HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-BOS-min
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Budget Collaboration/Financial Summit 1
October 1, 2009
A joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Finance Committees was held
on Thursday, October 1, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen Meeting Room, Town Office
Building. Present: Chairman Cohen, Ms. Krieger, Mr. Kelley and Mr. Burnell; Mr. Valente,
Town Manager, Mr. Addelson, Comptroller, Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk; Dr. Ash,
Superintendent; Ms. Dunn, Assistant Superintendent; all members of the School Committee,
except Mr. Cole; all members of the Appropriation Committee except Ms. Hoffman and Mr.
Michelson; and Capital Expenditures Committee members Mr. Lamb and Mr. Hurley.
Financial Indicator Analysis
Mr. Valente presented an overview of the positive aspects: strong tax collections, stable balance
between spending for personnel costs versus capital and expenses, strong funding of pension
system, modest debt service levels and improving financial reserves. Concerns are: cost of
employee benefits, especially health costs and state aid which is still below 2002 levels.
State Aid has increased from FY2006 to FY2009 in nominal terms, but is still below the FY2002
levels. Declining state aid in FY2010 required use of one-time revenue for the budget.
Uncollected Property Taxes - Tax collections still strong.
Personnel Costs and Employee Benefits - Wages and benefits remain stable and the Town is
maintaining a balance between personnel, maintenance and capital. Increases in the cost of
health insurance benefits continue to be a significant challenge for the Town.
Debt Service – Even with large capital projects in the last 10 years, the amount of debt service is
modest and well within the credit rating standard for AAA communities.
Reserves & Fund Balance - Lexington made good progress in building financial reserves to
provide flexibility during this economic downturn.
FY2011 Proposed Revenue Allocation
Mr. Addelson, Comptroller, reviewed the preliminary projections for the FY2011 Revenue
Allocation:
$145,299,131 Projected FY2011 Revenues
$(66,958,293) FY2010 school budget
$(26,526.287) FY2010 municipal budget
$ (1,882,709) FY2011 Minuteman (includes an estimated 10% increase)
$ (3,781,302) FY2011 Contributory Retirement
$ (42,000) FY2011 Non-Contributory Retirement
$(25,484,310) FY2011 Benefits ($23.6 for health, the remaining for dental, life
insurance and Medicare) – includes 9% increase in health benefits
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Budget Collaboration/Financial Summit 1 – October 1, 2009
$ (165,000) FY2011 Unemployment Compensation (estimate)
$ (375,000) FY2011 Workers’ Compensation (estimate)
$ (585,731) FY2011 Property and Liability Insurance (estimate
$ (115,349) FY2011 Uninsured Losses
$ (4,956,578) FY2011 Debt Service
$ (550,000) FY2011 Reserve Fund
$ (8,595,065) FY2011 Facilities Department Budget
$ (2,437,511) FY2011 set aside for cash capital/OPEB/Street ($850,000 Cash
Capital, $480,000 OPEB, $200,000 Building Envelope, $161,000
Street Improvements Building Envelop and $551,000 Street
Improvements, $45,000 Senior Work-Off Program; $350,000 for
SPED)
$ (400,000) FY2011 set aside of free cash for unanticipated FY2011 (snow/ice)
$ (420,000) FY2011 set aside for supplemental debt service or supplemental
cash capital
That leaves $2,023,995 incremental revenue to be split between school (71.6% or $1,449,686)
and municipal (28.4% or $574,309).
The FY2011 revenue assumes level funding of FY2010 State Aid. It is recommended that
Summit participates consider proposing an appropriation from the Stabilization Fund to support
the FY2011 budget to offset any reductions in State Aid below FY2010 levels. FY2011 new
growth is projected at $1.5 million. FY2011 projected revenue does not reflect potential from
the adoption of local option hotel/motel and meals taxes (estimated at $150,000 per year and
$350,000 per year respectively). FY2011 debt service assumes the funding of $3.5 million in
new general fund capital projects. Potential cuts in FY2011 SPED Circuit Breaker payments
made by the Commonwealth to local school districts may represent a claim against the School’s
share of incremental FY2011 Revenue. Projection includes an assumption that 55 new
subscribers will be added to the health insurance rolls.
