Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1967-08-28-BOS-min 134 SELECTMEN'S MEETING C: August 28, 1967 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, August 28, 1967, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Cole, Messrs. Burnell, Cataldo, 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. At 7:30 P.M. hearing was declared open upon the petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to locate Pole one pole on Highland Avenue . location Notices of the hearing were mailed to the petitioners, owners of the property as listed on the petitioners' owners of the property as listed on the petitioners' plans, and also referred to the Acting Superintendent of Public Works. Mr. Dunn, representing the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, and Mr. Clark, representing the Boston Edison Company, were the only persons present at the hearing. Mr. Dunn explained this request is due to the relocation of a driveway on Highland Avenue, and the pole is all set. No one appearing in favor or in opposition, the hearing was declared closed Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the order and grant the petition for the following JO pole location: Highland Avenue, westerly side, approximately 110 feet south of Bloomfield Street, -- One (1) pole. (One existing JO pole to be removed. ) Jurors At the request of the Town Clerk, Miss McDonough, two jurors were drawn as follows : John P. Defandorf, 12 Williams Road Stanley I. Blank, 10 Butler Avenue The Chairman read a letter from Chief James F. Corr, Acting stating that he would be out of state from September 9 Chief through September 111., attending the International Chiefs of Police Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, and also he would be taking a week' s vacation on his return to Lexington. Chief Corr requested that Captain Paul E. Furdon be 135 appointed Acting Chief during his absence. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Captain Paul E. Furdon Acting Chief during Chief Corr' s absence. Letter was received from Perry D. Lord submitting his resignation from the Standing Plumbing and Building By-Law Committee, effective September 1, 1967. The Chairman stated that Mr. Lord is the architect on this committee, and suggested that the Board come Resignation back with names of some architects to fill this vacancy as soon as possible. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept Mr. Lord' s resignation, with regret. Letter was received from Mr. Burrell, Civil Defense Director, requesting the Board to appoint Privates in the Auxiliary Fire Service. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint the following individuals Privates in the Aux- G.D. iliary Fire Service, as requested by Mr. Burrell: Appointments Mr. Wayne A. Blanchard Mr. John C. Klensin 337 Massachusetts Avenue 276 Main Street Lexington, Massachusetts Stoneham, Massachusetts The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Bernard J. Belcastro, Director, Veterans' Services , relative to the name being designated on the ambulance as the Veterans' Memorial Ambulance, either by a sign or emblem Veterans ' The Chairman stated originally, in the beginning, ambulance the Veterans did contribute some toward the ambulance, but at the present time, it is self-sustaining Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to forward a copy of this request to the Board of Fire Commissioners for its consideration and decision. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the Order and grant the petition for the following JO pole location, location having been approved by the Acting Superintendent of Public Works : Pole Massachusetts Avenue, southerly side, approximately 17 location feet east of Nickerson Road, -- One (1) pole. (One existing JO pole to be removed. ) Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted 136in to sign the Order and grant the petition for the follow- Pole ing JO Dole location as approved by the Acting Superin- location tendent of Public Works: Pleasant Street, southeasterly side, approximately 27 feet northeast of Mason Street, -- One (1) pole . (One existing JO pole to be removed . ) The Chairman read a letter from Donald K. Irwin, Bldg. Insp. Building Inspector, informing the Board of his vacation vacation period starting the week of August 28. Mr. Irwin stated he had made arrangements with Richard Soule, 16 Hancock Street, to cover this period, as Acting Inspector. Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to Appointment appoipt Mr. Richard Soule, 16 Hancock Street, Lexington, Acting Inspector for the week of August 28, 1967, while Mr. Irwin is on vacation. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Donald K. Irwin, Currier Building Inspector, reporting on the foundation at 311 property Woburn Street, owned by Mr. Currier. Mr . Irwin stated the entire excavation and foundation have been filled to the ground level. Mr. Gray reported on the bid from Motorola Communi- cations ommunications and Electronics, Inc. for an Electronic Control Communications Center for the Lexington Police Department. This bid is in the amount of $10,961.28. He stated this Police Dept. was advertised in the Minute-man on August 17, and only Communications one bid was received; that the bid is in order and is 1Center exactly what is wanted. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the bid of the Motorola Communications and Electronics Inc. in the amount of $10,961.28 for an Electronic Control Communication Center for the Lexington Police Department as presented by Mr . Gray. Mr. Gray said he had a communication from the Civil Defense Department requesting funds for the hiring of a communications engineer or consultant to make a survey of future communication needs of the Town C.D. The Chairman stated these are new requirements for Communication Civil Defense, there has to be a survey made in order to Survey get Federal Funds and approval, and if the Town wishes to pursue Federal Federal Funds, it has to have a qualified engineer make the survey. 