HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-04-BOS-min 61-149
Selectmen's Meeting Minutes
April 1, 1998
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday, April 1, 1998 in the
Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Enrich, Mr. Busa,
Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison; Mr. White, Town Manager; and Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel, were
present.
Retirement Board Articles
Finance Director John Ryan discussed Retirement Board Articles 54 and 55 of the Warrant for
the Annual Town Meeting. Article 54 would cost $8 million over a period of thirty years if it is
approved. Since 1989, when a professional management firm was hired, the retirement fund has
grown from $20 million to $60 million. This puts the $8 million cost in perspective. This year
the cost of living adjustment will be 2.1%. The statute sets a 3% limit on the first $12,000
earned. From 1985 to 1996, the Fund grew by 12% a year. The retirement fund was 80.4%
funded in 1996 and Mr. Ryan believes the system is now fully funded. 384 retirees receive
pension allowances, of which two-thirds receive less than $12,000/year. The Retirement Board
is unanimously in favor of this article. The cost of living adjustment is at the discretion of the
Retirement Board. Mr. Ryan believes appropriation for this purpose will be minimal.
Mr. Ryan explained that Article 55 proposes to seek legislation to include non-contributory
retirees. There are presently 9 retirees or their beneficiaries receiving pensions. If these nine
were to receive the COLA it would cost the Town $3,500 per year.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to support Articles 54 and 55.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 7:50 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Phyllis A. Smith
Executive Clerk
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Selectmen's Meeting Minutes
April 6, 1998
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, April 6, 1998 in the
Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Enrich, Mr. Busa,
Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison, Mrs. Krieger; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel;
and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present.
Ice Cream Trucks at Recreation Areas
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to suspend Rule #4 and the words "Worthen
Road" in Rule #7 of the Rules and Regulations for Hawkers and Peddlers.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request from Dylan& Peter's
Ice Cream Truck to sell their products at the recreational areas only including the Town pool and
the Old Reservoir.
Parking
Mr. White and Mr. Woodbury reported on a meeting held on March 18 concerning the proposed
expansion of the parking lot next to the School Administration Building. They felt that the
meeting with the neighbors in the area made it clear that any provision for parking on this lot
would not be advisable.
Mr. Enrich reminded everyone that accommodations had already been made for 30 new spaces at
the Boston Edison facility and 6 will be added on to the existing lot behind the Town Offices.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to take off the table any provisions for
parking on the lot between the School Administration Building and Fletcher Avenue.
Hennessy Field
Mr. White presented the Board with a suggested charge and makeup of the Hennessy Field Ad
Hoc Committee to review the proposal made by the proponents of Article 46 of the Annual
Town Meeting, evaluate the needs for sporting/athletic fields, the potential options for creating
new athletic fields; and recommend a use designation for Hennessy Field.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adopt the charge as presented and
establish the Hennessy Field Ad Hoc Committee.
State Aid Notes; Bond Anticipation Notes and Bonds
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the sale of a $2,900,000 3.75
percent Bond Anticipation Note of the town dated April 15, 1998 and payable April 15, 1999, to
BankBoston,N.A. at par and accrued interest, plus a premium of$3,190.
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Selectmen's Meeting—April 6, 1998
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the sale of a $1,310,000 3.59
percent State Aid Anticipation Note of the town dated April 15, 1998 and payable October 15,
1998, to BankBoston,N.A. at par and accrued interest.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the sale of the $4,315,000 Municipal
Purpose Loan of 1998 Bonds of the Town dated April 1, 1998, to BankBoston,N.A. at the price
of par and accrued interest is hereby confirmed. The bonds shall be payable on August 15 of the
years and in the principal amounts and bear interest at the respective rates, as follows:
Year Amount Interest Rate Year Amount Interest Rate
1998 $665,000 5.40% 2003 $280,000 4.05%
1999 $665,000 4.50 2004 $275,000 4.15
2000 $650,000 3.80 2005 $275,000 4.25
2001 $650,000 3.90 2006 $260,000 4.30
2002 $485,000 4.00 2007 $120,000 4.35
Town Meeting—Financial Articles
Mr. White reported that the Town had received a bare bones estimate of$50,000 for the Bedford
Street pushbutton signal at the Bikeway, $42,000 for construction and $8,000 for design. He
spoke of his concern about compromising the cash capital more than has already been done. He
felt it would be more appropriate to take advantage of the Reserve Fund by reducing the amount
of supplemental appropriations for the schools by $50,000 under Article 5 and requesting a
Reserve Fund transfer for that amount.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reduce the appropriation for Line Item
1100 under Article 5 by $50,000 and the amount of the transfer from the Unreserved Fund
Balance by $50,000.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 8:00 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Phyllis A. Smith
Executive Clerk
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Selectmen's Meeting Minutes
April 13, 1998
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, April 13, 1998 in the
Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Enrich, Mr. Busa,
Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison, Mrs. Krieger; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel;
and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present.
Fire Fighter Promotions
Fire Chief Jack Quinlan introduced three recently promoted officers Captain James Duddy, Lt.
Robert Cunha and Lt. John Wilson.
Sidewalk Café Permit
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request from Bertucci's for a
sidewalk café permit from April through October, 1998 subject to the following conditions:
• No food preparation out of doors.
• No food products, dishes, utensils, etc. are to be left out of doors.
• Tables are not to be preset, and to be cleared immediately when unoccupied.
• Furniture to be out no earlier than 11:00 a.m. and no party served after 11:00 p.m.
• Ten tables and umbrellas and 40 chairs, not to obstruct pedestrian traffic.
• Serving of meals, coffee, dessert and alcoholic beverages. For every seat in the outdoor café,
you must not use one in the dining room.
• Rental cost of$400.00 per month.
• Proof of liability insurance on file at the Town Manager's office.
Class I License
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request for renewal and issue
a Class I License to Auto Engineering and Development, Inc.
Proclamation
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign a proclamation in honor of Olympic
Gold Medal winner Vickie Movsessian and to present the proclamation to her at this evening's
session of Town Meeting.
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Selectmen's Meeting—April 13, 1998
Warrant Articles
Mr. White reported on a meeting he and Mr. Enrich had with two members of the Appropriation
Committee concerning the proposed funding of Article 16 Bedford Street Traffic Signals. The
Appropriation Committee is opposed to reducing the school deficit appropriation by $50,000 and
using the Reserve Fund at this time of year for this purpose. The Appropriation Committee
recommends using Chapter 90 to fund the appropriation.
Board Members discussed their concern about compromising the paving program further. Mr.
White explained that if the Reserve Fund has a balance of$50,000 at the end of the fiscal year,
the Appropriation Committee will be requested to transfer the funds to DPW for street
resurfacing.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request to Town Meeting to
use Chapter 90 money to fund the Bedford Street Traffic Signals and to recommend that Article
16 be indefinitely postponed.
Article 42 Guidelines for financing Capital Expenditures
Charles Hornig and Steve Coit were present to discuss their proposed guidelines for financing
future capital expenditures by bundling certain maintenance and equipment replacement items in
one article. It is important to anticipate maintenance. Not all capital items fall under that
umbrella. They feel the starting point might be with DPW equipment, fire equipment,
playground maintenance and street resurfacing.
Board Members raised some questions and agreement was reached that this matter should be
discussed further at a meeting of the Capital Expenditures Committee, Appropriation Committee
and Board of Selectmen.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 7:55 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Phyllis A. Smith
Executive Clerk
61-154
Selectmen's Meeting Minutes
April 15, 1998
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday, April 15, 1998 in the
Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Enrich, Mr. Busa,
Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison, Mrs. Krieger; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel;
and Ms. Pease, Assistant to the Executive Clerk,were present.
Public Comment
Eugene Mirman spoke for the Weekly Week, which is a free publication distributed in Boston
and Lexington. He received a call from his parents, who are residents of Lexington, who told
him the newspaper box was gone. The newspaper was not contacted. Mr. Mirman eventually
went to the police station; they said the Town had removed the box. The Police asked if Mr.
Mirman had seen the article in the paper. Mr. Mirman obtained a copy of the article, which
states five boxes where identified that did not have protection under the first amendment and that
the Town removed all the newspapers that were not legitimate and that the newspapers that were
removed were all advertising. Mr. Mirman stated that the Weekly Week is a humor paper and an
arts and entertainment paper and he feels it doesn't fall under the categories described in the
newspaper article. Mr. Mirman wants to know why it was removed and why they were not
contacted, as it states in the article.
Mr. White said he has received many complaints regarding the newspaper boxes that clutter the
center. He received a formal request from the Lexington Center Committee to go down and look
to see where the newspaper boxes could be thinned out. There were a number of realty boxes
that were removed. The Weekly Week was removed because it was a discriminating newspaper
for people over 18 and because of that should not be open and available to all people.
Mr. Enrich feels this is a legitimate issue for the town to address and figure out an appropriate
way to handle as part of a larger policy issue. Mr. Enrich suggested the Weekly Week and the
appropriate person in the Town Manager's Office meet to find a way to resolve the issue. After
those discussions it would be put on the Selectmen's agenda. Mr. White stated his office would
contact the paper.
Consent Agenda
Mr. Busa wanted to know what a freeze up list was. Mr. Hadley stated that during the
wintertime if there is frost in the ground they have certain people run their water so it doesn't
freeze. They take a reading prior to the water running and after it is shut off. These are homes
where the pipes could not be placed lower in the ground because of ledge. Upon motion duly
made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following:
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Selectmen's Meeting—April 15, 1998
a. Commitment of water charges for 1/1/98 to 1/31/98 $1,962.3 0
b. Commitment of sewer charges for 1/1/98 to 1/31/98 $3,966.85
c. Commitment of water charges for 2/04/98 (cycle 9) $133,537.87
d. Commitment of water charges for 3/06/98 (cycle 9) $78,564.90
e. Commitment of water charges for 4/07/98 (cycle 9) $85,670.00
f. Adjustments of water charges for 1/1/98 to 1/31/98 -$54,863.83
g. Adjustments of sewer charges for 1/1/98 to 1/31/98 -$107,884.38
Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of
March 9, 1998.
Proclamation for 1998 Minuteman Cane Award
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Proclamation for the 1998
Minuteman Cane Award. The recipient will be announced on Patriot's Day.
Schedule Executive Session Meeting
Mr. Enrich and Mr. White have suggested that the Selectmen schedule an Executive Session next
week to discuss collective bargaining issues. Everyone agreed that Tuesday, April 21, 1998 at
7:30 p.m. was good. The Board expected to go immediately into executive session.
Article 44 Change Date of Town Meeting
Dawn McKenna started by saying that Article 44 came about after a series of discussions with
the Town Meeting Members Association as a whole. They looked at what was perceived to be a
problem. The elections, at the moment are too close to the start of the voting on the budget. So
they began considering what different options they had for solving that problem. The TMMA is
proposing a solution, but if there is a better way to do it, they are open to suggestions. It was the
conclusion of TMMA, after hearing the full presentation of facts and figures that it made sense to
have the elections at the conclusion of Town Meeting and then the people elected would have a
full year to participate in the process and to understand what budgeting is all about. They also
felt it might encourage candidates for any of the offices to sit through Town Meeting. Moving
the election day to Tuesday, they also hoped it would have a positive effect on voter turnout.
TMMA is hoping the Selectmen will back this article.
The Article is to change the election to the third Tuesday in May. It would take affect for the
next election.
Mrs. Eddison felt it was awkward for new members to take office so soon before budget has to
be considered in Town Meeting.
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Selectmen's Meeting—April 15, 1998
Mrs. Krieger has difficulty with a town wide election in May because it favors the incumbents.
It is very difficult to run a campaign and the people who run campaigns are general town
meeting members and they are occupied in March and April. You are going to have people
campaigning on the floor of Town Meeting. She does not have a problem with the way it is now.
Mr. Fenn feels it is an important and very complicated issue. Have to look at all the effects of
such a change. He feels there are some problems with the current system but is not comfortable
with the May election. Can we continue this discussion with a wider slice of community?
Mr. Enrich feels the present system is not ideal and that there are some real issues about the May
election. Feels there should be a broader community discussion around alternatives before Town
Meeting is asked to make a decision.
No position was taken; the Board will discuss further.
Russian Delegation
The Board welcomed the Russian Delegation. Mr. Enrich stated it was his great pleasure to
welcome the Russian Delegation to Lexington and to our Board Meeting. Mr. Enrich read a
proclamation that the Board issued in honor of the Russian's visit. Mr. Enrich said the Board
was very excited about the opportunities of this partnership. Mrs. Shapiro stepped in to help
with interpreting. Mr. Enrich presented some small momentos for each of the Russians. It is a
Russian tradition to greet guests with bread and salt. Mrs. Shapiro did the honors and offered the
bread and salt to the Russian delegation. Mrs. Eddison passed out Lexington volunteer pins.
Mrs. Shapiro interpreted for the Russians: We represent the City of Gatchina and they are very
happy to be here as representatives of the City of Gatchina. They are thanking you for inviting
them and they are looking forward to a future contact. As a symbol of the future relationship and
cooperation, the Russian Delegation presented the Board with a beautiful crystal vase with a
symbol of the City of Gatchina.
The Russian Delegation was now going over to Town Meeting.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 8:08 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Assistant to the Executive Clerk
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Selectmen's Meeting Minutes
April 24, 1998
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Friday, April 24, 1998 in the
Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 4:00 p.m. Chairman Enrich, Mr. Busa,
Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison, Mrs. Krieger; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel;
and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk, were present.
Mr. Enrich opened the meeting and it was voted 5-0 by roll call vote: Mr. Enrich, Mr. Busa, Mr.
Fenn, Mrs. Eddison, Mrs. Krieger to go into executive session for discussion of collective
bargaining matters, with no intent to resume open session.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 4:01 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Phyllis A. Smith
Executive Clerk
61-158
Selectmen's Meeting Minutes
April 27, 1998
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, April 27, 1998 in the
Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:00 p.m. Chairman Enrich, Mr. Busa,
Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison, Mrs. Krieger; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel;
and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk, were present.
HATS Planning Group
Karle Packard, Planning Director in Concord and Chair of the 4 Town Planning Group which is
a subcommittee of HATS, reviewed where the Planning Group process is and where the set of
goals fits within that process. The Planning Group has prepared a draft revised statement of
goals to use as a working document. The statement will be revised during the process. The
Board has been asked to comment on the goals.
Board members asked several questions and indicated they would now be in a better position to
comment on the draft statement and would do so shortly.
Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Chairman Peter Chalpin reviewed four traffic safety matters
brought before the Committee.
Whipple Road—No Parking
The Committee discussed a request from Mr. Max Snodderly, 25 Whipple Road, for a new No
Parking regulation on both sides of Whipple Road from Russell Road 350' westerly. Four of the
five abutters were represented at the meeting and voiced support for the No Parking regulation.
All expressed concern that a combination of the horizontal and vertical alignments, and vehicles
parked on the roadway significantly reduced sight distance in the area. The Committee
recommends approval of the regulation.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the
Traffic Safety Advisory Committee.
Peachtree/Appletree/Peartree
The Committee recommends approval of the request of Mr. Yun Fei Zhang, 12 Scotland Road,
for two Caution Children signs at#3 Peartree Drive and at#1 Appletree Lane.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the
Traffic Safety Advisory Committee.
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Selectmen's Meeting—April 27, 1998
Waldorf School/Massachusetts Avenue Traffic
The Committee met with Mrs. Margaret Ris, 5 Ellen Dana Court, and Mr. Ralph Brooks of the
Waldorf School to discuss traffic conditions on Massachusetts Avenue in the vicinity of the
school. The Committee voted to recommend approval of their request to install two SCHOOL
signs on Mass. Ave., one at#669 and another at#794. The School has agreed to pay for the
signs. It was also suggested that Mr. Brooks retain a Police Detail during the time of school
dismissal.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the
Traffic Safety Advisory Committee.
Sherburne Road Parking
The Committee met with Mrs. Carol Murphy, 14 Sherburne Road, concerning extension of
parking restrictions on Sherburne Road. The residents have requested and the Committee
recommends posting seven signs on one side of the street only, and worded such that parking is
prohibited on both sides of Sherburne Road.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the
Traffic Safety Advisory Committee.
Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meetings of
March 16, March 23, March 25, March 30 as revised, April 1, April 6, April 13 as revised, and
April 15, 1998.
Recycling Report Card
Mr. White reported that the Town has once again received a grade of A on the 1998 Municipal
Recycling Report Card for recycling 54% of its municipal solid waste. The Town's rate far
exceeds the state rate of 33% and even exceeds the State goal by the year 2000 of 46%.
Genesis Battle Green Run
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of the Genesis
Corporation to hold the Genesis/Chamber of Commerce Battle Green Run on November 1, 1998.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 7:55 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Phyllis A. Smith
Executive Clerk
61-160
Selectmen's Meeting Minutes
April 29, 1998
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday, April 29, 1998 in the
Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Enrich, Mr. Busa,
Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Eddison, Mrs. Krieger; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel;
and Ms. Pease, Assistant to the Executive Clerk,were present.
One Day Liquor License—Lexington Bicentennial Band
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve and issue a one-day liquor
license to the Lexington Bicentennial Band for May 9, 1998 from 8:00 p.m. to Midnight at St.
Brigid's Keilty Hall.
Taxi/Limousine License Renewals
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve and issue two Hackney Carriage
Licenses and three Limousine Licenses to Arlex Taxi Corp. d/b/a Yellow Cab Association, three
Limousine Licenses to Barbara Zuben d/b/a Lexington Sedan Services, and one Limousine
License to Atlantic Limousine, Inc.
Proclamations
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign proclamations declaring April 24,
1998 as Arbor Day and Saturday, May 30, 1998 as the LexFest celebration from 10:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m.
Town Manager Appointments
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Town Manager's
appointment of Donald M. Graham to the Council on Aging to fill the unexpired term of John
Curry.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Town Manager's
reappointment of Nancy Barter to the Youth Commission for a three year term to expire April
30, 2001.
Mr. Fenn would like the Board to express their gratitude to John Curry, who has been a very
effective, diligent Treasurer for the Council on Aging. Mr. Fenn asked Nancy Freed to express
the Board's appreciation to him. Ms. Freed said she would be glad to do that on behalf of the
Board. Mr. Enrich suggested doing a letter from the Board. The whole Board agreed that would
be a great idea.
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Selectmen's Meeting—April 29, 1998
Town Meeting—Articles 42 and 44
Article 42
Mr. Enrich said there are two outstanding articles on the agenda for Town Meeting tonight that
the Board has not formally taken positions on: Article 42 which is the Appropriations and
Capital Expenditures Committees recommendation concerning renewal capital and the second
being Article 44 concerning the scheduling of Town Elections. With regard to Article 42, Mr.
Enrich suggested he speak at Town Meeting on behalf of the entire Board to make clear that the
Board supports in principle what the committees are working on. We think they have made
valuable progress on the issue that has moved discussion forward in important ways, but that we
are not comfortable that at this point the specifics or the timing are right for us to commit to
going ahead with implementation of this and that therefore we believe that it should not be
supported and we would prefer and intend to sit down over the coming weeks and months with
the two committees and to work out a more carefully tailored proposal that we can actively
support and implement. It might also be worthwhile to go one step further and to say that a
motion to recommit this to the Committees would be appropriate, but that we are not going to
make such a motion since we don't want to short circuit Town Meeting's discussion of this issue.
If someone were to make such a motion we would be comfortable supporting it, but otherwise
we are urging people to vote against it at this time. Mr. Enrich asked if the Board was
comfortable proceeding like that.
Mrs. Eddison felt this way we can build something that will be fit to implement right away. Mr.
Enrich's inclination is to talk a little bit about the value of their proposal and some of the specific
areas that we are puzzled or concerned about and that need some further effort. Mrs. Eddison
says it is the kind of approach we have wanted to do and it would be very handy to go ahead and
do it.
The Board agreed with that approach.
Article 44
Dawn McKenna explained the language in the motion for Article 44. Basically the language in
the three sections (4,5,and 6) has been changed to reflect a third Tuesday in May election. The
only thing that is a little bit different is the last two paragraphs; the first one says that the people
who are serving now, who would normally have their terms expire in March of 1999, would not
have their terms expire until May of 1999 so they would sit through one more Town Meeting.
The second paragraph gives the Board authority to fix any problems that may occur.
Ms. McKenna did some research after the last meeting regarding voter turnout in other
communities. It turns out that there are 43 communities that have representative Town Meetings.
Seven of those communities have their town elections after Town Meeting. Their voter turnout
runs between 42 and 58 percent. Lexington's has been 26 to 36 percent.
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Selectmen's Meeting—April 29, 1998
Mr. Busa asked what group was the consensus raised from? Ms. McKenna said the Town
Meeting Member Association Group discussed the issue over a series of meetings during last
year under Robert Cohen. In December Caleb Warner and Ms. McKenna were asked to do some
statistical research and bring back options to the Committee. The TMMA then discussed the
options and voted to support the third Tuesday in May.
Mr. Fenn has been thinking about this for two or three years and has not been able to come up
with a change which he is comfortable with. Every option has some serious down sides. We
might be well served by expressing our gratitude to Ms. McKenna and TMMA for raising the
issue and doing the research. Perhaps a broader group could build on that and look at the
positives and negatives of the various proposals.
Ms. Krieger feels quite strongly that a May election is prejudicial against new people running.
Campaigns are run primarily by people who are politically active in Town and usually are Town
Meeting Members and attempting to conduct a campaign during Town Meeting would be very
difficult. It is somewhat divisive to have campaigning being conducted on the floor of Town
Meeting. The May date is very objectionable.
Mr. Enrich is not sufficiently convinced that the balance of benefits exceeds the costs in making
a change. He does have some concerns about the present arrangement, but sees real problems
with the alternatives.
Mr. Busa added that as evidenced by the last two elections, the voter in Lexington historically is
motivated by issues and not by standard position elections. We have never been able to get a
great turnout for annual elections, but when there is an issue on the ballot that people are
concerned about, the majority of the people come out to vote. If it is an issue of getting more
individuals out at that time of year, I would be more inclined to leave it the way it is and try to do
more informational work as far as why people should get out and vote.
The Board decided not to support Article 44.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 7:54 p.m.
A true record, Attest:
Lynne Pease
Assistant to the Executive Clerk