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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-09-BOS-min 60-100 Selectmen's Meeting September 12, 1994 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, September 12, 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 Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk, were present. Boston Gas Hearing - Grant of Location/Mass. Avenue and Ellen Dana Court Mr. Dailey opened a public hearing on the petition of Boston Gas for the installation of approximately 20 feet of 2" plastic gas main on Massachusetts Avenue to service customers of Ellen Dana Court. Hugh Small, a representative of Boston Gas, was present to answer questions. Mr. Dailey noted the favorable recommendation from Richard Spiers, Public Works Director. There being no comments or questions, Mr. Dailey declared the hearing closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition, plans and order for a Grant of Location for the installation of approximately 20 feet of 2 inch plastic gas main on Massachusetts Avenue. Grant Award - Parks and Trees Parks and Trees Superintendent Brian Gilbert notified the Board of three grant awards that will allow more trees to be planted around Town. One grant in the amount of $3,120 will allow for the planting of approximately 12 trees. Another in the amount of $9,700 will provide for the planting of approximately 40 to 50 trees and a third grant was received in the amount of $1,970. The Board thanked Mr. Gilbert for his efforts and success in receiving these grants. Fitness Path Expansion Lynne Wilson reviewed plans to construct a new 650 section to the fitness path and provisions being made to accomodate the visually impaired. Selectman McSweeney thanked Mrs. Wilson for her tremendous effort in providing the Town with the fitness path and her most recent efforts to help the visually impaired to enjoy the path. Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Transportation Sara Arnold reviewed the report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Transportation and introduced members of the Committee to the Board. The Board members thanked Mrs. Arnold and the members of the Committee for their very helpful and comprehensive report. 60-101. Selectmen's Meeting - September 12, 1994 Russian Visit Update Dan Fenn briefed fellow Board members on the plans for the Russian visit and acknowledged the many citizens, organizations and local businesses who contributed to the plans for the Russian visit on September 17. He invited Board members and all citizens to participate in the welcoming of the Russians to Lexington. Battle Green Guide Licenses Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the appointment of the following as licensed guides for the 1994 season to guide visitors around the Battle Green: Stephen Hart of 32 Wyman Road and Ben Elgart of 5 Jonas Stone Circle. Minutes of August 22. 1994 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of August 22, 1994. Fall and Winter Meetings Schedule The Board agreed to hold meetings on October 3, 17 and 31; November 14 and 18; December 5 and 19 and January 4, 9, 11, 18, 23, 25 and 30, 1995. Selectmen Office Hours Board members discussed resuming office hours on a rotating basis on Tuesday mornings from 8:30 to 10:30. Consent Agenda - Abatements and Commitments Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following abatements and commitments: a. Abatement of Water Charges - 6/30/94 $49,822.99 b. Abatement of Sewer Charges - 6/30/94 $97,997.73 c. Abatement of Demand Charges - 6/30/94 $25.00 d. Abatement of Water Charges - 8/15/94 $532.20 e. Abatement of Sewer Charges -- 8/15/94 $1,164.95 f. Abatement of Demand Charges - 8/15/94 $15.00 g. Commitment of Water Charges -- 8/11/94 (Cycle 9) $385,272.28 h. Commitment of Street Opening Permits - 9/30/94 New England Telephone $100.00 Boston Edison Company $25.00 Boston Gas Company $650.50 60-102 Selectmen's Meeting - September 12, 1994 Authorization of CATV & Communications Advisory Committee to Represent Town Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the CATV and Communications Advisory Committee to represent the Town concerning Statement of Clarification regarding A-R Cable Service's filing of FCC Form 1200. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the CATV and Communications Advisory Committee to continue informal license renewal negotiations with A-R Cable Services, Inc. for an additional 6 months beyond the currently authoried date. Consequently, these negotiations are authorized through February 4, 1995. Alternative Separate Water Meter Rate Proposal Water and Sewer Superintendent Bill Hadley presented an alternative fee proposal for the installation and inspection of separate water meters for outdoor residential use. The Board asked Bill to come back with a recommended commercial/industrial fee proposal. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the charges for the installation of separate residential water meters for outdoor use with the elimination of a connection fee for the user. The charges will be: $275.00 for a 1" meter; $240.00 for a 3/4" meter and $217.00 for a 5/8" meter. 4 FY95 Budget Reduction Mr. White reminded the Board of a commitment to reduce the FY95 budget by $150,000. He said he hoped the Board would discuss the finance committees at their next meeting the two areas they are looking at to reduce; namely, LEXPRESS and the Library. Mr. White said there may be a minimum of $50,000 that could be cut from the general insurance budget and said that he should have a firm number on the 26th. Soft Second Loan Program Mr. White reported that two years ago the Town, supported by the Lexington Housing Partnership and Lexington Savings Bank, applied for but did not receive monies from the Executive Office of Communities and Development for a Soft Second Loan Program. He said EOCD has notified the Towns that new money is available and if the Board wishes him to apply for these funds he is seeking the Board's authorization. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Town Manager to apply for funds from the Executive Office of Communities and Development for a Soft Second Loan Program. 1 60-103 Selectmen's Meeting - September 12, 1994 Selectmen Liaison to Battered Women's Collaborative/Beth Krentzman Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Beth Krentzman the Selectmen's liaison to the Battered Women's Collaborative. Executive Session - Land Acciuisition Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 by roll call vote: Mr.-Dailey, Mr. McSweeney, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn and Mrs. Eddison to go into executive session for matters of land acquisition, the disclosure of which might adversely affect the interests of the town with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:45 p.m. A true record, Attest: �. zte _Fr( - Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk f f { ti 1 60-104 Selectmen's Meeting September 26, 1994 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, September 26, 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 Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk, were present. Leo McSweeney called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. indicating the Chairman would be a few mintues late. Mr. McSweeney asked Peter Chalpin, Chairman of the Traffic Safety Committee to give the recommendations of the Committee on two Traffic matters. Traffic Safety Advisory Committee - Solomon Pierce Road Mr. Chalpin acknowledged the presence of another member of the Traffic Safety Committee, Myla Kabat Zinn. Mr. Chalpin said that on June 22, 1994 the TSAC met with a group of residents from Solomon Pierce Road to discuss a number of traffic safety improvement requests. Speed zones of 25MPH and 30MPH were posted on the street. In an effort to increase compliance to the posted speed zones, the Committee recommends that enforcement be increased, with special emphasis given to the evening peak hours on weekdays, and during the daytime hours on Saturdays. The TSAC also recommends installing two curve signs near houses #51 and #66. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendations of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee to install two curve signs near houses #51 and #66 and to increase enforcement of the posted speed zones. Waldorf School/Massachusetts Avenue Mr. Chalpin said that at its meeting of June 22, 1994, the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee met with representatives of the administration of the Waldorf School to discuss a concern about short-term congestion at Massachusetts Avenue and Pleasant Street raised by Ms. Norma Floyd. He explained that the Committee noted that over the last few years the Town has taken all of the steps which could be considered reasonable to improve traffic conditions on Massachusetts Avenue at the school, including the complete replacement of the traffic signals, the elimination of at least three parking spaces on Mass. Avenue to improve sight distance and implementation of parking restrictions on the school/library driveways to improve traffic flow. He also noted that no accidents have been reported at the school since November 30, 1992. Further in response to Ms. Floyd's request, the Committee urged the school representatives to give consideration to retaining a police detail during the opening and closing of school to ease overall congestion. Mr. Chalpin further stated that the Committee does not recommend any additional steps which can, or should be taken by the Town at this time. 60-105 Selectmen's Meeting - September 26, 1994 r - Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted unanimously to adopt the recommendations of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. Lighting Demonstration Proiect Update Mr. Chalpin explained that the pole installation work on East Emerson Road will begin on October 3, 1994, and that all of the new poles will be in plce on all of the streets by Friday, October 28 and presented the Selectmen with a schedule from Ripman Lighting for the installation of the new test lights on the poles on East Emerson Road, Jonas Stone Circle, Tidd Circle, Mead Circle, Trodden Path, Bloomfield Street, Maple Street, Massachusetts Avenue, Percy Road nad Outlook Drive. Amended Agreement with Hayden Recreation Centre. Inc. to Permit Construction of Expanded Fitness Path Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve and sign the amended agreement with Hayden Recreation Centre, Inc. to use a portion of land belonging to Hayden Recreation Centre, Inc. to expand the Fitness Path. Joint Meeting with School Committee. Appropriation Committee and Capital Expenditures Committee Mr. White advised those present that the Privatization and Business Committees were now in place. The Privatization Committee is looking into all areas where savings might be achieved. They welcome suggestions. They have been given a broad charge and hope to have results by mid to late October. The Business Committee hopes to come up with some idea on how to fill the empty commercial space. Mr. White explained that the commercial/industrial portion of the tax base has gone from around 34% to 35% down to 24%. Mr. White reviewed the savings and grants received by the Town and explained how these savings would be used to offset the FY95 $150,000 Town's shortfall portion of the teachers' = early retirement. Mr. White reviewed the last six years revenue history and the past two years worth of appropriations history. He explained the State has lifted the cap on lottery funds and the Town can expect to see an additional $100,000 a year. Mr. White further explained that the Town will be reviewing fees and charges and will be making a recommendation at the Board meeting on October 17 at the Estabrook School Library. Mr. White further reviewed the Free Cash situation and said it doesn't look very good. We appropriated $1 million last year. We don't have a firm idea of where we are with Free Cash right now. 60-106 Selectmen's Meeting - September 26, 1994 Comptroller John Ryan explained that the snow and ice deficit was approximately $556,000 and we althoughgain $100,000, the Town is in deficit by $456,000. g Mr. White explained that the property tax increase of 2 1/2% comes to $1.2 million of increased revenue. That, coupled with $200,000 in new growth, gives us a total increased revenue of $1,4 million in real estate tax levy, $100,000 in increased lottery funds, and subtracting free cash leaves the Town with a net of $955,000 available in FY96. Mr. White explained that if the commercial/industrial situation continues to decline and residential properties continue to rise, the taxes of residential properties will increase by 20% over the next five years. Mr. White reviewed the debt service and the cuts in appropriations over the last few years and explained that if these cuts were reinstated, the Town would be requesting an additional $1.2 million, which doesn't take into consideration the Library cuts and LEXPRESS reduction from 6 to 4 routes and general government's 12% reductions. Mr, White reminded those present that these projections are simply an illustration of what faces the Town in FY96. Mr. Dailey reinforced the Selectmen's goal of increasing Free Cash by $500,000 per year to reach the goal of 5% of the budget, or approximately $2.5 million which was promised to the Town's bond rating service in order to maintain the Town's very favorable Aaa bond rating. Mr. White then reviewed the Town's capital needs, including the multi-million dollar school projects, an estimated $1.5 million catch-up street paving program, the town's brook cleaning program, and the Town Building construction/maintenace program including the Public Works Building on Bedford Street and the main Fire Station on Bedford street which are in dire need of updating. Lois Coit and Jeff Young reviewed the preliminary budget needs of the School Department and also the school budget review calendar for FY96, which includes a meeting with Senator Robert Havern on October 13, to which Selectmen and School Committees from surrounding communities have been invited. Jeff Young reviewed the Education Reform mandates including professional training and Chapter 766. Dr. Young also reviewed the uncontrollables and explained that preliminary estimates are that the School Department is looking at a $1.4 million increase for FY96 exclusive of pay raises. He further explained that for each 1% of pay increases it will cost the Town $270,000. Paul LaPointe of the Appropriation Committee reviewed 6 policy issues of concern to the Appropriation Committee: 1.) Alternative service opportunities; 2.) Use of Free Cash; 3.) Trash Fee; 4.) Town-wide compensation policy; 5.) Identifying historical trends/comparison with other communities; 6.) Desire to work very closely with Capital Expenditures Committee on issues concerning capital budget financing; 7.) desire to form independent revenue projections. Mr. LaPointe expressed the Committee's desire to begin a collaboration early� p g on in the spirit of Article 31 of the 1994 Annual town Meeting. 60-107 Selectmen's Meeting - September 26, 1994 Karen Dooks speaking on behalf of the Capital Expenditures Committee explained that the Facilities Study has been completed and will give guidance to the School Comittee and Town concerning future needs in the facilities construction/maintenance program. Ms. Dooks also stated that the Capital Expenditures Committee hopes to work closely with the School Committee, Appropriations Committee and Board of Selectmen on the FY 96 budget process. She also asked the Selectmen for direction on the Subcommittee being formed to review the Facilities Study. Mr. Dailey thanked the Committee Members and Department Heads present for their help in working with the Board in the difficult years ahead. Minutes of Meeting of September 12. 1994 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of September 12, 1994. Executive Session Minutes - September 12. 1994 Upon motion duly made and seconded, with Mr. Busa abstaining, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Executive Session of September 12, 1994. Community Policing Grant Chief Casey reviewed a Community Policing Grant received by the Lexington Police Department and the hope to use the funds in the areas of bike patrol; crime watch and the DARE program. FY95 Budget Shortfall After a thorough review of the FY95 shortfall of$150,000 due to the teacher's early retirement, Chairman Dailey explained that the Board hoped to resolve the issue on October 3. Separate Water Meter for Outdoor Sprinkling by Commercial/Industrial Users Water/Sewer Superintendent William Hadley reviewed the proposed charges for commercial/industrial property owners to install separate water meters for outdoor use. Mr. Hadley was asked to bring a firm proposal to the Board Meeting on October 3. Limousine Licenses - Ralph A. Malin I Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to postpone the request of Ralph A. Malin of 17 Blueberry Lane for two limousine licenses to a future meeting. 60-108 Selectmen's Meeting - September 26, 1994 Executive Session - Litigation Mr. Busa removed himself from the Executive Session. Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted 4-0 by roll call vote: Mr. Dailey, Mr. McSweeney, Mr. Fenn and Mrs. Eddison to go into executive session for matters of litigation, the disclosure of which might adversely affect the interests of the town with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:50 p.m. z4L. A true record, Attest: r 'd 6 Fhylli A. Smith Exe utive Clerk k