HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-09-09 BOS-min
September 9, 2019
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Selectmen’s Meeting
September 9, 2019
A meeting of the Lexington Board of Selectmen was called to order at 6:30 p.m. on Monday,
September 9, 2019 in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Town Office Building. Mr. Lucente, Chair;
Mr. Pato; Ms. Barry; Ms. Hai; and Mr. Sandeen were present, as well as Mr. Malloy, Town
Manager; Ms. Axtell, Assistant Town Manager; and Ms. Katzenback, Executive Clerk.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dan Morris, staff representative for AFSCME Chapter Local 93, expressed concern regarding the
comparable communities’ compensation analysis performed by the Town for the DPW Union
negotiations. He requests that the Board receive a full copy of the analysis.
SELECTMAN CONCERNS AND LIAISON REPORTS
Ms. Hai reported that there are several open vacancies on the Lexington Council for the Arts, as
well as one on the Lexington Human Rights Committee. She encouraged residents to visit the
Town website and apply for the open spots. She also mentioned that citizens interested in the arts
should visit the Town website for a resident artist grant opportunity through the Lexington Council
for the Arts that is open until October 5, 2019.
Ms. Hai reported that there was a meeting last week between Hartwell Avenue business owners
and the Town’s Hartwell Avenue consultant to discuss potential economic development
opportunities. She stated that the Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, as well as an
Assistant Secretary, were in attendance. She said that there was really positive feedback from the
State in regards to the collaboration amongst stakeholders and the progress thus far. Ms. Hai also
attended a MAGIC meeting that same evening to discuss transportation issues and the correlation
to development. She stated that the discussion of such issues allows for the Town to prepare for
future increases in traffic.
Mr. Pato attended, and spoke at, the opening of the More Than My Religion art exhibition at the
Cary Memorial Library. He stated that the exhibit showcases the expression of local Muslim
artists. The exhibit will be open for five or six weeks.
Mr. Lucente shared that the Town is hosting a blood drive at the Lexington Community Center on
September 19, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Lucente reiterated that the Town is no longer in civil service, so there are currently eight open
positions for entry level police officers at the Lexington Police Department. The deadline to apply
for the positions is October 16, 2019, and applicants can start the process on the Lexington Police
Department website.
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Mr. Lucente also stated that he, Mr. Pato, and Mr. Sandeen attended a meeting held by a potential
developer for 840 Emerson Gardens Road. The purpose of the meeting was for the developer to
hear comments and concerns from the citizens and abutting neighbors on the rough concept of a
friendly 40B development in the area. The developer has yet to share their decision as to whether
or not they will continue with their plan for friendly 40B housing at that location.
Mr. Lucente stated that the opening night of Citizens’ Academy had taken place the previous week.
He had mentioned that Kat Labrecque, Management Fellow, led 30 citizens in the kickoff of a 12-
week session that will educate them on the inner workings of the Town of Lexington. He reminded
the Board that the “hot topics” session, in which they will be featured, will be held on the evening
of October 10, 2019.
Mr. Lucente concluded with thanking Ms. Hai and Tony Galaitsis for their tireless efforts in
organizing the upcoming trip to Lexington’s Sister City: Antony, France. He is looking forward to
the festivities and cultural experiences of the trip.
Ms. Barry stated that on September 10, 2019 at 4:45 p.m., the Lexington Housing Assistance Board
(LexHAB) will be holding an informational meeting for all Town employees (municipal and
school) to discuss the Employee Housing Program and the process for obtaining an affordable
housing option in Lexington. She said that the Board of Selectmen fully supports this program.
Ms. Barry mentioned that the Lexington Youth Commission will be holding a fundraising car wash
on September 14, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Belmont Car Wash. Also, the Lexington
Council on Aging will be holding a meet-and-greet on October 2, 2019 at the Lexington
Community Center, so that members of the community can meet the Board.
Ms. Barry stated that last week, she, Mr. Lucente, and Mr. Malloy met with representatives from
the Lexington Housing Assistance Board (LexHAB) and the Community Preservation Committee
(CPC) to discuss advancing the Leary Project on Vine Street. She stated that there could potentially
be a request coming through the CPC at the spring Annual Town Meeting for this project.
Ms. Barry concluded with congratulating fifth-generation Lexingtonian and professional baseball
player, Christopher James Shaw, on being called up to the Major League for the second year in a
row. She stated that Mr. Shaw was called up to the San Francisco Giants and will be playing at
Fenway Park on September 17, 2019 through September 19, 2019. Ms. Barry stated that the Board
is being asked to sign a proclamation in his honor later on in the evening, and will be naming
September 18, 2019 as “Chris Shaw Day” in Lexington.
Mr. Sandeen stated that on August 26, 2019, he attended the Lexington Schools Opening Day with
Mr. Lucente and Ms. Hai. He also mentioned that he attended two events, on August 29, 2019 and
September 5, 2019, that were focused on how to improve commercial space on Hartwell Avenue.
He stated that he was appreciative of the Town staff’s efforts in coordinating these events, as well
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as the feedback from the developers. Also, he recently attended an event in the Hanscom Air Force
Base area, where they announced that they are making their Hanscom golf course available to the
public.
Mr. Sandeen concluded by acknowledging King Street Properties for raising a beam for the
property at 75 Hayden Avenue this morning, which will become a 220,000 square foot life sciences
building with labs.
Ms. Hai wanted to clarify a previous statement in regards to the deadline for Cultural Council grant
application submissions. The Massachusetts Cultural Council will be accepting grant applications
from September 1, 2019 through October 15, 2019. The applications are available at
mcc.smartsimple.com and applications displaying certain creativity and diversity will be eligible
for additional funding through the Lexington Council for the Arts.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Mr. Malloy stated that there will be two meetings arranged by the Metropolitan Area Planning
Council (MAPC) to discuss the regional solutions for addressing gas leaks in National Grid’s
service territory. The first meeting will take place on September 18, 2019 and will be an organizing
meeting that will include Town officials. The second meeting will take place on October 15, 2019
and will include National Grid officials.
Mr. Malloy announced that the bike lanes on Massachusetts Avenue in East Lexington will
probably be removed this week, as the Minuteman Bikeway has been restored to an improved
condition. He had mentioned that at the next Board of Selectmen meeting, the Engineering
Department will provide a report on all of the comments that they had received in regards to the
temporary bike lanes, as well as some optional design standards to establish better bikeways in
that particular area of Massachusetts Avenue.
Mr. Malloy mentioned that the Board of Assessors meets every year with a consultant, and this
year’s meeting will take place on September 7, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. He has invited Ms. Hai and Mr.
Sandeen to sit in on the meeting for observation.
Mr. Malloy stated that on October 21, 2019, he and Ms. Axtell will be attending the International
City/County Management Association (ICMA) Conference. Carolyn Kosnoff, Assistant Town
Manager for Finance, will be acting Town Manager in their absence.
Mr. Malloy stated that there is a “Household Hazardous Waste Day” taking place on September
15, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and a community paper shredding event on September 27,
th
2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Hartwell site. Lastly, he said that there will be a 40
Anniversary event for Lexpress on September 21, 2019.
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Mr. Malloy concluded with an announcement in regard to an updated diagram for the National
Grid station near Fletcher Park. He recommended that the Board hold off on deciding where the
actual station will be located until they determine the future locations of the Hosmer House and
Lexington Police Station.
ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
1. Center Track Update
Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation & Community Programs, and Meg Buczynski, a
representative from the design consulting firm, Activitas Inc., provided an update on the Center
Track project.
Ms. Buczynski informed the Board that the drainage is being established on the field, as well as
the caging for the lights, which are due to be installed this week. The track base paving is on
schedule to start in the upcoming weeks. The substantial completion is anticipated for November
8, 2019 with a final completion in the spring of 2020.
Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street, inquired if the track would be usable during the start of the
outdoor track season. She also inquired about the status of the Worthen Road throwing area.
Ms. Battite confirmed that the plan was for the track to be usable in April of 2020 with the
completion being fully dependent on the weather. She also stated that the Recreation Committee
has not yet reviewed the proposed additional items that the community would like to see within
the project, including the throwing area.
Ms. McKenna asked about two layout changes to tracks being built after 2019, which were
approved in June by the National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS), and whether
or not they were being incorporated into the current track.
Ms. Battite stated that the two layouts changes were being incorporated into the current track being
built and it was confirmed with the Athletic Director yesterday.
2. Application: One-Day Liquor License - Lexington Education Foundation Inaugural Golf
Classic at Pine Meadows Golf Club, 255 Cedar Street
Mr. Lucente explained that at the August 19, 2019 Board of Selectmen meeting, the Board
reviewed and discussed the request from the Lexington Education Foundation (LEF) for a one-day
liquor license to serve beer, wine, and breakfast spirits for the purpose of their LEF Inaugural Golf
Classic event to be held at Pine Meadows Golf Club, 255 Cedar Street, on Friday, September 27,
2019. At that meeting, the Board had asked for additional information regarding the allowance of
donated alcohol for one-day liquor licenses prior to making their decision. Subsequently, the
Board of Selectmen’s Office contacted Ralph Sacramone, Alcoholic Beverages Control
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Commission (ABCC) Executive Director, who stated that a non-profit organization can receive
donated alcohol for a Section 14 Special One-Day Liquor License.
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve a one-day
liquor license for the Lexington Education Foundation to serve breakfast spirits from 8:00 a.m. to
8:45 a.m., beer, wine, and breakfast spirits from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., and beer and wine from
2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at their LEF Inaugural Golf Classic event to be held at Pine Meadows Golf
Club, 255 Cedar Street, on Friday, September 27, 2019.
3. Battle Green Use Request - Promotion Ceremony for Lieutenant Trey LaSane, USAF
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen vote 5-0 to approve the Battle
Green Use request for a promotion ceremony to be conducted for Lieutenant Trey LaSane on the
Battle Green on Thursday, September 12, 2019, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
4. Battle Green Use Request - Location Update for Student Climate Strike
Mr. Lucente explained that the Battle Green Use request for the Lexington Climate Strike was
withdrawn, as the proponents have changed the location to now be held at the Lexington High
School football field, and therefore, no vote was required from the Board.
Michelle Tom, Lexington High School student, spoke about the Lexington Student Climate Strike
to be held on September 20, 2019.
Rick Reibstein, Sustainable Lexington Committee, read a statement from the Sustainable
Lexington Committee in support of the Lexington Student Climate Strike.
Edward Ganshirt, 48 Fletcher Avenue, encouraged the students to pursue their efforts and to
possibly boycott using their vehicles to get to school on the day of the strike.
Alessandro Alessandrini, 32 Slocum Road, thanked the students for their efforts.
5. Application: Common Victualler License - Chef Louie's Inc. d/b/a The Hangar, 103 Hartwell
Avenue
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve the
Common Victualler License for Chef Louie's Inc. d/b/a The Hangar, 103 Hartwell Avenue for the
hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
6. Grant of Location for Verizon Pole: Lincoln Street - Continued Hearing
Mr. Lucente opened the hearing at 7:16 p.m. He stated that this hearing was a continuation from
the August 5, 2019 Board of Selectmen's meeting, where the Board was allowing for a site review
to be performed by Verizon, Eversource, Town Engineering and abutter, Temple Isaiah. The
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hearing was regarding new pole P.55/16A, which was originally proposed to be located 42'
westerly from current location of existing pole P.55/16 on the northerly side of Lincoln Street.
Steve Bigley, a contractor working for utility consultants representing the interests of Verizon New
England, Inc., confirmed that Verizon, Eversource, Town Engineering and abutter, Temple Isaiah
met onsite to review the pole location in regards to the site line concerns expressed by Temple
Isaiah. It was determined that Verizon would change the placement JO pole, P.55/16A, on the
northerly side of Lincoln Street to now be 35’ westerly (versus the previously proposed 45’) from
the current location of existing pole, P.55/16, located on the northerly side of Lincoln Street.
