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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-10-15 BOS-min October 15, 2018 Page 1 of 13 SELECTMEN'S MEETING Monday, October 15, 2018 A meeting of the Lexington Board of Selectmen was called to order at 6:46 p.m. on Monday, October 15, 2018 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room of the Town Office Building. The Board immediately went into Executive Session under Exemption 10 by a roll call vote of 5-0, and reconvened in Open Session at 7:03 p.m., at which point a recess was called until 7:10 p.m. Ms. Barry, Chair; Mr. Pato; Ms. Ciccolo; Mr. Lucente; and Ms. Hai were present as well as Mr. Malloy, Town Manager; Ms. Axtell, Assistant Town Manager; and Ms. Siebert, Recording Secretary. Selectman Concerns and Liaison Reports Mr. Pato reported that the School Master Plan Committee met on Friday, October 12, 2018 and reviewed the process for submitting Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) statement of interest letters, specifically with regard to Lexington High School. Additionally, the Committee looked at enrollment projections and the methodologies being used, and discussed space needs based on an analysis of the educational program. A subsequent meeting is scheduled next month. Ms. Barry reminded the community that the Town's Flu Clinic will be held on Saturday. October 27. 2018 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the old Harington Elementary School gymnasium. The clinic is open to residents, ages 5 years of age and older. Ms. Barry thanked Mr. Pato and Mr. Lucente for delivering remarks on behalf of the Board at the groundbreaking for the Lexington Children's Place and the ribbon-cutting at Clarke Middle School. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is also scheduled for the Diamond Middle School on October 23. 2018 at 3:30 p.m. at which Ms. Barry will deliver remarks. Ms. Hai reminded the community that the Selectmen's office is accepting applications until midnight tonight for the ad hoc Special Permit Residential Zoning Bylaw Amendment Committee. Grant of Location for Lincoln Street for Eversource Katie Flaherty and Kelly Korea, from Eversource Energy, requested Selectmen approval to replace an underground circuit on Lincoln Street. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to-approve the petition of Eversource to construct, and a location for, such a line of conduits and manholes with the necessary wires and cables therein, said conduits and manholes to be located in Lincoln Street- Northerly from pole 55/83, thence turning easterly, approximately 992 feet east of Lexington Street, a distance of 101 ± feet of conduit. Liquor License—Change of Manager—Element Liquor License—Change of Manager—Aloft Beth Osbourne, General Manager for Element and Aloft hotels; and Catherine Murphy, Food October 15, 2018 Page 2 of 13 and Beverage Manager for Aloft and Element hotels asked the Board to approve a change of management for both facilities. All necessary paperwork has been submitted; the proposed new manager, Beth Osborne, has submitted an Alcohol Awareness Training Certificate and completed the required CORI check. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve the application reflecting a change of manager and issue an All-Alcoholic Innholder Liquor License for Lixi Hospitality Lexington FB MGT, Inc., d/b/a Element Lexington located at 727 Marrett Road—B reflecting the same. All the necessary paperwork to request approval for a change of manager on the All-Alcoholic Innholder Liquor License for Lixi Hospitality Lexington FB MGT, Inc., d/b/a Aloft Lexington has been submitted. The proposed manager, Kathryn Murphy, has submitted an Alcohol Awareness Training Certificate and completed the required CORI check. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve the application reflecting a change of manager and issue an All-Alcoholic Innholder Liquor License for Lixi Hospitality Lexington FB MGT, Inc., d/b/a Aloft Lexington located at 727 Marrett Road-A reflecting the same. Community Choice Electricity Aggregation Update Mark Sandeen, Sustainable Lexington; Paul Grommer, CEO Pelegrine Energy/Community Choice broker; John Shortsleeve, Bay State Energy; Marlana Patton, Lexington Program Manager presented details of a proposed energy procurement contract to replace one that is expiring. Mr. Shortsleeve asked the Board to authorize the Town Manager to enter in to the new contract on the day the bids come due. Ms. Barry stated that since Lexington initiated the Municipal Aggregation Community Choice Program a year and a half ago, over 10,000 participating Lexington customers have realized $2.3M in savings compared to the basic Eversource electricity rate. Mr. Shortsleeve reported that the program has also provided 100% green electricity at a lower cost and, due to using green energy, Lexington has achieved a 20-30%reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Ms. Patton said the transition to the new contract will be seamless;participants will see a new supplier name and a new rate on their electricity bill. Any active accounts will be automatically enrolled in the same program option it currently has. Anyone who opted out of the program will remain opted out unless they call to enroll. The Town is required to issue an announcement about these changes through the local media and the Town website, however Ms. Patton recommended broader outreach to ensure community awareness. Mr. Shortleeve stated that about 15% of homes and roughly half of the businesses in Lexington do not participate at this point. Mr. Lucente said he would like a stronger outreach effort to encourage people to join who may have been hesitant the first time around. Mr. Pato suggested reaching out specifically to those that opted out; a number of residents have October 15, 2018 Page 3 of 13 told him that they initially misunderstood the program and others mistakenly assumed the Town's participation in Community Choice was the reason their electricity bills increased. Ms. Barry agreed that a larger outreach effort was warranted and believes it should clarify that the new supplier is an authorized provider. Ms. Ciccolo asked if outreach could be done to the business community to encourage greater participation, perhaps through the Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Hai added it is important to help people understand how to opt in. David Kanter, Precinct 7 Town Meeting Member, asked if a change in program option is available throughout the contract period and on what information the projected Eversource rate is based. Mr. Shortsleeve replied that changing program options is always possible and the rate projection was determined through market observation. Beth Davenport, Mothers Out Front Lexington, reported that her organization wholeheartedly supports continuing the Community Choice Aggregation program. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted 5-0 to authorize the Town Manager to execute an aggregation supply agreement for an up to 24-month period if the price is below the estimated price of$0.12 per KwH for the ensuing 12-month period. Preliminary FY2020-FY2024 Capital Improvement Plan Carolyn Kosnoff, Assistant Town Manager for Finance, presented a preliminary summary of the Town's FY2020-FY2024 capital improvement plan for initial review. The full list of projects was submitted by department managers; the majority have been reviewed by staff and the Town Manager. The capital projects will be discussed in further detail during the Selectmen's department budget meetings in November. The Capital Expenditures Committee will also vet the projects in order to make recommendations. Briefly described highlighted projects include: • Police Indoor/Outdoor Firing Range Schematic Design, Hartwell Avenue (Public Safety) $125,000 in FY 2020 from the levy: Envisioned as a potential regional asset. • Lexington Police Station Rebuild (Public Facilities): $23,386,909 in FY 2020 from the levy. Design funds appropriated Annual Town Meeting 2018. A debt exclusion referendum expected for this project. Warrant article seeking approval for construction funds anticipated Annual Town Meeting 2019. • Lexington High School Short-term Capacity (Public Facilities) $152,500 in FY2021 from the levy: School Committee and staff have revised project from $1M Science Lab expansion project to smaller space modification, made possible by schedule changes. • Lexington High School Field House Track Resurfacing (Public Facilities) $250,000 in • FY2020 from the levy: A newly added project; current indoor track deemed unsafe. The number is a placeholder; Facilities doing a deeper cost analysis. October 15, 2018 Page 4 of 13 • Center Streetscape Improvements (Public Works) $9,273,880 in FY2020 from the levy and Community Preservation. • Automatic Meter Reading System (Public Works) $5,940,000 in FY2020 from Water/Sewer revenues. • Pump Station Upgrades (Public Works) $700,000 FY2020; $602,000 FY2021; $520,00 FY2022; $50,000 FY2023 from Sewer revenues: The Town has been putting about $800,000/year into pumping station upgrades; the next five years will see a gradual decrease in annual investment due to continued maintenance efforts. • Water Distribution System Improvements (Public Works) $2,200,000 in FY2020; $2,530,000 FY2021; $3,040,000 in FY2022; $2,200,000 in FY2023; $2,200,000 in FY 2024 from State Aid and Water revenues: Water System study recommends replacing 1% of the waterlines each year; original allocation of$1.2M upgraded to reflect cost increases that will allow work to continue. • Hill Street New Sidewalk Project (Public Works) $1,500,000 in FY2020 from the levy: Design engineering approved; this estimate is a placeholder. • Intermunicipal Agreement with Minuteman High School(Recreation) $8M in FY2020 from levy, CPA, and Recreation: Another new addition to Capital Plan. A working group was recently formed. • Old Reservoir Bathhouse Renovation (Recreation) $620,000 in FY2020 from Community Preservation funds: Design funds appropriated at Annual Town Meeting 2018; study now complete; renovation planned which requires construction funding. Mr. Lucente said he was not expecting to see the Police Firing Range request listed for FY2020 and he would like more information about what the project entails. He is also surprised that the indoor track has suddenly become urgent. Mr. Pato asked what the life expectancy for the new track surface is and how that coincides with the future high school project. Ms. Barry asked if there would be revenue