HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-08-BOS-min 24q
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
August 7, 1989
A regular meeting of the Board of SelectMen was held on Monday,
August 7, 1989 , in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building,
at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Smith, Mr. Marshall , Mr. Eddison, Mr. Dailey, Mr.
McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel ; Ms . Radway,
Asst. to the Town Manager; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were present.
PUBLIC HEARING, EDISON, WALTHAM STREET
Mrs. Smith opened a Public Hearing on the petition of Boston Edison
Company for permission to install conduit in Waltham Street. Edward
Chisholm, representing the Edison Company explained that the work was
necessary to provide additional service to the Children' s Medical
Center.
A memo from the Director of Public Works , recommending approval of
the petition, was read. There being no other comments or questions from
the Board or the audience, Mrs. Smith declared the hearing closed.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
petition, plan and orders of the Boston Edison Company for grant of
location for installation of approximately 33 feet of conduit in Waltham
Street, southerly approximately 510 feet north of the Waltham Line.
PUBLIC HEARING, BOSTON GAS, GAS MAINS, EDISON WAY
Mrs. Smith opened a Public Hearing on the petition of the Boston
Gas Company to install gas mains in Edison Way. Fred Amaral ,
representing the Gas Company, explained the plans for installation to
service the renovated Craft Cleanser Building, which he said would
involve two days of construction, with some closing of Edison Way.
The Chairman read a memo from Mr. Spiers , Director of Public Works,
recommending approval of the petition. There being no further questions
or comments, the hearing was declared closed.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
petition of the Boston Gas Company for grant of location for
installation of approximately 220 feet of 2 inch gas main in Edison Way.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
Terry Savage and Lauren McKeen of the National Park Service, were
present for review with the Board of a synopsis of the draft
modifications to the Minute Man National Historical Park General
Management Plan. The synopsis provided a listing of revised management
goals and objectives and the general concepts or actions which would be
pursued for specific locations with the Park upon completion of the
plan.
Mr. Savage referred to the Record of Decision, which had been
distributed by the Park Service to the four towns in order to gain input
on the document. He distributed the synopsis mentioned above to Board
members and the audience.
Mrs. Smith complimented the Park Service on the openess of process
and willingness to communicate which had been evidenced during the
formation and finalizing of the Plan.
She noted the willingness of the Town to cooperate in the Park's
efforts to recreate the 1775 ambiance, but pointed out that Lexington is
a modern town and that its needs, as such, must be taken into
consideration.
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Residents of the Hayward Pond area were present. Mr. Savage
referred to the Park's intent which appeared on the list of draft
modifications to the General Management Plan which read: "Work with the
Town of Lexington and Hayward Pond Neighborhood Assoc. to locate an
alternative access to the neighborhood that allows for closure of Bonair
Avenue and a segment of Fairview Avenue." He assured the Board that
land taking in the Hayward Pond neighborhood was not in the Park' s plan.
Ms. McKeen pointed out a reference appearing in a modified list of
acquisitions which stated that Hayward Pond neighborhood is no longer
referred to and added her assurance that the Hayward Pond area had been
excised from the plans.
Mr. Eddison commended the Park Service's willingness and interest
in working cooperatively with its neighbor towns .
Mrs. Smith stated that the November 1, 1988 position statement of
the Selectmen and the Planning Board on the Draft General Management
Plan of the Minute Man National Historical Park was reiterated. A
spokesman for the Hayward Pond Neighborhood Association said that the
group is satisfied with the interaction with the Park Service and with
the modified plan.
Mrs . Smith thanked the Park Service representatives for the
information provided and the Hayward Pond area residents for their
attendance and input.
ARMENIAN SISTERS BEANO
The Board reviewed the application of the Armenian Sisters Academy
for license to conduct Beano Games at the Elks Hall on a weekly basis,
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beginning September 18. Leo Kirkland, parent of an academy student,
noted neighborhood opposition to the previous application to hold the
games at the School on Pelham Road, which had been denied on July 7 ,
1989. He acknowledged the noise and traffic impact of holding various
functions at the school had been inappropriate in the residential area
and hoped that the latest application met with the Board's approval .
