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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-01-BOS-min 61-300 Selectmen's Meeting Minutes January 4, 1999 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, January 4, 1999 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 Selectman Dan Busa read a resolution prepared by former Selectman Bill Dailey recognizing local barber Arthur Colachico on the occasion of his retirement after 50 years of service to the residents of the Town. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the resolution honoring Arthur Colachico on the occasion of his retirement. Above Ground Gasoline Storage License - Hayden Medical Center Mr. Enrich opened a public hearing on the application for an above ground storage license for Hayden Medical Center at 16 Hayden Avenue. Mr. Caleb Warner on behalf of the South Lexington Civic Association spoke in favor of granting the license. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application and issue a license for above ground storage of 1040 gallons of gasoline contained in automobiles located in an open parking structure at 16 Hayden Avenue to be situated as described on the plot plan filed with the application for this license. Use of Battle Green Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to ratify a poll vote approving a request to use the Battle Green on January 1, 1999 for a rally demonstrating popular displeasure with the presidential impeachment proceedings in Congress. Water/Sewer Rates FY99 and FY2000 Water/Sewer Superintendent Bill Hadley asked the Board to approve the rates he reviewed with the Board at its last meeting. The new rates would be effective for the spring billing cycle and the first two billing cycles in FY2000. The recommendation includes charging all use on irrigation meters at a separate rate that is equal to the highest block rate and raising the PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) in the rates. In addition there will be a low-income discount for customers who can demonstrate eligibility. 61-301 Selectmen's Meeting - January 4, 1999 Mr. Fenn and Mrs. Busa expressed their continuing opposition to raising the PILOT in the rates. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following rates for eighteen months starting with the spring 1999 billing: HCF Water Rate Sewer Rate Total 1-20 $1.95 $ 4.44 $ 6.39 21-40 $2.41 $ 5.49 $ 7.90 41-80 $2.89 $ 7.39 $10.28 81 &up $3.63 $11.44 $15.07 Hanscom Air Base Water Rate - $2.70 Veterans Hospital Water Rate - $3.23 License Renewals Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following 1999 license renewals: Common Carrier A Yankee Line, Inc. Common Victualler Dunkin Donuts New Asia II Pine Meadows Golf Club Entertainment Sheraton Lexington Inn Inkeeper Sheraton Lexington Inn Potter Pond Limited Maintenance Agreement Mr. Fenn indicated he would not be part of this discussion. Mr. White reported that he and Town Counsel Norman Cohen had been meeting periodically with representatives from the various condominium associations in Town to dispel some perceptions about service inequity. During these discussions and in reviewing the various condominium developments, it became clear that the Town might be able to take advantage of some unique situations where it would be to the Town's advantage to assume some additional service liability. One such opportunity exists at Potter Pond. Potter Pond intersects at Walnut 61-302 Selectmen's Meeting - January 4, 1999 Street and Concord Avenue. Water and sewer services are provided to each dwelling and transported via an 8" water main on Potter Pond Road, very similar to the service mains on accepted ways. The water and sewer infrastructure is not self contained and was designed to be part of the town's larger system. As a result, breaks or delays in repairs to the water and sewer system within the development are much more likely to affect the integrity of the Town's water and sewer system. Mr. White proposed to enter into a limited maintenance agreement that allows the Town to come in and make emergency repairs to the water and sewer infrastructure in Potter Pond in order to protect the integrity of the Town's system. This limited agreement would be on a three year trial basis with periodic progress reports to the Board of Selectmen. Wording of the agreement will be subject to approval by Town Counsel. There were questions about the Town's liability for damages resulting from the emergency repair work. Mr. White replied that the Town would be doing temporary and permanent patch work. Mr. White indicated he felt it is a risk worth taking. Mr. White was also asked if this was shared with the other condominium associations. Mr White replied that it is not agreed to by the other affected groups. These types of issues are going to resurface. The Board members agreed to moving ahead on a trial basis. Fund for Lexington Mr. Fenn reported on the overwhelming support of Lexington citizens for the Fund for Lexington. He said it is extraordinary and gratifying and thanked all citizens for their generous and neighborly response. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 8:25 p.m. A true record, Attest: Phyllis A. Smith Executive Clerk 61-303 Selectmen's Meeting Minutes January 11, 1999 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, January 11, 1999 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. Grants of Location Hearings Boston Edison Representative Carol McManus was present to review three grant of location requests. Woburn Street Ms. McManus explained that Boston Edison and New England Telephone Company (Bell Atlantic) were jointly petitioning the Board for a grant of location to remove and replace the existing pole to accommodate the new wider traffic lane on Woburn Street. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company and Boston Edison Company to relocate poles, wires, cables and fixtures, including anchors, guys and other such necessary sustaining fixtures to be owned and used in common by the petitioners, along and across the following public way: Woburn Street: Place new pole number 42/59, a distance of 6 feet± south of the existing pole number 42/59, to the rear edge of the sidewalk, on the southerly side of Woburn Street near the intersection of Lowell Street. Waltham Street Ms. McManus explained that the petition is to provide electric service to the new building at 100 Waltham Street. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of the Boston Edison Company to install conduit on Waltham Street southeasterly, approximately 180 feet north of Forest Street, a distance of about 4 feet. Eliot Road Ms. McManus requested a grant of location on Eliot Road to upgrade the existing electric service. 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 Eliot Road: Install conduit southwesterly, approximately 170 feet east of Warren Street, a distance of about 4 feet. 61-304 Selectmen's Meeting - January 11, 1999 Patriots Drive New England Telephone & Telegraph Company (Bell Atlantic) representative Dan Fitzgibbon was present to review a request to provide a new house at 4 Patriots Drive with telecommunications service. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition of Bell Atlantic to lay and maintain underground conduits and manholes, with the wires and cables to be placed therein, under the surface of Patriots Drive starting at pole number 54/45 on Patriots Drive, place conduit in a northeasterly direction, a distance of 93 feet±, then turning northwesterly, a distance of 24 feet±. Arlex Taxi d/b/a Yellow Cab Rate Increases Mr. Ronald Bonney, owner of Arlex Taxi was present to ask the Board's approval for Yellow Cab's first rate increase in over eight years. The surrounding towns of Arlington, Belmont and Winchester have approved the rates. He explained these increases are necessary for him to be able to attract and maintain drivers. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following rate increases: Drop or first eighth of a mile from $1.00 to $1.25; for each one eighths of a mile thereafter from $.25 to $.30; waiting time from $18.00/hr. to $22.00/hr. Depot Square/Emery Park Project Depot Square Project Architect Ginna Johnson was present to review the proposed plans as it related to the landscaping and particularly the Norway maples which are scheduled to be cut down and replaced with trees more in keeping with New England. There was much discussion concerning the maples and proposed replacement trees and other plantings along the perimeter of the park. There was also concern expressed over the grading from the front to back of the park; turning radii for emergency vehicles and other issues. It was decided that the Town Manager would get the group that was involved before together with Ginna Johnson on the issue of the Norway maples only and see whether they should be replaced and with what size and specie of tree and come back to the Board at the earliest opportunity. It was explained that the Town has spent $90,000 so far for the time of the architect in getting a consensus plan and a design. The Town had an original grant of$25,000 and the remainder, or $65,000 has been paid out of Chapter 90. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that a report be brought back to the Board at its meeting on February 22. 61-305 Selectmen's Meeting - January 11, 1999 Future Meeting Schedule Board members agreed to meet on February 1, 8 and 22; March 1, 8, 15, 22, 24 and 29; April 5, 7, 12 and 14. Executive Session Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Executive Session Minutes of the meetings of December 14 and 21, 1998. Budget Issues Schedule Mr. White gave the Board a proposed schedule for review of budget issues through March 1, 1999. Town Report Mr. Enrich gave the Board members a draft of the Selectmen's Report to the Town Report. He asked his colleagues to review the draft and get back to him with any comments by the end of the week. 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 61-306 Selectmen's Meeting Minutes January 25, 1999 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, January 25, 1999 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. Boston Edison Grant of Location - 80 Westview Street Boston Edison Representative Carol McManus was present to request a grant of location to provide a new electric service to a commercial building at 80 Westview 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 Westview Street: Install conduit southerly, approximately 155 feet east of Maguire Road, a distance of about 12 feet. Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Senior Engineer David Carbonneau representing Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Chair Peter Chalpin presented several recommendations of the Committee at its meeting on September 14. Forest Court -No Parking The Committee discussed a request from Mrs. Nadia Gilman, 22 Forest Street, for a new No Parking regulation on the odd numbered side of Forest Court. The request is supported by all of the Forest Court residents. Parking has been a concern of the residents for several years. However, Forest Court is an unaccepted street, and until recently, the Town had no jurisdiction to institute traffic regulations on unaccepted streets. Now, with the consent of the abutters, the Town may institute regulations, and the Committee therefore recommends approval of the request. We recommend installing two signs. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. Fox Run Lane at East Street - STOP Signs The Committee met with Mrs. Jeffrey Walker, 10 Fox Run Lane, and four other neighbors to discuss their request for STOP signs on Fox Run Lane at the intersection of East Street. Since the warrants for STOP signs are satisfied at this location, the Committee recommends approval of the request. In addition, the Committee recommends installation of a crosswalk on East Street at this intersection in order to enhance pedestrian safety. To reach the existing sidewalk on East Street, Fox Run Lane residents must cross East Street at the intersection and the Committee feels a new crosswalk is an important addition. 61-307 Selectmen's Meeting - January 25, 1999 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. Pleasant Street at Watertown Street- Informational Sign The Engineering Division has requested installation of the following sign on Pleasant Street southbound at Watertown Street in an effort to reduce confusion at this intersection: PLEASE USE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL The Committee believes that the horizontal and vertical alignments here contribute to uncertainty and confusion for drivers and that this sign will make a positive difference. The same type of sign was installed by Mass Highway on Lowell Street at Summer Street some time ago and appears to have made a positive difference there. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. Consent Agenda One-Day Liquor License - Lexington Montessori School Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of the Lexington Montessori School, 130 Pleasant Street, and issue a one-day liquor license for Saturday, February 27, 1999. One-Day Auctioneer's License -Newton Oriental Rugs Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application and issue a one- day auctioneer's license to Newton Oriental Rugs for Saturday, March 20, 1999 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Recreation Department's Annual Little League Parade Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of the Recreation Department to conduct its Annual Little League Parade on May 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Appointment to Lexington Historical Commission Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Manager's appointment of Sally Zimmerman to the Lexington Historical Commission. Selectman Participation - Lexington High School Science Fair Jeanne Krieger volunteered to represent the Selectmen at the judging of the High School Science Fair on Tuesday, March 9 and also to participate in the Awards Ceremony on Friday, March 12. 61-308 Selectmen's Meeting - January 25, 1999 Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the meetings of December 14 and December 21, 1998. Warrant Articles Board members agreed to insert two articles in the Warrant, one to transfer Hennessy Field property to the Conservation Commission and another article for a home rule petition concerning mansionization. CATV and Communications Advisory Committee Cable Committee Chair Jane Gharibian asked the Board's approval for two requests for disbursements of Cablevision grant funds: $2,700 Scola subscription fee that is for satellite foreign language that the schools use and also news broadcasts in various languages. These funds were used to pay for the Scola subscription fee last year also. The other request is for $970 to upgrade the high school studio. This is the first request to use funds from the 1998 grant of $20,000. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the two disbursements of$2,700 and $970 from the Cablevision grant funds of 1998. RCN Cable License Application Cable Committee members David Kanter and David Becker were present to review five actions they are requesting the Board take with respect to the application of RCN to become another cable television provider in Lexington. 1. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the application by RCN- BecoCom, L.L.C. to be an additional cable operator in Lexington. 2. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign a written public statement containing in detail the reasons for the Board's decision regarding the application. 3. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the advice to the Massachusetts Cable Division of the decision regarding the application. 4. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to countersign the summary of license provisions. 61-309 Selectmen's Meeting - January 25, 1999 5. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to direct the Cable TV and Communications Advisory committee, in continued concert with legal counsel and in negotiation with RCN, to complete a cable-television provisional license for RCN consistent with the summary of license provisions, with the provisions of 207 CMR 3.03(6), and with other obligations of the Town. Mr. Enrich thanked the Cable Committee saying once again we are deeply in your debt. You have come up with a deal with RCN that is extraordinarily attractive for the Town. Economic Development Officer Work Plan Update Economic Development Officer Joe Marino reviewed the initiatives he has put in place and his plans for the short-term and long-term work program. Board members provided some suggestions on contacts and complemented Mr. Marino on getting off to just the right start. FY2000 Budget Mr. White gave the Board an overview of where the FY2000 budget stands now. Board members were given a By-Law Budget on January 15. Mrs. Eddison asked whether Mr. White's budget included the Minuteman Technology's recent assessment figure that increases by $80,000 for next year. Mr. White reported that it does not. Mr. Enrich reminded everyone that there will be a joint work session with the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Finance Committees this Wednesday, the 27th at 7:30 at the Museum of Our National Heritage. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss together where the FY2000 budget now stands. Mr. Enrich also mentioned that the Board will be devoting a substantial amount of time at the next meeting on February 1 to a discussion of long-term debt. On Monday, February 8, the School Committee will be joining the Board for a portion of the meeting at 9:00 p.m. Supplemental Budget Requests Staff once again reviewed supplemental budget requests and answered questions of the Board on the impact it will have on operations if no supplementals are approved. 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 61-310 Selectmen's Meeting Minutes January 27, 1999 A work session between members of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Finance Committees was held on Wednesday, January 27, 1999 at the Museum of Our National Heritage, 33 Marrett Road at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Enrich, Mr. Fenn, Mr. Busa, Mrs. Eddison, Mrs. Krieger, Mr.. Cohen, Town Counsel, and Mr.White, Town Manager were present. The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. Mr. Enrich moderated a work session and discussions between the Finance Committees, School Committee and Board of Selectmen on the proposed budget for FY2000. The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m. A true record, Attest: Norman P. Cohen Town Counsel