Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-03-BOS-min�r SELECTMEN'S MEETING March 4, 1991 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, March 4, 1991, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, at 7:34 p. m. chairman Smith, Mr. Marshall, , *fr. Eddison, Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. white, Town Manager, 'Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Mrs. Snow, Executive clerk, were present, HUMAN SERVICES BUDGET REVIEW Rene Cochin, Co- Chairman, Ann Irving and Richard Dougherty ~, of the Human Services Committee, and Stephen Baran, Human Services Coordinator, met with the Board for review of the Committee's FY92 Budget Recommendations. Mrs. Cochin spoke of the dif f icult time her Committee has faced in trying to alleviate stress in the community in view of the troublesome economic situation which is affecting different levels of people than in the past. She referred to the cuts in State & Federal funding for Human Services programs, although the Governor has said that the truly needy will not be abondoned. She listed the areas slated for decreased funding as Home care, Meals on wheels, Public Health, and Mentally Disadvantaged, who are apt to the the poorest of the poor in the State. She referenced the Emergency Fund, created for the first time this year because of the increased need to assist citizens in financial crisis situations. Mrs. Cochin reported that the 'trustees of Public Trusts' funds and private contributions to the FY"91 Emergency Fund, are almost gone. These funds have been used to assist unemployed, to pay utility bills, rental fees for single parents, to help disabled and ill with ?deals on wheels and for fuel assistance. Mrs. C ochin reviewed the process of the Committee in a rri�ring at its recommendations, considering the economic picture of the Town and new needs that must be addressed. The Committee recommends continuation of funding for services supported in the past, including Youth Services (crises intervention, crisis counseling and child abuse); Serb -ices for the developmentally disabled; and the Emergency Fund, The Committee is proposing a f% increase in - the appropriation for Emergency Funds, in order to provide a court of last resort and to fill some small gaps created by cuts in State and Federal funding. The Town Manager's directive for 3% cuts in FY92 budget request had been addressed by cuts in Youth Services and Developmentally Disabled. A new request for Emergency funding ($7,500), would actually represent a .06% increase in the total Human Services budget. It was voted that Emergency Fund donations by the Trustees of Public Trusts will not be forthcoming this year and Mrs. Cochin added that although the Town will never have sufficient resources to make up for lost State and Federal funding, it can play an important role in filling some of the niches to make the difference in the lives of Lexington residents at troubled times in their lives, f In addition, the Committee recommended that the Human NWO Services Coordinator develop a few simple, nonbureaucratic rules for disbursement of emergency funds and that the Selectmen formally establish a mechanism for encouraging private donations to the Town to meet, on a more consistent basis, some of the needs that general government does not supply. Mrs. Cochin stressed that the Committee had made every effort to balance the needs of the Town as a whole with the needs of citizens in urgent need of help. Mrs. Smith complimented Mrs. Cochin and her Committee for the verbal and written report submitted which painted a clear picture of the problem to be faced. She agreed that the safety, net is important for intervention even in a small way. She asked the 'tanager if there is an existing mechanism which could be used for Emergency Fund donations. Mr. White felt that the process ' used when the first Emerclency Fund was created would be an appropriate one and could be implemented through the Trustees of Public Trusts* Mrs. Cochin said that the Human Services Committee would want to participate in the fund raising effort, but would not want to assume the sole responsibility for it. !fir. Eddison commended. the Committee for its awareness of key issues. He requested that figures on the Trustees' contributions be provided to the Selectmen and suggested that local churches might be considered as a possible source of funds. Mrs. Cochin said that that possibility had not been explored, adding that with some people in need, the Church is the first line of defense but that some do not want to share - the know ledo , e of their need. She felt, however, that a more structured approach to fund raising should be devised, i.e. by a committee organized and charged to do so. Mr. �iarshall said that, as always, he was impressed with the help given to the Hoard by the Human Services Committee in understanding needs in the Town. He felt that the Town should take responsibility for fund raisin efforts and said he would rather have the Committee concentrate on identifv. and prioritizing needs. Mr. Dailey agreed that it is not appropriate for the Committee to have to assess needs and also have to raise the money to meet them. There was a discussion on possible trade -offs in the proposed budget to enable the appropriation of Emergency Funds. The Town Manager will attempt to find the money and develop a mechanism, through the Trustees of Public Trusts, for the establishment of the Fund with its administration as free as possible from bureaucratic procedures. Mrs. Smith felt that among the Trustees, the Town Manager and the Committee, procedures can be worked out and asked for a report to the Board as they progress. She had a firm sense that all five Selectmen support the concept of an Emergency Fund. She .