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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1968-06-10-BOS-min 453 w SELECTMEN'S MEETING June 10, 1968 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, June 10, 1968, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Cole, Messrs . Cataldo, Mabee, Kenney, and Greeley were present. 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 Mr. Legro requests the Board to sign a partial release of restriction on Lots 102 to 104, inclusive, on Taft Avenue At the adjourned session of Taft the Special Town Meeting held on June 4, 1968, it was Avenue unanimously voted to authorize the Selectmen to release Lots 102 to 104, inclusive, on Taft Avenue from the re- strictions imposed in a certain deed from the Town to Jennie C . Coye and Edward E Coye conveying Lot 99 on Taft Avenue, which deed is dated October 27, 1958. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign and execute the instruments as presented by Town Counsel. Mr. Gray said that he had a request, on behalf of the Chief of Police, that three men from the Somerville list be appointed, to the Police Department. The Chairman said that the three men are Desmond A. Howe, 19 Pembroke Street, Somerville; Michael J. Downey, 8 Bartlett Street, Somerville; and William J. Marques, 218 Summer Street, Somerville Approval has been re- ceived from Civil Service. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Desmond A. Howe, Michael J Downey, and William J. Marques to the Lexington Police Department, effective June 17, 1968. The Chairman read a letter from the Town Treasurer which stated that it is necessary to borrow $1,000,000 in anticipation of Taxes The three low bidders were New Town England Merchants National Bank of Boston, on $500,000, Treasurer 3.47 discounted ; Capitol Bank and Trust, on $250,000, 3.49 discounted ; Newton-Waltham Bank and Trust Company, on $250,000, 3.55 plus $1.00 discounted . Mr. Yewell said that, on June 21, he will have to pay the teachers ' salaries for the summer This will amount to $862,000. On July 11, and additional $250,000 will be sent to the teachers He would like to talk with the School Committee regarding the $862,000 expenditure. 454 271 Mr. Gray said there was something in the teachers ' contract that they are to be paid this way. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the notes and the delivery authorizations to the three low bidders, in the amount of $1,000,000. Mr. Gray requested a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Treasurer' s Department of $12,000 to pay the in- Transfer terest on the tax anticipation loan Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Appropriations Committee to transfer the sum of $12,000 from the Reserve Fund to the Treasurer' s De- partment for payments of the interest on the tax antici- pation loan. Mr. Gray asked the Board to read the proposed draft of a letter to residents of the Town regarding street and Policy sidewalk construction . The letter states that it is the policy of the Town of Lexington when constructing a street, a sidewalk is also constructed on bbe side of the street, The side on which the sidewalk will be constructed will be determined at the time of the final street design. Mr. Burke put a notice in the newspaper last week which in- forms the residents that requests are to be in the Town Office by September 15, 1968. The Chairman said that as this is a policy of the Town regarding sidewalks, a vote should be taken. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adopt the policy that the notice to residents should in- form them that, when constructing a street, a sidewalk is also constructed on one side. Mr. Gray said that approval had been voted at the Special Town Meeting for an Assistant Town Engineer and Engineer- Junior Engineer. He requested authority to interview ing Dept. applicants and screen them. Permission was granted to start the process of in- terviewing applicants for the positions of Assistant Town Engineer and Junior Engineer. Mr. Gray said that he had received a call regarding a meeting to be held on Wednesday morning relevant to the Meeting Industrial Complex on Hartwell Avenue. They would like to discuss problems in Town Affairs . The Chairman felt that a member of the Board should be present and suggested that no commitments be made by Mr. Gray if a member of the Board was not present. 1 455 11 Mr. Gray said that bids were taken on the Instruc- tional Swimming Pool and two bids were received : J.A. Sullivan Corporation, $51,747.00, and W.T. Rich Company, Inatruc- Inc. , $60,000.00 Mr. McSweeney had a meeting with Camp, tional Dresser and McKee. We asked for a letter as to why the Pool bids were so out of line We only have $30,000; we had $20,000 and received an additional $10,000 at Town Meet- ing last year. We would like to suggest that the Rec- reation Committee come in and discuss it with us on next Monday evening. Mr. Mabee asked why there were only two bids . Mr. Gray said that the people involved in that work are very busy The Chairman said that the Appropriation Committee and Recreation Committee should meet with the Board . Mr. Cataldo suggested that Mr. Gray meet with the Recreation Committee and see where the problems are. We had an original estimate of $16,000, Mr. Gray could talk with there people. We would accomplish nothing with the Recreation Committee. Mr. Gray said that when the original bidg were taken, they were for $16,000 to $18,000; this is an instructional pool. As Mr. Cataldo said, call in Camp, Dresser and McKee. Mr. Kenney asked if the original bids were formal bids . Mr. Cataldo said that they were. The existing fil- ter room was inadequate for housing the new equipment and the additional cost of this building, plus a slightly larger filter, was estimated at approximately $10,000. Mr. Gray said that he would like to talk with the original low bidder and find out why he didntt bid, what the basic difference is . Some pools this size are built for around $15,000 or $16,000 Now we are talking $50,000. He will call Mr. Bond and request authorization for Mr. Bertini to meet with him Mr. Burke said that he had sent a letter to Mr. Gray regarding three employees of the Public Works Department. He would recommend that Richard W. Whitney, presently em- Public plo ed as a Laborer, Grade W-2 Step 1, at an hourly rate Work of $$2.46, employed since October 2, 1967, be given a merit Employees increase to Grade W-2 Step 1, at an hourly rate of $2.56. He is a very conscientious worker and has demonstrated his ability to operate the equipment . Mr. Burke said that it was his understanding that if he were employed on October 1, !se would get an automatic increase. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant an increase to Richard W. Whitney, Laborer, Grade W-2 Step 1, $2.46 per hour, to Grade W-2 Step B, at $2.56 per hour. 415 Ll a Mr. Burke said that James McLaughlin, Laborer for the Water Department , Grade W-2, Step C, 2 68 per hour had been employed since April, 1966. On May 1, 1968, he obtained his operator' s license for the John Deere Back- hoe and has proven to be a qualified operator. Mr. Burke recommended that he be reclassified and raised to Grade W-3, Step C, at $2.80 per hour. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reclassify and raise James McLaughlin, Laborer-Water Department, from Grade W-2, Step C, $2.68 per hour, to Grade W-3, Step C, at $2.80 per hour. Mr. Burke said that William Tatten is presently employed as a Laborer, Grade W-2, Step C, $2.68 per hour. For almost a year, Mr. Tatten has assumed the duties of a Water Service Man. Duty of this nature on the service truck has been graded as a W-3 in the past. Mr. Tatten has proven to be an able, capable, and conscientious em- ployee and, therefore, Mr. Burke recommends that he be reclassified and raised to Grade W-3, Step C, at $2.80 per hour. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reclassify and raise William Tatten, Laborer-Water De- partment, Grade W-2, Step C, $2.68 per hour, to Grade W-3, Step C, at $2.80 per hour. Mr. Burke informed the Board that part-time girly8 receive $2.04 per hour while part-time male employees receive $1.60 per hour. These men are doing laboring work and he feels that their salaries should be raised to $204 per hour. It is very difficult to get employees at $1.60 per hour. Mr. Cataldo asked if when Mr. Burke referred to part- time did be mean part-time just for the summer, orfbr a few hours a day during the year. Mr. Burke said that it could be either. His depart- ment is short six full time employees and he hopes to fill some full time openings with part-time help. Mr. Mabee said that it would be full time work dur- ing the summer. Mr. Kenney said that he felt that $1.60 per hour was way out of line Mr Burke said that he had authorization for eight employees . He has had three refusals because of the low rate The Chairman said that you have given all the Facts. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to raise the rate of part-time make employees from $1.60 per hour to $2.014. per hour. I 457 ' Mrs . Christiansen, Mrs . Jick, Mr. Herbert Adams, and Committee members met with the Board Mr. Adamssaid that he would like to present the open- ing remarks and distributed copies of a proposal to the Board He said that Rev. Harding was unable to attend . We would like to dispense with trappings by launching im- mediately into the proposal We feel that, with the meet- ing we have already had, the preliminary work has been done We feel that the Selectmen are concerned with the many problems of violence, about what is going on in Wellesley, and we would like to anticipate by proposing to you tonight what we hope would meet with your approval. We propose that the Selectmen establish a commission which will enable the Town to examine what bearing our community conduct has on the ability of the metropolitan area as a whole to meet the needs of the impoverished and minority group citizens who are largely concentrated with- in the central city. We believe that the Town, acting both through its official governmental activities and also through the broader structure of its civic life, should afford the greatest possible opportunity to its citizens to come to grips with their responsibility to the crisis in our nation. Lex. The Commission should include a representative from Suburban the Selectmen, School Committee, Planning Board, and Hous- Resp. ing Authority. The remaining members should be privatee Comm. citizens , so chosen as to be broadly representative of the Chamber of Commerce, Civil Rights Committee, Council of Churches, Route 128 industries, League of Women Voters, PTA Council, Senior Citizens, service organizations , Town employees, youth service groups , and veterans ' organiza- tions . It should be possible to select some individuals who could maintain liason with other groups, both local and metropolitan. In the same way, some of the persons chosen should, of course be members of the Town Meeting. While the Commission would be concerned with the relationships which now do, and which ideally should, prevail between Lexington and Boston, it would have no formal powers. If and when it chose to recommend speci- fic courses of action to the Town, such recommendations would presumably carry some weight by virtue of having emanated from the Commission, exactly how much to depend, of course, on how effectively the Commission has been able to peroorm its assigned role. We do not believe it wise to try to forecast in any detail just how the Commission would or should proceed to carry out its assignment ; nor would we suggest a for- mal title. If organized as a committee to examine subur- ban responsibilities, a precise definition of name, structure and operation would necessarily be defined We do, however, believe that its functions should include : gi w. w. al Research: The development of a general picture of how Lexington fits into the metropolitan scene, with par- ticular reference to questions of income distribution, educational opportunities, housing and employment oppor- tunities . Co-ordination and Communication: A continuing com- pilation of official and non-official Wotnnactivities having a bearing on the concerns of the Commission. We believe that a systematic effort should be made to en- sure that persons and groups (both civic and corporate) whose activities are mutually related, either by duplica- tion or potential complementarity, should become aware of such relationships and be put in direct tough with each other through an instrument of the Town. Various state, regional, county and federal programs have local implications and are processed through the channels of local government ; citizen support of decisions made by elected representatives would be increased by an oppor- tunity to learn the alternatives faced by those charged with the administration of these programs . Education : An effort to liven the sense of commun- ity participation and responsibility. Use of various media would be essential; although use of mass communica- tion could be a part of this effort, individual interpre- tation of material thus presented varies . We believe that education must offer opportunities for widespread discussion of problems if there is to be understanding of and reasoned response to the challenge of social crisis . Sponsorship: Provision of leadership and organiza- tion for community-wide movements which do not seem to be a part of the official responsibility of any regularly constituted organ of government, but which would benefit from formal identification with the Town of Lexington. We hereby request that the Selectmen of Lexington undertake the immediate establishment of this Commission, appoint members thereto, and direct their attention to this proposal. Mr. Adams said that three organization have drafted this proposal . We have members here who would be happy to answer questions . Mr. Greeley asked if Mr. Adams believed that a group could function without compensations . Mr. Adams said that the only compensation they would like would be a part-time secretary. The Chairman asked who would support this . Mr. Adams said that, perhaps , the Town would ; maybe the Selectmen could come up with some ideas . Mr. Greeley said that, in the long run, a group like this has to have staff backing. He said that he wondered if there was enough enthusiasm to operate on. 459 Mrs Mitchell said that there was no question in her mind, the ladies would be delighted to cooperate; they could type, make telephone calls, etc. The Chairman said that within your group you have the personnel, later on the money could be requested by the Town, if needed . He suggested that if the members had any questions, to ask them, as dialogue is essential. Mr. Adams said that there is a feeling of urgency. They would like to hold the meeting during the week of June 16, as Mr. Harding had suggested in his letter, and an announcement made of the decision . Mr. Kenney said that, by decision, your mean appoint- ment. The Chairman asked who would conduct the all Town meeting. Mrs. Jick asked if the Board of Selectmen would call the meeting. In Brookline, the Board of Selectmen called the meeting, The Council of Commissions presented the case, and the Board of Selectmen convened it. Mr. Adams said that their major hope is that the Selectmen take up the ball and do what has to be done. If necessary, follow this proposal. The Chairman said that be wanted to get it clear, 9 you want us to appoint this Ad Hoc Commission, you would still want us to carry the ball to the all-Town meeting, an open meeting with people of the Town. If we appoint this Commission, the only thing to the Selectmen would be whatever prestige we add to the movement. Mr. Kenney said that if we were convinced of the desirability of this proposal, if we appointed the Com- mission and called the meeting, then if you wished to have a town-widefbrum . . Mr. Adams said that it could be done that way; our major interest is getting it done The Chairman said that if the Board feels favorably toward this, we could appoint a Commission. I have mixed feelings on an open meeting; it may have plenty of merit if the movement has any merit; how much would it suffer if it were poorly attended? Mr. Crawford said that as long as it is before the beginning of next month. We should get rolling; we should have been one of the first in this Town; let ' s make Lex- ington the town it is supposed to be. We know what exists , lets do first things first. The Chairman asked Dick Crawford if he felt that an open meeting is essential to this? Mr. Crawford replied that as long as you are behind this, it is essential. We are ready to do something So many of us do work in Boston, our own livelihood is in- !! volved . 460 Mr. Mabee said that these people want to have the Commission . Once the Commission gets together, they decide what they want, to have an all town meeting, or The Chairman said that the meeting was mentioned in Mr Hardings ' letter; they have to try and get all the support possible All you are doing is passing the deci- sion on to the Commitrhen. Mr. Greeley said that we want to appoint a Commission that we expect and require to report its recommendation tp us, depending on what they propose as to the commitments of the meeting. Mr. Adams said that, he felt that Rev. Harding might say that after the Commission is established they might want to plan an open meeting. We feel that the Town would benefit if a Commission were named and establish- ed before the last of the month. There is not much action until the fall Mr Kenney asked if we do this, would you people feel that you are moving along well, if we appoint and call the first meeting of the Commission. Mr Adams said it would be held sometime during the week of June 16th Mr. Kenney said that he did not think members could be appointed until next week, the week of the 17th Mr. Adams said that he would like to have members of the Commission appointed, for the large majority, by next week The Chairman said, and you want the Selectmen to call the first meeting of the Commission Mr. Mabee recommended that the Board of Selectmen make the nominations or take suggestions from the groups you enumerated . Mr. Adams said that the proposal reads that the Se&ect- men should make the appointments . Mr. Greeley felt that the Board should make the ap- pointments . Mr. Mabee asked if they wanted the Board to ask the Chamber of Commerce who they want, or would like to be ap- pointed . Mr. Abraham suggested that they have a list from which the members would be drawn. The Chairman suggested the organizations make the appointment. Mr. Mabee said that you want them to come up with one name. Mr. Michael said that the Selectmen should ask for re- commendations of leadership. I feel strongly that for the effectiveness of the Committee, members should be appoint- ed by the Board However you canvass the fiild, the final judgment rests with the Board of Selectmen. 46_� Mr. Mabee said that, at the start, you have an emo- tional atmosphere; after the first meeting, you might have the good lick to get fifty people out. I much pre- fer the course of action outlined here, to get the com- mission organized and take the thing slowly. Discussion was held on appointments from the various groups outlined in the proposal plus others, such as the Girl Scouts, DeMolay, etc. Mr. Greeley felt that it we start adding up the or- ganizations that ought to be interested in this, we would get a representative group that is much too large. We are really after a group of fifteen individuals. One individual may represent a group. They must be appointed as individuals, and at the same time represent the group. If it is set up that we appoint someone from this organ- ization, it is not going to be a strong group. The Chairman said that someone in the Chamber of Com- merce may belong to three groups . He asked if it was generally agreed that there would be not more than fifteen members . Mr Adams agreed . The Chairman said that the motion would be to accept the proposal as submitted and move forewith with the appointing of the Commission and calling of the meeting the week of June 16, 1968. Mr. Kenney said that he would like to discuss the date of June 16th. The Chairman said that he would select members for this Commission if the Board had enough confidence to give him this latitude Mr. Mabee suggested that it be split up; he would be willing to help the Chairman. Mr. Cataldo felt that the Commission would be much more effective if we come up with a list and they then appoint the Chairman, or his designee. Some people have a work load that is more than they can carry. Basically, their Chairman would know best who would do the best job in this case. The Chairman said that the Board could authorize the Chairman to appoint, subject to recommendation to the Chairman of the Board or Commission, a Lexington Ad Hoc Commission. Mr. Kenney said that if you are going to ask for their recommendations, you make the choice . You can't just limit to organizations, you would get more. Mrs. Christiansen said that when we said this, we meant one Mr. Adams said that after we take the first four, from that point on they would be members at large, rated on individual merit . The Chairman suggested Town Meeting members. 4162 2 aD Mr. Greeley said that if the Chairman is willing to work with some of the officers and these baeople and if he could come into the meeting with the recommended list, the appointments should be made by the Board . The Chairman said that the procedure I would follow is, I would say that your first meeting is this night ; approving these people after the fact. Mr. Adams asked if the Chairman could submit this - that their appointment is subject to the approval of the Board . Mr. Cataldo said that he had no qualms about them making the appointments ; the people appointed should serve because they want to serve. The Chairman said that before the meeting ended, they could have one member from the School Committee and one from the Planning Board. Mr. Cataldo said that the point is to get other peo- ple involved to get the job done. The Chairman said that he is going to ask them for their designee, there is a sense of urgency in this matter. Mr. Mabee said that if there wasntt a sense of urgency, they could do a lot better making appointments . You should take your time about this get people who would un- derstand the import of this . Mr. Greeley felt that the week of the 16th was rushe ing it . Mr. Mabee agreed and said , but if you have to have it done that week, we will do it. Mr. Adams asked how much more time would be needed . Mr. Greeley suggested that it be within the month of June, rather than the week of June 16th Mr Mabee said to extend it one week and Mr. Cataldo agreed . Mr. Adams agreed and said that they all know the ur- gency, and you need the time Mr Greeley said that if you try to get an open meet- ing in ten days , you might have a melee or a sit-in. Such a meeting takes a lot of preparation, instead of hearing quickly prepared speeches . Mr. Crawford said, you people surprise me tonight, an open meeting might be more effective; organize around this, something will have been started in a constructive way. Mr. Adams said that it would be some place that or- ganizations can go to other organizations . We would be gratified if you would take action on the motion made. The Chairman asked if they were satisfied with the dialogue this evening, and all agreed L 4.63 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to create a Lexington Ad Hoc Commission for the purposes stated in the proposal Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen to come in with a list of proposed names . The Chairman said that they were to feel free to call all members of the Board. Mr. Alan Adams voiced an objection to the name, Lex- ington Ad Hoc Commission. Discussion followed and Mr. Alan Adams suggested, The Lexington Suburban Responsibility Commission. It was unanimously agreed that the Commission is to be, The Lexington Suburban Responsibility Commission. Mr. Herbert Adams thanked the Board and the group retired at 9 :08 P.M. Mr. Gray said that the State Welfare Office has quart- ers in the Town Offices and were paying $65 .00 per month rent to the Town. He recommended that the rent be raised to $100.00 per month. Welfare Mr. Mabee asked how many square feet of space they Dept. were occupying? Mr. Gray said that he did not have the exact figure. He said that the State is making arrangements to move them to a permanent location Mr. Cataldo said that he agreed with the new arrange- ment, with the provision that they find new quarters as soon as possible. Mr. Gray said that they would be so informed . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to rent to the Welfare Departmentcof the State the area now occupied, at $100.00 per month. Mr. Gray informed the Board that a letter had been received from Thomas B. Nangle, Cambridge, requesting that tax title lots 32 and 24 Valleyfield Street be sold Tax to him His request had been referred to the Planning Title Board and their recommendation was that tot 32 not be sold, but there was no objection to the sale of lot 24. The Chairman said that the usual procedure was to advertise for bids . Normally, we have been selling the lots to the abutters, if the abutters wanted them Mr. Gray said that Mr. Nangle had offered $3,000 for lot 24.. The Chairman said that Mr. Nangle had established the low price; anyone who bids would have to bid over that figure. This is diggerent from a regular building lot. If an abutter bids on this, he should be the high bidder. 46 4 co Mr. Mabee asked what happens if the abutter wanted to combine with his lot and bid under $3,000. Mr. Gray said that it would be up to the Board to decide. Mr. Greeley said that it was about a normal size for a lot Mr. Gray said that the land will be advertised for bid in the June 6th issue of the newspaper. Un- Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to license sign the Warrant which listed 903 unlicensed dogs, to be Dogs sent to the Dog Officer Mr. Gray read a letter from the Ledgemont Laboratory, Division of Kennecott Copper Corp. , regarding the Hatch Hearing Act. They would like to construct a road , a driveway, and in order to accomplish this , they would have to excavate the swamp. Mr Gray said that a hearing would have to be held and a notice of it would have to be in the newspaper. It was agreed to hold the hearing and invite the State Department of Public Works to attend . The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Legro to the General Counsel of the American Federation of State, AFL-CIO County and Municipal Employees , AFL-CIO, regarding the objection raised by Mr. Legro at the Labor Relations meeting and at the meeting of the Board and the Business Agent of the AFL-CIO. The letter states that Town is ready to commence collective bargaining when an entity is established, in order for the Town to determine with whom it is dealing. Mr. Gray said that after the meeting of the Board and the Busines Agent, the Board had received a letter from General Counsel of the AFL-CIO which stated that the certificate of representatives clearly indicated that the Labor Relations Commission certified the American Feder- ation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO and its appropriate affiliates as the exclusive bargain- ing representative for the employees of the Department of Public Works . Mr. Gray said that nothing further has been heard from them. * The Chairman read a letter from Town Celebrations Committee informing the Board that Admiral Fitch and the U.S.S. men of the U.S.S. Lexington had given a framed picture Lexington of the U.S.S. Lexington to the Town. The picture had been donated by Virgil F. Aldrich, CDR USN (ret) It was requested that permission be granted to hang the pic- ture in the Visitorth Center. The Board had no objection. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the Town Celebrations Committee to hang a 22" x 14" framed picture of the U.S.S. Lexington in the Visitors ' Center. -* The Chairman said that any letters received are to be referred to Mr. Legro. 465 The Chairman read a letter from Harley H. Anderson, 6 Ash Street, requesting a connection to the Town sewer- age system. His home was built in 1963 with a 1,000 Sewer gallon septic tank and the system in completely inadequ- Connection ate due to the water tables on the lot. When there is heavy rain , the system fills up and backs up into the lower level of his split entry home. It is the only house on the short street, running between Reed St. and Ward st , both Reed St and Ward St. have Town sewerage and his house in the only one in the area not connected or able to be connected to the sewer. He had talked with the Director of Public Health and he had advised him to write the Board of Selectmen Mr. Gray said that Mr. Anderson has a serious pro- blem. There is a sewer within 150 feet of his house and he could be connected. The Chairman said that, if done under normal proce- dures, the betterments would be $800.00. He asked if there was enough money to do this . Mr. Gray recommended that it be inserted in our existing sewer contract. It would be only $1,300.00 Mr Cataldo agreed as long as it was recommended by the Board of Health. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the Superintendent of Public Works be authorized to include the 150 feet on Ash Street in the sewer contract The Chairman read a Notice of Intent received from the Commonwealth, Department of Natural Resources on Itek Corporation and the Lexington Minuteman Industrial Park Mr. Gray said that the Engineering Department has been consulted and a report was received from the Planning Board . Mr. Greeley said that the Conservation Commission had already reported Mr Gray said that if they have any requirements they would put them in the Order We have no objection, changes were made. The Chairman read a letter from Franklyn Crosby which states that he questions the legality of the ad- journed Special Town Meeting held on Tuesday, June !a , Ruling 1968, and he would like a legal opinion on whether or not prior written notice of an adjourned Town Meeting has to be given to Town Meeting Members . The Chairman said that Town Counsel has ruled that receiving a notice of an adjourned meeting in not up to the Board of Selectmen The onus is on Town Meeting members to attend and they have a right to adjourn any- time they so desire 4166 Mr. Cataldo said that Mr. Crosby questions the notice. Mr. Adams said that there was a case a few years ago11 where a Bond Counsel did question and it had to be vali- dated by a State Act. Mr. Greeley said he felt that the Board should ask Town Counsel' s opinion. The Chairman said that he had no objection to ask- ing Town Counsel. He will be notified in writing, say- ing that the Board is requesting the rule. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to Minutes approve the Minutes of the Selectmen' s Meeting held on June 3, 1968 Mr. Gray said that Chief Corr requests an indivi- dual from the Lynn Civil Service list, John Edward Day, 235 Boston Street, Lynn, who has indicated a desire to come to Lexington. The Chairman asked if the releases had been obtain- ed from those remaining on the Somerville list. Mr. Gray said that they are already in there. The Chairman asked Mr. Gray to contact Chief Corr about the releases . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request Civil Service to make John Edward Day of the Lynn list available to Lexington, effective June 24, 1968. The Chairman read a letter from the Citizens for Lexington Conservation which recommended Mrs . Frederick Conserva- C. Frick to fill the vacant position on the Conservation tion Commission. Comm. The Chairman said that the Conservation Commission must notify the Board that a vacancy exists . After a meeting at which the regaining members voted , they may recommend a person to fill the existing vacancy. The Chairman said that this recommendation will be put on file. Mrs Frick will be given due consideration. The Chairman read a letter from John W. Frey, Land- scape Architect, which stated that Walter Pierce had re- Lexing- quested him to outline points on the Landscape Develop- ton ment Plan for Massachusetts Avenue to Edison Way. Center Mr. Gray recommended that the letter be referred to the Engineering Department. Mr. Cataldo said that we had made it quite clear at the Town Meeting in March that we would not go ornamental, but would go basic. That is all we have money for. Mrs . Morey called me and said that she and her group would like to meet with the Board . She is upset about the center and would like to discuss it with the Board before final opinion is made. In talking to her, I must agree that she has a few valid points . 461 The Chairman said that we will wait, until she mates an appointment with the Board . I do agree with Mr. Cataldo that there be no frills , just basic construction. Mr. Gray said that they hadn' t planned on anything but basic construction. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to make the Bollowing abatements on water rates : George Tucker $32.52; James McCann $77.66; Frank Buda $46.50; Abatements Warren H Bennett, $17 02; Mary L. and D.H. Chute, $24.85; Acct. No. A-118-243, $17.50. Mr. Cataldo asked about the position of Assistant Building Inspector. He felt that they should go through the list of applicants, advertise the position, or con- tact the applicant who had been interviewed . Mr. Gray said that the man who had been interview- ed was no longer with the Town he had specified at the interview. The Chairman asked Mr. Gray to put another "ad" in the newspaper and make an attempt to get in touch with the man who was interviewed Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:00 P.M. A true record, Attest : Executive Clerk, Selec The next regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen will be held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on June 17, 1968 at 7:30 P.M. n lja AC) \`N v �