HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-03-BOS-min 1 :1
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SELECTMEN'S MEETING
March 5, 1990
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, March 5,
1990, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, at 7:30 p.m.
Chairman Eddison, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Dailey, Mrs. Smith, Mr. McSweeney; Mr.
White, Town Manager, Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel, Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were
present.
RESOLUTION, KARSTEN SORENSEN
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve a Resolution
acknowledging the ten years of dedicated service as a Planning Board Member of
Karsten Sorensen.
MINUTES
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve as presented
the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting on February 5, 1990. Mrs. Smith
abstained from voting due to her absence at the meeting.
ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSE, ST. BRIGID'S
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve a One Day
pm* Liquor License for a St. Patrick's Party to be held at St. Brigid's Church,
Keilty Hall, 2001 Mass. Avenue, on Saturday, May 24, 1990, from 8:00 p.m. to
12:00 Midnight.
CHAPTER 90 FUNDS, HARTWELL AVENUE
Mr. White reported that the Mass. D.P.W. has required that grant money
previously assigned to design services for Hartwell Avenue be expended by
June 1, 1990. Since it will not be possible to expend these funds for that
purpose before the expiration of the time limit, Mr. White recommended that
they be transferred to the resurfacing program.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the transfer
of Chapter 90 funds in the amount of $46,502 for design services for Hartwell
Avenue, to the FY90 resurfacing program.
NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES AND TOWNS 4
Mr. White advised that membership in the NLC&T not be renewed this year
because of scarcity of funds.
PUBLIC HEARING, BOSTONGAS, WARREN STREET
Mr. Eddison opened the Public Hearing on the petition of the Boston Gas
Company for permission to install a gas main in Warren Street. Steven Caliri
representing the Gas Company, explained that the work was needed to provide
service to new homes in the area.
There being no comments in favor of in opposition, Mr. Eddison declared
pom the hearing closed.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
petition, plans and orders of the Boston Gas Company for a grant of location
for installation of a 2-inch gas main in Warren Street, for distance of
approximately 80 feet, as shown on accompanying plans.
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AD HOC OVERRIDE GROUP
Peter Enright, speaking for the Ad Hoc Override Group, stated that the
most important issue facing the Town this year will be to deceive whether to
keep the services which makes Lexington the Town it is. Mr. Enright's Group
is reluctant to see any of the school or Town services cut and saw an override
of Proposition 2 1/2 as the only way to preserve them.
He outlined the provisions under Proposition 2 1/2 which allows for
overrides and felt that the Townspeople would support such a movement. He
said that the Ad Hoc Override Group would work hard to ensure the success of
an override, if the Selectmen vote to allow the question to come before the
voters.
Mr. Enright expressed the hope of his group that the Selectmen would
continue to work with the School Committee toward consensus on budget matters
and promised to provide support if an override is placed on the ballot.
Jacqueline Weinstock, League of Women Voters, also asked that the voters
be given the opportunity to decide on override.
Fred Rosenberg, TMMA Executive Committee, encouraged the Board to come
to decisions on its positions on financial issues quickly so as to clarify
procedures as much as possible for Town Meeting Members.
Judy Alexander and Bea McDonald, Realtors, referred to the services and
quality of life offered in Lexington as reasons for sales of homes and urged
that an override be implemented to allow continuance of those services.
Elaine Engelberg, High School Teacher, noted the long range effects of ewe
the excellence of the school system on the lives of students and was in favor
of letting voters decide on an override.
Cindy Blumsack, President of Lexington Citizens for Quality Education,
offered the services of her group not as advocates but as resource persons on
the override issue.
Roland Greeley read a statement in which he urged the Board to assume
leadership on the override matters and allow voters to decide on which route
they wished to follows.
Richard Schaye noted the pride of residents in the uniqueness of the
Town and advocated a modest override to keep it, despite the critical
financial situation.
Mr. Marshall said he felt that the Board is moving in the right
direction. He added that if an override is put before the voters, a great
deal of help would be needed from supporters if it was to pass.
Jacqueline Ward said she has been getting calls from many citizens with
limited incomes, expressing their fears that they may not be able to continue
to live in Lexington if an override is passed.
Mary Shunney suggested that the Selectmen be objective about the impact
of working within available funds and to take into consideration the effect of
override costs on low income residents. She noted the special interests of
those who had spoken in favor of an override.
Mr. Eddison thanked those in attendance for sharing their views on the
override issue. He referred to the successful meeting on March 3rd with the
School and Finance Committees and hoped that the spirit of cooperation evident
at that time would be continued. um*
Selectmen's Meeting -3- March 5, 1990
LEXPRESS
Members of the Transportation Advisory Committee, and LEXPRESS
Coordinator, Pauline Burke, met with the Board to present, as requested,
information on a transportation system to address the needs of the elderly.
An outline describing alternate systems including a Dial--A-Ride System and a
Reduced Hours Fixed Route System, was distributed.
Sara Arnold, speaking for the Committee, reviewed a Dial-A-Ride system,
which would cost the Town about $100,000/yr. She gave estimated ridership as
3/per vehicle hour; and estimated cost per passenger as $10.00. Mrs. Arnold
added that with this system, 90 to 95% of current LEXPRESS ridership would be
eliminated, i.e. students and adults between the ages of 18 and 65. She
listed drawbacks to the elderly under the Dial-A-Ride system such as loss of
flexibility because of the need to arrange for rides, segregation of the
elderly from other age groups, and limited rides allowed per month per senior.
A Reduced Hours/Fixed Route System was also described by Mrs. Arnold,
which would cost the Town approximately $200,000/yr. She said that the
Transportation Advisory Committee supports the fixed route system because it
meets the needs of a larger percentage of townspeople. She noted that with an
8-route system, operating for six hours, approximately 80% of the current
LEXPRESS ridership would be eliminated such as commuters, most students and
most adults.
Regarding the mechanics of Dial-A-Ride, Mrs. Arnold said that seniors
would have to call a dispatcher in advance who would need to coordinate rides
to various parts of the Town.
Mr. McSweeney raised a question about how residents got around before
LEXPRESS and asked if an overlap of MBTA and LEXPRESS routes exists. He
expressed his concern about the difficulties in financing the system in years
to come.
Mr. Dailey referred to offers of some riders to pay considerably higher
fares and asked whether it was thought that these offers could be taken
seriously. Mrs. Arnold said that some riders would pay more but that others
could not afford a price hike and would find it difficult.
Sally Castleman, T.A.C. member, said the Committee was open to
discussion of ways to implement a fare increase for those who could afford it
and felt that the issue of different levels of fares should be pursued.
Mr. Dailey pointed out that there are usually transportation
opportunities, other than LEXPRESS, for students and was concerned that, at
the actual cost to the Town of $2.00/ride, students are riding on LEXPRESS for
.50 cents. He felt that continuous (not on-call service) could be provided
for elderly for less than it is costing the Town now.
Mrs. Castleman responded to Mr. McSweeney's question about means of
transportation before LEXPRESS began operating. She pointed out that there
now are more single parents and working mothers which means students need
other transportation and more elderly than there were ten years ago.
Mr. Eddison referred to the March 3rd discussion of the impact of an
override. It had been stated that a homeowner would pay any extra $45.00 +
a year and would probably subsidize a 6-route LEXPRESS system at a rate of
89.00/year which he considered to be fairly reasonable.
Fred Rosenberg, former Chairman of the T.A.C. , noted the flexibility
allowed to students with LEXPRESS with respect to after school activities and
jobs. He felt that ten years ago, the elderly had been without transportation
and had thus been housebound to a great extent.
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Mr. Dailey said that he could more readily support a 6-route system for
11 hours/day than an 8-route system for 6 hours.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 8:57 p.m.
A true record, Attest: C,Ae
141(2
Marion H. Snow
Executive Clerk
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SELECTMEN'S MEETING
March 12. 1990 � .
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, March
12, 1990, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, at 7:30 p.m.
Chairman Eddison. Mr. Marshall, Mr. Dailey, Mrs. Smith, Mr. McSweeney; Mr.
'white. Town Manager, Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel, Ms. Radway, Assistant to the
[own Manager; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were present.
MI NUTES
oon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept as presented
the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting on February 12. 1990.
F ESIGN ATION. T.A.C.
