HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-04-06-BOS-min 38
SELECTMEN'S MEETING
April 6, 1970
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Select-
men' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, April 6, 1970, at
7 30 P.M Chairman Cataldo, Messrs Mabee, Kenney, Greeley and Bailey
were present Mr Legro, Town Counsel , Mr. O'Connell , Town Manager;
Mr Burke, Superintendent of Public Works, Mr McSweeney, Town Engi-
neer, and Mrs. McCurdy, Executive Clerk, were also present
Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Com-
pany and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company to relocate
three poles on Hillcrest Avenue
Notices of the hearing were mailed to the petitioners, owners of
the property as listed on the petitioners' plans, and also filed with
the Town Engineer
Mr Pratt, representing the Boston Edison Company, and Mr Dunn,
representing the New England Telephone Company, were present Mr
Hillcrest Pratt said that this petition was submitted because of a request from
Avenue the Town for a relocation of existing poles for the widening of Hill-
Pole crest Avenue.
Location The Chairman asked if anyone present would like to speak?
Mr Laurance H Shanks, 10 Hillcrest Avenue, asked to have the
location of the poles explained to him as one pole is in front of his
property and has a guy and anchor supporting it
Mr Pratt explained that the pole will be relocated back toward
Mr Shank' s house but the guy and anchor will stay where it is pre-
sently located as it is 5' from the existing pole now
Mr Shanks was in favor of the relocation, provided the anchor
remains in its present location
No one appearing in opposition, the Chairman declared the hearing
closed
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone
and Telegraph Company for the following location, subject to the con-
dition that the anchor not be moved from its present location
Hillcrest Avenue, northwesterly side, approximately 80 feet
northeast of Fottler Avenue,--
One ( I ) pole (one existing JO pole to be removed)
Hillcrest Avenue, northwesterly side, northeasterly from a point
approximately 349 feet northeast of Fottler Ave-
nue,--
Two (2) poles (two existing JO poles to be removed)
Underground Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Com-
Conduit - pany to lay 90' of underground conduct on Marrett Road at Massachusetts
Marrett Rd Avenue
Mass. Ave Notices of the hearing were mailed to the petitioners and filed
with the Town Engineer
Mr. Pratt introduced John Gurkin, Engineer for the Boston Edison
Company, who was present and explained that the conduit is to be ex-
tended about 90 feet This extension is to increase their service
within their existing high voltage wire system
No one present in favor or in opposition, the Chairman declared
the hearing closed
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
petition of the Boston Edison Company for the following location
Marrett Road (Bedford Airport Road) , at Massachusetts Avenue,
a distance of about 90 feet - Conduit
Mr Zehner, Town Treasurer, met with the Board He said that
the Town is in need of $ 1 M in tax anticipation money and he has nego-
tiated loans with the following banks
New England Merchants National Bank, on $500,000, 4,04 discounted
First National Bank of Boston on $500,000, 4 09 discounted
The Harvard Trust Company on $500,000, 4 09 discounted
Lexington Trust Company on $500,000, 4 09 discounted
Tax Anti-
Mr Zehner recommended that the bid be awarded to the New England cipation
Merchants National Bank in the amount of $500,000, First National Bank Borrowing
of Boston, in the amount of $ 170,000, Harvard Trust Company, in the
amount of $ 170,000, Lexington Trust Company, in the amount of $ 160,000
' He said that the Town is borrowing money eighteen days later this year
than last year and there is a significant saving of appro*.i.mately
$2,000 The banks have requested that the notes be in small denomina-
tions as they are more negotiable in smaller amounts.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the
recommendation of the Town Treasurer to borrow $ 1 ,000,000 in tax anti-
cipation money and to award the bids to the following banks
New England Merchants National Bank, on $500,000, 4 04 discounted
First National Bank of Boston on $ 170,000, 4 09 discounted
The Harvard Trust Company on $ 170,000, 4.09 discounted
Lexington Trust Company on $ 160,000, 4 09 discounted
Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Com-
pany to lay about 210 feet of underground conduit and install a manhole
in Hartwell Avenue southwesterly from Maguire Road Under-
Notices of the hearing were mailed to the petitioner, owners of ground
the property as listed on the petitioners' plans, and also filed with Conduit
the Town Engineer Hartwell-
Mr Pratt, representing the Boston Edison Company, was present and Maguire
requested " leave to withdraw" the petition as a new plan of the area Road
will be submitted in the near future
No one appearing in favor or in opposition, the Chairman declared
the hearing closed
1
4( )
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the with-
drawal
of the petition submitted by the Boston Edison Company to install
a manhole and lay underground conduit in Hartwell Avenue, at and south-
westerly from Maguire Road, a distance of about 210 feet
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the re-
quest of the Boston Edison Company for " leave to withdraw" the petition
dated February 20, 1970 for the location of seventeen poles on Hartwell
Avenue, northwesterly side, southwesterly from a point approximately
118 feet southwest of Maguire Road
Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Com-
pany to lay underground conduit at Maguire Road and northwesterly from
Hartwell Avenue to Westview Street, a distance of about 1 ,645 feet,
and install manholes
Notices of the hearing were mailed to the petitioner and owners
of the property as listed on the petitioner' s plan and also filed with
the Town Engineer
Mr Pratt, representing the Boston Edison Company, said that this
petition is in regard to the line going up Hartwell Avenue to the
Bedford-Lexington line
Mr. McSweeney recommended that a new plan be submitted to show
that the conduit is placed in the southerly grass plot and that the
crossing at Westview Street be more of a diirect crossing
Mr Pratt agreed to submit a new plan showing this location.
No one appearing in favor or in opposition, the Chairman declared
the hearing closed
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
petition of the Boston Edison for the following location, subject to
the recommendation of the Town Engineer that a new plan be submitted.
Maguire Road, at and northwesterly from Hartwell Avenue
to Westview Street, a distance of about
1 ,645 feet -
Manholes and Conduit
Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison
Company to lay underground conduit on Wood Street, approximately 335
feet northwest of Holton Road, a distance of about 50 feet
Underground Notices of the hearing were mailed to the petitioner, owners of
Conduit - the property as listed on the petitioner' s plan, and also filed with
Wood Street the Town Engineer
Mr Pratt, representing the Boston Edison Company, said that
this petition is to be from one side of our right-of-way to the other
side and will be put underground
No one appearing in favor or in opposition, the Chairman declared
the hearing closed
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
petition of the Boston Edison Company for the following location
Wood Street, approximately 335 feet northwest of Holton Road,
a distance of about 50 feet - conduit
41.
Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Company
and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for the location of
one pole on Wood Street
Notices of the hearing were mailed to the petitioners' , owners of
the property as listed on the petitioners' plan, and also filed with the
Town Engineer
Mr Pratt, representing the Boston Edison Company, said that this
petition is a request of his company to install a pole for the line
coming down Wood Street and crossing at the A J Lane Construction Com-
pany property
The Chairman asked why it was not located on the property line in-
stead of as indicated on the plan?
Mr McSweeney said that he had spoken to Boston Edison about cross-
ing private property and was told that they had permission from the
owner to do it
No one appearing in favor or in opposition, the Chairman declared
the hearing closed
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
petition of the Boston Edison Company for the following pole location
Wood Street, Southwesterly side, approximately 1 ,035 feet north-
west of Fairview Avenue, -- One ( I ) pole
The Chairman informed Mr Pratt that on March 23, 1970, the Board
had taken under advisement the Boston Edison Company' s petition for
' underground conduit on Waltham Street near Blossomcrest Road until we
receive an answer on the permanent location of a pole at 758 Waltham
Street, which now has both old and new poles and the equipment must be
transferred to the new pole The Board would like a date that the work Underground
is to be done. Conduit
Mr Pratt said that he had, today, submitted a letter to the Board Waltham St
of Selectmen stating that the proper officials of the Boston Edison Com-
pany and the New England Telephone Company have been notified to remove
their equipment from the old pole to the new pole
The Chairman said that as soon as we have received an answer that
this has been accomplished, we wilt act on the petition for the under-
ground conduit
Mr. Legro informed the Board that Sherman and Enid Starr, 62 Hill
Street, who live across from the Lexington Golf Club, were denied an
appeal from the Board of Appeals regarding a decision of the Building
Inspector that the sale of alcoholic beverages to be consumed on the Lexington
premises of the Club does not constitute a change in use whereby the Golf Club
zoning by- law relative to parking requirements would apply, and have
filed a writ of mandamus to enforce the law.
An understanding has been reached by counsels in the cases of
Starr v. Donald K Irwin and Starr v Board of Appeals for twenty-
four additional spaces on the property and six additional spaces
along the hill in the crescent-shaped parcel along the normal bound-
ary of the stone wall ; this is not the property of the Town as it
v-412
was abandoned by the Town when Hill Street was relocated in 1926 or
1929 This proposal has been shown to the Town Engineer and he has
no objection to it Before he indicated the Town' s assent, Mr
Legro wanted to be sure there is no objection to having another ac-
cess through a stone wall as they want to get the work going to get
these cases disposed of
The Chairman asked Mr McSweeney if he had talked to the Traf-
fic Committee?
