HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-ATM-STM-CEC-rpt CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2°d)
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
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REPORT TO THE
2012 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
2012 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING, April 2, 2012
Released March 23, 2012
Submitted by.
Charles Lamb, Chairman
Ted Edson, Vice-Chairman
William Hurley
David G Kanter
Shirley Stolz
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Summary of Warrant Article Recommendations
has been moved to the end of the report
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Table of Contents
Executive Summary 5
The Mission of the Capital Expenditures Committee 6
How to Read This Report 6
Summary of FY2013 Capital-Budget Requests. 7
Capital Budget 8
Big-Ticket Projects. 8
The Community Preservation Act(CPA) 10
Enterprise-Fund Projects 12
Revolving-Fund Projects 13
Small-Ticket Projects 13
Five-Year Capital Plan. 14
Programs 18
Conservation and Open Space 18
Senior/Community Center 18
Fire 19
Police 21
Library 22
Public Works 22
Public Facilities 27
Recreation 28
Schools 29
Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure (Town-wide) 30
Warrant Article Analysis and Recommendations 31
2012 Special Town Meeting,April 2, 2012 31
STM Article 2 Appropriate For New Estabrook School. 31
2012 Annual Town Meeting 32
Article 7 (3rd Fund Only) Establish and Continue Departmental Revolving Funds—
DPW Compost Operations 32
Culvert Replacement 32
Article 8 Appropriate the FY2013 Community Preservation Committee Operating
Budget and CPA Projects (Multiple Categories) 32
(a) Archives&Records Management/Conservation(historic Resources) 32
(b) Paint Mine Rath Preservation(historic Resources) 33
(c) Mr_=el-Senior Center Upgrade Phase I Construction(Historic Resources) 33
(d) Carl-Memorial Building Upgrade(Historic Resources) 33
(e) CenterPlalelds Drainage Phase III(Open Space) .34
)) Battle Green Area Master Plan implementation—Phase 2(Historic Resources) 35
(g) Lel-HAN—Set Aside/or Housing Acquisition(Community Housing) 35
(h) Buckman Tavern Historic Structures Report/Restore Plan(Historic Resources) 36
(i) Historical Societe-Historic Records Preservation(Historic Resources) 36
(,i) Greeley Tillage Accessible Housing Pro/ect(Community Housing) 37
(k) Busa Faim Debt Service(Potentially Multiple) 37
(I) Cotton Faim Debt Service(Open Space) 37
(m) Administrative Budget 38
Article 9 Land Purchase—Off Grove Street (Purposes TBD) 38
Article 10 Land Purchase—Off Grove Street (Conservation) 39
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Article 11 Appropriate for Recreation Capital Project— 39
(a) Pine Meadows Equipment 39
(b) Park Improvements—fiord CountResin/acing 10
(c) Park andPlaigroundlnprovements 10
(d) Park In pro vementsAthletic Fields 10
Article 12 Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment 41
(a) Public Safeti'Radio Connect/rill' 11
(b) Harant Replacement Protect 11
(c) Street Improvements vements 11
(d) Culvert Replacement 12
(e) DPWEquipment 12
(/) Comprehensive Watershed Storer Water Management System 1.3
(g) Dam Repair 1.3
(h) Storm Drainage improvements& (NPDES) Compliance 1.3
(i) Battle Green Area Master Plan–Parking Traffic Calming and Safe
Pedestrian Access Stud!'–Phase 1 Conceptual Plan 11
(i) Town-wide Signali_ation Improvements 11
(k) Sidewalk_Improvements vements and Easements 11
(I) Concord Avenue Sidewalk Engineering and Easements 15
(m) Street Betterment In pr o vements and Easements 15
(n) Off Site Street Inpr o vemernts Related to the Estabrook School 15
(o) CBD 5k/1ot alk/Street In pro vements/landscaping—D&E 16
(p) Telephone System Replacements Town-wide 16
(q) To wn-tivide Electronic Document Management System 17
Article 13 Appropriate for Water System Improvements 47
Article 14 Appropriate for Wastewater System Improvements 47
(a) Wastewater System_Improvements vements 17
(b) Pun p Station Upgrades 18
Article 15 Appropriate for School Capital Projects and Equipment 48
(a) School Technologi' 18
(b) Classroom and Administrative Furniture 18
Article 16 Appropriate for Public Facilities Capital Projects 49
(a) School Building Envelope and Sistems 19
(b) Evaluation ofMiddle Schools Science Labs and Pei formingAit Spaces 19
(c) Diamond Energy_Improvements
vements 19
(d) A unicipalBuildingEnvelope andSistems 50
(e) White House Stabilization 50
(/) Eitraordinarl-School Repair Protects 51
(g) Public Facilities Bid Documents SZ
(h) Hastings School Natural Gas Conversion SZ
(i) Town-wide Facilities MasterPlan SZ
(!) Grounds T chicle 53
(k) Lexington High School(LHS) Overcrowding—Phase llRenovations 53
(I) School Paving Program 53
Article 19 Rescind Prior Borrowing Authorizations 54
Article 20 Authorize The Establishment of a Minuteman Stabilization Fund 54
Article 21 Establish And Appropriate To Specified Stabilization Funds 54
Article 22 Appropriate to Stabilization Fund 55
Article 23 Appropriate from Debt Service Stabilization Fund 55
Article 26 Appropriate for Authorized Capital Improvements 56
Article 31 Amend General Bylaws—Town Meeting Warrant 56
Summary of Warrant Article Recommendations 58
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Executive Summary
Over the past several months, the Capital Expenditures Committee (CEC) has reviewed proposals from
the municipal departments and school administration as well as various citizens groups. We have fully
vetted all the capital requests, except those listed as"pending" in the table on the insides of the covers and
in the Warrant Article Recommendations. Elimination, refinement, and fine-tuning of these requests have
taken place during this process, therefore, even though not all of the original requests appear in the
Capital motions, Town Meeting will generally observe consensus among the boards and committees
relative to capital articles
On January 24, 2012, voters approved—via a Proposition-21/2 Debt Exclusion—renovations to the Bridge
and Bowman elementary schools and reconstruction of the Estabrook elementary school. An
appropriation for the former project was approved at the Special Town Meeting in November 2011, but
due to procedural issues involved with MSBA funding, the appropriation for the latter project comes after
the referendum. This appropriation will be voted on by a Special Town Meeting (STM) on April 2, 2012
As Town Meeting had supported putting both the renovation and the reconstruction funding to the voters
for approval as a debt exclusion, the Board of Selectmen (BoS) took that action, and the voters have
already approved that exclusion, it is anticipated that the STM deliberation will be short and its vote a
formality
The Committee applauds the voters the Town Meeting Members the School Committee the BoS and the
School and Town staffs for their leadership in advancing these two critical projects
The Community Preservation Act (CPA) in Lexington is now six years old. The last of the only debt-
service payments that are currently an obligation of the Community Preservation Fund will be
appropriated at this Annual Town Meeting. The elimination of those payments will create nearly
$2 million of CPA capacity in FY2014 for new or continuing projects.
The Town continues to confront many "big ticket" projects (i.e., over $1 million), including (in no
particular order and not meant to be all inclusive)
• Roads and Sidewalks—a continuing need
• Stone Building (previously the East Lexington Library)post-stabilization renovation
• Police Station renovation
• Fire Headquarters renovation
• Town Office Building renovation (substantially complete, elevator upgrade this summer)
• Senior/Community Center
• Use of the "White House" Site (1557 Massachusetts Avenue, last used by the School
Administration, previously the Barnes property; historic core building is the Hammond A.
Hosmer House)
• Traffic Mitigation—a continuing need
• Community(Affordable) Housing
• Conservation/Open Space Land
• Recreation Facilities—a continuing need
• West Lexington Greenway Corridor Implementation
• School Buildings Renovation& Reconstruction
• Minuteman Career& Technical High School renovation
Continued leadership and cooperation by the BoS, School Committee, Community Preservation
Committee, and Permanent Building Committee are needed to rationalize, refine, prioritize and schedule
these projects for the next several years—with realistic numbers put forth in the 5-year projections—as it
is certain that we cannot afford to do all of them within the foreseeable future We note that Article 16(1)
proposes a Town-wide Facility Master Plan, which will help in making some headway in prioritizing this
list.
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
The Mission of the Capital Expenditures Committee
From the Code of the Town of Lexington (§29-13)
A Each year the Capital Expenditures Committee shall request and receive from the
Town boards and departments a list of all capital expenditures that may be required
within the ensuing five-year period The Committee shall consider the relative need
timing and cost of these projects the adequacy thereof and the effect these
expenditures might have on the financial position of the Town
B The Committee shall prior to each annual meeting for the transaction of business
prepare publish and distribute by making copies available at the office of the Town
Clerk and at Cary Memorial Library and by mailing or otherwise distributing to
each town meeting member a report of its findings setting forth a list of all such
capital expenditures together with the committee's recommendations as to the
projects that should be undertaken within the five-year period and the approximate
date on which each recommended project should be started. This publication may be
combined with and distributed at the same time as the Appropriation Committee
Report
From the Code of the Town of Lexington (529-26)
the Capital Expenditures Committee shall state whether it endorses each
recommendation of the Community Preservation Committee
How to Read This Report
Our report is divided into four sections
• An overview of capital projects in Lexington,
• Presentation of a five-year capital budget;
• Spending history and general capital plan for each department and program, and
• This year's capital articles.
Where our narrative includes a "See Article ", it is referring you to that Article in the last section—
"Warrant Article Analysis and Recommendations" In that section you will find.
We have quoted from the Town's or a Town Committee's documentation for each of the
Articles on which we are reporting. If we believe that quote has both adequately
described the proposed work and satisfactorily made the case for the Town's need, at
least for the purpose of your deliberations—which is often the case—you will not find us
paraphrasing or otherwise reiterating either of those matters in this report. However,
additional narrative is included if we don't feel that is the case
Our Committee's recommendations and how we voted are shown only in the boxed
header for each Article and, if applicable, in any sub-elements unless there are further
comments on our recommendation. If there are such comments, they will be in italics at
the end of the text below the boxed header
Our oral report on Town Meeting floor will verify our written report and present any new information not
available as of this writing. When we report on a capital article on Town Meeting floor during the
deliberations, a committee member will provide the committee's recommendation and, if applicable,
comments related to that recommendation.
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Summary of FY2013 Capital-Budget Requests
I Requests CEC
ITax Levy Recommended
Art. I Debt I Cash1 E terprs a State Chap.90 Approp.& Difference from
(Roads) Auth.Other Total Total
Community/Economic Development I
19(&)10 Land Acquisaint Mine itionarn Preservation TBD $34 7701 $34 7701
TBD I
I Public Safety I
I12(a) Public Safety Radio Connectivity I I $50,0001 I I I $50,0001 I
I Culture and Recreation I
I11(a) Pine Meadows Equipment $46,000 $46,000 I
I11(b) Park Improve-Hard Court Resurface $120,000 $120,000 I
I11(c) Park and Playground Improvements $65,000 $65,000 I
I11(d) Park Improvements Athletic Fields $60,000 $60,000 I
I Public Facilities Department I
ISTM2 Estabrook School Reconstruct $39,742,2481 I I I $39,742,248 I
I16(e) White House Stabilization None None $381 0001
I16(a) School Building Envelope&Sys $215,000 $215,000 I
I16(b) Middle School Science Labs& $35,000 $35,000
Performing Art Spaces
I16(c) Diamond Energy Improvements $25,000 $25,000 I
I16(d) Municipal Building Envelope&Sys $169,711 $169,711 I
I8(c) Muzzey Senior Ctr Upgrade-Phase 1 $561,518 $561,518 I
I8(d) Cary Mem.Bldg Upgrades Design 12 $75,000 $75,000
16(f) Extraordinary School Repair Projects $287 685 $322,315 $610,000
16(g) DPF Bid Documents $75,000 $75,000
16(h) Hastings Natural Gas Conversion $45,000 $45,000
16(i) Town Wide Facility Master Plan $65,000 $65,000
16(j) Grounds Vehicle Replacement $80,000 $80,000
16(k) LHS Overcrowding Phase II Renovate $400,000 $400,000
16(1) School Paving Program $100,000 $100,000
Public Works Department I
I12(b) Hydrant Replacement Program $25,000 $25,000 $50,000 I
I12(c) Street Improvements $1 025,586 $930,607 $1,956,193 I
I12(o) CBD Streetscape-D&E $240,000 $240,000 I
7& Town-Wide Culvert replacement $65,000 $325,000 $390,000
12(d)
12(e) DPW Equipment $358,610 $155,390 $81 000 $595,000
12(f) Comp Watershed Storm Water Mgmt. $65,000 $100,000 $165,000
8(e) Center Playfields Drainage Phase III $605,718 $605,718
12(n) Off-Site Street Improve-Estabrook $170,000 $170,000
12(9) Dam Repair $260,000 $260,000
12(h) Storm Drainage Improve&NPDES $340,000 $340,000
8(f) Battle Green Area Master Plan $143,845 $143,845
Implementation Phase 11
12(i) Battle Green Area Master Plan $60,000 $60,000
Parking Phase 1 Conceptual Plan
12(j) Townwide Signalization Improvements $119,532 $5,468 $125,000
12(k) Sidewalk Improvements $300,000 $300,000
12(1) Concord Avenue Sidewalk $250,000 $250,000
13 Water Distribution Sys Improvements $900,000 $900,000
14(a) Wastewater System Improvements $1,200,000 $1,200,000
14(b) Pump Station Upgrades $100,000 $100,000
Lexington Public Schools I
I15(a) SystemwideTechnology I $833,6761$ 168,3241 I I 1 $1002,0001 I
I15(b) Classroom&Administrative Furniture $83,000 $83,000 I
I General Government I
I8(a) Archives&Records M9mnt/Conserve I $150,0001 I $$515901,000000 I
I12(p) Town-wide Telephone Sys Replace $591 000 I
I12(q) Town-wide Electronic Doc Mgmt.Sys $145,000 $145,000 I
I Community-Wide(CPA Funded)3 I
18(g) LexHab Set-Aside Funds $450,000 $450,000 ($450,000)1
18(h) Buckman Tavern Historic Structure $65,000 $65,000
Report/Restoration Plans
18(i) Historical Society Historic Records $77,268 $77,268
Preservation
18W Greeley Village Accessible Housing $810,673 $810,673 I
Totals' 4;44,045,751 I $5,895,5861 $2,352,0001 $938,6871 $575,0001 $53,798,9441 ($69,888)1
All types(including set-aside for roads from FY2001 Override) see the Summary on the inside of the covers or the Warrant Article Analysis
for the specific types.
2 Recommended by the CPC at$550,000
3 Not shown are$150,000 for the CPC's Administrative Budget(Article 8(m)) $930,300 for the last-year debt service for the FY2010 purchase
of the Busa-Farm land(Article 8(k)),$1 000,000 to cover the last debt service on the FY2011 purchase of the Cotton-Farm land(Article 8(1)),
and$124 057 for debt service using State reimbursement for school upgrade project(Article 23).
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Capital Budget
Lexington allocates appropriate resources to needed capital projects by considering them in four
categories
• Big-ticket projects (greater than$1,000,000),
• Small-ticket projects (between$25,000 and$1,000,000),
• Enterprise & Revolving Funds projects (greater than $25,000), and
• Community Preservation Fund projects (any dollar amount)
The Capital Expenditures Committee
• Assesses capital needs brought forward by each department (municipal and schools) as well as the
Community Preservation Committee (CPC) through the annual budgeting process,
• Works with those departments and the CPC to identify their anticipated capital needs during the next
five years, and
• Independently examines public facilities (including infrastructure systems) and prospective longer-
term needs, as well as issues and such facilities not being addressed within any department.
• Through this report and in presentations, this Committee advises Town Meeting about the necessary
and prudent investments to maintain, improve, and create new facilities required to serve Lexington
citizens safely, effectively, and efficiently During the year, Committee members also work with and
advise staff members in various departments, consult with other public committees, and make our
views known to the Selectmen and School Committee, in an effort to shape a responsible capital
budget for Lexington residents.
Please note these important caveats
• All cost figures are estimates. The degree of accuracy varies by project. Those projected several
years into the future are the most uncertain. They are subject to refinement as projects are designed,
bid, and built. Even relatively near-term work is subject to cost uncertainties until projects are bid
and contracts signed as material, labor, and contract-management costs are often highly variable—
even over a period of just a few months.
• The scope of future projects is often highly uncertain. Accordingly, project budgets are subject to
significant revision as the work is defined through the political and budgeting processes.
• Dates for appropriations and taxpayer impact of financing projects are given in fiscal years,
beginning July 1,unless otherwise specified.
Big-Ticket Projects
Big-ticket capital projects typically cost at least $1 million, for financing purposes, they satisfy the
conditions under which the Town is permitted to borrow funds for at least 10 years (their expected service
life is at least that long) Such projects obviously require both careful analysis and budgeting, and broad
support.
The Town Manager and Selectmen's capital policy has generally maintained that such big-ticket projects
(but not necessarily including those proposed for funding under the CPA) will be funded through
borrowing, consistent with their expected life and with responsible annual budgeting for operating needs.
Further, this borrowing is generally done through voter-approved"debt-exclusion" overrides,which place
the costs of financing these projects outside the Proposition 2'/2 tax-levy limit. The latter goal has not
always been satisfied. The Town's share of the costs to renovate Cary Memorial Library, for example,
was absorbed within the operating budget; so were certain additional costs associated with the renovation
of the secondary schools (this project was originally approved by voters in a debt-exclusion override) In
each case, it was imperative to proceed within the time available for the projects to qualify for substantial
State funding; accordingly, debt-exclusion overrides could not be scheduled. At the 2008 Annual Town
Meeting, the Woburn Street reconstruction ($1 4 million, including $700,000 of the State's Chapter 90
funding) was funded without a debt-exclusion, largely because it would be too much to ask voters to
approve debt-exclusions in consecutive years. The authorization at the 2009 May Special Town Meeting
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
to purchase the Busa property (total cost $4 197 million) did not require a debt-exclusion vote as it uses
CPA funds. Similarly, at the 2010 Annual Town Meeting, the Town Office Building Renovation—a
$1 825 million appropriation, of which $1.500 million was funded under the CPA—was funded without a
debt-exclusion vote It is important to bear these cases in mind in thinking about major capital
investments. Thus, not every big-ticket project, or element of an existing project, is subjected to a debt-
exclusion vote When they are not—with the exception of those using CPA funds—the costs are absorbed
within the operating budget,which has significant implications for the financing of other Town needs.
Further, the existence of the Community Preservation Fund (CPF) in Lexington has also resulted in
serious debate as to whether, and if so, when CPA-funded Big-Ticket items should be funded with debt.
The 2009 Annual Town Meeting approved the purchase of the Busa property using debt. Subsequently,
the CPC, BoS, CEC, Appropriation Committee, and Town staff held discussions regarding CPF reserve
and debt-versus-cash financing policies and concluded that reserves of $2 million in the CPF are
appropriate Further discussions recommended short-term bonding for the Busa property, consistent with
those policies. This Committee endorsed the policies and the specific bonding for the Busa property The
2010 Annual Town Meeting approved the purchase of the Cotton Farm property—once again with short-
term financing.
The Projects Agenda
Among the big-ticket items Lexington is currently undertaking or may undertake in the future,
we note and provide an update here on these from our last-year's report:
• Renovation or reconstruction of the White House Its future use is uncertain, but given its current
state of deterioration, under normal circumstances it will need considerable attention in the near
future (For the time being, we have been told that a total demolition or moving off the current
site would not be allowed by the Town's Historic District Commission and that sale or lease of
the property to a commercial entity is not planned.) The property is under control of the BoS and,
as of this report, it has not designated any use for the site This year, Article 16(e) requests funds
to demolish one part of the house and stabilize the remaining,historic,portion.
