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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-03-BOS-min Z1 i PIM SELE IMEN'S ritx,rrING March 7, 1988 VI jt) A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, March 7, 1988, in the Se lectmen's Meeting Roam, Town office Building, at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Eddison, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Dailey, Mrs. Smith, Mr. k y; Mr. White■ Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were present. PROCLAMATION, DEMCLAY WEEK Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to proclaim the week of March 13-20, 1988, as International DeMolay Week■ in recognition of the 69th anniversary of the Order of DeMolay. LONG Tta<M DISABILITY INSURANCE Deborah Myers of the Personnel Advisory Board, and Susan Adler, Asst, to the Town Manager, were present for discussion of a long term disability insurance program for Town employees. The proposal is to be presented to Town Meeting under Article 48. The program would be canpletely funded by employees with the Town responsible for payroll deduction, if desired. Participation in the program would be voluntary. LTD would provide employees with a long term alternative to sick leave in the event of a non-work related disability. P'M" Mt. Myers explained features of the program, as regulated by Chapter 32B of the General Laws. The Personnel Advisory Board feels that LTD coverage would significantly enhance the benefits package now being offered to Town employees, The P.A.B. is continuing to explore aspects of the program such as the implications of a 6-month non-covered period for subscribers and its ' impact upon those who have not accrued much sick leave time. Ms. Myers noted that the petition for the required special legislation is a preliminary step to discussion with affected employees and prospective companies to design a program that will meet employee needs and will protect the Town's interest. Mr. Marshall encouraged the efforts of the P.A.B. and saw the program as a benefit needed by most employees. Mr. White reported that the School Committee has agreed to consider the program and will discuss it with the P.A.B. He recommended that the Selectmen support Article 48 at Town Meeting. Mr. Eddison thanked Ms. Myers and Ms. Adler for the information provided. He sensed general agreement among Board members that the P.A.B. could be assured of the Selectmen's support of Article 48 when positions are taken on Warrant Articles. TREE CITY USA AVARD Mr. Eddison announced that Lexington had been named as a 1987 Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. He congratulated Dick Spiers, Tam of Public Works, on keeping the Tawell cared for and Nom attractive in the tree and shrubbery areas and asked that the appreciation of the Board also be conveyed to Paul Mazerall, Tree Warden, who as absent due to illness. 4/1 -2- NUNROE SCHOOL REROOFING CCNTRACT __ Upon notion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award Contract #88-1, Reroofing at Munroe School, to Professional Roofing, 68A, Webb Street, Salem, in the amount of $31.899, as recommended by the Town Engineer. The contract was awarded subject to approval by Town Counsel as to bid form. SUBDIVISION TAX TITLE LOTS Ms. Adler's memo of March 4, 1988, referencing the request of Mr. & Mrs. McDonald, 454 Lowell Street, to purchase a portion of a tax title lot which abuts their property. The McDonalds wish to extend a driveway through to Laconia Street to facilitate entrance and exit by Mrs. McDonald, who is a paraplegic and drives her car with hand controls. Mr. Marshall excused himself from the discussion because of a relationship of Mrs. Marshall with owners of one of the lots involved. Mr. White noted procedures followed before the imposition of a moratorium on sale of tax title lots whereby all abuttors were given the opportunity to bid on a lot being sought. This procedure was followed and one other Lowell Street abuttor had expressed interest in acquiring a portion of the lot. It was felt that since the town owned lot would be divided by purchase by the Venutis and the MacDonalds, the other three abuttors should be again contacted and offered the corresponding portions of the lots for $1.00 per square foot, with the restriction that the land remain unbui ldable. ammo Upon notion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the submission of a subdivision plan of the land to the Planning Board and that the Selectmen authorize the sale of the lots to interested abuttors at $1.00 per square foot, with "no-build" and such other restrictions as Town Counsel may suggest. MINUTES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve, as corrected, the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting on February 3, 1988. RESIGNATION, TCrolN CELEBRATIONS C Ea-1 z Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept with regret the resignation of Karen M. Gaughan as a member of the Town Celebrations Committee. SELECTMEN'S GIFT ACCCUNT Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept for deposit in the Selectmen's Gift Account the balance of funds collected for the Bob Hutchinson Appreciation Party in the amount of $875.38, to be used at a later date for the purchase a bench or sane other enhancement for Lexington Center in Mr. Hutchinson's name. LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS, AMICI{, KRAUS Mr. Eddison asked for a consensus of the positions of the Board on three Hanscom Field related Senate bills, filed by Senator Amick. and on Iwo Special Education Placements and Assessment of Property Tax bills filed by Senator Kraus. pow Selectmen's Meeting -3- Mts. Smith absented herself frau the meeting during discussion of Senator Amick's bills, due to Mrs. Smith's involvement with Massport. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to inform Senator Amick of the Lexington Selectmen's support of Senate bills listed as fol laws: Senate No. 1225 - Payments by Massport in Lieu of Taxes to the Towns of Bedford, Lexington, Concord and Lincoln Senate No. 1226 -- Distribution of the Jet Fuel Tax collected at Lawrence G. Hanscom Field. Senate No. 1392 - Developments non-related to operation of aircraft at Lawrence G. Hansom Field. It was noted that Selectman Smith had been erroneously listed as a sponsor of Senate Bill No. 1392. Senator Amick will be notified that Mts. Smith's name should be removed from the list. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to inform Senator Kraus of the Selectmen's support of legislation filed by him concerning State Assistance for the Cost of Certain Special Education Placements and of legislation relative to certain votes by Local Appropriation Authorities on the Assessment of Property Taxes. Mrs. Smith alerted the Board that House Bill 2741, dealing with funding of the MBA, Advisory Board, will be heard on March 10th. Discussion of the Board's position on the Bill will be placed on the March 14th agenda. CONSENT AGENDA COMMITMENT OF SEWER & WATER B TLT S Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the commitment of final Sewer Bills for the month of February in the amount of $338.80; Final Water Bills for the month of February in the amount of $315.24; and Cycle 9 Water Bills for the month of March in the amount of $50,766.99. ABATEMENT OF SEWER CBARGES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve abatement of Sewer Charges in the total amount of $297.27, for properties not connected to Town sewer. PROCLAMATION, RED SSS MUTH Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to proclaim the month of March, 1988, as Red Cross Month, in adknowledgement of the 125th anniversary of its founding. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:30 P•m• r1 A true record, Attest: (2A(, pow Marion H. Snow Executive Clerk to g'\,\ mem SELECINEN'S bar.r.a.uAG March 14, 19:,: j>1C A regular meeting of the Board or Selectmen was held on Monday, March 14, 1988, in the Selectmen's Meeting. Roan TCMn Office Building, at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Eddison, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Dailey, Mrs. Smith, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Tan Counsel; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were present. PAINTING OF BUCKMAN TAVERN The Board again considered the proposal of the Lexington Historical Society regarding repainting of the Buckman Tavern, with a change of color fran white to pale mustard, as discussed on February 29th. Mr. Eddison noted the proponents' presentation to the Design Advisory Carrnittee on March 3rd, and the DAC'S unanimous consensus in favor of the new color. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Lexington Historical Society to petition the Historic Districts Commission for removal of existing shutters and repainting of the Buckman Tavern In a color believed to approximate the color of the Tavern in 1775. Mr. Eddison referred to the research of Larry Whipple, L.H.S. Historian, which had revealed no evidence of an agreement to keep all houses around the Battle Green painted white. pm= The Town Manager will assist the Historical Society in making application to the Historic Districs Commission. CHERRY Shzta Mr. White reviewed Cherry Sheet data and FY'88-'89 State Analysis Sheet, with the Board, noting the complexity of the Cherry Sheet regarding the reduction of County Charges because of the forthcoming State takeover of jails, which has been categorized as additional assistance. Due to a decrease in Total Assessments, even though there was also a decrease shown in Total Receipts, Net State Aid for FY89 was sham to be increased by $4,888. over FY88. LEAD CONTENT NacirICATION Mr. White referred to a message to be mailed to all homeowners in the Town alerting them to methods for ascertaining whether there is lead content in their tap water and how to identify lead services which may be in same homes. He noted that there are no lead pipes within the Tcwn water system. This notification is to be sent before June 19, 1988, as required by DEQE Regulations. There was discussion on the section of the notice listing certain conditions which may heighten lead levels in drinking water. It was agreed that the wording of the section might cause homeowners to be unduly alarmed and should provide information as to where testing of soma water can be done. The draft will be revised to include that information. LCQE DATA Mr. White referred to recently received LCQE Data concerning "Lexington School System Finances, March 1988". -2- He noted that the data as presented was somewhat biased in that it compared 1978 expenditures to 1988 appropriations. The report excluded ""m' Regional Vocational Education as a factor for the School and certain town expenses such as assessors overlay and county charges. He had made corrections in those areas as shaven on two sheets distributed to the Board which, he said, showed a slightly different picture. APPOINTMENT, TOWN CELEBRATIONS COMMI'ri'Lt Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Charles T. Hyde, 97 Maple Street, as a regular of the Town Celebrations Carmittee■ to fill the unexpired term of Karen M. Gaughan to June 30, 1988. MRA ADVISORY BOARD PROPOSAL Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Town Manager to send letters of support of the MIA Advisory Board's "Special Report to the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority" and letters in support of House Bill 2741 concerning funding of the MWRA Advisory Board, to our Legislators, Senator Kraus and Representative Doran. WARRANT ARTICLE REVIEW The Board reviewed Selectmen's assignments and positions on Warrant Articles in preparation of the TMMA Information Meeting on March 16. In addition to positions of support agreed upon, the following mot views were stated: Article 13 - Unemployment Compensation Fund - to be discussed further Article 14 - Conservation Fund - additional moneys may be needed for proposed purchase of the Railroad spur Article 17 - Adams Street drainage improvement - to be indefinitely postponed Article 18 - Marrett Road sidewalk - will be attempted in-house Article 19 - Sewer Mains - to be indefinitely postponed Article 22 - Street Acceptances - Philip Road betterment to be established Article 35 - Traffic signal, Waltham Street - will not be supported Article 36 - Pine Meadows - Mr. Dailey will present the consensus of the Board that the price will make purchase prohibitive Article 45 - Residential Improvement Exemption -- will not support Article 49 - Historic Districts -- more information needed before a position is taken Article 53 - General by-Law, Dogs, - thought not to be enforceable beyond Leash Law Article 56 - Study, Munroe School -- position not taken COMMENDATION -- TOWN CLERK, ELECTION W)RKERS Board hers agreed that a letter of commendation for outstanding work on March 7 and 8 Election Days be sent to the Town Clerk, her Rio staff, Registrars of Voters and all Election Workers. Mr. Cohen pointed out the need to recruit more Election Workers. min Selectmen's Meeting -3- March 14, 1988 CONSENT AGENDA ELAS BEANO Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of the Lexington Lodge of Elks, 959 Waltham Street, for permission to hold weekly Beano Games on Thursday evenings, rather than on Tuesdays as stated on the Elks Beano License. SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to execute Contract #88-4, Sidewalk Construction, in the amount of $88,692.30, awarded by the Board of Selectmen on February 29, 1988. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:52 p.m. 6bk A true record, Attest: T (;/:///Z;cW6--"' a)/( -C Marion H. Snow Fecutive Clerk 9dL ' 4 IP S 'S Mhz:LING f)i' 1\f ' t March 21, 1988 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, March 31, 1988, in the Selectmen's Meeting Roam, Town Office Building, at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Eddison, Mr. Dailey, Mrs. Smith, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were present. NUCLEAR TEST BAN Mr. Eddison, on behalf of the Board, signed letters to Congressman Markey, Senator Kennedy, Senator Kerry and President Reagan, requesting that they vote for a nuclear test ban and that the President move to negotiate a LAAmprehensive test ban with the Soviet Union, as directed by citizens of the Town in a referendum on March 7, 1988. EXECUTIVE SESSION Upon notion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 - 0 by roll call vote, Mr. Eddison, Mr. Dailey, Mts. Smith■ Mr. MbSweeney, to go into Executive Session for discussion of land negotiations, with the intent to resume open session. Open session was resumed at 7:55 p.m. pab DELOi i'ri , HASKINS, SFT JAS, AUDITORS Mr. White referred to the "Auditors' Report on Internal Accounting Controls and Other Matters", distributed to the Board with a Management Report by Deloitte, Haskins & Sells