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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1968-12-16-BOS-min 1_ 1_b SELECTMEVS MEETING December 16, 1968 1 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmente Room, Town Office Building:, on Monday evening, December 16, 1968 at 7 30 P.M. Chairman Cataldo, Messrs. Cole, Mabee, Kenney and Greeley were present. Mr. Legro, Town Counsel, Mr. Gray, Executive Assistant, Mr. Burke, Superintendent of Public Works, Mr. McSweeney, Town Engineer, Mr. Wenham, Assistant Superintendent of Public Works, and Mrs.. McCurdy, Executive Clerk, were also present. Mr. Gray inftirzned the Board that we had written to the School Committee asking them for an opinion on the Woburn St. Woburn Street and Cotton-Ashley school sites. A letter Cotton has been received from the School Committee stating that Ashley both sites could be needed in the future for school Sites buildings and it seems premature to abandon them at this time. Mr. Gray said that we will now proceed with the necessary surveys and descriptions or the land. Mr. Gray infur;med the Board that a letter bad been. written to the Trustees of Cary Memorial Hall regarding the use of the Bird Room. A letter has been received from the Trustees stating that they had voted kt their meeting of December 11, 1968 that the use of the Bird Roam or other rooms in the building for meetings would Bird not cthnstitute a violation df the deed to the Town, pro- Room vidirg the attendant coming and going of persons having business with these committees does not grow to such an extent as to interfere with the public use of the build- ing or so detract from the historical purposes indicated in the wills as to constitute a violation thereof. The letter further stated that the Trustees agreed that the public should be encouraged to make greater use of the building for purposes that are not in contradiction to the terms of the wills. Mr. Gray said that, based on the letter, this room should not be used for all types of meetings. It was agreed that Mr. Gray is to draw up rules and regulations for the use of the Bird Room and send a copy to all Boards and Commissions. Mr. Gray informed the Board that a bill has been Perry, received from Perry, Dean and Stewart for professional Dean & services in connection with a study for the proposed Stewart addition to the Town Office Building in the amount of $1500.00. 117 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the payment of the bill submitted by Perry, Dean and Stewart in the amount of $1500.00. Mr. Gray said that the Town, Treasurer had asked him for information, regarding the bond for the gravity sewer at Hamilton Road. It was suggested by Bond Counsel that, Bedford in order to avoid conflict of interest, the Board desig- Sewer nate Sperry, Spofford and Thorndike. Mr. Legro was given the letter and will look into the matter. Mr Burke requested the Board to approve a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Sanitary Land Fill Account #5850 in the amount of $4500. He said that we have had to continue the Police Detail at the Sanitary Land Fill, for payment of bills for November and December on road machinery, and additional fill is needed due to fires at Transfer the dump. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Appropriation. Committee for a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Sanitary Land Fill Account #5850, in the amount of $4500.00. Mr. McSweeney requested the Board to approve a tram- fer frau. the Reserve Fund to the Engineering Expense Ac- count #5550 in. the amount of $500.00. The Traffic Counter used by the Town was stolen and funds are requested to re- place it. Transfer Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee for a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Engineering Expense Account #5550, in the amount of $500.00 Mr. McSweeney said that he has an estimate of cost for Stedman Road for $65,000, as proposed by the Architect; it includes all utilities. From Brookside Avenue to Allen Street, there are 1150 feet; the cost is approximately $55 per foot, Stedman The Chairman said that we have to appropriate $65,000. Road Mr, Greeley asked if this would help the school, on the water and sewer? Mr. McSweeney said that water and sewer are available. Mr. Mabee asked what the Planning Board recommends for a second access? Mr. Taylor asked me to attend a .meet- ing but I told him there was no point in going until we hear from the Planning Board. 118 The Chairman said that we don't know what the ming Boards recommendation will be. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following liquor licenses. Package Goods Berman' s Market 55 Mass. Avenue Liquor Zoseph Trani, Inc. 1775 Mass. Avenue Licenses Buse Bros. , Inc. 131 Mass, Avenue Vinebrook Corp. 1700 Mass. Avenue Lexington Liquor Mart 1849 MBAs. Avenue Innholder Battle Green Inn 1720 Mass. Avenue Sheraton-Lexi.gtnn 'Motor Inn 727 Marrett Road Upon. motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign Common Victualler licenses for the following, approval having been received from the Board of Health Hancock Market 6 No. Hancock Street Common Brewster's Inc. 913 Walthma Street Victualler Folsom' s Seafoods 184 Bedford Street Upon motion, duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign Certificate df Inco±poration for the following Cert. of Incorp. Peter Davison 193 Cedar Street D. Rao Sanadi 5 Angier Road "Boston Biomedical Research Institute, Inc. " Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to Minutes approve the Minutes of the Selectmen' s Meeting held on December 9, 1968. The Qhnirmml-1 informed the Board that a latter has Civil been received from the Appropriation Committee nominating Defense Donald B. White to serve as the Appropriation Committee's Advisory representative on the Civil Defense Advisory Counoil, Committee Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Mr. Donald B. White as the Appropriation Commit- tee ' s representative on the Civil Defense Advisory Council. 