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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1971-03-08-BOS-min 41.2 SELECTMEN'S MEETING March 8, 1971 I A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Bird Room, Cary Memorial Building, on Monday evening, March 8, 1971, at 7 30 p.m Chairman Cataldo, Mr. Kenney, Mr. Bailey and Mrs. Riffin were present; Mr. Legro, Town Counsel ; Mr. O'Connell , Town Manager, Mr McSweeney, Town Engineer and Acting Superintendent of Public Works and Mrs. McCurdy, Executive Clerk, were also present The meeting was called to order by the Clerk, who declared that nominations were in order for the election of the Chairman of the Organize- Board. tion of Mr. Robert Cataldo was nominated and the nomination seconded. Board There were no other nominations Upon motion duly made and seconded, nominations were closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Clerk cast one ballot and Mr. Robert Cataldo was unanimously elected Chairman of the Board for the ensuing year. At the request of the Town Clerk, three jurors were drawn as follows Jurors Phillip Slade 6 Nowers Road Robert W. Hausslein 21 Prospect Hill Road Richard J. Maroney 8 Raymond Street Mr O'Connell informed the Board that a letter has been received from Blue Cross-Blue Shield notifying the Town of the increase in rates, effective April I, 1971, of family coverage from $27 92 to $31 77, 13.5 percent increase; single coverage from $8 72 to $ 11 .88 34 percent increase The main reason given was the increase in Insurance hospital costs Mr O'Connell discussed a related matter concerning the desire of employees to sign up for either hospital or life insurance, the Town is now paying 50 percent of both of these policies and the em- ployees must take it as a package. We had a letter from Blue Cross- Blue Shield that the rules be changed so the employees could elect to have either coverage, if they see fit In 1970, we had a letter fro from the Group Insurance Commission calling attention that this could be done if the appropriate authority revised the rules and regulations and, since then, a letter has been received from the Comptroller that this be done. The Board agreed to refer to Town Counsel for a decision on the proper procedure to be taken. 1 413 Mr O'Connell informed the Board that bids have been taken- on gar- bage a collection; four firms were requested tosubmit bids but only one was received, the contract can be awarded by the Town Manager and 1 Garbage would propose to award to the onlybidder; this bid is higher than we Contract P P 9 have budgeted. Stanley Roketenetz, Inc., of Woburn quoted on three bases 1 Three years, June I , 1971 to 1974 - $84,000, $86,000 and $88,000 years, - and $86,000 2 Two yg s, June I , 1971 to 1973 $85,000 3 One Year, June I, 1971 to 1972 - $86,000 Last year's budget figure was $69,000 This bid includes collection of garbage at the schools; in the past, it was borne in the Department of Public Works budget Mr. Kenney asked if it were Mr O'Connell' s intention to go along on the 3-year basis? Mr O'Connell replied in the affirmative The Chairman read a report from the Chairman of the Board of Asses- sors on the re-assessment of business land. The purpose of the re- assessment of business land was to arrive at the fair market value of the land and building so the assessment on the property would indicate Re-assess- more clearly the value of the land. Some properties had land values went of raised and building values lowered. Business Land III Total increase in land assessments $ 1 ,545,850 Total decrease in building assessments 1014.350 Net gain 531 ,500 The Chairman said this report is for our information and requires no action The Chairman read a request from the Knights of Columbus to change the name of the Manager on the Club Liquor License from Vincent K of C Benfante to William F Cobuzzi , Jr. Club Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to issue a new License license to Lexington Council No 94 Knights of Columbus Building Asso- ciation Inc showing the Manager as William F Cobuzzi , Jr The Chairman read a letter from the Sheraton Lexington Motor Inn requesting consideration by the Board of the extension of hours on their Liquor License to 100 a.m. on a definite basis Sheraton The Chairman said that in the interests of the intent of the Lexington legislation and our intent in granting the license to serve liquor Liquor only as long as the dining room is open, we have no alternative but Licnese to keep the specified, voted time at 11 00 p.m The Board agreed to deny the request Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to