Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975-01-27-BOS-min 200 SELECTMEN'S MEETING January 27, 1975 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was heild in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, on January 27, 1975, at 7 30 p.m. Acting Chairman Bailey, Messrs Busa and Brown, and Mrs Battin; Mr O'Connell, Town Manager; Mr Cohen, Town Counsel; Mr. McSweeney, Director of Public Works/Engineering; Mrs McCurdy, executive Clerk, were present Building Mr O'Connell discussed the new Uniform Building Code and re- Inspection quested the Board's guidance in adopting a practice of charging Fees fees for certification of inspection on those public buildings formerly inspected by the State After discussion, the Board agreed not to adopt a fee schedule at this time Cert of Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to certify Incorp. the character of Fran P. Hosken, 187 Grant Street, and Anne M. Vohl, 27 Partridge Road, who have applied for Certificate of Incorporation, "Women's International Network, Inc " Town Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted, in accord- Financial ance with G.L. Chapter 41, section 61, to accept the financial Reports reports of the Town as of June 30, 1974, as submitted by Mr. Richard M. Perry, Town Comptroller. Liquor - Acting Chairman Bailey read a request from the Sheraton Sheraton Lexington Motor Inn for an extension of hours to 1 00 a m. Lexington (from 12 00 M) during the period of April 1, 1975 to October 31, Motor Inn 1975 The Board agreed the period should extend only to September 30 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant per- mission to the Sheraton Lexington Motor Inn for an extension of hours under their Innholder liquor license until 1 00 a.m. for the period of April 1 through September 30, 1975 Center Acting Chairman Bailey read a report from the Traffice Safety Traffic Committee in response to a letter from Mrs Sidney B Williams, 196 Pollen Road, regarding traffic congestion at the Center traffic light if a motorist pulls over to ask directions or to obtain information from the police officer on duty there The report states that the committee feels that under the present physical layout of the sidewalk, no steps can be taken for the removal of a metered space since it would only serve to de- plete the already inadequate number of parking spaces The committee recommends that no action be taken on Mrs Williams' request 201 Selectmen's Meeting January 27, 1975 The Board discussed and agreed that, at the discretion of the officer on duty, two meters could be covered with "No Parking" hags during the heavy tourist season Arreque,at will be made to the Police Department to so inform the officer on duty. A letter is to be written to Mrs. Williams regarding the action of the Board. Acting Chairman Bailey read a report from the Traffi: Safety Stop Sign - Committee in reply to a request from Dr Julian L Perlman, Buckman/ 35 Buckman Drive, for the installation of a "Stop" sign at the Dawes intersection of Buckman and Dawes Road The report states that this location was studied during June and July of 1974 for compliance with the Stop Sign Warrants and found that it did not comply The Engineering Division has again reviewed the location and it still does not comply Thetefore, it is recommended that no action be taken on Dr Perlman's request Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Committee that no action be taken on Dr Perlamn's request for a "Stop" sign at the intersect- ion of Buckman Drive and Dawes Road Dr Perlman is to be informed by letter of the finding of the Board. Acting Chairman Bailey read a letter from Brigham's request- Brigham's ing the installation of waste receptacles in front of the shop Waste on Massachusetts Avenue Receptacles Mr McSweeney We have talked with Brigham's and the Chamber of Commerce and it would be a good idea The Board agreed that Mr McSweeney is to make arrangements for the installation of waste receptacles in front of Brigham's on Mass Avenue Acting Chairman Bailey read a report from the Traffic Safety ComMittee in reply to a request from Mr F J Trimhold, 57 Reed Trimhold - Street, for "Go Slow Blind Person Crossing" signs on Bedford Blind Person Street near Reed Street The report states that unless the Crossing motoring public sees a blind person crossing at this loction a Sign relatively large percentage of the times they travel thi's area, a sign will be almost totally ignored Unfortunately, the signs will have the opposite effect on the sense of security of the blind person, and he might become slightly less alert. It is the opinion of the Committee that this location will never be fully safe for this person Further, we feel that it is act- ually to this person's benefit that the signs not be installed Therefore, the Committee recommends that this request be denied Mr. Busa moved to accept the recommendation of the Committee Mr Brown Ircan't vote until I have more data and in- formation. `202 Selectmen's Meeting January 27, 1975 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to table the request of Mr Trimhold pending futher information from Mr McSweeney It was agreed to write to Mr. Trimhold and inform him that the Board is interested in knowing how frequently a blind person finds it necessary to cross Bedford at Reed Street Munroe Mrs. Roberta Shankland, President, and member of the Munroe School School P T A. met with the Board 126 discuss a previous request P.T.A. - for a pedestrain traffic signal at the Munroe School Traffic Acting Chairman Bailey We had a meeting with you on Sept- Signal ember 30 and it was condluded that requirements for a Warrant for School Crossings would be considered This required that studies be made on the number and extent of gaps We instructed the Traffic Safety Committee to study it and the study was made in December; the P T.A. study was made in October. The con- clusion was, (1) the Town's study shows that there are adequate gaps during peak times on 10 second gaps for crossing, (2) the P T A. study shows there are not adequate gaps based on 14 second gaps We would like to ask the Traffic Safety Committee to put these together and review both reports, and come back and tell us what is is - 14 or 10 seconds. I have the feeling it will be closed to 14 than 10 and, if it turns out that 14 is the right number, and the fact that there are not adequate gaps as shown by the study, we have to go one more step As we interpret the State warrants for school crossing signals, it is necessary to conduct surveys during the period children are going to and from school. If you tell the crossing guard not to be there for three days, and you go there with your stop watch, is that acceptableto you Mrs Shankland We timed her and discovered she was using about a 15 second gap If you want to accept that Mr. Bailey We might, but ourpmaKUmnis the State DPW, and whether they will accept it We could try Mrs Shankland Is it possible to use the period before she comes and after she comes? Would they accept it? Mr Bailey We could ask Mr Silverman, Town Meeting Member There is a question of children's safety. Ask the State to measure the gap a block or two on either side Mr. Bailey That is a fair question to ask them. We will run down the list and ask them what they will consider acceptable information and then put the package together Mrs Shankland We didn't choose 14 arbitrarily; wanted to be objective and that is the reason we wanted to be objective I 203 Selectmen's Meeting Janua 27, 1975 IMr Bailey If Traffic Safety agrees with you, we will go to the State and ask what is required to get a Warrent for School Crossings As long as things are going in a positive direction, we will not come back to you, but if we hit a snag we will come back to you 1 Mrs Shankland The problem is to establish what that gap is The Board and Mrs Shankland agreed to the above co clusion, and the Munroe School P.T A. members retired from the me ting The Traffic Safety Committee is to be requested to nduct a review of the Town's and the Munroe P T A. studies, pa ticularly regarding the minimum required gap time, 10 vs 14 seconis If it develops that there are insufficient gaps of adequate length, the Committee should review the whole matter with the State DPW and establish with them precisely what measurements would be required to meet their warrants for a school crossing Also, if a new analysis of gaps would be required during peak pedestraik hours without a crossing guard, even though the Committee report states that, "the total number of adequate gaps which occur whei the crossing guard is on duty does not differ significantly from other periods " Acting Chairman Bailey read a report from Mr McSweeney, Request for Director of Public Works/Engineering, in reply to a letter from Barrier -Ill Mr David Weaver of 5 Redcoat Lane for the erection of al barrier Redcoat at the entrance to conservation land between 5 and 9 Redcoat Lane Lane because of late partying and disposal of beer cans in the area. The report states that the area had been reviewed and no evidence has beenrfound to warrant closing the acess permanently to vehicular traffice Both of these entrances are used as a walking path to the Diamond Junior High School As to vehicular traffic, it can only travel a short portion of the way off Red- coat Lane and can be readilyyseen from the street. This would be considered a trespassing, an enforcement problem. Boulders or a permanent barrier in this area would create a hazardous condition in case of fire to all abutters in this large tract of land The need for access by the Fire Department is far greater than the problem that presently exists This was reviewed with some of the other neighbors and other departments directly concern- ed and they generally agreed with my finds Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted tai' accept the recommendation of the Director of Public Works/Engineering A letter is to be written to Mt Weaver informing him of the Board's action but to reassure him that the Police Department will give special attention to the area regarding violations If necessary, he is to feel free to call the Police DepartRent if irregular activities are observed 