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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-10-20-BOS-min 448 SELECTMEN'S MEETING October 20, 1975 II/ A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Select- men's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, October 20, 1975, at 7 30 p.m. Chairman Kenney, Messrs Bailey, Busa, Kassler, and Mrs. Battin; Mr. O'Connell, Town Manager; Mr. McSweeney, Director of Public Works/Engineering; Mrs. McCurdy, Executive Clerk, were present. Jurors At the request of the Town Clerk, the following jurors were drawn D Claire Ryan 108 Simonds Road Janet A. Mahony 31A Wachusett Drive Anne L Belliveau 30 Oak Street Anna Marie Sann 103 Kendall Road Isabelle G Besecker 8 Eastern Avenue Miles S Somers 151 Pleasant Street Matthew D Spinale 30 Lawrence Lane 'N E T &T Chairman Kenney opened a hearing upon petition of the New England Conduit Telephone and Telegraph Company to install conduit on Worthen Road near Worthen Rd Militia Drive to service the proposed Lexington Cooperative Homes devel- Militia Dr opment Notices of the hearing had been sent to abutters, as shown on the petitioner's plan, and also filed with the Public Works Department. Chairman Kenney read a recommendation from the Director of Public Works/Engineering that permission be granted for the installation of the conduit Mr. Roland Pinault, representing the Telephone Company, was present and said that this project will not be done until next spring as macadam plants will be closed in November. No one being present in favor or in opposition, the hearing was declared closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for the following location: Worthen Road From an existing telephone conduit located on the northerly side approximately 200+ feet west of Militia Drive, westerly 25 feet thence southerly 71* feet to the private property of Lexington Cooperative Homes. Approxi- mately 96+ feet of conduit. Pole Chairman Kenney read a petition from the New England Telephone and [ Abandon- Telegraph Company and the Boston Edison Company to abandon pole 112/13 ment - on the north side of Hillcrest Avenue. Hillcrest Mr Roland Pinault, representing the Telephone Company, and Mr. Avenue Louis Jones, representing the Boston Edison Company, were present. Chairman Kenney read a recommendation from the Director of Public Works/Engineering that permission be granted to abandon the pole, as it is in the center of a proposed driveway. 449 Selectmen's Meeting October 20, 1975 Mr. Buss There is a street light on pole 112/13 and people in the neighborhood would like it to be transferred to pole 120/17 on Cliffe Avenue, off the southerly side of Hillcrest Avenue Mr. Jones A written order can be sent to the Boston Edison Com- pany requesting the relocation of the street light Mr. Bailey No; we do not want this to be added to our list of street light requests. The light should be moved to pole 120/17 and will be added as part of our approval of the abandonment of pole 112/13. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permis- sion to the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company and the Boston Edison Company for the abandonment of pole 112/13 at the following lo- cation, subject to the condition that the existing street light on pole 112/13 be immediately transferred to pole 120/17 on Cliffe Avenue Hillcrest Avenue On the north side, approximately 27+ feet west of the easterly corner of Cliffe Avenue, one pole. Chairman Kenney declared the hearing open upon the petition of the Hillcrest New England Telephone and Telegraph Company and the Boston Edison Com- Ave. and pany for the installation of anchor guys on pole 112/14 on Hillcrest Cliffe Ave. Avenue and pole 120/17 on Cliffe Avenue Anchor Guys Notices of the hearing were sent to abutters, as listed on the petitioners' plan, and also filed with the Public Works Department Mr. Pinault, representing the Telephone Company, and Mr. Jones, representing the Boston Edison Company, were present. Chairman Kenney read a recommendation from the Director of Public Works/Engineering, that permission be granted for the installation of the anchor guys. Mr. Pinault With the abandonment of pole 112/13, the wires that feed to Cliffe Avenue will have to come from pole 112/14; the strain will be great and a guy wire and anchor are needed there and a sidewalk guy wire and anchor will support pole 120/17 on Cliffe Avenue in the public way. Mr. Louis Jones, Boston Edison Company, was recorded in favor of the petition. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permis- sion to the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company and the Boston Edison Company for the following location, subject to the condition that the existing street light on pole 112/13 be immediately transferred to pole 120/17 on Cliffe Avenue Hillcrest Avenue On the north side, approximately 59+ feet east of Cliffe Avenue, one anchor guy. Cliffe Avenue. On the west side, approximately 30± feet south of Hillcrest Avenue, one sidewalk anchor guy. Mr. O'Connell distributed copies of the School Department budget to the Board. 