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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1968-12-09-BOS-min 166 SELECTMEN'S MEETING December 9, 1968 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, December 9, 1968 at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Catlado, Messrs . Cole, Mabee, Kenney and Greeley were present. Mr. Gray, Executive Assistant, Mr. Burke, Superintendent of Public Works, Mr. McSweeney, Town Engineer, Mr. Wenham, Assistant Superintendent of Public Workd, and Mrs . McCurdy, Executive Clerk, were also present. Mr. Gray informed the Board that a request for a transfer has been received from the Veterans' Agent in the amount of $600, due to two new recipients on the rolls, therefore necessitating an increase in expendi- Transfer tures. Transfer Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee for a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Veteran' s Aid and Expensed, Ac- count #7200, in the amount of $600.00. Mr. Gray informed the Board that a request for a transfer has been received from the Town Clerk in the amount of $850, due to unforseen expenditures caused by Transfer the Special Referendum of July 1, 1968. Transfer Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee to transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Town Clerk-Elections Account #1950, in the amount of $850.00. Mr. Gray read a letter from Mr. Callaghan of- the Port Authority which stated that the Public Information Manor Office of Hanscom Field had invited the Manor Road resi- Manor Residents dents to visit Hanscom Field and be briefed on the noise Residents abatement measures which have been taken. The residents had expressed their appreciation but said they were satis- fied with the action already taken. Mr. Gray said that we have acquired two new parking areas at the Depositors Trust Company and the Harvard Trust Company. It is recommended that the Parking Rules and Regulations be amended to cover these areas . Traffic Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to Traffic Rules amend the Traffic Rules and Regulations, as follows: Rules To amend Article V-Parking: Section 12, Parking Meter Locations and Regulations, by adding to � (I7 ^SchedulAr4, Edison Way, 174 feet Southeasterly from Station Way. To amend Article V-Parking : Section 2, Parking Meter Locations and Prohibitions by adding to Schedule 1, Harvard Trust Company Lot, Massachu- setts Avenue, one hour parking, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Mr. Gray informed the Board that an additional grant has been received from the Federal Government on the Force Bedford main at Hamilton Road for $72,630, an increase of $15,120 Sewer over the original grant of $161,400. The estimated cost is $277,000 and we are receiving a considerable portion of the project in Grant and Aid. The Chairman asked if Mr. Gray had heard anything on the other application. Mr. Gray said that he had not; it is still being con- sidered by State and Federal Officials. Mr. McSweeney said that they are looking for three engineering reports and waiting for the agreement report between Lexington and Bedford. Mr. Cole informed the Board that he had talked with Mr. Jaquith regarding the Historic District Commission; Historic Mr. Graves would be willing to serve if reappointed. District Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to re- appoint Mr. George E. Graves a member of the Historic Dis- trict Commission for a five year term expiring January 1, 1974. Mr. Gray informed the Board that he would like to discual; Philip Rbad. We had meetings with Judge Rowe and Jack Fein of Whitman and Howard, Mr. Crimp, Mr. Taylor of Philip the Standing School Building Committee, Mr. Cataldo, Mr. Road McSweeney and Mr. Gray . The Board wanted to find out what had happened and where the responsibility lies. Mr. Crimp stated that he absolved the Contractor on excavation and backfilling. At the last meeting, he varied it by saying that he had given instructions to the Contractor to re- move the peat and backfill with gravel. Mr. Gray said that the recommendation to the Board is that we include funds in the budget to take care of relocating and fixing the sewer. We will probably have to excavate this to find out what happened. When we do this, we will make recommendations to the Board as to what happened. The Chairman said that we came up with the approach that each one assume the liability, and the answer was, I ' Os no. Mr. Crimp said that he had no responsibility at all, which was a direct reversal. We asked the question to resolve the problem and the answer was, no, even from Mr. Taylor. They didn't want to take the responsibility and we didn' t want to take the position that it was the Con- tractor' s fault. Finally, we said that we would reconstruct Philip Road and find out where the liability stands. We felt that the only way was to dig it wide open. Mr. McSweeney will be there in the interest of the Town. Mr. Crimp now says that it was the responsibility of the Clerk of the Works. We made it quite clear that Mr. Crimp would have to be there, and Whitman and Howard. We can' t see any other way of pinning the responsibility. Involved are two Contractors, Whitman and Howard, Mr. Crimp, and the Clerk of the Works. The Chairman said that John Carroll told Whitman and Howard to remove 9,000yards of peat from the estimate and we find it may not have been removed; we are not sure. Mr. McSweeney said that we are talking about $37,000. $75,000 was tbe estimate he had made to now build Philip Road. $37,000 was deleted previously for the 9,000 yards of peat which Mr. Carroll assumed had been removed. The Chairman said that we have a $28,000 balance in the account. We want to put an Article in the Warrant to reconstruct Philip Road. Mr. McSweeney will get the results of the borings. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to in- sert an Article in the Warrant to reconstruct Philip Road. Mr. Gray informed the Board that a request has been received for the extension of the sewer line to 261 Waltham Street; there is a critical problem, heblthwise. A line can be put in from 261 to 267 Waltham Street at the inter- Sewer section of the Street; the property is between Worthen Road Sewer Line end the High School. Line Mr. McSweeney said that the estimated cost is $1800; it is on Town property. Mr. Cole asked if we have the money? Mr. Gray said that wedid; betterments will be charged. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to extend the sewer line to 261 Waltham Street. Mr. Burke requested approval of a request dor a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Sewer Maintenance Account of $3,000. This request is to pay outstanding bills now and future bills Transfer to the end of the year. Power bills and repair costs have Transfe exceeded original estimates; due to the overload at the My1tle Street pumping station, rented pumps were required in the spring of 1968; in addition, emergency pumping repairs were required, which amounted to approximately $2600. I 0 9 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee for a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Sewer Maintenance Account No. 5700, in the amount of $3,000. Mr. Burke requested approval of a request for a transfer of $7,000 to the Road Machinery Account No. 5450. This year, there were many repairs to vehicles which were unforeseen and extraordinary, due to unexpected major Transfer breakdowns; unrepairable damage which required the pur- chase of replacement tires , which caused an over-expendi- ture of tire estimates. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee for a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Road Machinery Account No 5450, in the amount of $7,000. Mr. Gray informed the Board that he had prepared a list on the status of previous Articles and will give a monthly report. The Board had no objection to the re- port being sent to TMMA. The Chairman informed the Board that a letter had been received from the Planning Board asking us to give further consideration to the policy recommended last year on the sidewalks . We can discuss it now or when we discuss sidewalks and the budget. Side- It as agreed that Mr. Gray is to discuss the let- walks ter with the Superintendent of Public Works and the Town Engineer. The Chairman read a letter from the Planning Board regarding the Workable Program. The letter stated that the Planning Board recommends that the Selectmen insert an Article in the Warrant to authorize the creation of Housing the position of a full time or part-time Housing In- Inspector spector under the Director of Public Health. Mr. Kenney asked why he would be put under the Director, rather than the Building Inspector? The Chairman said that, because of the Housing Code, it would be a health problem. The Chairman said that we should discuss it with the Planning Board. Mr. Greeley said that we should reserve an Article in the Warrant for creation of the position. We should look at the budgetary aspect in relation to the Building Inspector and the Housing Code; he would like a clearer picture of what he is going to enforce. 110 The Chairman said that he didn' t know if the Build- ing Inspector could cover the job. It was agreed to set up an appointment with the Planning Board to discuss the matter. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to insert an Article for the creation of a position of Housing Inspector, under the Director df Public Health. The Trustees of Cary Educational Fund met with the Board. Mr. Brodhead informed the Board that he represented the Cary Trustees and, for the last several years, they have mentioned improvements for Cary Hall, particularly the stage. A year ago, we received a letter from the Lecture Committee concerning improvements to the stage. The Trustees have not had their annual meeting; however, our opinion is that this is purely a matter for the Town as far as maintenance to the hall is concerned. Mr. Brodhead asked Louise Cavalieri of the Cary Lecture Com- mittee to present their views on what ought to be done. Cary Miss Cavalieri said that improvements should be Cary Memorial made for safety reasons; the asbestos curtain has a huge Memorial Hall gap at the top, there are no safety chains on this and Hall there is a need f©r a valance. Of the eight vents, only two are in working order; many of the ropes are inade- quate and, if replaced, should be at least 3/4" heavy manila rope. There are pullies without proper clamping; this is a safety factor. The intercom is not in working order; in an emergency, the people in the basement could not be notified. All of the border lights need to be strengthened; the footlights are quite obsolete, and can prove to be dangerous for actors; we don' t have perma- mently mounted spotlights, we 1.entdthem twice last year. At the back stage you can' t be seen as the border lights are too far forward. From the projection booth, the sight lines are very poor. This should be remedied. These things are important if we are going to meet the demands for educational purposes for which the hall was intended. The Chairman asked if there was el list of the areas to be considerdd. Mr. Charles Cole said that he has a report that can be submitted. It all started when Cary Lecture had a ballet two years ago; there was severe criticism from the people putting it on. It goes