204 Selectmen's Meeting January 27, 1975 Burlington/ Acting Chairman Bailey read a report from the Traffic Simonds Rd Sefety Committee in a reply to a letter from Mr. Lawrence V Area Signs Guisti, an. , 20 Burlington Street, concerning excessive traffic conditions on Burlington Street at Simonds Road Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Committee for the installation of a crosswalk at Simonds Road and three "Play- ground" signs in the area The Director of Public Works/Engineering was instructed to make arrangements for the installation of the crosswalk and to locate the "Playground" signs as follows one on the Grove Street approach, and one each on the Burlington Street approaches Acting Chairman Bailey read a report from Mr McSweeney, Street Director of Public Works/Engineering, in response to a letter Lights - from Dr Eric Clarke requesting the installation of street lights Moon Hill Rd along Moon Hill Road. The report states that the Boston Edison Company has already installed the street lights It was agreed to so inform Dr. Clarke Executive Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Session Executive Session at 8 25 p m for the purpose of discussing, deliberating or 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 with Town Counsel on a matter of litigation, it was voted to go out of Executive Session and resume the open meeting Mr. Cohen and Mr. McSweeney left the meeting at 8 30 p m. A.D.L Miss Susan Moulton, refpesentative of Arthur D Little, and Mr Neil Chapman, Personnel Consultant, met with the Board to PersoStudy discuss the Town's personnel classification study report prepared by A.D.L. Mr. Chapman This is part of a preliminary report; the final report will be presented later Miss Moulton We have presented it to department heads and to the Personnel Advisory Board last week. Basically, our task was to analyze the existing jobs that are here We distributed questionnaires and conducted interviews We developed a new classification structure, made changes, and we are in the process of new job descriptions The major recommendations are going to be be re-allign the clerical structure, and the job title will re- flect more characteristics of work content; we added two new titles; re-alligned the management structure by combining the IM and M into one We added a maximum-minimum step based on performance I 205 Selectmen's Meeting January 27, 1975 Based on interviews, we came up with six distinct clerical jobs, differentiated by title. We propose that the Town adopt these six S-1 Clerk;S-2 Clerk and Typist/Switchboard Ope::ator; S-3 Senior Clerk; S-4 Account Clerk; S-5 Principal Clerk;S-6 Administrative Clerk Mr O'Connell Explain the use of the Account Clerk term. It is not pointed toward the financial group solely Miss Moulton Each of these titles should stretch across the Town for people who_ spend a fair amount of their time with figures. We looked at the previous classification and compressed them and, looking at the comparability, we came up with a revised list Mr. Bailey The proposed salary structure is applicable to the current time period and doesn't take into account the upcoming budget? Mr. O'Connell This is a matter under discussion with A.D.L. They have picked January 1, 1975, and have said this is the time relationship Mr. Buse We have S-1 to S-10 now. Is there anyone in S-10 now? Miss Moulton There is one person there now. Mr. Chuck Kolson of A.D. Little In the labor classification, we have not changed titles to any significance; we have added one or two The proposed change is from W-2A to W-9 existing now to W-1 to W-8. You had a Working Foreman at W-6 and one at w-9. There should be a positien for a person who does labor only and oes not operate a piece of equipment which requires a Class 3 lic se A Class 2 licensed man at W-5; Class 1 licensed operatr at w-6, up to and including tractor trailors - all heavy equi'mant; it covers people working at the sanitary landfill operating the compactor W-7 - We suggest that the former Working Foreman in W-5 now be in W-7 . Miss Moulton The next step is for A D,,L,, to complete job description; to file report on comments from Lexington Department heads; A.D/L. and Town officials to discuss the specifics ,f re- port implementation Mr Chapman They will show where we were and where wa ought to be, and how to get there Miss Moulton,Mr Kolson, and Mr Chapman retired from the meet- ing Acting Chairman Bailey rend a request from Secretary Guzzi for State the submission of the name of the Lexington Local Census Diaedat Census for the proposed State census to be begin on March 1, 1975 Director The Board agreed to submit Miss Mary R. McDonough, Town Clerk, as the Director of the Lexington State Census to begin on March 1, 1975 Selectmen's Meeting January 27, 1975 The Board discussed a letter referred from the Planning Board Willard from Mr Stephen B. Jones, 18 Constitution Road, recommending Woods that Willards Woods' fields be developed into a playground area for Lexington residents He suggests that, first, the woods be cleared of those who loiter and degrade it; second, to appropriate funds for such an undertaking. After discussion, the Board agreed to write to Mr Jones and inform him that the problem in the area at the present time is difficult to solve but we will continue to devote best efforts in policing Willards Woods The Planning Board and the Recreation Committee are studying this area as part of a broad study and Mr Jones' suggestion relative to the use of the fields as a playground will be submitted to them for their consideration of long range recreational planning for the Town. Acting Chairman Bailey informed the Board that Town Counsel Heitman advises that he can see no reason to abate the street betterment Street assessed to Mrs John Heitman of Rockville Avenue for Lot 112, Betterment Philip Road, in the amount of $940 The Board agreed to write to Mrs Heitman and inform her that the street betterment assessment of $940 is due and payable to the Town Sr. Citizens Acting Chairman Bailey read a letter from Mrs Mary Collins of Water Fottler Avenue recommending an adjustment in water billing for Senior Bills Citizens. Mr O'Connell She wants to pay for the amount she used, which is less than our minimum charge. You may want to ask Town Counsel's opinion as she is asking for a change in the state law which says water bills have to be assessed The Board agreed to request recommendations from Mr. Cohen and Mr McSweeney Acting Chairman Bailey read a request from Baskin Robbins for Baskin an extension of hours under their Common Victualler license of Robbins 8 00 a,m. to 12 00 Midnight Extension Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant of Hours permission to Baskin Robbins, Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington Center, for the hours of 8 00 a.m. to 12 Midnight under their Common Victualler license Capital The Appropriation Committee and Capital Expenditures Committee Budget met with the Board to discuss the Capital budget Discussion Mr Furash, App Com At the Town Meeting Forum, the state- ment was made that the sewer progrm would be finished in 1977 At that meeting there was a problem identified between the Planning Board and a developer regarding sewer connections The point we would like to make is that we do not believe any further develop- ment should be going in without appropriate dry sewerage If we are not within three years of completing all programs, there is no reason that the Planning Board can't verify, under this program, the date you would complete the trunks. 207 Selectmen's Meeting January 27, 1975 The Board agreed Mr McSweeney Allen Street is the only one we haven't completed. Mr Furash We want to be sure it is put in by the developer, If the Board of Selectmen wants to put forth the policy that every- body put in a dry sewer, we have to tell the Planning Board. The Board agreed The following sewers were discussed: Trunk Sewers Concord Avenue and Moon Hill Road $137.000 Laterals Various 340,000 Water Mains 50,000 Mr O'Connell: This for a Middle Street project, to replace 6" with 12" main because of low pressure, rusty water, and fire protection Mr Furash There has been a large increase in that area. Mr McSweeney Yes, at idlewylde, and it is ex- pected there will be another subdivision Storm Drains Fletcher Avenue and Wood Street 50,000 Comprehensive Drainage Study 65,000 Inflow-Infiltration Study 35,000 Mr. McSweeney The last major drainage study was done in 1966; the last 5 years we have had a number of drainage problems During the summer we asked for proposals; one part on inventory and the other part is the study itself Mr Furash We will talk about it another time Street Construction Belfry Terrace 20,000 Sidewalks Clark and Muzzey Streets; Forest and 72,000 Raymond; Grant Street Mr Furash We are going to need a clearer ex- planation of what you are going to do Chapter 90 Hancock Steet 60,000 Mr McSweeney: We have two more years, three in all. Curbing Hasting Park, Lincoln Street 5,000 Road Machinery 170,000 Street Striping 12,000 I 208 Selectmen's Meeting January 27, 1975 Mr Bailey This includes two sedans. Mr. Furash What department have them? Mr McSweeney DPW, Town Engineer, and Meter Man Mr Furash What is the replacement? Mr Bailey The meter reader-mini size; Town Engineer-standard size. Mr Furash Give us back what you intend to do. I think we could get away with compacts, and a sub-compact for the meter reader. Mrs Scigliano What about a police car to DPW? Mr O'Connell We find the maintenance of a high- powered car too expensive to operate if used by DPW. Development of Sanitary Landfill Study $30,000 Mr. Furash Does this study deal with the issue of whether or not we can extend 10 or 15 years more? Mr. Busa 10 to 20 years. Mr. Furash Is there any federal money available? Mr O'Connell No Executive Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Session Executive Session for the purpose of discussing, deliberating or 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 collective bargaining matters and budgets, it was voted to go out of Executive Session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10 45 p.m A true record, Attest Executive ive Clerk, Selectmen 1