�. also saw the role of the Committee as inspiring people to give to the fund but not actively engaging in the fund raising efforts. r"# OWN Selectmen's Meeting -3- '%larch 4, 1991 She thanked the Committee for its f ine contributions to the wellbeing of the citizens of the Town. BICYCLE SAFETY COMMITTEE Dr. Daniel Palant was present to request proclamation of April 6, 1991, as "Bicycle Safety Awareness Day" and toinform the Board of the foals of the Bicycle Safety Committee, created last year. The Committee's goal is to educate schoolchildren and adults of Lexington in bicycle safety, which has been begun by introducing a program in the elementary grades of the public schools, conducted by Officer Brian Spencer of the Police Department. There are now nine concerned parents who are members of the Committee and are Working with the Police Departmen, Board of Health and oi%ners of bicycle shops to promote the effort. The Committee requested that the Selectmen endorse the project by proclaiming April 6, 1991, as "Lexington Bicycle Safety Awareness Day". A "Cycle Celebration" fair will be held on that day on the grounds of the Lexington High School. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to proclaim Saturday, April 6, 1991, as "Lexington Bicycle Safety Awareness Day ", in support of the Bicycle Safety Committee's worthwhile goals. X& ANA"1i 8WA Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve as presented the minutes of the Selectmen's 'Meeting on January 28, 1991. TMMA BUDGET TN-FO MEETING Mr. White distributed information follow at the TMMA Inf. orma-t ion Session March 7, Clarke Middle School. He will make a brief presentation on the FY92 budclet proposed and where in terms of finances. can the format he plans to on Financial - articles on and answer any questions the Tcwn x ;ill be next rear COMMON X TCTUALLER LICENSE THE FOOD EMPORIUM Mrs. Smith noted the Special Permit issued by the Board of Appeals for operation as a restaurant of the Food Emporium and the conditions imposed on the approval of the Permit regarding seating capacity- and parking requirements. No reference had been made in the :appeals Board's Findings and Decision as to hours of operation t 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. w- Monday through Saturday) requested by the p e t i t i o n e r . Mr. Eddison suggested that in addition to the conditions 'Listed on the Special Permit, the petitioner should be reminded of I l l s responsibility to keep the front and rear areas of his premises clear of litter and should be Urged to follow the D.A.C. Design Guidelines if any exterior alterations are to be made. - He asked that a copy of the Design Guidelines eti:tract be sent With the approved license. Mr. Marshall supported Mr E'ddison' s suggestions but felt that education regarding the Design Guidelines and litter should be separate from the license granting process. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application of Walter L. W illiams for Common victualler License for The Food Emporium, 1768 Mass. avenue, with hours of operation of ? a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday to expire on December 31, 19910 CONSENT AGENDA ED I SON WAY TRAFFIC RULES AMENDMENT Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to execute the amendment to the Traffic Rules and Regulations pro hibiting passage o f trucks i the cut -- through between the Salter and Craft Buildings, as approved by rote of the Selectmen on February 25, 1991. ABATEMENTS Upon motion the abatement of Sewer Charges in dull- made and seconded, it was voted to approve Water charges in the amount of 52,553.27; and of the amount of $4,551.791 TRAFFIC ITEM TO T. S.A.C. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to refer - the request of Police Chief Paul Furdon, as suggested by Bigelow Moore, for installation of parking meters in the spaces allocated for Post Office business in the driveway beti��een the Town Hall and the Post Office, to the Traffic Safety :-advisory Committee for rev and ;- ecommend.at i o ns . EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE Upon snot i on duly made and seconded, it was % ed to approve the request of Reverend Brian S. Dixon, of the First Baptist Church of Lexington, for use of the Battle Green to conduct an Easter Sunrise Service on Sunday, March 31, 1991, at 6:30 a.m. SPRING RECYC L I LTG PROGRAMS Richard Spiers Director of Public Works /Engineering , was present for an update on the annual Spring Yard waste Projec and for review of recommendations on two new recyc programs e by the Waste 'Management Committee. The second Spring Ward waste Collection Project will begin on Nedne sday , March 2 0, with the opening o f the Harti,-e l l Avenue recycling area for residential disposal of leaves and grass clippings on Wednesday and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 3:99 p.m. and can Sundays from 8:99 a.m. to 5:00 p. m. , with the exception of Easter Sunday. The Landfill NY i l l remain open on those dad -s through mid-December. D Selectmen's Meeting -5- March 4. 