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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1967-11-06-BOS-min 220 co SELECTMEN'S MEETING November 6, 1967 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, November 6, 1967, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Cole, Messrs . Burnell, Cataldoi Mabee and Kenney were present. Mr. Legro, Town Counsel, Mr. Gray, Executive Assistant and Acting Superintendent of Public Works, Mr. Wenham, Assistant Superintendent of Public Works, and Mrs. McCausland, Executive Clerk, were also present. The Chairman welcomed Mrs . Fish with several Jr. High students who came into the meeting to observe. Mr. Robert Bond, Chairman of the Recreation Com- mittee met with the Board . Mr. Bond stated that the Recreation Committee met this morning at the North Street pit. He asked if there is any possibility of having fill in the pit next to North Street, the Committee would like to have it filled, that the Committee might eventually put the back area for swimming. He said it is a beautiful spot and nothing could be lost by filling the front area. He said the Committee was very much worried about the swimming pool North and was afraid it would have to ask for money in the Street spring. Pit Mr. Gray said when the agreement is finished, they could get started working out the details. Mr. Mabee referred to Mr. Bond' s statement that the Committee was worried about getting the pool done next season, and Mr. Bond replied that they would not be able to use the small pool because the work would not be donee He stated last year the Committee had to come back for $10,000 and no one wants to ask for money. Mr. Mabee asked if the Committee had checked with the Planning Board, and Mr. Bond replied in the negative. Mr. Mabee said he would like to have the approval of the Planning Board before anything is done with re- gard to filling the area, because that Board was the one who originally approved this area in the long range plan. Mr. Bond said one of the reasons is the letter he gave Mr. Gray this evening with regard to the old Reservoir. He said this ties in with the North Street area. This pit is 36 feet deep and isn't usable for anything. He said something might be done with the back one . 22f Mr. Cataldo said he thought the Board should check with the Planning Board, that they may have some thoughts which no one else has thought of. Mr. Mabee said perhaps they have something in mind and felt it should be checked out . He said if the Plan- ning Board agrees, he would be in favor of it and back it up for Recreation. Mr. Burnell stated when this area was purchased, there was a program recommended for its development at that time. Mr. Kenney asked if this pit is spring fed, and the reply was in the affirmative. Mr Mabee said it was his caution to get another Town Board to give perfunctory approval; that he was not opposed at all, but in all deference to the Planning Board, this is a natural thing to do and he thought the Board would be remiss in not asking for their opinion. Mr. Cataldo said this was done on the Lincoln Street dump. The Chairman asked Mr. Bond to have the Planning Board let the Selectmen know its decision. Mr. Gray reported he had the letter Mr. Bond re- ferred to, which he read to the Board . He stated there is only one copy of the report, plus *w ps, but he would have some copies made. The Chairman said he would leave the maps avail- Bill for able for perusal by the Board. Old Res Mr. Gray said he would like the Board ' s approval Study of the bill, which was enclosed . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve parent of bill from Jason M. Cortell in the amount of $1,000.00 for a Bio-Engineering Study and Report on the Old Lexington Reservoir. Mr. Gray reported on bids taken on Monday, Octo- ber 30, 1967 , on the Interceptor Sewer as follows: Bids J. D'Amico, Inc. $73,875.00 Inter- Great Northern Constructors, Inc . 76,835.00 ceptor Ricci & DeSantis 78,155.00 Sewer He stated the low bidder was J. D'Amico, Inc. at $73,875.00, plus $8,865 00 for engineering, making a total of $82,74.0.00 He said there was only $72,500.00 appropriated, and more money is needed to award this contract, but he would have a definite report by next Monday for the Board , whether or not they would ra- il advertise; but he wished to discuss it with Mr. Legro. It was voted to hold this over another week. David Luca, a high school student, and Rosemary Meehan, and two other boys, met with the Board relative to holding a Public Rally on the Battle Green in support of the boys in Vietnam. David said they would like to have a permit to use the Battle Green on Sunday, the 12th. He said they could not have it the 11th due to the fact they wanted the High School band . He said he had talked with Governor Volpe' s personal secretary and she said it would be impossible for him to speak on the 11th, that Sunday would be better. The Chairman asked if this was a rally to support the boys in Vietnam, backing them, and had no political stand- ing. He asked what their plans were. David said they had met with the Town Celebration Committee last Monday and had permission from them to use the speaking platform and take it over to the knoll straight across the green facing