HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-03-BOS-mins
,•�• SELECTMEN'S MEETING
s
March 13, 1989
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A regular meeting of the Board of SPl ectmen was held on Mondav,
{arch 1,3 , '."P9 i n the Select ,Pn' s Meets +ng Room, down 0ffi Ce dui 1 di r;g , 0,:
7 :30 p.m. Mr. Fddison, Mr. Marshal 1 , Mr. Dai 1 ev, Mr. McSweeney; Mr.
White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel ; Ms. Padway, , Assistant to
the Town Manager; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were present. Mrs Smith
Joined the meeting at 8 :00 p.m.
Mr. Fddison, Acting Chairman, noted that Mrs. Smith, because of her
invol with Massport , would arrive after the presentation by the
Airport Manager of a report on the "State of Hanscom ".
DEMOLAY PROCLAMATI
Paul Uavi dson and members of the Fattl a Green Chapter of DeMol ay
were present for the signing of a Procl acknowledging the 70th
anniversary of DeMolay. Mr. Eddison read the Proclamation which stated
that the week of March 13 - 19, 1989 shall be observed as International
DeMol ay Week.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize Mr.
Fddison to sign the Proclamation, as presented, on behalf of the Board.
STATE OF HANSCOM
Barbara Patzner, Ai rport Manager, Hanscom Field, was present to
submit a progress report on Hanscom Field entitled "Annual State of
Hanscom, 1-988-1989".
Ms. Patzner reported that during 1988 a commuter operation,
Catskill Airways, had begun operations at Hanscom. Approximately
� 1, 500 ,000 had been spent for capital improvements in 1988 for
construction of a new ramp area, new guidance reflectors for two
taxiways, tree clearing, and a number of other airfield and civil
terminal imorovemen ±s.
Flight operations hrd gone down marginally by aoout J but are
increase in business jet activity had resulted in an increase in the
noise level.
Ms . Patzner spoke of an i nhouse study of Hanscom `s financial
performance, the next phase of which is now being conducted by an
aviation consultant and is expected to be completed in the near future.
She offered to arrange a meeting of the consultants with the Board, if
desired.
She saw improvement in communications by Hanscom with its
neighboring communities and noted the pro- active approach taken
regarding the increase in noise level. Ms. Patzner said that she looked
forward to working with the Hanscom Field Advisory Commission and its
Noise Subcommittee on a revision of Hanscom' s Noise Rules and felt that
the final version of the Rules will reflect compromise between the users
of the Field, the Communities and Massport. She added that the
consultant had compared 1487 and 1988 as to change in the noise
patterns. The study had concluded that al though runway use had shifted,
there was no clear trend toward a quieter or a noisier airport.
The nighttime surcharge program was strengthened in 1488 when a
�. full time staff person, Sara Arnold, was hired to monitor night time
noise violations or complaints; follow up on payment, and work with
pilots to i ncrease their awareness to the noise sensitivities of the
community.
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Ms, Patzner reported on the proposal to install noise monitors,
which had been del a , Pd because of lack of FAA funding. T t was de cided ded ,�
y installation s
to conduct a Part .� 50 Studv and to fund the . nstal l a J . on f the monitor
o
If
; ,th = irancia , all $ �rm +he PAA, Thi plan �s now a wa�t�ng � asspc�r
approval.
Ms , Patzner thanked the Board for its attention and invited
questions on her presentation.
T n response to Mr. Eddi son's question about penalties for night
flights, Ms . Patzner explained the noise surcharge procedure. The Noise
Subcommittee is ready to present a proposal to H,F.A.C, on revised Noise
Pul which are now more enforced and monitored, .
Ms. Patzner listed increased and improved noise level monitoring;
and P urn. has a of land nPa r the airport with FAA funding as challenges for
the coming year.
Mr. Dailey asked for information on the level of activity of
Catskil Airways, There are six to eight flights daily, with none from
7 : 00 .m. to 9:00 a .m. The level of ridership is not very high.
p
I n answer to Mr. McSweeney ' question about helicop Ms .
Patzner listed nine including Digital and the State Police which were
based at the Field.
Mr. Whi referred to the two "hotel" proposals to come before the
'89 Town Meeting and asked if the airport had plans for a hotel can base.
Ms. Patzner said that no such proposal is planned.
Ms. Patzner thanked the Roard for maki nq her feel welcome duri nq
her first yea Airport Manager and looked forward to a continued good
M
relationship with surrounding towns, %mop
Mrs. Smith Joined the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
ARTICLE 5?, PUT REMENT BOARD
John Ryan, Comptroller and members of the Retirement Board Robert
Par p are! Pobert Cunha were nresent for re v ie w of thei Town Meeti nc
P
1 .. osa i s under Article tl? : removal of the S30.,000 cap on pensions;
i nc re a se in the dependent supplemental a llowance; com p ensat i on for
persons working beyond age 70; and receipt of State funding.
r1r. . Cunha gave his Board's recommendations for acceptance of all
p rovisions with the exception of the option of receiving State funding.
Mr, Marshall asked the reasoning behind the Retirement Board's
os i ti on on State funding. Mr Gary responded that because of the many
R unknowns and uncer . of the program, the Bo had felt is wiser
to take the final year for further consideration before the deadline to
opt in. He noted that thus far, Boston is the only municipality to
accent the funding,
Mr. Marshall felt that the $300,000 per year appropriated by the
Town for funding of pensions was a significant sum which could be saved
b y accep tance of State funding. He questioned the wisdom of continued
t as which have not
appropriations when Lexington as well towns wh p rovided
c p
similarly would no doubt have their penson needs covered by the State
if that need arises.
Mrs, Smith noted that in the year to come there would be time for
more discussion and input from the Pet.i rement Board on the issue and
felt that taking advantage of that time would be worthwhile. •.�
Mr. Ryan and the Retirement Board were thanked by the Selectmen and
the Manager for the information presented on the issues proposed under
Article 5 ?,
47 ��( 11:
O MM Selectmen's Meeting -�- ""arch 13, 1.989
r11 DELI KS, P11RLTC: STTFS, HOUSING
Members of the Planning Board, LexHAR, and the Lexington Housing
Authori tv met with the Board for continued review of " Suggested
ou de i n .� .. Affordabl e Hous i no... Vacant Publ is Si tes" previ ous 1
discussed on February 27th.
Mrs. Smith noted that Item #1 had been reworked to reflect the
views expressed on February 27, and read the revised portion.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to endorse, for
the purposes of further discussion with neighbors and other interested
parti and provisional to input received from them, the "Joint
Statement of the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board: Suggested
Guidelines for the Development of Affordable Housing on Vacant Public
Sites". as agreed to by the Housing Authority, LexHAB and the Planning
Board.
It was also agreed that opportunities should actively be sought to
take the guidelines into the community and the Planning Roard , LexHAB
and the Housing Authority were asked for assistance ion reach i na out.
Mr. Marshall and Mr. Fddi son will be spearheading this effort for the
Selectmen.
Mr. Marshall expressed the apprpci ati on of the Selectmen to all
three agencies for attending Selectmen's Meetings to work out
differences on the Guidelines Mrs Smith added that it was heartening
to have the Town housing groups willing to take the time to share i n
this pro. ect .
The second document, "Policy Positions ....Meaghervilla -Pine
Meadows". approved by the Planning Board on January 27, was referenced,
Mrs. Smith noted that item #5 had not been understood as written and it
had been felt that rewording for clarification was needed. A slight
change in the wording was suggested and was acceptable to all.
With respect to release of the Policy Statement to the public, Mr.
Marshall felt that it should not be formally adopted by the Selectmen
before the neighbors and other interested parties had opportune tv for
input. James McLaughlin noted that area residents would be apprehensive
about the impact of roads and tenants and should be given assurance to
dispel their fears.
There was consensus among the four boards that the Policy Statement
was a good starting point and should be presented to neighbors as such
to get their feedback before its adoption.
Following this procedure, another meeting of the four boards w i l l
be scheduled for action on the Policy Statement,
LFx T NGTON CAB, INC,
Jul ian Herman, President of Lexington Cab, Inc. was present, by the
request of the Selectmen, for discussion of the unsatisfactory condition
of his taxis, as reported by Sgt. George Anderson, L.P.D. who had
conducted the required inspecti of the vehicles. Sgt. Anderson's
memo had noted difficulties in scheduling the inspections and the need
O""` for repeated inspections of faulty cabs. Service issues were discussed
relative to apparent improper maintenance and the Manager suggested
revok i nq the license for Taxi #5, which has been out of service, it it
does not meet standards in the near future. Mr. Herman told the Board
that another of the five licenses cabs was also out of service due to
need for repairs.
