HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-01-17-BOS-min 315
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
January 17, 1977
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the
Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, January
17, 1977 at 7 30 p.m Chairman Kassler, Mr Bailey, Mr Buse,
Mrs.Battin and Mrs Miley; Mr Hutchinson, Town Manager; Mr Cohen,
Town Counsel; Mr McSweeney, Director of Public Works/Engineering;
Mrs McCurdy, Executive Clerk, were present
Mr Thomas Plouffe, General Manager of the Hudson Bus Lines, Comm Carrier
Medford, met with the Board regarding the application for a Common Hudson Bus
Carrier licens: to pick up and discharge passengers to and from Lines Airport
Logan Airport He explained that, according to the statute, the Service
carrier must receive permission in the form of a license from the
municipality and then we go before the MBTA and file an applica-
tion for routes, and a public hearing is held After the MBTA
Board of Directors evaluates the transcript, they make the decision
to grant or deny Before we apply to MBTA, we must have a license
attached to our petition It is our intention to supply service to
Logan Airport as there is no direct public transportation (people
could take the "T" but it is circuitous) and we would come under
the META; our fares are under public passenger vehicles Our
company has been providing common carriers in the Commonwealth since
1968 A hotel-motel service is needed and we propose to start at the
Chalet Susse on Bedford Street There would be one along the 128
route and another along Massachusetts Avenue going through Arlington;
the fare would be $6 50 but along Massachusetts Avenue it would be
lower
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant a
Common Carrier license to Kenneth Hudson, Inc d/b/a Hudson Bus
Lines, 70 Union Street, Medford, to establish routes in Lexington
for the transportation of passengers for hire over ways and streets
in Lexington to and from Logan Airport, as follows
On Massachusetts Route 128 from the Burlington Town Line to the Waltham
City Line
On Massachusetts Route 128, the access and egress roads to Bedford Street
(Massachusetts Route 4 and 225) and vice versa
On Massachusetts Route 128, the access and egress roads to Marrett Road
(Massachusetts Route 2A) and vice versa
On Bedford Street (Massachusetts Route 4 and 225) from the Bedford Town
Line to Massachusetts Avenue
On Marrett Road (Massachusetts Route 2A) from Massachusetts Avenue to
Spring Street
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Selectmen's Meeting January 17, 1977
On Massachusetts Avenue from the Lincoln Town Line to Marrett Road
On Massachusetts Route 128, the access and egress roads to the Con-
cord Turnpike (Massachusetts Route 2 or the so-called Cambridge-
Concord Highway) and vice versa
On the Concord Turnpike (Massachusetts Route 2 or the so-called
Cambridge-Concord Highway) from the Lincoln Town Line to the access
and egress roads to Waltham Street
On Waltham Street from the access and egress roads of the Concord
Turnpike (Massachusetts Route 2 or the so-called Cambridge-Concord
Highway) and Hayden Avenue and vice versa
On Hayden Avenue from Waltham Street to Spring Street
The access and egress roads from Hayden Avenue to the Concord Turn-
pike (Massachusetts Route 2 or the so-called Cambridge-Concord
Highway) and vice versa
On Spring Street from the Waltham City Line to Marrett Road
The ,mcess and egress roads of Spring Street and the Concord Turnpike
(Massachusetts Route 2 or the so-called Cambridge-Concord Highway)
On Concord Avenue from Spring Street to the access and egress roads
of the Concord Turnpike (Massachusetts Route 2 or the so-called
Cambridge-Concord Highway) and vice versa
On Massachusetts Avenue from Bedford Street to the Arlington Town
Line
On Hartwell Avenue from Bedford Street to Wood Street
On Wood Street from Hartwell Avenue to the Bedford Town Line
On Maguire Road from Hartwell Road to Mellex Road
On Westview Street from Hartwell Road to the intersection of Summer
Street and Maguire Road at the Bedford Town Line
On Hartwell Place from Hartwell Avenue to its present terminating
point
On Forbes Road from Marrett Road (Massachusetts Route 2A) to its
present terminating point
Town Manager Mr Hutchinson advised the Board of (1) a future request for a
Items transfer to Account 4900-D P W Personal Services Overtime; (2)
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Selectmen's Meeting January 17, 1977
appointment of Review
pp t the Acting Fire Chief to be made shortly; (3)
of candidates for Patrolmen having been completed, appointments to be
made in the near future
The Board discussed the application from Seseme, Inc , 321 Woburn Comm.Vict
Street, for a 1977 Common Victualler license and agreed to grant the Seseme, Inc
license for two weeks until the restaurant is brought up to Board of
Health standards
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant a
Common Victualler license, expiring January 31, 1977, to Seseme, Inc ,
321 Woburn Street, with the clear understanding of compliance with Board
of Health standards
The Board discussed the twelve taxicab licenses of Lexington Taxicab
Transportation, Inc which had expired on January 10, 1977 A re- Licenses
port from Chief Corr stated that six of the nine vehicles inspected
by the Registry of Motor Vehicles had their plates removed and were
cited; since that time only three taxicabs have been operating from
the stand at Depot Square After being informed by the Selectmen's
office that taxi operator' licenses had expired, a check revealed
that three cab operators were in violation and were issued citations
for operating without a valid taxi operators' permit The recommenda-
tion is for a 45-day extension of the taxicab licenses in order to
give Mr Aronson time to comply with the latest demands by the Police
Department to put his cabs in order If, at that time, he has not
done so, it is recommended that his permits not be further renewed
Mrs Miley expressed her feelings against granting the licenses
as the Board had warned the owner last July that if the taxicabs
didn't meet the specifications of the Police Department, we would not
grant the licenses She had noticed that after the Registry had
taken six cabs off the road, there was only one cab at the stand,
and she wondered what the people were doing for service
Chairman Kessler said that people were calling cabs from the
Towns where they wanted to go He read a letter from Joseph Scafidi
of Wal-Lex Taxi, Inc requesting a meeting with the Board to discuss
an application for four or five medalions to operate in Lexington
The Board agreed to invite Mr Arsonson, owner of Lexington
Transportation, Inc and Mr Scafidi to the meeting scheduled for
January 19, to discuss the current situation concerning taxicabs
Representatives Carol Amick and Edward Dickson met with the Bedford St
Board State DPW
Rep Amick informed the Board that she had met recently with
DPW Commissioner Carroll concerning Bedford Street traffic At
her request, DPW engineers are looking at possible solutions to the
Bedford Street/Eldred Street situation In discussion, they re-
iterated that because the ramp at 128 is so close, there is a problem
with cars coming out of there Ultimately, the perfect solution
318
Selectmen's Meeting January 17, 1977
might never be reached, but alternate proposals might be to have
another lane at the jughandle (Hartwell Ave ) to help storage of
cars, and to have another lane at the access to open up space at
Bedford and Eldred Streets Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that
we are ever going to see a traffic light there One good thing
about the additional ramp lane is that it is on state land and the
cost would be incurred by federal funds, and Comm Carroll feels
that there might be money available He had directed his engineers
to look at all reports that have been done in this area in the past
Chairman Kessler asked if the state had indicated when they
would get back to Rep Amick?