Dr. Ash, School Superintendent, explained SPED issues. In June the State reduced the
reimbursement rate from 72 to 40 percent based on allowable claims. For the FY2010 budget
stimulus money ($700,000) was used since half of the stimulus money was for education. That
leaves the FY2010 school budget $194,000 in the hole. What is really important is that for
FY2011 the schools will begin with a $894,000 hole that we did not anticipate.
Of the estimated $6.2 million in Free Cash, the proposed recommendation is that $3.7 million be
used as follows: $480,000 OPEB, $850,000 cash capital; $400,000 supplemental appropriation
(snow/ice), $350,000 supplemental SPED, $420,000 supplemental for FY2011 capital.
Dr. Ash alerted Summit participants that the schools may need an appropriation for an additional
$292,000 to cover a new SPED student moving to Lexington from out-of-state.
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Budget Collaboration/Financial Summit 1 – October 1, 2009
Key Policy Issues Related to FY2011 Budget
Mr. Valente summarized the FY2011 Budget Policy Issues:
1) National Economy/Crisis in Financial Markets – we may see cuts in state aid this
year, but even as economy recovers local governments go into recession last and
come out last. Need to think in long-term scenarios of how to handle the next few
years;
2) Wages/Benefits – do not have collective bargaining settlements for FY2010 with any
of bargaining group except for one small group and nothing for FY2011, depending
on collective bargaining discussions any additional costs will have to be absorbed into
the $2,023,995 projected incremental revenue;
3) Use of One-Time Revenue Sources to Balance FY2011 – recommended same level of
free cash for the operating budget ($3.7 million) with the balance for one-time
expenses (capital or debt related). The Capital Expenditures Committee (CEC) and
Appropriation Committee (AC) will have to vet out the recommendations, which are
consistent with the Fiscal Task Force report;
4) Local Option Taxes – if passed by town meeting it will have some positive impact
this year (5 months worth of taxes) and all of FY2011;
5) Capital Plan/Financing – over last four years progress has been made in the backlog
of capital projects and infrastructure improvements, but some projects approved by
Town Meeting are on hold given the extraordinary financial situation. The Fiscal
Task Force Report addresses the situation and it was suggested that the CEC look at
whether, given the favorable bidding and borrowing for capital, the Town can do
some capital projects and maintain progress in maintaining and upgrading
infrastructure.
Mr. Enrich, Chair of the Fiscal Task Force, said they are currently focusing on issues concerning
long-term total compensation in order to report to Town Meeting on November 9. The
Committee did receive information from the Town Manager about total free cash expected and
had a brief conversation and the consensus was that the difference reflects one-time events and
they informally advise to think of the additional free cash as one-time revenue.
Responding to a question about selling a Town-owned building i.e., Munroe School, and what
the impact would be, Mr. Valente stated that when an asset is sold you have to use the proceeds
for a similar type capital purpose. The appraisal of the Munroe School is in process now and
will provide the financial value.
Special Town Meeting
The final warrant for the November 9 Special Town Meeting will be signed by the Selectmen on
Monday, October 5.
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Budget Collaboration/Financial Summit 1 – October 1, 2009
Establish Date for Summit 2
Summit 2 will be scheduled for Tuesday, November 24, 2009.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:10 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk
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Selectmen’s Meeting
October 5, 2009
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, October 5, 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. Chabot, Assistant to
the Executive Clerk, were present.
Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports
Mr. Manz reported that the Lexington Human Rights Committee hosted a meeting and training
session for several similar committees and commissions. The training by the Massachusetts
Commission Against Discrimination was extremely valuable. Also of importance was meeting
other people. The committee found that most cities and towns do what Lexington does, some are
more heavily staffed and funded than others.
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Mr. Manz will also be speaking at the 30 Birthday celebration of Lexpress on Tuesday, October
6, 2009 at 11:00 am in Depot Square. Cake will be served and everyone is invited.
Approve Statement of Interest – Lexington High School Renovations
The School Department Master Plan Task Force recommends that the Town proceed with
renovations to the High School and two elementary schools. The High School Project may
qualify for State funding. The first step in determining whether the project is eligible for funding
is to file a Statement of Interest by the School Committee and the Board of Selectmen with the
Massachusetts School Building Authority. Dr. Ash, Superintendent of Schools, explained the
findings of the Task Force and the process for MSBA funding. Filing a Statement of Interest
does not commit the Town to proceed with the project.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0-1 (Kelley abstained) to approve and
authorize the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen to sign the Authorization to submit a
Statement of Interest to the MSBA regarding Lexington High School.
FY2010 Water and Sewer Rates
Mr. Addelson, Assistant Town Manager for Finance, presented the recommended Water/Sewer
rates for FY2010. Overall, a 3.8% reduction in combined water and sewer rates was
recommended. Mr. Addelson explained that this is consistent with the Selectmen’s goal of
limiting water/sewer increases in light of the current economic environment. This rate reduction
is facilitated in large part by the use of water and wastewater retained earnings voted at the 2009
annual town meeting. Individually, the rate proposal provides for a 1.8% decrease in water rates
and a 4.7% decrease in wastewater rates.
The municipal water rate will increase by 10%, consistent with the recommendation of the
former Water/Sewer Rate Study Committee that this rate be increased to equal, at a minimum the
MWRA wholesale rate, which is $1.99 per hundred cubic feet. The municipal wastewater rate
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Selectmen’s Meeting October 5, 2009
will remain at the FY09 rate of $2.30 per HCF as it now exceeds the FY10 MWRA wholesale
rate of $2.15 per HCF.
On October 19, 2009 the Selectmen will take public comment on the proposed rates and vote on
new rates. Mr. Bartenstein, Appropriation Committee, asked the Selectmen to consider keeping
the rates flat for another year.
Cubist Traffic Mitigation Allocation
Ms. Arnold presented the Transportation Advisory Committee’s (TAC’s) recommendations
regarding the Cubist Traffic Mitigation Agreement. The committee supports renegotiating the
current $4,000 annual payment for a lump-sum $80,000 payment. They do not want this to be a
precedent for future projects. They also support having part of the Traffic Mitigation Funds
going towards the Town’s participation in the Rte 128 Business Council’s Transportation
Management Association. TAC requests that some additional amount of the traffic mitigation
payment go into the Lexpress Stabilization Fund.
Annual Appointments/Reappointments
Communications Advisory Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to reappoint David Becker, Linda
Roemer, and John Rommelfanger to the Communications Advisory Committee for three-year
terms to expire September 30, 2012.
Housing Partnership Board
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to reappoint Iris Wheaton to the Housing
Partnership Board for a three-year term to expire September 30, 2012.
Town Report Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to appoint Jacquelyn Quint to the Town
Report Committee for a one-year term to expire September 30, 2010.
Sign November 9, 2009 Special Town Meeting Warrant
Mr. Cohen explained that there are 14 articles on the warrant for the Special Town Meeting. The
first session will be on November 9, 2009. If a second session is needed it would be on
November 16, 2009 and if a third session is needed it would be November 18. Mr. Cohen urged
members of town meeting and the public to go to a number of public hearings between today and
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the 9 to get many of the questions answered and perhaps speed things along.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to sign the November 9, 2009 Special
Town Meeting Warrant.
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Selectmen’s Meeting – October 5, 2009
Approve Letter to State Auditor – Ethics Law Mandate
Recent changes in the new ethics reform act places a number of new and onerous administrative
requirements on municipalities. Mr. Valente has discussed the matter with the Massachusetts
Municipal Association, which is advising communities to request that the State Auditor
determine whether these requirements are a State mandate. When Proposition 2 ½ was adopted,
the law included a provision whereby unless a State mandate was funded by the State it was not
enforceable.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to authorize the Chairman of the Board
of Selectmen to sign a letter to the State Auditor requesting a mandates review of the new Ethics
statute.