119 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign. a Class 1 Agent' s License for the Colonial Garage, 1668 Massachusetts Avenue. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the deposit refund to Concrete Construction Company of Everett in, the Amount of $50.00. The Capital Expenditures Committee met with the Board to discuss budgets. The Chairman informed the Committee that a request has been received from the County Commissioners for the Board to approve the appraisals of damages on Lowell Street. Mr. Mitchell said that the total figure on sewers is $600,000, $Li.50,000 for laterals and $150,000 for trunks, it is our thinking to recommend $540,000, which is the figure previously budgeted this year. We would point out that, between June and the tall Pawn Meeting, we went well over the budget of last year' s appropriation and we would lite to bold the line this year. We show $540, 000 for 1970 and $600, 000 for 1971, to take inflation into account; last year we raised the figure we had been Capital carrying from $500,000 to $540,000. Expendi- The Chairman said 1-11 alt we have a request to put in tures 11 a trunk at the Waltham line; the property was re-zoned three years ago; we are anxious to get this area cleaned up. This year, we would like to go to $600,000 to in- clude that building. Mr. Mitchell asked, can't we carve that out? The Chairman said thatv construction-wise, taking everything into consideration, we would take issue on which piece you choose. Mr. Mitchell said that he had a question on when the zoning was discussed two or three years ago. The Chairman said that when it was discussed, Waltham was going to let us hook into their line. Mr. Mi thell said that, on the Short property, his recollection was that it was going to use its own sewer. The Chairman said that Waltham has its own problems and won't let them hook on. This trunk would service that whole area; it would finish up the Five Fields area, trunk-wise; this would be going to the pumping station at Spring Street. Mr. Mitchell said that the property on the westerly side is still R-1. 120 The Chairman said that the Star Market has bought it. I If you would give this matter serious consideration, we would appreciate it. Mr. Mitchell aaid that you had asked for $150,000 on, trunks; we could slice something off that. The Chairman said that the total figure for this whole trunk is $194, 000. Mr Blake asked how the trunk would differ if you didnit iniylude the Waltham Street area? The Chairman said that it wouldn 't. Mr. Mitchell said they didn't get a specific propo- sal as to which trunk. The Chairman said that Hayden Avenue is re-zoned] this trunk goes along Hayden Avenue and will service that area. Next year, we would have major construction on laterals and clean it up. We would like to do a sub- stantial area at one time. Mr. Mitchell asked how soon? The Chairman replied, in the spring. Mr. Mitchell said, on drains, we bs tM1 $0,000. You requested $38,000. The Chairman said that, as you know, Mr. Adams has a problem with drains and we areoing to start the Mariam Hill drainage and go as far as $11. 0,000 will allow. We will take the $40,000. II Mr. Mitchell said, $20,000 on water mains. The Chairman said that if Hayden Avenue is re-zoned, we will use it and a little more. Mr. Mitchell said that he didn't think the Committee would quibble over $20,000 or $25,000. Mr. Mitchell said that the Chapter 90 budget is 60,000. Reoonatruction and expenses, we are budgeting 135,000, combining the figures. Last year, we voted 98,500; you requested $165,000.LWe were recommending 135,000, 35 percent above the amount appropriated last year. The Chairman said that, last year, we approved $98,500; we approved four streets and, after going out to bid, we were $62,000 short; further, we approved Philip Road and we were $14,000 short. $76,000 of this year' s money for streets of last year. We feel that with the condition of the streets we want to recommend this year, we must have $165,000. Mr. Mitchell asked, how many streets? The Chairman replied, three at the moat. We ask for the increased amounts of money. These same pepOle were here last, year; we feel we should do at least a couple of II t2L_ streets this year. On priority, they are Bridge Street, Hillotest Avenue and Manley Court. If we get that money we are asking for, we would be lucky to get these three streets done. If we had a choice of which item, we would out the sewers first, we would pick streets; these three streets come to $96,500, and are in addition to the ones we had last year. We should keep some street program going. Mr. Kenney said that the Bridge Street residents were in last year and we told them we would give them priority. Mr. Mitchell asked what the ratio is on houses to vacant lots on the areas that would be