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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-10-30-BOS-min 540 SELECTMEN'S MEETING October 30, 1972 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Select- men's Meeting Room on Monday, October 30, 1972, at 7 30 p.m. Chairman Kenney, Messrs. Bailey, Busa, Brown, and Mrs. Riffin; Mr. O'Connell, Town Manager; Mr. McSweeney, Director of Public Works; Mrs. McCurdy, Executive Clerk, were present. At 7 30 p.m., hearing was declared open upon petition of the New England Telephone Company to lay and maintain conduits on Hartwell Avenue Notices of the hearing were sent to the petitioner and abutters as listed on the petitioner' s plan and, also, filed with the Director of Public Works. Mr Dunn, representing the New England Telephone Company, was present and said that this petition is to install conduit in Hartwell New England Avenue to provide telephone service to the Varian Vacuum Company at Telephone Co. 121 Hartwell Avenue. Conduit Chairman Kenney read a report from the Director of Public Works Hartwell Ave. stating that the location had been reviewed and recommended that the Telephone Company be granted permission to install the conduit, sub- ject to the condition that working hours be from 9 00 a.m. to 3 30 p.m. Mr. Dunn We will go along with the conditions. Originally, we did a job that went to the Air Base; this petition came in and we can only give them service by a duct. We will only be in the paved way when crossing the street. Mr. Palmieri of Instrumentation Laboratory was present and asked if the crossing would be in front of his building . Mr. Dunn The crossing will be at Varian Vacuum Company. Mr. Palmieri That is satisfactory to me. No one appearing in opposition to the petition, the Chairman 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 location, subject to permit conditions and that working hours are to be 9 00 a.m. to 3 30 p.m. Hartwell Avenue Easterly side, southwesterly then westerly, from manhole 54/302 opposite Chandler Company, approximately 421 feet of underground conduit. Mr. O'Connell asked the Board to approve the request to the Appro- Transfer priation Committee for a transfer from the Reserve Fund to Account Acct. 5700 5700-Sewer Maintenance in the amount of $4,740 to pay for additional expenses incurred for the operation of the North Lexington Pump's* Station, and to repair the major breakdowns at Constitution and Wprthen Road pumping station. X41 Chairman Kenney It is understood we will try to recover as much as we can from the contractor. Mr. O'Connell Yes, that is noted in the contract Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request to the Appropriation Committee for a transfer from the Reserve Fund to Account 5700 in the amount of $4,740. Mr. O'Connell reported to the Board that he had talked with the Manager of Hanscom Field regarding the Port Authority keeping us in- formed of matters of common interest, such as plans for the Airport. The Manager said that a report of the Boston Transportation Planning Hanscom Review will issue a report soon and it will include the recommenda- Field tion that Hanscom Field be used as a terminal for certain commuter flight service. Hearings will be held but the Manager called to advise, that the Port Authority's feeling that they would not be in favor of this has not changed. The most appropriate action to be taken would be to let this be known publicly so that incorrect rumors will not occur. The Board agreed. Mr. O'Connell reported that Gold Ribbon Farms has agreed to erect a gate to prevent unauthorized trucks from coming onto the property Gold Ribbon in the early morning hours. Farms Chairman Kenney This is a good start towards remedying the situation. The Board agreed. Chairman Kenney read a letter from Martin I . Small , 22 Hancock Street, requesting sod and replacement of trees as a result of con- struction easement on his land. A report from the Director of Public Works stated that the condition of the grassed area does not warrant sod. The, Town, by previous easement, had rights to the majority of Martin Small the occupied land without incurring additional damages With regard Trees and to replacement of some trees and shrubs, we must concur that some Grass planting should be done and would make these improvements as soon as practicable. The Board agreed to inform Mr Small that the grassed area will be seeded by the Public Works Department and, in the event the seed does not take this fall , it will be reseeded in the spring. Also, the Public Works Department will replace some trees in the near frture. Chairman Kenney read a letter from Mrs. Kendrick Bushnell , 30 Bloanfield Street, recommending that benches be located in the Town. Mr. Brown recommended a concrete slab type of bench similar to Benches those in the M.I .T. area as they can't be moved or broken Around Chairman Kenney A designis being prepared for the Harrington Town property for the next Town Meeting and we could incorporate a couple of benches for that property and ask the Public Works Department to suggest two or three other areas around town. We could include money in the budget for these and, if the benches prove successful , we could plan to add more at a later date. 542 Chairman Kenney informed the Board that application has been received for a Common Victualler' s License from Bamboo Garden, Inc. , Bamboo formerly the Bamboo Hut, Inc. Gardens Chairman Kenney The Bamboo Hut is in violation of the Health Department Rules and Regulations and we are waiting for a report from them. We will hold this application until the report is re- ceived. The Board agreed. Chairman Kenney read a letter from John P. Dunfey, President of Sheraton Motor Inn, requesting an extension of hours of opera- tion under their liquor innholder license from 11 00 p.m. to Sheraton 100 a.m in order to overcome the competitive advantage that now Lexington favors other Route 128 motor inns who are permitted to serve until Inn - Exten- 100 a.m. sion of hours Chairman Kenney We should take this under advisement until we receive an opinion from Town Counsel . Mr. Buse We should also consider at that time that the Elks and Knights of Columbus have hours until 12;00 Midnight, and we should not jeopardize Sheraton Motor Inn' s business. It should be postponed until after the election and when we hear from Town Counsel . The Board agreed to take the matter under advisement. At 8 00 p.m , Mrs. McMenimen, Mrs. Steiner and Mr. Erik Lund met with the Board to discuss the School Street sidewalk. Chairman Kenney At our last meeting, the Board took the matter under advisement pending a report from the Town Engineer on construction problems of extending the sidewalk from Stimson Ave- nue to Massachusetts Avenue; we were going to talk with Chief School St. Corr on the general problem of Crossing Guards; we were to talk Sidewalk with the State to see if the area would meet the Warrant for a School Zone with blinking lights. The Engineering Department did look at it and the problem of extending the sidewalk is minimal . The wall would have to be re- placed and the sidewalk could be built. We talked with Chief Corr on Crossing Guards and it is his feeling that to allocate addi- tional Guards on School Street would be opening up new pleas,sin the Town; he could think of ten or twelve other areas in terms of more major traffic type streets. It is his feeling if the sidewalk is built, a single guard could be moved up from Massachusetts Ave'b nue at Crosby Street Mr. McSweeney 1 met with the State DPW at District No. 4 and Traffic School Zone signals are for 20 miles an hour, they are furnished under Chapter 616 funds, and there are no warrants neces- sary; they are also limited to 600 feet. Chairman Kenney They are subject to their approval? Mr. McSweeney Yes; we have tentative approval for two loca- tions on School Street between Stimson Avenue and Eastern Avenue I 54:3 They are blinking lights on a time clock for a period that wouldn't exceed one hour; they could go on ih the morning and go off in one hour; then go on again in the afternoon. The approximate cost, under Chapter 616 funds is $3,500 for an installation. Mr. Bailey Are they effective? Chairman Kenney I discussed that with Chief Corr and his pri- mary opinion is that the most effective thing is the parent educating the children; also, to be careful not to put up too many signs to give children a sense of false security. I wouldn't want to install too many because like the Slow Children signs, they become useless. Mr. Busa I believe we go along with eliminating the sidewalk construction. I still believe it is a problem to educate the child- ren as they cross the street and it is the responsibility of parents to see that they cross the street safely. In a zone at 20 miles an hour, we hope with an educational program they can get to school safely. Mr. Broom There are none of this type in Lexington and if these two go up, they would be the only ones in town. Chairman Kenney If we make it unusual , it will attract the motorists' attention. Mr. Busa I think we should investigate and apply for at least one at the most critical area and, if necessary, to put in on Massachusetts Avenue. Mrs McMenimen Would it flash in one direction or on both Sides? Mr. McSweeney It flashes in the direction that the automo- bile is traveling. Mr. Lund There is the problem of kids walking in the street, and I don't think flashing lights are the solution, but may be part of it. I hope you address yourself to the sidewalk itself. Chairman Kenney 1 am not sure there is a solution We have a sidewalk on the other side of the street. Mr. Bailey You can't deny that lights are presumably going to aid children in crossing the street. Mr. Lund The short cut at the parking lot is the safest place to cross but kids have to get there. Chairman Kenney The problem of building this sidewalk is that it is an extremely difficult sidewalk to build because if we take down the trees, it is right up to their front door. We hope mean- while to assist the situation without the sidewalk. Mr. Busa moved that we approach the State to set up a school zone with blinking lights to be located on School Street before Eastern Avenue and before Massachusetts Avenue. Mr. Bailey Since we are at budget time, we might want to re- view the possible requirements for additional Crossing Guards. The Planning Board and the Traffic Safety Committee wrote us that the problem of traffic is intensifying. Mr. O'Connell I think increasing at the greatest rate is the deterioration of the driving habits of the public; people are just not driving safely. 544 Mr. Bailey seconded the motion. Mrs. Riff in I will vote for it provided we have constant feed- back on whether it really does what we are setting out to do. Mr. Brown I will go along with it but the impression one gets when talking about a sidewalk on School Street, we talk about cross- ing. The key thing is getting across and the point is to get more people more safely across the street. I think this is what we are trying but I agree with Mrs. Riff in that we need feedback. Motion being made and seconded, it was unanimously voted to request the State Department of Public Works to install two Traffic School Zones on School Street before Eastern Avenue and before Massa- chusetts Avenue. Chairman Kenney It is understood that a sidewalk is not to be constructed at this time. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to certify the character of the following who have applied for Certificate of incor- Cert. of poration Incorpora- tion Richard Newcomb 30 Blossomcrest Road Donald A. Miller 20 Pearl Street Hugh E. Bradshaw, Esq. 4 Constitution Road "Lexington Youth Hockey, Inc." Peter A. Mackie 35 Robbins Road "Parent Counseling Association of New England, Inc." Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectmen' s Meeting of October 2, 1972. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Order for Construction of Water on the following streets Water Adams Street, from North Street a distance of 500 feet, more Adams St. or less, northerly to Lexington-Burlington Lawn Ave. Town Line. Lawn Avenue, from Webster Road a distance of 365 feet, more or less. The Board discussed the study of the Bedford Street-Eldred Traffic Signal . Traffic Chairman Kenney read a letter from Mr. Mistretta, State Highway Bedford L Engineer, stating that an analysis of the study reveals that the Eldred Sts. installation of traffic control signals at this intersection would tend to increase the number of rear-end type accidents, particularly because of its close proximity to the Exit ramp of Route 128. "Our r experience shows that the traffic control signals located at Bedford Street and Hartwell Avenue are timed such that back-ups along Bedford Street during morning rush hours are relieved before reaching the Exit Ramp on Rte. 120. Furthermore, experience shows that even a minor change in the GREEN timealotted to the jug handle during these morning hours causes back-ups. We realize the difficulty motorists encounter sometimes in exiting from Eldred Street and mak- ing a left turn onto Bedford Street; particularly during certain hours of the day; this may prove to be a dangerous movement. For this reason, we would like to eliminate left turns for a 30-day trial period from Eldred Street onto Bedford Street - and require a manda- tory right turn. Left turns would then be permitted at the end of the jug handle at Hartwell Avenue in order that traffic may proceed southbound, onto Bedford Street. Pending your concurrence of the above suggestions, my maintenance personnel will erect the necessary signs, and we, in turn, will advise you of the effective date of this 30-day trial period." After discussion it was agreed to write to Mr. Mistretta that the Board concurs with his suggestions to conduct a traffic test for a 30-day trial period for a mandatory right turn from Eldred Street onto Bedford Street and to request that this be limited to the hours of 7 00 a.m. to 9 00 a.m. and from 4 00 p.m. to 6 00 p.m. Also, to request that we be advised at least two weeks prior to the effective date of this trial period in order that we may advertise the regula- tion change in the newspaper. Chairman Kenney If, after the trial, it is felt that this is not a reasonable solution to the problem, then we can go back to the State and initiate the request for a traffic signal once again. Chairmen Kenney read a notice from the Alcoholic Beverages Con- trol Commission regarding Election Day, stating that Hotels, Restau- rants and Clubs may remain open during regular business hours; ABC Package Goods Stores shall not sell or deliver alcoholic beverages -Election during polling hours unless they are authorized to do so by vote of Day their respective local licensing authorities. Chairman Kenney A poll of store owners in the Town indicates their preference to remain open. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to notify the Package Goods Stores that they may remain open on Election Day, November 7, during the regular hours; Motels, Restaurants and Clubs may serve alcoholic beverages during the regular hours. Mr. Buserabstained. Chairman Kenney informed the Board that a request has been re- ceived from Mrs. 'Barrows of North Street for a sidewalk area to be Loading installed at North and Lowell Streets for children who are waiting Zone for the school bus. North Mr. McSweeney It would be about $200 for materials; it Lowell wouldn't include labor. It could be done by the Public Works Depart- Streets ment. 54t; Mr. Bailey This would be a safety zone, not a sidewalk. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to instruct the Director of Public Works to make arrangements for the construc- tion of a sidewalk at the loading zone for school children at the southeast corner of the intersection of North Street and Lowell Street. Chairman Kenney asked Mr. McSweeney about the situation at the Hartwell Avenue Landfill . Mr. McSweeney I have made some headway by talking to the Union for temporary positions using part-time employees. 1 would like to use W-2 labor this Saturday and Sunday from 9 00 a.m. to Hartwell 3 00 p.m. to start this thing off. Landfill Chairman Kenney The glass recycling area would then be open. I would like you to explain the paper storage bins are not emptied. Mr. McSweeney We call and call them and they don't come and collect the papers. Mr. O'Connell Other towns are having the same trouble; they just do not have enough trailers. Mr. McSweeney We can go to Cambridge, not Connecticut, with the glass. Chairman Kenney If we were to report any progress, it would be ( 1) the glass recycling area open from 9 00 a.m. to 3 00 p.m., (2) we are making constant efforts regarding the paper; (3) an area is set aside for leaves. The Board agreed that men would be on overtime over the weekends until part-time help is hired. Mr. O'Connell Mr. McMenimen has requested that the United Fund United Fund Flag be flown during the drive and I suggested that it could be flown Flag on the flagpole in front of Cary Hall during the concentrated part of their own local effort. It would be flown below the American Flag. Chairman Kenney Ask them to stipulate the time. Mr. McSweeney reported that he had investigated parking struc- tures on the TOPICS program and we can get a structure for 100% TOPICS participation but we would have to remove all existing spaces on the Parking street. Will we have to eliminate this idea? Chairman Kenney I would say so. Mr. McSweeney I got an answer that TOPICS would cover a conn plete parking survey. Chairman Kenney What about an experiment for all-day parking meters behind Woolworths? Mr. McSweeney is to chehk this. Executive Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Session Executive Session for the purpose of discussing deliberating or voting 54 ' IIIon matters which, if made public, might adversely affect the public security, the financial interest of the Town or the reputation of a person. After discussion of matters of zoning, personnel and land, it was voted to go out of Executive Session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10.00 p.m. A true record, Attest \-).171,y� V ecutive Clerk, Selectmen (\)), / 1 1