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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-25 BOS-min Page 1 of 7 SELECTMEN'S MEETING Monday, March 25, 2019 A meeting of the Lexington Board of Selectmen was called to order at 6:01 p.m. on Monday, March 25, 2019 in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room of the Town Office Building. Present were Selectmen Ms. Barry, Chair; Mr. Pato; Mr. Lucente; Ms. Hai; and Mr. Sandeen. Also present were Mr. Malloy, Town Manager; Ms. Axtell, Assistant Town Manager; and Ms. Siebert, Recording Secretary. Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports Ms. Hai:  The Hosmer House Study Committee has begun its work, as authorized by Special Town Meeting in November 2018. Members represent a variety of groups: Historical Commission; Historic Districts Commission; Permanent Building Committee; Selectmen; Facilities Department; and an architectural firm that has worked with the Town in the past. The Committee will take a comprehensive look at Hosmer House and the Police Station campus; it will coordinate with the Police Station design team. Two public sessions to discuss the future of the Hosmer House are envisioned for April 2019; dates have not yet been set. Mr. Pato:  On Sunday evening, March 24, 2019, hundreds of Lexingtonians attended a vigil on the Battle Green to support the Muslim community in the wake of terrorist attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand. th  The Cary Memorial Library Foundation held a 150 Library anniversary gala on Saturday, March 23, 2019 attended by 500 guests. The Selectmen thanked the community for its support and the Library staff for a successful celebration. Ms. Barry:  On Thursday, March 21, 2019, members of the Board, the Town Manager, Town staff, and Town Meeting members attended a ribbon cutting and open house at the new Artis Senior Living facility at 430 Concord Avenue. Mr. Lucente:  On Thursday, March 21, 2019, the Lexington Lions Club and the Lexington Youth Commission partnered to clean and process 1,500 pairs of donated eyeglasses. These eyeglasses will be sent to a mission in Peru.  Board members toured EL Harvey’s waste processing facility to understand how the recycling process works. Page 2 of 7 Mr. Sandeen:  Mr. Sandeen recommended that the Board take a position on new Net Energy Codes and send a letter so indicating to the Board of Building Regulation and Standards (BBRS). He asked that the Board consider delegating the language of the letter to Sustainable Lexington.  A municipal vulnerability preparedness workshop took place on Thursday, March 21, 2019. Most Town departments were represented. Now that this training has been completed, the Town is eligible to access up to $2M (per project) to advance Lexington’s emergency response capabilities. Town Manager Report  On the afternoon of March 24, 2019, Lexington Police and Fire responded to a 911 call regarding the collision of two cyclists on the Minuteman Bikeway. Both were wearing helmets but sustained serious injuries. One of the cyclists was pronounced dead at Lahey Hospital and the other remains hospitalized.  Lexington has received a fiscal 2019 technical assistance grant from the Mass Downtown Initiative to conduct an analysis of the downtown retail sector with the goal of developing a new strategy for improved vitality.  Rain barrels will be available at the Hartwell Recycling Facility starting Saturday, May 25, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.  The Town of Lexington has received 4 votes regarding potential changes to be made to the International Code Council (ICC) Electrical Code.  To the question of whether Center crosswalk lighting can be addressed before the Center Streetscape project unfolds, the Town Engineer believes that an interim fix would be problematic and potentially create greater danger.  Lexington’s municipal aggregation report shows that the Town saved over $112,000 over standard electricity rate the last year.  Mr. Malloy thanked Town staff Chris Bouchard, Vince Lerow, and David Lange for the work done over the weekend to improve the Town’s broadcast capabilities as the A/V system was upgraded to high definition video technology.  Interim Fire Chief Derek Sencabaugh has been named Lexington’s new permanent Fire Chief. The date for a formal swearing in will be announced soon. Ms. Barry congratulated Chief Sencabaugh and presented him with a Town of Lexington lapel pin. Page 3 of 7 Vote to Layout--Portion of Pelham Road Mr. Malloy reported that the Town has already approved this section of road but paperwork was not filed and approved by the Registry of Deeds within the statutory time frame. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve the layout of a portion of Pelham Road from Eliot Road a distance of 526 feet, more or less westerly as a public way. Article 38 Amend Zoning Bylaw and Zoning Map, 186 Bedford Street - Memorandum of Understanding Ed Grant and Howard Levin, attorneys for the 186 Bedford Street petitioner, were present to answer questions regarding the mixed-use, residential/commercial property, 13 one-bedroom unit project. The property must be rezoned for the project to move forward. Mr. Malloy reported that the MOU between the developer and the Town calls for payment of $52,500 for transportation and improvements to a greenspace/park; 4 of 13 units to be classified as affordable units; and the property to be built to LEED Silver standards, although the development would not apply for certification. The MOU includes preservation of the current building and barn. The owner would demolish an addition built in 1969. Total finished square footage is 22,000 SF. Mr. Malloy said his understanding is that the Planning Board voted 3-1 to refer the project back to the Planning Board. The two alternatives to the design proposed are 1) 3 single-family homes by right; or 2) a friendly 40B. One substantive change since the last time the project was presented to the Selectmen in January is an increase from $10,000 to $20,000 for Transportation Demand Management. Another is that the new addition would be pushed back so that the historic structure remains prominent; the Historical Commission has approved this change. The financial benefit to the Town will be $88,000 annually, compared to zero benefit from a vacant building. This amount is net of the calculated cost for public services. Annual gross benefit is about $100,000 The Selectmen agree that project has improved over time. Mr. Lucente believes the MOU is well-worded and clear. Ms. Barry stated that adding the fourth unit to achieve 30% affordability is a very advantageous. Mr. Sandeen noted an edit should be made about the apartments being located in both the original building and the new addition. He believes that electric vehicle chargers were supposed to be included in the plan. Mr. Grant and Mr. Malloy agreed and said the EV chargers would be memorialized in the MOU. About the project itself, Ms. Hai, Mr. Pato, and Ms. Barry expressed support, noting that five of six housing goals that had been identified by recent housing studies are addressed in this project. The commitment to keep canopy trees and to minimize the impacts of new development on the Schools were also positives. Page 4 of 7 Mr. Lucente asked if improvements to Vaille Avenue are anticipated. Mr. Grant reported that Vaille Avenue is not an accepted public way; most of the neighborhood sentiment was in favor of leaving Vaille Avenue as it is to discourage cut-through traffic. Mr. Grant asked if a Town Meeting date-certain for Article 38 to be heard could be determined. Ms. Barry said the Board would have to consider this request at the next meeting on Wednesday, March 27, 2019. Jim Shaw, Chair of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, reported that the board of the Chamber voted to unanimously support the project at 186 Bedford Street as amended. Betsy Weiss, Housing Partnership Vice Chair, reported that the Partnership voted full support of the project. She applauded the applicant for going well over the 10% affordable housing quota that was required. Mr. Sandeen noted that, to achieve the Town’s Net Zero Emissions goals, it would be better if the building was all-electric. Bob Pressman, Housing Partnership member, said he would not want to delay the project at this late date due to sustainability concerns, noting that the Planning Board Public Hearing process has allowed ample time for input. He asked the Board to approve the MOU as written and allow the developers to modify the plans in good faith. The Board reached consensus to support the MOU with the two identified edits/modifications regarding apartment locations and EV charging stations. Mr. Sandeen said he would like to review the Planning Board’s decision, which had not been released yet, first before voicing support. All members indicated they were leaning in favor of support of the project itself. Ms. Barry asked the development team to return to the March 27, 2019 meeting to briefly present changes made to the project since it was last presented to the Selectmen and to revisit the question of identifying a time-certain for the article. 2019 Annual Town Meeting  Article Discussion; Article Positions; Consider Potential ATM Consent Agenda Articles The Board reviewed/amended its positions on the articles. The resulting Chart is appended to these minutes. Discuss & Vote on Board Report to Town Meeting Board members agreed they were willing to support the Report to Town Meeting with some formatting and non-substantive edits. Ms. Barry and Ms. Hai will execute the changes with the goal of having the written version posted online and available at Town Meeting Wednesday, March 27, 2019. The report will be placed on file: Ms. Barry will make a brief comment at Town Meeting. Page 5 of 7 Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Report subject to non-substantive changes. Selectmen - Committee Reappointment & Resignation Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted 5-0 to reappoint Joseph Pato as a member of the Policy Manual Committee for a two-year term to expire March 31, 2021. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted 5-0 to accept the resignation of Mark Sandeen from the Sustainable Lexington Committee. Consent Agenda  Approve and Sign Letter of Appreciation - Town Meeting Members Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve and sign eleven letters of appreciation to former Town Meeting members. Adjourn Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selection voted 5-0 to adjourn at 7:06 p.m. A true record; Attest: Kim Siebert, Recording Secretary ARTICLE POSITIONS 2019 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING ARTICLES IP C SB JP DL JH MS Financial Articles Reduce Community Preservation Act (CPA) Surcharge Rate From 3% To IP 4 1% Pursuant To G.L. C. 44b, § 16 (Citizen Article) Y Y Y Y Y 5 Establish Qualifications For Tax Deferrals Y Y Y Y Y 6 Appropriate For Cremation Facility At Westview Cemetery (Citizen Article) N Y A N Y Appropriate Funds For The Creation Of A Lexington Economic IP 7 Development Strategy (Citizen Article) Y Y Y Y Y IP 8 Funding For Sustainability Actions (Citizen Article) Y Y Y Y Y 9 Sustainability Director (Citizen Article) Y Y Y Y Y 10 Appropriate To Post Employment Insurance Liability Fund R Y Y Y Y 11 Appropriate FY2020 Operating Budget Y Y Y Y Y 12 Appropriate FY2020 Enterprise Funds Budgets. Y Y Y Y Y 13 Establish And Continue Departmental Revolving Funds Y Y Y Y Y Page 6 of 7 ARTICLES IP C SB JP DL JH MS 14 Appropriate The FY2020 Community Preservation Committee Operating Budget And CPA Projects a) Conservation Land Acquisition- TBD Y Y Y Y Y b) Willard’s Woods Site Improvements- $138,273 Y Y Y Y N c) Archives & Records Management/Records Conservation & C Preservation- $20,000 Y Y Y Y Y d) Battle Green Master Plan- Phase 3- $253,394 Y Y Y Y Y e) 9 Oakland Street- Renovation and Adaptive Re-Use- $70,000 Y Y Y Y Y f) Athletic Field Complex at Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical IP School - TBD Y Y Y Y Y g) Old Reservoir Bathhouse Renovation - $620,000 Y Y Y Y N h) Park Improvements- Hard Court Resurfacing- $70,000 Y Y Y Y Y i) Park Improvements- Athletic Fields- $435,000 (subject to reduction if (f) is fully funded) Y Y Y Y Y j) Playground Replacement Program- Bridge- $302,000 Y Y Y Y Y k) LexHAB- Preservation, Rehabilitation, and Restoration of Affordable Housing- $99,700 Y Y Y Y Y C l) CPA Debt Service- $3,094,680 Y Y Y Y Y C m) Administrative Budget- $150,000 Y Y Y Y Y 15 Appropriate For Recreation Capital Projects Y Y Y Y Y 16 Appropriate For Municipal Capital Projects And Equipment C a) Hydrant Replacement Program Y Y Y Y Y b) Storm Drainage Improvements and NPDES compliance Y Y Y Y Y c) Comprehensive Watershed Stormwater Management Study and Implementation Y Y Y Y Y C d) Townwide Culvert Replacement Y Y Y Y Y e) Center Streetscape Improvements - Construction Y Y Y Y Y f) Automatic Meter Reading System Y Y Y Y Y C g) Sidewalk Improvements Y Y Y Y Y h) Hill Street New Sidewalk Project Y Y Y Y Y i) Equipment Replacement Y Y Y Y Y C j) Townwide Signalization Improvements Y Y Y Y Y C k) Street Improvements Y Y Y Y Y C l) Transportation Mitigation Y Y Y Y Y m) Municipal Technology Improvement Program Y Y Y Y Y n) Application Implementation Y Y Y Y Y o) Network Core Equipment Replacement Y Y Y Y Y p) EV Charging Stations Y Y Y Y Y 17 Appropriate For Water System Improvements Y Y Y Y Y C 18 Appropriate For Wastewater System Improvements Y Y Y Y Y 19 Appropriate For School Capital Projects And Equipment Y Y Y Y Y 20 Appropriate For Public Facilities Capital Projects C a) Public Facilities Bid Documents Y Y Y Y Y Page 7 of 7 ARTICLES IP C SB JP DL JH MS 20 C b) Facility and Site Improvements: Y Y Y Y Y • Building Flooring Program Y Y Y Y Y • School Paving & Sidewalks Program Y Y Y Y Y C c) Municipal Building Envelopes and Systems Y Y Y Y Y C d) School Building Envelopes and Systems Y Y Y Y Y e) LHS Field House Track Resurfacing Y Y Y Y Y C f) Public Facilities Mechanical/Electrical System Replacements Y Y Y Y Y g) Westview Cemetery Facility Construction Y N Y Y W h) Cary Library Children's Room Renovation Design Y Y Y Y Y C 21 Rescind Prior Borrowing Authorizations Y Y Y Y Y Establish, Dissolve And Appropriate To And From Specified Stabilization 22 Funds. Y Y Y Y Y IP C 23 Appropriate To General Stabilization Fund. Y Y Y Y Y C 24 Appropriate From Debt Service Stabilization Fund Y Y Y Y Y IP C 25 Appropriate For Prior Years’ Unpaid Bills. Y Y Y Y Y 26 Amend FY2019 Operating, Enterprise And CPA Budgets Y Y Y Y Y IP C 27 Appropriate For Authorized Capital Improvements Y Y Y Y Y General Articles 28 Confirm Street Acceptance And Title (Portion Of Pelham Road) Y Y Y Y Y 29 Civil Service Withdrawal R Y Y Y Y 30 Amend Town Bylaws-Reduce/Ban Polystyrene Materials (Citizen Article) Y Y Y Y Y Amend Town Bylaws To Reduce/Ban Single-Use Plastic Beverage Straws 31 And Stirrers (Citizen Article) Y Y Y Y Y Addition Of Capital Expenditures Committee-Related Provisions To The 32 Representative Town Meeting And Selectmen-Town Manager Y Y Y Y Y 33 Rename "Board Of Selectmen" To "Select Board" Y Y Y Y Y 34 Rename "Board Of Selectmen" To "Select Board" -General Bylaw Y Y Y Y Y 35 Amend Article III Of Chapter 118 (Citizen Article) Y Y Y Y Y Implement An Outcomes-Based Approach To Town Building 36 Projects(Citizen Article) Y Y Y Y Y Zoning Articles 37 Rename "Board Of Selectmen" To "Select Board" - Zoning Bylaw Y Y Y Y Y Amend Zoning Bylaw And Zoning Map, 186 Bedford Street (Owner 38 Petition) W W W W W 39 Amend Zoning Bylaw-Limited Site Plan Review (Citizen Article) . . 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