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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-05-BOS-min 60-294 Selectmen's Meeting Minutes May 1, 1996 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday, May 1, 1996 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:30 p.m. Chairman McSweeney, Mr. Dailey, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison;Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel;Mr. White, Town Manager; and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk, were present. Hanscom Field GEIR Update Process The Chairman asked Mr. Fenn to review the letter he was asking the Board to send to Secretary Coxe. Mr. Fenn explained that the letter requests Secretary Coxe to formally enhance the GEIR Update process currently being conducted by Massport for Hanscom Field by appointing a public advisory group to meet monthly with Massport to review progress; require a pre-publication draft, along with significant workpapers and backup documents from Massport, which will be available for review; extend the timelines for public comment on these documents to 60 days; and subsequent to the publication of the draft and final updates, conduct public review sessions allowing for public comment and Massport responses, including an opportunity for consultants, technical reviewers for the communities and others to make their presentation. E 1Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to send the letter described to Secretary Coxe. Minuteman Vocational Assessment Nyles Barnert was present to explain the assessment process of the Minuteman Vocational Technical School District. The original agreement among the District Towns was that all communities should pay the same minimums. The Town of Arlington has objected. He further explained what would happen if six of the District Towns reject the budget. The Appropriation Committee is recommending that the Lexington figure be reduced by $8,832 to bring it down to the minimum. Mr. Barnert explained that even if the assessment amount is reduced by only $1.00, it constitutes a rejection of the Minuteman budget. It was agreed that there should be more earlier participation by members of the Appropriation Committee and the Board of Selectmen at the Minuteman School Committee budget meetings. 60-295 Selectmen's Meeting -May 1, 1996 Budget The Town Manager reviewed his recommendations on how the Board should address the $165,000 budget shortfall: If the Town shuts off every other street light, the result would be a savings of$117,000;by raising ambulance fees to the maximum, the remaining $48,000 could be accomplished through ambulance fee revenues. There was some discussion on how the street light reduction would be accomplished. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to ad j. at 7:55 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyl ' A. S 'tli Ex, tive Clerk 4 � 1 60-296 Selectmen's Meeting Minutes May 6, 1996 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, May 6, 1996 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, at 7:00 p.m. Chairman McSweeney, Mr. Dailey, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel;Mr. White, Town Manager; and Ms. Pease, were present. Budget - Article 4 Mr. White reported that there remains a gap of$61,168 as a result of the last Town Meeting action where Town Meeting Members voted overwhelmingly to preserve as many of the town services as possible. Town Meeting also voted an additional $80,000 of parking meter funds to fund Lexpress. Mr. White recommends increasing meter fees by 100% and making an adjustment on the Meriam Street lots by approximately 33% so that they are both in sync. These proposed increases will maintain the balance between having the meters pay the premium and getting a break parking at the long-term lots. These increases will essentially be increasing parking meter fees by about $140,000. If we raise parking meter funds we would be above that of surrounding communities. Mr. White stated the Police Department would represent about 8% of the appropriation of transferred funds and it would probably be very easy to justify iven the amount of attention the police give the center. Mr. White thinks it is a modest estimate that could be defended. Mr. White wanted to emphasize that this proposal is to make the best of a very difficult situation. The reason you have not yet seen an increased presence in the center is because of delays in dealing with civil service, the appointment process, the delays in hiring and training. Board members discussed whether raising parking fees in the center would result in a loss of business to other communities with lower parking fees; other uses for the parking meter funds such as repaving and the center area. After much discussion about the adverse impact on the Center, it was decided that this was the only immediate way to meet the need for increased parking funds. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to make up the gap of$61,168 through parking fee increases. Mr. Busa and Mr. Daily opposed. Postponing Action on Article 35 (Minuteman National Park) Nancy Engels and Greg Cappiello spoke before the board at 7:30 p.m. They want support from the Board in having Town Meeting postpone any action on Article 35 for one year. They were concerned about the following: pedestrians and wheelchairs crossing the street from the proposed 60-297 Selectmen's Meeting-May 6, 1996 new parking lot to the original battle road; do we need to spend tax money on a new lot when the old one is underutilized; traffic entering the neighborhood if the proposed lot is full and parking in the neighborhood. Mr. McSweeney was to set up a meeting with the National Park Service and Nancy Engels to see if the neighborhood issues could be worked out before the article comes before Town Meeting. Public Hearing -Nvnex/Boston Edison Grant of Location - 17 Pheasant Lane Mr. McSweeney opened a hearing on the joint petition for a grant of location to relocate Pole #5562 from its present location on the lot at 17 Pheasant Lane in an easterly direction to the public grass strip, a distance of approximately 20 feet. Dan FitzGibbon was present representing Nynex. Before a motion to approve the petition could be made, the owner of#3 87 Lincoln Street stated that the pole had already been moved and she wanted to know where the wires are