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Upon moti dul made and seconded, it was voted to lo wer the
number of taxis licensed to Lexington Cab, Inc, to three, and to revoke
the li censes of taxis #190 Regi strati on 01 203, and #956, Feni strati on
#1201. the three rem a i ni r ¢a . ° . � -)wned by Mr. . Herman are subIP. to
required peri inspections by the Lexington Poli Department. If
any of these taxicabs fail to pass inspection, their licenses will be
immediatel revoked.
Mr. Herman was told that he can, in the future, apply to the Board
of Selectmen for licensing of taxicabs in addition to the three
currently licensed taxis.
REPRESENTATIVE DORAN
Mr. Eddison noted that on three occas ions, Representative Doran had
cancelled scheduled meetings with the Board due to other commitments and
was disturbed that there seemed to be no chance for discussion with him
of issues of concern to Lexington. He felt if important that the Board
have the opportunity to meet with him before the House vote on the
budget and revenue package.
Mr. Marshall recommended that Poard members contact the
Representative individually to express thei views, as he had done. Mr.
,!hi to will continue to try to arrange an appointment with Mr. Doran and
noted that Senator Kraus will attend the Roard's March 27 meeting.
ARTICLE 31, COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Jo Ryan, Comptro er, was present for discussion of Arti 31,
Computer Software, as discussed previously with the Board on Feb. 13th*
FOP told the Board that the equipment now used had been outgrown in
financial applications, and gave exampl of time and money savings to
be realized with new software.
Mr. White referred to cutbacks in personnel when the existi
equipment had been bought several vears ago and said the new Database
if u'viare would be geared to still further aecreases in the number of
employees needed.
Mr. Ryan urged the Board's support of Article 31.
HARTWELL AVENUE RESURFACING
Mr. Whi referred to the poor condition of Hartwell Avenue and
outlined procedures undertaken up to now to slow its deterioration i.e.
sealing of cracks and periodic patching/repaving. Since it appears that
reconstructi will not occur in the near future, he recommended
approval of a Public Works request to overlay Hartwell Avenue with two
courses of polymer modified mi crosurfaci ng material which would extend
the surface l i f e of Hartwell Avenue for at least 5 years.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve Work
Order #2 under Contract 89-1 with the Middlesex Corporation, in the
amount of $75,000, for sealing of cracks and overlaying of pavement on
Hartwell Avenue.
CUSTOMER SERVTCE TRAINING
Mr. White informed the Board of his plan to implement, a Cus±omPr
Service Training Program for Town employees as an effort to upgrade "
public relations and assist employees to deal effectively with citizens.
0 . Selectmen's Meeting -5. March 13, 1989
The training which wi l l he extensive will start in April with the
Department Heads and eventual he given to all emplo
PROCLAMATION, RED CROSS MONTH
Upon motion dul v made and seconded, it was voted to proclaim March,
1989, as Red Cross Month in recognition of i annual March campaign to
increase awareness of the programs and services offered and the
dependence of Red Cross upon public support.
ONE DAY LIQUOR L T CENSE , ARMENIAN SISTERS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to ratify the poll
vote on March 6, 1989, approving the application of Armenian Sisters'
Academy, 20 Pelham Rd., for one Day Liquor License for a dinner dance on
March 10, 19898
ABATEMENTS, WATER, SEWER, DEMAND CHARGES
Upon motion Kl and seconded, it was voted to approve the
abatement of Water Charges in the amount of $471.87; Sewer Charges in
the amount of 51941.76; and Demand Charqes in the amount of 50?5.00 .
COMMTTMENTS, WATER, SEWER
Upon motion u y maile and seconded, it was voted to approve the
O mft commitment of Cycle 9 Water Charges - $56,368.62; Final Water Ri
February - $1,797.72; and Final Sewer Bill, February - $1,66?.57.
MINUTES
Upon motion dulu made and seconded, it was voted to approve minutes
of Executive Sessions on February 6, and February 13, 1989, and minutes
of the regular Selectmen's Meeting on February 27, 19890
R T DGET M. COTTER
Mrs. Smith noted the request by Representative Doran that the Board
acknowledge the 100th birthday of Bridget M. Cotter and read a draft
congratulatory letter to be given to her on March 19, with a gift of a
Lexington plate,
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
letter to Bridget M. Cotter on the occasion of her 100th birthday.
MAPC SUBREGIONAL GROUP
Mrs. Smith referred to the establishment of an intercommunity
growth management committee proposed by MAPC to include representatives
from ten communities in the north central subregion and the suggestion
that Lexington might want to be included,
Mr. Edd i son noted the benefits being realized bY the revitalized
HATS II, and felt that group, because it involves 4 towns with much in
common, could deal effectively with Lexington's concerns. He saw
benefit in talking with other towns but pointed out the pos s i bi l i tv of
spreading citizen volunteer manpower too thinly.
Mrs. Smith saw some value in such an association with respect to
issues common to all municipalities and suggested that the Beard keep
open the option of joining the group if it appears to be a worthwhile
effort,
!rot
APPOINTMENTS
TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Cathy "MO"
Fngl arcs . tram `street, as a member of the Traffic Safety Advisory
Committee for a term of office to expire on September 30, 19890
FAIR HOUSIMG COMMITTEE
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Ernest
T. H. Tsai, 4 Thoreau Road, as a member of the Fair Housing Committee
for a term of office to expire on September 30, 1
TOWN COUNSEL
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted , to reappoint
Palmer & Dodge, One Reacon Street, as Town Counsel for a term of office
to expire on March 31, 19900
KFEPEP OF THE LOCKUP
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reappoint Paul
F. Furdon, Chief of Police, as Keeper of the Lockup for a terry of office
to expire on March 31, 19900
EXECUTIVE CLERK
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reappoint
Marion H. Snow as Executive Clerk of the Hoard of Selectmen for a term
of office to expire on March 31, 19900
EXECUTIVE SESSION ""
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 - C by roll call
vote, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Edd i son , Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney,
to go into Executive Session for discussion of matters of l i t i g a t i o n ,
with no intent to resume open session.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at
1.0:55 p.m.
r
A true record, Attest;
r
arl ran H. Snow
Executive Clerk
0 �
SELECTMEN "S MEETING �
March 20, 1989 �
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday
March 20, 1989 , in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, at p .m , Chairman
Smith, Mr. Fddi son, Mr. Dail Mr. McSweeney; 'fir. White, Town Manager;
mr. , Cohen, Town Counspl ; Ms . Radwav, Ass i stant to the Town Manager; Mrs.
Snow, Executive Clerk, were present,
EXFCUTIVE SFSSTON
Upon motion dul v made and seconded, it was voted 4 - L b roll call
vote, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Edd i son , Mr. Dailey, Mr. mcSwepney , to go into
Executive Session for discussion of matters of litigation, with the
intent to return to open session.
At 7 :45 p.m., open session was resumed.
ELECTION PROCESS
Mrs. Smith reported that she, Mr. Fddison and Mr. "AcSweenev had
accepted the invitation of the Town Clerk to observe post election
procedures and to see at first hand how tallying is done as the counts
come in from the precincts. She complimented the Re of Voters,
the Town Clerk and office staff for their fine performance and suggested
that they, as well as the election workers at the polls, be thanked for
a Job well done. The Board was strongly in favor of having a written
expression of appreciation sent to all those involved in the election
process, Mrs, Smith will prepare a letter to be sent on behalf of the
Board.
FINANCE COMMITTEES/FY 90 BUDGET
Members o f the Appr opriation Committee and Capital Fxpendi Lures
Committee were present for review of their reports on Warrant Articles,
which were distributed by Chairmen Michael O'Sullivan and Sheldon
rpector.
Mr O ' S u l l i v a n gave an overview of the Appropriation Commi ttee's
recommendations, noting that with the exception of Arti cl P 38 (School
budget), no serious questions had been raised on appropriation requests.
He added that his Committee has great sympath with the rPauPst under
Article 31, Town Hall software purchases. He commended the Town Manager
on the budget program format and the Superintendent of Schools for his
process of restructuring the school budget.
Following review of the Commi comments on General Town
Government and Public Schools, budget requests of Police and Fire;
Public Works; Human Servi Recreation- Library; Conservation; and
other such as LEXPFESS and rezoninq i ssues , Mr. O'Sullivan invited
Questions from the Roard .
Mr Dailey and Mr McSweenev referred to the $3.9 million
re commended by the Town Manager to be all ocated to Free Cash, and felt
that to deduct the amnunt for the School requests from that figure would
leave the Town in a poor financial position. Both Selectmen questioned
whether the Town can afford the School's capital requests. Board
members shared the concerns of the Appropriation Committee over the need
for more definitive information from the School dept, on its requests.