Mr McSweeney replied that he had not; they originally came in
with angle parking and he had said that we couldn't talk about that
We suggested this parking and gave our reasons why we didn't want
angle parking
Mr. Kenney asked if it would be hot-topped?
Mr Legro said, no, it would be gravel or crushed stones Along
the side of the street it would be gravel or hot top. He suggested
that the proposal be referred to the Traffic Committee
The Chairman asked the Board' s feeling?
Mr Mabee moved that the Board go along with the recommendation.
Mr Legro recommended that the Board simply take the position
that it has no objection at the present time
The Board agreed to refer the proposal for parking at the Lexing-
ton Golf Club to the Traffic Safety Committee and request a written
report be submitted to the Board.
At the request of the Town Clerk, four jurors were drawn, as
follows
Jurors Lowell S Bensky 10 Blake Road
Leonard F Milgate 60 School Street
Harold J Koffman 35 Tyler Road
Martin M Friedman 4 Blodgett Road
At 8 00 p.m , hearing was declared open upon petition of resi-
dents of Nichols Road as follows "We the undersigned wish to
register a complaint concerning the black and brown German Shepherd
residing at 16 Nichols Road This dog poses a serious threat both
Nawoichik to the children and adults of this neighborhood The mailman has
Dog refused to deliver mail on Nichols Road when the dog is loose. The
Hearing dog' s owner, Mr Nawoichik, has been requested to keep the dog re-
strained by the post office, the dog officer and neighbors We,
therefore, are submitting this petition to the Board of Selectmen to
inform them that we request the dog' s removal from the neighborhood:
Mr & Mrs Guy L Eidson 8 Nichols Road
Mr & Mrs Raymond S Simpson 7 Nichols Road
Mr & Mrs George Bennett 15 Nichols Road
Mr & Mrs John Curtin 6 Nichols Road
Mr & Mrs Charles L'Homme 9 Nichols Road
Mr & Mrs George Pittman II Nichols Road
Mr & Mrs William Phelan 17 Nichols Road
Mr & Mrs Richard S. Wells 20 Nichols Road
4 e�
' Henry C. Latto, Supt. of the Lexington Post Office, was present on
behalf of the regular carrier and all substitutes He read a report
from the letter carrier involved "This dog was picked up once by the
dog officer - broke loose from the dog officer and within a week re-
turned home by himself and since then has prevented delivery of mail to
fifteen homes on at least one day "
The Chairman said that we have received this petition, signed by
residents of Nichols Road The Board has always taken the position
that although we don't have to, we have a legal hearing to hear both
sides. Attorney Tropeano is here representing Mr Nawoichik
The Chairman asked if there was an Attorney present to represent
the petitioners? No answer He said that they do know they have the
right to have one present No answer He asked who would be the
spokesman?
Attorney Tropeano raised a point of order He asked for some ap-
plicable statute that the signatures of any petition are to be con-
sidered He has a statute that says they will be sworn in and he
wanted to hear that
The Chairman said that those present to give testimony are to be
sworn in and the petition is just to call the hearing, and will not
be part of the evidence He explained the procedure of the hearing
and asked that courtesy be given at all times to those testifying He
requested that those to give testimony rise and swear that the testi-
' mony given by them was, to the best of their knowledge, the whole
truth
The Chairman asked who would speak for the petitioners?
Mrs Simpson, 7 Nichols Road, didn't know
The Chairman said that Mr Phelan came to see me and was told that
someone would have to present their case, and I suggested that he hire
an attorney The dog officer, Mr Belcastro, will not present your
case but he will report on what he has done.
One of the petitioners asked if it could be presented in part as
each person knows it?
The Chairman agreed
Mrs. Sheila Wells, 20 Nichols Road, said that the first problem
we had was in the summer of 1968, after the leash law went through
We had visitors and there were four or five children in the yard, one
child was 18 months old, the son of Dr Chabot of Waltham Street, and
was sitting in the sandbox when the dogs ran into the yard and, with
no provocation, the dog dragged the child across the yard; we had to
run out and drag the dog from my yard over to his yard My husband
spoke to Victor Nawoichik and asked that the dog be kept out of our
yard That was almost two years ago and I am still on the phone call-
ing 'Mr Belcastro This year, I have an 18 months old baby and don't
want a repetition of this I find this dog vicious I don't bear
any LII wilt but they should keep the dog tied up
Attorney Tropeano said that you say another dog was involved; what
is the description?
J44
Mrs. Wells said that it was a white Shepherd owned by Nawoichik
Mr Richard Wells said that the boy' s father issued a complaint
to the Police Department and nothing was done about it
Mrs Shirley Bennett, 15 Nichols Road, said that I feel the
dogs are vicious Two summers ago, I had two prize rabbits and they
were up on a wire in front of the case and Heidi and another one of
their dogs chewed the rabbits' feet off I had to run over in my
nightgown to get Stephen as one of the rabbits was so badly chewed,
he took over The rabbit died and we kept the other one but, after
a month, it died I feel if they should viciously attack like that,
it is terrible, it could have been one of my children We had an-
other instance, not in question tonight, where my younger son had
the nipple torn off and has a scar from another one of their dogs
The Chairman asked if these dogs had attacked a person?
Mrs Wells said that Lady has attacked but this one has not
bitten a child of mine. They have come in and knocked one down
Attorney Tropeano said that Mrs Bennett and her husband differ;
he has patted the dog He went over and apologized for the petition
Mrs Bennett said that to be honest, we discussed this. I
signed and I did not apologize
Mr Charles Malone, Assistant Superintendent of the Lexington
Post Office, said that the official records of the Post Office show a
report dated January 29, 1970 that on January 22, 1970, due to inter-
ference from a dog owned by Nawoichik of 16 Nichols Road, no delivery
could be made at 21 , 17, 15, II , 9, 7, 6 and 8 Nichols Road and 96,
90, 85, 91 and 97 Blake Road This dog has been the subject of many
complaints John Guilfoyle, carrier in that area, reported to me that
while going in the front walk at 16 Nichols Road to make a delivery on
June 1 , 1968, a dog ran over and bit his right hand, he was treated
by Dr Pyle The records show this injury occurred.
Marshall Dean, 85 Blake Road, said that he had never seen that
dog in our yard at all , he didn't know what he looks like, it has
never been in our area, that' s all I can say
Mrs Dean wondered why 85 Blake Road is mentioned by Mr Malone
who said that the dog was in the neighborhood and he had to curtail
service because of the presence of the dog; she had never seen the
dog in her yard
Mrs. Simpson, 7 Nichols Road, said that about one and one-half
months ago, her two aunts had come to pick her up and Heidi was out
and barking and annoying them and afterwards, she had to call the
police to escort them back to the car She had called Stephen to
please keep the dog in He claims he works until 5 00 P.M and the
dog is never out, but he has lots of boys living there and he doesn't
know what they do The dog is out night and day
The Chairman asked why Mr Phelan is not at this hearing?
Mrs Phelan, 17 Nichols Road, said that she had just talked with
her husband on the phone and he said that when he was told about the
attorney, he got the impression that one was not needed He did call
an attorney who said that one wasn't necessary
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The Chairman said that he had recommended that he have an attorney
because he was here asking for this hearing and the only way we can re-
strain this dog is by a hearing Someone has to present the case My
question is, if this is as serious as he made it seem, why isn't he
here?
Mrs Phelan said that he was at home because of the babies She
said that in February, her husband had been out shoveling the driveway
and the dog came over and threatened him, her husband came in and later
punt back out again and the dog was still there He called the Police
and, as a result, the Dog Officer came up but couldn't catch the dog.
This dog is out at 10 00 at night and early in the morning.
Mr. Kenney asked if it was out on a leash?
Mrs. Phelan replied, no.
Mrs Bennett said that she has two children and there are fourteen
children in the neighborhood under 8 years of age, they are afraid of
this dog because the dog will come up and bark and threaten Stephen
will have to say he had to bring this dog in Last summer, my children
would stay in the house and wouldn't go out for Halloween because of
the dog She didn't feel her children should have to be afraid to go
out in the neighborhood. She didn't feel they should have to move be-
cause of this She didn't want another one to bite her children
The Chairman said that this hearing is held for specific facts as
to why this dog should be restrained.
Mr Raymond Simpson asked why the dog had to be restrained when we
have the leash law?
The Chairman said that they are two different things, under the
leash law, the dog should be out under control of someone at all times,
it doesn't mean a leash You are asking for the dog to be restrained.
Mr. Simpson asked, isn't that the law?
The Chairman replied, no.
Mr Simpson said that they were asking for someone to be with the
dog.
The Chairman said that you have asked for this dog to be restrained
by presenting us with this petition Ifyou want the dogto be
just
restrained under the leash law, you should have told us.
Mrs Wells said that after the day the dog threatened Mr Phelan, I
have been told the orders now are to shoot the dog on sight I am dis-
turbed about the viciousness of the dog because children have to be kept
at home.
The Chairman said that the orders are that any dog has to be dis-
posed of if, in the Dog Officer' s viewpoint, it is vicious
Attorney Tropeano said that he would like to have Mr Nawoichik, Sr
speak. The only incident there was two years ago is a hearsay statement
from Mr Malone, Assistant Superintendent of the Post Office, that the
mailman was frightened of a dog and wouldn't deliver the mail It was
the other dog that Mr. Nawoichik gave away that created that situation
The Chairman asked Mr Nawoichik if he still has it?
Mr Nawoichik, Sr said that he gave it away As for the man next
door, the dog had puppies and it was in the summertime the man came out
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and the dog was tangled up and he came over Knowing she had puppies,
I yelled to him He untangled the dog and patted it and went away.
She is not a vicious dog The problem is, some people don't recognize
what my Shepherd looks like and it is not always her She has gotten
away and I know of only one instance of her having bitten anybody
The mailman chased the dog down the street with a stick and threw
stones at her and she protected herself; problem is trespassing; I
keep the dog on a chain in the yard.
Stephen Nawoichik said that he has a run in back, a 20' run
this is where her son was bitten by the other dog; he stepped on Lady.
Mr Nawoichik, Sr said that Stephen is living there now, I
don't live there
The Chairman asked how many times the dog was off the chain?
Mr Nawoichik, Sr. said, three times I know of since the leash
law, three times she broke the chain She does get out, these people
say once a week and I say once a month,.
Mr Greeley thought that these people ought to be allowed to
cross-examine Mr Nawoichik
Mrs Simpson said that she had called Stephen that evening when
Heidi threatened her two aunts What is our leash law? At all times
the dog should be under supervision. Do you deny she is out from sun
set to sun rise? You admitted she was out
Stephen Nawoichik said that at that particular time, I did
Mrs Simpson said that she would testify in court that the dog
is out every single night, all night, many nights How can you say
once a month? You told me she doesn't like it in the cellar As
far as children are concerned, there are fourteen under 8 years.
Last summer, we had to drag the children in because Heidi was out
Stephen Nawoichik said, I didn't say that
Mr Nawoichik, Sr asked what makes you say it is a threaten-
ing dog?
Mrs Bennett said that if a dog came up and knocked me down, I
would be afraid - he is in my yard. Monday night, Heidi was .loose
and I couldn't get out until she was a distance away and I had to
run back in.
The Chairman asked couldn't or wouldn't get out or just afraid.
Mrs Bennett said that she was afraid, afraid that next time I
will have to stand there and be knocked down
Mrs Phelan said that she has called the Dog Officer many times
at night at 10-00 o'clock, I have seen that dog out at least three
times a week
A yound man said that each person should be able to speak, both
for and against, and should be able to speak all they want to.
The Chairman said that we should stick to the original ground
rules, the case is presented; then Attorney Tropeano; then the Dog
Officer, then those - regardless of for or against He asked Mr
Belcastro, Dog Officer, to come forward and present his report
Mr Belcastro read his report, as follows
47
I
June 20. 1969
Complaint At 10 00 A M , received a telephone call complaining that
Mr Nawoichik' s dog had bitten the painter that was working at his home
Dog Officer I called on Mr Nawoichik and told him to keep his dog tied
in the house and he stated that the painter tried to get in the cellar-
way while the dog was in the cellar The painter stated that the dog
was outdoors
August 4. 1969
Complaint Call from Mrs Wells, 20 Nichols Road, that Mr Nawoichik' s
dog was out loose again, and had bitten a child
Dog Officer When I arrived, the dog was just entering his enclosure.
No response at the door or phone
August 5. 1969
Dog Officer Keeping an eye on dog due to other complaints received
August 9. 1969
Complaint Call from Mrs. Simpson, 7 Nichols Road, that two German
Shephards belonging to Mr Nawoichik were loose
Dog Officer Called and Stephen Nawoichik answered phone Told him to
keep dog tied as there was a leash law in Town
August 13 1969
Dog Officer I picked up Nawoichik' s dog and brought it to Dr Smith' s
kennel Dr Smith' s helper refused to take the dog on the grounds that
he didn't want it around the high school help As I left there, ap-
proaching the Rte 128 bridge on Bedford Street, the dog jumped out of
the window and started running down Rte 128 I proceeded to chase
him until I reached the Waltham line I returned to Nichols Road and
warned the neighbors there what had happened and that if the dog re-
turned to let me knew.
August 17 1969
Dog Officer Mr Nawoichik going to court for violation of the leash
law and possessing two unlicensed dogs.
December 2 1969
Dog Officer Call from Mr. Nawoichik stating that he had lost his slips
for court fines of $20 00 for an unlicensed fine and $2 00 for violation
of leash law
January 17 19 and 21 1970
Complaint Calls from Mr Wells regarding dog
January 27 1970
Complaint Call from Mrs. Simpson complaining of dog.
