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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-02-BOS-min ) ° SELECTMEN' S MEETING February 4 , 1991 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, February 4 , 1991 , in the Selectmen' s Meeting Room, Town Office Building , at 7 : 30 p.m. Acting Chairman, Mr. Eddison, Mr. Marshall , Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. White , Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel ; Ms. Radway, Assistant Town Manager; Mrs . Snow, Executive Clerk, were present . CAPITAL BUDGET OVERVIEW Mr. White noted that FY92 capital items had previously been discussed during presentations of each Department ' s budget proposals but that , as has been the custom in years past , an overview of Capital budget proposals and would be presented that evening . He reported on the formation of a Budget Committee comprised of staff members Robert Bowyer, Robert Ebersole , Joseph Marino , Deborah Radway and Robert Griffin, Intern, who had developed a Five Year Capital Improvement Program for Schools, Fire , Police , DPW and Recreation, to be used as a planning document while coming to decisions on budget recommendations . In the Five Year plan, a long-term planning program had been r begun and an inventory of fixed assets is nearing completion. The Committee had identified criteria for prioritization of projects which it was felt would help to provide justification for proposals to Town Meeting . Mr. Bowyer outlined FY91 -- FY96 Schedules of Capital Projects to be Funded from the Tax Levy and Projects to be paid from Water, Sewer and RECREATION Enterprise Funds and explained the process used to establish recommended priorities . Mr. Marshall expressed his disfavor at having priorities established by staff in a document which would be distributed to Town Meeting and which would be interpreted as a position statement of the Selectmen. Mr. Eddison thanked Mr. Bowyer and members of the Budget Committee for their valuable work but agreed with Mr. Marshall on the question of priority ranking by the staff. Mr. White explained that the document had been prepared to provide the Board with an evaluating tool in deliberations on the budget . Discussion continued on the income generated by the Pine Meadows Golf Course and question arose as to the appropriateness of earmarking Pine Meadows profits for general Recreation projects of lower priorities . During Mr. Bowyer' s presentation, he had mentioned the possibility of an override in FY93 or FY94 . Mr. Dailey felt it r" unwise , in view of the current financial situation, to suggest future overrides at this time. He agreed with Mr. Marshall that therinted material will be seized upon as having been a P P statement by the Selectmen, which they then would have to defend. 9 mow Mr. Eddison ref erred to the tree planting program mentioned earlier, which he felt had been underplanned in the past and stressed that trees are a most important aspect in the attractiveness of the Town. He asked that the intent to implement a planting program be recorded . AT&T STOCK/TRUSTEES , PUBLIC TRUSTS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize Alan S . Fields , Thomas G. Taylor and David G. Williams and their successors as Trustees of Public Trusts for Lexington to act on behalf of all funds administered by them as such Trustees in the matter of the investment and reinvestment of such funds and more particularly with respect to the purchase and sale of securities . In the event of default , the particular fund involved would bear its proportionate share , provided , however , ,hat the Trustees themselves would be responsible if they had committed a breach of their fiduciary duty. MINUTES Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to approve , as presented, the minutes of the Selectmen' s Meeting on January 14 , 1991 . USE OF BATTLE GREEN , PEACE VIGILS Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to approve the request of the Lexington Coalition for Peace in the Persian Gulf for permission to continue to hold Peace Vigils on the Lexington Battle Green on all Sundays at 12 : 00 Noon to 12 : 30 p.m. from February 17 , 1991 through March 31 , 1991 . CATV LETTER TO REP. MARKEY Mr . Eddison referred to a letter sent to Representative Markey from the Board on January 15 , informing him of efforts in Lexington to improve the accountability and responsiveness to the public interest of the cable company and thanking him for his efforts on the federal level . Mr. Eddison noted a draft letter to the Representative , prepared by Julian Bussgang , along the same lines and asked the Board' s view on sending that letter from the Board, as well . It was agreed that Mr. McSweeney, as Liaison to the Cable Committee , would clarify with the Committee as to whether the second letter is necessary. EXECUTIVE SESSION Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted 4 - 0 by roll call vote : Mr. Eddison, Mr. Marshall , Mr. Dailey, 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, with no intent to resume open session. Pim Selectmen' s Meeting -3- February 4 , 1991 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9 : 16 p.m. X--/;( 2 A true record, Attest : B(1124. Marion H. Snow Executive Clerk / 0 Pima SELECTMEN' S MEETING February 11 , 1991 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, February 11 , 1991 , 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, Assistant Town Manager; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were present . PUBLIC HEARING, EDISON, MAPLE STREET CONDUIT Mrs . Smith opened a Public Hearing on the petition of the Boston Edison Company for permission to install conduit in Maple Street . Edward Chisholm, representing the Edison Company, explained that the work is necessary to provide underground service to a new development owned by N. E. Construction Company. Excavation would be in the sidewalk right-of-way only. Favorable recommendations on the petition from the Director of Public Works were noted. There being no further questions or comments , Mrs . Smith declared the hearing closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve OMR the petition, plans and orders of Boston Edison Company to obtain a grant of location for installation of conduit in Maple Street , southeasterly approximately 573 feet east of Ingleside Road, a distance of about six feet . PUBLIC HEARING, EDISON, LEELAND TERRACE CONDUIT Mrs . Smith opened a public hearing on the petition of the Boston Edison Company for permission to install conduit in Leeland Terrace . Mr. Chisholm explained that Dr. Paul Carter , =5 Leeland Terrace , wishes to install the conduit to replace existing overhead service with underground service . A memo from the Director of DPW, recommending approval of the petition was read by Mrs . Smith. 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 petition, plan and orders of Boston Edison Company to obtain a grant of location for installation of conduit in Leeland Terrace , southeasterly approximately 265 feet southeast of Wingate Road, a distance of about 17 feet . PUBLIC HEARING, EDISON, EAST STREET CONDUIT Mrs . Smith opened a public hearing on the petition of the Boston Edison Company for permission to install conduit in East Street . yam Mr. Chisholm explained that the conduit would be installed by the customer, Richard Thibeault, 213 East Street , in order to replace the existing overhead service with underground service. Mrs . Smith read the recommendations of the Director of Public Works who had recommended approval of the petition. -2- There being no further comments of questions, the hearing was declared closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition, plans and orders of Boston Edison Company to obtain a grant of location for installation of a conduit in East Street , southeasterly approximately 500 feet east of Ridge Road, a distance of about 12 feet . MINUTES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve , as presented, the minutes of the Selectmen' s Meeting on January 16 , 1991 . CONSENT AGENDA ARLEX TAXI LICENSE Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application of Ronald Bonney, Manager, Arlex Taxi Corporation, for an additional taxicab license for a 1985 Ford L.T. D. , Plat #TA 4282 . PROCLAMATION, RED CROSS MONTH Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to proclaim the month of March, 1991 , as Red Cross Month in Lexington, as requested by Frederick H . Grein, Chairman, West Area Council , wort American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay. COMMITMENT OF CHARGES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve commitment of the following charges : Street Opening Permit Fees 250 . 00 January Townwide Water Charges 8 , 396 . 85 January Townwide Sewer Charges $10 , 073 . 48 February Cycle 9 bills $76 , 378 . 33 ABATEMENT OF CHARGES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the abatement of Water Charges in the amount of $7 , 107 . 47 and Sewer Charges in the amount of $154 , 044 . 75 . WARRANT, 1991 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Warrant to the 1991 Annual Town Meeting on March 4 , 1991 , containing 47 Articles for the consideration of the Town Meeting. PARK BENCHES Mr. Eddison reported that the Design Advisory Committee and Lexington Center Committee have developed fund raising strategies for the purchase of park benches to be installed in Lexington mow Center. sigma Selectmen' s Meeting -3- February 11 , 1991 The Committees propose to formulate a group, "Friends of Lexington Center" , which would organize interested citizens for the purpose of promoting improvements to the heavily used areas of the Center, and had requested the Selectmen' s sponsorship of this effort . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sponsor, in cooperation with the Lexington Center Committee and Design Advisory Committee , the formulation of "Friends of Lexington Center" which will engage in a fundraising campaign for the purchase of sixteen garden benches and accessory trash receptacles , for installation before Patriots ' Day, April 15 , 1991 . CHANGE OF MANAGER, CLUB LIQUOR LICENSE , K. OF C . The Board reviewed the application of the Knights of Columbus for approval of the appointment of Robert W. O' Keefe , Jr. as Manager of the Club under its Club Liquor License , replacing Joe R. Medlin. Mrs . Smith noted the memorandum from the Lexington Police Department which indicated that Mr. O' Keefe would be a suitable person to fill that position. oria There were no questions or comments from Board members or the audience . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application of the Knights of Columbus Members Association petitioning approval of the appointment of Robert W. O ' Keefe , Jr. as Manager of the Club. TRANSFER, RESERVE FUND/LIBRARY Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to approve the transfer of funds in the amount of $9 , 418 . 00 from the Reserve Fund to Cary Library Account X100-5112--58852 for capital cost of joining Metro-Boston Library Network. The transfer was necessary because of a low estimate in the request approved under Article 32 , 1990 , Cary Library Computer System. SCHOOL COMMITTEE Mrs. Smith explained that the appointment for the discussion of budget matters with the School Committee scheduled for that evening would be postponed until February 25 . Mrs . Smith and Mr. White had met with Mrs . Coit , Chairman of the School Committee , who had informed them that because of other commitments , only two members of the Committee could be present for the entire discussion. Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to adjourn wm at 8 : 02 p.m. A true record , Attest : Of1 Marion i . Snow Executive Clerk 1 ° 1 SELECTMEN' S MEETING February 25 , 1991 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, February 25 , 1991 , 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 . Town Manager; Mrs . Snow, Executive Clerk, were present . PUBLIC HEARING, EDISON/N. E. TEL. , SPRING STREET Mrs . Smith opened a public hearing on the petition of New England Telephone Company and Boston Edison Company for permission to install an anchor and guy for an existing pole at Concord Tnpk. and Spring Street . David Walsh, representing the Telephone Company , explained the purpose of the installation is to support the pole upon the removal of a push brace pole , which had obstructed the construction of a driveway at 149 Spring Street . Mrs . Smith noted the favorable recommendations of the Director of Public Works on the proposal . There being no further comments or questions , the Chairman declared the hearing closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition, plans and orders of the New England Telephone N Wft Company and Boston Edison Company for a grant of location for installation of an anchor for pole #90/43A on the Concord Turnpike at its intersection with Spring Street . RED CROSS FLAG Ms . Annette Boswell was in attendance to present to the Town a Red Cross Flag , to be flown during the month of March, which was proclaimed by the Board on February 11 , 1991 as American Red cross Month in Lexington. Ms . Boswell spoke of the restructuring of the Red Cross organization so as to reach out to communities like Lexington and to provide information on services offered. Red Cross is on track with its 1991 goal for a disaster service program, which will be outlined to staff members dealing with emergency services as a meeting with Ms . Boswell in the near future . MINUTES Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to accept , as presented, the minutes of the Selectmen' s Meeting on January 23 , 1991 . APPOINTMENTS , H . D. C . The Board reviewed the Lexington Historical Society' s nominations of candidates to fill a vacancy on the Historic PIM District Commission created by the expiration of the second term of John Davies . Walter Pierce , current H. D.C. Associate Member, and Clark Griffith, former Chairman of the H.D.C. in Arlington had been proposed. 9-- pon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to appoint ,,, o Walter S . Pierce as a full member of the Historic Districts Commission, representing the Lexington Historical Society , for a term of office to expire on January 1 , 1996 . As nominees to fill the position as Associate Member , now vacant because of Mr. P ierce ' s appointment to full membership, the Historical Society had nominated Clark L. Griffith and Charles P. Hagenah. It was noted that the qualifications of both candidates were extremely high, which made the choice difficult . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Clark L. Griffith, 5 Woodland Road, to the Historic Districts Commission as an Associate Member, representing the Lexington Historical Society, for a term of office to expire on January 1 , 1996 . MARCH MEETING SCHEDULE It was agreed that Board meetings will be scheduled for March 4 , 11 , 18 , beginning at 7 : 30 p. m. and for March 25 and 27 , at 7 : 00 p. m. MEETING WITH SCHOOL COMMITTEE Mrs . Smith reported that the School Committee has requested the Selectmen to attend its meeting on Tuesday, February 26 at 8 : 15 p.m. for a half hour discussion of budget matters . CONSENT AGENDA •...� ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES , ELKS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application of the B. P.D. Elks , Lodge -2204 , 959 Waltham Street , for One Day Liquor Licenses on the following dates : March 2 , 1991 Class Reunion 7 p.m. to 12 Mid. March 9 , 1991 Birthday Party 7 p. m. to 12 Mid. March 17 , 1991 Banquet 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. USE OF BATTLE GREEN, MINUTEMEN Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to approve the request of the Lexington Minute Men for the use of the Battle Green on the following dates : Sunday, April 7 , 1991 for rehearsal of the Reenactment of the Battle , Saturday, April 13 , 1991 , as a rain date for the rehearsal , Monday, April 15 , 1991 , Reenactment of the Battle of Lexington OPENING DAY, RECREATION Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was \ otea to approve the request of the Recreation Director, Joan Halverson, for permission to conduct activities marking the Opening Day of Youth League Programs on Saturday, April 27 , 1991 , including a parade at 9 : 30 a.m. from Muzzey Park to the Little League Field , and , mg Ceremonies at the Little League Field at the end of Park Drive . l Selectmen' s Meeting -3- February 25 , 1991 ' T SKATER MASSE,, CHAMPION SKATER Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to extend the congratulations of the Board in a letter to Laurent Masse of 311E Concord Avenue on his award at the Nationals in Minneapolis , Minnesota, as Jr . Men' s Champion in Compulsory Figures . ABATEMENTS , WATER, SEWER Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the abatement of Water Charges in the amount of $141 . 05 and Sewer Charges in the amount of $1 , 581 . 25 . REPORTS OF THE TRAFFIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Peter Chalpin, Chairman and Eric Clarke , members of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee , were present for review of the Committee ' s recommendations on traffic concerns submitted to the Board by citizens . PAUL W ITE, SIGNATURE STATIONERS , CRAFT BLDG . M r. Chalpin outlined his Committee ' s report on the request of Paul White , Proprietor of Signature stationers , for banning the passage of trucks through a cut-through between his store and the Salter Building into the municipal parking lot . Mr. White contended that the narrow width of the alley posed a threat to the safety of pedestrians and damage to his shop. on. The Traffic Committee had recommended closure of the cut- ; through for all vehicular traffic on a 6-month trial basis . If at the end of 6 months , there had been no adverse impact from the procedure , traffic would be permanently barred by means of a chain or bollards . Asst . Fire Chief McDonough had foreseen no problems with the new traffic pattern. MDtion was made by Mr. Eddison to approve the recommendations of the Traffic Committee . Bigelow Moore , Parking Enforcement Officer , was present to give his views on the plan. He pointed out that in peak hours , a back-up could be caused on Edison Way that might extend to Mass . Avenue if the alternative entrance to the parking lot were to be removed. He was in favor of leaving the cut-through as it is with installation of signs directing trucks with large trailers to turn left at the farther end of the Craft Building . Mr. Marshall was opposed to breaking the established traffic flow for the infrequent problems which might occur. He felt that it would be as unsafe to funnel all traffic through the blind corner at the Craft Cleaners as it would be to leave the cut- through open to traffic . Mr. Dailey and Mr. McSweeney were in favor of the posting of signs to ban truck traffic from the cut-through at the Signature Stationers . Mr . Eddison withdrew the motion, as stated above . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the ono cut-through or alley between the Salter Building and the Craft Building be signed so as to prohibit trucks from entering the municipal parking lot by that route . a f -4- 1 [ 1 The owners of the Salter Building will be asked to notify heir tenants of the new ruling . we D. C . HEATHH COMPANY, SPRING STREET Mr. Chalpin referred to the recommendations of the Traffic Committee in January, 1990 , in response to traffic concerns of Keith Sullivan on behalf of D.C . Heath Company, Spring Street , on hazards encountered when exiting the company' s driveway onto Spring Street . The Traffic Committee ' s recommendation for clearing of shrubbery had been implemented at that time but the relocation of the driveway had not been considered a feasible alternative . Mr. Sullivan' s current request was for installation of "Caution - Vehicles Entering" signs which the Traffic Committee agreed would help to address the problem. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendations of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee for installation of two "Caution - Vehicles Entering ' signs warning Spring Street motorists that cars may be exiting the D. C . Heath Company parking lot . MAPLE STREET CROSSWALK, TRABER Mr. Chalpin reported on the recommendations of his Committee on the request of Masha Traber and other Butterfield Road area residents for provision of safety measures for children crossing Maple Street en route to the Harrington School . The children must cross the busy street to have access to a sidewalk and then Emir recross it at the school . The Traffic Committee recommended installation of a zebra crosswalk and ❑f two "Pedestrians Crossing , 300 Feet" signs and two "Stop for Pedestrians in Crosswalk" signs , after approval has been obtained from the State DPW. Selective enforcement of the speed limit during the hours in which children are going to and from school was also recommended. Ms . Traber pointed out that as the result of the Butterfield Road and other new developments , more and more children will be using that route to school and because Maple Street is a busy , dangerous street , she requested either installation of sidewalk on the Butterfield Road side of Maple Street , or the presence of a Crossing Guard. At this point , parents are sharing the responsibility of helping the children to cross , mornings and afternoons . Board members agreed that it was dangerous for children to have to cross Maple Street twice because of lack of a sidewalk and questioned the Manager as to cost and whether a walk could be installed by the Town DPW. The recommendations of the Traffic Committee were acceptable to the Board in the short term but were not considered an adequate solution. The School Committee will be asked to consider the possibility of a Crossing Guard and the Town Manager will explore the cost of sidewalk construction and will report back to the Board. �..rr t° f Selectmen' s Meeting -5- February 25 , 1991 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the recommendations of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee and State DPW approval be sought for installation of a crosswalk and signs as noted in the Committee ' s recommendation and that the Police Department be asked for selective enforcement of the speed limit on Maple Street . MARRETT ROAD/MIDDLE STREET , HARTERY Mr. Chalpin read the report of his Committee on the traffic concerns of Margaret Hartery regarding the safety of school children crossing Marrett Road at Middle Street . Because of the sharp bend in Marrett Road at that point , the Committee recommended that the crossing guard and crosswalk be relocated to Tufts Road to increase visibility and safety for pedestrians and drivers . The Committee further recommended that two "Pedestrian Crossing 300 Feet" and two "Pedestrians in Crosswalk" signs be installed and that the Police Department be asked to provide selective enforcement of the speed limit during the hours in which the children are going to and from school . As with Maple Street , State permits will be required for these changes . William Hartery disagreed that the relocation of the crosswalk would be a solution because he felt that the children would continue to use the old crosswalk which would be to them the most natural point at which to cross . He recommended installation of a flashing yellow light to alert motorists that pp they are approaching a crosswalk. Mr. Chalpin had doubts as to whether the State warrants for a flashing light could be met but will explore the matter for further report of the Traffic Committee to the Selectmen at a later date . HARTWELL AVENUE LANES , TURNER Mr. Chalpin read the recommendations of the Traffic committee on the request of George Turner of Chelmsford for clarification as to whether Hartwell Avenue is one or two lanes in each direction. The Committee had concluded that since Hartwell Avenue , 44 ' wide , is consistently used as a two-lane each-way road even though it is marked as one lane each way, it would be safer to stripe it with four 11 ' lanes , two in each direction, which, it was thought , would eliminate current confusion and reflect actual usage of the road. Mr. Eddison asked if the safety of joggers and bicyclists had been considered in formulating the recommendation. He felt that more danger would be created with the additional striping and leaving no room at the side of the road than by leaving the road as it is . The matter was returned to the Committee for exploration of the pedestrian/bicyclist issues . PLEASANT/WATERTOWN STREETS , CLARKE Mr. Chalpin reviewed the suggestions of Eric Clarke for remedying a traffic problem at the cut-through located at the -6- cut-through located at the intersection of Watertown and Pleasant Streets and the Traffic Safety Committee ' s recommendation on the __ matter, The problem, concerning trucks turning left from northbound Pleasant Street at Watertown Street , is one of visibility from the cabs of trucks which requires that left turns be taken from the island cut-through rather than from Pleasant Street proper. As a result , trucks run over the corner of the island and encounter other difficulties such as having to back up to complete the turn. To alleviate this situation, the Committee recommended that a portion of the island be removed and paved , providing a 90 degree left turn of sufficient width to accommodate the trucks . Don Wilson pointed out that another problem exists at that location. As trucks approach the intersection going north on Pleasant Street drivers have a total blind spot on the right . A large oak tree at the intersection which obscures the view is frequently hit as trucks make the turn and Mr. Wilson suggested that , since the life of the tree is being threatened by this damage , it should be removed . It was agreed that before decision on removal of the tree is reached, Dale Gaasland, Supt . of Parks and Trees , should be asked to examine the tree and report to the Board on its condition. Dr. Clark' s request was referred back to the Traffic Committee for further recommendations . BOWMAN SCHOOL, PHILIP ROAD Mr. Chalpin read the recommendations of the Traffic maw Committee in response to the expressed concerns of Bowman School Staff and P.T.A. regarding traffic conditions . Traffic Study Observations by Sal Pace and Adam Berkin of Bowman had spend many hours conducting vehicle and pedestrian volume studies at Follen Road and Locust Avenue and at Philip Road and Rockville Avenue . They had observed excessive speed in the school driveway and on Philip Road and cars and vans backing out of the school dr iveway 4 onto Philip Road , causing back-ups . They had reported on lack of caution on the part of school bus drivers and failure to show flashing yellow lights . Mrs . Smith noted that the issues concerning school buses had been addressed by the Bowman Principal and had been resolved. The conclusions reached in the study were that potential danger exists because of excessive speed, the amount of traffic , the congestion caused by dropping off students and walkers and joggers who use the area and that these issues should be addressed as soon as possible . The Traffic Committee had recommended increased enforcement of the 30 MPH speed limit on Philip Road ; installation of a "STOP" sign on Rockville Avenue at Philip Road; and the painting of "SCHOOL" on Philip Road approaching the school driveway. It had been found that no official regulations for the existing one- way and no- parking restrictions on the school driveway are in place and Mr. Chalpin had prepared amendments to the Traffic �""" Rules and Orders to correct this oversight . I r,_� Selectmen's Meeting - f - February .0 , 19%.0 1 It was also recommended that "NO PARKING EITHER SIDE" s i crns should be installed to augment the existing yellow curb on the sc hool drlveW ay . Mr. Marshall felt that the Hoard should consider requesting state approval of flashing ye llow "SLOW SCHOOL -- 9- M PH ZONE" signs at Philip Road and Rockville Avenue He said he wou support the recommendations of the Traffic Committee but requested a further report from it on the of fect i�reness of the lights and a change in speed limit. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was rated to approve the recommendations of the Traffic Saf Advisory Committee as follows: Increased enforcement of the 30 M PH speed limit on Philip Road; Installation of a" STOP" s i c n on Rockville A N at Philip Road; Paint of "SCHOOL" on Philip Road approaching the school driveway, In addition, it was voted to endorse amendments to the Traffic Rules and Orders as described above and the installation of "NO PARKING EITHER SIDE" signs on the school driveway, The School Committee will be asked to consider the construction of a drop -off area on Philip Road which would limit the confused behavior observed b Mr. Pace and Mr. Berkin. The Traffic Safety Committee w ill be requested to ex plore the feasibility of placing flashing yellow ligght /20 MAPH speed limit si &ns near the Bowman School and to c� i� it s , ec:ommendat i ons to the Selectmen on the effecti veness of the installation. "Y 91 TAX C` LAS S I F I CAT I OAT HEARING Robert Leone, Chairman, and Sarah Robinson of the Board of Assessors, and Town Assessor, Harald Scheid met with the Board to review tax rate options for FY91 ranging from factors of 1.0000 to 1. and for selection of the residential factor, from which could follow the classified tax rates for fiscal 1991. Mr. Leone referred to the downward trend of property va lue s during the past '~ear which reflects the general economic situation, with residential values down by 19 to 15% and commercial Values down by 31%* Residential, 'Ton- Residential Tax Rate Options and Impacts were presented in a table showing the maximum allowable commercial factor to be 1. with a non - residential tax rate o f 9 3.19 and a residential tax. rate o f 10.9 9 . Also na ted was the factor chosen for FY90 which had allowed for more equitable increases in residential and non - residential tares. A similar tax rate opt ion is not possible this year, ;Weaning that some shift in the tax burden from commercial /industrial properties to res idential properties is unavoidable. The hearinc, was declared closed. S i k won dot ion was duly made by Mr. Eddison and seconded b�T Mrs, smith to adopt a residential factor of 0.8325 and a non- residential factor of 1. which would allow for a, 19.5 increase for residential properties and a 0.4% increase for commercial properties. Mr. Marshall said that he was uncomfortable with the large increase in tax payments for non- residential properties which would result from the selection of a factor of 1.75, especially- for small businesses which will face even more difficult times next near. 4' Mrs. Smith said that she also felt compassion for small businesses, but was even more concerned with the impact on residential properties. Mr. Eddison' s motion did not carry, with Mr. `iarshall , Mr. Dailey and Mr. McSweeney voting in the negative. Mr. Dailey moved that a residential factor of 0.8401 be adopted i would result in a tax rate of $11.16 for residential properties and $22.2$ for non - residential properties. The motion was seconded and carried, with Mrs. Smi and Mr. Eddison %-ot in; in the neat iv . STREET LIGHTING Mr. white updated the Board on progress with the Edison ,- ompany regarding the determination of rates for color corrected .no High Pressure Sodium ligh�t,s. He referred to a letter from fir. 'McGrath, of Edison' s Energy Services Department, in which it had been reported that Tar ions factors such as special equipment hi gher cost per bulb, and shorter life would raise the mo nthly rate for each HPS color corrected installation by at least ` - . 00; Lamr), eliminating any potential savings to the Town. Edison will continue to monitor lamp suppliers' dIata in rder to obtain a color corrected lamp that would meet ._.he Town's ,oncern for c olor and be adaptable to standard HPS luminaries ti %hile minimiz energy use. The \Tanager will inform the Board as information on rates is de loped and negotiations with Edison progress The Lexington Lighting Opt ions Committee tt ee i s t��orkin�y on (determining the location of a test site for compact fluorescent street _l i ght in l . Mr. Eddison noted that on a recent trip to the west coast lie had visited several cities, including San Francisco, the Golden . Bride which are entirely lit with HP Sodium l ight-s, Santa Rosa and Berkley. Warrant article assignments prepared in draft form by 'fir White and Mrs. Smith, had been distributed in the :agenda packets. Board members were asked to inform them of an -y questions or changes in the l i st ing. 1 I Selectmen's \1eeting CROIC Februarys 25, 1 991 EXECUTIVE SESSION Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -- 0 by roll call vote: Mrs. Smith, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Eddison, yr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney, to go into executive session for discussion of matters of land acquisition, the disclosure of which might adversely affect the interests of the Town, with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly- made and seconded, at 9;55 p.m. A true record, Attest. 0 it was ��oted to adjourn Marion H. Snow Executive Clerk