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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-09-BOS-min ;7 ^I SELECTMEN'S MEETING SEPTEMBER 13, 1993 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, September 13, 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. GIFT TO THE JACQUELYN R. SMITH MEMORIAL INTERNSHIP FUND Mr. Dailey spoke of Mrs. Smith's years of service on behalf of the Town, and especially of her excellent work on the Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen. He welcomed her husband, Frank Smith, her mother, Mrs. Berwind, children and grandchildren, as well as friends and representatives from Massport, for the presen- tation of Massport's gift of five annual contributions of $10,000 to the Jacquelyn R. Smith Memorial Internship Fund, which is to be presented in memory of Mrs. Smith's faithful and distinctive service on the Massport Board of Directors. On behalf of the family, Mr. Smith spoke of their gratifica- tion with the fund's establishment, and of his pleasure that it has been established as a perpetual fund with 25% of the earnings going back into the principal, so that it will be a growing fund and of ""i° greater value to the Town in the future. He added that the family was amazed and appreciative of the outpouring of contributions from friends, organizations and, especially, with Massport' s gift. Mrs. Berwald spoke of her daughter' s enjoyment of her work, both for the Town and for Massport. Chairman of the Massport Board of Directors, Richard Geisser, said that he was very glad to be here tonight to say that Massport is very happy that they are able to contribute to this fund for an extraordinary cause, in memory of an extraordinary woman. Town Manager White described the terms of the contract which reflect Massport' s wish to recognize Mrs. Smith's deep interest in benefitting and improving the quality of professional public management by providing young people the opportunity for gaining valuable work experience and exploring career options within local government. He added that the review of applicants for internships will be done by two members of Mrs. Smith's family and the Town Manager. He characterized the establishment of the fund as a unique opportunity for the Town, for the interns and as a living memorial to Mrs. Smith which will never end. Mr. Dailey thanked the Smith family, friends and represen- tatives from Massport and other friends of Mrs. Smith for taking part in the presentation of Massport's gift to the Jacquelyn R. Smith Memorial Internship Fund, and he thanked Massport for its very generous contribution to the fund. 01161 REPORT FROM DPW/ENGINEERING RE HARRINGTON RI GTON AVENUE�B DFORD STREET The Board reviewed a Memorandum from Town Engineer Frank Fields, dated September 7, 1993 , recommending the trial closure of Harrington Road continue through the fall . 2 Minutes for the Meeting of September 13, 1993 2 Mr. White reported that Mr. Fields and TSAC Chairman Peter Chalpin recognize that the traffic engineering solution of closing Harrington Road may not be aesthetically pleasing and may be inappropriate for such an historic site as the Lexington Battle- green, so Mr. Chalpin has designed for the Board' s review an alternative that should adequately protect the safety of the abutters and still limit access to Harrington Road. Mr. Fenn had questions about the abettor notification process used by the TSAC. Mr. Chalpin responded that normally the person or persons who made the original request are invited to meet with the Committee when it meets to take up the traffic problem that has been referred to the Committee by the Board of Selectmen, and as the process evolves, other people often become involved. He added that the TSAC has amended its procedures, so that those persons/_ abuttors who are directly affected will be advised immediately, and will be involved in the initial discussions with the TSAC. Such affected persons/abettors are then invited to the Selectmen's meeting when the report of the TSAC is presented to the Board for its decision on what should be done. Mr. Fenn said that he was glad to hear that with the new procedure, abuttors will be notified when traffic concerns are to be discussed by the TSAC. Mr. Chalpin explained that the alternative plan proposes the elimination of the barrier, and replacing it with signage that would accomplish the same goal . He added that the primary goal was to eliminate cross traffic over Bedford Street, and that this would be accomplished by allowing a right turn only out of Harrington Road on to Bedford Street, and forbidding a left turn from Bedford Street on to Harrington Road. A lengthy discussion followed with questions and concerns expressed from the Board and from the audience on: the inconve- nience and ugliness of the barricade; how long the trial period should be; the aesthetics of buses around the Battlegreen and where to park them; the dangers of illegal parking around the island at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Harrington Road, as well as difficulties in finding parking on Sundays for churches in the area; the lack of parking for tour buses during the height of the tourist season; the need to protect the Unitarian Church; and the potential difficulties with getting emergency vehicles into Harrington Road with the barricade in place. The Board agreed to postpone taking any vote on the alterna- tives discussed, until the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee has had the opportunity to talk with the Design Advisory Committee, the Lexington Center Committee and has met with concerned citizens. Mr. White said that the staff would try to assemble all alternatives and identify them for the Board in time for the Board's next meeting on September 27, if possible. CONSERVATION COMMISSION - REPORT ON BROOK CLEANING o,,,, Mr. Dailey invited Conservation Commission Chairman Joyce Miller to update the Board on the Waltham Street Farm brook clean- ing project. She reported that the first part of the job, the cleaning of the ditch that runs parallel to Waltham Street, has been completed, and that small machinery may be required to com- plete the cleaning from Waltham Street through to Dunback Meadows. x J Minutes for the Meeting of September 13 , 1993 3 Mrs. Miller said it looks wonderful, and that it is hoped this brook cleaning project will alleviate flooding in the Valleyfield and Grassland Street area, and will make farming again feasible in the area. Mrs. Miller also reported that the brook study is nearing completion and that the Conservation Commission plans a Fall Seminar to present the study. She added that the Commission is extremely grateful for all the support that has been received from volunteers and from the Selectmen, the Town Manager, the Engineering Department and DPW. Mr. Dailey thanked Mrs. Miller for her update, and said it was good to hear that everyone is cooperating to get the work done. He added that he hoped the section down to the Clark School could be completed before winter sets in, and that the Board is totally in support of what is being done. MINUTES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes for the meeting of August 30, 1993 . EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes for the Executive Session held on August 30, 1993. m. APPROVAL OF THE MBTA - SUBURBAN TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM CONTRACT Town Manager White reported that this is the annual contract regarding LexPress that allows the Town to receive more than $80,000 in reimbursements, and that it is consistent with every agreement the Town has had in the past with the MBTA regarding the suburban transportation program. He recommended that the Board approve the contract. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the contract and to authorize execution of the contract. STRAUGIC PLANNING The Board reviewed a draft letter to be mailed to Lexington organizations regarding the series of public meeting to be held in connection with the Selectmen's Strategic Planning Process, that was presented to the Board for its approval. Mr. Fenn suggested some revisions be done to the letter to better reflect the importance of the strategic planning initiative, and volunteered to work with the Town Manager in putting the letter in final form, as well as preparing a press release which would accompany the letter. The Board accepted his offer. Mr. Dailey suggested that two Selectmen attend each of the scheduled meetings, and present a short introductory statement at the beginning of each meeting. He also reported that Alice Hinck- le, Editor of the Lexington Minutemen, had offered to print a featured "Letter to the Editor" from the Chairman of the Board of Pim Selectmen, which Mr. Dailey said he would prepare, urging citizens to get involved in the strategic planning process. ? s f : Minutes for the Meeting of September 13, 1993 4 CONSENT AGENDA COMMITMENTS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve commitment of the following charges. Commitment of Water Charges -- August 1993 $1 ,090. 73 ( final bills) Commitment of Sewer Charges -- August 1993 $1 ,693. 96 ( final bills) Commitment of Water Charges - August 1993 $1 , 338.85 ( final bills) Commitment of Sewer Charges - August 1993 $2,448. 50 ( final bills) Commitment of Water Charges - Sept. 1993 $109,630. 35 (cycle 9 bills) ABATEMENTS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve abatement of the following charges. Abatements: Water, Sewer & Demand $2 ,263 .80 Aug/Sept 1993 Abatements: Water, Sewer & Demand $1 ,357.63 Sept. 1993 �•• TREET OPENING PERMITS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following Street Opening Permits Street Opening Permits, June 30, 1993 $531 . 50 Street Opening Permits, July 31 , 1993 $343. 25 TRAFFIC ITEM Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to refer to the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee concerns about the need for a cross walk in front of Grace Chapel across Worthen Road, expressed by Grace Chapel, 3 Militia Drive. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE MEETINGS The Board of Selectmen agreed to schedule meetings for the following dates and times in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building. Monday October 4, 1993 -- 7: 30 p.m. , Monday October 18, 1993 - 7: 30 p.m. , Monday November 8, 1993 - 7: 30 p.m. , Monday November 22, 1993 - 7: 30 p.m. Monday December 6, 1993 - 7: 30 p.m. and Monday December 20, 1993 - 7;30 p.m. Minutes for the Meeting of September 13 , 1993 5 mm PEOPLE AGAINST HANSCOM EXPANSION RALLY Mr. Fenn reported he had received a letter as the Selectmen's representative to the HATS committee, requesting HATS' endorsement of the Battle Road Rally to Stop Hanscom Expansion to be held September 26, 1993 at Minuteman National Historical Park. Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to endorse the Rally. Mr. Fenn said he would convey this vote to Margaret Coppe, a member of the Organizing Committee for the People Against Hanscom Expansion. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:42 p.m. A true copy, Attest: ec04,,s441, Sara I . Peters Executive Clerk m. SELECTMEN'S MEETING '"" September 27 , 1993 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, September 27 , 1993, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, at 7: 30 p.m. Chairman Dailey, Mr. McSweeney, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel ; Mr White, Town Manager; Mrs. Novak, Assistant Town Manager; and Mrs. Peters, Executive Clerk, were present. On behalf of the Board, Mr. Dailey welcomed Selectmen Eliza- beth Eddison to her first meeting as a selectman, having been elected at the Special Election held on September 13, 1993. 7: 30 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING: BOSTON EDISON - 19 WHIPPLF ROAD Mr. Dailey opened a public hearing on the petition of Boston Edison for the installation of conduit in Whipple Road. Ms. McManus, representing Boston Edison, said the work was necessary to provide electric service to 19 Whipple Road. Mr. Dailey noted the favorable recommendation for approval of the petition contained in a memorandum, dated September 8, 1993, from Richard Spiers, Director of Public Works. There were no questions or comments from the Board or the audience. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition, plans and order for Grant of Location for conduit to m. be placed in Whipple Road by Boston Edison. HARR I NGTON ROAD Mr. Fenn applauded the efforts of all concerned in working for agreement at a meeting of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC) held at the suggestion of the Board at its last meeting. Mr. Chalpin reported that last Monday, September 20, the TSAC met with abettors, representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, the Design Advisory Committee, the Lexington Center Committee, and the Fire Department to discuss the trial closure of Harrington Road and two alternatives to this trial closure: the first alternative, Option 1 , (a two-way traffic pattern on Harrington Road) had been presented to the Board at its 9/13/93 meeting; the second alterna- tive, lterna- tive, Option 2, (a one- way traffic pattern on Harrington Road) was the result of the discussion and ideas brought forth during that Selectmen' s meeting. Mr. Chalpin added that after considerable discussion of many issues, including parking, fire safety, traffic safety and tour buses, those in attendance at the 9/20/93 TSAC meeting decided unanimously to request continuing the present trial through winter, with the elimination of the One-Way restriction at the Massachu- setts Avenue end of Harrington Road as far as the Unitarian Church, and the addition of a No Parking regulation around the small island across from the First Parish Church. Based on these discussions, Mr. Chalpin reported that the TSAC ,o, voted unanimously to recommend that the present trial, as modified, continue through the winter. Questions and comments from Board members and the audience dealt with the understanding that the barriers were temporary and that some other way of closing off Harrington Road at Bedford Street would be found, using landscaping and walkways if it was Minutes for the Meeting of September 27, 1993 2 found desirable to close off that end of Harrington Road; the need to determine the effect on traffic patterns for a while longer; the quality of the public environment around the Green; and whether the present trial needs to continue through the whole winter. Mr. Dailey suggested that the trial period for closing Bar- rington Road end in January rather than March, to give the other options some trial time in winter. Mr. Busa proposed sliding the island at the intersection of Hancock Street, Bedford Street and Harrington Street to the curbing in front of the Masonic Temple to eliminate the possibility of crossing Bedford Street from Hancock Street to Harrington Street. Mr. Chalpin agreed to prepare drawings showing this. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to continue the use of the barricades until January 1 , 1994 with the changes at the other end of Harrington as proposed; and to try Option 2 from January through March, 1994 . Mr. Chalpin was asked to report at the first meeting in January on the effects of the closing of the Bedford Street end of Harrington Road. SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF EDISON BUILDING Mr. Dailey welcomed Landscape Architect John Frey, Architect Steven Hurley and Spaulding Company Representative Bill Jackson to give a progress report on the proposed landscaping of the area in front of the Edison Building, including the sidewalk. Mr. Hurley reported that Mr. Fenn's suggestion that the plaque marking the approximate location of the first house in Lexington be featured, had resulted in revised and they thought improved plan. He added that they have received approval from the Design Advisory Committee, the Lexington Center Committee, and will meet with the Historic District Commission on October 4, 1993, and hope the Board will also endorse the new plan highlighting the plaque. Mr. Hurley said they hope to raise funds for the benches through the Lexington Center Committee' s program of citizens donating the cost of the bench, which with maintenance, would cost around $975. He added that they hoped to have them installed by the end of November. Mr. Frey presented the latest plan showing either three or four benches, with one located on either side of the plaque. Mr. Frey said they have been able to relocate the handicap ramp to connect with the crosswalk across Edison Way. The Board liked the revised plan and asked that the work proceed as quickly as possible since the parking spaces in front of the Edison building will be impacted, and pedestrian access in the area will be difficult. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the latest plans, revised 9/27/93 , contingent on the plans receiv- ing approval from the Historic District Commission. MINUTES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes for the Meeting of September 13 , 1993 , as amended. Minutes for the Meeting of September 27 , 1993 3 Pm" SELECTMEN COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS/REAPPOINTMENTS The Board discussed the concerns of some members of the Condominium Conversion Board and the Personnel Advisory Board as to the need for these Boards to continue. The Board agreed that there was a need for them to continue to exist. BOARD OF APPEALS, Mr. Busa proposed Associate Board of Appeals Member Robert Sacco for the vacancy on the Board of Appeals for a five year term expiring September 30, 1998. Mr. Dailey noted that the Board of Appeals had proposed Judith J. Uhrig to fill this vacancy, and had proposed Gary Larson and Carolyn Wilson to fill vacancies as associates members. Mr. McSweeney proposed Joseph Campbell for one of the vacan- cies on the Board of Appeals Associates for a 1 year term. Mr. Fenn recommended that the Board discuss these nominations with the Board of Appeals before any decisions are made. The Board agreed to table any action on these nominations until its next meeting on October 4 , 1993. OTHER APPOINTMENTS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the appointments and reappointments to the following committees, boards and commissions. BRIDGE CHARITABLE FUND 3 year term exp. 9/30/96 rms David Williams, reappointment 1433 Mass. Avenue CABLE TV AND COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE 3 year term exp. 9/30/96 Theodore Mairson, reappointment 29 Lawrence Lane William T. Spencer, reappointment currently resident of Westford, MA, employed in the Lexington Public Schools Caleb Warner, reappointment 546 Concord Avenue CONDOMINIUM CONVERSION BOARD 3 year term exp. 9/30/96 Catherine H. Deans, reappointment 201 Lincoln Street Daniel J. Griffin, Jr. , reappointment 4 Kitson Park Drive FENCE VIEWERS 1 year term, exp. 9/30/94 Martin A. Gilman, reappointment 20 Capt Parker Arms William H. Sullivan, reappointment 4 Milk Street GAMMEL LEGACY TRUST 1 year term, exp. 9/30/94 Elizabeth M. Flynn, reappointment, 310 Concord Avenue Leona W. Martin, reappointment, 64 Marrett Road HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE 3 year term 3 year term, expirjng 9/30/96 Donna Hooper, Chr. , reappointment 47 Emerson road �,,.. Richard Safford, reappointment 12 Meriam Street Jeanne S. Luongo, appointment 82 Buckman Drive 2 year term. expiring 9/30/95 Jolley Anne Weinstock, appointment 17 Thoreau Road 1 year term, expiring 9/30/94 Rosalyn S. Gittleman, appointment 5 Great Rock Road Minutes for the Meeting of September 27 , 1993 4 IP' LEXINGTON CENTER COMMITTEE 3 year term, exp. 9/30/96 Edward Barsamian, reappointment 38 Old Colony Rd. Arl. . Robert L. Ossman, reappointment 35A Wachusett Drive MINUTEMAN COMMUTER BIKEWAY COMMITTEE 2 yr term, exp. 9/30/95 Michael Sacco, reappointment 68 Valley Road Jerrold H. VanHook, reappointment 89 Meriam Street John Frey, appointment 1133 Mass. Avenue POLICE MANUAL POLICY COMMITTEE, 1 yr term exp. 9/30/94 William J. Dailey, Jr. , reappointment 1 Bushnell Drive Edith E. Flynn, reappointment 32 Watertown Street Act. Chief Casey, appointment Lex. Police Department William C. Hays, reappointment 39 Locust Avenue Gerald L. McLeod, reappointment 71 Spring Street TOWN REPORT COMMITTEE 1 year term exp. 9/30/94 John Avayzian, reappointment 11 Dexter Road Ray Barnes, reappointment 59 Gleason Road Joyce Fearnside, reappointment 19 Vinebrook Road Winifred Friedman, reappointment 176 Grove Street Robert Halfman, reappointment 75 Outlook Drive Robert Morrison, chr, reappointment 73 Blake Road Jeanette Webb, reappointment 7 Eaton Road Stanley Casazza, appointment 99 N. Hancock Street TRAFFIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE 1 year term exp. 9/30/94 Peter Chalpin, chr. reappointment Engineering Dept. Myla Kabat-Zinn, reappointment 58 Oak Street Capt. James Kilmartin, reappointment Lex. Police Dept. Ronald Marble, reappointment 9 Wilson Road William F. Mix, reappointment 153 Grove Street Roy Murphy, reappointment 56A Taft Avenue TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC TRUST 6 year term exp. 9/30/99 Thomas Taylor, reappointment 64 Marrett Road WASTE MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE 3 year term exp. 1996 Katherine G. Fricker, reappointment 93 Marrett Road Magdalena Himmel, reappointment 66 Hancock Street Mary W. Miley, reappointment 29 Robinson Road William M. Redpath, reappointment 29 Barberry Road COMMON VICTUALLER'S LICENSE The Board reviewed an application for a Common Victualler' s License by Nicholas Houvardas d/b/a Nick' s Place, 199 Mass. Avenue, and the Board of Appeals decision setting forth conditions to allow the use. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the ow. Common Victualler's License to Nicholas Houvardas d/b/a Nick's Place, 199 Mass. Avenue. The license will expire December 31 , 1993 . Minutes for the Meeting of September 27 , 1993 5 7 PROCLAMATION - UNITED NATIONS DAY Mr. Dailey read a proposed proclamation declaring October 24, 1993 as United Nations Day in Lexington. Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to sign the Proclamation declaring October 24, 1993 as United Nations Day. PEOPLE AGAINST HANSCOM FIELD EXPANSION PROTEST Mr. Fenn reported on the protest rally held on Sunday, Septem- ber 26, 1993 . He congratulated the organizers of the rally which was he thought was beautifically put together despite the weather. He added that Lexington could be very proud of its part in the planning and the event itself. Mr. Dailey and Mrs. Eddison agreed that Lexington was very well represented, and she noted that both Representative Doran and Senator Havern gave very good speeches. Mr. Fenn spoke of a proposal for a reorganization of HATS that would permit the four HATS Selectmen to form a HATS subcommittee with some authority to hire help/consultants. He reported that HATS Chairman, Selectman Robert DeNormandie, will present the proposal in Concord Town House on Monday, October 11 , 1993, at 7: 30 p.m. , and that the Board is invited to attend. STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS HEARINGS SCHEDULE Mr. Dailey reported that the first Strategic Planning and Implementation Group hearing will be held tomorrow at the Lexington Senior Center, 2: 30 p.m. - 4: 30 p.m. , and said that he hoped as NNW many Selectmen as possible would attend. Mr. Dailey distributed a schedule for future hearings and asked Board members to indicate which two hearings they could be called on to present opening remarks and which hearings which they could attend. Mr. Dailey reported on SPAIG discussions about forming a subcommittee to work on long range planning in the future. Board members agreed they wished to wait until the hearing process was completed before they discuss this further. CONSENT AGENDA COMMITMENTS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve commitment of the following charges. Commitment of Water Charges - Sept. 1993 $2,050. 33 ( final bills) Commitment of Sewer Charges - Sept. 1993 $3,941 .45 ( final bills) Commitment of Water Charges - Sept. 1993 $1 , 930. 95 (final bills) Commitment of Sewer Charges - Sept. 1993 $3 ,968. 32 ( final bills) Commitments in Lieu of Sewer Betterment $2 , 955.50 ABATEMENTS won Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve abatement of the following charges. Water, Sewer & Demand - 9/22/93 - Total $46, 599. 12 Minutes for the Meeting of September 27 , 1993 Piew ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSE Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application of the Armenian Sisters Academy, 20 Pelham Road, for a One Day Liquor License to hold a dance on October 16, 1993 from 8:00 p.m. to Midnight. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE DISPATCH PROCEDURES Mr. White directed the Board's attention to a Report Summation of EMS Dispatch Procedures prepared by Captain Robert Walton, and to written procedures for handling public safety emergency dispatch cases and a training outline for the command staff. He noted that this work completes all of Captain Walton' s unpaid work detail obligations. TOWN MANAGER APPOINTMENTS Mr. White asked the Board's approval of his plans to appoint Donna Ryan, a teacher and tutor, to the Youth Commission; and Eugene J. Isotti , who has served as a member of the CoA' s Linkage Committee and been active in Senior Center volunteer activities, to the Council on Aging. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the appointment of Donna Ryan, 125 Burlington Street, to the Youth Commission for a term of office expiring on April 30, 1996; and to approve the appointment of Eugene J. Isotti, 3 White Terrace, to the Council on Aging for a term of office expiring on June 1 , 1995 . lem DPWLOA/RECREATION REORGANIZATION Mr. White spoke of previous reorganizations, such as the reorganization of the Inspectional Service Department, and noted that when Joan Halverson resigned as Director of the Recreation Department, it presented the opportunity to review the functions of the Department and to look for ways to improve its operation. He discussed a report, dated September 13 , 1993, that had been prepared by Candy McLaughlin, Management Analyst, and Cindy Boe- cker, Town Manager Apprentice, which considered three options: one calling for full consolidation, which would transfer all facility responsibilities, including the enterprise fund, to DPW and the full consolidation of Recreation programming within some new, larger entity encompassing COA as well; one that would create a Parks and Recreation Department by removing the Parks Division out of DPW and joining it with the Recreation Department to form a new department; and one calling for a partial consolidation, where the Parks Division of DPW would take over full facilities responsibili- ty, including management of the golf course contract, while the Recreation Department would manage the enterprise fund and provide recreation programs for all ages. Mr. White reported that the report recommended a partial con- solidation of all three departments, combining functions in an effort to achieve the most effective and efficient means of service Mow to the public. He added that a meeting had been held last Thursday morning with all concerned parties to present the proposal, and that he believed they agreed it was an opportunity to be pursued. Minutes for the Meeting of September 27 , 1993 7 In response to questions from the Board Mr. White said proce- dures would be worked out by the staff and presented to both Boards on how funding would be handled. He said there would be no recom- mendation to shift any funding; that the responsibility for facili- ties maintenance planning and facilities development planning would come under the Parks Division and Engineering Division in the Department of Public Works, leaving facilities planning and the direction of recreation programs to the Recreation Committee and the Director of the Recreation Department. Mrs. Carolyn Wilson, a Recreation Committee member, commented that the Committee will be very pleased to having Brian Gilbert at all Recreation Committee meetings. Mr. Dailey thanked Mr. White for presenting the findings of the Parks/Recreation/COA Consolidation Study to the Board. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Mr. White discussed the Town previous concerns that funds received in FY93 and projected for FY94 might not be received from the State, as promised. He reported that the town will receive almost all of the expected funding committed to it by the State. He explained that in order to set a tax rate, the Chairmen of the Board of Selectmen, the Chairman of the School Committee, the Chairman of the Appropriation Committee and the School Superinten- dent must sign, on behalf of the Town, a Memorandum of Understand- ing that the Town intends to request an appropriation of $676,435 "in at its FY94 annual Town Meeting in order to comply with the Educa- tion Reform Act and the intent of the 1993 Annual Town Meeting. Chairman Dailey signed the Memorandum on behalf of the Board of Selectmen. ACTING TOWN MANAGER Mr. White reported that he is planning to be on vacation from Tuesday, Sept 28, 1993 until Tuesday, October 12 , 1993, and that, with the Board' s approval , he will appoint Assistant Town Manager Novak to serve as Acting Town Manager during his absence. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS The Board recessed its meeting to Cary Hall to hear a presen- tation by Mrs. Novak and Mr. White on the Town' s Health Insurance benefits program that was prepared for all Town employees by the Special Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee on Employee Benefits. Mr. White said that all Town employees have been invited to see this presen- tation of the Committee' s work tomorrow and Thursday. Mr. White reported that the Committee, consisting of approxi- mately 24 members and representing Town employees, Committees and Collective Bargaining organizations, has held about 20 meetings, since May. He added that its goal is to recommend a comprehensive benefit package that will continue to enable the Town to attract and to recruit competent employees, while at the same time control ,gym employee benefit costs, specifically, as they relate to health insurance. Following the presentation, the Board returned to the Select- men' s Meeting Room for the remainder of its meeting. a Minutes for the Meeting of September 27 , 1993 8 lowNs EXECUTIVE SESSION Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 by roll call vote: Mr. Dailey, Mr, McSweeney, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn, and Mrs. Eddison; 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 10: 58 p.m. A true record, Attest ,g( - , ailt<3 Sara I . Peters Executive Clerk mom mm