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
application of the Congregation of Armenian Sisters of the Immaculate
Conception, Inc. , 6 Elliot Road, for license to hold Beano games on
Monday evenings , every week beginning September 18, 1989, in the Elks
Hall , 959 Waltham Street, Lexington.
MINUTES
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve, as
presented, the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting on July 24, 1989.
RESIGNATION, HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted, with regret, to
accept the resignation of Harvey Lowell as a member of the Human
Services Committee, effective immediately.
Mrs. Smith noted Mr. Lowell 's excellent service to the Town, and
hoped that he would reinvolve himself in town affairs after his return
from a year in Israel . He will be thanked for his significant efforts
in the work of the Human Services Committee by letter from the Board.
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ELECTION WORKERS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to fifty-five
members of the Democratic Party and forty-two members of the Republican
Party as Election Workers for terms to expire on September 1 , 1990.
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Selectmen' s Meeting _3_ August 7, 1989
CONSENT AGENDA
PROCLAMATION, STATUE OF FRATERNITY
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve a
proclamation, as requested by Kingston L. Howard, in acknowledgement of
the rededication of the Statue of Fraternity in Meaux, France, on
September 10, 1989.
LAND ACCEPTANCES g CONSERVATION RESTRICTIONS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to execute a
Quitclaim Deed transferring to the Town of Lexington, for conservation
purposes, by Katandin Wood Ltd. Partnership of Lot #10A and Lot #12 on
Assessors Map #73 and to endorse a Conservation Restriction to be
granted to the Town by Richard F. Perry and Peter C. J. Kelley as
Trustees of R. H. Realty Trust, for land at Countryside Manor, 425
Woburn Street, and a Conservation Restriction to be granted to the Town
by Theodore and Cynthia Anderson, for land at 8 Joseph Cornee Road.
ABATEMENTS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
abatement of Water, Sewer and Demand Charges , as follows:
Water Charges : $1 ,561.53
Sewer Charges: $ 319.77
Water Charges: $ 387.14
Sewer Charges : $ 527.00
Water Charges: $ 243.07
Sewer Charges : $1,114.66
Demand Charges: $ 5.00
TRAFFIC ITEMS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to refer the
following requests for traffic safety improvements to the Traffic Safety
Advisory Committee for review and recommendation:
Edward T. Chardo, request for posting of "Reduce Speed" sign,
Concord Avenue;
D.C. Heath Co. , request for "Slow - Hidden Drive" sign on Spring
Street.
WARRANT, UNLICENSED DOGS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve and
execute the Warrant for 541 unlicensed dogs , for transmittal to Kathy P.
Fox, Animal Control Officer of the Town of Lexington.
COMMITMENT OF FEES & CHARGES
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
commitment of the following charges:
Street Opening Permit fees $ 25.00
Cycle 9 Water Charges: $73,245.48
ONE DAY AUCTIONEER LICENSE
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
application of Richard M. Bradley, Bradley and Van Dohlen Antiques
Auctioneers, for One Day Auctioneer License on August 16, 1989, for an
auction to be held from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Lexington Lodge
of Elks, 959 Waltham Street, Lexington.
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ARTICLE 5 TRANSFER
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
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transfer af funds from Article 5 of 1988, to the Police Personal
Services Account, in the amount of $102,000, to accommodate the
settlement with the IBPO, recently agreed upon.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Mr. White requested the approval of the Board of committee
appointments he intends to make, as follows:
Council on Aging. Permanent Buildiro Committee
Dorothy Boggia David B. Smith
George H. Doughty, Jr.
