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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-04-18-BOS-min 316 SELECTMEN'S MEETING April 18, 1972 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Select- men' s Meeting Room on Tuesday evening, April 18, 1972, at 7 30 p.m. Chairman Kenney, Messrs. Bailey, Busa and Brown, and Mrs. Riff in; Mr. Legro, Town Counsel; Mr O'Connell , Town Manager; Mr. McSweeney, Director of Public Works; Mrs. McCurdy, Executive Clerk, were present. Mr. Zehner, Town Treasurer, met with the Board. Mr. Zehner I request approval of the Board to borrow $1,500,000 Treasurer in anticipation of taxes. We have debt service on the Junior High that 1 had anticipated would be offset by a subsidy from the State but it develops that this will not be available until July I. 1 solicited bid's from nine banks. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award the contract to borrow $1,500,000 in anticipation of tax revenue on a loan dated April 21 , 1972 and due on November 3, 1972 as follows: Lexington Trust Company $800,000 2.70% Harvard Trust Company 350,000 2.75% New England Merchants National Bank 350,000 2.75% Mr. Legro requested the Board to sign the contract with Joseph W. Moore, Inc. Moore Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Contract contract with Joseph W. Moore, Inc. for surveying services for prelim-'r inary plans for sewer construction. Mr. O'Connell informed the Board that the Building Inspector re- ceived and granted an application for the remaining 4-building complex, Building section 3 of Emerson Gardens. The significant thing is that the Permits application is under an approval granted by the Board of Appeals in 1962, which approval has no required completion date. Mr. Irwin is concerned that because of the time delay, conditions may have changed in the area. There may be questions by new residents but he has no basis for this. He discussed it with the Board of Appeals and per- haps in the future they will follow a revised procedure which places a time limit on applications. Mr. O'Connell informed the Board that he had talked with the Geneological Society of the Mormon Church of the Latter Day Saints Microfilm regarding the request to microfilm the Town's records up to 1850. Records They are willing and eager to do it if the Town would deliver the records, in the custody of a Town official; it might take two days. I recommended that the records that had been previously microfilmed not be taken but it was pointed out that this project was done on a 1 profit-oriented basis and they would still like permission to take out all records, including some that had already been microfilmed. If it takes two days, the records would come back at night and go out the next morning. These would all be pre-1850 and the early Town Meeting records would not be more than a dozen bound volumes. The 'Town Clerk would designate the person responsible to the Town. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of the Genealogical Society of the Mormon Church of the Latter Day Saints to microfilm the records of the Town of Lexington up to 1850,, subject to the terms and conditions outlined by the Town Manager. The Board discussed Traffic Committee reports. Chairman Kenney read a report regarding the intersection of Worthen Road and Massachusetts Avenue which states that this inter- section is designed to permit right turns from Worthen Road into Massachusetts-Avenue easterly and from Massachusetts Avenue into Worthen Road northerly via separate right turn lanes when the traffic signal is red for straight through and left turn. However, some drivers, particularly those unfamiliar with the intersection, do not realize this and delay the traffic by stopping in the approach to the right turn lane. The Traffic Committee requests approval of Traffic signs indicating that right turns are permitted on red; such signs Turns are for information only and require no amendment of traffic rules Worthen Road or approval of the Massachusetts Department of Public Works. We Mass. Avenue further recommend an amendment to the Traffic Rules and Orders by adding no parking on Worthen Road from Stratham Road to Lincoln; from Lincoln Street to Stratham Road; from Worthen Road to Parker Street. Worthen Road between Stratham Road and Lincoln Street is divided by a channelizing island and parking on both sides must be prohibited in order to permit a free traffic flow. Traffic travel- ing toward the center on Massachusetts Avenue should not be impeded or obstructed by parked vehicles between Worthen Road and Parker Street for the same reason. Unrestricted parking here presents an acute problem during special events such as April 19, July 4, etc. and is sufficiently serious on a daily basis to warrant this change. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the Traffic Committee for signs that right turns are permitted on a red light. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the Traffic Rules and Orders of Lexington adopted by the Board of Selectmen November 13, 1967 are hereby amended as follows By adding to Article V, Section 2, Schedule 01 the following: Location Side From Z Tvoe Parking Worthen Road Westerly Stratham Road Lincoln Street No Parking Worthen Road Easterly Lincoln Street Stratham Road No Parking Mass. Avenue Southerly Worthen Road Parker Street No Parking 318 Chairman Kenney read a recommendation from the Traffic Committee 111 to amend the Traffic Rules and Orders for stop and turn signs now in existence but are not listed as part of the Traffic Rules and orders. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the Traffic Rules and Orders of Lexington adopted by the Board of Select- men November 13, 1967, are hereby amended as follows By adding to Article VIII , Section 22, Schedule #7 the following Street From Reautation Blake Road Southeastbound at Burlington Street Stop Camelia Place Southbound at Bedford Street Stop Coolidge Avenue Southbound at Adams Street Stop Edison Way Westbound at Depot Square Stop Forest Street Northbound at Mass. Avenue Stop Hancock Street Eastbound at Bedford Street Stop Harrington Road Eastbound at Bedford Street Stop Harrington Road Westbound at Bedford Street Stop Lincoln Street Eastbound at Worthen Road Stop Mass. Avenue Northwestbound at Worthen Road Yield Stop Parker Street Northbound at Mass. Avenue Stop Signs Raymond Street Westbound at Clarke Street Stop Stratham Road Southbound at Worthen Road Stop Worthen Road Northbound at Bedford Street Stop Worthen Road Northeastbound at Mass. Avenue Stop Worthen Road Westbound at Waltham Street Stop Mass. Avenue Northeastbound at Worthen Road Yield Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the Traffic Rules and Orders of Lexington adopted' by the Board of Select- men November 13, 1967 are hereby amended as follows By adding to Article VIII , Section 24, Schedule #8 the following Location From Required Turn Mass. Avenue Harvard Trust Driveway Right Turn Only Traffic Waltham Street Worthen Road 120' East Left Lane must Turn Left Left and Waltham Street Worthen Road 120' West Left Lane must Turn Left Right Worthen Road Mass. Avenue 120' North Left Lane must Turn Left Turns Worthen Road Mass. Avenue 140' South Left Lane must Turn Left Mass. Avenue Worthen Road 60' East Left Lane must Turn Left Waltham Chairman Kenney read a report from the Traffic Committee recom- Muzzey Park- mending the establishment of a service ( loading) zone in the unmetered ing Lot portion of the Waltham-Muzzey Street municipal parking lot to the Service Zone rear of Michelson's shoe store, Commercial vehicles making deliveries to the Theatre Pharmacy, Michelson' s and to the Lexington Savings Bank III r 319 have no designated loading zone and at times block parked cars or inter- fere with the traffic in the parking lot. It appears to be desirable to designate a service zone in a location which is not metered and would not interfere with the use of the parking. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the recommendation of the Traffic Committee to establish a service ( loading) zone in the unmetered portion of the Waltham-Muzzey Street municipal parking lot to the rear of Michelson's shoe store. The Board agreed to inform the businessmen of the designated service zone and advise them that a service zone is not reserved for a particular business and its use is limited to 30 minutes at the time for commercial vehicles making deliveries to or pickups from any of the businesses in, the vicinity. Chairman Kenney read a report from the Traffic Committee stating that the request from Mr. George N. Matheson, Jr., President of the Manhattan Builders, Inc., for a 10 ft. opening in the parking lot Sherwin fence at the delivery entrance to the Sherwin Williams Store has been Williams' reviewed and the Traffic Committee has no objection; it 'recommends Delivery that the Board, give favorable consideration to this request. Area Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the recommendation of the Traffic Committee for a 10 ft. opening in the parking lot fence at the delivery entrance to the Sherwin Williams Store. Chairman Kenney read a report from the Traffic Committee stating that an investigation has been made of the proposed relocation of the main entrance to the Scottish Rite facility off Marrett Road and the Committee concurs that the relocation will improve the sight 'distance. It is suggested that the Supreme Council and the architect be alerted Scottish to the fact that Marrett Road is a state highway and, as such, subject Rites to a parking prohibition which may be enforced at any time. The capa- city of the I38-space parking area for the 420-seat auditorium, library, museum and offices should be reviewed in the light of no street park- ing being available. The Supreme Council will be required to obtain a permit for a driveway entrance onto a state highway and to conform to state specifications for such' entrances. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it waS voted to concur with the recommendation of the Traffic Committee regarding the relocation of the main entrance to the Scottish Rite facilities off Marrett Road and to send a copy of the Traffic Committee report to the Architect representing them. Chairman Kenney read a report from the Traffic Committee regarding the request of Mrs. RahIIly, 25 Theresa Avenue, for further traffic Traffic regulations at the intersection of Theresa Avenue and Fottler Avenue. Theresa & The report states that it is recognized that some motorists drive Fottler their cars through this intersection at excessive speed without exer- Avenues cising due care. The location and the design of the intersection lead 1 320 us to believe that the motorists failing to drive carefully are mostly residents of the neighborhood or are otherwise familiar with the intersection as a result of frequest use. Under the circumstances, putting up a sign at this intersection would not improve the situation. The answer, at least for the time being, appears to be stricter en- forcement, and the Chief of Police has agreed to emphasize police coverage of this intersection. It is believed that despite the low volume of traffic involved, a redesign of the intersection, improving sight distances and the channelization of traffic, may be desirable in the future. It should be preceded by a traffic engineering sur- vey. This is, however, a lower priority item than many other locations with heavy traffic volumes and a high accident rate. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to inform Mrs. Rahilly of the recommendation of the Traffic Committee. Youth The Board discussed the Youth Commission and it was agreed to Commission make the appointments at the next meeting. Chairman Kenney read a report from Mr. McSweeney stating that a review has been made of the revised proposed conduit for Hartwell Avenue to be installed by the New England Telephone Company and all corrections to the plan were made to our satisfaction. Therefore, we recommend that the grant be issued. The permit will be issued with the conditions set forth in the memorandum to the Board of Se- lectmen dated January 7, 1972. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for the following location of conduit, according to the plan and condi- Conduit tions set forth by the Town Engineer. Hartwell Ave. and Hartwell Avenue From manhole 54/121 , junction of Maguire Road Wood St westerly, approximately 3710' feet of under- ground conduit, also 4 manholes, 54/300, 54/301 , 54/302, 54/303, also rebuilding of manhole 54/ 121 . Wood Street Westerly, from Hartwell Avenue, approximately 635' feet of underground conduit, also one ( 1) manhold 54/304. Chairman Kenney read a request from Mr. McSweeney recommending that the Board vote an intent to take easements in order to sewer East St. the properties on East Street. Then, we will obtain the necessary Sewer appraisals and descriptions for the final consideration of this Easements matter. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted an intent, to take sewer easements off East Street and Ridge Road, and off East Street and Brown Road, as described in the plans submitted by Mr. McSweeney dated March 24, 1972. 1 321 Chairman Kenney informed the Board that no approval had been given regarding a hearing held on October 25, 1970 on the petition of the Boston Edison Company for permission to construct 15 ft. of underground conduit on Marrett Road (Bedford Airport Road) at Massachusetts Avenue. Mr. McSweeney recommends that it be granted. A state permit will also be required by the Boston Edison Company. Conduit Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permis- Marrett Sion to the Boston Edison Company for the following location of con- Road duit Bedford Airport Marrett Road (Bedford Airport Road) at Massachusetts Avenue, Road a distance of about 15 feet - conduit. Chairman Kenney read a notice from the MBTA of registration for MBTA Senior Citizen Half-Fare Passes to be held at the Bedford Town Hall Senior on May 4, 1972 from 130 p.m. to 4 00 p.m. Citizens Chairman Kenney read a complaint from Mrs. Patricia Wolf, 38 Peacock Farm Road, regarding parking in Bowman Park. Parking Mr. O'Connell informed the Board that he had contacted the Bowman Police Department and they have already taken care of the matter. Park The Board agreed to inform Mrs. Wolf that the complaint of resi- dents using Bowman Park as a parking lot and also, Mr. Mahoney' s Landscape Service trucks being parked there, has been investigated ' and the Police Department will check the area to ensure that the regulations are strictly enforced. Chairman Kenney read a request from Dr. Leader, 17 Fairfield Drive, for street lights on Brookwood Road and Fairfield Drive, and the two new streets off Saddle Club Road. Mr. McSweeney informed the Board that he will have a cost esti- Street mate on the installation of street lights ready within the week. Light Mr. O'Connell said that if Boston Edison follows the desired Request schedule, we will be virtually out of money. Chairman Kenney said that we have an obligation for street lights; next year we may have to allocate more money for them. The Board agreed to refer Dr. Leader's request for street lights to the Director of Public Works for a recommendation on priority. Mr. McSweeney is to submit a cost estimate on the installation of the list of street lights to be installed within the year. Chairman Kenney read a letter from the Republican Town Committee requesting support of Patriots' Day celebration on April 19 of each Patriots' year hereafter. Day on The Board unanimously agreed to support the bill filed by Repre- April 19 sentative Cole that Patriots' Day be celebrated throughout the State on April 19; and to so inform the Republican Town Committee and Representative Cole. 322 The Board discussed the sale of Lot 37 Rockville Avenue to Mr. Anthony C. Busa, as voted by the Board on April 3, 1972. Chairman Kenney said that we voted to sell this lot to the only bidder, in the amount of $3,500, and it is brought back to the Busa Lot Board because of betterments. 37 Rockville Mr. McSweeney said that the lot is not bettered and hasn't been Avenue filed but it will be;, regardless of what you sell this lot for, the person who buys it will tiave to pay a sewer betterment. Chairman Kenney It was not mentioned in the Town Meeting vote. Mr. Legro The sewer is not there now but afterwards if it is installed the person pays. I think it is desirable to inform the buyer that if he does connect the sewer, there will be a charge in lieu of betterments. The Board agreed to inform Mr. Anthony C. Busa that in the event he wishes to connect to the Town sewer system, there will be a charge in lieu of betterments. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the Permit request of the Lexington Field and Garden Club for the annual plant sale on the Buckman Tavern grounds on Tuesday, May 23, 1972, from 10 00 a.m. to 12 00 N., subject to the rules and regulations of the Director of Public Works. Chairman Kenney read a request, from the National Organization Noise to Insure a Sound-controlled Environment, Inc. to join the organize- Organi- tion. zation The Board agreed there was no advantage in joining this organization. Furthermore, the dues are $750 per year, with alter- nate membership of $100. Replace Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant per- Gas Main mission to the Mystic Valley Gas Company to replace the existing Charles 2-inch high pressure welded steel gas main in Charles Street with Street annew welded steel gas main. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant per- Simonds Rd. mission to the Mystic Valley Gas Company to replace the existing 6-inch medium pressure welded steel gas main in Simonds Road with a new welded steel main. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectmen's Meetings held on April 3 and April 5, 1972. Chairman Kenney read a request from Miss Robyn German, Coordin- ator, Lexington-Winchester Walk for Development, for a Hunger Walk Hunger through Lexington on Sunday, May 7, 1972. Walk The Board agreed to accept the recommendation of the Town Manager that more information is needed before permission could be granted. 323 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the abate- ment for the Welfare Office quarters at 12 Clarke Street for a period of Welfare three months. The rent is $ 160 a month and the amount of $480 bad been Rent committed to the Tax Collector. The Welfare Office has moved to Woburn Abatement as of April 1, 1972. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the abatement in the. amount of $480 for the Welfare Department. Chairman Kenney informed the Board that a request has been re- ceived from David Feathers, new owner of Brewster' s ... Waltham Street, Brewster' s for the hours of operation of 7 00 a.m. to II 00 p.m. They are now Hours open until 10.00 p.m. Chief Corr has no objection to this request. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the hours of operation from 7 00 a.m. to II 00 p.m. for Brewster' s .. . Waltham Street. Chairman Kenney informed the Board that the application to change the name from Lexington Auto Sales, Inc. to Patriot Ford, Inc. has been filled out in accordance with the recommendations of Town Counsel . Patriot The license is now ready to be signed. The 1972 First Class License Ford, for Lexington Auto Sales, Inc. has been turned into this office. Inc. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the new First Class license for Patriot Ford, Inc , formerly Lexington Auto Sales, Inc. 111 Chairman laenney informed the Board that House Bill 1.524 would transfer the authority from the Selectmen to the Department of Public HI524 Utilities on all permits for public utilities. Public The Board agreed that a letter is to be sent to Representative Utilities Cole stating that the Board is unanimously opposed to H1524. Chairman Kenney informed the Board that House Bill 1598 calls for the installation of binding arbitration for contract disputes involving firemen. We have had a very strong stand on the matter of H1598 binding arbitration and we wouldn't like the State to take this away Firemen from us. The Board agreed that a letter is to be sent to Representative Cole stating that the Board is unanimously opposed to H1598. Chairman Kenney requested the Board tb review the information given on land acquisition procedure and responsibility, and it will be discussed at the next meeting. The Board agreed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Execu- Executive tive Session for the purpose of discussing, deliberating or voting on Session I 32 4 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 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 9 40 p.m. A true record, Attest Executive Clerk, Selectmen 1