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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-03-BOS-min c r •.• SELECTMEN'S MEETING of March 13 , 1989 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, march 13 , 70r9 in the Sel ectrrPn' s Meeting Poom, Town Office Pui l di ng, a, 7:30 p.m. Mr. Fddison, Mr. Marshall , Mr. Dailey, 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 involvement with Massport, would arrive after the presentation by the Airport Manager of a report on the "State of Hanscom". DEMOLAY PROCLAMATION Paul Davidson and members of the Battle Green Chapter of DeMolay were present for the signing of a Proclamation 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 DeMolay 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, Airport Manager, Hanscom Field, was present to "Mb submit a progress report on Hanscom Field entitled "Annual State of Hanscom, 1988-1989". 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 imornvemen+s. Flight operations had gone down marginally by aoout ;:, hut an increase in business jet activity had resulted in an increase in the noise level . Ms. Patzner spoke of an inhouse 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 1987 and 1988 as to change in the noise patterns. The study had concluded that although runway use had shifted, there was no clear trend toward a quieter or a noisier airport. The nighttime surcharge program was strengthened in 1988 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 increase their awareness to the noise sensitivities of the community. j Ms. Patzner reported on the proposal to install noise monitors , which had been delard because of lack of FAA funding. It was decided to conduct a Part 150 Study and to fund the installation of the monitors with re financial aid from +he FAA. This plan is now awaiting Massport approval . Ms. Patzner thanked the Board for its attention and invited questions on her presentation. In response to Mr. Eddison '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 Pules, which are now more enforced and monitored. Ms. Patzner listed increased and improved noise level monitoring; and purchase of land near the airport with FAA funding as challenges for the coming year. Mr. Dailey asked for information on the level of activity of Catskill Airways. There are six to eight flights daily, with none from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. The level of ridership is not very high. In answer to Mr. McSweeney's question about helicopters , Ms. Patzner listed nine including Digital and the State Police which were !lased at the Field. Mr. White referred to the two "hotel " proposals to come before the '89 Town Meeting and asked if the airport had plans for a hotel on base. Ms . Patzner said that no such proposal is planned. Ms . Patzner thanked the Board for making her feel welcome during her first year as Airport manager and looked forward to a continued good relationship with surrounding towns. %imp Mrs. Smith ioined the meeting at 8:00 p.m. ARTICLE 52, RETIREMENT BOARD John Ryan, Comptroller and members of the Retirement Board Robert rare and Robert Cunha were Drecent for review of +heir Town Meetina proposals unoer Article t)?: removal of the $30,000 cap on pensions; increase in the dependent supplemental allowance; compensation for persons working beyond age 70; and receipt of State funding. Mr. Cunha gave his Board' s recommendations for acceptance of all provisions with the exception of the option of receiving State funding. Mr. Marshall asked the reasoning behind the Retirement Board's position on State funding. Mr. Gary responded that because of the many unknowns and uncertainties of the program, the Board 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 accept 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 by acceptance of State funding. He questioned the wisdom of continued appropriations when Lexington as well as towns which have not provided similarly would no doubt have their pension 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 Retirement 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?. Selectmen 's Meeting -3- March 13, 1989 (t1I DELI NES, PUPL T C SITES, HOUSING Members of the Planning Board, LexHAB, and the Lexington Housing Authority met with the Board for continued review of "Suggested Gu i cue 3 i rF . . . Affordable Hous i nn. . .Vacant Public Sites" previously 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 parties 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 Board, LexHAB and the Housing Authority were asked for assistance in reaching out. Mr. Marshall and Mr. Eddison will be spearheading this effort for the Selectmen. Mr. Marshall expressed the appreciation 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 in P"` this pro,iect. The second document, "Policy Positions . . . .Meaghervi l l e-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 opportunity 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 will be scheduled for action on the Policy Statement. LEXINGTON CAB, INC. Julian 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 inspections of the vehicles . Sgt. Anderson's memo had noted difficulties in scheduling the inspections and the need for repeated inspections of faulty cabs . Service issues were discussed relative to apparent improper maintenance and the Manager suggested revoking 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. r I -4- Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to lower +he number of taxis licensed to Lexington Cab, Inc. to three, and to revoke the licenses of taxis #190, Regi strati en #1203, and #956, Pecii strati on 01201 . -he three remai ni na taH i :ahs oE,inpd by Mr. Herman are subject to required periodic inspections by the Lexington Police Department. If any of these taxicabs fail to pass inspection, their licenses will he immediately 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 occasions, Representative Doran had cancelled scheduled meetings with the Board due to other commitments and was disturbed that there seemed to he no chance for discussion