Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-06-26-BOS-min 409 SELECTMEN'S MEETING June 26, 1972 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Select- men' s Meeting Room on Monday evening, June 26, 1972 at 7 30 p.m. Chairman Kenney, Selectmen Bailey, Busa, Brown and Mrs. Riff in; Mr. Legro, Town Counsel ; Mr. O'Connell , Town Manager; Mr. McSweeney, Direc- tor of Public Works; and Mrs. Mascetta, Acting Executive Clerk, were present. Reverend Handley appeared before the Board with two candidates to be appointed to serve as Guides to tourists in Lexington, for a term expiring April I , 1973 Reverend Handley introduced Spencer White to the Board as having passed the necessary examination to be a Lexington Guide. Appointment It was moved by Selectman Busa, seconded by Selectman Bailey and of Lexingto unanimously voted to appoint Spencer White, term expiring April I, Guides 1973. Reverend Handley introduced Doug Wissoker to be appointed Guide * after having passed necdsaary examiitation. Chairman Kenney presented the new guides with the official badge, pointing out the importance of their responsibility and wished them "Good Luck". Mr. O'Connell I would like to speak on an item of interest to the Board There are four candidates,for appointment as firemen. They are excellent candidates. Candidates Four John Grant 166 Lowell Street, Lexington Firemen Kenneth J. Donnelly 22 Sylvia Street, Lexington Daniel Whitney 44 Fletcher Avenue, Lexington John Tobias 198 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington The appointments of the above listed will fill all vacancies in the Fire Department. Mr O'Connell explained to the Board the workings of a new Youth Corp Program under the direction of the Federal Government. The Program has an allowance for 300 openings and it is hoped that all Youth Corp communities in the area will cooperate and participate. There are Program three stipulations governing those eligible to work I) Ages between 14 and 21 2) Still enrolled in school 3) Family income below govern- ment standards (harsh limit) . The rate of pay is set at $1 .70 per hour. There is up to four hours each week allowed for 'release time' for those students requiring summer school . We have been asked to recruit young people. Candidates are being sought. Lexington may have 14 to 20 jobs through this program. There are presently about 30 potential candidates. Just the fact that Jobs are being generated for the youths makes all efforts well worth while. * It was moved by Selectman Bailey, seconded by Selectman Bursa and unanimously voted to appoint Doug Wissoker a Lexington Guide, term expiring April I , 1973. 410 Planning Bd. Mr. O'Connell informed the Board that Chardes Downe of Needham is Agent filling in on a part-time basis as Planning Board Agent temporarily on Temporary a consultant basis. Mr. O'Connell The Board will recall that we were to review and make recommendation on equipment most needed by the Town. There is a great need for one new radio for the Department of Public Works. One Radio of the ambulance radios is not operating properly. It is obsolete, DPW therefore cannot be repaired. I recommend that a second radio be added to the Department of Public Works, the cost of which is $745. It was moved by Selectman Buse, seconded by Selectman Bailey and unanimously voted to authorize the purchase of a second radio, as recommended by Mr. O'Connell . Chairman Kenney read a request frau Mrs. Nancy B. MacKenzie, 13 Maple Street, to change the polling place presently at the Adams School to the Bowman School . Request for Chairman Kenney also read a report submitted by the Town Clerk Change of explaining that neither the Adams School or the Bowman School has Polling good points, and present problems as polling places. Miss McDonough Places suggested that perhaps the Clarke Junior High School , upon completion, might be considered. Mr O'Connell advised the Board to make no decision at this time. Chairman Kenney explained that changes in polling places may be necessary in the near future due to a pending Bill in the Legislature. The Board agreed to take no action at this time and Mrs. MacKenzie should be so informed. Chairman Kenney informed the Board that communication was re- ceived from the State Department of Public Works requesting that proper forms be prepared and filed for the acceptance of State Aid- Highways. Highways Mr John J. McSweeney submitted prepared forms, as directed by State Aid the Board of Selectmen, for acceptance of State Aid In the amount of $50,250 for 1971 and $100,500 for 1972 in accordance with Section 14, Chapter 497 of the Acts of 1971 Motion by Selectman Busa, seconded by Selectman Bailey and unani- mously voted to sign prepared forms and forwarded same to the State District Highway Engineer, District #4. The Board received a letter from Attorney Jack J. Moss, represent- Turning Mill ing property owners on Turning Mill Road, requesting information as to Rd. Request how quickly sewer lines could be installed in that area. The high for Sewer water table causes problems with the functioning of the septic tanks. Mr. McSweeney reported that the engineering department has made a number of studies and has engineering data for sewering in that area. The Board agreed to inform Attorney Moss that he should re-apply this fall to the Director of Public Works in order that this may be included in the 1973 sewer budget. Should he have any further questions he should contact Mr. McSweeney. 411 V Chairman Kenney advised the Board that Mr McSweeney had submitted a progress report for trunk sewer installation in the Battle-View area. Battle-View The project will cost in the vicinity of $325,000 and will be adver- Sewer tised for bids early in October, 1972 for sewer and laterals in the Battle-View area. The easement plans for the takings necessary to complete the 1972 drain construction on Wood Street, Marrett Road and Hancock Street Takings were submitted to the Board for review and acceptance. Drain Ease- Mr. McSweeney explained the plans in order that the Board have a ment Wood full understanding of the design and locations in each project. St. Merrett Motion by Selectmen Busa, seconded by Selectman Bailey and Rd. Hancock unanimously voted that it is the intent of the Board of Selectmen to St. take the necessary easements thereby allowing Mr. McSweeney to obtain the necessary appraisals and descriptions for the final consideration in the takings on Marrett Road, Wood Street and Hancock Street. Mr. McSweeney explained the proposed alterations to the East Street and Lowell Street intersection, as submitted by District #4 of the State Department of Public Works for the installation of traffic Alterations signals. The purpose of this plan is to allow Lexington the oppor- East & tunity to review same and permit the Director of Public Works to submit Lowell Sts. his comments. Mr. McSweeney indicated that the island within the Intersectioi intersection may have to be removed Upon completion of review and discussion, it was agreed that a meeting be scheduled between the Board of Selectmen, District N4 of the State D.P W. and Mr. McSweeney to discuss the need for the island as indicated on the plan. Mr McSweeney feels that this island presents a safety hazard. Chairman Kenney read a letter from Mr. Campbell , Commodore of the Lexington Yacht Club expressing their desire to present flagship °Zero" to the Recreation Department. Mr O'Connell I have checked into the authenticity of the flag- Gift- ship "Zero" and wish to report that it is a 10 foot plywood row boat. Flagship I see only one problem; how to secure it for night storage. There is "Zero" presently a shelter being built that will house the row boat. The Board thanked Mr. Campbell for the generous gift of the row boat and authorized the Town Manager to determine a suitable use of the gift. Chairman Kenney read a letter from Jay R. Sklar expressing con- cern and interest for a local transportation system for Lexington. Selectman Brown reported that a previously appointed committee Committee consisting of himself, Mr. Peter Chalpin of the Engineering Depart- Local ment, Mr. Doaald Graham and Mr. Daniel Small have met with the Boston Transporta- Planning Review Committee to discuss the advisability and practice- tion System lity of setting up a local transportation system. The committee is in hopes that within two weeks information will be available to indi- cate the needs of such a system. There is a problem just in collecting 412 information to be used. The Planning Review will set up a system indi- cating what information we should have for organization and direction. Summer months present a disadvantage in getting this under way Basically the problem is how to collect the necessary information that is needed before next fall, or, how will we go about it all next fall . There is no conclusion at this time as to how helpful this committee can be. Mr. Brown will submit a further report to the Board in about two' weeks Sewer. Con- Upon motion by Selectman Bailey, seconded by Selectman Buse, it tract East & was unanimously voted to sign Contract #`71-4-E for sewer lateral con- York Sts struction on East Street and York Street between the Town and Grandview Construction, Inc in the amount of $125,348.50. Chairman Kenney read a letter from Mr. Robert H. Starrett of Problem Starrett Associates, Inc relative to a problem at the intersection of Intersection MapJs Street and Lowell Street. Mr. Starrett suggests that left-turn Maple & arrows be painted in the left lane of Maple Street and that a " left Lowell Sts. turn only" sign woul-d be helpful . The Board discussed the issue and agreed to refer the matter to the Traffic Committee for study and recommendation. Mr. Starrett is to be so informed The Board reviewed, with interest, a communication from the Lexington Conservation Commission of the possible availability of certain areas of State-owned land in the vicinity of the Metropolitan Conservation State Hospital . Land It was moved by Selectmen Bailey, seconded by Selectman Busa and unanimously voted to make necessary arrangements with the Conservation Commission and Dr. Ronald Ebert, Chairman of the Land Use ComMi5Sion to further discuss the possibility of acquiring some of the land in mention to be used as conservation land. Chairman Kenney read a letter of complaint from Mr. Jack J. Strominger, 2030 Massachusetts Avenue, requesting that something be Complaint done about the bright lights on Massachusetts Avenue at the corner of Lights Worthen Road Mass. Ave. Mr Strominger suggests the possibility of installing a time switch to automatically turn the bright lights off after 10.00 p.m. or the installation of shades to prevent the bright glare of lights into him home The Board agreed to refer the matter to Mr. McSweeney to check the possibility of having shades installed on the lights that are causing the nuisance. Mr. Strominger is to be so advised. Notice ABC The Board received notice from the Alcoholic Beverages Control July 4, 1972 Commission regulating business hours on Independence Day, July 4, for all of Lexington' s licensed liquor establishments. 413 Upon motion made by Selectman Bailey, seconded by Selectman Brown, it was voted that Package Goods Stores are to remain closed on Inde- pendence Day, July 4, 1972; Motels, Restaurants and Clubs may sell alcoholic beverages during the usual hours. Selectman Busa abstained from discussion and the vote. Chairman Kenney read a request from the President of the Pre School P.T.A. that a swimming lesson program for pre-schoolers be pro- Pre vided by the Town during this summer. School Mr. O'Connell advised the Board that this program is not within P.T.A the budget of the Recreation Department this year. Last year the "Res" staff , in their own eagerness, had classes for children under five years of age It was well received but not realized that most of the time in- volved was donated by the staff . Demands became rather severe. The staff indicated that many times there was harassment from some of the parents of these children. The Recreation Department reviewed this program carefully this year. The Director and staff recommended against this program primarily because of the budget limit, lack of sufficient staff and existing situation at the "res" at the present time. Mrs. Sandra S. Aghababian, Chairwoman of Community Projects ex- pressed disappointment that the program is not available this year. Mrs. Pam Rogers, President of the Pre School P.T.A. I would like to see something done because these children will lose out this year. Many parents are upset that this program is not being offered this year Mr. O'Connell The old "res" is open to all children, if they are interested. Parents can bring their children to the reservoir and are free to teach their own children to swim. Chairman Kenney It is evident that a good deal of considera- tion was given this program but that the limited budget and staff did not allow it this year. Selectmen Busa Originally the old "res" was to be for families for free swimming. Programs are provided for residents at the new facility, and the old "res" should be left for free family swimming. Mr O'Connell informed all present that the program for swimming lessons for pre-schoolers to be provided by the Town will be studied carefully this year to see if it would be feasible to provide such a program another year Chairman Kenney read a communication from the Middlesex Bar Asso- ciation asking that the Town consider a fall program of community Bar education in practicle law. This will be offered by a volunteer com- Association mittee of attorneys and lay-people. Selectman Busa suggested that this should be referred to the School Committee as it is his feeling that this would come under "education". The Board agreed to refer this matter to the School Committee and that the Middlesex Bar Association be so advised. 414 Bond Motion by Selectman Busa, seconded by Selectman Bailey and Asst Town unanimously voted that Bond #32-51-32 in the amount of $2,000 cover- Clerk ing Norma B. Jervis, Assistant Town Clerk, be accepted and approved. Motion by Selectman Busa, seconded by Selectman Bailey, and Minutes unanimously voted to accept the minutes of the following meetings Accepted Special , May 12, 1972; Regular and Executive, May 22, 1972, Regular May 30 and June 5, 1972. Five Fields, Inc. has requested permission to hold its annual July 4th square dance to be held July I , 1972, from 7 15 p.m. to II 30 p.m. on the street at the corner of Barberry Road and Field Permit Road Five Fields Selectman Bailey noted that it has been the policy of the Board July 4th to issue such permits up to II 00 p.m Selectman Riffin amended the request to read that the Board grant permission to Five Fields, Inc. to hold their annual July 4th square dance on July 1 , 1972 on the street at the corner of Barberry Road and Field Road from 7 00 p.m. to II 00 p.m. with a rain date to be Sunday evening, July 2, same hours. It was so moved by Select- man Riffin, seconded by Selectman Busa and unanimously voted Chairman Kenney read the letter of resignation received from Daniel P. Busa as a member of the Lexington Commission of Suburban Resignation Responsibility, to be effective Immediately. L.C.S.R. It was moved by Selectman Bailey, seconded by Selectman Brown and unanimously voted that the Board accept the resignation of Mr. Daniel P. Busa as a member of the Lexington Commission of Suburban Responsibility. Selectman Riffin requested permission to speak about the change of format being considered relative to appointments to the Lexington Commission of Suburban Responsibility. The representative from the Civil Rights Committee and from the Parent Teachers Association will be removed from the list of Representing Committees. LCSR Mrs Riffin outlined the recommendation that nominees consid- Format ered for appointment to the L.C.S R. consist of a town employee iWho- resides in Lexington; a lexington teacher who may or may not reside in Lexington; two members-at-large that the Board of Selectmen may nominate. Selectman Busa Why enlarge a Committee that is working well? Selectman Brown Why must the town employee be a town resident? If a town employee shows strong interest in the town and is active, he cannot serve this committee only because he is not a resident. After further discussion, it was moved by Selectman Busa, seconded by Selectman Brown and unanimously voted to revise the membership list of the L.C.S.R to include one employee to be recom- mended by the Town Manager, one Lexington teacher who may or may not reside in the Town; two members-at-large to be nominated by the Board of Selectmen. 415 Selectman Riff in noted that all of those considered for appoint- ment should have expressed an interest in serving. If there is not an expressed interest, there is a weaning of activity and participa- tion. It is those who express interest in serving that make the best members. Chairman Kenney In writing to the appointing authorities, I will suggest that in making their appointments they seek out those who express an interest in serving. Mr. McSweeney submitted a summary of the street lights as re- quested by the Board. The lights are installed on an annual rental cost. The list as submitted presents a cost of $3, 100.08 which is not in the budget. If the request for the installation of these Street lights is submitted now they will be installed within about three Lights months. Chairman Kenney 1 feel that we should request that these lights be installed. It is time to face the fact that we must install these lights. Motion by Selectman Busa, seconded by Selectman Bailey and unani- mously voted to instruct the Director of Public Works to order from Boston Edison Company street lights totaling a cost of $3, 100.08 to be installed on the following streets Albemarle Avenue Laconia Street Philip Road Dudley Road North Street Williams Road Brookwood Road Norton Road Wyman Road Fairfield Drive Park Drive Village Circle Chairman Kenney read a request from Eugene B. Skolnikoff for withdrawal of an earlier request for a sewer connection at his home at 3 Chandler Road. Mr. McSweeney reported on the existing situation indicating that the records of the Board of Health show no complaints relative to malfunctioning septic tanks in this area and recommends dropping this sewer extension which would cost the Town $9,000. Motion by Selectman Brown, seconded by Selectman Bailey and Request to unanimously voted to accept the recommendation of the Director of Withdraw Public Works to delete the installation of the sewer extension to Sewer 3 Chandler Road. Connection A proposal was submitted by Barnes Engineering Company through our Director of Public Works for furnishing and installing 8 (eight) Property property markers for the Woburn Street School site, as follows Markers Woburn St. Item I 8 Concrete Bounds IV $35 each $280 School Site Item 2 a Granite Bounds @ $60 each $480 It was recommended by Mr McSweeney that the Board approve the proposal for the installation of the 8 Granite Bounds. I 416 V Motion by Selectman Bailey, seconded by Selectman Busa, and unani- mously voted to approve and award the contract to Barnes Engineering Co. Inc., II Lexington Street, Auburndale, Massachusetts, for the installation of 8 (eight) Granite Bounds at the Woburn Street School Site in the amount of $480. A group of residents from Lillian Road appeared before the Board with a petition stating that they are not in favor of the in- stallation of a sidewalk along Lillian Road. This petition was signed by 34 residents of the area and reads as follows We, the undersigned, being residents and property owners on Lillian Road wish to inform the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Lex- ington that we are not in favor of the construction of a sidewalk on Lillian Road for the following reasons I . We feel that sidewalks will not control speeding . It may give fast drivers a false security and excuse to maintain speed 2 Grammar school children are picked up by school bus. 3 We feel that sidewalks do not enhance appearance of Petition property. Lillian Rd. Residents 4 We believe that a sidewalk is an unnecessary expense to the Town and property owners Chairman Kenney made reference to the original petition dated September 17, 1971 that was signed by 12 residents of Lillian Road which reads as follows We, the neighbors of Lillian Road, are concerned about the safety of our children. Since our street is part of a connection between Lowell Street and Massachusetts Avenue, we note ever in- creasing traffic usage, often at high speeds. Many of our children are school age or younger, and must use the road when walking to and from the bus stops. One of these, at the corner of Anthony Road and Lillian Road, where they wait for the bus, deserves particular attention. We appeal to you to investigate the possibilities of signs, use of radar, use of bumps, or sidewalks to alleviate this problem. For further information, please contact Mrs. Robert Furman, 862-6895. Chairman Kenney At that time, the petition was referred to the Traffic Committee and it was recommended to install a sidewalk. Mr. McCarthy, 7 Lillian Road The person that brought that peti- tion around said that they were not in favor of sidewalks. Most signers indicated very clearly that they were also not in favor. Selectman Busa But the original petition did contain a request for a sidewalk. 417 Mr. Francis B. Culbertson, 9 Lillian Road I did not see the I III original petition. I found that there is a petition, but I thought that it was to do something about speeding drivers. I do not be- lieve that a sidewalk will slow down traffic or speeding drivers. Chairman Kenney The original petition indicated "or side- walks to alleviate this problem" . That is what got the entire thing in motion. I would not like to see it go out now since we have completed most of the lay-out. Mr. McSweeney When you saw work forces out there, it came as a surprise to you? We have come through a complete budget review and news paper advertisements. The budget was reviewed and dis- cussed at Town Meeting . Selectman Busa 1 would like to take this under review until the next meeting . Chairman Kenney questioned if this delay would interfere with the present work schedule and found that it would not. After further discussion, it was moved by Selectman Busa, seconded by Selectman Riff in and unanimously voted that this matter be tabled for two weeks. Selectman Riff in reported that she had received two calls from residents relative to the fact that the upper floor of the Buckman Tavern is unsafe and closed to visitors For safety measures, could a survey be taken this summer in order to have the necessary informa- Condition tion ready should anything be done at Town Meeting next year. of Buckman Selectman Bailey Weeks ago I suggested to get things going on Tavern this. Chairman Kenney 1 received one call today to prompt the Histor- ical Society for action on what must be done Mr. Legro suggested that the lease be checked as to who is responsible for the maintenance of the building, Selectman Riff in will be in touch with members of the Historical Society. Upon motion by Selectman Busa, seconded by Selectman Bailey, it was unanimously voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose Executive of discussing, deliberating or voting on matters which', if made Session public, might adversely affect the public security, the 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 reconvening the regular session of the meeting, the Board agreed to adopt the motions that were made in executive session, as follows Motion by Selectman Bailey, seconded by Selectman Busa and unani- Stankard mously voted to grant an extension of time to July 21 , 1972 for perfor- Bevington mance of the agreement on the taking of the Stankard-Bevington land. Land I 4 h Motion by Selectman Bailey, seconded by Selectman Brown and unanimously voted to amend the agreement to change the lot line as indicated on the plan. Motion by Selectman Bailey, seconded by Selectman Busa and unanimously voted to adopt the order of taking and award damages in the amount of $23,000 to Alfred J Bevington, Jr and Mary E. Stankard. Motion by Selectman Bailey, seconded by Selectman Busa and unanimously voted that the meeting adjourn at 9 55 p.m. Acting Executive Clerk, Selectmen I