1991 The collection of yard waste in biodegradable bags will take place on regular pickup days during the weeks of _�pril 8 - 12, Apr 2 - 26, and May 13 - 17* The waste Management Committee had N -oted unanimously to endorse a DPW proposal to expand the Lex- Recycle programs to add white goods and .grass clippings to the list of designated recyclable items. As a part of the composting project, the grass clipping iniative's major thrust will be to encourage residents to recycle their clippings as composing on their property which will cut down the amount to be collected to a manageable level for the DPW. fir. Spiers outlined the details of the program which will be described in an informational pamphlet to be destributed to all households. Residents will have two options regarding the dispcsa�. of white goads (refrigerators, stoves , washing machines, dryers, hot mater heaters, etc . ) . They may negotiate the removal of the old product with the vendor when purchasing a new appliance or they may transport the old appliance to the landfill aite where it can be deposited in a roll -off container that will be prat *ided by an area junk metal firm. Mr. Spiers asked for the Board's endorsement of the new programs in order that they may be implemented. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the proposals of the Department Work and Waste Management Committee to expand the Lex- -Recycle programs to add t; hite goods and grass clippings to the list of designated recyclable items. Mr. Spiers reported that at this time, approximately :34 of the trash gene rated in Town is being recycled, and Lhat MRI has approved his request for a 5% reduction in our guaranteed tonnage from FY91 - 12,0 to FY9 2 - 11 Board members thanked. Mr. Spiers for his presentation and for the great advance in Lexington's f ine recy - cling program. I�rERSAILLES RESTAURANT SIDEWALK SERVICE Mr. white reviewed the conditions of his approval of the request of the Versailles Restaurant for permission to serve food and alcoholic beverages on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant during the spring- summer - early- fall months. conditions for the permit will remain the same as in previous years, with the addi t ion of the requirement that "tables should be cleared immediately when unoccupied". Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was %-oted to approv the Town Manager's permit for sidewalk dining issued to Versailles Restaurant from May 1, 1991 through September 30, 1991, subject to restrictions as listed in the Permit. HANSCOM FIELD NOT SE STUDY Mrs. Smith left the meeting and did not participate in discussion or vote on Hanscom Field Noise Study matters, to avoid the appearance of conflict of interest, due to her involvement with Masspor. t . • 5 Mr. Eddison updated the Board on prog w i - IL h the Part 1 50 Noise Study and F.A.A. hearings on changes to its noise rules for public airports. The F.A.A. has issued proposed changes in the rules recrardin,g airport noise restrictions. These changes, which are under study by both Massport and Cutler & Stanfield, who represent the four HATS Towns in the Part 150 Study. HATS will be hearing the results of their analysis of the proposed rules s hortly and must submit any comments it wishes to make by April 14. Cutler L Stanfield has offered to represent the HATS Towns at the hearing on the rules revisions for a fee not to exceed $2,000. This can be paid initially from the 520,000 previously approved by HATS 'fawns for legal services relative to the Part 150 Study. The new F . A . _y rules appear to be mov ink toward setting standard noise reo for all commercial aviation airports so that airlines f l -wing lar &e ,jet aircraft will not 'be faced with different restrictions in each city airport. Mr. Eddison said the F . A . A is believed o be less concerned about nationwide uniformity for the smaller General aviation aircraft but that the National Business A�-iat ion Association iSs lobbying for the same standards for General as for Commercial Aviation. Mr. Eddison said that bath HATS and Massport ha� a stron& interest in preserving the rights of the proprietors of General Ono Aviation airports to set their own -LZo standards. N1 r. Eddison will inform HATS II of the Board's favorable position on representation by Cutler and Stanf ield at t'- "'. A. A Y�earin gs on Noise Rules Rey - i s ions , for a fee not to e�:ceed 52,000, Mrs. Smith returned to the meet inz at this time. EXECUTIVE SESSION Upon motion duly- made and seconded, it x� as voted 5 - 0 by roll call vote: firs. Smith, Mr. Marsha Mr. Eddison, '��r. Dailev, Mr. McSweeney, to go into E xecuti`7 e Session for discussion cf matters of Real Estate negotiations and litigation, 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, it was v oted to adjourn at 10:00 p.m. i A true record, At test Y Marion H. Snow Executive Clerk I 7 1 SELECTMEN'S MEETING March 18, 1991 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, March 18, 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. kiT NTT TTVq Upon motion duly made and seconded it was rated to approve, as presented, the minutes of Selectmen's Meetings on February 4, and February 11, 19910 RE LEST FOR BANNER DESERT STORM TROOPS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of the Town Celebrations Committee for permission to install a banner over Massachusetts Avenue at Cary Hall, reading' "Welcome Home - Desert Storm Troops" on April 14, and Patriots Day, April 15, 1991. If president Bush declares a Nation Day of Welcome on July 4, 1991, the banner would main be displayed at the same location. CHANGE OF HOURS THE FOOD EMPORIUM Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to amend the hours of operation under its Common Victualler License for The Food Emporium, 1768 Mass. Avenue, to include Sunday openings and to read: " 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p. m. -- Seven Days" . CONSENT AGENDA ABATEMENTS WATER SEWER Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the abatement of water Charges in the amount of $4,005.61 and of Sewer Charges in the amount of 88,854.60. COMMITMENTS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appro-%. the Commitment of Street Opening Permit Fees in the amount of $447.50; and of Cycle 9 water Charges, March, in the amount of $67,564,41* REPEAL OF ANTI - ROLLBACK LEGISLATION Mr. White referred to a ':Mass. Municipal Association request for an indication of the Board's support of an amendment which is part of the 1991 deficit reduction bill (5.1429). The amendment would repeal the anti -rollback legislation, would allow municipalities to have firmer control of health care costs and take advantage of new products in the market place. He noted that since the Senate had already approved .S.1429, including the amendment, response by the Selectmen would not be necessary. EQUAL PERCENTAGE HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIU'`41S Mr. white described legislation which would permit municipalities to charge their employees an equal percentage of health insurance premiums up to 25%, regardless of i�hikch health plan insure them. He projected that the town would save $234,000 if enacted.. He asked for the Board's favorable position on the bill, Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Town Manager to inform our Legislators of the Board's support of the Equal Percentage Bill. WARRANT ARTICLES ANNUAL TOWN MEETING The Town Manager requested statements from the Board as to its position on Warrant Articles for the Annual Town .\1eetings . fie noted that since reports on zoning articles had not been rece i1 from the Planning Board, positions on Art icles 29 through 35 had not been included for consideration that evening. Articles requesting funding from the tax levy will not be taken up at Town Meeting until information on State Aid and Assessments has been received. Position statements on those articles were also deferred. Mr. White pointed out that water, sewer, Recreation Articles (including Pine Meadows Irrigation) would be funded through their Enterprise Funds, indicated by below. Agreement was reached on positions on the following Articles: Article 6 * grater Operations in support Article 7 * Sewer Operations in support Article S * Recreation Operat in support Article 9 Supplementary Appropriation indefinite Now R a FY' 91 1 po stpo riement Article 19 Prior Years' Unpaid Bills indef. post. Articl 11 Suppl. Appropriations indef. post. authorized Capital Improvement Projects Article 15 Conservation Fund indef. post. Article 16 * Water Mains - $220,000 in support Article 17 Public works Equipment - defer SlD position Article 18 street Improvements - no funding $970,000 Article 19 Acceptance, subdivision in support Streets Article 2 ❑ * N. Lex . Pump Station - in support $2,840 Article 21 Parking Lot Operation/ in support Maintenance - $ Article 23 Recreation, Improvements/ in support Equipment - $37,000 Article 24 Pine Meadows Irrigation - in support $65,OOO Article 36 Land Transfer, Bates Road in support Now Selectmen's Meeting Article 37 article 38 Article 39 _3_ March 18, 1991 Cooperative Projects, Vo -Tech students Muzzev Condo resale cap/ building repairs Alternate Street Lighting Article 40 automatic sprinklers :article 41 911 Emergency Telephone Article 42 Non- Criminal Disposition, expired Dog Licen -ses Article 43 Creditable Service Time Article -14 $10,000 Bid Limit Article 45 Transfer of Trust Funds Article 46 amendment, Representative Town Meeting in support, but would request blanket permission in negotiation (majority position - investigate alternatives bef ore con- version to HP Sodium Lighting in support in support in support in support in support in support in support EXECUrTIVE SESSION Upon motion dull} made and seconded, it was voted 5 - o by roll call vote: Mrs. Smith, Mr. 'Marshall, Mr. Eddi son , Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney, to go into Executive Session for discussion of matters of litigation, the disclosure of which mi lht adversely affect the interests of the Town, and with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:2.4 p.m. A true record, Attest: Marion H. Snow Executive Clerk f f r ` r SELECTMEN'S MEETING March 25, 1991 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, March 25, 1991, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, on 7:00 p.m. Chairman Smith, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Eddison, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. white, Town Manager; fir. Cohen, Town Counsel; Ms. Radway, { =asst. Town Manager; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were present. Mr. Dailey arrived shortly after the start of the meeting, PUBLIC HEARING EDISON N . E . TELEPHONE SPRING STREET Mrs. Smith opened a public hearing on the petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone Company for permission to install an anchor guy on Shade Street. Robert Boudreau of the Telephone Company, representing both companies, explained that the installation was needed to support an extra cable, necessary to service new growth in the area. Mrs. Smith noted the favorable recommendation on the request from Richard Spiers Director of Public works. There being no further comments or questions, the hearing was declared closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition, plans and orders for a grant of location for installation of an anchor guy on the westerly side of Spring Street on existing pole X90/26, 20 feet south of Shade Street, M T NTT TTV Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was % to approve, as presented, the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting on February ' 1991. •�f _A.PRI L MEETING SCHEDULE It was agreed that Selectmen's Meetings will be posted for each Monday and Wednesday in April, �.o commence at 7:00 p.m., with the exception of April 15 and Apri 1 (. vacation week) . It was noted that the Wednesday meetings will be canceled when the workload permits. COMMITMENT OF CHARGES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was .Toted to approve the Commitment of Charges, as follows: Final water Bills, December, 1990 $42 Final Sewer Bills, December, 1990 $509.51 Townwide water Bills, January, 1991 $561.91 Townwide Sewer Bills, January, 1991 $706.22 RESIGNATION, CATS; COMMITTEE Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was wroted accept, with regret, the resignation of Frank DiGiammarino from the Gable Television and Communications Advisory~ Committee. A letter, expressing the Board's appreciation for Dr. DiGiammarino's valuable service as Chairman of the Committee, will be sent, d` W PLANNING BOARD ARTICLES The Zoning Articles proposed by the Planning Board and Citizens were reviewed, - It was agreed that the following Articles would be supported, as recommended by the Planning Board: Article 29 - Zoning By -Law; Technical Corrections Article 30 - Zoning By -Law; Religious, Educational Institutions Article 32 - Zoning By -Law; Exemptions for Agricultural Uses Article 33 - Zoning By -Law; Pet Grooming Services Mr. Eddison referred to Article 31, Parking Factors /Businesses, and said that he would support the Article with the exception of Provision "C" which would re!R'ulate the number of required parkin spaces for businesses based on square footage, not the number of employees. He felt that the provision needed clarification and more study before being submitted to Town 'Meet ins , noting that this zriew is supported by both the Lexington Center Committee and the Chamber of Commerce. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to support Article 31, Parking Factors, with the exclusion of Provision "C ". ARTICLE 35 - PRIVATE POSTAL SERVICES Article 30 citizens' article, proposes an amendment to the Zoning By -Law to allow private postal services in CRS and CB districts. The Planning Board had reported unfavorable on the proposal, based on the additional traffic which would be generated b such an operation in the Central Business District, already impacted by traffic from the U.S. Postal facility on Mass. Avenue. The Selectmen agreed with the Planning Board's position on the proposal, but will take no position on Article 35. TCWN 'v I NG PROCEDURES Mr. White outlined procedures to be expected at that evening's session of Town Meeting. Articles 4 and 5 tax levy* funded) will be deferred until definite information on State funding and assessments has been received and analyzed. It was noted that it would be possible to adjourn Town Meeting for se weeks if all other business is concluded before the State information has been made available, T pon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn - 7:22 p. m. A true record, Attest: Marion Snow Executive Clerk rrir'