HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-07-02-BOS-min _'r e
11 SELECTMEN'S MEETING
July 2 , 1973
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held
in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building, on
Monday, July 2, 1973, at 7 :30 p.m. Chairman Kenney,
Messrs. Bailey, Busa, Brown and Mrs. Riff in; Mr. O'Connell,
Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel; Mr. McSweeney,
Director of Public Works/Engineering; Mrs. McCurdy, Execu-
tive Clerk, were present.
Mr. Richard Zimmerman and Attorney Frederick Conroy
met with the Board to discuss the amended rules and
regulations for taxis.
Attorney Conroy: After our last meeting with you on
June 18, I checked with the Stabilization Board and it
was their opinion that no type of increase can be allowed
under the President's Phase 3 . There are some procedures
which can be made for hardship occasions but no procedures
could be effected or allowed between now and August 12.
Chairman Kenney: It doesn't surprise me We under-
stand from talking with Mr. Zimmerman that he would need
some time for metering the cabs and it, therefore, becomes
r a moot point. Taxis
Attorney Conroy They won't know until August 12 and
they can't predict what will happen after that. Hopefully,
there would be something that would permit the increase.
Mr. Brown: May I ask Town Counsel if he has ques-
tions?
Mr. Cohen None
Chairman Kenney: We would then adopt the rules and
regulations.
Attorney Conroy We would request that you postpone
this because of the built-in costs and the insurance
factor. Postpone it until something is given him on a
fair schedule.
Mr. Bailey: If we started enforcing the existing
rules, he would be in the same barrel, wouldn't he?
Attorney Conroy Nobody can deny that.
Mr. Bailey: I feel whichever way we go, we have a
problem.
Chairman Kenney: What if we adopt revised rules with
90 day compliance and he can come back sometime after
August 12.
Mr. Cohen The only thing required is metering, and
the old rules say they have to be metered.
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Selectmen's Meeting July 2 , 1973
Mr. Bailey: That is true.
Chairman Kenney He has to effect the insurance change
and the physical thing on the meters. We would be adopt-
ing new rules and regulations, but with the existing
rates - with the understanding that the Board is somewhat
sympathetic with his request for a rate change as it has
been 4 years and sometime after August 12 to come back
with his request. Also, to allow him until October 1 to
effect the change in the meters.
Mr. Brown The regulations include meters, and it
bothers me that he hasn 't had the meters - and be sure to
have it on record.
Chairman Kenney: In the past, we had liveries but we
are no longer recognizing them. You will have limousines,
and I emphasize that this is a vehicle to be used exclu-
sively for weddings, funerals, and school pupil transporta-
tion. A vehicle cannot be licensed as a limousine if it is
used for taxi purposes at any time.
Mr. Brown to Attorney Conroy Are you agreeing with
this?
Attorney Conroy No. I understand what the Chairman
is saying and I am saying, "no. " I don't agree with it but
it has nothing to do with what we will do.
Chairman Kenney Secondly, to have the picture on the
license and there is the item of parking in the Town lot
overnight.
Mr. Zimmerman We don't park there overnight
Mr. McSweeney: What time are they in there?
Mr. Zimmerman Until 11 00 o'clock - then we go to
bed.
Mr. McSweeney: What time are you in there in the morn-
ing?
Mr. Zimmerman No earlier than 6 :00 a.m.
Chairman Kenney: The motion could be to adopt the re-
vised rules and regulations with the understanding that Mr.
Zimmerman has until October 1 for full compliance. Sometime
after October 12 you can apply for the rate bhange.
Attorney Conroy Do you want a new application or
hold this request in abeyance?
Mr. Cohen You should make application for a new rate
increase and you should make your application for taxi
licenses as they have been extended until July 30.
Attorney Conroy: If you extend the present licenses
until October 1, all licenses will be for taxi licenses?
Mr. Cohen The Chairman is saying as far as making
you put in meters for vehicles not already metered, there
will be a grace period until October 1.
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Selectmen's Meeting July 2 , 1973
Attorney Conroy: Vehicles that are operated as
liveries at the moment don't have taxi plates.
Mr. Cohen: You already have the insurance for the
calendar year?
Mr. Zimmerman: I will have to change the insurance
and put in the meters.
Chairman Kenney: We could issue licenses until October 1.
Mr. Brown: Is this a livery license or taxi? A livery
license is not legal under our present regulations.
Chairman Kenney He is not following the regulations
between a livery and taxi.
Mr Cohen: I thought you would issue them with a stipu-
lation that you wouldn' t enforce until October 1. I would
say, come in and apply for 19 taxi licenses , but if the
insurance makes a difference. . . .
Chairman Kenney The motion could be to adopt the
revised rules and regulations with the understanding that
Mr. Zimmerman has until October 1 for full compliance.
Mr. Busa I won't go along with that. It is perpe-
trating an illegal procedure. I am not voting to condone
what he is doing illegally. I will vote to adopt the rules
and regulations tonight.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to Vote
adopt the Town of Lexington Rules and Regulations Governing Taxi
Hackney Carriages , Taxicabs, and Other Public Vehicles for Rules
the Carrying of Passengers for Hire, to become effective
upon publication in the Lexington Minute-man issue of
July 12, 1973.
Mr. Cohen Regarding the licenses, are you suggesting
they come in at the end of July and apply for a temporary
license until October 1 , and then on October 1 to come in
for a permanent license that would apply?
Mr. Brown: I would go along with Mr. Busa that we
don't do anything about this because the licenses are
illegal,.
Chairman Kenney: We should go along in fairness that
the matter of liveries came up and his interpretation and
ours differed.
Attorney Conroy: This is not peculiar to Lexington
alone; there are other Towns that do this. This is
nothing that Mr. Zimmerman created - it is universal.
r Mr Bailey: Whose fault is it? Is it the enforcing
authority? We have to answer that. I think we have
learned something.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
extend the existing licenses issued to the Lexington Cab Vote
Company and 81 Woburn Street Corporation from July 30, Taxi
1973 to October 1, 1973. License
176
Selectmen' s Meeting July 2, 1973
11
Mr. Zimmerman and Attorney Conroy retired from the
meeting
For the record, the following rules and regulations
were adopted by the Board of Selectmen on July 2 , 1973 ,
to become effective upon publication in the Lexington
Minute-man issue of July 12, 1973 :
TOWN OF LEXINGTON RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING HACKNEY
CARRIAGES, TAXICABS, AND OTHER PUBLIC VEHICLES FOR THE
CARRYING OF PASSENGERS FOR HIRE
The following rules and regulations shall apply to
hackney carriages , taxicabs and other public vehicles for
the carrying of passengers for hire (hereinafter termed
public vehicles for hire) within the limits of the Town
of Lexington, except regularly franchised railroad and
bus companies. Said rules as set forth shall in no
manner conflict with existing State laws, rules or regu-
lations, which sall take precedence over local rules ,
regulations or ordinances.
1. LICENSES; GENERAL RULES
a. No person, company or corporation shall operate or
permit to be operated any public vehicle for hire
within the Town of Lexington, except a citizen of
these United States, who has been a resident of said
Town for six (6) months prior to application for a
license to so operate. This regulation shall not
prohibit such a vehicle from another city or town
from coming into Lexington on a telephone request
from a customer, or to discharge a passenger picked
up elsewhere. Such out of town vehicles shall not
engage in cruising or soliciting fares in Lexington.
A company or corporation desiring a license to use a
vehicle as a public vehicle for hire shall show that
their principal place of business is in Lexington.
11. LICENSE TO USE A VEHICLE AS A
PUBLIC VEHICLE FOR HIRE
a.. Application for a license to use a vehicle as a public
vehicle for hire shall be made in writing to the7Board
of Selectmen who shall investigate or cause to be in-
vestigated, each applicant as to character, honesty,
and integrity. Said applicant shall satisfy the Board
of Selectmen that his vehicle is properly registered
177
Selectmen's Meeting July 2, 1973
with and inspected by the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
He may then receive a license to use the vehicle so
registered. Each vehicle so registered, except as
provided below, shall bear the license number, the
name or trade name of the owner and the wed "Lexing-
ton" on both sides thereof in letters not less than
four inches high and one-half inch wide. Public
vehicles for hire to be used exclusively for limou-
sine service shall be exempt from the aforementioned
marking requirements.
b The fee for each vehicle registered and licensed as
a public vehicle for hire shall be $1.00.
