HomeMy WebLinkAbout1968-08-26-BOS-min 541 /
SELECTMEN' S MEETING
August 26, 1968
A regular meetingof the Board of Selectmen was held
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in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday
evening, August 26, 1968, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Cole,
Messrs Cataldo, Mabee, Kenney, and Greeley were present
Mr. Legro, Town Counsel, Mr Gray, Executive Assistant,
Mr. Burke, Superintendent of Public Works, Mr. Wenham,
Assistant Superintendent of Public Works , and Mrs. McCurdy,
Executive Clerk, were also present
Mr. Gray said that the Board is aware of the reason
for the meeting with Mr. Rowe of Whitman and Howard and
Mr. Crimp, Architect, to evaluate what happened with the
sewer on Philip Road last year After Mr Carroll left
and we started on the road program for 1967, we had to
eliminate Philip Road from the street contract; we don' t
know how much it had sunk. It is operating as an inverted
siphon and there was no purpose in finishing the road;
obviously, it was not in good condition. I went up there
with Mr Rowe and Mr Fein dug on both sides of the sheath-
ing; one side had fallen away from a vertical position,
permitting Subsequentthis ,
the fill to settle. to we had
a meeting with Mr. Crimp and Mr Scofield to see if we Philip
could come to some conclusion as to who would bear the re- Road
aponsibility for the cost, $5,000 to $10,000 Whitman and Sewer
Howard wrote to the Board and Mr Crimp stated his position.
The Chairman said that the condition exists , which
I gather, is through no fault of the Town itself Because
of this condition, the Town is placed in the position
where it will cost the Town money.
Mr. Gray said that it has to be corrected
Mr . Rowe said that he bad written correspondence and
introduced Sid Bemus on the design supervision; be under-
stands the problem, a construction problem. There had
been a letter from Mr. Carroll on June 27, 1967 regarding
a sewer settlement and inverse of both manholes Mr Bemus
was asked to do some tests and undertake the investigation.
He agreed to come down and excavate for us and did four
tests, one on the opposite side of the downgrade, 40' to
50' back. He found in every case, gravel fill over peat.
When the road was built, Whitman and Howard had nothing to
do with the gravel, should be a complete excavation outside
the sheathing. When the original survey was done, there was
gravel in there. The Town did the survey, the records
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showed that. The gravel was entirely away from the post
center line, locating the fill in the gravel area. He
located a manhole and the surge came up; we discovered
the siphon. We think that the disturbing of the sheathing
actually caused this . We believe if it was possible to
build the road at all after the sewer was put in, to main-
tain the wood sheathing would be very difficult I don' t
know whether anything was done or not. I understand that
nobody from the Town inspected it. When we put the sewer
in, it was on an easement and Mr. Carroll told us to fill
the sheathing with gravel, which we did Overburden of
the gravel itself knocked the sheathing out and settled
I have made an estimate, a rough one, and don't think it
will cost more than $3,000 to do this job. The machinery
used there, along the side of the sheathing, dug it out
The weight of all this water, together with the gravel,
stayed in position. When enough material was taken away
from the sheathing . . The machinery went in there and
somehow got too close to it . We believe that this explains
it .
Mr. Greeley said that you believe that the machinery
did damage to it .
Mr. Rowe said that he didn't think that 3" wood
sheathing would normally fall apart .
The Chairman asked who had the engineering contract?
Mr. Gray said that Whitman and Howard had the road
design contract at a later date The Standing School
Building Committee put gravel in until some design was
made; for the 1967 school year
Mr. Rowe said that when we did Philip Road, we found
peat within the limits of the roadway.
Mr Cataldo said, what you are saying, the peat
wasn' t really excavated.
Mr. Rowe said there was peat there, under 6' or 7' of
material; outside the sheathing on both sides .
Mr. Greeley asked, do I understand that Mr. Gray said
that the Standing School Committee put in fill without ex-
cavating the peat.
Mr Gray said that we talked with Hargrove to put a
gravel road in during '67, how much engineering they did , I
don't know.
Mr Greeley said that the peat should have been ex-
cavated and wasn' t.
Mr. Crimp, Architect, said that he had a background
of the study; he has been connected with the project be-
fore the road was laid out - I laid out the school site
for the Town. It was, at that time, not decided whether
Philip Road would be run through. It was decided that
the building would be in the location where it now is .
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This was the way it was put out for bids, at the time that
the Middleby Road School was put out for bids . This was
a very expensive site job because of the peat condition.
It was investigated , borings taken. The contract for the
building was not awarded with the Middleby Road School be-
cause the award was not going to save the Town any money.
When the money was appropriated, there was a legal question
in connection with the Moreland buildings and Worthen Road
some litigation when the Town appropriated the money for
the Moreland School. Cleared up the legal question and the
developer built houses and promised that there would be a
school at that time. I visited the developer with Mr.
Carroll to find out just what the developer was going to do.
Actually, Moreland is an extension of Philip Road. We had
an agreement with the developer that he would continue to a
point where there would be a road structure from his develop-
ment to the school and back out . Because of this understand-
ing, we recommended that they change the layout of Moreland
Road School, flip it over, with a turn-around , and had
nothing to do with the development at all - tie it in with
the road system - the road system would each be developed.
After this had been done and the contract awarded , this
road was simply a path on the plans and some time might go
through. No plans on going through, disagreements with
the developer, he refused to excavate the plot from this
crossroad with Worthen Road - had very questionable access
to the property. He had not developed at that time and
there was some question whether he would and the Standing
School Committee was in a quandry ad to access . We were
stopped from using Rockville Avenue - seeing the possibility,
recommended that they widen and put in later the Philip Road
extension and our contractor would not be stopped and would
have access to the property. The Committee agreed to take
the matter up with Mr. Carroll and went into each detail
with the construction - bad supervisory situation - told Mr.
Carroll would remove this peat as an extra order site im-
provement contract and put enough fill in there so we could
use this road as an access . Authorized by the Building Com-
mittee, using Scofield on the stock-and-time basis . This
matter of holding the contractor responsible, he was working
under my direction and it was under the Standing School Com-
mittee. We had a project inspector on the job - Mr.
Carroll was aware of what was going on. I had a Superin-
tendent of Construction and I was here myself. We are
thoroughly aware about the sewer going there. We have built
a building there and this sewer line has not been damaged
whatsoever. In spite of a bad soil condition we have the
best type of construction We replaced the peat with gravel
and allowed it to stand a year before going in. When we did
go in, Thompson Litman made composition tests . As far as
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care being taken in connection with the sewer, every pos-
sible means of protection to the sewer line were taken.
I am not underestimating or belittling one horrible mess,
saturated area Went in there and dug this peat out as
completely as anyone possibly could. Mr. Carroll saw it
and we had a saturation condition here - put drain in to
relieve the water. On a truck by truck basis , the fill
was put in - to keep away from the sewer and the fact
that there might be some peat outside and I think there
is . It was perfectly all right, we didn' t get close
enough to damage that sewer in construction of the road
this section of the sewer would have to be reconstructed.
This is the situation as I know it, because I was there
and saw the entire situation - I have records of the
material put in, approved by the Standing School Commit-
tee. After this was done, a contractor supposedly did
operate in that area. What he did , I don't know. My
fear actually came to pass, Rockville Avenue was closed -
was notified by an Attorney that we could no longer use
this road. We had our road finished at 12 because we
were stopped from using the road, and everything we did
was absolutely justified . After it was cleared for our
traffic, a contractor came in and did work in the area
which blocked our passage. Mr. Carroll said it was a
small amount of work they were doing and our traffic
would not be delayed.
The Chairman said that you mentioned that it was in-
conceivable in your mind that work would not have to be
done on that manhole?
Mr. Crimp: I have been in practice over 40 years
and I am not an engineer worked with Whitman and Howard
and I am doing work of this kind right now, I am familiar
with this operation. The Condition that we uncovered
was bad, and quite possibly in our taking away the water
and the flood peat, while we did not approaeh the manhole,
it is perfectly possible that some of the material under
the manhole was weakened. If the manhole had not been
properly excavated it was obvious there would be trouble.
There was no reason to suspect as we built the full length
of the building, and to my knowledge there was no move-
ment. There was no reason to believe a dissimilar situa-
tion - that the foundation of the manhole was undermined.
There is no blame on Whitman; I don' t know what the last
contractor did.
Mr. Rowe said that the sheathing was put in in 1964.
Mr. Crimp said that when the other man put the lat-
eral in, what was his operation?
Mr. Rowe said that he excavated at the peat, by
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driving sheathing - not good firm material we knew at
the time. We have the plans to show the sheathing.
Mr. Crimp said that originally all the peat was
removed 10" within that area. This peat you say was
there when the man did the lateral outside the sheath-
ing.
Mr. Rowe said that he followed the line; he showed
a plan to the Board and said that he dug 3' into the
gravel and put the manhole in.
The Chairman said that if Mr. Crimp stayed from it,
who did the digging?
Mr. Rowe said that he did, he destroyed the sheath-
ing and Mr Crimp agreed.
The Chairman asked to whom should the Town look for
protection in anticipating something like this?
Mr. Rowe said that it was determined at the time
Philip Road was being built, whoever the Town designated
to build Philip Road
The Chairman asked if there was any way for the
Town to know that this could happen?
Mr. Crimp said that it was an engineering risk that
our office in laying out would assume that the sewer run-
ning through would have to be investigated and corrected.
Don' t know what this other man did ; I would assume that
he would have it in his contract.
Mr. Cataldo asked Mr. Rowe if he agreed with Mr.
Crimp's statement?
Mr. Rowe said it was moving equipment.
Mr Cataldo said, I beard him say that Mr Carroll
agreed to excavate and build . If this is the case, I
understand you were not retained as Engineer You knew
the sewer was there, you talked with Mr. Carroll, you
knew our intent, I think we should look to you. We
can't take the position that this would have to be re-
built, a job three year' s old I can' t sit here and ac-
cept this ; the Board looks to you, wherever the responsi-
bility is .
Mr. Crimp said that where you had another contractor
in . . .
Mr. Cataldo said that he can' t accept the fact that
it was completely finished. You would say that he did
not excavate to the sheathing, when it was agreed we
would excavate to the sheathing.
Mr. Crimp said that the understanding with Mr.
Carroll was to make the road navigable; what we did would
be permanent; we did not undertake to do anything in con-
nection with the existing sewer.
Mr Cataldo said that as far as the road bed was
concerned , it was a SO' layout You knew the conditions
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and you say you worked away from the sheathing. How can
we sit and expect that you did the full job?
Mr. Crimp said, how can you say that when after I
got through you got another contractor.
Mr. Cataldo said that we did not get the job that
we agreed to.
Mr Crimp said all we did was , we didn't build the
whole road bed, we built enough for traffic to travel
through.
Mr. Cataldo said that Mr. Carroll agreed we would
not excavate
Mr. Crimp said that he did not connect the road
bed with the sewer system.
Mr. Greeley said that there is a difference on
point of fact, is it within the layout?
Mr. Crimp said that it was within the layout .
Mr. Rowe said it was within 7' of fill over peat .
The same thing exists in parking lots, When it comes to
building the access road, we make sure before putting in
any drainage complete bearing material within SO' layout
and then go in and construct the road
Mr. Cataldo said that on the other hand, you know
the conditions . You are building the road bed to take
heavy traffic. Knowing what is there, how cars we accept
it.
Mr. Rowe said that when we finally did the actual
construction plans, the highway department found peat
within the area to be paved . We said we would take an
amount of peat out and reported to Mr. Carroll that it
should have been taken out before it happened, not down
6' or 7'
Mr. Cataldo said that we have to look to each one
of you - we have no qualms on fees or rates . You are
representing the Town. Here we are with a mess ; the
sewer is only two or three years old. I don' t agree
that the Town of Lexington is responsible for the repair
of the main under these conditions .
Mr. Rowe said that it was put in, except the water
control and the Town even after that had no problems with
the sewer - then it was not the fault of construction.
Mr Fein is here tonight, he inspected it and found noth-
ing out of kilter. We are not sitting back, we aay we
had nothing to do with it.
Mr. Cataldo asked bow many feet of peat down at the
main building?
Mr. Crimp said that the boring plan went down 4 ' -
in other places , 11' , it varied.
Mr. Cataldo asked, every boring 2' to 1.' of peat?
Mr. Crimp said, we did the same job at the time
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Mr. Rowe said that we had Haley in one time to re-
route the sewer and it was costing us money to engage them;
we did tests along the sheathing.
The Chairman asked what it would take to correct
this?
Mr. Rowe said that the estimates are around $3,000.
We could go on each side, we could relay the sewer and put
a new invert on the manhole and put the whole thing on
grade. We will make an estimate as to the cost.
Mr. Cataldo asked if he was sure that it is located
between two manholes?
Mr. Rowe said that he was sure; he didn't believe
there is any settlement between these two manholes . That
line was originally put in for $20.00 a foot.
Mr. Greeley said that he was guessing that the dis-
turbed area is close to the new manhole .
Mr. Rowe said that it is between manhole 47 and 48
Mr. Cataldo said that the main question is, who is
going to pay for it?
Mr. Rowe said, true.
The Chairman asked if everyone is satisfied at this
point?
Mr. Greeley said that he wasn' t satisfied . He felt
that we should hear from Mr. Carroll - we haven't had the
benefit of hearing from him previously. If you are satis-
fled •in regard to what he would contribute, I am satisfied.
The Chairman said that if everyone is satisfied. .
He could see no point in continuing the meeting. He would
ask that Whitman and Howard and Mr. Crimp be available to
meet with him or a member of the Board .
Mr. Rowe agreed . He said that he had been handling
all of the contracts in Lexington and, in this instance,
he was not a qualified, registered Engineer.
Mr. Crimp said that the Board had asked him to have
Mr. Scofield here, but he is in Denver.
Mr. Mabee asked if anybody disagrees with the esti-
mate of $3,000? It would be well to have a firm figure.
Mr. Crimp said that he was not convinced as to what
has happened .
The Chairman asked what he would require.
Mr. Crimp replied, excavation .
Mr. Rowe said that Mr. Wenham had seen the condi-
tions at the sewer
Mr Wenham said that he didn't see the pipe.
The Chairman said that, in your engineering exper-
ience, the conditions that caused this would lead you to
believe that it couldn' t be any other possible thing.
Mr. Rowe said not to my knowledge.
The Chairman asked if he could accept this as en-
gineering reasoning?
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Mr. Crimp said, in spite of the fact that it is
possible that the sheating and foundation had been dis-
turbed, it would depend on the pipe which we removed .
We have had experience in this field .
Mr. Kenney asked how close to the sheathing?
Mr. Crimp said, 10' . We were not constructing
Philip Road, we were putting fill material in, in order
to get access . It was an understanding that when we did
the work, we would do it in a manner to provide a satis-
factory foundation for a road. There was no design of
Philip Road at the time.
Mr. Rowe said that there wasn't because we knew
the sewer settlement had taken place. qn order to put
the road in, we would have to take measures on how the
sheathing was disturbed.
Mr. Crimp said that one place this base was put
in was between 75' and 90' in width.
Mr. Greeley said that the green on the plan was
supposed to be what was put in; nothing close to what
was put in.
Mr. Rowe said that any thought given to put this
in was that it will never have to be disturbed again,
with a proper layout. It wasn't done that way.
Mr. Greeley said that he thought it was said that
in places it was 75' wide
Mr. Crimp said that he doesn't see anything that
doesn' t say that
The Chairman asked if everyone is satisfied with
all the facts having been brought forth? He thanked
everyone for coming in and hoped that Mr Rowe and Mr.
Crimp would be available for a meeting with the Board
Mr Vocell of the Vocell Bus Company met with the
Board .
The Chairman said that Mr Vocell was granted a
temporary franchise until September 3 for an extension to
Vocell the Burlington Mall and is here to apply for a permanent
Bus Co. permit.
Mr. Kenney asked Mr. Vocell about the traffic count .
Mr. Vocell said that it was growing. He could not
submit a schedule tonight, but he believed that he would
be able to within a two week period
Mr. Kenney said that when you were granted the tem-
porary permit, you were asked to submit a schedule before
we would grant the permanent permit.
The Chairman said that it would be more in line to
give Mr. Vocell another thirty day extension.
Mr Cataldo asked Mr. Vocell why he did not have
the information for the Board.
Mr. Vocell said that the Mall cannot get help on cer-
tain hours and they want transportation on different hours .
I do have the original temporary schedule.
Mr. Cataldo said that the people at the Mail were
aware of your deadline
Mr. Kenney asked about bus stops .
Mr. Vocell said that any place along the Middlesex
Turnpike, anyone who wishes to gain admission to that bus
all they have to do is flag it down - there are no set
stops .
The Chairman asked him if he had any kind sof esti-
mates that are rather rigid.
Mr. Vocell said, not in Lexington; roughly, I might
carry thirty passengers in the course of a day, mostly from
Four Corners , Lowell and Woburn. I have made plans for the
beginning of school. In the past when I operated as far as
Four Corners, there were a great many children, 25 to 30
children, Girl Scouts, etc. in that area.
The Chairman asked him where he hit Lowell Street
and Mr . Vocell replied that it was at Russell Street.
Mr. Kenney said that the thing that concerns us the
most is the number of stops on Lowell Street, we can't
leave it for him to stop at the passengers ' convenience.
Mr. Cataldo said that we were specific with Mr.
Vocell that be was to have specific bus stops .
Mr. Vocell said that people won't walk, they like
to be picked up at their door I am willing to make any
stops that you desire.
Mr. Greeley said that the bus that comes from Har-
vard Square to Maynard stops at customer selected stops and
I don't feel it should be allowed along Lowell Street, it' s
not safe.
The Chairman said that Russell Street is in Woburn
and the extension is East Street. Why not have stops on
Woburn Street, Fulton Road, East Street, Thoreau Road, and
North Street
Mr Kenney said that Mr Vocell should meet with the
Traffic Committee and designate the stops .
Mr Legro said that the statute clearly says that
the permit can be issued as the Board can determine.