with him of issues of concern to Lexington. He felt it 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 Board members contact the Representative individually to express their views , as he had done. Mr. White will continue to try to arrange an appointment with Mr. Doran and noted that Senator Kraus will attend the Board' s March 77 meeting. ARTICLE 31, COMPUTER SOFTWARE John Ryan, Comptroller, was present for discussion of Article 31, Computer Software, as discussed previously with the Board on Feb. 13th. He told the Board that the equipment row used had been outgrown in financial applications, and gave examples of time and money savings to be realized with new software. Mr. White referred to cutbacks in personnel when the existing equipment had been bought several years ago and said the new Database Jt , dare would be geared to still further decreases in the number of employees needed. Mr. Ryan urged the Board's support of Article 31. HARTWELL AVENUE RESURFACING Mr. White 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 reconstruction 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 life 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 !t75,000, 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 Customer Service Training Program for Town employees as an effort to upgrade public relations and assist employees to deal effectively with citizens. �., Selectmen' s Meeting -5- March 13, 1989 The training which will he extensive will start in April with the Department Heads and eventually he given to all employees. CONSENT PROCLAMATION, RED CROSS MONTH Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to proclaim March, 1989, as Red Cross Month in recognition of its annual March campaign to increase awareness of the programs and services offered and the dependence of Red cross upon public support. ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSE, 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, 1989. ABATEMENTS, WATER, SEWER, DEMAND CHARGES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the abatement of Water Charges in the amount of $471.87; Sewer Charges in the amount of $941.76; and Demand Charges in the amount of S?5.00. COMMITMENTS, WATER, SEWER Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the commitment of Cycle 9 Water Charges - $56,368.62; Final Water Rills, February - $1,797.72; and Final Sewer Bill , February - $1,66?.57. MINUTES Upon motion duly 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, 1989. PRICGET 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 I I , and felt that group, because it involves 4 towns with much in common, could deal effectively with Lexington 's concerns. He saw o"" benefit in talking with other towns but pointed out the possibility 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 Board keep open the option of joining the group if it appears to be a worthwhile effort. ,2"4 _5_ APPOINTMENTS TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Cathy Engl arc` . 34 franc Street, as a member of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee for a term of office to expire on September 30, 1989. FAIR HOUSING 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, 1989. TOWN COUNSEL Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reappoint Palmer & Dodge, One Beacon Street, as Town Counsel for a term of office to expire on March 31, 1q90. KEEPER 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 term of office to expire on March 31 , 1990. EXECUTIVE CLERK Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reappoint Marion H. Snow as Executive Clerk of the Board of Selectmen for a term of office to expire on march 31, 1990. 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 litigation, with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:55 p.m. A true record, Attest; r I a r,on H. Snow Executive Clerk SELECTMEN"S MEETING ,t ` March 20, 1989 6r-if A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, March 20, 1989 , in the Selectmen' s Meeting Room, at -7:30 .m. Chairman Smith, Mr. Eddison, Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel ; Ms. Radwav, Assistant to the Town Manager; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were present. EXECUTIVE SESSION Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 - P by roll call vote, Mrs . Smith, Mr. Eddison, Mr. Dailey, Mr. mcSweeney,, 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. mcSweeney 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 Registrars 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 , he thanked for Nem 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 of the Appropriation Committee and Capital Expenditures Committee were present for review of their reports on Warrant Articles, which were distributed by Chairmen Michael O'Sullivan and Sheldon Spector. Mr. O'Sullivan gave an overview of the Appropriation Committee's recommendations , noting that with the exception of Article 38 (School budget) , no serious questions had been raised on appropriation requests. He added that his Committee has great sympathy with the request under Article 31 , Town Hall software purchases. He commended the Town Manager on the budget program format and the Superintendent of Schools for h i s process of restructuring the school budget. Following review of the Committee's comments on General Town Government and Public Schools, budget requests of Police and Fire; Public Works ; Human Services; Pecreat i on; Library; Conservation; and other such as LEXPPFSS and rezoning issues, Mr. O'Sullivan invited questions from the Roard. Mr. Dailey and Mr. McSweeney referred to the $3.9 million recommended by the Town Manager to he allocated to Free Cash, and felt that to deduct the amount for the School requests from that figure would 'oft 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. 6 3 Mr. Spector reviewed the recommendations of the Capital gam Expenditures Committee on capital budget requests. He reported that his committee is concerned, from a five-year perspective, with parts of the DPW Barn structural improvements request; the $1,500,000 Conservation Fund request, which was thought to be excessive; the capital request for Tank Testing, which was felt to the inadequate; DPW Equipment appropriation of !t780,000, which was thought to be more appropriate in long-range planning; the road resurfacing program with respect to keeping pace with the 20-year program; depreciation of major capital assets in order to project replacement outlays; and the lack of School Capital Budget pro,iections. • Among Articles supported by the Committee were Wood Street water mains; Adams Street drainage; Westview Cemetary; Police Pent. alterations; Software, for financial operations; Parrington Field development. Regarding the DPW barn roof, decision will be made after more information is provided at Town meeting; the Committee supports the LEO Ambulance request hut is having second thoughts on the retention of the old ambulance; Lincoln Street toilet facilities were endorsed, ut at a lower priority, noting concerns with location. The Committee's thoughts were still open on Articles 5 & 56, Pine Meadows/Meaoherville. 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 necessary. mop Mr. Spector suggested a meeting of the Finance Committee chairmen with Superintendent Geiger, 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 behalf. PINE MEADOWS IRRIGATION David Turocy, new Pighway Superintendent, was introduced to the Board. The Manager reported on an issue which had arisen regarding the irrigation system at the Pine Meadows Golf Course which is fed from an on-site pond. The pond and irrigation system have received little attention for the past few years and there was concern +hat, because of the drought, two greens could be lost. mr. Turocy reported that the pond had been dredged from a depth of 11 ft. to 6 ft. a+ a cost of !t5,700, of which half will he paid by Mark Moore & McAlpine. • TAy, TITLE LOTS Mr. White introduced Robert Ebersole, new Revenue Officer, to the Board. Mr. Ebersole reported on a new procedure regarding tax title lot takings, now in process. He estimated a period of 3 to 4 years for final taking of each lot and noted that the new process would be wirt enhanced by the new software requested under Article 31. Selectmen 's Meeting -3- March ''-D, 1929 rmw Mr. Ebersole will work with the Town Manager on information to be presented at Town Meeting on tax title lots relative to their potential for affordable housing use. REPRESENTATIVE DORAN Representative Doran met with the Board for an evaluation of the status 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 he 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 unusually early passage of the budget 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. land bank legislation and H.1000. tinder H.1000, all Mass . communities would share in the cost of Boston Harhor cleanup, thus giving relief to MWRA towns and cities . He encouraged input to the Mass. Municipal Association in its Ole efforts on behalf of the communities and urged the Board's support of every amendment 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 saw more sensitivity in those areas than in the past, feeling that Local Aid difficulties could he contributing to this awareness. He reported that the Land Bank legislation, which would allow for a new resource had been quite controversial hut had been only 4 or 5 votes short last year and was optimistic about its passage. He noted that John Devi l l ars , the new Secretary 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. Eddison on environmental bills, Mr. Doran reported that the Toxic Use Reduction Bill is now receiving endorsements from business, as well as environmental groups , not evidenced last year, and that dialogue is ongoing 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. McSweeney's question about cuts at the State 'o" level 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 yet. -4- The pending Home Rule Petition will be going to the Senate in the mew Spring and Mr. noran said he doesn' t anticipate any problems with 1+ there. The Representative was thanked by the Board and- Manager for his efforts on behalf of Lexington. Mr. White said that he wanted to publicly express appreciation to Mr. Poran for being a true friend to cities and towns and thanked him for his sensitivity to the role of the Town Manager. APRIL MEETING SCHEDULE It was agreed that Board meetings will he held during the month of April as follows : April 3, 5, 10, 12, 24, and 26. No meetings will be scheduled during the week of School vacation (4/17 to 4/21) , The meetings will he posted for 7:00 p.m. subject to change to 7:30 p.m. , if the work schedule allows. DEPRECIATION, FIXED ASSETS, WATER/SEWER Mr. White asked for consideration by Board members of the ti percentage of depreciation of fixed water and sower assets they wanted to recover in FY90. HP noted that although sewer and water budgets had been discussed, the depreciation factor proposed in the water and sewer enterprise budget does not include a factor 'or future dollars . A memo from John Ryan, Comptroller on the subject of Water/Sewer Depreciation, with an attachment on "Water and Sewer System estimated Replacement Cost" by Mark Johnson of Deloitte Haskins F Sells . mr. Johnson had also shown historical costs vs. replacement costs and 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 9i gures , based on useful life of 75 and 50 years for water and sewer, were included. William Hadley, Water Superintendent, had prepared charts entitled ':Water & Sewer - Wi ntpr Six Months" and "Preliminary Proposal for Water F. Sewer Pates , which showed an inclining block rate schedule, based on 100%, 23 and 1/3 recovery of Depreciation of Fixed Assets", 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 Fy90 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 urged the Board to support the recapturing of 100% of historical costs. WATER CONSERVAT T ON 1 DROUGHT PLAN Mr. Hadley reviewed with the Board a "Water Conservation Plan" , containing a description and analysis of water conservation measures, and a "Drought Contingency Plan" prepared by him for submission, as reau i red, to the MWPA and HOF. 