111. LICENSE FOR DRIVER OF PUBLIC
VEHICLE FOR HIRE
a. Application to operate or drive a public vehicle for
hire shall be made in like manner to the Board of
Selectmen, who shall investigate through the Police
Department, each applicant as to honesty, sobriety,
and criminal record and including evidence of bad
character. Such applicant shall be required to show
that he is twenty-one years of age or over eighteen
years old with driver education permit, a citizen
and is properly licensed by the Registry of Motor
Vehicles. Applications shall be accompanied by the
fee of $5.00 for each person so licensed Said
license shall have a picture or photograph of
licensee on upper left corner of license, not to ex-
ceed size 2 1/2" by 2 1/2" .
b. The rest of said license must carry the licensee's
name, license number, and"description. This license
shall be placed in a suitable glass fronted frame,
to be attached to the back of the driver's seat, and
in view of the passenger. The license shall be so
placed in any properly registered public vehicle for
hire that the driver may be operating.
IV. LICENSING AUTHORITY; EXPIRATION OF LICENSES
a. Applications for a license to use a vehicle as a public
vehicle for hire and for a license to operate the same
shall be received by the Board of Selectmen, and author-
!' ity to grant, suspend, and revoke said licenses shall be
vested in the Board of Selectmen. Any person aggrieved by
the decision of the Board may be granted a hearing if re-
quested in writing within ten days thereof.
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Selectmen's Meeting July 2 , 1973
b. Everysuch license shall expire on the first dayof
P
May next ensuing the year after the date of its
issue.
V. OPERATION OF A PUBLIC VEHICLE FOR HIRE
A. Every company or corporation and driver of such vehi-
cles shall at all times comply with and observe all
State laws, rules, regulations , and Town By-Laws,
rules and regulations.
b. Drivers shall at all times, when driving such vehicles
be neat and clean, courteous , and quiet in demeanor.
Wearing of uniforms, or parts thereof, shall be
optional.
c. They shall at no time knowingly transport a person who
is suffering from a contagious disease . If such a
person is unknowingly transported, and this fact sub-
sequently becomes known to the driver , he shall cause
such vehicle to be thoroughly fumigated immediately
upon obtaining such knowledge.
d. They shall at no time transport any person who is in
an intoxicated condition and who is loud, boisterous,
or troublesome, unless such transportation is so
ordered by a police officer. No other person shall
be permitted in the car while transporting a person
in an intoxicated condition unless such person is
accompanying the intoxicated individual.
e. They shall at no time engage in the transportation of
liquor or unlawful drugs or contraband, contrary to
law. They shall not act as procurers for immoral
houses or persons, and shall not furnish information
as to where liquor, gaming, prostitution or vice
might be obtained.
f They shall at all times keep their vehicles clean
inside, and same shall be subject to inspection by
Police at all times.
g They shall not refuse to transport a passenger except
those mentioned in subsections (c) and (d) of this
section. They shall refuse to transport a passenger
or passengers who are engaged in the preparations for
or actual commissions of crime. In the case of the
commission of a crime or the preparation thereof, or
an attempt to do so, the drivers shall take no part.
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Selectmen's Meeting July 2 , 1973
h They shall not engage in the so-called practice of
cruising, or soliciting trade, while driving slowly
on a public way.
i. Public stands may be designated by the Board of
Selectmen. Stands for public vehicles for hire shall
be so designated and marked, and it shall be the duty
of the Police to see that these stands shall be re-
served for the use of such vehicles, from which the
general public shall be excluded. If more than one
company exercises the use of these taxi stands , they
shall be used cgually.
j . Every driver or operator shall upon demand of a
passenger, police officer, Motor Vehicle Inspector,
or other duly constituted peace officer, produce
for examination his license to operate motor vehicles
in this Commonwealth and his license to drive a public
vehicle for hire.
k. It shall be unlawful for any passenger to evade or re-
fuse to pay a reasonable or established fare
1. It shall be unlawful for any company or corporation or
person acting as an agent therefor to permit any person
not properly licensed to operate a public vehicle for
hire.
VI . RATES OR FARES; METERS
a. For public vehicles for hire, the rates within the limits
of the Town of Lexington shall be
.60 for the first half-mile
.10 for each sixth of a mile thereafter
b. For trips out of the town, a reasonable rate may be
charged. A driver shall state the rate to be charged
for such a trip to a prospective passenger before
initiating the same.
c No charge shall be made for hand baggage. A charge not
to exceed .75 may be assessed for carrying a trunk. A
thunk shall not be transported if it interferes with a
driver's vision or proper operation of a vehicle.
d. All public vehicles for hire shall be metered with the
exception of vehicles used exclusively for limousine
service.
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Selectmen's Meeting July 2, 1973
e. Drivers shall not pick up a passenger when the public
vehicle for hire is already engaged, without the con-
sent of the first customer or passenger.
f. The rates to be charged by a future licensee must con-
form to subsections (a) , (b) and (c) of this section.
VII . PENALTIES
a. For violation of any of the rules , regulations , or
by-laws enumerated herein, a fine of not more than
$20.00 may be imposed and the violator is liable to
a suspension or revocation of his license to operate
a public vehicle for hire.
b. All violations shall be noted by the Police, and re-
ported to the Chief of Police, who in turn may at
his discretion dismiss the complaint, institute court
proceedings, or pass the matter on to the Board of
Selectmen for appropriate action.
VIII. MISCELLANE0Ua
These rules and regulations were adopted by the Board 11of Selectmen on July 2, 1973 .
Chairman Kenney read a request from Mrs . Marion H.
Snow, 197 Woburn Street, to tie into the sewer line which
is now under construction along Woburn Street
A report was read from the Director of Public Works/
Engineering recommending that the request be approved as
the contractor is presently on the site and because of
Sewer the favorable bid price received for the project Also,
Extension this extension had been included but was deleted at the
Request request of the abutter; now, the lot has been approved
for subdivision and it could be included.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
approve the request of Mrs. Marion H. Snow, 197 Woburn
Street, for an extension of 200 feet of sewer and one
man-hole to service the lot situated on a right-of-way off
Woburn Street.
East St. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
Slope sign the Order of Taking for slope easements on East Street.
Easement
181
Selectmen's Meeting July 2 , 1973
Rev. R. Reinhold Abele met with the Board and pre-
sented a petition, dated May 10 , 1973 , from the
Clergymen of Lexington, as follows
"We respectfully request that the figures and scene
of the family which is holy to Christians alone, and
which is at present displayed on 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 a*illcbe 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. Signed:
Rev. R. Reinhold Abele, Pastor, Pilgrim Church; Henry H. Creche
Clark, Pastor, Handodk United Church of Christ; Msgr.
John P. Keilty, St. Brigid's Church; Rev. Harold T.
Handley, Rector, Church of Our Redeemer; Rev. Robert
Zoerheide , Minister, First Parish Church; Rev. Gordon
MacDonald, Pastor, Grace Chapel; Cary D. Yales, Rabbi,
Temple Isaiah; Donald A. Wells, Minister, Trinity Coven-
ant Church; Joel H Meyers , Rabbi, Temple Emunah; Dr.
Allen Broyles, Pastor, Lexington United Methodist Church;
Joseph S. Roberts , Associate Pastor, First Baptist Church,
Lexington; Martin M. McCabe, Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish;
Larry A. Marlowe, District President, Reorganized Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; Herbert R. Adams,
Minister, Follen Church. "
Chairman Kenney read a letter from the Hancobk United
Church of Christ, addressed to Reverend Abele, Pilgrim
Congregational Church, dated April 30 , 1973 : "My dear
Reverend Abele: It was the vote of the Standing Committee
of Hancock United Church of Christ on April 25 , 1973, to
offer our property as a site for the creche if the town
desires to put it here during the holiday season, provided
the town is responsible for setting it up, taking it down,
and storing it. "
Mr. Abele The Council of Congregations took this up
some years ago and Robert Mann reported on it, and at that
time the request was sent around asking if it would act as
41.pgt during the Christmas season. Many, including the
Pilgrim Church offered. By this action of the Council, the
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Selectmen' s Meeting July 2, 1973
matter did not ever come to a satisfactory conclusion. In
talking with clergymen, it was felt that the petition, as
proposed, would be the most helpful and also the solution
Chairman Kenney: I guess it is a pretty clear cut re-
quest. Personally, I don't consider it a big issue; it is
non-issue, as I discussed with you. I think there are more
important things we could put our time and energy to.
People might make an issue of this, and it might make minor
tension in the community but the creche has been on the
Green and I think it represents a family scene, a peaceful
scene, and I would point out as a matter of record that we
do not have a hue and cry requesting this change. Also, to
understand that if another group had a symbol they wish to
display, the Board would be pleased to accommodate them.
Mr. moved to accept the offer of the Hancock Church to
have the creche on its lawn.
Mr. Bailey: Before voting, does anyone wish to second
the motion?
Chairman Kenney: I think it would be to our advantage
to take this under advisement and we could allow time for
citizen reaction.
Mr. Robert Cataldo: I am sure the Board is aware
there are substantial numbers of people in the Town that
want to see the creche display maintained. I would say
if the Board in its judgment would move to do this, we
would like the opportunity to meet with the Board. I am
sure the Board is aware of the history and how it is main-
tained. If the Board seeks to move the creche, we would
want an opportunity to meet with the Board to discuss it.
Chairman Kenney: I would see that the Board gives
you the opportunity.
Mr. Bailey: I would be interested in the source of
the impetus. Did it come from the council, from personal
belief and conscience, or as a result of letters in the
Minute-man? From which direction? Did someone sit down
with the Council?
Rev Abele: It was primarily from the Council Orally,
the first request came from the Unitarians in the community
to the Council of Churches. I would appreciate it if Mr.
Mann could speak.
Mr. Robert Mann: When I was president of the Council,
prior to Rev. Petersen, during that period of time the
Council was evolving from a Council of Churches in the
protestant tradition. We embraced the Catholic parishes
in Lexington and then it became the Congregation for
religious groups in the Town in the theological tradition
In discussion of the creche on the Green, research we
was done, as the minutes of the Council indicated, and
Selectmen's Meeting July 2 , 1973
there was significant concern about the placement of the
creche on the Green. I recall the history from the
Council, which was Christian, that the historical tradi-
tion, with respect to the Church and State and Government
and religion, was such that it was inappropriate. It was
attractive and well-maintained to those who felt inti-
mately and personally about its presence on the Green
It was a visible sign of lack of sensitivity to those in
the Town who were not of that . . It seemed to those of
Christian approach, those with a sensitive, broadly based
concern for all individuals affected by the Green display,
that it could be resolved by the simple expedient of re-
moving it to the lawn of a Christian church rather than have
it on the Green. We pursued that concept. The mantel of
the Congregation changed to Rev Petersen and we had a
meeting with the Town Manager and, for a variety of reasons,
the matter was not brought to a head. It was my under-
standing that it (petition) had its origin in the clergy of
the Town, which was a habit of meeting once a month for
those concerned for their congregations. In its present
form, it represents the interest of the Congregation.
Mr. O'Connell I offer some technical information,
based upon some research material I had prior to the
meeting with Mr. Mann. The figures are not the property
of the Town. They were loaned to the Town for the pur-
pose of allowing them to be displayed on the Green The
Board took it under advisement on the matter of jurisdic-
tion as to whether or not it is on the Green.
Mr. Cataldo The original parts were donated; some
were stolen and replaced and some repaired by private
funds. Mr. Gray (former Executive Assistant) met with the
Council of Churches and we did get an answer back from Rev.
Petersen that they decided not to take action They were
doing it at that time in a vacuum, and at our request they
met with Mr. Gray.
Mr. Mann I was not an officer at that time and the
only meeting I had was with the Town Manager, and not Mr
Gray.
Mr. Busa I concur with what the Chairman said with
regard to keeping the creche on the Green, and to me it
would aggravate a situation that doesn't exist In your
discussion, was the entire body at that meeting? When I
spoke to my pastor, he was very vague and knew of no con-
troversy. It was brought to him by word-of-mouth and he
said if it affects one person, it should come off the
Green. Is that your conclustion? -
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Selectmen' s Meeting July 2, 1973
Rev. Abele: I know many of the men who signed the
petition fairly well and they are honorable men.
Mr. Busa: I am not questioning their honesty, their
integrity or reasoning. I object to you injecting it
into the question. I question, whether at the meeting the
Congregation had, that all the clergy were there or whether
it was passed by word of mouth from Clergyman to Clergyman -
and the aggravating solution that the Congregation perpe-
trated by this.
Rev. Abele: I am simply saying these men do object to
it - the men who signed this petition.
Mr Mann: To my knowledge, the Council of Congregations
has not been involved in this petition, it is the clergy.
Rabbi Meyers: I signed it and agree with it. What Mr.