3 1
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Mr Spector reviewed the re of the Capital
xp
endi tures Committee on capital budget requests. He reported that his "No "No ._
committee-is concerned, from a five -year perspective, with parts of the
DPW Para structural imp request the $1,500,000 Con s e rvati on x
• ' � r f
Fund request, which was thought to be excessi the c a p it a l eques r . o
Tank Testing, which was felt to the inadequate; DPW Fqu i pment
appropriation of t"80,000, which was t.hOU ght to be more appropr i a to in
long -range planning; the road resurfacina program with respect to
kee p i n O p i ace with the ?C -year program; depreciation of major capital
assets n. order to pro i ect replacement outlays; and the lack of School
Capital Pudget prof ecti ons .
Among Arti supported by the Committee were Wood Street water
mains; Adams Street dra inage; Vilestvi ew CemPtarv; Police Dent.
alterations; Software, for financial operations; Harrington Field
development.
Regarding the DPW barn roof decision will he made af ter more
information is provided at Town Meeting; the Committee supports the L FO
Ambulance r eques t but is having second thoughts on the retention of the
old ambulance; L incoln Street toi let facilities were endorsed, u t at a
lower pri on tv , noting concerns with location. The Commi ttee's thoughts
were sti open on Articles 5 & 56, Pine Meadows /Meaghery i l l e .
There was discussion of the School requests and the limit that the
Town can spend. Mr . Spector pointed out the benefits of phasing in of
computer equipment since need for replacement in several years seems
probable and felt that information on funding of building improvements
over five years would be necessarv.
Mr. Spector suggested a meeting of the Finance Committee chai
with Superintendent Geig and members of the School Committee, the
Town Manager and Selectmen as soon as possible. Board members agreed
with this procedure.
Mrs. Smith thanked Mr. O'Sullivan, Mr. Spector and their
Committees, noting that the Town is fortunate in having two such hard
working and knowledgeable groups working on its behal
PIKE MEADOWS I RR T GATT oil
F--
David Turo new Highway Superintendent, was in to the
Board. The Manager reported on an issue which had a rega the
irrigation system at the Pine Meadows Golf Course which i s fed from an
on -site pond. The pond and irrigation system have rPcei ved little
attention for the past few years and there was concern that, because of
the drought, two green could be lost.
Mr. Turocv reported that the pond had been dredged from a depth of
1 ft , to 5 ft . a+ a cost of5, ?00, of which half wil he paid by Mark
Moore & McAlpine.
TAX T T TL E LOTS
• N!r . `NIh i to introduced Robert Ebersole, new R evenue Of f i.cer , to the
Board.
Mr. Fbersole reported on a new procedure regarding tax title lot
taki rgs , now in process. He est imated a period of 3 to 4 years for
final taking of each lot and noted that the new process would be MONO
enhanced by the new software requester! under Article 31.
0 2 3 a-
. ectmen's Meeting -3- March ?D, 1929
fi`r. , Ebersole will work with the Town Manager on i nforma,ti on to, be
presented at Town Meet* nn on tax title lots rel ati vP to thAi r potential
for affordable housing use,
REQRESENTATT yE DORAN
Representative Doran met with the Board for an evaluation of the
states of local Aid and other legislation and what can be expected in
the future.
Mr. Doran observed that the tone of the House debate had been that
Towns were considered as special interest groups, not partners in
government, and that efforts to restore cuts in Local Aid had been
widely unsuccessful.
He noted that the House budget had been represented as level funded
but was not considered to bp so by the Mass. Municipal Association. MMA
is also disputing the mechanism for restoring of DEQE and other State
funding for local programs
Mr. Doran referred to unusual i v early passaae of the bud by the
House which means that several months remain in which to work out
alternative solutions, such as other means whereby towns and cities can
raise revenue i.e. l and bank legislation and H.1000. tinder H .1 QOD , all
Mass, communities would share in the cost of Boston Harhor cleanup, thus
gi v i na relief to MWRA towns and cities.
He encouraged input to the Mass. Municipal Association in its
PON efforts on behalf of the communities and urged the Roard's support of
every amendrrPnt offered by MMA on Local Aid.
Mrs. Smith referred to negative expectations on the Local Aid issue
and noted that in that light, means by which towns can raise revenue are
even more critical,
Mr. Doran said he caw more sensitivity in those areas than in the
past, feeling that Local Aid difficulties could be contra but* na to t h i s
awareness.
He reported that the Land Bank legislation, which would allow for a
new resource had been quite controversial but had been only 4 or 5 votes
short Z ast year and was optimistic about its passage. He noted that
John Devi 1 l ars , the new SPcretary of Environmental Affairs is supportive
of the bill*
Regarding H.1000, he reported that it had made remarkable progress
last year and its proponents are now gearing up for the battle with
communities not in the MWRA District.
In response to questions from Mr, Eddi son on Pnvi ronmenta l bills,
Mr. Doran reported that the Toxic Use Reduction Bill i s now receiving
endorsements from business, as well as environmental groups, not
evidenced last year, and that dialogue is ongoin on the issues
involved., He was optimistic about passage this - year.
Mr. Doran saw no overriding opposition to the bill which would
include the Cambridge Reservoir Watershed Protection Act and felt that
its eventual passage was probable.
In response to Mr. McSweenev's question about cuts at the State
soft In
as compared to those at the 'local level , Mr. Doran reported on
decreases for programs such as mental health, and retardation, respite
care, libraries, D.S.S., and teen age pregnancy prevention.
He said that the issue of the need for additional taxes on items
such as liquor, tobacco, and gasoline, had not been resolved as uPt.
. 4-
The pending Home pule PQ +i ±i on will be goi nq to the Senate in the
Spri and Mr. noran said he doesn't anticipate any problems with It
there.
The RPpresentat.i ve was thanked by the Roard and - Manager for his
efforts on behalf of Lexington. Mr. White said that he wanted to
publicly express appreciation to Mr. . Porar for being ng a true f ri end to
cities and towns and thanked him for his sensitivity to the role of the
Town Manager,,
APRIL MEETIMG SCHEDULE
Tt was aareed that Roard meetings will be held during the month of
April as follows: April 3, 5, 10 12 24, and 26. No meeti rgs will be
scheduled during the week of School vacation (4/17 to 4/21) , The
meetings will be posted for 7:00 p.rr, subject to chanqe to 7:30 p.m.,
if the work schedule allows.
nEPR.EC I ATT oN , FIXED ASSETS, WATER/ SF14ER
Mr V!.bite asked for consideration by Board members of the
y
percentage of depreciation of fixed water and sewer atssets they wanted
to recover in FY90. He noted that although sewer and water budgets had
hQPn d i sc , the depreciati factor p in the wate and scwPr
enterprise budget does not include a factor 'or future dollars.
A memo from ►1 chn Ryan, Comptroller on the s ub J ect of Vlater/SPwer
Depreciation, i at i on , with an attachment. on "Water and Sewer System Fs t i mated
p s � f 1 .� M r.
Replacement Cost by Mark Johnson o . Del of ttQ Haskins F SP + , s .
1 had also shown historical costs vs. replacement cos ±s ard it was
noted that the depreciation figures being used in the FY90 budget are
based on historical, rather than replacement costs.
The estimated annual depreciation -Figures, based on useful li of
75 and 50 years for water and sewer, were included.
V {i l l i am Hadl Water Superi ntendent., had prepared charts entitled
"Ulater & Sewer - Wi nter Si Months" and "Prel imi nar Proposal for Water
F. Sewer Rates , which showed an inclining block rate schedule, hasen on
1 4600%,. . 23 and 1/3 recovery of Depreciation of Fixed As-sets". with higher
rates for heavy users. It was estimated that with the Board's approval
of this rate structuring, .52 ,000,000 would be brought in for Fv90
winter months' use.
Replacement costs were discussed briefly.
Mr. White asked the Board to think ahead to decisions on
water /sewer rates to be made in June, if the proposed budget is approved
by Town Meeting, and urgers the Board to support the recapturing of 1009
of historical costs .
WATER CONSERVAT T nN / DROUGHT PLAN
".r. Hadl ev revi ewed with the Board a "Pater Conservation Plan",
containing a description and analysis of water conservation measures,
and a "Drought Contingenc Plan" prepared by him for submission, as
reau i red , to the 1,AYP.A and DEOF . T t is hoped that such inf ormati on
submitted by communities can be used in the creati of a uniform policy
for all cities and towns.
Mr. Hadley was thanked for the tremendous amount of excellent work
involved in preparation of the two documents.
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IN-=
Selectmen's Meeting -5- March 20, 1989
CONTRACT S9.9, WATER MA IN UPGRADE
U pon motion duly made and seconded, i t was voted to awa rd Contract
89 -- , Cleaning and Lining Existing Wa.t.er Mains , Phase T ? T, in the amount
of $183, to B i sz ko Con Corporation, 2-0 DevQl opment
Street, Fall River, MA 02721.
