HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-11-BOS-min60-364
s
g
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 Buil ding at 730 p . m. Chairman McSweeney, Mr.
Busa, Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; lam white, Town Manager; and Ms.
Smith,. Executive Clerk, were present.
Public Comments
Joyce Polluck of 3 5 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 1995 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 hire.
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.
3 6 UM
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 x#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 Speedin
The Committee met with leis. 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 C omn u* ttee 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:
r*11
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
Upton 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.
3
Use of Battle Green
e
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 Janes 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 rant 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.
5
60-367
Selectmen's Meeting - November 4, 1996
d ....__... i � .........,..
-- _ Ty an Co Adviso, Con�.mittee
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 Malley 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 Up rude
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 Mana er
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.
Preliminau Capital Bud et Review - CaDital Bud et Team
Town Revenue Officer Maureen Valente and Town Manager Management Intern Shanna Sims
presented the Capital Budget Team's thoughts and recommendations on the F'Y98 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.
g g g
60-365
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 rove 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 Reco Day
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to establish Wednesday, November 20, 1996
as Town of Lexington Employee Recognition Day.
Hanscom Update
k
3
a
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.
r� .E
Selectmen' Meeting - November 4, 1996
Executive Sess ion
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 by roil call vote: Mr. McSweeney, Mr.
Dailey, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn and Mrs. Bddison to go into execut 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 fat 10:05 p.m.
r E
A. true record, Attest:
Phyllis S mith
Bxecu ttve 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 Doom, Town Office Building at 7:30 p.m. Chairman McSweeney, Mr.
Dailey, Mr. Busa, lair. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison; Mr. white, Town Manager; and Ibis. 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 W ee ke nd
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 Nigh 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.
F
8
Street Li ht Turn Off Pro rare _ J
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.
Sund4y Opening of Package Stores -- Holida Season
Mr. McSweeney opened a public hearing on the platter of package sores 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:
R Petmirnnte
Athenian Rest aurant
Bel unto Restaurant
B ertucci's Restaurant
Dabin Restaurant
The Hartwell House
Lemon Grass Restaurant
Peking Gardens
vinny Testa's Restaurant
Yangtze River Restaurant
Innholder
Tara Lexington/Sheraton Inn
P'ac a Stores
Berman's Market
Busa Liquors, Inc.
Lexington Liquor Dart Inc.
� Li q
vinebr Bottle Shop
Clubs
Lexington BPO Elks #2204
Lexington Knights of Columbus
Lexington VFS 3007
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
Meet
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 Adjustments 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
Adjustments of water charges for 411196 - 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
Conservation restriction - 121 vine Street
Accept and Sign conservation restriction for 121 vine Street.
Hanscom Update
Mr. Penn reported on the status of several matters concerning Hanscom. He has received from
Cutler & Stanfield a wide 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 homer 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 Metro
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to close the warrant for the 1997 .Annual z
Town Meeting on Friday, December 27, 1996 at 4:30 p.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.
Janus fFebrua 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. White o st n n '
p po ed any 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
Budg 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.
A ointment of Town Mana er
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reappoint Town Manager.Richard J. white
for a three -yeas term expiring November 15, 1.999 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.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the appointment of Linda Crew
pp � -� J
Vine as Acting Town Manager from November 19 through December 3, 1996.
Mimitpq
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
Selectmen's Meetting - November 18, 1996
Executive Session
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 by r o ll call vote: Mr. McS weeney, Mr. B
Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn and Mrs. Eddison to go into executive session for discussion of a litigation platter
with no intent to resume open session.
Upon motion made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 1 :3 S p.m. s
A true record, Attest: .'
4ti.wa z r �
Phyllis A.
Exec ' ve C lerk .
a