HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-24 SB-min
Select Board Meeting
February 24, 2020
A meeting of the Lexington Select Board was called to order at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, February
24, 2020 in the Select Board Meeting Room of the Town Office Building. Present were Mr.
Lucente, Chair, Mr. Pato, Ms. Barry, Ms. Hai and Mr. Sandeen. Also present were Mr. Malloy,
Town Manager, Ms. Axtell, Deputy Town Manager, and Ms. Katzenback, Executive Clerk.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, by roll call vote of 5-0 at 6:31 p.m. the Select Board
entered into Executive Session under Exemption 6 to consider the purchase of real estate –
Historical Society Parking Parcel – Edison Way and to reconvene in Open Session. Further, it
was declared that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of
the Town.
Upon exiting Executive Session, the Board reconvened to open session at 7:11 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dawn McKenna, 9 Hancock Street, invited the Select Board and Town Manager to the event
being held on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at the Depot Building to watch the election results live.
SELECT BOARD MEMBER CONCERNS AND LIAISON REPORTS
Ms. Barry reported the following:
The Design Advisory Committee met on February 12, 2020 and reviewed the Westview
Cemetery project. Feedback was given to the project architect.
LexHab met last week and reported that Farmview (located on Lowell Street) and Wright
Farm (located on Grove Street) affordable housing are on target for spring occupancy.
She spoke at the Diamond Chapter of the Lexington at Home Group this past weekend.
Subjects included what’s going on in Lexington and how the Town might be able to help
seniors stay in their homes.
Mr. Sandeen reported that he will testify at the Senate Means and Ways Committee on February
25, 2020 regarding the Greenworks Bill that proposes to provide monies to municipalities for
adapting to climate change.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Mr. Malloy announced that members are sought for the newly-formed Hartwell Avenue 25%
Design Advisory Group. He asked citizens who would like to be considered for appointment to
this advisory group to send a letter of interest to the Town Manager’s office.
ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
1. Accept Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program Report
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Mr. Lucente stated there would not be any action taken since the agenda item is not properly
identified. Mr. Livsey, Town Engineer, explained that it is not MVP under review, it is instead
the Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). He asked that the topic be placed on an upcoming agenda.
Mr. Lucente reported the HMP report must be adopted by the Select Board to meet FEMA and
MEMA requirements. The language of the motion for adoption will be revised.
Mr. Sandeen applauded the effort by Town staff to pull this comprehensive, multi-level report
together. Mr. Malloy noted once the Board has formally adopted the report, the Town is eligible
to apply for grants to help mitigate the hazards identified in the plan. The next round of funding
is in the spring of 2020.
Mr. Sandeen asked for the report to be posted on the Town website so residents can access it.
2. Update on Intersection at Hartwell Avenue and Maguire Road
Mr. Livsey, Director of Engineering, said his recommendation to hold off on work on the
McGuire Road intersection signalization/ Bridge at Kiln Brook project until after the Hartwell
Avenue Area Improvement 25% Design is complete is to avoid redundancy. The large-scale
Hartwell Avenue infrastructure improvements being proposed, along with the Hartwell Avenue
zoning initiative, may 1) create changes to the cross-section; 2) impact number of lanes on bridge
and impact public and private utilities; 3) impact bike and transit accommodation strategies and
impact geometry at Maguire Road and; 4) reintroduce the concept of a roundabout.
Mr. Livsey reported the Town is in the process of drafting a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the
25% design phase, with the goal of hiring a well-qualitied design team familiar with
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). Mr. Livsey has met with MassDOT to
discuss the scope of the RFP. Design work will include: updated traffic counts; traffic
projections; multimodal improvements including pedestrian and cyclist accommodations; public
transportation betterments; and a public process with ample opportunity for input. The Hartwell
Avenue 25% Design Advisory Group will assist with the process.
Mr. Livsey said when the Kiln Brook Bridge/Maguire Road project was approved by Town
Meeting two years ago for $6.5M, the design did not anticipate a rezoning effort on Hartwell
Avenue. It is Mr. Livsey’s concern that the Maguire/Kiln Brook project, as originally conceived,
would not accommodate future traffic, water & sewer, drainage, utility, pedestrian and bicyclist
needs created by an improved commercial corridor. He also wants to avoid multiple, multi-year
projects that impact the same area.
Mr. Pato was disappointed the Maguire/Kiln Brook project has already seen substantial delay but
he saw no reason to move ahead now, under the circumstances. He questioned whether the
funding should go back into the General Fund. Mr. Malloy said the funding should probably be
turned back as long as the timing of the two projects makes that practical. Since the smaller
project now has the potential to become part of the larger project, it could be included in the
MADOT Transportation Improvement Project (TIP), thus mitigating expense for the Town.
Mr. Lucente agreed with the practicality of the delay but noted that the businesses on Maguire
have expressed frustration with how difficult it is to cross Maguire Road as a pedestrian to access
the parking area. Mr. Livsey reported this area is outside the scope of the Maguire Road/Kiln
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Brook project. He will check in with the Transportation Safety Group about the street-crossing
issue.
Ms. Barry asked for the Maguire Road/Kiln Brook Bridge project delay to be clearly
communicated to Bedford, MIT/Lincoln Labs, and Hanscom AFB. Also, she asked that
Lexington’s federal delegation be informed because funding for infrastructure adjacent to
military bases could be available. Ms. Barry further asked Mr. Livsey to get clarity from
MIT/Lincoln Labs about its demolition/construction schedule and to emphasize that the high
tonnage should not be transported over the Kiln Brook Bridge because of weight stress. Mr.
Livsey clarified that the bridge could be used if certain trailers were chosen for materials
transport.
Mr. Sandeen asked what the 25% design timeline is expected to be. Mr. Livsey said it will take a
minimum of two years.
Ms. Hai asked if there are any other critical infrastructure concerns regarding the delay. The
Hartwell Avenue/Bike Path crossing signal may need to be replaced/repaired in the interim.
David Kanter, Precinct 7, asked if the State is likely to lower the bridge’s weight limit further,
based on its condition. Mr. Livsey said there is always that possibility but the bridge is
considered to be “over-capacity” rather than “failing.”
3. Capital Budget - Update on Westview Cemetery Building
Carolyn Kosnoff, Assistant Town Manager for Finance, presented an update on the Westview
Cemetery project. The Cemetery building construction will be reconsidered at the 2020 Annual
Town Meeting at an anticipated cost of cost of approximately $3.29 million. The design allows
for a future addition for a possible Crematory or other expansion.
The funding options proposed include the Cemetery Fund (from the sale of lots). For FY21, the
estimated revenue available for the cemetery is $135,953.
One proposed funding option for the Westview Cemetery building would be to bond the full
$3.28M cost over 20 years at an assumed interest rate of 4%. The debt would be financed with a
level-payment structure to best match the inflow of fee revenue. This model forecasts that the
Cemetery Fund balance would be depleted in approximately seven years (FY2027), 13 years shy
of the end of the loan. The tax levy would then begin to supplement the debt service in FY2027
and continue through to amortization. Using this model, the lifetime amount of General Fund tax
levy support needed to cover debt service is projected to be approximately $742K.
An alternative plan would be to use the balance of the sale of cemetery lots fund ($600K) to pay
cash, then bond the remaining $2.69M. This funding option would result in a greater contribution
from the tax levy in the earlier years of the debt, but would ultimately result in a lower
contribution over the life of the debt: $582K compared to $742K.
Ms. Kosnoff noted the Tax Levy normally supplements cemetery operations since the revenues
from lot sales and services do not cover the cost of operations, nor are they intended to. Raising
fees does have some benefit but, in general, Taxy Levy support is needed.
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Mr. Lucente, Ms. Barry, Ms. Hai, and Mr. Pato said they prefer the alternative funding plan
because it reduces the need for tax payers’ support.
Mr. Sandeen asked if the comparison of alternatives shows a net present value. Ms. Kosnoff said
it is possible the two are similar but the second alternative shifts the timing of Tax Levy support.
She will do further analysis and add in present value before putting the project out to bid.
Mr. Pato noted the alternative plan would shift debt impact so it does not impact the same years
as the high school project.
4. Update - ATM 2020 Warrant Article 42 - Amend Zoning Bylaw and Zoning Map, 1040-
1050 Waltham Street and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Ed Grant, Nicholson, Sreter & Gilgun, P.C; and Kevin Sheehan & Phil Dorman, Greatland
Realty Partners, presented updates regarding the request to rezone the 1040-1050 Waltham Street
parcel from the present CLO-Local Office zoning district to create a Planned Development
District (“PD-5”) and to allow for demolition and reconstruction on the property. The MOU will
be discussed but not signed tonight.
Mr. Sheehan said that Greatland started the redevelopment process about a year ago and went
through the sketch plan process in the fall of 2019. The preliminary site development and use
plan application (PSDUP) was filed in December 2019 and there have been two Public Hearings
before the Lexington Planning Board (January, February) with a third hearing scheduled on
March 4, 2020. An Open House for Town Meeting Members is being organized as are meetings
with the neighborhood. Greatland is also meeting with the South Lexington Civic Association.
The proposal is to replace the existing structures with a lab/office building designed for life
science research and development uses, including approximately 157,000 square feet of
occupiable space, up to 475 parking spaces in a structured parking garage, outdoor public space,
pedestrian ways, and associated site improvements.
Feedback has caused several changes to be made to the project: the size of project has been
reduced from 174,000 SF to 157,000 SF; the size of building floor plate has been reduced from
57,000 to 51,000 SF; the parking count has been reduced from 600 to 475; the 2 foot side yard
setback has an increased to 20 feet; the third party retail/restaurant use on the ground floor has
been eliminated; the elevation of the building has been lowered. Greatland has also been
coordinating with the Avalon Bay property and with the developer/owner of the former
Friendly’s site.
The Memorandum of Agreement proposal between Greatland and the Town includes:
transportation funding/Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures; Waltham
Street/Roadway improvements; easement and funding for trail access; mitigation for noise and
lighting impacts; and sustainability commitments.
The Transportation Demand Management (TDM) includes: transit shuttle/shuttle stop and transit
pass subsidies; walking trail connection; enhanced crosswalk; bike share; bike lane
improvements; carpooling; car share parking; and an EV charging station.
Mr. Sheehan also provided an extensive list of project benefits that he believes make the
proposal strong and appealing for the Town. An annual net tax revenue of $1.5M is projected
from this project.
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Ms. Barry asked what the former amenities space would be used for if not for restaurant/retail.
Mr. Sheehan said it would be utilized by building occupants and neighbors, such as for fitness or
an in-house café, neither of which would not draw additional cars to the site.
Ms. Barry asked if Greatland had spoken directly with Brookhaven about connecting to the trails
beyond via the Brookhaven property. Mr. Sheehan said he has and both Brookhaven and the
residents’ committee were receptive.
Ms. Barry said the Select Board had received a flurry of emails about the TDM and proposed
shuttle. Mr. Sheehan said he was committed to doing the shuttle and his ideal is that Greatland
would partner with one of the neighboring property owners. However, Greatland would like to
reserve the option to come to the Town to ask to discontinue the shuttle if it is not being used.
Ms. Barry said revisions to the MOU may need to be made in order to align the language of
intent with the language in the agreement; she also has wording edits to submit.
Mr. Sandeen asked if Greatland is committed to buying renewable electricity. He asked the EV
chargers to be “level two”. Mr. Sheehan said he is happy to put that specifically in agreement
and he committed to expanding the EV charging capacity if demand required it.
Ms. Hai asked if any of the EV charging stations would be outside of the garage and available to
the public. Mr. Sheehan said there will only be a few “quick-stop” parking spaces outside the
garage so all the EV stations will be inside, but open to the public.
The next follow-up on this item, and to sign the MOU, is tentatively planned for the Select Board
meeting on March 9, 2020.
Sally Castleman, 3 Currier Court and co-chair of the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC),
said TAC supports the shuttle service proposed for this project as well the other transportation
initiatives and the financial contributions to two Town transportation funds. She suggested some
changes in language for flexibility, and an increased contribution amount. Mr. Sheehan agreed to
clarify that Greatland would remain responsible for transportation if the proposed shuttle service
was eliminated at some future date.
Kevin Johnson, 283 Concord Avenue/Precinct 3 Town Meeting Member agreed with Ms.
Castleman’s comments about the language concerning the shuttle. He urged that a minimum of
three round trips to Alewife in the morning and evening be considered. He asked for the shuttle
to be made available for return trip rides that would otherwise be empty.
Fred Martin, 1010 Waltham Street/Brookhaven, believes that the proposed building is out of
scale to the surrounding neighborhood. To his knowledge, there has been no “shadowing” study
and shadowing might affect some of the Brookhaven buildings. Vehicle trips on Waltham Street
will increase with this project and speed is already a factor, making the distance between the
north exit from the project area and the entrance to Brookhaven a concern. The addition of
dedicated turning lanes would be useful. A crosswalk and pedestrian light will be needed to
access to the stores across Waltham Street. He asked if the easement proposed would be ADA
compliant. He asked where the lighting regulations will be stated. He asked that automatic
window shades be installed, particularly on the side of the proposed building facing Brookhaven.
David Kanter, Precinct 7 Town Meeting Member, asked if the Conservation Commission has
commented on the proposal. Mr. Sheehan reported that plans have been shared several times
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with the Commission as previews of the project and to identify wetland constraints. Assuming
zoning relief is granted, Greatland said it would have to seek an Order of Conditions from
Conservation for the site. Mr. Sheehan said the Commission has been pleased with the
decreased amount of impervious surface proposed. He is not aware of any issue the Commission
has with the location of the driveway.
The Board took a brief recess at 8:47 p.m. and reconvened at 8:54 p.m.
5. Update - ATM 2020 Warrant Article 10 - Appropriate the FY2021 Community
Preservation Committee Operating Budget and CPA Projects
Marilyn Fenollosa, Community Preservation Committee Chair, presented a summary of past
CPA accomplishments, as well as available funds and projects requesting approval from Annual
Town Meeting 2020. The total amount available for appropriation is $11,596,450. Article 10 (a-
m) represents appropriations of $2,233,495; Article 10 (n-o) represents appropriations of
$4,118,594. The remaining Community Preservation balance will be $5,244,361.
The CPA project list that Annual Town Meeting will be asked to approve is:
a) That $20,000 be appropriated for Archives & Records Management and Records Conservation
& Preservation, and to meet this appropriation $20,000 be appropriated from the Historic
Resources Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund
b) That $9,000 be appropriated for the Restoration of Margaret, Lady of Lexington Painting, and
to meet this appropriation $9,000 be appropriated from the Historic Resource Reserve of the
Community Preservation Fund;
c) That $317,044 be appropriated for the Battle Green Master Plan, and to meet this
appropriation $317,044 be appropriated from the Historic Resource Reserve of the Community
Preservation Fund;
d) That this item be indefinitely postponed;
e) That $22,425 be appropriated for Daisy Wilson Meadow Preservation, and to meet this
appropriation $22,425 be appropriated from the Open Space Reserve of the Community
Preservation Fund;
f) That $69,000 be appropriated for Wright Farm Site Access Planning and Design, and to meet
this appropriation $69,000 be appropriate from the Open Space Reserve of the Community
Preservation Fund;
g) That $450,000 be appropriated for Athletic Field Lighting, and to meet this appropriation
$450,000 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund;
h) That $100,000 be appropriated for Park Improvements- Hard Court Resurfacing-Valley
Tennis Courts, and to meet this appropriation $100,000 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted
Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund; Town of Lexington Motion 2020 Annual Town
Meeting 2
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i) That $95,000 be appropriated for Park and Playground Improvements- Sutherland Park, and to
meet this appropriation $95,000 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of the
Community Preservation Fund;
j) That $370,000 be appropriated for Park Improvements- Athletic Fields-Harrington, Bowman,
and Franklin Fields, and to meet this appropriation $370,000 be appropriated from the
Unbudgeted Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund;
k) That $551,026 be appropriated for Parker Meadow Accessible Trail Construction, and to meet
this appropriation $551,026 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of the Community
Preservation Fund;
l) That $130,000 be appropriated for Lexington Housing Authority-Greeley Village Community
Center Preservation, and to meet this appropriation $130,000 be appropriated from the
Community Housing Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund;
m) That $100,000 be appropriated for LexHAB- 116 Vine Street Design Funds, and to meet this
appropriation $75,000 be appropriated from the Community Housing Reserve of the Community
Preservation Fund and $25,000 be appropriated from the Historic Resources Reserve of the
Community Preservation Fund;
n) That $3,968,594 be appropriated for CPA Debt Service and related costs, and to meet this
appropriation $351,050 be appropriated from the Open Space Reserve of the Community
Preservation Fund, $425,000 be appropriated from the Historic Resources Reserve of the
Community Preservation Fund, $2,240,680 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of the
Community Preservation Fund and $951,864 be appropriated from the Undesignated Fund
Balance of the Community Preservation Fund; and
o) That $150,000 be appropriated for the Administrative Expenses and all other necessary and
proper expenses of the Community Preservation Committee for FY2021 and to meet this
appropriation $150,000 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of the Community
Preservation Fund.
David Kanter, Capital Expenditures Committee, asked if the Hosmer House relocation would be
resolved by the time the site is needed for the Police Station project. Mr. Malloy assured him it
would be.
Bridger McGaw, Precinct 6 Town Meeting member, is grateful for the work that has been done
to make clear how debt financing through FY2025 is being prioritized. He is glad worthy
affordable housing projects have been identified for this round of funding. He asked that the
Community Preservation Committee make funding transparent to Town Meeting so members
understand which items represents “start-up” or design costs, and are therefore likely to be seen
again as proposals with larger construction price tags. Ms. Fenollosa agreed with the desire for
transparency and said that funding is explained as a matter of course as details become available.
Dawn McKenna, Tourism Committee Chair, noted the current funding request for the Battle
Green Masterplan is the final stage of a long-term project that has been incrementally funded
over time.
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6. Update - ATM 2020 Warrant Article 43 - Amend Zoning Bylaw and Map - Hartwell
Avenue Area
Charles Hornig, 18 Bacon Street, presented his Citizen Article - Amend Zoning Bylaw and map
Hartwell Avenue. Mr. Hornig said although he is a member of the Planning Board, he presents
this article as an individual.
Mr. Hornig’s reasons behind proposing Article 43: the money is needed; the density is needed:
jobs are needed.
He is presenting Article 43 now because: the initiative will take time to reap benefits (a
minimum of 5 years); the process has been on “hold” for some time.
In Article 43, Mr. Hornig proposes: No changes of use, most significantly no allowance for
multi-family housing until a larger community conversation takes place; some changes to
dimensional standards to allow flexibility to lot layout; sorting out non-conforming lots;
consistently assigning lots to appropriate zones; revising setback standards; revising floor area
ratios; revising height limitations; providing design standards with regard to amenities; and
providing Bedford Street vehicle, pedestrian, and bike accommodations.
Mr. Hornig made projections about what changes Article 43 might bring, including to traffic,
sustainability, parking and transportation, and building redevelopment improvements.
Mr. Hornig said Article 43 proposes elements that are “completely consistent” with what
consultant Ted Brovitz has already presented to the Board, although Article 43 is, in Mr.
Hornig’s words, “simpler” and “shorter”. Adoption would also signal to property owners along
Hartwell Avenue, the State, the taxpayers, and others that the Town supports investment in the
area. Mr. Hornig stated the Economic Advisory Committee supports these initiatives.
Ms. Hai said her perception is that Mr. Horning’s proposal is in line with Mr. Brovitz’
presentation. She asked if there might be unanticipated consequences if parts of the larger
initiative are pulled out for early action. Mr. Horning said he believes his proposal is streamlined
enough to pass muster at Town Meeting and provides a good place starting place to get the
initiative off the ground. He believes discussions about elements in Mr. Brovitz’s plan, such as
form-based codes and multi-family housing, should continue but not hinder all progress.
Ms. Hai asked if Mr. Hornig believes property owners will feel confidence to move ahead or feel
instead the need to wait for a full plan to be approved. Mr. Hornig said some things, like shared
parking, do not rely on changing the zoning. The business property owners he has spoken with
say they are happy with Article 43. In his experience, most of the residential neighbors care only
about the traffic and the revenue, not about Hartwell Avenue aesthetics.
Mr. Pato said his biggest concern is losing leverage by giving Hartwell Avenue landowners what
they want without bundling it with what the community wants. However, he agrees that waiting
for all the pieces to come together would mean keeping everything on hold and changes to
Hartwell have already been delayed for 10 years. Ideally, Mr. Pato would like to see an attractive
Hartwell Avenue re-design but he is cautiously optimistic Mr. Hornig’s proposal would move the
initiative along.
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Mr. Lucente said Mr. Hornig’s proposal makes sense. However, he is worried about not being
able to offer a comprehensive vision for the area. Nevertheless, he feels it the Board’s duty to
resolve long-term traffic and revenue issues as soon as possible and not to remain frozen.
Ms. Barry asked Mr. Malloy if he sees the Hartwell Avenue project as “stalled” or “on hold
because of a staffing issue.” Mr. Malloy said he would characterize it as the latter of the two. Ms.
Barry concurred with previous Board comments and timing, traffic, and revenue.
Mr. Sandeen agreed that revitalization of the Hartwell Avenue area is a high priority, particularly
because revenue will help the Town pay for the high school project. Mr. Sandeen asked Mr.
Hornig if the numbers presented were based on one third of buildings being upgraded within 10
years. Mr. Hornig said that was the assumption used in his presentation. Mr. Sandeen said he
would prefer a warrant article that combined the achievement of the Town’s high level objectives
with the desires of the property owners.
David Kanter, 48 Fifer Lane, said as an abutter to the Hartwell area, he wants to see some
remedies for issues like traffic before he can support the project. He believes a substantial
segment of townspeople will not be mollified by the promise of revenue without the balance of
improving entrenched problems.
7. Update - ATM 2020 Warrant Article 44 - Amend the Zoning Bylaw and Map-Bedford
Street Near Hartwell Avenue
Charles Hornig presented his citizen article- Amend the Zoning Bylaw and Map- Bedford Street
near Hartwell Avenue. Mr. Hornig said although he is a member of the Planning Board, he
presents this article as an individual.
The proposal is about one property only, currently the site of the Boston Sports Club. It is zoned
RO which allows single-family houses on large lots. The parcel is now isolated due to other
types of land use for surrounding properties. He believes the Town would not want to see
development of large single-family homes at this location. Article 44 would change the zoning
from RO to CM, consistent with the zoning on Hartwell Avenue,
Mr. Pato said he wants to hear from residents of the area.
Mr. Lucente noted such re-zoning requests usually come from the owner of the property. He
asked for some kind of show of support, such as a letter, to be submitted by the property owner.
Otherwise he agreed the Town would not want large single-family houses built at this location.
Ms. Barry asked Mr. Malloy if this type of zoning change is common in other towns. Mr. Malloy
said such changes are not unusual. Ms. Barry asked what outreach Mr. Hornig has done to the
residents of North Lexington. Mr. Hornig replied that he has reached out to most of the
immediately affected landowners, who are largely commercial landowners, and to adjacent
property owners. For other interested parties, there will be public hearings.
Mr. Sandeen asked if there are height restrictions for this property, due to its proximity to the
airport. Mr. Hornig said height here is not limited by the runway, however the CM district has a
height restriction of 115 feet (6 stories). Mr. Sandeen noted significant area resident concern
about what will happen on this site.
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David Kanter, 48 Fifer Lane, said there are 150 residential units that directly abut the property.
The current use (sports club) generates a small amount of staggered traffic which nonetheless
causes back-ups and dangerous merges. A use that would increase the existing problem would
not be favorable.
8. Update - ATM 2020 Warrant Article 45 - Amend Zoning Bylaw-Front Yard, Transition,
and Screening Areas
Charles Hornig, 18 Bacon Street, presented his citizen article - Amend Zoning Bylaw-Front
Yard, Transition, and Screening Areas. Mr. Hornig said although he is a member of the Planning
Board, he presents this article as an individual.
Article 45 refers to the streetscape in Lexington’s commercial districts which Mr. Hornig says
the Town treats inconsistently. Much depends on what is across the street. The zoning he seeks
to reclassify was instituted in 1987, when he believes there was anti-commercial feeling in town.
Article 45 proposes to: eliminate additional building setbacks from the street when a lot is across
the street from a residential district. This affects a small number of commercial districts (seven
lots). The proposal would also eliminate ambiguous or unrealistic screening requirements and
eliminate ambiguous or unrealistic landscaping requirements.
Mr. Lucente said Article 45 seems reasonable and provides greater clarity to zoning standards.
Ms. Barry asked why the Planning Board is not bringing forward this article as it appears to be
“housekeeping” in nature. Mr. Hornig said he believes it has fallen through the cracks.
Ms. Hai applauded Mr. Hornig for streamlining and simplifying the zoning.
9. 2020 Annual Town Meeting -Article Discussions/Article Positions/Select Board
Report/Consent Agenda
Discuss Board Report to Town Meeting
Due to the lateness of the hour, the Board agreed to send their individual comments regarding the
draft submissions for the Board Report to the Select Board’s Office by February 27, 2020. The
office will aggregate the individual submissions into a single document incorporating the
comments. The draft report will be included in the March 2, 2020 Select Board meeting for
Board discussion and review.
Consent Agenda
The Selectmen reviewed the list of articles proposed to be on the Annual Town Meeting consent
agenda. The resulting chart is appended to these minutes.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Town Celebrations Committee Request - Approve Sending Sponsorship Letters for 2020
Patriots' Day Parade
On a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 5-0 to approve the request of the
Town Celebrations to send out sponsorship letters for the 2020 Patriots Day Parade, as proposed.
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2. Approve One-Day Liquor License
On a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 5-0 to approve a One a Liquor
License for Impact Melanoma to serve wine for the purpose of their "Manicures for Melanoma"
Awareness Fundraiser to be held at MiniLuxe, 1718 Massachusetts Avenue, on Thursday, March
12, 2020 11:00am to 10:00pm.
3. Approve and Sign Eagle Scout Commendation Letter - Thomas Ekrem
Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 5-0 to approve and sign a letter
of commendation congratulating Thomas Ekrem for attaining the highest rank of Eagle in Boy
Scouting.
4. Approve Meeting Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Select Board voted 5-0 to approve and release the
minutes of July 8, 2019; July 15, 2019 Joint BOS and Planning Board Meeting; July 22, 2019;
July 22, 2019 Joint BOS and Housing Partnership Board Meeting; July 29, 2019 BOS Goal
Setting Retreat: August 5, 2019; August 8, 2019; August 19, 2019
Adjourn
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Selection voted 5-0 to adjourn at 11:01 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Kim Katzenback
Executive Clerk
Kim Siebert
Recording Secretary
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ARTICLE POSITIONS 2020 ANNUAL TOWN MEETINGAs of February 24, 2020
ARTICLES SELECT IP CNSNT DL JP SB JH MS
BOARD
PRSNTR
AT ATM
DL
Article 2 Select Board Report
DL
Article 4 Appropriate fy2021 operating budget
MS
Article 5 Appropriate fy2021 enterprise funds budgets
JP
Article 6 Establish qualifications for tax deferrals
JP
Article 7
Petition general court to amend legislation regarding tax deferrals
JH
Article 8 Short term rental impact fee
JH
Article 9 Establish and continue departmental revolving funds
Appropriate the fy2021 community preservation committee operating
Article 10
budget and cpa projects
a) Archives & Records Management/Records Conservation & CNSNT
Preservation- $20,000 - consent
b) Restoration of Margaret Lady of Lexington Painting- $9,000 -
c) Battle Green Master Plan- Phase 3- $317,044
IP ?
d) Conservation Land Acquisition - IP
JP
CNSNT
e) Daisy Wilson Meadow Preservation- $22,425 – consent
f) Wright Farm Site Access Planning and Design- $69,000
g) Athletic Facility Lighting- $450,000
h) Park Improvements- Hard Court Resurfacing- Valley Tennis
Courts- $100,000
i) Park and Playground Improvements- Sutherland Park- $95,000
j) Park Improvements- Athletic Fields- Harrington, Bowman, and
Franklin Field- $370,000
Art. 10
cont.
