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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-05-27-BOS-min : ° 22 SELECTMEN'S MEETING May 27, 1975 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, on Tuesday, May 27, 1975, at 7 30 p.m. Chariman Kenney, Messrs. Bailey, Buse, and Mrs. Battin; Mr. O'Connell, Town Manager, Mr. McSweeney, Director of Public Works/Engineering; Mrs. McCurdy, Executive Clerk, were present. Mr. O'Connell informed the Board that he has received a letter Resignation of resignation from David Hughes, Administrative Assistant, effective [ Hughes June 6, 1975. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to instruct the Chairman to write to Mr. Hughes and thank him for his outstanding service with the Town and to wish him success in his new position. Permit - Chairman Kenney read a request from the Elks Lodge for the use Flag Day of the Green. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant per- 1 mission to the Elks Lodge #2204 for the use of the Green for annual Flag Day ceremonies on Saturday, June 14, 1975, at 10.00 a.m. Mr. Buss is. to represent the Board. Certificate Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to certify the Qaf following who have applied to Secretary Guzzi for Certificate of In- Ifcorp. corporation: Robert C. Scott, Jr 32 Woodland Road Sally Terrell Scott 32 Woodland Road "Financial Advisory Services for Schools, Inc." Battle Chairman Kenney read a letter from Mrs. Joseph A. Weerts, 1906 Green Massachusetts Avenue, concerning the effects of bus fumes on the trees Area - at the Battle Green area. Buses The Board discussed the possibility of (1) asking bus drivers to park in church parking lots after discharging passingers; (2) Hav- ing the Visitors' Center custodian or a park Department employee monitor the buses. The Board agreed to refer the matter to Mr. O'Connell Com. Vict. Chairman Kenney read a recommendation from the Board of Health Old Belfry that a Common Victualler license be granted to Grace Chapel for the Old Belfry Building food service area to sell pizza and steamed hot dogs during July and August, 1975. i 2 e3 Selectmen's Meeting May 27, 1975 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to issue a Common Victualler license to Grace Chapel for the Old Belfry Club located at Forest and Muzzey Streets; license to expire on August 31, 1975. Chairman Kenney read a request from the Boston Edison- Company and the New England Telephone Company for approval of joint J/O Poles - ownership poles, Accepted Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve Streets the request of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Tel- ephone Company for joint ownership of poles located on streets which have been accepted by the Town, as follows: Augustus Road 10 Poles Bloomfield Street 6 Poles Hickory Street 8 Poles Vaille Avenue 9 Poles White Terrace 4 Poles Chairman Kenney informed the Board that an invitation has been Arlington received from the Arlington Board of Selectmen to meet and liscuSs Red Line the MBTA Red Line Extension. Extension The Board agreed to go to Arlington on June 9 at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Kenney discussed the moratorium on the sale of tlax Tax title lots, which expires May 31, 1975, and recommended that the Title moratorium be extended only on those lots on the list being con- sidered by the Planning Board for scattered sites and, also, those being considered by the Housing Authority. All other requests to purchase lots are to be given individual consideration. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to extend the moratorium to May 31, 1976 on the sale of those tax title lots being considered by the Planning Board and the Housing Authority. All other requests to purchase tax title lots are to_bb given individual consideration by the Board. Chairman Kenney discussed recommendations from Mr. O'Connell, Community Dr. Kessler and Mrs. Patricia Swanson, Chairman of the School Cons- Relations mittee, concerning the proposal which the Board of Selectmen has Committee been considering for the establishment of a Community Relations Committee. The proposal predates the recent activities on Adams Street and particularly represents the work of Dr. Kessler and Mrs. Swanson. We will have nominations for filling the positions and will work up a formal charge of the Committee. Dr. Kessler and Mrs. Swanson's proposal is as follows 324 Selectmen's Meeting May 27, 1975 PURPOSE: 1. To help identify problem areas in community rela- tions within Lexington. 2. To suggest possible means of coping with these problems. Mr. O'Connell's proposal: The suggested means by which this would be accomplished in- clude, but are not limited to, the following: 1 Developing and maintaining an improved channel of communication among involved and interested parties. (a) Creating a climate of calm understanding of existing sit- uations in which dialogue (not to be confused with accusa- tions, allegations, second and third-hand reports of im-' proper behavior by "them") can take place. (b) Accumulating and sorting out credible information which can serve a constructive community purpose_ from the total information received and using it to achieve the objective. 2. Being an objective, non-ivestigative, information gathering, dialogue generating grog 3. Seek out, analyze, evaluate and recommend to the appropriate parties courses of action for consideration which might lead to problem solutions, or improvements in the current difficult situation. This would include observation of those activities currently producing potential confrontation situations. 4. Refrain from any and all actions (including publicity) which would create impressions of bias, self-interest or other positions prejudicial to the group's objective. 5. Seek out the underlying causes of the social behavior problems generating the current tensions Suggest courses of action for correcting the root .causes. Chairman Kenney This committee would discuss broad, social issues and attack a wide variety of problems in the Town, such as vandalism in schools, and problems in communication between youths and Police. Dr. Kessler: It would be metropolitan:anything in the minds of the people that they wish to discuss. It would serve as an open formum rather- than an investigative board. 325 Selectmen's Meeting May 27, 1975 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to establish the Community Relations Committee and to request the Selectmen to draw up the charge of the committee, to solicit applications from individuals who would wish to serve, and to appoint the committee within two or three weeks. Mr. Louis A. Zahner, Town Treasurer, members of the Appropdi- Treasurer ation Committee and the Capital Expenditures Committee met with the Sir Board. Bonds Mr. Zehner: I would ask approval for sewer financing, For years, the New England Merchants Bank has been agent on the sale of bonds. There are two different rating companies, Standard-Poor and Moody, which is the more common one used. Of the 261 towns rated by Moody, there are only 6 towns with AAA ratings and 55 with AA ratings, of which Lexington is one. Since 1971, we have gone from A to Al to AA. We now have $305.000 in E & D money paid into the Town and we will have $347,000 in tax receipts by June 30 and $34,000 in undisbursed bond proceeds. We didn't' pay a dime fbr tax anticipation loans since May but we will pay $24,000 interest. on bond anticipation loans; paying that, we will have a net in- come of $357,000. We have been taking in more money from tax revenues and we have more money to invest. The Comptroller has done much to assist the Treasurer to plan the cash flow. What to do with $357,000 is the question. Next year is going to be more difficult because interest rates are going to rise. I would alert you that the fourth Clerk in the Tax Collector's office is on a sub- sidy basis expiring June 30, and it is almot imperative if that sub- sidy is not continued that she go on the Town payroll. Mr. Perry, Comptroller: I have talked about floating per- sonnel. Mr. Zenner: I express the hope that there can be some cash drawers placed in the teller's windows in the Collector's office, and to explore the possibility of getting a portable teller's machine of a size that could go in the vault later. Mr. Zenner: I point out that the interest costs of varying rates and maturities on $885,000 are: $88,500 @ 5% for 3 years; $132,000 @ 5% for 5 years; $264,825 @ 5% for 10 years. I ruled out the 10 years and I am in favor of the 3 years. There is a 50/50' chance that we will get a State subsidy of $40-$50,000 if we go fbr 3 years. Mr. Furash, App Committee: I think 5 years is the sensibp.e approach at this point in time The state of the bond market, rather than the rating, is the problem of uncertainty. We should look at the fact that the purpose of bonding is the tax rate and we have al- ready taken the basic steps on this burden. It was wise to goifor 5 years for the town office building and we advise 5 years this time. You won't be going out for Conservation for some time. L 326 Selectmen's Meeting May 27, 1975 Mr. Silverman, Cap. Expend. Com.: I don't share Mr. Furash's feeling that we aren't going to see Conservation being asked for a long time. It would be the next Town Meeting as Conservation is actively moving ahead. I would prefer 5 years, like the town office building, and stabilize the principal payment at $180- 185,000 vs. $295,000 for 3 year period. Mr. Furash The Appropriations Committee would like to see the target for the next 10 years at $4.00 on the tax rate for debt. Mr. O'Connell: Based on the information presented, I would formally lean toward the 3 years but something makes me hesitant. I have great fear that the State of Massachusetts is going to re- pudiate some of its responsibilities and the danger is that municipalities will have a higher tax rate. So I would reluct" antly go for the 5 years. Mr. Buse: I feel it should be 5 years, only because of un- knowns on Conservation land suits in court and we don't know what settlements would be. The money the State would reimburse us might go down the drain on court settlements. Mr. Bailey Emotionally, I would like to go for 3 years but the evidence says that prudence would lead us in the direction of 5 years. It was agreed that Mr. Zehner is to proceed with arrangements 111 for a 5-year loan and to come back to the Board on June 2, 1975. Solid Mr William Whalon, Chairman, and Mr. Peter Cambourelis of the Waste West Suburban Disposal Committee met with the Board. Chairman Kenney: As a result of the meeting held in Cary Hall by the State Bureau of Solid Waste_, we have received a letter from Dr. Clarke of the Planning Board recommending that we revive the West Suburban Solid Waste Committee. Mr Whalon This committee was brought into being in 19%i be- cause of enactment of the State Legislature, and that our Town might be married to other communities. We had a unanimous feel- ing of a sensible, viable solution but none was arrived at. There is no clear solution to the problem. The State got into it and had a meeting here in Lexington with twenty or more communities that had expressed interest. It is not a new concept but there appears to be the possibility of combining all of this junk and having the stuff converted into a usable fuel, to supplement other fuel. We should not walk away from it but express the Town's interest. Out estimated quantity of refuse amounts to 6-7 tons a day. Arl- ington and Waltham are interested, and get up to 15 tons a day. The State representatimiof solid waste indicated that it is a matter of 10 years before a solution is found. As long as we carry on an improved approach to the present method of disposal I 327 Selectmen's. Meeting May 27, 1975 and prolong the life of the landfill, and pursue the thoughts that are being explored now, we have nothing to lose by doing this. We need take no action now but to write to the State expressing in- terest and to have someone represent the Town. Dr. Kessler: I move to appoint Mr. Whalon and his committee to represent the Town but would urge that we do it by expressing a strong interest of the Town but to acknowledge the fact that we are going to continue with what we have been doing. Mr. Buse seconded the motion. Mr. Bailey: I am not convinced. Mr. Whelan: It is my belief that they would welcome Lexington, and the committee could represent the Town at these meetings acid express the Town's positive interest. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint the Regional Refuse Disposal Committee as the representative of the Town of Lexington to attend meetings with the State Bureau of Solid Waste and other communities for the exploration of possible regional sol- utions to the processing and disposal of solid waste. The Conservation Commission met with the Board to discussion- Conservation forcement on Conservation land. Land Chairman Kenney We have received many letters recently and in Enforcement the past few years on motor bikes, general trash, litter, and 'vand- alism on our lands. Mrs. Frick: We have asked for money in our budget to maintain and supervise the cleanup on Whipple Hill land. We would also like a fire trail, and to ask DPW to mow a path through Swanson land. I have Sunt learned about the fire on Whipple Hill and was surpris- ed that we hadn't been notified sooner. We are in the process of erecting signs at the entrance td Whip/pie Hill on what will be our land. it will be our land when we get a survey and Mr. Cohen will acquire it. There is debris being dumped by Oneida and it encourages other people to dump there. I will call Onedia and see if the debris can be removed. Once it is posted, it will be treat- ed right. I would ask the Selectmen to get in touch with Winchester and Arlington, as the bikes are coming from there.. We need help from the surrounding towns. Once we own the Graciano land, we can post the signs and barricade the area. We need help as this is a Town affair, not conservation, and we came to you for direction. Mr. O'Connell: We have very limited resources for enforcement. At the Winchester line, there is a dump, and the Building Inspector has pointed this,out. it is no different from the pattern we are running into in the parks because of night -parties. it is dif- ficult to cope with Dr Kessler: What about the Police mini-bikes? I 3S Selectmen's Meeting May 27, 1975 Mr. O'Connell: There is only going to be limited help on night vandalism. I would suggest that the Board discuss this with the Arlington Selectmen when they meet with them as the users of mini- bikes have told us that Arlington has granted permission to them. Mrs. Frick The Arlington Great Meadow Committee asked me_Jto talk with the Selectmen on bike enforcement. If we get this little piece of land on Whipple Hill, we can clean it up and encourage people to use it. Mr. Buse There is no immediate solution until we have author- ity to enforce the law because of vandalism. Mrs. Frick: If more people could enjoy it, the less vandalism 1 you would have. it was agreed that Mr. McSweeney is to check the engineering survey and Mr. Cohen is to go forward on the legal aspects of acquiring the Whipple Hill land. Mrs. Frick There ought to be some kind of fire trail that you could get into Whipple Hill from Winchester Drive. Mr. O'Connell: The Fire Department has looked into this as they would rlike access. Mrs. Frick: Talking to Winchester and Arlington would help. Dr. Kessler The problem is townwide and I would hope that the Community Relations Committee will tackle the problem of Vandalism. I would like to see constructive forces joining in how to clean up and utilize our town land - with positive think- ing on getting vandalism under control, and to come up with a dollar figure. I urge that the Selectmen strongly suggest that the Town Manager get together with the Chairman of Recreation, Conservation, and DPW and start on a plan to utilize our con- servation land. Mr. O'Connell agreed with this approach but pointed out that the only practical approach is to have cleanup crews, and he quest- ioned whether the Town wants to provide forces to do this. Dr. Kessler We could have projects by the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Rotary, Kiwanis. Money is not the answer. They are not necessarily asking for DPW to pick them up but for the Town's boards and committees that are interested in this land to come up with a scheme. Mr. O'Connell We used the resources of volunteers and it wasn't successful as it has to be done weekly. Dr. Kessler: I am suggesting that we do this on a more formal basis then ever before, while we tackle vandalism. Mrs. Battin: One lady enlisted a lot of aid and she might be willing to do it on an ongoing basis. Mr. Bailey I don't agree with young children picking up older children's beer cans. i 34.4 I III Selectmen's Meeting May 27, 1975 Mr. McSweeney: It is not a new story. If the committee Will put it together, I would like to see the Police and Fire Depart- ment involved. DPW is maintenance and we are willing to partici- pate, but we are frustrated without some assistance for vandalism. It should be lead by someone. Dr. Kessler; It could be set up by the Conservation Committee if the Board is reluctant to ask DPW and Recreation to join in. I would like to help the Conservation Commission Chairman Kenney Tackle it as an item on the Community Rela- tions Committee We will ask DPW to cooperate fully. Mr. O'Connell will ask Chief Corr to have two men on mini-bikes for inspection of these areas. Mr Bailey: I think we should write to Winchester and Arlington in terms of the fact that it seems to be Arlington and WincheSter kids They should know about it. Mrs. Batting If it is predominantly Burlington kids at Willards Woods, maybe we should write to _the Burlington Selectmen. The Conservation Commission retired from the meeting. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Executive Executive Session for the purpose of discussing, deliberating, or Session voting on 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 personnel matters, it was voted to go out of Executive Session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:40 p.m. A true record, Attest: \)1•'/I g44„4_, N CA-c-oe-y/ Executive Clerk, Selectmen