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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-06-03-PB-min PLANNING BOARD MINUTES MEETING OF JUNE 3, 2020 Minutes of the Lexington Planning Board Held on June 3, 2020, Virtual Meeting per Governor Baker’s Order at 6:00pm Present: Robert Creech, Chair; Charles Hornig, Vice-Chair; Robert Peters, Clerk; and Richard Canale. Also, present was Amanda Loomis, Planning Director Robert Creech, Chair, read the agenda into the record, introduced members of the Planning Board and Planning Department Staff, and called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Mr. Creech read the following statement relative to the recent outbreak of COVID-19. Good evening. This meeting of the Lexington Planning Board is being conducted remotely consistent with Governor Baker’s Executive Order of March 12, 2020, due to the current State of Emergency in the Commonwealth due to the outbreak of COVID-19. In order to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19, we have been advised and directed by the Commonwealth to suspend public gatherings, and as such, the Governor’s Order suspends the requirement of the Open Meeting Law to have all meetings in a publicly accessible physical location. Further, all members of public bodies are allowed and encouraged to participate remotely. The Order, which you can find posted with agenda materials for this meeting allows public bodies to meet entirely remotely so long as reasonable public access is afforded so that the public can follow along with the deliberations of the meeting. Ensuring public access does not ensure public participation unless such participation is required by law. This meeting will feature public comment. For this meeting, the Lexington Planning Board is convening by video conference via Zoom as posted on the Town’s Website identifying how the public may join. Please note that this meeting is being recorded, and that some attendees are participating by video conference. Accordingly, please be aware that other folks may be able to see you, and take care not to “screen share” your computer. Anything that you broadcast may be captured by the recording. 1. Review Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles Bob Creech, Chair, provided a brief review of the Town Meeting Warrant Articles that the Planning Board would be reviewing tonight. Mr. Creech provided an update regarding a request from the Town Meeting Moderator regarding the Planning Board’s position on the Town Meeting Consent Agenda. Article 10M (LexHab – 116 Vine Street Design Funds) The Planning Board briefly discussed their position that was made on several items on Article 10M. Mr. Creech questioned if the Planning Board wanted to change their position on Article 10M. Charles Hornig stated that the Planning Board previously took a position of support on this article. Mr. Canale stated that the Planning Board should be clear that they support the article and was happy with his previous vote. Robert Peters provided clarification regarding the creation of new affordable housing with the limited number of funds available, in addition to the relocation of the structure. Mr. Creech stated that he would like to change his position on Article 10M. Page 2 Minutes for the Meeting of June 3, 2020 Robert Creech moved that the Planning Board voted to reconsider its previous vote on Article 10M regarding $25,000 to study the relocation of the Hosmer House to Vine Street. A second was not made. Motion Failed. Article 19B-C (Appropriated from the Affordable Housing Capital Stabilization Fund) Bob Creech, Chair provided a brief review of a proposed amendment by a Town Meeting member to Article 19C. Charles Hornig stated that the amendment was to Article 19B (Appropriated to the Affordable Housing Capital Stabilization Fund). Mr. Hornig provided a brief clarification of the differences between Article 19B and 19C. Mr. Creech requested input from members of the Planning Board. The following comments were made.  Richard Canale stated that the Planning Board would want to take a position on Article 19C. Mr. Canale questioned if there was enough funds in the account for Article 19C. The Planning Board discussed both the Article 19B and 19C. Mr. Creech provided his stance on the Article. Mr. Creech questions if there was clarification on what the funds would be used for. Robert Peters provided information regarding the creation of affordable unit and also fund renovations. Mr. Canale stated that he would like to vote for the amendment. Richard Canale moved that the Planning Board vote to support the proposed amendment, Article 19B, and Article 19C. Robert Peters seconded the motion. Mr. Hornig provided a statement of potential confusion created by the proposed motion. Mr. Canale provided clarification after a brief discussion regarding the proposed articles. Mr. Peters provided background regarding the creation of affordable units. Mr. Hornig and Mr. Canale provided motions for the Planning Board’s position on the articles. Members of the Planning Board were divided on the support for the article therefore, decided to take no position. 2. Upcoming Meetings and Anticipated Schedule Mr. Canale wanted clarification regarding the meeting telephone line. Mr. Peters provided clarifications of the operations or the meeting line. 3. Board Member and Staff Updates Mr. Creech provided a brief review of the Planning Board’s position on the consent agenda for Town Meeting. Adjournment Richard Canale moved that the Planning Board vote to adjourn. Robert Peters seconded the motion. The Planning Board voted in favor of the motion 4-0-0 (Roll Call: Richard Canale – yes; Robert Peters – yes; Charles Hornig – yes; and Robert Creech – yes). MOTION PASSED Meeting adjourned at 6:32p.m. Robert Peters, Clerk of the Planning Board