HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-10-21 BOS-min
October 21, 2019
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Selectmen’s Meeting
October 21, 2019
A meeting of the Lexington Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on Monday,
October 21, 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 Ms. Kosnoff, Assistant
Town Manager for Finance and Acting Town Manager; and Ms. Katzenback, Executive Clerk.
SELECTMAN CONCERNS AND LIAISON REPORTS
Mr. Pato reported that he had attended the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) meeting
last week, where the committee reviewed old projects that had yet to use their full appropriation.
The CPC discussed a potential need to investigate these projects further to understand why their
obligations have not yet been fulfilled, as some of the projects were dating back ten years. The
CPC will be looking into whether or not a recommendation to bring these projects to Annual Town
Meeting is necessary to possibly rescind the appropriation(s).
Mr. Pato had also mentioned that at the CPC meeting, the committee discussed how the State has
enacted an expansion of funding for the Community Preservation Act, which will more than likely
double the amount the Town was expecting to receive in the coming year.
Mr. Lucente stated that last week, he, Mr. Pato, Ms. Hai, and Mr. Sandeen all attended a ribbon
cutting ceremony for the recently completed Supportive Living Inc. Neuro Wellness Center
adjacent to the Douglas House.
Ms. Barry mentioned that the State House had the third reading of a bill today that would change
the Board’s name from “Board of Selectmen” to “Select Board”. She said that the bill has been
engrossed by the House of Representatives and is now progressing toward the Senate, where
eventually, it will be forwarded onto the Governor for approval.
Mr. Sandeen reported that on October 10, 2019, he attended a Permanent Building Committee
(PBC) meeting, where the committee reviewed the design for the new police station. The PBC is
preparing a presentation for the Board’s review at a future meeting.
Mr. Sandeen reported that he, Ms. Hai, Mr. Pato, and Mr. Lucente attended a Citizens’ Academy
session and presented on aspects of the Town.
Mr. Sandeen stated that on October 15, 2019, he attended a coalition of approximately 20
municipalities with Mr. Pato, Mr. Malloy, John Livsey, Town Engineer, and Tricia Malatesta,
Engineering Aide, to meet with the President of National Grid to discuss gas leaks in the area. The
municipalities were requesting that National Grid prioritize fixing the gas leaks. The President of
National Grid reiterated her desire to fix the largest gas leaks in Town first.
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Mr. Sandeen concluded with a notification that he had received today in response to a letter the
Board had sent to the Governor and the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) in
June regarding the prioritization of developing a Net Zero Stretch Energy Code. The Governor and
the BBRS had agreed to develop a Net Zero Energy Standard, however, in the notification received
today, they had announced that they will be removing all green building experts from the task
force. There will be a public comments session on November 5, 2019 in regards to the removal of
the experts from the task force that Mr. Sandeen plans to attend on behalf of the Board with
prepared remarks. He is seeking support from the Board to make public comment at the session
by reiterating the requests in the letter sent out in June.
Mr. Lucente expressed that he had no issue with Mr. Sandeen making public comments at the
November 5, 2019 session by reiterating the requests in the original letter sent out in June.
ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
1. Greenways Corridor Committee Update
Keith Ohmart, Chair of the Greenways Corridor Committee, presented a summary of the
committee’s significant accomplishments from 2018 and 2019. The presentation included the
ongoing development work of ACROSS Lexington, The Rick Abrams Memorial Trail Network, as
well as a summary of the committee’s Program Improvement Request for the next budget year.
Mr. Ohmart stated that there are two new trails: Route J, which connects Liberty Heights
Conservation area to the Minuteman Bikeway; and Route L, which connects Upper Vine Brook,
Lower Vine Brook, Cotton Farm, Dunback Meadow, Daisy Wilson Meadow, Minuteman
Bikeway, and Tower Park. The new trails bring the mileage total to in excess of 30 miles.
Mr. Ohmart also stated that there is an ongoing project at the Bridge School property, where the
committee is sponsoring a Boy Scout project to build a boardwalk to circumvent the excess mud
on the trail. They anticipate the project to be completed in the spring of 2020.
Mr. Ohmart stated that the committee has been receiving support from developers in Town for
trail connections. The developers are incorporating the connections when applying for permits
from the Planning Board for housing.
Mr. Ohmart presented an earmark that Senator Cindy Friedman put into the Environmental Bond
Bill last year. This earmark would provide a fully accessible trail connection from the Lexington
Community Center to the Lexington Children’s Place through Upper Vine Brook to Worthen
Road. This would provide a walking connection for Lexington High School students, as well as
for students of the Jonas Clarke Middle School. The earmark would require the Town to provide
matching funds. The committee plans to present a proposal at a future Board of Selectmen meeting
upon working with the Conservation Commission.
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Mr. Ohmart concluded with committee projects for 2020, which include the creation of a new
Route M, which would connect an existing ACROSS route in Hayden Woods to new Route L, as
well as developing a new Route K, which would connect Sutherland Woods, West Farm, and
Liberty Heights. The committee is requesting assistance from the Board to set up a meeting with
the Town Manager to resolve any issues in identifying the boundary lines, as part of the future
Route K trail property is owned by the Town. Once the projects are completed, the committee
would need to update their brochures, which is included in their Program Improvement Requests
(PIR).
Mr. Lucente requested that the trails be labeled with historic names rather than letters of the
alphabet.
Mr. Sandeen thanked the Committee for their efforts and mentioned that the Commonwealth
awarded Lexington a Leading by Example award featuring the work of the Greenways Corridor
Committee’s ACROSS Lexington walking trail network.
Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street, suggested that the committee connects with the Lexington
High School cross country and track coaches to communicate the use of the area by students.
2. Review of Protected Bike Lanes on Massachusetts Avenue
Ross Morrow, Assistant Town Engineer and Matt Weisman, Engineering Assistant, provided an
overview of the feedback and observations from the temporary bike lanes on Massachusetts
Avenue that were installed as part of the Minuteman Bikeway paving project.
Mr. Morrow stated that the Town was looking to pave the Minuteman Bikeway from the Seasons
Four driveway to the Fottler Avenue intersection. In order to complete the paving project within a
four-week timeline, the bikeway had to be shut down in that area and temporarily detoured to
Massachusetts Avenue. There is no bicycle access on Massachusetts Avenue, so through the
Complete Streets Project and outreach to the bicycle community in Lexington, a pilot program for
protected bike lanes was developed and temporary bike lines were installed for the duration of the
project.
Mr. Weisman stated that the week prior to installation, the Engineering Department notified the
abutters, posted signs in the area, and worked with the Lexington Police Department to ensure that
the area was well-marked and commuters were aware of the changes.
Mr. Morrow stated that the concerns raised in regards to the temporary bike lanes involved the
following issues for cyclists: driveway conflicts on the residential eastbound side, the feeling of
being trapped by the size of the buffer between cars and the sidewalk, and poor pavement
conditions near the gutter. The concerns raised in regards to the temporary bike lanes for cars were
as follows: having to cross and block the bike lane when exiting a driveway to merge onto
Massachusetts Avenue, parking compliance outside of the striped bike lanes or abiding by NO
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PARKING signs, multiple complaints regarding the narrow 10-foot travel lanes, specifically
around the curves between Lexington Toyota and Pleasant Street, reduced turning capabilities for
intersections and driveways, and reduced sight distance.
Mr. Morrow stated that the positive aspects of the temporary bike lanes were as follows: the ability
to provide a designated area for bikes, less opportunity for cyclists to be “doored” or having a door
opened and a cyclist running into it, and a decrease in vehicle speed within the travel lanes for
overall better safety in the area.
Mr. Morrow concluded with a recommendation to add bike accommodations to the area, as there
are a lot of cyclists in the town, especially on the bikeway and Massachusetts Avenue. He said that
the addition of bike lanes would be an extensive project that would include widening the roadway,
modifying the curb lines and enhancing pedestrian access.
Mr. Pato mentioned that residents of the area had expressed concern that they were not informed
about the project. He stated that there was certainly an attempt to inform the residents, however,
he felt that there could have been a larger outreach in the area. He also mentioned that bike lanes
do exist throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, but the community is not always
educated on the proper use. He would recommend an educational campaign if the project were to
move forward in the future.
Mr. Lucente stated that he personally received a lot of complaints in regards to the temporary bike
lanes and he feels as though that speaks to the communication about the project.
Ms. Barry stated that this was a learning experience for all involved. She expressed that she would
have liked to have been more informed about the project from the Town staff. She stated that she
felt there was a communication problem with the entire project.
Mr. Sandeen echoes the comments of his colleagues in regards to the communication and
education aspects of this effort. Mr. Sandeen also stated that he believes that the Town should
provide more protected bike lanes so residents can feel safe while riding their bikes. He stated
that he felt safer riding on the temporary protected bike lanes compared to riding on
Massachusetts Avenue without a protected bike lane. He also expressed his interest in seeing
protected bike lanes on other roads in Town.
.Ms. Hai stated that there was a communication breakdown regarding the project, specifically with
the businesses in the area of Massachusetts Avenue with the temporary bike lanes. She personally
received a lot of complaints from business owners pertaining to lack of notification.
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3. Update on Quiet Communities Proposal
Dave Pinsonneault, Director of Public Works, and Jamie Banks, PhD, MS, Executive Director of
Quiet Communities, presented the final report on the use of electric grounds equipment in the
Town of Lexington.
Ms. Banks stated that Lexington is the first town to fully implement the transition from fossil fuel-
based equipment to advanced battery electric equipment. She said that the substantial impacts
would be on noise, pollution, and ultimately, a better quality of life and cleaner environment in the
future. This transition into electric-based equipment coincides with the Town’s Sustainable Action
Plan.
Mr. Pinsonneault stated that the new equipment was brought in by vendors and demonstrated for
the Public Works employees. The equipment presented was categorized by: the type of battery,
battery life, and backpack versus shoulder strap. Based off of the demonstrations and research, the
Town chose Stihl and Husqvarna equipment and the staff was able to test it themselves. He also
stated that the Town Hall complex was identified as an area where the equipment could easily be
incorporated. Electric trimmers have already been incorporated across all Town properties – parks,
public grounds, and athletic systems.
Ms. Banks discussed the impact analysis used throughout 36 municipal properties and divided the
tasks into routine tasks (ordinary versus major spring/fall cleanups) and special tasks (tree
trimming). The data was quantified using verifiable EPA equations and was based off of the
knowledge of the frequency, duration of use and exactly what was used in maintenance. The efforts
to date were the complete transition of the Town Hall complex in routine maintenance and the
partial transition of three other areas, the Visitors Center, and re-parking Cary Memorial Library.
Mr. Pinsonneault concluded with the following next steps for the transition process: the purchase
of an all-electric large area riding mower (Wright stand-on), looking at other iterations of
handhelds – string trimmers, leaf blowers, small chainsaws, and other items of that nature, as well
as looking at an American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA) Green Zone certification for the Town
Hall complex.
Mr. Lucente expressed his support for moving to electric equipment.
Mr. Sandeen thanked the DPW and Quiet Communities and Rick Reibstein for their multi-year
efforts to make this project a success. He reminded the Board that the funding for this effort
came from a grant the Town earned for achieving excellent results in encouraging residents to
conduct home energy efficiency work. He stated that his primary reason for supporting the
transition to electric lawn equipment was for the health benefits of protecting Town staff from
breathing the highly toxic chemicals and particulate matter that are exhausted by gas powered
lawn care equipment.
Ms. Hai asked if the DPW anticipated moving to electric equipment as much as is available as
current equipment reached the end of its useful life. Mr. Pinsonneault said yes.
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David Kanter, Precinct 7 Town Meeting Member, asked if there has been any consideration in the
Town with regard to the scope in which the work is completed. He expressed concern in regard to
over-cleaning the grounds throughout the Town.
Mr. Pinsonneault responded to Mr. Kanter’s concern by expressing that the cleanup of each
property is handled differently depending on the location and whether or not it is a tourist
attraction.
Nick Nichols, Appropriation Committee, inquired about the estimated cost of switching to electric,
both with subsidies and later on, when we no longer have the subsidies from the electric company.
Mr. Pinsonneault responded to Mr. Nichols’s concern by stating that the cost is being analyzed
and that the smaller equipment is typically purchased through their operating budget. The larger
area mowers would be purchased through the capital equipment process.
Mr. Nichols also inquired about the cost comparison of the electric equipment versus the gas
equipment.
Mr. Pinsonneault stated that the costs of each type of product were compared and it was found that
for the string trimmers and blowers, the cost is relatively the same. However, the electric riding
mowers had a significantly higher cost.
Mr. Pinsonneault concluded with the next steps of having a couple different presentations in the
spring of 2020 – one for homeowners or residents and another for landscapers doing business in
Lexington.
4. Presentation - 2019 STM Article 9 - LED Streetlight Conversion
Dave Pinsonneault, Director of Public Works, provided an update on the proposed 2019 Special
Town Meeting Warrant Article 9: LED Streetlight Conversion, in which the Town's streetlights
will be switched from induction lights to LED lights.
Mr. Pinsonneault stated that the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) currently has grants
available to assist in the purchasing of LED lights for communities. The topic will be brought forth
at Special Town Meeting, as the MAPC has a deadline for project submission by the end of May
2020. This grant would assist in the Center Streetscape Project.
Mr. Pinsonneault also stated that the LED lights have a lifespan of 20-23 years, so there is a five
to five and a half year return on investment for this project due to the considerable savings in
electric costs. It would cost approximately $881,138 to complete the transition to LED lighting,
with about $300,000 coming from grants and rebates from the utility companies. The LED systems
are virtually maintenance free, thus the maintenance line item on future budgets would be removed
(starting from FY2022). Final numbers on the cost savings and return on investment will be
available and distributed tomorrow.
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Ms. Barry inquired about the number of lights in the Town and whether or not all of the lights
would be replaced with the LED systems. She requested a list of lights that will not be replaced.
Mr. Pinsonneault stated that there are about 3,300 lights in Town and they will all be replaced with
the new LED systems. The lights in the Town Center will not be replaced for now, as they are a
part of the Center Streetscape Project. The list of streetlights that will not be replaced by the Town
will become available once the grant funds are received. No additional streetlights will be added
during this process.
Mr. Sandeen thanked Mr. Pinsonneault for selecting the warmer, softer 2,700 K light color that
allows residents and animals to sleep better at night. He asked if the Town had considered
adopting lighting technology to allow streetlights to dim individually. Mr. Pinsonneault said
Town staff is in the process of considering that possibility. Mr. Pinsonneault said that Town staff
is looking at three brightness levels or wattages to address those concerns.
Mr. Lucente questioned the longevity of the LED lights and inquired if there were any case studies
identifying the number of burnouts the Town would have on the bulbs that were being installed.
Mr. Pinsonneault stated that there is no current data on the topic, but that the consultant did confirm
that the industry standard would be 23 years. There will be a replacement program for the bulbs
that do not meet the industry standard.
5. Presentation - 2019 STM Article 7 - Amend Zoning Bylaw and Map - 186 Bedford Street
Ed Grant, Of Counsel for Nicholson, Sreter & Gilgun P.C., and Doug Hartnett, Project Engineer,
Highpoint Engineering, provided an update on 2019 Special Town Meeting Warrant Article 7:
Amend Zoning Bylaw and Map - 186 Bedford Street.
Mr. Grant stated that upon acceptance of the Planning Board’s recommendation at Annual Town
Meeting to refer this project back to the Planning Board, the proponents, the Ciampa family, made
a good faith effort to present a further revised proposal and resolve issues with the report. The June
6, 2019 refiling of the Preliminary Site Development and Use Plan (PSDUP) focused on issues
raised in the Planning Board report, with one of the main issues being landscaping transitions and
screening. The following changes and additions were also made to the PSDUP: adding a basement
floor plan for commercial and residential storage with capacity to store 21 bicycles, adding six
short-term bicycle parking spaces, and two electric charging stations.
