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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-02-BOS-min sag SELECTMEN' S MEETING February 5 , 1992 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday, February 5 , 1992 , in the Selectmen' s Meeting Room, Town Office Building, at 7 : 37 p.m. Chairman Smith, Mr. Marshall , Mr. Eddison, Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager; Ms. Radway, Assistant Town Manager; and Mrs. Peters , Executive Clerk, were present. WARRANT, 1992 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Warrant of the 1992 Annual Town Meeting , containing 32 Articles for consideration by the Town Meeting. MINUTES, JANUARY 15 , 1992 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve , as presented, the minutes for the Selectmen' s meeting of January 15 , 1992 . loft CONSENT AGENDA COMMITMENTS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the commitment of the following charges : Town wide sewer charges (period ending January 1992 ) $1 , 682 . 90 Town wide water charges (period ending January 1992 ) $1 , 072 . 66 TRAFFIC ITEM. WILSON AND ROOSEVELT ROADS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to refer to the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, the request of Bruce Collier, 2 Barberry Road, that a STOP sign at the intersection of Wilson and Roosevelt Roads (near Hastings School ) be relocated. BUDGET REVIEW RECREATION Mr. White gave a brief overview of the FY93 Recreation budget . He reported that all recreation expenditures will be funded under its Enterprise Fund. He turned the meeting over to Recreation Director Joan Halverson and Chairman of the Recreation Committee, Donald Chisholm, for a more detailed look at the proposed budget . 01.6 Ms. Halverson discussed new and expanded recreation pro- grams proposed FY93 . New programs proposed are senior baseball , girls softball , archery, Girls basketball , youth cross country ski , junior jazzercise, music makers aerobics , downhill ski , cross country ski , Tai Chi , self defense, canoeing and Kayaking . the last two are expanded to including participation with the Charles River group. Other expanded programs will include teddy Minutes for the Meeting of February 5 , 1992 2 oft bears, summer drama, spring tennis, camp for all , fall soccer, ballroom dance , karate and ready to roll (a babies' winter program) . Ms. Halverson reported enterprise funds will be used to pay Boston Edison for lighting the ball fields, tennis courts and the Old Res ; to manage the Old Res program for a $400 algaecide treatment study; to pay indirect pool overtime, overtime for DPW workers in the summer, which used to be covered in the DPW budget; for printing and postage; and for salary increases in some part time positions for new and expanded positions . In response to questions on playgrounds, Ms. Halverson reported that PTAs are presently giving playground equipment only to school playgrounds , although the Recreation, DPW and Parks Departments are in touch with the Schools Playground department, and as she understands it, the schools will be responsible for playground maintenance, and the DPW will work on bigger projects. She added that the Recreation Committee would work with any group, public or private to coordinate installations of play- ground equipment anywhere in Town. Golf course operation and fee increases were also discussed, and it was recommended that Lexington resident and corporate leagues be encouraged to make more use of the facilities. The Recreation Committee recommended two capital programs: pal"' the first phase to upgrade and expand the irrigation system for the greens and fairways, for which a contract has already been awarded; and phase two, an upgrading of the existing automated sprinkler heads for approximately $75 ,000 . Ms . Halverson noted both improvements would increase the number of players able to use the course , increasing revenue received. Revitalizing the playing fields at Harrington School was also briefly discussed. The Board expressed its appreciation to Ms . Halverson and Mr. Chisholm, for their crisp and informative presentation. 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 the purpose of updating collective bargaining negotiations, 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 9 : 22 p.m. A true record, Attest 7,1(Aitij 6140 Sara I . Peters Nomm Executive Clerk o SELECTMEN'S MEETING February 10, 1992 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, February 10 , 1992 , in the Selectmen' s Meeting Room, Town Office Building, at 7 : 40 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. SIGN CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE PINE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB IRRIGATION PUMPING FACILITY Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the contract documents. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING, GASOLINE STORAGE LICENSE APPLICATION, BATTLE GREEN MOTOR INN, 1720 MASS. AVE. Mrs. Smith opened the continued Public Hearing by reporting that a contingency plan satisfactory to Health Director George Smith has been filed by Mr. McGrath on behalf of Battle Green Ltd. Trust. There being no comments in favor or in opposition, the chairman declared the hearing closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve arm the application of Kevin P. McGrath on behalf of Battle Green Ltd. Trust for permission and license to store automobile gaso- line in 105 automobiles (maximum amount 3 ,000 gallons ) in an underbuilding parking garage at the Battle Green Motor Inn, 1720 Massachusetts Avenue. SELECTMEN'S MEETING SCHEDULE FOR MARCH, 1992 It was agreed that the Selectmen would meet on the following dates in the month of March: Monday March 2 , 1992 - 7 : 30 p.m. , Monday March 9, 1992 - 7 : 30 p.m. , Monday March 16 , 1992 -- 7 : 30 p.m. , Monday March 23 , 1992 - 7 : 00 p.m. , Wednesday March 25 , 1992 - 7 : 00 p.m. , and Monday March 30 , 1992 - 7 : 00 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA COMMITMENT OF CHARGES AND ABATEMENTS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following commitment of charges and abatements: Water charges ending February 1992 (cycle 9 bills) $89 , 664 . 41 Water charges ending February 1992 (addition to Dec. 3rd bills ) $364 . 55 ana Sewer charges ending February 1992 ( addition to Dec. 3rd bills ) $581 . 85 Accounts receivable to be abated - water $4 ,095 . 10 Accounts receivable to be abated -- sewer $7 , 255 . 00 CX r' Minutes for the Meeting of February 10 , 1992 2 wm FY92 EXPENDITURE UPDATE Mr. White reported that he has reviewed all expenditure history from July 1 , 1991 to this date and presented the follow- ing information contained in a memo from Comptroller John Ryan dated February 10 , 1992 . Fire Department : Due primarily to illness, vacation, duty injury and costs related to "Hurricane Bob" , Chief Bergeron is estimating that a Reserve Fund transfer of approximately $12 , 000 may be required in the overtime line item of the budget . Legal : The legal budget for FY92 has expended in excess of $110 . 000 . At this time it is anticipated that the Legal Depart- ment may need a Reserve Fund transfer in the area of $60 ,000 , arising from litigation over the High School roof, the Seller' s zoning court case , and the Lexington Ridge housing court appeal . Unemployment Compensation: Unemployment benefits have been extended twice during this fiscal year. It appears at this time that Unemployment Compensation will require a supplemental appro- priation in the area of $100, 000 . Approximately 95% of the unemployment benefits are school related. Dept. of Public Works : A potential shortfall of approxi- mately $28 ,000 is anticipated this fiscal year incurred as an aftermath of Hurricane "Bob" . Also, based on a change in the www method used to calculate costs of refuse disposal , it appears the Town is committed to an additional $55 , 000 in tonnage fees . Veterans Benefits: Due to the economic downturn the amount needed in this appropriation has increased and it appears that a transfer of approximately $5 ,000 will be required. Year to date expenditures are running at a $30 , 000 rate with approximately $25 , 000 appropriated. Other Departments : Possible supplemental appropriations, are currently being reviewed by department heads on a monthly basis in order to minimize and/or eliminate the need for a transfer. BUDGET WRAPUP Mr. White reported that the budget is $4 . 2 million short if the Town were to provide the same services it provided last year, and that the FY93 budget he proposes will cut expenses by $1 . 9 million ( $ . 5 million from the schools , $1 . 1 from Town government and $300, 000 in reductions ) . He added this leaves an approximate $2 . 1 million budget shortfall which he proposes must be covered either by a enterprise fund trash fee or an override. EXECUTIVE SESSION Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Selectmen voted 5-0 by roll call vote: Mrs. Smith, Mr. Marshall , Mr. Eddison, Mr. Dailey and Mr. McSweeney; and the School Committee voted 5-0 by Porik roll call vote : Mr. Spector, Mrs. Woodworth, Mrs. Coit , Mr. Zabin and Mr. Oberteuffer; to go into executive session for discussion of the Committee' s collective bargaining with the teachers , the disclosure of which might adversely affect the interests of the town, with no intent to resume open session. Minutes for the Meeting of February 10 , 1992 3 Piot Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10 : 14 p.m. A true record, Attest Sara I . Peters Executive Clerk SELECTMEN'S MEETING February 24 , 1992 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, February 24, 1992, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, at 7: 30 p.m. Chairman Smith and Mr. White, Town Manager were present. 