deny the re- quest of the Sheraton Lexington Motor Inn for the extension of the liquor license to 100 a.m. 414 The Chairman read a letter from the Sheraton Lexington Motor Inn to extend the operating hours on their liquor license to 12 00 M. on April 15, 16 and 17, 1971 , as a convention of the Massachusetts Society of Radiological Technologists has been booked. Mr. Van Londen, Manager, states that the Board granted permission for these hours last year when the convention was booked. The Board agreed to take the matter under advisement. The Chairman read a letter from Walter J. Dunfey, Vice-President of the Dunfey Corporation, regarding the Sheraton-Lexington Motor Inn. The letter states that a liquor license is now held by this New Hamp- shire Corporation, a Delaware corporation owned entirely by individual members of the Dunfey family. On March I , 1971 , the former Dunfey Family Corporation was merged into a Delaware corporation, also to be known as Dunfey Family Corporation, which corporation however, is a Dunfey wholly owned subsidiary of Aetna Life & Casualty Company, a Connecti- Corp. cut corporation, of 151 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut. Sheraton- The letter lists the Directors of the "continuing Dunfey Family Lexington Corporation" and states that its officer are the same as those of the former corporation; all of the officers and Directors of the licensee corporation named remain unchanged. We respectfully request that your records be revised accordingly Parenthetically, please understand that since the transaction which is the subject of this letter was not closed until March I , 1971 , no earlier notice to you advising of a precise effective merger date was possible The Chairman paid that it is a condition of this license and is a part of the statute that a request be made to the Board before any transfer of stock has taken place; there should be a notice to the licensing authority, a hearing held and approval given by the Board This has not taken place and they are in direct violation of this license, we have required this of every other licensed irnholder in Lexington Also, they have a Manager listed as Cornelius Leary and he never was the Manager, he is an Administrative Auditor out of Hampton, New Hampshire The Board agreed that the Dunfey Corporation could be in viola- tion of Chapter 138, Section 23, and will be notified of a meeting to be held on March 29, 1971 at 7 30 p.m in the Bird Room to show cause why their license should not be suspended Mr. Legro is to prepare the notice for the Chairman' s signa- ture, to be sent to the Dunfey Corporation. The Chairman informed the Board that a notice of a sign viola- tion by the Sheraton Lexington has been received from the Outdoor Sheraton Advertising Division Sheraton-Lexington Motor Inn also received a Sign notice and called this office and said it was going to be taken care Violation of; I assumed they had not removed it and, when questioned, said they wrote a letter to get it taken care of I then turned the complaint over to Mr Irwin, Building Inspector, to look into the matter. This was investigated and they agreed to remove the sign, which was on Route 128 The sign is now down and we shall inform the Outdoor Advertising Division. 415 The Chairman said that a hearing was held on February 22, 1971 upon application of the Mobil Oil Co to install an additional 8,000 gallon underground tank on the premises at 269-277 Bedford Street This was taken under advisement and referred to Chief Spellman to check out the possibility of eliminating heavy fumes at the time of delivery Chief Spellman recommends that existing vents, as well as the vent for the new tank, should be raised by 10 ft. and this would al- Mobil Oil low the vapors to dissipate more rapidly Station Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Bedford St. application of the Mobil Oil Co to install an additional 8,000 gallon underground tank, and to issue a new license for storage on the pre- mises, subject to the stipulation that existing vents and the vent for the new tank should be raised by 10 feet Underground Aboveground I 5,000 gallon tank 600 gallons motor oil I 4,000 " " 300 " anti-freeze I 3,000 80 " hydromatic fluid I 8.000 " " new 40 " gasoline in tanks 20,000 gallons total 60 brake fluid 200 " oil and gasoline 500 gallons waste oil 500 gallons fuel oil - heat building The Chairman read a letter from Attorney Moss of Woburn stating that Bill No 3344 is expected to be heard by a legislative committee at the State House on April 13 and he enclosed a copy of a rendering showing the proposed