from the Police Firing Range. Ms. Ciccolo asked what year the construction of the firing range is expected since only design funds are listed. She asked if a working group is discussing regional need for the firing range. Ms. Hai also expressed surprise at the urgency of the indoor track project and noted that the low cost seems indicative of a temporary fix. Mr. Lucente noted the alarming increase in the Automated Meter Reading project estimate, from $2,050,000 to $5,940,000. He asked that a closer look be taken at the return on investment for information about and explanation why increase is so big. Mr. Lucente also expressed concern about the Center Streetscape construction timeline, noting upcoming celebrations and the inevitable inconvenience to Center businesses and patrons if the project goes on for a long time. Mr. Pato wanted to understand why the cost of the Automatic Meter Reader project had jumped so dramatically. He also questioned whether the Water System Distribution project includes improvements for the Grove Street area's recurring water pressure issues. October 15, 2018 Page 5 of 13 Ms. Barry agreed more explanation is warranted for the Automatic Meter Reading cost and noted that the total Capital cost of$70,564,954 for FY20 is daunting. She asked if the partnership with Minuteman High School would include a pickleball court and cricket field, two needs that have been identified by residents. Ms. Kosnoff said inclusion of these amenities is under review. Ms. Ciccolo also asked for information about the meter project. She believes there will be a lot of community interested in the intermunicipal agreement with Minuteman High School and asked if there is a plan to discuss the project with the broader public. Ms. Ciccolo expressed frustration with the slow pace of the Community Center Expansion project which is not scheduled for design-construction funding until 2022-2024. She asked if there is a way to model the impact of the significant water/sewer projects on the water/sewer rates. Ms. Hai noted that the Water Distribution System project has jumped 50% from last year's projection. The total FY2020 Capital cost was expected to be about $49M, not$70M. She believes a conversation about priorities should take place. David Kanter, Capital Expenditures Vice Chair, said he believes the firing range project is a viable plan to address a regional need. Mr. Kanter said he has serious reservations about the returns on investment associated with the Meter Reading project. He formally requests that this financial report, and any future commissioned reports, be forwarded to the Capital Expenditures Committee as soon as they are available. Mr. Kanter urged the Town to carefully consider its role in how the athletic complex asset would be maintained at Minuteman High School. Bob Pressman, Community Preservation Committee, asked that the affordable housing project on the Leary property not be allowed to languish. He questioned why the entire Center Streetscape appropriation is listed in a single year and noted that the $2.3M for sidewalks in the Center is CPA eligible. Dawn McKenna, Tourism Committee Chair, noted that funds for short-term parking and a turnaround in the Depot Square lot, to use during the Visitors Center construction, does not appear on the Capital projects list for FY2020. She asked that it not be overlooked. Stormwater Utility Update Dave Pinsonnault, DPW Director; and John Livsey, Town Engineer, presented details of the Federal MS4 stormwater management requirement. The MS4 went into effect on July 1, 2018 and is notably stricter than the previous management plan. Six "Minimum Control Measures" have been carried over to the new plan but are now more defined require more reporting. The new permit will impact DPW Engineering and Operations in areas like infrastructure upgrades, prevention, and public education/outreach. Conservation, Facilities, Planning, and Town Building department operations are affected; input will be required from Town counsel, Board of Selectmen, and Town Manager. Mr. Livsey would also like to discuss establishing a Stormwater Enterprise Fund. Mr. Livsey noted that Lexington geographically occupies land within three river watersheds: the Shawsheen, the Charles, and the Mystic. Each watershed has its own stream management plan and funding allocations are used to implement these plans that include culvert replacement, street October 15, 2018 Page 6 of 13 drain and catch basin maintenance, erosion control, improved filtration systems, pollution prevention including "total maximum daily load" monitoring, and illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE). Mr. Livsey said several UMASS Lowell graduate students have become members of Lexington's "Stream Team", assisting with the mapping of 125 miles of piping and 360 outfalls in the water stormwater system; using graduate students for this work is a cost- and time-saving model other towns have adopted. Mr. Livsey noted, however, that cost projections to comply with the MS4 exceed $2M for annual stormwater management. He believes it impossible to meet the Town's obligations without an additional funding source. Currently, the funds come from the levy. If a Stormwater Enterprise Fund were established from user fees, as it has been in other Massachusetts towns, it could be based on one of several models: a flat, graduated,proportional, or distributed fee, with the possibility of credits for homeowners who install stormwater management infrastructure. Ms. Hai said she is intrigued by the idea of establishing an Enterprise Fund and with a more equitable distribution of costs but is also cautious about adding another fee for property owners. She said the $2M currently budgeted should not meld into other operating uses without transparency. Ms. Ciccolo asked if contractors have been alerted to the new MS4 regulations and what the requirements mean for how they conduct business. She expressed concern that an Enterprise fee would affect older homes more because they are less able to retrofit infiltration systems. Ms. Barry said she is not thrilled about instituting a new fee but outreach and education about the new requirements will be very important, whether there is a fee or not. Mr. Pato said he is not averse to a new fee but would want to see a reduction in the tax rate if the $2M was no longer needed to fund stormwater management compliance. He is also concerned about the ability of an older homesite to retrofit stormwater management systems. Mr. Lucente asked what the source of the reported E. Coli bacteria is and if the street salt in treatments is a factor. Mr. Livsey reported that dog waste and cracks in the pipes/ antiquated sewage systems are the main sources. The Town is now required to test stormwater for conductivity but has not found salinity to be a problem. Mr. Lucente asked how much higher than $2M the cost is expected to rise. Mr. Livsey said there is no way to put a price tag on the increase because here is no known phosphorus control plan and because illicit discharge detection cannot be estimated in advance. However, the pipe lining program, occurring separately, should help identify current issues and avoid future ones. Mr. Lucente believes public education is essential and is a better approach than adding another fee. David Kanter, Capital Expenditures Committee Vice Chair, sees the MS4 as another unfunded mandate but he also interprets the requirements as practical and useful. Mr. Livsey agreed and credited the EPA for improving the regulation by listening to feedback. He reported he would not have to ask for supplemental FYI funding to meet the demands of the requirement. October 15, 2018 Page 7 of 13 Center Streetscape Presentation Dave Pinsonnault, DPW Director; and John Livsey, Town Engineer, presented details of the 25% design in advance of a Special Town Meeting request for 100% design funding and an Annual Town Meeting 2019 request for construction funds. The Center Streetscape goals are: improved safety; improved accessibility; and renewal of the mid-century modern landscape. Mr. Livsey said that some adjustments to the presentation have been made since the public information meeting held on June 11, 2018. Recent actions are: a Town Manager's Working Group was formed to guide the design team staff, an historic resource assessment was conducted; landscape design and tree inventory management documents are available on the DPW's Engineering webpage, as is the video of the June 11, 2018 meeting; a meeting was held with the Disability Committee to discuss concerns. Mr. Livsey noted that the updated 25% design is consistent with the recommendations of the ad hoc Center Streetscape Design Committee and the Board of Selectmen. Changes from previous 25% include: removal of Woburn Street intersection; design simplification; removal of fencing, historic medallions/markers, and street median; and addition of soil amenities for tree health. The updated estimate includes costs for all elements in current 25% design; a design contingency; Police Details; and Construction Inspection and Administration costs that have been verified and defined. Mr. Livsey reported that 1 or 2 additional full-time oversight staff will be needed for the project. The estimate assumes one phase; costs would increase if the project is phased. The estimates are now expressed in 2020 dollars, based on recent bid pricing and adjusted for inflation. An updated estimate will be developed when the plan progresses to 100%. The total cost of the project, including Police details and construction administration is $9,372,350. If construction funding is approved at Annual Town Meeting 2019, the project would commence in the spring of 2020 and end by fall 2023. Mr. Lucente asked about trees shown in renderings that appear to be in front of the historic clock. He asked whether the Police kiosk on Massachusetts Avenue would be moved to accommodate a planter. Mr. Livsey will look into the trees near the clock. Mr. Pinsonnault reported that Police Chief Corr says the department does not need the kiosk in that location. Mr. Lucente asked that the Center Committee be consulted. Mr. Lucente reported that the current crosswalk paint is slippery when wet. Mr. Livsey reported that a non-slip additive will be used in the new markings. Mr. Lucente asked for more details about the possible phasing. Mr. Livsey said more will be known as the project gets closer to the 100% design threshold. Mr. Pato noted that the cost estimate has been decreased by removing the Woburn Street intersection and increased by adding a portion of Waltham Street that was formerly out of scope. Mr. Livsey added that part of the increase is from pricing in 2020 dollars. October 15, 2018 Page 8 of 13 Ms. Barry expressed concern about the placement of a Massachusetts Avenue crosswalk near Grant Street as shown on the rendering and noted that the dead trees in the Center should be removed whether the project goes forward or not. Ms. Barry asked if crosswalk lighting will be added. Mr. Livsey said crosswalk lighting will provide foot candle illumination appropriate to each location. Ms. Ciccolo asked if a left turn arrow can be added to the pavement at Grant Street. Mr. Livsey reported that there is not quite enough width for a regulation turn lane but he will take another look at creating the necessary width. Ms. Ciccolo asked if shrubs can be added on the other side of Massachusetts Avenue from the Police Station. Mr. Livsey said the Tree Committee will be consulted but he is concerned with the narrow sidewalk width at that location and the salt impact on less hearty vegetation. Ms. Hai asked if the heavily used Massachusetts Avenue crosswalk between the Police Station and the church will be removed. Mr. Livsey said it is on the edge of the project scope and he would look into it. Ms. Hai believes the total project cost is too high, particularly given that the Woburn Street intersection is still unaddressed and there is another $3M for the separate Battle Green Streetscape project. She asked, as the design plays out, for particular attention to cost containment. She further noted that the crosswalk aprons were all recently changed and asked if they can be retained. Mr. Livsey said that since the locations of the aprons will change, these aspects of the streetscape cannot be reused. David Kanter, Capital Expenditures Committee, asked when the construction analysis will be available. Mr. Livsey expects it to be ready in late February. Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street, asked why, given the estimated cost of the project, utility lines are not being moved underground. She asked why the parking sign bases are ornate and why no contingency line item is included in the estimate. Ms. McKenna expressed concern about moving the Police kiosk, given that Town Meeting passed an override that included funding to restore a Police Officer in the Center. Speaking as Chair of the Tourism Committee, Ms. McKenna said she and Mr. Pinsonnault would be meeting to discuss aligning the construction schedules of the Center Streetscape project and the Battle Green Streetscape project. Sue Cusack, Precinct 9 Town Meeting Member/Committee on Disability, said the Commission remains concerned about the plan to use brick for some of the sidewalks. The Commission, however, appreciates the thoughtfulness the DPW has demonstrated in discussions of concerns and is happy with the plan to pilot a curb cut design before the entire project moves forward. The Commission continues to believe brick sidewalks maintenance will be costly. Approve FYI 9-20 Collective Bargaining Agreement with Library Union Ms. Barry was recused from the item as her husband is an employee of the Town. Ms. Ciccolo chaired in Ms. Barry's absence. October 15, 2018 Page 9 of 13 Mr. Malloy, Town Manager, and Ms. Graglia-Kostos, Director of Human Resources, verified that the contract negotiated with the Library Union is consistent with the consensus reached by Selectmen in Executive Session discussions. The Library Union has agreed to the terms. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 to approve and authorize the Town Manager to sign the FY 18-20 Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Library Union. A brief recess was called until 9:50 p.m. Minuteman High School Update Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation and Community Programs and David Pinsonnault, DPW Director, presented information about a proposed intermunicipal agreement with Minuteman High School that would provide access to a shared, full-size atheltic complex. Ms. Battite said that conversations about additional athletic fields on the Minuteman campus have been taking place for over five years. During this time, Recreation has held a place in the Capital Plan for field funding. Legislation was signed this past summer that allows Minuteman to enter into a 50- year lease/partnership, making an intermunicipal agreement about athletic fields possible. Ms. Battite reported that although Minuteman is free to partner with other entities, it only wants to partner with the Town of Lexington. The dollar figure for the full complex (multi-sport field and sport field lighting; multi- sport/softball field and sport field lighting; multi-sport/baseball field and sport field lighting; tennis courts and sport field lighting; athletic structures - bleachers, press box, athletic building with kitchen and storage shed) is $20M, of which Minuteman High School has $12M set aside and will also pay all design costs. It asks the Town of Lexington to appropriate the remaining $8M. Ms. Battite acknowledged that many questions, including long-term partnership concerns, remain to be answered. Minuteman's accelerated timeline to be operational by the fall of 2020 has caused Lexington staff and relevant committees to work intently on aligning the project with Lexington's budgeting process and a Working Group has been formed. The group envisions requesting approval at Annual Town Meeting 2019. Possible funding sources include debt service; Community Preservation; and an Athletic Enterprise Fund. Ms. Hai believes there is need for additional fields and recognizes that this project will have ardent supporters in the community. She is not convinced that a track at Minuteman will provide Lexington with the benefits it needs, especially since scheduling will conflict with Minuteman's own athletes. Ms. Hai asked if there is demonstrated need for additional tennis courts. Peter Coleman, Assistant Director of Recreation and Community Programs reported that he has to deny 2,500 hours of athletic field use every year; he will try to tease out tennis court numbers but noted that the Gallagher tennis courts at LHS are often at capacity in the evening. Ms. Hai asked if an exclusive partnership with Minuteman means that Lexington would have the only other access to the complex. Ms. Battite said the Working Group is looking into this question. It could also mean that hours not needed by either partner could be leased to other October 15, 2018 Page 10 of 13 interested parties in a tiered system, similarly to what Lexington does with its fields within the Town system. Who would administer scheduling and who would have control of potential revenue are associated questions. Ms. Hai said there is not yet enough information to form a conclusion on cost versus benefit but she is certain Lexington could not build the same athletic complex on its own for $8M. Ms. Ciccolo agreed that it is necessary to understand the need and benefits versus the investment. She asked if there are additional areas on the Minuteman property that could become athletic fields. Ms. Battite said there is some, but not much, additional acreage, perhaps half a field's worth. Ms. Ciccolo said it would be impossible to buy land in Lexington to build similar fields for the same amount being requested. Ms. Barry verified that the field partnership would be in addition to, not instead of, the current high school complex fields; she asked that questions the Working Group has generated be shared with the Board of Selectmen. Ms. Barry agreed that the athletic fields have been on the Capital list for several years but without a dollar figure; as such, it might be viewed at jumping the queue. Mr. Pato agreed that more detail is warranted but noted that need for more athletic fields has been well established. Mr. Lucente, a member of the Working Group, said Minuteman will build an athletic complex whether Lexington is a partner or not. David Kanter, Capital Expenditures Committee, asked about the status of Minuteman's design phase. Mr. Kanter asked about how management of the fields would be administered and what the funding sources for this investment would be. Betsy Weiss, 8 Dover Lane, recalled that the last opportunity for field construction involved the land on Lowell Street and the cost at that time was $2M for a field and a half. She asked for the Minuteman option be seriously considered. Lisa Rhodes, Precinct 9, Recreation and Community Programs Committee Vice Chair, stressed that this opportunity guarantees athletic field access for 50 years. Field conditions and weather/seasonal effects often render natural grass fields unusable. She urged consideration for this project. Review and Approve Revised Charge for Community Center Program Advisory Committee CCPAC Ms. Battite, Recreation and Community Programs Director, relayed a recommendation from CCPAC to update the committee charge by removing the Youth Service Council member and replacing that member with an appointee from the Lexington Youth Commission, saying a "youth" voice will enhance conversations regarding current and future programming. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to amend the charge for the Community Center Program Advisory Committee by removing the Youth Service October 15, 2018 Page 11 of 13 Council member and replacing that position with an appointee from the Lexington Youth Commission. Review and Approve Revised Charge for Recreation Committee Ms. Battite, Recreation and Community Programs Director, relayed a recommendation to update the Recreation Committee charge to include a liaison from the School Committee and Bicycle Committee. The Recreation Committee and the School Committee have several common interests and goals for programming and facilities. This will provide for more transparency and opportunities for collaboration when developing programs and capital planning. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to amend the Recreation Committee charge to include a liaison from the School Committee and Bicycle Advisory Committee. Approve FYI Water/Sewer Rate Carolyn Kosnoff, Assistant Town Manager for Finance, provided the third of three presentations regarding FYI Water and Sewer rates. Ms. Kosnoff noted that the actual meter readings from section two residential accounts confirmed data from actual readings from section one; therefore, the department stands by its recommendation to increase rates, which was triggered by lower than projected water use. The recommendation asks that FY19 water rates be increased 1.7%-1.8% (depending on usage tier) over FY 18 and FY 19 sewer rate be increased by 8.7%. The combined increase equals 6.3%. The Finance department also recommends an increase in the flat sewer rate for the dozen or so accounts that use the sewer system but not the water system. The recommended increase from an annual charge of$94.24 to an annual charge of$373.00 is lower than the department's previous recommendation. Staff is researching other ways to calculate these accounts, such as a flow meter which would yield actual readings. Ms. Kosnoff also asked the Board to approve the amended message to be printed on the bills. Mr. Lucente said he remains uncomfortable with the rate increase; he has received negative feedback from residents. He asked if there are any alternatives to approving the increase. Ms. Kosnoff said the Water & Sewer Enterprise fund are not set up to generate funds, only to cover expenses. The formula for establishing the rates is straightforward and only pays for the cost of services. The FYI budget cannot change at this point; if rate revenues do not satisfy the cost, the funds go into deficit. Mr. Pato was also unhappy with the rate increase but understands it is due to the increased cost of raw materials and services. Ms. Barry said she is a reluctant supporter of the recommendation to increase rates; she said homeowners will want to understand why the rate has gone up so significantly. October 15, 2018 Page 12 of 13 Ms. Hai agreed the rate increase is unfortunate, but the Town has an obligation to cover its expenses. John Bartenstein, Appropriation Committee Chair, noted there have been very low rate increases for the last 4-5 years; water and sewer bills are increasing less quickly than the tax bills. The commercial/industrial water customers have helped keep rates down because they are using high volumes of water at the same time as residents' conservation efforts have been successful. David Kanter, Precinct 7 Town Meeting member, urged that a brief explanation for the rate increase be inserted in the water/sewer bills. The Board agreed to authorize insertion of an explanation. Mr. Malloy and Ms. Kosnoff will compose the text of the message. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve proposed FY2019 water and wastewater rates as presented; and further move that the Board approve the proposed water conservation message as presented to be printed on the water and wastewater bills beginning with the Fall 2018 billing cycle; and further that the Board authorize the Town Manager to craft a message to be included in the water bills with an explanation as to the rise in rates. Review and Approve Revised Charge for Ad Hoc Residential Exemption Policy Study Committee The Committee has asked for an extension in the timeline and for a specific charge to look at means testing exemptions that exist under State law. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted 5-0 to amend the Ad Hoc Residential Exemption Policy Study Committee charge by extending delivery date to March 15, 2019 and adding the following work item: Comparison of the Residential Exemption with means-tested programs. Sign State Election Warrant Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve and sign the November 6, 2018 State Election Warrant. Approve and Sign Special Town Meeting Warrant 2018-1 It was determined that the warrant would not include an article to appropriate funds for a Crematorium Schematic Design project. Therefore, the Special Town Meeting Warrant 2018-1 will include ten articles, not eleven. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 4-0-1 to sign Draft Warrant B for the Special Town Meeting 2018-1 to be held on November 13, 2018. Ms. Hai abstained due to the inclusion of a warrant article that would amend zoning for 55 & 56 Watertown Street, land currently owned by Belmont Country Club, of which Ms. Hai is a member. October 15, 2018 Page 13 of 13 Selectmen—Committee Appointments Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to appoint Nancy Corcoran-Ronchetti as a member representing the Planning Board to the 2020 Vision Committee for a term set to expire on September 30, 2021. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to appoint Nancy Corcoran-Ronchetti as a member representing the Planning Board to the Lexington Housing Partnership for a term to expire September 30, 2021. Metropolitan Planning Organization Election Ballot Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted 5-0 to allow the Chair to submit the Absentee Ballot prior to the October 30, 2018 deadline. Consent Agenda • Approve One-Day Liquor License Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve a One-Day liquor license request from Judith Cooper to serve wine for the purpose of her Workshop Exhibit Opening Reception event being held on Saturday, November 17, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Munroe Center for the Arts, 1403 Massachusetts Avenue. 0 Water & Sewer Commitment Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve the Water and Sewer Commitment August 2018 Finals $31,417.69 Adjourn Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selection voted 5-0 to adjourn at 10:56 p.m. A true record; Attest: Kim Siebert Recording Secretary