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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-12 SB-minSELECT BOARD MEETING Monday, January 12, 2026 A meeting of the Lexington Select Board was called to order at 6:30p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, via a hybrid meeting platform. Ms. Hai, Chair; Mr. Lucente, Ms. Kumar, and Mr. Sandeen were present, as well as Mr. Bartha, Town Manager; Deputy Town Manager, Ms. Axtell; and Executive Clerk, Ms. Katzenback. ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION 1. SELECT BOARD WORK SESSION - Discussion: Article for Changing Election Day from Monday to Tuesday Ms. Hai explained that, as a follow-up to the January 5, 2026, meeting, the Select Board should discuss the appropriate timing for placing a proposed Town Meeting Article to change Election Day from Mondays to Tuesdays. Town Clerk, Ms. De Alderete, stated that this will depend on the will of Town Meeting. If approved by simple majority, the decision would be posted in October, and the change would occur for March 2027. Mr. Lucente noted that he is unsure if moving voting to Tuesdays will increase voter turnout. He suggested that the Board consider what problem it is trying to solve and what solution will come closest to solving the issue. This change could create confusion if it is not communicated properly. If the change is made, he suggested starting it in 2028, when the primary will be held on a Tuesday anyway. Ms. Hai stated that she believes the item should be placed on the ballot, with the potential of not implementing the change until 2028. There was agreement to review draft Article language that does not yet include an implementation date. DOCUMENTS: For discussion: Possible Implementation timeline of Election Bylaw 2. SELECT BOARD WORK SESSION - Update: Transportation Safety Group Update on Walnut Street Traffic Calming Measures Meghan Roche, Asst Town Planner, explained that on December 9, 2025, members of the Transportation Safety Group (TSG) met to review and discuss recommendations contained in a traffic calming report prepared by TEC, Inc. for Walnut Street. The TEC report identifies a range of potential traffic calming measures, varying in scope, complexity, and cost, intended to improve safety and reduce vehicular speeds along the Walnut Street corridor. The group recommends two items to improve safety in the corridor. The first is a series of raised median islands at a few intersections along Walnut Street. The second is transverse speed reduction pavement markings, as a visual cue to drivers. In response to a question from Mr. Sandeen, Ross Morrow, Town Engineer, reviewed the differences between speed hump, speed table, and speed cushion calming measures. Mr. Lucente asked about the speed of vehicles traveling along this corridor. Ms. Roche explained that the current Walnut Street speed limit is 25mph. Per data collected in the fall, the 85th percentile speed was 34mph and 31mph in the northbound and southbound directions. The average speeds were 29mph and 27mph. This is generally higher than studies in other corridors in Town. Ms. Kumar asked about how the proposed median islands and/or textured pavement helps in alleviating speed concerns. Ms. Roche explained that these items will help to narrow the roadway, making it uncomfortable for drivers at higher speeds. Mr. Morrow stated that this also adds visual context for drivers. Ms. Hai asked if any land taking will be required. Mr. Morrow stated that none is currently proposed. Ms. Hai asked if the items will be able to be placed without impacting items such as utility poles. Mr. Morrow agreed that all of these items will be reviewed in order to determine proper placement. Ms. Hai asked if neighbors have been addressed regarding the proposal. Ms. Roche stated that neighbors have been notified and kept up to date. An agreement with the neighbors will be sought. In response to a question from Mr. Sandeen, Mr. Morrow explained that passenger vehicles are mostly the items of concern for this proposal. Mr. Sandeen suggested also reviewing the option of speed cushions along the corridor. The Board asked that this comes back for further review by the end of February. DOCUMENTS: TSG Memo - Walnut Street; Walnut St Traffic Calming Assessment Table 3. SELECT BOARD WORK SESSION - Update: Munroe Center for the Arts Performance Pavilion Project Cristina Burwell, Munroe Center for the Arts, provided an update to the Board regarding the proposed Munroe Arts Performance Pavilion Project. She explained that all of the concerns have been heard. The next step is to obtain additional drawings that detail the elevations of the site, in order to come up with a solution that benefits everyone.The Town set up the building as a community art center in 1984 and the Center has been hosting arts education, and indoor and outdoor activities for over 30 years. A canopy and stage were natural extensions for the building. The design is an iterative process. Bob Adams stated that the HDC has concerns regarding the appropriateness of the function programmatically. There are also concerns regarding what space will look and feel like. A better job needs to be done communicating with and engaging the public. Mr. Lucente stated that, during COVID, there was a need for outdoor covered meeting spaces. He noted that there is a large existing tree in the middle of the proposed area. Ms. Burwell stated that there is importance in being able to see the façade of the building. The tree will be removed in order to better see the façade. The Board thanked Ms. Burwell and Mr. Adams for the update and noted that further updates would likely occur at a future date. DOCUMENTS: Monroe Pavilion - Outdoor Events; Munroe Center for the Arts Pavilion Project Plans; Monroe Construction - Parking Analysis; 2020.01.06 Munroe Center for the Arts Lease SIG NED lease term 7.1.2020 -6.30.2030 4. SELECT BOARD WORK SESSION - Discussion: Lex250 Funds Ms. Hai explained that the purpose of this agenda item is for the Board to provide direction on the allocation of the remaining unencumbered Lex250 funds. A memorandum from Town Manager Steve Bartha outlines recommended options for the use of these funds, with a focus on meeting the Town’s defined operational responsibilities in support of Patriots’ Day Weekend 2026 activities. Additionally, a memorandum from the Town Celebrations Committee requests that the Town allocate up to Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) from the Lex250 Fund to establish a contract with a professional event planner to support Patriots’ Weekend 2026. A memorandum from the Semiquincentennial Commission outlines its proposed allocation of the remaining Lex250 funds. Also, the Department of Public Works has secured a $10,000 MIIA safety grant toward the purchase of barricades and is seeking approximately $4,000 from the Lex250 Fund to cover the remaining cost. The barricades would become a Town-owned asset. Grant funds must be expended in FY26, and there is an anticipated 10–12 week lead time for delivery following ordering. Mr. Lucente noted that the Board made a promise to the community to have Patriots Day on Saturday this year. He believes the Board should move toward the recommendation from the Town Manager. Ms. Kumar stated that the Board committed to holding the event on a Saturday this year and she would recommend appropriating the funds toward the plan from Town administration. In response to a question from Mr. Sandeen, Mr. Bartha explained that the audio visual, event management, transportation, and barricades are time sensitive items. At some point in February, the Town will need to execute the grant by issuing a purchase order to buy the barricades. The recommendation is to spend $3,860 out of the remaining Lex250 funds as the match for that grant. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 4-0 to approve the commitment of the remaining unencumbered Lex250 balance, which is estimated between $280,000 and $288,000, for Patriots Day 2026 municipal operations associated with the reenactment and parade on Saturday, April 18, 2026, as outlined in the Town Manager's January 7, 2026, memorandum; and to authorize the Town Manager to proceed with procurement and contracting consistent with the scopes and limits. DOCUMENTS: Memo to Select Board - Use of Lex 250 Funds; TCC Request for Event Planner - Patriots Day 2026; Lex 250 Commission budget proposal memo ADJOURN VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 4-0 to adjourn at 8:13 p.m. A true record; Attest: Kristan Patenaude Recording Secretary