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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1968-05-13-BOS-min co 414 ze SELECTMEN'S MEETING May 13, 1968 1 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, May 13, 1968, at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Cole, Messrs. Cataldo, Mabee, Kenney, 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. MoCurdy, Executive Clerk, were alsd present. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Company for permission to locate one hip guy and anchor on Longfellow Road. Notices of the hearing were mailed to the peti- tioners, owners of the property as listed on the petitioners' plans and also filed with the Superinten- dent of Public Works. Mr. Jones, representing the Boston Edison Company, was present and said that their construction people have requested the petition for a hip guy and anchor in con- junction with a dual conversion wire that runs across Hip Guy the street. It originally fed 2300 volts and it has and Anchor been changed to 8,000 or 9,000 volts. The street is 40' lOcation wide and lawns of 5' or 5' run out to the street. The plan shows that the hip guy and anchor would be on the property line of Mr. Mayer and Mr. Lowry, in back of the driveway so that a snowplow could get between the driveway and the pole. The Chairman asked if anyone was in opposition and Mr. Mayer, 5 Longfellow Road, said that he would like some more information. Mr. Greeley asked if the guy wire would be on Town property. Mr. Jones said that due to the fact that there was no sidewalk, it would appear that they would dig up 5' of lawn when, actually, it was a public way. Mr. Mayer said that they have to maintain 5' . Mrs. Mayer asked if it would be less conspicuous down the street as this will have a large arm. Mr. Jones said that if they came down at an angle the snow plow couldn' t get through. You will find on a public way in Lexington there are very few installed straight out; this is the reason for the arr. The Chairman asked if Mr. and Mrs. Maier wished to register an objection and Mr. Mayer answered in the negative. 415 ' The Chairman declared the hearing closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the petition and sign the order for the following location: Longfellow Road, from a pole located on southwesterly side, approximately 155 feet southeast of Burlington Street, one (1) hip guy and anchor. Mrs . Tryon requested permission of the Board for the Bowman Park Association and neighbors to have a work day in Bowman Park on Saturday, May 25 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. They plan to identify and prepare field labels Bowman for some of the fine specimen trees in the park, to re- Park cord their location on a map of the area and to generally clean up litter and debris . The Chairman said that the Board had no objection, but the Park Superintendent must be notified so there would be supervision on the project. The Town will not assume liability if someone is hurt. He asked that Mrs . Tryon submit a written request and the Board will reply as soon as it is received. Mr. Gray said that the Public Works Department has taken bids on Calgon for water treatment. He recommends that the contract be awarded to the low bidder, Calgon Corporation, 77 Summer Street, Boston, for 20,000 pounds of unadjusted glass calgon at $13.45 cwt. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award the contract for 20,000 pounds of unadjusted Calgon glass calgon at $13 .15 cwt . to the Calgon Corporation, 77 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts. Mr. Gray read a letter from the Town Engineer requesting an easement at 72 Hancock Street. Mr. McSweeney said it was for a drain that Easement extended into lot 3. It previously had two catch Hancock basins that drained into lot 3 and go to the ditch at the Street B & M railroad. Mr. Greeley asked if there was a consideration involved. Mr. McSweeney said that it was agreed there were to be no damages. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that an easement be taken at 72 Hancock Street for the purpose of a drain. 416 c- 1 Mr. Gray submitted the Warrant for Special Town Meeting on June 3, 1968 and requested the Board to Warrant sign. Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to sign the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting to be held on June 3, 1968 . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Common Victualler License for Bubtricic' s, License 34 Bedford Street, now under the management of Brigham' s, Inc. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to I.D. card sign a liquor identification card for Kerry J. Enright, 42 Hill Street . li The Chairman read an invitation to attend the installation of the VFW on Saturday, May 25, 1968. VFW Mr. Cole will attend. The Chairman read a letter from J. A. Galvin, Executive Director of Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Boston, requesting permission to hold a carnival for the benefit of Cerebral Palsy on Carnival May 27 through June 1, 1968 at the High School field. Request Mr. Gray said that these are school days and there are basketball games, girls' hockey games. The request should be considered very carefully. The Chairman said that it has been the practice, if it interferes with the school, to deny requests. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to deny the request of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Boston to hold a carnival on the Lexington High School field on May 27 through June 1, 1968. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant water abatements to the following: Porter Bros . Abatements and Wilson, $38.60; J. L. Fietze, $35.00; Thomas Burke, $53.15; Frank Busa, $8.75; Acct . No. B-125A-12, $8. 75, Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint the following as Special Police Officers; Special Arthur T. Bernier, 54 Baskin Road, and Frank H. Totman, Police Jr. 46 Moreland Avenue 417 Mr. McSweeney met with the Board regarding side- walks for Ewell Avenue, Hillcrest Avenue , Grassland Street and Vaille Avenue. Mr. McSweeney said that in view of the attitude rf of the residents of Ewell Avenue, if it is the Board' s Ewell pleasure, he recommended that a sidewalk not be con- Avenue strutted on Ewell Avenue . Due to construction, there are no connecting sidewalks. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to construct Ewell Avenue without a sidewalk. Mr. McSweeney said that there would be no problem on Hillcrest Avenue . There is a connecting sidewalk on Circle Road. The Chairman asked if anyone had objected to a Hillcrest sidewalk at the Street hearing. Avenue Mr. McSweeney answered in the negative. Mr. Greeley asked if there was one installed on Fottler Avenue and Mr. McSweeney said there was a sidewalk on Fottler Avenue‘ Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to construct Hillcrest Avenue with one sidewalk. Mr. Kenney asked if it could be requested of the Town Engineer to put on the petition +'and sidewalk." The Chairman said that the people wanted the street and we voted to do it. They didn' t want the Grassland sidewalk, and also added on "to preserve the trees." Street Where do you stop on this ? Mr. McSweeney said that he would like them to know that we go out with the idea of preserving the trees. Mr. Kenney asked if the Board thought they should add on to the petition. Mr. McSweeney said that no one had objected on Grassland Hillcrest Avenue, but there were many calls on Grassland Street Street. The Chairman said that there was a petition, with 98 percent signing it . Mr. McSweeney said that he had one call from a man in the hospital, saying that he wanted the sidewalk. The Chairman said that it isn' t their decision. before you decide, you should know facts and reasons on both sides. Mr. McSweeney said that Grassland Street isnext to Spring Street which has no sidewalk, to Valleyfield, which has a sidewalk. Mr. Cataldo asked if this will finish Grassland Street completely. StreetMr. McSweeney said that it would not ; to Payson . 418 ze The Chairman said that this is the street where practically everybody does not want sidewalks. Keep on file, if they ever petition, don' t give it to them. Mr. Kenney asked if they would lose any additional trees. Mr. McSweeney said that when putting in the road, if there is a problem with trees, they may have to remove them. When a sidewalk is constructed and there is a problem with trees, they can construct around them, or, if possible, put the sidewalk on the other side. Mr. Kenney said that we have not had a definite policy on sidewalks . Mr. Cataldo said that a subdivider is required to put them in. The Chairman said that we are prepared to vote not to put the sidewalks in. Those members remaining on the Board must keep in mind that we didn' t put in the sidewalk because of the petition. The residents should be bound by this in the future. They are going to pay whether it is put in now or later. Mr. Mabee said that thereshould be a standard policy. Mr. Kenney agreed. The Chairman said that if we didn' t have a peti- tion on Ewell Avenue, we would be putting in the side- walks . . �» It is not helpful if the people are going to sign p%titions anyway. In the future, when notice of intent is given, it should have the layout of a sidewalk. Mr. Cataldo said that we are accepting the layout. Every case can' t be according to a hard and fast rule. It should be left up to the wisdom of the Board. Mr. Greeley said that the policy of the Board should conform to subdivision control regulations. In the terminology of Ewell and Grassland, where there are others that may well use the sidewalk. Mr. Cataldo said that the Board should have this deference. The Chairman said that if we move in the area of policy . . Mr. Kenney said to indicate on the street, when they sign up, the general intent is to build a sidewalk. Mr. Greeley said to let them know when they get the petition. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to construct Grassland Street without sidewalks . Mr. Greeley abstained. 419 Mr. McSweeney said that, after further review, the recommendation is to move the sidewalk from the East to the West side of Vaille Avenue. The Chairman said that the land owners, the abbutters, have large pieces of property. The sidewalk would be on the same side as the subdivision. Vaille Mr. Kenney said that some people front on Reed Street. Avenue Mr. Greeley said it would start at Reed Street to the subdivision on the West side. Mr. Cataldo said that it was the main exit from the subdivision. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to construct the sidewalk on Vaille Avenue on the West side. Mr. McSweeney said that G. Russell Smallman of Glenn Road South had requested a sewer charge in lieu of better- ments. The sewer charge of $2020 does not include a service connection of approximately $490. There are 150 feet of ledge, and resurfacing. The Chairman asked if there were betterments, how much would it cost? Mr. McSweeney said it would be $1081. Mr. Smallman has a problem with the Health Department . Mr. Greeley said that it was the lowest house on Glenn Road South; needs a sewer to connect to Grant Street. The Chairman said that if the Town does it, it would Smallman cost $2020, whereas under the betterment act it would be Sewer w1081. Mr. Cataldo asked if it is a private way and if the land was sold because there was no access. The Chairman said that if the extension of Glenn Road exists, he would question whether we could sell land within a layout. Mr. Greeley said , next street over, Round Hill Road ( they did?) Mr. Kenney said that the particular point is, it costs $2,000 for $1,000 betterment . The Chairman said that if we do it, we are doing it entirely at his expense . On the basis of area times founda- tion it averages to 50 percent . If we did it under betterment $1,081. He would reimburse the Town over a period of years. Mr. McSweeney said that Mr. Smailmman said that he would. He asked us to review it . The Chairman asked if we have gone out to bid on sewers . Mr. McSweeney answered in the negative. The Chairman said that we could let it out as a separ- ate contract. Mr. Kenney asked why Mr. Smallman had not petitioned earlier. Mr. McSweeney said that he had. Mr. Greeley said that there are other houses on Glenn Road South and asked how can you service the other two or three houses? This house is at least fifty years old, is the problem such an emergency? tirc CC The Chairman said that he was asked if his neighbors had problems and he said they didn' t. Mr. Greeley said there was a lot of land between him and Grant Street. The Chairman said that should the sewer be extended up Glenn Road, how would you assess the people above Mr. Small man. Suppose the problem arises, we have the problem again. Mr. Cataldo suggested that Mr. McSweeney come in with a layout of that area and we would all know where it is going. The Chairman asked Mr. McSweeney to present it on next Monday evening; how it can be resolved to service the whole street: there is a lot of ledge there. Mr. McSweeney mentioned the Liberty Mutual sewer and the area involved. He said there was one lot just opposite . Mr. Greeley said that, eventually, would be two lots, and asked if it is uphill. One house is not hooked into Liberty any sewer, other than the one adjacent to the Barn. Mutual Mr. Cataldo asked about the grading at the Barn and M Sutur Mr. McSweeney said that he didn' t know, the approval would be subject to that. He has told them that we want a final plan. Mr. Gray said that Mr. Legro had no objection; he would have to review the plan. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the tentative proposal of the Liberty Mutual Company to provide a sewer. Mr. Kenney abstained. Mr. McSweeney presented the Engineering Budget. Mr. Cataldo asked if he had the work load that exists since January first. Mr. McSweeney said that sewer construction is com- pleted; all but about 5 percent of trunk sewer bids went out at $502,000, except a small portion awarded to Whitman and Howard. We still have 65% trunk sewers, water construction, drain connection still out 50%, street Engineering construction 70%, sidewalk 100% left, Chapter 90, 100% Budget of $60,000. Making a comparison of 1967, have 65%. Mr. Cataldo said that he was talking $700,000 left. Combined with this year, $1,500,000 work load. Mr. McSweeney said that John Carroll did have an Assistant Town Engineer. At this point, we have a Town Engineer and no one in the office except the Junior Engineer. The Chairman asked if his primary need is for an Assistant, and would he give priority to an Assistant . 421 Mr. McSweeney said that he would prefer to build up the department, would like a Jr. Engineer for inspection. I am requesting a third student ; have been approached by Professor Pratt of Northeastern University and he would give me a senior student who would stay on with the Town after graduation . I would like to request an Assistant Town Engineer and Senior Engineer. The Chairman said that he was willing to back him all the way. There should be an understanding of the work load. Your department has the Planning Board and Recreation. People are not aware of this. Mr. McSweeney said that when considering an assistant, we should have a man close to being registered. Mr. Kenney asked how many are directly concerned with inspection. Mr. McSweeney said that one was, the Junior Engineer. The Senior Engineer has trunk sewers and sewer laterals. I would like to get into traffic; would like to put Bob Adams on it . Mr. Kenney said that if you make a plea for beefing up the inspection department, the Appropriation Committee might buy it. The Chairman said that we have to make sure that the Appropriation Committee understands omr Problem. Mr. McSweeney said that the men I am roque' ting hive to be interchangeable, to be able to shift from inside to outside work. The Chairman asked is this a program that we are going to back? Are we going to have the intestinal fortitude to sell this to the people concerned? If we had better pub- licity last time . . We have to be convinced that this is the right thing to do. Then we will go forward. Mr. Cataldo suggested to Mr. McSweeney that he make a brief story of the work put in, to put out a brochure and give it to the board of Appeals and TMMA. Mr. McSweeney said that he planned on talking to the Planning Board. Mr. Greeley said that it was important to remind various Boards that this is an important issue. Make them realize that the Engineering Department tries hard to be prompt; there are a lot of departments asking Mr. McSweeney for recom- mendations all the time. This is important for them. The Chairman said that the Appropriation Committee was confused - you can' t blame Town Meeting. Mr. McSweeney said he was trying to compile all the facts. The Chairman asked if he would be available for an inter- view with the press. Mr. McSweeney said that he had already discussed it in- formally with the Recreation Department. II Mr. Mabee said that he couldn' t spend that much money if he hired them all immediatelry. Mr. McSweeney said that it gives him an opportunity to go ahead. 422 z Mr. Mabee said that we are asking the Appropriation Committee to buy the concept. The Chairman said that Mr. McSweeney could get a Junior Engineer without any trouble. Mr. Mabee said that the selling job is the concept, not dollars. The Chairman said, you have won a point . Mr. Gray submitted the Minute Man Industrial Park Min. man plan to the Board. He said that the Honeywell Company Ind.Park had petitioned under the Hatch Act. plan The plan was referred to the Engineering Department. Mr. Gray said that he had been asked if the Town Offices would close on May 31st. After discussion, the Board, with the exception of Mr. Greeley, agreed that all Town employees would be May 31 given the day off on May 31st. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that Town Offices would be closed on May 31, 1968. Mr. Greeley abstained. The claming of Town Offices op• July 5 was discussed. Mr. Greeley moved that Town Offices be closed an July 5th. After a length of tine passed, no one would second the motion, and ,tire ,matieo 1 did pot. prevail., Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to table the motion to close Town Offices on July 5, 1968. Mr. Cataldo suggested that the Board interview the Asst . applicant for Assistant Building Inspector. Bldg. The Chairman asked Mr. Gray to set up an appoint- Insp. mebt. Mr. Burke asked if the land fill will remain open Land on the holiday. fill It was agreed that the Hartwell Avenue land fill will remain open on May 30, 1968. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:30 p.m. A true record, Attest: ) 0)7,„, r ( 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, May 20, 1968, at 7:30 p.m.