Rep Amick replied that Comm Carroll had indicated three or
four weeks, but also said that nothing might come of it as previous
plans had been turned down because they meant too much change and
damage to Bedford Street but it might be done with little change,
and they will take a look at it
Mrs Battin addressed Representatives Amick and Dickson and
informed them that the Massachusetts Selectmen's Association and the
Massachusetts League of Cities and Towns had set up a legislative
network for meetings to be held with our legislators to discuss the
erosion of home rule, and tonight we want to discuss three bills
which are unanimously supported by the Board of Selectman--Compul-
sory Binding Arbitration, Local Aid, and State mandated programs
Rep Dickson said that he was pleased to meet with the Select-
men and, as a result of this discussion with legislators, he hoped
that it would be pursued on the hill The Governor has said that
he absolutely will not approve plans that would impose additional
costs on communities, and he thinks that the legislature also has
gotten the message Governor Dukakis has said that money will be
coming back to the cities and towns this year Originally, they
were talking about $25 million but it is now down in the area of
$15 million
On compulsory arbitration, he leaned towards an extension of
time beyond June 30, 1977, but if some reasonable compromise is
struck, he might support it The Governor has suggested placing
some kind of a limit on compulsory binding arbitration He did not
think that collective bargaining would be repealed
Rep Amick supported the positions of the Mass Selectmen's
Association and the Mass League of Cities and Towns She said
that she does come in occasionally to meet with the Selectmen and
felt that these meetings with legislators are an excellent idea
Mrs Battin and Mrs Miley are quite active in the group of
elected women elected officials, and they have met with the
legislative women's caucus We are, at their request, going to
establish an ad hoc committee to further discuss issues that are
of concern to you. Through this ad hoc committee, they will be
meeting with other legislators, and will have that much more power
and ability to lobby
Rep Dickson advised the Board that if they are upset about
legislation, to let the legislators know in good season
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Selectmen's Meeting January 17, 1977
Chairman Kessler thanked Representatives Amick and Dickson for
meeting with the Board He explained that Representative Cole was
unable to attend this evening but he has indicated that he agrees
with the position of the Board Senator MacKenzie had a previous
commitment; he had planned on coming to the scheduled meeting with
the Board on January 10, which was cancelled because of the storm
Later on, Senator Rotondi came into the meeting and informed
the Board that he opposed state mandated programs and the Selectmen
could count on a moratorium being voted He stated that he was
opposed to collective bargaining
Chairman Kessler asked Senator Rotondi if he had questions of
the Board
Sen Rotondi replied that there should be better lines of
communication As the bill on Blue Laws is coming up tomorrow, and
he represents four precincts in Lexington, he would like the sense
of the Board
Mr Busa recommended keeping stores closed on Sunday
Chairman Kessler said that, personally, he would like to leave
it up to local cities and towns He thought it an archaic law and
didn't want the state to mandate that Each city and town should
make it known to their officials as to how they want it
Senator Rotondi informed the Board that arrangements are being
made for him to come to Lexington in March to meet with citizens on
local questions and concerns
Chairman Kessler thanked Senator Rotondi for meeting with the
Board
Chairman Kessler read applications for approval of new Managers Liquor Lic
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve New I1grs
Mr Joel G Berman as the new Manager of Berman's Market, 55 Mass Berman's
Avenue, under the Retail Package Goods liquor license Yangtze Rest
Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to approve Mr
Wei Jen Ong as the new Manager of Ong, Ong, Inc , d/b/a Yangtze
Restaurant, 21-23-25 Depot Square
The Board signed the applications to the Alcoholic Beverages
Control Commission for approval of the above Managers
The Board discussed the Selectmen's safety deposit box at the Selectmen's
County Bank Three members of the Board of Selectmen had opened the Safety De-
box on September 28, 1973 and found that it contained only absolete posit Box
combinations of vaults in the old Town Office Building
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to cancel the
safety deposit box held by the Board of Selectmen at the vault of the
County Bank of Lexington
Chairman Kessler read a report from the Traffic Safety Committee Parking -
regarding parking conditions on Waltham Street Mr Louis Spencer Waltham St
conducts a funeral home at 52 Waltham Street and the Committee unani- Spencer
32U
Selectmen's Meeting January 17, 1977
mously disagreed with Mr Spencer's contention that expanding the one
hour parking restriction to include the hours of 6 00 p m. to 9 00
p m., seven days a week, would eliminate the parking problems that
visitors to his establishment are experiencing The simple fact is
that the number of parking spaces does not meet the demand, and
changing the hours on Waltham Street will not decrease the number of
vehicles looking for parking spaces, and will not help Mr Spencer
Further, the Police have only one man in the Center during the
evening and to instruct him to strictly enforce the meters will only
serve to divert him from his more important duties To solve the
problem to Mr Spencer's satisfaction, there are two alternatives;
(1) to give preferential treatment to Mr Spencer by reserving
spaces - which the Committee vehemently opposes as it will be a
detriment to all other businesses in the area (2) expansion of
the municipal parking areas The Committee endorses this idea and
believes it should be pursued for the good of the Town as a whole
Mrs Miley pointed out that there are signs in front of Mr
Spencer's funeral home reading, "Parking Spaces Reserved," and
apparently they are not valid
Mr Spencer replied that he was privileged to put up three
signs which were previously granted by the Board of Selectmen but
if anyone wants to park there, he has no authority to enforce
After discussion, the Board agreed to turn the matter over to
Mr Hutchinson and request him to confer with Mr Briggs, Planning
Director, and submit a joint recommendation on parking problems on
Waltham Street
Traffic Rules Chairman Kessler read a recommendation of the Traffic Safety
Amendment Committee to make the portion of Clarke Street from Raymond Street
Clarke St to the Cary Library exit driveway open to two way traffic, with the
understanding that Clarke Street from the exit driveway to Massa-
chusetts Avenue will remain one-way northeasterly
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to amend the
Traffic Rules and Orders of Lexington, as follows
By deleting from Article VII, Section 1, Schedule #5;
Location Direction From To
Clarke Street Northerly Forest Street Mass Avenue
And by adding to Article VII, Section 1, Schedule #5
Location Direction From To
Clarke Street Northerly 240' south of Mass Avenue
Mass Avenue
Street Light Chairman Kassler read a recommendation from Mr McSweeney, Di-
Concord Ave rector of Public Works/Engineering, that approval be granted for
the installation of a street light on existing pole #16/563 located
321
Selectmen's Meeting January 17, 1977
1 +
in front of 562 and 564 Concord Avenue, as requested by Dr John
Lawson of 562 Concord Avenue and Mr Laurence Taylor of 564 Concord
Avenue
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
the recommendation to install a street light on existing pole #16/563
located in front of 562 and 564 Concord Avenue, and to request Mr
McSweeney to make the necessary arrangements with the Boston Edison
Company
Chairman Kassler read a recommendation from Mr McSweeney, Di- Heidke
rector of Public Works/Engineering, that a new sewer charge in lieu Sewer
of betterments be assessed against Lots 249 and 250 Wood Street in Charge
the amount of $475 04 The previous sewer betterment for Lots 249
and 250 on Old Wood Street was $175 46, which was abated on 10/9/61
for so-called illegal street frontage The Board of Selectmen, with
the authority of the 1976 Annual Town Meeting, voted to sell to the
owners of lots 249-250 the land in question; this now gives these
lots street frontage and in turn, makes sewer available The owner,
Mr Philip Heidke, has made application for sewer and water service
and this sewer betterment charge must be approved by the Board of
Selectmen
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve
the recommendation of the Director of Public Works/Engineering to
assess a sewer charge in lieu of betterment in the amount of $475 04
against Lots 249 and 250 Wood Street
Mr Bailey discussed the request from Mr Rommell, Administra- Baseball
tor of Lexington Little and Senior Baseball Leagues, for a parade Parade
permit on April 30, 1977 Because another baseball league, Lex-
ington Baseball Association, Inc , annually requests a parade per-
mit in April, Mr Bailey recommended that the matter be referred to
the Recreation Committee to contact each league to make arrangements
for having one baseball parade, under the aegis of the Recreation
Committee When plans have been finalized, the Board of Selectmen
will then vote to grant the parade permit
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to refer the
matter of a joint baseball parade to the Recreation Committee, as
recommended by Mr Bailey
Mr Bailey informed the Board that he, Mr Buse, and Mr Min.Man
Hutchinson had attended the Minuteman Regional Vocational Techni- School Budget
cal School budget meeting last week He felt uneasy about the
49 6 percent increase in the overall school operating budget;
Lexington's assessment has increased $13,565 over last year's
total of $506,000 The basic explanation given was that they
were going to have a very good vocational school, and the reason
for the increase was that they were away behind last year The
final budget will be voted upon tomorrow evening
322
Selectmen's Meeting January 17, 1977
Mr Hutchinson
agreed with Mr Bailey and expressed his con-
cern about thirty new teachers and thirteen on the clerical staff,
which he considered a high ratio By 1981, we will be picking up
more of the cost of the School
DPW-Cap Mr Hutchinson presented the D P W Capital Expenditures Bud-
Budget get The 5-year forecast is $1,599,000 After review of the
original requests, Mr McSweeney submitted a figure of $725,455
for FY 78, and this has been reduced to $662,745 ($988,400
approved for FY 77)
Based on priorities, the recommendation is $441,000 for
sewers; $392,000 for laterals and $49,000 for trunk sewers
Laterals Barnes Place-$21,000 copy through Amherst Street-
$17,000
Trunk Sewer Amherst Street-$32,000
In response to a question if the Board of Health is aware that
the remainder of sewer requests had been deleted, Mr Hutchinson
agreed to inform them
Water Mains 0; existing programs to continue and no new projects
this year
Storm Drains 0; work with existing appropriation and allocate
$13,000 for Whipple Street and Mass Avenue Re-
maining monies to be utilized for Wood Street and
Mass Avenue
Street Construction of the $375,000 requested, the recommendation
is 0, as there are enough projects on the books
now It is recommended that construction of
Banks Avenue, Cushing Street, and Emerald Street
be deferred
Sidewalks 0
Curb Constructions 0
Traffic Signal Installation 0
Chapter 90 $60,000; involves Hancock Street
Road Machinery $126,945 Shovel Dozer-$62,745; Back Hoe-$32,000;
Reel Mower-$3,200; Pick-up-$5,000; Carryall-$6,000;
$18,000 for repairs to Caterpillar Shovel Dozer
DPW Storage Building 0; it may be possible for an in-house proposal
for an addition
Mr Furash asked Mr Hutchinson for details of the amounts de-
ferred for last year and deferrals for FY 78 Mr Hutchinson agreed
to submit a list to the Appropriation Committee
Sanitary Landfill Mr Hutchinson recommended 0 funds Money will
be expended in our operating budget We might
get into a refuse collection
Westview Cemetery 0; we have given consideration in the expense
budget and equipment
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Selectmen's Meeting January 17, 1977
Brook Reclamation 0; we would hope to utilize existing money at
this time
Comprehensive Drainage Study $35,000 (second year of the study)
Cary Branch Library Painting To be submitted next week
Mr Hutchinson explained to the Appropriation Committee that he
and the Board of Selectmen have tried to be frugal, and all depart-
ments have been responsive
Mr. Furash, Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, stated
that he was very pleased with the presentation The proposal sub-
mitted will mean $1 25 on the tax rate
The Board agreed to discuss D P W Expense Budgets on January
19
The Appropriation Committee retired from the meeting
In accordance with the previous discussion betterment streets, Deletion -
the Board agreed to accept Mr Hutchinson's recommendation not to Betterment
lay out the four streets Streets
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted not to lay
out the following streets Banks Avenue, Cushing Street, and
Emerald Street
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to lay out Lay Out
the following subdivision streets Subdivision
Brent Road - From Hathaway Road a distance of 650 feet, more or Streets
less, to Emerson Road
Emerson Road - From a point easterly 990 feet, more or less, from
the end of Suzanne Road and westerly to the end of
that section of Emerson Road
Suzanne Road - From Emerson Road a distance of 250 feet, more or
less, to Mill Brook Road
Lois Lane - From Beford Street a distance of 950 feet, more or less,
to end
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve Discontinuance
the discontinuance of the following streets Streets
Hinchey Road - As a Public Way 300 feet, more or less, from Hartwell
Avenue easterly to end
Wood Street - As a Public Way 1000 feet, more or less, from Station
0+00, the Lexington Bedford Town Line to Station 10+00
Mrs Battin asked about Human Services and a Youth Director Human
Mr Hutchinson replied that there would be no money in the Services
budget, but he intends to have someone in his office coordinate
and work with agencies
Mrs Battin recommended a meeting with the Town Manager, the
Drug Advisory Committee, and the Youth Advisory Committee to discuss
Human Services
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to insert the Articles
following Articles in the Warrant for the 1977 Annual Town Meeting
32 4
Selectmen's Meeting January 17, 1977
LIST OFARTICLES
I LES
1977 WARRANT
1 Election
2 Reports
3 Lectures Committee
4 Budget
5 Collective Bargaining Supplemental Accounts
6 1976 Supplementary Appropriations
7 Unpaid Bills
8 Reserve Fund
9 Audit
10 Library Aid
11 Supplemental Amounts for Capital Projects
12 Street Lights
13 Appraisals
14 Tax Anticipation Borrowing
15 Curb Construction
16 Drain Construction
17 Water Main Construction
18 Sidewalk Construction
19 Sewer Laterals Construction
20 Trunk Sewer - Amherst Street
21 Accept Federal Funds for Sewers
22 DPW Equipment
23 Chapter 90-Highway Construction
24 Drainage Study
25 Westview Cemetery Development
26 Pain Branch Library
27 Install Book Security System in Library
28 Revaluation
29 New Fire Truck
30 Citizens Article-Money for Retarded Citizens
31 Sanitary Land Fill-Curbside Pick-up
32 Sanitary Land Fill-Resource Recovery Site
33 School Article
34 Center Pool (Perm Bldg Comm. Suggestion)
35 Tennis Courts
36 Trails
37 Improvement of Playfields
38 Bike Paths
39 Soccer Goal Posts
40 Citizens Article - Ball Field Lighting
41 Conservation Land Acquisition - Grey Nuns Charities, Inc , Mass Ave
42 " " Lucky Penny Trust, Grove St
43 " Cosgrove Land, Wood St
44 Foley & Sayre, Cranberry Hill
45 " Wilson, Follen Hill
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Selectmen's Meeting January 17, 1977
III 46 Whipple Hill transfer
ansfer
47 Meagherville Land transfer
48 Tax title Land transfer
49 Hillside Avenue Land transfer
50 Land swap-Marrett Road
51 Gift of Land on 128
52 Conservation Fund
53 Acquire Land on Summer St
54 Accept Brent Rd , Emrson Rd , Suzanne Rd , Lois Lane
55 Discontinue Hinchey Rd , Portion of Wood St
56 Change Names of 5 Streets
57 Filing Fees
58 By-Law Amendment-License fee for gasoline storage
59 -Membership Council on Aging
60 -Section 23 of Article 5
61 -Notice for Special Town Meetings
62 Citizens By-Law Amendment-Section 30 of Article 5 - Vote of
30 Town Meeting Members to Challenge
any motion
63 Citizens By-Law Amendment-Discharge of fire arms
64 Dissolve Standing Plumbing and Building Committee
65 Citizens Article-Appoint Comm Problems of Aged
III 66 Youth Commission
67 Accept 98 of Chapter 32B
68 Accept C 586 of 1975
69 Accept gift from Bicentennial Corp
70 Set up Remembrance Fund-Westview Cemetery
71 Housing Authority Article-Off Lowell Street
72 It " " -Woburn Street Zoning
73
II II II - II II VP
74 Planning Board Articles - Zoning Changes
75 11 II II II II
76 �� U 0 - II II
77. II II II - VI II
78 II II II - II It
79 1I II II - VI II
80 II II It - tt II
81 II �� II - II 11
82 II " " - II VI
83 II I1 II - II "
84 ,� n -
II
85 II " - Amend General By-Laws - Wetland Protection
86 Citizens Article-East St Zoning -
87 -Bedford St Zoning
88 �� II IV " II
89 �� " VI II II
90 Tax Rate
�ys
4.26
Selectmen's Meeting January 17, 1977
Executive Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 5-0 to go
Session into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy
with respect to personnel, with no intention of resuming the
open meeting
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn
at 10 30 p m.
A true record, Attest
.c,-)111/ 07/ ;)A
Executive Clerk, Selectmen
I