k) Parker Meadow Accessible Trail Construction- $551,026
1) Lexington Housing Authority- Greeley Village Community Center
Preservation- $130,000
m) LexHAB- 116 Vine Street Design Funds- $100,000
CNSNT
n) CPA Debt Service- $3,016,730 - consent
CNSNT
o) Administrative Budget- $150,000 - consent
Article 11 Appropriate for recreation capital projects
SB
a) Pine Meadows Club House Renovation
12
CNSNT
b) Pine Meadows Equipment - consent
Article 12 Appropriate for municipal capital projects and equipment
a) Ambulance Replacement
b) Athletic Fields Feasibility Study
CNSNT
c) Hydrant Replacement Program - consent
d) Storm Drainage Improvements and NPDES compliance
CNSNT
e) Sidewalk Improvements - consent
JH
f) Equipment Replacement
CNSNT
g) Townwide Signalization Improvements - consent
CNSNT
h) Street Improvements - consent
i) New Sidewalk Installations
CNSNT
j) Transportation Mitigation - consent
CNSNT
k) Municipal Technology Improvement Program – consent
CNSNT
Art. 12
cont. l) Application implementation - consent
CNSNT
m) Phone Systems & Unified Communications - consent
MS CNSNT
Article 13 Appropriate for water system improvements - consent
MS CNSNT
Article 14 Appropriate for wastewater system improvements- consent
SB
Article 15 Appropriate for school capital projects and equipment
DL
Article 16 Appropriate for public facilities capital projects
a) Police Outdoor/Indoor Firing Range - Hartwell Avenue
b) Center Recreation Complex Bathrooms & Maintenance Building
Renovation
c) Public Facilities Master Plan
d) LHS Science Classroom Space Mining
e) Townwide Roofing Program
CNSNT
f) School Building Envelopes and Systems - consent
CNSNT
g) Municipal Building Envelopes and Systems - consent
h) Facility and Site Improvements - consent CNSNT
Building Flooring Program
School Paving & Sidewalks Program
CNSNT
i) Public Facilities Bid Documents - consent
CNSNT
j) Public Facilities Mechanical/Electrical System Replacements-
consent
SB
k) Westview Cemetery Building Construction
JH
Article 17 Appropriate to post employment insurance liability fund
13
SB CNSNT
Article 18 Rescind prior borrowing authorizations - consent
JP
Establish, dissolve and appropriate to and from specified stabilization funds
Article 19
DL CNSNT
Article 20 Appropriate from debt service stabilization fund - consent
MS
Article 21 Appropriate for prior years’ unpaid bills
DL
Article 22 Amend FY2020 operating, enterprise and CPA budgets
JH ? ?
Article 23 Appropriate for authorized capital improvement
SB
Article 24 Reduce legal expenses (citizen petition)
SB
Article 25 Purchase of land/eminent domain
SB
Article 26 Amend historic districts commission enabling legislation
MS
Article 27 Amend general bylaws-noise construction limits
JP
Article 28 Amend general bylaws-noise control (citizen petition)
MS
Article 29 Declare climate emergency (citizen petition)
SB
Article 30 Land exchange (citizen petition)
DL IP
Article 31 Amend general bylaws-demolition delay (citizen petition) - IP
DL IP
Article 32 Extend Hancock-Clark historic district (citizen petition) - IP
JP
Article 33 Amend general bylaws-running bamboo control (citizen petition)
JH
Authorize special legislation-development surcharge for community
Article 34
housing (citizen petition)
DL
Amend zoning bylaw-distance from basement, slab or crawl space and
Article 35
groundwater
JH
Article 36 Amend zoning bylaw-short term rentals
JP
Article 37 Amend zoning bylaw-site plan review
SB
Article 38 Amend zoning bylaw-financial services
MS
Article 39 Amend zoning bylaw-solar energy systems
MS
Article 40 Amend zoning bylaw-wireless communication facilities
JH
Article 41 Amend zoning bylaw-technical corrections
JP
Amend zoning bylaw and zoning map, 1040-1050 Waltham Street (owner
Article 42
petition)
SB
Amend zoning bylaw and map-Hartwell Avenue area (citizen petition)
Article 43
MS
Amend the zoning bylaw and map- Bedford street near Hartwell Avenue
Article 44
(citizen petition)
DL
Amend zoning bylaw-front yard, transition, and screening areas (citizen
Article 45
petition)
JH
Article 46 Amend zoning bylaw-gross floor area (citizen petition)
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