1 . PUBLIC HEARING - application from the Lexington Elks for an extension of premise to include 200 ± of the parking lot for outside activities. Declaring that no quorum was present and with the concurrence of the applicant and abuttors, Mrs. Smith recessed the hearing until Wednesday, February 26, 1992 . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 7:40 p.m. A true record, Attest: 424AALOMNI r )11140, Sara I. Peters Executive Clerk Oft SELECTMEN'S MEETING February 26 , 1992 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday, February 26 , 1992 , in the Selectmen' s Meeting Room, Town Office Building, at 7 :40 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. PUBLIC HEARING Application from the Lexington Elks for an extension of premise to include 200 + of the parking lot for outside activi- ties. With the concurrence of the applicant and abuttors, Mrs. Smith recessed the hearing until Monday, March 2 , 1992 . TRUCKING BAN ON SPRING STREET AND CONCORD AVENUE Peter Chalpin, Assistant Town Engineer spoke, regarding a request from President of the South Lexington Civic Association Richard L. Canale, for a Heavy Commercial Vehicle Exclusion on Spring Street and Concord Avenue. He presented plans showing mow four alternative proposals for exclusions to accomplish this , and he said that permission from the Massachusetts DPW and from the City of Waltham will be required for these exclusions . Mr. Chalpin estimated the costs anticipated to apply for and to institute the exclusions total around $10 , 100 , not including enforcement cost . He added that this breaks down to approximate- ly $5 , 100 for data gathering and permit application, and $5 ,000 for an estimated 30 signs and posts that would need to be in- stalled, if the application is approved. Concerns and questions expressed by the Selectmen focussed on where the counts would be taken; the cost of weighing equip- ment (approximately $18 , 000 if purchased, but the Town may be able to be rent ) ; enforcement; the origin of trucks traveling through Lexington; and potential road damage caused by the weight of heavy trucks. Mr. Canale reported that heavy trucks are already bringing in fill to the postal facility at Smith Street near Trapelo Road. He added that he preferred Alternate #1 , providing truck exclu- sions on Marrett Road (Rte. 2A) , from Spring Street to Rte. 128; Rte. 128, from Marrett Rd. to Trapelo Rd. ; Trapelo Rd. , from Rte. 128 to Smith St . ; and Smith St. , from Trapelo Rd. to the postal facility truck entrance/exit. Alan Wade , 524 Concord Avenue, hoped that the cost of rebuilding the affected roads would be considered against the cost of implementing the ban. He questioned whether truckers would adhere to the ban, and endorsed meeting with Acton about renting scales to weigh truck loads. Mr. White praised the presentation, and asked that the Selectmen authorize him to negotiate with the City of Waltham on an Heavy Traffic Vehicle Exclusion on streets shared by both municipalities. r +� Minutes for the Meeting of February 26 , 1992 2 Mr. Marshall recommended that some traffic counts be con- ducted to measure any changes occurring now. Mr. McSweeney asked about the rights of local truckers . Mrs. Betty Flynn, 310 Concord Avenue , reported concerns about the Belmont end of Concord Avenue, adding that Belmont was having major problems and has banned trucks on some residential streets . She suggested the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) be consulted. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to instruct the Town Manager 1 ) to begin negotiations with the City of Waltham, for a truck exclusion on shared streets; 2 ) to take traffic counts now on Spring/Smith Streets; and 3 ) to investigate the feasibility of borrowing weighing machines from other towns , and to report back to the Selectmen in three weeks . SIGN WARRANT FOR PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to ratify a phone poll vote taken Monday, February 24 , 1992 to sign the Warrant for the 1992 Presidential Primary election to be held on March 10 , 1992 . SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE MBTA AND THE TOWN FOR LEXPRESS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the service agreement between the Town and the MBTA for LEXPRESS. om CONSENT AGENDA PROCLAMATION/LEXINGTON BICYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS DAY Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to proclaim April 4 , 1992 as Lexington Bicycle Safety Awareness day, as requested by the Lexington Bicycle Safety Program. PROCLAMATION/AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to proclaim the month of March, as Red Cross Month, as requested by the American Red Cross. TRAFFIC ITEM Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to refer the request of Vera Caslaysky, 244 East Street , to investigate excessive speed on East Street, close to the Lexington/Woburn line , to the Traffic Safety and Advisory Committee for review and recommendation. RESIGNATION, TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the resignation of Catherine England, 34 Grant Street , leaving an unexpired term to September, 1992 . pima PHASE II BUDGET REDUCTIONS -- ALTERNATIVE TO TRASH FEE Mr. White noted that the Selectmen had asked him to prepare further expenditure cuts that would balance the budget without the implementation of a Trash Fee or an increase in property taxes . The Board discussed a memo from Mr. White, dated February Minutes for the Meeting of February 26 , 1992 3 oft 11 , 1992 , containing this information and the implications of such cuts. Included were the following: 1 ) $1 . 5 million reduction in the school budget, the ef- fects of which will need to be identified by the School Committee; 2 ) all lining of playing fields and maintenance of playing infields eliminated; 3 ) all maintenance, trimming and replacement of 14 ,000 trees and shrubs throughout the Town eliminated; 4 ) sell the cemetery; 5 ) elimination of DARE and Accreditation positions and Lexington Center staffing; 6 ) elimination of the town-supported ambulance service; 7 ) further cuts in the Cary Memorial Library budget , the effects of which would have to be described by the Library Board of Trustees and the Library Director; 8 ) elimination LEXPRESS bus service; 9) elimination of the Council on Aging Support Services; 10 ) elimination of RePlace funding in the tax levy, and the elimination of citizen opportunity to participate in CMARC' s competitive employment program; 11 ) elimination of printing and making available the Town Report to the public ; and 12 ) elimination of line items for the Town' s side of the a"` budget would result in a reduction of reserve fund appropriations . Mr. White concluded that these reductions are the ones he would recommend the Selectmen consider if they found it impossi- ble to support either a trash fee or an override. Mr. White also explained some of the implications saying there was no equity or fairness in the proposed further reductions, which spell out a 10% reduction overall for the Town, a 7% problem for the schools and a 15% problem for the town. FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET ALTERNATIVES The Board discussed two memorandums prepared by Fire Chief Bergeron and dated 2/19/92 , one on ambulance service and one on the Fire Department' s FY93 budget. With respect to the ambulance service, the Chief noted that the Department knows the Town, gives better training , can provide better service than a private service, and consistently receives excellent customer satisfaction from the public . He added that the Town' s ambulance service could be privatized, but that he did not think they could match the quality of service provided by the Fire Department. Mr. Eddison noted that most of the calls he received about closing the East Lexington station were from elderly citizens concerned about losing the emergency medical service provided. Obi Chief Bergeron reported that changing some contractual language , if possible, to eliminate one man from a ladder crew; spreading out vacation periods ; and reducing one man per shift , were being considered as alternatives to closing the East Lexing- ton fire station. Mr. White added that the next mediation Minutes for the Meeting of February 26 , 1992 4 session with the union was scheduled for this coming Monday. The Board hoped that the mediation would make it possible for the fire station to remain open. REFUSE FEE OPTIONS The Board discussed a packet prepared by Public Works Director Richard Spiers and Michael Brown outlining Refuse Fee options, and providing information on the operation of an Enter- prise Refuse Service . He noted that a trash fee service offers the opportunity to abate in truly needy circumstances, while an override does not. Comments from citizens included: concerns that it would be difficult to set up a trash fee service ; whether a transfer station would be needed; a recommendation that commercial dumpst- ers be made self-supporting; that people would dump trash in the streets ; and that it might help the Town to meet its guaranteed annual tonnage to NESWC. Mrs . Smith said the Board will not make any decisions tonight on cuts it will support or what form of new revenue it will recommend, a trash fee or an override, but decisions must be made soon. EXECUTIVE SESSION Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted 5 - 0 by searn roll call vote: Mrs. Smith, Mr. Marshall , Mr. Eddison, Mr. Dailey and Mr. McSweeney, to go into Executive Session to discuss land acquisition, the disclosure of which might adversely affect the interests of the Town, with no intent to resume open session except to adjourn. Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to adjourn at 11 : 20 p.m. A true record, Attest : 6C/144-1;41— Sara I . ' Peters Executive Clerk