Conservation Commission Recreation Committee
Lisa A. Baci Judith Marshall
William A. Lahey Margy D. Keeping
Board of Health Youth Commission
Stan N. Finkelstein Lee Marsilli
Ruth Walton
Mark Bellino
Linda Wik
The Manager reported on his efforts to publicize and interest
citizens in volunteering for service on committees. Talent Bank
procedures are being revitalized and a magnetic chart listing membership
and vacancies on all committees will be displayed in the Town Hall
lobby, with Talent Bank Questionnaires for distribution. The Committee
Directory is being updated this Fall .
Mrs . Smith complimented Mr. White on his thoughtful selection of
qualified people for appointment and reappointment and filling the
vacancies so appropriately.
Mr. Eddison commended the Manager for a fresh outlook on Committee
recruitment and agreed that the list presented was excellent. He
particularly mentioned Dot Boggia, Council on Aging, and her exemplary
service through the years .
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
list of appointments , as listed above, by the Town Manager.
MC CABE, PROPANE GAS (CONT'D HEARING)
Mrs. Smith reopened the Public Hearing on the application of Dan
McCabe's Creative Carpentry for permission to store and sell propane gas
at #153 North Street.
The Chairman noted the concerns expressed at the July 10 meeting on
traffic impact generated by the sale of propace gas at that location and
asked Mr. McCabe to present his plans on how to deal with that aspect.
Mr. Mc Cabe reviewed his plan which he felt answered all concerns on
the operation, parking and safety of the filling station.
He intends to adjust his price upward so as not to competitively
attract customers from other areas and has advertised only locally.
Neighbors have had an opportunity to review and comment on the
plan. Mr. McCabe requested that he be given permission for the retail
sale operation for one year, to demonstrate the workability of his plan.
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Selectmen's Meeting -5- August 7, 1989
He gave a sales projection, which indicated that Saturdays would be
the most active day, with the busiest days, the Saturdays of Memorial
Day, July 4th , and Labor Day. He estimated filling 10 tanks per hour on
those days and 170 to 200 fills per week from April through August, and
filling of his 800-gallon tank one a week.
In his parking plans , Mr. McCabe plans to have marked spaces for
seven customer cars and monitoring of the lot on the three heaviest days
of the week. If the lot is full , customers would be turned away. He
said he could have a Police Officer on duty to prevent on-street
parking.
In recapping Mr. McCabe's projection, based on his research with
dealers in other towns , Mr. Eddison said that the major concern he
senses is about unexpected heavier business in the future. Mr. McCabe
assured him that he would, as a part of the neighborhood, make every
effort to see that there was no further cause for controversy and would
like to try for a year to see how it goes.
Mr. McSweeney related with the neighbors concerns about safety and
asked about precautions against nightime vandalism. He asked about the
feasibility of issuing a six-month license on a trial basis.
Fire Chief Bergeron stated that all safety requirements had been
met by Mr. McCabe, and that he had gone far beyond the minimum
requirements . Captain Walton had suggested a chain link cover over the
top of the tank, which will be installed, if approval is given.
Mrs. Smith said she had faith in Mr. McCabe's sense of
responsibility, but had concerns about extra activity on a residential
street and the possibility of queing of motorists waiting to be served.
She expressed doubt as to how safety measures can he built into the
license and said that she could foresee problems.
Mr. Dailey shared Mrs. Smith's apprehension, even though Mr.
McCabe, in his years of business in Lexington, has always demonstrated a
strong sense of responsibility.
A resident of 167 North Street expressed concerns for the safety of
the 15 neighborhood children and felt that it would be a poor location
for the activity.
Robert Crane, 168 North Street, referred to the nearby Burlington
industrial zone, and felt the conditions would worsen for residents if
the use was allowed.
Patric Barbieri , 161 North Street, pointed out that there are no
similar operations in Lexington, on which to base projections.
Alyse Crane, 168 North Street, disputed Mr. McCabe's forecast that
only Lexington residents would be served.
Mr. Marshall said his opposition was based on the traffic issue and
that he felt the intensity of the use would swamp the lot.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to deny approval
of the application of Daniel L. McCabe, President, Dan McCabe' s Creative
Carpentry, Inc. for permission and license to store and sell propane gas
at 153 North Street, Lexington.
WATER & SEWER RATES, FY90
Mrs. Smith read the Legal Notice of the Public Hearing on FY90
Water and Sewer Rates , which had convened on July 24th and had been
continued to August 7th.
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Mr. White reviewed revised proposed water and sewer rates, adjusted
as requested by the Board to charge all customers , including heavy
users , at the same rate for the first 100 hcf of water usage, with step
increases for consumption over second and third hcf. use.
He recommended that Table B, a three block rate structure with 88%
of the residents receiving a 0% increase, be approved.
Mr. White said he hoped to work during the coming year, to gain
information as to how the rate structure affects water conservation.
He reported that he had contacted Colonel McDonald, H.F.A.B. who
had assured him of a tentative agreement on rate increase for water
usage at the Air Base, and that work is continuing toward justification
of that move.
Mr. Marshall said he would support the revised structure and
applauded the excellent work done on the revision by the Manager and
William Hadley, Superintendent, Water & Sewer. He complimented Mr.
White on his aim to explore the effect of the rate structure on water
consumption.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adopt combined
FY90 water and sewer as follows:
$15.00 minimum for 20 hcf, or less
$ 2.07/hcf for the first 100 hcf ($1.08 for sewer, $.99 for water)
$ 2.69/hcf for the second hcf ($1,41 for sewer, $1.21 for water)
$ 2.79/hcf for all consumption over 201 hcf ($1.46 for sewer, $1 .33
for water)
LO-FLOW TOILET PROGRAM, MWRA
Mrs . Smith informed the Board of Lexington 's participation in the
MWRA' s Lo-Flow Toilet program whereby replacement toilets have been
supplied by MWRA at no cost to the Town to be installed by the Town's
Building Maintenance workers . She encouraged Town-wide publicity of
this water conservation measure.
FITNESS/NATURE PATH
Lynn Wilson, Recreation Committee, was present to update the Board
on the status of the Fitness?Nature Path and to invite the members on a
guided tour. The path has been completed and the boardwalk connected to
the path. Exercise equipment was to have been installed during the
coming week. The equipment has been tested and approved by handicapped
students and the selection process for directional and donor signs has
begun. The landscaping, which will be started this fall , will be
completed next spring when further efforts at fundraising have been made
this winter.
The Selectmen were also invited to attend the dedication of the
path, scheduled for October 8th at 2 p.m.
Mrs. Smith thanked Mrs. Wilson and the Recreation Committee for
their initiative and energy in working to provide the community with
this great asset.
AD HOC COMMITTEE, MANAGEMENT OF PINE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB
Don Chisholm and Judith Marshall were present for e status report
on the work to date of the Ad Hoc.
The primary objective of the committee has been to develop
recommendations on the operation of the golf course after January 2,
when the Town will have that responsibility.
Selectmen's Meeting -7- August 7, 1989
Four options were outlined: Town operated, contractor operated,
lease arrangement, or a combination of procedures. A three year Lease
arrangement is being recommended which would generate $150 to $200,000
per year. A Request for Proposal is now being worked on and it is
expected that a Lease agreement will be in place by November.
Mr. Chisholm suggested that an enterprise fund be set up to
underwrite any operational improvements needed. He also gave the
Committee's recommendation that a Permanent Advisory Committee, to
interface with the Town and the contractor, be set up. The Committee
will work on recommendations as to composition and responsibility.
The Board discussed the monitoring of the present operator's
performance in running the golf club for the remainder of the year. Mr.
White reported that the McAlpine operation has been monitored by Town
staff. Mr. Dailey asked for a review in September regarding the level
of maintenance by McAlpine.
The Committee was thanked by Mrs. Smith for its efforts during the
past year.
GREAT MEADOW
Joyce Miller, Chairman of the Conservation Commission and Angela
Frick, were present to report on the Town of Arlington's exploration of
possible uses of the Great Meadow. Suggested to date have been a golf
course, affordable housing or a cemetery. Mrs. Miller referred to a
1972 study be Camp, Dresser & McKee, which strongly recommended that the
land remain in its present state to avoid impacts to wildlife and the
watershed. This view was reaffirmed by that firm in a recent letter to
the Arlington Selectmen.
Mrs. Miller reported that Arlington plans to conduct a Feasibility
Study for a Golf Course in the Great Meadow, at a cost of $28,000. She
felt it was time to let the Arlington Selectmen know that Lexington is
opposed to any use other than maintaining the land as a wildlife habitat
and asked the Selectmen's support of such a statement.
Mrs. Smith referred to Lexington's past position in opposition to
any development or change in the Great Meadow. She asked Mr. Cohen to
research to ascertain Lexington rights and options relative to being
able to stop any development which Arlington may be considering, and
felt it would be appropriate to remind Arlington that Lexington is a
major player and would want to be kept informed of procedures.
Mr. Marshall felt that the best approach, in view of Lexington's
rights to control or block development, would be to ignore Arlington's
activity.
Mrs. Smith thanked the Commissioners for bringing the matter to the
Board's attention. A further discussion will be scheduled after Town
Counsel 's report is available.
CHERRY SHEET
Mr. White referred to Cherry Sheet information recently received
and distributed to the Board which had shown that Lexington's Local Aid
would be decreased by $1,220,809 for FY90. He will provide a listing
showing significant decreases in areas such as School Aid; Racial
Equality and Lunch programs.
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In preparation of the FY90 budget, Mr. White had planned on a 5%
decrease, so that the shortage Lexington is faced with is actually
$926,111, .which is the amount by which FY90 spending must be cut back.
He will begin now to explore program cuts and will provide the Board
with a list for review.
SPECIAL MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to designate
Stephen Anderson and Arthur Kreiger of Anderson and Kreiger as Special
Municipal Employees under Ch. 268A of the General Laws, in order to
enable them to represent Robert Phelan in the lawsuit brought by Joanne
Frey against Mr. Phelan and the Lexington Planning Board.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at
9:40 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
/ I
arion H. S
Executive Clerk
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on. SELECTMEN'S MEETING
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August 28, 198911 4
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday,
August 28, 1989 , in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building
at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Smith, Mr. Marshall , Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney;
Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel ; Ms. Padway, Asst. to
the Town Manager; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were present.
PUBLIC HEARING, EDISON, HILL STREET
Mrs. Smith opened a Public hearing on the petition of the Boston
Edison Company for permission to install conduit in Hill Street.
Carol McManus, representing the Edison Company, explained that the
work was necessary to provide underground electric service to a new
development at 88 Hill Street.
Mrs. Smith noted the recommendations of Richard Spiers , Director of
DPW, in favor of approval of the petition.
There being no other comments, Mrs. Smith declared the hearing
closed.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
petition, plans and orders of the Boston Edison Company for a grant of
location to install approximately twenty feet of conduit in Hill Street,
northeasterly, approximately 280 feet north of Cedar Street.
PUBLIC HEARING, EDISON, REED STREET
Mrs. Smith opened a Public Hearing on the petition of the Boston
Edison Company for permission to install conduit in Reed Street.
Ms. McManus explained that the work was necessary to provide
underground service to an existing dwelling at the request of the
resident.
There being no further comments, the Chairman declared the hearing
closed.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
petition, plans and orders of the Boston Edison Company for a Grant of
Location for installation of approximately fifteen feet of conduit in
Reed Street, southwesterly approximately 72 feet southeast of Myrtle
Street.
MINUTES
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
minutes of the Selectmen' s Meeting on August 7, 1989, as corrected.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE COMMITTEE, "EDDIE"
Mrs. Smith noted the request of Jennie Oberholtzer on behalf of the
Substance Abuse Committee for the Board's support and endorsement of the
forthcoming production of a drama entitled "Eddie" and asked Mr.
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McSweeney for his views.
wiffia Mr. McSweeney reported that although he hadn't seen the play, he was
sure it was a worthwhile effort to publicize the outcome of alcohol
• abuse in young people and recommended a favorable response to the
request.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to endorse the
efforts of the Substance Abuse Committee of the Lexington PTA Council in
its production of "Eddie" and to inform Mrs. Oberhol tzer, by letter, of
the Board's support.
RESIGNATION, CHARLES HYDE, T.C.C.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept, with
regret, the resignation of Charles T. Hyde from the Town Celebrations
Committee, effective immediately.
MEETING SCHEDULE
It was agreed that meetings of the Board would be posted for
September 11, September 18, September 20, September 25 and September 27,
with the understanding that meetings on September 20 and September 27,
will be cancelled if there is no press of business .
CONSENT AGENDA
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
licenses of the following Battle Green Guides , as requested by Cornelius
P. Cronin, Director of Guides:
Steven Ford 4 Grove Street
Lynn Harris 70 Middle Street
Christopher Harris 19 Woodland Road
Sander Zapolin 47 Asbury Street
Rohit Sakhujar 50 Turning Mill Road
Julie A. DeMatteo 2 Winchester Drive
Kenneth M Smith 44 Grant Street
Emily Miller 44 Somerset Road
John Tehranian 7 Bennington Road
Maryann Tehranian 7 Bennington Road
THEATRE LICENSES, CINEMA I AND CINEMA II
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
renewal of State Licenses for Public Entertainment on Sunday for Cinema
I and I I , 1794 Mass. Avenue, to expire on September 1, 1990.
CONTRACT #89-8, CENTER FIELD POOL
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign Contract
#89-8, improvements to the Center Field Pool , in the amount of
$12,800.00, awarded by the Selectmen on July 10, 1989.
ABATEMENTS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
abatements of Water, Sewer, Demand Charges as requested by the Director
of Public Works.
PROCLAMATION, CONSTITUTION WEEK
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to proclaim the
week of September 17 through September 23, 1989, as Constitution Week,
in acknowledgement of the 202nd anniversary of the signing of the
Constitution, as requested by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Selectmen's Meeting -3- August 28, 1989
ONE PAY LIQUOR LICENSES, ELKS
Mr. Dailey explained that the Elks Lodge was advised by the ABU to
apply for .One Day Licenses for functions to be held in the rental hail
of the Lodge, pending settlement of a violation and temporary suspension
of its Club Liquor License.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
applications for One Day Liquor Licenses for functions to be held at the
Elks Lodge, 959 Waltham Street, on September 9, September 16, September
17, and September 23, 1989.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE, COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
Mrs . Smith announced a rearrangement of the schedule as it appeared
on the written agenda, whereby discussion with the School Committee in
Executive Session would take place earlier than planned, to accommodate
the schedule of School Superintendent Geiger.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 by roll call
vote: Mrs . Smith, Mr. Marshall , Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney, to go into
Executive Session, for the purpose of discussion of collective bargaining
strategy since discussion of that matter in open session may have a
detrimental effect on the bargaining, and with the intent to return to
open session at the close of the discussion.
Open session was resumed at 8:30 p.m. for discussion of budget
matters.
PROGRAM REDUCTIONS
Mr. White referred to a listing of potential cuts in programs to
offset the decrease of $1,200,000 in Local Aid to the Town. He noted
that the $1,200,000 amount would actually be decreased to $926,000 due
to his anticipation of a 5% cut in Local Aid when preparing the FY90
budget and can be further reduced to $676,000 by using the earnings of
interest in the cemetery account and by increasing the price of lots.
• He asked the Board to consider which of the cuts they would support,
keeping in mind that the School Department has made a commitment to
assume 50% of the responsibility.
He reviewed and explained the list of possible cuts, with amOUnts
to be saved, and a list of programs which, for the time being, he wanted
to remove from the list being considered.
He recommended that prices of cemetery lots be increased with
creation of an Enterprise fund for that program, and to impose fees for
trash removal .
Mrs. Smith said she was pleased to see that most of the proposed
cuts did not involve cutbacks in personnel , with the exception of the
Town Hall switchboard, the East Lexington Fire Station, and the East
Lexington Library.
It was agreed that representatives and Department Heads of the
departments proposed for cuts should be asked to attend the September 11
Selectmen's Meeting.
Mr. Dailey stated his opposition to the East Lexington Fire Station
closing, withdrawal of funds to Replace, and the degree of cutbacks
proposed for the Library.
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Mrs. Smith Smith favored a delay of a year on the decision as to whether
to close the East Lexington Fire Station and was strongly opposed to the woo
elimination of Sunday hours at the main Library.
Mr. McSweeney urged speed with decisions on cutbacks so as to
alleviate unnecessary worry for employees.
1 There was general agreement on the Cemetery Enterprise fund
proposal . Mr. White will provide more detailed information on September
11.
Mr. Marshall agreed with Mrs. Smith regarding the avoidance of
• lay-offs but pointed out that 70% of the budget was expended for
salaries and saw cuts in personnel to be necessary, though he hoped,
mainly in attrition.
Dr. Geiger spoke of plans for cuts in the School administration and
teaching staff. He pointed out that contracts were signed in June for
teachers ready to start this fall and that student enrollment was now
increasing. He hoped for the least negative impact on the school system
by substantial notice of personnel and program cuts and he listed areas
of savings and positions left unfilled to date.
He proposed bonding of $266,055 for the purchase of School computer
equipment, which has been found to be more cost effective than leasing
• of equipment. He noted ongoing efforts to improve and maintain school
buildings.
School Committeeman John Oberteuffer acknowledged the School
Department's responsibility to share in the cuts, but was in accord with
Dr. Geiger's proposed procedures. He added that in addition to cuts and
user fees , the Committee feels strongly that increased revenue,
including an override, must be considered.
Mr. Marshall was not in favor on bonding for computer equipment and
questioned whether Town Meeting would approve the process. He felt that
there would be areas in which cuts can be made and should be explored.
Dr. Geiger felt that bonding was preferred over cutting programs
and increasing class sizes. He maintained that reductions can be made
in a more professional way during the coming year, with time to reach
decisions on them.
Mr. Zabin asked about the amount of increase each real estate tax
payer would have to bear to make up for the decreased in local aid by an
override, which was estimated to be about $150/year per homeowner. He
felt that it would not be an unreasonable burden to residents.
Mrs . Smith explained that the Board has not felt it prudent to try
for an override this year for several reasons: Probable failure to pass;
an override may be needed in FY91; and the fact that there was an
override for Pine Meadows in 1988.
Mr. Zabin felt that citizens should be given the opportunity to
decide whether they want to pay extra taxes to avoid cuts in service.
Mr. Dailey said he shared Mr. Marshall 's feelings about the bonding
proposal and advised that if after effort to do so it is impossible for
the Schools to make any cuts, the Committee should say so.
Mr. Oberteuffer explained that implementing Phase I of the computer
program by bonding would allow for time during the coming year to decide
whether or not to go on with Phase II . He raised the question of
whether the Phase II equipment could be paid for with Free Cash.
The Manager felt it would be uncertain as to whether the amount of
Free Cash could be certified before the 1990 Town Meeting began.
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Selectmen' s Meeting -5- August 28, 1989
Michael O'Sullivan presented a spread sheet representing the work
of the Appropriation Committee during the summer and entitled "Financial
Model - Ansa Projections to FY94" . The model was based on data from 1985
to 1994.
He urged that the $900,000 be made up this year since FY91 and
subsequent years will be even more severely impacted.
Karen Docks , Chairman of the Capital Expenditures Committee, stated
her Committee' s concerns regarding ongoing maintenance of infrastructure
and urged that it not be disregarded.
Mrs. Smith expressed the appreciation of the Board to the Finance
Committees and the School Committee, with special thanks to
Superintendent Geiger for interrupting his vacation to be present at the
meeting.
V
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to call a Special
Town Meeting on Monday, September 25, 1989, in Cary Memorial Hall , at
8:00 p.m.
It was also voted to close the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting
that evening, August 28, 1989.
APPROVAL OF WARRANT
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
Warrant for the September 25, 1989 Special Town Meeting, as amended.
TRAFFIC COMMITTEE REPORTS
Peter Chalpin, Chairman of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee,
was present for review with the Board of reports of his Committee on
several traffic related requests.
FREEMAN REQUEST, CARRIAGE DRIVE
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
recommendations of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee for
installation of "Caution Children" signs to be placed on Carriage Drive
at Coach Road, and on Carriage Drive Extension, as requested by Kathryn
Freeman, 19 Carriage Drive.
FRATTURA REQUEST, MORELAND AVENUE
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
recommendations of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee for
installation of "Caution Children" signs on Moreland Avenue at Moon Hill
Road and at Buckman Drive, as requested by Aury Frattura, 30 Moreland
Avenue.
EUSTIS REQUEST, CROSSING GUARD, MASS. AVE./MERIAM STREET
Mr. Chalpin reviewed the request of Susan Eustis for a crossing
guard on Mass. Avenue at Meriam Street, to assist children walking to
Fiske School who prefer not to take the school bus . Mr. Chalpin had
explained to Mrs. Eustis that since bus service is provided, walking to
school is a personal choice by the children and that the Traffic
Committee could not support her request for a crossing guard. Mrs.
Eustis was advised to speak with School Administration staff on any
issues concerning the quality of school bus service.
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Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to support the
position of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee and to endorse the �,..
advice giv.en to Mrs. Eustis, as stated above.
CH. 81, STATE AID, HIGHWAYS, FY 90
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to endorse HED-077
Forms , containing actual costs in the amount of $2,454,705.00 during
Fiscal Year 90 for maintenance of streets of roads, under Ch. 81,
Section 31, GL, as requested by Richard Spiers, Director of Public
Works.
PERAMBULATION, TOWN BOUNDARIES
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to designate
Darrell Cain and Kamyar Tivay of the Engineering Department as
substitutes for the Board of Selectmen to perambulate Lexington's common
bounds with eight surrounding communities and to locate and mark the
sixty boundary markers thereon, as required under Ch. 42, Section 2 of
the General Laws.
RUGE LAND, HILL STREET
Mr. Cohen referred to communication from an attorney doing work for
Arthur C. Ruge, owner of land abutting Hill Street. Mr. Cohen explained
the need for the Selectmen to sign a release of a strip of land along
the frontage of Mr. Ruge' s lot, as required by the Land Court.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to assent, subject
to review and approval of the Planning Board and Town Engineer, to the •.�
delineation of the southerly line of Hill Street as shown on Land Court
Plan No. 9767-E and to release to Mr. Ruge any rights the Town may have
in that portion of Lot 5 on Plan No. 9787-E lying southerly of the
southerly line of Hill Street as shown on said plan.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 by roll call
vote, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Marshall , Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney, to go into
Executive Session for discussion of matters of litigation, discussion of
which in open session might prove to be detrimental to the Town, with no
intent to resume open session.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at
10:43 P.M.
A true record, Attest: k407/67
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aria H. Sow
Executive Clerk