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