• Renovation or replacement of three elementary schools and renovation at the high school. The
January 24, 2012, voter referendum approved funds to advance the elementary school projects.
The Special Town Meeting on April 2, 2012, will provide final approval of funds for the
Estabrook School replacement. Annual Town Meeting Article 16(k) addresses the high school.
• Renovation of the Stone Building at 735 Massachusetts Avenue No funds are being requested for
this project at this Town Meeting.
• Reconstruction of several major arterial roads. There are several arterial roads that need
reconstructing, probably through a debt exclusion. There is also the matter of the large amount of
work that is needed on our sidewalks—both in the Central Business District(CBD) and elsewhere
in Town. While we are not aware, as of this report, of any plans for a debt exclusion for roads or
sidewalks, see Article 12(c) for the FY2013 funding.
• Police Station renovations to accommodate improved working efficiencies. No funds are being
requested at this Town Meeting.
• Fire station headquarters redesign and renovations. No funds are being requested at this Town
Meeting.
• West Lexington Greenway This is the proposed trail system west of I95/Route 128 to connect the
Minuteman Bikeway and the Minuteman National Historic Park. No funds are being requested at
this Town Meeting.
• Traffic Mitigation. Minor funds are being requested at this Town Meeting. (See Article 12(1))
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
The Community Preservation Act (CPA)
On March 6, 2006, Lexington voters approved adopting the CPA for our Town at the level of a
3% surcharge on property taxes. The proceeds under the CPA may be used for various capital projects
within the categories of Community Housing, Historic Resources, Open Space, and Recreational Use
(There are limitations in the Act regarding which projects within those categories can be funded under the
Act.) According to the CPC's "CPF Account Balances" & "FY2013 Commitments, Projects and
Administrative Costs", both updated March 9, 2012, as of July 1, 2011, Town Meeting approved
$25,336,810 of projects that the CPC has recommended to Town Meeting. Of that, $5,552,441 (21.9%)
was for Community Housing, $6,232,678 (24 6%) for Historic Resources, $6,483,017 (25 6%) for Open
Space, $2,749,674 (10.9%) for Recreational Use, and $4,319,000 (17 0%) for pending purpose(s) (i.e., the
full approval for the Busa Farm purchase and related expenses) Also, a yearly amount (now $150,000—
and $580,000 to that date) is for the Administrative Budget—with unneeded funds returned,yearly
At this time, if all of the CPC-recommended project & debt appropriations (See Article 8) (but excluding
the $150,000 Administrative Budget)—which total $5,379,092—are approved by this Town Meeting, this
would add(with percentages of that projects & debt total) $1,260,673 (23 4.5%) for Community Housing,
$1,582,401 (29 4%) for Historic Resources, $1,000,000 (18 6%) for Open Space (i.e., the appropriation
for the Cotton Farm purchase's 3rd of 3 debt-service payments), $605,718 (11.3%) for Recreational Use,
and $930,300 (17.3%) for pending purpose(s) (i.e., the appropriation for the Busa-Farm purchase's 3rd of
3 debt-service payments) Note At the time of writing this report there is no agreement with the owner of
the Wright Farm as to its sale to the Town—which would be covered under either Article 9 or 10—so the
CPC has not been asked to address whether it would recommend some or all of such a purchase be
funded using the CPF hence that matter cannot be included in this paragraph
Our CPA-surcharge funding is eligible for supplemental State funding—which is always based on each
town's prior-fiscal-year's property-tax surcharges—although the percentage is not guaranteed. For those
communities that have adopted the maximum 3% surcharge—as Lexington has done—when there aren't
sufficient funds for a 100% match, the State does a 2"-round, and potentially 3rd-round, calculation to
determine the final supplemental funding.
As the supplements are funded from the State's CPA Trust Funded—which gets its revenue from
surcharges on the fees on property transactions at the Registry of Deeds, the full extent of the impact on
those fees because of the state of the recovery from the economic recession is unknown and, thus, there is
uncertainty about the level of future State-supplement funding. A bill that made good progress in the last
session of the State Legislature has been re-filed in the current session. Along with addressing other
changes to the CPA, the bill would set the minimum, annual, supplemental percentage at 75% The bill
has 25 co-sponsors in the state Senate and 89 in the state House—a majority in each case At the time of
writing this report, it was in the House Committee on Ways and Means, however, there is no assurance of
if and when it would be passed and signed by the Governor
This has been the history of distributions at the State level under the CPA in the years relevant to
Lexington.
For Communities Having Adopted CPA(out of total of 351)
Year in which Percentage of Total of all CPA Total Supplement
supplement distributed Number Massachusetts Surcharges($M) Amount($M) Percentage
FY2008 113 32.2% $68 1 $68 1 100 0%
FY2009 127 36.2% $74 1 $54 6 73.7%
FY2010 135 38 5% $78.2 $31 6 40 4%
FY2011 142 40 5% $82.0 $25 9 31 6%
FY2012 143 40 7% $84 8 $26.2 30 9%
Totals $387.2 I $206 4 53.3%
Note: Five communities which have previously voted to accept the CPA will be eligible to receive their first
supplement in FY2013
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
And here is the supplemental funding received by Lexington from the State, along with a projection for
FY2013
Year in which Prior-Year's CPA State Supplement Percentage Total Suppl
supplement received Surcharge Collectedt 1st Round 2nd Round 3rd Round Total Amount
FY2008(Actual) $2,556,362 100.0% N/A N/A 100.0% $2,556,362
FY2009(Actual) $2,777,882 67 6% 1.8% N/A 69 4% $1,927,708
FY2010(Actual) $2,931,678 34.8% 0 9% 0.5% 36.2% $1,060,390
FY2011 (Actual) $3,042,587 27.2% 0 6% 0 4% 28.2% $858,729
FY2012(Actual) $3,206,117 26.6% 0 6% 0 4% 27 6% $885,463
Total Actual I $14,514,626 Received to date. 50.2% $7,288,652
FY2013(Projected) I $3,342,000 TBD I TBD I TBD 23.0% $768,000
Totals incuding projected:I $17,856,6261 45.1% $8,056,6521
The"actuals"are the net amounts as used by the State,the"projected"is the Town's projection for the gross collection
At this time, the latest estimate by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) with regard to the
potential supplement percentage for FY2013 is that the 1't Round should be 22% (As shown above, our
recent experience in the 2nd & 3rd rounds has been an additional 1 0% ) For the FY2013 projections in the
above table, we're using the same values as the Town is using (i.e., $23%)—which are shown in the
Brown Book(Appendix C,Page C-3)
Although there are other factors that will reduce the size of the State's CPA Trust Fund from which the
supplements are made (e g., its administrative expenses and interest earned on that Fund), the following is
a year-to-year comparison of CPA Trust Fund collections at the Registry of Deeds, its revenue source, for
the first five months of this Trust-Fund year—the latest data we have been given, so far
CPA Trust Fund Collections at the Registry of Deeds ($M)
Months FY2011 FY2012 Change Percentage
Oct $2 479 $2 045 -$0 434 -17 5%
Nov $2 442 $2 187 -$0.255 -10 4%
Dec $2 530 $2 364 -$0 166 -6 6%
Jan $2 756 $2 512 -$0.245 -8 9%
Feb $2 303 $2 174 -$0 129 -5 6%
Totals $12 511 I $11.282 I -$1.229 I -9 8%
Source Massachusetts Department ot Revenue's (DOB's) Monthly Reports ot
Collections& Refunds("Blue Book")
t The month of the DOR's "Blue Book" Although fees allocatable to the CPA
Trust Fund are collected in each month, the July through April collections are
reported in the subsequent month's report, and then the May & June
collections are combined and reported in the June report.
We believe the Town-projected supplement for this year is conservative The 23% rate is 4 6% less than
last-year's actual rate That change represents a 17% reduction of last-year's actual rate—which is more
of a reduction than the collections so far for this Trust Year, as shown in the preceding table, would
suggest. The Town, however, will receive whatever amount is determined by the DOR—whether more or
less than the Town's projection—when the DOR uses the established formula to determine each
participating municipality's share of the distribution that is made in October of each year
As the projected balance in the CPF if all proposed projects and the administrative budget for FY2013
were approved at the amounts in the Brown Book—which differs only with the Cary Memorial Building
Project being proposed to be funded at $75,000 rather than $550,000—is presently calculated to be at
least $1,975,825 [Discussion, March 9, 2012, with the Assistant Town Manager for Finance]1, land-
acquisition funding, if any, would not be a significant impact in FY2013 Therefore, even a modest
reduction from the estimated supplement amount would not be a material consequence So while the
1 If Town Meeting should accept this Committee's recommendation that there be no LexHAB set-aside
(Article 8(g)) this year, the projected balance would increase by$450,000 to $2,425,825
11
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
supplement level has fallen substantially since our first year, we emphasize that even at the DOR's
currently estimated 1't Round percentage—which will be bolstered by some, small, increase from the
additional Rounds—our Town will continue to receive significant help from the State toward the cost of
our CPA-funded projects.
With that estimated balance' after all currently contemplated FY2013 actions, our projection for the CPA
funding available for FY2014 would be as follows
Source Amount
Projected End-of-FY2013 Balance $1,975,825
Estimated FY2014 Surcharge at 3% Rate with –3 5% $3,600,000
increase over FY2012 Budgeted Surcharge
Estimate State Supplement Received in FY2014 at–23% $800,000
of FY2013 Budgeted Surcharge
Estimated FY2014 Interest Income on the CPF Balance $17,000
(same as FY2013)
Estimated Total Available for FY2014 $6,392,825
Less any existing obligations (At the time of writing this TBD
report, that likely would only be the debt service if the
Wright Farm has been purchased using some or all
funding from the CPF Currently that would be under 2012
ATM Articles 9 or 10)
Remaining, Estimated, Discretionary Funding Available in I BL)
FY2014 with Surcharge at Current Percentage
Projects are put forth to Town Meeting for action by a Community Preservation Committee (CPC) whose
membership, in our Town, is prescribed in the Code of Lexington as follows
§ 29-23A. There is hereby established a Community Preservation Committee pursuant to Section
5 of Chapter 44B of the General Laws (the "Act") consisting of nine members. The Board of
Selectmen shall appoint three members of the Community Preservation Committee and the
following bodies shall each select one of its members for membership on the Community
Preservation Committee the Conservation Commission, the Planning Board, the Recreation
Committee, the Historical Commission, the Housing Authority and the Housing Partnership
Town Meeting only has the options of approval, reduction, or disapproval, it cannot change the purpose,
but Town Counsel has provided an opinion that Town Meeting can change the funding mechanism (cash
or debt) As with any capital project, the CEC will give our recommendation on each of the projects put
before the Town Meeting. (See Article 8)
The CPA provides an alternative funding mechanism for capital projects. The CPA creates a separate
pool of money that can be used for a limited set of projects and cannot be prioritized against the Town's
traditional capital needs It is this dichotomy of funds and debate that is challenging
See the CPA Summary in the Brown Book (Appendix C, Page C-3) for a summary of the CPF status as
of its publication on March 2nd of this year
Enterprise-Fund Projects
The Town operates three enterprise funds for revenue-producing activities funded outside the tax levy by
user fees (water distribution, wastewater distribution [sanitary sewers], and certain recreation services,
such as the golf course, swimming pools, and tennis courts) (Recreational playground equipment, in
contrast, is not fee generating, and capital investment for such equipment is therefore funded as part of the
small-ticket program.) $100,000 per year is paid from the Recreation Enterprise Fund for Lincoln Field
As footnoted on the previous page, without a LexHAB set-aside in FY2013, the end-of-FY2013
projected balance increases to $2,425,825 that, in turn, would increase the Estimated Total Available for
FY2014 to $6,842,825
12
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
debt service (which is expected to continue until February 1, 2018,when that debt will be retired) Unlike
property-tax revenues, enterprise-fund fees are not subject to a limit under Proposition 2'/2.
Coming before this Town Meeting is one Recreation Enterprise-funded project (see Article (11(a)), one
project funded entirely with Water Enterprise funds (see Article 13), and two projects funded entirely
with Wastewater Enterprise funds (see Article 14) In addition, Water and Wastewater Enterprise Funds
are sometimes used to buy heavy trucks and equipment, usually for joint by the respective Divisions. In
FY2013, an F450 truck will be purchased for such joint use by the Water and Wastewater Divisions using
both of their Enterprise Funds. (See Article 12(e))
From a capital standpoint, enterprise-funded projects are evaluated in terms of service and cost. For
example, Recreation-Enterprise Fund funds have been used to initiate renovations and improvements
to the Irving H. Mabee Pool Complex. Approved at the 2010 ATM was Recreation-Enterprise funding for
the replacement of the hot-water, ventilation, and exhaust systems, and addressing compliance and safety
issues. Funding requested in FY2013 will complete the project—again using Recreation-Enterprise funds.
Revolving-Fund Projects
Revolving funds established under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44,
Section 53E'/2, 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, for those programs.
Revolving funds are usually expended to cover non-capital costs and, therefore, this Committee normally
doesn't report on their annual authorizations. However, as the Town Manager is planning to expend up to
$325,000 in FY2013 under the DPW Compost Facility Revolving Fund for one Capital project, we are
including it in this report.
At the FY2011 ATM, under Article 7(a), the surveying, design, and permitting was funded in preparation
for the replacement of three deteriorated culverts under the access road to the Hartwell Avenue Compost
Facility This year the construction funds are being requested. (See Article 7)
Small-Ticket Projects
Small-ticket capital projects are funded from the tax levy and do not qualify as big-ticket projects.
Generally, they cost between $25,000 (the minimum qualification for consideration as a capital
expenditure—except for those funded by the CPF) and $1 million, and represent projects that should be
funded on a regular, timely basis to maintain Town infrastructure With the creation of the Department of
Public Facilities as well as the Building Envelope "set-aside"passed in the June 2006 operating override,
a new emphasis has been placed on continual infrastructure maintenance—a move that this Committee
naturally applauds. We continue to work closely with the stewards of our assets to prioritize, plan, and
project such work for a period of five years or more
13
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Five-Year Capital Plan
The table on the next three pages summarizes the five-year capital plan that this Committee is submitting
for Town Meeting consideration. It reflects the FY2013 amounts whose appropriation we expect to be
requested at the 2012 ATM—as addressed in this report—and the contemplated FY2014–FY2017
requests. We started with what is shown in the Brown Book, Pages XI-21 & 22 Those requests have been
updated based on any later information we received and we have made numerous, additional, entries in
the out years where this Committee feels funding might well be requested based on earlier studies, design
& engineering work, or the existence of a multi-phase project; but where, to our knowledge, there is,
often no formal position taken by the Town. In that vein, there are important caveats to that table
• Please see the footnotes for some information on the status of many of the entries and how this
Committee's position differs from that presented by the Town in the Brown Book.
• As noted earlier in the Executive Summary, there are a very-large number of Big-Ticket Projects
facing this Town in the near future—whether for funding by the GF (either within levy or more
likely via excluded debt, if approved by the voters) or the CPF—and not all of them are shown in
the out-years of this five-year plan (e g., this Committee has the replacement of the Fire
Department's aerial truck, estimated at $1 million, as being in FY2019, as just one example) Even
without the values of the TBD entries—which will inevitably total many millions of dollars once
determined—the total of the now-cited out-year items in our table is $79 6 million. That total for
those 4 years is, on average per year, 42.3% more than the FY2013 request not including the
additional funding for the new Estabrook Elementary School. Even with some successful debt-
exclusion referendums, that will likely require major reprogramming of those out-year projects.
While this Committee appreciates the Town's concern about citing a very preliminary estimate for
a project whose scope and timing are not at all well defined at this point in time—such that any
such number or timing may become contentious when later, better-defined, dollar values, execution
dates, and planned funding sources are developed—this Committee finds the current approach
untenable when there's a prescribed need to present, evaluate, and make recommendations on the
Town's five-year capital needs. This Committee, therefore, is very pleased to see there is funding in
FY2013 to begin the process for developing a formal, Town-wide, Facilities Master Plan for the
Municipal facilities. (See Article 16(1)) We continue to urge the Town to present a prioritized and
time-phased list of such Big-Ticket Projects and indicate the plan for funding of its current best
guess of the likely costs.
14
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
CEC FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL PLAN (FY2013-FY2017)1
Capital Project Requests I FY2013 I I Non-TBD
(by executing department) I Request I FY2014 Plan I FY2015 Plan I FY2016 Plan FY2017 Plan I Total
Fire
Software(Police&Fire/EMS) See joint entry below under Police
Ambulance Replacement $250,000 $250,000
Fire Pumper Replacement $495,000 $495,000
Aerial(Ladder)Truck Replacement2 $0
Portable Radio Replacement $50,000 $50,000
Public Safety Radio Connectivty $50,000 TBD TBD
Subtotal-FireI $50,000 I $0 j $300,000 I $0 I $495,000 I $795,000
Information Technology(IT)/Management Information Systems(MIS)
Head-End Equipment Replacement $60,000 $125,000 $250,000 $435,000
MIS Technology Improvement Program $140,000 $64,000 $204,000
Replace Town-wide Phone Systems $591,000 $146,000 $255,000 $52,000 $204,000 $1,248,000
Town-wide Electronic Document Managment System $145,000 $60,000 $205,000
Subtotal-IT/MIS I $736,000 I $406,000 I $380,000 I $366,000 I $204,000 I $2,092,000
Police
Software(Police&Fire/EMS)(Joint Entry)3 I I I $10,000 I $400,000 I I $410,000
Subtotal-Police I $0 I $0 I $10,000 I $400,000 I $0 I $410,000
Public Facilities
Town-wide Facilities Master Plan $65,000 $65,000
Public Facilities Grounds Vehicle $80,000 $50,000 $130,000
Public Facilities Bid Documents $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $375,000
Energy Saving Projects $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $400,000
East Lexington Fire Station Physical Fitness Room4 TBD TBD
Fire Station Interim Improvements5 $250,000 $250,000
Fire Headquarters Replacement/Renovation6 TBD TBD
Police Station;Renovation and Add-on D&E TBD TBD
Municipal Building Envelope and Systems $169,711 $173,954 $178,302 $182,760 $187,329 $892,056
Cary Memorial Building Upgrade $75,000 $500,000 $7,200,000 $7 775,000
Muzzey Senior Ctr Upgrade-Phase II Construction $561,518 $478,926 $1,040,444
Community Center TBD TBD
Restoration of the Stone Building TBD TBD
White House Stabilization8 $381,000 TBD TBD
Visitor Center Renovations and Expansion $255,000 $1 402,500 $1,657,500
School Building Roofing Program $157,930 $396,162 $554,092
School Building Envelope Program $215,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $1,015,000
School Building Flooring Program $125,000 $125,000 $125,000 $125,000 $125,000 $625,000
School Window Treatments Extraordinary Repair $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $25,000 $175,000
School Paving Program $100,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $325,000
School Interior Painting Program $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $600,000
Student Svc Rm Mod for Hearing Impaired Students9 TBD TBD
Extraordinary School Repairs10 $435,000 $450,000 $475,000 $500,000 $525,000 $2,385,000
Estabrook Elementary School $39,742,248 $39,742,248
LHS Overcrowding $400,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $1 150,000
Hastings Elementary School Rebuild/Restore D&E11 TBD TBD
LHS Heating Systems Upgrade Phases 2,3&4 $250,000 $1 150,000 $2,250,000 $3,650,000
Hastings Natural Gas Conversion $45,000 $45,000
Diamond Energy Improvements $25,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $825,000
Clarke&Diamond Auditorium Upgrades TBD TBD
Middle School Science and Performing Arts Spaces $35,000 $465,000 I $175,000 I $675,000
Library Material Handling and Workflow System $75,000 I 1 $75,000
Subtotal-Public Facilities I $42,579,477 I $4,330,810 I $11,805,802 I $4,528,922 I $1,562,329 I $64,426,340
Public Works
Center Playfields Drainage Implementation Phase $605,718 $605,718
Mass Ave Three Intersections Improvement $212,500 $262,500 $40,000 $6,000,000 $6,515,000
Dam Repair $260,000 $10,000 $100,000 $400,000 $770,000
Street Improvements $1,956,193 $1,820,068 $1,842,305 $1,865,097 $1,888,459 $9,372,122
Estabrook School Off-Site Street Improvements12 $170,000 $1,600,000 $1 770,000
Water Distribution System Improvements $900,000 $900,000 $900,000 $900,000 $900,000 $4,500,000
Wastewater System Improvements $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $6,000,000
Town-wide Culvert Replacement $390,000 $390,000 $390,000 $390,000 $390,000 $1,950,000
Storm Drainage Improvements and NPDES compliance $340,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $2,340,000
DPW Equipment $595,000 $861,900 $623,376 $604,200 $691,200 $3,375,676
Hastings Park Irrigation $70,000 $70,000
Continued on next page
15
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
CEC FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL PLAN (FY2O13-FY2O17) (continued)1
Capital Project Requests FY2013 Non-TBD
(by executing department) Request FY2014 Plan FY2015 Plan FY2016 Plan FY2017 Plan Total
Hydrant Replacement Program $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $250,000
Comprehensive Watershed Storm Water Management $165,000 $390,000 $390,000 $390,000 $390,000 $1 725,000
Study and Implementation
Town-wide Signalization Improvements $125,000 $125,000 $125,000 $125,000 $125,000 $625,000
Automatic Meter Reading System 13 $707,250 $546,000 $546,000 $1 799,250
Pump Station Upgrade Program14 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $300,000
Pump Station Emergency Power Program 15 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $300,000
Battle Green Area Master Plan-Implementation 16 $143,845 $469 755 $613,600
Battle Green Area Master Plan-Traffic-Related17 $60,000 $130,000 $190,000
CBD Sidewalk/Street Improvement/Landscaping18 $240,000 $1,300,000 $1,300,000 $1 400,000 $4,240,000
Traffic Mitigation $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $200,000
Sidewalk Improvement $300,000 $400,000 $400,000 $400,000 $400,000 $1,900,000
Park Improvements Athletic Fields $60,000 $250,000 $310,000 $320,000 $200,000 $1 140,000
Concord Avenue Sidewalks $250,000 $2,000,000 $2,250,000
Subtotal-Public Works I $7,910,756 I $13,636,473 I $9,189,181 I $9,280,297 I $12,784,659 I $52,801,366
Library
RFID Conversion Project I I $150,000 I I I I $150,000
Subtotal-Library I $0 I $150,000 I I I I $150,000
Recreation
Park Improvements-Hard Court Resurfacing $120,000 $85,000 $50,000 $50,000 $305,000
Center Track Area Reconstruction $3,000,000 $3,000,000
Busa Recreation Use19 $0
Town Pool Renovation $1 153,600 $1 153,600
Pine Meadows Equipment $46,000 $52,000 $45,000 $143,000
Athletic Facility Lighting $269 469 $459,370 $728,839
Pine Meadows Improvements $267,000 $267,000
Park and Playground Improvements $65,000 $80,000 $65,000 I $65,000 $65,000 $340,000
ADA Accessibility Study $50,000 I $50,000
Subtotal-Recreation $231,000 $349 469 $519,000 I $619,370 $4,268,600 $5,987 439
Schools
Technology Capital Request $1,002,000 $1,050,000 I $900,000 I $800,000 I $800,000 $4,552,000
Systemwide Replacement of Clock and Bell System20 TBD TBD
Food Service Equipment21 TBD TBD
Classroom and Administrative Furniture $83,000 $100,000 I $100,000 I $100,000 I $100,000 $483,000
Subtotal-Schools I $1,085,000 I $1 150,000 I $1,000,000 I $900,000 I $900,000 I $5,035,000
Miscellaneous Municipal
Community Housing on the Leary Property22 TBD TBD TBD
Community Housing on the Busa Property23 TBD TBD TBD
Antony Park24 TBD TBD
!Archives&Records Management/Records $150,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $230,000
Conservation&Preservation
Subtotal-Miscellaneous Municipal I $150,000 I $20,000 I $20,000 I $20,000 I $20,000 I $230,000
I Community-Wide(CPF Funded)25
I Paint Mine Barn Preservation $34 770 I I I $34 770
I LexHAB Set-Aside Housing Acquisition26 TBD TBD
I Buckman Tavern Historic Structures Report/Restore $65,000 I I $65,000
I Historical Society Historic Records Preservation $77,268 $77,268
I Lexington Housing Authority Projects $810,673 TBD TBD
I Land Purchases27 TBD TBD TBD
'West Lexington Greenway Corridor TBD TBD
Subtotal-Community-Wide(CPF Funded) $987 711 $0 $0 $0 $0 $177,038
I Totals(No Allowance for TBDs)1$53,729,944 1$20,042,752 1$23,223,983 1$16,114,589 1$20,234,588 1$132,104,183
Note "TBD"indicates undefined at present, but there is a recognized potential for one or more events in those years.
1 All fund sources, individual amounts may be below the$25,000 capital threshold if projected to be funded from CPF
2 Town had shown$1,000,000 for replacement in FY2015, but later information this Committee has recommends it be in
FY2019
3 Town had proposed$410,000 for FY2017, but while this Committee would hope that it would be prudent to do this much
earlier, it believes the purchase shouldn't slip further than where it had been in last year's Plan, FY2016, therefore,
$10,000 is shown for a study in FY2015 with the balance in FY2016 for the purchase
4 Town had proposed this for FY2016 at$75,000,but based on the justification and what is thought would be the modest
cost,this Committee believes earliest implementation is warranted
5 This Committee has introduced this placekeeper for any yet-to-be-determined improvements needed before the
Headquarters is replaced or renovated.
6 Town had proposed $300,000 D&E in FY2014 and $12,700,000 construction in FY2015, but this Committee believes
that is a premature timeline
Continued on next page
16
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
CEC FIVE—YEAR CAPITAL PLAN (FY2013—FY2017) (continued)
7 The CPC had recommend at$550,000 The budget, however, was for just initial funding at$75,000($50,000 for initial
D&E, $25,000 for support of further public outreach and discussion). Therefore, the balance of the D&E funding in
FY2014 is$500,000 rather than just$475,000
8 Not included in the Town's budget, but supported by this Committee.
9 The Town had this as $1,790,800 in FY2014, but it's our understanding this yet-to-be-defined program will likely be
executed over multiple years—possibly 5
10 As has been done over the last 2 fiscal years, there has been funding for individual, extraordinary, projects that were
not foreseen. This Committee believes there will continue to be such urgent projects and has indicated funding for them
in the out years.
11 Added by this Committee.
12 The construction estimate is very preliminary as the D&E has not yet been done.
13 The start of this 3-phase program was deferred from FY2013 pending further review of the justification and pay-back
period
14 The Town had this program's funding continuing to FY2017,but it is this Committee's understanding that the originally
planned scope would be completed with funding in FY2015
15 This has been added by this Committee and is a program which we have been told will begin in FY2013 using,at least,
funding from the Operating fund
16 The FY2014 amount is a placekeeper from the Plan submitted to the Board of Selectmen, but don't represent any
decisions by that Board regarding implementation. It is based on the Plan's 3rd-year total estimate of$599,755 less the
burdened cost projection being shown in the next line for the construction of Traffic Islands&Pedestrian Crossings.
17 The FY2014 amount is a placekeeper for the burdened cost projection for the construction of Traffic Islands &
Pedestrian Crossing from the Plan submitted to the Board of Selectmen, but don't represent any decisions by that Board
regarding implementation.
18 As the pre-D&E construction estimate is $3 6 to$4 0 million, to be conservative, the three amounts for construction
have been increased so their sum is the upper end of that range. (This line also encompasses what had previously been
identified separately as"Lexington Center Connectivity" )
19 This Committee has zeroed this line as the Board of Selectmen has decided to proceed,at this time, without recreation
on the Busa Farm property
20 While the replacement of the Town-wide Phone System may well accommodate the Schools clock-and-bell needs, this
entry is this Committee's recognition that it may take a separate action to meet those needs.
21 While most of the food-service equipment is funded from its revolving fund, this entry is this Committee's
acknowledgement that some large equipment(refrigeration, freezers, oven banks, and line reconfiguration) would likely
need assistance from the GF
22 The Town had design funding planned for FY2014, this Committee has added a placekeeper for the construction
funding in FY2015
23 This Committee added this placekeeper line for the design and then construction funding of this Community Housing.
24 While this project's funding is anticipated to be by public donations,this entry is a placekeeper in case tax-levy support
is needed to complete the funding.
25 There are currently no out-year commitments by the CPC as the outstanding CPF-funded debt service ends with the
FY2013 payments. (See the 3rd footnote in the table on Page 7 for those FY2013 debt-service amounts and reference to
that year's Administrative-Budget request.)
26 CPC approved,and the budgeted at$450,000; not supported by this Committee.
27 At the time of writing this report,negotiations are underway for purchase of the Wright Farm, but there is no agreement
yet. Article 9 provides for potential use of the CPF if the CPC should approve any agreement that is reached, and
Article 10 provides for purchase solely for conservation if the CPC should approve any agreement for any other
17
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Programs
Conservation and Open Space
The 8-acre Busa Farm off of Lowell Street was authorized by the May 6, 2009 STM using $4,197,000
from the CPF The third and final debt payment on the ensuing purchase is this year with funds from the
CPF (See Article 8(k))The BoS-appointed Busa Land Use Proposal Committee (BLUPC)has studied the
potential use of that land. After hearing presentations from advocates for recreation, affordable housing,
and community farming, the BLUPC recommended to the BoS (March 14, 2011, report available on the
Town website) that the best use would be continued farming with some affordable housing along Lowell
Street.
On March 19, 2012, the BoS endorsed the BLUPC recommendation by directing the Town Manager to
issue an RFP for farming and to request LexHAB develop a proposal to use approximately '/4-acre of land
along Lowell Street for affordable housing. (The option to build a full sized soccer field for Recreation
was overruled as it was considered too large for the site )
It has been presumed that the farm proposal will not ask for additional Town funds, but the LexHAB
proposals will request funds at a later date, most likely from the CPF Since the Town's purchase, the
property has remained under lease for farming with the original owner
The third and final debt payment for the purchase of the Cotton Farm authorized by the 2010 ATM,
Article 9, is also being made this year from the CPF (See Article 8(1))
Conservation is requesting funds from the CPF to restore a historic horse barn that probably housed
operations on the adjacent 10-acre Hennessey-field horse ring. That field is under the auspices of the
Conservation Commission and is now incorporated into the Paint Mine Conservation area. The barn will
be used for storage of supplies and equipment for conservation projects. Restoration work will be done
by students in the Minuteman Vocational and Technical School. (See Article 8(b))
Articles before this Town Meeting request funding for purchase of all or part of the 14-acre Wright Farm
on Grove Street. Article 9 was submitted by the Selectmen for the Community Preservation Committee,
Article 10 submitted by the Selectmen on behalf of the Conservation Commission. The funding and
potential use might vary depending on which Article Town Meeting approves.Negotiations are underway
with the owners so no purchase price is available for this report. The parcel has been on the Conservation
Committee's list of desirable properties for many years and abuts a strip of conservation land at its rear
connecting it to the Paint Mine area. Acquiring this property would afford opportunities to access land-
locked forested tracts in Burlington. This Committee will issue a separate report with recommendations if
the negotiations are completed such that the purchase can be considered by this Town Meeting.
Continuing the prior practice, funds are included in the Administrative Budget of the CPC to enable the
Conservation Commission to do preliminary appraisals and land surveys. (See Article 8(m))
With regard to the West Lexington Greenway Corridor, "the 2007 ATM voted $125,000 from the CPF to
hire an engineering firm to create a Master Plan for the entire West Lexington Greenway Corridor with a
focus on creating a new pedestrian and bicycle trail through conservation land by connecting the
Minuteman Bikeway with the Battle Road Trail. The planning and engineering firm Vanasse Hangen
Brustlin, Inc (VHB) was hired and, to date, VHB has completed a Draft Master Plan and Draft
Preliminary 25% Design Drawings for the proposed Minuteman Bikeway and Battle Road connector trail.
The Final Master Plan and 25% Design Plans are pending incorporation of final comments from the West
Lexington Greenway Task Force by VHB "(Source CPC, March 19,2012)
Senior/Community Center
The current Senior Center is located at the Muzzey Condominiums. In addition to senior activities, the
Center houses the Town's Human Services Director and the Veterans Services Agent's office
18
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
A DPF-directed study by Bargman, Henrie and Archetype ($45,100 under 2010 ATM, Article 8(o))
produced a report in May 2011 entitled "Muzzey Senior Center Life Safety Improvements" which noted
areas of concern in the present Senior Center and recommended several infrastructure improvements,
which will proceed in two phases. Phase 1, funded from the CPF, is to do the D&E—including
construction documents for both phases—and to fund a new stairway to the Center, install the limited
use/limited access (LULA) elevator, and upgrade the lighting. (See Article 8(c)) It is anticipated that
there will be an FY2014 request, also from the CPF, for Phase 2 that will upgrade HVAC, improve space
utilization, and modify hardware and toilets to conform to Massachusetts Architectural Accessibility
Board(MAAB) standards.
There is some community interest in having a larger space that incorporates a multi-generational-focused
community center, but as yet, neither the true level of interest within the Town or a suitable site has been
determined.
Fire
The Fire Department uses industry standards and its own experience to establish the replacement schedule
for its capital equipment. Unlike many pieces of Town equipment, fire engines and medic (rescue-
ambulances) trucks are partially custom-made and equipped, require very detailed specifications, and
typically require many months between placing the order and the delivery and acceptance of a piece of
equipment.
The mission of the Fire Department in the 214 century has shifted beyond traditional firefighting to
emergency services, homeland security, and community education—with our firefighters now being
trained for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) The equipment to
perform these missions has changed with new technologies for firefighting and communications, yet the
basic pumper truck, ladder truck, and rescue-ambulance are still essential to the mission.
Lexington must continue to replace its aging equipment and retain back-up capacity The table below
includes the forecasted need for replacing major capital vehicles in the current inventory
The Town's 5-Year Capital Budget for FY2013-FY2017 contains only one fund request for the Fire
Department in FY2013—and it's one that also will be looking at the same needs of the Police and Public
Works Departments To engage a communications consultant to assess the current communication needs
and make recommendations for solutions to address those needs. (See article 12(a))
That Budget indicates funding for D&E of a replacement for the existing Headquarters Fire Station,
located at 45 Bedford Street, will be requested in FY2014—with funding for construction following in
FY2015 (You'll see in this Committee's Five-Year Capital Plan that we find that timing is premature )
Whether the replacement will be renovation and expansion of the existing building, a teardown and
completely new construction, or construction of a new building at a different location, will be decided by
the BoS later this year The BoS commissioned a study, using FY2012 operating funds, of the Fire
Department which will review Fire Department operations, staffing and facility requirements. The
operations-and-staffing segment of the study is expected to be completed next month, the review of
facility needs will not be available until this fall. (As you'll see in our Five-Year Capital Plan, this
Committee has moved the Fire Headquarters capital funding under Public Facilities, rather than remaining
under the Fire Department, to be consistent with our belief that projects should be grouped with the entity
that will execute them—rather than the entity that might be the "customer" We encourage the Town to
use the same philosophy in its future Capital Budgets.)
The 2011 ATM approved funding (under Article 13(k)) for interim repairs to the main equipment floor,
which included pressure treated timber cribbing to support the floor, a new concrete slab and an epoxy
coating. The cribbing and new slab are in place, the epoxy coating will be applied later this year
19
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Major Capital Equipment
Following is the current inventory of the Fire Department's major, capital-equipment, vehiclesl—ordered
by the year of the currently-projected replacement funding•
Originally
Projected Projected
Replacement Model Year Put-in-Service Useful Life
Funding ID Type Make Purchased Date (Years) Original Cost
Not Applicable' S-1 Bucket International 1984 1984 Likely on the
truck order of
$63,000; but not
confirmed
FY2015 M-2 Ambulance Chevrolet/ 2006 Apr 2006 10 $165,000
Lifeline
FY2017 E-4 Pumper Ferrara/ 2003 Jul 2003 203 $210,000
International
FY2018 F-1 Brush Truck Chevrolet 2008 Oct 2008 10-12 $80,000
Kodiac
FY2018 F-2 Brush Truck Chevrolet 2008 Nov 2008 10-12 $60,557(truck
with Skid 3500 $31,058,skid
Unit4 unit$29,499)
FY2018 M-1 Ambulance Chevrolet/ 2009 Jul 2009 10 $204,000
Lifeline
FY2019 L-1 Aerial Emergency 2000 Jun 2001 20 $588,000
One/Cyclone
FY2020 E-3 Pumper Emergency 2004 Jan 2005 203 $345,000
One/Typhoon
FY2021 M-3 Ambulance Ford/Horton 2012 Mar 2012 10 $251,1995
FY2027 E-1 Pumper Ferrara/ 2007 Apr 2008 203 $389,000
Intruder II
FY2030 E-2 Pumper Ferrara/ 2010 Aug 2010 203 $544,034 6
Inferno
Includes ID series 'E' (pumpers), 'F' (Forestry), 'L (ladder),& 'M' (Medic)(also known as Rescue). Not included are ID
series 'C' (cars), 'H' (trailer), 'S' (service vehicles, including trailer),and a light unit as they are funded from the operating
budget with one exception.S-1 is a capital-equipment item,but see footnote 2 for why it is not in the capital-replacement
schedule.
2 This truck is used to service the remaining wired fire-alarm circuits.(Its bucket was transferred over from a 1969 model-
year truck that had been in the inventory) It is not included in the replacement schedule as the Department is in the
process of decommissioning (and removing) those wired circuits. When that is completed—which is now hoped to be
completed this calendar year—it will be removed from service, sold following the surplus-equipment procedures, and not
replaced (The delay in the decommissioning and removal reflects that work is done by department personnel on overtime
and also is weather dependent.)
3 Of the 20 years, it is expected that 10 will be spent as a front-line unit and 10 as a reserve unit.
° The "skid unit" (containing a tank and pump assembly) may outlast the truck. If it does, it would be transferred to the
replacement truck with,most likely,just the need to overhaul or replace the pump—which this Committee expects would
be funded in the operating budget. If it doesn't and there's a need to replace both the truck and the entire "skid unit",this
Committee expects the combination would be requested as a package for funding in the capital budget.
5 Net cost was$241,199($251,199 less$10,000 for the trade-in for old M-3), but gross cost being listed as future status
of a trade-in is unknown—plus it's expected any purchase-8 years out will,as with all the other out-year purchases, be at
a much higher cost.
6 Net cost was $499,034($544,034 less$45,000 for the trade-in for old E-3), but gross cost being listed as future status
of a trade-in is unknown—plus it's expected any purchase-17 years out will, as with all the other out-year purchases,be
at a much higher cost.
20
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Fire Department 5-Year Capital Appropriation History (All Sources)
FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011 FY2012
Fire Trucks $80,000 $500,000 $240,000
Rescue-Ambulances $200,000
Fire-Department HQ1 $35,000 $40,000 $100,000
Fire-Hydrant Replacement2 $50,000 $50,000
East Lexington Fire Station $47,500
Wireless Fire Alarms $142,000
Munroe Center Evaluation $35,000
Munroe Fire-Protection Systema $579,550
Fire-Monitoring of Historic Houses $18,120
Police& Fire/EMS Mobile $156,000
Computerization'
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus $260,000
Fire HQ Alarm Receiver $30,000
Firefighter Protection Turnout Gear $88,000
Totals $360,120 $1,0/3,0501 $600,0001 $290,0001 $328,000
1 Women s Shower(FY2008), Redesign Study(FY2009&2010 [includes$29,700 CPF)
2 Includes$25,000 each year from Water Enterprise Fund
CPF (Ultimately completed for$345,325)
Joint with Police(shown in both departments)
Police
The Lexington Police Department, which provides public safety services through a team of dedicated
police officers, detectives, dispatchers and support staff, is supported by the Town's Capital Program in
the areas of communication systems, computer systems, and improvements to the facility in which it is
housed.
The FY2013 Capital Budget contains no funding for Police Department capital projects
We note that the Town's proposed 5-Year Capital Plan contains a project for the D&E related to a
renovation and add-on to the existing Police Station located at 1575 Massachusetts Avenue, although the
funding year and cost are not included in the Brown Book. (As discussed above with the Fire
Headquarters Building Replacement, our Five-Year Capital Plan has this line under the Public Facilities
Department.)
Both the Police and Fire Departments have explained to our Committee the burdens they face with the
current, primitive, software used to track and report on their activities. The results are inefficient use of
personnel because of the need for extensive manual tabulation and the lack of the sophisticated reporting
that is essential in today's environment. The project proposal was originally drafted on
September 15, 2008—based on the 2004 Public Safety Staffing Review which recommended replacing
the software with one that would better meet the current needs of the Police and Fire Departments. A
software-improvement project is included by the Town for funding in FY2017, however, this Committee
is concerned that this project is being continually slipped. It was projected to have study funding in
FY2014 ($10,000) with purchase in FY2015 ($400,000) in the Town's FY2011–FY2015 Capital Plan.
Last year the Town projected a single funding of$410,000 (presumably study and purchase) for FY2016,
and this year the same single funding has been slipped to FY2017 Therefore, it appears that a long-
standing Public-Safety communications problem would not be addressed for at least five more years.
While this Committee appreciates the Town's position that their on-going coordination with those same
departments in other municipalities will identify when there is an enhanced, viable, alternative software
available, this Committee considers that a more-aggressive, formal, approach should be taken. To that
end, our Plan shows $10,000 in FY2015 and $400,000 in FY2016
21
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Police Department 5-Year Capital Appropriation History (All Sources)
FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011 FY2012
Police& Fire/EMS Mobile $156,000
Computerization'
Police Station Space Preservation & $45,000
Needs Study
Police Station Ventilation Systeme $31,700
Totals $0 I $156,000 1 $45,000 1 $31,/UU! $0
' Joint with Fire(shown in both departments)
2CPF
Library
Restoration work to, and updating the Massachusetts Historical Commission Inventory on, the Stone
Building (former East Lexington Library Branch), including a new roof, gutters, aluminum siding
removal, painting, and window glazing, were completed in 2010 using $202,933 from the CPF under
2010 ATM, Article 8(q) Although the Historic Structures Report on which this work was based
recommended a small addition to the rear, those plans were not acted upon as the Town has not yet
determined a new use for the building. The building continues to be maintained by the DPF under the
oversight of the Cary Library Board of Trustees.
In December 2010, architects Adams and Smith were hired to study how operations at the Main Library
could be improved ($25,000 under 2010 ATM, Article 12(q)) Funding of $100,000 for recommended
changes was approved under 2011 ATM, Article 13(1) The recommendations include changes to the
workflow and ergonomics. The Library also aspires to use a system of radio-frequency identification
(RFID)tags for material check-in/out.Neither project has a funding request before this Town Meeting.
Public Works
The Department of Public Works (DPW) is the maintenance agent for all Town facilities with the
exception of buildings—which are assigned to the Department of Public Facilities (DPF)—and is
responsible for the execution (i.e , design, bidding, construction, and project management) of DPW
projects. To accomplish its mission, the DPW is organized around seven elements Administration,
Engineering, Highway Division, Public Grounds Division, Environmental Services Division, Water
Division, and Sewer Division.
Major components of DPW's FY2013–FY2017 capital projects include
• Road and sidewalk construction
• Water distribution and wastewater systems improvements
• Traffic control and mitigation
• Storm-water control and management
• Public-grounds improvements
• Trucks and heavy equipment necessary to accomplish the DPW mission
DPW's capital needs—except CPA, Revolving-Fund, or Enterprise-Fund projects—must be funded by
the general tax levy and/or voter-approved debt exclusions. Almost all construction projects for the
wastewater (sanitary sewer) system and for the water-distribution system are funded from Enterprise
Funds. Likewise, large trucks and heavy equipment used in support of the wastewater and water-
distribution systems are funded by Enterprise Funds.
Engineering
Engineering for all DPW projects is either done "in house" or contracted to outside consulting and/or
design firms. In addition to supporting on-going DPW work, Engineering will oversee the design of three
"high-visibility"projects. (See Articles 12(1), (n), and (o))
22
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Roads
Lexington has a total of 201 miles of roads, including State and unaccepted roads. That total consists of
138 miles of public roadways, 17 miles of unaccepted roadway and 46 State highway miles—all numbers
approximate DPW maintains the public roadways, the remainder being maintained by the private owners
or the State The estimated replacement cost of the 138 miles of public roadways is in excess of
$85 million, in FY2011 dollars.
Funding for roads is a combination of State Chapter 90 funds and Town funds. (See Article 12(c))
In April 2010, the Town retained Fay, Spofford & Thorndike (FST), a civil-engineering consulting firm,
to develop and implement a Pavement Management System (PMS) for its public roadways and its bike
trail (approximately 5.5 miles) The study was completed in November 2010 The comprehensive study
developed an extensive roadway database describing actual pavement conditions and roadway
characteristics in order to better understand future roadway-funding requirement (A more detailed
analysis of the report is contained in this Committee's report to the 2011 ATM.) This Committee was
extremely pleased to see the study as it provides a quantitative basis for determining the condition of the
pavements that the DPW maintains. That information, along with recognition of pending associated
impacts on our pavements (e g., cuts for utilities work, construction for storm-water and wastewater
system improvements, sidewalk-related projects, etc ) offers the promise of an even-more productive and
cost-effective program going forward. The majority of this committee is pleased that additional tax levy
funding will be provided in FY2013, as it was in FY2012
Sidewalks
Currently the town has approximately 63 miles of sidewalks. Because the upgrading and extension of
many of these sidewalks was long overdue, the BoS appointed a Sidewalk Advisory Committee in spring
2005 Maintenance of sidewalks is expensive, and issues of obstructions, easements, and objections from
residents burden construction of new sidewalks. That committee's overall policy is to develop a
prioritized sidewalk construction plan focusing on the Safe Routes to School Program, other high-
pedestrian-traffic routes, and high-walking-hazard streets.
The FY2013 funding request will allow the accomplishment of projects outside the CBD, chosen through
the cooperation between the Sidewalk Committee and the DPW Work under that plan includes
constructing new sidewalks and rebuilding/repaving existing sidewalks, all work will be ADA Compliant.
(See Article 12(k))
Currently, there are no sidewalks along Concord Avenue from Spring Street to Waltham Street. Funding
is requested for the survey and design of such a sidewalk. (See Article 12(1))
Town-wide Signal Improvements
Many of the Town's signals are outdated and sometimes malfunctioning. A DPW Engineering Division
study, funded with Traffic Mitigation funds, has identified those locations most in need of improvement,
after assessment of condition, signal timing,delays,ADA requirements, etc (See Article 12(j))
Water Distribution System
Many of the Town's water mains were installed in the early 1900s and need to be replaced or cleaned and
lined. For a number of years, the Town has been systematically improving the system in order to improve
water quality, pressure, and fire-protection capabilities, and to reduce frequency and severity of water-
main breaks.
At the time of the 2011 ATM, DPW had available funding for two or three year of construction work;
therefore, no funds were requested in the FY2012 budget. The backlog of design and engineering work
has now been reduced to the point where funding is appropriate in FY2013 Funding requests are
anticipated each year during the balance of the 5-Year Capital Plan. (See Article 13)
23
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Heavy equipment and trucks used by the Water Division are procured with Water Enterprise funds.
Where equipment is shared with the Sewer Division, the costs are shared. In FY2013, the Water Division
will cover half the cost of a new dump truck that will be shared with the Sewer Division. (See
Article 12(e))
This Committee is concerned that out-years funding is not based on a more quantitative basis where the
remaining useful life of all components of the system are taken into consideration, we understand that
Engineering is in the process of augmenting their facility data with additional parameters (e g., materials,
age, etc ) that will enhance the ability to be proactive in their improvements program on a quantitative,
predictive, basis—which will replace the current, level-funding, approach. We recognize that capital
expenditures for the water system do not impact property taxes, but they do affect every resident and
business through the water rates.
To improve meter-reading efficiencies, the Town is considering installing an Automatic Water-Meter
Reading System based on the results of a study funded by the 2009 Annual Town Meeting (described in
our report to that Meeting under Articles 16(b) & 17(c), and as noted there, funded there under Article 5)
Funding for Phase 1 of a 3-phase implementation plan was included in the proposed FY2011 capital
budget (described in our report to that Meeting under Article 13(c)), but as that study had not been fully
vetted, Town Meeting Indefinitely Postponed that action. No funds were requested in the FY2012 budget.
No funding is being requested in FY2013, but the Town's 5-Year Capital Requests indicate funding may
be requested in FY2014
Hydrant System
The FY2013 funding for hydrant replacement is evenly divided between Tax Levy funds and Water-
Enterprise Fund retained earnings. (See Article 12(b))
Wastewater System
The wastewater (sanitary-sewer) system, like the water-distribution system, has sections that date back to
the early 1900s. Due to age-related deterioration, some sections are susceptible to storm-water infiltration
which increases the total flow to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) treatment
system, resulting in increased charges to the Town, and causing overloading of parts of the system. There
is an ongoing program of investigating, evaluating, replacing and repairing sections of the system. (See
Article 14(a))
The wastewater-system funding request every year was developed in a manner similar to that done for the
water-distribution. (See comment above under Water Distribution.)
The wastewater system has 10 pumping stations that need continual maintenance and periodic updating
and which the Sewer Division has been upgrading. Six stations have been upgraded with funding
appropriated through FY2012 With the requested FY2013 funding, two of the smaller stations will be
upgraded, leaving two larger stations to be completed in FY2014 & FY2015 (See Article 14(b)) (As this
upgrade program has no need for the $100,000 shown for FY2016 & FY2017 in the Town's 5-Year
Capital Plan, that funding has been removed from our Five-Year Capital Plan.)
This Committee has been advised that only one pumping station (the main station) has backup electrical-
power-generation capability and that during the 2011 "Halloween day" snow storm, several of the
pumping stations were without power so even using portable generators, it wasn't possible to keep four of
them from overflowing. Therefore, this Committee considers the funding and installation of emergency
generators at other pump stations should be funded and executed as soon as possible We are pleased to
report that DPW has made plans to accomplish that. They have identified the other strategic stations and,
with a combination of available Capital funds and their Operating Budget, this important enhancement
can begin in FY2013
Heavy equipment and trucks used by the Sewer Division are procured with Sewer Enterprise funds.
Where equipment is shared with Water Division, the costs are shared. (See Article 12(e))
24
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Dam Repair
The State Department of Conservation and Recreation mandates inspection every five years of dams that
are rated significant hazard dams. An engineering study in 2010 of the Butterfield Dam on Lowell Street
revealed significant potential problems with the dam. The 2011 ATM funded the Phase I engineering and
construction and partial Phase II engineering. (Funded there under Article 10(a) ) FY2013 funding is
requested for continued Phase II engineering, construction services and the construction of Phase II
improvements. (See Article 12(g))
Storm-Water Drainage and National Pollution Discharge Elimination
Systems (NPDES)
Storm drains which line the Town's streets occasionally fail due to heavy loads passing over them and/or
loss of supporting soil around them, creating holes in the street. In addition, as streets are repaired and
repaved, it is frequently discovered that the storm-drainage system is seriously deteriorated. Concurrent
drainage system repairs are required to prevent further deterioration of a failing condition and to protect
newly paved secondary streets. It is also necessary to study and repair drains where overflow conditions
develop and/or complaints are received. (See Article 12(h))
Culvert Repair
The 2011 ATM appropriated $65,000 for the review, design, and permitting for repairs to the three
culverts under the access road to the Hartwell Avenue Compost Facility The FY2013 request funds the
replacement of those three culverts and for repairs to culverts identified in storm drainage studies. (See
Articles 7 & 12(d), respectively)
Comprehensive Watershed Storm Water Management Systems
The Town must maintain its 18 brooks, three watersheds, and its numerous wetlands in a condition such
that they do not reduce the volume of water that can be handled by our storm-drainage systems. Sediment
and broken tree limbs impede the flow of water and cause flooding and damage to private property, thus
creating liabilities for the Town.
The FY2013 request is, first, for funding to complete the third of three studies partially funded in FY2010
(described in our report to that Meeting under Article 15(c)) and, again, in FY2012 (described in our
report to that Meeting under Article 10(1)) by developing the plan for the Mystic River Watershed, and
then to begin the design of non-culvert projects that DPW has already identified. (See Article 12(f))
Public Grounds
The Town has approximately 630 acres of land in a total of 110 parks, playgrounds, conservation areas,
athletic facilities, school grounds, and historical sites. In addition, Town staff administers and maintains
four cemeteries with a combined area of a little over 30 acres. The Forestry staff maintains approximately
10,000 trees along roadways and an indeterminate number of trees, shrubs, and plantings on Town-owned
land.
There is no FY2013 funding requested for Public Grounds. A $70,000 project for a sprinkler system at
Hastings Park was deferred—as it had been in the FY2012 budget.
Minuteman Bikeway
The 11-mile Minuteman Bikeway, which was opened in 1993, runs from the Alewife MBTA Station to
the railroad Freight House in Bedford. About half the total length of the Bikeway lies in Lexington. The
DPW's Public Grounds Division maintains the Lexington segment.
The Town's 5-Year Capital Plan carries no capital projects related to the Bikeway
25
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
DPW Equipment
DPW has approximately 160 pieces of equipment, of which 100 pieces had an individual acquisition cost
in excess of$25,000, therefore, their replacement would normally be subject to this Committee's review
The total acquisition cost of the 160 pieces was approximately $6 8 million. To replace the fleet today
would cost an estimated$11 million.
DPW has developed a well-conceived program of replacing the older, less fuel-efficient and high-
maintenance-cost equipment with standard, off-the-shelf vehicles and equipment that will last longer and
cost less to maintain and operate Replacement of equipment with acquisition costs under$25,000, and all
automobiles, is funded with operating funds. The current 5-year equipment-replacement schedule projects
annual costs of about $600,000 per year, in FY2012 dollars. FY2013 requested procurements are
consistent with that replacement schedule (See Articles 12(e), 13, & 14)
DPW 5-Year Capital Appropriation History (All Sources)
I FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011 FY2012
Capital from Tax Levy&Chapter 90 Fundst
DPW Equipment $523,300 $510,000 $520,923 $400,384 $365,000
DPW Facility $25,480,000
Street resurfacing&reconstruction $1,320,000 $1,925,000 $1,238,125 $1,376,578 $1,546,602
Street light/traffic mitigation $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $217,000 $87,000
Drains/dams/brook cleaning $460,000 $160,000 $160,000 $270,000 $770,000
Town Building Envelope $150,000
Sidewalk/bikeway improvements $350,000 $275,000 $340,000 $200,000
Geographic Information System $84,000
Street Acceptance-Pitcairn Place $125,000
Comprehensive Watershed Study $110,000 $110,000 $50,000
Hydrant Replacement $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000
Public Grounds $35,000
Totals $28,358,300 $2,945,000 $2,313,048 $2,738,962 $3,078,602
'FY2009 was the first year that Capital Projects for both Municipal and School facilities were submitted by the then-new
Department of Public Facilities. See the Public Facilities Appropriation History later in this report for its FY2009 and
following-years appropriations-which includes items for the Municipal&School Facilities.
Capital from Enterprise Funds
Wastewater
Sewer System $1,300,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000
DPW Equipment $263,500 $45,000
Geographic Information System $102,300 $22,122 $14,400
Automatic Water-Meter Reading System $25,000
Pump station upgrades $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000
Sewer Totals $1,502,300 $1,322,122 $1,602,900 $145,000 $1,300,000
Water
Water Mains Relining $1,800,000 $1,800,000 $900,000 $900,000
DPW Equipment $119,000 $57,420
Automatic Water-Meter Reading System $25,000
Geographic Information System $31,210 $33,183 $21,600
Hydrant Replacement $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000
Rehabilitate Standpipes $160,000
Water Totals $1,856,210 $1,858,183 $1,090,600 $1,142,420 $25,000
Capital from DPW Compost Operating Revolving Fund
Culvert Replacement I I I I I $65,000'
Revolving Fund Totals $0 $0 $0 $0 $65,000
26
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Public Facilities
The Department of Public Facilities (DPF) is responsible for the coordination and care of all Town-owned
buildings inclusive of those under the control of the BoS, Town Manager, Library Trustees, and School
Committee Expenses associated with the DPF staffing, maintenance (including preventative
maintenance), custodial services, capital-project management, utilities, landscaping and grounds (at
schools only), and building rentals are the responsibility of this department.
The DPF is organized around four areas of responsibility• Administration, Project Management, Facility
Maintenance and Repair, and Custodial Services. Administration is responsible for the administration of
the Department. Project Management is responsible for major capital renovations and providing staff
support to the Town's Permanent Building Committee for new construction. Facility Maintenance and
Repair is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all the facilities listed below Custodial Services is
responsible for custodial services in all those facilities.
DPF is responsible for buildings at 22 locations. Town Office Building, Cary Memorial Building, Police
Station, Fire Department Headquarters, East Lexington Fire Station, Samuel Hadley Public Services
Building, Stone Building (previously used as the East Lexington Library), Cary Memorial Library,
Visitors Center, Council on Aging Facility (Senior Center in the Muzzey Condominiums, 1475
Massachusetts Avenue), Westview Cemetery, the White House, 9 schools, and the Schools Central
Administration(in the old Harrington School)
DPF has taken a systematic approach to solving problems that affect both Municipal and School
buildings, including roofs, flooring, building envelope, and school paved parking and sidewalk areas.
During FY2012, DPF refined its estimates for these programs, which in some cases—from this
Committee's perspective—should be more on-going maintenance than capital expenditures. However, as
the needs exist and the work will be funded by Tax Levy dollars, we support these projects being in the
FY2013 Capital Budget—although we would look for them to eventually transition into the Operating
Budget. (See Articles 16(a), (d), (f), and (1))
Funds are also requested for an evaluation of the Middle Schools Science and Performing Arts spaces.
(See Article 16(b)) Lexington High School Overcrowding Phase II Renovations will somewhat alleviate
the overcrowding condition. (See Article 16(k))
Two projects address energy improvements at Diamond Middle School and Hastings School. (See
Articles 16(c) and (h)) Funds are requested to replace two vehicles that are beyond their useful life with
two trucks more appropriate to their use in grounds maintenance (See Article 16(j))
The FY2013 Capital Budget includes funding for a long-overdue Town-wide Facility Master Plan and
funds that will allow the DPF to prepare bid documents for small School Department projects that may be
funded in FY2014 This advance preparation is necessary in order to permit construction to take place in
the 2013 summer-vacation period. (See Articles 16(g) and(i))
With regard to the While House Stabilization project prepared by the DPF, while the Warrant includes a
sub-Article for it, the project does not—at the time of this report—have a proposed funding. (The Brown
Book cites its funding as "TBD", there is no narrative of the project.) This Committee, however,
understands the proposed scope and projected cost, and supports the work being funded (and we
understand to be done) in FY2013—even using the GF, rather than the CPF, as the CPC did not support it
for this Town Meeting. (See Article 16(e))
27
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Public Facilities 5-Year Capital Appropriation History (All Sources)1
Program FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011 FY2012
Municipal
Library Material Handling System $100,000
Design
Building Envelope $153,750 $157,594 $161,534 $165,573
Munroe School Fire Protection $579,550
Fire Headquarters $40,000 $70,300 $450,000
East Lexington Fire Station
Kitchen Upgrade $75,000
Town Office Building Renovation $325,000
Schools
Building Envelope $265,000 $376,500 $272,400 $1,298,000
Mechanical/Elec/Plumbing $1,340,000 $390,000 $50,000
Landscaping/Paving $65,000 $120,000 $175,000 $250,000
Interior Renovations $365,000 $305,000 $174,000 $75,000
Bridge/Bownman D&E $750,000 $280,000
School Improvements $378,000 $645,000
Totals I $2,808,3001 $1,494,3941 $2,285,9341 $3,263,5731
1 FY2009 was the first year that Capital Projects for both Municipal and School facilities were submitted
by the then-new Department of Public Facilities. Previous facilities Capital Projects were presented
separately by the DPW and the Schools-and are still shown in their Appropriation Histories.
2 FY2009& FY2010 fundings were for D&E, FY2012 funding was for repair of the main equipment floor
Recreation
Recreation Department programs are funded from three sources
• Tax Levy (e g., used for neighborhood playgrounds, athletic fields, and basketball courts
improvements)
• Recreation Enterprise Fund (e g., used for fee-based activities such as Pine Meadows Golf
Course, Irving H. Mabee Pool, Old Reservoir, and tennis courts)
• Community Preservation Funds (e g., preservation of recreation facilities, including those for fee-
based activities)
Fee collections for Enterprise Fund-based activities are weather dependent and can vary from year to
year The Recreation Enterprise Fund makes annual debt-service payments of $100,000 per year for
Lincoln Fields (ending in February 2018) and $30,000 for the Valley Tennis Courts (ending in February
2013), and an annual indirect payment to the Town($223,600 in FY2013)
Community Preservation Fund monies have enabled some large projects to be fulfilled, which otherwise
might not have been financially viable Most significant in terms of funding is the Center Playfields
Drainage Project that, with the last funding that's before this Town Meeting, will have been authorized
approximately$2.39 million over 3 years.
At this town meeting, Recreation-related funding requests include the last funding for that Center
Playfields Drainage (see Article 8(e)), and for a fairway mower to be used at the Pine Meadows Golf
Course, resurfacing and striping the center track, the Adams School playground, and a new in-ground
irrigation at several places to complete coverage of those areas (see Article 11)
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Recreation 5-Year Capital Appropriation History (All Sources)
Program FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011 FY2012
Athletic Fields $50,000 $177,000 $70,000 $50,000
Playgrounds&Tot Lots $75,000
Golf Course $200,000
Swimming (Old Res&Center)t $60,000 $569,000 $25,000
Tennis& Basketball $235,000 $60,000
Center Playfields Drainage $875,173 $911,863
Town Pool Renovations $165,000
Totals $285,0001 $372,0001 $839,0001 $950,1731 $1,076,8631
t$20,000 of the FY2009 appropriation was not used as the FY2010 appropriation incorporated that
same scope
Schools
Overview
The Lexington Public Schools provide educational, athletic, and club activities for 6,375 students in
grades K-12 (A year earlier, the total was 6,340 ) Pre-school programs are also offered at the elementary
schools. Enrollment figures are those as of October l't as required by the State's Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education for each academic year For October 1, 2011, in the six elementary
schools there were 2,816 students (versus 2,830 the year before), in the two middle schools the total was
1,608 (versus 1,515 the year before), and the high-school number was 1,951 (versus 1,995 the year
before) So, it's the increase in the middle schools that drives this year's overall total to have a net
increase of 35 students.
In addition to the six elementary-school buildings, and two middle-school buildings, the high school is a
complex of four, freestanding, academic buildings and a field house Central Office ("Administration")
personnel and services are located in what had been the old Harrington School. The maintenance of those
fourteen buildings is overseen by the DPF
School Technology Program
There is a long-term plan to upgrade technology throughout the schools by replacing the oldest
computers, peripherals, projection systems, network-delivery systems, and other associated hardware and
software This year's request—which continues the annual requests in support of that plan—includes, as
one of several improvements, the first year in a three-year program to provide interactive whiteboards
with integrated projection systems for enhanced educational instruction in the 213 of the 294 Grades 3-12
classrooms that don't already have that capability (It's expected about 65 of the 213 classrooms would
get the capability within the FY2013 funding; the rest in FY2014 & FY2015 funding.) (See Article 15(a))
Classroom and Administrative Furniture
On an annual basis the school department replaces and/or repairs old or outdated furniture such as student
and teacher desks, chairs, tables, filing cabinets and other basic furnishings. This year's request will
address a portion of these items system-wide based on prioritized needs determined by school staff. (See
Article 15(b))
Equipment
Food-service operations in all schools serve hot and cold meals to thousands of students each school day
It is essential to purchase and maintain equipment for preparing and maintaining cooked items and that
provides for safe distribution. The food-service operations are contracted to a private vendor, but the
purchase of equipment is the responsibility of the school system.
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
School 5-Year Capital Appropriation History (All Sources)1
Program FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011 FY2012
Technology $400,000 $600,000 $600,000 $696,000 $737,000
Classroom Furniture $50,000 $25,000 $50,000 $58,571 $150,000
Miscellaneous $230,000
Pre-K-12 Master Plan $155,000
Food Service Equipment $55,000 $75,000 $99,500 $64,000
Secondary Schools $1,885,000
Elementary Schools $445,000
Time Clock/Time Reporting System $97,000
Totals $3,010,000 I $835,0001 $725,0001 $951,071 I $951,000 1
1FY2009 was the first year that Capital Projects for both Municipal and School facilities were
submitted by the then-new Department of Public Facilities. See the Public Facilities Appropriation
History earlier in this report for its FY2009 and following-years appropriations—which includes items
for the School Facilities.
2ln FY2012, includes$30,000 from the Food Services RF
Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure (Town-wide)
The IT infrastructure—which supports Municipal and Schools functions and includes Management
Information Systems (MIS)—includes both physical and software elements, and is crucial to the everyday
operations of the Town. There are three requests for capital upgrades to that infrastructure (See
Articles 12(a), (p), & (q))
IT 5-Year Capital Appropriation History (All Sources)
Program FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011 FY2012
MIS Technology Improvement Program $165,000
Town-wide Electronic Documentation $410,000
Management System
Totals $0 I $0 I $0 I $0 I $575,0001
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Warrant Article Analysis and Recommendations
Cites of the `Brown Book"refer to the ` Town of Lexington Fiscal Year 2013 Recommended
Budget& Financing Plan", March 2, 2012
2012 Special Town Meeting, April 2, 2012
STM Article 2:Appropriate Fund Funding Source
For New Estabrook Authorization Committee Recommends
School Requested
$39,742,248 (to GF (Excluded Approval(5-0)
complete the Debt)
funding of the
currently
estimated total
project cost of
$40,792,248)
"To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to demolish the existing Estabrook School
and construct originally equip and furnish a new Estabrook School to be located at 117 Grove Street to be
expended under the direction of the Permanent Building Committee and for which the Town may be
eligible for a school construction grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority
("MSBA") and any project costs the Town incurs in excess of any grant approved by and received from
the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the Town. Any grant that the Town may receive from the
MSBA for the project shall not exceed the lesser of (1) thirty-three and ninety-six hundredths percent
(33 96%), which may potentially increase if, at the discretion of the MSBA, the Town receives any
incentive reimbursement points, of eligible, approved project costs, as determined by the MSBA, or (2)
the total maximum grant amount determined by the MSBA." [Town of Lexington Special Town Meeting
(April 2, 2012)Warrant]
"Subsequent to the discovery of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) at the Estabrook School, an
Emergency Statement of Interest (SOI) was submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority
(MSBA) to determine if the replacement of the Estabrook School qualified for support from the MSBA.
The MSBA invited Lexington to participate in a Feasibility Study to determine the most economical
solution to meet the educational requirements of the school. The Feasibility Study and Schematic Design,
funded by the 2011 Annual Town Meeting, is in progress. The Feasibility Study, completed in December,
determined that a new three-story school is the Lexington preferred design that satisfies
educational/programmatic needs. The estimated project cost for the school ranges from $38,894,133 -
$42,783,456 The Schematic Design was submitted to MSBA in February, after voter approval
on January 24th to fund the project outside the limits of Proposition 2'/2. It is anticipated that the MSBA
will agree to a reimbursement of approximately 32% of the project cost and will vote the project scope
and budget agreement at its March 28th Board meeting. Site work would begin in the summer of 2012
with construction beginning in the fall 2012 and the new school opening for August 2014 " [Brown Book,
Page XI-12]
The 2011 ATM appropriated, under Article 13(b), funding which included the $1,050,000 for the
Feasibility Study that, along with this request, funds the currently estimated total project cost that is being
presented to the MSBA for approval. The total project funding will be excluded debt.
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
2012 Annual Town Meeting
Article 7(3rd Fund Only): Fund Funding Source
Establish and Continue Authorization Committee Recommends
Departmental Revolving Requested
Funds DPW Compost $325,000 (out of DPW Compost Approval(5-0)
Operations total of$499,000) Operations RF
Project Description Authorization Funding Source Committee Recommends
Amount
Requested
Culvert Replacement $325,000 DPW Compost Approval (5-0)
Operations RF
"The 2011 Annual Town Meeting appropriated $65,000 for the survey, design and permitting for repairs
to three corrugated metal pipe arch culverts under the access road to the Hartwell Avenue Compost
Facility that have failed due to rust and separation at the pipe connection joints this request is for the
replacement of these culverts. [Brown Book, Page XI-13]
(See Article 12(d)for the balance of the funding for this $390 000 effort using Free Cash)
As this annual Article only provides the required authorization for revolving funds, this Committee
normally would not comment on it; however, as the Town intends to pay for this capital project from a
revolving fund, we believe this project should be handled like other capital projects—which includes our
review and recommendation to Town Meeting—and be subject to explicit Town Meeting review and
approval. Therefore, we recommend this project be explicitly described to Town Meeting so, if needed,
they can be further discussed before a vote is taken—either on the whole Article or on this one RF, if
separated-out.
Article 8:Appropriate the FY2013 Funds Funding Source Committee
Community Preservation Requested Recommends
Committee Operating Budget $5,529,092 CPF (Cash) $4,604,092
and CPA Projects (Multiple ($5,054,092 (See below)
Categories) budgeted)
Project Description(CPA Category) Amount Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
(a) Archives & Records
Management/Conservation (Historic $150,000 CPF (Cash) Approval (5-0)
Resources)
"This is the 5th of a 5-year request for funding of conservation & preservation of historic municipal
documents and records to secure the permanent and vital records created by municipal departments for
proper retention, archiving and perpetual access Efforts for year 5 will complete microfilming and
digitization of some of the conserved/preserved records and target early 20th century municipal records
requiring conservation, preservation, microfilming and digitization for ready access voter registers,
records of the Selectmen, Cemetery records, registers of vital records, and deed and agreement files.
Development of the Archives portal for a virtual exhibit in celebration of Lexington's 300th anniversary
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
will be completed through the processing and indexing of digitized materials from which the virtual
exhibit will draw " [Brown Book,Page XI-18]
Amount Funding Source
Project Description(CPA Category) Requested Committee Recommends
(b) Paint Mine Barn Preservation(Historic $34,770 CPF (Cash) Approval (5-0)
Resources)
"The Paint Mine Barn is a structure located in Paint Mine Conservation Area, between the end of
Mountain Road and Hennessey Field. The Historical Commission has designated the structure as a
significant building. It was acquired by the Town in 1961 and transferred to the Conservation
Commission in 2000 In the distant past, it served as a horse barn to stable horses that grazed in the
meadow that is now Hennessey Field, but has since sat unused. The building is 80 feet long by 20 feet
wide Seven old stalls, a space that apparently was used as an office, and a hallway space make up the
interior of the barn. Funds are being requested to preserve the barn so that it can be used as storage for
tools, lumber, supplies, and equipment for the Conservation Division. The Town Building Commissioner
has inspected the structure and it is his opinion that it can be restored. Funds requested are for materials
only as project labor will be provided by students through the Minuteman Regional Vocation Technical
School." [Brown Book,Page XI-18]
Amount Funding Source
Project Description(CPA Category) Requested Committee Recommends
(c) Muzzey Senior Center Upgrade— $561,518 CPF (Cash) Approval (5-0)
Phase I Construction(Historic Resources)
"This request for funding addresses critical building improvements needed in the area of accessibility,
safety, and energy efficiency at the Lexington Senior Center, located in the Muzzey Condominium at
1475 Massachusetts Ave Schematic level drawings have been completed for these improvements and
funds are now requested for design development and construction documents for the scope of work
recommended as well as construction funding for phase I to include the following components. the
communicating stair, a limited use/limited access elevator (LULA) inside the Senior Center and to
upgrade lighting. It is anticipated that a subsequent request will be made for FY 2014 to implement the
remainder of the recommended scope of work preliminarily estimated at approximately $480,000 to
upgrade the HVAC system, improve space utilization, and implement work needed to comply with the
requirements of the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board." [Brown Book,Page XI-15]
Project Description(CPA Category) Amount Funding Committee Recommends
Requested Source
$550,000
(d) Cary Memorial Building Upgrade ($75,000 CPF (Cash) $75,000
(Historic Resources) budgeted) Approval (5-0)
"This request is for funding a 30% design development process, and value engineering of the
recommended improvements identified in the building evaluation report, so that the project scope of work
can be more thoroughly reviewed by the Town.
"Mills Whitaker Architects LLC completed a building evaluation report on June 1, 2011 The report
included a comprehensive evaluation of the building and summarized improvements in several areas
accessibility, support spaces, structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, stage, and acoustical and audio
visual improvements. A single project to implement all improvements is estimated at$7 7M.
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
"A subsequent request to complete design development and construction documents will be requested at a
future Town Meeting. Approximately $50,000 of this $75,000 request will be applicable to the future
design development and construction documents effort, which was originally budget at $550,000 for a
$7 7M total project budget." [Brown Book,Page XI-16]
This Committee fully appreciates the importance of this building to our Town—both architecturally and
functionally; however, we were not yet satisfied that all of the originally proposed scope is a prudent use
of our taxpayers' funds—whether from the CPF, which brings with it the benefit of supplemental funding
from the State, or the general fund. We believe that when a project is contemplated to have a construction
cost in the millions-of-dollars range, there should be a better, explicit, "buy-in" to the scope before
appropriating the full Design & Engineering (D&E) funding, to include bid documents. We acknowledge
that the Department of Public Facilities made a good faith effort to gain that "buy-in" with an extensive
public-outreach effort, but this Committee found during that process there were many unresolved
questions concerning the scope, including the relative priorities of the major elements within that scope
We, therefore, originally recommended a delay in funding any D&E until there was more agreement on
the answers to those questions—appreciating that would likely entail a full-year's delay in this project,
but we didn't feel there was any material deficiency with the building that would jeopardize its continued
use if there were that delay; however, we were unable to gain support by the CPC or the BoS to that
approach.
With that being the case, this Committee now supports the alternative process being proposed whereby
further definition of all elements of the full scope, with more-specific cost estimates, is undertaken before
committing to the full D&E. It's our understanding that this initial D&E will look at all the elements of
what had been proposed as the full scope, recommend a prioritization of those elements, and provide for
further public outreach. At that stage, there also would be a far-better understanding of the range of
construction funding that would likely be needed to execute that agreed-upon scope
Once the results of those efforts have been evaluated and a position taken by the Town on the scope to be
pursued—which could conceivably be the original full scope—then this Committee would be ready to
provide our advice regarding the scope that should be included in the continuation of the D&E.
This Committee unanimously supports the alternative process described above as being the appropriate
approach for this effort at this Town Meeting
Project Description(CPA Category) Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
(e) Center Playfields Drainage—Phase III $605,718 CPF (Cash) Approval (5-0)
(Open Space)
"The Center Playfields Complex is the most heavily used Recreation complex in the Town. It is used by
the schools, adult and youth leagues and the general public The entire 23-acre area has very poor
drainage conditions resulting in standing water, soft field areas, and reduced turf cover and quality that
leads to unsafe and unplayable conditions. Funds requested for FY13 are the third phase of a three-year
project costing $2.39 million at completion. Work to be done in Phase III includes drainage
improvements on the practice field area along Worthen Road, the little league baseball/JV softball field,
the parking area and the Center Track area. The work will involve installing new drain systems and
grading in an effort to move water off of the fields and collect it so that flooding and standing water
conditions do not occur This will allow the fields to dry faster and improve playability and safety This
project will be overseen by the Town Engineer" [Brown Book, Page XI-18]
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Project Description(CPA Committee RecommendsAmount Requested Funding Source
Category)
(f) Battle Green Area Master
Plan Implementation—Phase 2 $143,845 CPF (Cash) Approval (5-0)
(Historic Resources)
"The Selectmen authorized the Tourism Committee to conduct a master planning process for the Battle
Green. The Battle Green [Area] Master Plan completed by the firm Past Designs was accepted by the
Board of Selectmen in March 2010 The Master Plan implementation is broken out into multiple phases.
Phase 1, which deals with monument restoration and treatment to the monument areas, was funded at the
2011 annual town meeting and will begin in the spring. This FY 2013 request for funding is for Phase 2
which will address the paths around the Battle Green and Belfry Hill, granite at the Obelisk and the fence
at Ye Olde Burying Ground. " [Brown Book,Page XI-17]
When the BoS accepted the Plan, they stipulated that they would with, among other things, determine
what implementation measures, if any, would be recommended. The measures described above represent
that Board's recommendation. (See Article 12(i)for another element of the Phase 2 work that Board has
recommended)
Project Description(CPA Category) Funding Source Committee RecommendsRequeequeAmountsted
(g) LexHAB—Set Aside for
Housing Acquisition(Community $450,000 CPF (Cash) Disapproval (5-0)
Housing)
"This request is made by LexHAB set-aside funds for the acquisition and/or creation of
affordable housing units in Lexington. These CPA funds would be available throughout the fiscal
year for the purchase of affordable units. Units will be consistent with priorities established in
2011 by the CPC, including affordable housing deed restrictions, and inclusion on Town's
Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) The goal of this project is to streamline the process by
which LexHAB acquires and creates affordable housing units and receives State approval for
them." [Brown Book,Page XI-201
While this Committee supports this alternate approach to providing CPF funding to LexHAB,
when warranted, to further Lexington's community (affordable) housing objective under the
CPA, we do not believe additional funds are warranted at this time and, therefore, should not be
bankrolled with LexHAB
That belief is based on.
(1) The Town being, for at least the next few years even without any additions to LexHAB's
housing stock, well over the 10% threshold in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40B that
protects the Town from developments that aren't subject to all of the Town's zoning By-Laws,
(2) There is already a request before this Town Meeting for funding 4-accessible, community-
housing, units at Greeley Village (with a State grant supplementing support by the CPF)which
will further enhance our position with regard to that Chapter 40B threshold (see subsection j
under this Article),
(3) There is additional community housing already planned on the 0.5-acre portion that was
divided out for that purpose from the 14.2-acre parcel of the Leary Land off Vine Street
funded by the 2009 ATM, Article 12—and funding for that housing should require a separate
vote at a Town Meeting;
(4) Still under discussion is whether one or more units of community housing will be built
along Lowell Street frontage of the 7 93 acres of Busa Land funded by the 2009 STM
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
(May 6, 2009), Article 6—and funding for that housing should require a separate vote at a
Town Meeting;
(5) LexHAB is committed to managing the production of the units on the Leary Land and, if
any, on the Busa Land, and
(6) The Town is only just beginning to develop a land-use policy that should establish our
responsibilities for community housing and govern how we spend our taxpayers' funds to
meet our definition of our responsibilities.
This Committee recognizes that the demand for community housing will always exceed our
capability to prudently fund such housing stock. We believe Lexington has already taken
significant steps to provide such housing in our Town. While we do not believe we should rest on
just those previous efforts, we also emphasize that further steps need to balance the benefits to
those needing such housing and protection of our Town's ambiance (e g., the Chapter 40B
threshold) against the burden placed on our taxpayers to fund such housing when the competing,
unmet,demands exist for other Town services and infrastructure
Based on the above this Committee sees no compelling justification for funding this year another
set-aside to LexHAB and recommends Town Meeting reject this request without prejudice against
the submission by LexHAB of another such request in a future year—which would be judged at
that time in the light of the circumstances at that time
Project Description(CPA Category) Funding Source Committee RecommendsRequeequeAmountsted
(h) Buckman Tavern Historic Structures $65,000 CPF (Cash) Approval (5-0)
Report/Restore Plan(Historic Resources)
"This request in CPA funds is made on behalf of the Historical Society and is for the commissioning of
a Historic Structure Report and a building needs assessment for the Buckman Tavern. Although the
building has been studied on a number of occasions, a definitive study of its architectural and human
history is needed before further work on the Tavern is undertaken. The outcome of this project will be
(1) a report on the human and architectural history of the Tavern, (2) definitive dating of the building,
(3) a building needs assessment report, and (4) construction plans and specifications for an FY14
restoration project." [Brown Book, Page XI-20]
Project Description(CPA Category) Funding Source Committee RecommendsRequeequeAmountsted
(i) Historical Society Historic Records $77,268 CPF (Cash) Approval (5-0)
Preservation (Historic Resources)
"In anticipation of the Town's 300th anniversary, and in collaboration with the Town, the Historical
Society has requested CPA funds to conserve and digitize some of its most important historic records.
These include the bound church records of the First Parish Church which date to 1696, individual records
of early Lexington (such as military service, slave ownership, etc ), and two Paul Revere engravings.
These important records would be preserved and digitized, and would ultimately be available through the
Town's historic records `portal' " [Brown Book, Page XI-20]
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Project Description(CPA Category) Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
(j) Greeley Village Accessible $810,673 CPF (Cash) Approval (5-0)
Housing Project(Community Housing)
"This project, sponsored by the Lexington Housing Authority, seeks CPA funds for the design and
construction of four accessible housing units at Greeley Village Presently the housing development does
not meet the State's mandated 5% requirement for accessible units. This project would involve
constructing four new units, and has received an initial commitment from the Massachusetts Dept. of
Housing and Community Development for a $300,000 grant and a commitment for the Minuteman Career
and Technology High School for construction assistance " [Brown Book,Page XI-20]
This project originally had requested $300,000 more to fully fund the project from the CPF, but through
the diligence of Stephen Keane, Executive Director of the Lexington Housing Authority, he obtained a
formal commitment on January 9, 12012, from the State's Department of Housing & Community
Development (DHCD) to award a grant of state funds in that amount; hence the now-lower request from
the CPF
Project Description(CPA Category) Amount Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
(k) Busa Farm Debt Service $930,300 CPF (Cash) Approval (5-0)
(Potentially Multiple)
The May 6, 2009 Special Town Meeting,under Article 6 (Land Purchase—Off Lowell Street), authorized
$4,197,000 for the purchase of the Busa land. The purchase closed on December 4, 2009, and the initial
funding was provided from the Town's available cash (rather than through the use of an interest-only
Bond Anticipation Note (BAN)) On February 25, 2010, as part of the Town's issuing of a total of
$10,447,000 in bonds, a 3-year bond was issued to cover the purchase of the land. Payments of the debt
service are due, in accordance with the usual practice, semi-annually with the 14 being only part of the
interest for the year(in this case, due on each August 15th) and the 2nd being principal& the balance of the
interest for the year(in this case, due on each February 15th)
At the 2010 ATM, CPF in the amount of$2,562,100 were appropriated for the first-year's full principal
($2,425,000) and full interest ($137,100) payment on that bond. At last-year's ATM, $974,600 was
appropriated for the second-year's $886,000 in principal and $88,600 in interest. That appropriation
consisted of CPF in the amount $757,715 and $216,885 of GF (Cash)—the latter representing the CPF's
proportional share, net of its share of the bond-issuing cost, of the premium and accrued interest received,
and deposited into the GF,when the bond was issued.
This year's request for $930,300 ($886,000 in principal and $44,300 in interest) is required in order to
retire the bond on schedule on February 15, 2013
Project Description(CPA Category) Amount Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
(1) Cotton Farm Debt Service $1,000,000 CPF (Cash) Approval (5-0)
(Open Space)
This is the last of 3 payments to the seller for the $3,800,000 purchase authorized at the 2010 ATM under
its Article 9 of a portion of the 121 Marrett Road property known as the Cotton Farm by the Town to
preserve open space (An additional $57,000 was included in the total request for the Town's costs
associated with the closing on the purchase )
The 14 payment to the seller, made at closing, was $1,500,000 from the CPF and the seller agreed to no-
interest financing of the balance over two years. The 2nd payment of $1,300,000, due to the seller in
FY2012, was accelerated to FY2011—and, therefore, discounted to $1,297,400 to offset financing costs
37
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
to be borne by the Town that were not originally contemplated. On February 16, 2011, a Bond
Anticipation Note (BAN)was issued at an interest rate of 0 70% and was due on July 1, 2011 Last-year's
request of$1,300,604 was for the FY2012 payoff on July 1, 2011, in full, of that BAN
Last-year's ATM approved its Article 33 so the $500,000 from that Commonwealth of Massachusetts
grant, which was received by July 1, 2011, was used along with just $800,604 from the CPF for that
FY2012 payoff. (As a grant, that $500,000 didn't have to be appropriated so no action was needed by
Town Meeting to permit their use) The then-unused $500,000 of CPF funds that had been appropriated
for the Cotton Farm Debt Service became available for appropriation at this, or any future, Town Meeting
for any permitted CPA purpose
This year's request for$1,000,000 is for making the final payment due to the seller
Project Description(CPA Category) Amount Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
(m) Administrative Budget $150,000 CPF (Cash) Approval (5-0)
Of the request, $50,000 is for the planning, legal, survey and appraisal work associated with the
acquisition of open space Such funds will enable the Conservation Commission to act in a timely fashion
to complete the due diligence required to prepare for a land acquisition. While other Town projects use
"study monies" to investigate the benefits of a particular project, the Conservation Commission does not
have the advantage of this type of lead-time It must often act quickly to evaluate a property through legal,
survey and appraisal work. Without designating these funds for open space planning, the CPC's charge of
allocating a portion of its revenues to open-space preservation would be hindered.
The remaining $100,000 funds the administrative, legal, membership, and advertising expenses. Included
are funds for a year-round, 3 days/week(the Town's GF covers the other 2 days), administrative assistant
and $7,500 for membership in the Community Preservation Coalition—a State-wide, non-profit,
organization working on behalf of communities who have adopted the CPA.
[Communications, February 23, 2012, from the Administrative Assistant to the CPC]
If any of these funds appropriated for the Administrative Budget are not required for such administrative
expenses by the end of the fiscal year, that balance will become part of the Undesignated Fund Balance
The Undesignated Fund Balance becomes part of the CPF's total that is available for appropriation.
Article 9:Land Purchase— 1Funds Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
Off Grove Street I TBD CPF (Cash and/or TBD
(Purposes TBD) Debt)
"To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen or the Conservation Commission to purchase or
otherwise acquire, or 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, or authorize the Selectmen to purchase
or otherwise acquire, or to take by eminent domain for municipal purposes, 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 1 on Assessors' Property Map 91, now or formerly of
Wright; 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 "
[Town of Lexington Annual Town Meeting Warrant]
"This proposal initiated by the Board of Selectmen is for the potential purchase of the Wright Farm on
Grove Street. This parcel has long been of conservation interest. The CPC has approved the
commissioning of two appraisals for the property, and negotiations are on going. There is no current
estimate of the cost for this acquisition." [Brown Book, Page XI-19]
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
At the time this report was prepared, this Committee was not aware that any agreement had been reached
between the sellers and the Town. If there were an agreement, purchase of the property under this Article
allows for the CPC to recommend the purchase to Town Meeting for one or more Municipal purposes—
which, we feel, would likely include Open Space, but if it did, might not necessary commit it directly as
conservation land. (See also Article 10 for alternate approach to the purchase)
Article 10:Land Purchase—I Funds Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
Off Grove Street I TBD GF (Debt) TBD
(Conservation)
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 1 on Assessors' Property Map 91, now or formerly of Wright; 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 [Town of Lexington
Annual Town Meeting Warrant]
This Article was requested by the Conservation Commission to provide, if an agreement were reached
between the sellers and the Town—of which, at the time this report was printed, this Committee was not
aware—for purchase of the property as conservation land using the GF, if the CPC's recommendation
was for any other use(s) (See also Article 9 for alternate approach to the purchase)
Article 11:Appropriate Funds Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
for Recreation Capital $291,000 $245,000 GF (Debt) + Approval(5-0)
Project— $46,000 Recreation
EF (RE)
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
(a) Pine Meadows Equipment $46,000 RecreaRtE n EF Approval (5-0)
"The FY2013 funding request is to replace the fairway mower at Pine Meadows Golf Course The
existing fairway mower, which is used three times a week to mow approximately 13 acres per session
throughout the golf season, is 8 years old and is beyond its useful life As equipment comes closer to its
life expectancy, it does not operate efficiently and effectively When equipment is out of service for
repairs, the golf course is not being groomed properly The overall aesthetic quality of a golf course is
very important to its financial success. The quality of the turf and grooming of the course is critical to the
overall operation." [Brown Book,Page XI-18]
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
(b) Park Improvements—Hard $120,000 GF (Debt) Approval (5-0)
Court Resurfacing
"This is a request for funding to begin a multi-year program of hard court resurfacing including
neighborhood Basketball Courts, the Center Track and the Tennis Courts at the Center Complex and
Clarke Middle School. The FY2013 request is for the resurfacing and striping of the Center Track. The
track is made of an all weather resilient track surface that was installed in 1982 The track was resurfaced
in 2000, but is beginning to show significant signs of wear This is the last resurfacing that the track can
undergo and should give the track 5 to 6 more years of life before it needs to be totally reconstructed."
[Brown Book, Page XI-6]
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
(c) Park and Playground $65,000 GF (Debt) Approval (5-0)
Improvements
"This is a request for funding of a multi-year program to renovate playground equipment at various parks
around town. As the equipment continues to age and deteriorate, more frequent inspections, repairs and
equipment removal will be needed to ensure that the users are safe This is neither cost effective nor
efficient. Renovation of the current equipment,use zones, and surfacing will bring it into compliance with
generally accepted safety and accessibility standards. The FY2013 request is for the renovation of the
playground equipment at Adams Playground, located behind the Waldorf School on Massachusetts
Avenue The improvements will include construction of a new ADA compliant play structure for children
ages 5 to 12, a new swing set and installation of appropriate safety surfacing under and around the
playground structure and swings. The Town will work with the Waldorf School to partner resources for
the playground renovations." [Brown Book,Page XI-6]
In the event the Waldorf School does not provide financial support for the project, a smaller-scale version
would be installed.
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
(d) Park Improvements—
Athletic Fields $60,000 GF (Debt) Approval (5-0)
"The Recreation Department and the Public Works Department oversee the maintenance of the school
and town athletic facilities. The Town of Lexington athletic fields see excessive use and irrigation
improvements are critical to maintaining turf grass and providing a quality facility This is a request for
funding of a multi-year project of improvements to town athletic fields. The FY2013 request is for the
installation of a new in-ground irrigation system at Garfield Park for the baseball field area, and
additional irrigation lines at the Clarke and Diamond School playfields for the baseball and softball fields
to provide complete coverage of these areas." [Brown Book, Page XI-6]
40
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Article 12:Appropriate for Funding
Funds Requested Committee Recommends
Municipal Capital Source
Projects and Equipment
$4,431,586 (plus $2,274,142 GF (Debt) Approval(5-0)
$930,607 Chap. + $660,000 GF (Free
90 State Aid for a Cash) + $1,135,976
total of GF (Cash)+ $5,468
$5,362,193) 2008 ATM Art. 15(a)
+ $40,500 Water EF
(Debt) + $25,000
Water EF (RE) +
$40,500 Wastewater
EF (Debt)+$250,000
Traffic Mitigation SF
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
(a) Public Safety Radio
Connectivity $50,000 GF (Free Cash) Approval (5-0)
"At the Special Town Meeting held in November 2011, $180,000 was appropriated to improve and
stabilize the existing fire radio communications system. In presenting the request for funding in
November, it was disclosed that it was the recommendation Fire Department, based on conversations with
communications specialists, that in addition to stabilizing the existing system, there was a need to explore
the installation of a redundant system that would back up the primary system in the event it went down
during a severe weather event or other disaster The need to explore a back-up system also extends to the
Police and Public Works Departments. This request is for funds to engage a communications consultant
to assess our current communication needs and make recommendations for solutions to address those
needs in all three Departments." [Brown Book,Page XI-19]
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
$25,000 GF
(b) Hydrant Replacement $50,000 (Cash) + Approval (5-0)
Project $25,000 Water
EF (RE)
"There are 1,500 hydrants in Lexington's fire protection system. This is an annual request in a phased
project to replace older fire hydrants with new and more efficient hydrants that meet NFPA requirements.
The new hydrants will increase fire-fighting capacity thus reducing property damage and increasing
safety The new hydrant will be of a break-away design which will cost less to replace when damaged.
$50,000 will fund approximately 25 replacements." [Brown Book,Page XI-17]
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
$1,025,586 GF (Cash)+
(c) Street Improvements $1,956,193 $930,607 Chapter 90 State Approval (5-0)
Aid
"This request for the annual street resurfacing program is comprised of$1,025,586 of tax levy dollars of
which $579,502 derives from a 2001 operating budget override, and an anticipated distribution of
41
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
[$930,607] of Chapter 90 funds. Over and above the $579,502 in tax levy dollars from the 2001 override,
an additional$281,234 of tax levy support has been recommended for FY13, the maintenance of the same
amount of supplemental funding that was approved in FY12 An additional $164,850 in tax levy dollars
has been added that represents the residual balance of the revenue allocated to municipal operations per
the FY13 Revenue Allocation model. Funds will be used for design, inspections, engineering, repair,
reconstruction, and resurfacing. It is anticipated that a portion of Waltham Street and other roadways to be
determined will be repaired within this appropriation." [Brown Book,Page XI-17]
This Committee reaffirms its belief that a significant increase in funding, most likely, but not necessarily
through a debt exclusion, is needed to bring the roads infrastructure to an acceptable level which could
reasonably be expected to be maintained with the level of funding provided by requests such as the one
before this Town Meeting.
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
(d) Culvert Replacement $65,000 $65,000 GF (Free Cash) Approval (5-0)
" this request is for the design of repairs to culverts identified in the storm drainage studies conducted
by the Town with likely locations being Valleyfield Road and Revere Street." [Brown Book, Page XI-13]
(See Article 7[third find]for the balance of the funding for this $390 000 effort using the DPW Compost
Operations Revolving Fund)
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
$358,610 GF
(Debt) +
$70,000 GF
(Free Cash) +
$85,390 GF
(e) DPW Equipment $595,000 (Cash) + Approval (5-0)
$40,500 Water
EF (Debt) +
$40,500
Wastewater EF
(Debt)
"This is an annual request to replace equipment that is beyond its useful life and whose mechanical
condition no longer meets the work requirements. The Department of Public Works has an inventory of
160 pieces of equipment including sedans, hybrid SUVs, construction vehicles and specialized equipment
used to mow parks, plow snow, repair streets and complete a variety of other projects. Without regular
equipment replacement, the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the DPW's operations would be
handicapped due to equipment down time and excessive repair costs. FY13 requests are for 1 3-Yard
Rubber Tire Front End Loader - Highway Division ($185,000), 1 F450 with utility body, lift gate and
plow—Water and Wastewater Divisions ($90,000) with $40,500 from water debt, $40,500 from
wastewater debt and $9,000 for the plow setup from the general fund debt; 1 Rack Body Truck with
Crane - Forestry Division ($180,000), 1 John Deere Tractor with Attachments - Park Division ($60,000),
and 1 F450 Dump Truck with Plow- Park Division ($80,000) " [Brown Book, Page XI-5]
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
$65,000 GF
(f) Comprehensive Watershed $165,000 (Debt) + Approval (5-0)
Storm Water Management System $100,000 GF
(Free Cash)
"This request is to complete the 3rd of three watershed studies to identify impediments to drainage that
can result in neighborhood flooding including sediment buildup in brooks and wetlands, culvert
deterioration and blockages that reduce the volume of water handled by the drainage system. To date, the
Charles River watershed management plan has been completed and the Shawsheen watershed
management plan is in process. $100,000 of this request is to develop the plan for the Mystic River
Watershed. An additional $65,000 is being requested to begin design of non-culvert projects already
identified. Future funding requests will be for projects identified by the studies in process or proposed."
[Brown Book, Page XI-6]
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
(g) Dam Repair $260,000 GF (Debt) Approval (5-0)
"The March 2010 storms magnified some concerns with the Butterfield Dam including conditions of both
the inlet and outlet control structures. At present, the condition of this dam is continually monitored by
Town staff prior to and during storm events. At the 2011 annual town meeting, funding was authorized
for Phase I engineering and construction and partial Phase II engineering. Phase I construction, which
includes the physical repairs to the inlet and outlet structure of the dam, will begin in late winter 2012
The current request for FY13 funding is for continued engineering of Phase II, construction services, and
the construction of the Phase II improvements. The Phase II improvements include physical
improvements to the upstream and downstream face of the dam including the removal of trees to improve
the dam's structural integrity" [Brown Book, Page XI-5]
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
(h) Storm Drainage
Improvements & (NPDES) $340,000 GF (Debt) Approval (5-0)
Compliance
"$70,000 of this request is to fund the design of projects and programs that will meet requirements
imposed on the Town by the EPA's NPDES [National Pollution Discharge Elimination System] illicit
discharge detection and elimination program, and BMP (best management practices), e g., installations
and retrofits. The remaining $270,000 the request is for the repair/replacement of drainage structures
encountered during the road resurfacing program, repair of other drainage areas of concern in town
including but not limited to trouble spots in the watersheds of the Vine Brook, Cambridge Reservoir,
Beaver Brook, and Kiln Brook; and, other work identified during the NPDES investigation work."
[Brown Book, Page XI-5]
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
(i) Battle Green Area Master
Plan–Parking, Traffic Calming
and Safe Pedestrian Access Study $60,000 GF (Free Cash) Approval (5-0)
–Phase 1 Conceptual Plan
"Off-site/off-street parking is currently difficult for visitors to find and can compete with parking needs of
the Center commercial and retail businesses. The current crosswalk system is dangerous and does not
reflect the travel paths most frequently used by tourists/visitors. Tour buses also require a safe area to
allow visitors to disembark and then park safely Consistent with Recommendation 7 from the Battle
Green Area Master Plan, this request is to undertake a parking and traffic study that will include an
analysis of parking for autos along Massachusetts Ave and Bedford Street, alternative analysis for
parking if these spaces were eliminated, and options for bus drop-off and parking. This study would be
coordinated with the traffic study for the Center commercial area that was funded in the FY12 Economic
Development Office budget. The purpose of this study will be to develop conceptual plans for review by
Town boards and committees. Once a plan is agreed to, Phase 2 will involve engineering documents
sufficient for bidding any necessary work." [Brown Book,Page XI-17]
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
$119,532 GF
(j) Town-wide Signalization (Debt) + $5,468
Improvements $125,000 from 2008 ATM Approval (5-0)
Article 15(a)
"This request is for funds to update traffic and pedestrian signals identified through a signal inventory and
compliance study that was funded last fiscal year that included assessments of ADA compliance,
condition, signal timing, delays, and a prioritization of the signals needing attention. It is proposed that
the funding requested will be applied to improvements at the intersection of Waltham Street and Worthen
Road." [Brown Book, Page XI-6]
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
(k) Sidewalk Improvements and $300,000 GF (Debt) Approval (5-0)
Easements
"This is an annual request to rebuild and/or repave existing asphalt sidewalks that are deteriorated and to
construct new sidewalks with bituminous and granite or asphalt curbing. Sidewalk improvements will
support and enhance pedestrian safety and the Safe Routes to School Program. Sidewalk projects will be
chosen from the Sidewalk Committee's Master Plan and all work will be ADA compliant." [Brown Book,
Page XI-6]
This funding is for sidewalks outside the CBD
Two members of this Committee feel strongly this is an inadequate annual investment in the non-CBD
sidewalks and deserves receiving additional finding—especially when it has been decided to provide
some additional finding from available revenue toward the street improvements (See (c) above)
44
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
(1) Concord Avenue Sidewalk $250,000 Traffic Mitigation SF Approval (5-0)
Engineering and Easements
"This request is for funding of a survey and design for sidewalks along Concord Avenue from Spring
Street to Waltham Street. Currently there are no sidewalks along Concord Avenue in this section. The
installation would be for an approximate total length of 1 1 miles and would likely include, but not be
limited to, retaining walls, drainage improvements, tree removal, and pedestrian crossings. The current
estimate for construction is roughly$2,000,000 [Brown Book,Page XI-19]
One or more future requests would be to fund the construction and are contemplated also to involve the
Traffic Mitigation SF,but it's likely that would need to be supplemented from the GF
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
(m) Street Betterment N/A GF (Debt) Indefinite Postponement(5-0)
Improvements and Easements
This was included in the Warrant as the Department of Public Works had received two petitions from
residents of Park Street and Grandview Avenue for street improvements to bring them up to Town
standards so they can be accepted as Town ways. The estimated cost of the improvements,which includes
the repair of the roadways and the installation of proper drainage, was $200,000 Given that these
improvements would directly benefit the abutters, it was proposed that they be assessed a betterment
charge to cover the cost to bring the street up to Town standards. However, as there was no final
agreement by the abutters accepting the betterment assessment, this Committee expects this sub-element
will be indefinitely postponed.
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
(n) Off-Site Street Improvements $170,000 GF (Free Cash) Approval (5-0)
Related to the Estabrook School
"This request is for funding design, engineering and possibly construction of street improvements to
reduce queuing on Grove Street resulting from pick-ups/drop-offs at the Estabrook School. The work
proposed is likely to include sight distance improvements and signalization at the existing Estabrook
School driveway, and intersection realignment and sight distance improvements at the intersection of
Grove Street and Robinson Road. Improvements along Robinson Road include minor widening, sight
distance improvements, drainage installation related to increased impervious area, and potential sidewalk
installation. These improvements are based on recommendations from the Estabrook School access
ad-hoc task force, and public safety Departments." [Brown Book,Page XI-19]
This request is for the D&E for establishing an 18-foot width of Robinson Road, with one sidewalk;
improving the intersection of Robinson Road with Grove Street; and making improvements to Grove
Street near the intersection with the roadway leading to the Estabrook School.
45
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
(o) CBD Sidewalk/Street
Improvements/Landscaping— $240,000 GF (Debt) Approval (4-1)
D&E
"This project is to restore and improve the center sidewalks, roadways, and street trees and furniture
Proposed funding in FY13 would be used to provide 25% stage design (survey design) leading to
construction of the plan expected to begin in FY 14 The construction is estimated at $3 6 to $4 0 million.
The construction phase is likely to include reconstruction of Massachusetts Avenue from Woburn Street
to Harrington Road, the restoration, removal and replacement of the forty-year-old brick sidewalk along
the northerly side of Massachusetts Avenue from Depot Square to the exit of Town Hall as well as other
aspects developed in the Master Plan. In addition to the restoration of these areas, all of the existing
pedestrian corridors and ramps will be brought into ADA compliance and the alley between 1761-1775
Massachusetts Avenue (Bank of America)will be closed to vehicular traffic " [Brown Book,Page XI-7]
To clarify the timing described above, following the initial D&E funded with this FY2013 request, it is
contemplated there would be a request in the FY2014 budget to complete the D&E (likely including
recommendations for a phased implementation) with bid documents, and then a request in the FY2015
budget for at least the initial construction funding. (The cost to reconstruct Massachusetts Avenue—
which needs to be done, anyway—is not part of this project and we would expect that to be included in a
future-year request for Street Improvements under the usual annual request—such as is sub-Article (c)
above )
This Committee appreciates that the CBD is the heart of our Town's business "face" and that needs to be
enhanced, without destroying the character of Lexington, but expects the Town to limit its course of
action until the identified issues have been adequately addressed (e g., Woburn Street intersection,
number of travel lanes, and sidewalk materials) We are very familiar with the public outreach that has
been done to date, but it is with an understanding of the issues left on the table at the end of that process
that raised concerns.
The majority of this Committee supports moving forward at this time but only with (1) the limited survey
design being proposed (2) the commitment that has been made to include up front, the traffic-
engineering services to address the open issues and (3) continued public discussions regarding the
proposed resolution of the open issues
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
(p) Telephone System $591,000 GF (Debt) Approval (5-0)
Replacements Town-wide
"This is a request for Year 1 of a multi-year program to replace phone systems in town and school
buildings as the systems reach their end of useful life At the 2008 Annual Town Meeting, $30,000 was
appropriated to fund an assessment of existing phone systems in town and school buildings. This
assessment, which was completed in the summer of 2011, recommends that upon reaching end of useful
life, existing systems be replaced with voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) systems that will operate on
the Town's wide area fiber network connected to each town and school building. The FY2013 request
Includes funding for the deployment of'core devices' that will support all new VOIP systems proposed
for replacement in this year and in future years. Systems proposed for replacement in FY2013 include
Lexington High School, Cary Memorial Building, Westview Cemetery, the sewer pump station, and the
recycling building. Included in the capital requests for the Bridge, Bowman and Estabrook schools is
funding for the installation of VOIP systems in calendar year 2013 (Bridge and Bowman) and calendar
year 2014 (Estabrook) that will be supported by the 'core devices' referenced above " [Brown Book,
Page XI-5]
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
(q) Town-wide Electronic $145,000 GF (Free Cash) Approval (5-0)
Document Management System
"At the 2011 annual town meeting, an appropriation was approved to fund a joint effort of municipal
departments and the school department to expand both the capability and capacity of our existing
document management system (Laserfiche) to include school documentation and file management and to
expand archive storage capacity This FY2013 request is for additional funding for scanning of
documents in the ongoing effort to populate the document management system and to create the baseline
database Additionally, FY2013 includes some funding to maximize the utilization of the new acquired
modules and apply them to School and Municipal department needs. It includes some custom
programming and additional training funding. It is anticipated that additional funding will be requested in
FY2014 for additional scanning services." [Brown Book,Page XI-19]
Article 13:Appropriate Funds Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
for Water System
Improvements $900,000 Water EF (Debt) Approval(5-0)
"This is an annual request for funding of an on-going program to replace unlined or inadequate water
mains and deteriorated service connections, and to eliminate dead ends in water mains. Unlined water
mains are subject to corrosion which results in restricted flow and degradation of drinking water quality
Possible locations of water main repair and replacement are Downing Road, Prospect Hill Road,
Wachusett Drive and Forest Court. Part of these project costs may be eligible for financing through an
MWRA grant/loan program." [Brown Book, Page XI-10]
Article 14:Appropriate Funds Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
for Wastewater System
Improvements $1,300,000 Wastewater EF Approval(5-0)
(Debt)
Project Description Amount Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
(a) Wastewater System Wastewater EF
Improvements $1,200,000 (Debt) Approval (5-0)
"This is an annual request for rehabilitation of sanitary sewer infrastructure Engineering investigation
and evaluation will be done on sewers in remote, inaccessible areas, such as along brook channels where
poor soil conditions lead to storm water infiltration. Work will include replacement or repair of
deteriorated sewers and manholes in easements. Sewage leaks and overflows present a direct danger to
the health of the community through transmission of waterborne diseases. In addition, the Town's
assessment by the MWRA for sewage treatment is based on total flow through the meter at the Arlington
town line, so excessive flow of stormwater in the sewer results in unnecessarily higher sewage bills.
Projects may be eligible for MWRA grant/loan program funding if additional funding is made available
Further identification, prioritization, and repair of sanitary sewer lines in the town to reduce inflow and
infiltration into the system has been ongoing in several sewer basins in town that include, but are not
limited, to the Kiln Brook Basin/Tophet Swamp area, the Stimson Ave./Grandview Ave area, the Parker
Street/downtown area, and the Saddle Club area. Possible future areas of investigation and removal are
the Waltham Street/Concord Avenue area and Adams Street area." [Brown Book,Page XI-10]
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Project Description Amount Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
(b) Pump Station Upgrades $100,000 Wastewater EF Approval (5-0)
(Debt)
"Lexington has ten sewer pumping stations valued at over $6 million. This is an ongoing program for
upgrade of the stations including bringing them in compliance with federal (OSHA) regulations, and
equipment replacement. The pump stations are evaluated every year to ensure they are operating within
design parameters. As the system ages, motors and valves need to be replaced and entryways need to be
brought up to current OSHA Standards. Pump failure results in sewer surcharges and overflows, which
create a public health risk and environmental damage This year's funding is requested for the
Constitution Road Pump Station and the Worthen Road Pump Station." [Brown Book, Page XI-11]
Six of the 10 pump stations have already been addressed, two more, smaller, stations will be addressed
with this funding, It is planned that funding for the last two stations—which are large stations—will be
requested in FY2014 & FY2015, thereby ending this cycle of station upgrading
Article 15:Appropriate Funds Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
for School Capital
Projects and $1,085,000 $916,676 GF (Debt) Approval(5-0)
+ $168,324 GF
Equipment
(Cash)
Project Description Amount Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
$833,676 GF (Debt)
(a) School Technology $1,002,000 + $168,324 GF Approval (5-0)
(Cash)
"This request supports the Lexington Public School's Strategic Goal of enhancing the capacity to utilize
technology as an instructional and administrative tool. Funding is requested for
• replacement of the oldest desktop and laptop ($430,000)
• increasing the number of student workstations at the High School and the two middle schools to meet
different instructional needs in our general education and special education classrooms ($80,000),
• replacement of printers and peripherals ($22,000),
• maintaining and updating the LPS local area networks ($82,000),
• installing a managed wireless network in two elementary schools ($154,600), and
• providing interactive whiteboards with integrated projection systems in sixty-five of the Grade 3-12
classrooms ($233,400) "
[Brown Book,Page XI-9]
Project Description Amount Funding Source Committee Recommends
Requested
(b) Classroom and $83,000 GF (Debt) Approval (5-0)
Administrative Furniture
"This is an annual request for replacement of furniture that has reached the end of its useful life Many
buildings have not been renovated and need to have classroom furnishings replaced. The schools need
cafeteria tables, desks, age appropriate chairs, and teacher desks and chairs, filing cabinets, whiteboards,
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
swing and fitness center equipment as well as funds to dispose of the old furniture " [Brown Book,
Page XI-9]
Article 16:Appropriate Funds Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
for Public Facilities
Capital Projects $1,819,711 $867,685 GF (Debt) $2,200,711
+ $782,315 GF (See Below)
(Free Cash) +
$169,711 GF (Cash)
Project Description Amount Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
(a) School Building Envelope and $215,000 GF (Free Cash) Approval (5-0)
Systems
"This project involves performing annual prioritized design, repairs and modifications to prevent
deterioration of school building exteriors and building systems. Proper maintenance of school buildings
requires continual investment in the building envelope and building systems. This includes repair of
damaged panels and siding, re-caulking and weatherproofing windows and doors, repainting the wood
exterior, and extraordinary repairs to mechanical systems. Small, individual items such as failure of a
specific door or window or small painting projects will continue to be funded through the operating
budget. FY 2013 priorities may include making extraordinary repairs as required to school buildings
including educational space modifications from enrollment changes, concrete repairs to spalled concrete
at the Diamond roofline, and construction of a loading dock at the Central Office building. Engineering
design and preparation of bid documents are included in the request for funding." [Brown Book,
Page XI-14]
Project Description Amount Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
(b) Evaluation of Middle
Schools Science Labs and $35,000 GF (Free Cash) Approval (5-0)
Performing Art Spaces
"The two middle schools were renovated approximately 10 years ago There are concerns from the school
administrators that science labs and performing arts spaces no longer adequately support these programs,
and that the systems, equipment, and the space plan should be evaluated for alignment with the
educational program. This request is for funding to evaluate the adequacy of existing science laboratories,
performing arts spaces and associated systems and equipment to meet programmatic needs and make
recommendations for enhancements to meet those needs." [Brown Book,Page XI-15]
Project Description Amount Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
(c) Diamond Energy $25,000 GF (Free Cash) Approval (5-0)
Improvements
"The Diamond Middle School is second to the High School with the highest energy use per square foot.
Low cost energy audits have been conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources and
National GRID, without realizing identifiable projects to improve efficiencies. This project is requesting
funds to perform a more in depth audit of major mechanical systems that will result in a Mechanical
Master Plan anticipated to be implemented over a five-year period." [Brown Book,Page XI-15]
49
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Project Description Amount Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
(d) Municipal Building $169,711 GF (Cash) Approval (5-0)
Envelope and Systems
"This ongoing capital request includes design and construction repair/replacement projects for the
maintenance and upgrade of municipal buildings and systems. Repairs to roofs,windows, mechanical and
electrical systems, and interior finishes are required on a continual basis to maintain town facilities for
their intended function. The public building infrastructure will always need to be maintained, repaired,
and upgraded to prevent structural deterioration and avoid safety hazards. The projects within this
program do not increase the size of the public building stock and therefore do not result in increased
utility usage or maintenance costs. Projects already identified for FY2013 include the replacement of
Cary Library sidewalks and the addition of ventilation to the Cary Library chiller for improved servicing
and maintenance" [Brown Book, Page XI-15]
Project Description Amount Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
None (To Be
(e) White House Stabilization Indefinitely Approval(4-1)of
Postponed) $381 000 GF (Cash)
As noted earlier in this report (Page 27), while this project is in the Warrant, it is shown in the Brown
Book(Page XI-3)with recommended funding as"TBD" and without a description.
Based on the"Fiscal Year 2013 Town Manager's Preliminary Budget & Financing Plan", January 9,2012
(the"White Book), it is known that:
"This request is for funds to create bid documents for the stabilization of the White House (Hosmer
House) and for actual work to be performed. The building has been in significant disrepair for several
years as the Town considers possible future uses of the site Two recent studies concluded that the
majority of the building should be demolished as the structure is not suitable for Town needs. An
Historic Structures Report completed in November 2010 examined five stabilization strategies. The
lowest cost strategy is being proposed for funding because it retains most of the highest preservation
priorities, and it is compatible with a number of proposed future uses of the structure The
stabilization work includes the resetting of stones in rubble foundation, stripping paint from siding and
trim and repairing or replacing as appropriate, replacing soffits and fascias, priming and repainting the
exterior; replacing shutters, wooden storm windows, gutters and rain leaders, and repairing chimney
brickwork." [White Book, Page XI-21]
Although this $381,000 project was originally contemplated to have its demolition portion ($148,590)
funded by the GF and its stabilization portion ($232,410) funded by the CPF, the CPC did not support the
project for this Town Meeting—a position that this Committee took to be without prejudice against a
re-submission for consideration to be presented to a subsequent Town Meeting. That leaves this Town
Meeting with the option to support this project if funding for it can be found within the non-CPF funds
available to the Town.
As the Historic Districts Commission has ruled that the historic core of the building (the Hosmer House)
must be preserved and can't be moved off the site, this Committee agrees that the demolition portion of
the project will need to be done whatever eventual use of the building may be deemed appropriate by the
BoS—and most likely using the GF, whether now or later That leaves the question about whether the GF
should be used now for the stabilization portion even though there is currently no use designated for the
Hosmer-House portion.
This Committee recognizes the case made by the DPF with regard to its responsibility to preserve all of
the Town's assets for which it is the steward and its plan to accomplish this entire project before the end
of this calendar year At the same time—and notwithstanding the aesthetic concerns with the building's
50
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
dilapidated condition—there was hesitation in spending the additional $232,410 from the GF without
understanding just how the stabilized portion would be used and evidence no significant portion of the
stabilization funds would have been wasted by having already done that work before the build-out is done
for a potential user
The majority of this Committee concluded it is in the Town's best interest to proceed now with the project
as presented—finding it entirely from the GF (Cash) As the BoS did not support this project and
therefore said it will move to Indefinitely Postpone this sub-Article this Committee will oppose that
Motion and offer a substitute Motion to find the project
Project Description Amount Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
287,685 GF
(f) Extraordinary School Repair $610,000 (Debt)+$322,315 Approval (5-0)
Projects
GF (Free Cash)
"This request is to fund multiple projects that are characterized as extraordinary repairs. They include
"(i) School Building Flooring Program ($125,000) This is a multi-year project that will
replace carpet, vinyl tile, and ceramic tile flooring systems that have failed or are beyond their
useful life and exceed $25,000 in cost. Flooring systems must be replaced periodically to insure
the surfaces are safe and cleanable Worn or broken flooring creates a tripping hazard, can
provide harborage for bacteria and water, and is difficult to clean. Smaller repairs of flooring
components are funded through the operating budget.
"(ii) School Window Treatments Extraordinary Repair($50,000) The majority of Lexington's
school buildings have inoperable horizontal blinds that were installed when the buildings were
constructed. This multi-year project will replace these window treatments with low maintenance
solar shades to increase energy efficiency, control sun glare, and improve overall lighting control
in the educational space
"(iii) School Locker Replacement Program ($150,000) Student and athletic lockers provide a
safe and secure means for students to protect their personal belongings while in school. Due to
constant use they are subject to wear and tear This project will replace student lockers at
Diamond Middle School that cannot be repaired because replacement parts are no longer
available These lockers are the original lockers from the last school construction project. Once
replaced, they will be maintained though the Public Facilities annual operating budget. This is the
last year of a multi-year project as the need for school lockers has been addressed.
"(iv) Hastings Elementary School Improvements ($87,000) This request is for design and
construction funds for various improvements to the Hastings Elementary School. At present, the
lower level of the school does not have adult restrooms, which is a problem for staff. In addition,
the upper level corridor's suspended ceiling experiences significant solar gain from the roof
mounted skylights that bring daylight into the corridor, which makes for uncomfortable
conditions due to overheating. This project will construct two adult restrooms. This will also have
the ancillary benefit of creating improved circulation into the cafeteria space and freeing up space
for the construction of two needed offices in the lower entrance area. To address the overheating
in the upper level corridor, exhaust fans and controls will be installed in the ceiling plenum
allowing the venting of excess heat to the outside
"(v) Clarke Gymnasium Storage Area ($28,000) This request is for funds to remove the
gymnasium sliding wall system at Clarke and construct a storage area in the vacated space The
sliding wall system has not been used for several years and is not in an operable condition. In
addition, bleachers and ductwork have been installed that prevent the wall from being fully
utilized. The gymnasium has built in storage that does not meet the needs for the program.