entrance from the Burlington Mall into the land- locked area in Burlington He states that, eventually, the traffic from the base can be carried across open land, such as the high ten- sion wires, into property in which we have an interest and onto Route 3 and in that way alleviate the tremendous congestion that arises on Route 4 during rush hours He requests that the Board consider this proposition and lend support to the Bill after it has checked into the facts Landlocked The Chairman read the Town Engineer' s report that should the Burlington bridge across Route 3 be constructed and the land in Burlington be Land developed, it might be to the developer' s advantage to purchase land in Lexington in the Turning Mill Road, Partridge Road area to pro- vide a second access to the developed land. The Chairman said that some time ago, the Board discussed this area with the Planning Board and asked them to make some recommenda- tions for the protection of the citizens of this section Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Planning Board to make recommendations on the position to be taken on this proposed legislation and what action should be taken to pro- tect this area from the hazards of such a development 416 The Chairman informed the Board that a letter has been received from Chief Engineer, Sweeney of the Boston and Maine Corporation in- forming us that, effective April 2, 1971 , the annual charge for sewer pipe will be increased from $8 00 to $30.00 per year. Con- tract No 52426, dated April 2, 1956, the annual charge for drain pipe will be increased from $5 00 to $30 00 per year, Contract No. 14894, dated April 2, 1919. The Chairman said that the Town Engineer was asked for a report and it states that the Town presently has a sleeve under the B & M B & M tracks in the vicinity of Maguire Road for a trunk sewer known as Contract the ltek Trunk Sewer, and a similar situation for a drain line on Sewer & Meriam Street Both of the lines cross the B & M right-of-way. In Drain connection with the crossings, it appears that the Town entered into maintenance contracts with the railroad where the Town agreed to pay a fee to cover the maintenance cost incurred by the railroad in maintaining these facilities. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Chairman to sign the agreement with the Boston and Maine Corpora- tion for the charge of $30.00 per year for the maintenance of sewer pipe, under Contract No 52426, and the charge of $30.00 per year for maintenance of drain pipe, under Contract No. 14894. The Chairman read a request from the State Department of Public Works to sign a Master Maintenance Agreement between the State and the Town Federal regulations require the State to enter into this Master agreement with all owners of utility facilities whose facilities lie Maintenance within any portion of a State highway freeway, a divided highway Agreement with full control of access. Mr Legro said that this is a new agreement Mr McSweeney explained that this is something we have been do- ing but the State put it in this form. The Board agreed to hold the decision until approval is received from Mr Legro The Chairman informed the Board that a letter has been received from Dr Bergmeyer of II Mountain Road regarding the status of Mountain Road and requesting that this be formally investigated by Town Counsel Bergmeyer The Chairman said that Mrs Bergmeyer had come in to see him Mountain and he had explained the status, in his opinion, was that it was a Road private way and not open to public travel but open to people to get into the Hennessey property The question was asked about a chain but it was explained that, if patrolled, they would be unable to get in Mr McSweeney has submitted a report that Dr Bergmeyer has asked the DPW to plow and maintain an access to his property. It is clearly stated in the Grant of Right of Way that the right of easement granted is subject to the provision that the Town is under no obligation to construct a passageway within or in any manner to improve said strip of land and is under no obligation to plow or 417 remove snow therefrom or from any passageway that may be constructed there- in. Mr McSweeney stated that in a telephone conversation with Dr Bergmeyer, he had informed him that this was a private way granted to him for access to his property Dr Bergmeyer asked who could give him a more definite answer as to the legal obligation to the Town and was told that he should seek legal counsel and have his deed and property transfer reviewed. Dr. Bergmeyer stated that he believed that the Town should clear their obligation and he