HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-05-TE-Warrant-and-2007-03-26-ATM-Warrant2007
ANNUAL TOWN WARRANT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Calendar............................................................................................................Inside Front Cover
Board of Selectmen’s Message.....................................................................................................3
Summary of Revenues and Expenditures.....................................................................................4
WARRANT FOR ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Article 1 Elections..................................................................................................................5
Article 2 Reports of Town Boards, Officers, Committees.....................................................6
Article 3 Appointments to Cary Lecture Series .....................................................................6
ZONING/LAND USE ARTICLES
Article 4 Amend Zoning By-Law, Inclusionary Zoning........................................................6
Article 5 Amend Zoning By-Law, Tree Management...........................................................7
Article 6 Amend Zoning By-Law, Penalties..........................................................................7
Article 7 Zoning By-Law, Amend RO to CRS at 303 Woburn Street (Owners’
Petition)...................................................................................................................8
GENERAL ARTICLES
Article 8 Amend Notice Provisions: Chapter 215 of the Acts of 1929 .................................8
Article 9 Amend General Bylaws - State Election Warrants.................................................8
Article 10 Amend General Bylaws - Community Preservation Surcharge Exemption...........9
Article 11 Authorize Terms for Certain Contracts ..................................................................9
Article 12 Transfer of Barnes Property (White House) to Selectmen.....................................9
Article 13 Amend Tree Bylaw ...............................................................................................10
Article 14 Amend General Bylaws - Tourism Committee ....................................................11
Article 15 Amend Demolition Delay Bylaw..........................................................................11
Article 16 Amend General Bylaws - Engine Operation of Stopped Vehicles .....................12
Article 17 Accept MGL Chapter 32, Section 7(2)(a)(iii) (Accidental Disability –
Payments to Dependent Children) and MGL Chapter 32, Section
9(2)(d)(ii) (Accidental Death - Payment to Dependent Children)........................12
Article 18 Accept MGL Chapter 32B, Section 18 (Medicare Extension Plans)....................13
Article 19 Accept MGL Chapter 71, Section 37M (Joint Facilities Department) .................13
Article 20 Resolution Requesting School Committee Policy on Safe Transport
of Special Education Children (Citizens’ Petition) ..............................................13
FINANCIAL ARTICLES
Article 21 Appropriate FY2008 Operating Budget ...............................................................14
Article 22 Appropriate FY2008 Enterprise Funds Budgets...................................................14
1
Article 23 Petition General Court to Increase Income Limits for Property
Tax Deferrals (Citizens’ Petition).........................................................................15
Article 24 Appropriate for Senior Service Program ..............................................................16
Article 25 Continue and Approve Departmental Revolving Funds.......................................16
Article 26 Appropriate the FY2008 Community Preservation Committee
Operating Budget and for CPA Projects...............................................................17
Article 27 Land Purchase – Off Lowell Street.......................................................................18
Article 28 Land Purchase – Off Adams Street.......................................................................18
Article 29 Appropriate for Recreation Capital Projects.........................................................19
Article 30 Appropriate for Battle Green Flagpole Maintenance (Citizens’ Petition)............19
Article 31 Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment.................................20
Article 32 Appropriate for Water Distribution Improvements...............................................23
Article 33 Appropriate for Sewer Improvements...................................................................24
Article 34 Appropriate for School Capital Projects and Equipment......................................24
Article 35 Appropriate for Senior Center Design/Conceptual Study.....................................25
Article 36 Appropriate for Public Works Facility..................................................................26
Article 37 Appropriate for Post Employment Benefits..........................................................26
Article 38 Rescind Prior Borrowing Authorizations..............................................................26
Article 39 Establish and Appropriate to Specified Stabilization Funds ................................27
Article 40 Appropriate to Stabilization Fund.........................................................................27
Article 41 Appropriate for Prior Years’ Unpaid Bills............................................................27
Article 42 Amend FY2007 Operating Budget .......................................................................28
Article 43 Appropriate for Authorized Capital Improvements..............................................28
Article 44 Use of Funds to Reduce the Tax Rate...................................................................28
Appendix A - Program Summary – Article 21 Operating Budget..............................................30
Map.............................................................................................................................................32
List of Town Meeting Members.................................................................................................34
Town Finance Terminology........................................................................................................40
Election Information.........................................................................................Inside Back Cover
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TOWN WARRANT
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex, ss.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Lexington, or the Town Clerk, in said County, Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify the inhabitants of
the Town of Lexington qualified to vote in elections and in Town affairs to meet in their
respective voting places in said Town.
PRECINCT ONE, CARY MEMORIAL BUILDING; PRECINCT TWO, BOWMAN SCHOOL;
PRECINCT THREE, JONAS CLARKE MIDDLE SCHOOL; PRECINCT FOUR, BRIDGE
SCHOOL; PRECINCT FIVE, CARY MEMORIAL BUILDING; PRECINCT SIX, WILLIAM
DIAMOND MIDDLE SCHOOL; PRECINCT SEVEN, ESTABROOK SCHOOL; PRECINCT
EIGHT, FIRE HEADQUARTERS BUILDING; PRECINCT NINE, MARIA HASTINGS
SCHOOL, on Monday, the fifth day of March 2007, at 7:00 a.m., then and there to act on the
following articles:
ARTICLE 1 ELECTIONS
To choose by ballot the following Officers:
Two Selectmen for a term of three years;
One Moderator for a term of one year;
Two members of the School Committee for a term of three years;
One member of the Planning Board for a term of three years;
One member of the Lexington Housing Authority for a term of five years;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct One, the seven receiving the highest number of
votes to serve for terms of three years;
Eight Town Meeting Members in Precinct Two, the seven receiving the highest number of
votes to serve for terms of three years; the one receiving the next highest number of votes to fill
an unexpired term ending March 2008;
Eight Town Meeting Members in Precinct Three, the seven receiving the highest number of
votes to serve for terms of three years; the one receiving the next highest number of votes to fill
an unexpired term ending March 2008;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Four, the seven receiving the highest number of
votes to serve for terms of three years;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Five, the seven receiving the highest number of
votes to serve for terms of three years;
Eight Town Meeting Members in Precinct Six, the seven receiving the highest number of
votes to serve for terms of three years; the one receiving the next highest number of votes to fill
an unexpired term ending March 2008;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Seven, the seven receiving the highest number of
votes to serve for terms of three years;
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Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Eight, the seven receiving the highest number of
votes to serve for terms of three years;
Seven Town Meeting Members in Precinct Nine, the seven receiving the highest number of
votes to serve for terms of three years.