Mr. Grant stated that at the August 14, 2019 Planning Board meeting, the Planning Board closed
the public hearing and voted 5-0 to recommend the plan development to Special Town Meeting.
The revised filing was made as of August 22, 2019. The following public benefits remain the same
as they did at Annual Town Meeting: historic preservation of the building and barn, a provision of
13 small one-bedroom apartments ranging in size from 500-785 square feet with four designated
as affordable housing, approximately $87,000 per year in new revenue for the Town of Lexington
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(as the property was previously tax exempt for 60 years), a $30,000 contribution to help fund
townwide transportation and TDM capital improvements, a $20,000 contribution to help fund local
TDM improvements in the vicinity of the project site including a possible bus shelter, and a $2,500
contribution to Town for public improvements to Garfield Park.
Mr. Grant concluded with the addition of the following language related to maintaining noise
levels in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) per the request of Mr. Malloy: "HVAC
systems under full load will not exceed 5dBA above established ambient noise levels."
Mr. Sandeen thanked the proponent for their plans to heat and cool the building with electric
HVAC systems and for installing electric vehicle charging stations. He also inquired about the
established levels of ambient noise as referenced in the new clause.
Mr. Hartnett stated that the noise ordinance regulations reference +10dBA above ambient noise
on new projects measured at the property line. The 5dBA above established ambient noise levels
was capped at the Planning Board’s recommendation.
Ms. Barry inquired about the lack of times listed regarding the time of day for noise restrictions.
Mr. Lucente stated that the MOU will be addressed at the next Board of Selectmen meeting in
November.
6. Presentation - 2019 STM Article 5 - Amend Zoning Bylaw from CD-1 District to CSX District
- 7 Hartwell Avenue
Kristine Hung, Attorney, Riemer & Braunstein, provided an update on 2019 Special Town
Meeting Warrant Article 5: Petition for Change of Zoning District and Zoning Map 7 Hartwell
Avenue.
Ms. Hung stated that her client, the applicant, is seeking an amendment to the zoning bylaw for
their property at 7 Hartwell Avenue from a CD-1 district to a CSX district. The CD-1 was a plan
development district approved at Town Meeting in 2001 with very limited uses. The applicant
would like to operate a Russian School of Math at 7 Hartwell Avenue and rezoning the district to
a CSX would allow them to accomplish that goal, as well as more flexibility for the uses at the
site. Also, another reason for pursuing a CSX district rezone was due to the building not currently
fitting into the standards for CM and CRD districts. Although the Hartwell Avenue zoning
initiative is taking place around the same time, the applicant would need to move forward with
their rezoning project outside of the lengthy timeline for Hartwell Avenue. The applicant would
be willing to adjust their zoning criteria later on in the process to coincide with the Hartwell
Avenue standards.
Ms. Hai expressed concern about the concept of subsequent coordination of the rezone of the
Hartwell Avenue project, which is different than the current use of the building. She is unclear
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how the school will be incorporated into the overall project. She inquired about structural changes
to the building.
Ms. Hung stated that the proponent does not plan on making structural changes or additions to the
building at this point in time.
Ms. Barry expressed concern regarding an increase in traffic circulation on Hartwell Avenue. She
also expressed concern with how this plan will fit in with the Hartwell Avenue project in the future.
Mr. Sandeen agreed with Mr. Pato and Mr. Lucente stating that he did not anticipate significant
additional traffic as a result of this proposed change.
7. 2019 Special Town Meeting - Article Positions/Discussion
Article Discussion
Carolyn Kosnoff, Assistant Town Manager for Finance, provided an update regarding 2019
Special Town Meeting Warrant Article 3: Appropriate To and From Specified Stabilization Funds
and Article 4: Amend FY2020 Operating, Enterprise, Revolving and CPA Budgets.
Ms. Kosnoff stated that under 2019 Special Town Meeting Warrant Article 3, there is a potential
for three requests. The first request would be for an appropriation into the traffic mitigation
stabilization fund for $280,000, which is part of a onetime payment that was received from King
Street Properties for mitigation related to their development on Hayden Avenue. The other half of
the payment would be going to the transportation demand management public transportation
stabilization fund, which is approximately another $280,000. There is other money that the Town
has for transportation that is going in there as well. The traffic mitigation stabilization fund can be
appropriated in the future for a traffic or related project.
Ms. Kosnoff stated that the next transfer of approximately $670,000 would be for the capital
stabilization fund, which is directly related to the operating budget adjustments.
Ms. Kosnoff stated that under 2019 Special Town Meeting Warrant Article 4, the revenue is not
appropriated at Town Meeting as it is not voted on. However, the Town budget is based off of
revenues, so adjustments were made to the approved budget at Annual Town Meeting. The
adjustments are as follows:
New growth estimated at approximately $2.5 million, which could come in closer to $3.5
million after property valuations are finalized by the Department of Revenue. This would
allow for $1 million to be appropriated.
Final state aid numbers for Chapter 70 at approximately $73,000 for appropriation.
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Snow and ice deficit of approximately $400,000 that was set aside from the previous year
in FY2019.
A total of $182,705 in allocated tax levy money.
Ms. Kosnoff concluded with a final number of $1.656 million for expected revenue. The
adjustments to the budget would go toward more cybersecurity insurance for the Information
Technology Department, the new Sustainability Director position with an estimated annual salary
of $86,000, and the LED Streetlight Conversion under the capital stabilization fund. The
amendment to the Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund budgets, to account for the final
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) assessments that came out after Annual Town
Meeting, will be adjusted as well.
Mr. Pato stated that he would like to see the primary allocation going toward the capital
stabilization fund as presented. He is requesting an Executive Session at a future meeting to discuss
cybersecurity. Also, he inquired about the stabilization funds transfers regarding the relationship
between the traffic mitigation fund with the King Street Properties payment and the transportation
demand management.
Ms. Kosnoff stated that the initial mitigation payment was paid to the Town when the certificate
of occupancy for the garage was issued for approximately $560,000. The original intention for the
fund was for transportation and/or traffic mitigation, so now the money will be divided between
the two purposes.
Ms. Barry inquired about the number of stabilization funds listed in the warrant and if all had
activity requiring a vote.
Mr. Sandeen requested that the Board hold an Executive Session at a future date to discuss
cybersecurity issues.
Article Positions
The resulting chart is appended to the end of these minutes
Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street, expressed concern regarding the appropriation of all of the
available funding to the capital stabilization fund when other bills or increased costs may be
presented during the year. She suggested setting aside a portion of the funds that could be
appropriated at the Annual Town Meeting to allow for some flexibility.
Ms. Kosnoff stated that this is unallocated tax levy money that needs to be appropriated now or it
does not get taxed, and therefore, would not materialize. She also stated that it would not be
available in the spring for Annual Town Meeting.
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8. MPO Election Ballot
The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Municipal Elections are being held on November
6, 2019 at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) Fall Council Meeting at 9:00 a.m.
Absentee ballots are due by November 5, 2019. The Chairman for the Board of Selectmen can also
designate someone to vote in his place. Currently, there are four municipal seats open, three of
which are unopposed. The Town of Ashland and the City of Framingham are running for the
MetroWest Regional Collaborative (MetroWest) sub-region seat. The Board is being asked to
choose one of the candidates for the MetroWest sub-region seat and to authorize the Chairman to
sign the absentee ballot for the MPO election.
The Board agreed to postpone the vote for the MPO Municipal Election MetroWest sub-region
seat until the next meeting on November 4, 2019 pending further research on the candidates.
The Select Board exited for a brief recess and returned at 9:15 p.m. calling the meeting back to
order.
9. Vote on Water and Sewer Rates
Carolyn Kosnoff, Assistant Town Manager for Finance, presented the FY2020 Water/Sewer rates.
Ms. Kosnoff stated that the Board of Selectmen is meeting for the second and final time on the
proposed Water/Wastewater rates for FY2020. At the first meeting held on October 7, 2019, the
Board reviewed the following items: results of the FY2019 Water and Wastewater operations;
billed usage and retained earnings histories; the FY2020 Water and Wastewater budgets as adopted
at the 2019 Annual Town Meeting (including proposed changes to the budgets for fall 2019 Special
Town Meeting); estimated FY2020 Water and Wastewater usage projections; and preliminary
FY2020 Water and Wastewater rates. The Board also held a public hearing on the proposed rates
at this meeting.
Ms. Kosnoff also stated that the purpose of tonight’s meeting is to set the FY2020
Water/Wastewater rates. The proposed rates represent a combined increase of 7.3% for the Water
and Wastewater tiered rates for the current fiscal year. These rates remain the same as originally
presented on October 7, 2019. As discussed during the original presentation, the increase in
FY2020 rates is primarily attributable to an increase in the Town's Water and Sewer assessments
from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and to the decline in overall Water
and Sewer usage by the Town.
Ms. Hai suggested that the wording in the message on the bill be further clarified regarding the
annual assessment by the MWRA to inform the residents that the Town does not set the rates, but
rather there are fixed costs.
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Ms. Barry suggested removing “from” and replacing it with “set by” the MWRA in the messaging
on the bill for residents.
Mr. Sandeen asked how much average water usage is decreasing. Ms. Kosnoff estimated that
water usage is decreasing by approximately 9 or 10%.
Mr. Sandeen suggested that since water rates are increasing by 7% and the typical average usage
of water is decreasing by 9 or 10% that means the average resident may actually see a decrease
in the dollar amount of their water bill.
David Kanter, Precinct 7 Town Meeting Member, suggested utilizing a third party calibration for
larger users.
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve the proposed
FY2020 Water and Wastewater rates as presented on slide 2 of the attached presentation (See
Appendix B); and further, move that the Board approve the proposed insert as edited that will be
printed and included with utility bills in the upcoming fall 2019 billing cycle.
10. Review of FY2021 Capital Projects List
Carolyn Kosnoff, Assistant Town Manager for Finance, presented a preliminary summary of the
Town's FY2021-FY2025 Capital Improvement Plan that has been submitted for the Board of
Selectmen's initial review. The Finance staff has highlighted certain requests that may warrant
more in-depth discussion.
Ms. Kosnoff stated there are two primary categories for the grouping of the FY2021 capital
projects. The first category is for the continuing programs that would include items that the Town
is requesting appropriation for each year. The second category is for the onetime programs (i.e.,
the Lexington Police Station) that would include projects that are completed after one round or
that are presented infrequently. The Enterprise Fund requests and the CPA project requests have
also been separated based on the funding, which is not coming from the general fund.
Ms. Kosnoff presented a high level review of a few notable projects. The following onetime
projects were detailed: Project 306 Lexington Police Station Rebuild for $25 million, Project 1044
Lexington High School Feasibility Study for $1.825 million, Project 940 Westview Cemetery
Building for $2.8 million (the numbers may change due to the one-year delay), and Project 1083
Bedford and Hartwell Avenue Long Range Transportation Plan for $1.5 million (this number is
from FY2020 due to the 25% design).
Ms. Kosnoff stated that for the continuing programs the dollar amounts may change from year to
year, but they are present each year for the capital requests. She highlighted the following projects
in detail: Project 523 Storm Drainage Improvements and NPDES Compliance, Project 557
Comprehensive Watershed Stormwater Management Study and Implementation, and Project 683
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Townwide Culvert Replacement. For Projects 557 and 683, the Town will be taking a one-year
break from funding both items due to the Department of Public Works and Engineering
Department working on spending appropriations from the previous years. Also, all three of the
detailed projects would potentially fall into a stormwater management fee, so they are currently
under review for the likely creation of another Enterprise Fund to support the projects.
Mr. Sandeen asked about Lexington High School capital plans. Ms. Kosnoff said that Town staff
has not included an estimate for the high school design funds in the capital plan as the Town has
not yet been invited to participate in the MSBA program. She anticipates including design funds
approximately one year following selection by the MSBA.
Dawn McKenna, Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member and Chair of the Tourism Committee,
requested that the Battle Green Streetscape Improvements and the Battle Green Master Plan get
prioritized for their completions.
Hal Miller-Jacobs, 17 Swan Lane, expressed interest in the completion of the pickle ball courts, as
he feels there is a growing demand for this particular activity.
11. Grant of Location for Verizon Pole: Lincoln Street - Continuation of Hearing
UPDATE: This item will be tabled until the November 4, 2019 Board of Selectmen meeting at the
request of Verizon to allow time for them to obtain abutter and developer confirmation of pole
location.
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to continue the Verizon
Pole - Lincoln Street hearing to the November 4, 2019 Board of Selectmen meeting.
12. Special Permit Residential Development Zoning Bylaw Amendment Ad Hoc Committee
Update
Ms. Hai updated the Board with the Special Permit Residential Development Zoning Bylaw
Amendment Ad Hoc Committee progress to date.
Ms. Hai stated that the committee is meeting on October 24, 2019, as they are in the process of
drafting a report to be delivered to Special Town Meeting. The committee has voted to approve
the value statement, which will be circulated to the Board of Selectmen. The value 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, 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
October 21, 2019
Page 14 of 15
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 townwide.”
Ms. Hai stated that the zoning consultant will be engaged for phase two of this project. Phase two
is to draft proposals to increase the production of housing that will meet the values listed in the
value statement. In order to reach these goals, a change would need to take place in the bylaw or
the administration and regulations of the bylaw.
13. Ad Hoc Crematory Study Committee Update
Ms. Barry updated the Board with the Ad Hoc Crematory Study Committee progress to date.
Ms. Barry stated that the committee met last week and will also meet next week. The committee
is currently working on a report for the Board of Selectmen and anticipate presenting at the
November 4, 2019 meeting.
14. Selectmen Committee Appointments
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to appoint Nyles
Barnert as a full member of the Board of Appeals with a term expiration date of September 30,
2024.
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to appoint Shubhra
Chandra as a member of the Lexington Council for the Arts with a term expiration date of
September 30, 2022.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approve Minutes
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve the minutes
of: June 3, 2019, June 13, 2019, and June 24, 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 June 13, 2019.
ADJOURN
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 to adjourn the meeting
at 9:55 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Stacey Prizio
Department Assistant
October 21, 2019
Page 15 of 15
ARTICLE POSITIONS
2019 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
ARTICLE
PRSNTR
CNSNT DL JP SB JH MS
Reports of Town Boards, Officers, Committees
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
1
Appropriate for Prior Year's Unpaid Bills
JH
2
Y Y Y Y Y Y
Appropriate To and From Specified Stabilization Funds
JP
3
(a) Section 135 Zoning By-Law
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
(b) Traffic Mitigation
Y Y Y Y Y
(c) Transportation Demand Management/Public Transportation
Y Y Y Y Y
(d) Special Education
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
(e) Center Improvement District
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
(f) Debt Service
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
(g) Transportation Management Overlay District
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
(h) Capital
Y Y Y Y Y
(i) Payment in Lieu of Parking
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
(j) Visitor Center Capital Stabilization Fund
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
(k) Affordable Housing Capital Stabilization Fund
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
(l) Water System Capital Stabilization Fund
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
(m) Ambulance Stabilization Fund
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Amend FY2020 Operating, Enterprise, Revolving and CPA
DL
4
W W W W W
Budgets
Amend Zoning Bylaw from CD-1 District to CSX District - 7
SB
5
W W W W W
Hartwell Avenue (Owner Petition)
Amend Zoning Bylaw to Restrict Automatic Teller Machine as
MS
6
W W W W W
Principle Use in the Center Business District
Amend Zoning bylaw and Map - 186 Bedford Street (Owner
JH
7
W W W W W
Petition)
Appropriate Funding for 25% Design of the Route 4/225 Bedford
JP
8
Street - Hartwell Avenue - Wood Street Transportation
W W W W W
Improvement Project
LED Streetlight Conversion
DL
9
W W W W W