wanted to know who could provide the answer Mr. McSweeney suggested that he write to the Board. Mr O'Connell said that he has talked with Dr Bergmeyer and it appears what he is asking for is that he would like to have the road declared as being in such condition that the Town has an obligation to keep it open but he would like to have traffic except for his own use, restricted. The Chairman said that the condition is clearly set forth that the Town is under no obligation. Mr. Legro said that the instruments clearly set forth the restric- tive rights, he will review them and report to the Board on next Mon- day evening The Chairman read a letter from Dr. Fobert in reply to a request from the Board for a recommendation regarding Crosby Road Traffic at the Hastings School Dr Fobert suggests that it not be made a one- way street but the School Department would appreciate it if the Town could install No Parking signs on the opposite side of Crosby Road and Crosby in the school driveway Further, they would appreciate it if the Town Road could use a larger snowblower so that the Crosby Road entrance could be kept to its full width; if the sidewalk were also cleared this would also help Mr Kenney said that this is only a small part of the problem on Crosby Road. The regulations should be changed. The Board agreed to look at the entire package of the situation in this area. The Chairman read a letter from the Board of Health of a majority vote to recommend an appropriation of $ 12,000 for the Mystic Valley Mental Health Clinic The Board of Health also agreed that during the year they will request from the Clinic more detailed reports of their services for the community and, also, of their financial state- ments, thereby making clinic requests in the future easier to evaluate Mystic Mr Bailey said that Mystic Valley requested $17,000 Valley The Chairman said that the Board of Health came up with a major- Mental ity vote of a recommendation of $ 12,000 Whatever is submitted by them Health is submitted to Town Meeting and I don't think we can change this num- ber on the motion Based on our present policy, the Board of Health is responsible for submitting a number and policing Mr Legro said that it is covered under statute 2, which calls for funds either under the Board of Health or whichever it provides for -41_h Mr Bailey thought they are locked in with that number; I would like to see if we couldn't persuade this Board to take a position to amend up the requested amount and ask for the full $17,000. The Chairman asked if he could defend $17,000 better than they could defend $12,000? Mr. Bailey replied, only in the sense that there are tabulated figures; $ 12,000 is arbitrarily arrived at. The Chairman asked, for now, are we going to maintain our policy and submit the number or fight the Board of Health? Mr. Bailey said that is their number; it is not our Article Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to certify the Character of the following who have applied for a Certificate of In- corporation Louis Laudani 3 Ingleside Road "Community Theatre of Bedford, Inc " Louis J. Bakanowsky 484 Concord Avenue "Polis Seventy Six, Inc " Certificate of Incorpor- Houston Antwine 15 Bellflower Street ation "Pro Speakout, Inc." Ruth R. Budd 117 Kendall Road "Green Shoe Day Care Center, Inc." The Chairman said that the Board has received an application from Auctioneer's Myron Graffam, Box 52, Lexington for an Auctioneer' s license. License The Board agreed to request Mr Graffam for a specific address, and to hold the application until a reply is received from Mr. Graffam Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Chairman to sign Liquor Identification Cards for the following Liquor I D Linda-Jo Pettingell 6 Hibbert.Stceet Cards Justin Ross Pettingell 6 Hibbert Street Patricia D. Randolph 31 Curve Street The Chairman read a letter from Charles L. Devoe, Jr , 14 Winthrop Road, requesting the purchase of a lot in the land set aside for vet- erans Veterans' The Chairman said that although there is some acreage still avail- Lots able for this property, there are no house lots available at this time. There would have to be a development approved and a road constructed in the area This would take Town Meeting action and an appropriation of money Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to so inform Mr. Devoe. 111 419 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Bond bond for Constable John J Shine, Jr in the amount of $3,000 Mr George Matheson and Mr Ernest Giroux met with the Board to discuss their property in the Center Mr Matheson said that the Board has asked what our intention is - it is our intention to build a structure of a mall type on the first floor and apartment complex on the second and third floors, as proposed a couple of years ago I believe Mr. Legro has to firm this up. On the land swap, we have to go through Town Meeting to do this The Chairman said as we discussed, it is the interpretation of your attorney on the 15 ft. strip of land, for us to grant an ease- ment over it, we would have to go to Town Meeting Will your attorney accept the age of the vote? As far as we are concerned, we feel it is still valid. Mr Giroux said that he feels it is not and will be in contact with Mr Legro. Mr Matheson said our answer is, yes, we would like to make the land swap; yes, we will build, with underground parking, etc. Mr. Giroux said it would involve going to the Board of Appeals The Chairman said that you will have to go the route; the pur- pose of this meeting is to answer the questions. Mr Giroux had a question. He asked if this does involve a special Town Meeting, how long will it take? The Chairman replied that the mechanics will probably take. a Center month - how far we go on our negotiations and when we come to terms Property What about a schedule, do you have one in mind? Mr. Matheson replied, 60 days The Chairman asked, to begin construction? Mr. Matheson replied, 90 days or 120 days; I don't want to get trapped in the winter Finance-wise, there is no probles; construc- tion, no problem; the problem is the land swap and to build two stories above the mall The Chairman said that their attorney should contact Mr Legro, who will come back to the Board; then, we will schedule another meet- ing and tell you exactly what we think Mr Matheson said, you understand that we are ready to go for- ward Mr Giroux mentioned the gravel problem,. Mr. Matheson said we will spend $3,000 to fill it; I think we can work it out with the Public Works Department to properly, but not completely, fill it. The Chairman asked if they are going to take the wall down that is adjacent to our sidewalk? Mr Matheson said that Mr Coscia said to leave it there to re- tain the sidewalk The Chairman thanked Mr Matheson and Mr. Giroux for meeting with the Board. He said that we encourage you to go forward Mr Matheson and Mr Giroux retired from the meeting 4120 Representative Cole; Mr Zehner, Town Treasurer; Capital Expen- ditures Committee and Appropriation Committee came into the meeting The Chairman said that Mr Cole is here to talk on the tax pro- gram that is before the Senate. As a member of the House, Mr Cole voted against the tax program and I think our position should be the same in the Senate as we previously took as being opposed to this tax program in its present form. Mr. Cole said that we were given a copy of the bill just prior to debating and it takes time to study it. On the 1970 tax rate, it projects $3 60 as the effect for Lexington; money taken out by amendment reduced it to $ 1 .80; they took out $70 M. and they put $30 M back in. Lexington, as one of the more affluent towns, certainly contributes more per capita than the average per capita in the State It would seem to me if cities and towns were going to help themselves, they would be better to handle it themselves rather than a middle man; if we don't start taking care of ourselves, we get the short end of the stick The Chairman said there is no question but for any State-wide tax proposed, a town like Lexington gets hurt We met with the Massachusetts League of Cities and Towns, and Boston and other cities were all in favor of it, we told them they could affort it. When voting, we were buried each time I think we should take a position on this tax program It is most important and I can't see saving $3 60 on one hand and then have it cost us $5 or $6. Tax Mr Cole said there are some parts that are not bad but maybe Program this is the year we have to tighten our belts. Mr Lee Whitman of the Capital Expenditures Committee said that we are making a greater effort than other communities in the State in supporting our educational System. Our response should be that we are not that affluent and that should be our position. The Chairman asked Mr Furash, Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, if he had any questions? Mr. Furash replied, no, our committee is on record as being un- favorable. There are not clear examples of what the impact is. Mrs Riff in said there have been amendments made but we are not knowledgeable about the details of the bill We should give Mr. Cole the sense of the group and the flexibility to act, we should give him the sense that he should vote