HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-24-ATM-minMarch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting
Moderator Deborah Brown called the 2025 Annual Town Meeting to order at 7:30 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 Jr. Fife and Drum
Corps played the National Anthem and Members recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
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 (176).
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.
7:39 p.m. The Moderator opened the Portal to take attendance and noted that a quorum had
been reached. She then gave a brief overview of parliamentary procedure for the
Meeting.
7:45 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. Lucente,
Select Board Chair, moved that the Town Meeting Members approve the use of the
remote and hybrid 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. 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.
7:46 p.m. MOTION: Mr. Lucente moves that Tom Diaz be approved as Deputy Moderator.
The Moderator noted that she was delighted 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 objections 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.
7:47 p.m. The Moderator noted that the Meeting would continue under Article 2.
ARTICLE 2 ELECTION OF DEPUTY MODERATOR AND REPORTS OF TOWN
BOARDS, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
j. Reports of the Planning g Board
That the reports of the Planning Board be received and placed on file.
Mr. Schanbacher moves that the reports of the Planning Board for Articles 30, 31,
32, and 33 be received and placed on file. As there were no objections the motion
carries unanimously.
7:47 p.m. The Moderator asked for a procedural motion to take up Articles 30, 31, 32, 33 in
that order. Mr. Lucente moved to take up Articles 30, 31, 32, 33. Motion approved
by unanimous voice vote.
7:48 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 30.
ARTICLE 30 AMEND ZONING BYLAW — INCLUSIONARY HOUSING FOR
SPECIAL RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS
MOTION:
Mr. Schanbacher moves that the Zoning Bylaw, Chapter 135 of the Code of the Town of
Lexington, be amended as follows, where sf.., ek fu., -et text is to be removed and underlined
text is to be added:
Amend § 135-6.9.8 as follows:
1. Inclusionary Dwelling Units.
a. At least 15% of the total gross floor area of all dwelling units other than inchusionm
dwelling units stim of (1) t4etotal area „fall lots i t4ep efpl,,, mtikiplied b n 16 an
shall be
incorporated into inclusionary dwelling units, as defined by regulations promulgated by the
Planning Board pursuant to § 6.9.8.5 (the "inclusionary GFA"). At least two-thirds of the
inclusionary GFA shall be incorporated into dwelling units eligible for inclusion on the
Town's Subsidized Housing Inventory as determined by +he M,,,,,,,,,.htiset4
EOHLC and shall remain affordable in perpetuity.
6. A special residential development with six or fewer market -rate dwelling units shall be
permitted to meet the requirements of this section by making a payment to the Town's
Affordable Housing Trust in an amount equal to the estimated construction cost of 15% of
the total gross floor area of all dwelling units other than inclusionary dwelling units GF -4
. , as determined in accordance
with regulations to be promulgated by the Planning Board.
Charles Hornig, Planning Board Member, presented information on the Article. He noted that the
Planning Board had voted 5-0 to recommend that the Article be approved.
Ms. Hai noted that the Select Board had voted to support the Article by a vote of 4-1.
7:52 p.m. Ricki Pappo, Pct. 2, noted that in 2023 the payment in lieu had been established for
special residential units and they had been assured that the payment in lieu would
represent a per square foot prorate for all hard and soft costs (estimated at $500 per
square foot). She stated that the final amounts were less than that and asked whether
any of the recent SPDs had been required to pay in lieu. Mr. Hornig noted that the
payment in lieu was only available for developments fewer than 6 dwelling units and
as the two developments submitted since this had been enacted were larger than that,
the provision hadn't been used.
7:54 p.m. Deborah Strod, Pct. 6, asked that the formula regarding units be explained. Mr.
Hornig noted that the current requirement was 15% of what could be built in a market
rate conventional subdivision. He explained that the new requirement was 15% of the
actual market rate housing in the development and the reason it was sometimes more
or less was that the bylaw explicitly permitted a special residential development to
have a somewhat larger total gross floor area than a conventional development by
15%.
7:55 p.m. Jeanne Krieger, Pct. 3, asked how many units had been achieved to date. Mr. Hornig
asked for slides to be brought up and showed two developments as an example and
noted that for each of them, the owner would prepare a proof plan showing a
conventional subdivision and then a calculation based on that plan that shows what
could be built with the limits of gross floor area for a single-family home in that
conventional subdivision, and noted that this was considered the base GFA. He noted
that the bylaw permitted building up to 15% more than that in a special residential
development of market rate housing, which acted as an incentive rather than using a
conventional subdivision.
7:59 p.m. Bob Avallone, Pct. 8, noted that some of the text had been replaced with EOHLC and
asked that the term be defined. Mr. Hornig stated that the State had replaced the
Department of Housing and Community Development with the Executive Office of
the Housing Livable Communities, and in the bylaw was a technical correction to
show this. Mr. Makarious, Town Counsel, noted that this was spelled out in another
portion of the bylaws.
8:01 P.M. Mr. Sandeen asked that the Motion be placed on the screen, and noted that while he
supported the intention of the Article, the calculation of inclusionary housing of what
previously was to 15%, the language stated "other than inclusionary dwelling units",
and when you used that calculation, it became 13% of the total gross floor area, and
believed the language should reflect the original 15% intention.
8:02 p.m. Bridger McGaw, Pct. 6, asked if there was an actual square foot goal of inclusionary
housing. Mr. Hornig stated that their regulations required that inclusionary housing
be similar in size and type to market rate housing and the bylaw set a minimum
amount of gross floor area, and beyond that they asked that inclusionary units
matched the size and types of others in the development.
8:05 p.m. Sanjay Padaki, Pct. 8, asked Town Counsel to interpret the language of the Article and
whether it should be considered 13 or 15 percent. Mr. Makarious noted that the
language stated was 15% of all the units other than the inclusionary housing
8:07 p.m. Katherine Reynolds, Pct. 1, asked Mr. Sandeen for further clarification on the
percentages. Mr. Sandeen noted that it required a circular calculation, and if you did a
recursive calculation, it came out to 13.034%.
8:10 P.M. Jessie Steigerwald, Pct. 8, asked if fixing the language was outside of the scope of the
Warrant. Mr. Hornig noted that the current language referred to 15% and that no
questions arose at the public hearing regarding the percentage amount. The
Moderator said that there wasn't a scope issue. Ms. Steigerwald noted that the
language should be clearer. Mr. Hornig said that the Motion would need to be
reworded and that it would have to be refigured to ensure a development was feasible.
8:14 p.m. Alan Levine, Pct. 8, stated that he supported the Planning Board on this Motion and
noted that the intent of the Article was clear and that if the percentage needed to be
changed it should be done at another Town Meeting.
8:16 p.m. Jay Luker, Pct. 1, asked that Members vote for the Article, and reminded them that
15% of zero. He said that the idea was to make things more attractive to builders than
a standard subdivision which offered zero inclusionary housing.
8:16 p.m. Members continued to discuss and debate the Article.
8:35 p.m. John Zhao, Pct. 5, asked if they could change the existing text in the Motion to 17.6%
to achieve 15%. Mr. Hornig noted that he would be afraid to do so as it wasn't
considered during the public hearing.
8:39 p.m. Ajay Joseph, Pct. 2, raised a Point of Order and asked that Mr. Hornig speak directly
into the microphone as there were some problems hearing him.
8:40 p.m. Dawn McKenna, Pct. 6, called the question.
8:41 p.m. A member raised a Point of Order that there seemed to be an audio issue and that
some people who were participating remotely couldn't hear the Moderator or Ms.
McKenna.
8:41 p.m. The Moderator asked that some Members attending remotely inform her on how the
audio was. The Moderator asked that the audio be checked. Harry Forsdick, Pct. 7,
raised a Point of Order that he believed the output to Zoom was not working. Mr.
Pato noted that Members should turn on closed captioning and then gave instructions
on how to do so. Members noted that this seemed to fix the issue, as well as logging
in and out of Zoom.
8:46 p.m. The Moderator opened voting to terminate debate.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes
No
Abstain
125
40
10
MOTION CARRIES
Mr. Hornig gave final remarks on the Article.
The Moderator opened voting on the Article and reminded Members that a 2/3 vote
was required to pass.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 30 — Amend Zoning Bylaw — Inclusionary Housing for Special
Residential Developments
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes
No
Abstain
131
39
5
MOTION CARRIES WITH MORE THAN NECESSARY 2/3RDS
8:50 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 31.
ARTICLE 31 AMEND ZONING BYLAW -NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE (NFI)
DISTRICT
(Approved by the Attorney General's Office July 18, 2025, posted July 28, 2025)
MOTION:
Mr. Schanbacher 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 § 135-7.1 as follows:
7.1 NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE (NFI) DISTRICT.
7.1.1 Purpose.
to life a*d per-senal ii�ti�; elifninate new hazards to emer-geney response effieials; pr -event t4e
1. Ensure public safety through reducing the threats to life and personal injury;
2. Eliminate new hazards to emergency response officials,
3. Prevent the occurrence of public emergencies resulting from water auality_ contamination. and
pollution due to flooding,
4. Avoid the loss of utility services which if damaged by flooding would disrupt or shut down the
utility network and impact regions of the community beyond the site of flooding,
5. Eliminate costs associated with the response and cleanup of flooding conditions, and
6. Reduce damageflooding to public and private property resulting from floodingto public and private property resulting from flooding waters.
7.1.2 Overlay District. The NFI District shall not supersede other zoning districts but shall be
deemed to be superimposed over these other zoning districts.
7.1.3 Location. The NFI District includes all special flood hazard areas within the Town of
Lexington designated as Zone A and AE on the Middlesex County, Massachusetts Flood Insurance
Rate Map (FIRM) dated July 8, 2025 issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) for the administration of the National Flood Insurance Program. The map panels of toe
Middlesex County FIRM that are wholly or partially within the Town of Lexington are panel
> > > > > > > > 04 1 > > >
0416R, i* effeet as of ittly 6, . The exact boundaries of the District may be defined by the I% -
change
%-
chan e one -hundred -year) base flood elevations shown on the FIRM and further defined by the
Middlesex County Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report, i* e€€eedated July 8, 2025 6, 2016. The
FIRM and FIS report are incorporated herein by reference and are on file with the Town Clerk,
Planning Board, Building Official, Conservation Commission, and Engineering _ office ffice and available
on the Town website.
7.1.4 Base Flood Elevation and Floodway Data.
1. Floodway data. In Zones A and AE, along watercourses within the Town of Lexington
that have not had a regulatory floodway designated, the best available federal, state, local,
or other floodway data shall be used to prohibit encroachments in floodways which would
result in any increase in flood levels within the community during the occurrence of the
base flood discharge.
2. Base flood elevation data. Base flood elevation data is required for subdivision proposals
or other developments greater than 50 lots or five acres (whichever is less), the proponent
must provide technical data to determine base flood elevations for each developable parcel
shown on the design plans. -,--r-eT'ie7Ler- is �ne lesser-, T hi mber-ed " e*es.
7.1.5 Notification of Watercourse Alteration. In a riverine situation, the Genre ,atiei
Floodplain Administrator shall notify the following of any alteration or relocation of a
watercourse: .
1. Adjacent communities,
2. NFIP State Coordinator, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and
3. NFIP Pro _gram Specialist, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region A _gency, Re _ ig on I.
7.1.6 Use Regulations.
1. All man-made changes to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to
building or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling
operations in the NFI District, including structural and nonstructural activities, whether
permitted by right or by special permit must be in compliance with MGL c. 131, § 40 and
with the following:
a. Sections of the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) which address
floodplain and coastal high hazard areas;
b. Wetlands Protection Regulations, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
(currently 310 CMR 10.00);
c. Inland Wetlands Restriction, DEP (currently 310 CMR 13.00);
d. Minimum Requirements for the Subsurface Disposal of Sanitary Sewage, DEP
(currently 310 CMR 15, Title 5);
2. Any variances from the provisions and requirements of the above -referenced state
regulations may only be granted in accordance with the required variance procedures of these
state regulations.
3. In Zones AE, along watercourses within the Town of Lexington that have a regulatory
floodway designated on the Middlesex County FIRM Map, encroachments are prohibited in
the regulatory floodway including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, and other
development within the adopted regulatory floodway unless it has been demonstrated through
hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed in accordance with standard engineering
practice that the proposed encouragement would not whieh ,,.,,,,',a result in any increase in
flood levels within the community during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
4. All subdivision proposals must be designed to assure that:
a. Such proposals minimize flood damage;
b. All public utilities and facilities are located and constructed to minimize or
eliminate flood damage; and
c. Adequate drainage is provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards.
5. Existing contour intervals of site and elevations of existing structures must be included
on plan proposal.
7.1.7 Floodplain Administrator.
The Town Manager or their designee shall serve as the official Floodplain Administrator for the
Town of Lexington.
7.1.8 Permits Required.
Permits are required for all proposed development in the Floodplain Overlay District, as required
by the Floodplain Administrator or their designee. The Town requires a permit for all proposed
construction or other development in the floodplain overlay district, including new construction or
changes to existing buildings, placement of manufactured homes, placement of manufactured homes, placement of agricultural
facilities, fences, sheds, storage facilities or drilling, mining, paving and any other development that
might increase flooding or adversely impact flood risks to other properties.
7.1.9 Assure that all necessary_ permits are obtained.
The Town's permit review process includes the requirement that the proponent obtain all local, state
and federal permits that will be necessary in order to carry out the proposed development
in the floodplain overlay district. The Proponent must acquire all necessa!Y permits, and must
demonstrate that all necessary permits have been acquired.
.1.10 In A Zones, in the absence of FEMA BFE data and floodway data, the building
department will obtain, review and reasonably utilize base flood elevation and floodway data
available from a Federal, State, or other source as criteria for requiring new construction,
substantial improvements, or other development in Zone A and as the basis for elevating
residential structures to or above base flood level, for floodproofing or elevating
nonresidential structures to or above base flood level, and for prohibiting encroachments in
floodways.
7.1.11 In A and AE Zones, all recreational vehicles to be placed on a site must be elevated and
anchored in accordance with the zone's regulations for foundation and elevation requirements
or be on the site for less than 180 consecutive days or be fully licensed and highway ready.
.1.12 If the Town acquires data that changes the base flood elevation in the FEMA mapped
Special Flood Hazard Areas, the Town of Lexington will, within 6 months, notify FEMA of
these changes by submitting the technical or scientific data that suports the chanby submitting the technical or scientific data that suports the chan_eg (s.)
Notification shall be submitted to:
NFIP State Coordinator, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
NFIP Program Specialist, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region I
7.1.13 Variances to Floodplain Standards Issued by the State Building Code
The Town of Lexington will request from the State Building Code Appeals Board a written and/or
audible copy of the portion of the hearing related to the variance, and will maintain this record in
the community's files.
The Town of Lexington shall also issue a letter to the property owner regarding _ potential impacts
to the annual premiums for the flood insurance policy covering that property, in writing over the
signature of a community official that (i) the issuance of a variance to construct a structure below
the base flood level will result in increased premium rates for flood insurance U to amounts as high
as $25 for $100 of insurance coverage and (ii) such construction below the base flood level increases
risks to life and property.
Such notification shall be maintained with the record of all variance actions for the referenced
development in the floodplain overlay district.
.1. 14 Other Variances
A variance from these floodplain bylaws must meet the requirements set out by State law, and may
only be granted if:
j) Good and sufficient cause and exceptional non-financial hardship exist,
2) the variance will not result in additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense,
or fraud or victimization of the public, and
3) the variance is the minimum action necessary to afford relief.
7.1.15 Abrogation and Greater Restriction
The floodplain management regulations found in this Floodplain Overlay District section shall
take precedence over any less restrictive conflicting local laws, ordinances or codes.
.1.16 Disclaimer of Liability
The degree of flood protection required by this bylaw is considered reasonable but does not imply
total flood protection.
7.1.18 Definitions. The following words shall be defined as in this subsection 7.1.18 for the
purposes of this Section 7.1.
