HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-01-BOS-minfftk
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
January 13, 1993
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on
Monday, January 13, 1993, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town
Office Building, at 7:30 p.m. Acting Chairman Eddison, Mr.
Dailey, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Mr. White, Town
Manager; Ms. Radway, Assistant Town Manager; and Mrs. Peters,
Executive Clerk, were present.
APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTIVE CLER
Mr. Eddison noted that Sara Peters has not been formally
appointed to the position of executive clerk for the Board of
Selectmen. Town Manager White presented a brief summary of her
background. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
unanimously to appoint Mrs. Peters executive clerk. Mr. Eddison
welcomed Mrs. Peters on behalf of the Board, and spoke of Marion
Snow's excellent service to the Board, adding that she will be
missed and that the Board will express its appreciation to Mrs.
Snow at a future time.
MINUTES
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
as presented the minutes of the Selectmen's meetings on December
9 and 16, 1991.
APPOINTMENTS, HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION
Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to approve
the reappointment of Richard S. Morehouse as the Selectmen's
representative to the Historic Districts Commission for a five
year term expiring December 31, 199 .
1993 ANNUAL TOWN ME TING
I? cf 7
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to hold the
first deliberative session of the 1993 Annual Town Meeting on
Monday, March 33, 1993 in Cary Memorial Hall at 8:00 p.m.
HATS' GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT POLICY COMMITTEE
Mr. Eddison reported on the current status of the proposed
committee. He outlined what has evolved thus far towards organiz-
ing the committee under the provisions of Chapter 40, Section 41
of the General Laws for the purpose of enabling the Air Force to
channel funds from non - government organizations operating at
Hanscom Air force Base, for the alleviation of traffic problems
within the four towns around Hanscom Field.
Mr. Eddison added that Concord Selectman William Sullivan
had told him that Air Force legal advisors have questioned the
legality of the Air Force entering into such an agreement under
the wording of the statutes. Mr. Eddison recommended that the
k
Minutes for the Meeting of January 13, 1992 2
Board not vote on Lexington's joining the Growth & Development
Policy Committee until this issue is resolved. He also recom-
mended that representatives from TMMA be notified in advance and
invited to the Selectmen's meeting on the evening they plan to
vote.
CONSENT AGENDA
USE GF BATTLEGREEK, MINUTEMAN
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 5, 1992 for rehearsal of the Reenactment of
the Battle;
Sunday, April 12, 1992 as a rain date for the rehearsal; and
Monday, April 20, 1992 for the Reenactment of the Battle of
Lexington.
ONE DAY LI UOR LICENS S NICH LAS G EK OR HG C UBC
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
the application of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Meriam Street,
for a One Day Liquor License on January 25, 1992, from 7:30 p.m.
to 12 midnight.
ABATEMENTS OF WATER SEWER & EMAN CHA GES
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
the abatement of water charges in the amount of $44,495.41 and
sewer & demand charges in the amount of $53,799.88.
COMMITMENTS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
the commitment of the following charges
Street Opening Permits $23.25
Cycle 9 December Water $97,828.79
Additional Water Charges $257.2
Additional Sewer Charges $546.52
TOWN MANAGE
URRICANE BOB CLAIM
Mr. White reported the Town's claim for reimbursable
expenses relating to Hurricane Bob has been finalized by the
state emergency management agency in the amount of $1.88
$142,733 is the federal reimbursement share (7596), and awaits
congressional approval before payment can be received. He added
the State is expected to contribute 12.5% toward approved
damages, ($23,592) and the remaining 12.5% of the claim is the
Town's responsibility.
mom The Board authorized Town Manager White to pursue the State
for appropriation of its share ($23,592) of the reimbursement.
Minutes for the Meeting of January 13, 1992 3
EXECUTIVE. SESSION
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it
call vote: Mr. Eddison, Mr. Dailey and Mr.
executive session for discussion of matters
and potential litigation, the disclosure of
affect the interests of the Town, with no i,
session•
was voted 3-0 by roll
McSweeney, to go into
of land acquisition
which might adversely
n.tent to resume open
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at
8:33 p.m.
A true record, Attest
e �' -I
Sara I.
Peters
Executive Clerk
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
January 15, 1992
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on
Wednesday, January 15, 1992, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room,
Town office Building, at 7:34 p.m. Chairman Smith, Mr. Eddison,
Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Mr. White,
Town Manager; Ms. Radway, Assistant Town Manager; and Mrs.
Peters, Executive Clerk, were present.
FY93 BUDGET OVERVIEW
Town Manager White began his budget overview by saying that
the primary goal for this year's budget submission is to maintain
a core of essential municipal services. He added that this goal
can not be achieved without a major infusion of new revenue and
reductions in some services.
Using charts he outlined a number of critical policy issues
to be decided in the preparation of this year's budget, which is
based on estimated expenditures of 66.2 million dollars balanced
by estimated revenues of 21.6 million dollars in receipts and
44.6 million dollars in tax levy. He noted that the projected
median assessment for a home in Lexington is $217,000; that the
owner of the median valued home will pay real estate taxes of
$2,653.91 in FY92; and that this homeowner will pay approximately
$67 dollars more in FY93, a 2.59 increase if this proposed budget
is adopted. He added that a residential tax rate of $12.54 and a
commercial rate of $24.42 will be needed to support this budget.
Mr. White reported that reductions in anticipated revenue
from local receipts and free cash, coupled with fixed cost
increases in pension, debt service, health insurance and
assessor's overlay accounts, have created a serious revenue
deficit of approximately 3.8 million dollars. He recommended
the town also anticipate a 109 reduction in local aid from the
state.
To deal with this projected deficit, Mr. White recommended
that a wage freeze for all town employees be instituted, 27 town
positions be eliminated, and the establishment of an enterprise
account for refuse removal and disposal be considered, at an
estimated cost to residents, receiving refuse removal services,
of approximately $200 annually.
He reported that the cost of providing refuse removal in
Massachusetts is expected to increase dramatically in future
years, since there will be fewer landfills or "licensed waste to
energy" facilities in the state, thus making it more and more
costly for the Town to continue to provide this service. He
added that more than 759 of Public Works operations and 1009 of
Department of Recreation operations are presently supported on
such a fee -for- service basis.
Cl...
Minutes for the Meeting of January 15, 1992
2
Mr. white discussed his concerns with too heavy a reliance
on revenue received from real estate taxes, which have fallen 159
for residential properties and 509 for commercial properties. He
also reported that the amount of free cash available to support
this year's budget is a fraction of what was available last year.
To help balance this shortfall, Mr. white recommended
reductions in almost all department requests, including a
$500,000 decrease in the school budget. He noted that most
staffing reductions over the past 11 years have occurred within
General Government (30 %) and Public works (10.58%) programs.
In conclusion, Mr. White said that the FY93 budget process
will be one of Lexington's most difficult; that reducing or
eliminating services can be disruptive for everyone; and that
every effort will be made to preserve existing services. He
added that this budget will require the town to assume a higher
public safety risk profile and to do more with less in the
program areas of General Government, Library, Public Works and
Education.
Mrs. Smith thanked Mr. white and commented that knowing how
much the Town Manager cares about providing good services, this
must have been a very unpleasant and difficult message to prepare
and present. She commended him'for giving the Town this well
thought out budget, and added that the Selectmen now have a
number of difficult decisions to make.
In response to a question from Theodore Mairson, 29 Lawrence
Lane, as to what advantage there would be in establishing an
enterprise account for the collection of trash, Mr. white said it
would fund a necessary service outside the tax levy.
Robert Enders, 11 Kimball Road, asked what would happen to
citizens on fixed incomes, the elderly and the unemployed if
there were a Proposition 2 1/2 override voted, and was told that
there are provisions for the elderly, but none for the unemployed
except to permit a postponement of the payment of real estate
taxes in some limited circumstances.
Stella Liu, 429 Waltham Street, asked for an explanation of
what the assessors' overlay was and why it was necessary. Mr.
White answered this and explained that the additional funding is
required to enable the Assessors to do a full rather than a
partial reevaluation every three years as required by State
statute,
BUDGET REVIEWS
x 111.:11TA . .
Library Director Robert Hilton presented a summary of last
year's library activity. He reported that the Board of Library
Trustees has approved a 2% reduction budget which includes
closing the branch library in East Lexington evenings ($5,000)
and a reduction in the book budget ($10,000).
He questioned the proposal to maintain or increase Sunday
library hours and close on Fridays, which is the least busy Main
Library day replacing Friday with Sunday as a regular staff
01 407
ii
Minutes for the Meeting of January 15, 1992 3
working day. He noted that pre -- school children and patrons
interested in information and education regularly use the library
on Fridays, albeit in lesser numbers. He added that increasing
Sunday hours to make it a regular working day for staff would be
more expensive since it would require paying regular staff, who
earn more than part time staff, time plus one half or double time
on Sundays.
Mr. Hilton argued against closing the East Lexington branch
library, noting that the branch circulation has gone up, so that
costs per circulating book is actually cheaper at the Branch. He
added that the terms of the gift of the branch to the Town may
require that the building stay under the control of Cary library
Trustees, and may restrict its use, and that any use should be
appropriate to the historic value of the building. He also noted
that there was a very worthwhile literacy program being carried
on at the Branch library that should not be dropped. Also
discussed was the question of whether some State Aid might be
lost if the library budget were cut.
Mr. Hilton recommended the library continue to be open on
Fridays, that the Branch library be closed evenings and, if
mandated, the Main Library be closed on Sundays.
Mr. Dailey, speaking as Chairman of the Library Board, said
he felt uncomfortable about level funding or cutting the
budget when the School committee has requested a a 1/29
increase in its budget. Other Board members agreed.
Mr. Eddison asked whether it could be verified that State
Aid could be lost if the library budget is cut, and if another
location could not be found for the literacy program. He thought
that more information was needed on the ramifications of closing
the Branch library since it is in the Town Manager's proposal,
and he asked for figures on Friday closings vs Sunday closings at
the Main Library.
Mr. McSweeney asked whether fees (other than for cards, etc.)
could be charged for the use of the library. Mr. Hilton felt
that the library should be basically free, following tradition.
Mr. Dailey commented that for the past several years, the
same number of staff has continued to maintain service as
circulation has risen sharply.
Theodore Mairson, 29 Lawrence Lane, noted a trend, occurring
over the last several years, of professional librarians leaving
public service for private industry as budgets shrank in the
public sector. He hoped that the Friday closings would be
reconsidered, and said he thought it would be cruel of the Town
to interfere in how the Library allocates its budget as long as
it stays within its budget.
Sara Arnold, Chairman of the Transportation Advisory
Committee, and Pauline Burke, LExPRESS coordinator, gave a status
report on the system after a full year on the 6 route system.
They reported that the ridership /vehicle ratio was up, there was
Minutes for the Meeting of January 15, 1992 4
a 5% increase in senior ridership; and a 109 increase in
revenues. She added they are considering a 5% increase in fares
next year.
In response to questions from Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Arnold said
the 6 route system was working well; that riders appear to be
adapting to the reduction of routes; and ridership has increased
149. She added that the increase in student use was due to cuts
in school bus service.
Mr. McSweeney commented that he would like to see the fares
reflect what it costs the Town to operate the service, which he
recommended should be for the elderly and people who need the
service. He added that he still sees empty buses or nearly empty
buses pass his home.
Mr. Dailey had questions about the company which provides
the buses; what it costs the Town per rides and what would be the
penalty if the contract were canceled. He also asked and was
told that the breakdown of the ridership was approximately 189
adults, 549 children and 259 seniors.
Mr, Eddison commended Mrs. Arnold and Mrs. Burke for their
excellent work in operating the bus service for the Town.
FINANCIAL OPERATIONS
Mr. White gave an overview of the budget requests for the
Comptroller, Treasurer /Tax Collector, Assessor and Data
Processing operations.
Mr. Ryan, Comptroller, discussed employee benefits which are
all non - salary benefits such as contributory and non- contributory
retirement, pension funding, health and life insurance, and costs
associated with the Retirement Board. He reported there are
currently 351 retirees who receive gross pensions ranging from
$244 to $35,000 per year. He added that the Town's appropriation
level is intended to fully fund the system by the year 2028. He
explained that there are 15 Town employees who receive benefits
under the Non -- Contributory Retirement System, who began State
employment prior to July 1, 1939. Mr. Ryan also noted that
although no appropriations were made to the retirement fund in
1990, there was a 15.259 increase in the market value of the
retirement portfolio between the end of 1989 and the end of 1990
attributable to investment income alone.
In response to a question from Mr. Dailey as to whether this
good return on investment would lower the amount the Town must
contribute to the retirement system, Mr. Ryan said no$
Mr. Ryan also reported that escalating health insurance
costs have led the Town to join with 10 communities to form the
West Suburban Health Group. The goal of the consortium is to
lower costs associated with group health care and has resulted in
a savings of $40,000 per year in administrative costs.
Mr. Ryan summarized Lexington's Debt Service status. He
reported that recently the Town has obtained 5.5% capital
financing due to Lexington's excellent credit rating, adding that
Lexington continues to retain its AAA bond rating from Moody's.
/l d
Minutes for the Meeting of January 15, 1992
5
Mr. Ryan reported that the current staffing in the
comptroller's office is 5, down from 7 positions, and 4 1/2 down
from 6 positions in the revenue officer's office, mainly due to
the increased use of computers.
Mr. Eddison commented that he was impressed with the
decrease in staffing levels, and in response to his question as
to whether Mr. Ryan anticipated further reductions in staff, Mr.
White noted that most levels had gone as low as possible in that
department's staffing.
Mr. Ryan praised the work of Assessor Harald Scheid who, in
anticipation of the full reassessment required by the state in
FY93, has established a computer program that will help the
assessors complete all the work by December 1992. Mr. White
added that all reevaluation, commercial as well as residential,
will be done in- house, at considerable savings for the Town.
Mr. McSweeney asked what an overlay reevaluation cost and
was told it had been approximately $350,000 in FY92 for a
factoring reevaluation, and would be approximately $1.1 million
for a certification reevaluation in FY93, since this involves
checking each property separately. A discussion of the abatement
process followed.
Mr. Ryan praised the work of his staff, and the Board
expressed its appreciation to Mr. Ryan for an excellent
presentation.
MINUTEMAN REGIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL VOTE ON DEFERRAL OF
TEACHERS' COMPENSATION._FY
Upon motion.duly made and seconded, it was unanimously
voted:
that the Town of Lexington rejects the deferral of Minutemen
Regional Vocation School District's school teachers' compen-
sation for fiscal year 1993 as authorized. by Section 3 of
Chapter 330 of the Acts of 1991.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at
10:55 p.m.
A true record, Attest'
Sara I. Peters
Executive Clerk
l'
r m
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
January 20, 1993
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on
Monday, January 20, 1992, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town
Office Building, at 7:38 p.m. Chairman Smith, Mr. Marshall, Mr.
Eddison, Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Mr.
White, Town Manager; Ms. Radway, Assistant Town Manager; and Mrs.
Peters, Executive Clerk, were present.
7: 3 0 ,me BUDGET !REV I W
Mrs. Smith opened the meeting by outlining the procedure
followed by the Selectmen for budget reviews. She added that no
decisions would be made until the entire budget had been reviewed
by the Selectmen.
Before beginning scheduled budget reviews, Mrs. smith
invited Paul Hamburger, Chairman of the Capital Expenditures
Committee, to give a preliminary report of the Committee's work,
noting that the Committee's charge is to work with Town Meeting
and the Selectmen on the development of a capital program for the
Town.
Mr. Hamburger summarized the scope of the Committee's work,
discussing what capital improvements should be considered for
Schools, Public works, Fire and Police Departments, Libraries,
Recreation and Conservation; as well as a review of the tax levy
and enterprise funds. He added that the Committee would try to
take a long view of: an evaluation of physical plants and
deterioration rates; maintaining conditions by continuous invest-
ment; examining all alternatives to get the most for the Town's
money; keeping reserve funds for emergencies; and balancing needs
with budget realities.
Mr. Hamburger also presented a summary of current conditions
at various schools and recommended a survey for the long term
that could prevent poor investments. He reported that the
Committee is considering a $1 million school request; that they
think some investment is vital and hope to have a detailed
position by report time. He briefly touched on other plants that
they will examine in more detail later.
The Board agreed it was important to keep the capital
program going and thanked Mr. Hamburger for coming early with his
report.
BUDGET REVIEWS
POLICE DEPARTMENT
x
Mr. White presented an overview of the Department's budget.
It proposes the elimination of 4 desk officer positions, with a
new civilian position created that would replace an officer on
the midnight to 8:00 a.m. shift, saving approximately $115,000.
9
Minutes for the Meeting of January 20, 1992
2
Other potential savings considered include reducing the
Center patrols ($120,000), eliminating the DARE and accreditation
programs ($95,000), and reducing the detectives' bureau by two
positions ($100,000).
Police Chief Paul Furdon reviewed Lexington's 1991 crime
picture; and said that the Department was already understaffed,
with some programs such as DARE, the police department's accredi-
tation process and Center programs, which are already in jeopardy
because of staffing cutbacks. He noted that it was his responsi-
bility to make decisions about the deployment of personnel, and
said he would do the best with what he is given. He added that
residents have to be aware of these public safety cuts, which he
said will deliver a crippling blow to public safety, since there
was no way he could deliver the same services with less money.
Mr. white agreed it was important for the Chief to have
flexibility over manning decisions, but he hoped the Board would
consider the elimination of the position of the desk officer as
having the least direct impact on the community.
Mrs. Smith and Board members thanked Chief Furdon for his
comments, and expressed the hope that there would be more money
available next year for Lexington.
INSPECZIONA
L R . VTCE S
Mr. White described the reorganization of the Inspectional
Services Department, which will consolidate the departments of
Health, Building /Inspection, Conservation and Board of Appeals
into one department under Director of Inspectional Services,
Steven Frederickson. The Town Manager added that the reorganiza-
tion should result in improved service to the public and greater
efficiency in handling all services relating to inspectional
services.
Mr. Frederickson noted that the budget cuts proposed are
mainly in personnel and include the elimination of the Zoning
[officer position and one part time clerical position.
CONSERVATION
Conservation Administrator Marilyn Nordby reviewed her
budget requests. She noted that the biggest loss for the Commis-
sion and the Town would be the elimination of the summer crew,
who do most of the conservation trail clearing.
FIRE
Mr. white presented an overview of the proposed budget for
the Fire Department, which includes a recommendation not to man
the East Lexington fire station. The proposal which reduces the
budget by 23 %, would save the Town about $527,000 and would
reduce personnel in the department from 59 to 47. The Town
Manager added that closing the East Lexington fire station is his
recommendation, and that Chief Bergeron is very opposed to the
proposal.
Minutes for the Meeting of January 20, 1992 3
Chief Bergeron noted that this was his 15th budget. He
reported there had been a decline in serious fires and an in-
crease in the demand for ambulance service. He said that major
building repairs are needed at the Central Fire Station. He
added that the closing of the East Lexington Fire Station would
result in a major change in response time, especially on the
outskirts of town. He also expected problems with simultaneous
alarms, as to what equipment should be sent where.
Chief Bergeron discussed long term needs, including better
training of fire fighters and the establishment of an assistant
chief for training. He noted that the Assistant Chief's car
needs to be replaced. He added that they are studying an evalua-
tion of the Town's dispatch options, including consideration of a
joint dispatch system, and a possible regional approach to
service in the future. He said that the Headquarters Building
needs major repair work, more protective clothing is needed and
maintenance is needed on fire alarm bones.
Lt. Kenneth Donnelly, president of the Lexington Firefighters
Union, said that the Union was not consulted on closing the East
Lexington Fire Station. He thought the closure would produce too
long a call back time and questioned what level of risks are
acceptable. He recommended a study be carried out before the
proposed cuts are implemented.
Mr. McSweeney suggested that Chief Bergeron provide a list of
alternative money-saving proposals to the Board within the next
two or three weeks.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was to adjourn at 10:20
p .m.
A true record, Attest:
Sara I. Peters
Executive Clerk
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
January 27, 1992
regular meeting of the Boa
A reg rd of Selectmen was held on
Monday, January 27, 1992, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town
in at 7:37 p.m. Chairman Smith, Mr. Marshall, Mr.
Office Building, Town Counsel; Mr
Y .
Daile , Mr. Eddison, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. Cohen,
white
• , Town Manager; Ms. Radway, Assistant Town Manager; and Mrs.
g ,
Peters, Executive Clerk, were present.
PUBLIC HEARING GASOLINE STORAGE BATTLE GREEN MOTOR INN
Mrs. Smith opened the hearing by reading the Legal Notice
and inviting t pp he applicant, Mr. McGrath, to speak. He reported
that Health
Director George Smith had recommended that a contin-
gency plan
be submitted to provide for any spillage that might
occur.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to continue
the hearing until a contingency plan, approved by the Board of
Health, has been received from the applicant.
