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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-04-30-BOS-min 120 SELECTMEN'S MEETING April 30, 1973 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's meeting room on Monday, April 30, 1973, at 7 30 p.m. Chairman Kenney, Messrs. Bailey, Beset, Brown and Mrs. Riff in; Mr. O'Connell , Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel ; Mr. McSweeney, Director of Public Works/Engineering; Mrs. McCurdy , Executive Clerk, were present. Mr. Louis A. Zehner, Town Treasurer, met with the Board to request approval of borrowing $ 1 ,500,000 in anticipation of tax revenue. The State has not approved the 65 percent reimbursement for the Clarke Junior High School and it will not be received until after July F. His recommendation was to award the contract to the three lowest bidders. Upon motion duty made and seconded, it was voted to award the con- tract for borrowing $1 ,500,000 in anticipation of tax revenue, notes to be dated May 4, 1973 and payable November I , 1973, to the following banks Harvard Trust Company $500,000 3.83% Treasurer Lexington Trust Company 500,000 3.85% New England Merchants National Bank 200,000 3.87% First National Bank of Boston 150,000 3.87% State Street Bank and Trust Company 150,000- 3.87% Mr. Zehner discussed early financing of the library bonds and said it would be possible to sell theeissue in June but date it after July I and still avoid principal payments until after our 18-month- fiscal period. He recommended deferring the bonding of sewers because contracts are being signed on the 1972 Town Meeting sewers. It may be 6 to 8 months before we would need any sewer money and, instead of borrowing, we could invest the money for 7 percent. The market is such that we expect if we go to market in late May or early June, we hope to get a 4.6 percent rate. He is to meet with the Appropriation Committee and the Capital Expenditures Committee and come back to the Board at the next meeting. Chairman Kenney If you go for 20-year maturity, would it be two issues? Mr. Zehner: No, it would be a blended bond, a single issue; equip- ment would be for 5 years and alterations for 10 years. The Board agreed that Mr. Zehner is to make arrangements for financing the Library in early May or June but the decision on the maturity of the issue is to be postponed until the next meeting. Mr. O'Connell discussed the gasoline situation. He advised the Board that the special contract with American Oil for no-lead gasoline Gasoline expires on May I and they do not intend to renew it. Police cruisers are the only cars using no-lead gasoline. We have been able to obtain 1121 Selectmen's Meeting April 30, 1973 a supply from Atlantic Richfield and they have agreed to quote on no- lead. It does not look encouraging with respect to renewal of our contract with Mobil Oil for regular gasoline, and they show no inter- est in re-bidding. He is exploring the possibility of getting Atlantic Richfield to supply us, and will report back to the Board on results of his efforts. Mr. McSweeney informed the Board that tree hearings were held on East Street this morning and it was agreed that he will talk with Tree Dr. Oratch, 2 Maureen Road, and Mr. Sykes, 191 East Street, and review Hearings the situation on the two trees during construction. Chairman Kenney read a request from Mayor Clark of Waltham for approval of the Waltham Ancillary Planning Board Manpower Plan for 1974, which is to be incorporated in the Comprehensive Manpower Plan Ancillary for Massachusetts. Planning Mr. O'Connell advised the Board that Lexington's representatives, Board Mr. Mongiello and Mr. Weiss, have attended the meetings and are in Manpower agreement with the report. However, he has reservations about minor Plan points and would like clarification. In essence, he feels the report is satisfactory as to statements. The Board agreed to inform Mayor Clark of approval of the plan. Chairman Kenney read a letter from Mr. Jaquith, Chairman of the Historic Districts Commission, stating that if the Selectmen wish to change the color of the Central Fire Station to white, it can be done without the approval of the Commission. Mr. O'Connell We explained to Historic Districts that we planned to paint the trim and also planned to re-paint the front. They asked if we planned to change the color and we said no. The feeling we got was they were quite content with the color, and I don't see anything Central Fire wrong with the present color. Station Chairman Kenney: Assuming we can get it for the same cost, we Paint will go back to white. The Board agreed and Mr. McSweeney will be informed that when the contract for the re-painting of trim of the Central Fire Station is let, If it is possible to have the color changed to white without incurring additional expense, it should be done. If it would require two coats to paint it white, then it should be painted in the existing cream color. Mrs. Lois Brown, Chairman, and members of the Planning Board met MBTA Red with the Selectmen to discuss the proposal of the Boston Transporta- Line Exten- tion Planning Review for the MBTA Red Line Extension to Route 128 in sion to Lexington. Mr. Robert Bowyer of the Design Advisory Committee was also Route 128 present. I i2'2 Selectmen's Meeting April 30, 1973 Chairman Kenney Mrs. Brown and I feel we should respond to the degree with which we should commit ourselves. Perhaps, to appoint a joint Sub-committee to come up with an initial evaluation and