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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. ,239 ° -2- 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, .••• 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. v••• 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. 4r 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. -4- ARTICLE 5 TRANSFER Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve mum? 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. 3 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. <9 / -6- 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. 27 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 ) on. SELECTMEN'S MEETING A tAl ) fl I / 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. • 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. ° 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. 30 \ • 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. ,s?.3 -6- 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 j aria H. Sow Executive Clerk