HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-15 SB-minSELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, December 15, 2025
A meeting of the Lexington Select Board was called to order at 6:30p.m. on Monday, December 15,
2025, via a hybrid meeting platform. Ms. Hair, Chair; Mr. Lucente, Mr. Pato, Ms. Kumar, and Mr.
Sandeen were present, as well as Mr. Bartha, Town Manager; Deputy Town Manager, Ms. Axtell; and
Executive Clerk, Ms. Katzenback.
CONSENT AGENDA
1.Approve: 2026 Common Victualler License Renewals
To approve the 2026 Annual Common Victualler License Renewals for the following businesses:
Avenue Deli - 1806 Massachusetts Avenue
Daikanyama Japanese Cuisine - 43 Waltham Street
Galaray House - 1720 Massachusetts Avenue
Ixtapa Cantina - 177 Massachusetts Avenue
Knights of Columbus Members Association Inc - 177 Bedford Street
Lexington Elks Club #2204 - 959 Waltham Street
Lexington House of Pizza - 399 Lowell Street
Mike & Patty’s Breakfast & Sandwiches - 317 Woburn Street
Nick's Restaurant of Lexington Inc. - 197 Massachusetts Avenue
Peet's Coffee & Tea - 1749 Massachusetts A venue
Spirit of India - 321 Marrett Road
2.Approve: 2026 Automatic Amusement Devise License Renewals
To approve the 2026 Annual Automatic Amusement Device License Renewals for the following
businesses:
Lexington- Lodge #2204 (Golden Tee Golf) - 959 Waltham Street
Lexington- Lodge #2204 (Jukebox) - 959 Waltham Street
3. Approve: 2026 Class II License Renewal
To approve the 2026 Annual Class II License Renewal for the following business:
Lexington Auto Sales - 542 Massachusetts Avenue
4. Approve: 2026 Liquor License Renewal
Package Store
To approve 2026 Liquor License Renewal for the following:
Nick's Wine and Spirits - 1666 Massachusetts Avenue, Unit H
5. Approve: Town Manager Committee Appointment
Conservation Commission Associate Member - Thomas Olivier
To confirm the Town Manager's appointment of Thomas Olivier as an Associate Member to the
Conservation Commission with a term set to expire March 31, 2028.
DOCUMENTS: Application
6. Approve: Water & Sewer Commitments
To approve the consent.
DOCUMENTS: SB Meeting WS items
7. Approve: Select Board and Town Manager Goals for FY2026-27
To confirm the Select Board FY2026 - FY2027 Goals and publish to the Select Board webpage.
DOCUMENTS: FY 2026-2027 Goals
8. Approve Application: Liquor License Change of Manager Amendment – Beijing Cuisine
To approve the application from Gl Gourmet Group Inc d/b/a Beijing Cuisine for a Change of Manager
and, once approved by the ABCC, issue an updated All Alcohol Common Victualler Liquor License to Gl
Gourmet Group Inc d/b/a Beijing Cuisine for a Change of Manager, with Xiaofeng Cheng named as
Manager.
DOCUMENTS: Application - Beijing Change of Manager
VOTE: Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted by roll call 5-0 to approve the
Consent Agenda, as presented.
ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
1. Civic Academy Graduation
Abe Fofanah, Management Fellow reviewed the Lexington Civic Academy, now in its 16th session. At
Lexington Civic Academy, residents met for 12 weeks to learn about local government, specifically, the
role each department plays in serving the public. The goal of the program is citizen engagement, and the
program is designed to connect residents with the Select Board and Town staff, as well as encouraging
participation on Town committees/boards and as Town Meeting Members.
Sinan Bruce spoke on behalf of the Civic Academy graduates.
1. Kseniya Ausiaikova
2. Jim Baldwin
3. Sinan Bruce
4. Sophia De Freitas
5. Sandra Galejs
6. Anagha Kelkar
7. Meghana Khanolkar
8. Dya Levitt
9. Rositza Rachev
10. Kala Ramachandra
11. Stephanie Repaci
12. Eileen Schneider
13. Seth Werfel
14. Catherine Yan
DOCUMENTS: Civic Academy December 2025 Participant List
2. Presentations: Proposed 2026 Annual Town Meeting Articles
Commission on Disabilities - Universal Design Resolution
Victoria Buckley, Commission on Disabilities, presented the Universal Design Resolution for the Board's
consideration for inclusion on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant. She explained that Universal
Design is an inclusive design philosophy aiming to create products, services and environments accessible
and usable by as many people as possible, regardless of their age, ability or status in life. This approach
seeks to create solutions that meet the needs of people with diverse abilities, and it advocates for the
inclusions of these considerations in the earliest stages of design.
Mr. Sandeen asked about next steps if this Resolution were to pass. Ms. Buckley explained that the group
has been discussing with the Building Commissioner ideas to encourage builders to come in and get more
points by including a Universal Design. This will be particularly important for aging in place.
The Board was supportive of moving this item to the Warrant.
Vision for Lexington Funding for RFP for Town - Wide Survey
Sara del Nido Budish and Tom Lin, Vision for Lexington, presented their Town-wide survey Article for
the Board's consideration for inclusion on the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant.
Mr. Lucente asked about the scope changes in this survey from the last iteration. Ms. del Nido Budish
stated that consistency in some of the questions is valued. There will likely be some modifications made
to some recent changes in Town. Suggested scope changes are welcome.
Mr. Lucente asked about the resources for this item. Mr. Bartha stated that this could be worked into the
financing plan.
The Board was supportive of moving this item to the Warrant.
DOCUMENTS: Universal Design ATM, Town -wide survey. Vision for Lexington article, Vision for
Lexington slidedeck, 2022 Town Wide Survey Report
3. Discussion: Town Manager Performance Evaluation
The Select Board conducted its annual review of the Town Manager Steve Bartha's performance.
Individual Board member evaluations have been collected and consolidated into a summarized report for
discussion. The Board reviewed the consolidated evaluation, discussed key performance themes, and
considered areas for refinement or clarification. It was noted that Ms. Kumar’s comments would be added
to the review for approval during the Consent Agenda of January 5th.
DOCUMENTS: Draft Town Manager Performance Evaluation
4. Discussion: Generate List of Decision Points for Non-Residential Development Surcharge for
Affordable Housing
Ms. Hai stated that, at its December 8, 2025 meeting, the Select Board received a presentation on the
Non-Residential Development Nexus Study for affordable housing. Following the presentation, the Board
agreed that it would be useful to compile a list of decision points that will be required. The Board will
now identify, refine, and expand the full set of decision points that will guide future consideration of
whether and how to implement a non-residential development surcharge to support affordable housing.
Mr. Lucente stated that he would like to discuss when the surcharge begins to apply and what happens
with projects that are already in the pipeline. Also,the calculation for excess gross floor area is somewhat
discretionary. Some type of an appeal process may need to be considered further. He suggested indicating
the funding mechanism for the reporting of this item. An additional item would be a guidepost on the
frequency of revisiting this item.
Mr. Pato requested timelines for when the rate will be reset. Also, a statement of intent should be
contained within the policy and regulation.
Mr. Sandeen noted that it is important for all of the draft bullet points to be aligned with the legislation.
Mr. Bartha stated that staff would work to draft something based on the comments heard this evening.
5. Vote: Article 97 Filing for High School Project
Ms. Hail stated that, on November 3rd, prior to STM 2025-2, the Select Board voted 5-0 in favor of
Article 9 (home rule legislation for Article 97), which then passed with over 90% support from Town
Meeting. On December 8, Lexingtonians then voted in favor of the LHS debt exclusion with 62%
support. Although it is arguable that the November 3rd Select Board vote to authorize home rule
legislation already satisfies the requirements laid out in Article 97 guidance issued by the Executive
Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA) in 1998, Town Counsel is recommending that the November 3rd
vote be reaffirmed tonight as a standalone item not connected to a Town Meeting article in order to make
clear the Town's intent as the process moves forward.
VOTE: Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted by roll call 5-0 that the Board
affirm its desire, as expressed at the November 3, 2025, Special Town Meeting, to petition the General
Court to enact special legislation pursuant to Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution, in substantially
the form authorized by Town Meeting, to authorize the transfer of the Center Athletic Field Parcels
currently under the care, custody, management and control of the Select Board to the School Committee
for school purposes and to authorize the Legislature to make changes to the text of such legislation as is
consistent, subject to approval of such changes by the Town Manager.
DOCUMENTS: Select Board Statement from STM on Art. 97, Memo on Status of Article 97 (from 12.8
LSB Mtg)
6. Approve: Reversal of Liquor License and Adjust Liquor License Renewal – Whiskey and Wine,
55 Bedford Street
Ms. Hai explained that the previously submitted application to transfer the All-Alcohol Package Store
License at 55 Bedford Street, can no longer proceed. The parties to the Purchase and Sale (P&S)
Agreement have not completed the transaction, requiring the seller to retain the existing license and
request withdrawal of the pending transfer application. As required by the ABCC, a letter signed by both
the seller and buyer, has been submitted stating that the P&S agreement has been terminated and both
parties request that the transfer application be withdrawn and the license be reverted to the original owner.
VOTE: Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted by roll call 5-0 to
1. Authorize withdrawal of the transfer application with the ABCC
2. Revert the All-Alcohol Package Store License at 55 Bedford Street to the original owner, d/b/a
Whiskey and Wine, due to the non-completion of the P&S agreement and
3. Approve the 2026 liquor license renewal in the original owner's name, d/b/a Whiskey and
Wine, as part of this reversion
DOCUMENTS: Signed Letter of request for reversal of Liquor License 55 Bedford Street, Internal
Memo to Board - Situation Overview
Mr. Pato reflected on the recent passing of Narain Bhatia, a very dedicated pillar of the community and a
staunch advocate for the Indian American community in Lexington. There will be a community
celebration of life on Saturday the 20th from 1pm-3pm at First Parish Church. There is an open invitation
to all who feel the opportunity to come and recognize his wonderful contributions.
ADJOURN
VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted by roll call 5-0 to
adjourn at 7:39 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Kristan Patenaude
Recording Secretary