HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-09-17 BOS-min Selectmen's Meeting—September 17, 2018
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SELECTMEN'S MEETING
Monday, September 17, 2018
A meeting of the Lexington Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on Monday,
September 17, 2018 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room of theTown Office Building. Ms. Barry,
Chair, Mr. Pato; Mr. Lucente; and Ms. Hai were present as well as Ms. Axtell, ActingTown
Manager; and Ms. Siebert, Recording Secretary. Ms. Ciccolo was absent.
Selectmen's Concerns and Liaison Ro.orts
Mr. Lucente reported that a presentation about vaping and e-cigarettes would be led by Dr.
Nicholas Chadi on the night of Wednesday October 17, 2018 from 79 p.m. at Cary Hall, 1605
Massachusetts Avenue. The event is free to all. Further information is on theTown website.
Mr. Pato reported that the Bicycle Advisory Committee has begun to discuss the appearance of
dockless bicycles in Lexington and also e.-bikes on the Minuteman Bike Path in order to make
present policy recommendations to the Selectmen.
Mr. Pato said the School Master Plan Committee, a School Committee advisory group, has
begun its work, which will be conducted in the context of the largerTown efforts such as the
Comprehensive Plan, otherTown facilities, and overall financial projections. The School Master
Plan is intended to be a scenario-based living document. 'The Enrollment Advisory Group will be
reactivated as well to study 1(I--year enrollment trends.
Mr. Pato said Lexington will host a Quiet Communities training workshop for other communities
in Battin Hall in the Cary Memorial Building on Wednesday September 19, 2018. Quiet
Communities has worked with the Lexington DPW to identify and purchase low decibel
municipal landscaping equipment, such as leaf blowers and mowers.
Ms. Barry asked Ms. Axtell to extend the Board's and community's thanks to Lexington's Public
Safety staff for their mutual aid emergency response during the recent gas explosions in
Lawrence, Lowell, and Andover; a plane crash in Woburn, near the Lexington town line; and a
three-alarm fire in Lexington. Ms. Barry said the intermunicipal arrangement is an important
partnership.
Ms. Barry said that at the September 13, 2018 meeting of Hanscom AreaTowns (HATS), Scott
Anderson, Assistant Director of MIT/Lincoln Labs, gave an informative presentation about
Lincoln Labs' expansion plans to take place over the next 30 years. The meeting was recorded
by LexMedia; Ms. Barry urged Board members residents to watch the proceedings.
Prior to the HATS meeting, Mr. Barry said an event was held to welcome new Hanscom Air
Force Base leader Colonel Chad R. Ellsworth. Selectmen from the surrounding communities and
other stakeholders attended. Another opportunity for the public to meet Colonel Ellsworth will
take place at the next HATS meeting in Lexington on November 29, 201&
Ms. Barry said she will meet with newTown Manager,lim Malloy to review the upcoming
meeting schedule and announced some of the financial Summit dates on the calendar will shift.
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Ms. Hai said that the 'Tree Committee remains concerned about the Emerald Ash Borer, which
has been identified in several areas of Lexington. A fact sheet and updates can be found on the
Town website.
Ms. Hai said, weather permitting, this year's sidewalk maintenance work will commence at the
end of September.
Town Man=r Kaon
Ms. Axtell reported that new electronic pad devices will be used to check in voters at Early
Voting this fall prior polls in November election. 'The only function the pads will perform is
verification of voter name and address. Early Voting procedures are otherwise the same as in
past elections.
Ms. Axtell announced that William James Interface has been awarded Lexington's contract for a
mental health resources hotline. Factors contributing to the decision included: evidence of best
practices; excellent references from 55 other communities; non-profit status; no cost for
therapists/clinicians to be listed in the Interface database-, ability to customize Lexington's
Interface webpage; full access to that page so staff can update content directly; and timely
community outreach/service ramp up. Lexington's site will go live on December 1, 201&
Ms. Axtell reported that a working group has been formed to hold collaborative discussions with
Minuteman Tech about athletic field space. The group includes representatives from: Recreation
Committee, Capital Expenditures, Appropriation Committee, Board of Selectrnen, 'Town
Counsel, School Committee, andTown staff. One meeting has been held so far and a second
meeting is scheduled for Friday, September 21, 2018. 'The matter will come before the Board of
Selectmen and School Committee in October.
Ms. Axtell announced the November 30, 2018 retirement of Charlotte Rodgers, Director of
Human Services, who has worked for Lexington for over 13 years. Ms. Axtell praised Ms.
Rodgers as "a true asset" who demonstrates "compassion and leadership". Board members paid
tribute to Ms. Rodgers and extended the community's gratitude. A reception will be held in Ms.
Rodgers' honor on a November date to be determined.
Request for moratorium for Non-emer , .y Clas Permits
Ms. Barry was recused from this item as her husband works for theTown as a Police Officer and
could potentially benefit if assigned to cover strike details. Mr. Pato, as senior member,
performed the duties of Chair.
Mr. Pato noted that, during the public comment period of the previous meeting, the Board
received a letter from USW 12003 Negotiating Committee member,lamie Long. The USW
12003 represents 900 unionized National Grid employees. In the letter, Mr. Long stated that
union members have been locked out of work due to articulation of safety concerns. The towns
of Braintree, Weymouth, Quincy, Boston, Milton, Arlington, Revere, Somerville, Cambridge,
Everett, Haverhill, Lowell, Medford, have written letters to the utility urging resolution.
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Mr. Pato stated that the recent gas explosions in Lawrence, Lowell, and Andover put safety
concerns into sharp relief, he noted all levels of gas leaks should all be addressed to ensure safety
and limit greenhouse gas emissions. Mr. Lucente and Ms. Hai asked staff to comment on how a
moratorium would affect Lexington projects, both public and private.
Mike Cronin, Facilities Director, and Dave Pinsonnault, DPW Director, provided insight into the
municipal impacts of a non-emergency pen-nit moratorium. Mr. Pinsonnault said emergency
work andTown projects such as road resurfacing have continued during the lockout andTown
Engineer John Livsey has worked with National Grid's substitute contractors who have proper
training and licensure. Mr. Pinsonnault said the only concern he has in supporting the
moratorium is that work would likely be emergency-only for the indeterminate length of time,
which could affect projects like the Fire Station, the Lexington Children's Place (LCP), and the
Hastings School. Mr. Cronin agreed that being able to turn gas on and off is critical to the work
schedule ahead.
Ms. Hai ascertained that the only gas needed at LCP is for an emergency generator, not for
regular operations. Mr. Cronin noted that, in the case of the Hastings School, it would be prudent
for the two emergency gas-powered generators to be online because students will move into the
building during the month of February. Prior to that date, gas lines can be constructed but not
turned on.
Ms. Hai asked how to define the terrn "non.-emergency." School overflow pressures, for
example, could be seen as an emergency. Ms. Hai believes the role of the Selectmen is to protect
the safety and interests of Lexington residents, businesses, and the town at large. She does not
feel she has enough information at this juncture to decide about the moratorium.
Mr. Lucente said Lexington could emphasize a desire for the utility work to be done safely and
for a speedy settlement to the dispute, but he is hesitant to say theTown will stop all non.-
emergency gas work for an open-ended period of time. He is not sure if a moratorium would
include residential development as well as municipal projects. Ms. Hai agreed, saying she
supports drafting a letter encouraging swift resolution to the dispute. She is glad to know that Mr.
Livsey is overseeing the quality of work now being performed by the subcontractors.
The Board reached consensus about concerns regarding alternative work crews and the desire for
a quick resolution. A letter will be written making these two points to be reviewed at the next
Selectmen's meeting.
Community Health Network Area CHNA 15 Grant U date
Charlotte Rodgers, Director of Human Services, and Melissa Interess, Assistant Director of
Senior Services, provided information about Lexington's recent $14,900 CHNA mental health
grant and how the funds are being applied during this first planning year.
The focus of the grant is to work collaboratively with the Lexington Public Schools on how to
address a wide range of mental health concerns that includes anxiety, depression, suicide
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ideation and prevention, as well as access to mental health services. Over the last year, the Board
of Selectmen, School Committee, Human Services, School mental health providers have had a
series of meetings to discuss approaches and a Mental Health Task Force Steering Committee
has been loaned to review best practices, statistics, current programming, unmet needs, stigma,
and other barriers to accessing services. A mission statement has been written and a consultant
has been hired to guide the pilot year's progress before theTown applies for three more years of
CHNA funding. Other community groups are encouraged to participate. Ms. Rodgers said the
goal is to strengthen practices and create ongoing, sustainable mental health services for the
community.
Ms. Rodgers said the consultant will provide mental health trainings throughout the year. She
noted that feedback from well-attended mental health-related community events to date has
emphasized action over discussion; an imperative for community education and training such as
Question Persuade Refer(CCPR), and reducing stigma. Staff is developing a strong Community
Crisis Intervention 'Team (CCITT with emphasis on communication and an alignment of
protocols. 'Two CCPR trainings are scheduled for this fall, September 24 and November 15, with
an enrollment capacity of 30 per session. Tony Serio at Youth and Family Services is handling
the enrollment details and has become a certified trainer.
Mr. Lucente supported the work that has taken place so far and expressed approval for the
formation on a CCIT. He is happy that theTown has contracted with Interface for two years.
Ms. Barry asked if the CCPR training will be offered again in the spring and recommended that
the Board and the School Committee take the course together. Ms. Rodgers said this could be
arranged.
Ms. Hai asked how the community will learn of the Interface services and training opportunities
now available. Ms. Interess said that communication is a high priority and will be one of the
things discussed during the planning year. Also, Interface conducts outreach publicity when it
launches its services. Ms. Barry said the Schools can help get the word out and a newTown
Public Information Officer will be hired in the near future as well.
Conservation Restriction: 5 John Hosmer Lane
Owners of 5 John Hosmer Lane, Aij un and Geeta Rao, and Kelly Axtell, ActingTown Manager,
presented the Conservation Restriction request. The Raos wish to sell their property and must
close out an old pen-nit/order of conditions before the sale can go through. To that end, the
Board, as well as the Conservation Commission, is being asked to accept the Conservation
Restriction. The purpose of the restriction is to assure that a 0.7232 acre portion of the 1.S 1 acre
site will be maintained in a natural scenic, and undeveloped condition in perpetuity for its
conservation values and to comply with a development permit as agreed to by the owner and
conditioned in the pen-nit at the time the Commission approved the construction of the house on
the lot in 1990. The conservation values include open space preservation, wetlands and water
quality protection, and furtherance of Lexington's 2015 Open Space and Recreation Plan goals.
The restricted area borders and connects with town-owned conservation land to the east and
north, expanding upon protected natural open space areas in the neighborhood.
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The Conservation Commission tentatively approved the Rao's request pendingTown Counsel's
edits. In the course of this discussion, the Selectmen received word through Planning Board
member Charles Hornig that the Conservation Commission, also meeting tonight, voted
unanimously to approve the Rao's request.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 to accept the
Conservation Restriction for 5 John Hosmer Lane to assure that a 0.7232 acre portion of the 1.S 1
acre site will be maintained in a natural scenic, and undeveloped condition in perpetuity for its
conservation values.
Green Burials Presentation
David Pinsonneault, DPW Director noted that staff been approached about offering green burial
options at Westview Cemetery. Lexington resident,loyce Ranney Ducot, 2592 Massachusetts
Avenue, confirmed that she and her husband brought the concept forward and made a formal
request for consideration.
