Beginning Week 3 | Town Meeting

Welcome to the third week of Town Meeting (TM). Town Moderator (TMod) envisions completion of the Warrant by Wednesday night. Of course, that is (somewhat) up to Town Meeting Members (TMMs) so we've been asked to hold Monday, April 22 in the event it's needed, following April public school vacation week.

Voting record of TMMs to date (March 25 & 27; April 1 & 3) is HERE

We start a little earlier tonight, at 7:15, in order to take time to 1) acknowledge awardee/s for the  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award (a title that is different than in the past and I'm curious to understand differences) and 2) TMMs who have been in TM for 30-years.

Call to Order comes at 7:15 PM by Town Moderator Deborah Brown (TMod)
Welcome to guests.
Recess called for presentation of the Awards

LPS Superintendent Dr Julie Hackett presents Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards to 5 students and their teacher. Students directed Petitions signed and delivered to superintendent and other administrators to: Hire more staff and administrators of color; Look at curriculum dealing with electives in African American Literature and others.
(This award has always gone to an LPS educator or staff person; this is the first time students have been acknowledged, I believe!)

Presentation of 30-year Awards by Town Meeting Member Association to three TMMs: Robert Cohen (P4), Jeanne Krieger (P3), Alan Levine (P8). Jeanne Canale acknowledged with thanks for serving as TMMA Chair.

Back in session 7:29 PM
Attendance and announcements 

Article 2: Report of the Community Preservation Committee (CPC)
Received and placed on file by VOICE VOTE (VV)
Marilyn Fenollosa, TMM/P5 and Chair CPC

Meeting is now open on Article 14—Appropriate the FY2020 Community Preservation Committee Operating Budget and CPA Projects (parts c,l,m already acted upon within the Consent Agenda)

MOTION, HERE
Presentation, HERE
VOTING on ITEMS 1,2,3,4 requires a simple majority:
YES: 157
NO: 0
ABSTAIN: 2
MOTION CARRIES

Article 14a -- Conservation Land Acquisition (designated on map 32 as lots 114 and 135)
Presentation on 14a, HERE
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Select Board (SB): Unanimously in support of all parts of this Article
Capital Expenditures Committee (CEC): Except for 14k, Unanimously in support of all other parts
Appropriation Committee (AC): Unanimously in support; on Article 14e:7-2 in support
Qmic: TMM/P4 The parcels -- Why spending money on something that can't be built upon?
Town of Lexington (ToL): It is the only way to get the other parcel
Qmic: TMM/P6: Question on wording of Article
Town Counsel: The choice of the CPC
SB is adding language to the MOTION, at the end: and further authorize the Board of Selectmen to take such land by purchase or eminent domain
No further questions or comments
VOTING on 14a requires 2/3 majority:
YES: 163
NO: 2
ABSTAIN: 1
MOTION CARRIES

14b: Willard's Woods Site Improvements
Presentation on 14b, HERE
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS:
Commission on Disability: Supports 14b
No Qs
VOTING on 14b requires simple majority:
YES: 163
NO: 1
ABSTAIN: 2
MOTION CARRIES

14d: Phase 3 of the Battle Green Master Plan
No further recommendations
Qmic: Railings for stairs to the Old belfry?
ToL: Looking at rails
No further Qs
VOTING on 14d requires simple majority:
YES: 163
NO: 1
ABSTAIN: 1
MOTION CARRIES

14e: 9 Oakland Street—Renovation and Adaptive ReUse
Presentation on 14e, HERE
No Further RECOMMENDATIONS
NOmic: TMM/P6
Qmic: TMM/P8 Criteria from SB or CPC?
Ms. Fenollosa: We only consider those who request funding; we don't go looking for projects. Support is twofold: preserves early manufacturing from history also benefits those with brain injuries
Qmic: TMM/P7 Who owns?
ToL: Non-profit org
No further Qs
VOTING on 14e requires simple majority:
YES: 147
NO: 12
ABSTAIN: 7 
MOTION CARRIES

14f: Motion that this item be Indefinitely Postponed (IP'd)
MOTION CARRIES by VV

Taking up 14 g, h, i
Presentations are HERE
14g: Old Reservoir Bathhouse Renovation
Qmic: TMM/P8 How making decision to open to public?
ToL: We're discussing; do not anticipate any problems for all members of public to access
Qmic: TMM/P3 When is work to be done?
ToL: Completed summer 2020
Qmic: TMM/P3 So, bathhouse will be available in summer of 2020?
ToL: Bathhouse would be closed summer of 2020
Qmic: TMM/P4 7,000 people use each summer?
ToL: correct
Qmic: TMM/P4 Town Pool complex?
ToL: 65,000-70,000 each season at Town Pool Complex
Qmic: will oppose
Qmic: TMM/P1 How many parking spaces at the Old Rez?
ToL: Currently 3 parking near facility; many more at Bridge School
Qmic: Contemplate more parking spaces for young children and ADA compliance?
ToL: We're currently working on that
Qmic: TMM/P1 is conflicted on this one
YESmic: TMM/P9
Qmic: TMM/P2 Quality of water?
ToL: Old Rez water is tested weekly
YESmic: TMM/P1
YESmic: TMM/P9
Qmic: TMM/P1 Still supporting Summer programs (Teddy Bear Picnic)?
ToL: Program will be at Center Complex; possibly back at Old Rez in 2021
YESmic: TMM/P8
No further Qs
VOTING on 14g requires simple majority:
YES: 153
NO: 10
ABSTAIN: 5
MOTION CARRIES