Busa is saying disturbs me. If it is a non-issue - by deny-
ing this request it may make it an issue I would raise the
question because I also thought long and hard before I signed
it I had reluctant feelings about being here because I
thought it a Protestant battle but if in fact as a community
we stand behind a fundamental choice, we ask ourselves whether
other religions erect symbols on the Green or whether we, as
a community, want to promote any or no symbols; and that
religion is the job of the religious and not the job of a
community by using public land for religious display. I
say that is the issue and the question that confronts us as
citizens on the issue as for what public land ought to be
used - and the Selectmen have in the past thought on that
question - and whether public land, namely the Green, ought
to be used for a religious symbol These symbols are impor-
tant and beautiful but a symbol is a symbol
Chairman Kenney: Thank you You are saying to deny it
on the Green.
Rabbi Meyers I am saying that time changes and people
change, and in the light of the series of events, one can
say this is, in essence, a promotion of a religion on public
ground
Mr. Brown This is not a new issue I was present at
the Lexington Council of Churches meetings in 1965 and 1966
and the Council spent many hours on this problem It is not
new; it has been for at least 20 or 30 years, ever since I
have been in the Town.
Creche Chairman Kenney It has, to my personal knowledge, been
Vote of no consequence
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to take
the matter of the creche under advisement.
Selectmen' s Meeting July 2, 1973
Rev. Abele: As I understand it, the creche was put
on the Green namely to put Christ back in Christmas, and
I support it wholeheartedly. It is not intended to remove
it from public display but to put it in an appropriate
place. For public safety, it probably would be in a
safer place. Put the symbol in an appropriate place to
get Christ back in the churches.
Chairman Kenney: We will inform you when we remove
it from the table.
Interested persons retired from the meeting
Mr. Anthony Mancini, President of the Chamber of Com-
merce, and Mr. Edward Jones, Vice President of Educational
Service Programs, Inc. , N.Y. , met with the Board to request
consideration of a proposal to install an educational audio
system on the Battle Green, Buckman Tavern, and the Visi-
tors' Center to accommodate expected visitors during the
Bicentennial Celebration. If approved, a 5-year contract Tourist
would be signed and Educational Service Programs, Inc Audio
would be solely responsible for the installation, repair System
and maintenance of the system, including supplying replace-
ment tapes The Town would be responsible for damages to
the system.
The Corporation would pay a royalty and it was pointed
out that it is a local matter as to whom royalties are paid.
After discussion, the Board agreed to pursue the
matter after more details, in writing, were submitted by Mr.
Jones. Mr. Jones agreed.
Mr. Jones and Mr. Mancini retired from the meeting.
Mr. O'Connell informed the Board that a request has
been received from the residents of Carley Road to hold a Permit
block party on Sunday, August 5, from 2:00 p.m. to 7 :00 p.m.
They would assume the responsibility of placing and remov-
ing sawhorses in the road
The Board had no objection
Chairman Kenney read a report from Mr McSweeney in
reply to an objection received from Lester L. Andrews &
Sons, Plumbers, that a Red Head valve must be used on the
main shutoff valve on the water supply to a building. Water
The Board agreed to accept Mr. McSweeney' s recommenda- Valves
tion to continue the use of Red Head valves, and to so
inform Lester L. Andrew & Sons.
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Selectmen' s Meeting July 2, 1973
Chairman Kenney read a report from Mr. McSweeney re-
Rolfe Rd. garding a sewer easement on Lowell Street to Rolfe Road,
Sewer stating that the interests of all parties are best served
by continuing with the present plans but if the Board
disagreed, the matter could be further discussed.
Mr. and Mrs. David Franklin, 4 Rolfe Road, were
present at the meeting.
Mr. Brown informed the Board that he and Mr. McSweeney
had been meeting with Mr. and Mrs. Champion of 6 Rolfe Road
and he would be glad to meet with the Franklins.
After discussion, the Board agreed that Mr. McSweeney
would set up a meeting with Mr. and Mrs. Franklin in order
to resolve the situation concerning the sewer main going
through their property.
Chairman Kenney read a report from Mr McSweeney re-
garding the culverting of the North Lexington Brook behind
the Public Works garage at 201 Bedford Street. The report
states that the project was as a result of the flooding of
the North Lexington Brook in the area between 22 Revere St.
61 and 59 Ledgelawn Avenue, and the rear of the Town Public
Works building during the heavy rains of January 19 and 20;
a large portion of the B & M right-of-way was washed out
and this resulted in a hazardous condition. The Highway
Division took immediate action to remove heavy debris from
North the brook and to clean out the three cross culverts in this
Lexington area that had been completely blocked by this washout.