DEVELOPMENT
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to building
or other structures, minim dredging, filling,grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or
storage of equipment or materials. [US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 44, Part 59
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA)
The federal agency administering the National Flood Insurance Program.
the National Flood Insurance Pro_r am.
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM)
An Official Map of a community on which FEMA has delineated both the areas of special flood
hazard and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.
FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY
An examination, evaluation, and determination of flood hazards, and, if appropriate,
corresponding water surface elevations, or an examination, evaluation and determination of
flood -related erosion hazards.
FLOODWAY
The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in
order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation.
FUNCTIONALLY DEPENDENT USE
A use which cannot Perform its intended Purpose unless it is located or carried out in close proximity
to water. The term includes only docking facilities, port facilities that are necessary for the loading
and unloading of car _go or passengers, and ship building passengers, and ship building and ship repair facilities, but does not
include long-term storage or related manufacturing facilities. [US Code of Federal Rei_ Mations, Title
44, Part 591 Also [Referenced Standard ASCE 24-141
HIGHEST ADJACENT GRADE
The highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction next to the proposed walls
of a structure. [US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 44, Part 591
HISTORIC STRUCTURE
Any structure that is:
La) Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places (a listing maintained by the
Department of Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting
the requirements for individual listing on the National Register, _
Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the
historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by
the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district,
Lc) Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in states with historic preservation
programs which have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior, or
Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic
preservation programs that have been certified either:
By an aproved state program as determined by the Secretary of the Interior or
Q Directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states without approved pro_rg ams.
[US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 44, Part 591
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after the effective date of the first
floodplain management code, regulation, ordinance, or standard adopted by the authority having
jurisdiction, including any subsequent improvements to such structures. New construction includes
work determined to be substantial improvement. [Referenced Standard ASCE 24-141
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A vehicle which is:
La) Built on a single chassis,
400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection,
(c) Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light duty truck, and
Cdj Desi _fined primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters
not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters
for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use. [US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 44,
Part 59
REGULATORY FLOODWAY — See Floodway
SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA
An area having, special flood and/or flood -related erosion hazards, and shown on a FHBM or FIRM
as Zone A, AO, Al -30, AE, A99, AH, V, V1-30, V. [Base Code, Chapter 2, Section 2021.
START OF CONSTRUCTION
The date of issuance for new construction and substantial improvements to existing structures,
provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement
or other improvement is within 180 days after the date of issuance. The actual start of construction
means the first placement of permanent construction of a building (including a manufactured home)
on a site, such as the pouring of a slab or footings, installation of pilings or construction of columns.
Permanent construction does not include land preparation (such as clearing, excavation, grading or
filling), the installation of streets or walkways, excavation for a basement, footings,iep rs or
foundations, the erection of temporary forms or the installation of accessory buildings such as
garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main building. For a substantial
improvement, the actual "start of construction" means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor
or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions
of the building. [Base Code, Chapter 2, Section 2021
STRUCTURE
For floodplain management purposes, a walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid
storage tank, that is principally above ground, as well as a manufactured home. [US Code of
Federal Regulations, Title 44, Part 591
STRUCTURE (NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE DISTRICT)
A walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage tank, which is principally above
ground, as well as a manufactured home. "Structure," for insurance coverage purposes, means a
walled and roofed building, other than a gas or liquid storage tank, which is principally aboveground
and affixed to apermanent site, as well as a manufactured home on foundation. For the latter purpose,
the term includes a building while in the course of construction, alteration, or repair, but does not
include building materials or su plies intended for use in such construction, alteration, or repair,
unless such materials or suplies are within an enclosed building on the premises.
SUBSTANTIAL REPAIR OF A FOUNDATION.
When work to repair or replace a foundation results in the repair or replacement of a Portion of the
foundation with a perimeter along the base of the foundation that equals or exceeds 50% of the
perimeter of the base of the foundation measured in linear feet, or repair or replacement of 50% of
the piles, columns or piers of a pile, column or pier suported foundation, the building official shall
determine it to be substantial repair of a foundation. Applications determined by the building official
to constitute substantial repair of a foundation shall require all existing portions of the entire building
or structure to meet the requirements of 780 CMR. [As amended by MA in 9th Edition BCI
VARIANCE
For floodplain management purposes, means a grant of relief by a community from the terms of a
flood plain management regulation. [US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 44, Part 591
VIOLATION
For floodplain management purposes, means the failure of a structure or other development to be
fully compliant with the community's flood plain management regulations. A structure or other
development without the elevation certificate, other certifications, or other evidence of compliance
required in §60.3 is presumed to be in violation until such time as that documentation is provided.
[US Code of Federal Regulations, Title 44, Part 591
ZONE A (NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE DISTRICT)
The one -hundred -year floodplain area where the base flood elevation (BFE) has not been
determined. To determine the BFE, use the best available federal, state, local, or other data.
ZONE Al -30 AND ZONE AE (FOR NEW AND REVISED MAPS) (NATIONAL
FLOOD INSURANCE DISTRICT)
The one-hundred-vear floodblain where the base flood elevation has been determined.
ZONES B, C, AND X (NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE DISTRICT)
Areas identified in the community Flood Insurance Study as areas of moderate or minimal flood
hazard. Zone X reblaces Zones B and C on new and revised
3) Amend §135-10.0 Definitions by deleting the following:
er
�-R-44 sZR-4-"PA, nn ni qO nF noo n14n V! qO, V.
8:51 p.m. Bob Creech presented information on the Article and noted that the Planning Board had
voted 5-0 to recommend that Town Meeting approve the Article.
Mr. Lucente noted the unanimous support of the Select Board for the Article.
8:54 p.m. Jeff Howry, Pct. 2, asked whether anyone had considered the zone A of the proposed
site of the High School. Mr. Creech stated that specifically, no, but the same rules
would be applicable for that area. Ms. McCabe, Planning Board Director, noted that
this had been brought to the attention of the Facilities Director and that the Town's
consultant would have to do a base -flood elevation study before proposed construction
could begin.
8:56 pm. Matt Dagget, Pct. 2, served Notice of Reconsideration on Article 30. The Moderator
stated that this was timely and duly noted.
8:56 p.m. Ricki Pappo, Pct. 2, asked what was projected or how much more was considered a
flood zone. Ms. Mullins noted that a detailed study hadn't yet been accomplished, but
that many of the prior area B locations had been switched to Zone A.
8:57 p.m. Alessandro Alessandrini, Pct. 4, asked if a property was considered in the flood zoning
whether they were required to purchase flood insurance, particularly in relation to the
School. Ms. McCabe, Planning Board Director, noted that this was usually triggered
when buying a property. Mr. Makarios noted that if the Town didn't adopt the Article,
they wouldn't be able to access the Flood Insurance product.
9:00 P.M. As there were no final comments on the Article, the Moderator opened voting on the
Article.
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 31 — Amend Zoning Bylaw — National Flood Insurance (NFI)
District
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
174 0 3
MOTION CARRIES WITH MORE THAN NECESSARY 2/3RDS
9:01 P.M. Ms. Canale, Pct. 9, noted that she would like to vote yes. 174 final count.
9:02 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 32.
ARTICLE 32 AMEND ZONING BYLAW AND MAP — TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS
(Approved by the Attorney General's Office July 18, 2025, posted July 28, 2025)
MOTION:
Mr. Schanbacher moves that the Zoning Bylaw, Chapter 135 of the Code of the Town of Lexington,
be amended as follows, and further to make non -substantive changes to the numbering of this bylaw
to comply with the numbering format:
1. Delete §135-9.4.1.1.a.
2. Amend §135-5.5.8 by deleting "or a special permit with site plan review"
3. Amend §135-5.5.9 by deleting "or special permit with site plan review"
9:03 p.m. Melanie Thompson, Planning Board Member, presented information on the Article and
noted the unanimous vote of the Planning Board.
9:04 p.m. Ms. Kumar noted that the Select Board unanimously supported the Article.
9:05 p.m. As there were no questions the Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 32 — Amend Zoning Bylaw and Map — Technical Corrections
Adopted by a vote of
Yes No Abstain
172 0 3
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
9:06 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 33.
ARTICLE 33 AMEND ZONING BYLAW - ACCESSORY USES
(Approved by the Attorney General's Office July 18, 2025, posted July 28, 2025)
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
MOTION:
Mr. Schanbacher moves to see if the Town will vote to amend Section 3.2.1 of the Zoning Bylaw by
removing the phrase, "and complies with all other Town bylaws or General Laws," or take any other
action in related thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
DESCRIPTION: This article would modify the Zoning Bylaw to clarify that the ZBA and other
entities are not required to enforce all of the Code of Lexington, leaving proper enforcement to the
designated and relevant entities.
9:06 p.m. Charles Hornig, Planning Board Member, presented information on the Article and
noted that the Planning Board had voted 5-0 to recommend the approval of the Article.
Mr. Pato noted the unanimous support of the Select Board for the Article.
9:08 P.M. Eran Strod, Pct. 6 asked for an explanation of the process. Mr. Hornig noted that
approval would be garnered through the appropriate bylaw or mechanism.
9:15 p.m. Benjamin Lees, Pct. 7, asked if the bylaw was a response to 0 Vine Street litigation.
Mr. Makarious said that to his understanding, it was not.
9:17 p.m. Members continued to discuss and debate the Article.
9:29 p.m. As there were no further questions, the Moderator opened voting on the Article and
noted that a 2/3 vote was required to pass.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 33 — Amend Zoning Bylaw — Accessory Uses
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
160 5 7
MOTION CARRIES WITH MORE THAN NECESSARY 2/3RDS
9:31 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 2.
ARTICLE 2 ELECTION OF DEPUTY MODERATOR AND REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS,
OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
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.
9:31 p.m. The Moderator called the Meeting open under Article 3.
ARTICLE 3 APPOINTMENTS TO CARY LECTURE SERIES
MOTION: Ms. Goldberg moves that the Moderator appoint a committee of four to have the
charge of the lectures under the wills of Eliza Cary Farnham and Suzanna E. Cary for the current
year. Motion approved by unanimous voice vote.
Rita Goldberg presented information on the Article.
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
Mr. Lucente noted the unanimous support of the Select Board for the Article.
9:39 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
9:40 p.m. The Moderator asked for a procedural motion to take up Article 25. Mr. Lucente
moved to take up Article 25. Motion approved by unanimous voice vote.
The Moderator noted that the Deputy Moderator would preside over the article as the
Moderator had advocated for one of the changes proposed in the Motion. Mr. Diaz
took the gavel.
ARTICLE 25 AMENDMENT TO TOWN MEETING MANAGEMENT PROVISIONS IN TOWN
BYLAWS (Citizen Petition)
(Approved by the Attorney General's Office July 18, 2025, posted July 28, 2025)
MOTION:
Mr. McGaw moves that the following sections of Chapter 118 of the Code of the Town of Lexington
be amended to read as follows ( , and bolded text to be added):
1. § 118-15A Previous Question
The previous question shall be put in the form: "
. "I move the
previous question." This form can be used for main motions and amendments and all debate shall
be suspended until the previous question is decided.
2. § 118-15B Previous Question
The adoption of the previous question shall require a two-thirds vote to pass and put an end to
all debate on the motion under consideration except as provided in § 118-13(I) of this article.
3. § 118-19: Further Rules of Procedure
• The procedure and conduct of the business meetings of the Town not herein provided for shall be
governed by " " the latest edition of "Town Meeting
Time" adopted by the Massachusetts Moderators Association so far as they a+e applicable and
ate not inconsistent with the bylaws of the Town.
Bridger McGaw, proponent, presented information on the Article.
Mr. Lucente noted that the Select Board supported updating the language on calling the question as
Town Meeting was actually being conducted, as well as the change to Town Meeting Time, however
the proposal to update the voting threshold from a simple majority to a 2/3 majority had various
opinions. Due to this there were 3 Members in support of the Article as written, and 2 who preferred
to await the discussion before taking a position.
The Moderator noted that there had been a request to divide the question into two parts, and he would
use his prerogative to split the question into 1 and 3 and then a separate vote on section 2.
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
9:49 p.m. As there were no questions on the parts 1 and 3, the Moderator opened voting on this
portion.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 25 — Amendment to Town Meetinu Mana!ement Provisions in Town
Bylaws (Citizen Petition) Questions 1 and 3
Adopted by a vote of
Yes No Abstain
161 1 2
MOTION CARRIES
9:52 p.m. The Moderator opened the floor for questions and debate on part 2.
9:53 p.m. Eric Michaelson, Pct. 1, noted that he had seen an alarming trend that leadership notes
that they want to wait for debate before an opinion was expressed. He asked what
remedy could be in place so that Members understood positions of leadership after
debate had been called. The Moderator noted that the Select Board members were
within their right to do so, and the only remedy he could envision would be voting
"no" on calling the question if it was important to know this information.
9:55 p.m. Steven Kaufman, Pct. 5, noted that Lexington had been holding Town Meetings for
over 300 years and questioned whether it ever needed a 2/3 majority in the history of
the prior meetings. Mr. Makarious noted that the Town Meeting bylaw hadn't always
been the place, but since it had been, it had only required a simple majority and that
the 2/3 was a normal parliamentary rule and could have been in place prior to the
bylaw.
9:59 p.m. John Bartenstein, Pct. 1, raised a Point of Order to note that Mr. Zabin, may not have
realized he should have put his name in the queue to speak, and asked the indulgence
of the Moderator to do so.
10:01 P.M. Al Zabin, Pct. 1, noted that he didn't see a problem that needed to be solved.
10:02 p.m. David Kanter, Pct. 7, raised a Point of Order, asking what the position of the Select
Board was regarding deferring opinions until after debate. Mr. Lucente he wasn'tt
sure it was in the scope of what they were discussing. The Moderator agreed.
10:03 p.m. Members continued to discuss and debate the Article.
10:10 P.M. Robert Avallone, Pct. 8, offered an Amendment on the Article.
Mr. Avallone moves that if the calling of the question fails to pass by the necessary
two-thirds majority, debate will continue. After 30 minutes of additional debate,
calling the question shall then require a simple majority.
10:13 p.m. The Moderator noted that 30 minutes would be allotted for the Amendment.
Mr. Avallone presented information on the Amendment.
10:14 p.m. Mr. McGaw noted that the TMMA had brought the Article forward due to survey
requests, but they had not taken a formal decision on the Amendment.
10:15 p.m. Benjamin Lees, Pct. 7, asked whether the intent was to be in effect after any failed
attempt to call the question. Mr. Avallone noted that after the additional 30 minutes
were allotted, a simple majority would be sufficient to call the question. Mr. Lees
asked if people could circumvent debate by calling the question early. Mr. Makarious
noted that the Moderator always had the discretion to decide whether it would be
premature for anyone to call the question and this discretion would remain intact, that
it was just change the quantum of vote when it was called the second time.
10:17 p.m. The Moderator asked the Select Board for their position on the Amendment. Mr.
Lucerne noted that the Select Board had 3 in favor and 2 opposed to the Amendment.
10:18 P.M. Nyles Barnert, Pct. 4, asked how the time would work on amendments as they
typically allowed only 30 minutes of time. Mr. Avallone noted that it would not apply
to amendments, just the language for closing debate.
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
10:23 p.m. As there were no further questions, Mr. Avallone offered final comments on the
Amendment.
10:25 p.m. Al Zabin, Pct. 1, offered additional comments noting that allowing access to debate
was important and that cutting people off was not good for the democratic process.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Motion to Annrove Article 25 — Amendment
Adopted by a vote of
Yes No Abstain
83 72 4
MOTION CARRIES
10:27 p.m. Sarah Higginbotham, raised a Point of Order, and noted that there were names in the
queue of people that had already spoken. The Moderator noted that only those who
hadn't spoken would be recognized, until all others had had a chance.
10:28 p.m. Members continued to discuss and debate the amended Motion.
10:31 p.m. Alessandro Alessandrini, Pct. 4, called the question.
10:33 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on terminating debate.
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
103 42 16
MOTION CARRIES
10:35 p.m. Mr. McGaw offered final comments on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Motion to Annrove Article 25 — Amendment to Town Meeting Management Provisions in Town
Bylaws (Citizen Petition) as Amended
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
99 62 4
MOTION CARRIES
10:38 p.m. The Moderator asked for a Motion to Adjourn
Mr. Lucente, Select Board Chair, Motioned to Adjourn the Annual Town Meeting to 7:30 p.m. on
Wednesday, March 26, 2025, such meeting to be held at the Margery Milne Baffin 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.
March 26, 2025 Adiourned Session of the 2025 Annual Town Meeting
Moderator Deborah Brown called the second session of 2025 Annual Town Meeting to order at 7;32
p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the Margery Milne Battin Hall in the Cary Memorial
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue and by means of remote participation. At 7:34 p.m. the
Moderator called a brief recess to address a feedback error on the microphones. The Meeting
resumed at 7:36 p.m. A quorum in excess of 100 members was present (168).
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 7:58 p.m. and stated that she would leave the Portal open while more Members came
into the Hall.
The Moderator stated that there would be memorials for four Town Meeting Members who had
passed away since the last Meeting, and they would be honoring two Town Meeting Members that
evening, Susan Solomon and Pat Costello.
Susan Solomon
Susan Solomon passed away on December 6, 2024 at the age of 92. At the time of her death,
she was living in a memory facility in Lincoln. Susan grew up in Brookline and attended
Baker School and Brookline High School. She attended Simmons University, graduating with
a degree in chemistry. She met her future husband, Stanley Solomon, in March of 1949 at a
dance at the temple at Newton. She was just shy of 17 years old and he was a freshman at
MIT.
They married four years later in 1953. Stanley and Susan spent time in Pittsburgh and
Houston before returning to Massachusetts and settling in Waltham. After they had saved up
enough money to buy a house, they moved to Lexington and they spent the next 50 years in
the home that they purchased here. Susan's many volunteer activities included providing
support to Estabrook Elementary School, where their sons Daniel and Lawrence were
enrolled. After learning that Boston schools had a shortage of this type of volunteer support,
she spent a number of years providing the same service in Boston and organized a group of
Lexington moms to join her.
Susan was a longtime town meeting member and member of the Conservation Commission.
She was appointed by the select board in 1976 to the Sanitary Landfill Advisory Committee,
and she served on its advisory subcommittee on recycling. She also served as a Lexington
poll worker for many years. Of her time in town meeting, her husband quipped that. "she
spoke quite forcefully when she believed verbal coercion was helpful".
Professionally, Susan provided marketing services to promote machine vision, which was a
new technology at the time used to provide imaging -based automatic inspection and analysis.
She was also known as quite an accomplished cook. In the early years of their marriage, she
took courses at the Cambridge Adult Education center to the learn to cook. And it turned out
she had a real knack for it.
I mentioned both of these things. The machine vision, marketing, and our cooking ability
because it not only illustrates her eclectic skills and interests, but also lends some context to
something Stanley shared in his obituary tribute to Susan.
He said, and I quote, "I believe Susan would identify her most important achievements as
number one, getting Julia Childs to modify her Beef Wellington recipe in the second edition
of her cookbook. And number two, getting New Zealand's World Cup racing entry managers
to evaluate a machine vision device for reading and adjusting their boat's mainsail.
To Stanley and the family, we extend our deepest sympathies. Susan will be missed. Please
join me for a moment of silence in memory of Susan Solomon.
Patricia Costello
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
Pat passed away on January 6th, 2025 at the age of 88. At the time of her death, she was living
in Peabody at Brooksby Village. Pat grew up in Chicago and graduated from St. Mary's
College in Notre Dame, Indiana in 1958 with a BA in English. Shortly after graduation, she
began her career with Honeywell, leading to her relocation to Massachusetts and ultimately
Lexington.
What a fortunate relocation that was for us. To our great benefit, Pat dedicated her retirement
years to more than two decades, to community service, for which she was honored with the
prestigious Minuteman Cane Award in 2019. She was a dedicated volunteer with the
Lexington Visitor Center and the Lexington Historical Society.
She was a familiar sight on the Lexington Green and on the Liberty Ride in full colonial attire,
leading tour groups from across the US and the world sharing her vast knowledge of, and
passion for, American history and Lexington's pivotal role in that history.
She shared that knowledge with LexSeeHer, the local nonprofit whose research advocacy and
fundraising resulted in our beautiful women's monument on the lawn in front of the visitor
center. Pat served for many years as an active and dedicated town meeting member right up
until her death.
Some of her most valuable and far-reaching work was under the auspices of the Selectman's
Tax Deferral and Exemption Study Committee, where she served as co-chair, initiating
improvements to tax deferral legislation and championing bills at the state house.
She was extremely active with the League of Women Voters, both at the local and state level.
She was also known for being a straight talker with a wry sense of humor.
I am indebted to a group of her closest friends and fans who provided me with some personal
remembrances that capture Pat's sense of humor, her appreciation of irony, and her feisty
spirit. I'll give you a sample.
Pat liked to say she moved to Massachusetts from Chicago for her job in Boston and
Honeywell, choosing Lexington because of its proximity to the city and the commuter train.
A few months after her arrival, the blizzard of 78 would lead to the rail service being closed.
Permanently. Then there's a story about the time Pat and former selectman Kathy Abbott
traveled to San Diego for the League of Women Voters Convention.
Attendees dubbed the duo Abbott and Costello and called them that throughout the
convention.
As a longtime tour guide for the Liberty Ride, Pat would joke that she knew all about April
19th ..but, don't ask her about the next day.
When Pat moved from Lexington to Brooksby Village in Peabody, a group of friends took her
to Concord's Colonial Inn for lunch as a send-off. And they decided to meet up every six
months thereafter. Sadly, Pat passed away shortly before the most recent scheduled luncheon,
but not without having the last word. Knowing the day was approaching, Pat reached out from
the hospital to tell the group organizer, "Keep the date, but I won't be able to make this one".
We extend our deepest sympathies to Pat's brother, John, and his wife, Joyce, her two
nephews and her niece, and their spouses as well as Pat's many friends.
A moment of silence was observed for Pat.
7:49 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 2.
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.
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
7:49 p.m. The Moderator asked for a procedural motion to take up Articles 24, 26, 27 and 28.
Mr. Lucente moved to take up Articles 24, 26, 27, and 28. Motion carries by
unanimous voice vote.
7:50 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 24.
Article 24 — Authorize the Town of Lexington to Prohibit or Restrict the Application of Second
Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (Citizen Petition)
MOTION: Ms. Bothwell Allen 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 act by the General Court before its
enactment that are within the general objectives of this motion:
Section 1. Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to allow the Town of Lexington to prohibit or restrict the use of Second -
Generation anticoagulant rodenticides under a future bylaw approved by Town Meeting.
Section 2. Notwithstanding Chapter 132B of the General Laws or any other general or special law to
the contrary, the Town of Lexington may, by bylaw, prohibit or restrict the application of second -
generation anticoagulant rodenticides within the Town of Lexington, including the application of such
pesticides by licensed commercial applicators as defined in 333 C.M.R. 10.00.
Section 3. This Act shall take effect upon passage.
7:51 p.m. Marci Cemenska presented information on the Article.
7:57 p.m. Ms. Hai noted that the Select Board was unanimously in support of the Article.
7:59 p.m. Arjun Wassan, 507 Bedford St., spoke in support of the Article.
8:00 P.M. Bob Avallone, Pct. 8, asked what the penalties were and how enforcement would be
handled. Ms. Cemenska noted that the Article didn't have details for that, and they
would be discussed in the future.
8:02 p.m. Kenneth Shine, Pct. 2, mentioned informal survey of the commercial uses, do you have
a survey of home users. Ms. Cemeska noted that they had not ventured to residential
land, but saw many bait boxes in apartment complexes or multi -family properties.
8:04 p.m. Sanjay Padaki raised a Point of Order stating that Members online were having an
issue hearing. The Moderator polled some Members to check the sound and asked the
audio be checked.
8:06 p.m. Kenneth Shine, Pct. 2, asked for an explanation of the outreach. Ms. Cemeska noted
that they had spoken to many residents at the Farmer's Market and other locations and
said that most were supportive.
8:07 p.m. Sudhir Ranjan, Pct. 8, asked if they had contacted OSHA about the exposure of this
chemical. Ms. Cemeska stated that she hadn't, but followed the FPA on it. She also
noted that currently SGARs were not for sale on retail shelves.
8:10 P.M. Mark Daggett, apologized for an interruption, but noted that Lex Media seemed to
have better quality than over Zoom.
8:11 P.M. John Rossi, Pct. 1, raised a Point of Order that the microphone had become hard to
hear.
8:11 P.M. Mark Anderson raised a Point of Order that the audio was still muffled. The
Moderator called a brief recess in order to address the issue. She asked Members
online to try logging in and out of Zoom.
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
8:19 P.M. The Meeting was called back to order. Members noted that the sound seemed better
and IT explained how to turn on closed captioning. The Moderator noted that those
Members who used LexMedia would be allowed a few extra seconds for voting due to
the delay in the service.
8:22 p.m. Members continued to discuss and debate the Article.
8:23 p.m. John Rossi raised a Point of Order to state that the audio was much better.
8:31 p.m. Steven Kaufman, Pct. 5, moved the question. The Moderator noted that the vote
would require a simple majority.
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
144 15 10
MOTION CARRIES
8:34 p.m. Ms. Cemeska offered final comments on the Article.
8:36 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Motion to ADDrove Article 24 — Authorize the Town of Lexington to Prohibit or Restrict the
AnDlication of Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (Citizen Petition)
Adopted by a vote of
Yes No Abstain
166 3 2
MOTION CARRIES
8:38 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 26.
ARTICLE 26 LOCAL VOTING RIGHTS FOR LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENTS (Citizen
Petition)
MOTION: Ms. Arens 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 endow legal voting rights in municipal elections for Town of
Lexington legal residents regardless of United States citizenship 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:
SECTION 1. Notwithstanding section one of chapter fifty-one of the General Laws, or any other
general or special law, rule of regulation to the contrary, any lawful permanent resident - otherwise
known as a green card holder - of the Town of Lexington, Massachusetts, that is otherwise eligible
under all provisions for voters in section one of said chapter fifty one, other than citizenship under the
laws of the United States of America, shall be considered a qualified local voter (henceforth, "local
voter") of the town for the purposes of voting in all town municipal elections, and shall be eligible to
stand for and participate as a member in Town Meetings, and sign all nominating, warrant, and other
petitions authorized by Town bylaws, including school committee referendum or other municipal
elections.
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 becoming a U.S. citizen, each local voter
shall be taken off said list and notified that they must register as a regular voter in accordance with
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
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 Select 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 election 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 to
ensure that local voters are able to vote on the local question and not partake in statewide elections.
SECTION 5. The Town of Lexington is hereby authorized to enact bylaws or regulations 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.
8:39 pm Nathalie Huitema presented information on the Article.
8:44 p.m. Ms. Hai noted that the Select Board had 3 Members in favor and 2 who were awaiting
debate (herself and Ms. Kumar).
Eric Michaelson, Appropriation Committee member, noted that both Articles 26 and
27 sought to enlarge Lexington's voter franchise for local elections beyond what was
allowed under state and federal law. As such their committee's Report to Town
Meeting offered a discussion on both articles, but noted that they did not make a
formal recommendation on either Article, and noted that funding would be required to
implement either change.
8:49 p.m. Kathleen Lenihan, Pct. 4, stated that it was her understanding that the penalty for
green holder voting in a federal election, even if it was an honest mistake, would be
that they were barred permanently from becoming a citizen. Mr. Makarious noted that
he was uncertain if that was true, and he would be hesitant to give what was essentially
immigration or voting advice, but that wouldn't impact the Article as it was for local
elections.
8:51 p.m. Ting Fang, Pct. 5, spoke in support of the Article.
8:52 p.m. Sudhir Ranjan, Pct. 8, stated that while this was a good article, he wanted to bring to
everyone's notice that from green card to citizen it was usually a five-year path, but
some residents chose to stay as green card holders, so he wanted to know if these
residents not choosing a citizenship path would be allowed to vote. Ms. Huitema
stated that the motion allowed green -card holders to vote for as long as they held a
green card and not have a boundary on how long they had it. Mr. Ranjan stated that
there should be a 5 -year limit.
8:55 p.m. Gang Chen, Pct. 8, spoke in favor of the Article and said that it was a matter of
fairness.
8:57 p.m. Members continued to debate and discuss the Article.
9:10 P.M. Charles Lamb, Pct. 4, raised a Point of Order and asked for clarification on whether
short statements could be made at the question microphone. The Moderator noted that
while the question microphone was for questions, if time was left, it could be used to
make a statement on how a person would vote, as long as it was within the time limit.
9:35 p.m. Steve Heinrich, Pct. 3, called the question.
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
111 46 11
MOTION CARRIES
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
9:38 p.m. Ms. Huitema offered final comments on the Article and thanked those who had helped
her bring the Article forward. The Moderator opened voting on the Article.
9:41 p.m. Mr. Shelat, Pct. 7, raised a Point of Order asking that they hear the final opinions of
the Select Board. The Moderator noted that as debate was closed, this would not be
permitted.
Mr. Lucerne asked the Moderator to note that Mr. Sandeen had joined the Meeting as
of 9:10 P.M.
9:43 p.m. Mr. Lamb served Notice of Reconsideration on Article 26. The Moderator stated that
this was timely and duly noted.
Motion to Approve Article 26 — Local Voting Rights for Lawful Permanent Residents (Citizen
Petition
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
84 79 7
MOTION CARRIES
9:42 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 27.
ARTICLE 27 ALLOW 16 YEAR OLDS VOTING RIGHTS IN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
(Citizen Petition)
MOTION:
Mr. 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 endow 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 application 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.
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
SECTION 4. If a local ballot question appears on a state election 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.
Mr. Botla, proponent, presented information on the Article.
Mr. Lucente noted that the Select Board was unanimously in support of the Article.
Mr. Michelson, Appropriation Committee Member, stated that his remarks were the same as on the
earlier Article.
9:48 p.m. Nidhi Inamdar, 39 Grapevine Ave. spoke in support of the Article and stated the
importance of being able to engage civically in the community.
9:50 p.m. Nishanth Veeragandham, 117 Lincoln St., spoke in support of the Article.
9:52 p.m. Alessandro Alessandrini, Pct. 4, spoke in favor of the Article.
9:54 p.m. Members continued to discuss and debate the Article.
10:15 p.m. Sanjay Padaki, Pct. 8, called the question.
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
114 34 14
MOTION CARRIES
10:17 p.m. Mr. Botla offered final comments on the Article.
Motion to Approve Article 27 — Allow 16 Year Olds Votinu Rights in Municipal Elections
(Citizen Petition)
Fails by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
76 91 2
MOTION FAILS
10:20 p.m. The Moderator noted that as Eid al-Fitr was taking place on March 31st, they would
adjourn until April 2nd and then asked for a Motion to Adjourn.
Mr. Lucente, Select Board Chair, Motioned to Adjourn the Annual Town Meeting to 7:30 p.m. on
Wednesday, April 2, 2025, such meeting to be held at the Margery Milne Baffin 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 2, 2025 Adiourned Session of the 2025 Annual Town Meeting
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
Moderator Deborah Brown called the third session of 2025 Annual Town Meeting to order at 7:30
p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Margery Milne Baffin Hall in the Cary Memorial Building,
1605 Massachusetts Avenue and by means of remote participation, a quorum in excess of 100
members was present (162).
The Moderator explained how participants would login for the meeting and noted reminders
regarding how members of the public could participate in the Meeting. She then opened the
attendance portal and ask that Members register their presence. She also checked in with a few
remote Members to check on the sound levels and was told that audio was working well.