dated November 6, 1987, and a Staff Response prepared by Mr. Ryan, CLALt Lrol ler, dated March 21, 1988. Mark Johnson and Jack Ferguson, Auditors, reviewed the Auditors Management REport, with respect to internal accounting controls in Treasury and collection; revenues and receipts; appropriations and expenditures; financial reporting; and other matters and submitted comments and reL4«L.::ndations concerning internal control, administrative and operating matters. Comments and recommendations, based on observation in these categories were given. Fixed Assets Accounts As is the practice in most Massachusetts municipalities, the Town does not maintain a general fixed assets account yup as requiredby generally accepted accounting principles. The Town will attemptinventory to its fixed assets over the next year or so. Pension Plan accounting The Town accounts for its retirement system in a "pay as you go" method whereby retirement payments are funded as incurred. The Auditors recommended that the Town have actuarial valuation performed on a biennial basis and develop a plan for funding future liabilities. Schedule -- Federal Financial Assistance This report is required by the Standards for Audit of Governmental Organization, Programs, Activities and Functions, issuedthe U.S. General Accounting Office, bying the Single Audit Act of 1984 and the provisions of OMB Circular A-128, Audits of State and Local Governments. This was followed by a period of questions f ran the Board on various aspects of the report and the items listed by the Auditors as in need of attention. �7 _2_ moo All agreed that the Management Report and Staff Response was well prepared, and was clear, concise and informative. Mr. Eddison thanked the Auditors and the Comptroller for their presentation. APPROPRIATION COMMIT= Michael O'Sullivan, Chairman of the Appropriation Ccmmittee, met with the Board for clarification and discussion on positions on financial articles. Mr. O'Sullivan referred to expense budgets for Town government, Police, Fire and Public Works; Human Services requests; and Articles 29, Property Valuation; Article 33, Parking Study; and Article 34, Center Plan. He reported that his Committee concurs with the Selectmen regarding the proposed increase of funds to RePlace. The Committee also supported Article 29, but had questions about the Parking Study and the Design Guidelines for the Center. They felt that other areas and other parking provisions in Town may also be worthy of study. The Committee is generally disposed toward reconstruction of the tennis courts and supportive of the renovation of the Library. Regarding the School Budget, the committee had had no discussion of the FY'89 proposals. Mr. O'Sullivan referred to a 1986 memo from him on the subject of the Personnel Advisory 's recommendation for coordination in health care costs, fringe benefits■ productivity, fair and equitable opportunities, staff development and growth. He pointed out the impact of the School Committee's current budget requests on other financial areas in Town government. ..d He referred to the 1988 Report of the Appropriation Committee which gives facts on Lexington's Historical Financial Perspective; Comparability Historical Financial Perspective and Fiscal Policy Codification. He said he hoped the report helps to rejuvenate efforts to enlighten Town Meeting as to what is going on here and in other towns. A sheet showing data of ranking of towns in tax levy changes and levy per capita from FY81 to FY87 was distributed. Target reductions for the FY89 budget of $840,00 were projected, if there is no agreement reached between the Selec Li en and School Committee on its budget proposal, and the scenario recommended reviewed. The Committee advised against going into Free Cash to resolve the problem. The Committee had supported the 1985 proposal to purchase Pine Meadows and saw value in keeping it as open space. There was a suggestion that sale of the Landfill area for development be considered■ which could aid in the School Budget and Pine Meadows dilemmas. Mr. Eddison said he felt that the Selectmen and the Finance Committees were not all that far apart in views on financial articles and in support of the Town Manager's budget. Regarding the proposal for Design Guidelines for the Center, he felt the Committee should withhold judgement pending presentation of all the background and facts. He felt it was a modest cost for real benefits which would be provided. Regarding a broader scope for the study to include other areas, Mr. Eddison pointed out that it would cost even more and saw the need to first test what can be done with the Center. Later, if the effort is successful, it could be extended to other parts of town. Also discussed was possible use of free cash and proposed cuts to acc..A.idate a School budget increased by 9 1/2%, i f that is not adjusted downward. Selectmen's Meeting -3- March 21, 1988 Mr. Eddison pointed out that tine is needed for