Brook After review, it was agreed that a work order be issued for
Culvert a complete reconstruction and refurbishing of this water
course on a more permanent basis. As part of this project,
it became necessary to remove the overgrowth of bushes and
vegetation, and reshape the cross section of the stream
bed and slopes. As for the culverting itself, this came
as a result of the Town acquiring an inventory of used
MDC water pipe from the new construction of Route 2 and
this seemed an appropriate time to use this pipe, which
is very large and cumbersome. While this all started be-
cause of an emergency situation, it has proven to be a
much needed and worthwhile maintenance project.
The Board instructed Mr. McSweeney to file under the
Hatch Act if there is any further expansion of the project.
ledges Hamilton Chairman Kenney read a recommendation from the
toad and Traffic Safety Committee that hedges be removed from the
..iberty Ave. southwest corner of Hamilton Road and Liberty Avenue to
improve the sight distance
I
187
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
remove the hedges from the southwest corner of Hamilton
Road and Liberty Avenue which are on the Town way The
Board agreed to notify the owner of the property at 37
Liberty Avenue that if he wished to save any or all of
the hedges for possible replanting, they must be removed
within 30 days
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to Burlington
table the report from Mr McSweeney regarding the tree St. Tree
at 30 Burlington Street
Chairman Kenney read a report from the Traffic Com-
mittee stating that as a result of a petition from the
residents of Brigham Road, it is recommended that a "Not Traffic
a Thru Way" sign be installed to alert motorists that it Sign
is not a connecting roadway. Brigham Rd
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
accept the recommendation of the Traffic Committee re-
garding Brigham Road and to instruct the Director of Public
Works to make arrangements for the installation of a "Not
a Thru Way" sign at the beginning of Brigham Road.
The Board discussed a report from the Traffic Com-
mittee regarding Center parking.
Chairman Kenney I met with the Traffic Committee
and we reviewed Meriam Street parking and the Meriam
Street parking lot and it was agreed to prepare the
necessary plans and work orders to begin the extension
Perimeter parking would be laid out to maximize the area.
The Traffic Committee finds no traffic problem in
the Central Business District parking. The study shows
that existing traffic and parking conditions in these
areas-are functioning properly both on a short term and
all day basis. It is a matter of record that we need
a minimum of 200 to 250 spaces if we are to relieve on- Traffic
street parking in the area adjacent to the Central Meriam
Business District. The Committee would like to provide Street
adjacent parking to all professional and business estab- Parking
lishments but with this shortage we cannot see reestab- Lot
lishing priorities and reassigning parking to other
on-street areas.
The Board discussed short-term parking in the Meriam
Street parking lot.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
instruct the Director of Public Works to make arrangements
to install 20 short-term parking spaces in the front of
the Meriam Street parking lot
Mr. Bailey We are trying to open up Massachusetts
Avenue to take care of the Community School at the
Baptist Church.
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Selectmen's Meeting July 2, 1973
Mr McSweeney Parents can pull into our circular
driveway and use our spaces while they walk the children
across the street
Chairman Kenney: The alternative is a loading zone
but we don't like to set that precedent
The Board discussed parking behind Craft Cleaners and
Parking it was agreed to remove the heads of the meters for the
Rear of purpose of all-day parking.
Craft Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
Cleaners instruct the Director of Public Works to make arrangements
to remove the meters from the spaces in the rear of Craft
Cleaners.
Chairman Kenney read a report from the Traffic Com-
mittee in reply to a letter from Mr. Giroux, owner of
the Central Block, complaining of the Cab Company using
the metered spaces around the building and directly across
the street for parking school busses and a private car.
Also, no metered parking is available in the Meriam
Street parking lot for the use of Central Block customers.
Central Additionally, access to the unloading area is very diffi-
Block cult as cars are parked in Depot Place. Mr. Giroux
Parking pointed out that the sidewalk project has not been com-
pleted and new street lights have not been installed
After discussion, the Board agreed to write to
Mr. Giroux and inform him that the Traffic Committee
report states that as long as vehicles using metered
spaces are not in violation of the meters or time limits,
there is no justification for complaint However, when
violations occur in these spaces, the Police Department
issues citations to the vehicles in question. The Public
Works Department has been instructed to install twenty
short-term meters at the front of the Meriam Street park-
ing lot, and this should help the Central Block customers.
Sidewalk repairs and curbing for the tree planters will be
completed shortly Regarding the street lights, we will
have to wait for the next Town Meeting to request the
appropriation for this installation. As far as parking
in Depot Place is concerned, the Board will request the
owners of the Central Block and Minute-man publications
for permission to install No Parking signs on the buildings.
Chapter Chairman Kenney read a report from Commissioner Camp-
90 bell notifying the Town that $47,686.00 has been allocated
to Lexington for Chapter 90-type local highway aid for the
fiscal year 1974. These funds require no local matching
and are available for use immediately for construction
projects which qualify under the Old Chapter 90 guidelines
and, in addition, for all projects that are eligible for
100% State financing under the new guidelines adopted by
the Public Works Commission on March 28, 1973.
S 9=
Selectmen's Meeting July 2, 1973
Mr. McSweeney: These funds cannot be used on neighbor-
hood streets, only on Chapter 90 roads.
Chairman Kenney to Mr. McSweeney: We look to you for
recommendations and perhaps next year you can allocate it
for maintenance-type projects.
Mr. McSweeney agreed and remarked that the usual
Chapter 90 monies have yet to be decided upon.
Chairman Kenney read a letter from the Munroe School
Parent-Teacher Association Board requesting a thorough re- Traffic
examination by the Board of the question of a pushbutton Munroe
light at the Munroe School. School
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
refer the matter to the Traffic Committee for a recommend-
ation.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
authorize the Chairman to sign liquor identification cards
for the following: I.D. Card
Marguerite A. Bateson 10 Welch Road
Mary F. Keegan 18 Ellison Road
IIJohn A. Richardson 3 Wingate Road
Charlaine Ward 588 Lowell Street
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
approve the minutes of the Selectmen' s Meeting of Minutes
April 3, 1973.
Chairman Kenney read a letter to the Board notify-
ing the Town that Richard M Perry has been elected as
President of Massachusetts Auditors and Accountants Asso-
ciation
Chairman Kenney read a request from the Lexington
Minute-men to reschedule the "Living History" exercises Lexington
on the Green to July 15 and July 29, 1973. Minute-
The Board had no objection and shall so inform the men
Minute-men Green
Chairman Kenney read a letter from Attorney Joseph
M. Cohen regarding the Board' s position on revoking the Carroll
Class III license issued to John P. Carroll, Inc. of Class III
Allen Street License
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
refer the letter to Town Counsel Cohen.
190
Selectmen' s Meeting July 2, 1973
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
Bonds approve the following bonds for Town employees
Louis A. Zehner Treasurer $120,500.00
Eleanor H. Sullivan Asst. Treasurer 30,100.00
Norma B. Jervis Asst. Town Clerk 2,000.00
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
certify the character of the following who have applied
for Certificate of Incorporation:
John R. McGrath 7 Lincoln Terrace
Cert. of "New England Area Pontiac Dealer Advertising Assoc. , Inc. "
Incorp.
Antonio de J. Cardozo 6 Paul Revere Road
Virginia L. Cardozo 6 Paul Revere Road
Aurora A. Silva 11 Longfellow Road
"Portuguese American Cultural Society, Inc. "
Chairman Kenney informed the Board that Bora-Bora,
Bora-Bora Inc. , 177 Massachusetts Avenue, has applied for a Common
Common Victualler License. The Health Director recommends that
the license be signed subject to his final inspection.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
sign and issue the Common Victualler License to Bora-
Bora, Inc. , 177 Massachusetts Avenue, subject to final
inspection by the Health Director Hours of operation
are to be from 11 30 a.m. to 11:30 p m.
Chairman Kenney informed the Board that the 1973-1974
jury list has been compiled and is ready to be sent to the
Clerk of Courts in Cambridge.
Jury Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
List approve the 1973-1974 jury list as submitted.
Chairman Kenney informed the Board that written com-
Dogs plaints have been received about two Doberman Pinscher dogs
owned by Mrs. Leonie Flannery of 22 Vine Street because of
excessive barking and, also, a dog owned by Mr. Lionel L
Fray, 2361A Massachusetts Avenue, is alleged to have killed
chickens owned by Mr John Brucchi, 63 Paul Revere Road.
The Board agreed to hold hearings on July 31, 1973.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go
Executive into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing, delib-
Session erating or voting on matters which, if made public, might
adversely affect the public security, 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 11 15 p.m. A true record, Attest:
xecutive Clerk, Selec en