7:34 p.m. The Moderator called a brief recess in order for the Town Meeting Members
Association (TMMA) to present recognition awards.
7:35 p.m. Sarah Higgin-Botham, Chair of the TMMA, noted that she had the privilege of
leading this moment of recognition for long-standing members, those people who had
served a very long time in town meeting. She noted the tradition of recognizing
Members who had served for 30 years, and those who had served for 50 years.
She stated that this year they did not have anyone who has reached the 30 -year mark.
However, they did have someone who, although no longer serving in town meeting,
served for 40 years, to receive recognition and their thanks. She recognized Janet
Perry for her 40 years of service and thanked her. She also said that Robert. Rothberg
had met his 50 -year milestone, and that he would be honored with a service award.
She thanked Bridger McGaw as immediate past -Chair, and noted that he had led with
great skill and humor along with a passion for focusing in on structures and systems.
7:38 p.m. The Moderator reconvened the Meeting.
7:39 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 2.
g. Report of the Select Board.
That the report of the Select Board be received and placed on file.
MOTION: Mr. Lucente moves that report of the Select Board be received and placed on file. As
there were no objections the motion carries unanimously.
f. Reports of the Capital Expenditures Committee
That the reports of the Capital Expenditures Committee be received and placed on file
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.
k. Report of the Recreation Committee
That the report of the Recreation Committee received and placed on file.
MOTION: Ms. Fenollosa moves that the report of the Recreation Committee received and placed
on file. As there were no objections the motion carries unanimously.
h. Report of the Community Preservation Committee
That the report of the Community Preservation Committee be received and placed on
file.
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.
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
7:40 p.m. Ms. Fenollosa presented information on the each of the Community Preservation
Committee (CPC) Articles.
Mr. Cohen raised a Point of Order and noted that the video was garbled on audio.
7:43 p.m. Ms. Fenollosa continued when the audio was repaired.
Procedural motion
7:54 p.m. The Moderator requested a motion to take up the Consent Agenda and then Article 10.
Mr. Lucente moved to take up the Consent Agenda and then Article 10. As there were
no objections the motion carries unanimously.
7:55 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 relevant) and any other
relevant Boards 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 would be passed with a single vote, without presentations or
debate at Town Meeting. She further stated that she would allow questions, and that if
25 or more members wished 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 stabilization funds, or
authorizing eminent domain. She said that she would read the list of items and one
vote would be taken at the end. The Moderator also noted that if anyone wished to
pose a question, they should choose the "point of order" line.
Consent Agenda
ARTICLE 8 APPROPRIATE FUNDING TO CONSTRUCT A PLAYGROUND IN
FLETCHER PARK (Citizen Petition)
MOTION: That this article be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 10 APPROPRIATE FOR THE FY2026 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 FY2026 Community Preservation budget and, pursuant to the recommendations of the
Community Preservation Committee, take the following actions:
That the Town reserve for appropriation the following amounts from estimated FY2026 receipts
as recommended by the Community Preservation Committee:
1. $829,000 for the acquisition, creation and preservation of open space;
2. $829,000 for the acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of historic resources;
3. $829,000 for the acquisition, creation, preservation and support of community housing; and
4. $5,803,000 to the Unbudgeted Reserve.
And further, that the Town make appropriations from the Community Preservation Fund and other
sources as follows:
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
c) That $21,000 be appropriated for Document Conservation, and to meet this appropriation
$21,000 be appropriated from the Historic Resources Reserve of the Community Preservation
Fund;
j) That $150,000 be appropriated for Administrative Expenses and all other necessary and proper
expenses of the Community Preservation Committee for FY2026, and to meet this
appropriation $150,000 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of the Community
Preservation Fund.
8:00 P.M. Alan Seferian, Pct. 8, raised a Point of Order and asked if this would be the time to
separate item "h". The Moderator noted that this item would not be on the Consent
Agenda and would be taken up on a different evening.
ARTICLE 11 APPROPRIATE FOR RECREATION CAPITAL PROJECTS
MOTION: That $70,000 be appropriated for Pine Meadows Golf Course equipment, and all
incidental costs related thereto; and that to meet this appropriation $70,000 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 - $80,000 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
$18,043 be appropriated from the Transportation Network Company Special Revenue Fund
and $61,957 be appropriated from the General Fund unreserved fund balance;
c) Equipment Replacement - $2,168,000 for the cost of equipment for the Department of
Public Works and all incidental costs related thereto, and that to meet this appropriation,
$1,816,000 be appropriated from the General Fund unreserved fund balance, $224,500 be
appropriated from Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings, and $127,500 be appropriated
from Wastewater Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings;
d) Sidewalk Improvements - $870,000 for rebuilding and repaving existing sidewalks, 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 $870,000 be appropriated from the General
Fund unreserved fund balance;
e) 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
unreserved fund balance;
I) Street Improvements - $2,726,806 for road reconstruction, extraordinary 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 $2,726,806 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;
8:02 p.m. Mr. McGaw, Pct. 6, asked how many hydrants had been replaced out of the total. Mr.
Pinsonneault said that he would need to check the number as he didn't have it with
him. Mr. McGaw asked if used dump trucks or plows were ever purchased. Mr.
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
Pinsonneault noted that they did not as public works equipment, when it was being
traded in, was usually at its end of life usefulness.
8:05 p.m. Steven Heinrich, Pct. 3, asked why there were certain amounts listed coming from
certain water and wastewater enterprise funds. Mr. Pinssoneault noted that the vehicles
listed there were for the specific tasks in water and sewer divisions.
8:06 p.m. Robert Rotberg, Pct. 3, noted that the Hardy Brook was causing flooding and questions
what plans for there were for cleaning it out. Mr. Pinssoneault stated that it was on
their list for assessment in the Spring.
g) Stormwater Management Program - $2,642,500 for general stormwater management,
including watershed storm management projects, constructing and reconstructing storm
drains or other projects to achieve NPDES compliance, 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 other interest in land necessary therefor; and all incidental costs
related thereto; and that to meet this appropriation $2,642,500 be appropriated from the
General Fund unreserved fund balance;
1) Municipal Technology Improvement Program - $150,000 for the purchase and installation of
server equipment, critical hardware and components, and all incidental costs related thereto,
and that to meet this appropriation $150,000 be appropriated from the General Fund
unreserved fund balance; and
m) Network Redundancy and Improvement Plan - $760,000 to build a stand-alone fiber network
for town computing and communications, and all the incidental costs 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 $760,000 be
appropriated from the General Fund unreserved fund balance.
F1R1IIola a FUR11»:7:1]9NINYa0]:aI.'/rYX:W%I&IY01011lu1U:i9]901011&1IlR
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 determine, 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 $2,334,940 for such distribution
systems improvements; and that to meet this appropriation, $1,200,000 be raised
through water user fees, and $1,134,940 be appropriated from Water Enterprise Fund
Retained Earnings.
8:11p.m. Umesh Shelat, Pct. 7, asked whether James St. would be resealed with regard to 12f.
Mr. Pinsonneault noted that the engineering department was currently reviewing and
assessing it, but he didn't have an answer on that particular street yet.
ARTICLE 14 APPROPRIATE FOR WASTEWATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
MOTION: That the following be authorized, and that the following amounts be appropriated
for the following 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 determine, 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
otherwise acquire any fee, easement or other interest in land necessary therefor; to
appropriate for
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
such installation and land acquisition the sum of $1,082,431; and that to meet this
appropriation, $600,000 shall be raised through wastewater user fees, and $482,431
be appropriated from Wastewater Enterprise Retained Earnings.
(b) that $200,000 be appropriated for pump station building improvements, including
replacement of windows and doors at the main wastewater pump station, and all
incidental costs related thereto, and to raise such amount $200,000 be appropriated
from Wastewater Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings.
ARTICLE 15 APPROPRIATE FOR SCHOOL CAPITAL PROJECTS AND EQUIPMENT
MOTION: That $1,500,910 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 $1,500,910 be appropriated from the General Fund unreserved fund
balance.
ARTICLE 16 APPROPRIATE FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES CAPITAL PROJECTS
MOTION: That the following amounts be appropriated for the following capital
improvements to public facilities and that each amount be raised as follows:
a) Public Facilities Bid Documents - $125,000 for professional services to produce
design development, construction documents, and bid administration services for
capital projects and all incidental 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 - $468,000 for interior finishes in municipal and
school buildings, and all incidental costs related thereto, and that to meet this
appropriation $468,000 be appropriated from the General Fund unreserved fund
balance;
c) School Paving and Sidewalks - $200,000 for school paving and sidewalk
improvement programs, including traffic safety improvements, 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 $200,000 be appropriated from the
General Fund unreserved fund balance;
(d) Municipal Building Envelopes and Associated Systems - $1,100,000 for
extraordinary repairs and modifications to the exterior envelope of municipal
buildings, and all incidental costs related thereto, and that to meet this
appropriation $863,579 be appropriated from the General Fund unreserved fund
ARTICLE 17 APPROPRIATE TO POST EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE LIABILITY FUND
MOTION: That $2,083,375 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 appropriation, $3,045 be appropriated from Water Fund receipts, $609 be
appropriated from Wastewater Fund receipts, and $2,079,721 be appropriated from
the General Fund unreserved fund balance.
ARTICLE 18 RESCIND PRIOR BORROWING AUTHORIZATIONS
MOTION: That the unused borrowing authorities as set forth below be and are hereby rescinded:
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
Article Town Meeting Project Description
Amount to be
Rescinded
100 2014 ATM Replace Townwide Telephone Systems — Phase III
$60,000
16B 2017 ATM Lexington High School Air Conditioning
$4,190
ARTICLE 20 APPROPRIATE FOR PRIOR YEARS' UNPAID BILLS
MOTION: That this article be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 21 APPROPRIATE FOR AUTHORIZED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
MOTION: That this article be indefinitely postponed.
8:15 p.m. Sandra Hackman, Pct. 7, asked about 12f street improvements and noted that it
mentioned appropriation from the State was Chapter 90, and wondered if that was in
addition to what the Town is spending or whether it would reduce it. Mr. Pinsonneault
noted that this would be in addition to the amount requested.
8:16 p.m. Jay Luker, Pct. 1, asked whether the amount in 12a, special revenue fund, was the total
amount that was awarded by the State. Ms. Kosnoff, Assistant Town Manager for
Finance, noted that the transportation network company funds were actually the
surcharge the Town received from ride share vehicles that originate in Lexington.
ARTICLE 22 SELECT BOARD TO ACCEPT EASEMENTS
MOTION: That, until July 1, 2026, 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 29 AMEND ZONING BYLAW - BICYCLE PARKING
MOTION: That this article be referred back to the Planning Board.
8:18 P.M. Mr. Lamb stated that, regarding Article 15, he had received an email asking why
police cars were in Article 4, and why items such as recurring capital were not, and
that this had been done for transparency and that they tried to fund recurring capital
items with cash.
8:19 P.M. Dawn McKenna, Pct., 6, requested information on Article 22 regarding Select Board
easements and asked whether that was for only this year or permanently. Mr.
Makarious noted that this was only for the fiscal year. Ms. McKenna followed up by
asking if all of the easements were voluntary or through taking easements. Mr.
Makarious noted that this did not authorize takings by imminent domain so they would
have to be negotiated, voluntary easements, including those that could be conditions of
the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals decisions.
8:20 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:
Motion to Approve Consent Agenda
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
173 2 4
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
MOTION CARRIES BY MORE THAN THE REQUIRED 2/3RDS
8:23 p.m. The Moderator opened Article 10 CPC Articles that had not been on the Consent Agenda.
ARTICLE 10 APPROPRIATE FOR THE FY2026 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 FY2026 Community Preservation budget and,
pursuant to the recommendations of the Community Preservation Committee, take
the following actions:
That the Town reserve for appropriation the following amounts from estimated
FY2026 receipts as recommended by the Community Preservation Committee:
1. $829,000 for the acquisition, creation and preservation of open space;
2. $829,000 for the acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of
historic resources;
3. $829,000 for the acquisition, creation, preservation and support of community
housing; and
4. $5,803,000 to the Unbudgeted Reserve.
And further, that the Town make appropriations from the Community Preservation
Fund and other sources as follows:
a) That $300,000 be appropriated for Cotton Farm/Community Center Connector,
and to meet this appropriation $300,000 be appropriated from the Open Space
Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund;
b) That $75,000 be appropriated for Simond's Brook Conservation Area Trail design
and engineering, and to meet this appropriation $75,000 be appropriated from the
Open Space Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund;
d) That $57,800 be appropriated for Hancock -Clarke House Roof Replacement, and
to meet this appropriation $57,800 be appropriated from the Historic Resources
Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund;
e) That $3,000,000 be appropriated to fund the Affordable Housing Trust, and to
meet this appropriation $335,000 be appropriated from the Community Housing
Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund, $2,105,096 be appropriated from
the Unbudgeted Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund, and $559,904 be
appropriated from the Undesignated Fund Balance of the Community Preservation
Fund;
I) That $494,140 be appropriated for LexHAB Affordable Housing Support,
Restoration, Preservation, and Decarbonization, and to meet this appropriation
$494,140 be appropriated from the Community Housing Reserve of the
Community Preservation Fund;
g) That $1,490,000 be appropriated for Park and Playground Improvements - Center
Playground, and to meet this appropriation $1,490,000 be appropriated from the
Unbudgeted Reserves of the Community Preservation Fund;
i) That $1,950,000 be appropriated for Lincoln Park Field Improvements, and to
meet this appropriation $860,000 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
of the Community Preservation Fund, $340,000 be appropriated from the General
Fund unreserved fund balance, and $750,000 be raised in the tax levy; and
8:25 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 10a.
a) That $300,000 be appropriated for Cotton Farm/Community Center Connector,
and to meet this appropriation $300,000 be appropriated from the Open Space
Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund;
8:25 p.m. Phil Hamilton, Recreation Committee Member, presented information on the Article.
8:27 p.m. Ms. Fenollosa noted that the Community Preservation Committee recommended the
Article unanimously with a vote of 9-0.
Mr. Sandeen stated the unanimous support of the Select Board for the Article.
Ms. Verma said that the Appropriation Committee had voted unanimously in favor of
the Article.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously voted in favor
of Articles 10a, b, d, f, g and I and noted they would have an oral report for 10e.
8:28 p.m. Kate Colburn, Pct. 4, asked whether the CPC or Select Board were planning to use
CPA funds to offset the costs of replacing the fields after the high school project. Ms.
Kosnoff, Assistant Town Manager for Finance, said that they were still in the process
of putting a funding plan together for the high school and while they could consider
that, the amount of money that it would cost to reconstruct the fields once the high
school was done would be significant and the amount of CPC funds available would
only be a small portion of that. Ms. Kosnoff also noted that artificial turf was not
eligible for CPA expenditures.
8:32 p.m. Steven Kaufman, Pct. 5, asked for clarification on the amount of the costs associated
with the Article. Ms. Mullins noted that it was a "maximum cost" estimate and
included all parts of the design and would include surveying in wetlands, possible legal
funds, as well as permitting and bid information, technical design, and possible
boardwalk design.
8:35 p.m. Bridger McGaw, Pct. 6, asked if funds were already earmarked to build the design and
whether they were trying to manage the costs down as opposed to managing them up
by building the most simple design at the cheapest cost. Ms. Mullins stated that while
that was the goal, as the path needed to be accessible there were a lot of variables
regarding the grade of the path. Mr. McGaw asked if the Select Board had a budget
number in mind for the project. Mr. Lucerne noted that they had not discussed a top
amount. Ms. Fenollosa said they did not have an amount as ConsCom would need to
provide it to them at a future date.
8:40 p.m. Members continued to discuss and debate the Article.
9:09 P.M. Robert Cohen, Pct. 4, 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 28 16
MOTION CARRIES
9:11 p.m. As there were not 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 10a: Cotton Farm/Community Center Connector
Adopted by a vote of:
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
Yes No Abstain
117 57 6
MOTION CARRIES
9:12 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article l Ob.
b) That $75,000 be appropriated for Simond's Brook Conservation Area Trail design and
engineering, and to meet this appropriation $75,000 be appropriated from the Open
Space Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund;
9:13 p.m. Phil Hamilton, Recreation Committee Member, presented information on the Article.
9:14 p.m. Bob Avallone raised a point of order regarding the review vote button. The Moderator
noted that they needed to scroll to the right.
Ms. Fenollosa noted that the Community Preservation Committee recommended the
Article unanimously with a vote of 9-0.
Mr. Sandeen stated the unanimous support of the Select Board for the Article.
Ms. Verma said that the Appropriation Committee had voted unanimously in favor of
the Article.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously voted in favor
of Articles I Oa, b, d, f, g and I and noted they would have an oral report on I Oe.
Ms. Buckley, Chair of the Commission on Disability, said that the Commission on
Disability was grateful to the Conservation Commission for addressing all ADA issues
in Lexington's open spaces and that they were unanimously in support of the Article.
9;18 P.M. Jonathan Himmel, Pct. 6, asked if the amount was to fund from design to bid
documents. Ms. Mullins confirmed that. Mr. Himmel asked when multiple options
would be presented with prices. Ms. Mullins noted that they were usually given at
25% of design. Mr. Himmel stated that it seemed odd to ask for full design costs, first
and he would like to see the full estimated cost beforehand.
9:22 p.m. Lin Jensen, Pct. 8 raised a point of order asking which of those sections under Article
10 required a 2/3 vote. The Moderator noted that there were none on this Article.
9:23 p.m. Members continued to debate and discuss the Article.
9:37 p.m. As there were no final comments on the Article, the Moderator opened the voting
portal.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 10b: Simond's Brook Conservation Area Trail Design and
Engineering
Adopted by a vote of
Yes No Abstain
175 3 1
MOTION CARRIES
9:39 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article l Od
d) That $57,800 be appropriated for Hancock -Clarke House Roof Replacement, and to
meet this appropriation $57,800 be appropriated from the Historic Resources Reserve
of the Community Preservation Fund;
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
9:40 p.m. Lester Savage, Member of the Lexington Historical Society, presented information on
the Article.
9:44 p.m. Ms. Fenollosa noted that the Community Preservation Committee recommended the
Article unanimously with a vote of 9-0.
Mr. Sandeen stated the unanimous support of the Select Board for the Article.
Ms. Verma said that the Appropriation Committee had voted unanimously in favor of
the Article.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously voted in favor
of the Article.
9:45 p.m. Steven Heinrich, Pct. 3, asked whether the roof on the Hancock -Clarke house was
cedar or pine. Mr. Savage stated that according to the architects, it was pine. Mr.
Heinrich said that he strongly recommended they use cedar. Mr. Savage agreed and
said they had bid the project out with western red cedar.
9:46 p.m. As there were no further questions the Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 10d: Hancock -Clarke House Roof Replacement
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
170 2 1
MOTION CARRIES
9:47 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article I Oe
e) That $3,000,000 be appropriated to fund the Affordable Housing Trust, and to meet
this appropriation $335,000 be appropriated from the Community Housing Reserve of
the Community Preservation Fund, $2,105,096 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted
Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund, and $559,904 be appropriated from the
Undesignated Fund Balance of the Community Preservation Fund;
9:48 p.m. Elaine Tung, Chair of the Affordable Housing Trust, presented information on the
Article.
10:02 p.m. Ms. Fenollosa noted that the Community Preservation Committee recommended the
Article unanimously with a vote of 9-0.
Mr. Sandeen stated the unanimous support of the Select Board for the Article.
Mr. Michaelson said that the Appropriation Committee had voted unanimously in
favor of the Article as well as 1Of, g, and i.
Mr. Lamb stated that while the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously voted in
favor of the Article, the did not consider it a floor on future funding levels and that
Lexington was undergoing a time of extraordinary affordable housing creation due to
the MBTA Communities Act rezoning, LexHAB's new status as a non-profit, and the
Lowell Street 68-44 development.
Ms. Buckley, Chair of the Commission on Disability, said that the Commission on
Disability were unanimously in support of the Article.
10:06 p.m. Steve Kaufman, Pct. 5, asked for details on the specific amount of housing that the
amount would create. Ms. Tung said that all of their efforts were 100% towards
affordable housing and they were not funding market rate housing at that time. Mr.
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
Kaufman asked if there was a specific target number of units that the fund would
generate. Ms. Tung noted that the average cost of a house in Lexington the prior year
was $1.9 million, so she did not have a specific number of units that would generate as
housing costs were high. Mr. Kaufman asked if they should be looking at providing as
many rentals as possible with the funds. Ms. Tung noted that this was their goal and
they would be buying down the difference between a market rate rent and an
affordable rent.
10:10 P.M. Members continued to discuss and debate the Article.
10:17 p.m. As there were no further questions, the Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 10e: Appropriation for Affordable Housing Trust
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
160 3 3
MOTION CARRIES
10:18 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article l Of
f) That $494,140 be appropriated for LexHAB Affordable Housing Support, Restoration,
Preservation, and Decarbonization, and to meet this appropriation $494,140 be appropriated
from the Community Housing Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund;
10:19 P.M. Sarah Morrison, LexHAB Executive Director, presented information on the Article.
10:28 p.m. Ms. Fenollosa noted that the Community Preservation Committee recommended the
Article unanimously with a vote of 9-0.
Mr. Sandeen stated the unanimous support of the Select Board for the Article.
The Moderator reminded the Meeting that both the Appropriation Committee and
Capital Expenditures Committee had unanimously voted in favor of the Article.
Ms. Buckley, Chair of the Commission on Disability, said that the Commission on
Disability supported LexHAB and were unanimously in support of the Article.
10:29 p.m. Steve Heinrich, Pct. 3, asked for information about a unit that had been rehabbed, but
did not currently have a tenant and asked what the process was to get a family into it.
Ms. Morrison noted that the property was unique and that it had been flooded, which
meant a complete rehab, but they had needed to wait for the original tenant to vacate
the property to do so. She further stated that they were currently going through the
lottery list to match a tenant to the units. Mr. Heinrich asked if LexHAB chose the
tenant, or whether the State was involved. Ms. Morrison said that LexHAB chose the
tenants based on their eligibility.
10:32 p.m. Lin Jensen, Pct. 8, questioned a unit on Wood Street that had encountered faulty air
conditioning the year prior and asked whether a heat pump unit could be provided.
Ms. Morrison noted that this was a Lexington Housing Authority property, not
LexHAB, but that LexHAB did try and replace any of their units with heat pumps in
as many instances as possible.
10:35 p.m. As there were no further questions, the Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 10f: Appropriation for LexHAB, Affordable Housinu Support,
Restoration, Preservation, and Decarbonization
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
163 0 2
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
10:36 p.m. The Moderator asked for a Motion to Adjourn
Mr. Lucente, Select Board Chair, Motioned to Adjourn the Annual Town Meeting to 7:30 p.m. on
Monday, April 7, 2025, such meeting to be held at the Margery Milne Baffin 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 7. 2025 Adiourned Session of the 2025 Annual Town Meetin
Moderator Deborah Brown called the fourth session of 2025 Annual Town Meeting to order at 7:31
p.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the Margery Milne Baffin Hall in the Cary Memorial Building,
1605 Massachusetts Avenue and by means of remote participation, a quorum in excess of 100
members was present (173).
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 7:47 p.m. and stated that she would leave the Portal open while more Members came
into the Hall.
7:31 p.m. The Moderator called a recess for the Lexington High School Student Recognition
Awards. State Representative Ciccolo presented the awards, which were signed by
Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano, herself, and State Representative Ken Gordon.
7:43 p.m. The Moderator reconvened the Meeting and noted general instructions for Members
and the public.
7:47 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
c. Report of the Town Manager
MOTION: Mr. Lucente moves that the report of the Town Manager be received and placed on file.
As there were no objections, the motion passes unanimously.
Steve. Bartha, Town Manager, presented information on the Report and thanked the Select Board and
the Members for their support. He then presented a slide show highlighting the Senior Management
Team.
8:00 P.M. A brief recess was called to recognized the Senior Management Team.
8:01 P.M. The Moderator reconvened the Meeting.
8:02 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
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 passed unanimously.
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
Heidi Driscoll, Minuteman School Superintendent, and Nikki Andrade, Minuteman's Business
Manager, presented financial information regarding the REport and then fielded questions from
Members.
8:12 p.m. Judy Crocker, Pct. 5, asked whether the school received any grants or awards that could
bolster the budget. Ms. Andrade said there weren't many, but they did receive regular
entitlement grants and had a capital grant.
8:14 p.m. Mark Anderson, Pct. 9, said that it was his understanding that there had been significant
demand from member towns and asked whether there were any circumstances when
non-members were chosen over members. Ms. Driscoll said there were not and that out
of district students were accepted only if there was room.
8:16 p.m. Scott Burson, Pct. 9, said that he could see a change in the capital operating budget and
asked for more explanation due to the reduction in operating capital. Ms. Driscoll noted
that an energy savings lease for the old building had fallen off the books. She said that
they had shifted those funds to increase their OPEB contributions in a one-time jump
and would continue to increase that amount by 5% per year.
8:20 p.m. Gloria Bloom, Pct. 4, asked if all students from member towns were accepted. Ms.
Driscoll noted that there were currently enough seats for everyone through their
admissions policy and that Lexington had 21 slots allocated.
8:24 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
d. Report of the Superintendent of Schools
MOTION: Ms. Jay moves that the report of the Superintendent of Schools be received and placed on
file. As there were no objections, the motion passes unanimously.
Dr. Hackett presented information on the FY26 School Budget.
8:34 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 4.
Article 4 — Appropriate FY2026 Operating Budget
MOTION: M r . L u c e n t e moves that the following amounts be appropriated 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
Expenses
Total Line Item 1100, Lexington Public Schools
$ 127,183,816
$ 18,849,517
$ 146,033,333
1150 Special Education Reserve Fund (MGL Ch.40, Sec 13E)* $ 700,000
1200 Regional Schools $ 3,606,312
Program 2000: Shared Expenses
2110 Contributory Retirement $ 11,521,504
2130 Employee Benefits (Health/Dental/Life/Medicare) $ 41,147,189
2140 Unemployment $ 200,000
2150 Workers' Comp.(MGL Ch. 40, Sec. 13A&13C, Ch. 41, Sec. I I IF)* $ 500,000
2210 Property & Liability Insurance $ 1,277,696
2220 Uninsured Losses (MGL Ch. 40, Sec. 13)* $ 200,000
2310 Solar Producer Payments $ 390,000
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
2400 Debt Service
2410 Payment on Funded Debt
$
3,895,500
2420 Interest on Funded Debt
$
1,288,057
2430 Temporary Borrowing
$
799,511
2510 Reserve Fund
$
850,000
2600 Facilities
$
15,189,172
Program 3000: Public Works
3100-3500 DPW Personal Services
$
5,428,165
3100-3500 DPW Expenses (including municipal & school refuse &
recycling & hazard tree removal)
$
8,855,763
Program 4000: Public Safety
4100 Law Enforcement Personal Services
$
8,464,958
4100 Law Enforcement Expenses
$
1,281,020
4200 Fire Personal Services
$
8,480,645
4200 Fire Expenses
$
978,343
Program 5000: Culture & Recreation
5100 Library Personal Services
$
2,950,596
5100 Library Expenses
$
740,865
Program 6000: Human Services and Health
6100-6200 Human Services Personal Services
$
753,284
6100-6200 Human Services Expenses
$
950,313
6500 Health Personal Services
$
473,524
6500 Health Expenses
$
87,500
Program 7000: Land Use, Housing and Development
7100-7400 Land Use, Housing and Development Personal Services
$
2,034,845
7100-7400 Land Use, Housing and Development Expenses
$
430,391
Program 8000: General Government
8110 Select Board Personal Services
$
155,071
8110 Select Board Expenses
$
131,013
8120 Legal
$
375,000
8130 Town Report
$
13,688
8140 PEG
$
764,757
8210-8220 Town Manager Personal Services
$
1,214,912
8210-8220 Town Manager Expenses
$
394,810
8230 Salary Transfer Account (MGL Ch.40, Sec 13D)*
$
—
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
$
8,820
8320 Misc. Boards and Committees
$
10,500
8330 Town Celebrations Committee
$
53,800
8400 Finance Personal Services
$
1,685,728
8400 Finance Expenses
$
520,490
8500 Town Clerk Personal Services
$
562,029
8500 Town Clerk Expenses
$
130,450
8600 Innovation & Technology Personal Services
$
867,726
8600 Innovation & Technology Expenses
$
2,508,398
Note: Asterisk denotes a Continuing Balance Account.
and that the Town transfer the following sums to meet, in part, appropriations made at this Town
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
Meeting:
$ 700,000 from Unreserved Fund Balance/Free Cash for line item 1150;
$ 400,000 from Unreserved Fund Balance/Free Cash for line item 2110;
$ 596,441 from the PEG Access Special Revenue Fund for line items 2130, 2600 and 8140;
$ 100,000 from Recreation Enterprise Retained Earnings for line item 2400;
$ 200,000 from Unreserved Fund Balance/Free Cash for line item 3100-3500;
$ 2,000 from the Betterments Fund for line items 2410, 2420 and 2430;
$ 151,875 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;
$ 425,500 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;
$ 1,002,244 from the Water Enterprise Fund;
$ 614,684 from the Sewer Enterprise Fund; and
$ 318,261 from the Recreation Enterprise Fund.
Mr. Lucente stated the unanimous support of the Select Board for the Article.
Ms. Jay noted the unanimous support of the School Committee for the Article.
Mr. Levine said that the Appropriation Committee unanimously recommended
approval of the Article.
The Moderator took a moment to read each of the general budget headings.
8:35 p.m. Bronte Abraham, Pct. 3, asked questions regarding vacant positions and what the
possible amount of the turnback would be. Dr. Hackett said that they did not
anticipate a turn back, unless they received a reimbursement from the state, they
currently had 14 vacant positions, and this was one of their lowest rates. Ms. Abraham
said that she hoped management would look at the budget in July and create a fund for
paraprofessionals so that they could receive a raise. Dr. Hackett noted that they had
created reserve account for special education stabilization.
8:40 p.m. Members continued to discuss and debate the Article.
9:06 p.m. The Moderator noted the different line items for the Motion.
9:43 p.m. Dawn McKenna, Pct. 6, called the question.
9:45 p.m. Jay Luker raised a point of order regarding a person in the public waiting line. The
Moderator noted that they could not call one everyone from the public line due to
timing.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
101 52 17
MOTION CARRIES
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
9:46 p.m. Mr. Lucente gave final comments on the Article and mentioned the collaborative
budget planning and meetings.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 4: Appropriate FY2026 Operating Budget
Adopted by a vote of
Yes No Abstain
154 7 12
MOTION CARRIES
9:48 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 5
Article 5 — Appropriate FY2026 Enterprise Funds Buduets
MOTION: a) Ms. Kumar moves that the Town appropriate the following sums of money to
operate the Water Division of the Department of Public Works during fiscal
year 2026 under the provisions of
M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53F'/z:
Personal Services
$1,074,990
Expenses
$675,100
Debt Service
$1,438,006
MWRA Assessment
$8.650.822
Total
$11,838,918
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 2026 under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53F'/2:
Personal Services $497,353
Expenses $617,100
Debt Service $1,672,086
MWRA Assessment $9.359.196
Total $12,145,735
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 2026
under the provisions of
M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53F'/2:
Personal Services $1,875,354
Expenses $1,670,835
Total $3,546,189
Said sums to be funded from recreation receipts, except that $455,000 shall be
funded from recreation retained earnings, and $254,213 shall be raised in the tax
levy.
Ms. Kumar stated the unanimous support of the Select Board for the Article.
Mr. Bartenstein said that the Appropriation Committee unanimously recommended
approval of the Article.
9:51 p.m. As there were no questions, the moderator opened voting on the Article.
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 5: Appropriate FY2026 Enterprise Funds Buduets
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
163 0 2
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
Procedural vote
9:53 p. m. The Moderator asked Mr. Lucerne for a motion to next take up Articles 7 and 9. Mr.
Lucerne moves to take up Articles 7 and 9. As there were no objections, the motion
carries unanimously.
Article 7 — Sustainable Proiects
MOTION: Mr. Pato moves that $24,000 be appropriated for solar assessments of Town -owned
parking lots to determine the technical and economic feasibility of installing solar canopies and
related systems, and all costs incidental or related thereto, and that to meet this appropriation,
$24,000 be appropriated from the General Fund unreserved fund balance.
Maggie Peard, Sustainability and Resiliency Officer, presented information on the Article.
Mr. Pato stated the unanimous support of the Select Board for the Article.
Mr. Lamb noted that the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously recommended
approval of the Article.
Mr. Levine said that the Appropriation Committee unanimously recommended
approval of the Article.
Ms. Arens, stated that the Sustainable Lexington Committee unanimously supported
passage of the Article.
9:58 p.m. Steven Kaufman, Pct. 5, asked for an explanation about why some things were
efficient, but not others. Ms. Peard noted that the scope of the Article was strictly
regarding feasibility for an initial phase and not layout or design.
10:00 P.M. Kunal Botla, Pct. 4, said that he was concerned regarding the method of exclusively
using solar in parking lots that it will not lead to what the Town needed - a dynamic
center. He asked that consideration be shown for how parcels could be used in other
manners.
10:01 P.M. Anil Ahuja, Pct. 5, noted that some solar companies would offer this service for free
and wondered if this had been looked into. Mr. Cronin noted that they had looked into
it but companies usually provided the service for the private world, not public
properties.
10:02 p.m. As there were no further questions the Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 7: Sustainable Projects
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
160 7 2
MOTION CARRIES
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
10:05 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 9.
Article 9 — Establish & Continue Departmental Revolving Funds
MOTION: REVOLVING FUNDS MOTION: Ms. Kumar moves that the Town authorize the
following revolving fund limits pursuant to the provisions of M.G.L.Chapter 44, Section 53E'/2,
and Chapter 110 of the Code of the Town of Lexington, for Fiscal Year 2026 beginning July 1,
2025, as follows:
FUNDS REQUESTED:
Program or Purpose for Revolving Funds
FY2026
Authorization
School Bus Transportation
$1,300,000
Building Rental Revolving Fund
$648,000
Lexington Tree Fund
$150,000
DPW Burial Containers
$60,000
DPW Compost Operations
$955,000
Minuteman Household Hazardous Waste Program
$250,000
Refuse and Recycling Collection
$0
Senior Services
$75,000
Residential Engineering Review
$57,600
Health Programs
$110,000
Lab Inspections
$80,000
Tourism
$562,000
Ms. Kumar stated the unanimous support of the Select Board for the Article.
Ms. Jay said that the School Committee unanimously supported passage of the Article
with respect to the School Bus Transportation Revolving Fund.
Ms. Parker said that the Appropriation Committee unanimously recommended
approval of the Article.
10:06 p.m. As there were no questions, the Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 9: Establish & Continue Departmental Revolving Funds
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
165 0 2
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
10:08 P.M. The Moderator asked Mr. Lucerne for a motion to next take up Article 28. Mr. Lucerne
moves to take up Article 28. As there were no objections, the motion carries
unanimously.
Article 28 Accurate Reporting on the Negative Aspects of Lithium -Ion Batteries (Citizens
Petition)
MOTION: Mr. Baskin moves that the Town adopts the following resolution:
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
WHEREAS, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the source of 70% of the cobalt currently
used worldwide and the mining of cobalt in that country is associated with negative environmental
impacts as well as social justice and environmental justice issues for the indigenous population;
WHEREAS, South America's lithium " golden triangle", which spans the borders of Argentina,
Bolivia, and Chile, is the source of 60% of the lithium currently used worldwide and the
mining of lithium in that region is associated with negative environmental impacts as well as social
justice and environmental justice issues for the indigenous population;
WHEREAS, Thacker Pass, Nevada, is estimated to hold the largest deposits of lithium in the United
States and that a proposed 6,000 acre open pit lithium mine will result in negative environmental
impacts as well as social justice and environmental justice issues for the Native Americans who
believe Thacker Pass is sacred ground and that the proposed mine will ultimately lead to the
cultural genocide to the Paiute and Shoshone people.
WHEREAS, the mining of the ocean floor will contribute to climate change and global warming,
negatively impact global fisheries, and have cultural, social justice and environmental justice issues
for the indigenous population that depends on fishing as a way of life;
WHEREAS, energy infrastructure has historically been inequitably located in environmental justice
communities across the country and around the world and that this will likely continue as more
and more green energy sources are brought into use;
WHEREAS, most lithium -ion batteries are not recycled and end up in landfills inequitably located
near environmental justice communities, and these batteries are subjected to conditions that can
cause them to combust and release toxic fluoride gas, carbon monoxide, and other toxic
substances;
Mr. Baskin presented information on the Article and gave information on the Resolution. The
Moderator noted that it was non-binding. Mr. Baskin then gave a summation of the Resolution.
10:18 P.M. Mr. Pato stated the Select Board had 4 in support and 1 opposed to the Article.
Ms. Arens stated that the Sustainable Lexington Committee was appreciative of the
work and concept involved, but they did not support the Resolution, as it was too
narrow in focus. They recommended that the Town continue to make responsible
decisions in all areas and thanked Mr. Baskin for raising the issue.
10:24 p.m. Betsey Weiss, Pct. 2, asked for a summary of what Mr. Baskin was trying to
accomplish. The Moderator noted that this was stated in the last parts of the
Resolution. Ms. Weiss asked that the Select Board member who voted "no" be asked
their reasons. Mr. Sandeen noted that he was completely in favor of the Town doing a
comprehensive analysis regarding trade offs in their decision, but they were already
doing so.
10:33 p.m. Barbara Katzenberg, Pct. 2, indicated her support for the Article.
10:34 p.m. Alex Tsouvalas, Pct. 5, noted that he was opposed to the Article.
10:37 p.m. Members continued to discuss and debate the Article.
10:45 p.m. Philip Hamilton, Pct. 7, called the question.
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
117 18 10
MOTION CARRIES
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
10:46 p.m. Mr. Bastien offered final comments on the Article.
Motion to Approve Article 28 — Accurate Reporting on the Negative Aspects of Lithium -Ion
Batteries (Citizen Petition)
Fails by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
56 79 16
MOTION FAILS
10:50 p.m. The Moderator asked for a Motion to Adjourn.
Mr. Lucente, Select Board Chair, Motioned to Adjourn the Annual Town Meeting to 7:30 p.m. on
Wednesday, April 9, 2025, such meeting to be held at the Margery Milne Baffin 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 9, 2025 Adiourned Session of the 2025 Annual Town Meeting
Moderator Deborah Brown called the fifth session of 2025 Annual Town Meeting to order at 7:30
p.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the Margery Milne Baffin Hall in the Cary Memorial Building,
1605 Massachusetts Avenue and by means of remote participation, a quorum in excess of 100
members was present (162).
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 7:35 p.m.
7:35 p.m. The Moderator requested a procedural vote to take up Articles 12, 16, l Oh, and 23.
Mr. Lucente motion to take up Articles 12, 16, l Oh, and 23. As there were no objections,
the motion passed unanimously.
The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 12 and noted that they would be taking
up items that were not part of the Consent Agenda, namely, Articles 12b, 12h, 12i, 12j,
and 12k
ARTICLE 12 APPROPRIATE FOR MUNICIPAL CAPITAL PROJECTS AND EQUIPMENT
MOTION: Mr. Pato moves that the following amounts be appropriated for the following municipal
capital improvements and that each amount be appropriated as follows:
b) Fire Pumper Truck - $1,100,000 for the replacement of a pumper truck, and all incidental costs
related thereto, and that to meet this appropriation $1,100,000 be appropriated from the General Fund
unreserved fund balance;
Mr. Pato noted that the Select Board unanimously supported passage of the Article.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee had voted 5-0 in favor of passage
of the Article.
Mr. Ahuja said that the Appropriation Committee unanimously supported passage of the
Article.
7:37 p.m. Jay Luker, Pct. 1, asked why the Article hadn't been on the consent agenda. Mr. Pato
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
noted that it was not a routine item, and therefore not put on. Mr. Luker asked if the type
of equipment had been chosen. Chief Sencabaugh noted that it was an "Emergency One"
brand and then answered some questions regarding model of the proposed fire engine.
7:42 p.m. Kunal Botla, Precinct 4, inquired whether the fire department was considering adding
other types of equipment as more calls were primarily medical. Chief Sencabaugh noted
that they needed to keep within a framework to staff the stations.
7:47 p.m. Alessandro Alessandrini, Pct. 4, asked whether due to increased tariffs, there was enough
money for the equipment set aside to absorb them. Chief Sencabaugh noted that as of
then, there was, as they had been trying to proceed with this for some time and the vendor
price was still in effect but it could items something in the future.
7:48 p.m. Members continued to discuss and debate the Article.
7:56 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Motion to Approve Article 12b — Fire Pumper Truck
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
168 1 3
MOTION CARRIES
7:58 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 12h
h) New Sidewalk Installations - $150,000 for survey and engineering services for Burlington Street
and North Street for the purpose of future installation of sidewalks in those locations, and all
incidental costs related thereto; and that to meet this appropriation $150,000 be appropriated from
the General Fund unreserved fund balance;
John Livesey, Town Engineer, presented information on the Article.
8:02 p.m. Anthony Galaitis, Pct. 5, raised a point of order, and noted that the audio wasn't working.
The Moderator asked those having an issue to log off and then back in. The Moderator
held the presentation for a few minutes to allow Members to do so.
Mr. Pato noted that the Select Board unanimously supported passage of the Article.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously supported passage of
Articles 12h, i, j, and k
Mr. Abuja said that the Appropriation Committee, unanimously supported passage of the
Article.
The Moderator reminded members of the public to get in the queue in the balcony.
8:07 p.m. Mark Anderson, Pct. 9, noted that there wasn't an overall cost estimate and asked if there
was a ballpark estimate for total cost and overall construction. Mr. Livesy said that in
the 5 -year capital plan, they had estimated it would be approximately $250K for design,
but they couldn't yet estimate land acquisition until they had a design where the right-of-
way was and a current construction estimate of approximately $4 million. He further
noted that the estimates were based on other similar projects they had done in the past.
8:11 p.m. Sara Bothwell Allen, Pct. 6, noted her support for the Article.
8:14 p.m. Members continued to discuss and debate the Article.
8:22 p.m. Kenneth Shine, Pct. 2, called the question.
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
Yes No Abstain
128 31 12
MOTION CARRIES
8:24 p.m. As there were no final comments, the Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Motion to Approve Article 12h — New Sidewalk Installations
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
168 2 2
MOTION CARRIES
8:25 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 12i
i) Intersection Improvements - Adams St. at East St. & Hancock St. - $325,000 for design and
engineering services for improvements at two intersections, Adams Street and East Street, and
Adams Street and Hancock Street, and all incidental costs related thereto, and that to meet this
appropriation $325,000 be appropriated from the General Fund unreserved fund balance;
Mr. Livesey, Town Engineer, presented information on the Article.
Mr. Pato noted that the Select Board unanimously supported passage of the Article.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee had already stated that they were
unanimously in support of passage of the Article.
Mr. Abuja said that the Appropriation Committee, unanimously supported passage of the
Article.
8:28 p.m. As there were no questions, the Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Motion to Approve Article 12i — Intersection Improvements — Adams St. at East St. & Hancock
St.
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
164 1 4
MOTION CARRIES
8:30 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 12j
j) DPW Building Improvements - $120,000 to replace overhead service bay doors at the Public
Services Building located at 201 Bedford St., and all incidental costs related thereto, and that to meet
this appropriation $120,000 be appropriated from the General Fund unreserved fund balance;
Mr. Pinsonneault presented information on the Article.
Mr. Pato noted that the Select Board unanimously supported passage of the Article.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously supported passage of
Articles 12j.
Mr. Abuja said that the Appropriation Committee, unanimously supported passage of the
Article.
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
8:32 p.m. As there were no questions, the Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Motion to Approve Article 12i — DPW Building Improvements
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
167 1 4
MOTION CARRIES
8:34 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 12k
k) Lincoln Park Parking Lot - Design - $375,000 for design and engineering services for the Lincoln
Park parking lot, including feasibility and design of solar canopies at that location, and all
incidental costs related thereto, and that to meet this appropriation $375,000 be appropriated from
the General Fund unreserved fund balance;
Weiwei Li, Recreation Committee Member, presented information on the Article.
Mr. Pato noted that the Select Board unanimously supported passage of the Article
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously recommends passage
of Articles 12k.
Mr. Ahuja said that the Appropriation Committee, unanimously recommends passage of the
Article.
8:40 p.m. Dawn McKenna, Pct. 6, asked whether there were any legal or policy documents for
Lincoln Park regarding adding solar there. Mr. Makarious said that he was not aware of
any for Lincoln Park, and would be surprised as it was not a change of chapter 97 use to
have canopies in the parking lot. Ms. McKenna asked if that could be checked before
they voted on it.
8:45 p.m. Steven Kaufman, Pct. 5, stated that he thought there were more people that wanted to use
the park than space available and was concerned with the cost.
8:47 p.m. Peter Shapiro, Pct. 4, noted that the parking might be used as a satellite lot for the High
School and questioned whether that had been taken into account. Ms. Battite noted that
the parking had been considered before the High School plan had been put forward, and
they had found that while students used it, there wasn't a safe, accessible route to it for
them to do so throughout the school year.
8:49 p.m. Mark Anderson, Pct. 9, said that the park was an important asset to the Town and demand
for parking was high and asked how much additional capacity was created and whether
options to alleviate parking issues had been considered. Ms. Battite noted that during the
master plan some of the examples showed parking issues when a bus would come and
block out multiple spaces. She noted that they should learn what they would gain
throughout the design process, and it might not be more spaces, but spaces that better fit
the vehicles.
8:53 p.m. Members continued to discuss and debate the Article.
9:08 pm. Taylor Singh, Pct. 6, called the question.
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes I No I Abstain
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
115 1 41 1 15
MOTION CARRIES
9:10 p.m. As there were no final comments on the Article, the Moderator opened voting.
Motion to Approve Article 12k — Lincoln Park Parking Lot - Design
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
103 65 7
MOTION CARRIES
9:12 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 16 and noted that they would be
working with portions of the Article that hadn't been a part of the Consent Agenda,
namely 16e and 16f.
ARTICLE 16 APPROPRIATE FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES CAPITAL PROJECTS
MOTION: Mr. Pato moves that the following amounts be appropriated for the following capital
improvements to public facilities and that each amount be raised as follows:
e) Central Administration Building Demolition - $3,550,000 for the demolition of the old
Harrington School located at 146 Maple St. including abatement and disposal costs, and
site and utility work, and all costs incidental or related thereto, and that to meet this
appropriation $3,550,000 be appropriated from the General Fund unreserved fund
balance; and
Michael Cronin, Director of Facilities, presented information on the Article.
Mr. Pato noted that the Select Board unanimously supported passage of the Article.
Ms. Jay said that the School Committee unanimously supported passage of Article 16e.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously supported passage of
Article 16e.
Mr. Osborne said that the Appropriation Committee unanimously supported passage of the
Article.
9:18 p.m. Tom Diaz, Pct. 8, asked if the Article were adopted, whether demolition would happen
immediately. Mr. Cronin said that the timeline was that 173 Bedford Street, which was
currently under construction, should be done by the end of October. Then they would
move the staff in, after which, bidding would be done. The demolition would be
November or December.
9:19 p.m. Dawn McKenna, Pct. 6, stated that she was opposed to the Article and that it could be
used as a swing space.
9:21 p.m. Masha Traber, Pct. 5, noted that she was opposed to the Article.
9:22 p.m. Members continued to discuss and debate the Article.
9:40 p.m. Marsha Baker, Pct. 7, called the question.
Motion to Approve Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
Yes No Abstain
103 51 13
MOTION CARRIES
9:41 p.m. As there were no further comments on the Article, the Moderator opened voting.
Motion to Approve Article 16e — Central Administration Building Demolition
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
114 41 11
MOTION CARRIES
The Moderator called upon Jennifer Richlin, Pct. 4, who had hoped to vote by voice. The Moderator
asked the Clerk to record her vote of "no" as the system had already updated. The new totals are:
Motion to Approve Article 16e — Central Administration Building Demolition
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
114 41 11
MOTION CARRIES
9:43 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 16f
f) Estabrook Elementary School Nurse Bathroom Renovation - $300,000 for the
renovation of the nurses bathroom at Estabrook Elementary School, including equipment to provide
service to students with significant special physical needs, and all incidental costs related thereto, and
that to meet this appropriation $300,000 be appropriated from the General Fund unreserved fund
balance.
Michael Cronin, Director of Facilities, presented information on the Article.
Mr. Pato noted that the Select Board unanimously supported passage of the Article.
Ms. Jay said that the School Committee unanimously supported passage of Article 16f.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously supported passage of
Article 16f.
Mr. Osborne said that the Appropriation Committee unanimously supported passage of the
Article.
9:46 p.m. Bob Avallone, Pct. 8, asked if facilities like this already existed in the middle and high
School. Mr. Cronin stated that there were designs in place for the new high school, and
if needed, it would be designed for the middle school as well.
9:49 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Motion to Approve Article 16f — Estabrook Elementary School Nurse Bathroom Renovation
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
Adopted by a vote of
Yes No Abstain
160 2 7
MOTION CARRIES
9:51 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting on Article IOh and noted that it had already been
moved by Ms. Fenollosa on a prior evening.
ARTICLE 10 APPROPRIATE FOR THE FY2026 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 FY2026 Community Preservation budget and, pursuant to the
recommendations of the Community Preservation Committee, take the following
actions:
That the Town reserve for appropriation the following amounts from estimated
FY2026 receipts as recommended by the Community Preservation Committee:
h) That $1,197,904 be appropriated for Park Improvements - Athletic Fields -
Harrington, including design, engineering, construction documents and site work
to develop athletic fields at 146 Maple Street, and all costs incidental or related
thereto, and to meet this appropriation $1,197,904 from the Unbudgeted Reserves
of the Community Preservation Fund;
Claire Sheth, Recreation Committee Member, presented information on the Article.
The Moderator stated that there was an update from the April 8 Recreation Meeting. Ms. Battite
noted that at their meeting the prior evening, their vote showed that they planned to pursue a field
layout at Harrington Maple Street athletic field project for 2 large rectangle fields that could contain
within them a cricket field overlay to be composed of a high quality sand -based, root zone natural
grass field substantively as presented in "option 5 (the preferred layout)"
Ms. Fenollosa stated that the Community Preservation Committee had voted 9-0 in support of
the Article.
Mr. Sandeen noted that the Select Board unanimously supported passage of the Article.
Ms. Jay read a prepared statement on behalf of the School Committee, stating that "this article
represents appropriation of CPA Funds for the full design and engineering and site work for
the development of athletic playing fields at 146, Maple Street. The School Committee is in
support of building athletic fields on the old Harrington site upon demolition of the LPS Central
Administration Building. The demand for additional fields to address the unmet recreational
needs of their community was outlined in the Recreation Department's 2021 to 22
Comprehensive Report. The School Committee understands the importance of meeting this
need, and supports the request. The land at 146 Maple Street is part of the Harrington School
property, and owned by the Lexington Public Schools. As such, the land will remain under
the School Committee's oversight. While we cannot predict what school or municipal needs
there might be in the future, the School Committee is in full support of constructing the
proposed new fields at this time in order to meet the recreational needs of our residents. We
are glad to support the creation of a community resource that will enhance the health, well-
being, and enjoyment of the residents of all ages. The School Committee is in unanimous
support of Article IOh."
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously 5-0 in support of the
Article and noted that the land was titled to the Town and any decision as to who controlled it
was policy, only.
Ms. Verma said that the Appropriation Committee unanimously recommended passage of the
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
Article.
10:00 p.m. Tom Diaz, Pct., 8, said that he had heard the statement that the land was titled to the
Town and it was only policy that it was controlled by the School Committee, and asked
Counsel to weigh in on this. Mr. Makarious stated that the School Committee controlled
it only while it was a school building, but the Town still owned the legal title.
10:04 p.m. Jeanne Krieger, Pct. 3, thanked the Recreation Committee for choosing grass fields with
a sand base.
10:06 p.m. Mark Anderson, Pct. 9, thanked Ms. Krieger on educating them on grass fields and
synthetic alternatives.
10:08 p.m. Mr. Miller read a statement from Jillian Tung and Wendy Heiger-Bernays in support of
grass fields.
10:09 p.m. Members continued to discuss and debate the Article.
10:14 p.m. Steven Kaufman, Pct. 5, moved the question.
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
124 28 11
MOTION CARRIES
10:15 p.m. As there were no final comments, the Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Motion to Approve Article lOh— Park Improvements — HarrinQton Athletic Fields
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
150 12 4
MOTION CARRIES
10:17 p.m. The Moderator asked for a Motion to Adjourn
Mr. Lucente, Select Board Chair, Motioned to Adjourn the Annual Town Meeting to 7:30 p.m. on
Monday, April 14, 2025, such meeting to be held at the Margery Milne Baffin 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.
ADril 14.2025 Adiourned Session of the 2025 Annual Town Meetin
Moderator Deborah Brown called the sixth session of 2025 Annual Town Meeting to order at 7:30
p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the Margery Milne Baffin Hall in the Cary Memorial Building,
1605 Massachusetts Avenue and by means of remote participation, a quorum in excess of 100
members was present (140). She reminded Members of the rules of parliamentary procedure and how
members of the public could participate in the Meeting. She checked audio with Members attending
virtually.
7:33 p.m. The Moderator noted that there would be two memorials that evening, Paul
LaPoint and Bob Balaban.
Paul LaPoint
Paul passed away unexpectedly on January 6th of this year. He was, his wife Susan told me, a very
young 82. Paul was born in August of 1942 in Greenfield, Massachusetts, the eldest of seven children
of Eugene and Charlotte Dykes -Lapointe, all raised in a modest three-bedroom, single bath farmhouse.
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
Through geography and good fortune, Paul was able to attend Deerfield Academy as a day student
There, he excelled in academics and sports, and he sang in the Glee Club.
He was an American Legion pitcher for the Greenfield affiliated team in the summer, and in addition
to pitching for Deerfield, he played varsity basketball. According to Paul's brother Peter, this
connection with prep school life laid the foundation for future opportunities that played out again as a
young English teacher and sports coach at Vermont Academy and later in life. Through his long-
standing relationship with Worcester Academy and his consulting role assisting them in capital
projects management to improve the quality of life for all their students.
After Deerfield, Paul attended Bowdoin College, where he played on the varsity basketball team and
sang with Bowdoin's acapella men's group. The Meddibempsters. I did some research, have no idea
what that name means, but apparently, it's the third oldest collegiate a cappella group in the United
States. As a tenor, he was a featured soloist on their album and traveled with a group on a USO tour
of Europe.
After college, Paul taught briefly at Vermont Academy, but his appointment there was interrupted by
the Vietnam War.
When he realized military service was inevitable, he enlisted in the army. And after basic training, he
was sent to Officer's Candidate School, and he married Susan. The newlyweds settled in Georgia. In
1969, he received his orders for a tour in Vietnam. After his army service, Paul and Susan returned to
Massachusetts, first settling in Greenfield and later in Lexington.
Paul attended Harvard Business School and established a career consulting to the construction
industry.
Paul loved satire and farce, especially Peter Sellers in the Pink Panther series. He had a sharp wit. He
knew how to tell a good story. He appreciated a good pun and clever wordplay. He had a lifelong love
of sports, playing men's league basketball for years after college before eventually switching to tennis
and even becoming a USTA official to augment his playing.
Paul's service to Lexington was extensive. I first met him when we overlapped for a year on the
Appropriation Committee in 1999. I found him to be warm, thoughtful, generous with his time and
expertise as chair of that committee. Paul served on the Appropriation Committee from 1992 through
1999, including a stent as chair from 1994 to 1998.
He was a precinct two town meeting member from 1993 to 2023. His service also included stints on
the Council on Aging, the School Committee's Budget Advisory Task Force, the Vision 2020 Budget
Task Force. He also served as vice chair of the Senior Center Action Plan Committee and as chair of
the Selectmen's DPW Facility/Senior Center Reevaluation Advisory Committee from 2002 to 2003.
Of his time on town meeting, Susan told me, he was always finding the humor wherever he could, and
he referred to the town meeting evenings as live entertainment.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Paul's wife, Susan, their daughter Laura, son Stephen.
To Paul's five living siblings. And their extended family and friends, he will be missed.
Please join me for a moment of silence in remembrance of Paul LaPointe.
Robert Balaban
Robert "Bob" Balaban passed away peacefully at the age of 72 on March 13th. Many of us learned of
his death through Irene's Facebook post, she wrote, "it's with a heavy heart that I post that Bob, my
friend and dear husband of 42 years, has died. Since his diagnosis of ALS in December 2023, He's
been in a steady decline that he has handled with grace and humor to the point where he was, in his
own words, exhausted, helpless, and hopeless. We had hoped for more years together to travel and
just enjoy our increasing leisure time, but life had a different plan for us."
Bob was born in New York to Alvin and Barbara Balaban. He graduated from Antioch College and
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
the University of Michigan with a concentration in Asian studies. He took time off from his studies to
travel throughout Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, fueling a lifelong interest in travel and culture.
He went on to have a very distinguished career as a software engineer, most notably his involvement
with the introduction of Lotus Script, the object-oriented programming language used with Lotus
Notes.
Bob's coworkers describe him as a visionary in the field. Someone known for his expertise and creative
problem solving, a dedicated mentor and a trusted teammate. He faced challenges with intelligence,
humor, and a willingness to help others, leaving a lasting impact on his colleagues.
And perhaps most fortunate for Bob, it was through this career that he met his beloved wife of 42
years, our town meeting's own, Irene Donnelly. He was a loving and dedicated father who took great
pride in his children, Samantha and David. Both of whom put their lives on hold to come back home
to be with their father this past year.
Irene shared that as a family, they enjoy dinners together with Bob often typing in his text -to -speech
app, "Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha", sarcastically, to their amusing jokes and typing, "bullshit" to the rest.
Bob enjoyed eating. He was still eating bagels long after his doctor strongly recommended he stop
and cooking. It was often said that his love language was food. He was a skilled cook who was known
to ask his children what they wanted for dinner shortly after breakfast, and inquire about Thanksgiving
plans several months in advance. He was known for his sense of humor, his kind spirit, his intelligence,
and what his cousin David called `Bob's irreverence in the face of absurdity".
"Follow the fun" was a career and life touchstone of his.
Regarding Bob's time in town meeting, Irene recalled that he ran as a write-in candidate in 2020 and
lost. But he came in second, so he started serving that Fall when someone stepped down. They joked
that Irene wasn't as good a campaign manager as Masha Traber, who was campaign manager for Rita,
who won the write-in race. That's pretty funny, actually. He then ran in 2021 and was elected to a full
term.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Bob's wife, Irene, to their children, Samantha and David.
To his sister Julie and her husband, Alan Garber and his brother, Scott Schaefer, and to their extended
family and friends, he will be missed.
And please join me for a moment of silence in remembrance of Bob Balaban.
7:41 p.m. The Moderator asked for a procedural motion to take up Articles 23, 1Og, I Oi, and
19. Mr. Lucente moved that Articles 23, 10g, 10i, and 19 be taken up. As there
were no objections, the motion passes unanimously.
7:41 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 23.
ARTICLE 23: DISPOSE OF 116 VINE STREET
MOTION: Mr. Sandeen moves that the Select Board be authorized to sell, lease, or otherwise
dispose of Town -owned land described as parcel 47-45B, located on Vine Street, for the purposes of
developing 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 disposition agreement or a lease not to exceed 99 years in length.
Mr. Sandeen gave a description of the Article and noted that the Select Board had 4 members in
support of the Article, and 1 member who believed the scope of the Article was unclear that the
original plan for six units now appears open-ended and raises concerns a proposed project could
increase in size without town meeting approval. He noted that this one Select Board member felt the
Town should develop a comprehensive affordable housing plan before committing limited town land
and funds to this project. Their final vote was 4 in favor and 1 against.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously supported passage of
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
the Article.
Mr. Michelson said that the Appropriation Committee unanimously supported passage of the
Article.
Ms. Manz stated that the Housing Partnership Board had voted unanimously in support of
passage of the Article and urged the Select Board to move forward expeditiously with an RFP.
7:48 p.m. Peter Litchev, 121 Vine St., noted that he was directly across from the property and
said that the site was insufficient for that many units.
7:51 p.m. Pamela Lyons, Pct. 5, noted that the Vine Street project was a "remnant project" that
had been before developers were required to add affordable units and said that other
towns were building more affordable housing, sometimes in parking lots.
7:54 p.m. Benjamin Lees, Pct. 7, said that he understood there had been a number of concerns
about narrowness of the road and traffic safety at the time of the Lowell/North Street
project and asked that a member of the Select Board explain how they were
addressed. Mr. Sandeen noted that on that particular RFP there had been a
requirement for community outreach. He further noted that some of that outreach
required for this project would be looking at traffic safety and was ongoing at that
time.
7:59 p.m. Wendy Manz, Pct. 4, noted the concern of neighbors regarding the street and said that
a portion was narrow and there were no sidewalks, and neighbors expressed concern
about that. Two units in the location seemed ok, but more would not be safe.
8:02 p.m. Members continued to discuss and debate the Article.
8:22 p.m. Marsha Baker, Pct. 7, called the question.
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
92 68 13
MOTION CARRIES
8:24 p.m. Mr. Sandeen reiterated that the Select Board or its designee would review all RFPs it
received, but they were under no requirement to choose one. The Moderator opened
voting on the Article.
Motion to Approve Article 23 — Dispose of 116 Vine Street (2/3 Required)
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
132 36 8
MOTION CARRIES BY MORE THAN NECESSARY 2/3
8:26 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article l Og and reminded Members that the
Motion had previously been moved by Ms. Fenollosa as part of Article 10 on April 2na
g) That $1,490,000 be appropriated for Park and Playground Improvements - Center Playground,
and to meet this appropriation $1,490,000 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserves of
the Community Preservation Fund;
8:28 p.m. Renen Bassik, Recreation Committee Member, presented information on the Article.
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
Ms. Fenollosa stated that the Community Preservation Committee recommended passage of
the Article by a vote of 8-0.
Mr. Sandeen said that the Select Board unanimously supported passage of the Article.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously supported passage of
the Article.
Mr. Verma said that the Appropriation Committee unanimously supported passage of the
Article.
Ms. Buckley stated that the Commission on Disability unanimously supports a pour -in-place
rubber surface and the Article.
8:34 p.m. Jeanne Krieger, Pct. 3, asked what the material for pour -in-place was. Ms. Batitte said
the pour -in-place material was currently used in all public school playgrounds. Mr.
Krieger expressed her concerns that it would be made up of recycled styrene butadiene
rubber held together by polyurethane, and asked if a natural alternative, such as cork
could be used. Ms. Batitte said that would be something they could explore.
8:36 p.m. Ricki Pappo, Pct. 2, asked if it were possible to use cork, instead of the pour -in-place
material. Ms. Batitte noted that as the playground design and footprint of the play
surface were finalized, those determinations were certainly things that they would
consider.
8:37 p.m. Members continued to discuss and debate the Article.