Removing the wall system and constructing a storage area will make the space available for use
51
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
"(vi) Convert Space for Pre-Kindergarten Occupational Therapy ($60,000) This request is for
funding for the renovation of existing space at Harrington School so that the Pre-Kindergarten
Occupational Therapy program can return from temporary space at the Old Harrington School.
The renovation includes removing the computer lab and relocating the literacy specialist and
`leveled literacy' library
"(vii) Convert Computer Lab to Classroom—Fiske School ($60,000) This request is to convert
the computer lab at Fiske School into a general classroom. Projections for the coming year
indicate the need for an additional classroom. The computer-related educational requirements at
the school can be met with laptop computers in carts utilizing the wireless network.
"(viii) Sound Proofing of Classroom Spaces for Hearing Impaired Program—Diamond Middle
School($50,000) The Diamond Middle School currently has one set of classrooms engineered to
address the needs of hearing impaired students. With hearing impaired students at each grade
level there is the need to soundproof a second set of classrooms to meet program demands. This
request is for funding to install soundproofing systems within 4 classrooms including HVAC
adjustments, ceiling and wall treatments, and other related modifications."
[Brown Book, Page XI-7]
Project Description Amount Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
(g) Public Facilities Bid $75,000 GF (Free Cash) Approval (5-0)
Documents
"This request is for funds for professional services to produce design development, construction
documents, and/or bid administration services for smaller school projects in anticipation of requests for
construction funding at town meeting that that have a high probability of approval. This will insure that
the projects can be completed in the then-current construction season, which is particularly important for
the timely completion of such projects given the short window between the end of school in June and the
beginning of school the following August." [Brown Book, Page XI-16]
This fund will allow the DPF to perform D&E on small projects prior to Town Meeting and thereby be
better prepared for starting construction on these projects as soon as Town Meeting dissolves. Such
"streamlining" will help make the DPF more efficient.
Project Description Amount Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
(h) Hastings School Natural Gas $45,000 GF (Free Cash) Approval (5-0)
Conversion
"This request is for funding to convert the boiler at the Hastings School from oil to natural gas and to
remove the existing buried oil tank. It is projected that this conversion will save an estimated $9,400 per
year in fuel costs." [Brown Book,Page XI-16]
Project Description Amount Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
(i) Town-wide Facilities Master $65,000 GF (Free Cash) Approval (5-0)
Plan
"This is a request for funds for consulting services to assist the Board of Selectmen in developing a Town
Wide Facility Master Plan. Over the last three years, facility studies have been completed for Fire
Headquarters, Police Headquarters, Human Services, the Stone Building, the White House, Town Office
Building and Cary Memorial Building. The various studies have provided recommendations for facility
52
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
renovations and/or facility replacements to meet the needs of the various departments and functions
and/or to preserve Town assets. The selected consultant would assist the Town in developing an
integrated Facilities Master Plan taking into consideration the recommendations from individual studies,
the priorities of the Town, the need for efficient sequencing of projects to take advantage of available
swing space, the relocation of services to improve adjacencies, and, the financial capacity for the Town to
implement the projects." [Brown Book, Page XI-16]
This plan will help provide consolidated information on the many outstanding municipal big-ticket
projects, thereby providing more information for prioritizing these projects over the next several years—
similar to the Schools K-12 Master Plan.
Project Description Amount Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
(j) Grounds Vehicle $80,000 GF (Debt) Approval (5-0)
"This request is to fund the replacement of one of two existing vehicles used to maintain the grounds
around school buildings and transport items among the schools. The vehicles have been used beyond their
useful lives and require increasingly expensive repairs that result in excessive downtime affecting
operations. It is proposed to replace the 2000 GMC Sierra in FY 2013 and a request will be made for FY
2014 to replace the 2000 Chevy GMT400 The vehicles will be replaced with Ford F350 4x4 trucks
equipped with plows, spreaders, lift gates, and heavy duty platform bodies with stake sides." [Brown
Book, Page XI-7]
Project Description Amount Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
(k) Lexington High School
(LHS) Overcrowding—Phase II $400,000 GF (Debt) Approval (5-0)
Renovations
"This project is the continuation of$175,000 of funding authorized at the 2011 Annual Town Meeting for
designer services and renovation costs to improve space utilization at LHS and reduce overcrowding,
where feasible The PreK- 12 Master Plan identified overcrowding at LHS as an issue that affects student
and faculty programs. Phase II will consolidate information technology staff at the central office and
return LHS space to educational use In addition, the 2012-2013 school year will require additional
classrooms. Opportunities for relocating functions not critical to the LHS education program are being
reviewed for relocation in order to free up additional space for renovation as classrooms." [Brown Book,
Page XI-8]
Project Description Amount Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
(1) School Paving Program $100,000 GF (Debt) Approval (5-0)
"This project requests funds for design and construction to maintain school parking and paved pedestrian
surfaces in a condition suitable for public use In the last four years paving improvements have been
implemented at Estabrook, Bridge, Bowman, Hastings and Diamond. The Department of Public Facilities
and the Department of Public Works Engineering partner on these projects to utilize the DPW paving
bids." [Brown Book, Page XI-9]
53
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Article 19: Rescind Amount for Rescission Original Funding Committee Recommends
Prior Borrowing Source
Authorizations $46,475 Debt Approval(5-0)
"To see if the Town will vote to rescind the unused borrowing authority voted under previous Town
Meeting articles
"DESCRIPTION State law requires that Town Meeting vote to rescind authorized and unissued debt
which is no longer required for its intended purpose "
[Town of Lexington Warrant to the 2012 ATM, Page 16]
This Committee has been advised that the following borrowing authority is no longer needed as the
associated projects have been completed and no additional funds need to be borrowed.
2009 ATM 11(i) Fire Department Headquarters $19,164 00
Preservation & Renovation Study
2010 ATM 12(d) DPW Equipment Replacement $3,375 00
2010 ATM 16(b) Clarke Middle School Auditorium $15,790 00
Safety and Technology Upgrade
2011 ATM 13(g) Hastings School Playground $8,146 00
Expansion
Total $46,475 00
Note No-longer-needed cash balances from issued debt are not a subject for rescission Those are
normally proposed to Town Meeting for appropriation to later Capital Articles
Article 20:Authorize The Funds Funding Source
Establishment of a
Requested Committee Recommends
Minuteman Stabilization Not Applicable Not Applicable Indefinite Postponement
Fund (5-0)
"To see if the Town will approve the establishment of a Stabilization Fund by the Minuteman Regional
Vocational School District to pay costs of capital repairs, renovations, and improvements to the regional
district school and its associated facilities [Town of Lexington Warrant to the 2012 ATM, Page 17]
The approval by the 2009 ATM, under its Article 27, to Establish Stabilization Fund for Minuteman
Regional Vocational School District has been deemed by Town Counsel already to provide for such a
fund to pay capital expenses of that School District; therefore, we expect this Article to be Indefinitely
Postponed.
Article 21: Establish And Funds Funding Source
Appropriate To Specified
Requested Committee Recommends
Stabilization Funds Unknown Pending Pending
"To see if the Town will vote to create and/or 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)
Section 135 Zoning By-Law,(b)Traffic Mitigation, (c)Transportation Demand Management, (d) School Bus
Transportation, (e) Special Education, (f) Center Improvement District; (g) Debt Service, (h) Transportation
Management Overlay District (TMO-1), (i) Avalon Bay School Enrollment Mitigation Fund and (j) Capital
Projects Fund.
54
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
DESCRIPTION This article proposes to establish and/or fund Stabilization Funds for specific
purposes. The use of these funds may be appropriated for the specific designated purpose by a two-
thirds vote of an Annual or Special Town Meeting."
[Town of Lexington Warrant to the 2012 ATM, Page 17]
At the time of writing this report there are pending suggestions to establish and fund a "Capital
Projects/Debt Service Stabilization Fund" to hold a portion of the revenue made available by the
downward adjustment in the FY2013 Health Benefits expenses. This Committee looks forward to
participating in the discussions regarding any transfers into that fund as well as other uses of the newly
available revenue
Article 22:Appropriate to Funds Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
Stabilization Fund
N/A Indefinite Postponement
(5-0)
"To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to the previously created Stabilization
Fund
"DESCRIPTION These funds may later be appropriated, by a two-thirds vote of an Annual or
Special Town Meeting, for any lawful purpose "
[Town of Lexington Warrant to the 2012 ATM, Page 17]
At this time, there is not any planned action under this Article
Article 23:Appropriate Funds Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
from Debt Service
Stabilization Fund $124,057 Debt Service SF Approval(5-0)
"To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money from the Debt Service Stabilization Fund to
offset the FY2013 debt service of the bond dated February 1, 2003 issued for additions and renovations to
the Lexington High School, Clarke Middle School and Diamond Middle School, as refunded with bonds
dated December 8, 2011
"DESCRIPTION This article would allow the Town to pay the debt service on the 2003 School
Bonds from the Capital Debt Service Stabilization Fund set up for that specific purpose "
[Town of Lexington Warrant to the 2012 ATM, Page 18]
In August 2006, the Town received over $14 million from the Massachusetts School Building Authority
as reimbursement toward the Town's secondary-schools renovation project. After using over $l lmillion
of those funds to retire short-term debt taken on in anticipation of that reimbursement, there were
$2,143,079 of excess reimbursement which needed to be applied toward the project's long-term exempt
debt. (By Department of Revenue [DOR] regulations, these funds must be used only to offset debt service
on the outstanding bond for that exempt debt.)
With the prior-year appropriations from this fund and, over the same period interest being earned on the
amount in the fund, the balance is now $1,379,001 With continued, yearly, appropriation of this same
amount($124,057), all the excess reimbursement will have been applied with the payment in FY2023
With present balance, that would still leave $14,374 in the fund, but the residual balance will be higher in
FY2023 as a result of interest that will be earned over the next 11 years. It is the Town's position that the
residual balance should be applied against other exempt debt in FY2024 as the requirement to reserve
these funds was to "return"the funds to the taxpayer through the mitigation of exempt debt service
55
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Article 26:Appropriate Funds Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
for Authorized Capital
Improvements I $200,000 Insurance Proceeds Approval(5-0)
"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
"DESCRIPTION This is an annual article to request funds for capital improvement project
expenditures that exceed the level of appropriation."
[Town of Lexington Warrant for 2012 Annual Town Meeting,Page 19]
At the time of writing this report, this Committee expects a single request under this Article for Town
Meeting to appropriate all the funds received in settlement of a claim made by the Town to the original
design firm based on deficiencies in the wash bay in what has been named the Samuel Hadley Public
Services Building (201 Bedford Street) The rest of the funds that will be needed to design and execute
the corrections, as well as some betterments in the wash bay that experience with the building has shown
as being warranted, would come from the balance existing in previous authorizations for the construction
of that building—which do not require a new appropriation. (The overall building project came in about
$2.2 million under the previous authorizations.) The exact amount of the supplement to the appropriation
being requested will depend on the final design and the aggressiveness of the bids, but is not anticipated
at this time to be more than $100,000
Article 31:Amend Funds Requested Funding Source Committee Recommends
General Bylaws—
Town Meeting None Not Applicable Approval(5-0) only if
Warrant additional requirement
included for an all-
residence mailing of a
notice before each
Warrant
To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 118-2 of the Code of the Town of Lexington ("Posting and
Mailing of Warrant") by deleting the requirement that the warrant be mailed to each dwelling place in the
town and substituting therefor requirements that the warrant be (a) mailed to all Town Meeting members
and, upon request to other residents, (b) posted on the Town of Lexington website, and (c) publicly
posted in designated municipal buildings in addition to the Town Office Building, including, but not
limited to, the Cary Memorial Library, the Samuel Hadley Public Services Building, the Lexington Senior
Center and the Lexington Police Station
DESCRIPTION With changes taking place in the operation of the United States Postal Service,
and expectation of reduced services and delays in bulk mailings, this article would provide an
alternate way for making warrants available to residents and Town Meeting Members."
[Town of Lexington Warrant to the 2012 ATM, Page 20]
This Committee can unanimously agree to substituting an opt-in approach with regarding to mailing of a
Town-Meeting Warrant only if there were an explicit heads-up to all of the Town's residents before each
Warrant reminding them of an upcoming Warrant(s) how the Warrant will be accessible and of their
right to opt-in to getting a copy by mail—with advice of the means by which they can opt-in
To that end we have proposed to the Town Clerk and the BoS—with prior advice to the Town-Meeting
Moderator—that something along the lines of the following—but reformatted as needed to be consistent
with the format of the subject Motion and review by Town Counsel—be added as a 4th condition in the
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Motion's substitute language in addition to those listed as (a) through (c) in the subject Article (The
"and"before the "(c)"would need to be removed)
and (d) a notice shall be sent annually by mail to each residence
in the Town (which notice may be combined in another mailing to each
residence) , before each Warrant is available, providing advice of
the upcoming Warrant and where it shall be posted (including
electronically) once published, and providing a means for opting-in
to the mailed distribution of that specific Warrant if there is not
a Town Meeting Member at that residence.
While we had thought the annual mailing of the Town Census form might be one of the few to-all-
residences mailing that the Town is already doing--and would seem timely for the purpose of the "(d)"
above at least for the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting it's not our Committee's intent that the
amended Bylaw would specify the means by which such notice would be provided only that the Town
bear the burden of providing each residence with such a notice
If the additional condition is not included in the Motion presented to Town Meeting, this Committee will
offer an amendment to add it If neither means succeeds this Committee is unanimously opposed to the
elimination of the to-all-residences mailing of the Town-Meeting Warrants
57
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Summary of Warrant Article Recommendations
Abbreviations RF = Revolving Fund CPF = Community Preservation Fund
EF= Enterprise Fund RE = Retained Earnings GF = General Fund
SF = Stabilization Fund TBD = To Be Determined ATM=Annual Town Meeting.
STM= Special Town Meeting
CEC
Recommended
Difference from
Article Description Request Request Funding Source
STM 2 Appropriate for New Estabrook School $39 742,248 GF(Excluded Debt)
7 Establish and Continue Departmental RFs
7 Culvert Replacement I $325,0001 I DPW Compost Operations RF(Cash)
8 Community Preservation Committee Operating Budget aid CPA Projects
8(a) Archives&Records Management/Conservation $150,000 CPF(Cash)
8(b) Paint Mine Barn $34 770 CPF(Cash)
8(c) Muzzey Senior Center Upgrade Phase I $561,518 CPF(Cash)
8(d) Cary Memorial Building Upgrade $75,000 CPF(Cash)
8(e) Center Playfields Drainage-Phase III $605 718 CPF(Cash)
8(f) Battle Green Area Master Plan Implementation Phase 2 $143,845 CPF(Cash)
8(g) LexHab Set Aside for Housing Acquisition $450,000 ($450,000) CPF(Cash)
8(h) Buckman Tavern Historic Structions Report&Restore Plan $65,000 CPF(Cash)
8(i) Historical Society Historic Records Preservation $77,268 CPF(Cash)
8(I), Greeley Village Accessible Housing Project $810,673 CPF(Cash)
8(k) Busa Farm Debt Service $930,300 CPF(Cash)
8(1) Cotton Farm Debt Service $1 000,000 CPF(Cash)
8(m) Administrative Budget $150,000 CPF(Cash)
9 Land Purchase Off Grove Street TBD I CPF(Cash and/or Debt)
10 II GF(Debt)
11 Recreation Capital Projects
11(a) Pine Meadows Equipment $46,000 Recreation EF(RE)
11(b) Park Improvements-Hard Court Resurfacing $120,000 GF(Debt)
11(c) Park&Playground Improvement $65,000 GF(Debt)
11(d) Park Improvements-Athletic Fields $60,000 GF(Debt)
12 Municipal Capital Projects&Equipment
12(a) Public Safety Radio Connectivity $50,000 GF(Free Cash)
12(b) Hydrant Replacement Project $50,000 $25,000 GF Cash+$25,000 Water EF
(RE)
12(c) Street Improvements and Easements $1,956 193 $1 025,586 GF(Cash)+$930,607
Chapter 90 State Aid
112(d) Culvert Replacement $65,000 GF(Free Cash)
12(e) DPW Equipment $595,000 $358,610 GF(Debt)+$70,000 GF
(Free Cash)+$85,390 GF(Cash)+
$40,500 Water EF(Debt)+$40,500
(Wastewater EF(Debt)
12(f) Comprehensive Watershed Stormwater Management $165,000 $65,000 GF(Debt)+$100,000 GF(Free
Cash)
112(g) Dam Repair $260,000 GF(Debt)
112(h) Storm Drainage Improvements&NPDES Compliance $340,000 GF(Debt)
1120) Battle Green Area Master Plan-Parking,Traffic Calming. $60,000 GF(Free Cash)
120) Townwide Signalization Improvement $125,000 $119,532 GF(Debt)+$5 468 from 2008
ATM Article 15(a)
12(k) Sidewalk Improvements $300,000 GF(Debt)
12(1) Concord Avenue Sidewalk Engineering&Easements $250,000 Traffic Mitigation SF
12(m) Street Betterment Improvements&Easements N/A N/A,to be Indefinitely Postponed
12(n) Off-Site Street Improvements-Estabrook School $170,000 GF(Free Cash)
12(o) CBD Sidewalk/Street Improvements/Landscaping-D&E $240,000 GF(Debt)
12(p) Telephone System Replacements Town-wide $591,000 GF(Debt)_
12(q) Town-wide Electronic Document Management System $145,000 GF(Free Cash)
13 !Water System Improvements I $900,0001 !Water EF(Debt)
14 Wastewater System Improvements
11(a) Wastewater System Improvements I $1,200,0001 I Wastewater EF(Debt)
11(b) Pump Station Upgrades $100,000 Wastewater EF(Debt)
15 School Capital Projects&Equipment
15(a) School Technology 1 $1 002,0001( $833,676 GF(Debt)+$168,324 GF
(Cash)
115(b) Classroom and Administrative Furniture $83,000 GF(Debt)
Continued on next page
58
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE REPORT TO 2012 ATM&2012 STM(Apr 2nd)
Continued from previous page
CEC
Recommended
Difference from
Article Description Request Request Funding Source
116 Public Facilities Capital Projects
116(a) School Building Envelope and Systems $215,000 GF(Free Cash)
116(b) Evaluation of Middle Schools Science Labs&Performing Art $35,000 GF(Free Cash)
Spaces
116(c) Diamond Middle School Energy Improvements $25,000 GF(Free Cash)
116(d) Municipal Building Envelope and Systems $169 711 GF(Cash)
116(e) White House Stabilization N/A $381,000 GF(Cash)
16(f) Extraordinary School Repair Projects $610,000 $287,685 GF(Debt)+$322,315 GF
(Free Cash)
16(g) Public Facilities Bid Documents $75,000 GF(Free Cash)
16(h) Hastings Elementary School Natural Gas Conversion $45,000 GF(Free Cash)
160) Town-wide Facilities Master Plan $65,000 GF(Free Cash)
160) Grounds Vehicle $80,000 GF(Debt)
16(k) LHS Overcrowding—Phase 2 Renovations $400,000 GF(Debt)
16(1) School Paving Program $100,000 GF(Debt)
19 !Rescind Prior Borrowing Authorizations I $46 4751 I Debt
20 !Authorize the Establishment of Minuteman SF I N/A 1 1N/A,to be Indefinitely Postponed
21 !Establish and Appropriate to Specified Stabilization I Unknown' Pending (Pending
22 !Appropriate to Stabilization Fund I N/Al 1N/A,to be Indefinitely Postponed
23 !Appropriate from Debt Service Stabilization Fund I $124,0571 I Debt Service SF
26 Appropriate for Authorized Capital Improvements $200,000 Insurance Proceeds
131 'Amend General Bylaws—Town Meeting Warrant None I Qualified 1Not Applicable
Approval
59