You are also to notify the inhabitants aforesaid to meet at the Cary Memorial Building, 1605
Massachusetts Avenue, in said Town on Monday, the twenty-sixth day of March at 7:30 p.m., at
which time and place the following articles are to be acted upon and determined exclusively by
the Town Meeting Members in accordance with Chapter 215 of the Acts of 1929, as amended,
and subject to the referendum provided for by Section eight of said Chapter, as amended.
ARTICLE 2 REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS, COMMITTEES
To receive the reports of any Board or Town Officer or of any Committee of the Town.
DESCRIPTION: This article remains open throughout Town Meeting and reports may be
presented at any Town Meeting session by boards, officers, or committees.
ARTICLE 3 APPOINTMENTS TO CARY LECTURE SERIES
To see if the Town will authorize the appointment of the committee on lectures under the wills of
Eliza Cary Farnham and Susanna E. Cary; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article that provides for the appointment of three citizens
to the Cary Lecture Series by the Moderator.
ZONING/LAND USE ARTICLES
ARTICLE 4 AMEND ZONING BY-LAW, INCLUSIONARY
ZONING
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By-Law of the Town of Lexington by adding a
new section or subsection under Article IX, Residential Developments, requiring provision of
affordable housing in certain new residential subdivisions; or act in any other manner in relation
thereto.
(Inserted by the Planning Board)
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DESCRIPTION: The objective of this By-Law amendment (available for inspection in the
offices of the Town Clerk and Planning Board along with a report and recommendations by
the Planning Board to be filed with the town meeting) is to insure that residential
developments authorized by special permit will contribute to the affordable housing supply
in the Town. The provisions are designed to require a percentage of the units in such
developments be affordable to people with a range of incomes, and to provide some housing
at prices that are lower than what is available on the open market. Units will be subject to
price/rent level limitations that will make them affordable. Deed and special permit
restrictions would require that the purchaser’s income and assets meet prescribed limits and
that affordability will continue upon the resale of the dwelling unit. Rental units will be
subject to annual monitoring. For both owner- and renter-occupied units, marketing plans
must meet local preference and fair housing requirements, consistent with state and federal
law.
ARTICLE 5 AMEND ZONING BY-LAW, TREE MANAGEMENT
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By-Law of the Town of Lexington by including
the protection of trees as a part of the findings and determinations required in the granting of a
special permit, and to require a tree maintenance plan as part of a landscaping plan; or act in any
other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Planning Board)
DESCRIPTION: The objective of this By-Law amendment is to more explicitly include the
protection of trees as a part of the findings and determinations required when the Planning
Board or the Zoning Board of Appeals grants a special permit or a special permit with site plan
review. It will become part of the standard submission for those projects under the jurisdiction
of the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals. The individual jurisdictions are
retained, but it will enhance the consistency between the requirements of the various permitting
bodies in town by including as part of a landscaping plan a tree plan that more closely parallels
the standards found in the Tree Bylaw.
ARTICLE 6 AMEND ZONING BY-LAW, PENALTIES
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By-Law of the Code of the Town of Lexington
by deleting §135-9(B) “Penalty”, and re-lettering the subsequent paragraphs 9(C) through 9(F)
so that they will be sections 9(B) through 9(E); or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Planning Board)
DESCRIPTION: This paragraph on penalties is not needed anymore because there is a non-
criminal disposition provision in the Code of the Town of Lexington §1-6. “Noncriminal
disposition” which covers violations of the Zoning By-Law.
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ARTICLE 7 ZONING BY-LAW, AMEND RO TO CRS AT 303 WOBURN STREET
(Owners’ Petition)
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Code of the Town of Lexington, Zoning By-Law and
the Zoning Map of the Town of Lexington, by changing the zoning district designation of that
property commonly known as 303 Woburn Street, Lexington, MA., 02420, and more specifically
described in the metes and bounds legal description shown in Exhibit A, on file with the Board
of Selectmen and Town Clerk and incorporated herein, from the current RO Zoning District (one
family dwelling) to a CRS Zoning District (retail shopping) to allow construction of commercial
retail space, and to take any other action or to act in any other manner relative thereto.
(Inserted by Vazken Melkistian et als Trustees, Property Owner)
DESCRIPTION: This proposal would rezone the property immediately abutting the
Countryside Plaza local retail shopping complex (located at the corner of Woburn Street and
Lowell Street, with an address of 311-325 Woburn Street). The property to be rezoned now
is occupied by a single family home. The rezoning would allow additional retail shopping
or additional parking for the Countryside Plaza retail stores or both.
GENERAL ARTICLES
ARTICLE 8 AMEND NOTICE PROVISIONS: CHAPTER 215 OF THE ACTS OF 1929
To see if the Town will vote to petition the General Court for an Act to amend Section 3 of Chapter
215 of the Acts of 1929 as amended by deleting the requirement that the Town Clerk mail notices of
town meetings to town meeting members; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen at the request of the Town Clerk)
DESCRIPTION: This article seeks to eliminate the requirement that the Town Clerk mail
separate notices of town meetings to town meeting members. All town meeting members,
as well as all households in the Town, are mailed copies of the warrants for all town
meetings as required by the Town’s Bylaws.
ARTICLE 9 AMEND GENERAL BYLAWS - STATE ELECTION WARRANTS
To see if the Town will vote to amend §118-2 of the Code of the Town of Lexington (Posting
and Mailing of Warrant) by adding at the end thereof the following: “The warrant for a state
election need only be served by posting a printed copy thereof in the Town Office Building.”; or
act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen at the request of the Town Clerk)
DESCRIPTION: Passage of this article would eliminate the need to mail warrants for state
elections to every household.
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ARTICLE 10 AMEND GENERAL BYLAWS -
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION SURCHARGE EXEMPTION
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Code of the Town of Lexington by adding a new Chapter
115 thereto entitled “Taxes” and a new Article I thereunder as follows; or act in any other manner in
relation thereto.
Chapter 115
TAXES
ARTICLE I
§115-1. Exemption From Community Preservation Act Surcharge
Taxpayers qualifying for the low-income exemption, as provided for in the Massachusetts
Community Preservation Act and approved by the voters of the Town, shall submit an application
for the exemption on a form provided by the Board of Assessors, within three months after the actual
tax bill is mailed.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
DESCRIPTION: This article would clarify the time period in which taxpayers can apply
for an exemption from the Community Preservation Act surcharge.
ARTICLE 11 AUTHORIZE TERMS FOR CERTAIN CONTRACTS
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Manager, with the approval of the Board of
Selectmen, to enter into contracts relating to rental of town buildings and for transportation
services for periods in excess of five years; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
DESCRIPTION: This article would provide flexibility to the Town Manager in negotiating
contracts for rental of town buildings and for transportation services when it is deemed in
the best interests of the Town to enter into a contract for more than five years.
ARTICLE 12 TRANSFER BARNES PROPERTY (WHITE HOUSE) TO SELECTMEN
To see if the Town will vote to transfer the care, custody, management and control of the Barnes
Property (White House) on Massachusetts Avenue shown as a portion of Lot 170A on
Assessor’s Property Map 48, no longer needed by the School Department, to the Board of
Selectmen; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
DESCRIPTION: This article proposes to transfer the property currently used for school
administration purposes from the control of the School Committee to the jurisdiction of the
Board of Selectmen.
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ARTICLE 13 AMEND TREE BYLAW
To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter 120 of the Code of the Town of Lexington
(“Trees”) as follows:
(a) By deleting the word “eight” in the definition of PROTECTED TREE in §120-3 and
substituting therefor the word “six”.
(b) By deleting the definition of SETBACK AREA in §120-3 and substituting therefor the
following:
“SETBACK AREA – The minimum setback area around a lot shall be measured 30 feet
from the front and 15 feet from the two sides and from the rear of the lot. For the
purposes of establishing the setback area in which the provisions of this bylaw shall
apply, the measurement shall be from any point on any property line of the lot, to points
along an imaginary line drawn representing the setback area as specified. Final
judgments regarding required tree protections during construction shall be made by the
Tree Warden where deviations from the setback are required.
(c) By adding the following at the end of §120-8C(1): “Evergreens planted as replacement
trees may include pine, hemlock, spruce and fir and must be a minimum of six feet in
height to be accepted. Arborvitae, cedar and other evergreens will not be accepted as
replacement trees.”
(d) By adding the following at the end of §120-8:
“D. Trees not removed. Trees that are to be left on the site must be protected as
specified in the Tree Manual (Pages 19-20 and Figure 9-11).
E. Failure to protect trees not removed. Trees left on site must be protected; and if not
done so as required by this Bylaw, the Tree Warden may impose the following:
(1) The town may undertake tree protection measures and bill for any labor and
material charges incurred.
(2) The town may require replacement plantings larger than three inches in
diameter to replace trees damaged during construction.
(3) The town may hire an arborist whose charges will be billed to the owner/builder
to ensure that trees left on the site will survive and remain healthy.
(4) The town may impose fines as per the fine schedule in §120-10 of this Bylaw.”
(e) By adding a new §120-15 as follows:
Ҥ120-15. Tree Management Manual
The Lexington Tree Manual will be used as the standard for tree planting, maintenance
and protection in the Town.”;
or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen at the request of the Tree Committee)
DESCRIPTION: The Tree Committee has proposed amendments to strengthen the Tree
Bylaw governing the management of mature trees in the Town.
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ARTICLE 14 AMEND GENERAL BYLAWS - TOURISM COMMITTEE
To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter 29 of the Code of the Town of Lexington by
adding thereto a new Article VII – Tourism Committee, as follows:
ARTICLE VII
Tourism Committee
§29-23. Membership; terms of office.
The Town shall have a Tourism Committee consisting of seven to twelve members.
Membership shall include interested citizens and a representative from the Lexington
Chamber of Commerce, a representative from the Historical Society, a representative from
the National Heritage Museum, and a representative from the National Park Service.
Members of the Committee shall be appointed annually by the Board of Selectmen to serve
a one-year term.
§29-24. Powers and duties.
The Tourism Committee shall be charged with enhancing and promoting tourism within the
Town. The Committee shall work with the Chamber of Commerce, the Historical Society,
the National Heritage Museum, and the National Park Service to insure a cohesive tourism
experience;
or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen at the request of the Tourism Committee)
DESCRIPTION: This article proposes to make the Tourism Committee, which is currently
an advisory committee to the Board of Selectmen, a Bylaw Committee.
ARTICLE 15 AMEND DEMOLITION DELAY BYLAW
To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter 19 of the Code of the Town of Lexington
(“Buildings, Demolition Of”) by adding a new section to regulate demolition by neglect,
including from failure to maintain an unoccupied building, and by extending from six to eighteen
months the delay in permitting the demolition of a preferably-preserved significant historic
building while efforts are made to locate a purchaser to preserve such building; or act in any
other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen at the request of the Historical Commission)
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DESCRIPTION: This article would amend Chapter 19 of the General Bylaws, commonly
known as the Demolition Delay Bylaw, in two ways. Currently, only active demolition of
buildings is regulated. The first proposed amendment would allow the Historical
Commission to negotiate for voluntary repairs or seek a court order mandating repairs to
unoccupied buildings that it and the Building Commissioner determine is undergoing, as a
result of a general lack of maintenance, damage to its fabric, viability or function, leading to
its eventual decay, structural failure or severe degradation. The second proposed
amendment extends the period of time in which issuance of a demolition permit may be
delayed while an owner seeks a purchaser to preserve, rehabilitate or restore a historically
significant building, and clarifies when the Building Commissioner may proceed to issue a
demolition permit.
ARTICLE 16 AMEND GENERAL BYLAWS -
ENGINE OPERATION OF STOPPED VEHICLES
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Code of the Town of Lexington to provide for the
regulation of the idling of vehicle engines by adopting a new Chapter of the General Bylaws
entitled “Engine Operation of Stopped Vehicles” and to provide for the enforcement of such
provisions; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen at the request of the Article 40 Committee)
DESCRIPTION: This article provides for local enforcement of Section 16A of Chapter 90
of the Massachusetts General Laws, that prohibits the unnecessary engine operation (engine
idling) when a motor vehicle is stopped for a foreseeable period of time in excess of five
minutes, unless such operation is required for servicing the vehicle or is needed for engine
assisted power for other than vehicle movement.
ARTICLE 17 ACCEPT MGL CHAPTER 32, SECTION 7(2)(a)(iii)
(ACCIDENTAL DISABILITY – PAYMENTS TO DEPENDENT
CHILDREN) AND M.G.L. CHAPTER 32, SECTION 9(2)(d)(ii)
(ACCIDENTAL DEATH - PAYMENT TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN)
To see if the Town will vote to accept Sections 7(2)(a)(iii) and 9(2)(d)(ii) of Chapter 32 of the
Massachusetts General Laws relating to disability or accidental death benefit payments on account
of dependent children; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen at the request of the Retirement Board)
DESCRIPTION: Currently the Town pays a small supplemental allowance for dependent
children of accidental disability retirees. Acceptance of these statutes would provide a like
benefit to dependent children of town employees who have died in service to the Town.
12
ARTICLE 18 ACCEPT MGL CHAPTER 32B, SECTION 18
(MEDICARE EXTENSION PLANS)
To see if the Town will vote to accept Section 18 of Chapter 32B of the Massachusetts General
Laws relating to Medicare extension plans for retirees; or act in any other manner in relation
thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
DESCRIPTION: Acceptance of this state statute would require retirees who are eligible
for Medicare-Part A to transfer to a Medicare extension plan offered by the Town.
ARTICLE 19 ACCEPT MGL CHAPTER 71, SECTION 37M
(JOINT FACILITIES DEPARTMENT)
To see if the Town will vote to accept Section 37M of Chapter 71 of the Massachusetts General
Laws relating to the consolidation of maintenance functions of the School Committee with those
of the Town; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
DESCRIPTION: This statute permits the consolidation of maintenance functions of the School Committee and the Town if it is accepted by a vote of the Town Meeting and a vote
of the School Committee.
ARTICLE 20 RESOLUTION REQUESTING SCHOOL COMMITTEE POLICY
ON SAFE TRANSPORT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION CHILDREN
(CITIZENS’ PETITION)
To see if the Town will vote to adopt a resolution requesting that the School Committee adopt a
policy, consistent with the requirements of law and applicable State and Federal regulations and
guidelines, and that the Superintendent publish such policy, to provide for the safe transport by a
non-family driver, of autistic, sick students in the Special Education program, from their local school
to their home, or to another authorized destination.
(Inserted by Anne Frymer and nine or more registered voters)
DESCRIPTION: Passage of this resolution would request the Superintendent of Schools to
create and publish a policy identifying the need for a monitor to ensure seat belt use when
transporting certain ill children.
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FINANCIAL ARTICLES
ARTICLE 21 APPROPRIATE FY2008 OPERATING BUDGET
To see if the Town will vote to make appropriations for expenditures by departments, officers,
boards and committees of the Town for the ensuing fiscal year and determine whether the money
shall be provided by the tax levy or by transfer from available funds, including any revolving or
special funds, including enterprise funds, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any
other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
DESCRIPTION: This article requests funds for the FY2008 (July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2008)
operating budget. The operating budget includes the school and municipal budgets. The
operating budget also includes requests for funds to provide salary increases for employees,
including salaries negotiated through collective bargaining negotiations. The budget also
includes certain shared costs. Appendix A lists by account FY2006 expenditures, FY2007
appropriations and FY2008 proposed appropriations. Please note that figures for FY2006
and FY2007 have been restated to reflect the revised FY2008 presentation.
ARTICLE 22 APPROPRIATE FY2008 ENTERPRISE FUNDS BUDGETS
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to fund the operations of the DPW
Water and Wastewater Divisions and the Recreation Department; determine whether the money
shall be provided by the estimated income to be derived in FY2008 from the operations of the
related enterprise, by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, including the relevant enterprise
fund, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED:
Enterprise Fund
FY2006
Actual
FY2007
Appropriated
FY2008
Requested
1. Water
Personal Services
Expenses
Debt Service
MWRA Assessment
Total Water Enterprise Fund
$570,997
$817,887
$213,150
$3,806,069
$5,408,102
$580,799
$716,835
$398,671
$4,032,517
$5,728,822
$581,656
$569,800
$490,833
$4,435,769
$6,078,058
2. Wastewater
Personal Services
Expenses
Debt Service
MWRA Assessment
Total Wastewater Enterprise Fund
$227,985
$518,448
$275,950
$5,257,126
$6,279,508
$241,161
$478,972
$351,643
$5,633,833
$6,705,609
$245,291
$430,272
$473,256
$6,197,216
$7,346,035
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3. Recreation
Personal Services
Expenses
Debt Service
Total Recreation Enterprise Fund
$496,584
$885,329
$100,000
$1,481,913
$558,526
$899,978
$168,000
$1,626,504
$563,120
$960,668
$103,917
$1,627,705
DESCRIPTION: Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53F1/2, towns may
establish Enterprise Funds for a utility, health care, recreation and transportation facility, with
its operation to receive related revenue and receipts and pay expenses of such operation. This
article provides for the appropriation to and expenditure from three enterprise funds previously
established by the Town.
Changes to the Water Enterprise fund budget from FY2007 reflects a $125,000 reduction in
the PILOT payment to the General Fund and an estimated increase for the MWRA
assessment. Debt service includes projects previously approved by Town Meeting and the
projects proposed at this Town Meeting (Article 32). At the time of the printing of this
Warrant, collective bargaining increases have not been included, as negotiated settlements
have not been reached with the DPW union.
Changes to the Wastewater Enterprise fund budget from FY2007 reflects a $62,500
reduction in the PILOT payment to the General Fund and an estimated increase for the
MWRA assessment. Debt service includes projects previously approved by Town Meeting
and the projects proposed at this Town Meeting (Article 33). At the time of the printing of
this Warrant, collective bargaining increases have not been included, as negotiated
settlements have not been reached with the DPW union.
Changes to the Recreation Enterprise fund budget from FY2007 reflects contractual salary
increases, utility increases and supplies and materials for recreation programs. At the time of
the printing of this Warrant, collective bargaining increases have not been included for
represented employees, as negotiated settlements have not been reached with these unions.
ARTICLE 23 PETITION GENERAL COURT TO INCREASE INCOME LIMITS
FOR PROPERTY TAX DEFERRALS (CITIZENS’ PETITION)
To see if the Town will vote to authorize and direct the Board of Selectmen to petition the General
Court for an Act to raise the income limits, currently set at a maximum of $40,000 and lower the age
limits, currently set at a minimum of 65 years of age, relating to the eligibility for property tax
deferrals in Lexington, as provided in Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41A of the Massachusetts
General Laws, as amended; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by Benjamin Cohen and nine or more registered voters)
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DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this article is to “level the playing field” regarding the
eligibility requirements associated with the Senior Property Tax Deferral Program (SPTD) and
the Community Preservation Act (CPA). To participate in the SPTD, one must be 65 years of
age or older while at the same time, whether married or single, having a household income no
greater than $40,000. To qualify for a CPA 3% surcharge exemption one must be 60 years of
age or older, having an income no greater than $58,900. The STDP household income level
would be raised to at least $58,900 to eliminate this inconsistency if the proposed Act is passed.
ARTICLE 24 APPROPRIATE FOR SENIOR SERVICE PROGRAM
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the purpose of
conducting a Senior Service Program, to be spent under the direction of the Town Manager, and
to authorize the Board of Selectmen to establish rules and regulations for the conduct of the
program, determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from
available funds or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation
thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $40,000
DESCRIPTION: In FY2007, the Town established its own Senior Tax Work Program which
provided more flexibility than the state program in assisting low-income seniors and disabled
residents in reducing their property tax bills through this program. This article requests funds
to continue the program.
ARTICLE 25 CONTINUE AND APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL REVOLVING FUNDS
To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 53E ½, of the Massachusetts
General Laws, to authorize the use of revolving fund accounts in FY2008 for the following
programs and purposes, to determine whether such revolving fund accounts shall be credited
with the following departmental receipts, to determine whether the following boards,
departments or officers shall be authorized to expend amounts from such revolving fund
accounts, and to determine whether the maximum amounts that may be expended from such
revolving fund accounts in FY2008 shall be the following amounts or any other amounts; or act
in any other manner in relation thereto:
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
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FUNDS REQUESTED:
Program or Purpose Authorized
Representative or
Board to Spend
Departmental Receipts FY2008
Authorization
DPW Burial Containers Public Works
Director
Sale of Grave Boxes and
Burial Vaults
$35,000
DPW Compost
Operations
Public Works
Director
Sale of compost and loam,
yard waste permits
not available at
press time
LexMedia Operations Board of Selectmen
and Town Manager
License fees from cable
TV providers
$400,000
Trees Board of Selectmen Gifts and fees $20,000
Minuteman Household
Hazardous Waste
Program
Public Works
Director
Fees paid by consortium
towns
$175,000
Health Programs Health Director Medicare reimbursements $7,000
Council on Aging
Programs
Social Services
Director
Program fees and gifts $100,000
DESCRIPTION: A revolving fund established under the provisions of Massachusetts General
Laws Chapter 44, Section 53E½ must be authorized annually by vote of the Town Meeting.
The fund is credited with only the departmental receipts received in connection with the
programs supported by such revolving fund, and expenditures may be made from the revolving
fund without further appropriation.
ARTICLE 26 APPROPRIATE THE FY2008 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION
COMMITTEE OPERATING BUDGET AND CPA PROJECTS
To see if the Town will vote to hear and act on the report of the Community Preservation
Committee on the FY2008 Community Preservation budget and, pursuant to the
recommendations of the Community Preservation Committee, to appropriate from the
Community Preservation Fund, or to reserve amounts in the Community Preservation Fund for
future appropriations, for the administrative expenses of the Community Preservation Committee
for FY2008; for the acquisition, creation and preservation of open space – including land for
recreational use; for the acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of historic
resources; and for the creation, preservation and support of community housing; or act in any
other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen at the request of the Community Preservation Committee)
FUNDS REQUESTED: (a) Center Playground drainage improvements $40,000; (b) Munroe
and Old Burial Grounds - $367,000; (c) Historic homes fire monitoring systems - $18,120; (d)
Buckman Tavern boiler - $10,685; (e) Comprehensive Cultural Resource Survey - $90,000; (f)
Greeley Village window replacement - $228,404; (g) East Lexington Library study - $43,000;
(h) Cary Hall performance restoration - $147,130; (i) Historic signage - $21,560; (j) Douglas
House specialized affordable housing - $300,000; (k) West Lexington Greenway Corridor -
$125,000; (l) Muzzey Condominium study - $53,500; (m) Administrative Expenses - $25,000.
17
DESCRIPTION: This article requests that Community Preservation Funds be appropriated for
the projects recommended by the Community Preservation Committee and for administrative
costs.
ARTICLE 27 LAND PURCHASE – OFF LOWELL STREET
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Conservation Commission to purchase or otherwise
acquire, and authorize the Selectmen to take by eminent domain, upon the written request of the
Conservation Commission, for conservation purposes including outdoor recreation as provided by
Section 8C of Chapter 40 of the Massachusetts General Laws, as amended, any fee, easement, or
conservation restriction as defined in Section 31 of Chapter 184 of the Massachusetts General Laws,
or other interest in all or any part of land shown as lots 38, 40A and 43 on Assessors’ Property Map
20, now or formerly of Busa; and appropriate a sum of money therefor and determine whether the
money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, including the Community
Preservation Fund, or by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other
manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen at the request of the Community Preservation Committee)
FUNDS REQUESTED: unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This article requests Community Preservation funds to purchase property
off Lowell Street currently used for farming purposes.
ARTICLE 28 LAND PURCHASE - OFF ADAMS STREET
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Conservation Commission to purchase or otherwise
acquire, and authorize the Selectmen to take by eminent domain, upon the written request of the
Conservation Commission, for conservation purposes including outdoor recreation as provided by
Section 8C of Chapter 40 of the Massachusetts General Laws, as amended, any fee, easement, or
conservation restriction as defined in Section 31 of Chapter 184 of the Massachusetts General Laws,
or other interest in all or any part of land shown as lot 106 on Assessors’ Property Map 63, now or
formerly of Chase; and appropriate a sum of money therefor and determine whether the money shall
be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, including the Community Preservation
Fund, or by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in
relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen at the request of the Community Preservation Committee)
FUNDS REQUESTED: unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This article requests Community Preservation funds to purchase a portion
of a lot off Adams Street currently used to grow blueberries.
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ARTICLE 29 APPROPRIATE FOR RECREATION CAPITAL PROJECTS
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the following Recreation Department
capital improvements:
a) Center Basketball Court Reconstruction;
b) Valley Road Tennis Court improvements; and
c) Park Improvements – Athletic Fields;
and determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available
funds, including the Recreation Enterprise Fund, by borrowing, or by any combination of these
methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen at the request of the Recreation Committee)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $265,000
DESCRIPTION:
(a) $85,000 to engineer and reconstruct the double basketball court at the Center Recreation
Complex. The project will include grinding down the existing basketball courts, address
drainage, court reconstruction and install new standards, backboards, rims and site
amenities.
(b) $130,000 to grind and rebuild the Valley Road tennis courts, replace the tennis court
fence and to purchase site amenities.
(c) $50,000 for funds to rehabilitate the athletic fields at Bowman School. The site currently
has one little league field and an open turf area for school recess and soccer. The baseball
field needs to be rebuilt addressing drainage issues and the backstop will also be replaced.
The open turf area will be renovated to provide for safe play and improved drainage.
ARTICLE 30 APPROPRIATE FOR BATTLE GREEN FLAGPOLE MAINTENANCE
(CITIZENS’ PETITION)
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate sums of money for the painting, repair,
reconstruction, and/or maintenance of the flagpole on the Battle Green; and to determine whether
such appropriations shall be met by the tax levy, or by transfer from available funds, including
any revolving or special funds, or by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or act
in any other manner in relation thereby.
(Inserted by Dawn McKenna and nine or more registered voters)
FUNDS REQUESTED: unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: By Public Law Number 89-335, a special act of the Congress of the
United States enacted on November 8, 1965, the flag on the Battle Green flies twenty-four
hours a day. The flagpole was a gift to the Town. The Town has historically depended on
contributions to restore the flagpole when it deteriorated. This article seeks town funding to
restore the flagpole.
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ARTICLE 31 APPROPRIATE FOR MUNICIPAL CAPITAL PROJECTS
AND EQUIPMENT
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the following capital
improvements:
a) Lincoln Field Methane Mitigation;
b) Wireless Fire Alarm Boxes;
c) DPW Equipment;
d) Woburn Street Reconstruction;
e) Geographic Information Systems
f) Storm Drain Improvements
g) Sidewalk Improvements;
h) Central Business District Sidewalks;
i) Bikeway Repair/Repaving;
j) Building Envelope;
k) Munroe Center Fire Alarms;
l) Dam Repairs;
m) Traffic Mitigation;
n) Street Improvements;
o) NStar Parking Lot;
p) Replacement of Fire Engine 5; and
q) Hydrant Replacement.
and determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available
funds, including enterprise funds, by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; to
determine if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to apply for, accept, expend and borrow in
anticipation of state aid for such capital improvements; or act in any other manner in relation
thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $3,236,200 (see estimates below)
DESCRIPTION:
a) Lincoln Field Methane Mitigation - $400,000: This project is for the construction of a
subsurface slurry wall along the southern side of Lincoln Street. The request is made
pursuant to engineering design funded at the 2006 annual town meeting in the amount of
$60,000. Approval of the design by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) is still pending. The $400,000 is an estimate and subject to revision based
on the response of the DEP to the proposed design.
20
b) Installation of Wireless Fire Alarm Boxes in municipal buildings - $142,000:
This project will update and replace the municipal fire alarm master boxes on all municipal
and school buildings including the following: Lexington High School, Clarke, Diamond,
Bowman, 128 Sewer Pump Station, Bridge, Estabrook, Old Harrington, Harrington,
Hastings, Town Office Building, Cary Memorial Building, White House, Public Works
Garage, Cemetery office and garage, Cary Library, East Lexington Library, East Lexington
Fire Station, Pool Complex, Reservoir Guard House, Lincoln Field Facility, Munroe Center,
and Hartwell Avenue Recycling Center. The existing fire alarm system in municipal
buildings was installed between 50 and 100 years ago, depending on the location. The
system is an old telegraph system that requires significant maintenance of the wiring
supporting the system and the alarm boxes themselves. The Fire Department and the Town
have slowly been converting to a wireless system, which provides a more reliable and less
expensive system to operate and maintain. The receivers for the wireless system have
already been secured via a grant from the state and are in place and operating at this time.
c) DPW Equipment Purchase - $523,300: This is an annual request to replace equipment
used by the Department of Public Works. Pieces of equipment are recommended for
replacement based on current condition, maintenance history, changing departmental
requirements and expected useful life. These assessments are performed by the Road
Machinery Division and reviewed by the Manager of Operations and the Director of Public
Works. Funds for the following pieces of equipment are requested for FY2008:
Elgin Street Sweeper (1) to replace an existing 1997 sweeper, Toro Ground Master mower
(1) to replace a 1997 model, New Small Vacuum Truck (1) to facilitate inspection and
maintenance of drainage structures in compliance with the National Pollution Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Stormwater Management Plan requirements, Toro
Mower with Snow Package (1) to replace a 1998 model and a Toro Mower (1) to replace a
1980 model.
d) Woburn Street Reconstruction - $120,000: This request is for funding to engage the
services of an engineering firm to design a complete reconstruction of the street, including
new granite curb and new sidewalks, from Massachusetts Avenue to Lowell Street,
approximately 7,000 yards. A request for construction funding will be made at the 2008
annual town meeting. A pre-design estimate of construction cost is $1.08 million. New
water main installation will be completed in 2007 in anticipation of this recommended
reconstruction.
e) Geographic Information Systems - $195,900: This request is for the first year of a
three year funding schedule to implement a geographic information system. A Geographic
Information System (GIS) is a computerized mapping system which would enable the Town
to record, manage and update all infrastructure and parcel maps, and descriptive data for
water/sewer lines, drains, roadways, etc. The implementation is recommended by a
consultant specializing in GIS who recently completed a GIS needs assessment for the town.
The estimated cost for the three-year implementation is $574,325. In that the GIS system
will support general fund, water fund and wastewater fund activities, the year one cost will
be apportioned among these funds as follows: $62,400 to the general fund; $31,200 to the
water fund; and $102,300 to the sewer fund.
21
f) Storm Drain Improvements - $460,000: This request is comprised of two components:
$160,000 to repair drainage systems associated with the Town’s Annual Street Improvement
Program, and $300,000 for research, topographic and property line survey, alternative
analysis, design and construction of approximately 400 linear feet of drainage infrastructure
in the area of Lake Street.
g) Sidewalk Improvements - $100,000: This request is to rebuild and/or repave existing
asphalt sidewalks throughout the town that are in poor condition, and to construct new
sidewalks. The Sidewalk Committee has recommended a Master Plan for sidewalk
improvements and additions that will be used as a foundation for the work. Sidewalk
projects will be chosen from the Committee's plan each year. All work will be ADA
compliant.
h) Central Business District (CBD) Sidewalks - $175,000: This project will continue the
sidewalk program in the town center and will replace defective areas. This request will fund
the first of four phases of sidewalk reconstruction in the Central Business District. Phase 1
is Massachusetts Avenue from the Cary Library to Waltham Street. Future phases will
include both sides of Waltham Street from Massachusetts Avenue to Vine Brook Road, and
both sides of Muzzey Street from Massachusetts Avenue to the municipal lot.
i) Bikeway Repair/Re-paving - $175,000: This request is to repair approximately one-half
the distance of the Lexington portion of the Minuteman Bikeway. In addition to re-paving,
work will include drainage improvements, selective root pruning and installation of root
barriers at key points along the bikeway. It is anticipated that an additional $175,000 will
be requested at the 2008 annual town meeting to complete the repaving.
j) Building Envelope - $150,000: This is an annual General Fund request to support the
upgrading and repair of municipal buildings’ systems. Projects scheduled for FY2008
include the installation of a women's shower at fire headquarters - $35,000; facility upgrades
to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements - $75,000; and an
additional $40,000 for miscellaneous projects yet to be identified. The $40,000 reflects the
Selectmen’s intent to either expend or reserve an amount each year for building renewal and
replacement projects. In those years when the full amount is not expended, it will be carried
forward to fund future projects. This practice is consistent with the recommendations of the
Financial Policy Committee.
k) Munroe Center Fire Sprinkler System Evaluation – $35,000: The $35,000 being
requested is to engage professional services to evaluate the existing system and prepare
designs and drawings that can be used to solicit bids for the repair and/or replacement of the
system. The Fire Chief has determined that the fire sprinkler system at the Center is not
functioning dependably and needs repair or replacement. This is a Town-owned building.
l) Dam Repairs - $30,000: This request is for repairs to the Butterfield Pond Dam and the
Old Res Dam. These repairs were identified in a recently completed report prepared by a
consulting engineer pursuant to requirements of state law. This report has been submitted to
the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for review and approval.
m) Traffic Mitigation - $50,000: The funds requested would be used to collect data,
perform analyses, review proposals and make recommendations for traffic improvements
town wide. Projects will be developed and construction costs will be estimated for future
capital requests. There are 14 Town owned traffic signal installations, and several locations
where signals may be considered in the future. It is proposed that the Hartwell Avenue area
be among the locations to be studied in FY2008.
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n) Street Improvements - $500,000: This request is for continued funding of the annual
street resurfacing program. It is comprised of $500,000 of Town funds from the 2001
override and will be supplemented with $700,000 of Chapter 90 funds (state funding for
local road improvements). The funds requested will be used to resurface 2600 linear feet of
School Street from Massachusetts Avenue to Marrett Road, 4100 linear feet of Shade Street
from Spring Street to Weston Street, and 3100 linear feet of Wood Street from
Massachusetts Avenue to Hartwell Avenue.
o) NStar Parking Lot - $50,000: This request will supplement the $150,000 of Parking
Meter Funds appropriated at the 2006 Annual Town Meeting for the design and construction
of a new parking area behind the NStar building at Massachusetts Avenue and Edison Way.
The supplemental funds will enable a design that will match existing lighting, granite
curbing and landscaping in the CVS parking lot.
p) Replacement of Engine 5 Brush Truck - $80,000: The request will replace Engine 5
(the existing brush truck) with a smaller more versatile and economical unit. Major
components of the replacement vehicle are a 4x4 four-door flat bed truck ($40,000);
warning lights and safety equipment ($6,000); and a pump and tank unit ($30,000).
A brush truck is used to fight off-road brush fires. The current vehicle, purchased in 1981,
has far exceeded its useful life, and is at the point that it fails to meet current safety and
emission requirements.
q) Hydrant Replacement - $50,000: The request is for the first year of a multi-year
program to replace aging hydrants. There are 1500 fire hydrants throughout the town.
Since hydrants not only serve to deliver water for fire protection but also to facilitate the
flushing of the water system to maintain water quality, it is further recommended that
$25,000 of the FY2008 request be funded from general fund cash and $25,000 from the
water enterprise fund (retained earnings).
ARTICLE 32 APPROPRIATE FOR WATER DISTRIBUTION IMPROVEMENTS
To see if the Town will vote to install new water mains and replace or clean and line existing
water mains in such accepted or unaccepted streets or other land as the Selectmen may
determine, subject to the assessment of betterments or otherwise, and to take by eminent domain,
purchase or otherwise acquire any fee, easement or other interest in land necessary therefor;
appropriate money for such installation and land acquisition and determine whether the money
shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, including any special water
funds, or by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; to determine whether the Town
will authorize the Selectmen to apply for, accept, expend and borrow in anticipation of federal
and state aid for such projects; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,800,000
23
DESCRIPTION: This request is for the replacement of approximately 8,500 linear feet of
obsolete, unlined iron pipe and other pipe with high repair records. Some of the streets
involved are Fern Street, Moreland Avenue, Hibbert Street, Bennington Road, Bowker
Avenue, the Bird Hill Road area, the access to Bowman School and other smaller sections
of pipe town wide. This request is part of a multi-year program to upgrade aging water
infrastructure throughout town, some of which was installed prior to 1929.
ARTICLE 33 APPROPRIATE FOR SEWER IMPROVEMENTS
To see if the Town will vote to install sewer mains and sewerage systems and replacements
thereof in such accepted or unaccepted streets or other land as the Selectman may determine,
subject to the assessment of betterments or otherwise, in accordance with Chapter 504 of the
Acts of 1897, and acts in addition thereto and in amendment thereof, or otherwise, and to take by
eminent domain, purchase or otherwise acquire any fee, easement or other interest in land
necessary therefor, appropriate money for such installation and land acquisition and determine
whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, including
any special sewer funds, by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; to determine
whether the Town will authorize the Selectmen to apply for, accept, expend and borrow in
anticipation of federal and state aid for such sewer projects; or act in any other manner in
relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: $1,300,000
DESCRIPTION:
a) Wastewater System Improvements - $1,200,000: This request is for the rehabilitation
of sewer in the Toffet Swamp Area, including the relining of the trunk sewer and rebuilding
manholes built in the 1950's. This request is part of a multi-year plan to rehabilitate 7,000
linear feet of sanitary sewer infrastructure per year for the foreseeable future. This plan will
address a variety of problems including system inflow and infiltration (I/I) and system
maintenance attributable to an aging infrastructure
b) Pump Station Upgrades - $100,000: The request is for the replacement of aging motors
and valves, and to modify station entryways to enhance safety of station operations.
Lexington has 10 Sewer pumping stations valued at over $6,000,000. This request is for
year one of a five-year program to replace aging equipment and bring stations into
compliance with U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
ARTICLE 34 APPROPRIATE FOR SCHOOL CAPITAL PROJECTS AND EQUIPMENT
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to remodel, reconstruct and make
extraordinary repairs to school buildings, purchase additional equipment therefor, and maintain
and upgrade the schools’ technology systems; determine whether the money shall be provided by
the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, by borrowing, or by any combination of these
methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the School Committee)
24
FUNDS REQUESTED: $2,075,000 plus the cost of items g, h, I, k, l and m below
DESCRIPTION: This article request funds for the following school projects:
(a) $275,000 or any other amount for classroom furnishings, fixtures, and equipment
(FF&E) replacement based on square foot expenditures at the new Harrington and Fiske
schools.
(b) $275,000 or any other amount for interior finishes based on expenditures at the new
Harrington and Fiske schools;
(c) $350,000 or any other amount for roof replacements of the math and foreign language
buildings at Lexington High School;
(d) $140,000 or any other amount for ventilation and HVAC equipment for Lexington High
School, primarily in the pottery room, foreign language lab, kitchen, and music composition
room;
(e) $200,000 or any other amount for additional auditorium repairs at Lexington High
School, including improved seating, additional lighting, acoustic upgrades and sound system
components;
(f) $110,000 or any other amount for the installation of lockers at Bowman, Estabrook, and
Hastings elementary schools;
(g) An amount, unavailable at press time, sufficient to move the school department's central
administration and a few other system departments from their current locations into the old
Harrington School building;
(h) An amount, unavailable at press time, sufficient to make necessary repairs to and
replacements of HVAC equipment at Clarke and Lexington High School;
(i) An amount, unavailable at press time, sufficient to convert the HVAC system at Clarke
to a new energy source;
(j) $400,000 or any other amount for equipment described in the department's long-range
technology capital plan, including network equipment, information delivery systems,
desktop computers, printers/peripherals, and LCD projectors;
(k) An amount, unavailable at press time, for heating and energy repairs at various schools;
(l) An amount, unavailable at press time, for energy efficient lighting at the Lexington High
School gym and field house;
(m) An amount, unavailable at press time, for energy improvements at Bridge, Bowman and
Hastings; and
(n) An amount, unavailable at press time, for school vehicles and equipment.
ARTICLE 35 APPROPRIATE FOR SENIOR CENTER DESIGN/
CONCEPTUAL STUDY
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for architectural and engineering
services for planning a community/senior center, including site evaluation necessary in connection
therewith; determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available
funds, by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation
thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: unknown at press time
25
DESCRIPTION: This article seeks the appropriation of additional funding for necessary
conceptual design studies to provide additional and/or enhanced space for meeting the
programmatic needs of the Council on Aging. The studies would include conceptual site,
floor, and parking plan options; facilities audits; code compliance reviews; zoning
requirements; and cost estimates.
ARTICLE 36 APPROPRIATE FOR PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to construct, originally equip and
furnish, a new DPW operations facility at 201 Bedford Street, including architectural and
engineering services necessary in connection therewith; determine whether the money shall be
provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, by borrowing, or by any combination
of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This article requests funds for constructing a new Department of Public
Works facility on the site of the existing facility on Bedford Street. If approved by Town
Meeting, it is anticipated that a debt exclusion vote for the project will be placed on the
ballot for a special election in June 2007.
ARTICLE 37 APPROPRIATE FOR POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to the Town of Lexington Post
Employment Insurance Liability Fund, as established by Chapter 317 of the Acts of 2002,
determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds,
including enterprise funds, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner
in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This article will allow the Town to begin to fund its unfunded liability for
post employment benefits for Town of Lexington retirees. Beginning with the FY2007
audit, the Town will be required to disclose this liability. In preparation for funding this
liability, Town Meeting voted to request special legislation to establish a trust fund for this
purpose. This special legislation was approved in 2002.
ARTICLE 38 RESCIND PRIOR BORROWING AUTHORIZATIONS
To see if the Town will vote to rescind the unused borrowing authority voted under previous Town
meeting articles; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
26
DESCRIPTION: State law requires that Town Meeting vote to rescind authorized and unissued
debt which is no longer required for its intended purpose.
ARTICLE 39 ESTABLISH AND APPROPRIATE TO SPECIFIED
STABILIZATION FUNDS
To see if the Town will vote to create and appropriate sums of money to Stabilization Funds in
accordance with Section 5B of Chapter 40 of the Massachusetts General Laws for the purposes of:
(a) Planning Mitigation, (b) Traffic Mitigation, (c) Transportation Demand Management and (d)
Special Education; determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from
available funds, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation
thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This article proposes to establish and fund Stabilization funds for specific
purposes. Money in those funds may be invested and the interest may then become a part of the
particular fund. The use of these funds may be appropriate for the specific designated purpose
by a two-thirds vote of Town Meeting. The Planning Mitigation, Traffic Mitigation and
Transportation Demand Management Stabilization Funds, if approved, will be funded from
funds paid to the Town by developers.
ARTICLE 40 APPROPRIATE FOR STABILIZATION FUND
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to the previously created
Stabilization Fund in accordance with Section 5B of Chapter 40 of the Massachusetts General
Laws, and to determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from
available funds, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation
thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: Money may be appropriated into the existing Stabilization Fund that may
be invested and the interest may then become part of the fund. The use of these funds may
later be appropriated, by a two-thirds vote of an Annual or Special Town Meeting, for any
lawful purpose.
ARTICLE 41 APPROPRIATE FOR PRIOR YEARS' UNPAID BILLS
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate money to pay any unpaid bills rendered to
the Town for prior years; to determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by
transfer from available funds, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other
manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
27
FUNDS REQUESTED: unknown at press time.
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article to request funds to pay bills after the close of the
fiscal year in which the goods were received or the services performed, and for which no
money was encumbered.
ARTICLE 42 AMEND FY2007 OPERATING BUDGET
To see if the Town will vote to make supplementary appropriations, to be used in conjunction
with money appropriated under Article 17 of the warrant for the 2006 Annual Town Meeting, to
be used during the current fiscal year, or make any other adjustments to the current fiscal year
budget and appropriations that may be necessary; to determine whether the money shall be
provided by transfer from available funds; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: unknown at press time
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article to permit adjustments to current fiscal year
(FY2007) expenditures.
ARTICLE 43 APPROPRIATE FOR AUTHORIZED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
To see if the Town will vote to make supplementary appropriations to be used in conjunction
with money appropriated in prior years for the installation or construction of water mains, sewers
and sewerage systems, drains, streets, buildings, recreational facilities, or other capital
improvements and equipment that have heretofore been authorized; determine whether the
money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from the balances in other articles, by
transfer from available funds, including enterprise funds, by borrowing, or by any combination
of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: unknown at press time.
DESCRIPTION: This is an annual article to request funds for capital improvement project
expenditures that exceed the level of appropriation.
ARTICLE 44 USE OF FUNDS TO REDUCE THE TAX RATE
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money from available funds toward the
reduction of the tax rate for FY2008; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
FUNDS REQUESTED: unknown at press time
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DESCRIPTION: This article requests the use of available funds ("free cash") to reduce the
tax rate. Subject to certain adjustments, "free cash" is surplus revenue less uncollected
overdue real estate and personal property taxes from prior years.
And you are directed to serve this warrant seven days at least before the time of said meeting as
provided in the Bylaws of the Town.
Hereof fail not, and make due return on this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town
Clerk, on or before the time of said meeting.
Given under our hands at Lexington this fifth day of February, A.D., 2007.
Jeanne K. Krieger, Chairman Board
Norman P. Cohen of
Hank Manz Selectmen
A true copy, Attest:
Dana Ham
Constable of Lexington
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