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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1968-07-29-BOS-min 510 SELECTMEN'S MEETING July 29, 1968 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday, July 29, 1968 at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Cole, Messrs . Cataldo, 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 Works, and Mrs. McCurdy, Executive Clerk, were also present. Mr. Leon Burke, Director of Guides, introduced two candidates as Guides to the Board, Scott Collard and David Whitney. Guide The Chairman congratulated the Guides for having License successfully passed their examinations and informed them that the visitors to Lexington will judge the Town by the impression made upon them by the Guide. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the license as Guide of Lexington for Scott Collard, 92 Hill Street, and David D. Whitney, 7 Frances Road . At the request of the Town Clerk, two jurors were Jurors drawn. They are as follows: Michael J. Furey, L. Bowker Street and Forrest E. Hodgdon, 9 Leroy Rodd . Mr. Gray requested the Board to sign the garbage con- tract which the Board voted to award to Stanley Roketenety, Inc. on April 2, 1968. Garbage Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to Contract sign the contract for garbage collection which was award- ed to Stanley Roketenetz, 159 New Boston Street, Woburn, Massachusetts. Mr. Gray read a letter from the Town Engineer re- garding authorization from the Board for filing an appli- cation for a Federal Grant for the construction of the Hamilton Road sewer to the Metropolitan District Commission sewer. The Board must also designate an authorized repre- sentative of the Town to file the petition. Hamilton Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to Road authorize the filing of an application for a Federal Grant Sewer for the construction of the Hamilton Road sewer to the Metropolitan District Commission sewer project. Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to designate Mr. Joseph F. Burke, Superintendent of Public Works, as the authorized representative BP the Town of Lexington to file the petition for a Federal Grant for the construction of the Hamilton Road sewer to the Metropoli- tan District Commission sewer. 51r Mr. Gray said that the Board had recently met with people from the Bowman Park area and the Traffic Commit- tee had discussed their request concerning parking in Bowman Park. The Committee felt that, although it was not strictly a traffice problem, parking should be pro- hibited in Bowman Park. It will be necessary to amend the parking regulation to include this prohibition, as the present regulation does not cover this type of sit- uation. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the Traffic Committee to amend Section 7. Mr. Greeley was concerned about other areas , such as Willard ' s Woods . He said that the parking lot was too far in and people should have the right to park on the informal grass areas . Mr. Cataldo said that this was not park land, it is a recreation area. The regulation would only apply to areas known as park land . Bowman Mr. McSweeney said that the answer must come room Park the Board . The Prohibition has to be posted as per order of the Board of Selectmen. A "No Trespassing" sign could not be erected as it is a public park. Mr. Greeley said that the wording should be made clear to the average citizen. The Board agreed with his suggested wording of the Order. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to amend and adopt Section 7 of the Park Regulations, to read as follows : (It is forbidden) 7. To operate or park a motor vehicle on Park grounds, other than in the official use of the Town, or without approval of the Board of Selectmen, except in ardas especially designated by s&id Board as available for parking. Mr. Gray read a request from the American Legion, Stanley Hill Post No. 38, requesting permission to hold the lath Annual Lexington Country Fair on August 30 through September 2, 1968 at Parker Field . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the American Legion, Stanley Hill Post No. 38, to hold the 4th annual Lexington Country Fair on Country August 30 through September 2, 1968 with the restriction Fair that the set up of the equipment will cease at 9:00 P.M. and the dismantling will take place during the daylight hours on Tuesday, September 3, 1968. This permission is granted subject to the provisions set forth by the Chief of Police• ' 5:/ c4.; Mr. Gray requested the Board to sign a lease cover- ing the parking area in the rear of 1733-1753 Massachusetts Avenue Lexington. The lease is for one year from July 27, 1968, to be automatically extended for successive one year periods , not to exceed a total term of five years, provided however, that either party may terminate this lease at the expiration of the lease year then current by notice in writing to the other party not less than 1733- thirty days prior to the expiration of the then current 1753 year. The annual rent of $1.00 is to be paid at the ex- Mass. piration of each lease year to Minot, DeBlois and Maddi- Ave. son, Inc. , 291+ Washington Street, Boston. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the lease submitted by Minot, Deblois and Maddison, Inc. , covering the parking area in the rear of 1733-1753 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, in the amount of $1.00 per year, at the expiration of each lease year. Mr. Burke submitted the bids received by the Depart- ment of Public Works for one hydraulically operated aerial lift mechanism for tree trimming and maintenance. Bids were received from the following firms: Asplundh Clipper Company, Chalfont, Pennsylvania 1-Asplundh Model L-45, $11,895.05 Aerial Consolidated Utility Equipment Service, Inc. Lift South Merrimack, New Hampshire. Mechanism 1-Skyworker Model 1044A, $11,979.00 Morse Body Manufacturing Co. , Inc. Howard and Pleasant Streets Watertown, Massachusetts 1-Baker Model M-45, $12,095.00 Pitman Manufacturing Company We.tbdro, Massabhusetts 1-Pitman Model 50-MN-2(1) , $14,646.00 Mr.. Burke said that the lowest bidder did not fully meet the specifications of the Department. The second lowest bidder does fully meet the specifications and this unit is more adaptable to our particular operation, es- pecially from the viewpoint of boom usage for low height work. Mr. Burke recommended that the contract be award- ed to Consolidated Utility Equipment Service, Inc. in the amount of $11,979.00. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted tb award the contract to the second lowest bidder, Consolik dated Utility Equipment Service, Inc. , South Merrimack, New Hampshire, for one Skyworker Model 1044A, in the amount of $11,979.00, as recommended by the Superinten- dent of Public Works. 5 P3 Mr. Gray said that the Traffic Committee would like to recommend that sidewalks be installed on the following streets during this coming year: 1. Madsachusetts Avenue - Worthen Road to Hadfings Road . Also, 14.5' at the intersection of Cedar Street and Massachusetts Avenue. 2. Coolidge Road from Adams Street, Hancock Street to Adams Street. 3. Eldred Street - Bedford Street to Ivan Street. 4.. Reed Street - Bedford Street to Augustus Road . 5. Simonds Road - Preston Road to Burlington Street. 6. Robinson Road - Turning Mill to the school. Mr. Gray said that we should be just about able to Sidewalks do these streets, we have under $4.0,000. Mr. Kenney asked hew many total running feet in the estimate of $4.0,000. Mr. Gray replied that there were about 6700' feet. The Chairman said that they have considered all angles. The list includes recommendations of the School Committee, Planning Board and Selectmen. Mr. Greeley asked about the time fdctor - should they decide tonight? Mr. Cataldo said that, basically, we have promised the Planning Board that we would talk with them. We should bold in abeyance until then. It was agreed to write the Planning Board that the Board expects to approve the list of sidewalks recommend- ed by the Traffic Committee. Mr. Logan Clarke met with the Board. Mr. Clarke said that on July 15, Mr. Cataldo, Mr. Gray, Mr. McSweeney, Mr. Burke, Dr. Fobert and he had made an examination of the terrain of the field house. They surveyed the problem as we could see it exists. We concluded that it would please us if the Town would bring in some gravel . . . School Mr. McSweeney said that he has drawn a plan. Parking Mr. Cataldo said that, basically, this plan pro- Lot poses to clean up the mess . The plan was discussed and the area in which the peat was taken out last year would be loamed and seeded and a 10' or 12' strip along Worthern Road would be loam- ed and seeded. The area t'-at Is pre �entiy rough graded will be graded. Mr. McSweeney said that it is hoped to finish it off with the assistance of School Committee funds . 5' y Mr. Greeley said, nothing on the gravel? Mr. Cataldo said it would be a brushed bank run. Mr. Clarke asked about it being tiled. Mr. Cataldo said that we don' t want to spend the money for oil, there will be no oil on that parking lot. If the Board agrees, we will supply the equipment and labor. Mr. Burke and Mr. McSweeney will tell the School Committee haw much any other material needed will cost. Mr. Mabee asked, how much fill? Mr. Gray said that they will move around what is there. Mr. Clarke said that there is some risk that this might be a few dollars - we will have to re-examine the expense budget. Mr. Burke said that they could put calcium chloride on it, it it is graveled. Mr. Greeley said that there may be 20,000 square feet; it will coat $1,000 for calcium chloride. Mr. Cataldo said that there was no money appropriated. Mr. Clarke said that it was his understanding that the Town was to finish off the parking area in exchange for taking out the peat last year. Mr. Cataldo said that rather than take the ledge to the dump, we felt that we would save the Town money by dumping it in the existing parking lot. We only went 10' deep, leaving the peat under it . The Chairman said that a motion would be made that the plan be approved, as submitted, and work will start forthwith. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the plan of the parking lot at the Senior High School as submitted by the Town Engineer. Mr. Clarke retired. Mr. Gray said that he bad received a request from the Town Clerk for permission to lease four additional voting machines . The cost will be $1,000 to $1200. Miss . McDonough also recommends the insertion of an Article for four more machines as voter registrations have in- Voting creased and will increase even more from now until September. Machines The Chairman asked if a transfer of funds will be needed. He felt that we should depend on the recommenda- tion of the Town Clerk and the request should be approved. Mr. Cataldo asked if she bought the machines that were authorized? Mr. Gray said that they would be delivered in September. Mr. Cataldo asked why she couldn't lease eight machines? Mr. Gray replied that she would be willing to give an option for the four - lease them with the option to buy. The Chairman asked Mr. Gray to check the motion at Town Meeting on the voting machines, whether it said, to lease or purchase. 5idS Mr. Cataldo said that- the advantage is to lease them with the option to buy; it can be done at the same price. Mr. Gray said that the motion for Article 34 reads "purchase of voting machines ." The Chairman said that we can't lease. Mr. Kenney said that if the Clerk is anticipating such a high registration, we should have put in for eight machines. Mr. Gray said that there are over 15,000 registered voters now and they are still registering. They are averaging 2,200 to 2,300 voters in a precinct. The Chairman said that the best that we can do is request a transfer to lease. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Appropriation Committee for a transfer of a sufficient amount of money to lease focus more voting machines . The Chairman read the bids on Tax Title Lot 24, Valleyfield Street. They are as follows : Thomas B. Nangle, 192 Walden Street, Cambridge, $3,000.00, Antonio and Lucy I. DeVito, 47 Lexington Street, West Newton, $3,500.00, and S. Anthony DeVito, 2 Priscilla Lane, Waltham, $4,501.00. Mr. Gray said that the betterments would be, street, $734 50; sewer, $372.63; water, $261.00; no sidewalk Tax 11 betterment. Title Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to sell and convey Tax Title Lot 24, Valleyfield Street, to the highest bidder, S. Anthony DeVito, 2 Priscilla Lane, Waltham, for the price`e' ffered in his bid of June19,1968 of $4,501.00, subject to betterments of street,$$734.50; sewer, $372.63; water, $261.00. The Chairman read a letter from Harold E. Stevens regarding the vote of the Board to accept, as a gift, Parcel A-2 from Boerner Lexington Corporation to be used Boerner for playground and recreational purposes . Mr. Stevens Corp. stated that be is forwarding the deed to Town Counsel. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Mr. Robert Earsy, 67 Harding Road , as a member of the Lexington Commission on Suburban, Responsibility. Mr. Earsy is a member of the Association for Moderate Income Housing. The Chairman read a letter from the Muscular Dystrophy Associations of America, Inc. , Boston Chapter, requesting permission to conduct a house to house march on Sunday, Muscular October 20, 1968 from 1:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Dystrophy The Chairman suggested that a letter be written to Drive the Association informing them that the United Fund Drive is scheduled at that time and UN Day is October 24, 1968. / Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the Muscular Dystrophy Associations of America, Inc. , to conduct a house to house march on Sunday, October 20, 1968 from 1:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to Minutes approve the Minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting held on July 15, 1968. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to Water approve water abatements for the following: Harold Allen, Abatements $26.66; Paul J. MacKenzie, $20.02; Percival Humphrey, Jr. , $30.32; Paul Martin, $1.40. The Chairman referred to the list of appointments of Election Officers , copies of which had been given to the Board . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint the following Election officers, as approved by the Town Clerk. (Quote) F'J FCT ION OFFICERS 1968 - 1969 R Ilda J. Field R Marjorie E. Wirpio 30 Chase Avenue 22 Bartlett Avenue D Helen L. Perry R Alice G. Marshall 16 Ellison Road 9 ewdependence Avenue D Michael Lovezzola R Sally S. Hooper 242 Waltham Street 282 Bedford Street R Mary E. Clifford R Edna R. Anderson 54 Chase Avenue 21 Leonard Road D Mary C. Casey D Eileen J. Fradette 22 Valley Road 35 Grapevine Avenue D Randall W. Richards D Joseph 0. Rooney 67 Farmcrest Avenue 222 Waltham Street D Mary G. Oliver R Dolores M. Swan 610 Waltham Street 24 Bedford Street D Elizabeth F. Downey D Mary J. Ferry 1 Stimson Avenue 50 Downing Road D Henry P. Meade D Edna F. Marshall P. 0. Box 394 110 Woburn Street i 5t'' [' R Ida B. Fisk R Mary Q. McCauley 10 Spencer Street 75 Spring Street R Florence M. Boone R Virginia M. Warner 112 Bedford Street 71 Adams Street D Marjorie Modoono R Irene Victoria Feeerty 285 Woburn Street 529 Marrett Road R Agnes Heimlich D Alice Lillian Osgood 796 Massachusetts Avenue 573 Marrett Road R Mary F. Irwin D Mary V. Spencer 20 Clarke Street 8 Cary Avenue The Chamber of Commerce met with the Board . Mr. Joseph Rooney said that the purpose of the meet- ing was to discuss the parking meter situation in the center. With the new shopping center opened in Burling- ton, it would mean much to the merchants to discuss the meter situation. He said that no stand has been taken by the Chamber of Commerce and we don't have any real solution, but we would like to see the meters on the back lot taken out completely or make them 25 cent meters for all day parking. We would like to suggest that a courtesy warning ticket be placed on a car. The Chairman asked who would benefit if we take out the row of meters or make them all day meters? Mr. Rooney said that the customers would use them. The Chairman said that the merchants would use them. Mr. Vidette said that if the merchants did that, you could chalk them. We are being critized and we would like to say that, as a matter of record, we are here. A year or two from now you will say, at least you did some- thing. Center The Chairman said that many people think we should Parking have done something four or five years ago. Mr. Rooney said that Raytheon and Itek workers were leabing their cars there all day. Mr. Kenney asked if the Chamber of Commerce is re- commending the removal of the parking meters completely. Mr. Vidette said that he was recommending it. Mr. Michelson said that be felt that removing the meters was a very good idea. He discussed the courtesy ticket and said that when a Policeman comes around and sees the flag up, be could give a courtesy ticket and the next time around be could tag for a $2.00 fine. He said that sometimes a person might be tied up in a store and doesn't get out to the meter in time, but he could get to his car when the courtesy ticket time is up. If not, be deserves the $2.00 fine. Mr. Rooney said that someone might want to go in for a cup of coffee and would not have a penny to put in the meter and he gets a ticket. We get complaints all the time to straighten out the parking situation. Mr. Kenney asked how the courtesy warning ticket worked elsewhere. Mr. Vidette and Mr. Conroy said that they had re- ceived them in Maine and Canada and were impressed with the idea. Mr. York said that he felt there was a variety of problems . One problem is the amount of area of parking; we are getting a heavier amount up toward the green area and the area along the fence from Craft to the back of Trani' s is rarely used. We might be able to drive some from the Depot section and they would use the area along the fence. The Chairman said that we are authorized to finish the other part, do you think it would help? Mr. York replied that it would, that they are park- ing in where the Harvard Trust area is. Mr. Kenney said that your intent is that by remov- ing the meters along the fence you will utilize them, free. The Chairman said that if you do that, you are tak- ing space away from the shoppers . Mr. York said that they don't use them. He asked if there was any idea of when the parking area across the tracks will be finished . Mr. McSweeney said that they haven' t started the sur- vey; there is no target date yet . Mr. Vidette asked hew much it cost to maintain the meters , and if they take in $12,000 or $13,000 a year. The Chairman said that he didn 't know. We are try- ing to find a reasonable solution. Mr. Mabee asked about the mechanics of the courtesy tickets . Mr. Conroy said that the meter would have a period of grace. The Chairman said that, if they have a free ride, that is not what you want. Mr. Conroy said that it would not start until 9 A.M. The purpose of the meter is to get in and out; if some- one doesn't have the change and goes into the store, when he comes out he has a ticket. There could be some mech- anical procedure. Mr. Mabee asked if 15 minutes free parking at the beginning would help. Mr. Conroy answered in the affirmative. Mr. Mabee asked bow many tickets a week more would there be, if every time you are overdue you get a courtesy ticket? ' 5 rq Mr. Cataldo said that courtesy tickets are for out of state people, the natives are still tagged in places that use the courtesy tickets . From listening to you, the main thing is to provide parking for the clerks and the people in town You are saying that the people are not using the area at the fence. Mr. Conroy said that they were concerned about peo- ple parking without charge. Mr. Michelson said that when the parking lot is com- pleted, it will be sufficient. The concern I have is with the shopper. Suppose he stays too long and finds a ticket for $2.00 on his car A Policeman could put on a courtesy tag with the time on it and the next time around if the person has parked too long, he tags . The Chairman said that there may be some merit to courtesy tags . As for taking out the meters , if this would be for the sho pprisl there would be some merit. Every time we have relaxed on the meters the merchants themselves have abused it. Mr. Michelson said that the question now is, can you have the Police Department relax to the point of courtesy tags? Now, when he comes to a violation, he doesn' t know if the violation has just popped up. The lot along the fence at lunch hour is jam-packed and at the 5 & 10 side it is not being used. At Easter, back-to-school, and Christmas time the shoppers use that area. Mr. Kenney said that the point is, in the areas not frequently used, take your vehicles from up the street and put it there. Mr. Conroy