toward Buckman Tavern He stated they wanted to get the Board ' s permission They hope to have State Senator McKenzie, and possibly Senator Brooke; also local townsmen and ministers of every faith. He said a member of the VFW said he would like to speak, also Mr. Martin, the Governors aide. He stated a group went to see the USS Boston which had Public just returned from Vietnam. He stated one of the mates Rally is Dick Trainor oh Winthrop Road . The Chairman stated the Board would like adult ad- visors, and asked who they had . David said there are teachers from the school but they did not wish their names to be given. David said they had talked with the Celebrations Committee about a concession stand, but the committee was against it, thought it would be better without Then he asked the Board if they could sell flags. Mr. Cataldo stated as they were not going to have the rally on Veterans' day, why they were only giving themselves a week, and David replied there are twelve local football games which would take away their stance Mr. Cataldo asked if they would have it organized in as short a time as six days, and David said the adults would do something for than to get people im- pressed , that it is primarily a youth rally. In Wake- field there was something in the paper. Mr. Mabee said in all requests from youths the Board has always asked for adult sponsors, someone specifically named to back up the group, and David asked why the Board would have to have that. Hr. Mabee explained sometimes the groups use public property as well, and the Board has to have someone responsible . 223 David asked if the Board would take their parents' names: C. Charles Luca, 5 Minola Road; John P. Meehan, Joseph R. O'Leary, Mrs . Nancy Anschuetz. He said they hoped to have 80% of the High School, plus quite a few of the townspeople, a crowd of 3,000. He said they would put it in the paper, and they also wanted to send personal letters . The Chairman stated the group had put a lot of thought in it, and had only one week to prepare for it . David said they talked with the fellow in Wakefield and he gave them a lot of ideas He stated if political parties ask to speak, they intend to filter ; they didn't want anything political, that would be denied . He said they could speak as long as they have contacted them and the group has read what will be spoken on. Mr. Kenney asked if there isn't a group on the Green on Sundays, and the Chairman replied in the af- firmative, but it is between 12 and 1 P.M. The Chairman asked what the Board wished to say on the first issue, and Mr. Cataldo replied before it grants permission, the Board should ask the group to use the same areas as other organizations have used and conform to certain requests . The Chairman said there is a difference, that this group will be standing on the green, but it is right to make the point clear. Mr. Mabee said they were hoping for 3,000 people, and the matter should be discussed with the Chief of Police, as there would be a lot of people in a small space, and the Chief will provide what police control is necessary and be there. Rosemary said they were asked what would happen if one of the speakers fell off the platform, and David said they were using the smallest one the Town Celebrations had. Mr. Cataldo said it should be made clear that no holes would be dug without Mr. Mazerall' s approval The Chairman referred to the concession to sell flags, and they asked if they could carry them, that all profits would be donated to the USO. Mr. Mabee suggested that they forget this part, and David asked if it would be necessary to have a per- mit if the group gave them away, one or two hundred flags . The Chairman said he didn' t think it would be help- ing anything, and Rosemary said when they were in Wakefield, it added to it. The Group retired . I _ 224 o The Capital Expenditures met with the Board. Mr. Chapin, Chairman of the Committee, was not present due to a death in the family. The Chairman said Mr. Gray had met with Mrs. Rawls and pretty much resolved some of the questions. Mr Boughton said he thought with a few exceptions they understood the current situation. He said first they would like to get expressed opinions on the need for accelerating sewer construction, the need for it , and would like to talk about that problem. The Chairman said he had had many personal calls complaining about the lack of sewer system. He asked about the policy of expenditures that have been followed in the past few years, and the in- crease was probably at the same rate as the population increase, and at the time the Town reaches saturation, development of all the land for sale , at that time the committee hopes there will be operating sewer system to the whole Town. The Chairman said new construction will be done on a sewer system basis more or less on priority, trunks will be extended to service new subdivisions as they are created. Mrs.Rawls asked if backup was keeping the Town Capital from getting there, and the Chairman replied every Expendi- year when the Board of Health is asked, there are seri- tures ous problems Committee Mr. Mitchell asked if the Board of Health recom- mended any areas which have not been fixed. The Chairman said there have been a million re- quests for