HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-06 SB Packet - ReleasedSELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, October 6, 2025
Select Board Meeting Room, 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420 - Hybrid Participation*
6:30 PM
AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments are allowed for up to 10 minutes at the beginning of each meeting. Each speaker is
limited to 2 minutes for comment. Members of the Board will neither comment nor respond, other than to
ask questions of clarification. Speakers are encouraged to notify the Select Board's Office at 781-698-
4580 if they wish to speak during public comment to assist the Chair in managing meeting times.
SELECT BOARD MEMBER CONCERNS AND LIAISON REPORTS
1.Select Board Member Announcements and Liaison Reports
TOWN MANAGER REPORT
1.Town Manager Weekly Update
CONSENT AGENDA
1.Approve: Select Board Committee Appointment
Town Report Committee: Asiya Karim
ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
1.Amendment to §192 Traffic Rules and Orders: Sylvia Street Traffic Restriction 6:35pm
2.Accept: Cedar Street Sidewalk Easements 6:45pm
3.Update: Council on Aging Proposed Committee Charge Amendments 6:50pm
4.Discussion: 2026 Patriots' Day Celebration Dates 7:00pm
5.Special Town Meeting 2025 -2 and 2025 Special Election 7:15pm
Select Board to Call Special Election
Article 97 Discussion
Select Board to Sign Combined Election and Special Town Meeting
WarrantArticle 97 Discussion
6.Board Discussion: Recommendation to Consider Removal of a Tree Committee
Member
8:00pm
ADJOURN
1.Anticipated Adjournment 8:15pm
Meeting Packet: https://lexington.novusagenda.com/agendapublic/
*Members of the public can attend the meeting from their computer or tablet by clicking on the
following link at the time of the meeting:
https://lexingtonma.zoom.us/j/82013535294?pwd=mGvKYC9PHOT8ByUHHa0a18jNRhRXpf.1
Phone +1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 820 1353 5294
Passcode: 848540
An Act Relative to Extending Certain State of Emergency Accommodations:
https://www.mass.gov/the-open-meeting-law
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Select Board will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025
at 11:00am via hybrid participation.
Hearing Assistance Devices Available on Request
All agenda time and the order of items are approximate and
subject to change.
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Select Board Member Announcements and Liaison Reports
PRESENTER:
Jill Hai, Select Board Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
LR.1
SUMMARY:
Under this item, Select Board Members can provide verbal updates, make announcements, as well as comment
on any additional points or concerns.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
FOLLOW-UP:
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
10/6/2025
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Town Manager Weekly Update
PRESENTER:
Steve Bartha, Town Manager
ITEM
NUMBER:
TM.1
SUMMARY:
Under this item, the Town Manager can provide verbal updates, make announcements, as well as comment on
any additional points or concerns.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
FOLLOW-UP:
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
10/6/2025
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Approve: Select Board Committee Appointment
PRESENTER:
Jill Hai, Select Board Chair
ITEM
NUMBER:
C.1
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-Making
Appointment:
Town Report Committee
The Select Board is being asked to appoint Asiya Karim to the Town Report Committee to fill a term
ending on September 30, 2026.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Town Report Committee
Move to appoint Asiya Karim to the Town Report Committee to fill a term ending on September 30, 2026, to
be effective immediately.
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Office.
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
10/6/2025
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Town Report Committee - Asiya Karim - Application & Resume_Redacted Backup Material
Submit Date: Jul 21, 2025
First Name Middle
Initial
Last Name
Email Address
Home Address Suite or Apt
City State Postal Code
Primary Phone Alternate Phone
Lexington MA Boards & Committees
Application Form
Profile
Attendance to a regularly scheduled meeting of the board or committee of interest is
strongly encouraged when considering applying for membership. All committee
meetings are open to the public and are posted at least 48 hours in advance of the
meeting in our www.lexingtonma.gov/calendar.
If you are appointed to the board or committee for which you have applied, information
from this application will be used to contact you regarding your appointment from the
appointing authority as well as the Town Clerk’s Office. Please do not offer information
on this application you would prefer we not use.
Applications will be kept on file and considered as vacancies occur for up to six months
unless otherwise noted.
If you have any questions or need more information regarding the completion of the
application, please contact either the Select Board Office at 781-698-4580 or the Town
Manager’s Office at 781-698-4540.
Nickname
Preferred Title (i.e. Mr., Ms., Mx., Dr., Rev .....)
Ms.
Alternate Email Address (Optional)
Length of Residence in Lexington (Note: ZBA requirement is a minimum of 8
years)
10 years
What Precinct do you live in?
Precinct 4
Asiya Karim
Lexington MA 02421
Home: (781)
Asiya Karim
Employer Job Title
Upload a Resume
Conflict of Interest Law Training Certificate
Work Address
Boston, MA
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Town Report Committee: Submitted
Interests & Experiences
Please tell us about yourself and why you want to serve.
Special Training and/or Qualifications
Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission?
I am eager to contribute to the Lexington community by bringing my writing skills and
passion for serving vulnerable populations, such as low-income students and hospice
patients, to the Town Board. As a recent college graduate who has lived in Lexington through
high school and post-graduation, I am excited about the opportunity to be more involved in
town initiatives. In particular, as a South Asian, Muslim, I hope to support event planning that
is inclusive and welcoming to residents of all ages, religions, and ethnic backgrounds.
How did you hear about the board or commission for which you are applying?
Town Website
Have you recently attended any meetings of the board or committee for
which you are applying?
Yes No
Have you confirmed your availability to attend the board or committee's
meetings? (i.e. can attend at the time the committee regularly meets)
Yes No
Do you currently serve on another board or committee?
Yes No
If yes, please list date of most recent Conflict of Interest Law Training.
Beth Israel DeaconessMedical Center Research Assistant
Resume_7_21_25_.docx
Asiya Karim
ASIYA KARIM
Lexington, MA//
EDUCATION
Smith College, Northampton, MA May 2023
Majors: Chemistry, English Literature
GPA: 3.81
WORK EXPERIENCE
Groopman Laboratory, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, July 2023-Present
Research Assistant II, Division of Experimental Medicine, Groopman Laboratory
Investigated protein complexes involved in HIV, cancer, and cardiovascular disease respectively using structural
biology techniques
Presented research findings amongst post-docs, physicians, and scientists at the NIH, the University of Copenhagen,
and Harvard Medical School as part of the Leducq Foundation, an international research network advancing
cardiovascular science
Designated as the planner and moderator of the latest hybrid conference at Harvard Medical School, learned to
delegate tasks and remain organized to host 30 scientists and physicians in Boston.
Giddings Laboratory, Smith College, Northampton, MA August 2020-May 2023
Student Researcher in a Natural Products Biochemistry Laboratory
Authored a 30-protocol laboratory manual to standardize experimental techniques for undergraduate researchers
Trained 4 undergraduate students in basic lab techniques and presented 3 first author posters
Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA May- August 2022
Summer Research Intern, Dr. Shingo Yasuhara’s Laboratory
Accepted into a summer internship at the Center for Engineering and Surgery at MGH, conducting advanced
research alongside postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, supported by Praxis Grant from Smith
Publication: Sugawara, Y., Karim, A., et al. Mito-Kaede Photoactivation and Chase Experiment for Mitophagy:
Mitophagy Flux Response Toward Various Stimulations. Published in BioTechniques (doi:10.1080/07366205.2025.2505357).
Volunteer Experience
Brighton Hospice, Lexington, MA March 2025-Present
Created 3 legacy journals for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in order to record their memories and
honor their identities
Played music, read poetry, and learned languages with patients facing neurological decline
Compassus Hospice, Springfield, MA Fall 2021-May 2023
Engaged in conversations with underserved, terminally ill patients, most suffering from cardiovascular disease
Read books to patients and wrote cards to family members on behalf of the patients
Navigated sensitive conversations with care while conducting bereavement calls with families after a patients death
Book Cart Volunteer, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA Winter 2023-Present
Visited patient rooms with a mobile book cart, offering reading selections to patients, visitors, and staff to provide
comfort and entertainment
Engaged in conversation with diverse individuals in a healthcare setting and communicated patient requests to
volunteer coordinator, for example, requests for reading glasses and a Quran were honored through this
communication
SKILLS
Technical: Microsoft Office, Mathematica, SciFinder, ChemDraw, Adobe PhotoShop and Illustrator, UNIX
Languages: Fluent in Bengali, Arabic and Korean (Beginner)
Writing, researching, critical thinking, and proofreading skills developed from literature major
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Amendment to §192 Traffic Rules and Orders: Sylvia Street Traffic Restriction
PRESENTER:
Ross Morrow, Assistant Town
Engineer
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.1
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-making
The Board is being asked to vote to amend Traffic Rules and Orders: Chapter 192-62 Certain Turns
Prohibited Schedule 6 Prohibited Turns to add a turn restriction from Mass Ave onto Sylvia Street. T his
restriction is recommended to minimize cut-through traffic during the morning peak commute hours from 7:00 AM
- 8:30 AM, Monday through Friday, year-round.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
To approve the amendment to Chapter 192-62, Certain Turns Prohibited, Schedule 6 Prohibited Turns, to
restrict turns from Massachusetts Avenue onto Sylvia Street, prohibiting right turns eastbound and left turns
westbound between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM, Monday through Friday, year-round.
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Office/ Traffic Safety Group.
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
10/6/2025 6:35pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Presentation - Sylvia Street Turn Restriction Backup Material
10062025 TSG Memo to SB - Sylvia Street Backup Material
10062025 - Sylvia Street Code Amendment (Signature Document)Backup Material
Sylvia Street Turn Restriction
Transportation Safety Group
October 6, 2025 Select Board Meeting
View: Sylvia St southbound from Mass Ave View: Sylvia Street northbound towards Mass Ave
Pilot Study
May and June 2025
•Mail notification sent to all residents of Sylvia Street, from Mass Ave to Rublee Street
(Arlington), nearby businesses (Acupuncture Partners, Jackson’s Kitchen and Ma
France), and Town of Arlington
•Residents able to provide feedback using JotForm, an form accessible by a URL and QR
code. Feedback was provided before, during, and after the trial
•Monitored traffic counts prior to the study for 2 weeks and during the study for 2
weeks.
•Overall well supported by Sylvia Street residents
TSG recommendation: the Select Board vote approve the turn restriction from Mass
Ave to Sylvia Street, from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM, Monday through Friday, 12 months
of the year
7:00-8:30 AM
Monday - Friday
7:00-8:30 AM
Monday - Friday
Date: October 1, 2025
To: Steve Bartha, Town Manager
CC: Kim Katzenback, Executive Clerk to the Select Board
From: Transportation Safety Group
RE: Sylvia Street Turn Restriction
In 2024, the Transportation Safety Group (TSG) was asked to explore safety improvements to Sylvia
Street, including a request for a sidewalk to the intersection of Mass Ave and Sylvia Street, the school bus
stop location.
Sylvia Street is a town accepted two-way street extending from Mass Ave to Rublee Street in Arlington.
The Right-of-Way (ROW)/town layout is approximately 40-feet wide with a paved roadway width that
varies between 21-feet and 25-feet and a profile grade up to 13% (sloping down toward Mass Ave.).
Vehicles have been observed parked in parallel on both sides of the road throughout the day. There are
some sections that have additional asphalt outside the travel way, but it is unclear if the intent of this is for
parking or a sidewalk. One- and two- family dwellings tend to be close to the ROW with low front yard
setbacks. A street layout plan was prepared by a land surveyor in June 2024.
Safety Recommendations Discussed by TSG:
A sidewalk on Sylvia Street is not currently listed on the bicycle and pedestrian priority list for new
sidewalks. Staff estimate that if it were to be ranked today, it would most likely fall outside of the top 25
sidewalk projects. Constructing a sidewalk on Sylvia Street would likely remove a number of historical
parking areas for residents both on and off the street.
TSG discussed more prominently enforcing on-street parking restrictions in an area of town that
historically has parked in the roadway due to lack of driveways. Staff also reviewed the possibility of
limiting street parking to only one side, however given the number of curb cuts and small lot sizes, this
did not seem like the best approach.
Pilot Study:
In May and June 2025, TSG conducted a pilot study for a temporary turn restriction on Sylvia Street. The
goal of the study was to minimize cut-through traffic (often heading to Route 2) during the morning peak
commute hours onto Sylvia Street from Mass Ave between 7:00 am and 9:00 am (Monday thru Friday).
Residents of Sylvia Street were permitted to drive their vehicles southbound on Sylvia Street (towards
Arlington) if leaving their residences, and were still able to drive northbound towards Mass Ave. The
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
TRANSPORTATION SAFETY GROUP
1625 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington, Massachusetts 02420
https://www.lexingtonma.gov/transportation-safety-group
pilot intended to decrease the amount of two-way traffic flow, allowing for more usable spaces within the
roadway for all modes of travel.
Notification was provided to the Lexington Town Manager, and a letter was mailed to all residents of
Sylvia Street (from Mass Ave to Rublee Street in Arlington), Jackson’s Kitchen, MA France, and Lex
Family Dental 2 weeks before the start. In advance of the October 6, 2025 Select Board meeting, another
letter was sent to the same group to notify them of the meeting and suggested recommendation.
Feedback:
Overall, the feedback was supportive of the turn restriction. The letter sent to residents and business
owners included a link and QR code to submit comments before, during, and after the 2-month pilot. In
total, 16 responses were provided.
One respondent said it was inconvenient for residents who require entering onto Sylvia Street from Mass
Ave during the 7-9 AM window. An Arlington resident was concerned for what this restriction would
mean for the next street over, Hibbert Street. The owner of a Mass Ave business shared appreciation for
the safety initiative, however raised concern that their commercial parking spaces for patrons on Mass
Ave would be impacted and would rather their customers be able to drive directly off of Mass Ave into
those spaces. TSG staff met with this business owner and discussed limiting this impact to their customers
in the morning, resulting in a modification of the time window from 7-9 AM to 7-8:30 AM. Staff are
supportive of this change as the elementary school bus stop time is between 8:20-8:30 AM. While there is
no middle or high school bus stop currently at this location, staff don’t anticipate needing the restriction
in place any later than 8:30 AM given school start times.
Data:
A traffic study was conducted in October 2024 and again during the pilot study. Initial traffic counts
recorded an average of 56 vehicles traveling south on Sylvia (towards Arlington) between 7:00 AM and
9:00 AM. During the turn restriction pilot (recorded the third week of the trial period), the average was
reduced to 17 vehicles during the two-hour period. This supports the resident feedback that the turn
restriction was effective in reducing traffic and therefore reducing potential collisions between vehicles
and other users of the road (pedestrians, cyclists, etc.).
TSG’s Recommendation:
The Select Board vote to approve the turn restriction from Mass Ave onto Sylvia Street, from 7:00 AM to
8:30 AM, Monday through Friday, 12 months of the year.
VOTED: IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 689 OF
1986 OF THE GENERAL LAWS, THE TRAFFIC RULES AND ORDERS
OF LEXINGTON, ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN ON
NOVEMBER 13, 1967, NOW CHAPTER 192 OF THE CODE OF
LEXINGTON, ARE HEREBY AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
BY ADDING to CHAPTER 192-62 CERTAIN TURNS PROHIBITED
SCHEDULE 6 PROHIBITED TURNS
Location From To Restriction
Massachusetts Avenue east bound Massachusetts Avenue Sylvia Street No right turn 7:00AM – 8:30AM Monday -Friday
Massachusetts Avenue west bound Massachusetts Avenue Sylvia Street No left turn 7:00AM – 8:30AM Monday -Friday
________________________
DATE OF PASSAGE _______________________________
SELECT
_______________________________
BOARD
_______________________________
__________________
ATTEST TOWN CLERK
_______________________________
_______________________________
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Accept: Cedar Street Sidewalk Easements
PRESENTER:
Ross Morrow, Assistant Town
Engineer
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.2
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-making
Through the design phase of the Cedar Street sidewalk project, it has been identified that due to the variable
width of the public right-of-way (ROW) and other constraints, the proposed sidewalk could not be
constructed fully within the ROW. The project team approached the two property owners of 67 and 75 Cedar
Street to discuss their willingness to provide easements for the purpose of allowing a portion of public access
sidewalk to be built on their property. Both property owners agreed to provide easements.
The Board is being requested to accept the easements over 67 Cedar St and 75 Cedar Street or sidewalks.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Move to accept the easements over 67 Cedar Street and 75 Cedar Street substantially in the form presented,
with final changes to be made by the Town Manager in his reasonable discretion in consultation with Town
Counsel; and to authorize the Town Manager to take all actions on behalf of the Board that are reasonably
necessary in his judgment to complete and effectuate the acceptance of the easements.
FOLLOW-UP:
Engineering
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
10/6/2025 6:45pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Cedar Easements Backup Material
Town of Lexington
Department of Public Works
Engineering Division
John R. Livsey, P.E., Town Engineer Tel: (781) 274-8305
Ross Morrow, P.E., Assistant Town Engineer Fax: (781) 274-8323
210 BEDFORD STREET • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420
MEMORANDUM
TO: Select Board Office
FROM: Ross Morrow, P.E., Assistant Town Engineer
DATE: October 6, 2025
RE: Cedar St Sidewalk Easements
o Agenda Item/Title
Cedar St Sidewalk Easements
o Whether a Vote of the Select Board is being requested, whether this is an update on a
previous item or if it is for informational purposes only and what you need from the
Select Board (directional guidance, approval, etc).
A vote is requested to accept the easements over 67 Cedar St and 75 Cedar St substantially
in the form presented, with final changes to be made by the Town Manager in his
reasonable discretion in consultation with Town Counsel; and to authorize the Town
Manager to take all actions on behalf of the Board that are reasonably necessary in his
judgment to complete and effectuate the acceptance of the easements.
o A summary explanation of what is being presented including costs and funding
source, plan for public outreach, impact on department work/goals and any alignment
with the Select Board goals.
A summary explanation of what is being presented
Through the design phase of the Cedar St sidewalk project, it has been identified that due to
the variable width of the public right-of-way (ROW) and other constraints, the proposed
sidewalk could not be constructed fully within the ROW. The project team approached the
two property owners of 67 and 75 Cedar St to discuss their willingness to provide
easements for the purpose of allowing a portion of public access sidewalk to be built on
their property. Both property owners agreed to provide easements.
Costs and funding source
As the property owners both agreed to donate the easements, there are no costs associated
with this request.
Please note, prior to execution of the easement, the owner of 75 Cedar has notified us they
intend to sell the property this fall. We will most likely have to finalize the easement with
the new owner.
Plan for public outreach
There have been several public meetings held previously for this project and construction
funding was approved. The easements have been shown on the plans throughout the design
process. The Engineering Division and Town Counsel have been working with the property
owners over the past year to progress the easements.
Impact on department work/goals and any alignment with the Select Board goals.
Acceptance of these easements allows for a continuous, accessible sidewalk along Cedar St.
o Timeline summary
The project is currently under construction.
o For items where action of the Board is being requested, a statement of the implications
of taking the action vs. not taking the action.
Approval of the acceptance of the easements allows the project to continue with the
construction and completion of the project.
If no action is taken, the completion of the sidewalk will be delayed until such time as the
easements are accepted.
Thank you
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Update: Council on Aging Proposed Committee Charge Amendments
PRESENTER:
Sue Rockwell, COA; Dana
Bickleman, Director of Human
Services
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.3
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision-making
The Council on Aging Board is returning to the Select Board with the proposed charge, which was first
presented on June 3, 2024. Following that presentation, the Board received redlined revisions from Town
Counsel. These edits have been incorporated, and the updated charge is now being presented for the Select
Board’s review and consideration.
It has also been determined that the revised charge must receive approval at Town Meeting. The Council on
Aging Board plans to bring the charge forward for consideration at the Spring 2026 Annual Town Meeting.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Move to accept/not accept changes to the Council on Aging committee charge as presented.
FOLLOW-UP:
If changes are accepted, Council on Aging to bring charge forward to 2026 Annual Town Meeting for
consideration of approval.
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
10/6/2025 6:50pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
COA board changes. clean Backup Material
COA Board changes. redlined Backup Material
COUNCIL ON AGING (COA)
Members: 11
Appointed by: Town Manager with Select Board approval
Length of Term: 3 year term
Appointments made: June 1
Charge: The Council on Aging provides policy guidance in the operation of the Senior Services division of
Lexington’s Human Services department, which coordinates and carries out programs designed to meet
the needs of the aging. These programs are developed in collaboration with programs of the Mass.
Executive Office of Aging and Independence, Minuteman Senior Services and others. Its activities include
the provision of congregate meal and home delivered meals, counseling and recreation for older adults
and their caregivers, Senior Health Monitor Program, Property Tax Work Off Program, tax assistance,
health clinics, health insurance advisory and education, exercise classes, library and education programs,
newsletter, outreach, and advocacy, and to provide sustained leadership that helps Lexington be a
livable and age friendly community for all who choose to live here. The Lexington Council on Aging
works to improve the quality of life of Lexington’s citizens who are over the age of 60.
Criteria for Membership: Open to individuals with an active interest in the well-being and issues of older
adults.
Ref.: Lexington Code Chapter 35; MGL Chapter 40 §8B; Selectmen designated as Special Municipal
Employees on January 8, 1984; Selectmen reaffirmed designation as Special Municipal Employees on
January 18, 2006.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsibilities and Duties of the Council:
General:
The Council on Aging strives to assist older adults in maintaining their dignity, self-esteem, personal
independence, and engagement as full participants in the life of the community. The COA makes every
effort to provide older adults with opportunities that enhance their physical, emotional, intellectual and
social well-being, recognizing and supporting Lexington’s diverse population.
Specific:
1)Provide guidance or consultation to the Senior Services division of the Human Services
department (SSD) regarding older adult policies, programs, and long range plans.
2)Collaborate with the SSD in evaluating services and programs and establishing user fees
for services and activities, as needed.
3)Provide assistance, when needed, with promoting and/or carrying out older adult
service programs.
4)Initiate and/or participate in studies relating to the needs of older adults, i.e the
Lexington Age-Friendly Report, and implement relevant recommendations.
5)Leverage Lexington’s Age-Friendly Report findings and any future studies and continue
to evaluate older adult community needs and make recommendations, as appropriate,
for alterations in Lexington’s communications and/or services.
6)Assist in the preparation and review of the COA Report for the Annual Report to the
Town of Lexington.
7)Serve as liaisons with other Town committees in matters relating to older adults.
8) Recommend to Town administration and the community ways in which the needs of
older adults in Lexington can be met, by encouraging cooperative arrangements with
other towns, persons, or agencies.
9)Promote older adult participation in community activities relevant to their population.
10)Ensure that COA recommendations and activities are respectful of Lexington’s Diversity, Equity
and Inclusion initiatives.
COUNCIL ON AGING (COA)
Members: 11
Appointed by: Town Manager with Select Board approval
Length of Term: 3 year term
Appointments made: June 1
Meeting Times: 1st Wednesday of each month at 2:30 p.m.
Charge: The Council on Aging provides policy guidance in the operation of the Senior Services division of
Lexington’s Human Services department, which coordinates and carries out programs designed to meet
the needs of the aging. These programs are developed in collaboration with programs of the Mass.
Department of Elder AffairsExecutive Office of Aging and Independence, Minuteman Senior Services and
others. Its activities include the provision of congregate meal and home delivered meals, counseling and
recreation for older adults and their caregivers, Senior Health Monitor Program, Property Tax Work Off
Program, tax assistance, health clinics, health insurance advisory and education, exercise classes, library
and education programs, newsletter, outreach, and advocacy, and to provide sustained leadership that
helps Lexington be a livable and age friendly community for all who choose to live here. The Lexington
Council on Aging works to improve the quality of life of Lexington’s citizens who are over the age of 60.
Criteria for Membership: Open to people individuals with an active interest in the well-being and issues
of older adults affairs.
Ref.: Lexington Code Chapter 35; MGL Chapter 40 §8B; Selectmen designated as Special Municipal
Employees on January 8, 1984; Selectmen reaffirmed designation as Special Municipal Employees on
January 18, 2006.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsibilities and Duties of the COA BoardCouncil:
General:
The COA Board Council on Aging strives to assist older adults in maintaining their dignity, self-
esteem, personal independence, and engagement as full participants in the life of the community. The
COA makes every effort to provide older adults with opportunities that enhance their physical,
emotional, intellectual and social well-being, recognizing and supporting Lexington’s diverse population.
Specific:
1)Provide guidance or consultation to the Senior Services division of the Human Services
department (SSD) regarding older adult policies, programs, and long range plans.
2)Collaborate with the SSD in evaluating services and programs and establishing user fees
for services and activities, as needed.
3)Provide assistance, when needed, with promoting and/or carrying out older adult
service programs.
4)Initiate and/or participate in studies relating to the needs of older adults, i.e the
Lexington Age-Friendly Report, and implement relevant recommendations.
5)Leverage Lexington’s Age-Friendly Report findings and any future studies and continue
to evaluate older adult community needs and make recommendations, as appropriate,
for alterations in Lexington’s communications and/or services.
6)Assist in the preparation and review of the COA Report for the Annual Report to the
Town of Lexington.
7)Serve as liaisons with other Town committees in matters relating to older adults.
8) Recommend to Town administration and the community ways in which the needs of
older adults in Lexington can be met, by encouraging cooperative arrangements with
other towns, persons, or agencies.
9)Promote older adult participation in community activities relevant to their population.
10)Ensure that COA recommendations and activities are respectful of Lexington’s Diversity, Equity
and Inclusion initiatives.
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Discussion: 2026 Patriots' Day Celebration Dates
PRESENTER:
Board Discussion
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.4
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision Making
By statute, the Commonwealth observes Patriots’ Day on the third Monday in April. Locally, the Town
Celebrations Committee coordinates community events in recognition of this holiday.
For 2026, the statutory holiday falls on Monday, April 20, 2026. The Town Celebrations Committee has
submitted a proposal recommending that the Town’s traditional Patriots’ Day events—parade, ceremonies, and
related activities—be held instead on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Considerations:
Logistics & Participation: Saturday scheduling may allow greater participation from residents, families,
and visitors who may not be available on a weekday.
Regional Conflicts: Holding the events on Saturday may reduce overlap with larger regional
commemorations and the Boston Marathon, which occurs on Patriots’ Day Monday.
The Select Board is asked to discuss and decide whether to authorize the Town Celebrations Committee to
hold the 2026 Patriots’ Day events on Saturday, April 18, 2026, instead of Monday, April 20, 2026.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Move to (authorize / not authorize) 2026 Patriots’ Day events to be held on on Saturday, April 18, 2026,
instead of Monday, April 20, 2026.
FOLLOW-UP:
TCC
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
10/6/2025 7:00pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Recommnedation to hold 2026 Patriots Day Celebration on Saturday Backup Material
Memo from Lexington Minute Men Backup Material
Town Celebrafions Commiftee Proposal for Patriots Day 2026
Summary to Select Board
September 10, 2025
Proposed Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Reenactment Dufies: TCC resumes management of fickefing and access to bleachers
TCC will manage the Youth Sunrise Parade.
TCC will produce the awards ceremony on the Green.
Afternoon Parade:
o Step off at 2:00 pm at Mass Ave and Maple Street
o Finish by 4:30 pm (latest ending and DPW cleanup)
o Limit to 90 units at pre-2025 number of units (reference 2025: 130 units)
o Professional Contractor will be required to facilitate step-off and parade endings
in conjuncfion with TCC volunteers
o Budget $75,000 (compared to $100,000 budget in 2025)
o Parking at LHS for parade parficipants
o Bus transportafion for parade parficipants to Mass Ave & Pleasant St.
o Stakeholders include Lex250, Lex Minutemen, Reenactor Community, intra-
municipal counterparts, Lex Police, Fire, DPW, Economic Development, Tourism,
community partners, and local businesses.
Safety Concerns: Do not underesfimate the potenfial crowds and
safety concerns stemming from MA250 and America250.
TCC needs PR services and support from Lex250.
While we prefer Saturday, April 18th as the best date for town residents and visitors, TCC
can deliver the same events on Monday, April 20th, 2026 at the same level and expense.
Respecffully submifted,
Town Celebrafions Commiftee
David Grabel and Sudha Balasuryan, Co-Chairs
Good Morning!
Below are some notes from a meeting held with the Lexington Minute Men, HM 10th Regiment,
Lexington History Museums, Police, and Public Works for some initial thoughts/suggestions for
the Reenactment in April 2026. I hope you find this information helpful in your discussions and
planning for April 2026.
Meeting: Monday, September 15th @1:30pm via Zoom
Topic: Lexington Reenactment April 2026
Attendees: Henry Liu, Chair LMM Reenactment Committee; Steve Cole, Captain Commanding,
Lexington Minute Men; Michael Graves, Lt. Colonel HM 10th Regiment; Dylan Potter, Adjutant
HM 10 Regiment; Chris Barry, Captain LPD; Anne Lee, Lexington History Museums; Sue
Rockwell, Lexington History Museums; Dave Pinsonneault, Director DPW
Major question for discussion: Reenactment on Saturday, April 18, 2026, or Monday, April
20, 2026
LMM & HM 10th: Prefer Saturday because of ongoing 250th celebrations for the country, and
we anticipate continued visibility and popularity for the reenactment. Note: NPS not doing
Battle Road in 2026, significantly reduced events are planed; probably more along the lines of
historical interpretation, no battles. Reduced number of outside Regulars (just need to revisit the
road closure and parking plans later).
Municipal departments: Prefer Saturday because resources more readily available, no
competition getting those needed resources (Boston Marathon on Monday makes things more
difficult for Monday battle). Also prefer to have all events, including parade, on same day
because of staffing.
Lexington History Museums: Not preferred to hold Revere's Ride Friday night, but will
accommodate if reenactment is held Saturday.
Other considerations:
Sound system - Desire to have key individuals with lines to be mic'd with a better
speaker/sound system than the town used in the past.
Video boards allowed extended audience to also see the event more clearly. Do we need
two or three?
Dave P to initiate funding requests for above equipment.
Will need a media riser again, placement TBD
Roads will be barricaded for safety
Note: not discussed but the plan is to have the same structure to the reenactment as we
did for 2025 (re-battle roll call, evacuation, battle, Parke's Revenge).
Reduced burden on town with fewer units and events (no Golden Knights, no Old Guard,
etc.)
Likely to have normal events like DAR, USS Lexington; White Tricorn Hat, etc.
Next steps: have follow-up meeting once we hear back from Select Board to move forward an
start critical planning.
Yours in Liberty!
Henry
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Special Town Meeting 2025 -2 and 2025 Special Election
PRESENTER:
Kelly Axtell, Deputy Town Manager
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.5
SUMMARY:
Decision-Making
The Select Board is being asked to review and approve the Special Election Warrant for December 8, 2025.
The Board is also being asked to review and approved the 2025-2 Special Town Meeting and to include the
Moderator’s request letter for hybrid format, dated August 26, 2025 in the 2024-2 Special Town Meeting
Warrant.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Move to call the Special Election for December 8, 2025.
Move to approve and sign the Special Election Warrant and authorize staff to make non-substantive edits as
necessary or as recommended by Town Counsel or Bond Counsel.
Move to approve and sign Town Meeting 2025-2 Warrant including/not including the article titled “Home Rule
Legislation for New Lexington High School” and authorize staff to make non-substantive edits as necessary or
as recommended by Town Counsel or Bond Counsel.
FOLLOW-UP:
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
10/6/2025 7:15pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Election Warrant and 2025-2 Special Town Meeting Backup Material
Election Warrant and 2025-2 Special Town Meeting with No Art 97 home
rule Backup Material
TOWN WARRANT
Town of Lexington
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex, ss.
To any of the Constables of the Town of Lexington
Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are to notify the inhabitants of the Town of Lexington qualified to vote in elections and in Town affairs to meet in their respective voting places in said Town.
PRECINCT ONE, CARY MEMORIAL BUILDING; PRECINCT TWO, CARY MEMORIAL BUILDING; PRECINCT THREE, LEXINGTON COMMUNITY CENTER; PRECINCT FOUR, CARY MEMORIAL BUILDING; PRECINCT FIVE, CARY MEMORIAL BUILDING; PRECINCT SIX, CARY MEMORIAL BUILDING; PRECINCT SEVEN CARY MEMORIAL BUILDING; PRECINCT EIGHT, SAMUEL HADLEY PUBLIC SERVICES BUILDING; PRECINCT NINE, LEXINGTON COMMUNITY CENTER,
MONDAY, the EIGHTH DAY of DECEMBER, 2025
From 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., then and there to act on the following question submitted to the voters at large:
Shall the Town of Lexington be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two-and-one-half, so called,
the amounts required to pay for the bonds issued to pay for the costs of design and construction of a new Lexington
High School, to be located at 251 Waltham Street, in Lexington, including the costs of conducting a feasibility
study, design development, demolition, architectural and engineering services, original equipment, furnishings,
landscaping, athletic fields, paving and parking areas, other accessory facilities, and the renovation of the existing
field house, if the overall appropriation so allows, and other site improvements or incidental cost directly related to
such construction?
And you are directed to serve this warrant seven days at least before the time of said meeting.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, on or before the
time of said meeting.
Given under our hands this 6th day of October, 2025.
Jill I. Hai, Chair Select Board
Joseph N. Pato
Douglas M. Lucente of
Mark D. Sandeen
Vineeta A. Kumar Lexington
A true copy, Attest:
Constable of Lexington
1
TOWN OF LEXINGTON WARRANT
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING 2025-2
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex, ss.
To either of the Constables or Town Clerk of the Town of Lexington, in said County, Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify the inhabitants of the Town of
Lexington qualified to vote in elections and in Town affairs to meet either at Margery Milne Battin Hall in the Cary
Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, or by means of the audio/video conferencing platform
described more particularly below on
Tuesday, November 3, 2025 at 7:30pm
at which time and place the following articles are to be acted upon and determined exclusively by the Town
Meeting Members in accordance with Chapter 215 of the Acts of 1929, as amended, and subject to the referendum
provided for by Section eight of said Chapter, as amended.
Pursuant to Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2020, as amended, including without limitation by Chapter 2 of the Acts of
2023 and Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, the Town Meeting shall be held through a hybrid of in person meeting and
remote participation by the means requested by the Moderator as follows:
Town Meeting members will either attend the meeting in person at Margery Milne Battin Hall, or via remote
participation. The meeting will be facilitated by use of: (1) the Zoom videoconferencing platform, (2) the online
voting tool developed by Select Board member Joe Pato and (3) an online queuing function developed by Select
Board member Joe Pato to facilitate debate. Other Town residents who wish to follow the proceedings may do so by
attending the meeting in person in the areas reserved for non-Town Meeting Members, or via LexMedia at https://
www.youtube.com/user/LexMediaMATV. Other residents who wish to participate in the Meeting may email the
Town Clerk's Office at clerk@lexingtonma.gov and by completing the online form at www.LexingtonMA.gov/
STM2025-2 .
For more information, please see the Moderator's letter dated August 26, 2025 to the Select Board attached to this
warrant as Appendix A.
ARTICLE 1 REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
To receive the reports of any Board or Town Officer or of any Committee of the Town; or act in any other manner
in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
DESCRIPTION: This article remains open throughout Town Meeting and reports may be presented at any Town
Meeting session by boards, officers, or committees.
ARTICLE 2 APPROPRIATE FOR PRIOR YEARS’ UNPAID BILLS
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate money to pay any unpaid bills rendered to the Town for prior
years; to determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, or by any
combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article to request funds to pay bills after the close of the fiscal year in which the
goods were received or the services performed and for which no money was encumbered.
2
ARTICLE 3 ESTABLISH, AMEND, DISSOLVE AND APPROPRIATE TO AND FROM
SPECIFIED STABILIZATION FUNDS
To see if the Town will vote to create, amend, dissolve, rename and/or appropriate sums of money to and from
Stabilization Funds in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Section 5B of Chapter 40 for the purposes of:
(a) Section 135 Zoning By-Law; (b) Traffic Mitigation; (c) Transportation Demand Management/Public
Transportation; (d) Special Education; (e) Center Improvement District; (f) Transportation Management Overlay
District; (g) Capital; (h) Payment in Lieu of Parking; (i) Visitors Center Capital Stabilization Fund; (j) Affordable
Housing Capital Stabilization Fund; (k) Water System Capital Stabilization Fund; and (l) Ambulance Stabilization
Fund; determine whether such sums shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, from fees,
charges or gifts or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article to establish, dissolve, and/or fund Stabilization Funds for specific
purposes and to appropriate funds therefrom. Money in those funds may be invested and the interest becomes a part
of the particular fund. These funds may later be appropriated for the specific designated purpose by a two-thirds
vote of an Annual or Special Town Meeting, for any lawful purpose.
ARTICLE 4 AMEND FY2026 OPERATING, ENTERPRISE AND CPA BUDGETS
To see if the Town will vote to make supplementary appropriations, to be used in conjunction with money
appropriated under Articles 4, 5, 9 and 10 of the warrant for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting to be used during the
current fiscal year, or make any other adjustments to the current fiscal year budgets and appropriations that may be
necessary; to determine whether the money shall be provided by tax levy, by transfer from available funds including
the Community Preservation Fund, or by combination of any of these methods; or act in any other manner in
relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article to permit adjustments to current fiscal year (FY2026) appropriations.
ARTICLE 5 APPROPRIATE FOR AUTHORIZED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
To see if the Town will vote to make supplementary appropriations to be used in conjunction with sums
appropriated in prior years for the installation or construction of water mains, sewers and sewerage systems, drains,
streets, buildings, recreational facilities or other capital improvements and equipment; determine whether the sums
shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from the balances in other articles, by transfer from available funds,
including enterprise funds and the Community Preservation Fund, by borrowing, or by any combination of these
methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article to request funds to supplement existing appropriations for certain capital
projects in light of revised cost estimates that exceed such appropriations.
ARTICLE 6 ESTABLISH, AMEND AND CONTINUE DEPARTMENTAL REVOLVING FUNDS
To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53E½ and Chapter
110 of the Code of the Town of Lexington, to amend existing revolving funds; to amend said Chapter 110 to
establish new revolving funds; to determine whether the maximum amounts that may be expended from such new
and existing revolving fund accounts in FY2026 shall be the following amounts or any other amounts; or act in any
other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
3
DESCRIPTION: The amount that may be spent from a revolving fund established under Massachusetts General
Laws Chapter 44, Section 53E½ must be approved annually by Town Meeting. The Funds are credited with the
receipts received in connection with the programs supported by such funds, and expenditures may be made from the
revolving fund without further appropriation. This article will make amendments to the revolving funds and
spending limits approved at the 2025 Annual Town Meeting.
ARTICLE 7 ACCEPT GENERAL LAWS, CHAPTER 59, SECTION 5, CLAUSE 22L (HERO ACT)
To see if the Town will vote to accept General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22I, which authorizes an annual
increase in the amount of the exemption granted under General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22, Clause 22A,
Clause 22B, Clause 22C, Clause 22E and Clause 22F by the percentage increase in the U.S. Department of Labor,
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the previous year as determined by the Commissioner of
Revenue, to be effective for applicable exemptions granted for any fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 2027; or
act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board )
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This article would tie the Town's Veteran Property Tax Exemption limits to inflation as outlined
in the Massachusetts HERO Act (Chapter 178 of the Acts of 2024).
ARTICLE 8 APPROPRIATE FOR LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate, borrow or transfer from available funds, an amount of money to be
expended under the direction of the Permanent Building Committee, in addition to the $11,825,000 that have
previously been appropriated for a feasibility study, for the costs to demolish the existing Lexington High School,
and design, construct, originally equip and furnish a new Lexington High School, to be located at 251 Waltham
Street, in Lexington, including athletic fields, parking areas and other accessory facilities, as well as the renovation
of the existing field house, if the overall appropriation so allows; which school facility shall have an anticipated
useful life as an educational facility for the instruction of school children of at least 50 years, and for which the
Town may be eligible for a school construction grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority
(“MSBA”). The Town acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program
based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and any project costs the Town incurs in excess of any grant approved
by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the Town. Any grant that the Town may receive
from the MSBA for the Project shall not exceed the lesser of (1) 36.95% of eligible, approved project costs, as
determined by the MSBA; or (2) the total maximum grant amount determined by the MSBA; or take any other
action in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the School Committee)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $647,921,834
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this article is to fund the design and construction of a new Lexington High School,
including equipment, furnishings, parking, accessory facilities, the demolition of the existing buildings, and the
replacement of existing athletic fields. This project will be partially reimbursed by the Massachusetts School
Building Authority, and will depend on a successful Debt Exclusion referendum. This appropriation is in addition to
$11,825,000 in feasibility and design funds that were previously appropriated, resulting in a total project cost of
$659,746,834.
ARTICLE 9 HOME RULE LEGISLATION FOR NEW LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
1 Transfer from the Select Board and to the School Committee for school purposes the care, custody,
management and control of parcels of land currently containing the Lexington High School Athletic Fields
as shown on a sketch plan entitled “Figure G” dated 10/03/2025, on file with the Town Clerk (the “Athletic
Field Parcels”), currently held by the Select Board for open space, recreation and school purposes pursuant
to Chapter 114 of the Acts of 1961;
4
2 Transfer from the School Committee and to the Select Board the care, custody, management and control of
parcels of land currently containing the Lexington High School buildings as shown on a sketch plan entitled
“Figure G” dated 10/03/2025, on file with the Town Clerk used as the site of the existing Lexington High
School and adjoining parking areas currently held by the School Committee; such transfers being
undertaken as mitigation for the proposed transfer of the Athletic Field Parcels to the School Committee for
the siting of the new Lexington High School building, parking areas and other School Facilities; and
further;
3 Authorize, the Select Board to petition the General Court to enact special legislation confirm the use of the
Athletic Field Parcels currently under the care, custody, management and control of the Select Board to the
School Committee for school purposes pursuant to Chapter 114 of the Acts of 1961; or act in any other
manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this Article is to allow the new Lexington High School to be built on the Lexington
High School athletic fields and allow the parcels of land containing the existing Lexington High School to be
transformed into and protected as recreational space. It will also allow the Select Board to petition the General
Court for special legislation to confirm that the transfer of land is permissible to the extent the existing fields
remain in anyway restricted for use pursuant Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution notwithstanding the
prior authorization of the same parcels for use for park, playground and school purposes by Town Meeting
in 1960 and the Legislature in 1961.
ARTICLE 10 AMEND REFERENCE OF NEWSPAPERS TO INCLUDE ELECTRONIC MEDIA
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Lexington Bylaws Chapter 1 General Provisions and Article II
Use and Construction to include a reference to electronic media and remove outdated references; or act in any other
manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
DESCRIPTION: This article is an article to clean up language in the bylaw after 2025 Annual Town Meeting
approved a change to include electronic media as a way to advertise.
ARTICLE 11 CLARIFICATION OF LEXHAB REORGANIZATION
To see if the town will vote to authorize the Select Board to petition the Massachusetts General Court for legislation
amending Chapter 192 of the Acts of 2024, which established the Lexington Housing Assistance Board, Inc.
(“LexHAB”) as a separate nonprofit entity, to make changes required by the Internal Revenue Service; and further
to authorize the Select Board to approve amendments to said act before its enactment by the General Court that are
within the scope of the general objectives of the petition; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted the Select Board)
DESCRIPTION: This article will make changes that are required for the Internal Revenue Services for purposes of
LexHAB's status as a non profit entity separate from the Town.
5
And you are directed to serve this warrant not less than fourteen days at least before the time of said meeting, as
provided in the Bylaws of the Town.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, on or before the
time of said meeting.
Given under our hands this 6th day of October 6, 2025.
Jill I. Hai, Chair
Select Board
of
Lexington
Joseph N. Pato
Douglas M. Lucente
Mark D. Sandeen
Vineeta A. Kumar
A true copy, Attest:
Constable of Lexington
6
ATTACHMENT A
Town of Lexington
MODERATOR
DEBORAH BROWN
August 26, 2025 DELIVERED BY EMAIL
Dear Select Board Members,
Pursuant to Massachusetts Section 26 of Chapter 22 of the Acts of 2022, as amended by Section 47 of Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, I request approval to conduct the proposed 2025 Special Town Meeting-2 as a hybrid meeting. I propose to use a combination of: (1) the Zoom videoconferencing platform, (2) the online voting tool developed by Select Board member Joe Pato, and (3) an online queuing function developed by Select Board member Joe Pato to facilitate the process of debate.
I certify that all components of the system described above have been fully tested and utilized successfully for prior Town Meetings, and I am satisfied that this system enables our meetings to be conducted in substantially the same manner whether a member is participating in person or remotely. I certify that the system for those opting for remote participation (i) allows the moderator, town meeting members, town officials and any other interested members of the public to identify and hear the moderator and each town meeting member who attends and participates in the remote meeting, as well as any other individuals who participate in the meeting; (ii) provides the ability to determine whether a quorum is present; (iii) allows participants to request recognition by the moderator and makes such requests visible to the meeting participants and the public; (iv) allows the moderator to determine when a town meeting member wishes to be recognized to speak, make a motion, or raise a point of order or personal privilege; (v) enables the moderator to recognize a town meeting member, town official or other individual and enable that person to speak; (vi) provides the ability to conduct a roll call or electronically recorded vote; (vii) allows any interested members of the public to access the meeting remotely through LexMedia for purposes of witnessing the deliberations and actions taken at the town meeting; (viii) allows members of the public to participate in debate in-person or through the submission of statements for or against a motion; and (ix) provides for the town meeting to be recorded and available for future viewing. I further confirm that I have consulted with Lexington’s Commission on Disability regarding system accessibility.
Sincerely,
Deborah Brown Town Moderator 617-512-7901
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420
7
TOWN WARRANT
Town of Lexington
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex, ss.
To any of the Constables of the Town of Lexington
Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are to notify the inhabitants of the Town of Lexington qualified to vote in elections and in Town affairs to meet in their respective voting places in said Town.
PRECINCT ONE, CARY MEMORIAL BUILDING; PRECINCT TWO, CARY MEMORIAL BUILDING; PRECINCT THREE, LEXINGTON COMMUNITY CENTER; PRECINCT FOUR, CARY MEMORIAL BUILDING; PRECINCT FIVE, CARY MEMORIAL BUILDING; PRECINCT SIX, CARY MEMORIAL BUILDING; PRECINCT SEVEN CARY MEMORIAL BUILDING; PRECINCT EIGHT, SAMUEL HADLEY PUBLIC SERVICES BUILDING; PRECINCT NINE, LEXINGTON COMMUNITY CENTER,
MONDAY, the EIGHTH DAY of DECEMBER, 2025
From 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., then and there to act on the following question submitted to the voters at large:
Shall the Town of Lexington be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two-and-one-half, so called,
the amounts required to pay for the bonds issued to pay for the costs of design and construction of a new Lexington
High School, to be located at 251 Waltham Street, in Lexington, including the costs of conducting a feasibility
study, design development, demolition, architectural and engineering services, original equipment, furnishings,
landscaping, athletic fields, paving and parking areas, other accessory facilities, and the renovation of the existing
field house, if the overall appropriation so allows, and other site improvements or incidental cost directly related to
such construction?
And you are directed to serve this warrant seven days at least before the time of said meeting.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, on or before the
time of said meeting.
Given under our hands this 6th day of October, 2025.
Jill I. Hai, Chair Select Board
Joseph N. Pato
Douglas M. Lucente of
Mark D. Sandeen
Vineeta A. Kumar Lexington
A true copy, Attest:
Constable of Lexington
1
TOWN OF LEXINGTON WARRANT
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING 2025-2
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex, ss.
To either of the Constables or Town Clerk of the Town of Lexington, in said County, Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify the inhabitants of the Town of
Lexington qualified to vote in elections and in Town affairs to meet either at Margery Milne Battin Hall in the Cary
Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, or by means of the audio/video conferencing platform
described more particularly below on
Tuesday, November 3, 2025 at 7:30pm
at which time and place the following articles are to be acted upon and determined exclusively by the Town
Meeting Members in accordance with Chapter 215 of the Acts of 1929, as amended, and subject to the referendum
provided for by Section eight of said Chapter, as amended.
Pursuant to Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2020, as amended, including without limitation by Chapter 2 of the Acts of
2023 and Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, the Town Meeting shall be held through a hybrid of in person meeting and
remote participation by the means requested by the Moderator as follows:
Town Meeting members will either attend the meeting in person at Margery Milne Battin Hall, or via remote
participation. The meeting will be facilitated by use of: (1) the Zoom videoconferencing platform, (2) the online
voting tool developed by Select Board member Joe Pato and (3) an online queuing function developed by Select
Board member Joe Pato to facilitate debate. Other Town residents who wish to follow the proceedings may do so by
attending the meeting in person in the areas reserved for non-Town Meeting Members, or via LexMedia at https://
www.youtube.com/user/LexMediaMATV. Other residents who wish to participate in the Meeting may email the
Town Clerk's Office at clerk@lexingtonma.gov and by completing the online form at www.LexingtonMA.gov/
STM2025-2 .
For more information, please see the Moderator's letter dated August 26, 2025 to the Select Board attached to this
warrant as Appendix A.
ARTICLE 1 REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
To receive the reports of any Board or Town Officer or of any Committee of the Town; or act in any other manner
in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
DESCRIPTION: This article remains open throughout Town Meeting and reports may be presented at any Town
Meeting session by boards, officers, or committees.
ARTICLE 2 APPROPRIATE FOR PRIOR YEARS’ UNPAID BILLS
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate money to pay any unpaid bills rendered to the Town for prior
years; to determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, or by any
combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article to request funds to pay bills after the close of the fiscal year in which the
goods were received or the services performed and for which no money was encumbered.
2
ARTICLE 3 ESTABLISH, AMEND, DISSOLVE AND APPROPRIATE TO AND FROM
SPECIFIED STABILIZATION FUNDS
To see if the Town will vote to create, amend, dissolve, rename and/or appropriate sums of money to and from
Stabilization Funds in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Section 5B of Chapter 40 for the purposes of:
(a) Section 135 Zoning By-Law; (b) Traffic Mitigation; (c) Transportation Demand Management/Public
Transportation; (d) Special Education; (e) Center Improvement District; (f) Transportation Management Overlay
District; (g) Capital; (h) Payment in Lieu of Parking; (i) Visitors Center Capital Stabilization Fund; (j) Affordable
Housing Capital Stabilization Fund; (k) Water System Capital Stabilization Fund; and (l) Ambulance Stabilization
Fund; determine whether such sums shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, from fees,
charges or gifts or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article to establish, dissolve, and/or fund Stabilization Funds for specific
purposes and to appropriate funds therefrom. Money in those funds may be invested and the interest becomes a part
of the particular fund. These funds may later be appropriated for the specific designated purpose by a two-thirds
vote of an Annual or Special Town Meeting, for any lawful purpose.
ARTICLE 4 AMEND FY2026 OPERATING, ENTERPRISE AND CPA BUDGETS
To see if the Town will vote to make supplementary appropriations, to be used in conjunction with money
appropriated under Articles 4, 5, 9 and 10 of the warrant for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting to be used during the
current fiscal year, or make any other adjustments to the current fiscal year budgets and appropriations that may be
necessary; to determine whether the money shall be provided by tax levy, by transfer from available funds including
the Community Preservation Fund, or by combination of any of these methods; or act in any other manner in
relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article to permit adjustments to current fiscal year (FY2026) appropriations.
ARTICLE 5 APPROPRIATE FOR AUTHORIZED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
To see if the Town will vote to make supplementary appropriations to be used in conjunction with sums
appropriated in prior years for the installation or construction of water mains, sewers and sewerage systems, drains,
streets, buildings, recreational facilities or other capital improvements and equipment; determine whether the sums
shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from the balances in other articles, by transfer from available funds,
including enterprise funds and the Community Preservation Fund, by borrowing, or by any combination of these
methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article to request funds to supplement existing appropriations for certain capital
projects in light of revised cost estimates that exceed such appropriations.
ARTICLE 6 ESTABLISH, AMEND AND CONTINUE DEPARTMENTAL REVOLVING FUNDS
To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53E½ and Chapter
110 of the Code of the Town of Lexington, to amend existing revolving funds; to amend said Chapter 110 to
establish new revolving funds; to determine whether the maximum amounts that may be expended from such new
and existing revolving fund accounts in FY2026 shall be the following amounts or any other amounts; or act in any
other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
3
DESCRIPTION: The amount that may be spent from a revolving fund established under Massachusetts General
Laws Chapter 44, Section 53E½ must be approved annually by Town Meeting. The Funds are credited with the
receipts received in connection with the programs supported by such funds, and expenditures may be made from the
revolving fund without further appropriation. This article will make amendments to the revolving funds and
spending limits approved at the 2025 Annual Town Meeting.
ARTICLE 7 ACCEPT GENERAL LAWS, CHAPTER 59, SECTION 5, CLAUSE 22L (HERO ACT)
To see if the Town will vote to accept General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22I, which authorizes an annual
increase in the amount of the exemption granted under General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22, Clause 22A,
Clause 22B, Clause 22C, Clause 22E and Clause 22F by the percentage increase in the U.S. Department of Labor,
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the previous year as determined by the Commissioner of
Revenue, to be effective for applicable exemptions granted for any fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 2027; or
act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board )
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This article would tie the Town's Veteran Property Tax Exemption limits to inflation as outlined
in the Massachusetts HERO Act (Chapter 178 of the Acts of 2024).
ARTICLE 8 APPROPRIATE FOR LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate, borrow or transfer from available funds, an amount of money to be
expended under the direction of the Permanent Building Committee, in addition to the $11,825,000 that have
previously been appropriated for a feasibility study, for the costs to demolish the existing Lexington High School,
and design, construct, originally equip and furnish a new Lexington High School, to be located at 251 Waltham
Street, in Lexington, including athletic fields, parking areas and other accessory facilities, as well as the renovation
of the existing field house, if the overall appropriation so allows; which school facility shall have an anticipated
useful life as an educational facility for the instruction of school children of at least 50 years, and for which the
Town may be eligible for a school construction grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority
(“MSBA”). The Town acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program
based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and any project costs the Town incurs in excess of any grant approved
by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the Town. Any grant that the Town may receive
from the MSBA for the Project shall not exceed the lesser of (1) 36.95% of eligible, approved project costs, as
determined by the MSBA; or (2) the total maximum grant amount determined by the MSBA; or take any other
action in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the School Committee)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $647,921,834
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this article is to fund the design and construction of a new Lexington High School,
including equipment, furnishings, parking, accessory facilities, the demolition of the existing buildings, and the
replacement of existing athletic fields. This project will be partially reimbursed by the Massachusetts School
Building Authority, and will depend on a successful Debt Exclusion referendum. This appropriation is in addition to
$11,825,000 in feasibility and design funds that were previously appropriated, resulting in a total project cost of
$659,746,834.
ARTICLE 9 HOME RULE LEGISLATION FOR NEW LEXINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
1 Transfer from the Select Board and to the School Committee for school purposes the care, custody,
management and control of parcels of land currently containing the Lexington High School Athletic Fields
as shown on a sketch plan entitled “Figure G” dated 10/03/2025, on file with the Town Clerk (the “Athletic
Field Parcels”), currently held by the Select Board for open space, recreation and school purposes pursuant
to Chapter 114 of the Acts of 1961;
2 Transfer from the School Committee and to the Select Board the care, custody, management and control of
parcels of land currently containing the Lexington High School buildings as shown on a sketch plan entitled
4
“Figure G” dated 10/03/2025, on file with the Town Clerk used as the site of the existing Lexington High
School and adjoining parking areas currently held by the School Committee; such transfers being
undertaken as mitigation for the proposed transfer of the Athletic Field Parcels to the School Committee for
the siting of the new Lexington High School building, parking areas and other School Facilities; or take
any other action in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this Article is to allow the new Lexington High School to be built on the Lexington
High School athletic fields and allow the parcels of land containing the existing Lexington High School to be
transformed into and protected as recreational space. It will also allow the Select Board to petition the General
Court for special legislation to confirm that the transfer of land is permissible to the extent the existing fields
remain in anyway restricted for use pursuant Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution notwithstanding the
prior authorization of the same parcels for use for park, playground and school purposes by Town Meeting
in 1960 and the Legislature in 1961.
ARTICLE 10 AMEND REFERENCE OF NEWSPAPERS TO INCLUDE ELECTRONIC MEDIA
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Lexington Bylaws Chapter 1 General Provisions and Article II
Use and Construction to include a reference to electronic media and remove outdated references; or act in any other
manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
DESCRIPTION: This article is an article to clean up language in the bylaw after 2025 Annual Town Meeting
approved a change to include electronic media as a way to advertise.
ARTICLE 11 CLARIFICATION OF LEXHAB REORGANIZATION
To see if the town will vote to authorize the Select Board to petition the Massachusetts General Court for legislation
amending Chapter 192 of the Acts of 2024, which established the Lexington Housing Assistance Board, Inc.
(“LexHAB”) as a separate nonprofit entity, to make changes required by the Internal Revenue Service; and further
to authorize the Select Board to approve amendments to said act before its enactment by the General Court that are
within the scope of the general objectives of the petition; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted the Select Board)
DESCRIPTION: This article will make changes that are required for the Internal Revenue Services for purposes of
LexHAB's status as a non profit entity separate from the Town.
And you are directed to serve this warrant not less than fourteen days at least before the time of said meeting, as
provided in the Bylaws of the Town.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, on or before the
time of said meeting.
Given under our hands this 6th day of October 6, 2025.
Jill I. Hai, Chair
Select Board
of
Lexington
Joseph N. Pato
Douglas M. Lucente
Mark D. Sandeen
Vineeta A. Kumar
A true copy, Attest:
Constable of Lexington
5
ATTACHMENT A
Town of Lexington
MODERATOR
DEBORAH BROWN
August 26, 2025 DELIVERED BY EMAIL
Dear Select Board Members,
Pursuant to Massachusetts Section 26 of Chapter 22 of the Acts of 2022, as amended by Section 47 of Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, I request approval to conduct the proposed 2025 Special Town Meeting-2 as a hybrid meeting. I propose to use a combination of: (1) the Zoom videoconferencing platform, (2) the online voting tool developed by Select Board member Joe Pato, and (3) an online queuing function developed by Select Board member Joe Pato to facilitate the process of debate.
I certify that all components of the system described above have been fully tested and utilized successfully for prior Town Meetings, and I am satisfied that this system enables our meetings to be conducted in substantially the same manner whether a member is participating in person or remotely. I certify that the system for those opting for remote participation (i) allows the moderator, town meeting members, town officials and any other interested members of the public to identify and hear the moderator and each town meeting member who attends and participates in the remote meeting, as well as any other individuals who participate in the meeting; (ii) provides the ability to determine whether a quorum is present; (iii) allows participants to request recognition by the moderator and makes such requests visible to the meeting participants and the public; (iv) allows the moderator to determine when a town meeting member wishes to be recognized to speak, make a motion, or raise a point of order or personal privilege; (v) enables the moderator to recognize a town meeting member, town official or other individual and enable that person to speak; (vi) provides the ability to conduct a roll call or electronically recorded vote; (vii) allows any interested members of the public to access the meeting remotely through LexMedia for purposes of witnessing the deliberations and actions taken at the town meeting; (viii) allows members of the public to participate in debate in-person or through the submission of statements for or against a motion; and (ix) provides for the town meeting to be recorded and available for future viewing. I further confirm that I have consulted with Lexington’s Commission on Disability regarding system accessibility.
Sincerely,
Deborah Brown Town Moderator 617-512-7901
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420
6
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Board Discussion: Recommendation to Consider Removal of a Tree Committee Member
PRESENTER:
Board Discussion
ITEM
NUMBER:
I.6
SUMMARY:
Category: Decision Making
An independent investigator was hired by the Town this spring to review concerns and complaints that had
been raised regarding Gerald Paul’s conduct as a member of the Tree Committee and his treatment of Town
staff. A summary of relevant excerpts from the investigative report's executive summary are provided below:
This investigator finds sufficient evidence to conclude that Mr. Paul violated the Guidelines for Civil Discourse
for all Select Board appointed committee members by continuing to pursue information regarding the Tree
Warden's enforcement of the Tree Bylaws after the DPW Director, Town Manager, Select Board and the
Middlesex District Attorney’s office found insufficient evidence of any intentional wrongdoing.
Instead of looking at how to improve the processes of enforcing the bylaws, Mr. Paul instead has insisted on
repeatedly attacking employees' personal integrity. Furthermore, while the rest of the Tree Committee members
seem ready to move forward and look ahead rather than back, Mr. Paul refused to do so. His inability to
“agree to disagree” and move on is detrimental to the relationship between the Tree Committee and the Tree
Warden/DPW.
Based on the findings of fact and conclusions, this investigator recommends that the Select Board consider
Mr. Paul’s removal from the Tree Committee.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Based on an independent investigator’s conclusion that Gerald Paul violated the Guidelines for Civil
Discourse, which stemmed from an investigation to review concerns and complaints that had been raised
regarding Mr. Paul’s conduct as a member of the Tree Committee and his treatment of Town staff, I move that
the board vote to remove Mr. Paul from the Tree Committee, effective immediately.
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Office
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
10/6/2025 8:00pm