Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-17 SB-minSELECT BOARD MEETING Friday, October 17, 2025 A meeting of the Lexington Select Board was called to order at 11:02am. on Friday, October 17, 2025, via a hybrid meeting platform. Ms. Hair, Chair; Mr. Lucente, Mr. Pato, and Mr. Sandeen were present, as well as Mr. Bartha, Town Manager; Ms. Axtell, Deputy Town Manager. PUBLIC COMMENTS None at this time. SELECT BOARD MEMBER CONCERNS AND LIAISON REPORTS 1. Select Board Member Announcements and Liaison Reports Ms. Hai noted that the legislature will hold a hearing on the Municipal Empowerment Act on October 28th. She would like to send a letter in support on behalf of the Board. Mr. Sandeen noted that he testified in front of the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy in favor of the legislature lifting some caps on municipal solar. Mr. Pato stated that the GPU has enabled a special heat pump electric rate for consumers. That rate is now being promulgated by Eversource to those members of the public who have heat pumps installed through the Mass SAVE program. DOCUMENTS: 10172025_Select_Board_Announcements_and_Liaison_Reports TOWN MANAGER REPORT 1. Town Manager Weekly Update Nothing additional at this time. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approve: One-Day Liquor License - Lexington Housing Assistance Board, 130 Waltham Street 'Home' Fundraiser - Thursday, October 23, 2025 To approve a One-Day Liquor License for Lexington Housing Assistance Board to serve beer and wine at their 'Home' Fundraiser at 130 Waltham Street on Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm. 2. Accept: Select Board Committee Resignation Lexington Center Committee: Richard Brown To accept the resignation of Richard Brown from the Lexington Center Committee effective immediately. DOCUMENTS: 2025.10.07 Richard Brown - Lexington Center Committee_Redacted 3. Approve: Select Board Committee Appointments Housing Partnership Board - Christopher Herbert Lexington Center Committee - Stephen Jackson Lexington Council for the Arts - Jeanne McDermott Semiquincentennial Committee - Kerry Dunne Sustainable Lexington Committee - Kavita Ravi Tree Committee - Alicia Morris To appoint Christopher Herbert to the Housing Partnership Board for a term to expire on September 30, 2026. To appoint Stephen Jackson to the Lexington Center Committee for a term set to expire on September 30, 2027. To appoint Jeanne McDermott to the Lexington Council for the Arts for a term set to expire on September 30, 2028. To appoint Kerry Dunne to the Semiquincentennial Committee for a term set to expire on December 30, 2026. To appoint Kavita Ravi to the Sustainable Lexington Committee for a term set to expire on September 30, 2028. To appoint Alicia Morris to the Tree Committee for a term set to expire on September 30, 2028. DOCUMENTS: Housing Partnership Board - Chris Herbert - Application &_Resume_Redacted; Lexington Center Committee - Stephen Jackson -_Application &_Resume_Redacted; Lexington Council for the Arts - Jeanne McDermott - Application &_Resume_Redacted; Semiquincentennial Committee - Kerry Dunne - Application &_Resume_Redacted; Sustainable Lexington Committee - Kavita Ravi - Application &_Resume+Redacted; Tree Committee - Alicia Morris - Application & Resume_Redacted 4. Approve: Proclamation Requests National First Responders Day Lexington Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) 130th Birthday To approve the National First Responders Day Proclamation recognizing October 28, 2025, and the Lexington Daughters of the American Revolution 130th Birthday Proclamation recognizing October 18, 2025, as presented. DOCUMENTS: 10172025 First Responders Day, DAR 130 VOTE: Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 4-0 to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented. ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION 1. Public Hearing: FY2026 Water and Sewer Rates Carolyn Kosnoff, Assistant Town Manager Finance, presented the proposed Water and Wastewater rates for Fiscal Year 2026, along with supporting information. This item also serves as the public hearing on the Water and Wastewater rates for FY2026 ahead of the Board’s final vote which is expected on November 3, 2025. Mr. Lucente asked about potentially reviewing and adjusting the tiers to create more incentives. He would like to encourage lower usage of water. He would also like to examine the irrigation rate in order to promote less usage. He asked about potential senior or low-income relief programs through the current enterprise structure. Ms. Kosnoff explained that there is money in the current year’s budget for completing a water and sewer rate study which is intended to accomplish a potential adjustment of the tiers. Also, the Town is interested in moving to a quarterly billing system and the analysis would take this into account. A bid for the study will be put out early in the calendar year, with the hope of it being completed in the spring. Ms. Hai closed the public hearing at 11:36AM. DOCUMENTS: FY 2026 Proposed Water & Sewer Rate Memo, FY 2026 Water & Sewer Rate Setting Presentation 2. Update: Lexington Housing Goals Lexington Housing Partnership Board Priorities and Strategies Lexington Affordable Housing Trust Proposed FY2026 Goals Ms. Hai stated that the Board will review and discuss the Town’s housing goals and priorities. Wendy Manz, Chair Lexington Housing Partnership Board (HPB), presented the HPB's current working document on Housing Priorities and Strategies, as part of its charge to advise the Select Board on developing a coherent housing policy and strategy for Lexington and in its efforts to coordinate the efforts of the Town’s various housing-related entities, as requested at the housing summit, to implement supporting strategies that advance affordable and diverse housing opportunities. Ms. Manz stated that the HPB identified six priority areas. The first is mixed use development in Lexington Center. The second is to continue to work to create smaller, less expensive types of housing throughout Town. The next is to increase the actual number of subsidized housing inventory units.The fourth item is to preserve more existing homes that are 2,000 s.f. or less. The fifth is to expand funding sources for subsidized housing. The last is to devote considerable attention to going into the community and building support for the idea of housing as a Town need and a Town project. Mr. Lucente encouraged the HPB to review a strategy that focuses on a couple of specific topics. Some of the timelines and targets may need to be considered. Mr. Pato stated that he would like to see a clear reference in the HPB’s materials to the housing development that is emerging in the private sector through the MBTA Communities Act. It is helpful in working with private sector development to try to make sure that the breadth of housing types creates opportunities for a wide demographic. Michael Schanbacher, Chair of the Planning Board, stated that the Planning Board has not yet discussed this report. At various times, the Board has discussed a few of the items in the report and have recommended some of them to Town Meeting. He invited the HPB to discuss these goals with the entire Planning Board at a future meeting to get any relevant feedback. Elaine Tung, Chair of the Lexington Affordable Housing Trust (AHT), presented the AHT's Proposed FY2026 Goals, detailing the Trust’s strategic objectives and planned actions for the upcoming fiscal year in support of the Town’s broader housing vision. The AHT respectfully requests Select Board approval of the AHT FY2026 Goals. This discussion is intended to align the Town’s housing-related boards and the Select Board on shared goals, priorities, and approaches for the coming year. Ms. Tung stated that a primary AHT goal is the creation of affordable housing. AHT will continue to actively support the 100% affordable housing development on Lowell Street. AHT is in negotiations with MBTA multifamily developers regarding the buy down of additional affordable units, as well as deeper affordability of units. The AHT strongly supports zoning changes for the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by-right to comply at a minimum with State law. The AHT will encourage housing partners to develop ADUs with permanent affordable housing restrictions. The AHT will continue to support LexHAB and Lexington Housing Authority development opportunities where appropriate and feasible. The AHT will continue to assess creative options to increase additional affordable housing opportunities. The AHT will work on developing a housing assistance program for tenants and/or homeowners and is considering a pilot tenant rental assistance program to help those lower income households that need financial assistance. A stable funding commitment from the Town is vital to support the efforts of the Lexington Housing Authority, LexHAB, and the AHT. The Trust will continue to seek outside funding sources, but funding needs to start at the Town level. Carrying a long-term funding commitment, along with data driven insight into the housing needs of current and future Lexingtonians, will help the Trust to optimize precious Trust and Town resources. Mr. Lucente stated that he would like to better understand the operational capacity that the Town realistically has in order to stay aligned under this goal. Mr. Pato stated that these are laudable goals and ones he would like the Town to pursue. It would be nice to include detailed projections of the goals. Measurable progress points are important, and it may be important to establish priorities amongst and within the goals. Mr. Sandeen stated that it is critical that there be strong community engagement to develop consensus regarding these proposed goals. He is supportive of the true 10% goal and the related goal of raising the funding necessary to achieve the true 10% goal. He is interested in goals that address concerns regarding the headwinds at the federal level, in terms of pushing people out of their homes. Ms. Hai asked about a coordinated plan with staff-driven opportunities and programming. She asked if some of the bullets and sub bullets may be more appropriately led by internal staff, with support from the AHT. She suggested that the funding going into direct service should be included in the plan. Ms. Tung stated that a strategic plan is needed in order to obtain data. Melinda Walker, 14 Larchmont Lane, stated that it is common practice in communities with housing trusts that the trusts invest in rental assistance programs separately from the Human Services departments in that town. Also, there are several towns that use CPC funding to set up rental assistance programs in collaboration with organizations such as the Regional Housing Services Office and other community development corporations. She asked that the Select Board see the adoption of the housing goals and strategies as an opportunity to show leadership in response to the growing houses housing crisis in the Commonwealth. Jay Luker, 26 Rindge Avenue, asked about the Housing Partnership Board’s memo’s relationship with Chapter 2 of the Comprehensive Plan. There may be many types of homeowners in Town who are having challenges staying in their homes, not just seniors or those on fixed incomes. Many of those people do not expect assistance from the Town in order to stay in their homes and he would like to make sure there are not different classes of homeowners who need help being created. Ms. Hai noted that there is a certification program through the AARP that