then send the feeling of the Town to the Governor. Mrs. Brown Mr. Bowyer is here and his question is "Should the META Red Line Rapid Transit be constructed through the Town to Route 128?" Also, to focus on what the implications of that really are to the Town and if the answer is yes, to set design criteria. The negotiating strategy, to insure that the extension will be built on terms acceptable to the Town, ought to be built into our reply to the Governor. The Planning Board has no single voice. Mrs. Riffin We would have to investigate more thoroughly the extension to Route 128. If we had people who are experts in transpor- tation, it would be very valuable to have theiri;gput; to have some professionals and Board people, and maybe we could then come to a better understanding of the two Boards and have a more thorough understanding of the problem. Also, we would have a more educated opinion of how we feel this would affect Lexington. Chairman Kenney We would ask the committee to tackle the prob- lem without broadening the base of our group. Actually, it is only an initial reply. Mr. Eric Clarke I would agree on Phase 2, which is basically an engineering study, but I think Phase I tends to be more political. I think we should be participating in it. In the process of prepar- ing Phase I , it would be valuable to have members of your Board and our Board on the committee. Mrs Brown There is some uncertainty of the Planning Board as to how much time we have. In the summary report (BTPR) , there is a deadline of May 16. We have no information other than what was given, and I would suggest a statement from the Town immediately, saying that the time we have had to review has been limited. Information in the report is limited. We are able to undertake a I to 2 months' investi- gation as to what it would mean in Lexington. At the moment, we do not support it, and the statement would be a request for more time. Chairman Kenney I agree. We will reply to Secretary Altshuler ,y tomorrow. Mrs. Brown State in it that this investigation is about to get underway and give the Secretary of Transportation a date. Chairman Kenney I met with Don Simpson of BTPR and if he is talking 3,000 people a day using it, we have some traffic problems. Selectmen Brown I have been to more Red Line meetings during the past six months and I have been impressed by the fact that we have always had the same report. We have had no more facts since we got the first preliminary report. I think we should get the Design Advisory Committee to give us facts. 1 Selectmen's Meeting April 30, 1973 Mr. Bowyer It is interesting that a change occurred in BTPR highway bias. They were reviewing a way of getting a Route 2 extension from Arthur D. Little through Cambridge, and they swung around to public transportation. In the early part, Cambridge felt if we could just get the extension of Alewife. Arlington took a look at the consequences of having the terminal at Route 2 and Alewife and advocated it caning to Arlington. Somerville advocated an alignment through Davis Square. As the report states, there is no detailed engineering beyond Arlington Center; from Arlington Center to Route 128 is very preliminary. There is specific discussion by those communities involved of the lack of details from Arlington to Route 128 and there is an absence of factual information. Cambridge, Somerville and Arlington have become bullish as to the prospect of having it all the way to Route 128, and it probably is not wise to reach for such an undertaking. But these munic- ipalities are saying lets have the federal government involved or we will have to do it in stages. After meetings held by the Arlington Board of Selectmen and, also, the Cambridge City Council , the recommenda- tion coming out of both of these meetings was to go all the way to Route 128. Lexington is now in the center of the stage and it is time to really take a hard look at what is involved. What the Design Advisory Committee can do is to look at the implications in a broader sense. Engineering details are lacking, how do you get access to the Center, and what happens on re-zoning? Also, if the Town takes a position that it doesn't want it to come this far and to have the terminus at Arlington Heights. Chairman Kenney Even though you wouldn't have engineering data, the Committee could address itself as to how it would come through the Town. Mr. Clarke to Mr. Bowyer Do you picture this as a 2-phase ap- proach? Mr. Bowyer We could The resources of the people involved are limited. We can indicate the questions that need to be asked. Mrs. Brown Should we have a meeting of the two Boards in three weeks? Would that be productive? Mr. Bowyer: Yes. It was agreed that Mr. Brown is to represent the Board of Select- men and Mr. Clarke is to represent the Planning Board as members of the Sub-committee on the MBTA Red Line Extension to Route 128, and to report back within approximately 60 days. A joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen, Planning Board, and Design Advisory Committee is to be held in three weeks Chairman Kenney read an invitation from the Town Celebrations Committee to attend a ceremony conducted by the USS Lexington on the USS Lexington Green on Sunday, May 6, 1973, at 2 00 p.m. Members of the Board are to attend. I 124 Selectmen's Meeting April 30, 1973 Town Cele- Chairman Kenney read letters of resignation from Marilyn Hall brations and Thelma Reed as members of the Town Celebration Committee. Committee Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the Resigna- resignations of Mrs. Marilyn Hall and Mrs. Thelma Reed as members of tions The Town Celebrations Committee. Chairman Kenney read a letter from Mr. Benjamin H. Golini , 37 Balfour Street, offering to purchase tax title Lots 476 and 477 on Tax Title Balfour Street for the sum of $4,000. It was agreed to inform Mr. Golini that the Board had voted on February 5, 1973 to extend the moratorium to September 30, 1973 on the sale of tax title lots, therefore, was not considering offers at this time. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to certify the Cert. of character of Thomas W. O'Connor, Jr. , 273 Woburn Street, who has Incorp. applied for Certificate of Incorporation "The Investment Committee of the Economics Club of Boston State College, Inc." Permit The Board agreed it has no objection to members of the Lexington Youth Base- Youth Baseball League selling car stickers throughout the Town on ball League Saturday, May 5, 1973. MBTA Senior Chairman Kenney informed the Board that Cary Hall has been re- Citizens served on May 14 from 130 to 4 00 p.m. for the registration of Passes Senior Citizens for Half-Fare MBTA passes. Chairman Kenney ready a letter from Dr. Leader, 17 Fairfield Drive, regarding the inability of Police to enter conservation land Regulations behind his property. Also, because of the increase in motorcycles for Conser- speeding in this area., it is especially hazardous to children. vation and The Board agreed to inform Dr. Leader that Police Chief Corr Parks expects to receive a small scooter to be used on a trial basis for effectiveness in patrolling such areas. Town Counsel and the Traffic Committee are to be requested to submit recommendations updati-ng the Rules and Regulations for Park and Conservation Land in order to institute a regulation to prohibit the use of motorized vehicles in conservation areas without special permission. Mr. O'Connell advised the Board that Chief Corr is concerned about conditions at Willard's Woods. We open up these areas for recre- Willard's ation and we don't know what to do about the abuse. Woods Mr. Brown The regulations should include some protection for private ownership land. The Great Meadows really is a problem as fires are set. The Board agreed that Mr. O'Connell is to meet with Police Chief Corr, Town Counsel , and the Director of Public Works and come back with a report on updating the rules and regulations. 1 125 Selectmen's Meeting April 30, 1973 Chairman Kenney read a letter from Mrs. Julie Cadle, 15 Meriam Street, complaining about parking in her area. Parking Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to refer Mrs. Meriam St. Cadle's letter to the Traffic Committee. Also, to request that the and T.O.B. - Committee look at the portion of Massachusetts Avenue in front of at Mass. Ave. the Town Office Building and the Meriam Street area in order to submit recommendations as to parking restrictions. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Chairman to sign Liquor Identification cards for the following Liquor Liizabeth B Stang, 65 Bertwell Road; David D. Morrell , 1556 Massa- I .D. Cards chusetts Avenue. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Minutes minutes of the Selectmen's meeting on February 5, 1973 Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to sign a water Water Abate- abatement for Leon A. Shriber, 8 Ballard Terrace, in the amount of ments $61.35 - wrong reading. Chairman Kenney read requests from the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company and the following votes were recorded Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the NET&T Company following installations, as requested by the N.E.T. & T. Company Manhole Installation Massachusetts Avenue Easterly side, approximately 110 feet Curve Street northerly, from the southerly end of Curve Street, one ( I ) manhole 54/26A, to be built over existing conduit. Hancock Street On the easterly side approximately 346 Hancock St. feet south of Edgewood Road place one ( I ) manhole Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of the N.E.T. & T. Company for the abandonment of two poles in the following location: Poles Meriam St. Meriam Street Approximately 3 feet and 141 feet northeasterly from Massachusetts Avenue, two (2) poles. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize Mr. John J . McSweeney, Director of Public Works/Engineering to act as Hayes Lane representative of the Town to sign the application requesting funds Sewer for State Aid on the Hayes Lane Relief Sewer Project. I 126 Selectmen's Meeting April 30, 1973 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the License Intelligence Office License (employment Agency) for Starrett Asso- ciates, Inc. , 2 Militia Drive, Lexington. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing, deliberating or Executive voting on matters which, if made public, would adversely affect the Session public security, financial interests of the Town or the reputation of a person. After discussion of appointments of Committee Members, it was voted to go out of Executive Session. The Board discussed dates for summer meetings. Summer Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to meet on the Meetings following dates- at 7 30 p.m. : June 4, June 18, July 2, July 16, July 30, August 13, August 27, September 4, 1973. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9.50 p.m. A true record, Attest Executive Clerk, Selectm I