HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024 Annual ReportTOWN OF LEXINGTON
MASSACHUSETTS
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Select Board ..................................................3
Town Manager ...............................................8
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ..............11
Sustainability and Resilience .................12
Town Clerk/Board of Registrars ..................13
Annual Town Election: March 5, 2024 .........15
Presidential Primary Election: March 5, 2024 .............................................19
Special Town Meeting: November 2023 Abbreviated Minutes ...................................25
Annual Town Meeting: March 2024 Abbreviated Minutes ...................................39
Elected Town Officials .................................94
Senators and Representatives ....................95
Moderator ....................................................96
Town Meeting Members Association (TMMA) ...................................96
Cary Memorial Library .................................99
Finance ......................................................101
Assessor ..............................................101
Comptroller..........................................102
Treasurer/Collector ..............................102
Fire and Rescue ........................................103
Human Services ........................................105
Senior Services ...................................105
Transportation Services .......................106
Veterans Services ................................106
Youth and Family Services ..................107
Innovation and Technology .......................108
Land Use, Housing and Development .............................................109
Building and Zoning ............................110
Conservation Office and Conservation Commission ..................111
Economic Development ......................115
Planning Board ....................................116
Transportation Safety Group ...............117
Regulatory Support .............................118
Minuteman Regional High School .............119
Police .........................................................121
Public Facilities ..........................................124
Public Health Department/ Board of Health .........................................128
Public Works .............................................130
Engineering Division ............................131
Environmental Services .......................133
Highway, Equipment and Drains Division ...................................134
Public Grounds (Parks/Forestry/Cemetery) ................135
Street Light Maintenance Program ......137
Water/Sewer Divisions ........................137
Recreation and Community Programs .......139
Retirement Board ......................................144
School Committee .....................................145
Superintendent of Schools ........................146
Town Counsel ............................................151
TOWN COMMITTEES
Affordable Housing Trust ...........................153
Antony Working Group ..............................153
Appropriation Committee ..........................154
Bicycle Advisory Committee .....................155
Capital Expenditures Committee ..............156
Cary Lecture Series Committee ................156
Commission on Disability ..........................157
Communications Advisory Committee ..................................158
Community Preservation Committee .................................................159
Council on Aging .......................................159
Design Advisory Committee ......................160
Economic Development Advisory Committee ..................................161
Fence Viewers ...........................................161
Fund for Lexington ....................................162
Greenways Corridor Committee ................162
Hanscom Area Towns Committees (HATS) ...................................163
Historic Districts Commission ...................163
Historical Commission ..............................164
Housing Partnership Board .......................165
Lexington Center Committee ....................166
Lexington Council for the Arts ...................166
Lexington Human Rights Committee ........167
Lexington Housing Assistance Board (LexHAB) .........................................168
Lexington Housing Authority .....................169
Lexington Scholarship and Education Fund Committee ......................169
Monuments and Memorials Committee .................................................170
Permanent Building Committee ................170
Recreation Committee ..............................171
Regional Planning Agencies ......................171
Semiquincentennial Commission (Lex250) ................................173
Sustainable Lexington Committee ............173
Tourism Committee ...................................174
Town Celebrations Committee ..................175
Town Report Committee ...........................175
Transportation Advisory Committee .................................................176
Tree Committee .........................................176
Trustees of Public Trusts ...........................177
Vision for Lexington Committee ................190
Water and Sewer Abatement Board ..........190
Youth Commission ....................................190
Zoning Board of Appeals...........................191
APPENDIX—FINANCIAL DATA
Comptroller Schedule of Appropriations .......................................192
Enterprise Funds .......................................195
Debt Service Summary .............................195
Revenues/Expenditures and Fund Balances ...................................196
Index ..........................................................201
Volunteer Opportunities .............................202
CONTENTS ANNUAL REPORT 2024 • TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS
PHOTOS Cover/Back Cover: Jonas Miller Interior: Committee Chairs unless otherwise indicated
Inside Back Cover: Vikram Anantha (Patriots’ Day), Emily Muller (Police Dogs)
Each year, volunteers get the unique opportunity
to learn about their Town through their work on
this report. We hope those who peruse this report
also discover something new and interesting
about Lexington. Many thanks to the hardworking
team listed here, and the committee members
and town staff who contributed to this report.
This report, including narratives, covers the
fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Unless
otherwise noted, financial data reports the total
dollars expended in the fiscal year (FY) that began
July 1, 2023, and ended June 30, 2024.
TOWN REPORT COMMITTEE
Chair: Victoria Sax
Editorial Staff:
Gloria Amirault David Lawrence
Susan Myerow Varsha Ramanathan
Karyn Zhao
Printer:
Lexington Public Schools Print Center
500 copies printed
PDF version available at records.lexingtonma.gov/weblink
1 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
MESSAGE OF THE SELECT BOARD
Massachusetts law requires that the Select Board, prior to the Annual Town Meeting, issue an Annual
Report for use by the residents of the Town. The 2024 Annual Town Report presented here provides,
among other things, financial data relating to the Town for the fiscal year 2024, covering the period from
July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Additionally, the report includes highlights of accomplishments
from the many departments, boards, committees, and commissions responsible for the governance
of Lexington.
This Annual Town Report is just one of several ways for residents to stay informed about what is
happening in the Town. The Town’s website at lexingtonma.gov remains a valuable resource for accessing
information about meetings, budgets, and committee work. All meetings of the elected boards—Select
Board, School Committee, and Planning Board—are covered by LexMedia, our Public, Educational,
and Governmental (PEG) access provider, and broadcast by all three of the Town’s cable television
providers. Additionally, LexMedia continues to cover other town meetings and community events.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for CodeRED, the Town’s emergency notification system, which
provides texts, emails, and automated phone calls about closings, detours, or emergencies. You can also
sign up for the Townwide news email, or periodic emails and e-newsletters from specific departments
and boards/committees. Follow the Town’s social media accounts on Facebook and X.com for more
real-time updates on town happenings.
The Select Board extends its thanks and appreciation to the Town Manager, James Malloy, his exceptional
staff, and the dedicated town employees whose hard work makes Lexington a desirable place to live,
work, and visit. The Select Board would like to formally acknowledge the many residents who volunteer
their time to serve on our boards, committees, and commissions. Their tireless efforts contribute
immensely to Lexington’s success and vitality. As we move forward, the continued civic engagement of
our community will be key to meeting future challenges and ensuring that Lexington remains a vibrant
and thriving Town for all.
Douglas M. Lucente
Joseph N. Pato
Suzanne E. Barry
Jill I. Hai
Mark D. Sandeen
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TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
FY23 FY24
Population 33,104 32,952
Public School Enrollment 6,837 6,805
Town-owned Conservation Land, Acres 1,403 1,403
Total Revenue Sources $306,486,991 $322,339,606
Total Operating Expenses $229,266,133 $317,964,905
Property Tax Bill for Home of Average Value (excludes CPA surcharge) $17,354 $18,297
Typical Annual Residential Water/Sewer Bill (120 HCF per year) $2,022 $2,122
Solid Waste Trash (tons) (curbside only) 8,089 7,923
Recycled Materials (tons) (curbside only) 3,460 3,407
Curbside Yard Waste (tons) 2,200 2,000
Food Waste diversion from curbside services provided to Residents by Black Earth,Lex public schools, and LexSORT drop-off program (tons) 780 978 +/-
Home of Average Value (single-family home) $1,335,000 $1,494,000
Home of Median Value (single-family home) $1,217,000 $1,354,000
Single-family homes sold 374 301
Single-family homes demolished 66 54
Permits issued for new single-family homes 75 83
Town of Lexington Moody’s Credit Rating Aaa Aaa
LEXINGTON BY THE NUMBERS
Town of Lexington
1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420 • 781-862-0500 • lexingtonma.gov
Settled 1642, incorporated as Town of Lexington 1713
Latitude 42.26N
Longitude 71.13W
Area of Town Acres 10,650.42
Area of Town in Square Miles 16.64
Extreme Length in Miles 5.80
Extreme Width in Miles 4.85
Highest Elevation (feet above MSL) 374
Lowest Elevation (feet above MSL) 110
3 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Five members, elected by the voters at-large to overlapping
3-year terms: Joseph N. Pato, Chair, Suzanne E. Barry, Vice-
Chair, Jill I. Hai, Douglas M. Lucente, and Mark D. Sandeen.
In March 2024, Ms. Hai was re-elected to a 3-year term. At
their annual reorganization after the conclusion of Town
Meeting in April, the Board appointed Mr. Lucente Chair and
Ms. Hai Vice-Chair.
FY2024 was a productive year for the Select Board, marked
by progress in housing, infrastructure, and sustainability. The
completion of the Battle Green Streetscape Project enhanced
the accessibility and appeal of Lexington’s historic center,
while the Town welcomed new businesses to the Center and
East Lexington, enriching the local economy and community
spaces.
The Select Board took significant strides in environmental
sustainability, completing the new solar-ready Police Station
and advancing plans for additional solar energy projects ex-
pected to be completed by Spring 2025. These efforts align
with the Town’s long-term net-zero emissions goals and con-
tinue to build Lexington’s reputation as a leader in sustainable
development.
On housing, the Select Board established the Affordable
Housing Trust and moved forward with development plans
on town-owned property to address local housing needs.
Lexington’s early adoption of state-mandated MBTA zoning
requirements set a precedent for inclusive and diverse housing
options.
A key focus of our fiscal and planning efforts this year has
been the Lexington High School Building Project, anticipated
to be the largest capital project in the Town’s history. The
Board is working closely with the Massachusetts School
Building Authority (MSBA) through an ongoing Feasibility
Study. Final design and funding decisions are expected in the
next fiscal year.
The Board also took action to address community concerns
about the proposed Hanscom Field expansion, working with
neighboring towns to advocate against increased noise and
environmental impacts. Through careful planning, leveraging
state and federal funds, and prioritizing community
engagement, the Select Board remains committed to ensuring
balanced growth and sustainability as the Town prepares to
celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington
in 2025.
Many of these initiatives are detailed further in the sections
below. The Select Board remains dedicated to fostering a
vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community. FY2024 was
a testament to our collective resilience and commitment to
proactive governance. We look forward to continuing our work
with residents, businesses, and community organizations to
make Lexington an even better place to live, work, and thrive.
Select Board Priorities for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Spending
The Town of Lexington was allocated a total of $9,903,381 in
American Rescue Act Funding (ARPA), aimed at addressing
the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and fostering recov-
ery across critical sectors.
As of June 30, 2024, the Select Board has approved spend-
ing totaling $9,378,551 The funds have been allocated to the
following initiative areas:
• $3,331,261 was earmarked to support our local economy,
including bolstering the cultural sector, aiding small
businesses, enhancing community events, updating
digital platforms, improving public spaces, and fostering
bikeway mobility and engagement.
• Public Health & Safety: With 27% of the funding or
$2,515,487, this area focused on bolstering the Town's
health department, public safety, mental health measures
and training in response to the pandemic.
• Housing: 15% of the funds or $1,440,545 were allocated
to address housing needs, ensuring support for those
affected by the pandemic in securing stable housing.
• Pandemic Response: 13% of the funds or $1,370,986 were
directly used for pandemic-related expenditures, includ-
ing testing, vaccination programs, other immediate health
needs and technology upgrades.
• PIRs (Program Improvement Requests): 6% of the funds
or $540,204 have been utilized for enhancing the Food
Waste Program, acquiring a new electric vehicle for the
Health Department, and formulating an ADA Town
Building Self Evaluation and Transition Plan.
SELECT BOARD
(continued on next page)From left to right, Jill Hai, Joe Pato, Doug Lucente, Suzie Barry, Mark Sandeen.
4
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
• Food Insecurity: A smaller, yet crucial 2% of the funds
or $180,068 addressed food insecurity, ensuring that
residents affected by the pandemic have access to
necessary resources.
The Participatory Budgeting (PB) process implemented in
the previous year, which actively engaged our residents in
the decision-making process, has led to impactful commu-
nity projects. However, given the stipulation that all ARPA
funds must be committed by December 31, 2024, the con-
tinuation of the PB process will not be feasible this calendar
year. Further, it is important to note that, despite concerted
efforts, the initiative to establish a Dog Park will not proceed
due to the inability to identify a suitable location within the
time frames for ARPA spending. We extend our gratitude to
all residents who participated in the PB process, contributing
valuable insights and demonstrating the strength of our com-
munity's collective vision.
With an available balance of $524,830, the Select Board
is dedicated to navigate the final phase of ARPA fund alloca-
tion and utilization. The Select Board remains committed to
ensuring that these resources are deployed in a manner that
maximizes benefits for our community, adhering to the guid-
ing principles of transparency, equity, and strategic impact.
LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECT
Updating Lexington High School through renovation and
addition or as a new build is likely to be the most ambitious
and expensive project undertaken by the Town of Lexington.
Planning for this project has been ongoing for years leading to
the 2017 LHS Visioning process, the 2019 LPS Strategic Plan
and the creation of the Master Planning Advisory Committee
during the 2018-2019 year. In 2022 Lexington was invited
into the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA)
program beginning the current process for the project. As
required by the MSBA, the School Building Committee (SBC)
was appointed to oversee and facilitate the project.
Significant FY24 Milestones:
• Winter 2022, Completion of Module 1: Eligibility – The
MSBA determined that the district was eligible to proceed
with developing a project and set the enrollment capacity
for the project to be 2395 students.
• Fall 2023, Completion of Module 2: Formation of Team
• Owner’s Project Manager – this firm provides project
management guidance to Lexington throughout the
life of the project and shepherds the project through
the MSBA process. The MSBA accepted Lexington’s
recommendation to hire Dore and Whittier.
• Design Team – this is the architecture firm that
develops the design for the project. SMMA was hired
having been the top finalist as determined by the
MSBA selection panel.
• Ongoing, Module 3: Feasibility Study – in which the
MSBA and Lexington stakeholders will determine if a
new high school is warranted or if a combination of new
and renovated spaces is the best path forward.
The design team held five community outreach sessions,
numerous focus group meetings and developed 18
project concepts that satisfy the educational program as
presented to the MSBA. In the spring of 2024, the School
Building Committee reduced this set to five. Three of the
concepts are new construction on existing fields. One
concept is a partial renovation with a substantial addition
on the current area of the high school. One concept is an
all-new phased in-place construction project replacing
the old high school.
Looking forward, the SBC expects to select a single
concept in November of 2024. This concept will be
submitted to the MSBA and if accepted will be the subject
of detailed designs.
Financial Planning:
2024 Annual Town Meeting appropriated $10M for design
funds for the project via Article 26. The next major funding
action by Town Meeting is expected to occur at a Special
Town Meeting near the end of 2025 followed by a town-wide
debt exclusion vote.
The Town established the Capital Stabilization Fund (CSF)
almost a decade ago anticipating the needs of large capital
projects like the high school. A policy revision in Fall 2021
allocated new levy growth from specified commercial and
industrial development to the CSF, rather than that growth
becoming part of general revenue. The CSF plays a crucial
role in our fiscal strategy, and this dedicated income stream is
planned to be allocated to offset a portion of the debt service
for the high school project.
Challenges and Solutions:
• Cost: For the past decade, the Town anticipated that
this project would cost between $350M and $500M.
Preliminary ballpark estimates developed by professional
estimating firms, however, place the cost at more than
$600M. The estimators have taken the experience of
other Massachusetts high school building projects and
added COVID-era construction inflation to develop these
projections. Actual costs won’t be known until the design
is complete, and construction bids have been submitted.
SELECT BOARD (continued)
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5 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
• Enrollment Size: The MSBA authorized an enrollment
target of 2395 students. This level was increased from
their initial target based on the likely effects of changes
to zoning in response to the MBTA Communities Act.
Nonetheless, there is concern that the community
may grow larger than projected, and that space will
be insufficient. The designers are including expansion
plans in their proposals, and the SBC is considering
including central administration space in the initial
facility designed to be easily converted to classrooms if
needed. Note that the cost of necessary repairs at the old
Harrington School is roughly comparable to the cost of
new space at LHS.
• Athletic Programs: Some disruption to academic and
municipal athletic programs is anticipated. Some con-
cepts involve relocating playing fields to the general area
of the existing high school if a new building is built on
existing fields. In-place concepts, new and renovation/
addition, also disrupt some fields during construction
to host temporary classrooms and/or construction
lay-down areas. Creation of new fields replacing the old
Harrington School (currently central administration) is
being explored to mitigate some of the disruption during
construction but are not included in current cost projec-
tions. Additional mitigation measures are being explored.
• Field House and Aquatics: Some members of the com-
munity seek a new significantly larger field house. Others
seek the addition of an indoor pool facility. The MSBA
does not allow new field houses or pools to be included
in a project. They do allow renovations to existing field
houses. Community discussions are ongoing to see if
or how these projects should be factored into the high
school project.
Detailed information about the project is publicly available
at: https://lhsproject.lexingtonma.org. The current expected
timeline for the LHS Project is illustrated below. Occupancy
in the new or renovated facility is expected at the end of this
decade or early in the next.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND COMMERCIAL INITIATIVES
In the past fiscal year, the Select Board has been working to
support initiatives which stimulate economic development
and commercial expansion within the Town, revitalize the
downtown area and support activation in East Lexington.
Among the key strategies has been the formation of strong
partnerships with local business associations and individ-
ual businesses including through the Select Board’s advi-
sory committees, the Economic Development Advisory
Committee and the Center Committee. Additionally, the
Select Board Chair and Vice-Chair continue to participate
in the Quarterly Roundtable discussions organized by the
Economic Development Department. These meetings in-
volve the Town Manager, two Select Board Members, the
Assistant Town Manager for Development, and Economic
Development staff. Business owners from various parts of the
Town, including the Center and East Lexington, participate
in these discussions to provide direct feedback on issues they
face in opening, operating and sustaining their businesses.
This collaborative approach has allowed the Board to under-
stand unique challenges faced by local businesses.
In November 2023, the Select Board engaged Mullin
Associates and Fuss and O’Neill to conduct a community
charrette on our collective vision and opportunities for the
Center. Approximately 150 residents participated over two
days of workshops to create guidance and incentives toward
the future of a vibrant, prosperous, walkable center. The
report - “Lexington Center: The Journey Forward” (https://
lexingtonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11364/Center-
Charrette-Report?bidId=) is available on the Select Board
web page.
The Battle Green Streetscape project was completed
during FY24. Aimed at enhancing pedestrian and traffic
safety, this initiative also serves to support connectivity and
accessibility. Several new proposals, compliant with the zon-
ing changes introduced via the MBTA Zoning initiative, were
also introduced.
Welcoming new businesses continues to be a focus of the
Board. In FY24 we welcomed three delicious new small busi-
nesses to Lexington Center, Nouvé Bakery, Galaray House
and Revival Cafe, as well as two new life science facilities,
Novo Nordisk and Nikon BioImaging Labs. These new busi-
nesses not only diversify the local economy and provide jobs
and new gathering spots for the community, but also add to
the Town's tax revenue.
The new state designation of our cultural district, which
spans Massachusetts Avenue from Hastings Park to Pleasant
Street, is poised to become a focal point for both cultural and
economic growth. Preparations for the 250th anniversary of
the historic Battle of Lexington in 2025 are in full swing, with
SELECT BOARD (continued)
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6
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
SELECT BOARD (continued)
kick off events held on April 19, 2024 attracting state leaders
and international diplomats.
Financial investments have also been strategically em-
ployed to stimulate growth. Among these were funding
for the new tourism website (www.tourlexington.us), the
continuing Senior Parking Pass Program, which offers free
parking to residents aged 65 or older, and the allocation of
ARPA funds for arts and culture events. Additionally, ARPA
funds have been deployed to improve connectivity between
East Lexington businesses and the Minuteman Bikeway.
The Select Board aims to achieve a harmonious balance
between economic growth and community values; providing
access to a diverse mix of businesses and fostering quality
job opportunities across various industries. Furthermore,
the Board is committed to a balanced tax policy that benefits
both residents and businesses. Through these multifaceted
initiatives, Lexington is striving for a future that is economi-
cally robust and inclusively sustainable.
HOUSING INITIATIVES AND UPDATES
Affordable Housing Trust: One of the Select Board’s goals is
“increasing diversity of housing stock.” Town Meeting adopt-
ed a motion creating the Lexington Affordable Housing Trust
(AHT) via Article 12 of STM 22-3. The AHT was officially es-
tablished February 28, 2023. Annual Town Meeting 2023 and
2024 approved funding of the AHT. This funding allows the
AHT to operate nimbly in the market, independent of Town
Meeting timing. The Affordable Housing Trust approved
funding requests from LexHAB to enable the purchase of two
properties, a 2-family home and a single-family home with
four bedrooms.
Annual Town Meeting 2024 also approved Article 33 by
a vote of 171-5-5, authorizing the Select Board to seek af-
fordable housing on town owned property located on Lowell
Street near the northeast corner of North Street. The Select
Board has issued an RFP seeking proposals to build 100%
affordable housing on this parcel. Zoning Initiatives: State law adopted in 2021 requires
all communities served by, or adjacent to communities
served by, the MBTA to adopt zoning which permits by-
right, multi-family housing under specific conditions. The
Planning Board brought Article 34 to Annual Town Meeting
2023 to fulfill these requirements and further the goals of the
Town’s 2022 Comprehensive Plan. Article 34 created several
overlay districts with inclusionary housing requirements.
Lexington was widely recognized as the first community to
fulfill this state obligation. Town staff are currently review-
ing multi-family housing proposals in several MBTA zoning
overlay districts that are expected to produce over 1,000 units
of multi-family housing and over 150 units of inclusionary
housing.
Annual Town Meeting 2023 approved Article 33 Special
Residential Development (SRD) by a vote of 146-22-10. The
Planning Board has approved the first SRD proposal for ten
units of housing, including one unit of inclusionary housing.
Lexington Housing Assistance Board (LexHAB): The
Select Board allocated $1,455,000 in American Rescue Plan
Act (ARPA) funds for the acquisition of one- and two-family
houses by LexHAB, which are now included in the Subsidized
Housing Index.
Special Town Meeting 2022-3 overwhelmingly approved
Article 14, authorizing the Select Board to submit a Home
Rule Petition to amend LexHAB’s enabling legislation, to
make it an independent non-profit entity. Upon approval,
LexHAB will become a 501(c)(3) organization, able to use
a combination of state, federal, and private funding sources
to acquire or develop affordable housing. This will enhance
LexHAB’s ability to create affordable housing more efficiently
and cost effectively. The Select Board approved changes to the
proposed Home Rule legislation requested by the legislature.
Final legislative approval is expected before the end of 2024.
Update on Municipal Building Projects
The Board continues to address the issues of maintaining
and improving our municipal and school building infra-
structure. The following section includes the current status
of Lexington’s building projects. The Lexington High School
building project is covered in the Lexington High School
section of this report.
Westview Cemetery Administration BuildingStart Date: April 2022Project Completion Date: August 2023Project Budget: $4,330,000Funding: ATM 2017-Article 12o /ATM 2020-Article 16k /
STM 2021-1 Article 7
Design funding of $270,000 was approved at ATM 2017.
Initial construction funding of $3,290,000 was approved
at ATM 2020 under Article 16k. Initial construction bids
came in higher than the appropriated amount. As a result,
Town Meeting approved additional construction funding of
$770,000 at STM 2021-1 under Article 7. Construction was
completed and the building occupied in August 2023. A solar
energy system will be installed in compliance with the Town’s
net zero renewable energy policy goals. Construction of the
solar energy system is expected to be completed during the
summer of 2024.(continued on next page)
7 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Lexington Police Station
Appropriation: $34,517,622
Status: Police Station Construction Complete – June 2024
Funding: ATM 2018-Article 14 / STM 2021-1 Article 5a /
STM 2022-1 Article 2 / ATM 2023 Article 16(i)
The Lexington Police Department moved into the new Police
Station facility in June 2024. The Police Station building
was constructed in compliance with the Town’s Integrated
Building Design and Construction Policy and is solar ready
in furtherance of the Town’s net zero renewable energy policy
goals. The building design and construction includes all of
the infrastructure necessary to support on-site solar energy
generation and energy storage systems designed to reduce
the building’s energy consumption and peak demand charges,
while improving the building’s resilience in the event of pow-
er outages and enabling high speed electric vehicle charging
for the Police Department’s electric vehicle fleet.
The solar energy canopy design went through an extensive
public process to secure approval of a design that is appro-
priate for the neighborhood and meets the requirements of
the Historic Districts Commission. The Historic Districts
Commission issued a Certificate of Appropriateness in
November 2023. Construction of the footings for the canopy
has been completed. Solar canopy and energy storage sys-
tem construction is expected to be completed by the spring
of 2025.
Old Reservoir Bath House Renovation
Appropriation: $620,000
Status: Construction start July 2024
Funding: ATM 2019-Article 14g
Initial bids received by the Town exceeded the appropria-
tion approved by Town Meeting. The Department of Public
Facilities and Recreation Department staff proposed design
changes and procurement alternatives to lower overall proj-
ect costs. DPF went out to bid a second time, and the bids
received were still well above the appropriation approved by
Town Meeting. The Department of Public Facilities is now
working with the Lexington Recreation Department to ren-
ovate the inside of the building to meet the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements as recommended in the
2017 ADA study.
A new standing seam metal roof has been installed, and
site work is underway. The renovations will include a check-in
counter and program space, as well as three ADA rest rooms
with hands free fixtures. ADA parking will also be added at
the head of the trail to the building. The renovation project
will also address accessibility issues in the Bathhouse, as well
as the walkway and surrounding site. The project is due to be
completed by the end of 2024.
Center Bathroom & Maintenance Building Renovation
Appropriation: $780,000
Project Completion Date: November 2023
Funding: ATM 2020-Article 16b / ATM 2021-Article 16g /
ATM 2022-Article 10e
2020 Annual Town Meeting approved $100,000 in design and
engineering funds for the Center Bathroom building reno-
vation project. At the 2021 Annual Town Meeting, the Select
Board recommended indefinite postponement of warrant
article 16g requesting $915,000 in construction funding to
a future Town Meeting. 2022 ATM approved warrant arti-
cle 10e requesting $680,000 in funding for this project. The
renovation of the Center Bathroom facility was completed in
November 2023 with an official opening and ribbon cutting
ceremony in April 2024.
SELECT BOARD (continued)
8
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 11 14
Part Time 3 2
ROLE: As the Chief Executive Officer of the Town, estab-
lished under the Select Board-Town Manager Act, the Town
Manager administers the policies and procedures of the Select
Board, enforces bylaws and actions passed by Town Meeting,
proposes the operating and capital budgets, and manages the
daily operations of all town departments. The Town Manager’s
Office also includes the Human Resources Office.
APPOINTED by the Select Board, James Malloy has served
as the Town Manager since October 2018.
Form of Government
The current structure of Lexington’s Town government fea-
tures a representative Town Meeting, a five-member Select
Board, and a Town Manager. This structure dates back to 1968
when the Town shifted from having a Board of Selectmen and
an Executive Secretary. This change meant a major realign-
ment of responsibilities that impacted appointment methods,
supervision of administrative functions, and purchasing
control. In 2019, the Town of Lexington submitted a home
rule petition to the Massachusetts State Legislature to change
the term Selectmen to the current, more inclusive title of
Select Board. The petition was approved and signed by the
Governor.
Budget
The FY25 budget process continued the collaborative effort
among the Select Board, School Committee, Appropriation
and Capital Expenditures Committee, and municipal staff.
Three budget summit sessions resulted in a consensus on a bal-
anced budget for Town Meeting consideration that addressed
many pressing needs. The FY25 General Fund Budget totals
$290,052,759, an increase of $11,384,352 or 4.1% over the
adopted FY24 budget. To support capital projects, the Select
Board recommended, and Town Meeting adopted, the creation
of a Capital Stabilization Fund. This reserve fund had a balance
of $33,559,713 as of June 30, 2024. Table 1 shows the amounts
voted into and out of that fund since FY20. The amounts appro-
priated for Exempt Debt Service Tax Relief and Other School
TOWN MANAGER
FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25
Beginning Balance $25,229,254 $20,674,058 $21,730,961 $26,784,070 $28,017,207
Amount into Capital Projects Stabilization Fund $0(1) $3,787,974 $5,517,826 $1,733,137 $4,036,373
Revised Balance $25,274,058 $24,462,032 $27,584,070 $28,517,207 $32,053,580
Exempt Debt Service Tax Relief $(4,600,000) $(2,800,000) $(800,000) $(500,000) --
Interest Income $44,804 $68,929 $335,283 $706,953 $1,506,133
Closing Balance $20,674,058 $21,730,961 $26,784,070 $28,017,207 $33,559,713
TABLE 1: Activity of Capital Stabilization Fund (FY2021-FY2025)
1 In light of the global pandemic and corresponding fiscal downturn in spring 2020, the transfer into the Capital Stabilization Fund was deferred
to preserve fiscal options for the Town.
Chart 1: FY24 General Fund Approved Budget
(continued on next page)
9 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Fiscal Year Certified FY2020 FY2021 FY2022 FY2023
Amount Certified $17,338,059 $16,384,329 $17,119,159 $17,032,132
Fiscal Year Appropriated FY2022 FY2023 FY2024 FY2025
In support of operating budget $2,669,859 $700,000 --- ---
Cash Capital $4,900,531 $10,052,983 $12,529,438 $12,919,681
Capital Stabilization Fund $3,217,674 $3,085,296 --- ---
Retire Note for Land Purchases – Debt Service $2,320,274 --- --- ---
Set-Aside for Unanticipated Current FY Needs $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000
Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB)2 $1,129,721 $1,179,721 $1,739,721 $1,997,451
Pension Fund $400,000 $400,000 $400,000 $400,000
Warrant Articles --- $20,570 --- $515,000
Total Appropriated Free Cash $14,838,059 $15,638,570 $16,119,159 $17,032,132
Unallocated $2,500,000 $745,759 $1,000,000 $955,166
TABLE 2: Uses of Free Cash (FY2020-FY2023)
2 The OPEB funding above does not reflect appropriations of $750,000 in FY2022 and FY2023, $240,000 in FY2024, and $32,270 in FY2025
from the tax levy. In addition, the Water & Sewer Enterprise funds contributed $5,765 in FY2022, FY2023 and FY2024, and $3,654 in
FY2025.
TOWN MANAGER (continued)
and Municipal Capital Projects help to alleviate the residential
tax burden.
Free Cash as of July 1, 2023, was certified at $17,032,132
which was appropriated for purposes that include supporting
the FY25 capital budget and deposits into reserve funds such
as the Capital Stabilization Fund and OPEB. A higher amount
of free cash was left unallocated in FY21 and FY22 compared
to prior years, which preserved fiscal flexibility for the Town
during the global pandemic and corresponding financial
downturn. Table 2 shows the 4-year history of the certifica-
tion and uses of free cash.
As of FY2024, the Health Claims Trust Fund is deplet-
ed and all future OPEB contributions will come from Free
Cash. The balance as of July 1, 2024, in the OPEB Trust Fund
is $34,129,515.
Highlights
• The Town continued to prioritize establishing clear and
reliable communication channels with the community
and received ample feedback from residents appreciative
of the increased outreach and engagement by the Town
Manager’s Office.
• The importance of digital communication is greater than
ever. The Town’s digital growth proves as much. In FY24,
the Town’s website saw more than 462,000 unique visitors,
a 25 percent increase from the previous fiscal year, and
the site amassed more than two million total views, a
27 percent increase.
• The Town’s primary digital newsletter, Link to Lexington,
grew to nearly 4,200 subscribers, a 16 percent increase
compared to FY23. There are more than 23,000 individual
subscribers across all digital publications distributed by
the Town.
(continued on next page)
10
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
• The Town’s social media presence experienced a major
boom. Visits to the Town’s main Facebook page neared
30,000 — a 261 percent increase compared to the
previous year; interaction with town-generated content
(likes, reactions, comments, shares) grew by 206 percent;
and the reach, or the number of unique users who saw
that content, grew by 275 percent.
• The Town also remains forward-thinking when it comes
to digital accessibility. Town staff have received multiple
training sessions on providing digitally accessible and
easy-to-understand material regarding Town services,
programs, and events.
• The Town Manager’s Office continued to work with
financial leadership to support a capital stabilization
framework that provides sustainable funding through
new development bonding schedules. This funding will
be used to minimize single-year tax increases and debt
service costs related to large capital projects, such as the
high school building project.
Human Resources
The Human Resources Department spent time in fiscal year
2024 bargaining with the Town's unions. The Town cur-
rently has settled agreements with the Local 1703 Building
Custodians, and the AFSCME Local 1703 Public Works,
through fiscal year 2027; the Lexington Police Association,
the Cary Memorial Library Staff Association and the
AFSCME Public Safety Dispatchers through fiscal year 2026;
the SEIU Local 888 School Crossing Guards, the Lexington
Municipal Employees Association, the Lexington Municipal
Management Association, the IAFF Local 1491 Firefighters,
and the Police Superiors Association through fiscal year 2025.
Other accomplishments of the Human Resources
Department in FY2024 include:
• Coordinated the Town's annual open enrollment. During
that process, over 560 changes were made to active and
retired employees' health, dental, vision and life insurance
coverage in addition to over 25 pay period changes for
current school employees.
• Completed recruitments and onboarding for
approximately 155 position vacancies throughout the
Town. Completed benefits enrollment for approximately
158 new school department employees as well as benefits
off-boarding for approximately 133 school department
resignations.
• Oversaw promotional assessment center process for
lieutenant and captain positions for the Fire Department.
Coordinated RFP process for Police Department’s
promotional assessment center.
• Coordinated RFP process for a classification and compensa-
tion study of all LMEA, LMMA and TNON positions. Held
introductory sessions for all members and acted as main
point of contact and coordinator for employees and vendor.
Organizational Initiatives
The Town’s Senior Management Team (SMT) maintains
the organization’s collaborative culture to keep municipal
programs and services functioning effectively. Organizational
goals are established on an annual basis. Accomplishments
and project updates include:
• Continuing long-term planning for physical devel-
opment, including the interrelated areas of land use,
transportation, economic development, housing, open
space and recreation, natural resources, historic resourc-
es, and public facilities.
• Expanding public communication to develop a compre-
hensive and coordinated plan for communicating with
and engaging the community.
• Promoting a culture of shared technology applications
and practices, governed by sound organizational policies
and procedures and oriented toward meeting both
specific and general needs.
• Evaluating new revenue sources to support the budget,
particularly the capital budget.
• Identifying best practices and safety protocols in coor-
dination with building teams to recognize the specific
physical needs of each building and office, and developing
consistent, regular, and ongoing training for staff.
• Aligning protocols and communication policy as a
collaborative effort to address mental health needs with
municipal and school staff. This goal has been part of
an ongoing conversation to improve and expand mental
health services in Lexington.
• Providing regular training and coaching opportunities
for employees, and continuing to develop young profes-
sionals, including middle managers, to prepare for greater
responsibility.
TOWN MANAGER (continued)
(continued on next page)
11 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN MANAGER (continued)
• Continuing to create and expand new opportunities for
property owners to attract future tenants and employees
to ensure the viability of Hartwell Ave commercial district
and to encourage commercial development that could
help ease the residential tax burden.
• Developing new financial guidelines to plan for specific,
large capital projects that enable the Town to consistently
stabilize the tax levy.
• Advancing capital projects that include significant invest-
ment in green infrastructure and sustainable building
design to further support the Town’s 25-year goal to
reduce fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions from the
Town’s residential, commercial, and municipal buildings.
To further advance these efforts, the Town approved
funding for its first Sustainability Director in 2019.
• Promoting a culture that celebrates diversity, equity, and
inclusion through active and intentional engagement
with the community, and by reviewing all town policies
and procedures, including hiring processes and board
and committee membership and appointments, to ensure
there are no hidden, exclusive, or unfair practices.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
ROLE: The Chief Equity Officer strives to integrate Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) into every facet of the Town’s
operation. The division aims to diversify the applicant pool
for town jobs by promoting an inclusive workforce comprised
of a myriad of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
Regular work includes encouraging departments to craft and
implement policies and programs that embody equity and
equality; collaborating with town boards and committees
to ensure equal access to necessary information and initia-
tives; and fostering a greater sense of belonging within the
community through direct engagement with residents and
community groups.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Completed Internal Equity Audit
• Advanced the Resolution Framework
• Bolstered Community Engagement
• Increased Internal DEI Training Opportunities
Internal Equity Audit
The Chief Equity Officer launched and completed an internal
equity audit in collaboration with Tangible Development, an
outside consulting firm specializing in improving workplace
culture by integrating DEI initiatives. The primary goal of the
comprehensive audit was to identify ways the Town can im-
prove its efforts in furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion
amongst town staff. The final report is based on 155 respons-
es to an internal survey gauging the current DEI climate, a
policy and practice review of 38 documents, and feedback
collected from ten facilitated focus groups that included a
total of 80 participants. In phase two of the audit, the Chief
Equity Officer will work with the Town’s Senior Management
Team to develop an action plan addressing the findings of
the report. The action plan will be based on themes includ-
ing performative DEI, connections and communications,
institutional and systemic barriers, culture shift, leadership,
and the experiences of employees with marginalized identi-
ties. The final report can be accessed on the Town’s website:
Lexingtonma.gov/InternalEquityAudit.
Resolution Framework
The Town continued to advance the goals outlined in
the Resolution Framework by supporting initiatives that
solidify the Town as a model for diversity and sustainabil-
ity. The Resolution Framework details efforts to address
climate change, systematic racism, and other issues critical
to maintaining Lexington as a forward-thinking, inclusive,
and environmentally friendly community. You can read
the Resolution Framework on the Town’s website:
Lexingtonma.gov/ResolutionFramework
Community Engagement
The Town hosted six opportunities for members of the
community to enjoy coffee and conversation with Lexington
Police Chief, Michael McLean, and other members of the
Police Department. Residents were able to ask questions
about policies and procedures, community safety, the new
police station, and the role law enforcement can play in other
programs and services in Town. More of these events are
already being planned to further strengthen the relationship
between the Police Department and the community they serve.
(continued on next page)
12
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Internal Staff Training Opportunities
The Town offered numerous training opportunities to staff
focused on strengthening the diversity and inclusivity of
our workforce, so we can continue to lead by example. These
training opportunities included:
• How to Manage Stressful Conversations
• Using inclusive language to help diffuse confrontation
and find common ground with someone of a different
background.
• Cultural Humility
• Creating a foundation for employees to better under-
stand and apply the principles of diversity, equity, and
inclusion into their workflow by using their own life
experiences to form new emotional and professional
connections with their coworkers.
• Dismantling Racism in Our Town
• This seven-week course is offered and operated by
Lexington residents. It’s designed to strengthen the
personal and collective awareness of anti-Black racism
and its consequences, undo the legacies of racism and
white supremacy in our community, and repair the
damage done by these biases.
• Handling Incidents of Bias
• Understanding what bias looks, sounds, and feels like,
and how to address it from a position of awareness,
inclusion, curiosity, and communication. This training
was offered specifically to summer staff members in
Recreation and Community Programs.
SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE
ROLE: The Sustainability and Resilience Officer strives to
reduce municipal and community greenhouse gas emissions,
create cleaner indoor and outdoor environments, and ensure
all residents and business owners have the tools to be resilient
to a changing climate. Regular work includes: developing pol-
icies and programs designed to enhance the sustainability and
resilience of town services; monitoring the implementation
and impacts of said policies and programs; and recommend-
ing improvements or additions to existing town services to
best suit the environmentally centric goals of the community.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager: Maggie Peard,
Sustainability and Resilience Officer
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Specialized Building Code: Lexington made great strides
in ensuring new building projects minimize their impact
on our climate by adopting the Specialized Building
Code, which holds new buildings to higher energy
efficiency and clean energy standards. The code took
effect on January 1, 2024.
• Fossil Fuel Free: On March 21, 2024, Lexington’s Fossil
Fuel Free bylaw went into effect, prohibiting the use of
fossil fuel infrastructure in new construction and major
renovations.
• Composting Pilot Program: The Town doubled the
capacity of our curbside compost collection pilot pro-
gram to offer up to 4,000 households, nearly a third of the
Town, free curbside collection service.
• Networked Geothermal Feasibility Study: The Town
was awarded a $50,000 grant under the Kickstart
Massachusetts program to complete an initial feasibility
study for a networked geothermal system—which uses a
shared thermal loop to heat and cool buildings close to
each other, in a highly efficient way, by taking advantage
of stable underground temperatures.
• Building Energy Use Disclosure: In its second year, the
Building Energy Use Disclosure program saw an 86%
compliance rate of large building owners reporting their
energy and water use to the Town for the purposes of
increasing energy use transparency.
• High-Performance Building Policy: Lexington passed a
High-Performance Building Policy that defines a system
for monitoring the performance of town buildings to
maximize environmental and public health.
• The HeatSmart Program: The HeatSmart Program
continues to help Lexington residents transition to heat
pumps and install solar. Since the program’s inception
in 2023, the program’s volunteer Energy Advisors have
provided guidance to over 200 residents.
13 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN CLERK/BOARD OF REGISTRARS
Population 32,952 33,104 33,009 30,772 31,338
Vital Statistics
Births 149 144 160 217 162
Marriages 76 93 79 45 56
Deaths 330 312 255 288 377
Licenses
Dog 2651 2544 2551 2475 2016
Raffle 15 12 12 3 7
Business Certificates (DBA) 198 224 202 234 210
Flammable 35 33 37 28 25
STATISTICS 7/1/23-6/30/24 7/1/22-6/30/23 7/1/21-6/30/22 7/1/20-6/30/21 7/1/19-6/30/20
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 3 3
Part Time 3 3
Temp Part Time - 1
Senior Worker - 1
TOWN CLERK: Appointed by the Town Manager: Mary de
Alderete (Town Clerk). Town Clerk Staff: Dianne Sperber
(Assistant Town Clerk), Lisa Maguire (Administrative
Assistant), Kelley Cutone-Clair and Gina Carme (Municipal
Clerks), Alethea Yates (Archivist/Records Manager).
ROLE: To act as the Town’s chief elections officer, recording
officer, registrar of vital statistics, public records officer and li-
censing officer, and to maintain records of adopted municipal
codes, bylaws, oaths of office, resignations, and appointments.
The town clerk’s office responds to inquiries from the public
and serves as a central information point for the Town.
BOARD OF REGISTRARS: Appointed for a 3-year term
by the Select Board: Gordon Jones, Chair (Democrat, exp.
2026); Judith Moore (Democrat, exp. 2025) Mark R. Vitunic
(Republican, exp. 2027); and Town Clerk, Mary de Alderete.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Town Clerk's Office
• Oversaw the completion of the 2024 Annual Town
Census which updated Lexington’s population counts.
• Worked with the Community Preservation Committee
to bring an Article to Town Meeting which appropriated
$20,000 of Community Preservation Act funds for
conservation and preservation of Lexington’s historic
documents.
• Published the Annual List of Residents with confirmed
voter registration counts.
• Compiled annual supplement for Code of Lexington,
updating bylaw changes adopted at various Town
Meetings and Select Board Meetings.
• Processed and retained all appointment notifications for
Town employees and Board and Committee members.
• Collaborated with the Chief Equity Officer to update
the Board and Committee handbook for more inclusive
language and scope.
• Collaborated with IT to upgrade a 24/7 monitor in
the front and back lobby of the Town Office Building
to broadcast upcoming public meetings and pertinent
information.
• Ensured State Laws regarding Ethics/Open Meeting/
Public Records were in compliance.
• Updated the Ethics database and training in conjunction
with the new software provided by the State.
• Fulfilled Public Records Requests through the integrated
online Portal.
• Increased use of document retention repository for
administrative use and public access.
• Continued to migrate the Town’s historic documents to
public repository.
(continued on next page)
14
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN CLERK/BOARD OF REGISTRARS (continued)
• The Archivist created and delivered various educational
information for displays in the Cary memorial Library.
• Collaborated with the Archivist to plan an overview of
the Clerk’s Office for the “Civic Academy.”
• Town maps and plans were labeled and cataloged for
archival storage.
• Partnered with the Communications Director to further
enhance our message output to residents.
• Worked with School Administrations to hold the
annual “dog tag” election in the elementary schools with
906 Students participating.
• Developed an online tutorial explaining the process of
logging into the Ethics Portal.
Elections:
• Successfully navigated a dual election for the combined
Annual Town Election and Presidential Primary (March
5, 2024).
• Oversaw Early Voting sessions for the Annual Town and
Presidential Primary Elections.
• Annual Town Election, March 5, 2024. 23,111 registered
voters, 35% turnout.
• State Primary Election, March 5, 2024. 22,924 registered
voters, 37% turnout.
• Registrars forwarded recommendations to the Select
Board for annual Election Officer appointment and
183 Election Officers were appointed.
Town Meetings
• Special Town Meeting 2023-1 convened on November
7, 2023, held via virtual Town Meeting platform and
in-person in Battin Hall, Cary Memorial Building.
• Annual Town Meeting 2024 convened on March 18, 2024,
held via virtual Town Meeting platform and in-person in
Battin Hall, Cary Memorial Building.
15 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION: MARCH 5, 2024
In pursuance of the foregoing warrant, the legal voters of
the Town of Lexington met in their respective voting places
in said Town of Lexington on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at
7:00 a.m.
The following facilities were designated as the voting
places for the various precincts: Precinct One, School
Administration Building; Precinct Two, Bowman School;
Precinct Three, Lexington Community Center; Precinct Four,
Cary Memorial Building; Precinct Five, School Administration
Building; Precinct Six, Cary Memorial Building; Precinct
Seven, Lexington Community Center, Precinct Eight, Samuel
Hadley Public Services Building; Precinct Nine, Lexington
Community Center.
The Election Officers of the various precincts were
assigned for duty at the Precincts. The Election Officers were
assigned for duty as follows:
PRECINCT 1: Warden: Susan Rockwell [U]; Clerk: Cristina
Burwell [U]; Inspectors: Susan England Perullo [D], Elaine
Ghiloni [U], Joanne Izbicki [U], Louise Nolan [U], Katherine
Parks [D], Pamela Peifer [D], Lorraine Setterlund [U], Ann
Strong [D].
PRECINCT 2: Warden: Rebecca Fagan Gorospe [U]; Clerk:
Anne Fiedler [D]; Inspectors: Lawrence Berkowitz [D], Susan
Boer [D], Arline Burns [U], Edward Foley [U], Seri Latiff
[U], A. Constance Parrish [U], Stephen Perkins [U], Richard
Rohrer [U].
PRECINCT 3: Warden: Duncan Todd [U]; Clerk: Michael
Sperber [U]; Inspectors: Sarah Carothers [U], Janice Chung
[U], Alexander Nedzel [U], Nancy Olt [D], Greta Peterson
[U], Deborah Sillari [D], Phyllis Strimling [U], Elaine
Torsiello [R].
PRECINCT 4: Warden: Linda Dixon [U]; Clerk: June Baer
[U]; Inspectors: Christine Collins [D], Richard Comings
[D], Kathleen Head [U], Evangeline Puopolo [U], Barbara
Rommelfanger [U], Sandra Shaw [D], Michael Spence [U],
Ruth Thomas [D], Virginia Weinberger [U].
PRECINCT 5: Warden: Irene Dondley [D]; Clerk: Matthew
Thenen [U] and Anita Chanoux [U]; Inspectors: Kenneth
Bruss [U], Ellen Cameron [D], Donnalee Farris [U], Maureen
Rynn [U], Alison Stevens [U], Becky Wilhoite [U].
PRECINCT 6: Warden: Ann Webster [U]; Clerk: Janet Woit
[D]; Inspectors: Carla Fortmann [U], Sandra Gasbarro [U],
Jane Halverson [U], Adam Isbitsky [U], Donald Lund [R],
Grace Murphy [D], Loyde Romero [D], E. Ashley Rooney
[U], Ethel Salonen [D].
PRECINCT 7: Warden: Mabel Amar [D]; Clerk: Daniel
Friedlander [D]; Inspectors: Mary Burnell [U], Linda Cohen
[U], Norman Cohen [U], Elizabeth Golovchenko [U],
Patricia Grasso [D], Bruce Jackan [U], Anne Kadlec [U],
Susan McLeish [U], Thomas Shiple [U], James Skerry [U].
PRECINCT 8: Warden: Julie Sibert [U]; Clerk: Rita Clark
[R]; Inspectors: Robert Enders [D], Patricia Jao [U], Edward
Lidman [U], Lorain Marquis [U], Sean McIntosh [D], Donald
McIntosh [D], Kristin Simon [D], Christin Worcester [D].
PRECINCT 9: Warden: Shirley Ament-Bergey [D]; Clerk:
Michael Fenollosa [D]; Inspectors: Marilyn Fenollosa [D],
Elizabeth Friedlander [D], Debra Heaton [U], Lee Minardi
[D], Clark Schuler [U], Judith Schuler [U], Joan Small [U].
The Election Officers were sworn to the faithful performance
of their duties. The polls were declared open in each precinct at
seven o’clock A.M. and remained open until eight o’clock P.M.,
at which time, after due notice, the polls were declared closed.
(continued on next page)
PCT 1 PCT 2 PCT 3 PCT 4 PCT 5 PCT 6 PCT 7 PCT 8 PCT 9 TOTAL
TOTAL VOTERS 2,428 2,691 2,197 2,598 2,614 2,709 2,597 2,579 2,698 23,111
Total Votes 790 1092 689 1011 848 991 909 877 839 8,046
Percent 33% 41% 31% 39% 32% 37% 35% 34% 31% 35%
Total number of registered voters in each precinct eligible to vote in the March 5, 2024 Annual Town Election:
Recap sheets were delivered to the Town Clerk at the Town Office Building. 35% of the registered voters cast their vote.
The Town Clerk canvassed the results and those are listed on the next pages:
16
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION: MARCH 5, 2024 (continued)
PCT 1 PCT 2 PCT 3 PCT 4 PCT 5 PCT 6 PCT 7 PCT 8 PCT 9 TOTAL
SELECT BOARD (Vote for Not more than ONE for THREE Years)
JILL I HAI 405 528 348 559 458 526 463 469 436 4192
CYNTHIA E. ARENS 320 472 296 388 308 379 360 327 346 3196
ALL OTHERS 3 3 2 1 1 4 6 4 2 26
BLANK VOTES 62 89 43 63 81 82 80 77 55 632
MODERATOR (Vote for NOT more than ONE for ONE Year)
DEBORAH J. BROWN 579 793 488 762 600 708 673 626 650 5879
ALL OTHERS 2 4 2 2 3 2 6 3 3 27
BLANK VOTES 209 295 199 247 245 281 230 248 186 2140
SCHOOL COMMITTEE (Vote for NOT more than TWO for THREE Years)
KATHLEEN M. LENIHAN 537 708 476 715 509 621 573 551 546 5236
DEEPIKA SAWHNEY 484 703 465 620 511 634 578 538 539 5072
JOHAN LINDBORG 202 302 142 277 287 294 276 273 275 2328
ALL OTHERS 6 9 2 4 2 3 5 7 3 41
BLANK VOTES 351 462 293 406 387 430 386 385 315 3415
PLANNING BOARD (Vote for NOT more than TWO for THREE Years)
MICHAEL J. SCHANBACHER 359 495 410 500 397 434 345 378 401 3719
MELANIE A. THOMPSON 451 513 355 491 424 443 355 357 385 3774
LIN D. JENSEN 196 334 167 288 230 357 335 369 296 2572
TINA M. McBRIDE 240 428 195 350 301 414 504 345 327 3104
ALL OTHERS 4 4 2 2 0 2 3 2 1 20
BLANK VOTES 330 410 249 391 344 332 276 303 268 2903
LEXINGTON HOUSING AUTHORITY (Vote for NOT more than One)
MELINDA M. WALKER 523 689 396 670 536 625 592 556 583 5170
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
ALL OTHERS 2 3 1 0 4 4 4 2 4 24
BLANK VOTES 264 400 292 341 308 362 313 317 252 2849
TOTALS 781 1092 689 1011 848 991 909 877 839 8037
(continued on next page)
17 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION: MARCH 5, 2024 (continued)
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS: PRECINCT 1 (Vote for NOT more than EIGHT) (Seven for Three Years, One for One year) TOTAL
TANYA J. GISOLFI-McCREADY 468
JUDITH LISKOV ZABIN 467
JANET M. KERN 465
SANDHYA BEEBEE 455
ROBERT WILLIAM CUNHA 442
CAROL JEANNE SAMPSON 427
YIFANG GONG 420
JEFFREY PAUL FENNELLY 384
ELI HOLLANDER 1
HANNAH HOLLANDER 1
CHRISTINA BURWELL 1
KIMBERLY MOORE 1
DAVID WININGER 1
VALERIE ZEMBA 1
ANKUR GUPTA 1
ALL OTHERS 7
BLANK VOTES 2778
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS: PRECINCT 2 (Vote for NOT more than SEVEN) (Seven for Three Years) TOTAL
AMY KAREN WEINSTOCK 655
BARBARA KATZENBERG 607
MARIAN A. O. COHEN 582
SYED ALI RIZVI 581
RITA VACHANI 569
PETER B. LEE 497
KENNETH J. SHINE 457
SEAN D. OSBORNE 435
CHARLES HORNIG 288
JOSH RAHA 1
LIAM HEFFERMAN 1
ALL OTHERS 3
BLANK VOTES 2968
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS: PRECINCT 3 (Vote for NOT more than NINE) (Seven for Three Years, One for Two Years, One for One Year) TOTAL
ROBERT ROTBERG 426
EDWARD F. DOLAN 416
MICHAEL J. SCHANBACHER 412
JOSHUA F. APGAR 372
LETHA MS PRESTBO 369
MICHAEL J. MARTIGNETTI 368
DELANOT BASTIEN 313
IPEK OZER-STILLMAN 254
PRASHANT SINGH 233
SUDHIR K. JAIN 179
MARK TERZIAN 1
HUA WANG 1
ALL OTHERS 1
BLANK VOTES 2856
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS: PRECINCT 4 (Vote for NOT more than SEVEN) (Seven for Three Years) TOTAL
KATHLEEN M. LENIHAN 646
EILEEN S. JAY 615
CHARLES W. LAMB 573
JENNIFER RICHLIN 552
GLORIA J. BLOOM 541
ROBERT N. COHEN 450
KUNAL P. BOTLA 440
SREENIVASA RAO CHIPPADA 390
JAMES CAMERON EISENBERG 332
LAURA ATLEE 2
ALL OTHERS 3
BLANK VOTES 2533
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS: PRECINCT 5 (Vote for NOT more than SEVEN) (Seven for Three Years) TOTAL
SARAH E. HIGGINBOTHAM 518
ANIL A. AHUJA 499
ALEX J. TSOUVALAS 494
MARC A. SAINT LOUIS 493
KRISTIN MCKAY PECHINSKY 44
TING FANG 37
JOYCE S. MURPHY 31
RITA PANDEY 26
MICHAEL K. FENOLLOSA 17
SURABHI SANDEEP RATHI 11
SANDEEP GOVINDLAL RATHI 9
SAM SCHLUSSEL 2
ANEESHA KARUDY 1
PAUL MAMDA 1
JONINA SCHONFELD 1
CHUNSHI ZHO 1
WEI DING 1
SHUO WU 1
KUN WU 1
EDWARD A. GANSHIRT 1
MICHAEL OCEAN 1
SIRARPI HEGHINIAN-WALZER 1
ELIZABETH WARREN 1
TERA PILAI 1
(continued on next page)
18
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION: MARCH 5, 2024 (continued)
ROBERT BALABAN 1
SALVADOR JARAMILLO 1
MARK NOVAS 1
ANDY FRIEDLICH 1
CATHERINE YAN 1
BARBARA MANUCK 1
EDWARD NIGRO 1
JOHN STAYN 1
PHILIP HALIKIAS 1
CYNTHIA ARENS 1
JEREMY HAYES 1
ALL OTHERS 3
BLANK VOTES 3729
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS: PRECINCT 6 (Vote for NOT more than SEVEN) (Seven for Three Years) TOTAL
DEEPIKA SAWHNEY 611
BRIAN P. KELLEY 609
TAYLOR CARROLL SINGH 587
EDMUND C. GRANT 583
VINITA VERMA 545
SUSAN A. MCLEISH 540
JYOTSNA KAKULLAVARAPU 509
MARK LANG 3
JAMES LENHART 2
JAYANT SHARMA 1
JEFF SPARKS 1
ADAM MCCALLION 1
PETER EVERIN 1
DEBORAH EVERIN 1
JIM LANE 1
EMIR ROACH 1
SHEFALI VERMA 1
ALL OTHERS 8
BLANK VOTES 2932
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS: PRECINCT 7 (Vote for NOT more than EIGHT) (Seven for Three Years, One for One Year) TOTAL
STACEY A. HAMILTON 544
PAMELA C. TAMES 542
PHILIP HAMILTON 520
MARSHA BAKER 517
BENJAMIN CHARLES LEES 494
MEGHANA KHANOLKAR 493
DAVID G. KANTER 492
LEONARD J. MORSE-FORTIER 480
MICHAEL BARG 2
RAFET EL-ANANZAH 1
ETHAN HANDWERKER 2
ANDREI ZHAROV 1
ANATALLIA HUNIK 1
DORIS WONG 1
MAROLI LICARDIE 3
MARY HUTTON 1
EDNA LUTHER 1
ERIK LARSON 1
ALL OTHERS 2
BLANK VOTES 3174
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS: PRECINCT 8 (Vote for NOT more than SEVEN) (Seven for Three Years) TOTAL
LIN D. JENSEN 573
HEIDI PASTERNAK BURKHOLDER 514
JESSIE STEIGERWALD 502
SANJAY PADAKI 473
BRIELLE KISSEL MEADE 458
JAMES ARTHUR OSTEN 457
DAHUA PAN 447
LISA MAZERALL 2
THERESA WRIGHT 1
ALL OTHERS 6
BLANK VOTES 2701
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS: PRECINCT 9 (Vote for NOT more than EIGHT) (Seven for Three Years, One for Two Years) TOTAL
PHILIP T. JACKSON 518
MOLLIE K. GARBERG 517
KIMBERLY HENSLE-LOWRANCE 516
THOMAS R. SHIPLE 510
RICHARD L. CANALE 510
ALICIA M. MORRIS 504
ETHAN PAUL KICZEK 488
HEMABEN P. BHATT 486
SCOTT BOKUN 2
DAVID BUCZKOWSKI 2
NANCY COWEN 1
DYLAN JACKSON 1
DAVID SHANHOLTZ 1
NIREN SIROHI 1
FOSTER JACKSON 7
ZACHARY RHODES 1
JACKSON RHODES 1
DENNAHE ADLEY 1
LISA BOEHM 1
ALL OTHERS 7
BLANK VOTES 2637
19 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION: MARCH 5, 2024
In pursuance of the foregoing warrant, the legal voters of
the Town of Lexington met in their respective voting places
in said Town of Lexington on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at
7:00 a.m.
The following facilities were designated as the voting
places for the various precincts: Precinct One, School
Administration Building; Precinct Two, Bowman School;
Precinct Three, Lexington Community Center; Precinct Four,
Cary Memorial Building; Precinct Five, School Administration
Building; Precinct Six, Cary Memorial Building; Precinct
Seven, Lexington Community Center, Precinct Eight, Samuel
Hadley Public Services Building; Precinct Nine, Lexington
Community Center.
The Election Officers of the various precincts were as-
signed for duty at the Precincts. The Election Officers were
assigned for duty as follows:
PRECINCT 1: Warden: Susan Rockwell [U]; Clerk: Cristina
Burwell [U]; Inspectors: Susan England Perullo [D], Elaine
Ghiloni [U], Joanne Izbicki [U], Louise Nolan [U], Katherine
Parks [D], Pamela Peifer [D], Lorraine Setterlund [U], Ann
Strong [D].
PRECINCT 2: Warden: Rebecca Fagan Gorospe [U]; Clerk:
Anne Fiedler [D]; Inspectors: Lawrence Berkowitz [D], Susan
Boer [D], Arline Burns [U], Edward Foley [U], Seri Latiff
[U], A. Constance Parrish [U], Stephen Perkins [U], Richard
Rohrer [U].
PRECINCT 3: Warden: Duncan Todd [U]; Clerk: Michael
Sperber [U]; Inspectors: Sarah Carothers [U], Janice Chung
[U], Alexander Nedzel [U], Nancy Olt [D], Greta Peterson
[U], Deborah Sillari [D], Phyllis Strimling [U], Elaine
Torsiello [R].
PRECINCT 4: Warden: Linda Dixon [U]; Clerk: June Baer
[U]; Inspectors: Christine Collins [D], Richard Comings
[D], Kathleen Head [U], Evangeline Puopolo [U], Barbara
Rommelfanger [U], Sandra Shaw [D], Michael Spence [U],
Ruth Thomas [D], Virginia Weinberger [U].
PRECINCT 5: Warden: Irene Dondley [D]; Clerk: Matthew
Thenen [U] and Anita Chanoux [U]; Inspectors: Kenneth
Bruss [U], Ellen Cameron [D], Donnalee Farris [U], Maureen
Rynn [U], Alison Stevens [U], Becky Wilhoite [U].
PRECINCT 6: Warden: Ann Webster [U]; Clerk: Janet Woit
[D]; Inspectors: Carla Fortmann [U], Sandra Gasbarro [U],
Jane Halverson [U], Adam Isbitsky [U], Donald Lund [R],
Grace Murphy [D], Loyde Romero [D], E. Ashley Rooney
[U], Ethel Salonen [D].
PRECINCT 7: Warden: Mabel Amar [D]; Clerk: Daniel
Friedlander [D]; Inspectors: Mary Burnell [U], Linda Cohen
[U], Norman Cohen [U], Elizabeth Golovchenko [U],
Patricia Grasso [D], Bruce Jackan [U], Anne Kadlec [U],
Susan McLeish [U], Thomas Shiple [U], James Skerry [U].
PRECINCT 8: Warden: Julie Sibert [U]; Clerk: Rita Clark
[R]; Inspectors: Robert Enders [D], Patricia Jao [U], Edward
Lidman [U], Lorain Marquis [U], Sean McIntosh [D], Donald
McIntosh [D], Kristin Simon [D], Christin Worcester [D].
PRECINCT 9: Warden: Shirley Ament-Bergey [D]; Clerk:
Michael Fenollosa [D]; Inspectors: Marilyn Fenollosa [D],
Elizabeth Friedlander [D], Debra Heaton [U], Lee Minardi
[D], Clark Schuler [U], Judith Schuler [U], Joan Small [U].
The Election Officers were sworn to the faithful performance
of their duties. The polls were declared open in each precinct at
seven o’clock A.M. and remained open until eight o’clock P.M.,
at which time, after due notice, the polls were declared closed.
(continued on next page)
Total number of registered voters in each precinct eligible to vote in the March 5, 2024 was as follows:
Recap sheets were delivered to the Town Clerk at the Town Office Building. 37% of the registered voters cast their vote.
The Town Clerk canvassed the results, and those are listed on the next pages:
PCT 1 PCT 2 PCT 3 PCT 4 PCT 5 PCT 6 PCT 7 PCT 8 PCT 9 TOTAL
Total Registered Voters 2,428 2,691 2,197 2,598 2,614 2,709 2,597 2,579 2,698 23,111
Total Votes 876 1171 741 1068 901 1020 974 913 945 8,609
Democratic 595 835 537 751 592 657 658 587 632 5,844
Republican 275 326 200 313 299 357 304 316 306 2,696
Libertarian Party 6 10 4 4 10 6 12 10 7 69
Total Votes/ Registered Voters 36% 44% 34% 41% 34% 38% 38% 35% 35% 37%
20
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION: MARCH 5, 2024 (continued)
PCT 1 PCT 2 PCT 3 PCT 4 PCT 5 PCT 6 PCT 7 PCT 8 PCT 9 TOTAL
DEMOCRATIC PARTY
TOTAL REG VOTERS 2428 2691 2197 2598 2614 2709 2597 2579 2698 23111
TOTAL VOTES 595 835 537 751 592 657 658 587 632 5844
PERCENT (TOTAL VOTES/TOTAL VOTERS) 25% 31% 24% 29% 23% 24% 25% 23% 23% 25%
TOTAL REGISTERED DEMOCRATS 831 975 748 928 801 798 769 805 869 7524
PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE
DEAN PHILLIPS 24 24 10 12 30 22 20 14 18 174
JOSEPH R. BIDEN 491 727 489 663 478 566 566 497 554 5031
MARIANNE WILLIAMSON 7 10 6 9 18 13 11 14 19 107
NO PREF 57 59 28 54 51 45 39 49 35 417
ALL OTHERS 11 8 0 6 8 5 16 9 5 68
BLANKS 5 7 4 7 7 6 6 4 1 47
TOTALS 595 835 537 751 592 657 658 587 632 5844
STATE COMMITTEE MAN
FOURTH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
ROBERT D. PETERS 433 579 534 431 482 505 2964
ALL OTHERS 1 1 1 1 3 0 7
BLANKS 161 255 216 160 172 153 1117
TOTALS 595 835 751 592 657 658 4088
STATE COMMITTEE WOMAN
FOURTH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
MELANIE A. THOMPSON 466 599 560 448 495 501 3069
ALL OTHERS 0 4 0 2 2 2 10
BLANKS 129 232 191 142 160 155 1009
TOTALS 595 835 751 592 657 658 4088
STATE COMMITTEE MAN
THIRD MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
ROBERT G. LOGAN 345 406 472 1223
ALL OTHERS 1 2 7 10
BLANKS 191 179 153 523
TOTALS 537 587 632 1756
STATE COMMITTEE WOMAN
THIRD MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
MARA DOLAN 379 431 486 1296
ALL OTHERS 3 2 1 6
BLANKS 155 154 145 454
TOTALS 537 587 632 1756
(continued on next page)
21 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION: MARCH 5, 2024 (continued)
PCT 1 PCT 2 PCT 3 PCT 4 PCT 5 PCT 6 PCT 7 PCT 8 PCT 9 TOTAL
DEMOCRATIC
TOWN COMMITTEE
BLANKS 8034 12912 7966 10879 7757 8928 8762 8447 8029 81714
MARGARET E. COPPE 393 522 346 501 415 438 456 414 462 3947
MABEL H. AMAR 359 456 302 425 366 395 402 339 397 3441
SALLE F. BLEIBERG 362 453 378 432 363 393 401 336 394 3512
EDWARD F. DOLAN 359 448 334 431 364 386 403 340 397 3462
AVRAM S. BASKIN 366 498 297 436 366 391 405 343 396 3498
MARY B. GENTLEMAN 353 444 296 421 365 389 393 330 392 3383
JYOTSNA KAKULLAVARAPU 365 460 300 442 369 403 407 338 397 3481
DEBORAH S. BURGER 362 451 300 438 367 390 404 341 408 3461
MARGARET B. HEITZ 373 467 313 446 362 391 404 346 407 3509
ROBERT M. AVALLONE 358 457 300 432 364 386 402 349 388 3436
TAYLOR CARROLL SINGH 370 469 310 452 370 449 424 362 407 3613
M. LORRAINE WEST 356 447 295 422 359 385 398 330 389 3381
MARC A. SAINT LOUIS 364 454 306 431 372 410 395 341 395 3468
MERNA L. VICTOR 354 451 297 423 360 391 395 330 390 3391
RITA B. GOLDBERG 373 506 310 448 377 400 408 353 405 3580
EILEEN GORDON ZALISK 361 450 309 433 370 398 409 340 393 3463
ROBERT FRANK ZALISK 360 446 302 422 363 396 402 334 390 3415
TODD O. BURGER 359 449 299 437 361 390 398 336 404 3433
ALAN SILVER 360 449 294 431 362 385 401 328 393 3403
JOSEPH N. PATO 382 508 320 459 386 410 413 369 417 3664
SARA GURLEY BOTHWELL ALLEN 362 459 303 447 370 412 405 345 393 3496
JUDITH L. PAPPO 358 465 311 446 362 393 405 346 403 3489
SARAH J. NATHAN 357 450 298 434 370 388 401 331 398 3427
MATTHEW COHEN 376 502 302 438 373 407 420 339 401 3558
MICHELLE CICCOLO 414 570 379 542 426 473 480 426 487 4197
BRIDGER E. McGAW 355 449 299 428 361 435 394 336 389 3446
MICHELLE OLSON 358 448 297 428 362 397 398 338 391 3417
MARY ROSS SCHMIEDEL HUTTON 353 442 296 419 356 384 391 328 384 3353
ANDREW FRIEDLICH 374 461 308 429 387 397 404 342 394 3496
JAMES CAMERON EISENBERG 357 441 294 423 362 385 400 326 386 3374
DEEPIKA SAWHNEY 394 510 320 482 397 454 433 367 432 3789
RICHARD L. CANALE 362 455 305 429 369 393 409 342 414 3478
JEANNE P. CANALE 362 461 309 432 369 391 410 346 415 3495
FERNANDO ELIAS QUEZADA 360 464 305 430 357 388 396 342 389 3431
MARCI JO CEMENSKA 360 451 295 437 361 394 402 345 394 3439
TOTALS 20825 29225 18795 26285 20720 22995 23030 20545 22120 204540
(continued on next page)
22
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
PCT 1 PCT 2 PCT 3 PCT 4 PCT 5 PCT 6 PCT 7 PCT 8 PCT 9 TOTAL
REPUBLICAN PARTY
TOTAL REG VOTERS 2428 2691 2197 2598 2614 2709 2597 2579 2698 23111
TOTAL VOTES 275 326 200 313 299 357 304 316 306 2696
PERCENT (TOTAL VOTES/TOTAL VOTERS) 11% 12% 9% 12% 11% 13% 12% 12% 11% 12%
TOTAL REGISTERED REPUBLICAN 123 119 112 109 159 170 123 122 127 1164
PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE
CHRIS CHRISTIE 2 9 11 5 3 6 6 4 7 53
RYAN BINKLEY 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
VIVEK RAMASWAMY 1 1 1 3 5 1 2 0 1 15
ASA HUTCHINSON 1 2 1 1 2 0 1 1 0 9
DONALD J. TRUMP 103 95 74 108 118 107 108 103 98 914
RON DeSANTIS 38 1 1 4 2 2 3 1 4 56
NIKKI HALEY 117 210 106 186 166 231 178 200 191 1585
NO PREF 6 7 5 4 2 5 3 4 4 40
ALL OTHERS 2 0 0 2 1 5 1 3 1 15
BLANKS 5 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 8
TOTALS 275 326 200 313 299 357 304 316 306 2696
STATE COMMITTEE MAN: FOURTH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
ANTHONY M. VENTRESCA 83 107 111 95 106 90 592
JEFFREY M. SEMON 71 93 74 91 97 83 509
ALL OTHERS 3 2 1 1 4 4 15
BLANKS 118 124 127 112 150 127 758
TOTALS 275 326 313 299 357 304 1874
STATE COMMITTEE WOMAN: FOURTH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
HELEN A. HATCH 87 86 113 100 120 101 607
STIRLING D. SMITH 67 117 77 81 84 77 503
ALL OTHERS 1 3 0 1 3 3 11
BLANKS 120 120 123 117 150 123 753
TOTALS 275 326 313 299 357 304 1874
STATE COMMITTEE MAN: THIRD MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
JAMES E. DIXON 81 151 166 398
ALL OTHERS 8 10 10 28
BLANKS 111 155 130 396
TOTALS 200 316 306 822
STATE COMMITTEE WOMAN:THIRD MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
RUTH A. CUSANO 69 109 141 319
DOREEN A. DESHLER 20 65 54 139
ALL OTHERS 4 2 3 9
BLANKS 107 140 108 355
TOTALS 200 316 306 822
PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION: MARCH 5, 2024 (continued)
(continued on next page)
23 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
(continued on next page)
PCT 1 PCT 2 PCT 3 PCT 4 PCT 5 PCT 6 PCT 7 PCT 8 PCT 9 TOTAL
REPUBLICAN
TOWN COMMITTEE
BLANKS 7164 7553 5201 7471 7253 9014 7400 7726 7046 65828
MICHAEL DAVID BARG 82 129 59 120 112 121 118 111 127 979
WILLIAM J. BARRETT 97 136 66 123 116 116 113 117 132 1016
JEAN H. BARRETT 93 132 62 122 108 114 110 117 127 985
JENNIFER JOHNSON BERGANTINO 88 129 58 122 115 123 112 111 126 984
MARY E. CASELLA 86 134 63 123 114 125 122 123 127 1017
THOMAS J. CATALDO 97 148 67 135 131 153 115 131 135 1112
JONATHAN A. COHLER 78 126 60 116 109 115 110 113 123 950
EDITH MAE CRAFT 81 133 60 120 106 115 110 111 123 959
STEVEN LOUIS CRAFT 83 131 63 114 110 116 105 111 123 956
ELIZABETH P. CRAMPTON 84 138 64 122 129 124 116 117 129 1023
LUANNA ELENA DEVENIS 82 134 61 116 106 118 112 112 121 962
JAMES S. GALLOWAY 87 140 64 125 121 128 112 119 132 1028
LISA MARY HARRINGTON 85 140 64 121 112 120 115 115 130 1002
JUNO M. HEINE 79 127 57 113 104 116 110 113 126 945
THADDEUS P. KOCHANSKI 79 135 60 116 108 114 111 115 123 961
SALLY LAWLOR 83 128 64 117 106 122 110 111 127 968
ROBERT McDONALD, JR 91 130 62 121 114 119 106 117 124 984
TRACY McDONALD 94 129 59 121 108 116 106 113 122 968
ANN H. MILLER 86 132 62 123 106 119 111 115 131 985
ALAN V. SEFERIAN 88 137 64 126 111 122 109 117 127 1001
PEDRO J. SIFRE 79 126 59 115 105 116 123 112 121 956
MARY WALBACH SINEK 81 133 58 116 104 118 112 110 121 953
GEORGIA D. SWANN 79 128 60 116 106 121 109 111 121 951
MARK VAHAN TERZIAN 89 135 65 122 109 115 108 113 127 983
MARK S. TRAFICANTE 87 129 64 122 112 119 112 115 131 991
MARK ROBERT VITUNIC 81 132 58 119 102 114 109 113 130 958
CHERYLE A. WEST 77 127 61 118 106 116 110 112 119 946
CATHERINE G. WHITE 82 143 68 118 108 120 114 114 132 999
PATRICIA SHEFLOTT WALCZAK 77 131 65 118 105 117 108 113 122 956
2 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 5
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
ALL OTHERS 4 5 2 0 9 8 2 9 5 44
TOTALS 9625 11410 7000 10955 10465 12495 10640 11060 10710 94360
PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION: MARCH 5, 2024 (continued)
24
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
PCT 1 PCT 2 PCT 3 PCT 4 PCT 5 PCT 6 PCT 7 PCT 8 PCT 9 TOTAL
LIBERTARIAN PARTY
TOTAL REG VOTERS 2428 2691 2197 2598 2614 2709 2597 2579 2698 23111
TOTAL VOTES 6 10 4 4 10 6 12 10 7 69
PERCENT (TOTAL VOTES/TOTAL VOTERS) 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0.3%
TOTAL REGISTERED LIBERTARIAN PARTY 1 3 0 8 6 2 6 2 4 32
PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE
JACOB GEORGE HORNBERGE 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1
MICHAEL D. RECTENWALKD 0 1 0 1 2 0 1 2 1 8
CHASE RUSSELL OLIVER 0 1 0 0 1 1 2 3 1 9
MICHAEL TER MAAT 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2
LARS DAMIAN MAPSTEAD 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 4
NO PREF 4 6 3 3 2 4 4 5 5 36
ALL OTHERS 0 0 0 0 3 1 2 0 0 6
BLANKS 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
TOTALS 6 10 4 4 10 6 12 10 7 69
STATE COMMITTEE MAN : FOURTH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
ALL OTHERS 0 1 0 3 0 1 5
BLANKS 6 9 4 7 6 11 43
TOTALS 6 10 4 10 6 12 48
STATE COMMITTEE WOMAN: FOURTH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
ALL OTHERS 0 0 0 3 0 1 4
BLANKS 6 10 4 7 6 11 44
TOTALS 6 10 4 10 6 12 48
STATE COMMITTEE MAN: THIRD MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
ALL OTHERS 0 2 1 3
BLANKS 4 8 6 18
TOTALS 4 10 7 21
STATE COMMITTEE WOMAN: THIRD MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
ALL OTHERS 0 2 1 3
BLANKS 4 8 6 18
TOTALS 4 10 7 21
TOWN COMMITTEE
BLANK 60 99 40 40 90 60 119 98 70 676
0 1 0 0 10 0 1 2 0 14
ALL OTHERS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
TOTALS 60 100 40 40 100 60 120 100 70 690
PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION: MARCH 5, 2024 (continued)
25 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: NOVEMBER 2023 ABBREVIATED MINUTES
November 7, 2023: Special Town Meeting
The 2023-1 Special Town Meeting, held in the Margery
Milne Battin Hall in the Cary Memorial Building,
1605 Massachusetts Avenue, and via means of remote
participation was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by the Moderator,
Deborah Brown. A quorum in excess of 100 members was
present (166).
Town Clerk, Mary de Alderete, read the Warrant for the
Special Town Meeting-1 until waived. The Town Clerk read
the Constable’s Return of Service.
7:36 p.m. The Moderator gave a warm welcome to all
Members. She also welcomed the new Director
of Communications, Jonas Miller, and stated
that he would assist with any requests from non-
Meeting members to speak at the Meeting. She
then gave a brief overview of how to use the tablet
and explained Zoom procedures and protocols to
those participating remotely.
The Moderator stated that the Meeting would be
held via hybrid means and then called attention
to the voting portal and noted that Members
would be asked to approve use of the voting sys-
tem which would be recording votes on a tablet.
Joe Pato, Select Board Chair, moved that the
Town Meeting Members approve the use of the
electronic technology during the Meetings. The
Moderator noted that she would treat this as a
voice vote, and asked if there were any objections
to using the tablets. As there were none, the motion carries unanimously.
7:46 p.m. Dawn McKenna, Pct. 6, raised a point of order,
and noted that she would like to understand who
was in attendance but some names were showing
not present, but she had seen them in the Hall.
The Moderator explained how to correct their
attendance in the Portal to indicate if they were
in person or at another location.
7:47 p.m. The Moderator opened the portal to take
attendance and noted that a quorum (166) had
been reached. She then gave a brief overview of
parliamentary procedure for use throughout the
meeting.
7:48 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 1.
ARTICLE 1: REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
c. Reports of the Appropriation Committee
MOTION: Mr. Parker moves that the reports of the
Appropriation Committee be received and
placed on file. As there were no objections the
motion carries unanimously.
d. Reports of the Capital Expenditures Committee
MOTION: Mr. Lamb moves that the reports of the Capital
Expenditures Committee be received and placed
on file. As there were no objections the motion
carries unanimously.
e. Reports of the School Building Committee
MOTION: Ms. Cuthbertson moves that the report of the
School building Committee be received and
placed on file. As there were no objections the
motion carries unanimously.
7:53 p.m. Jim Malloy, Town Manager gave a brief update
on the High School project as well as the School
Building Committee.
7:57 p.m. The Moderator asked Mr. Pato for a Motion to
take up Article 12.
Mr. Pato moved to take up Article 12. As
there were no objections the motion carries
unanimously.
7:57 p.m. The Moderator opened the meeting on Article
12 and noted that there had been one small cler-
ical correction to the original Motion. Ed Grant,
Precinct 6, noted that although he would provide
the Motion for the Article, he would not be vot-
ing on it as he had worked with the petitioner to
bring it forward.
ARTICLE 12: AMEND ZONING BYLAW– 2013-2027 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE (OWNER PETITION)
Petition for Rezoning
Amendments to Planned Development District CD-15
for 2013-2027 Massachusetts Avenue
(The Inn at Hastings Park)
MOTION:
Mr. Grant moves that the Zoning Bylaw, Chapter 135 of the
Code of the Town of Lexington, be amended as follows, and
further that non-substantive changes to the numbering of the
(continued on next page)
26
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Bylaw be permitted to comply with the numbering format of
the Code of the Town of Lexington:
1) Amend the Preliminary Site Development and Use Plan for
the Planned Commercial District at 2013-2027 Massachusetts
Avenue dated April 20, 2012 (“PSDUP”) by removing the
name of Dana Home of Lexington, Inc. as a petitioner and
changing the name of petitioner AB Holdings, LLC to “Trisha
Perez Kennealy/AB Holdings, LLC.”
2) Replace all PSDUP references to Assessor’s Map 49, Parcel
2 (2027 Massachusetts Avenue) and Assessor’s Map 57, Parcel
12 (2013 Massachusetts Avenue) with Assessor’s Map 49, Lot
2A (2013-2027 Massachusetts Avenue).
3) Replace all PSDUP references to the 2011 Zoning Bylaw
with references to the current Zoning Bylaw as follows, where
struck through text is to be removed and underlined text is
to be added:
I.A(1) Administration
a) All references to the Zoning Bylaw herein refer to
the Lexington Zoning Bylaw as may be amended, in
effect as of the completion of the 2011 Annual Town
Meeting.
b) Where the PSDUP is silent with respect to any
requirement of the 2011 Lexington Zoning Bylaw
applicable to this Planned Development District, the
Bylaw requirement shall apply. Where the PSDUP and
Bylaw conflict or are inconsistent with respect to any
requirement applicable to the Planned Development
District, the PSDUP shall supersede any such require-
ment of the Bylaw.
I.A(2) Permitted Uses
e) Living facilities for seniors set forth in Zoning Bylaw
Section 135-23 6.6.
I.A(4) Standards & Requirements for Landscaping, Transition
& Screening
Article X of the Zoning Bylaw, Landscaping, Transition,
and Screening, does not have any requirements for CD
Districts. For this PDD the following standards will apply:
The provisions of Section 5.3, Landscaping, Transition,
and Screening, of the Zoning Bylaw do not apply to the
PDD, except where noted below:
a) The objectives found in 135-52A 5.3.1, apply.
b) The requirements of 135-53.B. and C 5.3.3, pertaining
to the Landscaping Plan apply.
c) The provisions of Section 135-58 5.3.11, Maintenance,
and 135-59 5.3.12, Landscaping to be completed prior
to issuance of certificate of occupancy, apply.
d) The provisions of Section 135-60 5.3.13, Screening of
other uses within the lots, apply.
I.A(5) Standards & Requirements for Off-Street Parking &
Loading
The Off-Street Parking and Loading provisions of Article
XI Section 5.1, Off-Street Parking and Loading, of the
Zoning Bylaw do not apply to the PDD, except where
noted below:
a) Section 135-62A, Objectives 5.1.1, Purpose, applies.
b) The provisions of 135-63 5.1.3, parking and loading
plan requirements, apply.
c) The provisions of Section 135-65 5.1.9, Location of
off-street parking and loading bays, and Section 135-
66 5.1.10, Driveways, apply.
d) Sections 135-67D. 5.1.11 (5) and F. 5.1.12, pertaining
to screening of parking areas, apply except that the
height of the screening shall be six feet at the time of
planting.
e) The following provisions, pertaining to Design
Standards, contained in Sections 135- 68B., C., E., G.,
and H. 5.1.13.1, 5.1.13.2, 5.1.13.4, 5.1.13.5, 5.1.13.6,
and 5.1.13.7, apply.
f) The Special Permit Section of 135-69 C. and D. apply
5.1.14, Special Permit, applies.
g) For purposes of this PDD the loading area shall not
be subject to the provisions of 135- 68E 5.1.13.4,
markings.
I.A.(6) Standards & Requirements for Traffic
The provisions of Article XII Section 5.5, Traffic, of the
Zoning Bylaw do not apply to the PDD. A traffic study is
provided pursuant to Section 135-72.
I.A(7) Standards & Requirements for Signs, Lighting, and
Wireless Communication Facilities
The provisions of Sections Article XIII 135-5.2, Signs, and
Article XIV. 135-5.4, Outdoor Lighting, and Article XV 135-
6.4, Wireless Communication Facilities, of the Zoning Bylaw
apply to the PDD.
4) Amend the name of the district defined by the PSDUP
from Planned Commercial District-15 (CD-15) to Planned
Development District-7 (PD-7).
5) Amend the Zoning Map to amend the name of the district
defined by the PSDUP from Planned Commercial District-15
(CD-15) to Planned Development District-7 (PD-7) for
Assessor’s Map 49, Map 2A.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: NOVEMBER 2023 – ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
(continued on next page)
27 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: NOVEMBER 2023 – ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
6 Amend PSDUP Section I.A.1.e as follows, where struck
through text is to be removed, and underlined text is to be
added:
Any sale or transfer of rights and interest in the Property shall
include a condition that successors and assigns are bound
to the terms and conditions of this PDD and of any Special
Permit with or Site Plan Review or other Special Permit
granted by the Board of Appeals or Planning Board for this
zoning district.
7) Amend the first paragraph of PSDUP Section I.A.2 as
follows, where struck through text is to be removed, and un-
derlined text is to be added:
All uses listed below shall be subject to a Special Permit Site
Plan Review, as described in §135-42B7.3.2.6, and shall be
consistent with and not exceed the development intensity or
its equivalent with respect to dimensional controls and stan-
dards for the proposed structures and site plan approved in
this PDD. Uses other than those set forth in this section of
Permitted Uses are not permitted.
