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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-08-21-BOS-min 456 , SELECTMEN'S MEETING August 21, 1972 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Select men' s Meeting Room on Monday evening, August 21 , 1972, at 7 30 p.m. Chairman Kenney, Messrs. Bai ley and Busa, Mrs. Riff in; Mr Legro, Town Counsel; Mr. O'Connell, Town Manager; Mr. McSweeney, Director of Public Works; Mrs. McCurdy, Executive Clerk, were present. The Board agreed that Chairman Kenney and Mrs. Riff in would attend Metropolitan a meeting with the Trustees of the Metropolitan State Hospital on State Hosp Septesber 28, to discuss the possibility of acquiring some of the Land hospital' s land. Chairman Kenney is to invite Dr. Kessler, Chairman of the Conservation Commission. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the New England Tele- phone Company to lay and maintain underground conduit on Spring Street. Notices of the hearing were sent to the petitioner and owners of Spring Si- the property as listed on the petitioner' s plan, and also filed with Conduit the Director of Public Works. Mr Dunn, representing the Telephone Company, was present and said that this is the other end of the Job *0 did a year ago. We wi11 go underground from the Waltham line to existing manhole 54/191 . Chairman Kenney read a report from Mr. Coscia, D.P W. Manager, recommending that approval be granted, according to the submitted plan. No one appearing in favor or in opposition, 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 of conduit Spring Street On the westerly side approximately 173 feet north of the Waltham-Lexington line southerly approxi- mately 173 feet to existing manhole 54/191 . Hearing was declared open upon petition of the New England Tele- Mass. Ave phone Compamy to lay and maintain underground conduit on Massachusetts Conduit Avenue from Edison Way to Woburn Street. Edison Way to Notices of the hearing were sent to the petitioner and owners of Woburn St the property as listed on the petitioner' s plan, also filed with the Director of Public Works. Mr. Dunn, representing the Telephone Company, was present and said that this is mostly for interoffice traffic between Arlington and Lexington. It was extended from the Green down to Edison Way, and now it is to be extended from there to Woburn Street. This ,job won't start until spring and will take about two months. 1 Superintendent Latta of the Lexington Post Office was present and expressed concern about the length of time a trench would be in front of the Post Office, also, there was a manhole involved Mr. Dunn They will dig 21 to 4 feet down and 2 feet bide, it will take a half-day to get the hole dug out; it will be back-dug so there will be nothing to interfere with driveways. Chairman Kenney read a report from Mr. Coscia, DPW Man er, recom- mending that approval be granted, according to the submitte plan, subject to the condition that public access to the streets nd driveways be kept open (with the use of steel plates) as much as possible. Mr. Latta Construction will be such that there will e no park- ing for vehicles. If it is for 10 days to 2 weeks, it will ie up our equipment. We have no desire to interfere with you, but we are con- cerned about parking. A suggestion would be that there be temporary easement of the restriction on parking on Grant Street. It might very well serve to ease complaints. Mr. Dunn This job won't come up until some time next spring. Mr. McSweeney We can work that out next spring. It will be from 7 to 10 days. Mr Latta For that length of time, then 1 have no objection. No one appearing in favor or in opposition, 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 of conduit, subject to the restrictions of the Public Works Department, and the condition that public access to the streets and driveways located from Edison Way to Woburn Street be kept opened, with the use of steel plates, as much as possible Massachusetts Avenue Southeasterly, from Edison Way, approxi- mately 1097 feet of underground conduit, also two (2) new manholes 54/I25 and 54/ 126, also rebuilding manhole 54/6 and 54/60 into one large manhole 54/6. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the New England Tele- phone Company to lay and maintain underground conduit on, Massachusetts Avenue, Pleasant Street, Fern Street, Watertown Street and Worthen Road. Notices of the hearing were sent to the petitioner and owners of Underground the property as listed on the petitioner' s plan, also filed with the Conduit Director of Public Works. Mass. Ave. Mr. Dunn representing the Telephone Company, was present and said Pleasant that at the present time it is congested on Pleasant Street and there Fern & is no room on the poles; this would take care of it now and the future Watertown construction will be in the spring . We have to write up the contract Streets - and the restrictions must be written in Worthen Rd Chairman Kenney What is the estimated construction period? Mr. Dunn I would say three months. Chairman Kenney read a report from Mr. Coscia, DPW Manager, recom- mending that approval be granted to extend the conduit. The permit 45 must state that driveways into Wilson Farms, Incorporated be kept open as much as the installation of the conduit will allow. Resident drive- ways must be kept open Chairman Kenney For temporary construction, the driveways will be kept open every night. Mr. James Storer, 69 Pleasant Street Will the cable be buried in the pavement or along the side of the street? Mr. Dunn In the sidewalks, along Wilson Farms and then it crosses over and will be in the pavement. Mr. Storer I would like to register strong opposition. I have a utility pole right smack in front of my driveway, also, they seldom clean up after themselves They regularly block the driveway and use Bowman Park, which I object to. A little bit further down on our property, my wife found that a telephone man had gone into my field to put a cable on, we called up and they did say it was not town land, but they left us a hole. i would like to know what kind of prompt and effective cleanup there would be afterwards. I am curious about a line of trees which the Telephone Company feels free to cut without asking anybody, I would like to see that layout of trees on Pleasant Street and Wilson Farms and if the trench would by-pass them; also a restric- tion not to use Bowman Park for the enjoyment of their group, and they would tidy up the homeowners' properties. There is little margin at the edge between the pavement and the property - look at it. I heard that the Telephone Company dug up this year and put in some cable, and came back in again A fair question from the homeowners on Pleasant Street to the Town is if they dig up Pleasant Street, why not get rid of the poles. I think you ought to have a plan on what you are going to do on Pleasant Street. Chairman Kenney As far as clean-up, that will be done ade- quately and efficiently so the area is restored as it was before; that would be our obligation Regarding the removal of poles, what are your plans? Mr. Dunn At this time, we have no plans to take down the poles; Edison is on there too. Chairman Kenney to Mr. Dunn The purpose of this is not for local residents? Mr. Dunn It is for the Telephone Company Exchange relief for future development of that area. Chairman Kenney to Mr McSweeney Has your department looked at the plan in regard to the trees? Mr. McSweeney This permit doesn't end here. We are working with these people as far as clean-up, traffic and the local residents. We have had good response from the Telephone Company and the con- tractors they have. If not, we don't let the contractors work in the Town. No one else having further questions, the Board agreed to take the matter under advisement until Mr. McSweeney reviews the plans and returns with a report on the trees involved in the area. Mr O'Connell asked Mr. Storer to elaborate on his remark about the use of Bowman Park. 459 r Mr. Storer The Town uses it, too. There is a telephone service pole right at the tip of Bowman Park and this is at least a once-a- month affair down there that they are working there; they park there and have lunch. Mr. O'Connell I know of nothing illegal about going -o the park for lunch. Do they litter the place? Mr. Storer They litter our driveway; I don't know about the park. Mr. Legro requested the Board to sign the deed to convey to Kenneth P. Kelley and Evelyn L. Kelley, tax title lots 20 and 21 Earle Street for the sum of $200, as voted by the Board on May I , 1972. Kenneth Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the deed Kelley Tax to convey to Kenneth P. Kelley and Evelyn L. Kelley, husban and wife, Title Lots as tenants by the entirety, of 49 Earle Street,. lots 20 and 21 in Earle St Block 16 on Earle Street, Lexington, for the full considert ion of $200 paid, subject to the restriction that, for purposes of building, said lots 20 and 21 are to be combined with lots 22, 23 and 24 in Block 16, and only one building, together with customary ac essory buildings, shall be erected, placed or maintained on the c bined lot. Mr. Legro requested the Board to sign the deed to convey to Anthony C. Busa, Lot 57 Rockville Avenue, for the sum of $3, 500 as voted by the Board on April 3, 1972. Busa Lot 57 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sicn the Rockville III deed to convey to Anthony C Busa and Beatrice E Busa, husband and wife, as tenants by the entirety, of 11 Albemarle Avenue, Lot 57 Rockville Avenue, for the full consideration of $3,500 paid, subject to the restriction that, for the purposes of building, said lot 57 is to be combined with lot 56, and only one building, together with customary accessory buildings, shall be erected, placed or maintained on the combined lot. Mr. Legro requested the Board to sign the contract for street re- surfacing which was awarded on July 31, 1972 to Massachusetis Broken Resurfacing Stone Company, Weston. Contract Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign con- tract 72-4-E for street resurfacing which was awarded to Massachusetts Broken Stone Company, Weston, in the amount of $70, 179. Mrs. Amelia G. Samoylenko and Mr. Herbert Eisenberg of Lexington Mews, 10-12 Muzzey Street, met with the Board to request the removal Lexington of the Town-owned fence at the rear of 10-12 Muzzey Street Mews Mr. Eisenberg The only qualification is that the fence not be removed until after the building is constructed. The fence now is not on our lot line but is 51 inches from the existing building The pro- posed building, which will now be 10 feet back from our lot line, will be a paved area and a parking lot beyond that We are not asking to change the parking - the paved area will be used for a sidewalk - we are just asking you to remove the fence. We feel that, c sentially, IIIthe request will beautify the property. 460 Chairman Kenney I had referred the matter to the Director of Public Works and the following is an excerpt from his report; On the question of removal of the fence at the rear of the property adjacent to the municipal parking lot, it has been the Town' s policy to have this fence as a divider between public and private lands, with the exception of small pedestrian access at the easterly corner of their property If the Board were to remove this fence entirely, they would have to consider requests from a number of abutters to this parking lot because there would be no way to control the pedestrian traffic from the parking area (public and private way) . I would like to recom- mend that the fence remain in place until such time that the whole parking area is studied to see what effect it would have if direct access to and from the parking area were provided for all abutters. After discussion, the Board agreed that, as a minimum accommoda- tion, portions of the fence would be removed to provide access to the rear entrance at 10-12 Muzzey Street and also access to the fire exits from the theatre. Secondly, the intent is to look at the fenc- ing situation in the entire parking lot and it is possible that, as a result of this evaluation, the fence abutting the property would be removed as well as the fence in other areas of the lot. Also, to inform Mrs Samoylenko that in the event she wishes to propose a method of pedestrian control other than a fence, such as a hedge, the Board would give the matter consideration. Mr. O'Connell informed the Board that bids have been received for storm drain construction on Meriam Street, Oakmount Circle, Contract Hancock Street and Easement, Wood Street Easement, Hayes Lane and Storm Drain Fletcher Ave. Mr. McSweeney recommends, and I concur, that the 72-2-E bid be awarded to the low bidder, P. Gioioso & Sons, Inc., 38 Robinson Street, Dorchester, in the amount of $79,240. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award Con- tract 72-2-E for storm drain construction to P Gioioso & Sons, Inc.; in the amount of $79,240. Mr O'Connell informed the Board that three bids have been re- Fire Engine ceived on the new fire engine; they are under intensive evaluation Bids due to the fact that they are not identical as far as equipment is concerned. Basically, the appropriation was for $57,000 and the bids run in the neighborhood of $65,000; it would be awarded on elimination of equipment. The basic bids are within the limit of the appropriation. Mr. O'Connell is to come back to the Board next week. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Execu- Executive five Session for the purpose of discussing, deliberating or voting on Session matters which, if made public, might adversely affect the public security, the financial interests of the Town or the reputation of a person. After discussion of the Bowman School roof, it was voted to go out of Executive Session. 4b_1_ Chairman Kenney read a report from the Director of Public Works/ Engineering Department stating that in answer to a complaint from Myers Fence Miss Martha L. Myers, 119 Simonds Road, an Engineer had met with her Simonds Rd. regarding the removal and replacement of her fence due to the side- walk construction. On August 18, 1972, the fence was installed and alt the necessary work was completed. The Board agreed that the matter was closed Chairman Kenney read a letter from Mr. Gallagher, Chairman of the Recreation Committee, requesting the Board release the Lincoln Street property (old dump site) for use as part of the large recreation area adjacent to this property A study of all recreational facilities within the town has been started and this area is vital to tle com- plete development of the large recreational area bounded by the Center Playground, High School property, Bridge School area, and the Reservoir. After discussion, the Board agreed to inform Mr. Gallagler that it agrees to turn over the area of the former Lincoln Street dunp site to the Recreation Committee for use in the overall planning of recrea- Recreation tionat facilities, with the understanding that the land may be used Committee now on an "as is" basis for informal practice fields or soccer use, Lincoln St. etc. Also, to point out that the land at this time is in no condition Dump site for recreational use or the building of any structures. The Town will continue to use a portion of the area for a snow dump. Chairman Kenney read a request from the Chamber of Commerce for free parking at all meters in the Center during Business Promotion Chamber of Sale Day, Friday, August 25, 1972, also a request for a banner to be Commerce placed across Massachusetts Avenue at the Waltham Street intersection. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to suspend meter parking regulations on August 25, 1972 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to deny permis- sion to the Chamber of Commerce for a banner across Massachusetts Avenue. Chairman Kenney read a letter from the Manager of Pine Headows Country Club objecting to any future possibility of a Great meadows Great Golf Course. Meadows Golf The Board agreed to reaffirm its position that the Great Course Meadows remain in its present open, natural state and to again commu- nicate this position to the Arlington Board of Selectmen. Tie Manager of the Pine Meadows Country Club is to be so informed. Chairman Kenney read a letter from the District Highway Engineer stating that the request submitted by the Board for a stop sign on Traffic Massachusetts Avenue, Northwestbound at Worthen Road, and a stop sign Yield Signs on Worthen Road, Northeastbound at Massachusetts Avenue, was denied as the two proposed locations are better suited for a yield sign. The request for these two stop signs was voted by the Board DTI April 18, 1972. E� / Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to rescind the vote of April 18, 1972 to request the State Department of Public Works for a stop sign on Massachusetts Avenue, Northwestbound at Worthen Road, and a stop sign on Worthen Road, Northeastbound at Massachusetts Avenue. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request ap- proval of the State Department of Public Works for amendment of the Traffic Rules and Orders of Lexington by adding to Article VIII , Section 22, Schedule #7 the following STREET LOCATION REGULATION Massachusetts Avenue Northwestbound at Worthen Road Yield Worthen Road Northeastbound at Mass. Avenue Yidld Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectmen's Meetings as follows Executive-June 5 and July 10, 1972; Special-July 31 , 1972; open and Executive- July 24, 1972. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the following ORDER FOR CONSTRUCTION OF SEWER Hartwell Avenue from existing sewer a distance of 631 .46 feet more or less, southerly, to 121 Hartwell Avenue. Young Street from Webb Street a distance of 890 feet, more or Sign Orders less, to Third Street for Sewer Takings Webb Street from Woburn Street a distance of 1464 feet, more or less, to end. Leonard Road from Woburn Street a distance of 508 feet, more or less, northerly. Woburn Street from House No. 176 a distance of 2040 feet, more or less, easterly to Rumford Road. ORDER FOR SEWER TAKING Third Street from Young Street a distance of 195 feet, more or less, to end Young Street from Third Street a distance of 130 feet, more or less, easterly. Chairman Kenney read a letter from