Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1969-10-20-BOS-min 445 SELECTMEN'S MEETING October 20, 1969 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, October 20, 1969 at 7:30 P.M Chairman Cataldo, Messrs Mabee, Kenney, Greeley and Bailey were present Mr Legro, Town Counsel; Mr. Gray, Executive Assistant ; Mr. Burke, Superintendent of Public Works; Mr. McSweeney, Town Engineer; and Mrs McCurdy, Executive Clerk, were also present Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone Com- pany for the location of a pole on Gleason Road. Notices of the hearing were mailed to the peti- tioners and owner of the property as listed on the petitioners ' plan, and also filed with the Town Engineer. Mr. Pratt, representing the Boston Edison Compnay, said that this petition is for the relocation of a pole Pole out of a driveway and moving it 2 feet off the property Locations line at 63 Gleason Road. No one appearing in favor or in opposition, the Chairman declared the hearing closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone Company for the following location: Gleason Road, northeasterly side, approximately 187 feet southeast of Simonds Road, 1 pole (1 existing JO pole to be removed ) Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee for a transfer from Transfer the Reserve Fund to the Health-Engineering Account #3385, in the amount of $300. Mr Gray informed the Board that a letter has been received from Attorney Conroy stating that in his previ- Kitchen ous correspondence with the Board , he had indicated a Subdivi- need for a commitment to satisfy the Planning Board but 'ion has received oral assurances from the Board of Selectmen that the sewer will be extended . He asks that we con- tact the Planning Board and give them the guarantee they require so that he can get subdivision approval. Mr Gray said that we gave no assurance that the sewer will be extended for the subdivision 446 The Chairman instructed Mr. Gray to write to Attor- ney Conroy again and reiterate that we will consider this request when all sewers are discussed . Mr. McSweeney informed the Board that fifteen bids had been received for the sewer construction on Lowell Brentwood Street and the Ridge Estates . He requested the Board Sewer to award the Contract to the lowest bidder, Brentwood Contract Construction Corp. , 47 Albany Street, Brockton, in the amount of $63,781.88 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award the contract to Brentwood Construction Corp. , in the amount of $63,781 88 Mr. McSweeney said that he had informed the Board at the last meeting of the request of Mr. Dunlap of 225 Waltham Street to pay the 1931 rate of $251.29 to con- nect to the sewer, instead of the current rate of $1381.75. He had talked with Mr Dunlap and informed him that he would have to paythe current rate. A ser- vice connection would cost $15 from the manhole to the property line and it would cost another $1,000 to go to Dunlap his property. Sewer The Chairman asked if, ordinarily, he would have to Pay $415? Mr. McSweeney replied, yea ; we don't have to build a thing. Mr . Mabee asked if it mattered to him or the Town whether it is built on an angle? Mr. McSweeney replied that it doesn' t Mr Kenney said that this is along the front of his house and the average person does not pay that. Mr. McSweeney said that this is an estimated coat and if it is less, he is refunded the 'money; this is because of the pavement and the length of the cut. Mr. Mabee asked why he hadn't been charged better- ments; he could have tied into it in 1931. The Chairman said that he could have fought the betterments and could have won. Mr. Kenney asked if, because it is directly down in front of his house, he is paying because of the angle. Mr. McSweeney said that he is paying the difference of $100 to $150. Technically, the manhole doesn! t come up perpendicularly to his property The Chairman said that we are going to base his charge on $251 29 and the current figure is $1381 75; he is going to have to pay something beyond $251.29 He asked the Board ' s feeling? Mr. Greeley disqualified himself because of a fam- ily connection. Mr Kenney said that he hesitated to charge the 447 full $1381.75 One thing is , on the $415, if the sewer is going in, that charge will be already less . The Chairman said that on the actual cost, he will be refunded. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted the charge to Mr. Chesley M Dunlap, 225 Waltham Street, will be $816 , in lieu of betterments . Mr Greely abstained Mr Richard Zimmerman of the Lexington Cab Company met with the Board . He said that the Board has voted some stiff license fees , from $1 for the taxicab to $15 and from $1 to $5 for the driver. Boston is charging $10, Belmont, $2 and Arlington $3. The Chairman pointed out the cost to process an ap- plicbttion and the final issuance of a license. We have many applications from people who are not interested in driving any length of time. This procedure is costing us from $25 to $50 to issue the permits . Mr. Zimmerman said that it is putting him under a strain. One fellow applied at the Police Station and they lost the application; when he filled out another application, it cost him 5 as the fee had been raised. He felt that it would create a dangerous precedent . An increase is warranted and suggested going in between, Taxi $5 for the cab and $2 for the license Fees The Chairman asked if he had some specific requests? Mr. Zimmerman asked about having a stand et the Shopping area at the Banboo Hut? The Chairman said that you make a request to us and we, in turn, give it to the Traffic Committee. Mr. Zimmerman said that the rate structure is in- adequate; we are not making money Our rates are lower than Newton, Wellesley and Concord and they should be higher. They are now 75e for the first mile and 101 for a fifth of a mile If we go from North Lexington to Great Road, we travel three miles up and go one mile; we travel eight miles to take in 75e; on 91/21 a mile, you couldn't operate your car. Our drivers must have more money as they do not average the minimum wage per hour; it is difficult for us to operate. During a 45-day period, we lost 49 drivers ; we operate what we consider the best taxi service in Massachusetts, the best equipped and the best drivers ; we want to main- tain that. Two years ago when we came in here, we got a good part of what we asked for. We would like to ask for 601 for the first half and. 10' for each addi- tional eighth of a mile. The Chairman said that the first mile would be $1. We will take your request under advisement . 44S Mr Zimmerman retired from the meeting Mr Gray was instructed to look into the charges of the surrounding towns , check the new location and take the matter up at the next Traffic Committee meet- ing Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted Transfer to request the Appropriation Committee for a transfer from the Reserve Fund to Health-Engineering Account #3385, in the amount of $300 Water Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted Assess- to sign the water betterments for Meadow Brook Avenue ments and Wellington Lane The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Worrell of the Planning Board, suggesting that the Selectmen con- Cedar sider inserting a sidewalk article in the Warrant for Street the 1970 Annual Town Meeting for the section of Cedar Street between Massachusetts Avenue and Hill Street It was agreed to inform Mr Worrell that as soon as plan of Cedar Street, including the sidewalk, is prepared by the Town Engineer, a meeting will be scheduled with the residents of Cedar Street to dis- cuss the street . Appointment of the Hunting Committee was dis- cussed . Mr. Cataldo was willing to serve and it was Hunting agreed to write to the Conservation Commission and Committee the Recreation Committee and request that a member from each be appointed . Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to appoint Robert Cataldo a member of the Hunting Com- mittee Mr James Mazyck and residents of Vaille Avenue met with the Board . Vaille Mr. Mazyok said that the purpose of the meeting Avenue is to discuss the proposed plan of construction of a Hearing paved street and sidewalk on Vaille Avenue from Reed Street to the existing paved section of Vaille Avenue The Chairman said that we have received calls from a substantial number of citizens of the Town say- ing that you had called them and said that the Board of Selectmen was less than cooperative and this is not the truth; I feel strongly about the way we operate and the cooperation you get here; I don't think it was fair for you to give that impression. We are accept- ing, your letter of October 14 requesting a hearing as an appeal, although it is not in proper legal form. Hi 4 9 Mr. Mazyck said that we are here to discuss a rea- sonable and equitable solution to the construction of the sidewalk. We are faced with the proposed install- ation of the sidewalk on the side to benefit the fewer number of houses ; we don't know what the provision of the Town would be to maintain it for snow removal; we feel there is inequity in that the fewer number would be burdened with the installation of the sidewalk and maintenance during the winter. Ithe sidewalk.per se is to benefit the pedestrian` traffic, w¢ don' t think it would as residents would have to cross the street to use the sidewalk. A solution to the problem of pedestrian vs vehicle would be to make a bump in the road and have it come onto Reed Street at an angle in front of 28 Reed Street . Our feeling is, our request is to see the street installed and paved without the sidewalk, realizing that if it is installed later it would be at a higher cost than now. The Chairman said that you realize that, legally and technically, is the hearing to give permission to cut the trees or not? Mr. Mazyck said that we had a hearing and Mr. McSweeney and representatives met with us and we felt we saved a maximum of trees . The Chairman said that the Engineering Depart- ment did this to save the trees . Mr Mazyck said that their proposal was to save the trees . Mr Greeley said that he didn' t get the connection between the bump in the road and this Mr Mazyck said that Vaille Avenue approaches Reed Street downhill; with a new paved section et a 45o angle it might precipitate accidents ; with the street approaching and the sidewalk on the proposed side, we have the fact that traffic would travel along exceed- ingly fast . The Chairman said that he thought all of the ob- jections were basically for the cutting of the trees . Mr . Mazyck said that they were originally, but in talking with the neighbors , there was strong feeling for the sidewalk and the laying of the street The Chairman said that you are saying the neigh- bors would like it on the opposite side than where proposed? Mr Mazyick said that Mr. McSweeney said that the plan may have to be redrawn The Chairman asked if the sidewalk was moved to the other, would these people accept this? Mr Mazyck said that there are people here to- night in favor of it . 