back many years ago when the stage was considered theatrical but it is now used for concerts or lectures ; the acoustics are good and it is the only stage in Town with good height,you can fly the stage scenery out of sight. Mr. Pickering, Stage Consul- tant knows more than I do as he is an expert on stage rigging; he has done work for the Cary Lecture Committee. We now have a situation to use it for a hall, safety measures must be taken. In case of fire, the vents must automatically open as you would have an explosion unless you could let this super-heated air out. Mr. Pickering has been generous so that we won' t be denied the use of the hall. The report we give to you covers improvements to make it safer. It is all right for professionals, but we want to get it acceptable for outside theatrical groups and not have any hazards . The report willgive many prices and totals to $15,000; a drawing goes along with it. The only thing that remains to be done would be an Article; we still have to have specifications by Mr. Pickering. The Chairman asked if he understood correctly that Cary Lecture Committee requests the Board to insert an Article for this work? Mrs. Frick said that the Cary Lecture Committee re- lies on the Board to maintain Cary Hall. Cary Lecture Committee cannot aelk for this, the Cary Trustees would ask for the Article. Mr. Brodhead said that he had no authorization from the Trustees to request this ; Cary Lecture should do it. The Chairman said that we spend substantiafi monies under Article la.. Mr. Swartz said that the Cary Lecture Committee asks for $15,000; it might come from the Excess and De- ficiency Fund; they need $15,000. Mr. Cole said that they may not be asking offici- ally for an Article; they are asking the Selectmen who have the right to consider putting in an Article. Mr . Cole made a motion to put an Article in the Warrant. Mr. Kenney said that part of his question earlier is, we could do it under Article Li . The Chairman said that it is our policy to ac- knowledge any Committee for a request for an Article. If they are asking us, we should lood at the report and come up with a recommendation. Mr. Lincoln Cole said that this is an unusual expense and the question will be asked how many times during the course of the year would this be used for theatrical purposes? Miss Cavalieri said that it was used twice this year for theatricals and twice for Cary Lectures series. We would like to use it for Muzzey Jr. High students; there is no ball available in the spring. The Choral Society uses it and there are four programs for Cary Lecture. We found it inadequate for the last Cary Lecture. iii Mr. Charles Cole said that it is fair to say that it inhibits the Lecture Committee from putting on proper per- formances and we could expect to have larger performances. Miss Cavalieri said, of much higher quality. Mr. Eaton said that when we had the ballet, we had to climb the ladder to turn the lights on. I asked to get the light switch on stage level. The more we got into programs, when we started using that stage for other than pictures, we discovered the condition of the curtain; there are two very bad creases down the middle of the screen. Many people say we ought to do something about the screen. The Selectmen give money and we get money. It seems to me, the minute you begin to work and put on programs, you realize the wonderful facilities in this hall. In view of what the Cary family and foundation gave, it would cost a tremendous amount of money to du- plicate the facilities. We would like to do other things and can' t. To spend $15,000 would put the faci- lities in condition. The Chairman asked if they had programs from now until March to use the screen again. Mr. Eaton said that he didn't know; the streaks on the screen are terrible. Mr. Mabee said that it was mentioned that the acou- stics are very good in the hall, have you checked with the Choral Society? No singing group can sing on the stage because the sound goes straight up. You can't hear a thing fav back on stage . The only way they can sing is to knock out 200 seats; not using the great depth of the stage you say is such ab attribute.' Why not use acoustical equipment. Mr. Charles Cole said that he gave the report to the Chairman. There are still other areas. Mr. Mabee said, acoustics. Mr. Pickering said that the improvements called for nineteen new counterweight sets; legs and borders will require seven sets, leaving twelve sets for the hanging of stage shows; three more sets could be liberated by taking off the legs. The Choral Society talked about counterweights. 300 pounds were held up by 2" or 11/2" clamps, if pulled out of the floor, the baffle Would have come down on top of the chorus, They would build the baffle for $700 or $750. With this new equipment, it would add sufficient weight to handle it. The cyclo- rama is to be hung on 1" pipe. You need four spot- lights mounted on the front balcony rails. A spot- light should be used in the projection booth. The asbestos curtain doesnfit cover the height; in the 1 113 specifications, there is an abbestos valance. If this is put in, the hall will be approved for theatrical use; you have been getting away with things for years; it would be no trouble to change over for a theatre license. Mr. Lincoln Cole moved to insert an Article in the Warrant; if it is decided to do it under Article 1 , we can withdraw the Article. The Chairman asked if they understood the ground rules about inserting an Article with all information in it and asked who is going to prepare this? Mr. Lincoln Cole said that the Executive Assistant could have the Article by the 13th; the Article could be broad enough to cover everything and the motion could cover the amount. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to insert an Article in the Warrant for the 1969 Annual Town Meeting for improvements to the stage at Cary Memorial Hall. Mr. Swatitz said that he would be glad to work on the Article. Mr. Cole informed the Board that a vacancy exists on the Town Celebrations Committee and Mr. Broderick would be willing to serve on the Committee. Appoint- Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to ment appoint Mr. James Broderick a member of the Town Celebra- tions Committee to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Raymond Lewis to May 1, 1970. Chief Corr met with the Board. The Chairman asked for a report on the Cadet Program. Chief Corr said that he had authorization for two men in 1968 and he was unable to find anyone at the High School level; I did find two college men who had trans- ferred over to Criminal , accepted College, and both of them. One had not told me the truth about his marks and he was ineligible. The other is Stephen Doherty, 20 Cadet Adams Street, a student at Northeastern, who will Program be working with us through the summer of next year. The Chairman asked, there was no one from Lexington High School? Chief Corr said that the high school is following its policy of not allowing potential employers to in- terview students and I came under that category. I didn' t take it up with the School Committee as we weren't able to proceed until April 1, after Town Meeting. I would expect, next time around, we would do it. I drew up .a paper advising the SeniOrs what the program con- sists of and their were no takers at the Senior High level. [14 Mr. Greeley said that it should have been done in the fall; April is too late. Chief Corr said that same people said that it was not. Mr. Mabee said that when you say no takers, do you mean no one was interested. Chief Corr said that there was no response. Mr. Kenney asked if they would allow members of the Air Force? Chief Corr said, not to my knowledge.. Mr. Mabee asked if he was going to try again? Chief Corr replied, definitely. This bill came to an end and the Omnibus Crime Bill is taking over; it is open to anybody interested in law enforcement. I would suspect that this is the last time the Town would pay entirely for this, I expect that the Governemnt will pay later on. Nottheastern is the only college with this course, other than Mass. Bay. If the High School had accepted m0 pro- posal to talk with the students, I was going to ask Dean Sheehan of Northeastern to come out. The Chairman asked Chief Corr to comment on the letter received from Mr. Weiss Which stated his views on the loitering By-law. Chief Corr said that Mr. Weiss is wrong, particularly with respect to the Common. I would like the Board to know that we treat the Common differently than Emery Park. Loitering If he is talking about nuisnace complaints of youngsters driving around on bicycles, we are going to see that the youngsters leave the Common. We look at Emery Park a little more liberally; there are always fifteen or twenty youngsters there every afternoon. The latest order is not to remove them unless they are noisy, or littering, etc. It hasn't changed in front of Brighams; my 'people are under orders that if and when they gather together in front of the store and block the passageway, they would break them up. Mr. Greeley asked if Buckman Tavern grounds are treated like the Common or Emery Park? Chief Corr said that Buckman is included under park land. Mr. Cole said that he finds that everything the Chief says is pretty mach the way things are; Chief Corr made a particular point regarding loitering. I have talked many times at the High School and have asked them if they have been asked to move along for loitering and the answer had always been it,_was nat for loitering but always for something else. The Chief is aware of the" general things they do in these areas. 11.5 Mr. Kenney said that in talking with people, this problem has abated quite a bit . Nobody has mentioned this for months. The Chairman said that we will answer Mr. Weiss that we think the situation is such that there is no need for a change in the present program. Upon motion Aly made and seconded, it was voted to sign Common Victualler licenses for the following: Comm. Vid The Regent Delicatessen 1729 Mass . Avenue Pine Meadows Country Club Cedar Street Woodhaven Country Stores, Inc. /12)1 Marrett Road Bakeri Products, Inc. 315 Marrett Road Powder Horn Golf Course 40 Walnut Street Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to ap- brpve the Minutes of the Selectmenb Meeting held on Decem- Minutes ber 2, 1968. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve a water abatement for Hanscom Field in the amount Abatement of $91.12, which was billed in error. The fee for club licenses was discussed and it was agreed to $250.00 per year Club Li- Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to cense Fee set the fee for Club Liquor licenses at $250.00 per year. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of didcussing, deliberating or voting on matters which, if made public, might adversely affect the public security, the financial interest of the Town, or the reputation of any person. After discussion concerning the finances of the Town, it was voted to go out of Executive Session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 11:15 P.M. A true record, Attest: Ems.,. , Executive Clerk, Selecti ,.n The next regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen will be held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday eventing, December 16, 1968 at 7:30 P.M. 9 _ l, �1,1-1P` yu' G. 4 t.