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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-10-BOS-min61-212 Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes October 5, 1998 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday, October 5, 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; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; and Ms. Pease, Assistant to the Executive Clerk were present. Citizen Comments Mr. Tripi wanted an answer from either the School Committee or the Board of Selectmen regarding what the law is regarding distance from classroom to bathrooms. Mr. Enrich said he would make sure someone got back to Mr. Tripi with an answer. Hearings Boston Gas Grant of Location – 44 Winthrop Road Mr. Sano reviewed the petition of Boston Gas to install a gas main for Winthrop Road. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of the Boston Gas Company to install approximately 180 feet of 6 inch gas main in Winthrop Road, Lexington, westerly from the existing 6 inch gas main at #40 Winthrop Road to house #44 Winthrop Road. Boston Edison Grant of Location – Angier Road Ms. McManus reviewed the petition of Boston Edison to install conduit to provide underground electric service to 10 Angier Road. 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 Angier Road: Install conduit, northwesterly, approximately 177 feet southwest of North Emerson Road, a distance of about 7 feet. Boston Edison Grant of Location – Fairbanks Road Ms. McManus reviewed the petition of Boston Edison to install conduit to provide new underground electric service to 7 Fairbanks Road. 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 Fairbanks Road: Install conduit – southeasterly, approximately 345 feet northeast of Shade Street, a distance of about 46 feet ( +). 61-213 Selectmen’s Meeting – October 5, 1998 Consent Agenda Proclamation – United Nations Day Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign a proclamation declaring October 24, 1998 as United Nations Day. Acceptance of Nan and Raymond Culler Scholarship Fund Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the Nan and Raymond Culler Scholarship Fund, which will award a scholarship to a graduating senior selected by the PTA Council Scholarship Committee. Vote to Sign Warrant for the State Election Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the State Election Warrant. Vote to Sign Bond and State Aid Anticipation Notes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the sale of a $3,055,000 3.70 percent Bond Anticipation Note of the town dated October 15, 1998 and payable April 15, 1999, to First Albany Corporation at par and accrued interest, plus a premium of $7,521. Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to approve the sale of a $845,000 3.50 percent State Aid Anticipation Note of the town dated October 15, 1998 and payable April 15, 1999, to BankBoston, N.A. at par and accrued interest, plus a premium of $897.11. School Project The School Committee made a presentation to the Board on the proposed school building project, which will encompass additions to and remodeling of the high school and the two middle schools. Mr. Busa would like to see at least two alternative finance strategies for the current plan. Mr. Enrich asked Mr. Moynihan to work with the Town Comptroller to develop the options. Mr. Fenn asked the School Committee to look closely at the proposal to see if there are any other possible reductions that could be made to give the proposal an even greater chance of passing. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to schedule a Town Meeting for November 9, 1998. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Warrant calling for a Special Town Meeting on November 9, 1998 to act on an article for adding to and remodeling and reconstructing the Town’s secondary schools. 61-214 Selectmen’s Meeting – October 5, 1998 Report of Cablevision Performance Evaluation Hearing Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the report of the Cable TV and Communications Advisory Committee and its recommendations and forward to Cablevision. Lexington Last Night 1999 The Last Night 1999 Committee is looking for a home. The Town Celebrations Committee said they would accept the Last Night 1999 as an official sub-committee. Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to adopt the charge for Lexington Last Night 1999 Committee and to make the following appointments: Cindy Savage, Nina Sullivan, Jessie Foster, Kathy Fields, Mary Thometer, Mary Gillespie, Jules Pieri, Julie Stevenson, and Kathy Freeman. Class II Used Car Dealer’s License – Service Station, Inc. d/b/a Gulf Service Center, 324 Marrett Road The Board had some concerns regarding whether there was space at the station for used cars and how many cars the owner was planning on parking on the premises. The Board asked that a representative from Gulf Service Center attend the next meeting of the Board. The item was tabled. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meetings of August 31 and September 22, 1998. Executive Session Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Executive Session minutes of the meeting of August 31 and September 22, 1998. Lexington Center Committee Resignation/Appointment Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to accept the resignation of Lianne Hunt as a member of the Lexington Center Committee. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Robert Mulcahy, owner of the Great Harvest Bread Company, to the Lexington Center Committee to fill the unexpired term of Lianne Hunt which will expire on September 30, 2000. 61-215 Selectmen’s Meeting – October 5, 1998 Historic Districts Commission Resignation/Appointment Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept with regret the resignation of Richard Bechtel from the Historic Districts Commission. Lynn Hopkins and Eleanor MacQueen were nominated by the Lexngton Arts and Crafts Society, Inc. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Lynn Hopkins as a member of the Historic Districts Commission to fill the unexpired term of Richard Bechtel for a term to expire December 3l, 1999. Recreation Committee Reappointment Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Town Manager’s reappointment of Frederick J. DeAngelis to the Recreation Committee for a three-year term. Winning Farm The Town of Winchester purchased the Winning Farm and is contemplating various re-uses for the property. The Hennessy Field Committee has expressed interest in Lexington’s entering a partnership with the Town of Winchester, by developing part of the site as soccer or recreation fields. Mr. White made an attempt to set up a meeting with the Winchester professional staff and a Selectman, and was requested to have the Board make a formal request, Board to Board. Mr. White has provided the Board with a draft letter from the Chairman that would satisfy Winchester’s needs. Annual Committee Appointments Due to the fact that all Board members are not present for the meeting, it was decided to postpone the Selectmen appointments until all Board Members are present, which is expected to be November 16, 1998. Hanscom Issues Mr. Fenn reported that the draft Memorandum of Agreement supported by the majority of the Ad Hoc Committee, including the HATS Selectmen, the National Park, and SShair, had been forwarded to Massport. Peter Blute responded by saying that Massport had some problems with the environmental sections and other issues. Though his letter appeared to invite further dialogue, Massport subsequently refused to clarify on paper what they meant by “other issues”. They stated that the 26 communities surrounding Logan were strongly opposing any such MOU involving Hanscom. In order to try to resolve the impasse, the Ad Hoc Committee is seeking a meeting with the Governor and Mr. Blute. 61-216 Selectmen’s Meeting – October 5, 1998 Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-0 by roll call vote: Chairman Enrich, Mr. Busa, Mr. Fenn and Mrs. Eddison to go into executive session for the purpose of discussion of pending litigation with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. A true record, Attest: Lynne A. Pease Assistant to the Executive Clerk 61-217 Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes October 19, 1998 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, October 19, 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; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present. Public Comments Messrs. Steve Tripi and Perry Pollins expressed dissatisfaction over the dissemination of information concerning the School Project, and lack of response to previously asked questions of the Board concerning the cost of the utilities in the portable classrooms. Mr. Tripi said he had received some information from School Committee Member Robin Digiammarino but not everything he was looking for. Mr. Enrich said nothing could be further from the truth. The Boards have been working for the past nine months and will be getting out as much information as possible. Mrs. Eddison took exception to the charges. We have to wait until we get the best quality estimates. Even then you don't get final costs until you get bids. It is a question of our trying to move forward. There will be a tour of the buildings on Saturday and the proposed changes and renovations will be fully explained. Dawn McKenna said she would like to bring to the attention of the Board and the School Committee that she has heard from various merchants that the Town is going to out of town vendors. They are hoping that the Town will do everything possible in the bidding process to support Lexington businesses. Consent Agenda Water/Sewer Commitments and Adjustments Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following: a. Commitment of water charges for billing date 10/13/98 (cycle 9) $152,225.93 b. Commitment of water charges for 7/1/98 to 7/31/98 (finals) $2,271.80 c. Commitment of sewer charges for 7/1/98 to 7/31/98 (finals) $4,646.65 d. Commitment of water charges for 8/1/98 to 8/31/98 (finals) $6,606.40 e. Commitment of sewer charges for 8/1/98 to 8/31/98 (finals) $13,242.85 f. Adjustments of water charges for 7/1/98 to 7/31/98 -$66,156.31 g. Adjustments of sewer charges for 7/1/98 to 7/31/98 $17,747.71 h. Adjustments of water charges for 8/1/98 to 8/31/98 -$5,187.49 i. Adjustments of sewer charges for 8/1/98 to 8/31/98 -$14,797.15 61-218 Selectmen's Meeting - October 19, 1998 One-Day Liquor Licenses Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application and issue a one- day liquor license to Donna M. Lally for her wedding reception at Custance Hall, Bedford Street on Saturday, October 24. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application and issue a one- day liquor license to Sacred Heart Parish for a benefit dance at Sacred Heart Parish Center on October 30. Ratify Poll Vote of the Board Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to ratify a poll vote of the Board last week to proclaim October 19, 1998 as Family Violence Awareness Day. Accept Resignation Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept with regret the resignation of Sue Cusack from the Fair Housing and Human Relations Committee. Dan H. Fenn Lexington Minute Man Trust Fund Mr. Enrich told his fellow Selectman Dan Fenn what a pleasure it was to put this item on the th Agenda. The funds were donated in honor of Dan's 75 birthday to be put into trust for an award for a research project, program, or activity focusing on the Colonial history of Lexington. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the Dan H. Fenn Lexington Minute Man Trust Fund. School Project Financing Finance Director John Ryan presented several possible scenarios on financing the school capital project. The "conventional" method of short-term borrowing for five years @ 4% with permanent bonding for 20 years @ 5% would have equal principal payments over the 20 years with a net debt service cost to the Town estimated to be $36,584,100. The "mortgage" method of borrowing short-term for five years @ 4% with permanent bonding for 20 years @ 5% would have equal debt service payments. SBA reimbursement would be based on conventional financing (equal principal payments) with a net debt service cost to the Town estimated to be $40,888,109. 61-219 Selectmen's Meeting - October 19, 1998 The "paydown" method of borrowing for five years @ 4% with paydown of debt of $4 million and with permanent bonding for 20 years @ 5% would have a net debt service cost estimated to be $35,409,860. This method would result in $1.7 million less SBA reimbursement. The "tax smoothing" method of short-term borrowing for five years @ 4% with permanent bonding for 20 years @ 5% reduces or smoothes out the tax impact so that the highest year impact in 2007 will be approximately $54/$100,000 valuation. Mr. Fenn indicated he liked the tax smoothing method because in his judgment over the years the taxpayers have in fact valued predictability in the tax rate. Mr. Fenn also feels the conventional method shows very little stability. Mr. Busa seconded Mr. Fenn's thought. Mr. Enrich felt he could go along with the tax smoothing method also although his initial reaction was to favor the conventional method. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go with the tax smoothing scenario. Minute Man Statue Mrs. Eddison reported on a meeting with representatives of the Design Advisory Committee, Center Committee, Lexington Commission 2000, Engineering and Public Works staff and the Town Manager to discuss plans for securing the Minute Man Statue which has become quite wobbly and of plans to make the area around the Statue safer for tourists. The recommendation of the group is not to move the Minute Man back onto the Green but that there is an urgent need to secure the statue onto the base to make it as secure as possible for the next 100 years. Harrington Road Mr. Enrich indicated that the Harrington Road closure has been an issue of some sensitivity. The Board will allow much more opportunity for input from the public and Boards that have an interest in this matter. The temporary solution has been in place for some time. We should reach a decision on how we want to deal with Harrington Road. We will need more information and the intention this evening is to identify that need. There was discussion of proposed plans to reopen Harrington on a trial basis using neckdowns and some striping. There was also discussion of plans for permanent closure of Harrington Road. The Board would like to see a proposal for keeping the Road open. The Board will not be acting on this matter until a future meeting when the full board is present. In the meantime Mr. Hurley was asked to get the plans to the Board. 61-220 Selectmen's Meeting - October 19, 1998 Executive Session Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the executive session minutes of the meeting of October 5, 1998. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:18 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk 61-221 Selectmen's Meeting Minutes October 30, 1998 A special meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Friday, October 30, 1998 in the Selectmen's Meeting room, Town Office Building at 4:30 p.m. Acting Chairman Fenn, Mr. Busa, Mrs. Eddison and Mrs. Krieger, Ms. Crew Vine, ActingTown Manager and Ms.. Smith, Executive Clerk were present. Mr. Fenn explained the reason for the special meeting this afternoon. Mr. Busa called on Wednesday morning saying he would be out of town on business on Monday evening. Mrs. Eddison was also expected to be out of town on business; therefore, in order for the Board to vote to call a special election for December 7, it was necessary for four board members to take such a vote and Monday November 2 is the deadline for calling a December 7 special election. Debt Exclusion Override Election Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to call a special debt exclusion override election for Monday, December 7, 1998. School Capital Project Article for November 9 Special Town Meeting Mr. Fenn read a letter from Chairman Enrich who is out of town on business. Mr. Enrich in his letter recorded his enthusiastic support for the capital renewal project proposed by the School Committee. Mr. Fenn also read a statement that he was sending to the Minute Man Newspaper. Mr. Fenn also expressed strong support for the school article and urged all to support the project also saying we don't have any choice. We have to repair our buildings. Mrs. Krieger also supports the project. It clearly is a project that needs to be undertaken. It has been an inclusive process, one that we as a community can accept and support. We need to begin our work on the other buildings and not allow ourselves to get into a similar situation. We need to have continued maintenance. Mr. Busa also stated support of the project currently. The project previously before us was larger than it needed to be. My concern then and now is what we do as a Town to disseminate information as clearly as we possibly can. Nothing other than what it actually is. It is the largest debt exclusion that this town has ever undertaken. I feel more comfortable with the current project at $37 million, principal and interest. I think it is a viable project and feel comfortable about the numbers. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to support the school project article at the November 9 Special Town Meeting. 61-222 Selectmen's Meeting - October 30, 1998 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 4:55 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk