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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-02-11-BOS-min c):3 SELECTMEN' S MEETING February II , 1974 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Select- men's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, February 11 , 1974, at 7 30 p.m. Chairman Kenney, Messrs. Bailey, Buse, Brown, and Mrs. Riffin; Mr. O'Connell , Town Manager, Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel ; Mr McSweeney, Director of Public Works/Engineering; Mrs. McCurdy, Executive Clerk, were present. Chairman Kenney opened the hearing upon petition of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for the location of underground conduit on Massachusetts Avenue for the Minuteman Rgeional Vocational Technical Conduit School. Location Notices of the hearing were sent to the abutters, as listed on the Mass Ave. Assessors' maps and, also, filed with the Director of Public Works/Engi- neering. Chairman Kenney read a letter from Mr. David L. Moffitt, Superin- tendent of the National Park Service, stating that he had reviewed the proposal and had no objections or comments to make. A report from Mr. Emanuele Coscia, Jr. , DPW Manager of Planning and Administration, stating that after review of the proposal , it is recom- mended that approval of the location be granted. Marrett Road is in- volved and a permit for construction must be issued by the State Deparment of Public Works. No one was present representing the Telephone Company. No one being present in favor or in opposition, Chairman Kenney recommended that approval be granted as the project is to service the Minuteman School and has the approval of the Department of Public Works. Chairman Kenney declared the hearing 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 of conduit Massachusetts Avenue From Pole 57/233, westerly, approximately 48 ft. of underground conduit. Chairman Kenney read two petitions from the New England Telephone and Pole Telegraph Company and the Boston Edison Company for the relocation of poles. Reloca- Recommendations from the Department of Public Works were read recom- tions mending that approval be granted. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company and the Boston Edison Company for the following relocation of poles Bow Street Approximately III feet, southerly, from Rawson Avenue, Bow St. one pole, also, one pole to be removed. 434 Selectmen's Meeting February II , 1974 Waltham St. Waltham St Approximately 66 feet, from the northeast corner of Brookside Ave. , northwesterly, one pole; also re- move one pole. Mr O'Connell informed the Board that bids had been received on January 17, 1974 for sanitary sewer construction on Blossom Street, Contract Lawn Avenue, etc. and for the Constitution Road pumping station. 73-7-E It is the recommendation of the Director of Public Works/Engineering, Sanitary and I concur, that the contract be awarded to Antonellis & Curley, Sewer Con- Inc. , 41 Kearney Road, Needham, in the amount of $139, 189.67. struction Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award Con- tract 73-7-E Sanitary Sewer Construction to Antonellis 8 Curley, Inc. in the amount of $139, 189.67, authority for which was contained in Article 20 of the 1973 Annual Town Meeting. Mr. O'Connell informed the Board that bids had been received on February 7, 1974 for test borings in various locations for the purpose Cpntract of designing roadways, various underground utilities and structures 75-I-E from time to time, as needed, on a periodic basis. It is the recom- Test mendation of the Director of Public Works/Engineering, and I concur, Borings that the contract be awarded to D.L. Jones Investigations, Incorporated in the amount of $6,700. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award Contract 75-I-E Test Borings to D.L. Jones Investigations, Incorporated, 114 Russell Street, Peabody, in the amount of $6,700. Authority for this work is contained in various Articles, depending upon the purpose of the project. The Recreation Committee met with the Board. Mr. Wertheim, Chairman The Committee has met and the decision Recreation was to meet with the Selectmen. I ask Mr. Gallagher to speak for us. Committee Mr. Gallagher We would like you to know the priority of soft- Budget ball lights at the Center court playground, and would like to know what we could do to get this article on the warrant. If we had known it would not be on it, it most likely would have been put in as a citizens' article. We spend much time on the capital budget and, in the future, we would like to meet with the Selectmen and the Town Manager on background and arguments for same, and get this information to you for a valid decision. We would certainly like an answer. We think recreation ought to be done by the committee and not by a citi- zens' group. The committee feels it does all the work and priority gets shuffled between transit and the articles in the warrant. Chairman Kenney You will recognize that our capital requests are obligated to go through ordinary procedure? Mr. Gallagher Right Chairman Kenney Presuming it was an article in the warrant, you would ask Town Meeting to appropriate funds for lighting the softball field? , 435 Selectmen's Meeting February II , 1974 Mr. Gallagher I think the committee would say it is No. 2, whether or not we would recommend passage at this time. Chairman Kenney We had understood, due to the emergency crisis, that your committee would agree to postpone it. Perhaps it would be more advantageous in the future to meet to attempt to select priority items of those that should go to Town Meeting, but I don't think the committee should go in with priority projects of their own. Mr. Gallagher We realize we are advisory to the Selectmen but we developed background data so decisions can be made, and this is the unanimous decision of the committee on December 12 that it be left on and had a priority schedule. We fully realize that there is a refining process going on and we are asking because we have the feeling we are not getting through to you folks. Maybe it is a matter of communica- tion and if we could meet to go over capital requests. Chairman Kenney The Selectmen accepted that softball lighting was one ofyour priority items but the energy crisis came along and the situation changed, we felt it was the feeling of your committee to post- pone. It would be constructive if, in the future, after you submit the budget to the Town Manager and he has a chance to evaluate it„ you meet with the Selectmen and answer questions. Mr. Gallagher We met with the Appropriation Committee the other night and they didn't seem to have the information, and they never saw our entire proposal. Even if you don't agree with our priorities, we would like to see that they have the overall picture. Chairman Kenney In answer to your question if it can go on the warrant, the answer is, "No." Mr. O'Connell The question of lighting of the softball fields was discussed with the Recreation Committee when their projects were being discussed. Mr. Gallagher said there was a desire of input on capital budgets; the law requires they submit it as part of the capital process) Chairman Kenney I said that, and if they wish after that to meet and give added input. Mr. O'Connell I am objecting to the statement that they said they met with the Appropriation Committee and they didn't have full informa- tion. As this Board knows, this is not a statement of fact as the Appropriation Committee has the same information as the Selectmen. Mr. Gallagher I asked the Appropriation Chairman if he had the priority schedule and he said he didn't have it Mr. O'Connell Your priority schedule was altered. Chairman Kenney We would be pleased to put your request into effect. Also, when you get a chance at Town Meeting to present informa- tion, this will give you an opportunity to broaden out because of the energy crisis. You do have an opportunity to tell the townspeople and Town Meeting what your priorities are. There should be background given for the .decisions and, as far as this budget session goes, I would say it was concluded. 43G Selectmen's Meeting February II , 1974 Mr. Buse I would comment on informing the committee of the pro- cedures in the future Mr O'Connell They are told every year. The Recreation Committee retired from the meeting. The Planning Board and Representative Lincoln Cole met with the Board. Chairman Kenney I have asked for this meeting to discuss the Bedford St. Town's position before we meet with Commissioner Campbell on Wednesday. Hartwell We are in agreement in terms of approval of the State DPW that the Avenue number I priority is the construction of the Hartwell Avenue connector. Connector Dr. Clarke At the same time, we don't want to leave the other aspects out of the picture - the master plan of Tophet Swamp and the circumferential road. Mr. McSweeney In 1967, we studied the area and Lincoln Lab par- ticipated. The Concord Planning Board was also thinking about Route 62 and the circumferential and access road came about. Last July, the concept of a parking lot for the MBTA and the Bicentennial came up. We have met with the State DPW and we have had various promises, which all amounted to 90 to 100 percent participation. Since then, SILC came into the picture with a circumferential highway. The latest thing on Bedford Street, due to present and future development is that we are going to need 6 lanes on Bedford Street due to motels. Dr. Clarke We are pretty much agreed that you could solve this problem on Bedford Street and Hartwell Avenue, and it would not be a long range solution. We prefer the connector. Chairman Kenney The Town's position essentially remained un- changed. When we began our discussion, we were wrapped up with Route 2 and only until the parking lot and the cloverleaf arose did the Commissioner really become interested. He said the outside consul- tants would begin the design work and, apparently, they did. I hope Representative Cole will be at the meeting as we will be talking about the Bedford Street lights, also. Rep. Cole I plan to be there, if not, Mr. Radio of the state DPW will be present. Chairman Kenney Additionally, we are willing to cooperate with SI LC. The Planning Board agreed. Mrs. Brown There is vagueness among us as to the relationship of Bedford Street. Mr. McSweeney said that 7 years have gone by - and we now need Hartwell first. Chairman Kenney Yes, but that is not to slight Bedford Street. Then, we can adapt ourselves to Bedford Street. Dr Clarke We need to have an integrated plan for the whole area. Chairman Kenney I caution you not to branch out too far. 437 Selectmen's Meeting February II , 1974 Mr. Stanley Brown I have heard it is largely a political issue. How adamant should we be? Dr. Clarke They brought up the plan themselves. Mr. McSweeney We received approval of the concept of an access road, and we have been right up to the point of financing. Dr. Clarke On the wetland, the Planning Board takes the position suggested by Maguire that up to 50 percent of the wetlands can be filled. One of the high priority uses of this area would be the connector, and that woutd be one of the first things. Mr. Briggs Are we going to be pushing for the first and second phase? Are you talking about a full cloverleaf? Chairman Kenney No. Mr. McSweeney Our position is we are going in to find out what is happening, and we are going to find out. The Planning Board retired from the meeting. Chairman Kenney read a letter of resignation from Daniel Small as Lexington's representative on SILC. SILC Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the Resignation resignation of Daniel Small as Lexington's representative on the Subur- ban Intertown Liaison Committee. Mr. Brown I would like to put off appointing another member until after the Town election. The Board agreed. Mr. Cohen requested the Board to sign the Conservation easement on land owned by Ralph Cataldo of Bow Street. The Town is also giving a Cataldo right-of-way over a Town-owned strip so that Mr. Cataldo may sell a Conservation piece of land to Mal's Auto Shop for parking. Easement Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Con- servation easement on land owned by Ralph Cataldo of Bow Street. Mr. Cohen requested the Board to sign the order of taking of land owned by Mrs Carmella Manfredi , Belmont, located on Valleyfield Street. Manfredi The 1965 Town Meeting voted to take this land and it is my recommenda- Land tion to award $2,600 in damages. Valleyfield Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the order Street of taking of three lots of land shown as Lots 59, 60, and 61 located on Valleyfield Street, for recreation and playground purposes, with an award of damages in the amount of $2,600. Chairman Kenney read a request from Mr. McSweeney to sign the con- tract with Barnes Engineering Co. for engineering survey services. Barnes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the con- Engineering tract with Barnes Engineering Co. , Inc. for engineering survey services Contract on Marrett Road, as authorized under Articles 58 and 59 of the 1972 Annual Town Meeting, and on Bow Street, as authorized under Article 60 of the 1973 Annual Town Meeting. 43S Selectmen's Meeting February 11 , 1974 Sewer Con- Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the order structions of construction of sewer on Orders Blossom St. Blossom Street from Concord Avenue, 1396± ft. northerly to end Lawn Avenue at cul-de-sac Lawn Avenue from Webster Road, 495± ft. to end at cul-de-sac. The Board discussed the gasoline retail distribution problem. Mr. O'Connell The Governor's plan is based on the Oregon plan Gasoline and each classification of plate falls into a category; there would Dealers be a group of exempt vehicles and out-of-state vehicles. Mayors or Selectmen are asked to meet with dealers to discuss their problems. Mr. McSweeney Captain Lima (Police) has looked at this and the Traffic Committee feels the Board should meet with the owners after a one week experience. The Board agreed Mr. McSweeney is to bring back a report and a meeting with owners of gasoline stations will be arranged. Resignation Chairman Kenney read a letter of resignation from Philip B, Parsons Historic as a member of the Historic Districts Commission, representing the Arts Districts & Crafts Society, effective immediately. Commission Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept with regret the resignation of Philip B. Parsons as a member of the Historic Districts Commission, effective immediately. Mr. Cohen informed the Board that the amendments to the General General By-Laws have been prepared. The report and recommendations are to be By-Laws signed by the Board of Selectmen and filed with the Town Clerk, in Amendments accordance with Article 89 of the Warrant for the 1974 Annual Town Meeting. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the re- port and recommendations of the Board of Selectmen relating to amend- ments of the General By-Laws, to be placed on file with the Town Clerk. The Board agreed to meet with the Town Meeting Members Association to discuss the amendments. Chairman Kenney informed the Board that a letter has been received Loading from Mr. Jaquith of the Historic Districts Commission that a hearing Zone - has been scheduled on Wednesday on the application of the First Baptist First Church for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the installation of a Baptist circular driveway and parking area in front of the Chapel on the Church easterly side of the main church building, and the installation of so much blacktop close to Massachusetts Avenue would seriously detract from the appearance of not only the Church property but also that portion of the Massachusetts Avenue area. I 439 Selectmen's Meeting February II , 1974 After discussion, it was agreed to inform the Historic Districts Commission that the Board feels that the construction of a driveway, as proposed by the First Baptist Church, would not solve the problem and could conceivably create traffic hazards on what is already a con- gested area. A loading zone would well serve their needs and would be a more preferable solution than the construction of a circular drive- way. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to instruct the Traffic Safety Committee to make arrangements to install a loading zone in front of the premises of the First Baptist Church for a trial period of 90 days. The Board agreed to arrange a meeting with the Planning Board, Wachusett the Street and Sidewalk Committee, and residents of Wachusett Drive Drive and Wachusett Circle on next Monday evening, February 19. Mr Buse recommended that the bid for storm windows for Buckman Tavern be awarded to R & M Wood Products Company of Brighton. Buckman Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award the Tavern contract for the installation of thirty-four storm windows on the Storm Buckman Tavern to R & M Wood Products, Inc. in the amount of Windows $3,520.00. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Execu- tive Session for the purpose of discussing, deliberating, or voting Executive on matters which, if made public, might adversely affect the public Session 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. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10 30 p.m. A true record, Attest ice. Executive Clerk, Selectmen