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 adjustments:
Commitment of Water/Sewer Charges for August 2009 (Finals) $8,917.84
Commitment of Water/Sewer Charges for September 11, 2009 (Cycle 9) $221,012.13
Adjustments of Water/Sewer Charges for October 5, 2009 $-31,389.32
One-Day Liquor License – Cary Memorial Library Foundation
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve a one-day liquor license for
the Cary Memorial Library Foundation Fundraiser (Grape Expectations Wine tasting) to be held
on Friday November 6, 2009 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Annual Halloween Parade – Battle Green
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the request of LexFun to
have the annual Halloween Parade on the Battle Green on Saturday, October 24, 2009, from 8:45
a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (raindate Sunday, October 25)
Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the minutes of September 21,
2009.
Executive Session Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the executive session minutes
of September 21, 2009 and September 29, 2009.
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Selectmen’s Meeting – October 5, 2009
Executive Session
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 by roll call to go into executive session
to discuss collective bargaining, litigation, and a real property matter.
Selectmen’s Meeting – October 5, 2009
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:00 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Diana B. Chabot
Assistant to the Executive Clerk
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Selectmen’s Meeting
October 13, 2009
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. in the
Selectmen Meeting Room, Town Office Building. Chairman Cohen, Mrs. Krieger, Mr. Kelley,
Mr. Manz and Mr. Burnell; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; Ms. Yanofsky, Economic
Development Officer; and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk, were present.
Lexington Technology Park
Also Present: Lexington Technology Park Abutters, including Ms. Ciccolo, Ms. Blier, Mr.
Canale, Mr. Morin and Ms. Manuel.
The Selectmen invited the abutters of the proposed Lexington Technology Park rezoning to
continue discussions from last summer on outstanding issues.
Traffic Issues
The abutters were concerned that the traffic study could not be completed until after the annual
Town Meeting and asked if there was any way to find some money to do the study now. They
also want to make sure that the traffic study and traffic calming issues are resolved prior to
Shade Street being repaved, which may be in 2010.
Ms. Manuel feels the issue is the safety of the people trying to walk and bike along Shade Street.
She does not want to see the safety risk to go up with the volume of cars from the project.
The abutters want to be involved in solutions for how to handle the additional traffic that will
come with this new zoning project. They support the project, but know pressure will be put on
neighborhood streets.
They want a study done as soon as possible and want a commitment and protection from the
Town for measures to address traffic calming.
PSDUP Issues
The abutters requested that the Planning Board not close the hearing for another week to allow
time for them to review the final PSDUP to make sure it reflects the noise issues. They want
assurance that the problem with the 300 Building fans on the roof will be fixed and that the new
buildings will not have the same noise issues. They also requested that the wording regarding no
exit onto Shade Street needs to be included in the PSDUP.
Mr. Valente will check to see if the noise issue was part of the filing with the Town. He also
said that the new PSDUP has some added language, but that Town Counsel is concerned that the
document has the Board of Appeals as handling noise issues. The Selectmen agreed that the
document should have the Board of Selectmen/Noise Advisory Committee as handling noise
complaints.
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Selectmen’s Meeting – October 13, 2009
The Selectmen requested that the final PSDUP be sent to the abutters as soon as possible.
The Selectmen discussed funds that will be available for traffic studies and questioned what the
money should be used for. Mrs. Krieger believes traffic calming should only be considered if
there is a sidewalk on a roadway. Regarding a traffic study for Shade Street, now is probably not
the best time to do a study, be better to wait until after the annual Town Meeting. Ms. Yanofsky
will check with Engineering.
Mr. Valente cautioned the Selectmen on reopening the PDSUP that was negotiated last spring
and is all signed off.
Cubist and Lexington Technology Park Memorandum’s of Understanding
Mr. Valente presented the MOU’s to the Selectmen. He would like to have the Selectmen’s
approval in concept for both documents so that it can be included as part of the record in the
Planning Board’s hearing that will close Wednesday night, October 14, 2009.
The Lexington Technology Park MOU includes measures for a Traffic Master Plan. It also
includes measures commencing prior to issuance of building permit ($500,000 to Traffic
Mitigation Stabilization Fund and $100,000 to the Transportation Demand Management/Public
Transportation Stabilization Fund) and measures commencing prior to issuance of certificate of
occupancy for the $1,900 per parking spaces ($100,000 for the Transportation Demand
Management/Public Transportation Stabilization Fund and the balance to the Traffic Mitigation
Stabilization Fund). The document also includes an additional provision for Consumer Price
Index Adjustment for the $1,900 per parking space.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve, in concept, the Lexington
Technology Park Memorandum of Understanding.