laterals . He said many were not put in which there are bad conditions, and a list could be given to them showing these. Mr. Gray said we can give them copies of last year. The time element was mentioned and the Chairman said fourteen years not twenty, that it should be done in a shorter period of time. Mr. Boughton said to step up the rate of spending in this portion to reach that objective. Mrs. Rawls said $500,000 for sewers and the Board was figuring $750,000, that is going up quite a bit . Mr. Cataldo said somewhere in the vicinity of $14.00,000 for laterals, that the increase is not $750,000 but $650,000. Mr. Boughton asked about the trunk sewer and said they were looking at the trunk budget. Mrs . Rawls asked how much of this was the water element , and said there are two subdivisions in the works now and wanted to know if the Board had any further figures on that. 225 ' Mr. Gray said they were working on it now, and would give them the figures when they got them . Mr. Cataldo said the Beard cannot commit the Town to a trunk or sewer system Without the money. Sub- divisions are coming in, no, unlimited amount of spending. Mrs. Fish and the students retired at 8:30 P.M. Mr. Boughton asked at what rate is the Town ex- pecting to construct sewerso $500,000.00 a year, and the Chairman replied $250,000 for trunk sewers to take care of possible subdivisions that come in. If used would want to make a concrete proposal. Mrs. Rawls said on the old budget $250,000, some- thing was going for subdivisions, some for problem areas . Mr. Boughton mentioned the requests of the Fire De- partment budget , which the Chairman read The Chairman referred to the Rescue truck, which he said was seventeen years old , and stated it had been used plenty, and it would seem reasonable that it should be replaced, but stated the Board needed more information, Fire that this was the first time it had seen the report. Dept Mr Boughton said the committee would Appreciate Budget very much having the joint thinking of the Boards, and the Chairman said until the Board talks with the Fire Commissioners, it would be reluctant to discuss it with his committee. Mr. Boughton asked about Chapter 90 money for next year, and asked if it was designated for Mass- achusetts Avenue, the section of the "tree," and the Chairman replied it can be used somewhere else. Chapter Mr. Boughton asked if the Town' s request would be 90 reduced or what would this additional fund be used for, and the Chairman replied it would not reduce it, it would be used for other work. Mr. Boughton asked if there would be additional money for Blossomcrest and Philip Roads, and Mrs. Rawls questioned why the request was so much higher, and the Chairman replied there are many roads, and bids have been greater than the estimates . Mr. Boughton referred to land acquisition, and Land stated the committee had talked with the Planning Board Acquisi- with regard to recreation Old conservation purposes. tion and he was sure the Board was aware of an ambitious program for this proposition and the committee reached the question with them of how this should be done from a practical point of view; how this could be planned , arranged , financed and executed . The Chairman asked what the figures were for recrea- tion. Mr. Boughton stated recreation items were in a $350,000 program to be carried out over the next two or three years, conservation and major recreation. Mrs. Rawls asked if they should have options on land before money is asked for it . Mr. Boughton said financing for the particular time involved, that it is hard to handle it at Town Meeting. Mrs . Rawls suggested a joint executive session meet- ing to discuss these proposals, most of which would be conservation land , then it could be discussed as indi- vidual boards. Mr. Boughton asked what the plans were for the con- tinuation of the beautification program, and the Chairman Beauti- replied he would like to see what expense will be neces- fication sary here, the parking program extension, that it could Lexington not afford to be put off much longer. Center Mr Cataldo referred to Edison Way, and said maybe it could be done with the money the Town has, and if it could be done for a small amount , it should be done. Mr. Gray sketched on the board, Massachusetts Avenue, Muzzey Street to Depot Square, and stated there were two lanes of traffic on each side, that it was seven feet wider than it actually was . Mr. Cataldo said the street will be lined, that the travelled way is exactly as proposed. Mr. Gray stated $30,000 had been spent up to date, $5,000 or $6,000 was landscaping design, entire street to Wallis Court, that everything, wages, etc. , were in- cluded in this amount. The Capital Expenditures Committee retired at 9:10 F.M. Lincoln Mr. Cataldo referred to the Lincoln Street dump, Street and said DeMatteo would be out of there in a couple of days. Mr. Leslie York and Joseph Rooney of the Chamber of Commerce met with the Board with regard to the Christmas lighting in the Center. Mr. Rooney said he had been involved in picking Center up the soliciting for the Xmas lighting. He said Mark Lighting Moore picked it up, and said that the Chamber of Com- merce has decided not to handle the lighting. He said a lot of people have the wrong concept of the Chamber of Commerce, that only forty per cent comprises the retailers' part, and the Chamber of Commerce presently 1 227 ' do not have enough finances to handle the overall light- ing of Lexington Center. He quoted the Information Booth figures: 1965 - 14.00 people; 1966 -3600; 1967 - 5372; this is for ten months. He said in 1966, 4.5,000 people, thus far in 1967, 57,000 people have come through there. He said they were willing to turn over what lighting they have to the Town. Mr. Gray asked about the cost of the lighting, and Mr. Rooney replied, $2,000 He said it wasn't too bad when one individual picked up the bulk, but with the new lighting system there is dissension among the re- tailers, but he said he would do it again this year. He said he, personnally, would like to do the job right Center and get more involved ; that it should be on a master Lighting plan, but they would commit themselves to a certain portion. The Chairman asked if this year there would be no lights, and Mr. Rooney replied in the negative and stated that the Chamber will handle it this year, that they did not feel they should come in and say "no Xmas lights," Mr. York said they were trying to forewarn the Board that expenditures are getting so great that the ' Chamber could not support the whole thing, that the thing has grown so, and feel that now is the time to talk to the Board before the budgets are worked on. The Chairman asked what it would cost, and the re- ply was $2,000; $8,000 to run the Information Center . Mr. Mabee asked about subscriptions and the salaries, and asked if this is out of that amount, and the reply was in the affirmative, that it is by vote of the Board of Directors, that information is part of legal business. Mr. Rooney said there had been a bitter feeling within the Center with regard to parking, under the present facilities as far as parkingmeters are con- Center corned . He asked if there was possibility the the h P Y of h Parking extension of the parking lot to bring it down to Grant Street, and said up to 5:30 P.M. that place is packed . Mr. Kenney asked if they were asking to have it hot-topped or extended . The Chairman said this parking area will be con- sidered again, eventually something will have to be done in this area. Mr. Mabee asked if the Chamber of Commerce is in favor of lights if the Town pays for it . Mr. Rooney said Arlington shares the expense now, originally they did not, and said the retailers in Lex- ington are so dispersed , Countryside, Marrett Road area. 228 o Mr. Cataldo said the Chamber of Commerce would par- ticipate with a certain amount and asked what it would entail. Mr. Rooney said they would run into the same thing the Chamber did; that they did make a general solicita- tion to the entire Town but what the Town did , would be up to them. Mr. Kenney suggested appropriating a certain amount of money and let the Chamber carry the ball. The Chairman said either the Chamber does it or the Town, all or nothing. Mr. York said the Chamber could not carry both loads the Town takes this over, and the Chamber mans the booth at the Information Center. He said the Chamber has most of the equipment, that it had decided already. Mr. Rooney said it has been a problem for a good many years, we have collected some funds as far as May or June. The Chairman said the Board had it in time for next year, and will consider it in the budgets Mr. Rooney and Mr. York retired at 9:2$ P.M Three letters of complaint were received relative Com- to permit issued to Rosina and John Busa for the opera- plaints tion of their stand on Lowell Street from Mr. and Mrs Busa' s D. Petringa, Mr. and Mrs . Christi Agresti, and Alyce Stand D. Monahan. It was the consensus of the Board to refer these complaints to the Board of Appeals. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Roland B. Gree- Needs ley, Chairman of the Planning Board, relative to needs for of the Planning Board and Board of Appeals for more Office space, especially for files. Space It was agreed to advise the Planning Board that this letter has been referred to the Town Office Build- ing Committee. Letter from the Arlington Board of Selectmen, rela- tive to raw sewage overflowing into Mill Brook from the Mill Metropolitan outlet sewer, was read by the Chairman. Brook Mr. Gray stated they were trying to find other means. Sewage It was voted to advise Mr. Nicksay, Executive Secre- tary to the Board of Selectmen, that this matter has been referred to the Superintendent of Public Works 229 Upon motion duly made acid seconded, it was voted to approve the following pole location: Pole Henderson Road, northwestetly side, northeasterly Location from a point approximately 211 feet northeast Of Blake Road, -- Two (2) poles . The Chairman read a letter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, DPW, relative to the reimbursement to cities and towns for not chore than 3/4 of the cost Reimburse- of installing suitable traffic control devices at ment for high accident locations. Traffic Mr. Gray stated this is a Federal statute. Control Upon motion duly made acid seconded, it was voted to refer this matter to the Traffic Study Committee. Letter was received from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, DPW, relative to the apportionment of $35,100.86 to Lexington ae a separate account to Funds for be appropriated for highway projects approved by Highway the DPW. Projects Mr. Gray stated this isivery similar to what the Town received two years ego The Clerk was instructed to file this letter in "Budgets" and also send a copy to the Appropria- tion Committee. Letter from Mrs. Catherine Hooper, 50 Valleyfield Street, relative to lot 94 oh Valleyfield Street which she wishes to purchase. Tax Title It was suggested that a copy of this letter be sent to the Planning Board for its recommendation. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. John M. Ham- ilton, 66 Robbins Road, relative to purchasing lots 3 and S3 on Valleyfield Street and lot#8 on Grassland Tax Title Street. It was voted to send a copy of this letter to the Planning Board for its consideration. The Chairman read three notices for hearings from the DPU, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with regard tb DPU rates for dumptruck commodities hourly tonnage and yard- Hearing age, N.F. Road Builders ' Association' s minimum rates, etc , to be held on November 9, 1967 at 10:00 A.M. Mr. Gray said he would have someone cover these. 230 57,4 Letter from the Town Celebrations Committee, in- viting the Board to participate in its observance of Veterans' Veterans' Day, was read by the Chairman . Day He said the Board could govern themselves accord- ingly. Request was received from the Church of Our Re- Paper deemer for permission to hold its semi-annual Paper Drive Drive on Sunday, April 21, 1968. The Board had no objection. The Chairman referred to the receipt of the Audit Audit of the Accounts of the Town of Lexington for the year for 19667 ending December 31, 1967 from the Department of Corpora- tions and Taxation. He stated it was an excellent report. It was voted to accept the report and place it on file. Mr. Gray presented the Board with the copy of the Traffic Rules and Regulations and stated that the Chief of Police hopes they will be accepted. He said probably the Board knew that they have been working on these for Traffic a year and a half, checking with the State Department Rules & of Public Works and they have been updated . He said Regula- these rules designate the "No Parking" areas, Signs tions and hours for metered lots; that there are no major changes of the existing rules, just a revision of the present orders, changing the wording. He stated they have to be approved first by the Board and then go in- to the State Department to be approved. Copies are being printed up for each Police Officer and for the Selectmen. Mr. Burnell stated this has been needed for ten years or more, but he wouldlike to read them before the Board approves them. Mr. Gray said they should be approved as soon as possible. It was agreed to hold this natter over until next week. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Minutes to approve the minutes of the Selectmen' s Meeting held on October 30, 1967. Mr Cataldo reported he was very happy that De- Lincoln Matteo would be leaving tomorrow or Wednesday. He Street said there is sufficient material to bring it up to the recommended grade of the Planning Board and 231 Superintendent , and he would like a letter prepared for the people on Lincoln Street thanking them for putting up with the inconvenience as long as they did. He said there is one house which he has turned over to his insurance company to make restitution. He would like permission to go to Hartwell Avenue Hartwell and finish up there. It will cost $1 ,000 to erect Avenue the fence for landscaping the entrance. Mr. Gray said Manny and he were up there today, and in place of the fence, it is graded to the same height, it would eliminate the cost of the fence. Build in the next dyke , it is mostly clear, and this would serve the two purposes very well. He read beautification of Hartwell Avenue, in the budget asked for funds, and save the money of the fence, that no money has been spent and would like to have it carried over next year He said they didn't figure it out, but it is 50 feet wide and six feet high. Mr. Cataldo said it would take thirty or forty yards, eight loads a day, seven or eight days, that the fill is pretty dry now. Mr. Gray said it would completely shield the land fill from the street. Mr. Cataldo said he would like to include coming back and spreading whatever material, that the Town has DeMatteo' s bond for $25,000, and he didn't think there would be any problem. Timewise, no time limit involved Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go along with the plan as outlined. Mr. Cataldo said the Board has the right to break the agreement within ithin twenty-four hours. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of dis- cussing, deliberating or voting on matters which, if made public, might adversely affect the public security, the financial interest of the Town or the reputation of any person. Following discussion relative to Snow Removal, legal matters with Town Counsel , Departmental problems and appointments, it was voted to resume the open meeting. Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to adjourn at 10:55 P.M. A true record, Attest: � cutive Clerk, Selectmen