8:47 p.m. Steven Heinrich, Pct. 3, called the question. The Moderator noted that as there was no
one in line, they could move straight to the vote.
Motion to Approve Article 102 — Park and Play2round Improvements — Center Play2round
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
161 7 5
MOTION CARRIES
8:48 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 10i.
i) That $1,950,000 be appropriated for Lincoln Park Field Improvements, and to meet this
appropriation $860,000 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of the Community
Preservation Fund, $340,000 be appropriated from the General Fund unreserved fund balance, and
$750,000 be raised in the tax levy; and
Christian Boutwell, Vice -Chair of the Recreation Committee, presented information on the Article.
Ms. Fenollosa stated that the Community Preservation Committee recommended passage of
the Article by a vote of 8-1, with the dissenting vote based on the opposition to the use of
artificial turf.
Mr. Sandeen said that the Select Board unanimously supported passage of the Article.
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee voted 5-0 in support of the Article.
Mr. Verma said that the Appropriation Committee unanimously supported passage of the
Article.
8:58 p.m. Cynthia Arens, Pct. 3, said that when the Lincoln Field Working Group was preparing
the project bid documents, they were told that the certain procurement rules prevented
the Town from requiring testing for informational purposes regarding materials as
opposed to a result that must be met. She asked that due to limitations, whether
Counsel could spend some time with the Working Group to better understand those
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
limitations, improving testing requirements and contract specifications so they could
get accurate data of the chemical makeup of the products being purchased. Mr. Bartha
said that generally, no, as the question about procurement should first go through
procurement officer.
9:03 p.m. Steven Kaufman, Pct. 5, commended the Recreation Committee on their outreach and
working to be safer.
9:05 p.m. Ricki Pappo, Pct. 2, noted that while she appreciated the work the group had done, she
had hoped to see more information regarding the manufacturer, installer, and disposal
hauler and therefore would be voting in opposition to the Article.
9:06 p.m. Janet Kern, Pct. 1, noted that one of the requirements for Lincoln 1 was that the
contractor provide a full, detailed accounting of the removed turf materials, and the
report from the hauler only showed that it was disposed in Norwich, CT. She asked
what level of detail they could get for next time on Lincoln II and III so that they had
information regarding final disposition of the plastic carpet. Ms. Battite noted that
through the continued work of the Working Group, they had enhanced procurement
language for the Lincoln #2 removal to include a chain of custody.
9:09 P.M. Dawn McKenna, Pct. 6, called the question.
Motion to Terminate the Question
Adopted by a vote of
Yes No Abstain
132 22 13
MOTION CARRIES
9:11 P.M. As there were no final comments, the Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Motion to Approve Article 10i — Lincoln Park Field Improvements #3
Adopted by a vote of
Yes No Abstain
143 15 9
MOTION CARRIES
9:12 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 19.
ARTICLE 19 ESTABLISH, AMEND, DISSOLVE AND APPROPRIATE TO AND FROM
SPECIFIED STABILIZATION FUNDS
MOTION: Ms. Kumar moves
a) That $6,563,050 be appropriated into the Capital Stabilization Fund, and to meet this
appropriation, $6,563,050 be raised in the tax levy, and
b) That $14,002.80 be appropriated into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and to meet
this appropriation $14,002.80 be appropriated from the Affordable Housing
Stabilization Fund
Ms. Kumar described the Article and said that the Select Board unanimously supported passage
of the Article.
Mr. Ahuja said that the Appropriation Committee unanimously recommended passage of the
Article.
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
Mr. Lamb stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously supported passage of
the Article.
As there were no questions, the Moderator opened voting on the Article
Motion to Approve Article 19 — Establish, Amend, Dissolve and Appropriate to and from
Specified Stabilization Funds
Adopted by a vote of
Yes No Abstain
164 0 3
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
9:15 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 6.
ARTICLE 6 AMEND FY2025 OPERATING, ENTERPRISE AND CPA BUDGETS
MOTION: Mr. Sandeen moves that the following adjustment be made to the
following line item for the FY2025 budget as approved under Article 4 of
the 2024 Annual Town Meeting:
Line Item
Program
From
To
2510
Reserve Fund
$850,000
$910,000
and further, that to meet this appropriation $60,000 be transferred
from the Recreation Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings.
Mr. Sandeen presented information on the Article said that the Select Board unanimously
supported passage of the Article.
Mr. Ahuja said that the Appropriation Committee unanimously recommended passage of the
Article.
As there were no questions, the Moderator opened voting on the Article.
Motion to Approve Article 6 — Amend FY2025 Operating, Enterprise and CPA Budgets
Adopted by a vote of
Yes No Abstain
167 0 1
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY
9:18 P.M. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 2.
1. Report of School Building Committee
MOTION: That the report of the School Building Committee be received and placed on file.
The Moderator noted that there wasn't a presentation for this Article, but there were slides available
for review. She then asked for a Motion to receive and place on file the School Building Committee
Report. Mr. Pato moved to receive and place on file the School Building Committee Report. As there
were no objections the motion carries unanimously.
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
The Moderator noted that they were still under Article 2.
j. Reports of the Planning Board
MOTION: That the reports of the Planning Board be received and placed on file.
She asked for a Motion to receive the Annual Overview Report of the Planning Board. Mr.
Schanbacher moved to receive the Annual Overview Report of the Planning Board. As there were no
objections the motion carries unanimously.
Michael Schanbacher, Chair of the Planning Board, presented information on the Report.
9:21 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 34.
ARTICLE 34 AMEND SECTION 7.5 OF THE ZONING BYLAW TO REDUCE MULTI-
FAMILY DWELLING UNIT CAPACITY (Citizen Petition)
MOTION
Ms. Sacerdote moves that the Zoning Bylaw, Chapter 135 of the Code of the Town of Lexington,
and Zoning Map be amended as follows, where s4iaek �hfetig 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:
A. Amend §135-7.5.5.6 as follows:
6. The minimum required front yard in feet is the lesser of that required in the underlying
zoning district or 15 feet, except that where 50% or more of the fagade facing the public
way is occupied by nonresidential principal uses in the VO District, +19 the minimum
required front yard is feq+4&d 10 feet. Minimum required front yard areas shall be used as
amenity space available for occupants and semi-public uses such as landscaping, benches,
tables, chairs, play areas, public art, or similar features. Parking spaces are not permitted in
the minimum required front yard.
B. Amend §135-7.5.5.10.b as follows:
b. VO Height Bonus. In the VO District, the maximum height is 50 feet and 4 stories when at
least 33% of the gross floor area of the street floor level or buildings' footprint, whichever
is greater, of the entire development is occupied by nonresidential principal -uses pursuant to
§7.5.4.4, no more than the greater of 20% or 20 feet of the street floor frontage on a
public way is dedicated to residential uses, and the floor to floor height of the street floor
level is at least 14 feet.
C. Amend §135-7.5.9.1 as follows:
1. Transition areas, as specified under §5.3.4 (Transition Areas), are required only along the
boundary of the Village Overlay Districts and shall have a depth of at least 20 feet on
developments containing a
building with a height greater than 40 feet in the VO District, or at least five (5) feet
otherwise.
Abby McCabe, Planning Director, presented information on the Article.
Mr. Schanbacher stated that the Planning Board had held multiple public hearings and
recommended passage by a vote of 5-0.
Ms. Kumar said that the Select Board had 3 Members in support of the Article and 2 awaiting
Town Meeting discussion.
9:25 p.m. Jay Luker, Pct. 1, asked what projects surfaced that had caused the issue they were
trying to solve. Ms. McCabe noted that a few mixed use projects had come in during
the year that did not leave space for outdoor seating. She noted that the Planning
Board felt that having space was important for the streetscape.
9:32 p.m. Tom Diaz, Pct. 8, ask for feedback from undecided Select Board members. Ms.
Kumar noted that she and Mark Sandeen were the ones awaiting discussion, but that
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
she would be voting yes. She noted that one of the reasons she was holding back was
concern that it would be a deterrence to builders due to the restrictions. Mr. Sandeen
noted that his concern was about the actual dimensions set and he noted that he still
had that concern.
9:35 p.m. Members continued to discuss and debate the Article.
9:35 p.m. Steven Kaufman, precinct 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
138 22 10
MOTION CARRIES
9:42 p.m. Ms. Sacerdote offered final comments on the Article. The Moderator then opened
voting on the Article.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Motion to Approve Article 34: Amend Section 7.5 of the Zoning Bylaw to Reduce Multi -Family
Dwelling Unit Capacitv (2/3)
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
154 14 5
MOTION CARRIES BY MORE THAN THE REQUIRED 2/3RDS
9:45 p.m. The Moderator noted that before Mr. Daggett offered his motion to reconsider Article
30, she would explain the process and remind members that a motion to reconsider
was a request to town meeting to reopen an article from the current warrant that was
previously decided by a vote of the meeting. Under the bylaws, there was a 30 -minute
time limit for debate on a motion to reconsider and everyone was held to three minutes
to give more people a time to talk. The person making the motion to reconsider must
present compelling, substantial new information that wasn't previously available at the
time the earlier action was taken, and, if known, might have resulted in the members
taking a different action from the one previously voted. She said that when Mr.
Daggett made his motion to reconsider, he would have three minutes. She said that
during the remainder of the 30 minutes they would hear from committee and boards
and from town meeting questions and debate. If a majority of the meeting votes to
reconsider, then Article 30 would be reopened and it would be as if they were starting
over, and the original main motion would be back on the floor.
9:46 p.m. Mr. Daggett moved Reconsideration.
Mr. Hornig stated that the Planning Board had not taken a position on Reconsideration
Ms. Hai said that the Select Board had 1 member who had voted "yes", 3 opposed, and 1
awaiting discussion.
9:50 p.m. Charles Lamb, Pct. 4, stated that they had thought that they were getting 15%, so they
should get to that number.
9:51 p.m. Members continued to discuss and debate the reasons for Reconsideration.
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
10:03 p.m. Jessie Steigerwald, Pct. 8, called the question.
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
127 24 13
MOTION CARRIES
10:05 p.m. The Moderator opened voting on Reconsideration.
Motion to Reconsider Article 30
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
87 74 4
MOTION CARRIES
10:07 p.m. The Moderator opened the Meeting under Article 30 and asked that the original
Motion be shown. Mr. Schanbacher moved the original Article.
10:08 P.M. Steve Kaufman, Pct. 5, raised a point of order, and noted that they usually had to wait
ten minutes to amend a Motion and asked if there was a way to suspend rules to move
Amendment. The Moderator said that it was up to her discretion and said unless there
was an objection she would allow it.
10:09 P.M. Jonathan Suber, Pct. 2, raised a point of order, and asked that the vote for
Reconsideration be explained. The Moderator did so.
10:09 P.M. The Moderator noted that unless there was an objection she would allow the
Amendment. As there were no objections, Mr. Daggett moved the Amendment and
the Moderator noted that she would start the timing for 30 minutes.
ARTICLE 30 AMEND ZONING BYLAW – INCLUSIONARY HOUSING FOR SPECIAL
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS
(Approved by the Attorney General's Office July 18, 2025, posted July 28, 2025)
MOTION:
Mr. Daggett moves that the Zoning Bylaw, Chapter 135 of the Code of the Town of Lexington,
be amended as follows, where*, -.,^ice= text is to be removed and underlined text is to be
added:
1. Amend § 135-6.9.8 as follows:
1. Inclusionary Dwelling Units.
a. At least 'moi 17.6% of the total gross floor area of all dwelling units other than
inclusionary dwelling units 4�'
n.'v� (.2) 4,G5-4 sq-Raefeez��'tipled 45, o4e- i4l4a44of 446; sing,.. H toe— pf:e
shall be incorporated into inclusionary dwelling units, as defined by regulations
promulgated by the Planning Board pursuant to § 6.9.8.5 (the "inclusionary GFA"). At least
two-thirds of the inclusionary GFA shall be incorporated into dwelling units
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
eligible for inclusion on the Town's Subsidized Housing Inventory as determined by 9+e
EOHLC and shall
remain affordable in perpetuity.
6. A special residential development with six or fewer market -rate dwelling units shall be
permitted to meet the requirements of this section by making a payment to the Town's
Affordable Housing Trust in an amount equal to the estimated construction cost of 17.6%
4-51% of the total gross floor area of all dwelling units other than inclusionary dwelling units
, as determined in
accordance with regulations to be promulgated by the Planning Board.
Mr. Horning stated that the Planning Board supported passage of the Amendment by a vote of
4-1.
Ms. Hai said that the Select Board was unanimous in support of the Amendment.
Ms. Tung stated that the Affordable Housing Trust voted unanimously 5-0 to support the
passage of the revised Motion.
10:12 p.m. Dawn McKenna, Pct. 6, said that she wished to remind Town Meeting that even with
the modifications under Article 2, they would have a minimum of 200 units beyond
what they needed, and they didn't need to take this step right now.
10:13 p.m. Jay Luker, Pct. 1, noted that he supported the Amendment.
10:16 p.m. Eric Michelson, Pct. 1, asked for the minority report of the Planning Board. Mr.
Hornig noted that he had voted against it due to procedural concerns, and that it hadn't
been raised on the public hearing so the public might not have known this was a
possibility.
10:17 p.m. Members continued to discuss and debate the Amendment.
10:20 p.m. Scott Burson, Pct. 9, moved the question.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
120 29 10
MOTION CARRIES
10:21 p.m. As there were no final comments, the Moderator opened voting on the Amendment.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Motion to Amend Article 30: Amend Zoning Bylaw — Inclusionary Housing for Special
Residential Developments
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
117 42 2
MOTION CARRIES
10:22 p.m. The Moderator noted that that the Motion to Amended was final, they had a new main
Motion under Article 30. She noted that if it were rejected, no action would be taken,
and if approved, it would be the amended version.
She stated that as the Planning Board had already mentioned their support of the
Amendment, their approval for the new Motion could be assumed. Ms. Hai noted that
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued
the Select Board was unanimously in favor of the Amended Motion. Ms. Tung stated
that the Affordable Housing Trust was unanimously in support of the amended
Motion.
10:24 p.m. Dawn McKenna, Pct. 6, asked whether adequate notice had been given on the
increased percentage due to lack of discussion on the amendment in the public
hearings. Mr. Makarious noted that very likely there had been adequate notice and
that the Article and the notice referred to the recalculation of the percentage for
Affordable Housing, and although there wasn't debate on this particular "way" of
recalculating, that itself, would not be indicative that there wasn't enough notice.
10:28 p.m. Deborah Strod, Pct. 6, spoke in favor of the amended motion.
10:30 p.m. Alessandro Alessandrini, Pct. 4, called the question.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Motion to Terminate Debate
Adopted by a vote of:
Yes No Abstain
122 30 10
MOTION CARRIES
10:31 p.m. Mr. Daggett offered final comments on the Amended Article and then the Moderator
opened voting.
10:32 p.m. Mark Andersen, Pct. 9, raised a point of order and asked the Moderator to clarify
what the consequence of a no vote was. The Moderator noted that a no vote would
reject the action including all action on Article 30.
10:33 p.m. Joe Pato, raised a point of order to note that it wasn't Mr. Daggett's motion - that it
was the Planning Board motion. Mr. Schanbacher noted the importance of attending
public hearings when discussion is on zoning issues.
Following remote electronic vote tallying, the Moderator declared that:
Amended Article 30: Amend Zoning Bvlaw — Inclusionary Housing for Special Residential
Developments (2/3)
Adopted by a vote of
Yes No Abstain
139 23 2
MOTION CARRIES BY MORE THAN 2/3
10:35 p.m. The Moderator asked for a motion to dissolve the 2025 Annual Town Meeting.
Mr. Lucente, Select Board Chair, moved to dissolve Annual Town Meeting 2025.
Motion Adopted by majority voice vote.
A true copy.
Attest:
Nfary de Alderete, Town Clerk
Manch 24, 2025 Annual Town Meeting, continued