis for
calculating FY2018 water and sewer rates.
• Preliminary water and sewer rates for FY2018
The proposed Water rates represent a decrease of.4%from FYI 7, largely due to a lower MWRA
assessment. The proposed Sewer rates represent an increase of 3.0% over FY17. On a combined
basis, the Water& Sewer rates will increase 1.2% over FYI 7.
Public Comments on the proposed rates will be heard at the Board of Selectmen's meeting on
September 25, 2017.
Preparation for Special Town Meeting 20172 & Special Town Meeting 2017 3—Review
Warrant, Presentations, and Assignments
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Selectmen's Meeting– September 11, 2017
For Special Town Meeting 2017-2, there are five articles: Reports of Town Boards; The Hastings
School construction; design funds for Lexington Children's Place; design funds for new Fire
HQ; construction funds temporary Fire HQ.
Presenters: Mr. Pato will present Article 2; Hastings School construction; Mr. Lucente will
present Article 3, Lexington Children's Place; Mr. Kelley will present Articles 4 and 5, both Fire
Station articles.
For Special Town Meeting 2017-3, there are thirteen articles. Presenters are: Article Ino one
needed; Article 2—Mr. Lucente; Article 3 and Article 4—Ms. Ciccolo; Article 5—Ms. Barry;
Article 6—Mr. Pato; Article 7—Ms. Barry; Article 8—Mr. Kelley; Article 9—Mr. Pato; Article
10Ms. Barry; Article 11Mr. Lucente; Article 12—Ms. Barry; Article 13—may be
indefinitely postponed.
Mr. Valente said the Article 13 is a placeholder for the Center Streetscape design which may not
go forward at this time. Appropriated funds remain that enable the project to reach 25% design,
but not 100%. With the DPW's work load, progress would not be possible until after Annual
Town Meeting 2018 so the vote can be postponed. Board members agreed to defer streetscape
funding but Article 13 remains a placeholder for other Capital articles that might come up. If not
needed, the article can be indefinitely postponed.
Town Counsel has not yet given feedback on the marijuana moratorium. Counsel is also sorting
out the mechanics of revising the Community Preservation's Affordable Housing Reserve which
has been depleted due to lower than expected matching State funds.
The order of the articles was determined to be logical. Mr. Lucente asked if additional nights
should be scheduled in case business extends past two nights. Mr. Valente is waiting to hear back
from the Town Moderator about additional dates. The Town Meeting Member information night
agenda was thought to be ambitious but there is no room in the calendar for a second night.
Procedure for Responding to Citizen Complaints Regarding Elected Officials or Independent
Boards
Following two previous Executive Session Board discussions regarding citizen complaints
against an elected official, the Board expressed interest in developing a procedure for responding
to future complaints of this nature, particularly when it has no legal authority to act in the matter.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to delegate to the
Board Chairman the authority to respond to complaints received by the Selectmen concerning
Town officials elected or appointed to other independent committees or boards, and, at the
Chair's discretion, to schedule Board consideration of any complaint that the Chair determines
warrants further action or deliberation by the Board.
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Selectmen's Meeting– September 11, 2017
Approve Lincoln Park Lights Hours of Operation
Now that the lights at Lincoln Park field#2 are installed, the Board is asked to vote to allow the
lights to operate until 8:45 p.m. The Town has also received a request from Temple Isaiah to
allow two lights in the parking lot area to remain on up to 11 p.m. on those evenings when the
Temple has events (typically Fridays). The Temple will reimburse the Town for the cost. The
lights would be programmed accordingly.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve the hours of
operation of the lights at Lincoln Park Field #2, with a turnoff time of 8:30 p.m. with one light
pole and the parking lot light remaining on until 8:45 p.m.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve the parking
lot light remaining on until 11 p.m. when requested by Temple Isaiah, with the cost to be paid by
the Temple.
Accept Selectmen Committee Resignations
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to accept three
resignations: Elaine Ashton from the Town Report Committee; Elizabeth Rozan from the Noise
Advisory Committee; and Robert Warshawer from the Historic District Commission.
Approve Metropolitan Planning Organization Nomination Papers and Statement of Candidacy
Submission
The Town currently holds an at-large seat on the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization
(MPO). The three-year term, which is held by Board Chairman Ms. Barry, but delegated to
Planning Board Chairman Richard Canale, expires this fall. If the Town wishes to continue to
hold a seat on the MPO it must submit the necessary Nomination Papers and Statement of
Candidacy.
Ms. Ciccolo noted how fortunate it is for the Town that Mr. Canale is willing and able to devote
considerable time to attending the numerous, yet valuable, MPO meetings.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to submit the necessary
Nomination Papers and Statement of Candidacy for an at-large town seat for the upcoming
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Municipal Election.
Consent Agenda
• Approve and Sign Proclamation—Constitution Week
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen vote 5-0 to approve the request
of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)to sign a Proclamation for the 230th
Constitution Week, celebrated September 17 through September 23, 2017.
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Selectmen's Meeting– September 11, 2017
• Approve Town Celebrations Committee Request for Veterans Day Events
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve the request
of the Town Celebrations Committee for the Veterans Day Parade and Ceremonies as presented
in their letter dated August 17, 2017.
• Approve Lowering of Battle Green Flag
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve a request to
lower the Battle Green flag on October 9, 2017 in recognition of the passing of Lexington
resident and Korean War Veteran Carroll E. Dolan on August 24, 2017.
• Water& Sewer Adjustment
Ms. Ciccolo recused herself since she is a direct abutter to the address.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0-1 to approve Water&
Sewer adjustments as recommended by WSAB 8/31/17 $ (129,174.28)
Executive Session—Exemption 3: Collective Bargaining Update—Lexington Police Association
Ms. Barry recused herself since her husband in a policeman and therefore affected by the
contract.
Upon motion duly made and by roll call vote, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 to enter
Executive Session at 10:06 under Exemption 3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective
bargaining related to the Lexington Police Association and to reconvene in Open Session only to
adjourn. It was declared that an open meeting discussion may have a detrimental effect on the
bargaining position of the Town.
Add ourn
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 to adjourn Open
Session at approximately 10:33 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Kim Siebert
Recording Secretary
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Summit Meeting
Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Appropriation Committee,
and Capital Expenditures Committee
September 13, 2017
A Summit was held Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hadley Public Services
Building Cafeteria, 201 Bedford Street. Board of Selectmen: Ms. Barry, Chair; Mr. Kelley; Mr.
Pato; Ms. Ciccolo; and Mr. Lucente were present along with Mr. Valente, Town Manager; Ms.
Tintocalis, Economic Development Director; Mr. Goddard, consultant; Ms. DiNisco, DiNisco
Designs; Mr. Rice, DiNisco Designs; Chief Wilson, Fire Department; and Ms. Siebert,
Recording Secretary.
Also present: School Committee members: Mr. Alessandrini (Chair); Ms. Colburn; Ms. Lenihan
plus Dr. Czajkowski, Superintendent of Schools. Appropriation Committee (AC) members: Mr.
Bartenstein, Chair; Mr. Radulescu-Banu; Ms. Basch; Mr. Neumeier: Mr. Levine; Ms. Yan; Mr.
Michelson; Ms. Yang; and Mr. Padaki. Capital Expenditures Committee (CEC) members: Ms.
Hai (Chair); Ms. Manz; Mr. Smith; Mr. Kanter; Mr. Cole; and Ms. Beebee.
Ms. Barry called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. as did the other committee. Ms. Barry
explained that, due to the nature of the meeting, no public comment would be taken.
Update—Lexington Children's Place Design
Ms. Ciccolo recused herself from the Lexington Children's Place (LCP) discussion as her
parents' home abuts the property.
Ms. DiNisco and Mr. Goddard presented three different design options for review saying that, of
the three, the School Committee prefers Option 0. This is the design upon which cost estimates
have been based.
