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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-11-BOS-min61-223 Selectmen's Meeting Minutes November 2, 1998 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, November 2, 1998 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Enrich, Mr. Fenn, Mrs. Krieger, Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel, Ms. Crew Vine, Acting Town Manager and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present. The Chairman explained that both Mrs. Eddison and Mr. Busa were out of Town on business and would not be attending this evening's meeting. Creché on the Battle Green Mr. Enrich introduced Reverend Helen Cohen of the First Parish Church and President of the Lexington Clergy Association. Rev. Cohen was asked to come to the meeting to explain efforts of the Clergy Association to address on a common ground the location of the creché on the Battle Green. Reverend Cohen indicated that the Clergy Association first worked on the matter in 1972. Then about three years ago we started talking about it again. There have been letters to the Minute Man and discussion of several kinds. We discovered even within the Clergy Association there are differing opinions. We do not want to get people to say yes or no, we want to get people together and approach the issue from various angles. The group we have put together is called "Meeting Ground". We have picked someone from the outside who is not a Lexington resident to help us. We will talk together, explore options and hopefully come up with something that will be satisfactory to all people. We are in the initial stages of it. We would ask that since we are approaching the season again that the Selectmen not take political action. Our group will do its best to come to a solution that avoids a political issue in Town. The participants of the "Meeting Ground" are representatives of the Knights of Columbus and the Masons, a variety of citizens who have expressed points of view for or against it, Rev. David O'Donnell of St. Brigid's, Rev. Cohen, and another member of the Clergy. Rev. Brian Dixon had been involved; however, he will be leaving Lexington at the end of the year. We will be advertising in the Minute Man and soliciting peoples comments along the way. Mr. Fenn said he thought that is a reasonable request. In the interests of the town this is where the issue belongs at this point. At some time this Board may make a decision. Board members expressed appreciation for the efforts of Rev. Cohen and look forward to a solution. Public Comments Mr. Steve Tripi said he thinks the $95,000 spent on facilities for the portable classrooms was unnecessary. Mr. Tripi also said he feels the newsletter report on the school capital project not only is misleading but also is a violation of the campaign finance laws. 61-224 Selectmen's Meeting - November 2, 1998 Mr. Enrich explained several points regarding the newsletter. The chart reflects the tax impact on the financing approach voted by the Board of Selectmen and does reflect the numbers, including estimated interest on debt as presented to the Board by John Ryan. Some people thought it was important to show as the school debt comes on, there will be an offset by the retirement of the Pine Meadows debt. The chart in the newsletter listed the cost to the taxpayer both ways. Mr. Enrich also indicated he had reviewed the material on the campaign finance laws. It is my understanding that during the period before the Board of Selectmen sets the date for the debt exclusion vote that the town offices can send out informational material. The purpose of the newsletter article was to provide factual information and that is precisely what it provides. Further, once the Board votes the date for the Special Override Election, the Town cannot spend any money. Boston Edison Grant of Location Hearing - 2 Chandler Street Boston Edison representative Ms. McManus reviewed a request from the homeowner at 2 Chandler Street for a grant of location to relocate electric service from overhead to underground. Ivor Morgan, an abutter to the property reviewed the plans with Ms. McManus. 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 Chandler Street: Install conduit northerly, approximately 97 feet northwest of Upland Road, a distance of about 7 feet. Consent Agenda Water & Sewer Commitments Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following: Commitment of water charges for billing date 7/7/98 (cycle 9) $105,568.52 Commitment of water charges for billing date 8/6/98 (cycle 9) $154,143.92 Commitment of water charges for billing date 9/10/98 (cycle 9) $156,951.13 Sign Warrant for Special Election Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Warrant for the Special Override Election scheduled for December 7, 1998. 61-225 Selectmen's Meeting - November 2, 1998 Bond - Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted: (1) That the Town shall issue a bond or bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $200,000 (the "Bonds") pursuant to Chapters 29C and 111 of the General laws and a vote of the Town passed April 27, 1998 (Article 26), for a community septic management loan program (the "Project"); (2) that the Bond shall be issued as a single registered security, and sold to the Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust (the "Trust") at a price of not less than the principal amount of the Bond, less the Town's allocated share of the costs of issuance of the Trust's bonds, if any; (3) that the Treasurer is authorized to determine the date, the form, the maximum interest rate and the principal maturities of the Bond, and to execute a Loan Agreement with the Trust with respect to the sale of the Bonds, such date, form and maturities and the specific interest rate or rates of the Bonds to be approved by a majority of the Board of Selectmen and the Treasurer and evidenced by their execution of the Bonds; (4) that all action taken to date by the Town and its officers and agents to carry out the Project and its financing, including the execution of any loan commitment or agreement by the Treasurer, are hereby ratified, approved and confirmed; and (5) that the Treasurer and the other appropriate Town officials are each hereby authorized to take any and all actions necessary and convenient to carry out the provisions of this vote, including execution and delivery of the Loan Agreement and the Project Approval Certificate and Regulatory Agreement relating to the Project. Common Victualler's License - Seattle's Best Coffee, 321 Marrett Road Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application and issue a Common Victualler's License to Seattle's Best Coffee, 321 Marrett Road subject to the conditions of the Special Permit issued by the Board of Appeals. Auctioneer's License - Newton Oriental Rugs Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application and issue an Auctioneer's License to Newton Oriental Rugs for Saturday, January 9, 1999 at the Lexington Armory. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of October 5, 1998. 61-226 Selectmen's Meeting - November 2, 1998 Resignations/Reappointments/Appointments CATV and Communications Advisory Committee Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept with regret the resignation of Julian Bussgang from the CATV and Communications Advisory Committee. Initiating Committee Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the resignation of Sophia Ho from the Initiating Committee. Town Report Committee Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Kerry Brandin to the Town Report Committee. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 8:05 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk 61-227 Selectmen's Meeting Minutes November 16, 1998 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, November 16, 1998 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Enrich, Mr. Fenn, Mr. Busa, Mrs. Eddison, Mrs. Krieger, Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel, Mr. White, Town Manager and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present. Citizen Comments Precinct 9 Town Meeting Member Dawn McKenna indicated she had heard from some employees that they have received a $200.00 bonus. She asked whether all Town employees are getting it and whether it would be coming from FY99 appropriations. Mr. White replied that the answer is "no". No Town employees are getting a $200.00 bonus. There is equity between contracts. Any agreement that was made for FY99 would come out of the FY99 budget. Consent Agenda MWRA Bond for Sewer Project Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the sale of the $98,100 Sewer Bond of the Town dated November 19, 1998, to Massachusetts Water Resources Authority is hereby confirmed. The bond shall be payable without interest on November 15 of the years and in the principal amounts as follows: YearAmount 1999 $19,620 2000 19,620 2001 19,620 2002 19,620 2003 19,620 MWRA Loan Agreement Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Town Manager to execute an agreement with the MWRA for their infiltration/inflow local financial assistance proposal. Close of Warrant for Annual Town Meeting Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to set the date for the closing of the warrant for the 1999 Annual Town Meeting on Wednesday, December 30, 1998 at 4:30 p.m. 61-228 Selectmen's Meeting - November 16, 1998 Confirmatory Deed and Assent - George Grey Registration Case (Bowker Street) Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign a confirmatory deed and assent relating to George Grey Registration Case of his lot on Bowker Street. Proclamation - Employee Recognition Day Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign a proclamation declaring Wednesday, November 18, 1998 as Employee Recognition Day. Board of Health - Food Permit Fees Dr. Burt Perlmutter and Health Director Beverly Anderson were present to ask the Board to approve their request to increase fees charged to food establishments for operating permits. The reasons for their recommendations are to cover the cost of two yearly inspections, consistency with what other towns are charging, charging more for larger service establishments and to encourage regulatory compliance. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the food permit fees as requested by the Board of Health and approved by them at a meeting on September 9, 1998. Economic Development Update Joe Marino reviewed with the board his preliminary work plan including the establishment of an Economic Development Committee, outreach within town government with all boards involved in land use, outreach with businesses and the Chamber of Commerce, several research projects, marketing plans and long range plans for a coordinated permitting process. Board members expressed their pleasure that this phase of the Business Committee recommendation has commenced and also their pleasure at Joe's appointment as the first Economic Development Officer. Meeting Schedule The Board members agreed to meet on November 23, 30, December 7, 14, 21, January 4, 11 and 25. Street Light Update George Woodbury updated the Board on the status of the restoration of the street lights that had been turned off in the fall of 1996. There were 1,294 street lights turned off. As of mid-June, 600 lights have been restored. There are sufficient funds to restore an additional 30. If the plans to take over ownership of the lights are achieved, there will be sufficient savings to turn all the lights back on. 61-229 Selectmen's Meeting - November 16, 1998 Mr. Enrich mentioned that with winter coming on it is important to get the lights back on as quickly as possible. Cary Hall Capital Project Mr. Woodbury reported that the Public Works Department would like to take advantage of the delay in the Library construction project to come up with a plan for a capital project that integrates the need of the Library during the construction phase and the long term need to bring Cary Hall to its potential as a significant Town asset. Appointments/Reappointments Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to make the following appointments/reappointments: Condominium Conversion Board Reappoint Thomas Gouzoule for a three-year term to expire September 30, 2001. Design Advisory Committee Reappoint Karen Bechtel to a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Reapppoint Stacey P. Bridge-Denzak to a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Reappoint Bruce Creager to a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Reappoint Barbara Hulsizer to a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Reappoint Steven Hurley to a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Reappoint Carl C. Oldenberg to a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Appoint Robert Stigberg to a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Reappoint Elizabeth C. Whitman to a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Design Advisory Committee Associates Appoint John W. Frey to a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Reappoint Richard B. Friedson to a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Reappoint Jonathan Longley to a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Reappoint Walter S. Pierce to a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Fair Housing and Human Relations Committee Reappoint Florence A. Baturin to a two-year term to expire September 30, 2000. Appoint Bensen Chiou to a two-year term to expire September 30, 2000. Appoint Margaret Cole to a two-year term to expire September 30, 2000. Reappoint Beverly Earl-Goodridge to a two-year term to expire September 30, 2000. Reappoint Kathryn Lockhart to a two-year term to expire September 30, 2000. 61-230 Selectmen's Meeting - November 16, 1998 Fence Viewers Reappoint Martin A. Gilman to a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Reappoint William H. Sullivan to a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Gammel Legacy Trust Reappoint Lois V. Jenkins to a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Reappoint Jacquelyn H. Ward to a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Human Services Committee Appoint Nancy Bartlett to a three-year term to expire September 30, 2001. Reappoint Barbara Ciampa to a three-year term to expire September 30, 2001. Reappoint Helen W. Cravis to a three-year term to expire September 30, 2001. Appoint Khalil A. Khatri to a three-year term to expire September 30, 2001. Appoint Christine Yedica to a three-year term to expire September 30, 2001. Lexington Center Committee Reappoint Robert Burbidge to a three-year term to expire September 30, 2001. Reappoint Steven Hurley to a three-year term to expire September 30, 2001. Reappoint Janet Marie Tiampo to a three-year term to expire September 30, 2001. Reappoint Judith Uhrig to a three-year term to expire September 30, 2001. Lexington Council for the Arts Reappoint Lynn S. Feldman to a three-year term to expire September 30, 2001. Appoint James Laurence Finnerty to a three-year term to expire September 30, 2001. Appoint Constance Kokubo to a three-year term to expire September 30, 2001. Appoint Stanely C. Swann, III to a three-year term to expire September 30, 2001. Appoint Elizabeth H. Yoon to a three-year term to expire September 30, 2001. Personnel Advisory Board Reappoint William W. Barnes to a three-year term to expire September 30, 2001. Appoint Angelo A. Buono to a three-year term to expire September 30, 2001. Reappoint Janet M. Perry to a three-year term to expire September 30, 2001. Initiating Committee Appoint Peter Lee a member of the Initiating Committee Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee Appoint Erna S. Greene to a two-year term to expire September 30, 2000. Reappoint Colleen M. Haggerty to a two-year term to expire September 30, 2000. Reappoint Marita Hartshorn to a two-year term to expire September 30, 2000. Appoint James H. Wichmann to a two-year term to expire September 30, 2000. 61-231 Selectmen's Meeting - November 16, 1998 Police Manual Policy Committee Reappoint Chief Chris Casey to a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Reappoint Cleveland M. Coats, Jr. to a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Reappoint Edith E. Flynn to a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Reappoint William C. Hays to a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Reappoint Gerald L. McLeod to a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Town Celebrations Subcommittee Reappoint Henry C. Murphy to a one-year term expiring June 30, 1999. Reappoint Michael J. O'Connell to a one-year term expiring June 30, 1999. Reappoint Rev. David P. O'Donnell to a one-year term expiring June 30, 1999. Reappoint Perry Pollins to a one-year term expiring June 30, 1999. Reappoint Karen Jean Smith to a one-year term expiring June 30, 1999. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meetings of October 19 and October 30, 1998. Grant Award - Hardy's Pond Brook Channel Cleaning DPW Director George Woodbury and Conservation Administrator Marilyn Nordby were present to report on a grant awarded to the Town from the Mass Water Resources Commission to fund a study by the Army Corps of Enginers under their Flood Plain Management Services program to provide alternative methods for cleaning the Hardy Brook Channel that will meet DEP requirements. Caleb Warner said he wanted to be sure that anything that gets done with regard to Hardy Brook also involves the dedication of certain land areas for de-watering at the north end of the brook. The land is currently privately owned and the community needs to be completely informed and involved in the process. Affirmative Action Working Group Mr. White reported that he has created a working group to help him develop non-traditional ways of recruiting more minorities to the Town's work force. The working group membership consists of representation from the Personnel Advisory Board, Fair Housing and Human Relations Committee and the Senior Management Team with staff support from Human Services and the Town Manager's Office. 61-232 Selectmen's Meeting - November 16, 1998 Dog Licensing Fees Town Clerk Donna Hooper was present to review her recommended increase in dog licensing fees. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following dog licensing fees: Spayed/Neutered Dogs $10.00, Male/Female Dogs $15.00, Kennels (4 dogs or less) $45.00 and Kennels (5 dogs or more) $90.00. Cablevision License Renewal Negotiations Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Cable TV and Communications Advisory Committee to proceed with the Cablevision license renewal process. Executive Session Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 by roll call vote: Mrs. Eddison, Mr. Fenn, Mr. Enrich, Mr. Busa and Mrs. Krieger to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing litigation and collective bargaining matters with no intent to resume open session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 8:55 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk 61-233 Selectmen's Meeting Minutes November 23, 1998 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, November 23, 1998 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Enrich, Mr. Fenn, Mr. Busa, Mrs. Eddison, Mrs. Krieger, Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel, Mr. White, Town Manager and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present. Public Comments Mr. Tripi came to the Board with two complaints. The Town Meeting does not represent the voters. The voters last year defeated the school project that the Town Meeting had approved. Second, a brochure he had picked up at the Library today that had been put out by the School Committee is in violation of the campaign finance law. He indicated that he had been told by the Office for Campaign Finance that the brochure should be informational only and not have any words of endorsement. The statement that the project is worthy of your support violates the law. The brochure is also on the School web site. Mr. Enrich explained that his understanding is that the brochure had been printed up before the Board took a vote to place the question on the ballot and that the School Department can spend funds to inform the public. There have been no further Town funds involved. Mr. Tripi also said he felt the Citizens for Responsible Spending have been excluded from the school project meetings and want to be on record that they are going to sue the town. Dawn McKenna, Chairman of the Town Meeting Members Association, refuted the statement that Town Meeting does not represent the voters. There was less than 50% of the registered voters who voted on the school project last year. Consent Agenda Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to hold a public hearing within the month on the financial viability of RCN-BecoCom, LLC to proceed in the accelerated process toward a cable franchise. Letter from the Mayor of Lexington's Sister City Antony, France Shirley Frawley presented a letter from the Mayor of Antony, France Patrick Devedjian to Chairman Enrich seeking permission to honor Lexington by naming a location in Antony after the Town of Lexington. Mr. Enrich read the letter as follows: "Tradition in our town has it that certain locations are named after our Sister Towns and Cities' names. Rightfully, the Comité de Jumelage (the equivalent of your Lexington Anthony Sister City Association) drew my attention on the fact that Lexington, so far, had been left out of 61-234 Selectmen's Meeting - November 23, 1998 Antony street index and that such a situation called for redress.I certainly agreed but of course, no such step can be envisaged without the formal approval by Lexington's highest governing authority. Therefore, I officially submit this suggestion to yourself and the Board you chair and respectfully ask permission to be granted. The selected location is shown on the herejoined pictures. We would propose to name it "le Rond-Point de Lexington. An obelisk stands right in the middle and indeed this obelisk was the trigger element in our choice. The small group of my fellow citizens who made a one-week tour of New England two years ago remembered having seen the Bennington Battle Monument and had the idea of a parallel as explained hereinafter, further to the naming ceremony, we would like to devote the following days to the place of Lexington and its neighbourhood in American history. From that angle, I think that dedicating an obelisk, here too, to the Minutemen of Lexington and the Liberty Fighters, is an interesting idea." Mr. Enrich also read about the invitation to the naming ceremony on Sunday, September 5, 1999 and the many festivities throughout the week of September 5 to September 12, 1999. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the plan of Lexington's Sister City Antony, France to name a selected location in Antony "le Rond-Point de Lexington". Appointments/Reappointments Board of Appeals Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reappoint Robert F. Sacco for a five year term to expire September 30, 2003. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reappoint the following as Associate members of the Board of Appeals for a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999: Nyles N. Barnert, Joseph A. Campbell, Arthur C. Smith, Judith Uhrig and Carolyn C. Wilson. Mr. Busa made a motion to appoint Howard Levingston as an Associate Member of the Board of Appeals. The motion was not seconded. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4-1 (Mr. Busa voting in the negative) to appoint Jacqueline B. Davison as an Associate Member of the Board of Appeals for a one-year term to expire September 30, 1999. Fair Housing & Human Relations Committee Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reapoint Michelle Ekanem to the Fair Housing and Human Relations Committee for a two-year term expiring September 30, 1999. 61-235 Selectmen's Meeting - November 23, 1998 Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meetings of November 2 and November 16, 1998. Budget Reviews Mr. White gave an overview of the major impacts on the FY2000 budget and presented the board with a list of "Outside the Box" issues that he and the Senior Management Team came up with in a five-hour brainstorming session. Mr. White will be talking to the individual selectmen to come up with five ideas to pursue over the short-term, mid-term and long-term time frame. He hopes to get one from each category with at least one idea to come out of the FY2000 budget. Mr. Enrich indicated the "Outside the Box" idea is a result of the Board's summer goal setting session. The Board in looking at next year's budget has to focus the bulk of its attention on the incremental changes from one year to the next. The Board is pleased with the results of the brainstorming session. Fire, Recreation, Town Clerk, Finance Departments Fire Department Chief Jack Quinlan, Recreation Director Karen Simmons, Town Clerk Donna Hooper and Finance Director John Ryan presented their preliminary operating budget requests for FY2000. Mrs. Krieger thanked the Department Heads saying that their presentation had been very informative to her. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:45 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk 61-236 Selectmen's Meeting Minutes November 30, 1998 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, November 30, 1998 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Enrich, Mr. Fenn, Mr. Busa, Mrs. Eddison, Mrs. Krieger, Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel, Mr. White, Town Manager and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present. Mr. Enrich called the meeting to order explaining that Mrs. Eddison is returning from an out-of- town business trip and should be joining the meeting shortly. Public Comments Mr. Tripi passed out a brochure he picked up at the Library that he says is misleading because it says come see how your tax dollars will be spent and not only lists the three-school planned project but also lists Hastings Elementary School that has been completed. Consent Agenda 1999 Town Election and First Session of Town Meeting Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to set the date for the 1999 Town Election on Monday, March 1, 1999, and the first session of Town Meeting on Monday, March 22, 1999. Accept Conservation Funds Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the Dunback Meadow Conservation Fund and the Hayden Woods Conservation Fund. Assent to Land Court Petition Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign an assent to Land Court Plan No. 9209-B, filed in connection with Registration Case No. 9209-S-1998-09, which delineates the boundary of Winter Street in Lexington, Massachusetts. Water/Sewer Charges Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to make the following commitments and adjustments: Commitment of water charges for 9/1/98 to 9/30/98 (finals) $3,562.15 Commitment of sewer charges for 9/1/98 to 9/30/98 (finals) $6,799.35 Adjustments of water charges for 9/1/98 to 9/30/98 -$1,401.75 Adjustments of sewer charges for 9/1/98 to 9/30/98 -$1,679.09 61-237 Selectmen's Meeting - November 30,1998 Mr. Busa excused himself from the meeting. All Alcoholic Beverage License Renewals Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the applications and issue renewal licenses as follows: Club Knights of Columbus Lexington Golf Club Lexington Lodge #2204 BPO Elks Veterans of Foreign Wars, Inc. Inn/Hotel Sheraton Lexington Inn Package Store Bermans Market, Inc. Busa Brothers Liquors, Inc. Lexington Liquor Mart Vinebrook Bottle Shop Restaurant Athenian Restaurant Bertucci's Dabin Restaurant Lemon Grass Restaurant Peking Gardens Stone Soup Grill & Café The Hartwell House Vinny Testa's Yangtze River Restaurant Mr. Busa returned to the meeting. CATV License Renewal Process CATV and Communications Committee Chair Jane Gharibian reported on four issues. The Cable Committee has reviewed the compliance hearing and finds that Cablevision is substantially in compliance. The committee is waiting for information on one more item and then will be filing its report with the Board. 61-238 Selectmen's Meeting - November 30, 1998 A public hearing has been scheduled on RCN's financial viability to provide additional cable television to Lexington for Monday, December 21 at 7:15 p.m. in Estabrook Hall. The cable committee has chosen the informal mode for the moment in license negotiations with Cablevision and will be moving into an ascertainment period. They will be preparing questionnaires and looking for responses from the community on what the community would like to have in the future. The committee will then move on to having a hearing on that issue and will come back to the Board after the hearing. The Cable Committee has been studying having two cable providers getting access and local originating from a non-profit access corporation. We would rent our own studio and do our own programming for Lexington and feed it out on both cable lines. We have learned that to have a successful access corporation we need to have a proactive, savvy board of directors. We are looking for potential candidates to fill the bill. We have agreed informally that we won't proceed with this process until we have what we think are some strong potential candidates for the board of directors. The Committee would like the Selectmen to think about some possible candidates, particularly someone who has good fund raising savvy. Selectmen's Gift Account Mr. White reported that Nordic Properties has fulfilled its obligation to the forming of the Hartwell Avenue Transportation Management Association by submitting a check for $10,000 to the Town of Lexington. The payment was required by the Board of Appeals decision at a hearing on April 24, 1997. The Transportation Services Office requests that the Board open a gift account for receipt of the $10,000 and once the Association is incorporated, which is expected by April 1999, the funds will be turned over to the Association. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to establish a Selectmen's Gift Account and deposit the $10,000 from Nordic Properties for the Hartwell Ave. Transportation Management Association. Burial Permit Fee Health Director Beverly Anderson requested that the Board approve a $5.00 burial permit fee. Such a fee is common among cities and towns and although it is not a big money raiser, it would help to cover some minor costs of issuing a burial permit. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the initiation of a $5.00 burial permit fee. 61-239 Selectmen's Meeting - November 30, 1998 Electric Deregulation Advisory Committee Mr. White explained that electric deregulation is a complicated, layered and sophisticated process and he would like to see a committee appointed to assist George Woodbury in this effort. Mr. White would like to see between seven and nine members in the group and said that Peter Diamond would be willing to assist. George is also recruiting some people. Mr. Enrich indicated he would be happy to play a liaison role. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to establish an Electric Deregulation Advisory Committee with membership to be determined. Budget Reviews Mr. White after talking with individual members of the Board came up with eight out of twenty "out of the box" issues that the Board would like to see pursued further. Explore future uses for Cary Memorial Building Create a special retail services district Create an innovation fund/budget give back program Tourism Service consolidation - MIS, Building Maintenance and others Regionalization - soccer fields, composting, shooting range Contracting out for pool maintenance Trash Inspectional Services, Town Manager, Library, Police, Social Services Inspectional Services Director Steve Frederickson, Board of Health Director Beverly Anderson, Assistant Town Manager Linda Crew Vine, Library Director Carol Mahoney and Assistant Director Connie Rawson, Police Chief Chris Casey and Social Services Director Nancy Freed reviewed their proposed budgets for Fiscal Year 2000. HATS Dan Fenn reported that when Lincoln took over the leadership of HATS, the four communities were each asked to pay $2,500 for services. That fund has run down to $2,000. Bedford is taking over the leadership next year and has asked that each Town appropriate $500 on an as needed basis to build the fund back up. 61-240 Selectmen's Meeting - November 30, 1998 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to pay up to $500.00 to the HATS services fund. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 11:05 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk