HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-12-03 BOS-min
Selectmen’s Meeting
December 3, 2019
A meeting of the Lexington Board of Selectmen was called to order at 3:04 p.m. on Tuesday,
December 3, 2019 in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room of the Town Office Building. Present were
Selectmen Mr. Lucente, Chair; Mr. Pato; Ms. Barry; Ms. Hai; and Mr. Sandeen as well as Mr.
Malloy, Town Manager; Ms. Axtell, Deputy Town Manager; and Kim Katzenback, Executive
Clerk.
FY21 Proposed Budget: Human Services
Melissa Interess, Director of Human Services; Gina Rada, Veteran Services District Director;
Tony Serio, Assistant Director of Youth and Family Services; and Susan Barrett, Transportation
Manager presented the proposed FY2021 level-funded Human Services department requesting
an All Funds budget of $1,729,517 which reflects a decrease of $(8,661), or (0.50)%, from
FY2020. Compensation decreases by $(10,343), or (1.29)%, and expenses increase by $1,682 or
0.18%. The All Funds budget includes funding from a Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder
Affairs (EOEA) grant, the MBTA Suburban Transportation grant, and the Senior Services
Revolving Fund (formerly known as the Council on Aging Programs Revolving Fund).
Ms. Interess noted that over the past year there have been multiple staff changes and new hires.
One notable addition is Sharon Gunda, Outreach Coordinator, taking a role that was developed
due to the joint Mental Health summits that took place between the School Committee and the
Board of Selectmen.
Human Services program initiatives/goals: Continue implementation of the CHNA 15 grant
funded work of the Mental Health Task Force; develop and begin implementation of action plan
based on findings and recommendations from Age Friendly needs assessment; develop and pilot
new transit options in collaboration with the MBTA, adjacent towns, and other Town
departments; collaborate with Recreation and Community Programs staff and; continue to
support and promote the William James INTERFACE Referral Service to the residents of
Lexington.
Administration and Outreach: The FY2021 requested budget reflects a $(16,395), or (6.94)%
decrease from the FY2020 budget, and includes a $(15,195) or (7.80)% decrease in
compensation due to staff turnover, and a $(1,200) or (2.90)% decrease in expenses to reflect a
shift in mobile phone costs to other budgets within the department.
Senior Services & Community Programs: The FY2021 All Funds budget is a level-services
budget, decreasing by $(6,261), or (1.73)% from FY2020. General Fund compensation
decreases by $(6,261) or (3.69)% due to new staff filling the roles of Assistant Director and
Coordinator in FY2020. General Fund expenses are level-funded.
Information and referral calls and walk-ins continue to be the most utilized services. Most
questions center on affordable housing and transportation, which was confirmed by the Age-
Friendly Needs Assessment survey, completed by close to 1000 participants over the age of 50
earlier in the year. Mental Health and caregiving were also notable issues.
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Youth and Family Services: Mr. Serio reported on the proposed FY2021 budget saying it
reflects an increase of $14,060, or 7.57%, from FY2020. This increase includes contractually
obligated compensation. The Contract Services item maintains the Mental Health funding that
was added in FY2020, which is anticipated to fund half of year three of the William James
INTERFACE Referral Service, a shared expense between municipal and school departments,
estimated at $13,000 per year. The increase also accounts for additional programming and
supply costs.
Mr. Serio and Ms. Gunda (Outreach Coordinator) provide referral assistance, short-term mental
health counselling, and educational services on issues like vaping and financial literacy with
additional duties including crisis intervention, planning and facilitating youth programming,
school consultation services, emergency financial assistance, fuel, utility, and housing assistance,
and QPR suicide prevention trainings. Through the Mental Health Task Force, Mr. Serio and Ms.
Gunda also partner with the Lexington Public Schools, the Department of Public Health, Police
and Fire, and the Public Library which continue to focus on identifying current mental health
needs.
Veteran Services: Gina Rada reported on the proposed FY2021 All Funds budget that reflects a
decrease of $(17,228) or (8.39)%, including a $(10,000) or (12.50)% decrease in contractual
services for Lexington Veteran's Benefits due to a documented decrease in active caseload.
The Town of Lexington is reimbursed at a rate of 75% by the State of Massachusetts for
approved Veterans benefits and expenses (excluding the Veterans Service Officer salary) under
Chapter 115. The Town of Bedford is responsible for 100% of the part-time VSO's salary and
22% of the Director's Salary, per the Inter-Municipal Agreement. Cases that originate from the
VA Hospital are fully reimbursed back to the Town of Bedford.
Ms. Rada reported that in the last year, there have been over 240 face-to-face office visits and
over 900 phone calls and email contacts documented. The most-sought services were: Chapter
115 and other sources of financial assistance, including property tax exemption, as well as
benefits support through The Department of Veterans Affairs (service-related disabilities,
pensions, healthcare coordination, employment counselling.) There are currently 137 disabled
veterans in Lexington. Although there has been a decline in the number of veterans served over
time, outreach efforts have identified previously unserved veterans. Because more of
Lexington’s veterans have moved to Bedford Green housing, the Veteran’s Office has
restructured to provide more service hours in the Bedford office.
Transportation Services: Ms. Barrett reported the All Funds FY2021 Transportation Services
level-services request reflects a $17,163, or 2.29% increase from FY2020. Compensation
increases $5,993 or 6.02% for contractually obligated step increases and cost of living
adjustments. A Program Improvement Request is being submitted to increase the Transportation
Manager position to full-time; that compensation increase is not reflected in FY2021 projections.
The All Funds budget includes $56,243 in Lexpress grant funding from the MBTA for Lexpress
as part of the Suburban Transportation grant program. The FY2021 General Fund Contractual
Services reflects an increase of 1.36% due vendor rate increases for Lexpress. The $7,800 in
dues reflects the annual cost for member to the 128 Business Council TMA. Membership allows
residents to ride the REV Alewife Shuttle between Lexington Center and Alewife and also
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includes technical assistance for transportation planning, and a transportation incentive program
for Town employees.
Ms. Barrett reported that LexPress ridership has modestly increased over the last year with riders
across the age span, some taking the van for “last mile” home-to-work connections; some for to-
school or after-school needs; and some using it for errands or appointments in the middle of the
day. Marketing efforts will continue to increase ridership and awareness of services.
A regional coordination study made possible by an Efficiency & Regionalization Grant has
provided no “silver-bullet” solution as yet. A final report is due July 1, 2020 but, so far,
recommendations include moving towards integrating school transportation budgets, contracts,
and infrastructure with other public transportation needs to evaluate transportation system as a
whole; and overhauling the town permitting process to start building incentivized private-sector
partners for local public transportation financing and route building.
Under consideration: Rethinking the Town’s Transportation Demand Policy in a way that would
help fund transportation solutions.
Human Services Program Improvement Requests (PIRs):
Transportation Manager Increase to 35 hours/week ($17,910);
Transportation Pilot Options Placeholder ($205,000); and Community Center Joint
Municipal Assistant Position supporting Human Services Department/Recreation &
Community Programs ($36,945) to reduce redundancies.
The Selectmen agreed that Transportation is a high-priority concern. Mr. Lucente asked if Lyft
and Uber had eroded LexPress ridership. Ms. Barrett said ridership throughout all public
transportation modes has been affected but the areas least affected were ones with robust systems
that made ridership worth the time, money, and effort. Between FY06 and FY14 there was a
steady increase in demand for LexPress services.
Ms. Barry commended the department for showing the different grant amounts received because
those funds may not always be available to support future level-services. Mr. Barry expressed
general concern about adding staff.
FY21 Proposed Budget: Recreation and Community Programs
Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation and Community Programs; Christine Dean, Community
Center Director; Peter Coleman, Assistant Community Center Director; Kate DeAngelis,
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist; Thomas Romano, Community Center Youth and Family
Coordinator; Hayato Tsurumaki, Recreation Supervisor; Melinda Spencer, Administrative
Manager presented the FY2021 proposed budget which covered the four department divisions:
Administrative, Recreation, Pine Meadows Golf Course and the Community Center. The
requested FY2021 operating budget is $3,261,184.
Personal Services is increasing by 2.15% due to contractual obligations, an increase in the
number of seasonal employees & program instructors, and a proposed increase in minimum
wage for seasonal employees. Expenses are decreasing by (0.12)% due to a decrease to the Pine
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Meadows Golf Course Management contract and credit card fees for Pine Meadows. The
Indirect contribution to General Government is $277,771, an increase of 3.00%.
Recreation and Community Program Division Goals:
Pursue/obtain Parks & Open Space opportunities to increase community resource inventory of
playing fields and pocket parks; coordinate, schedule, and staff new/existing recreational
programming to be held at the Community Center; continue development and implementation of
department's therapeutic, adaptive and inclusive recreation programming; incorporate FY2020
Community Needs Assessment recommendations with 2017 Recreation Facilities ADA
Compliance Study recommendations of operational and capital improvement planning for future
community needs; implement new registration software to streamline business operations and
create enhanced Community Center customer service experience, inclusive of Human Service
Department’s needs; continue to explore alternate revenue sources to assist with program costs
/capital improvement projects.
All divisions submitted level-services budgets.
Administration: The FY2021 division budget reflects a total increase of $25,556 or 5.24%.
Compensation reflects an increase of $13,906 or 4.33%, due to contractually obligated step
increases and cost-of-living adjustments.
The expenses associated with the department's overall operation and administration reflect an
overall increase of $11,650 or 7.00%. This is reflective of higher printing costs, additional
professional development opportunities for staff, and our new recreation software being
implemented in FY2021.
Recreation: The FY2021 division budget reflects a total increase of $13,287, or 1.07%, which is
primarily due to an increase in electricity costs associated with the new lighting system at the
Center Track Field and additional supplies and clothing needed for programs. Compensation
reflects an increase of $1,437, or 0.20%, which reflects employee contractual obligations,
instructors to run programs, and a proposed increase in minimum wage for seasonal employees.
The department has also experienced an expansion of its current programs requiring additional
instructors.
Pine Meadows Golf Course: The FY2021 Golf Course division is submitting a level-service
budget and reflects a net decrease of $(38,950) or (7.07)%. Contractual Services reflects a
decrease of $(39,150), due to a decrease in the contract for management and maintenance
services, and lower credit card fees.
Community Center: The FY2021 division budget which represents a $29,942 or 4.48% increase
from FY2020, which is primarily due to increased contractual costs to expand programming.
The General Fund compensation request ($218,916) is for the Community Center Director,
Department Assistant and Youth & Family Program Coordinator. The Recreation Enterprise
Fund request ($246,485) is for one full-time and two-part time Municipal Clerks and two part-
time Building Supervisors who staff the building on weekday evenings and on Saturdays. This
request also funds part-time seasonal employees who facilitate and run community programs.
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Expenses ($232,500) represents an increase of 6.21%, and includes funding for contractual
services and supplies necessary for programming and operations at the Community Center.
Recreation and Community FY2010 PIR:
Community Therapeutic Recreation Specialist: $48,551
Recreation and Community FY20201 Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs):
(Note: The department provided several estimates in the meeting materials for additional CIPs in
the 2022-2025 timeframe.)
Complete the Athletic Facility Lighting project at the Center Recreation Complex
$450,000;
Update and replace the playground equipment and install a bike rack at Sutherland Park
$95,000;
Park Improvements Athletic Fields $370,000
Pine Meadows Equipment $80,000
Pine Meadows Golf Club design and engineering costs associated with a renovation of
the clubhouse $100,000
Valley Tennis Courts - resurface, paint, and restripe the tennis courts and installation of a
bike rack $100,000.
Athletic Fields Feasibility Study $100,000
Center Recreation Complex Bathrooms & Maintenance Building Renovation $100,000
Mr. Pato noted that much of the department’s funding comes from user fees, not from the Tax
Levy, and that most of the Capital requests are Community Preservation eligible. Ms. Battite
clarified that there are instances when projects use a combination of Tax Levy and the
Recreation Fund; typically, those projects are bonded and the Town is reimbursed through the
Recreation Fund.
Mr. Lucente noted that the department’s services touch many community members, the programs
are affordable, and the department is mindful of the broad spectrum of needs, including
accessibility. He hopes the Center Complex project moves forward because he believes the
request is long overdue.
Ms. Barry asked if there had been any feedback on the addition of lights at Lincoln Field and if
the Community Center is still getting requests for Sunday hours. Mr. Coleman said groups have
asked for the lights to stay on past 8:30 p.m. but the cut-off time was an agreement with the
neighborhood when the lighting project was first approved. Ms. Dean said most people who
comment on the Sunday closure merely express surprise that the facility is not open. Ms. Barry
said the Lexington High School project, when the time comes, should not be thought of only as a
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school project since adjacent recreation areas and parking will be impacted.
Mr. Sandeen also expressed admiration for how well the financials of the department are
managed. He asked why residents often say there are not enough pickleball courts. Mr. Coleman
said the courts used for pickleball are “dual courts” since tennis is also played on them, which
can cause a scheduling crunch. The department is trying to identify a suitable place for dedicated
outdoor pickleball courts. Currently, both indoor and outdoor pickleball time slots have been
established.
Ms. Hai said a Community Center campus expansion would have a lot of benefits but it will
require a comprehensive community conversation to rally adequate support.
The Board took a short recess at 4:28 p.m. and reconvened at 4:35 p.m.
FY21 Proposed Budget Town Clerk Budget Presentation
Nathalie Rice, Town Clerk reported that the FY2021 requested budget is $560,452, representing
an increase of $45,832 or 8.91% from the FY2020 appropriation. Compensation increases by
$37,732 or 9.72%, and expenses increase by $8,100 or 6.40%. Both are primarily linked to the
number of elections. There will be 3 elections; a State Primary and General Election
(Presidential) in the fall of 2020, and an Annual Election in March 2021.
Town Clerk Department goals:
Administration: Continue to provide important administrative services, including vital records,
Public Records Requests, voter registration, support of the 2020 Federal Census, outreach to all
board and committee members, meeting postings, OML and Ethics outreach, business licensing,
and recording and archiving of decisions from the Board of Appeals, Planning Board and
Historic District Commission. Elections Administration: Administer Town/State/Federal
elections in compliance with statutory requirements and regulation changes. Vitals: Continue
effective use of Commonwealth of MA Electronic Vital Records Systems for births and deaths.
Records and Archives: Continue migration of historic documents to Town's Laserfiche
repository for public access. Continue to expand use of Laserfiche for administrative use and for
public access.
Board of Registrars: The FY2021 budget s increasing, for expenses only. Registrar stipends
remain the same for the 3 appointed Registrars.
Elections Administration: The FY2021 Elections budget reflects an overall increase of $21,300
or 17.33%, due to the number of administered elections and the administration of 11 days of
Early Voting for the Presidential Election in November. Compensation is increasing by $17,700
or 35.40% due to an increased need for election workers and staff overtime support for Early
Voting and the Presidential Election. Expenses increase $3,600 or 4.94%, which reflects higher
expenses related to Early Voting and the Presidential Election.
Archives and Records Management: The FY2021 budget reflects an increase of $2,699 or
5.47%. Compensation increases by $1,999 or 6.30% due to contractually obligated step
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increases; expenses increase due to higher costs associated with the annual update of the Code of
Lexington.
Town Clerk Department FY2021 - FY25 CIP:
CPA funds for the conservation and preservation of historic municipal documents and
records $20,000 per year
Mr. Lucente said he believes it is vitally important to continue funding the conservation and
presentation of municipal records; he commended the department for how well run the elections
are and spoke admiringly of the electronic early voting technology.
Ms. Barry also supported the CIP.
Mr. Pato offered support, if necessary, for gathering the Census information.
FY21 Proposed Budget Finance Department
Carolyn Kosnoff, Assistant Town Manager for Finance; Skip Lovering, Tax Collector and
Treasurer; Robert Lent; Assessor; Jennifer Hewitt, Budget Officer; and Krista Murphy, Town
Accountant were present for the department.
The requested FY2021 Finance Department budget reflects a $54,735 or 2.97% increase from
the FY2020 budget. This includes a $61,300 or 4.57%increase in compensation, which reflects
contractually obligated cost of living adjustments and step increases. Finance expenses are
mostly level-funded compared to prior year, though some departmental line items have shifted to
align with staff initiatives.
Department Initiatives: Further improve and implement MUNIS, Wdesk, and the procurement
card review and approval processes.
Also, the Comptroller will: Implement new MUNIS modules for cloud processing, employee
self-service, document management and archiving and Cubes reporting; continue to refine
budget development, including data collection and compilation for capital budgets as feasible;
further explore capital inventory management and planning; educate and train MUNIS users
throughout Town and School departments.
The Treasurer/Collector will: Explore an online portal for accepting gifts and donations for the
Town's trust accounts; explore online access to individual property tax accounts; implement
automated processing for supplemental tax billing and other miscellaneous receivables.
The Assessor will: Archive electronically store all historical property record cards currently
residing in the Assessor's Office: develop procedures for addressing and resolving commercial
abatements without litigation; enhance productivity through adoption of new technology to
support data collection and input activity, including income and expense data.
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The Selectmen applauded the addition of the website portal that allows residents to check their
accounts and pay Town bills online. Several Selectmen expressed enthusiasm for adding a
“Donate” option so residents can give to the Fund for Lexington online, rather than having to
write/mail checks.
Mr. Lucente asked if there are budget implications inherent in the recently received list of
recommendations from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue Office of Local Assessment.
Mr. Lent and Ms. Kosnoff said a staff restructuring done in 2018 has provided the department
with flexibility to cover added work coming from the recommendations.
FY21 Proposed Budget Land Use Budget Presentation
Carol Kowalski, Assistant Town Manager for Development; Sheila Page, Planning Director;
Karen Mullins, Conservation Administrator; Jordan McCarron, Conservation Stewardship
Program Coordinator; Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner; Lorraine Garrett, Office Manager;
Kari Sasportas, Health Director, and members of the Board of Health were present.
Ms. Kowalski presented a level-services budget saying that the FY2020 All Funds department
budget is a $(15,942) or (0.53)% decrease from FY2020. Personal Services are increasing
$26,648, or 1.20% and expenses are decreasing $(42,590), or (5.32)%. The General Fund budget
of $2,516,376 is a $(62,768), or (2.43)% decrease from FY2020, with Compensation increasing
1.58%, and Expenses decreasing (16.63)%.
The Land Use, Health and Development Department comprises: Building and Zoning,
Administration, Conservation, Public Health, Planning and Economic Development
There have been a number of staff changes in the last year, including a new Health Director, a
new Health Agent, and a new Planning Director. Despite not having a Planning Director for
much of the year, advances have still been made on the Comprehensive Plan. Staff has also been
supporting the Board of Selectmen’s new Special Permit Residential Development Ad Hoc
Committee. The Public Health Director and the Building Commissioner have found a way to
address noise complaints associated with residential development. The Building Commissioner
and the Conservation Administrator have also found ways to address water impacts from
residential development. New affordable and moderate-income housing has been created
through the 186 Bedford Street project and the Lincoln Street project. The consultant has been
working on a Hartwell Avenue zoning bylaw amendment and staff have been developing a short-
term rental bylaw amendment.
Ms. Kowalski commended the support staff in all the offices who support staff, residents, and
contractors in a variety of ways.
Building and Zoning Division: Mr. Kelly reported that the FY2021 division budget request
reflects a $16,495, or 2.65% increase from the FY2020 appropriated budget. Compensation
increases by $29,995 or 5.50% due to contractually obligated step and cost of living increases.
Expenses decrease by $(13,500) or (17.71)% due to the removal of the one-time costs for an
electronic plan table.
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Building and Zoning Division Goals: Continue efforts on the recent implementation of a new
and improved town-wide on-line permitting system; continue to implement the Laserfiche
Document Imaging Software for Building and Zoning Permit records, including converting
historical records to digital format and migrating into software; take advantage of online
permitting and electronic capabilities to ensure quality and timely reviews and inspections;
deliver the highest level of customer service; continue efforts to educate the building community
in regards to Building Codes, Zoning Bylaws, General Bylaws and new building science;
implement the new Residential Engineering Review revolving fund program.
Administration: Ms. Garrett reported that the FY2021 Administration division budget shows
$24,109, or 4.61%, increase from the FY2020 budget. This reflects a $(1,300) decrease of
(2.22)% in expenses and a $25,409 increase of 5.47% in compensation for contractually
obligated step increases and cost of living adjustments. The decrease in expenses simply reflects
alignment with prior year actual expenses.
Administration Division Goals: Improve and streamline administrative coordination for the
Department; Improve public information on how to file permits and complete applications;
continue to refine ViewPoint permitting software deployment in the Department.
Public Health Division: Ms. Sasportas reported that the FY2021 All Funds budget request
reflects an increase of $3,257 or 0.89% from FY2020. The corresponding General Fund increase
is $3,257 or 1.02%, which includes a decrease in compensation of $(32,313) or (13.10)%, which
is a net change for contractually obligated step increases and cost of living adjustments, offset by
staff turnover savings.
Expenses reflect a $27,820 or 46.23% increase in contracted services based on the cost of
continuing to contract with a private food safety firm to conduct routine inspections of high-risk
food establishments at a rate of approximately $30,000/year. This cost would be eliminated if
the Program Improvement Request (PIR) for an additional 1-FTE Health Agent is granted. The
increase in contracted services also reflects anticipated needs for additional permitted rDNA
establishments and mosquito control service contract increases based on a very active 2019
Arbovirus season (WNV, EEE). Expenses reflect a $4,500 or 900% increase in travel for staff to
maintain credentialed status.
Public Health Division Goals: Update local public health regulations for rDNA, Body Art, and
Animal Keeping to remain up-to-date with best practices and scientific advances; update the
Emergency Dispensing Site (EDS) plan for emerging infectious disease threats (e.g., pandemic
influenza, bioterror agents) and facilitate local exercises and drills as required by the
Massachusetts Department of Public Health; broaden public health preparedness planning efforts
to include people with disabilities and considerations for access and functional needs in the scope
of EDS and shelter plans in accordance with Massachusetts Department of Public Health
(MDPH) guidance; update and exercise public health mass shelter plans, develop shelter intake
and medical triage forms; develop a checklist for environmental health risk management in
shelters; work with permitted food establishments to develop emergency operations plans to
prevent disease transmission due to loss of utilities or water & sewer service infrastructure; serve
as a local resource for public education and outreach on the impacts of climate change on health;
enhance customer service satisfaction and improve staff efficiency by updating Board of Health
permit applications in ViewPoint Cloud, with particular focus on the following record types:
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retail food, temporary food, mobile food, food plan review, public swimming pool, rDNA,
Animal Keeping and Recreational Camps for Children; begin to implement field inspection
capacity with ViewPoint Cloud through integration of fillable PDF inspection forms for the
aforementioned record types.
Health Department PIR:
One additional full-time-equivalent (FTE) Health Agent to help address insufficient
staffing levels for Lexington's statutory public health duties $81,514.
Conservation Division: Ms. Mullins reported that the FY2021 division budget reflects an
increase of $2,123 or 0.81%, from FY2020. This includes a $7,253 or 3.25% increase in
compensation for contractually obligated step increases and cost of living adjustments.
Expenses reflect a decrease of $(5,130), or (12.96)% mostly due to the removal of the one-time
purchase of a replacement of a brush mower in FY2020.
Conservation Division Goals: Complete the final phase of conversion of historical conservation
records to digital format and migration into the Laserfiche Document Imaging Software;
implement the inspection component of the ViewPoint Cloud Software for conservation permits
to provide for a comprehensive electronic permit management and tracking system; implement
Novus Agenda Software for Conservation Commission Meeting management; plan for and
acquire open space parcels as prioritized by the Conservation Commission and Implement the
numerous conservation land management projects; increase and improve access to Conservation
land properties.
Conservation Division PIR:
Across Lexington Brochure Update $9,000.
Conservation Division Capital Requests: Parker Meadow Accessible Trail Construction
($551,026); Daisy Wilson Meadow Conservation ($22,425); Wright Farm Site Access Planning
and Design ($69,000).
Planning Division: Ms. Page reported that FY2021 budget for the Planning Office increases
$2,233, or 0.54% from FY2020. Compensation increases $3,233, or 0.97%, for contractually
obligated step increases and cost of living adjustments. Expenses decrease $(1,000) or (1.28)%
from FY2020. The Contractual Services line item has a net decrease from removing $8,000 in
one-time costs for community engagement around implementing the Comprehensive Plan and
adding $4,000 for Board member development and consultation. Seminars and workshops
increase by $3,500 for Planning staff certificates.
Planning division goals: Manage long-range planning activities, principally the Comprehensive
Plan; assist the Planning Board in implementing its annual work plan; re-establish stability of
Planning Division operations; continue to support efforts related to the Hartwell Revitalization,
specifically any zoning implementation and planning for transportation improvements, pending
Town Meeting authorization; continue to support the Town's various transportation initiatives
and programs.
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Board of Health members spoke in favor of adding the requested staff member (PIR) due to the
need to comply with State regulations.
Mr. Sandeen applauded the department’s commitment to customer service and the migration
materials away from using paper. He asked for a calculation on how much increased fees might
offset the additional Health Officer.
Ms. Hai said online access to permitting and other materials is important, as is hiring an
additional Health Officer to meet obligations. She is also aware that the workload of the
Transportation Safety Group has been growing steadily.
Mr. Pato concurred with the need for an additional Health Officer. He has heard feedback from
residents which leads him to conclude that the underlying problem is insufficient staffing.
Mr. Lucente believes the department’s customer service has improved greatly. He also supports
the PIR, especially since the cost will be offset by eliminating subcontracted inspections and by
potentially raising fees.
Ms. Barry asked if Conservation Board meeting materials can be accessed by the public online.
Ms. Mullins said project-related materials are accessible but electronic meeting packets are
currently available only to Commission members. Tangentially, Ms. Barry informed the
Planning Department that Planning Board meeting materials may not be uploading correctly. Ms.
Barry asked what surface material would be used for the Willards Woods parking area and
reported that the area is popular for youth gatherings after dark. Mr. McCarron said the material
would be stone dust, except for the handicap spaces, and part of the work planned for the parking
lot will improve visibility from/to the street, hopefully eliminating after hours activities.
FY21 Proposed Budget: Economic Development Budget Presentation
Melissa Tintocalis, Economic Development Director; and Casey Haggerty, Economic
Development Coordinator; and Katie Johnson, Visitors Center Manager; Ariel Chin, Assistant
Visitors Center Manger were present for the department. Ms. Tintocalis reported that the
transition from the old to new Visitors Center has been positive and successful. The Center is
open 362 days a year, more than any other Town building.
The Economic Development budget includes: The Economic Development Office, The Visitors
Center Retail Operation Revolving Fund, and The Liberty Ride Tour Revolving Fund.
The FY2021 All Funds Economic Development Office budget reflects a $(64,159) or
(7.70)%decrease primarily due to the elimination of the $80,000 appropriation under the line
item, Visitors Center Support, which was to offset the costs of maintaining the temporary
Visitors Center with less than half of its typical annual revenue from retail sales given that the
temporary Visitors Center was located in a section of the Cary Memorial Building which
experienced little foot-traffic and significantly reduced sales.
The FY2021 budget for the Economic Development Office element is decreasing by
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$(110,985)or (25.17)%. Compensation will decrease by $(1,885) or (0.95)%, which is a net
change for contractually obligated step increases and cost of living adjustments, offset by staff
turnover savings. In addition, expenses decrease by $(109,100) or (45.10)% which is primarily
due to the elimination of $80,000 that was a one-time appropriation to help offset costs
associated with the temporary Visitors Center operation. In addition, the budget reflects the end
of $27,000 from the Center Stabilization Fund for the pilot bike share program which, if the
program is to continue, will likely transition to a corporate sponsorship model without Town
funds required.
Economic Development Goals: Implement next steps from the Hartwell Zoning Initiative;
identify funding outside of Town resources to fund the bike share program; implement
recommendations for the Center Retail Strategy Plan and the Tourism Marketing Plan.
Liberty Ride Division Goals: Analyze ridership and identify partnership opportunities; explore
the feasibility of returning to a hop-on hop-off model; increase the charter rates for Liberty Ride;
raise revenues to offset costs.
Economic Development PIR:
Visitors Center Support for three years $51,000.
Ms. Hai questioned the reported amount that supports the Liberty Ride program. She would like
to revisit how the program is funded and advocated coordination with the Town of Concord.
Mr. Pato recalled that since the Town took over the Visitors Center operation from the Chamber
of Commerce, the goal has been to wean the Center off Tax Levy support. He would like to
develop a plan for the Center to be self-sufficient.
Mr. Lucente said investment in the overall Tourism program seems prudent, especially with the
new Visitors Center coming online. However, he agreed with the goal of self-sufficiency.
Ms. Barry asked if Minuteman Park still expects to levy a charge for each Liberty Ride tour. Ms.
Tintocalis reported that a charge of $5.00 per person is expected starting next year but if
Lexington can collaborate with the Park on a mutually beneficial program, there is a chance that
the additional charge might be waived. Ms. Barry asked the department to consider enhancing
its web presence to sell merchandise, now that the Visitors Center is reopen.
Adjourn
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selection voted 5-0 to adjourn at 6:20 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Kim Katzenback
Executive Clerk
Kim Siebert
Recording Secretary
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