the Secretary of the Arlington Woburn- Board of Selectmen expressing concern regarding the possibility of a Maple St. sanitary landfill operation being established at the proposed Woburn- Dump Maple Street area, as this area has a brook that flows down through 4 6 3 the Great Meadows and into the Arlington Reservoir, there, any land- fill operations would create a serious water pollution problem in the Town of Arlington The Board agreed to inform the Arlington Board of Selectmen that we have no plans to establish a sanitary landfill operation in the Woburn-Maple Street area, and that their confusion possibly arose be- cause our Planning Board is contemplating that some consulting engineering work be done on this land while, coincidently, we have also engaged consultants to look at some problems which we have at our sanitary landfill on Hartwell Avenue. However, the two projects are not related and it is not intended to move our landfill operation from the Hartwell Avenue site Chairman Kenney read a recommendation from the Director of Public Works that the Board sign the Memorandum of Agreement between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Works anc the Town Chapter 90 of Lexington for Chapter 90 Maintenance, in the amount of $2 ,000, for Mainten-• 1 ,530 linear feet of Coolidge Avenue from Adams Street to Hancock ance Street. Coolidge Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Avenue Memorandum of Agreement between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts De- partment of Public Works and the Town of Lexington for Chapter 90 Maintenance, in the amount of $2,000 for 1 ,530 linear feet cf Coolidge Avenue from Adams Street to Hancock Street. IllChairman Kenney requested that the Board issue a proclamation de- Proclama^ clwring Monday, September 18, 1972, as Air Force Day in Lexington. tion Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the pro- Air Force clamation declaring Monday, September 18, 1972, Air Force D_y in Day Lexington. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing, deliberatirg or Executive voting on matters which, if made public, might adversely affect Session the public security, the financial interests of the Town or the repu- tation of a person. After discussion of personnel matters it was voted to go out of Executive Session The Board discussed a memorandum from the Director of Fublic Works concerning various easements. Slope Upon motion duly made and seconded, the intent to take slope Easements easements for the construction of the sidewalk on School Street- Mass. Ave Massachusetts Avenue was voted, with an award of no damages to the School St. following Plan of Slope Easements - Massachusetts Avenue Wilfred J. & Virginia E Wagner, 2408 Massachusetts Avenue and Lot 129 46 4 Plan of Slope Easements - School Street Michael A. & Barbara J. Cardillo; Joseph A. & Julia A. Gleason; Frederick V , Jr & Agnes M. McNenimen; Roger D. & LaVerne Gould; John F. & Elizabeth F. Downey of I Stimson Avenue. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to make an award of no damages to the following Drain Easements Plan of Drain Easement off Marrett Road off Marrett Rd David R & Billie H. Drew Plan of Drain Easement off Wood Street Wood St. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Plan of Land in Lexington, Mass - Drain Easement off Wood Street Hervey W. & Barbara H. Heywood - Jenkins Realty Inc Plan of Temporary Construction Easement off Hancock Street Hancock St. Martin 1 & Joanne G. Small; John F., Jr. & Nancy A. Downey Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to take sewer easements, as contained on the plan submitted by John J. McSweeney dated March 24, 1972, off East Street and Brown Road, with an award of no damages to Sewer Easements Plan of Sewer Easement off East Street and Brown Road East St - Henry & Barbara C. Delfiner, William G. & Margaret Mary Johnston; Brown Road James P O'Neil Plan of Sewer Easement off East Street and Ridge Road John E. & Kathryn J. Sykes; Ralph P. and Rose A. Braun. Chairman Kenney informed the Board that the notice from the Alco- holic Beverages Control Commission regarding Labor Day has not been ABC - received. Labor Day Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to conform to the Rules and Regulations of the. Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission regarding Labor Day, Monday, September 4, 1972, regarding Package Goods Stores, Motels, Restaurants and Clubs. Mr Busa abstained. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10 20 p.m. A true record, Attest x 14 ' Executive Clerk, Selectmen