,loan Pillsbury and Lisa Groves from Green Burial Massachusetts, Inc. and provided an overview
of these fully biodegradable burials that do not involve embalming or environmental impact. Ms.
Pillsbury stated that people have become interested in green burials for spiritual, environmental,
financial and other personal reasons. Several municipal and private cemeteries in Massachusetts
offer the option but some offer it to residents only; there are about 150 green burial sites in the
United States. A resource list and brochures were offered for further information.
Mr. Lucente asked how the space needs for green burial differs from conventional burials and if
Westview Cemetery is an appropriate site. Mr. Pinsonnault said, without doing an in-depth
analysis, he has identified at least two areas at Westview Cemetery that would easily
accommodate green burials. If the Selectmen support the concept, a more comprehensive plan
can be developed.
Mr. Lucente asked about the cost differential between conventional and green burials. Ms.
Pillsbury said that a shroud would be used instead of a coffin, eliminating at least$200; a grave
liner or vault used in conventional burial, also not necessary, can cost$900.-$1,(00.1 embalming
costs of$400.-$800 would be eliminated; the burial plot would cost the same or more since it
might be wider to provide more space between sites; perpetual care might cost a bit more
because of the wider space. There would be cost for funeral home services which, depending
upon individual wishes, can be minimal or expensive. Mr. Lucente said he approves of giving
people choices and he would like theTown to pursue the idea.
Mr. Pato asked how green burial relates to "chemical cremation" or alkaline hydrolysis. Ms.
Pillsbury said the two are different: a dye is used in chemical cremation, the remains become
dehydrated and turn to ash. This is a greener option than traditional cremation because there is no
burning or use of fossil fuels. Chemical cremation is not permitted in Massachusetts.
Mr. Pato asked if green burial would require additional work for staff. Ms. Pillsbury said that the
body would arrive ready for burial, prepared by a funeral home or the deceased's family. Mr.
Pato agreed residents should have options and supported hearing a proposal.
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Ms. Barry asked how soon after death a body using the green burial process must be prepared
and laid to rest. Ms. Pillsbury said, if the body is kept cool with ice, it can be kept up to 5 days; if
refrigerated, it can be kept as long as 18 months. Ms. Barry said she would support looking into
green burials and updating regulations, if necessary.
Ms. Hai noted that green burials seem to be in line with Lexington's environmental goals as well
as several cultural practices, and she likes that it expands choice. She asked whether green burial
procedures would require additional staff training. Mr. Pinsonnault said it would probably
require some training but not a lot of added work.
Charles Hornig, 18 Bacon Street, supports the proposal and said he was only able to give his
father a green burial because the interment was on his own property, something many residents
cannot do.
Narain Bhatia, Brookhaven, asked if green burial requires the services of a funeral director. Ms.
Pillsbury replied that it does not but since an electronically submitted death certificate is
necessary, planning ahead with a doctor is recommended if a funeral director is not involved. Mr.
Pinsonnault noted that Lexington only accepts bodies at the cemetery from funeral homes. In the
State, it is legal for a family to transport a body but cemeteries have their own rules about what
they will accept.
Approve Street AcceRtance Schedule
Mr. Pinsonnault, DPW Director, reported that no street acceptance requests have been submitted
to date, although there is still time before the deadline.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 to approve the time
sequence for FY20 street acceptance as presented.
A Water 2Erove Burlin peon 6
David Pinsonnault, DPW Director, and Ralph Pecora, Water and Sewer Superintendent,
presented a request from theTown of Burlington to purchase MJRA water via Lexington to
supplement their supply while they perform improvements to their system and pursue a direct
connection.
Mr. Pinsonnault noted that there have been several times in the past when Lexington has
supplied water to Burlington on an emergency basis. The agreement proposes an annual
maximum of 180--days and the maximum draw would be 1.-l.5 million gallons per day. The days
would be intermittent throughout the year. There are two Lexington access points: Adams Street
and North Street. The Lexington Water department would monitor usage and staff is confident
there would be no negative consequences for Lexington residents. The contract is for a 5--year
span of time but Mr. Pinsonnault believes it will take 20 years for Burlington to complete its
direct MJRA connection.
Mr. Lucente asked if the Lexington connection would be a back-up option or used regularly. Mr.
Pinsonnault said use would be regular but it would not exceed 180 days or l.5 million gallons a
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day. Mr. Lucente asked what Lexington's recourse would be if either limit were exceeded. Mr.
Pinsonnault said if the situation was an emergency, the towns would negotiate. Burlington has
other supply options it can resort to, if needed.
Mr. Pato asked if Burlington residents would be asked to voluntarily restrict outdoor water use in
the summer as Lexington residents have been. Mr. Pinsonnault replied that Burlington already
institutes water bans every summer and would continue to do so.
Ms. Barry asked the DPW to do everything possible so that Lexington residents are not adversely
affected due to this agreement. She asked where Burlington's proposed direct MWRQ water line
would run through Lexington. Mr. Pinsonnault said that the long.-tem plan is to run a dedicated
main down the length of Lowell Street, although other potential connection points are under
consideration for the short.-ten-n.
Ms. Hai asked about funding. Mr. Pinsonnault said, above the water cost and a I% surcharge,
Burlington would share in the cost of capital improvements/repairs to the infrastructure as
needed.
,John Carney, 3 McKeever Drive, said he had written a letter on July 2, 2018 expressing concerns
about renewing the water agreement with Bedford. He feels similarly about entering into an
agreement with Burlington, citing low water pressure in his neighborhood that he believes is
exacerbated by supplying Bedford with water through the Grove Street main.
Mr. Lucente and Mr. Pato asked if the water pressure data Mr. Carney spoke of is available. Mr.
Pinsonnault said that it is and he will provide it. Mr. Lucente noted that he voted against
renewing the contract with Bedford because of impacts to Lexington residents that have not been
resolved. Mr. Pinsonnault said that vault-protected meters are being installed in the Bedford and
Burlington lines that can be read in real time.
Ms. Hai noted that the language about the meters needs to be revised to reflect how the new
meters will operate and that Lexington should own the collected data. Mr. Pinsonnault said the
MWRQ, as a third party, will convey the readings directly to Lexington, although Bedford and
Burlington would own the actual meters. With the MWRAC involved, Lexington should know
immediately if there is a problem.
Mr. Lucente asked if Lexington has baseline water pressure measurements on the lines that will
connect Burlington. Mr. Pinsonnault said the last time Burlington drew water from Lexington,
readings were taken showing pressure well above the minimum. Pressure will continue to be
monitored.
The Board reached consensus to wait until the October I Selectmen's meeting to vote on the
agreement. Areas to be addressed before that date, include a review of water pressure data from
the Grove Street/McKeever Drive and the length of time Burlington will have to repair broken
meters.
The Board took a 5--minute recess and reconvened at 8:48 p.m.
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Review an ®rami tee
Mr. Lucente said the process of evaluating the need for a municipal crematorium at Westview
Cemetery began following AnnualTown Meeting 2018. Since then, the Board of Selectmen
visited theTown of Duxbury's crematorium, held a listening session during a recent Selectmen's
meeting, agreed to form a study group, and drafted a committee charge that has now been
revised.
Changes to the original draft charge included: revision of committee composition to seven voting
members and one non-voting Chair; and the Permanent Building Committee representative has
been replaced with one from the Economic Development Advisory Committee. 'The Committee
would also include two liaisons, one each from the Capital Expenditures and the Appropriation
committees.
Ms. Barry noted correspondence from Charles Lamb, Chair of the Capital Expenditures
Committee, asking if the charge might be adjusted to "invite" members of the financial
committees, rather than "appoint" them. The Board agreed to "invite" the liaisons as Mr. Lamb
requested.
Mr. Pato noted that Selectmen are typically non-voting liaisons to this kind of committee. Ms.
Barry said perhaps the Selectman would Chair and therefore be non-voting. She will send the
language used for other ad hoc committees to Mr. Lucente for his review.
Mr. Lucente said one of the goals of the committee was slightly altered from the first draft to
ensure that the options to connect/not connect with the new Westview Cemetery building remain
open. In the "Deliverables" section, Mr. Lucente noted that the charge now states that the
Selectmen will receive updates on a monthly basis and the final recommendation would be made
by March 1, 20R
Ms. Hai said that a March I delivery date means that the project will not come before Annual
Town Meeting 2019 since the AnnualTown Meeting warrant is finalized in early February. She
asked how the crematorium project, if recommended, would be coordinated with the Westview
Cemetery building project if the Westview building moves ahead on the timeline envisioned. Mr.
Pato said the warrant does not have to specify an amount to be appropriated and the article could
be worded to provide flexibility. The question for him is less about the warrant deadline and
more about having time to discuss and vet the project in the community before aTown Meeting
vote. Ms. Barry believes the architect would have to be put on hold until the recommendation is
made.
Mr. Pinsonnault noted that the architect has already fully designed a building without a
crematory. The funding already appropriated covers that design through construction. More
funding would be needed if a crematorium is added.
Ms. Hai suspects adding a crematorium would delay a combined project another year. Ms. Barry
said the conditions at the current Westview building make it imperative to move ahead with
construction as quickly as possible. Mr. Lucente said he is not convinced that the crematory will
take an entire year to study. Mr. Pato suggested that funding could be requested at Fall Special
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Town Meeting so that the Westview project can go forward as one piece if the recommendation
is to build a crematory; if a crematory is not recommended, funding would not be released. Ms.
Hai and Mr. Pato agreed that the committee recommendation timeline should be shortened. Mr.
Lucente said this made sense but asked what it would happen to the entire project ifTown
Meeting turned down the crematorium funding request this fall.
Ms. Axtell said the Special Town Meeting warrant must be voted at the Selectmen's October 15,
2018 meeting as the warrant must go to the printer the next day. All articles must be written and
reviewed byTown Counsel during the first week of October.
Mr. Lucente will speak with Mr. Pinsonnault to identify the necessary dates, revise the
recommendation date, and amend the language regarding liaisons as discussed. The Selectman
will act as Chair and be the non-voting Stn member.
Dawn McKenna, Precinct 6Town Meeting Member, recommended that the charge be revised to
include study of both municipal and/or private entity crematoriums. Ms. Hai noted that this is
covered under another item in the charge. Ms. McKenna said she believes the charge should
make that point more clearly. Mr. Lucente agreed to adjust the language.
Ms. McKenna said, as aTown Meeting member, she would want to see the committee's report
before authorizing funds. She recommends not putting this on the fall warrant but, potentially,
adding a Special 'Town Meeting at the time of AnnualTown Meeting 2019.
Narain Bhatia, Brookhaven, and Dinesh Patel, Precint 6Town Meeting member, thanked the
Selectmen and staff for spending time on what they each consider to be an important issue. He
wants momentum to continue to build a crematorium. He agrees that provisional funding should
be requested and that the committee should be formed as soon as possible.
Lexington resident Anil Ahuja asked the Board to consider if there would be cost overruns if the
projects were separated.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 40 to approve the Ad Hoc
Crematorium Study Committee Charge as amended.
FYI 9 Water/Sewer Rate Discussion
Carolyn Kosnoff, AssistantTown Manager for Finance, introduced the first of three discussions
regarding Water/Wastewater rates for FY2019. The three presentations will:
I) September 17, 2018, at which results of the FY 18 water and sewer options, billed
consumption and retained earnings history, and FY 18 water and sewer budgets will be
reviewed. The revised calculations will serve as the basis for proposed FY 19 rates-,
2) October 1, 2018, at which the public is asked to comment on preliminary FYI 9 water and
sewer rates"
3) October 15, 2018, when Board of Selectmen will vote on the recommended FY 19 water
and sewer rates.
Highlights of Ms. Kosnoff's presentation included:
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• The Water and Water Enterprise funds ended positively in FY 18 with a net surplus of
$880,162 ($779,837 in revenue and $100,325 in unexpended funds). Ms. Kosnoff noted
that much of the revenue surplus is due to late payments received for FYI 7 billing. Sewer
and Sewer Enterprise funds similarly showed combined surpluses of$237,833. Ms.
Kosnoff reported that, if late FY 17 payments are taken out, FY 18 actuals came in lower
than estimates. Hanscom AFB had higher usage than projected.
• The FYI 9 proposed water and sewer enterprise accounts project a combined increase of
2% with water showing a projected increase of.2% and sewer showing a projected
increase of 3.9%. Both water and wastewater projections reflect an adjustment to be
made at Special Town Meeting in November, due to the MWRQ final assessment that
occurs after spring Town Meeting. The overall MWRQ assessment dropped 1.6% during
this year due to a 5.1% drop in Lexington's share of overall MWRQ system costs. On the
sewer side, Lexington's share of the overall wastewater cost increased 2.3% in the same
time period; there was also an increase in debt service.
• Projected retained earnings as of June 30, 2018 (not yet certified by the Department of
Revenue) equal $1,612,998 for the Water Enterprise account and $1,521,373 for the
Wastewater Enterprise account. Historically, retained earnings have been used for Capital
projects or for offsetting rates, although a balance is usually kept for
unexpected/extraordinary events or revenue shortfalls.
• Proposed FY 19 rates at this juncture are projected to be combined increases of 5.7% for
all three usage tiers, with the larger proportion of the increase coming from the
wastewater category. The impact of the rate increase will be between 3.6% and 3.9%,
depending on user volume. Projections will be adjusted prior to the Public Hearing date
of October 1, 2018 once actual usage reports come in from Section I accounts.
• MWRQ wholesale water rates went up because Lexington's usage went down I I%
during calendar year 2016-2017. MWRQ operational costs are fixed and do not fluctuate.
Other than the FYI 9 water and sewer rates, Ms. Kosnoff asked the Board to consider two things:
I) Should the flat rate increase for sewer use for those accounts not hooked up to the water
system?
2) Should the printed message on the bills be revised to include conservation information?
The Board agreed that the message should be revised as suggested and agreed to consider raising
the flat sewer rate. Ms. Barry asked that a link to an informational conservation resource be
included. Mr. Pato asked if providing water for the Town of Burlington would result in material
changes in how Lexington is billed by the MWRQ. Ms. Kosnoff said that the billing should be
"pass through", although there will be a delay between MWRQ billing and Lexington's receipt
of payment from Burlington. She will factor Burlington gallonage into the water model to ensure
there are no hidden costs. Mr. Lucente also agreed to take a look at the flat rate and also
suggested that a recent informational MWRQ presentation to the Lions' Club be replicated for
the Board and new Town Manager.
�Lal I for Special
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Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 to call for a Special Fall
Town Meeting to begin on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. in Battin Hall of the Cary
Memorial Building.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 to open the Special Fall
Town Meeting Warrant for citizen petitions through Friday, September 28, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.
Review Potential Fall S.�ecial�'Town_Meetin��, Wqrrant Articles
The Board reviewed the proposed thirteen Fall Town Meeting warrant articles. Three sequential
nights have been held on the calendar: November 13, 14, and 15, 201&
Mr. Lucente said he believes it would be prudent to discuss Mr. Pato's thought about provisional
funding for a crematorium, as expressed earlier in the meeting. If agreed to, it would add a
fourteenth article.
ittee-----Article 42
Ms. Hai said that the idea to form a Special Pen-nit Residential Development Committee has
been brewing for some time. The draft committee charge she has written has been reviewed by
staff and the Planning Board. A significant piece of the charge is that theTown would hire an
outside facilitator/zoning consultant for which a draft RFQ is now underway. The committee
membership has been designed to try to balance concerns that have been expressed byTown
Meeting over time.
Ms. Hai noted that, as the 9th member, the Selectman would be a voting member. Ms. Barry
asked that it be emphasized that there will be three meetings to solicit public comments. Ms. Hai
said the goal is to have a recommendation by Annual Town Meeting 2019 but she also does not
want to rush the two-step process that includes the consultant writing the bylaw and a requisite
Public Hearing. Per recommendation, Ms. Hai will add monthly reports to the Selectmen and the
Planning Board to the charge.
Melinda Walker, Housing Partnership, asked whether a representative from the Conservation
Commission should be included in the committee composition. Ms. Barry pointed out that the
draft includes "seeking input from the Conservation Commission" as well as "other relevant
stakeholders." Ms. Walker said that seeking input from these groups will take time that should be
factored into the delivery date. Ms. Walker added that there has been a recent interest in
workforce housing on the part of LexHab members and perhaps a representative from this group
or from those who live in affordable housing should be among the committee's constituencies.
Ms. Hai agreed to look at this suggestion.
Betsey Weiss, 8 Dover Lane, thanked the Board for moving this initiative forward and noted that
Town Meeting made clear that the momentum should come from the Selectmen.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 to approve the charge
for the Special Permit Residential Development Committee as amended.
Amend
Selectmen's Meeting—September 17, 2018
Page 12 of 13
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 to amend the late night
during early voting at Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, for the November
Election to now occur on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Selectmen-----Committen-A. .oi�ntinen�ts/Req. .�ointrnents/Resi �,qation
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 to appoint Mona Roy
to the Human Rights Committee to a term to expire September 30, 2020.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 to appoint Norman
Cohen and Fred Johnson to the Ad Hoc Ch. 447 Revisions Study Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted 4-0 to appoint Nancy Corcoran-
Ronchetti as a member of the 2020 Vision Committee representing the Planning Board for a term
to expire September 30, 2021.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 to reappoint Frederick
DeAngelis; Lawrence Smith; and SigrnarTullman to the Economic Development Advisory
Committee for terms to expire September 30, 2021
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 to reappoint Peter SiyI-
and Richard Brown Lexington Center Committee for terms to expire September 30, 2021
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 to reappoint Eleanor
Elkin to the Human Services Committee for a term to expire September 30, 2021
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 to accept the
resignation of Bhumip Khasnabish from the Human Rights Committee. Ms. Barry thanked Mr.
Khasnabish for his service on behalf of the community.
Consent ABenda
0 er
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 to approve and sign a
letter of commendation congratulating Alexander Harris Cohen for attaining the highest rank of
Eagle in Boy Scouting.
0Sin and approve t;onat ® y I,ettei Anne SmAddy
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 to approve and sign a
letter of congratulations to Anne Smiddy for being awarded the Sri Chinmoy Oneness Home
Peace Run Torch Bearer Award.
ARprove One-Day��nses Li uor Lice
Selectmen's Meeting—September 17, 2018
Page 13 of 13
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 40 to approve a one-day
liquor license request from the Czech and Slovak Association for Saturday, October 13, 2018,
from 5:00 p.m. to 11 :00 p.m. for the purpose of their Czech and Slovak Harvest Festival being
held at St. Brigid's Keilty Hall 1981 Massachusetts Ave.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 40 to approve a one-day
liquor license request from Sacred Heart Church to serve beer and wine at their Spaghetti Dinner
event being held on Saturday, October 13, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart
Church, 1995 Massachusetts Avenue.
Water& SeweLAdusti
j -nent
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 40 to approve adjustments
to Water/Sewer as recommended by WSAB August 9, 2018 for($19,604.72)
Ad'ourn
L_
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 40 at 10:09 p.m. to
adjourn.
A true record; Attest:
Kim Siebert, Recording Secretary