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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-05-15-BOS-min e367 SELECTMEN'S MEETING May 15, 1972 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Select- men' s Meeting Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, May 15, 1972, at 7 30 p.m. Chairman Kenney, Messrs. Bailey and Buse, and Mrs. Riff in, Mr. Legro, Town Counsel, Mr. O'Connell, Town Manager; Mr. McSweeney, Director of Public Works, and Mrs. McCurdy, Executive Clerk, were present. At the request of the Town Clerk, two jurors were drawn, as follows Jurors Joseph J. Bille 21 Douglas Road Norton G. Zieff 6 Russell Road Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Com- pany and the New England Telephone Company to relocate seven poles on Ewell Avenue. Notices of the hearing were mailed to the petitioners and abutters listed on the petitioners' plan, and also filed with the Director of Public Works. Ewell Ave. Mr. Dunn, representing the New England Telephone Company, and Mr Pole Pratt, representing the Boston Edison Company, were present and Mr. Location Dunn informed the Board that this petition was for validation for poles already in place. Ewell Avenue was a private way and it is now a public way. Chairman Kenney said that our Public Works Department approves the location of the poles. 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 Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone Company for the following location; Ewell Avenue, easterly side, northerly from a point approximately 65 feet north of Deering Avenue, - seven poles. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Com- pany and the New England Telephone Company to relocate one pole on Eastern Eastern Avenue. Avenue Notices of the hearing were mailed to the petitioners and abutters Pole listed on the petitioners' plan, and also filed with the Director of Location Public Works. Mr Dunn, representing the New England Telephone Company, and Mr. Pratt representing the Boston Edison Company, were present. Mr. Dunn informed the Board that this petition is for the same reason as the previous request. 368 Chairman Kenney said that our Public Works Department approves the location of this pole. These two petitions are submitted because of street construction. No one appearing in favor or in opposition, the Chairman declared the hearing closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was Noted to grant permis- sion to the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone Com- pany for the following location Eastern Avenue southerly side, approximately 183 feet east of School Street, one pole (one existing JO Pole to be removed). Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Com- pany and the New England Telephone Company to relocate poles on Hillcrest Avenue. Notices of the hearing were mailed to the petitioners and abutters listed on the petitioners' plan, and also filed with the Director of Public Works Mr. Dunn, representing the New England Telephone Company, and Mr. Pratt, representing the Boston Edison Company, were present Mr Dunn informed the Board that this petition was for validation for poles already in place after the construction, of the street, but the abutters must be notified that the work has been done. Mr. John Frazier, 50 Hillcrest Avenue, was present and questioned the direction specified on the notice he had received. He claimed Hillcrest that the part of Hillcrest Avenue in which he was interested shove d:ithe Avenue location of poles as being on the westerly side and the notice should Pole Loca- read 'easterly' . tion Chairman Kenney We understand that the poles are now in place and are not going to be moved, our Public Works Department approves the locations. Mr. Frazier If they are not going to be moved, then I have no objection. Chairman Kenney We shall check the specified direction with our Public Works Department. (The Public Works Department checked the location and verified that of the six poles involved, one is westerly and five are northerly.) 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 Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone Company for the following location Hillcrest Avenue, southeasterly side northeasterly from a point approximately 155 feet northeast of Winship Road, - three (3) poles. (Three existing JO poles to be removed.) 369 L- Hillcrest Avenue, westerly side, northerly from a point approxi- mately 245 feet north of Circle Road, - six (6) poles. (Four existing JO poles to be removed.) Hillcrest Avenue, southerly side, approximately 105 feet west of Albemarle Avenue, - one ( I ) pole. (one exist- ing JO pole to be removed.) Mr. O'Connell informed the Board that he had received a verbal request this morning for the use of the Green for a brief ceremony which would conclude an ecumenical vigil for peace to be held at St. Brigid' s Church. There would be 50 to 100 people involved and Permit for the group would walk to the Green and arrive at approximately 8 00 p.m. use of the on May 17, 1972. Green Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permis- sion for the use of the Green on May 17, 1972 at 8 00 p.m. Mr. O'Connell reported on the status of the investigation of Mass. Trash, Inc He had met with Mr O'Connor, representative of the Governor' s Office; Lexington Planning Director, Mr. Zaleski , and Mass Trash representatives of the Public Works Department and the Board of Health. Inc. He recommended that the Board schedule a meeting for next Monday even- ing with Mr. O'Connor and the Board of Directors of Mass. Trash, Inc. The Board agreed to meet with them on next Monday evening. Mr. O'Connell informed the Board that he had received a report that a Peace Action group plans to demonstrate at Hanscom Field to- morrow at the Lincoln gate. As far as he knows, there are no plans to go to the Lexington gate. Mr. O'Connell informed the Board that a request was received from Mr. William Hays for the use of the old Lincoln Street dump area for shooting off model rockets by Bowman School pupils. I talked Lincoln St. with Mr. Hays and explained that the Town has no liability insurance Dump Area for this type of thing as it is only covered for specific areas of Request liability where it does business. The request has not been turned down; it was withdrawn. Chairman Kenney said that a request has been received to issue a proclamation on National Guard Week. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Proclama- Proclamation declaring the week of May 21 - 27, 1972 as National Guard tion Week. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Sewer - Order for Construction of sewer on East Street, from Emerson Road, a East St distance of 1370 feet, more or less, to beyond Burnham Road. e370 Chairman Kenney read a letter from Robert I . Ivarson, 38 Tarbell Avenue, requesting assistance regarding water that is collecting in Tarbell Ave. his yard and cellar as a result of the flown water table behind his ' Water property and storm drains running into the area. Collection Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to refer the Problem request to the Director of Public Works for a recommendation. Chairman Kenney read a letter from Otto E. Tobiason, 127 North Street, requesting that an investigation be made of a section near Tobiason him which is being used as a dump area, and a request for additional Request street lights. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to refer the letter to the Director of Public Works for a recommendation. Chairman Kenney read a letter from the School Committee recom- Building mending that a joint meeting be held to discuss the formation of a Maintenance study committee to develop a plan of a single building maintenance Organization organization. The Board agreed to schedule a meeting for June 5, 1972. Chairman Kenney read a letter from Robert L. Seaman, 17 Hancock Traffic Street, regarding traffic conditions in the area. Hancock Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to refer the Street letter to the Traffic Committee for a recommendation. Chairman Kenney read a request from Joseph and Jack Savenor, 14 Ballard Terrace, Lexington, regarding application for a Package Goods Store. Liquor Mr. Busa was recorded as not participating in the discussion Request nor voting. Savenor Mr Legro A requirement would be to file application under the form prescribed by the ABC. Chairman Kenney We are allowed one for every 5,000 people and, technically, there is one opening. After discussion, the Board agreed not to re-open applications. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to inform the Messrs Savenor that at this time the Board feels there are suffi- cient Package Goods Stores in the Town to well serve the public and additional Applications are not being accepted. However, the Savenors' request will be kept on file and they will be informed if the Board re-opens applications. Mr. Busa abstained. Chairman Kenney read a notice from the Middlesex and Boston Street Railway Company of Waltham as follows "The Massachusetts Bay M d B Bus Transportation Authority has, as of 12 01 a.m. - July I , 1972, termin- Service ated its contract with the Middlesex and Boston Street Railway Company to supply mass transportation to cities and towns in Metropolitan Boston. Pursuant to a vote of its Board of Directors, the Middlesex and Boston Street Railway Co. hereby notifies you that as of 12 01 A.M. July I , 1972, it will terminate all mass transportation in its area." 371 • Chairman Kenney This leaves us with one train a day. Mr. O'Connell This is one of the deficit items. It is an action to have the state pick up all or part of the deficit, this is part of the crisis plan. Mr. Bailey Mr. Cole tried twice to get it put back in and it didn't work. The Board agreed to write to Representative Cole and thank him and ask him to continue his efforts; also, to write to Senator MacKenzie and Representative Cusack. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectmen' s meeting held on May I , 1972. Minutes Chairman Kenney read a notice from the Alcoholic Beverages Con- trol Commission regarding Memorial Day, May 29, 1972. A.B.C. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was Voted that Package Goods Stores are to remain closed on Memorial Day, May 29, 1972; Motels, Restaurants and Clubs may not re-open for the sale of alcoholic beverages before 12 00 N. Mr. Busa abstained. Chairman Kenney read a memo from the Director of Public Works re- garding an agreement between the Town and the Boston Edison Company, stating that this request has been made by the Town of Lexington (Town Manager) to increase lighting on the approached roads of the High School . We recommend approval of the location with one excep- tion, that the setback for these poles from the travel way should Street be 5 feet instead of the 2 feet as shown on the plans. Lights Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize Park Drive the Chairman to sign the agreement between the Town of Lexington add the Boston Edison Company for five poles and street lights on Park Drive, Lexington, with the stipulation of a 5 ft. setback from the edge of the pavement, subject to the approval of the Director of Public Works. Chairman Kenney read a letter from Mr. Michelman, Chairman of the Tax Title Lexington Commission on Suburban Responsibility, stating that they were pleased at the initiative of the Housing Authority to ask for more specific information from the Planning Board, Board of Assessors and the Board of Selectmen on tax title lots for scattered housing The Commis- sion voted unanimously to write to the Board of Selectmen expressing its commendation and support of the policy of the Board not to sell tax title lots for a year after an original request to purchase has been submitted to the Board. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Mrs. Wilbur E. Cheever a member of the Town Report Committee, and to re- Town Report appoint the following members for a one year term Committee Richard W. Hoover 18 Larchmont Lane John E. Taylor II Linmoor Terrace Louis A. Zehner, Chairman 6 Fair Oaks Drive 372 Chairman Kenney said that the Board had requested the Director of Public Works to submit more information regarding the possibility of doing a minimal amount of work in the Mariam Street parking lot. The report has been submitted as follows "As you are aware, parking in Lexington Center is at a minimum, and, with the tourist season having already begun, will become even more scarce. Studies in the Meriam Street Parking Lot and on Meriam Street itself, not to mention Massa- chusetts Avenue near Grant Street and on Grant Street, have revealed that the majority of these areas are used for all-day parking. There- fore, to provide adequate parking for those visiting and shopping in Lexington Center, it is highly advisable to move those all-day on- street parkers to the Meriam Street Parking lot. This can be accomplished by a minimum amount of grading and delineation by means Meriam St of storm fences, etc. in the now unused portion of the lot. This new Parking Lot area may ultimately provide only 25 to 30 spaces, but this in turn should provide 25 to 30 spaces for shoppers and visitors. The under- taking is not only feasible, but makes extremely good sense. While this 'addition' is feasible from a traffic engineering standpoint, there are certain drawbacks to be,noted from a construc- tion and maintenance point of view. First, there will not be any way to define parking stalls on a gravel surface, thus eliminating any form of organized parking. The operation of the area will therefore rely on the courtesy and common sense of those who use it. Secondly, should this area be opened, it will be subject to all the quirks of any gravel-surfaced roadway; i .e. ruts, mud and potholes. Based on this, it should be noted that the area will re- quire continuous maintenance, the cost of which may, in the long rUn, outweigh the usefulness of the area." Chairman Kenney I think we should look at this and have any- one interested look at it, especially the four or five abutters; then, we will reconsider it. The Board agreed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Executive Executive Session for the purpose of discussing, deliberating or Session voting on matters which, if made public, might adversely affect the public security, the financial interests of the Town or the reputa- tion of a person After discussion of matters of financial interest to the Town, it was voted to go out of Executive Session. Mr. O'Connell reported to the Board on what he had learned in Washington about trends in Federal Funding. He will give a more com- plete report after a copy of the Omnibus Housing Bill, now pending, is received. Emergency Employment Act Next years funds are being proposed at Federal 2.7 billion to allow continuation of the present program plus another Funding 300,000 jobs. A competing bill calls for 10 billion to provide an 373 addition of one mi4tien jobs. Even before the new bill comes in, they are changing the hiring requirements The goal for special veterans (service since 1964) is being increased from 30 to 40% of those hired. A new mandatory minimum requirement of 25% special veterans is cur- rently being imposed on the States and will probably be applied to each consortium. Allied Services Act The Allied Services Act will attempt to con- solidate HEW services. Massachusetts is able to comply with this because of their reorganization. There is every indication of a National Health Insurance Act to provide for everybody in the country; the govern- ment has a plan to pay the premiums for the unemployed and those on welfare. The Housing Bill will double the amount of money for urban transportation. HUD Programs The most significant change will be in the Omnibus Housing Bill where they intend to go to block grants for all HUD pro- grams (except water and sewer project) administered by the " local governing body". My interpretation is that we will have much more trouble getting reimbursement for land acquisitions. The program is geared to a comprehensive plan based around low income housing; 80% of the money is allocated to Metropolitan Cities and the remaining 20% to suburban areas. Economic Development Act Out of $106 million a year, $30 million is being diverted into WPA type projects. This money is being used to provide local jobs in high unemployment areas for parking garages, building fire houses, rehabilitating old schools, etc. High labor projects for which the plans have been developed are appealing; low labor projects are not. Outdoor Recreation Grants (Legacy of Parks) This program, under the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation will continue in operation, but probably via direct grants to States who in turn may use part of the money for local projects Probable funding levelsare $300 Million for land and water conservation; 200 million for HUD, open space/ recreation facilities. This is the authorized level but has not been fully funded This part will be in the block grant package. There is a new effort in Washington to dispose of surplus Federal property for parks and other local public purposes. All, agencies are encouraged to submit inquiries about the con- tinuing need of any Federal site. The Planning Board met with the Board and it was decided to appoint a joint committee to deal with the subject of a possible M.B.T.A. exten- MBTA sion to Lexington and/or Route 128. It was agreed that weekly daytime Extension meetings of the Boston Transportation Planning Review would ordinarily be attended by Peter Chalpin of the Town Engineering Staff, and he would report information to this committee. There may be certain 374 regional meetings the committee would be expected t6 attend. The basic charge of this committee would be to gather information for both the Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen to enable them to reach a policy decision concerning the extension of the M.B.T.A. The Planning Board agreed to appoint a member of its Board to the committee and to so inform the Selectmen. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Sanborn C. Brown a member of the committee on the possible M.B.T.A. extension to Lexington and/or Route 2. Mr. Clarke reminded the Board that the Board Meeting of the Hanscom Massachusetts Port Authority is to be held on Thursday, May 18, at Field II 00 a.m. at Hanscom Field. Members of the Board plan to attend. The Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen discussed the Hartwell Avenue connector Road. Chairman Kenney Mr. McSweeney and I went to see Commissioner Campbell for the purpose of discussing the connector road and to see if he could push forward and get it moving again The official atti- tude has changed towards it and they are not receptive to the idea. The reason was the necessity of an environmental survey, and our request would not be considered on its own but in connection with Route 2, Route 62, the circumferential highway, etc. When we dis- cussed the plan of the connector as we had envisioned it, we were Hartwell told they had approached the federal government and had received ap- Avenue proval only for service-type roads on Route 128 running both sides Connector of Routes 2 and 3, and there would be land takings. However, out of our discussion came an alternative idea and Commissioner Campbell suggested alleviating the traffic on Hartwell Avenue and Bedford Street by a connector road on the Westerly side only, with no bridge, with a feeding road in and out. We took it back with us and said we would discuss it with the Planning Board Commissioner Campbell told us that if we agree to the concept, a letter would be written to him. We told him that we owned rrluch of the land and at Town Meeting we put in for takings for the rest of the land. We think it has much to offer and we are looking for a meeting of minds on it; as a concept, we would like to pursue this and notify Commissioner Campbell and ask which particular area they would recommend we put the road. Indications from the Commissioner were that it could stand on its own merits. I think he is very interested in looking at this as an immediate project. Mr, Stanley Brown Did he feel it would be completed by 1975? Chairman Kenney We didn't go into that; it was looked at as alleviating the traffic situation. Mr Eric Clarke We are interested because it would alleviate the traffic on Bedford Street. The Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen agreed that a letter is to be written to Commissioner Campbell informing him that both Boards endorse the concept of constructing a limited, West side only, connector road. 37 Mr Clarke informed the Board that the Idylwilde developer has asked for a number of waivers. One is the reduction in street width from 30 ft. down to 24 ft For the last year, we have had discussions of the width of streets. It is the feeling of the Board that we would like to grant it at 24 ft. because the Board feels that sub-division streets probably should be reduced to something less than 30 ft. and in the ab- sence of a policy would grant it Mrs Riff in How many homes? Mr Zaleski 12 to 14 homes Mr Clarke This is not a complete sub-division; there is a possibility of another 12 homes in another sub-division. Chairman Kenney What is the criteria for 30 ft.? Mr Clarke Something between full arterial and sub-division. The Board feels, up to now anyway, there are other purposes of streets besides traffic and they should have a reasonable appearance. Chairman Kenney Our Board, at least some members, felt that on a 24 ft. to 30 ft., when you reconstruct older streets you find the setback is insufficient. Mr Clarke I think that factor ought to apply. These streets are certainly not arterial streets Mr Busa When did the Board go from 24 to 30 ft.? Mr. Clarke Ten years ago. Mr. Zaleski What happened was, those were waived and over the period of years the number diminished and the Planning Board submitted 30 ft.; it is not necessarily enforced Idylwilde Chairman Kenney What is the layout? Sub- Mr. Clarke 50 ft division Mr Busa Why go down to 24 ft if you have a 50 ft. layout? Mr. Clarke You get too much of a boulevard on a street that doesn't go anywhere Most sub-divisions have 24 ft. and these are com- fortable-size streets for sub-divisions. Mr. Busa It depends on where you live. We have had problems of parking on both sides of the street; that leaves a 12 ft drive. In recent meetings with the Planning Board, we recommended a 30 ft. pave- ment. There are less traffic problems. On a side street not used to traffic, children play in the street and it is dangerous. I am not talking about twenty houses but a larger sub-division where it would have to be put in in the future and have it become part of the Town' s expense. I don't understand why you would give a waiver. Mr. Clarke The purpose is not to save money; the purpose is not to have the Town look like Cambridge. Mr Busa With a 24 ft. layout, when you have visitors to the house it narrows it down. This is what is happening on secondary roads. Mr. Clarke This is what is happening.. Chairman Kenney The layout is of primary importance. Mr. Busa Also, who is going to pay for it in the future2 Chairman Kenney Are we to understand that the Planning Board is discussing it? Mr. Clarke Yes. Mr. Bailey Why is the developer asking for it? Mr. Zaleski The point is, there should be one policy in the Town, no double standards. Whatever the Planning Board does, the Selectmen adopt or reject. One policy should be agreed upon on the streets. Chairman Kenney We agree, but there is a distinction between old and new streets. Mr. Clarke The old streets have their own problems. Topographic Mr. Clarke asked when the topographic maps will be completed. Maps Mr. McSweeney We have a complete set of preliminaries that come in each time. It was a year's contract and should be completed soon. The Planning Board retired from the meeting. Mr McSweeney discussed the Aldrich Co., Inc. request for a sewer extension on Hartwell Avenue for its client who is erecting a one- story building of steel frame construction. This would add $35,000 to $40,000 a year in taxes. They propose to make arrangements to con- nect to an existing private sewer owned by, and servicing, Instrument- ation Lab. ( It was $180,000 for the trunk sewer for Instrumentation Hartwell Lab.) We estimate the cost of $13,000 to extend the sewer to the Avenue property, ithat would be our contract price with an order of construc- Sewer tion; these people would be assessed over a period of 20 years. Extension Chairman Kenney What will their betterment be? Mr. McSweeney Approximately $3,000. Their Architect and Engi- neer said that June I is important to them. After discussion, the Board agreed to approve the sewer extension on Hartwell Avenue. The proposed extension would serve the clients of the Aldrich Co., Inc. with the stipulation that Mr. McSweeney work out the details for an estimate of costs, who would ultimately pay •for this extension - the Town or the client, and what the betterment would be on the project? Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the sewer extension on Hartwell Avenue to serve the clients of Aldrich - Co., Inc. Mr. McSweeney agreed to meet with the owner and representatives of Aldrich Co., Inc. to work out these details. Chairman Kenney informed the Board that a request was received last year from Mr Ralph J. Masciulli to purchase the lot next to him, tax title lot 26 (44) Valleyfield Street. The Planning Board recommended Masciulli that this lot not be sold because of scattered site subsidized housing. Tax Title We have our policy of waiting a year before selling lots and we will have to write to Mr. Masciulli to this effect. The Board agreed to inform Mr. Masciulli that a I-year moratorium has been instituted on the sale of any tax title lots which conceivably could be used under the scattered sites housing plan. However, if nothing transpires to affect this lot, Mr Masciulli may re-submit his request to purchase it as of a year from this date. I 377 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into,Exe- cutive Session for the purpose of discussing, deliberating or voting on matters which, if made public, might adversely affect the public Executive security, the financial interest of the Town or the reputation of a Session 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 10.20 p.m. A true record, Attest iti cCC!!! E ecutive Clerk, Selectmen 1 4