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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1967-10-23-BOS-min 204 co SELECTMEN'S MEETING October 23, 1967 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, October 23, 1967, at 7.30 P.M. Chairman Cole, Messrs. Cataldo 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 . Mr. Mabee came into the meeting at 7:55 P.M. Mr. Gray reported receipt of a letter from Chief Corr, Lexington Police Department, relative to the Air Board' s letter with regard to the policy decision of Pollution the Board of Selectmen accepting the report of the Policy Air Pollution Committee. He stated the Chief is checking to see if citizens have a legal permit for burning, and has issued an order to all officers, copy of which he enclosed. Mr. Gray reported bids were taken on repairs to Cary Memorial Building replacing the copper gutters Bid for and repairing and replacing tar roofs. Bids were Repairs received as follows: to Cary John F. Shea Co. , Inc. $ 8,062.00 Memorial W. E. Smith Co. , Inc. 14/44 4.00 Building Mr. Gray stated John F. Shea Co. , Inc . has an excellent reputation and he would recommend that the contract be awarded to this company. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award the contract to the John F. Shea Co. , Inc., 41 Hollingsworth Street, Mattapan, Massachusetts, for repairing and replacing tar roofs and replacing the copper gutters on the Cary Memorial Building as per specifications, in the amount of $8,062.00. Mr. Gray reported a request to the Traffic Study Committee for a Police Officer on Hartwell Avenue at Traffic Maguire Road, and he would recommend that the Committee Officer would like to have an officer at this location. He Hartwell stated the problem had been discussed many times and Avenue the committee felt this should be done. He stated this location is becoming increasingly a problem; that 111two public buildings are opening up within a month and 205 another within a year, four or five hundred people em- ployed, and the committee feels it is necessary. Mr. Cataldo stated they met with Itek three months ago and with their expansion and problems they have, the Traffic Committee has looked into other means of traffic regulations; and he felt at this time they should try the Police Officer and see how it works out. He said he understood that M.I.T. is paying for its officer, but the Board should realize also that they are not paying taxes to the Town. Itek is a substantial taxpayer, and has to be considered differently. He said there is no other way to solve this problem, $3.50 fan hour, $17.50 a week, $850.00 a year; that they couldn't get traffic lights anyway. Mr. Kenney asked , just one hour in the afternoon, and Mr. Cataldo replied to just try one hour in the afternoon, it is inexpensive. Mr. Gray stated there is a great problem in the afternoon coming out into a solid line of traffic . Mr. Cataldo said traffic counts had been made on the three turns, and the dump site didn't help, making four, and it weighed heavy on Itek expanding or getting another building in Burlington, and he would rather see them expand in Lexington. He said their sewer problem had been solved, so for a small amount of money, it should be done. Traffic is bad at that hour of the day, and Itek was using it as a crutch at this point, and such a small amount of money is involved . It may not be the answer Mr. Gray said , until the Traffic Safety Study is completed, and how it will be implemented . He said they are sure they couldn' t get lights and are fully aware of the problem. The Chairman stated every time a project is started on a temporary basis, it ends up being permanent. Mr. Cataldo said Eldred Street would probably be- come involved, but that it was an entirely different situation, the volume of traffic , and in thirty days they can make an evaluation. He said he would move that the recommendation be approved on a thirty day trial basis . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the request of the Traffic Study Committee for a Police Officer at Hartwell Avenue and Maguire Road for an hour in the afternoon on a thirty day trial basis . 1 2«6 Mr. Gray submitted plans for slope easements so that sidewalks can be constructed and Mr. Legro can acquire the necessary easements for the Board; Valleyfield Street, Laconia Street, Payson Street and Kendall Road. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that Mr. Legro be authorized to prepare the necessary easements as outlined by Mr. Gray. The Chairman stated, in line with this, he had a let- ter from Fred Conroy, on behalf of Harda Rowe, objecting Slope to the removal of a shade tree located in front of her Easements residence at 69 Blossomcrest Road, and stated this would not be taken down without a hearing. Mr. Gray replied that this tree is not to be taken down, and stated others withdrew their objections when they found that the trees would be replaced by the Town. The Chairman referred to the letter from the Wheeler Road group which had been held over from the last meeting of the Board . Mr. Legro said there were two recommendations by the Wheeler citizens who wrote to the Planning Board and said that Road the Zoning By-Laws covered it as clearly as the proposed amendment. Second , he stated it was his feeling that the Building Inspector' s other duties are under the other By- Laws of the Town which suggest what should be followed. He said the Police Department does assist and could ac- complish if they wanted to. The Chairman referred to letter from Lipnick & Lee held over from the last meeting of the Board, with reference to lots of Mrs. Veola C. Mason which she Lots 37,38 wished the Town to purchase. Meagher- Mr. Gray stated these lots are in the Meagherville ville section, within the school site, and should be held un- til more information is received. Mr. Gray will advise that he would be in touch with theca in the near future with regard to these lots. Request from the Mystic Valley Gas Company for per- mission to locate a 4 inch high pressure welded steel gas main in Follen Road was read by the Chairman. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the request to locate a 4 inch high pressure welded steel gas main in Follen Road subject to con- formation with specifications of Mr. Wenham, Assistant Superintendent of Public Works. I 207 The Chairman read a notice from the Alcoholic Bever- age Control Commission relative to the provisions as they relate to the sale and delivery of alcoholic beverages on Veterans' Day, November 11, 1967, and also on Thanksgiv- Veterans' ing Day, November 23, 1967. & Thanks- Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to giving Days conform to the provisions as outlined by the ABC. Notice of a public hearing by the Alcoholic Bever- ages Control Commission was read by the Chairman, with regard to two new Regulations to be issued, i.e. , #52 and #53. ABC The Chairman asked Town Counsel if the Board Hearing should be represented at this hearing, and Mr. Legro replied this would be of no concern to this Board. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Chairman to sign I.D. Liquor Identi- fication Card for Dianne Potter, 21 Fair Oaks Drive, I.D. Card satisfactory evidence of her age having been estab- lished. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Minutes of the Selectmen ' s Meeting Minutes held on October 16, 1967. Mr. Gray reported he received a call from Mrs. Battin, Structure of Town Government Committee, who would like to meet with the Board on November 7 relative to some of the proposals that committee would make. The Chairman stated the Board already had a com- mitment on that date and asked that Mr. Gray call her and get an alternate date. He stated on the 7th of Meeting November there was a meeting with the Great Meadows Committee in the Science Hall in the High School, and felt the Board should support them. Mr. Gray said he would check with Mrs. Battin. The Chairman referred to the Worthen Road Hear- ing on November first. He stated both Estabrook and Hearing Cary Halls should be reserved, pending the number of people who came. Mr. Kenney asked if any member of the Board would be able to attend the Library Trustees meeting tomorrow Meeting evening. The Board had a previous commitment, Mr. Robert Higgins' testimonial dinner. w- he Chairman reported an invitation to the Board Invitation to attend a talk by Mr. Shaw on the UN at the William Diamond School tomorrow evening. 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 Executive made public, might adversely affect the public secur- Session ity and financial interest of the Town or the reputa- tion of any person. Following an interview for the position of Town Engineer, and a legal matter, it was voted to resume the open meeting. The Chairman stated there would have to be some:: one to replace the Sealer of Weights & Measures. Mr. Gray reported he had talked with Mr. Green Sealer in the Division of Civil Service, and he would be glad Appoint- to spend some time with whomever the Board appoints. went Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Mr. Bernard Belcastro, Sealer of Weights & Measures, subject to certification of the Civil Ser- vice list. Mr. Cataldo stated the Board should be thinking about budgets and notifying the different departments. Budgets Mr. Gray said the notices had already been sent out and the departments had until November 20. Mr. Gray reported that one of the members appointed to the Town Report Committee would not be able to serve. Mrs. Pullen felt it was more than she could do at this Town Re- time, as she is writing a book and felt she needed some- port Com- thing more for diversion. mittee The Chairman asked if the members of the Board had any thoughts for a qualified man or woman for this com- mittee, it would be helpful; someone proficient in writing or public relations. Mr. Gray stated he had a conversation with the Harvard Trust Company relative to the lot next to the Baker Baker property, and they were considering putting up Property a chain link fence, and would like to come up with something more attractive for the Center, but they were willing to allow the Town to use the lot for parking if interested so that it could be policed, as it is private property. I 209 The Chairman said if the Town obtains a lease from the Harvard Trust, would it have to get permission how the lot could be used, and the reply was, it would have to as it is being used for a parking lot now. Mr. Cataldo stated not only for parking but for the same thing at night . Mr. Gray said he would like to have the Board ' s permission to discuss it with Mr. Legro. Mr. Cataldo asked how long it will be in this con- dition, and Mr. Gray said it would be at least six months before anything would be done . Mr. Gray said it may be used for parking but it is private parking, but the Town would have to give it up eventually. The Chairman stated then the Town will be re- linquishing a parking area, and if the Town leases it, it will have liability obligations. Mr. Cataldo suggested having a discussion with the Harvard Trust Company as far as the use of the land is concerned, and if they are undecided, maybe this will help them decide. Mr. Gray showed a plan of the Center, and stated they are almost through laying the brick, and wished to move the bus stop in front of Depot Square, for which he would like the permission of the Board . He said it would take a week or so to move the stop. He said there could not be any parking for the bus in Depot Square, but they might be able to put three or four meters in here, pointing to the plan, more than were originally planned for. Bus Stop The Chairman said it was necessary to do this, and asked if it would be possible to put some kind of struc- ture so people could be sheltered while waiting for a bus . Mr. Gray replied funds could be made available for such a structure. Mr. Cataldo said when that section is designed , it could be incorporated in it . Mr. Adams, present at the meeting, stated he felt Fred Emery left that for a park, and