14h: Park Improvements—Hard Court Resurfacing
Presentation, HERE
VOTING on 14h simple majority:
YES: 170
NO: 0
ABSTAIN: 1
MOTION CARRIES

14i: Park Improvements—Athletic Fields (Diamond Middle School)
presentation HERE
Qmic: TMM/P6 Plan to install natural turf?
ToL: Yes
Qmic: TMM/P9 Exposed manhole cover addressed?
ToL: Yes -- will look at it during the renovation
YESmic: School Committee is in Unanimous support
Qmic: Funds only for Diamond Middle School?
Ms. Fenollosa: Haven't typically listed specific park
Qmic: amend MOTION to indicate: at Diamond Middle School
No further Qs
VOTING ON 14i requires simple majority
YES: 169
NO: 0
ABSTAIN: 2
MOTION CARRIES

14j: Playground Replacement Program—Bridge Elementary School
Presentation, HERE
YESmic: School Committee Unsnimously supports 14j
Qmic: TMM/P1Who installs?
ToL: State Bid Contracts
Qmic: Is there a third party to help install? Removal of parts?
ToL: Removal is part of installation;
No further Qs
VOTING on 14j requires simple majority:
YES: 167
NO: 0
ABSTAIN: 2
MOTION CARRIES

14k: LexHAB Preservation, Rehabilitation, and Restoration of Affordable Housing
(Pat Goddard is back as Executuve Director of LexHAB)
CEC: 5-1 approval
Qmic: TMM/P3 Wants to know status on Busa Farm Affordable Housing
ToL: LexHAB has had to enter into the public bidding process; we're now looking at modular buildings to stay within the funding approved by TM
Qmic: TMM/P3 Wants updates to TM when there are issues
YESmic: TMM/P8
Qmic: TMM/P7 What projects does LexHAB prioritize?
ToL: we think finish Busa
Qmic: When will you finish Vine Street?
ToL: nothing on paper, yet
No further Qs
VOTING on 14k requires simple majority:
YES: 163
NO: 4
ABSTAIN: 2
MOTION CARRIES

Article 2: Report of the ad hoc Crematory Study Committee

Report is received and placed on file by VV

MOTION to take up Article 20g CARRIES by VV
Article 20g: Appropriate for Westview Cemetery Facility Construction

Presentation for Article 20g, is HERE
RECOMMENDATIONS:
SB: 4-1 in support
CEC: Unanimous support
AC: Unanimous support
Qmic: TMM/P5 What is correct appropriation?
ToL: Gone through a series of estimates: $2.6M with contingency $2,8M
Qmic: TMM/P5 How many non-groundskeepers, etc, work there?
Apologies for not capturing all that the speaker said. I did hear 4 FTE + 2 seasonal
Qmic: How many burials each year?
ToL: About 200/yr
Many TMMs lined up at Qmic; 2 TMMs at NOmic
YESmic: Permanent Building Committee
NOmic: TMM/P4
Qmic: TMM/P2 Please clarify increased costs?
ToL: Self funding covers about 97% of costs; debt financing covers bonding over 20 years
NOmic: TMM/P8
Qmic: TMM/P7 How many can fit in the hall (sitting and standing)?
ToL: about 20-25 people
YESmic: TMM/P7
Qmic: TMM/P1 What does the term "by addition ready" mean?
ToL: Original design, cemetery building; added bathrooms, meeting space; Committal; Grieving families
Qmic: TMMP1 So, "by addition ready" means walls, windows, reconstruction, correct?
ToL: Yes
Qmic: TMMP1 Do we know the space necessary for a crematory and is that space sufficient?
ToL: We have a pretty good sense
Qmic: TMMP1 Fully accessible?
ToL: Yes
NOmic: TMM/P8
YESmic: TMM/P3
Qmic: TMM/P2 Have we considered constructing a Columbarium?
ToL: We haven't looked at specifics; understanding is that a Columbarium is a separate structure
NOmic: TMM/P6
YESmic: TMM/P6
Qmic: TMM/P6 Minority of SB?
SB Member Joe Pato: Fundamentally, feel we are designing the wrong building; regional demand. Is it the right location for increased demand? We will know better with the recommendation of the Study Committee a little later in the year
Qmic: TMM/P6 Solar panels on this building?
ToL: Designed to be "solar ready". TBD once appropriation is received
TMM/P7 Calls the Question
Debate on Calling Q PASSES by VV
No further Qs or people standing at mics
VOTE on Article 20g requires 2/3 majority::
YES: 75
NO: 81
ABSTAIN: 7
MOTION FAILS

Article 6: Appropriate for Cremation Facility at Westview Cemetery
REVISED MOTION that this item be Indefinitely Postponed (IP'd)
Presentation, HERE
RECOMMENDATIONS:
SB: Supports IP
CEC: Unanimously supports IP
AC: Supports IP
VOTE to IP Article 6 by VV
MOTION CARRIES

No further action to be taken tonight
MOTION to ADJOURN PASSES by VV
Adjourned until 7:30 PM Wednesday, April 10
10:27 PM

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Image credit: Warrant and various reports produced annually by Town of Lexington Boards, Officials, and Committees ~ mas

Articles Anticipated Tonight

Tonight will be our third session of the 2019 Annual Town Meeting, starting at 7:30 PM in Battin Hall. The anticipated schedule of Articles has been forwarded by the Town Moderator as follows:

• Article 2: Report of the Appropriation Committee 

• DATE CERTAIN: Article 2—Report of the Minuteman School Superintendent 

• Article 2: Report of the Lexington School Superintendent 

• DATE CERTAIN: Article 11—FY20 Operating Budget 

• Article 19: Appropriate for School Capital Projects 

• Article 5: Establish Qualifications for Tax Deferrals

• Article 10: Post Employment Insurance Liability Fund

• Article 12: FY20 Enterprise Funds Budgets

• Article 13: Departmental Revolving Funds

• Consent Agenda (For Articles 14c, 14l, 14m, 16a, 16d, 16g, 16j, 16k, 16l, 18, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20f, 21, 23, 24,25,27). Consent Agenda MOTIONS are HERE

• Any Unfinished Business from Previous Nights

• Time Permitting, begin Articles scheduled for Wednesday, April 3:
• Town Meeting Member Memorial—Kay Tiffany
• Article 4: Reduce Community Preservation Act Surcharge Rate
• Article 15: Recreation Capital Projects
• Article 16: Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment
• Article 17: Water System Improvements
• Article 20: Public Facilities Capital Projects (except 20g)
• Article 22: Specified Stabilization Funds
• Article 26: Amend FY19 Operating, Enterprise and CPA Budgets

Live-blogging from the floor commences once we are gaveled to order. Tweeting, too, @MAStewartMA using #LexMApoli.

Second Night | Town Meeting

Back in Battin Hall for Town Meeting (TM).
Tonight's anticipated schedule of Articles is HERE.
2019 Town Warrant is HERE.
Votes of Town Meeting Members (TMMs) from Opening Night, Monday, March 25, HERE.
Updating this post once Town Moderator (TMod) gavels the Call to Order.

7:30 PM — TMod gavels in, TM is Called to Order.
Fire Chief reminds -- exit to your nearest exit. Look around, as it may not be the entrance you came through.
Brief recess to honor Dan Fenn's 96th birthday. This is his 54th Town Meeting.
When up to speak at mics, be sure to say name and precinct. YES & NO mics: 3-minute time limit.
Question mic: 2-minute time limit. Girls Scout Troop #65411, who say thank you.
We have a HARD STOP tonight at 10:30 Eversource needs to turn off the power at 11:00 PM.
James Malloy, Town Manager introduces Senior Management.

The Meeting is back in session. Meeting is now open on Article 2. Note that Article 2 remains open throughout Town Meeting for Reports from Officers, Boards, or Committees to be presented and placed on file with the Town Clerk.

Article 2: Report of the Board of Selectmen is received and placed on file by VOICE VOTE.

Article 2: Report of the Capital Expenditures Committee (CEC)
MOTION to receive the report and place on file is made by CEC Chair Charles Lamb; passes on a VOICE VOTE

Article 7: Creation of a Lexington Economic Development Strategy (Citizen Article)
MOTION that this item be Indefinitely Postponed (IP'd)
Bridger McGaw, TMM/P6, with the presentation, HERE.
Board of Selectmen (BoS): Unanimously supports IP. Asks to recognize Town Manager Malloy, who speaks to strength of Economic Development Office, to report by June 15, 2019. More details in the presentation linked above.
IP PASSES on a VOICE VOTE

Article 8: Funding for Sustainability Actions (Citizen Article)

MOTION that this item be IP'd
Ricki Pappo, TMM/P2
BoS: Unanimous supports
CEC: Unanimously supports
IP PASSES on a VOICE VOTE

Article 9: Sustainability Director (Citizen Article)
MOTION that this item be IP'd
Ricki Pappo, TMM/P2 makes brief Presentation, HERE
BoS: Unanimously supports IP
IP PASSES by VOICE VOTE

Article 39: Amend Zoning Bylaw – Limited Site Plan Review (Citizen Article, referring to MGL Chapter 40A, §3, "Dover Amendment Uses")
MOTION is received and placed on file by VOICE VOTE
Jeanne Krieger, TMM/P3, with the Presentation, HERE.
The Report of the Planning Board (PB) is received and placed on file by VOICE VOTE
PB: Unanimously supports
BoS: Unanimously supports
Citizen's Mic: Resident speaks in support. Recently impacted by Dover Amendment (Goddard School); worries about light pollution impact on nature; bright lights directly into their home. Large paved parking lot; unclear if plantings to mitigate the impervious nature of pavement.
QuestionMic: TMM/P9 The institution for the brain in the center, would that fall under this type of review?
PB: Educational institution.
TMM/P9 The brain institute is an educational institution and would fall under this review. I do not want to place difficulty on them.
Citizen's Mic: This proposal is modest. Review is important. Need knowledge for scope of a project coming in. Urge support for it.
YESmic: TMM/P3 Wasn't informed about this project until the first day of work on it. A concern is that it is constructed adjacent to a conservation area. Bright lights are unnecessary.
Qmic: TMM/P1 1). When was the Dover Amendment enacted and why is it called that? 2). What was the purpose? 3). Has the PB tried to do something like this in the past?
Town Counsel: 1). Not sure how long or why named. The Amendment has been around for decades. Think it may have something to do with the Town of Dover. 2). Purpose is clear: to protect uses, avoid discrimination on religious, educational institutions, against neighborhoods. There is room for regulation. Courts say to stick close to the six uses.
PB: 3). Many uses in Lexington over the years. No one has approached the PB with anything resembling this over the years.
Qmic: TMM/P2 What is the process in the case of disagreement?
A: There is the right to seek agreement within the courts.
YESmic: TMM/P2 This is an important tool we could've used for the project referenced previously.
CitizenMic: Is in support. Resident surprised by a project that "appeared" one morning behind her house. It would be good to know about such a project. Need some kind of oversight.
Qmic: TMM/P4 Is there a way to add lighting, other conditions?
Town Counsel To follow up on previous question about, Amendment enacted in 1950, Town of Dover. Now to answer -- there is a risk that court would not permit conditions.
YESmic: TMM/P4 Encourage TMMs to vote for this. There are a lot of things that can be done to create more harmony between the institution and the Town.
Citizen's Mic: Impacted by expansion of a project with little oversight behind house. Young children. very much in favor of this.
Qmic: TMM/P8 Is there a way to add screening?
Town Counsel: The exact contours are not black and white, with respect to the courts. Screening from parking may be permissible. The way this is drafted, PB to draft guidance in the six areas, may be acceptable.
NOmic: TMM/P7 Calls the Question
PASSES by VOICE VOTE
Final comments by the Maker of the MOTION
Vote Requires 2/3 Majority
YES: 151
NO: 4
ABSTAIN: 4
MOTION PASSES

Articles 33 (Petition the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts), 34 (General Bylaw), & 37 (Zoning Bylaw): Rename “Board of Selectmen” to “Select Board”
MOTIONs (linked to in Article numbers above) are received and PASS on a VOICE VOTE
Presentation for all three Articles, HERE
Articles 33 & 34 require simple Majority; Article 37 requires 2/3 Majority
BoS: Unanimously supports all 3

PB: Unanimously supports
Qmic: TMM/P4 Address how?
Town Counsel: General Laws use both "Board of Selectmen" and "Select Board"; for purposes of correspondence, use Select Board
NOmic: TMM/P3 Voicing a muted NO. Respect for history, not blindly, tho. [Cites historical use, as Puritans created the term in Dorchester.]
YESmic: TMM/P5 I respectfully disagree. It's right to be gender-inclusive. We saw Concord on that list in the presentation, so, there's that.
NOmic: TMM/P6 I would like to say that I, too, always thought of "Selectmen" as a title. I worked hard for that title.
Qmic: TMM/P5 I always thought of "Selectmen" as a generic term. Is there any actual real evidence that men or women support this change?
BoS Member Hai: More than 20% of Towns using Town form of Government, use "Select Board".
YESmic: TMM/P1 I'm surprised we are even having a debate about this. We are not erasing history in Lexington!
[Noting the looong line of women that just formed behind the YES mic!]
TMM Calls the Question
Vote to Close Debate PASSES by VOICE VOTE
ARTICLE 37 REQUIRES 2/3 VOTE
YES: 143
NO: 14
ABSTAIN: 1
MOTION PASSES BY MORE THAN THE 2/3 NECESSARY
ARTICLE 33 REQUIRES SIMPLE MAJORITY
YES: 145
NO: 12
ABSTAIN: 1
MOTION PASSES
ARTICLE 34 REQUIRES SIMPLE MAJORITY
YES: 145
NO: 10
ABSTAIN: 2
MOTION PASSES

Article 2: Town Manager’s Budget Report (Noting that TMMs do not have a copy of his report/presentation, but it is built from the first tab of The Brown Book, pp.i-xvi)
MOTION to receive the report and place on file PASSES on a VOICE VOTE
James Malloy Town Manager with the presentation.

TMM/P4 serves Notice of Reconsideration on Article 39.
TMod: Member has served Notice of Reconsideration is timely.

Still have time before the HARD STOP

PASSING by VOICE VOTE to take up Article 28

Article 28: Confirm Street Acceptance and Title (Portion of Pelham Road)
MOTION is HERE
That the MOTION be received and placed on file PASSES by VOICE VOTE
Select Board Member Sandeen gives the presentation, HERE
Select Board (SB): Unanimously supports
Qmic: TMM/P7 Are there any financials?
A: No.
VOTE REQUIRES 2/3 MAJORITY
Unanimous by VOICE VOTE
MOTION PASSES

PASSING by VOICE VOTE to take up Article 29
SBMember Barry recuses, as her spouse works for Lexington Police Department
Article 29: Civil Service Withdrawal
Full text of the Article, HERE
MOTION is received and placed on file by VOICE VOTE
SB: 4-0 in support (SBM Barry's recusal)
Qmic: TMM/P2 Talked about hiring. Anything else? Pensions? Firings?
Town Manager: It would not affect pensions at all. Other parts defined in labor contracts.
Q: Please explain to ensure fair process for hirings?
TMgr: We will continue to do with negotions process
Qmic: TMM/P6 Appreciate very clear explanation. Curious: overtime pay, hiring officers in a timely. Does the budget assume this passes?
TMgr: Budget includes contracts as we have worked them out.
Qmic: TMM/P8 What is the benefit?
TMgr: Benefit is limited to certain list of candidates. Not on the list enables a wider net. Gives us an ability to diversify, as Burlington was able to do [when they adopted this about a year ago]
Qmic: TMM/P3 Is there any negative implication for Veterans?
TMgr: No. We will continue to give preference to Veterans
Qmic: Any negative at all to police?
TMgr: No.
Qmic: TMM/P3 Speaking as member of Appropriation Committee (AC). Combined with contact negotions, complicates matters a bit ... did you have to make any major concessions?
TMgr: We did make some concessions because of some of the benefits.
Qmic: TMM/P3 The AC has no position on this Article.
Police Chief Corr: We will identify our best options
TMM Calls the Question
DEBATE IS CLOSED by VOICE VOTE
Final comments
VOTE REQUIRES A SIMPLE MAJORITY
YES: 145
NO: 2
ABSTAIN: 3
MOTION CARRIES

MOTION TO ADJOURN until Monday, April 1, 2019 CARRIES by VOICE VOTE
10:00 PM

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Image credit: Minutemen Color Guard on Opening Night of 2019 Annual Town Meeting (ATM) ~ mas

Anticipated Articles | Tonight

Below, the updated proposed schedule of Articles for tonight's Town Meeting from Town Moderator, as of last Friday, March 23. Note that none of the Articles are DATE CERTAIN.

Article 2 remains open throughout Town Meeting for Reports from Officers, Boards, or Committees to be presented and placed on file with the Town Clerk.

Article 2: Report of the Town Manager (Items Referred Back to Board of Selectmen) 

Article 2: Report of the Capital Expenditures Committee 

Article 7: Creation of a Lexington Economic Development Strategy (Citizen Article)
MOTION that this item be Indefinitely Postponed (ID'd) 

Article 8: Funding for Sustainability Actions (Citizen Article)
MOTION that this item be IP'd 

Article 9: Sustainability Director (Citizen Article) 

Article 39: Amend Zoning Bylaw – Limited Site Plan Review (Citizen Article, referring to MGL Chapter 40A, §3, "Dover Amendment Uses") 

Articles 33, 34, & 37: Rename “Board of Selectmen” to “Select Board” 

 
Article 2: Town Manager’s Budget Report (First tab of The Brown Book, pp.i-xvi)
Any Unfinished Business from the Previous Night

Town Meeting starts at 7:30 PM in Battin Hall of Cary Memorial Building (1605 Mass Av). Live-blogging begins once we're graveled in. Residents may address Town Meeting, with comments and/or questions pertaining to Town Meeting business, through the Town Moderator and must arrange to do so in advance.

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Image credit: Some of the 2019 Town Meeting Reports: Town of Lexington Annual Report, The Brown Book (Recommended Budget & Financing Plan), Capital Expenditures Committee Report, Town Warrant

2019 Town Warrant is HERE
MOTIONS updated 3/25/2019, HERE
Consent Agenda MOTIONS, HERE
MOTIONS by Article Number, HERE
Articles with MOTIONS, Reports, and Presentations, HERE

Recommended Budget and Financing Plan (The Brown Book), HERE
Report of the Appropriation Committee (AC), HERE
Report of the Capital Expenditures Committee (CEC), HERE
Report of the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), HERE
Votes of Town Meeting Members (TMMs) by date, HERE

Article 2 – Community Preservation Committee Report & Article 10 – Community Preservation Projects

ARTICLE 2 – REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS, AND COMMITTEES This Article remains open throughout Town Meeting and reports may be presented at any Town Meeting session by Boards, Officers, or Committees.
Report of the Community Preservation Committee is received and placed on file.
Marilyn Fenollosa, Chair, CPC presents the report.
If additional reports are filed tonight, this post will be updated.

Town Moderator: The Meeting is now open on Article 10. We are going to, by Voice Vote, hear about the 4 lump sums, then take the individual items, taking up 10j and 10d first.

RECOMMENDATIONS
BOS: Unanimously SUPPORTS all items in Article 10
CEC: SUPPORTS all projects (a-l) 6-0

AC: VOTES as follows: 
j: DISAPPROVE 3-5-1
d: APPROVE 6-3
a: that this project be IP'd 9-0
b, c, e, f, g, h, k, l: APPROVE 9-0
i: APPROVE 7-2

Planning Board (PB) as follows: Supports 10j & 10b
School Committee (SC): SUPPORTS school related parts of Article 10f-i
Recreation Committee SUPPORTS 10g, h, i

Voice Vote (to take the items up as proposed above): the Ayes have it

ARTICLE 10 – APPROPRIATE THE FY19 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE OPERATING BUDGET AND CPA PROJECTS To see if the Town will vote to hear and act on the report of the Community Preservation Committee on the FY19 Community Preservation budget and, pursuant to the recommendations of the Community Preservation Committee, to appropriate from the Community Preservation Fund, or to reserve amounts in the Community Preservation Fund for future appropriations, for the debt service on previously authorized financing; for the administrative expenses of the Community Preservation Committee for FY19; for the acquisition, creation and preservation of open space; for the acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of historic resources; for the acquisition, creation, preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of land for recreational use; for the acquisition, creation, preservation and support of community housing; and for the rehabilitation and restoration of open space and community housing that is acquired or created with moneys from the Community Preservation Fund; to appropriate funds for such projects and determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, or from estimated Community Preservation Act surcharges and the State match for the upcoming fiscal year, by transfer from available funds, including enterprise funds, by borrowing, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto. (Inserted by the Board of Selectmen at the request of the Community Preservation Committee) 

This Article requests that Community Preservation funds and other funds, as necessary, be appropriated for the projects recommended by the Community Preservation Committee, the debt service on previously authorized projects, and for administrative costs.

MOTION: That the Town hear and act on the report of the Community Preservation Committee on the FY2019 Community Preservation budget and, pursuant to the recommendations of the Community Preservation Committee, take the following actions:

That the Town reserve for appropriation the following amounts from estimated FY2019 receipts as recommended by the Community Preservation Committee:

1. $551,400 for the acquisition, creation and preservation of open space;
2. $551,400 for the acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of historic resources;
3. $551,400 for the acquisition, creation, preservation and support of community housing; and
4. $3,859,800 to the Unbudgeted Reserve.

And further, that the Town make appropriations from the Community Preservation Fund and other sources as follows:

a) That this item be indefinitely postponed;

b) That $365,000 be appropriated for the Community Center Sidewalk, and to meet this appropriation $365,000 be appropriated from the Historic Resources Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund;

c) That $20,000 be appropriated for Archives & Records Management and Records Conservation & Preservation, and to meet this appropriation $20,000 be appropriated from the Historic Resources Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund;

d) That $200,000 be appropriated for the Renovation and Adaptive Re-Use of 9 Oakland Street, and to meet this appropriation $200,000 be appropriated from the Historic Resources Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund;

e) That $100,000 be appropriated for Public Grounds Irrigation Improvements, and to meet this appropriation $40,000 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund and $60,000 be appropriated from the General Fund unreserved fund balance;

f) That $302,000 be appropriated for Playground Replacement Program- Bowman School, and to meet this appropriation $302,000 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund;

g) That $975,000 be appropriated for Athletic Facility Lighting, and to meet this appropriation $975,000 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund;

h) That $3,340,000 be appropriated for the Center Track and Field Reconstruction, and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, is authorized to borrow $3,340,000 under M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7 as amended or under M.G.L. Chapter 44B, as amended, 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;

i) That $75,000 be appropriated for the Old Reservoir Bathhouse Design, and to meet this appropriation $75,000 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund;

j) That $1,400,000 be appropriated for Lowell Street/Farmview Affordable Housing Supplemental Funds, and to meet this appropriation $600,000 be appropriated from the Community Housing Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund and $800,000 be appropriated from the Undesignated Fund Balance of the Community Preservation Fund;

k) That $2,314,516 be appropriated for CPA Debt Service and related costs and to meet this appropriation $380,550 be appropriated from the Open Space Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund, $400,000 be appropriated from the Historic Resources Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund and $1,533,966 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund; and

l) That $150,000 be appropriated for the Administrative Expenses and all other necessary and proper expenses of the Community Preservation Committee for FY2019 and to meet this appropriation $150,000 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund.

Presentation for Article 10j is HERE.

Question Mic: TMM/P4 Has the Town submitted a Home Rule petition to use MM students?
A: We like to use them on renovation projects, but this project isn't suited to it.
Q: Will vote no

YES MIC: TMM/P7
Question Mic: TMM/P2 Are these units be on the former Busa Farm?
A: Yes
Q: Are there more units planned?
A: No

YES MIC: TMM/P2
Question Mic: TMM/P What's the vetting process for affordable housing?
A: We do it (Lex HAB)
YES MIC: TMM/P8
Question Mic: TMM/P1 Concerned about future costs. Requirement for public bidding?
A: All of our projects will have to follow public procurement process
Q: What does this imply for the Leary Property that was purchased at the same time?
A: We would look forward to working on that site; don't believe we've done a wetland study.

NO MIC: TMM/P1
YES MIC: TMM/P3
Question Mic: TMM/P6 More about the surprise about the slope?
A: Surprises as far as from the sewer line, further up the street than we thought.
Q: More risk to the farm because of ejectors?
A: They are pumping up into the street.
Q: Require electric power?
A: They do.
Q: What happens when they lose power?
A: We'll have to school residents about what to do.
Member supports affordable housing, expresses concern for keeping the farm in

YES MIC: TMM/P4

TMM Calls the Question
THE AYES HAVE IT -- DEBATE IS CLOSED

Two minutes to the maker of the MOTION
VOTES (simple majority)
YES: 144
NO: 14
ABSTAIN: 6
THE MOTION CARRIES
On to 10d

ARTICLE 10d: That $200,000 be appropriated for the Renovation and Adaptive Re-Use of 9 Oakland Street, and to meet this appropriation $200,000 be appropriated from the Historic Resources Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund.
Presentation is HERE.

NO MIC: TMM/P6
Question Mic: TMM/P2 How many people reside there?
A: 15
Q: Are any under age 18?
A: No.

YES MIC: TMM/P6
Question Mic: TMM/P7 Reconfirm that the majority of funds are not expended?
A: I do not dare challenge Mr. Kanter's numbers.

YES MIC: TMM/P3
YES MIC: TMM/P3

VOTES (simple majority)
YES: 153
NO: 2
ABSTAIN: 3
The MOTION is APPROVED

On to Article 10b: That $365,000 be appropriated for the Community Center Sidewalk, and to meet this appropriation $365,000 be appropriated from the Historic Resources Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund.
The Presentation is HERE.

Question MIC: TMM/P6 What is the status of the other projects?

A: Deemed unnecessary

Q: Why dropped the plans from Marrett Road?

A: Concern from the Fire Chief, we have a second egress.

Question Mic: TMM/P6 If we're going to be looking at Pelham to Community Center, why are we doing it now?
A: Couple of reasons. BOS wants to have all buildings accessible by foot. LexPress, MBTA are more practical locations.
Q: Pedestrian traffic up Marrett Road to the Community Center?
A: No study has been done.

YES MC: TMM/P9
NO MIC: TMM Calls the Question

Voice Vote -- the AYES have it

VOTES (simple majority)
YES: 126
NO: 19
ABSTAIN: 10
The MOTION CARRIES
Member serves Notice of Reconsideration

On to Article 10e: That $100,000 be appropriated for Public Grounds Irrigation Improvements, and to meet this appropriation $40,000 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund and $60,000 be appropriated from the General Fund unreserved fund balance.

Question Mic: TMM/P7 Does this include the jug-handle at Hartwell AVe?
A: Yes.

VOTES (simple majority)
YES: 145
NO: 1
ABSTAIN: 4
MOTION CARRIES
On to Article 10f

Article 10f: That $302,000 be appropriated for Playground Replacement Program- Bowman School, and to meet this appropriation $302,000 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund
Presentation is HERE

Question Mic: TMM/P1 Was on the Playground Committee at Harrington, trying to figure out the costs -- where are they going?
A: Using state bid list, state contractor. This has two structures, not one, like the one you described.
Q: Cost of the base surfacing?
A: To renovate $32,000; to change decks and clamps another $14,000. New structure is $70,000

Question Mic: TMM/P6 Construction standard to achieve pricing efficiency
A: No

VOTES (simple majority)
YES: 149
NO: 1
ABSTAIN: 2
MOTION CARRIES
On to Article 10g

Article 10g: That $975,000 be appropriated for Athletic Facility Lighting, and to meet this appropriation $975,000 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund.
Presentation for 10g, 10h, 10i HERE

Question Mic: TMM/P5 Rebates from Eversource?
A: We will look into this.

VOTES (simple majority)
YES: 148
NO: 0
ABSTAIN: 1
MOTION CARRIES
On to 10h

Article 10h: That $3,340,000 be appropriated for the Center Track and Field Reconstruction, and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, is authorized to borrow $3,340,000 under M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7 as amended or under M.G.L. Chapter 44B, as amended, 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.
Presentation is HERE.

YES MIC: TMM/P6
Question MIC: TMM/P More information about the funding?
A: Some to be paid by the the general fund, some to be paid by the preservation fund.

YES MIC: TMM/P8

Question MIC: TMM/P6 Use of debt?
A; Not sufficient funds to pay it all from cash. Over a shore period of time, less than 5 years, to pay off the debt.

Question MIC: TMM/P1 Need for new bleachers? How much goes to that?
A: Old wooden bleachers have been removed; new bleachers will seat 300 people
Q: How much?
A: $50,000

Question MIC: TMM/P4 How do we know how the debt service should be allocated each year?
A: Pro-rate the debt service; a math calculation.

Question MIC: TMM/P4 Ability of putting the football field inside the track, knowing it may disappear?
A: Yes. We have started to think about those scenarios.

Question MIC: TMM/P5 Synthetic fields - snow removal?
A: Snow removal on a straight synthetic field will destroy the field. We're looking at it, moving forward.

VOTES (requires 2/3 majority because, borrowing)
YES: 149
NO: 0
ABSTAIN: 2
MOTION CARRIES
On to 10i

Article 10i: That $75,000 be appropriated for the Old Reservoir Bathhouse Design, and to meet this appropriation $75,000 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund.
Presentation HERE.

VOTES (simple majority)
YES: 137
NO: 1
ABSTAIN: 1
MOTION CARRIES
On to 10k

Article 10k: That $2,314,516 be appropriated for CPA Debt Service and related costs and to meet this appropriation $380,550 be appropriated from the Open Space Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund, $400,000 be appropriated from the Historic Resources Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund and $1,533,966 be appropriated from the Unbudgeted Reserve of the Community Preservation Fund.
Presentation HERE

VOTES (simple majority)
YES: 136
NO: 0
ABSTAIN: 1
MOTION CARRIES

Remaining parts of Article 10 will be taken up under the Consent Agenda (that's10a &10l), after April break. Edit: Not April break, just after the weekend. ~mas

MOTION to adjourn until 7:15 on Monday April 9
We are adjourned 10:35 PM

Call to Order, Honoring LHS & Minuteman Graduating Seniors, Article 2 Reports

Edited: Report of the Capital Expenditures Committee was received and placed on file following completion of Article 4.

7:15 PM
Called to Order, Deborah Brown, Town Moderator

Immediately calls a brief recess for a ceremony honoring certain Lexington High School & Minuteman Technology Regional High School graduating seniors. Andrew Stephens, LHS Principal and Ed Bouquillon, Minuteman Superintendent, introduce 15 students, noting their achievement and accomplishment, outlook, sense of humor, attitude, humility, kindness, character, perseverance, and other notable qualities. State Representative Jay Kaufman presents each with a Massachusetts State House Citation.

Back in session.

ARTICLE 2 – REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS, AND COMMITTEES This Article remains open throughout Town Meeting and reports may be presented at any Town Meeting session by Boards, Officers, or Committees.

Report of the Town Manager is received and placed on file. Town Manager, Carl Valente presenting.
Recommended FY19 Budget and Financing Plan, HERE.
The revenue allocation model developed by the Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools and accepted by the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, and financial committees (Appropriation - AC - and Capital Expenditures - CEC).
After first funding the Shared Expenses budget and capital projects, 74% of all remaining FY19 projected general fund revenues are allocated to the School Department and 26% are allocated to municipal departments.
Summary of Financial Strategy:
- a deliberate plan for future capital projects
- a deliberate plan for use of reserves for property tax relief
- a deliberate plan for operating budget increases
- continue economic development efforts to balance Lexington's tax base

More to come on that last bullet in the Fall.

Report of the Appropriation Committee (AC) is received and placed on file. John Bartenstein, AC Chair, presents the report.

Report of the Minuteman School Superintendent is received and placed on file with the Town Clerk. Superintendent, Ed Bouquillon presents.

Following ARTICLE 4 – FY19 Operating Budget, it is anticipated that the Capital Expenditures Committee will ask that their report be received and placed on file.
Report of the Capital Expenditures Committee (CEC).

If any additional reports are filed tonight, this post will be updated.

Third Session of Town Meeting Tonight

Third session in Isaac Harris Cary Memorial Building begins a bit earlier tonight, at 7:15 PM, to acknowledge graduating seniors from LHS and Minuteman with State House Citations, presented by State Representative, Jay Kaufman.

All Articles from Wednesday's March 28, 2018 session were completed. Votes of Town Meeting, HERE.
Town Warrant is HERE.

Articles anticipated for tonight's session have been prepared by the Town Moderator, in consultation with Staff, Boards, Committees, and Article Sponsors:

• Article 2 – Town Manager's Report
• Article 2 –  Appropriation Committee (AC) Report, HERE
• Article 2 –  Minuteman School Superintendent's Report, HERE
• Article 4 –  FY19 Operating Budget - Budget and Financing Plan is HERE
• Article 2 –  Capital Expenditures Committee (CEC) Report, HERE
• Article 22 –  Visitors' Center, HERE
• Article 7 – Getting to New Zero (removed from the consent agenda), HERE

Time permitting:

• Article 5 –  FY19 Enterprise Fund Budgets
• Article 8 – Diversity Advisory Task Force
• Article 9 – Departmental Revolving Funds

Each completed Article to be posted as we go.

Call to Order, TMMA Awards, and Article 2

7:30 PM
Deborah Brown, Town Moderator, calls the meeting to order.

Very Special Member has a Very Special Birthday today -- Dan Fenn is 95 years -- more than half of his life spent in Town Meeting. Dan was interviewed by the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate - that interview is HERE.

Town Meeting Member Association (TMMA) Awards Brief recess to acknowledge Marsha Baker's 30 years and Frank Sandy's 50 years (!) for their civic commitment to the Town in Town Meeting.

Back in session.

ARTICLE 2 – REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS, AND COMMITTEES This Article remains open throughout Town Meeting and reports may be presented at any Town Meeting session by Boards, Officers, or Committees.

Report of the Planning Board is received and placed on file with the Town Clerk. Planning Board Chair, Richard Canale, presents the report.

Later in tonight's session, it is anticipated that the Report of the Superintendent of Lexington Public Schools will be received and placed on file with the Town Clerk.

If any other reports are filed tonight, this post will be updated.

Opening of Special Town Meeting 2016 #5

Margery Milne Battin Hall
Cary Memorial Building
1605 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington 02420

September 21, 2016
7:30 PM

Warrant is HERE.
Articles and Reports are HERE.
Motions are HERE.

Town Moderator calls the Meeting to order at 7:30 PM

Announcements

Town Moderator (TMod) calls a brief recess to hear from Members of the National Park Service who make a special presentation in honor of the 100th Anniversary of National Park Service - director of Minuteman National Park recognizing exemplary partnership.

Article 1: Reports of Town Boards, Officers, Committees
To receive the reports of any Board or Town Officer or of any Committee of the Town, or act in any other manner in relation thereto.

a. Report of the Appropriation Committee
MOTION: That the report of the AC be received and placed on file. Moved by AC Chair. TM is Unanimous - carries by voice vote

b. Report of the Capital Expenditures Committee
MOTION: That the report of the CEC be received and placed on file. Moved by CEC Chair. TM is Unanimous - carries by voice vote

c. Report of the Community Preservation Committee
MOTION: That the report of the CPC be received and placed on file. Moved by CPC Chair. TM is Unanimous - carries by voice vote

d. Report of the Assistant Town Manager for Finance (Articles 5, 6, & 7) MOTION: That the report be received and placed on file. Moved by Board of Selectmen Chair. TM is Unanimous - carries by voice vote
Assistant Town Manager for Finance, Mr. Rob Addleson makes a brief presentation to TM.