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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-10-29-BOS-min 287 SELECTMEN'S MEETING October 29, 1973 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Select- men's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, October 29, 1973, at 7 30 p.m. Chairman Kenney, Messrs Bailey, Buse, Brown and Mrs. Riffin; Mr. O'Connell, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Mrs. McCurdy, Executive Clerk, were present, also, Mr. McSweeney, Director of Public Works/Engineering. Hearing was opened on the petition of the New England Telephone Company for the installation of conduit on Massachusetts Avenue, Plea- sant Street, Fern Street and Watertown Street. Notices of the hearing were sent to the abutters as shown on a plan submitted by the petitioner, and also filed with the Director of Public Works. Chairman Kenney read a report from Mr. Coscia stating that the previo{as request of the petitioner was taken under advisement pending a further review of updated plans showing the relationship between the proposed conduit and the existing trees. All excavation at or near the existing trees is done under the supervision of the Tree Warden, as noted on all permits issued by the Department of Public Works As previoisly stated, the location is satisfactory and this department recommends that the New England Telephone Company be granted permis- sion tp install said conduit. Permit will state that resident drive- ways and driveways leading onto Wilson Farms, Inc. will be kept open as much as the installation of the conduit will allow. Conduit Mt. Robert Dunn, representing the New England Telephone Company, Pleasant was present and explained that the cables in the area are 80 percent Street filled!Mand we will install the underground conduit for better service. At leapt one of the overhead cables will be coming down within the year. Chairman Kenney There are no trees to be cut? Mr. Dunn. No; the tree warden will work with us. We plan to start in the spring, and it will be a job that will take about two months. Chairman Kenney It is understood that the residents will have access to their driveways. M '. Dunn. Yes. Chairman 3WIney Is anyone present in favor of this petition? NO one was present. Chairman Kenney Is anyone present in opposition to this petition? Mr. Robert F. Goudreau, 61 Pleasant Street My house is next to Mason Street and I would like to know if it will run in the middle of the street? M . Dunn No, it will be in the sidewalk on the Wilson Farm side and will cross over before Mason Street. The end of the job is at Watertown Street. Mr. Goudreau had no objection 288 Selectmen's Meeting October 29, 1973 Miss Anne Donovan and Miss Geraldine Mendes We have recently bought Lot 58 opposite Pleasant Street and would like to know where you are going to cross over. Mr. Dunn It crosses at Luongo's. Miss Mendes Would it be possible to put a sewerage line in the same trench? Chairman Kenney: No. They go at different elevations and depths, and they are unrelated. Chairman Kenney Is there anyone present who wishes to be recorded in opposition? Hearing no one, Chairman Kenney declared the hearing closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permis- sion to the New England Telephone Company for the following installa- tion of conduit, subject to the restrictions (1) All excavation at or near the existing trees is to be done under the supervision of the tree warden, (2) Residents are to have access to their driveways and driveways leading into Wilson Farms, Inc. are to be kept open as much as the installation of the conduit will allow Massachusetts Avenue Easterly, from Pleasant Street, approxi- mately 38 feet of underground conduit; also enlarging one manhole 54/30. Pleasant Street Westerly from Massachusetts Avenue, ap- proximately 2719 feet of underground conduit; also three manholes 54/140, 54/141 and 54/142. Fern Street Northwesterly, from Pleasant Street, ap- proximately 154 feet of underground conr!-._t duit to pole 31/2. Watertown Street Southerly from Pleasant Street, approxi- mately 152 feet of underground conduit to pole 109/2. Chairman Kenney read a report from Mr. .Coscia, for the Director of Conduit Public Works, recommending that permission be granted to the Boston Maple St. Edison Company to install conduit in Emerson Road for the purpose of Emerson supplying electrical service to Emerson Gardens Realty Corporation Road Development. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permis- sion to the Boston Edison Company to install conduit at the following location Maple Street At and northeast of Emerson Road, a distance of about 30 feet - Conduit. X89 Selectmen's Meeting October 29, 1973 Mr. O'Connell discussed the proposal of the Educational Service Pro- gram for the installation of its By-Word system on the Battle Green, Buckman Tavern, and the Visitors' Center. He had talked with the Chamber of Commerce and they felt that although it is a good project, it is not a suitable one for the Chamber to be engaged in as it involves public propert'. The Historical Society has only endorsed the project. There is a serious question of the Town being willing to enter into a royalty Educe- agreement with such a high base of $100,000 since, to achieve it, tour- tional ist volume would have to increase by a multiple of 3 to 5 times our Service current experience. They want the first 99 percent, and to reserve the Battle right in the contract of no liability. Green Mr. Brown I have been in contact with Smithsonian and they are enthusiastic about it and have signed another 10-year contract. I would suggest that you talk with Educational Service and get an evalua- tion of what we can do and what they would be willing to do. Chairman Kenney: Is it the feeling of the Board to pursue it for a more favorable contract? The Board agreed, and requested Mr. O'Connell to pursue the matter. Mr. O'Connell discussed House Bill 1086 - to make binding arbitra- H1086 tion a part of municipal collective bargaining. Governor Sargent has Binding sent it back to the Legislature for an amendment. Arbitra- tion The Board agreed to endorse Governor Sargent's position regarding tion H1086. At 7 45 p.m. , hearing was declared open upon the application of Arlex Oil Corp., 275 Massachusetts Avenue, for permission to install three additional 20,000 gallon underground storage tanks to contain No. 2 fhel oil. These tanks would supplement existing four 10,000 gallon and two 20,000 gallon tanks A notice of the hearing was published in the October 18, 1973 issue of the Lexington Minute-man and the petitioner sent notices by registered mail to all abutters, as listed on the Assessors' records. Arlex Oil Mrl. John Maloney and Mr. David Eagel, representing Arlex Oil Hearing Corp., were present. Chairman Kenney The application has been approved by Acting Chief Henri P. Fradette of the Fire Department A report from Mr. Irwin, Building Inspector, states that the proposed location of the three new tanks would be parallel to and approximately 35 feet from the rear lot line, which is the railroad right-of-way The three new tanks would increase their storage capacity for what they feel may be a crucial period ahead for #2 household heating oil. The installation 1 and inspection would be handled by the Lexington Fire Department. The Arlex Oil Corp. is located in one of our CB business zones and has been at this location for well over 30 years. I see no reason why their application should not be approved. '200 Selectmen's Meeting October 29, 1973 Mr. O'Connell My recommendation is that they should be vaulted, but not separately, so there would be some protection in the event that one or more tanks leaked. Mr. Eagle The tanks will be 5 feet below the railroad and would be below grade, and if there is a leak in the tank it would be well below Mr. O'Connell: In the event of a leak, would it be confined to your property? Mr. Eagle; Yes. Mr Brown The new tanks would be much lower; if they leak, it will go into Mill Brook. Mr Eagle It would take quite a bit. Chairman Kenney Would vaulting the tanks help you? Mr. Maloney I don't see that vaulting would do that much. We will have to remodel our yard as the other tanks would have to be taken up. We would know it immediately if one of the tanks was leaking. Mr. Brown Isn't it true that the advantage of vaulting is if the tank leaks, you can pump out the vault because everything is captured? Mr. Buse I understand the concern but history shows that gas stations and other fuel companies that have not vaulted their tanks, the tanks last for 15 to 20 years. If there is a leak, Mr. Maloney would repair and excavate the tanks. With the shortage today, there is the possibility they would only be storing 60,000 gallons of oil. I think we should go forward with Arlex. Chairman Kenney How often do you monitor the tanks? Mr. Maloney Every day; if there was a leak, we would pump it out immediately. We have a trailer rig and we can pump into it at a moment's notice. Mr. Eagle Trailers pull in every day and we would know every day if we do have a shortage. No one appearing in favor or in opposition, Chairman Kenney declared the hearing closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant per- mission and to authorize the Chairman to sign the license to Arlex Oil Corp for the installation of three additional 20,000 gallon tanks for the storage of No. 2 fuel oil on the premises at 275 Massa- chusetts Avenue; subject to the stipulation that the tanks are to be installed 5 feet below grade. At 8:00 p.m., hearing was declared open upon application of Bora-Bora, Inc. , 177 Massachusetts Avenue, for an All Alcoholic Bora-Bora, Beverages Common Victualler license. Liquor Notice of the hearing was advertised in the October 11, 1973 Hearing issue of the Lexington Minute-man. Notices of the hearing were sent by the petitioner, by registered mail, to all abutters, as listed on the Assessors' records. Attorneys Joseph Aborn and William Dailey, representing the ap- plicant, were present. I 2191 IllSelectmen's Meeting October 29, 1973 Chairman Kenney read a report from the Building Inspector as follows: An inspection was made October 15, 1973 with Robert Heustis, Director of Public Health. The seating capacity with the proposed ar- rangement, which would call for the installation of a small service bar, which would eliminate two booths, would be 104 on the first floor. At present, the area labeled Function Room in the basement is not being as such, but would offer seating capacity for approximately 40 more persons. Two exits are provided for both the first floor and basement areas. Exit signs and emergency lights have been installed. This de- partment finds that the premises meet the requirements for the use proposed. A report from the Director of Public Health states that an inspec- tion was made on October 15, 1973 to determine compliance with the provisions of Article X, State Sanitary Code. The inspection indicated that the Bora-Bora is in substantial compliance with the provisions of Article X. The plans were reviewed by Mr. Irwin and myself with re- epect to existing layout and equipment. The service bar shown on the plans is not installed. It was our understanding if a liquor license was granted a service bar would be installed with a three-compartment sink, an automatic glass washer and a refrigerator. All equipment to meet the standards of the National Sanitation Foundation Laboratory. A report from Acting Fire Chief Fradette states that a re- inspection of the premises at Bora-Bora was made on October 17, 1973. We find that the applicant has met all alterations for fire safety that had been requested by this department. Chairman Kenney You don't plan to install a service bar down- stairs? Mr. Dailey If the need arose, we probably would. The Board discussed a plan of the establishment and Mr. Daily ex- plained the seating arrangement, etc. Mr. Busa I think that the license should be granted only for the first floor and no liquor should be served in the downstairs function room. The Board agreed. Chairman Kenney The hours granted under their Common Victualler license are for closing at 11 30 p.m. I would recommend closing at 11 00 p.m. if the license is granted. Mr. Dailey: That would be agreeable. Chairman Kenney The serving of food and liquor should coincide. Mr. Dailey: During the week, they close around 11 00 and we would request that the food and liquor license be for 11 00 p.m. Over the weekends, they have been serving until 11 30 p.m. I don't think that closing at 11 00 would cause a problem. Chairman Kenney I checked with the Police regarding the opera- tion, and Chief Corr reported there have been no problems whatsoever. Chairman Kenney read a letter from Hubert F. Gordon, 30 Barberry Roadxecommdnding that Bora-Bora be granted a liquor lincese. Chairman Kenney asked if anyone was present in favor of the appli- cation. Mr. James Cataldo It is a fine restaurant and a credit to the community; I see no reason why they shouldn't have a license. 292 Selectmen's Meeting October 29, 1973 Mr. Sullivan, 166 Massachusetts Avenue Point of information - the license was voted down the last time, 6 months ago, is there any certain time limit it can be brought up again? Chairman Kenney- No time limit. Mr. Brown The record should show that it was not voted down, it Was not granted. Mr. Sullivan We went to a lot of trouble before this and I don't think you should take a chance; a lot of people don't live next door to it. Chairman Kenney- Do you have any trouble? Mr. Sullivan The last four months, no. I believe the license should be voted down again. Mr. Dailey I would like to submit petitions in support of the application and there are approximately 400 names on them. Chairman Kenney If granted a license, how soon would they ex- pect to go into operation? Mr. Dailey They would like to be ready for the holiday season. Also, we would request that the Board consider an adjustment on the fee. Mr. Bailey: It would be half the fee (2500) for 6 months or less. Mr. Dailey That would be fine. Mr. Buse I recommend that no alcoholic beverages be served in the lower hall. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of Bora-Bora, Inc. and to sign the All Alcoholic Beverages Common Victualler license for the premises at 177 Massachusetts Avenue, expiring December 31, 1973, at a fee of $1,250 for the remainder of the year. Hours of operation are to be from 11 30 a.m. to 11 00 p.m., with the understanding that no alcoholic beverages are to be served in the function room. This license is granted subject to the approval of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. Mr. John Ingraham, 35 Hayes Lane, met with the Board to present a flag, and request that the Board accept it as a gift from Mrs. Hoffman in memory of her husband, Col. Herman Hoffman, former resident of Flag Lexington. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the flag and to instruct the Director of Public Works to make arrangements to have it flown on the Green in memory of Col. Herman Hoffman. Mr. Cohen informed the Board that an application will be made to Lexington Secretary Davoren for approval of an incorporation under the name of Bicentennial Lexington Bicentennial Corporation. Mr. Mancini has given me the list Corporation of names and has asked that it be reviewed with the Board. The appli- cants are Alfred S. Busa, Cornelius P. Cronin, John W. Maloney, Anthony L. Mancini, Richard A. Michelson, Stephen M. Politi, and 293 Selectmen's Meeting October 29, 1973 Robert E. Reynolds. It shall be the purpose of the Lexington Bicenten- nial Corporation to plan for and arrange for the printing, minting, promotion, and sale of Bicentennial Commemorative Medallions, Official Program Booklets, Souvenir items, and other articles that may be asso- ciated with or related to a Bicentennial Celebration to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle between citizens of Lexington and British troops and to inspire the development of the Bicentennial cele- bration in the Town of Lexington Mr. Busa We will meet tomorrow for the first official meeting. Some of the money will be allocated for some sort of a memorial in the Lexington Room (library). The Board had no objection to the application being made, and Mr. Cohen agreed to so inform Mr. Mancini. Chairman Kenney read a letter from Mr. Thomas Meaney stating that Tree he had collected money for the Crocker family that had peen killed in Crocker an airplane accident, and he would request that the Town accept the Family gift of a tree to be planted on Town property in memory of the Crockers. Mr. Brown I would hope there could be a record, parhaps in Cary Library, of a statement about the Crocker family. So often there are 1 plaques on trees and, after 50 years, people don't know wto they are. I Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to 4ccept the gift of a tree, to be planted on the Battle Green with a plaque in Buckman Tavern, in memory of the Millerd Chandler Crocker,, 2nd, family. Mrs. Riff in I would recommend that a statement be m.de at Town Meeting concerning the family and acknowledging the gift. The Board agreed to request Town Meeting Moderator to read a resolution according to the vote of the Board. Chairman Kenney read a letter from Mr. Richard M. Perr , Chairman of the committee appointed by the Moderator, under the Prov sioAs of Article 84 of the 1973 Annual Town Meeting, to submit a recgmmerldatiori to the Board regarding a change in Town Meeting date. The reco*nenda� tion of the committee is that the start of business sessions of(,the Change in annual meeting of the Town be set for four weeks after Town gledtion, Opening rather than the two week interval now used. Date of Chairman Kenney Election day is March 4 and the opening OF Town Town meeting would be April 1. This date would be helpful to the opl ating Meeting departments. The Board and Mr. O'Connell agreed, but to vote the change in date for the 1974 Annual Town Meeting only. . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept tie recom- mendation of the committee under Article 84 of the 1973 Annual Toyn Meeting then the start of business sessions of the 1974 Annual Town Mpetiibe set for four weeks after the Town Election Day rather than the two weak inter- val now used. 294 Selectmen's Meeting October 29, 1973 Chairman Kenney read a letter from the Housing Authority that in Housing accordance with the provisions of Section 11 of Chapter 41 of the G.L. Authority the resignation of Mr. Temple E. Scanlon from the Lexington Housing Resignation Authority was accepted effective 10 00 p.m. on Thursday, October 25, 1973. His term of office was to expire in March, 1975. Proper notice has been given to the Town Clerk. Mr. Cohen agreed to advise the Board at the next meeting as to the proper procedure to be followed for the appointment of a new member. Town Report Chairman Kenney informed the Board that it is the recommendation Committee of Mr. Zehner to appoint Rev. Harold Handley a member of the Town Appt. Report Committee. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Rev. Harold Handley a member of the Town Repott Committee, effective immediately. Chairman Kenney read a report from Chief Corr regarding radar Traffic being set up on Lincoln Street and Middle Street, as requested by Lincoln & the Board, stating that after observations on three occasions, no Middle Sts. speeders were apprehended; also, traffic was very light. The Board agreed to so inform the residents if further complaints are received. Rev. R. Reinhold Abele, Messrs. Robert Cataldo, Frank Michelman, Luigi R. DiNapoli, Joseph A. Busa, and John F. Lahiff of Council 94, Knights of Columbus; John E Airey, Irving A. Rich, Stephen G. McConnell, Laurence A. Larssen of Simon W. Robinson Lodge A.F. & A.M. and residents met with the Board to discuss the creche on the Battle Green. Creche Chairman Kenney: This is not a hearing. The Board has invited several residents of the Town and representatives of the Knights of Columbus and the Simon W. Robinson Lodge to meet with us to discuss the creche. We have requested the Town Manager to research it and we will now hear his report. Mr. O'Connell Based on information from many long-time resi- dents of Lexington, the nativity scene on the Green goes back 40 or 50 years. We were able to pick it up again in the post World War II period when the Rotary Club was responsible for setting it up and storing it. Then, the responsibility shifted to the Chamber of Com- merce, and the Department of Public Works provided assistance. The part of the job done by the Town increased as there was no available storage space, and the Town took over by storing the creche. There was a fund drive in 1952, headed by Mrs. Dorothy Colby Johnson, for money to restore the creche; she was Chairman of a Committee formed to "Keep Christ in Christmas" to counteract a feeling at that time that the season was getting too commercial. During the mid-50's, with the L 99r74: 4 t Selectmen's Meeting October 29, 1973 Ill creche display still being sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, the loca- tion was changed to Emery Park but because of negative reaction, it was moved back on the Green. It appears from all the information we have re- ceived that the creche on the Green was started by a volunteer group of citizens not affiliated with any church organization. There was voluntary labor to build the present stable and to replace some of the figures which had been stolen. In recent years, the Department of Public Works took over the responsibility for storing and setting up the creche. Chairman Kenney I would like to read a letter, dated October 9, 1973 which was received by the Board from Mr. Luigi R. DiNapoli, Chan- cellor, Knights of Columbus, Council #94 "After reading the Minute-Man and the letters to the editor for the past several months regarding the Creche on the Lexington Green, I am writing to you and your Board with the following observations and suggestion for your consideration. In these trying days in American History, when hate and mistrust seem to be so extremely prevalent, the one thing that Americans need now more than ever, is brotherhood and tolerance. I have met with the Grand Knight, Council #94 Knights of Columbus, and have permission to ask you and your board to consider, the Knights of Columbus, to assume all responsibility for the Creche and all ensuing cost. The Knights of Columbus would like to make this proposal as a joint venture with the Simond W. Robinson Masonic Lodge in order to show that the creche is symbolic of brotherhood and "Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Man." The Knights of Columbus, Council #94, have joined hands on several occasions in the past with the Simond W. Robinson Lodge to help the needy, the aged and those less fortunate than us. However, as of this letter, the Simond W. Robinson Lodge, has not made a definite commitment. The Knights of Columbus, on the other hand, is making this letter a definite proposal to the Board of Selectmen. In conclusion, I beg you Mr. Kenney and the Board of Selectmen, not to instigate further dissension among the people of our Town, and allow us, the Knights of Columbus Council #94, to assume all cost and respon- sibility pertaining to a symbol of hope, charity, and brotherhood." A subsequent letter, dated October 25, 1973, from Mr. DiNapoli is as follows "Pursuant to my previous letter of October 9, 1973 requesting con- sideration for the Knights of Columbus Council #94 and the Simon W. Robinson Masonic Lodge be granted custodians of the Creche, I am writing again seeking permission to annully erect the creche on the Lexington Green. The Knights of Columbus Council #94 voted unanimously at its last meeting to except jointly with the Simon W. Robinson Masonic Lodge, all cost incurred to display this symbol of "Peach on Earth, Good Will Towards Man." 29 Selectmen's Meeting October 29, 1973 Chairman Kenney: It seems to me that the Selectmen have the follow- ing choices 1. To do nothing. 2. To accept the petition submitted by Rev. Abele, and signed by the Clergymen of Lexington, "We respectfully request that the figures and scene of the family which is holy to Christians alone, and which is at present displayed on the Town property during a season of the year which is holy to Christians alone, be placed this year and in subsequent years, on property which is owned and managed by a Christian congregation, specifically, the lawn of Hancock Church, approximately 100 yards from where it is now displayed on Town property and where it will be as readily available for viewing by all those who would like to see it. In our opinion, such a change would soon, if not immediately, reduce a minor tension within the community between citizens and groups. Hancock Church has agreed to act as host to that scene during its customary time of public display." 3. To accept the approach submitted by the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Brown. I move to grant permission to the Knights of Columbus, Lexington Council No. 94, acting alone or in concert with the Simon W. Robinson Lodge, A.F. & A.M., to display the creche on the Green during the annual Christmas season, with the following understanding 1. That they assume the responsibility for the erection, care, removal and storage of the creche. 2. That they install a plaque indicating that the display is privately sponsored and identifying those sponsors. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Riff in. Chairman Kenney The creche was displayed on the Green and it appeared that the Town, in a sense, was sponsoring it. I believe this is an expression appropriate to the Green. In the past we have allowed other beliefs on the Green in the form of a ceremony or religious ser- vice and, if we adopt Mr. Brown's motion, it would apply to other groups. I have now concluded that, in a sense, the Town had acquired the creche as no one else was ready to assume the responsibility. There was a constitutional question raised, as to whether we were, in a sense, sponsoring it. Mr. Brown's motion would remove the Town from the business of the creche. Mr. Cataldo I can understand your feeling in accepting this motion, and I don't think anybody would have an objection to the motion, but I have a question that this is a responsibility I don't think any- body should take by that approach; it cannot be given to anybody without Town Meeting vote. Chairman Kenney In answer, I am not convinced that it is Town property. I think we acquired it because of storage. Mr. Brown: There would be a plaque indicating that it is privately sponsored and would identify these sponsors. Mr. Cataldo It should be in the record that it is still owned by the Town. 297 Selectmen's Meeting October 29, 1973 Chairman Kenney In the event that the time should ever come that the K of C or the Masons say they are not interested any more, they would come back to us. Mr. Cataldo Nothing wrong in saying the Town owns it - it is nothing to be ashamed of. If you go back into the record, you will see that the Town has accepted it. Chairman Kenney We went back into the record and can't find it, it was the Chamber of Commerce The questions of ownership seems to have been in replacing it. Mr. Michelman I am in agreement with Mr. Cataldo regarding the general approach in Mr. Brown's motion as being an appropriate resolu- tion to the problem. It wouldn't be my expectation that all these people's feelings would be satisfied by this proposal, although it is an appropriate one. I do have a view contrary to Mr Cataldo on the Creche. I wouldn't be inclined, myself, to make a big issue out of this but my own conclusion is, it would be desirable, if possible, to make it clear that the Town if it has been the owner of the Creche is no longer. My reason for this is that it is an appropriate solution to have it on the Green as the place to carry on appropriate activity. Although bound up with religion, the policy ought to be one that citizens are told you may have the use of this place to carry on expressive activity. The Ill officials can move to grant permission to make use of the Green for this purpose. It is unfortunate in the fact that the Town is identified as the owner of the Creche. It seems to me to be the appropriate thing; it would minimize the Town's contact with it. Chairman Kenney: I agree with Mr. Brown's motion. As to the true owners of the Creche, I am not sure. Mr. DiNapoli I am curious as to whether representatives of the Simon W. Robinson Lodge agree. Mr. John Airey, Master of the Lexington Lodge I am in a bind as I haven't brought it to a vote. However, at our last meeting, there was a unanimous vote on the motion that was brought up regarding the Creche - there was an expression of sympathy towards the Creche and it was brought up that if it was not allowed on the Green, it could be placed on our lawn. I approve of the suggestion that was just made. I have three of our officers here who probably will be unanimously in favor of it. Rev. Abele: When we raised the issue, we didn't raise it from owner- ship but of the Creche because of its placement, and the intent of our action was that the Town ought not to be identified on the Creche. It is appropriate for the Knights of Columbus and the Lodge, and that the property be assigned to them. I also agree with Mr. Michelman for the use of the Green for citizens who want to give voice to their own convic- tions. We want to encourage that as much as possible. There is a sense in putting a plaque acknowledging the appropriate kind of sponsorship, a fitting kind of sponsorship. There may be a question in some people's minds in that a majority of citizens of Lexington have a normal christian 298 Selectmen's Meeting October 29, 1973 attitude and there is no intent of any minority group to make use of the Green at this time. In our society, our construction is set up to encourage the minority and to protect the minority from the majority and placing of the Creche on the Green will continue to identify the Town, as a political entity, with a basically religious activity. An appropriate place for the Creche is on the lawn of a christian church and my feeling has not changed. The solution, as proposed, is a worthy compromise and there might be encouragement to minority groups for the use of the Green and, if that means erecting objects on the Green for 20 or 30 nights, that it should be clear that groups have the right to erect things on the Green. Given these conditions, I am in favor. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unanimously voted to grant permission to the Knights of Columbus, Lexington Council No. 94, acting alone or in concert with the Simon W. Robinson Lodge, A.F. & A.M. to display the creche on the Green during the annual Christmas season, with the following understanding 1. That they assume the responsibility for the erection, care, removal and storage of the Creche. 2. That they install a plaque indicating that the display is privately sponsored and identifying those sponsors. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Exe- Executive cutive Session for the purpose of discussing, deliberating or voting Session 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 matters of personnel and matters of financial interest to the Town, it was voted to go out of Executive Session. A true record, Attest jrAt Executive Clerk, Selectmen