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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.06.22 SB-minSELECT BOARD MEETING Monday, June 22, 2026 A meeting of the Lexington Select Board was called to order at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 22, 2026, via a hybrid meeting platform. Ms. Hai, Chair; Mr. Pato, Vice Chair; Mr. Lucente, and Mr. Sandeen were present, as well as Town Manager, Mr. Bartha; Deputy Town Manager, Ms. Axtell; and Executive Clerk, Ms. Katzenback. PUBLIC COMMENT Chris Lively, Vice President, Lexington Firefighters: Mr. Lively stated that firefighters have been without a contract for nearly a year and without a pay raise for two years. He said that as Lexington continues to experience significant residential and commercial growth, firefighters are facing greater risks while earning substantially less than neighboring communities. He urged the Town to support a fair contract to improve recruitment and retention. Oleg Feldman, Fire Department Lieutenant: Lt. Feldman noted that when he joined the department 24 years ago, firefighter compensation ranked among the top 20% of comparable communities. While Lexington continues to provide a high level of emergency service, he said firefighter compensation has fallen to the 35th percentile among neighboring communities. Rob Green, President-Elect, Firefighters Local 491: Mr. Green stated that while the Select Board does not negotiate labor contracts directly, it establishes the policies and expectations that guide negotiations. He questioned why the Town's stated goal of targeting the 75th percentile for comparable communities is not reflected in firefighter compensation, which he said currently ranks at the 35th percentile. Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street: Ms. McKenna expressed concern over the recent labor disputes involving both the School and Fire Departments. She stated that the Town has successfully addressed similar staffing challenges in the past, even during more difficult financial times. Lillian A. Mela, 10 Cherry Street: Ms. Mela shared her appreciation for Lexington firefighters, recalling that they saved her mother's life after a serious accident. Speaking from her own experience as an EMT, she stated that first responders are undercompensated despite the significant risks they face and the essential service they provide to the community. SELECT BOARD MEMBER CONCERNS AND LIAISON REPORTS 1. Select Board Member Announcements and Liaison Reports Mr. Lucente noted that the Fourth of July Carnivals will be held from July 1-July 5. The Town’s fireworks are scheduled for July 2nd at 9:30pm. 2. Lexington High School Project Update to Board None at this time. TOWN MANAGER REPORT 1. Town Manager Weekly Update Mr. Bartha noted that the DPW will go live in early July with a work order system. It initially was going to be SeeClickFix, but IT worked with the department to determine how to utilize OpenGov rather than another software program. This may have applications for other departments as well in the future. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approve: Select Board Meeting Minutes To approve and release the following minutes: April 27, 2026 Select Board April 27, 2026 Financial Summit April 29, 2026 Select Board May 4, 2026 Select Board May 11, 2026 Select Board May 22, 2026 Select Board DOCUMENTS: DRAFT 04272026 Select Board.pdf; DRAFT 04272026 Summit.pdf; DRAFT 04292026 Select Board.pdf; DRAFT 05042026 Select Board.pdf; DRAFT 05112026 Select Board.pdf; DRAFT 05222026 Select Board.pdf 2. Approve: Select Board Committee Appointments Communications Advisory Committee - Ronald Pounder Design Advisory Committee - Adriana Ramacciotti Housing Partnership Board - Emily DeHoog Town Celebrations Subcommittee - Raja Daggumalli & Guy Jarvis To appoint the following individuals to their respective committees: Ron Pounder to the Communication Advisory Committee for a term ending September 30, 2027, to be effective immediately. Adriana Ramacciotti to the Design Advisory Committee for a term ending September 30, 2028, to be effective immediately. Emily DeHoog to the Housing Partnership Board for a term ending September 30, 2028, to be effective immediately. Guy W. Jarvis to the Town Celebrations Subcommittee for a term ending June 30, 2027, to be effective immediately. Raja K. Daggumalli to the Town Celebrations Subcommittee for a term ending June 30, 2027, to be effective immediately. DOCUMENTS: Pounder, Ron- Communications Advisory - Application & Resume_Redacted.pdf; Ramacciotti, Adriana - Design Advisory Committee - Application & Resume_Redacted.pdf; DeHoog, Emily - Housing Partnership Board - Application & Resume_Redacted.pdf; Jarvis, Guy - Town Celebrations Subcommittee - Application_Redacted.pdf; Daggumalli, Raja - Town Celebrations Subcommittee - Application & Resume_Redacted.pdf; Select Board Appointments - June Recruitment 2026.pdf 3. Accept: Select Board Committee Resignation Lexington Human Rights Committee - Mamata Banerjee To accept the resignation of Mamata Banerjee from the Lexington Human Rights Committee, effective immediately. DOCUMENTS: 2026.06.12 Mamata Banerjee - Lexington Human Rights Committee_Redacted.pdf VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 4-0 to approve the Consent Agenda. ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION 1. Discussion: Article 31, Referendum & Next Steps Ms. Hai explained that the Board has reviewed the results from the referendum vote and, while it confirms the Town Meeting vote in support of a bylaw change, it also shows that many neighbors are not happy and are concerned about the impact. She noted that the Board is truly committed to hearing these concerns and addressing the needs of the entire community. The next stage for this item is to complete the design of the trash program. The Board heard concerns regarding financial hardship, physical hardship, medical waste, family count, etc.As a majority of neighboring communities have already implemented similar programs, the Town has many prototypes from which it can learn. Ms. Hai clarified a couple of items about the vote. The first is that the change to automated pickup was not part of the vote. This was voted separately at Town Meeting and will be part of the future trash contract request for proposals. Further, no particular size of bins for the automated pickup has been determined. This will not be determined until the public outreach and community input steps are completed. The Bylaw change does create a new obligation for the Town to provide curbside trash removal services.Any fees charged related to trash can only be used towards trash-related costs. They cannot be diverted to other municipal costs, and they cannot exceed the cost of any service specifically provided. Mr. Lucente stated that some of the frustrations heard include that the vote was 59.5% that voted no, and the remainder voted yes. Unfortunately, the 20% threshold set by the State was not communicated well enough. It was made clear that people did not want a fee. Mr. Pato explained that this is not new. Throughout the process, the Board has stated that it wants to engage with the public to determine what works for Lexington. The Board wants to design a system that works well for the community, achieves a reduction in waste, and controls costs for the Town. Mr. Sandeen stated that this issue is a deeply personal issue for everyone. We’ve heard from people who don’t want too large a bin, people who don’t want bins at all, people who don’t want a new bin, and people who want a large bin. The Board needs to determine how to allow people to have different size bins or, in certain circumstances, no bins at all.The intent is to reduce the amount of trash that the Town is producing. One of the best ways to reduce waste is to divert organic waste to composting. Composting has been level for the past two years and perhaps a carrot could be provided for those who need more bins to sign up to be part of the composting program. David Simons, 3 Field Road and Precinct 3 Town Meeting Member, stated that during the campaign he talked to hundreds of voters, and there were many misconceptions about what the Town is planning. Many people believe that the Town intends to charge all people for all trash, as opposed to allowing a baseline of at least 35 gallons. When it was explained that each household would continue to have at least 35 gallons picked up for free, many people changed to yes votes, especially among seniors. Another response was anger that the Town had not specified the details of the program, such as the fees, the bin size, etc.A plan that is fair to everyone which accomplishes the Town’s goals of reducing trash and trash expenses and is fair to everyone will be more popular than an abstract referendum. Olga, Guttag, Emerson Road, noted that many people would be happy to reduce their trash, but have no idea how to. It would be helpful for the Town’s communications department to simplify how residents can understand what to do. The referendum has tremendously raised the visibility of what the Town needs to do, and how important it is to reduce trash. Brian Kelly, 44 Grand Street and Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member, stated that he was the Chair of the No Trash Fees campaign which lost the referendum vote last week. Although this fell short by 341 votes, it did win the vote count by almost 60% to 40%. He does not believe that imposing fees is the most practical or effective method to change the way Lexington collects trash and recycling.He asked the Board to consider bringing voices from both sides of the referendum campaign to a shared table so that thoughtful and practical solutions could be considered in a more collaborative way. He also believes that trash is not one size that fits all. The Town should err on the side of flexibility, not only based on what is best for Lexington's municipal budget.The next trash collection policy should consider the quality of service and not just the cost. The Town should seek out a contractor who would allow households to choose what size bin works best for them. Second bins should be available at no added cost. Instructions on the Town website should be disseminated online, through regular mail, and annually. All regulations should be easily understood and enforceable. Trash is a universal sanitation service that benefits all Lexington residents. Mark Lang, Lexington resident, stated that the Select Board has lost the trust of many residents. 4,500 residents voted that they do not trust the Select Board. The Board has not given residents enough information and has not been transparent. There were two transparency measures at the last Town Meeting which failed. Community outreach has been very limited and narrow. The Board needs to consider how to win back the trust of residents. The Board should not say that it is flexible and open, while there is a survey that seems to be anchored on 35 gallons with no check for residency. Ricki Pappo, 16 Blossom Crest Road and Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member, stated that most people did not have a basic understanding of the referendum and were not aware of the underlying reasons for the change, namely, to reduce trash and spending on trash. The request is that the Board consider a plan that will clearly move toward less waste, more composting, and reasonable recycling. The Town should work to engage more volunteers to make any changes to the trash program easier for everyone. Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street,stated that many people clearly voted no, though the votes did not meet the threshold. The Board should consider that trash fees are the latest thing in a string of divided issues over affordability. The Board has the authority to implement fees, but this should be considered in a way that is respectful to the strong message that the voters gave. Benjamin Lees, 57 Gleason Road, stated that people he spoke to were opposed to fees in principle. Most wanted to know what the bin sizes and fees would be. Many stated that the high school is too expensive. Many stated that their property taxes are too high already.The Board has stated that it will be flexible and will seek input, but he is concerned with the Board adopting too many compromises. Article 31 was a compromise. Municipal government is a balancing of competing interests. He encouraged the Board not to lose sight of the original plan and goal. Lin Jensen, 133 Reed Street, stated that there is a large funding opportunity from the State for 35-gallon bins. This opportunity will be lost if the Town chooses 48+ gallon bins. Many communities have chosen 35-gallon barrels and are implementing this well. The Board should not compromise further. The previous audit showed that 81% of households already use 48-gallon bins. Mona Roy, Bertwell Road, asked about the opportunities for people with disabilities, group homes, or similar entities to make their concerns known. She feels the process of getting an exception and what that would entail is unclear. Mr. Lucente noted that the Board, Town Meeting members, and committee members are all volunteers and neighbors. Anyone can become a Town Meeting Member if they feel that their perspective is not being heard. Mr. Bartha stated that Maggie Peard, Sustainability & Resilience Officer, and the Waste Task Force have been working on this for some time and will come before the Board in July with data and a memo to discuss the engagement process before moving forward. Maggie Peard, Sustainability & Resilience Officer, stated that she plans to present a summary of the survey results, a summary of comparable communities, and a summary of the input heard so far, along with potential program options and considerations for the July meeting. 2. Discussion: Potential Solar Projects Muzzey Parking Lot Project Pine Meadows Golf Club Ms. Peard and Chris Bouchard presented an overview of two potential photovoltaic solar projects currently under consideration: a solar canopy at the Muzzey Street parking lot and solar installation at the Pine Meadows Golf Course clubhouse. Both assessments were conducted by Consigli, the design-build solar vendor engaged through RFP #26-18 issued in February 2026. This presentation follows the Town's Capital Projects and Solar Canopy Integration Policy (CSIP), adopted by the Select Board in August 2025, which integrates solar canopy evaluation into non-building capital projects. For the Muzzey Street parking lot, staff summarized considerations related to the potential installation of a solar canopy in conjunction with the upcoming paving project. The proposed system is sized at 242.76 kW with an estimated investment of $1,213,800, a projected payback period of 10.6 years, and a 30-year return on investment of 235%. Staff noted that the site falls within the Battle Green Historic District, which may affect project costs. Staff are seeking direction on whether to move forward with pursuing solar at this site or to proceed with paving only. Mr. Lucente stated that this project outlines an investment of $1.2M, based on some unique attributes of the space. He stated that he would like to understand the investment next door at the Police Station. Mike Cronin, Director of Public Facilities, stated that the Police Station project went off at about $14 per watt versus the original budget of approximately $7 per watt. This project is being considered at about $5 per watt. Dave Pinsonneault, Director of Public Works, stated that the height will be critical under the structure to determine maintenance for snow removal and other things under the canopy. The height needs to meet the requirements for equipment, approximately 14’-17’. Mr. Sandeen suggested that it would be valuable to have a conversation regarding what a reasonable standard might be for additional costs that may be imposed by the Historic District Commission on projects of this type. He also suggested that staff consider whether cash capital or bonding might be appropriate for larger solar projects. The Board expressed interest in knowing how the HDC feels about the proposed project at Muzzey Street before proceeding with further discussion. Jerry Michelson, Chair of the Center Committee, noted that the bylaws state that deliveries must be made to the rear of a building, which could lead to additional considerations for this project. He stated that he believes a solar project in the Depot Lot would be a much better use of time and energy. Ms. Hai asked that the Center Committee speak to various businesses that surround the parking lot for their experience on whether the HDC has been more lenient regarding interior parking lots facing the side of these buildings. Dan Voss, Sustainable Lexington, agreed with the idea of speaking with the HDC further on this and then potentially moving forward with this idea, in discussions with the Center Committee. Mark Lang, resident, stated that this looks to be a marginal return at best. Projecting 30 years is problematic.The Town does not have to fit solar into every single nook and cranny. Ricki Pappo, 16 Blossom Crest Road, Precinct 2 Town Meeting member and Chair of the Lexington Climate Action Network, stated that many countries are attaining their energy use by solar. Eight years is a good amount of time in which the Town could begin reaping the benefits of the solar project. She supported installing solar as one of the most important actions for addressing climate change. Lin Jensen, 133 Reed Street and, Town Meeting member and member of Sustainable Lexington, stated that in passing by many of the schools' solar panel parking lot projects, the temperature is significantly lower than a complete empty parking lot in the summertime. The Center is very popular in the summertime, and having solar panels there would bring in solar energy and reduce the heat island effect, providing shade for residents. Ms. Hai stated that the Town has the CVS lot and the Depot lot proposals coming up, both of which are larger, less complicated areas. She would prefer to see the Town pursuing larger production areas, especially based on potential complications and unknowns, and the limited ability to install solar on this site at a very high price. This is the most expensive project being proposed at slightly over $1.2M. There was agreement to obtain additional information on this item for the Board’s early September meeting. For the Pine Meadows Golf Course, staff presented four options for solar installation at the clubhouse. Option 1 covers a pro-shop rooftop system at a cost of $54,000 with a 6.4-year payback, and a 30-year ROI of 454%. Option 2 adds a canopy extension to the pro shop roof at a cost of $124,000 with an 11.1- year payback and a 30-year ROI of 236%. Option 3 expands the canopy to the driveway to achieve net zero energy status at a cost of $160,000 with a 10.9-year payback and a 30-year ROI of 259%. Option 4 is a full parking lot carport at a cost of $804,000 with an 11-year payback and a 30- year ROI of 223%. Staff are seeking direction regarding which option, if any, to move forward with for design and implementation. The Board agreed to move forward with more information on Option 4. Mark Lang, resident, stated that it does not seem that the Board has any criteria for approving these projects. If the Board wants to consider that eight years is a good payback period, only one of these four options is lower than eight years. The other three options are over nine years. Option 1 is clearly the best financial return. Building additional structure to house the solar panels creates additional costs with lower returns. It would be nice to see a financial rigor from the Board, in terms of how the Town allocates capital. DOCUMENTS: Town of Lexington Solar Projects - Muzzey Lot & Pine Meadows 3. Presentation: Lexington High School Project Integrated Building Design Policy Update End-of Phase Mr. Cronin gave an end-of-Design Development phase update on the Lexington High School building project. Construction is anticipated to begin on July 6, 2026.The great news was that article 97 you've all seen that information that passed.Tomorrow night is the Conservation Commission, where we expect to receive our order of conditions for the project. Mr. Pato noted that there will be one more community meeting on Wednesday night in Estabrook Hall at 6:30pm. This will include a discussion with the community on how the design is evolving, and any questions they may have. There are also ongoing abutter meetings that address more specific traffic and imposition activities that affect those neighbors. Mr. Sandeen thanked Mr. Cronin and the design team for preparing and submitting the incredibly comprehensive SEIR (Single Environmental Impact Report) for the LHS project. He thanked the design team for meeting the Integrated Building Design and Construction Policy requirements for resilience and town shelter, for developing a net zero building, and compliance with the Red List requirements which optimize indoor air quality for the health of Lexington’s students and staff. In response to a question from Mr. Sandeen, Mr. Cronin explained that the Total Value Design of TVD process is now in the second phase and has reduced overall LHS project costs by approximately $600,000. In response to a question from Mr. Lucente, Mr. Cronin explained that the intent is to leave the existing skate park operational until the new skate park is completed, no later than November 1, 2026. The old one will then be decommissioned this fall, and the throwing cage moved over, so that it is operational by March 1, 2027. It was noted that residents should watch the dashboard for the project to know when construction activities will be specifically occurring. DOCUMENTS: 2026 DD End of Phase Select Board.pdf 4. Request: Assistance for Drainage Mitigation Measures on an Unaccepted Road - Hayes Lane Thierry Miras, 16 Hayes Lane, requested that the Town mitigate a recurring drainage issue affecting their property on this unaccepted roadway. Rainwater runs down the road, accumulating at the lowest point directly in front of the home. The rainfall overloads the garage, driveway, and yard, In the winter there is a large puddle that forms on the street and freezes, creating an unsafe area for pedestrians and vehicles. The homeowner has attempted to install a berm, catch basin, and dry well to deal with the issue, but the volume of runoff from the street continues to overwhelm the system.This house is at the lowest point in the road. The neighbors are supportive of the proposal. Mr. Bartha explained that this is an unaccepted roadway. It was not built to Town standards. The cost avoidance of building this road was reflected in the sales prices for the nearby homes. The Town does not maintain these roads. Mr. Pinsonneault’s memo is clear that this would be an intervention that would require Board direction. Two mitigating factors in this case as that there have been considerable efforts made by the property owner. There is no question that the runoff from this roadway is ending up in the homeowner’s yard and garage. There is concern that approval could open the Town up to future requests. Public Works believes that there is a budget available for the intervention as described in the memo. Ms. Hai noted that, while this intervention would help, it likely would not totally alleviate the problem. Mr. Lucente stated that one of the reasons the Town plows unaccepted streets is to protect the residents. One of the reasons it clears debris from unaccepted streets is to allow access for police and fire. Given the circumstances, he supports the intervention, specific to this home, with other future requests being considered on their own merits. He noted that there are 14 miles of unaccepted streets in Lexington out of 284 miles of streets. Mr. Sandeen stated that the homeowner has tried to mitigate this issue three times on their own. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 4-0 to approve that the Town undertake a drainage mitigation improvement on Hayes Lane, an unaccepted roadway, consisting of the installation of catch basins and dry wells, substantially as recommended by the Department of Public Works, to help reduce runoff and flooding impacts affecting the property at 16 Hayes Lane, and further to maintain the Town's current practice of limiting maintenance on unaccepted roads to activities necessary to provide access for public safety vehicles and other previously authorized services. DOCUMENTS: Hayes Lane Drainage Request Letter.pdf; DPW Recommendations - Hayes Lane.pdf 5. Continued Hearing: Eversource Grant of Locations Massachusetts Avenue/Meriam Street/Depot Place 17 Hartwell Avenue Ms. Hai reopened the hearing at 9:11pm. Ms. Hai explained that this is a continued hearing on the two requested grants of location from N Star Electric Company, doing business as Eversource Energy, to construct in a location for such a line of conduits and manholes with the necessary wires and cables therein said conduits and manholes to be located substantially as shown on the plan made by K. Rice, Dated February 5, 2026, under the following public way or ways of Lexington: Massachusetts Avenue: Easterly from manhole MH7333, at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Meriam Street, install approximately 40 feet of conduit. Meriam Street: Easterly from the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Meriam Street, install approximately 190 feet of conduit. Depot Place: Southerly from the intersection of Depot Place and Meriam Street, install approximately 90 feet of conduit and one new manhole, MH32832. Hartwell Avenue - Northeasterly thence northwesterly from manhole MH25132, approximately 680 feet southwest of Westview Street, install approximately 275 feet of conduit; Northwesterly from manhole MH25134, approximately 120 feet southwest of Westview Street, install approximately 78 feet of conduit. Both hearings were continued due to inadequate responses for information and awaiting action to remediate double poles. The applicant subsequently submitted a plan for remediation which indicated that much of the transfer work has been completed and the remainder is to be completed within three weeks. Rick Schifone, Eversource, stated that there are three remaining poles to complete. He is waiting for the transfers to be completed. There is a commitment for these to be done within three weeks of the June 12th letter that was sent to the Town. Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street, stated that there is still an issue with a double pole at 17 Miriam Street and the Greek Orthodox Church. There is an intention to have a handicap entrance in the location of the existing pole. Mr. Schifone asked that this be addressed with him directly. The hearing was closed at 9:20pm. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 4-0 to approve a grant of location to N Star Electric Company, doing business as Eversource Energy, to construct in a location for such a line of conduits and manholes with the necessary wires and cables therein said conduits and manholes to be located substantially as shown on the plan made by K. Rice, Dated February 5, 2026, under the following public way or ways of Lexington: Massachusetts Avenue: Easterly from manhole MH7333, at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Meriam Street, install approximately 40 feet of conduit. Meriam Street: Easterly from the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Meriam Street, install approximately 190 feet of conduit. Depot Place: Southerly from the intersection of Depot Place and Meriam Street, install approximately 90 feet of conduit and one new manhole, MH32832. contingent upon completion of wire transfers for the Eversource letter dated June 12, 2026; Further, to approve a grant of Grant of Location to NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY D/B/A EVERSOURCE ENERGY 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, substantially as shown on the plan made by K. Rice, Dated February 5, 2026, under the following public way or ways of Lexington: Hartwell Avenue - Northeasterly thence northwesterly from manhole MH25132, approximately 680 feet southwest of Westview Street, install approximately 275 feet of conduit; Northwesterly from manhole MH25134, approximately 120 feet southwest of Westview Street, install approximately 78 feet of conduit. contingent upon completion of wire transfers for the Eversource letter dated June 12, 2026. VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 4-0 that Eversource shall coordinate with the owners of any double poles located within 500 feet of the work regarding their removal, that all Eversource hanging wires within 500 feet of the work are removed in accordance with the schedule provided by Eversource, and that other hanging wires are entered into the appropriate utility work management system for removal by the responsible utility owner. DOCUMENTS: Mass Ave Merriam Street Depot Road Grant of Location request.pdf; Hartwell Ave Grant of Location request.pdf; Eversource Response Document for Schedule of Removal 6. Discussion: Select Board Committee Liaison Assignments The Board discussed its liaison assignments. The Board agreed to continue to discuss this at an upcoming summer meeting. DOCUMENTS: Liaison Assignments for Select Board Meeting Packet ADJOURN VOTE: Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call, the Select Board voted 4-0 to adjourn at 9:33pm. A true record; Attest: Kristan Patenaude Recording Secretary