settlement of the landfill before any development on it can be considered. Mrs. Smith referred to the Committee's reservations about the Parking Study and said that previous studies done had been only to ascertain numbers of spaces whereas this would be a utilization study not done before. She agreed that coordination of Town/School operations would be of great benefit. Regarding the information of needed cuts to accommodate the present School budget request, she felt that it was a valuable service to alert Town Meeting as to the scope of what can happen if there is no agreement. Mrs. Smith noted that proposal of the Waste Management Task Force for locating a waste transfer station on the landfill and felt that the land would be better used for DPW and other Town uses, than to offer it for development. Mr. O'Sullivan was thanked for his informative presentation and for the opportunity to hear the views of the Appropriation Committee. CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMIT-1'i Richard Perry and Paul Hamburger of the Capital Expenditures Committee attended for a rundown on the views of their Committee on Financial Articles. Mr. Perry reported that the Committee was pretty much in agreement with the Manager's proposed budget, subject to knowledge of the impact of the School budget. He said he was apprehensive about Mr. O'Sullivan's strategy regarding the School budget, especially with respect to funding of maintenance of infrastructure. Mr. Hamburger saw delays in this area as resulting in future capital outlay. The Committee saw a great potential for saving in efforts to combine School and Town maintenance. AUTHORITY TD ACCEPT STATE GRANTS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Town Manager to act on behalf of the Town of Lexington as its agent in perfuming any and all other actions necessary to secure for the town such grants and grant payments for the design and construction of sewage treatment facilities as may be made available to the town and under this authorization to accept a State Grant in the amount of $21,825. for: Design of Connections to the Millbrook Valley Relief Sewer, Collection System Improvements and Sewer System Rehabilitation. EXTRA WORK UNDER, N. LEXINGTON PUMPING STATION Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve Extra Work Order #1, Contract #87-5 with DER, Incorporation in the amount of $27.000, for rebuilding of two gpm pumps. VERSAILLES RESTAURANT, OUTSIDE DINING Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve renewal of the request of Versailles Restaurant for a sidewalk cafe, subject to preconditions established by the Town Manager. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve as presented the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting on February 8, 1988. hi -4- vast It was also voted, with Mrs. Smith abstaining because of her absence at that meeting, to approve the minutes of February 22, 1988. REAPPOINTMENTS Upon motion duly rade and seconded, it was voted to reappoint Paul E. Furdon, Chief of Police, as Keeper of the Lockup, for a term to expire on March 31, 1989. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Palmer & Dodge, One Beacon Street, Boston, as Lexington Town Counsel, for a term to expire on March 31, 1989. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reappoint Mary C. Abegg, 261 Waltham Street, as a Registrar of Voters, representing the Democratic Party, for a term of office to expire on March 31, 1991. DATION, TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept with thanks the donation of the Chamber of Commerce Traffic Improvement Committee in the amount of $2,455.10 to the North Lexington Traffic Improvements Account. APRIL PmaT ING SCHEDULE It was agreed that S electmen's Meetings will be scheduled for each Monday and Wednesday in April, with the exception of the week of Patriots Day. The meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA TRAFFIC ITEM Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to refer to the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee the request of Ginette Brillon-Cahill, 12 Winthrop Rd. , for crosswalk and traffic signal installation on Winthrop Road, to provide safe crossing to the School Bus stop. ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSE Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application of "Parents in Precision Skating" for One Day Liquor License on Saturday, March 26, 1988, for a Fifties Party at the Hayden Center, Lincoln Street. REROOFING CONTRACT, MUNROE SCHOOL Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to execute Contract #88-13, in the amount of $31,899.00, awarded at the Selectmen's Meeting on March 7, 1988. BOND, TAX COLLECTOR Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve renewal of a Mass. Bay Insurance Company Local Officials Bond in the amount of $180,000.00 for James R. Kane, Tax Collector. COVNENDATION OF ARTS COUNSEL 14r. Eddison noted the nomination titn o f the Lexington Arts Counsel by the Plass. Arts Lottery Council "for recognition and praise for exemplary service to its c ��►��nity". Selectmen's Meeting -5- March 21, 1988 He referred to other notable efforts and contributions to the Town by this group under the leadership of Kerry Brandin and suggested that a letter of congratulations and ck.Amendations by written to the Counsel. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the Chairman send a letter of appreciation to the Lexington Counsel for the Arts. PROPOSED ARTICLE 4 AMENDMENTS, MINIM There was discussion of amendments proposed by Robert Dcmnitz under Article 4, to use the Parking Meter Fund to support three public works accounts at the inflation -- adjusted level, and to add to the funding of these line items an amount which Mr. Doinni.tz believes would make up for past years when Parking Meter Fund revenues were not used. Mr. Cohen explained what Parking Meter Fund revenues could be used for. He pointed out that the Town could not appropriate funds in excess of those needed for the current year's budget. EXECUTIVE SESSION Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -- 0 by roll call vote, Mt. Eddison, Mr. Dailey, Mts. Smith, Mr. McSweeney, to go into Executive Session for discussion of Land Negotiation and Collective Barga ini.ng, with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:54 p.m. (;)/\ /17/1, Fr-71 A true record, Attest: 1 Marion H. Snow Executive Clerk A soft FlL lom SELECTMEN'S /vinta.ING �!e March 28, 1988 )\HI\-C ' A regular meeting of the of Selectmen was held on Monda , March 28, 1988, � Meeting � in the Selectmen's Roan, Town Office Building, at 7:00 p.m. Chairman Eddison, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Dailey, Mrs. Smith, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Mks. Snow, Executive Clerk were present. REMOVAL CF TREES, PROSPECT HILL ROAD The Board reviewed the report of the Tree Warden on the Public Hearing on March 16, on the proposal to remove twelve trees at 72 Prospect Hill Road, necessary in order to construct a sidewalk and stone wall. Francis Fields, Ton Engineer and Peter Chalpin, Asst. Town Engineer, were present. Mr. Chalpin referred to three of the twelve trees on the property of Hamid Keramaty, and the request of Mr. Keramaty that these trees be retained. Mr. Mazerall, Tree Warden, had felt that two of these trees would probably suffer root damage frau the excavation for a retaining wall, but would do his best to save them if so directed. After the excavation, he would inspect the trees for damage and if, in his opinion, they would represent a hazard in time to come, would remove them. �■•• Mt. Keramaty agreed with this procedure and asked if a third tree, could be included. Mr. Chalpin reported that the tree has Dutch Elm disease, and should cue down. It would be replaced by a shrub. Mr. Keramaty asked that the Elm tree be left standing and said he would be responsible for its removal if it eventually dies. Mrs. Smith suggested that the tree be treated by injections and cutting back. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the removal of nine of the trees on the property of Hamid Keramaty and Cathy Collins, 72 Prospect Hill Road. Two oak trees will be left in place until after the excavation for the construction of a retaining wall. If it appears that these trees have suffered extensive root damage and will not survive, they will be removed at the discretion of the Tree Warden. Mr. Keramaty will assume responsibility for the treatment and, if necessary, the disposition of an oak tree on his property. Mr. Chalpin said that only the elm tree would be replaced by shrubbery in response to Mr. Keramaty's request for additional shrubs. Mr. Marshall advised that this be kept open if the property looks too barren after the tree removal. Mr. Keramaty said he had planned to build a fence for safety to his children since he would be losing the use of three feet of his front property and felt that the Town should award him damages. Mr. White noted that Mr. Keramaty has three years in which to appeal the Town's decision that no damages are warranted. isms EXTRA WORK ORDER, MUNROE ROOFING Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve Extra Work Order #1, Contract 88-13 with Professional Roofing, in the amount of $4,000.00, with a revised contract amount of $35,899.00. -2- MINUTES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the mum minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting on February 29, 1988, as presented. LODGING HOUSE LICENSES, BENTLEY COLLEGE The Board reviewed the applications of Bentley College to allow use of three buildings on the grounds of Middlesex County Hospital as school dormitories. The favorable recommendations of the Building Commissioner, Fire Chief and Health Director, were noted. The Health Director, George Smith, had advised that Board of Health permits and approvals would be needed if cooking is to be