8) Replace the schedule of dimensional controls in Section
I.A.3 with the following:
Section 1-A3 The Schedule of Dimensional Controls
Dimensional Regulations Standards
LOT REGULATIONS
Minimum Lot Area 15,500 SF
Minimum Lot Frontage 125 FT
SETBACK REGULATIONS
Minimum front Yard 25 FT
Minimum Side Yard 10 FT
Minimum Rear Yard 15 FT
BULK REGULATIONS (for the zone as a whole*)
Maximum Gross Floor Area 20,250 SF
Maximum Floor Area Ratio 0.295
Maximum Percentage of Site Coverage 16%
Maximum Impervious Service Ration 0.45
HEIGHT REGULATIONS
Maximum Height in Stories 4
Maximum Height in Feet 45 FT
ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARDS (for the zone as a whole*)
Maximum number of Guest Rooms 22
Maximum Seating Capacity of Restaurants 54
Maximum Seating Capacity of Restaurant 128
9) Amend the table in Section I.A.5(i) as follows where struck
through text is to be removed, and underlined text is to be
added:
*No more than one on-site parking space shall be used by
employees.
Parking Regulations Standards
Required Number of On-Site Parking Spaces for Inn* 1 per guest room
Required Number of On-Site Parking Spaces for Restaurant* 1 per 6
Required Number of On-Site Parking Spaces for Restaurant* 1 per 12 seats
Required Number of On-Site Loading Areas for Inn and Restaurant 1
7:58 p.m. Tricia Pérez Kennealy, owner of the Inn at
Hastings Park, gave a presentation on the Article.
ARTICLE 1: REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
f. Reports of the Planning Board
MOTION: Mr. Schanbacher moves that the reports of the
Planning Board be received and placed on file.
As there were no objections the motion carries
unanimously.
8:03 p.m. Michael Schanbacher, Vice-Chair of the Planning
Board, noted that at the October 25, 2023
Planning Board public hearing, the Planning
Board voted unanimously for recommendation
of the Article.
8:04 p.m. Joe Pato, Chair of the Select Board, stated that the
Select Board unanimously supported passage of
the Article.
The Moderator opened the floor for discussion and debate.
8:05 p.m. Chris Dunham, 2006 Massachusetts Ave, stat-
ed opposition to the Article due to the uptick
in parking which could lead to noisy and large
events.
8:06 p.m. John Rossi, Pct. 1, noted that he had the pleasure of
dining at the Inn, and asked questions regarding
the number and proximity of handicapped park-
ing spots after the revision. Ms. Pérez Kennealy
said that there were two spots and noted where
they were located. She also stated that they were
available to anyone who might need them.
(continued on next page)
28
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: NOVEMBER 2023 – ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
8:08 p.m. Jay Luker, Pct. 1, stated that he supported the
Article and believed that the business knew how
much parking it would need.
8:08 p.m. Bridger McGaw, Pct. 6, said that he had been in
numerous conversations about preserving and
nurturing small businesses and was excited to see
the Planning Board and Select Board’s support
for the Article.
8:09 p.m. In summation, Ms. Pérez Kennealy offered
thanks to the Town for their consideration of the
Article.
8:11 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on Article 12 and
noted that it required a 2/3 vote to pass. During
voting, Lisa Schmidt Rhodes and Shireen Ahmed,
both of Pct. 9, noted that they would have to vote
by voice vote.
Voice vote from: Ms. Schmidt Rhodes votes yes,
Ms. Ahmed votes yes.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
ARTICLE 12 – AMEND ZONING BY-LAW – 2013 - 2027
MASSACHUSETTS AVE
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
161 5 5
MOTION CARRIES WITH MORE THAN NECESSARY
2/3RDS
(Approved by the Attorney General’s Office February 16,
2024, posted February 22, 2024)
8:15 p.m. The Moderator opened the meeting on Article 2.
ARTICLE 2: APPROPRIATE FOR PRIOR YEARS’ UNPAID BILLS
MOTION: Mr. Pato moves that the Town be authorized to
pay $402,987 to Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical
High School for the final installment payment of the fiscal
year 2023 annual assessment, and that to meet this appropri-
ation, $402,987 be raised in the tax levy.
8:16 p.m. Joe Pato, Select Board Chair, stated that the Select
Board was unanimously in support of the Article.
8:16 p.m. Glenn Parker, Member of the Appropriation
Committee, stated that the Appropriation
Committee unanimously recommended approv-
al of the Article.
8:17 p.m. Anthony Galaitsis, Pct. 5, raise a point of order
but retracted it after a monitor’s view was fixed.
8:17 p.m. As there were no questions, the Moderator
opened voting on Article 2.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
ARTICLE 2 - APPROPRIATE FOR PRIOR YEARS’
UNPAID BILLS
Adopted by a vote of:
Voice vote from: Ms. Schmidt Rhodes votes yes, Ms. Ahmed
votes yes.
Yes No Abstain
170 0 1
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
8:20 p.m. The Moderator opened the meeting on Article 3.
ARTICLE 3: ESTABLISH, AMEND, DISSOLVE AND APPROPRIATE TO AND FROM SPECIFIED STABILIZATION FUNDS
MOTION: Ms. Barry moves that
a) That $2,699,381 be appropriated into the Capital
Stabilization Fund, and that to meet this appropriation
$2,699,381 be raised in the tax levy.
8:21 p.m. Suzanne Barry, Select Board Member, noted that
the Select Board was unanimously in support of
the passage of the Article.
Charles Lamb, Chair of the Capital Expenditures
Committee, stated that the Capital Expenditures
Committee unanimously recommended ap-
proval of the Article. As a note he stated that the
Committee appreciated the Town Manager and
Select Board’s aggressive saving into the Capital
Stabilization Fund over the past decade and Town
Meeting’s support.
Sanjay Padaki, Vice-Chair of the Appropriation
Committee, stated that the Appropriation
Committee was unanimously in support of ap-
proval of the Article.
8:23 p.m. As there were no questions, the moderator
opened the Article for voting.
Ms. Rhodes and Ms. Ahmed were presented with new tablets
so they could vote via the system.
(continued on next page)
29 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: NOVEMBER 2023 – ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
Avram Baskin, Pct. 2, noted his tablet was having an issue. He
therefore voted by voice vote - yes.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
ARTICLE 3 – ESTABLISH, AMEND, DISSOLVE
AND APPROPRIATE TO AND FROM SPECIFIED
STABILIZATION FUNDS
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
170 0 2
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
8:26 p.m. The Moderator opened the meeting on Article 4.
ARTICLE 4: AMEND FY2024 OPERATING, ENTERPRISE AND CPA BUDGETS
MOTION: Mr. Pato moves
(a) That the following adjustment be made to the following
line items for the FY2024 Operating budget as approved
under Article 4 of the 2023 Annual Town Meeting:
Line Item Program From To
2600 Facilities (for building maintenance) $13,975,403 $14,060,403
(b) That the following adjustment be made to the following
line item for the FY2024 budget to operate the Water
Division of the Department of Public Works as approved
under Article 5(a) of the 2023 Annual Town Meeting:
Program From To
Debt Service. $2,393,902 $2,375,660
MWRA Water Assessment. $9,342,814 $8,832,742
(c) That the following adjustment be made to the following
line item for the FY2024 budget to operate the Wastewater
Division of the Department of Public Works as approved
under Article 5(b) of the 2023 Annual Town Meeting:
Program From To
Debt Service $1,492,248 $1,406,381
MWRA Water Assessment $9,349,530 $8,861,891
Joe Pato, Select Board Chair, noted that the Select Board
unanimously supported passage of the Article.
John Bartenstein, Member of the Appropriation Committee,
stated that the Appropriation Committee, unanimously rec-
ommended approval of the Article.
8:28 p.m. As there were no questions, the Moderator
opened voting on the Article
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
ARTICLE 4 – AMEND FY2024 OPERATING,
ENTERPRISE AND CPA BUDGETS
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
166 0 1
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
8:30 p.m. The Moderator opened the meeting on Article 5.
ARTICLE 5: APPROPRIATE FOR AUTHORIZED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
MOTION: Mr. Sandeen moves that this article be indefinitely
postponed. (10/06/2023)
Mark Sandeen, Member of the Select Board, noted that the
Select Board unanimously approved indefinite postponement
of the Article.
Charles Lamb, Chair of the Capital Expenditures Committee,
stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously
recommended indefinite postponement of the Article.
Glenn Parker, Chair of the Appropriation Committee, stated
that the Appropriation Committee unanimously supported
indefinite postponement of the Article.
8:31 p.m. As there were no questions, the Moderator
opened voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
ARTICLE 5 – APPROPRIATE FOR AUTHORIZED
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
164 1 2
MOTION CARRIES
(continued on next page)
30
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
8:33 p.m. The Moderator opened the meeting on Article 6.
ARTICLE 6: APPROPRIATE OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS
MOTION: Mr. Pato moves that the Town appropriate
$187,927.15 for the purpose of supplementing and strength-
ening resources available to Lexington communities and fam-
ilies for substance use disorder prevention, harm reduction,
treatment, and recovery, to be spent under the direction of the
Town Manager and with input from local stakeholders includ-
ing people with lived experience of the opioid epidemic; and
that to meet this appropriation, $187,927.15 be appropriated
from state funds allocated by the Commonwealth to the Town
of Lexington from Statewide Opioid Settlements between the
Massachusetts Attorney General and certain non-bankrupt
opioid industry manufacturers and distributors.
8:33 p.m. Joanne Belanger, Board of Health Director, pre-
sented information on the Article.
8:37 p.m. Joe Pato, Chair of the Select Board, stated that the
Select Board unanimously supported passage of
the Article.
John Bartenstein, Member of the Appropriation
Committee, stated that the Appropriation
Committee unanimously supported adoption of
the Article.
8:38 p.m. As there were no questions, the Moderator
opened voting on the Article.
ARTICLE 6: APPROPRIATE OPIOID SETTLEMENT
FUNDS
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
169 0 3
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
8:40 p.m. The Moderator opened the meeting on Article 7.
ARTICLE 7: APPROPRIATE HOUSING RESALE AND RENTAL MONITORING FEES
MOTION: Ms. Hai moves that this article be indefinitely
postponed.
Jill Hai, Member of the Select Board, noted that the Select
Board was unanimously in support of indefinite postpone-
ment of the Article.
Eric Michelson, Chair of the Capital Expenditures Committee,
stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously
recommended indefinite postponement of the Article.
8:41 p.m. As there were no questions, the Moderator
opened voting on the Article.
ARTICLE 7: APPROPRIATE HOUSING RESALE AND
RENTAL MONITORING FEES
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
165 1 2
MOTION CARRIES
8:43 p.m. Lin. Jensen, Pct. 8, voted as a yes after the system
had recorded the votes, therefore the total was
updated to reflect this in the totals.
ARTICLE 7: APPROPRIATE HOUSING RESALE AND
RENTAL MONITORING FEES
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
166 1 2
MOTION CARRIES
8:45 p.m. The Moderator gave a quick overview of what to
expect the next evening and asked for a Motion
to Adjourn.
Joe Pato, Select Board Chair, Motioned to Adjourn the
Annual Town Meeting to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November
8, 2023, such meeting to be held at the Margery Milne Battin
Hall, Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue
and as a hybrid meeting with some members participating
remotely. The Moderator declared that Motion was adopted
by unanimous voice vote and the Meeting adjourned.
November 8, 2023: Adjourned Session of the 2023 Special Town Meeting #1
Moderator Deborah Brown called the second session of 2023
Special Town Meeting #1 to order at 7:32 p.m. on Wednesday,
November 8, 2023, at the Margery Milne Battin Hall in the
Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, and as
a hybrid meeting with some members participating remotely,
a quorum in excess of 100 members was present (158).
The Moderator welcomed Salvador Jaramillo and his class
cohort attending the Meeting.
The Moderator explained seating and parliamentary pro-
cedure for the evening. She mentioned that the plan was to
exclusively use the web portal for all voting. The Moderator
asked for members to check their location information and to
log their attendance. The Moderator gave notice of quorum
and stated that she would leave the Portal open while more
Members came into the Hall.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: NOVEMBER 2023 – ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
(continued on next page)
31 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
7:36 p.m. The Moderator stated that there would be an
observance of two memorials.
Dr. Julian Jakob Bussgang passed away on September 16th
at the age of 98. He was born on March 26, 1925 to Stefania
and Joseph Bussgang in Lwów, Poland (now Lviv, Ukraine).
On September 1, 1939, a year after Julian’s bar mitzvah, the
German army invaded Poland. On September 18th, Julian,
his parents and sister Janine fled Poland, making a crucial de-
cision that likely saved their lives - to travel south to Romania,
rather than east towards Russia, thus avoiding capture by the
Soviet army and almost certain death in Siberia. In Romania
Julian enrolled again in school, first in a French boys' school,
but by 1940 there were enough Polish immigrants in Romania
to open a separate Polish school, and he transferred there. His
parents became increasingly concerned for their safety in
Romania and tried to gain visas to somewhere safer. Julian’s
father still had four bars of gold that he had smuggled into
Romania, so he was able to convince the British Mandate of
Palestine that he was a capitalist, not a refugee, thus gaining
a capitalist visa. On March 20, 1940, the family left Romania
for Haifa, arriving March 25th, the day before Julian’s
15th birthday.
After finishing high school in Tel Aviv, Julian joined the
Polish 2nd Corps which had become a part of the British
Army. He first trained with an armored unit in Egypt, and
years later, whenever criticized about his driving, he joked,
“I first learned to drive a tank.” He saw combat in Italy as a
member of the light anti-aircraft artillery, participated in the
Polish Army attack on Monte Cassino, and later fought in the
battles of Ancona and Bologna.
When the war ended, he was sent to northern Italy to help
the British soldiers sort the liberated concentration camp
survivors. This experience revealed the horrors that his family
had narrowly avoided by leaving Poland and Romania. Julian
remained briefly in Italy to attend the Polytechnic of Turin,
and then he transferred to the Polish Resettlement Corps in
England, resuming his studies at the University of London,
where he received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering in
Telecommunications. In 1949, he came to the United States
and enrolled at MIT and established a new life. He received a
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from MIT
in 1951, publishing his thesis, later known as The Bussgang
Theorem, as a report for MIT’s Research Laboratory of
Electronics. The Bussgang Theorem became a popular tool
for stochastic analysis and signal processing, with important
applications in radar, sound, and digital communications.
He went on to earn his PhD in Applied Physics from Harvard
in 1955, and he went to work at MIT Lincoln Laboratory
and then at RCA’s Aerospace Division. He then founded
Signatron, Inc., an electronics communication company in
Lexington that went on to make significant impacts in the field
of applied physics, electronics, and communications. He was
a consultant to Grumman Aircraft, contributing to the Apollo
11 lunar module project for man’s first trip to the moon, and
served as a consultant in the creation of Raytheon’s Patriot
missile defense system. He held six patents and a top-secret
security clearance. He also lectured in the graduate electrical
engineering program at Northeastern University and taught
a graduate course in signal processing at Harvard. In 1984
Signatron was acquired by a defense electronics firm, and
Julian retired in 1987.
In honor of his professional contributions, he was named
a Life Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic
Engineers (IEEE) and received their Distinguished Service
Award.
After retirement from Signatron, Julian and his beloved wife,
Fay, began a second career together – a decades-long mission
to support and memorialize the history of Polish Jewry. These
efforts included living in Warsaw and Krakow after the fall of
the Berlin Wall, volunteering with the nonprofit International
Executive Service Corps, and helping to privatize Polish
industry.
Julian and Fay also translated two volumes of wartime ac-
counts of child survivors still living in Poland. In honor of
his army service and leadership in supporting Polish Jewish
relations after the war, Julian was awarded the Knight’s Cross
of the Order of Merit of Poland in 2011.
One could speculate that these efforts were fueled in part by
a survivor’s burden, which Julian described in his memoir.
“Many members of my family, our friends and acquaintances,
my school friends, many of the people I knew and loved were
killed by the Nazis. I’ve been one of the lucky ones, I survived,
but” he added, “the Holocaust still affected me. Lurking in
the depth of my soul there’s a gnawing sorrow and haunting
memories.”
Julian first met Fay Vogel, who had a doctorate in educa-
tion, through a mutual friend. They married in 1960 and
raise three children in Lexington, Jeffrey, Jessica and Julie.
Lexington was their home for over 40 years before Fay and
Julian moved to a retirement community in Dedham 14 years
ago. Here in Lexington, Julian was very actively engaged in
civic life and served in Town Meeting for close to twenty
years. He was Chair of the Cable Communication Committee
and served on a number of other committees, including the
Environmental Subcommittee of the Hanscom Area Towns
Committee, tasked with assessing the environmental impacts
of the Massport Hanscom Field airport activities and their
expansion proposals. Those who were lucky enough to know
Julian and serve with him remember him fondly as soft-
spoken, analytical, whip-smart with a droll sense of humor.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: NOVEMBER 2023 – ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
(continued on next page)
32
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
His son Jeffrey describes how, despite his extraordinary
professional accomplishments, his father was remarkably
ordinary at home - loving, playful, silly – and that despite all
that he had endured in his childhood, somehow he retained
an extraordinary optimism and positivity.
The Moderator extended deepest sympathy to Julian’s wife
Fay, his children Jeffrey, Jessica and Julie, and their spouses,
Thomas, Rich, and Linda, as well as his eight grandchildren
and beloved nephew.
William A. Ridgley, Sr. passed away on April 17, 2023 at the
age of 87. Bill, as he was known, was born in Cambridge on
Easter Sunday, April 12, 1936, to Marguerite Eleanor Ridgley
and Frederick Ridgley. Bill was the seventh child in a family
that grew to 11 children.
From a very young age, Bill exhibited a strong sense of respon-
sibility and a keen desire to help others. He led by example as
a boy scout and as a traffic crossing guard, and this quality of
leading by example became a theme throughout his life.
In January 1958, during the Vietnam War, he enlisted in the
United States Army where he saw combat in the 25th infantry
in Laos. In 1961, he transitioned to the Army Corps Reserves,
where he received the Good Conduct Medal and was honor-
ably discharged in 1963.
In 1961 Bill joined the Cambridge Fire Department. Bill
went on to earn his associate degree in Fire Sciences from
Massachusetts Bay Community College in 1976, graduating
with honors. As he rose through the ranks of the Cambridge
Fire Department, Bill continued to lead by example, teaching
the next generation of firefighters, both as an instructor at the
Massachusetts Fire Academy, and as supervising instructor
for the Junior Fire Brigade Program in the City of Cambridge.
In 1977 he was a finalist for the position of Fire Chief in
Lexington. Bill’s hard work and perseverance paid off when
he was promoted to Captain in 1982, becoming one of the
first African American fire captains in Cambridge. He would
hold this rank up until his retirement in 1995, having served
with great distinction for more than 33 years.
In 1964, Bill married Beverly Fuller, and they had two chil-
dren, Michelle and William, Jr. (“Billy"). The family moved
to Lexington in 1968, and here he quickly immersed himself
in the community. Here, too, he came to lead by example, to
help build for his own family a more inclusive and equitable
community.
His daughter, Michelle, remembers bringing home a book
from the elementary school library that many would con-
sider racist and inappropriate – an incident which inspired
her father to join the School PTA and then to run for Town
Meeting, becoming the first black citizen elected to the body.
He served two 3-year terms from 1977 to 1983 as a proud
representative of Precinct 3. In this role, he passionately ad-
dressed injustice and inequality, for example, challenging the
police chief on the disproportionate number of traffic stops for
people of color in Town. With equal passion and enthusiasm,
he displayed his love for and deep pride of the community –
proudly participating in the Patriots' Day Parade and emerg-
ing as a champion in Town Meeting for the establishment of
Lexpress. Michelle has vivid memories of the night that Town
Meeting voted to approve the start of Lexpress service. Even
as a child the importance and excitement of that night was
not lost on her with the lesson of what a determined group of
people could do to improve the Town they loved.
There were other lessons from that time as well. There were
racist messages on the home answering machine with veiled,
or not-so-veiled threats, meant to discourage her father from
seeking re-election, but it didn’t stop him. He and other res-
idents formed the Concerned Black Citizens of Lexington,
the precursor to today’s ABCL, the Association of Black
Citizens of Lexington, and Bill served as the organization’s
first president. Many years later, in 2021, the ABCL honored
Bill by including him among the inaugural group of portrait
banners depicting prominent African Americans who had
made significant impacts on the Lexington community, the
Commonwealth, or the nation.
The Moderator noted that she wished she had known Bill, but
his time as a Town Meeting member ended before she had
moved to Lexington. She offered her thanks to his daughter,
Michelle, for sharing so many details of his life with her. She
stated that Michelle had described a man who could both
deeply love this community and shine an unflinching light
on its shortcomings, all in the name of creating a more just,
equitable and fair community for all. Michelle had also said
that he wasn’t afraid of raising a little “heck” if raising a little
heck was what the moment called for. He was fiercely protec-
tive of his family. He worked hard to ensure that his children
were provided for and actively fought for them to grow up in
an inclusive community. On a personal level, she described a
man who was deeply dedicated to his family and exception-
ally generous with those that he loved and cared for, taking
great pleasure in giving to others. Every Valentine’s Day he
had arrived on her doorstep with a dozen roses in hand and
made it clear that he didn’t care if anyone else had given her
flowers. He was famous for his chocolate chip cookies which
he would regularly bake and deliver to friends and family. He
also adored his only grandchild, Alicia, the light and delight
of his life.
At her father’s memorial service, Michelle challenged those in
attendance to follow the example of her father, and in doing
so, to honor his legacy. In her words, “I ask that you practice
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: NOVEMBER 2023 – ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
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33 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: NOVEMBER 2023 – ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
gratitude, celebrate, and show appreciation for one another.
Give others their flowers while they are here to receive them.
Let them know that you see them, let them know that they
are loved, respected, honored and cherished.” The Moderator
noted that this was a wonderful reminder to all.
The Moderator extended deepest sympathy to Bill’s children,
Michelle and Billy, and to his former wife, Beverly. The
Moderator noted that they were all present in the Hall that
evening, including his granddaughter Alicia. Words of sym-
pathy were also offered to his surviving siblings Frederick,
Joan, and Maxine.
A Moment of Silence was observed for Julian and Bill.
7:50 p.m. The Moderator asked for a Motion to take up
Article 9.
Mr. Pato made a motion to take up Article 9.
As there were no objections the motion carries
unanimously.
7:51 p.m. The Moderator noted that the version of the
Motion contained a small clerical correction
to the motion originally posted on October 21,
2023.
ARTICLE 9: AUTHORIZE HOME RULE PETITION FOR SPECIAL LEGISLATION —ESTABLISHING THE ELECTION OF TOWN OFFICES USING RANKED CHOICE VOTING (CITIZENS’ PETITION)
MOTION: Mr. Avallone moves that the Select Board be
authorized to petition the Massachusetts General Court to
enact legislation in substantially the form below for the pur-
pose of implementing ranked choice voting in the Town of
Lexington, and further that the Select Board be authorized to
approve amendments to said act by the General Court before
its enactment that are within the scope of the general objec-
tives of this motion.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in
General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same,
as follows:
“An Act Establishing Ranked Choice Voting for Certain Offices in the Town of Lexington”
SECTION 1. Effectiveness of this Act
This act shall take effect upon its passage, and elections for the
Town offices described herein shall take place in accordance
with this Act on or after January 1, 2025. The provisions of
this Act shall supersede all inconsistent provisions of Chapter
753 of the Acts of 1968, as amended as of January 1, 2025.
SECTION 2. Definitions
Chapter 753 of the Acts of 1968, as amended by Chapter 284
of the Acts of 1976, Chapter 120 of the Acts of 1985, Chapter
117 of the Acts of 2019, and Chapter 3 of the Acts of 2020 is
hereby amended by inserting Sections 1A and 1B as follows:
Section 1A
The terms below shall have the following meanings for the
purposes of Sections 1A and 1B:
“Batch elimination,” the simultaneous defeat of multiple can-
didates, as provided in Section 1B(d).
“Concluded ballot,” a ballot that does not rank any continuing
candidate or that contains an overvote at the highest-ranked
continuing candidate.
“Continuing candidate,” a candidate who has not been defeat-
ed or elected.
“Elected candidate,” a candidate who has obtained sufficient
votes to be elected, whether there are additional election
rounds before the election has concluded, or the election con-
cluded after the vote during which they were elected.
“Election threshold,” the number of votes sufficient for a can-
didate to be elected in a multi-seat election. It is calculated by
dividing the total number of votes counting for continuing
candidates in the first round by the sum of the number of
seats to be elected plus one, disregarding any fractions, and
then adding one.
“Highest-ranked continuing candidate,” the continuing can-
didate with the highest ranking on a voter’s ballot.
“Last-place candidate,” (i) the candidate with the lowest vote
total in a round of the ranked- choice voting tabulation; or (ii)
a candidate that is defeated in batch elimination.
“Overvote,” a circumstance in which a voter ranks more than
one candidate at the same ranking. “Plurality voting,” the vot-
ing system in which the candidate receiving the most votes is
declared the winner, even if such candidate does not receive a
majority of the votes cast in the election.
“Ranked choice voting,” a method of casting and tabulating
ballots in which voters rank candidates for office in order of
preference.
“Ranking,” means the number assigned on a ballot by a voter
to a candidate to express the voter’s preference for that candi-
date. Ranking number one shall be the highest ranking, rank-
ing number two shall be the next-highest ranking, and so on.
“Skipped ranking,” a circumstance in which a vote does not
use a ranking and ranks a candidate with a subsequent rank-
ing (e.g., a voter casts their votes as follows: (1) Jane Doe; (2)
Michael Smith; (4) Mary Johnson).
(continued on next page)
34
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
“Surplus fraction,” the number equal to the difference between
an elected candidate’s vote total and the election threshold,
divided by the candidate’s vote total.
“Transfer value,” the proportion of a vote that a ballot will
count to its highest-ranked continuing candidate. Each ballot
shall begin with a transfer value of one. If a ballot counts to
the election of a candidate under subsection 1B(d)(1), it re-
ceives a lower transfer value.
Section 1B
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1, or any other
special or general law to the contrary, on or after January 1,
2025, the following town offices shall be elected by ranked
choice voting, except for (1) a single-seat office when the
number of certified candidates is less than or equal to two,
or (2) a multi-seat office when the number of certified candi-
dates is less than or equal to the number of seats to be elected,
provided that this Section 1B shall not affect the term of office
of any such elected official or elected member of such board,
committee or authority elected on or before December 31,
2024.
(1) moderator;
(2) select board;
(3) school committee;
(4) Lexington housing authority; and
(5) planning board.
(b) In any single-seat election, each round shall begin by
counting the number of votes for each continuing candidate.
Each ballot shall count as one vote for its highest-ranked con-
tinuing candidate. Concluded ballots shall not be counted for
any continuing candidate. Each round shall end with one of
the following two outcomes:
(1) If there are more than two continuing candidates,
no candidate may win the seat outright by a plurality or
majority vote and instead, after a vote, (i) the last-place
candidate shall be defeated; or (ii) the last-place candi-
dates shall be defeated in batch elimination, and a new
round shall begin; or
(2) If there are two continuing candidates, the candidate
with the fewest votes shall be defeated, the candidate with
the most votes shall be elected, and tabulation shall be
complete.
(c) In any multi-seat election, each round shall begin by
counting the number of votes for each continuing candidate.
Each ballot shall count, at its current transfer value, for its
highest-ranked continuing candidate. Concluded ballots shall
not count for any continuing candidate. In the first round
only, the election threshold shall then be calculated. Each
round shall proceed as follows:
(1) Any continuing candidate who meets or exceeds the
election threshold shall be elected. Each ballot counting
for an elected candidate shall be assigned a new transfer
value by multiplying the ballot’s current transfer value by
the surplus fraction for the candidate. Each elected can-
didate shall be deemed to have a number of votes equal
to the election threshold in all future rounds, and a new
round shall begin; each candidate having exceeded the
Election Threshold in the initial ballot shall be removed
or listed as “ELECTED” on all subsequent ballots for con-
tinuing candidates until the election is complete;
(2) If no continuing candidate has more votes than the
election threshold and the sum of the number of elected
candidates and continuing candidates is more than the
sum of the number of seats to be elected plus one, the
last-place candidate shall be defeated or the last-place
candidates shall be defeated in batch elimination, and a
new round shall begin; or
(3) If no continuing candidate has more votes than the
election threshold and the sum of the number of elected
candidates and continuing candidates is equal to the sum
of the number of seats to be elected plus one, the continu-
ing candidate with fewest votes shall be defeated, all other
continuing candidates shall be elected, and the election is
complete.
(d) Batch elimination shall apply to the largest possible group
of continuing candidates such that the sum of the votes
for batch-eliminated candidates is less than the individual
number of votes for every continuing candidate not in the
group; provided that the number of continuing candidates
not batch-eliminated is at least one more than the remaining
number of positions to elect.
(e) Ties shall be resolved as follows:
(1) If two or more last-place candidates are tied and batch
elimination applies, each tied candidate to whom batch
elimination applies shall be defeated accordingly.
(2) If two or more continuing candidates are tied but are
not in last place, the order of said tied continuing candi-
dates shall be determined by the number of votes received
by each tied candidate in the prior round; or
(3) If two or more last-place continuing candidates are
tied and batch elimination does not apply, the continuing
candidate with the fewest votes in the prior round shall be
defeated. If two or more continuing candidates were also
tied in the prior round (i.e., two continuing candidates
were tied in the previous round, but batch elimination did
not then apply), the continuing candidate with the fewest
votes in the next-prior round shall be eliminated. If two
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35 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
last-place continuing candidates are tied at the end of the
first round and batch elimination does not apply, then the
two tied continuing candidates shall have a run-off before
the next round. The continuing candidate with fewer
votes in the runoff will be defeated, and any remaining
rounds in the election will proceed according to this
Section 1B. This process shall be applied successively as
many times as necessary, a tie shown in any prior round
shall be decided by referring to the standing of the candi-
dates in the round immediately preceding the tie.
(f) The Town Clerk may, at the Town Clerk’s discretion,
publish guidance or rules on the administration of elections
conducted according to this Act; provided that any such
guidance or rules shall be limited to logistical, accessibility, or
other similar guidance or rules that are purely administrative
in nature; and provided further that any guidance or rules
hereunder published shall be limited to ensuring the integrity
and efficient functioning of the election.
(g) In any election conducted in accordance with the provi-
sions of this Section 1A and Section 1B, the Town Clerk shall
publish election results that show the tabulations by round,
along with any additional information that may be required
by applicable law.
7:52 p.m. Mr. Sreeni Chippada presented information on
the Article.
Mark Sandeen, Select Board Member, noted that
the Select Board had three Members in favor,
one opposed, and one awaiting Town Meeting
discussion.
Sanjay Padaki, Vice-Chair of the Appropriation
Committee stated that the Appropriation
Committee was divided with a vote of three
Members in favor, four against, and one
abstaining.
8:03 p.m. Margaret Coppe, Pct. 8, and Convener of the
League of Women Voters for the Town of
Lexington, stated the Board of the League had
voted unanimously at a meeting on October
2, 2023 to support implementation of Ranked
Choice Voting (RCV) in Lexington based on po-
sitions adopted by the State and National Leagues
in 2005. She noted that League studies were
based on extensive study and consensus across
all Leagues in the country, and noted that RCV
could be used for many different offices.
8:06 p.m. Steve Kaufman, Pct. 5, said that he was confused
by the example in the video with relation to mul-
tiple candidates running and asked for clarifica-
tion on how some votes were allotted to others.
Greg Dennis, Representative for Voter Choice
Massachusetts, stated that every voter only gets
one vote, but to think of the division like a dollar, if
first choice candidate has enough votes to win, the
rest of the “change,” could be spent on next choice.
Mr. Kaufman said that this was still confusing and
asked for clarification as it sounded as if someone
voted for the leader they had extra. Mr. Dennis
said that if there was a vote for a candidate who
is defeated, the full vote would then count to next
choice, but it was still 1 person 1 vote. Mr. Kaufman
asked if they could be told what the problem was
in Town of Lexington they were trying to solve
and give an example. Mr. Chippada said that the
problem was not more candidates running but
the problem was that they did not have enough
candidates to run and enough voters engaged and
this would give opportunities for non-incumbents
to run and win the seat.
8:10 p.m. Gloria Bloom, Pct. 4, said that was very enthusi-
astic about RCV for single-seat voting and appre-
ciated the effort to bring into Town but not when
there was 2-seat election and she thought that
there needed to be more discussion regarding the
issues.
8:13 p.m. Rina Schneur, 136 East Emerson Road, expressed
support for RCV and said that RCV allowed for
new and diverse candidates and increased turn-
out at elections.
8:14 p.m. David Kanter, Pct. 7, asked for where it was appli-
cable on the proponent’s diagram, and whether it
can be divided between town and state activities.
Mina Makarious, Town Counsel, stated that he
would take the second question and that RCV
would only be applicable to the Town because
the Town didn’t have the authority to change
state and federal elections. Mr. Kanter asked if it
could pass the Legislature. Mr. Makarious stated
that to clarify, there was a reason to bring it to the
Legislature, but there were still limitations. The
Town could not change its form of voting, even
on the local level, without authorization from
the State Legislature, and this was why the Home
Rule Petition was needed as it was changed by
Special Act. He further stated that even if it was
changed by the Legislature for local elections, the
Legislators have not endorsed changing the way
that one municipality elects its state and federal
officials. Mr. Kanter asked if the request to the
Legislature would offer control to which locality
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: NOVEMBER 2023 – ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
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36
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
got to be used. Mr. Makarious said that it was only
a control over elections within the Town, and
limited to Town Officials, and State and Federal
ballots, as well as the voting system, continued to
be governed by State Law. Mr. Kanter asked to
clarify which part of activity in Lexington was
covered by the proposed changes in voting. Mr.
Makarious said that the part that was covered was
elected officials in the Town, not including Town
Meeting Members. Mr. Kanter asked the propo-
nents why Town Meeting Members were exclud-
ed. Mr. Makarious stated that the initial petition
proposed it, and would let Petitioners describe
how they came to this, but that basically it would
require additional legislation (and possibly more
complications). Mr. Chippada stated that they
initially included the Town Meeting Members,
but that after meeting with the Select Board and
Town Counsel, they understood that implement-
ing it for Town Meeting Members could be a bit
more complicated and lead to confusion, includ-
ing trying to understand how the ballot might be
laid out if there were many candidates.
8:19 p.m. Bob Avallone, Pct. 8, said that he recommended
that Lexington set an example for other com-
munities, consider themselves a leader, and set
an example for nation and the world. He stated
that this would help get people used to the idea
and that it only applies if there are three or more
candidates running. He then urged Members to
vote yes on the Article.
8:22 p.m. Members continued to discuss and debate the
Article, including whether excluding Town Meeting
Members from the Article should be done.
8:51 p.m. Mark St. Louis, Pct. 5, and Co-Chair of the
Democratic Town Committee, raised a point of
order. He stated that in the presentation it had
been said that the Democratic Town Committee
supported the Article, but when they had their
meeting regarding it, they did not support it for
town elections, only for Federal and State.
8:58 p.m. Avram Baskin, Pct. 2, asked whether the propo-
nents had attempted to get endorsement from the
Republican Town Committee. Mr. Chippada stat-
ed that they did attempt to email the Republican
Town Committee on March 1st, and then again
on October 12th, but hadn’t received a response.
8:59 p.m. Heather Hartshorn, Pct. 4, called the question.
9:00 p.m. Bob Avallone raised a point of order but then
retracted it.
Motion to Terminate Debate:
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
106 43 17
MOTION CARRIES
9:04 p.m. Mr. Chippada offered final remarks on the Article
and thanked the Select Board for their service
and the Town Meeting for the opportunity to
bring the Article forward. He stated that Ranked
Choice Voting would bring opportunities for
non-incumbents and minorities as candidates
on the ballot to run, and win, and serve. He said
that the Town needed representation from mi-
norities and non-incumbents to better reflect the
population.
9:06 p.m. Deb Strod, Pct. 6, raised a point of order. She
asked if they could be given an updated count of
the Select Board. Mr. Lucente indicated that he
intended to vote no.
9:07 p.m. Andrei Radulescu-Banu, Pct. 8, raised a point of
order but then retracted it.
9:08 pm. The Moderator opened the portal for voting.
ARTICLE 9: AUTHORIZE HOME RULE PETITION
FOR SPECIAL LEGISLATION - ESTABLISHING THE
ELECTION OF TOWN OFFICES USING RANKED
CHOICE VOTING (CITIZENS’ PETITION)
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
115 49 7
MOTION CARRIES
9:09 p.m. The Moderator opened the meeting on Article 8.
ARTICLE 8: APPROPRIATE FOR SPEED HUMP PILOT PROGRAM
MOTION: Ms. Hai moves that the Town appropriate
$101,000 for the purpose of piloting a speed hump pilot pro-
gram, including the installation of temporary speed humps
on Walnut Street; and all incidental costs related thereto, and
that to meet this appropriation $101,000 be appropriated
from the Traffic Mitigation Stabilization Fund.
9:10 p.m. Sheila Page, Assistant Planning Director and
Coordinator of the Transportation Safety Group
(TSG), presented information on the Article.
9:13 p.m. Jill Hai, Select Board Member, stated that the Select
Board unanimously supported passage of the Article.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: NOVEMBER 2023 – ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
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37 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Charles Lamb, Chair of the Capital Expenditures
Committee, said that the Capital Expenditures
Committee unanimously answered yes as a
fiscally appropriate path, but noted that the
Committee did not question whether it was the
right program and have left that for the Select
Board and Town Meeting to discuss. He said
that the Meeting should consider the impact of
emergency response times that speed humps
would necessarily incur and consider the trade-
off between increased emergency response times
versus pedestrian and motor vehicle safety on
Walnut Street. He noted that the Committee
unanimously supported the goals and financial
aspects of the Article.
Alan Levine, Member of the Appropriation
Committee, stated that the Appropriation recom-
mended approval of the Article with a vote of 8-0.
9:16 p.m. Frank Smith, Pct. 3, said that while he under-
stands why the TSG had wanted to do a pilot of
speed humps, he questioned the choice of Walnut
Street, which is extremely narrow, hilly, and used
by the Fire Department as a primary emergency
response road, and there was a Waltham Fire
Station at the other end which used Walnut St. for
the Town’s primary mutual aid for East Lexington.
He further noted that there were two group homes
on the street with handicapped residents, as well
as a large nursing/rehab facility and Potter Pond.
He stated that he had heard the Fire Chief say at
a prior Select Board Meeting that he didn’t like
speed bumps and that Walnut Street wouldn’t be
among the best places for them. Mr. Smith asked
if, when the decision was made for the pilot on
Walnut Street, whether they already had the testi-
mony from the Chief, and whether there were any
other locations that would be better based upon
it. His second question was whether there had
been any accidents or injuries that were linked to
excessive speed on the street. Assistant Planning
Director, Sheila Page, said that Walnut Street had
been selected as it was narrow, and speeds were
often excessive. They had already painted double
yellow lines to slow down cars and installed speed
feedback radar sign, which had lowered speeds
1-2 miles per hour, but they were starting to creep
up, and the neighbors in the area would like to try
the speed hump program. She noted that as it was
not an ideal street, it was a good place for the trial
because it was temporary and could be adjusted as
needed. Mr. Smith asked that the Fire Chief weigh
in on the issue. Chief Derek Sencabaugh stated
that he does have concerns, and speed humps were
not usually recommended on emergency response
routes. Chief Sencabaugh also noted that there was
a nursing home at the town line and group homes
and that response time was a very important fac-
tor when considering that the speed humps could
slow it down. Chief Sencabaugh said that there
had been accidents at Walnut ad Concord. Ms.
Paige followed up by stating that there had been
five accidents reported to the Police from 2017
from 2023, but that she didn’t know the nature of
the accidents.
9:24 p.m. Jay Luker, Pct. 1, asked why they weren’t piloting
some of the designs that wouldn’t affect response
times. Ms. Paige noted that they would include
speed tables and speed cushions in the final de-
sign to be determined.
9:29 p.m. Town Meeting members continued to discuss
and debate the Article.
9:45 p.m. Steve Kaufman, Pct. 5, moved the question.
Bob Rotberg, Pct. 3, votes “no” by voice vote (included in total).
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
118 38 10
MOTION CARRIES
9:49 p.m. In final comments, Ms. Hai noted that the speed
for the road was 25 mph.
9:50 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on Article 8.
ARTICLE 8: APPROPRIATE FOR SPEED HUMP PILOT
PROGRAM
Bob Rotberg, Pct 3, votes “yes” by voice vote (included in total).
Fails by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
84 73 6
MOTION FAILS
9:52 p.m. The Moderator opened the meeting on
Article 10.
ARTICLE 10: HAYDEN EASEMENT
MOTION: Mr. Lucente moves that the Town authorize the
Select Board to accept an easement over all or a portion of
certain land owned by the Josiah Willard Hayden Recreation
Centre, Inc., known as and identified as 24 Lincoln Street,
Lexington, Massachusetts (Lexington Assessor’s Map 50, Lot
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: NOVEMBER 2023 – ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
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38
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
1A, containing 28.04 acres, more or less) and land on Lincoln
Street (Lexington Assessor’s Map 50, Lot 251A, containing .69
acres, more or less) (together, the “Property”) for the purposes
of pedestrian passive recreation and access to nearby Town-
owned land, on such terms and conditions as are acceptable
to the Select Board.
Mark Lucente, Member of the Select Board, noted that the
Select Board unanimously supported passage of the Article.
9:53 p.m. As there were no questions, the Moderator
opened voting on the Article.
ARTICLE 10: HAYDEN EASEMENT
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
157 0 2
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
9:55 p.m. The Moderator opened the meeting on Article 11.
9:56 p.m. Robert Peters, Planning Board Chair, presented
information on the Article.
ARTICLE 1: REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
f. Reports of the Planning Board
MOTION: Mr. Peters moves that the reports of the Planning
Board be received and placed on file (Article 11). As there
were no objections the motion carries unanimously.
Mr. Peters noted that at the October 25, 2023, public hearing,
the Planning Board unanimously recommended approval of
the Article.
Jill Hai, Select Board Member, stated that the Select Board
unanimously supported passage of the Article.
ARTICLE 11: AMEND ZONING BYLAW-ASSOCIATE PLANNING BOARD MEMBER
MOTION: Mr. Peters moves that the Zoning Bylaw, Chapter 135
of the Code of the Town of Lexington, be amended as follows,
where struck through text is to be removed and underlined text
is to be added, and further that non-substantive changes to the
numbering of this bylaw be permitted to comply with the num-
bering format of the Code of the Town of Lexington:
1. Amend §135-9.3.3 as follows:
Associate Member. The Planning Board shall elect an asso-
ciate member to serve for one year, or until replaced. In the
case where the Planning Board is the SPGA, The Chairman of
the Planning Board may have the an associate member sit on
the Board for the purpose of acting on a special permit, site
plan review, or any other application that may come before
the Board, in the case of absence, inability to act, or conflict of
interest on the part of any member of the Planning Board or
in the event of a vacancy on the Board.
9:59 p.m. Bob Avallone, Pct. 8, asked for information on
the process of choosing an associate member. Mr.
Peters stated that the associate member would
serve for one year, or until replaced by the Board,
have to submit an application, and then be elect-
ed by the 5-member Board.
10:00 p.m. Leonard Morse-Fortier, Pct. 7, said that it appeared
that if the Planning Board chose the member, the
public would not have input into the process, but
Planning Board members usually had to run for
office. Mr. Peters said that they were not re-engi-
neering the process and that the associate member
position currently exists for special permits exclu-
sively, so they were just encompassing the position
to also include site plan review.
10:08 p.m. Mina Makarious, Town Counsel, noted that
when the associate member sits it was not at dis-
cretion of chair, there had to be a reason for it,
and it would mean that someone from the Board
was unable to serve for some reason.
10:09 p.m. Meeting Members continued to discuss and de-
bate the Article including the process of selecting
an applicant.
10:19 p.m. Marsha Baker, Pct. 7, moved the question.
The Moderator noted that as there were no fur-
ther people waiting to speak, they would move to
voting on the Article.
10:21 p.m. Delanot Bastien, Pct 3, votes “yes” by voice vote
(included in total).
ARTICLE 11: AMEND ZONING BYLAW-ASSOCIATE
PLANNING BOARD MEMBER
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
124 20 11
MOTION CARRIES WITH MORE THAN NECESSARY 2/3RDS
(Approved by the Attorney General’s Office May 17, 2024,
posted May 22, 2024)
Dissolution of STM 2023-1
10:23 p.m.. Joe Pato, Select Board Chair, moved to dissolve
Special Town Meeting 2023-1.
Motion Adopted by majority voice vote.
A true copy (abbreviated).
Attest:
Mary de Alderete, Town Clerk
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: NOVEMBER 2023 – ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
39 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
March 18, 2024: Annual Town Meeting
Moderator Deborah Brown called the 2024 Annual
Town Meeting to order at 7:37 p.m., held in the Margery
Milne Battin Hall in the Cary Memorial Building, 1605
Massachusetts Avenue, and by means of remote participation,
and commenced with the William Diamond Fife and Drum
Corps leading the Lexington Minutemen to post the colors,
followed by the playing of the National Anthem.
Moderator Deborah Brown welcomed all participants and
gave an overview of the voting portal and parliamentary
procedures. A quorum in excess of 100 members was present
(169).
Town Clerk, Mary de Alderete, read the Warrant for the
Annual Town Meeting until waived. The Town Clerk read the
Constable’s Return of Service.
7:53 pm. The Moderator opened the Portal to take atten-
dance and noted that a quorum had been reached.
She then gave a brief overview of parliamentary
procedure for the Meeting.
7:54 p.m. The Moderator called attention to the voting
portal and asked members approve use of the
voting system which would be recording votes on
a tablet. Mr. Pato, Select Board Chair, moved that
the Town Meeting Members approve the use of
the hand-held technology during the Meetings.
The Moderator noted that she would treat this as
a voice vote, and asked if there were any objec-
tions to using the tablets. As there were none, the motion carries unanimously.
7:54 p.m. The Moderator called the Meeting open under
Article 2.
ARTICLE 2: ELECTION OF DEPUTY MODERATOR AND REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
(a) Deputy Moderator
That Thomas Diaz be approved as Deputy Moderator.
MOTION: Mr. Pato moves that Tom Diaz be approved as
Deputy Moderator.
7:55 p.m. The Moderator noted that she was thrilled that
Mr. Diaz would serve in this capacity once more
and that unless there were objections, she would
consider this a voice vote. As there were no ob-
jections the motion carries unanimously. The
Moderator noted that she was thankful to Mr.
Diaz for agreeing to serve in this capacity. Mr.
Diaz was sworn to the faithful performance of his
duties by the Town Clerk.
7:55 p.m. The Moderator continued the Meeting open un-
der Article 2.
ARTICLE 2: ELECTION OF DEPUTY MODERATOR AND REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
(b) Report of the Committee on Cary Lectures
That the report of the Committee on Cary Lectures
be received and placed on file and the Committee
discharged.
MOTION: Ms. Goldberg moves that the report of the
Committee on Cary Lectures be received and
placed on file and the Committee discharged.
As there were no objections the motion carries
unanimously.
Rita Goldberg, Member of the Committee on
Cary Lectures, presented information on past
and upcoming Lectures and asked Members to
keep an eye out for their upcoming flyer.
8:01 p.m. The Moderator called the Meeting open under
Article 3.
ARTICLE 3: APPOINTMENTS TO CARY LECTURE SERIES
MOTION: Mr. Pato moves that the Moderator appoint a
committee of four to have the charge of the lec-
tures under the wills of Eliza Cary Farnham and
Suzanna E. Cary for the current year. Motion
approved by unanimous voice vote.
Mr. Pato noted the unanimous support of the
Select Board for the Article.
8:01 p.m. As there were no questions, the Moderator
opened voting on Article 3.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 3 - Cary Lecture Series
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
168 0 2
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
(continued on next page
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024 ABBREVIATED MINUTES
40
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
8:04 p.m. The Moderator asked for a procedural motion to
take up Articles 32, 42, and 29 in that order. Mr.
Pato moved to take up Articles 32, 42, and 29.
Motion approved by unanimous voice vote.
8:05 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 32.
ARTICLE 32: OLD SPRING STREET NAME CHANGE
MOTION: Ms. Barry moves that the Town change the name
of the portion of Spring Street previously shown as "Old
Spring Street" on the official town map.
8:06 p.m. John Livsey, Town Engineer, presented informa-
tion on the Article and noted that the Police and
Fire Departments supported the change.
8:08 p.m. Ms. Barry noted the unanimous support of the
Select Board for the Article.
8:09 p.m. Dean Fentini, 153 Spring St., questioned the legal
ripple effects of changing the information and
asked that no change be voted.
8:11 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on Article 32.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 32 – Old Spring Street Name
Change
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
132 17 20
MOTION CARRIES
8:15 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 42.
ARTICLE 42: DIGITAL PUBLICATION OF LEGAL NOTICES (Citizen Petition)
MOTION: Ms. Hamilton moves that the Select Board be
authorized to petition the Massachusetts General Court to
enact legislation in substantially the form below, and further
that the Select Board be authorized to approve amendments
to said legislation before its enactment by the General Court
that are within the scope of the general objectives of this
motion:
“AN ACT ALLOWING ‘PRINT FREE’ DIGITAL LEGAL
NOTICES FOR THE TOWN OF LEXINGTON”
Section 1. Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to allow, but not require, the Town
of Lexington to satisfy legal notice requirements entirely by
digital publication as voted necessary by its Select Board in
light of the changing landscape of print newspaper business-
es, particularly at the local level.
Section 2. Means of Legal Notice Publication
Notwithstanding section 13(b) of chapter 4 of the General
Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, wher-
ever the Town of Lexington, or any committee, department,
board, commission, or officer thereof is to publish a legal no-
tice in a newspaper or newspaper of general circulation, such
requirement may be satisfied by one or more of the following
means as authorized by local vote in Section 3:
A. a newspaper of local or general circulation’s print
publication;
B. a newspaper’s website;
C. websites reporting local news and opinion which
satisfy all criteria for digital publication set forth in
said section 13(b) of chapter 4 of the General Laws;
D. a statewide website that may be maintained as a
repository for such notices; or
E. a town wide website that may be maintained as a
repository for such notices.
Section 3. Local Vote on Means of Publication
A. For all legal notices to be issued by Town of Lexington
committee, department, board, commission, or of-
ficer other than the School Committee, Lexington
Public Schools, or a department or officer of the
School Committee or Lexington Public Schools, the
Select Board by majority vote shall determine at least
two of the means of legal notice publication set forth
in Section 2 to satisfy publication requirements.
B. For all legal notices to be issued by the School
Committee, Lexington Public Schools, or a depart-
ment or officer of the School Committee or Lexington
Public Schools, the School Committee by majority
vote shall determine at least two of the means of legal
notice publication set forth in Section 2 to satisfy pub-
lication requirements.
C. The Select Board and School Committee may revisit
their means of publication votes at their discretion
and elect different means of publication from the
options afforded under Section “2” by majority vote.
Section 3. This Act shall take effect upon passage.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
41 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
8:16 p.m. Diane Pursley presented information on the
Article.
Mr. Pato noted the unanimous support of the Select Board
for the Article.
Mr. Peters stated the unanimous recommendation of the
Planning Board for the Article.
Ms. Cuthbertson stated the unanimous support of the School
Committee for the Article.
8:22 p.m. Jay Luker, Pct. 1, questioned whether there were
issues in proving authenticity of when a notice
was posted.
Joe Pato, Select Board Chair, stated that the Select
Board had not yet discussed the implementation
as it would need to the Legislature, first. Mina
Makarious, Town Counsel, noted that this was an
issue to be discussed at that time, but that usually
finding out when digital posting was easier to dis-
cover. He noted that when sending things to the
newspaper, there was a time cycle and the posting
had to be there by a certain date.
8:25 p.m. Dawn McKenna, Pct. 6, asked if the Town
could choose to put on link to legal notices on
their site. Mr. Makarious said they could. Ms.
McKenna noted that she was concerned about
the possibility that each time a notice was done,
the language that allows it could possibly also
allow a change to the method. She asked whether
the School Committee and Select Board could
pick separate or different methods from each
other. Mr. Makarious agreed that they could. Ms.
McKenna said that she was concerned about each
entity doing something different and hoped that
they could figure something out in collaboration.
Ms. Pursley said that the Town had flexibility in
the choices of posting. Mr. Makarious noted that
there was a relative independence of the School
Committee from Town government and that if
a bylaw would require just the Select Board to
choose the method, it could bring into question
whether the School Committee could operate
independently.
8:30 p.m. Members continued to discuss and debate the
Article.
8:44 p.m. Nancy Shephard, Pct. 4, called the question.
8:44 p.m. Sanjay Padaki raised a Point of Order, that in the
last paragraph the apostrophes were incorrect.
Mr. Makarious noted that there wasn’t a need to
take them out at that time as it seemed to be a
typo. (Corrected version below)
ARTICLE 42: DIGITAL PUBLICATION OF LEGAL NOTICES (Citizen Petition)
MOTION: Ms. Hamilton moves that the Select Board be
authorized to petition the Massachusetts General Court to
enact legislation in substantially the form below, and further
that the Select Board be authorized to approve amendments
to said legislation before its enactment by the General Court
that are within the scope of the general objectives of this
motion:
“AN ACT ALLOWING ‘PRINT FREE’ DIGITAL LEGAL
NOTICES FOR THE TOWN OF LEXINGTON”
Section 1. Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to allow, but not require, the Town
of Lexington to satisfy legal notice requirements entirely by
digital publication as voted necessary by its Select Board in
light of the changing landscape of print newspaper business-
es, particularly at the local level.
Section 2. Means of Legal Notice Publication
Notwithstanding section 13(b) of chapter 4 of the General
Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, wher-
ever the Town of Lexington, or any committee, department,
board, commission, or officer thereof is to publish a legal no-
tice in a newspaper or newspaper of general circulation, such
requirement may be satisfied by one or more of the following
means as authorized by local vote in Section 3:
A. a newspaper of local or general circulation’s print
publication;
B. a newspaper’s website;
C. websites reporting local news and opinion which
satisfy all criteria for digital publication set forth in
said section 13(b) of chapter 4 of the General Laws;
D. a statewide website that may be maintained as a
repository for such notices; or
E. a town wide website that may be maintained as a
repository for such notices.
Section 3. Local Vote on Means of Publication
A. For all legal notices to be issued by Town of Lexington
committee, department, board, commission, or of-
ficer other than the School Committee, Lexington
Public Schools, or a department or officer of the
School Committee or Lexington Public Schools, the
Select Board by majority vote shall determine at least
two of the means of legal notice publication set forth
in Section 2 to satisfy publication requirements.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
42
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
B. For all legal notices to be issued by the School
Committee, Lexington Public Schools, or a
department or officer of the School Committee or
Lexington Public Schools, the School Committee
by majority vote shall determine at least two of the
means of legal notice publication set forth in Section
2 to satisfy publication requirements.
C. The Select Board and School Committee may revisit
their means of publication votes at their discretion
and elect different means of publication from the
options afforded under Section 2 by majority vote.
Section 4. This Act shall take effect upon passage.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
136 20 13
MOTION CARRIES
8:47 p.m. Ms. Pursley offered closing remarks on the
Article.
8:49 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on Article 42.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 42 – Digital Publication of
Legal Notices (Citizens Petition)
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
164 3 5
MOTION CARRIES
8:53 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article
29 and noted that when it came time to vote, they
would take separate votes on parts a and b.
ARTICLE 29: AMEND THE GENERAL BYLAW-NOISE CONTROL
Motion A: Mr. Pato moves that the following sections of the
Town’s Noise Bylaw, Chapter 80 of the Code of the Town of
Lexington be amended as follows (where struck through text
is to be removed and bolded text is to be added). Sections of
the Bylaw not provided below will not be amended.
1. Add the following definitions to § 80-3: Definitions:
BLAST HOLE DRILLING A technique whereby a hole
is drilled into the surface of a rock, packed with explo-
sive material and detonated. The aim of this technique
is to induce cracks in the inner geology of surrounding
rock, in order to remove rock and ledge.
LEDGE WORK Ledge removal, rock breaking, per-
cussive breaking, rock pounding, rock crushing, rock
drilling or rock cutting.
LEGAL HOLIDAYS All legal holidays recognized by
the Commonwealth and those recognized by the Town
of Lexington as identified on a list to be approved by
the Select Board.
PERCUSSIVE BREAKING or HAMMERING The
breaking of rock, bedrock or ledge by repeated blows
of a heavy bit or a chisel inside a casing pipe controlled
by heavy equipment.
ROCK BREAKING The removal of boulders or bed-
rock from land by drilling, blasting, percussive break-
ing, crushing, processing or splitting.
2. Amend §§ 80-4, 6, 7, and 8 as follows:
Generation of excessive or unwarranted noise is prohibited,
except as provided by §§ 80-5 and 808 of this by-law. In addi-
tion, the following restrictions shall apply:
A. Construction/private service/maintenance power
equipment.
(i) Contractors are permitted to operate tools or equip-
ment used in construction, excluding blast hole
including drilling or rock breaking demolition work,
in a manner such that this operation creates noise
across a real property boundary that would disturb a
reasonably prudent person only on weekdays between
the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays
between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Such
operation is not permitted on Sundays and legal
holidays.
(ii) Residents are permitted to operate tools or equipment
used in construction, including excluding blast hole
drilling or demolition work rock breaking, on their
own property, in a manner such that this operation
creates noise across a real property boundary that
would disturb a reasonably prudent person only on
weekdays between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00
p.m. and on Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays
only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
(iii) In addition to the above restrictions, Blasting and
the use of powered equipment used in rock breaking
of rock and pavement breaking, including but not
limited to hydraulic or pneumatic hammering, by
contractors and or residents is permitted on weekdays
only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
43 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
and is not permitted on Saturdays, Sundays, and legal
holidays. Contractors and residents engaged in rock
breaking or pavement breaking shall, in addition,
be required to comply with all noise mitigation
measures requirements in Section 80-8.
§ 80-6. Measurement of excessive or unwarranted noise.
A. A determination that excessive or unwarranted noise is
caused by a given noise source will be made in accordance
with the definition of “noise level” in § 80-3.
B. To determine if there is a noise violation on private prop-
erty, the noise measurements shall be made at the bound-
ary of the abutting property in from which the offending
sound source is located. To determine if there is a noise
violation in public spaces, the noise measurements shall
be made at any location a passerby might lawfully occupy.
§ 80-7. Enforcement and penalties.
A. The Police, Fire, Health or Inspectional Services
Departments, or any designee thereof, shall have power
to enforce this by-law.
B. Any person who violates any provision of this bylaw, or
who is the owner of property on which such violation
occurs, shall be fined an amount not to exceed $50100per
first violation, $100200 for the second violation, and
$200300 for the third and each subsequent violation.
Fines issued hereunder shall be issued in accordance with
Chapter 1, § 1-6 of the General Bylaws. The imposition of
a penalty for any violation shall not excuse the violation
or permit it to continue. Each day that such violation
continues shall be considered a separate offense.
§ 80-8. Noise mitigation plan for construction.
(i) A noise mitigation plan prepared by a credentialed
noise mitigation consultant shall be required prior
to the issuance of a building permit for construction
projects in or adjacent to residentially zoned areas
where:
(a) The project entails rock removal with heavy ma-
chinery, including ledge removal, rock breaking,
percussive breaking rock pounding, rock crush-
ing, rock drilling or rock cutting or other ledge
work (collectively defined as “ledge work”); and
(b) Ledge work activities are is anticipated to take
place on more than seven days over the course of
the project.; or
(c) Based on the specific conditions of the project,
the Building Commissioner determines that
said project shall require a noise mitigation
plan.
(ii) A noise mitigation plan required under this § 80-8
shall, at a minimum, require portable sound barriers
designed to reduce sound levels outside the barriers
by at least 10 dB(A) surrounding and installed as
close as practicable to the source of the noise, and
to limit maximum noise levels to 85 dB(A) or less
at the property line. These barriers must reduce
construction noise to prevent noise injury to Town
residents. A noise mitigation plan may require, at
the discretion of the Building Commissioner, regu-
lar noise monitoring and reporting to the Building
Commissioner. The objective of this bylaw is to keep
maximum noise levels under 85 dB(A) at the property
line. A noise mitigation plan shall include a site
plan showing the site boundaries and the locations
of nearby residents on all sides. The site plan shall
also show the location of ledge to be removed and
the locations of each proposed noise- producing
equipment and its range of movement.
(iii) In the event that a building permit is issued under the
assumption that none of the § 80-8 provisions apply,
and it is discovered that such provisions do apply after
the project begins, then no ledge work shall begin or
continue until a noise mitigation plan is submitted
and accepted in accordance with § 80-8(ii).
(iv) In the event that the builder does not submit or follow
a specified noise mitigation plan, whether by using
inadequate barriers, poor barrier installation, poor
maintenance, failure to move them to a new work area
on site, or any other problem, then work must cease
until the issue is corrected. and a A penalty of $50 per
day may be assessed in accordance with provisions of
§ 80-7 for any days that ledge work took place without
a plan or not in accordance with a submitted plan that
complies with this chapter.
(v) In addition to the general enforcement provisions of
Chapter 80, the Building Department in conjunction
with the Public Health Department shall have the
power to enforce this section.
MOTION B: That the following sections of the Town’s Noise
Bylaw, Chapter 80 of the Code of the Town of Lexington be
amended as follows (where struck through text is to be re-
moved and bolded text is to be added). Sections of the Bylaw
not provided below will not be amended.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
44
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Amend § 80-4 as follows:
H. Landscaping
6) Effective March 15, 2025 2026, the use of all gas-
powered leaf blowers by commercial landscapers in the Town
of Lexington shall be prohibited.
Joe Pato, Select Board Chair, presented informa-
tion on the Article.
Eric Michelson, Appropriation Committee
Member, noted that although no new resources
were immediately needed, he wished to point
out potential financial effects in the future as
there were positions being added to carry out
compliance.
9:03 p.m. Steve Kaufman, raised a Point of Order concern-
ing the structure of debate as it would be hard
for someone who might wish to vote differently
for each portion. The Moderator noted that after
recommendations, if someone was in line for
something at that time, it was only to debate Part
A, and they would take up Part B separately.
Cindy Arens, Chair of the Sustainable Lexington
Committee, read a statement that the Committee
had sent to the Select Board regarding harmful
levels of noise and noted that their group sup-
ported the change.
9:16 p.m. Matt Daggett, Pct. 2, moved the following
Amendment to the Article. The Moderator noted
that there would be 30 minutes allowed for dis-
cussion and debate on the Amendment.
By substituting the following sections from part A of the
motion, as follows:
Replace §80-4A(i) with: Contractors are permitted to operate
tools or equipment used in construction, excluding ledge
work, in a manner such that this operation creates noise
across a real property boundary that would disturb a reason-
ably prudent person only on weekdays between the hours of
7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays between the hours
of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Such operation is not permitted on
Sundays and legal holidays.
Replace §80-4A(ii) with: Residents are permitted to operate
tools or equipment used in construction, excluding ledge
work on their own property, in a manner such that this opera-
tion creates noise across a real property boundary that would
disturb a reasonably prudent person only on weekdays be-
tween the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and on Saturdays,
Sundays and legal holidays only between the hours of 9:00
a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Replace §80-4A(iii) with: Blasting and the use of powered
equipment for ledge work and in the breaking of pavement,
including but not limited to hydraulic or pneumatic hammers,
by contractors and residents is permitted on weekdays only
between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and is not per-
mitted on Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. In addition,
contractors and residents shall be required to comply with
all applicable noise mitigation measures and requirements as
provided by §80-8 of this by-law.
Replace §80-8(ii) with: A noise mitigation plan required un-
der this § 80-8 shall, at a minimum, require:
(a) The use of portable sound barriers specifically designed
for mitigating noise to reduce sound levels outside the bar-
riers by at least 10 dB(A), surrounding and installed as close
as practicable to the source of the noise. These barriers must
reduce construction noise to prevent noise injury to Town
residents.
(b) That the maximum noise sound levels from all noise
sources be under 85 dB(A) at the property line.
(c) A site plan showing the site boundaries, the locations of
proposed ledge work, the locations and range of movement of
each proposed noise-producing equipment to be employed,
and the locations of nearby residents on all sides of the site.
(d) The use of specialized monitoring equipment for the
measurement of noise as defined by § 80-6, to be collected
throughout the periods defined by § 80-4A, unless waived by
the Building Commissioner. Collected monitoring data and
compliance reporting shall be made available to the Building
Department at regular intervals or upon request.
Replace §80-8(v) with: In addition to the general enforcement
provisions of Chapter 80, the Building Department in con-
junction with the Public Health Department shall have the
power to enforce this section. Additionally, the Building or
Public Health Department shall maintain a record of all com-
plaints received regarding projects subject to noise mitigation
plans, to include at a minimum, the date and nature of the
complaint, a summary of the adjudication of the complaint,
and any corrective or enforcement actions taken.
9:20 p.m. Recommendations:
Mr. Pato noted that there were 3 Select Board Members in
favor, and 2 awaiting discussion.
As there were no questions, the Moderator opened voting on
the Amendment. Mr. Michaelson asked that the Select Board
give their final recommendations. Mr. Lucente noted that he
was now a “yes” vote.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
45 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Amend Article 29 – Amend General Bylaw
-Noise Control – Part A
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
164 4 7
MOTION CARRIES
The Moderator noted that the Amended Motion was now the
Main Motion on the floor.
Motion A: Mr. Daggett moves that the following sections of
the Town’s Noise Bylaw, Chapter 80 of the Code of the Town
of Lexington be amended as follows (where struck through
text is to be removed and bolded text is to be added). Sections
of the Bylaw not provided below will not be amended.
3. Add the following definitions to § 80-3: Definitions:
BLAST HOLE DRILLING A technique whereby a hole
is drilled into the surface of a rock, packed with explo-
sive material and detonated. The aim of this technique
is to induce cracks in the inner geology of surrounding
rock, in order to remove rock and ledge.
LEDGE WORK Ledge removal, rock breaking, per-
cussive breaking, rock pounding, rock crushing, rock
drilling or rock cutting.
LEGAL HOLIDAYS All legal holidays recognized by
the Commonwealth and those recognized by the Town
of Lexington as identified on a list to be approved by
the Select Board.
PERCUSSIVE BREAKING or HAMMERING The
breaking of rock, bedrock or ledge by repeated blows
of a heavy bit or a chisel inside a casing pipe controlled
by heavy equipment.
ROCK BREAKING The removal of boulders or bed-
rock from land by drilling, blasting, percussive break-
ing, crushing, processing or splitting.
4. Amend §§ 80-4, 6, 7, and 8 as follows:
Generation of excessive or unwarranted noise is prohibited,
except as provided by §§ 80-5 and 808 of this by-law. In addi-
tion, the following restrictions shall apply:
A. Construction/private service/maintenance power
equipment.
(i) Contractors are permitted to operate tools or equip-
ment used in construction, excluding ledge work, in a
manner such that this operation creates noise across a
real property boundary that would disturb a reason-
ably prudent person only on weekdays between the
hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays be-
tween the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Such oper-
ation is not permitted on Sundays and legal holidays.
(ii) Residents are permitted to operate tools or equipment
used in construction, excluding ledge work on their
own property, in a manner such that this operation
creates noise across a real property boundary that
would disturb a reasonably prudent person only on
weekdays between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00
p.m. and on Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays
only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
(iii) Blasting and the use of powered equipment for ledge
work and in the breaking of pavement, including but
not limited to hydraulic or pneumatic hammers, by
contractors and residents is permitted on weekdays
only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
and is not permitted on Saturdays, Sundays, and
legal holidays. In addition, contractors and residents
shall be required to comply with all applicable noise
mitigation measures and requirements as provided by
§80-8 of this by-law.
§ 80-6. Measurement of excessive or unwarranted noise.
C. A determination that excessive or unwarranted noise is
caused by a given noise source will be made in accordance
with the definition of “noise level” in § 80-3.
D. To determine if there is a noise violation on private prop-
erty, the noise measurements shall be made at the bound-
ary of the abutting property in from which the offending
sound source is located. To determine if there is a noise
violation in public spaces, the noise measurements shall
be made at any location a passerby might lawfully occupy.
§ 80-7. Enforcement and penalties.
C. The Police, Fire, Health or Inspectional Services
Departments, or any designee thereof, shall have power
to enforce this by-law.
D. Any person who violates any provision of this bylaw, or
who is the owner of property on which such violation
occurs, shall be fined an amount not to exceed $50100per
first violation, $100200 for the second violation, and
$200300 for the third and each subsequent violation.
Fines issued hereunder shall be issued in accordance with
Chapter 1, § 1-6 of the General Bylaws. The imposition of
a penalty for any violation shall not excuse the violation
or permit it to continue. Each day that such violation
continues shall be considered a separate offense.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
46
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
(continued on next page)
§ 80-8. Noise mitigation plan for construction.
(i) A noise mitigation plan required under this § 80-8 shall,
at a minimum, require:
(a) The use of portable sound barriers specifically de-
signed for mitigating noise to reduce sound levels out-
side the barriers by at least 10 dB(A), surrounding and
installed as close as practicable to the source of the noise.
These barriers must reduce construction noise to prevent
noise injury to Town residents.
(b) That the maximum noise sound levels from all noise
sources be under 85 dB(A) at the property line.
(c) A site plan showing the site boundaries, the locations
of proposed ledge work, the locations and range of move-
ment of each proposed noise-producing equipment to
be employed, and the locations of nearby residents on all
sides of the site.
(d) The use of specialized monitoring equipment for the
measurement of noise as defined by § 80-6, to be collected
throughout the periods defined by § 80-4A, unless waived
by the Building Commissioner. Collected monitoring
data and compliance reporting shall be made available
to the Building Department at regular intervals or upon
request.
(ii) A noise mitigation plan required under this § 80-8 shall,
at a minimum, require portable sound barriers designed
to reduce sound levels outside the barriers by at least 10
dB(A) surrounding and installed as close as practicable
to the source of the noise, and to limit maximum noise
levels to 85 dB(A) or less at the property line. These bar-
riers must reduce construction noise to prevent noise in-
jury to Town residents. A noise mitigation plan may re-
quire, at the discretion of the Building Commissioner,
regular noise monitoring and reporting to the Building
Commissioner. The objective of this bylaw is to keep
maximum noise levels under 85 dB(A) at the property
line. A noise mitigation plan shall include a site plan
showing the site boundaries and the locations of near-
by residents on all sides. The site plan shall also show
the location of ledge to be removed and the locations
of each proposed noise- producing equipment and its
range of movement.
(iii) In the event that a building permit is issued under the
assumption that none of the § 80-8 provisions apply, and
it is discovered that such provisions do apply after the
project begins, then no ledge work shall begin or contin-
ue until a noise mitigation plan is submitted and accepted
in accordance with § 80-8(ii).
(iv) In the event that the builder does not submit or follow
a specified noise mitigation plan, whether by using in-
adequate barriers, poor barrier installation, poor mainte-
nance, failure to move them to a new work area on site, or
any other problem, then work must cease until the issue is
corrected. and a A penalty of $50 per day may be assessed
in accordance with provisions of § 80-7 for any days that
ledge work took place without a plan or not in accordance
with a submitted plan that complies with this chapter.
(v) In addition to the general enforcement provisions of
Chapter 80, the Building Department in conjunction
with the Public Health Department shall have the pow-
er to enforce this section. Additionally, the Building or
Public Health Department shall maintain a record of all
complaints received regarding projects subject to noise
mitigation plans, to include at a minimum, the date and
nature of the complaint, a summary of the adjudication of
the complaint, and any corrective or enforcement actions
taken.
MOTION B: That the following sections of the Town’s Noise
Bylaw, Chapter 80 of the Code of the Town of Lexington be
amended as follows (where struck through text is to be re-
moved and bolded text is to be added). Sections of the Bylaw
not provided below will not be amended.
Amend § 80-4 as follows:
H. Landscaping
6) Effective March 15, 2025 2026, the use of all gas-pow-
ered leaf blowers by commercial landscapers in the Town of
Lexington shall be prohibited.
The Moderator noted they would now vote on 29a, as
Amended.
9:26 p.m. Bob Avallone, Pct. 8, raised a Point of Order, stat-
ing he would like an updated vote of the Select
Board at this time. It was noted that they were
now 3 in favor, 2 abstaining.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 29 as Amended – Amend
General Bylaw -Noise Control – Part A
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
166 4 4
MOTION CARRIES
(Approved by the Attorney General’s Office July 25, 2024, posted July 30, 2024)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
47 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
9:30 p.m. The Moderator opened Part B of the Motion.
9:31 p.m. Meeting Members discussed this portion of the
Motion.
10:13 p.m. Philip Hamilton, Pct. 7, called the question.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
119 35 13
MOTION CARRIES
10:17 p.m. Sanjay Padaki raised a Point of Order and asked
for the final Select Board vote. Mr. Pato stated
that their final vote was 3 in favor 2 opposed.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 29 – Amend General Bylaw -
Noise Control – Part B
Fails by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
69 96 3
MOTION FAILS
10:21 p.m. The Moderator asked for a Motion to Adjourn.
Joe Pato, Select Board Chair, Motioned to Adjourn the
Annual Town Meeting to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20,
2024, such meeting to be held at the Margery Milne Battin
Hall, Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue
and by means of remote participation. The Moderator de-
clared that Motion was adopted by unanimous voice vote and
the Meeting adjourned.
March 20, 2024 Adjourned Session of the 2024 Annual Town Meeting
Moderator Deborah Brown called the second session of 2024
Annual Town Meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. on Wednesday,
March 20, 2024, at the Margery Milne Battin Hall in the
Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue and
by means of remote participation, a quorum in excess of 100
members was present (153).
The Moderator reminded Members participating remotely
to mute themselves while on the Portal. She then explained
seating and parliamentary procedure for the evening. The
Moderator gave notice of quorum at 7:36 p.m. and stated that
she would leave the Portal open while more Members came
into the Hall.
The Moderator called a brief recess to turn the floor over to
Joe Pato. He acknowledged that Jim Malloy would be retiring
in the Fall after serving the Town for 6 years and wanted to
note his dedicated service and exemplary career. He thanked
Mr. Malloy and offered his congratulations. The Meeting
Members offered Mr. Malloy a standing ovation for his dedi-
cation and leadership.
7:38 p.m. The Moderator called the Meeting back open
under Article 2.
ARTICLE 2: ELECTION OF DEPUTY MODERATOR AND REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
c. Report of the Town Manager
MOTION: Mr. Pato moves that the report of the Town
Manager be received and placed on file. As
there were no objections the motion carries unanimously.
7:39 p.m. Jim Malloy, Town Manager, presented informa-
tion on the Town Manager’s Report, including
information on the Capital Stabilization Fund
and the overall budget, including program
improvements.
7:54 p.m. The Moderator called a brief recess to hear Mr.
Malloy’s remarks. Mr. Malloy then introduced
new staff members to the Town along with the
Senior Management Team.
7:58 p.m. The Moderator called the Meeting back to order.
The Moderator noted that they would continue
the Meeting under Article 2.
ARTICLE 2: ELECTION OF DEPUTY MODERATOR AND REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
i. Reports of the Superintendent of Minuteman
Regional Technical High School
MOTION: Ms. Crocker moves that the reports of the
Superintendent of Schools be received and placed
on file. As there were no objections the motion carries unanimously.
Ms. Crocker introduced Ms. Sharon Musto, the Lexington
Representative to the Minuteman School Committee. Ms.
Musto noted that Nikki Andrade, School Business Manager,
was available after the presentation in order to answer any
questions.
A presentation regarding the Article took place and Members
questioned Ms. Andrade and Ms. Musto on various topics
with the school and enrollment quotas.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
48
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
8:18 p.m. The Moderator stated that the Meeting remained
open under Article 2.
ARTICLE 2: ELECTION OF DEPUTY MODERATOR AND REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
d. Report of the Superintendent of Schools
MOTION: Ms. Cuthbertson moves that the report of the
Superintendent of Schools be received and placed
on file. As there were no objections the motion
carries unanimously.
Dr. Julie Hackett presented information on the School budget
and explained the revenue allocation process.
8:28 p.m. The Moderator stated that the Meeting remained
open under Article 2.
ARTICLE 2: ELECTION OF DEPUTY MODERATOR AND REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
e. Reports of the Appropriation Committee
MOTION: Mr. Parker moves that the reports of the
Appropriation Committee be received and placed
on file. As there were no objections the motion carries unanimously.
ARTICLE 2: ELECTION OF DEPUTY MODERATOR AND REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
f. Reports of the Capital Expenditures Committee
MOTION: Mr. Lamb moves that the reports of the Capital
Expenditures Committee be received and placed
on file. As there were no objections the motion
carries unanimously.
8:29 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting on the
Consent Agenda. She noted that these were
motions that had the unanimous support of the
Select Board, Appropriation Committee, and
Capital Expenditures Committee (where rele-
vant) and any other relevant Boards such as the
School Committee (as appropriate), Planning
Board (as appropriate) and the Community
Preservation Committee (as appropriate). She
noted that “as appropriate” meant under their
purview. The Moderator noted that these boards
and committees had also unanimously approved
inclusion of these items on a consent agenda that
will be passed with a single vote, without presen-
tations or debate at Town Meeting. She further
stated, however, that she would allow questions,
and that if 10 or more members wish to remove
an item from the Consent Agenda for separate
consideration, she would do so. She noted that
the required vote quantum was 2/3 as some items
required borrowing to appropriation from stabi-
lization funds, or authorizing eminent domain.
Consent Agenda
ARTICLE 6: APPROPRIATE FOR SENIOR SERVICES
MOTION: That the Town appropriate $15,000 for the
purpose of conducting the Senior Service Tax
Work-Off Program, to be spent under the direc-
tion of the Town Manager; and that to meet this
appropriation, $15,000 be appropriated from the
General Fund Unreserved Fund Balance.
ARTICLE 10: APPROPRIATE FOR THE FY2025 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
OPERATING BUDGET AND CPA PROJECTS
MOTION: That the Town hear and act on the report of
the Community Preservation Committee on
the FY2025 Community Preservation budget
and, pursuant to the recommendations of the
Community Preservation Committee, take the
following actions:
b) That $20,000 be appropriated for Archives
and Records Management, and to meet this
appropriation $20,000 be appropriated from the
Historic Resources Reserve of the Community
Preservation Fund;
j) That $681,200 be appropriated for CPA Debt
Service and related costs, and to meet this ap-
propriation $681,200 be appropriated from the
Historic Resources Reserve of the Community
Preservation Fund; and
k) That $150,000 be appropriated for
Administrative Expenses and all other neces-
sary and proper expenses of the Community
Preservation Committee for FY2025, and to meet
this appropriation $150,000 be appropriated
from the Unbudgeted Reserve of the Community
Preservation Fund.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
49 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
ARTICLE 11: APPROPRIATE FOR RECREATION CAPITAL PROJECTS
MOTION: That $110,000 be appropriated for Pine Meadows
Golf Course improvements, and all inciden-
tal costs related thereto; and that to meet this
appropriation $110,000 be appropriated from
Recreation Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings.
ARTICLE 12: APPROPRIATE FOR MUNICIPAL CAPITAL PROJECTS AND EQUIPMENT
MOTION: That the following amounts be appropriated for
the following municipal capital improvements
and that each amount be appropriated as follows:
a) Transportation Mitigation - $100,000 for the
Transportation Safety Group for certain traffic, pedestrian
and bike safety improvements, including the design and
construction of smaller scale safety related projects and
education programs related to alternative transportation
and bike safety, and all incidental costs related thereto,
and that to meet this appropriation $13,234 be appropri-
ated from the Transportation Network Company Special
Revenue Fund and $86,766 be appropriated from the
General Fund unreserved fund balance;
c) Ambulance Replacement - $502,000 for the replace-
ment of an ambulance, and that to meet this appropri-
ation $125,000 be appropriated from the Ambulance
Stabilization Fund and $377,000 be appropriated from
the General Fund unreserved fund balance;
d) Equipment Replacement - $1,920,000 for the cost of
equipment for the Department of Public Works and all
incidental costs related thereto, and that to meet this ap-
propriation, $1,215,000 be appropriated from the General
Fund unreserved fund balance, $125,000 be appropri-
ated from Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings,
$260,000 be appropriated from Wastewater Enterprise
Fund Retained Earnings, and that the Treasurer, with
the approval of the Select Board, is authorized to borrow
$320,000 under M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7, or any oth-
er enabling authority;
e) Sidewalk Improvements - $800,000 for rebuilding and
repaving existing sidewalks, and all incidental costs relat-
ed thereto, and to take by eminent domain, purchase or
otherwise acquire any fee, easement or other interest in
land necessary therefor; and that to meet this appropri-
ation $800,000 be appropriated from the General Fund
unreserved fund balance;
f) Hydrant Replacement - $150,000 for the replacement of
fire hydrants and all incidental costs related thereto, and
that to meet this appropriation $75,000 be appropriated
from Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings, and
$75,000 be appropriated from the General Fund unre-
served fund balance;
g) Townwide Signalization Improvements - $50,000 for a
signalization inventory and compliance study, and all
incidental costs related thereto, and that to meet this
appropriation $50,000 be appropriated from the General
Fund unreserved fund balance;
h) Stormwater Management Program - $1,350,000 for gen-
eral stormwater management, including watershed storm
management projects, constructing and reconstructing
storm drains or other projects to achieve NPDES com-
pliance, and the repair and replacement of culverts; and
to authorize the Select Board to take by eminent domain,
purchase or otherwise acquire any fee, easement or oth-
er interest in land necessary therefor; and all incidental
costs related thereto; and that to meet this appropriation
$1,350,000 be appropriated from the General Fund unre-
served fund balance;
j) Public Parking Lot Improvement Design - $15,000 for re-
design of the Town’s public parking lots, and all incidental
costs related thereto, and that to meet this appropriation
$15,000 be appropriated from the General Fund unre-
served fund balance;
k) Network Core Equipment Replacement - $550,000 to re-
place aging equipment at the core or head end of the Town
network, and that to meet this appropriation $550,000 be
appropriated from the General Fund unreserved fund
balance;
l) Municipal Technology Improvement Program - $550,000
for the purchase and installation of server equipment,
critical hardware and components, and all incidental
costs related thereto, and that to meet this appropriation
$550,000 be appropriated from the General Fund unre-
served fund balance;
m) Network Redundancy and Improvement Plan - $998,500
to build a stand-alone fiber network for town computing
and communications, and all the incidental costs there-
to, and to authorize the Select Board to take by eminent
domain, purchase or otherwise acquire any fee, easement
or other interest in land necessary therefor, and that to
meet this appropriation $998,500 be appropriated from
the General Fund unreserved fund balance;
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
50
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
n) Network Technology Improvements - $161,000 to replace
end-of-life network-related equipment, including WiFi
access points and all incidental costs related thereto, and
that to meet this appropriation $161,000 be appropriated
from the General Fund unreserved fund balance;
o) Scanning - Electronic Document Management - $110,000
to scan existing paper documents into the Town’s doc-
ument management systems, and all costs incidental
and related thereto, and that to meet this appropriation
$110,000 be appropriated from the General Fund unre-
served fund balance;
q) Street Improvements - $2,707,321 for road reconstruc-
tion, repairs and resurfacing and all incidental costs
related thereto, and to authorize the Select Board to take
by eminent domain, purchase or otherwise acquire any
fee, easement or other interest in land necessary therefor,
and that to meet this appropriation $2,707,321 be raised
in the tax levy, and authorize the Town to accept and
expend any additional funds provided or to be provided
by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the
Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
ARTICLE 13: APPROPRIATE FOR WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
MOTION: That the Select Board be authorized to make water
distribution system improvements, including the
installation of new water mains and replacement
or cleaning and lining of existing water mains
and stand pipes, conducting engineering studies
and the purchase and installation of equipment in
connection therewith, and pay all incidental costs
related thereto, in such accepted or unaccepted
streets or other land as the Select Board may de-
termine, subject to the assessment of betterments
or otherwise, and to take by eminent domain,
purchase or otherwise acquire any fee, easement
or other interest in land necessary therefor; and
to appropriate $2,288,900 for such distribution
systems improvements; and that to meet this ap-
propriation, $1,000,000 be raised through water
user fees, and $1,288,900 be appropriated from
Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings.
ARTICLE 14: APPROPRIATE FOR WASTEWATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
MOTION: That the following be authorized, and that the fol-
lowing amounts be appropriated for the follow-
ing capital improvements and that each amount
be raised as indicated:
(a) the Select Board be authorized to install
sanitary sewer mains and sewerage systems and
replacements thereof, and pay all incidental costs
related thereto, in such accepted or unaccepted
streets or other land as the Select Board may de-
termine, subject to the assessment of betterments
or otherwise, in accordance with Chapter 504 of
the Acts of 1897, as amended, or otherwise, and
to take by eminent domain, purchase or other-
wise acquire any fee, easement or other interest
in land necessary therefor; to appropriate for
such installation and land acquisition the sum of
$1,061,210; and that to meet this appropriation,
$500,000 shall be raised through wastewater user
fees, and that the Treasurer, with the approval
of the Select Board, be authorized to borrow
$561,210 pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section
8(4) or any other enabling authority; and further
that the Treasurer, with the approval of the Select
Board, be authorized to borrow all or a portion
of such amount from the Massachusetts Water
Resources Authority and in connection therewith
to enter into a loan agreement and/or security
agreement; and
(b) that $50,000 be appropriated for an evalua-
tion of the Town’s sewer pump stations and for an
update of the asset management plan for sewer
pump stations, and all incidental costs related
thereto, and to raise such amount $50,000 be
appropriated from Wastewater Enterprise Fund
Retained Earnings.
