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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-11-BOS-min 60-364 Selectmen's Meeting Minutes November 4, 1996 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, November 4, 1996 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:30 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. Public Comments Joyce Polluck of 35 Sherburne Road read a letter she had prepared for the Selectmen expressing concerns about the treatment her son had received by LexHAB when he put his unit at Muzzey Condominiums up for sale. Board members heard her complaints and the Chairman indicated that he would discuss the matter with LexHAB Chair Marshall Derby and would get back to her after that. Dawn McKenna thanked the Board for the Fiscal Year 1998 budget forum on Saturday, November 2 and said she appreciated the handout provided. Senior Volunteer Program Recognition Town Manager Richard White spoke of the great contribution Ray Carberry, a retired Risk Management Executive for the Raytheon Corporation, has made to the Town as its first senior volunteer. Mr. Carberry has been an invaluable resource to Town staff in developing a Risk Management Strategy for the Town and securing bids from insurance bidders. Mr. Carberry's efforts have resulted in substantial savings to the Town. Chairman McSweeney read a proclamation honoring Mr. Carberry and Board Members offered their thanks to him. Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Chairman of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Peter Chalpin reviewed five traffic matters taken up at the last meeting of the Committee on October 2, 1996: Wheeler Road Caution Children Signs The Committee discussed the request from Ms. Christine Casey for a Caution Children sign between#8 and#10 Wheeler Road. The warrants for Caution Children signs are not satisfied by this location and the Committee recommends that the Board not approve the request. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Committee to deny the request for Caution Children signs on Wheeler Road. 60-365 Selectmen's Meeting-November 4, 1996 Garfield Street Playground Sign The Committee discussed the request from the Neighbors of the Garfield Street Playground for signs on the streets approaching the playground to warn motorists of the potential high concentration of children in the area. The Committee recommends that two"Caution Playground Ahead" signs be installed, one on Garfield Street between#4 Ward Street and#31 Garfield Street and one on Hickory Street between#15 and#17. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. Crosswalk on High School Driveway at Waltham Street The Committee met with Ms. Bebe Nixon of 223 Waltham Street to discuss her request for a new crosswalk on the driveway to the High School at Waltham Street and an additional request for a new crosswalk on Park Drive at Waltham Street. The committee recommends approval of both. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. Cedar Street Speeding The Committee met with Ms. Leslie Kiernan, 11 Cedar Street, to discuss her concerns about speeding on Cedar Street. The street is a narrow, winding neighborhood collector street for its full length from Massachusetts Avenue to Pine Meadows. The Committee believes that most of the speeders use Cedar Street on a regular basis and with this in mind the Committee recommends increased enforcement by the Police Department as the most effective available option. Mr. McSweeney asked Mr. Chalpin if he would look into puting up signs at the Club House at the Golf Course reminding people to drive slowly. Mr. Chalpin said the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee would work with the Recreation Committee on this matter. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. Middlebv Road Traffic Concerns The Committee met with Mrs. Jane Hilburt-Davis and others from Middleby Road to discuss their concerns about traffic conditions on that street. Of special concern is the Bike Path crossing near the Bridge School. Because of the curving nature of the road in this area, the Committee is also concerned and recommends the following: 60-366 Selectmen's meeting-November 4, 1996 1. The roadway shoulders should be cleared of overgrowth to the layout line on both sides of the street in the area of the crossing. 2. Install a"Yield to Pedestrians in Crosswalk" cone/flasher on each side of the road immediately prior to the Bike Path crosswalk. 3. Replace the missing Bike Path Crossing sign. In addition, the Lexington Police Department will monitor Middleby Road with their radar as manpower permits. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendations of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. Consent Agenda Water Rates Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to keep the water rate for the 81 to 120 cubic feet users at the Fiscal Year 1996 rate of$3.32. Use of Battle Green Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of the United States Air Force for permission to conduct a retirement ceremony for Technical Sergeant James C. Bradley on the Battle Green on November 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. Water/Sewer Deferrals Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve water/sewer deferrals for Mary Ouzounian, 7 Spencer Street and Irene Nason, 101 Shade Street. Fire Department Grant Award Assistant Chief Sullivan and Lt. Tremblay of the Fire Department reported on a grant award in the amount of$5,000 which they hope to use to initiate a"learn not to burn program" in the early elementary grades. Board members congratulated them on their successful initiative in obtaining the grant money. 60-367 t Selectmen's Meeting-November 4, 1996 CATV and Communications Advisory Committee Interim Network Administrator Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Steven Ellis of the School Department as Interim Network Administrator and Ron Halley of the School Department as Alternate Interim Network Administrator. It was further voted to direct the Interim Network Administrator to report to the Cable Committee on a regular basis concerning I-net operations and I-net needs and that he seek advice and direction from the Committee on policy issues and new I-net expenditures. Lexington Data Network Upgrade The Cable Committee reviewed plans to upgrade the data network and requested that the Selectmen approve the allocation of$13,440 from the funds provided by Cablevision under Section 6.8 of the renewal license. The first payment of$20,000.00 under this section is due January 31, 1997. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted, pending review by Town Counsel, to approve the allocation of$13,440 from the funds provided by Cablevision under Section 6.8 of the renewal license to fund replacement of 13 LanCity bridges and purchase of a cable modem. Network Manager Cable Committee member David Becker reviewed a request in the FY98 budget to fund a new position of Network Manager in the amount of$40,000 with an additional $5,000 for benefits. Mrs. Eddison spoke in favor of the position being funded and recommended that the position should be responsible for coordination of the Town's home pages. Mr. McSweeney indicated funding of the position would be part of the budget discussions. Preliminary Capital Budget Review- Capital Budget Team Town Revenue Officer Maureen Valente and Town Manager Management Intern Shauna Sims presented the Capital Budget Team's thoughts and recommendations on the FY98 to FY2002 capital budget. They reviewed such topics as: the needs from the five-year CIP; history of debt; history of cash; comparison of debt and cash;background of capital budgeting; "small ticket projects"; "big ticket projects" and three possible scenarios of capital budgeting strategies. 60-368 Selectmen's Meeting-November 4, 1996 Chapter 90 Borrowing Town Treasurer Maureen Valente advised the Board that the Town has borrowed $912,000 in Chapter 90 Highway money. Fleet National Bank has purchased the notes which mature in 6 months. The interest costs are $14,038.97. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Chapter 90 borrowing documents. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of September 30, 1996. Executive Session Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the executive session minutes of the meeting of September 30, 1996. Street Light Turn Off Update DPW Director George Woodbury gave the Board a brief update on the status of turning off every other street light to accomodate a$117,000 reduction in the street light budget. Chairman McSweeney asked DPW to pay particular attention to lights that might be off because the bulb has burned out; hence leaving some areas with a number of lights in a row being out. DPW has been working closely with Boston Edison to correct mistakes and to handle extreme cases. Entertainment License - Chadwick's Ice Cream Parlor Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application and issue an entertainment license to Chadwick's Ice Cream Parlor for November 12, 1996 and November 26, 1996 only for the purpose of entertaining the customers with a Dixieland 3-piece band. Employee Recognition Dav Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to establish Wednesday, November 20, 1996 as Town of Lexington Employee Recognition Day. Hanscom Update - Dan Fenn gave a brief update on the status of Hanscom and indicated there would be a HATS meeting on the 6th to discuss pending issues. 60-369 - Selectmen's Meeting-November 4, 1996 Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 by roll call vote: Mr. McSweeney, Mr. Dailey, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn and Mrs. Eddison to go into executive session for discussion of litigation and land acquisition matters, with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjour it 10:05 p.m. f .E _ _ f A true record, Attest: , r t7-,;;;-e P hylli s . Smith --- Bxecu`ive Clerk 60-370 Selectmen's Meeting Minutes November 18, 1996 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday,November 18, 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. White, Town Manager; and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk, were present. Open Discussion Selectmen's Meeting Room Accessible to Hearing Impaired Caleb Warner advised those present that he had been asked to make the Selectmen's Meeting Room accessible for the hearing impaired. He will be experimenting with and refining the microphone system over the next few meetings. Mr. McSweeney thanked Mr. Warner for his efforts. Skateboarding Weekend Ian Chisholm thanked everyone who contributed to making the first weekend skateboarding possible. There were a few mishaps, but overall everyone enjoyed themselves. It was reported that everyone was well behaved and the event was well organized. Also speaking on the success of the event was High School Teacher Phil Lanou who gave credit to the students and parents and attributed the success of the event to everyone going through the right process. Street Light Turn Off Program _ - Steven Tripi said he had received several telephone calls and letters from people who were complaining that they had contacted the Public Works Department about the street light turn off program and had received no response to their letters. Mr. Busa excused himself from the meeting. Sunday opening of Package Stores--Holiday Season Mr. McSweeney opened a public hearing on the matter of package stores remaining open on the Sundays during the Thanksgiving through New Year's Day Holiday Season. There being no comments or questions, Mr. McSweeney declared the hearing closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission indefinitely for package stores to remain open on Sundays during the Thanksgiving through New Year's Day Holiday Season. 60-371 Selectmen's Meeting-November 18, 1996 All Alcoholic Beverage Licenses Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the applications and issue all alcohol beverage license renewals as follows: Restaurants Athenian Restaurant Bel Canto Restaurant Bertucci's Restaurant Dabin Restaurant The Hartwell House Lemon Grass Restaurant Peking Gardens Vinny Testa's Restaurant Yangtze River Restaurant Innholder Tara Lexington/Sheraton Inn Package Stores Berman's Market Busa Liquors, Inc. t Lexington Liquor gt quo Mart, Inc. Vinebrook Bottle Shop Clubs Lexington BPO Elks#2204 Lexington Knights of Columbus Lexington VFS 3 007 Lexington Golf Club The Lexington Club Mr. Busa returned to the meeting. Consent Agenda Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following Consent Agenda items: Transfer of Land to Conservation Commission and Recreation Committee Sign deeds and order of taking for the transfer of the parcels of land to the Conservation Commission and Recreation Committee as voted under Article 24 of the 1995 Annual Town Meeting. 60-372 Selectmen's Meeting-November 18, 1996 Water Easement from Moore Homes Accept a water easement from Moore Homes and other interested parties in the Winship Common Development near Lowell and Haskell Street. Water/Sewer Adiustments and Commitments Adjustments of water charges for 6/1/96 - 6/30/96 $1,185.81 Adjustments of sewer charges for 7/17/96 - 7/31/96 $2,971.31 Adjustments of water charges for 4/1/96 - 4/30/96 $5,227.28 Adjustments of sewer charges for 4/1/96 - 4/30/96 $14,280.01 Commitment of water charges October, 1996 (Cycle 9) $166,474.18 Commitment of water charges November, 1996 (Cycle 9) $102,673.98 Conservation restriction - 121 Vine Street Accept and Sign conservation restriction for 121 Vine Street. Hanscom Update Mr. Fenn reported on the status of several matters concerning Hanscom. He has received from Cutler& Stanfield a Guide to the FAA Regulations concerning noise and access restrictions which includes the latest revisions this year. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the Board of Selectmen recommend that HATS: 1. Proceed at once to retain legal counsel to determine whether or not local regulations such as zoning apply to Massport's development of Hanscom land for primarily non-aviation uses and how the Massport Master Plan relates to development; 2. Make certain that the four-town study rigorously examines the impact of aviation and non- aviation activities; and that the study include an examination of every serious scenario for land development that may emerge from HATS discussions with Massport; 3. Organize meeting for all four, full Boards as soon as possible to review the consultant's work plan for the four-town study; and 4. Meet with the prospective new Executive Director of Massport as soon as feasible after the appointment is announced. Close Warrant for 1997 Town Meetine Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to close the Warrant for the 1997 Annual Town Meeting on Friday, December 27, 1996 at 4:30p.m. 60-373 Selectmen's Meeting -November 18, 1996 First Business Meeting - 1997 Annual Town Meeting Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to set the first business meeting of the 1997 Annual Town Meeting on Monday, March 24, 1997. January/February 1997 Selectmen Meeting Schedule It was decided to meet on the following dates during January and February 1997: Monday, January 6;Monday, January 13; Tuesday, January 21; Monday, January 27; Monday, February 3; Monday, February 10; Tuesday, February 18; and Monday, February 24. Street Acceptance Schedule Mr. White reported that no petitions had been received for acceptance off unaccepted or subdivision streets. He therefore recommended that the Selectmen abandon their previously approved street acceptance schedule. Snow Storage Mr. Dailey asked the Manager and DPW Director to look into a few areas in Town in which they might propose to dump snow during the winter months. He felt trucking the snow from East Lexington to the Bedford end of Town would be too costly and suggested using several different locations in Town. Mr. Whiteo st n anyrecommendation po ed recommendation on snow storage for this year to a future meeting of the Board. Business Committee Mrs. Eddison presented the report of the Selectmen's Ad-Hoc Business Committee. There has been a severe reduction in the valuation of the businesses in Town. That means that homeowners taxes have gone up. One recommendation of the Committee is to increase the value of the businesses in Town. The report also reflects a need to attract businesses. Mrs. Eddison reported that the zoning requirements need to be reviewed and that a couple of zoning articles should be reserved for the 1997 Annual Town Meeting. Lexington has a very good image as a Town in the business world. Mr. McSweeney acknowledged the hard work of the committee members; from the New Technology Subcommittee-Fernando Quezada, Chairman, Dan Fenn, Narain Bhatia, Julian Bussgang and Geza Szonyi; from the Retail Subcommittee -Neil Boyle, Dan Busa, Elaine Doran, Carla Fortmann, Ted Hansberry, John Mahoney, Eric Michelson, Richard Nolan, Mark O'Neal, Laurence Prusak and Jan Siren; from the Inventory Subcommittee - Sam Berman, Steve Colangelo, Frederick DeAngelis, Matt Dwyer, Betty Eddison, Edmund Grant, Dave Pergola and Jim Rosenfeld. 60-374 Selectmen's Meeting-November 18, 1996 Budget Presentations -Police and Fire Departments Police Chief Chris Casey and Fire Chief Jack Quinlan presented the preliminary budget requests for their respective departments for Fiscal Year 1998. Town Celebrations Committee Resignation Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept with regret the resignation of Winston Flynn from the Town Celebrations Committee effective November 30, 1996. Appointment of Town Manager Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reappoint Town Manager Richard J. White for a three-year term expiring November 15, 1999 and that the Selectmen conduct an annual performance evaluation as part of the process. Appointment of Acting Town Manager Mr. White announced the birth of his second daughter, Mary. He asked the Board to approve his appointment of Assistant Town Manager Linda Crew Vine as the Acting Town Manager during his absence from November 19 through December 3, 1996. g Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the appointment of Linda Crew Vine as Acting Town Manager from November 19 through December 3, 1996. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of October 15, 1996. Executive Session Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the executive session minutes of the meetings of October 15 and November 4, 1996. 60-375 jF Selectmen's Meetting-November 18, 1996 Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 by roll call vote:Mr. McSweeney,Mr. Dailey, 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 made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:35 p.m. . s A true record, Attest: e f J,F.; Phyllis A: Smith Executive Clerk