conducted in the common kitchens in each building and that the issue of cooking in the roams be addressed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the applications of Bentley College for Lodging House Licenses for three Middlesex County Hospital buildings on Walnut Street: Wellington House, Wellington Lodge and Wellington Cottage, to be used as dormitories. Approval of the licenses is subject to compliance with all Fire Department and Board of Health regulations. ABATEMENT OF SEWER CHARGES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve abatement of Sewer Charges at 3 Chadbourne Road in the amount of $177.71, for property not connected to Town Sewer. BEDFORD STREET PROJECT Mr. Eddison reported on his and Mr. White's meeting with State DPW officials for discussion of the concept proposed by the State of implementing only half of the project at this time and the Town's concerns with that proposal. The State will review a plan submitted for a 5-lane width of Bedford Street, two lanes each direction and a turning lane, but the Chairman said he had no sense that they would look upon it favorable. The State's reaction to proposal for a traffic light on Hartwell Avenue at Maguire Road was not encouraging. Mr. White felt that the 1984 approved plan for an 8-lane highway and no traffic light at Eldred Street would be the only one which would be allowed. TOWN PING WARRANT ARTICLES Mr. Eddison outlined procedures expected to be followed at the opening session of Tawn Meeting that evening. Regarding Fred Rosenberg's proposal that there be an itemized list of all DPW line items, the Selectmen will take a position as they did last year that, in the interest of flexibility for the DPW and the Manager, the budget request will be presented in a lump sum and an itemized listing of disposition of the funds be provided at a later time. With reference to the budget request of Cary Library, it was agreed that certain items listed in Article 30 as capital requests would more appropriately be identified as expense items for maintenance. Selectmen's Meeting March 28, 1988 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to propose modification of the Library Capital request under Article 30 by a reduction of $25,000 and amendment of its expense budget request under Article 4 by the addition of $25,000. It was thought that this arrangement would stand the Town in good stead with respect to future consolidation of maintenance services among Town departments. SCHOOL BUDGET The Chairman informed the Board of information received from the School Committee Chairman that the School Committee has agreed that an increase of 8.5% in its FY89 budget would be acceptable. Mr. Eddison felt that in the light of issues at stake, agreement by the Selectmen to this compromise was the wisest course. It was the sense of the Board that support for the 8.5% increase should be given. EXECUTIVE SESSION Upon notion 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 land negotiation and litigation, with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 7:55 Pm, p.m. /2 , - A true record, Attest: Marion H.H. now ,k . Executive Clerk )C-F, S l V f SE "S Mtw'TING March 30, 198844 54JV A regular meeting of the Board of Selector was held on Wednesday, March 30, 1988■ in the Sel 's Meeting Roan, Town Office Building, at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Eddison, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Dailey, Mrs. Smith, Mr. McSweeney; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Mrs. Snow, Executive Clerk, were present. T.S,A.C. REPORTS, TRAFFIC ITEMS Peter Chalpin, Chairman of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, was present for discussion of his Catinittee's recommendations on traffic related requests received by the Selectmen. LOWELL STREET, TASSONE The Board reviewed the request of Sheila Busa-Tassone for attention to her concerns about pedestrian safety on Lowell Street due to parked cars on the sidewalk area. Mr. Chalpin reported that the Police Depa.LIL ent will continue enforcement to minimize these parking violations. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the recommendations of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee that the Mass. DPW be requested to evaluate sidewalks and berms in the East Lexington '"I`" portion of Lowell Street and to repair or replace each as necessary. The Board also voted that Mrs. Tassone is to be advised to petition the Board of Selectmen for construction of sidewalk on Bartlett Avenue, for consideration in the FY90 Budget Process. The lack of sidewalk there had been another are of Mrs. Tassone's concern. CAUTION CHILDREN, KITES END, hEgoOLD Upon notion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request replacement by the DPW of a missing "Caution Children" sign on Concord Avenue near the Kites End Building, as requested by J. Richard Herbold. HAR WEFLT A /MAGUIRE ROAD, EIDSON In review of the issues of concern submitted by Gary Eidson regarding traffic safety on Hartwell Avenue and Maguire Road, the Ccxnmittee had pointed out that the physical changes to the road that would be necessary for improvement in the existing hazardous conditions are a Amisionent of the Bedford Street area plans now being considered by the State DPW. The Committee felt that until such time as the plans are approved and implemented, the prevailing conditions would continue to be a problem. Mr. Eidson expressed his appreciation at the Town's responsiveness to the traffic problems he faces daily and noted lack of signage and lane delineation on Hartwell Avenue, which he considers a "speedtrack". He suggested painting of lines to indicate the presence of the Maguire Road intersection. 01.111. Mr. Eddison pointed out the need for State approval of such measures but acknowledged the need for correction of the problems as soon as possible. Mr. Marshall proposed a separate study of the Hartwell Avenue/Maguire Road area so that it is looked at independently. -2- He noted the future impact of the Katandin woods development on traffic Now flaw and volume. Mr. Chalpin referred to an in-place study in 1981 which estimated cost of construction at that time of $2,500,000, now probably accelerated to $5■000,000. Mr. Eidson requested interim measures such as line painting, signs, posting of speed limit and patrolling. Mr. Chalpin noted that the road width is inadequate for four lanes and that the 40-mph speed limit is enforced Motion was made and seconded to accept the recommendations of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee as stated but to request the Town Manager to explore the possibilities of separating the Hartwell Avenue project frau the Bedford Street plans and funding by the Town of improvements to Hartwell Avenue. The Manager was also asked to seek less expensive options for remedying the problems there. The motion having been made and seconded, carried. CEDAR STREET GUARDRAIL, GELDART Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the recommendations of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee to rave a guard rail installed at the property of Steven Geldart, 147 Cedar Street, as requested by Mr. Geldart. BRIDGE S IC, GAMES The Board reviewed the petition of Richard Games and other area im pg residents requesting relief frau speeding ck.Anutater traffic on Bridge Street and the Traffic Committee's recommendations on resolution of the problem. The Committee had explored a number of approaches, including eight suggestions listed on the petition. A radar speed study performed twice in February showed the 85th percentile speed to be 39 mph which is unacceptable since the speed law allows 30 mph. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee that Bridge Street be made one-way from Payson Street to Spring Street for a six-month trial period. At the completion of the trial period, the Traffic Committee will assess positive and negative impacts of the test. The Board also voted that the Mass. DPW be requested to update and modernize the Marrett Road/Waltham Street intersection signal system. PLEASANT STR r.-r/WILSON FARM PARKING Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the recommendations of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee for a "No parking" regulation on the west side of Pleasant Street, fran Fol len Road to Fern Street, as recommended by Police Chief Paul Furdon. VINEBROOK ROAD, SORENSEN Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee to extend the existing "No Parking" regulation on the south side of Vinebrook Road to .,, #9 Vinebrook and to request the DPW to replace all missing "No Parking" signs. Sfr) Selectmen's Meeting -3- March 30, 1988 PINE MEADOWS allivirrit Mr. Eddison noted a request from the Conservation Commission that a committee be established to act in advisory capacity on Pine Meadows. The Committee's Charge would be to prepare one or more alternative plans for use of the site, should the Town choose to exercise its options under Chapter 61B. The Commission had suggested that the makeup of the committee be comparable to the Pine Meadows Committee of three years ago and that it be composed of members of the current ad hoc Pine Meadow group plus representation fram the neighborhood and others with strong contributions to make. The Committee will be appointed at the Board's April 11th meeting. The Chairman n asked members for suggestion as to candidates for consideration. FY 89 RESURFACING PROGRAM, avii-nu< 90 FORMS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to execute Chapter 90 Project Request Forms and Chapter 90 initial Advisory Reports for the FY89 Resurfacing Program to include projects on various streets throughout the Tam. 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, swain 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 7:57 p.m. C4I, 4 0/W/42/C-R1156— A true record, Attest A , Marion H. Snow Executive Clerk