HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-12-BOS-minSELECTMEN'S MEETING
December 3, 1990
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on
Monday, December 3, 1990, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at 7:30
P•m• Chairman Smith, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Eddison, Mr. Dailey, Mr.
McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Lahey, Town Counsel; Ms.
Radway, Asst, Town Manager; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were
present.
MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK
Alice Klein of the P.T.A. Council was present to distribute
to the Board and' audience, red ribbons to be tied to visible
locations on automobiles to show support for the "Mothers Against
Drunk Drivers" 1991 campaign, sponsored by MADD, Metro West
Chapter.
Mrs. Klein listed national and local businesses and
organizations which have contributed funds to "Project Red
Ribbon" and expressed her appreciation for the support shown by
the Board and the Town Manager,
Mrs. Smith thanked Mrs. Klein for her efforts in this
worthwhile endeavor, noting that there obviously was a
correlation between the considerable decrease in traffic
fatalities and MADD's activities.
GASOLINE STORAGE HEARING LEDGEMONT LABS
Mrs. Smith opened a Public Hearing by reading the Legal
Notice on the application submitted by Beal & Company, Inc. on
behalf of Ledgemont Research Park Associates II, for license to
store gasoline in automobiles parked in a free -- standing garage at
95 Hayden Avenue. Permission is being sought to store a maximum
of 14,000 gallons in no more than 700 automobiles.
The Chairman noted a memorandum from George Smith, Director.
of Public Health, recommending approval of the license, subject
to submittal of a contingency plan for accidental spills.
This contingency plan had been provided by the applicant.
The Fire Chief had approved the plans and application.
There being no further comments or questions, Mrs. Smith
declared the hearing closed.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
the application of John T. Gregg, Beal & Company, Inc. on behalf
of Ledgemont Research Park Associates II for permission and
license for storage of a maximum of 14,000 gallons of gasoline in
automobile gasoline tanks of 700 automobiles, in a free -- standing
garage at 95 Hayden Avenue, Lexington,
PUBLIC HEARING CLUB LICENSE VFW
Mrs. Smith opened a Public Hearing on the application of VFW
r Post 3007 for Club License to sell all kinds of alcoholic
beverages. The Legal Notice was read and Cecil Jones, who has
been appointed as the Club's Manager, explained the application,
which had been prompted by a ruling of the ABCC requiring a Club
license to continue the social operations at the Post.
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There being no comments or questions on the application, the
hearing was declared closed.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
the application of the Lexington Veterans of Foreign Wars, Inc . ,
Post #3007, 2 Hayes Lane, for a Club Liquor License and approval
of the appointment of Cecil C. Jones, Manager. The 1 icense will
expire on December 31, 1991.
LEXHAB APPOINTMENT
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
reappoint sherry B. Edmond, 23 Pine Knoll Road to the Lexington
Housing Assistance Board, for a term of office to expire on
December 5, 19936
PROCLAMATTON REPLACE
The Board reviewed the request of William Blout, Director of
RePlace, for a Proclamation of Annual RePlace Day on September
�, 1991, and every Sept. 25th, thereafter.d Question arose as
to whether it would be appropriate to proclaim that day
permanently or to issue proclamations each year. Mr. Marshall
suggested that the wording be changed to proclaim September 25,
1991, as RePlace Day and to act on the agency's requests in {
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subsequent years as they are made.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to proclaim
September 25, 1991 as RePlace Day, in acknowledgement of its list
anniversary.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Mr. Edd i son noted the attendance of members of the Planning
Board, Design Advisory Committee and Lexington Center Committee,
Mho had been invited to join the Selectmen for presentation of
"Design Guidelines for Commercial Districts, volumes I & II ".
David Dixon, whose firm had developed the guidelines was also
present.
Mr. Eddison welcomed all and spoke of the contributions of
the D.A.C., C.R.C., L.C.C., Planning staff and Town Manager
during the Guideline's two year production period. He gave
special appreciation to Margery Battin, as Chairman of the Center
Revitalization Committee and Lexington Center Committee, and to
Norma Bogen, who had prepared "Lexington Center: Managing Change"
in 1986. He Considered the new study to be an excellent tool in
the ongoing efforts to maintain the character and ensure the
attractiveness of the Town.
Mr. Eddison recapped the proposal to the 1988 Town Meeting
for funding of the study, which had been expanded to cover all
commercial districts as well as Lexington Center.
David Dixon was invited to present the newly published �
guidelines to the Selectmen. I
John Frey Chairman of the D.A.C., said that it had been a
great opportunity to work with Mr. Dixon and thanked former and
current members of the D. A. C . for their long hours of work.
Selectmen's Meeting --3- December 3, 1990
Following the presentation, Mr. Di:�.on said he had enjoyed
his commission and commented on the enthusiastic participation of
the D.A.C. and L.C.C. in the process. He described the content
of the two volumes volume I, which deals with public
improvements and �Tolume II which covers private sector
improvements. He gave his impression of Lexington Center as
vital and well maintained, with historic roots and said that the
Guide can be truly effective in maintaining its attractiveness
when used for reference and public education,
Mr. Eddison said that he intends to follow up on the use of
the document as a tool. A workshop for Town employees on the
guidelines is being planned. The Lexington center Committee will
work with the Chamber of Commerce to publicize the study and
architects in the Town will be encouraged to use the guide in
private improvement projects.
Mr. Edd i son expressed the appreciation of the Board for the
excellent work done by Mr. Dixon's -firm and thanked him for his
attendance and help that evening.
INNKEEPER LICENSE BATTLE GREEN INN
'ors . Smith noted a report from Fire Chief Bergeron relati.�,.
to renewal of Innkeeper Licenses for 1991. The Chief recommended
that the applications of the Days Inn and the Sheraton /Lexington
Inn be approved when they are submitted.
Regarding the Battle Green Inn, it was noted that the
Manager, Mr. Hanaf i n , has not responded to the Chief's repeated
requests that he apply for a license to store flammable fluids in
the underground parking garage of the Inn. Chie f Bergeron
recommended that the Board withhold the Inn's Innkeeper license
until the Manager has complied with that requirement.
t.,pon motion duly made and seconded, it was rated to approve
the application for renewal of InnReepers License for the Battle
Green Inn, subject to submittal to the Selectmen by Mr. Hanafin
of his applications for Gasoline storage license and check for
$100. 00 license fee.
REVENUE PROJECTIONS
Mr. white reviewed with the Board his projections for
revenue trends for FY92, which, he noted, were not optimistic.
He advised that the FY92 budget process be approached with great
caution and with the hope that the School Committee will
participate cooperat
Shown on a sheet entitled "Re Projections ", were
figures for FY91, forecast figures for FY92, and adjusted Fy ~92
figures. The adjusted Fy92 revenue figures had been developed
because of the Manager's expectation, based on a decrease in
total available funds in FY91 , that that trend w i l l continue to
be downward. By the Manager's calculations, there will be a
decrease of $1,0 in FY92 net revenues.
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Regarding any revenue to be expected from passage of the Jet
r ►.gel Bill, Mr. Eddi son reported that because the bill has not
been completely passed by the Legislature, nothing has been
received as yet by Lexington. Representative Doran is now making
effort to expedite its enactment.
In discussion of the level of Free cash, Mr. White reported
that after the expected approval by Town Meeting of paging unpaid
bills of the School Department, there will be a balance of
$2,878,059. He advised that only $2.4 million be spent, to leave
a balance of $478,000 as an emergency fund.
Mr. White went on to list new sources of revenue he had
identified such as quarterly, rather than semi- annual water and
Newer bills and keeping departmental budget increases at about
3%, rather than from 3 to 4%.
John Ryan, Comptroller, said that he felt the Manager's
picture of the financial situation to be about as optimistic as
it can be painted in view of the bleak financial situation the
State is going through.
It was agreed that a joint meeting with the School Committee
be scheduled for discussion of fiscal problems prior to any
action on budgets.
