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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-03-BOS-mins ,•�• SELECTMEN'S MEETING s March 13, 1989 V 3 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. �5 -2- 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. c� --4- 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 ,:;� -r 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. r 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