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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-02-BOS-min Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes February 3, 1997 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, February 3, 1997 in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:30 p.m. Chairman McSweeney, Mr. Dailey, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk, were present. Consent Agenda Sewer and Water Adjustments and Commitments Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following adjustments and commitments: a. Adjustments of water charges for 12/1/96 - 12/31/96 $3,401.43 b. Adjustments of sewer charges for 12/1/96 - 12/31/96 $8,508.57 c. Commitment of water charges December, 1996 (Cycle 9) $94,278.06 d. Commitment of water charges for 12/1/96 - 12/31/96 (finals) $10,351.80 e. Commitment of sewer charges for 12/1/96 - 12/31/96 (finals) $1,411.60 f. Commitment of water charges-Cycle 3 Town-Wide billing (1/10/97) $686,457.12 g. Commitment of sewer charges-Cycle 3 Town-Wide billing (1/10/97) $1,076,827.00 Sewer Rate Relief Award Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept a Commonwealth of Massachusetts Sewer Rate Relief Award in the amount of $21,351.00 to be used solely for the purpose of providing assistance in the mitigation of sewer rate increases in Fiscal Year 1997.. Release of Easement and Easement to Ursula and Charles Pike, 186 Grove Street Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve a release of easement and easement to Ursula and Charles Pike, 186 Grove Street, as approved under Article 27 of the 1996 Annual Town Meeting. Treasurer/Tax Collector Local Official Bond Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to fix the sum of the Treasurer Local Official Bond at $190,000 and it was voted to fix the sum of the Tax Collector Local Official Bond at $180,000. Selectmen’s Meeting - February 3, 1997 Water/Sewer Deferral - 10 Locke Lane Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to defer water and sewer charges for Harris T. Childs at 10 Locke Lane. Mickey Finn Scholarship Fund Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the Mickey Finn Scholarship Fund. No Parking Restrictions - Muzzey Street Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted amend the no parking restrictions on Muzzey Street to Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Warrant for the 1997 Annual Town Meeting Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Warrant for the 1997 Annual Town Meeting. Lexington Minute Men Re-Enactment on Battle Green Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of the Lexington Minute Men to use the Battle Green for the annual re-enactment on Sunday, April 6, Sunday, April 13 and Monday, April 21, 1997. Lions Club - July 4th Carnival Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following dates for the Lions Club 4th of July Carnival at the Center Playground: Wednesday, July 2 from 2-5 p.m. and 6-11 p.m., Thursday, July 3 from 6-11 p.m., Friday, July 4 from 12-11 p.m., Saturday, July 5 from 12-11 p.m. and Sunday, July 6 from 12-10 p.m. Budget Mr. White reviewed budget agenda items for future meetings. He will be looking for a policy from the Board on the use of Free Cash, Stabilization Fund and Reserve Fund. Mr. White indicated that in other states cash reserve policies run as high as 25% of the total budget and as low as 10%. Selectmen’s Meeting - February 3, 1997 Mr. McSweeney felt the timing of a cash reserve policy is excellent and he is looking forward to discussing this with the other groups in Town. Mr. White indicated he could have some numbers available at the next meeting which shows the cash reserve policy of other comparable communities and some communities in other states. Mr. White reported that it looks as if the Recreation Enterprise books may be closed without a deficit. Guide for Sign Permit Applications John Frey and Steve Hurley of the Design Advisory Committee were present to ask the Board to approve the Guide for Sign Permit Applications prepared by Committee members and presented to the Board at an earlier meeting. Board members were given copies of letters approving of the Guide from the Historic Districts Commission, Lexington Conservation Commission and the Chamber of Commerce. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Guide for Sign Permit Applications. Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 by roll call vote: Mr. McSweeney, Mr. Dailey, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn and Mrs. Eddison to go into executive session for discussion of collective bargaining with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes February 10, 1997 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, February 10, 1997 in the Selectmen’s meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:30 p.m. Chairman McSweeney, Mr. Dailey, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk, were present. Public Comments Andy Friedlich announced that Paul Hamburger, Chairman of the Long Range Planning Committee, has tendered his resignation. Susan Elberger asked whether the Board had discussed the ballot question for the upcoming election. Mr. McSweeney indicated the Board hasn’t but indicated the Board hoped to take it up before the election. Senior Citizens Club Fund Raising Mr. Dailey announced some fund raising efforts that are being planned to assist the Senior Citizens Club. Karen Boudreau, coach of the softball team, has once again offered to manage a booth at the Air Force Show in June. The booth will be manned by members of the softball team and the group has agreed to donate the second day’s receipts for the Senior Citizens Club programs. It is estimated that these receipts would be approximately $1,700. Nancy Freed, Director of Social Services, indicated that the Council on Aging has also been working toward some funding for the Senior Citizens Club summer program. Board members thanked Ms. Boudreau and Ms. Freed for their efforts and wished the Senior Citizens Club a good year. Recreation Enterprise Fund Recreation Director Karen Simmons reviewed past years’ funding history of the Recreation Enterprise Fund. It is expected that Fiscal Year 1997 will see a $413,000 deficit unless some urgent steps are taken. The Recreation Committee has proposed several fee increases they are asking the Board to approve that will generate approximately $120,000 in new revenue. The Committee is also proposing to rescind Article 19 of 1996 which appropriated $150,000 to reconstruct the third hole at the Pine Meadows Golf Course. The Committee is also proposing some program cuts to meet the deficit. Ms. Simmons explained that these efforts will take care of the FY97 problems, however, the Recreation Enterprise Fund cannot support the ever increasing funding of the Parks and Trees budget. Selectmen’s Meeting - February 10, 1997 Mr. Dailey suggested rethinking the policy of the transfers and suggested that these transfers be reviewed and controlled and that the Town assist the Recreation Committee in maintaining a $100,000 in retained earnings. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was vote to approve the proposed 1997 fee structure for the Recreation Department. School Renovation Project Chairman of the Permanent Building Committee Bill Bruckman reviewed the schools capital planning program since the 1994 Archetype Study to renovate the school buildings. It is estimated that the cost after state reimbursement will be $32.8 million exclusive of borrowing costs, inflation and asbestos/lead removal. John Ryan reviewed several debt payment schedules for a total $80,000,000 project. There was much discussion over a comprehensive building capital expenditures plan which would include Town and School buildings, looking again at the Building Finance Committee’s proposal, the Town’s capacity to manage the project, a number that everyone can collectively support. The Permanent Building Committee will be putting a package together of all the components of the school package. Fiscal Policy - Cash Reserves Mr. White reviewed data his office compiled on policy of comparable communities with respect to policy on cash reserves. There was much discussion about the Town’s position with respect to cash reserves including the Reserve Fund, Stabilization Fund and Free Cash. Appointments Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Town Manager’s reappointment of Richard Wolk to the Conservation Commission for a three-year term. Selectmen’s Meetings - March and April It was decided to meet on the following dates: March 3, 10, 17, 24, 26 and 31; April 2, 7, 9, 14 and 16. Selectmen’s Meeting - February 10, 1997 100th Birthday Recognition - Laura Rogers Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to declare Saturday, February 15, 1997 as Laura Roberts Day and to ask all citizens to hold her in their thoughts on the auspicious occasion of her 100th birthday. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:45 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes February 24, 1997 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, February 24, 1997 in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:30 p.m. Chairman McSweeney, Mr. Dailey, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn and Mrs. Eddison; Mr. White, Town Manager; and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk, were present. Public Comments Cornelius Cronin presented outgoing Selectman William Dailey with an historic gavel made from a branch of a Battle Green elm tree. There was some humor expressed as to which family dates back the furthest in Lexington, the Cronin or Dailey family. Mr. Dailey appeared to win out as he claimed his family dated back to 1851. Caleb Warner asked some questions concerning the status of the Middlesex County Hospital hoping to get some information for a meeting of the South Lexington Neighborhood Association. Mr. McSweeney indicated he would get answers to Mr. Warner’s questions. Steven Groves, 18 Winthrop Road, presented a petition from residents of the Engstrom Drain area requesting the Town to add this area to the mosquito larvacide spraying this Spring. Mr. Dailey asked the Town Manager to see to it that this area gets added to the program as he can attest to the problems in the area. Mr. Busa announced the most recent success of Lexington’s precision skating team, the “Haydenettes” as they captured the gold in competition in France with 17 teams, 12 of which were from other countries. NYNEX/Boston Edison Grant of Location - Maple Street Mr. McSweeney opened a hearing on the petition of New England Telephone Company and Boston Edison for a pole relocation in order for the State to complete its bridge work on Maple Street. Mr. Fitzgibbon of NYNEX described the plans to relocate the pole. There being no questions, Mr. McSweeney declared the hearing closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company and Boston Edison Company to relocate poles, wires, cables and fixtures, including anchors, guys and other such necessary sustaining fixtures along and across the following public way: Relocate pole #61/4 from its present location adjacent to the property at 4 Ingleside Road, in a westerly direction perpendicular to Maple Street and alongside the Ingleside Road property, a distance of 6 feet (±). Selectmen’s Meeting - February 24, 1997 Consent Agenda Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following consent agenda items: First Parish Church Grant Application Support Ratify Poll Vote to support a Massachusetts Historic Commission Grant Application by First Parish Church for major repairs to the Church. Water and Sewer Commitments Commitment of water charges for 8/1/96-8/31/96 $2,052.54 Commitment of sewer charges for 8/1/96-8/31/96 $3,784.13 Commitment of water charges for 9/1/96-9/30/96 $20,091.12 Commitment of sewer charges for 9/1/96-9/30/96 $6,024.56 Commitment of water charges for 10/1/96-10/31/96 $4,638.90 Commitment of sewer charges for 10/1/96-10/31/96 $7,409.17 Commitment of water charges for 1/97 (Cycle 9) $100,557.50 Commitment of water charges for 1/97 (Cycle 9) $91,534.97 Business Committee Report Mr. White presented the final version of the Business Committee Report stating that it is a splendid document and if used on a regular basis will serve us well for the next several years. He will be providing a copy to all Town Meeting Members. Board members thanked all members of the Committee for a good job. Mrs. Eddison expressed concern that the report does not get filed in a drawer and suggested that a small working group be established to begin on some of the easy things recommended in the report. Mr. McSweeney concurred with Mrs. Eddison that forming a working group would assure that the report is used. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the Selectmen’s Business Committee Report. Letter of Support - Sheraton Expansion Mr. McSweeney announced that the Board of Selectmen would be sending a letter of support for the proposed expansion plans of the Sheraton Lexington Inn to the Board of Appeals who will be holding a hearing on the Sheraton proposal later this week. Selectmen’s Meeting - February 24, 1997 Reenactment of Retreat of British from Concord and Lexington Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of the Lexington Minutemen for a reenactment of the retreat of the British from Concord and Lexington on Saturday, April 12, 1997. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meetings of December 16, 1996, December 17, 1996, January 6, 1997, January 13, 1997 and January 25, 1997. Executive Session Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the executive session minutes of the meetings of December 16, 1996, December 17, 1996 and January 27, 1997. Lexington Golf Club All Alcoholic Beverage License - Change in Manager Upon motion duly made and seconded, with Mr. Busa abstaining, it was voted to approve the request from the Lexington Golf Club for a Change in Manager. Harrington Road Update Design Advisory Committee members John Frey, Steve Hurley and Mort Kahan were present to update the Board on the status of the Harrington Road closure and possible alternatives. Mr. Frey stated that, although most of the Design Advisory Committee members felt they were not particularly in favor of the gate because it ruined the traditional character of the common, they have as yet been unable to come up with a viable alternate solution. They had worked up some proposed alternatives; however, they did not meet the requirements of the Fire Department or infringed on Buckman Tavern and Masonic Hall property. There was much discussion by residents of the area, Police Department representatives and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee members about such issues as rumble strips, safety, speed, signage, disregard of signage and traffic lights. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Design Advisory Committee and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee to take another look at the area to see if they could come up with some alternative to keeping the gate in place and to come back to the Board in a month to six weeks for another update. Selectmen’s Meeting - February 24, 1997 American Red Cross Month Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to declare the month of March as American Red Cross Month in Lexington. Town Manager Appointments - Board of Health Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Town Manager’s reappointment of Barbara Marshall and Dennis Sterzin to the Board of Health for three-year terms. One Day Liquor License Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application of the Armenian Sisters Academy for a one-day liquor license for a dance party on March 8, 1997. Authorization Resolution - Transportation Grant Documents Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve and documents authorizing the Town Manager to sign certain Transportation Grant documents. Budget Mr. White indicated he hoped the Board would take a position of appropriating $150,000 to the Stabilization Fund, $250,000 to the Reserve Fund and to establish a goal of accumulating a Cash Reserve of 5% o the Tax Levy within ten years. Mr. Dailey indicated he hoped a goal of coming out of Town Meeting with $750,000 in Free Cash could be reached this year. Mr. Busa concurred with Mr. Dailey’s suggestion. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to support the appropriation of $150,000 to the Stabilization Fund, $250,000 to the Reserve Fund and a policy of working towards the goal of attaining a Cash Reserve of 5% of the budget within ten years and to arrive at a balance in Free Cash of $750,000 after Town Meeting. Recreation Enterprise Mr. Dailey reviewed some thoughts on reducing the amount of the indirect funding of the DPW budget from the Recreation Enterprise Account. He hoped that it could be reduced by $100,000 this year but that it not result in a reduction of the Public Works budget. Mr. White said he hoped to provide the Board with a proposal to that effect in the near future. Selectmen’s Meeting - February 24, 1997 HATS Update Mr. Fenn reported that Daylor Consulting Group is now underway on the four-town master plan. Bedford is ready to send out a questionnaire to the community. Mr. Fenn indicated that if the Board is interested in doing something similar, he would be willing to take the Bedford questionnaire and revise it to meet Lexington’s needs. Board members thought that would be a good idea. Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 by roll call vote: Mr. McSweeney, Mr. Dailey, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn and Mrs. Eddison to go into executive session for discussion of collective bargaining with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:05 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk