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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-01-BOS-min @ CAPerni SELECTMEN'S MEETING #Fa 1) January 4, 1988 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, January 4, 1988, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Eddison, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were present. PUBLIC HEARING, EDISON/N.E. TELEPHONE, CONCORD AVE. The Chairman opened a public hearing on the petition of the N. E. Telephone Company and Boston Edison Company for permission to install two utility poles in Concord Avenue. Representatives of the two companies were present to explain the need for the work to provide service to a new home at 571 Concord Avenue. There being no further statements in favor or in opposition, Mr. Eddison declared the hearing closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition, plans and orders of New England Telephone & Telegraph Company and Boston Edison Company for permission to place two poles in Concord Avenue: on the southerly side, approximately 577' ± north of the loft southerly sideline of Benjamin Road (one pole); on the northerly side, approximately 687' ± north of the southerly sideline of Benjamin Road (one pole) . MINUTES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting in Executive Session on December 7, 1987 and to approve minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting on December 14, 1987 . LOCAL OFFICIAL BOND, ASST. TREASURER Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve a Local Officials Bond for Susan Adler as Assistant Treasurer, in the amount of $45,000.00 APPOINTMENT, BIKEWAY COMMITTEE Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Brian Adley, 11 Roosevelt Road, to the Minuteman Bikeway Implementation Advisory Committee, representing the Recreation Committee, replacing Robert Eby. FRANKLIN SCHOOL Mr. White reported that he had been asked by Greater Boston Community Development Inc. for issuance of a Certificate of Completion for the Franklin School Housing Limited Partnership project. pimm Inspections of the facility will be made during the coming week. CONSENT AGENDA DAC RESIGNATION, ROOS Mr. Eddison referred to the resignation of Daniel Roos, recently appointed to the Design Advisory Committee. Imo Mr . Roos felt that his particular area of a`pertise, transportation engineering, was not one which would allow him to significantly contribute to the work of the committee. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was u o t ed to accept the resignation of Daniel Roos from the Design Advisory Committee, effective immediately. TRAFFIC ITEMS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to refer the following traffic-related requests to the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee f o r review and recommendations : Vic€ebror k Road parking -- Karsten Sorensen Request for removal of guard rail , 147 Cedar Street , Steuen Geldart . Request for traffic signal , Hartwell Auer€ue/Magu i re Road, Gary Eidson. Request for curbing/sidewalk installation, Lowell Street , Shelia Tassone. ONE DAi' LIQUOR LICENSE Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of W.R. Grace Company RAEDACC for One Day Liquor License on January 19, 1988, on the occasion of a farewell party for an employee. EXTENSION OF HOURS, HARTWELL HOUSE ..o Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to ratify the poll vote of December 29, 1987, approving the request of Laurence Tropeano for extension of hours at The Hartwell House to 1 :00 a.m. on December 31 , 1987. COMMITMENT OF WATER CHARGES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Commitment o t Water Charges f o r December 1987, in the amount of t25.00. EQUITY SHARING STUDY Mr . Marshall reported that a contract with Abt Associates on the feasibility of the equity sharing concept had been finalized and signed. EXEC LIT I UE SESSION Upon motion du i.u made and seconded, it was ',cited 4 - 0 bi.J roil call vote: Mr . E ddi son, Mr. Marshall , Hr . Dailey, Mr , Mc Sweene=` , to go into E ec€Jtive Session for discussion of Land A'_quisi tiorI , matters L f litigation en- Labor Negotiations , uith nc intent to resume open se si or€ * amid Selectmen's Meeting -3- January 4, 1988 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. A true record, Attest: /014 0ar *. Executive Clerk Pffin }a 1 kJ i Pim •ti 4• SELECTMEN'S MEETING January 11, 1988 -- A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, January 11, 1988, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Eddison, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Dailey, Mrs. Smith, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were present. BEDFORD STREET ROAD PROJECT Mr. White referred to a December 15th meeting with DPW Commissioner Tierney on the Bedford Street Road Improvement project and the Commissioner's proposal that the work be divided into two phases in order that the improvements to the Hartwell avenue area not be held up by the unresolved design for the easterly end of the project. A written report on the phasing proposal, prepared by Mr. Cook of the BSC Group, was reviewed. Mr. Cook pointed out positive and negative aspects of the split-project plan adding that in addition to the major issues listed, other factors may come to light if the plan were to be implemented. Mr. White recommended response to the State DPW as soon as possible and saw the plan with too many negatives to be acceptable. He felt that the DPW should be informed that Lexington would want the whole package, including access and lights at Eldred Street, or nothing. Mr. Eddison agreed with the need for quick response but felt it desirable that the plan be reviewed by the North Lexington Road Improvement Study Committee before final decision is made. He also noted his tentative appointment with James Walsh, Division Administrator, Federal Highway Administration for this area, for discussion of the matter and felt that input from these two sources would be helpful before preparing an answer to the State. AUTOMATIC AMUSEMENT DEVICE RULES/REQS. Mr. White asked for comments and suggestions on his draft Rules and Regulations for the Licensing of Automatic Amusement Devices, prepared at the request of the Board. He noted that the rules would provide the Board with considerable flexibility when considering approval of applications. The regulations had been adapted from those adopted by Winchester. All members were in agreement with Mr. Dailey's suggestion that the legality of limiting video machines to use by non-profit organizations should be explored. Mr. Cohen will report to the Board on the matter. PROSPECT HILL ROAD, VOTE OF INTENT Mr. White referred to a plan showing a permanent easement and temporary construction easements required for the Prospect Hill Road sidewalk project and asked the Board to vote its intent to take these easements. He noted that no betterments had been assessed and that no damages are warranted. Areas of construction were pointed out by Mr. Fields, Town Engineer. ... - _.6 -2- gum Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted its intention to take permanent and temporary construction easements for construction of sidewalk on Prospect Hill Road, as shown on a plan entitled, "Plan of Sidewalk Easement in Wachusett Drive, Lexington, Mass. " , dated November 16, 1987. MINUTES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve as amended the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting on December 21, 1988. CONSENT AGENDA COMMITMENT OF SEWER, WATER, STREET OPENING CHARGES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following charges and fees: Street Opening Permit Fees, $ 125.00 Water Charges, Final Bills, December $ 1,173.70 Sewer Charges, Final Bills, December $ 1,224.80 Townwide Water Charges $830,466.12 Townwide Sewer Charges $742,126.96 Hanscom Field Sewer Charges $ 1,500.00 AWARD, EXHAUST FAN CONTRACT Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted its intent to ..10 award Contract *88-12 in the amount of $23,087.00 to Leonard Engineering Corporation, 24 Porter Street, Jamaica Plain for installation of an exhaust fan at 201 Bedford Street, subject to approval by Town Counsel as to the Bid Form. BILLS TO BE SIGNED Mr. Eddison reported on Senator Kraus' invitation to the Board to be present when the Educational Reform Bill and the Vocational Education Bill to be signed by the Governor on January 13th at the Woburn High School at 3:00 p.m. WALTHAM DEVELOPMENT The Chairman referred to a telephone call from Susan Fargo, Lincoln Selectman, expressing concerns about major additional commercial construction in Waltham, and its impact on Lincoln. Mr. Bowyer, Planning Director, is reviewing written material provided by Ms. Fargo on the Winter Street development proposed by Boston Properties and will advise the Board as to its projected level of impact on Lexington. EXECUTIVE SESSION Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 - 0 by roll call vote: Mr. Eddison, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Dailey, Mrs, Smith, Mr. McSweeney, to go into Executive Session for discussion of matters of litigation and collective bargaining, with no intent to resume open wool session. [9 Selectmen's Meeting -3-- January 11 , 1988 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:03 P.M. A true record, Attest: f',' ,Maxio . Snow ;Expcu ve Clerk N... /19S r SELECTMEN'S MEETING January13 1988 A special meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday, January 13, 1988, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:38 p.m. Chairman Eddison, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Dailey, Mrs. Smith, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel, were present. Also in attendance were members of the School Committee; Appropriation Committee; Capital Expenditures Committee and other Town officials. Mr. White distributed a report showing FY89 projections for revenue and costs which he reviewed with those present. He noted that the School Committee's initial FY89 budget request is up by 9.58% over FY88. The report did not reflect his recommendations on any of the -preliminary budget requests. Dr. Zimmerman said that after fine tuning, $55,000 had been reduced from the $24,285,051 requested by the School Committee. She noted the need for increase in elementary school staff but that high school staff will be reduced. Maintenance staff at the middle schools will be increased. Program cuts are now being discussed. Mr. White gave a figure of $5.2 million for free cash, $500,000 of which would be used for the school deficit, bringing it down to $4.7 million. He saw the need to look at what historically has been done with free cash. Mr. Newman suggested using more free cash this year to bridge the deficit and going for an override in FY90, when it would be allowed. General discussion of free cash followed. Mr. Marshall felt that there should be no more than a 6% increase for FY89 and that cuts necessary to do so should be explored. Mrs. Wik asked for definition of the level of commitment the Selectmen have for education. Mr. Marshall said that, being realistic, the School Committee cannot give 8% raises to teachers and expect to be bailed out by getting a 9 1/2% increase. Mr. Hamburger felt that all budget requests should be scrutinized before decision on cuts can be made. Dr. Zimmerman explained that the reason that 20% of the School budget has risen so high is because of increases for special needs and transportation. Mr. Newman again suggested consideration of an override. Mr. O'Sullivan noted that townspeople are interested in many programs and that overrides are not assured if budgets continue to be increased by 9 1/2%. Mrs. Leader saw a need to examine the budgeting process and to make choices. Mr. Marshall said that if a total budget amount cannot be agreed upon, the Selectmen would not let the School Committee frame an issue in terms of particular programs being cut. Discussion will be continued at a later date. The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Z.<-7 N rman P. Cohen Town Counsel R I f ' r Z7 e.r ��A� q SELECTMEN'S MEETING 4 January 25, 1988 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, January 25, 1988, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Eddison, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Dailey, Mrs. Smith, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were present. PUBLIC HEARING, PHILIP ROAD A public hearing on the petition for acceptance as a public way was held for the purpose of discussing the Selectmen's intent to lay out Philip Road, as voted on Dec. 17, 1987. Mr. White explained that a vote to lay out Philip Road would be necessary in order for the proposal to be brought to the Town Meeting for decision on the expenditure of $80,000. This vote is scheduled for February 1st. Frank Fields, Town Engineer, explained construction needs necessary to bring the road up to Town standards which would involve repairs to a portion and removal of pavement and reconstruction of a portion which has failed. He referred to the Selectmen's vote on October 19, 1987, to allow a betterment rate of $26.40 per frontage foot. At that time, it had been decided that the rate would be lower than would be charged under the usual formula since Philip Road is an old subdivision street, never formally accepted by the Town. Mr. White cautioned that this lower betterment rate may create a precedent with respect to other old subdivision streets never accepted. There was explanation and discussion of the bonding procedure. Mr. Marshall questioned why the bond provided by the developer had not assured satisfactory completion of the road. He felt that final release of the bond had implied that in the judgment of the Town, the road was up to standard and could be accepted. Mr. Shangold said that he and other residents had always assumed that Philip Road was an accepted street, referring to planting by the Town and provision of Town services, such as plowing. Mrs. Buchfirer, 237 Worthen Rd. East, recapped other efforts to have Philip Road accepted, noting that in 1985, when the Selectmen voted to lay the street out, no betterment assessments had been mentioned. Mr. Marshall explained that at that time in the process, the betterment issue would not have been brought up. In response to Mr. Mahlowitz' question as to why the street had not been accepted after completion in 1971, Mr. Fields said that deficiencies in construction had caused pavement deterioration at that time. Vicky Schwartz, 2 Aerial Street, felt that residents were being penalized