Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1966-05-16-BOS-min 80 n SELECTMEN'S MWTING May 16, 1966 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, May 16, 1966, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Cole, Messrs. Burnell, Cataldo, Sheldon and Mabee were present. Mr. Legro, Town Counsel, Mr. Gray, Executive Assistant, Mr. Carroll, Superintendent of public Works, and Miss Murray, Executive Clerk, were also present. Mr. Leon Burke, Director of Guides, introduced Guide John Harvell, applicant for a Guide license. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant a Guide License to John Harvell, 131 Burlington Street, Lexington. Mr. Burke, Mr. Harvell and his father retired. Mr. Legro said two weeks ago, the Boston Edison Company presented a grail: of easement for the Board to sign for a pole on the Hancock School property. He said Pole lo- he had a revised form which is just a permit in which cation the company agrees to remove the pole within sixty days Forest St. after notice. Mr. Legro said he thought it was in proper form for the Board to sign. He reported also that he spoke to Dr. Fobert because this involves school property. He suggested that the Board sign the revised form this evening, return it to him, and he would get the consent of the School Committee . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the form submitted by Mr. Legro permitting the Boston Edison Company to locate a pole on Hancock School property. Mr. Legro said he aldo had a revised form for lo- Pole lo- cation of an Edison pole on Hillside Avenue, to be signed cation and returned to him. Hillside Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Avenue to sign the form submitted by Mr. Legro permitting the Boston Edison Company to locate a pole on Hillside Avenue. Mr. Legro submitted a contract which he prepared for the Board's signature, between the architect for the work Contract on the Town barn and the Town of Lexington. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the contract as submitted. All copies were taken by Mr. Legro. Mr. Carroll referred to a letter received by the Board dated April 5, 1966, from Mrs. Robert E. Doran, relative to a sewer betterment assessment levied against property of her late father, John A. Wilson, Fern Street. P y Mr. Carroll reported he balked to Mrs. Wilson and Wilson he presented a plan of the land and indicated the location sewer of the sewer. He said he advised Mrs. Wilson that if an betterment abatement were granted and in the future she wished to con- nect with the sewer, she would have to pay a charge in lieu of betterments. However, she renewed her request for an > abatement. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to abate the sewer betterment assessment levied on property of John A. Wilson, in the amount of $1,121.22, committed November 22, 1965. Mr. Carroll said, with reference to the Woodhaven trunk sewer, that he had contacted Mr. Rockewell, foreman of the Department of Public Health and Welfare, who stated his department is satisfied that the Metropolitan Dict Woodhaven Commission relief sewer is on the way. Mr. Carroll/We sewer Town will receive 90% payment which amounts to $130;730.0 and can expect payment within five weeks. The Chairman said this would not have any bearing on this year 's tax rate. Mr. Gray stated it could if it can be used as an estimated receipt. He reported contacting Mr. Schwartz, of the Division of Accounts, who said he wanted a copy of the grant form that the Federal government sent out to the Town and a copy of the Town Meeting vote. He said he would take those in tomorrow and a decision would be made within a couple of days. Mr. Sheldon said he thought it would be good financial strategy to let this go into next year's tax rate. The Chairman suggested that t he Board wait for an answer from the Division of Accounts. Mr. Mabee concurred with Mr. Sheldon and said he would just as soon see this carried over for next year . Mr. Carroll reported that Calgon treatments have im- proved the water supply but have not eliminated the rust problem. He said he has been contacted by the Warren Cook Company, Inc. about a material similar to Calgon who made an offer which he read to the Board. The company will give the Town a six months ' supply, and at the end of six months if the Town is not completely satisfied, it won't have to pay. He reported the Town of Arlington has gone through this and has decided to pay for the treatment and continue to use the product. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize Mr. Carroll to made whatever arrangements are necessary for using the' product, recommended by him, on a trial basis. Mr. Carroll reported that he and Mr. Gray went in to see Mr. Garrett, now head of the local Bureau of Roads. Route 2 He also submitted a plan, in connection with Route 2, and co N C'Z reported that Mr. Garrett does not like the idea in any interchange of not providing for a turn. Mr. Carroll said, with reference to the subject of conservation, Mr. Garrett 's assistant pointed out that it would be possible for more people to enjoy the beauty of this particular piece of land if there was a loop around it . His feeling was that the proposal was not acceptable. Mr. Carroll said he tried to advance the case for conser- vation but it did not seem to prevail. Going further, he did encourage them to believe that the Federal government would pay for a portion of the construction of Watertown Street from the end of whatever new ramp is to be constructed to the intersection of Pleasant Street. He said they would also pay for a section of Pleasant Street. Mr. Gray said the Bureau of Federal Roads has already approved the original design. Mr. Carroll said Mr. Garrett believes it will be built the way the State proposed to build it. The Chairman asked if the Board didn't agree to write to the Congressmen and Senators. Mr. Carroll replied in the negative, and said the Board wanted Mr. Garrett's advice first. Mr. Gray said he and Mr. Carroll did state the people in Peacock Farms were interested and Mr. Garrett said his report to Washington would be the same as it was to him and Mr. Carroll. His report will remain as explained to him and Mr. Carroll on what he considers good engineering and good road design. The Chairman asked for the Board's thinking on writing the Senators and Representatives. Mr. Cataldo recalled the Board had agreed not to con- tact anyone until after it talked to Commissioner Sargent. Mr. Cataldo said after the Chairman talked to Commissioner Sargent and hethougtat it would do any good to write the Congressmen, to go ahead. Mr. Sheldon said he would dislike very much to jeopardize the 90% contribution in which the whole Town is interested. Mr. Mabee asked if Mr. Gray felt the Board had ex- hausted every phase on a straight engineering basis, and Mr. Gray replied in the affirmative. Mr. Mabee asked if Mr. Carroll felt they had merit in their rejection, and Mr. Carroll replied he thought he had to admit that all the way through. The Chairman said the Board knows the Peacock Farm group is going to pursue this from a conservation aigle and asked if there was any change of opinion. Mr. Gray replied he did not know whom they know. It was left that the Chairman would call Commissioner Sargent in the morning and if there is anything negative in the c'ommissioner 's approach, he would come back to the Board; if not, he will go ahead. J f The Chairman read a letter from William K. Talley, 15 Diamond Road, asking for information as to the procedure and requirements for placing a Peferendum question on the ballot in the next election relative to the METCO action taken by the School Committee. The Chairman said he assumed it would have to be at the November election. Mr. Legro asked if the Board wanted to assume a stand on action to be taken not directly in the interest of the Town. He said if the Board resolved this in the affirma- tive, the only method he knew would be special legislation to authorize it. METCO The Chairman said the answer is there is no measure at t his time to place it on the ballot for the November election. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the petition and sign the order for a j/o pole Pole lo- location on Grove Street, southeasterly side, approxi- cation mately 385 feet southwest of Dewey Road. Petition was received for the acceptance of Lake Street from Massachusetts Avenue to Columbus Street, and the installation of a sewer. Street & The Chairman stated the normal procedure is to Sewer refer this to Mr. Carroll. Letter was received from John M. Belding and Dorothy S. Belding, 1106 Massachusetts Avenue, relative to filling a swimming pool. Mr. Sheldon reported he had discussed this with these people at length. They asked him an impossible Filling question, "Will there be water restrictions?" swimming The Chairman said this would be up to the MDC. pool Mr. Carroll mentioned the fact Mr. Cataldo suggested a couple of weeks ago that the MDC be approached and he did call Mr. O'Toole but had been unable to contact him. The Chairman said the Board cannot predict what the action of the MDC will be, and at this particular time, there is no water ban. Mr. Sheldon suggested that Mr. Cataldo's suggestion be pursued. The Chairman said Mr. Carroll should contact Mr. OtToole and in the meantime he would tell these people there is no ban on at the present time, but the Board cannot predict any action of the MDC, but will attempt to get a statement from the MDC and let them know. The Chairman read a letter from the Planning Board with further reference to the acquisition of land for Worthen Road, north of Marrett Road. Mr. Cataldo said there is nothing going in the warrant for the June Town Meeting, and the Chairman agreed. Mr. Sheldon said there would be something int he fall. 84 C'3 Letter was received from Commissioner Sargent, Department of Public Works, relative to screening the Department's maintenance area at the junction of Routes 2A and 128. The Chairman reported t hat last Friday morning, he and Mr. Cataldo met Mr. Pine and Mr. Mistretta. Plans are on the way to beautify this area. Civil Service certification was received for two policemen. The Board had filed a requisition for ten. The Chairman reported that on Thursday he went to Civil Ser- see Miss Campbell at the Division of Civil Service and vice list she is looking into the subject of appointing men who do not live in Town. He stated he should have her reply by tomorrow and suggested holding the matter over for one week. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Appoint- to appoint the following individuals to the Civil Defense ments organization, as requested by Mr. Burrell: Auxiliary Firemen Robert Eaton, 12 Battle Drive, Arlington William D. Field, 57 Gleason Road, Lexington Kenneth Garber, 161 Bedford Street, Lexington Operators, Communications Section Warren Aulenback, 28 Richard Road, Lexington Robert Charlantini, 67 Valley Road, Lexington John Garland, 514. Gleason Road, Lexington Barry Johnson, 20 Spring Street, Lexington Bartlett P. Murphy, 70 Ward Street, Lexington Roy Nonnemaker, 2151 Mass. Avenue, Lexington Herbert Tetreault, 4 Longfellow Rd. , Lexington John K. Weiser, 21 Liberty Avenue, Lexington Bruce Stacey, 245 Woburn Street, Lexington Peter Brunn, 23 Richard Road, Lexington Further consideration was given to appointments to the Conservation Commission. Upon motion duly made and seconded, Leslie H. York, William R. Whalon and Alford S. Peckham were nominated. Conserve- Upon motion duly made and seconded, nominations tion Ap- were closed. pointments Secret ballots were cast resulting in five votes for Alford S. Peckham; four votes for Leslie H. York; one vote for William R. Whalon. Alford S. Peckham and Leslie H. York were appointed members of the Conservation Commission for three-year terms expiring March 31, 1969. 85 Notice was received f1;om the Massachusetts Select- men's Association of the May Meeting - Ladies Night - on May 25, 1966, at the Belmont Country Club. Invitation was received from the V . F. W. to attend the Post's Installation on Saturday, May 21, 1966. Invitation The Chairman agreed to represent the Board. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to renew Stephen T. Russian's license as an Auctioneer. License Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Chairman to issue a Liquor Purchase Identification Card to Sandra E. Krevis, 26 Preston Road, I.D. Card satisfactory evidence of her age having been received • Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign an Order for the construction of a sidewalk on Colony Road on the northerly side from Grant Street a Sidewalk distance of 849.60 feet westerly. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign and Order for the construction of a sidewalk on Sidewalk Grant Street, Easterly side from East Street a distance of 2940 feet, more or less, to Saddle Club Road. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectmen 's Meeting held Minutes on May 9, 1966. Mr. Gray said he had a bill, in the amount of $9,000, submitted by the architect for work done to date on the Town Barn building and explained the com- mittee recommended that it be approved for payment. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Architedt's to authorize payment of $9,000 to William A. Halsey for bill ap- work done on the alterations and additions to the Public proved Works Building. The Chairman read a letter from Leslie H. York, Chairman of the Town Meeting Members Association, advis- ing the Board of the Association' s warrant information TMMA meeting to be held on Monday, May 23, 1966, in the meeting Science Lecture Hall at the High School. Mr. Sheldon said he was told by a member of the Lexington Golf Club that next to the fourth hole, there is a small water storage pond. which is maintained to provide water for the golf greens. This pond is near the houses on Reed Street, and this member, as do other members, feels it is a hazard because the pond has been Golf Club deepened. These people feel the club should be requested pond or to be forced to put a fence around the pond. Mr. Sheldon reported he told this individual the first step 06 tV C'3 would be to have Mr. Irwin go up and then submit a report to the Board as to whether or not he thinks a hazard exists. The Chairman said he would so inform Mr. Irwin tomorrow. The Chairman stated the Board did have a meeting scheduled with the Board of Health. However, Mr. McQuillanis Health grandson was killed in an airplane accident, and the meeting meeting has been postponed. He said it would probably be held two weeks from tonight. Mr. Cataldo said he felt the Board of Selectmen should write the McQuillans a letter of condolence, the Chairman to sign it. At 8:30 P.M. , Messrs. Leslie H. York and Lee E. Tarbox met with the Board. Mr. Tarbox explained he received a telephone call from Mr. York to attend the meeting and present a few ideas on Public the new information building which has now been open for a Facilities month. He said there is nothing at the present time to Building indicate to tourists what the building is for or how to get to it. He submitted several pictures. Mr. Burnell said his recollection was that the Historic Districts Commission recommended that the sign be placed in about the spot where the walk comes in from Massachusetts Avenue, but nothing on the building. The Chairman explained the Board has applied to the Historic Districts Commission for a hearing and showed Mr. Tarbox and Mr. York a drawing of the proposed sign. Mr. Tarbox felt that a small sign near the monument would be helpful. Mr. Sheldon suggested that the proposed sign be tried out first. The Chairman said if this sign does not accomplish what the Board thinks it should, then the suggestion made by Mr. Tarbox could be pursued. Mr. Mabee said there should be something on the build- ing. Mr. Tarbox asked if there was any objection to having the word "information" over the door. Mr. Mabee had no objection, and Mr. Sheldon suggested a sign sidewalk level in front of the building, at the rig#t of the front door. Mr. Cataldo said he thought the old Information building should be moved once the sign is erected on the new building. Mr. Tarbox said the Chamber has to keep the small building there until the new building has proper signs. Mr. Mabee said sooner or later the Board has to identify this building and he could not see putting it off. Mr. Cataldo asked if the name Public Facilities Build- ing be retained. Mr. Charles Parks, present at the meeting, said he would like to see a sign designed and placed at the edge 87 1 of the walk leading out onto Meriam Street and labelled Tourists' Center, in colonial lettering. He said he would also like an arrow at the end of Meriam Street and Massa- chusetts Avenue. Mr. Tarbox said many of the tourists get out on the Common and walk down as far as the Minuteman, and many of them will not get down to the point where they even see the information booth down there now. He said that is why he feels a small sign close to the Minuteman will notify many people of the existence of the building. Mr. Adams said he agreed with Mr. Tarbox, there should be a sign on or in front of the building which should be large enough to be seen for same distance. Mr. Sheldon suggested that the Chairman attend the meeting with the Historic Districts Commission and see what can be approved to save time; for instance, would the commission approve anything at the base of the monu- ment. Mr. Mabee said he would like to get the Historic Districts Commission's feeling about "Tourists ' Center" which is basically designed for tourists. Mr. Gray reported that Mr. York has a change order in regard to the blinds on the Public Facilities Building, which he wants the Board to approve. Change Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Order to approve the change order as submitted by Mr. York. Mr. Cataldo submitted a proposed plan, prepared by the architect for landscaping at the Public Facilities Public Building, and said he would like something a little Facilities different himself. landscap- ing Mr. Cataldo was disturbed by the fact the Town spent $60,000 for the Public Facilities Building and the in- terior was not as attractive as it might be. He mentioned the base of the diorama and said he thought the diorama was in the wrong place. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Nickerson be asked to take a look at it and give the Board an estimate of what it would cost. Mr. CatIldo said he also thought the furnishings should be extended. The Chairman asked about money, and Mr. Cataldo said Mr. York made the statement he had a balance of $600 c Mr. York said the lockers for the guides ' room have not been ordered. Thh Chairman asked how much money Mr. York was going to need, and he replied he did not know but would like to come back with the answer. The Chairman said he would write Mr Nickerson and ask him to take a look at the base. It was agreed #1, Mr. York to report the actual balance in the account, and #2, ask Mr. Nickerson to look at it and give the Board his recommendations. Mr. Cataldo said there should be curbing from Massachu- * Mr. Sheldon suggested that Mr. Cataldo prepare a plan and bring it in next onday night. 88 setts Avenue to the railroad tracks, and the Board agreed. Mr. Irving Goldberg, present at the meeting, referred to Adams Street alongside the Fiske School where two ball- fields were put on the playground. He said there is a sidewalk running down Adams Street and a grass strip the Town has graded and seeded. He asked if something could be done to prevent cars from being driven over that strip. Grass strip Mr. Carroll said he would be very leery of putting a Adams St. curbing there because the street is so narrow now. He suggested that the Traffic Study Committee take a look at it and make recommendations to the Board. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing. Executive deliberating or voting on matters which, if made public, Session might adversely affect the public security, the financial interest of the Town, or the reputation of any person. Following discussion with Town Counsel pertaining to legal matters and a land report from Mr. Gray, it was voted to resume the open meeting. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9:20 P.M. A true record, Attest: L ecuuive r;C`lerk Selectr-en L I L