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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-06-BOS-min 61-169 Selectmen's Meeting Minutes June 8, 1998 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, June 8, 1998 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office building at 7:30 p.m.. Chairman Enrich, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Krieger; Mr. White, Town Manager; Mrs. Crew Vine, Assistant Town Manager; and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present. Public Comments Mr. Busa presented the Charles Ferguson Award to Maria Stavropoulis, recipient of the youth award on Patriot's Day. Mr. Enrich announced that Lexington High School Senior Chetan Hertzig had won the national Lincoln-Douglas debate contest of the Catholic Forensic League and by so doing had brought honor not only to his family but also to the Town of Lexington. Mr. Enrich also announced that Phyllis Smith along with her sister had been nominated Foster Parents of the Year. Boston Edison Grant of Location Hearing—Bowman Street Boston Edison Representative Carol McManus presented a petition to provide electric service to the meter pedestal for the sewer pumping station located on Bowman Street. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of the Boston Edison Company to lay and maintain underground conduits and manholes, with the wires and cables to be placed therein, under the surface of Bowman Street: Install conduit northeasterly, approximately 205 feet west of Corey Lane, a distance of about 33 feet. Consent Agenda Transfer of Spencer Street Property to LexHAB Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Quitclaim Deed transferring the Spencer Street property to LexHAB. Water and Sewer Charges Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following water and sewer commitments and adjustments: 61-170 Selectmen's Meeting—June 8, 1998 a. Commitment of water charges for 2/1/98 to 2/28/98 (finals) $3,627.35 b. Commitment of sewer charges for 2/1/98 to 2/28/98 (finals) $6,529.85 c. Commitment of water charges for 4/22/98 (cycle 01) $393,913.55 d. Commitment of sewer charges for 4/22/98 (cycle 01) $790,050.32 e. Adjustments of water charges for 2/1/98 to 2/28/98 -$4,344.51 f. Adjustments of sewer charges for 2/1/98 to 2/28/98 -$13,837.93 Traffic Intersection Improvements Engineering Consultant Dick Cook first reported on the status of the Marrett Road/Route 2A project. There are some new land owners in the area who are not familiar with the project. There has been a considerable education process underway and there has been some progress with the three land owners involved. However, if the project is not advertised soon, the funding could be in jeopardy. Mass. Highway could advertise the project without the land acquisition but cannot award the contract until the land acquisition is in place. Mr. Enrich indicated he would get a meeting set up with Mass. Highway and include our legislators to see if the project can be moved along. Mr. Cook reported on several intersection improvements they have been working on. They have been meeting with the residents in the area since late summer last year. It became apparent almost immediately that many people objected to traffic signals. They have looked at alternatives to protect a police officer who would be on duty during the peak periods. Four of the five intersections are relatively simple as far as design goes. They would include the creation of islands, pavement markings, widening of roadway, and floodlighting to protect the officers. The Spring Street/Marrett/Bridge intersection discussion is ongoing. They are still looking at ways to improve the intersection without putting in traffic signals. The four designs were taken to Mass. Highway who preliminarily responded favorably. The Town would take responsibility for construction even though some are within the State Highway. They will be moving forward on the four intersections hoping to have them completed by late fall or early winter. The entire cost is going to be borne by funds from the developers. Last Night 1999 Cindy Savage presented plans by several residents for a"Last Night 1999". They indicated they need some seed money to get started. They anticipate the activities will cost approximately $70,000. It was suggested that they apply to the Fund for Lexington. They will also be looking into applying for grant money. 61-171 Selectmen's Meeting—June 8, 1998 They asked whether they could come under the umbrella of the Town's insurance policy. Mr. White indicated that he thought the Town could get a rider to the Town's policy. The Committee could possibly be a subcommittee of the Recreation or Town Celebrations Committee. The funds could be managed by the Last Night 1999 Committee and housed by the Town. Board members expressed their enthusiasm for the event and encouraged the Last Night 1999 Committee to go forward with their plans. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve and endorse Lexington 1999 as an event to benefit children and families on December 31, 1999. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meetings of May 18 and May 29, 1998. Executive Session Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the executive session minutes of the meetings of May 18 and May 29, 1998. Appointments Town Counsel Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint the firm of Palmer & Dodge, represented by Norman P. Cohen, as Town Counsel for a term to expire June 30, 1999. Executive Clerk Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk to the Board for a term to expire June 30, 1999. Keeper of the Lockup Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Chief Christopher Casey Keeper of the Lockup for a term to expire June 30, 1999. Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Richard G. Hudak to the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee for a term to expire September 30, 1999. 61-172 Selectmen's Meeting—June 8, 1998 Hennessy Field Ad Hoc Committee Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint the following individuals to the Hennessy Field Ad Hoc Committee: Selectmen member Jeanne Krieger; Recreation Committee member Don Chisholm; Town Meeting Members Dick Neumeier and David Williams; Conservation Commission member Bernice Fallick; Sporting/Athletic Community member Bernie Reddy and Article 46 Proponent Debra Brown. Four Town Planning Group Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the resignation of Ed Grant to the Four Town Planning Group. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Jeanne Krieger to the Four Town Planning Group. Town Manager Reappointments Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following Town Manager reappointments: Marilyn Fenollosa to the Historical Commission, Dr. Jim Beck to the Board of Health and Pamela Varrin to the Recreation Committee. Sidewalk Café Permit Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve a sidewalk café permit for Starbuck's subject to the conditions outlined in a letter dated June 8, 1998 from the Town Manager. Bench in Memory of Jason Berger Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of the Personnel Advisory Board to place a bench near Cary Memorial Hall in memory of Jason Berger. Freedom's Way Heritage District Dick Canale and Jackie Davison of the Freedom's Way Heritage Association were present to discuss the Association's vision for a National Heritage Area that would stretch from Lexington to Gardner. They had made a presentation at an April 28th forum in Lexington which had been enthusiastically received by many Lexington participants. The designation of Freedom's Way as a National Heritage Area is critical to their plans and they would like the Board to send a letter of endorsement that they will include with their application. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to send a letter of endorsement for the designation of Freedom's Way as a National Heritage Area. 61-173 Selectmen's Meeting—June 8, 1998 Gatchina Sister City Visit Update Ed Shapiro thanked the Board members for their contribution toward making the Russian delegation visit so unforgettable. Lexington has received a letter from the Mayor of Gatchina inviting Lexington's delegation to Russia from September 15 to September 21. Mr. Fenn asked the Board members to think about the potential makeup of the delegation. Everybody understands that they pay their own air fair. Once in Gatchina the delegation are guests of the City. The Town Manager has been specifically invited. Board members gave some suggestions to follow up on such as the Chamber of Commerce, the schools, particularly the high school debate team, getting something in the paper in Mary Lou Touart's column and contacting the local civic groups. Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted 4-0 by roll call vote: Mr. Enrich, Mr. Fenn, Mr. Busa, Mrs. Krieger to go into executive session for the purpose of discussion of land acquisition and collective bargaining with no intent to resume open session. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk 61-174 Selectmen's Meeting Minutes June 22, 1998 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, June 22, 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; and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present. Public Comments Director of Guides Larry Whipple informed the Board that twenty young people have taken out applications to be Battle Green Guides. He thinks recent advertising in the Minuteman has helped. Mr. Whipple spoke to the Board about his concerns over the youth of the Town going to the Battle Green after school to play football, lacrosse and whiffle ball. He said it is very disruptive when tours are taking place. He has asked groups to leave the Green and they have done so without any problem. He feels the rules and regulations concerning the Battle Green need to be strengthened and enforced. He also feels that getting the publicity out on the rules and regulations to the students will help. The Chairman indicated the Board would take a look at the Battle Green regulations. Mr. Byron Blanchard presented the Board with suggestions concerning going out to bid for legal services for the Town and also getting Town Counsel to give the Town an itemized bill for services. Mr. White explained that Town Counsel does give the Town Manager a report on a regular basis and will give the Board a report any time they ask for one. Boston Gas Grant of Location—Old Spring Street Mr. Enrich opened a public hearing on the petition, plan and orders for a grant of location for a 2" gas main to be installed in Old Spring Street to serve two new homes that are being built. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of Boston Gas Company to install approximately 150 feet, more or less, of a 2 inch gas main in Old Spring Street, from an existing 2 inch gas main in Spring Street, in a northwesterly direction. Consent Agenda Water/Sewer Commitments and Adjustments Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following: Commitment of water charges for 3/1/98 to 3/31/98 $3,950.85 Commitment of sewer charges for 3/1/98 to 3/31/98 $8,953.55 Commitment of water charges for 4/1/98 to 4/30/98 (finals) $3,403.35 Commitment of sewer charges for 4/1/98 to 4/30/98 (finals) $7,700.55 61-175 Selectmen's Meeting—June 22, 1998 Commitment of water charges for 5/22/98 $335,467.80 Commitment of sewer charges for 5/22/98 $709,774.87 Adjustments of water charges for 3/1/98 to 3/31/98 -$49,289.98 Adjustments of sewer charges for 3/1/98 to 3/31/98 -$11,297.53 Adjustments of water charges for 4/1/98 to 4/30/98 -$12.45 Adjustments of sewer charges for 4/1/98 to 4/30/98 -$1,124.75 One Day Liquor License Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to issue a one-day liquor license to the Lexington Field and Garden Club for a garden party to be held on July 19 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Committee Resignations/Appointments/Reappointments Human Services Committee Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept with regret the resignation of Linda Pucci from the Human Services Committee. Town Report Committee Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept with regret the resignation of Bob Morrison and William Hoyt from the Town Report committee. Battle Green Guides Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to license Ben Elgart and Marc Fritton as Battle Green Guides for the 1998 season. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of June 8, 1998. Executive Session Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the executive session minutes of the meeting of June 8, 1998. Fund for Lexington Mr. Fenn reported it was time to appoint a Selectman and a representative from a civic organization to the Board of the Fund for Lexington. Mr. Busa indicated that Rotary had nominated Leo McSweeney who indicated his willingness to serve. 61-176 Selectmen's Meeting—June 22, 1998 Mrs. Krieger offered to be the second Selectman representative. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Leo McSweeney representing the Lexington Rotary and Jeanne Krieger as the Selectmen's representative to the Board of the Fund for Lexington. Acting Chairman Mr. Enrich reported that he will be out of Town and he has asked Mr. Fenn to chair the meeting of July 6. School Committee/Appropriation Committee Revenue/Appropriation Projections The School Committee and Appropriation Committee joined the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Also present were members of the Long Range Planning Committee and Capital Expenditures Committee and members of other boards. Mr. Enrich thanked the School Committee for joining the Board for this joint meeting and indicated the purpose of the discussion is to give an initial airing of the two most important issues before the two boards over the coming months. We need to talk collectively about how we are going to proceed with the FY2000 operating budget and the school building project. Paul Lapointe reviewed a five year projection of the general fund only from FY96 through FY2003 and the ramifications of a revenue/expenditure gap projecting out to be a deficit in excess of$8 million in FY2003. Board Members thanked Mr. Lapointe for his efforts and indicated that his report would be a good working tool at the Board's upcoming goal setting session. School Capital Project The Board and School Committee discussed where the school capital project stands at present and what the reasonable expectations are on how the process is going to move ahead. Mrs. Peltz felt the School Committee is not so far away from having a crystallized plan for the high school. She expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Ad Hoc group to identify areas of concern. The School Committee has been working with them as well as the Permanent Building Committee to identify levels of impact of the Ad Hoc Committee proposal. There are two additional levels of possible reduction where at least at this time either the PBC or the School Committee feel it will have major impacts on programs. The School Committee hopes to use the template the Ad Hoc Committee has presented them for Diamond and Clarke. They will be working with all three principals to nail down the programmatic dimensions. The two committees discussed the timetable and the concern that in order to start the project a year from now it would be necessary to have the vote of the Town before the end of this year. 61-177 Selectmen's Meeting—June 22, 1998 Mr. Fenn stressed the fact that the community cannot afford to lose another override. It is necessary to have the full support of the School Committee, Board of Selectmen and the community for the project. The School Committee adjourned from the meeting. State of Hanscom Mr. Fenn reported that there had been a meeting at the State House on the new MEPA regulations. Because of the number of people attending, MEPA will sit down with HATS and the National Park people. We want to make sure that protection for this area is not diminished. Mr. Fenn also reported that the Ad Hoc Group will be considering the draft of the Memorandum of Understanding with Massport and make the decision to request each of the HATS Selectmen to bring it back to their respective Boards hopefully for approval. Hanscom Airport Director Barbara Patzner gave the Board a report on the State of Hanscom. Regulation of Wireless Communications Mr. Enrich advised the Board that the CATV and Communications Advisory Committee has prepared a letter to be sent to our legislators concerning the authority of municipalities to regulate wireless communications and he would like the Board to authorize him to sign and send the letter. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Chairman to send a letter to the legislators concerning the authority of municipalities to regulate wireless communications. Mexico Sister City Visit Mrs. Eddison offered to greet the delegation from our Mexico Sister City on Monday, June 29th. Honorary Air Show Marshall Mr. Busa offered to be Lexington's Honorary Air Show Marshall and will recommend the name of a youth of Lexington to be honored at the air show on July 31St. 61-178 Selectmen's Meeting—June 22, 1998 Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 by roll call vote: Mr. Enrich, Mr. Fenn, Mr. Busa, Mrs. Eddison, Mrs. Krieger to go into executive session for the purpose of discussion of collective bargaining with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:00 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk 61-179 Selectmen's Meeting Minutes Goal Setting—Museum of Our National Heritage June 30, 1998 A goal setting meeting of the board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday, June 30, 1998 in the Carpenter room of the Museum of Our National Heritage at 10:00 a.m. Chairman Enrich, Mr. Fenn, Mr. Busa, Mrs. Eddison, Mrs. Krieger; Mr. White, Town Manager; and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present. Several members of the Senior Management Team were present to assist the Board in their discussion of the following Agenda: 1. Day Overview Peter Enrich and Rick White 2. Finances 5 Year Forecast 2000 Revenue Estimate/ 5 Year History Free Cash Update Stabilization Fund Update Debt Exclusion 3. Capital Article 42 Implications Capital Improvement Program 4. Department of Public Works NESWC Update Solid Waste Contractual Update Streetlights Deregulation of Utilities Update 5. Planning Issues/Process Strategic Planning Budget Process SMT Strategic Plan Review School Project Economic Development Officer Newsletter 6. Library Building Update 61-180 Selectmen's Goal Setting Meeting—June 30, 1998 7. Boards and Committees The meeting centered on discussion of the five year forecast, revenue estimates, the FY2000 budget process and strategic planning. Items not covered such as the Economic Development Officer, the School Project and Newsletter will be discussed at future meetings of the Board. The meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m. Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk