Article 32 is now open: ARTICLE 32 –AMEND GENERAL BYLAW- REGARDING FINANCIAL COMMITTEES (Citizen
Article):
To see if the Town will vote to update its General By-laws related to the Appropriation Committee and the
Capital Expenditures Committee to reflect current practice, consistent with state law and Lexington’s
Selectmen-Town Manager Act, or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by David Kanter and 9 or more registered voters)
This Article proposes updates to the General Bylaws (to replace Chapter 29, Article III, Sec 29-12; Chapter 29, Article III, Sec. 29-13; and to amend Chapter 118, Article III, Sec. 118-12) to more accurately
reflect the two finance committees' activities and responsibilities throughout the year,
including at all Town Meetings.
Full MOTION is HERE.
Tracked changes to Chapters 29 & 118, HERE.
Presentation, HERE.
RECOMMENDATIONS
BOS: Unanimous support
CEC: Unanimous support
AC: Unanimous support
VOTE OF TOWN MEETING (simple majority)
YES: 138
NO: 0
ABSTAIN: 2
MOTION PASSES
Personal blog, written from my various perspectives: parent; elected Lexington Town Meeting Member (2006-2021); issues advocate and activist; board member Media Literacy Now (2013-2020), Progressive Democrats of Mass, and Parent Representative on the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Older posts go back to Lexington School Committee (2009-2014) and Massachusetts PTA President days (2008-2012). Blog content mine, unless otherwise attributed. All comments moderated.
Monday, April 9, 2018
Article 9 – Departmental Revolving Funds
Article 9 is now open: ARTICLE 9 — ESTABLISH AND CONTINUE DEPARTMENTAL REVOLVING FUNDS To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to Chapter 44, Sections 53E½ and of the Massachusetts GeneralLaws and Chapter 110 of the Code of the Town of Lexington, to continue existing revolving funds; to
establish new revolving funds; to determine whether the maximum amounts that may be expended from
such new and existing revolving fund accounts in FY2019 shall be the following amounts or any other
amounts; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
A revolving fund established under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53E½ must be approved annually by vote of the Town Meeting. The Funds are credited with the receipts received in connection with the programs supported by such funds, and expenditures may be made from the revolving fund without further appropriation.
MOTION: That the Town authorize the following revolving fund limits for certain Town departments pursuant to the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53E ½ for Fiscal Year 2019 beginning July 1, 2018 as follows:
A revolving fund established under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53E½ must be approved annually by vote of the Town Meeting. The Funds are credited with the receipts received in connection with the programs supported by such funds, and expenditures may be made from the revolving fund without further appropriation.
MOTION: That the Town authorize the following revolving fund limits for certain Town departments pursuant to the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53E ½ for Fiscal Year 2019 beginning July 1, 2018 as follows:
- School Bus Transportation - $1,150,000
- Building Rental Revolving Fund - $535,000
- DPW Burial Containers - $50,000
- Lexington Tree Fund - $45,000
- DPW Compost Operations - $810,000
- Minuteman Household Hazardous Waste Program - $190,000
- Regional Cache –Hartwell Avenue - $10,000
- Senior Services Program - $75,000
- Health Programs - $45,000
- Tourism/Liberty Ride - $210,000
- Visitors Center - $212,000
RECOMMENDATIONS
BOS: Unanimous
AC: Unanimous
SC: Unanimous
VOTE OF TOWN MEETING (simple majority)
YES: 140
NO: 0
ABSTAIN: 2
MOTION PASSES
BOS: Unanimous
AC: Unanimous
SC: Unanimous
VOTE OF TOWN MEETING (simple majority)
YES: 140
NO: 0
ABSTAIN: 2
MOTION PASSES
Article 8 – Diversity Advisory Task Force
Article 8 is now open: ARTICLE 8 — APPROPRIATE TO CREATE DIVERSITY ADVISORY TASK FORCE To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money to support the activities of the Diversity Advisory Task Force; determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer
from available funds or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen and School Committee)
The Diversity Advisory Task Force is a working group that advises the Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools of potential municipal and school actions and activities to promote a culture of diversity, foster civic engagement, ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities, and suggest programs or activities that will promote a culture of respect to all people.
MOTION: That $30,000 be appropriated to support the activities of the Diversity Advisory Task Force to be spent under the direction of the Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools and that to meet this appropriation, $30,000 be raised in the tax levy.
RECOMMENDATIONS
BOS: Unanimous
SC: Unanimously in support
AC: Unanimously in support
Carl Valente, Town Manager and Superintendent Dr. Mary Czjaikowski address Town Meeting. Pleasure to interview candidates for this Diversity Advisory Task Force.
Q: When were the members appointed?
A: about 6 weeks ago
Q: how cohosen?
A: sent out to the various diverse, groups. Superintendent and I interviewed
Q: Is there a recent example, had this task force been established?
A: Not created because of a problem. There is a change in the community. Want to lead instead of reacting.
Q: A foreseen ending?
A: Too early to tell. I think it will be around for a long time; may not be the same people.
Question MIC: TMM/P9 What is the total?
A: Total of $30K; $15K came from school allocation.
Question Mic: Are there any men on the TF?
A: Yes - 2
VOTE OF TOWN MEETING (simple majority)
YES: 144
NO: 1
ABSTAIN: 3MOTION PASSES
The Diversity Advisory Task Force is a working group that advises the Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools of potential municipal and school actions and activities to promote a culture of diversity, foster civic engagement, ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities, and suggest programs or activities that will promote a culture of respect to all people.
MOTION: That $30,000 be appropriated to support the activities of the Diversity Advisory Task Force to be spent under the direction of the Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools and that to meet this appropriation, $30,000 be raised in the tax levy.
RECOMMENDATIONS
BOS: Unanimous
SC: Unanimously in support
AC: Unanimously in support
Carl Valente, Town Manager and Superintendent Dr. Mary Czjaikowski address Town Meeting. Pleasure to interview candidates for this Diversity Advisory Task Force.
Q: When were the members appointed?
A: about 6 weeks ago
Q: how cohosen?
A: sent out to the various diverse, groups. Superintendent and I interviewed
Q: Is there a recent example, had this task force been established?
A: Not created because of a problem. There is a change in the community. Want to lead instead of reacting.
Q: A foreseen ending?
A: Too early to tell. I think it will be around for a long time; may not be the same people.
Question MIC: TMM/P9 What is the total?
A: Total of $30K; $15K came from school allocation.
Question Mic: Are there any men on the TF?
A: Yes - 2
VOTE OF TOWN MEETING (simple majority)
YES: 144
NO: 1
ABSTAIN: 3MOTION PASSES
Article 5 – FY19 Enterprise Funds Budgets
Article 5 is now open: ARTICLE 5 — APPROPRIATE FY19 ENTERPRISE FUND BUDGETS To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to fund the operations of the DPW Water and
Wastewater Divisions and the Department of Recreation and Community Programs; determine whether the
money shall be provided by the estimated income to be derived in FY2019 from the operations of the related
enterprise, by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, including the retained earnings of relevant
enterprise fund, or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53F½, towns may establish Enterprise Funds for a utility, health care, recreation and transportation facility, with the operation to receive related revenue and receipts and pay expenses of such operation. This article provides for the appropriation to and expenditure from three enterprise funds previously established by the Town. The Recreation and Community Programs, previously the Recreation Enterprise Fund, includes the operations and programs for the Community Center.
MOTION & FUNDS REQUESTED:
a) Water That the Town appropriate the following sums of money to operate the Water Division of the Department of Public Works during fiscal year 2019 under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53F½:
Personal Services - $771,886
Expenses - $494,025
Debt Service - $1,463,902
MWRA Assessment - $7,179,738
TOTAL WATER ENTERPRISE FUND: $9,922,051
Said sum to be funded from water receipts and $61,000 from retained earnings.
b) Wastewater That the Town appropriate the following sums of money to operate the Wastewater (Sewer) Division of the Department of Public Works during fiscal year 2019 under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53F½:
Personal Services - $359,312
Expenses - $408,150
Debt Service - $1,198,665
MWRA Assessment - $1,198,665
TOTAL WASTEWATER ENTERPRISE FUND: $9,612,995
Said sum to be funded from wastewater receipts.
c) Recreation and Community Programs That the Town appropriate the following sums of money to operate the Recreation and Community Programs Department during fiscal year 2019 under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53F½:
Personal Services - $1,416,168
Expenses - $1,434,325
Subtotal-Personal Services/Expenses Debt Service - $$2,850,493
TOTAL RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS ENTERPRISE FUND: $2,850,493
Said sum to be funded from recreation receipts, $375,000 from retained earnings, and a transfer of $214,292 from the tax levy.
RECOMMENDATIONS
BOS: Unanimous
AC: Unanimous
VOTE of TOWN MEETING (simple majority)
YES: 142
NO: 0
ABSTAIN: 1
MOTION PASSES
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53F½, towns may establish Enterprise Funds for a utility, health care, recreation and transportation facility, with the operation to receive related revenue and receipts and pay expenses of such operation. This article provides for the appropriation to and expenditure from three enterprise funds previously established by the Town. The Recreation and Community Programs, previously the Recreation Enterprise Fund, includes the operations and programs for the Community Center.
a) Water That the Town appropriate the following sums of money to operate the Water Division of the Department of Public Works during fiscal year 2019 under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53F½:
Personal Services - $771,886
Expenses - $494,025
Debt Service - $1,463,902
MWRA Assessment - $7,179,738
TOTAL WATER ENTERPRISE FUND: $9,922,051
Said sum to be funded from water receipts and $61,000 from retained earnings.
b) Wastewater That the Town appropriate the following sums of money to operate the Wastewater (Sewer) Division of the Department of Public Works during fiscal year 2019 under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53F½:
Personal Services - $359,312
Expenses - $408,150
Debt Service - $1,198,665
MWRA Assessment - $1,198,665
TOTAL WASTEWATER ENTERPRISE FUND: $9,612,995
Said sum to be funded from wastewater receipts.
c) Recreation and Community Programs That the Town appropriate the following sums of money to operate the Recreation and Community Programs Department during fiscal year 2019 under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53F½:
Personal Services - $1,416,168
Expenses - $1,434,325
Subtotal-Personal Services/Expenses Debt Service - $$2,850,493
TOTAL RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS ENTERPRISE FUND: $2,850,493
Said sum to be funded from recreation receipts, $375,000 from retained earnings, and a transfer of $214,292 from the tax levy.
RECOMMENDATIONS
BOS: Unanimous
AC: Unanimous
VOTE of TOWN MEETING (simple majority)
YES: 142
NO: 0
ABSTAIN: 1
MOTION PASSES
Article 11 – Westview Cemetery Building Construction (IP)
Article 11 is now open: ARTICLE 11 — APPROPRIATE FOR WESTVIEW CEMETERY BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for the design and construction of a
new Westview Cemetery Building on the Westview Cemetery grounds including the payment of costs of
demolition, architectural, and engineering services, original equipment, furnishings, landscaping, paving and
other site and traffic improvements incidental or related to such construction; determine whether the money
shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, by borrowing or by any combination of
these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
These funds will permit the design and construction work on a new building at the Westview Cemetery.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO IP
BOS: Unanimous
AC: Unanimous
CEC: Unanimous
By Voice Vote
The AYES have it - the Article is IP'd
Article 5 up next
These funds will permit the design and construction work on a new building at the Westview Cemetery.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO IP
BOS: Unanimous
AC: Unanimous
CEC: Unanimous
By Voice Vote
The AYES have it - the Article is IP'd
Article 5 up next
Article 37 - Accept MGL Chapter 59, Clause 5C1/2
Deborah Brown, Moderator presiding and will continue for the remainder of the session.
Selectman Chair Barry recuses.
Article 37 is now open: ARTICLE 37 — ACCEPT MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL LAWS CHAPTER 59, SECTION 5C½ To see if the Town will vote to accept Section 5C ½ of Chapter 59 of the Massachusetts General Laws relating to additional tax exemptions; or act in any other manner in relation thereto. (Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59 Clause 5C ½ allows the Town, by vote of Town Meeting, to increase the benefit amount of all personal property tax exemptions by any percentage up to 100%. This additional exemption is applied uniformly to all personal property tax exemptions and cannot be applied selectively.
MOTION That the Town accept M.G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5C½, which provides for an additional real estate exemption for taxpayers who are granted personal exemptions on their domiciles under M.G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, including certain blind persons, veterans, surviving spouses and seniors, and provide an additional exemption of 100% percent of the personal exemption, to be effective for exemptions granted for any fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 2018.
RECOMMENDATIONS
BOS: 4-0 SUPPORTS (Barry recused)
AC: Unanimous
VOTE OF TOWN MEETING (SIMPLE MAJORITY)
YES: 145
NO: 0
ABSTAIN: 2
MOTION PASSES
Article 11 is now open
Selectman Chair Barry recuses.
Article 37 is now open: ARTICLE 37 — ACCEPT MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL LAWS CHAPTER 59, SECTION 5C½ To see if the Town will vote to accept Section 5C ½ of Chapter 59 of the Massachusetts General Laws relating to additional tax exemptions; or act in any other manner in relation thereto. (Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59 Clause 5C ½ allows the Town, by vote of Town Meeting, to increase the benefit amount of all personal property tax exemptions by any percentage up to 100%. This additional exemption is applied uniformly to all personal property tax exemptions and cannot be applied selectively.
MOTION That the Town accept M.G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5C½, which provides for an additional real estate exemption for taxpayers who are granted personal exemptions on their domiciles under M.G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, including certain blind persons, veterans, surviving spouses and seniors, and provide an additional exemption of 100% percent of the personal exemption, to be effective for exemptions granted for any fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 2018.
RECOMMENDATIONS
BOS: 4-0 SUPPORTS (Barry recused)
AC: Unanimous
VOTE OF TOWN MEETING (SIMPLE MAJORITY)
YES: 145
NO: 0
ABSTAIN: 2
MOTION PASSES
Article 11 is now open
Article 14 - Police Station Rebuild-Design
Barry Orenstein, Deputy Moderator presiding.
Article 14 is now open.
MOTION is received and placed on file.
ARTICLE 14 — APPROPRIATE FOR POLICE STATION REBUILD-DESIGN To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for design, engineering and architectural services for the renovation and expansion of the Police Station; determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, by borrowing or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto. (Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
These funds will permit the design work at the Police Station to proceed through the design development stage.
MOTION That $1,862,622 be appropriated for design, engineering and architectural services for the reconstruction and expansion of the Police Station and that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, is authorized to borrow $1,862,622 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.
Presentation, HERE.
RECOMMENDATIONS
BOS: Unanimously supports
AC: Unanimous
CEC: Unanimous
Question Mic: TMM/P8 Parking spaces?
A: Sum total of parking spaces will be the same
Question Mic: TMM/P6 What are the plans for the Hosmer House?
A: Clarification?
Q: I heard the plan was to move it, fairly expensive. Already spent a million on it and have no use for is. What is going to be done?
A: Currently, shown relocated on site. The foundation of that building is in disrepair.
TMM: I'm opposed to more taxpayer funds on the Hosmer House.
VOTE of TOWN MEETING (2/3 majority)
YES: 144
NO: 0
ABSTAIN: 2
MOTION PASSES
Article 14 is now open.
MOTION is received and placed on file.
ARTICLE 14 — APPROPRIATE FOR POLICE STATION REBUILD-DESIGN To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money for design, engineering and architectural services for the renovation and expansion of the Police Station; determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, by borrowing or by any combination of these methods; or act in any other manner in relation thereto. (Inserted by the Board of Selectmen)
These funds will permit the design work at the Police Station to proceed through the design development stage.
MOTION That $1,862,622 be appropriated for design, engineering and architectural services for the reconstruction and expansion of the Police Station and that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, is authorized to borrow $1,862,622 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.
Presentation, HERE.
RECOMMENDATIONS
BOS: Unanimously supports
AC: Unanimous
CEC: Unanimous
Question Mic: TMM/P8 Parking spaces?
A: Sum total of parking spaces will be the same
Question Mic: TMM/P6 What are the plans for the Hosmer House?
A: Clarification?
Q: I heard the plan was to move it, fairly expensive. Already spent a million on it and have no use for is. What is going to be done?
A: Currently, shown relocated on site. The foundation of that building is in disrepair.
TMM: I'm opposed to more taxpayer funds on the Hosmer House.
VOTE of TOWN MEETING (2/3 majority)
YES: 144
NO: 0
ABSTAIN: 2
MOTION PASSES
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