ARTICLE 15: APPROPRIATE FOR SCHOOL CAPITAL PROJECTS AND EQUIPMENT
MOTION: That $1,323,050 be appropriated for maintaining
and upgrading the Lexington Public Schools
technology systems, including the acquisition
of new equipment and software in connection
therewith, and all incidental costs related thereto,
and that to meet this appropriation $1,323,050 be
appropriated from the General Fund unreserved
fund balance.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
51 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
ARTICLE 16: APPROPRIATE FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES CAPITAL PROJECTS
MOTION: That the following amounts be appropriated for
the following capital improvements to public fa-
cilities and that each amount be raised as follows:
a) Public Facilities Bid Documents - $125,000 for
professional services to produce design develop-
ment, construction documents, and bid admin-
istration services for capital projects and all inci-
dental costs related thereto, and that to meet this
appropriation $125,000 be appropriated from the
General Fund unreserved fund balance;
b) Public Facilities Interior Finishes - $450,000
for interior finishes in municipal and school
buildings, and all incidental costs related thereto,
and that to meet this appropriation $219,345 be
appropriated from the General Fund unreserved
fund balance, and $230,655 be raised in the tax
levy;
c) School Paving and Sidewalks - $265,000 for
school paving and sidewalk improvement pro-
grams, including traffic safety improvements, and
all incidental costs related thereto, and to take by
eminent domain, purchase or otherwise acquire
any fee, easement or other interest in land neces-
sary therefor, and that to meet this appropriation
$265,000 be appropriated from the General Fund
unreserved fund balance; and
d) Public Facilities Mechanical/Electrical/
Plumbing Replacements - $4,015,000 for replace-
ment of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and related
components and systems that have exceeded their
useful life, and all incidental costs related thereto,
that to meet this appropriation $3,265,000 be
appropriated from the General Fund unreserved
fund balance, and $750,000 be raised in the tax
levy.
ARTICLE 17: APPROPRIATE TO POST EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE LIABILITY FUND
MOTION: That $2,033,375 be appropriated to the town of
Lexington Post Employment Insurance Liability
Fund established pursuant to Chapter 317 of the
Acts of 2002, and that to meet this appropria-
tion, $3,045 be appropriated from Water Fund
receipts, $609 be appropriated from Wastewater
Fund receipts, $32,270 be raised in the tax levy,
and $1,997,451 be appropriated from the General
Fund unreserved fund balance.
ARTICLE 20: APPROPRIATE FOR PRIOR YEARS’ UNPAID BILLS
MOTION: That this article be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 22: APPROPRIATE FOR AUTHORIZED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
MOTION: That this article be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 28: SELECT BOARD TO ACCEPT EASEMENTS
MOTION: That, until July 1, 2024, the Select Board be
authorized to acquire on behalf of the Town
easements for the following purposes: roads,
sidewalks, vehicular, bicycle or pedestrian access
or passage, water, drainage and other utilities,
where such easements are acquired at no cost
to the Town and are required pursuant to a land
use permit, site plan review, or memorandum of
understanding.
ARTICLE 30: PROHIBITION OF SINGLE USE FOOD CONTAINERS (Citizen Petition)
MOTION: That this article will be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 44: AMEND GENERAL BYLAWS – CHAPTER 100 PUBLIC WAYS AND PLACES (Citizen Petition)
MOTION: That this article be indefinitely postponed
ARTICLE 53: AMEND ZONING MAP - 507 BEDFORD STREET (Owner Petition)
MOTION: That this article be referred to the Planning
Board.
ARTICLE 54: AMEND ZONING MAP - 509 BEDFORD STREET (Owner Petition)
MOTION: That this article be referred to the Planning
Board.
8:32 p.m. Laura Swain, Pct. 2, raised a Point of Order,
and asked that 12j be moved from the Consent
Agenda. The Moderator noted that at least 10
people had stood, so it would be removed.
8:46 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on the Consent
Agenda and reminded the Members that this
required a 2/3 vote.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
52
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Motion to Approve Consent Agenda, excepting 12j
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
166 0 2
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
8:49 P.M. Delanot Bastien, raised a Point of Order, but was
unavailable when called upon by the Moderator.
The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 4.
ARTICLE 4: APPROPRIATE FY2025 OPERATING BUDGET
MOTION: Mr. Pato moves that the following amounts be ap-
propriated for the ensuing fiscal year and raised
in the tax levy or from general revenues of the
Town, except where a transfer or other source is
indicated, they shall be provided by such transfer
or other source.
Program 1000: Education
Personal Services $120,852,942
Expenses $19,655,425
Total Line Item 1100, Lexington Public Schools $140,508,367
1200 Regional Schools $3,406,395
Program 2000: Shared Expenses
2110 Contributory Retirement $10,743,076
2130 Employee Benefits (Health/Dental/Life/Medicare) $37,478,895
2140 Unemployment $200,000
2150 Workers' Comp.(MGL Ch. 40, Sec. 13A&13C, Ch. 41, Sec. 111F)* $500,000
2210 Property & Liability Insurance $1,140,800
2220 Uninsured Losses (MGL Ch. 40, Sec. 13)* $200,000
2310 Solar Producer Payments $390,000
2400 Debt Service
2410 Payment on Funded Debt $4,290,400
2420 Interest on Funded Debt $1,202,976
2430 Temporary Borrowing $629,976
2510 Reserve Fund $850,000
2600 Facilities $14,565,854
Program 3000: Public Works
3100-3500 DPW Personal Services $5,235,820
3100-3500 DPW Expenses (including municipal & school refuse & recycling) $7,884,124
Program 4000: Public Safety
4100 Law Enforcement Personal Services $8,333,126
4100 Law Enforcement Expenses $1,203,197
4200 Fire Personal Services $8,402,956
4200 Fire Expenses $886,944
Program 5000: Culture & Recreation
5100 Library Personal Services $2,748,471
5100 Library Expenses $712,094
Program 6000: Human Services and Health
6100-6200 Human Services Personal Services $750,616
6100-6200 Human Services Expenses $763,323
6500 Health Personal Services $458,098
6500 Health Expenses $87,050
Program 7000: Land Use, Housing and Development
7100-7400 Land Use, Housing and Development Personal Services $2,055,655
7100-7400 Land Use, Housing and Development Expenses $386,951
Program 8000: General Government
8110 Select Board Personal Services $156,709
8110 Select Board Expenses $128,013
8120 Legal $375,000
8130 Town Report $13,688
8140 PEG $715,224
8210-8220 Town Manager Personal Services $1,129,878
8210-8220 Town Manager Expenses $414,962
8230 Salary Transfer Account (MGL Ch.40, Sec 13D)* $294,179 and further that Line 8230 is to be transferred by the Select Board for contractual settlements within departments upon recommendation of the Town Manager
8310 Financial Committees $8,676
8320 Misc. Boards and Committees $10,500
8330 Town Celebrations Committee $53,734
8400 Finance Personal Services $1,636,918
8400 Finance Expenses $510,260
8500 Town Clerk Personal Services $554,770
8500 Town Clerk Expenses $126,049
8600 Innovation & Technology Personal Services $851,591
8600 Innovation & Technology Expenses $2,272,584
Note: Asterisk denotes a Continuing Balance Account.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
53 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
and that the Town transfer the following sums to meet, in
part, appropriations made at this Town Meeting:
$ 400,000 from Unreserved Fund Balance/Free Cash for line item 2110;
$ 32,270 from the Health Claims Trust Fund for line item 2130;
$ 646,214 from the PEG Access Special Revenue Fund for line items 2130, 2600 and 8140;
$ 1,000 from the Betterments Fund for line items 2410, 2420 and 2430;
$ 123,000 from the Cemetery Sale of Lots Fund for line items 2410, 2420 and 2430;
$ 50,000 from the Visitors Center Stabilization Fund for line items 2410, 2420 and 2430;
$ 250,000 from the Parking Meter Fund for line item 4100;
$ 171,000 from the Transportation Demand Management/Public Transportation Stabilization Fund for line items 6100-6200 and 7100-7400;
$ 6,495 from Unreserved Fund Balance/Free Cash;
$ 968,301 from the Water Enterprise Fund;
$ 596,525 from the Sewer Enterprise Fund; and
$ 308,991 from the Recreation Enterprise Fund.
Mr. Pato noted that the Select Board unanimously supported
passage of the Article.
Ms. Cuthbertson stated the unanimous recommendation of
the School Committee for the Article.
Mr. Osborne noted that the Appropriation Committee rec-
ommended the Article with a vote of 8-0.
Meeting members referred questions to Dr. Hackett regard-
ing the School’s budget.
9:43 p.m. The Moderator read through the different line
items and then opened voting on the Article. She
noted that a 2/3 vote was required for stabiliza-
tion funds.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 4 Appropriate FY 2025
Operating Budget
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
169 1 1
MOTION CARRIES WITH MORE THAN NECESSARY
2/3RDS
9:45 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 5.
ARTICLE 5: APPROPRIATE FY2025 ENTERPRISE FUNDS BUDGETS
MOTION: a) That the Town appropriate the following sums
of money to operate the Water Division of the
Department of Public Works during fiscal year
2025 under the provisions of
M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53F½:
Personal $971,418
Expenses $614,400
Debt $1,386,157
MWRA $10,277,096
Total $13,249,071
Said sums to be funded from water receipts.
b) That the Town appropriate the following sums
of money to operate the Wastewater (Sewer)
Division of the Department of Public Works
during fiscal year 2025 under the provisions of
M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53F½:
Personal $464,858
Expenses $536,400
Debt $1,592,858
MWRA $10,284,483
Total $12,878,599
Said sums to be funded from wastewater receipts.
c) That the Town appropriate the following
sums of money to operate the Recreation and
Community Programs Department during fiscal
year 2025 under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter
44, Section 53F½:
Personal $1,824,916
Expenses $1,579,751
Total $3,404,667
Said sums to be funded from recreation receipts, except that $375,000 shall be funded from recreation retained earnings, and $272,708 shall be raised in the tax levy.
Recommendations:
Mr. Lucente stated that the Select Board unanimously sup-
ported passage of the Article.
Mr. Bartenstein stated the unanimous recommendation of
the Appropriation Committee for approval of the Article.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
54
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
9:45 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 5.
As there were no questions, the Moderator opened voting
under Article 5.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 5 Appropriate FY 2025
Enterprise Fund Budget
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
165 0 1
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
9:52 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 7.
ARTICLE 7: SUSTAINABLE CAPITAL PROJECTS
MOTION: Mr. Sandeen moves that the following amounts
be appropriated for the following capital im-
provements and that each amount be raised as
follows:
a) that $30,000 be appropriated for a solar assess-
ment at Lincoln Fields to determine the feasibili-
ty of installing a solar canopy and related systems,
and all costs incidental or related thereto, and to
meet this appropriation $30,000 be appropriated
from the General Fund unreserved fund balance;
and
b) that $35,000 for the purchase and installation
of electric vehicle charging stations, and all costs
incidental or related thereto, and that to meet this
appropriation $35,000 be appropriated from the
General Fund unreserved fund balance.
Maggie Peard, Sustainability Officer, presented information
on the Article.
Recommendations:
Mr. Sandeen noted the unanimous recommendation of the
Select Board in support of passage of the Article.
Mr. Lamb said that the Capital Expenditure Committee
unanimously supported passage of the Article.
Mr. Ahuja stated that the Appropriations Committee was
unanimously in support of passage of the Article.
Meeting members discussed the Article.
10:08 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 7 Appropriate Sustainable
Capital Projects
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
163 1 1
MOTION CARRIES
10:10 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 8.
ARTICLE 8: ACCEPT TUCKER AVE (Westernmost portion)
MOTION: Mr. Lucente moves to establish as a Town way
and accept the layout as a Town way Tucker
Avenue from Carville Avenue, a distance of 300
feet, more or less, easterly to the existing accepted
portion of Tucker Avenue, as laid out by the Select
Board and shown upon a plan dated February 1,
2024, on file in the office of the Town Clerk, to
authorize the Select Board to take by eminent
domain, purchase or otherwise acquire any fee,
easement or other interest in the land necessary
therefor; and to appropriate $30,000 for such
acquisition and the construction of a public road
and related facilities and improvements in the
layout of Tucker Avenue, and for the payment
all incidental costs related thereto, with all or a
portion of the costs subject to the assessment
of betterments by the Select Board; and to raise
such amount $30,000 be appropriated from the
General Fund Unreserved Fund Balance.
10:11 p.m. John Livesy, Town Engineer, presented informa-
tion on the Article.
Recommendations:
Mr. Lucente noted that the Select Board unanimously sup-
ported passage of the Article.
Mr. Parker noted the unanimous support of the Appropriation
Committee.
Mr. Lamb stated the unanimous support by the Capital
Expenditures Committee for the Article.
Mr. Peters said that the Planning Board unanimously recom-
mended approval of the Article.
10:13 p.m. As there were no questions, the Moderator
opened voting on the Article. She noted that a
2/3 vote was required for authorizing eminent
domain.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
55 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 8 Accept Tucker Ave (western-
most portion)
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
162 0 1
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY AND WITH MORE
THAN NECESSARY 2/3RDS
10:16 PM The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 9.
ARTICLE 9: ESTABLISH AND CONTINUE DEPARTMENTAL REVOLVING FUNDS
MOTION: Mr. Lucente moves that the Town authorize the
following revolving fund limits pursuant to the
provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53E½,
and Chapter 110 of the Code of the Town of
Lexington, for Fiscal Year 2025 beginning July 1,
2024, as follows:
FUNDS REQUESTED:
Program or Purpose for FY2025 Revolving Funds Authorization
School $1,150,000
Building Rental Revolving $635,000
Lexington $120,000
DPW $60,000
DPW $875,000
Minuteman $250,000
Senior $75,000
Residential $57,600
Health $110,000
Lab $40,000
Tourism $558,000
Refuse $0
Michael Boudett, Precinct 4, raised a Point of Order and
asked for clarification about Article 12j. The Moderator noted
that although it had been pulled out of the Consent Agenda,
it did not need to be dealt with that evening.
Recommendations:
Mr. Lucente stated that the Select Board was unanimous in
recommending the Article.
Mr. Bartenstein stated the Appropriation Committee was
unanimously in support of the Article.
Ms. Cuthbertson noted that the School Committee unani-
mously supported the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 9 Departmental Revolving
Funds
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
162 0 1
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
10:21 p.m. The Moderator requested a Motion to Adjourn.
Joe Pato, Select Board Chair, Motioned to Adjourn the
Annual Town Meeting to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27,
2024, such meeting to be held at the Margery Milne Battin
Hall, Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue
and by means of remote participation. The Moderator de-
clared that Motion was adopted by unanimous voice vote and
the Meeting adjourned.
March 27, 2024: Adjourned Session of the 2024 Annual Town Meeting
Moderator Deborah Brown called the third session of 2024
Annual Town Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday,
March 27, 2024, at the Margery Milne Battin Hall in the
Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue and
by means of remote participation, a quorum in excess of 100
members was present (150).
The Moderator reminded Members to ensure that their
settings should reflect as to whether they were in person or
remote in the Portal. The Moderator gave notice of quorum
at 7:35 p.m. and stated that she would leave the Portal open
while more Members came into the Hall.
7:35 p.m. The Moderator called the Meeting open under
Article 2.
Janet Perry, Precinct 9, noted that she was in
attendance, but her tablet wasn’t working. The
Moderator requested that the Clerk note this for
the record.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
56
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
ARTICLE 2: ELECTION OF DEPUTY MODERATOR AND REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
a) Report of the Community Preservation
Committee
MOTION: Ms. Fenollosa moves that the report of the
Community Preservation Committee be received
and placed on file. As there were no objections
the motion carries unanimously. Ms. Fenollosa
presented a brief overview of Article 10 projects.
7:42 p.m. The Moderator called the Meeting open under
Article 10 and noted that 10b, 10j, and 10k had
already passed as part of the Consent Agenda and
that each item would be voted individually in the
order of 10a; 10f; 10c (athletic fields); 10d; 10c
(hard court surfaces); 10g, 10h, 10i.
ARTICLE 10: APPROPRIATE FOR THE FY2025 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE OPERATING BUDGET AND CPA PROJECTS
MOTION: Ms. Fenollosa moves that the Town hear and act
on the report of the Community Preservation
Committee on the FY2025 Community
Preservation budget and, pursuant to the rec-
ommendations of the Community Preservation
Committee, take the following actions:
Ms. Fenollosa noted that the Community
Preservation Committee had voted unanimously
in support of each of the Articles, with the ex-
ception of 10f in which the vote was 7 in favor, 2
opposed.
That the Town reserve for appropriation the
following amounts from estimated FY2025
receipts as recommended by the Community
Preservation Committee:
1. $804,000 for the acquisition, creation and
preservation of open space;
2. $804,000 for the acquisition, preservation,
rehabilitation and restoration of historic
resources;
3. $804,000 for the acquisition, creation,
preservation and support of community
housing; and
4. $5,628,000 to the Unbudgeted Reserve.
And further, that the Town make appropriations
from the Community Preservation Fund and
other sources as follows:
a) That $4,000,000 be appropriated for the Cary
Memorial Library Renovation, and to meet
this appropriation $200,000 be appropriated
from the Historic Resources Reserve of the
Community Preservation Fund, $1,216,000 be
appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of
the Community Preservation Fund, $884,000
be appropriated from the Undesignated Fund
Balance of the Community Preservation Fund,
and that the Treasurer, with the approval of
the Select Board, is authorized to borrow
$1,700,000 under M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section
7(1), or any other enabling authority;
Johnson Roberts Architecture presented information on the
Project for the Library Renovation.
Recommendations:
Ms. Barry said the Select Board unanimously supported the
Project.
Mr. Lamb noted that Capital Expense Committee unani-
mously supported 10a, c, d, e, f, g, h, i.
Mr. Michelson said that the Appropriation Committee ap-
proved the Articles 10a, c, e, f, g, h, i by a vote of 8-0. He noted
that 10d should be called separately.
Ms. Cuthbertson stated that the School Committee unani-
mously supported 10a.
Ms. Buckley said that the Commission on Disability was
unanimously in support of 10a.
Meeting Members discussed the Article.
8:15 p.m. The Moderator noted that the vote required a 2/3
majority to pass due to borrowing.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 10a: Cary Memorial Library
Renovation
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
161 1 3
MOTION CARRIES WITH MORE THAN NECESSARY
2/3RDS
8:22 p.m. The Moderator noted that the overall Operating
Budget needed to be approved before moving
forward with each Article.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
57 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Motion to Approve Article 10 CPC Operating Budget
That the Town reserve for appropriation the following
amounts from estimated FY2025 receipts as recommended
by the Community Preservation Committee:
1. $804,000 for the acquisition, creation and preservation of
open space;
2. $804,000 for the acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation
and restoration of historic resources;
3. $804,000 for the acquisition, creation, preservation and
support of community housing; and
4. $5,628,000 to the Unbudgeted Reserve.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 10 CPC Operating Budget
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
159 0 2
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
8:23 p.m. The Moderator stated that she would turn the
gavel over to Deputy Town Moderator Tom Diaz
to take up the next portion of the Meeting.
Jay Luker raised a Point of Information regarding
how the vote had taken place as some items were
done during the Consent Agenda. Mr. Makarious
noted that as the votes are not official until the
close of the Meeting, they needed to balance out.
Moderator Diaz opened the Meeting under
Article 10f.
f) That $1,810,000 be appropriated for Lincoln Park Field
Improvements, and to meet this appropriation $1,145,000 be
appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of the Town of
Lexington Motion 2024 Annual Town Meeting 1 Community
Preservation Fund and $665,000 be appropriated from the
General Fund unreserved fund balance;
Christian Boutwell, Vice-Chair of the Recreation Committee,
presented information on the Article.
Recommendations:
Mr. Sandeen stated that the Select Board supported the
Article by a vote 4-1.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee
was unanimously in support of the Article.
Mr. Michelson stated that the Appropriations Committee was
unanimously in support of the Article.
Ms. Cuthbertson stated that the School Committee had voted
5-0 on 10f, 10d, and 10c in support of those Articles.
Members discussed the possibility of PFAS in the turf as well
as using natural turf rather than artificial and how that might
impact usage of the field.
Deborah Strod, Pct. 6, asked for the minority opinion from
the Select Board. Mr. Sandeen stated that he was the Member
who took a position against the Motion, and that while he
appreciated the many months of work done by many depart-
ments and groups he was concerned about PFAS in the turf
as well as the prohibition of MGL 44B:5B2 that prohibits CPA
funds for artificial turf and while he understands that instal-
lation might be allowed, he also noted that in a recent court
judgment, a Town was unallowed this use in 2021.
9:13 p.m. Scott Burson, Pct. 9, called the question.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
101 56 14
MOTION CARRIES
9:17 p.m. Mr. Boutwell declined any final comments.
The Moderator opened voting on the Article.
9:18 p.m. Carolyn Kosnoff noted a Point of Information
that the vote on screen was not the correct
amount for the entire vote ($1,145,000) and only
represented the CPA portion of the vote but the
vote included two pieces of funding which in-
cluded an amount from the General Fund. The
total appropriation was $1,810,000, of which
$1,145,000 was from the unbudgeted reserve of
the Community Preservation Fund and $665,000
from unreserved General Fund balance. Mr.
Makarious, Town Counsel, noted that as long as
the amount was clear to the Meeting and as it was
printed in the Motion, it would be acceptable.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 10f: Park Field Improvements
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
116 41 13
MOTION CARRIES
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
58
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
9:21 p.m. The Moderator opened the meeting under
Article 10c.
c) That $545,000 be appropriated for Park
Improvements – Athletic Fields – Bowman
School, and to meet this appropriation $545,000
be appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of
the Community Preservation Fund;
Lisa O’Brien, Recreation Committee Member, presented
information on the Article
Recommendations:
Mr. Sandeen noted the unanimous support of the Select
Board for the Article.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee
was unanimously in support of the Article.
Mr. Michelson stated that the Appropriations Committee was
unanimously in support of the Article.
Ms. Cuthbertson stated that the School Committee had voted
unanimously in support of the Article.
Victoria Buckley stated that the Commission on Disability
was unanimously in support of the Article.
9:27 p.m. Mark Anderson, Precinct 9, served Notice of
Reconsideration on Article 10f. The Moderator
noted that it was timely and duly noted.
9:31 p.m. Mr. Boutwell declined final comments.
9:32 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 10c: Athletic Fields – Bowman
School
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
163 0 3
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
9:34 p.m. The Moderator opened the meeting under
Article 10d
d) That $160,000 be appropriated for Lincoln
Park Fitness Stations Equipment; and to meet
this appropriation $160,000 be appropriated
from the Unbudgeted Reserve of the Community
Preservation Fund;
Recommendations:
Mr. Sandeen noted the unanimous support of the Select
Board for the Article.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee
was unanimously in support of the Article.
Mr. Parker stated that the Appropriations Committee had
been “pending” but as of this evening, the Committee
unanimously recommended approval of the Article.
Ms. Cuthbertson stated that the School Committee had voted
unanimously in support of the Article.
Ms. Buckley stated that the Commission on Disability
accepted the Article.
9:50 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on the Article
(majority)
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 10d: Lincoln Park Fitness
Stations Equipment
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
151 7 7
MOTION CARRIES
9:53 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article
10e.
e) That $492,000 be appropriated for Park
Improvements – Hard Court Surfaces – Valley
Rd, and to meet this appropriation $492,000 be
appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of
the Community Preservation Fund;
Lisa O’Brien presented information on the Article.
Recommendations:
Mr. Sandeen noted the unanimous support of the Select
Board for the Article.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee
was unanimously in support of the Article.
Mr. Michelson stated that the Appropriations Committee was
unanimously in support of the Article.
Victoria Buckley stated that the Commission on Disability
was unanimously in support of the Article.
9:59 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on the Article
(majority)
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
59 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 10e: Park Improvements – Hard
Court Surfaces – Valley Road
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
159 0 5
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
10:00 p.m. Moderator Diaz transferred the gavel back to
Moderator Brown.
10:00 p.m. The Moderator checked in with Ms. Fenollosa to
ask if they should continue, and when agreed, the
Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 10g
g) That $482,365 be appropriated for LexHAB
Affordable Housing Support, Restoration,
Preservation, and Decarbonization, and to meet
this appropriation $482,365 be appropriated
from the Community Housing Reserve of the
Community Preservation Fund;
Sarah Morrison, Executive Director of LexHAB, presented
information on the Article.
Recommendations:
Mr. Sandeen noted the unanimous support of the Select
Board for the Article.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee
was unanimously in support of the Article.
Mr. Michelson stated that the Appropriations Committee was
unanimously in support of the Article.
10:21 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 10g: LexHAB Support,
Restoration, Preservation and Decarbonization
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
157 1 2
MOTION CARRIES
10:23 p.m. The Moderator indicated that 10i would be
opened on another evening as the proponents
had planned to be there. The Moderator then
opened the Meeting under Article 10h.
h) That $100,000 be appropriated for Lexington
Housing Authority Exterior Preservation, and to
meet this appropriation $100,000 be appropriat-
ed from the Community Housing Reserve of the
Community Preservation Fund;
Recommendations:
Mr. Sandeen noted the unanimous support of the Select
Board for the Article.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee
was unanimously in support of the Article.
Mr. Michelson stated that the Appropriations Committee was
unanimously in support of the Article.
10:25 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 10h: Housing Authority
Exterior Preservation
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
157 0 2
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
10:26 p.m. The Moderator asked for a Motion to Adjourn.
Joe Pato, Select Board Chair, Motioned to Adjourn the
Annual Town Meeting to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024,
such meeting to be held at the Margery Milne Battin Hall,
Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue and
by means of remote participation. The Moderator declared
that Motion was adopted by unanimous voice vote and the
Meeting adjourned.
April 1, 2024: Adjourned Session of the 2024 Annual Town Meeting
Moderator Deborah Brown called the fourth session of 2024
Annual Town Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. on Monday,
April 1, 2024, at the Margery Milne Battin Hall in the Cary
Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue and by
means of remote participation, a quorum in excess of 100
members was present (157).
The Moderator opened voting attendance in the Portal. The
Moderator gave notice of quorum at 7:34 p.m. and stated that
she would leave the Portal open while more Members came
into the Hall.(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
60
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
7:35 p.m. The Moderator called the Meeting open under
Article 2.
ARTICLE 2: ELECTION OF DEPUTY MODERATOR AND REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
g. Report of the Select Board
MOTION: Mr. Pato moves that the report of the Select Board
be received and placed on file. As there were no
objections the motion carries unanimously.
7:35 p.m. The Moderator asked for a procedural motion to
take up Articles 25, 26, and 27, in that order. Mr.
Pato moved to take up Articles 25, 26, and 27.
Motion approved by unanimous voice vote.
The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 25.
ARTICLE 25: PINE MEADOWS CLUBHOUSE RENOVATION
MOTION: Ms. Barry moves that the Town appropriate
$2,575,000 for the renovation of the Pine
Meadows Clubhouse building, including design,
engineering, architectural services, construction,
purchase and installation of original equipment,
including photovoltaic panels, furnishings, site
improvements, and all costs incidental or relat-
ed thereto, and that to meet this appropriation
the Treasurer, with the approval of the Select
Board, be authorized to borrow $2,575,000 un-
der M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7, or any other
enabling authority.
A revised cost table was shown.
Mr. Boutwell presented information on the Article.
Recommendations:
Ms. Barry noted the unanimous support of the Select Board
for the Article.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee
was unanimously in support of the Article.
Ms. Yan stated that the Appropriations Committee was
unanimously in support of recommending the Article.
Ms. Buckley stated that the Commission on Disability was
unanimously in support of the Article.
Meeting Members discussed refurbishment of the Clubhouse.
8:12 p.m. Sarah Higginbotham, Pct. 5, called the question.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
120 39 13
MOTION CARRIES
8:15 p.m. As Ms. Barry declined final comments, the
Moderator opened voting for the Article and re-
minded members that it required a 2/3 vote due
to borrowing.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 25: Pine Meadows Clubhouse
Renovation
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
151 12 8
MOTION CARRIES WITH MORE THAN NECESSARY
2/3RDS
8:17 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 26.
ARTICLE 26: APPROPRIATE FOR DESIGN FUNDS FOR LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
MOTION: Mr. Pato moves that the Town appropriate the
amount of ten million dollars ($10,000,000) for the purpose
of paying costs of the feasibility study and schematic design
for the Lexington High School, located at 251 Waltham, St.
Lexington MA 02421, including design, engineering and
architectural services, and the payment of all costs incidental
or related thereto, and for which the Town may be eligible
for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority
(“MSBA”), said amount to be expended under the direction of
the School Building Committee. To meet this appropriation
the Treasurer, with the approval of the Select Board, is autho-
rized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to M.G.L.
Chapter 44, or pursuant to any other enabling authority.
The Town acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is
a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as
determined by the MSBA, and any costs the Town incurs in
excess of any grant approved by and received from the MSBA
shall be the sole responsibility of the Town, and that the
amount of borrowing authorized pursuant to this vote shall
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
61 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
be reduced by any grant amount set forth in the Feasibility
Study Agreement executed between the Town and the MSBA.
Michael Cronin, Director of Public Facilities, presented infor-
mation on the Article.
Recommendations:
Mr. Pato noted the unanimous support of the Select Board
for the Article.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee
was unanimously in support of the Article.
Mr. Levine stated that the Appropriations Committee was
unanimously in support of the Article.
Ms. Cuthbertson stated that the School Committee had voted
with 4 in favor and 1 abstaining in support of the Article.
Members discussed the Article.
8:26 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on the Article and
reminded Members that it required a 2/3 vote
due to borrowing.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 26: Appropriate for Design
Funds for Lexington High School Construction Project
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
172 0 5
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY AND WITH MORE
THAN NECESSARY 2/3RDS
8:28 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 27.
ARTICLE 27: APPROPRIATE FOR RENOVATION OF 173 BEDFORD STREET
MOTION: Mr. Pato moves that the Town appropriate
$6,000,000 for the renovation of the building located at 173
Bedford Street, including design, engineering, architectural
services, construction, original equipment, furnishings, site
improvements, and all costs incidental or related thereto,
and that to meet this appropriation $334,155 be appropriated
from the General Fund unreserved fund balance, $30,000 be
appropriated from the premiums received and reserved from
the issuance of Bond Anticipation Notes (BANs), and that the
Treasurer, with the approval of the Select Board, be autho-
rized to borrow $5,635,845 under M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section
7, or any other enabling authority.
Michael Cronin, Director of Public Facilities, presented
information on the Article.
Recommendations:
Mr. Pato noted the unanimous support of the Select Board
for the Article.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee
was unanimously in support of the Article.
Mr. Levine stated that the Appropriations Committee recom-
mended the Article with a vote of 7-1.
Ms. Cuthbertson stated that the School Committee had voted
unanimously in support of the Article.
8:33 p.m. As there were no questions, the Moderator opened
voting on the Article and reminded Members
that it required a 2/3 vote due to borrowing.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 27: Appropriate for Renovation
of 173 Bedford Street
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
159 4 9
MOTION CARRIES WITH MORE THAN NECESSARY
2/3RDS
8:35 p.m. The Moderator exchanged the gavel with the
Deputy Moderator, who opened the Meeting
under Article 12b, 12i, 12j (which had been
removed from the Consent Agenda), and noted
that the rest of Article 12 had been completed
under the Consent Agenda. He noted that each
would be discussed separately.
ARTICLE 12: APPROPRIATE FOR MUNICIPAL CAPITAL PROJECTS AND EQUIPMENT
MOTION: Mr. Sandeen moves that the following amounts
be appropriated for the following municipal
capital improvements and that each amount be
appropriated as follows:
b) Heavy Vehicle Extrication Equipment
—$175,000 for the replacement and upgrade cur-
rent equipment, and that to meet this appropria-
tion $175,000 be appropriated from the General
Fund unreserved fund balance;
Recommendations:
Mr. Sandeen noted the unanimous support of the Select
Board for the Article.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
62
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee
was unanimously in support of all of the portions of Article
12 being considered that evening.
Mr. Ahuja stated that the Appropriations Committee was
unanimously in support of 12b, i, j, and p.
8:40 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 12b: Heavy Vehicle Extrication
Equipment
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
166 0 2
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
8:41 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article
12i.
Mr. Sandeen moves that,
i) Cemetery Columbarium-Design - $50,000 for the design
of a columbarium at Westview Cemetery, and all incidental
costs related thereto; and that to meet this appropriation
$50,000 be appropriated from the General Fund unreserved
fund balance;
Mr. Sandeen noted the unanimous support of the Select Board
for the Article. The Moderator reminded the Members that
both Finance Committees had voiced support of the Article.
8:52 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 12i: Cemetery Columbarium
- Design
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
151 13 8
MOTION CARRIES
8:53 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 12j.
Mr. Sandeen moves that,
j) Public Parking Lot Improvement Design - $15,000 for rede-
sign of the Town’s public parking lots, and all incidental costs
related thereto, and that to meet this appropriation $15,000
be appropriated from the General Fund unreserved fund
balance;
Mr. Sandeen noted the unanimous support of the Select Board
for the Article. The Moderator reminded the Members that
both Finance Committees had voiced support of the Article.
8:54 p.m. Members evaluated bike parking and the possi-
bility of solar at the location.
9:15 p.m. Jerold Michelson, Chair of Lexington Center
Committee, noted the unanimous support of the
Committee for the Article.
9:16 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 12j: Public Parking Lot
Improvements
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
100 64 8
MOTION CARRIES
9:18 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article
12p.
Mr. Sandeen moves that,
p) Election Equipment Upgrade - $64,865 for the purchase
of new election equipment, and all incidental costs related
thereto, and that to meet this appropriation $64,865 be ap-
propriated from the General Fund unreserved fund balance;
Mr. Sandeen noted the unanimous support of the Select Board
for the Article. The Moderator reminded the Members that
both Finance Committees had voiced support of the Article.
9:19 p.m. Bob Avallone, Pct. 8, asked whether the machines
could handle Ranked Choice Voting if it was ap-
proved by the Legislature. The Clerk noted that
with an upgrade, they would be able to.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 12p: Election Equipment
Upgrade
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
168 2 3
MOTION CARRIES
9:21p.m. Moderator Diaz turned the gavel over to
Moderator Brown, who resumed the Meeting.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
63 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
9:22 p.m. The Moderator asked for a procedural motion
to take up Article 39. Mr. Pato moved to take up
Article 39. Motion approved by unanimous voice
vote.
ARTICLE 39: HOME RULE PETITION TO ADJUST THE NUMBER OF ON-PREMISE WINE AND MALT ALCOHOL LICENSES
MOTION: Mr. Lucente moves that the Select Board be au-
thorized to petition the Massachusetts General Court to enact
legislation in substantially the form below for the purpose of
authorizing the Select Board, as the local licensing authority,
to issue additional licenses for the sale of wine and malt bev-
erages to be drunk on the premises in the Town of Lexington,
and further that the Select Board be authorized to approve
amendments to said act by the General Court before its en-
actment that are within the scope of the general objectives of
this motion.
An Act authorizing the town of Lexington Five additional
Licenses for the Sale of Wine and Malt Beverages.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representative in
General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as
follows:
Notwithstanding section 17 of chapter 138 of the General
Laws, the licensing authority of the town of Lexington may, in
addition to any other licenses it is entitled to grant, grant up
to 10 additional licenses for the sale of wine and malt bever-
ages only to be drunk on the premises pursuant to section 12
of chapter 138. Licenses granted under this subsection shall
be subject to all of said chapter 138 except said section 17.
Sandhya Ayer, Economic Development Director, presented
information on the Article.
Recommendations:
Mr. Sandeen noted the unanimous support of the Select
Board for the Article.
Bridger McGaw, Vice-Chair of the Economic Development
Advisory Committee, noted that the EDAC voted in support
of the Article unanimously 6-0.
9:27 p.m. Margaret Coppe, Chair of the Tourism
Committee, noted that the Committee had voted
unanimously to support the Article.
9:29 p.m. Inessa Manning, Member of the Lexington
Center Committee, noted their vote of unani-
mous support for the Article.
9:34 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 39 – Home Rule Petition to
Adjust the Number of On-Premise Wine and Malt Alcohol
Licenses.
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
163 8 5
MOTION CARRIES
9:36 p.m. The Moderator asked for a procedural motion
to take up Article 41. Mr. Pato moved to take up
Article 41. Motion approved by unanimous voice
vote.
ARTICLE 41: MASSACHUSETTS BAY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
Kunal Botla, Pct. 7, moves that Town Meeting does and here-
by resolves as follows:
WHEREAS, Lexington is a community within the
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) service
area; and
WHEREAS, the residents and community of Lexington,
Massachusetts depend on consistent and reliable public trans-
portation from the MBTA for the well-being and economic
prosperity of our community; and
WHEREAS, on January 10, 1977, the last train ran on the
Lexington Branch from Lexington to North Station; and
WHEREAS, in June 1967, route 67 was extended from
Arlington Center to Alewife station and all service in
Lexington was discontinued; and
WHEREAS, in June 1998, route 62 and 76 Saturday service
were merged into one route; and
WHEREAS, on March 17, 2020, in response to the global
COVID-19 pandemic, bus services on routes 62, 76, and
62/76 were reduced, along with various other MBTA services;
and
WHEREAS, the bus service on routes 62, 76, and 62/76 has
not been restored to pre-pandemic levels; and
WHEREAS, despite challenges faced by Lexington com-
muters and student pass holders due to poor service, service
remains reduced on 62, 76, and 62/76 buses; and
WHEREAS, routes 62, 76, and 62/76 have weekday service
every 40 to 60 minutes, Saturday service every 70 minutes,
and no Sunday service; and
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
64
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
WHEREAS, the Town of Lexington was the first in the
Commonwealth, pursuant to the Multi- Family Zoning
Requirement for MBTA Communities (Section 3A of M.G.L.
c. 40A), to successfully amend zoning regulations to increase
the number of transit-friendly residential units; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lexington has been recognized for
its recent zoning amendments; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lexington relies on MBTA service
as a crucial public transportation resource; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lexington is not unique in being
adversely impacted by MBTA service cuts and disruptions;
and
WHEREAS, the MBTA plays a pivotal role in achieving town
and state sustainability goals;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town
Meeting of Lexington, Massachusetts, calls upon the
Governor and General Court to take immediate and decisive
action to address the issues plaguing MBTA services in our
community and across the Commonwealth; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Meeting
urges the Commonwealth to allocate sufficient funding and
resources to enhance the infrastructure, maintenance, and
overall reliability of MBTA services in Lexington and across
the Commonwealth’s 173 MBTA communities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Meeting en-
courages the General Court to collaborate with local stake-
holders, including residents, businesses, and the MBTA, to
develop and implement effective solutions to improve public
transportation services; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town of Lexington
requests services to provide frequent, reliable service along
Massachusetts Avenue with convenient connections to the
Red Line through enhanced service by expanding hours,
frequency, and coverage of existing routes; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town of Lexington
requests MBTA service be improved within the timeframe by
which resident occupancy of new construction permitted by
the zoning overlay districts adopted in accordance with the
Multi-Family Zoning Requirement for MBTA Communities
is anticipated so that the residents can depend on MBTA
service.
A copy of this resolution shall be sent to the Governor,
the Lieutenant Governor, members of the General Court
representing the Town of Lexington, the MBTA Board of
Directors, the MBTA General Manager, and the Secretary of
Transportation.
Kunal Botla presented information on the Article.
Recommendations:
Ms. Hai stated that the Select Board unanimously supported
the Article.
Mr. Schanbacher, Planning Board Chair, stated that the
Planning Board unanimously supported the Article.
Bridger McGaw, Vice-Chair of the Economic Development
Advisory Committee, noted that the EDAC voted in support
of the Article unanimously 6-0.
9:40 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 41 – Massachusetts Bay
Transportation Authority
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
169 1 1
MOTION CARRIES
9:42 p.m. The Moderator asked for a procedural motion to
take up Articles 18, 19, and 23. Mr. Pato moved to
take up Articles 18, 19, and 23. Motion approved
by unanimous voice vote.
ARTICLE 18: RESCIND PRIOR BORROWING AUTHORIZATIONS
MOTION: Ms. Hai moves that the unused borrowing au-
thorities as set forth below be and are hereby
rescinded:
Town Project Amount to Meeting Article Description be Rescinded
1999 ATM 34 Land Acquisition Bond (Conservation) $3,000,000
Recommendations:
Ms. Hai stated that the Select Board unanimously supported
the Article, and noted that the Conservation Commission
had voted unanimously to rescind the authorization in 2023.
Mr. Parker noted that the Appropriation Committee unani-
mously recommended approval of the Article.
Mr. Lamb noted that the Capital Expenditures Committee
unanimously recommended approval of the Article.
As there were no questions, the Moderator opened voting on
the Article.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
65 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 18 – Rescind Prior Borrowing
Authorizations
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
171 0 2
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
9:45 p.m. The Moderator asked for a procedural motion
to take up Article 19. Mr. Pato moved to take up
Article 19. Motion approved by unanimous voice
vote.
ARTICLE 19: ESTABLISH, AMEND, DISSOLVE AND APPROPRIATE TO AND FROM SPECIFIED STABILIZATION FUNDS
MOTION: a) Ms. Barry moves that $4,036,373 be appropri-
ated into the Capital Stabilization Fund, and to
meet this appropriation, $4,036,373 be appropri-
ated from the tax levy.
Recommendations:
Ms. Barry stated that the Select Board unanimously support-
ed passage of the Article.
Mr. Levine noted that the Appropriation Committee unani-
mously recommended approval of the Article.
Mr. Lamb noted that the Capital Expenditures Committee
unanimously recommended approval of the Article.
Ms. Cuthbertson noted that with a vote of 5-0, the School
Committee unanimously supported approval of the Article.
The Moderator noted that as this amount was being appropri-
ated into the Stabilization Fund, it would be a simple majority
vote and opened voting on the Article.
9:49 p.m. Mr. Lamb noted that text on the screen still
showed a required 2/3 vote. The Moderator
thanked him and reminded the Members that it
was only a simple majority required.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 19 – Establish, Amend, Dissolve
and Appropriate to and from Specified Stabilization Funds
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
172 0 2
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
9:49 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 23
ARTICLE 23: APPROPRIATE OPIOID SETTLEMENT
MOTION: Mr. Sandeen moves that pursuant to Chapter 77
of the Acts of 2023, Section 9, the Town establish an Opioid
Mitigation Special Revenue Fund, for the purpose of supple-
menting and strengthening resources available to Lexington
communities and families for substance use disorder preven-
tion, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery; and that un-
expended funds previously appropriated for this purpose by
Town Meeting be transferred to the Opioid Mitigation Special
Revenue Fund, and that all future payments allocated by the
Commonwealth to the Town of Lexington from Statewide
Opioid Settlements between the Massachusetts Attorney
General and certain non-bankrupt opioid industry partici-
pants be deposited to the Opioid Mitigation Special Revenue
Fund, to be spent, without further appropriation, under the
direction of the Town Manager and with input from local
stakeholders including people with lived experience of the
opioid epidemic.
Recommendations:
Mr. Sandeen stated that the Select Board was unanimously in
support of the Article.
Mr. Bartenstein stated that the Appropriations Committee
unanimously recommended approval of the Article.
9:54 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 23 – Appropriate Opioid Settlement
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
170 0 2
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
9:56 p.m. Dawn McKenna, raised a Point of Order to
ask whether Article 38 had been intentionally
removed from the schedule. The Moderator con-
firmed that it was.
9:56 p.m. The Moderator requested a Motion to Adjourn.
Joe Pato, Select Board Chair, Motioned to Adjourn the
Annual Town Meeting to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3,
2024, such meeting to be held at the Margery Milne Battin
Hall, Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue
and by means of remote participation. The Moderator de-
clared that Motion was adopted by unanimous voice vote and
the Meeting adjourned.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
66
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
April 3, 2024: Adjourned Session of the 2024 Annual Town Meeting
Moderator Deborah Brown called the fifth session of 2024
Annual Town Meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. on Wednesday,
April 3, 2024, at the Margery Milne Battin Hall in the Cary
Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue and by
means of remote participation, a quorum in excess of 100
members was present (146).
The Moderator opened voting attendance in the Portal. The
Moderator gave notice of quorum at 7:33 p.m. and stated that
she would leave the Portal open while more Members came
into the Hall.
The Moderator said that they would now hold a Memorial for
David Williams.
MEMORIAL - DAVID WILLIAMS
David Williams passed away on March 1, 2024 at the age
of 82 in his beloved town of Lexington, surrounded by his
family. David was born in Boston in 1941, the eldest son of
six children of Edward and Virginia Williams. At the age of
14, the family moved to Hingham where David attended high
school. He then traveled to Ohio for college, where he met the
love of his life, Linda, and after college, they made Lexington
their home.
In 1968, at the age of 27, David was appointed to the Lexington
Conservation Commission, and that marked the beginning of
a staggering 55 years of service to Lexington, in a multitude of
capacities that included the Conservation Commission (1968-
1988), Planning Board (1989-1993), Zoning Board of Appeals,
Lexington Scholarship Committee, the Dana Home Board and
Foundation Board, the Lexington Center Committee, the Met
State Task Force Committee, the Lexington Field and Garden
Club (with David’s gardens in May being noted as legendary),
the Lincoln Park Subcommittee of the Recreation Committee.
He was instrumental in establishing the Fitness Path. He was
also involved in the Land Acquisition Subcommittee of the
Conservation Commission.
David was credited with almost single-handedly enabling the
Town’s acquisition of some very important parcels of con-
servation land, in particular, Chiesa Farm and the Waltham
Street Farm. Serving on the Trustees of Public Trusts, where he
served from 1991 up until his passing, David was a visionary,
seeking ways to appropriately use trust funds previously given
to the Town and to establish new gifts and trusts that allowed
citizens to contribute land or funds to benefit Lexington’s res-
idents now and far into the future. The Moderator noted that
he was also a Town Meeting Member for 50 years and that
this was not the complete list.
The Moderator stated that she had no idea of any of this when
she first met him in 1997. She had joined a group of neigh-
bors and abutters of Hennessey Field who were interested in
seeking conservation status for the property. She noted that
most of them were new to town government and had a lot
to learn and there were many seasoned town government
veterans who were eager to educate them, but David stood
out for three things: 1) his extraordinary knowledge of every
inch of conservation and open space land in Town; 2) his
complete enthusiasm for Hennessey Field – he could wax
poetic about it’s many appealing features, noticing things that
they, even though they walked it every day, hadn’t noticed;
and 3) the very gentle and deft way he provided support, rec-
ommending resources, pointing to other potential advocates,
but mostly acting as a quiet cheerleader in the background,
applauding the fledgling volunteer efforts and encouraging
them throughout the process. So unassuming was David that
it was only on learning that same year, in 1997, that David had
received the White Tricorne Hat Award, that the Moderator
began to understand how embedded he was in the entire
fabric of the Town and how numerous his contributions were.
Joyce Williams, a long-time Conservation Commission
Member, said of David, in support of his nomination to the
Tricorne Hat Award, “there are few who have given more
time, energy and thought to solving community problems
and improving the quality of life in Lexington. He has been
inspiration in motiving others to become involved in and
contribute to a variety of causes, all of which benefit the
people of Lexington, thus assuring that Lexington continues
to be a very special Town. But in addition to his noted civic
activities, he has quietly given support to those in need, pro-
viding encouragement, a shoulder to cry on, counseling, or
just listening”.
That empathy surely drew, in part, from David’s experience
during a serious battle with cancer in his early 30s. Those
around him at that time describe that even while suffering
from the effects of chemotherapy, he continued to attend
meetings, never giving excuses, just dealing with the tasks at
hand, still displaying humor and an upbeat attitude.
As his family said, he lived his life with the motto “Live for the
Moment” never taking one day for granted.
The Moderator noted that some might remember Alice
Hinkle, who wrote for the Minuteman newspaper when it
was a source of local news, who wrote an apt description of
David’s legacy, also in 1997, a legacy he quietly continued to
build until the very end of his life. She said, “David Williams
has been dreaming huge dreams for Lexington and despite
obstacles that would be daunting for most of us, he has
worked tirelessly to make those dreams living, breathing parts
of this community forever. His courage and generous sharing
of skills and time have changed the face of this Town for the
better and enhanced the lives of all its residents.”
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
67 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
The Moderator extended deepest sympathies to David’s wife
of 59 years, Linda, to his daughter Kim and her husband Eric,
his son Todd and wife Nancy, and son Trevor and wife Sharon
along with 7 grandchildren, his sisters and brother, and their
families and asked for a Moment of Silence in his honor.
7:39 p.m. The Moderator called a brief Recess so the Select
Board could make special Presentation.
Joe Pato, Select Board Chair, asked Kim and Trevor to come
forward, and presented them an American flag, which flew
over the Lexington Battle Green, the birthplace of American
Liberty, and the site of America’s oldest war memorial where
the Lexington Minuteman Militia confronted the British
Army on April 19, 1775 in the opening shots of the American
Revolution. The flag was flown on March 8th, 2024 in honor
and memory of their father, David G. Williams, for his many
years of service and dedication to the Town of Lexington.
The Moderator said they would stay in Recess for a
Presentation from the Town Meeting Member Association.
7:41 p.m. Bridger McGaw, Chair of the Town Meeting
Member Association, noted that he would be
honoring Members who had served for 30 years
and noted that doing anything for 30 years takes
commitment, grit, focus and sacrifices but vol-
unteering to contribute to the Town, their com-
munity, and to serve as a Town Meeting Member
also took a lot of heart. He then thanked all of
the following Members for their public service:
Marian Cohen, Thomas Fenn, Dawn McKenna,
and Irene Dondley.
7:45 p.m. The Moderator called the Meeting back to order
and under Article 10i.
ARTICLE 10: APPROPRIATE FOR THE FY2025 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE OPERATING BUDGET AND CPA PROJECTS
MOTION: i) Ms. Fenollosa moves that $3,200,000 be appro-
priated to fund the Affordable Housing Trust, and
to meet this appropriation $1,280,000 be appro-
priated from the Community Housing Reserve
of the Community Preservation Fund, and
$1,920,000 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted
Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund;
Elaine Tung, Chair of the Affordable Housing
Trust, presented information on the Article.
Recommendations:
Ms. Fenollosa stated that the Community Preservation
Committee was unanimously in support of the Article.
Mr. Sandeen said that the Select Board was unanimously in
support of the Article.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditure Committee was
unanimously in support of the Article.
Mr. Michelson said that the Appropriations Committee had
voted 8-0 to recommend approval of the Article
Ms. Buckley stated that the Commission on Disability was
unanimously in support of the Article.
7:57 p.m. Members discussed the Article.
8:07 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 10i – Affordable Housing Trust
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
175 0 3
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
8:14 p.m. The Moderator asked for a procedural motion to
take up Article 33. Mr. Sandeen moved to take up
Article 33. Motion approved by unanimous voice
vote.
ARTICLE 33: AUTHORIZE THE SELECT BOARD TO SEEK AFFORDABLE HOUSING
MOTION: Mr. Sandeen moves that the Select Board be au-
thorized to sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of Town-owned
land described as parcel 68-44, located on Lowell Street near
the northeast corner of North Street and Lowell Street, for the
purposes of developing 100% affordable housing thereon on
conditions acceptable to the Select Board, and to authorize
the Select Board or its designee to enter into such agreements
as are necessary for such purposes including a land disposi-
tion agreement or a lease not to exceed 99 years in length.
Elaine Tung, Chair of the Affordable Housing Trust presented
information on the Article and noted that the Conservation
Commission and Recreation Committee both expressed
unanimous support for the Article.
8:32 p.m. Recommendations:
David Kanter, raised a Point of Order and asked
what had changed in the Motion since earlier
editions. Mr. Sandeen noted that the change from
original motion, for the purposes of developing
100%, which the original just stated “affordable
housing”. He then noted the desired design crite-
ria for the facility and that the Select Board was
unanimous in support of the Article.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
68
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Mr. Lamb stated that a supermajority of the
Capital Expenditure Committee had decided in
this instance that yielding to the Select Board
works in this situation with a vote of 5-1 in favor
of the Article.
Mr. Parker noted that they had included Article
33 in their Report to Town Meeting but had
not made a recommendation for or against the
Motion as this was in their Committee’s practice
regarding major zoning and housing-related
articles, and although the Article did not request
an appropriation, there were financial aspects to
consider that would impact the future.
Mr. Peters noted that the Planning Board had
unanimously voted on March 13, 2024 in support
of the Article.
Ms. Manz said that the Housing Partnership
Board was unanimously in support of the Article.
Ms. Buckley said that the Commission on
Disability was excited about the Article and
would like to see in the RFP that the contractor
would use universal design and that a contractor
who would give more than 5% might be given
priority which would help housing and disability
standards. The Commission had voted unani-
mously in support of the Article.
Ms. Moyer stated that the Tree Committee was in
strong support of Article 33.
8:50 p.m. Members discussed and debated the Article.
9:02 p.m. John Bartenstein, Pct. 1, noted that he was in sup-
port of the project, but asked whether the intent
was that this Housing be affordable in perpetuity.
Mina Makarious, Town Counsel, stated that it
was.
9:40 p.m. Steven Kaufman, Pct. 5, moved the question.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
102 60 14
MOTION CARRIES
9:42 p.m. Ms. Thom offered final comments on the Article.
9:42 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on the Article. She
noted that a 2/3 vote was required, for disposition
of property.
Motion to Approve Article 33 – Authorize the Select Board
to Seek Affordable Housing
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
171 5 5
MOTION CARRIES WITH MORE THAN NECESSARY
2/3RDS
9:45 p.m. The Moderator called the Meeting open under
Article 2.
ARTICLE 2: ELECTION OF DEPUTY MODERATOR AND REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
j. Reports of the Planning Board
MOTION: Mr. Peters moves that the reports of the Planning
Board be received and placed on file.
Mr. Schanbacher presented information on the
Planning Board reports.
MOTION: Mr. Peters moves that the reports of the Planning
Board be received and placed on file.
9:46 p.m. The Moderator noted that unless there were
objections, she would consider this a voice vote.
As there were no objections the motion carries
unanimously.
Mr. Schanbacher presented information on the
Article.
The Moderator noted that there would now be a
motion to receive and place on file the individual
zoning article reports.
MOTION: Mr. Peters moves that the individual reports
for zoning articles 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, and 52 be
received and placed on file. As there were no ob-
jections the motion carries unanimously.
The Moderator noted that each article would be
taken up separately, then turned the gavel over to
Deputy Town Moderator Tom Diaz to take up the
next portion of the Meeting.
9:49 p.m. Moderator Diaz asked for a procedural motion
to take up Article 52. Ms. Barry moved to take
up Article 52. As there were no objections the motion carries unanimously.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
69 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
ARTICLE 52: AMEND ZONING BYLAW – TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS
MOTION:
Mr. Peters moves that the Zoning Bylaw, Chapter 135 of the
Code of the Town of Lexington, be amended as follows, where
struck through text is to be removed and underlined text is to
be added:
1. In §135-10.0, amend definitions as follows:
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT (DHCD)
The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community
Development.
INCLUSIONARY DWELLING UNIT
A dwelling unit, the sale, lease, or rental of which is per-
manently restricted with limits on the household income
of occupants, sale price, and rent through a deed rider or
other restriction acceptable to the Town in conformance
to the Lexington Moderate Unit Income Guidelines or
as regulated as a Local Action Unit under the DHCD
EOHLC Local Initiative Program.
2. In §135-10.0, add definition as follows:
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF HOUSING AND LIVABLE
COMMUNITIES (EOHLC)
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and
Livable Communities.
3. Amend §135-6.12.6 as follows:
3. Subsidized housing inventory. At least 10% of the
dwelling units in an OSRD shall be eligible for inclusion
on the DHCD EOHLC Subsidized Housing Inventory.
4. Amend §135-7.5.3 as follows:
Procedures and Regulations. Development under this section
requires Site Plan Review by the Planning Board under
§ 9.5. The Planning Board shall adopt regulations to fa-
cilitate site layout, building design, and outdoor amenity
spaces. All site plan review standards applicable to devel-
opments under this section shall be consistent with the
purposes of this section and DHCD EOHLC’s current
Compliance Guidelines for Multi- family Zoning Districts
Under Section 3A of the Zoning Act as amended.
5. Amend §135-7.5.12 as follows:
1. In any development containing eight (8) or more
dwelling units, at least 15% of the dwelling units shall be
Inclusionary Dwelling Units with household income lim-
ited to 80% of the Area Median Income and eligible for
inclusion on the DHCD EOHLC’s Subsidized Housing
Inventory. Where a fraction of a dwelling unit is required
for this calculation, the amount of required dwelling units
shall be rounded down. If DHCD EOHLC determines in
writing that the Town has not shown this 15% require-
ment to be feasible, at least 10% of the dwelling units in
any development containing ten (10) or more units shall
be Inclusionary Dwelling Units with household income
limited to 80% of the Area Median Income and eligible
for inclusion on the Subsidized Housing Inventory.
5. The Planning Board, in consultation with the
Select Board, the Housing Partnership Board, and the
Commission on Disability, may adopt regulations consis-
tent with DHCD EOHLC’s Compliance Guidelines and
this section to facilitate equitable size, physical character-
istics, location, and access to services for the inclusionary
units and the form of required legal restrictions.
6. Amend §135-7.5.14 as follows:
Conditions. The Planning Board may impose reasonable
terms and conditions, consistent with the parameters
established by DHCD EOHLC’s Compliance Guidelines,
to promote these objectives and serve the purposes of this
section. Approval may reasonably regulate matters such
as vehicular access and circulation on site, architectural
design of a building, site design, and screening for adja-
cent properties. The Board may require a performance
guarantee to ensure compliance with these conditions.
Recommendations:
Ms. Barry noted that the Select Board was unanimously in
support of the Article.
9:50 p.m. The Moderator noted that as there were no ques-
tions, he would open voting. He also noted that a
2/3 vote was required for zoning.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 52 – Amend Zoning Bylaw and
Map – Technical Corrections
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
158 0 2
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY WITH MORE
THAN NECESSARY 2/3RDS
(Approved by the Attorney General’s Office July 25, 2024,
posted July 30, 2024)
9;52 p.m. The Moderator asked for a procedural motion
to take up Article 50. Mr. Pato moved to take
up Article 50. As there were no objections the motion carries unanimously.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
70
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
ARTICLE 50: AMEND ZONING BYLAW – INCLUSIONARY HOUSING FOR VILLAGE AND MULTI-FAMILY OVERLAY DISTRICTS
MOTION: Mr. Peters moves that the Zoning Bylaw, Chapter
135 of the Code of the Town of Lexington, be
amended as follows, where struck through text is
to be removed and underlined text is to be added:
1. Amend §135-7.5.12.1 as follows:
7.5.12 Inclusionary Housing.
1. In any development containing eight (8) between ten (10)
and thirteen (13) dwelling units, 10% of the dwelling units
shall be Inclusionary Dwelling Units with a household income
limited to 80% of the Area Median Income and eligible for
inclusion on the EOHLC Subsidized Housing Inventory. In
any development containing fourteen (14) or more dwelling
units, at least 15% of the dwelling units shall be Inclusionary
Dwelling Units with household income limited to 80% of
the Area Median Income and eligible for inclusion on the
DHCD’s EOHLC’s Subsidized Housing Inventory. Where a
fraction of a dwelling unit is required for this calculation, the
amount of required dwelling units shall be rounded down. If
DHCD EOHLC determines in writing that the Town has not
shown this 15% requirement to be feasible, at least 10% of
the dwelling units in any development containing ten (10) or
more units shall be Inclusionary Dwelling Units with house-
hold income limited to 80% of the Area Median Income and
eligible for inclusion on the Subsidized Housing Inventory.
Recommendations:
Ms. Hai noted that the Select Board had voted 4 in favor and
1 awaiting discussion.
9:59 p.m. David Kanter, raised a Point of Order asking if
someone had asked the final position of the Select
Board. The Moderator noted that it hadn’t yet
been decided..
10:09 p.m. Betsey Weiss, Pct. 2, asked for the final position
of the Select Board now that debate was over.
Doug Lucente stated that he had been the person
waiting and that this was step backwards and this
was an opportunity to push back against in State
and would vote “no” on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 50 – Amend Zoning Bylaw and
Map – Inclusionary Housing for Village and Multi-Family
Overlay Districts
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
143 12 11
MOTION CARRIES AND ALSO BY 2/3 IF REQUIRED
Mina Makarious, Town Counsel, noted for the record that
the vote required a majority, but as Lexington was the first
Town to vote for the initiative, and also the first to amend
it, it also passed by 2/3 if required by the Attorney General.
(Approved by the Attorney General’s Office July 25, 2024, posted July 30, 2024)
10:13 p.m. The Moderator asked for a procedural motion
to take up Article 51. Mr. Pato moved to take up
Article 51. As there were no objections the mo-
tion carries unanimously.
ARTICLE 51: AMEND ZONING BYLAW – MAXIMUM HEIGHT FOR VILLAGE OVERLAY DISTRICT
MOTION: Mr. Peters moves that the Zoning Bylaw, Chapter
135 of the Code of the Town of Lexington, be
amended as follows, where struck through text is
to be removed and underlined text is to be add-
ed, and further that non-substantive changes to
the numbering of this bylaw to comply with the
numbering format:
1. Amend § 135-7.5.5.10.a as follows:
a. *In the VO District, when the underlying zoning dis-
trict is a Commercial District, the maximum height is 60
feet when where at least 30% of the total net gross floor
area of the street floor of the development is occupied by
a nonresidential principal uses, the Semiquincentennial
Commission - Lex250 Meeting Agenda maximum height
is 60 feet if the nonresidential uses are permitted in the
underlying district or 52 feet if the nonresidential uses are
not permitted in the underlying district. the street floor
level or buildings’ footprint, whichever is greater, of the
entire development is occupied by commercial principal
uses, not including associated parking, shown in Table
1 §3.4 Permitted Uses and Development Standards as
permitted in the underlying district in the following
categories:
Commercial Office Uses
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
71 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Personal, Business, or General Services Uses Sales
or Rental of Goods and Equipment Eating and
Drinking
Commercial, Recreational, Amusements,
Entertainment,
b *In the VO District, when the underlying district is a
Residential District, the maximum height is 52 feet when
at least 30% of the gross floor area of the street floor level
or buildings’ footprint, whichever is greater, of the entire
development is occupied by non-residential principal
uses pursuant to § 7.5.4.4.
2. Amend the subsequent subsection as follows:
§ 135-7.5.5.10.b to be § 135-7.5.5.10.b c
Mr. Peters presented information on the Article and noted
that the Planning Board recommended the Article by a vote
of 5-0.
Recommendations:
Ms. Hai stated that the Select Board unanimously supported
the Article.
10:18 p.m. Members discussed the Article.
10:41 p.m. Ms. Bhatt raised a Point of Order, but then noted
that she had heard the vote requirement and did
not need assistance.
10:42 p.m. Mr. Heinrich, Pct. 3 raised a Point of Order asked
why a 2/3 vote was required. Mr. Makarious
noted that the Article, as described, tightened up
zoning and therefore didn’t qualify for the simple
majority which was afforded to Articles that are
relevant to housing. He further noted that the
prior Article was requested, unlike this one, from
the State in what they felt was necessary to com-
ply with Affordable Housing requirements, and
there fit under the MBTA zoning, based on input
from the Attorney General that morning.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 51 – Amend Zoning Bylaw and
Map – Maximum Height for Village Overlay District
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
153 1 5
MOTION CARRIES WITH MORE THAN NECESSARY
2/3RDS
(Approved by the Attorney General’s Office July 25, 2024,
posted July 30, 2024)
10:44 p.m. The Moderator requested a Motion to Adjourn.
Joe Pato, Select Board Chair, Motioned to Adjourn the
Annual Town Meeting to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 8, 2024,
such meeting to be held at the Margery Milne Battin Hall,
Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue and
by means of remote participation. The Moderator declared
that Motion was adopted by unanimous voice vote and the
Meeting adjourned.
April 8, 2024 Adjourned Session of the 2024 Annual Town Meeting
Moderator Deborah Brown called the sixth session of 2024
Annual Town Meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. on Monday, April
8, at the Margery Milne Battin Hall in the Cary Memorial
Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue and by means of re-
mote participation, a quorum in excess of 100 members was
present (124).
The Moderator reminded Members participating remotely
to mute themselves while on the Portal. She then explained
seating and parliamentary procedure for the evening. The
Moderator gave notice of quorum at 7:36 p.m. and stated that
she would leave the Portal open while more Members came
into the Hall.
7:38 p.m. The Moderator asked for a procedural motion to
take up Articles 47, 48, and 49. Mr. Pato moved to
take up Articles 47, 48, and 49. Motion approved
by unanimous voice vote.
ARTICLE 47: AMEND ZONING BYLAW– SIGNS
MOTION:
Mr. Peters moves that the Zoning Bylaw, Chapter 135 of the
Code of the Town of Lexington, be amended as follows, where
struck through text is to be removed and underlined text is to
be added:
1. Amend § 135-5.2 as follows:
5.2.1 Purpose. This section is intended to:
1. Allow for effective communication through signage by
regulating and restricting size, location, lighting, and
placement of signs in order to protect and enhance
the visual environment and discourage excessive vi-
sual competition; Preserve and enhance the historical
ambience and aesthetic character of the Town; and
2. Maintain public safety; and, consistent with constitu-
tional requirements protecting freedom of speech.
3. Preserve constitutional requirements protecting free-
dom of speech.
5.2.2 Applicability. All outdoor signs and window signs are
subject to the regulations of this section unless specif-
ically excluded herein.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
72
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
5.3.3 Exemptions. The following signs are not subject to this
section:
1. Any sign owned and installed by a governmental
agency, located on property owned by a governmental
agency, or required by any law, governmental order, or
regulation.;
2. Government flags and insignia, except when displayed
in connection with commercial promotion Flags.;
3. Integral decorative or architectural features of build-
ings, except letters, trademarks, moving parts or mov-
ing lights.;
4. Signs mounted on registered motor vehicles or carried
by hand.;
5. Removable signs on the inside of windows or trans-
parent doors; and
6. Signs directing traffic flow.
5.2.4 General Regulations.
1. Illumination. No sign shall be illuminated between
the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., except signs
on premises open for business, and then only upon
issuance of a special permit by the SPGA. Exterior
illumination of signs shall be shielded and full cutoff,
directed downward solely at the sign, comply with §
5.4.4, and be steady and stationary. No internal illu-
mination of a sign is permitted except upon issuance
of a special permit by the SPGA. The illumination of
any sign shall not exceed 150 foot-lamberts.
2. Signs cannot interfere with t Traffic. No sign, in-
cluding window displays, or its illuminators shall by
reason of its location, shape, size, or color obstruct a
sidewalk, interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traf-
fic, or be confused with or obstruct the view or the
effectiveness of any official traffic sign, traffic signal,
or traffic marking. No red or green lights shall be
used on any sign if, in the opinion of the Building
Commissioner with the advice of the Chief of Police,
such lights would create a driving hazard.
3. Construction. No sign shall be painted or posted di-
rectly on the exterior surface of any wall. All exterior,
attached signs, except awning signs, shall be painted,
posted or otherwise securely affixed to a substantial
intermediary removable surface and such surface
shall be securely affixed to the wall of the building.
The foregoing, however, shall not prevent installation
of a sign which uses by individual letters or devices
cut into or securely affixed to the exterior wall of a
building, provided that such letters or devices have a
minimum depth of projection of 1/4 of an inch. The
construction of the sign shall comply with the State
Building Code.
4. Maintenance. Every sign shall be maintained in good
condition. If a sign shows corrosion or deteriorated
paint over 25% of the area of one side of the sign, or
if damage to the sign causes the loss of 10% of its sub-
stance, or if the sign suffers damage or deterioration,
which creates a risk of harm to the person or property
of another, it shall be repaired or removed.
5. Removal of t Temporary signs. Signs that advertise or
otherwise relate to a particular business or commer-
cial event (for example, a real estate sign, or a yard
sale sign) shall be removed promptly, and in no event
more than seven days, after the conclusion of the
event.
6. Window signs. Removable signs on the inside of win-
dows or transparent doors are permitted.
5.2.5 Prohibited Signs. The following types of signs are
prohibited:
1. Signs that incorporate in any manner flashing, mov-
ing, digital animation, video media display, or inter-
mittent illumination lighting, excluding public traffic
control service signs; showing time and temperature.
2. String lights used in connection with commercial
premises with the exception of temporary lighting for
holiday decoration.
3 2. Signs erected in a way that so as to obstructs any path
of egress in or on a building.;
4 3. Permanent banner signs; and
3. Billboards, off-premises signs, and other non-ac-
cessory signs.
5.2.6 Signs in Residential Districts. The provisions of this
section shall apply to signs in residential districts. The
following accessory signs are permitted:
1. Resident identification signs. Two signs, up to one
square foot in area each, per residential building indi-
cating the name and address of the residents therein.
2. Multifamily dwelling development sign. One sign,
not exceeding 12 square feet in area, identifying a
multifamily development.
3. Real estate sign. One sign advertising the sale or rental
of the premises on which it is located, and containing
no other advertising matter.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
73 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
4. Subdivision signs. Real estate signs, not more than 20
square feet in area and not more than 10 feet in any
dimension, on subdivisions of land as defined in MGL
c. 41, § 81L, solely to advertise the selling of land or
buildings in said subdivision, provided that not more
than one such sign shall face the same street.
5. Yard or garage sale sign. One sign advertising a yard
or garage sale on the premises on which it is locat-
ed, provided that a yard sale permit has been duly
obtained.
6. Construction, painting or remodeling sign. One sign
indicating the name, address and telephone number
of a contractor currently providing construction,
painting or remodeling services on the premises, and
containing no other advertising matter, provided that
permission to display such sign has first been obtained
from the homeowner.
7. Noncommercial message signs. Accessory signs
containing a noncommercial message and no other
advertising matter.
8. Commercial signs. Except to the extent permitted in
§ 5.2.6, commercial signs, whether or not accessory to
a permitted activity engaged in on the premises, are
prohibited in Residence Districts.
5.2.6 7 Residence Districts; Residential Signs. Size, Number
and Location of Accessory Residential Signs. Unless
otherwise provided herein Accessory signs for resi-
dential uses that comply with the following provisions
are permitted:
1. No one permanent residential sign in a residential
district shall exceed four 30 square feet in area. No
part of any permanent standing sign shall exceed four
five (5) feet in height.
2. No more than two (2) permanent standing signs shall
be located on a residential property at one time.
3. No part of any standing sign over four (4) square feet
in sign area shall be located within 10 five (5) feet of
the edge of the pavement of any street, obstruct a side-
walk, or otherwise create a safety hazard to pedestrian
or vehicular traffic.
3. No sign attached to a building shall be located on, or
project above, the roof of any the building.
4. Temporary standing signs shall not exceed four (4)
square feet in sign area per sign.
5.2.78 Commercial Districts Nonresidential signs. The provi-
sions of this section shall apply to signs in commercial
districts for commercial, industrial, and institutional
uses. Accessory signs on business establishments or
institutions in commercial districts that comply with
the following provisions are permitted:
1. Wall signs.
a. One p Principal wall signs are is permitted on the
front each façade of the an establishment to which it
they relates which faces a street, municipal parking
lot, the Minuteman Bikeway, or other trail or path
available for public use which abuts the property. The
width of such a sign above the first floor of a building
shall not exceed three feet. The total sign area for each
establishment on the first floor shall not exceed one
(1) square foot for each linear foot of the façade for
which the sign is attached, not to exceed 100 square
feet per sign. The total sign area for each establish-
ment above the first floor shall not exceed nine (9)
square feet.
b. A s Secondary wall signs may be installed marking a
direct entrances on a parking lot or another street in
addition to the front wall sign or parking areas. There
shall be not more than two (2) such secondary wall
signs per entrance. Said signs shall have a width an
area no greater than six (6) square feet for each sign.
50% of the maximum permissible width for the prin-
cipal wall sign.
c. No wall sign shall be more than three (3) five (5) feet
in overall height.
c. d. In buildings where the first story is substantially
above grade and the basement is only partially below
street grade, For establishments occupying multiple
stories, one sign for each story level is allowed if each
sign has only 1/2 of the area that the total area of all
signs does not exceed the area allowed for the princi-
pal sign under
§5.2.7.1.a. would be permitted for a single sign.
d e. In addition to the above signs, each building with mul-
tiple occupants may have one directory sign affixed to
the exterior wall, window or door of the building at
each entrance. Such directory sign shall provide not
more than one square foot for each occupant of the
building.
e f. Wall signs shall either be affixed to a wall and parallel
to it or affixed to the roof above a wall and be parallel
to the wall. They shall not project more than 12 inches
from the face of such wall.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
74
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
f g. No wall sign shall project above the highest line of
the main roof or parapet on the wall to which it is
attached, whichever is higher.
2. Banner Signs. No banner sign shall exceed 15 square
feet in area and no establishment shall have more than
one banner sign at a time.
3. Awning Signs.
a. In addition to wall signs, an establishment on the first
floor is permitted to have an awning sign.
b. The letters and graphics of an awning sign shall not
exceed eight (8) 16 inches in height and 36 inches in
length the sign area shall not exceed 30 square feet.
4. Projecting signs.
a. In particular instances the SPGA may issue special
permits for projecting signs in accordance with
§5.2.10, if it is determined that the architecture of the
building, the location of the building with reference
to the street or the nature of the establishment is such
that the sign should be permitted in the public inter-
est. No establishment shall be permitted more than
one projecting sign.
b a. Notwithstanding § 5.2.8.2.a, in the CB District, o One
projecting sign per establishment per façade meeting
the standards below is permitted. shall be permitted
by right, provided it meets the standards set out below.
Projecting signs exceeding these dimensions shall be
subject to the special permit provisions of § 5.2.10.
i. The sign may not exceed six (6) square feet in area
(not including the area of the supporting bracket or
hanger);.
ii. For single-story buildings structures, the sign shall
not project above the roofline or 18 feet above ground
level, whichever is lower; for multistory structures,
projecting signs may not extend vertically above the
window sill of the second story;.
iii. The sign must clear sidewalks by at least eight (8) feet
from the bottom of the sign and may project no more
than four (4) feet from a building or one-third the
width of the sidewalk, whichever is less;.
iv The sign must clear the wall by at least six (6) inches
and must project from the wall at an angle of 90°.
Angular projection from the corner of a building is
prohibited.
3 5. Standing signs. In particular instances the SPGA may
issue special permits for standing signs in accordance
with §5.2.10, if it is determined that the architecture
of the building, the location of the building with ref-
erence to the street or the nature of the establishment
is such that the sign should be permitted in the public
interest. No establishment shall be permitted more
than one standing sign other than signs directing traf-
fic flow. In the CM and CRO Districts one standing
sign, not to exceed 50 square feet in area and five feet
in height, shall be permitted by right on each lot.
Standing signs over four (4) square feet in sign area shall
be set back at least ten (10) feet from the edge of road-
way pavement, as follows:
a. In the CM and CRO Districts, one permanent stand-
ing sign per lot, not to exceed 100 square feet in area
and no part of the sign or support structure shall
exceed six (6) feet in height.
b. In the CB District, one permanent standing sign per
lot, not to exceed nine (9) square feet in sign area and
no part of the sign or support structure shall exceed
five (5) feet in height.
c. In the CN, CRS, CS, CSX, and CLO Districts, one per-
manent standing sign per lot, not to exceed 20 square
feet in sign area and no part of the sign or support
structure shall exceed five (5) feet in height.
d. In residential districts, one permanent standing sign
per lot, not to exceed 15 square feet in sign area and
no part of the sign or support structure shall exceed
five (5) feet in height.
e. Up to two (2) temporary standing signs per lot, not to
exceed four (4) square feet in sign area per sign.
6. Signs at gasoline f Motor vehicle fuel filling stations
and garages. Gasoline filling stations and garages
may divide the one wall signs affixed to the front wall
of the building to which they are entitled as herein
above provided into separate wall signs indicating the
separate operations or departments of the business,
provided however that the total of the widths of the
separate signs shall not exceed the maximum width
permitted under this bylaw for a single wall sign on
such wall. In addition to other permitted signs, one
wall or standing sign not exceeding 50 square feet
in area and 10 feet in height is permitted for motor
vehicle fuel or charging stations. indicating the brand
of gasoline being sold may be erected of such type, in
such location, and in such manner as the SPGA may
allow by special permit. The standard type of gasoline
fuel pump or charging station bearing thereon, in
usual size and form, the name or type of fuel gasoline
and the price thereof shall not be deemed to be a sign
within the meaning of this bylaw.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
75 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
7. Construction signs. A maximum of two (2) acces-
sory construction signs shall be permitted during
construction of developments. Signage is permitted
on the property undergoing construction during site
work construction and for no more than 30 days after
completion of construction. The total sign area of all
signs shall not exceed 32 square feet and signs shall
not exceed eight (8) feet in height.
8. Portable signs. Portable signs are permitted one for
each establishment, provided that such signs:
a. are located on private property;
b. are removed at the close of each business day;
c. do not obstruct a walkway;
d. provide at least four (4) feet of clearance for
pedestrians;
e. do not exceed six (6) square feet in area and a height
of four (4) feet above the ground; and
f. are installed so as to not blow over.
5.2.9 Building Permit. All persons desiring to erect an out-
door sign in a commercial district shall apply to the
Building Commissioner for a building permit. The
Building Commissioner shall issue a building permit
provided the proposed sign complies with this bylaw,
the State Building Code, requirements of the Historic
Districts Commission (where applicable) and any
other applicable laws, bylaws or regulations. All appli-
cations for permits shall comply with the permitting
authority’s rules and regulations.
5.2.8 10 Special Permit. In particular instances t The SPGA
may issue special permits for more or larger signs
than are provided herein or for signs of types or for
purposes not provided herein and not specifically
prohibited herein, including temporary signs, if it is
determined that the architecture of the building, the
location of the building with reference to the street
or the nature of the establishment is such that the
sign should be permitted in the public interest. In
granting such permission, the SPGA shall specify the
size and location of the sign or signs and impose such
other terms and restrictions as it may be deemed to
be in the public interest. In considering applications
for special permits for signs located on land owned
or leased by a religious sect or denomination or by
a nonprofit educational corporation, and used for
religious or educational purposes, the SPGA shall
not treat the applicant on terms less favorable than
those applied to a non-religious institution, nor in a
manner that unreasonably restricts the religious or
educational activities of the applicant.
5.2.8 Site Plan Review. For projects requiring site plan re-
view, the Planning Board may waive any provisions of
this § 5.2.
5.2.10 Pre-existing nonconforming signs. Any sign existing
at the date of the amendment of this section but which
does not conform to these regulations by reason of
size, location, type of construction, or illumination
shall not be enlarged, relocated, or have its type of
construction or illumination changed except in full
compliance with this § 5.2.
2. Amend § 135-10.0 Definitions as follows:
FLAG
A piece of lightweight fabric, typically oblong or square,
attached at one edge to a rope, building, or flown from
a flagpole containing colors, patterns, symbols, and
may contain words.
SIGN
Any display device, including but not limited to a board,
placard, poster, flag or banner, which advertises or
communicates information to persons not on the
premises on which it is located.
SIGN, AWNING
A sign consisting of letters or graphics affixed to an awning
or canopy that extends over a walkways, courtyard,
drive, or other open area.
SIGN, BANNER
A sign constructed of a long strip of fabric or other similar
flexible material mounted or attached to a structure.
For regulatory purposes, flags are not considered
banners.
SIGN, COMMERCIAL
Any sign, regardless of size, which advertises, calls at-
tention to, or indicates any commercial product,
service or activity, whether or not manufactured, sold
or engaged in on the premises at which the sign is
displayed.
SIGN, PERMANENT
Any sign which is not a temporary sign.
SIGN, PORTABLE
A sign not attached to the ground or to a building or
structure and which obtains some or all of its struc-
tural stability with respect to wind or other normally
applied forces by means of its geometry or character.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
76
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
SIGN SIZE AREA
The size of a sign shall include any intermediary remov-
able surface to which it is affixed. The area contained
entirely within a signboard or if no signboard is pres-
ent, the area contained within the smallest rectangle
that encloses all of the wording or graphics of a sign.
The area of a flat two-faced projecting or standing
sign is the area of one face. The width of a sign is its
horizontal dimensions even when this is the smaller
dimension.
SIGN, STANDING
Any sign that is erected on and attached to the land. If a
sign support holds more than one sign, each such sign
is considered a separate standing sign.
SIGN, TEMPORARY
Any sign which by its design or use is temporary in nature
intended for a limited period of display of less than
one year and is not permanently mounted. Posters,
construction signs, yard sales, real estate signs, lawn
signs, and banner signs are considered to be tempo-
rary signs.
Mr. Horning presented information on the Article.
Recommendations:
7:43p.m. Mr. Hornig noted that the Planning Board unan-
imously recommended passage of the Article.
Mr. Pato stated that the Select Board had 3
members in support of the Article and 2 awaiting
Town Meeting discussion.
Mr. Michelson stated that the Lexington Center
Committee was in support of the Article in a vote
of 7-0-1.
7:47 p.m. Members discussed and debated the Article.
7:52 p.m. Margaret Coppe, Pct. 8, spoke on behalf of
the Tourism Committee and noted that the
Committee had voted unanimously in support of
the Article.
8:01 p.m. Heather Lynn Hartshorn, Pct. 4, spoke on behalf
of Chamber of Commerce and stated that the
Chamber of Commerce was in support of the
article
8:13 pm Mr. McGaw stated that the Economic
Development Board supported the Article by a
vote of 6-0. Members continued discussing the
Article.
The Moderator noted that all Select Board
Members were now a “yes” after discussions.
8:23 pm Lawrence Chan, Pct. 4, moved the question.
The Moderator opened the voting portal
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
87 44 11
MOTION CARRIES
8:27 pm The Moderator opened voting under the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 47 – Signs Motion
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
110 25 8
MOTION CARRIES WITH MORE THAN NECESSARY
2/3RDS
(Approved by the Attorney General’s Office July 25, 2024,
posted July 30, 2024)
8:28 pm The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 48.
ARTICLE 48: AMEND ZONING BYLAW – SHORT TERM RENTALS
MOTION:
Mr. Peters moves that the Zoning Bylaw, Chapter 135 of the
Code of the Town of Lexington, be amended as follows, where
struck through text is to be removed and underlined text is to
be added:
1. Amend § 135-6.10 as follows:
6.10 SHORT TERM RENTALS.
6.10.1 PURPOSE.
The purposes of this section are to:
1. Provide a process through which certain residential
dwelling units and bedrooms within dwelling units
may be registered with the Town of Lexington for use as
“short-term rentals”;
2. Provide health and safety standards for short-term rent-
als; and
3. Provide for the orderly operation of short-term rentals
within the Town’s residential neighborhoods.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
77 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
6.10.2 DEFINITIONS.
Operator-adjacent short-term rental: The short-term rental
of a dwelling unit, that is not the primary residence of the
operator’s primary residence, but is located within a dwelling
with on a lot containing a total of four or fewer two dwelling
units where one of the dwelling units in the building is the
primary residence of the operator.
Operator-occupied short-term rental: The short-term rental
of a dwelling unit, or of individual bedrooms within a dwell-
ing unit, that is the primary residence of its operator.
Short-term rental: Any rental of a residential dwelling unit,
or of a bedroom within a dwelling unit, in exchange for pay-
ment, as residential accommodations for a duration of less
than thirty (30) consecutive days, but not a bed-and-breakfast
home, hotel, or motel.
Short-term renter: Any person or persons occupying a dwell-
ing unit, or a bedroom within a dwelling unit, as for a short-
term rental.
Short-term rental operator: The person or persons offering a
dwelling unit or bedroom within a dwelling unit, for short-
term rental, with the written permission of the owner, con-
dominium association, and homeowners association where
applicable.
6.10.3 REQUIREMENTS. Operator-occupied, and opera-
tor-adjacent short-term rentals are permitted as an accessory
use to a permitted principal residential use, subject to the
following requirements:
1. No dwelling unit, or bedroom within a dwelling unit, may
be used as a short-term rental except in compliance with
this bylaw.
2. The following kinds of dwelling units, and bedrooms
within the following kinds of dwelling units, may not be
used as short-term rentals:
i. Dwelling units designated as affordable or otherwise
income-restricted, which are subject to affordability
covenants or are otherwise subject to housing or rental
assistance under local, state, or federal programs or law;
ii. Accessory Apartments as defined in Section 6.7; and
iii. Dwelling units on lots containing three (3) or more
dwelling units.
iv. Any dwelling unit in violation of the State Sanitary Code,
105 CMR 410.3.
3. All short-term rental operators shall register with the
Building and Zoning Office prior to short-term rental
use and occupancy in conformance with Section 6.10.5
below.
4. A short-term rental operator may make available no more
than one (1) dwelling unit for operator-occupied short-
term rentals, which may include the separate short- term
rental of no more than three (3) individual bedrooms,
and one (1) dwelling unit for operator-adjacent short-
term rentals, which may be rented only as a whole unit
to one (1) party of short-term renters at any one (1) time
and may not be rented as separate bedrooms to separate
parties.
A short-term rental operator may make no more than
one (1) dwelling unit or two (2) bedrooms available for
rent by one (1) party at a time for operator occupied
short-term rentals.
A short-term rental operator may make no more than
one (1) dwelling unit available for operator-adjacent short
term rentals, which dwelling unit may be rented only as a
whole unit to one (1) party at a time. Separate bedrooms
may not be rented to separate parties in operator-adjacent
short term rentals.
No more than two (2) adult guests per bedroom or ten
(10) per dwelling, whichever is less, are permitted in a
short-term rental.
5. A short-term rental shall be limited to parking of one (1)
vehicle per lawful bedroom in the short-term rental and
no more than 4 vehicles on a lot.
6. The short-term rental operator or their agent shall main-
tain an up-to-date log of all occupants that occupy the
short-term rental, which shall contain the occupants’
names, ages, and dates of commencement and expiration
of each short-term rental period. The log shall be avail-
able for inspection by the Town’s Board of Heath and
Department of Public Safety in case of emergency. The
purpose of this requirement is to ensure that the Town
shall have basic identifying information of all occupants
of the short-term rental at all times.
7. 6. The short-term rental operator must ensure that the
property is be current with all town taxes, water, and
sewage charges.
8. 7. All short-term rental operators shall maintain liability
insurance appropriate to cover the short-term rental use.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
78
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
9. 8. During any period of seven (7) or more consecutive
days when during which the short-term rental operator is
not sleeping overnight at away from the dwelling unit, an
operator-occupied short-term rental may be rented only
as a whole unit and not rented as separate bedrooms to
separate parties.
10. 9. The number of bedrooms made available for opera-
tor-occupied short-term rentals within a dwelling unit
shall not be greater than one less than the number of
lawful bedrooms in the dwelling unit.
11. 10. Renting for an hourly rate, or for rental durations
of less than ten (10) consecutive hours, shall not be
permitted.
12. 11. Short-term rentals shall not exceed in the aggregate,
one-hundred-twenty (120) consecutive or nonconsecu-
tive calendar days per calendar year when the short- term
rental operator is not occupying the dwelling unit during
the entire term of the short-term rental.
12. Short-term rentals may not be located in the same dwell-
ing unit as rooming units.
6.10.4 REGULATIONS. The Building Commissioner shall
have the authority to promulgate regulations to carry out and
enforce the provisions of this Section
6.10 “Short-Term Rentals.”
6.10.5 REGISTRATION, INSPECTION AND FEES.
1. The short-term rental operator or the short-term rental
operator’s agent shall register with the Town, All dwelling
units, or bedrooms within a dwelling unit, offered for
short-term rentals shall register with the Town, secure
a Certificate of Registration according to standards set
forth by the Building Commissioner, and pay all associat-
ed fees for all dwelling units, or bedrooms within a dwell-
ing unit, offered for short-term rental. The Certificate of
Registration shall require the short-term rental operator
to agree to abide by the requirements of this Section 6.10.
2. It is the responsibility of t The short-term rental operator
must to renew its Certificate of Registration on an annual
basis and or upon change of operator or owner.
3. Prior to issuing or renewing a c Certificate of r Registration,
the Building and Zoning Office shall conduct an inspec-
tion to verify that each dwelling unit, or bedroom within
a dwelling unit, to be rented to short-term renters meets
the requirements of this Section 6.10.
4. Units shall be annually recorded in the Short-Term Rental
Registry for a fee set by the Select Board.
Julie Krakauer Moore, Zoning Administrator, presented in-
formation on the Article.
8:34 p.m. Debora Strod, Pct. 6, raised a Point of Order
and then served Notice of Reconsideration on
Article 47. The Moderator noted that this was
timely served and reminded her that she would
need new information to move it forward for
Reconsideration.
Recommendations:
Mr. Peters noted that the Planning Board supported passage
of the Article by a vote of 4-0-1.
Mr. Lucente stated that the Select Board was unanimous in
support of passage of the Article.
Members began to debate and discuss the Motion.
8:46 p.m. Steven Kaufman, Pct. 5, moved to Amend the
Motion. The Moderator noted that there would
be 30 minutes allowed for discussion of the
Amendment.
Move to amend the motion under Article 48 by adding the
following Section 6.10.3.13: 6.10.3.13. A short-term rental
shall not be used for large indoor or outdoor group events
such as luncheons, banquets, parties, weddings, meetings,
or seminars. The number of individuals permitted in or at a
short-term rental at any time for gatherings shall not exceed
15 (fifteen) people.
Mr. Kaufman presented information on the Amendment.
Recommendations:
Mr. Peters noted that the Planning Board had voted 5-0 in
favor of Amendment.
Mr. Sandeen stated that the Select Board was unanimously in
support of the Amendment.
Members began to debate and discuss the proposed
Amendment.
9:18 pm The Moderator noted that 30 minutes had
elapsed and closed debate on the Amendment.
Mr. Kaufman offered final remarks.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Amendment to Article 48 Short Term
Rentals
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
92 43 10
MOTION CARRIES
9:23 p.m. The Moderator noted that they were now back to
debating the Main Motion, as Amended.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
79 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
9:32 p.m. David Kanter, Pct. 7, moved the question.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
100 34 10
MOTION TO CLOSE DEBATE CARRIES
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 48 Short Term Rentals as
Amended
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
107 33 4
MOTION CARRIES WITH MORE THAN NECESSARY
2/3RDS
(Approved by the Attorney General’s Office July 25, 2024,
posted July 30, 2024)
9:39 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 49.
ARTICLE 49: AMEND ZONING BYLAW – PERMITTED USES AND DEFINITIONS
MOTION: Mr. Peters moves that the Zoning Bylaw, Chapter
135 of the Code of the Town of Lexington, be
amended as follows, where struck through text is
to be removed and underlined text is to be added,
and further that non-substantive changes to the
numbering of this bylaw be permitted to comply
with the numbering format of the Code of the
Town of Lexington.
1. Amend definitions in § 135-10.0 as follows:
RESTAURANT
An establishment primarily for serving by a waiter or waitress
and consumption of meals at tables or a counter, on the prem-
ises. A brewpub serving at least 25% of the establishment’s
brewing production capacity on-site shall be classified as a
restaurant.
An establishment whose principal business is the sale of foods
or beverages for consumption on premises, including cafés,
cafeterias, or brewpubs.
FAST-FOOD SERVICE
An establishment primarily for self-service or purchase
of food or beverage at a counter for consumption on the
premises.
2. Add new definitions in § 135-10.0 as follows (new text
not underlined):
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
80
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
CRAFT BEVERAGE ESTABLISHMENT
An establishment licensed to manufacture under M.G.L. Chapter 138 that produces less than 465,000 gallons (or 15,000 barrels)
on-site per year for consumption on or off premises, including craft breweries and microbreweries.
3. Amend Section J of Table 1, Permitted Uses and Development Standards for Eating and Drinking Establishments, as follows:
GC RO RS RT CN CRS CS CB CLO CRO CM CSX
J. EATING AND DRINKING; TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS
J.1.0 AS A PRINCIPAL USE
J.1.01 Restaurant N N N N N Y N Y N Y Y SP* (*Maximum 7,500 SP SP SP square feet gross floor area per one establishment and SP for E.1.01 ad SP for E.1.02 with regard to equipment and N for Products)
J.1.02 Fast-food service N N N N SP SP N SP N SP Y SP* (*Maximum 7,500 square feet gross floor area per one establishment and for E.1.01 and SP for E.1.02 with regard to equipment and N for products)
J.1.03 Takeout food service N N N N Y* Y* SP Y* N Y* Y* Y* SP (*Requires a special permit for Y* Y* service between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.)
4. Amend Section N.1.05 in Table 1 Permitted Uses and Development Standards for Manufacturing, Research and Development,
Life Science, and Technology Uses, as follows:
GC RO RS RT CN CRS CS CB CLO CRO CM CSX
N. MANUFACTURING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, LIFE SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY USES
N.1.0 AS A PRINCIPAL USE
N.1.05 Brewery, winery, distillery, cidery N N N N N N N N N N Y N
N.1.05 Craft Beverage Establishment N N N N SP SP SP SP SP Y Y SP
5. Amend Section Q of Table 1, Permitted Uses and Development Standards for Accessory Uses for Commercial Uses as follows:
GC RO RS RT CN CRS CS CB CLO CRO CM CSX
Q. ACCESSORY USES FOR COMMERCIAL USES
Q.1.04. Cafeteria, dining room, conference SP SP SP SP Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y rooms, function rooms, recreational facilities; the use shall be conducted primarily for the employees or clientele of the principal use and not for the general public and shall be conducted entirely within the principal building with no evidence of the existence of the use from the street or from any lot line
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
81 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
6. Amend Section I of Table 1, Permitted Uses and Development Standards Section I.1.03 as follows:
GC RO RS RT CN CRS CS CB CLO CRO CM CSX
I. SALES OR RENTAL OF GOODS AND EQUIPMENT
I.1.0 AS A PRINCIPAL USE
I.1.03 Food, not intended for consumption N N N N Y Y N Y N SP SP Y* on the premises; includes grocery store, but not a take out or fast- food service (*Maximum 7,500 square feet gross floor area per one establishment and SP for E.1.01 and N for E.1.02)
7. Amend Section 5.1.4 in the Table of Parking Requirements as follows:
Type or Use Parking Factor
Eating Establishments
Restaurant, fast-food, and other 1 per 3 seats, or 1 per 150 SF, whichever is greater; eating establishments not otherwise classified 1 per 5 seats, or 1 per 200 SF, whichever is greater in CB
8. Amend Section H.I.020 of Table 1, Permitted Uses and Development Standards as follows:
GC RO RS RT CN CRS CS CB CLO CRO CM CSX
H. PERSONAL, BUSINESS, OR GENERAL SERVICE USES
H.1.020 Private postal service N N N N N Y Y N Y N Y Y Y
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
Sandhya Iyer, Economic Development Director, presented
information on the Article.
Recommendations:
Mr. Peters noted that the Planning Board unanimously
supported the Article
Mr. Sandeen said that the Select Board unanimously
supported passage of the Article.
Mr. McGaw stated that the Economic Development Advisory
Committee unanimously recommended passage of the article
6-0.
Innessa Manning, Pct. 6, spoke on behalf of the Lexington
Center Committee and noted that they had voted unani-
mously in favor of the Article.
9:50 pm The Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Motion to Approve Article 49 Permitted Uses and
Definitions
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
143 1 2
MOTION CARRIES WITH MORE THAN NECESSARY
2/3RDS
(Approved by the Attorney General’s Office July 25, 2024, posted July 30, 2024)
9:52p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 21.
ARTICLE 21: AMEND FY2024 OPERATING, ENTERPRISE AND CPA BUDGETS
MOTION: Ms. Barry moves that this article be indefinitely
postponed.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 21 – Amend FY2024 Operating,
Enterprise and CPA Budgets (IP)
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
141 0 1
MOTION CARRIES
9:54p.m. The Moderator asked for a procedural motion
to take up Article 46. Ms. Barry moved to take
up Article 46. Motion approved by unanimous
voice vote.
82
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
ARTICLE 46: ROYAL FAMILY INVITATION TO 250TH CELEBRATION
MOTION: Mr. Lucente moves that this article will be indefi-
nitely postponed
9:55 p.m. Mr. Lucente presented information on the Article
and a statement that the Select Board unani-
mously supported the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 46 – Royal Family Invitation to
250th Celebration (IP)
Yes No Abstain
133 3 4
MOTION CARRIES
9:57 p.m. The Moderator called the Meeting open under
Article 2.
ARTICLE 2: ELECTION OF DEPUTY MODERATOR AND REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
l. Report of School Building Committee
MOTION: Ms. Cuthbertson moves that the report of the
School Building Committee be received and
placed on file. As there were no objections the
motion carries unanimously.
ARTICLE 2: ELECTION OF DEPUTY MODERATOR AND REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
k. Report of the Recreation Committee
MOTION: Mr. Boutwell moves that the report of the
Recreation Committee received and placed on
file. As there were no objections the motion car-ries unanimously
9:59 p.m. The Moderator asked for a Motion to Adjourn.
Joe Pato, Select Board Chair, Motioned to Adjourn the
Annual Town Meeting to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10,
2024, such meeting to be held at the Margery Milne Battin
Hall, Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue
and by means of remote participation. The Moderator de-
clared that Motion was adopted by unanimous voice vote and
the Meeting adjourned.
April 10, 2024 Adjourned Session of the 2024 Annual Town Meeting
Moderator Deborah Brown called the seventh session of the
hybrid 2024 Annual Town Meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. on
Wednesday April 10, at the Margery Milne Battin Hall in the
Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue and
by means of remote participation, a quorum in excess of 100
members was present (163).
The Moderator reminded Members participating remotely
to mute themselves while on the Portal. She then explained
seating and parliamentary procedure for the evening. The
Moderator gave notice of quorum at 8:28 p.m. and stated that
she would leave the Portal open while Mr. Pato gave a brief
announcement regarding the School Building Project. After
the Moderator noted that a quorum had been reached, she
said that a Memorial for Michelle Goddard would be held.
MEMORIAL - MICHELLE GODDARD
Michelle passed away on October 12, 2023 after suffering
complications from a head injury sustained when she fell
during a run. Michelle served for 6 years in Town Meeting
and had always been inspired by the legacy of her father,
William Holmes, who had served in Belmont’s Town govern-
ment for many years.
When Michelle’s husband, Patrick, became a full-time em-
ployee of the Town of Lexington as Director of Facilities, a
job that included nights at Town Meeting, she decided it was
time to run for herself. She did the things you do when you’re
serious about running for Town Meeting, and in Precinct 3,
that meant presenting your case at the Candidate’s Night at
Brookhaven and standing with your sign at Clark Middle
School on election day. As luck would have it, Tom Fenn was
running for re-election in Precinct 3 and holding his own
sign at the same time. Tom had coached Michelle and Pat’s
daughter Megan in softball so Tom told everyone who passed
by to not only vote for him, but for Michelle, as well, and that
did not hurt her case at all. In fact, at a Select Board meeting
the next day, Jean Krieger asked Pat, “How did your wife get
so many votes?”
Michelle was an accountant by profession and was asked to
be the TMMA Treasurer. She accepted and enjoyed serving
on the Executive Committee, but her favorite TMMA activ-
ity was the bus tour. She really loved seeing all the facilities
and sites related to the upcoming articles. At Town Meeting
she liked the camaraderie of sitting with her Precinct, and
often sat next to Glenn Parker, who she enjoyed getting to
know as they sat together, until he joined the Appropriation
Committee and had to sit most nights, on the stage.
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
83 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
In 2019 Michelle retired from her job as a Comptroller for
Liberty Mutual where she had worked for over 33 years.
Retirement gave her more time for her favorite activities,
world travel, relaxing at the beach, and attending Red Sox
and Patriot’s games with her family. Even after she and Pat
moved from Lexington and began splitting their time be-
tween Venice, Florida and Rockport, Massachusetts, she still
enjoyed meeting with her Lexington book club.
The Moderator extended her deepest sympathies to Michelle’s
husband Pat, daughter Megan, son Michael and his wife Mary,
to her siblings, and her many nieces and nephews and asked
for a Moment of Silence in her honor.
7:43 p.m. The Moderator asked for a procedural motion
to take up Articles 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38 in that
order. Mr. Pato moved to take up Articles 34, 35,
36, 37, and 38. Motion approved by unanimous
voice vote.
The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 34
ARTICLE 34 : AMEND GENERAL BYLAWS – TREE BYLAW - TREE PROTECTION PLAN
MOTION: Mr. Paul moves that the Town’s Tree Bylaw,
Chapter 120 Sections 3A, 8B, and 8D of the Code
of the Town of Lexington, be amended as follows
where struck through text is to be removed and
bolded text is to be added:
1. Amend § 120-3(A) Definitions to add the following
definition:
CERTIFIED ARBORIST
An arborist who is certified by the International Society
of Arboriculture or through the Massachusetts Certified
Arborist Program of the Massachusetts Arborists
Association.
2. Amend § 120-8(B), (B)(2), and (2) Protected trees, as
follows (only sections being changed are included below)
(B) Procedures. When major construction or demolition is
planned, the owner of the property shall submit to the Tree
Warden, the Building Commissioner or designee as part of
the application for a building or demolition permit a site plan
drawn and stamped by a registered land surveyor, showing all
existing trees on the property of six-inch DBH or greater. The
owner shall also submit the tree species, if known, location,
DBH for all trees on the property of six-inch DBH or greater,
whether or not they are proposed to be removed, and for
any trees six inches DBH or greater that are proposed to be
removed, the reason for removal and alternatives to removal
considered. The owner shall also submit to the Town a tree
protection plan prepared by a Certified Arborist for any
Protected Trees that are to be retained on the site and for
any trees in the Town right of way (including public shade
trees).
[Amended 4-4-2007 ATM by Art. 13; 3-19-2008 ATM by Art.
37; 3-27-2019 ATM by Art. 34; 4-14-2021 ATM by Art. 33]
(2)
The Building Commissioner shall refer the tree proposal to
the Tree Warden. The Tree Warden shall conduct a site visit. If
the applicant’s proposal is consistent with the mitigation and
tree protection requirements herein and the rules, regula-
tions or manuals issued by the Select Board, the Tree Warden
will issue a permit within 10 20 business days of receipt by the
Tree Warden of the proposal to authorize the tree work. If the
proposal does not meet or satisfy these requirements, the Tree
Warden shall so notify the applicant and deny the permit.
D.
Trees not removed. Trees that are to be left on the site and
trees in the Town right-of-way must be protected as speci-
fied in Section VIIIB in the Tree Management Manual. These
protection measures shall be delineated within the Tree
Protection Plan prepared by a Certified Arborist and sub-
mitted to the Town, shall be installed prior to commence-
ment of any demolition or site work, and shall remain in
place until the site is ready for final landscaping. The ap-
plicant shall submit to the Town written documentation,
prepared, dated and signed by a Certified Arborist, certify-
ing that the required tree protections identified in the Tree
Protection Plan have been installed. The Tree Protection
Plan (or any amendment thereto) may allow for temporary
encroachment within the critical root zone or drip-line of a
Protected Tree, as necessary, provided the Tree Protection
Plan specifies mitigating measures the applicant shall take,
including a maintenance plan for the tree.
(1)
Each Protected Tree or Town Tree retained under a Tree
Protection Plan shall be maintained in good health for a
period of no less than twelve (12) months from the date
of issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy for an asso-
ciated project. Should the tree die or be removed within
this twelve (12) month period, the owner of the property
shall be required to provide mitigation consistent with the
requirements for the removal of a Protected Tree or Town
Tree as contained in this bylaw within nine (9) months
from the death or removal of the original tree.
[Added 4-4-2007 ATM by Art. 13; amended 4-5-2017 ATM
by Art. 37]
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
84
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Add a new § 120-8(E)(5) as follows:. (5)
Upon notice from the Tree Warden that work on any
property on which a Protected Tree is located is being per-
formed contrary to any applicable Tree Protection Plan or
any provision of this Chapter, such work may be immedi-
ately stopped by the Tree Warden or a designee of the Tree
Warden. The stop work order shall be in writing, and shall
be given to the owner of the property involved, or to the
owner’s agent, or to the person doing the work, and shall
state the conditions under which work will be permitted
to resume.
Recommendations:
Ms. Moyer stated that the Tree Committee recommended the
passage of the Article.
Mr. Pato stated that the Select Board unanimously supported
passage of the Article.
Mr. Peters stated that the Planning Board unanimously sup-
ported passage of the Article.
Mr. Hamilton noted that the Conservation Commission
unanimously supported passage of the Article.
Mr. Michelson stated that the Appropriation Committee’s
comments would cover Articles 34, 35, 36 and that they had
chosen to comment without making a recommendation in
order to inform Town Meeting about possible expenses in the
future due to the need for staffing to enforce them.
Ms. Arens noted that the Sustainable Lexington Committee
unanimously supported passage of Articles.34, 35, 36
7:56 p.m. Members discussed the Article including set-
backs and overlays.
8:25 p.m. David Kanter, Pct. 7, called the question.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
130 26 8
MOTION CARRIES
No final comments were offered on the Article.
8:27 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 34 Amend General Bylaws –
Tree Bylaw- Tree Protection Plan
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
146 12 4
MOTION CARRIES
(Approved by the Attorney General’s Office July 25, 2024,
posted July 30, 2024)
8:28 p.m. Moderator officially stated for the record that
there was a quorum when attendance was taken,
and that the Black Cat Café was open.
8:29 p.m. Pam Hoffman, Precinct 7, raised a Point of Order
that she was unsure whether she had voted. The
Moderator explained how to review votes and
noted that it was too late to add hers.
The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 35
ARTICLE 35: AMEND GENERAL BYLAWS – TREE BYLAW - REQUIRE MITIGATION PLANTING IN CERTAIN INSTANCES
MOTION: Mr. Paul moves that the Town’s Tree Bylaw,
Chapter 120 section 8C of the Code of the Town
of Lexington, be amended as follows where bold-
ed text is to be added:
Amend § 120-8 C Mitigation by adding new sections (5) to
(6) as follows
(5)
Mitigation shall include a minimum number of trees to be
replanted in the front setback and/or the Town right-of-
way rather than payment into the Tree Fund. This required
number of replanted trees shall be the lesser of
that needed to satisfy the mitigation requirements for pro-
tected trees removed, and
that needed to achieve the desired minimum street-frontage
tree spacing, as described below, subject to the availability of
planting sites:
The desired minimum street-frontage tree spacing is
achieved when there is no greater than a 35’ gap in be-
tween trees located in the combined area of the Town right
of way and the front setback of a property, as measured
along the street frontage. An available planting site shall
conform to Tree Planting Guidelines established by the
Tree Committee and approved by the Select Board and
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
85 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
be deemed appropriate by the Tree Warden. Planting may
occur in the Town right-of-way with permission of the Tree
Warden. Replanted trees shall be selected from the Large
Shade Tree list, unless there are mitigating circumstances
as delineated in the Tree Planting Guidelines.
(6)
All new trees planted to mitigate the removal of Protected
Tree(s) shall be maintained in good health for a period of
no less than 12 months from the date of issuance of the
Certificate of Occupancy. If a replacement tree dies within
this 12 month period, the owner of the property shall be
responsible for replacing the tree with a tree equal to or
greater than the size of the original replacement tree at the
time of planting; such tree shall be planted within nine (9)
months of the death of the original replacement tree.
8:30 p.m. Daniel Miller presented information on the
Article.
8:37 p.m. Steven Kaufman, Pct. 5, raised a Point of Order,
and noted that he was experiencing an issue with
his tablet. Mr. Pato stated that the vote screen
had been accidentally enabled, but it had been
recalled to be back to debate.
Recommendations:
Ms. Moyer stated that the Tree Committee unanimously sup-
ported the Article.
Mr. Pato said that the Select Board had 4 in sup-
port of the Article and 1 awaiting discussion.
Mr. Peters stated that the Planning Board unanimously sup-
ported passage of the Article.
Mr. Hamilton said that the Conservation Commission unan-
imously supported passage of the Article.
8:38 p.m. Members discussed and debated the Article.
8:58 p.m. As there were no final comments, the Moderator
opened voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 35 Amend General Bylaws –
Tree Bylaw- Mitigation Planning
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
157 10 1
MOTION CARRIES
(Approved by the Attorney General’s Office July 25, 2024,
posted July 30, 2024)
8:59 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 36
ARTICLE 36: GENERAL BYLAWS – TREE BYLAW - EXEMPTIONS
MOTION: Mr. Paul moves that the Town’s Tree Bylaw,
Chapter 120 § 3A and 9 of the Code of the Town
of Lexington, be amended as follows, where
struck through text is to be removed and bolded
text is to be added:
Amend § 120-3(A) Definitions by adding the following
definition:
CERTIFIED ARBORIST
An arborist who is certified by the International Society
of Arboriculture or through the Massachusetts Certified
Arborist Program of the Massachusetts Arborists
Association.
Amend, add and reletter § 120-9 (B), (C) and (D) Emergencies and exemptions as follows:
B.
Town Ttrees that are hazardous as determined in writing by
the Tree Warden;
C.
Trees that in accordance with a Level 2 ISA, BMP Tree Risk Assessment submitted to the Town, have a high or extreme overall tree risk rating for which no alternative reasonable mitigation of the risk exists other than by the removal of the tree as determined in writing by a Certified Arborist.
D.
Invasive tree species as defined in regulations established by the Tree Committee and approved by the Select Board.
(Reserved)[1]
[1]
Editor’s Note: Former Subsection C, which excluded invasive
tree species, was repealed 3-22-2010 ATM by Art. 27.
Nancy Sofen, Member of the Lexington Tree Committee,
presented information on the Article.
Recommendations:
Ms. Moyer noted that the Tree Committee was unanimously
in support of the Article.
Mr. Pato said that the Select Board was unanimously in sup-
port of the Article.
Mr. Peters stated that the Planning Board was unanimously
recommended approval of the Article.
Mr. Hamilton said that Conservation Commission was unan-
imously in support of the Article.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
86
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
9:09 pm The Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 36 Amend General Bylaws –
Tree Bylaw- Exemptions
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
165 3 2
MOTION CARRIES
(Approved by the Attorney General’s Office July 25, 2024,
posted July 30, 2024)
9:12 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 37.
ARTICLE 37: IMPORTANCE OF TREES RESOLUTION (Citizen Petition)
MOTION: Ms. Pappo moves that the Town adopt the
following resolution:
WHEREAS, trees are one of the best defenses Lexington can
have against the growing impacts of climate change;
WHEREAS, Middlesex County has historically had 8.7 days
each year above 90°, but by century’s end we are expected to
have 35 such days under a low-to-moderate emissions scenar-
io and 67 days with business-as-usual emissions;
WHEREAS, heat like this creates health risks for our children,
elderly and other vulnerable populations, and places an enor-
mous energy burden on our cooling systems and will make
many summer outdoor activities unpleasant if not dangerous;
WHEREAS, trees can reduce heating and cooling energy
use by 25% or more by shading our homes in summer and
buffering them against wind in winter;
WHEREAS, a tree canopy, through shading and evapotrans-
piration, can lower summer air temperatures 4- 6°F and the
heat experienced by someone moving from sun to shade by
20°F or more, the difference between our children playing
outside or sitting in an air-conditioned room;
WHEREAS, trees combat climate change both by sequester-
ing carbon directly and by reducing building energy demands
(due to tree shading and windbreak);
WHEREAS, trees mitigate stormwater and flooding impacts
by promoting soil infiltration and intercepting rainfall that
then evaporates;
WHEREAS, trees improve air quality through uptake of gas-
eous pollution via leaf pores and interception of particulates,
and inhibit the formation of smog;
WHEREAS, trees are a foundational part of the ecological
communities that surround and sustain us, providing habitat
to countless species of insects, fungi, moss, birds, mammals,
and plants, and serving as critical elements in most food
chains;
WHEREAS, trees enhance property values, as suggested by
a range of studies that have found increases of about 3 to 15
percent in residential property values associated with the
presence of trees and vegetation;
WHEREAS, studies have shown that trees provide a wealth
of mental health and quality-of-life benefits, from increased
cognitive function to reductions in stress and anxiety, reduced
crime, and even more rapid recovery from surgery;
WHEREAS, shade trees can take 100 years or more to mature
and fill the canopy, and what is cut down now may not be
regrown in our children’s lifetimes; and
WHEREAS, the Town’s recently adopted Climate Action
Plan notes that “increasing tree canopy overall will enhance
community health and resilience by providing natural cool-
ing, reducing pollution, and mitigating flooding,” and sets as
a town goal to “protect and expand Lexington’s tree canopy;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of
Lexington declares that a robust tree canopy is vital to the
quality of life, public health, and sustainability of Lexington
and its residents, workers, and visitors;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town declares that
facilitating the growth and maintenance of this canopy, in-
cluding widespread public shade and tree-lined streets, is
a goal of the Town and commits to using its resources and
authority in partnership with community members to work
towards this goal with appropriate investment and regulatory
measures, while mindful of the need for balance with other
pressing public needs including other town services, housing
and solar energy production;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that to achieve this goal,
Town departments and committees are called upon to set
actionable goals reflecting the magnitude of the need and
metrics by which to measure their progress;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town of Lexington
commits to educating our residents about the importance of
trees to our and our children’s quality of life; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town of Lexington
underscores the need for full community participation, inclu-
sion, and support in this endeavor, and recognizes that the
residents of Lexington, community organizations, academic
institutions, faith, youth, labor, business and homeowners’
associations and groups, as well as groups focused on envi-
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
87 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
ronmental, food and economic issues all have an important
role to play in providing support and leadership for this effort.
9:13 p.m. Charles Wyman, one of the residents who circu-
lated the Petition, presented information on the
Article.
Recommendations:
Ms. Moyer noted that the Tree Committee was unanimously
in support of the Resolution.
Mr. Pato said that the Select Board had 3 Members in support,
and 2 awaiting discussion, but then corrected the count to 5
Members in support as 2 Members had updated their vote
that evening.
Mr. Hamilton stated that the Conservation Commission was
unanimously in support of the Article.
Ms. Arens said that the Sustainable Lexington Committee
was unanimously in support of the Article.
9:19 p.m. Members discussed and debated the Article.
9:39 p.m. Marsha Baker, Pct. 7, called the question.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
118 31 10
MOTION CARRIES
9:43 pm As there were no final comments on the Article,
the Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 37 Importance of Trees
Resolution (Citizen Petition)
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
131 24 6
MOTION CARRIES
9:44 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 38.
ARTICLE 38: AMEND REGULATION OF FOSSIL FUEL INFRASTRUCTURE BYLAW – MEET DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY RESOURCES (DOER) REQUESTED CHANGES
MOTION: Ms. Hai moves that the following sections of
Chapter 106 of the Code of the Town of Lexington be amend-
ed as follows effective January 1, 2025 (new language in bold
and deleted language struck through for reference only) and
that non-substantive changes to the numbering of this bylaw
be permitted to comply with the numbering format of the
Code of the Town of Lexington:
(1) The definition of “Major Renovation” in
Section 106-2:
“Major Renovation” shall mean a project associated with
a valid building permit application filed on or after the
Effective Date of this article that meets the definition of Level
3 Alteration Major Renovation as defined in 225 CMR 22
and 2324:
(a) low-rise residential additions over 1,000
square feet and additions exceeding 100% of the
conditioned floor area of the existing dwelling
unit,
(b) additions over 20,000 square feet and addi-tions that exceed 100% of the conditioned floor areas of the existing building for all building use types except low-rise residential,
(c) Level 3 Alterations as defined in the
International Existing Building Code (IEBC
2021) (which exceed 50% of the existing condi-
tioned floor area) exceeding 1,000 square feet for
low rise residential, or exceeding 20,000 square
feet for all other building uses, or
(d) Change of use of over 1,000 square feet per International Energy Conservation Code (IECC 2021) Sections R505, or
(e) change of use of over 20,000 square feet or
change of use of 100% of the conditioned floor
areas of the existing building for all building use
types except low-rise residential, International
Energy Conservation Code (IECC 2021) Sections
C505.
(2) Section 106-3 Applicability:
106- 3 Applicability
This Chapter shall apply to all building permit applications
for New Buildings and Major Renovations proposed to be
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
88
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
located in whole or in part within the Town, except that this
Chapter shall not apply to:
A. Research laboratories for scientific or medical
research,
B. Hospitals regulated by the department of public
health as a health care facility,
C. Medical offices regulated by the department of
public health as a health care facility,
D. Buildings heated with Clean Biomass Heating
Systems as defined in 225 CMR 23 as the only com-
bustion equipment,
E. Multi-family buildings over 12,000 square feet
with permit application filed prior to January 1,
2027 that utilize gas or propane for domestic water
heating as the only combustion equipment,
F. Utility service piping connecting the grid to a
meter, or to a gas meter itself;
G. The extension or modification of heating systems
via HVAC system modification, or modification of
radiator, steam, or hot water piping, provided new
fossil fuel piping is not installed;
H. Repairs of any existing portions of a fuel pip-
ing system deemed unsafe or dangerous by the
Plumbing and Gas Fitting Inspector, or
I. For building permit applications for New
Buildings and Major Renovations filed before
December 31, 2024: Piping required to fuel backup
electrical generators, indoor or outdoor cooking
appliances, indoor or outdoor fireplaces or fire fea-
tures, or appliances for outdoor heating; or
J. For building permit applications for New
Buildings and Major Renovations filed on or after
January 1, 2025: Piping required to fuel backup
electrical generators, outdoor cooking appliances,
outdoor fireplaces or fire features, or appliances
for outdoor heating.
Maggie Peard, Sustainability and Resilience Officer, presented
information on the Article.
Recommendations:
Ms. Hai stated that the Select Board had 4 Members in sup-
port and 1 opposed.
Ms. Arens noted that the Sustainable Lexington Committee
was unanimously in support of the Article.
Mr. McGaw said that the Economic Development Advisory
Committee recommends that the Select Board and Town
Meeting oppose the removal of the exemption for indoor
cooking appliances and indoor fireplaces as written in section
j of the Article, and are supportive of the changes defining
major renovations, and approved those unanimously 6-0.
Senator Michael Barrett spoke in favor of the Article.
9:57 p.m. Meeting Members discussed the Article.
10:13 p.m. Dawn McKenna, Pct. 6, called the question.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
118 30 10
10:14 p.m. As there were no final comments the Moderator
opened voting on Article 38.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 38 – Amend Regulation of
Fossil Fuel Infrastructure Bylaw – Meet Department of
Energy Resources (DOER) Request Changes.
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
125 26 7
MOTION CARRIES
(Approved by the Attorney General’s Office July 25, 2024, posted July 30, 2024)
10:15 p.m. The Moderator asked for a Motion to Adjourn.
Joe Pato, Select Board Chair, Motioned to Adjourn the
Annual Town Meeting to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24,
2024, such meeting to be held at the Margery Milne Battin
Hall, Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue
and by means of remote participation. The Moderator de-
clared that Motion was adopted by unanimous voice vote and
the Meeting adjourned.
April 24, 2024 Adjourned Session of the 2024 Annual Town Meeting
Moderator Deborah Brown called the eighth session of 2024
Annual Town Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday,
April 24, 2024, at the Margery Milne Battin Hall in the Cary
Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue and by
means of remote participation, a quorum in excess of 100
members was present (146).
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
89 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
The Moderator reminded Members participating remotely to
mute themselves while on the Portal. She then explained seat-
ing and parliamentary procedure for the evening and asked
Members to login for attendance. The Moderator gave notice
of quorum at 7:34 p.m. and stated that she would leave the
Portal open while more Members came into the Hall.
The Moderator noted that they would hold a Memorial for
Jane Buckley.
MEMORIAL – JANE BUCKLEY
Jane Buckley passed on January 27, 2024, at the age of 91. She
grew up in Dorchester, graduated from Dorchester High
School, then attended Boston Business School. Jane and her
husband, James, settled in Lexington in 1953, purchasing a
house at 46 Middle Street, where they raised their family. The
Moderator noted that their daughter, Jackie, and their son,
Jeff, were present in the audience that evening. Their first
born, Jay, was sadly stricken with leukemia and died at the
age of 8.
It was Jane’s husband, James, who first ran for Town Meeting
serving for 9 years. Jane soon decided to run, herself. She was
first elected in 1971 as a Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member.
The Moderator noted that this was when Lexington only had
6 precincts. She went on to serve for 23 years, first in precinct
6, and then in precinct 9 when the precincts were increased
(1971-1994).
Both James and Jane were concerned with the pace of de-
velopment in Lexington and advocated for the preservation
of numerous parcels of open space, including the Napoli
Family property and Idlyewilde Farm, a portion of which is
permanently preserved as conservation land. Jane was also
appointed to the Capital Expenditures Committee, serving in
the early 1980s.
Jane’s daughter Jackie describes how her mother made it “her
business” to be overprepared as a Town Meeting Member,
fueled in part by her sense that others had more formal ed-
ucation (Jane didn’t have a college degree) and feared others
wouldn’t take her seriously. She would research areas coming
before Town Meeting, talking with the people who would be
impacted, and practicing her planned remarks. She wasn’t a
frequent speaker at Town Meeting, but when she did speak,
she was well prepared. She earned the respect of her Town
Meeting peers because of her diligent preparation, certain-
ly, but also for her positive collegial approach. She brought
that same approach to her work on the Lexington Field and
Garden Club. Her biggest Garden Club project each year was
decorating Buckman Tavern and Cary Library for Christmas,
and she spent weeks preparing, researching, collecting plants
and materials that would be historically accurate. Years later,
she made good on her life-long dream to get a college degree
at the age of 70 she graduated from Regis College with a BA
in English Literature.
Jeff described their mother as someone who was kind, full of
fun, and very social. She was famous for her daily 2 to 3-mile
walks, no matter the weather, greeting everyone and their pets
with cheer. She and James were the parents who showed up at
every hockey game and every baseball game – Jane with her ½
gallon of lemonade and donuts for the team. She was beloved
among Jeff’s friends, who continued to visit his parents, even
after he went away to college.
Jeff shared one anecdote about his mother that captured
her sense of humor and quite a mischievous streak. James
and Jane loved to sail and had a boat in Marblehead. Once,
sailing in the outer harbor they came upon a naval destroyer
anchored there. Jane insisted that she wanted to get up close
to see it, and when James obliged, she jumped onto the gang-
way, saluted the flag and the lieutenant on deck, and called
out “permission to come on board, sir”. The lieutenant was so
flabbergasted that he allowed it, and Jane and the kids got to
tour the ship.
The Moderator extended deepest sympathies to Jane’s daugh-
ter, Jackie Buckley and her spouse Dawn Ridge, her son, Jeff,
and her 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, her
many nieces and nephews, and noted Jane’s husband of 63
years passed away in 2016. She then asked Members to ob-
serve a Moment of Silence in Jane’s memory.
8:03 p.m. The Moderator asked for a procedural motion to
take up Articles 31, 40, 43, and 45 in that order.
Mr. Pato moved to take up Articles 31, 40, 43, and
45. Motion approved by unanimous voice vote.
8:05 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 31.
ARTICLE 31: PROHIBIT SINGLE-SERVE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES (Citizen Petition)
MOTION:
Mr. Morse-Fortier moves that Chapter 81 of the General
Bylaws be amended to add a new Article IV that would read
as follows:
§81-16. Sale of Drinking Water in Single-Serving PET
Bottles
It shall be unlawful to sell non-sparkling, unflavored drinking
water in single-serving polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bot-
tles of 1 liter (34 ounces) or less in the Town of Lexington on
or after January 1, 2025.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
90
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
§81-17. Exemption for Emergencies
Sales occurring subsequent to a declaration of an emergency
adversely affecting the availability and/or quality of drinking
water to Lexington residents by the Emergency Management
Director or other duly- authorized Town, Commonwealth or
United States official shall be exempt from this Bylaw until
seven days after such declaration has ended.
§81-18. Enforcement Process
Enforcement of this Bylaw shall be the responsibility of the
Town Manager or their designee. The Town Manager shall
determine the inspection process to be followed, incorpo-
rating the process into other town duties as appropriate. Any
establishment conducting sales in violation of this Bylaw shall
be subject to a non- criminal disposition fine as specified in
the Regulations for Enforcement of Town Bylaws under MGL
c. 40, § 21D as specified in Section 1-6(B) of the Code of the
Town of Lexington. Any such fines shall be paid to the Town
of Lexington.
§81-19. Suspension of the Bylaw
If the Town Manager determines that the cost of implement-
ing and enforcing this Bylaw has become unreasonable, then
the Town Manager shall so advise the Select Board and the
Select Board shall conduct a Public Hearing to inform the
citizens of such costs. Subsequent to the Public Hearing, the
Select Board may continue this Bylaw in force or may sus-
pend it permanently or for such length of time as they may
determine.
Tom Wanderer presented information on the Article.
Recommendations:
Mr. Hai stated that while the Article aligns with sustainability
goals and long term vision for the Select Board, there were a
few concerns with the impact of the Article. There were not
currently enough hydration stations throughout Town to
ensure access to all visitors or residents who might require
drinking water outside of a restaurant setting, and those that
were around are not available year-round due to freezing
hazards which could result in burst pipes. She noted that the
Select Board had voted 2-3 opposed to the Article.
Ms. Arens noted that the Sustainable Lexington Committee
supported the Article and had reaffirmed that at their most
recent meeting.
Mr. McGaw stated that although the Economic Development
Advisory Committee appreciates the importance the need to
reduce plastic in the environment, but they had recommend-
ed that the Select Board not support the Article at this time,
but if it was a new priority for them, it was suggested that the
Sustainability Officer be directed to look at other communi-
ties of Lexington’s size and how this issue was being handled
and managed at the local level. He noted that the Committee
also recommended a close review of the feasibility of local
businesses implementing it and the potential negative impact
on residents and visitor with regards to access to water. The
Committee had unanimously approved this position 6/0.
Mr. Michaelson spoke on behalf of the Lexington Center
Committee and first noted that he wished to clarify some
misinformation in the presentation and that Needham had
not passed this initiative as they had it coming forward in
May. He noted that the Lexington Center Committee had
voted unanimously on March 14 to disapprove the Article.
He further noted that the Committee supported the intention
of the Article but more work needed to be done.
7:53p.m. Members discussed and debated the Article.
8:14 p.m. Eric Michelson, Pct. 1, offered the following
Amendment.
Mr. Michaelson moves that by substituting the
motion, as follows: That this article will be re-
ferred back to the Select Board. The Moderator
noted that the timing was starting now for the ½
hour allowed for an Amendment. Mr. Michelson
presented information on the Amendment.
8:18 p.m. Ms. Hai stated that the Select Board was 4-1
in favor of the and they could refer it to the
Sustainable Lexington Committee to expedite it.
8:45 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on the
Amendment. Mr. Michaelson offered final com-
ments on the Amendment.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Amend Article 31 – Refer back to Select Board
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
65 95 1
MOTION FAILS
8:49 p.m. The Moderator reopened the meeting under the
original Article.
8:59 p.m. Anil Ahuja, Pct. 5, called the question.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
108 39 13
MOTION PASSES (continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
91 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
9:00 p.m. Mr. Wanderer offered final remarks on the
Article. The Moderator opened voting on
Article 31.
9:01 p.m. Mr. Michelson, Pct. 1, raised a Point of Order,
and noted that the maker of the motion misquot-
ed information. The Moderator stated that they
would be moving on.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 31 – Prohibit Single-Serve
Plastic Water Bottles (Citizens Petition).
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
127 33 8
MOTION CARRIES
(Approved by the Attorney General’s Office July 25, 2024, posted July 30, 2024)
9:02 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 40
ARTICLE 40: INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT RESOLUTION (Citizen Petition)
MOTION: Ms. Bothwell Allen moves that
WHEREAS, Town Meeting wishes to protect the health and
welfare of Lexington, its residents and visitors, and local wild-
life, by reducing the use of second-generation anticoagulant
rodenticides and promoting Integrated Pest Management
strategies; and
WHEREAS, second-generation anticoagulants are more
likely than first-generation anticoagulants to kill non-target
animals that feed on poisoned prey or carcasses, and remain
longer in animal tissues; and as such, second-generation anti-
coagulants pose greater risks to non-target species including
pets and wildlife, and children are at risk of poisoning when
coming into contact with highly toxic second-generation
anticoagulants; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of public health to elim-
inate the use of toxic rodenticides on town land, ponds and
waterways, to encourage the reduction and elimination of the
use of toxic rodenticides including on Town-owned proper-
ties, and
WHEREAS, the Town finds that a balanced and healthy eco-
system is vital to the health of the Town and its residents and
visitors, and as such it is also in need of protection from expo-
sure to hazardous chemicals including rodenticides, includ-
ing and especially on Town- owned and managed properties;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
A. Town Meeting urges the Town and all its property-hold-
ing or managing entities, including departments, com-
missions, boards and other subdivisions, to introduce
and promote management practices known commonly
as “Integrated Pest Management” for the remediation of
rodent infestations; and further
B. The Town continue its current work to develop and imple-
ment an Integrated Pest Management Policy and/or set of
practices with the goal of eliminating use of second genera-
tion anticoagulant rodenticides by or on behalf of municipal
property owning or managing entities; and further
C. The Town engage in public education and outreach efforts
about the benefits of Integrated Pest Management policies
and practices on Town-owned land and in general.
Marci Semanska, Founder of Save Lexington Wildlife,
presented information on the Article.
Recommendations:
Mr. Sandeen stated that the Select Board was unanimously in
support of the Article.
Mr. Hamilton stated that the Conservation Commission was
unanimously in support of the Article.
Ms. Arens stated that the Sustainable Lexington Committee
was unanimously in support of the Article.
9:10 p.m. Members discussed the Article and students from
the Diamond Middle School, offered their thoughts.
9:24 p.m. Steven Heinrich, Pct. 3, called the question.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
134 14 9
MOTION CARRIES
9:26 p.m. Ms. Sarnesta offered a brief comment and the
Moderator opened voting on Article 40.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 40 – Integrated Pest Management
Resolution (Citizen Petition).
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
157 1 1
MOTION CARRIES
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
92
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
9:27 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 43
ARTICLE 43: VOTING RIGHTS 16 AND OLDER (Citizen Petition)
MOTION:
Kunal Botla moves that the Select Board be authorized
to petition the General Court of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts to enact legislation in substantially the form
below to grant the Town of Lexington the authority to en-
dow legal voting rights in municipal elections for Town of
Lexington residents aged 16 and 17 years old, and further
that the Select Board be authorized to approve amendments
to said act by the General Court before its enactment that are
within the scope of the general objectives of this motion.
“An Act granting the Town of Lexington the authority to
endow legal voting rights in municipal elections for Town
of Lexington residents aged 16 and 17 years old.”
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in
General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as
follows:
SECTION 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1
of Chapter 51 of the General Laws or any other general or
special law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, any individual
aged 16 or 17 years old residing in the Town of Lexington,
who is ineligible to vote under state law due to age, but who is
otherwise eligible to vote under state law, may upon applica-
tion have their names entered on a list of voters established by
the office of the town clerk for the Town of Lexington. Such
individuals on the list of voters may vote in any election for
local offices and local ballot questions in accordance with this
Act. For the purposes of this Act, “local voters” are anyone
who is eligible to vote pursuant to this Act in a local election
or upon a local ballot question in the Town of Lexington.
SECTION 2. Said office of the town clerk shall establish a
separate registration list for local voters who shall fill out an
alternative registration form. Upon turning eighteen, each
local voter shall be taken off said list and notified that he or
she must register as a regular voter in accordance with state
law, regulations, and guidelines, in order to be eligible to vote.
Said office shall create and print, at the Town of Lexington’s
expense, the special registration form needed for the purpose
of registering local voters.
SECTION 3. Said board is hereby authorized to promulgate
regulations, guidelines and forms to implement the purpose
of this act.
SECTION 4. If a local ballot question appears on a state elec-
tion ballot, the office of the Town Clerk shall print a separate
ballot for the local ballot question at the expense of the Town
of Lexington.
SECTION 5. The Town of Lexington is hereby authorized to
pass ordinances to implement the purpose of this act subject
to all the provisions of Chapter 215, Acts of 1929 and Chapter
753, Acts of 1968, as amended.
SECTION 6. Nothing in this act shall be construed to confer
upon local voters the right to vote for any state or federal
office or any state or federal ballot questions.
(02/06/2024)
Kunal Botla presented information on the Article (2:16)
Recommendations:
Mr. Lucente noted that the Select Board had voted with 3 in
favor and 2 awaiting Town Meeting discussion.
9:31 p.m. Members discussed and debated the Article.
10:06 p.m. Steve Heinrich, Pct. 3, called the question.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
112 35 12
MOTION CARRIES
10:08 p.m. Mr. Boudett, Pct. 4, raised a Point of Order and
requested the final vote of the Select Board, Ms.
Barry noted that she would be voting “no” and
Ms. Hai noted that she would be abstaining as she
was in favor of the substance of the Article, but
was concerned about implementation. As there
were no final comments from the proponent. The
Moderator opened voting on Article 43.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 43 – Voting Rights 16 and Older
(Citizen Petition).
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
71 74 13
MOTION FAILS
10:10 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 45
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
93 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
ARTICLE 45: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY (Citizen Petition)
MOTION: Ms. Pappo moves that
WHEREAS, the Town wishes to recognize the Indigenous
nations of North America, their roots and their many con-
tributions made to our community, our Commonwealth, and
our country now and throughout history.
WHEREAS, the Town can gain insight in dealing with envi-
ronmental issues such as climate change through Indigenous
environmental knowledge, respect for nature, and seventh
generation thinking.
WHEREAS, The Town encourages our community and our
public schools to observe Indigenous Peoples Day with ap-
propriate exercises and instruction to celebrate the thriving
contemporary cultures and diversity, and acknowledge the
authentic histories of Indigenous Peoples.
WHEREAS, the District of Columbia; States of Alaska,
Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico,
Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin; and MA
municipalities including Bedford, Arlington, Belmont,
Cambridge, Newton, Wellesley, Watertown, Boston, Salem,
Somerville, Brookline, Marblehead, Northampton, Amherst,
Melrose, and many more observe Indigenous Peoples Day to
promote Indigenous cultures and commemorate the history
of Indigenous Peoples; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lexington celebrates and welcomes
all people, and is dedicated to promoting equity and justice
in our Town through policies and practices that seek to end
systemic racism and discrimination;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT TOWN
MEETING VOTES AS FOLLOWS:
The second Monday of October shall henceforth be commem-
orated in Lexington as Indigenous Peoples Day, in honor of
the resilience and contributions of Indigenous peoples in our
Town, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and our country.
Fran Ludwig presented information on the Article.
Recommendations:
Ms. Hai noted that the Select Board was unanimously in
support of the Article.
Ms. Cuthbertson stated that the School Committee was
unanimously in support of the Article.
10:17 p.m. Members discussed and debated the Article.
10:35 p.m. Sanjay Padaki, Pct. 8, called the question.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
113 30 8
MOTION CARRIES
10:37 p.m. Ms. Offered thanks to the Meeting body. The
Moderator opened voting on Article 45.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 45 – Indigenous Peoples Day
(Citizen Petition).
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
140 8 5
MOTION CARRIES
10:39 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under
Article 24
ARTICLE 24: APPROPRIATE FUNDING FOR SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL COMMISSION
MOTION: Ms. Barry moves that the Town appropriate
$500,000 for the purpose of the celebration of the 250th
Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, including person-
nel costs, supplies, equipment, event support, planning,
promotion and advertising therefor, and all incidental costs
related thereto, as coordinated by the Semiquincentennial
Commission-Lex250 with the approval of the Select Board;
and that to meet this appropriation, $500,000 be appropriated
from the General Fund unreserved fund balance.
Recommendations:
Ms. Barry gave an overview of the proposed activities and
ongoing planning towards the event including a reenactment
and weekend activities for the 250th Anniversary and also
stated that the Select Board unanimously recommended pas-
sage of the Article.
Mr. Parker noted that the Appropriations Committee unani-
mously supported passage of the Article.
10:45 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on Article 24.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator
declared that:
(continued on next page)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
94
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Motion to Approve Article 24 – Appropriate Funding for
Semiquincentennial Commission.
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
137 1 6
MOTION CARRIES
10:46 p.m. The Moderator asked for a motion to dissolve the
2024 Annual Town Meeting.
Mr. Pato, Select Board Chair, moved to dissolve
Annual Town Meeting 2024.
Motion Adopted by majority voice vote.
A true copy.
Attest:
Mary de Alderete, Town Clerk
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: MARCH 2024–ABBREVIATED MINUTES (continued)
ELECTED TOWN OFFICIALS
SELECT BOARD (5 members—3 year terms)
Douglas M. Lucente, Chair 17 Vine Brook Rd. 2026 652-8799
Suzanne E. Barry 159 Burlington St. 2025 862-5853
Jill I. Hai, Vice-Chair 6 Highland Ave. 2027 862-3776
Joseph N. Pato 900 Massachusetts Ave. 2025 674-0141
Mark D. Sandeen 10 Brent Rd. 2026 863-8784
MODERATOR (1-year term)
Deborah J. Brown 47 Robinson Rd. 2025 781-861-8311
SCHOOL COMMITTEE (5 members—3 year terms)
Sara Cuthbertson, Chair 541 Bedford St. 2026 843-513-7467
Larry D. Freeman 218 Lowell Street 2025 404-783-7563
Eileen S. Jay 191 Waltham St. 2025 781-860-0698
Kathleen M. Lenihan 60 Bloomfield St. 2027 781-863-0023
Deepika Sawhney 6 Porter Ln. 2027 781-640-5870
PLANNING BOARD (5 members—3 year terms)
Michael J. Schanbacher, Chair 516 Concord Ave. 2027 713-204-0133
Robert K. Creech 2 Grimes Rd. 2026 781-674-2481
Charles Hornig 18 Bacon St 2026 781-862-1112
Robert D. Peters 43 Fifer Ln. 2025 781-652-8537
Melanie A. Thompson 360 Lowell St. 2027 781-254-7073
HOUSING AUTHORITY (3 elected members/1 appointed member/1 tenant member—5 year terms)
Richard F. Perry, Chair 40 Clark St. 2025 781-861-6347
Mena Bell, Tenant Member 3A Countryside Vlg 2027 781-488-8303
Mark J. McCullough, Vice-Chair, State Appointee 15 Vine Brook Rd. 2027 781-648-1170
Nicholas Santosuosso 2 Washington St. 2026 781-863-1040
Melinda M. Walker 14 Larchmont Ln. 2029 781-863-2024
95 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
SENATORS IN CONGRESS—Statewide
Edward J. Markey (D) (term 2020-2027) 255 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg., Washington D.C. 20510 Phone: 202-224-2742 975 JFK Federal Building 15 New Sudbury Street, Boston, MA 02203 Phone: 617-565-8519
Elizabeth A. Warren (D) (term 2018-2025) 309 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington D.C. 20510 Phone: 202-224-4543 2400 JFK Federal Building 15 New Sudbury Street, Boston, MA 02203 Phone: 617-565-3170
REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS— Fifth District
Katherine Clark (D) (term 2022-2024) 2448 Rayburn Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-2836 157 Pleasant Street Suite 4, Malden, MA 02148 Phone: 617-354-0292
GOVERNOR/LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Maura Healey/Kim Driscoll (D) (term 2022-2026) Massachusetts State House , 24 Beacon Street Office of the Governor/Office of the Lt. Governor, Room 280 Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-725-4005
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Andrea Joy Campbell (D) (term 2022-2026) One Ashburton Place, 20th floor, Boston, MA 02108 Phone: 617-727-2200
SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH
William Francis Galvin (D) (term 2022-2026) One Ashburton Place, Rm 1611, Boston, MA 02108 Phone: 617-727-7030 Fax: 617-742-4528 Email: cis@sec.state.ma.us
TREASURER
Deborah B. Goldberg (D) (term 2022-2026) Massachusetts State House, Room 227, Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-367-6900
SENATOR IN GENERAL COURT— Fourth Middlesex District (precincts 1, 2, 4-7)
Cindy F. Friedman (D) (term 2022-2024) Massachusetts State House, Room 208 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-1432 Email: Cindy.Freidman@masenate.gov
SENATOR IN GENERAL COURT— Third Middlesex District (precincts 3, 8, 9)
Michael J. Barrett (D) (term 2022-2024) Massachusetts State House, Room 109D 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-1572 Fax: 617-626-0898 Email: mike.barrett@masenate.gov
REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT— Fifteenth Middlesex District (precincts 1-5, 7-9)
Michelle L. Ciccolo (D) (term 2022-2024) Massachusetts State House, Room 473F 24 Beacon Street , Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2210 Email: michelle.ciccolo@mahouse.gov
REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT— Twenty-first Middlesex District (precinct 6)
Kenneth I. Gordon (D) (term 2022-2024) Massachusetts State House, Room 473F 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2240 Email: ken.gordon@mahouse.gov
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL—Third District
Marilyn Petitto Devaney (D) (term 2022-2024) 98 Westminster Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472 Phone: 617-725-4015 ext.3 Fax: 617-727-6610 Email: marilyn.p.devaney@mass.gov marilynpetittodevaney@gmail.com
STATE AUDITOR
Suzanne M. Bump (D) (term 2022-2026) Massachusetts State House, Room 230, Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-727-2075 Fax: 617-727-3014 Email: auditor@sao.state.ma.us
DISTRICT ATTORNEY—MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Marian T. Ryan (D) (term 2022-2026) Middlesex District Attorney’s Office 15 Commonwealth Avenue, Woburn, MA 01801 Phone: 781-897-8300 Fax: 781-897-8301
CLERK OF COURTS—MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Michael A. Sullivan (D) (term 2018-2024) 200 Trade Center, 2nd Floor, Woburn, MA 01801 Phone: 781-939-2700 Email: middlesex.clerksoffice@jud.state.ma.us
REGISTER OF DEEDS—MIDDLESEX SOUTHERN DISTRICT
Maria C. Curtatone (term 2018-2024) 208 Cambridge St., PO Box 68, Cambridge, MA 02141 Phone: 617-679-6300 Fax: 617-577-1289 Email: middlesexsouth@sec.state.ma.us
SHERIFF—MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Peter J. Koutoujian (term 2022-2028) 400 Mystic Avenue, 4th Floor, Medford, MA 02155 Phone: 781-960-2800
REGISTER OF PROBATE—MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Tara E. DeCristofaro (term 2020-2026) 208 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02141 Phone: 617-768-5800 Fax: 617-225-0781 Email: tara.decristofar@jud.state.ma.us
SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES
96
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
MODERATOR
ROLE: To preside over Town Meeting and appoint mem-
bers of the Appropriation Committee, Capital Expenditures
Committee, and the Cary Lecture Series Committee.
ELECTED by the voters at large for a 1-year term:
Deborah Brown.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Presided over the spring annual Town Meeting and a fall
special Town Meeting, both offered in a hybrid format
(in-person in the Margery Milne Battin Auditorium in
the Isaac Harris Cary Memorial Building, and remotely
on-line).
• Conducted a 2-hour workshop for new Town Meeting
members, in conjunction with the Town Meeting
Members Association. Town Counsel, Town Manager,
Town Clerk and chairs of major boards and committees
explained their roles and helped clarify financial and
planning terms and concepts, legal issues and parliamen-
tary procedures.
• Held pre-Town Meeting planning
meetings with Town staff, Town
Counsel, article sponsors, and
chairs of boards and committees.
• Advised citizens on the protocol
regarding participation at Town
Meeting.
• Nominated Tom Diaz to serve as
Deputy Moderator.
• Appointed new and returning
members to the Appropriation
Committee, the Capital
Expenditures Committee, and the Cary Lecture Series
Committee.
Town Moderator: Deborah Brown
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS ASSOCIATION (TMMA)
ROLE: To inform Town Meeting Members in advance on all
Warrant articles, meeting procedures, and matters of town
governance; to act as an interface between Town Meeting
and the municipal government, the Select Board, the School
Committee, and other town boards and committees; to repre-
sent the members of Town Meeting when the Town Meeting
is not in session; to improve Town Meeting procedures and
processes; and to assist in governing Lexington when request-
ed or it is deemed necessary.
MEMBERSHIP: All Town Meeting Members; Town
Moderator, Select Board, Town Clerk, and state legislators liv-
ing in Lexington are at-large members. The TMMA Executive
Committee usually meets the second Wednesday of each
month except July, August, and months when Town Meeting
is in session. These meetings are open to the public.
The precinct officers and the TMMA officers comprise
the TMMA Executive Committee and serve for one year.
Precinct officers are elected prior to TMMA’s Annual Meeting
each of the nine precincts elects a Precinct Chair, Vice-Chair,
and Clerk. Immediately after the election of Precinct Officers,
TMMA holds its Annual Meeting of the Association to elect
the TMMA Board officers, which are the Chair, Vice-Chair,
Treasurer, Clerk, Webmaster, and Email List Moderator.
The Executive Committee may also appoint subcommittees,
working groups, or task forces from among the TMMA
membership.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Advanced effort to improve Town Government trans-
parency through increasing the number of on-line Town
Meeting materials that Members and General Public can
access on their Town website.
• Maintained the TMMA website, including Executive
Committee minutes, various committee reports, and
access to TMMA e-mail archives: lexingtontmma.org.
• Continued a paper reduction initiative to reduce the
number of print materials for Town Meeting and increase
digital mobile access of materials.
• Sponsored Warrant Information Sessions before the
ATM and STM to familiarize members with the Warrant
Articles and give article proponents a chance to present
materials and receive feedback.
(continued on next page)
97 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
AT LARGE
Michael Barrett 7 Augustus Rd
Suzanne Barry 159 Burlington St
Deborah Brown 47 Robinson Rd
Michelle Ciccolo 50 Shade St
Jill Hai 6 Highland Ave
Douglas Lucente 17 Vine Brook Rd
Joseph Pato 900 Massachusetts Ave
Mark Sandeen 10 Brent Rd
PRECINCT 1
Term Expiration 2025
Lois Angelo 11 Spencer St
Larry Freeman 218 Lowell St
Stephanie Hsu 9 Locke Ln
Eric Michelson 45 Circle Rd
Valerie Overton 25 Emerson Gdns
Katherine Reynolds 114 Lowell St
VACANCY
Term Expiration 2026
Lois Angelo 11 Spencer St
John Bartenstein 46 Sanderson Rd
James Luker 26 Rindge Ave
Noah Michelson 45 Circle Rd
Margaret Muckenhoupt 19 Whipple Rd
John Rossi 40 Arcola St
Bella Tsvetkova 42 Lowell St
Albert Zabin 1 Page Rd
Term Expiration 2027
Lois Angelo 11 Spencer St
Sandhya Beebee 10 Page Rd
Robert Cunha 10 Stevens Rd
Tanya Gisolfi-McCready 22 Cliffe Ave
Yifang Gong 23 Rawson Ave
Janet Kern 72 Lowell St
Carol Sampson 8 Brandon St
Judith Zabin 1 Page Rd
PRECINCT 2
Term Expiration 2025
Matthew Cohen 29 Tower Rd
Matthew Daggett 11 White Pine Ln
Rita Goldberg 10 Independence Ave
Ajay Joseph 46 Golden Ave
Ricki Pappo 16 Blossomcrest Rd
Emilie Webster 7 Lexington Ave
Betsey Weiss 8 Dover Ln
Term Expiration 2026
Avram Baskin 43 Carville Ave
Sarah Daggett 11 White Pine Ln
Carolyn Goldstein 10 Peacock Farm Rd
Jeffrey Howry 5 Bennett Ave
Mark Manasas 6 Bennett Ave
Jonathan Suber 56 Taft Ave
Laura Swain 29 Locust Ave
Term Expiration 2027
Marian Cohen 8 Plymouth Rd
Peter Lee 770 Waltham St
Kenneth Shine 7 Ellis St
Syed Rizvi 237 Worthen Rd East
Barbara Katzenberg 37 Moon Hill Rd
Rita Vachani 75 Blossomcrest Rd
Amy Weinstock 33 Dawes Rd
PRECINCT 3
Term Expiration 2025
Courtney Apgar 31 Barberry Rd
Sallye Bleiberg 960 Waltham St
Christopher Buenrostro 59 Potter Pond
Sudhir Jain 3 Benjamin Rd
Jeanne Krieger 44 Webster Rd
Glenn Parker 186 Spring St
Prashant Singh 65 Munroe Rd
Franklin Smith 7 Potter Pond
VACANCY
Term Expiration 2026
Steven Heinrich 11 Potter Pond
Stanley Yap 30 April Ln
Cynthia Arens 7 Kitson Park Dr
Bronte Abraham 22 Hudson Rd
Norman Cohen 1010 Waltham St
Ipek Ozer-Stillman 6 Stonewall Rd
Term Expiration 2027
Joshua Apgar 31 Barberry Rd
Delanot Bastien 3111 Main Campus Dr
Michael Martignetti 37 Barberry Rd
Letha Prestbo 470 Concord Ave
Robert Rotberg 14 Barberry Rd
Michael Schanbacher 516 Concord Ave
PRECINCT 4
Term Expiration 2025
Nyles Barnert 142 Worthen Rd
Linda Boardman Liu 18 Belfry Ter
Lawrence Chan 10 Hilltop Ave
Wendy Manz 3 Captain Parker Arms
Gerald Paul 43 Highland Ave
Kathryn Roy 382 Marrett Rd
Sandra Shaw 51 Wachusett Dr
Term Expiration 2026
Alessandro Alessandrini 32 Slocum Rd
Michael Boudett 39 Prospect Hill Rd
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS
(continued on next page)
• Maintained a TMMA member email group (with message
archives accessible to the public at https://tmmalex.
groups.io/g/TMMAList) to provide a forum for informal
discussions among TMMA members around Town
issues.
• Maintained generic email addresses for all TMMA
members to simplify the process of constituents contact-
ing Town Meeting members.
• Worked closely with the town staff, the Town Moderator,
and the Select Board to help plan and execute STM 2023
and 2024 Annual Town Meeting.
2024 Executive Committee Officers
Chair: Bridger McGaw
Vice-Chair: Sarah Higginbotham
Treasurer: Noah Michaelson
Clerk: Brielle Meade
Email List Moderator: Vicki Blier
Webmaster: Bob Avallone
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS ASSOCIATION (continued)
98
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS ASSOCIATION (continued)
Kathryn Colburn 49 Forest St
Katie Cutler 115 Kendall Rd
Heather Hartshorn 62 Farmcrest Ave
Nancy Shepard 2 Baskin Rd
Ruth Thomas 10 Parker St
Term Expiration 2027
Gloria Bloom 17 Loring Rd
Robert Cohen 10 Grassland St
Kathleen Lenihan 60 Bloomfield St
Eileen Jay 191 Waltham St
Charles Lamb 55 Baskin Rd
Jennifer Richlin 36 Sherburne Rd
Kunal Botla 40 Grapevine Ave
PRECINCT 5
Term Expiration 2025
Irene Dondley 22 Leonard Rd
Marilyn Fenollosa 10 Marshall Rd
Andrew Friedlich 22 Young St
Jerold Michelson 3 Clyde Pl
Melanie Thompson 360 Lowell St
M. Masha Traber 106 Maple St
John Zhao 10 Cooke Rd
Term Expiration 2026
Nancy Corcoran-Ronchetti 340 Lowell St
Judith Crocker 5 Currier Ct
Anthony Galaitsis 7 Burroughs Rd
Steven Kaufman 116 East Emerson Rd
Pamela Lyons 51 Grant St
Lin Xu 117 Vine St
Lily Yan 46 Courtyard Pl
Term Expiration 2027
Anil Ahuja 7 Leonard Rd
Ting Fang 39 Courtyard Pl
Sarah Higginbotham 21 Byron Ave
Joyce Murphy 1505 Massachusetts Ave
Kristin Pechinsky 38 Saddle Club Rd
Marc Saint Louis 5 Brookwood Rd
Alex Tsouvalas 77 Grant St
PRECINCT 6
Term Expiration 2025
Sara Bothwell Allen 158 Burlington St
Margaret Counts-Klebe 8 Hancock Ave
Andrea Fribush 61 East St
Frederic Johnson 4 Stetson St
Dawn McKenna 9 Hancock St
Deborah Strod 10 Thoreau Rd
Eran Strod 10 Thoreau Rd
Term Expiration 2026
Thomas Barry 159 Burlington St
Jonathan Himmel 66 Hancock St
Morton Kahan 44 Hancock St
Innessa Manning 46 York St
Bridger McGaw 89 Meriam St
Dinesh Patel 22 Brent Rd
Ryan Wise 8 Berwick Rd
Term Expiration 2027
Edmund Grant 27 Grove St
Jyotsna Kakullavarapu 5 Diamond Rd
Brian Kelley 44 Grant St
Susan McLeish 665 Lowell St, #52
Deepika Sawhney 6 Porter Ln
Taylor Singh 40 Hancock St
Vinita Verma 3 Graham Rd
PRECINCT 7
Term Expiration 2025
Christian Boutwell 22 Burlington St
Mary Burnell 4 Eaton Rd
Robert Creech 2 Grimes Rd
Mary Hamilton 23 Fifer Ln
Vikas Kinger 13 Donald St
Leonard Morse-Fortier 20 Bernard St
Robert Peters 43 Fifer Ln
Term Expiration 2026
Sara Cuthbertson 541 Bedford St
Harry Forsdick 46 Burlington St
Pam Hoffman 4 Rangeway
Samita Mandelia 59 Harding Rd
Raul Marques-Pascual 4 John Benson Rd
Tina McBride 45 Turning Mill Rd
Umesh Shelat 34 James St
Term Expiration 2027
Marsha Baker 46 Burlington St
Philip Hamilton 23 Fifer Ln
Stacey Hamilton 25 Robinson Rd
David Kanter 48 Fifer Ln
Meghana Khanolkar 63 Winter St
Benjamin Lees 57 Gleason Rd
Pamela Tames 26 Bertwell Rd
PRECINCT 8
Term Expiration 2025
Victoria Buckley 18 Bates Rd
Margaret Coppe 202 Katahdin Dr
Margaret Enders 11 Kimball Rd
Alix Fox 5 Hillside Ter
Betty Gau 64 Ward St
Alan Levine 54 Reed St
Sudhir Ranjan 155 Reed St
Term Expiration 2026
Robert Avallone 21 Constitution Rd
Lauren Black 143 Bedford St
Shailesh Chandra 10 Childs Rd
Gang Chen 24 Bellflower St
Thomas Diaz 13 Lois Ln
Robin Lovett 18 Bates Rd
Andrei Radulescu-Banu 86 Cedar St
Term Expiration 2027
Heidi Burkholder 51 Ward St
Lin Jensen 133 Reed St
Brielle Meade 17 Manning St
James Osten 8 Revere St
Sanjay Padaki 46 Ward St
Dahua Pan 34 Balfour St
Jessie Steigerwald 143 Cedar St
PRECINCT 9
Term Expiration 2025
Victoria Blier 41 Shade St
Scott Burson 5 Willard Cir
Rodney Cole 80 School St
Diana Donovan 112 Shade St
Thomas Fenn 15 Shade St
Vineeta Kumar 14 Munroe Rd
Janet Perry 16 Ellison Rd
Term Expiration 2026
Shireen Ahmed 393 Lincoln St
Mark Andersen 2400 Massachusetts Ave
Hemaben Bhatt 8 Jean Rd
Todd Burger 386 Lincoln St
Jeanne Canale 29 Shade St
Suzanne Lau 18 Phinney Rd
Lisah Schmidt Rhodes 482 Marrett Rd
Term Expiration 2027
Richard Canale 29 Shade St
Mollie Garberg 16 Cary Ave
Kimberly Hensle-Lowrance 23 Tufts Rd
Philip Jackson 50 Shade St
Ethan Kiczek 26 Tufts Rd
Alicia Morris 19 Welch Rd
Thomas Shiple 18 Phinney Rd
99 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 30 30
Part Time 25 23
ROLE: The Cary Library’s Mission is to ignite curiosity, en-
gage minds, and connect the community. The Cary Memorial
Library Board of Trustees is the governing body of the Library.
As specified by an 1868 gift from Maria Hastings Cary, the
Library Board comprises of the Town’s Select Board, School
Committee members, and the community’s “settled clergy.”
APPOINTED BY the Trustees. Each year the Full Board
elects a 5-member Executive Board from its membership.
Members of the FY23 Executive Board included: Suzie
Barry (Chair), Eileen Jay (Vice-Chair), Amy Hertz, Barbara
Callaghan, and Jill Hai.
Administration
We continued to provide outstanding services to our patrons
and community throughout Fiscal Year 2024. Patrons con-
tinue to take advantage of our digital services as the use of
our e-book and digital audiobook collections have increased
over the last two years and searches on library databases (in-
cluding our subscriptions to Consumer Reports and The New
York Times) has also increased over the last five years. Our
attendance at all of our programs (including adult and youth
programs) is the highest it’s been in five years.
We look forward to Fiscal Year 2025, as we work to reno-
vate our Children’s Room and Large Meeting Room (ChiRP).
At FY2024 Annual Town Meeting, Town Meeting Members
voted in favor of funding the project by a margin of 99.4%.
Adult Services
Last year, we were very busy organizing the main floors in
preparation for collection and staff moves ahead of our
CHIRP construction project. In addition to carving out
office space around the main floor for staff displaced by the
project, we also consolidated collections on the main floor
to give space for the Youth collections. The shelving for the
nonfiction collection on the third floor was entirely adjusted
to make our collection more accessible and visible. We add-
ed a mobile self service module for reserving study rooms.
We hired a World Languages Librarian to oversee the World
Languages Collections for the Adult and Youth Services areas
of the library. Of particular importance is the library’s large
Chinese Language collection. The World Languages Librarian
works closely with World Language vendors as well as
Lexington residents and cultural groups to build collections
that meet the needs of the community. Our digital offerings
continue to be popular and this year we added the Oxford
African American Studies Center.
The Adult Programming Department offered in-person,
virtual, and hybrid programs in FY24. We focused on more
in-person programs this year to provide opportunities for
the community to come together, to immerse in a cultural
experience, learn something new, try a craft, or enjoy a
concert. With the growth in Artificial Intelligence (A.I.),
we planned programs to help our patrons understand A.I.
technology, workshops to learn how they can use A.I. tools
to boost productivity while underscoring the positive and
negative impacts of A.I. in our daily lives. We continue to find
opportunities to collaborate with community partners while
finding space to amplify the voices of smaller organizations.
Of particular note are the events we planned with KoLex,
to highlight the rise in Korean popular culture; LexCAN to
encourage climate awareness and action; LexZeroWaste and
the Town of Lexington Sustainability Office to emphasize the
importance of living with less waste. The Adult Programming
team offered 366 programs serving 13,476 attendees.
Children’s Services
The Children’s Department offered 299 programs in a mix of
virtual and in-person activities during FY24. Librarians from
the Children’s Room also conducted 20 outreach visits, pri-
marily to Lexington elementary schools and participated in
community events such as the Lexington Center Trick or Treat
sponsored by the Lexington Retail Association. Special events
included the return of Truck Day for the first time since 2019,
as well as annual events such as Brickmania and the Fairy Tale
Ball, which included
its second annual sen-
sory friendly hour. The
Children’s Department
participated in the
library-wide collabo-
rative Idea Wall Tiny
Art project, hosting
two workshops for
kids to create tiny art
canvases to be includ-
ed in the display. The Children’s Room also hosted their first
sensory inclusive programs by hired performers as well: Todd
the Magician’s Sensory Friendly Magic Show in July and the
BenAnna Band in October.
The Children’s Department continues to partner with com-
munity groups to bring programming celebrating the diversity
of the community to the Library, including this year’s new
event in honor of Hanamatsuri in collaboration with JPLex.
The Children’s Room also began final preparations to va-
cate the lower level in preparation for the start of the Children’s
Room and Lower Level Renovation. The children’s collections
were refreshed and weeded, supplies were redistributed and
CARY MEMORIAL LIBRARY
(continued on next page)
Brickmania project
100
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
over 660 take and make craft kits were distributed. Our
“Farewell to the Children’s Room” event featured dancing,
bubbles, crafts, and a craft supply giveaway for families as well
as an opportunity to draw on the walls and say farewell to the
existing space.
Teen Services
The Teen Room at Cary Library continues to be a welcoming
space for Lexington teens and tweens. Most afternoons and
weekends, the room is filled with young people studying and
socializing. Casual games and puzzles are very popular as well
as the official programmatic offerings. The Teen Department
provided a wide variety of in-person and virtual teen pro-
grams throughout FY24. Over 3,100 teens joined us in 160
programs to craft, paint, sculpt, cook, watch movies, read and
discuss books, and more. Teens enthusiastically participated
in library-wide events such as last summer’s Tiny Art display
on the Idea Wall, as well as the cozy nights of Cary Bokaflod
in December. Cary Teens Lead the Way remains a popular
way for teens to share their interests with the community. This
year, teen-led programs focused on numerous robotics and
coding workshops, an authors’ evening, origami afternoons,
and musical events.
To the delight of patrons and staff throughout the build-
ing, Lexington High School’s Musical Outreach Collaborative
returned in the fall for a morning of jazz and classical music,
and LHS’s Jazz Combo joined us in June for an evening of
jazz. The Teen Library Leadership Council hosted their sec-
ond Open Mic Night in November, providing an opportunity
for 25 teens to sing, play instruments and recite poetry to
a packed house. As always, we finish the school year with
several de-stressing activities such as mini crafts and puzzles
for teens. Children’s Room regular, Lyric the Dog, visited the
Teen Room for some belly rubs. We were also thrilled to have
the Fab Five Goats from Cultivate Care Farms join us for an
afternoon on the lawn, enchanting more than 80 teens and
staff with their antics. Lastly, right before we closed the Teen
Room for the year of CHirP, 200 teens and tweens participat-
ed in a joyful afternoon of Minute-To-Win-It-Games.
Partnerships with community organizations remain an
important channel for supporting Lexington teens. The town’s
Youth and Family Services social worker offered bi-weekly
drop-in hours for tweens and teens, providing an avenue
for teens looking for guidance. And the LITT Foundation
remains steadfast in their support of our ongoing partnership
with Lexington’s Pelham Academy. Through their grant, teens
at this therapeutic residential school participate in monthly
on-site book clubs and crafting activities, with the long term
goal of nurturing in them a strong relationship with our li-
brary and a solid understanding of what public libraries can
offer them in the future.
CARY MEMORIAL LIBRARY (continued)
Friends of Cary Memorial Library
The Friends of Cary Library, is a membership, all-volunteer,
organization. Our mission is to advocate, support, and raise
funds to help supplement library resources and services.
Through the ongoing effort and work of our members, we
were able to raise funds to continue supporting several li-
brary sponsored programs including the Summer Learning
Program for All Ages, 23 discounted passes to Museums,
Parks, and Cultural
Attractions, Brickmania, accessibility programs, the Read
it Now, See it Now collection,Beyond the Library programs
and more. We made a significant financial contribution to
the ChiRP campaign along with funding 3 tables for the Gala
auction, and a new children’s book cart. We raise money for
these programs and services through our in-library Book
Store, Children’s Book Sale Cart, Fall and Spring Book Sales,
and Friends Membership dues. We currently have 339 mem-
bers. Over 70 are active members who provided direct service
to the organization logging in over 2700 hours this year.
Cary Memorial Library Foundation
Thanks to incredible community and volunteer support, the
Cary Library Foundation enjoyed a year filled with superla-
tives. In Summer 2023 we launched an ambitious $750,000
campaign to support ChiRP!, the Library's Children's Room
and Lower Level Renovation Project. We achieved our goal in
just one year, due to the wonderfully generous support from
individuals, families, businesses, and non-profits. As part of
these fundraising efforts, the Foundation held a fun-filled
Gala celebration on April 6, with 300 people enjoying dinner
bites, dancing, and a silent auction at Cary Library in support
of our ChiRP! campaign.
In addition to the ChiRP! campaign, the Foundation
benefited from amazing support in a variety of other ways.
The Foundation received our largest-ever bequest of $700,000
from the Estate of Marie Toscano, a longtime Lexington res-
ident. In accordance with Mrs. Toscano's will, this bequest
will fund a Book Endowment Fund to support the Library's
acquisition of new books.
The Foundation also raised over $200,000 in undesig-
nated Annual Fund donations, which supports most library
programs, additions to the collection (including digital), and
special library projects. In addition to these fundraising ef-
forts, the Foundation continued to partner with the Library
on both the Science Cafe and Literary Cafe, through which
Foundation volunteers led community conversations with
amazing thought leaders in science and exceptional authors.
All this success was made possible by the Foundation's fifty
exceptional volunteers, who dedicated over 1,500 hours to the
Foundation's work.
101 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
ASSESSOR CATEGORIES FY24
Property Description (State Use Code) No. of Parcels/ Assessed Value Accounts
Single-Family Dwellings (101) 9,059 $13,682,230,000
Residential Condominiums (102) 1,143 $937,679,485
Misc. Residential (103, 109, Other) 42 $72,274,000
Two-Family Dwellings (104) 148 $161,403,000
Three-Family Dwellings (105) 10 $11,158,000
4+ Unit Dwellings/Apartments (111-125) 13 $346,890,000
Resid Vacant Land (130,131,132,106) 535 $68,463,000
Mixed Use -- Resid Portion Only 13 $9,745,680
Commercial Property (300-393) 420 $852,417,000
Mixed Use -- Comm Portion Only Counted Above $13,056,320
Industrial (400-452) [NET, less TIF values] 47 $1,088,195,285
Agricultural Land—Chap 61A (700) 0 $0
Recreational Land—Chap 61B (800) 7 $1,689,000
Mixed Use [Resid & Comm] (012-043) Counted Above Counted Above
Exempt (not taxed) Properties (900) See Below Not Taxable
Real Property (Taxable Parcels) Total 11,437 $17,245,200,770
Personal Property Taxable Entities (500-552) Note: in Fiscal Year 2016, the Lexington Board of Selectmen voted to render as "Exempt" all Pers. Property accounts where the value of Pers. Prop. assets add up to less than $1,200.00 per year. 694 (taxable accounts) These "DBAs" are physically located among the comm/indl properties noted above. $372,968,740
Exempt (not taxed) Properties (900) 1,216 $1,480,418,300
(continued on next page)
Assessor
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 6 6
Part Time 0 0
ROLE: The Assessing Office's primary function is the
assessment of full and fair market value—in accordance
with MA General Laws—of all real and personal property
in Lexington to equitably allocate the annual tax levy among
Lexington taxpayers, and the evaluation of any applications
for abatement of such property tax. Other significant
duties include: a) administration of motor vehicle excise
tax abatement, b) supplemental tax commitments, and c)
determination of taxpayer eligibility for statutory exemption
from (or deferral of) Lexington property taxes (including the
Community Preservation Act surcharge).
APPOINTED The 3-member Board of Assessors is appointed
by the Lexington Town Manager: Gregory Johnson (Chair-man),
Edmund Grant (Member), and Casimir Groblewski (Member).
These formal appointments are required to be Lexington resi-
dents, and are renewable on a 3-year rotation. Since FY 2012,
Robert Lent has been Lexington's Director of Assessing. Michael
Golden is the Assistant Director of Assessing.
As required by the MA Department of Revenue (MA DOR),
all real and personal property in Lexington was reviewed and
adjusted on a "mass appraisal" basis to reflect statistical trends
and market conditions during the most recent full year of sales
analyzed (calendar 2022). The underlying methodologies used
to deter-mine the assessed values for FY 2024 were reviewed and
approved by MA DOR in October, 2023. Per the MA DOR, FY
2025 will be a "re-certification" year for Lexington.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• In our statistical review for the annual classification study,
the Lexington single-family dwelling [SFD] aver-age
assessment in FY 2024 was $1,494,000, an 12.0% increase
from $1,335,000 in FY 2023. The FY 2024 Median SFD
value was: $1,354,000. SFD's value dominates the overall
"Residential Class" of prop-erty in Lexington, and so the
Residential Class naturally followed the SFD increase in
assessed value, also up by 12.0% over FY 2023.
• The "C/I/P" properties overall (as a class) in Lexington
in FY 2024 increased in assessed value, up by 10.89%
over FY 2023, with the following approx. breakout:
Commercial: +5.6%, Industrial: +15.3%, and Personal:
+11.4%.
• The total "net" number of single-family dwellings barely
changed in FY 2024 for the 4th straight year, and the net
number of residential condos in FY 2024 in Lexington
was also flat "year on year" compared to FY 2023.
FINANCE
• Notable construction projects: * 440 Bedford Investors
LLC, continued to develop Its nearly ~300,000 SF Life
Sciences building, constructed by Trammell Crow, Real
Estate Dev Corp.
Assessing Board and Town Staff
102
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
FY24 TAX CLASS Levy % (rounded) Valuation (FY24) Tax Rates (FY24) Tax Levy Revenue (Rounded)
All (incl. condos) Residential (R ) 86.78% $15,289,843,165 $12.25 $187,300,580
All (incl. condos) Commercial (C) 4.92% $867,162,320 $24.20 $20,985,330
GROSS (before TIFs reduction) Industrial (I) 6.31% $1,112,073,000 $24.20 $26,912,170
Tax Increment Financing (TIFs) -0.14% ($23,877,715) $24.20 ($577,840)
NET (less TIFs) Industrial (I) 6.18% $1,088,195,285 $24.20 $26,334,330
Subtotal Real Property (R+C+ net I) 97.88% $17,245,200,770 $24.20 $234,620,240
Personal Property (P) 2.12% $372,968,740 $24.20 $9,025,840
Real & Personal Property (Total) 100.00% $17,618,169,510 $243,646,080
Comptroller
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 7 7
Part Time 0.4 0.4
ROLE: To oversee all financial operations of the Town, which
includes the assessing of property, collecting all accounts
receivable, payment of all accounts payable, procurement,
investment of town funds, maintaining accounting re-
cords, preparation of financial statements, annual audit,
administration of the retirement system, and support to the
Appropriation Committee.
APPOINTED by the Select Board: Town Comptroller,
Carolyn Kosnoff; by the Town Manager: Town Accountant,
Krista Murphy.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• In November 2023 the Town issued a $3.880 bond through
the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA)
to fund an ongoing program to remove and replace any
remaining lead pipes in the Town's water system and
comply with the Environmental Protections Agency's Lead
and Copper Rule. This zero-interest bond will be repaid
over a period of 10 years.
• In February 2024 the Town issued $8.510 million in bonds
for 10 years at a true interest cost (TIC) of 2.25%. The
$8.510 million represents the net par value after applying
a net premium of $1.125 million to reduce the size of
the borrowing on the day of the sale. The bonds funded
various capital improvements of which $3 million was for
Battle Green Streetscape Improvements, $2.2 million was
for municipal building envelope and mechanical systems,
$1.3 million was for school buildings, and $2 million was
for water and sewer infrastructure improvements.
• In 2021 the Town was granted approximately $9.9 million
in federal relief funds via the American Rescue Plan
Act (ARPA). This grant will be utilized for public health
response, economic recovery and to assist populations
impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and may be appro-
priated at the direction of the Select Board. As of June 30,
2024, $5.7 million of the Town's ARPA Funds were spent on
projects approved by the Select Board. ARPA funds must be
committed by December 31, 2024 and spent by December
31, 2026. The Comptroller's office will continue to manage
the accounting and reporting of these federal funds.
Treasurer/Collector
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 4 4
Part Time 1 1
ROLE: To perform the duties of Treasurer and Collector
as outlined in Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L.),
Chapter 41. As Treasurer, is responsible for the receipt and
disbursement of all town funds as well as the management
of investment policies, and debt. As Collector, issues and
collects all Real Estate, Motor Vehicle, Personal Property and
Water/Sewer bills as assessed.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager: Arnold Lovering,
January 2008.
FINANCE (continued)
(continued on next page)
103 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 65 65
Part Time 1 1
ROLE: To protect lives and property of the citizens of, and
visitors to Lexington from emergencies involving fire, ex-
plosions, medical issues, hazardous materials incidents, and
other environmental causes, whether naturally occurring or
man-made. This mission is accomplished through profession-
al emergency response and hazard mitigation, comprehensive
code enforcement, and effective public education.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager: Derek Sencabaugh
(Chief of Department, Emergency Management Director),
March 2019.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Received multiple grants to purchase new portable radios
for each firefighter. This is a change from riding position
radios and has increased firefighter safety.
• Responded to 4,990 calls for emergency assistance, with
medical emergencies accounting for 3,353 or 67.19% of
all emergency calls.
SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS DURING FY24
Date Location Incident
8/9/2023 12,000 Main 2nd Alarm Campus Dr. #444 Apartment Fire
9/18/2023 6 Robinson Rd. #15 Working House Fire
9/29/2023 5 Keeler Farm Way Double Shooting
10/14/2023 Rte. 128N @ Bedford St. Wrong Way Driver Accident 2 Fatalities
2/16/2024 727A Marrett Rd Aloft Hotel Working Fire
2/27/2024 2 Middle Street Kitchen Fire
3/29/2024 1359R Mass Ave House Fire
6/12/2024 23 Oxbow Rd. Kitchen Fire
Fire Prevention Program
• The Fire Prevention Division issues permits and performs
inspections in accordance with the Massachusetts General
Laws and the Fire Prevention Regulations. These require-
ments are continuously revised to comply with changes
made by the Commonwealth and they affect such things
as sprinklers, fire alarms, oil burners, blasting, welding,
schools, healthcare facilities, and many aspects of new
(continued on next page)Lt. Feldman, Lt. White, Chief Sencabaugh, Captain Ormiston, Assistant Chief Chisholm
FIRE AND RESCUE
FINANCE (continued)
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Real Estate tax collections totaled $233,885,050 including
collections of prior year’s taxes. Accounts with out-
standing balances were put into tax title or entered into
payment plans.
• Personal Property tax collections totaled $8,924,585
• Motor Vehicle Excise tax collections totaled $6,145,522.
These bills were based on information provided by the
Registry of Motor Vehicles. Overdue accounts were com-
mitted to the Deputy Collector, who under M.G.L., marked
these accounts for license and registration non-renewal.
• Water/Sewer collections totaled $26,483,664.
• Investment income for all town accounts was $11,375,093
of which $7,825,208 was credited to the General Fund.
• The Other Post-Employment Benefits Trust Fund
posted a gain of $4,318,151 on a total fund balance of
$34,129,515. All investments are made according to
M.G.L. When investing the Town’s money safety, liquidity
and yield are considered in that order.
104
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
FIRE AND RESCUE (continued)
construction. COVID-19 restrictions implemented during
the pandemic continue to be beneficial to residents and
contractors, so inspections requiring frequent coordination
between Fire, Police, Inspectional Services, Schools, and
Health Departments have continued. An increased level of
specialty inspections continued during FY24 with the new
construction of lab and research fit-outs, photovoltaic solar
panels, and energy storage systems.
• Issued 984 permits for the professional installation of
equipment; 1,236 inspections and re-inspections were
conducted of educational or healthcare facilities, as well
as inspections of new or resale homes, welding, and hot
work; 302 plans were reviewed for new or renovation
construction. In total, 1498 inspections were performed by
the Lexington Fire Department.
• Continued to support fire and safety education programs
in the schools, through the senior center, and at the fire
stations with funding provided from the Department of
Fire Services, Dana Home Foundation, and the Lexington
Mason’s Lodge. Dana Home foundation Knox Box key
holders Program has installed over 130 systems. The Fire
Department continues to partner with the Human Services
Department on numerous senior citizen programs within
the community. This year the Department continued to
provide safety devices in homes of seniors with financial
constraints.
Training
• Continued to maintain a high standard of training on a
vast list of topics including medical emergencies, vehicle
extrication, and firefighting. The Department continued
joint training with the Police Department for Active
Shooter and Hostile events. For this training, members
of the Fire Department wear ballistic gear and perform
rapid triage and treatment of potentially seriously injured
patients. Training is conducted on a weekly basis with
emphasis on fundamentals of apparatus operation, hose
line techniques, search and rescue, ladder drills, advanced
medical skills, and new equipment familiarization.
• The Department took advantage of the availability of tear
down homes before they are razed. Many contractors
make the homes available for the department to train
on before knocking the houses down. This has allowed
for a realistic training environment for the firefighters to
practice their skills.
• New hires were put through an intense 2-week training
program, which has been a great benefit in preparing
members for the Massachusetts Fire Academy. Officers
continue to focus on fire prevention, safety, and profes-
sional development.
• The Department conducted 10,883 hours of training
this year.
Emergency Medical Services
• The Department provides advanced life support para-
medics to the community out of both fire stations and
staffs two ambulances so it can deliver rapid and high
quality care to the citizens. The Department still relies on
mutual aid partners for backup ambulances.
• The Department continues to improve its service by staff-
ing all responding apparatus with firefighter paramedics
and providing state of the art equipment and training
in the latest techniques. The Department continues to
receive high marks during the annual ambulance review
by the Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS).
Emergency Management
• The Fire Chief serves as the Town’s Emergency Manager
Director. Any man-made or natural disaster can trigger
enactment of the Town-wide “Emergency Plan,” where
the Town Manager would be in overall charge of the
event, advised by the Emergency Manager. Tracking ex-
penses for state and federal reimbursement for incidents
is a critical function of Emergency Management.
• The Town utilizes “Code Red” as the emergency notifi-
cation program to contact all Lexington households by
phone, cell phone, email, etc. Complete notification takes
approximately 20 minutes. Residents should be sure that
they are enrolled in the “Code Red” emergency system
(available on the Town’s website).
Personnel
• Retirements: Assistant Chief Timothy Flaherty,
Lieutenant Robert Levesque, Lieutenant Scott Morency,
FF. Michael Naughton
• Promotions: Donald Chisholm Assistant Chief Shawn
Ormiston Captain, Richard White Lieu-tenant, Oleg
Feldman Lieutenant
• The Department added Firefighters Jacob Stavis, Richard
Lucius and Robert Josh Jorgensen
105 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
HUMAN SERVICES
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 8 8
Part Time 4 5
ROLE: The Human Services Department serves Lexington
residents across the lifespan. The Department provides infor-
mation and resources, support, and educational programs/
services focused on enrichment, socialization, and mind/
body health. The Human Services Department also assists
residents with essential needs, such as housing resourc-
es, food, and financial issues. The Department comprises
four divisions: Senior Services, Veterans Services, Youth &
Family Services, and Transportation Services. The Human
Services Department partners with other Town departments,
Lexington Public Schools, community groups, and agencies
to provide programs and services to residents. Services are
delivered in a professional, confidential, and caring manner
and are inclusive and respectful to all.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager: Dana Bickelman,
Director of Human Services
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Continued providing additional mental health support
and services. Lack of mental health services has been a
theme for the last few years. Clinicians in the Department
continued to provide short-term therapy services to res-
idents. The Department requested additional American
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to continue providing long-term
therapy to residents. This request was approved both by
the Town Manager and the Select Board. We continued
our partnership with Eliot Community Human Services
to provide a full-time clinician to residents throughout
this fiscal year. The team continues to see the benefits of
this partnership, as do our community partners.
• The Mental Health Task Force successfully launched its
website, which includes resources for the community
on various topics, including emergency services, suicide
prevention, mental health referral services, BIPOC/
Multicultural mental health resources, child and adoles-
cent mental health, LGBTQ+, and Veterans. More pages
and resources will become available.
• Despite staff changes this year, the efforts to continue the
work of the Mental Health Task Force didn't stop. The
Department continued to co-lead the Mental Health Task
Force and provided several programs focused on mental
health throughout the year, including:
• Monthly caregiver support groups.
• Suicide Prevention Month activities in September.
• Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention
trainings throughout the year.
• A robust slate of Mental Health Awareness Month
activities in May, including the very popular Goat
Yoga sponsored by Youth and Family Services, art
therapy, individual screenings, mental health toolkits,
speakers on various topics, support groups, a therapy
dog, self-care options, and psychoeducation offered
in partnership with other departments and entities in
Town.
• In August of 2023 Karen Tyler was hired as the new
Veterans Service Officer.
• Continued partnerships with funders, including Friends
of the Council on Aging, the Dana Home Foundation,
Fund for Lexington, Rotary, Youth Commission, Lions
Club, and many others, to offer financial assistance,
subsidies, and fundamental services to residents in need.
• Granted another round of ARPA funding in the amount
of $40,000 to use to purchase 500 grocery cards. Youth
and Family Services took the lead on this program and
dispersed Market Basket Gift Cards to over 180 Lexington
families in need.
Senior Services
• Lexington became an Age-Friendly community through
AARP in May 2024
• The Select Board approved the Senior Parking Program to
continue as a permanent program, with renewals every two
years; there were over 2,600 renewals.
• Health Outreach Clinician Wai Chong has 29 residents
who are part of the Senior Health Outreach Program. This
program is a monthly home-visit program for homebound
seniors that provides blood pressure checks, vaccinations,
ongoing safety assessments, and guidance for resources for
long-term care.
• Collaborated with the Public Health Department and
local Theatre Pharmacy, to offer Tdap, RSV, Shingles,
Pneumococcal, flu, COVID, and hepatitis A&B to seniors.
• We partnered with the Fire Department to promote and
install Knox boxes for seniors. These boxes are mounted
outside a senior's home and have a key for the fire depart-
ment to retrieve in an emergency.
• Continued to offer support groups for caregivers of indi-
viduals living with Alzheimer's dementia or other chronic
conditions, as well as a new Coping with Change support
group (continued on next page)
106
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
• AARP helped 88+ seniors with tax preparation
• Over 50 seniors benefited from the Sand for Senior
program.
• Continued offering Shine appointments in conjunction
with Minuteman Senior Services.
• Worked with Recreation and Community Programs for
Harvest Festival.
• Offered program to staff and COA Board on suicide
prevention for Older Adults
• Barbara Collins, our part-time dietitian, offers one-on-one
appointments, an Intuitive Eating Support Group, and
monthly Nutrition Talks that cover important topics.
• Partnered with Minuteman Senior Services to offer Indian
Lunch twice per month
• Worked with Minuteman Senior Services, partnering with
the Bedford Council on Aging to offer monthly LGBTQ
events.
• The department offered eight trips over the past year, most
of which were filled.
• Intergenerational programming has been a big success.
Lexington High School Students come in once a week to
teach Mahjong to seniors, and we continue to offer the
Drums Alive program.
• Offered multicultural programs, including Diwali, Chinese
New Year, and Holi.
• Offered fraud prevention program with Middlesex Sheriff's
office.
• Worked with Good Energy Program with Salvation Army to
help families in need that are above the income guidelines.
Transportation Services
• Secured additional grant funds of $332,933 for the
coming year for Lexpress
• Rolled out new Limitless Pass and renewals for FY25
• Increased revenue from fares/passes by 80% over FY23.
• Increased Lexpress ridership by 40% over FY23
• Expanded Safe Routes to School Task Force membership
to broaden involvement
• Secured agreement from LPS for a District Wide Travel
Survey to be conducted in Fall of 2024
• Hosted an array of bike education classes for people of all
ages (Bike Rodeo, Bike Smart Youth, Smart Cycling, Flat
Tire Clinic, Bike Maintenance Clinic)
• Hosted an array of events to induce Mode Shift, enhance
mobility and educate public: Breakfast on Bikeway,
Transportation Options Open Houses, Travel Training
events for people of all ages, tabling at numerous events
and public and private properties, including public &
private senior housing
• Provided transportation related comments on new
proposed housing developments
• Hosted a well-attended public forum with Henry Grabar,
author of Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the
World with panelists from area towns, AARP and MAPC
• Continued to push regional transit planning efforts with
neighboring communities and area agencies to work towards
better fixed-route and demand transportation in suburbs.
Veterans Services
• This year marked the eleventh year of providing Veterans
Services for Lexington residents as part of a district
with the Town of Bedford and our fifth year expanding
services to the Town of Carlisle. The mission of the
Lexington-Bedford-Carlisle Veterans’ Services District is
to support veterans and their families in need of assis-
tance and provide information and access to services for
which they are eligible under the law. The district has a
full-time Director and part-time Veterans Services Officer
(VSO), and weekly office hours are held across all three
towns.
• Over the last year, the district averaged a monthly
clientele of 35 veterans and/or dependents, focusing on
distributing financial assistance under Massachusetts
(continued on next page)
Middlesex Sheriff office presentation on scams, Goat Yoga with Chip-In Farm sponsored by Youth and Family Services, Author Talk: Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World.
Middlesex Sheriff office presentation on scams
HUMAN SERVICES (continued)
107 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
HUMAN SERVICES (continued)
General Laws M.G.L. Chapter 115. In addition to the
State benefits offered to local veterans and their families,
another priority is to assist with Federal benefits, partic-
ularly those through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
These applications included Service-Connected Disability
Compensation, Veterans’ and Survivors’ Pensions, and
those needing support due to a housebound status or
permanent need for assistance with daily living activities.
• Conducted Veterans Day and Memorial Day. We had a
Veterans Day breakfast, which filled the room, and we
had the fourth annual Veterans Car Parade. There were
two contests for the Lexington high school students: one
for poetry and the other for art. There were outstanding
submissions and a winner for each category. The poem
was read, and the art was displayed at the breakfast.
The Veteran Services Director, Vietnam Navy Veteran,
and teacher who was in the National Guard spoke at
the high school to share their military experience with
the students. Over 2500 flags were placed on the graves
of veterans at Westview Cemetery, and 150 flags were
placed at Munroe for Memorial Day. There were small
wreath-laying ceremonies at monuments, and the main
ceremony was in front of the visitor center with the public
in attendance.
Youth and Family Services
• It has been a busy year in the Youth and Family Services
Division. In November, 2023, Youth and Family Services
signed a contract with Massachusetts Coalition for the
Homeless, The Casa Project that provides the community
access to housing case management services. The contract
is valid for 1 year and Fund for Lexington generously
agreed to fund the cost for the pilot year. The contract
allows 65 referrals to be made per year, to any resident
across the lifespan. They can assist with housing applica-
tions, searches, landlord mediation, RAFT applications
and other various housing related needs. It has been a
successful program and great additive resources that the
department can provide. The Youth and Family Services
Division offered the following programs and services:
• Continued to provide case management and supportive
services to Lexington residents and their families through
confidential consultative meetings, counseling, resource
referrals, crisis stabilization, and collaboration with
community partners.
• Provided Holiday program assistance in the form of hol-
iday meals to over 250 Lexington residents and families,
including holiday gift cards for over 130 children. Also
assisted residents with food insecurity through referrals
to the Lexington Interfaith Food Pantry and other
community partners and resources. Additional referrals
included assisting residents with applications for energy
assistance and other State and local subsidy programs.
• Partnered with the Recreation Department on our
Harvest Fest and Haunted House programs, and part-
nered with Lexington Public Schools to help plan and
attend Parent Academy, held annually at The Community
Center.
• Continued partnership with Cary Memorial Library to
offer an after-school group called “What’s on Your Mind?’
offered twice a month during the school year to students
at the middle and high school levels. The group taught
students coping mechanisms to combat school stress,
allowed students to converse about their daily stressors
individually and with peers, and gain some skills they can
use to improve their communication skills, relationships,
sleep, etc.
• Joined SHAC (Student Health Advisory Council) and
co-chairs the Youth Substance Use Prevention Committee
with the school prevention department.
• Continued to work on the MASSCALL3 Initiative funded
by Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Bureau
of Substance Addiction Services in collaboration with
Somerville, Everett and Arlington.
• Collaborated with the Health Department and the state
with the migrant families housed in Lexington, assisting
with DTA and other various case management related
needs.
• Co-led the task force alongside the Public Health Director
on the Opioid Abatement Settlement Funds
Goat Yoga with Chip-In Farm sponsored by Youth and Family Services
108
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 8 8
Part Time 2 2
ROLE: The Innovation and Technology Department provides a customer centric approach to the delivery of innovative tech-
nology solutions to meet the needs of the Town Departments
and to strengthen the services provided to our residents while
providing the highest level of security to the Town network.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager: Tim Goncalves (Director of Innovation and Technology), Dorinda Goodman
(Director of Information Technology), David Bordenca
(Network Administrator), Christopher Tran (Applications
and Systems Administrator), Jessica Malafeew (Project
Manager/Applications Analyst), Victor Gorospe (Project
Manager), Judith Baldasaro (GIS/Database Administrator),
Jeffrey Wertheim (IT Support Technician), Andrea Vinci (Administrative Assistant), and Vacant (Intern)
HIGHLIGHTS:
• The Department of Innovation and Technology supports,
maintains and manages town-wide business-related tech-nology. IT maintains the systems, networks and services
supporting all municipal departments. The department
supports town-wide core services including the financial system, time keeping, document management, electronic
workflows and permitting, Public Safety, facilities mainte-
nance and management technology, emergency management
web sites and services and VoIP telephone systems. IT
maintains the infrastructure and security of the network core
and co-manages the town-wide area network for municipal
and school departments. The department manages municipal technology purchases and performs the installations and
maintenance of Town IT equipment and services. IT staff also
provides support and training for end-users.
• In conjunction with the Department of Public Facilities and
the Police Department, opened a new Police Headquarters
and moved all the staff into the new space
• In conjunction with the Department of Public Facilities
and Recreation, opened a new Center Recreation Complex bathroom with remotely controlled door access
• Opened a new Cemetery building in conjunction with the
Department of Public Facilities and Public Works,
• Upgraded the Lexington Community Center’s network
switches
• Migrated the Library to the Town Network
• Implemented Zoom Enterprise for all Town departments for better management and control and introduced Zoom
Team Chat for better communications internally
• Supported Special Town Meeting technology
INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
• Upgraded the Parker Room at the Town Office Building for
hybrid meetings
• Started planning and designing spaces at the Public Services
Building, Lexington Community Center, Cary Memorial
Hall and the Library for all new, upgraded meeting spaces featuring the latest hybrid technology
• Completed a rollout of our new two-factor authentication system to increase security of our systems
• Planned and designed Outdoor WiFi to be installed in
Public Spaces such as the Town Center, Center Recreation Complex, and Lincoln Park
• Started construction on our redundant fiber network
• Received funding for Virtual Reality headsets for the
Recreation and Fire Departments to assist in Red Cross
trainings
• Updated password complexity requirements for Town
accounts for increased security of our systems
• Upgraded ArcGIS Enterprise Server for all GIS and
Automated tasks such as Laserfiche updates, daily updates
to Parcel data
• Configured and implemented digital signage at the Public
Services Building and Fire Department Headquarters.
Integrated with the website’s public meeting calendar to
show upcoming public meeting data to visitors, among
other things (weather forecast, announcements, etc.)
• Configured and implemented digital signage at the
Lexington Community Center. Integrated with the LCC
MyRec facility calendar to show upcoming programs to
visitors, among other things (weather forecast, announce-
ments, etc.)
• Upgraded the VPN Solution for public safety vehicle MDTs
• Increased computer endpoint security
• Upgraded our Disaster Recovery process and hardware
• Administered Cybersecurity training for all employees
• Upgraded key components in our IT Infrastructure
• Updated our Financial System across Town and School
Departments
• Launched a Boards and Commissions management
application
• Implemented e-citations for the Police Department
• Upgraded End of Life equipment throughout Town
Note: A substantially amount of work the IT Department does
cannot be publicized as it may jeopardize the security of our
systems and data.
109 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Land Use, Health, and Development
ROLE: To coordinate and advance town policy objectives
and operations related to both the orderly development of
the built environment and the protection of the natural en-
vironment in Lexington. This requires strategic planning and
resource allocation to identify and advance the various hous-
ing, development and land protection needs of Lexington,
and to foster collaboration and communication, both daily
and long-term, to provide the best service to the public and
property owners concerning regulations and processes that
govern development and land protection, and to protect the
public health and safety through outreach, information, and
administering relevant codes and regulations.
The department comprises six area: Administration,
Building/Zoning, Conservation, Economic Development,
Planning, and Housing. The department coordinates with
Fire, Police, Public Health, Recreation, Human Services,
Facilities, Information Technology, Public Works, including
the Engineering Division, notably through the Development
Review Team (DRT). The department administers the DRT
to help developers/applicants early in their process by as-
sembling live, inter-departmental staff input and technical
guidance in-person for smooth permitting and to increase
efficiency in board hearings.
The department provides staff support to the Planning
Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission,
Affordable Housing Trust, Economic Development Advisory
Committee, Historical Commission, Historic Districts
Commission, Tourism Committee, Lexington Center
Committee, Neighborhood Conservation Districts, and
others.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager: Carol Kowalski,
Assistant Town Manager for Development.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• New Department named and configured, with em-
phasis on Housing, to reflect Select Board goals and
LexingtonNext Comprehensive Plan policy priorities:
Land Use, Housing and Development Department
• Completed the Housing Feasibility Study on three Town-
owned sites
• Launched the grant-funded Housing Needs Assessment
produced by the Regional Housing Services Office
LAND USE, HOUSING, AND DEVELOPMENT
• The Assistant Town Manager for Development and
administrative staff provided technical support and
professional guidance to the Affordable Housing Trust,
and facilitated the Affordable Housing Trust’s grant of
funds to LexHAB for the purchase of 3 affordable homes,
and supported the Affordable Housing Trust’s process
resulting in Town Meeting authorization to develop
affordable housing on Town-owned land on Lowell Street.
• Coordinated the preparation and negotiation of a formal
agreement for the transfer of affordable homes owned by
the former Town-entity of LexHAB to the new non-profit
entity of LexHAB.
• Produced a webinar on the Architectural Access Board’s
Accessibility requirements in Multifamily buildings,
providing important training to inspectors and planners.
• Provided strategic guidance to staff, Planning Board,
and developers of 28 Meriam Street, yielding approval
for Lexington’s first ever by-right condominium devel-
opment, including an affordable 4-bedroom affordable
ownership unit to be included in Lexington’s Subsidized
Housing Inventory.
• The Assistant Town Manager for Development partic-
ipated in pre-development meetings with developers,
Development Review Team Meetings, and Planning
Board public hearings on MBTA overlay district multi-
family developments, providing direction and feedback to
developers on preliminary designs.
• Guided department staff on the zoning and licensing
policy changes to allow alcohol consumption at
non-restaurant business. Participated in the Select
Board’s Lexington Center charette meetings and weekend
workshops, and follow-up meetings with Economic
Development Advisory Committee and the Lexington
Center Committee. Participated in the Small Business
Roundtables.
• Provide strategic guidance the Economic
Development staff.
Detailed highlights from each division follow.
(continued on next page)
110
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
LAND USE, HOUSING, AND DEVELOPMENT (continued)
Building and Zoning
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 6 6
Part Time 2 2
ROLE: To enforce the State Building Code, Uniform State
Plumbing and Gas Code, State Mechanical Code, State
Electrical Code, Architectural Access Board Regulations, and
Lexington Zoning Bylaws. This involves plan review, permit
issuance, and inspection of all building, electrical, plumbing,
gas and mechanical construction in the Town, including new
structures, additions, alterations, and repairs. Responsible for
enforcing the State Architectural Access Board regulations in-
volving handicapped accessibility to buildings and issues re-
garding such requirements. The Sealer of Weights & Measures
determines the accuracy of all weights and measuring devices
in commercial and public use within the Town. At the present
time the Town contracts this service from the state.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager: Alix Berube (Inspector
of Wires), Bruce Dempsey (Assistant Building Commissioner),
Olivia Lawler (Zoning Administrator), Jim Kelly (Building
Commissioner), David Anderson (Local Building Inspector),
James Kennedy (Plumbing/Gas Inspector), Patrick Ryan
(Mechanical Inspector), Tony Rose (Alternate Plumbing and
Gas Inspector), Larry Sweet (Alternate Plumbing and Gas
Inspector), Matthew Hakala (Alternate Building Inspector),
Brad Patrick (Alternate Inspector of Wires), and Joe
McElhinney (Alternate Inspector of Wires).
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Permit activity continues at high levels, with a total
of 4,892 permits issued, slightly more than in FY23. The
Staff Inspectors performed over 7,884 Inspections and
approximately 3.5 million dollars in fees was collected in
fiscal year 24.
• Lexington amended the zoning bylaw in FY24, reducing
the maximum allowed gross floor area in all new homes,
beginning on January 1st, 2024. Lexington also improved
the noise mitigation bylaw by requiring a professional
noise mitigation plan and testing on all new construction
sites that break and remove ledge for over seven days.
• Substantially completed Lexington’s new Police Station
construction in FY24. The Towns Inspectors performed
over one hundred inspections during the course of the
construction. The new 35,000 square foot building is fully
accessible to persons with disabilities, and is much more
energy efficient than the old building.
• Lexington’s first high rise building at 440 Bedford Street
continued construction throughout the year. During that
time the town inspectors performed over 141 inspections
to confirm all construction was code compliant. The new
laboratory building Is over 325,000 square feet, with an
associated 6 story parking garage consisting of 231,114
square feet.
• Lexington adopted the States most rigorous energy code in
FY24, titled the “opt-in energy code”. This new energy code
provides assurances that Lexington’s new buildings are
some the most cost-effective and energy efficient buildings
in the State. Lexington also incorporated a new bylaw that
prohibits the use of fossil fuels in new buildings, with some
minor exceptions.
• The demolition of existing houses, also known as tear-
downs, and the construction of new larger houses on
scattered sites continue. Permits were issued to demolish
54 existing houses, while 83 permits were issued for the
construction of new single-family dwellings. Permit fees
collected totaled $782,049.00 dollars for the new home
permits.
• There have been 146 permits issued for roof mounted
photovoltaic systems; 45 permits issued for new decks and
porches; 132 permits issued for windows and doors re-
placement; and 281 permits to re-roof existing homes. Fees
collected for all roofing permits issued totaled $96,520.00.
• Below is a further breakdown of the permitting activity in
the Building Department:
PERMITS ISSUED FY24 Fees Collected
Building 1980 $2,868,099
Electrical 1333 $409,446
Mechanical/Sheet Metal 336 $124,367
Plumbing 740 $103,279
Gas 503 $39,870
(continued on next page)
111 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Conservation Office and Conservation Commission
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 2 2
Part Time 1 1
ROLE: To administer and enforce the Massachusetts
Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Ch. 131, s.40) and the
Wetland Protection Code of the Town of Lexington (Chapter
130; formerly Lexington General Bylaw Article XXXII); to
promote and protect natural resources; to protect watersheds,
waterways, and wetlands; to acquire and manage open land
for passive recreation and natural habitat; and to provide cor-
ridors for wildlife. The Commission’s responsibilities include
performing site visits; holding hearings and meetings with
applicants, abutters, property managers, and committees;
issuing permits; managing conservation land; and educating
the public about conservation land and natural resources.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager with the approval of
the Select Board for overlapping 3-year terms: Chair Philip
Hamilton, Vice-Chair Ruth Ladd, Duke Bitsko, Alex Dohan,
Kevin Beuttell, Ruth Ladd, Jason Hnatko, and Holly Samuels.
Thomas Whelan was appointed In January 23, 2024 until March
31, 2026 to fill the Commission seat vacated by Holly Samuels.
Appointed Community Preservation Committee Member for
2-year term: Commissioner Kevin Beuttell. Other Associate
Commissioners serving on Conservation Commission Sub-
committees: David Williams (until his passing on March 1,
2024) and Charlie Wyman, Land Acquisition (both former
commissioners). Staff: Conservation Director Karen Mullins;
Conservation Coordinator Amber Carr; part-time Land Use
Ranger Adam Green; and seasonal interns.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Reviewed and acted between July 1, 2023 to June 30,
2024 on 32 Notices of Intent, of which 27 Orders of
Conditions were prepared and issued; 1 Abbreviated
Notice of Resource Area Delineation, of which 1 Order
of Resource Area Delineation was issued; 13 Requests for
Determinations, of which 11 Negative Determinations
of Applicability with Conditions were issued and 1
Positive Determination of Applicability was Issued; 4
Amendments to Orders of Conditions were heard and
issued, 8 Extensions to Order of Conditions were issued,
47 Certificates of Compliance (including Partials) were
reviewed, commented on, and compliance issued as
applicable, 7 insignificant plan changes were reviewed
and approved, 3 Emergency Certificates were issued, and
8 Enforcement Orders/Violations were acted upon. 28
Hazardous Tree Reviews were acted upon; Approved 33
Administrative Staff Reviews. Held 143 public hearings/
meetings during 27 regularly scheduled Conservation
Commission virtual meetings and performed over 825
on-site inspections and monitoring for these and all other
on-going projects.
• Received final State Division of Conservation Services
approval through May 2030 of the next Open Space and
Recreation Plan Update. The set of goals for the next
7 years focused on three main themes: To encourage
increased coordination between Town departments/
divisions, especially the Conservation Division and the
Recreation & Community Programs Department and the
Conservation Commission and Recreation Committee, To
consider better alignment of goals and initiatives between
departments, and To continue to prioritize the protection,
maintenance, and appropriate use of open space and
recreational areas throughout Town.
• Continued existing Subcommittee charges and Working
Group initiatives: the Land Acquisition Subcommittee
(LAS), and Wright Farm Advisory Subcommittee
(WFAS). The LAS was established to plan for open space
land acquisitions for conservation purposes and make
recommendations to the Conservation Commission in
support of the Town acquiring for permanent protection.
Over the last year in conjunction with the Open Space and
Recreation Plan update, the LAS evaluated and updated
the 1996 Parcels of Interest List to an updated Inventory
of Unprotected Parcels of Conservation Value. Wright
Farm Advisory Subcommittee was established to consider
options for educational development, including the
barn repurposing, at Wright Farm for consideration and
approval by the Conservation Commission.
• Managed approximately 1,400 acres of conservation land
and approximately 60 miles of conservation trails with the
help of two seasonal land management staff during the
summer of 2023 and two seasonal land management staff
during the summer of 2024, a part-time Conservation
Land Use Ranger, the Department of Public Works, consul-
tants, and more than 560 hours of volunteer help from the
Lexington Conservation Stewards, local religious organiza-
tions, Boy and Girl Scouts, and Lexington and Minuteman
Technical High School students. Work in FY24 included
completion or progression of the following conservation
area projects:
• Continued the design for the Universal Accessible
Trail at Willard's Woods under a contract with Kyle
Zick Landscape Architecture utilizing FY20 CPA
funds;
LAND USE, HOUSING, AND DEVELOPMENT (continued)
(continued on next page)
112
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
• Prepared Conceptual Design Plans in consultation
with Woodard and Curran for Whipple Hill to replace
the failing rock pillow trail crossing. Continuing to
collaborate with Engineering and Fire department staff
on final concept to proceed with completing existing
conditions survey and design and engineering and bid
documentation for construction.
• Completed of a Field Management Plan for Chiesa
Conservation Area utilizing Nature Trust Funds;
• Continued Meadow Restoration at West Farm with
Parterre Ecological consultant;
• Executed contract with Parterre Garden Services to
preserve 20 acres of meadow across five conservation
properties through ARPA funds;
• Executed contract with Mass Audubon’s Ecological
Extension Service (EES) to develop a land stewardship
plan for the Concord Avenue Conservation Area
(32.57 acres).
• Continued Conservation Areas Boardwalk Inventory
and Long Term Maintenance Plan to assess boardwalk
conditions in order to develop a maintenance and
replacement plan for prioritizing and budgeting;
• Continuation of West Farm Hypena opulenta biologi-
cal control via partnership with URI to manage highly
invasive black swallowwort.
• The Conservation Division continued work on the
following on-going projects:
• Propagation of rare wildflower species at Joyce Miller's
Meadow in partnership with Zoo New England and
the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered
Species;
• Scenic vista improvements at Daisy Wilson Meadow
and West Farm Conservation Areas;
• Invasive plant management for black swallowwort,
garlic mustard, Japanese knotweed, and Asiatic
bittersweet at all conservation areas;
• Long-term invasive plant management and habitat
restoration program at Cataldo Reservation under the
lead of Steward Holly Samuels;
• Establishment and support of the Native Plant Nursery
with Steward Holly Samuels
• Management of apple orchard at Cotton Farm.
• Administered, with support from Volunteer Garden
Coordinators Julia Sedykh and Vivek Joshi, community
gardening program at Idylwilde Conservation Area for
111 gardeners. Coordinated volunteer Steward Directors
Group to provide leadership for care of conservation land.
Managed 2 agricultural licenses (for Waltham St Farms and
Hayden Woods), 1 apiary permit for vegetable production
and bee keeping on conservation land, and 1 goat grazing
permit for land management and meadow preservation
purposes at Chiesa Farm and other conservation areas.
Continued support for the newly established Native
Plant Nursery under the lead of volunteer conservation
steward Holly Samuels, and coordinated the sale of 1104
native plants via Pollinator Planting Kits with the help of
Lexington Living Landscapes volunteers and Recreation
and Community Programs online registration system.
• Hosted the third annual City Nature Challenge in
Lexington with 317 Observations, 158 species, and 24
observers; continued to implement long-term orchard
management plan for the Cotton Farm orchard under
the lead of Conservation Stewards Jeff Howry and
Bob Hausslein. Distributed Trail Guide to Lexington's
Conservation Land, 2020 Public Open & Recreation Space
Map, and Lexington Alive field guide, and Conservation
Stewards brochure. Provided information on conservation
projects and initiatives to the public through conserva-
tion website, monthly Lexington Conservation Office
E-Newsletter distributed to more than 770 Lexington
residents, community e-mail listservs, and publicity in the
Lexington Minuteman and Colonial Times.
• Supported Greenways Corridor Committee on
Conservation Commission prioritized projects for
ACROSS Lexington or other related projects on conser-
vation land. Supported 3 Eagle Scout projects on conser-
vation land, comprised of kiosks and signage and ADA
Garden Bed Design. Supported Citizens for Lexington
Conservation in the preparation and filing of baseline
documentation and conservation restriction paperwork for
CPA funded conservation acquisitions.
LAND USE, HOUSING, AND DEVELOPMENT (continued)
(continued on next page)
113 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
LAND USE, HOUSING, AND DEVELOPMENT (continued)
Conservation Land Inventory: Summary 1964 - 2024
Year(s)Voted/Given Acres Total Cost Fed. Reimb. State Reimb. Net Cost to Town
TOTAL LAND ACQUISITION 1403.3 18,089,786 335,406 1,699,031 16,050,349
Cataldo Reservation '74'84* 5.4 6,150 ---- ---- 6,150
Great Meadow Expansion '74'82 1.9 3,857 ---- ---- 3,857
Lillian Road at Munroe Brook '92 1.1 transfer ---- ---- ----
Orchard Crossing '88'89# 8.5 gift ---- ---- ----
Whipple Hill '63'66-7'74'77*'94#'95# 121.0 142,489 47,487 35,020 59,982
Bowman Park Expansion '75 1.2 18,000 ---- 9,000 9,000
Daisy Wilson '78 8.0 75,995 ---- 37,997 37,998
Dunback Meadow '65-6'72'77-8-9'80-1*# 170.5 374,147 87,100 87,050 199,997
Liberty Heights '74* 5.5 9,596 ---- 4,618 4,978
West Farm '66'76'77'85* 12.8 323,000 ---- 12,100 310,900
Brookhaven '89# 3.3 gift ---- ---- ----
Concord Avenue Area '71'79#'94# 30.7 102,890 ---- 49,534 53,356
Hayden Woods 69'77-8'81*'03 79.2 157,598 68,304 38,540 45,754
Juniper Hill '70'72'74# 28.4 120,413 ---- 56,872 63,541
Metropolitan State Hospital '73# 6.2 gift ---- ---- ----
Philbrook Terrace '89# 2.0 gift ---- ---- ----
Waltham Line '77* 12.0 transfer ---- ---- ----
Waltham Street Farms '72'76-7*# 41.5 300,450 ---- 154,225 146,225
Upper Vine Brook-Cotton Farm 11 4.2 3,800,000 500,000 3,300,000
Upper Vine Brook 72'75-6'95*'03*'19'21 58.7 3,846,443 ---- 55,803 3,790,640
Lower Vine Brook/Pinard Woods 68-9'75'78-9'81'85*#'09'18# 116.6 2,431,235 42,069 147,200 2,241,966
Munroe Brook Pond '85# 3.1 gift ---- ---- ----
Pheasant Brook Estates I '85'89# 4.6 gift ---- ---- ----
Pheasant Brook Estates II '90# 29.7 gift ---- ---- ----
Shaker Glen '73 16.8 85,636 ---- 41,143 44,493
Tower Park Expansion '87 2.3 180,000 ---- ---- 180,000
Chiesa Farm '76'85 23.1 1,592,500 ---- 46,125 1,546,375
Hammer Hill '79 0.9 gift ---- ---- ----
Parker Meadow '76'79'80 17.7 237,000 ---- 60,000 177,000
Willard's Woods Expansion 64'66'67'79*'95*'02# 104.2 116,786 32,906 17,997 65,883
Woodland Bird Sanctuary '89# 7.2 gift ---- ---- ----
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114
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Burlington Strip '71'77* 8.6 106,097 ---- ---- 106,097
Paint Mine '75'77* 35.5 8,811 ---- 2,000 6,811
Simonds Brook North '70'76-7'82# 57.7 291,736 38,526 131,600 121,610
Simonds Brook South '68'70'79 20.7 49,028 19,014 12,006 18,008
Turning Mill Pond 77'78'85#'17# 12.6 5,000 ---- ---- 5,000
Turning Mill Road '89# 4.4 gift ---- ---- ----
Hastings Sanctuary '71 1.7 6,000 ---- ---- 6,000
Meagherville/Pine Meadow 66'77*#'95*'09 99.4 70,000 ---- ---- 70,000
Meagherville Lots '91#'93#'94# 0.5 gift ---- ---- ----
Poor Farm '83* 10.7 transfer ---- ---- ----
Valley Road '82* 3.2 transfer ---- ---- ----
128 Greenbelt '78* 11.7 transfer ---- ---- ----
Bates Road '91* 9.3 transfer ---- ---- ----
Cranberry Hill '77 24.6 73,929 ---- 15,201 58,728
Fiske Hill '78'84* 10.2 transfer ---- ---- ----
Idylwilde 75'21 9.8 200,000 ---- 100,000 100,000
Katahdin Woods 77'80'89#'09 37.5 255,000 ---- 85,000 170,000
Tophet Swamp '81* 25.5 transfer ---- ---- ----
Sutherland Woods '95* 24.9 transfer ---- ---- ----
Brown Homestead '95* 6.0 trade ---- ---- ----
Joyce Miller's Meadow (n/f Augusta Land) '96 8.0 150,000 ---- ---- 150,000
Hennessy's Field 99* 10.0 transfer ---- ---- ----
Hartwell Avenue 03# 4.1 gift ---- ---- ----
Myrna Road 03# 0.8 gift ---- ---- ----
North Street 05* 24.4 transfer ---- ---- ----
Wright Farm 13'20 13.2 2,950,000 ---- ---- 2,950,000
* All/part Town-owned transfer # All/part gift
Another 167 acres are protected by restrictions and easements given to the Town by residents. The largest are: Munroe Brook, 65.7 acres; Tophet Swamp/Kiln Brook, 34.3 acres; Potter's Pond, 15.1 acres; Bertucci's 50 Hill Street, 12.1 acres,Belmont Country Club 10 acres, Waterstone 6.5 acres, and Vine Brook, 9 acres. The others are as small as 0.1 acre. Boston Edison Company licenses 26.4 acres.
LAND USE, HOUSING, AND DEVELOPMENT (continued)
Conservation Land Inventory: Summary 1964 - 2024 (continued)
Year(s)Voted/Given Acres Total Cost Fed. Reimb. State Reimb. Net Cost to Town
115 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
LAND USE, HOUSING, AND DEVELOPMENT (continued)
Economic Development
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 3 3
Part Time 6 7
Seasonal 20 20
ROLE: The Economic Development Office (EDO) works to
improve the local commercial environment, enhance small/
retail business vitality, and support the visitor-based econo-
my. The EDO, as a division of the Land Use, Housing, and
Development Department, works to advance the economic
goals outlined by the Select Board and the Town Manager.
The EDO works on land use and tourism initiatives to cre-
ate long-term commercial viability as well as supporting
businesses one-on-one as they work through the permitting
process or other issues. In addition, the EDO supports the
visitor-based economy through programs and operations
through the Visitors Center, Liberty Ride Trolley Tour, and
Battle Green Guide program.
STAFF: Sandhya Iyer (Economic Development Director),
Lorraine Welch (Economic Development Coordinator),
Ariel Chin (Visitors Center Manager), Jackson Rhodes(Tour
Coordinator)
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Implemented a series of programs to aid local businesses
and help grow the local economy, including giving $95,000
to 11 businesses across Lexington.
• Assisted in bringing several new café’s and breakfast places
to Lexington Center, bolstering Lexington’s stature as a
breakfast hub.
• Distributed $15,000 for events in the Lexington Cultural
District, which helped fund events such as the Chamber
of Commerce Summer Concert Series, International Fun
Festival, Luminary Night, Reenactment of Paul Revere’s
Arrival and many other events!
• In conjunction with LexSeeHer, unveiled the Lexington
Women’s Monument on the Visitor Center Green which
celebrated the achievements of Lexington women.
• Succeeded in modernizing bylaw language at Annual Town
Meeting to reflect current industry practices for eating
and drinking, added new definitions for craft beverage
establishments, and eased restrictions on signage.
The Economic Development Office continued to work closely
with the Select Board and Town Managers Office to imple-
ment a series of programs to aid local businesses and help
grow the local economy. As this opportunity came to an end,
61 small businesses were supported with $1,055,000 in grants
and 28 Non-profits with $290,000 in grants.
Tourism:
With the COVID-19 pandemic in the rearview, Lexington’s
tourism-based economy continued to rebound. The Liberty
Ride Trolley tour continued to be the most popular option
with visitors worldwide. The Visitors Center saw roughly
87,000 visitors in Fiscal Year 2024.
• Patriots Day Weekend: Town of Lexington welcomed
more than 3,600 people to Lexington’s Patriot’s Day
Weekend. There were 192 Battle Green Bookings, 514
Liberty Ride Trolley Tour Bookings, 32 Private Charter
Tours, and 8 Private Battle Green Tours.
• Hotel and Meal Tax 2024: Meals Tax has rebounded and
has exceeded pre-COVID 19 amounts, and revenue has
increased by 9% since FY23. Our Hotel Excise Tax has
shown a 17% increase in revenue since FY2023, and is at
approximately at 80% of pre COVID-19 peak revenue.
These increases highlight the steady improvements in the
tourism sector.
• Marketing/Social Media: The Economic Development
and Visitors Center staff promoted the Town of
Lexington through the major conferences; Discover New
England, BIO International, American Bus Association,
Mass Government and the Greater Merrimack Valley
Convention & Visitors Bureau.
• New Website: The Economic Development and Visitors
Center have launched Tour Lexington, Lexington’s website
for tourism. The new website highlights tours and itiner-
aries, allows people to book trips directly, post events, and
sign up for a dedicated tourism-focused newsletter.
(continued on next page)
Lexington Economic Development and Tourism Staff attended the 2024 Massachusetts Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism.
116
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Planning Board
ROLE: Lexington's land use planning efforts are supported
by the Planning Board and the Planning Office. The Planning
Board and the Planning Office are responsible for short and
long-term planning initiatives relative to land use and devel-
opment and permit review.
Responsibilities of the Planning Board include preparation
and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and other
current planning initiatives; administration of the subdivi-
sion control law; administration of site plan review; review
and evaluation of special permit applications; planning and
preparation of zoning initiatives and amendments to recom-
mend to Town Meeting; and conducting the required public
hearing process for citizen rezoning proposals.
The Planning Office supports the Planning Board,
the Assistant Town Manager for Land Use, Housing, and
Development, the Town Manager, and other Town depart-
ments and committees, supplying technical analysis for per-
mitting activities, economic, demographic, and development
trends in Lexington and the region. The Planning Office also
responds to requests for help and information from citizens
and other parties.
APPOINTED The Planning Board is elected by Lexington
citizens at the Annual Town Election for 3-year terms:
Michael Schanbacher (Chair – term expires 2027), Bob
Creech (Vice-Chair – term expires 2026), Melanie Thompson
(Clerk – term expires 2027), Robert D. Peters (term expires
2025), and Charles Hornig (term expires 2026). Michael Leon
(Associate Member) is appointed by the Planning Board to
serve in place of a regular member if needed..
The Planning Office staff is appointed by the Town Manager:
Abby McCabe (Planning Director), Sheila Page (Assistant
Planning Director), Meghan McNamara (Planner), and
Kiruthika Ramakrishnan (Planning Coordinator). Lexington
said goodbye to Planner Molly Belanger in November 2023
and welcomed Meghan McNamara in January 2024.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Zoning Amendments: The Planning Board sponsored
and Town Meeting approved seven changes to the zoning
bylaw over the last year. At a special Town Meeting in
2023, the Town Meeting voted to allow the Associate
Planning Board member to sit on site plan review
applications if a full member could not participate. The
Planning Board sponsored six zoning amendment articles
at Annual Town Meeting with changes related to short-
term rentals, signage, permitted uses and definitions,
inclusionary housing for village and multi-family district,
the maximum height for village overlay district appli-
cations, and technical corrections for non-substantive
changes.
• Board’s Zoning Regulations: In the fall 2023, the
Planning Board amended their site plan review Zoning
Regulations in response to zoning amendments adopted
at Annual Town Meeting 2023. Major changes included
encouraging neighbor meetings prior to certain devel-
opment application submissions, updated application
submittal documents, incorporating stormwater manage-
ment into site plan review, developing a professional peer
review process, and encouraging certain application types
to submit a sketch plan and meet with staff prior to filing
an application with the Planning Board.
2022 Special Town Meeting
The Planning Board sponsored Article 11, which permits the
Planning Board Chair to call the Associate Planning Board
member to act on applications if a Board member cannot
participate due to a conflict, absence, or other inability to act.
The Planning Board also recommended favorable action for
Citizen Petition Article 12 to amend the seating limitation
at the Planned Development District (PD-7) for the Inn at
Hastings Park.
LAND USE, HOUSING, AND DEVELOPMENT (continued)
(continued on next page)
From left: Clerk Melanie Thompson, Robert D. Peters, Chair Michael Schanbacher, Charles Hornig, and Vice-Chair Bob Creech
117 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
LAND USE, HOUSING, AND DEVELOPMENT (continued)
2023 Annual Town Meeting
At the Annual Town Meeting of 2024, the following amend-
ments to the Lexington Zoning Bylaw were approved:
• Article 47 – Amended zoning bylaw section 5.2 relative to
signs and certain sign type definitions. • Article 48 - Amended zoning bylaw section 6.10 relative
to short-term rentals. • Article 49 – Amended zoning bylaw Table 1 Permitted
Uses and definitions relative to eating and drinking
establishments.• Article 50 – Amended the zoning bylaw to require
greater than 10% of a project’s total dwelling units to be
inclusionary dwelling units in the Village Overlay and
Multifamily Districts.• Article 51 – Amended zoning bylaw Section 7.5.5.10.a
relative to when a mixed-use development is eligible to
receive the height bonus in a Village Overlay District. • Article 52 – Amend several sections of the zoning bylaw
for technical corrections to correct errors or typos and for
consistency.
Development Administration
Subdivision Control
• 331 Concord Avenue (Preliminary Subdivision)• 40 Hartwell Avenue (Definitive Subdivision)• 25 Hartwell Avenue (Definitive Subdivision)• 85 Pleasant Street (Definitive Subdivision) - withdrawn
Site Plan Review
• 2013-2027 Massachusetts Avenue • 151 Old Spring Street• 28 Meriam Street & 32 Edgewood Road
Special Permit
• None received
Approval Not Required (ANR)
• 28 Meriam Street• 4 Percy Road• 23 Bennington Road (disapproved)• 83 Hancock Street
Street Adequacy Determination
• 24 Wachusett Drive (modification)
Transportation Safety Group
ROLE: Transportation Safety Group (TSG) is a Town Manager
appointed Working Group comprised of staff from Planning,
Engineering, Police, Schools, and Transportation Services
as well as liaisons from the Bicycle Advisory Committee,
Transportation Advisory Committee, Commission on
Disability, and the Greenways Corridor Committee. The group
meets monthly to review and act on inquiries or requests rela-
tive to traffic, transit, pedestrian, bicycle, and parking (outside
the Center) safety.
In addition, TSG makes recommendations to the Select
Board to amend traffic and parking regulations, reviews
school circulation plans, and evaluates crosswalk requests.
In FY2024, TSG received and evaluated over 63 requests
from residents ranging from improved roadway signage,
crosswalks, parking restrictions, intersection improvements,
speeding and traffic calming measures.
Individual requests often include several requests/con-
cerns. Some of which are easy to resolve while others may
need capital investment. TSG judiciously makes decisions
and recommendations using the guidance of federal and
state standards. The requests are sorted in to the following
categories:
Speed Concerns 12
Speed bump/hump requests 8
Crosswalk Requests new or improve 8
Parking hindering sight lines 8
Intersection safety 7
Dangerous Driving 6
Stop Requests 4
Other 10
APPOINTED by the Town Manager: staff from Planning,
Engineering, Police, Schools, and Transportation Services.
Other members: liaisons from Transportation Advisory
Committee, Commission on Disability, and Bicycle Advisory
Committee.
HIGHLIGHTS:
In FY2021, TSG received and evaluated more than 42 requests
from residents including improved roadway signage, traffic
calming measures, parking restrictions, crosswalks, and in-
tersection improvements. TSG judiciously makes decisions
and recommendations using the guidance of federal and state
standards. Highlight include:
(continued on next page)
118
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
• Completed Lexington’s first Town-wide Bicycle and
Pedestrian Plan to support a culture where residents,
students, and commuters choose to walk and bike to
schools, work, retail areas, playgrounds and other points
of interest and are able to do so safely and conveniently.
The Plan provides a prioritized plan of infrastructure,
programmatic and policy improvements. This Plan will
guide future capital and policy decisions.
• Requested funding from Town Meeting to pilot a tempo-
rary speed hump program on Walnut Street. Although
speed humps are proven to reduce speeds, this capital
request was not approved by Town Meeting. There are
currently no speed hump projects proposed.
• Worked with the Kendall/Farmcrest neighborhood to
create a pilot street art program.
• Petitioned MassDOT to reduce speed limit on Lincoln
Street from 35 to 30 mph. This speed limit reduction was
approved
• Petitioned MassDOT to reduce the speed limit on Marrett
Road from 40 to 30 mph. This request is still pending
with MassDOT.
• Recommended several traffic and parking regulations to
the Select Board
Much of the town transportation/safety improvements
originate from resident requests. To submit a transpor-
tation safety request please visit lexingtonma.gov/279/
Transportation-Safety-Group
Regulatory Support
ROLE: Regulatory Support provides administrative support
to the Building, Health, and Conservation Departments and
to the Land Use, Health and Development boards and com-
missions, including the Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic
Districts Commission, Historical Commission, Conservation
Commission and Board of Health, and coordinates their
daily operations. The staff, comprised of an Assistant Town
Manager, Office Manager, Administrative Assistant & four
Department Assistants schedules and coordinates hearings,
sets agendas, processes electronic applications and permits,
maintains files, circulates petitions among Town boards and
officials, prepares meeting notices, agendas, minutes and cer-
tificates of appropriateness, determines and notifies abutters,
assists at flu clinics and hazardous waste collections, commu-
nicates with the public, attends meetings, performs payroll
and accounts payable functions, makes daily deposits, and
files all final documentation.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager: Carol Kowalski
(Assistant Town Manager); Siqing Pan, Olivia Lawler, Medan
Downer (Department Assistants); Sharon Maguire (Office
Manager); Ragi Ramakrishnan (Administrative Assistant).
HIGHLIGHTS:
For highlights, please see introduction section to the Land
Use, Housing and Development section, and the Building
Division, Conservation Commission, Board of Appeals,
Historic Commission and Historic Districts Commission.
LAND USE, HOUSING, AND DEVELOPMENT (continued)
119 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Minuteman Welcomes New Superintendent and New Principal for the 2024-2025 Year!
In February of 2024, the Minuteman School Committee ap-
pointed Heidi Driscoll as the new Superintendent starting on
July 1, 2024. Driscoll, who brings a commitment to fostering
excellence in Career & Technical Education, expressed her
dedication to the community, stating, "I am honored to be
part of the longstanding Minuteman tradition of excellence
in Career & Technical Education." Her vision emphasizes
providing students with essential skills through hands-on
learning and extensive extracurricular opportunities while
collaborating with parents, guardians, and community mem-
bers to ensure a supportive educational environment.
Minuteman is also excited to announce the appointment
of Paul M. D'Alleva as the new principal also starting in July
2024. With a distinguished 24-year career in education, Mr.
D'Alleva expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, stating,
"I am thrilled to assume the role of principal at Minuteman
Technical Vocational High School, where students can thrive
in a cutting-edge learning environment that nurtures their
academic, social, and emotional growth. With a deep under-
standing of the importance of supporting all learners, I am
committed to fostering a culture of excellence that benefits
students, teachers, and families alike."
Secretary of the Navy Visits Minuteman and MTI programs
In a thrilling visit to Massachusetts in December, the
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, made a special ap-
pearance at Minuteman High School and the Minuteman
Technical Institute (MTI) to engage with students and faculty.
The visit, just days ahead of the historic Army-Navy football
game, aimed to inspire and motivate the next generation of
leaders. The Secretary's visit began with a tour of the class-
rooms, where he met with students, and was followed by an
inspirational question-and-answer session with students in
the theater.
During his address to the students, Secretary Del Toro
emphasized the importance of education, resilience, and
leadership, drawing on his own experiences in the Navy. He
shared anecdotes from his career and highlighted the diverse
opportunities that a strong education can provide, including
the potential for careers in the armed forces. Local news out-
lets captured the Secretary's visit.
Juniors and Seniors out on Co-op
Minuteman Cooperative Education (Co-op) program con-
tinues to grow significantly each year. During the 2023-24
school year, 123 students, including second-semester juniors
and seniors, engaged in real-world work experiences during
their Career and Technical Education (CTE) weeks. Notably,
fourteen students from Lexington participated in various
fields such as Automotive, Biotechnology, Health Assisting,
and Robotics. These students gained valuable experience at
renowned organizations, including Emerson Hospital, MIT
Traverso Lab, Tony’s Automotive, The Inn at Hastings Park,
and A9 Green. Minuteman takes great pride in providing stu-
dents with access to an array of businesses, enhancing their
cooperative education opportunities.
Skills USA Success Continues
The SkillsUSA Minuteman Chapter had an outstanding
2023-2024 year, marked by achievements and leadership
growth. The officer team attended the Fall State Leadership
Conference in November, where they honed their lead-
ership and collaboration skills. In February, eight seniors
participated in the Senior Adventures in Leadership (SAIL)
Conference at Gillette Stadium, gaining insights into net-
working, financial planning, and resume building. At the
District Competition, 37 students showcased their technical
expertise in their respective trade areas, earning 6 Gold, 6
Silver, and 1 Bronze medal. In April, 53 students attended the
State Leadership and Skills Conference, with 11 qualifying
for Nationals and one student being elected to State Office as
the Western Region Vice President for the 2024-2025 school
year. Twelve students represented Minuteman at the National
Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta in June. The
newly elected officers are already actively preparing for the
upcoming school year, demonstrating their commitment to
excellence and leadership.
MTI Secures $1.2M Grant, Reports High Certification and Placement Rates
Minuteman Technical Institute, the adult learning division
of Minuteman High School, has been awarded a $1.2 mil-
lion Round 10 CTI grant to support training for Carpentry,
Plumbing, and Welding students, and to establish a new
Groundskeeping and Maintenance program. MTI boasts a
99% passing rate on AWS certification tests for Welding stu-
dents, a 98% placement rate for Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship
programs, and a 100% retention rate for program completers.
Two successful summer programs in Carpentry and Welding
were completed, with Carpentry projects including construc-
tion work, community service, and OSHA certifications, and
MINUTEMAN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
(continued on next page)
120
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Welding students producing metalwork and achieving certi-
fication. Fall 2024 programs include Automotive Technology
with six students, Cosmetology with a returning instructor
and nine students, Electrical with 11 attendees, and com-
petitive acceptance processes for Carpentry, Plumbing, and
Welding programs.
Minuteman Lexington Senior Named Valedictorian
Arya De Francesco is a
Lexington native, who is
a unique combination of
creativity, ambition, ma-
turity, and entrepreneurial
spirit, distinguishing her as
a standout young scholar.
At Minuteman, she engaged
deeply with the Design and
Visual Communications
(DVC) program, analyzing
the societal impact of visu-
al messages through both
theoretical and practical
approaches. Her academic performance was exceptional,
excelling in DE, AP, and Honors courses, and her advanced
proficiency in mathematics led her to undertake advanced
Math courses at Middlesex Community College. Arya's
interdisciplinary talents bridge the humanities and STEM,
allowing her to integrate design and empathy into scientific
and technological contexts. Outside the classroom, she is a
successful freelance designer, a volunteer instructor at a lo-
cal recreation center, and a creative individual with interests
ranging from piano and music composition to sewing and
interior design. Additionally, she designs and markets a line
of beaded jewelry. Arya is set to advance her artistic vision at
Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
Minuteman Seniors are off to college and work!
The class of 2024 had a graduation rate of 100%. 77% of
students are attending a two-year or four-year college or uni-
versity. 22% of students are entering the workforce or doing
an apprenticeship. 1% are entering the military. Minuteman
Alumni are headed off to Northeastern University, Drexel
University, Temple University, Johnson & Wales, Wentworth
Institute of Technology, and the University of Toronto. The
alumni at Minuteman continue to be an integral part of the
community year after year.
MINUTEMAN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL (continued)
Sunset over Minuteman Fields on Homecoming.
Arya De Francesco, Lexington native and 2024 Valedictorian
Lexington Residents Cydney Judd and Lyra Prestbo on graduation day.
121 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
POLICE
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time
Police 50 50
Dispatch 10 10
Parking Meter Maintenance 1 1
Civilian 5 5
Part Time
Crossing Guards 18 18
Cadets 6 6
Animal Control 1 1
ROLE: The Lexington Police Department is a professional,
accredited organization committed to working in partnership
with the community to ensure the Town of Lexington is a safe
and welcoming place to live, work and visit. Our mission is to
provide high-quality, accountable police services, reflecting
the values of the community in a manner that affirms the fair
and equitable treatment of all, where each individual matters
and their rights are recognized and protected.
APPOINTED by Town Manager James Malloy: Michael A.
McLean (Chief of Police), February 2022
Promotions and Personnel Changes
• August 2023: Mackenzie Schmink was hired as a Public
Safety Dispatcher.
• September 2023: Joao Queiroz was hired as a Police
Cadet.
• October 2023: Peter Marino was hired as a Public Safety
Dispatcher.
• November 2023: Joseph Sullivan was assigned as the
Department’s Community Resource Dog Handler/
Middle School Resource Officer.
• November 2023: Amanda Flower was hired as a Police
Officer (previously a Boxborough Police Officer).
• January 2024: Timothy Colatosti was promoted to the
position of Sergeant
• June 2024: Luke Buckley was hired as a Police Cadet
Noteworthy Investigations
Armed robbery case
Armed robbery occurred in the parking lot of 36 Bedford St
(Stop & Shop). The suspect held a knife to the victim, demand-
ing money and a debit card, then fled the scene in a white
SUV. It was also discovered that the suspect had committed
another robbery in Boston. As a result of the investigation,
a defendant was identified and arrested. Charges have been
filed and are pending within the district court system.
Sex Crimes Investigation
In April, detectives worked with the Massachusetts State Police
Cyber Crime Unit- Internet Crimes Against Children Task
Force, to execute a search warrant at a residence for alleged
possession of child abuse material. As a result, one adult male
was taken into custody and charged with one count of posses-
sion of obscene material. Charges are pending in district court.
Indecent A&B, Rape Investigation
Former Lexington Resident was indicted for Rape and
Indecent Assault and Battery which was the result of a thor-
ough investigation by the Lexington Police Department.
Detectives were able to link a former physician to multiple
incidents of sexual assault, while also bring to light additional
assaults which occurred in other communities. Charges are
pending in Superior Court.
Suspicious Activity – Attempted Abduction
Lexington Police Officers and Detectives worked to efficiently
investigate a reported attempted abduction of a young child
from their residence. As a result of a thorough and delicate
investigation, Detectives determined that the attempted
abduction had not occurred. The department was able col-
laborate with other town departments to deliver services to
the reporting family. Community outreach and education
occurred within the schools to provide tools for personal
safety and awareness to help ensure the safety of all school
aged children in the community.
Active Shooting Incident
Detectives and Officers responded to Keeler Farm Rd. for a
reported active shooting incident. Upon arrival, officers en-
countered the shooter, used de-escalation tactics, and took
the suspect into custody. Two critically injured individuals
were immediately treated and subsequently transported to
the hospital. As a result of a thorough investigation, one sub-
ject was taken into custody and a second individual was later
charged with providing a firearm. Charges are pending in
Superior Court with one defendant pleading to serve a two-
and-a-half-year sentence.
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122
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
FY2024 Grant Funding
• The Department was awarded a Support and Incentive
Grant for $109,744.
• The Department was awarded earmark funding by the
Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and
Security (EOPPS) for $75,000, to be used in unarmed
mental health response.
Programs and Initiatives/Goals and Objectives
• In June the Lexington Police held the ribbon-cutting
ceremony celebrating the opening of the new Lexington
Police Station located at 1575 Massachusetts Avenue,
which opened for business in July.
• Held a Youth Police Academy for kids ages 10 to 13 who
were Lexington residents. The Academy taught kids basic
first aid and CPR, team building exercise, training and
demonstrations from specialty police units.
• The Lexington Police Department held its first radKIDS
week long camp at the Bowman School. radKIDS is a
program that instills personal empowerment and safety
education for children ages 8-12 years old. The mission
of the program is to empower children and parents with
a revolutionary skill-based curriculum, that strengthens
children personal boundaries and parental confidence.
Lexington PD currently has 5 officers who are RAD and
plan to hold this camp yearly in the future.
• Participated in the Make-A-Wish for a young Lexington
resident, along with other local and state police agencies.
• A young Lexington resident learned that her wish to tour
Spelman College and other Historically Black Colleges
and Universities (HBCU) in Atlanta, GA was granted.
The Lexington Police along with Congresswoman Ayanna
Pressley, whom the resident long admired, surprised and
revealed that her wish was granted. Congresswoman
Pressley shared the exciting news with Spelman swag as
gifts from the Sacred Heart Collections. The presentation
was made possible by Congresswoman Pressley, U.S.
Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, MA
State Police, Boston Police, Lexington Police and the
Spelman students and alumnae of the Boston Ar-ea
National Alumnae Association Spelman College (NAASC)
Chapter.
• The Police Department introduced its first Community
Resource Dog, Maisey, to the community. Maisey is a
black English Labrador who is assigned to Detective
Joseph Sullivan, the middle school resource officer. State
Representative, Michelle Ciccolo obtained $75,000 in
earmarked funds from EOPPS that allowed the department
to purchase Maisey, the K9 cruiser and training. Maisey
has helped us explore unarmed mental health options to
Lexington Public Safety responses. Our plan will be to have
the her respond to incidents as needed and be an added
re-source for victims and witnesses and staff involved
in traumatic events as well as serve as a community
engagement conduit to the school district and the entire
town.
• The Police Department began participation in the Blue
Envelope Program. The collaboration effort was created
to foster a safer and more understanding environment for
those with autism spectrum disorder during traffic stops.
The Blue Envelope Program is a symbol of Lexington’s
commitment to inclusivity and understanding and as a
step forward in ensuring that every driver, regardless of
neurological differences, can experience safety and respect
on the road.
• The Police Department once again participated in selling
specialized LPD patches with all proceeds going to local
charities. Autism Acceptance patchs were sold in April and
Breast Cancer patches were sold in October.
The Lexington Police Department introduced its first Community Resource Dog, “Maisey." Maisey is utilized by School Resource Officer Joseph Sullivan in his day to day duties.Courtesy of Lexington Police Dept.POLICE (continued)
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123 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
POLICE (continued)
Complaints and Calls for Service
Motor Vehicle Crashes 581
Animal Control 259
Alarms Residential/Commercial 1026
B&E mv, trailer, truck 19
Burglary/B&E (Includes attempts) 14
Fire Department Assists 1356
All Assists 275
Missing Person(s) 19
General Disturbance/Disputes 65
Domestic Disputes 127
Building/Person Check 3,223
Suspicious Activity 171
Park Lock and Walk/Directed Patrols 507
Total Calls for Service 15,436
Motor Vehicle Citations Issued
Warnings 1,553
Civil Infractions 704
Criminal Complaints 135
Arrests 21
Total 2,413
High Accident Locations (10 or more accidents)
Bedford St @ Hartwell Ave 14
Fines Generated by Traffic Enforcement
Civil Motor Vehicle Fines Collected (FY24) $125,180
Parking Violations (tickets) Issued 1927
Meter Revenue Collected $168.072
Parking Fines Collected 37,188
Prosecution Summary
Arrest without warrant 55
Arrest warrant only 10
Criminal Summons/Hearings 138
Non-Criminal Marijuana Issued** 0
By Law Violation 0
Protective Custody** 3
Medical-Section 12 42
**Not prosecuted/non-criminal
At the recent ribbon cutting ceremony, the Lexington community gathered to celebrate the newly constructed Lexington Police Station. The ceremony included Chief Michael McLean, Town Manager James Malloy, Deputy Town Manager Kelly Axtel, Director of Public Facilities Michael Cronin, Select Board members, State Representatives and other team members re-responsible for the project planning, design, and construction.Courtesy of Lexington Police Dept.
124
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 90 90
Part Time 1 0
ROLE: The Department of Public Facilities (DPF) is responsi-
ble for the coordination and care of all town-owned buildings
inclusive of those under the control of the Select Board, Town
Manager, Library Trustees, Recreation Committee, and School
Committee. The DPF is charged with managing the efficient
operation and maintenance of town buildings, preserving
building and equipment assets, and planning and implement-
ing capital improvements. These objectives are accomplished
by establishing appropriate services in support of building
users, implementing preventive maintenance programs that
result in reliable facility operation, and managing a 5-year
facility capital plan through collaboration with the Permanent
Building Committee (PBC) and other town committees.
DPF Administration
HIGHLIGHTS:
• The Growth and Development Program continued in
FY2024, with a goal of improving communication among
DPF employees, develop strategies to strengthen workplace
relationships and teamwork, and continued education
and training. Manny Cabral and Christopher Bouchard
facilitated OSHA-10 training, an AHERA (Asbestos Hazard
Emergency Response Act) certification training, and Annual
Safety and Right-to-Know training for DPF employees.
• The Department of Public Facilities continued to refine the
20-year Facility Condition Assessment which is a helpful
tool used to inform the rolling 20-year capital plan. The
development of this report allows the financial planners
time to identify major spikes in demand for capital dollars
and react in time to smooth them out. The long-term capital
plan also allows DPF to identify multiple projects scheduled
for the same timeframe and encourages a single project that
could be all-inclusive. This would generate some savings in
the total price versus a plan where each project is completed
independently. The staff received training to allow a variety
of reports to be created and used to provide information to
the various financial committees. The department is excited
to announce the hiring of a Data Analyst who will provide
a deeper analysis of the information. This will allow the
department with better planning, projecting of costs, and
provide enhanced timing for projects. The report also was
useful in identifying which building requires more capital
investment and provides a catalyst for us to make decisions
on the long-term viability of specific buildings.
PUBLIC FACILITIES
• In FY23, Shawn Newell continued to work on the installa-
tion of photovoltaic solar rooftop and canopies and battery
energy storage systems at seven school buildings. This
project is projected to save approximately $120,000 per year.
Like many other projects in Town, this project has also been
subject to supply chain issues, delaying the cutover to solar
power. The solar systems went online at the end of June,
2023. Battery systems were scheduled to come online during
the summer of 2023.
• In FY2024, the Facility Rental Program continued with
typical rental volumes and revenues.
DPF Operations
HIGHLIGHTS:
• DPF custodial staff and maintenance technicians continued
to clean, maintain, service, and repair the facility infrastruc-
ture and equipment in both school and municipal buildings.
The Operations Division has continued to implement proac-
tive preventive maintenance programs to reduce emergency
and reactive work orders, resulting in a continuing decrease
of these types of work orders and associated repair costs. As
the building inventory of square footage continues to grow
from additions, renovations, and new construction, the need
for maintenance, service, and repair grows in a correspond-
ing manner.
• DPF maintenance technicians continue to complete tasks
for the maintenance, service, and repair of School and
Municipal Buildings. However, due to staffing vacancies,
DPF has had to outsource many tasks that would typically be
completed in-house.
• DPF Operations division continues to oversee various
building related improvement and life-cycle replacement
projects in addition to the day-to-day building maintenance,
service, and repair.
School Site Work & Playgrounds• Shawn Newell, Assistant Director of Facilities, and Manny
Cabral, Superintendent of Custodial Services, completed
poured-in-place safety surfacing at the Bridge, Bowman,
Harrington, and Fiske Elementary School, plus a full
replacement of the Fiske Playground Structure.
• At the 2023 Annual Town Meeting funding was once
again appropriated under Article 16D for the annual Site
Improvement Capital Program. This program is in place
to conduct in-kind replacements of Pavement, Sidewalks,
and other Site-related areas at the School properties
based on life-cycle and condition. When and if possible,
accessibility and pedestrian walkway improvements are
incorporated as part of these in-kind replacement site
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125 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
work projects. Over the summer of 2023 the funding was
utilized to re-pave the Diamond Middle School Driveway
Road from the Hancock Street rotary to the entry of the
parking lot. In addition to repaving the driveway, vertical
granite curbing was added and the sidewalk was repaved
to match the rest of the school site and improve pedestri-
an safety.
• Due to the initiative to increase student bike ridership,
the Department of Public Facilities installed additional
bike racks at Estabrook Elementary School and Diamond
Middle School. This continued effort supports the
districts goal of improving and encouraging the Safe
Routes to Schools Program.
Interior Finishes
• The annual painting program continued in Fiscal Year
2024 in both School and Municipal Buildings. Areas
requiring repainting are identified by a life cycle report and
visual inspections. In FY2024, many classrooms, hallways,
restrooms, office spaces, and portions of building exteriors
were repainted.
• In the Spring of 2024, three (3) restrooms at the Town
Office Building were remodeled. This included new
ceilings, wall finishes, ceramic wall and floor tile, and
all new plumbing fixtures. In addition, all restrooms in
the building were converted to ‘hands-free’, with motion
activated faucets and dispensers.
• In a continuation of the Annual Capital Flooring program,
Manny Cabral, Facilities Superintendent, completely
replaced Thirty-two (32) classroom floors at Harrington
Elementary School. The old Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT)
was replaced with no-wax Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT).
• Manny Cabral, supervised multiple contractors to renovate
all of the student bathrooms at Diamond Middle School.
The scope of work included all new hands-free fixtures,
new stall partitions, epoxy grouted floors, paint, lighting
and ceiling tiles.
• Although most of the floors at Lexington High School are
past their expected useful life cycle, a robust floor mainte-
nance and replacement program is in place to extend the
lifetime of the floors while awaiting a new LHS.
• With that said, several floors will require replacement
over the coming years due to their condition despite this
maintenance program. In FY2023 flooring replacement
occurred in several classrooms and hallways. The LHS
custodial team completed replacements of about 1/3 of all
classrooms in the Math and World Language buildings
funded by the capital flooring program. These floors were
identified as needing replacement due to failure, cracking
and general poor condition. The teaching staff have given
dozens of compliments on the new flooring.
Building Envelope & Roofing
• In FY2024, DPF contracted with multiple construction
contractors to complete Building Envelope projects based
on the 20-year Capital Plan, which included:
• Fascia and soffit repair and replacement occurred at
Bowman and Bridge Elementary Schools. This work
included replacement of rotted wood plus the painting
of all surfaces to look like new.
• The older of the two pre-fabricated modular buildings
at Bowman Elementary School was re-sided with new
metal siding and trim. The new siding is a long lasting
product that will require less upkeep and extend the
life of the building.
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing
• Over the summer of 2023, two large rooftop HVAC sys-
tems were replaced at Clarke Middle School. The previous
Rooftop Units (RTU) were replaced with high-efficiency,
all-electric Direct Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS). This
project was completed over the summer vacation months
and was operational for the start of the 2023-2024 School
Year.
• The HVAC Rooftop Unit (RTU) that serves the library at
Lexington High School was failing and was not repair-
able. Over the summer of 2023, the Rooftop Unit (RTU)
was replaced with a high-efficiency, all-electric Direct
Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS).
• In the Fall of 2023 a full building mechanical ventilation
project was completed at Town Office Building.
Prior to the project, there were two Make-up Air Units
(MAU’s) that provided outdoor air ventilation to the
building. The outdoor air was conditioned via coils from
the central plants (with either hot water for heating from
the boilers or chilled water for cooling from the chiller).
The previous MAU's did not have any energy recovery
components to them.
These MAU units were past their useful-life and in
poor condition. Through a conditions assessment and
the Facilities 20-Year Capital Life Cycle Plan, they were
identified as needing replacement.
This project included the replacement of the MAU's with
energy efficient Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV's).
These new units now provide 100% outdoor air, but
utilizes return air to transfer sensible and latent heat
thru a plate exchanger. This is far more efficient than
the previous system. While the MAU's utilized hot and
PUBLIC FACILITIES (continued)
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126
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
PUBLIC FACILITIES (continued)
chilled water, the new ERV's utilize a variable refrigerant
flow (heat pump) system to provide cooling and heating.
This is an all-electric option and removes water from
the attic to avoid any potential leaks/floods due to future
frozen pipes.
This project also included spray foam insulation in the
attic which will provide a tighter building envelope and
less air infiltration.
• The Fire Alarm Control Panels at both Diamond Middle
School and Clarke Middle School were installed during
the 2001 renovation, and as they were over 20 years old,
were at the end of their useful life and showing signs
of imminent failure. The Fire Alarm Control Panel was
upgraded at Diamond Middle School in August 2023
and completed prior to the start of the 2023-2024 School
Year. The Fire Alarm Control Panel was upgraded at
Clarke Middle School over the winter vacation in 2023
and completed prior to school sessions resuming in
January 2024.
• In 2023, Lexington once again received a Competitive
Green Communities Grant from the Massachusetts
Department of Energy Resources (DOER). A grant
of $50,000 was utilized to upgrade LED fixtures at
Harrington Elementary School and added lighting mo-
tion controls at Lexington High School. Since 2010, the
Department of Public Facilities has secured $1,374,874 is
Green Communities Grants utilized to implement energy
conservation and efficiency projects.
• In FY2024 several Audio/Visual system upgrades were
completed in Battin Hall at the Cary Memorial Building.
These upgrades included an audio and projection system
upgrade as well as a replacement motor for the theatrical
lighting bar.
• After the new construction projects were completed at the
Westview Cemetery and Recreation Center Restrooms
new closed-circuit television (CCTV) security camera
systems were installed.
• Additional closed-circuit television (CCTV) security
cameras were added to the existing system at the Cary
Memorial Library. Several doors were upgraded with
door access controls to enhance security for staff and
create more flexible spaces for the upcoming lower level
renovation project.
DPF Project Management
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Reached a favorable and successful financial close-out
of the contract with the Construction Managers for the
Hastings School Project. The final Closeout paperwork
with the MSBA is in process. In addition, the Green
Building Council awarded the Hastings Project LEED
GOLD status, exceeding the goal of Silver set forth by the
Integrated Building Design & Construction Policy.
• In March 2022, the Superintendent received notification
that the MSBA had accepted the school department’s
Statement of Interest and was welcoming the district
into the Eligibility Period. This is the first step towards
a new or renovated Lexington High School, and the
Facilities Department has supported the work of the
Superintendent's Office, the Master Planning Committee,
and the newly formed School Building Committee, as we
began work on the First Module of the MSBA process.
The Eligibility Period commenced at the end of the school
year on June 1, 2022, and was completed in February
2023 with acceptance of all required documents by the
MSBA. A Feasibility Study agreement was then estab-
lished by the MSBA, for the district, allowing the project
to continue into the Feasibility Study phase. There are 9
modules in the MSBA project process and the feasibility
study phase includes module 2 “Forming the Project
Team” and module 3 “Feasibility Study”. We expect
modules 2 and 3 to take up to 2 years. Much of this
work will involve seeking out input for the project from
the community at large, neighbors, students, teachers,
community programs and committee’s throughout town.
• Completed the Diamond Middle School emergency
generator replacement project over the winter and it is now
in full operation, providing reliable emergency power to a
greater extent of the school with increased power to better
support the building lighting and HVAC systems when
there are normal power losses.
• Released the Center restroom renovation project for
contractor bidding and the contract was awarded in March
of 2023. The building serves the public using the Center
Recreation fields, providing restrooms as well as housing
DPW field maintenance equipment. The renovation is
anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2023.
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127 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
PUBLIC FACILITIES (continued)
• Started construction on the new Westview Cemetery build-
ing in the spring of 2022. The new building is approximately
4,600 square feet and houses administrative and operations
staff and equipment for the Cemetery. The building was
designed “solar ready” and will be equipped for solar
installation as soon as building construction is complete.
Construction completion will be in the fall of 2023.
• Completed a conceptual design study at the Cary Memorial
Library children’s room, looking to update the current
children’s room to improve program space, staff sightlines
throughout the children’s room, and improved restroom
access. The study resulted in a preferred plan direction for
continued development. This renovation project is still in
planning phases and will likely see a 2024 construction start
if the project continues to receive support.
• Replaced roughly half of the Bridge Elementary School
roof in the summer of 2022. In March of 2023 a contract
was signed with a roofing contractor to replace the
remaining half of the aging roof system. This work is
scheduled for summer of 2023.
• Received Town Meeting support for construction of the
Police Station at STM2 in 2022 and has since been an
active project. Construction began in October of 2022,
starting with the abatement and demolition of the former
building as well as the relocation of the Hosmer House.
Construction is ongoing and we anticipate the Police
moving into their new facility in June 2024.
• Approved funding at the 2023 ATM supporting the
continued design of solar canopies for the parking area
adjacent to the new police station. The design of these
solar canopies continues to refine with great input from
the neighbors and the Historic District Commission.
Foundations for the solar canopies will be incorporated
into the current site work at the police station.
• Installed a 35 KW PV solar system at the new Lexington
Fire Headquarters in FY2023. This system will reduce the
electrical consumption by 45,000 kWh annually.
• In the middle of the 2022-2023 School Year, the Public
Address System at Harrington Elementary School failed.
The system was no longer supported and replacement
parts had been discontinued. Chris Bouchard, Facilities
Engineer, solicited quotations utilizing a State Contract and
was able to engage a vendor to complete a system replace-
ment. The Public Address System is now operational at
Harrington Elementary School with new features.
• Reconfigured Room 5A at Manny Cabral and worked
with the ELE Department and Chris Lyons at the Central
Administration Building for incoming parents and
students to have a comfortable reception/waiting/testing
area in FY2023.
128
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 4 5
Part Time 1 0
ROLE: To protect and promote the health
of residents and those who work in or visit
Lexington, and to develop and implement
effective health policies, regulations, and
programs that prevent disease and ensure
the wellbeing of the community.
The Board of Health acts as the advisory and oversight
Board to the Public Health Department and its staff. The
Board of Health is responsible, under various Massachusetts
General Laws, for disease prevention and control, and health
and environmental protection. The Board of Health promul-
gates and enforces local health regulations to maintain or en-
hance minimum standards in sanitation and environmental
protection, and to assure that the basic health needs of the
community are being met.
The mission of the Public Health Department is to prevent
disease and promote wellness in order to protect and improve
the health and quality of life of its residents, visitors, and
workforce. This charge is carried out by the implementation of
local, State, and Federal laws, rules, and regulations concern-
ing community health and disease prevention, surveillance
programs, public health education outreach and empower-
ment programs, environmental health permit and code en-
forcement inspection activities, and public health emergency
planning efforts, conducted locally and as a region.
APPOINTED to the Board of Health by the Town Manager:
Wendy Heiger-Bernays, PhD (Chair), David S. Geller, MD
(Vice-Chair), Shoolah Escott, MS, MT(ASCP), Jillian Tung,
MD, MPH, and Susan Wolf-Fordham, JD, MPA.
APPOINTED to the Public Health Department by the Town
Manager: Joanne Belanger, RN (Director), Alicia McCartin,
REHS/RS (Assistant Director), Kelliann Coleman, RN,
(Public Health Nurse), Jessica Shah, (Health Agent), Akeem
McDougal (Office Manager)
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT/BOARD OF HEALTH
HIGHLIGHTS:
• The Public Health Department became an independent
department beginning FY24 and separated from the Land
Use, Health and Development Department, which was
renamed to the Land Use, Housing and Development
Department. A new logo for the Health Department was
designed.
• Offered the first community wide flu and COVID clinic
for people ages 4 and older.
• Free COVID test kits were provided by the State and
placed for distribution in multiple Town buildings.
Education and guidance to the community continued
• Continued review and revise local Board of Health regu-
lations and the permit fee schedule. The Board of Health
approved new local Laboratory Animal regulations.
• Worked with State and local officials regarding the
Emergency Assistance Shelters and Overflow Shelter
sites in Lexington. Collaborated with multiple partners,
including resident advocacy groups, Lexington public
schools, the National Guard, multiple Town Departments
and service providers. Coordinated and facilitated weekly
meetings with all stakeholders. Collaborated with the
Lexington School Dept to provide shelter residents with
flu and COVID vaccines and needed childhood vaccines
for school entry.
• Continued to work with The Towns of Burlington and
Wilmington on the Public Health Excellence for Shared
Services grant. The Town of Burlington is the lead
municipality for the TriTon Coalition. This grant will be
used to enhance local public health and strive to meet
the recommendations of the Blueprint for Public Health
Excellence.
• Continued to collaborate with LexZeroWaste on their
pilot project to introduce reusable take-out containers to
food establishments and residents in Lexington, called
ZeroToGo. The pilot had 3 phases and the Health Office
worked on the protocols and food safety procedures in
order to maintain compliance with the food code.
Environmental Health
• Reached a favorable and successful financial close-out
of the contract with the Construction Managers for the
Hastings School Project. The final Closeout paperwork
with the MSBA is in process. In addition, the Green
Building Council awarded the Hastings Project LEED
GOLD status, exceeding the goal of Silver set forth by the
Integrated Building Design & Construction Policy.
(continued on next page)Health Department staff and BoH members in front of count down clock.
129 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
• In March 2022, the Superintendent received notification
that the MSBA had accepted the school department’s
Statement of Interest and was welcoming the district
into the Eligibility Period. This is the first step towards
a new or renovated Lexington High School, and the
Facilities Department has supported the work of the
Superintendent's Office, the Master Planning Committee,
and the newly formed School Building Committee, as we
began work on the First Module of the MSBA process.
The Eligibility Period commenced at the end of the school
year on June 1, 2022, and was completed in February
2023 with acceptance of all required documents by the
MSBA. A Feasibility Study agreement was then estab-
lished by the MSBA, for the district, allowing the project
to continue into the Feasibility Study phase. There are 9
modules in the MSBA project process and the feasibility
study phase includes module 2 “Forming the Project
Team” and module 3 “Feasibility Study”. We expect
modules 2 and 3 to take up to 2 years. Much of this
work will involve seeking out input for the project from
the community at large, neighbors, students, teachers,
community programs and committee’s throughout town.
Community Health and Emergency Preparedness
• Reached a favorable and successful financial close-out
of the contract with the Construction Managers for the
Hastings School Project. The final Closeout paperwork
with the MSBA is in process. In addition, the Green
Building Council awarded the Hastings Project LEED
GOLD status, exceeding the goal of Silver set forth by the
Integrated Building Design & Construction Policy.
• Vaccinated individuals for seasonal influenza and
COVID-19, including boosters. Partnering with Human
Services staff, continued to administer vaccines to
home-bound residents, including those in group homes
and housing developments. With the expansion of the
vaccine program, approximately 1100 residents, adults
and children, were vaccinated In FY24, approximately
double from FY23.
• Partnering with Human Services staff, expanded the
Wellness clinic offerings onsite for residents at three
housing developments In Town. The Wellness clinics
include blood pressure screening and other vital signs,
glucose monitoring, medication review, vaccination
review, and other health and medical information. These
clinics provide direct services to residents that may
be Isolated or have limited access, as well as providing
socialization and connection to Town officials.
• Applied to the Department of Public Health, Vaccine
Unit, to enroll in the Vaccine for Children program.
The application was approved and the Health Office can
now order all childhood vaccines available through the
Vaccine Unit. The Health vaccine program has expanded
to be able to assist the School Dept in vaccine compliance
for students, especially new students to the district
• Participated in National Public Health Week from April
1st to the 5th. National Public Health Week focused
on Women’s Health in 2024. The Lexington Health
Department, in collaboration with the Lexington
Recreation Department, and the Tri-Town Coalition,
offered a free public viewing of the movie “Below the
Belt” at the Lexington Venue. The movie “Below the Belt”
increases awareness of endometriosis, an often confusing
and misdiagnosed condition that can lead to delayed
treatment and years of pain and suffering. This is an
important issue in women’s health that needs to be better
understood and recognized, especially in order to fund
research and treatment options. This event was initiated
and championed by a Lexington resident, and was the
first public viewing in the Boston-metro area since PBS
launched the film in July 2023. The viewing featured the
hour-long movie, followed by questions and answers with
local endometriosis surgeon Dr. Malcom Mackenzie.
• Completed transition from the inactive 4A Medical
Reserve Corps to a smaller active regional unit, the
Central Middlesex Medical Reserve Corps. The partic-
ipating communities are: Lexington, Acton, Bedford,
Boxborough, Carlisle, Littleton, Woburn, Lincoln,
Winchester, Stow, and Maynard. The CMMRC will
be able to provide trained and vetted, volunteers to
Lexington and the surrounding communities when there
is a Public Health need, whether emergency or routine.
• Received a Massachusetts Municipality and Non-
Municipality Agency Controlled Substance Registration.
This enables the Health Department to order Naloxone
(Narcan) at low or no cost through the State and have
doses available for residents and those who need them.
The Health Department, as part of the opioid settlement,
developed rescue kits that contain Narcan, gloves,
fentanyl testing strips, face shields, and resource materials
for the public. These kits are available at the Health
Department at no cost and with no questions. Narcan
trainings for the public are being planned.
Public Health Department/Board of Health (continued)
130
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 74 74
Part Time 5 5
Seasonal 7 7
DPW Administration
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 7 7
Part Time 0 0
ROLE: To manage personnel and monitor all divisions with-
in DPW including Administration, Engineering, Highway,
Equipment Maintenance, Parks, Forestry, Cemetery,
Environmental Services, Water and Sewer; provide oversight
for Streetlight Maintenance and Snow Operations; monitor
the annual budget; provide outreach to the community; and
supervise numerous projects.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager: David Pinsonneault
CSFM, CPRP, CPWP-M (DPW Director) appointed in
March 2016.
• Lexington Department of Public Works was the 90th
agency in the country to be accredited by the American
Public Works Association (APWA). Re-accreditation
occurs every 4 years. In 2024, Public Works is continuing
the process of policy review for accreditation, which will
occur in 2026.
• The Director is a member of the American Public
Works Association and current APWA Technical Board
Director for Fleet, Facilities and Ground, also an active
member of the New England Chapter of Public Works.
The DPW Director and the Manager of Operations
maintain Certified Public Works Professional (CPWP)
certifications in Management and Supervision, respec-
tively, which are issued to individuals in the public
works field who have the knowledge and experience to
manage organizations within a public works department.
The Director also holds Certified Sports Field Manager
(CSFM) and Certified Park and Recreation Professional
(CPRP) certifications. The Director and the Operations
Manager participate on various boards and committees
regionally and nationally.
• Continue working on sustainable initiatives.
• Actively involved in assisting the seventeen member
Lex250 commission that is planning the celebration
marking the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington
and other related events.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Hosted its annual DPW Day in May. This was a well-
at-tended successful event with over a hundred visitors.
Attendees were able to meet staff, view the DPW equip-
ment and ask questions about the services DPW provides.
The MWRA provided their “Water Wagon” on a one time
basis to educate on water conservation. Children who
attended received a small goodie bag with some DPW-
related items to remember their visit.
• Continued to assist residents and other town departments.
The DPW receives many calls, emails, and requests for
public records and service, as well as calls for emergencies.
• Provided support to various town committees, boards,
and working groups including the Lexington Center,
Tree, Recreation, Noise Advisory, Permanent Building,
Appropriations, Capital Expenditures, Bicycle Advisory
and Sustainable Lexington Committees; the Water/
Sewer Abatement Board, Transportation Safety Group,
Commission on Disabilities, Waste Reduction Task Force,
Select Board, and Minuteman Household Hazardous
Products (MHHP) program.
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PUBLIC WORKS
131 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Engineering Division
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 8 8
Part Time 1 1
ROLE: To provide design, construction, and management
services and capital planning to the DPW, other departments,
boards, committees, and the public.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager: John Livsey (Town
Engineer) appointed in January 2009.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Continued water quality sampling in an aggressive effort
to identify illicit discharges and remove them from the
system. This is part of an overall goal to improve water
quality in Lexington. Stormwater Interns made significant
contributions to the water quality improvement. To date
we have found and removed 13 illicit discharges.
• Continued the implementation of the roadway manage-
ment program, including updated roadway condition
inspections, managed in an asset management software
called PeopleGIS. This allows for tablet based online
street inventory, sidewalk inventory and inspection forms,
which are being used in inspection of roadway condi-
tions. Street inspection reports are reflected immediately
and are being used in real-time for decision-making.
• Continued to play a key role in the improvements to
the Town’s Geographical Information System. Similarly,
the Division is using PeopleGIS's PeopleForms and
MapsOnline website for pavement markings and other
asset management including water, sewer and stormwater.
MapsOnline provides an online platform for the town's
database management and plays a key role in an im-
proved Geographical Information System.
• Performed traffic, bike and pedestrian improvements in
various locations.
• Continued the Inflow and Infiltration investigation and
removal program.
• Substantially completed construction for the replacement
of the pump station at Hayden Avenue and North.
• Completed work on the Battle Green Improvements
Project
• Kept assessors and utility overlay maps updated.
• Continued to design infrastructure improvements and
manage construction projects, including but not limited
to the following highlighted projects:
Contract 23-41: $4,500,000
Battle Green Streetscape Improvements
Contractor: Unified Construction
Work was completed on the Battle Green Streetscape im-
provements project. The work consisted of the construc-
tion of a roundabout at the Bedford Street and Harrington
Road intersection, realignment of the Harrington Road and
Massachusetts Avenue intersection, full depth pavement
reclamation, milling and overlay, cement concrete sidewalks,
modified stone dust walks, granite paving, street furnishings,
pedestrian curb ramps, removing and resetting of curb, in-
stallation of new granite curb, drainage improvements, mis-
cellaneous water work, installation of new ornamental light
system with load center and service connections, loaming
and seeding, inground irrigation water line connection to
town water main, plantings and various streetscape ameni-
ties, signing and pavement markings and other various items
to complete the roadway and streetscape improvements.
Contract 21-40 (multi-year contract): $1,500,000
Roadway Improvements Contractor Lazaro Paving
The 2023 work for this project was completed in November
and included 2.24 miles of roadway repaving and reconstruc-
tion. This project included Blossom Road, Chadbourne Road,
Dover Road, Dunham Street, Old Spring Street, Piper Road,
Pleasant Street, School House Lane, Sedge Road, Sylvia Street,
Trotting Horse Drive, Utica Street, Road. Substantial drainage
improvements were also completed on these roadways.
Contract 22-48: $1,257,184 (2nd year of multi-year contract) and Contract 23-40: $355,992 (1st year of multi-year contract)
Lexington Preservation Treatments of Various Roads
Contractor: Indus Inc dba Sealcoating Inc. of Braintree MA
This work was completed under 2 separate contracts with the
same contractor. Four different treatments were applied this
year to the roads depending on the condition of the road be-
ing treated under contract 22-48. These treatments included
fog seal, double microsurfacing, and cape seal that covered
over 11 miles of roadway. The fourth treatment was crackseal
which was applied throughout town. Under contract 23-40
another treatment know as Cold-in-place-recycling was com-
pleted on Allen St, Waltham St totaling just under 1 mile.
PUBLIC WORKS (continued)
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132
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
PUBLIC WORKS (continued)
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Contract 22-60: $1,221,060
Storm drain improvements and culvert replacement at
Valleyfield, Grassland and Waltham Streets.
Contractor: Unified Contracting, Inc.
Construction began summer of 2023. The project includes
replacing existing storm drain infrastructure on Valleyfield
and Grassland Streets, replacing concrete pipe culvert with
two 36 inch reinforced concrete pipe on Waltham Street,
replacing 12-inch and 20-inch concrete pipe culvert with a
single 24-inch concrete pipe culvert at Waltham Street Farms
Trail, remove and relocate existing storm drain infrastructure
on Waltham Street, and other related work. Work was sub-
stantially completed in November of 2023.
Contract 22-40: $1,714,400
Wastewater pump station upgrade for the Hayden Ave pump
station.
Contractor: DeFelice Corporation
Construction began spring of 2023. The work consists of
re-placement of the existing Hayden Avenue Wastewater
Pump Station with a new submersible type station, including
new pumps, piping, valves, control panel enclosures, standby
generator, precast concrete wet well and valve pit. Work also
includes invasive vegetative species management during and
post construction. Work was substantially completed in June
2024.
Contract 24-38: $1,021,315
Oxbow Rd and Constitution Rd Drainage Improvements Phase II
Contractor: I.W. Harding
Construction of new drainage infrastructure and upgrading
existing infrastructure to alleviate flooding in the Oxbow Rd
and Constitution Rd neighborhood. Included installation of
a new 36” RCP drainage line, upsizing existing drain pipes
to 48” RCP, various drainage manholes, catch basins, and
junction structures, new concrete headwall, relay section of
water main, relay water and sewer services, site restoration
and plantings. This project also included a drainage improve-
ment on Winter St which included installing a new outfall in
a town owned easement. Construction begin in early spring
2024 and was substantially complete in June 2024.
Contract 23-33: $1,651,008
North St Pump Station Upgrades Project
Contractor: N. Granese and Sons Inc
This project began late fall of 2023 and included building a
new wastewater pump station to replace the existing, aging
pump station in the same location. The new pump station was
elevated above the 100 yr flood zone which the old pump sta-
tion was susceptible to. The project included installing a new
wet well, sewer manhole, pumps, piping, valves, control pan-
el, standby generator, and retrofitting of the old wet well. Site
work also included an 8 ft retaining wall creating a platform to
elevate the flood susceptible components of the new station,
protective fencing, flood storage mitigation excavation work,
and various plantings. Final acceptance and site restoration
work is expected in the beginning of fiscal year 2025.
Contract 23-44: $1,070,546
Phase 9 Sewer System Improvements
Contractor: National Water Main Cleaning Co.
This sanitary sewer rehab project focused on Sewer Basin 13
plus a 325 LF sewer replacement in Sewer Basin 03. This proj-
ect was completed in November 2023 and included the follow-
ing: 325 LF complete sewer replacement, 7,413 LF manhole to
manhole cured-in-place pipe, 3,875 LF cleaning, inspection,
testing and sealing, heavy cleaning and television inspection
of as much as 5,142 LF of sewers, testing and grouting of 20
sewer laterals, as much as 1,310 VF of cementitious lining in
135 manholes, grouting and patching of three manholes, re-
placing two manhole frame and covers, raising and replacing
7 manhole frame and covers to grade or two-feet above grade
depending on location, and installing 21 inflow dishes.
Contract 24-54: $1,892,400
Pleasant Street Improvements
Contractor: Unified Construction
Work began on the Pleasant Street Improvements project
in May of 2024. The work consists of the construction of a
roundabout at the Pleasant Street at Watertown Street in-
tersection, minor widening of the Pleasant Street roadway
to accommodate bicycle lanes, roadway resurfacing, pedes-
trian curb ramps, installation of a pedestrian crossing bea-
con, removing and resetting of curb, signing and pavement
markings and other various items to complete the roadway
improvements. Construction is expected to be significantly
complete November 2024 with some minor clean up and
punch list items in spring 2025.
133 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
PUBLIC WORKS (continued)
Hartwell Avenue and Bedford Street Complete Streets Design: $1,500,000
Proposed Analysis and Transportation Improvements
Contractor: Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc.
Progressed the design effort toward the 25% Design
Submission. VHB has completed the rezoning evaluation and
traffic analysis. The project has now completed the Project
Review Committee (PRC) phase including development of
concept plans and MassDOT MapIT submission preparation.
Additionally, since the Route 95 Interchange portion of the
project has significant cost implications both for design and
construction, it has been separated with the initial design
funded through the MPO. It is anticipated that MassDOT will
fund the construction of the interchange improvements. The
team is now continuing public outreach and the Intersection
Control Evaluation (ICE) as we progress toward the 25%
Design Submission.
Cedar Street Sidewalk Design: $155,000
Proposed Pedestrian Improvements
Contractor: CHA Consulting Inc.
Continued the design of the proposed Cedar Street sidewalk
and potential improvements to the Cedar Street at Hill Street
and Paul Revere Road intersection. The project had a signif-
icant delay due to Right-of-Way issues, however design is
anticipated to be complete this year with construction begin-
ning in spring 2025.
Pleasant Street Improvements Design: $294,500
Proposed Corridor and Intersection Improvements Contractor: Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc.
Completed the design of the pedestrian and bicycle im-
provements for the Pleasant Street corridor. The limits of the
improvements extend from Follen Road to Watertown Street
and included replacing the existing “triangle” geometry of the
Pleasant Street at Watertown Street intersection with a round-
about. Construction began May 2024.
Issued 212 Trench permits.
Issued 145 Driveway permits.
Issued 80 Water permits
Issued 84 Sewer permits.
Issued 5 Drain permit.
Issued 0Right of Way obstruction permits.
Issued 136 ROW excavation permits.
Issued 1 Stormwater permits.
Environmental Services
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 5 5
Part Time 0 0
ROLE: To manage environmental service programs, in-
cluding contracted curbside refuse collection and disposal,
curbside recycling collection of mixed paper, plastic, glass
and metal containers, yard waste, appliances, and drop-off of
corrugated cardboard. Manage operations of the Minuteman
Household Hazardous Products (MHHP) Regional Facility,
including maintenance of the facility, accounting, and anal-
ysis of statistics for nine member towns. Handle special col-
lections of medical waste, cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and other
electronics. Manage operations at the Lexington Composting
Facility (LCF), including the processing and collection of
leaves, yard waste, brush, tree waste, wood chips, and other
organic materials from contractors, residents, and municipal
curbside materials. Oversee the provision of composting-re-
lated services completed by private contractors, administer
the contractor permit program for yard waste and brush, and
develop and implement marketing programs regarding the
sale of various compost/loam products.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager: Robert Beaudoin
(Superintendent) appointed in September 2001.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• In FY2024 Capitol Waste Services began their first year of
a 5-year contract starting July 1, 2024.
• Residents, all town buildings and public schools gener-
ated 7923 tons of solid waste that was disposed at Win
Waste Innovations (WWI) waste-to-energy facility in
North Andover (formerly Wheelabrator Inc.). Trash
generation declined in FY2024 compared with FY2023,
resulting in 229 less tons. The Town, finished year four
of a 5-year extension with WWI that will end June 30,
2025. The tip fee for FY2024 was $85.85 per ton. With the
continued loss of in-state disposal capacity DEP reported
that nearly 2 million tons of trash were exported in 2024.
DPW continues to examine alternative disposal options.
• Residents continued to use the 2 drop off stations for the
community composting food waste program carts at the
Community Center and at the Samuel Hadley Public
Services Building. ARPA Funding was used to provide
curbside food waste collection to 4,000 residents.
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134
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
PUBLIC WORKS (continued)
lines, traffic signs and signals, and manage Snow Removal
Operations.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager: John Zaccardi
(Superintendent) appointed in March 2021.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Placed just over 308 tons of asphalt to maintain roads,
sidewalks, and asphalt curbing. Oversaw the replacement
of 14000 LF of asphalt sidewalks, 50 LF of concrete
sidewalks, and 10 ramps.
• Repaired and rebuilt more than 31 VF of catch basins and
drain manholes in the storm drain system.
• Oversaw the cleaning of 4,500 catch basins by a
contractor.
• Highway staff swept 137 road miles multiple times using
two town-owned sweepers.
• Oversaw the line striping of roadways by a contractor.
• Highway staff performed line striping of crosswalks and
stop lines town-wide.
• Maintained 2,450 traffic control signs and 500 parking
meter posts and footings.
• Maintained 13 traffic control signals and eleven addition-
al flashing signals.
Snow Removal Operations
ROLE: To execute all snow plowing and treating operations
with DPW staff and private contractors. The Town utilized 36
pieces of town-owned equipment including eight spreaders
and 44 pieces of hired plowing equipment with operators.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Lexington experienced 14 snow and ice events for a total
of 16 inches of accumulation during the winter of 2023-
2024. Four storms required full plowing operations by
town staff and hired contractors. 2,329 tons of salt, 93,198
gallons of salt brine and 10,883 gallons of carbohydrate
additive were used to treat the streets, parking lots, and
sidewalks during the 14 winter events.
• Staff continued training on using the brine generator
and equipment used to pre-treat roadways in advance of
storms. The Staff continued the use of the brine system
with blending capabilities, further enhancing its liquid
technology. The blended brine increases the residual
product on the road, reducing the overall quantity of
material used.
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• Recycled 3,407 tons of Single Stream recyclables such
as glass, metal, plastics, mixed paper, and cardboard
through the curbside collection programs in FY2024.
Recycling tonnage was 3,460 in FY2023 compared with
3,407 in FY2024, 53 tons less than FY2023.
• Collected syringes, needles, and other related medical
products at 4 drop-off collections for Lexington residents,
which were diverted from trash disposal. This program
is offered primarily through the Health Department with
assistance from the Department of Public Works.
• Continued the curbside pick-up of TVs, computer
monitors, and miscellaneous electronics. In FY2024,
nearly 20,000 pounds of electronic waste were collected
from Lexington residents and municipal departments.
Since 2000, Lexington has diverted nearly 2.94 million
pounds (1,470 tons) of CRTs and electronic waste from
trash disposal.
• ACV Environmental provided collection services at 8
HHP collections at the Minuteman Regional facility. In
FY2024 more than 3,109 cars delivered over approxi-
mately 100,000 pounds of household hazardous products
that were diverted from trash and properly disposed.
The MHHP Committee consists of representatives from
Health or Public Works Departments from Lexington
and nine surrounding communities. Each year 8 HHP
collections are held at the Hartwell Avenue site.
• Received approximately 50,000 cubic yards of yard
waste, leaves, brush, grass clippings, and wood chips at
Hartwell Avenue. The compost continued to be available
for residents, for sale to contractors, and for use in Public
Work’s projects. Sales of finished compost, loam, leaf and
bark mulches were $620,000 and contractors generated
$480,000 in revenue from the purchase of yard waste
disposal permits and punch cards. Since 2003, $11.3
million in revenues from the sale of loam, compost,
and yard waste disposal has been generated to fund
personal services, operational and capital expenses at the
Lexington Compost site.
Highway, Equipment and Drains Division
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 13 12
Part Time 1 1
ROLE: To maintain the Town’s accepted streets (137 miles),
sidewalks, drainage infrastructure, brooks, street signs, street
135 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
PUBLIC WORKS (continued)
Public Grounds
The Park, Forestry, and Cemetery Divisions and the Street
Light Maintenance Program are consolidated under the su-
pervision of the Public Grounds Superintendent.
Park Division
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 16 16
ROLE: To maintain and care for more than 600 acres of
town, school, and recreation lands. Areas maintained include
athletic fields, public grounds, playgrounds, tennis and bas-
ketball courts, trails, right-of-ways, bike paths, and pool and
reservoir complexes. To assist the Conservation Commission,
the Recreation, School, and Facilities departments, youth
groups, and various other committees with special requests,
projects, and special town events throughout the year.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager: Christopher Filadoro
(Superintendent) appointed in May 2011.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Performed seasonal maintenance at the pool complex,
Old Reservoir, and the skateboard park; transported
supplies and equipment for departments and user groups;
performed landscape improvements and cleanups at
various town sites, and playground inspections; repaired
playground deficiencies, basketball and tennis nets.
• Assisted the Chamber of Commerce with special events
and the Patriots Day event.
• Performed the following activities: roadside mowing;
daily ball field maintenance during the playing seasons
and synthetic field maintenance at Lincoln Park, as well
as drainage improvements on turf areas, site amenity
repairs of various playfields; core aerated, over seeded, top
dressed, fertilized, and added soil amendment products
to help increase turf quality of the athletic fields per the
turf maintenance program.
• Performed athletic field layout for school, youth, adult,
and recreation. Coordinated the turf maintenance
program; emptied public space recycling/trash barrels;
installed new benches and repaired benches; painted,
repaired, installed, and constructed picnic tables, and
trash receptacles.
• Maintained the Minuteman Bikeway.
• Performed the following trash pickup at designated sites
mowing maintained site amenities, including drinking
fountains and irrigation systems.
• Performed maintenance at the Town’s basketball and
tennis courts rough-cut mowing at conservation areas
and road-sides limited maintenance on traffic islands in
coordination with the Lexington Field and Garden Club.
• Assisted the Recreation Department with various capital
projects maintained planting beds and shrubs assisted
with the Teak Bench Program performed other service
requests from town departments, boards, commissions,
and the general public
Forestry Division
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 5 5
Seasonal 2 2
ROLE: To care for and preserve all woody plant vegetation
in parks, along streets, and in all public properties, with the
highest priority given to emergencies to provide support to
cemetery operations as needed; to maintain trees and shrub
plantings in parks, playgrounds, cemeteries, traffic islands,
public right-of-ways, conservation land, recreation land, and
school property; to maintain 3,529 streetlight bulbs; and to
assist other departments and groups with aerial-lift services.
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Equipment Division
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 5 5
ROLE: To maintain all DPW vehicles in a ready, active
status. DPW equipment consists of 160 vehicles ranging from
sedans, pickups, and dump trucks to off-road construction
equipment, including backhoes, front-end loaders, lawn
mowers, and landscaping maintenance equipment.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Continued implementation of upgrades to diagnostic
tools and database software to enhance repair efficiency.
• Provided education and training to maintain a well-
trained and capable team of Automotive Technicians.
136
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
PUBLIC WORKS (continued)
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Staff responded to more than 400 requests for service and
pruned trees at the cemeteries, schools, conservation,
recreation and public grounds areas, and other locations
within the public right-of-ways.
• Removed bittersweet vine from several park and athletic
field areas, cleared foliage obstructing street¬lights,
signs, and intersections to improve visibility. Cleared
downed trees and limbs after storms. Cut back
encroaching trees and shrubs along the Minuteman
Bikeway and other town right-of-ways. Watered trees
as resources permitted. Pruned 142 trees to remove
hazards and improve health, structure, shape, and
aesthetics. Removed 43 dead, diseased, storm-damaged
or otherwise hazardous trees, the majority of which
were Elm, Ash, and Maple trees. Ground 30 stumps,
added loam to grade, and seeded the sites.
• Assisted with the planting of 36 new trees in the fall,
and 73 in the spring on public land. Continued with the
Setback Planting Program. Trees were funded through
the Lexington Tree Fund account, private funding
sources, and the program budget. The trees were planted
by town staff and outside contractors.
• Treated for bees and wasps, as needed, at various
locations.
• Staff attended further training on tree health, arborist
certification, insect workshops, invasive plant and
playground safety.
Administration:
• Lexington received the 2024 Tree City USA Award for the
35th consecutive year in the program.
Other Projects:
• Inspected and replaced bulbs and sensors on town-owned
streetlights.
• Installed and removed holiday lighting in the town
center; repaired overhead traffic lights; installed and
removed voting banners; assisted with the Arbor Day
ceremony and the planting of a Sugar Maple tree.
Provided on-going assistance to the Cemetery and
Park Divisions; and assisted other town departments
with aerial-lift services.
Cemetery Division
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 4 4
Seasonal 2 2
ROLE: To operate and maintain 34 acres of grounds and
all buildings and equipment for four cemeteries: Westview,
Munroe, Robbins, and Colonial. To serve the bereaved in a
professional manner.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Assisted and prepared cemeteries for special events
including installing flags. Performed spring and fall
maintenance.
• Operated and maintained the irrigation system at
Westview Cemetery. Coordinated with the contractor
for turf maintenance services, including fertilizing and
integrated pest management at Westview Cemetery.
• Handled 105 interments and two dis-interments, 67
cremations at Westview Cemetery and one interment in
Munroe Cemetery. Dug and backfilled graves, set stones,
loamed and seeded graves, removed trash, repaired
benches and fences, and maintained landscape, signs, and
buildings.
• Sold 82 graves at Westview Cemetery, with the revenue
split between the Town (45%) and the Perpetual Care
Trust Fund (55%). One hundred and fourteen (114)
foundations for flush markers were approved and set.
Eight (8) markers were removed and replaced.
• Sold 46 grave boxes and 39 burial vaults (98% of the total
installed). Two burial vaults were purchased from and
installed by outside vendors for an inspection fee and one
burial vault was purchased from and installed by us.
• Revolving Fund expense for burial containers totaled
$26,690 while revenue was $ 40,490
• Collected total revenue, including Cemetery Preparation
Fees of $415,126; $ 94,810 was deposited in the Perpetual
Care Trust Fund.
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137 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
PUBLIC WORKS (continued)
Street Light Maintenance Program
ROLE: To proactively maintain a cost-effective lighting sys-
tem that enhances public safety along Lexington roadways for
vehicles and pedestrians, while considering all characteristics
of light-source quality.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Maintained 3,529 streetlights since March, 2000. Forestry
Division employees inspect and change photo-sensors
and light bulbs. Service calls are scheduled on an over-
time basis as weather permits. Calls are processed in
the order they are received or are prioritized according
to safety concerns. If the repair requires more technical
expertise involving wiring or replacement of fixtures, an
electrical contractor is dispatched to resolve the problem.
• Received reports of 96 outages, which town staff inspect-
ed. Town staff repaired 12 lights and 15 sensors. The
electrical con¬tractor repaired the remaining 69 lights.
The response time for town staff inspection and repair
of lights is within 10 to 15 days. If the repair requires
electrical work, the contractor response time could be an
additional 10 to 15 days.
• The Town converted 3,175 streetlights to LED lights,
completed June 2020. The lights in the town center, and
around the Battle Green were converted to LEDs as part
of the Streetscape projects. All other non-LED lights are
being evaluated.
• Residents are encouraged to report outages on the
dedicated Streetlight Outage Line at 781-274-8388 please
give name, contact information, address of outage, type of
issue, and pole number.
Water/Sewer Divisions
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 14 14
Part Time 1 1
Seasonal 1 1
ROLE: To provide quality drinking water to Lexington
residents and to industrial and commercial customers, with
minimal service interruptions. Along with maintaining the
safe and proper discharge of wastewater in the sewer infra-
structure system.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager: David Pavlik
(Superintendent) appointed September 2020.
The water infrastructure consists of 154 miles of water main,
two water storage tanks with total capacity of 3.1 million
gallons, 1,500 fire hydrants, 3,400 street and hydrant control
valves, and approximately 10,500 residential service line con-
trol valves located on property lines. Four main transmission
lines from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
(MWRA) serve Lexington: a 16-inch main on Summer Street,
a 16-inch main on Massachusetts Avenue in East Lexington,
a 12-inch main on Watertown Street, and a 24-inch main on
Concord Avenue. The MWRA supplies Lexington with ap-
proximately 2 billion gallons of water annually.
The sewer system has 120 miles of main, 34 miles of trunk-
line main, and ten pump stations, including the main pump
station at Route 128 and Bedford Street, and 4,800 manholes.
The Town also pays the MWRA to treat and dispose of the
Town’s sewage.
The division is divided into four sections: Water
Distribution, Meter Reading and Billing, Sewer Maintenance,
and Water Sewer Construction. Employees are cross-trained
to perform all divisional functions and also participate in
snow removal operations.
Water Distribution
The Water Distribution section responds to service calls from
residents, repairs curb and water control boxes, reads and in-
stalls water meters, obtains water samples, performs hydrant
maintenance, updates and maintains the water control valve
locations, oversees the cross-connection control program, in-
vestigates all water billing complaints, marks out services for
contractors and utility companies, and assists the Engineering
and other DPW divisions.
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138
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
PUBLIC WORKS (continued)
Water is tested weekly for coliform and other bacterial or-
ganisms at nine sampling locations for a total of 36 samples.
Sampling is done annually at selected locations to test for lead
and copper; Lexington passed the last ten test period results
for these metals. The Department will continue to excavate
those services that are suspected of having a problem, wheth-
er due to missing information on the Water Service Card or
the time frame in which they were built.
The Town conducts annual comprehensive correlation
leak detection surveys on Lexington’s water distribution sys-
tem. This survey was performed on approximately 154 miles
of the distribution system to reduce unaccounted for water by
identifying hidden and surfaced leaks. Through this survey,
9 leaks were discovered thus identifying losses of 246,240
gallons per day or 89 million gallons per year.
Meter Reading and Billing
The Meter Reading and Billing section is responsible for read-
ing water meters and managing the billing system. The Utility
Billing Manager, Vyctoria Walsh (appointed February 2020),
under the Water and Sewer Superintendent, oversees the
billing process and handles problems and complaints about
adjustments due to estimated water bills. Since the launch of
the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, there
has been a significant reduction in estimated water bills and
abatement applications. The new AMI system also features a
user-friendly customer portal, allowing Lexington Water &
Sewer users to monitor their water usage and receive leak
alerts. This free portal has gained immense popularity, po-
sitioning Lexington among the top participants in the nation
for app engagement.
Sewer Maintenance
The Sewer Maintenance section maintains the sewer system,
implements the main flushing program, and manages the
pump station maintenance program to ensure the safe and
proper discharge of wastewater. The staff also identifies any
electrical problems with relay or pressure switches.
Water Sewer Construction
The water Sewer Construction division oversees the replace-
ment of hydrants, sewer mains, and services, and repairs
water and sewer system leaks.
Employees attended training seminars on water system
operations, MWRA procedures for drinking water sampling,
hydrant maintenance, and courses relating to the state
certification exams. Eight employees are state-certified
Drinking Water Facility Operators; two are Grade 2, and two
are Grade 3.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Repaired or replaced 45 fire hydrants as part of an
ongoing program that will continue until all hydrants
have been evaluated and addressed.
• Implemented the Lead service line replacement program.
• A program to assess and upgrade all the sewer pump sta-
tions began in 2008. All ten sewer pumping stations had
an evaluation and capital improvement plan report done
by Wright-Pierce; with the final two stations upgraded in
2024.
• Assisted the Engineering Division with the road-resur-
facing project by providing mark-outs, materials, and
emergency service. Assisted Engineering with the Water
System Replacement Program.
• Responded to emergency water and sewer repairs day and
night, keeping service interruptions to a minimum.
Repair and Replacements
Water main breaks repaired 18
Water service leaks repaired 11
Hydrants repaired 15
Hydrants replaced 45
Service control valves repaired 65
Street control valves repaired 4
Sewer services replaced 5
Sewer services camera televised 18
Sewer main blockages repaired 19
Sewer service blockages repaired 15
Sewer manholes repaired 11
Sewer mains flushed and cleaned (feet) 127,186
Outdoor watering meters (made the change) 2,134
Water meters (made the change) 987
Water services 80
Sewer services 84
139 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Personnel FY23 FY24
Full Time 9.8 10
Permanent Part Time 1.4 1.9
Seasonal Part Time 204 204
Volunteers 248 266
ROLE: To provide the community opportunities to engage
in quality, inclusive and accessible programs and services. To
be a leader in promoting inclusion, community engagement
and a healthy active lifestyle. Creating Community Through
People, Parks, and Places
APPOINTED by the Town Manager, Melissa Termine Battite,
CPRP, Director of Recreation and Community Programs.
January 2017.
The Recreation and Community Programs Department pro-
vides seasonal and year-round, affordable, quality programs
and services at well maintained facilities meeting the needs
of the community. Community programs, activities and
services are offered through affordable and accessible oppor-
tunities for all ages and abilities. A wide variety of passive and
active recreation, wellness and leisure activities are available
year-round. The Department operates as an Enterprise where
program and facility fees cover the direct cost for the depart-
ment operations. There are four divisions within the depart-
ment; Recreation, Community Center, Administrative and
the Pine Meadows Golf Club. With the addition of the man-
agement of the Community Center in 2015, tax levy funds
support three FTE’s of the Center who are paid through the
Recreation Enterprise Fund. The operating budget may in-
crease or decrease year to year to meet changes in enrollment
and facility use. The Director of Recreation & Community
Programs, through the Recreation Committee, sets fees with
the approval of the Select Board. The Department operating
budget supports staff that manage and deliver programs along
with the supplies, equipment and staff needed to operate
those programs. Revenue generated through the Recreation
Enterprise helps to fund some Capital Improvement Projects
and by way of indirect charges made through the Enterprise
Fund reimburses the Town for a portion of indirect support
provided through other Town departments.
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
HIGHLIGHTS
Staff certifications & recognitions:
• Kate DeAngelis received recognition through NRPA as
one of 30 professionals under 30
• Kate DeAngelis & Laura Perry received their Certified
Parks and Recreation Professional certification
• Peter Coleman – Certified Playground Safety Inspection
• Kate DeAngelis completed a Crisis Prevention training
and is now a certified instructor
• Laura Perry – ARC (American Red Cross) lifeguard
certified
• Laura Perry – ARC (American Red Cross) Water Safety
Instructor
• Melinda – MCPPO designation (Massachusetts Certified
Public Purchasing Official)
Visitation
The Town Pool and Reservoir: 24,747
Community Center: 153,157
Pine Meadows Golf Club: 46,774 rounds played
Facility Permitted Hours
Community Center 10,835
Athletic Fields 27,629
Tennis Courts 20,081
Pickleball 5,495
Core Program Area Unique Programs Participation
Adult Arts & Enrichment 3 242
Adult Fitness 26 2014
Adult Leagues 2 227
Aquatics 4 658
Camps & Clinics 38 1216
Rec Adult 13 2971
Rec Youth 55 2127
Tennis & Pickleball 12 955
Therapeutic 12 660
Youth Leagues 5 813
Total: 170 11883
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140
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Capital Projects and Infrastructure Updates
Community Preservation Capital Programs
• FY23 Park & Playground Improvements – Kinneens Park.
A new playground was installed at Kinneens Park and
opened to the public in November 2023.
• FY23 Hard Court Surfacing – The reconstruction of the
Gallagher Tennis Courts and Farias Basketball Courts
mobilized in Spring 2023. The Farias Basketball Courts
reopened in October 2023 and the Gallagher Tennis
Courts reopened in April 2024.
• FY23 Community Park Master Plan – Lincoln Park. The
Lincoln Park Master Plan was accepted in September of
2024.
Recreation Enterprise Capital Programs
• FY24 Pine Meadows Equipment. The Rough Mower, top
dresser, and buffalo blower were delivered.
• FY24 Pine Meadows Clubhouse Renovation – Design/
Engineering.
Cash/Bonding/Other Capital Programs
• FY24 Town Pool Water Chemistry Automated
Controllers. The new automated controllers were installed
at the Town Pool in May 2024.
• FY24 Lincoln Park Field Improvements. This project,
which includes replacing the playing surface at Lincoln
#1 and installing new athletic lighting at Lincoln #1 and
Lincoln #3, mobilized in June 2024 and is anticipated to
be completed during Fall 2024.
Infrastructure Donations and Updates
• Lincoln Park Bench Donation
• Accepted a Communications Board donation at Center
Recreation Playground
• Added two benches at the Community Center
• Named the Community Center Billiard Room to John
“Jack” Maloney Billiard Room
Recreation Enterprise Subsidies
• $600 - Free Golf LHS -30 rounds summer at $20/round
• $2,360 – Free Golf LHS - 118 4-day tryouts
• $40 - Free Golf MMHS 2 rounds summer at $20/round
• $5,440 – Free Gold MMHS - 272 during fall season at
$20/round
• Donations to LPS PTOs, LEF and athletic teams
• $765 in swim passes
• $640 in day camp registrations
• $9,845
Therapeutic Recreation
• On-boarded 21 inclusion aides, 2 adaptive instructors, 3
leadership staff (total of 26 staff supported participants)
• Received 362 registrations with inclusion services within
54 unique programs (170 sessions) for 117 unique
participants
• Offered both adaptive and inclusive program opportu-
nities in addition to coordinating inclusion services for
individuals with disabilities
Partnerships
• Lexington Public Schools:
• The Recreation Enterprise fund subsidized free use of
outdoor recreation facilities to the Lexington Public
schools including Athletic Fields, Hard Court Surfaces,
the Golf Course and pool. Additionally, free use of the
Community Center for a variety of school sponsored
activities and events, including LABBB.
• Total number of hours and subsidies provided to LPS
for use of synthetic fields is the equivalent of approxi-
mately $49,000 @1,408 hours use.
• Total number hours of hard-court hours and subsidies
provided to LPS is $85,500 @ 5,700 hours of use.
• Partnered with the LHS girls’ soccer team to run
an inclusive intro to soccer program during the fall
season of 2023.
• SADDD Club
• Community Center Haunted House with over 220
residents during the night. Over 30 High School
volunteers.
• Cary Library
• Artist Exhibition Program
• Supported disability inclusion initiatives during the
annual Fairy Tale Ball.
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS (continued)
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141 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS (continued)
• LABBB
• Bi-weekly drums alive classes for students visiting the
Community Center
• Monthly dances at the Community Center for students
• Weekly facility space for yoga classes
• Provided pool access for students in the summer
• Human Services
• Collaborated with the Senior Services director to
continue Drums Alive
• Collaborated with the Senior Service program
coordinator to offer Harvest Fest, a sensory friendly,
intergenerational community event
• Lexington Farmers’ Market
• The Lexington Farmers’ Market relocated from
Fletcher Park to the Worthen Road practice field
beginning in 2021 due to the Center Streetscape
project and this location has been home to the
Farmers’ Market during the 2021-2024 seasons. In
cooperation with other Town Departments (DPW,
Police, Fire, Health) and the Lexington Public Schools,
the Farmers’ Market has made a successful transition
to the Worthen Road practice field
• Lexington Public Schools Food Service
• Provided discounted snacks for vacation week,
summer camps, teen events and staff orientation.
• Lexington Times
• Started a LexRec Connect section that is published in
each month’s publication.
• Community Stakeholders
• Quarterly meetings with Lexington program providers
to share policies, procedures, resources and best
practices.
• Annual Summer Program Open House
• Lexington Field and Garden Club and Boston Chinese
Garden Club
• Conducted seasonal volunteer work days
• Provided Maintenance and stewardship of the sensory
garden beds, and front and rear perennial beds
• Cotting School
• Provided Cotting school students weekly volunteer
opportunities at the Community Center
• Eagle Scouts & Gold Medal Awards
• Accepted a donation of a picnic table, community
survey and importance of play marketing from a Girl
Scout earning her Gold Medal Award.
• ARC of Massachusetts (Northeast) / Leadership Pathways
• Partnered with the Northeast Arc to host an inclusion
summit for recreation and leisure providers
• Leadership Pathways provided consulting for the
Leader in Training program and inclusion initiatives
• Received an ARC grant and consulting to create
a community coffee space that will serve as a job
training sight
• Lexington High School
• Tables were set up in front of the common’s multiple
times throughout the year to advertise the teen events
and department updates.
• Annual Parents Academy hosted at the Community
Center
• Collaborate with Liz Nichols to properly display
Volunteer Opportunities to students.
• Korean-American Organization of Lexington “KOLex”
• First annual K-Festival hosted at the Community
Center
• Advocates Brain Injury Survivors
• Facility space to offer art classes
• English At Large
• Host small group instruction helping immigrants to
build their English language skills and understanding
of American culture as they gain the skills and
confidence they need to join in their communities and
achieve their life goals.
• Special Needs Arts Program “SNAP”
• Weekly choral and arts programs at the Community
Center for adults with physical and cognitive
disabilities
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142
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS (continued)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• $180,447.34 - Investment in Capital & Infrastructure:
• Staff Training & Wages
• Over $55,000 in wages was dedicated to Inclusion
and Therapeutic Recreation support staff
• Over $3500 in training hours were provided to all
summer seasonal staff
• Supplies and Equipment: Over $5,000 inclusive supplies
and equipment purchased
Financial Aid, Grants, Donations & Volunteers:
• $80,520 – Volunteer Hours
• 266 volunteers @ $15.00/hour @ 5,368 hours
• $35,712.50 - Financial Aid Awarded
• $20,138 supported summer camps/aquatics/sports
clinics/tennis/Community Center programs, and
out of school time programming through Fund for
Lexington support.
• $15,068.50 supported a variety of programs and
activities through the Recreation Enterprise Fund
• $506 supported senior programs and activities
through the Dana Home Grant.
• A total 45 families and a total of 234 individual
registrations awarded
• $31,260 - Scholarship Donations Received
• $18,380 - Fund for Lexington
• $12,010 - Help Make a Difference Scholarship Fund
• $870 - All Abilities Fund
• 1,220 individual donations received through commu-
nity members directly to the Recreation Enterprise
Scholarship Fund and All Abilities Fund to support
Therapeutic Recreation Programming.
• $18,950 - Dana Home Foundation
• $13,950 Funding to offer Forever Fit, a cardio and
weight training program that combines group classes
with personal training to Lexington residents age 60
and up. This results-proven program was funded for a
seventh straight year.
• $5,000 – Funding for aquatics supplies and profession-
al development training.
• $1,359.54 - Friend of the Council on Aging
• Two New Ping Pong tables
• $1,500 - Lexington Police Department for the annual
Harvest Fest
• $1,700 – Rotary Club
• Re-felting of the Community Center billiard tables
• $57,500 - USTA Adaptive Tennis
• $2,500 - Purchase of new supplies and offer additional
trainings for coaches and support staff.
• $55,000 - Tennis Venue Services Grant for the
Gallagher/Farias Hard Court Capital project.
• $263,976 - ARPA Funding
• $6,800 – Water Fountain Installation at Lincoln Park
• $10,490 – Therapeutic Recreation Safety & Supplies
• $18,320 – Health & Safety Equipment/Training for
Aquatics and Summer Staff
• $23,000 – Code Blue Tower/Call Box
• $2,000 – DEI Training for Seasonal Staff
• $188,765 – Wi-Fi for Town Center & Fields
• $4,851 – Virtual Reality Headsets
• $9,750 – Community Center Tent
• $5,500 - ARC of Massachusetts
• $500 – Therapeutic Recreation initiatives
• $5,000 – to create a space for individuals of all abilities
to create meaningful connections
Recreation Division
• Experienced another successful season at the aquatic’s
facilities in Summer 2023. Programs that were offered
at the Irving H. Mabee Town Pool Complex included
American Red Cross Learn to Swim Lessons, private
swim lessons, Swim Team, and Aqua Aerobics at the
Town Pool.
• Offered and had strong participation in many of its staple
programs during the Summer 2023 season, such as the
LexRec SOAR Day Camp, Youth Tennis Lessons & Clinic,
Minuteman Sports Clinics, and vendor sports camps
and clinics.
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143 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS (continued)
• Had ongoing success of the NFL FLAG Football Leagues,
Pump It Up Basketball, Youth Basketball Clinics and In-
Town Basketball Leagues, Ski and Snowboard programs
at Nashoba Valley, Youth and Adult Tennis Lessons, and
Junior and Adult Golf Clinics,
• Continued to enhance and increase the number of
pickleball opportunities available to Lexington residents.
In addition to now offering four different levels of
pickleball at the Diamond Middle School, new programs
that were offered this past year include monthly
Introduction to Pickleball workshops as well as an
Introduction to Pickleball for Seniors class.
• Facilitated 3 Tournaments (Bay State Bullets Lacrosse
Tournament, Needham Soccer Club Memorial Day
Tournament, and LHS Girls Lacrosse Jamboree) in FY24.
• Private Run Camps: Coordinated the use of the
Diamond Middle School fields and Lincoln Park fields for
8 privately run camps/clinics (Lexington United Soccer
Club, Lexington Youth Lacrosse Camp, Nike Lacrosse
Camp, and Lexington Nike Field Hockey Camp).
Community Center Division
The Lexington Community Center is committed to providing
an inclusive and equitable environment for all. We support the
diversity of our community by modeling our core values of re-
spect, trust, accountability, teamwork and open-mindedness.
• Via a cooperative fund appropriated through the
Department of Public Facilities, purchased a new
elliptical machine, two new television monitors, 2 new
handheld radios, an outdoor ping pond table, and various
upgraded games for the drop-in spaces.
Pine Meadows Golf Club
• 6,774 rounds played
• 350 Golf League participants
(2 youth leagues and 14 adult leagues)
• 49 Golf ID cards issued
Administrative Division
• Continued implementing paperless initiatives and
streamlining processes. In FY24, new software has been
implemented to streamline seasonal staff and volunteer
hiring, and create an easier and more efficient process
for the seasonal applicants and staff. In addition, we have
removed almost all paper from our hiring and volunteer
processes, and look to continue efforts this coming fiscal
year.
Marketing and Outreach
• Social Media
• Through collaboration with department staff, a
Marketing Content Calendar was created in Feb
2024 which has improved Facebook reach from
5.5k last year to 16.5k.
• 2,105 Facebook Followers
• 1,160 Instagram followers
• Online Brochure Viewing Software - Issuu
• 30,536 unique reads
• 113,566 impressions of our publications with an
average read time of 5 minutes and 40 seconds.
• Constant Contact – Current e-newsletter list
• 15,428 contact with an average open rate of 75%
and an average click rate of 8%.
144
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
ROLE: To oversee, guide, monitor, and enforce the
Massachusetts Pension Laws governing the Town’s retirement
system; to invest the system’s assets prudently for the purpose
of providing the benefits guaranteed to the public employees
qualifying under the plan.
ELECTED by the members of the Retirement System: Robert
Cunha (Chair) term expires in 2026. Joseph Foley the second
elected member term expires in 2026.
APPOINTED by the Select Board: Fred Weiss term expires
in 2027. Appointed by the Retirement Board: Alan Fields
term expires in 2027. Carolyn Kosnoff, the Assistant Town
Manager for Finance, is the ex-officio member named by the
Select Board.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The system consists of a combination of 467 retirees, 758
active and 422 inactive members. In 2023, 12 town em-
ployees retired, 15 school employees retired; 7 members
withdrew, 52 members transferred to another system,
16 members transferred In, 136 new members were
added; (42 new Municipal employees and 94 new School
employees), and 17 retirees passed away. Currently there
are 25 disability retirements.
• The Retirement Board can grant a cost-of-living adjust-
ment (COLA) up to 3% on the first $15,000 in a year when
the Consumer Price Index is less than 3%. The Board
granted a 3% cost of living increase effective July 1, 2024.
• As fiduciaries, the Board carefully established an asset-al-
location policy using a mixture of stocks, bonds, inter-
national funds and cash equivalents. With the assistance
of the Board’s investment consultant, Meketa Investment
Group, the asset-allocation policy is reviewed monthly,
and necessary adjustments are made. The success of the
investment program will continue to be determined by
the extent of our portfolio diversification among and
within asset classes as well as our skill in hiring and our
diligence in monitoring strong investment managers. The
Board is committed to long-term investment strategies,
asset allocations, and diversification of investments.
The Public Employees Retirement Administration
Commission, which has oversight over all the
Massachusetts Public Pension Systems, has published the
latest funding ratios of the pension’s funds. The report
shows our system to be in the top half of any city/town in
the Commonwealth. Our system has unequivocally met
the challenges rising from the challenging market marked
by extreme volatility, heightened geopolitical tensions,
and deteriorating global economic conditions. This year
underscores the fact that the state of the capital markets
performance fluctuates and Is Influenced by many
diverse factors.
RETIREMENT BOARD
• The Board continued to broaden the system’s asset
allocation and asset strategies. Our portfolio is made up
of the following investments: Matthews International
Fund, which is the largest dedicated Asia-only specialist
in the United States; Monroe Capital Senior Secured
Direct Loan (unleveraged) and Angelo Gordon Direct
Lending Fund III rounds out our Fixed Income Assets;
The Wellington Trust Company manages two funds:
The Opportunistic Fund, which is part of our global
tactical asset allocation, and the Wellington Enduring
Asset Fund, an infrastructure fund. Our Domestic Equity
Assets funds are the Fidelity Contrafund, managed by
Fidelity Institutional Retirement Services Company, and
Rhumbline Russell 1000 Pooled Index Trust, these funds
invest in an all-cap equity strategy; Acadian International
All Cap Fund, Driehaus Emerging Markets Growth
rounds out our international Equity Assets. The re-
mainder of our portfolio includes the PRIT Hedge Fund
which is our Absolute Return Asset manager. This fund is
managed by the State Pension Reserve Investment Trust.
Golub Cap Partners and White Oak Summit Fund are
Direct Lending Funds and Kayne Anderson Rudnick Is a
Small Midcap Equity Fund. Peoples' United Bank handles
the Board’s Institutional Custodian Banking.
• The Board engaged the services of Stone Consulting,
Inc. to perform an actuarial valuation of the Retirement
System as of January 2023. A full valuation is prepared
every two years pursuant to Chapter 32 of the General
Laws of Massachusetts, based on the acceptance of
Section 22D. Actuarial assumptions and methods are
designed to produce stable program costs. The Board
currently has adopted a funding schedule which amortiz-
es the unfunded liability in 2030 based on an investment
assumption of 7.25%. The Board has reviewed the new
actuarial valuation and determined a funding schedule
which was submitted to the Public Employee Retirement
Commission and has received their approval. The actuar-
ial valuation found the system to be 82.3% funded. While
it is important that future taxpayers are not expected to
bear a greater burden than the current taxpayers, it is
equally important that current taxpayers are not asked
to build a legacy for future taxpayers. The Board takes
great pride in having balanced the need to ensure that the
liabilities are addressed with the fact the Towns resources
must meet a variety of needs.
• The net market value of the plan as of June 30, 2022,
totaled $192 million and as of January 1, 2023, the net
value of the plan totaled $196.3 million.
145 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
ROLE: To hire, supervise, and evaluate the Superintendent
of Schools; to develop school policies; to approve the schools'
operating and capital budgets; to advocate for school con-
cerns to other Town officials, boards, and the community;
to act as a liaison between the School Department and the
community; to govern Lexington Public Schools in areas not
governed by State or Federal law.
ELECTED: Sara Cuthbertson (Chair), Deepika Sawhney
(Vice-Chair), Eileen Jay, Kathleen Lenihan, and Larry
Freeman, Student Representatives Grace Ou and Aditi Swamy.
The School Committee worked closely with Superintendent
Julie Hackett toward continued progress on reviewing and
updating curriculum, refined use of data and assessments,
and final approval of the Education Plan for the LHS Building
Project. The LPS School Calendar was revised to include
school closures for additional holidays that reflect the diversi-
ty of our community.
Superintendent
Led by Dr. Hackett, LPS continues to focus on DEI ini-
tiatives, such as ongoing development of the PK-12 DEI
Curriculum. LPS is also working to increase student access
to more diverse course offerings as well as access to honors
and advanced placement classes among underrepresented
groups. Dr. Hackett keeps the community informed through
ParentSquare and bi-weekly Superintendent Reports.
Policy Updates
The Policy Subcommittee and School Committee adopted a
new comprehensive Wellness policy and amended policies on
library resources and materials selection.
Operating Budget
The overall FY2024 operating budget for the Lexington
Public Schools was $134,730,244. The School Department
continues to operate within a level service budget despite
increased financial pressures due to significant increases in
out-of-district tuitions and enrollment increases of students
in need of more intensive supports. LPS created a re-designed
FY2025 Budget Book that made the financial information
more accessible and included programmatic narratives that
explain and support the district’s budgetary needs.
Capital Investments
The Lexington High School Building Project is well underway
and is currently in the Feasibility Study phase. The Designer/
Architect for the project was selected, conceptual massing
studies were developed, and numerous meetings, focus
groups, and information sessions were held with stakeholders
and the community. Frequent updates can be found on the
School Building Committee’s webpage.
Principal 2022-23 2023-24 2023-24 Actual Projected Actual
Lexington Children's Place - Pre-Kindergarten, built 2019 Heejean Parry 79 76
Elementary Schools
Bowman, 9 Phillip Road, built 1967 Jennifer Corduck 428 428
Bridge, 55 Middleby Road, built 1966 Margaret Colella 366 365
Estabrook, 117 Grove Street, built 2014 Gerardo Martinez 539 537
Fiske, 55 Adams Street, built 2007 Brian Baker 335 335
Harrington, 328 Lowell Street, built 2005 Jackie Daley 379 378
Hastings, 7 Crodby Road, built 1955 Chris Wai 634 631
Total elementary students, grades K-5 2681 2656 +/-70 2674
Middle Schools
Clarke, 17 Stedman Road, built 1972 Dane Depres 810 810
Diamond, 99 Hancock Street, built 1957 Marlon Davis 930 927
Total middle school students, grades 6-8 1740 1719 +/-45 1737
High School
Lexington High School, 251 Waltham Street, built 1950 Andrew Baker 2337 2304 +/-40 2318
Total student enrollment, PK-12 6837 6805
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
(Left to right) Kathleen Lenihan; Eileen Jay; Dr. Julie Hackett, Superintendent; Deepika Sawhney, Vice-Chair; Sara Cuthbertson, Chair; Larry Freeman
Lexington Public School Enrollment
146
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
ROLE: As Chief Executive Officer of Lexington's ten public
schools, the Superintendent of Schools provides educational
leadership through budget oversight, program development,
and supervision of all academic, special education, and
extracurricular programs for children in grades PreK-12.
The Superintendent of Schools reports to an elected School
Committee, enforces the policies and goals of this Committee,
and upholds the laws and requirements determined by the
federal government and the State of Massachusetts. The
Superintendent also cooperates with other communities to
oversee collaborative programs for students with identified
learning disabilities.
APPOINTED by the School Committee: Dr. Julie Hackett
has served as Superintendent of Schools since July 1, 2018.
Teaching and Learning
Our focus in the 2023-2024 school year was supporting the
success of all learners. Each school team and department
examined instructional practices, focusing on improving and
making the curriculum and instructional processes more
consistent.
All departments continued to focus on understanding the
needs of our learners and adjusting instruction to best meet
these needs. Educators continued to work collaboratively
with math and literacy specialists, mental health providers,
and administrators to identify common areas of need and
design support systems for all students. The district contin-
ued providing professional learning opportunities for staff
and administrators around Universal Design for Learning.
Additionally, LPS leaders partnered with Dr. Dionne
McLaughlin and Critical Reflections on Racial Equity, Inc.
(CRREI) to build leadership capacity in principals, central
office administrators, and department heads by observing
culturally responsive practices in classrooms. School and
district leaders met monthly to examine culturally proficient
pedagogy and explore ways to support high academic perfor-
mance, especially for LPS students of color. Dr. McLaughlin
also worked with administrators to conduct non-evaluative
K12 classroom walkthroughs at all ten schools to explore
culturally proficient pedagogy. The professional learning and
walkthroughs helped to advance our efforts to meet the needs
of all students.
Department leaders continued their Curriculum
Review efforts during the 2023-2024 school year in one of
the four phases of the process, including Audit, Research,
Development, and Implementation. The Elementary and
Secondary Education Directors revised the Curriculum
Review process and worked over the past year to help teams
navigate these four phases, working to incorporate student
and community voices into the process. We continued with
PK-12 classroom visits, where the Directors and Department
Heads visited classrooms across the different schools to learn
from teachers at all levels. Most departments invited teachers
to participate, and all staff reported that the visits were ener-
gizing and inspiring to their work in aligning their programs.
Departments tended to focus the visits on transition years
(fifth to sixth grade, eighth to ninth grade) or student practic-
es within their discipline to examine how we support students
and scaffold the curriculum across those levels. We plan to
continue classroom visits in the year ahead as the work helps
to provide an opportunity to engage with one another and the
community and adapt as new information about best practic-
es emerges in the various disciplines.
At the elementary level in 2023-2024, a significant focus
was on implementing the new K-5 mathematics curriculum,
Illustrative Math, in grades K-2. Math coaches worked closely
with teachers in that grade span at the building level to model
lessons, co-teach, and create and manage curricular materials;
our coaches planned and led four district-wide professional
learning sessions for each grade level cohort, 'lab sites' at the
elementary schools where teachers observed grade level col-
leagues' lessons, practiced teaching moves and routines, and
got real-time feedback on using the new curricular materials.
K-5 Math met and began collaborating with the K-5
Special Education Department to support the specific needs
of that cohort of educators and students. This collaboration
resulted in a four-day summer work project and the creation
of a K-5 Math Accessibility Resource. This resource provides
special education staff with easy access to curricular materials
to use with students who need to build pre-requisite skills and
understandings.
The entire K-5 elementary staff implemented mCLASS
with DIBELS 8 as our universal literacy screening tool to
better understand each learner's unique needs. We made
significant progress with streamlining the processes for data
meetings and progress monitoring of students across all six
elementary schools.
In K-5 Literacy, teachers in Grade 3 implemented the
Fundations program, working closely with literacy coaches
to develop the content knowledge and learn the program's
routines. Additionally, teachers in Grades K-1 piloted the
“Revised Units of Study in Reading,” which included the ad-
dition of small-group instruction using decodable texts and
whole-class interactive read-alouds for knowledge and vo-
cabulary development. Pilot teachers partnered with literacy
coaches as co-teachers to deepen our focus on skills-based
assessments and routines. As a result of a successful pilot, all
K-2 teachers will implement the K-2 Revised Units of Study
in Reading. Grades 3-5 will update to the Revised Units of
Study Writing in 2024-2025, which includes an integrated
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
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147 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
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SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS (continued)
grammar and spelling focus and relevant and culturally re-
sponsive mentor texts.
Throughout the year, the Curriculum Department met
with community members to discuss the ongoing efforts to
support struggling readers. Through numerous presentations
and meetings, the department updated the community on
adopting mCLASS as a universal screener and benchmark
assessment for students in K-5 and the trial and eventual
adoption of Renaissance Learning's Star Reading benchmark
assessment for grades 6-8. We use data from these assess-
ments to identify students who need additional support in
the upcoming school year. The Curriculum Department also
used these data to identify students in grades four through
eight who would benefit from systematic decoding instruc-
tion over the summer. Those students and others identified
by the Special Education Department received six weeks of
tutoring throughout the summer.
At the Middle School Level, teachers and department lead-
ers continued to hone the use of standards-based feedback as
part of the standards-based grading system. Standards-based
instruction, assessment, and reporting help to accurately and
consistently communicate a student's progress toward key
curricular learning objectives during each grading period in
each course. It is based on students showing signs of profi-
ciency or skill development and more accurately conveys how
a child is doing in school. TeacherEase is a software that helps
implement classroom standards-based learning and differen-
tiated instruction. The first year of its implementation went
well, and we observed improved communication through
the use of the system. One significant improvement was
implementing an Open Grade Book mid-year. Rather than
waiting until the end of the trimester, teachers, students, and
families can use TeacherEase as an ongoing communication
tool. Our efforts to norm the growth-weighted grading of ac-
ademic standards create more consistency within and among
departments. Department and building leaders are working
on various strategies to further improve communication be-
tween report card periods.
The Concurrent Enrollment program continues to be
a success at Lexington High School. A form of dual enroll-
ment, concurrent enrollment classes allow students to earn
college credit for their work in the course. Approximately 191
students registered for Dual Enrollment credit in Physics,
Astronomy, or Film and Society this past year. LHS has ex-
panded Concurrent Enrollment in the 2024-2025 school year
to include Environmental Studies and Personal Finance.
The Health and Physical Education Department success-
fully implemented the Community Health Certificate pro-
gram, and several students have applied to participate in it.
This certificate recognizes students who participate in com-
munity and public health programs overseen by the Health
and Physical Education department throughout their time at
Lexington High School.
The High School English Department successfully man-
aged the Honors for All program implementation for all stu-
dents. Throughout the year, they surveyed students in grades
10 and 11 regarding student comfort and community, course
rigor, pacing and support, and opportunities for choice and
challenge. The survey questions have remained the same over
the years, and the trend of results was consistent. Overall, stu-
dents in grades 10 and 11 report feeling highly comfortable
with their teacher and classmates, participating in small and
whole class discussions, and having a high level of classroom
community. A broad view of grade data shows no significant
dip in course grades and no significant change in the inci-
dents of students struggling in their English courses. Given
these preliminary results, the English Department plans to
continue with the Honors for All Implementation.
The district continues its efforts to create a comprehen-
sive integration of Social Justice Standards, PK-12. A team of
teachers at the elementary level revised and created lessons
in the "Identity Domain" of the standards that LPS will im-
plement in the 2024-2025 school year. The hope is that this
effort will bring greater consistency to these lessons at all
LPS elementary schools. At the secondary level, department
heads completed a curriculum "crosswalk" to identify where,
in our coursework, the Social Justice Standards can be found.
Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, Secondary Leaders
will work with departments to develop lessons for standards
that are not currently covered and pilot an assessment for a
small number of students in Grades 8 and 12.
Professional Learning
The Lexington Public School system remains deeply commit-
ted to offering all employees the highest quality professional
learning opportunities to improve their knowledge and skills.
A sustained and focused professional learning program for
all staff enhances the quality of classroom learning and work-
place outcomes, and it continues to be a beneficial recruitment
tool for hiring and retaining staff. The Professional Learning
Committee, a robust committee of educators from across the
district, is jointly facilitated by our Assistant Superintendent
for Personnel/Staff Support and Directors of Elementary and
Secondary Education. The Committee uses data and inputs
from LPS staff and administrators to develop and organize
professional learning opportunities annually for all LPS em-
ployees. We focus our planning on needs and district initia-
tives, always guided by the tenets of our Strategic Plan.
Over the summer, we provided pedagogy, diversity, eq-
uity and inclusion, and social-emotional learning courses.
The Summer Workshop Program supported approximately
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148
TOWN GOVERNMENT
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SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS (continued)
340 educators eager to engage in curriculum and professional
learning projects. Of particular note, many of our summer
workshops are made possible each year through a generous
grant provided by the Lexington Education Foundation,
and we remain grateful for their partnership. We hold the
Lexington Learns Together professional learning day in early
November 2023 each year. Educators and administrators held
over 100 learning sessions that nearly 1,300 LPS employees
attended. In the morning, we had learning sessions, and in
the afternoon, departments collaborated on department ac-
tivities related to the LPS mission and goals.
The LPS Course Catalog offers courses and workshops
after school and over the summer for all educators. Educators
in their first three years in LPS complete coursework each
year, and those courses are also open (pending available seats)
to veteran educators. Staff who serve as mentors take continu-
ing education workshops through the Course Catalog, and
LPS provides training for Unit C and D staff throughout the
year. Additionally, we offered Restorative Justice training in
Tiers 1, 2, and 3 during the summer and throughout the year.
In keeping with the feedback we have received from staff,
we continued to provide some of our professional learning
options remotely, some in hybrid format, and some entirely
in-person, creating flexible learning opportunities, and we
aim to continue offering professional learning through var-
ious delivery methods.
Facilities
The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) ac-
cepted the School Department's Statement of Interest for a
High School Project, welcoming the Town into the Eligibility
Period in March 2022. The Eligibility Period commenced at
the end of the school year on June 1, 2022, and Town staff
completed all requirements in February 2023, with accep-
tance of all required documents by the MSBA. A Feasibility
Study Agreement was then established by the MSBA for the
district, allowing the project to continue into the Feasibility
Study phase. The next phase, "Module 2, Forming the Project
Team," was completed by the end of 2023 with the engage-
ment of SMMA Architects and Dore & Whittier Project
Managers. Since then, the Architects, OPM, and School
Building Committee have held over 150 public meetings
to gather input from residents, students, staff, and various
boards and committees. The Preliminary Design Program,
which outlines the educational program and space needs of
Lexington High School, was submitted to the MSBA in June
of 2024, along with comments. The next order of business is
developing the Preferred Schematic Report.
In March 2023, the Town signed a contract with a roofing
contractor to replace Bridge Elementary School's remaining
half of the aging roof system. The Town completed the roof
work in the summer of 2023 when no students or staff were
in the building. Over the summer, the roof replacement, in-
cluding improved insulation levels and skylight replacements,
was completed. The Assistant Director of Facilities and the
Superintendent of Custodial Services completed poured-
in-place safety surfacing, including a total replacement of
the Fiske Playground Structure. The pair worked with the
Principal on the preferred equipment and layout.
Continuing the Annual Capital Flooring program, the
Facilities Superintendent completely replaced the flooring in
thirty-two (32) classrooms at Harrington Elementary School.
We replaced the old Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT) with a
no-wax Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT). The team then supervised
multiple contractors renovating Diamond Middle School's
student bathrooms. The work included new hands-free
fixtures, toilet stall partitions, epoxy-grouted floors, paint,
lighting, and ceiling tiles.
In FY24, the Department of Facilities completed the solar
installations of photovoltaic rooftops, canopies, and battery
energy storage systems at seven school buildings. We expect
the project to save a minimum of $120,000 per year. These
systems went online at the beginning of July 2023.
Over the summer of 2023, Clarke Middle School re-
placed two large rooftop HVAC systems with high-efficien-
cy, all-electric Direct Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS). The
previous Rooftop Units (RTU) were completed during the
summer vacation months and were operational for the start
of the 2023-2024 School Year. The HVAC Rooftop Unit
(RTU) that serves the library at Lexington High School failed
and required replacement. During the summer of 2023, the
RTU was replaced with a high-efficiency, all-electric Direct
Outdoor Air System (DOAS), providing heating and cooling
to the library area.
We installed the fire alarm control panels at Diamond and
Clarke Middle Schools during the 2001 renovation. As they
were over 20 years old, they were at the end of their useful
life and showing signs of imminent failure. Additionally, we
upgraded the Fire Alarm Control Panel at Diamond Middle
School in August 2023 and completed it before the 2023-2024
School Year started.
In 2023, Lexington received a Competitive Green
Communities Grant from the Massachusetts Department of
Energy Resources (DOER) again. We utilized the $50,000
grant to upgrade LED fixtures at Harrington Elementary
School and add lighting motion controls at Lexington High
School. Since 2010, the Department of Public Facilities has
secured $1,374,874 in Green Communities Grants to imple-
ment energy conservation and efficiency projects.
Town Meeting Members voted to approve funding for
the Article 16D annual Site Improvement Capital Program at
the 2023 Annual Town Meeting. This program will conduct
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149 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS (continued)
in-kind replacements of pavement, sidewalks, and other
site-related areas at School properties based on life-cycle and
condition. When and if possible, accessibility and pedestrian
walkway improvements are incorporated as part of these
in-kind replacement site work projects. During the summer
of 2023, we used the funds to repave the Diamond Middle
School roadway from the Hancock Street rotary to the entry
of the parking lot. In addition, we also added granite curbing
and repaved the sidewalk to match the rest of the school site.
The Department of Public Facilities annually refines and
updates the 20-year Facility Condition Assessment. This tool
is instrumental in informing the rolling 20-year capital plan.
The development of this report allows the financial planners
time to identify significant spikes in demand for capital dollars
and react in time to smooth them out. The long-term capital
plan also enables DPF to identify multiple projects scheduled
for the same timeframe and encourages a single project that
could be all-inclusive. These efforts could generate substantial
savings in the total price instead of a plan where we complete
each project independently. The staff received training to cre-
ate various reports and use them to inform the various finan-
cial committees. The report also helped identify the specific
systems needing replacement at LHS. The report identifies
the need to replace the HVAC system, upgrade the electrical
system, replace the roof, complete window replacement, and
plumbing throughout the facility. These projects also will re-
quire conforming to the current building code. For example,
the steel infrastructure will need cross bracing, the exterior
will require insulation and elimination of air infiltration, etc.
Technology
The Lexington Public Schools Technology Department
supports all district technology needs. It is committed to
ensuring staff and students have appropriate, reliable access
to hardware, communication tools, software applications,
cloud- and locally-based network resources, and the Internet.
During FY24, LPS continued to provide 1:1 computing for
students in Grades 3-12, with take-home devices in Grades
6-12. Google extended its software life for students and
other Chromebooks, resulting in more extended, usable de-
vices. LPS also maintained access to iPads (10 per class) for
students in grades K-2. By the end of the FY24 school year,
we had replaced all K-2 and multimedia iPads as part of the
district’s replacement plan and devices in special education.
A 1:1 computing environment has helped teachers provide
opportunities for students to learn and create with technol-
ogy, creating district-wide equitable access. The 1:1 approach
also facilitates student participation in MCAS without having
to share devices. When needed, LPS provides portable Wi-Fi
access devices based on need. The department continued its
replacement plan for classroom teacher devices, replacing
150 of them as part of a six-year replacement plan. In LPS
classrooms across the district, we have updated the presen-
tation technology, replacing bulb-based projectors with laser
projectors. An updated replacement plan, which is school-
based, allows for more uniform replacement across schools.
The LPS Technology Department has maintained and
continued its work to improve cyber security practices in
all schools, which included training and hardware/software
implementation. In the FY24 school year, the Technology
Department improved the virtual computing environment
and network access. LPS moved to improved network cabling
and updated equipment such as switches and access points,
which is a multi-year project.
As part of the support offered on the technical side of 1:1
computing and in digitally enhanced learning environments,
we employ field technicians who support teaching and learn-
ing by providing in-house repairs to devices and ensuring
that students and teachers have highly functional equipment.
In addition to the technical support, Digital Literacy Coaches
provide technical support at all levels. This support includes
coaching for teachers and students related to the integration
of technology in all areas of the curriculum, using G-Suite
tools for items such as Google Classroom, blended learning,
and working across digital platforms with a continued focus
on personalized learning. Digital Literacy Coaches work
across elementary schools to promote "Hour of Code," an
introductory experience for students in Computer Science.
Digital Learning Coaches continued to partner with school
counselors and librarians to encourage a consistent approach
to Digital Citizenship. Over the past year, the LPS Technology
Department purchased new virtual reality headsets, allowing
teachers to partner with Digital Learning Coaches to enhance
classroom instruction and further immerse students into
content through experiential learning via VR.
The LPS Technology Department continues to work with
a vendor to recycle expired technology, such as Macintosh
desktop computers, laptops, and iPads that have outlived their
useful life. As a result of this recycling, the vendor, Second
Life Mac, pays the Town of Lexington funds to buy back old
devices. We return these unexpended capital funds from pre-
vious years to the Town each year. After almost six years, the
Tech Department continues to partner with Second Life Mac.
It anticipates recycling devices in the upcoming school year,
as it did previously, and turning over any funds that result
from that effort to the Town. Technology may be reallocated
from one grade or department to another when it continues
to have a useful life.
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150
TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS (continued)
Size of Class 586 National Merit Scholarship Program
Total Postsecondary Education 96.1% 2022 Winners 2
4-year college 90.2% 2022 Finalists 28
2-year college 1.8% 2022 Semi-Finalists 31
Non-U.S. college 3.7% Advanced Placement Special Recognition
Prep and other schools .4% AP Scholars with Distinction 253
Gap Year 1.4% AP Scholars with Honor 114
Military 0% AP Scholars 124
Employed 1.8%
Undecided .7%
Mean SAT Scores —Total 1,359
Critical Reading/Writing 671
Math 688
LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL: 2023 - 2024 SCHOOL YEAR Profile
Lexington Community Education
Role: To offer lifelong learning to all by providing practical,
creative, and enjoyable educational and enrichment opportu-
nities at a reasonable cost. Adults and children are provided
in-person and online classes in the fall, winter, and spring.
During the summer, LCE offers the Lexplorations summer
program for children. LCE is an autonomous yet integral part
of the Lexington Public Schools.
STAFF: Director Craig Hall; Program Coordinator Julian
Calleja; Program Coordinator Shirley Choy; Registrar Amy
Sullivan; Accounts Payable Danielle Pozz.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Planned and implemented a successful six-week
Lexplorations summer programming for children at the
Harrington Elementary School.
• Collaborated with local organization New Legacy
Cultural Center to:
• Introduce unique cultural education and enrich-
ment programs during summer Lexplorations.
• During the school year, we brought instruments
(Erhu, Guzheng, and Chinese Drum) and
musicians/teachers to Harrington, Clarke, and
Lexington High School for demonstration, edu-
cation, and hands-on musical student sampling
assemblies.
• Offered after-school Mandarin language classes to
Harrington, Hastings, and Bowman elementary
students.
• Facilitated and celebrated the success of our LCE
Children's Community Chorus at featured musical con-
certs commemorating the Lunar New Year, the unveiling
of the bronze "Something Is Being Done" monument in
Lexington Center for LexSeeHer, the Lantern Festival at
the Lexington Depot, and a concert at Brookhaven.
• Successfully offered hybrid programming, allowing adult
students to choose to attend classes in person and online.
• Coordinated and hosted a Conversation/Interview with
LHS student Vivek Metha and author, journalist, and
science policy expert Bina Venkataraman.
• Welcomed renowned teachers, speakers, artists, and
thinkers, including Adam Gopnik, Padraig O' Tuama,
Regan Penaluna, Morra Aarons-Mele, and Elan Mehler.
• Continued to broaden our educational outreach, with
participants registering for virtual classes and events
nationwide while remaining focused on the greater
Lexington learning community.
151 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN GOVERNMENT
The Town Counsel report is divided into three sections
as required by Chapter 90-28 of the Code of the Town of
Lexington: (1) all actions by or against the Town that were
pending on July 1, 2023; (2) all actions brought by or against
the Town during FY2024, and (3) all actions settled or dis-
posed of during FY2024. The report does not include tax title
proceedings initiated by the Town.
All Actions by or Against the Town That Were Pending on July 1, 2023
• Bedoya v. Lopez et al., Middlesex Superior Court 2181-CV-
01190. Plaintiff Bedoya was struck in Woburn by a vehicle
operated by defendant Lopez and owned by Wagon Wheel
Nursery. In April 2022, Lopez and Wagon Wheel Nursery
filed a third party complaint against the Town alleging
that the truck contained compost allegedly loaded by the
Town into the truck at the time, which the defendants in
turn allege may have resulted in impairing Lopez’ ability
to stop the vehicle. The case was set for trial in the Fall of
2023 (at the time this report was drafted) and resolved by
stipulation in September 2023.
• Shea v. Lexington High School, Middlesex Superior Court
2081-CV-02518. A parent filed a complaint in October
2020 seeking preliminary injunction to overturn the High
School’s quarantine order and permit a student to attend
in-person classes and a golf competition. The Superior
Court denied the preliminary injunction two days after
it was requested. Plaintiff did not pursue the case further.
While it was never formally closed by the Court, this case
is now moot and inactive.
• Tracer Lane II Realty v. Lexington Planning Board., Land
Court Docket No. 23 MISC 000255. On June 8, 2023,
Developer filed a Complaint appealing the Planning Board
Decision on its approval f Major Site Plan Review for a
solar facility, seeking to invalidate certain conditions con-
tained in the Approval and challenging the decision on the
grounds that it constituted a regulatory taking. Pursuant to
a July 18, 2023 Order of Assignment, this matter was con-
solidated with three other Tracer Lane-related cases: Rachel
Learned et al. v. Lexington Planning Board et al, Middlesex
Superior Court 2381-CV-01741 (filed by abutters of the
project); City of Waltham et al. v. Lexington Planning
Board et al. Middlesex Superior Court 2381-CV-01737.
(alleging the plan relies on Waltham municipal services
for fire protection and water suppl), City of Cambridge et
al. v. Lexington Planning Board et al., Middlesex Superior
Court 2381-CV-01683 (filed by the City of Cambridge and
alleging potential harm to the Cambridge reservoir). The
Court dismissed the City of Waltham’s claim, which the
City then appealed. On July 30, 2024, all parties agreed to a
Memorandum of Agreement and a Settlement Agreement
in which the Developer agreed to convey the subject prop-
erty to the City of Cambridge, and Cambridge agreed to
purchase the property in the terms set by that agreement.
The Settlement Agreement also that following the closing
of the property transfer, the parties will file a Stipulation of
Dismissal with Prejudice and that the City of Waltham will
withdraw its appeal.
All Actions Brought By or Against Town During FY2024
• Carl v. Lexington Public Schools et al., 2381CV03472.
A school psychologist in Lexington filed a suit in
December of 2023 claiming that she was not paid in a
timely manner for her work preparing a school curric-
ulum. The town claimed that her payment for this work
was a stipend and not a wage, and thus was not bound
by the state Payment of Wages Act. Plaintiff voluntarily
dismissed on March 25, 2024.
• Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company v. Town Of
Lexington, Middlesex Superior Court, 2381CV03374.
An insurer covering a property in Lexington alleges
that the Town caused damage through negligence in the
process of installing a new water line. The Town allegedly
turned the water off in the area, then when installation
was complete, turned the water back on to the old valve,
which was uncovered, causing property damage. This case
is being handled by the Town’s insurer.
• Rogers & Company, Inc. v. Town of Lexington Board of
Appeals et al., Land Court 23 MISC 000233. An appeal
was filed on July 25, 2023, appealing the Board of Appeal’s
decision to deny Rogers & Company Inc.’s request for
enforcement of the zoning bylaw with respect to a batting
cage located at the property located at 0 Vine Street. Trial
took place on April 22, 23, and 24, 2024. On May 22,
2024, Defendants filed a Motion to Reopen Evidence and
Dismiss. On June 21, 2024, the Court issued its Findings
of Fact and Conclusions of law and entered judgment
in favor of the Plaintiff. On August 1, 2024, the Court
awarded Plaintiff $1,826.20 in costs, of which the Town
was ordered to pay $913.10.
TOWN COUNSEL
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TOWN GOVERNMENT
TOWN COUNSEL (continued)
All Actions Settled or Disposed of During FY2024
• Bedoya v. Lopez et al., Middlesex Superior Court 2181-
CV-01190. Plaintiff Bedoya was struck in Woburn by
a vehicle operated by defendant Lopez and owned by
Wagon Wheel Nursery. In April 2022, Lopez and Wagon
Wheel Nursery filed a third party complaint against the
Town alleging that the truck contained compost allegedly
loaded by the Town into the truck at the time, which the
defendants in turn allege may have resulted in impairing
Lopez’ ability to stop the vehicle. The case was set for trial
in the Fall of 2023 (at the time this report was drafted)
and resolved by stipulation in September 2023.
• Carl v. Lexington Public Schools et al., 2381CV03472. A
school psychologist in Lexington filed a suit in December
of 2023 claiming that she was not paid in a timely manner
for her work preparing a school curriculum. The town
claimed that her payment for this work was a stipend and
not a wage, and thus was not bound by the state Payment
of Wages Act. Plaintiff voluntarily dismissed on March 25,
2024.
• Shea v. Lexington High School, Middlesex Superior Court
2081-CV-02518. A parent filed a complaint in October
2020 seeking preliminary injunction to overturn the High
School’s quarantine order and permit a student to attend
in-person classes and a golf competition. The Superior
Court denied the preliminary injunction two days after
it was requested. Plaintiff did not pursue the case further.
While it was never formally closed by the Court, this case
is now moot and inactive.
153 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST
ROLE: To provide for the preservation and creation of af-
fordable housing in the Town of Lexington for the benefit of
low and moderate income households and for the funding of
community housing.
APPOINTED by the Select Board for 2-year terms: Elaine
Tung (Chair), Linda Prosnitz (Vice-Chair), Tiffany Payne
(Secretary), Mark Sandeen (Select Board Housing Trust
member), William Erickson.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• The AHT met 36 times in FY2024 and established
AHT values.
• Established Emergent Opportunities Criteria for timely
decisions on AHT grants and created grant document
templates.
• Established guidelines for Buydown Program for inclu-
sionary zoning units in multi-family Massachusetts Bay
Transportation Authority (MBTA) developments and
special residential developments.
• Obtained $10,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s One
Stop program to undertake a housing needs assessment.
• Created Trustee liaisons with Lexington Housing
Assistance Board, Inc (LexHAB), Lexington Housing
Authority and the Housing Partnership Board and
collaborated with them to advocate for the preservation
and creation of affordable housing.
• Submitted a joint Community Preservation Act (CPA)
application with the Select Board to the Community
Preservation Committee for CPA funding in the amount
of $3,200,000. Town Meeting passed (Article 10i) on
April 3, 2024 (175-0-3).
• Conducted due diligence on Lowell Street Parcel 68-44
to determine the viability of an affordable housing
development to be built on the parcel including wetlands
delineation, engineering site survey, soil sampling,
Phase 1 environmental assessment, and title search.
• Granted $550,000 in December 2023 and $600,00 in
May 2024 to LexHAB towards the purchase of two
properties.
• Initiated proposal for Article 33, which authorized the
Select Board to sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of
Parcel 68-44. This proposal passed Town Meeting on
April 3, 2024 (171-5-5).
• Collaborated with Town staff on filing Abbreviated Notice
of Resource Delineation for Parcel 68-44 in February 2024.
• Presented a request for proposal (RFP) for Parcel 68-44
from affordable housing developers for Select Board
consideration, which the Town posted on June 28, 2024.
• Submitted written testimony and letters of support for
H2747/S1771 (real estate transfer legislation).
• Discussed creation of resident support programs.
• Met with developers of MBTA multi-family zoning
developments to discuss additional/buydown
affordable units.
• Attended 2024 Massachusetts Housing Partnership
Housing Institute and various seminars.
ANTONY WORKING GROUP
ROLE: To promote, create and nurture relationships between
the citizens of Lexington and Antony, France, as well as sup-
port municipal best practice sharing, school exchanges and to
facilitate tourism, economic development, and cooperation.
APPOINTED: Current members are Kerry Brandin, Tony
Galaitsis, Kitty Galaitsis, George Gamota, Christina Gamota,
Sandy Gasbarro, Fred Johnson, Dawn McKenna, Marie-
Tristan Rago. The Antony Sister City relationship was formed
in the 1980s and is managed under the auspices of the Tourism
Committee.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Maintained personal relationships with residents
exchanging trips in Antony and Lexington.
• Began preparation for an anticipated formal visit from
Antony officials in conjunction with the 250th festivities
celebrating Patriots’ Day 2025.
(continued on next page)
Affordable Housing Trust Committee: (L-R) Tiffany Payne, Elaine Tung, Linda Prosnitz, William Erickson, Mark Sandeen.
154 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
• Worked with the Department of Public Works to install
Columnar Hornbeam trees, Ilex verticillata ‘Red Sprite’
winterberry shrubs, sprinklers, and electricity at Antony
Park. The tree species were selected as a nod to the
trimmed hedges that can be seen in parks throughout
Antony. It is anticipated that Antony Park will become a
popular venue for outdoor picnics, concerts, and events.
Residents, students, businesses, and organizations are en-
couraged to celebrate friendships, visit Antony, and follow the
Lexington-Antony Sister Cities page on Facebook.
APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE
ROLE: To serve as the fiscal advisory body to Town Meeting
and the Town. The Committee makes recommendations on
the prudent management of the financial affairs of the Town
and evaluates and supports the Town's current and long-range
financial planning processes. The Committee is also responsi-
ble for approving transfers from the reserve fund, which may
be used to fund extraordinary and unforeseen expenses.
Prior to each annual and special Town Meeting, the Committee
publishes a report covering all warrant articles related to the
finances of the Town including the annual operating budget,
capital expenditures, and matters of fiscal policy. During town
meetings, the Committee delivers oral reports confirming its
printed recommendations or modifying them in response
to last-minute changes. No motion carrying an expenditure
or appropriation of money may be acted upon by the Town
Meeting until the Appropriation Committee has made a re-
port thereon.
APPOINTED by the Moderator for overlapping 3-year
terms: Glenn Parker (Chair), Sanjay Padaki (Vice-Chair),
Alan Levine (Secretary), Anil Ahuja, John Bartenstein, Eric
Michelson, Sean Osborne, Lily Manhua Yan, and Carolyn
Kosnoff, Assistant Town Manager for Finance/Town
Comptroller (ex-officio, non-voting). To fill a vacant seat,
Vinita Verma was appointed on May 6, 2024.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Published the following reports:
• Report to Special Town Meeting 2023-1
(October 31, 2023)
• Report to the 2024 Annual Town Meeting
(March 13, 2024)
• Approved or reviewed, as appropriate, end-of-year
transfers between budget line items and an increase in the
spending limit for the Health Programs Revolving Fund
as recommended by Town staff to balance all budget line
items for FY2023 (July 10, 2023).
Over the course of the year, the Committee participated in
budget summit meetings with the Town Manager and other
boards and committees to understand the projected revenues
and expenses of the Town, and to evaluate the FY2025 budget
proposed by the Town Manager and, later, presented to Town
Meeting.
The Committee report to the 2024 Annual Town Meeting
analyzed in considerable detail the financial and certain other
aspects of the proposal under Article 33 to develop affordable
housing on a town-owned parcel of land at the intersection of
Lowell and North Streets.
In response to a request from the Select Board, the Committee
discussed and participated in meetings with other boards and
committees on how to proceed with solar panels on canopies
next to the new police station.
Members of the Committee acted as liaisons to Town boards
and committees, including:
• School Building Committee: overseeing the project to
renovate or replace Lexington High School.
• Recreation Committee: to understand the impacts on
recreational facilities of a new building or major renova-
tion of Lexington High School.
The Committee's reports and minutes from committee meet-
ings are archived by the Town Clerk's Office and can be found
in the Archives & Public Records portal on the Town website.
Antony Working Group (continued)
Appropriation Committee: (L-R) Anil Ahuja, Vinita Verma, Sean Osborne, Eric Michelson, Glenn Parker, Sanjay Padaki, Alan Levine, and John Bartenstein. Committee members Lily Yan and Carolyn Kosnoff were not able to be present.
155 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ROLE: To advise the Select Board on all matters relating to
bicycle routes and general bicycle policy to serve the best
interests of the Town, its citizens, and neighboring commu-
nities affected by these facilities. Nine members are interested
citizens and six liaison members are representatives of town
boards and departments.
APPOINTED by the Select Board for 3-year terms: Betty Gau
(Chair), David Armstrong, Mattias Beebe, James Cadenhead,
Suzan Chen, Sarah Hews, James Michael O’Connor, Ram
Reddy (Recording Secretary), Tom Shiple, Arnav Arora (high
school student).
LIAISONS: Susan Barrett (Transportation Manager), Mark
Sandeen (Select Board), Ross Morrow (DPW), Mitch Caspe
(Police).
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Worked with the Town Planning Department to
review and provide feedback on the Bicycle/Pedestrian
Transportation Plan that was finalized and accepted by
the Select Board in May 2024.
• Worked with the Department of Public Works (DPW) on
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) project for
Minuteman Bikeway intersections. Researched RRFBs,
and made site visits to the intersections to provide feed-
back to the DPW and the Select Board on this installation
project.
• Worked with the DPW and the Massachusetts Water
Resource Authority (MWRA) to provide guidance and
feedback on the MWRA plans to close the Minuteman
Bikeway in 2025 for water pipe replacement.
• Provided feedback and guidance to DPW on the Battle
Green Project Design and other DPW projects to ensure
safe biking as part of the design.
• Discussed with the Lexington Police Department and
Select Board issues concerning bikeway safety and speed
guidelines.
• Worked with the Economic Development department
on the East Lexington information kiosk and the Police
Department on bikeway safety and speed concerns.
• Formed a Bike Parking working group to review current
Town bike parking bylaws and regulations.
• Worked with the Town Manager’s office to review and
approve event permitting applications for the Minuteman
Bikeway, providing applicants with bikeway safety
guidelines.
• Participated in meetings and provided liaisons to the
Transportation Safety Group, the Greenways Corridor
Committee, the Planning Board, and various DPW
projects involving bikeways and streets in town.
• Participated in quarterly meetings of the Tri-Town
Minuteman Bikeways Committees with Arlington and
Bedford.
• Sponsored the Bikeway Block Party held Sept 15, 2024.
• Collaborating with the Friends of Lexington Bikeways,
the Committee:
• Hosted a “Light the Night” bike lights giveaway in the
fall of 2023 as part of a regional MassBike event.
• Held the annual Bikeway Spring clean-up in May 2024.
• Performed the annual Minuteman Bikeway count of
weekend and weekday users in April 2024, part of a
regional Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
effort to document users of shared use trails and paths.
• Partnered with town staff to offer a variety of public
events during Bike, Walk, and Bus month in May 2024,
including a Bike Smart class, Bike Rodeo and annual
Commuter Breakfast held on Bike to Work Day.
• Managed a booth at Lexington Discovery Day in May
2024 where the Friends fit and distributed free bike
helmets through a helmet donation program.
Bicycle Advisory Committee members.
156 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE
ROLE: To review all Town capital matters and to make recommendations for the prudent management of the Town's capital financial matters, including all funding under the Community Preservation Act (CPA). To receive and review from Town entities a list of all capital expenditures that may be required within the next 5-year period; to consider the relative need, timing, and cost of those projects, the adequacy thereof, and the effect the expenditures might have on the financial position of the Town; and to make recommenda-tions on capital spending to the departments and offices, other Boards and Committees, and to Town Meeting. This includes receiving from the Town’s Community Preservation Committee (CPC) information on all appropriations it intends to recommend to Town Meeting and to make independent recommendations about them.
APPOINTED by the Town Moderator to overlapping 3-year
terms: Charles Lamb (Chair; term expires 2025), Lisah Rhodes
(Vice-Chair; term expires 2026), David Kanter (Clerk; term
expires 2025), Sandy Beebee (term expires 2026), Michael
Boudett (term expired June 30, 2024, reappointed to 2027),
Rod Cole (term expired June 30, 2024, reappointed to 2027).
HIGHLIGHTS:
The Committee reviewed and made recommendations
to Town Meetings and Town departments, Boards, and
Committees on appropriations for a wide range of capital
expenditures involving public works, public facilities, public
safety, recreation, and school facility and non-facility re-
quirements throughout Fiscal Year including the fall Special
and Annual Town Meetings.
Recommendations and reviews for the following appropria-tions were made:
• Schools: Lexington High School rebuild/renovation.
• CPA: Cary Memorial Library Children’s Room ren-
ovation: improve accessibility, accommodate diverse
programming objectives, and improve safety.
• Municipal: Lexington Police Main Station construction.
(Project completed.)
• Capital Stewardship and Planning for the Future: this
Committee focused on addressing the Town’s extensive
infrastructure, which requires continuing capital projects
to provide safe conditions and quality service, meet
current operating needs, enhance productivity, improve
efficiency, and extend infrastructure’s useful life.
Continuing concerns include Town buildings that need
major updates or replacements, roadways and sidewalks,
the water-and-wastewater infrastructure, recreational
spaces and facilities, and vehicle replacement (other than
cars) and other heavy equipment. Additional needs in-
clude enhancement of the Town’s information technology
equipment and network, installation of traffic−mitigation
measures, creation of more community (affordable)
housing, and preservation of conservation/open space in-
cluding connectivity projects (e.g., Greenways Corridor).
• Specified Stabilization Funds: considered possible spend-
down of Capital Stabilization Fund for the upcoming
high school rebuild/renovation.
• Affordable Housing: supported Lexington Housing Trust
Lowell Street project.
CARY LECTURE SERIES COMMITTEE
ROLE: To bring to Lexington a variety of free, educational,
and entertaining lectures which might not otherwise be
available, in accordance with the will of the Cary sisters. The
Committee welcomes suggestions for future programming.
APPOINTED by the Town Moderator: Kevin Oye (Chair),
Monica Galizzi, Rita Goldberg, Omar Khudari, Meryl Loonin.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The Committee continues to send program information
to every Lexington household via United States Postal
Service. In addition, the website (www.carylectureseries.
org) provides a central source of information about the
lectures. It is also fortunate that Cary Library provides
extensive advertisement of Cary Lecture Series events,
as do local businesses, such as the Lexington Times
Magazine, which not only donates advertising space but
often features articles based on in-person interviews with
the speakers.
Cary Lecture Series Committee: Omar Khudari, Meryl Loonin, Monica Galizzi, Rita Goldberg, Kevin Oye.
(continued on next page)
157 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
• Currently facing the following challenges:
• Expanding audiences
- Changing demographics suggest new audiences
- More diverse audiences enable more diverse events
• Exploring cooperation with other town institutions to expand audience and potential speakers:
- Cary Library
- Lexington Historical Society
- Others?
• Experimentation and new approaches:
- Experimenting with new event formats, such as hands on workshops instead of just one way lectures
- Experimenting with social media and email to market events
• Live events attracted new attendees, including many first
timers.
• Talks covered a wide spectrum of topics.
LECTURE SCHEDULE
Upcoming year (2024–2025)
Date Name Title
10/01/24 Philip Deloria The Five Things Indians Say: Native Americans in the American Past, Present, and Future
11/16/24 Felix Warneken What Children Teach Us About Altruism
3/22/25 Jonathan McPhee Coming to America: A Musical Journey
5/05/25 Justice Reading the Constitution: Stephen Breyer Why I Chose Pragmatism, Not Textualism
Past year (2023-2024)
Date Name Title
10/7/23 Sol Gittleman An Accidental Triumph: The Improbable History of American Higher Education
11/18/23 Irene Li Cooking up Dumplings, Social Justice, and Sustainability
3/09/24 Jeff Leonard A Life Through Music
4/20/24 Raj Chetty Creating Equality of Opportunity In America: New Insights from Big Data
COMMISSION ON DISABILITY
ROLE: To ensure that people with disabilities are fully inte-
grated into all aspects of the Town and can participate seam-
lessly without barriers. The Commission makes recommenda-
tions concerning the implementation of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) within the Town. Members review
and recommend policies as they affect those with disabilities
and provide information, guidance, and technical assistance.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager: Victoria Buckley
(Chair), Susan Cusack, Shaun Grady, Julie Miller, Leonard
Morse-Fortier, Janet Perry, John Rossi, Francine Stieglitz and
Nancy Wong.
SELECT BOARD LIAISON: Mark Sandeen July 2023 to
May 2024, then Joe Pato June 2024 to present.
STAFF SUPPORT: James Kelly (Building Commissioner),
Hemali Shah (Chief Equity Officer).
COMMITTEE LIAISONS: Laureen Fiola (Council on
Aging), Rod Cole (Capital Expenditures Committee),
Stephanie Hsu (Human Rights Committee), Pam Lyons
(Center Committee).
HIGHLIGHTS:
Program Development
• Provided Commission member liaison to the Lex250
Committee.
• Worked with Town departments, committees and
commissions to provide recommendations to ensure full
inclusion and accessibility for all.
• Consulted with groups about the bike-pedestrian plans to
address safety.
• Formed a Collaborative Reform Group (CRG) with
police, Town departments, employees, HRC, and resi-
dents to address Collaborative Reform. CRG sponsored
two community forums: November panel discussion on
Breaking Down Stigma About Mental Health; May panel
discussion on Crisis Management Resources in Mental
Health.
• Defined the Commission’s challenges for the future year
to remain proactive and stay actively involved: 1) to
ensure that the Full Inclusion Resolution is considered in
planning and reviewing all services, programs, projects,
events, and services; 2) to promote universal design
principles for construction projects and to advocate for
rights of citizens with disabilities; 3) to continue to review
plans for newly proposed renovations to both private and
municipal buildings; 4) to refine the complaint process
and compile resource lists.
(continued on next page)
Cary Lecture Series Committee (continued)
158 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
Technical Support and Advocacy - Compliance/Oversight
• Continued to work with the Recreation Department to
review projects and plans for full inclusion in programs
as facilitated by therapeutic recreation specialist and in
playground redesign.
• Consulted regularly with liaisons from Council on
Aging, Capital Expenditures Committee, Human Rights
Committee, Center Committee.
• Worked with DPW on intersection plans, location of
MBTA bus stop, Farmer’s Market accessibility issues,
Hastings School sidewalk grading, and concerns about
MBTA bus stop in the Center.
• Consulted with Amber Carr about ADA garden project at
Idylwilde Community Garden.
• Contacted Mass. Architectural Access Board (MAAB)
regarding opposition to requested variances for 110
Hartwell Avenue and 182 Bedford Street.
• Consulted with Planning Director and other housing
groups about multi-family housing zoning plans, accessi-
ble housing, and affordable housing initiatives.
• Provided technical advice to Town Committees and
departments, as well as to Town Meeting.
• Reviewed plans and Town projects with architects, DPW,
and Building Commissioner.
COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ROLE: To advise the Select Board on all aspects of wired and
wireless communication and data services to and within the
Town; to serve as ombudsman for town users of such services;
to represent the Town in negotiations and relationships with
providers of those services; to monitor and evaluate compli-
ance of any Lexington Public, Education, and Government
Access Corporation; to oversee any network which includes
municipal and/or school buildings; to help set town regu-
lations and review applications to the Town for wired and
wireless communications and data services; and to advise
the Select Board and other town officials on managing the
Town’s growing information handling needs and supporting
networks.
APPOINTED by the Select Board for 3-year terms:
Kenneth Pogran (Chair, Wireless Services, Cable Provider
License Negotiations), Robert Avallone (Access Provider
Oversight), Shabbir Bagasrawala, David Becker (Cable
Provider License Negotiations), David Buczkowski (Cable
Provider License Negotiations), Smita Desai (Access Provider
Oversight), Dorinda Goodman (Director, Town Information
Technology), Steven Kaufman, Nicholas Lauriat (Cable
Provider License Negotiations, Wireless Application Review),
P K Shiu (Wireless Services), Rita Vachani (Access Provider
Oversight, PEG Financial Review), and Mark Sandeen (Select
Board liaison).
HIGHLIGHTS:
Public, Education, and Government (PEG) Access
Provider Oversight
• Reviewed LexMedia’s performance under the PEG Access
Grant Agreement. Reviewed and approved LexMedia’s
quarterly and annual reports and provided feedback.
• Analyzed and reported to the Select Board on the ongo-
ing decline in license fee revenue from the Town’s three
cable television providers due to decreasing numbers of
subscribers. Recommended funding levels needed from
Town appropriations in coming years to continue full
funding for LexMedia.
• Worked with Town staff and with LexMedia to negotiate
and conclude the final 2-year extension of LexMedia’s
current 6-year PEG Access Grant Agreement.
Cable Television Service Provider Interactions
• Successfully concluded the cable television license
renewal process with Comcast in advance of the
August 2024 expiration of the current Comcast license.
• Presented the negotiated Comcast renewal license at a
Select Board public hearing and recommended that the
Board approve and execute the license.
• Initiated the 3-year cable television license renewal
process with Verizon.
Cable Television Service Complaints
• No formal cable television service complaints were lodged
with the Select Board office for investigation by the
Committee.
Commission on Disability (continued)
159 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
ROLE: To review Community Preservation Act (CPA) proj-
ect applications for open space, affordable housing, historic
resources and recreation funding, and recommend eligible
and worthy projects to Town Meeting.
APPOINTED by the Select Board and various boards and
committees, in accordance with the CPA, for 2-year terms:
Marilyn Fenollosa (Chair; Historical Commission), Jeanne
Krieger (Vice-Chair; at-large, appointed by the Select Board),
Kevin Beuttell (Conservation Commission), Robert Creech
(Planning Board), Lisa O’Brien (Recreation Committee),
Robert Pressman (Housing Partnership Board), Kathryn Roy
(at-large, appointed by the Select Board), Mark Sandeen (at-
large, appointed by the Select Board), and Melinda Walker
(Lexington Housing Authority).
OVERVIEW: The Community Preservation Committee
(CPC) met regularly from September 2023 through February
2024 to review projects for presentation to the 2024 Annual
Town Meeting. The Committee evaluated project applications
submitted by Town Departments, non-profit organizations,
and others and submitted its funding recommendations to
Town Meeting.
CPA funding comes from an annual property tax surcharge
of 3%, adopted by Town Meeting in 2005 and accepted by
Lexington voters in 2006. This local surcharge is matched
with State funds collected as part of the deeds excise tax and
has previously been supplemented with State budget surplus
funds. Lexington initially received 100% of State matching
funds in 2007 ($2,556,362) but has seen that match decline
as additional communities adopt CPA and join the funding
pool. In FY2024, the Town received a 21.80% match equaling
$1,354,935. As of November 2023, the Town had received
over $24.1 million in State matching funds, representing a
significant portion of over $109 million in CPA projects ap-
proved by Town Meeting voters through FY2025. (2024 state
reimbursement figures have yet to be received.)
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Recommended nine project applications for CPA funding
to the 2024 Spring Annual Town Meeting.
Town Meeting approved the following amounts:
• Cary Memorial Library Renovation - $2,300,000
• Archives and Records Management - $20,000
• Park Improvements - Athletic Fields, Bowman School
- $545,000
• Lincoln Park Fitness Stations Equipment - $160,000
• Park Improvements - Hard Court Surfaces, Valley
Road - $492,000
• Lincoln Park Field Improvements - $1,145,000
• LexHAB Affordable Housing Support, Restoration,
Preservation, and Decarbonization - $482,365
• Lexington Housing Authority Exterior Preservation
- $100,000
• Affordable Housing Trust Funding - $3,200,000
• CPA debt service payments totaling $681,200 were
also approved by Annual Town Meeting, breaking down
as follows:
• Cary Memorial Building Upgrades ($681,200)
• The CPC's customary administrative budget of $150,000
was approved by Annual Town Meeting.
• Updated and maintained the CPC website.
• Updated the CPA Needs Assessment Report (the guiding
document for CPC review of proposals) and held a public
hearing to receive comments on December 14, 2023.
• Compiled and published reports for submission to
Annual Town Meeting.
• Completed state-mandated reporting of all projects
approved by Town Meeting during the previous
fiscal year.
• Monitored over 46 ongoing CPA projects.
COUNCIL ON AGING
ROLE: To assist and partner with the Human Services/Senior
Services Department staff as an advisory board, with develop-
ing and evaluating programs, services, and activities that sup-
port and nurture the interests and needs of Lexington’s older
adults. The Council on Aging (COA) Board communicates
the views of the community to the staff and Town Manager,
assesses trends, and advocates for the unmet needs of older
adults and their families.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager: John Zhao (Co-Chair),
Julie-Ann Shapiro (Co-Chair), Ellen Cameron (Vice-Chair),
Julie Barker, Sudhir Jain, Charles James, Jyotsna Kakullavarapu,
Sue Rockwell, Sandra Shaw, Zehra Yar-Kahn, Suzie Barry
returned as Select Board liaison as of June 30, 2023.
(continued on next page)
160 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Monthly meetings have been conducted hybrid, i.e., both
in-person and via Zoom.
• The Age-Friendly Working Group continued to hold
periodic meetings to consider which age-friendly initia-
tives to undertake. Considerations included programs
and associate grants related to home maintenance/repair
programs, panel discussion related to senior/affordable
housing advocacy, determining whether improved park-
ing at the Community Center is needed, and whether to
advocate for additional Lexpress ridership opportunities
for seniors.
• The Age-Friendly Working Group completed compiling
information for a Senior Resource Guide, focusing on an
inclusive list of services and vendors to assist with home
maintenance and repair, to help seniors age in place.
• With the Select Board approval, the COA and Human
Services completed the application process for Lexington
to be designated an American Association of Retired
Persons (AARP) age-friendly community and will
continue to undertake initiatives and programs that
make Lexington more age friendly, in particular for older
adults.
• To improve communication and awareness of what COA
and Human Services provide, the COA began having off-
site meetings with seniors where they gather and reside.
The first meeting took place at Brookhaven, and others
will take place throughout the year.
• The Senior Parking Program continues, with over
2,500 Lexington residents participating in the program.
• The COA charge was revised and presented to the Select
Board.
• COA welcomed speakers/presenters: Sheila Page,
Assistant Planning Director; Paul Linton, Housing
Partnership Board; Wai Chong, Health Outreach; Tom
Shiple; Jonas Miller, Director of Communications.
• COA collaborated with the Friends of the Council on
Aging (FCOA) to ensure funding of key programming
that includes LexConnect Taxi rides, promoting the
Older, Wiser, Lifelong Learning program (OWL), and the
LifeTimes Magazine.
• COA liaisons continued to attend virtual meetings of
other town boards and committees that address concerns
related to aging in Lexington.
DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ROLE: To provide the Town with design guidance on primarily
town-funded projects or town buildings, signs and various pub-
lic facilities. The Committee is also charged with making recom-
mendations to enhance the attractiveness of town lands, parks,
recreation areas, conservation areas, and other public spaces. In
addition, the Committee may be asked to review and comment
on proposals by private sector businesses and individuals where
the Town's interest is involved. The Committee's recommen-
dations are made to the Select Board and the Zoning Board of
Appeals.
APPOINTED by Select Board for 1-year terms: Timothy
Lee (Chair), Ian Adamson, Hema Bhatt, Christopher Johns,
Elisa Kim, Minhaj Kirmani, Nishanth Veeragandham, Steven
Vincent, Dr. Elsie Xu; Danit Netzer (Associate Member).
HIGHLIGHTS:
In 2024, the Committee reviewed and provided design guid-
ance and recommendations on a variety of proposed town
and planning board projects and zoning board of appeals
signage applications that include the following:
• Police Headquarters
• Lexington High School
• 5-7 Piper Road – housing project
• 89 Bedford Street housing project
• 331 Concord Avenue housing project
• 17 Hartwell Avenue housing project
Council on Aging (continued)
Council on Aging
161 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ROLE: To promote balanced, long-term economic
development, which reflects and enhances the character of
the community.
APPOINTED by the Select Board to 3-year terms: Rick
DeAngelis (Chair), Bridger McGaw (Vice-Chair), David
Pronchick, Lawrence Smith, Charles Minasian, Samuel Ang,
Lisa Murray and Adrienne Ortyl.
LIAISONS: Charles Hornig (Planning Board), Doug Lucente
and Jill Hai (Select Board).
STAFF: Sandhya Iyer (Economic Development Director) and
Lorraine Welch (Economic Development Coordinator).
HIGHLIGHTS:
Recommended strategies and worked with staff to support
a healthy balance of commercial development and policy
improvements that included the following:
• The Economic Development Advisory Committee
(EDAC) welcomed ten new businesses to Lexington.
Some of the notable development projects in FY2024
are 1050 Waltham Street completion and construction
of 440 Bedford Street, a 6-story facility. New businesses
continued to open in Lexington Center including Revival
Café, Tatte, Nouve Bakery, and Galaray House, illustrating
the hard work and partnership between the Town staff
and local community leaders to attract and retain existing
businesses.
• Following the major investment of taxpayer funding
in Lexington Center, the EDAC continued to drive
a conversation about the importance of maintaining
the vibrancy of the Center as well as identifying areas
for enhancement. A planner was hired and the EDAC
working with the Select Board and the Center Committee
held a community charette to share ideas and concepts.
This collaboration resulted in a final report showcasing
the importance of shared responsibility of landlords
to maintain their buildings, work with the Town to
recruit the right tenants when vacancies occur, as well
as illustrate parts of the Center streetscape that could be
approached differently.
• The EDAC was active in advising the Select Board prior
to Annual Town Meeting on various articles including
policy and license changes to allow additional beer/
wine and liquor licenses in town. The EDAC supported
updating important zoning changes to align current busi-
ness uses while adding additional uses to enable further
small business development around town. The EDAC
also supported the Economic Development Office's
effort to change the signage bylaws in town after years of
confusion and administrative burden on businesses. The
Committee continued to collaborate with Town and State
officials on the development of transportation solutions
for Hartwell Avenue as development of residential and
mixed-use projects intensifies.
• While the EDAC supported the overall spirit and
principles of the MBTA Communities Act, it is closely
monitoring the approval of over 1,000 new multi-family
housing units that in some cases are converting commer-
cial properties to larger multi-family residential projects,
which will impact town operations. In the year ahead,
the EDAC will continue to advocate for careful fiscal
capital planning, capital and operational cost controls,
and limited debt financing to ensure continued economic
growth of the community. Future economic vitality and
attractiveness for new businesses moving to Lexington
will be the development of a new high school.
FENCE VIEWERS
ROLE: To arbitrate fencing disputes in accordance with
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 49, Sections 1-21.
APPOINTED by the Select Board for 1-year terms: David
Burns(Chair) and Dawn E. McKenna
HIGHLIGHTS:
• This past year there were a limited number of disputes
which required review. Some issues resulted in appli-
cations for variances and others required enforcement
actions being taken against violators.
• Prior to having a new fence installed or an existing fence
replaced you are encouraged to read the town bylaw
which can be found on the Town website. If you have
questions, contact the Fence Viewers through the Town
website or the Building Commissioner.
Fence Viewers
162 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
FUND FOR LEXINGTON
ROLE: To assist those in Lexington in need, to support beau-
tification projects, and to seed innovative projects for com-
munity betterment. The Select Board established the Fund for
Lexington 28 years ago, inviting all residents and community
members to contribute to these three core purposes.
APPOINTED by the Select Board: Douglas Lucente (Chair),
Norman Cohen, Ed Grant, Rev. Claire Feingold Thoryn, Joe
Pato, Alan Fields, and Alan Wrigley.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Received generous support from the community, with
over $23,000 in donations from nearly 140 individuals.
This continued support demonstrates the commitment
of Lexington residents to the Fund's mission. The annual
appeal sent to all residents included information on how
residents in need can get assistance.
• Voted distributions totaling approximately $40,000 for
various community efforts in FY2024.
• Provided financial aid for emergency rent and heating
to Lexington residents through the Human Services
Emergency Fund.
• Ensured the transportation needs for low-income
residents were met.
• Distributed grocery gift cards to mitigate food insecurity.
• Partnered with local organizations to fund the Holiday
Gift Program, enhancing seasonal joy for families in need.
• Allocated funds to the Recreation Scholarship Program,
prioritizing swim passes and enabling low-income fami-
lies to participate in Town-sponsored summer programs.
• Funded plantings and maintenance of 30 flower barrels
along Massachusetts Avenue in East Lexington to bolster
community beautification.
Alan Fields retired from the Trustees of the Public Trust in
early 2024. The Fund for Lexington thanks him for his years
of dedicated service on the Fund for Lexington Board. His
leadership and contributions have made a lasting impact.
GREENWAY CORRIDORS COMMITTEE
ROLE: To identify, actively plan, and recommend the im-
plementation of pedestrian, bicycle and other greenway
corridors. These corridors would link town conservation,
recreation, and other open space parcels via the ACROSS
(Accessing Conservation, Recreation, Open Space and
Schools) Lexington and the Rick Abrams Memorial Trail
Network, and would establish links to regional trail systems
and open space in neighboring communities.
APPOINTED by the Select Board: Keith Ohmart (Chair),
Malcolm Crawford, Alex Dohan (Acting Conservation
Commission liaison), Peggy Enders, Eileen Entin, Yifang
Gong, Robert Hausslein, Bobak Moshiri, Stephen Perkins,
Charles Hornig (Planning Board liaison), Joe Pato (Select
Board liaison).
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Installed ACROSS Lexington Route O providing the first
of two planned ACROSS routes connecting neighbor-
hoods south of Route 2.
• Continued cooperative project with the Conservation
Department to develop a new trail on the Lexington
Conservation parcel south of Concord Avenue abutting
the state's Department of Conservation and Recreation
(DCR) Beaver Brook North property that will allow the
installation of a new ACROSS Lexington route connecting
to the Western Greenway Trail. Funding was secured and
a contractor was appointed to conduct a land management
plan with an estimated completion date of end of August as
a key part of obtaining permission from the Conservation
Commission.
• Initiated discussions with the Lexington Conservation
Department, Friends of Arlington’s Great Meadows,
and the Town of Arlington to develop a new ACROSS
Lexington route connecting existing ACROSS Lexington
routes on the Arlington Great Meadows property and the
Lower Vine Brook Conservation parcel via public streets
and sidewalks.
• Secured inclusion of funding in the FY2026 Conservation
Department budget for planning and engineering of
a new trail entrance to Conservation’s Simonds Brook
property at the end of Rangeway Street. This will facilitate
the creation of a new ACROSS Lexington route con-
necting Wright Farm, Simonds Brook, and Paint Mine
Conservation properties.
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163 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
• Engaged in active planning for a new Destination Trail
sign project that will complement the existing ACROSS
Lexington trail sign system with route signs at designated
locations. These signs will provide trail users with desti-
nation and distance information. Estimated installation is
spring 2025.
• Conducted exploratory discussions within the Committee
for the installation of benches at appropriate points
within the ACROSS Lexington system.
HANSCOM AREA TOWNS COMMITTEES (HATS)
ROLE: To coordinate the policies and activities of the four
towns (Bedford, Concord, Lexington, and Lincoln) that
contain Hanscom Field and their relationship with the major
organizations that operate in the Hanscom Field area. The
four towns coordinate their efforts in planning, growth man-
agement, land use, traffic control, and environmental protec-
tion. HATS seeks to protect and preserve the physical and
environmental attributes of the area in the face of expanding
institutional and commercial development, increasing traffic
and airport noise, and other threats to the environment.
APPOINTED by the Select Board to represent Lexington:
Mark Sandeen (Select Board Member), Charles Hornig
(Planning Board Member), and Margaret Coppe.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• HATS members submitted a public comment letter to
Secretary Rebecca Tepper, Executive Office of Energy
and Environmental Affairs, on the Draft Environmental
Impact Report (DEIR) for the proposed North Airfield
Development at Hanscom Field expressing concerns
that the proposed private jet hangar expansion project
contradicts the climate goals of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, impacts the health of neighboring residents,
and requested the Secretary's support in opposing such
expansions. Subsequently Secretary Tepper determined
that the proposed DEIR “does not adequately and properly
comply with Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act
Office (MEPA) and its implementing regulations.”,
• HATS members submitted a public comment letter
to Secretary Tepper regarding Massport’s draft 2022
Hanscom Field Environmental Status and Planning
Report (ESPR) to highlight some pressing environmental
concerns regarding the draft ESPR and its potential
contradiction with the state’s climate and environmental
objectives. The comment letter requested changes
regarding measurement and analysis of greenhouse gas
emissions, criteria pollutants, ultrafine particulate matter,
airborne lead pollution, and analysis of future growth
scenarios impacting sustainability, noise, and housing in
the area.
• HATS members also submitted a letter to the HATS
towns’ legislative delegation requesting that the legislature
amend Massport’s charter to require that Massport prior-
itize environmental justice and reductions in greenhouse
gas emissions consistent with the Commonwealth’s
goals. In response, both the Senate and the House passed
legislation to amend Massport’s charter.
HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION
ROLE: To promote the educational, cultural, economic and
general welfare of the public through the preservation and
protection of historic buildings, places, and districts through
development of appropriate settings for said buildings, places,
and districts and through their maintenance as landmarks of
historic interest.
APPOINTED by the Select Board for overlapping 5-year
terms: Paul O’Shaughnessy (Chair), Bob Adams, Ed Adelman,
Lee Noël Chase, Robin Lovett, and one associate member,
Dan Hisel. The Historic District Commission (HDC) began
FY2024 with five full members.
Of the five permanent members, two are nominated by
the Lexington Historical Society, one is nominated by the
Lexington Chamber of Commerce, one is nominated by the
trustees of Cary Memorial Library, and one is selected at large
by the Select Board. Alternates are nominated by the same
organizations.
Bob Adams resigned his membership following the July
2023 meeting and was appointed to an associate position in
October 2023. He served in this associate position until the
end of June 2024, with thanks for his long and dedicated
service. Dan Hisel was appointed to full membership on July
13, 2023. In addition, two associate members (Brien Cooper
and Dick Neumeier) were appointed in October 2023. The
Commission therefore ended FY2024 with five full and two
associate members, with two alternate seats open.
Of the eight full and associate members who served during
FY24, four are architects, one is active in community affairs,
one is a local historian and reenactor and two have a legal
background.
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Greenway Corridors Committee (continued)
164 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
HIGHLIGHTS:
The HDC met 13 times during FY2024. In those meetings,
the commission held 64 hearings (many continuances of ear-
lier hearings) and issued 30 Certificates of Appropriateness
(CofA). Significant decisions and activities include the
following::
• Solar panel carports adjacent to new Police Station –
several continued hearings resulting in issuance of a CofA
in March 2024.
• Solar panels — consideration and approval of solar
panel coverage on certain residences in accordance with
existing guidelines.
• Numerous approvals of signage, exterior alterations
and painting in support of businesses, mostly along
Massachusetts Avenue in the Battle Green district.
• Lighting improvements, exterior CCTV cameras, and
door replacement at Hancock Church.
• Consideration of exterior changes and detached garage
demolition at 4 Percy Road.
• Supported Riding through History, the installation of
equine statues at several locations along Massachusetts
Avenue, as part of the 250th anniversary commemoration
of the Battle of Lexington.
The HDC also provided architectural guidance in response to
resident inquiries and efforts to comply with HDC guidelines.
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
ROLE: To preserve and protect historically and architectural-
ly significant buildings and sites in Lexington. To advise the
Building Inspector about issuing demolition permits for sig-
nificant buildings. To support efforts to nominate buildings
for the National Register of Historic Places maintained by the
Secretary of the Interior.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager for 3-year terms: Robert
Rotberg (Chair), Diane Pursley (Vice-Chair), Susan Bennett,
Marilyn Fenollosa, Wendall Kalsow. Alternates: David
Kelland.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Maintained the Historical Commission’s website pro-
viding public access to the Town-wide Comprehensive
Cultural Resources Survey, which includes scanned
inventory forms, period histories, architectural surveys,
National Register listings, building styles, and other archi-
tectural and historical information (lexingtonma.gov/735/
Historical-Commission). The website also outlines the
demolition delay process and provides links to important
historic preservation organizations and resources.
• Reviewed 15 applications for public hearings for demo-
lition permits and/or removal from the inventory. Of the
demolition applications, two were determined to consti-
tute preferably preserved buildings and made subject to a
demolition delay of a maximum of 12 months. Thirteen
other applications for partial or total demolition were
ultimately permitted, due to the condition of the property,
the lack of a potential purchaser, the minor nature of
the demolition, or the lapse of the 12-month period.
One property was deemed not preferably preserved and
removed from the inventory and one request for removal
from the inventory was denied.
• Received approval from the Attorney General’s Office
for the enforcement of the 21-month demolition delay
extension approved by 2023 Annual Town Meeting.
• Requested Building Department to issue stop work
order due to unauthorized demolition of relocated
Hosmer House. Developed detailed set of requirements
for redevelopment. (The Town instead negotiated with
developers and proceeded with the redevelopment despite
the Historical Commission’s written objections.)
• Advocated for denial of modification of the Hosmer House
Special Permit to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).
The owner requested the requirement for a Massachusetts
Historical Commission (MHC) Preservation Restriction
be lifted. Demolition of the exterior, character-defining
features of the Hosmer House violated the Secretary of
the Interior Standards for Preservation and destroyed the
historic significance of the house, so the MHC denied
approval of the Preservation Restriction. The ZBA allowed
the lifting of the requirement.
• Appealed the decision of the ZBA to lift the requirement
of the Hosmer House Special Permit. The ZBA denied
the appeal and the property was granted an Occupancy
Permit despite not meeting the original Special Permit
requirements to preserve the structure.
• Submitted written opposition to the Planning Board for
the demolition of 32 Edgewood Road and the partial
demolition of 28 Meriam Street under the Special
Residential Development Bylaw because the threshold
requirements for historic preservation were not met. The
objection to the project was that the high density of units
on the lot was permitted because of the “historic preser-
vation” provision of the bylaw while 32 Edgewood Road,
a rare, architect-designed carriage house, was demolished
and 28 Meriam Street was not preserved with respect to
the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Preservation
and will have no preservation restriction. The re-develop-
Historic District Commissions (continued)
(continued on next page)
165 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
ment of 28 Meriam Street will result in dramatic alter-
ation to the siting and the context of the historic building.
The Planning Board overruled the objection.
• Reviewed proposed changes to 110 Shade Street, which
is subject to Preservation Restriction maintained by the
Lexington Historical Commission (LHC).
• Joined Concord and Lincoln Historical Commissions
in writing a letter of support to the National Trust for
Historic Preservation (NTHP) for listing Minuteman
National Historic Park on its 11 Most Endangered
Historic Places list due to planned expansion of private jet
hangers at adjacent Hanscom Field.
• Requested School Building Committee prepare an
Inventory Form B for the Lexington High School and
Field House given the architectural significance of both
structures. Requested LHC be consulted on the research
project.
• Supported Town Meeting action to amend bylaws to per-
mit legal notices to be published in an online publication
to fulfill public notice requirements for public meetings.
• Reviewed and commented on three state- or federal-
ly-funded projects during the year. Commented on
the Massport Hanscom Field 2022 ESPR as well as the
North Airfield Project. Granted consulting party status
on the Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Battle Road/Route 2A resurfacing project and the review
process is ongoing.
• Reviewed projects that requested funding under the
Community Preservation Act (CPA) and provided
recommendations to Town Meeting. Provided input to
Community Preservation Committee’s annual Needs
Assessment report.
• Participated as full and alternate members on Turning
Mill Neighborhood Conservation District Commission
and Pierce/Lockwood Neighborhood Conservation
District Commission.
• Revised and submitted to MHC a replacement Form B
of the historic farm and grounds located at 48-52 Lowell
Street.
• Requested Select Board to approve expansion of the LHC
by adding two additional members. Request was denied.
• Attended the following Certified Local Government
(CLG) Program training sessions: National Alliance
of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) seminars on
Substitute Materials on Historic Building Exteriors (3/24)
and Housing Preservation (5/24); Historic New England
Summit 2023; CLG Training on Completing National
Register Eligibility Opinions (6/24).
HOUSING PARTNERSHIP BOARD
ROLE: To promote and support production and preserva-
tion of housing, including low and moderate income, older
persons, and workforce housing. The Housing Partnership
Board (HPB) brings together committees, groups, and hous-
ing advocates to create a collaborative approach to achieving
Lexington’s housing goals.
APPOINTED by the Select Board for 3-year terms: Wendy
Manz (Chair), Betsey Weiss (Vice-Chair), Harriet Cohen
(Clerk), Nanette Byrnes, Margaret Heitz, Charles Hornig,
Paul Linton, Sarah Morrison, Robert Pressman, Melanie
Thompson, John Zhao. Non-member liaisons: Jill Hai
(Select Board), and Cynthia Arens (Sustainable Lexington
Committee).
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Expressed gratitude to departing Chair Jeri Foutter for
her excellent leadership over 19 years.
• Voted to support the proposed Real Estate Transfer Fee
(RETF) bill in the state legislature. The HPB presented
information on the RETF to the Select Board, which
sent a letter in support to Lexington's legislators. The
HPB monitored the progress of the RETF bill, and an
HPB member submitted testimony to the legislature in
support.
• Worked with potential stakeholders (conservation,
recreation, historic resources, schools) before submitting
a proposal to the Select Board to create a working group
of stakeholders to share information regarding Town
opportunities to acquire land, and to make recommen-
dations for the best use(s) for such land. As Select Board
was not ready to formalize a working group, the HPB has
maintained informal contacts with the stakeholders to
share information regarding land acquisitions.
• Continued long-time advocacy for the Town to hire a
Housing Resources Officer to coordinate, identify, and
present affordable housing initiatives and opportunities to
various groups and departments.
• Participated in a housing round table policy discussion
hosted by LexHAB.
• Sent letters of support to the Community Preservation
Committee for LexHAB and Affordable Housing Trust
(AHT) funding applications.
(continued on next page)
Historical Commission (continued)
166 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
• Supported AHT at neighborhood listening sessions
regarding 2024 Town Meeting Article 33, authorizing the
Select Board to dispose of town land (North and Lowell
Streets) for purposes of affordable housing. Sent letter
to Select Board, contacted Town Meeting members, and
spoke in Town Meeting in support of Article 33.
• Appointed an HPB member to committee preparing
Town’s updated Housing Needs Assessment.
• Monitored applications to Planning Board for housing
developments under MBTA multi-family zoning and
Lexington Special Residential Development regulations.
Supported such applications in Planning Board hearings.
LEXINGTON CENTER COMMITTEE
ROLE: To advise the Select Board and business community
on managing change in the Center to ensure its long-term
viability while preserving its historical significance and the
integrity of adjacent neighborhoods.
APPOINTED by the Select Board for 3-year terms: Jerold
Michelson (Chair), Frederic Johnson (Vice-Chair), T. Eric
Ballard, Richard Brown, Upasna Chharbra, Katherine Huang,
Jeffrey Lyon, Pamela Lyons, Innessa Manning, Pamela
Shadley, Jon Wakelin. Liaisons: Charles Hornig (Planning
Board), Doug Lucente (Select Board), Sandra Shaw (Council
on Aging). Staff: Sandhya Iyer (Economic Development
Director).
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Discussed activating Lexington Center by attracting
businesses, adjusting zoning regulations, and influencing
programing in Lexington Center to create a welcoming
business community.
• Worked with Engineering and neighboring businesses to
relocate the bus stop by 1684 Massachusetts Avenue fur-
ther west with a bumpout in front of 1690 Massachusetts
Avenue.
• Collaborated with Town staff and EDAC to host work-
shop for Lexington Center: The Journey Forward which
engaged the community for their input on the future
of Lexington Center. Mullin Associates, Inc and Fuss &
O’Neill created the report.
• Collaborated with the Planning Board for Town Meeting
articles 47 and 49 for amending Zoning Bylaw -Signs and
Permitted Uses and Definitions.
• Supported the installation of Lex250 Revolutionary
Riders program, which will install four artistic horses in
Lexington Center for one year.
• Supported changes to the alcoholic beverage regulations
and Town Meeting Article 39 to increase the number of
beer and wine licenses. Both actions should attract more
businesses and activity to Lexington Center.
• Continued to communicate with Engineering regarding
the Muzzey Street and Library parking lot redesign.
• Continued to communicate with DPW regarding the
needs of the Center for upkeep and cleanliness, ensuring
effective use of resources.
• Continued to encourage citizens to support Lexington’s
businesses in order to maintain a vital town center.
LEXINGTON COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS
ROLE: To promote and support arts initiatives that enhance
the cultural vitality of the Lexington community, providing
greater awareness of opportunities around town to explore,
participate, and attend artistic initiatives. In partnership
with the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), Lexington
Community Arts (LCA) awards grants to support individual
artists, musicians, performers, as well as arts and cultural
organizations. The grants process includes soliciting and eval-
uating applications, distributing funds, and ensuring funds
are properly used. The LCA also develops and implements its
own arts initiatives tailored to the interests of the community.
APPOINTED by The Select Board to 3-year terms: Stephen
Poltorzycki (Chair), Marie-Aude Hewes (Treasurer), Sue
Benson, Alix Fox, Lisa Hebert, Eric Hellweg, David Hoose,
Shalini Kakar, Claudia Lach, E Ashley Rooney, and Eliabeth
Xu. Doug Lucente was the Select Board liaison.
(continued on next page)
Housing Partnership Board (continued)
Lexington Center Committee)
167 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
HIGHLIGHTS
• Managed LCA’s 2023-2024 grants process, including solic-
itation of proposals, selection of recipients, distribution
and oversight of awards. Twenty-two local artists and
cultural organizations received a total of $9,695 in grants
for Lexington-related projects and events that took place
throughout the year.
• During September of 2023, organized the first Lexington
Porchfest event, a free community music festival featuring
local musicians performing on front porches, decks,
lawns, or driveways. Over 80 bands and musicians per-
formed on over 50 porches around Lexington. Audiences
heard a wide variety of music genres, ranging from rock
to Bollywood, from folk to jazz and Broadway. Attendees
strolled Lexington neighborhoods with baby carriages,
dogs, coffee mugs, and friends, soaking up free music and
local vibes.
• Held a celebration of LCA’s grant recipients at the
Lexington Community Center in March. Virtually
all of LCA’s 2024 grantees attended, along with many
of the artists involved in the utility box painting and
other street art projects. Attendees enjoyed each other's
company, exchanged ideas, and shared details about their
grant projects with the group. A conversation about the
upcoming Lex250 Celebration and potential artist roles
also took place.
• Completed a project to decoratively paint three more
utility boxes in Lexington, contributing to beautification
of public spaces. LCA has brought 18 painted utility boxes
to Lexington’s sidewalks and recreation areas.
• Sponsored a panel presentation on free speech at LexArt
in July. Seven artists featured in the exhibit Free Speech:
Art & Activism participated in a panel discussion to share
their perspectives on the role of artists in encouraging
political conversations and dialogues.
• In partnership with MCC, secured grant funding for 22
projects including the following:
• LexSeeHer’s project, Anna’s 1769 Spinning Tableau, a
full day of outdoor activities in August, commemorat-
ing the 45 women who gathered at Anna Harrington’s
home using spinning wheels in an act of public protest.
• Art supplies for Special Artists, a year-round arts
program for neuro-divergent individuals run by
Special Needs Arts Programs (SNAP).
• Lexington Open Studios Weekend in May, an oppor-
tunity for the public to visit artists in their working
spaces, learn about the art-making process, and view
and purchase art created within the community.
• LCA expanded publicity efforts, raising awareness of its
grantees and LCA-run projects by enhancing its website,
expanding social media use, and publishing a monthly
newsletter.
LEXINGTON HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE
ROLE: To build a stronger, more unified Town that respects
and recognizes both diversity and commonalities, while re-
spectfully confronting statements and actions that conflict
with these core values. The Committee works to foster re-
spectful, civil, public discourse and debate.
APPOINTED by the Select Board, Police Chief,
Superintendent and Town Manager to serve 3-year staggered
terms: Christina Lin (Chair), Stephanie Hsu (Vice-Chair),
Mona Roy, Salvador Jaramillo, Amber Iqbal, Stephanie Ryan,
Lois Bruss, Courtney Apgar, Rachel Levy, Larry Freeman
(Lexington public schools [LPS]), Lt. Colleen Dunbar (LPD),
Dana Bickelman (Town).
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Sponsored MLK Day Community Conversation on Race:
Protecting and advancing voting rights with a panel
discussion featuring Dr. Elizabeth Herbin-Triant, Amherst
College, Bob Pressman and Wedeb Amanuel; and moder-
ated by Mona Roy. The program was designed to com-
memorate the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights
and 1965 Voting Rights Acts. The program explored the
impact of the Voting Rights Act, discussed the historical
context of the fight for voting rights, and engaged audience
members in a dialogue on safeguarding democracy and
upholding the principles of these landmark acts.
• Continued engagement in the Collaborative Reform
Group on understanding issues around community
safety/policing when engaging persons with visible and
invisible disabilities, neurodiverse profiles and mental
health challenges. Supported two events: “Breaking
Down Stigma about Mental Health, Neurodiversity
and Less Visible Disabilities” (11/03/2023) and “Crisis
Management, Resources in Mental Health" (5/09/24).
• Voted to support Town Meeting Articles (Articles 33,
41 and 45) subject matter related to affordable housing,
MBTA and Indigenous Peoples Day.
Lexington Council for the Arts (continued)
(continued on next page)
168 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
• Continued engagement with multiple community groups
(cultural groups, Lexington Interfaith Community
Association [LICA], Lyceum, Munroe Center for the
Arts). Co-sponsored and/or attended community-group
events and initiatives, Asian American and Pacific
Islander (AAPI) heritage month events, My American
Story, Dismantling Racism, Social Justice Book Group,
Diwali, Immigration Story and Art Exhibit, Repairing the
World Lexington screening. Expanded new connections
to Lexington United Against Antisemitism and Lexington
Center Committee.
• The Committee also began reviewing the charge and
drafted updates for Select Board review.
• Continued engagement with Town Chief Equity Officer
Hemali Shah, Lexington Police Chief Michael McLean
and Human Services Director, Dana Bickelman.
LEXINGTON HOUSING ASSISTANCE BOARD (LexHAB)
ROLE: To provide affordable housing to low- and moder-
ate-income individuals and families in Lexington, managing
84 units throughout the Town as well as acquiring and devel-
oping new properties.
APPOINTED by the Select Board for 3-year terms: Robert
Burbidge (Chair), Lester Savage (Vice-Chair), Tara Mizrahi
(Clerk), Henry Liu (Treasurer), Jonathan Silverstein
(Assistance Clerk), Eric Brown, Thomas Donahue, and
Russell Tanner, Select Board liaison: Jill Hai. LexHAB staff:
Sarah Morrison (Executive Director), Pearlene Varjabedian
(Housing Director), Regina Brown (Finance Director),
Andrea Teacher (Administrative Assistant).
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Added four units to LexHAB’s affordable housing port-
folio funded by the American Rescue Plan Act through
the Select Board, Community Preservation Committee,
and the Affordable Housing Trust: a two bedroom home,
a four bedroom home, and a duplex with two bedroom
units.
• Completed transition from oil heat to electric heat pumps
with support from Mass Save. Awarded grant from
Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to further decarbon-
ization efforts.
• Hosted first bi-annual HOME juried art exhibit in
collaboration with LexArt to raise awareness of affordable
housing, celebrate local artists, and raise funds for
LexHAB.
• Organized two community events- a Housing
Information Session and Resource Fair in collaboration
with local organizations and a Housing Roundtable with
local affordable housing advocates, developers, social
workers, and tenants to discuss need for affordable
housing, best practices, current state of housing, and
future development opportunities.
• Renovated bathrooms and replaced flooring in three
senior residents’ units to increase accessibility with
support from the Dana Home Foundation.
• Continued working with MA State Legislature on
legislative process to approve Home Rule petition
allowing transition to an independent non-profit housing
development corporation.
• Welcomed new Board member Thomas Donahue, a local
contractor who co-owns C.D. Donahue and Son.
• Marketed LexHAB Legacy Initiative to increase affordable
housing stock through Lexington residents’ donations of
land, property, or percentage of real estate sales.
• Implemented 3-year strategic plan including the following
key strategic initiatives: Transition to Independent Non-
Profit, Increase Collaboration with Local Organizations,
Legacy Campaign, Property Purchase and Development,
Public Relations, Property Preservation and Maintenance
with Focus on Environmental Sustainability.
• Provided safe, comfortable, affordable housing to
216 individuals in Lexington.
Lexington Human Rights Committee (continued)
Lexington Housing Assistance Board
169 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
LEXINGTON HOUSING AUTHORITY
ROLE: To provide safe, stable, quality affordable housing for
low and moderate income persons and to deliver these ser-
vices with integrity and mutual accountability; and to create
living environments that serve as catalysts for the transforma-
tion from dependency to self-sufficiency.
MEMBERS: Richard Perry (Chair), Nicholas Santosuosso,
Melinda Walker, Mena Bell, Mark McCullough (Governor
Appointee), Caileen Foley (Executive Director).
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Administered 340 units of State and Federal affordable
and low-income housing for elderly, families, and
disabled individuals, 72 Section 8 housing choice vouch-
ers and four Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program
(MRVP) project-based vouchers.
• Continued to maintain a 100% occupancy rate for all
housing units.
• Completed an array of capital improvement projects
including a complete fire alarm system replacement
at both Vynebrooke Village and Greeley Village. This
was funded through state American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA) allocation. Other projects included new medicine
cabinets/light fixtures/exhaust fans at Greeley Village and
new siding and windows at 45 Forest Street.
• Completed $5m+ bathroom and kitchen moderniza-
tion project at Vynebrooke Village. This project had a
compilation of funding that included local sources, CPA
and HOME (HOME Investment Partnerships Program).
Three existing units were converted to fully accessible
units. The Historical Commission has filled all vacant
units that were held for construction.
• Processed applications from the statewide centralized
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list, enabling
applicants an opportunity to receive vouchers from other
communities.
• Received a state grant through Department of Housing
and Community Development (DHCD) for a Resident
Service Coordinator with the Acton Housing Authority.
The Historical Commission hired an individual who
splits his time between the two agencies. He is bilingual
and speaks Mandarin and English. The robust Resident
Service Coordinator position was expanded with services
to ensure residents can age in place and maintain their
tenancy.
• Worked with the Lexington Planning Department,
LexHAB, and the Lexington Housing Partnership to
promote the development of more affordable housing in
Lexington.
• The Board voted to approve the repositioning process
for the Federal Public Housing portfolio. If approved by
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD),
this will open up new funding streams and revenue sourc-
es for the LHA and bring the future potential to redevelop
and create more affordable housing at Housing Authority
properties as well as complete necessary modernization
projects.
• Information and applications can be found at
lexingtonhousing.org.
LEXINGTON SCHOLARSHIP AND EDUCATION FUND COMMITTEE
ROLE: To oversee the distribution of funds, which are col-
lected bi-annually through the tax bill solicitation, that go to
either the Lexington Scholarship Fund and/or the Lexington
Education Foundation, per donor request.
APPOINTED by the Select Board: Raquel Leder and Dr. Julie
Hackett.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Over 100 donations were received in FY2024 and
allocated as follows:
• $24,960 in donations were designated and distributed
to the Lexington Scholarship Fund.
• $3,005 in donations were designated to the Lexington
Education Foundation.
170 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
MONUMENTS AND MEMORIALS COMMITTEE
ROLE: To create a comprehensive database of Town monu-
ments and memorials, support the development of an annual
maintenance and restoration plan for Town monuments and
memorials, hear citizen proposals for new monuments and
memorials, and hear citizen proposals for new monuments
and memorials. To make recommendations to the Select
Board and collaborate with other Town organizations to
inform visitors about and promote interest in Town monu-
ments and memorials.
APPOINTED by the Select Board for 3-year terms: Avram
Baskin, Glen Bassett, Charles French (Deceased February
2024), George Gamota, Elizabeth Huttner, Nicholas Wong,
Mirela Vaso. For 2-year terms: Leslie Masson. For 1-year
terms: Linda Dixon (Chair), Bebe Fallick.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Met ten times during the fiscal year.
• Mourned the death of fellow member, Chuck French, in
February 2024.
• Welcomed new members Elizabeth Huttner, Mirela Vaso,
and Nicholas Wong.
• Focused on producing a narrative “story” for every
monument in the database.
• Reviewed plans for a commemorative Lex250 plaque with
Massachusetts Daughters of the American Revolution
(DAR).
• Reviewed and approved the proposal from Lexington DAR
to install a plaque and granite base near their recently
planted American Elm tree in the rear of Buckman Tavern.
• Continued relationship with Lexington High School
youth Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
(STEM) team, and welcomed parent mentors James Pan
and Annie Zhang.
• Partnered with youth STEM team to test the use of
ChatGPT to generate information.
• Maintained regular contact with Lex250 through the
committee member liaison.
• Began planning with DPW on the creation of a mon-
ument maintenance and repair plan, and a monument
maintenance fund, to which all future new monuments
will contribute.
• Approved the final draft of the Manual for Proposing a
New Monument.
• Adopted a committee logo, designed by Director of
Communications Jonas Miller.
• Conducted a writing workshop and assigned each
member a list of monument stories to research and draft.
PERMANENT BUILDING COMMITTEE
ROLE: To provide ongoing expertise and experience in col-
laboration with the Department of Public Facilities (DPF) to
manage the scope, cost, schedule, and strategy for the design
and construction of selected capital building projects. This
includes hiring of design professionals, obtaining construc-
tion bids, entering into contracts for design and construction,
shepherding the integrated design process, and overseeing
the construction, commissioning, and closeout phases.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager for 3-year overlapping
terms: Charles Favazzo (Co-Chair), Jonathan Himmel (Co-
Chair), Celis Brisbin, Phillip Coleman (resigned In March
of 2024), Elizabeth Giersbach, Peter Johnson, and Frederick
Merrill. Project specific liaisons are Semoon Oh and Wendy
Krum for the Police Station. Associate Members are Curt
Barrentine and Henrietta Mei.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• The Westview Cemetery Building was designed by TBA
Architects and built by Construction Dynamics. The
project was completed in August 2023.
• The Lexington Police Station (new construction) and the
temporary station at 173 Bedford Street (renovation) were
designed by Tecton Architects. CTA Construction was the
successful bidder for the new construction.
• CTA Construction began on site on October 2022.
Project completion was June 2024.
• Tecton and DPF worked with the abutters, HDC,
PBC, and Sustainable Lexington to arrive at an overall
design for the photovoltaic canopies at Fletcher Field.
The below grade infrastructure and foundations for
the canopies have been installed. Considerable effort is
being spent to get the cost of the above-grade canopy
structure and battery backup in line with the approved
budget.
• The total approved budget for the project is $35.2 +
$3.4 million and covers the modifications needed to
temporarily house the police at 173 Bedford Street and
construction of the new station, photovoltaic panels
with battery backup on the building and site, and site
restoration at the building and Fletcher Park.
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171 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
• The PBC held regular meetings on the new high school
project. PBC meetings have focused on issues related to
design, cost, schedule, process, and the integrated design
policy (IDP) with DPF, the architect, Symmes Maini &
McKee Associates, Inc., and the project manager, Dore
Whittier. The PBC has also worked alongside Sustainable
Lexington on matters related to and embodied in the IDP.
RECREATION COMMITTEE
ROLE: To oversee the planning and administration of public
parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, and recreational facilities
in the Town. The Committee is charged with administering,
expanding, and promoting recreation, leisure activities, play,
sports, physical fitness, and education for all citizens.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager to 3-years terms: Rick
DeAngelis (Chair), Christian Boutwell (Vice-Chair), Renen
Bassik, Carl Fantasia, Weiwei Li, Claire Sheth, one vacancy.
Liaisons: Suzie Barry (Select Board), Deepika Sawhney and
Kathleen Lenihan (School Committee), Rod Cole (CEC), Julie-
Ann Shapiro (Council on Aging), Sanjay Padaki (Appropriation
Committee).
Subcommittee, Lincoln Park: Brian Kelley (Chair), Cristina
Burwell, Robert Pressman, Joanne Shorter, Weiwei Li (liaison).
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Completed the 2024 Open Space and Recreation Plan
• Completed the hard court reconstruction project for the
Gallagher Tennis and Farias Basketball Courts.
• Completed the park and playground improvements at
Kinneens Park.
• Completed the center recreation restroom and DPW
maintenance building renovations in collaboration with
the Department of Public Facilities.
• Mobilized the Lincoln Park field #1 reconstruction
project and field #1 and #3 athletic field light project.
• Implemented a pilot pickleball program at the Adams
Park Hard Courts for the 2024 season as an outcome of
the Tennis/Pickleball Working Group.
• Supervised and supported the ongoing excellence of the
Pine Meadows Golf Course by continuing to develop and
execute a proactive plan for the annual grounds mainte-
nance and equipment replacement program.
• Continued to incorporate the 2017 Recreation Facilities
and ADA Compliance Study, the 2020 Community Needs
Assessment, and the 2022 Athletic Fields Feasibility Study
into the capital projects planning process.
• Graciously accepted the donation and acceptance of
Meghan Caldara’s Girl Scouts Gold Project of a picnic
table at the Justin Park Playground.
REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCIES
Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC)
ROLE: The regional planning agency represents 101
communities in the metropolitan Boston area, including
Lexington, serving as a forum for State and Local officials to
address regional issues. Council members collaborate in the
development of the organization’s regional plan and make
recommendations in areas of population and employment,
transportation, economic development, regional growth, and
the environment. MAPC is one of the 22 members of the
Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), which
carries out the federally-mandated transportation planning
process for the region. MAPC is also the federally-designated
economic development district for the region, responsible for
creating a regional economic development plan. The Council
provides technical assistance and professional resources in
land use, the environment, housing, transportation, water
resources management, economic development, demograph-
ic and socioeconomic data, legislative policy, and interlocal
partnership which strengthen the efficient and effective oper-
ation of local governments.
APPOINTED by the Select Board as MAPC Lexington
Representative for a 3-year term: Abby McCabe (Planning
Director). Appointed as the Alternate MAPC Lexington
Representative for a 3-year term: Sheila Page (Assistant
Planning Director).
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Supported regional housing services, including
the WestMetro Home Consortium and MetroWest
Collaborative Development.
• Provided Lexington with planning data and analyses,
including population, employment, and household
forecasts.
(continued on next page)
Permanent Building Committee (continued)
172 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
MAPC Minuteman Advisory Group on Interlocal Coordination (MAGIC)
ROLE: As one of MAPC’s eight subregions, MAGIC works
on issues of interlocal concern. Lexington is in the MAGIC
subregion. Other MAGIC towns are: A-ton, Bedford, Bolton,
Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Hudson, Lincoln, Littleton,
Maynard, Stow, and Sudbury. MAGIC holds a regional seat
in The MPO.
APPOINTED by the Select Board as MAGIC Representative:
Jill Hai. Appointed by the Planning Board as MAGIC
Representative: Bob Creech.
Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
ROLE: To conduct the federally required metropolitan trans-
portation-planning process for the Boston metropolitan area.
The MPO develops a long range transportation plan for the
region and then decides how to allocate federal and some
state transportation funds to roadway, transit, bicycle, and
pedestrian projects and programs that support that vision.
The Boston MPO is responsible for producing three key cer-
tification documents: Regional Transportation Plan (RTP),
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and Unified
Planning Work Program (UPWP).
Lexington has been a proud advocate of meaningful projects
that benefit the region. Lexington remains active in the MPO
activities.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Secured the Hartwell|Bedford Complete Streets
Reconstruction Project position in the Region’s Long-
Range Transportation Plan, Destination 2050, slated for
programming with $45 million in the 2029-2033 time
band.
• Obtained funding for federal fiscal year 2026 for safety
improvement design at the Bedford Street Rt 4/225
I-95 interchange in the MPO discretionary funding
Transportation Improvement Program. The Town will
need to advocate to maintain the funding in next year’s
TIP development cycle.
• Participated in the MPO’s regional planning efforts
such as the long range transportation planning, transit
planning, and vision zero planning.
Boston MPO: Regional Transportation Advisory Council (RTAC)
ROLE: To provide public policy advice to the Boston MPO
members on regional transportation issues and specific MPO
actions. The Council is composed of 60 representatives from
cities and towns, MAPC subregions, professional transpor-
tation and planning associations, advocacy and advisory
groups, transportation providers, and various state and re-
gional agencies.
HIGHLIGHT:
• Lexington maintains a voice in transportation
planning and project selection through the Regional
Transportation Advisory Council.
Battle Road Scenic Byway Committee
The Battle Road Scenic Byway follows the approximate path
of the British regulars during the battles that marked the start
of the American Revolution on April 19, 1775, when the “shot
heard round the world” was fired. The byway runs along ap-
proximately fifteen miles of roadway in the communities of
Arlington, Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord, including part
of the Minute Man National Historical Park.
ROLE: To oversee and implement the Battle Road Scenic
Byway Corridor Management Plan. The Committee con-
sists of five voting member entities: the Towns of Arlington,
Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord plus the Minute Man
National Historical Park.
MEMBERS: Representatives designated by the local elected
officials of each of the four communities and a representative
from the Minute Man National Historical Park.
APPOINTED by the Select Board as Lexington’s
Representatives to the Battle Road Scenic Byway Committee:
Richard Canale and Sheila Page.
HIGHLIGHT:
• Fostered inter-town and state stakeholder communi-
cations to implement the byway management plan and
advocate for the byway as the byway's steward.
Regional Planning Agencies (continued)
173 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL COMMISSION (LEX250)
ROLE: To evaluate, make recommendations and coordinate
the Town-wide activities to be held to commemorate the
250th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington (which will take
place in April 2025) and other historical events related to the
founding of our Country. And to further the coordination of
the Town’s events with local, state, regional and federal events.
APPOINTED by the Select Board: Suzanne Barry, Chair
(Select Board Member), Monami Roy, Vice Chair (Community
Representative), Cleve Coats (Security Representative) as
of August 2023, Tom Colatosti (Fundraising) from August
2023-May 2024, Steven Conners (Reenactment Community),
Barry Cunha (Local Business Representative), Bebe Fallick
(Tourism Committee Representative), Jane Hundley
(Lexington Public Schools Representative) Cerise Jalelian
(Town Celebrations Committee Representative), Doug Lucente
(Select Board Member) as of November 2023, Bridger McGaw
(Transportation Representative) as of August 2023, Noah
Michelson (Community Representative), Julie O’Leary (Civic
Representative), Paul O’Shaughnessy (Historical Organization
Representative), Ashley Rooney (Publicity Representative) as
of August 2023, Jillian Tung (Music & Arts Representative),
John Rossi, Liaison to the Commission on Disability.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• In July of 2023 the charge to the Commission was updat-
ed by the Select Board to increase number of commission
members from 11 to 15 and also changing the quorum
requirement.
• The Lexington Select Board signed an Intermunicipal
Agreement (IMA) with the Battle Road towns of
Arlington, Lincoln and Concord for a Battle Road
2025/250th Celebrations Consultant Team to align,
support and promote events across the four communities.
An IMA Team with two representatives from each
community was also formed and met weekly.
• In November of 2023 the Select Board voted to increase
number of commission members from 15 to 16 to add a
second Select Board Member.
• The Commission held two listening sessions with the
Community one in January 2024 to solicit ideas for events
and one in June of 2024 to get feedback on potential
invitees to events.
• The Commission held a One Year to Go Kickoff event
in front of Cary Memorial Hall on April 19, 2024 that
included the Lieutenant Governor, Counsel General of
Great Britain Counsel General of France, members of the
Lexington State House Delegation, the Lexington Select
Board, Town Staff, the Community and local media after
which the Countdown to the 250th Anniversary of the
Battle of Lexington Calendar on the front lawn of the
Town Office Building was unveiled. Each day leading
up to 250th Anniversary on April 19, 2025, a different
Lexington based or related individual, group or organiza-
tion will change the number on the calendar. The Official
website for the 250th events in Lexington, lex250.org was
also launched on this day
• In June of 2024, the Commission approved a 10-page
report to the Select Board regarding the history of invited
guests to significant Patriots’ Day events and a suggested
list of invites for 2025.
SUSTAINABLE LEXINGTON COMMITTEE
ROLE: To advise the Select Board on proposals that affect
Lexington’s sustainability and resilience and to recom-
mend, develop, and monitor programs designed to enhance
Lexington’s long-term sustainability and resilience in re-
sponse to environmental, resource, and energy challenges.
The Committee focuses its efforts on Town, residential, and
commercial assets, programs, and activities.
APPOINTED by the Select Board for 3-year terms: Cindy
Arens (Chair), Todd Rhodes (Vice-Chair), Celis Brisbin, Paul
Chernick, Lin Jensen, Andy Joynt, Rick Reibstein, Dan Voss
and Charlie Wyman. Liaisons: Jill Hai (Select Board liaison),
Robert Peters (Planning Board liaison) and Mike Boudett
(Capital Expenditures Committee liaison).
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Supported efforts to integrate sustainable building
practices into the new Police Station design, including
the integration of solar canopies and battery storage that
should result in a net-zero building and generate revenue
for the Town.
• Worked with Town departments to support zero waste
initiatives, including increasing households participating
in the curbside food waste pickup program.
• Worked with the Sustainability & Resilience Officer and
Peregrine Energy to increase enrollment in the Town’s
Community Choice program.
• Supported the Sustainability & Resilience Officer in pass-
ing updates to the Town’s fossil fuel infrastructure bylaw
and applying to the state’s fossil fuel free demonstration
program.
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174 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
• Supported the Sustainability & Resilience Officer and
a local advocacy group in developing a town-wide
LexElectrify campaign.
• Supported the Sustainability & Resilience Officer in
engaging local commercial property owners in identifying
networked geothermal opportunities and applying for a
feasibility study grant.
• Supported efforts to execute the Integrated Building
Design and Construction Policy with the Lexington High
School Building Project, the results of which are expected
to lower the overall cost, significantly reduce operational
costs, and increase the health and resiliency of the
building.
• Worked with the Recreation Committee and Board of
Health to give recommendations on testing, disposal,
and better products for resurfacing the playing fields at
Lincoln Park.
• Supported the Sustainability & Resilience Officer and
Director of Public Facilities to define a high performance
building policy for adoption by the Select Board and
School Committee.
• Supported various Town Meeting articles, including those
to reduce noise pollution, increase tree preservation,
reduce single-use plastics, reduce pesticide use, and build
affordable housing.
• Provided comprehensive public comments on deficiencies
of the Draft Environmental Impact Report for a Hanscom
airport hangar expansion proposal.
• Began a process to identify gaps in the Town’s solar
energy production and identify policies and programs
that could increase solar energy production systems in
town for all types of properties, municipal, residential and
commercial.
• Supported the Sustainability & Resilience Officer and
other staff in creating helpful documentation for builders
on new building codes and fossil fuel reduction bylaws.
TOURISM COMMITTEE
ROLE: To create economic opportunities through tourism
and foster an environment where the Town, attractions, or-
ganizations, and businesses collaborate to enhance the visitor
experience.
APPOINTED by Select Board for one year terms: Margaret
Coppe, Marsha Baker, Kerry Brandin, Gardy Desrouleax,
Beebe Fallick, Marie-Triste Rago, Melissa Robbins, Elsie Xu,
Carol Ward (Chair: September 2022-September 2023), and
Doug Lucente (Select Board liaison), Fred Johnson (Center
Committee liaison), Sandhya Iyer (Economic Development
Director), Lorraine Welch (Economic Development
Coordinator).
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Established FY2024 goals to implement marketing plan,
complete outstanding capital projects and prepare for
250th Anniversary, with the expectation that in light
of easing pandemic restrictions, visitation and visitor
spending will significantly increase.
• Continued to work with the 250th Anniversary
Committee to plan a commemorative monument.
• Worked and released the new Tourism Website with the
Economic Development Staff and Visitors Center staff.
• Voted to approve placing a plaque on the ground beneath
a tree planted by the DAR.
• Supported Article 39 at 2024 Annual Town Meeting:
Home Rule Petition to adjust the number of on-premises
wine and malt alcohol licenses.
• Supported Article 47 at 2024 Annual Town Meeting: To
see if the Town will vote to amend Section 5.2 and Section
10.0 of the Zoning By-Law to update regulations related
to signs and add new definitions for certain types of signs,
or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
Tourism Committee - Left to Right: Jay Abdella, Margaret Coppe Beebe Fallick, Marie-Tristan Rago, Marsha Baker, Fred Johnson and Pam Fowler (on screen).
Sustainable Lexington Committees (continued)
175 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
TOWN CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE
ROLE: To plan and carry out the proper observance of April
19 and of all such holidays and special events as the Select
Board may designate from time to time.
APPOINTED by the Select Board for overlapping 3-year
terms: Geetha Padaki (Co-Chair), Glen Bassett (Co-Chair),
Lorain Marquis (Treasurer), Steve Cole, Jr., Linda Dixon,
Mary Hutton, Cerise Jalelian, Sondra Lucente, Julie Miller,
Sandra Podgorski, and Sue Stering; Subcommittee 1-year
term: Sudha Balasuryan, Kevin Collins, Yifang Gong, David
Grabel, Bonnie Karshbaum, Ashley Rooney, Pamela Winters,
Hong Xie, Bob Tracey (Honorary member); Veterans Service
Office: Karen Tyler, Select Board liaison: Doug Lucente.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Veterans Day, Saturday Nov 11, 2023
TCC held a Veterans Day Event on Saturday, Nov 11, at
Knights of Columbus Heritage Hall. 200 people, including
50+ veterans, attended the event. The program included
Veterans Breakfast & Ceremony and Veterans Car Parade.
The Ceremony was kicked off with greetings by Joe Pato,
Chair of the Lexington Select Board followed by welcome
remarks by Colonel Enriquez from Hanscom Airforce
Base. Veterans Day Essay and Poster projects were pre-
sented in partnership with Lexington High School and
Minuteman High School. Lexington Minute Men, Boy
Scouts and Girl Scouts also participated in both events.
Lexington Police Dept participated in the Ceremony. K
of C co-sponsored the Breakfast; TCC and Rotary Club
volunteers also participated. The LHS band participated in
the Ceremony.
• Patriots’ Day & Weekend,
Saturday-Monday, April 13-15, 2024
Coordinated reenactment and other activities in
Lexington Center and at Tower Park Saturday, Apr 13,
2024. Coordinated parades and ceremonies on Monday,
Apr 15, including reenactment crowd control, Youth
Parade, and the afternoon Parade with 90+ units consist-
ing of marching units, fifes & drums, floats, clydesdales,
motorcycles, trucks, acrobats, a horse & carriage and
much more, with significant support from local retailers.
• Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2024
Memorial Day began with a Memorial Walk to lay
wreaths at Town War memorials. Walkers included vet-
erans, Scouts, Lexington Minute Men, and citizens. The
Never Fading Poppy Project, a Youth group of Chinese
American Association of Lexington, produced hundreds
of artificial poppies and created a dramatic heart-shaped
poppy wreath at Emery Park as a symbol of remem-
brance. A Ceremony took place at Emery Park next to
the poppy wreath. The leaders of the poppy project, Jodie
Chen, Candice Lin, and Lucy Wei, delivered the keynote
address. With the LHS Band energizing a large and
enthusiastic crowd on a beautiful spring morning, this
was an occasion to remember.
• Other Events Coordinated by Town Celebrations
Committee
Provided budget oversight to the MLK Day of Service on
Jan 15, 2023.
TOWN REPORT COMMITTEE
ROLE: To compile, edit, and prepare reports and photo-
graphs for the Lexington Annual Report prior to the March
Town Meeting. The annual report contains summaries of the
activities of town departments, boards and committees, as
well as basic statistical, financial, electoral, and historic data
for the year.
APPOINTED by the Select Board for a 1-year term:
Victoria Sax (Coordinator and Layout Designer); with Gloria
Amirault, Susan Myerow, Varsha Ramanathan, and Karyn
Zhao (Editors).
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Collected, edited, and prepared an estimated
75 reports, with additional subreports, tables and photos
for the FY2023 annual report.
• 500 copies of this report were printed by the LPS Print
Center and were made available for town residents in the
library, community center, town hall, as well as the offices
Town Celebrations Committee – Standing: Pamela Winters, Bonnie Karshbaum, Linda Dixon, Glen Bassett (Co-Chair), Yifang Gong, Hong Xie; Sitting: Lorain Marquis, Geetha Padaki (Co-Chair), Sue Stering, Gresh Lattimore, Sandy Podgorski, David Grabel; Not in the picture: Cerise Jalelian, Steve Cole, Jr., Ashley Rooney, Mary Hutton, Sudha Balasuryan, Sondra Lucente, Julie Miller, Kevin Collins
(continued on next page)
176 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
of the Town Manager, Town Clerk, and Select Board. In
addition, the FY203 Annual Report was made available
to Town Meeting members prior to the Town Meeting in
March 2023.
• A digital copy of this report was placed in the
public records section of the town website
(https://records.lexingtonma.gov/weblink/).
TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ROLE: To help maintain and enhance public transit options
in Lexington and advise the Select Board, Planning Board,
and other town boards and committees on issues that con-
cern alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle travel. The
Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) works closely
on subjects related to Lexpress, the MBTA, transit-friendly
housing, and other transportation options and policies, es-
pecially with town staff, including Lexington’s Transportation
Manager, Susan Barrett.
APPOINTED by the Select Board for 3-year overlapping terms:
Kunal Botla (Chair), Pamela Lyons (Vice-Chair), Nishanth
Veeragandham (Secretary), Sally Castleman, Mark Andersen,
and James Luker. Liaisons: Jill Hai (Select Board), Melanie
Thompson (Planning Board), Sudhir Jain (Council on Aging),
and Sebastian Fairbairn (Student Representative – LHS).
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Recommended Lexpress’ fare structure be simplified to
a $20 annual pass—the Limitless pass—and $2 adult fare
starting in fiscal year 2024. The proposal was approved
by the Select Board and took effect August 1, 2024. In
the first year of the Limitless pass 690 passes were sold,
ridership increased by 40%, and revenue increased 80%
over fiscal year 2023.
• Introduced a resolution, with overwhelming support, to
Annual Town Meeting 2024 to support MBTA service
and request more investment in Lexington and across the
Commonwealth and encouraged the Legislature pursue a
solution to the Authority’s funding shortage.
• Facilitated and advocated for the installation of a covered
bus shelter at Depot Square’s bus stop and for improving
the accessibility of bus stops in Lexington Center.
• Contributed feedback on transportation best practices—
including recommendations to install bus shelters and
unbundle parking—to all developments proposed under
the village overlay districts required under the Multi-
Family Zoning Requirement for MBTA Communities.
The first applications included 89 Bedford Street, 231
Bedford Street, 5-7 Piper Road, and 331 Concord Avenue.
• Provided input on transportation best practices for the
Town’s efforts to build 100% affordable housing on Parcel
68-44, located on Lowell Street.
• Offered input to town staff on development of procure-
ment documents for Lexpress’ next contract cycle.
TREE COMMITTEE
ROLE: To concern itself with the care, management, and
planting of town trees. The committee partners with the
Forestry Department, under the Department of Public
Works, to carry out planning and oversight of Forestry’s tree
management. It is also, less formally, a vehicle for communi-
cation between Town residents and organizations, and Town
government more broadly.
APPOINTED by the Select Board: Mark Connor and Patricia
Moyer, co-chairs, Nancy Sofen, Barbara Tarrh, Gavin Grant,
Gerry Paul, James Wood, Alicia Morris, and Rachel Noack
Summers (the latter two are associate members).
HIGHLIGHTS
The committee continues to be strongly motivated by the
awareness of climate change, the mitigating effects of trees,
and by the many positive effects that trees have on town res-
idents’ physical and mental health. With these in mind, we
accomplished the following:
• A great deal of effort was spent this year on revisions to
the town’s Tree Bylaw. Three amendments strengthening
the bylaw were created in conjunction with the DPW, vet-
ted with interested groups and Town Counsel, prepared
for Town Meeting, and ultimately passed by the body.
• Members of the Committee advocated for and ultimately
participated in forming a Bylaw Enforcement Working
Group. This group was initiated by town management,
with strong advocacy from concerned citizens. It is
chaired by the co-chairs of the Tree Committee and
consists of informed citizens and representatives of town
government. Some formulations by the group were adopt-
ed in the preparation of the amendments to the bylaw,
above. The group is ongoing.
• Last year, Town Meeting approved the addition of two
associate members to our committee. We welcomed
one new (replacement) member, and two new associate
members.
• We created, with DPW, a process for jointly choosing
species and locations for both spring and fall planting
of 70 trees, a number to which DPW has budgeted and
committed. This spring, almost all of the trees were
planted in resident’s setbacks, reviving an old initiative.
Town Report Committee (continued)
(continued on next page)
177 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
• We supported DPW’s request for additional staff for
the department, an Assistant Superintendent of Public
Grounds, who would have some tree-related responsibili-
ties. This request was passed at 2024 Town Meeting.
• We met with IT to clarify and simplify the Tree Bylaw
permitting process that developers must follow.
• We advocated for 2 New England native trees in Depot
Square to replace two aging elms that had become
hazardous and needed to be removed.
• We had a table at Discovery Day, and at that time helped
with the distribution of small trees which the DPW
obtains every year for Arbor Day from the Mass. Tree
Warden’s Association.
• We initiated an event with the Harrington School
graduation to distribute 90-100 of the above trees, one to
each graduating fifth grader, in June.
• We endorsed Article 33 (the development of affordable
housing on a wooded town-owned acreage on Lowell St.)
and Article 37 (citizen statement on the importance of
trees) at Town Meeting. Both articles passed.
• Members of the committee participated in the annual
Arbor Day celebration, April 28, 2024. Two trees were
planted.
• A member of the committee assisted a resident in the
choice and planting of a memorial tree in Hastings Park.
• Updated the Large Shade Tree List, which appears in the
Lexington Tree Management Manual. Some species were
added, some removed.
• We worked with DPW to formulate requests for addi-
tional information from the canopy study done a couple
of years ago by the University of Vermont. The DPW
director has obtained funding for this request, and we will
hear more after the new fiscal year begins.
• Some residents informed us of actions threatening home-
owner and town trees made by homeowner insurance
companies. We reviewed the problem with DPW and
discussed their sending information to residents through
the town public information system.
• We continued to advocate for the use of watering bags
on young trees. The town purchased enough that each
newly planted tree from the spring planting is available to
residents. Some will be used on newer town trees, and we
look forward to information received on their use.
TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC TRUSTS
ROLE: To administer, invest and disburse the funds of 145
trusts, plus three cemetery funds and two library funds be-
queathed or donated to the town for specific public purposes.
Since 1910, the Trustees purpose has been to encourage and
facilitate giving locally by Lexington citizens. We help donors
with their giving today and enable their generosity to contin-
ue after their lifetimes, supporting causes they care about and
solving concerns we can’t now imagine. In this, the 114th year
of the Trustees, we celebrate all that has and will be accom-
plished by the foresight and generosity of the donors.
APPOINTED by the Select Board: Lester Savage (Chair),
Alexander Payne, and James Cavallo.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• The total market value of the 145 trusts, three cemetery
funds and the two library funds as of June 30, 2024 was
$19,697,185.97.
• Trustees distributed a total of $1,009,956 to the following
specific areas of need:
Beautification/Civic Improvement ..........................$38,336
Celebration ....................................................................$2,400
Conservation ................................................................$8,870
Discretionary ..............................................................$37,478
Human Services ............................................................$9,000
Recognition ...................................................................$4,655
Scholarship ................................................................$200,365
Perpetual Care ..........................................................$133,880
Library .......................................................................$574,971
• These trusts represent the love the donors and individuals
being honored have for Lexington and its citizens and their
wish to contribute to the Town’s betterment. Knowing that
a trust is in perpetuity, that gifts will be used locally and are
tax-deductible, is most satisfying to donors.
• The Trustees of Public Trusts make giving easy and
attractive. Any person or organization may create a
named trust with a minimum gift of $12,500. Additions
may also be made to any existing trust at any time. The
Trustees can accept a wide variety of assets and can
accommodate a donor’s financial and estate planning
objectives. Establishing a fund in the Trust is a simple,
quick and economical procedure. The Trustees take care
of all the necessary paperwork at no cost. Tax deductible
Tree Committee (continued)
(continued on next page)
178 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
donations may be made to any fund, online, at the Town
of Lexington donations page; https://lexingtonma.
gov/523/Donate-to-Lexington-Charitable-Funds.
• A brief description of each trust and a financial statement
follow. “Principal Balance” refers to the original gift and
additions plus realized capital gains. “Income Balance”
refers to unspent interest and dividends. Disbursements
are the money disbursed in fiscal year 2024.
Cary Memorial Library Funds
Cary Memorial Library Unrestricted Fund—Established
2007. The income to be used to purchase books and other
material for the library’s collection.
Disbursements ...............................................................$389,461
Principal balance ........................................................$1,251,767
Income balance ..................................................................$3,712
Cary Memorial Library Restricted Fund—Established 2007.
The income to be used to purchase books and other material
in accord with the terms of the named funds which comprise
this fund.
Disbursements ...............................................................$185,510
Principal balance ...........................................................$855,754
Income balance ..................................................................$2,622
Discretionary Funds
Alan S. Fields Community Enrichment Fund—Established
2019. To be used to fund, from time to time, projects or ini-
tiatives that the Trustees, in their sole discretion, deem appro-
priate and beneficial to the Town of Lexington.
Principal balance .............................................................$75,775
Income balance ..................................................................$2,227
Fund for Lexington—Established 1995. The income to be
used in three areas: assisting those in need, beautification,
and providing seed money for innovative ideas and projects.
Donations can be earmarked for any of the three areas.
Disbursements .................................................................$37,478
Principal balance ...........................................................$310,149
Income balance ................................................................$19,099
Genesis Community Fund—Established 1998, Three-
quarters of the income will be used for scholarships and
human services.
Disbursements ...................................................................$3,000
Principal balance ...........................................................$149,616
Income balance ..................................................................$1,717
George L. Gilmore Fund—Established 1950. The income to
be used as the Trustees may from time to time vote; and if
at any time special use arises to which in the opinion of the
Select Board the principal of said fund may be applied, then it
may be applied upon the vote of the Town Meeting.
Principal balance ...........................................................$152,377
Income balance ................................................................$18,793
Millennium Arts Fund—Established 2000. Three-quarters
of the net income shall be paid from time to time to orga-
nizations or individuals related to the arts in Lexington.
Appropriateness of each grant shall be made by The Trustees
of Public Trust.
Principal balance .............................................................$17,642
Income balance ..................................................................$6,463
Williams Family Fund for the Arts & Conservation—
Established 2022. To be used to fund Lexington arts and
conservation projects.
Principal balance ...........................................................$106,570
Income balance ..................................................................$6,463
Civic Improvement/Beautification Funds
Rick Abrams ACROSS Lexington Fund—Established 2013.
Three-quarters of the income may be used for improvements
to the ACROSS Lexington System.
Principal balance .............................................................$79,083
Income balance ..................................................................$5,745
Nancy and Joel Adler Fund—Established 2021. Principal and
income may be used for the expansion and improvement of
the Lexington Community Center or projects and programs
deemed appropriate.
Principal balance .............................................................$19,343
Income balance .....................................................................$723
Battle Green Flag Pole Maintenance Fund—Established 2007.
The income to provide for the perpetual care of the flag pole lo-
cated in the center of the Battle Green Common of Lexington.
Principal balance .............................................................$50,768
Income balance ..................................................................$1,845
Geneva M. Brown Fund—Established 1947. The income is
to be used for improving and beautifying the common and
triangular parcel of land in front of the Masonic Temple.
Principal balance .............................................................$36,245
Income balance ..................................................................$5,800
(continued on next page)
Trustees of Public Trusts (continued)
179 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
(continued on next page)
Jack and Betty Eddison Blossom Fund—Established 1993.
Three-quarters of the annual net income to be used to help
preserve the character and green spaces of Lexington and its
Bikeway, through maintenance, new projects, and the plant-
ing of flowers and trees.
Disbursements ...................................................................$5,000
Principal balance ...........................................................$127,556
Income balance ..................................................................$6,780
Frederick L. Emery Fund—Established 1936. The income is
to be used by the Lexington Field and Garden Club for the
work of grading, grassing, and keeping in order grass borders
lying between sidewalks or footpaths and the driveways on
public streets; and in otherwise beautifying the public streets,
ways, and places in said Town, preference be given to said
objects in order stated.
Disbursements ......................................................................$346
Principal balance .............................................................$15,634
Income balance .....................................................................$170
Orin W. Fiske-Battle Green Fund—Established 1899. The
income is to be used for the maintenance of the Lexington
Battle Green or the monuments erected thereon.
Principal balance ...............................................................$3,258
Income balance .....................................................................$374
Hayes Fountain Fund—Established 1895. The income is to
be used for the perpetual care of the fountain and grounds
immediately around it.
Principal balance ...............................................................$9,736
Income balance ..................................................................$1,119
Richard and Jeanne Kirk Fund—Established 2000. Up to
three-quarters of the net income earned, and, if necessary,
the principal each year may be used for the maintenance,
support, and improvement of the Theresa and Roberta Lee
Fitness/Nature Path.
Disbursements ................................................................ $24,902
Principal balance ...........................................................$730,978
Income balance ..................................................................$2,701
Teresa and Roberta Lee Fitness Nature Path—Established
1990. The income, and, if necessary, the principal, are to
be used by the Town of Lexington Recreation Committee
through the Lincoln Park Committee for the work of grad-
ing, planting, beautifying, and maintaining the Teresa and
Roberta Lee Fitness Nature Path.
Disbursements .................................................................. $7,800
Principal balance ...........................................................$127,226
Income balance ..................................................................$4,522
Lexington Community Playground Fund—Established
1991. The income is to be used by the Lexington Recreation
Committee for the work of repairing and maintaining the
Lexington Community Playground.
Principal balance .............................................................$16,605
Income balance ..................................................................$1,707
Lexington Symphony/Trustees of Public Trusts Centennial
Fund—Established 2010 by the Trustees of Public Trusts in
concert with the Lexington Symphony to celebrate the 100th
anniversary of the Trustees of Public Trusts. Three-quarters of
the annual income may be paid to the Lexington Symphony
for general operating expenses, musician and staff compensa-
tion, facilities rental, marketing, and developmental expenses.
Principal balance .............................................................$80,525
Income balance ..................................................................$2,365
Everet M. Mulliken Fund—Established 1948. The income is
to be used, under the supervision of the proper town author-
ities, for the care of Hastings Park.
Principal balance .............................................................$78,540
Income balance ................................................................$11,890
Edith C. Redman Trust—Established 1928. The income only
is to be used and applied for the care and maintenance of the
Lexington Common; known as the “Battle Green.”
Principal balance ...............................................................$5,754
Income balance .....................................................................$661
George O. Smith Fund—Established 1892. The income is to
be expended by the Field and Garden Club in setting out and
keeping in order shade and ornamental trees and shrubs on
the streets and highways in Lexington, or the beautifying of
unsightly places in the highways.
Disbursements ......................................................................$288
Principal balance .............................................................$13,113
Income balance .....................................................................$142
George W. Taylor Flag Fund—Established 1931. The income
is to be used for the care, preservation, and replacement of the
flagpole on the Battle Green, or for the purchase of new flags;
any balance of income is to be used for the care of Lexington
Common.
Principal balance .............................................................$14,586
Income balance .....................................................................$544
George W. Taylor Tree Fund—Established 1931. The income
is to be used for the care, purchase and preservation of trees
for the adornment of the Town.
Principal balance .............................................................$25,017
Income balance ..................................................................$2,576
Trustees of Public Trusts (continued)
180 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
Trustees of Public Trusts (continued)
(continued on next page)
Albert Ball Tenney Memorial Fund—Established 1950. The
income is to be used to provide nightly illumination of the
Lexington Minute Man statue.
Principal balance .............................................................$49,758
Income balance ..................................................................$1,600
William Tower Memorial Park Fund—Established 1913.
The income is to be applied by the Town for the care, mainte-
nance, and improvements of Tower Park.
Principal balance ...........................................................$239,067
Income balance ..................................................................$6,230
Celebration Funds
American Legion Celebrations Fund—Established 1982.
Three-quarters of the annual net income is to be used towards
defraying the town’s cost for the Patriot’s Day, Memorial Day,
and Veterans’ Day celebrations.
Disbursements ...................................................................$1,100
Principal balance .............................................................$29,904
Income balance ..................................................................$1,047
Leroy S. Brown Fund—Established 1940. The income is
to be used towards defraying the expense of an appropriate
and dignified celebration of the anniversary of the Battle of
Lexington.
Disbursements ...................................................................$1,300
Principal balance .............................................................$33,664
Income balance ..................................................................$1,249
Conservation Funds
Chiesa Farm Conservation Land Trust Fund—Established
2000. Three-quarters of the net annual income may be spent
for plantings, signage, maintenance projects, and land acqui-
sition of abutting land, to help preserve the character of the
Chiesa farm conservation area.
Disbursements ...................................................................$5,598
Principal balance ...........................................................$181,514
Income balance ................................................................$14,154
Dunback Meadow Conservation Fund—Established 2000.
Three-quarters of the net income may be used to help pre-
serve the character of the Dunback Meadow conservation
area.
Principal balance .............................................................$12,413
Income balance ..................................................................$1,944
Angela/Jere Frick Conservation Land Fund—Established
2012. Three-quarters of the annual net income to be used by
the Conservation Commission for planting, signage, main-
tenance or any other project that focuses on the care and
enhancement of conservation land.
Principal balance .............................................................$21,670
Income balance ..................................................................$2,943
Gordon/Souza Juniper Hill Fund—Established 1993.
Three-quarters of the annual net income shall be used to help
preserve the character of Juniper Hill Conservation Land;
such income may be spent for plantings, signs, maintenance
projects, and land acquisition.
Principal balance .............................................................$90,974
Income balance ..................................................................$9,368
Hayden Woods Conservation Fund—Established 1998.
Three-quarters of the annual net income shall be used to help
preserve the character of the Hayden Woods conservation
land; such income may be used for plantings, signs, mainte-
nance, projects and land acquisitions.
Principal balance ...........................................................$116,793
Income balance ................................................................$14,331
Lexington Nature Trust Fund—Established 1992. The in-
come and, if necessary, the principal, are to be used by the
Town of Lexington Conservation Commission for the ac-
quisition, promotion, management, and maintenance of its
properties.
Disbursements ...................................................................$3,273
Principal balance ...........................................................$184,844
Income balance ................................................................$51,605
David G. & Joyce Miller Conservation Trust—Established
2004. Up to three-quarters of the net income earned shall be
used, when requested by the Conservation Commission, for
the promotion, beautification, and management of the Joyce
Miller Meadow.
Principal balance .............................................................$21,080
Income balance ..................................................................$3,236
Willards Woods Conservation Fund—Established 2000.
Three-quarters of the income may be used for plantings, sig-
nage, maintenance projects, and land acquisition costs for the
Willards Woods conservation area.
Principal balance .............................................................$16,781
Income balance ..................................................................$2,505
181 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
Trustees of Public Trusts (continued)
(continued on next page)
Human Services Funds
Artis Benevolent Fund—Established 2019. To assist resi-
dents at the Artis Senior Living Facility who may need finan-
cial assistance.
Principal balance ...........................................................$168,351
Income balance ..................................................................$4,190
Beals Fund—Established 1891. The income is to be expended
for the benefit of worthy, indigent, American-born men and
women over 60 years of age.
Principal balance .............................................................$16,172
Income balance ..................................................................$2,628
Bridge Charitable Fund—Established 1880. The income
is to be annually distributed among the deserving poor of
Lexington without distinction of sex or religion.
Principal balance .............................................................$80,391
Income balance ..................................................................$3,654
Friends of the Lexington Council on Aging, Inc.—
Established 1992. The income when requested, shall be used
to provide programs and services to benefit older adults in
Lexington. Principal may also be used for capital improve-
ments to the Senior Center.
Disbursements ...................................................................$8,000
Principal balance ...........................................................$430,569
Income balance ..................................................................$3,481
Jonas Gammell Trust—Established 1873. The income is to
be used by the Board of Public Welfare and by two women
Appointed annually for the purpose by the Select Board in
purchasing such luxuries or delicacies for the town poor,
wherever located, as are not usually furnished them, and shall
tend to promote their health and comfort.
Principal balance ...............................................................$4,042
Income balance .....................................................................$466
Jack and Sally Gardner Fund—Established 2000. Up to
three-quarters of the annual income may be used to support
activities endorsed by the Friends of the Council on Aging.
Disbursements ...................................................................$1,000
Principal balance .............................................................$61,054
Income balance ..................................................................$1,320
Elizabeth Bridge Gerry Fund—Established 1885. The in-
come is to be distributed to the deserving poor of Lexington
without distinction of sex or religion.
Principal balance .............................................................$13,725
Income balance ..................................................................$1,935
Harriet R. Gilmore Fund—Established 1892. The income is
to be used for the benefit of poor people in Lexington.
Principal balance ...............................................................$7,643
Income balance .....................................................................$854
Lexington Human Services Fund—Established 1990 to be
funded by transfers from other funds administered by the
Trustees as well as private contributions, to provide funds for
the Lexington Human Services Committee in its mission to
help individuals in need.
Principal balance .............................................................$30,705
Income balance ..................................................................$2,818
Recognition Funds
Matt Allen Memorial Fund—Established 1944 and rees-
tablished 2004 to be used by the Athletic Department of
Lexington High School for annual awards to boys and girls
who have shown unusual faithfulness, effort, and sportsman-
ship in each of five major sports and also for a tablet to be kept
in the school as a record of these awards.
Disbursements ...................................................................$1,000
Principal balance .............................................................$19,577
Income balance .....................................................................$366
Jessica Bussgang Rosenbloom Skating Prize—Established
2018. The prize is available to a Lexington High School stu-
dent who is a member of the U.S. Figure Skating Association
and is engaged in competitive figure skating.
Disbursements ......................................................................$500
Principal balance .............................................................$12,289
Income balance .......................................................................$31
June Denk Memorial Book Fund—Established 2020. The
fund is intended to augment the Lexington High School
Library fund. Three-quarters of the net income shall be dis-
tributed in September, after a written request has been made;
one-quarter of net income is added to principal. Any income
amount not requested shall be retained as income. June Denk
was the first woman to receive a PhD in Chemical Engineering
from Tufts University. The books purchased should give pref-
erence, not limited, to women's issues.
Disbursements ...................................................................$1,080
Principal balance .............................................................$13,079
Income balance .....................................................................$266
182 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
Trustees of Public Trusts (continued)
Ellalou Dimmock Prize for Vocal Excellence Fund—
Established 1997 by The Lexington Council for the Arts. The
award recognizes a LHS student, selected by the LHS music
faculty, who demonstrates promising vocal ability and/or
promotes vocal musical performance in the community.
Disbursements ......................................................................$200
Principal balance .............................................................$11,169
Income balance .....................................................................$756
Charles E. Ferguson Youth Recognition Award Fund—
Established 1997 to fund monetary awards to the LHS stu-
dents receiving the Lexington Youth Award at each Patriot’s
Day celebration. The recipients are selected by the Youth
Commission. The fund was established with moneys left
to the town by Charles E. Ferguson, Town Moderator from
1949-1969.
Principal balance .............................................................$28,308
Income balance ..................................................................$1,284
The Michael Fiveash Prize—Established 2014. Three quar-
ters of the annual income shall be transferred to principal.
From time to time income may be used to fund a “prize” for
either a LHS Teacher or a senior LHS student evidencing
Michael’s passion for the classical world.
Principal balance .............................................................$24,499
Income balance ..................................................................$2,256
Pat Flynn Youth Award—Established 2022. Net income and
capital gains shall be transferred to principal. Each year on
Patriot's Day, the Lexington Veterans Association shall make
an award to a high school student. This student shall demon-
strate patriotism and commitment to meeting the needs of
the under served as modeled by Pat Flynn in his service to his
community and country.
Principal balance .............................................................$24,463
Income balance .....................................................................$635
Paul Foley Leadership Fund—Established 1990. This award
is made periodically to a member of the administration, facul-
ty, staff, or a volunteer in the Lexington Public School System
to recognize and reward his/her outstanding leadership in
facilitating a team approach to meeting the educational needs
of students, individually or as a group.
Principal balance .............................................................$12,144
Income balance .....................................................................$792
Alice Hinkle-Prince Estabrook Award Fund—Established
2004 to place and maintain a physical memorial honoring
Prince Estabrook, the African-American soldier and slave
who fought as a Patriot on the Battle Green and to fund peri-
odically the Alice Hinkle-Prince Estabrook Award.
Principal balance .............................................................$20,221
Income balance .....................................................................$658
Jeffrey Leonard Jazz Musician Fund—Established 2022. To a
graduating senior at LHS who will study at a 2-4 year college
where music will be their major.
Disbursements ...................................................................$1,000
Principal balance .............................................................$19,827
Income balance ..................................................................$1,217
Lexington High School Music Endowment Fund—
Established 2006. 75% of the income will be distributed by
FOLMADS to the LHS Music Department to be used at the
discretion of the faculty to benefit the students.
Principal balance ...........................................................$129,524
Income balance ..................................................................$5,047
Lexington Education Foundation Fund—Established 1989
to promote sound, innovative approaches to enhance excel-
lence in education by funding projects in areas of creative
program development, innovative materials, and instruction-
al resource.
Principal balance .............................................................$44,868
Income balance ................................................................$15,485
Rappaport Family Debate Fund—Established 2020. Each
year until principal is depleted, a $1,000 scholarship shall be
awarded to an exemplary Lexington High School senior that
has been part of the LHS Debate Team, exhibits leadership
qualities, and has active community involvement.
Principal balance .............................................................$10,903
Income balance .....................................................................$728
Jacquelyn R. Smith Memorial Internship Fund—Established
1993. Three-quarters of the annual net income is to be used to
help professionals gain valuable work experience and explore
career options within local government.
Disbursements ......................................................................$875
Principal balance ...........................................................$250,137
Income balance ..................................................................$7,491
S. Lawrence Whipple History Fund—Established 1996 by
his many friends in honor of “Larry” Whipple. The prize
will be awarded to a Lexington resident currently attending
a public or private secondary school or college who has
demonstrated a genuine affinity for this community and has
made a significant contribution to a better understanding of
Lexington’s past.
Principal balance .............................................................$36,479
Income balance ..................................................................$2,930
(continued on next page)
183 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
(continued on next page)
Trustees of Public Trusts (continued)
Carl F. Valente and Maureen G. Valente Public Service
Fund—Established 2019 to be used for paid internships of
up to 1 year or to support graduate academic programs for
Lexington residents in Public Administration.
Principal balance .............................................................$26,653
Income balance ..................................................................$3,361
Scholarship Funds
Brian Adley Scholarship Fund—Established 2019. Three-
quarters of the annual net income to be awarded to a
Lexington High School senior who was employed during the
school year and held a leadership position (sports, academic,
or other extracurricular).
Principal balance .............................................................$37,922
Income balance .....................................................................$399
Sangwook Ahn Memorial Scholarship Fund—Established
1998. Three-quarters of the annual net income is to be award-
ed to a Lexington High School senior whose life encompasses
a joyful display of zest, a respect for all, a striving for excel-
lence, and service towards others.
Disbursements ...................................................................$1,000
Principal balance .............................................................$45,914
Income balance ..................................................................$2,223
Charles D. Aker Family Memorial Scholarship Fund—
Established 1998. Three-quarters of the annual net income
to be awarded to a Lexington High School senior who must
have held a responsible position on a sports team (other than
a player) for at least two years.
Principal balance .............................................................$24,620
Income balance .....................................................................$219
Quinn Amsler Memorial Scholarship Fund—Established
2016. To fund a scholarship for a graduate of LHS or
MMRVTS who is financially challenged, impacted by cancer,
a medical condition, or mental disability.
Principal balance .............................................................$65,344
Income balance .....................................................................$712
Bass DiDomenico Scholarship Fund—Established 2002. An
award is to be made each year to a graduate of LHS who plans
to major in music or music education.
Disbursements ......................................................................$800
Principal balance .............................................................$53,834
Income balance ..................................................................$1,086
Bathon Family Scholarship Fund—Established 2006. Three-
quarters of the annual income is to be used to fund a schol-
arship(s) to a Lexington resident who graduates from LHS,
Minuteman Tech or Lexington Christian Academy. Recipients
must have strong technical skills and attend Villanova Univ.
or a post-secondary school in the N.E. states.
Principal balance .............................................................$10,772
Income balance .....................................................................$156
Hallie C. Blake Fund—Established 1920. The income is to
be used annually in cash prizes, for example, a scholarship to
two seniors (a boy and a girl) of Lexington High School, who
by example and influence have shown the highest qualities of
leadership, conduct, and character and who possess, in the
largest measure, the good will of the student body.
Principal balance .............................................................$12,002
Income balance .....................................................................$156
B O L T—Established 2000. Three-quarters of the annual
income is to fund scholarships for graduating LHS students
who have been on either the boys or girls track teams.
Principal balance .............................................................$11,136
Income balance .....................................................................$482
Anne E. Borghesani Memorial Prize—Established 1990.
Three-quarters of the annual net income is to be awarded to a
woman in the senior class of Lexington High School who has
demonstrated a commitment to the community.
Disbursements ...................................................................$2,500
Principal balance ...........................................................$152,788
Income balance ..................................................................$2,033
Evelyn T. Brega Foreign Studies Scholarship Fund—
Established 2017. To award a student of LHS who is intending
to pursue an education in international studies or foreign
language and culture.
Principal balance .............................................................$13,689
Income balance .....................................................................$446
Pauline Briggs Memorial Scholarship Fund—Established
2004. Three-quarters of the income may be used to fund a
need-based scholarship to graduates of Minuteman Regional
High School.
Disbursements ...................................................................$1,000
Principal balance .............................................................$61,585
Income balance ..................................................................$1,137
184 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
Trustees of Public Trusts (continued)
James Cataldo Scholarship Fund—Established 2005. Three-
quarters of the income may be used to fund need-based schol-
arships to children of a Lexington Town Employee who have
graduated from either Lexington High School or Minuteman
Regional High School.
Principal balance .............................................................$18,236
Income balance .....................................................................$201
Robert and Edith Cataldo Family Scholarship Fund in
Memory of Jerie Cataldo DeAngelis—Established 2004. Up
to three-quarters of the set income shall fund scholarships
for a graduate of Lexington High School who demonstrates
financial need and is committed to teaching, especially those
with learning disabilities.
Principal balance .............................................................$71,849
Income balance .....................................................................$814
Robert Parker Clapp Fund—Established 1936. Income is
to provide two prizes for pupils of Lexington High School,
one for excellence in speaking and the other for excellence in
composition, or for scholarships.
Principal balance ...............................................................$9,609
Income balance .....................................................................$313
Bettie Clarke Scholarship Fund—Established 1993.
Three-quarters of the annual net income to be awarded to a
Lexington senior at Lexington High School or Minuteman
Regional High School, who joyously, intelligently and cre-
atively participates in community public service, and has
demonstrated a respect for all points of view.
Principal balance .............................................................$31,815
Income balance ..................................................................$1,789
Norman P. Cohen Scholarship Fund—Established 2002.
Three-quarters of the annual net income is to be awarded to
a Lexington resident who is a graduate of either Lexington
High School or Minuteman Regional High School and has
shown evidence of financial need.
Principal balance .............................................................$19,733
Income balance .....................................................................$346
Miller D Chandler Crocker Family Scholarship—
Established 1973. Three-quarters of the annual net income
is to be awarded to a Lexington High School senior, prefer-
ably one who graduated from Bridge School, has financial
need, loves family, and is involved in community and school
activities.
Principal balance .............................................................$13,710
Income balance .....................................................................$152
Nan and Ray Culler Scholarship Fund—Established 1998.
Three-quarters of the annual net income is to be awarded
to graduates of Lexington High School who are residents of
Lexington at the time of their graduation.
Principal balance ...........................................................$119,353
Income balance ..................................................................$1,758
Dailey Farm Scholarship Fund—Established 2017. To fund
scholarships to graduates of LHS or MMRVTC (preferably)
for students who are financially challenged, are planning to
further his or her education in the trades or agriculture, is
the child of a town employee, and might attend UMASS at
Stockbridge or the Peterson School.
Principal balance .............................................................$38,648
Income balance .....................................................................$418
Scott Davidson Family Scholarship Fund—Established
2008. Three-quarters of the annual net income is to be award-
ed to a graduate of LHS who plans to attend a post-secondary
accredited school/college; who has a keen curiosity about
science, history, or music and who has made a positive con-
tribution to his or her community, family, and friends.
Principal Balance .............................................................$14,765
Income balance .....................................................................$162
The Dean/Hughsted Scholarship Fund—Established 2012
to fund scholarships for graduates with financial need, who
are planning to further their education at an accredited junior
or community college, a college, or university.
Principal balance .............................................................$15,578
Income balance .....................................................................$169
June Denk Fund—Established 1994. Three-quarters of the
annual net income is to be used to award a scholarship and
book selected by the Principal of Lexington High School to
a graduating senior who either volunteered in the Student
Library or made extensive use of the Student Library.
Principal balance ...........................................................$117,402
Income balance ..................................................................$1,349
Earl and Elsie Dooks Scholarship Fund—Established 2000.
Three-quarters of the income shall fund a scholarship(s) to
a Lexington High School graduate who is planning to study
and enter the field of teaching.
Principal balance .............................................................$31,964
Income balance .....................................................................$344
Dan H. Fenn, Jr. Scholarship Fund—Established 1998.
Three-quarters of the annual net income is to be used to fund
a scholarship to an individual pursuing the study of colonial
history, primarily Lexington.
Principal balance .............................................................$39,764
Income balance .....................................................................$434
(continued on next page)
185 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
Trustees of Public Trusts (continued)
Mickey Finn Scholarship Fund—Established 1996 by the
family and friends of Mickey Finn who was a President of
the Lexington Little League, a coach, and mentor of many
Lexington youth. The scholarship is to be awarded to a grad-
uating senior who participated in Lexington Little League or
Girls’ Softball.
Principal balance .............................................................$18,521
Income balance .....................................................................$203
William P. and Wilma “Billie” Q. Fitzgerald Scholarship
Fund—Established 1998 to be awarded to a Lexington High
School senior who has shown positive growth in his or her
athletic abilities and is recognized as a good person.
Principal balance ............................................................ $39,105
Income balance .....................................................................$420
Charles E. French Medal Fund—Established 1905. The
income is to be used annually to purchase silver medals (or
a scholarship) to be distributed to pupils in the senior high
school for the best scholarship.
Principal balance .............................................................$12,977
Income balance .....................................................................$139
Robin S. Glabe Scholarship Fund—Established 2014. Three
quarters of the annual Net Income to fund scholarships for
graduate of Lexington High School to further their education
at an accredited junior or Community college, a college, or
university. Financial need should be considered.
Principal balance .............................................................$16,966
Income balance .....................................................................$186
Nancy Gordon Memorial Scholarship Fund—Established
2002. Three-quarters of the annual net income shall be
awarded to a graduate of either Lexington High School or
Minuteman Regional High School who demonstrates finan-
cial need and is going to pursue a degree in education.
Principal balance .............................................................$39,762
Income balance .....................................................................$402
Mary P. Grace Scholarship Fund—Established 1998. Three-
quarters of the annual net income is to fund scholarships.
Principal balance .............................................................$21,382
Income balance .....................................................................$200
Harrington Memorial Fund—To be used by the School
Committee of Lexington to provide scholarships for needy
children.
Principal balance ...........................................................$107,041
Income balance ..................................................................$1,158
Diane Higgins Scholarship Fund—Established 2022. To
a woman graduate of LHS who has financial need and will
major in business at a 4-year college or university.
Principal balance .............................................................$45,882
Income balance .....................................................................$483
Tabor Ansin Family Scholarship Fund—Established 1999.
Three-quarters of the annual net income is to be awarded
to a Lexington High School graduate(s) who is a resident of
Lexington, has demonstrated financial need, and has done his
or her work conscientiously while not necessarily being in the
top ten percent of the class.
Principal balance .......................................................... $438,829
Income balance ..................................................................$5,005
Jacqueline Toye Hoiriis Scholarship Fund—Established
2001. Three-quarters of the annual net income is to be awarded
annually to a Lexington High School or Minuteman Regional
High School graduate, who is a resident of Lexington, has
been a member of the Haydenette Precision Skating Team,
and has been accepted at a college or university.
Principal balance .............................................................$17,623
Income balance .....................................................................$190
Richard Isenberg Scholarship Fund—Established 1986.
Three-quarters of the annual net income is to be awarded an-
nually to a member of the junior or senior class of Lexington
High School who has demonstrated excellence in sports
writing.
Principal balance .............................................................$46,830
Income balance .....................................................................$514
George E. Jansen Scholarship Fund—Established 2005.
Three-quarters of the income may be used to fund need-
based scholarships to graduate of Minuteman Regional High
School.
Principal balance .............................................................$12,923
Income balance .....................................................................$141
Gladys & Arthur Katz Scholarship—Established 2005.
Three-quarters of the income may be used to fund need-
based scholarships to a graduate of Lexington High School or
Minuteman Regional High School.
Principal balance .............................................................$42,058
Income balance .....................................................................$431
LHS Class of 1938—Established 1998. Three-quarters of the
annual net income is to be awarded annually to two seniors of
LHS, (a boy and a girl) with financial need who have shown
high quality of leadership and character.
Principal balance .............................................................$17,113
Income balance .....................................................................$185
(continued on next page)
186 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
(continued on next page)
Trustees of Public Trusts (continued)
LHS Class of 1953/June Wilson Kennedy Fund—Established
2000. Beginning in 2003, three-quarters of the annual net
income shall be awarded to a student who has demonstrated
financial need and worked conscientiously and to the best of
his or her ability without necessarily achieving a high level of
academic standing.
Principal balance ...........................................................$208,700
Income balance ..................................................................$2,262
Lexington High School Class of 1954/Lawrence G.
Movsessian Memorial Scholarship Fund—Established 2000.
Up to three-quarters of the income shall fund need-based
scholarships to graduates of Lexington High School.
Principal balance .............................................................$43,703
Income balance .....................................................................$491
Lexington High School Class of 1976 Fund—Established
2006. Three-quarters of the income shall fund a scholarship
to a graduate of LHS who contributed to the well-being of the
town or who served in a leadership role.
Principal balance .............................................................$16,101
Income balance ..................................................................$2,396
Lexington High School Class of 1996 Scholarship Fund—
Established 1996. Three-quarters of the income may be used
to fund need-based scholarships to graduates of Lexington
High School.
Principal balance .............................................................$11,863
Income balance .....................................................................$127
Lexington Outlook Club/Bessie and Gabriel Baker
Scholarship Fund—Established 1989. Three-quarters of the
annual net income is to be awarded to women in the senior
class of Lexington High School who are going to college.
Principal balance .............................................................$26,546
Income balance .....................................................................$309
Lexington Outlook Club Scholarship Fund—Established
1902. Three-quarters of the annual net income is to be award-
ed to women in the senior class of Lexington High School
who are going to college.
Principal balance .............................................................$46,517
Income balance .....................................................................$502
Lexington Outlook Club/Maxine Francis Warnecke
Scholarship Fund—Established 1986. Three-quarters of the
annual net income is to be awarded to women in the senior
class of Lexington High School who are going to junior college
or college, who need financial assistance, and who have made
a commitment to pursue a career in medicine or science.
Principal balance ...........................................................$399,363
Income balance ..................................................................$4,392
Lexington Scholarship Fund—Established 1956 to give fi-
nancial awards to deserving Lexington students to be applied
to the cost of their post-secondary undergraduate education.
Disbursements .............................................................. $195,065
Principal balance ...........................................................$369,076
Income balance ..............................................................$148,916
Lexington Police Children’s Scholarship Fund—Established
2000. Three-quarters of the income is to fund scholarship(s)
for children of currently active Lexington Police officers.
Principal balance .............................................................$15,245
Income balance ..................................................................$2,864
Lexington Police Scholarship Fund—Established 2000.
Three-quarters of the income may be used to fund need
based scholarship(s) to a graduate(s) of Lexington High
School, preferably those planning to enter the field of law
enforcement.
Principal balance .............................................................$18,734
Income balance .....................................................................$606
Christine Martin Scholarship Fund—Established 1999.
Three-quarters of the annual net income is to be awarded to a
senior at Lexington High School who plans to pursue a career
working with children and has a history of volunteer work
and/or has been active in the fight to prevent drinking and
driving.
Principal balance .............................................................$38,728
Income balance ..................................................................$1,428
Carolyn M. McCabe Memorial Scholarship Fund—
Established 1986. Three-quarters of the annual net income is
to be awarded to a woman in the senior class of Lexington
High School who was a varsity athlete and who demonstrat-
ed aspects of Carolyn’s character, i.e. good sportsmanship,
inspired competition, spirit, and fun. Nominations must be
made by a teammate or coach.
Principal balance ...........................................................$177,927
Income balance ..................................................................$4,969
Arlene and Claire McDonough Memorial Scholarship Fund—Established 2010 to be awarded to a graduate of
Lexington High School planning to go into the field of educa-
tion and has evidenced financial need.
Principal balance .............................................................$41,730
Income balance .....................................................................$447
187 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
(continued on next page)
Trustees of Public Trusts (continued)
Robert & Mary McNamara Family Scholarship Fund in
Memory of Edward Joseph McNamara, Jr.—Established
2004. Three-quarters of the income may be used to fund need
based scholarships to a graduate of Lexington High School
who was a member of the football team and a resident of
Lexington.
Principal balance .............................................................$18,586
Income balance .....................................................................$202
Leo P. McSweeney Scholarship Fund—Established 2004
to fund scholarships to a graduate of LHS, who must be a
current resident of Lexington and have demonstrated com-
munity involvement and preferably is a direct descendant of
an elected Town official, preferably a Select Board Member.
Up to three quarters of the annual net income may be spent.
Principal balance .............................................................$14,761
Income balance .....................................................................$160
Srinivasu Meka Scholarship Fund—Established 1996 by the
family and friends of Srinivasu Meka, a member of the LHS
Class of 1991 who died in 1994. The recipient must have at
least a 3.0 average, have been involved in student council or
sports, and is planning to attend a 4-year college or university.
Principal balance .............................................................$45,145
Income balance ..................................................................$1,326
Richard "Dick" Michelson Scholarship Fund—Established
2018 by the family to honor Richard Michelson. Awarded to
a student of Lexington High School or Minuteman Regional
High School, who has demonstrated a respect for Lexington
as a "community."
Principal balance .............................................................$25,331
Income balance .....................................................................$323
Dominic and Assunta Modoono Family Scholarship Fund—Established 2000. Up to three-quarters of the income
earned shall fund scholarship(s) on a need-based basis to
graduate(s) of Lexington High School or Minuteman Regional
High School. Recipients should have selflessly, enthusiastical-
ly, and creatively served their school and community.
Principal balance ........................................................$1,152,143
Income balance ................................................................$12,404
William Stetler Nichols Fund—Established 2015. Three
quarters of the annual net income to be awarded to a gradu-
ate of Lexington High School with financial need who has a
knowledge and passion for literature and drama.
Principal balance .............................................................$18,846
Income balance .....................................................................$204
James H. Nolan, Jr. Scholarship Fund—Established 2011 to
be awarded to a female graduate of Lexington High School.
Principal balance .............................................................$13,571
Income balance .....................................................................$146
Amanda Payson Scholarship Fund—Established 1933.
Three-quarters of the annual net income shall be awarded to
female graduates of LHS who demonstrates financial need.
Principal balance ...........................................................$508,504
Income balance ..................................................................$5,509
Virginia M. Powers Scholarship Fund—Established 1995.
Three-quarters of the annual net income is to be awarded to a
woman student with financial need who evidences a serious-
ness of purpose, a clear sense of responsibility, coupled with
humility and respect for others.
Principal balance .............................................................$26,257
Income balance .....................................................................$282
Joseph J. Quigley IV Scholarship—Established 2021. Three-
quarters of net income to Lexington Scholarship Committee;
one-quarter of net income and all capital gains transfer to
principal. Scholarship to be awarded to a LHS or Minuteman
Tech HS graduate, one who shall major in STEM at a 2- or
4-year college, be passionate about mathematics, and prefer-
ence will go to a Lexington Math Club participant while in
existence.
Principal balance .............................................................$10,208
Income balance .....................................................................$333
Marcia Dane Award—Established 1933 by Marcia Dane.
The income to be used for awards to a member of the senior
class of the Lexington High School who has done school work
conscientiously and creditably and who, in the judgment of
the faculty, deserves public commendation for carrying on at
the same time, either in or out of school, a worthwhile activity
or employment which has not been given other recognition.
Principal balance .............................................................$14,054
Income balance .....................................................................$153
Phyllis E. Richardson Scholarship—Established 2022. To be
awarded to a graduate of LHS who will major in teaching,
nursing or STEM.
Principal balance ...........................................................$130,992
Income balance ..................................................................$3,599
188 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
Trustees of Public Trusts (continued)
(continued on next page)
Merion Ritter Scholarship Fund—Established 2016 by the
family of Merion Ritter. Three-quarters of the income to be
used to fund a scholarship to be awarded to a graduate of
LHS or Minuteman Regional High School, who is planning to
study Science/preferably Environmental Science. Preference
will be given to a student attending or planning to attend
Boston College or Connecticut College.
Principal balance .............................................................$13,970
Income balance .....................................................................$150
Michael J. Robinson Scholarship Fund—Established 2023.
To be awarded to a Lexington High School or Minuteman
Technical High School graduate, with a preference to a stu-
dent who has demonstrated a passion for Chemistry, Math
or Physics.
Principal balance .............................................................$20,844
Income balance .....................................................................$181
Morton L. Salter Scholarship Fund—Established 2000.
Three-quarters of the income shall fund need-based
scholarships.
Principal balance ...........................................................$272,174
Income balance ..................................................................$3,783
Dorothea Schmidt-Penta Memorial Scholarship Fund—
Established 1980. Three-quarters of the income to be awarded
to a Lexington High School senior planning to enter the field
of health service.
Principal balance .............................................................$13,828
Income balance .....................................................................$150
Mary and August Schumacher Fund—Established 1988.
Three-quarters of the income is to be used annually to fund
two scholarships, of equal value, to seniors at Lexington High
School who have been accepted to an accredited college, have
worked diligently on academic studies while perhaps not be-
ing in the top ten percent of the class, and who have a need for
funds to obtain a college education.
Principal balance ...........................................................$187,859
Income balance ..................................................................$2,064
Paul A. Serbin Scholarship Fund—Established 1982 to be
awarded to a graduate of Lexington High School who is an
all-around scholar, a definite achiever, well-rounded, worked
to earn money for college and could be called “an unsung hero”.
Principal balance .............................................................$54,452
Income balance .....................................................................$659
Foster Sherburne and Tenney Sherburne Fund—Established
1956. The net income from said fund is to be awarded an-
nually to assist in the education of deserving young men or
women living in Lexington.
Principal balance .............................................................$54,452
Income balance .....................................................................$659
Shire Scholarship Fund—Established 2009. Three-quarters
of the income shall fund a scholarship to be given to a graduate
of Lexington High School or Minuteman Regional Technical
School. Recipient must be a resident of Lexington and major
in, or planning to major in, one of the Life Sciences.
Principal balance .............................................................$28,652
Income balance .....................................................................$326
George O. Smith Scholarship Fund—Established 1905 to be
used for “furnishing of a technical education to graduates of
the high school in Lexington, who were born in that town.”
The scholarship has been modified to those whose parents
were living in Lexington at time of birth and fields of study
broadened to engineering, physical science or related fields.
Principal balance ...........................................................$620,758
Income balance ..................................................................$6,682
Emily and Frank Smiddy Scholarship Fund—Established
2019. To fund need based scholarships for students graduating
from Lexington High School or Minuteman Tech, intending to
study in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).
Principal balance .............................................................$11,595
Income balance ................................................................$34,279
Howard A. and Elaine L. Smith Scholarship Fund—
Established 2017. Three quarters of the income to be award-
ed to a graduate of Lexington High School or Minuteman
Technical High School who has shown financial need, the
skills, and initiative to merit higher education which may be
college or a technical school.
Principal balance .............................................................$30,727
Income balance .....................................................................$343
Mary Sorenson Memorial Fund—Established 1969. Three-
quarters of the annual net income to be awarded to graduat-
ing seniors in need of financial assistance.
Principal balance .............................................................$14,452
Income balance .....................................................................$167
189 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
Joseph and Carole Stavenhagen Scholarship Fund—
Established 2000. Up to three-quarters of the income earned
shall fund need based scholarship(s) to student(s) who will
attend nonprofit institutions of higher learning at the under-
graduate or graduate levels of education. Awards to individu-
als may be repeated.
Principal balance .............................................................$29,390
Income balance .....................................................................$307
Ellen A. Stone Fund—Established 1890. The accrued interest
to be paid to the school committee who are to employ it in
aiding needy and deserving young women of Lexington in
obtaining a higher education.
Principal balance .............................................................$14,268
Income balance .....................................................................$160
Steven Teitelbaum Memorial Scholarship Fund—Established
2000. Three-quarters of the annual net income to be awarded
to a male senior, graduating from LHS planning to attend a two
or four year college or university, and planning to participate in
post high school athletics. Recipient must have been a member
of varsity athletic teams in at least two different sports, one of
which must have been football or hockey.
Principal balance .............................................................$54,916
Income balance ..................................................................$3,396
Richard S. Townsend Scholarship Fund—Established 1997
to fund scholarships for male graduates of Lexington High
School who have financial needs.
Principal balance .............................................................$11,802
Income balance .....................................................................$131
Michael Wagner Education Fund—Established 1999. Three-
quarters of the annual net income shall be awarded to a student
at Lexington High School who has done much to promote the
art of technology in the classroom, or has aided others in the
system to effectively utilize computer technology.
Principal balance .............................................................$17,004
Income balance .....................................................................$200
Charles Lyman Weld Fund—Established 1946. The entire
fund, both principal and income, are available upon a vote
of the town, for educational purposes, a chapel at Westview
Cemetery, or scholarships.
Principal balance .............................................................$23,303
Income balance .....................................................................$254
Williams Family Fund—Established 2002. Up to three-quar-
ters of the income earned shall fund need based scholarship
to students who have worked diligently and demonstrated
excellent community involvement and/or service.
Principal balance .............................................................$31,488
Income balance ..................................................................$1,054
Alan B. Wilson Memorial Scholarship Fund—Established
2008. Three-quarters of the annual net income is to be used to
award a scholarship to a graduate of Lexington High School or
Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School. Recipient
must be a resident of Lexington, must demonstrate financial
need and may attend a one or two year technical program
school.
Principal balance ...........................................................$125,108
Income balance ..................................................................$3,862
Edwin B. Worthen Family Scholarship Fund—Established
2010. Shall be awarded to a graduate(s) of Lexington High
School who must evidence financial need and have demon-
strated an interest in Lexington History by performing com-
munity service work for the Lexington Historical Society or
for the town for at least two years.
Principal balance .............................................................$81,415
Income balance .....................................................................$880
Sevag Yazijian Memorial Scholarship Fund—Established
1995. Three-quarters of the annual net income is to be awarded
to a Lexington High School senior planning to become a phy-
sician, who has demonstrated consistent academic improve-
ment, possessed aspects of Sevag’s easy-going personality, is
dedicated to family, friends and community, evidences a desire
to see others happy, and shows pride in an ethnic heritage.
Principal balance .............................................................$14,845
Income balance .....................................................................$160
Cemetery Funds
Monroe Cemetery Fund—Income is to be used in the main-
tenance of Monroe Cemetery.
Disbursements .................................................................$14,948
Principal balance ...........................................................$513,675
Income balance ..................................................................$8,433
Westview Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund—Income is to be
used in the maintenance of Westview Cemetery.
Disbursements ...............................................................$118,932
Principal balance ........................................................$4,581,486
Income balance ................................................................$64,721
Charles E. French Colonial Cemetery Fund—Established
1905. The annual income to be devoted to the care of the old-
er part of the cemetery in which repose the remains of Rev.
John Hancock and wife.
Principal balance .............................................................$42,505
Income balance .....................................................................$556
Trustees of Public Trusts (continued)
190 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
VISION FOR LEXINGTON COMMITTEE
(formerly Lexington 20/20 Vision Committee)
ROLE: As a long-term strategic visioning group for the
Select Board, the Vision for Lexington Committee studies
trends and social issues that affect the community. It helps to
address questions regarding how changes in the community
affect how we govern ourselves, how services are affected, and
how we ensure that all voices are being heard. The Committee
seeks to engage the community to think about Lexington’s
long-term future. It works to identify and assess opportunities
and challenges that may shape the town’s future, and makes
recommendations on the topics studied. The Committee
meets monthly to discuss relevant topics and establishes sub-
committees and task forces as needed.
APPOINTED by the Select Board for 3-year terms:
Sara del Nido Budish, Margaret Coppe, Marian Cohen,
Andrew Dixon, John Giudice, Jill Hai, Dan Joyner, Bhumip
Khasnabish, Kathleen Lenihan, Mark Manasas, Samita
Mandelia, Carol Marine, Shannon Murtagh, Robert
Peters, Mark Sandeen, Ambilu Sivabalan, Weidong Wang,
Catherine Yan, Min Zhao.
Staff: James Robinson, Management Analyst, Town
Manager’s Office.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Subcommittee to study participation in local elections
continued its work. Through research and data-gathering,
identified the factors that may be contributing to the
comparatively low voter turnout in local Lexington
elections; explored evidence-based ways to increase
participation in local elections; and reported findings and
recommendations to the Select Board with the objective
of informing the decisions and actions of the Select Board
and other Town officials.
• Subcommittee for Sharing Survey Information
• The Subcommittee continued their data collection, but
decided that they had gone as far as they could and could
not produce a report. The Subcommittee was dissolved.
WATER AND SEWER ABATEMENT BOARD
ROLE: To review applications from ratepayers for abatement
or adjustment of water/sewer charges due to disputes, leaks
or error, and make recommendations to the Select Board on
abatements to be granted.
APPOINTED by the Select Board for staggered 3-year terms:
Loren Wood (Chair), James Osten and William Ribich.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Held six meetings to review and act upon staff recom-
mendations regarding 89 applications for adjustments
and abatements to water and sewer bills.
• Of those 91 applications, one was a disputed decision and
17 were denied.
YOUTH COMMISSION
ROLE: To plan, promote and participate in community
service and educational activities for and with Lexington’s
youth and teens; serve as youth leaders and role models for
the community; communicate current issues to town officials;
take action in community projects that enhance the quality of
life in the Lexington community; provide an opportunity for
teens to serve as positive role models in the community; and
develop leadership skills for our future community leaders.
APPOINTED by the Town Manager: Debbie Hankins
(Chair), Adult Advisors: Shannon DeGuglielmo, James
Athens, and Tom Romano.
School Resource Officer: Detective Kristina Hankins
Vision for Lexington Committee: Top Row (L-R): John Giudice, Catherine Yan, Sara del Nido Budish; Second row (L-R): Margaret Coppe, Carol Marine, Marian Cohen; Third Row (L-R): Bhumip Khasnabish, Andrew Dixon; Bottom Row: Daniel Joyner; Missing: Larry Freeman, Jill Hai, Shannon Murtagh, Bob Peterse
(continued on next page)
191 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
TOWN COMMITTEES
APPOINTED by Lexington Youth Committee (LYC):
Duncan Maloney (President/Chair), Charlie Swan (Vice
President), Sofia Saleeby (Secretary), Nina Arnold (Social
Media/PR). Team Captains: Tasneen Ghadiali, Alice Ma,
Sarah Kochi, Members John Kefaias, Isabella Barbesino, Sarah
Chen, Alexis Chen, Ava Kieval, Sophia Glavine, Victoria Wu,
Sonal Setty, Gabriella Costello, Arden Carey, Sarah Kochi,
Owen Rosenthal, Jack Gering, Sophie Read, Meera Krishnan,
Adeline Favazzo, Hannah Kievel, Sarah Beuttell, Kimly
Nguyen, Kea Doshi, Margot Byers, Aaron Yu, Eva Benet, Eliza
Babson and Sadie Maloney.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Cared for the LYC Island located at the end of Park Drive by
planting flowers and performing the spring and fall cleanup.
• "If you have the means give us some beans" 2000 lb food
challenge to donate to the Lexington Food Pantry. We
raised over one ton in goods which were donated to the
Lexington Food Pantry prior to Thanksgiving.
• Hung balloons for Lexington Center merchant Halloween
Trick or Treat Program.
• Worked with Rotary Club to deliver Thanksgiving turkey
dinners to families in need.
• Handed out bells and candy canes, and led Holiday
Caroling at Depot Square for Tree Lighting.
• Worked in conjunction with Lexington Police
Department collecting for “Toys for Tots”
• Wrote personal hand-written Valentine Day Cards,
delivered with carnations to each resident at our local
nursing homes in town and Lexington Senior Center
• Eyeglass cleaning and sorting with the Lions Club.
• Patriots Day Parade
• Coordinated the Outstanding Youth Award.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
ROLE: In accordance with MGL Chapters 40A, 40B, and 41
and by the Zoning Bylaw, CH 135 of the Codes of the Town
of Lexington, the Board has the authority to: hear and decide
applications when designated as the Special Permit Granting
Authority; grant, upon appeal or petition, with respect to
particular land or structures or to an existing building there-
on, a variance; hear and decide appeals taken by any person
aggrieved by their inability to obtain a permit or enforcement
action from any administrative officer under the provision of
MGL c. 40A §§ 8 and 15; and hear and decide comprehensive
permits for low- or moderate-income housing by a public
agency of limited dividend or nonprofit corporation, as set
forth in MGL c. 40B, §§ 20 to 23.
APPOINTED by the Select Board: five members for five-
year terms and five associate members for one-year terms:
Ralph Clifford (Chair), Nyles Barnert (Vice-Chair), Martha
Wood, (Clerk), Norman P. Cohen and James Osten. Associate
members: Patricia Nelson, Scott Cooper, Kathryn Roy, Jeanne
Krieger, and Jennifer Wilson. The Board of Appeals is staffed
by Olivia Lawler, Zoning Administrator.
This year, the Select Board appointed Jennifer Wilson and
Jeanne Krieger as alternate members. Beth Masterson ended
her 10-year term as a full Board member. The Board thanks
Ms. Masterson for her many years of service. The Board
would also like to express their gratitude to David Williams
for his years of dedicated service.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• There were 45 applications for zoning relief heard
between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024.
• There were two Variance requests, of which one was
approved, one was withdrawn without prejudice.
• There were 40 Special Permit requests, of which 36 were
approved, three were withdrawn without prejudice, and
one was denied.
• There were three Special Permit Modification
Determinations, all of which were approved.
• There was one Comprehensive Permit Modification,
which was approved.
• There were two Administrative Appeals of a Zoning
Administrator determination, of which one was upheld
and one was withdrawn.
• There was one Special Permit Extension Request, which
was approved.
• There were four Special Permit Renewals, all of which
were approved.
Zoning Board of Appeals
Youth Commission (continued)
192 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
APPENDIX
Account Revised Budget Expended Encumbrances Expended Balance
Education School
Personal Services & Expenses $134,730,244 $130,651,921 $3,549,531 $134,201,452 $528,792
Minuteman $3,904,964 $3,904,964 $- $3,904,964 $-
Sub-Total Education $138,635,208 $134,556,885 $3,549,531 $138,106,416 $528,792
Shared Expenses Contributory Retirement $9,984,800 $9,984,800 $- $9,984,800 $-
State Assessment & Charges $- $981,462 $- $981,462 $(981,462)
Employee Benefits $34,912,635 $32,346,863 $- $32,346,863 $2,565,772
Unemployment $200,000 $49,236 $- $49,236 $150,764
Workers Compensation * $2,931,805 $553,742 $- $553,742 $2,378,063
Property and Liability Insurance $1,017,000 $1,016,845 $- $1,016,845 $155
Uninsured Losses* $1,151,885 $185,539 $- $185,539 $966,346
Sub-Total Employee Benefits $50,198,125 $45,118,486 $- $45,118,486 $5,079,639
Debt Service Principal $15,669,308 $16,182,796 $- $16,182,796 $(513,488)
Interest $7,265,652 $7,118,655 $- $7,118,655 $146,997
Issuance Costs $- $(4,836) $- $(4,836) $4,836
Interest Short Term $803,310 $72,751 $- $72,751 $730,559
Sub-Total Debt Service $23,738,270 $23,369,366 $- $23,369,366 $368,904
Reserve Fund Expenses $750,000 $- $- $- $750,000
Sub-Total Reserve $750,000 $- $- $- $750,000
Public Facilities Expenses - School $9,979,072 $9,914,738 $266,733 $10,181,472 $(202,400)
Expenses - Town $2,811,832 $2,252,176 $162,224 $2,414,400 $397,432
Expenses - Admin $1,450,700 $1,337,058 $9,675 $1,346,733 $103,966
Expenses - Solar $390,000 $314,674 $44,509 $359,183 $30,817
Sub-Total Public Facilities $14,631,603 $13,818,646 $483,141 $14,301,787 $329,816
Public Works DPW Administration Personal Services $725,215 $745,877 $- $745,877 $(20,662) Expenses $41,700 $40,178 $500 $40,678 $1,022
Engineering Personal Services $912,815 $876,600 $- $876,600 $36,215 Expenses $213,100 $114,252 $81,388 $195,640 $17,460
Street Lighting Personal Services $8,000 $- $- $- $8,000 Expenses $186,300 $161,439 $31,417 $192,855 $(6,555)
Highway Personal Services $949,989 $931,671 $- $931,671 $18,318 Expenses $731,400 $512,339 $52,681 $565,019 $166,381
Road Machinery Personal Services $316,595 $316,355 $- $316,355 $240 Expenses $656,700 $606,079 $10,918 $616,998 $39,702
Snow Removal Personal Services $316,286 $292,319 $- $292,319 $23,967 Expenses $1,277,900 $816,626 $1,323 $817,949 $459,951
Parks Personal Services $1,154,706 $1,130,455 $- $1,130,455 $24,251 Expenses $386,900 $271,036 $32,233 $303,269 $83,631
Forestry Personal Services $339,303 $299,577 $- $299,577 $39,726 Expenses $193,800 $135,924 $24,543 $160,467 $33,333
Cemetery Personal Services $291,772 $293,465 $- $293,465 $(1,693) Expenses $117,300 $87,488 $34,053 $121,541 $(4,241)
Refuse Collection Expenses $1,222,297 $1,382,398 $- $1,382,398 $(160,102)
Refuse Disposal Expenses $781,235 $632,301 $69,684 $701,985 $79,250
Comptroller Schedule of Appropriations June 30, 2024
(continued on next page)
193 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
APPENDIX
Comptroller Schedule of Appropriations (continued from previous page)
Account Revised Budget Expended Encumbrances Expended Balance
Recycling Expenses $1,894,197 $1,464,466 $338,481 $1,802,948 $91,249
Sub-Total Public Works $12,717,509 $11,110,842 $677,222 $11,788,065 $929,444
Law Enforcement Police Personal Services $7,142,210 $7,083,735 $- $7,083,735 $58,475 Expenses $1,057,945 $955,178 $55,539 $1,010,717 $47,228
Dispatch Personal Services $739,452 $794,947 $- $794,947 $(55,495) Expenses $40,523 $24,158 $815 $24,973 $15,550
Dog Officer Expenses $75,400 $52,233 $16,948 $69,180 $6,220
Sub-Total Police $9,055,530 $8,910,251 $73,301 $8,983,552 $71,978
Fire & Rescue Personal Services $8,316,211 $8,313,040 $- $8,313,040 $3,171 Expenses $815,860 $630,832 $150,479 $781,311 $34,549
Sub-Total Fire $9,132,071 $8,943,872 $150,479 $9,094,350 $37,721
Library Personal Services $2,721,650 $2,720,515 $- $2,720,515 $1,135 Expenses $689,170 $643,357 $3,457 $646,815 $42,356
Sub-Total Library $3,410,820 $3,363,872 $3,457 $3,367,330 $43,491
Humans Services Youth & Family Services Personal Services $175,994 $163,941 $- $163,941 $12,053 Expenses $38,200 $26,092 $- $26,092 $12,108
Admin & Outreach Personal Services $208,494 $172,185 $- $172,185 $36,309 Expenses $39,600 $20,296 $- $20,296 $19,304
Comm Service/Seniors Personal Services $183,878 $177,040 $- $177,040 $6,838 Expenses $22,005 $17,034 $- $17,034 $4,971
Veterans Services Personal Services $36,950 $32,087 $- $32,087 $4,863 Expenses $58,705 $21,897 $- $21,897 $36,808
Transport Services Personal Services $143,601 $143,998 $- $143,998 $(397) Expenses $794,271 $764,082 $- $764,082 $30,189
Sub-Total Human Services $1,701,698 $1,538,651 $- $1,538,651 $163,047
Land Use, Health and Development Building & Zoning Officer Personal Services $639,652 $577,562 $- $577,562 $62,090 Expenses $45,040 $36,702 $1,444 $38,146 $6,895
Regulatory Support Personal Services $483,944 $438,686 $- $438,686 $45,258 Expenses $40,450 $24,207 $- $24,207 $16,243
Conservation Commission Personal Services $237,629 $221,392 $- $221,392 $16,237 Expenses $31,047 $17,638 $3,491 $21,129 $9,918
Board of Health Personal Services $436,013 $435,477 $- $435,477 $536 Expenses $91,300 $46,988 $2,150 $49,138 $42,162
Sub-Total Land Use $2,005,075 $1,798,652 $7,085 $1,805,737 $199,339
Planning Board Personal Services $381,401 $362,797 $- $362,797 $18,604
Expenses $68,850 $50,078 $- $50,078 $18,772
Sub-Total Planning $450,251 $412,874 $- $412,874 $37,377
Economic Development Economic Development Officer
Personal Services $281,953 $271,938 $- $271,938 $10,015
Expenses $167,700 $176,371 $737 $177,108 $(9,408)
Sub-Total Economic Development $449,653 $448,309 $737 $449,046 $607
(continued on next page)
194 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
APPENDIX
Select Board Select Board Office Personal Services $153,284 $150,735 $- $150,735 $2,549 Expenses $2,024,141 $1,875,628 $102,864 $1,978,492 $45,649
Law Legal Fees $463,100 $434,287 $50,000 $484,287 $(21,187)
Town Reports Expenses $13,688 $12,562 $- $12,562 $1,126
Sub-Total Board of Selectmen $2,654,213 $2,473,213 $152,864 $2,626,077 $28,136
Town Manager Organizational Dr. & Admin. Personal Services $878,835 $810,480 $- $810,480 $68,355 Expenses $148,776 $114,434 $15,123 $129,558 $19,218
Human Resources Personal Services $259,556 $228,327 $- $228,327 $31,229 Expenses $131,135 $104,641 $42,965 $147,606 $(16,471)
Salary Adjustments * Salary Adjustments $2,773,010 $1,070,500 $- $1,070,500 $1,702,510
Sub-Total Town Manager $4,191,312 $2,328,383 $58,088 $2,386,471 $1,804,841
Town Committees Financial Committee's Personal Services $7,035 $- $- $- $7,035 Expenses $1,500 $363 $- $363 $1,137
Misc Boards & Commissions Expenses $10,500 $5,999 $- $5,999 $4,501
Public Celebration Expenses $47,173 $45,423 $- $45,423 $1,750
Sub-Total Committees $66,208 $51,785 $- $51,785 $14,423
Finance Comptroller Personal Services $686,741 $670,476 $- $670,476 $16,265 Expenses $119,750 $76,736 $13,750 $90,486 $29,264
Comptroller Current Year PO's Closed $2,628,627 $- $- $- $2,628,627
Treasurer/Collector Personal Services $378,149 $362,089 $- $362,089 $16,060 Expenses $110,755 $83,686 $200 $83,886 $26,869
Assessor Personal Services $558,257 $552,603 $- $552,603 $5,654 Expenses $261,520 $147,229 $63,722 $210,952 $50,568
Sub-Total Finance $4,743,799 $1,892,819 $77,672 $1,970,491 $2,773,308
Town Clerk Town Clerk Administration Personal Services $351,279 $348,642 $- $348,642 $2,637 Expenses $16,950 $15,584 $- $15,584 $1,366
Registration Personal Services $825 $825 $- $825 $- Expenses $19,000 $18,717 $- $18,717 $283
Elections Personal Services $86,925 $42,312 $- $42,312 $44,613 Expenses $70,275 $72,644 $- $72,644 $(2,369)
Records Management Personal Services $38,934 $35,329 $- $35,329 $3,605 Expenses $18,150 $9,855 $- $9,855 $8,295
Sub-Total Town Clerk $602,338 $543,908 $- $543,908 $58,430
Management Information System M.I.S Administration Personal Services $816,139 $814,311 $- $814,311 $1,828 Expenses $2,102,426 $1,245,774 $503,128 $1,748,902 $353,524
Sub-Total M.I.S $2,918,565 $2,060,085 $503,128 $2,563,213 $355,352
Sub-Total PEG Access $658,517 $581,886 $76,631 $658,517 $-
Total General Fund $282,710,766 $263,322,786 $5,813,337 $269,136,123 $13,574,643
*Continuing balance accounts, Revised Budget includes carry forward amounts but excludes transfers to other funds.
Comptroller Schedule of Appropriations (continued from previous page)
Account Revised Budget Expended Encumbrances Expended Balance
195 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
APPENDIX
Account Revised Budget Expended Encumbrances Expended Balance
Sewer Fund Operating Budget
Personal Services $421,922 $356,647 $- $356,647 $65,275
Expenses $517,400 $281,167 $25,249 $306,416 $210,984
MWRA $8,861,891 $8,861,891 $- $8,861,891 $-
Debt Service $1,406,381 $1,406,381 $- $1,406,381 $-
Total Sewer Operating $11,207,594 $10,906,086 $25,249 $10,931,334 $276,260
Water Fund Operating Budget
Personal Services $892,639 $820,510 $- $820,510 $72,129
Expenses $577,500 $474,992 $23,231 $498,223 $79,277
MWRA $8,832,742 $8,832,742 $- $8,832,742 $-
Debt Service $2,375,661 $2,375,660 $- $2,375,660 $1
Total Water Operating $12,678,542 $12,503,905 $23,231 $12,527,136 $151,406
Recreation Fund Operating Budget
Community Center PS $478,421 $424,520 $- $424,520 $53,901
Community Center Expenses $184,900 $148,272 $1,788 $150,060 $34,840
Personal Services $1,204,514 $1,105,484 $- $1,105,484 $99,030
Expenses $833,914 $546,280 $40,047 $586,327 $247,587
Pine Meadows Expense $569,500 $576,529 $25,852 $602,381 $(32,881)
Total Recreation Operating $3,271,249 $2,801,084 $67,686 $2,868,771 $402,478
*NOTE: The above amounts include carry forward activity but exclude transfers to other funds.
Enterprise Funds
As of June 30, 2024 FY2025 FY2026 FY2027-2049
Non-Exempt Debt Service
Library $- $- $-
Community Preservation $681,200 $- $-
General Government $-
Public Safety $102,000 $97,750 $182,750
School $36,750 - $-
Public Facilities-School $824,458 $530,542 $1,805,072
Public Facilities-Municipal $1,185,751 $1,014,050 $6,754,900
Public Works $3,540,643 $2,814,836 $14,890,742
Subtotal: Non-Exempt Debt Service $6,370,802 $4,457,178 $23,633,464
Exempt Debt Service $16,591,920 $16,100,441 $176,517,484
Enterprise Fund Debt Service
Water $980,116 $947,456 $3,980,954
Sewer $1,569,746 $1,463,137 $6,664,854
Recreation $- $- $-
Subtotal: Enterprise Fund Debt Service $2,549,862 $2,410,593 $10,645,808
Totals $25,512,584 $22,968,212 $210,796,756
Debt Service Summary
196 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
APPENDIX
Revenues/Expenditures and Fund Balances: June 30, 2024
Governmental Fiduciary Combined Totals Special Community Capital Expendable Memorandum Only General Revenue Preservation Projects* Trust 2024
Revenues:
Property Taxes 242,948,795 - 6,583,758 - - 249,532,554
Intergovernmental 20,125,518 18,703,895 1,356,434 3,112,096 9,100 43,307,044
Motor Vehicle & Other Excise Tax 8,128,452 - - - - 8,128,452
Departmental Fees & Charges 4,668,174 19,214,134 - - 396,589 24,278,897
Investment Income/(Loss) 7,825,208 175,962 337,618 - 6,791,905 15,130,692
Special Assessments 10,370 - - - - 10,370
Payments in Lieu of Tax 731,519 - - - - 731,519
Penalties & Interest 610,151 - 9,834 - - 619,985
Licenses & Permits 3,226,256 - - - - 3,226,256
Fines & Forfeits 170,348 - - - - 170,348
Total Revenues $288,444,792 $38,093,990 $8,287,644 $3,112,096 $7,197,594 $345,136,117
Expenditures:
General Government 22,731,577 4,683,442 4,678,232 3,617,328 2,048,438 37,759,016
Public Safety 19,170,667 2,451,129 - 19,279,617 - 40,901,413
Education 138,583,334 21,111,057 - 4,818,373 - 164,512,764
Public Works 9,678,641 979,619 - 22,134,127 133,880 32,926,267
Health & Human Services 2,026,449 522,189 - - 9,000 2,557,638
Culture & Recreation 4,874,520 440,835 - 152,979 7,345 5,475,678
State & County Assessments 981,462 - - - - 981,462
Debt Service 23,369,366 189,436 1,788,900 - - 25,347,701
Pension 9,984,800 - - - - 9,984,800
Insurance 34,852,225 - - - - 34,852,225
Total Expenditures $266,253,039 $30,377,706 $6,467,132 $50,002,423 $2,198,663 $355,298,963
Excess (Deficiency) of Rev over Exp $22,191,752 $7,716,284 $1,820,513 ($46,890,327) $4,998,931 ($10,162,847)
Other Financing Sources (Uses):
Proceeds of Bonds/BANS - - - 16,850,644 - 16,850,644
Repayment of Bonds/BANS - (500) - - - (500.00)
Transfer from Reserve for Abatements - - - - - -
Transfer from other Funds 4,041,527 28,722,062 13,111,936 16,735,368 9,524,396 72,135,289
Transfer to other Funds (21,886,393) (34,807,576) (13,578,915) (410,598) (1,282,479) (71,965,961)
Total Other (Uses) ($17,844,866) ($6,086,014) ($466,979) $33,175,414 $8,241,917 $17,019,472
Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues
Over Expenditures $4,346,886 $1,630,270 $1,353,533 ($13,714,913) $13,240,849 $6,856,625
Fund Balance, Beg. of Year $57,534,292 $29,434,281 $15,588,584 $46,434,678 $68,351,894 $217,343,728
Fund Balance, End of Year $61,881,178 $31,064,551 $16,942,117 $32,719,765 $81,592,743 $224,200,353
*Capital Projects now includes Enterprise Fund Capital Projects.
197 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
APPENDIX
Revenues/Expenditures and Fund Balances: Special Revenue June 30, 2024
Balance Transfers/ Balance June 30, 2023 Adjustments Revenues Expenditures June 30, 2024
School Lunch $2,516,497 $- $4,986,075 $4,290,121 $3,212,451
School Lunch Total $2,516,497 $- $4,986,075 $4,290,121 $3,212,451
Town Special Revenue
LEGACY TOWN FUNDS $351,008 $- $123,423 $117,940 $356,491
PARKING RECEIPTS RESERVED $407,240 $- $430,449 $100,000 $737,690
SALE OF CEMETERY LOTS $810,179 $- $75,253 $50,408 $835,024
PEG TV RECEIPTS RESERVED $1,140,331 $- $535,390 $586,833 $1,088,887
TRANS NETWORK RRFA $20,919 $- $18,043 $7,685 $31,277
SALE OF REAL ESTATE - REC $12,690 $- $- $- $12,690
VISITORS CENTER/ TOURISM** $98,513 $78,733 $346,770 $336,350 $187,667
LIBERTY RIDE-REVOLVING** $29,521 $(78,733) $148,442 $99,230 $-
BLDG RENTAL REVOLVING $595,740 $- $732,969 $359,847 $968,862
DPW TREE REVOLVING $359,611 $- $38,800 $70,336 $328,075
DPW COMPOST REVOLVING $726,692 $- $1,098,040 $941,273 $883,458
BURIAL CONTAINERS REVOLVING $318,378 $- $40,490 $26,690 $332,178
M.M. HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS $53,725 $- $259,476 $190,685 $122,516
REGIONAL CACHE - HARTWELL AVE $31,981 $- $- $31,981 $-
HEALTH PROGRAMS REVOLVING $73,564 $- $83,786 $36,404 $120,947
SENIOR SERVICE REVOLVING $54,860 $- $58,496 $44,602 $68,755
INS. REIMB < 150K REV $821,577 $- $77,239 $- $898,817
FIREFIGHTER EXAM $12,872 $- $- $- $12,872
HUMAN SERVICES TAXI PROGRAM $51,324 $- $8,945 $87 $60,181
RRFA BOND/BAN PREMIUMS $101,116 $- $(500) $- $100,616
ANIMAL PERMIT/INSPECTIONS $24,250 $- $19,500 $2,625 $41,125
LEXINGTON 250TH GIFTS $- $- $151 $6,209 $(6,059)
OFF DUTY DETAIL-POLICE $(391,087) $- $2,003,042 $2,037,508 $(425,553)
OFF DUTY DETAIL-FIRE $49,086 $- $151,494 $121,700 $78,880
OFF DUTY DETAIL-DPW $11,924 $- $58,974 $57,088 $13,810
HAZMAT MATL REIMB FUND $17,842 $- $26,414 $22,815 $21,441
TDM $ $727,533 $- $- $385,000 $342,533
LEX ANTONY SISTER CITY $5,210 $- $- $- $5,210
TOWN CELEBRATIONS GIFT $54,972 $- $25,810 $27,961 $52,821
MLK COMMEMORATION FUNDS $6,896 $- $3,050 $813 $9,133
COMMUNITY CTR GIFT ACCT $29,847 $- $17,960 $17,121 $30,686
LEXINGTON CENTER BENCHES $14,797 $- $2,000 $6,701 $10,096
NGRID COMM INITIATIVE GRANT $409 $- $- $- $409
HARTWELL AVE TRAFFIC S $35,000 $- $180,000 $210,000 $5,000
LEXINGTON CTR COMMITTEE GIFTS $2,013 $- $- $- $2,013
DFCU GIFT ACCOUNT $- $- $17,000 $8,607 $8,393
FIRE DEPT GIFTS $38,678 $- $13,500 $10,568 $41,610
LEXPRESS GIFTS $7,556 $- $1,850 $- $9,406
BOH - OUTSIDE CONSULTANT ACCT $6,460 $- $24,825 $27,200 $4,085
CHNA 15 MENTAL HEALTH $4,069 $- $- $1,156 $2,913
CHA HMCC $2,723 $- $- $- $2,723
HUMAN SERVICES FRIENDS $9,299 $- $21,206 $18,346 $12,159
C.O.A. GIFT FUND $18,982 $- $6,922 $2,173 $23,732
SENIOR OUTREACH SVC GRANT $1,617 $- $- $564 $1,053
RECREATION GIFT ACCOUNT $85,082 $- $94,943 $66,813 $113,212
H.A.T.S. $2,481 $- $- $- $2,481
MITIGATION ACCOUNT $3,430,731 $- $736,328 $486,802 $3,680,258
HARBELL BETTERMENT $12,659 $- $1,751 $11,500 $2,911 (continued on next page)
198 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
APPENDIX
LIFE SAFETY DEV GRANT $3,647 $- $- $- $3,647
HEALTH INSURANCE HOLDING $704,301 $- $33,144,321 $32,969,848 $878,774
MINUTEMAN ATH CONSULTANTS $4,187 $- $253 $- $4,441
SELECT BOARD GIFT FUND $- $- $5,000 $5,000 $-
INN@ HASTINGS PARK $10,000 $- $- $- $10,000
STORMWATER PEER REVIEW $8,820 $- $38,103 $12,620 $34,303
TMOD GIFT $246,064 $- $- $246,064 $-
FLEX SPENDING ADM FEES $17,949 $- $50,606 $27,966 $40,589
RETIREMENT ADMINISTRATOR $(4,651) $- $139,214 $182,782 $(48,218)
VSO SPLIT W/ BEDFORD $(6,337) $- $111,899 $99,114 $6,447
FIREARMS RECORDKEEPING $3,662 $- $14,263 $10,725 $7,200
SHIRE/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT $145,142 $- $- $- $145,142
TRUST FUND DONATIONS $754 $- $8,294 $14,031 $(4,983)
COMM ENDOWMENT OF LEX $2,011 $- $- $- $2,011
DESIGN INTERSECTION WOBURN $25,000 $- $- $- $25,000
MITIGATION PARK WOBURN $25,000 $- $- $- $25,000
LEX KNOX HOME BOX $642 $- $- $- $642
HARTWELL PEER REVIEW $300 $- $- $- $300
HUMAN SERVICES EMERGENCY FUND $48,928 $- $- $46,054 $2,874
91 HARTWELL PEER REVIEW $1,897 $- $905 $- $2,801
SELECT BOARD MISC PROJECT $12,323 $- $25,000 $3,000 $34,323
WILLIARD WOODS GIFT FUND $35,252 $- $2,012 $- $37,264
ZBA EARTH FILL 10 LOCUST AVE $4 $- $3,500 $1,500 $2,004
PLANNING SP FUND $(6,824) $- $- $- $(6,824)
N.O.I. FEES $20,595 $- $126,671 $- $147,265
440 BEDFORD STREET PEER REVIEW $3,726 $- $- $2,665 $1,061
PUBLIC RECREATION TRAIL DONATIONS $35,000 $- $- $- $35,000
AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUND $- $- $5,891 $5,891 $-
LIBRARY GIFT FUND RENOVATIONS $350,000 $- $1,000,000 $274,370 $1,075,630
KICKSTART MA GRANT $- $- $25,000 $16,000 $9,000
149 OLD SPRING STREET PEER REVIEW $- $- $10,500 $4,569 $5,931
PAVING DONATIONS $- $- $884,445 $- $884,445
SENIOR SAFE GRANT $2,103 $- $- $1,628 $474
GREEN COMMUNITIES GRANT $12,500 $- $37,500 $50,000 $-
STATE 911 SUPPORT GRANT $- $- $109,744 $109,744 $-
EFFIC & REGION GRANT $2 $- $- $- $2
COMPOST RDP GRANT $20,110 $- $19,800 $- $39,910
MBTA GRANT $65,000 $- $67,162 $58,170 $73,992
DEA FORMULA GRANT $46,517 $- $126,112 $110,748 $61,882
STATE AID TO LIBRARIES $240,887 $- $82,838 $23,021 $300,704
YOUTH SVC - PARENTING ED $2,060 $- $- $- $2,060
SAFE GRANT $1,266 $- $- $1,947 $(682)
SAFE GRANT $5,000 $- $- $- $5,000
SAFE GRANT $(8,500) $- $8,500 $8,500 $(8,500)
SAFE GRANT $(22,320) $- $- $- $(22,320)
SAFE GRANT $(24,993) $- $25,000 $25,000 $(24,993)
SAFE GRANT $194,155 $- $- $- $194,155
SAFE GRANT $(138,249) $- $175,880 $- $37,631
SAFE GRANT $52,552 $- $- $24,640 $27,911
SAFE GRANT $1,750 $- $- $1,750 $-
SAFE GRANT $6,166,595 $- $- $1,974,972 $4,191,623
Revenues/Expenditures and Fund Balances: Special Revenue (continued from previous page)
Balance Transfers/ Balance June 30, 2023 Adjustments Revenues Expenditures June 30, 2024
(continued on next page)
199 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
APPENDIX
SAFE GRANT $46,347 $- $26,667 $56,410 $16,604
ASSIST FIREFIGHTERS GRANT $- $- $39,363 $39,363 $-
LEX 250TH GRANT $450 $- $75,000 $150,419 $(74,969)
MCC GRANT $65,800 $- $79,100 $140,272 $4,628
MOTT GRANT $490 $- $- $- $490
MA REDO $124,500 $- $- $104,740 $19,760
MAEVIP $- $- $15,000 $15,000 $-
MA CCC $250,000 $- $- $250,000 $-
MA DCR GRANT $11,803 $- $2,096 $13,899 $1
MA EOHED GRANT $(49,270) $- $279,857 $307,607 $(77,020)
FDA GRANT $- $- $2,812 $1,960 $852
MA PUBLIC SAFETY & SECURITY $53,418 $- $- $53,023 $395
MA EO OF ADMIN & FINANCE $50,000 $- $- $20,859 $29,141
Town Special Revenue Total $19,138,236 $- $44,250,539 $44,074,225 $19,393,284
School Special Revenue
LEGACY SCHOOL FUNDS $1,071 $- $- $- $1,071
LOST BOOKS - REVOLVING $32,814 $- $6,688 $1,834 $37,669
ATHLETICS - REVOLVING $592,027 $- $531,339 $784,467 $338,898
EARLY CHILDHOOD - REVOLVING $37,603 $- $304,498 $405,832 $(63,731)
COLLEGE TESTING - REVOLVING $78,631 $- $287,810 $304,128 $62,313
ESTABROOK MORNING CLUB REVOLV $2,883 $- $- $- $2,883
PERFORMING ARTS REVOLVING $23,798 $- $49,571 $47,491 $25,878
WORLD LANGUAGE WKBK-REVOLVING $370 $- $- $- $370
ADULT EDUCATION REVOLV $339,531 $- $1,236,111 $1,225,174 $350,467
TRANSPORTATION REVOLV $1,308,792 $- $1,241,097 $1,149,961 $1,399,928
CMA FOUNDATION MUSIC $2,500 $- $- $1,724 $776
BOWMAN LIBRARY GIFT ACCOUNT $4,355 $- $1,509 $- $5,863
SCHOOL GIFT ACCOUNT $39,257 $- $2,808 $- $42,066
HARRINGTON SCHOOL GIFT ACCOUNT $3,150 $- $2,195 $1,158 $4,187
BRIDGE SCHOOL GIFT ACCOUNT $9,880 $- $1,556 $3,271 $8,165
DIAMOND SCHOOL GIFT ACCOUNT $11,572 $- $13,380 $12,665 $12,287
FISKE SCHOOL GIFT ACCOUNT $11,558 $- $3,752 $1,163 $14,147
CASIT ITALIAN LANG GIFT ACCT $2,596 $- $- $2,535 $61
ATHLETIC GIFT ACCOUNT $1,174 $- $- $- $1,174
HASTINGS GIFT ACCOUNT $18,376 $- $1,265 $4,843 $14,799
ESTABROOK GIFT ACCOUNT $7,749 $- $1,431 $1,000 $8,181
CLARKE SCHOOL GIFT ACCOUNT $15,962 $- $7,068 $1,146 $21,885
TAPPLY WRITING PROJECT $10 $- $- $- $10
ASIA SOCIETY PARTNERSHIP $15,296 $- $- $- $15,296
SCIENCE GIFT ACCOUNT $25,252 $- $2,000 $5,510 $21,742
ALPHA GIFT $1,423 $- $- $1,423 $-
MST GIFT ACCOUNT $125 $- $- $- $125
LHS CHINESE EXCHANGE GIFT $8,550 $- $- $- $8,550
SUPERINTENDENT HLTH $6,810 $- $- $- $6,810
MENTAL HEALTH TASK $6,247 $- $- $- $6,247
BOSTON UNIV BOWMAN $1,437 $- $- $- $1,437
LEGACY FUND 250 $(6,388) $- $- $- $(6,388)
CIRCUIT BREAKER $5,696,443 $- $6,595,817 $6,432,615 $5,859,645
METCO $(116,051) $- $1,776,048 $1,690,651 $(30,654)
ENHANCED SCHOOL HEALTH $72 $- $- $- $72
COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL HEALTH $69,259 $- $100,000 $109,896 $59,363
Revenues/Expenditures and Fund Balances: Special Revenue (continued from previous page)
Balance Transfers/ Balance June 30, 2023 Adjustments Revenues Expenditures June 30, 2024
(continued on next page)
200 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
APPENDIX
MDOT EV GRANT $350,000 $- $- $- $350,000
EMERGENCY HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANT $- $- $106,883 $162,014 $(55,131)
CREDIT FOR LIFE GRANT $- $- $6,400 $4,970 $1,430
RESERVE RELIEF GRANT $- $- $642,856 $- $642,856
CVRF SCHOOL REOPENING GRANT $15,460 $- $- $1,258 $14,202
ESSER SCHOOL GRANT $63,856 $- $- $- $63,856
ESSER II SCHOOL GRANT $99,152 $- $232,516 $331,668 $-
ESSER III SCHOOL GRANT $120,244 $- $204,856 $1,047,819 $(722,719)
TITLE IIA $(23,745) $- $103,187 $74,448 $4,994
TITLE III $(18,781) $- $95,917 $104,209 $(27,073)
ELS CERTIFICATION GRANT $- $- $7,046 $8,919 $(1,873)
SPED 94-142 IDEA $(1,009,329) $- $2,889,554 $2,112,230 $(232,005)
RESCUE AMERICA IDEA GRANT $(146,600) $- $335,555 $188,955 $-
TEACHER DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAM $(20,551) $- $22,337 $1,786 $-
SPED PROGRAM IMPROV GRANT $3,680 $- $(560) $3,120 $-
EARLY CHILDHOOD SPED $(4,217) $- $56,859 $51,380 $1,262
IDEA ARP GRANT $(0) $- $567 $567 $-
SPED PROG IMPROV $54 $- $36,706 $35,465 $1,295
FOOD SECURITY GRANT $(1,017) $- $- $(1,017) $-
TITLE 1 $(10,101) $- $222,285 $203,127 $9,058
TITLE IV $669 $- $20,500 $19,489 $1,680
HOMELESS EMERGENCY SUPPORT GRANT $- $- $17,000 $17,000 $-
DEV & EXP HIGH QUALITY SUMMER $- $- $80,000 $80,000 $-
INVESTIGATE HISTORY $190 $- $560 $750 $-
LITERACY SCREENING GRANT $(60,556) $- $60,556 $- $-
School Special Revenue Total $7,612,545 $- $17,307,522 $16,636,642 $8,283,425
Lexington Education Foundation
LEF GRANTS FY17 $23,869 $- $- $- $23,869
LEF GRANTS FY18 $20,996 $- $- $- $20,996
LEF GRANTS FY19 $7,571 $- $- $- $7,571
LEF GRANTS FY20 $783 $- $- $168 $615
LEF GRANTS FY21 $(10,132) $- $- $- $(10,132)
LEF GRANTS FY22 $6,925 $- $- $7,251 $(325)
LEF COVID GRANTS FY21 $9,867 $- $1,740 $11,628 $(21)
LEF GRANTS FY23 $27,455 $- $10,788 $28,915 $9,328
LEF GRANTS FY24 $- $- $135,831 $95,230 $40,601
BOWMAN COMMUNITY GRANT $(6,518) $- $7,550 $4,500 $(3,468)
BRIDGE COMMUNITY GRANT $2,223 $- $8,200 $5,894 $4,529
ESTABROOK COMMUNITY GRANT $4,250 $- $5,250 $2,518 $6,982
FISKE COMMUNITY GRANT $2,941 $- $5,250 $4,187 $4,003
HARRINGTON COMMUNITY GRANT $919 $- $- $821 $99
HASTINGS COMMUNITY GRANT $5,250 $- $4,325 $5,250 $4,325
CLARKE COMMUNITY GRANT $8,020 $- $- $- $8,020
DIAMOND COMMUNITY GRANT $198 $- $- $- $198
LHS COMMUNITY GRANT $5,895 $- $11,250 $15,432 $1,714
EARLY CHILDHOOD COMM GRANT $1 $- $2,500 $2,500 $1
LPS SCHOOL GIFT ACCOUNT $56,488 $- $- $- $56,488
Lexington Education Foundation Totals $167,002 $- $192,684 $184,294 $175,391
Special Revenue Fund Total $29,434,280 $- $66,815,553 $65,185,282 $31,064,551
*State and Federal Grants may be funded on a reimbursement basis, and therefore may reflect a negative year-end balance due to timing of grant revenue.
Revenues/Expenditures and Fund Balances: Special Revenue (continued from previous page)
Balance Transfers/ Balance June 30, 2023 Adjustments Revenues Expenditures June 30, 2024
201 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
APPENDIXINDEX
A
Affordable Housing Trust 153
Annual Town Elections: March 5, 2024 15
Annual Town Meeting: Abbreviated Minutes 39
Antony Working Group 153
Appendix-Financial Data 192
Appropriation Committee 154
Assessor 101B
Bicycle Advisory Committee 155
Building and Zoning 110C
Capital Expenditures Committee 156
Cary Lecture Series Committee 156
Cary Memorial Library 99
Commission on Disability 157
Communications Advisory Committee 158
Community Preservation Committee 159
Comptroller 102
Comptroller Schedule of Appropriations 192
Conservation Office and Conservation Commission 111
Council on Aging 159D
Debt Service Summary 195
Design Advisory Committee 160
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 11E
Economic Development 115
Economic Development Advisory Committee 161
Elected Town Officials 94
Engineering Division 131
Enterprise Funds 195
Environmental Services 133F
Fence Viewers 1161
Finance 101
Fire and Rescue 103
Fund for Lexington 162
G
Greenways Corridor Committee 162H
Hanscom Area Towns Committees (HATS) 163
Highway, Equipment and Drains Division 134
Historic Districts Commission 163
Historical Commission 164
Housing Partnership Board 165
Human Services 105I
Innovation and Technology 108L
Land Use, Housing and Development 109
Lexington Center Committee 166
Lexington Council for the Arts 166
Lexington Human Rights Committee 167
Lexington Housing Assistance Board (LexHAB) 168
Lexington Housing Authority 169
Lexington Scholarship and Education Fund Committee 169M
Minuteman Regional High School 119
Moderator 96
Monuments and Memorials Committee 170P
Permanent Building Committee 170
Planning Board 116
Police 121
Presidential Primary Election 19
Public Facilities 124
Public Grounds (Parks/Forestry/Cemetery) 135
Public Health Department/ Board of Health 128
Public Works 130R
Recreation and Community Programs 139
Recreation Committee 171
Regional Planning Agencies 171
Regulatory Support 118
Retirement Board 144
Revenues/Expenditures and Fund Balances 196
S
School Committee 145
Select Board 3
Semiquincentennial Commission 173
Senators and Representatives 95
Senior Services 105
Special Town Meeting: Abbreviated Minutes 25
Street Light Maintenance Program 137
Superintendent of Schools 146
Sustainable Lexington Committee 173
Sustainability and Resilience 12T
Tourism Committee 174
Town Celebrations Committee 174
Town Clerk/Board of Registrars 13
Town Counsel 151
Town Manager 8
Town Meeting Members 97
Town Meeting Members Association (TMMA) 96
Town Report Committee 175
Transportation Advisory Committee 175
Transportation Safety Group 117
Transportation Services 106
Treasurer Collector 102
Tree Committee 176
Trustees of Public Trusts 177V
Veterans Services 106
Vision for Lexington Committee 189
Volunteer Opportunities 202W
Water and Sewer Abatement Board 190
Water/Sewer Divisions 137Y
Youth and Family Services 107
Youth Commission 190Z
Zoning Board of Appeals 191
202 TOWN OF LEXINGTON 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
APPENDIX
Join an appointed Board or
Committee or run for Town Meeting
or an elected Board. Citizen
participation in local government is
a strong tradition in Lexington. The
issues and challenges faced by our
local government, and their impact
on people’s lives in the community,
are important and complex.
There are numerous opportunities
to participate in Town affairs, to help
shape policy, to work with interesting
people, and to assist in the growth
and prosperity of the Town. We
hope you will share your skills and
knowledge with us by volunteering
for the Town.
The volunteer boards and
committees in Lexington are vital to
the running of our town. They provide
a rich source of knowledge and
expertise, expand the town’s ability to
research issues and best practices,
and enhance the communication
between residents and town staff
and elected officials.
VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
IN THE TOWN
More information is available on the Town website:
lexingtonma.gov/serve
More information is available on the Town website:
lexingtonma.gov/serve
As we prepare to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, this interactive calendar stands as a visual testament to our town’s rich history and vibrant community spirit.
Positioned prominently in front of the town office building, the Countdown Calendar is a
collaborative effort engaging 365 local groups as ‘Calendar Keepers.’ From schools to civic
organizations to local businesses, each group will take on the responsibility of flipping
the calendar days, ensuring the countdown to April 19, 2025 remains active and prominent.
This collective endeavor not only symbolizes the passage of time leading to this historic
milestone but also underscores the unity and pride that define our town’s identity.
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420 • 781-862-0500 • lexingtonma.gov
Visit us on Facebook @Townoflexingtonma
@TownofLexingtonMA
Scan the QR code to visit the
Lex250 website and learn about
the upcoming town events.