137 The question was asked as to the cost, and Mr. Gray replied $300 or $400 . The Chairman asked if there was that amount in the budget, and Mr. Gray replied it would be in the Article, that there is $28,000 left. Mr. Mabee stated the vote for Police Department Console would preclude this; that the chances are not good anyway, and Mr, Gray stated there would be no question on Civil Defense. Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to authorize the Director of Civil Defense to hire a com- munications engineer to make the survey, as outlined by Mr. Burrell, at a cost not to exceed $500. Mr. Gray stated Mr. Carroll and he had discussed with the Board the matter of the dump, unauthorized people dumping, also the commercial carriers. He stated this brings up the question of passenger cars. He stated they came up with the idea of stickers, but distribution was the main problem Starting January 1, when the excise tax bills go out, they would like to incorporate a sticker, which would cover most of the vehicles in Lexington He stated it was almost impossible to check the passenger cars, and he would like to be authorized to get the stickers, as it would cost nothing for distribution; that something had to be done. Mr. Mabee stated they could ferret out the cars with no stickers . Mr. Kenney asked if the stickers could be sent out Dump with the water bills Mr. Gray stated they were trying to reduce the number of people coming in for stickers Mr. Cataldo felt it would entail a lot of headaches, and asked what is to prevent anybody taking someone else' s car to the dump and said he couldn't see any advantage. He felt it would cost the Town $2000. or $3000. to do this; getting started and issuing them every year will cost the Town some money. Mr. Gray said he wouldn't issue them on a yearly basis. The Chairman said it was not necessary to have a decision this evening, and Mr. Gray said he would see what could be done. Mr. Gray referred to Philip Road which was supposed to be built before school opened, three weeks ago He stated there is a sewer line that has to be checked out and Philip Rd . replaced, and a water main to be installed . He showed the Board the plans, which they discussed He said Whitman & Howard had met with him and stated it would cost $5,000 or $10,000 to service this, an expensive job. He stated Mr. 1 :8 ze Duffey was paving the binder today. The Chairman asked if the children would be able to get into the school. Mr. Gray stated it was laid out as a road and Mr. Duffey will eventually pave this, that it is not town property now Mr. Cataldo asked how much peat there was in there, and Mr. Gray stated he didn' t know. Mr. Gray stated there are ten busses in the morning and ten in the afternoon, and he wondered if a small por- tion could be paved, or filled with gravel. He stated Mr. Crimp assured him there is adequate fill to build the road. He said Dr. Fobert said if the road was blocked, there would be no entrance for the school. Mr. Cataldo said there would be no way for the busses to turn around. Mr. Kenney said if they could legally get in, he wouldn't worry about it at the present time. The Chairman stated Mr. Legro would be in later in the evening and it would be held over until he arrived . Later in the evening Mr. Gray referred to this again - the Bowman School entrance. He told Mr. Legro there is only one entrance until the Town constructs Philip Road. He stated the Town could go in and put gravel in this section so that they would have some entrnace and exit. Mr. Legro stated it is a private way as it now stands; that there is no right until it is laid out as a public way. Mr. Gray stated the peat would have to be removed, strictly a temporary expedient . Mr. Legro said a number of things had to be taken into consideration. The Chairman asked who owned the property, and Mr Legro replied Partridge Associates, Inc. The Chairman asked if Partridge Associates could give the Town an easement for a time, and Mr. Cataldo asked if the Town didn't automatically get the easement when the Planning Board approves. Mr. Legro replied not a travel easement, but it was something he would be glad to consider. The Chairman asked if the Board' s approval was needed before it could be done, a workable solution if approved by Town Counsel. Mr. Mabee asked if the Standing School Building Committee had any funds, and Mr. Gray replied that the money could be found, that it was a matter of legality. The Chairman suggested that a workable solution, approved by Town Counsel, would give latitude to go ahead . 139 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was so agreed, with an outside limit of $1,000.00. Mr. Gray said it was no more than 100 feet. Mr. Legro asked if any engineer had looked at this subsoil condition. At 8:00 P.M. , Mr. Joseph Trani and Mr. Daniel P. Buss met with the Board . Mr. Trani stated their problem is when to open and when to close, especially on holidays . He stated the Liquor Stores would like to go along and act the same way as the Blue Laws ' way. He said he did not know where they would stand legally. Four of the five package goods stores were in favor. The Chairman said the Board could extend the hours but the ABC tells the Board what to do. Mr. Kenney asked what holidays they were speaking about. Mr. Cataldo said if the Board considers anything, it should be sent a letter telling it what "Package Goods Stores" recommend ; for them to set the whole year' s schedule. The chairman stated the"Package Goods" stores would be notified that the Board requests that they be closed all day Labor Day. Mr. Trani stated there are Armistice Day and Veterans' Day coming along as well . The Chairman stated at the beginning of each year for Liquor the stores to write requesting all "Package Goods Stores" Stores close all day Labor Day Mr. Cataldo said the letter should be filed by all the liquor stores. Mr. Busa stated he thought the letter was a good sug- gestion, and in the future if there were problems, they would present them that way. Mr. Trani T ani stated everyone would operate the same way. Messrs . Trani and Busa retired . Mr Legro reported he had a proposed Agreement between the Town and Hartford Indemnity for the completion of the contract between the Town and Tocci. He read the items of the agreement, and stated Mr . Louden was here this evening and brought these out . He said the Board could vote to exercise this agreement, to be held by him until he got instruments properly executed by Hartford Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to exercise this agreement between the Town and Hartford Indemnity for completion of the contract between the Town and Tocci, to be held by Town Counsel until properly Agree- executed. meet 1 140 Mr. Legro stated he had an agreement between the Town and Dr. Newell which agrees with the option exercised. This permits the owner to maintain ownership of the property until March 16. Dr. Newell proposes to leave the premises sometime in October. He stated he had a confirmatory deed and has made a taking. Agreement Mr. Gray said Mr Legro had talked with him and the fire insurance has been taken care of. Mr. Legro said in the event of vacating, Dr. Newell will notify the Superintendent of Public Works so that the water may be drawn off, etc. Mr. Legro referred to the acquisition of the land owned by Dorothy Pihl. He stated he had a partial re- lease of land acquired by the Town of a sewer betterment assessment. The Town has acquired by taking the rear portion of the land , leaving to the owner the front portion Pihl on which the house stands . There is an outstanding sewer property betterment in the amount of $942.13, and there are the years of 1967-1982, $17.10 per year, to be paid . The balance, at the present time , subject to adjustment, is $753.60. He stated, in his opinion, that the remaining , property is more than adequate to support the lien. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the partial release as prepared and submitted by Mr. Legro. A Governor' s Proclamation relative to League of Women Voters Week, was received by the Board . Mrs. Frederick Frick, member of the League of Women Voters , was present at the meeting. The Chairman asked if the League had decided to have a proclamation separate from the Governor' s , and if she thought it necessary to issue a proclamation along the same line; also would the League like a separate procla- mation issued . Mrs. Frick replied there are more people wondering Proclama- about the government tion Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that the Chairman declare September 10 to 17 League of Women Voters of Lexington Week and that the proclamation be published in the Lexington Minute-man. Petition was received from residents of the Colony Road and Grant Street area relative to a policewoman for guard crossing during each school day. The Chairman stated the Chief of Police is having problems replacing some . Mr . Gray replied he has lost four, that he had discussed 141 this with the Chief, that there had been many calls. He said the Kindergarten children involve problems walking to and from school, and the requests have been for most intersections. He also stated there are no funds in the budget. Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted Petition to refer the petition to the Traffic Study Committee for for Police- its recommendations to the Board woman Letter, dated August 17, 1967, was received from Mrs. Morton Hodin, 7 Todd Road, relative to a crossing Police guard on Grant Street between Todd and Saddle Club Roads. crossing It was voted to refer this letter to the Traffic guard Study Committee for its recommendations Letter from Miss Helen Welch, 22 Woodcliffe Road, Complaint relative to "Town Eyesores" , was read by the Chairman. The Chairman stated a copy of this letter had been sent to Mr. Mazerall, Park Superintendent, and suggested that Miss Welch be so advised and thanked for her interest . The Chairman read a letter from Eva Jean Maxner and Douglas H. Maxner relative to award of damages of Award of $50.00 offered by the Town fdr Lot 3, Laconia Street, damages which was acceptable to them. Mr. Legro reported this matter was taken care of today. Notice from the Middlesex County Selectmen' s Associ- ation relative to Ladies Night, Wednesday, September 13, Ladies 1967, was read by the Chairman, who stated this date was Night in conflict with the Testimonial Dinner being held for John Carroll. Application from Harry A. Khachadoorian, Jr. , 442 Waltham Street, for a teenage dance in Cary Hall, was read by the Chairman. Use of Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted hall to advise Mr. Khachadoorian that it is against the denied policy of the Board of Selectmen to grant the use of the hall for this purpose. Request from the National Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation to conduct a door-to-door drive on Sunday, Permit September 2L , 1967, from the hours of 1:00 P M. to 5 P.M. , was read by the Chairman Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the request. Order of Conditions issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Natural Resources, to the Belmont Country Club, relative to the Board ' s notice of 14Z CO iff 471 June 14 regarding fill to be used to fill lowlands, was received . The Chairman referred to the hearing held by the Hatch Act Board on the Hatch Act, and at that time, it conditioned Fill for on the approval of the Town of Belmont. This permission Lowlands has now been granted by Belmont, and is now within the agreements which were made at that time. Mr. Cataldo stated someone has to watch it; that those ditches have to be treated in such a way Mr. Gray stated he would have it checked. Invitation was received from Stanley Hill Post No. 38 to attend the Installation of Officers of Stanley Invitation Hill Post No. 38 The American Legion and Auxiliary Unit 38, on Sunday, September 17, 1967, at 3:00 P.M. The Chairman stated he would attend and represent the Board. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Robert L. Higgins, Resignation Assistant Town Engineer, relative to the effective date of Date his resignation. It was voted to clarify the effective date as of October 2, 1967. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to Licenses renew Theatre and Sunday Movie Licenses to Ramil Enter- prises, Inc. , 1794 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to I .D. Cards authoPize the Chairman to sign Liquor Identification Cards for Alan Frederick Lydiard and Elaine M. Zabaski, satisfactory proof of their ages having been received . Reference was made to the appointments to be made to Board of Health, Conservation Commission and Town Celebrations Committee. The Chairman stated the Board of Health had requested that no action be taken this evening. Nominations were in order for the appointment of two members to the Conservation Commission for a three- Appointment year term, and Aiden L. Ripley and Francis W.K. Smith were nominated for reappointment Nominations were declared closed, and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to reappoint Aiden L. Ripley and Francis W.K. Smith for three-year terms expiring April 1, 1970. With reference to appointments to the Town Cele- brations Committee, the Chairman reported that Marilyn Hall is willing to be reappointed, and the Board would hold this appointment over until next meeting. 143 Appointment for an Advisory Committee to the Minute Man National Park was held over from the last meeting of the Board . The Chairman stated that Mr Nickerson would like three to five people in the community who could show interest in the Minute Man National Park, and he asked the Board what action it wished to take. Committee It was decided to hold this over another week. Mr. Cataldo inquired as to who was on the Committee Committee for the Beautification of Lexington Center, and it was agreed to send a copy to each member of the Board . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign Sewer Orders as follows: Burlington Street, from House No. 145, a distance of 1740 feet, more or less, to North Street Sewer Orders Dewey Road, from existing sewer northeasterly and northwesterly, a distance of 1420 feet, more or less, to end . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectments Meeting held Minutes on August 14, 1967. Mr. Robert Clancy, Minute Man Cab Company, Mr William Belcher, Lexington Cab Company, and Mr. Richard Zimmerman, met with the Board relative to rate increase for taxicabs. Mr. Belcher stated it had been quite a few years since there had been an increase, that everything had gone up, the drivers had not had an increase in five years. The Chairman asked what the rates were in the surrounding towns, and Mr. Belcher replied Belmont, Rules & Winchester and Bedford, most of them charge 75¢ for the Regulations first mile and 50/ each mile thereafter. Newton has Taxicabs 801 - 60¢; Boston is 901; Arlington 70/ a mile and 1i01 thereafter The Chairman stated that the surrounding towns vary on the second amount, that they are not broken down to the quarter mile, and Mr. Belcher stated the quarter mile has to be on a metered basis . Mr. Belcher stated they would like 80/ for the first mile, and 601 thereafter. He said when they get calls for Grove Street, Carriage Road , they have driven seven or eight miles to get one paid mile. He stated the increase in gas and oil and also said a car is worthless after eighteen months . The Chairman asked how many miles they drove a year and he replied 135,000 miles, and if they were able to 144CI wf'": get a year and a half out of a car they were lucky. Lexington is spread over a large area. The Chairman asked about screening the applicants for taxicab drivers, and Mr. Belcher replied it is difficult to get the right help The Chairman said the Board would take the matter under advisement and let them know shortly of its decision, with an effective date; that any change that would be made would be published in the Minute-man for one week. The Chairman stated an increase was probably in order, and Mr Mabee said he agreed, that the rates are out of line if the reports are accurate. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to amend the rules and regulations governing Hackney Carriages, Taxicabs, Renting Cars and other Public Vehicles for the carrying of Passengers for hire effective September 15, 1967, as follows : 75for the first mile and 11:V for each fifth of a mile theafter. This is no way to affect the flat rates in effect at this. time . Mr. Cataldo reported that he read in Sundays paper of some money Federal Government gave the Department of Public Works for traffic problems. He stated Wellesley is the only one who has applied to be considered, and he felt Lexington should try and get it. The Chairman asked if this had a number, and what town is to be picked for the program. Mr. Cataldo said Lexington should be in there to see if it can get it, a comprehensive study of the whole town. Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 P.M. A true record, Attest : n � f rk hr , , 90/ e ,r (/ Executive Clerk, Selectmen I The next regular meeting of the Board will be held on Monday evening, September 11, 1967, at 7:30 P.M. in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building.