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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-05-BOS-min - mom SELECTMEN' S MEETING May 3 , 1993 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Select- men' s Meeting Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, May 3 , 1993 , at 7 :00 p.m. Chairman Dailey, Mr. Busa, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager, Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel ; Mrs. Novak, Assistant Town Manager and Miss Smith, Acting Executive Clerk, were present. Mr. Fenn arrived during discussion of the Route 2A Resolution. ELKS GAME MACHINE LICENSE The Chairman convened the meeting and took up the request from the Lexington Elks for an additional coin operated game machine license. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant an additional coin operated game machine license to the Lexington Elks. AMBULANCE FEES Mr. White explained that the Fire Chief, at the request of the Board of Selectmen through the budget process, had looked at the Town' s ambulance fees in order to comply with State statutes and to wprovide a fee structure that met the maximum allowable rate charged as by local private ambulance services. Mr. White introduced Chief Bergeron who explained his proposal to increase the ambulance fees for the Lexington Fire Department. Chief Bergeron proposed increasing the base rate from $165 .00 to $205 . 00; mileage charges from $8 . 00 to $10 . 00/mile; oxygen charges from $32 . 00 to $45 . 00 ; a new mast trousers charge of $60. 00 and a new charge for defibrillation of $85 . 00. Mr. McSweeney asked about the current uncollectible amount of $70 , 000 . The fire chief explained that this was a very good record; that medicaid has a fixed flat rate; that Blue Cross/Blue sets a maximum allowable rate of 80%; and that the balance is uncollectible. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the increased ambulance rates as presented by the Fire Chief, effective , May 15 , 1993 . ROUTE 2A RESOLUTION - ARTICLE 38 OF THE 1993 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT Mr. White explained that the Board had not taken a position on the proposed resolution under Article 38. He added that two presentations had been developed anticipating the Board' s support and non support of the article. He explained that the petitioners will ask that the Board of Selectmen appoint a five-member Ad Hoc Advisory Committee to review the Environmental Impact Report to make Route 2A traffic improvements, and will ask that the Board of Selectmen hold a public meeting to which interested citizens and Town Meeting Members will be invited. Mr. White introduced Town Engineer Frank Fields who explained the proposal , reviewed the ten year history of the project , and answered questions. He noted that the comment period on the ENF expires on May 24 , 1993 and that a certificate approving the project is expected by June 23 . He said that 80% of the funding Minutes for the Meeting of May 3 , 1993 2 k would be from the Federal Government and 20% from the State Highway } Fund. He also reported that the engineering firm BSC had been involved to protect the interests of the Town. Mr. Fields answered questions proposed and Mrs. Joyce Miller, Chairman of the Lexington Conservation Commission, indicated that the Commission would wait to comment until Town Meeting . Mr. White explained that if the public hearing is conducted by the middle of June the Town won't lose any time, but if it goes past and into July and conflicts and compromises occur in the Conservation Commission process, such delays will cause problems. He added that each month of delay increases the cost , and that if the project is delayed into September, the Town loses a whole construction season. Caleb Warner expressed concern and interest by affected residents . He indicated they hoped to meet the Town Manager' s schedule and were not interested in slowing the process. Mr. Dailey asked the Town Manager for his comments. Mr. White explained that there is a very tight time frame. He said the article represents a very benign proposal , giving the Town an opportunity to present what is a very good design and represents ten years of hard work. Mr. White saw presentation of Article 38 as an opportunity to educate some citizens who missed the opportu- nity to participate. As long as the schedule can be maintained, it is something the Board may want to consider. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted unanimously to support Article 38 of the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting . TOWN MEETING ARTICLE POSITION The Town Manager reported that the Board has not taken a position on Article 33 - Police, Fire and DPW Access to the Bike- way; Article 35 - Early Retirement; Article 37 - Amend General By- Laws/Appropriation Committee Report; Article 39 - John Benson Road Easement; and Article 40 - Bowman School Property for LexHAB. He answered questions concerning the Early Retirement Article. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to support Articles 33 , 37 , 39 and 40 . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to support the Retirement Board in not recommending passage of Article 35 . EXECUTIVE SESSION Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 by roll call vote: Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney, Mr. Busa and Mr. Fenn, to go into executive session for discussion of matters of litigation, the disclosure of which might adversely affect the interests of the Town, with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 8 : 03 p.m. won A true record, Attest: 4 Phyl is Smith Acting Clerk -: // mm SELECTMEN' S MEETING May 10 , 1993 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, May 10 , 1993 , in the Selectmen' s Meeting Room, Town Office Building , at 7 : 30 p.m. Chairman Dailey, Mr. McSweeney, Mr. Busa, Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel ; Mr White, Town Manager; Mrs. Novak, Assistant Town Manager; and Mrs. Peters, Executive Clerk, were present . Mr. Fenn arrived during the Assessment Process agenda item discussion. EXECUTIVE SESSION - COLLECTIVE BARGAINING Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 3-0 by roll call vote : Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney, Mr. Busa; to go into execu- tive session for discussion of matters of collective bargaining, the disclosure of which might adversely affect the interests of the town with the intent to return to open session. Open Session was resumed at 7 : 55 p.m. MINUTEMAN CANE PRESENTATION - MINUTEMAN CANE AWARD Mr. Dailey invited friends and family of this year' s Minuteman IMO Cane recipient present to join the Board and David Williams , Chair- man of the Minuteman Cane Selection Committee and take part in the happy event of the annual Minuteman Cane Award ceremony. Mr. Dailey turned the meeting over to Mr. Williams , who briefly reviewed the background of the annual award, which has continued since 1988. He added that each year the Committee selects an active elder that best exemplifies the criteria used when selecting the person to receive the cane , which are: must be age 80 or more ; must have lived in Lexington for at least 15 years; must be currently, actively involved in town and civic affairs; must be an inspiration to others; and must have a creative approach to living. Mr. Williams thanked his committee and named and introduced past recipients present, beginning in 1988 with Edith Cheever, 1989 - Neil Cronin, 1990 - Raymond Culler, 1991 - Pearl Monahgan Bren- chik, and 1992 - Marian K. Fitzpatrick. Mr. Dailey announced this year' s recipient of the Minuteman Cane Award was Woodruff M. Brodhead. Mr. Dailey spoke of Mr. Brodhead' s participation in many civic activities; some of which were the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts , Symmes Hospital , the Board of Appeals, serving as its chairman for three years , and Town Meeting Member for many terms. Mr. Dailey read the 1993 Minuteman Procla- mation signed by the Board of Selectmen, honoring Mr. Brodhead. The cane was presented to Mr. Brodhead by Minute-Man Editor Alice Hinkle, who noted that the best part of these ceremonies for mom her was meeting all the wonderful recipients of the canes . Mr. Brodhead spoke of the opportunities he has had to make so many wonderful friends in Lexington and he thanked all present for this honor and recognition. I (-- Minutes for the Meeting of May 10 , 1993 2 m•• Mrs . Dorothy Boggia announced that a party would be held in Mr. Brodhead' s honor on May 24 , 1993 at 2 : 00 p.m. at the Lexington Senior Center to which all were invited. ASSESSMENT PROCESS Mr. Dailey invited Dr. Geza Szonyi , 177 Cedar Street, to speak of his concerns with current assessment practices. Dr. Szonyi referred to his March 29 , 1993 letter to the Board of Selectmen, which reviewed his concerns with current assessment practices, and included proposals for the Board' s consideration. Dr. Szonyi reported that he had contacted the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and had discussed the various assessment processes used in the Greater Boston Area. He noted that up to a year and a half ago , Lexington was using the CAMA system, but has now developed its own system. He expressed his concerns with the presently used Lexington system. Dr. Szoyni proposed the following recommendations : A) Re-establish the group of concerned citizens to work with the Board of Assessors and the Assessor; B) Assign as the first task of the cooperation between the citi- zens and the Assessor, getting a description of the current model used to compute assessments, so that anybody could compute his/her assessment based on property information; and C ) At a later stage , in cooperation with the assessor, the method mak used i . e . Adaptive Estimation, should be examined in order to thoroughly test it and possibly uncover weak points in the methodology. Dr. Szonyi attached a proposed list of concerned citizens that he suggested be considered for appointment to a committee to work with the Assessor as proposed above. Mr. Dailey invited Chairman of the Board of Assessors Robert Leone to respond to Dr. Szonyi ' s presentation. Dr. Leone reported he had discussed Dr. Szonyi ' s suggestions with the Board of Assessors , and the Board had no problem with the proposal to re-establish a committee of concerned citizens , since they had never considered it disbanded, to examine current assess- ment methodology and look for ways to improve the assessment process used in Lexington. Mr. Leone also said the Committee will examine the abatement process , and beginning this fall there will be a pre-notification period before property valuations are certi- fied by the State to enable citizens to have their questions on assessments checked by the Town prior to State certification. The Board reviewed a letter from Paul Morgenstern, 30 Bur- roughs Road, dated May 10 , 1993 . Mr. Dailey invited Mr. Morgens- tern to speak to the Board of Selectmen of his concerns with the assessment process; the first of these being taxpayer access to information about the assessment process . He reported that he had been thwarted in his efforts to obtain information from the Asses- sor' s Office on the methodology used to develop the reassessment factors, and on the results of ratio studies which analyze the j' P accuracy of that methodology, and asked the Board of Selectmen to direct the Assessors Office through the Board of Assessors to make I Minutes for the Meeting of May 10 , 1993 mm information on assessment procedures available to the taxpayer in a more timely manner. He also said he felt that some homes were assessed unfairly. Mr. Morgenstern said that his second concern was that the issue of the impact on property values of noise from aircraft operating out of Hanscom Field had not been addressed by the Board of Assessors. He asked the Board of Selectmen to direct that this be investigated, also. Mr. Dailey commented that the Board was anxious to assure that every citizen in Town receives the information he wishes to re- ceive, in a timely manner within the bounds of reason, and that it anticipates there will be an open process and one which allows residents to ask questions and receive appropriate and full re- sponses . He added that at the same time he wished to say that the Town has been well served by the Board of Assessors and the Asses- sor' s Office . He noted that the number of requests for abatements is down 20%. Mr. Morgenstern responded that he would be pleased to work on the Concerned Citizen' s Committee and to share the informa- tion he has collected. Stephen Tripi , 12 Freemont Street , spoke of his problems with the abatement process; said that the Committee has never been contacted by the Board of Assessors; spoke against the assessment process as currently operated by the Board of Assessors under Dr. Leone; and said that he wanted to serve on the Committee when it was established. Mr. Dailey said that every effort would be made to include all interested parties , and that the Selectmen would work with the Town Manager and the Board of Assessors to determine the make-up of the Committee. He urged all parties to look forward, not backward. Mr. Fenn arrived at this time , approximately 8 :45 p.m. Neal Boyle, Precinct 7 , suggested that all persons listed in Dr. Szonyi ' s list of Proposed Group of Concerned Citizens be called by the Board of Assessor' s around June 1 , 1993 ; be divided into small groups to work on various questions raised this evening; and prepare an agenda by June 15 , so that by September, a reasonable amount of research will have been done on the concerns expressed this evening. Mr. Busa suggested that the committee concern themselves with putting the methodology of the Town' s assessment process into simple language that citizens can understand . He also thought that all properties for which abatements had been denied should have had a physical assessment of the property. Mr. Dailey said the Board will talk and meet with the Board of Assessors to set up a meeting within the next three or four weeks, with a target that by the middle of June , the concerned citizens will be meeting with the Board of Assessors to get the process mom going , at least before summer. PROCLAMATION - LEXINGTON BICYCLE AWARENESS DAY Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to proclaim May 22 , 1993 as LEXINGTON BICYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS DAY. 1 ' 4- t Minutes for the Meeting of May 10 , 1993 4 WOW CONSENT AGENDA COMMITMENTS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve commitment of the following charges. Commitment of Water Charges $1 , 209 , 590 . 55 Town wide bills for Dec . 1992 _ Commitment of Sewer Charges $1 , 837 , 090 . 33 Town wide bills for Dec . 1992 ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSE Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the applications for One Day Liquor Licenses requested by the Lexington Lodge B.P.O. Elks #2204 for May 15 , 21 , 22 , and 28 , 1993 . ROUTE 2A AD HOC REVIEW COMMITTEE Mr. White asked the Board' s approval for the appointment of the following Town Meeting Members and Lexington citizens to serve on the Ad Hoc Route 2A Review Committee: Joseph F. Gilbert, Jr. Louise Kava 231 Woburn Street 60 Shade Street John Hayward Judith Uhrig 358 Woburn Street 15 Vine Brook Road Pm"' Diane Garcia Eric Michelson 3 Gerard Terrace 1475 Mass. Avenue Selectmen Liaison - Leo McSweeney Staff Chief John Bergeron Chief Paul Furdon Town Engineer Frank Fields Mr. White reported that the committee will meet on Tuesday, May 18 , 1992 to review the plans, and that a public meeting should be held no later than June 17 , 1993 . He added that the Committee' s charge should be to review the plans as presented and to make comment at the public hearing after the staff and BSC Group review the project with all interested parties . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the appointment of the Ad Hoc Route 2A Review Committee as proposed by the Town Manager. COUNCIL ON AGING APPOINTMENT Mr. White reported that he was planning to appoint , with the Board' s approval , John Curry of 33 Sanderson Road to the Council on Aging , replacing Jim Fenske who has asked not to be reappointed. Mr. White added that Mr. Curry had previously been a member of the Council before serving on the Appropriation Committee. pow Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the appointment of John Curry, 33 Sanderson Road, to serve on the Council of Aging. t / Minutes for the Meeting of May 10 , 1993 mft HATS Mr. Fenn reported that Hanscom AFB has been proposed by EPA to be on the Super Fund National Priority List which is a serious problem as far as pollution is concerned. HATS Selectmen will be meeting with MassPort on Friday to discuss this designation. Mr. Fenn also reported attending a meeting where the estab- lishment of a Center for Excellence here similar to ones in Cali- fornia were discussed, and that , if it is the Board' s wish, he will try to draft a letter expressing the Board' s interest in this proposal . EXECUTIVE SESSION - COLLECTIVE BARGAINING Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 by roll call vote : Mr. Dailey, Mrs Smith, Mr. McSweeney, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn; to go into executive session for discussion of matters of litigation, the disclosure of which might adversely affect the interests of the town with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9 : 47 p.m. A true record, Attest : 144Y,U4 Sara I . Peters Executive Clerk 1111111 c w" SELECTMEN' S MEETING May 24 , 1993 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, May 24 , 1993 , in the Selectmen' s Meeting Room, Town Office Building , at 7 : 30 p.m. Chairman Dailey, Mr. McSweeney, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn, Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel ; Mr White, Town Manager; Mrs. Novak, Assistant Town Manager; and Mrs. Peters, Executive Clerk, were present . MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF SELECTMAN JACQUELYN R. SMITH Chairman Dailey announced that Selectman Jacquelyn R. Smith passed away at home this morning with her family. Mr. Dailey said that Mrs. Smith was entering her eighth year of service on the Board, and had been unanimously elected chairman on three consecu- tive occasions . He spoke of her advocacy of views she felt strong- ly about, of her willingness to work with the Board in harmony for the betterment of the Town, and of how much she would be missed. Mr. Dailey asked all present to join in a moment of silence in memory of Mrs . Smith at this time. Mr. Dailey invited Margery Battin, Town Moderator and close friend of Mrs. Smith, to make any comments she wished to make. Mrs. Battin spoke of Mrs. Smith as her good friend and colleague , and added that outside of her family, there was no one she admired, respected and cared for more deeply. Mrs. Battin spoke of the untold hours Mrs. Smith spent preparing presentations on positions to take ; studying to be well informed on issues for meetings ; or patiently listening to constituents and bringing people together to decide on what goals should be worked toward. Mrs. Battin also spoke of Mrs . Smith as a fighter both on the local and state levels, of her warm and witty, wise and wonderful personality and of the hole that would be left in many people ' s lives with her gone . APPROVE CHANGE OF MANAGER: LEXINGTON KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to approve a request from the Lexington Knights of Columbus for a Change in Manager from Robert W. O'Keefe , Jr. to John F. Quinlan, subject to the approval of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes for executive sessions held on March 8 , 15 , 22 , and April 7 , 1993 . Mr. Fenn said he had been present for the executive session of March 15 , and the minutes were amended to show this . ... MINUTES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes for the Meetings of March 22 , 29 , and April 7 , 1993 . r 7 ww e Minutes for the Meeting of May 24 , 1993 2 sem REPORT OF THE TRAFFIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Peter Chalpin, Chairman of the Traffic Safety Advisory Commit- tee ( TSAC ) , presented the Committee ' s Reports on the following traffic concerns. Waltham Street and Massachusetts Avenue. Mr. Chalpin reported that at its meeting on March 3 , 1993 . the TSAC met with Parking Enforcement Officer Moore to discuss his suggestion that the last metered parking space on the easterly side of Waltham Street at Massachusetts Avenue be removed to improve the line of sight between drivers and pedestrians, since this space is located within four feet of the crosswalk across Waltham Street. Mr. Chalpin noted that in the past, 12 parking spaces at other highly used crosswalks in the Center were removed to increase visi- bility, and that this approach seems to have worked well . He added that the Committee recommends that Officer Moore' s suggestion be approved and implemented. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee recommendation for removal of the parking space within four feet of the crosswalk across Waltham Street. Massachusetts Avenue/Bedford Street. Mr. Chalpin reported that at its meeting on March 3 , 1993 . the TSAC met with Mrs. Virginia W. Sampson, 47 Burlington Street , to discuss her request for a YIELD sign on Massachusetts Avenue at mo` Bedford Street . Mr. Chalpin reported that the Committee recommended that Mrs . Sampson' s request be approved, and that it agreed that assignment of the right of way needs to be clearly defined at this very busy intersection, with many things taking place simultaneously involv- ing vehicular and pedestrian traffic . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee recommendation for the installation of two YIELD signs as shown on the plan accompanying the report. Marrett Road at Minuteman Tech Driveway/Mass. Avenue Mr. Chalpin reported that at its meeting on March 3 , 1993 . the TSAC met with Ms. Lynne M. Menzie, representing the staff of The Kleven Group, One Cranberry Hill , concerning traffic conditions at the intersection of Marrett Road, the Minuteman Tech Driveway and Mass. Avenue, particularly during the evening peak hour. Mr. Chalpin said that the Committee explained that the Pro- posed Marrett Road Improvement Project is in the final approval phase, and that the projects includes traffic signals at this intersection, as well as geometric alterations which will improve safety, capacity and overall operation on the section of Marrett Road, from Route 128 to beyond Massachusetts Avenue. Mr. Chalpin added that with this in mind, the Committee recommended that as an interim measure , consideration be given by mow her company to retaining a Police Detail , as is done by the Loral Infrared and Imaging Systems Company for the Forbes Road intersec- tion, until such time as the proposed improvements are completed; and also suggested that the idea of a Police Detail be discussed / „. Minutes for the Meeting of May 24 , 1993 1111111111 with the other occupants of One Cranberry Hill and Minuteman Tech, in terms of hours of need and shared cost . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee recommendation to Ms. Menzie that, as an interim measure, consideration be given by her company to retaining a Police Detail , as is done by the Loral Infrared and Imaging Systems Company for the Forbes Road intersection, until such time as the proposed Marrett Road Improvement Project is completed; and also that the idea of a Police Detail be discussed with the other occupants of One Cranberry Hill and Minuteman Tech, in terms of hours of need and shared cost. Bedford Street at Worthen Road Mr. Chalpin reported that at its meeting on February 16 , 1993 . the TSAC met with Mrs . Ann Bolitski , 21 Hill street, to discuss a continuing problem which she and other pedestrians are experiencing at the intersection of Bedford Street and Worthen Road, where it appears that some drivers, turning right on to Bedford Street from Worthen Road where a Right Turn on Red is permitted, are ignoring the fact that they must stop prior to turning if they are facing a red light. He added that a serious consequence of this situation is that pedestrians crossing Worthen Road, within the crosswalk and under a "WALK" signal , are confronted by vehicles turning right . Mr. Chalpin noted that Mrs. Bolitskin reported several near ammisses in which she was involved, and several observations by the Police during March and April found that the matter warranted attention. Based on this, the Committee recommended that a No Turn on Red Regulation be reinstituted for southbound Bedford Street traffic. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 3-1 (Mr. Dailey voted in the negative ) to approve the Traffic Safety Adviso- ry Committee recommendation that the "No Turn on Red Regulation be reinstituted for southbound Bedford Street traffic. Harrington Rd. Bedford St . - Traffic Concerns Mr. Chalpin reported that at its meeting on January 27 , 1993 , as well as two earlier meetings in September and December, the TSAC Committee met with Alfred B. Gschwendtner, 1 Harrington Street, to discuss traffic at the intersection of Harrington Road and Bedford Street. Also in attendance were Mr. David Wells, Chairman of the Lexington Center committee, and Assistant Chief John T. McDonough of the Lexington Fire Department. Mr. Chalpin said that Police Department records indicated that there were 19 reported accidents at this intersection from March 1 , 1991 through March 1 , 1993 , and he classified the intersection as one of the highest accident locations in Town, and that based on Committee ' s discussion at the three meetings, it recommended that , on a trial basis , Harrington Road be blocked at Bedford Street in front of #1 Harrington Road. He noted that this approach had been suggested in the past, and is not without drawbacks, but that it is Amm something which can be easily and quickly done on a trial basis, and just as quickly undone, if necessary. Mr. Chalpin added that included in the proposal is a Right Turn Prohibition from Bedford Street to Massachusetts Avenue at the Minuteman Statue, necessitated by restrictive geometrics and • Amonimimmi Minutes for the Meeting of May 24 , 1993 4 lam limited sight distance at that intersection; a Required Right Turn from Harrington Road westbound, to Bedford Street Northbound, which is hoped will route traffic to Worthen Road and to Bedford Street; and temporary directional signing to provide assistance at the intersections of Bedford/Harrington, Bedford/ Worthen and Massachu- setts/Worthen. In response to a question from the Board, Mr. Chalpin said the Committee estimated a trail period of 30 days minimum would be needed. There were also questions about how Sunday morning church traffic will work, and if the churches have been consulted. Lexington Center Committee Chairman David Wells reported that the Center Committee worked closely with the TSAC on this problem, and he agrees that the proposed plan has to be tried because of the record of serious accidents and injuries that have occurred there . The Board suggested that the proposed traffic changes be tried for a month and a report be presented at the Board' s June 28 , 1993 meeting . Comments from the audience included concerns over the short- ness of the trial period; about the maneuverability needs of tour buses; the need for the plan to be tried; and the difficulties with getting to the pools and hockey complexes. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the recommendation of the TSAC, as presented above by Mr. Chalpin, and to ask him to report back at the Board' s first September meeting as aim to how the traffic recommendations are working . RELEASE OF FUNDS FROM SELECTMEN'S SPECIAL GIFT ACCOUNT Mr. White reported that as a result of the negotiating efforts of the Cable TV Advisory Committee for the Adams Russell/Cablevi- sion license change last year, the Town received $25 ,000 , with another $25 , 000 to be received for the next three years from Cable- vision for a total of $100 , 000 , to be used to purchase equipment for cable or institutional loop related uses. Mr. White said that Town and School staffs have been working together to expand and upgrade data communication among various governmental buildings in Lexington; and that a procurement plan has been developed identifying equipment that will allow the Town to maximize the value of having an institutional cable loop. He added that in order to implement this plan, it is requested that the Selectmen vote to release the $25 , 000 received last year and the anticipated $25 , 000 about to be received this year from the Selectmen' s Gift Account. CATV member William Spencer, speaking for the schools, elabo- rated on the proposal to earmark the $100, 000 that will eventually be received; described the data conditioning hardware that will be purchased; and answered questions from the Board. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to release $50, 000 , $25 , 000 in the gift account , and upon its arrival , a second $25 , 000 expected momentarily from Cablevision, from the Selectmen' s gift account for the purchase of equipment to expand and upgrade data communication among various buildings in Lexington. Minutes for the Meeting of May 24 , 1993 5 pas JOINT MEETING SELECTMEN AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE Mr. Dailey invited School Committee Chairman John Oberteuffer and Committee members Lois Coit , Joseph Dini , Polly Woodworth, Albert Zabin, and School Superintendent Jeffrey Young to join the Board for discussion of the FY95 budget process and the strategic planning process, whose development was encouraged and voted for by Town Meeting , and endorsed by the Board of Selectmen. Assistant Town Manager Julia Novak reviewed her memorandum to the Town Manager, dated May 18 , 1993 discussing Goal Setting and the Strategic Planning Process, and explained how the process would operate. She noted that the role of the Selectmen is to undertake "a program of community discussions in cooperation with civic , religious , business , school and other community organizations , to debate and clarify core values and program priorities to guide the Town' s budgeting process" . Mr. White discussed process recommendations , contained in the memorandum; the first two to take place during a six to ten week period. The first would recommend that the Selectmen annually adopt a statement of values and identify a series of program priorities within each of the various statements during the annual Goal Setting Meeting. The Selectmen would then present the goals statement and program priorities to various service organizations , standing boards and committees and other active community groups after its goal setting process, and at the same time solicit mom applications and make appointments to four committees dealing with education, infrastructure , public safety and quality of life & environment in Lexington. Mr. White explained that during the second ten week period, the four committees would review the input gathered, finalize their recommendations and report their findings to the Selectmen; and the Selectmen' s responsibility would be to integrate all the program priorities and develop a final list to guide the Town' s budgeting process for FY95 and beyond. Chairman Oberteuffer congratulated the Town Manager and Assistant Town Manager on the memorandum, and asked for more time to review it . Discussion followed on calendar targets, and the need to get moving since the Town must begin to focus on the FY95 budget process very soon. Also discussed was the potential reopening of Hastings School , and the effect this would have on the FY95 budget process. Mr. Oberteuffer reported that a citizen' s committee had been appointed at the School Committee ' s last meeting to discuss implications for the Town of the possible reopening of the school , including an override in the fall . Mr. Zabin suggested a "brainstorming by all" approach in the first stage of establishing core values. Concerns were also expressed about the Goal Setting/Strategic Planning process by TMMA Member Jay Kaufman, 1 Childs Road, who aim noted that very necessary to the process was leadership from the Selectmen and Staff and the input of all the community. Stephen Tripi , 12 Freemont Street , asked how committee members would be selected, and if the only way the reopening of Hastings School could be funded was through an override . � w Minutes for the Meeting of May 24 , 1993 6 Mr. Dailey, responding to Mr. Kaufman' s observations, thought that the issues now needing to be addressed can fit into the spirit and letter of the Resolution, and be incorporated into the Stra- tegic Planning process. Mr. Dailey, responding to Mr. Tripi ' s questions , said it is anticipated there will be representatives from the major boards and committees on each of the four commit- tees , and also interested citizens who wish to participate in the activities of the committees will be considered. Mr. Dailey added he thought Fall was too early to consider holding an override. PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING -- LEXHAB/PHILIP ROAD Mr. Dailey invited LexHAB Chairman Marshall Derby to speak. Mr. Derby noted that at the last meeting on March 15 , 1993 questions had been raised on potential wetlands. He reported that the Engineering Department considers the issue a drainage problem, and not a wetlands one, and that the question of whether the lots are buildable will not be resolved until a building permit is applied for and a determination on wetlands is made by the Inspectional Services Department Mr. Derby also reported that Town Meeting had voted 150-3 to transfer ownership of the lots from the School Committee to the Selectmen for affordable housing , and that both lots now conform to zoning requirements as far as lot area and frontage are concerned. Mr. Derby said LexHAB is here tonight 1 ) to approve LexHAB' s proposal to build two affordable homes on the two lots and 2 ) to ask for neighborhood representation and input on selecting a house design that will be satisfactory to the neighbors. Members of the audience asked why the Town was building on the lots rather than selling them when money is so short. Mr. Dailey responded in order to increase the stock of affordable housing. Other questions were about why the Town was building two more affordable homes when there already was one in the neighbor- hood; comments about quality of life and property values ; wetness of the land; and the closing of Moreland Avenue . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 3-0-1 (Mr. Busa abstained because of a family relationship with a direct abutter) to transfer the property to LexHAB for the purpose of constructing 2 homes on the lots as requested by LexHAB, who will work with the abuttors on the type of housing to be constructed. CONSENT AGENDA COMMITMENTS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve commitment of the following charges. Commitment of Water Charges - May 1993 $911 . 38 ( final bills ) Commitment of Sewer Charges - May 1993 $1 , 575 . 74 ( final bills ) mo Commitment of Sewer Charges - May 1993 $76 , 846 . 05 (Cycle 9 Bills ) " r Minutes for the Meeting of May 24 , 1993 7 ABATEMENTS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve abatement of the following charges. Abatement of water and sewer charges 8 Drummer Boy $161 . 33 USE OF THE BATTLE GREEN Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the Lexington Elks to use the Battle Green June 14 , 1993 at 7 : 00 p.m. for their Annual Flag Day Ceremony. APPROVE AUCTIONEERS LICENSE Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application of Lee Nelson, Auctioneer - Mass. Lic . 1182 , to conduct a contents of home auction at 341 Marrett Road on June 5 , 1993 at 10 : 30 a.m. BURLINGTON ST. TREE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT The Board reviewed a memo from Brian Gilbert to Peter Chalpin regarding the proposed removal and replacement of four trees with six trees along Burlington Street for a cost of $3 , 600 . 00 in order to install a new sidewalk. Mr. White reported that the appropriate public hearings were held, the comment period has expired, and there would be no cost to the Town since funding for the work will be from Ch 90 funds , and that the Board of Selectmen must approve mo""` the removal of the trees before DPW can take any action. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the removal of the four trees on Burlington Street. AMEND SELECTMEN' S RULES AND REGULATIONS The Board discussed a memo to the Town Manager from Police Chief Paul Furdon, dated May 14 , 1993 , dealing with Hawkers & Peddlers on the Jack Eddison Bikeway. Contained in the memo was a proposed amendment to the Selectmen' s Rules & Regulations prohibit- ing transient vendors from selling adjacent to the Bike Path, but which would enable the issuance of permits by the Selectmen to local organizations under special circumstances . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to amend the Selectmen' s Rules and Regulations for Hawkers and Peddlers by adding 4A: "No Hawker or Peddler shall attempt to sell , solicit sales or make any sales within a distance of 200 yards of the Jack Eddison Bikeway without a special permit issued by the Board of Selectmen. " APPOINTMENTS TO THE TRAFFIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Board reviewed two letters from Roy Murphy and Ronald Marble volunteering their service on the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee . ,,,m Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Ronald E. Marble, 9 Wilson Road, and Roy J . Murphy, 56A Taft Avenue, to complete the unexpired terms of Kathy England and Robert Trask expiring on September 30 , 1993 . / t-r' Minutes for the Meeting of May 24 , 1993 8 ems ASSESSORS' AD-HOC REVALUATION COMMITTEE Mr. White reported that he planned to appoint the following citizens to the Assessors' Ad-Hoc Revaluation Advisory Committee: The Board of Assessors Robert Leone, Robert Foster and Sara Robinson. Citizens Neal Boyle, 23 Pine Knoll Road; Paul Chernick, 14 Somerset Road; Leonard Colwell , 8 Turnburry Road; Clark Cowen, Realtor, CoA, 104 Fifer Lane; Pauline Fennel , 12 Somerset Road; Michael O' Sul- livan, 12 Aerial Street; Joseph Volente, 85 Lowell Street ; and Dr. Geza Szonyi , 177 Cedar Street. Selectmen Liaison Daniel Busa. Mr. White reported the Committee will be charged to meet on June 1 , 1993 , and break into three separate groups each led by an Assessor, to discuss the following issues: a) develop education materials that would help citizens gain a better understanding of the revaluation process; b) bench mark performance of the Town' s valuations by comparing historical sales assessment with Lexington' s comparable communities ; and c ) survey other assessment departments to see how or if they mum account for airport noise or proximity to a bikeway in establishing values. Mr. White added that these sub-committees would meet during the summer and after reporting to the full Board of Assessors will present their findings to the Board of Selectmen in September. Mr. White added that the proposed membership have all consented to participate . AD-HOC ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION Mr. White discussed the charge of the Committee which will be to assess the various changes that have been made to the fee structure and routes for all public transportation programs offered in Lexington, such as special needs, elderly, LEXPRESS, school and MBTA. Mr. White reported that he planned to appoint the following citizens to the Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee on Transportation. Sara Arnold, Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC ) Chairman; Sandy Guryan, Business Mgr. - Lex. Schools; Joseph Dini , School Committee ; Carol Sonduck and William Mix, TAC members; Beverly Kelley or Judy Marshall - FISH; John Attanucci , citizen; Linda Crew Vine , Council on Aging Director - Staff; Barbvara Lucas , Lex. Transportation Coordinator - Staff; Robert Bowyer, Planning Director - Staff; and Leo McSweeney, Selectmen Liaison. Mr. White added that he would welcome recommendations from the ,.„ Board either now or later. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the charge for the Committee and its membership, as proposed. SELECTMEN LIAISON - MBTA Minutes for the Meeting of May 24 , 1993 goo. Mr. White reported that Leo McSweeney has agreed to serve as the Board' s representative to the MBTA. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Mr. McSweeney - Selectmen Liaison to the MBTA. MWRA FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE The Board reviewed a memo from Town Engineer Francis Fields regarding the administrative aspects of the MWRA Inflow/Infil- tration Removal Financial Assistance Program. Mr. White noted that in the past, the Board had authorized the Town Manager to act on behalf of the Town in executing agreements, and that a vote of the Board was necessary if they wished to continue to authorize him to do so. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Town Manager to act on behalf of the Town of Lexington in executing agreements with the MWRA. LEXINGTON RETIREMENT BOARD' S INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE Mr. White directed the Board' s attention to a memo from Comptroller John Ryan reporting on Lexington' s Retirement Board' s investment performance . EXECUTIVE SESSION Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 by roll call vote : Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn; to go into executive session for discussion of matters of litigation, the disclosure of which might adversely affect the interests of the town with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 11 : 08 p.m. A true record, Attest : Sara I . Peters Executive Clerk