ARTICLE 22 – APPROPRIATE FOR VISITORS CENTER To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the design and construction of a
new Visitor’s Center; including the costs of demolition, architectural and engineering services, original
equipment, furnishings, exhibit design, landscaping, paving and other site improvements incidental or
related to such construction; determine whether the money will be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from
available funds, by borrowing, grants, donations, gifts, or other available monies or by any combination of
these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectman)
MOTION: That $4,575,000 be appropriated for design and construction of a new Visitors
Center, including the costs of demolition, architectural and engineering services,
original equipment, furnishings, landscaping, paving, and other site improvements
incidental or related to such construction, and that to meet this appropriation
$200,000 be appropriated from the General Fund unreserved balance, and that the
Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, is authorized to borrow
$4,375,000 under M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7, or any other enabling authority.
Any premium received by the Town upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved
by this vote, less any such premium applied to the payment of the costs of
issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to the payment of costs approved
by this vote in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 20 of the General Laws,
thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs by a like
amount.
Recommendations of Boards & Committees
BoS: Supports 4-1
AC: Supports 8-1
CEC: Supports 3-3
Tourism Committee: Unanimously, Enthusiastically, and with Gratitude Supports
Center Committee: Unanimously Supports
YES MIC: TMM/P2
Question from TMM/P6: Process with HTC?
A: HTC did not entertain a formal review until later in the document process
Q: Proponent shared economic benefits of this project -- how would Town benefit? Specific and quantitative?
A: At this time we have not done an actual revenue analysis, but believe there will be more foot traffic and greater vibrancy in the Town Center.
Citizen MIC: Joe Rancatore, owner of Ranc's Ice Cream & Yogurt, in strong support
NO MIC: TMM/P7
Q TMM/P8: What detail is there about reducing Town contribution?
A: One-time costs, possible grants, state funding; revenue fee increases, Chamber of Commerce, Lions, dedicated revenue in the gift shop.
Q: CEC 3-3?
A: Unanimous for design funds, split as to design funds
YES MIC: TMM/P3
Citizens MIC: Lexington Historical Society supports
Q TMM/P3: Departing from our time-honored process of plans and design funding...?
A: BoS member Pato explains reasons for not supporting
YES MIC: TMM/P7
Citizen MIC: Lexington Chamber of Commerce supports
Q TMM/P2: Sustainable design features? 22% energy costs include solar considerations? I think we can do better
A: Solar was discussed several times. The roof doesn't lend itself well for solar.
Q: Heating/cooling system?
A: All electric is relatively efficient
Q: Hearing this is being done through a new process? Why?
A: Basically, this project is creating a new procedure on a good side -- came to the Permanent Building Committee to create a new building. With feasibility studies, we waited for funding from the state, then went forward.
YES MIC: TMM/P7
Citizen MIC: Lexington Arts & Crafts Society supports
NO MIC: TMM/P7
Q TMM/P6: Trees? What can public expect?
A: Landscape architect lives in Lexington. Some trees are in very bad condition. Trees in the illustration
TMM calls the Question
Voice Vote
Ayes have it
Requires 2/3 majority
YES: 134
NO: 30
ABSTAIN: 12
MOTION CARRIES