HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-02 SB Packet - Released SELECT BOARD MEETING
Monday, March 2, 2020
Select Board Meeting Room, Town Office Building, 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420
7:00 PM
AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments are allowed for up to 10 minutes at the beginning of each meeting. Each speaker is
limited to 3 minutes for comment. Members of the Board will neither comment nor respond, other than to
ask questions of clarification. Speakers are encouraged to notify the Select Board's Office at 781-698-
4 5 8 0 if they wish to speak during public comment to assist the Chairman in managing meeting times.
SELECT BOARD MEMBER CONCERNS AND LIAISON REPORTS
TOWN MANAGER REPORT
ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
1. Applications: KW C Classic Fundraiser Benefiting The C hildren's Room 7:10p m
• Entertainment License
• One-Day Liquor License
2. Request for Use of the Battle Green- ColdWater Media, Inc. Documentary Filming 7:20pm
3. Adjust Sidewalk Permit Fees 7:30pm
4. Select Board Committee Appointment 7:35pm
5. Update -ATM 2020 Warrant Article 34 -Authorize Special Legislation- 7:40pm
Development Surcharge for Community Housing
6. Update -ATM 2020 Warrant Article 46 -Amend Zoning Bylaw-Gross Floor Area 7:55pm
7. 2020 Annual Town Meeting 8:10pm
• Article Discussions
• Article Positions/Consent Agenda
• Select Board Report
ADJOURN
1. Anticipated Adjournment 9:10pm
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Select Board will be held on Monday, March 9, 2020
at 7:00pm in the Select Board Meeting Room, Town Office Building, 1625 Massachusetts Avenue.
Hearing Assistance Devices Available on Request
All agenda time and the order of items are approximate and Leyfqedil"a
subject to change. Recorded by LexMedia
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Applications: KWC Classic Fundraiser Benefiting The Childreds Room
PRESENTER: ITEM
NUMBER:
Jennifer Carbone, Carolyn Copp e
Peacock, & Patrice Cleaves I.1
SUMMARY:
A Special Event Permit application was reviewed by the Town Manager's Office, Police, Fire, and DPW. A
Special Event Permit has been issued by the Town Manager's Office for a fundraising event to be held at
Hastings Park on Saturday, March 14, 2020. Four police details will be needed for this event(two officers to
block off Lincoln Street at Hastings Road and at Worthen Road, as well as two alc o ho 1 only police officers).
The details for this event have been coordinated by the proponent and the corresponding departments.
For this event, the proponent submitted One-Day Liquor L is ens e and Entertainment lic ens e application to the
S elect Board.
The Board is being asked to approve an Entertainment License for the purpose of providing live music for
patrons of the KWC Classic Fundraiser benefiting The C hildren's Room to take place on Saturday, March 14,
2020 from 3.-00 p.m to 7:00 p.m. at Hastings Park at Lincoln Street between Worthen Road and Hastings
Road. The live music will be located in the gazebo in Hastings Park.
The Board is being asked to approve a One-Day Liquor License to serve beer, wine, and malt beverages for
the purpose of the KWC Classic Fundraiser benefiting The C hildren's Room to be held at Hastings Park at
Lincoln Street between Worthen Road and Hastings Road, on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. to
7:00 p.m. The event will have a rain location on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at Battin Hall in Cary Memorial
Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue. The beer, wine, and malt beverages would be served and consumed in the
lobby of Cary Memorial Building.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Move to approve an Entertainment L is ens e for the purpose of providing live music for patrons of the KWC
Classic Fundraiser benefiting The C hildren's Room to take place on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 3:00 p.m
to 7:00 p.m. in the gazebo at Hastings Park.
Move to approve a One-Day Liquor License to serve beer, wine, and malt beverages in a cordoned off area for
the purpose of the KWC Classic Fundraiser benefiting The C hildren's Room to be held at Hastings Park at
Lincoln Street between Worthen Road and Hastings Road on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. to
7:00 p.m. with a rain location of the lobby of Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue.
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Office
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
3/2/2020 7:10pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
F) The Childre.,n's (,)orrVK.WC'(.Iassic Fun.draiser 2020 1�,ftertainrrvntl I icense 13ackup VIlatlefial
A][)]j,,)fi(.,,at,ion
F) One Day LI...........'Ibe(.1-61dren.'s Row-WKWC Clasis,Jc Fundraiser Vlaterial
!!"
t �
i
M
IIt
fog
;Mal
WAR .�► I
' • * 1Y
r
t
..
�y w wy. r r tt r r# ## # # * w # * w / M f ## # # w # !w w R r# # w# w •
M M
/r
w 9 I
r� ' illll 'V�I i01iV!
r � 1
I
ry /
d t/
I /ri
�/
a
IJ
r lS
rr
/
J/
4, ro
r/
Above map details the layout for KWC Classic benefiting non-profit The Children's Room.
Notes:
- Lincoln Street between Worthen Rd and Hastings Rd will be closed to automobiles and
food trucks will be on the road.
- Beer/Wine area will be inside the red square.
- All attendees 21 and over will be required to show proof of age with legal document
(driver's license, passport) to receive a wristband, allowing them to purchase beer/wine.
- Beer/wine will be served and monitored by insured catering/alcohol service (confirmed
Neillio's who are TIPS certified will be bartending) to attendees with wristband.
Games/Entertainment/Rain Date:
We are still working through logistics of rain date but we likely won't have music
entertainment on Sunday if the event gets rained out on Saturday.
All games and entertainment will be provided as part of admission fee - there will be no
additional cost for games.
Live music will take place on Saturday (no rain date)
Games will consist of:
- Craft table for young kids
- Potato sack races
- Cornhole
- Sauce Toss (like cornhole for hockey)
- Street hockey
- Target hockey shots
- Superdeker races (hockey stickhandling game)
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Request for Use of the Battle Green- ColdWater Media, Inc. Documentary Filming
PRESENTER:TER• ITEM
S
NUMBER:
Doug Luc ente, Chair
I.2
SUMMARY:
ColdWater Media, Inc. has requested permission to film for a TV documentary on the Battle Green on
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 for approximately one hour between 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (the applicant will be
filming at Minute Man National Historical Park prior and are not sure of an exact time arrival time to the Battle
Green).
Police, Fire, and DPW have no objections to this request. The applicant has received the Battle Green
Regulations and was notified directly that drones, of any size, are impermissible on the Battle Green.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Motion to approve the request for ColdWater, Media, Inc. to use the Battle Green on Tuesday, March 10,
2020 to film a TV documentary on the Battle Green for approximately one hour between 10:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m.
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board Office
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
3/2/2020 7:20pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
SELECTMEN'S OFFICE
APPLICATION FOR
f _ APRI 19y" BATTLE GREEN PERMIT
IN
The Board of Selectmen issues permits for the use of the Battle Green (see attached regulations).
Please fill in this form completely and return to the Selectmen's Office no less than two weeps prior
to the requested date.
NAME, PHONE NUMBER., and EMAIL ADDRESS OF A RESPONSIBLE
CONTACT: David Coonradt, Producer, CaldWater Media, Inc.
3/10/20. time frame (*we are filming at the MMNP and
DATE AND TIME OF EVENT: I don't know our exact arrival time at the Battle Green.
When we do film, it will be for less than an hour).
NATURE OF EVENT: Documentary filming for kids TV show on American History. Host presenting
lines to camera. broil of monuments and statues. www.coldwatermedia.com
EXPECTED NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS, SPECTATORS, AND VEHICLES:
4 crew in one 1 regular rental minivan/SUV.
DURATION OF EVENT: 1 hr.
STATEMENT OF EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES TO BE USED:
All of our camera equipment will be hand carried in backpacks. Possible tripod use.
SECTION OF THE GREEN DESIRED: Near revolutionary war statue and minuteman statue.
ADDITIONAL, INFORMATION: Interested if we can get additional permission for use of a
small drone.
2/20/2020
Authorized Signature Federal Identification No. or
Social Security Number
JAI%'
COLDW ATE R
M E D I A
Dear Board of Selectmen,
I am requesting permission to film at the Lexington Battle Green on March 1011,2020 between 10am—4prn
(approximately). We are a small documentary filming crew of 4. Our equipment will be handheld and in
backpacks,and we will create no disruption to other visitors or vehicle traffic. Our filming will likely take less than
an hour.
The show we are filming for is Drive Thrit History with Dave StottsO-a fun,fast-paced,content-rich history show
that speeds through ancient civilizations allowing the viewer to experience the people,places,and events that shaped
our world. ColdWater Media has produced and distributed 72 episodes. As a show with a family audience all of our
content is respectful,honoring,and factual of the places we visit.
We are filming segments for our Independence Day episode throughout the Boston region and would like to
highlight the Lexington Battle Green in our episode. We look forward to featuring the Town of Lexington and it's
contributions to American history in our show.
Sincerely,
David Coonradt
Producer
ColdWater Media,Inc.
300 General Palmer Dr.
Palmer Lake,CO 80133
www.coldwateniiedia.com.
ColdWater Media,Inc.
300 General Palmer Dr.,Palmer Lake,CO 80918 USA
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Adjust Sidewalk Permit Fees
PRESENTER:TER• ITEM
S
NUMBER:
Jim Malloy, Town Manager
I.3
SUMMARY:
A vote is requested for this agenda item.
It has been the To wn's p rac tic e to allow food e s tab lis hments in the Center to lic ens e the use of the adjacent
public sidewalks for food service. For many years, B ertuc c i's and P e et's Coffee have lic ens e d the use of the
sidewalks in front of their e s tab lis hments for customer tables. The Town Manager is recommending an
increase of approximately 3 percent for 2020. If the Board approves this change, B ertuc c i's new yearly fee will
be $4,032 (from the current$3,915) and Peet's Coffee will be $479 (from the current$465).
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Move to establish the monthly sidewalk permit fees for Bertucci's at$4,032 per year and for Peet's Coffee at
$479 per year.
FOLLOW-UP:
Town Manager's Office will process sidewalk permit requests.
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
3/2/2020 7:30pm
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Select Board Committee Appointment
PRESENTER:TER• ITEM
S
NUMBER:
Doug Luc ente, Chair
I.4
SUMMARY:
The Board is being asked to appoint H ema Gandhi as a member of the Lexington Council for the Arts with a
term expiration date of September 30, 2022.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Move to appoint H ema Gandhi to the Lexington Council for the Arts with a term expiration date of September
30, 2022.
FOLLOW-UP:
Select Board O ffic e
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
3/2/2020 7:35pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT
FOR BOARD/COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
Board/Committee of Interest: 1.Lexington Council of the Arts 2.
3. 4.
Would you consider another Committee: Maybe
For how long should we keep your application on file? 3 years
Full Name: H e m a Gandhi Nickname:
Preferred Title (please circle) Mr./Ms./Mrs./Other: Ms.
Home Address: 10 Coach Road, Lexington MA Zip: 02420
Length of Residence in Lexington: 10 Years
Occupation: Accountant
Work Address:
Phone: Home Work Fax
Cell
E-mail: Primary: Secondary:
If you currently serve on a Board or Committee,please identify. Diamond PTO Board
Special Training, Interests, Qualifications: Bachelors of Commerce (Accounting)_
from Mumbai, India
Have you been asked by a Committee to become a member? LCA
How did you hear about the Committee? E m a il
Please attach a current resume, if possible. Add any comments below or on a separate page.
Digitally signed by Hema Gandhi
Signature: Date:Gandhi Date:2020.02.17 02:19:56-05'00' Date:
HEMA GANDHI
10 Coach Road,Lexington MA 02420
Summary:
• Dynamic freelance Accountant successful at managing multiple projects.
• Strong work ethic
• Excellent communication skills
• Extensive knowledge of Quickbooks and Quicken software and processes
Highlights:
• Analytical Reasoning
• Complex Problem Solving
• Effective Time Management
• General Ledger Accounting
• Account Reconciliation Expert
• Financial Statement Preparation and analysis
• Cash-Flow report generation
Experience:
Self Employed Accountant,Lexington MA
January 2018—present
• Maintain accurate accounting records for multiple clients in various industries
• Created invoices, adjusted entries and performed bank reconciliations in Quickbooks and Quicken
• Utilized Quickbooks to run and record payroll for business clients
• Creates and implements systems to streamline financial records
• Proposes solutions to manage cashflow problems
• Prepares customized financial reports for business owners as needed
• Prepares 1099 MISC forms for clients and file them
M Theresa Dave,,CPA, Bedford,MA
Tax Accountant,,November 2016—present(part-time)
• Prepared individual,corporate and partnership tax returns using Pro Series Tax Software
• Ensured the proper credits,deductions,and tax liabilities were applied to tax returns
• Counsel clients on a variety of tax issues.
• Research tax questions; offer suggestions for tax planning and study tax laws for potential tax
savings for corporate and individual clients.
Birkholz and Company,Framingham, MA
Tax Accountant,February 2013-June 2014
• Prepared individual, corporate,trusts and partnership returns using LaCerte Tax Software
• Collaborated with small business clients and maintained client relationships
• Provided prompt and knowledgeable customer service assistance
• Prepared monthly&quarterly state/federal tax forms and sales tax returns for clients
• Prepared payroll using proprietary software of the company for small business clients
• Demonstrated proficiency in using Quickbooks for Small Business accounting including GL entries
• Worked with federal and state government agencies to resolve complicated tax problems
Vieira Painting,Lexington,,MA
Business Manager/Accountant.,Oct 2010-June 2014
• Bookkeeping for the company using QuickBooks
• Handled 80-90 client calls per month for painting jobs
• Scheduled 40-50 sales estimates per month for the clients
• Coordinated price proposals with company President and managed client relationships pre and
post projects
• Managed first line of defense and resolution for issue escalation from customers and maintaining
customer satisfaction
S. R.Associates Inc., Falls Church,VA
Accountant/Receptionist,Mar 2004-Oct 2005
• Excelled in bookkeeping using Quickbooks
• Prepared payroll, monthly/quarterly state and federal tax forms and sales tax returns
• Managed customer service and administrative tasks, resolved customer issues efficiently
Pacific Internet India Pvt.Ltd. (A Singapore based ISP),India
Executive-Customer Support,,Dec 1999-June 2000
• Demonstrated proficiency in answering product queries from clients.
• Efficiently debugged and solved client problems
• Handled telesales and feedback calls from clients
Tata Share Registry Ltd.(Registrar&Transferor of Shares),India
Computer Executive,Sept 1997-Nov 1999
• Handled customer queries and correspondences for the clients relating to transfer of shares, loss
of shares
• Processed renewals of shares, revalidation of warrants and checks,change of address for clients
Purushottam Somabhai&Co.,India
Accountant,,Dec 1993-Aug 1997
• Efficiently maintained general ledgers
• Managed cash registers,account receivables&account payables.
Education:
Bachelors of Commerce (Accounts), University of Bombay, India
Diploma in Computer Applications from Aptech(Apple industries Ltd.)
Post Graduate Diploma in Software Technology from Gebbs India Ltd
H&R Block Income Tax Course in November 2012
Skills:
QuickBooks, Quicken, Excel,Word
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Update - ATM 2020 Warrant Article 34 - Authorize Special Legislation-Development
Surcharge for Community Housing
PRESENTER:TER• ITEM
S
NUMBER:
Matt Daggett I.5
SUMMARY:
This is s a petitioned warrant article seeking authority for the Select Board to petition the legislature for a home
rule petition to allow the Town to impose a surcharge on all single and two-family homes that would be set
aside for community(affordable)housing. The proponent, Matt Daggett will present the article at the Select
Board meeting.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
FOLLOW-UP:
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
3/2/2020 7:40pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
F) m a c e,n tatio ,,,Article l Presentation
tatio
�I
0
CNI
low
AMMMI AL
loom
cu
> Ina
Lm
C: U) 0
o cn
JOE 7im
0 C: L.J
��1
C:
cu
cu
C:
C/)
0 U)
0 0 x
CU 0
i
I
I
I
If
�I
I
I
i
I
i
Wow
TIM
E dw
LM
.� L. +�
W
some
ol
cr
C
E � I
04
40
L031MAd OleS, U01IMPOW
�I
pig
IVUI Ull
IW1W
j IIIIII
E co
cm 1111100CNIIIIII I
IU
L.".
I111,10
TOM
u )w
U
4
0
400
ul
8
m C 0
U.
Ywww
I � � �I�fffffffffffff0
IIIIIIIIU
>k uq
I UI
p
3u
Tj Oft
m N 0M rq
0
%0
-wi D ulw
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.
8 8 8 8
to
46
i
q'4uo,Vy .ield siollo,(3
N
O
01
N
tA
N
�/� O
ol
N
2 ILm
na
............................................-
0
40
d
y
s
C�
a
M
d
ti
Q
•
i
1
R
1
1
1
C)
C**4
0
CNI
Sun
Ina
moll llll�
Low
0 M&L cc
U) 0
"Ank
.0
U)
IN
If(11����`�i�ti�'��ititii���lii��~t���li��11�U�� cu 0
c:
■
woo
cu
AOL
cu U)
c
cu C:
AO^
Vop
V oil
.........
kkInS
CD
pp 1�4
ill ',)l 0
sr
,�.
�.
��
�.
�,
��
"'
�.
��
�,
;""
r�.r
rr,
� �
"`
� �
+II
� ;,
+wl
� ..
'�" � �,
��
� �1�
��
� �
0
AN
Awl
U) 0
cu
A AL ONO
ol
O cu
� N
um Cf) cn
0
:3 ommm" 0
0 E cn
CD
p CU
cl) � o
0 x Iwo
0
(D cn
lima 000000 v
0
CD U) (D
a) c:
O c�
INV
cu
0
O 3a� v, °'
cu
(D cn
aD
L. � .c' Ecu
Q cn � Q NV
I
f
10
■
01
yyI
I I
01
I�
r �r w
�I
Row
..... IIlei
ol
lei
i
AIR
�1 4
..,,. '. I ..',.
ff
lei
II. I
o �I
01 0
lei ol
�I
0
0
I
lei
lei
1
Am
qw
10
114 4 1
114
'Row
10
10,
to
10
to
C)
0
low
CNI
�u�liw i��tis�llv»>����i�uuuuuuuuuu�G�
����i�ulquiiuu000uuuuuuuuuual�d��
��a�lti���`t`tl�lliilllVll
l��l��c�or�ou�nu�lpO D
�lauititi� ok Ina
l�ioum U
Low
0 Rik i»7n00000uuuuuuuuuio� cc
u�u��iiuiruaiusi
moiglool°ioiu�llv�� ON
�������111�1111'Y�4��tiV10��lOp�lOp�10�411� ���11111111111i����4titi1111n���llllllllllllllllllf�i��� cu I�
�y�;��lougilullllpp� irrrr�r
woo
�IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII��Q�4�Iti51U>rllllllll�u�� ��I���g111ti�UVlh1��l!��,
������ auuuuuuuuuuuu`��oul�ui«<ti� �
IV�l��ltiss�tililstitit�>h��� r�
uuuuuuuuuuuui IN 19 cu
AOL
ISOI
igio�IINIiIN�»iuuouioiupiiaiinlu�� ���11@t�����ul��
a«asstititititin�000uuuiuuoiu�vlJ��Jn�,,
cu U)
t��4�41titititiN�l�ydl
���gltillll��» C: (1)
��alullnllallnllal�� Vruiui0�I�� inV oil
»�i�s�tii�l�ltististi���,�a
CD
�D11nll��i�i�ili
511n5�f l�tu��a�q
pfiuip 1
uuiiouuu�ul� �iustinv»llll x
p��ano I��IIo���l�s ������I»I�tilyai��iw����
'"Iv�u��titin���
��
'� �
�� � i
�� .�
,� �
+�
I
�,
��
u����i
�� � �
i
'� "
'�
w
sr
co
........... ...........
cn
LU
m
0
ZIP
VM IV"
spunj e6jeLloinAS l n
m
C)
C**4
0
(NI
sm
rA
%f of
.0 Awk6
Ina
PUP All Lm
%L
Alk
VIP
cu
AOL
isi%l
��,111111101!lill�
UNION
all
llll� COMMON
) Dually i�in1»�11�a1111stititi»liiiuiuiuiuiuiuiu�lti�,
.........
pp 1d
poi
ARTICLE 34 AUTHORIZE SPECIAL LEGISLATION -- DEVELOPMENT
SURCHARGE FOR COMMUNITY HOUSING (Citizen Article)
To see if the Town will vote to establish a surcharge on specific residential development
activities for the purpose of funding affordable and community housing construction, renovation,
associated land acquisition or easements; and further to authorize the Select Board to petition the
Massachusetts General Court to enact legislation to enable this surcharge in the Town of
Lexington, and further to authorize the Select Board to approve amendments to said act before its
enactment by the General Court that are within the scope of the general objectives of the petition;
or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by Matthew Daggett and 9 or more registered voters)
DESCRIPTION
The purpose of this article is to address the loss of moderate-income housing by establishing a
targeted and measured surcharge on specific residential development activities, that will fund the
creation of community housing that will address identified housing gaps, such as housing
attainable by Lexington municipal employees.
PROPOSED MOTION
That the Select Board be authorized to petition the Massachusetts General Court to enact
legislation to establish a surcharge on specific residential development activities for the purpose
of funding the creation of community housing that offsets the impact of said development
activities in substantially the form below and further to authorize the Select Board to approve
amendments to said act before its enactment by the General Court that are within the scope of the
general objectives of this motion.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representative in General Court assembled, and by the
authority of the same as follows:
SECTION 1: In order to mitigate the loss of moderate-income housing by the demand for
buildable parcels of land, a residential linkage fee, hereafter referred to as "the community
housing surcharge" or "the surcharge," shall be added by the Town of Lexington to all new
single- and two-family residential construction building permits issued by said town on parcels
where an existing single- or two-family dwelling has been demolished to create a single
buildable lot or multiple buildable lots.
SECTION 2: The Select Board of the Town of Lexington shall determine the amount of the
community housing surcharge, which shall be applied on a dollars-per- square-foot basis on the
certified total gross floor area of the structure or structures permitted by an applicable building
permit. The Select Board shall adjust the rate of the community housing surcharge for inflation
annually.
Draft Motion (02/13/2020) 1 of 2
SECTION 3: The Town Manager of the Town of Lexington or their designee shall prepare a
study every five years to determine the suitability, effect, and amount of the surcharge, and
recommend to the Select Board any possible changes necessary to address changing demand for
community housing. The Town Manager or their designee shall also prepare and issue an annual
report that identifies surcharge receipts; quantifies the attributes of community housing projects
funded by the community housing surcharge and evaluates the impact of said housing projects.
SECTION 4: The Select Board of the Town of Lexington may adopt additional requirements,
exemptions, and regulations to implement or enforce said community housing surcharge,
consistent with this act.
SECTION 5. The building commissioner of the Town of Lexington shall not issue a certificate of
occupancy for a building subject to this act before the community housing surcharge required by
this act is paid; provided that an applicant for a building permit for a building in which said
applicant intends to reside may opt to have the amount of said surcharge added to the property
taxes due on said property in lieu of paying the surcharge in advance. If the applicant opts to
have the surcharge added to the property taxes, the applicant shall not be required to pay said
surcharge until the property is sold to another person; provided further that no interest shall
accrue on the amount of the surcharge, and the amount of the surcharge charge shall be abated by
20%per year from the date of the certificate of occupancy such that the amount of the surcharge
will be $0 as of the date that is five years from the date the certificate of occupancy is issued.
SECTION 6:All surcharges received pursuant to this act shall be deposited into the Town of
Lexington Affordable Housing Capital Stabilization Fund.
SECTION 7: For the purposes of this act, "community housing" shall mean as defined under
section 2 of chapter 44B of the General Laws.
SECTION 8: This act shall take effect upon its passage.
Draft Motion (02/13/2020) 2 of 2
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
Update - ATM 2020 Warrant Article 46 - Amend Zoning Bylaw-Gross Floor Area
PRESENTER:TER• ITEM
S
NUMBER:
Matt Daggett I.6
SUMMARY:
This article seeks to regulate the gross floor area(GFA) specific to below grade areas and how this fits into the
calculation of G FA. The problem that this article seeks to address is new construction in which the b e to w
grade area is initially built as a "crawl space" below grade, but then modifications are made after construction is
complete that allows for a fully finished lower level, thus increasing the gross floor area above what would
otherwise be allo wed. The proponent will present this article at the Select Board meeting. Attached is the
background description the proponent posted on the T MMA google group. The current motion is also
attached.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
FOLLOW-UP:
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
3/2/2020 7:55pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
1
1 ,
1
•
• � 1
� • i
ti
•
^1
Q
N
0
(NI
U)
jd��AhL
�l AL
loom
AM
Um
cu
> Ina
Lm
0
U)
LMJ
CU >
(1) cu
Cl)
cu
0 0
0 4mi
0
°�
i '�.
��
� � r.�
""'�i
�'
71w
� �
��
� �1�
�"
� �
� � °�
��
� � " �
� �, ��
"�'" �"
r�,�.
4b
4b
4'
'
f
1
1
M
NI �
�I all.
MI
71h
AI
II
III 4
MI
tlr
11 �„
III � 11M
'llll +IIIM
wl +
IIIR
1
11
1
1
1
IIII
4
IMI
Ilh III
IN +NIA
rr '�► MI
� III
11y
1Ib
•
uw
.o
4I Y
D mmu
a r 1 rA41
Nk
0
t
r �
c
r
�I
I
r� lol�vw uv�jrr�w �,
"Jil
IN
i 1
I �10
lip
fi
In
�J.
w '
AALI.3".!.aii.
I
m a
If
'My wvvc,mi-,a'iw.wwartm�a. ry
r
i
r} 0 111N uro a7 ,
r F� fUVo h7 MI'iH'✓/�i,�S,
IAl�rl�
4rG d� P
s Ul ,IW) 'I J
1
v
9
�' rwur rwv wa.�a,awm err
rrz r;»v ne
I,Ipryry� 9d �
a,ry
"
r I(
y
ry
� TAIdiffbP N N a�
.;UI?�'
N
I/ rf III' 4.ar p
1 IU I'� ffflll ff�I+Y
191
D�iy aryl a�� n i
W
bill ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.,,,,
n1vYlYlYIYIYIYI>HYIYN Y1YYY/Y1W'!PYYy?'u91'Nttaltl.NMI I/N �11v/�gV ll�;'/°ill �
R mmxmm 4
� nmpn>rii�rvir�rrjr IDr,wNrrrll��rwe r S � ply�MJWN» �mm� ti'�>».ms um�� r a✓�m�riyiJN
n ��m rira�'�✓��ir�y t�,.v r,w��r I�,,N�,,1�tl »�';v iw(�° �a � rw�
�yo1G a
„r'„1UNIJi�„,rv�,,,
Aul
r�r
II-
�wMwwiwwiw
i
Op-
r%ft
i
Ina
Lm
AS
0
ol
um
I
Iw
sr
/
r�
/
/
/
/
/
/ r/ r/ r/ r/ r/ r/ / r/ r/ r/ r/ r/ r/ r rrrr� / r/ r/ r/ r/ r/ r/ r/ r/ r/ r/ r/ r/ r r
r
r
/r/rrr/r
or/r /i
r err
/
rr
rr
j //
/
/
ri/
/
/
rr rr/ rr
/ rr
rr
rr ,
rr ,
//
/ rr
/ rr/ rr// rr///rr ,,rr ,,rr ,,rr ,,rr ,,rr ,,rr ,,
rrrr
rr
w�
r
ri ri ri ri ri i
/
/
//
i
/
r
r r�
,
r
r
/
/
/
,
�o i i
/
/
,
r /
//
//
i
i rr rr/ rr/ rr/ rr/ rr/ rr r„r rr r„r rr rr rr rr rr rr rr rr /,rr /r ///r /r/r/r/r/r rrrii /r/r/r/r/r/r/r/r/r/r/r/r/r/r r r r r r r r r r r" rr
/
///
/
/
r,
/
///
//
„r
/
r r� r
� r
r
r� r r� r r� r r� r r� r r r r /r /r /r / ■r /r /r /r /r /rrr i r /r /////////
i r ///
rr rr
MINIMUM
MINIMUM
MINIMUM
�f
u,., / f—A 1A
If
,
/
t /
I
r
r
r r�
/
r ,
r
f
r�
/
f
/
l
/
u
r ,
i
y
k` CP Ill 2 ///� /J I ■
S
.......................................... —-
r
it
� 1
.................................. ��
............ LLJ
X
_jui
C.)I<
I
I
�y
W co jjj
C z
FF-
z
1 ,r
/ r
I /
r /
r
/
>I
ff �e IIII�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I�I /
/ � r
/ r Plot
,
/ ! /i la/
t� rrrrr r„/
r
,j
�VI
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV V�I Illi�ll
/
i
r
Ir�I u
III /
u
/
i
/
r / r
/
1,
/
/
r
r
r
j
iiiniirir roe�� OMAN—
mw�ir�rre,uNw dr ai a Nrw cs,W✓,✓ir,r✓✓irrr�r,✓l�r,rr(�,�1��t✓✓�i r nllupioiuiuunwiwni�u Overt NN
I
<« l
l
i
1 f
1
!1
1
r
f /
r �
r r
_ r
r /
/
/r i
rr /r �
r/r
�i
/ r /
/
/ r
/
/
/
/ /
/
i
/
/
//
i
1 /
/
/
////
// ii rrrrrr�,
iii/%rrrrr a � rrr
..........//r
OWN
tag �iI
11) Oil
179 „P COW
i ,,,
t
4-f 49
Mil� ..
I .... "..
��pp
CIO I440
(D
or
�I 0
15 "E r=
I
i
�f
Anil OU 4-0
ri 44, rr 20
4xim'Fill
i
I I
I
III � Ir.
� I 11 low
*VolARM
9 1
;0i lit
4-4i 0 V ,
i
tj poll U
10D lit)
I Fill not .1E
420
u 01
JUM
jj;
olooll N II
I
top Ou
i
Iwo
III
11 4%
LAI
AND
° .
Owl let,
+00
cy
"1164 woos
room 0 mill
MONO
Wow
ra
Pill
"A jowl
-till'ill Cs
h
I
I
i I
,`
cc; If
1400 ;ON
11g, _= d ",
ZZ
I
Iir
dil DO
I�p � c E
I I i I �
lull
IU to
4Ltcowl
oill'"
a�
IiiM:
Eli I=
'U,
/
i iVl a
„
IL
rc} a
/21
r m,
,pail
,/pia/�oO J iOr� M�
aam
/
r r
,
P"
r
"OF
I ,
"a
CIF)
C)
C**4
0
CNI
U) Sun
U)
.0 AWL
U)
.0
41-0
U) Ina
mill�p11utiti»�
1�1��ti��f�N���niu
Lm
All 46L
%mi 0
U)
woo
pstlimumw
cu
atlllpNl�V�o�fU��'n
U)AOL
cu
AO
Vop
V oil
.........
1 0
,"Upollooll
0
ps 1u4
o
No 0
�y
10
IA�rr�
Auk
'Rip
•
I
I
i
u
olio
I
� Elul �II
�Illllllllllll�ll11°' °"�� ' �a.. s-
IIII�II�I II�� � �
r
��IIIIIIII �
IVIVIU 11Vu
��,II„r
1111P� "
�U�IUIU�UIDIIU l; J J
nuomu 1 f
ppIIII
i I
�UIIIIUIUII um�
�IIU�IUI�II�I W7 �,'„ l�J%,I .............
III M1
lid 4n li�il�1411 itld�ly� I I f'�����J I�I
" I
�ppII
.
umlh� fi
ulppllnpppm [: �,
jo
1
r
I - r
�I
� h
�I
LO III .M1 IN^ 11 -1 '
1
��I►+�Ir ,��,�� � � �Iw air� �Ir�rr �w aw a�
9 oo
IIM
a
EMI,
10
too
w�
S OMM
40
u�
i
•M �
a
sr
0
' Ila-
" "" "' "'
gold
0
allow0 ...........
rr,
E m
so== 0 2
sigmaRoom
Loa E >
0
uss mm
C4 M,
M
wr
Mi
u
wu
m
low 4-0
M, E LO
son=
0
X moo=
MAMM
Booiuu ;
m
� uuuuuuuuuud�
0 Small10
LO
e .1e vibe �d sit �d i Jd .1e
a) CO Ilft to LO i ,
(jeejajenbS) �
i
i
°I
f
111 'ii �
aMENINNOMMIMMEMMOM
i f
�Y
ii
/fib 'M
i
i
i
i't
/ err
i
i
3
(joej sienbS) ,Vj!D wnwtxe
',..
