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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1967-07-24-BOS-min I 0 8 c4.1 2 SELECTMEN'S MEETING ' July 24, 1967 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, July 24, 1967 at 7:30 P. M Chairman Cole, Messrs Cataldo, Burnell, and Kenney were present Mr Legro, Town Counsel, Mr. Gray, Executive Assistant, Mr . Carroll, Superintendent of Public Works, and Mrs. Ryder, Acting Clerk, were also present. Mr Legro presented an agreement between the Town sewer of Lexington and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for Agreement sewer under Route 2. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the agreement as submitted by Town Counsel. Mr. Legro also presented a sewer contract between 'ewer the Town of Lexington and A. Bucella & Sons Corporation rontract Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the contract as submitted by Town Counsel Mr Gray told Mr. Legro a letter had been received r'ountry- from the Building Inspector regarding Countryside and the -ide letter suggested filing in Court if not corrected immed- iately Mr. Cole reported that he had received a phone call r'ummings from Mr. Lawless, the owner of the so-called Cummings' -n-operty property stating that the property had not been sold but they have two active prospects and requested an extension of the thirty day limit imposed by the Board Mr Gray stated he had a letter from the Lions Club wanting the Center Playground from June 29 through July Lions 5 of next year Mr . Cole asked if they wca1„ operate as Club use before and Mr. Gray answered in the affirmative of play- Mr Cole suggested this be held over until the next ground meeting and that Mr Gray check with the Police Chief in regard to policing. Mr. Gray stated they would be using the field re- quested by the K of C. Mr Cole pointed out that they could not interfere with recreation programs. Mr Kenney asked if it would be the same center play- ground and Mr. Gray answered in the affirmative. The recreation program doesn' t usually run over the 4th of July *Mr Cole suggested giving an extension of 30 days Mr. Legro stated no harm in doing so. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to extend the time. 109 Mr. Kenney suggested they pick another date that wouldn' t interfere and Mr Gray stated it had already been granted to the American Legion over Labor Day. Mr Cole asked if any other fields could be used, any of the school fields He suggested they contact the schools and see if any available Mr. Burnell asked the condition of the field be- tween Lincoln Street and the reservoir. Mr. Cataldo said it was in rough condition. Mr. Burnell stated he was talking of the field at the Bridge School Mr. Carroll said it was new but this sort of thing would do a lot of damage to a new field . Mr. Burnell asked if this field was being used for anything. Mr. Carroll answered in the negative. Mr. Gray presented a letter from the Veteran' s Ser- vices requesting a transfer of $6,000 to be transferred to Aid & Expenses The balance now is $257 Mr. Parrish knows about this but is on vacation. Veteran' s Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was approved Services and this request turned over to the Appropriation Commit- transfer tee. Mr. Gray stated three or four letters had came in from people for land damages at Blossomcrest Road . Copies had been sent to Mr. Legro . Mr Cole spoke of the Police and School Committee Add' 1 relative to covering crossings for the additional kinder- police garten It was suggested to change the hours the school Guards guards are now working Mr. Gray stated they were working 11 hours more per week or six hours additional per month. They receive $150. per month and recommended an additional $15.00, rather than hire two police officers. They have enough money to pay for this from September to the end of the year He thought it would pretty well cover around $1500. or $1600. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to allow the additional hours. Mr. Carroll spoke of Edison Company and the under- ground wires . He stated Mr Jones from Edison is on vacation, will come in and talk to the Board at a future Under- time. He said the cost to the Town would be $2,000 per ground wires 100 foot or $20.00 per foot Services to customer about $10.00 to customer. He thought they were willing to put underground if someone will pay for it 110 iE C7. Mr. Kenney asked about developers and Mr Cole said developers pay for everything. Mr. Cole stated the installation cost was very much' the same The change over is where the question comes in, Mr. Carroll said it does to Edison. The Town has been assuming cost of light bulbs . Question raised on private ways and Mr. Carroll said $20 00 a foot . Mr . Cole asked Mr. Carroll to bring in information for further study Mr Carroll spoke of bids for three additional trucks . New He had received five bids, GMAC trucks are what they have trucks now and if able to purchase three more would make a total of ten trucks in fleet . Would more or less have standard equipment Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept GMAC trucks at $20, 77$. Mr. Carroll stated as he wouldn' t be here he was going to discuss sidewalk work for this year. Can' t use Town Sidewalk men and suggested it go under contract Work on Pleasant Street from Massachusetts Avenue to Watertown Street, Middle Street entirely. List is already in for the contract . It would be a total of $22,800. Mr. Cole stated the Board had agreed not to put a sidewalk in Route 2 from Pleasant Street They should consider what they want to do . Mr. Carroll stated the School Department recommended Demar Road . Mr Cole stated he found it very difficult to be part of recommendation in view of Pleasant Street. The people objected to it and stated it was not needed . He suggested the School Committee send its recommendations to the Board and have it in writing. Mr Cataldo asked why not sidewalk on Massachusetts Avenue Why do another street before Massachusetts Avenue is done Children walk on street on Concord Hill. Why don' t we do Massachusetts Avenue and Hill Street? Mr Burnell stated he went along with Mr. Cataldo. Should bring sidewalks along major highways before subdiv- isions . Mr. Carroll agreed Mr Cataldo suggested submit it to Traffic Committee and get recommendations as to what direction to go Massa- chusetts Avenue is more important than Robinson Road . Mr. Cole stated he would like more information from the School Committee. Mr. Burnell thought it should be turned over to the 111 Traffic Committee for study Mr . Cole suggested a letter to the School Committee getting their recommendations and also notify Traffic Committee and they in turn receive recommendations from School Committee and bring in to the Board Mr. Cataldo said he would like the recommendations to be signed by the School Committee . Mr Kenney asked how late in the year the contract should be let out and Mr. Carroll replied it should be out by September Whitman & Howard will begin shortly. Mr. Carroll read a letter to the Board on the Lexington Center Beautification Project hoping to start before he left . Mr. Cole asked if he had advertised for bids and Mr. Carroll replied he had. You should get contracts signed with art;hitects knowing what to do, have plans Lexington and specifications. Their contracts are on a per diem Center basis. Beautifi- Mr. Kenney questioned why this was being brought up tsation so late in the year, and Mr Carroll said it had nothing Project to do with his Department The Committee didn' t make decisions to get us going. Mr Cataldo asked if there would be two contracts and Mr . Carroll replied there would be two, one for the general contract and the second for landscaping Mr . Cole asked if they would be tied together and Mr . Carroll said yes. Mr. Kenney asked how long it would take for plans-- three or four weeks Mr Carroll said by the time the contract is signed etc , it would be into September. Mr. Kenney asked what time it would take to do the job. Mr Carroll replied it could be finished this winter if you move fast. Mr. Cataldo asked if the landscaping couldn't be done this year. Maybe it would be better to wait until next Spring and do the whole thing. Mr. Cole stated he thought everything was going along and would be finished Mr Carroll replied he had made a decision a month ago to leave and would not get to the point of having the job dope, didn' t have an assistant, people on vacation-- combination of circumstances . Mr. Kenney suggested the Board take the final recommendations and meet at a later date. Mr Cataldo stated the Edison Company would have to relocate some of the light poles Mr Carroll said the Gas and Telephone utilities all in part of project. Water services into them would 12 be from Massachusetts Avenue on part of alley way Services there will have to be through alley way Mr. Burnell asked if it would be a better time of the year to do it this fall from a cost point of view than next Spring . Mr. Carroll stated no, only the costs keep going up all the time. The time for landscaping is in the fall. Mr. Kenney asked if the work was done by Engineers and Architects would be quicker Mr . Carroll replied in the negative Mr Burnell stated that it was a dangerous situation as it now is . Mr. Kenney asked if it would be more feasible to have the work done by architects and engineers. Mr Carroll replied that someone would have to stay on top of it . Mr Cataldo said someone would have to ;ollow it right down the line under contract Mr. Kenney asked if there was enough money to let it out and the reply was yes. Mr. Kenney then asked if the new superintendent would try it . Mr. Carroll said other procedures would not help. This might go on too late. Mr. Cataldo said the center of town should be done-- one-half now, one-half in the Spring. Mr Carroll said he wanted to do it but must have coordination, everyone knowing what to do. Mr Cataldo replied this was the advantage of doing it ourselves; the Town could make them. Mr Cole asked if basically the design details were ironed out . Mr. Carroll replied in the affirmative, parking spaces, trees, etc. ; there is a very tricky grade one- quarter inch to foot sidewalks You would need someone out at all times Mr. Cole asked if anyone in the Engineering Department could do it. Mr Carroll said Mr. Coscia would carry out the job, any questions would come to me. Mr. Cole asked if this would be as Superintendent or Town Engineer. Mr. Carroll said he didntt know but he thought it basically an engineering problem Paving to be done by sub-contracting work. Mr Denney asked if everything including landscape could be done this fall. Mr Cataldo possibly - no hold up to start now. Have contract in two months. i1 3T Mr. Cole stated that we are going to be in a trap- ' II sition period and will try to get things done as best we can. This is a pilot project and we want all details . It is going to be a good project It should have been done before but it will be done right . We will go along as if nothing happened when you leave . Everything is in progress and the people behind should know the situation. I would recommend Al Gray be brought up to date. Motion duly made and seconded to draft a contract or agreement on traffic study on Hartwell Avenue and Traffic Bedford Street Turn draft over to Town Counsel to Study finalize it into an agreement Hearing closed at 8:35 Hartwell Ave. P. M. 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 , Executive might adversely affect the public security, the financial Session interest of the Town, or the reputation of any person. Following discussion with the Board of Assessors re.Lativo to s€,ttiL.g the tax rate, it was voted to resume the open meeting. Mr. ICole stated there were three members of the School dommittee, Mr. McQuillan from Board of Health, Mr. Bertini from Recreation Committee and a member from the Lincoln St. Planning Board invited to hearing dump There had been some complaints on the operation at the Lincoln Street dump Before procedure was started Mr. Cataldo held a meeting in Estabrook Hall at which all abuttere were notified The attendance was small. Board of Health held a ublich earin advertised in the Lexington Minute-Man. Two people ,showed up and asked questions but there were no objections . On that basis the Board of Selectmen decided to go ahead . J O'ILeary, 171 Lincoln Street stated that they have not beer) able to relieve the situation Dirt, dust and silt so bad the windows must be closed today Cant dry the laundry, there is a coating of silt covering the trees and plants and seeps into the homes. Doors and windows have to be shut because it gets all over the rugs, curtains, etc. There is much more traffic from the trucks. It is very dangerous to the children in the neighborhood . We have been lucky there have been no accidents. The smell is continuing Smell only lasts for two days but fill is f14 inbeing dumped every day. We are here to ask that the operation be shut down Mr. Cole stated in the long range plan it is to develop that area into a recreational area Pei Wang, l43 Lincoln Street. Although Mr. Cataldo conducted an information period, he did not have an open hearing, an information hearing is all. We heard what he said , but facts are much different; the children cannot play outside; cannot wash your car or laundry; this upsets your routine . One third of our lawn is dying out because of the dust. The children going to Hayden are in danger because of the trucks There is a safety problem. This is the season for outdoor living but we have to close our doors and windows . The Town can' t have the right solution as I see it in a well planned long range program Mr Cole stated this was a long range program and would have a playground next Summer Mr. O'Leary presented a petition to Mr . Cole signed by residents of the neighborhood which he wanted recorded . Mr. O'Leary stated some of the signatures were from people on Marrett Road which street has added traffic . Mr. Salza, 103 Lincoln Street, stated his views and suggested that the trucks be slowed down and that would keep the dust down Mr Cole stated there have been cruisers in the area and looked for trucks exceeding speed limit. Mr O'Leary said the trucks should change their routine. They should be scheduled differently. Mr. Cole stated he knew there was a dust problem Mr Cataldo said he made every effort to make it less objectionable to the neighborhood. The first meeting presented it just as it was to be We had not intended anything else. The smell will last two days after the project is completed That makes sense . We have looked at it in great depth We don' t like to burden the people on Lincoln Street, but I can' t see any other way Mr O'Leary cumested stopping the project Mr. Barrett, 92 Middle Street . One truck every three minutes . Think they are taking advantage of the Town. Every truck is involved Take it to Medford and come back 115 loadedith fill for the dump. They go up Lincoln Street to Middle Street and back down again to the dump. Now coming from Route 2. Lincoln Street is breaking up. The road was put in four years ago by Busa' s property Mr. Cataldo stated there are two projects . One contractor is DeMatteo doing Route 2 Other contractor is filling dump We canTt control the roads he is using. We can control trucks to dump. We can control the speed, but trucks can go on any street. Mrs. Barrett asked if a truck can go on any public street and Mr Cole answered in the affirmative Mrb Cataldo said a truck has a right to go on any public etreet. The dump project has 50 trucks. They can go from thirty (30) to fifty (50) miles per hour. Any other project we cannot control Mrs. Wang, 143 Lincoln Street stated she can' t keep duet out. Can' t use the swimming pool because of dust. The floors get sticky and cannot be cleaned up; project is getting on their nerves. Mr, Wang suggested changing grade if necessary. Creating trouble to neighborhood . Mrs. Hall of the Middle Street area questioned how a ten-ton truck could stop that does not stay under thirty Miles per hour. She stated she didn' t want the project stopped but wanted it safe for children She was concerned with the safety hazard. Mr, Hughey, 165 Lincoln Street stated he attended the informational meeting. His problem was the smell and dust and the safety of the children. Mr. O'Leary said there are ridges in the road be- yond his house. Mr Page of the School Committee asked how long was the project . Mr. Cataldo stated sixty working days . Mrs. Buckley, 121 Lincoln Street, said she lived directly across the street and was in favor of the project . It didn' t bother her. Mr. O'Leary reported a neighbor who worked nights and could not get any rest days because of the trucks The hearing closed at 9:30 P. M. and the Committee met with the Board for further discussion Mr . Cole stated it was going to be their final decision, but all Boards should agree, and asked for recommendations This will benefit all the Town when the operation is through. The Board was asked if the material was just avail- able note or in the fall. Mr. Cole stated they were under ' contract to get it done. 116 c4.) Mr. Cataldo said no, not available . Mr. Kenney asked why not . Mr. Cataldo said the contractor doesn' t think he will have enough to finish this project. Mr. Cataldo stated the dust is clay dust. They are trying to reduce it . Mr. Cole said he was convinced the people knew we are trying. Mr. Clarke said there were two meetings On May 31 the meeting outlined Mr. Cataldo' s proposal As I saw it, it forecast most of the problems On June 22 there was another meeting. The School Committee intends to have all available recreational space in Town. This attempts to solve a need and attempts to save money. Problem seems to be with the trucks. Mr Cataldo stated they have no control over the trucks. Mr. Clarke said there could be very strict policing. Mr. Cataldo said the trucks were from DeMatteo and could not be controlled from the streets It was suggested to increase the police force Mr. Clarke said the people involved it is all one set of trucks. Mr. McQuillan, Board of Health, stated it presented nothing concerning the Board of Health. The project hadn' t started at Mr Cataldo' s hearing. The odor wasn' t talked about much. That ' s where the Board of Health would come in Dust is not a health problem. Nothing that the Board of Health would revoke permit as health menace. Mr Clarke said he would continue the project ; Recreation Committee also suggested going ahead The motion was duly made and seconded that the oper- ation be allowed to continue and emphasis be placed on policing and cleanliness of operation. Hearing closed at 10:15 P. M Mr. Cole opened the meeting on the request of two Reduction of citizens on Brown Road for reduction of Sewer Betterment. sewer better- Mr . Carroll stated these were estimates of betterment ment Brown assessments The problem was the shape of the lot. It Rd . is based on the area and shape of the lot and not too far out of line especially on the lot owned by Mr. Schwartz Mr Delfiner ' s estimate may be high Mr. Kenney looked at the map of the lots and remarked that it was an unusual shaped lot . Mr Carroll commented in his opinion the Town should not go less than $1200. The method used in assessing is 117 11 supposed to represent a fairer way than by the frontage. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to hold this request over until the property is assessed . Mr . Cole reported receiving a letter requesting August 11, 12, and 13 be proclaimed YANKEE DIVISION DAYS. Yankee Division Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was so voted Days Mrs Cole reported receipt of a letter from the Lexington Indoor Tennis Corporation requesting damages Lexington from sewer overflow Indoor Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted Tennis to refer the letter to Mr. Legro for further study Corp. damages Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to certify the character of Emmanuel Sugarman, 18 Hathaway Road, who has applied to the Secretary of the Commonwealth for a Certificate of Incorporation. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to certify the character of C. Freeman Nourse, 41 Clarke Certif. Street, Kenneth M. Smith, 44 Grant Street, and Eugene of 0. Flewelling, 22 Locke Lane, who have applied to the Inc. Secretary of the Commonwealth for a Certificate of Incorp- oration. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to certify the character of Joe A. Lowry, 1 Longfellow Road, who has applied to the Secretary of the Common- wealth for a Certificate of Incorporation. Up n motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to certify the character of Charles Drake and Marjorie Drake, 2 Locust Avenue, who has applied to the Secretary of the Commonwealth for a Certificate of Incorporation. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to certify the character of William E. Haible, 21 Moon Hill Road, who has applied to the Secretary of the Commonwealth for a Certificate of Incorporation Mr. Gray presented a letter to the Board from Henning W Swenson, 210 Marrett Road requesting a further Water deferment of a water betterment on his property on Allen betterment Street deferment Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to extenu the deferment as had been in the past 1L18 CAD CL c Mr. Cole brought up the subject of hiring a person for the position of Superintendent of Public Works He Interviews stated there were three applications to be considered . for Supt . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted P.W. to set Tuesday, August 1, 1967, at 7:30 P. M. for interviews Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to appoint Mr Gray Acting Superintendent of Public Works, July 29, 1967. 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 financial interest of the Town, or the reputation of any person. Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting held on July 10, 1967. Upon motion duly made and seconded , it was voted to adjourn at 11. 15 P. M A true record , Attest: Acting Clerk, Selectmen The next regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen will be held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on August 14, 1967, at 7 30 P. M Y 4 6 f v V f