Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-02-BOS-min 1 SELECTMEN'S MEETING February 3, 1994 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Thursday, February 3, 1994, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Dailey, Mr. McSweeney, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison; Mr White, Town Manager; and Mrs. Novak, Assistant Town Manager, were present. ADDITION TO THE WARRANT Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to reopen the Warrant and insert an article relating to a Stabilization Fund, and to thereafter close the Warrant. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Warrant for the 1994 Annual Town Meeting, as amended. The Selectmen were joined by members of the School Committee and School Superin- tendent Jeff Young to go into executive session. EXECUTIVE SESSION Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 by roll call vote - SELEN: Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison; and 4-0 f by roll call vote - SCHOOL COMMM1rri EJ : Mr. Oberteuffer, Mrs. Woodworth, Mrs. Coit, Mr. Dini; to go into executive session for discussion of matters of collective bar- gaining, the disclosure of which might adverselyaffect the interests of the town with no g intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:00p.m. A true record, Attest: ;/(MA,./ , ■ Sara I. Peters Executive Clerk, ! i SELECTMEN'S MEETING February 14, 1994 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, February 14, 1994, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Dailey, Mr. McSweeney, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Mrs. Novak, Acting Town Manager; and Mrs. Peters, Exec. Clerk, were present. WOODLAND ROAD - AFFORDABLE HOUSING Mr. Dailey noted that the Board had met about two months ago with LexHAB to discuss the feasibility of constructinga house at #14 Woodland Road, on school property, p p proposed by the Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School, the Lexington Rotary Club, and LexHAB as part of the Town's efforts to increase the number of scattered site affordable houses in Lexington. He also reported that, at a recent School Committee g meeting, the Committee voted 4-1 to transfer its jurisdiction over theparcel to theBoard of Selectmen. Mr. Dailey added that it was hoped that the Board of Selectmen would take a position on the use of this parcel tonight, either to recommend or not to recommend, that - Town Meeting approve an article that would transfer the lot to LexHAB for use as an affordable scattered housing site. He asked Chairman Marshall Derby to update the Board on what has happened since. Mr. Derby pointed out that if the Selectmen vote tonight not to recommend that the land be turned over to the jurisdiction of LexHAB for use as an affordable scattered housing site, then the article before Town Meeting is moot since LexHAB reports to the Board of Selectmen. He discussed several issues that had been previously agreed upon: 1) that the path will remain as visible as it is now; 2) neighborhood involvement will be sought in siting the house on the lot; 3) suitability of the style of house in the neighborhood; and 4) an alternative lot on Colony Road, which he said had been analyzed and found not to be as suitable. Mr. Derby also presented plans prepared by the Engineering Department; and the Design Advisory Committee, showing in detail what trees are recommended to be removed. He added that if the Selectmen vote to recommend the the site for scattered site housing, g LexHAB plans to hire Landscape Architect Gary Larson to independently review the site and recommend where to site the house and propose any path relocation prior to Town Meeting. Questions from the Board included how many conversations LexHAB had with the neighborhood on these issues - Mr. Derby said that he had contacted some neighbors who called others for a site meeting in early December, and that since then he had a number of telephone conversation.s with various neighbors, adding that he would sit down with anyone who wished to discuss the proposal with him, such as how many trees would be removed; how far back the path would be affected; the qualifications of Mr. Larson; the financial operation of LexHAB, including income levels for renters; and whether any operations of LexHAB are paid for by the Town. Comments from the audience dealt with concerns that of one of Lexington's most prized natural features, that enables Fiske School students to walk to school and avoid busy streets, should be preserved for future generations of children, as well as for nature lovers, that will be lost forever if a house is built on the lot; the potential loss of some very mature L and beautiful trees; and the safety of the children. Minutes for the Meeting of February 14, 1994 2 -0,2S- A petition signed by Fiske School students was presented by student Benjamin Mendales, 38 Meriam Street, protesting the construction of a home at #14 Woodland Road, ( and a petition containing approximately 267 Lexington citizen signatures was also presented, the ` protesting construction of a home at #14 Woodland Road. Discussion followed about a LexHAB listalternativesites.of sites. Mr. Derby reported that the original list, which included tax title lots, has been exhausted, and that there is no extensive list left; rather, there may be three or four lots that are being investigated, but that appear to have legal or other problems. Mr. Fenn expressed interest in seeing the "new" list. Also discussed were the Comprehensive Permit process and the State's "snob" zoning requirements Hearing no more questions, Mr. Dailey asked if there was any motion a Board member wished to make. Mr. McSweeney moved that the Selectmen vote to recommend to Town Meeting that the lot at #14 Woodland be turned over to LexHAB to build a four bedroom cape. Mrs. Eddison asked to amend the motion with the words "while still exploring alterative sites". The motion, with amendment, was not seconded. Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to postpone taking a vote on what the Board will recommend to Town Meeting, until March 7, 1994. Mr. Derby asked for and received permission to hire Landscape Architect Gary Larson at this point to review the site instead of waiting until the proposal is presented at Town Meeting. MINUTES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes for the meeting of January 3, 1994. EXECU 1 VE SESSION MINUTES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Executive Session held on January 3, and January 10, 1994. SELECTMEN'S OFFICE HOURS Mr. Fenn asked the Board's pleasure about establishing regularly scheduled office hours to meet with interested citizens, that he had previously suggested. The Board agreed to schedule hours on the first and third Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on a three month trial basis when a Selectmen would be available to meet with Lexington citizens in the Selectmen's Office, beginning in March. A sign-up list will be circulated. CONSENT AGENDA COMMITMENTS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve commitment of the following charges. a. Commitment of Water Charges - 2/1/94 $360.46 (final bills) b. Commitment of Sevier Charges - 2/1/94 $555.01 (final bills) c. Commitment of Water Charges - Feb. 1994 177,594.33 (Cycle 9 bills) Minutes for the Meeting of February 14, 1994 3 4e5 RA TELEPHONE POLL VOTE � Upon motion duly made and seconded, to was voted to ratify a telephone poll vote taken on Tuesday, February 8, 1994, to lower flag on the Battle Green for the funeral of Joseph Rooney. APPOINT MS. NOVAK AS ACTING TOWN MANAGER Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Ms. Novak to serve as Acting Town Manager until Town Manager White returns. CENTER POOL REPAIR UPDATE Mr. Fields reported that bids were opened on Thursday, February 10 on Contract 97- 7A, Lexington Pool Complex Concrete Repairs, and Contract 94-7B, Lexington Pool Complex Electric Repairs. Low bids for the concrete repairs was 26,225.00 and 27,200.00 for the electrical repairs, and that funding for one of these two contracts will come from Article 17 of 1993 Town Meeting. Mr. Fields added that there were a number of other minor repairs that needed to be done at Center Pool and that a supplementary appropriation of $40,000 is needed to complete the project. In a memo to Town Manager White, DPW Director Spiers recommended that the Selectmen vote to award Contract 94-7A Pool Concrete Repairs to Folan Waterproofing & p � g Construction of Waltham, MA on the basis of them being the lowest qualified bidder, subject to Town Counsel's approval as to bid form. The memorandum also said that the Electrical Repairs contract would be awarded once the 1994 Town Meetingappropriated the p additional funds. CHAPTER 90 RESURFACING Ms. Novak asked Mr. Fields to bring the Board up to date on spring Chapter 90 Resurfacing plans, and that the Board vote to approve and sign the Mass. Highway Chapter 90 Project Request. Mr. Fields said the Town is planning to resurface a total of 3.3 miles of street this spring. Mr. Fields added that the contract will go out for bids shortly with bid openings the p enin g first part of March, and the work to begin in mid April. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the expenditure of $465,106.25 of Chapter 90 funds. q3 COA APPOINTMENT Ms. Novak reported that the Town Pp Managerplans to appoint, with the Board's g approval, Jacqueline Davison of 80 Spring Street to the Council on Aging for a term expiring in 1997. She will replace Muriel Taylor who resigned last May. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the appointment of r ; Jacqueline Davison to serve on the Council of Aging for a term expiring in 1997. FREE CASH Ms. Novak reported that as of July 1, 1993, Free Cash has been certified at $1,724,744, Comptroller John Ryan reported that last year Free Cash had been certified at $400,000, and he presented a breakdown of where the additional money came from. Minutes for the Meeting of February 14, 1994 4 giO CEN t ER PARKING Ms. Novak reported that DPW Director Richard Spiers has reviewed the operation of the Meriam Street parking lot, and although he has concerns, it appears that having the Town manage the Meriam Street lot could save some (de-privatization) money. Mr. Spiers noted that the Town is in the 5th year of a contract with LAZ Parking Ltd. of Boston, at a FY 1994 cost of $71,076, and that it is projected that next year the FY 95 cost of the contract will be $76,186.00. He discussed various options with employees under contract to a privately operated concern and having the Town run the parking lot. He thought that the Town could save a considerable amount of money by operating the parking lot itself, in the range of $30,000 to $40,000. The Board discussed various scenarios of different hourly rates that could be charged to persons employed as parking attendants at the Meriam Street Parking Lot, and revising parking rates. The Board asked that the Chamber of Commerce be invited to comment on various changes under consideration. Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to adjourn at 10:58. p.m. A true record, Attest: downi Sara I. Peters, Executive Clerk SELECTMEN'S MEETING February 28, 1994 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, February 28, 1994, in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Dailey, Mr. McSweeney, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Mr White, Town Manager; Mrs. Novak, Assistant Town Manager; and Mrs. Peters, Executive Clerk, wereP resent. 1-'1C 11 Eli Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to refer traffic concerns relating to a curve at #53 through #66 Solomon Pierce Road to the Traffic Safety Advisory Cor its for review and recommendation. PROCLAMATION - RED CROSS MONTH Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to proclaim the month of March, 1994, "American Red Cross Month", as requested by the American Red Cross. ASSEMBLY ON BA 1'1 LE GREEN - LEXINGTON MINInE MEN COMPANY F Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the Lexington Minute Men for assembly on the Battle Green at the following times and for the following uses. Saturday, April 2, 1994 - Rehearsal for Reenactment, 2-4 p.m. Sunday, April 10. 1994 - Rain date for Rehearsal, 2-4 p.m. Monday, April 18, 1994 - THE REENACTMENT. CONSENT AGENDA COMMI i MENTS Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve commitment of the following charges. Commitment of Water Charges - Feb. 1994 $1,030.85 (additional commitment accts.) Commitment of Sewer Charges - Feb. 1994 $2,012.29 (additional commitment accts.) yp ONE DAY LIOUOR LICENSES Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application of St. Bridgid's Parish for a One Day Liquor License to hold a St. Patrick's Day Dance on March 12, 1994 from 8:00 p.m. to Midnight. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application p .� �i of the Lexington Montessori School to hold a fund raising auction on March 19, 1994 frcm 6:00 p.m. to Midnight. Minutes for the Meeting of February 28, 1994 6 — ?9• HATS REPORT Mr. Fenn reported that at a HATS meeting several evenings ago, there was discus- sion with MassPort about reaching some kind of formal agreement among the four Towns and MassPort about the future of Hanscom Field; something like the legally binding agreement MassPort has with East Boston. Mr. Fenn added that the four HATS representa- tives asked if they could work toward formalizing some sort of similar agreement, perhaps not as formal. Mr. Fenn reported that MassPort is interested in further discussion. VERSAILLES RESTAURANT. RENEWAL OF SIDEWALK CAFE PERMIT Mr. White reported there had been no problems with the restaurant's sidewalk service in the past year. He recommended they again be granted permission to serve food and alcoholic beverages at tables outside on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant, from May 1, 1993 through September 30, 1993, with the following restrictions, unchanged from last year, except that the restaurant has received approval to open at 8:00 a.m. and would like to extend the approved hours to include his sidewalk permit. Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to grant a sidewalk permit to serve food at tables outside the Versailles Restaurant, subject to the conditions listed below. 1) furniture out no earlier than 8:00 a.m., and no party to be served after 11:00 p.m. 2) no more than four to five tables with umbrellas and 16 to 20 chairs may be placed outside. 3) serving of meals, coffee, dessert and alcoholic beverages; for every seat used outside, one seat may not be used inside. 4) tables and chairs must be set so as not to obstruct pedestrian traffic. 5) rental of the outdoor space will continue to be $200 per month, 6) one million dollars insurance shall be held for liquor liability. 7) tables must be cleared immediately when unoccupied. POLICE CELL BLOCK IMPROVEMENTS Acting Police Chief Casey reported that he had met with the architects this morning and could report that the design phase of the work on the cell block improvements were about 60 to 70% complete; that he expects the plans to be ready to go out for bids a week from this coming Wednesday; and bids to be received by March 7 in time for Town Meeting. Acting Chief Casey described proposed renovations to the cells, the booking room and the combined dispatch area, and said that they are trying to keep costs as low as possible, while doing the best possible job for the Town. JOINT DISPATCH CENTER Fire Chief Bergeron presented a progress report on the computer and communica- tions aspect of the dispatch renovations. He said that the Board needed to decide whether or not to keep the fire alarm boxes; and that they expected to have firm bids on the equipment by the first week of April. Mr. Dailey noted that Capital Expenditures Committee may recommend that the proposed cost of the renovations be reduced by 10%, and that the Police and Fire Depart- ments should be prepared to respond to this. Minutes for the Meeting of February 28, 1994 3 POTENTIAL, BUDGET REDUCTION ALTERNATIVES. As part of the effort to balance the budget, Mr. White asked the Board to consider revising the free cash policy, and use approximately $.7 million of the $1.7 million in free cash, since the amount of free cash has risen so dramatically this year. He also suggested that the Recreation Department which is essentially a fee-for-service department, except for Pine Meadows which does generate some surplus, could be tapped for capital projects done by Public Works on behalf of the Recreation Department. Mr. White also reported that $150,000 more than expected will 136 received from the State Lottery; a $61,000 lower assessment is anticipated from Minuteman Vocational School; and NESWC tipping fees came in at $70,000 less than expected. He discussed potential savings of between $100,000 and $164,000 in the expanded Social Security/State Pension ro anis. He said his calculations produced cuts of approximately P � PP y leaving a deficit of approximately 2 million dollars which is the responsibility ty of both the Town and the Schools to fund. In response to questions from the Board, Mr. White said he thought that the Town has a real structural problem; that the demand for services and the rising annual cost of these services, exceed the ability to pay for them. Questions about privatizing parking fee collection, the problem of differing wage compensation strategies; and concerns about LexPRESS were also raised. Mr. Dailey praised Mr. White and the Department Heads for the detailed informa- tion presented and for his excellent presentation. Board members spoke of the difficulty of resolving falling revenues with an unwillingness of town residents to accept less services. STREET LIGHTING The Board agreed to wait until the experimental street lights proposed by the Lighting Options Committee are installed on the agreed upon subdivision streets, and the Board has had an opportunity to meet with the Lighting Options Committee next week, before making any final decision on street lighting. EXECUTIVE SESSION Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 by roll call vote: Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison; to go into executive session for discussion of matters of real estate, the disclosure of which might adversely affect the interests of the town with nointent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:50 p.m. A true record, Attest: Sara I. Peters Executive Clerk,