�Y
0
°uuuui
O
�j
IrJ1%�
it f
{ ' b ,0
INK
� 9r/
al
1M
n
� atl
Ra,
Y �
uomwmm "�
v Q
i
w
NI� q
C)
C**4
0
CNI
Sun
Ina
mill llllo�
Lm
0 %L w
%mi 1 0
U)
VIP
cu
At AOL
jol OAP
till)
P I L pm)
%j oil
.........
pp 1
41000
pm�isiqo 0
on
40
40
40
cr
0)
LM
0 dw,
0
um
0
a x
.....................................................
�
. d.
.@�..
<� e�
. . ]\
t @
.�■..
� �
tA
C)
C**4
0
(NI
rA
%f of
Ina
PUP Lm
0 %L w
ggliA 11�jj
U)
VIP
cu
At AOL
jol OAP
till)
P I pm)�
.........
pp 1
pm isiiq
PAN
•
�,
+�.
1 �
� � � � �
i� � "�
i�
� � �
�r �,
� �,
+� +�
��
,r�
� �� �„
�"
�"'
�"'
��
��
� �
�;
��
� �"
'� � " "
��
� �
�,
�.
raw
""'��
i
���
�,
q� '� 1�
7 ��
�. �
att <matt(@_matt daqqett-orq>�� 23 ,0500
Fellow Town Meeting Members,
Starting this week, Article 46, a proposed citizen's amendment regarding the Town's regulation
of residential gross floor area, will be before two Town boards, as follows:
Wednesday, February 26th - the Planning Board public hearing opens
Monday, March 2nd - a presentation to the Select Board
I encourage you to watch or attend to learn more about the Article and provide feedback as the
details are honed before consideration at Town Meeting. That said, I also wanted to start the
discussion on TMMA with some information about the background for the article, why an
amendment is needed, and the approach taken to design a collaborative solution.
Background:
In 2016 Town Meeting voted to establish a new zoning bylaw to regulate the maximum size of
one- and two-family dwellings. The stated purpose <https:Hecode360.com/31512082> of the
bylaw was to encourage, "small- and medium-sized housing stock, in the interest of providing
diverse housing sizes throughout the Town," by limiting the "massing of buildings, which may
impact owners of abutting properties, the streetscape, landscape, and the character of the
neighborhood and Town." The bylaw limits the size of a residential one- or two-family dwellings,
by instituting a formula that regulates the maximum dwelling size as a function of the ratio
between the area of the lot on which a dwelling resides or will reside and the proposed
dwelling's Gross Floor Area. Gross Floor Area, or GFA, is defined
<https:Hecode360.com/27630602> as the summation of the horizontal areas of a building
including the basement, first floor, second floor, half story, porches, and garages. GFA does not
include areas such as crawl spaces, attics, and decks. The maximum GFA limit can only be
exceeded by a special permit from the special permit granting authority, currently the Zoning
Board of Appeals.
Issue Addressed:
Since the GFA bylaw went into effect, the inclusion of below-grade areas has been problematic.
In an effort to maximize the above-grade buildable area, some developers reduced the ceiling
height of the basement area from 8 feet to 6 feet 11 inches, which reclassified the below-grade
portion of the building as "crawl space" instead of a "basement". In 2017 Town Meeting passed
a series of zoning changes that made several definitions consistent with the building code, and
as such a "crawl spacell was reclassified to be 6 feet 8 inches or less. Since this change, some
developers have been building full-height basement areas and then framing down the ceilings or
installing raised false floors to effectively reduce the height to 6 feet 8 inches, however these
reduction methods could be considered semipermanent. Recently, one developer was before
the Zoning Board of Appeals looking to remove an installed framed-down ceiling to create a full-
height basement, yet the massing of the above-ground structure was predicated on the below-
ground areas being "crawl space". Additionally, many new construction projects partition their
below-grade areas into combinations of crawl space and full-height basement areas in order to
maximize the to total GFA of the project -- one such project in 2018 used this method to build to
99.91% of the GFA limit.
These creative uses of the zoning and building code in effect enable greater above-ground
massing on lots, which derogates from the original intent of the bylaw, and an amendment is
needed to realign the bylaw to focus on only the above-ground massing. Additionally, an
analysis of zoning bylaws of Lexington's peer communities found that, with the exception of
Brookline in some specific circumstances, none of the like municipalities analyzed include
basements in their floor area regulations of residential single-family dwellings.
Approach:
Article 46 proposes a targeted and scope-limited two-part solution to the issue described above:
(1) Removal of basement areas from the calculation of GFA. This is achieved by a minor update
to the definitions in §135-10.1. There are some theoretical secondary effects of this definition
change which can be fixed with technical corrections, and will be addressed at the Planning
Board hearing.
(2) A recalibration of the Maximum Allowable Residential Gross Floor Area Table in §135-4.4.2,
since basement areas would no longer be included in the calculation GFA. This recalibration is
based on a multifaceted collaborative process, as follows:
A revisit of the groundwork of the dimensional controls working group of the Ad-Hoc Residential
Policy Committee from 2015-2016, who informed the design of the original bylaw, and of which I
was a contributor.
A comparative analysis of zoning bylaws from Lexington's peer communities to assess how they
regulate GFA, also known as a Floor Area Ratio (FAR).
In-depth discussions with the local development community, including multiple builders and
architects, and with residents and neighborhood groups.
A detailed data-driven analysis of lot size and dwelling characteristics from building permits,
building assessment data, and Geographic Information System data.
A copy of the draft motion and forthcoming supporting materials is available on the Town's
website <https://www.lexingtonma.gov/planning/pages/qross-floor-area-amend-zoning-b, law>.
Please let me know if you have any questions, and I look forward sharing more with you in the
coming weeks during the continued process of public outreach and engagement.
Very respectfully,
Matt Daggett
Precinct 2
ARTICLE 46 AMEND ZONING BYLAW-GROSS FLOOR AREA (Citizen Petition)
MOTION: That the Zoning Bylaw, Chapter 135 of the Code of the Town of Lexington, be amended as
follows, where text is to be removed and underlined text is to be added:
A. Amend the definition of GRO S S FLOOR AREA in §13 5-10.1 as follows:
The sum, in square feet, of the horizontal areas of a building (or several buildings on the
same lot) measured from the exterior face of the exterior walls, or from the center line of a
party wall separating two buildings, including garages,' , porches, and half
stories. In half stories, all floor area where the headroom is greater than five feet, measured
from the top of the floor joists of the top story to the bottom of the roof rafters, is included
in the measurement of gross floor area. Gross floor area does not include "basements",
"crawl spaces," "attics," and "decks." Where the text of this bylaw refers to floor area, the
term means gross floor area unless the term net floor area is used.
B. Amend the Maximum Allowable Residential Gross Floor Area Table in §135-4.4.2 as
follows:
Lot Area (in square feet) Maximum Gross Floor Area (in square feet)
0 to 5,000 0.46 * Lot Area
5,000 to 7,500 4;9�0-2,300 + 5-0.34 * (Lot Area- 5,000)
7,500 to 10,000 -3,150 + 3-0.18 * (Lot Area- 7,500)
10,000 to 15,000 1Z 043,600 + 0.24 * (Lot Area- 10,000)
15,000 to 30,000 .619/510 4,800 + Fr0.2 * (Lot Area- 15,000)
More than 30,000 7,800 + C 0.14 * (Lot Area- 30,000)
C. That the Amendments to Chapter 135 made under this Article shall take effect for building
permits and applicable special permits issued on or after July 1, 2020 only.
43
(DATE)
lii6i2o2o)
44
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
LEXINGTON SELECT BOARD MEETING
AGENDA ITEM TITLE:
2020 Annual Town Meeting
PRESENTER:TER• ITEM
S
NUMBER:
Board Discussion
I.7
SUMMARY:
Board Discussion as necessary regarding ATM Articles/Positions/Consent and Draft of Select Board Report.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
FOLLOW-UP:
DATE AND APPROXIMATE TIME ON AGENDA:
3/2/2020 8:10pm
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
2020AwI" amarn:t 1:aknrlmn Material
F) Motion.Article 24 Reduce legal expenses Cover Merrx.)
I Co e r Ilc,rnrn�..)Motion Article c����c�bylawc;crn�rnn�rn��.�.crcr � ,
F) 11"ot rnrn isle 30 1 and c c,ha n.e Cbver ernsno
F) Vlerno Re—Articles Carver Merrio
F) 2 ."I IC Position.(..h.fnrl:rev Bzickup Material
F) DRAFTATM 2020A.r1licle 2 BOS Report Ra k:up: Il t r ial
TOWN OF LEXINGTON WARRANT
2020 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex, ss.
To either of the Constables or Town Clerk of the Town of Lexington, in said County, Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify the inhabitants of the Town of
Lexington qualified to vote in elections and in Town affairs to meet in their respective voting places in said Town.
PRECINCT ONE, SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING; PRECINCT TWO, BOWMAN SCHOOL;
PRECINCT THREE, LEXINGTON COMMUNITY CENTER; PRECINCT FOUR, CARY MEMORIAL
BUILDING; PRECINCT FIVE, SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING; PRECINCT SIX, CARY
MEMORIAL BUILDING; PRECINCT SEVEN, ESTABROOK SCHOOL; PRECINCT EIGHT, SAMUEL
HADLEY PUBLIC SERVICES BUILDING; PRECINCT NINE, KEILTY HALL, ST. BRIGID'S CHURCH,
On Tuesday,the third Day of March 2020
From 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.,then and there to act on the following articles:
ARTICLE I NOTICE OF ELECTION
Two Select Board Members for a term of three years;
One Moderator for a term of one year;
One School Committee member; for a term of three years.
Two Planning Board members; for a term of three years;
One Lexington Housing Authority member; for a term of five years.
Eight Town Meeting Members in Precinct One,the seven receiving the highest number of votes to serve
for terms of three years; the one receiving the next highest number of votes to fill an unexpired term ending in
March 2021;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Two,the seven receiving the highest number of votes to serve for terms
of three years;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Three, the seven receiving the highest number of votes to serve for terms
of three years;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Four, the seven receiving the highest number of votes to serve for terms
of three years;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Five,the seven receiving the highest number of votes to serve for terms
of three years;
Eight Town Meeting Members in Precinct Six, the seven receiving the highest number of votes to serve for terms of
three years; the one receiving the next highest number of votes to fill an unexpired term ending in March 2021;
4
Eight Town Meeting Members in Precinct Seven, the seven receiving the highest number of votes to serve for terms
of three years; the one receiving the next highest number of votes to fill an unexpired term ending in March 2022;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Eight, the seven receiving the highest number of votes to serve for terms
of three years;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Nine,the seven receiving the highest number of votes to serve for terms
of three years.
You are also to notify the inhabitants aforesaid to meet at the Margery Milne Battin Hall in the Cary Memorial
Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, in said Town,
On Monday,the twenty-third day of March 2020 at 7:30 p.m.,
at which time and place the following articles are to be acted upon and determined exclusively by the Town
Meeting Members in accordance with Chapter 215 of the Acts of 1929, as amended, and subject to the referendum
provided for by Section eight of said Chapter, as amended.
ARTICLE 2 ELECTION OF DEPUTY MODERATOR AND REPORTS OF TOWN
BOARDS, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
To see if the Town will vote to approve the Deputy Moderator nominated by the Moderator; receive the reports of
any Board or Town Officer or of any Committee of the Town; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
DESCRIPTION: This article remains open throughout Town Meeting and reports may be presented at any Town
Meeting session by boards, officers, or committees. In addition, the Town will consider the approval of the
nomination of a Deputy Moderator as authorized under Section 118-11 of the Code of the Town of Lexington.
ARTICLE 3 APPOINTMENTS TO CARY LECTURE SERIES
To see if the Town will authorize the appointment of the committee on lectures under the wills of Eliza Cary
Farnham and Susanna E. Cary; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article that provides for the appointment of citizens to the Cary Lecture Series by
the Moderator.
FINANCIAL ARTICLES
ARTICLE 4 APPROPRIATE FY2021 OPERATING BUDGET
To see if the Town will vote to make appropriations for expenditures by departments, officers, boards and
committees of the Town for the ensuing fiscal year and determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax
levy,by transfer from available funds,by transfer from enterprise funds, or by any combination of these methods; or
act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: See the most recent version of the FY2021 budget proposals posted at http://
lexingtonma.gov/budget.
DESCRIPTION: This article requests funds for the FY2021 (July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021) operating budget. The
operating budget includes the school and municipal budgets. The operating budget includes requests for funds to
5
provide prospective salary increases for employees, including salaries to be negotiated through collective bargaining
negotiations. The budget also includes certain shared expenses.
ARTICLE 5 APPROPRIATE FY2021 ENTERPRISE FUNDS BUDGETS
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to fund the operations of the DPW Water and
Wastewater Divisions and the Department of Recreation and Community Programs; determine whether the money
shall be provided by the estimated income to be derived in FY2021 from the operations of the related enterprise, by
the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, including the retained earnings of the relevant enterprise fund, or by
any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED:
Enterprise Fund FY2019 FY2020 FY2021
Appropriated Requested Requested
a) Water
Personal Services $6841682 $7851010 $804,234
Expenses $3951107 $508,875 $502,925
Debt Service $11436,995 $1,277,412 $11283,916
MWRA Assessment $711281006 $7,413,364 $81154,700
Total Water Enterprise Fund $99644,790 $91984,661 $10,7451775
b) Wastewater
Personal Services $208,773 $3551614 $366,568
Expenses $342,920 $4321950 $444,150
Debt Service $151341396 $1,278,322 $11398,374
MWRA Assessment $71572,486 $7,8511947 $81637,142
Total Water Enterprise Fund $99258,575 $99918,833 $1098469234
c) Recreation and Community Programs
Personal Services $1,275,859 $1,47103 $11535,363
Expenses $112331393 $114811895 $1,480,045
Total Recreation and Community Programs
Enterprise Fund $295099252 $299539578 $39015,408
DESCRIPTION: Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53F1/2, towns may establish Enterprise
Funds for a utility, health care, recreation or transportation operation, with the operation to receive related revenue
and receipts and pay expenses of such operation. This article provides for the appropriation to and expenditure from
three enterprise funds previously established by the Town. The Recreation and Community Programs Fund
includes the operations and programs for the Community Center.
ARTICLE 6 ESTABLISH QUALIFICATIONS FOR TAX DEFERRALS
To see if the Town will vote to increase the current eligibility limits for property tax deferrals under Massachusetts
General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41A as authorized by Chapter 190 of the Acts of 2008; or act in any
other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
DESCRIPTION: Chapter 190 of the Acts of 2008 allows Town Meeting, with the approval of the Select Board, to
make adjustments to the current deferral eligibility limits.
6
ARTICLE 7 PETITION GENERAL COURT TO AMEND LEGISLATION
REGARDING TAX DEFERRALS
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to petition the Massachusetts General Court to enact
legislation regarding real property tax deferrals in the Town of Lexington in substantially the form below, and
further to authorize the Select Board to approve amendments to said act before its enactment by the General Court
that are within the scope of the general objectives of the petition; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the
same, as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 2 of Chapter 190 of the Acts of 2008, is hereby renumbered to be Section 3.
SECTION 2.A new Section 2 of Chapter 190 of the Acts of 2008, is hereby added as follows:
"Section 2. The imposition of interest required pursuant to section 62 of chapter 60 shall be delayed by one year in
the case of a person whose taxes have been deferred pursuant to clause 41A of section 5 of chapter 59."
SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
DESCRIPTION: The senior property tax deferral program,known as Clause 41 A, allows people 65 or over to defer
their property taxes until their home is sold or conveyed, or until the death of the applicant. During the time
property taxes are deferred, the interest rate charged on the deferral is a low rate tied to a government index that
generally runs three percent below the Prime Rate, however upon the death of the applicant the rate increases to 16
percent per annum. This article would delay the interest rate increase of an estate with tax deferral for a year after
the death of the applicant.
ARTICLE 8 SHORT TERM RENTAL IMPACT FEE
To see if the Town will vote to accept Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 64G, Sections 3A& 3D, Local Option
Community Impact Fee of 3%on short term rental properties; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
DESCRIPTION: The article authorizes the Town to adopt a"community impact fee" of up to % o
"professionallymanaged"units. These units are defined as accommodations where an operator runs more than one
short-term rental in the same municipality with at least one of those units not located in a single-,two-, or three-
family dwelling that includes the operator's primary residence.
ARTICLE 9 ESTABLISH AND CONTINUE DEPARTMENTAL REVOLVING FUNDS
To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 530/2 and Chapter
110 of the Code of the Town of Lexington, to continue existing revolving funds; to amend said Chapter 110 to
establish new revolving funds; to determine whether the maximum amounts that may be expended from such new
and existing revolving fund accounts in FY2021 shall be the following amounts or any other amounts; or act in any
other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
7
FUNDS REQUESTED:
Program or Purpose for Revolving Funds FY2021 Authorization
School Bus Transportation $111501000
Building Rental Revolving Fund $561000
DPW Burial Containers $5000
Lexington Tree Fund $4500
DPW Compost Operations $7901000
Minuteman Household Hazardous Waste Program $2501000
Regional Cache -Hartwell Avenue $201000
Senior Services Program $751000
Health Programs $451000
Tourism/Liberty Ride $20000
Visitors Center $20500
Residential Engineering Review $571600
Lab Animal Permits TBD
DESCRIPTION: The amount that may be spent from a revolving fund established under Massachusetts General
Laws Chapter 44, Section 53E1/2 must be approved annually by Town Meeting. The Funds are credited with the
receipts received in connection with the programs supported by such funds, and expenditures may be made from the
revolving fund without further appropriation.
ARTICLE 10 APPROPRIATE THE FY2021 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
OPERATING BUDGET AND CPA PROJECTS
To see if the Town will vote to hear and act on the report of the Community Preservation Committee on the FY2021
Community Preservation budget and, pursuant to the recommendations of the Community Preservation Committee,
to appropriate from the Community Preservation Fund, or to reserve amounts in the Community Preservation Fund
for future appropriations; for the debt service on previously authorized financing; for the administrative expenses of
the Community Preservation Committee for FY2021; for the acquisition, creation and preservation of open space;
for the acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of historic resources; for the acquisition, creation,
preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of land for recreational use; for the acquisition, creation, preservation
and support of community housing; and for the rehabilitation or restoration of open space and community housing
that is acquired or created with moneys from the Community Preservation Fund; to appropriate funds for such
projects and determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, or from estimated Community
Preservation Act surcharges and the state match for the upcoming fiscal year, by transfer from available funds,
including enterprise funds, by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in
relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the Community Preservation Committee)
FUNDS REQUESTED:
a)Archives &Records Management/Records Conservation&Preservation- $20,000
b)Restoration of Margaret Lady of Lexington Painting- $9,000
c)Battle Green Master Plan-Phase 3- $317,044
d) Conservation Land Acquisition-TBD
e)Daisy Wilson Meadow Preservation- $22,425
f)Wright Farm Site Access Planning and Design- $69,000
8
g)Athletic Facility Lighting- $450,000
h)Park Improvements-Hard Court Resurfacing-Valley Tennis Courts- $100,000
i)Park and Playground Improvements- Sutherland Park- $95,000
j)Park Improvements-Athletic Fields-Harrington, Bowman, and Franklin Field- $370,000
k)Parker Meadow Accessible Trail Construction- $551,026
1)Lexington Housing Authority- Greeley Village Community Center Preservation- $130,000
m)LexHAB- 116 Vine Street Design Funds- $100,000
n) CPA Debt Service- $3,016,730
o)Administrative Budget- $150,000
DESCRIPTION: This article requests that Community Preservation funds and other funds, as necessary,be
appropriated for the projects recommended by the Community Preservation Committee and for administrative costs.
ARTICLE 11 APPROPRIATE FOR RECREATION CAPITAL PROJECTS
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for recreation-related capital projects and equipment;
and determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, including the
Recreation and Community Programs Enterprise Fund, by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or
act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the Recreation Committee)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $180,000
DESCRIPTION: For a description of the proposed projects, see Section XI: Capital Investment section of the
FY2021 budget. The most recent version of the capital section can be found at http://www.lexingtonma.gov/
fy21 capital.
ARTICLE 12 APPROPRIATE FOR MUNICIPAL CAPITAL PROJECTS AND EQUIPMENT
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the following capital projects and equipment:
a) Ambulance Replacement;
b) Athletic Fields Feasibility Study;
c) Hydrant Replacement Program;
d) Storm Drainage Improvements and NPDES compliance;
e) Sidewalk Improvements;
f) Equipment Replacement;
g) Townwide Signalization Improvements;
h) Street Improvements;
i) New Sidewalk Installations;
j) Transportation Mitigation;
k) Municipal Technology Improvement Program;
1) Application Implementation; and
m) Phone Systems&Unified Communications
9
and authorize the Select Board to take by eminent domain,purchase or otherwise acquire any fee, easement or other
interests in land necessary therefor; determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy,by transfer from
available funds, including enterprise funds, by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; determine if the
Town will authorize the Select Board to apply for, accept, expend and borrow in anticipation of state aid for such
capital improvements; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $6,842,022
DESCRIPTION: For a description of the proposed projects, see Section XI: Capital Investment section of the
FY2021 budget. The most recent version of the capital section can be found at http://www.lexingtonma.gov/
fy�pital.
ARTICLE 13 APPROPRIATE FOR WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
To see if the Town will vote to make water distribution system improvements, including the installation of new
water mains and replacement or cleaning and lining of existing water mains and standpipes, engineering studies and
the purchase and installation of equipment in connection therewith, in such accepted or unaccepted streets or other
land as the Select Board may determine, subject to the assessment of betterments or otherwise; and to take by
eminent domain, purchase or otherwise acquire any fee, easement or other interest in land necessary therefor;
appropriate money for such improvements and land acquisition and determine whether the money shall be provided
by the tax levy, water enterprise fund, by transfer from available funds, including any special water funds, or by
borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; to determine whether the Town will authorize the Select Board
to apply for, accept, expend and borrow in anticipation of federal and state aid for such projects; or act in any other
manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $2,200,000
DESCRIPTION: For a description of the proposed projects, see Section XI: Capital Investment section of the
FY2021 budget. The most recent version of the capital section can be found at http://www.lexingtonma.gov/
fy21 capital.
ARTICLE 14 APPROPRIATE FOR WASTEWATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
To see if the Town will vote to install and line sanitary sewer mains and sewerage systems and replacements and
upgrades to pump stations thereof, including engineering studies and the purchase of equipment in connection
therewith; in such accepted or unaccepted streets or other land as the Select Board may determine, subject to the
assessment of betterments or otherwise, in accordance with Chapter 504 of the Acts of 1897, and acts in addition
thereto and in amendment thereof, or otherwise; and to take by eminent domain, purchase or otherwise acquire any
fee, easement or other interest in land necessary therefor; appropriate money for such installation and land
acquisition and determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, wastewater enterprise fund, by
transfer from available funds, including any special wastewater funds,by borrowing, or by any combination of these
methods; to determine whether the Town will authorize the Select Board to apply for, accept, expend and borrow in
anticipation of federal and state aid for such wastewater projects; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,401,200
DESCRIPTION: For a description of the proposed projects, see Section XI: Capital Investment section of the
FY2021 budget. The most recent version of the capital section can be found at http://www.lexingtonma.gov/
fy2l cqpital.
10
ARTICLE 15 APPROPRIATE FOR SCHOOL CAPITAL PROJECTS AND EQUIPMENT
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to maintain and upgrade the schools' technology
systems and equipment; determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available
funds,by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the School Committee)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,299,246
DESCRIPTION: For a description of the proposed projects, see Section XI: Capital Investment section of the
FY2021 budget. The most recent version of the capital section can be found at http://www.lexingtonma.gov/
fy2l cgpital.
ARTICLE 16 APPROPRIATE FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES CAPITAL PROJECTS
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for capital improvements and renovations, including
new construction to public facilities for:
a) Police Outdoor/Indoor Firing Range -Hartwell Avenue;
b) Center Recreation Complex Bathrooms&Maintenance Building Renovation;
c) Public Facilities Master Plan;
d) LHS Science Classroom Space Mining;
e) Townwide Roofing Program;
f) School Building Envelopes and Systems;
g) Municipal Building Envelopes and Systems;
h) Facility and Site Improvements:
• Building Flooring Program;
• School Paving & Sidewalks Program;
i) Public Facilities Bid Documents;
j) Public Facilities Mechanical/Electrical System Replacements; and
k) Westview Cemetery Building Construction
and determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, including
enterprise funds,by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods;to determine if the Town will authorize the
Select Board to apply for, accept, expend and borrow in anticipation of state aid for such capital improvements; or
act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $7,245,399
DESCRIPTION: For a description of the proposed projects, see Section XI: Capital Investment section of the
FY2021 budget. The most recent version of the capital section can be found at http://www.lexingtonma.gov/
fy21 capital.
ARTICLE 17 APPROPRIATE TO POST EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE LIABILITY
FUND
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to the Town of Lexington Post Retirement Insurance
Liability Fund, as established by Chapter 317 of the Acts of 2002; determine whether the money shall be provided
11
by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, including enterprise funds, or by any combination of these
methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,935,486
DESCRIPTION: This article will allow the Town to continue to fund its liability for post-employment benefits for
Town of Lexington retirees. Beginning with the FY2007 audit, the Town was required to disclose this liability.
Special legislation establishing a trust fund for this purpose was enacted in 2002.
ARTICLE 18 RESCIND PRIOR BORROWING AUTHORIZATIONS
To see if the Town will vote to rescind the unused borrowing authority voted under previous Town Meeting articles;
or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
DESCRIPTION: State law requires that Town Meeting vote to rescind authorized and unissued debt that is no
longer required for its intended purpose.
ARTICLE 19 ESTABLISH,DISSOLVE AND APPROPRIATE TO AND FROM SPECIFIED
STABILIZATION FUNDS
To see if the Town will vote to create, amend, dissolve, rename and/or appropriate sums of money to and from
Stabilization Funds in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Section 5B of Chapter 40 for the purposes of:
(a) Section 135 Zoning By-Law; (b) Traffic Mitigation; (c) Transportation Demand Management/Public
Transportation; (d) Special Education; (e) Center Improvement District; (f) Debt Service; (g)Transportation
Management Overlay District; (h) Capital; (i) Payment in Lieu of Parking; 0) Visitor Center Capital Stabilization
Fund; (k) Affordable Housing Capital Stabilization Fund; (1) Water System Capital Stabilization Fund; and (m)
Ambulance Stabilization Fund; determine whether such sums shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from
available funds, from fees, charges or gifts or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in
relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This article proposes to establish, dissolve, and/or fund Stabilization Funds for specific purposes
and to appropriate funds therefrom. Money in those funds may be invested and the interest may then become a part
of the particular fund. These funds may later be appropriated for the specific designated purpose by a two-thirds
vote of an Annual or Special Town Meeting, for any lawful purpose.
ARTICLE 20 APPROPRIATE FROM DEBT SERVICE STABILIZATION FUND
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money from the Debt Service Stabilization Fund to offset the
FY2021 debt service of the bond dated February 1, 2003, issued for additions and renovations to the Lexington
High School, Clarke Middle School, and Diamond Middle School, as refunded with bonds dated December 8, 2011;
or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $124,057
DESCRIPTION: This article would allow the Town to pay a portion of the debt service on the 2003 School Bonds
from the Debt Service Stabilization Fund set up for that specific purpose.
12
ARTICLE 21 APPROPRIATE FOR PRIOR YEARS' UNPAID BILLS
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate money to pay any unpaid bills rendered to the Town for prior
years; to determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy,by transfer from available funds, or by any
combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article to request funds to pay bills after the close of the fiscal year in which the
goods were received or the services performed and for which no money was encumbered.
ARTICLE 22 AMEND FY2020 OPERATING,ENTERPRISE AND CPA BUDGETS
To see if the Town will vote to make supplementary appropriations, to be used in conjunction with money
appropriated under Articles 11, 12, 13, and 14 of the warrant for the 2019 Annual Town Meeting and Article 4 of
the warrant for the 2019 Special Town Meeting, to be used during the current fiscal year, or make any other
adjustments to the current fiscal year budgets and appropriations that may be necessary; to determine whether the
money shall be provided by transfer from available funds including Community Preservation Fund; or act in any
other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article to permit adjustments to current fiscal year(FY2020) appropriations.
ARTICLE 23 APPROPRIATE FOR AUTHORIZED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
To see if the Town will vote to make supplementary appropriations to be used in conjunction with money
appropriated in prior years for the installation or construction of water mains, sewers and sewerage systems, drains,
streets, buildings, recreational facilities or other capital improvements and equipment that have heretofore been
authorized; determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from the balances in other
articles, by transfer from available funds, including enterprise funds and the Community Preservation Fund, by
borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: Unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article to request funds to supplement existing appropriations for certain capital
projects in light of revised cost estimates that exceed such appropriations.
ARTICLE 24 REDUCE LEGAL EXPENSES
(Citizen Petition)
This citizen's proposal is to reduce the appropriation in the line item 8120 (legal expenses for the town) for fiscal
year 2021 from the $410,000 to $110,000 and increase the amount appropriated for town in line item 8200 (town
manager office and human resources)by$100,000. During FY 14-18 the town(exclusive of the school department)
has annually spent on average more than $620,000 in legal expenses. More than 80% of this legal work is of a
routine nature that could be done by in-house counsel.
(Inserted by Richard Neumeier and 9 or more registered voters)
DESCRIPTION: This article seeks Town Meeting approval to hire in-house counsel for legal services for the Town
for fiscal year 2021. This proposal would reduce the appropriation in line item 8120, legal expenses for the Town,
13
from $4101000 to $110,000 and increase the appropriation in line item 8200 of the Town Manager's budget by
$1001000.
GENERAL ARTICLES
ARTICLE 25 PURCHASE OF LAND/EMINENT DOMAIN
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to acquire by purchase, donation, eminent domain or
otherwise for municipal purposes all or a portion of a parcel of land identified as Map 48 and Lot 96 on the
Assessors' Map, and known as Eddison Way; and to appropriate a sum of money therefor and determine whether
the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, or by borrowing, or, any combination
of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board)
FUNDS REQUESTED: unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This article requests funds to purchase or take by eminent domain land currently owned by the
Historical Society.
ARTICLE 26 AMEND HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION ENABLING
LEGISLATION
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to petition the Massachusetts General Court for an act to
amend Chapter 447 of the Acts of 1956, "AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION
FOR THE TOWN OF LEXINGTON AND DEFINING ITS POWERS AND DUTIES, AND ESTABLISHING
HISTORIC DISTRICTS IN THE TOWN OF LEXINGTON", as previously amended, in substantially the below,
and further to authorize the Select Board to approve amendments to the bill before enactment to the General Court
that are within the scope of the general objectives of the petition, as follows:
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representative in General Court assembled, and by the
authority of the same as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 447 of the Acts of 1956, as previously amended, is hereby amended by replacing the words
"Arts and Crafts Society"with the words "Chamber of Commerce"wherever they appear, and by deleting the words
"and a secretary"in section 4 of said Act.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the Historic Districts Commission)
DESCRIPTION: Chapter 447, the governing legislation for Historic Districts regulation and review, has not been
substantially revised or amended since its original passage in 1956 and has not been revised or amended at all in
nearly two decades. The Historic Districts Commission is proposing this amendment to streamline and strengthen
the process of appointing members to the Historic Districts Commission, thus broadening the availability of
qualified, willing applicants to serve as Historic District Commission members, and delete the unnecessary
requirement that a secretary be elected as that role is fulfilled by a staff member.
ARTICLE 27 AMEND GENERAL BYLAWS-NOISE CONSTRUCTION LIMITS
To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter 80-4A of the Code of the Town of Lexington (Noise Control) to
further restrict noise pollution from construction projects or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the Noise Bylaw Committee)
DESCRIPTION: This article proposes revisions to the Noise Bylaw to better protect residents from noise pollution
from construction projects.
14
ARTICLE 28 AMEND GENERAL BYLAWS-NOISE CONTROL
(Citizen Petition)
To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter 80 of the Code of the Town of Lexington, Noise Control, to reduce
the impact of construction noise, by requiring a noise mitigation plan for construction impacting residentially zoned
areas as a condition for obtaining a building permit.
This article would require and enforce a noise mitigation plan as follows:
1. A noise mitigation plan will be required for construction projects which entail rock removal via heavy
machinery and/or blasting, including ledge removal,rock pounding,rock crushing,rock drilling or rock cutting;
2. Such a plan will only be required for large projects where these activities are expected to be of extended
duration;
3. Noise mitigation plans must include effective sound barriers surrounding the perimeter of the construction
site;
or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by Varda Haimo and 9 or more registered voters)
DESCRIPTION: This article proposes revisions to the Noise Bylaw to better protect residents from noise pollution
due to residential and other construction projects.
ARTICLE 29 DECLARE CLIMATE EMERGENCY(Citizen Petition)
To see if the Town will adopt a resolution endorsing the declaration of a climate emergency and requesting regional
collaboration for an immediate transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy and further to demonstrate our
commitment to making Lexington a more sustainable and resilient town.
(Inserted by Lily Manhua Yan and 9 or more registered voters)
DESCRIPTION: This article seeks Town Meeting approval to adopt a resolution endorsing the declaration of a
climate emergency and calls for regional collaboration to reverse global warming and to move towards a more
sustainable economy.
ARTICLE 30 LAND EXCHANGE
(Citizen Petition)
To see if the Town will vote to approve the exchange of a portion of the lot located at 344 Lowell Street with a
portion of the Town's adjoining land, see plan on file with the Town clerk, for the purpose of allowing the use of an
existing structure that currently encroaches in part on Town property, or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by Mohammed Abdul Jaleel and 9 or more registered voters)
DESCRIPTION: This article requests the Town to swap a parcel of Town-owned land for a private parcel of land
of equal size and value. The purpose of this land swap is to change the property lines to address a building on the
private property where half the building was built on the town property,before it was town property.
ARTICLE 31 AMEND GENERAL BYLAWS-DEMOLITION DELAY
(Citizen Petition)
To protect the David A. Tuttle historic home at 53 Hancock Street Lexington, MA 02420 from demolition and other
historically significant homes and edifices. No destruction of living history in Lexington, MA. No immediate
resale of a historical home within a 2 year period. Nullification of the sale if a buyer misrepresents their intentions
resulting in demolition of historic property.
(Inserted by Helen Wright and 9 or more registered voters)
15
DESCRIPTION: This article seeks Town Meeting approval to adopt a demolition delay ordinance that ensures
potentially historically significant homes and structures are not demolished without adequate notice to the public.
ARTICLE 32 EXTEND HANCOCK-CLARK HISTORIC DISTRICT (Citizen
Petition)
Extend the Hancock-Clark Historic District district to Adams St-down Adams to Porter Lane.
(Inserted by Helen Wright and 9 or more registered voters)
DESCRIPTION: This article seeks Town Meeting approval to extend the Hancock-Clark Historic District to
Adams Street, and Adams Street down to Porter Lane, in order to further preserve the historic character and
buildings in Lexington.
ARTICLE 33 AMEND GENERAL BYLAWS-RUNNING BAMBOO
CONTROL (Citizen Petition)
To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaw of the Town of Lexington by adding a chapter to control
the planting and presence of Running Bamboo plants-any monopodial (running)tropical or semi-tropical bamboo
grasses or bamboo species,or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by Michael Reamer and 9 or more registered voters)
DESCRIPTION: This purpose and intent of this bylaw is to preserve and protect private and Town owned property
and Town owned rights of way from the spread of Running Bamboo and to protect indigenous biodiversity
threatened by Running Bamboo. All Running Bamboo owners shall be required to confine Running Bamboo in a
manner that will prevent the Running Bamboo from encroachment onto any other private or Town owned right of
way. The proposed bylaw specifies requirements, enforcement and penalties.
ARTICLE 34 AUTHORIZE SPECIAL LEGISLATION-DEVELOPMENT SURCHARGE
FOR COMMUNITY HOUSING(Citizen Petition)
To see if the Town will vote to establish a surcharge on specific residential development activities for the purpose of
funding affordable and community housing construction, renovation, associated land acquisition or easements; and
further to authorize the Select Board to petition the Massachusetts General Court to enact legislation to enable this
surcharge in the Town of Lexington, and further to authorize the Select Board to approve amendments to said act
before its enactment by the General Court that are within the scope of the general objectives of the petition, or act in
any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by Matt Daggett and 9 or more registered voters)
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this article is to address the loss of moderate-income housing by developing a
targeted and measured surcharge on specific residential development activities, that will fund the creation of
community housing that will address identified housing gaps, such as housing attainable by Lexington municipal
employees.
ZONING ARTICLES
ARTICLE 35 AMEND ZONING BYLAW-DISTANCE FROM BASEMENT, SLAB OR CRAWL
SPACE AND GROUNDWATER
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaw to regulate the distance between groundwater elevations
and building basements, crawl space floors, or slab elevations; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the Planning Board)
16
DESCRIPTION: This zoning amendment is in response to residents' requests to address the impacts on their
property of displaced groundwater from abutting new construction being built in the water table. This will also help
prevent new illegal connections to the Town system from new construction in the water table.
ARTICLE 36 AMEND ZONING BYLAW-SHORT TERM RENTALS
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaw to regulate short term rentals; or act in any other manner in
relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the Planning Board)
DESCRIPTION: This article would amend the Zoning Bylaw to regulate short term rentals.
ARTICLE 37 AMEND ZONING BYLAW-SITE PLAN REVIEW
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaw of the Town of Lexington to amend applicability of,
exceptions to, and notice requirements for site plan review; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the Planning Board)
DESCRIPTION: This article would adjust the existing exceptions to site plan review to require review when
parking areas are significantly expanded, limit it for small changes to large buildings, and modernize notice
requirements.
ARTICLE 38 AMEND ZONING BYLAW-FINANCIAL SERVICES
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaw of the Town of Lexington regarding the regulation of
financial, drive-up, and auto-oriented services; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the Planning Board)
DESCRIPTION: This article would adapt a variety of financial services regulations to be consistent with current
industry practice and regulate drive-up and auto-oriented service uses consistently.
ARTICLE 39 AMEND ZONING BYLAW-SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaw to reduce restrictions on solar energy systems; or act in
any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the Planning Board)
DESCRIPTION: This article would encourage construction of solar energy systems by exempting these systems
from certain existing setback,height, site coverage, and roof coverage standards, and permitting them in all districts.
ARTICLE 40 AMEND ZONING BYLAW-WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaw to conform to changes in Federal law and regulations
regarding wireless communication facilities, including streamlining permitting processes and standards, adding
design guidelines; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the Planning Board)
DESCRIPTION: This article would update the Zoning Bylaw to reflect changes in federal law and regulations
regarding wireless communication facilities. These changes include streamlining permitting of wireless facilities on
private property to meet federal `shot clock' deadlines by not requiring special permits and expanding acceptable
justifications for adding new facilities.
17
ARTICLE 41 AMEND ZONING BYLAW-TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS
To see if the Town will vote amend the Zoning Bylaw to correct internal references, remove unreferenced
definitions, and reformat sections of the Bylaw to help clarify the intent of the Bylaw; or act in any other manner in
relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Select Board at the request of the Planning Board)
DESCRIPTION: These changes are clerical in nature and are not intended to change interpretation of the Zoning
bylaw in any substantive way.
ARTICLE 42 AMEND ZONING BYLAW AND ZONING MAP, 1040-1050 WALTHAM
STREET (Owner Petition)
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Map and Bylaw of the Town for the property commonly known
as 1050 Waltham Street, shown on Town of Lexington Assessors' Map 5 as Parcel 14 (the "Property") and detailed
in the metes and bounds description for the proposed PD-5 District included in the applicant's Preliminary Site
Development and Use Plan("PSDUP")on file with the Lexington Town Clerk and Planning Board,by changing the
zoning district designation of the Property from the current Commercial Local Office (CLO) District to a Planned
Development(PD)District, or to act in any other manner relative thereto.
(Inserted by BH GRP 1050 Waltham Owner LLC)
DESCRIPTION: This article requests rezoning and approval of a Preliminary Site Development and Use Plan
(PSDUP) for the 1050 Waltham Street property identified in the article, and would allow for the removal of the
existing buildings and the construction of a new building and parking garage. The general location of the property is
shown on a plan entitled: "PD-5 District, Waltham Street, Lexington, Massachusetts (Middlesex County prepared
by BSC Group dated December 16, 2019 and on file with the Lexington Town Clerk and Lexington Planning
Board.
ARTICLE 43 AMEND ZONING BYLAW AND MAP-HARTWELL AVENUE
AREA(Citizen Petition)
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaw and Zoning Map to alter and supplement dimensional and
other standards for the CM district to permit additional development; rezone lots not used for residential purposes
near Hartwell Avenue and southwest of Bedford Street into the CM or GC districts; or act in any other manner in
relation thereto.
(Inserted by Charles Hornig and 9 or more registered voters)
DESCRIPTION: The changes proposed under this article would allow additional desirable commercial
development along Hartwell Avenue and Bedford Street.
ARTICLE 44 AMEND THE ZONING BYLAW AND MAP-BEDFORD STREET
NEAR HARTWELL AVENUE (Citizen Petition)
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Map to rezone lots not used for residential purposes northeast of
Bedford Street near Hartwell Avenue into the CM and TMO-1 districts, or act in any other manner in relation
thereto.
(Inserted by Charles Hornig and 9 or more registered voters)
DESCRIPTION: This article would expand the CM (manufacturing) and TMO-1 (transportation management
overlay) districts by moving the #459 (National Guard Armory) and #475 (Boston Sports Club) Bedford Street
properties into the existing CM and TMO-1 districts to allow additional commercial development.
18
ARTICLE 45 AMEND ZONING BYLAW-FRONT YARD, TRANSITION,AND
SCREENING AREAS (Citizen Petition)
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaw to regulate front yard, transition, and screening areas along
streets consistently within each district, or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by Charles Hornig and 9 or more registered voters)
DESCRIPTION: The changes proposed under this article would allow consistent streetscapes within a zoning
district by requiring consistent front yard, transition, and screening areas along a street independent of the zoning
district of lots across the street.
ARTICLE 46 AMEND ZONING BYLAW-GROSS FLOOR AREA
(Citizen Petition)
To see if the Town will vote to jointly amend both Section 13 5-10.1 of the Zoning Bylaw, to revise the definition of
Gross Floor Area to remove the inclusion of basements, and Section 135-4.4.2, to reduce the maximum allowable
residential Gross Floor Area, or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by Matt Daggett and 9 or more registered voters)
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this article is to address issues identified during the implementation of the Gross
Floor Area (GFA) requirements adopted under Article 41 of the 2016 Annual Town Meeting and associated
definition changes adopted under Article 41 of the 2017 Annual Town Meeting. Specifically, the definition of GFA
must be revised to remove the inclusion of basement areas,and in conjunction, the maximum allowable residential
GFA table must be reduced accordingly.
And you are directed to serve this warrant seven days at least before the time of said meeting as provided in the
Bylaws of the Town.
Hereof fail not, and make due return on this warrant,with your doings thereon,to the Town Clerk, on or before the
time of said meeting.
Given under our hands at Lexington this 271h day of January 2020.
Douglas M. Lucente, Chair Select Board
Joseph N. Pato
Suzanne E. Barry of
Jill I. Hai
Mark D. Sandeen Lexington
A true copy,Attest:
Constable of Lexington
19
Town of Lexington
Motion
2020 Annual Town Meeting
ARTICLE 24 REDUCE LEGAL EXPENSES
MOTION: To reduce the amount of money spent on town legal expenses by having the routine legal
work done by in-house counsel by:
a) reducing the appropriation in line item 8120 from $410,000 to $110,000 and;
b) increasing the amount appropriated for the Town Manager Personal Services in line item 8220 by
$100,000.
(02/28/2020)
Town of Lexington
Motion
2020 Annual Town Meeting
ARTICLE 27 AMEND GENERAL BYLAWS-NOISE CONSTRUCTION LIMITS
MOTION: To amend Chapter 80-4(A)of the Code of the Town of Lexington(Noise Control)by deleting
it and replacing it with the following:
A. Construction/private service/maintenance power equipment.
(i). Contractors are permitted to operate tools or equipment used in Construction, including
drilling or demolition work, in a manner such that the sound creates a condition of noise
nuisance across a real property boundary, only on weekdays between the hours of 7:00 a.m.
and 5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Such operation
is not permitted on Sundays and holidays.
(ii) Residents are permitted to operate tools or equipment used in Construction, including
drilling or demolition work on their own property, in a manner such that the sound creates a
condition of noise nuisance across a real property boundary only on weekdays between the
hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays only between the
hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
(iii) In addition to the above restrictions, blasting and the use of powered equipment used in
the breaking of rock and pavement, including but not limited to hydraulic or pneumatic
hammers, by contractors and residents is permitted on weekdays only between the hours of
9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and is not permitted on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
(02/28/2020)
Town of Lexington
Motion
2020 Annual Town Meeting
ARTICLE 29 DECLARE CLIMATE EMERGENCY (Citizen Petition)
MOTION: That the Town adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, in April 2016 world leaders from 175 countries recognized the threat of climate change and
the urgent need to combat it by signing the Paris Agreement, agreeing to keep warming "well below 2°C
above pre-industrial levels" and to "pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C";
WHEREAS, the destruction already brought by a global warming of approximately 1°C, increased and
intensifying wildfires, floods, rising seas, droughts, and extreme weather highlights how the Earth is
already too hot for safety and justice;
WHEREAS, the industrialized countries have disproportionately contributed to the climate and ecological
crises and thus bear a responsibility to rapidly work toward a resolution of these existential threats;
WHEREAS, restoring a safe and stable climate requires a mobilization effort on a scale not seen since
World War II to reach zero greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors in order to rapidly and safely
decrease or remove all the excess carbon from the atmosphere, and to implement measures to protect all
people and species from the consequences of abrupt climate change;
WHEREAS, addressing climate change fairly requires a transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable
energy that is ecologically sustainable and equitable for all people, especially those most impacted by
climate change already and those who will be most impacted in the future;
WHEREAS, building a society that is resilient to the current, expected, and potential effects of climate
change will protect health, lives, ecosystems, and economies, and such resilience efforts will have the
greatest positive impact if the most dramatic potential consequences of climate change are taken into
account;
WHEREAS, the Town of Lexington has demonstrated a commitment to making Lexington a greener,
more sustainable and resilient Town by:
a. (2007) building the Samuel Hadley Public Service Builidng, the Town's first LEED silver certified
building, designed and built to specific environmental standards;
b. (2007) approving the Town of Lexington Energy Guidelines to establish common environmental
parameters for public buildings;
c. (20 10) creating the Sustainable Lexington Committee;
d. (20 10) adopting the state's optional `Stretch' Energy Code to call for improved building energy
efficiency;
e. (2010) becoming one of the first towns in Massachusetts to be designated a Green Community;
f. (2013) adopting a Climate Change Resolution to consider climate change in all appropriate
decisions;
g. (2016) signing the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy;
h. (2016) approving the Community Choice Aggregation program to move the Town's electricity to
100%renewable energy;
i. (2017)joining the U.S. Compact of Mayors;
j. (2018) adopting the Lexington Sustainable Action plan to provide a structured approach to
identify, prioritize, and implement Town sustainability initiatives;
k. (2018) installing 6 acres of solar panels at the Hartwell Ave. site;
1
Town of Lexington
Motion
2020 Annual Town Meeting
1. (2018) banning the usage of thin-film single-use plastic bags from all retail or grocery stores;
m. (2019) approving the hiring of a Sustainability Director to coordinate and implement the Town's
Sustainable Action Plan and advance sustainability objectives;
n. (2019) constructing the Town's first net zero energy school, Lexington Children's Place;
o. (2019) adopting an integrated building design & construction policy for all school and municipal
building to maximize sustainability objectives and onsite energy production; and
p. (2019) executing a power purchase agreement with a private contractor for low-cost, long-term
solar production;
q. (2019) banning the use of petroleum-based straws, stirrers, and expanded polystyrene single-use
food ware from all food establishments and public buildings.
WHEREAS, the Town of Lexington is currently undertaking ambitious capital projects that include
significant investment in green infrastructure and sustainable building design;
WHEREAS, the Town of Lexington acknowledges that residents of Lexington call for rapid reduction in
greenhouse emissions and greater investment in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and clean
transportation; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Lexington can act as a global leader by both converting to an ecologically,
socially, and economically regenerative economy as expediently as possible;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of Lexington declares that a climate emergency
threatens our town, region, state, nation, civilization, humanity and the natural world;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town of Lexington commits to a town-wide climate emergency
mobilization effort to combat global warming, which, with appropriate financial and regulatory assistance
from State and Federal authorities, ends town-wide greenhouse gas emissions as quickly as possible and
no later than 2035;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town of Lexington commits to educating our residents about the
climate emergency;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town of Lexington underscores the need for full community
participation, inclusion, and support, and recognizes that the residents of Lexington, community
organizations, academic institutions, faith, youth, labor, business and homeowners associations and
groups, as well as groups focused on environmental, food and economic issues will be integral to and in
the leadership of the mobilization effort;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town of Lexington joins a nation-wide call for a regional
collaborative effort focused on transforming our region and rapidly catalyzing a mobilization at all levels
of government to restore a safe climate; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town of Lexington calls on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
the United States of America, and peoples worldwide to initiate a mobilization effort to reverse global
warming by restoring near pre-industrial global average temperatures and greenhouse gas concentrations,
that immediately halts the development of all new fossil fuel infrastructure, phases out all fossil fuels and
the technologies which rely upon them, ends greenhouse gas emissions as quickly as possible, initiates an
effort to safely draw down carbon from the atmosphere.
(Revised 2/28/2020)
2
Town of Lexington
Motion
2020 Annual Town Meeting
ARTICLE 30 LAND EXCHANGE (Citizen Article)
MOTION 1:That the Town authorize the Select Board to lease, sell, convey, release, or otherwise dispose
of any interests in certain real property with improvements thereon shown as "Proposed Land
Given To MACC" on the plan prepared by Colin Smith Architecture, Inc. dated 1-20-2020 on
file with the Town Clerk, being a portion of property described in a taking by the Town of
Lexington dated January 16, 1961 recorded in Middlesex South Registry of Deeds, Book 9746
Page 499 (the "Parcel"); provided that such disposition be on such terms and conditions as the
Select Board deems appropriate, which may include the reservation of easements and
restrictions over, along or through the Parcel.
MOTION 2:That the Town authorize the Select Board to acquire by purchase, donation, eminent domain
or otherwise, certain real property shown as "Proposed Land To Be Given to Town" on the
plan prepared by Colin Smith Architecture, Inc. dated 1-20-2020 on file with the Town Clerk,
being a portion of property conveyed to the Lexington Peace Center LLC by deed date July 3,
2019 recorded with the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds in Book 72969, Page 456 on such
other terms and conditions as the Select Board may determine.
(02/28/2020)
. •
- p00000000
� poop
PERO
ct
u
pool
000i�
000in�
a000�.
b.Q
ct .
ct
4-4
� � �, • ct
ct ct
ct O "
Con
O O O O O O O O O O O O O O
Ir00000
O O O O O O O O O O O O
ct
C/5 IN
U 8 (= 0
ct 421
�—+ ct
v� •� O
ct N
ct ct ��
ct
N N
O Qa tea, c
ct
4-4 10
-cj ctct
ctN�0000000� N � •� � ct
Ov�+� 71b.A
ct Nct
ct CA
N
o
4-4
w °' '� `�' ° ct o are
-� sa., OCZ
tb
ct
.� ct Irt, bA ct O °
a
poop ooi �...
IIIIIQ
p1p1p1p1p1p1Iq 1111111111of
II PIIIIIIIIIII p1p1p1p1p1p1IQ
pmmpppppl� Pill 0
IIII �d Q I� IIIII EMI ulllll w». IIII
IIII
up). =111110 Up).
opol 11
CIO W) ps*
-4-0 0 "t 44
011111
pllllIlm���'Il�Ip IlIllmIlll^^dIIlllI,,Illl UwIlllmmIllllIlllI'"IlllIwwIullI.•I�;!l.Iu�I,llI IM�Q��ppf.. �p"ll l ll�ppl��IU"IlIUP��I)mmm�I IIW''IUI'IQDOIIII IQIIIIIIIIQIIIIIIIwI IIIIIIpW'QI'Qp"'' 1IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIDV IIIUW�%priIIlII IaIIlIlInI IQ IIu pIII IIIIIIIIIIII"II Q1011111111111Q 1
4oppo fmamplippo 1011111111111Q 1110
0 W. 4--pi Copp) 11
Ppppppppp1l� M I w CIO
IIIIIIII
;111111110 cj *11111111111110
Cap) *11111111111110
,, I $ppppp1p11I� 1=pppi 0 pwo up). pI "ot
pov,� 0 p111111110 111111111111111114 c"I
0111111111111111( 1 'o;0% 40111 1 1pz��po
II
0 41111111110 1011111111111111110 =1110 jlmmmp1Q
pppp:11111111111111111�,
,;�p N. Clip cop). 1111111111111111111110) IlllIIIIIQ
�IIII
IIIIIIIiIIIIIIIII
I°U
Cj pppi P1111I
Cd p",tz................. ..........
011111111111111Q ol,�
llllq
*.o
p1p1p1p1p1p1IQ
Ill I I w
VjIIIIIIIIII
+0110
DI II
M IQU
III
'IlI
imm) 4-�01 C F=
011111111111110 111111 maI'Il�*lIu^QIlM,lIIl��UlIIIIl
im cpppp�p, 0 0 �o
lI.
IlI
II
qQy
'o-
0111111110
=ppi, pppp
311111111111 1:111 1
W I 11111"pip :=ppppo
pppi pppppppA tX 11,11,111,10 po
+Rwip
11111110 0, lipippippippliq *W, PT jj� ;111111110 111ill
0 IRE* P11111111111111114 pi
101111 fool ;01). 111111111111111114
C: :ppptpo %`Zppo '+M1110 0
Jul �*Mll) Up). 1!!, WI). +pp",
Wt m 411111111111111Q - I��, M
PHHHHHH"It �Npo n N, 11119 ppip,
3111111111� 11111111Y11111111pq Cpppp2i 0 C�o W
w qIp1p1p1p1l�
mmlmmmiQ 4:011111111111of
lip
1111111111111110 ojPpppppI�
ppppop
ppiq
M
IIII
pppppip,
ma
lllll
Ppp1f1pppp�� ripp: "1111111111110
�DIIIIIIIIQ IIII llllllly llllllllll piIlllllUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIQ Ip1p1p1p1IQ
lIIIIIIIIIIIIQ
pppp spppp�p�!
;op- �:,pppp o 0111111111114
0,111111111111110 ;1111111111110 )IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
pip,
HHHHHO
aw- 101111M 1011111111110 11.0 W�
wn =11111I toIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Illllmq
10111111111111
n P111111111 Illlllllllu 1 ulllllllllllq
111111110
1j, Qj tv I 0I 1 0
41,
pp, 1111111110
4ma I Imcillio
HIM MH
Up).
poo, " W"
.........
.IIIIIIIIQ C)
.........
Hill
�0011 -p
P1111 E imp
0111111111111111pq IHHHHS f,
IIIQ
4EM) 000.
Ppppppppp1I� 01 "01,11,1 IIIIIIIII
1,10
"4mao
4=0 ppppplmQ
0 'rimumpl� W
w P111110,11,11,11".
%IIIIIIIII
jppl....r l�� .......... pll
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IHI *..) M
w M U W Ct :o Ill 0 -�4
�n '.1011111111111� ;ppplo 1111111= 11111110 $ 611111111111110
IIIIIIIIIII
:p= �0-4 1111111111C���,l [1,MHHHHO 611111111111114 jm1p1pp1p1p1I�
• 7MI11110
0_01pml
e implipppopq I11111111111111111pq pip
ppl r", 611111111111110
1111,111,11110 111111110 till PHI ippoppol( *1011111111110
U Pppp1p1ll� 0 #0 nopHHHHHH HHHHO
zq7� pIIIIIIIIIIQI III"
!110 11111111111111111110 1 Opppi pploIIIII�pZ��plq �pppj f =
Will
=ppp ppo
Vu„ r IIIIIIIIIIQ II
ppowWfY4 cp
1111111111110� ppppp:l� a 101111111111111111p
HHHHH(1 r�ppppppl� imm�
;1111111pq 1111111110
...........
$=1110 4A. P1111111111111VI d Up) UP)
pp:::::Iul ppq
Ammo �A eppp���111� mull" won
to -4mmo :1.1
= . T3
ropppop P1111111=111111110
0 RE04am 11ploppliq
WD Opppi ppo all
IIIOpI (Z I W I) im::ppppiI =pppo """'S,
+ . , 4*
IIIIIIIIIIIIIpmljjjlp" ClIIIIIIIIII
HHHO +Mlm� W 0
pn
"N" CH:
p11lCpppppo
HIM
IIIIIIIIII
IIII
I
I,pppII IIIIIIII r,,ppppp�, 0 w rip). �0_
), gIIIIIIIIII! 111111110
M f map'..... 11111114 p1p1p1p1p1p1I�
;,ppppipi '40 t*.o Cpo* ',�) pIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIQ
*M) 0 p1pp1p11l� ;ppppo i I ......... lulllllll
cn w "o. pmmm����u���^�lp�p�p��lppQ w 0 UIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIQ
ct .1111111111114 oppippil( ;ppplo 4.0
11110
x:11111p) 4_1111� HHHHHH101 T1111111111p +Sip fin 0 ppp1pp1I�
II n plo ipplEppplo W.), IN F* W!). 0 jimmopplIlllll � 101111
1111111111110 Ill,jllpp1p1I� IIIIQu op. Ro) uiI p1111111111111111pq
mu @IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII um WW'Ww"I'"I
O /vim mI 11111111111110 T1ppppp� cl f"11,111,10 f-0
�IlllllQpQ (Zd *.0 1 0 eIp
;1111111110 = '101111
�z
II VIIIIIIIIIIIQ WI IIIIIIIIQ
101,
CIpIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIQ
0 my Ppppppppp1I� WD 91P111111111111 11
_411111110 00011�
(W CA
on
cp:pppp�,
"op
(0)
q
C*NppoIIIIIIIIIIIII 111111111pal
Epppp�`plllllllll IIIIIIIIIIIIIII0
COD
fpppp��,
0 m 1.,� ,,
ppppo Qn uIIIIIIIIuI
11,Mpppp 111111i
C) 1111111,flppI!!I.!!pIQQ 0 �mpppppppp"
rA %pjjppppp1I� UPI I " ;11111110 all HHHHHHHH111
III
-;ON
C) copp�
tm �IN, -4 4�IMHIIII�
Wo 9Ip1p1p11lm� +Wlp, 0 U
M 0 jPpppppI� ejPpppppl� :p) f,-
cj w E Q01D Ill, 11111� "`Ippp1pp1I� 01 +.# fl
:11111110 0 11,111111111110 Cd c1l = cd f-d 1pp!!!!!!:, 0
pNjPHppppIQ qIp1p1p1p1IQ %P111111110 Qn. 't
4Dyy
Qn.
ojPpppppl�
111111111110 lip
IIIII
;1111111pq .............
-+-NoMI I
HHHHHl
fl*
. ......... ..
0 0 0 0 0
ct
M 4 -4-0
IIIIIII 0111111 01111111.
1 5mmo
0 ONO
-0100 w 5
Po
i�lw
0 POO o
�A 0111111=111114
Me*
MM
IIIIIIII II
601111111114
;1111110 J11111111111111114 IIIIII
fmtml 110
4-*VIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII 4-*
0 P1111111111111it 0 1r) 1r)
"o ew*
00 VIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
111111=1111110
+a#
uIIIIIIIQ
IIIIIIII
ow*
Pc 0-1 W)
VIIIIIII -It 4-o w 10 a
0111111111114 Zmo
1111111111111111114 0 O
0 0 = IIIIIIIII
IIIIII
C4
WIIIIIIIIIIIIII
0 <= C)..............
IIIIIIIIIIIII
Me*
m t!lll
cj w �: 00 00 00
0 011111�1 r1mliffo Pip 01111111111111111liq
4-a ,1,IIIIII 0 0 5 '--C '--C �c 00
1111111110 V) V) C*\
Qj cj [!!I
V)
4*
0poloIIIIIIIIIIIQ
401) IIIIIIIIIIIIII
11111115 UIIIIIIII
If ;1111mo ;IIIMO
r...o 0
%0111110 BE* 400 a POO
a P* w all
1 01111111 111111Q sloo
UIIIII
4*
42
..ro r..10
,5..-o 0
;*
pill= p
;IIJIM4 ;IIIIIIIq IIIIIIII II
IIIII
® ullllllll *4-j
cit
0111111111*1111114 ct C—
coo
-4--j 0
qz
1 5.0
Poo ci
4-4 ct
elm* T3 V Ct lz.�* cit
4NO
Qn w W= 1 0..
*4-j
UIIIIIII Pill= ct
4-4
ct
"Ell ct
Im
*-0UII 4-4
ct cit
rzi
00 ,5.0 4-0 u u
40 ct m 0 +-J w +.4 u Clio
-ONO 0"'
c� w 1 00
0 ct 1 40 4000
+M0IIP'.0 .o
IIIII
401) 'c� +-0
10 m m w 60111111114 1 5..lo
elm* 0111111=1111111 r,
c7:
IIIIIIII II
ct +-j 4-4
U CA
rz� r, r, w
u
qw
111IM111W �n. u 0
ct Q4 spI11111111110 W -+-j -+-j
CIO un Clio 'c�
4-0
............ ct
......... ct ct ct
r-ill U *-\ W ON U u ct
;-.4 rool P111:1011iffmo fn Tmm�
ct
4-, 4-4 P-0
a WO ct -Will Clio
-4-0
Como
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIUIIIIIIIIIIIIIII F!.!l 42 Z 42' i'l u
Nllllllllq
IIII
llllllllllp
pllllllllllllllllllp
Ilw
lu
p11111111111�1111
Imp
Imllllllo
IOW
pllllllllllllllllllp
IIIIIIIIIII
pllll
IIII
IIIIIIIIQ
IIIIIIIIIIIIIQ
wlllll
pllllllllllllllllllp
plllll
-OEM)
p11111111111�1111
I Cmm mo pllllllllllllllll
plllllllllp
ulllllllllpp
.IIUIIIIIIIUp II
7� 77
N � II � �
O
4-4
MCI N
4-4
N O � O � ° O O
ct
Qn Qn
ct ct
4-0
� � � � � p N p
N ° N � N � M O M cam, � c.�
Qo;
t4 *; a
A-0 -4--1 -4-0 -4-0
ct 0 ct M M
0
i
N
v N �
N
� W �
� o 0
0
0
a
w
7:1
bb
o �
ct 0 N
o
°
a, o apcn
� a
�Cc1d � O
N ,bJJ tbct
Eoq 7�
. ctcn
a o
'ct ct �, ct p � w
U �
U a cn
cn
ct
ct O ct �+, O O cn
ct U O N
O
ct cn ct ct
ct
ct
ct
U O O
W
0
i
A
N
v
N
� W �
W �
o N �
W �
0
0
a
W
ct
W
4-4
Q
o •� ® '4-4ct
Z
ct
cn
[� Q p 'O �i U •� 73 U U O
bi) Con
4-4 ct
ct
lboq
cn
ct
Q Q •�
ct
ct
ct
U
0
A
N
v
N
� W N
o N �
W
0
0
a
W
73
'ct
cn4-4
ct cncn
U
U
V' U U clt
c�
V) �4-4 w
U cj
ct
cn M
O N w p N Q U N O
cn cn
cn
ct M
cn
4O 4O 4O 4O U O v O cn O
�. � � O N O U ctM ct
ct
O O O O ct
O 'U
_ cn
ct U i bA lc�
W o m INC r o0
U
0
N
W O C—+ ►—� ►—� A� A� pq ►-4 ►4 w
ct
� W N
O w w N N N N N N N N
O
O
� bA
r+ O
N ct
Q N cncon
O O p U
O U 7� n •O N .� .� N
C
cn
cn
ct
ct
ct 4—A ct
ct ct ct
ct � OU OU U p ;� •� �'� N N
O U c� N N N O �-+ •r' ' U �,
• r--
In
ct
ct C'3 N
cn
•� ct ct U ct U p b�A b�A
c3 ct �••� ct V O •r, N N ^+ ,� N N N V O � O
'�, w r- U U V "� bA N N N
rA
ct
N N N N N N N N N M M M M M M M
[••I U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U •� U U
0
i
N
v N �
N
N
� W �
O W W N N N N N N N N
A N N N N N N N M
0
0
a
W
N � ct
• ct ti)
4-4
N •°� ct a�
ct cn 4-4
ct
4-4
Uct
ct
M
ct
cn ctc� 7�
4-4 cn
_ct Ct ct
ct
Ic
b.A bJJ b.A O •p �
. N ,4-4 .
N O
O O O O N N ^
N N N N N N � N N .N � •�
W
SELECT BOARD
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
40'
.. n
d
..........- ........
9
ZZ 'yd w4ur
q P
mh m t�i
APAIL,If
n
REPORT TO THE
2020 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
March 2020
Select Board:
Douglas M.Lucente,Chair,Jill I.Hai,Vice-Chair,
Joseph N.Pato,Suzanne E.Barry,Mark D.Sandeen
Kim Katzenback,Executive Clerk
Table of Contents
Message from the Select Board Page 1
Select Board Goals FY21-FY22 Page 2
Article 42 ATM 2018-Special Permit Residential Development(SPRD)
Referral to the Select Board Page 3
Hartwell Avenue Zoning Initiative Page 4
Fiscal Guideline Recommendations Page 5
Affordability for the Residents Page 6
Progress towards Sustainable Action Plan Page 7
Semiquincentennial Celebration of the Battle of Lexington Page 8
Municipal&School Building Projects Page 9
Message from the Select Board March 2020
The Select Board has prepared this written report to Annual Town Meeting 2020 under Article 2. This
report contains an update to Town Meeting on the status of several topics the Board felt would be of
interest to Town Meeting Members. These topics include: Select Board Goals for CY2020-CY2021, an Commented[KKi]:Has been referred to as a Fiscal Year(FY)
update on Article 42-Special Permit Residential Development zoning that was referred back to the Board in the past...did we change it to a calendar Year(CY)?also 1
thought they were 2 year goals
at Annual Town Meeting 2018,the current status of the Hartwell Avenue Zoning Initiative,the current
status of addressing Affordability for the Residents,an overview of the Fiscal Policies addressed this past
year, the current status of Municipal and School Building Projects, the upcoming Semiquincentennial
Celebration of the Battle of Lexington,and the progress toward Lexington's Sustainable Action Plan.
Should you have any questions or comments regarding this report,the Board encourages you to get in
touch with any member of the Board via email: SelectBoard@lexin tog nma.gov or by calling the Select
Board Office (781-698-4580) to schedule an in-person meeting. All five members of the Board hold
regularly scheduled office hours in the Select Board Office at Town Office Building (unless otherwise
noted)as follows:
• Doug Lucente,Chair:
Friday 9:00-10:00 am dlucente@lexin tog nma.gov
• Jill Hai,Vice-Chair:
Wednesday 2:00-3:00 pm jhai@lexin tog nma.gov
• Joe Pato:
Wednesday 10:00-11:00 am&Wednesday 2:00-3:00 pm at the Community Center
jpato@lexingtonma.gov
• Suzie Barry:
Thursday 4:00-5:00 pm sbarry@lexin tog nma. og_v
• Mark Sandeen:
Tuesday 3:00-4:00 pm msandeen@lexingtonma.gov
Respectfully submitted,
Lexington Select Board
Douglas M.Lucente,Chair
Jill I.Hai, Vice-Chair
Joseph N.Pato
Suzanne E.Barry
Mark D.Sandeen
1
Select Board Goals FY2021-FY2022
Each year following the Annual Town Meeting, the Select Board meets to discuss their goals for the
upcoming year and to establish and confirm the guiding principles as a means of informing staff and to
help guide the annual budget process. This past year the goal setting process was facilitated by a
professional strategic planning consultant, utilizing a two phase approach. During the first phase,
information gathering,facilitated meetings were held with individual Board members,Management Staff,
and leadership of the various Boards and Committees to gather input on the Towri s priorities,strengths,
weaknesses,opportunities,and challenges.As leaders of the Lexington community,participants had an
opportunity to answer the question: "What should the goals be for the Town of Lexington?" The
information gathered from these sessions were compiled into a report by the consultant and provided to
the Select Board for consideration.The second phase was an offsite goal setting retreat,during which the
Board held an open and constructive dialogue where we shared and generated new ideas which drove the
development of our "Strategic Objectives". The Board received a final report of our goals and
recommendations.
The Board identified two Top Priorities:
1)Thriving Local Economy.This will be accomplished by creating a more predictable framework
for the permitting processes,including a redesign of the business resource guide,creating a one-stop shop
for all pre-permitting review through the Design Review Team, and training for all
Development/Permitting Boards. Further, the Board seeks to engage in community conversations to
further define what attractive and vibrant would look like for Lexington,and to work with businesses and
property owners of all sizes to develop creative and integrated solutions.
2) Livability for All Ages and Stages. This will be accomplished through the development of
effective transportation solutions including identifying opportunities for regionalization, first/last mile
service,and improved bike lanes.Further,the Board will review residential zoning for ways to create new
housing opportunities and protect the diversity of our existing housing stock.
The Board identified four High Priorities:
1) Quality Infrastructure, Amenities, and Municipal Services. This goal seeks to ensure that
Committees are reflective of the residential makeup of the community.The Board will review the charges
for all Town committees, and will modify and update as appropriate to reflect Board priorities while
seeking to create expanded opportunities for resident participation.
2) Community Character. This goal seeks to create and communicate a plan for broadening
diversity,equity and inclusion for Town staff,as well as our committees.
3)Town-wide Fiscal Stewardship.This goal seeks to limit the rate of property tax increases,review
home rule petition opportunities to address the issue of tax deferrals,and to take action on development
of a means-tested and/or age-based residential exemption.
4)Develop a Capital Master Plan.This goal seeks to encompass all capital items(infrastructure,
buildings,etc.)and incorporates them with the School's Master Plan.
Lastly,the Board identified three Other Priorities:
1)Implement the sustainable action plan and getting to net zero emissions plan.
2)Prepare for the Semiquincentennial celebration(Lex250). Commented[KK2]:Question posed if the words"Patriots'Day"
3)Two-way communication tools between residents and town departments. or"Battle of Lexington"should be included before the word
celebration
For further details on each of the Select Board Goals, please visit our website at:
htt s: / .Iexin ton am ov/select® oar
2
Article 42 ATM 2018-Special Permit Residential Development(SPRD)
Referral to the Select Board
ATM 2018 referred Article 42, a citizen's article to revise the Special Permit Residential Development
(SPRD)Bylaw,back to the Select Board for further evaluation and work. The Board allocated funds Linits Commented[KK3]:In Wnat year
budget to cover the costs of a facilitator for the SPRD committee and a consultant to draft any bylaw or
regulation revisions.
The committee charge approved by the Select Board,as well as meeting minutes and presentations are
available at: https://www.lexin tog nma. og_v/special-permit-residential-development-zonin-bbylaw-
amendment-committee-ad-hoc
The appointed members of the Ad-Hoc SPRD Committee are:
• Jill Hai
• Richard Canale
• Scott Cooper
• Matt Daggett
• Heather Hartshorn
• Joyce Murphy
• Richard Perry
• Taylor Singh
• Betsey Weiss
The Committee held 14 meetings between December 2018 and October 2019.
These meetings were filmed by LexMedia and available for viewing OnDemand. The committee
examined the existing bylaw,projects produced since its inception,and reviewed the intent of the bylaw.
It also reviewed the Towns Housing Production Plan and its goals.Two public listening sessions were
held on April 23 and 25, 2019 as well as several sessions learning about existing and best practices in
Lexington and other communities. The committee also received presentations on inclusionary zoning and
affordable housing.Presenters to the Committee included:
Carol Kowalski,Asst.Town Manager,Development Victoria Buckley,Lexington Commission on Disabilit
Katy Lacy,Massachusetts Housing Partnership Jyotsna Kakullavarapu,Lexington Council on Aging
Gary Larsen,Landscape Architect Anthony Scerio, Lexington Assistant Director Youth
and Family Services
John Farrington,Attorney Hemali Shah, Lexington Assistant Director Senior
Services
Richard Waitt,Engineer Melinda Walker, Lexington Housing Partnership
Board
David Jay,Landscape Architect Alex Dohan,Lexington Conservation Commission
Jim Kelley,Lexington Building Commissioner Bob Creech,Planning Board member,participating as a
resident
Sheila Page,Lexington Assistant Planning Director Charles Hornig,Planning Board member,participating
as a resident
The Committee created a comprehensive statement covering the goals it believes the Town can aspire to
achieve with the SPRD bylaw. This statement forms the basis of the work to be done by the zoning
consultant who has been engaged to revise or replace the existing SPRD bylaw in order to create the
3
necessary incentives to increase production of the housing stock Lexington desires. The statement reflects
an increased focus on sustainability and accessibility
The statement reads as follows:
Lexington seeks to encourage greater diversity of housing opportunities to meet the needs of a diverse population
with respect to income,ability,accessibility needs,number of persons in a household and stage of life.Lexington seeks
to fulfill this goal while preserving its cultural and historical values and promoting growth that is sustainable and
sensitive to the natural environment.
Lexington is mindful of supporting development that preserves historically or architecturally significant buildings
and landscape. The Town recognizes that not all of these values can be applied to all sites but is committed to
evaluating each site as an opportunity to contribute to serving and promoting these values Town wide
The zoning consultant the Town has engaged is Ted Brovitz of Brovitz Community Planning and Design.
Mr. Brovitz had been engaged by the Town for the work on Hartwell Ave re-zoning initiative and is Commented[KK4]:?had been or is currently
therefore already familiar with the Town,the zoning code,the Planning Department and Planning Board
and the general community dynamics.The expectation is that proposals will be brought to a Fall Special Commented[KK5]:Are there any next steps by the committee
Town Meetln 2020. or what are they working on between now and possibly coming to a
g fall STM
Commented[KK6]:It was recommended to put this at the end
of the first paragraph in this section to tell the reader up front.
Hartwell Avenue Zoning Initiative
The Select Board continues to explore strategies with respect to economic development and zoning
initiatives in the north section of Hartwell Avenue.
In 2018 the Town hired an urban design team and a real estate analyst to help develop a conceptual vision
with planning strategies for the Hartwell North area. Members of the Select Board, Planning Board,
Economic Development Advisory Committee and the State Secretary of Housing and Economic
development met with area property owners to discuss opportunities for maximizing the development Commented[KK7]:when did they meet,list date
opportunities in this corridor.The results of these meetings as well as the reports from the engagements
reported above can been viewed on the Towns website https://www.lexin tog nma.gov/economic-
development/Tges/consultant-information
• Hartwell Zoning Initiative:Vision and Market Opportunities,March 8,2018
• 2018 Memorandum,Stantec Preliminary Transportation Impacts
• Hartwell Zoning Initiative:Urban Design&Market Context Presentation,December 18,2017
• Real Estate Analysis Scope of Work
• Architecture/Design Scope of Work
Following the receipt of these analyses,the Town hired Ted Brovitz of Brovitz Community Planning and
Design to work with staff and property owners to craft new zoning for Hartwell. Mr. Brovitz's
presentations to the Hartwell Ave property owners and stake holders on September 5,2019 and to the joint
Board of Selectme Planning Board and Economic Development Advisory Committee on October 24,2019 Commented[KK8]:Question posed if this should be Select
reflecting his proposals are also available at the above link. I Board
Traffic issues in the Hartwell Avenue area are one of the key concerns cited by residents and business
owners. The Town therefore requested 2019 Special Town Meeting funding to develop 25% design for a
major transportation improvement project to include minor improvements on Wood Street,four travel
lanes in most of the project corridor,a sidewalk or multi-modal path and bike lanes on both sides of the
roadways;raised center medians;safe pedestrian accommodations and crossings;and reconstruction of
major intersections:Bedford Street and Hartwell Avenue intersection as well the intersection of the on and
4
off ramps to I-95. This critical funding is necessary in order to stay on,and potentially advance in the Commented[KK9]:This needs to somehow reference the TIP
queue of the state's Long Range Transportation Plan.With continued growth at Hanscom Air Force Base project.also would be careful to State what the improvements may
be as there is no design yet
and Lincoln Labs,we will pursue options for financing any traffic improvements at both the State and
Federal level with a goal of funding construction through external resources.
Fiscal Guideline Recommendations
Financial summits were held with the Board of Selectmen, Capital Expenditures Committee,
Appropriation Committee and School Committee in May and October 2019 to review tax and budget
policies.These summits resulted in a set of draft financial guidelines setting forth overall principles and
goals for fiscal planning and management.These guidelines address both current activities and long-term
planning and are intended to be advisory in nature and serve as a point of reference for the Select Board,
Appropriation Committee, Capital Expenditures Committee and School Committee as well as
management staff.It is fully understood that Town Meeting retains the full right to appropriate funds and
incur debt at levels it deems appropriate,subject to statutory limits such as Proposition 21/2.
The principles outlined in these guidelines are designed to ensure the Town's sound financial condition
now and in the future.Sound Financial Condition may be defined as:
• Cash Solvency-the ability to pay bills in a timely fashion.
• Budgetary Solvency-the ability to balance the budget annually.
• Long-Term Solvency-the ability to pay future costs.
• Service Level Solvency-the ability to provide needed and desired services.
It is equally important that the Town maintain flexibility in its finances to ensure that the Town can react
and respond to changes in the economy and new service challenges without appreciable financial stress.
As much as possible,these guideline recommendations have been put into practice for the FY21 proposed
budget.
Guideline Recommendations
• Financial forecasting:Use a 5-year horizon so policy makers can determine priorities and assess
the community impact of decisions and to provide staff the ability to focus their priorities to fit into
a balanced budget.
• Free Cash:Phase in the elimination of free cash to supplement the operating revenues in a phased
manner-operating revenues should support operating expenditures and one-time sources such
as free cash should not be used for this purpose.
• Fiscal Reserves:The Government Finance Officers Association(GFOA)recommends a minimum
of 2 months(16.67%)of General Fund operating revenues as a reserve.The Town should strive to
maintain this as a minimum.When Free Cash and total Stabilization are accounted for,Lexington
exceeds the GFOA Best Practice recommendation.
• Capital Budgeting: In Lexington Capital Budgeting has two components. The first is
"programmatic capital"which includes those items that are budgeted every year on an ongoing
basis to replace and maintain existing capital.This should be budgeted with an inflationary index
based on the Boston Consumer Price Index (CPI). The second component consists of one-time
capital items that need to be considered on a prioritized basis,sorted so that the highest priorities
requests are funded annually within the recommended amount of 1.0%to 1.5%of the General Fund
Operating Budget per year.
• Pension Funding:The current funding schedule projects that the retirement system will be fully
funded in FY24.It is recommended to continue the funding schedule,including any adjustments
to ensure the retirement system reaches full funding in FY24.
5
• Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB):In 2014 the Select Board adopted a policy under the
former standards to fund OPEB liabilities at between 35%and 100%of the"Normal Cost".In 2015
the Governmental Accounting Standards Board(GASB)adopted new standards(#74K)that
replaced standards#43 and#45 and"Normal Cost"has been replaced with"Service Cost".The
Town should continue funding at the previous level(35% -100%)of the service cost(as opposed
to the normal cost)and by adding$50,000 per year to continue moving toward 100% in order to
meet the long-term OPEB liabilities and to ensure the Town's bond rating remains strong.Utilizing
the last actuarial study', the Town has set aside 8% of its total OPEB liability and the FY20
contribution was 42%of the service cost.
• Taxing to the levy limit:Lexington has had a practice of taxing to the full amount allowable under
the Proposition 21/2 levy limit.Knowing that there is a near-future large capital project for Lexington
High School,the recommended practice is to continue to tax to the levy limit and to increase the
amount being transferred into the Capital Stabilization Fund.It is recommended that this be part
of the Revenue Allocation Model and budgeted in a planned manner to grow the amount being
appropriated each year until the first year of debt service is due on the high school at which time
it is recommended the amount previously being appropriated to the Capital Stabilization Fund be
reduced to zero to offset the higher debt service level in the General Fund.
• Personal Property:Last year there was discussion regarding the impact of personal property new
growth,which gets amortized and spread out among the other classes of property (residential,
commercial and industrial)over a period of years and whether there was a method to address this
issue. Given the recommendation above related to taxing to the full amount allowable under
Proposition 21/2 and that the personal property new growth is included as part of the Proposition
21/2 calculation it is not recommended at this time to further address this issue.
• Within levy debt service:-The past practice has been to manage the growth of within levy debt
service to 5%over the previous year,which does not appear to be sustainable.It is recommended
that changes in practices that reduce the reliance on Free Cash for balancing the operating budget
and funding the OPEB liability will allow for greater use of Free Cash for smaller capital purchases
with shorter life spans that can be purchased as cash capital instead of issuing debt.GFOA's best
practices recommends a comprehensive debt management policy be adopted by the governing
body that includes statutory limits as well as local limits placed on debt.It is recommended that
during the next year a comprehensive policy be drafted based on the criteria recommended by
GFOA,other best practices and the needs of the Lexington community.
Affordability for the Residents
The Select Board has adopted a goal to limit the rate of property tax increase.To this end our aim is to:
1. Not have a Proposition 21/2 operating override.
2. Keep total average residential property tax increase spikes at or below 5%.
3. Provide tax relief programs to reduce the burden on seniors and other vulnerable populations.
4. Better communicate with residents about town finances and taxes.
Status:
1. Operating Overrides
No operating budget override has been requested since June 2007 for FY2008.
1 The Town conducts an actuarial study every two years.The most recent study used for this report was conducted in January of 2018 and
reported on the June 30,2017 actuarial value of Lexington's Post Retirement Benefits Plan.The study reporting on the June 30,2019
actuarial value is in process.
6
2. Residential property tax spike
The average single-family residential property tax increase for FY2020 is 3.8%.
3. Tax relief programs
The Board created the Ad Hoc Residential Exemption Policy Study Committee in January 2018 with the
task of making policy recommendations related to adopting the Residential Exemption as allowed by state
law.The Board expanded the charge to include making recommendations on other approaches to provide
tax relief programs for residents.
In May 2019 the Ad Hoc committee presented its recommendations to the Board:
https://www.lexin tog nma.gov/sites/lexingtonma/files/pages/2019_residential_exemption_report_v1.
O.pdf
Of the eight recommendations proposed,The Board acted on the following three:
Recommendation#1:The Board agreed to not adopt the Massachusetts Residential Exemption.
Recommendation#3:The Board has requested that the Public Information Officer increase awareness of
existing tax deferral programs.Information has been circulated in tax mailings,on the Town web site,and
in communications with seniors.
Recommendation#4:Two Warrant Articles of the 2020 Annual Town Meeting(ATM) aim to make the
existing tax deferral program more accessible and appealing to residents. 2020 ATM Warrant article 6
proposes to increase eligibility thresholds for the Lexington Property Tax Deferral Program as
recommended.2020 ATM Warrant article 7 proposes to request a home-rule petition to provide a one-year
delay in the interest rate increase paid by the estate after the death of the tax deferral applicant.
The Board will continue to review the remaining recommendations for potential action.
4. Better Communications
The Town Manager and Finance Department will develop easy to understand informational pieces during
2020 and will work with the Public Information Officer to communicate to residents through Town
Meeting,a community conversation,online,mail and/or LexMedia.
Progress towards Sustainable Action Plan
The Select Board adopted Lexington's Sustainable Action Plan and Getting to Net Zero Emissions Plan in
August of 2018.The Sustainable Action Plan defines a framework for prioritizing the Towri s sustainability
actions in ten sectors,Health,Safety, Buildings, Energy,Water,Transportation, Food,Toxics &Waste,
Environment,and Economy.
Lexington has made excellent progress on many of these sectors in the past year. In October 2019,The
Select Board and the School Committee both adopted the Integrated Design and Construction Policy to set
high performance standards for health,indoor air quality,elimination of toxic materials,energy efficiency,
all-electric heating systems, all while maximizing the amount of onsite solar energy generation and
lowering total cost of ownership.
Lexington Children's Place and Hastings School will be among the first net zero school buildings in the
state, producing more solar energy onsite than they use over the course of the year. Lexington's Fire
7
Station, Police Station, and Visitor Center have all been designed as high performance, all-electric Commented[KK10]:Police station is still being design,this
buildings with excellent indoor air quality.The Select Board and the School Committee have approved the Sentence Should be Worded differently
additional installation of solar canopies at 7 schools,which will bring our solar generation up to 65% of Commented[KKii]:When will they be installed?
the Towns electricity consumption. Do we need to be clear that LCP and Hastings also await the solar
rooftop/canopy project before they meet their net zero targets
The Town of Lexington's Community Choice aggregation program continues to provide 100%renewable Commented[KK12]:State in What year?
electricity to over 10,000 customers while lowering electricity bills over$3 million since the programs
inception.The Town of Lexington has also switched to 100%renewable electricity.
Lexington is also expanding the number of electric vehicle chargers in the center of town from 3 charging
spots to 13 charging spots thanks to funding from Eversource to cover all the infrastructure costs and a
grant from the state to cover the cost of the chargers. Commented[KK13]:Should this say most of the cost(think the
state program covered 80%not full cost)
Lexingtons curbside composting pickup program 's expanding rapidly, reducing both the Towri s Commented[KK14]:Should have a statement that this is fee
emissions and the cost of trash pickup. Lexington's highly successful school composting programs are based program,it is not provided by the Town or paid through the
tax levy
expanding,with the Board of Health's support,to include running a food rescue pilot program at Diamond
Middle School.
The Town developed a comprehensive Hazard Mitigation Plan based on extensive stakeholder Commented[KK15]:when?
participation from town staff,town committees,and local community organizations,as part of the state's
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness(MVP)program.MVP communities can qualify to receive up to$2
million in grants for projects that help communities adapt to vulnerabilities related to climate change.
Lexington also received a$135K Green Communities grant to weatherize and install LED lighting at five Commented[KK16]:weatherize what?Buildings?which
schools. -i ones?
Commented[KK17]:Indoor or outdoor lighting
Lexington is in the process of hiring a Sustainability Director to guide the Town in its implementation of Commented[KK18]:Perhaps talk about 2018 STM approving
the Sustainable Action Plan and the Getting to Net Zero Emissions Plan in the coming years. the funding for the position
2025:The 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington
In anticipation of the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington in year 2025,the Select Board recently
established the Semiquincentennial Commission(Lex250)as the official Town entity dedicated to helping
the Town of Lexington plan events.The Commission was charged with making recommendations and
coordinating the Town-wide activities and other historical events related to the founding of our Country
and to further the coordination of the Town's events with local,state,regional and federal events.As part
of its study and investigation,the Commission shall develop a comprehensive plan for celebrating and
promoting the 250tth Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington which will include:Identifying funding needs;
Identifying potential sources of funding including but not limited to: Commemorative Memorabilia,
Public/Private Partnerships,Gifts and Grants (private,State and/or Federal);Identifying opportunities
for individuals or organizations to participate in celebrations with a commitment to diversity,
inclusiveness, and opportunity at all levels and activities; Investigating opportunities for a possible
permanent memorial, Consider transportation-related issues; Consider marketing and communications
strategy;Determine what sub-committees or additional staffing requirements (event planning) may be
necessary and seek proper approval from the Select Board and update the Select Board at least quarterly.
Recruitment for membership on the Commission is currently underway with a deadline of XXXX for
submitting an application which can be found along with more information on the Select Board web page:
www.lexin tog nma.gov/select-board. In addition, there will be ample opportunities for interested
residents and groups to volunteer as part of Lex250 events,be sure to watch the Town Website,Town E-
Newsletter"Link to Lexington'and local papers for updates.
8
Municipal &School Buildings
Lexington Fire Department Headquarters Replacement:
Construction Start Date:November 2018
Estimated Project Completion Date: End of April 2020
Project Budget:$19,943,700
Funding:STM 12017-Article 2/STM 4 2017-Article 4/ATM 2018-Article 13
The Fire Department Headquarters building construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of April
2020. Interior wall board is being installed as construction activity transitions into the start of finish work.
Painting,ceiling and light installs,millwork and flooring work will begin and will be followed by system
&equipment start-ups and systems programming. The start of exterior work such as paving,sidewalks,
and landscaping will depend to some degree on how early spring ushers in. Once all punch list and
commissioning work is completed the Fire Department will schedule their move into the new Fire
Department Headquarters at 45 Bedford Street.
Visitors Center:
Start Date: May 2019
Estimated Project Completion Date:April 2020
(Landscaping to be completed June 2020)
Project Budget: $5,100,000
Funding: ATM 2017-Article 18/STM 2017 3-Article 8/ATM 2018-Article 22
The temporary Visitors Center was opened in the Cary Memorial Building in May of 2019. Demolition of
the old Visitors Center took place shortly thereafter. The new Visitors Center construction began in June
of 2019. The building construction has progressed steadily throughout the fall and winter with the interior
finishes expected to be completed soon. The building will be ready to be turned over to the Town and will Commented[KK19]:Suggested to change to°`is expected to"
be open to the public in April of 2020. The plantings and site work will be completed in early June 2020. Commented[KK20]:suggested to change to"are expected to"
Westview Cemetery Administration Building
Start Date: Design Development is complete and the Construction documents have started
Estimated Project Completion Date:Spring 2022
Project Budget: $281,000 for design and$3,300,000 for construction Commented[KK21]:check to make sure this figure matches
Funding:ATM 2017-Article 12o(design) what will be in the motion
The funding request for the Construction of the new Westview Cemetery Administration Building will
come to ATM 2020 under Article 16k.The project is currently in the construction document phase and the
design team expects to be ready for the building to go out to bid for a spring 2021 construction timeframe.
The building will be advertised in early January of 2021 with the expectation that the construction Commented[KK22]:Grammar suggestion:something other
company mobilizes shortly after winter is over. The project is expected to be completed by early 2022 if than the word building should be used,such as"the RFP process"or
"the"Bid Documents"
approved at the 2020 ATM.
Lexington Police Department: Commented[KK23]:suggestion was made to ad the word
Start Date:Schematic Design is underway "Headquarters"
Estimated Project Completion Date:tbd
Project Budget:Currently$1,862,622 has been appropriated thru Construction Documents
Funding:ATM 2018-Article 14
9
Conceptual design work continues with the New Police Station project. There have been numerous Commented[KK24]:suggestion was made to use the words
meetings focused on confirming the New Police station's location. Recently, the Select Board have "Department Headquarters"
requested a number of conceptual designs to better understand the program at 173 Bedford Street and an
all new construction option at the existing site at 1575 Massachusetts Avenue. At this time it is anticipated Commented[KK25]:There was comment that this section be
this will come to a Fall 2020 STM for construction funding that would then be followed with a Town-Wide deleted
Debt Exclusion vote.
Hosmer House:
Appropriation:$50,000
Funding:STM12018-Article 5
Article 5 of the 2018 Special Town Meeting appropriated$50,000 for the study regarding relocation or
renovation of the Hammond A. Hosmer house, located at 1557 Massachusetts Ave. A committee was
formed with representatives of the Select Board,Permanent Buildings Committee,Historical Commission,
Historic Districts Commission,Public Facilities Department and the Architectural firm LDa. This group
held public input sessions along with several meetings to evaluate the data gathered.A report from the
architectural firm LDA was completed which outlined the feedback received and proposed
recommendations on the best use moving forward of both the Hosmer House and the surrounding
greenspace.� Commented[KK26]:Question posed:shouldn't the
recommendations be summarized here
Pine Meadows Club House
Construction Start Date: Design Development is anticipated to begin in summer 2020,pending funding
approval at ATM 2020.
Estimated Project Completion Date: Design Development is tentatively scheduled to take place from
summer 2020-Winter 2021
Project Budget: $100,000(design&engineering)and$950,000(construction-tentative)
Funding: ATM 2020-Article 11(design&engineering)
Funding for the renovation of the clubhouse will come to ATM 2021.
Old Reservoir Bath House
Construction Start Date: June 2020
Estimated Project Completion Date: September 2020
Project Budget: $75,000(design&engineering)and$620,000(construction)
Funding: ATM 2018-Article 10i(design&engineering)and ATM 2019-Article 14g
(Construction)
Design Development is nearing completion and construction is tentatively scheduled to take place from
June-September 2020. Commented[KK27]:Comment made to indicate when people
will be able to use the facility
Center Fields Bathrooms
Construction Start Date: Design Development is anticipated to begin in summer 2020,pending funding
approval at ATM 2020.
Estimated Project Completion Date: Design Development is tentatively scheduled to take place from
Summer 2020-Winter 2021
Project Budget: $100,000(design&engineering)and$750,000(construction-tentative)
Funding:ATM 2020-Article 16b(design&engineering)
10
Funding for the renovation of the building will come to ATM 2021.
Maria Hastings Elementary School:
Construction Start Date:May 2018
Estimated Project Completion Date:October 2020(Student relocation to new school-February 2020)
Project Budget:$65,279,418
Funding:STM 12016-Article 3/ATM 2017-Article 17/STM-3 2017-Article 2
Work has continued steadily on the building and during February 2020 school vacation week staff and
student belongings were successfully moved to the new school building as it is prepared for its first day
of school on February 24,2020. Along with the new school building a new playground will be available
for student use,weather permitting. The new school is an all-electric design and includes a geo-thermal
heating system.The former Hastings School building will subsequently be abated,demolished and sorted Commented[KK28]:
for recycling of materials. Construction will then continue on the new parking lot,access drive and playing suggestion was made to delete the word"abated".
fields that will occupy the remainder of the school property. It is anticipated the work will be complete in A note was submitted that the demoltion has begun and should be
October of 2020. completed by the time Town Meeting happens
The Scope and Budget agreement with the MSBA defines approx.$16,500,000 in reimbursement from the
MSBA to Lexington on this project. Additional energy incentives with the utility companies are also being
pursued.
Lexington Children's Place:
Construction Start Date:May 2018
New Building Complete:October 2019(Building Occupancy 8/15/19)
Project Budget:$15,079,342
Funding:STM 12017-Article 4/STM 2 2017-Article 3/ATM 2018-Article 12
Construction started on the new building in September of 2018 and the project was substantially complete
and ready for students on the first day of school in late August of 2019. Punch list and commissioning
work has continued over the winter and remaining landscaping and paving work that could not be
competed in the fall will be completed in the spring of 2020.
Lexington High School
The Superintendent,with support of the School Committee and Select Board,submitted a Statement of
Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) on March 17, 2019, requesting state
support for a high school building project. The 51-page application addressed six of eight possible
priorities. Commented[KK29]:Comment was submitted to delete this
sentence
The response from the MSBA in December of 2019 was that while Lexington's case for a new high school
was compelling,unfortunately there were other communities with more significant needs and we were Commented[KK30]:Comment was submitted to delete this
not invited into the process this year. The MSBA encouraged the Town to reapply in 2020. sentence
If Lexington were to be invited into the school building pipeline,a one-year feasibility period would begin,
during which time issues of scope,siting,and cost would be explored in partnership with the MSBA.If
Lexington is not invited into the pipeline in 2020,we will likely reapply in 2021 and every year thereafter
until our application is accepted.In the meantime,the School Department is working to create a phased
plan to accommodate students until a new or renovated building is available. Commented[KK31]:Comment submitted by member:seems
like this is a paragraph should come from the School Committee,
feels uncomfortable it is making a statement on behalf of the School
Committee and Superintendent. Is this necessary information to
provide to Town Meeting at this writing.
11