Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-07-29-BOS-min 12 SELECTMEN'S MEETING July 29, 1974 111 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Select- men's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, July 29, 1974, at 7 30 p.m. Chairman Kenney, Messrs. Bailey, Buse and Brown, Mrs. Battin; Mr. O'Connell, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Mr. McSweeney, Director of Public Works/Engineering; Mrs. McCurdy, Executive Clerk, were present. Mr. Zehner, Town Treasurer, met with the Board to request approval of borrowing $35,000, to be used for the construction of the Wyman Road Treasurer sewer. We previously borrowed $200,000 in sewer money and we have a balance to work on laterals; that balance should carry us through until September 30. Four bids were submitted New England Merchants Bank- 5.20%; Lexington Trust-5.25%; Depositors Trust and Harvard Trust-5.75%. I recommend that it be awarded to the New England Merchants Bank at 5 20%. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award the bid for borrowing $35,000 to the New England Merchants Bank at 5 20% Mr. Zehner discussed the printing of the 1974 Town Report. Last year, the cost was $6,800 and we have an appropriation of $7,000 for the upcoming report. I talked with Semline today and was given a ball- park figure of $8,100. The 1973 report did not contain 20 pages of in- Town come reports and expenses, and that would be additional. Because of the Report inclusion of primary and state elections in the 1974 report, there will be 20 additional pages at approximately $350-400. Regarding my successor, if I were asked to help I would be very willing to do so. I think Mr. Gilmore would be interested in doing it as part of his work with the Town Report Committee but he couldn't be expected to take the time from his job to do it for the Town. The Massachusetts Selectmen's Association is de-emphasizing the Town Report and next year there will just be a photographic contest. Chairman Kenney: The quality and detailing of the report has noth- ing to do with the Massachusetts Selectmen's Association but because of the good historic value of the report. Mr. Bailey: I think it would be a big mistake to cut anything out. As to the cost, we could immediately alert the Appropriation Committee of the possibility of a transfer. Mr. O'Connell: I think it is time the Town faced up to the reality of the best approach to the future is to get some amount of professional help under a contract arrangement, with the guidance of the Chairman of the Town Report. It is a concentrated effort of three months' work. Chairman Kenney We still have the immediate problem concerning this year. Mr Busa I would inform Mr. Zehner that he would continue with the Town Report. Selectmen's Meeting July 29, 1974 Mr. Zehner: I am content to do this but it would make the Town less vulnerable with professional backup. Mrs. Battin: How much money would be involved? Mr. O'Connell It was about$.2,000 last year. We have a Brofes- sional Services account but we did not ask for money for this, but we have the authority to go forward if the Board agreed and we can alert the Appropriation Committee that we would then be short of funds. Chairman Kenney: We would still need some additional money in the account itself. Mr. O'Connell Yes, there would be two accounts that would be affected. Mrs. Battin: I would like to urge that the Appropriation Committee be alerted to this. Chairman Kenney to Mr. Zenner The Board is very much in favor of you carrying on for one more year or so as Chairman of the Town Report Committee. Mr Zehner I am agreeable. I will give you a memo on the cost and we will address ourselves to the problem. Chairman Kenney to Mr. O'Connell Confer with Mr. Gilmore and come back with specifics on how he could be hired. Mr. O'Connell agreed. Mr. Zehner retired from the meeting. Deputy Fire Chief Silva and Captain James Catalano were present at the meeting and were congratulated by the Board upon their recent promo- Fire Dept. tions in the Fire Department. Mr. Robert Tarlin, Bicentennial Director; Mr. Roland Greeley, mem- ber of the Bicentennial Subcommittee on Parking Around the Battle Green Parking - Area; Mr. Anthony Mancini, President of the Chamber of Commerce, met Battle with the Board to discuss parking conditions in the Battle Green area. Green Chairman Kenney: Your basic concern is that all-day parkers are using the area and you would like it to be restricted to the use of visi- tors. A report from the Traffic Safety Committee recommends that a 2-hour parking limit would be more suitable for this purpose. Mr McSweeney The Planning Director is looking into this and we will have more information shortly. Chief Corr is thinking about the en- forcement aspect and recommended that it be implemented on an experi- mental basis for 60 days Mr. Mancini As you drive down Bedford Street, you see the same cars there every day; not because the Meriam Street lot is filled but because it is for their own convenience From 2:00-3:00 p.m. , there is a great deal of traffic, including buses pulling up and double parking If "Tourist Parking Only" signs were placed there, it would discourage all-day parkers I would like to see it done for the next 60 days. I 14 Selectmen's Meeting July 29, 1974 Mr. Greeley We would like to try it for the rest of this summer. We know it is going to be a more acute problem next year. Mr. Brown to Mr. McSweeney How long would it take to get the 2-hour signs? Mr. McSweeney: We have them now. Mr. O'Connell: Does tourist parking include bus parking? They constitute a very severe traffic hazard as it is common practice for them to park at Bedford and Hancock Streets. We should get an answer on their parking elsewhere. Mr. Bailey What happened to putting them in the church areas? Mr. Tarlin We are working on it. Mr. Greeley: Next year, we must make provision for buses. Mr. Tarlin I agree with Mr. O'Connell but, as of today, we want to get to the beginning. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request Mr. McSweeney, Director of Public Works/Engineering, to make arrangements for the installation of "2-Hour Parking" signs around the Battle Green area for a trial period of 60 days. Mr. O'Connell informed the Board that, as a result of the complaint filed concerning the removal of earth on Lowell Street at the Burlington Arcade, Mr. Wathen-Dunn, 44 Maple Street, had requested a ruling as to Earth the exact meaning of Article 29-Loam, Sand, and Gravel Removal. I met Removal with Mr. Wathen-Dunn and explained it to him. I then met with Town By-Law Counsel and the Building Commissioner, who requested an interpretation by Town Counsel. Town Counsel Cohen replied that when gravel, sand, loam or earth are being removed from a Lexington property, the only conditions under which removal is legal are 1. When the removal is incidental to the erection of a building for which a building permit has been issued. 2. When the removal is incidental to the construction of a street, which has been approved by the Planning Board. 3. When the removal has been authorized by special permit granted by the Board of Appeals. Under all other conditions, removal is illegal. The Board agreed to send a copy of Tawn Counsel's decision to Mr. Wathen-Dunn. Mr. O'Connell is to inform the Police Department and all concerned Town agencies. Turning The Board discussed the vote of July 15, 1974 to approve the recom- Mill Road mendation of the Director of Public Works/Engineering to construct the Sewer Turning Mill Road sewer I 17 e Selectmen's Meeting July 29, 1974 Chairman Kenney We have received many letters requesting recon- sideration of our vote. In my opinion, it was a correct decision and if done very carefully the long-term environmental impact will be negative. Mrs Battin: In response to the letter from the North Lexington Association, the pumping station route was less costly; two engineers suggest when going out for bid, to come in with figures on gravity and the pumping station. Mr. McSweeney: The whole line would have to be re-designed. Discussion was held with residents of the Turning Mill Road area and it was Mite decision of the majority of the Board not to change the vote of July 15. Mr O'Connell informed the Board that bids have been received on DPW road machinery two 35,000 lb. trucks, complete with sander bodies; one front end loader; one 35,000 lb truck, chassis only. The low bidder for each of the two units wassTaylor and Lloyd, Inc. , Bedford, at $25,384 for each of.the two units - $20,800 for the chassis Road and the remainder is for sanding body equipment. $50,768 for the two Machinery units. Purchase Chairman Kenney What's in the budget? Mr. O'Connell: $17,000 for each truck chassis, $3,500 for each sander bpdy. We awe short for each unit, and this represents an in- crease in truck cost. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the Town Manager to purchase two 35,000 lb. trucks, complete with sander body, from Taylor and Lloyd, Inc. , Bedford, in the amount of $50,768. Mr. O'Connell: We carried $37,800 in the budget for replacement of the front end loader. There were five bids and the lowest was for $32,095 but they did not meet the specifications. The recommendation is to award to State Equipment Co. at $34,201 as they meet the specifi- cations. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the Town Manager to purchase a front end loader from State Equipment Co. in the amount of $34,201. Mr. O'Connell: Taylor and Lloyd was the lowest bidder for the 35,000 lb. truck, chassis only, at $20,872. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the Town Manager to purchase a 35,000 lb. truck, chassis only, from Taylor and Lloyd, Inc. , Bedford, in the amount of $20,287. The Board agreed that Mr O'Connell is to answer all questions re- E.P.A. garding the E.P.A. Transportation Control Plan. Trans. Plan r 16 Selectmen's Meeting July 29, 1974 Mr. O'Connell informed the Board that Mr. McSweeney is going for- Benches ward on approval of Historic Districts Commission to install benches. The plan is to replace those on the Green and, also, on the approach to Belfry Hill. Later on, there will be one in Hastings Park and Tower Park. The total cost would be approximately $50-75. Chairman Kenney read a request from the Director of Public Works/ Engingering to take a sewer easement off Gould Road. This easement is approximately 150 feet in length and 20 feet in width, and will service three homes. The easement was incorporated into the design due to the Sewer topography of the house lots in the area. Alternately stated, for these Easement three homes, it would be uneconomical to be serviced to the front due to Gould Rd. the deep cuts that would be necessary. All three abutters were notified by mail of the proposal approximately six weeks ago, and to date there have been no objections. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the Director of Public Works/Engineering to take sewer easements off Gould Road, approximately 150 feet in length and 20 feet in width to service three homes. Chairman Kenney informed the Board that the Traffic Safety Committee recommends that there be no parking on Forest Street from Waltham Street Traffic to Massachusetts Avenue. Rules Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to amend the Traffic Amendment- Rules and orders of Lexington, adopted by the Board of Selectmen on Nov- No Parking ember 13, 1967, by adding to Article V, Section 2, Schedule #1, the Forest St. following Location Side From To Tape Parking Forest Street Northerly Waltham St. Mass. Ave. No Parking This Side Approval of the Massachusetts Department of Public Works is to be requested. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to table the re- quest of the Traffic Safety Committee to install Stop Signs at various locations. Tow-Away Zones Chairman Kenney read a request from Police Chief Corr to amend the Traffic Rules and Orders to include a provision for towing from re- stricted areas, especially because of the upcoming celebration year. This will provide towing penalties when someone parks under a "No Park- ing" sign. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to amend the Traffic Rules and Orders of Lexington, adopted by the Board of Select- men on November 13, 1967, by adding to Article 11, Section 7, Paragraph 4, a new sub-paragraph to read: (J) in a restricted area where parking is prohibited. Approval of the Massachusetts Department of Public Works is to be requested. it 111 Selectmen's Meeting July 29, 1974 Chairman Kenney read a letter from Newton Mayor Mann to nominate a representative of Lexington to the Advisory Manpower Planning Board. Advisory Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint David Manpower Hughes as the representative of Lexington on the Advisory Manpower Plan- Planning ning Board on a temporary basis Board Chairman Kenney informed the Board that recommendations have been received from the Munroe School P.T.A. regarding the installation of a Munroe PTA pedestrian signal. Traffic It was agreed to refer the recommendations to Mr McSweeney, Chair- Signal man of the Traffic Safety Committee, for re-evaluation, after which a meeting would be arranged with the P.T.A. in September. Chairman Kenney requested the Board to sign the renewal of the Selectmen/ Selectmen/Town Manager insurance policy. Town Mana- Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the renew- ger Insur- al of the Selectmen/Town Manager insurance policy with Alexander & ance Alexander, One Boston Place, Boston, Mass. in the amount of $1,500 Policy (plus Mass. Tax of $60) for the period of July 1, 1974 to July 1, 1975. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Water request of the Director of Public Works/Engineering for abatement of Abatements water bills, and to sign the abatement forms for the following: Howard Richter 26 Suzanne Road $ 8 40 Min. charge not deducted Francis DeRoche 144 Grant Street 8.40 " Sumner Lawrence 48 North Street 66.26 Pit meter read wrong Daniel Hampton 20 Bartlett Ave. 16.10 Wrong meter reading Alice G. Marshall 9 Independence Ave. 3.50 Min. charge not deducted Herbert Ansel' 12 Peacock Farm Rd. 70.00 Wrong meter reading Harry Wolfe 15 Phinney Road 9.10 Wrong reading Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Theatre Theatre licenses for weekdays and Sundays for the Lexington Theatre, License Inc , Mass. Avenue, Lexington. Lexington Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the appli- Theatre cation by Lexington Theatre, Inc. , for a State Sunday license. Chairman Kenney read a request from the Board of Retirement to Sch. Empl. approve the retirement of Dr. Ado Commito, Assistant Superintendent Retirement of Lexington Schools Dr. Commito Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the retirement of Dr. Ado Commito, Assistant Superintendent of Lexington Schools, under G.L. Ch. 32, s. 58(b)-Veterans' Section, effective July 31, 1974. 1 1S Selectmen's Meeting July 29, 1974 Historical Chairman Kenney read an invitation from the Minute Man National Park Historical Park Service to attend the ground breaking ceremony on August 2, 1974. Chairman Kenney is to attend. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to certify the character of the following who have applied to Secretary Davoren for Cert. of Certificate of Incorporation Incorpora- tion Nancy B. MacKenzie, Paul J MacKenzie, 13 Maple Street; Jamas P. and Marion C. Feilly, 25 Walnut Street; Frank B. and Marcia M. Stills, 5 Hawthorne Road, "Food for Children in Vietnam, Inc " Glenn W. Boynton, 48 Hancock Street, "Brighton Community Health Education Project, Inc." Salvatore Pace, 9 Wildwood Rd., "Communications Resource Center, Inc." 75-4-E Tennis Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign Contract I Court Con- 75-4-E awarded to George Brox, Incorporated, 1471 Methuen Street, Dracut, struction for tennis court construction in the amount of $19,493.32 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 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 concerning personalities and legal matters, 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 1�.� Executive Clerk, Selectmen