HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-02-BOS-minki
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
February 5, 1992
A regular meeting of the Board
Wednesday, February 5, 1992, in the
Town Office Building, at 7:37 p.m.
Mr. Eddison, Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSwee:
Ms. Radway, Assistant Town Manager;
Clerk, were present.
of Selectmen was held on
Selectmen's Meeting Room,
Chairman Smith, Mr. Marshall,
trey; Mr. white, Town Manager;
and Mrs. Peters, Executive
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, .1,992
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve,
as presented, the minutes for the Selectmen's meeting of January
15, 1992.
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
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.
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
oe. lfr
Minutes for the Meeting of February 5, 1992
IR
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:
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
Sara I. Peters
Executive
Clerk
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SELECTMEN'S MEETING
February 19, 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
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 10, 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,
the following commitment of charges and
Water charges ending February 1992
(cycle 9 bills)
Water charges ending February 1992
(addition to Dec. 3rd bills)
Sewer charges ending February 1992
(addition to Dec. 3rd bills)
Accounts receivable to be abated -
Accounts receivable to be abated --
it was voted to approve
abatements:
$89,004.41
$364.55
$581.85
water $4
sewer $7,255.00
Minutes for the Meeting of February 10, 1992 2
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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 19, 1992.
Fire De artment: Due primarily to illness, vacation, duty
injury and costs related to "Hurricane Bob", Chief Bergeron is
estimating that a Reserve Fund transfer of approximately $12,004
may be required in the overtime line item of the budget.
Le al: The legal budget for FY92 has expended in excess of
$114.000. 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
PMW 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 De artments: 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
roll call vote: Mr. Spector, Mrs. Woodworth, Mrs. Coit, Mr.
R 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
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn
at 10:14 p.m.
A true record, Attest
it I?
Sara I. Peters
Executive Clerk
K
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 wade and seconded, it was voted to adjourn
at 7:40 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
yo, X -
r
Sara I. Peters
Executive Clerk
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SELECTMEN'S MEETING
February 24, 1992
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on
Wednesday, February 20, 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
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 $18,040 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.
P +�
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.
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
the request of Vera Caslaysky,
excessive speed on East Street,
line, to the Traffic Safety and
recommendation*
seconded, it was voted to refer
244 East Street, to investigate
close to the Lexington /Woburn
Advisory Committee for review and
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.
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
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;
0} 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;
S) elimination LEXPRESS bus service;
3) 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
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
109 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.
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
H
Minutes for the Meeting of February 25, 1992
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.
4
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted 5 - 0 by
roll call vote: Mrs. Smith, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Eddlson, 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:
Sara I . ' Peters
Executive clerk