Mrs. Smith stated that both Town and School departments need
to keep the Manager's revenue projections in mind when deciding
on budget matters.
STREET LIGHTING
Mr. white noted recent increases in energy costs and the
probability that FY93 electricity charges would increase by about
$50,000. He reported on his exploration of potential savings if
all incandescent street lights in the Town were to be replaced
%pith high pressure sodium lamps, ilv-hich was estimated to be
approximately $67 to $73,000.
He advised early participation of the Lighting [options
Committee in the decision process on the proposal.
Richard Spiers, Director of D.P.W., and Peter Chalpin,
Assistant Town Engineer, were present for the discussion.
Mr. Spie rs reported that the Boston Edison Company has
offered to implement the changeover at no cost to the Town.
In response to Mr. Eddison's question, 'fir. Chalpin said that
the street lights in Lexington Center could be left as they are
without any significant decrease in savings.
It was agreed that input from the Lighting Committee was
needed and that a start with the process immediately after the
holidays should be planned.
ORDERS OF TAKING STREET ACCE PTANCES.
Iwo
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign
Orders of Taking for the nine streets accepted at the 1990 Annu < --wl
Town Meeting:
Phi 1 b rook Terrace, 651' ± , from Grassland Street southerly to the end.
Solomon Pierce Road, 5404' +1 f roe Map a St rest to Wobu rn St rest.
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Selectmen's Meeting
December 3, 1990
Joseph Comee Road, 955 ± , from Solomon Pierce Road to Butterfield Roads
Lathrop Circle, 51 V +, from Joseph Comee Road westerly to the end.
Butterfield Road, 550 ± , from Solomon Pierce Road easterly to Joseph Comee
Road.
East Emerson Road, 3350' +, from south of Maureen Road to Ridge Road.
Jonas Stone Circle, 552 ±, from East Emerson Road southerly to the end.
T i dd Circle, 630' +, front Grove Street easterly to the end.
North Emerson Road , 140' ± , f vast Di amWW Road ryas I" y to the end.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn
at 8:53 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
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Marion H . Snow
Executive Clerk
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SELECTMEN'S MEETING
December 17, 1990
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on
Monday, December 17, 1990, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room Town
Office Building at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Smith, Mr. Marshall, Mr.
Eddison, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager; Ms. Radway,
Asst. Town Manager; Mrs. Snow, Executive clerk, were present.
Mr. Cohen, Town counsel, arrived later.
PUBLIC HEARING BOSTON GAS STREET
Mrs. Smith opened a public hearing on the petition of Boston
Gas Company for grant of location for installation of a gas main
in Walnut Street.
Warren Gilson, Jr., representing Boston Gas, explained that
the work would be performed to service customers at the Potters
Pond complex and new homes to be constructed in the area.
Richard Spiers, Director of Public works, had recommended
approval of the petition, subject to installation of a bituminous
overlay of the entire construction area, rather than only trench
patching, since the major portion of the excavation will take
place in the paved roadway.
There being no further comments, Mrs. Smith declared the
hearing closed.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was %. o ted to approve
the petition, plan and orders of Boston Gas Company for a grant
of location for approximately 1,200 foot 2 -inch gas main to be
installed in Walnut Street, as shown on an accompanying plan,
subject to the following condition:
A bituminous overlay of the entire construction area from
beginning to end will be installed - from the Waltham /Lexington
boundary to the surface joint just beyond the entrance to Potters
Pond.,
FY92 BUDGET. SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The School Committee and members of the Appropriation and
Capital Expenditures Committees, met with the Board for review
and discussion of the Town Manager's FY92 Revenue Projections,
Mrs. Smith thanked all for their commitment to the Town and for
their presence at the meeting that evening for continued dialogue
on the budget. She noted that the Selectmen had adopted as one
of their goals a closer working relationship with the School
Committee, so as to get through the financial difficulties now
facing the Town and she felt that goal was beginning to be
realized.
Mr. white distributed copies of his Revenue Projections for
FY92, as forecast last June and adjusted to reflect the changes
in economy from July through November. The adjusted estimates
were even less optimistic than those developed in June although
it is still expected that Cherry Sheet receipts will remain
level.
Other sources of revenue such as local receipts, fines and all
other fees are expected to be lower by almost one half million
dollars,
Use of available funds - Free Cash will be reduced. to
$4,745,000 and Real Estate levy generated by new construction is
also expected to be down. It is estimated that net revenues will
amount to $56,385,387, or a decrease from the June projection of
$1,071,552.
Mr. White spoke of his commitment to present a balanced
budget to the Selectmen and saw a significant limit on capital
improvements in order to fulfill this commitment without any
substantial new revenue sources.
Dr. Geiger said that among the areas of cutbacks to be dealt
c�ith by the School Commi ttee, is a major reduction in personnel
to be implemented w ithout affecting programs. He asked the
Manager for an indication as to whether a 3 ±o 3 1/2% school
budget increase would be considered acceptable.
Mr. white responded that he will be proposing reductions in
the municipal budget, which the Selectmen may or may not approve.
lie stressed the importance that all be aware of the drop in
re�.-enue and proceed accordingly, adding that the is now using 3%
as the school department increase.
Both Mr. white and Mr. Marshall said that they saw no
immediate prospects for improvement in the financial situation.
Copies of the Town By- -laws and the Town Manager /Selectmen
.:�c t were distributed to members of the School Committee and Mrs.
Smith again thanked them for their cooperation and their
attendance at the meeting.
REGIONAL POSTAL F.-�CILITY
Richard Canale, President of the South Le.�, Civic
Association, was present to update the Board on efforts to
prevent the U.S. Postal Service from locating the '!Northeast
Postal Facility on Smith Street.
Mrs. Smith thanked Mr. Canale for the association's work in
communicating the concerns of the Town relative to the proposal.
Mr. Canale reported that the Postal Service Board of
CC, %re rnor s in Washington has now approved the Smith Street site
for the r'ac it ity based on a previous finding that the
construction would be of no significant impact to Waltham and
Lexington.
He requested some form of Town support for the City of
Waltham in its legal act ion against the Postal Serer ice , which it
is hoped, would force consideration of other sites for the
facility. Waltham has initially appropriated $10,000 for the
purpose.
Mr Canale recapped events of a recent meeting of officials
of Lexington, Waltham, Cambridge and Weston for discussion of the
Postal Service proposal. The consensus was that the Smith Street
site is not adequate to support the facility proposed and it had
been decided that legal avenues to block its construction shoul{'
be explored.
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t 1e .lectinen' "eet ing
-3- December 17, 1990
It i s hoped that the four communities w i l l request Senator
Kennedy to ask the General Accounting Office (GAO) for a special
study of the [; . S . Postal service real -state operations to answer
some important questions regarding the Postal Service's abili
to site major facilities at will in communities,
Mr. Canale referred to a "Political Feasibility" statement,
issued by the Postal Service on impacts of the facility on areas
surrounding the Smith Street site, the GTE site in Weston and the
Nelson site in Waltham. It was stated that officials from
Lexington and Waltham had indicated little concern for a GMF at
the Smith Street location. Since the Postal service claims that
Lexington will not be adversely affected, its previous commitment
of $ 7 00,000 to fund traffic improvements in Lexington has been
w i t h d r a w n .
Regarding Lexington's role in the legal action against the
Postal Services, Mr. white noted that Waltham is taking the lead
and advised that Lexington's Town Counsel act as a monitor and
advisor in the procedures, thus avoiding redundancy in the
action. The 'tanager is prepared to offer technical assistance
and to provide any information that would be helpful to Waltham
in its efforts. He recommended that the Selectmen vote to offer
support the City of Waltham as he had Outlined.
Upon mot ion dul made and seconded, it w as voted to offer
supp ❑ to the City of Waltham in the legal action against the
U.S. Postal Service, as recommended by the Town Manager,
Alan Wade of the S . L . C . A. offered to prepare a draft letter
to Senator Kennedy from the Selectmen, requesting him to enlist
the aid of the General Accounting Office, as mentioned earlier.
M T . \i 1 rTT, q
L:pon Motion duly_ made and seconded, it Gras voted to approve
as presented the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting on November
!2,6, 1990.
MER I AM STREET PARKING METERS
The Board reviewed the report of the Traffic Saf Advisory
Committee on the suggestion by Bigelow Moore, Parking Enforcement
Of f i�:er, for the addition of two parking meters on Meriam Street
between Meriam St and the entrance to the municipal parking lot.
The areas now zoned "No Parking" but is frequently used by
motorists because of its proximity to the shopping district.
Since there appears to be no operational or saf drawbacks, the
committee recommended that Mr. Nloore's suggestion by approved.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was 17oted to approve
the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee that
two additional parking meters be installed on Meriam Street, with
ONE% the understanding that the new metered space which crosses the
Bicycle Path will be eliminated when the Bicycle Path becomes
operative.
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Mrs. Smith expressed the appreciation of
Moore, who was present, for the excellent Job
new capacity as Parking Enforcement Officer.
in addition to parking revenue generated, Mr.
meters and has generally* added new dimensions
Officer's job.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
the Board to Mr*
he is doing in his
It was noted that
Moo re repairs
to the Enforcement
Mr. Eddison asked for the endorsement of the Selectmen of
the "Design Guidelines for Commercial Districts" which had been
formally presented to the Board on December 3rd. He felt that it
was important for citizens to know that the two major Town
Boards, the Selectmen and Planning Board, have accepted the
flocument as the Town's guidelines for design of pri�rate sector
and public improvements.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to endorse
",Design Guidelines for Commercial Districts," volumes I and II.
CONSENT AG"' ENDA
EXTENSION OF HOURS HARTwELL HOUSE
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
the request of Lawrence Tropeano for extension of hours to 1:00
a.m. on December 31, 1990.
AUCTIONEER LICENSES
Upon motion duly made and seconded, , it was vot to approve
the applications of P.J. Herrick, Co., Inc:. 8 -10 Martin St.,
Essex, MA for Auctioneer Licenses on December ?9 and 30, 1990,
and Januar. v - , and 6 , 1.991 for an auction ion of inventory and
egUipment of the r'olonial Pharmacy, 17 -54 !lass. - venue.
COMMON VICTUALLER LICENSES
Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to approve
applications for renewal of Common Victualler Licenses for 1991,
for the following:
The Coffee Connection, Inc.
1729 Mass. Avenue
Eddie's of Lexington
0 Waltham Street
New Asia in Lexington
"'ll Mass. avenue
Roy Rogers Restaurant
Route 128N.
Steve's Ice Cream
1749 M ass . .avenue
Brigham's Store #696
38 Bedford Street
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Selectmen's 'teetin-c-4 -5- December 17 , 1999
Denny's Inc.
438 Bedford Street
Sheraton Tara Lexington Inn
727 Marrett Road
The Club
475 Bedford Street
Lemon Grass, Inc.
1719 Mass. Avenue
Pine Mea Golf C lub
?55 Cedar Street
The i�itchen, Inc,.
363 Mass. Avenue
INNKEEPER LI CENSES
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
applications for renewal of Innkeeper Licenses for 1991 for.
Sheraton Tara Lexington Inn
T ? 7 Marrett Road
Days Inn
=149 Bedford Street
COMMON CARRIER LICENSE
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was toted to approve
�.he appl for renewal of Common Carrier License of .Tames H.
'4cCarthy T:imouSine Service, Inc., P.O. Box 3, 1 , Leominster, NIA
91453 .
ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
the application for renewal of Entertainment License for 1991 of
Sheraton Tara Lexington Inn, 7 Marrett Road.
CON SERVATION SERVATION RESTRICTION., KAT AHDIN WOODS
Upon motion duly made and seconded it was rated to sign a
Conservation Restriction, previously signed and subsequently
amended as required by the Division of Conservation Services, for
land at Katandin Woods,
COMMITMENTS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
commitment of Charges as follows
Final water bills, November S 961.3
Final S ewer bills, November $1,326,2r,
Cycle 9 water bills, December 5476,545.21
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t.OMMON CARRIER LICENSES - LEXPRESS
Upon motion dul_j made and seconded, it was %-oted to approve
the application of A- Connoisseur Transportation for f ix Common
Carrier Licenses for the transportation of passengers for hire by
LEXPRESS along the routes as outlined by the Town, to remain in
effect throughout the term of the contract between the Town and
A- Connoisseur Transportation for a mini -bus service, not longer
than December 31, 1993.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT DAY
Mr, white referred to his "Proposal for High School
Government Day ", in which he had outlined the objectives and
design of the program. This year's program will provide students
with more sophisticated hands -on experience. Eighteen positions
will be available, increased over last gear's offerings because
of interest shown at that time in an expanded program.
The Manager reviewed the proposed calendar of events for the
student officials beginning in late January with orientation and
dis uribut ion of information on current issues; select ion of jobs
and issues by students and work by the students and staff on a
particular problem; development of strategy for presentations to
the Board of Selectmen; meeting of student school committee led
by a, student superintendent to develop strategies for mock board
meeting; mock School Committee /Board of Selectmen meeting;
,attendance at a session of the Actual Town Meeting; and a
luncheon/presentation of certificates to participants.
Mr. White asked the Board's endorsement of the program, as
presented.
Mrs. Smith felt that it was an excellent idea and hoped it
can be continued and expanded upon ex--en more i.e. a course on
Town government given in the schools. She asked that if
possible, interest be generated in appointments as student
Planners, which, she noted, was omitted from the list of
positions available because of lack of interest in planning
a.cti`-ities last year.
Mr. Eddison commended the Manager for giving greater depth
in time and opportunities to students in this year's program.
All Board members agreed that the Manager should go forward
with his plans.
STREET RESURFACING BIDS
Mr. white reported that bids for the street resurfacing
programs had been opened recently and that the results of the
bidding were alarming. The three bids submitted had exceeded
preliminary projections due, the ?Manager felt, to uncertainty in
the repaving industry caused by the Middle East crisis. T.4e
requested that the Selectmen Note to reject all bids submitted.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was Noted to reject
all bids submitted for the street resurfacing program, opened on
December 13, 1990, as recommended by the Town Manager.
The project will be rebid, hopefully in the Spring, when o ° 1.
prices have become more stable.
Selectmen's Meeting --7- December 17, 1990
ENHANCED 911 BILL
Mr. white referred to the enhanced 911 emergency bill,
signed by the Governor on December 13, which must be accepted by
cities and towns within 12 months to qualify for participation.
Although details of the process for acceptance by Town Meeting
are not known at this time, he recommended its endorsement by the
Board.
ARTICLE 5 TRANSFERS
Upon motion duly
made and
seconded, it was voted to
approve
the transfer of a total of $274,984.00 to personal services
account of various Town Departments as listed below:
selectum
$2, 859.00
Treasumicolleew
9,975.00
Town Manager
10
Health
4
Temp. Help & overtime
0100
Dog officer
3,873.00
Clerical Pool
0.00
Police: Personal Services
50,395.00
Director of Guides
0. 00
Fire Personal Services
94,567.00
Town Clark
6
Bldg./Insp.
4,999.00
Board of Appeals
1
DPW
10,000.00
Planning
9
DPW Collective Brgng.
0.00
Elections
0.00
CoA
7,507,00
Conservation
6, 800,00
Veterans
728.00
Comptroller
8, 864.00
Library
35.416.00
Assessors
5, 809.00
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 - 0 by
roll call vote; Mrs. Smith, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Eddison; Mr.
McSweeney to go into Executive Session for discussion of matters
of litigation, the disclosure of which might adversely affect the
interests of the Town.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was, voted to djourn
at 10:20 p.m.
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A true record, Attest ■ l lJ y r
Marion H. Snow
Executive Clerk
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