trains and certifies builders to make specific accommodations. This was discussed potentially under the Housing Partnership Board goals, as opposed to direct assistance. Mr. Sandeen stated that the Select Board formed the AHT to enhance the Town's ability to address the Select Board's highest priority goal at the time, which was creating affordable housing. He stated the importance of setting metrics in these goals, including creating 40 units of 100% affordable housing as Lowell and North Street, and for a successful implementation of a multi-family buy down program. This is one of the best ways we can leverage our limited resources in time and dollars to create new affordable housing. He also highlighted the high leverage of creating Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs. Creating new affordable housing certainly should be the primary goal of the AHT but he also recommends the Select Board recognize that changes at the federal level will have a severe impact on the ability of people to stay in their homes. He suggested that the Board approve the goal to allow the AHT to continue working on a pilot program that would address the gaps being seen to exist at the federal level. Mr. Lucente stated that this is the first time the Board has heard about the pilot program and the potential funding for it. He would like for a program developed under these goals to come back before the Board for review. Mr. Bartha stated that he would like to know more about the sequencing of the goals in order for staff to be appropriately involved. Bob Pressman, 33 Locust Avenue, stated that on May 11, 2026, it will have been 15 years since the Committee appointed by the Board put forth options for the Vine Street property. With Town Meeting having authorized an RFP, he hopes that the Select Board will see that there is an RFP and one which allows units commensurate with current need. Ms. Hai asked if the Board is in favor of supporting the goals as written to increase affordable housing opportunities, with high level strategies under it, including, assessing, securing, supporting, and assisting current and future Lexington residents, and maintaining housing. Along with exploring a pilot for a Housing Assistance Program. The Board agreed to approve the goals as stated at the high level and the large sub bullets, but not the minor sub bullets. VOTE: Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 4-0 to approve the Lexington Affordable Housing Trust FY2026 Goals, as discussed. DOCUMENTS: HPB Working Document of Housing Priorities, AHT FY 2026 Goals – Presentation, Memo to Select Board re. AHT Goals, AHT Proposed Housing Goals and Strategies The Board took a brief recess. 3. Special Town Meeting - Presentation 2025-2 - Article 7: Accept General Laws, Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22L (Hero Act) Karen Tyler, Veterans Services District Director, reviewed the Hero Act legislation. It expands local options for tax relief for qualified disabled veterans. The Act introduced two new local options under Mass General Law. The request is for the adoption of Clause 22I, which would tie the exemption to ongoing inflation adjustments, the minimal fiscal impact on the Town, and consistency with COLA adjustments already in place for elderly exemptions. Mr. Lucente suggested that the presentation for this at Town Meeting lead with the request at hand. DOCUMENTS: Hero Act Summary, Art 7 Article text 4. Special Town Meeting 2025-2 - Select Board Article Presenters and Positions Ms. Kosnoff updated the Board on a couple of the financial articles. For Article 4, there will be adjustments to the water and sewer funds to decrease the amount of debt service in the existing current year budget. For the wastewater fund, the MWRA assessment will be reduced. There will also be an appropriation into the Capital Stabilization Fund under Article 3. The Board discussed its positions on several articles. Article 5 -Appropriate for Authorized Capital Improvements Indefinite Postponement (IP):Ms. Hai, Mr. Pato, Mr. Sandeen, and Mr. Lucente are yeses. Article 7 - Accept General Laws, Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22L (Hero Act): All four are yeses Article 8 -Appropriate for Lexington High School: Ms. Hai, Mr. Pato, Mr. Sandeen are yeses, Mr. Lucente is a wait Article 9 -Home Rule Legislation for New Lexington High School: All four are yeses Article 10 -Amend Reference of Newspapers to Include Electronic Media IP:All are yeses for IP. Article 11 -Clarification of LexHab Reorganization IP: All are yeses for IP. DOCUMENTS: Art 10 electronic addition motion., Art 11 LexHab motion, STM 2025-2 Select Board Positions Working Document 5. Discussion: Select Board and Town Manager Goals for FY2026 The Board agreed to table discussion on this item to a future meeting. DOCUMENTS: Suggested edits to Goals - for discussion, Original Draft Select Board Goals FY 2026- FY 2027, Original Draft Select Board Goals FY 2026-FY 2027- with Recommended Metrics EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. Exemption 3: Collective Bargaining - To Discuss Strategy with Respect to Collective Bargaining (Police Superior) VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 4-0 at 1:33pm that the Select Board go into Executive Session under Exemption 3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining for the Police Superior Unions, and not to reconvene in Open Session. Further, it was declared that an open meeting discussion may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining and litigating position of the Town. ADJOURN VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 4-0 from the Executive Session to adjourn both the Executive Session and the Regular Meeting at 1:53p.m. A true record; Attest: Kristan Patenaude Recording Secretary