paved? Mr. Cole said that we don't do vacant lents. The Chairman, said that Bridge Street-has 100 percent owners, no vacant lots. Hillcrest Avenue had seven houses when they first petitioned, no* there are thirteen. Manley Court is a short street, there are four houses on it. These are the worst streets. We have, aside from last year, $226,100; a lot of streets petitioned last year and we had to say we couldn't do them. Mr. Mitchell said that the Committee will take another look at this. On reimbursement for subdividers,' we have $10,000. The Chairman said that, because of a section of Worthen Road, which will take more than a year to do, the Planning Board is asking for $20,000. Mr. Mitchell said that $sere is no issue there. Side- walks, we are carrying $40,000, the Board requests $ 5,000. We will hold this item. Curbs, $5,000; equipment budget, $70,000; Traffic Control is $8,000, as requested. The Chairman said that the only two areas to be dis- cussed are streets and sewers. Mrs. Rawls said, sidewalks. The Chaitman said that with the coat of construction today, $45,000 would get us one sidewalk; Concord Avenue is $60,000. Mr. Blake asked how muoh of Concord Avenue? The Chairman said that it was from Waltham Street up to Route 2. We have asked the Traffic Committee to give priorities and. submit a list. Mr. Mitchell said that two others requested money for Lincoln Street. The Chairman said that the plan submitted last year had a road going into the parking lot and we have the per- manent snow dump; we would like to finish and fence it for use of the Recreation Committee. We feel that in order for I 122 the School Department to use the access road into the area, if we can make arrangements with the White Company to blast for a second lane, we would need some money to bail the peat and put a solid base in there. If the Worthen Road section at the Bowman School is constructed, we would let the contract with the terms to haul the peat and put gravel under it, good peat, gravel base and peat on top. The peat there now came from the White Company. We can stockpile there at $1.00 a yard, delivered. We had money from the Lincoln Strebt budget. These are the three areas that we are looking for some money. Mr. Mitchell said that it makes sense to him. Mr. Blake asked if any of the ledge would be of help in developing the site for the Junior High? The Chairman said that he didn't know What their schedule is. There is more than enough for what we would need. Mr. Blake said that the availability of the fill is the real reason you are pushthg ,for this. Mr. Mitchell said it is the position of the Committee that Worthen Road ought to be absorbed into Chapter 90 or street acceptances. The Chairman said he personally agreed that it should be Chapter 90 money. The Chairman said that we have a request from the School Sites to insert Stedman Road in the Warrant. We want to make it clear that we don't Want it to be part of our street program. Mr. Blake asked if it could go into the 1970 budget? The Chairman said that they have asked us to include this . Mr. Greeley said the road is the stretch of Stedman Road from in front of the school, to Brookside, to the Franklin School. Mr. Mitchell asked if it is to be vehicular or a work road? The Chairman replied it was to be vehicular. Mr. Mabee said that some of the Board think there ought to be two accessed to the Junior High. Mr. Mitchell said that the Committee has received two numbers on the Douglass property; one from the Board of Selectmen and one from the Planning Board. The Chairman said that we will get you the numbers. Mr. Mitchell said that the only other major amount id for the Town Office Building. I have been asked to make a point - we have heard considerable discussion about who ought to build the building. We would hope that the 12:3 Article would be worded flexibly enough and have it de- cided on the need, rather than get into which Committee ought to build the building. The Chairman said that, basically, any Article is drawn so that it can be amended; tonight, we are talking another issue 4 as far as money is concerned, how your Committee feels. Mr. Mitchell said that we have decided that the need for the Town Office Building is greater than the Library. We haven't finished going over it; figure on planning money of $45,000 this year, we plan on recom- mending it. Mr. Blake said, you are abandoning the idea of building a separate location for the school? The Chairman maid that the reason is, it would be $200,000 more to build new facilities for the Police. We explored every conceivable alternative; we can get much greater efficiency and better control under one roof. Mr. Greeley said that it is timing; the School De- partment isn't considering moving. Mr. Mitchell said that the timing is such that you could put the Police Station in Munroe. Sidewalks were discussed. Mr. Mitchell said that it would seem that School. sidewalks ought to have first priority; you ought to have luminary sidewalks postponed. Mr. Cole said that people on Concord Avenue don't want it any more. The Chairman said, you are recommending $45,000 on sidewalks. Mr. Mitchell said, an increase of 10 percent, taking into account the increased construction costs. Mr. Mabee asked, would your Committee consider ad- justing betterments and sewers. The Chairman said, Mr. Mabee is asking if you would budget more money. Mr. Mitchell said that we could make an argument to that effect. Mr. Kenney said that you might discuss the increased demand since we have kindergarten; we might have to have more Policewomen. Mr.. Mitchell said that one way to convince us is to show that you would actually save money. Mr. Mitchell said that it was his impression on streets and sewers, the abutters tend to be primarily requesting them, while on sidewalks, this is not so. The Chairman asked what the Capital Expenditures Com- mittee is recommending on land. I 124 Mr. Mitchell said that the report last year reaowwend- ed expanding the land,a quinition program. The Committee still feels that the arguments for it are valid. The coat of land is going up rapidly and the availability of open space land is disappearing. If you have a plan and want to aoquire, it makes sense from Capital Ra- penditures ' point of view to go out and do it. It is not clear what Conservation and the Planning Board are going to ask for this year. This is a very hard situa- tion in the face of money costs. The Chairman said, are you telling us there is no plan to proceed by? Mr. Mitchell said that we have had a verbal present- ation of what they would like to present. I assume you have seen a copy of the Conservation list. The Chairman said that he had not; you have come up with no definite recommendation. Mr. Mitchell said that the Committee has talked about $500,000. The Chairman said that it was a lot of money. Mr. Cogan said that they have reservations about the implementation of a land program of the magnitude of the last couple of years without a coordinator. I know it is not going to be done, not of this magnitude. I am some- what concerned with the increased degree of takings. You may look at judgments coming down two, three or four years, we are going to suffer for it. The Chairman agreed and said that land purchases are a problem. We want to buy land and buy it right; we haven' t bought it right, at the right price. I disagree with you on the number of takings. You know if you can't come to terms in 60 days, it could go on for four or five years. I would rather make the taking and then keep negotiating. Mr. Cogan said that he feels a parcel is appraised for a taking, it is voted in good faith, and they are so wide of the mark. Mr. Greeley said that part of what you are observing is the big gap between Town appraisals and asking prices. Requests at Town Meeting are in a general line with the appraised value. Mr. Mabee said that ten years ago the Town was buying so little land that the asking price and the appraised value were much more in line; now, we are buying so much it is driving the appraisal a little askew. Mr. Cogan said that he didn't know if it would solve the problem, but it would help if you have one person doing the negotiating, 2 _ 5 Mrs. Rawls asked if there was any such Article in the Warrant? Mr. Cole said that he felt it could be accomplished without an Article. The Planning Board met with the Board. The Chairman asked Mrs. Riffin about sidewalks. Mrs. Riffin said to increase the $1$,000 to $60,000, which is what they feel is appropriate. We have a ten year plan; there are five schedules and others to be done, Planning a cost estimate in order to have sidewalks within arterial Board and connector roads; it would take about five years to ac- complish. The Chairman said that we asked for $75,000 for your needs, our needs and the schools. Mr. Mitchell said that theirs include the schools. The Chairman asked the Capital Expenditures Committee to come back to the Board with the required answers. The Committee retired from the meeting. Mrs. Riffiu said that the Planning Board has submitted twenty-six Articles which fall into three major categories; about one-half of them are housekeeping Articles and some on zoning. Under the Planning Board Article, we have dropped the Corrazini one; the ;3rice is extremely high and we are not sure it is the best land in that area. We are not going to have any Articles for recreation purposes. Planning Re-zone Laconia Street; two Articles on the Nursing Homes, Board in response to the Town Meeting Article which requested us Articles to make a change from the present zoning; we have several Articles on Hayden Avenue. The Chairman said that we will go over the Housing Inspector on Saturday morning. Mrs. Riffin asked if the Board had reviewed the Article on the Drummer Boy land? The Chairman said that we haven' t discussed it as yet; the Board of Appeals has approved the subdivision. Mrs. Riffin said that the developer has more than twelve acres; the approved area constitutes one-half, ap- proximately 50 acres; it took two Board of Appeals hearing. We talked out the problems and are convinced that residential use is the best use. Mr. Greeley asked if the approved plan is tied in with the extension of Hartwell Avenue? Mrs. Riffin said that there would be a road that would go through from Bedford Street; it was left out as the Tratfio Study hasn' t been approved; until that intersection is redesigned, you can't make that connection. The Chairman said that it will be discussed on Saturday morning. Mr. Greeley asked about Stedman Road. I. 2 F� The Chairman said that this Board feels very strongly that there should be an access from Marrett Road for Stedman safety; it would be hazardous for people to pick up and Road drop off children in that area. Mrs. Riffin said that we went over it with Mr. Taylor; I expressed my feeling of anything to get the cars off Marrett Road. Maybe we can discuss this further. Mr. Mabee said that he had no quarrel with Stedman Road, except the cost; the cost of this building is so high; they think this is a less expensive way out and I don't think so. If we go along with the Junior High, we need another access road. The Chairman said that Mr. McSweeney has may it quite clear to them. Mr. Greeley said that he would like to leave it that the PlprnTng Board looks at this very carefully before we go to Town Meeting. The Planning Board retired from the meeting. The Conservation Commission met with the Board, The Chairman said that the Board will vote to make the Order of Taking on Whipple Hill; clear it with Engineering and Town Counsel; next time, start early enough and we will help you. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adopt the Order of Taking for the land owned by R. Curtis Hamilton, Trustee of Locke Bros. Trust and Wendell W. Locke and Chester C. Locke, in the amount of $25,500; and the land owned by R. Curtis Hamilton and Wendell W. Locke, in the amount of $19,200. The Chairman asked Mr. Suasman what else he would need. Conservation Mr. Sussman said that he would need a copy of the Commission Order of Taking with appropriate indications that it has Whipple been recorded; he understands that this acts in effect as Hili the deed; understands that the Treasurer will have to draw a cheek. There are requests we have made to Town Counsel - a statement as to the condition of the title indicating that the title has been examined, etc. The Order of Taking when properly registered acts at! the deed. Mr. Legro said that it did not. The Chairman asked if they have everything else in order and if they know how they are going to do this? Mr. Sussman said that we will design another to go to Mr. Brownell's office. Mr. Legro asked what happens to some of the certifi- cates of compliance with certain requirements of HUD? Mr. Sussman said that HUD was not the final applica- tion for state aid. HUD has only given permission to pro- ceed without receiving approval of a federal grant first. Mr. Greeley said that the federal grant is when the price is adjudicated higher; they base their price on what is paid. Mr. Legro said that this is to assure the receipt of state funds, which is the smaller part. Mr. Sussman said that it will be 50 percent of this award. We will hand carry this to Mr. Brownell as soon as the paper is placed in our hands. If you would tell us the easiest way, we would be pleased to pick up the checks from the Town Treasurer. The Chairman iiastructed them to pick up the papers from*. Legro. The Chairman asked if the Conservation Commission is asking the Board to insert these three Articles for additional _money for the ConserVation. Fund and supplementary appropriations for Whipple Hill and 'Kingston Hor�tes? Mr. Sussman replied in the affirmative. The Chairman said that you are aski`n'g for Whip'ple Hill and we d1-scuased it and don't agree on doing this. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing, delib- erating or voting on matters which, if made public, might Exec. adversely affect the public security, the financial interests Session of the Town, or the reputation of a person. After discussion involving the financial interests of the Town, it was voted to go out of Executive Session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to in- sert the following Articles in the Warrant: Permanent Building Committee, with the Conservation Committee Street Acceptance of Roger Greeley Village Recreation Committee: Center Playground, two tennis courts Articles Four tennis courts to be illuminated, the development of the Harrington Playground, Valleyfield Street and Laconia Street Fire Department Generator Cemetery Department - 2 Articles ($4.,000 development of Westview. ) Data Processing Study Committee Standing Plumbing Permit Library (standard) Mystic Valley Mental Health Lexington School Committee Attorney Regional Vocational Appropriation for Conservation Committee Conservation Articles - Twelve Planning Board - 26 Articles Construction of Worthen Road Sanderson Road - Elena Road Special Article - Busa Realty Trust 2 The Chairman said that we have voted to insert the Article for the Housing Inspector. The Citizens Article on the Drummer Boy land was dis- cussed. Mr. Gray said that he had talked with Mr. Wheaton and had told him that the Article must be presented in its proper form. Drummer Mr. Greeley suggested that the Board vote to reserve Boy a space for it. Land Mr. Legro said that the Board cannot put this Article in, but could put it in as a Selectmen's Article. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted not to insert the Article on the Drummer Boy land. The Chairman instructed Mr. Gray to contact Norman Fletcher and Mr. Wheaton and inform them of the Board's vote. Ask that it be put in proper form and returned to the Board on next Monday evening. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing, Exec. deliberating or voting on matters which, if made public, Session might adversely affect the public security, the financial interests of the Town, or the reputation of a person. After discussion of matters of financial interest to the Town, it was voted to go out of Executive Session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 11:05 P.M. A true record, Attest: ")7Z, 0 Executive Clerk, Selectmen y