going to go; the pole is right up the middle of an oak tree on the corner of her lot. Mr. Dailey stated that this happens on occasion and the utility company does it at their own risk. If the utility company does not get the approval they have to take it out. George Woodbury recommended a town tree warden take a look at the situation and see if the town agrees with what has been done and report to the board next week. Mr. McSweeney requested that the tree warden speak with the resident at#387 Lincoln to clarify what will be done with the pole and the wires. Mr. McSweeney adjourned the hearing until May 13, 1996 at 7:30 p.m. Warrant to Animal Control Officer Unlicensed Dogs Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to issue a warrant to the Animal Control Officer to seek out, catch and confine all dogs within the Town not duly licensed, collared or harnessed, and tagged according to the provision of Chapter 140 of the General Laws. Use of Battle Green-Fourth Grade Class at Bowman School Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of Bowman School Teacher Steven Levy to use the Battle Green on May 22, 1996 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for the purpose of his fourth grade class at Bowman School (the British) and a visiting class from Denver, Colorado (the Colonials) conducting a reenactment of the Battle of Lexington. Mr. Levy reassures the Board that there will be no firing of the participant's "cardboard muskets". They would also like to play a game of"Rounders" (a colonial baseball game) and have a picnic snack. 60-298 Selectmen's Meeting-May 6, 1996 Use of Battle Green-Lexington Lodge of Elks Flag Day Ceremony Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of the Lexington Lodge of Elks to use the Battle Green for its annual Flag Day Ceremony on Friday, June 14, 1996 at 7:00 p.m. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of March 25, 1996. Executive Session Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Executive Session Minutes of the Meetings of March 18, 1996 and March 25, 1996. Reserve Fund Transfer The Town Manager reported that a Reserve Fund Transfer was needed to cover the costs of protective gear for the five new firefighters hired the beginning of 1996 ($5,234.95) and additional vehicle repairs ($4,000.00) Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the transfer from the Reserve Fund in the amount of$9,234.95 to line item account 4330, Fire Department Expenses. Town Manager Appointments Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Town Manager's reappointment of Bill Jackson to the Board of Assessors for a three-year term expiring April 30, 1999. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Town Manager's reappointment of Paul Keane to the Recreation Committee for a three-year term expiring April 30, 1999. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. A true record, Attest: ti 7 Lynne A. Pease Acting Clerk 60-299 Selectmen's Meeting Minutes May 13, 1996 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, May 13, 1996 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 6:45 p.m. Chairman McSweeney, Mr. Dailey, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel;Mr. White, Town Manager; and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk, were present. Town Meeting Article Review Mr. McSweeney reviewed the status of financial articles coming up at Town Meeting. The Board has previously voted support for Article 14 Library Construction, Article 15 Minuteman Library Network. Mr. Busa and Mr. McSweeney indicated they support the Capital Expenditures Committee's recommendation of$2,000,000 for the Miscellaneous School Article. Mrs. Eddison and Mr. Fenn reserve judgment on the article. Mr. Cohen indicated that it would be $275,000 to bond Article 22, the Woburn Street Exxon Station. It will be up to the Selectmen to decide whether to go forward; however, he indicated it might be a good idea to get the authority to purchase and work out the details after Town Meeting. Mrs. Eddison felt the Board should think seriously about acquiring this piece of property which is at a major entrance to the Town. Mr. Busa felt he probably would not be supporting the article stating that he has a problem with the amount of money to purchase the land and at the same time cutting back on street lights. Mrs. Eddison indicated she would be supporting Article 36 Acceptance of the Quinn Bill. Nyles Barnert was present to review the latest developments on the Minuteman Vocational School budget. Continued Hearing- "X/Boston Edison Grant of Location- 17 Pheasant Lane Frank Fields explained that all parties were almost in agreement on the location of the pole and asked that the hearing be continued to Monday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. Athletic Hall of Fame Dan Busa, Master of Ceremonies, and Leo McSweeney reported on the celebration held at the Marriott where over 300 attendees saw 12 recipients inducted into the Lexington Athletic Hall of Fame. 60-300 Selectmen's Meeting-May 13, 1996 Minuteman Cane Award -Frances Wortman Mr. McSweeney invited friends and family of this year's Minuteman Cane recipient, Frances Wortman, to join the Board and David Williams, Chairman of the Minuteman Cane Selection Committee to take part in the happy event of the Annual Minuteman Cane Award ceremony. Mrs. Wortman is the ninth recipient of the Minuteman Cane following Edith Cheever,Neal Cronin, Ray Culler, Pearl Brenchick, Marion Fitzpatrick, Woody Broadhead, Bessie Ginsberg Baker and Josephine Mirabelli. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn a 7:30 p.m. -, j/ -- . / A true record, Attest: Lz --------:-t,Zcl;- tli frili-i/7L- PhY ll' A. Smith Exe. tive Clerk i i i f i 60-301 } Selectmen's Meeting May 15, 1996 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday, May 15, 1996 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:00 p.m. Chairman McSweeney, Mr. Dailey, Mr. Busa,Mr. Fenn;Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel;Mr. White, Town Manager; and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk, were present. Minuteman Vocational School Budget Nyles B arnert was present to review the latest developments on the Minuteman Vocational School budget. Six communities have rejected the Minuteman School Budget. The School Committee has been working out a $150,000 to $175,000 reduction in the budget. Article Review Mr. White indicated that it is the hope of the Town that we will be able to get the Exxon station for nothing. There are site improvements that need to be done. Mr. Dailey indicated that there is interest in this property from several sources. George Woodbury is working with the Exxon people. Mr. Dailey suggested proposing that Town Meeting authorize the Board to pay up to $275,000 if the proper conditions are met and if the opportunity arises under circumstances that the Board thinks are favorable. He also indicated that Exxon is aggressively marketing the property. There was discussion on possible use of the property. Mr. Dailey indicated that LexHAB is prepared to cover in full the cost of the purchase price that is attributable to the lot on Spencer Street. We will be asking $150,000 for the eight acres to be bonded. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 7:30 p.m. A true record, Attest: �.-- t/ii �Phyllish Execuk 60-302 Selectmen's Meeting Minutes May 20, 1996 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, May 20, 1996 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 6:45 p.m. Chairman McSweeney, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison;Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel;Mr. White, Town Manager; and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk, were present. Citizen Input Dawn McKenna expressed concern over the condition of many paper signs in the windows of the local businesses. She inquired as to whether there were regulations concerning the signs. She indicated some businesses such as CVS fixed the problem on their own. There was discussion over the fact that there does not seem to be any by-laws or zoning regulations concerning this matter. Mr. McSweeney indicated the Board would look into the matter with the Lexington Center Committee and/or Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Eddison reminded her colleagues that the Design Advisory Committee had presented sign guidelines to the Board and that the Board had not yet accepted the guidelines. She indicated that this is an item that needs to be addressed now that Town Meeting is over. Mrs. McKenna asked about the plans for the Town Manager's upcoming evaluation. Mr. McSweeney indicated that this was one of many items that the Board has put off until after Town Meeting. Board Members are preparing a list of items that need to be brought up at future meetings. Continued Hearing-NYNEX/Boston Edison Grant of Location - 17 Pheasant Lane NYNEX Representative Dan Fitzgibbon reported that agreement had been reached between the developer, the petitioners and the abutters on the location of the pole to service 17 Pheasant Lane. Mr. McSweeney asked what the reason was for going above ground when all other locations are fed underground. Mr. Fitzgibbon said the service has to be temporarily fed aerially. There being no further questions or comments, Mr. McSweeney declared the hearing closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company and Boston Edison Company to relocate poles, wires, cables and fixtures, including necessary anchors, guys and other such sustaining protecting fixtures to be owned and used in common by the petitioners, along and across the following public way: Relocate pole#55/63-1 from its present location on private lot at#17 Pheasant Lane, in an easterly direction to the public grass strip, a distance of 20±feet. 60-303 Selectmen's Meeting-May 20, 1996 Limousine License Renewals -Lexington Sedan Services Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application of Ralph A Malin, d/b/a Lexington Sedan Services and issue a limousine license to transport passengers to and from Logan Airport. Summer Meeting Schedule Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to schedule the following meetings: June 3, June 17, July 1, July 15, July 29, August 5, and August 19, 1996. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meetings of April 8, 1996 and April 10, 1996. Executive Session Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the executive session minutes of the meeting of April 10, 1996. Street Light Reduction Program Mr. White reviewed discussions at a preliminary meeting with DPW Director George Woodbury, Police Chief Chris Casey, Police Captain Jim Kilmartin, Town Engineer Frank Fields, Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Chairman Peter Chalpin, Fire Chief Jack Quinlan and Planning Director Bob Bowyer. The consensus at this meeting was to give priority to pedestrian and traffic safety. The plan is to come back to the Board at its meeting on June 3 with more specifics which will allow the Board time for review before coming to a decision on June 17. Parking Fees Mr. White reported that he hoped to have a general discussion of the parking program fees and to involve the Lexington Center Committee and Chamber of Commerce at the meeting on June 3 with the hope of coming to closure on the proposed fee schedule on June 17. Mr. White indicated the real money is in the meters. Mr. White was asked to bring in some numbers to the meeting on the 3rd to include fees for Saturday parking. Use of Battle Green-U.S. Air Force Re-Enlistment Ceremony Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of Staff Sgt. Julie A. Stickney to use the Battle Green for her re-enlistment ceremony on Wednesday, May 29, 1996 at 9:00 a.m. 60-304 Selectmen's Meeting-May 20, 1996 3 5 Y 3 One-Day Liquor License-Rotary Club of Lexington Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application of Ed Barsamian, President of the Rotary Club of Lexington, for a one-day liquor license on Saturday, June 8, 1996 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rain date of June 9 for a fundraiser at Hayden Field on Worthen Road. Appointment to Board of Health Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Town Manager's appointment of Dr. Burt Perlmutter to the Board of Health for a term to expire April 30, 1997. Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 by roll call vote: Mr. McSweeney, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn and Mrs. Eddison to go into Executive Session for discussion of a litigation matter, with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn t 9:05 p.m. . ..---- ; ' A true record, Attest: :t 7: • ______:--/or:c_� Phyll' A. Smith ; Exe Live Clerk 4