't is hoped that such information submitted by communities can bP used in the creation of a uniform policy for all cities and towns. now Mr. Hadley was thanked for the tremendous amount of excellent work involved in preparation of the two documents. 23 4- Selectmen 's Meeting -5- March 70, 1989 CONTRACT 89-9, WATER MAIN UPGRADE Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award Contract 89-9, Cleaning and Lining Existing Water Mains, Phase ITT , in the amount of $183,950.00 to B i s z ko Contracting Corporation, 20 Development Street , Fall River, MA 02721. WARRANT ARTICLES, POSITIONS Mr. White referred to Warrant Articles on which the Board had taken no formal position: Article 8 - Supplementary Appropriations, School Budget - no opposition. Article 14 - Conservation Fund -- proposals listed will he reviewed before a position is taken. NATTnNAL LEAGUE OF CITIES The Board considered whether to renew membership in the National League of Cities , 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 interests of towns and cities. Mrs. Smith agreed that there are benefits in membership regarding efforts in communication, if it can he afforded 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 LIQUOR LICENSES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to the application of St. Bri g i d's Parish, for One Day Liquor License on April 1, 1989, on the occasion of a Spaghetti Supper at Kei l ty Hall . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application of the mass . Association for Recreation and Employee Services for One Day Liquor License for a Trade Show to be held at the Lexington Armory, Bedford Street, on March 29, 1989, from 4 to 10 p.m. ABATEMENT, DEMAND CHARGES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve abatement of Demand Charges totalling $20.00, due to incorrect meter readings. COMMON VICTUALLER LICENSE Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve transfer of Common Victualler License for Lexington Nouse of Pizza to new owners Ilias Fanis and George Vrakas, to become effective as of April 24, 1989. T.S.A.C. APPOINTMENTS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reappoint the following as members of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, for terms of office to expire on September 30, 1989: Peter M. Chal pi n, Eric T. Clarke, William F. Mix, Robert Trask, Myla Kabat-7 i nn. -6- FAIR 6-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, Panelists Phyllis Reservitz and Michael Frame be involved in the Town' s efforts on Affordable Housing. APPOINTMENTS, H.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 Kurtak, representing the Town of Carlisle 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's 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 _ g 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. MASSPTPG will be informed that the Board supports the concept being addressed, but will 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 Executive Session for discussion of matters of litigation, with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted tv adjourn at 11:00 p.m. A true record, Attest: alk.i1)1Ir'(f a ion H. S ow Executive Clerk e9-3 ir/q r xfr SELECTMEN11 S MEETING March 27 , 1989 4 '' A regular meeting of the Board of Sel ectfen was held on Monday, P"arch ?7, 1989, in the Selectmen's meeting Poom, Town Office Building, at 7:00 p.m. Chairman Smith, Mr. Marshall , Mr. Eddison, Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel ; Ms . Radway, Assistant to the Town Manager; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were present. MINUTES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept, as presented, the minutes of the Selectmen' s Meeting on March 13, 1989. LOCAL OFFICIAL BONDS, 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 DISPOSAL Richard Spiers, DPW Director, 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 mom part of trash pick-up. Mr. Spiers explained the time consuming procedure by DPW workers in the past of emptying plastic leaf bays brought to the landfill and his plan to provide, at cost, biodegradable hags , the cost of which would he approximately 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 approximately three times that of plastic, hut holding three times as many leaves. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it 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 landfill in plastic bags, 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. Spiers. 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 mom In discussion of plans for water conservation because of the drought situation, Mr. Spiers reported that it now appears that this summer, early morning lawn watering every other day only, and restricted car washing, will be allowed. ;37 7 SENATOR MOS Iwo Senator Richard Kraus arrived for discussion of the FY90 State Budget and_Revenue Package. He reported that the Local Aid issue does not look promising for municipalities but noted that the Senate will take a lona time to review thery 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 he $300,000,000 short, which, to avoid cuts , would require - pp additional onal revenue. Senator Kraus expected that a list of programs y proposed for cuts will soon he coming 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 projected is not widely accepted and is thought tohe an artificial number. HP felt that revenue had been overestimated and budget projection, underestimated. There was discussion of a proposed change in the schedule of Local Aid payments to quarterly, which the Senator felt had been put aside 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 misrepresentation of facts and court proceeding against members of staff. He felt that in addition to the budget, poor public perception of leadership should he 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 lack 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 FY90 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: i/ �LCR/6- .rion '.. ow wag Executive Clerk