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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-10-27-BOS-min - Ry & SELECTMEN'S MEETING October 27, 1975 A regularlmeeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Select- men's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, October 27, 1975, at 7 30 p.m. Chairman Kenney, Messrs Bailey, Busa and Kessler, Mrs. Battin; Mr O'Connell, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Mr. McSweeney, Director of Public Works/Engineering; Mrs. McCurdy, Executive Clerk, were present. Mrs. Battin informed the Board that the Drug Advisory Committee would meet with the Board on November 15 at 7 30 p.m. Chairman idenney read a request from Porter and Desmond, Woburn, to Permit- move a building located at the rear of pole #9 on Virginia Road, Lin- Reed St. coin to a location on Reed Street, Lexington House Move A report from the Building Commission was read stating that the required application, plot plan, etc. have been received and examined and approved. The Building Permit has been issued as of October 24, 1975 for the house to be moved to 137 Reed Street. A report from the Director of Public Works/Engineering states that the suggested proposed route meets with the approval of the Town of Lexington, Department of Public Works, and Paul Mazerall, Tree Warden. The following conditions are to be included in the permit 1. A bond in the amount of $5,000 is to be posted with the depart- ment of Public Works 2. The mdver is to contact and meet with the Department of Public Workslrepresentative and Mr Paul Mazerall, Tree Warden, before the p rmit is issued. 3. Police officers are required to handle detours, etc. Please submits a detour route in case of an emergency. 4. In the event it becomes necessary to detour traffic off a State Highway onto a Town of Lexington Public Way, the Common- wealth of Massachusetts, Department of Public Works will not be responsible for any loss or damage to the Public Way being used for detour. 5. The licensee shall procure and maintain during the term of the permit general liability insurance with coverages for bodily injury, liability and property damage liability, a copy of which must be submitted along with the bond to the Town of Lexington before the permit will be issued. 6. If the move is not completed in one day, the mover must have an alternate location to park the house over night. Mr. McSweeney We have added that an alternate site must be avail- able if the horse move cannot be completed in one day. Ms. Sally Neale, owner of the house, and her Attorney, Mr. David IllMurphy, were present 458 Selectmen's Meeting October 27, 1975 Mr Mu h Ms. Neale has submitted a request to the Selectmen r'p Y equ to store the house and garage overnight at the Barn but I understand she has another site in the area. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permis- sion to Porter and Desmond to move the house and garage located at the rear of pole #9 on Virginia Road, Lincoln, to 137 Reed Street, Lexington, subject to the conditions outlined by the Director of Public Works/ Engineering. Open Mr. O'Connell distributed copies of the new Open Meeting Law. Meeting Mr Jeffrey Shaw will bring you up to date on the project and how we Law can get information to Boards and Committees Mr. Shaw Mr. O'Connell asked me to develop a handbook to be dis- tributed to Boards and Committees, particularly new members, and this is the vehicle to providing the transmission of information. Mr Cohen could re-work the draft and it could be put in a loose leaf binder, to allow for additions. There are significant changes in the interpreta- tion of the new law, as to what is apropos, and the subject matter for executive session, particularly financial activities such as budget matters, etc. The Board might wish to study it and the decision could be passed on tg6oards and committees of the Town. It seems to me that under this law, in the future a subcommittee falls subject to this open meeting law in order to carry out a task. An Ad Hoc committee does not. Chairman Kenney The overall project that Mr. Shaw has undertaken has been a deficiency for some time and we encourage him to continue. We have informed our subcommittees that, under the new law, meetings must be posted. Mr O'Connell Out of our discussions, Town Counsel will render more information and then we will have the vehicle. Battle Mr. O'Connell discussed the flagpole on the Battle Green Green Mr O'Connell We have an emergency situation and Mr. McSweeney Flagpole recommends that action be taken to lower the top section He has been able to get an estimate of $1,250 and we would like concurrence of the expenditure of this amount I have examined the Trust Funds and I be- lieve the Trustees would agree to an expenditure. The first recommenda- tion is for the Board to authorize us to go forward with this emergency action. Second, that we request the Trustees to authorize this expendi- ture from one or more Trust Funds. Should the Trustees decide not to comply, the recommendation is that we spend funds from DPW maintenance funds and request a transfer for maintenance/emergency purposes Mr Bailey You are not going to cut anything? Mr. McSweeney We are going to lower it 70 percent so the flag will still be on it in seasonable weather; in the winter, our problem with the flag is the ice and snow we will take it down like a ship's mast Mr Bailey You are saying there will be only 10-30 percent in the upper portion? 4159 Selectmen's Meeting October 27, 1975 Mr. McSweeney Yes. Mr. Bailey We don't know what the repair is? Mr. McSweeney: No. We have an alternate plan with Mr. Young that we will try to lower it ourselves, with his assistance. Mr. Bailey I would feel better if we use Trust Funds to arrive at the final solution, rather than at this time, and to have a modest transfer now. Mr. Buse I agree with Mr. Bailey. I will enlighten you on what the Bicentennial Corporation has in mind for next week. The Board gave us permission to investigate underneath the Green; we would use radar and, if it can be identified, we would build a permanent memorial around it. In the event there is no structure that it is possible to identify, the Bicentennial Corporation would contribute to a new flag- pole as a permanent Bicentennial memorial on the Green Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Department of public Works to enter into a contract with Mr. Roy Leonard, of Steeplejacks, Framingham, in the amount of $1,250, to lower the flag- pole on the Battle Green. Mr. O'Connell discussed garage and barn sales in Lexington Signs on Mr O'Connell We are having a problem with signs appearing on Trees - ' public ways, usually on Town-owned trees, which is a violation of the Garage Sales Town By-Law and also can cause a potentially serious injury to the tree People do not realize that they are not supposed to affix signs and we are not having much success in having them observe the rules, including putting signs on trees in front of the Visitors' Center Another problem we had was a walk that took place on the sidewalks and, therefore, did not require a permit - but they put the signs up The Board might wish to review the entire experience before the season starts next year Mr Bailey Why not accumulate the experience of this year and have the inforxhation go out with water bills so that people will know how we feel about this? Chairman Penney We give permission to people and we enclose the rules and regulations for garage sales For every one we receive, there are two that d n't bother and just run them. Mr. O'Connell agreed to take the suggestions under advisement. Dr Kassler discussed the proposal for the establishment of a Proposed Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation Transpor- Dr Kessler I would like to make a formal proposal that the tation Comm Selectmen confider forming a committee; to choose 5 to 7 members to insure balance land dedication, and they would act as a resource group to the Selectmen and other interested groups They would be concerned with problems On transportation but would not make decisions There are several people here that could present arguments in favor of this type of committee and I would call on them 460 Selectmen's Meeting October 27, 1975 Mrs Joyce Hals We are here because it has been apparent to us for the last few years that there is a real need for someone in Town to pull all the information together and act as a sounding board. Citizens are becoming a part of a mandate whenever you use state or federal funds, i c , Alewife Red Line extension, and we feel that well- informed citizens would make better input We would like to see the committee act as a sounding board or bridge to the Selectmen, and I would urge that you appoint a committee. ChairmanKenn In thepast, we had a 1-man committee, SandyBrown. eY Mrs. Kay Menand: I have a progress report from the Central Trans- portation Planning, Northwest Region; most projects under consideration already involve Lexington. It seemed to us, with all the responsibilities the Selectmen face, that transportation is only one of them and there could be a group of citizens to help focus information. You want to ask, "Could this be of help to you?" Mrs. Jacqueline Smith Possible computerization of Town Advisory group. I have worked on the Red Line extension and with the Governor's Hanscom Task Force. The Red Line has those people who were interested and got together on opinions After working for two years, I would recom- mend a group with continuity as the core, picked by the Selectmen, and you can be sure of balance and continuity of people who will attend meet- ings. Also, to be sure nobody is left out, I would sincerely urge that an invitation be given to all citizens interested in transportation to join with them. Dr. Kessler It would be interesting to hear from Don Graham and Sandy Brown. Mr Graham. We essentially have to work with the Selectmen The proposal is for a small group and it would be useful to have a core group We would be happy to work with them. Mr. Brown I am much in favor of a citizens' group and there is a lot of work to be done. I have a firm feeling that a member of the Selectmen needs to be assigned to the committee, and the Board could im- plement a lot of the transportation problems Only through a coordinated approach can the Town's overall planning be accomplished I am very much convinced that a member of the Board of Selectmen should take these responsibilities