450 Selectmen's Meeting October 20, 1975 Bicentenni- Mr. O'Connell discussed a letter written by Mr. Temple Scanlon of mP al Grants the Lexington Minute Men, Inc. to the Lexington Historical Commission stating, "As part of our endeavor to obtain funds to develop our Minute Man Museum, we have had our James F McCadden call on numerous agencies in Washington. He has uncovered many possible sources. We have learned that there are HUD funds available through the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. These HUD funds are available on a townwide basis only and it appears that $100,000. could be available for Lexington if we apply soon enough and that funds could have been available for 1975 if we had applied. These are straight grants and not matching funds and could be used for such projects as completing the renovation of the Hancock Clarke House, improvements in Sanderson House, etc. We would like to discuss this with you at your earliest convenience." Mr. O'Connell Mr Scanlon is confused. Legally, they can apply; however, eligibility and qualification are two different things. Mr. Scanlon gives the impression that $100,000 is waiting for Lexington but "there isn't any money waiting for Lexington under the regulations es- tablished." First, the Town must establish its own priorities on po- tential projects and any project applied for should be part of a commu- nity development plan, such as high concentration of low income families reduction of high unemployment rates or severe economically depressed areas. Applications have been submitted for storm drains, sewers, new fire station, etc. These are high priority type applications. For Lexington to apply, it would first have to determine what the priorities- are. For funds to renovate a privately owned site, it would mean that the Selectmen or the Manager had decided that this had priority, that it was an established Capital Budget project and Town Meeting had been asked for application. The likelihood that the Town would do this speaks for itself. One other point is that something over $1 million is allo- cated to the Boston area and Lexington would be competing with 90 other towns on application grants, and competing on this basis - and this is where the wrong impression comes out Funds for historic sites will not compete effectively with social problems People have the impression that there is money waiting for us, but any projects proposed for federal grants have to proceed through the Capital Budget procedure, the project reviewed, and a determination made Mr. Scanlon refers to ones that are not shared grants Chairman Kenney Is the one he refers to a State Bicentennial grant? Mr O'Connell I assume it is We will pursue the matter further in the course of our Capital Budget reviews There is an indication of a modest increase in federal funds for 1976 Also, HUD tells us that next year the timetable will not allow them to use a pre-application un- til the next year A pre-application can be made and you get an indica- tion of what your chances are. I hope this brings the matter up to date. Employment Mr. O'Connell informed the Board that Mr. Cook, Personnel Director, Application has had employment application forms printed by the Minute Man Regional Forms Vocational Technical High School at a fraction of the regular cost These forms are to be used by all departments. 4151 Selectmen's Meeting October 20, 1975 Mr. O'Connell recommended that the Board set up two dates with Budgets the Appropriation Committee, the Personnel Advisory Board, the Select- men and the Town Manager to discuss goals and objectives and to review the FY 77 Personal Services budget Chairman Kenney agreed to arrange a meeting on goals and objectives within a week The Board agreed to a walking tour on Saturday, November 8, of the DPW Capital Budget projects with the Selectmen, Town Manager, Mr McSweeney, Appropriation Committee and the Capital Expenditures Committee At Mr O'Connell's suggestion, the Board agreed to write to the Selectmen's Board of Appeals and the Historic Districts Commission and request that Meeting Room if scheduled hearings would result in overcrowding the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Estabrook Hall should be used. This precaution would eliminate the possibility of further scarring by residents sitting on the window ledges Mr O'Connell retired from the meeting for an appointment with the Appropriation Committee At 8 00 p m. , Messrs Joseph 0 Rooney, Chairman; William A. Melbye, William S Sullivan of the Lexington Housing Authority met with the Board. Chairman Kenney read a notice of the joint meeting which was in- Housing sorted in the October 9, 1975 issue of the Lexington Minute-man "In Authority accordance with the provisions of Section 11 of Chapter 41, a meeting Vacancy of the Board of Selectmen and the remaining members of the Lexington Housing Authority will be held on Monday, October 20, 1975 at 8 00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room to fill by roll call vote a vacancy on the Lexington Housing Authority " Chairman Kenney Nominations are open for filling the vacancy on. the Housing Authority because of the resignation of Albert Hruby Dr. Kessler and Mrs Battin nominated Mrs. Josette Carter Mr Rooney nominated Mrs Mary Shunney Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that nominations be closed. Chairman Kenney proceed with the roll call vote; Mrs. Mary Shunney Mr. Rooney, Mr Melvye, Mr Sullivan, Mr. Bailey, Mr. Buss, Mr. Kenney Mrs. Josette Carter Mrs Battin, Dr. Kessler. By a 6 - 2 roll call vote, Mrs Mary E Shunney was elected to serve as a member of the Lexington Housing Authority until March, 1976 Mr. Rooney The Town has lost a tremendous public servant by the resignation of Mr. Hruby for health reasons The Board agreed to write a letter of appreciation to Mr Hruuby The Lexington Housing Authority retired from the meeting. 452 Selectmen's Meeting October 20, 1975 Sidewalk The Board discussed the IvTlowinq recommendation from the Director ( Betterment of Public Works/Engineering regarding sidewalk betterment assessments: Assessments "In recent years there has been an increasing trend towards con- structing betterment sidewalks in older sections of Town, most notably in the Center In some instances this has involved the replacing of sidewalks which are in varying states of disrepair or, of substandard width or construction. These walks generally were installed on the Town way by the abutters at their expense which we understand as being within their rights to do so It has always been the Town's policy not to assess sidewalk better- ments for any portion of the frontage which contained some form of per- manent walk and we concur with this policy On Grant Street however, if this policy is followed, only three of the eight abutters will pay betterments which will total $415.00 out of a possible $954.00 This represents a better than 50% reduction in potential assessments. In view of the fact that this condition may arise on other sidewalk construction projects, as well as the one at hand, we thought it best to bring this matter to your attention, in the event that you may de- sire to change the present policy We recommend that the present policy be retained in view of the fact that existing walks, while they may now be substandard, are an indication of the abutters interest in his or her neighborhood and to some small degree have served the Towns needs." Sidewalk The Board agreed to continue the present policy not to assess side- Policy walk betterments for any portion of the frontage which contains some form of permanent walk Grant St Chairman Kenney read a request from the Director of Public Works/Engi- Sidewalk neering to vote an intent to take temporary construction easements for Temporary the sidewalk on Grant Street; all abutters have been notified of the Construc- proposed temporary taking which, in our opinion, would result in no tion permanent removal of any trees, shrubs, etc or no alteration in grade. Easement Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted an intent to take temporary construction easements for the proposed sidewalk on Grant Street between Sherman Street and Sheridan Street Order for Chairman Kenney read a request from the Director of Public Works/ Construc- Engineering to sign the Order for the Grant Street sidewalk. tion of Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Order Grant St. for construction of Sidewalk on Grant Street from Sherman Street to Sidewalk Sheridan Street a distance of 650 feet, more or less Mdlsx. Representative Lincoln P Cole, Jr. met with the Board County Chairman Kenney We would like to briefly discuss the make-up of the Advisory Middlesex County Advisory Board and to request your assistance in filing Board a bill so that the Selectmen may designate a member of the Board or a citizen to represent the Town of Lexington. Right now, the Chairman of 4/ ��;i Selectmen's Meeting October 20, 1975 the Board is a member and we strongly feel that it is difficult to attend meetings that are scheduled when we are in budget preparation time. Rep. Cole I would be glad to file an amendment. Chairman Kenney There is a bill something like this; so check with Mayor Mann of Newton Rep. Cole: No problem. Rep. Cole Town Counsel and Mr. McSweeney asked me to file a bill Concord so that you will have a sewer on Concord Avenue. It was enacted by the Ave. Sewer House and the Senate today and, if the Governor signs it, you will have Legislation it. The Governor should sign it because Natural Resources would be in favor of it. Chairman Kenney discussed the proposed cut in State Aid to Cities State-Aid and Towns. Senator Kelley is putting forth consideration of cutting up Cherry to $53 million and we are unanimously opposed to any cut as part of an Sheet expense reduction program. Most of us have already set our tax rate, Reimbursement based on reimbursements on the Cherry Sheet, and we can't balance our budget. Rep. Cole: The figures will be given to the Conference Committee when it meets. Chairman Kenney: We are saying that, in the event you need addi- ' tional revenues, don't find it that way. Rep. Cole I agree. The Board agreed to send telegrams to our Senators and Representatives stating opposition to any cut in State Aid to Cities and Towns as part of an expense reduction program by the State. Mr. Lincoln P. Cole, Jr. , Chairman, and Mr Stephen Politi of the Bicentennial Bicentennial Committee met with the Board. Comm. Chairman Kenney: The Selectmen are in the process of meeting with all our subcommittees to ask them to update their goals, and how we can assess them; to review their charge, and to see if they are operating along the lines for which they were appointed. Mr. Cole: I recommended to the Board that the Committee be kept in existence until 1976 We have nothing of a financial nature at the present time. We have a program on Arts and Cultures and it is being well received; Chairman Miriam Butts is doing a fantastic job. All of our programs were successful. I talked to you about giving some thought to a local home celebration on the 4th of July. I also talked to Ray Barnes and the Town Celebrations Committee would be happy to put something to- gether. Every city and town will be doing some celebrating. If there was a cost for it, it will be in next year's budget. Chairman Kenney The Board would agree that the idea has merit, and the second funds would be small. We did make a commitment to Town Meeting that 1975 would be the biggest year Mr. Cole It could be done by everyone making a contribution of some kind. Mr. Bailey On the other hand, if the Bicentennial or Celebrations 4154/ Selectmen's Meeting October 20, 1975 Committee came up with a modest appropriation, I wouldn't mindgoing g to Town Meeting Chairman Kenney: Will you approach the Town Celebrations Committee? Mr Cole Yes Our own committee is in favor and Mr. Barnes said that he would do it Chairman Kenney Do you have any report on the medallion? Mr Cole: Very little Mr Buse I believe all the material we have in our hands at this point shows that we would return between $75,000 to $100,000 to the treasury Mr. Cole We are more than solvent - inventory plus the cash. Chairman Kenney We really appreciate what you and your committee did for the Bicentennial celebration Also, the fact that you have been running cultural events during the year Mr Cole and Mr. Politi retired from the meeting Chairman Kenney informed the Board that Mr Stanley Brown, Chairman of the Lexington Commission on Suburban Responsibilities, had requested that the scheduled meeting with the Board be cancelled to a later date Stop Signs Chairman Kenney read a recommendation from Mr McSweeney, Chair- Outlook man of the Traffic Safety Committee, to approve the request of Mr Stephen Drive Murdrick, 72 Prospect Hill Road, for stop signs on Outlook Drive at Middleby Middleby Road Road Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Committee and to amend the Traffic Rules and Orders of Lexington adopted by the Board of Selectmen on Nov- ember 13, 1967 by adding to Article 8, Section 22, Schedule 7, the following Street Location Regulation Outlook Drive Southwestbound at Middleby Road Stop Outlook Drive Northeastbound at Middleby Road Stop The Board agreed to request approval of the State Department of Public Works for the stop signs. Sidewalk Chairman Kenney read a recommendation from Mr. McSweeney, Chairman Definition of the Traffic Safety Committee, to amend the Traffic Rules and Regula- Traffic tions regarding the definition of a sidewalk, which is now considered Regula- to be too vague. tions Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Committee and to amend the Traffic Rules and Orders of the Lexington adopted by the Board of Selectmen on November 13, 1967 By deleting from Article 1: Definitions, the following Sidewalk - That portion of a street or highway set aside for pedestrian travel. 04!) Selectmen's Meeting October 20, 1975 And by adding to Article 1 Definitions, the followings Sidewalk + That portion of a street or highway between the curb lines, or the lateral line of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines set aside for pedestrian travel and clearly improved by the installation of cement concrete, bituminous concrete, brick or other similarly permanent material. Chairman Kenney read a request from Rev Theodore Stylianopoulos, Permit Pastor of St. Nicholas Church, for the use of the Green on November 1, Green 1975 for a ceremony honoring Archbishop Iakovos, head of the Greek Orthodox Church of North and South America. Also, an invitation to the Selectmen to attend, and a request for the Lexington Minute Men to act as color guard. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permis- sion to Rev. Theodore Stylianopoulos for the use of the Green on Nov- ember 1, 1975 as 3 15 p.m. for a ceremony honoring Archbishop Iakovos. Members of the Board plan to attend. Rev Stylianopoulos will be re- quested to per4onally contact the Lexington Minute Men. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Minutes minutes of the Selectmen's meeting of May 27, September 15, and October 14, 1975 Chairman ikenney informed the Board that a request has been re- ceived to endorse the proclamation for UNICEF DAY in Lexington on Proclamation October 31, 1975 Upon moti¢n duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Chairman to sign the proclamation for UNICEF DAY in Lexington on October 31, 19' 5. Chairman Kenney discussed the Burlington Arcade and the following Burlington report received from Mr Kenneth Briggs, Planning Director Arcade At your request, I have reviewed with the Traffic Safety Committee the proposed agcess to the Burlington Arcade off North Street, and we make the following comments 1. It is obvious that this development will generate considerable traffic and therefore, any access and egress would have to be of sufficient design capacity to accommodate it North Street, between Lowell Street and the Burlington line, varies in width between 17' and 24' , and this width of road has a very low design capacity Therefore, it would require widening and improvement to the road in order to accommodate the ensuing traffic 2. North Street is at present a minor residential street with poor alignment and site distances. In order to accomodate the amount 45(; Selectmen's Meeting October 20, 1975 of traffic generated by this development, the implication is widening and realignment of the street. 3. Traffic signalization at the intersection of North and Lowell streets would probably be necessary as a result of this devel- opment, which would mean considerable expense. Therefore, the Traffic Safety Committee recommends that a complete environmental impact statement be required of the developer by the Burlington Board of Selectmen to determine what will be the effect on Lexington of this access and egress. The Board agreed that a letter is to be written to the Burlington Board of Selectmen expressing concern regarding the developer's proposal. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 8 42 p.m. A true record, Attest ) 1' Executive Clerk, Selectmen I