The way the building in Option 0 is oriented, a future 4-classroom expansion is possible without
encroaching on wetlands in the western portion of the site. Additionally, the layout of classrooms
in Option 0 is preferable for the LCP program. The natural beauty of the campus has been
preserved and the building will be"nestled" into the woods. An existing retention basin would
remain. Minimal ledge would be removed. A two-way vehicle access drive has been established
between LCP and the Community Center, enabling the site to function from a traffic perspective.
Two-way traffic flow through the Scottish Rite property is still being negotiated. The proposed
road configuration would not encourage cut-through traffic, a concern that has been expressed in
previous meetings. The design team will continue to work with the Traffic Safety Group on
improving the challenging intersection at Pelham Road/Massachusetts Avenue. Unlike Option 1,
Option 0 allows for an emergency access road to wrap three-quarters of the way around the
building, and also providing best access to building mechanics for maintenance/repair purposes
and deliveries.
Ms. DiNisco also presented Option 1, which is essentially Option 0 flipped so that the future
expansion area is further away from the wetlands in the northern part of the site. She presented
Option 2 as well, similar in layout to Option 0 but with a curved, instead of angular, building.
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Summit Meeting— September 13, 2017
Option 0 and Option 1 would cost the same amount. The Option 2 cost estimate is $385,000
more expensive due to the more complex architecture.
The all-electric LCP building design meets Lexington's sustainability goals. The proposed
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) and Energy Recovery Unit(ERU) systems have been
independently peer-reviewed and are"right-sized" for both the original building and potential
future expansion. The recommended VRF system is made by Daikin and would, by necessity, be
proprietary. For resiliency, LCP has been designed as a Level 4 (asset preservation)building. In
terms of CO2 parts per million, Ms. DiNisco said the best that can be achieved appears to be
720-810 ppm, the same as at the Hastings School. Solar photovoltaics are anticipated on the
roofs but they are not part of the estimate. Ms. DiNisco said a solar study could be conducted
prior to Special Town Meeting. Solar battery storage is also planned; similar to the design of the
new Hastings School.
Based on Option 0, total hard ($11,560,729) and soft($ 2,513,613)project costs, including 7%
construction and owner contingencies, equal $14,879,342. The next phase of funding to be
requested is $2.5M for design at Special Town Meeting 2017-2. Mr. Goddard noted that
$581,000 of the total cost has already been appropriated.
Ms. Hai (CEC) asked if the team was confident there would be no need for additional hazardous-
material mitigation. Ms. DiNisco said she was confident of the estimate given that the property
has been assessed by an environmental consultant.
Mr. Bartenstein (AC) asked whether the building acoustics are suited for the building's use and if
ventilation and acoustics were a design trade-off. Ms. DiNisco said that acoustics are part of
environmental quality considerations. The design includes numerous high quality acoustic tiles.
Mr. Radulescu-Banu (AC) asked how the cost per square foot compares to similar constructions.
Ms. DiNisco said, at$630 per square foot, the cost is higher than either Estabrook or Hastings
schools. As a smaller, one-story building, LCP has fewer cost efficiencies than larger, 2-story
buildings. There is no building with a use similar enough to use for comparison
Mr. Lucente (BOS) noted that if the building is expanded in the future, Option 1 provides easier
access than Option 0 to the expansion site. He asked if the building could accommodate a second
story in the future. Ms. DiNisco said, due to changes in building codes, it is very difficult to
anticipate growth and justify additional upfront costs.
Ms. Lenihan (SC) said it is understandable to try focus on the "what-ifs" of future expansion,
given Lexington's record of enrollment increase. However, Option 0, the School Committee's
preference, not only accommodates the current program size, it includes room for additional
students for the foreseeable future.
The boards/committees caucused individually to try to arrive at consensus about a design choice.
Results:
0 School Committee: Option 0
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Summit Meeting– September 13, 2017
• Capital Expenditures Committee: Option 0 because it is sized to accommodate a 50%
increase in"slots" and because of emergency access public safety concerns.
• Appropriation Committee: Option 0 by an 8-1 vote. The deciding factor was the School
Committee's preference, although one member was swayed by future expansion
considerations.
• Board of Selectmen: Option 1 by a 4-0 vote. Program needs are satisfied by Option 0 but
Option 1 offers better future expansion possibilities. The Board feels public safety
questions could be resolved and would like input from the Sustainable Lexington
Committee on the final design choice.
Mr. Goddard said there will be time to fine-tune sustainability choices once a design is chosen.
He cautioned that the design team has not yet solicited the Conservation Commission's opinion
about building closer to the wetlands now or in the future.
Mr. Valente noted that Option 0 and Option 1 cost the same so, for Special Town Meeting
purposes, the relevant decision has been made. Further deliberation about which of the two
designs will be built can take place independently of the Town Meeting appropriation vote.
Update—Main Fire Station Design
Ms. Ciccolo returned from recusal.
Chief Wilson and Mr. Goddard presented the schematic design, cost estimates, and timeline for
the permanent Fire Headquarters at 45 Bedford Street and for the temporary fire headquarters at
173 Bedford Street. Probable costs for the permanent headquarters renovation total $19,307,000.
The inclusion of a solar hot water heater, a new traffic signal at Massachusetts Avenue and
Camellia Place, and another $100,000 for value engineering, would, if approved, bring the total
to $19,912,000 of which $450,000 has already been appropriated. To move the project forward,
Special Town Meeting will be asked to appropriate another $673,000 The temporary
headquarters' estimate is $2,191,000 of which $50,000 has already been appropriated.
Mr. Bartenstein (AC) asked if one project manager would be hired to oversee all three projects.
Mr. Goddard said Michael Cronin, the new Public Facilities Director, would make that decision
but he recommends that one person be onsite and another act as project manager.
Mr. Padaki (AC) asked how long are the life cycles for building system components. He asked if
the temporary fire headquarters requires a traffic signal. Mr. Goddard said the Tecton engineer
calculated 25 years as a life cycle estimate, but the Town commonly uses 20 years.
Experientially, the life cycle is often closer to 15 years. The cost of a signal at the temporary site
is included in the estimate.
The Board of Selectmen, Appropriation Committee, and Capital Expenditures Committee
unanimously supported inclusion of a new traffic signal at Camellia Place as well as the solar hot
water heater and $100,000 for value engineering. The School Committee did not take an official
position.
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Summit Meeting– September 13, 2017
Update—Visitors Center Conceptual Design
Ms. Tintocalis and Mr. Goddard said the current cost projection for the new Visitor's Center
design is $4,315,000. Community Preservation funds, grants, and/or public/private partnerships
are possible partial funding sources, other than bonding or the operating budget. An
appropriation request of$150,000 for design development is expected at this Special Town
Meeting. A $200,000 request for construction document development has been deferred because
the citizens' petition failed to be certified for this article.
Ms. Manz (CEC) said the total project estimate remains too high. She believes that, following the
original presentation made several years ago, the architect was instructed to come back with a
more affordable design. Mr. Goddard said the architect believes he was asked to "design to the
program." There is potential to lower the building cost if program elements are altered or
eliminated.
Mr. Michelson (AC) expressed concerns about handicap accessibility and security features for
after-hour bathroom access at the Center. Mr. Goddard replied that bathrooms are most needed
during events and he does not envision 24-hour accessibility.
Ms. Yang (AC) noted that square footage had decreased and yet the cost estimate was close to
the original. She added that she likes the current"old house" look of the Visitors Center and that
she finds the new design to be too generic. Mr. Goddard stated the original estimate was based
solely on square footage. Additionally, bathrooms in the basement level were not envisioned at
that time.
Mr. Kanter (CEC) asked if a second story was strictly necessary or if a permanent tenant could
be found to provide steady revenue to offset the cost. Ms. Hai (CEC) asked if other funding
opportunities truly exist, such as grants and public/private partnerships. She asked how the
project could be moved forward. Ms. Tintocalis said she suspects there are outside funding
sources, but it is premature to line them up.
Ms. Barry (BOS) said the Selectmen will continue to discuss how to move ahead with the
proj ect.
• Should Town Meeting Vote for the Hastings School project to be contingent on debt
exclusion vote?
Ms. Barry (BOS) asked for feedback on whether the motion on the Hastings School project to
Town Meeting should be contingent or not contingent on the debt-exclusion vote passing. Ms.
Barry noted that if the Town does not approve Hastings School funding, it will lose the monies
that the Massachusetts School Building Authority has been committed to the project.
Mr. Michelson (AC) said moving ahead with the project despite the will of the voters would
jeopardize the support of all future capital requests. Ms. Yang (AC) agreed this could have
negative long-term effects. Mr. Bartenstein (AC) said that the Appropriation Committee has, at
past meetings, expressed strong support for making the project contingent on the debt-exclusion
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Summit Meeting— September 13, 2017
vote concerned that if the project moves forward without the debt exclusion, it would cause
havoc to the operating budget. He believes that if the appropriation were not made contingent,
the Town should prepare a Plan B for adjustments to the operating budget in case the question
did not prevail. Mr. Pato said that other projects, such as the Estabrook School, have been non-
contingent.
Superintendent Czajkowski emphasized that the Hastings School was one inter-related
component in an effort to address school-population pressures. Mr. Goddard said there are many
moving parts to the school-capacity issue that remain to be worked through. The need for a clear
presentation of the issue to voters was emphasized. If voters believe the project will go forward
regardless of how they vote, they will not be aware of what will happen if the vote fails.
Mr. Valente said if the project is contingent, the Town has 120 days from the date of the MSBA
approval to get both Town Meeting and voter approval. If not contingent, the only approval
necessary is Town Meeting.
Because Mr. Alessandrini (SC) needed to leave, the School Committee adjourned at
approximately 9:40 p.m. The subject of contingency will be on the School Committee agenda on
September 19, 2017.
Ms. Hai (CEC) said the crux of deciding the issue at hand is understanding many factors,
including what the Town would do if the vote were contingent and the voters voted"No".
Ms. Barry (BOS) said the Board of Selectmen are asking for feedback for the Hastings School
motion, not for the Warrant which will be finalized in several days' time. She asked that the
committees forward further feedback to the Board of Selectmen as it becomes available.
Review Special Town Meeting Warrants
The Board of Selectmen will approve the Warrant at their meeting Monday, September 18, 2017.
Positions will start to be taken as well.
A Special Town Meeting Information meeting and other preparations were discussed as well as
procedurals specific to these upcoming Special Town Meeting.
Add ourn
Upon Motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to adjourn at
approximately 9:55 p.m. The Appropriation Committee adjourned as well. The Capital
Expenditures Committee remained in session.
A true record; Attest:
Kim Siebert
Recording Secretary
71-14
Selectmen's Meeting
September 18, 2017
A meeting of the Lexington Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, September 18, 2017 at
6:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room of the Town Office Building. Upon convening in
Open Session, the Board immediately entered Executive Session under Exemption 6: Potential
Purchase of Land. After exiting Executive Session at 7:15 p.m., the Board of Selectmen
reconvened in Open Session at 7:18 p.m. after a short break. Ms. Barry, Chair; Mr. Kelley; Mr.
Pato; Ms. Ciccolo; and Mr. Lucente were present as well as Mr. Valente, Town Manager; and
Ms. Siebert, Recording Secretary.
Selectman Concerns and Liaison Reports
Ms. Barry stated that a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Human
Services Committee would be held on September 27, 2017 at 7 p.m. at the Community Center.
Ms. Barry welcomed Heather Doyle, new reporter for The Lexington Minuteman newspaper.
Mr. Lucente reported that the Recreation Committee and Community Center Program Advisory
Committee is looking to bring forward a recommendation in October on use policies for
Community Center.
Town Manager Report
Mr. Valente said Lexington would host an event with the Department of Energy Resources
(DOER)in Estabrook Hall on September 19, 2017 that would include a field trip to the Hartwell
Avenue community solar installation.
Mr. Valente said staff is preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Jose by readying flood-prone sites
and by coordinating with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). As
three inches of rain is expected, the Department of Public Works asked residents to assist by
clearing storm drains near their homes of debris.
Confirm Location—Bike Share Station
Following up on an earlier presentation given on August 14, 2017, Megan Zammuto, Economic
Development Coordinator, reported that the Historic Districts Commission has granted a
Certificate of Appropriateness for the bike share station that will be valid until December 31,
2018, one year into a two-year pilot. The HDC recommends that the bike share kiosk be located
next to the Visitors Center and that a sign be placed next to the bike path. While visibility from
Massachusetts Avenue was a factor in many discussions by staff and various committees,
consensus was that the Meriam Street and Minuteman Bike Path location was preferred. Ms.
Zammuto asked the Board to vote approval of the location.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve the location
of the bike share equipment in the area of Meriam Street next to the Visitors Center.
Potential Purchase of Land-44 Adams Street
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Selectmen's Meeting— September 18, 2017
Mr. Kelley described the 44 Adams Street land parcel, noting its natural beauty, historic value,
and proximity to the protected Chiesa Farm Conservation Land. He reported that current
owner/developer Mark Barons has indicated willingness to work with Lexington to negotiate a
potential purchase by the Town of the property for the purpose of preserving open space. Mr.
Kelley reported that the Conservation Commission unanimously supports acquisition of the
parcel. He asked the Board to consider ways that the community might act to protect this
property. He noted that Special Town Meeting could discuss the purchase of the property using
Community Preservation funds
Board members agreed that the parcel is both beautiful and significant but expressed concerns
about price, financing, timing, and competing requests for other open space purchases. Members
concurred the need for community input. Mr. Barons was thanked for his patience as this process
unfolds.
Update on Trash and Recycling Proposals
Robert Beaudoin, Superintendent of Environmental Services, and David Pinsonneault, Public
Works Director, updated the Board on the three trash and recycling collection options and
reviewed the status of the contract process. The current refuse contract concludes on June 30,
2018. Public meetings about the new contract are planned for October 11th and 12th to solicit
resident input. If the timeline is maintained, the Selectmen will be asked in November to
approve the new 5-year contract.
Three options are possible for the new contract. The first option retains the status quo of a 6-
barrel limit and unlimited recycling using manual collection. The second option would move to a
single 64-gallon using automated collection and automated, weekly single stream recycling. The
third option would move to an automated 64-gallon refuse collection and manual, weekly single
stream recycling collection. Mr. Pinsonneault noted that there would be a cost increase of 11-
15%, depending on which of the three options is chosen.
The majority of the members of the ad hoc trash and recycling task force support a switch to
some form of automation. Four proposals were initially received in response to the RFP; the task
force culled the applicants down to two, one of which was the current hauler, JRM.
Mr. Kelley said he does not support charging a fee to residents who require a higher-than-64-
gallon capacity. He asked if periodic paper/document shredding services will be available. Mr.
Pinsonneault said he is waiting to get clarification on how overflow would be handled and has
asked vendors to include paper shredding events into the contract.
Resident David Kanter, 48 Fifer Lane, asked how the automated system would work for non-
linear cluster subdivisions.
Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street, expressed concern about cart maneuverability and agreed
with Mr. Kelley about not levying fees.
Sign Special Town Meeting Warrants
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Selectmen's Meeting– September 18, 2017
Ms. Barry said the Board would take up STM 2017-2 and STM 2017-3 separately.
Ms. Ciccolo recused herself from the vote on STM 2017-2 due to the inclusion of the Lexington
Children's Place project on the warrant. The 20 Pelham Road property abuts her parents'
property.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 to approve and sign the
Warrant for Special Town Meeting 2017-2, and to authorize the Town Manager, with the advice
of Town Counsel, to make any non-substantive edits as necessary.
Ms. Ciccolo returned to the discussion.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve and sign the
Warrant for Special Town Meeting 2017-3, and to authorize the Town Manager, with the advice
of Town Counsel, to make any non-substantive edits as necessary.
Continue Discussion—Special Town Meeting Capital Articles and Debt Exclusion Vote
• Consider Contingent Vote for Hastings School Project
Regarding contingent appropriations, Mr. Valente stated the deadline for obtaining voter
approval of a debt exclusion question is 90 days after the close of the Special Town Meeting at
which the contingent appropriation vote was taken. More than one election may be held, but the
contingent appropriation is null and void if the related question is not approved by town-wide
vote within 90 days.
Nicola Rinaldi, co-chair of the Debt Exclusion Campaign, asked for clarity as to whether the
Lexington Children's Place and Fire Headquarters projects would be contingent or non-
contingent projects. She also asked what budget adjustment might be made in the event the debt
exclusion vote does not pass. Ms. Rinaldi believes it is important for people to clearly
understand what voting"Yes" or"No" means.
Ms. Ciccolo said she does not have a clear position yet on contingency or non-contingency but
she feels strongly that the Hastings School project must go forward and she does not want to lose
State MSBA funding for the project.
Mr. Kelley said he is 100%behind the project. He noted that the practice has always been to
fund projects of this size and type outside the tax levy and the community has always been
supportive. However, he believes the Town must plan for what would happen if the debt had to
be covered within the levy. Mr. Valente said staff could provide a financial model to illustrate
the impacts. The model is complicated by the fact that there is potential for any or all three large
capital projects to fail at the polls and there would be no time to re-vote the Hastings School
project without an extension from the MSBA.
Mr. Pato said he believes the Hastings School project should be non-contingent and the 30%
funding from the MSBA is something the Town should not risk losing. He supports asking the
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Selectmen's Meeting— September 18, 2017
voters to support a debt exclusion but not to have the appropriation at Town Meeting
contingent.Selectmen's Meeting— September 18, 2017
Mr. Lucente said he supports contingency. He is uncomfortable that the Town might move ahead
with a project that the voters reject. Mr. Lucente fully supports the Hastings School project
because the need is evident.
Ms. Barry agreed the Hastings School must be replaced and the MSBA grant money is
significant, yet the decision on contingency is difficult. She leans toward voting for contingency
and hopes the voters will support the project on the ballot. She is opposed to making a list of
expendables because the heavily vetted items are needs, not wants. She agrees with transparency,
but not does not want to employ scare tactics. The campaign for the project should be robust and
conclusive.
A Selectmen's vote on the matter is necessary for the motion, but not for the warrant.
• Consider Lexington Children's Place Options
Ms. Ciccolo recused herself on this item.
John Bartenstein, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, noted that the funds being requested
for LCP and the Fire Station are design funds only, not construction funds. Mr. Valente agreed
that this is the case for Special Town Meeting but said the taxpayers would be asked to support
the entire projects' construction funds on the debt exclusion ballot.
The four Selectmen who voted said that the LCP project should be contingent.
Summarizing the outcome of the Summit on September 13, Ms. Barry said the Board of
Selectmen supported LCP design Option 1 rather than Option 0 that the School Committee,
Appropriations Committee, and Capital Expenditures Committee preferred. The reasons for this
related to public safety access and future expansion logistics. Mr. Lucente said the Board of
Selectmen has a responsibility look far ahead at possible future needs. He believes the two
designs have program implications but does not believe Option 1 is problematic, only that
Option 0 is preferable. Mr. Pato said a detailed discussion with the Conservation Commission
about the wetlands is needed. Ms. Barry noted that both options carry the same cost estimate.
Bob Pressman, 22 Locust Avenue, said the LCP Director stated that the preferred Option 0 is
better to keep loud noise and behaviors in one wing from disrupting the entire program.
• Fire Station
Ms. Ciccolo returned to the meeting.
Board members reached consensus that the Fire Station project should be contingent.
0 Consider Visitors Center Project
71-18
Selectmen's Meeting— September 18, 2017
The Special Town Meeting request is for design funds only. A second article related to
construction funding failed to gather enough signatures so was not certified by the Town Clerk.
Ms. Barry said participants at the most recent Summit on September 13 and a number of Town
Meeting members deem the Visitors Center important but the $4M price tag is problematic. She
asked if the item should be postponed for consideration until Annual Town Meeting.
Ms. Ciccolo said the currently facility is too small but she believes the price for a new Center can
be brought down. She believes a vote on the project should be deferred until spring.
Mr. Kelley said he supports the project but he believes four things need to be done to move the
project along: value engineering; consideration of a public private partnership with the Chamber
of Commerce; research naming and grant opportunities; and include additional grade-level,
handicap access bathrooms in the design.
Mr. Pato agreed that ground-level accessible bathrooms are needed but he feels the project cost
to be too high and is reluctant to move forward until a better way forward is found. He supports
postponing the item until Annual Town Meeting.
Mr. Lucente said the Visitor's Center is an important asset that is currently embarrassingly
insufficient. He is taken aback by the price tag but fears the price may go higher the longer the
Town waits. He supports the request for design funds to take the project to the next step.
Ms. Barry said the project needs more value engineering and an answer to the accessible
bathroom question. The Board will provide this feedback to the architect.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to direct the architect
to include grade-level handicap access bathrooms in the Visitors Center design.
David Kanter, Capital Expenditures Committee, noted that the motion to include grade-level
bathrooms does not address value engineering. He asked if there are still enough appropriated
funds available to fund the architect's work on these questions. Mr. Valente said he would check
the fund balance.
Dawn McKenna, Chair of the Tourism Committee, expressed some concerns about the way the
petition signatures were evaluated. She has communicated these concerns to the Town Clerk.
The Tourism Committee agrees with the need for value engineering and Ms. McKenna pointed
out that some has already occurred. She believes there are at least two components of the project
that are eligible for Community Preservation funding and other components may be eligible for
grants. Ms. McKenna noted that Town Meeting overwhelmingly supported the last vote for
Visitor Center design funding and she believes Town Meeting should have the chance to discuss
support for moving forward now.
Jon Himmel, Permanent Building Committee, said the PBC expects that the bathrooms will be
added on the grade level. Members agree the project costs too much. However, if Town Meeting
does not now approve funds for further services from the architect, no value engineering will be
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Selectmen's Meeting– September 18, 2017
done and no design changes will be made. If the project is to move forward, the conversation
should be how much is approvable now and what the target timeline will be.
• Consider Debt Exclusion Questions
Ms. Ciccolo recused herself from the parts of this discussion that include LCP.
Ms. Barry raised the question of whether the projects in STM 2017-2 should stand alone or be
bundled in any way.
The Board decided the Hastings School project will stand alone.
Mr. Kelley voted "No" for bundling. Mr. Pato said he would like to hear from the Debt
Exclusion Campaign about how it is framing the issue to the voters. He has reached no
conclusion as yet but is leaning toward bundling because Lexington is one community and these
needs belong to all. Mr. Lucente said, since the permanent and temporary fire stations are
together by necessity, he is against further bundling. Ms. Barry said these are three strong
projects and each article should stand alone.
Ms. Barry asked the Board for consideration of whether the 173 Bedford Street and Pelham Road
property purchase prices should be included or excluded from the excluded debt total. Ms.
Ciccolo said 173 Bedford Street should be paid for another way than adding to the debt. She
recused herself from commenting on Pelham Road. Mr. Kelley said he believes the purchase
costs of both properties should be covered outside the debt question. Mr. Pato said the feedback
he has received from citizens is that the Town should fund them outside the debt exclusion. Mr.
Lucente said he was leaning toward not including them in the debt exclusion. Ms. Barry said she
feels similarly but wants to see the modeling for how to paying outside the debt exclusion might
impact the budget and Capital Stabilization.
Preparation for Special Town Meetings 2017-2 & 3, Review Article Assignments,
Presentations, Positions
Ms. Barry ascertained that Board members were comfortable with their article assignments.
Board members took positions for or against those articles members were ready to commit to.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-1 to advance a formal
application to the Community Preservation to consider the question of the acquisition of the
Chiesa parcel at 44 Adams Street, including the cost of an appraisal as required by statute. Mr.
Pato cast the dissenting vote.
Ms. Ciccolo said it was hard to know how CPC could discuss potential purchase of the property
without a clear understanding of the price. Mr. Kelley said he believes there is sufficient time to
gather all the information necessary.
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Selectmen's Meeting— September 18, 2017
Dissolve Committees
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to dissolve the 300th
Anniversary Celebration Committee, Ad Hoc Cary Memorial Building Renovation Design
Committee and the Ad Hoc Community Center Advisory Committee.
Town Manager Appointments/Reappointments
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve the Town
Manager's reappointment of Julie Miller to the Commission on Disability. Ms. Miller has been a
member since 2009. Her new term will expire October 31, 2020. Ethics training is up-to-date.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve the Town
Manager's reappointment Susan Cusack to the Commission on Disability. Ms. Cusack has been a
member since 2003. Her new term will expire October 31, 2020. Ethics training is up-to-date.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen vote 5-0 to appointment of Sam
Doran as a member of the Historical Commission. Mr. Doran will be filling a vacant position and
the term will expire March 31, 2020. Ethics training is up-to-date.
Selectmen Committee Appointments/Reappointments
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to reappoint/appoint
with gratitude the list of committee members as presented.
Consent Agenda
• Approve One-Day Liquor Licenses
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve a one-day
liquor license for The Sacred Heart Parish to serve wine and beer on Saturday, October 14, 2017
from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. for the purpose of an Italian Night Fundraiser at the Sacred Heart
Parish Hall, 16 Follen Road.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve a one-day
liquor license for The Hancock Church to serve alcohol on October 21, 2017 from 7 p.m. to 11
p.m. at the 150th Anniversary Celebration of the Hancock Church, at the Masonic Hall, 3
Bedford St.
Adj ourn
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to adjourn at
approximately 9:35 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Kim Siebert
Recording Secretary
71-21
Selectmen's Meeting
September 25, 2017
A meeting of the Lexington Board of Selectmen was reconvened at 7:38 p.m. after a recess on
Monday, September 25, 2017 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room of the Town Office Building
following a Joint Meeting with the School Committee that began at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Barry, Chair;
Mr. Kelley; Mr. Pato; Ms. Ciccolo; and Mr. Lucente were present as well as Mr. Valente, Town
Manager; and Ms. Siebert, Recording Secretary.
Town Manager Report
Mr. Valente reported that National Grid will install new gas lines laterally under Massachusetts
Avenue between the Cary Memorial Library and Meriam Street. The work will take place
overnight on Tuesday, September 26th and Wednesday, September 27th, 2017 from 7:00 p.m. to
3:00 a.m. Mr. Pinsonneault said the plan is for one lane to remain open for the duration.
Mr. Valente said Eversource will fly low over high tension wires via helicopter to conduct what
they termed "aerial vegetation control" between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on September 27th,
28th, and 29th. This schedule is weather dependent.
Public Hearing—FYI 8 Water& Sewer Rates
Ms. Barry called the Public Hearing to order at 7:42 p.m.
Carolyn Kosnoff, Assistant Town Manager for Finance, and Ralph Pecora, Water& Sewer
Superintendent, presented the second of three installments regarding FYI Water and Sewer
rates. The first presentation was held on September 11, 2017; the last, at which the rates will be
approved, is scheduled for October 2, 2017. The purpose of tonight's hearing is to field public
questions and comments.
Ms. Kosnoff summarized the materials first presented on September 11, 2017. She again
recommended FYI domestic water rate increases of 3.5% and domestic sewer rate increases of
0.3%. The rates are based on average usage over a 5-year span. Usage rates this year are lower
than the previous year, largely due to weather-related reductions in irrigation.
There being no public comments, the Public Hearing was closed at 7:45 p.m.
Review Draft Memorandum of Agreement with King Street Properties for Hayden Avenue
Development
Carol Kowalski, Assistant Town Manager for Development and Rob Albro and Ed Grant from
King Street Properties, presented information relating to a draft Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU)between the Town and King Street regarding the proposed development at 45-55-65
Hayden Ave. The MOU addresses non-zoning impacts and mitigation and is largely based on a
previous agreement with former site owner Cubist Pharmaceutical which similarly requested
zoning relief. The mitigation is in the form of payment in lieu of parking code requirements;
membership in the Route 128 Business Council; an expansion of existing conservation restriction
at Hayden Woods, trail access, and dedicated parking spaces for conservation land users; and
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Selectmen's Meeting— September 25, 2017
community space and possible recreational programming. The noise testing and abatement
section of the MOU will mirror what was approved recently for the expansion at Brookhaven.
Although some of the language is still being negotiated, Ms. Kowalski said there was no point
upon which the discussion appears to be problematic.
Ms. Barry asked how the community space would be administered. Ms. Kowalski said the details
are still being worked out and that the section of the MOU will ultimately need to be simplified.
Mr. Valente said the Town's primary intent was for King Street to provide recreation space for
its tenants but King Street broadened availability to include community groups. Implementation
of the space, however, is not something the Town wants to assume.
Mr. Kelley expressed concern that the ambient noise level of 5 dBA as specified in the MOU
might not be high enough if building mechanics add to the airwaves. Mr. Grant said the dBA
number was inadvertently left in the draft. Noise protocol requires testing which has yet to occur.
The ultimate intent is to mirror the Brookhaven limit.
Ms. Ciccolo asked about transportation, bus stops, and transportation demand management,
noting there are traffic back-ups in the area already. Ms. Kowalski said it is preferable that the
MOU not contain too much granular detail about transportation but instead state broadly what
King Street is to abide by. Ms. Kowalski expects to have the final MOU ready for a vote at the
next Board of Selectmen's meeting.
Article Presentations/Discussion/Positions
• STM 2017-3, Article 11: Appropriate for High School Security System
Shawn Newell, Assistant Director of Public Facilities, and Chris Bouchard, Lexington High
School Facilities Manager, presented information about the Lexington High School Security
system, saying the Capital request is for $31,000 to cover design engineering and bid assistance
for an automated door lock system, specifically on external access points. Installation of such a
system will bring LHS closer to district security standards. Security cameras have already been
installed. Additional funds will be requested later for implementation and construction.
Answers to questions about how the system would work and if it would achieve stated goals
resulted in unanimous show of support by the Selectmen.
• STM 2017-3, Article 7: Amend Revolving Fund Authorization
The article requests an increase of$145,000 to the Revolving Fund. The Board of Selectmen
unanimously support the article.
• STM 2017-3, Article 8: Appropriate for Design Funds for Visitors Center
Mr. Valente stated that, as requested by the Board, architect Don Mills has included at-grade,
handicap accessible bathrooms in the schematic design of the Visitors Center. This inclusion was
accomplished without undue impact to the layout as presented.
71-23
Selectmen's Meeting– September 25, 2017
Mr. Lucente said he believes the Board should make a decision to move forward with the
Visitors Center since costs will increase the longer the Town waits. Members agreed that the
additional bathrooms meet the Board's objectives. Mr. Lucente and Mr. Kelley voted in support
of the article. Ms. Barry and Ms. Ciccolo deferred their votes. Mr. Pato said he will wait,
particularly to learn if more funds are needed to complete the schematic design but not to go
further at this time.
Dawn McKenna, Chair of the Tourism Committee, hopes to provide a presentation soon on
alternative funding sources. She noted the revenue the Town receives from hotel and meals
taxes, partially derived from out of town visitors.
David Kanter, Capital Expenditures Committee, asked to be included in a value engineering
exercise, if a broad group of stakeholders is assembled for the purpose.
• STM 2017-3, Article 12: Appropriate for CPA Projects—Land Purchase Update
Mr. Valente updated the Board on an application to the Community Preservation Committee
(CPC)regarding the property at 44 Adams Street. An appraisal has been scheduled, which is a
requirement for the CPA process. Given that the property has been recently purchased, Mr.
Valente believes the appraisal will be done quickly and inexpensively. The amount that CPC can
put toward purchase of the property is limited, by law, to the amount of the appraisal.
Members agreed unanimously that more information is needed before taking positions on the
CPA article.
Review Updated Capital Financing Plan for Exempt Debt Projects
As requested by the Board, Mr. Valente presented a draft of the financial impact model to show
how excluding the purchase prices for 20 Pelham Road and 173 Bedford Street affect the debt
model, Operating Budget, and Capital Stabilization Fund. He provided three alternatives for
consideration, favoring a"middle ground" that would bear less impact on the Stabilization Fund
and provide greater flexibility for funding future capital projects. The middle ground model is
based on five 1-year roll-over notes. Interest and principal would amount to approximately
$2.3M annually and be paid for within the levy. The two other alternatives involve 1) absorbing
the debt payments within the Operating Budget or 2)paying the total $12.4M purchase prices
through Capital Stabilization, as recommended by the Town's two finance committees.
David Kanter, Capital Expenditures Committee, asked why the High School and Police Station
Capital projects are not included in the model. Mr. Valente said there is no financial information
available yet about these projects.
The Selectmen supported the middle ground alternative. The proposal will be brought to the next
Summit on October 5, 2017.
Continue Discussion—Fall 2017—Debt Exclusion Vote
71-24
Selectmen's Meeting– September 25, 2017
The Board continued its deliberations on the debt exclusion projects leading up to Special Town
Meeting.
Selectmen Committee Resignations
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to accept the
resignation of Karen Longeteig from the Tree Committee.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to accept the
resignation of John Frey from the Bicycle Advisory Committee.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to accept the
resignation of Tim Counihan from the LexMedia Board of Directors.
Consent Agenda
• Water& Sewer Adjustment
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen vote 5-0 to approve the Water&
Sewer adjustment as recommended by WSAB meeting held on July 27, 2017: 14 Bridge St.
totaling $ (2,647.52); and 15 Bicentennial Dr. totaling $ (1,927.20)
Executive Session
Ms. Barry recused herself as her husband is employed by the Lexington Police Department.
Upon motion duly made and by roll call, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 to enter Executive
Session under Exemption 3: Collective Bargaining Update—Coalition Bargaining to discuss
strategy with respect to coalition bargaining with municipal and school employees and to
reconvene in Open Session only to adjourn. It was further declared that an open meeting
discussion may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Town.
Ad,ourn
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 to adjourn at
approximately 10:05 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Kim Siebert
Recording Secretary
71-25
Joint Selectmen and School Committee Meeting
September 25, 2017
A Joint Meeting of the Lexington Board of Selectmen and School Committee was held on
Monday, September 25, 2017 at 6:35 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room of the Town Office
Building. Ms. Barry, Chair; Mr. Kelley; Mr. Pato; Ms. Ciccolo; and Mr. Lucente were present as
well as Mr. Valente, Town Manager; Michael Cronin, Director of Public Facilities; and Ms.
Siebert, Recording Secretary.
For the School Committee: Ms. Jay,Vice Chair; Ms. Lenihan; Ms. Steigerwald; and Ms. Colburn
were present. Mr. Alessandrini was absent. Superintendent Czajkowski; Elizabeth Billings-
Fouhy, Lexington Children's Place Director; and Donna DiNisco, DiNisco Designs, were also
present.
Ms. Barry said no public comment would be taken as this is a working meeting. A regular
meeting of the Board of Selectmen was scheduled to convene at 7:00 p.m. but the exact time
would depend on when the Joint Meeting adjourned.
Introduction of Michael Cronin, Director of Public Facilities
Ms. Barry welcomed Michael Cronin, new Director of Public Facilities, to Lexington and
presented him with a Town Seal lapel pin.
Discussion Regarding Lexington Children's Place Project
Ms. DiNisco of DiNisco Designs presented revised Lexington Children's Place (LCP) options,
labeled 0, O.A, 0.13, 1 and I.A. She emphasized that LCP is part of a Master Plan that includes
the eventual expansion of the Lexington Community Center. Ms. DiNisco's focus has been to
build the right building for the program and to provide room for immediate needs and future
expansion that will provide long-sought location stability. If a decision is made tonight on the
design option, the new LCP building can be ready for occupancy in the fall of 2019, which
would alleviate overcrowding at the Harrington School. Ms. DiNisco said she has focused on
minimizing site costs as well.
Site challenges include wetlands, slope, traffic circulation, parking, and cost. The Conservation
Commission has requested that the building remain outside the 100' wetlands buffer zone.
Therefore, Ms. DiNisco has pushed the building further to the north and east on the site in new
Options O.A, 0.13 and I.A. Some of the challenges with these options are loss of parking,
increased slope, and added site costs of approximately $200,000.
Carl Oldenburg, Permanent Building Committee (PBC), said PBC has not had time to review the
newest options. He asked if a decision could be postponed. Ms. DiNisco said while she has
appreciated PBC's collaboration thus far, she fears further postponement would result in the new
building not being ready by September 2019.
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Joint Meeting— September 25, 2017
Board of Selectmen comments:
Mr. Kelley noted site circulation issues in all the options. Ms. DiNisco agreed but said the
proposed road would meet Town standards with regard to grade. Additionally, the building will
have to be raised about two feet in any of the new options to accommodate elevation and
groundwater. This is the source of the price increase. All the new options cost the same but the
question is whether the future expansion area would be to the north or west of the building. Ms.
DiNisco recommended Option O.B, with future expansion to the west because it satisfies the
wetland setbacks as well as program requirements. Mr. Kelley said he believes Option 1.A offers
the best choice for the community but he respects the program issues Ms. DiNisco is trying to
satisfy. He would like more time to consider the decision.
Ms. Barry asked if the new road configuration created greater cut-through potential. Ms. DiNisco
agreed it might and said she would consult with the public safety departments.
Mr. Pato said building closer to the wetlands now removes any future question about wetland
encroachment. He asked if classroom and physical therapy spaces could be re-organized to
achieve siting goals. Ms. DiNisco reported that the organization of rooms has already been
tinkered with extensively.
Mr. Lucente said he is concerned how traffic flow would affect the Pelham Road residents. Ms.
DiNisco said she has spoken about this with Police and Fire but not yet with the Traffic Safety
Group. The goal would be to find ways to stop or discourage cut-through drivers, potentially by
adding speedbumps or creating meandering lanes.
Mr. Lucente said his preference is to put the future expansion site closer to Pelham Road but he
can accept Option O.B.
School Committee Comments:
Ms. Steigerwald also leaned toward Option 03 but Option O.A would also be acceptable. She
found the access road unfortunate behind the building in 03, however.
Ms. Lenihan preferred Option O.A because there is no unsightly access road, the playground is
further away from Pelham Road, the green space is preserved, and there remains potential
expansion space for two additional classrooms. Ms. DiNisco said the "road" can be softened so it
is not a fully-paved presence.
Ms. Colburn said she prefers Option O.B because she thinks it wise to stay out of the 100' buffer.
She is opposed to building all the classrooms in a row because this is not good for the program.
Sacrificing the program for possible future expansion seems like the wrong choice from the
perspective of current needs. Program capacity increases with the new building, even without the
expansion classrooms.
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Joint Meeting— September 25, 2017
Ms. Jay preferred Option 0.13 but asked if the access road could be tightened up so that the green
space in Option O.A is available in Option O.B. Ms. DiNisco said the access road can be further
discussed and agreed that Option 0.13 is a direction, not a final solution.
Jon Himmel, Permanent Building Committee, said the PBC would be willing add a meeting this
week if it would move a decision along. Also, he believes that the expansion space in Option 0.13
is within the footprint of the existing building and, if left as impervious surface, future
construction in that space would be possible without additional permitting.
Mr. Lucente said he could live with Option O.B. Mr. Pato and Ms. Barry concurred. Mr. Kelley
said he is not yet ready to make a choice. He does not share the same sense of urgency for a
decision as expressed by others. He believes the expansion will be necessary within 10 years
because LCP will attract families with students who need the program. If Option 0.13 prevails, he
agrees the impervious surface should be retained so that a 4-classroom expansion can be more
easily accomplished.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selection voted 3-0-1 to support Option 0.13
for the Lexington Children's Place at 30 Pelham Road.
The School Committee likewise voted to adopt Option 0.13 by a 4-0 vote.
The Board of Selection took a five minutes recess at 7:30 to allow the room to reorganize for the
Regular Session to follow.
A true record; Attest:
Kim Siebert
Recording Secretary
71-28
Joint Meeting
Board of Selectmen, School Committee,
Human Services Committee
September 27, 2017
A Joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, and Human Services Committee
was held Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 237 of the Lexington
Community Center, 39 Marrett Road. Present for the Board of Selectmen (BOS)were: Ms.
Barry, (Chair); Mr. Kelley; Mr. Pato, and Mr. Lucente along with Mr. Valente, Town Manager;
Ms. Rodgers, Director of Human Services; and Ms. Siebert, Recording Secretary. Also present
was Ms. Wendy Rundle, Meeting Facilitator.
Present for the School Committee (SC)were: Mr. Alessandrini (Chair); Mr. Steigerwald, Ms.
Colburn; Ms. Lenihan; Ms. Jay as well as Dr. Czajkowski, Superintendent of Schools. In the
audience were Ms. Glickman, Assistant Director of School Counselling; Ms. Fenn, Assistant
Director of Health, Physical Education and Wellness; and Ms. Fields, Chair of the Human
Services Committee.
Discussion Regarding Community Mental Health Needs and Services
Ms. Barry called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and noted that the meeting informational
material is available to all on the Board of Selectmen's webpage under"Meeting Packets",
September 27, 2017. Documents included:
• 2014 School Report in Student Stress; Human Services Department Response to School
Report on Student Stress; Youth Risk Behavior Survey Presentation; High School Youth
Risk Behavior Executive Summary; Middle School Youth Risk Behavior Executive
Summary; Human Services Department Overview of Service; Huan Services Department
Statistical Data; Youth Services Council Charge.
Mr. Alessandrini (SC) noted that this Joint meeting marks the first time policy makers have
assembled to discuss mental health issues in the community. While the recent suicides of two
students initially prompted the meeting, the group intends to look at the mental health issues of
community at large with questions such as what is working, what needs improvement, what
services are in place, and what policy implementers need to support their work.
Ms. Rundle asked audience members to use the postcards at their places to submit questions and
comments at the end of the meeting. She stated that the"big picture" framing question is: What
role should the Town, School, and Community play in providing mental health services to the
Lexington community? (Ms. Rundle defined"community" as parents, families, civic and
religious organizations, medical professionals, and all those who live or work in Lexington.)
• Question: As participants read the meeting materials, what reflections/ questions came to
mind about the services that Lexington provides?
Mr. Lucente (BOS): The reading was eye-opening. These topics are not often discussed. The
breadth of services is impressive. It is good to read about the collaboration between the Town
and the School to address these issues.
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Joint Meeting– September 27, 2017
Ms. Steigerwald (SC): The Schools have had more opportunity to review Youth Behavior Risk
Survey (YRB S) data generated every two years but the information is less familiar to the
Selectmen. It is good for the community as a whole to have access to the Human Services
information. It is important to establish how the Schools, Human Services, and Board of
Selectmen will work together on these matters.
Mr. Pato (BOS): I know more about the services delivered to adults and seniors and less about
how students are served. I feel unclear about how we deliver various degrees of services and
what questions will be discussed tonight and in future.
Mr. Colburn (SC): If I were a young person feeling overwhelmed or depressed in Lexington,
what would I need and where would I go? If it is outside of school hours, what would I have
accessto?
Ms. Barry (BOS): If you were a young person out of school but still living in town— or a parent,
or senior, or a family member of a senior—how do you know what is available and where to go?
Reading the Human Services chart, I note the dramatic increases in the number of referrals,
office visits, screenings, and community visits. I think this is because Human Services is now
more visible in the Community Center than in its previous offices. There seems to be a
communication issue on both the Town and School side. How to we communicate what is
available? If you are in the middle of a crisis, are you going to visit a website to gather
information if you need help immediately?
Ms. Lenihan (SC): If people in Town Government are surprised at the services Lexington
provides, what about the people who are not involved or not paying attention? We need to get the
information out there for every person in every age group. If the person in crisis is of school age,
people immediately ask what the School services are but they miss the non-school side of the
question.
Mr. Kelley (BOS): What struck me in reading the materials is the number of Middle School
students who report they have attempted suicide. This is a tremendous concern. What can we do
to identify the risk pool hotspots?
Ms. Jay (SC): It is good for the community to see that the Schools and Selectmen are teaming up
on these issues. I agree we are already doing a lot but we also need to identify where the gaps
are. What do access and services look like to the person in need, no matter what age they are? It
might be worth asking some students and citizens what they know and what they would like to
have available.
Mr. Alessandrini (SC): When we look at the survey, what we see is an increase in students who
are considering or planning suicide. People are looking at mental illness more these days as an
invisible disease, not as a stigma. Mental health is a serious issue for all ages that we should
invest in.
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Joint Meeting— September 27, 2017
Ms. Steigerwald: The Middle School numbers are most painful. It is devastating that suicide
seems to be the only solution these kids have to solve problems they think they have. It may have
helped to relocate Human Services to the Community Center but we should also acknowledge
Coalition Outreach efforts. Communication about who to turn to and where to call has improved
since the Coalition was formed. How do we support the staff who provide the services when
there is an uptick of calls? Should there be a phone referral list or an overnight hotline? What
would supplement what our staff are doing now?
• Question: What were your reactions to the Youth Risk Survey results? What was startling
or surprising?
Mr. Colburn: Suicide attempts are always shocking and hard to digest. The other statistic that is
upsetting is the number of students who report feeling depressed and unable to participate in
regular activities for at least a two-week period. There is also a notable gender disparity: a third
of Lexington's female students have felt depressed for a length of time.
Mr. Alessandrini: We are trying to set up services in the community in conjunction with
departments like Lexington Youth and Family Services to address suicide ideation. But even
with this, it is not enough of a safety net. Depression and bullying can both lead to suicide
attempts. Hundreds of students report they have planned suicide.
• Question: Where are the gaps in information?
Mr. Lucente: It was helpful to see State and National statistics to compare to Lexington because I
would otherwise have no way to understand where Lexington fits into the context. I do not have
kids at the high school and do not know the current culture. Sometimes things are beyond what
we can control.
Ms. Steigerwald: We just got the preliminary Executive report and the School Health Advisory
Committee will take a closer look at it. The School Committee generates questions about the data
and we usually get a report back with more correlation. For example, we did see some patterns,
which may not be causes, that there may be a relationship between higher reports of harassment
and students who identify as LGBTQ.
Ms. Lenihan: It can be comforting to see how Lexington compares to other communities
nationally but it should not make us complacent.
Mr. Pato: When I first looked at the numbers, I wondered why we should believe them. I
remember being a high school student and I have spoken anecdotally with a number of high
school students. To see that the numbers line up with national responses gives me sense we can
use these numbers, not only from a longitudinal perspective but more broadly. How do we fill in
the backstories of these numbers so we understand what is happening here on a community
level?
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Joint Meeting— September 27, 2017
Ms. Jay: Some of the next layer of understanding comes from the correlations we tease out from
the YRBS data. Through past survey analysis, we discovered that harassment is the best
predictor of suicide ideation; there is a 300%increase. It also provided information about gender,
ethnicity, and sexual minority. Everyone here can ask for more information to be provided on the
new data.
Mr. Alessandrini: Staff can tell us how to fill in the gaps and help us create policies to address
these problems. We should not be afraid to talk about suicide and mental health.
Ms. Steigerwald: As a School Committee member, I have had many parents share their stories
with me. When I look at the data, especially on suicide attempts, I see people, not just numbers.
Parents have called to tell me they have a child in crisis but cannot find a bed in a psych unit.
These crises can happen when school is not in session, so the school supports are missing,
although some of our counsellors make themselves available via cell phone for families in crisis.
We know the numbers of students who might answer the Risk Survey untruthfully has remained
fairly constant over the years. There is a relationship between academic stress, substance use,
and mental health. Falling behind in school can create an insurmountable obstacle in the mind of
a young person.
Ms. Lenihan: People expect high school students to drink. This is not as surprising as the
numbers of middle school students who report drinking: t/4 of 7th graders and 1/3 of 8th graders.
That should shock people.
Mr. Alessandrini: What is the data from the Town side?
Ms. Rodgers (Human Services Director): Since 2005, we have seen an increase in mental health
issues in all age groups. It is very dramatic in our senior population with an increased number of
people living alone, becoming isolated, anxious and depressed and in need of support. Human
Services tends to see fewer children and more families. We are a gateway for services; someone
might come to us for a financial crisis but as we peel the layers back, we see underlying,
untreated problems emerge. I hear this across the State: all departments are hearing about more
problems and doing more to try to address them.
Ms. Barry: People in Lexington may not be comfortable looking for help. It takes a lot to admit
you need it. Getting help for people is at least partially a communication issue. If seniors live
alone and their families live somewhere else, families may not know how to get help for their
parent if things start to slide downhill. People may not realize there are veteran services their
family members are eligible for. Should the Town be a 24/7 place for people to go? The Schools
have had to ramp up to address student needs. People need to know how to navigate through the
services that are offered.
Mr. Pato: I have never had anyone ask me, as a Selectman, how to solve a mental health issue
even though I make it a practice to hold some of my weekly office hours here at the Community
Center. This is not to say I do not believe mental health issues are critical, it is more that I have
no direct experience.
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Joint Meeting— September 27, 2017
Mr. Lucente: Through my other volunteer experiences, I see a number of shut-in seniors at
Thanksgiving time who do not speak English. They are isolated and in need to support but how
do you help them? That is a real challenge. The other thing that occurs to me is the service
delivery system between the School side and the Town side is so different. Kids have to go to
school but adults and seniors do not have to go to the Community Center. How do other
communities bridge the gaps?
Ms. Barry: Public Safety workers are a critical part of the equation that need to be part of this
conversation. When they go on calls and see something that needs attention, they can
communicate with Human Services. Without breaking confidentiality conventions, what kinds of
things are they seeing that we should all know about?
Ms. Jay: There are two questions: "What are the needs?" And, "What is the Town's role in
meeting those needs?" We may come to understand that some needs are not being met. In the
School response to the second suicide, we realized there should be a protocol so that everybody
is on the same page when something of this nature happens. The same is true for preventive
services, whether it is counseling or suicide prevention.
Mr. Alessandrini: Like the decisions we make about physical infrastructure, we have to start
making decisions about human infrastructure and develop policies that address those needs as
well. Staff are key people who can tell us what the gaps are.
Ms. Colburn: I agree that staff know where the gaps are. We are not experts, even though we
care very deeply. Our role as policy makers is to find the resources for them to do their jobs.
Ms. Steigerwald: I agree with establishing a protocol and identifying best practices. Lexington
Youth and Family Services and the Interfaith community should be part of the discussion. Ms.
Barry shared recently that mental health issues are on the list of Board of Selectmen priorities.
Mental Health has also been a"Top Three" School priority for multiple years. Staff says we need
more guidance counselors and we are putting that in the budget.
Ms. Barry: On the Town side, staff has begun the FYI budget cycle but the last few cycles have
been lean, with little additional staff and services added. We do not want to add staff one year
only to let them go the next year. We have many competing, compelling needs. Nonetheless,
mental health services is one of our top 21 goals. Mr. Valente indicated, as part of that goal, it
might be time to look at the Human Services model again since that last such evaluation was 10
years ago. Is it staffed correctly? Is it working as needed?
Ms. Steigerwald: There are many ways in which other towns provide mental health services but
no matter how it is configured, people need to be directed so they can find what they need. One
thing the School Committee learned from staff is that, depending on your health insurance, you
may not have any mental health coverage. Even if you do, you may not be able to get an
appointment or access care quickly. I would like my tax dollars to go toward getting help for
people in crisis, no matter what their insurance covers.
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Joint Meeting— September 27, 2017
Ms. Barry: Both the Selectmen and School Committee want more information: What are other
towns doing? What works well and what does not? Could we get an abbreviated presentation
from School staff and municipal staff on the programs Lexington now offers? What do these
departments need to do their jobs better? I can't guarantee we can provide everything but I want
to know what the wish list is and why it is needed.
Mr. Lucente: The Human Services Committee could also help us foster this process along. Mr.
Alessandrini: Statistics show that when government invests in mental health and suicide
prevention, it saves lives. The question is what do we, as policy makers, view the Town's role to
be?
Ms. Steigerwald: I feel a sense of urgency, even though working on the long-term program is
important. If a parent sees a child in crisis or a senior is struggling, we need to bridge the gap in
the safety net. This could be part of the staff presentation: Where do things stand? What supports
can people access? What should we include in the next budget cycle? The Survey reports
increases over 2015 in mental distress and suicide ideation at both the high school and middle
school levels.
Ms. Jay: The 2013 ad hoc committee formed by the School Committee to examine student stress
wrote an Executive Summary report that is in today's meeting packet. Research from other
towns is included. The report's recommendations could provide a road map. We have made
some progress since 2013 but we have further to go.
Mr. Lucente: I agree. We should look at these recommendations. But we if we're looking for
innovations, we should think about looking beyond the towns we usually compare ourselves to.
Ms. Steigerwald: Maybe we could develop a community curriculum that reaches up through
seniors that talks about these mental health concerns. It would establish a common understanding
and vocabulary to address an issue that would otherwise be out of sight.
Mr. Kelley: Do students see the Survey results and get to respond?
Dr. Czajkowski: Counsellors do report the data back to students but it would be helpful to create
focus groups to dig deeper.
Ms. Colburn: Parents see the data and Parent Teacher Organizations hold forums but they are not
well-attended. Parents are not clear what the Survey is about.
Ms. Steigerwald: The Schools have added staff since Dr. Czajkowski came to address
prevention. Student Peer Leaders do see the data and discuss it. When students need to take time
out of school for mental health reasons, they can come back on a gradual re-entry basis and
spend time in a protected area if the regular school environment is too overwhelming.
Ms. Jay: Different cultural groups and senior citizens may be less likely to seek out mental health
services. It is worthwhile to talk to the staff that are serving the people of the town.
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Joint Meeting— September 27, 2017
In summary:
• What are other towns doing that works? Start by looking at the 2013 ad hoc committee
Executive Summary report.
• Have a presentation from staff. What services does Lexington offer, how should their
availability be communicated, and what gaps do Staff identify?
• Ask staff what departments need to address these gaps and what are the budget
implications of the remedy?
• Hear from residents and families in a facilitated discussion.
Mr. Alessandrini: The School Committee adjourned at 8:46 p.m.
Exemption 4: Deployment of Security Personnel
Upon motion duly made and by roll call, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 to enter into
Executive Session under Exemption 4 to discuss the Deployment of Security Personnel or
devices or strategies with respect thereto and to reconvene in Open Session only to adjourn.
Ad,ourn
Upon motion duly made and by roll call, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn at 9:06 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Kim Siebert
Recording Secretary