said that it doesn' t affect his business. Mr. Cataldo said that you are representing the Cham- ber of Commerce. We are not interested in individual problems - bring us the Chamber of Commerce stand. Mr. Conroy said that the principal recommendation is for the courtesy ticket. Mr. Cataldo said that two years ago, at Christmas, we had free parking, and the merchants ruined it. Mr. Kenney said that when the first offense system was put in, you received as many complaints . Mr. Michelson said that they didn' t. Mr. Rooney asked if they were in agreement frith the 25 cent all day parking? Mr. Cataldo said, make a motion that we have heard the Chamber of Commerce request. The Chairman said that the record will show that the Chamber had a meeting with the Board and strongly object- ed to the meters and tagging. The Board took it under advisement and referred it to the Traffic Committee. They could meet with one member of the Chamber of Commerce. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Rooney represent the Chamber of Commerce. ; fl Mr. Kenney asked for a report of the humber of tick- ets issued, to compare with the year before. Mr. Michelson asked how many tickets were issued a day? Mr. Greeley said that the Chamber of Commerce is asking us to explore the possibility of helping the peo- ple. The Committee will meet for this purpose. Mr. Gray said that he will get a report on the num- ber of tickets issued this year. The Chamber of Commerce retired . The Board discussed the bids for two 1 ton pickup trucks which were held over from the meeting of July 15. Mr. Burke said that G.M.C. is furnishing a vehicle with a 6-cylinder engine, there is more room in the cab, and in the fender walls there i a tapered area which would prevent rust occurring in*the headlights, grill asembly and hood. We feel that this is a more practi- cal investment for the Town. Mr. Kenney said that he felt that they could debate, but agreed that Mr. Burke had a valid point in that it was easier to service the G.M.C. He said that it bother- ed him to pay 10 percent more than the International Harvester figure of $4,008.37, against $4,400.00 for the G.M.C. He had asked the local Chevrolet dealer why he didn't bid on the trucks, and the dealer said that the specifications were put out between model years; there- fore dealers could not receive dealers ' assistance from the manufacturer. Pickup Mr. Burke said that bidder's assistance is of great Truck magnitude. One year Ford might come out and push to put Bids pickups out. Mr. Kenney asked if it made sense to put specifica- tions out early in April. The Chairman said that we don't have authorization to do it. Mr. Burke said that after Town Meeting the suggest- ion was made to advertise everything at once. Mr. Kenney asked if the G.M.C. is a '69 model? Mr. Burke said that it was, and so was the Inter- national Harvester ; they could be delivered around Nov- ember 15. Mr. Kenney said that the G.M.C. cost 10 percent more, and asked if we could re-advertise. The Chairman asked how much of a time delay would be involved if they did this? Mr. Burke said that an ad could be put in the paper immediately and bids could be in before the next meeting. Mr. Cataldo asked where are you going to get a com- petitive bid? ' 5a1 Mr. Kenney said that Rowe Chevrolet could bid on a G.M.C. pickup, This fellow has no bid assistance. He recommended that they throw out the bids received from the International Harvester Company and the Automotive Service Company, Inc. , for two pickup trucks . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reject the bids for two pickup trucks received from the International Harvester Company at $4,008.37 and Auto- motive Service Company, Inc. at $4,400.00. The Chairman said that we should re-advertise as soon as possible, keeping in mind the date they can get factory assistance. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to re-advertise for two 1 ton pickup trucks . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Chairman to sign the Liquor Identifi- I.D. cation Card for Sandra A. Jones, 11 Downing Road. Card Mr. Cataldo said the Salary Review Board needs a member to replace Neil Chapman. He asked Mr. Gray to Salary talk with Mr. Donald Noyes and tell his to get started - Review to get organized and the meetings scheduled. Board The Chairman said that Mr. Irwin, Building Inspec- tor, feels that the fees forplumbing, gas, and building are too high and would like to meet with the Board to Bldg. discuss them. Also, Mr. Erwin would like to discuss the Inspector p resumes of applicants for the position of Assistant Building Inspector. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing, deliberating or voting on matters which, if made public Executive might adversely affect the public security, the financial Session interest of the Town of the reputation of any person. Bollowing discussion concerning the finances of the Town, it was voted to resume the open meeting. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:55 P.M. 15)Pq A true record, Attest: C4+ Executive Clerk, Selectmen The next regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen will be held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, August 12, 1968 at 7:30 P.M.