WARRANT AR.TTCLES, POSITIONS
Mr . White referred to Warrant Articles on which the Board had ta ken
no formal position:
A,rti cl P 8 - Suppl ementary Appropriations, School Budget - no
opposition.
Article 14 - Conservation Fund -- proposals listed will be reviewed
bPf ore a p o s i t i o n is to ken .
NATTONAL LEAGUE OF CITTFS
The Board considered whether to renew membership in the National
�_eague of Ci ties, at a cost. of $1,065.00. Mr. Fddi son felt that the
League was a valuable spokesman with the Federal Government in looking
out for the welfare and i nterests of towns a nd cities. Mrs Smith
agreed that there are benefits in membership regarding efforts in
communication, if. it can he of f ordPd within the budget.
Board members agreed with Mr. White's recommendation that
membership be retained for at least one more year,
CONSENT AGENDA
ONE DAY L I Q!] R LICENSES
Upon motion dul made and s econded, i t was voted to the application
of St. Bri g i d' s Parish for One Day Liquor License o n April 1, 1989, on
the occasion of a Spaghetti Supper at Kei 1 ty Hall.
Upon motion duly rude and seconded, it was voted to approve the
application of the Mass. Association for Recreation and Employee
Services f or One [lay Liquor License for a Trade Show to be held at the
Lexington Armory, Bedford Street, on March 29, 1989 , from 4 to 1C P.M.
.ABATEMENT, DEMAND CHARGES
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
abatement of Demand Charges totalling 0 0.00, due to incorrect meter
readings.
COMMON VICTUALLER LI CErISF
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
transfer of Common Victualler License for Lexington House of Pizza to
new owners 1lias Fanis and George Vrakas, to become effective as of
April 24, 1.9890
T. S. A. C. A PPO I NTmFNTS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it wac voted to reappoint the
following as members of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, for terms
roft of office to expi on September 30, 1989:
Peter M. Chal pi n, Eric T. Clarke, Wi lliam F. Mix, Robert Trask,
Myla Kabat --inn.
e;� 35
IM
FAIR HOUSING FORUM ••�
Mrs. Smith reported on her attendance as a panelist at the Fair
Housing Forum at Clarke Middle School on March 16 at which she felt
positive statements had been made by speakers that evening about
existing housing. The meeting was considered to have been a worthwhile
and educational one and Mrs Smith urged that, if possible, Paneli
Phyllis Reservi tz and Michael Frame be involved in the Town's efforts on
Affordable Housing,
APPOINTMENTS, N.F.A.C.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to endorse the
following appointments to the Hanscom Field Advisory Commission, as
approved by other towns:
Kenneth Kl emmer, representing the Town of Acton
John Kurt.ak , representing the Town of C a r l i s l e
Julie McKay Turner, appointed by the Bedford League of Women
Voters, representing Bedford, Concord,
Lexington and Lincoln Leagues.,
TOXIC USE REDUCTION BILL
Mrs. Smith referred to requests from MASSPIRG for the Board
support of H. 1929, Toxic Use Reduction Bill and asked for the Board's
view. She noted recommendations from George Smith, Health Director, .
which stated that although he feels that source reduction efforts are
very worthwhile, the proposal under H. 1929 appears to promise more than
it can deliver. Goals of the Waste Management, Task Force on the issue �■"
of Toxic Waste Reduction were noted and the Board agreed on continuing
to move in that direction through the Task Force and Mr. Smith's
efforts.
MASSPTRG will be informed that the Board supports the concept being
addressed, but w i l l not endorse. H. 1929 in its present form.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 - 0, Mrs. Smith,
Mr. Edd i son , Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney, to go into Executi Session for
discussion of matters of litigation, with no intent to resume open
session.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to at
11:00 p.m.
A true rPCOrd, Attest: / �G2� �����, 10
a� i o n H. S o w
Executive Clerk
PENN SELECTMEN 11 S MEETING�
March 27, 1989 3
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday,
P "arch ?7 , 1989 , i n the Selectmen ` s 'Peti ng Room , TQwp Office Bui l
ding,
at 7:00 p.m. Cha i rman Smi th, Mr. Marshal 1 , Mr. Edd i son , Mr. Da i l ey, Mr.
McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Ms. Radway,
Assistant to the Town Manager; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were present.
MI Nl1TES
Upon motion dul v made and seconded, it was voted to accept, as
presented, the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting on March 13, 1089 .
LOCAL OFFICIAL PONDS, REVENUE OFFICER
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve Local
Official Bonds for Robert J. Ebersole, Treasurer, in the amount of
$190,000.00; and for Robert J. Ebersole, Tax Collector, in the amount of
$180,000.00, issued by the Massachusetts Bay Insurance Company.
FALL LEAF Di SPOSAL
Richard Spiers , DPW Di rector, was present to report on plans for
the Fall Leaf Disposal Program. Leaves can be brought by residents to
the Hartwell Avenue Landfill on Saturdays. On other specified days,
leaves in biodegradable bags, will he picked up by Waste Management, as
pow part of trash pick -up. Mr. Spi ers explained the time consuming
procedure by DPW workers in the past of emptying plastic leaf bags
brought to the l a n d f i l l and his plan to provide, at cost, biodegradable
bags, the cost of which would he approximatel equal to the plastic bags
and would mean great savings of man power.
He displayed the new 30 gallon bags, the use of which will he
mandatory for leaf pick-up if the Board approves. The bags will be
available in the Town Hall and at local stores at a cost approximatel
three times that of plastic, but holding three times as many leaves.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, *t was voted to approve the
proposal of the Director of Public Works that use by residents of
biodegradable bags or covered barrels be mandatory in the Fall 1989 Leaf
Pick --up Program. leaves can be brought to the l a n d f i l l in plast bans,
to be emptied there by the residents.
RECYCLING
Mr. Spiers reported on his February survey of residents not
participating in the Recycling Program, 0f the 1,300 inquiry cards sent
to non - participating households, 800 responses had been received and
answered by Mr. Spi ers .
Because some households have little to recycle and only put that
material out once a month, it was concluded that the participation rate
is actually higher than the 70% previously reported.
WATER CONSERVATION
Poft In discussion of plans for water conservation because of the
drought situation, Mr. Spi ers reported that it now appears that t h i s
summer, early morning lawn watering every other day only, and restricted
car wash i nq , w i l l be allowed.
a 37
7
SENATOR KRAUS
Senator Richard Kraus arrived for discussion of the FY90 State
Budget and - Revenue Package. 10 10
He reported that the Local Aid issue does not look promisina for
munici pal i ti ps but noted that the Senate will take a Iona time to review
the ry osed budget and understand it ramifications and impact on cities
p p 9
and towns.
According to the State Ways A Means Committee, this year's budget
appears to be $300,000,000 short, which, to avoid cuts, would require
pp • list of ro
additional revenue. Senator Kraus expected that a st arams p y
proposed for cuts will soon bp comina out of the House, noted that the
Senate will attempt to balance this year's budget before going on to the
FY90 budget. He. saw every prospect that cuts in Local Aid and other
projects will have to be made.
He referred to the past State reliance on revenue from the Federal
Government and other sources, and the expectation that the situation
would continue. Since that revenue is no longer forthcoming, he saw the
need for sorting out of the long-term obligations of the towns to the
State. In the next Senate session, there will be a number of
suggestions as to how this should be done.
Mr. Edd i s on asked for an explanation of the apparent discrepancy
between the $848,000,000± reported increase in State revenues and the
large gap in balancing the budget. The Senator responded that the
figure prof ected is not widely accepted and is thought to he an
artificial number. He felt that revenue had been overestimated and
budget projection, underestimated,
Therp was discussion of a proposed change in the schedule of Local
Aid payments to quarterly, which the Senator felt had been put z.si de for
this year, but will probably comp up again in the future.
Mr. Marshall referred to the attitude and belief of citizens that
the leadership in State government appears to be dishonest because of
mi srepresenta lion of facts and court proceeding against memhers of
staff. He felt that in addition to the budget, poor public perception
of leadership should bp addressed.
He expressed the hope that the Senate and its Ways & Means
Committee will provide ways to municipalities to increase tax revenue
and to cut costs.
Mrs. Smith referred to the current Zack of cooperation between
state and local government, with the prospect of less local aid and
local services and hoped the previous relationship could be resumed and
the process be put back together.
Senator Kraus was thanked for the opportunity for discussion before
the Senate's review of the FYQO budget and thanked him for his efforts
on behalf of Lexington.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at
7--55 P.M.
A true record, Attest
rion w now
Executive C'erk