Regarding the Cubist Memorandum of Understanding, Mr. Valente is looking into whether the
Town should be receiving more than the $4,000 yearly for Lexpress. He also said the
Transportation Advisory Committee is backing away from a lump sum amount and would rather
receive the money yearly. A majority of the Selectmen agreed that it should be a lump sum that
can be invested as an endowment. The Transportation Advisory Committee also requested that
the Selectmen consider giving them part of the $1,900 per parking space monies.
The other change to the Cubist MOU is that they will be building out all the parking spaces. The
Selectmen do not want the payment spread over six years.
Mr. Burnell made clear that he prefers the Lexpress payment continue as an annual payment, not
a lump sum payment.
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Selectmen’s Meeting – October 13, 2009
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve, in concept, the Cubist
Memorandum of Understanding.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:40 a.m.
A true record; Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk
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Selectmen’s Meeting
October 13, 2009
A meeting of the Conservation Commission and the Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday,
October 13, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in Cary Auditorium, Cary Memorial Building, to discuss dogs on
conservation land. All Conservation Commission members were present except Mr. Wyman;
plus Ms. Mullins, Conservation Administrator and Ms. Schadler, Conservation Assistant. Board
of Selectmen members present were Chairman Cohen, Mrs. Krieger, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Manz and
Mr. Burnell and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk, were present.
Mrs. Miller, Chair of the Conservation Commission, chaired the meeting. The goal of the
meeting was to obtain public input regarding potential solutions to the three primary problems
posed by dogs on conservation land (parking, dog waste and off-leash dogs). Several residents
provided input to the Conservation Commission prior to the meeting.
The current dog regulations are: dogs must be under “immediate restraint and control” at all
times, by leash or effective command; no more than three dogs per person are allowed on
conservation land; and you must always “remove and dispose of any dog feces.”
The dog waste and control are under the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission and the
parking issue is under the jurisdiction of the Selectmen.
Mr. Gunther, Brent Road, made a brief presentation showing the impacts dogs are having on the
conservation land and he referred to Lexington’s current leash law which does not allow dogs to
run wild or away from owners.
Mr. Perez, Westwood Road, read a statement written by his wife Carol regarding not being able
to enjoy Williards Woods in her wheelchair without being attacked by unleashed dogs. She feels
the laws to protect humans and the environment are available but are not being enforced.
Ms. Derby, Suzanne Road, agrees there is a problem at the entrance and that dogs should be
leashed until they are in the park. She hopes a compromise can be found.
Ms. Bryant, Blossomcrest Road, believes conservation land is public and parking is part of that
public area. The trash cans should be emptied more frequently and more should be added.
Ms. Traber, Maple Street, suggested that the license fee be increased to help with park costs.
Mr. Strauss, White Terrace, suggested special permit process be implemented for all
conservation land, which would include a dog tag and signage about the permit process at the
conservation land.
Mr. Millner, North Street, believes the problem is the number of dogs and enforcement. There
needs to be more dog officer presence.
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Selectmen/Conservation Commission – October 13, 2009
Mr. Wasserman, Rogers Road, is a Conservation Steward who walks his dogs in many
conservation areas off-leash. He suggests that the stewards could enforce the rules of the
Conservation Commission and be available to patrol and respond to problems. Try to see to it
that those people who are violating the rules are punished.
Mr. Hertzig, Whittier Road, suggested being nice and courteous by providing additional signage
regarding picking up waste and what the laws are. Parking should be discussed.
Mr. Gilbert, Blake Road, believes the social interaction of the dogs in the park is beneficial for
dog and owner and hopes the Conservation Commission will take that into consideration.
Ms. Sandy, North Emerson Road, believes the key issue is enforcement and that having the dog
officer there at sometime during the day would be helpful. She also suggests additional signage.
Ms. Koplow, Brent Road, reminded the audience how frightening it can be for someone not used
to dogs to see uncontrolled dogs in the park. She suggests that dog owners speak to other dog
owners who are not following the rules.
Ms. Miller, who lives in Bedford, uses the park to walk her dogs with her autistic son. She tries
to be a good steward and would be happy to pay a user fee.
Ms. Hilzenrath, Suzanne Road, is an abutter who overlooks the field. She asks what is
immediate restraint and the distance a dog should be from its owner. She would like everyone to
be able to enjoy Williards Woods.
Ms. Marcus, North Street, believes the issue is policing. There should be a fine for any dogs not
under control.
One resident spoke about her kids not wanting to go to Williards Woods any longer because they
do not feel sale. The current rules are not working.
Ms. Deardorf, Harding Road, believes that residents would volunteer to help keep the park clean.
The conservation land should be for both dogs and kids.
Ms. Miller thanked the audience for coming and for the interesting ideas. The Conservation
Commission will continue to receive comments and questions until October 20.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn 9:00 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk
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Selectmen’s Meeting
October 19, 2009
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, October 19, 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.
Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports
Mr. Burnell encouraged everyone to attend the 2020 Vision Committee Futures Panel on
Thursday, October 29, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. in Cary Auditorium to talk about the future of
Lexington.
Town Manager Report
Mr. Valente announced that Lexington’s Free Cash was certified today at $6.159 million.
Mr. Valente received word today that Ron Russo was selected by Massachusetts Recreation and
Park Association for Special Citation for his 35 years of service and his work with the Recreation
Department as the lead person maintaining the Center Pool Complex. He will receive the
citation on October 30 at a presentation at their annual conference at the DCU Center.
FY2010 Water and Sewer Rates Hearing
Mr. Addelson, Assistant Town Manager of Finance, presented the proposed FY2010 water and
sewer rates. He answered questions raised by Mr. Bartenstein at the October 5 meeting
regarding retained earnings and he provided information requested by Mr. Kelley regarding the
debt service impact for the Public Services Building.
The proposed FY2010 water and sewer rates combined would be a 3.8 percent reduction for
average user of 120 hcf or a reduction of $49.00 per year on the average water bill.
Mr. Burnell asked if it would be prudent to maintain current rates in anticipation of what may
happen over the next year or two. He said that MWRA is trying hard to maintain a level funding
but is doing it with one-time money, which means in a year or two increases will likely be passed
on to cities and towns.
Mr. Kelley asked what the wholesale rate for water and sewer is. Mr. Valente explained that we
have been raising both the water and sewer rates for municipal use by 10 percent a year until we
reached the wholesale rate; on the water side we are not quite at the wholesale rate but on the
sewer rate we are.
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Selectmen’s Meeting – October 19, 2009
Mr. Addelson stated that the MWRA wholesale rate for water in FY2010 is 1.99 and sewer is at
2.15 and Lexington’s adopted rate last year was in excess of that. While we are proposing an
increase in the municipal rate to move toward wholesale rate of 1.99, we are proposing level
funding the sewer rate to allow in subsequent years the MWRA rates to rise up to our rates.
The Chamber of Commerce sent an e-mail to the Economic Development Officer asking that the
Selectmen be made aware that the business community feels Lexington’s water rates are
dramatically higher than other communities and they hope the Selectmen will take this into
account prior to setting the water/sewer rates.
Mr. Addelson reiterated that a survey conducted in 2008 showed that the combined annual water
and sewer charges in MWRA communities were $11.32. As of last November, Lexington was
$12.89.
Mr. Burnell believes the Chamber is asking about the block rates and the fact that some
commercial businesses have high water usage (Block 3) and he asked how our block rate
compares with other towns.
Mr. Bartenstein believes it would be prudent to keep the rates flat. He would rather see retained
earnings applied toward buffering future rate increases which may be substantial and painful.
Mr. Valente explained that when the Shire 400 Building comes on-line it will be a substantial
user of water, which will have an impact on reducing the average cost to residents. It is
anticipated to become operational next year.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0-1 (Burnell abstained) to establish the
FY2010 water and sewer rates as shown in the table below.
Type Water Sewer
Residential/Commercial/Industrial
Block 1 2.91 5.73
Block 2 4.37 9.36
Block 3 5.75 14.87
Irrigation 5.75 NA
Municipal 1.78 2.30
Hanscom 4.29 NA
VA Hospital 5.12 NA
Bedford-water 2.01 NA
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Selectmen’s Meeting – October 19, 2009
Solid Waste and Recycling Update
Mr. Beaudoin presented a trash and recycling update for the first three months of FY2010, which
show a slight decline in trash tonnage (12.23 tons) for FY2009. Recycling for same period is
1,046 tons. In reviewing FY2009, trash tonnage was 8,612, which is lower than FY2008.
Recycling for FY2009 was 4,842 tons which was 8 percent lower than FY2008. The drop in
recycling in FY2009 is because of the public going more paperless and the reduction in
newspaper sales.
Mr. Beaudoin provided a table showing the top 50 recycling communities for calendar year 2009
prepared by the DEP. Lexington is No. 11 with a 55% recycling rate.
Big Belly Solar Compaction System
Mr. Hadley stated that the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative has a grant for solar. He
went before the Energy Conservation Committee to make a proposal to purchase the Big Belly
Solar Compaction System. The trash compactor can hold a 5-day supply of trash and the sensor
on the top panel can compact the trash slightly. The unit can also be partnered with bottle/can or
paper containers. They are hoping to purchase 8 or 9 units with the compatible bottle/can or
paper container. They are currently looking at possible locations, including Lincoln Park, Center
Pool Playground and in the downtown area, which would require Historic Districts Commission
approval.
The Selectmen would like to see units in the center because of the bike path traffic and the
frequent overflow problems. It would take the pressure off municipal crews in maintaining the
center.
The units have visible signage and the City of Salem has reported that there has been very little
cross-contamination.
The units come with a one-year labor and parts warranty guarantee, which can be expanded for
nominal amount of money to 4 years, which Mr. Beaudoin thinks would be a good investment to
protect Lexington
Mrs. Krieger explained that the grant money is the result of a group of residents who bought into
a challenge of Massachusetts Technology Collaborative to buy solar (green) power in lieu of coal
or oil-generated power. The majority of the grant was used to put a demonstration panel for
solar on the high school. The balance of the grant would be used to purchase the Big Belly Solar
Compaction System, which would be a worthwhile application.
Approve Gift of Land
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve and sign a Gift of Land Deed
for the property at the junction of Downing Road and Outlook Drive.
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Selectmen’s Meeting – October 19, 2009
Article Positions and Assignments
The Selectmen reviewed the list of article assignments. Assignments for Article 6, Approve
Local Option Meals Excise, and Article 7, Approve Local Option Room Occupancy Excise, will
be made after the EDAC makes a recommendation to the Selectmen on November 2 after
receiving comments at a public meeting on the local excises for meals/hotels to be held on
October 20.
The Selectmen all support the following articles:
Article 8 – Contract for Solar Energy
Article 10 – Appropriate to Traffic Mitigation Stabilization Fund
Article 11 – Appropriate to Stabilization Fund
Article 12 - Appropriate for Waltham Street Pedestrian Crossing, is supported by all the
Selectmen, except Mr. Kelley who abstained. He would like to see the available funds used for
the crosswalk and have a plan drawn up internally.
Suggested Dates for Presentation of Department Budgets
FY2011 departmental budget presentations will be made on December 1, 2, 3, and 14.
Resignation – Housing Partnership Board
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to accept the resignation of Lisa Snelling
from the Lexington Housing Partnership Board, effective immediately.
Approve Postcard for Special Elections and Poll Location Change
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve and send a Special Notice
postcard to all residents regarding the upcoming special elections and the poll location change
for Precinct 8.
Entertainment License – Starbucks
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve and sign an Entertainment for
Starbucks, 60 Bedford Street.
Consent Agenda
Proclamation – Employee Recognition Day
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to sign the proclamation for Employee
Recognition Day on November 4, 2009.
65-496
Selectmen’s Meeting – October 19, 2009
Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to approve the minutes of October 5,
2009 and October 13, 2009 (Lexington Technology Park abutter meeting).
Executive Session
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 by roll call to go into executive session
for the purpose of real property and collective bargaining, with no intent to return to open
session.
A true record; Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk