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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-07-BOS-min 65-439 Selectmen’s Meeting July 13, 2009 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, July 13, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen Meeting Room, Town Office Building. Chairman Cohen, Mrs. Krieger, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Manz and Mr. Burnell; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk, were present. Town Manager Report Mr. Valente reported that the new Public Services Building has received a Building Occupancy Permit and DPW/Engineering, Public Facilities and DPW Operations have moved in over the past week. Other divisions will occupy the building over the next month. The mechanics shop needs to be completed prior to moving any vehicles into the new building. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be planned for early August and a public open house in September. Grant of Location – Verizon – Hayes Avenue Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the petition of Verizon to construct, and a location for, a line of conduits and manholes with the necessary wires and cables therein to be located under the surface of Hayes Avenue, northeasterly at Pole 44/4, a distance of about 38 feet + of conduit. Grant of Location – National Grid – Hayes Avenue Mr. Simon, 11 Hayes Avenue, asked when the work would be done and if the gas will be turned off. The National Grid Representative stated that as soon as the permit was approved arrangements would be made to do the work and it should be done within three days. After hearing a story on the news, Selectmen asked about how the Town could get important information about all gas leaks and what is being done. The National Grid representative will request contact information. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the petition, WO #662064 – Hayes Avenue, for National Grid to install and maintain approximately 85 feet of 2-inch gas main in Hayes Avenue from the existing 2 inch main on Hayes Avenue at House #22 westerly to House #21. Patriot Partners Mr. Buckley, Riemer and Braunstein, and Mr. Zink, Principal of Patriot Partners, came before the Selectmen to answer any questions regarding their refiling of an amendment to the Preliminary Site Development Use Plan (PSDUP) originally approved by the 2004 Annual Town Meeting to permit the development of an additional 380,000 square feet of research and 65-440 Selectmen’s Meeting – July 13, 2009 development/office space and 510,000 square feet of structured parking spaces to accommodate future expansion needs of both the existing tenants as well as any future users. They request that their amendment be placed on the next Town Meeting warrant. Differences since last submittal include: 1) permitted uses will be for office and research and development only; sensitive uses would be by special permits. 2) three additional intersections (Middle/Marrett, Worthen/Marrett and Waltham/Marrett) will be included in the Traffic Study Report, which go beyond the Town’s regulations. Patriot Partners plans to continue outreach and discussions with abutters and town departments. Battle Green Master Plan/Liberty Ride Update Ms. McKenna, Chair of the Tourism Committee, came to update the Selectmen on the progress of the Battle Green Master Plan. The group is gathering reports and models from other communities; having and continuing to have mini charrettes throughout town with different groups; working with LexMedia to put together a presentation on the Battle Green Master Plan process to be played on local TV. The information from the charrettes will be catalogued and put onto a spreadsheet. There will be a final charrette held in September. The three major goals of the Battle Green Master Plan group include what Lexington wants the Battle Green to be; create a Master Plan that has immediate short and long term visions and identify public/private funding strategies. Ms. McKenna presented different pictures of the Battle Green showing boundaries designated by the National Register of Historic Places (1976) and the National Historic Landmark (1961) designations. These designations impose regulations on Lexington if any changes are made to the site, which use state or federal funding. Going forward key questions for the Master Plan include: should the Battle Green be a symbol of freedom; should trees be on the Battle Green and how many; should the Belfry be included. The Committee would like to obtain a professional consultant to provide detail for the Battle Green Master Plan. They ask for support from the Selectmen to use a combination of Community Preservation Act funds and grant opportunities to enable them to hire the consultant. The next goal is to continue gathering data, have one more charrette at end of September and draft the master plan in October. The master plan will include a broad set of ideas and going forward the committee will work to develop what that means. The draft will be distributed at a public meeting for comment and then to the Selectmen in December for comments/directions. They hope to have a warrant article for the Annual Town Meeting to approve the Battle Green Master Plan. 65-441 Selectmen’s Meeting – July 13, 2009 The Selectmen conveyed that the Tree Committee is in the process of putting together recommendations for a tree plan on the Battle Green that it hopes will be considered as part of the master plan. The Committee has met with the Tree Committee and is looking forward to receiving their recommendations. The Selectmen also conveyed that they want the Battle Green to be a place where the public and tourists are encouraged to enjoy the area and that there are not too many prohibitions. Liberty Ride Ms. McKenna, Tourism Committee Chair, thanked the extraordinary efforts of Masha Traber, the Liberty Ride Coordinator. Ridership has increased despite economics. The price of an adult ticket was increased to $25 this year and includes a tour of the three historic homes. The Liberty Ride plans to run through October 31. Charter bookings continue to expand and provide the profit each year. The goal is to pay back the $17,500 revolving fund loan; a FY2007 surplus of $2,774 was repaid to the revolving fund and in FY2009 $2,499 will be repaid. FY2008 surplus rd is still being figured out. The Tourism Committee held its 3 annual training event for people that service tourists. The Committee thanks the town for the money, which is being used to broaden tourism and they hope it can be sustained; they have used the funds to increase their web presence and are working on a brochure for visitors. Busa Purchase and Sale Agreement/Draft License Agreement Mr. Valente explained that Town Counsel and the Busa family attorney completed negotiations on the purchase and sale agreement. The key changes from the earlier draft include: the date was extended for the Town’s due diligence to September 1; the closing date was extended to September 17; deleted language objectionable to the abutters that the property would be used for housing, open space or recreation purposes and that the property may be transferred at sale to the Conservation Commission or LexHAB; and clarified that the underground irrigation system will remain, but must be removed at the end of the lease period. The Purchase and Sale Agreement has already been approved and signed by the Busa family. Ms. Borenstein, Attorney, representing the owners of 42 and 60 Lowell Street, who are direct abutters to the farm, submitted two letters and upon receipt of the revised Purchase and Sale Agreement made additional comments. The abutters feel their concerns for adequate protection have not been recognized. They recognize there were some changes made to the Purchase and Sale Agreement, but they also want to comment on the draft lease agreement; specifically: requiring the tenant to give abutters notice when demolition was to occur. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve and sign the purchase and sale agreement for the land at 52 Lowell Street, Lexington, generally known as the Busa Farm. 65-442 Selectmen’s Meeting – July 13, 2009 Mr. Valente provided an initial draft lease to the Selectmen and also provided it to the abutters last week. He is meeting with abutters next week. Highlights of the lease are: it will be for a period through December 31, 2010 with a renewal at town and tenant option; the tenant is required to indemnify the Town against any claims while farming; Busa will maintain all buffer areas; during the lease period certain structures will remain - two greenhouses, the pump house and the underground irrigation; at the end of the lease period end the two greenhouses and the underground irrigation will be removed and the Pump House will remain; lastly they will provide a security deposit which will be sufficient to pay for the removal of the remaining buildings/equipment. The plan is to meet with the abutters and bring to the Selectmen a final version on August 3. If the Selectmen have any comments they should be passed on to Mr. Valente. Ms. Borenstein, Attorney for the owners of 42 and 60 Lowell Street, asked that a number of items be defined, such as all buffer areas. Also in article 6 there is the phase “neat” which needs to be defined. The lease should be reciprocal for the abutters as well so there is understanding of harmonious operation between the working farm during lease period. They would like to see more specificity added to Section 5.2 subsections. Also, the abutters at 42 and 60 Lowell Street would like to be included in the committee that will determine the future use of the Busa Farm. The Selectmen suggested it would be helpful if Ms. Borenstein provided suggested language regarding the issues she brought up. Order of Taking – Concord Avenue The Concord Avenue sidewalk project requires an easement from one abutter, American Tower because the sidewalk will cross onto their private property. Engineering staff has met with American Tower and they are supportive of the sidewalk project. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve and sign the proposed Order of Taking for a Concord Avenue sidewalk easement. Rescind Vote – Burial Permit Fees At the June 22, 2009 Selectmen meeting it was voted to rescind the $5 burial permit fee because an Appeals Court ruled in 2008 that this type of fee was unlawful. On June 26, 2009, the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts ruled that burial permit fees are “reasonably designed to compensate a board of health for its anticipated regulation-related expenses” and it, therefore, is a “valid regulatory fee”. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to rescind the Selectmen’s vote of June 22, 2009 eliminating the $5 burial fee and reinstate the $5 burial fee. 65-443 Selectmen’s Meeting – July 13, 2009 Nourish – Common Victualler and Entertainment Licenses Mr. Fenn, Attorney representing Nourish, stated his client hopes to have a dry run on July 21-23, by invitation only. They go before the Board of Appeals on July 23 for approval of a Special Permit. The Selectmen’s Office will check with the Building Commissioner to see if they can have the dry run by invitation only. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve and sign a Common Victualler License and an Entertainment License for Nourish eat well-live well, 1727 Massachusetts Avenue, subject to receiving approval for a Special Permit from the Board of Appeals. Acceptance of Infrastructure and Pedestrian Easements for Marrett Road/Wachusett Drive As part of the grant of a special permit from the Planning Board, the developer of the property located at 341 Marrett Road agreed to convey two easements to the Town. The Grant of Infrastructure Easement allows the Town, in case of emergency or neglect, the ability to repair the utilities serving the residents of the development. The common driveway in this development is not a street or a way as defined by Lexington’s zoning bylaw, and its operation and maintenance responsibilities rest with the developer and the condominium association. The Grant of Public Access Easement is for a pedestrian easement connecting Wachusetts Drive to Marrett Road via a stone dust path. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to accept and sign a “Grant of Public Access Easement” and a “Grant of Infrastructure Easement” for the development property at 341 Marrett Road. Approve Grant Agreement for Munroe Tavern Study Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-1 (Kelley opposed) to approve and sign the Grant Agreement between the Town of Lexington and the Lexington Historical Society for the Munroe Tavern Study. Authorize Town Manager to Sign Trash Disposal Contract Lexington’s trash disposal contract was scheduled to end in FY2010. The Town elected to remain with Waste Management, its current vendor at a price per ton in FY2010 of $64/ton, compared to $73/ton prior to the negotiations, saving approximately $76,150. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to authorize the Town Manager to sign the amendment to the existing Waste Management Service Agreement, extending the contract through June 30, 2015. 65-444 Selectmen’s Meeting – July 13, 2009 Class II License – Lexington Auto Group Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the application and issue a Class II license to Lexington Auto Group, 1095 Massachusetts Avenue, with the condition that no vehicles be stored on the premises. Appointments Water and Sewer Abatement Board Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to appoint Jim Osten to the Water and Sewer Abatement Board to fill the unexpired term of Maria Constantinides until September 30, 2011. 2020 Vision Committee Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to appoint Jane Warren and Barry Orenstein to the 2020 Vision Committee for terms to expire September 30, 2011. Letters to Representative Kaufman Regarding H3953 and H1135 H3953, An Act Relative to Local Taxation This Act would not allow the municipalities to get income tax information for people applying for tax deferments and exemptions. If it passes, the Town is not sure how determinations can be made fairly. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve and sign a letter to Representative Kaufman, which states that the Selectmen do not support Bill H 3953, An Act Relative to Local Taxation. H1135, An Act Authorizing the Abatement of Certain Tax Assessments in Lexington Mr. Cohen recused himself from the meeting and left the room. Mrs. Krieger served as Chairman. This Act would allow Lexington to abate or to refund payments already received for real estate taxes whenever, in any fiscal year, the assessed value of the real estate is decreased by more than 50 percent as a result of fire or natural disaster. This bill was prompted by the fire at the Hancock School and single family home fires on Bedford Street and Reed Street; leaving 22 families homeless. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 to approve and send written testimony regarding Bill H1135, An Act Authorizing the Abatement of Certain Tax Assessments in the Town of Lexington, to Representative Kaufman. Mr. Cohen returned to the meeting. 65-445 Selectmen’s Meeting – July 13, 2009 Approve Town Manager’s Appointment to the Youth Commission Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Town Manager’s appointment of Karen Duperey to the Youth Commission to fill an unexpired term expiring April 30, 2011. Approve FY2009 Reserve Fund Transfers and Salary Adjustment Transfers Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve and sign the Reserve Fund, Salary Adjustment and 3 Percent Rule Transfers as follows: Reserve Fund Transfers  $500,005 for the DPW Snow and Ice Expenses, Contracted Services Salary Adjustment Transfers  $207,586 for Police  $57,948 for Library  $4,123 for Planning  $19,245 for Town Manager’s Office  $1,850 for Finance 3 Percent Rule Transfers – Total $169,360  $1,945 to Battle Green Guides from Fire Personal Services  $10,000 to Fire from Fire Personal Services  $79,187 to Public Works from Employee Insurance  $50,000 to Legal Services from Employee Insurance  $173 to Financial Committee from Employee Insurance  $20,000 to Unemployment Insurance from Employee Insurance  $20,000 to Workers’ Compensation from Employee Insurance  $800 to Payment of Funded Debt from Interest on Funded Debt  Consent Agenda Water and Sewer Commitments and Adjustments Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the following water and sewer commitments: Commitment of Water/Sewer Charges for May 15, 2009 (Section 2) $1,562,513.29 Commitment of Water/Sewer Charges for May 27, 2009 (Section 3) $2,188,216.77 Commitment of Water/Sewer Charges for June 5, 2009 (Cycle 9) $173,103.91 Commitment of Water/Sewer Charges for May 2009 (Finals) $2,265.91 Appreciation Letter for Joan Wall’s Retirement from LexHAB Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to sign an appreciation letter for Joan Wall who retired as the LexHAB Administrator after 25 years of service. 65-446 Selectmen’s Meeting – July 13, 2009 Ratify Poll Vote – Letter to Verizon Regarding Rate Increase Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to ratify a poll vote to send a letter to Verizon regarding the defective notice about a rate increase. Certified Local Government Agreement Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve and sign an agreement between the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the Town of Lexington, which is the last step before Lexington can be named a Certified Local Government by the National Park Service and will enable Lexington to apply for certain funding on a preferential basis. Barberry Road/Stonewall Road Street Line Consent Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve and sign a letter of assent agreeing to the street lines as shown on the subdivision plan for Barberry Road and Stonewall Road. Town Manager Vacation Leave/Buy-Back Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the Town Manager’s request for 2 days of FY2010 vacation buy-back to offset personal cost of trip to Antony, France on behalf of the Town and approval of vacation time from August 31 to September 4, 2009. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the minutes of June 22, 2009 Executive Session Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the executive session minutes of June 22, 2009. th Approve and Sign 70 Anniversary Letter Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve and sign a letter th congratulating Thomas and Elizabeth Baird of 57 Baker Avenue on their 70 wedding anniversary. Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 by roll call to go into executive session to discuss a collective bargaining issue, with no intent to return to open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:05 p.m. A true record; Attest: Lynne A. Pease Executive Clerk 65-447 Selectmen’s Goal Setting Meeting July 14, 2009 nd A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday, July 14, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. in 2 Floor Conference Room at the Public Services Building, 201 Bedford Street. Chairman Cohen, Ms. Krieger, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Manz; Mr. Burnell; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; Ms. McLaughlin, Organizational Development Director; and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk, were present. Goal Setting The objectives of the meeting were to reach a shared understanding of the current economic situation and near-term prospects for Town finances; review current and future issues in this context and frame new goal/policy statements. Fiscal Task Force Preliminary Report Mr. Enrich, Chair of the Fiscal Task Force, presented the Fiscal Task Force interim report. The Fiscal Task Force has met weekly since early May to gather information concerning the town’s fiscal situation and to consider what advice to offer the Selectmen and other town decision-makers. The major findings and recommendations are: 1.Recommendations for FY2011 and 2012: in light of anticipated budget gaps, the task force identified a menu of strategies the Town should consider for FY2011 and also use as a foundation for planning FY2012: a.Exercise maximum restraint in compensation – make every effort to limit growth in total employee compensation. In particular, the highest priority must go to achieving substantial, lasting and pervasive savings in employee health benefit costs. b.Capital Spending – the Town should consider increased use of borrowing to defer an additional portion of capital costs and should also consider some modest deferrals of capital maintenance. c.Retirement obligations – consider some modest deferrals in funding of obligations for retiree pension and benefit costs. d.Discretionary Cost Restraint – take all prudent measures to hold down operating costs, by deferring filling of non-critical hiring and careful review of purchases. e.Early Identification of Possible Cost Reductions – municipal and school should identify $1 million of potential program reductions. Such reductions should only be implemented to the extent that the other strategies identified here are insufficient to close the budget gap. f.Broadening the Tax Base – the Town should adopt as soon as possible the new local-option taxes. g.Grant and Stimulus Funding – all departments should take all reasonable measures to pursue any grant funding to cover costs of existing programs. 65-448 Goal Setting – July 14, 2009 h.Use of Stabilization Fund – the Town should use the stabilization fund to maintain municipal and school services and facilities. The funds will also be needed in FY20122 and perhaps beyond. Depending on circumstances and the outlook for FY23011, the Town could draw between $2 and $3 million from the fund for FY2011. 2.General Recommendations: Looking at the Town’s longer-term fiscal situation, beyond the challenges of the upcoming budget cycle, the task force offers several more general recommendations: a.Exercising maximum restraint in total compensation b.Proposition 2 ½ operating overrides – as the financial downturn abates and when appropriate steps have been taken to restrain the growth in total compensation costs, it will again be appropriate to give Lexington voters the choice whether to increase property taxes when needed to maintain services. c.Rebuilding Reserves – it will be essential to rebuild the town’s reserves to the level of 7% of general fund revenues in a timely fashion. d.Service Restructuring and Innovation – even during periods of budgetary constraint, the town should remain open to incremental spending necessary to implement cost-effective ways to provide services. 3.Long-Term Issues for further consideration: The task force identified a number of longer term issues, but has not fully reviewed them. They include: large capital projects; use of Community Preservation Act funding; long-term compensation policies; effective planning for program restructuring; and issues on the state legislative agenda. The Selectmen want the Fiscal Task Force information to get out to the community; the Fiscal Task Force should continue working if they are willing. Mr. Enrich would like the Selectmen to prioritize the issues they want the Task Force to review. They are also interested in a communication plan. The Selectmen want the Fiscal Task Force to go beyond FY2012. They will need help from staff on the financial projections. The Fiscal Task Force should start to meet again in the fall. They should look at commercial tax rates; whether a proposition 2 ½ override could work if it is to help library, police, fire; how to build reserves and ask for an override and help with getting information to the community Mr. Enrich said the Fiscal Task Force is willing to help; they have been in touch with the local paper and will continue to study the issues that have been raised. Mr. Rosenberg, a member of the Fiscal Task Force, thinks the town should communicate aggressively, including communicating to teachers and all town employees, to those who want to work to maintain services, and to all elements of the community in making policies to maintain what Lexington has. 65-449 Goal Setting – July 14, 2009 Selectmen think education as soon as possible is important to counter information around benefits, especially health care. Need long-term policy for total compensation. It is critical to ask advice on how to look at long-term compensation policy. Need to advance capital renewal items and get back on track to renew schools; this is a good opportunity to achieve what the Town wants. The Selectmen are frustrated that communities have asked the state legislature for help with state rules, but still have made no changes to help communities. Mr. Kelley thinks the Town should come to terms and get a handle on what the community wants. For example, the School Administration should be at the White House. There needs to be a broader discussion and a plan. Mr. Cohen thanked the Fiscal Task Force for their report and presentation. The Selectmen would like the Fiscal Task Force to continue its work. Review Status of FY2009-2010 Goals Mr. Valente reviewed the goals that have not been completed: Employee compensation and benefits; coalition bargaining: Ongoing effort to try to slow the growth of health benefits, but there has been no progress at the bargaining table yet. The Coalition has been meeting regularly since early spring. This is one area the state could help by changing the law that requires 70% vote to change coalition agreements. The Town Manager is actively working on this item. Capital: Major project coordination is an important issue and discussions should start on school and town projects on how to finance, whether to defer or not and which projects are critical. Discussions should continue over the next year. Mr. Valente reviewed policy issues for FY2008-2009 that are problematic: Accelerated Budget Schedule: It is difficult for staff to do any earlier; staff will suggest looking at a prioritized list of cuts in September rather than when review of department budgets are scheduled. Improve Snow Removal – snow removal was ramped up last year but very expensive, need to revisit. Staff wants to engage with the Selectmen on how to handle. The Selectmen all agreed that the ramped up efforts for snow removal last year were good. More scrubbing of the snow operations needs to be done to make getting snow out of the center cost effective. The businesses in the center are entitled to the snow removal and the Town is obligated to getting it cleared so they can stay in business. Sidewalk clearing is an important part of snow removal program to continue. 65-450 Goal Setting – July 14, 2009 Discuss Proposed Goals/Issues and Write as Goal (or Policy) FY 2011 Operating Budget The Selectmen discussed whether it made sense to return to the old schedule for budget preparation since they do not expect to have an override this year. Mr. Kelley wondered if the rest of the Selectmen were convinced that an override should not be offered to the community. Mr. Burnell thinks the Selectmen need to see the choices and then debate them. Mrs. Krieger believes an override cannot be brought forward until the Town deals with restraining total compensation and dealing with the health benefits. The goal is to look at total compensation not to exceed 2 ½ but not to lose site of unions and laws we are required to follow when bargaining. The Selectmen should lay out and implement by the August 31 Selectmen meeting the need for a compensation plan and stick with it. Budget-Revenues The Selectmen would like to get local option taxes (meals, hotel/motel) adopted as soon as possible. Mr. Burnell and Mr. Manz want to know what the impacts would be to Lexington restaurants. Mr. Valente will request input from the Economic Development Officer and also do outreach to other groups, including the Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Committee. The goal is to have a warrant article for local options taxes on the next warrant for a Special Town Meeting or the Annual Town Meeting. Policy on Stabilization Fund Mr. Valente plans to make a proposal to the Selectmen in early September for a budget schedule and use of the Stabilization Fund. Selectmen should remember that the Stabilization Fund is available for a rainy day and also that this is a good time to borrow for capital items. Mr. Kelley does not want the schools to use their reserves for Special Education, but what are the alternatives? The Selectmen should consider the tools suggested by the Fiscal Task Force, but will have to also prioritize cuts. The goal is to review information from staff. FY2011 Operating Budget - Parameters Mr. Burnell suggested that the Fiscal Task Force charge should be changed so they can continue with their recommended long-term issues. The report should be accepted and in the fall look at the larger picture and have them provide additional information by early October. The Selectmen should prioritize the issues they want the Fiscal Task Force to look into at their August 3 meeting. 65-451 Goal Setting – July 14, 2009 Capital – Capital Projects The Selectmen want to review capital projects with the guidance and support of the staff. Deferring some projects should be considered while at the same time taking into consideration the fact that borrowing rates are low. As policy Selectmen should look at maintenance and infrastructure to make sure we maintain what we have. Borrowing should only be used for shovel ready projects. It will be challenging and necessary to maintain capital spending in the next budget. If want to maintain services need to look at what capital projects are proposed and deferring projects. More analysis and discussion is needed. New Capital – Master Plan Mr. Kelley is disappointed that the schools did not continue the elementary school building program. The Master Plan did not adequately look at whether Lexington wants to upgrade existing facilities or replace them because of their conditions. Significant capital items are needed at the High School, which are not being discussed. The Town should not be investing in the old schools. The Selectmen should take a role in making sure the right course is taken. The Facility Committee needs to complete its work and provide a report, which is expected by mid-October. No point talking about Master Plan until the Facility Committee finishes its work. Mr. Kelley feels the Committee is not discussing what buildings should be used for. The Selectmen will respond to the plan expected in mid-October from the Facility Committee. There should be a discussion and consensus, including a review of town capital projects, at a summit meeting on the School Building Master Plan and Facilities Committee report. The staff and facilities department should discuss the municipal and school capital projects. In early October Selectmen should plan to discuss the capital report with the School Committee. The Selectmen request a recommendation from the staff on the existing approved projects for a meeting in early September at the latest and then be prepare to bring before a summit in October. Capital – Capital Projects – Street, Traffic Mitigation and Sidewalk Specifications The Selectmen need to discuss roads and the need for an override for roads. Prior to budget discussions, the Selectmen need to identify and prioritize how Selectmen will handle town buildings. Mr. Kelley is not opposed to a debt exclusion. Mr. Valente stated that the proposed new Fire Station is being worked on by the Permanent Building Committee. They are currently looking at funding options and are applying for federal stimulus money. They have not settled on a plan yet; more information will be available in September. Community Preservation Fund money should also be applied for. There needs to be a discussion about when to borrow and when to use cash. 65-452 Goal Setting – July 14, 2009 The Selectmen would like the Fiscal Task Force to review. Should also be discussed at the first summit meeting. The Selectmen would like input/recommendations from the staff about the analytical and policy issues. There needs to be a discussion about the proper use of Community Preservation funds. Mr. Kelley does not want funds used unless it is for public property. Mr. Cohen reminded everyone that the Community Preservation Committee is unique; it is advisory and then items are voted on at Town Meeting. Commercial Expansion The goal should be to consider commercial expansion of properties on Hayden and Hartwell. The Economic Development Advisory Committee needs to advise the Selectmen as commercial expansion opportunities arise. Mr. Valente pointed out that the zoning changes have taken place for Hartwell Avenue. The Economic Development Task Force does not feel that the Town has gone far enough. The Selectmen, Appropriation Committee and the Planning Board can look at FAR, but the Planning Board needs to define FAR in the Hayden/Spring area now. The Selectmen want the opportunity to work with developers and also work on the CD process. The Economic Development Advisory Committee should monitor the Planning Board regulations to make sure they are consistent with the Selectmen’s goals. The process needs to be made easier for businesses; can a check-off sheet be provided? The Selectmen discussed mitigation agreements and who should negotiate. The policy needs to be clearly stated. The Selectmen want to rely on staff to clear up mitigation agreements. The Selectmen need to look at all the transportation goals from all the committees that have issues and come up with a clear process for dealing with all the transportation issues. There needs to be a group that can make the decisions. First step is to engage with the Planning Board and agree how to move forward with mitigation plans. Should consider a group to facilitate the process that consists of members from the Selectmen, Planning Board, Community Preservation Committee and staff who will report to the Board. Selectmen’s Policies – Liquor and Battle Green Regulations The Policy Manual Committee is currently reviewing and updating the liquor regulations for Restaurants, Clubs and Package Stores and also the Battle Green Regulation. 65-453 Goal Setting – July 14, 2009 Land Purchases There needs to be a broader process for land purchases. Mr. Kelley suggests a committee comprised of 5-7 representatives from the Conservation Commission, Housing entities, Recreation, Historic and a liaison from the Selectmen and Planning Board. Mr. Cohen reminded the Board that the Conservation Commission has power to acquire land or take land by eminent domain with Selectmen approval; recreation, housing, etc. do not have those powers. Mr. Manz believes a committee would help assure that certain things will happen. Mr. Burnell suggested that a member of the Board scope out the best way to proceed. Energy Conservation – Stretch Energy Code Mrs. Krieger wants to have a discussion at the August 3 meeting about adopting the Stretch Energy Code and establishing a timeline. Naming of New 201 Bedford Street Building All of the Selectmen are available on August 7 in the morning for a ribbon cutting ceremony. Mr. Valente asked the Selectmen to vote on a name for the building. Ms. McKenna did some research and found out that Samuel Hadley, who is buried on the Battle Green, and who is one of the only two members of the militia killed at the battle who does not have a building named for him, is related to Bill and Alan Hadley and thought that would make a great name for the building. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-1 (Burnell opposed) to name the new building at 201 Bedford, the ”Samuel Hadley Public Services Building”. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 11:42 a.m. A true record; Attest: Lynne A. Pease Executive Clerk