Mr. Greeley suggested the issuing of a permit, sub-
ject to working out with the Traffic Committee.
The Chairman said that we can amend the vote from
sixty days to ninety days . He asked Mr Vocell to deter-
mine where the best stops would be.
Mr. Greeley said that this is a mutual thing; with
his experience, he should know where he would like to have
them. The Traffic Committee might decide on an inspection -
it is a bad intersection at East and Lowell Streets .
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Mr. Gray suggested that Mr Vocell meet with the
Traffic Committee on September 4 and they would look at
the bus stops; the stops have to be painted and signs
made.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
amend from sixty days to ninety days the original permit
issued to the Vocell Bus Company for an extension from
Lowell and East Streets to the Burlington Mall. Mr. Vocell
is to meet with the Traffic Committee on September 1., 1968.
Mr. Gray said that the Public Works Department had re-
ceived bids on the resurfacing program Mr. Burke recom-
mends that the contract be awarded to George Brox. , Inc. ,
Resur- for $59,300.
facing Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
award the contract for the resurfacing of streets to
George Brox, Inc. , 1L171 Methuen Street, Dracut, in the
amount of $59,300.
Mr. Gray said that he had talked with Mr. Jenkins, who
has a subdivision off Massachusetts Avenue, regarding a
pedestrian easement . I pointed out that it wasn't planned
on doing anything as this would have to be accepted by
Town Meeting.
Mr. Legro said that it would have to be laid out and
accepted in the same manner as a street .
Mr. Gray said that there were no funds and we couldn't
do anything until an Article was put in the Warrant .
The Chairman said that this will be filed as an item
to be considered to be an Article in the Warrant .
The Chairman asked if it should be voted to put it in
the Warrant.
Mr. Greeley replied in the negative, but it will be
decided at the time Warrant Articles are discussed.
Mr. Gray said that a request has been received from
July 4th the Lions Club to hold a July ?nth celebration during July
1-5, 1969 at the Lexington Center Playground .
It was agreed to hold the request until Mr. Gray gets
more information .
Mr. Gray said that Public works requests a transfer
for road machinery in the amount of $1;800. He said that
Public the Appropriation Committee said that when we needed the
Works money they would give us a transfer from E &D.
Transfer Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
request the Appropriation Committee for a transfer in the
amount of $1,800 to the Public Works Department for road
machinery
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Mr. Gray said that a letter had been received from Mr.
Martin regarding the need for a policewoman at Grove and
Eldred Streets for kindergarten children. Mr. Gray said
that we had pointed out this problem to the School Commit-
tee when they started the kindergarten program.
The Chairman said that, earlier, they bad extended
the sidewalk on Grove Street 140 feet. There is nobody
to cross the children over and it is a dangerous inter-
section.
Mr. Greeley asked if they need a continuation of
the sidewalkon one part of Grove Street.
The Chairman said that has been one of the suggestions,
the other one was to have the children bussed The School
Department has said that if the Traffic Safety Committee
recommends that they be bussed , they will do it.
_ Mr. Gray said that the Traffic Safety will not do it,
it is up to the School Committee.
Mr Kenney asked how many feet of sidewalk were needed?
Mr. Gray said that there is a construction problem,
which is why the sidewalk is on the other side.
The Chairman said that if we want a Policewoman, ask
for a transfer. We know the money is down.
Mr Gray said that he didn' t think one crossing guard
can handle the situation, the distance between Eldred and
Dewey is great. Grove and
The Chairman said that the traffic travels very fast Eldred
during commuter hours, about 11.0 miles an hour. The rise Streets
prevents proper sight vision.
Mr Cataldo asked what happens at lunch time?
The Chairman said that Policewomen do extra duty. We
will recommend to the Traffic Study Committee that they
pursue it with diligence. If they have a recommendation
notify the School Committee in advance.
Mr. Cataldo asked where do we stop?
Mr. Gray said that parents could be expected to assume
some responsibility in getting the children to school.
The Town shouldn't have to take every burden.
The Chairman said that he has explained the background
to the neighbors . It started with summer kindergarten when
the parents were responsible for the children and graduated
with different parents . We were not a party to the first
agreement saying they should be bussed I hate to see
children placed in a precarious position in traffic The
Traffic Safety Committee will take a look at it.
Mr. Cataldo said that the Town accepted 90 percent of
parental responsibility with kindergartens .
The Chairman said that the Board is in complete agree-
ment to refer this to the Traffic Safety Committee.
Mr. Gray said that a letter had been received from
the Planning Board regarding the sale of tax title lots 196,
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197, 198 Emerald Street, which stated that the Planning
Board recommends against the sale of these lots .*t this
time.
The Chairman said that, in Meagherville, the Plan-
ning Board recommends against the sale, giving us the
"out" if we had compelling reasons.
Mr. Gray said that he will write and ask Mr. Ritchie
if he is interested in building under the Planning Board
recommendations.
Tax Mrd Legre said that there are several lots before
Title you get these lots. If they acquire these . . .
Mr. Gray said that the Planning Board strongly urged
that if the lots are sold, the three 40 foot wide lots be
consolidated as a single building lot with 120 foot front-
age. Also that Emerald Street be constructed to Town
specifications, including the installation of utilities,
either by Town Meeting acceptance or under the subdivision
control law, before the consolidated lot may be built upon.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
accept the recommendations of the Planning Board regarding
the sale of tax title lots 196, 197, 198 Emerald Street.
Mr. Gray read a letter from the Planning Board which
stated there was no objection to the sale of tax title lot
53 Valleyfield Street to Mr. Luongo, owner of the adjacent
lot, provided the two lots are combined into one so that
Luongo Tax lot 53 will not be available as a separate substandard
Title building lot. There is no objection to the sale of tax
title lot 52, map 24, comprising recorded 501 wide
lots 94 and 95, as one consolidated 100! wide building
lot and not as two 501 wide substandard lots.
The Chairman asked how Mr. Luongo wanted to inter-
grate with his own lot?
Mr. Cataldo said that if he only wants one lot, I
am against it; it would be better to sell the whole 100
feet.
Mr. Gray is to talk with Mr. Luongo.
Mr. Burke said that we expect delivery the end of
October on our new Insley Shoveldoaer and the Mass. Hard-
ware would like permission to display this equipment at
the exhibit.
Shovel- Mr. Greeley asked if they would be responsible for
dozer transportation.
Mr. Burke said that they would. They get various
types of equipment; some towns take pride in having their
equipment displayed.
Mr. Mabee said that we should take delivery after
they show it as a piece of their equipment.
Mr. Legro asked if it had been built to Town specifi-
cations.
Mr. Burke said that it had been.
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Mr. Legro said that we could arrange for an agree-
ment between the vendor and the Town and title will not
pass until it has been delivered to Lexington.
Mr. Cataldo said that he had a reservation - if a
piece of our machinery breaks down, we don't let it go.
We want immediate delivery and not allow it to be shown.
Mr. Burke said that he would take care of the details.
Mr. Allia and Mrs. Connolly met with the Board. Mrs .
Connolly said that the reason we are here this eventing, we
stopped in to look the construction job over, it appeared
as though at the back of our property line, the contractor
has built a road and halfway down the roadway the gravel
was booked up - they built a mound 12' high and we ask
where the contractor got that gravel to build it up to that
extent. We spoke to the Town Engineer and he said if we
weren't satisfied, it was up to us to talk to the contractor.
We have no negotiations with the contractor and we want to
bring this to the attention of the Board. I get nowhere
with Mr. McSweeney, he baa many variations every time we
talk. I was assured that we would receive some sort of
letter telling us what is going to transpire; to date we Revere
have received nothing. Street
The Chairman said that Mrs. Connolly is dissatisfied
because the contractor is overstepping the easement. He
asked if the contractor is using the road?
Mrs. Connolly said that he is and is takingup the
whole center of the property, be has ripped up 0' to 50'
to lay that pipe.
The Chairman said, the sewer lime going in on Revere
Street is cutting through other property and will cross
Revere Street. The Board has adopted an order.
Mr. Legro said that Mrs. Connolly will receive the
notice of the Order of Taking this week.
Mrs. Connolly said that there was no reasoning on
this project.
The Chairman said that be had spent some time there
and had followed the truck on Town property until we hit
the property at 9 Revere Street - the rear end of the
property was dug up and the road in veered off to the
right. It would appear from the stakes that were there
that the_Contractor was completely beyond the easement.
Mr. Gray and Mr. McSweeney have looked at the project.
MAL Connolly said that they are taking away a lot
of her soil; they have taken it all and spread it.
Mr. Allia asked where could they get so much gravel,
apparently they are taking it off our land.
Mr. Kenney asked if they had asked the Contractor?
The Chairman said to Mr. Connolly, you informed the
Contractor that he was tresspassing over your property.
Mr. Gray said there was no question but that he was
outside the easement .
The Chairman said that according to the stakes, he
has gone beyond.
Mrs. Connolly said that he has taken all this be-
yond the easement; he built a 301 roadway.
Mr. Legro suggested that any questions about the
Contractor being outside the easement, that the Board
contact him and get the exact story so that it is known.
Mr. Allia said that obviously, they are -not going
to push that gravel back.) I did notice that in thi-s vici-
nity there is a manhole built, 71 or 8t ; it appears that
this is being filled in to take up the slack, by so doing,
to eliminate any further digging going down; to cover that,
they have to fill it in.
The Chairman said that we will take Mr. Legrols sug-
gestion and have Mr. Gray contact Mr. Fein and find out
what is going on.
Mr. Gray said that he will check and find out.
Mr. Greeley said that the intent is to restore it at
its natural condition, not lower.
Mrs. Connolly said that they want to know how this
whole project will finally terminate; the people that ere
living there are very much concerned. You should stop all
this until we come to some agreement.
Kra. Connolly and Mr. Allia retired.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing,
Executive deliberating or voting on matters which, if made public,
Session might adversely affect the public security, the financial
interest of the Town or the reputation of any person.
Following discussion concerning matters pertaining
to litigation and negotiation, it was voted to resume the
open meeting.
Mr. Legro informed the Board that be had prepared
the Orders of Taking on the other part of the Revere Street
sewer easement. The easements taken on the parcel owned
by John B. Heaney and Anne Hayford include a temporary
easement 101 in width extending along the entire length of
Order of the westerly boundary line of lot 3.
Taking Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
adopt the Order of Taking on a sewer and drain easement,
extending southerly to an existing drain easement, on the
property owned by John B. Heaney and Anne Hayford, 21
Revere Street; no damages to be awarded.
Mr. Legro said that, on the parcel owned by Joseph C.
and Philip L. Tropeano, the easements taken include a 20'
Order of sewer and drain easement extending southerly from Revere
Taking Street along the entire length of the easterly boundry of
lot 2, a 101 construction easement in said lot 2 abutting
the westerly side line of said 201 sewer and drain ease-
ment, and portions of a 301 sewer and drain easement and
55$
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a 20' construction easement along the rear boundary line of
an unnumbered lot. Lot 2 and the unnumbered lot are owned
by Joseph C. and Philip L. Tropeano.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
adopt the Order of Taking on a sewer and drain easement, ex-
tending southerly to an existing drain easement, on the
property owned by Joseph C. and Philip L. Tropeano, 12
Revere Street; no damages to be awarded.
Mr. Legro said that, on the parcel owned by Louis and
Alba Tropeano, the easements taken include a 301 sewer and
drain easement extending the entire length of the easterly
boundary, and a distance of 98 feet, more or less, along
the northerly boundary of lot 1, and a 20' construction Order of
easement and a 10' construction easement, each of which Taking
abuts a portion of the westerly side lin, of the 30' sewer
and drain easement.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
adopt the Order of Taking on a sewer and drain easement,
extending southerly to an existing drain easement, on the
ppoperty owned by Louis and Alba Tropeano, 191Revere Street;
no damages to be awarded .
The Chairman read a letter from the ABC regarding the
provisions for the sale of alcoholic beverages on July 4,
1968. ABC
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
accept the recommendations of the ABC regarding the sale
of liquor on July 4, 1968.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
grant permission to the Five Field Community to hold a
square dance at the junction of Field Road and Barberry Permit
Road on August 30 1968 from 7 P.M. to 12 M. Rain date
is August 31, 1963.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
grant permission to the Stanley Hill Post No. 38 to hold Permit
the installation of officers at Cary Memorial Hall on
September 21, 1968 from 7:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M.
The Chairman read a letter of resignation from John
J. Garrity as Fence Viewer for the Town.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to Resigna-
accept the resignation, with deep regret and great appre- tion
ciation for his contribution to the Town over the years,
of John J. Garrity, Fence Viewer.
The Chairman read a petition from the residents of
the Manor Section regarding the increased low-flying air- Petition
plane traffic from Hanscom Field. He said that they should
556
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be sent a copy of a letter received from Edward King, Direc-
tor of the Massachusetts Port Authority, which states that
Trans East Airlines has inaugurated service from New Hamp-
shire to Bedfordand from Bedford to New York City. The
letter further states that there are no plans for Hanscom
Field becoming a major passenger terminal. Mr. Legro said
that they did make a commitment not to approach or take off
over the Parker School.
The Chairman said that there is a set-up at Hanscom
Field whereby any citizen may call up and report if a plane
is too low. A copy of this petition should be sent to the
Military and Edward King.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
sign the Certificate of Incorporation for the following:
Lucia Kingery, 44 Bertwell Road
Cert. of "Fernboro Street Association, Inc."
Inc.
Robert J. Brennan, 21 Buckman Drive
"North Boston Obstetrical and Gyne-
cological Society, Inc ."
The Chairman read a letter from the CIO, requesting a
meeting with the Board.
The Chairman said that he saw no objectiod to meeting
with them. The Board will designate a representative.
Mr. Legro said that was what Harrington was asking
for, someone designated by the Board, with authority to
make decisions to report back to his constituents, he is
your bargaining agent.
Mr. Kenney suggested Mr. Gray.
The Chairman said that he would like Mr. Legro to
AFL-CIO be a party to this - someone on our aide with a knowledge
of law.
Mr. Legro said that in some cases, Towns have used
Town Counsel and City Solicitors. Others used special
Labor Counsel. In many other instances, the head of a
department, Sehool Committee, a negotiating team; there
is much merit in that. If you have Counsel to negotiate
with them, that' s about as far as you can go. This is
it, there isn' t anybody else to go to. I think, apart
from negotiating sessions, you consult with Town Counsel.
The Chairman said that this Board will designate cer-
tain people and they will report back to the Board, ( of
which Town Counsel is not necessarily a member) . Where we
are setting up ground rules, would this seem reasonable to
the Board, Chairman, head of department involved, and the
Executive Assistant - to report back to the Board?
Mr. Legro said that something like that has worked
out in a number of cases. I would be perfectly willing
L_
557
to try it that way, to have the negotiating team come back
to me.
Upon 'motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that
the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, the Executive As-
sistant, and the Superintendent of Public Works be desig-
nated as a negotiating team, with no authority to make
commitments, to negotiate with the AFL-CIO.
The Chairman asked Mr. Gray to set up a meeting with
Mr. Harrington during the day.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
approve the appointment of Election Officer Edna F. Appoint-
Marshall, 110 Woburn Street, Democrat; replacing Mary A. ment
Spellman, 24 Shirley Street, Democrat.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
approve the minutes of the Selectmen' s Meeting held on Minutes
August 12, 1968.
Mr. Kenney asked about the Woburn Street School site.
Mr. Madoono, owner of land in that area, asked if it would
be taken. Was this voted in 1965?
Mr. Cataldo said that it was 1962.
Mr. Kenney said that we should determine with the
School Committee, do we want this land? Thee people have
been waiting for years; the point is, if we want it, take
it .
Mr. Gray said that we should contact the School De-
partment. Land
The Chairman said to ask which ones they feel we should Acquisi-
pursue and which to abandon. tion
Mr. Cataldo asked what land we had taken on this site.
Mr. Legro said that all we ever did on it was to get
some sort of sketch. Two or three people gave us options
which expired. To my knowledge, the sketch plan was great-
ly inadequate.
Mr. Gray said that the Article was worded in a broad
sense - 300 acres.
Mr. Legro said that in 1962, Harold Stevens made it
as broad as he could.
Mr. Greeley asked if the School Site Committee still
exists and he was told that it does not.
Mr. Mabee said that the Lloyd land ought to be looked
into. The land is going up $1,000 a month. We voted to
take it. Lloyd
The Chairman said to make a note on this and to give Land
it to Town Counsel to make a taking.
Mr. Gray said that he will talk with Mr. Lloyd.
558 co
Mr. Cataldo asked in what direction we are going for
a Dog Officer; under what conditions we are going to hire
one . We should be ready to move in a few weeks. We have
to decide how we are going to set it up.
Mr. Mabee said that he was against the truck.
Mr. Gray said that there was no money to buy a truck;
there is only the salary and $600 for expenses.
The Chairman asked where we would put the stray dogs.
Mr. Legro said that the By-Law does not require that
they be picked up.
The Chairman said that they are now going to Dr.
Smith.
Mr. Gray said that Dr. Smith feels that if the law
is diligently enforced, he does not have the space.
The Chairman said that we should put an ad in the
paper.
Mr. Cataldo askad if we are going to hire a full time
Dog Officer? Are we going to hire one man, or one with an
Assistant, or what?
The Chairman said that we have $5600 and we will hire
one man.
Mr. Cataldo said that we will not get seven days covers
age with one man. We have to have at least two men.
The Chairman said that we could have atDog Officer and
an Assistant.
Mr. Cataldo said that he would be on call seven days a
week; we have to take it out of the Police Station.
Mr. Greeley asked why the Police Station can' t take
the calls.
The Chairman said that it was not designed that way.
We should advertise for a Dog Officer.
Mr. Cataldo said that we should talk with Dr. Smith.
It was agreed that Mr. Gray would put ad ad in the
paper this week for a Dog Officer.
Upon mation duly made and seconded, it was voted to
adjourn at 10:50 P.M.
A true record, Attest:
rr nw,. 2 e r
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4 Executive Clerk, Selectmen
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