0 Mr. Kenney asked how many trees would be involved if the sidewalk is moved to the other side? Mr. Mazyck replied that there are more trees to be taken down; some of the abutters on that side feel they are diseased or old and it would be far better without them We realize at this late date this change would require redrawing of all the plans and might delay the street, which is not something we want; a compromise is to suggest the construction of the street, without the sidewk. - The Chairman asked if anyone was in favor of Mr. Mazyck' s position of deleting the sidewalk? Recorded in favor of deleting the sidewalk; John Whalen, 28 Reed Street; Mr. and Mrs . James Craig, 36 Reed Street; Mrs Leonard Burnt, 6 Vaille Avenue The Chairman read a petition signed by the resi- dents of Vaille Avenue which stated that the plan as submitted by the Town Engineer was to have the side- walk constructed on the odd numbered side of the street in order to lose the least number of trees possible. They hope that this plan will be adhered to and also urge that the street be reconstructed as soon as possible They feel that the delays already encountered are beyond the realm of reasonableness and urgently ask the Select- men to act immediately. The following signed the petition: Mr. James E. Day Mrs . Donald C Gray Mrs . Leota G Day Mr D C. Gray Mrs Robert P Jackson Stanley G. Phillips, Jr. Robert P. Jackson Janet G Phillips , George W. Tarbell Donald K. Maher Gertrude E. Tarbell John S. Beebe Violet M McKenzie Ruth S Beebe Malcolm F. McKenzie Eleanor R. Delfino Lillian M. Cumming Conrad F. Delfino Hazel M. Barry James J Lima Clarence W. Barry Martha J. Lime Harry M Hogan Leila A Roecker Beulah G. Hogan Dorothy Simpson Walter F Pennell J M. Cronin Helen C Pennell Mr. Cronin of 49 Vaille Avenue had previously written to the Board in opposition. No one else appeared in favor or in opposition and the chairman declared the hearing closed Later on in the meeting, it was agreed to include Vaille Avenue as laid out in the contract Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to include Vaille Avenue in the street and sidewalk contract as recommended and laid out by the Town Engineer. 451 The Chairman informed the Board that the residents of Grassland Street had met with the Board last week and a decision has been delayed until the full Board was in attendance. Many of the people on Grassland Street want it constructed with a 24' pavement . We in- formed them that although we signed the contract, any changes would jeopardize the street . Grassland Mr Kenney said that as he understood it, if the Street street was jeopardized, they prefer to go along with the plan but if we delete the sidewalk they would be pleased . After discussion, it was agreed to proceed as de- signed . Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to proceed on Grassland Street as designed by the Town Engi- neer The Chairman read a letter from the Planning Board in reply to our letter to them regarding a petition re- ceived from the residents of Bedford Street objecting to the construction of the Friendly Ice Cream Shop. The Planning Board recommendation, basically, is for a rezoning change, making it mandatory to provide parking spaces . We should take a look at it once more. Mr Greeley said that he was strongly in favor of the rezoning amendment. Friendly The Chairman said that we also referred 1620 Massa- Ice Cream chusetts Avenue to the Planning Board ; it is in the general business district The Planning Board lists the possibilities that the property could be acquired for municipal purposes or as housing for moderate income 1620 Mass. families ; or sell it back to the present owner with a Ave stipulation prohibiting the removal of the building. Rezoning Also, that the property could be rezoned to RS but there is a question whether Town Meeting would vote the re- zoning and the resulting reduction in the value of the property without compensation to the owner. Another pos- sibility would be to impose a requirement, applicable to the entire CB central business district, that a certain portion of a lot must be reserved for parking and yards Mr Kenney suggested rezoning and compensating the owner. The Chairman said that we can't rezone and reimburse them This is basically the same as the corner of Lowell and Woburn Streets ; the Planning Board recommended we re- zone that but Town Meeting turned it down. We could buy it We should keep this in the Town Meeting file. Mr Greeley asked Town Counsel for his comments . Mr Legro said that on buying it for moderate income housing, he didn't know of any authority in the Town to provide for low income housing except the Housing Author- it, for public purposes and authorized public purposes . 452 Mr Greeley said that he was in favor of rezoning but was not sure that is the complete answer on 1620 Massachusetts Avenue The Chairman asked if be would answer affirmative- ly if it were brought up or affirmative to support it? Mr Greeley answered, both. The Chairman said that his feeling was either buy 1620 Massachusetts Avenue for some purpose or leave it as it is . Mr. Greeley couldn't see buying it. Mr Kenney didn't advocate buying it without some specific purpose Mr. Mabee said we should discuss it with the Plan- ning Board, among other things, prior to Town Meeting. It was agreed to discuss these two items with the Planning Board before Town Meeting. The Chairman read a letter from Mrs Soule, stat- ing that the American Field Service is going to conduct a money raising event on November 7 and requests per- Permit mission to use the United Nations flags in the center. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the APS to use the United Nations ' flags in the center on November 7, subject to the condi- tions of Mr Mazerall The Conservation Commission met with the Board Mr Brown said that there were three items to dis- cuss . One was Whipple Hill They are laying out a management plan for their Conservation land They wanted to know what our thinking was in developing Town-owned land bought for other purposes The Chairman said that it is the Board' s feeling to Whipple develop a master plan of the total area, taking into Hill consideration layouts to separate the area at a later r4�tJ ,��` date, if necesssary; also, it is the Board 's feeling rthat before any plans were finalized, to discuss them with the Recreation Committee. Mr. Brown said that another item is, the Planning Board came in last week about an additional person; the Housing Authority also supports the request We would like to add our plaudits to that suggestion as we have a lot of paper work and have no executive help to accom- plish this . The Chairman said that we have informed Mr Zaleski to come before us when we discuss the budget ; we will then consider it Mr Smith asked if the Board wanted them to put in an item for a portion of the expense; be wouldn't want the entire expense in the Planning Board budget ["d 4e)e� The Chairman said, that if approved, let the Board decide bow to budget it Mr. Kenney suggested that they back it up with good statistics ; we are not looking toward hiring new people. Mr. Brown said that for several years, a bill has been filed in the Legislature for bipartisan support for existing wires to be place underground and if the Town elects to adopt the provisions, the utility com- panies shall spend not less than 2% of their gross revenues from such town and may place a 2% surcharge on its bills, or 50 a month for the average house and the Electric Company agrees to undertake a regu- larly planned program There are advantages to this as electric wires come down and ruin the tteest, Lots rtith buried wire bring considerably more than those with overhead wiring It will take a few decades to finish the program. It will cut down on the death toll with Under- people going into poles . We urge you to take the posi- ground tive aspect that some day wires will all be buried and Wiring to consider putting an article in the Warrant that Bill wires will be buried . Mr. Greeley asked if the Act pays any heed as to who bears the cost of street lighting where the wires are put underground? Mr Sussman replied no. Mr. Greeley said that we probably would pay for the cost of the light standards . The Chairman said that it is $110 for just the pole and the light; wooden ones are $1+0; we are talking sub- stantial monies . Mr. Sussman said that perhaps the Electric Company is being unfair to us; we might try twisting thir arm. The Chairman said that we took the approach after the last Town Meeting to ask what the difference would be to buy our own poles . They said, fine, but they feel our costs would be greater; we would have to wire and maintain and it could cost between $500 and $600 without the fixture Mr Greeley asked if they pay taxes on these poles? The Chairman said that the utility assessment in Town is close to $10 M; it is an overall package. The Planning Board has made a report to us and we intend to look into it as we would like to have an evaluation made Mr. Greeley said that when the Act become effective, Town Meeting has to vote. r 454 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Executive to go into Executive Session for the purpose of dis- Session cussing, deliberating or voting on matters which, if made public, might adversely affect the public securi- ty, the financial interests of the Town or the repu- tation 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 10:37 P.M. A true record, Attest : Executive Clerk, Selectmen I \