HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-BOS-minSelectmen's Meeting
February 7, 2011
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, February 7, 2011, at 7:30
p.m. in the Selectmen Meeting Room, Town Office Building. Chairman Manz, Mr. Kelley, Mr.
Cohen, Mr. Burnell and Ms. Mauger; Mr. Valente, Town Manager and Ms. Pease, Executive
Clerk, were present.
Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports
In response to questions raised at the last Selectmen's Meeting regarding safety at the Senior
Center, Mr. Manz reported that an AED is located in the Director's Office. All staff are trained
yearly in CPR, First Aid and use of the AED. The Human Services Director and Nurse, who are
both nurses, have advanced CPR training. Staff follows written protocol for emergency medical
situations and fire evacuation. First aid kits are located in the kitchen/dining room area and
outside the library. The Fire Department checks the AED regularly and will be mounting it in
the dining room.
Several Selectmen attended the Chinese New Year celebration —the year of the rabbit— and
thanked the Human Services Department for all their work in pulling it together.
Several Selectmen attended the Lexington Symphony and thought it was fabulous.
The U.S. Department of Energy announced that a Lexington company called 1366 Technologies
received a grant to continue its work in the solar industry.
LexMedia has a new website — www.LexMedia.org
Mr. Manz announced a website were residents can spotlight people who do good deeds at
www.adoptahydrant.com
Town Manager Report
Mr. Hadley presented an NStar check to the Selectmen for $237,723.61 for the Streetlight rebate
program.
Mr. Valente informed the Board of all the extra work being done by Fire, Police and DPW
because of snow issues /calls (hydrants, ice dams, gas odors, carbon monoxide alarms).
Farmer Market Update
Deb Jackson and Lori Deliso presented information on the 2010 Market, plans for the 2011
Market, and a request to introduce wine at the Market.
Upcoming events for the 2011 Market: 20% off all dinner sales on Mondays in March at Via
Lago, Sushi making, and Barefoot Truth Concert on June 10 to raise money for SNAP.
Selectmen's Meeting — February 7, 2011
The 2011 Farmers Market will open on Tuesday, May 31. Deb Jackson is stepping down as
Market Manager but will remain an active volunteer of the market. Martha Slone will be
stepping in to the role of Market Manager with Lori Deliso.
Nate Benjamin, owner of Charlton Orchards Farm and Winery is interested in pursuing selling
his wine at the Farmers' Market for the 2011 season. The Farmers' Market would be required to
apply to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to be an approved agricultural
event in Massachusetts and the Town would need to provide a special liquor license to sell wine
at the market.
Selectmen were supportive of the idea but would like additional information about any possible
legalities, how checking IDs will be managed, whether the Selectmen can limit the number of
vendors that could sell wine at the Market.
Preliminary Discussion on Trash Recycling Contract
The Town's contract for trash and recycling is scheduled to be renewed in FY2013. In order to
meet the time schedule for a new contract, staff plans on issuing an Invitation for Bids (IFB) in
October 2011. Prior to issuing the IFB, staff would like the Selectmen's input on a variety of
policy issues concerning the new contract. Staff suggests creating a small task force to examine
the issues to help in developing bid and contract documents. It is suggested that Sustainable
Lexington committee and Energy Conservation Committee be part of the task force. The
Selectmen support the idea of a Task Force and Mr. Kelley and Ms. Mauger are interested in
being the Selectmen Liaisons.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 to request staff to draft a committee
charge for an ad hoc task force to consider the Town's direction for the next solid waste and
recycling collection contract.
Proposed Parking Regulations — Snow Emergency
DPW and Police staff met with Mr. Valente to discuss whether emergency on- street parking
regulations should be adopted, given the narrowness of many streets in Town. On a temporary
basis a Reverse 911 call went out over the weekend asking residents to only park on the even
side of the street. Then DPW and Police will work on removing snow on the narrowest streets
and some intersections.
For a permanent solution more thought is needed from staff about whether certain streets should
have parking prohibited.
The Selectmen all concurred with continuing the snow emergency plan during snow events.
Selectmen's Meeting — February 7, 2011
FY 2012 Budget Discussion
Dr. Ash, Superintendent of Schools will be proposing to the School Committee a variety of
budget changes that, if accepted, will balance the School Department budget.
Therefore, the current status of the FY2012 budget is: Set -Aside for Local Aid Reductions is
$697,128 and Funding Available for Other Board Priorities is $111,521.
Mr. Valente asked the Selectmen to consider the following open budget issues:
1. Continue Zoning By -Law Re- codification
In FY 2011 a zoning consultant was hired to examine the existing zoning by -laws and provide
recommendations that would produce a more understandable and enforceable document. The
consultant will then produce a memo outlining other areas of the by -law that merit further study
and revision to reflect current planning and zoning practices.
Mr. Kelley supports the request but would like to see the consultant's report before authorizing
money for the next phase.
The Selectmen agreed with Mr. Kelley and all support putting the $50,000 in the budget to have
the consultant continue the zoning by -law re- codification process.
2. Hartwell Avenue Compost Site — Anaerobic Green Waste Study
The estimated cost for the next step in siting an Anaerobic Digester Facility at Hartwell Avenue
is $52,000 which includes Mass. DEP Permitting; Field Investigation Survey, Wetlands
Delineation and Subsurface Analysis; Draft RFP /Special Legal Services; Public Meetings and
Evaluation of Proposals /Contract Negotiations. There is currently a placeholder for $50,000
from the compost Revolving Fund.
The Selectmen all agreed that the project should move forward.
3. ADA Title II Survey
Mr. Valente proposed using $20,000 that is not needed for Town Office Building furniture
toward an ADA Survey. The project may need to be broken down into phases (buildings,
vertical space and parks) to make more manageable.
The Selectmen all support doing the ADA survey.
4. Update Reverse 911 System
There are sufficient funds available in the current budget to upgrade the Reverse 911 system.
5. Proposed Assistant Fire Chief for EMS
Mr. Manz met with Fire Chief Middlemiss regarding the request for an Assistant Fire Chief for
EMS. One of the problems is that all the personnel at the fire station work on a shift and that this
Selectmen's Meeting — February 7, 2011
position requires someone with authority who is there every day. Another issue is revenue that is
lost because claims are not done on a timely basis. The Fire Chief is looking for a way to move
the fire department forward by putting together a simple roadmap.
Mr. Burnell agrees that something has to be done, but would like to pursue an independent,
private training service that could cover all shifts.
Mr. Kelley does not support the new position and believes the work can be done by the current
Fire Chief and the administrative staff.
Mr. Valente suggested that the Selectmen approve the budget request for an Assistant Fire Chief
of EMS, but not spend the funds until further review is done of the Fire Department structure.
Ms. Mauger was not ready to a vote because of all the moving parts and suggested that it be put
off until the fall to allow more time for study and due diligence.
It was suggested that a group be put together to figure out how to address and solve the problem.
Mr. Manz will discuss further with the Fire Chief and the Selectmen will discuss again at their
neat meeting.
The Selectmen wanted to make it clear that they believe the Fire Department provides A+
service and appreciate all that they do.
6. Center Snow Removal
The Selectmen discussed whether they wanted to remove snow from the center again. There was
concern about other areas of town where snow may need to be removed and the snow budget.
Mr. Manz would rather see the trash cans up righted and emptied. Mr. Kelley wants the center
cleared so citizens and businesses can function.
Ms. McKenna urged that something be done about the icy sidewalks in the center area.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 3 -1 -1 (Manz opposed, Burnell abstained) to
clear the center like was done after the December 26 snow storm.
Vote to Layout Frances Road /Sign Notice to Constable
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 to vote the intention to lay out Frances
Road as a Town way and provide a notice to the Constable to deliver information regarding the
public hearing to the abutters of Frances Road.
Selectmen's Meeting — February 7, 2011
Inter - Municipal Agreement for Regional Housing Services Office
Town Meeting approved funding a Regional Housing Services Office in the FY2011 Planning
Department budget for staff support for affordable housing administration. Before filling the
position, Town staff contacted neighboring communities to see if there could be an opportunity
for a group of communities to jointly share these staff services. The towns of Bedford, Concord,
Lincoln, Weston and Sudbury all expressed interest. With technical assistance from MAPC, a
shared services model was developed among the six communities. Each community's Board of
Selectmen is being asked to approved the Inter - Municipal Agreement. The model has been
reviewed and is supported by LexHAB and the Housing Partnership Board. It is also supported
by the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency, which coordinates affordable housing matters at
the State level. Beth Rust, the Sudbury Housing Administrator, will be the lead staff person
providing this service to the six communities. Lexington's Membership Fee will be $23,289.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 to approve and sign the Inter - Municipal
Agreement between the Town of Lexington and the Town of Sudbury.
Sign Letter Funding Roadway Infrastructure (Chapter 90) Letter
Mr. Burnell suggests sending a letter to Lexington's Legislators asking them to seriously
consider the importance of maintaining the roadway infrastructure in Massachusetts by
adequately funding Chapter 90.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was vote 5 -0 to sign and send a letter to Lexington's
Legislators concerning the importance of funding for roadway infrastructure.
Approve Bonds for MWRA Loans
The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority is making a zero interest loan to the Town of
Lexington in the amount of $448,635 which will be used to finance sewer improvement projects
this upcoming construction season. The loan is also accompanied by a grant component of
$367,065 which will be used for the same purpose.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 that the sale of the $448,635 Sewer
Bond of the Town dated February 14, 2011, to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
(the "Authority ") is hereby approved and the Treasurer is authorized to execute on behalf of the
Town a Loan Agreement and a Financial Assistance Agreement with the Authority with respect
to the bond. The bond shall be payable without interest on February 15 of the years and in the
principal amounts as follows:
Selectmen's Meeting — February 7, 2011
Year
Installment
2012
$89,727
2013
$89,727
2014
$89,727
2015
$89,727
2016
$89,727
It was further voted that each member of the Board of Selectmen, the Town Clerk and the Town
Treasurer be and hereby are, authorized to take any and all such actions, and executive and
deliver such certificates, receipts or other documents as may be determined by them, or any of
them, to be necessary or convenient to carry into effect the provisions of the foregoing vote.
Consent Agenda
One -Day Liquor License — Fiske PTO
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 to approve a one -day liquor license for
the Fiske Elementary School PTO to serve beer and wine at a fundraiser on Friday, February 11,
2011, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the National Heritage Museum.
One -Day Liquor License — Diamond PTA
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5 -0 to approve a one -day liquor license for
the Diamond Middle School PTA to serve beer and wine at a fundraiser on Friday, March 18,
2011, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Depot Building.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:55 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk
Summit 5
February 10, 2011
A Summit was held on Thursday, February 10, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. in the Public Services
Building Cafeteria, 201 Bedford Street. Chairman Manz, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Burnell and Ms.
Mauger; Mr. Valente, Town Manager; Mr. Addelson, Comptroller and Ms. Pease, Executive
Clerk, were present.
Also Present: All School Committee (SC) members except Ms. Steigerwald, Dr. Ash,
Superintendent of Schools; Ms. Dunn, Assistant Superintendant for Finance and Business; all
members of the Appropriation Committee (AC) except Mr. Cohen; and all members of the
Capital Expenditures Committee (CEC) except Mr. Hurley.
Estabrook School
Dr. Ash announced that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) voted to approve
the application to rebuild the Estabrook School. The Town will receive a minimum of 31
percent reimbursement from the state and there may be additional reimbursements possible. One
issue that will need to be addressed quickly is the widening of Robinson Road to allow access
while constructing new school.
FY 12 State Budget Update
Mr. Valente reviewed the highlights of the Governor's proposed budget which includes an
increase in the Special Ed circuit breaker from 40% to 60 %, which could mean an additional
$700,000 for Lexington; and for Chapter 90 Road Reconstruction Funding the recommendation
is an increase of $150 million to $195 million statewide. The Chapter 90 increase, estimated at
$150,000 for Lexington, would be significant and will probably be the first piece of legislation
voted on in March or early April in time for the construction season.
FY 2012 Minuteman Hieh School Assessment
Minuteman High School released its proposed budget and Lexington's assessment is $1,702,930;
previously the anticipated assessment was $1,770,000.
FY 2012 Municipal Budget Update
The Set -Aside for potential local aid is still $697,128, but Mr. Valente recommends that it also
be used for the likely snow and ice deficit. The Selectmen are still reviewing options for the
Municipal revenue balance of $81,234.
FY2012 School Department Budget and Building Projects Update
Mr. Valente reviewed the recommendations for reducing the School Department budget gap. To
cover the shortfall of $262,613 the following adjustments will be made:
Selectmen's Meeting — February 10, 2011
1. reduce Health Insurance by $82,500;
2. reduction for programmatic adjustments $129,569;
3. reduce Music Fee by $54,500;
4. reduce Benefits by $2,600; and
5. increase Medicaid by $6,567.
Any unemployment insurance costs above what is budgeted for FY2012 will be covered by the
School Department budget.
The Federal EdJobs funds will be applied to Health Benefits, thereby increasing the School
budget appropriation by an equal amount of $548,918. To get the full benefit of the funds the
money will be put into Health Insurance to avoid paying the State 9% of the $548,918.
Next Steps
Mr. Valente reviewed the next steps. Selectmen will continue and conclude their FY2012 budget
deliberations. On February 22 the Selectmen will vote to approve the FY2012 budget. The
FY2012 Recommended Budget and Financing Plan will be available for the finance committees
and Town Meeting members on February 28. The Town Manager will continue to respond to
questions from the finance committees. On March 28 the FY2012 Budget will be presented at
Town Meeting.
Documents Presented
1. Budget Summit 5 — FY2012 Revenue Allocation Model — February 10, 2010
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 8:20 a.m.
A true record; Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk
Selectmen's Meeting
February 14, 2011
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, February 14, 2011, at 7:30
p.m. in the Selectmen Meeting Room, Town Office Building. Chairman Manz, Mr. Cohen, Mr.
Burnell and Ms. Mauger; Mr. Valente, Town Manager and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk, were
present.
Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports
The Selectmen thanked the Tiampo family for their generous gift to the Library Commons Room
in honor of their parents.
Town Manager Report
The Channel 5 news did a report on leaking water and suggested that Lexington's leak rate was
42 percent. Mr. Valente is trying to find the source of that incorrect information. He provided
the Selectmen with a table of non - billed water in Lexington for the period of 1991 through 2009,
which shows that non - billed water has been 15 percent or below every year. The sources of
unbilled water are: hydrant flushing, fires, leaks and under - recording from water meters.
Mr. Valente reported that the DPW has been working on widening street snow banks where the
residents were asked to only park on the even side of the street. DPW is also working on
clearing catch basins in areas where there could be water issues for melting snow.
Mr. Burnell asked that DPW work on clearing ice from sidewalks, especially in public areas.
Mr. Valente will follow up with DPW.
Battle Green Master Plan Discussion
The Selectmen would like to work with the Battle Green Master Plan broken down into three
areas: Rules and Regulations, Routine Maintenance and Additions to Infrastructure.
The Selectmen feel the proposed rules and regulations are not ready for approval and that they
will need to be reviewed by the Policy Manual Committee and then approved by the Selectmen.
The Battle Green Master Plan should include the regulation that was approved by the Policy
Manual Committee and the Selectmen in December 2009.
Ms. McKenna, Chair of the Tourism Committee, believes the rules and regulations are an
important part of the document that generates interest and conversation. It is made clear in the
report that the rules and regulations are recommendations and that was the process the Selectmen
approved. The Selectmen can accept the suggestions or not. The Battle Green Master Plan
Working Group is meeting on February 17 to finalize the Battle Green Master Plan.
Selectmen's Meeting — February 14, 2011
Regarding the motion for the Battle Green Master Plan, Ms. McKenna expects it to ask Town
Meeting to endorse the Master Plan and the wording will include the eight recommendations and
that the Selectmen have final approval.
Mr. Burnell believes the report should be submitted to the Selectmen and they are responsible for
how it should be expressed to Town Meeting.
The BGMP Working Group has asked the Commission on Disability for comments, but they
have received no feedback. The BGMP Consultant has expertise with ADA accessibility issues
and has worked to make sure all areas are accessible. The exception is Belfry Hill, but the Group
is looking at a surface that would make it accessible for some.
The Board discussed whether there should be an oversight committee and how and if it should be
put together. It should be an advisory committee to assist the Board with development in the
future. Mr. Burnell suggests when the Selectmen receive the final report they should discuss a
path for the future, and who should implement each item.
Ms. McKenna is concerned that the suggested approach will look fractured. The report is being
put together as one complete package. Controversial areas, like the Hayes Fountain are
identified. A meeting has been scheduled with the Field and Garden Club for March 3 to discuss
the fountain and the Working Group has researched fountains that operate in this area.
The Selectmen made it clear that the approach they are discussing is not fractured. Each of the
eight recommendations made by the BGMP must be considered.
The Master Plan will be revised a week after the February 17 meeting.
FY 2012 Budget Discussion
The proposed FY2012 budget is balanced and includes $697,128 for any local aid reductions and
the likely snow /ice deficit and $81,234 for yet to be determined municipal items.
Two open budget issues remain for the Board to resolve:
Additional Street Improvement Funding
The Planning Board is requesting funds for the TMOD Plan for the Hartwell Avenue area and
the Town Manager suggested that the $81,234 be used to begin the process to fund the
transportation design services and for a PTDM Study that ascertains appropriate TMA services
required for the TMO -1 area, identifies high priority project components to be constructed in
advance of the TIP projects using other available funds and authorize funding for their design
and construction; and authorize funding for 25 percent design of the TIP projects. Mr. Valente
recommends putting the $81,234 in the Street Improvement budget, which will give some
flexibility for spending.
Selectmen's Meeting — February 14, 2011
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -0 to adopt the recommendation of the
Town Manager to use the $81,234 toward the implementation of the TMOD for Hartwell
Avenue by including the funds in the Street Improvement Budget.
Assistant Fire Chief for EMS
The Selectmen discussed whether to keep the Assistant Fire Chief for EMS in the budget or not.
They were concerned about voting on the issue since there would not be a full board meeting
until March 14. Mr. Valente confirmed that if the money is left in the budget there will be
options on how the money will be spent. The Selectmen agreed that more discussion would be
needed on how to proceed before the funds were expended.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -0 to leave the money in the Fire
Department budget pending more discussion prior to expending any funds.
Article Assignments /Positions /Presentations
The Selectmen requested presentations on the following articles:
Article 8d — CPC, LexHAB Set Aside for Housing Acquisition
Article 8g — CPC, Center Playfields Drainage — Phase II
Article 8h — CPC, Muzzey High Condo Association — Window Replacement
Article 8i — CPC, Vynebrook Village Drainage Improvements
Article 13 — Appropriate for Public Facilities Capital Projects
Article 15 — Appropriate for Community Center (Citizen)
Article 27 — Amend General Bylaws — Private Ways
Article 29 — Amend Permanent Building Committee Bylaw
Article 30 — Amend Bylaw — Town Meeting Procedure
Article 31 — Amend Tree Bylaw
Article 34 — Approve Battle Green Master Plan
Article 35 — Support and Petition for Municipal Utility Act
Article 36 — Analyze Employee Health Benefits (Citizen)
Article 37 — Commercial Assessments (Citizen)
Article 38 — Residential Assessments (Citizen)
Article 40 — Amend Zoning By -Law — CRS Zone — 1095 Mass. Avenue (Owner)
For the presentation on Article 31, the Planning Board should be invited to attend.
It was suggested that the Selectmen attend the Town Meeting Information session to hear more
about Articles 36 -38.
Regarding Selectmen Presenters for Town Meeting, Mr. Manz requested that the Selectmen let
him know what articles they are interested in presenting. He will put together a list for the next
meeting for review.
Selectmen's Meeting — February 14, 2011
300 Anniversary Celebrations Committee Charge Change
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -0 to accept the request of the 300
Anniversary Celebration Committee to remove language regarding establishing a non - profit
corporation from the charge.
Appointment— Historic Districts Commission Associate
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -0 to appoint Lynn Hopkins to the Historic
Districts Commission as an Associate Member to fill the unexpired term of Scott Kyle until
December 31, 2012.
Approve Reserve Fund Transfer — Unemployment Insurance
The Reserve Fund Transfer request is for $50,000 for Unemployment Insurance. For FY2011
$198,600 was budgeted; through December 2010 $188,572 has been expended, largely for
benefits paid to former employees of the School Department. The recent unemployment benefits
extension by the federal government to 99 weeks has contributed to the unanticipated costs. This
$50,000 Reserve Fund Transfer should be sufficient to cover payments for the next two months.
The Appropriation Committee has approved this request, subject to the Selectmen's approval.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was vote 4 -0 to approve and submit to the
Appropriation Committee a Reserve Fund Transfer request of $50,000 for Unemployment
Insurance.
Approve Snow /Ice Removal Deficit Spending
To date in FY2011, the approximate expenditure for snow /ice removal is $1,200,000, with
$987.000 budgeted and $300,000 set aside of Free Cash to go toward the snow /ice deficit. Mr.
Valente informed the Board that he will be authorizing deficit spending on the Snow /Ice account
and will be requesting that the Appropriation Committee also approve his action.
Consent Agenda
Commitments of Water and Sewer Charges
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -0 to approve the following water and
sewer commitments and adjustments:
Commitment of Water /Sewer Charges for January 2011 (Cycle 9) $177,456.44
Adjustments of Water /Sewer Charges for February 14, 2011 $21,899.72
Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -0 to approve the minutes of January 10,
2011, January 19, 2011, January 24, 2011, January 31, 2011 and February 7, 2011.
Selectmen's Meeting — February 14, 2011
Executive Session Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -0 to approve the executive session minutes
of January 24, 2011.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 8:50 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk
Selectmen's Meeting
February 22, 2011
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, February 22, 2011, at 7:30
p.m. in the Selectmen Meeting Room, Town Office Building. Chairman Manz, Mr. Kelley, Mr.
Burnell and Ms. Mauger; Mr. Valente, Town Manager and Ms. Chabot, Assistant to the
Executive Clerk, were present.
Approve the Sale of Bonds
Mr. Addelson explained that on February 16, 2011, the Town sold $4,726,000 of general
obligation bonds and a bond anticipation note (BAN) in the amount of $1,297,400. The note was
issued to finance the acquisition of the Cotton Farm Property. Nine bids were submitted for the
bonds. The bids ranged from a high of 2.19 %to a low of 2.05 %. The low bidder was Roosevelt
and Cross, Inc. Five bids were submitted for the bond anticipation note. The bids ranged from
1.25% to 0.7 %. The low bidder was Century Bank.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -0 that the sale of the $4,726,000 General
Obligation Municipal Purpose Loan of 2011 Bonds of the Town dated February 24, 2011 (the
"Bonds "), to Roosevelt & Cross, Inc. at the price of $4,895,147.09 and accrued interest, if any, is
hereby approved and confirmed. The Bonds shall be payable on February 15 of the years and in
the principal amounts and bear interest at the respective rates, as follows:
Further Voted to approve the sale of a $1,297,400 0.70 percent General Obligation
Bond Anticipation Note of the Town dated February 24, 2011, and payable July 1, 2011 (the
"Note "), to Century bank at par and accrued interest, if any.
Further Voted that in connection with the marketing and sale of the Bonds, the
preparation and distribution of a Notice of Sale and Preliminary Official Statement dated
February 9, 2011, and a final Official Statement dated February 16, 2011 (the "Official
Statement "), each in such form as may be approved by the Town Treasurer, be and hereby are
ratified, confirmed, approved and adopted.
Interest
Interest
Year
Amount
Rate
Year
Amount
Rate
2012
$696,000
4.00%
2017
$250,000
2.25%
2013
740,000
4.00
2018
235,000
2.50
2014
735,000
4.00
2019
225,000
2.75
2015
735,000
3.00
2020
205,000
3.00
2016
705,000
2.125
2021
200,000
3.25
Further Voted to approve the sale of a $1,297,400 0.70 percent General Obligation
Bond Anticipation Note of the Town dated February 24, 2011, and payable July 1, 2011 (the
"Note "), to Century bank at par and accrued interest, if any.
Further Voted that in connection with the marketing and sale of the Bonds, the
preparation and distribution of a Notice of Sale and Preliminary Official Statement dated
February 9, 2011, and a final Official Statement dated February 16, 2011 (the "Official
Statement "), each in such form as may be approved by the Town Treasurer, be and hereby are
ratified, confirmed, approved and adopted.
Selectmen's Meeting — February 22, 2011
Further Voted: that in connection with the marketing and sale of the Note, the
preparation and distribution of a Notice of Sale and Preliminary Official Statement dated
February 9, 2011, and a final Official Statement dated February 16, 2011, each in such form as
may be approved by the Town Treasurer, be and hereby are ratified, confirmed, approved and
adopted.
Further Voted: that the consent to the financial advisor bidding for the Bonds and Note,
as executed prior to the bidding for the Bonds and Note, is hereby confirmed.
Further Voted that the Town Treasurer and the Board of Selectmen be, and hereby are,
authorized to execute and deliver continuing and Significant events disclosure undertakings in
compliance with SEC Rule 15c2 -12 in such forms as may be approved by bond counsel to the
Town, which undertakings shall be incorporated by reference in the Bonds and Note, as
applicable, for the benefit of the holders of the Bonds and Note from time to time.
Further Voted that each member of the Board of Selectmen, the Town Clerk and the
Town Treasurer be and hereby are, authorized to take any and all such actions, and execute and
deliver such certificates, receipts or other documents as may be determined by them, or any of
them, to be necessary or convenient to carry into effect the provisions of the foregoing votes.
Article Assignments /Positions /Presentations
Ms. Weiss, member Community Preservation Committee, was present to answer questions on
Article 8 — Appropriate the FY2012 Community Preservation Committee Operating Budget and
CPA Projects.
Article 8d — CPC, LexHAB Set Aside for Housing Acquisition
Mr. Hays, co -chair LexHAB, presented the request for the set aside of $450,000 for the purchase
and/or construction of units of housing to be added to the inventory of affordable homes in
Lexington which will qualify for addition to the 40B list.
Article 8g — CPC, Center Playfields Drainage — Phase II
Mr. Pinsonneault, Superintendent of Public Grounds, presented the request for $911,863 for
Phase II of the Center Playfields Project. Mr. Kelley asked about what would be undertaken in
Phase II, specifically addressing how water would be dealt with when it leaves Field 2 and how it
gets to the culvert. Ms. McSweeney of Stantec, the consultant on the project, explained the plan.
Mr. Kelley asked the consultant to reconnect with the Board before getting to the bid stage of the
project.
Selectmen's Meeting — February 22, 2011
Article 8h — Muzzey High Condo Association — Window Replacement
Muzzey Condominium residents Ms. Springer - Kotelnikov and Ms. McGuire presented the CPA
request for $273,915 to offset the cost of replacement windows required by the HDC, which cost
67% more than a vinyl replacement window. They also presented an alternative solution to add
the 67% difference in window price to the sale price when the unit is sold and no CPA grant
would be awarded. The trustees are in favor of the alternative plan. The Board asked that this
plan be presented at a future meeting for approval.
Article 8i — Vynebrook Village Drainage Improvements
Mr. Keene, Director of the Housing Authority, presented the request for $368,800 to pay for
drainage improvements at Vynebrook Village.
Approve FY2012 Budget
Two non - substantive changes to the budget recommended by Mr. Valente and Mr. Addelson
were provided to the Board.
Mr. Kelley stated that he did not support three items in the budget. First, he did not support the
new position of assistant fire chief. He suggested that the money in the budget set aside for this
position could be reduced by approximately half. Second, he did not support the approximately
$250,000 for a trailer to house fire department administrative staff. And third, he did not support
the renovation of Bridge and Bowman Schools. Rather, he prefers the rebuilding of these
schools.
Regarding the assistant fire chief position, various members of the Board and Mr. Valente
discussed moving a portion of the money into expenses so that the Town could have some
flexibility in determining what was needed. Mr. Valente summarized the Board's suggestions by
stating that sufficient funds for half a year salary and benefits would remain in personnel and
what ever was left could be put in expenses to fund consulting work, contracting out some of the
work, or some variation on that theme. Mr. Kelley expects that the approximate split in this line
item between expenses and personnel could be used to hire additional clerical staff or staff other
than an assistant chief. Mr. Manz reminded the Board that this adjustment to the budget does not
change the bottom line.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -0 to adjust the budget based on the
proposal put forward by Mr. Valente.
Mr. Burnell opposes the concept of moving fire station administrative staff to a modular unit at
this point in time. Mr. Manz suggested that the money set aside for the trailer should also be left
in the budget in the same way that the money originally intended to fund an assistant fire chief
was left in the budget. He felt that while the trailer may not be the best solution, a solution to the
shortage of space at the fire station was needed.
Selectmen's Meeting — February 22, 2011
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 3 -1 (Manz opposed) to remove the
approximately $250,000 from the budget for a trailer facility to house fire department
administrative staff.
Mr. Kelley was opposed to approving the budget because of the plan to renovate the Bridge and
Bowman Schools instead of rebuilding them. Mr. Manz would also prefer new schools, but
recognized that the School Committee and Dr. Ash have outlined why they feel that both schools
had quite a bit of useful life remaining unlike Estabrook which has numerous deficiencies.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 3 -1 (Kelley opposed) to approve and
forward to Town Meeting members and the financial committees the proposed FY12 operating
and capital budgets, as amended tonight.
Resignation — Communications Advisory Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -0 to accept the resignation of John
Rommelfanger from the Communications Advisory Committee, effective immediately.
Approve Use of Battle Green for Patriot's Day Weekend Events
The Board was asked to approve the following requests regarding all the events around Patriot's
Day:
1. Historical Society and Minute Men are requesting permission to:
a. reenact the arrival of Paul Revere and William Dawes at the Hancock - Clarke
House from 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 17, until 12:30 a.m. on Monday, April
18. Police and Fire will work out the details with the Minute Men. This request
includes street closings and use of the Battle Green. See attached letter from the
Historical Society.
2. The Lexington Minuteman request permission:
a. to use of the Battle Green for the dress rehearsal and Reenactment of the Battle,
including rain dates;
b. to use the Battle Green Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for
the reenactment of Parkers Revenge and to march on Massachusetts Avenue to
the Minute Man National Park Visitor's Center with a police escort; and
c. to reenact part of the Battle Road at Tower Park on Saturday, April 16, 2011
between 12:00 noon and 6:00 p.m.
See attached letters from the Lexington Minute Men.
The Town Celebrations Committee requests permission:
a. For the Patriot's Day Morning Parade
b. Patriot's Day Ceremonies on the Battle Green; and
c. Patriot's Day Afternoon Parade.
Selectmen's Meeting — February 22, 2011
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -0 to approve all the requests for the
Patriot's Day weekend events as presented above.
Approve Signage on Bikeway
The Bicycle Advisory Committee has requested permission to place up to 10 signs on the
Bikeway to help publicize the importance of contributing funds for plowing. The signs would be
up no later than the end of March. The Town Manager supports this request.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 3 -1 (Kelley opposed) to allow the Bicycle
Advisory Committee to place up to 10 2 -sided signs (27x18 inches) on the Bikeway until the end
of March to publicize how to make contributions to plow the bikeway.
Consent Agenda
Minutes
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -0 to approve the minutes of February 10,
2011 and February 14, 2011.
Documents Presented
1. Town of Lexington — Center Playfields Drainage Study prepared by Stantec, dated
September 29, 2009. (Just map of Fields 1 — 4 was presented).
2. Notice of Intent Vynebrook Village dated January 18, 2011 prepared for Lexington Housing
Authority.
3. Summary of Revenues & Expenditures for the Town of Lexington FY 2009 -2012
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -0 to adjourn at 10:30 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Diana B. Chabot
Assistant to the Executive Clerk
Selectmen's Meeting
February 28, 2011
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, February 28, 2011, at 7:30
p.m. in the Selectmen Meeting Room, Town Office Building. Chairman Manz, Mr. Kelley, Mr.
Cohen and Ms. Mauger; Mr. Valente, Town Manager and Ms. Pease, Executive Clerk, were
present.
Selectmen Concerns and Liaison Reports
Mr. Manz and Mr. Cohen will be hosting a post election celebration at the Depot on Monday,
March 7, 2011, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
Town Manager Report
The Recommended FY2012 Budget and Financing Plan was published on the Town website.
Hard copies will be available at the end of the week. Mr. Valente recognized Mr. Addelson and
Mr. Niemy for all their work in putting together the document.
The staff kickoff of the Center Streetscape Study will be scheduled soon. Workshops will be
scheduled on a couple of Saturdays.
Public Hearing— Frances Road Street Acceptance
Mr. Manz opened the hearing to questions and concerns from abutters and residents regarding
the intent to layout Frances Road as a public way. The improvements are estimated to cost
$200,000. If approved at Town Meeting the roadway will be accepted and improvements will be
made to the roadway to bring it up to Town standards. The $200,000 will be recouped through a
betterment charge to the abutting properties.
Questions were asked about what would trigger a request for street acceptance. For streets that
have been recently accepted a majority of the residents signed the petition. The Selectmen will
discuss further whether there needs to be a policy on Street Acceptance and if it should include
language that at least 50 percent of the residents have to sign a petition.
Mr. Mroczkowski asked what the mechanism is for inspections as the road is constructed.
Mr. Livsey responded that it will be bid as part of the town contract to construct the road to town
standards using an approved contractor; also a full -time town engineering employee will be
watching over the construction and doing the necessary inspections.
The hearing was closed. The Selectmen will vote to layout Frances Road at the March 14
meeting.
Selectmen's Meeting — February 28, 2011
Hartwell Square Sidewalk Support
Ms. Mauger disclosed that she owns 100 shares of Boston Properties, the owner of the property
which abuts the Colangelo's property. She checked with the Ethics Commission and does not
have to abstain herself from any votes on this issue.
Mr. Farrington, Lawyer, and Adam and Steven Colangelo, the owners of 12 -18 Hartwell
Avenue, came before the Board to seek their support to pay for construction of a sidewalk in
front of 24, 12 -18 Hartwell Avenue (to be come 2 and 4 -22 Hartwell Avenue) as part of their
redevelopment of the site that has been approved by the Planning Board. The current building
will be replaced with two new buildings for retail and restaurant use. They would be willing to
discuss having a bus stop /cut away in a proper location in front of 12 -18 Hartwell Avenue.
They also request that the Board support and participate in necessary meetings with the State and
NStar regarding construction and funds for a sidewalk from where the Colangelo's sidewalk
ends to the MBTA bus stop on Bedford Street near Beth Israel.
Consideration should also be given to having a bus /shuttle service available and extending the
MBTA bus service on Hartwell Avenue to include Monday through Friday. As part of the
proposed redevelopment, they plan to join the 128 Business Council in order to continue
discussions about a private shuttle service.
Regarding the proposed $5 per square foot traffic mitigation fee, Mr. Farrington suggests that
infrastructure issues should be handled separately from development issues and that they should
be tracked by someone other than the Planning Board.
Mr. Hornig, Planning Board, stated that the Planning Board appreciates the offer to build and
supports the proposed sidewalk. The Planning Board's current plan is still on the table and they
would like to meet with the Selectmen to discuss it in order to move it forward at the next Town
Meeting.
Mr. Hornig stated that the proposed sidewalk is sited so it will not impede the Planning Board's
proposed Hartwell Avenue road improvements.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -0 to support the proposed plans for a
sidewalk, as presented.
Article Presentations
Article 40 — Amend Zoning By -Law — CRS Zone -1095 Mass. Avenue
Mr. Fenn, representing Doug Chapman, owner of 1095 Mass. Avenue, stated the purpose of the
article is to rezone the lot to provide a variety of possible options for various types of business to
be allowed. The hearing before the Planning Board is scheduled for March 9.
Selectmen's Meeting — February 28, 2011
Ms. McKenna has concerns about the current building because it won an award as one of the first
businesses in the Historic Districts. If the zoning is not changed it would revert to residential. If
the zoning is changed there would be a lot of possible uses that would bring more traffic to an
already bad traffic area. She suggested that it would be helpful to know what the tax
implications to the Town would be if the property is rezoned.
Mr. Kanter, Capital Expenditures Committee, believes the article is premature because there is
no plan and the current request opens the door to a lot of by -right alternatives which have not
been evaluated.
Ms. Moultrup, 10 Lockwood Road, is very concerned about approving a zoning change for a by-
right use. The lot is small and there is no parking and the intersection is one of the worst in town
because of the traffic.
Article 29 — Amend Permanent Building Committee Bylaw
Because of the Permanent Building Committee's workload, they are requesting approval to
increase the membership from five to seven members and also ask for an option to appoint two
Associate Members to sit in on specific projects when a regular member is unable to participate.
Article 30 — Amend Bylaw — Town Meeting Procedure
Mr. Kanter stated the rationale of the article is to make an adjustment to the bylaw so that the
reconsideration procedure currently followed is protected and to confirm that the practices that
are followed are what the code says and to alleviate the need for either finance committee to
serve notice of reconsideration. The proposed bylaw changes will: eliminate ambiguity about
whether a divided -out vote closed the article; clean up and maintain current practice for
reconsideration; eliminate need for routine Notices of Reconsideration for budget - balancing or
technical corrections; preserve the majority voting quorum that exists now; and provide
unlimited reconsiderations for the new option being proposed which preserves the unlimited
reconsiderations for what has been called Reopening.
Article 35 — Support and Petition for Municipal Utilitv Act
Mr. Mehr, Town Meeting Member, Precinct 3 and member of the Electric Utility Ad Hoc
Committee, stated the purpose of the article is to confirm the support of the town to amend a law
that prevents the formation of any new municipal electric utility in the Commonwealth.
Representative Kaufman has been the leader since 2002 in filing these bills every session. In the
last session the bill was released 36 days before the end of session and did not make it to floor
because of language changes that needed to be addressed.
Mr. Cohen would support a motion that states: that we will support general legislation and
authorize the Selectmen to petition the legislation for a special act for Lexington. However, he
also suggested that the Selectmen should consider whether the home rule act for Lexington
should in fact be filed. He thinks general legislation for all towns should be the focus, not just
Lexington.
Selectmen's Meeting — February 28, 2011
Mr. Mehr welcomes suggested changes to the proposed motion. Mr. Manz will discuss the
article with Representative Kaufman prior to taking a position.
Article 5 — Appropriate for FY2012 Enterprise Funds Budgets
Mr. Addelson, Comptroller, made the following recommendations for FY2012 retained earnings:
$300,000 of wastewater retained earnings be appropriated to support the FY2012 operating
budget and $300,000 of retained earnings be appropriated to finance a portion of recommended
FY2012 wastewater capital and $450,000 of water retained earnings be appropriated to support
the FY2012 operating budget and $120,000 of retained earnings be appropriated to finance the
total water capital projects recommended for FY2012. Finally, it is recommended that a
significant portion of the anticipated water surplus in FY2011 be used to finance the capital plan
that will be considered at the 2012 Annual Town Meeting.
Article 27 — Amend General Bylaws — Private Ways
Mr. Cohen explained that the Town decided it needed a private ways bylaw because of a lawsuit
brought against the Town as a result of an accident on an unaccepted street and because a
General Law that allowed the Town to fill pot holes and make unaccepted streets passable was
repealed and replaced by M.G.L. Chapter 40, Section 6N which allows Towns to adopt a bylaw
for making temporary repairs on private ways. The proposed bylaw would apply to all
unaccepted streets shown on the Town's Zoning Maps.
Mr. Cohen will be meeting with a banker to discuss an issue brought up regarding residents that
live on an unaccepted street and their ability to get a mortgage.
Mr. Shapiro, 11 Wachusett Drive, which is an unaccepted street, asked the Selectmen to add
paving or resurfacing to the bylaw, which could be used instead of a Private Street Agreement
Mr. Cohen asked the Selectmen to think about whether they want to add paving/resurfacing to
the proposed bylaw, remembering that there is a mechanism for residents on unaccepted streets
to bring their street up to town standards and have it accepted.
Mr. Shapiro thinks it would be better if the bylaw could take care of any mortgage requirements.
It is a major hassle for residents that could be averted with a small change in the bylaw wording.
Mr. Kanter, Capital Expenditures Committee, stated that when this article was discussed the
focus was on having: a) something in place with legal protection from damages against the
Town; b) as discussed with DPW only make necessary repairs on unaccepted street to ensure
safety by fire and police; and c) that we did not wish to have this bylaw increase the towns
obligation in any manner for unaccepted street. There is an enormous infrastructure backlog and
the CEC is concerned with how the Town can get a handle on the backlog of the existing
infrastructure. They are concerned that any changes may leave the door open for the town
accepting responsibility for routine maintenance of unaccepted streets.
Selectmen's Meeting — February 28, 2011
Mr. Hornig, 75 Reed Street, asked the Board to consider removing the section about Eligibility.
The requirements in the Public Necessity and Public Use sections adequately protect the Town's
interest in terms of limiting use of this bylaw to appropriate situations. The ability to patch or do
emergency drainage repairs are valuable. He suggests that the Board should have the discretion
to approve repairs on streets that do not meet Planning Board standards.
The Selectmen will talk about this issue and discuss with Town Counsel and the Planning
Director.
Ms. McKenna, Chair of the Tourism Committee, petitioned the Town to accept Tavern Lane
because of a concern of the Town's liability because the Tourism Committee hands out walking
maps to people who visit the Munroe Tavern that shows a way to walk on Tavern Lane to the
National Heritage Museum because there is no safe way to walk on Massachusetts Avenue to the
Museum. They agreed to hold off pending the Private Way Bylaw article discussion at town
meeting. She wants to make sure the issue on Tavern Lane is addressed in the bylaw language.
Mr. Cohen stated Tavern Lane is a separate situation that the Town needs to work on separately.
Consider and Approve Flowers Water /Sewer Abatement
Mr. Manz met with staff and reviewed the abatement application file and believes the proposed
abatement of $4,053.27 identifies the amount of water leaked between the fall of 2005 to the fall
of 2007 and that the average daily usage derived by the staff to calculate the abatement appears
reasonable and appropriate for a family of four.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -0 to approve an abatement of $4,053.27 to
the Flowers, to waive all associated interest and to forward a letter to the Flowers explaining the
abatement.
Approve Loan Requirements for Down Payment Assistance Program
Town Counsel prepared the proposed vote, which is necessary to proceed with the affordable
housing down payment assistance trial program proposed by the Housing Partnership Board and
approved by the Selectmen.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 4 -0 to approve and sign the record of vote,
as presented, for the Lexington Housing Partnership Down Payment Assistance Program.
Appointment— Communications Advisory Committee
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Smita Desai to the
Communications Advisory Committee to fill the unexpired term of John Rommelfanger until
September 30, 2012.
Selectmen's Meeting — February 28, 2011
Article Positions
The Board took positions on the following articles, which they all support:
Article 14 — Street Acceptance — Frances Road
Article 26 — Establish Qualifications for Tax Deferrals and Exemptions
Article 28 — Amend Town Celebrations Committee Bylaw
Article 29 — Amend Permanent Building Committee Bylaw
Article 30 — Amend Bylaw — Town Meeting Procedure
Article 32 — Accept MGL Chapter 138, Section 33B (Sale of Alcoholic Beverages by
On- Premise Licensees on Sundays and Certain Legal Holidays)
Article 33 — Accept State Land Grant— Cotton Farm Purchase
Article 35 — Support and Petition for Municipal Utility Act
Article 42 — Acquire Gift of Land — Myrna Road
Article 44 — Accept Gift of Land — Off Hartwell Avenue
On Article 16 — Accept MGL Chapter 32, Section 101, Supplemental Annual Allowance, three
Selectmen support. Mr. Kelley is waiting for additional information.
Documents Presented
1. Material relating to 1095 Mass. Avenue, including warrant article and Table 1 from Section
135 -16 of the Zoning By -Laws.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:40 p.m.
A true record; Attest:
Lynne A. Pease
Executive Clerk