MINUTES
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
s resented the minutes of the Selectmen's meeting for January
a p
13, 1992,
and minutes of the Executive Session on January 13,
1992.
BRUEGGER'S BAGEL BAKERY COMMON VICTUALLER'S LICENSE
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
he application for a Common victualler License to operate a
t PP Street
bakery /takeout at 413 Waltham , the license to expire on
December 31, 1992.
PROCLAMATION - REQUEST
Upon
motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to declare
April 1992 - "Child Abuse Prevention Month."
CONSENT AGENDA
COMMITMENTS
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
the commitment of the following charges:
Opening Permits $247.59
Street p g $19500.00
Sewer Charges (cycle 9 bills):
Water Charges (cycle 9 bills,
3rd & 4th qtrs. 1991) $S9,9a7.88
TRAFFIC ITEM BASIN AND wORTHEN ROAD
g Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the
request of Marlis Schretter, that a "No Parking Here to Corner
sign be
moved farther from the intersection of Baskin Road. and
Worthen Road be referred to the Traffic Safety Advisory Commit- -
tee for review and recommendation.
Minutes for the Meeting of January 27, 1992 2
PUBLIC HEARING Boston Edison Conduits -- Ta for Lane
At 7:45 p.m. Mrs. Smith opened the hearing on the petition
of the Boston Edison Company for permission to install conduit in
Taylor Lane. Edward Chisholm explained the work to be done.
There being no comments in favor or in opposition, Mrs Smith
declared the hearing closed.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
the petition, plan and order of the Boston Edison Company for a
grant of location for installation of conduit in Taylor Lane.
PINE MEADOWS GOLF COURSE IRRIGATION CONTRACT AWARD
Mr. White reported that 10 bids had been received by the
Town to install the irrigation system, and that the low bid of
$40,700 came from Scherbon Consolidated Inc. in Amesbury.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award
the contract to Scherbon Consolidated. Inc.
BUDGET REVIEW
DPW ENGINEERING
Mr. White presented an overview of the operating budget for
Department of Public Works (DPW) budget. He noted that water,
sewer and refuse disposal enterprise programs are part of the DPW
Pon budget, and that without them, the DPW budget has been reduced by
8% this year. He added that there has been a 5.4% decrease in the
DPW budget over the last five years. Mr. White also said that
further reduction of this budget equates to a reduction in
services currently provided.
Mr. White announced that the DPW unions have agreed to no
wage increases for FY93, and that they are the first organized
units to do so.
Richard Spiers, Director of DPW and Engineering operations,
reported that the DPW /Engineering expense budget, not counting
refuse and street lighting, has been reduced by $146,840 (10.8%)
from FY92, and $240,214 (18.096) since FY90. He said that staff
was reduced by 1 in 1990; 5 current vacancies have not been
filled; and 2 more positions will be eliminated by July 1, for a
total reduction of 8 positions. He added that the DPW Adminis-
tration budget was level funded
Mr. Spiers said that overtime has been reduced considerably
this year, with plans to reduce overtime spending even more in
the future; the summer help program which hired 9 students to
work on various crews in the summer has been eliminated, saving
$20,000; and the Department as a whole averaged less than 3 sick
days per person in 1991.
Mr. Spiers also reported that Engineering Services have been
level funded since 1990 and its staff has been reduced by two.
These reductions will mean instant engineering services will no
longer be to the Planning and Conservation departments; survey
Work may be delayed during the construction season; and possibly
contracting inspection services for resurfacing contracts.
The Highway Maintenance division budget is down 24%. Summer
help has been eliminated and 2 vacancies will not be filled.
Overtime for painting street lines has been eliminated, and will
0 0,1
w�
LJ
Minutes for the Meeting of January 27, 1992 3
be done on straight time. Accomplishments in FY90 and FY91
included starting a yard waste composting program and installing
15 benches in the Town center.
The Park division budget was reported to be down 9% from
FY92, and down 22.7% from FY90, with sick time averaging 2 1/4
days per employee It was also reported that cuts would be made,
especially in overtime work done around holidays; and that the
loss of 2 employees plus 3 summer help may impact field lining
frequency, conservation trail maintenance and beach maintenance
at the Res.
Mr. Spiers reported that the cemetery division is level
funded from FY92 and down 30.6% from FY90, with sick time averag-
ing 2.8 days per employee. He added that there are about 20
acres remaining undeveloped at Westview Cemetary, and they are
considering a new system that will increase the number of graves
per square acre.
Also discussed with the Refuse budget was the Refuse Enter-
prise Fund, proposed in this years Town Manager's budget, to take
refuse collection out of the tax levy. Under this proposal, the
10,533 households in Town would each be assessed approximately
$121.31 per year. A combination of an annual assessment and a
tag fee (on individual garbage bags collected) was discussed.
Bill Hadley, Superintendent of the Water and sewer Division
of Public works gave a brief overview of how the proposed cuts in
personnel and funds would affect his division. He noted that
they have eliminated summer help and are reviewing essential non- -
emergency overtime. He noted that their budget was reduced 2.3%
in FY92 and would be level funded in FY93. Water and Sewer
averaged 2.5 sick days per employee.
Frank Fields, Town Engineer, discussed Capital Expenditures.
DPW will recommend that future resurfacing of 25 miles of Town
roads, maintenance of Cary Hall, and replacement of 7,900 feet of
water main be postponed until FY94.
Mr. Spiers concluded his presentation by saying that the
past few years have not been easy ones for the Public Works/Engi-
neering Department, and that they have strived to provide more
and better services while reducing its budget and working with
the thoughts of layoffs and personnel reductions. He felt that
great strides had been made in developing a true community
service organization, and he hoped Lexington would continue to
support the department.
In response to a question, Mr. Spiers reported that MWRA
assessments are up 45.6% for sewers and 10.6% for water.
Mr. Eddison complimented the DPW on the ingenuity it has
used to reduce its budget. Mr. McSweeney praised the work ethic
displayed by the DPW, the very low number of sick days taken, and
the unions for accepting a 0% increase in salaries. Mr. Marshall
shared his colleagues' admiration for the Department's efforts to
reduce its budget. Mr. Dailey also agreed with the remarks of
the other Board members and noted that it appeared that one group
in Town, the school Committee, was "laying back" to see what was
going to happen in the budget process. Mrs. Smith described the
DPW as an outstanding department, saying that the Town appreci-
ates all it has done over the years; and complimented Mr. Spiers
on an outstanding job done.
Minutes for the Meeting of January 27, 1992
►. I
I"
Mr. Stephen Tripi, 12 Freemont Street, said that the Town
should not. try to fool citizens into thinking the trash rates
will not go up. Mr. white commented that the Budget presents an
overview of all options including a trash fee, -and agreed that
the cost of collecting trash will rise in the future which is one
reason he wishes to get it off the tax levy. Mr. Marshall noted
the budget must be balanced, and adopting a trash fee is one
proposal made by the Town Manager to accomplish this.
Mr. Bruce Collier, 2 Barberry Road, had concerns and ques-
tions about the capital expenditures budget and what would be
eliminated.
Mrs. Jane Paggett, Chairman of the Appropriations Committee
had questions as to what extent the DPW runs a payable operation.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 by roll
call vote: Mrs. Smith, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Eddison, Mr. Dailey and
Mr. McSweeney, to go into executive session for discussion of
matters of collective bargaining 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 voted to adjourn
at 19:35 p.m.
F
A true record, Attest
Sara I. Peters
Executive Clerk
r3
4'.
..
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
January 29, 1992
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on
Wednesday, January 29, 1992, 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 Cohen, Town Counsel;
Mr. white, Town Manager; Ms. Radway, Assistant Town Manager; and
Mrs. Peters, Executive Clerk, were present.
BUDGET REVIEW HUMAN SERVICES
COUNCIL ON AGING
Mrs. Smith began the reviews by outlining the process
followed by the Selectmen for budget reviews. She added that no
decisions would be made until the entire Town budget had been
discussed by the Selectmen.
Mr. white presented an overview of the Human Service budget,
noting that the budget reflected a 1% decrease from last year's
budget, and that the $176,324 budget is leveraged along with
State money to amount to about .5 million dollars in elder
service programs in Lexington. He added that the State has been
pulling away from many of its Commitments to these programs in
recent years. He introduced James Fenske, Treasurer for the
Council on Aging (COA), Dorothy Boggia, COA Chairman, and Marga-
ret Jemison, acting Executive Director for the COA.
Mr. Fenski presented a summary of the COA Comprehensive
Budget for FY 1991/92, which provided a breakdown of administra-
tion, nutrition, recreation, health and support services expend-
itures. He noted that there are well over $150,000 worth of
volunteer services which have brought in $4.00 worth of services
to the elderly for every $1.00 spent by the Town. They are
asking funding for continuation of existing programs, which with
the exception of Personal Services are budgeted at approximately
3.59 less than last year.
Mr, Eddison, Selectman liaison to the Counsel, spoke of his
high regard for the Council members, the staff and their work.
Other Board members concurred.
HUMAN SERVICES
Rene Cochin and Ann Irving, Co- Chairmen of the Human Servic-
es Committee presented an overview of its FY93 budget. They
noted this was not a year for celebration, given the increase in
Lexington unemployment from 2.9% to 5.3%, , and reductions in State
funding for cities and towns due to the failing state economy.
Mrs. Cochin reported that the amount of food distributed by the
Food Pantry was up 200 percent, and 135 residents have applied
for fuel assistance. She added that additional major cuts in
state assistance programs to the elderly, young and disabled are
proposed in this year's state budget.
The Human Services budget recommendations are. renewal of
the RePlace ( a private organization for delivery of social
education and counseling for Lexington's youth and their fami-
lies) Contract in FY93 at $67,900; expansion of the Lexington
Minutes for the Meeting of January 29, 1992
0
Child Abuse Prevention Program and Community Education under the
RePlace contract, to be funded with $70,000 received from the
Hancock church to expand LexCAPP services; and renewal of the
Central Middlesex Association for Retarded Citizens (CMARC) cont-
ract for services to the Developmentally Disabled with an in-
crease to $12,000, reflecting an increase in Lexington clients
from 13 in 1987 to 27 in 1992.
Mrs. Cochin also reported that the committee has asked for a
commitment from the Selectmen to make funds available in FY93 to
the Human Services Fund in the amount of $5,000. she added that
in FY92 the Fund has received direct aid donations in the amount
of $6,979.34 from private and other than Town sources to be used
for items such as utility and rent payments.
In conclusion, Mrs. Cochin noted that the increase of less
than 2 percent in the budget will signal the Town's commitment,
"to maintaining a bare -bones level of support for services that
make an important contribution to the welfare of Lexington's
residents ". She urged the Selectmen to support this budget.
Board members expressed their appreciation to the Committee
for its usual thorough thoughtful report and clear and unambigu-
ous presentation of its budget.
VETERANS
Mr. white reported that the Town provides financial assis-
tance, medical benefits, case management and referral services to
veterans and their dependents as required by Massachusetts law.
He added that the Town annually budgets for this financial
assistance and must pay for 259 of eligible expenses, with the
state reimbursing the Town for the remaining 759 of payments made
to veterans.
He added that the Town assisted 14 veterans and dependents
in FY90 and 13 in FY91; that the Town expects to assist 13 in
FY92 and 17 in FY93; and that planning for these expenditures is
difficult due to the unexpected nature of the conditions, such as
illness and unemployment, which necessitate Town assistance.
PROPERTY AND LIABILITY INSURANCE
Mr, white gave an overview of the insurance budget which
proposes a 4.5% increase or $194,079 for FY93. The insurance
accounts include funding for pension, health and life insurance
costs, property, liability, worker's costs and debt payments. He
added that approximately 55 % of this program supports school
related activities.
Assistant Town Manager Radway reviewed the status of the
various insurance programs. She noted that total health insur-
ance accounts for 959 of the entire insurance budget. She
reported that escalating health costs have led the Town to join
15 other communities to form the west Suburban Health Group,
whose goal is to lower administrative costs that are associated
with group health care. She added this has saved approximately
$40,000 per year in administrative costs.
Ms. Radway also reported that cost of general municipal
insurance, purchased to cover the Town's liability, property,
Minutes for the Meeting of January 29, 1992 3
vehicle and professional insurance needs has remained relatively
stable, with no major increases expected. She added that the
Town requests competitive bids for general municipal insurance
every three years.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 by roll
call vote: Mrs. Smith, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Eddison, Mr. Dailey and
Mr. McSweeney, to go into executive session for discussion of
matters of labor negotiation, 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 voted to adjourn
at 10:25 p.m.
A true record, Attest
A44t Y W rl4tj
Sara I. Peters
Executive Clerk