HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-07-16-BOS-min 19f
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
July 16 , 1973
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held
in the Selectmen' s Meeting Room, Town Office Building, on
Monday, July 16, 1973 , at 7 30 p m Chairman Kenney,
Messrs. Bailey, Busa, Brown and Mrs Riffin; Mr. O'Connell,
Town Manager; Mr Cohen, Town Counsel; Mr. Martin, Assist-
ant Town Engineer, Mrs. McCurdy, Executive Clerk, were
present.
Mr. Richard Michelson, President of the Chamber of
Commerce, met with the Board to discuss the Bicentennial
Coin and to request the use of the Town seal on one side
of the coin. He explained that they plan to reproduce
the coin for fund raising purposes A general souvenir-
type coin will sell for $3 00 but those reproduced in
sterling silver and antique gold will be limited and
numbered in sequence. The Chamber of Commerce is willing
to underwrite the financial obligation; the cost for the
initial dies is $900
Mr. Brown I would like to have it stated very Bicenten-
specifically that the profits go to the Town. nial
After discussion, Mr. Michelson agreed to come back Medallion
to the Board within 30 days with more specific, detailed
plans regarding contracts, controls, and a list of those
responsible for the project.
The Board agreed to grant permission to the Chamber
of Commerce for the use of the Town seal on the Bicenten-
nial medallion.
Mr. O'Connell recommended that the Board award the
contract for street and parking area resurfacing be
awarded to Starrett Paving Corp. , 656 Boston Post Road, Resurfacin
Marlboro, in the amount of $47,790 Mr. McSweeney con- Contract
curs with this recommendation
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to award the contract to Starrett Paving Corp. for
street and parking area resurfacing in the amount of
$47,790
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing, Executive
deliberating or voting onmatters which, if made public, Session
would adversely affect the public security, financial
interests of the Town or the reputation of a person.
After discussion with the Board of Assessors regard-
ing the 1973 tax rate, it was voted to go out of Execu-
tive Session and resume the open meeting.
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Selectmen' s Meeting July 16, 1973
Mr O'Connell discussed Dr John M. Bergmeyer' s re-
quest to rent the stable on the former Hennessey property
to be used for his own storage needs The building has
been empty since it has been town-owned, has been vandal-
ized and has been used in the evening as shelter for young
people. With the help of Town Counsel Cohen, and after
contacting Dr Bergmeyer, a draft of a lease for a term
Hennessey of five years has been prepared. Dr Bergmeyer will be
Stable responsible for maintenance and his insurance would cover
Lease his personal belongings stored in the building; the Town' s
insurance also covers it. The lease states that it is to
be used for household effects and for no other purpose;
if he wants to use the building for anything else, Dr.
Bergmeyer has to come to the Town.
Chairman Kenney It is our intent to protect the
property from vandalism and as Dr. Bergmeyer is an abutter
this lease would help the situation. It is a question
whether or not we want to tie it up for five years
Mr. O' Connell: Dr. Bergmeyer would not be adverse
to a lease for three years. I ' ll talk with him.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to authorize the Town Manager to lease the stable on the
former Hennessey property to Dr. John M. Bergmeyer,
11 Mountain Road, Lexington, for the rental fee of $200.
per year, subject to the conditions set forth by the
Town Manager
Mr. Fred C Coughlan, 30 Burlington Street, met with
the Board to discuss his request for the removal of a
large tree located with the Town right-of-way adjacent
to the side of his driveway, which results in a blind
Tree driveway approach
Burlington Chairman Kenney On May 3, Mr. Coughlan wrote to us
Street regarding this tree and on June 18, the Board voted to
Coughlan accept the recommendation of Mr. McSweeney to post the
tree and hold a tree hearing on June 27 On June 28,
Mr. Coughlan wrote another letter asking that the tree be
removed as it is a safety hazard We have received let-
ters from citizens interested in saving or removing the
tree Also, a letter has been received from the Conser-
vation Commission regarding its policy to preserve and
protect existing trees wherever possible.
After discussion, the Board agreed to hold the matter
in abeyance pending a report from Mr. McSweeney on the
possibility of upgrading traffic speed signs in the area
and, also requesting him to look into the possibility of
improving the sight problem by cutting and grading the
banking at 30 Burlington Street.
19e
Selectmen' s Meeting July 16, 1973
Mr. Robert Bowyer, Design Advisory Committee member,
and Dr. Eric Clarke, Chairman of the Planning Board, met
with the Selectmen.
Chairman Kenney informed Mr. Bowyer that the Board
accepts the report of the Design Advisory Committee on
the preliminary analysis of potential effects on Lexing-
ton of an MBTA Red Line rapid transit extension to
Route 128 This report will now be made available to
the press
Mr. Brown Now, we can write to the Secretary of
Tranportation outlining the fact that we do not have
enough information to evaluate the impact of a rapid
transit extension on the Town. We can send him a copy
of the report and the kinds of things we need to know
have been outlined in it.
The Board agreed and the following letter was sent
to Alan A. Altshuler, State Secretary of Transportation:
"As responsible members of the metropolitan commun-
ity, Lexington acknowledges that the proposed extension
of the Red Line rapid transit service to Route 128 would
provide an improved system of public transportation which MBTA
could lead to a reduction in the use of automobiles and Red Line
the environmental pollution that results therefrom Lex- Extension
ington recognizes that a rapid transit extension would be
beneficial to many residents of the town, some of whom
would use the service regularly as commuters to places of
work or education, particularly in Boston and Cambridge,
and others who would use the service infrequently, but
could avail themselves of the convenience that it would
offer. Lexington appreciates and understands the posi-
tions on the Red Line extension to Route 128 taken by the
Town of Arlington and the cities of Cambridge and Somer-
ville
However, in contrast to Arlington, Cambridge and
Somerville, Lexington has not yet had comparable informa-
tion prepared for it by which it could evaluate the impact
of a rapid transit extension on the town. For the section
of the proposed Red Line extension which would traverse
Lexington, the BTPR "Northwest Report" did not include an
engineering analysis, an evaluation of alternative route
alignments or alternative types of service, a detailed
discussion of methods of construction, analysis of station
location or station impact, an environmental impact state-
ment, or adequate assessment of the costs and benefits to
the town --- all of which were prepared in some detail for
that part of the proposed extension from Harvard Square to
Arlington Center
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Selectmen' s Meeting July 16 , 1973
Lexington can not now take an official position on
whether the Red Line should be extended or not and will
not be in a position to take an official position until
comparable detailed information has been presented to the
Town. We feel a responsibility to ourselves and to the
other communities in the Northwest corridor to give this
question a thorough evaluation so that we may render a
fair and informed judgment Accordingly we are willing
to have a more detailed analysis conducted of the feasi-
bility of a rapid transit extension and other public
transportation service alternatives through the town, with
the clear understanding the Town of Lexington is not now
committing itself to a rapid transit extension, or any
other alternative the study may produce
The Design Advisory Committee to the Planning Board,
a group of design professionals who assist the Planning
Board on a voluntary basis, has recently completed a pre-
liminary analysis of the effects of a Red Line extension
through Lexington. That report was most helpful in broaden-
ing our understanding of the question and pointed out some
problems which might be created for the town as well as
some potential opportunities to improve the town that the
transit extension would present That report is firm in
its conclusion, however, that much detailed information on
design, economic impact, environmental impact, and the
like are essential before the Town can take a position
We anticipate that Lexington might be in favor of an
extension to Route 128 provided:
a) The Town has a right of approval of all elements of
the design of the extension, such as the alignment, the
method of construction, the location of stations, access
and parking facilities at stations, and design review of
station structures;
b) Assurances by State transportation officials that a
sufficient construction budget will be available to reduce
any adverse impact of the extension on Lexington, and
further, that funds will be available for tranportation
improvements related to the transit extension, such as
highway and street access improvements and adequate parking
facilities;
c) Assurances by State transportaion officials that the
Town of Lexington will not be unduly or disproportionately
burdened with respect to the apportionment of the MBTA def-
icit because of boarders at stations located in the town
or from feeder bus service; and
i9
Selectmen' s Meeting July 16 , 1973
d) Assurances from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
that a Red Line rapid transit extension will not result
in increased commercial aircraft at Hanscom Field, or
that Hanscom Field would become a satellite, or second
airport, in conjunction with Logan Airport
The Town of Lexington suggests several steps which
it sees as necessary to move forward on the evaluation
of the proposed Red Line extension. These are
1) The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through some
appropriate transportation or planning agency, should
obtain the funds for and conduct detailed planning studies,
comparable to those conducted in Arlington, Cambridge and
Somerville, but related to the specific problems presented
by an extension through Lexington. (See below for a list
of technical studies which should be included. )
2) The Commonwealth of Massachusetts , through some
appropriate transportation or planning agency, should pro-
vide funds to the Town of Lexington, or some grouping of
towns in the Northwest corridor, during the planning period
so that technically competent personnel will be available
who will be answerable to the Town (s) and not to the pro-
ponenents of the extension, who can
a) monitor the technical studies conducted in 1)
above, interpret their findings and prepare a critique of
them for the Town,
b) conduct limited additional studies, conceived in
behalf of the Town, with the purpose of suggesting addi-
tional alternatives, as needed, to be analyzed,
c) to inform and involve the various boards, com-
mittees, and agencies of the Town as well as the citizens
of Lexington in achieving an understanding of this extra-
ordinary decision facing the Town.
3) The Town of Lexington and the Massachusetts Bay
Transportation Authority should execute a Cooperation
Agreement which would make the Town a full partner in the
planning and development of the extension and would give
the Town a right of approval of all physical facilities
to be constructed by the MBTA and of the routing and oper-
ation of bus service within the Town
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Selectmen' s Meeting July 16, 1973
4) That the Secretary of Transportation and Construc- '
tion indicate to the Town of Lexington a proposed mechan-
ism for a comprehensive transportation analysis and
development of a comprehensive transportation policy plan
for the Town of Lexington and its adjoining towns which
are now faced with parallel, but not evidently fully
coordinated, studies and planning in highways (Route 2
relocation, Route 128 parallel service roads, Route 128
interchange) , rapid transit service, air travel, (the
Arthur D Little study for the Massachusetts Aeronautical
Commission, and the Hanscom Field question) , commuter rail-
road (the Thomas K Dyer, Inc report for MBTA on use of
railroad rights of way) , fringe parking (the Skidmore Owings
Merrill study of fringe parking lots and express bus service
to downtown Boston) , and Bicentennial transportation planning
(individual town efforts and the work of Robert Sloan) .
In addition to the above steps, which we consider essen-
tial, additional items may be desirable as follows:
1) A detailed analysis of the transportation needs and
modes of travel of Lexington residents. Analysis of poten-
tial for transportation service alternatives appropriate to
a low density suburban town, such as Dial-a-Ride, feeder bus IIservice, jitney service, and other forms of demand responsive
service, in which Lexington might serve as a prototype for
similar service in other lower density suburban towns in
the Boston area.
2) Evaluation of new rapid transit service in suburban
areaa of other cities in North America, perhaps by visita-
tion to other towns in which new transit service is being
constructed or planned, such as suburbs of Washington, D.C. ,
San Francisco, Baltimore, or Atlanta, all of which will
provide service to low density residential areas.
Attached is a list of specific studies which would permit
Lexington to have comparable information to that now avail-
able to Cambridge, Somerville, and part of the Arlington
route. Because part of the extension through Lexington is
proposed to be above ground, a different set of studies
should be conducted in Lexington than was the case in Camb-
ridge and Somerville where all of the route is proposed to
be below ground. Also enclosed is the full Preliminary
Analysis of Potential Effects on Lexington of an MBTA Red
Line Rapid Transit Extension to Route 128 prepared for the
Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board of the Town of
Lexington by its Design Advisroy Committee
We look forward to discussing this matter further with you. " I
197
Selectmen' s Meeting July 16, 1973
A List of Specific Studies Which Would Permit Lexington to
Decide About the Red Line Extension to Route 128
1 An environmental impact statement
2 a more detailed analysis of potential transit rider-
ship, within the town, and in those towns beyond Route
128, with particular attention to the likely mode of
traval to stations in Lexington and the associated re-
quirements for feeder bus service, park+-and-ride, kiss-
and-ride facilities
3. alternative service possibilities such as transit ser-
vice only to Arlington Heights, improved commuter rail
service, feeder and/or express bus service, alternative
alignments of a Red Line rapid transit extension, in-
cluding at least consideration of a line going from
Arlington Heights directly to the Burlington Mall
4. consideration of an alternative in which no station is
constructed in Lexington, except at Route 128
5. engineering analysis indicating feasible methods of
construction, alignments, costs of construction and
identification of effects on local streets, utilities,
ground water conditions, drainage and the like.
6. development of detailed cost estimates for alternatives
alignments and alternative methods of construction
7. development impact study, with particular emphasis on
the effects of noise and vibration on homes, community
buildings, natural areas and historic sites.
8. detailed station area studies, showing potential sta-
tion locations, access and parking requirements and
proposed solutions thereto
9. private property acquisition and relocation require-
ments, if any, showing the number of businesses and/or
families which might need to be relocated and their
relocation costs as well as the subsequent effects on
the Town' s tax base.
10. compatibility of a transit terminal with the Town's
continued use of the Hartwell Avenue site for a refuse
disposal-sanitary landfill procedure
198
Selectmen' s Meeting July 16, 1973
11. detailed analysis of the effects of station con-
struction, with associated parking, or related
economic development on the Tophet Swamp area.
12 analysis of operating costs for various types of
public transportation service, potential revenues,
and potential costs to the town attributable to the
apportionment of the MBTA deficit
13. analysis of the potential for feeder bus service.
14. investigation of proposals by the Town for improve-
ments in the Lexington Center area
15. economic impact on the town with respect to access-
ibility to local businesses and places of employment
16 economic and growth impact on towns beyond Route 128 -
analysis of the effects of a major transportation
improvement in the Northwest Corridor
Mr O'Connell informed the Board that repairs to the
Bowman School roof have been completed.
Mr. Bailey: What is the status of the appropriation
Bowman account?
School Mr. O'Connell: There is still a balance in the ac-
Roof count The School Department owes us for the leak as the
agreement excluded the roofing contractor from any liabil-
ity for anything beyond the roof.
Chairman Kenney: We should have a substantial
portion of the money.
Mr. O'Connell recommended that the Board award the
contract for the Hayes Lane Interceptor sewer to Celco Con-
Contract struction Corporation, 95 Ryder Road, Weymouth, in the
Hayes Lane amount of $32, 855.55, as authorized under the appropriation
Sewer for Article 23 of the 1973 Annual Town Meeting Warrant.
Whitman & Howard have reviewed the bids
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
award the contract for the Hayes Lane interceptor sewer to
Celco Construction Corporation in the amount of $32, 855.55.
Lexington Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
Mews refer to the Department of Public Works the letter from the
Muzzey St Lexington Mews regarding a proposed plan for reconstruction
of a sidewalk at 10-12 Muzzey Street
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Selectmen' s Meeting July 16 , 1973
The Board discussed a letter from Jack L. Strominger,
2030 Massachusetts Avenue, proposing that the Town share
the cost of a split cedar fence at $700 00 instead of ac- Strominge
cepting the offer of the Town to install a chain link Fence
fence.
The Board agreed to infprm Mr Strominger that the
Town is unable to share in the cost of the split cedar
fence on his property.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
refer to the Traffic Committee a request from Mrs. Cyrus Driveway
Fiske, 1155 Massachusetts Avenue, for a blind driveway Sign
sign to be located east of junction of Marrett Road and
Massachusetts Avenue.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to Office
designate the Board of Health as the licensing authority for
for Child Care Centers, and to so inform the Office for Children
Children.
Chairman Kenney read a petition from the Boston
Edison Company and the New England Telephone Company for
the relocation of a pole on Middle Street. No public
hearing is required and abutters do not have to be
notified. Middle
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to Street
grant permission to the Boston Edison Company and the Pole
New England Telephone Company for the following location
Middle Street Approximately 454 feet northwesterly
from Marrett Road one pole; also re-
move one pole
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to I.D Care
authorize the Chairman to sign the liquor identification
card for Lizbeth B. Stang, 65 Bertwell Road
Chairman Kenney read a petition from residents pro-
testing the 24-hour operation by the White Hen Pantry,
373 Massachusetts Avenue. Complaint
Mr. and Mrs Richard Silva, 500 Lowell Street, White Her
were present at the meeting to offer their protests as Pantry
abutters
After discussion, the Board requested Mr O'Connell
to contact the owners and request that they close at
12: 00 Midnight
The matter was taken under advisement pending a
report from Mr O'Connell
200
Selectmen' s Meeting July 16 , 1973
Chairman Kenney read a recommendation from the Direc-
tor
of Public Works/Engineering for water abatements
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
sign the following water abatements:
John Fresina 23 No. Hancock St. $48.12 Wrong reading
John G Black 16 Eaton Rd. 12.60 Wrong reading
Donald J. O'Hara 17 ,Whittier Rd. 60.65 Wrong reading
Donald B. White 73 Hancock St. 70.80 Wrong reading
Constance M. Stohn 7 Flintlock Rd. 17. 50 Wrong reading
Water Edith Legg 120 Mass. Ave 2. 80 Wrong reading
Abatements P. Lawrence DiRusso 15 Locke Lane 25.67 Wrong reading
Robert Pestana 34 Bow Street 26.62 Wrong reading
Johanna Giwosky 6 Patterson Rd. 2.45 Wrong reading
Frank D. Mattison 36 Cary Ave. 21. 70 Meter not working
Anthony Rochette 370 Marrett Rd 28.65 Wrong reading
William J. Manning 20 Spring St 24. 26 Wrong reading
Frank J Ryan 46 Gleason Rd. 28. 35 Wrong reading
Russell Dexter 58 Hancock St 23. 80 Wrong reading
Chairman Kenney read a memorandum from the Conserva-
tion Commission regarding the idling of motors of tour
buses while stopped at the historic sites in Town.
The Board agreed that a letter should be written to
the Bus Companies requesting that motors not be idled
while stopped at the historic sites
Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
approve the minutes of Selectmen' s Meetings of March 26 ,
April 2, and April 9, 1973
Chairman Kenney informed the Board that a report has
been received concerning the activities of the Lexington
Commission on Suburban Responsibility during its 1972-
1973 year including the following
LCSR 1 Support of subsidized housing units in apartment
Report developments and single family houses on scat-
tered sites.
2. Assistance to the Permanent Building Committee in
developing an appropriate contract provision for
equal employment opportunity in the Cary Library
project.
3. Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High
School Support of equal employment opportunity
in the construction of the school.
H
Selectmen' s Meeting July 16, 1973
4 LCSR has been designated as an agency to be con-
tacted by MAPC regarding Civil Rights ' consider-
ations affecting applications for federal aid,
which are reviewed by MAPC
Mr. Brown commented that he was impressed by all the
things the commission has been doing
The Board agreed and a copy of the LCSR report was
given to Mrs. Scigliano of the Lexington Minute-man
Mr. Busa discussed the repairs to Buckman Tavern and
said that the work is progressing rapidly However, the
rear shed is in need of repairs and a decision must be Repairs
made as to whether or not they should be done now Buckman
The Board agreed that the Architect should look at Tavern
the roof, sidewalls, and the floor of the shed Mr Busa
is to report back to the Board.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing,
deliberating or voting on matters which, if made public, Executive
might adversely affect the public security, financial Session
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
and resume the open meeting.
The Board discussed awards of damages as a result of
sewer easements to be taken for the construction of the
Hayes Lane sewer.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted the Hayes LanE
intent to take sewer easements for the construction of Sewer
the Hayes Lane sewer, with an award of damages to the Easements
following property owners:
John M and Angie P. Ingraham 35 Hayes Lane $640.00
Katherine J Buckley
Ruth E Savage
Thomas C Buckley
John D Buckley 121 Vine St 580.00
Elizabeth A and
Joseph R Leary 116 Vine St. 610.00
Joseph E Swan
Robert D Swan
Ellen K Legraw
Duncan F Swan 56 Vine St. 220 00
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
adjourn at 10 15 p.m A true record, Attest
Executive Clerk, Selectmen