Mr. Cataldo re- plied the Town bought it from the Railroad, that it bought the whole parcel. Mr. Mabee wondered what ideas the Planning Board had in regard to the building that Mr. Adams referred to. 210ZE At 9:15 P.M. , members of the Planning Board, Messrs. Worrell, Fowle and Lund , and the Conservation Commission members, Messrs . Sussman, Ripley, York, and Smith, met with the Board . Mr. Evert Fowle stated he was Acting Chairman for the group, and would speak on zoning information. He stated there were two things they had discussed : an Assistant Building Inspector to follow through on the zoning ordinances, a procedure which might be followed before a building permit is issued, tighten up the whole process, in issuing permits on lots not legal. The Chairman said this has been considered actually lately, and there will be a report to the Board next week, and the Board is working toward an Assistant Build- ing Inspector. He said it is difficult to find pro- Planning fessional help for the Town, and stated the Assistant Planning Board re- will be a full-time job At first, it might not be, but zoning the Board is working diligently on this at the present time. Mr. Fowle said the difficulties that exist in the Town are not too satisfying, and said the appointment of a member of the Police Force might be considered, and referred to the letter in this connection: some- one who might be able to make inspections during the evening, the idea of the police being on duty twenty- four hours a day, in particular on Wheeler Road . He said heavy vehicles are brought late at night and left there during the night which is difficult to enforce when the Inspectors work only during the day. The Chairman said this could be taken care of with the present schedule, that efforts can be made using the present structure. Mr. Cataldo felt this was a minor issue and said the Board should encourage this to be done under the present structure. The Chairman said this could be followed up now. Mr. Fowle said the Planning Board would look for- ward to this being considered . Mr. Fowle said the other thing is the process when someone applies for a building permit . If the request Building is proper and the Building Inspector establishes this Inspector fact, the problems that can arise; a subdivision which has lots not released from the covenant . He felt they had just been considered as mistakes. The Chairman asked if this could be corrected and have the Inspector check with the Planning Board . Ina Mr. Fowle said for a lot not on a legal street, a permit should not be granted until the street is improved and conforms to the By-Law. The Chairman said the Building Inspector is not giv- ing a permit for an illegal lot yet, and asked if the Planning Board had met with the Inspector to talk on any of these matters. Mr. Zaleski stated he had discussed these matters with him and the only instance as far as building on a street which is not legal, he didn't know of any. When- ever he is in doubt, he goes to the Town Engineer or him, Mr. Zaleski. The Chairman asked if there weren' t easy solutions to it; to check with the Planning Board. Mr. Gray said there was a meeting on legal streets about three years ago, and this whole matter came up, reviewed permits, and he drew sketches on the board. He said there is a. procedure to be followed. Mr. Fowle referred to a person having a legal lot with frontage on the street which he could convey, and said if he made a plan of this which showed a partition of the lot, the Building Inspector doesn' t get a copy of these formees. The lot had been divided and was not a legal lot. He said the Planning Board would be the first ones to have the knowledge of a nonconforming lot. He spoke of easements on property unbuildable and said the Town Engineer has knowledge of all of these and the classification of streets. Copies of the formees which are recorded in the Registry of Deeds. He said the Building Inspector, in granting a permit , goes to the Town Engineer, then he issues a permit if all require- ments are met. He said this wouldn't eliminate all loopholes. The Chairman said to establish a procedure which would involve the Building Inspector, the Planning Board and Town Engineer. Mr. Fowls said the Planning Board was making this suggestion to the Selectmen as its idea to ask the Town Engineer to make, to be done systematically. The Chairman said the Board would see that it is in effect, and assumed it would establish it. Mr. Gray said he would talk to the Building In- spector. Mr. Gray said he would talk to the Building In- spector. Mr. Fowls referred to Worthen Road, and said the I 212 cc Planning Board had discussed making a request for more 1 Worthen information. Road The Chairman stated it had a copy of all the in- formation the Board had. Mr. Fowle said the things the Planning Board was concerned about the traffic projections for Worthen Road, two alternates to and from the east on Pleasant Street, questions they had no information on. Discus- sion was held with regard to the widening of Waltham Street, and the cost, and Mr. Cataldo said the State had been asked for costs and wouldn't come up with any cost estimates. The Chairman said these would not be available for the meeting next Tuesday, and asked if the Planning Board had changed its position on the Worthen Road connector. Mr. Tryon, present at the meeting, asked if the re- port from the State fulfilled what the Board of Selectmen asked for . 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, might adversely affect the public security, the finan- cial interest of the Town or the reputation of any person. Following discussion with the Planning Board and Conservation Commission relative to the acquisition of land, it was voted to resume the open meeting. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:50 P.M. A true record, Attest: e.,-#--e- 1 ( E ecutive Clerk, Selectmen The next regular meeting of the Board will be held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, October 30, 1967, at 7:30 P.M. Y J Ai I. 1 b_