Ipon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the
resignation of Elaine Dratch as a member of the Transportation Advisory
Committee. The Board's appreciation for her service on the Committee will be
expressed in a letter to Mrs. Dratch.
CONSENT AGENDA
ABATEMENT, WATER, SEWER CHARGES
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
abatement of water charges in the amount of $99.52 and sewer charges in the
amount of $627.80. Mrs. Smith abstained from voted since property owned by
her was among those designated for adjustment of estimated reading.
ABATEMENT, DEMAND CHARGES
L non motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
aOatement of demand charges in the total amount of $100.00
COMMITMENT OF CHARGES
Lpon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve commitment
of charges, as follows: February final water bills, $366.89; February final
sewer bills, additional, $440.08; Street Opening Permit Fees: $100.00.
CONTRACT 90-3, WOOD STREET WATER MAIN
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award Contract $90-
3, Replacement of Wood Street Water Mains, to the lowest bidder, Susi &
DiMascio Company, Inc. 222 Providence Street, Hyde Park, in the amount of
$487, 742. 76.
MCAB LAND USE STUDY
Members of the Planning Board, Conservation Commission and Recreation
Committee were present for a review by the Middlesex County Advisory Board
Land Use Committee of a Land Use Study developed for use of the Middle sex
County Hospital property at Concord Avenue and Walnut Street, at the Waltham
line.
Mr. McSweeney. Lexington's representative on the Land Use Committee,
Welcomed Richard Murray, Weston Selectman, who is Chairman of the Committee,
and John Bonomo, County Commissioner, and recapped the procedures of the
Committee in the one and a half years since its formation.
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The proposed reuse of the property, with an aim of revenue to the County had
been explored by the Committee which was charged with obtaining a consultant
for preparation of a study.
Neighborhood input, as well as comments and suggestions from Town Boards
had been sought throughout the process by the consultants chosen: McGinley
Hart & Associates, Architects and Planners, and Bratley Associates, Inc. ,
Real Estate Consultants. Further input on concerns was requested from Waltham
and Le> ington, before the Land Use Committee's recommendations are given to
the County Commissioners.
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Mr. l3onomo outlined the statutory requirements under which County land
may be disposed of. An appraisal of the property must be made, officials of
ll affected communities must be included in procedures, and a Public Hearing
must he held. After 90 days, the Commissioners can decide. by majority vote
„in the disposition of the land.
Mr. Murray listed the three options presented by the consultants as:
_option A, market rate residential use; Option B, affordable housing; Option C.
no development at this time but possible future elder care or other hospital
developments. Mr. Murray stressed that the Land Use Committee had taken no
position on any of the options.
Mr. McSweeney noted that at meetings held in Lexington to date, the
Affordable housing option had appeared to be somewhat favored. The Affordable
Housing Options Committee had not included the site in its considerations
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because of lack of definite information.
Joyce Miller, Chairman of the Conservation Commission, reported that the
Commission had had problems with the use of part of the land by Waltham, which
had been filled. as play fields. This play area is adjacent to wetlands and
the Commission is concerned with the future use of the site. Their preference
is to maintain the land as open space.
Robert Bowyer, Planning Director, said that the Planning Board after
review of the study, had not expressed its opinion on the three options. He
rioted that the two residential alternatives would be located mainly on Walnut
Street, which is narrow and not adequate for current or increased traffic. He
asked for assurance that other access to the site will be explored.
A Concord Avenue resident pointed out existing and potential growth in
South Lexington, such as Brookhaven and Lexington Ridge, and was in favor of
leaving the land as it is.
Louise Cava also supported the option of no development.
Angela Frick, Conservation Commissioner, felt that considerable time
should be allowed, with the land left open, for decision on a use.
Marian Reilly, 25 Walnut Street, said she was aware of traffic problems
on her street and felt that most of the land should be in conservation, with a
parcel along Walnut Street for affordable housing.
Mr. McSweeney said he saw reflected in comments made, that Option C. was
favored keeping the land open with attention paid to potential future
development. He noted that Federal, State and local financial constraints
would seem to preclude development of affordable housing at this time.
Mr. Bailey said he would like to see the land transferred to the mord
jurisdiction of the Town regarding decisions on its use.
Mr. Marshall said he was not moved by the County's wish for revenue from
disposition of the land and gave his priority as conservation, with some
recreational use. He also favored using the existing buildings on the site
for conversion to affordable housing or other public use.
Selectmen's Meeting -3- March 12, 1990
Mrs. Smith concurred with Mr. Marshall that, as public land, it should be
ised for public purposes i.e. conservation, recreation.
Mr. Eddison said he endorses much of what was said by other Board
members, but with a slight slant toward affordable housing, which he felt
should he considered fora possible use in existing buildings.
He also favored Town jurisdiction over the use of the land and pointed
,ut the pressing need to do something about affordable housing.
M r. Murray said that the final draft recommendations of the Land Use
Committee on the matter w i 11 be sent to the Board for further comment and
! banked those present for the comments, suggestions and other input provided.
\RTTCLE 42. RETIREMENT BOARD
ohn Ryan, Comptroller, referred to the acceptance by the 1989 Town
Meeting of certain provisions under G.L. Ch32, ss22D, under which the $30,000
cap on pension benefits had been removed. Decision on acceptance of other
pros isions of this law had been deferred but are being addressed this year
under -article 42.
Article 42 relates to State funding of the pension system which had
seemed to present some uncertainties last year. This year, however, Town
'"" Counsel feels that the concerns the Retirement Board had in 1989 had been
somewhat alleviated. The Retirement Board is asking that an appropriate
degree of flexibility to deal with the available options be maintained and Mr.
Ryan felt that the Town should move forward with acceptance of the provision.
The Board took no position on the Article at that time.
LEXINGTON RIDGE DEVELOPMENT
M r. Eddison referred to the request by the Mass. Housing Finance Agency
for comments in connection with the application for site approval for the
proposed Lexington Ridge Apartments and the reports of the Planning Board and
Conservation Commission on the project. He asked if the Board wished to make
further comments to MHFA when the two reports plus the comments of the South
Lexington Association are forwarded.
Mr. Eddison said that he considered the Planning Board's commentary to
be detailed and thorough and supported its views. The Conservation Commission
had stated that since no submission had been made, it was not prepared to make
a report on the project.
Mrs. Smith said she was generally supportive of the Planning Board
report but was not sure she endorsed all points made. She felt that the
Board's letter could state concerns shared with the Planning Board such as
Parking, density, drainage and the subsidized rental unit issues and
-ndorsement , in principle, of its recommendations.
Mr. White suggested that the letter should put MHFA on notice of the
Town' s concerns which w t l l he made formally, at a later time to the Board of
\ppea l s.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize Mr.
Eddison to respond the Mass. Housing Finance Agency on the Lexington Ridge
Apartment proposal reflecting the comments of Board members on the matter, as
stated above.
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SPRING LEAF COLLECTION
Richard Spiers, Director of DPW, reported to the Board on plans for a
town-wide Spring yard and waste cleanup. The biodegradable bags of waste
would he picked up at curbside during the weeks of April 23 and May 11 or
could he brought to the landfill by residents on specified dated in April and
May.
t pon motion dul made and seconded, it was voted to approve the plan for
.1 Spring Cleanup as proposed by Mr. Spiers.
BUDGET REVIEW
Mr. White referred to the discussion of a proposed alternate \" budget
as discussed at the March 5 meeting adding that his general impression at that
time had been that Board acceptance of the "A" budget had not been unanimous.
He listed the items which had been prioritized by members, totalling
5495,202. Because he felt that questions on two of the larger items, LEXPRESS
_ and the Fire Department requests, had had prevented the Selectmen from coming
to terms with the modified budget, he had asked the Fire chief and
Transportation Advisory Committee to meet with the Board on March 26 to
present: additional information.
Mr. McSweeney said his support was for the "B" or maintenance budget and .�
that he was still hoping that the Schools would submit a budget increased by
only 1%. He also felt that income from the Pine Meadows golf operation could
fund the two Recreation items. row
Mr. Marshall said he was not willing to state his position until a
commitment had been received from the School Department. He said he could
support an override amount of 5500,000, with the same amount for the schools.
Mr. Eddison said his position was the same as Mr. Marshall's and that he
would vote that night on the Town items only.
Mrs. Smith's view was similar to Mr. Marshall's and Mr. Eddi son's and
she felt an override to be necessary, hoping that the Schools will continue to
try to match the Town's efforts.
Mr. Dailey said he still would not support an override. lie felt it
important for the Selectmen to reach consensus on budget recommendations and
that the Town Meeting should be allowed to decide whether to override or not.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 - 0 by roll call
\cite, Mr. Eddison, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Dailey, Mrs. Smith, Mr. McSweeney, to go
into Executive Session for discussion of matters of litigation, the disclosure
or which might adversely affect the interests of the Town. with no intent to
resume °lien session.
I pon motion duly v made and seconded, it has voted to adiourn at 10: 10
p.m. r.
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A true t ecord, Attest:
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Marion H. Snow ..r
Executive Clerk
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SELECTMEN'S MEETING
March 19, 1990 ,' • ,
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A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, March
19, 1990, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, at 7:30 p.m.
Chairman Eddison, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Dailey, Mrs. Smith, Mr. McSweeney; Mr.
White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Ms. Radway, Asst. to the Town
Manager; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were present.
TECHNIQUES OF ALCOHOL MANAGEMENT
Mr. Eddison referred to the seminar sponsored by the Mass. Package
Stores Association for Managers and employees of liquor stores and noted that
Police Chief Furdon had recommended enrollment in this program for all liquor
retailers.
The Chairman suggested that it be made mandatory in the case of liquor
license transfers and that annual renewal of licenses be contingent upon
evidence that all who are engaged in the selling of liquor have completed the
course.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that all liquor
retailers and their employees be informed of the program and be informed that
enrollment and completion of the seminar is mandatory to ensure approval of
transfers and renewals of liquor licenses.
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PUBLIC HEARING, 1775 WINE & SPIRIT SHOP
Mr. Eddison opened a public hearing on the application of Argentina
Arias for transfer of Package Store liquor license from J.E.G. Enterprises,
Inc. d/b/a 1775 Wine & Spirit Shop, 27 Depot Square.
The applicant, Mrs. Arias, who was present, described her proposal for
continuance of the business without any changes in operations or to the
structure. She gave her background which had included no experience in liquor
retailing and said that she would be happy to take the TAM course offered by
the Mass. Package Store Association.
William Greene, current licensee, was present and vouched for Mrs.
Airas' good character and spoke of her involvements in her Town with community
affairs.
There being no further comments in favor or in opposition, Mr. Eddison
declared the hearing closed.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
application of Argentina Arias, 12 Costa Circle, Framingham for transfer of
Package Store for transfer of Package Store Liquor Licenses from J.E.E.
Enterprises, Inc. , 27 Depot Square.
MINUTES
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes
of the Selectmen's Meeting on February 26, 1990, as presented.
P,,,,, REGISTRAR OF VOTERS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reappoint Luanna
Devenis, Republican, as a Registrar of Voters for a term of office to expire
on March 31, 1993.
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CONSENT AGENDA
ABATEMENTS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
abatement of Demand Charges in the amount of $50.00, and of Sewer Charges in
the in the amount of $501.58.
COMMITMENTS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve commitment
of adjusted Sewer Charge in the amount of $34.56; and adjusted Water Charge i.i
the amount of $31.68.
TOWN MEETING PRESENTATIONS
Mr. Eddison referred to the request of the Moderator that the sponsor of
each Warrant Article provide to her by March 22 information on who will speak,
proposed visual aids and the expected duration of the presentation. He asked
that each Selectman prepare this information and get it to him or the
Moderator before March 22.
APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE REPORT
Michael O'Sullivan, Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, presented
his Committee's report on financial articles in the 1990 Warrant. He referrer
to the legal requirement for mailing the printed report to all Town Meeting
members prior to Town Meeting. This requirement could not be met this year
because of lack of information on the amount of money to be dealt with. Imo
The Committee recommended unfavorably on Community Services (RePlace);
DPW funding for a subcontractor for planting and maintenance of islands;
Lincoln Street development and Harrington Fields Rehabilitation, which was
thought to be of low priority; and the Five Forks Traffic Study, which the
Committee felt should be deferred until after the anticipated upgrading of
Marrett Road.
He foresaw a difficult Town Meeting because the complexity of the issues
involved will be difficult to explain to Town Meeting members.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT
Karen Dooks, Chairman of the Capital Expenditures Committee, submitted
her Committee's report, and described the procedures for development of
recommendations, judging each article on its own merits and priority.
Mrs. Dooks listed five year concerns of her Committee such as future
major expenditures for improvements to the Bedford Street DPW facility; the
extent of capital needs for the School Department for maintenance and repairs;
and the North Lexington Sewer Pump Station.
Amount requests given unfavorable recommendations were DPW Equipment,
with a $300,000 appropriation rather than the $350,000 requested; Lincoln
Street Development, $0; Harrington Fields Rehab, $0; Misc. School Article
request reduced by $300 to $500,000. Final decision on the amount recommended
will be made after a report by the Permanent Building Committee, which is
working with the School Committee, has been prepared.
Mrs. Dooks reviewed a list of major repairs to schools which had been
categorized as follows: Repair of School plant
items, immediate attentio��-, ""'
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Maintenance issues of an immediate nature; Miscellaneous ilprovements; and 41.
Hastings School repairs and opening costs.
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Selectmen's Meeting -3- March 19, 1990
Regarding the Library's request for $150,000 for funding of a computer
Catalog System, the Committee is awaiting further information before making a
r." recommendation.
Mr. White referred to the opposition of the Appropriation Committee to
the request for funding to sub-contract planting and care of traffic islands
and pointed out the actual financial benefits of such a move. He recapped the
modest increases to DPW in '89 and '90 and noted that this year's budget is
level funded while the department copes with increased demands for its
services. He felt that the island request was small in view of the added
demands on DPW staff.
In response to Mr. O'Sullivan's suggestion that business firms be
encouraged to participate in an "adopt-an-island" program, Mr. Eddison noted
that of the 30+ islands in the Town, the potential for adoption of only six
exists, with the rest being cared for by the DPW and the Garden Club.
Mr. Marshall asked that discussion be withheld on the specific amount of
a possible override, since some issues remain unresolved. The Board is basing
its considerations on $1,100,000, not $1,250,000 as stated in the
Appropriation Committee's report.
MINUTE MAN VOTECH
Nyles Barnert, Lexington Representative on the Minute Man Regional
School District Committee, was present to explain a change in the amount of
Lexington's assessment increased by $92,000, and the need to change the motion
to reflect the increase. He reviewed the calculations on which each Town's
assessment is based and explained that State aid in the amount of $820,000
which had been expected for FY'90 has not been paid so that FY'91 funds are
being used for expenses this year.
He asked for the Board's support of the School's new request.
Mr. Marshall suggested that the motion be split with a request for the
original amount firm and, if no FY90 State aid is forthcoming, an extra
$92,000 to compensate. Mr. Cohen felt that it could be done that way.
LEXPRESS
William Mix, Chairman, members Sara Arnold and Sally Castleman of the
Transportation Advisory Committee, and Pauline Burke, LEXPRESS Coordinator,
were present for review of a 6-route bus service structure as compared to the
8-route service relative to the impacts of loss of service and ridership and
the amount of money to be saved by such a cut-back. $280,000 had been
requested for the 8-route system and $220,000 would be needed for the 6-
routes.
Mr. Mix noted that this figure was based on the use of the present
vehicles and contractor to December 31, 1990.
A 6-route map was displayed and Mrs. Arnold pointed out the areas where
service would be eliminated or combined with other routes. She estimated that
28,215 riders or 18% of the total ridership would be lost by the cuts, with an
additional $6,000 lost because of rescheduling.
She noted that the loss of service would increase walking distances to
bus stops by approximately 1/2 mile, which would mean a total of over a mile
in some cases, and longer waits for buses going to recreation areas, the
senior center apd schools. She also pointed out the number of cars on the
road would be increased because of students needing rides.
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Mrs. Arnold will confer with the School Committee to ensure that LEXPRESS
does not duplicate service offered by school buses.
Mr. McSweeney complimented the T.A.C. on its excellent work but because
of the current financial constraints, he didn't feel that the Town could
afford to continue LEXPRESS. He was in favor of allowing a separate vote on
LEXPRESS by the townspeople and not including it in an override package.
Mrs. Smith agreed that the $280,000 requested was high at this time but
questioned whether the $60,000 saved by going to a 6-route system was
justified in view of the impact of the reduction.
Mr. Eddison thanked the T.A.C. for its hard work and the clear
explanation offered.
CONTRACT #90-1
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award Contract #90-
1, Street Resurfacing, Alternate "A", for work on various streets in the Town,
to Lazaro Paving, 138 Main Street, S. Acton, in the amount of $742,861.50.
"A" BUDGET
Mr. White referred to a list of programs, totalling $1,267,829,
appearing in his proposed "A" budget which had been cut from his "B", or
maintenance budget. He reported that he and Town Counsel had been exploring
the proper use of parking meter funds and that Mr. Cohen had concluded that
some of the fund can appropriately be used to offset LEXPRESS expenditures
because of the bus service's beneficial effects on the Center traffic and
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parking situation. He recommended the the$80,000parking of arkin meter fund be
used for LEXPRESS.
Mr. White also noted that certain changes in health care insurance
legislation have resulted in $90,000 in savings for FY91 and recommended that
the proposed savings be allocated to the school budget, thus reducing the
total "A" budget to slightly less than $1,100,100.
Mr. Dailey was opposed to including the $78,000 for Fire Dept. personal
services in the override package and said he would like to see the unexpected
savings used for that purpose.
Mr. Eddison was not in favor of removing the Fire Station issue from the
"A" budget list.
Mr. McSweeney stated that he wanted a referendum on LEXPRESS. He is not
as sure as some others that an override would prevail.
He also felt that the Library request for $30,000 and the Fire request
for $78,000 should not be subjects of an override question and that the
proposed $50,000 and $30,000 Recreation items could be funded by golf course
revenue.
Mr. Marshall viewed the extra $90,000 as being absorbed by the possible
additional $90,000 assessment for the VoTech School. He felt that an override
would be necessary and that all items should remain as listed.
Mrs. Smith agreed with Mr. Eddison and Mr. Marshall that the
programmatic list should remain as it is in the Manager's "A" budget.
Mr. Dailey noted that the programs on the list were highly visible items
and felt that they were being put at risk by inclusion since he was not sure
that an override would pass. „■0
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0.04 Selectmen's Meeting -5- March 19, 1990
He repeated that he does not want the East Lexington Fire Station matter
included in an override question for that reason.
Motion was made to support the "A" budget totalling $1,097,829 for the
eight items listed with the amount for school reduced from $759,567 to
$669,567 using the $90,000 saved on health care insurance towards the School
budget and with LEXPRESS reduced by the $80,000 which is to come from the
Parking Meter fund and to recommend to Town Meeting that the "A" budget be
approved.
The motion was simplified by amending it to state "to accept the "A"
budget as proposed by the Town Manager for FY91. The motion was seconded.
It was voted 3-2, with Mr. Dailey and Mr. McSweeney voting in the
negative, to accept the "A" budget.
Mr. Eddison asked for the sense of the Board on their positions if the
"A" budget is accepted by Town Meeting.
Mr. Dailey said he would vote to put the matter on the ballot but that
he would oppose an override.
Mrs. Smith said she would support going to the public on having an
override and would support the "A" budget.
Mr. McSweeney said that if the "A" budget carries, he would vote to put
it on the ballot but would not support an override. He would want the
programs voted on item by item.
Mr. Eddison would support the "A" budget and would be in favor of
putting it before the citizens. He would not commit to his support, however,
if the budget approved is different than the one accepted that evening by the
majority of the Board and would not be in favor of a breakdown of the items.
GOLF COURSE
Mr. White reported on his decision to award the contract for management
of the Pine Meadows Golf Course to Golf Facilities Management Inc. , as
recommended by the Ad Hoc Committee.
Of the four responses to the R.F.P. sent out by the Committee, the
proposal of GFMI had appeared to offer the best and most thorough service.
The fixed fee structure: nine holes for $10. , and 18 holes for $15. , with
discounts at specified times for seniors, is being reviewed by the Recreation
Committee and will be presented to the Board at a later date.
Mr. McSweeney complimented the Town Manager on the progress with the
golf course operation and asked the newspaper reporter present to publicize
the golf course reopening.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 - 0 by roll call vote
to go into Executive Session for discussion of collective bargaining
negotiations, with no intent to resume open session.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:42
p.m.
71/7/ / ;
A true record, Attest: / '
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Marion H. Snow
Executive Clerk
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SELECTMEN'S MEETING
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March 26, 1990
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday,
March 26, 1990, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, at 7.30
p.m. Chairman Eddison, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Dailey, Mrs. Smith, 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, BOSTON EDISON/N. E. TELEPHONE. BOW STREET
Mr. Eddison opened a public hearing on the petition of the Boston Edison
and New England Telephone companies for permission to relocate a jointly owned
pole at #79 Bow Street. Robert Boudreau, representing the Telephone Company,
explained that the pole is being relocated 20 feet toward #77 Bow Street, at
the request of a new home owner, David Santosuosso.
Olga Dreyfus, 77 Bow Street, was present to state her request that the
pole be moved only 15 feet closer to her lot line as the 20 foot move would
hinder her from exiting her driveway.
Board members agreed that it was a reasonable request and Mr. Boudreau
had no objection to the change in plans.
There being no further comments in favor or in opposition, 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 and the New England
Telephone Company for permission to relocate a jointly owned pole at #79 Bow
Street 15 feet southerly.
MINUTES
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve as presented
the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting on March 5, 1990.
APPOINTMENTS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint the
following for terms to expire on March 31, 1991:
Town Counsel: Palmer & Dodge, One Beacon Street, Boston
Executive Clerk, Marion H. Snow
Keeper of the Lockup: Chief Paul E. Furdon
APRIL MEETING SCHEDULE
It was agreed that Board meetings will be scheduled for April 2, April
4, April 11, April 23, April 25, and April 30, with no meeting on April 9,
Passover, unless the press of business makes it necessary. It was also agreed
that a meeting of the Selectmen with the Pine Meadows/Meagherville Site Plan
Development Committee will be held on April 23, for presentation of the
Committee's report, to be submitted to Town Meeting on April 25.
SPECIAL ELECTION
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to set the date for
a Special Election on the Override of Proposition 2 1/2 on Monday, June 11,
1990.
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ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
application of the Lexington Knights of Columbus, 177 Bedford Street, for One
Day Liquor Licenses, on March 30, 1990, for a reception to be held by the
Honeywell Company; on April 7, 1990, for a birthday party; and on April 28,
1990, for a wedding reception.
SEWER CONSTRUCTION, HAMILTON ROAD
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve an Order of
Construction for installation of sewer on Hamilton Road, as recommended by the
Town Engineer, Francis X. Fields.
ARTICLE 31, SCHOOLS
Dr. Geiger, Supt. of Schools, distributed a written synopsis of requests
for capital improvements to schools under Article 31. The report will be
presented verbally to the Selectmen at a later date.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 7:55 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Marion H. Snow
Executive Clerk `
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SELECTMEN'S MEETING
March 28, 1990
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday, March
28, 1990, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, at 7:30 p.m.
Chairman Eddison, Mr. Dailey, Mrs. Smith, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. White, Town
Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Ms. Radway, Asst. to the Town Manager; Mrs.
Snow, Executive Clerk, were present.
APPOINTMENT. TRUSTEE OF PUBLIC TRUSTS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint David G.
Williams, 1433 Mass. Avenue, as a Trustee of Public Trusts, and as a member of
the Bridge Charitable Fund, to fill the unexpired terms of John Packard to
SEptember 30, 1990.
ARTICLE 31. SCHOOL REQUESTS
Mr. White reported that the Permanent Building Committee has visited
each school listed as needing repairs in Article 31, and has concluded that
the requests presented are legitimate. Mr. Cohen read a motion he had
prepared which asks that $1,300,000 be appropriated for this use.
oak Mr. Dailey pointed out that several items listed in Article 31, such as
locker replacement and HVAC repairs at the High School would appear p g to be
expense items rather than being lumped together as a capital request. He felt
that the message should be given at Town Meeting. He also requested that the
$299,500 requested for the reopening of Hastings School should be broken down
and more details on the expenses given.
Dr. Geiger will be asked to meet with the Selectmen on April 2, for a
presentation on details of the School Committee's capital request.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was vote to adjourn at 7:50 p.m.
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A true record, Attest: r / //A ,,
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Executive Clerk
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