by the charging of betterments at this time when Philip Road could have been accepted in 1985 with no charges to residents. Mr. Marshall said he would be willing to make an exception regarding assessment of lower betterments for Philip Road since nce he saw the case as unique because of its use by school buses. He felt that the Town bears some responsibility for the deterioration. _2- VIM Mr. Eddison agreed that Philip Road appears to be a different case and referred to a similar situation in East Lexington where the Town and the residents split the betterment. He felt that this process would be fair in this case and would not set a precedent. Mr. Bainbridge, 37 Philip Road, asked if the road had been built to Town standards. Mr. Fields said that the developer apparently had not followed Town specifications. Mrs. Frank, 38 Philip Road, asked why, if the Town knew the road was sub-standard in 1971, the bond was released. Mrs. Kaye asked in that case, if residents can control the use of the street. Mr. Cohen noted that decision on the betterment issue need not be made that night. Mr. Marshall and Mr. McSweeney were in favor of betterments on a 50/50 basis. Mrs. Smith said she would hold her decision on that matter until more information on other unaccepted streets had been provided for a better sense of what would be involved in such a departure from policy. Mr. White advised that a lower betterment rate could be set for Philip Road based on its special use as a school bus route, but cautioned against rate setting based on the Town's responsibility with respect to the bonding process and overseeing of construction. The Chairman noted that a vote to lay out Philip Road would be taken on February 1st and the hearing was declared closed. SMOKING REGULATION Members of the Board of Health Stan Finkelstein, Donald Goldman and Chairman Linda Roemer and Health Director George Smith were present for discussion of that Board's proposed Restriction of Smoking in Public Places/Workplace. Dr. Goldman expressed the Board's concerns about environmental tobacco smoke or second-hand smoke, which he referred to as involuntary or passive smoking. He spoke of the risks of ETS to children and effects from smoking in households with respect to respiratory diseases of increased severity and lung cancer in adults. He stated that there is compelling evidence that environmental smoke is hazardous. Dr. Finkelstein noted that following the 1963 Surgeon General's Report there had been a trend to inhibit smoking and referred to regulations enacted in other States and communities regarding regulation of smoking. He noted Lexington's 1983 restaurant smoking policy and that in Newton and Cambridge smoking is restricted in workplaces. Several points of clarification of terms in the text of the proposed warrant article were raised. Mr. Cohen suggested that the warrant article could reference a full report to be filed with the Town Clerk before Town Meeting, which would allow time to work on the items in question. moL Mrs. Smith said that based on her observations, smoking regulations are working in Cambridge and Boston with designated areas } for smokers. V Selectmen's Meeting -3- January 25, 1988 Mr. White saw no problem in implementing the regulation and the provision of a smoking area in the Town Hall. Board members agreed with the procedure of reserving warrant space and supplying the clarified text at a later date. Mr. Eddison thanked Board of Health members and Mr. Smith for their attendance and the information provided. .WARRANT PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Warrant to the Presidential Primary Election to be held on Tuesday, March 8, 1988. PROCLAMATION, AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to proclaim the month of February, 1988, as American History Month, as requested by the Daughters of the American Revolution. WALTHAM COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS Mr. Eddison noted a memo from John Caswell, Lincoln Selectmen, regarding Lincoln's concerns about the impact of Boston Properties' proposed office park and all commercial development occurring in the Rte 128/Winter Street area, and requesting Lexington's endorsement of a letter to Middlesex County Commissioners expressing those concerns. Mr. Eddison urged that the Board support Lincoln's efforts because of the threat to the Cambridge Reservoir and Hobbs Brook and the impact of traffic on surrounding towns. Mr. Eddison also pointed out the possibility, if the Cambridge water supply becomes undrinkable, that MWRA may be forced to provide water to that city. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Chairman to sign the letter to the Middlesex County Commissioners, as noted above. CONSENT AGENDA COMMITMENT OF WATER CHARGES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve commitment of Cycle 9 Water Charges, in the total amount of $58,414.38. NOTES, BEDFORD ST./MARRETT ROAD Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the low bid for renewal of traffic improvement notes for Marrett Road and Bedford Street construction in anticipation of a State DPW Reimbursement Agreement, from Shawmut Bank N.A. at an interest rate of 4.98%. omit ARTICLE 5 TRANSFERS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve transfers from Article 5 of 1987, to Personal Services Accounts, as follows: f ACCOUNT # DEPARTMENT TO BE TRANSFERRED maw 01--003--101--5103 SELECTMEN'S OFFICE 2,484 01--004-101-5103 TOWN MANAGER 0 01--005-104-5120 TEMP HELP & OVERTIME 0 01--005--105-5113 CLERICAL POOL 2,898 01-005-131-5107 DIRECTOR OF GUIDES 0 01-017-101-5104 REGISTRARS 0 01-023-101 FINANCIAL OPERATIONS 16,718 COMPTROLLER 3,497 REVENUE OFFICE 3,352 ASSESSORS 9,869 01-039-101-5103 TOWN CLERK 6,212 01--061-101-5103 BOARD OF APPEALS 956 01-063-101--5103 PLANNING 4 ,764 01-101--099--5103 POLICE COLL. BARG. 0 01-101-101--5103 POLICE ADMIN & STAFF 30,279 01-103-099-5103 FIRE COLL. BARG. 0 01-103-101-5103 FIRE ADMIN & STAFF 6,674 01-113-101-5103 INSPECTION 1 , 95 01-131-101-5103 LOCAL DISASTER 0 01-133-101-5103 ANIMAL CONTROL 0 01-304-101 PUBLIC WORKS 23, 151 ' smog I DPW COLL. BARG. 0 JDPW SUP. & OFFICE STAFF 9,930 TOB MAINTENANCE 4,753 1 ENGINEERING 8,469 01-487-101-5103 CONSERVATION 3,079 01-501-101-5103 HEALTH 2,247 01-531-101-5104 COUNCIL ON AGING 1 ,641 01-551-101-5103 VETERANS-HUMAN SERVICES 753 01-601-101-5103 LIBRARY 3E1,744 01-621-101-5103 RECREATION 2, 133 144,527 CONTRACT AWARDS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted #88-10, Traffic Installation to award Contract f is Signal Installation East Lexington Branch Library, in the amount of $28,847.00 to Tri-State Signal, Inc, , 26 Thayer Road, Waltham. y Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award Contract *88-11, Furnishing & installing Carpet in the Town Office Building, in the amount of $13 068.23 to B&D � � Carpet, 288 Burlington Street, Burlington. Selectmen's Meeting ' -5- January 25, 1988 MWRA ISSUES Mrs. Smith referred to her memo to the Board and Manager, in which she raised two issues which had been discussed at a January 21st MWRA Advisory Board meeting, and which would impact Lexington, over time. Mrs. Smith reported that the MWRA Board of Directors is now considering inclusion of full service towns such as Lexington in the Policy for Continuation of Water Supply, rather than covering only contract communities, as originally proposed. She was opposed to this action, noting that the full service communities had had no opportunity for input on the formation of the policy. The second issue involved MWRA billing procedures which may be changed from semi-annually to quarterly billing to help meet MWRA cash flow problems. Mrs. Smith pointed out the resultant loss to the Town of interest , under this system, and recommended consideration of quarterly water/sewer billing of Lexington residents. Mrs. Smith had prepared a draft letter to be sent to Paul Levy, MWRA Executive Director, asking that the MWRA Board of Directors not vote to include in the Policy full service communities which had not participated in its formularion. The letter also requested that the Authority follow a strict policy of never voting to impose policies or rules and regulations affecting specific communities without first including them in the debate during the formation of such initiatives. The Board agreed to authorize Mr. Eddison to send the letter , as prepared, on the Board's behalf . p.` FY89 BUDGET OVERVIEW Mr . White reviewed his message on the Proposed Budget for FY89 with the Board. Among items highlighted were an amount of $54,132,497. for total operation and maintenance of Town government including schools and a 5-year capital improvements program. Total receipts of 317`573,795 and an estimated tax levy of $36,558.702, were noted. An estimated residential tax of $10.23 (a 3.9% increase) and commercial rate of $17.83 were anticipated to support the budget . The Manager noted that budgets have been reduced in order to accommodate current financial limitations, but will remain consistent with the Board's goal for maintenance of essential services with a stable tax rate. In addition to budget reductions, additional revenues will have to be used to attain a balanced budget and stay within the limits of Proposition 2 1/2. Without the use of additional revenues, Mr . White added, service reductions would be necessary. He referred to the unresolved issue of the school budget, which exceeds the 6% by 3.58% There was brief discussion of water and sewer enterprise funds which will be discussed further at a subsequent meeting. The Manager's proposed budget recommended a cautious allocation of "Free Cash" which he said is at a higher than usual level . Major spending variables which constitute the largest portion of the FY89 increase were listed as Town Payroll; Enterprise Accounting - MWRA; Health Insurance; Refuse Collection; Debt Service; and Capital Improvements and Operational Articles. rim �� /�� -�_ / Also reviewed were a proposed Reserve Fund of $250,000; Assessors Overlay and Judgments and Overlay Reserve, to be raised to $500x000; State Revenues, expected to increase in FY89 to $8.50 per person for a mos total of $7,237,973. Mr. White presented a brief summary of FY89 requests submitted and his recommendations on the requests as shown in a Budget Overview. His recommendation for total appropriations for Town and Education requests, plus Water and Sewer Enterprise; State/County Assessments & Offsets; Assessors Overlay & Judgments resulted in an amount of $54,132,497 as the gross amount to be raised by taxes. This figure, less Estimated Receipts-Cherry Sheet ; Local ; and Use of Available Funds showed a net amount of $36,558,702 to be raised by taxes. Mr . White said that after Town Meet/ng, he would like an opportunity to discuss the concept of consolidation of related departments such as the financial offices. He is also interested in a central purchasing operation. The Manager also briefly reviewed with the Board several financial sheets which will be explored in depth during the forthcoming budget review sessions . MINUTES Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to appro'/e minutes as presented of meetings of Jan. 4, Jan. 11 , and Jan, 13, 1988. EXECUTIVE SESSION Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 6 - O by roll call vote: Mr . Eddison, Mr . Marshall , Mr. Dailey, Mrs, Smith, Mr. McSweeney and Mr. White, to go into Executive Session for discussion of matters of litigation, with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 11 :30 p.m. A true record, Attest , C/1 � / (1/7// ' c^u'c/u M��inn H. Snow Executive Clerk . . mm. � r �\ � ` � ^ ` SELECTMEN'S MEETING P"'"' January 27, 1988 �~ A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday, January 27, 1988, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Eddison, Mr . Marshall , Mr . Dailey , Mrs. Smith, Mr . McSweeney; Mr . White, Town Manager ; Mrs, Snow, Executive Clerk , were present. MWRA ISSUES Mr . Eddison referred to a draft letter by Mrs. Smith from the Board to the MWRA stating opposition to procedures followed in the formulation of a new policy discussed at the January 25th meeting. He noted that although the members had been in favor of sending the letter as presented, there had been no formal vote on the matter . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize Mr . Eddison to sign the letter on behalf of the Board. BUDGET REVIEWS POLICE DEPARTMENT Mr . White referred to the presentation of the proposed budget of the Police Dept. by Chief Furdon, schdduled for that evening. He noted the Expense Budget increase was under 4% as prescribed by guidelines, which showed a responsible outlook. He noted that fine performance of the Department as reflected in nem the number of citations and a low crime rate. Chief Furdon was introduced and thanked the Board for the opportunity to present an overview of Police operations and his proposed FY'89 Budget. He outlined figures on types of crimes committed in 1987 and distributed a chart showing a decline of 46% in burglaries in 1987 and auto theft down 27%. Larceny increased in 1987 over 1986 by 101 cases. He informed the Board that of 33 Mass. cities, with 20,800'30,000 population, Lexington has 4th lowest rate of violent crimes. Drug abuse may be down or levelling but alcohol abuse is up, which the Chief felt had contributed to a rise in vandalism. Chief Furdon described coverage of the Town by cruiser , park-lock and walk , and directed patrol . The Department's Expense Budget request showed a 3% overall increase. Of this 3%, the major increases were shown as Public Safety Equipment and Telephone/Teletype costs' The Chief outlined amounts of fees collected for various kinds of violations in 1987 ($144,155) noting that this revenue amounts to more than the total Police Budget . Goals for FY'89 were listed as: ongoing maintenance of integrity; maximum protection of persons and property; ensuring of statutory rights; continued public confidence in the performance of the Police Force. Chief Furdon responded to questions by Board members by justifying increases and explaining decreases in several accounts. He reported that there are 4 of minority race and l woman now on the Force in mos compliance with legal requirements. He was complimented for his successful dealings with traffic problems in Town and was asked to continue with his program of increased visibility. _2_ Mr. Eddison expressed the Board's appreciation for an excellent presentation and a well run department. He thanked the Chief for providing the Board with copies of complimentary letters to the Police from grateful citizens. FIRE DEPARTMENT Mr. White noted that he had recommended $166,940, for Expenses rather than $171,900 as requested by the Fire Department. The amount recommended by the Town Manager represented a 7.21% increase due largely to the costs of a new ambulance billing system at $10,000. Without this item, the increase would be less than 1%. He felt that the Department was a well run, professional organization. Chief Bergeron outlined organization and staffing of the Fire Department. An experiment of 13 men per each of four shifts rather than the traditional 15, is being carried out pending results of an overtime and manning study. Goals for FY'88 were reviewed. The Chief reported that these goals were largely fulfilled or were in process of being implemented. FY'89 Goals were listed as additional clerical support; refurbishing of Engine 2; compliance with Superfund requirements regarding planning for hazardous materials incidents; and a study of departmental training needs. A payroll of $1,979,760, including an estimated increase for contract settlement, and Expense Budget items were discussed. Chief Bergeron recommended increases in fees for ambulance service mos which would realize an increase of $6,500/year. A chart showing increases in total calls every year since 1983, was discussed. Serious fires, however, have declined owing to installation of smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and decreased smoking. Mr. Eddison asked if this trend might warrant consideration of reducing manning. The Chief felt that such action would represent risks to public safety and felt that the point of reduced forces was not in the foreseeable future. Mr. White also saw the need to maintain a force ready for response, but said the concept would be explored in the future. Chief Bergeron said that great effort is being made toward increased physical fitness by means of exercise sessions and equipment. Mr. McSweeney said that he, as a Selectman, was well pleased with two such fine departments: Police and Fire. Mr. Marshall asked that the steady increase in ambulance calls be looked into. Mr. White noted the low level of collection of ambulance fees, which now should be corrected because of use of the new billing system. Questions on amounts of requests for various expense budget items were responded to by Chief Bergeron. Mr. Dailey asked how the problem of turnover of firemen, who leave the Lexington Fire Department after receiving expensive training, could be addressed. - The Chief said that effort is made to hire those who now live in Lexington or within 15 miles, but that some leave because of non- . availability of housing here or better offers in other towns and cities (P Selectmen's Meeting -3- January 27, 1988 He will make an effort to find ways to solve the problems. Regarding women and minority firefighters, the Chief reported that of 2 female firefighters, I had recently left. There are no blacks or Hispanics at the present time. In response to Mr. Marshall, Chief Bergeron and Chief Furdon said they will provide estimates of the amount of compensation received by Fire and Police Collective Bargaining employees, including overtime. Chief Bergeron was thanked for the information on the functioning of his Department and congratulated on strong leadership of a good organization. OTHER FY'89 EXPENSE BUDGET REQUESTS Mr. White reviewed with the Board Expense Budget requests and his recommendations on the following accounts; as shown on a sheet entitled "Summary FY89 Expense Budgets" : Selectmen's Office Selectmen - Elections Misc. Committees & Boards Town Clerk's Office Town Clerk- Elections Board of Appeals Planning Board Town Report Committee Town Manager's Office Town Manager's Jurisdiction Out-of State Travel In-State Travel Professional Services. Fire & Police Medical Office Furniture & Fixtures Tuition & Training Fees Safety Program Municipal Property & Workmen's Compensation Group Insurance Regarding Health Insurance, Mr. Marshall felt it would be worthwhile to undertake a serious study to try to reduce costs in some manner. BREAKFAST MEETING Mr. Eddison reminded the members of the Selectmen/Committee Chairmen Breakfast Meeting scheduled for January 29th. He gave compliments to the Town Manager for his excellent work in preparation and presentation of the budget and for his ability to respond knowledgeably to questions asked by Board members. EXECUTIVE SESSION Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 - 0 by roll call vote: Mr. Eddison, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Dailey, Mrs. Smith, Mr. McSweeney, to go into Executive Session for discussion of matters of litigation, with no intent to resume open session. _4- Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:52 p.m. 11A A A true record, Attest: `� i/t/a/WOri)4117///tyz,cr Marion H. Snow Executive Clerk