the best interests of the finances of the Town of Lexington Mr. Cole said this is the first time the tax bill has been voted on before a budget has been presented I have had pressures the other way but I intend to vote against this until it comes up that Lexington is going to break at least even. Mr. Kenney asked what if we had the same attitudes on the MBTA, the idea of Lexington breaking even and not helping others Mr. Cole replied that those towns shouldn't have assessment if they have no service, and that is the inequity as there is no way for those towns to get out; the State took over the authority in the State 1 421_ If this tax bill gets through the Senate, it must come back to the House If people have a definite feeling for or against, they ought to make it known The Chairman said we have broken our backs on the budgets and ,it would all go down the drain unless we take a definite stand, don't take one at all . I don't agree to their approach to distribution and feel our position should be to raise enough money by taxes to balance the budget. We will take care of our own For us to say we would get relief, it is foolish Mr Cole said that, as Mr Whitman remarked, we have put a lot into our schools. The Chairman thanked Mr Cole for meeting with the Board and Mr. Cole retired from the meeting Later on in the meeting, the Board agreed to take a position of being opposed to the tax program in its present form and to write to Senator MacKenzie to oppose this program, as the Board feels that the tax program adopted should be to balance the budget as recommended; that any further aid to cities and towns should be withheld until an equitable distribution formula is agreed upon; before we support any new programs, we should definitely know how Lexington may be affected. Mr Zehner met with the Board to discuss the $4.3 M bond issue for the Junior High at 5, 10 and 15 maturities He said that it is the opinion of knowledgeable people that we ought to go to market with our Junior High bonding within the next 30 to 60 days and to make some de- ' cision as to what the terms should be. There will be no impact on the 1971 tax rate if we go to market in the first six months, six months later, on the anniversary, we pay the interest only For 5 years, it would be $500,000 a year We could issue the bonds this spring I think of 15 years as being par, but the easiest financing might be misleading. Ten years would leave some leeway for capital expenditures, and I lean toward 10-year financing Mr Blake, Chairman of the Capital Expenditures Committee, said we have discussed the question of what is the ultimum bonding period Junior and recognize that until you have really firm numbers of interest High rate, you should reserve judgment As a guideline, in the past we Bonding felt it is reasonable to bond schools over such a period of time that state reimbursement pays the interest costs of the loan and the Town gets the use of the money Two factors that we think should be considered beyond this are ( I ) the fairness with which you apportion the cost of major capital expenditures, if it were to be for 5 years, it would be an unfair burden for the people only being in town for 5 years. (2) There is the probability there will be other bond issues Some can't predict the effect of bondings over too short a period and would tend to defer and the gains would be wiped out by the inflated cost of the construction that has been postponed It would be unwise to assume inflation will go away It is not unan- imous but we would tend to favor 15 years relative to the 10 years We would all be against 5 years The Chairman asked if the tax rate it $65 vs $6530, would they postpone a major capital project on that basis? 422 Mr. Blake replied that you can nickle and dime; we already have town office bonding for 5 years and this consummates the tax rate as being heavy. Mr Furash said that his committee has not discussed this in formal fashion. To take a vote, there are those who would say the future should pay for the use. Being the Appropriation Committee, we took our shortsighted view and that is - what is the impact on the taxpayer? We feel the current year tax rate should not get out of hand and would not like to see it rise but to keep pace. We would like to see this portion of the burden kept moderate and would probe ably tend to go 10 or 15 years Ten would interest us in the pre- cipitous drop in the rate and we would like, to see what Capital Expenditures say - what is the projection that the Town needs for capital goods? The Chairman said we should go one step further; to save $ 1 M, you have to do your share in getting $60,000, which is what we are talking about to get the $0.30 Mr Furash said we don't want to see this brought back so short that it would put an undue burdon on the taxpayers. The majority of us would say 10 years. Mr. Kingston of the Capital Expenditures Committee said that one has not taken into accounting that dollars are going to inflate and 15 years would not look as bad as 10 years, the actual cost to the home owner is going to be less. I would lean much more to 15 years The Chairman said that he would like to see our rating changed as it helped us on the short term bond If we did it, our rating would once again be improved. I look at it as creating our image that we are running our town on a solid approach and this could affect every bond issue we float. The Chairman asked the Committees to discuss the bond issue and come back to the Board. Later on in the meeting, Mr Blake informed the Board that the Capital Expenditures Committee was unanimously in favor of the 10- year bonding for the Junior High School . The Board discussed the Junior High Bond issue and it was the sense of the Board to request Town Treasurer to advertise the bonds for a term of 10 years The Board discussed the Governor' s tax program that was before Tax Program the Legislature and the Board voted to go on record as being opposed to this program Mrs. Riff in Abstained. The Board discussed taking a position on the following Articles Warrant Articles Article 16 - Curbings Selectmen-$5,000; Appropriation Committee-$0.; Capital Expenditures Committees-$5,000 The Board finally agreed not to ask for any money under Article 16. 423 Article 17 - Drains Selectmen-$41 ,000; Appropriation Committee-$36,000; Capital Expenditures Committee-$36,000. The Chairman said that we feel the extra $5,000 is what we needed on three small drains, especially on Harrington Road Article 18 - Water Mains Selectmeh-$25,000; Appropriation Committee- $15,000; Capital Expenditures Committee $15,000 The Chair- man said that we need $25,000 to finish the water main on Spring Street; we have to loop that system. Article 19 - Sidewalks Selectmen-$45,000, Appropriation Committee-$0. Article 20 - Sewer Mains Selectmen-$350,000, Appropriation Committee- $350,000; Capital Expenditures Committee-$350,000 Article 24 - Public Works Equipment The Chairman said we have it as $70,000 and you recommend $60,000 We have justification for the mist sprayer but if we only get $60,000, that will be deleted Article 27 - Mystic Valley Children' s Clinic The Chairman said that the Board of Health recommended $ 12,000 and the motion will read $12,000 Mr Kenney said that it could possibly be amended up to the amount requested. Article 31 - Acquisition of Ashley-Steeves property for general pur- poses; Selectmen-$24,000; Capital Expenditures Committee- Mr Blake said that we have an overall $ 100,000 which would include land around Worthen Road Article 32 - Acquisition of Ashley-Steeves property for conservation purposes Selectmen-$25,000 Article 33 - Layout of Worthen Road - Marrett Road to Sherburne Road, Selectmen $ 1 ,000 Article 34 - Chapter 90-Highway Construction-Worthen Road, Marrett Road to Sherburne Road Selectmen-$60,000, Capital Expen- ditures Committee-Mr Kingston said that we have not been convinced of the necessity of that project; Appropriations Committee agreed with unfavorable action The Chairman said he didn't understand the logic of turn- ing it down with no reasons given to ahy Board. Mr Furash replied that our position is, we were not per- suaded by grants, we were not presented with facts that the road had to be built We were not persuaded that we wished to see a continuation which would break traffic across houses that now have driveways on that road As far as the issue of someone else laying it out, we felt 424 these were matters of opinion, not a demonstrable fact of what is going to happen tomorrow; we couldn't be persuaded. The Chairman said that our position is, we had the study made Mr Bernier said that the Chairman of the Planning Board said the overall proposal was desirable The Chairman said, what you are saying is that as far as the Appropriation Committee is concerned, you agree to participate in Chapter 90 as long as you agree on the street Mr Levingtton said that Chapter 90 funds alone, per se, are no reason for building the road. Mr Kingston said that it is not a question of finances but it increases the hazards of Waltham Street and an- other section of Route 2A to get lights. The Chairman said that we joined TOPICS and the whole Town is being evaluated. You are saying you want to forego $60,000 Mr Furash replied, yes, unless you have another road. The Chairman said the $60,000 is lost if we don't build Worthen Road. We want an understanding when we get up at Town Meeting Mr Furash said we will say it is not rteafly lost. We will discuss it again tonight. Article 38 - Town Office Building Access Way and Parking Selectmen- $25,000, Capital Expenditures Committee Mr. Blake said we haven't considered this since a plan was submitted; we will meet and consider it again. Later on, the Cap- ital Expenditures Committee agreed to $25,000. Article 39 - Air Conditioning of Police Building Selectmen-$27,000; Appropriation Committee and Capital Expenditures Com- mittee- $27,000 Article 40 - Town Office Building Furnishings and Equipment Selectmen} $ 10,000; Appropriation Committee and Capital Expenditures Committee-$ 10,000 Article 41 - Local Disaster Preparedness Selectmen-$5,000; Appropria- tion Committee and Capital Expenditures Committee-$5,000. Article 43 - Data Processing Study Selectmen-$ 10,000, Appropriation Committee and Capital Expenditures Committee-$10,000 Article 44 - Voting Machines-Leasing or leasing with option to purchase 5 machines Selectmen-$ 1,650; Appropriation Committee and Capital Expenditures Committee-$ 1,650 42 Article 45 - Vocational School Selectmen-$4, 120; Appropriation Committee and Capital Expenditures Committee-$4, 120 Article 46 - Photogrammetric survey and maps; Selectmen-$3,000; Appro- priation Committee and Capital Expenditures Committee $0 Article 47 - Lincoln Street-further development Selectmen-$25,000; Appropriation Committee and Capital Expenditures Committee- $ 10,000. Article 49 - Easement at Lincoln Street and Marrett Road Selectmen The Chairman said that $ 1 ,000 will be adjusted; we are hav- ing an appraisal made Article 57 - Construction of horse riding ring Selectmen-$1,000; Appro- priation Committee-$0 Article 58 - Repairs to Center Swimming Pool Selectmen-$12,500; Appro- priation Committee and Capital Expenditures Committee-$ 12,500 Article 59 - Waste Disposal for schools Selectmen have not taken a posi- tion Article 61 - Titlebaum land Selectmen-$68,000. Article 62 - Ballou land Selectmen-$32,000 Article 63 - Cooke land Selectmen-$ 7,000 Capital Expenditures Committee Mr Blake said if the Worthen Road land is disapproved by Town Meeting, we would be in favor of this Mr. Furash said if you move Article 19 for $45,000 and Article 18 for $25,000 we would cut the sewer budget back We made it clear to you about the total amount of dollars spent amid we don't want to argue with you We would be happier if you did not pressure Article 19. The Chairman said it was unfair; the Planning Board is asking us for $75,000 and it is only fair that we present it; if I had the choice of the two, I would pick sewers The Capital Expenditures Committee retired from the Meeting Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Execu- tive Session for the purpose of discussing, deliberating or voting on Executive matters which, if made public, might adversely affect the public secu- Session rity, 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 and resume the open meeting. The Chairman read a letter from the Planning Board regarding Meagherville, stating that it will move indefinite postponement on Meagher- Article 69, calling for the rezoning of approximately 14 acres of ville land at the extension of Myrtle and Center Streets, but Intends to I 426 proceed with the proposed rezoning of 9.5 acres of land at Hickory 111 and Ash Streets under Article 70 Pursuant to our discussion last week, we would like to be able to assure Town Meeting that, in the event the rezoning proposed under Artiole 70 is passed, ( I ) the Board of Selectmen would not convey the land in question until any problems involved are settled to its satisfaction and a developer' s plan has been presented to and accepted by a future town meeting; (2) the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board would work jointly in attempting to select a suitable developer for the site Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to support the Planning Board in their position, as stated in ( I) and (2) but this in no way is to be interpreted as support for the Article that is being proposed The Board discussed the Drug Advisory Committee Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Irving H. Mabee a member of the Drug Advisory Committee for a term expiring March 31 , 1972. The Board agreed to meet at 7 00 p.m on Monday, March 15, 1971 . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 12 05 p.m. A true record, Attest jek Executive Clerk, Selectmen I