January 30 1970
Complaint Received a complaint call from Mrs. Simpson, 7 Nichols Road,
that Mr Nawoichik' s dog wouldn't allow her mother out of her house
Her mother walks with two canes, and it is9 uite difficult for her to
manage normally
Dog Officer I told Mrs Simpson to notify the Police Department for
the simple reason they could act as witnesses to the incident and,
secondly, they could shoot the dog, if necessary.
No answer when I called Mr. Nawoichik
In the final analysis, upon further investigation, I learned that the
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21 ‘1
mailman was also bitten and refused to deliver mail on this street. I
also learned that a child was bitten on the breast and has the scars
to prove it
February 3 1970
Complaint Mrs. Simpson called to say that the Nawoichik dog was out
again and asked if I would go up and see what I could do I went
there and couldn't see the dog
Dog Officer I went to see Mr. Nawoichik and there was no answer
February 10 1970
Complaint Mr Phelan called me, it was a Sunday morning around
7 30 A.M and he said that he was out shoveling and couldn't get out
of his yard to shovel because of the dog
Dog Officer I told him I would go over there but, in the meantime, he
called the Police Station and Lt Dooley called me and said that he had
sent two men over in a cruiser I joined them and they tried to shoot
the dog who was roaming the street at the time They couldn't hit the
dog and then he went into his own enclosure The Police and I went to
see Mr Nawoichik and there was no answer
March 20 1970
Dog Officer Mr. Nawoichik was fined $ 12.00 in Concord District Court
for an unlicensed and unleased dog. I have kept a close check on the
neighborhood at least twice a day and I haven't seen the dog out.
March 27 1970
Complaint Received a complaint call from Mrs. Phelan, 17 Nichols Road,
that Nawoichik' s dog was out running loose and she was afraid to let
her children out to play
Dog Officer Since I Was at court this day, I was unable to go there
to check on the situation. It seems to me that every time I drive up
there, the dog seems to know the truck and bounds for his own yard
The Chairman addressed Mrs Wells and asked, you say the dog had
bitten a child? Whose child?
Mrs Wells replied, Dr Chabot' s child
The Chairman asked Mr Belcastro, you said that back in January, a
mailman was bitten - which mailman?
Mr. Belcastro didn't know
The Chairman asked Mr Belcastro if this is the same child mentioned
in his report?
Mr Belcastro didn't know, just what I heard
Attorney Tropeano asked which parent complained on these instances
when told a dog had bitten children?
Answer Mrs Wells
Attorney Tropeano asked, you say you have been keeping a close
check since last January, you haven't seen him loose2
Mr Belcastro answered he had seen the dog running in the street
and running in his own enclosure.
Mrs Demond Dewan, 30 Fuller Road, asked Mr Belcastro if the dog
had bitten him?
Mr. Belcastro replied that the dog had bitten him on the hand
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1 alsogo
Mrs. Dewan asked, did the dog for your face?
Mr. Belcastro answered yes
Mrs Dewan said, May I ask that it be recorded
The Chairman asked Mr Belcastro if he had issued another formal com-
plaint since then?
Mr Belcastro replied, yes.
The Chairman asked if the dog is licensed?
Mr Belcastro replied that it was
The Chairman asked if anyone had further facts as to the dog being
dangerous, vicious, or not on a leash?
Mrs Dewan said that this is the testimony if my sons, 9 and 6
years, they say when they go to Nichols Road toplay, dos come and 9
inti-
midate them so they can't move; it was only once that the dog did not
threaten them
The Chairman asked if anyone else wanted to speak?
Mrs Dean, 85 Blake Road, said that she had been a resident of Lexing-
ton since January I , 1949 and had two sons; when we moved to Lexington,
one was two years old and this one we had six years later We never had a
fence and are on the corner of Blake and Preston Whenever they were out
in the yard I had no fear I have never seen the Nawoichik dog There
are 2, 3 or 4 dogs that run through my yard but not a German Shepherd
There was a Collie today and that dog is let loose every single day and
I never complained because he does no harm to anybody in that neighborhood.
I have never seen the Nawoichik dog loose and I live down the hill from
I
Nichols Road and there is no fence on my property
Carol Smith, 126 Pine Street, Waltham, said that she was a friend of
Stephen' s and said that she and her friend have taken the dog shopping
for about three hours and she sat quietly and has eaten a hot dog out of
her hand.
Joel Dwyer said that he rents a room at 16 Nichols Road and has taken
this dog to different houses, the dog never bothers anybody, never barks
I run with her at night to make sure she doesn't bite anybody When the
man couldn't shovel the driveway, one of the other neighbors went and got
the dog and brought it to his house
Walter Henkle said that he lives in Burlington and is a friend of
Stephen' s. This dog is very mild, even tempered, is normal not vicious
This dog is as mild mannered as can be and is not vicious; this dog is
a watch dog and if there is anything coming, he will bark
Patrick Gallagher, Follen Road, said that because a dog barks, it
is not necessarily a threat I have been in the house a number of times
and have patted the dog and it didn't bite me When I go over to the
house, the dog is usually in the cellar and never bothered me
Beb° Deah, said that he has seen the kids abuse the dog and kick it.