as there will be a point when the policies of all the towns involved must be constructively and cooperative coordinated with Massport policies, and each Board of Select- men must decide what its Town's policies will be in regard to the future of Hanscom Field. The Route 2 Committee is a federal agency, and the National Park would like to close up the entrance to the airport from the access road. This will have an effect on the Town and the Selectmen should deal with it in order to have "clout" to deal with the government. Another one is the Bedford Base, which is closed. The Hanscom Task Force has discovered there are public roads through there and you need a group for discussion of this. On the Red Line Extension, Mr. Bowyer's report has had an effect on planning to extend the Red Line The design Advisory Committee report 461 Selectmen's Meting October 27, 1975 was signed by me as a Selectmen and Eric Clarke as a member of the Plan- fling Board. This kind of official representation of the Town is essen- tial The Hanscom Task Force - the Governor has appointed this board One of the discussions here is whether the Airport should not allow jet planes. Lots of citizens do not want to allow this Raytheon has bought a jet plane and would not continue to expand its industrial facility unless it had an airport there Another one is the problem of fire Mr. O'Connell Was vocal, making sure that Massport had a fire protection and, at the moment, the Air Force is supplying protection. Bedford is worried about a catastrophe in the area. Again, the Selectmen need to be directly associated with the problem. The Logan 'Communities Advisory Committee to Massport People ask why should Lex.ngton citizens be worried about Logan when it is so far away? Lexington citizens suggested, an the impact on East Boston, that it actually change the private transport from Logan There should be a voice in town affairs, in a leadership role, to be talked out for the impact I am in favor of a Transportation Committee, and it is the re- sponsibility of the Selectmen to have one of their members on these other transportation committees. Upon motien duly made and seconded, it was voted to form a Citi- "Vote" zens' Advisory Committee on Transportation Chairman kenney We will work out the details later, and will solicit letters from interested citizens Also, we will ask that Planning Boardlfor comments Mr Brown# In my opinion, The Governor's Task Force is most im- portant and the Board appointed Mr Kenney as an alternate at the time of my appointment The Boardlagreed to inform Governor Dukakis that Mr Kenney will attend the meetings of the Hanscom Task Force due to the resignation of Sanborn C. Brown Interested citizens retired from the meeting. Mr. Buse Submitted a report on the Refuse and Recycling Committee. Refuse & Mr. Buse The committee met several times last fall and tried to Recycling come up with a workable plan to collect articles for recycling. When Subcommittee we had a plan, the bottom fell out of the market. We have not met since then but I sent a letter asking for opinions from all members, and the conclusion is that we disband at this point Some steps can be taken if we can get the pulse of the market; then, the Board can appoint a committee to arrange for collections. The only materials they are lookieg for at this time are aluminum and white glass We still have our recycling program at the landfill but there is a problem with waste paper Mr Bailey Are we still able to get rid of it at the dump? Mr. O'Coniell Sometimes it doesn't get back into the industrial cycle because Of economics As Mr Buse said, colored glass is becoming less and less acceptable 462 Selectmen's Meeting October 27, 1975 Mr. Buse Some recycling committees collect it and dispose of it without recycling it Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the recommendation to disband the Refuse and Recycling Committee and to discharge the members. Recreation Chairman Kenney read a report from Mr Irving H. Mabee of the Study Recreation Study Committee, stating that the Committee unanimously Committee recommends that the existing informal arrangement whereby the Town Manager consults with the Board on the appointment of the Recreation Committee be formalized. We recommend that this change be accom- plished by altering the Selectmen /Town Manager Act in order to pro- vide that members of the Recreation Committee be appointed by the Town Manager with the approval of the Selectmen. We make this recommenda- tion because the Recreation Committee deals with major matters of town policy; because the issues with which it works are often of intense concern to groups of citizens; because its relationship with the Town Manager as Lexington's chief administrative official has became ambi- guous; because we have heard no convincing arguments against the formi- lization in law of a practice which already exists in fact. If the Selectmen support this proposed change in the Selectmen/Town Manager Act, then a revision in the Town By-Laws with respect to the Recreation Committee may be advisable to maintain consistency between the Act and the By-Laws Mr. Busa I would like to brief the Board regarding this The members had quite a discussion and there were alternative suggestions It was suggested by two members to have the Recreation Committee members elected, but after further discussion, it was the unanimous vote that this isn't the route we would take. Another suggestion was to have the Moderator appoint the Committee, but the majority opposed this avenue Also, to have elected officials appoint someone, but this was unanimously defeated after a lengthy discussion A suggestion by Paul MacKenzie almost had a unanimous vote - this was to do away with the Recreation Committee, appoint a Recreation Director and form a recrea- tion department to run the Town program under the supervision of the Town Manager The Director could take the brunt of citizens' complaints It was finally decided that the best way is the way we are doing it, and it was unanimously voted to have the members of the Recreation Com- mittee be appointed by the Town Manager, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen. Also, there was nothing but praise for the past and present members of the Recreation Committee Mr O'Connell: I have no objection to the recommendation made. I can't find fault with it, but my rationale might be different as I can't agree that the relationship with the Recreation Committee and the Town Manager is ambiguous. People who don't agree feel it is becoming more and more a policy board. I have no objection Mr Bailey This would require legislation to amend the Act Mrs Battin It would take a two-thirds vote of Town Meeting or a request of Town Meeting to go to the Legislature. 111 4f)P3 Selectmen's Meting October 27, 1975 Mr. Cohen! When you have a piece of legislation, you are amending it by Home Rule. Dr. Kessler In any event, we need an Article. Mrs. Batttn We should also review the General By-Law covering the Recreation ComMittee to make sure that it is consistent. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the re- port and to disband the Recreation Study Committee and to discharge the members. It was also agreed to have an?Article in the Warrant of the 1976 Annual Town Meeting to amend the Selectmen/Town Manager Act to provide that members of the Recreation Commiktee be appointed by the Town Manager, with approval of the Board of Selectmen. Town Counsel is to be requested to look into the General By-Law covering the Recreation Committee so that it will be consistent with thd' Selectmen/Town Manager Act. Miss Mary Rockwood, Chairman, met with the Board to report on the Youth activities of the Youth Advisory Committee. Advisory Miss Rockwood We have met twice this year and have set up an out- Commission line for this year's projects 1. A Youth Calendar of all youth activities, which will be publi- cized in the Minute-man We also have a proposal for a weekly or monthly article in the Minute-man, to be written by the Youth Commission, for citizens' information The Youth Directory would appear in the form of a supplement to the Minute-man and wouldibe done by our Youth Editor, who is a student of journalism. This would be free of charge to people not receiving the Minute-man. 2 Annual. Youth Day We hope to expand on the talent show, dinner dance] and art festival. 3 The Committee's report to be submitted for the Annual Town re- port. ) 4. A ComMittee on By-Laws To amend to fit the current structure of the Youth Commission Last year, we expanded the Executive Boardland Subcommittees 5. SubcoMmittees were established last week and will start soon. The Community Volunteer Program, which Mrs Friedman was work- ing on, will not be on a project but an individual basis. Youth+related groups plan to meet with the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and students in the elementary and junior high schools, and work on scholarships. 6. YouthlEmployment Service We would help out if they needed us. I 464 Selectmen's Meeting October 27, 1975 We have no idea of how much money we will need but will have a final report by the end of December. We will need money for the Annual Youth Day and the Youth Director. Chairman Kenney You should submit your report early in December for the Annual Town Report. Mr. Busa: It will be ready by November 15, and expenses will be in by the end of December. Chairman Kenney Get them in sooner as we need the estimated cost of the directory. We will assist you as much as we can. Mr. O'Connell I would encourage the Youth Commission to give pri- ority to the Youth Employment Service because of the likelihood of an increase in federal funds to be available The Youth Commission could serve an important role by stimulating interest. Chairman Kenney Yes, and by providing a list of people eligible for jobs. The information on federal funds would have to come from the Town Manager's office to the Youth Commission Mr. O'Connell agreed. The Board thanked Miss Rockwood for her progress report, and she retired from the meeting Extension Chairman Kenney discussed the Committee on the Extension of Historic of Hist. Districts. Districts Chairman Kenney We talked with Sanborn Brown, who reports that Committee his committee hasn't been able to accomplish anything; that he talked with Mr. Bob Lyon, who felt that although he had originally written to the Board with suggestions, and there was nothing that could be done now Mr. Brown had also talked with Mr Jaquith and the Historic Dis- tricts Commission is not in favor of the idea; neither is the Planning Board. Chairman Kenney They are saying that they don't believe their original charge has a great deal of validity and, therefore, ask to be dissolved Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to dissolve the Committee on the Extension of Historic Districts and to discharge the members. House Move - Chairman Kenney read a request from D. R. Betts, House Mover, No. Betts - Attleboro, for permission to move a house from 760 Marrett Road to Lot Blossom- No. 4 Blossomcrest Street Permission was previously granted on July 28, crest Rd. 1975 to move this house to Idylwilde Road. Mr. Busa. I would recommend that the mover give a detour route in case of an emergency Chairman Kenney Mr McSweeney recommends approval be granted, subject to conditions Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permis- sion to D. R. Betts to move a house from 760 Marrett Road to Lot No 4, subject to the following conditions 465 Selectmen's Meeting October 27, 1975 111 art- 1) A bond in the amount of $5,000 is to be posted with the Depart- ment ment of Public Works 2) The mover is to contact the Department of Public Works for the permit 3) Police officers are required to handle a detour route in case of anlemergency. Please submit an alternate route 4) In the event it becomes necessary to detour traffic off a State Highway onto a Town of Lexington Public Way, the Commonwealth of Ma$sachusetts, Department of Public Works will not be respon- sible for any loss or damage to the Public Way being used for detour. 5) The licensee shall procure and maintain during the term of the permit, general liability insurance with coverages for bodily injury liability and property damage liability and a copy of which must be submitted along with the bond to the Town of Lexington before the permit will be issued. Chairman kenney read requests from the following for an extension Liquor - III of hours under' the liquor licenses on New Year's Eve Knights of New Year's Columbus and Sheraton Lexington Motor Inn. Eve Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant per- mission to thel Sheraton Lexington Motor Inn for an extension of hours under the Innholder liquor license until 1.00 a.m. on New Year's Eve. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant per- mission to the Knights of Columbus for an extension of hours under the ClubJliquor lil.ense until 2 00 a.m. on New Year's Eve. Chairman Kenney read a request from the M.B.T.A. for the use of M.B.T.A Cary Memorial Hall on November 25, 1975 from 9 30 a.m. to 2 30 p.m. for Cary Hall half-fare registration of senior citizens and handicapped persons. The Boardl agreed to inform the M.B.T.A. that Cary Hall would be available on November 25, 1975, and the Council on Aging would be re- quested to provide assistance with the registration of citizens. Chairman kenney read a request from the Lions Club for permission Lions Club to conduct thel annual July 4th carnival on July 1 through July 5, 1976. July 4th Upon motipn duly made and seconded, it was voted to refer the re- quest from thei Lions Club to the Town Manager for a recommendation. Mr o'Con#iell discussed Capital Budgets The Board is to review Budgets the Town Manager's preliminary material and the budget process will start after No'bember 3 with his recommendations on DPW projects We will probably be adding the flagpole on the Green as a Capital item. On November 8 at 9 00 a.m. , the Board, Town Manager, Appropriation committee and Capital Expenditures Committee will walk the DPW Capital Budget projects 466 Selectmen's Meeting October 27, 1975 The first budget meeting will be held on Saturday. November 15, and Expense Budget material will be available. Personal Services Budget schedule is as follows Budget prepara- tion instructions to departments and received by Town Manager on Octo- ber 27; Head count data due from departments on November 10 and given to Selectmen and Appropriation Committee by November 24 Collective bargaining will start early in November for DPW and Fire Department; there are no plans relative to the Police Department. Community Dr. Kessler updated the Board on the activities of the Community Relations Relations Committee. Three members were present Marcy Kritsick, Committee Sandra Shaw, and Anne Scigliano. Dr. Kassler When we started the committee, the purpose was to help identify problem areas within Lexington, and to suggest possible means of coping with these problems. The Committee first met during the summer and unanimously agreed that one of the more serious com- munity problems which reached out and touched every citizen was vandal- ism and related topics, such as mutual respect, we could start our attempt in bridging some gaps. We had several meetings and had lots of participation from members of the committee and the townspeople and I would like to list those things the committee has acted on so far, and let the Board know what we currently are working on We suggested to T M.M.A. to jointly encourage activation of neigh- borhood groups to help citizens have a better chance of understanding community problems The next meeting will be held in Estabrook School with the North Lexington neighborhood group and eventual meetings will be in all areas of Town. We met with the School Committee and strongly recommended that Y E S be re-activated - and we are happy to hear to- night that the Youth Advisory Commission feels that way also. We recommend increased security around schools against night van- dalism possibly by using young adults as watchmen during key hours; to consider curriculum courses in lower grades dealing with civic pride and courses on causes and costs of vandalism in upper grades, and that Police Officers be considered as possible teachers; expanded availabil- ity of the field house to the community at large is suggested, and follow-up meetings with the Recreation Committee and the School Commit- tee are needed to explain these suggestions - we will do that in the future There will be a wide range investigation by our committee on the possibilities of a community center and/or teen centers, and what is happening in other towns Some of our school buildings that are being closed may possibly be used. We will work with the Planning Board to have key questions placed in the recreational survey and, when we get answers, we will hold discussions on them. The Committee has not come up with specific recommendations but we encourage the Minute- man to institute articles and we hope that the paper will explore the subject from many viewpoints We are also asking the paper to sponser a series of articles on the changing roles of authority in our society. If it proves to be intellectually stimulating, the Committee will hold panel discussions later 41W Selectmen's Meting October 27, 1975 Last week the Committee voted 11-1 to request the Selectmen to con- sider placing an article in the warrant to prohibit drinking of alcoholic beverages in phblic places in Lexington The Committee feels it is strongly advisable to ask TMMA to hold a warrant information meeting specifically designed for the youth of Lex- ington, and weiwill ask them to cull from the warrant all articles of specific interest for youth, and to encourage them to come to the meeting. Chairman Kenney TMMA sponsors meetings but somebody else does all the work. Dr. Kessler This would be a specific meeting where young people will be told that this is their meeting. I am sure you could get enough members of TMMA to agree Mr Bailey All we are saying is that presentations would have to be made twice Chairman Kenney Usually, we have had several warrant information meetings but I suppose you could take items that are of particular interest to youths and put it on for one night Dr. Kessler I am sure that the details can be worked out The com- mittee feels it is important that young people can come in and listen. Chairman Kenney This would be an informative meeting, not open dis- cussion Dr Kessler Our next meeting will be one where the committee, as well as citizens at large, will be educated to juvenile court proceedings. We have arranged for Judge Forte, a Probation Officer, and Chief Corr to help make it a success; the date has not been picked yet We feel there is a lot of mis-information and lack of information, and we hope to get the facts on the entire system of justice. We have also been asked by the Chairman of the School Committee to have as our next project ways of im- proving communication and understanding between parents and teachers. One of the probleme throughout the country is growing disenchantment and any- thing done to bridge the gap would be in the best interests of teachers, parents, and the Town. It has been an interesting group and I am proud to have been a member of the Committee and, also, to have a large audience in the summertime. With Judge Forte explaining what our courts are de- signed for, everything should be very clear as to what our system is here in Massachusetts. Chairman Kenney Is your committee interested in hearing from Mr. McManus (Y uth Counselor)? Dr. Kessler Yes. Mrs. Battin He would be more than willing to talk with your com- mittee Mr. Bailey: We will have a Warrant Article on drinking on public property. Upon motiOn duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the re- port of the Community Relations Committee Mr. Baile$' discussed the problem of homeowners piling leaves on both Leaves sides of the street in the Meriam Hill area. He felt there is a definite 468 Selectmen's Meeting October 27, 1975 safety problem because of trouble with catch basins, cars being unable to pass, and children playing in the leaves. He wondered whether posi- tive action should be taken against homeowners. Mrs. Scigliano, Editor of the Minute-man, suggested that a letter be written to Mr. Spencer, President of the Merriam Hill Association. It was agreed to write to Mr Spencer and request his cooperation by talking with members of the Association Mr. McSweeney is to place a notice in the Minute-man regarding the violation of the law by piling leaves in the streets Easements Mr McSweeney recommended that the Board vote an award of no damages Grant St for easements on Grant Street. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award no damages for taking of temporary construction easements on Grant Street Energy Discussion was held on a letter from Mr. Sam Silverman suggesting Conserve- that the Selectmen set up an energy conservation committee. It was tion_ agreed to reply to Mr. Silverman that it is the feeling of the Board that a committee is unnecessary because of the efforts of the Town Manager in organizing an energy conservation program in Town-owned buildings. As far as private use of energy is concerned, Mr. Silverman and citizens could address themselves to formation of a citizens' committee, and the Town would be very willing to cooperate but not sponsor them. Rep. Carol State Representative Carol Amick met with the Board. Amick Miss Amick: I hope to start a dialogue with you on a regular basis. I have several things this evening - the purchase of the Marist Seminary in Bedford for use of the Bedford Community College is pending; the Gov- ernor has given approval but the final step has not been taken. I am participating in a suit against Secretary Guzzi to forestall the Presi- dential Primary date of March 2 as I realize the hardship it creates for towns like Lexington with elections in early March. I have been con- sidering changes in election laws to allow candidates to go to Town Registrars and ask to see the voter list of the previous election. Chairman Kenney It is not public information Miss Amick I feel this is an idea to better equip candidates that they be allowed to come in and copy off names of people who had voted in the past town election Also, to add to the notice that is posted, the explanation of the use of voting machines I am in the process of organizing a citizens' task force to allow me to get feedback on various issues, such as the use of a portion of Hanscom Field for a resource facility to form energy, and I invite you to participate Dr. Kessler When studying it, study the obvious problem of traffic. Wherever you put that facility, you will have many trucks and the impact can be devastating to neighborhoods. Mr. Buse Get the connector road finished first. Miss Amick One of my goals is a traffic light at Eldred Street. 469 Selectmen's Meeting October 27, 1975 Chairman Kenney Mr. McSweeney has been working on that. Miss Amick I have been looking at a new plant in Saugus and my problem is that they are going slowly and need a push, especially in landfill. Chairman Kenney We would ask that before you go further, come back and review them with us. Miss Amick One site they are contemplating is at the Burlington- Lexington line as a landfill, but I prefer a location in Weston. They have cut $42 million out of local aid with the argument that, in bad economical times, the towns would use it to offset the tax rate and also use it for pay raises, and the State does not. Would you be agreeable to legislation that would continue to make local aid avail- able and, if funds were going to be used for salaries of town employees, that the cost of living raise be paid out of local aid. Chairman Kenney No Mr. O'Connell That money should be used to help relieve the tax rate. We have the problem of general revenue funds on the cherry sheet; Commitments are made in the spring and we never know what the legisla- ture is going to do in the fall, and by then it is too late I understand you are interested in the bill that would allow you to appoint a representative to the Middlesex County Advisory Board. The House bills allows you to appoint outside the Board of Selectmen Chairman Kenney I would-like to see what is in the bill Mrs. Battin to Mrs Amick We would like to have a copy, and the Selectmen would support it, and the name associated with the Senate bill Miss Amick Senator Atkins filed it Chairman Kenney thanked Miss Carol Amick for meeting with the Board and asked her to carry back to the Legislature the strong feeling of the Board of Selectmen against any cutting of funds. Miss Amick retired from the meeting. Mr. McSweeney recommended that the Board rescind the vote of Contract September 15, 1975 to award Contract 75-9-E in the amount of $270,850 41 75-9-E to Andreassi Bros , Inc. , West Roxbury, for sewer and drain construction on Waltham Street to Concord Avenue Trunk Sewer, Concord Avenue, Walnut Street and Grant Street. Mr Cohen A recent State consitutional amendment has been inter- preted very broadly by the State Attorney General to require special legislation to authorize the change in use of land acquired for park, conservation and open space purposes This particular sewer does pass through a small portion of conservation land. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to rescind the vote of September 15, 1975 to award Contract 75-9-E in the amount of $270,850 41 td Andreassi Bros , Inc for sewer and drain contruction Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Execu- Executive tive Session for the purpose of discussing, deliberating or voting on Session 470 Selectmen's Meeting October 27, 1975 matters which, if made public, might adversely affect the public security the financial interests of the Town or the reputation of a person. After discussion of matters of financial interest to the Town, it was voted to go out of Executive Session and adjourn. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10 35 p.m. A true record, Attest 66.6„),,,,,, 7)2 >22c Executive Clerk, Selectmen I