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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1966-04-11-BOS-min 30 C3 SELECTMEN'S M H.:E;T ING April 11, 1966 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, April 11, 1966, at 7:30 P.M. Messrs. Cataldo, Burnell, Sheldon and Mabee were present. Mr. Gray, Executive Assistant, Mr. Carroll, Superintendent of Public Workd, and Miss Murray, Executive Clerk, were also present. Mr. Cole arrived at 7:50 P.M. In the absence of Mr. Cole, Mr. Cataldo acted as Chairman. Mr. Gray stated he received a letter from the Veterans' Agent reporting his typewriter had collapsed and the estimated cost for repairs is $49.60. It would Veterans' cost him $189.25 with a trade to buy a manual typewriter. Agent The Chairman asked if the machine was broken down typewriter completely, and Mr. Gray replied it cannot be used. Mr. Sheldon suggested that a used machine be trans- ferred to the Veterans ' Department and a new one be purchased. The Chairman suggested that the Veterans ' Agent use the machine in Mr. Gray's office and in the mean- time Mr. Gray would come back to the Board with a report as to where a new electric typewriter can be used. Mr. Gray read a letter from the Planning Board stating it believes that unless the right of way of Worthen Road north of Marrett Road and extending as Right of far as the land of Ashley is secured now, the construe- way Worthen tion of houses in the area may make a future acquisition Rd. north extremely costly. The Planning Board recommended that of Marrett the Selectmen begin as soon as practicable negotiations Road for the acquisition of this strip of land and it re- quested that an article be inserted in the warrant for the next town meeting for purchase of the land or authority to take it by eminent domain. Mr. Carroll said there is no question about the fact the town should acquire a piece of land here to block any development of the area, but he questioned whether or not the Board should go to the extreme of acquiring 500 feet. He stated if 500 feet is acquired, the Town will not get whoever owns the property to develop it and that is the whole idea of Worthen Road. He said this is something the Board should look at very carefully but he did not think the area acquired should be back any further than 100 feet . The Chairman said when this subject was discussed with the Department of Public Works, a different treat- ment of Marrett Road and Worthen Road was considered. v J 31 He said before any layout is made, something should be designed and discussed with the Department of Public Works. Mr. Carroll said it would be better going into Town Meeting with some plan of what the Board wants rather than say just a ten-foot strip. It was suggested that the Planning Board be advised the Selectmen want to work on this, and the Chairman said the Board should come up with a plan and then go into the Department of Public Works. Mr. Gray read a letter from the Planning Board re- commending the extension of Outlook Drive to Marrett Road and requesting that the Selectmen insert an article in the warrant for the next Town Meeting to lay out and con- Outlook struct that portion of Outlook Drive between its present Drive southerly limit and Marrett Road. It was agreed to include an item in the 1967 budget and also to include the extension of Outlook Drive in the list of streets to be presented at the Annual Town Meeting in March, 1967, Mr. Gray read a three-page report, dated April 11, 1966, from the Traffic Stuffy Committee relative to the problem of vehicles exiting from Eldred Street onto Bedford Street. The Committee recommended that the Board request the State Department of Public Works to install a flashing yellow light. Mr. Burnell said he did not think this was any solution to the problem. He said the Board could see by the other suggestions that there is still no solution to this problem at Eldred Street, He said he thought a trip light would be the best solution and he hoped some sort of signs back toward Route 128 would alert people so they would avoi* rear-end collisions. He said putting in the yellow flash- ing light was a waste of money and it would not prove anything. The Chairman asked how long it would take to get a flashing yellow light after the Board petitioned the State. Mr. Carroll replied he thought it would be done this year. Mr. Cole arrived at the meeting at 7:50 and conducted the meeting for the remainder of the evening. Mr. Cataldo reported there has been some talk about developing the rest of that land and perhaps the Board should look at the whole problem . Mr. Carroll said he was not sure throwing the traffic at the intersection of Hartwell Avenue and Bedford Street was a good solution. He said there really is not the problem here that people think there is. The two things the people in the area have said are, #1, it is a dangerous intersection. The statistics do not bear that out in the number of accidents, and #2, they claim 12 traffic has to wait there. He said a count was made there and he has three rolls of film that do not bear this out. The State says there are thousands of inter- sections much worse than this one. If the people think it is as serious as they do, they could find alternate routes. He reported that the committee feels the Board should not request something that would definitely cause rear-end collision and Chief Corr can show wherever there are traffic lights, there are rear-end collisions. He said the State just will not install traffic lights here. Mr. Gray reported the committee had gone over this again at the request of the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Mabee asked if the State differentiated between a trip light and asked if it would approve a trip light. Mr. Carroll said the State claims the rush hour traffic coming out of Eldred Street will keep the light working con- tinually. He said the problem is there is fast-moving traffic coming off Route 128. The cars will jam on their brakes and immediately there is a rear-end problem. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to petition the State Department of Public Works for the installation of a flashing yellow light at the Eldred Street and Bedford Street intersection. Mr. Gray reported that Mrs. Morey telephoned a few minutes before the Selectmen ' s Meeting and asked if there is a planned program for the opening of the Public Facili- ties Building, and if so, she would like a copy. She also asked about the sign. The Chairman said there is no planned program. It is just Open House. Mr. Carroll said he thought he was supposed to do something about a sign. It was agreed to put both church signs and the Public Facilities Building sign on one structure. The Chairman said the Board agreed to permit the Council of Churches to place a sign inside the building and now there is some question as to the exact location. He said he understood it was to be placed between the two windows on the left as one goes into the building. Mr. Burnell said his thought was itutuld go to the right of the counter there. He said before any more signs are put in there or plaques are placed on the wall, particularly this one, the Board shoald look at the possibility of placing this at the end of the bookcase, the back seotion of the information ---. The Chairman said he thought, personally, it would be better between the two windows. In any event, open house is Sunday and they want the sign in by then. Mr. Adams adked about the hours for the open house. Upon motion duly made andsecon ded, it was voted to establish the hours for Open House on Sunday, April 17, 1966, from 1:00 P.M. until 5: 00 P.M. 33 It was finally agreed to let the Chairman decide where the sign is to be placed. Mr. Mabee pointed out if no one likes the location, the sign can always be placed somewhere else Mr. Gray reported that Mrs . Morey mentioned the diorama and he said the price for the base is $600 She suggested that it be moved now and placed in the building for Open House and for April 19. He said at some appropri- ate time when money is available, the base can be put on. He said he has discussed moving it with Mr Nyren. Mr. Burnell said he believed the committee wants the diorama on the wall at the base of the stairs on the northwest side . He said for the moment, he would suggest that it be set up not against the wall that faces Bedford Street but the wall that faces the church on the back wall between the base of the back stairs and the wall. This still leaves the larger part of the floor open for circu- lation. The Board had no objection and asked Mr. Gray to make arrangements to have the diorama moved and also to call Mr. Wark in regard to the Council of Churches ' sign. The Chairman read a letter from the Chamber of Com- merce regarding the arrangements for the operation of the Information. Information Square in the Public Facilities Building. Square - The Chamber agreed that the Board of Selectmen and the Pub. Fac. Superintendent of Public Works would be the only persons Building to whom the Chamber of Commerce would be responsible. Notice was received from the Alcoholic Beverages Commission relative to the sale and delivery of alcoholic Package beverages on Patriots' Day, April 19. Goods Store Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request all "Package Goods" Stores"i+iay sell and deliver alsmhblix beverages until eleven-thirty o'clock P.M. on Monday, the night before the holiday Letter was received from Kenneth Garland, 33 Wyman Road, questioning a charge made to him for the use of the ambulance. Ambulance The Chairman reported Mr Garland called him on other ramifications of the accident , and said he would answer the latter A list of Town Meeting Members and the areas in which they indicated interest was received from Mary Lou Touart, Clerk of the Town Meeting Members Association. "to remain closed for the entire day. "Package Goods" stores 34 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Town Meet- to call a Special Town Meeting on Monday, June 20, 1966, ing at 8:00 P.M. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Warrant to close the warrant for the Special Town Meeting to be held on June 20, 1966, May 2, 1966. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Bond to approve bond #632130 in the amount of $1,000 on behalf of the Executive Clerk to the Board of Selectmen . Letter was received from Rev. Harold T. Handley April 19 requesting approval to erect a stand on the lawn of the Recboby, 1888 Massachusetts Avenue, on April 19. The Board had no objection. Letter was received from 'William F. Bongiorno requesting permission, on behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, to sell balloons from property of the Colonial Garage on April 19. The Board had no objection. Letter was received from Dr. Zolot requesting April 19 permission, on behalf of the Lexington Jaycees, to set up a booth on April 19 in the library driveway, next to the Douglass Funeral Home. Mr. Gray said he asked Dr Zolot if he meant the library driveway or Douglass ' driveway and apparently they want both The Chairman said if the Library Trustees want to grant permission, the Board would have no objection. Mr. Gray was requested to contact Dr. Zolot by tele- phone . Letter was received from George D. Comley, request- ing permission, on behalf of the 4-H Clubs of Lexington, April 19 to sell popcorn bars April 19. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the request . Letter was received from Mrs. Robert B. Kent re- questing permission, on behalf of the Lexington Roxbury April 19 Summer Day Camp. to sell balloons on April 19. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the request. Application was received from Frank T. Samuel requesting permission, on behalf of the New England Use .of ;Hall LaCrosse Officials Association, to conduct a meeting in Estabrook Hall on April 25, 1966, from 7:45 P.M. until 11:00 P.M { 35 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the use of the hall subject to a fee of $3.95 per hour for custodian 's overtime services. Application for position of Comptroller was re- ceived from Edward F. Monaghan, P.O.Box 358, Route 2, Comptroller Arnold, Maryland. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to renew Mr. Robert Rockwell 's Auctioneer License. License Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant Yearly Dump Permits to the following: Mead Bros. Tree Service, Inc. Bedford John A. Carrier Watertown John A. Colette Bedford Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting held on April 14, 1966. Minutes Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the following Sidewalk Orders: IIBedford Street, on the northerly side from the Boston and Maine Railroad a distance of 1136 Sidewalk feet, more or less , easterly; Orders Blossom Street, from Concord Avenue a distance of 67 feet , more or less, northerly; Oak Street on the northerly side from Ellis Street a distance of 260 feet, more or less, easterly; Revere Street on the easterly aide from Bedford Street to Hancoc)c Street a distance of 1972 feet, more or less; Worthen Road on the easterly side from Massachusetts Avenue a distance of 600 feet, more or less , northeahterly. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign the following Street Orders; Brigham Road from Hancock Street a distance of 614.8 feet, more or less , westerly; Dewey Road from Grove Street a distance of 680 feet, more or less, easterly; Juniper Place from °Mariam Street a distance of 432 feet, more or less , westerly; Mill Brook Road from Suzanne Road a distance of 137 Street feet, more or less, easterly; Orders Mohawk Drive from Oak Street a distance of 377 feet, more or less, easterly; 36 Partridge Road from Turning Mill Road to Turning Mill Road; Susanne Road from 375 feet, more ae less, south of Mill Brook Road to 620 feet, more or less, north of Mill Brook Road. Mr. Gray reported he had scheduled a meeting with Meeting Gordon Steele, Chairman of the School Sites Committee, for Thursday morning. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it pias voted to make the following appointments: NAME COMMITTEE TERM Robert E. Bond Recreation April 30, 1969 Eleanor B. Litchfield Town Celebrations April 30, 1969 Anthony Sperduto " " April 30, 1969 Elizabeth C. Severance " " April 30, 1969 Stanley E. Robbins Fire Commissioners May 1, 1969 George E. Bullock Standing Plumbing & Building By-Law April 30, 1960 Perry D. Lord " " April 30, 1969 Richard W. Souza " " April 30, 1969 Carl A. Carlson Dog Officer May 1, 1967 Dr. Howard A. Smith a " May 1, 1967 Mr. Gray reported receipt of an American flag, given by the Daughters of the American Revolution, for the Public Flag D A R Facilities Building. The Board was opposed to placing the flag on the build- ing and instructed Mr. Gray to advise Mrs. Coe that the Board feels, with the flag flying on the Green on a twenty- four hour basis, it would be more fitting to have a flag inside the Public Facilities Building. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Carroll advising that an additional $22,300 is needed to complete the Article various items of work which the contractor is doing for the State in constructing Town utilities under Route 2. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to insert an article in the warrant for the Special Town Meeting to be held on June 20, 1966. The Chairman read a letter from Miss Marcia Dane, 11 Vine Brook Road, requesting installation of a sidewalk Sidewalk and shoulder in front of her dwelling. Mr. Carroll said he would take care of this request. 37 The Chairman read a letter from Mrs. Robert Doran, daughter of the late John A. Wilson, relative to a bill for a sewer assessment on his property on Fern Street. Mr. Carroll submitted a plan and stated this sewer was installed last year, and it does not go through the Wilson sewer Wilson land. In assessing betterments for the sewer, betterment to make sure he did not miss the property, an assessment was made against the McGann and Wilson properties. He said it might be a good idea to discuss this with Mrs. Doran. He agreed to contact her. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the petition and sign the order for the follow- Pile ing JO pole Locations: locations Lowell Street, westerly side, southerly from a point approximately 75 feet south of North Street, -- Twenty-five poles. (Twenty-five existing JO poles to be removed. ) Instrument was received from the Boston Edison Company for the Board's signatures relative to granting an easement transferring ownership of one pole on Hillside Edison Avenue. easement Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the easement and sign the instrument. ' Mr. Cataldo questioned the Board' s authority to grant the easement and referred to a similar situation relative to utility poles on the Hancock School property. Mr. Gray was requested to check into this further. The Chairman read a letter from Harold P. Sinclair, 590 Lowell Street, claiming damage in the amount of $150 Sinclair for the loss of shade trees in connection with slope easements taken on Lowell Street. He also complained about the condition in which the contractor left his driveway. The Chairman said he would refer the letter to Town Counsel and have an appraisal made. The complaint about the driveway would be taken up with the contractor by Mr. Carroll. The Chairman read a letter from Abbott Engineering, Inc. , 296 State Street , Boston, relative to the Town paying for street lights on the newest section of Route 2.. Mr. Carroll said this letter was applicable only Route 2 to the section of Route 2 presently being designed and lighting there is very little of it in Lexington. He did not think there Was any necessity for the Town to become involved. Mr. Mabee said illumination is needed for the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Route 2A. 6 1 38 At 9:00 P.M. , Messrs. Kolovson, Tarbox, Trani and Brown met with the Board relative to Lexington Center. The Chairman explained the Board had invited the original Revitalization Committee in because it felt some definite steps have to be taken on implementing the vote of Town Meeting, and stated the Board has some reservations. He said the Selectmen are too busy to meet on a continuing basis with people trying to plan the center. It felt the Revitalization Committee has served its purpose up to this point and it was suggested that the Board appoint a new committee to interview arca- Committee tecta, finalize plans, submit the manes of at least three Revitali- architects to the Board. zation of Mr. Trani asked who would serve on this committee. ILex Center The Chairman said this would be for the Board to decide and his suggestion would be the Chairman of the Board or his designee, Superintendent of Public Works, Executive Assistant to the Board, someone from the Plan- ning Board, one member from the original Revitalization Committee and one member from the expanding committee. These people could go back to the groups they represented. Mr. Kolovson said his only concern would be that all groups that have had a part in this development thins far would continue to have an interest in what is taking place. Mr. Mabee asked who else in his group Mr. Koloveen would be interested in having on this committee. Mr. Kolovson replied the Board's suggestion comprised the general committee. He said they started a year ago, at which time a committee to study the revitalization was appointed. After Town Meeting and the study was voted on, he thought it was at that time they asked that the steering committee be expanded with specific names. When they came back, they were asked that the committee be enlarged. He said they operated after that point with a larger committee. Mr. Mabee asked if the Chamber of Commerce was well represented. Mr. Tarbox replied originally it was represented by two members. He said the main point, as far as he is concerned, is that the committee be made up of people in- terested in keeping this thing going along. The Chairman said this would be a working committee. Mr. Cataldo said two different jobs are being dis- cussed. The Committee the Board is talking about tonight is t o get Massachusetts Avenue designed and beautified, and make recommendations to the Board. This committee of five or six could meet with all interested groups. It could talk to the Chamber of Commerce and the merchants. Mr. Mabee said there is $60,000 to be spent. The matter to be resolved is of beautification vs Massachusetts Avenue. This is what the committee will make recommendations on to the Board of Selectmen . It will make a recommen- dation as to how the problem of the width vs beautification and recommend architects. Mr. Kolovson said they have been preoccupied with this for nine months and maybe the width takes in ten pages out of 100 in the study. There is a great deal more in the study that they have not been able to give to the Board because of the time factor. He asked if the new committee was to handle rezoning recommendations and new sign by-laws. The Chairman said it is his understanding if this committee is created, it will be to implement the vote of the Town Meeting as far as the $60,000 is concerned. The Revitalization Committee , so-called, would continue to explore and develop further ramifications of the center. Mr. Tarbox said this would be an operational committee for the $60,000. The Chairman said the functions of this new committee would be to get all the details worked out and come back to the Board with recommendations. Mr. Cataldo said the new committee would operate the same as the barn committee, and all decisions would be made by the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Kolovson said he personally thought this was a fair way of carrying on with the job. Mr. Tarbox said he had no objections. Mr. Brown said he agreed with t he intent but asked if a step was being taken to branch out with another committee. The Chairman said the committee will come to the Board of Selectmen with recommendations, but also will keep other groups informed as to proceedings. He explained the Selectmen want to avoid having meetings with t hirty or forty people. Mr. Mabee said the idea is good, but he knew, and all present knew, there was a terrific diversion of opinion on what constitutes beautification and what constitutes a travelled way. There should be a balance of diversions of opinion and it should not be heavily weighted one way or another. The Chairman said if it were left to him, he would suggest the Chairman of the Board, or his designee, Super- intendent of Public Works, Executive Assistant, Mr. Kblovson, because he has been Chairman. Then there was the expanded committee and he said he thought there should be a woman, and he suggested Mrs. Scharfman, a representative of the design advisory group, and Mr. Greeley of the Planning Board, who was very interested. Mr. Mabee said the Board of Selectmen has a very heavy hand with Mr. Gray, Mr. Carroll and the Chairman . He said the Selectmen are already committed and on record and he would like to see a real diversion of opinion. Mr. Caia1do said the Chairman was talking about seven or eight people and the only way it was possible to get people together on the barn committee was to start every morning at eight o'clock. 40 Mr. Mabee said he thought the idea was good, but he wanted to be on record as being cautious about the weight of the committee. Mr. .K9lovson said he would hope this could be entered/if1 'ehe proper spirit. Mr. Mabee said three members of this committee have already taken a very strong position and are on record. Mr. Cataldo said the Board is committed to sixty feet, four lanes of travel and two parking. The Chairman stated the Board did say, on the basis of information available to it , it was committed to a travelled way not less than sixty feet but he also made the statement at Town Meeting this was the Boardts position until and unless it is refuted or rebutted by experts who did not agree with the Board. Mr. Cati1do said there was a good understanding at Town Meeting what the position was going to be . Mr. Mabee said the Board agreed before Town Meeting that it would disagree. The Chairman said the statement he read at Town Meeting was one in which he felt the whole Board concurred. Mr. Kolovson said he thought it would be most unfortu- nate if the people on this new committee could not work together in the proper spirit. Mr. Cataldo said this was fine if it would not take six months. Mr. Kblovson said he did not see how it could take six months. Mr. Tarbox said no matter what the committee thought it would still end up with the Selectmen. Mr. Mabee said there is no point in having a com- mittee unless the Board takes some of its recommendations to heart. Mr. Tarbox said if the Selectmen have individually made up their minds, no matter what the committee does, it will still be in the Selectments hands to settle. The Chairman said the door had been left open and asked what was wrong with the balance of the committee. Mr. Kolovson said more important to him is the spirit in which the new committee is going to work. He disliked to start discussing about balances. Mr. Mabee said he voted with the Board of Selectmen for a sixty-foot right of way. He said if this committee comes back and says it wants to consider something other than sixty feet, he would take another look at it. Mr. Carroll said the beautification experts have to have an open mind also. Mr. Kolovson said he hoped he could speak on behalf of Mr. Sasaki, and for himself, he would enter into this in the right spirit. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint the following individuals to serve on an Im- plementation Committee: Messrs. Cole, Gray, Carroll, 41 Kolovson, Seharfman, Sasaki and Greeley; Mr. Cole to act as Chairman. The group retired at 9:33 P.M. Mr. Cataldo expressed strong opposition to the makeup of the committee. 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 pertaining to the sewer system and drainage with Mr. Carroll, it was voted to resume the open meeting. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:15 P.M. A true record, Attest; � xec�5tivelerelectn qtr 1