Jack Tossberg, 21 Nichols Road, said that the dog gets out, comes
to our door and scratches, we pat it and it goes home. On Sunday, the
dog went out and I took it home and chained it up while my father watched
and it never barked at me at all
The Chairman said that all of these people say the dog is out and
they brought it home
111
Mr Nawoichik, Sr said that he did say the dog did get out
50
Bob Dean said that he is always playing out in front of Conklin' s
house and never heard from the Thayer' s, who used to live there, of
abuse, the onlyone was the white one, the other one is so quiet I
didn't know it existed; this is a quiet dog
Mr Phelan said that Mr Tossberg claims the dog is not vicious,
I can see why, they do feed the dog sometimes He says the dog is
not vicious and, at one time, someone was bitten on his land
Mrs Simpson said that no child has hit Heidi because they are
petrified of her
Mrs. L'Homme said that Mrs. Dean has said she has lived there
since 1949, may I ask the age of the dog?
Stephen Nawoichik replied, 6 years.
James J Wells, Jr , 23 Eaton Road, said he has known the dog a
number of years and has lived in the neighborhood 12 years, he has
gotten out of the service recently and had a great deal to do with
dogs; after having puppies, dogs have tendencies to be slightly obnox-
ious towards people they are not familiar with. The dog is a watch
dog when people are new It is not a vicious dog but after it has
pups, it will tend to bark and be vicious towards people it doesn't
know; it is not vicious or frightening people or anything that comes
near it
The Chairman said that if there are no new facts to be presented,
he will call on Mr Tropeano
Attorney Tropeano said that 99% of the facts you have heard have
been strictly hearsay, there is only one direct piece of testimony,
Mr Belcastro said that he tried to catch the dog and grabbed it; if
this occurred, it was a natural tendancy of the dog to react, I
haven't heard anything in the last two years Once a dog molested a
couple of children and it is no longer owned by Mr. Nawoichik Your
problem is to separate that which is acceptable and that which is
heresay and make your decision.
Mrs Bennett said, I feel that the relationship of Lady biting
my son has a relationship for one reason and will tell Stephen why
Lady bit him Lady felt she was going to be hurt; she was abused at
home; you ordinarily wear engineer' s boots and I have seen you stomp
on his head She bit my son and I feel Heidi has the same tendancy
and for the same reasons.
The Chairman said that we have heard the story in great detail .
The Board will take it under advisement We will discuss this with
the Dog Officer and will let Mr Tropeano, know of our decision
The Chairman declared the hearing closed.
Later on in the meeting, the Board discussed the hearing. The
Chairman said that his recommendation would be to postpone a decision
as he had set up a meeting for tomorrow with the Judge in Concord and
he will talk with him
Mr. Legro said that the leash law ought to help the Selectmen
avoid a hearing, some hearings ought to be eliminated There are
two different things because a dog can be at large in the neighbor-
hood without being vicious but is in violation of the leash law
1v
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Execu-
tive Session for the purpose of discussing, deliberating or voting on
matters which, if made public, might adversely affect the public Executive
security, the financial interests of the Town or the reputation of a Session
person
After discussion of matters of engineering interest to the Town,
it was voted to go out of Executive Session and resume the open meeting
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
bond, in the amount of $2,000, for Rita J Breslin, Assistant Town Bond
Clerk, bond does not require approval of the Commissioner of Corpora-
tions and Taxations
Mr Burke said that there was an error in water billing to Francis
McCarron, 5 Hillside Terrace, in the amount of $54 50, and he requested
the Selectmen to approve the abatement, in the form of a letter to the
Tax Collector Abatement
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to abate the sum
of $54 50 to Francis McCarron, 5 Hillside Terrace, and to so inform
the Tax Collector
Mr O'Conne4l said that the bids received for the cleaning of ap-
proximately 4500 catch basins were reviewed; he recommended that the
bid be awarded to George Pierce, Jr , 25 Bishop Street, Leominster, Catch
Massachusetts, at $ 1 .50 per basin Basins
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award the con-
tract for the cleaning of approximately 4500 catch basins to George
Pierce, Jr. at $ 1 50 per basin
Mr O'Connell informed the Board that a request has been received
from Mr Richman, General Manager of the Sheraton-Lexington Motor Inn,
for an extension of hours of service of alcoholic beverages to 100 A M
for cocktail receptions to be held on April 9, 10 and II , 1970 by the Sheraton-
Mass. Society of Radiologic Technicians Lexington
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permis- Inn
sion to the Sheraton-Lexington Motor Inn for an extension of hours of
service of alcoholic beverages, as follows April 9 until 12 00 M ,
April 10 until 100 A.M , Arpil II until 100 A M
Mr Burke said that on March 30, 1970, the Board voted to grant
the request of Lincoln Laboratory to mount a calibration mirror on
one of the water storage tanks of the Town, located off Morgan Road, Lincoln
subject to one of the conditions that Lincoln Laboratory be required Laboratory
to execute an agreement with the Town and to provide under the terms Calibration
of such agreement the necessary insurance coverage for the Town He Mirror
asked for some direction from the Board
The Chairman said that we should be absolved of any liability of
anybody getting hurt, complete indemnification We want a policy in
case somebody does fall
Mr Legro said that there should be an endorsement on their
policy getting the Town of Lexington as the name of the insured. He
asked in what amount?
Tr- 4)
t) rd
The Chairman said that we would want at least $300 T to $500 T
Mr Burke asked about property damage
Mr Legro said that he was as much concerned about property dam-
age as personal injury Suppose this was, in any manner, contributory
to bursting and gallons of water dame down that hill ; there would be
property damage The Town' s liability for storage of water is danger-
ous enough without putting something on this tank that might lead to
greater difficulty Property damage ought to be in the range of per-
sonal injury
Mr O'Connell said that it is almost inconceivable that this
device could cause damage to this tank He compared it to a rear view
mirror on a car
Mr Legro said that we are not performing a municipal function
when we do this.
Mr Burke was instructed to talk with Mr Cahalane of the Lincoln
Laboratory
Mr Burke said that he would talk with him and suggest $300,000
for bodily injury and $500,000 to $ 1 M on property damage.
Mr McSweeney said that a request has been received from Colonial
Builders to connect to a Town sewer at the intersection of Garfield
and Hickory Streets to service four lots; they will assume all costs
from Garfield to Hickory Stteets and will build according to the speci-
fications of the Town He showed a plan of the proposed easement and
Colonial the limits of the public way
Builders He said that we find their proposal acceptable from an engineering
standpoint, however, since Garfield Street is a private way and the
Town is an abutter to the proposed easement located in Garfield Street,
the legal ramifications of a project of this nature should be clarified
by Town Counsel
Mr Legro said that this is the land formerly owned by Francis W
K Smith Who owns the fee on Garfield Street and who has the right
to grant the easement to put in the sewer? There is a question of
title and Mr Smith was unable to correct it Somebody has to pro-
duce an easement to Garfield Street to construct the sewer
It was agreed that Mr Legro is to work with Mr McSweeney to
resolve the matter
Hayden Avenue was discussed
The Chairman asked Mr McSweeney if he had more than one layout?
Mr McSweeney replied in the affirmative He said that Mr
Hayden Morgenstern had told him he would come in with some type of proposal
Avenue and he had told him that he would be happy to look at it
Mr Legro said that the Valleyfield option ought not to be exer-
cised the way it is
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the
Bond bond for Constable Guy Busa, in the amount of $3,000
1
5.-3
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the water Abatement
abatement for Ernest Simpson, $26.25; duplicate bill had been sent
f
The Chairman read a letter from Ronald and Judith Goldner, request- Tax Title
ing the purchase of tax title lot #40 Rockville Avenue 40 Rock-
It was agreed to delay action until more information is obtained. Ville Ave
The Chairman read a letter from Itek Corporation, requesting that
the consumption of four water meters be combined into a single bill
per billing period
A report has been received from Mr Burke, stating that the present
policy is not to combine meter readings unless the meters are connected
in series or are established as a battery of two or more meters and are
installed at one specific location in a structure Itek has four meters
in use and two of them are installed in two specific locations in a
structure; the other two could be handled as a single bill as they are Itek Water
connected in series. Bills
The Board agreed to continue with the present policy of the Town
and there would be three bills issued to Itek Corporation, instead of
four water bills
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to notify Itek
Corporation that three water bills will be issued instead of four, as
follows
•
Account Nos. C-95A- 10B and C-95A- IOC to be handled as a
single bill by combining the consumption of these meters
as they are connected in series
Account Nos. C-95A- 10 and C-95A- I0A are to remain under
the present policy of one bill for each meter installed
at one specific location in a structure
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the better-
ment assessments for the following streets, with an award of no damages:
Betterment
Downing Road Assessment
Bloomfield Street
Minola Road
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at
li 00 P.M
A true record, Attest }�
Executive Clerk, Selectmen
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