The Board expressed concern that the plan submitted for tonight’s meeting was not updated
accurately to reflect the new proposed 35’distance for the pole location. The Board also expressed
concern that Verizon has yet to receive a confirmation from the developer on acceptance for the
10’ difference in distance on the plan. In addition, the abutter Temple Isaiah, also has not formally
agreed on the new location. The Board requested the hearing be continued to the September 23,
2019 Board of Selectmen meeting for Verizon to address these concerns.
7. Grant of Location for Verizon Pole: Sedge Road
Mr. Lucente opened the hearing at 7:32 p.m.
Steve Bigley, a contractor working for utility consultants representing the interests of Verizon New
England, Inc., stated that Verizon New England Inc. and NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a
Eversource Energy request permission to locate poles, wires, cables and fixtures (including the
necessary anchors), guys and other such sustaining and protecting fixtures, to be owned and used
in common by the petitioners, along and across the public way.
Mr. Sandeen stated he would like to see the hanging wires on Sedge Road be removed and the
guy-wires on Pole #4 at 7 Brent Road be reattached.
Mr. Pato stated that he would like a policy put in place at a future meeting that would establish
guidelines and procedures for the approval of new poles.
Upon hearing no further comment, Mr. Lucente closed the hearing at 7:48 p.m.
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve the
placement of one (1) new JO pole, 379/P.l-1 on northerly side of Sedge Road approximately 31'
northerly from existing southerly side pole 379/P.l. with the pole contingent upon hanging wires
belonging to Verizon in the T-zone being removed and Verizon identifying the owners of the
wires, if not their own, and contingent upon guy-wires being repaired on Brent Road as identified.
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8. Joint Meeting Board of Selectmen and Historic Districts Commission
At 7:55 p.m., the Joint Meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the Historic Districts Commission
(HDC) was called to order by both boards to discuss the future of, and the possible relocation of,
the Hosmer House.
Present for the Historic Districts Commission were: Anne Eccles, Chair; Ed Adelman; Mark
Connor; Susan Bennett; Robert Adams; and Lee Noel Chase.
Mike Waters, LDa Architecture, reviewed the results of a study on the Hosmer House and its
possible relocation. While the structure could be adapted to a community space in its current
location, and offer amenities not otherwise available at the field such as storage and bathroom
facilities, the study results showed the highest and best use of this building would be as a residence.
It could be adapted to affordable housing, or returned to use as a private a residence. Further, he
stated that a residence would not be an appropriate use on Fletcher field. He reviewed options for
moving the house to town owned or private land and the various steps involved in each. While
moving the Hosmer House offsite was beyond the scope of the study, and hard to quantify as there
is no site to move it to at this time, there was no technical reason it could not be moved off-site.
He stated that the Hosmer House is valuable both its current location near the police station and as
a form of architecture. In conclusion, after hearing from the public and discussing the issue in a
working group, he stated that the best use would be for the Hosmer House to remain a house, if
possible, within close proximity of its “sibling” across the street but not on Fletcher field.
Mr. Lucente reaffirmed the Board’s position from their July 8, 2019 meeting that they were not in
favor of the Hosmer House being incorporated as a part of the Lexington Police Station redesign
plans. The Board also felt that the Hosmer House should be moved offsite to another location as a
historic preservation restricted residential building.
Ms. Eccles said that the Historic Districts Commission feels the highest and best use of the Hosmer
House would be as a private residence moved offsite.
Mr. Connor articulated that the best use for the building would be as a house, however, if removed
from its current site, it would lose its context. He expressed concern for setting a future precedent
regarding relocating buildings for the Town versus a private resident or developer as it could
jeopardize districts all over town, not just within the Historic District. He does not see how the
Historic District would benefit from relocating this building.
Ms. Bennett showed support for using the Hosmer House as a residence, as well as moving the
structure offsite with the protection of a preservation easement held by an appropriate organization.
Mr. Adams supports the highest and best use for the Hosmer House as a residence, as well as
moving the structure offsite.
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Ms. Chase expressed concern that past discussions regarding use for the Stone House are now
affecting the current work of the Historic Districts Commission and she is hopeful that it does not
set a precedent for historic structures going forward. She is concerned that the Hosmer House
would lose context if removed from its current site. She is hoping that the focus of the current site,
with or without the Hosmer House, would be on making the site prominent, as it is the entryway
to the Town.
Ms. Hai acknowledged that after attending the listening sessions of the working group for the use
of the Hosmer House, she feels as though the best and highest use for the structure would not be
for storage and public toilets.
Mr. Sandeen agreed with the HDC that the guiding principal for our decisions on the Hosmer
House and Fletcher Park should be their highest and best use.
David Kanter, Precinct 7 Town Meeting Member, inquired about the timeline for the completion
of the new police headquarters design, as well as the timeline for relocation of the Hosmer House.
He expressed concern regarding relocation to the future site of the Hosmer House, as he does not
want to see the structure having to be moved twice. He also expressed concern for the highest and
best use of the house and how it would best support the use of Fletcher Park. He would like to see
the funding for the repurposing of the structure come from a brand new funding project.
Mike Cronin, Director of Public Facilities, stated that the timeline for the relocation of the Hosmer
House, after Annual Town Meeting approvals for the new police station, would be September 1,
2020.
Ms. Barry stated that she would like to see a full update on the police station design come before
the Board in the near future.
Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street, expressed disappointment in the lack of a site master plan. She
expressed dismay that the analysis was not specific regarding options for keeping the Hosmer
House on the property.
Mr. Waters stated that by increasing the effectiveness of the Hosmer House as a hub (by adding a
barn and a porch back onto the home and providing a yard) it would encroach upon, and take away
from, the use of Fletcher Park. He said that there was no master plan for Fletcher Park because the
public made it clear to the working group that the field is considered fairgrounds and should be
able to support any activity within the site. The end goal was to maximize the use of the site and
not take away from it.
Ms. Eccles stated that the HDC is not willing to take a position on the future outcome of the
Hosmer House at this time.
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Ms. Hai mentioned that cost would be a factor in the Town maintaining the property versus it being
sold to a private developer.
At 8:48 p.m., the Board of Selectmen and the Historic Districts Commission, respectively, voted
to adjourn the Joint Meeting.
The Board of Selectmen called a brief recess and returned at 8:55 p.m. calling the regular Board
of Selectmen meeting back to order.
9. Update from Bicycle Advisory Committee - Bikeway Safety
Peggy Enders, Chair of the Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee (LBAC), presented an update
from the committee regarding safety on the Minuteman Bikeway. She stated that in June 2019,
Lexington had hosted a Tri-Town Bicycle Advisory Committee, which includes the Towns of
Lexington, Bedford, and Arlington, to discuss speed and passing guidelines. From that meeting,
the LBAC recommends to the Board that a speed limit of 15mph be posted on the Lexington
segment of the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway. The second proposal would be a campaign for
bikeway safety and courtesy that would extend beyond signage on the bikeway – including, but
not limited to: messaging within schools, media, creating a video, banners, and quarterly tax bills.
Ms. Enders went on to discuss bills that went before the House and Senate for a state-guided
classification system for electric bicycles (e-bikes). She stated that Lexington could retain the right
to restrict, regulate, or prohibit the use of e-bikes in parks, paths, and trails. She stated that a vote
was taken earlier in the year that Class I e-bikes would be permitted on the Lexington portion of
the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway once the legislation has passed. Currently, the Towns of
Arlington and Bedford do not agree with the restriction of Class II and Class III e-bikes on the
bikeway. She stated that Class III e-bikes should be prohibited until the state legislation is put into
place, as there is growing congestion on the bikeway.
Ms. Barry inquired if there was a way to distinguish the difference in classification of e-bikes.
Omar Khudari, Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee, stated that a Class II e-bike would
accelerate without pedaling. Class I and Class III are both pedal assist, but can be distinguished by
a small decal on the seat post.
Mr. Sandeen suggested that the Town look at the issues raised by the Bike Committee as an
integrated whole, considering when is it appropriate to be on the bikeway and when is it
appropriate to be on the roads, with input from the many transportation groups and committees.
He stated he was in favor of allowing e-bikes with the 15 mph limit.
Ms. Hai questioned the enforceability of the 15 mile per hour speed limit on the bikeway.
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Mr. Pato stated that if there were a given indication of what the speed limit should be on the
bikeway, then the expectation would be set and resolve a courtesy issue regarding speed. He stated
that he would like the topic of the speed limit to come back to a meeting in the near future with a
motion to vote on it, as well as a draft letter to send to our legislative delegation.
Mr. Lucente inquired about mini radars on the bikeway, so that bicyclists would know exactly how
fast they were actually going. He stated that he is in favor of the 15mph speed limit, if bicyclists
abide by it.
David Kanter, Precinct 7 Town Meeting Member, expressed concern regarding safety and
regulations. He stated that what Lexington implements on their portion of the bikeway should not
be dictated by the Towns of Bedford and Arlington.
10. Review List of Warrant Articles Proposed for Special Fall Town Meeting Review Proposed
List of Articles for Upcoming Special Town Meeting
Mr. Lucente stated that the Board of Selectmen will be reviewing the 2019 Special Town Meeting
draft warrant on September 23, 2019 and they will be signing the warrant on October 7, 2019. He
also reminded the Board that the 2019 Special Town Meeting is scheduled for November 12, 2019
and November 13, 2019.
Ms. Axtell reviewed the draft list of articles proposed for the upcoming 2019 Special Town
Meeting:
Article - Reports of Town Boards Officers and Committees
Crematory Study Committee
SPRD Committee
Article - Appropriate for Prior Year’s Unpaid Bills
Article - Rescind Prior Borrowing
Article - Appropriate To/From Stabilization Fund
Article - Amend FY 2020 Operating, Enterprise and CPA Budgets
$95,000 for Sustainability Director
$30,000 Insurance Adjustments
Article - Amend Zoning Bylaw from CD-1 District to the CSX District-7 Hartwell Avenue-
(owner petition submitted)
Article - Amend Zoning Bylaw and Map (owner petition submitted) - 186 Bedford Street
Article – Conservation Land Acquisition
Article – Automatic Teller Machine Services Uses in CB
Article – 25% Design for Hartwell, Eldred
Article – LED Streetlight Conversion
Ms. Axtell stated that she had left off a possible zoning amendment that is under limited site plan
review with the Planning Board. She had mentioned that more information will be available after
the Planning Board meeting on September 11, 2019, so the addition of the article is pending.
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Mr. Sandeen inquired about available funding from state grants for the 25% Design for Hartwell,
Eldred, as well as the LED Streetlight Conversion.
Mr. Malloy stated that the Town has applied for a MassWorks grant for the 25% Design for
Hartwell Avenue, but the receipt is not guaranteed. He stated that the project can go forward if
funds are available by town appropriation. He also mentioned that the Town is anticipating a grant
of approximately $200,000 through the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and
administered by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). The grant requires the
replacement of all LED streetlights by June 30, 2020.
Mr. Pato requested that the article title addressing the 25% Design for Hartwell, Eldred be changed
as Eldred Street does not intersect with Hartwell Avenue.
Ms. Barry inquired about the bike share being listed as a topic for Special Town Meeting in the
fall, as it will terminate in October, if not renewed.
Mr. Lucente inquired if there were any citizen petitions submitted for Special Town Meeting in
the fall.
David Kanter, Vice-Chair of the Capital Expenditures Committee, expressed concern regarding
the funding for the 25% Design in the Hartwell corridor due to the lack of public connection since
the original presentation. He also requested that the Board put forth an article for funding for the
Westview Cemetery building.
11. Discuss Board of Selectmen Goal Setting Report and Future Implementation
Mr. Malloy stated that the Board is being asked to discuss the reports generated from the facilitated
goal setting session held on July 29, 2019 in order to adopt them, as they are written or as may be
amended, as their official goals for the next two years.
Mr. Malloy stated he is looking into the methods that will be utilized to convey the Selectmen
Goals, once approved, to the staff, boards, committees, and the public. In addition, he stated that
he will provide quarterly updates to the Board beginning at their first meeting in January 2020,
and subsequently, at the first meetings in April, July, October, et cetera for a two-year period
regarding the progress towards the goals.
Ms. Hai expressed concern regarding the length of the list and the Board’s ability to make progress
toward or meet each goal listed.
Ms. Barry inquired about the implementation of the Board of Selectmen goals being driven by the
Board versus Town staff.
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Mr. Malloy stated that part of the Board of Selectmen goals implementation process would be
incorporated into the Town Manager’s goals as part of the Town Manager performance evaluation.
Ultimately, the goals would be accomplished together.
Mr. Sandeen suggested that the Board’s goal of diversity, equity, and inclusion be represented
more prominently in the goals document, specifically when communicating to the public. He also
suggested that he would like the statement regarding developing a plan to implement a Net Zero
Action Plan be corrected to “Implementation of the Sustainable Action Plan”, which has already
been approved by the Board of Selectmen.
Mr. Malloy suggested changing the goal to read: “Initiate Implementation of the Sustainable
Action Plan”.
Ms. Barry suggested reordering the bulleted items under the “Community Character” goal.
Mona Roy, Chair of the Lexington Human Rights Committee, expressed the belief that there
should be more ethnic and racial diversity that is visible at the executive levels of town
government. She also stated that the LHRC recommends creating and funding a Diversity, Equity,
& Inclusion (DEI) Officer, similar to what the schools have implemented.
Rick Reibstein, Sustainable Lexington Committee, reiterated Mr. Sandeen’s suggestion regarding
modifying the statement about Net Zero to Sustainable Action Plan.
Ricki Pappo, 16 Blossomcrest Road, reiterated Mr. Sandeen’s suggestion regarding modifying the
statement about Net Zero to Sustainable Action Plan. She also suggested adjusting the
Sustainability Action Plan goal to mention climate change, as she feels it would be impactful to
the students who expressed concerns earlier in the meeting.
12. Ad Hoc Crematory Study Committee Update
Ms. Barry, Chair of the Ad Hoc Crematory Study Committee, stated that the committee had a
meeting on August 20, 2019, where the responses to the recent survey were reviewed. The survey
was sent to 107 cities and towns within the Route 495 area, including direct abutters, and 40
responses were received. She stated that the answers to the survey questions were mixed, as some
municipalities seemed confused by the questions, since some of the answers were not applicable.
Ms. Barry also stated that the committee had gathered all of the information that was pending on
the last page of their report to Town Meeting. She mentioned that the committee voted 5-1 to
recommend to the Board of Selectmen that the Town of Lexington not pursue building a crematory
(six out of the seven members were present to vote). The committee is now working on writing
their report to be completed for 2019 Special Town Meeting. The committee anticipates presenting
to the Board of Selectmen at the first meeting in November.
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David Kanter, Precinct 7 Town Meeting Member, stated that he believes the vote of the committee
and objective of the report should be publicly distributed now.
13. Discuss Town Manager Review Process
The Board of Selectmen will discuss procedures for the Town Manager annual evaluation. As per
the Board of Selectmen's Policy and Procedures Manual Section II.E.1, each Board member shall
individually submit a written evaluation. The Board will then decide if a consensus report can be
written or whether individual reports shall be presented.
Mr. Lucente stated that Town Counsel, Mina Makarious, had provided a copy of the Supreme
Judicial Court Decision Guide for Open Meeting Law Compliance. The Town Counsel had noted
the following from said guide: "If a staff member is receiving all of the reviews and compiling
them, the reviews would become a public record when that staff member shares them with a
quorum of the Board, and the documents should be posted on the Town’s website at that time."
Mr. Lucente stated that the Board needed to make a decision on the timing and methodology of
the Town Manager’s review and update the policy accordingly. Currently, it is the policy of the
Board to conduct the evaluation in February with a final public report prior to the annual election
in March. However, the Town Manager has an anniversary of his hire date in October.
Concurrently, the Board policy and procedure indicates that each member would compile
information and then submit it, as opposed to utilizing a staff member to gather the information.
The Board concluded that the Town Manager’s review will take place annually in October to
coincide with Mr. Malloy’s anniversary of employment. The Board will also send all evaluations
to Ms. Katzenback in the Board of Selectmen’s Office to compile the information into one
document prior to reviewing it. Mr. Lucente will send an evaluation form out to the Board and
suggest a timeline for completion and return to the Board of Selectmen’s Office.
14. Theater License Renewal - Lexington Venue
Mr. Lucente stated that the Lexington Theatre Project, Inc. d/b/a Lexington Venue has submitted
the necessary paperwork to renew their two theatre licenses for weekdays and Sundays.
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve the
application and issue two theatre licenses to Lexington Theatre Project, Inc. d/b/a Lexington
Venue, located at 1794 Massachusetts Avenue, for Cinema 1 and Cinema 2 to show movies
weekdays and Sundays from September 1, 2019 through August 31, 2020.
September 9, 2019
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15. Selectmen Committee Reappointments & Resignations
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to reappoint David
Horton, Jeanne Krieger and Joe Pato to the Community Preservation Committee representing the
Board of Selectmen for a two-year term respectively to expire June 30, 2021.
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to accept the
resignation of Rebecca McGowan from the Lexington Council for the Arts effective immediately.
16. Approve and Sign Proclamations
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve and sign a
proclamation in honor of the 100th Birthday of Lions Club of Lexington Member and Life
Member, Lewis R. Aronin. Mr. Aronin has been a resident of Lexington for almost 52 years and
has been a member of the Lions Club of Lexington for 50 years.
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve and sign a
proclamation for the Daughters of the American Revolution in recognition of Constitution Week.
The annual celebration takes place the week of September 17th - September 23rd in accordance
with Public Law 915.
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve and sign a
proclamation for the Lexington Symphony's 25th Anniversary. The Symphony is a group of
musicians and supporters who interact with the Lexington community through performances,
workshops, concerts, and an educational outreach program.
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve and sign a
proclamation in honor of Lexington High School graduate, Chris Shaw, being called up to the San
Francisco Giants. Mr. Shaw was promoted to the baseball major leagues from the Sacramento
River Cats on September 1, 2019.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approve Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes of: May 6, 2019, May 15, 2019 Summit, May 20, 2019, and May
25, 2019.
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve, but not
release the Executive Session Minutes of: May 6, 2019 and May 20, 2019.
2. Approve Town Celebrations Committee Request for Veterans Day Events
September 9, 2019
Page 15 of 15
Motion to approve the request of the Town Celebrations Committee for the Veterans Day Parade
and Ceremonies as presented in their letter dated September 4, 2019. The approval is subject to
coordination with Town Manager's Office and Town Staff.
3. Approve One-Day Liquor Licenses
Motion to approve a one-day liquor license for Brookline Bank/LACS to serve wine for the
purpose of their ArtWalk/Community Event Reception and Award Ceremony on Friday, October
18, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Lexington office of Brookline
Bank, 1793 Massachusetts Avenue.
Motion to approve three one-day liquor licenses for Spectacle Management to serve beer and wine
in the lobby of Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, for the purpose of three
events on the following dates:
An Evening with Branford Marsalis, Thursday, September 19, 2019 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Mother of a Comedy Show, Saturday, September 28, 2019 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Kenny G, Thursday, October 10, 2019 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
4. Approve Lowering the Battle Green Flag on September 11, 2019
The Battle Green Flag has annually been lowered on September 11th for the anniversary of 9/11.
Motion to lower the Battle Green Flag on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, the anniversary of
9/11 in memory of all those who lost their lives.
Upon motions duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve the Consent
Agenda.
ADJOURN
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selection voted 5-0 to adjourn at 11:11 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Stacey Prizio
Department Assistant