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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1966-04-04-BOS-min SELECTMEN'S MEETING April t , 1966 ' A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, April 4, 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. Gray stated the Board had agreed to wait until after Town Meeting to write for a Civil Service list. He said the Board should now write for tie list and he would ask Civil Service to set up an examination for Patrolmen Captain. and Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Captain to authorize Mr. Gray to take whatever steps are neces- sary, through the Division of Civil Service, for ten additional patrolmen. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to request the Director of Civil Service to hold an examination for the position of Captain in the Lexington police Department. Mr. Gray said the Article which concerns the appropri- ation for the communications system was passed, and asked Communi- how the Board would like to proceed in regard to specifi- cations cations for bids. system The Chairman said the committee is more familiar with this and, at his suggestion, it was agreed to have the committee follow this through. Mr. Gray said he took bids Friday afternoon on Police car the purchase of six new police cars, and read the bids following: Rowe Chevrolet, Inc. $8,35.00 Lawless-Mawhinney Motirs, Inc. 9,777.12 Porter Square Dodge; Inc. 9,139.96 Dunn Ford Sales, Inc. 9,374.00 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the low bid of $8,235.00 net , submitted by Rowe Chevrolet, Inc. Mr. Gray said that Mr. Michelson, of the Chamber of Commerce, gave him wording, which he submitted to the Board, for the plaque to be placed at the base of the flag on the Common. No one on the Board expressed any Plaque opposition to the proposed wording. 23 1 Mr. Gray informed the Board that there was a pole on the Hancock School property that was damaged and taken down by the Boston Edison Company. The Boston Edison Pole at Company would like to take the pole over and maintain it. Hancock He said he checked with Mr. Carroll who advised him that School he had no objection. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to execute an instrument, prepared by the Boston Edison Company, and submitted by Mr . Gray, assigning allrights, title and interest in one pole on the northeast side of Forest Street on Hancock School land. Later in the evening, during Executive Session, Town Counsel advised the Board on the subject, pointing out that this is not under the Selectmen' s jurisdiction and the Board would have to obtain Town Meeting permission to grant an easement, similar to the action taken at the Harrington School. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to rescind the vote to execute the instrument, prepared by the Boston Edison Company, and submitted by Mr. Gray, assigning all right, title and interest in one pole on the northeast side of Forest Street on Hancock School land. Mr. Gray stated, in talking with the Civil Defense Director, the possible additions or renovations as far as the Town Office facilities are concerned, there are funds available for a feasibility study from the Federal Govern- Town Office ment which would be a grant of $2,000 to the Town to see renovation what space within the new space could be used for Town & Civil office operation and in an emergency for Civil Defense. Defense He said this would not commit the Town at all and after the feasibility study, the Federal Government will partici- pate. Mr. Cateldo suggested that the committee look into the subject first. Th.b Chairman asked if the Board had any authority to take advantage of such a grant, and whether or not it would require a vote of Town Meeting. Mr. Legro replied there is a statute covering suOh a subject but he would have to check it. Mr. Gray said he would get the statute and infor- mation from Mr. Burrell and refer it to Mr. Legro. Mr. Cataldo reported that the Town Barn Committee recommends that the Board of Selectmen retain William A. Halsey as the architect for the alterations and additions to the Town Barn. Upon motion duty made and seconded, it was voted to retain William A. Halsey, architect, for the alter- Town Barn ations and additions to the Town Barn as authorized by architect vote of Town Meeting under Article 37 of the Annual Town Meeting. 24 Iar CI Mr. Cataldo said the Town Barn Committee had a contract it would like to refer to Town Counsel. He reported Mr. Halsey would like to go on a fixed fee basis rather t han on a pereentae basis. He is going to design many things in this building that Mr. Carroll's department will do, and in ail fairness, he thought this should be a fixed fee basis contract with a pro- vision in it as to what the fee is going to be. He said he had a payment schedule he would like Town Counsel to look at. The contract and payment schedule were given to Mr. Legro for his recommendations. Mr. Cataldo stated that the committee has a meeting scheduled for Friday morning and he would appreciate re- ceiving some information in time for that meeting if possible. Letter was received from attorney Rudolph Kass, representing the Airways Transportation Company. On May 11, 1964, the Board granted a license to the Company to operate motor vehicles over certain public ways in Lexington in order to enable it to furnish limousine passenger service from Logan Airport to Hanscom Field and return. Mr. Kass requested the Board to supplement Airways the previous license by permittingit to operate on the Trans. Co. Yankee Division Highway (Route 12 ) from the Waltham line license to Concord Turnpike (Route 2) Mr. Legro explained this merely established a route. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the Airways Transportation Company a supplement license to operate motor vehicles for the carriage of passengers for hire over Yankee Division Highway (Route 128) from the Waltham line to the Concord Turnpike (Route 2) intersection with Yankee Division Highway. Letter was received from the Town Clerk to which was attached a copy of a claim received from William P. Mezzetti, 39 Pleasant Street, Quincy, Mass., relative to Grande & Son, Claim Inc. Mr. Legro advised he had a copy and this is not any- thing that concerns the Board. The Chairman read a letter from Timothy J. Delaney, Jr. , 15 Wilhemina Avenue, Burlington, requesting permission to move a house from Belmont to Baskin Road and a house Move house from Arlington to Baskin Road if he is the successful permit bidder on April 7, 1966. The Chairman suggested that this be referred to Mr. Carroll to look at and also check with the Chief of Police. Mr. Carroll pointed out+ bids will not be opened until April 7. The Chairman asked if it was going to be the Board's policy to grant permits to move housds before t hey are acquired. He said he thought the Board's answer should be, if Mr. Delaney acquires the house, he should formally l5 make application through his mover for a permit. It was agreed to advise Mr. Delaney to contact Mr. Carroll for an informal opinion; if he actually acquires one of the house*, submit a formal application for a permit to move it. Letter was received from John D. Beckwith, Project Chairman of the Lexington Jaycees, requesting permission Jaycee to insert Emergency Medical Number stickers in the water stickers bills. The Board had no objection. The Chairman read a letter from Lee E. Tarbox, Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, relative to the respon- sibilities of the Chamber in operating the Information Square in the Public Facilities Building. Mr. Cataldo questi< ned the first point raised about Information the Chamber having sole authority in that section. He Square said he did not think the Board should give them sole Pub. Fac. authority for the Chamber to do exactly what it pleased. Building Mr. Mabee said there should be a way out for the Selectmen if this does not work out right and there are complaints; the Board should have some recourse. The Chairman said the Chamber's intent is to pro- vide a service for the tourists. Mr. Cataldo said he still wanted the Board to have the right to change anything it does not think is right. He pointed out that the Board has had a problem with these people before relative to their interpretation and attitude. Mr. Sheldon said all that is necessary is to add a few words such as "subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen". It was agreed to advise the Chamber of Commerce that the Board would include, at the end of the second paragraph in its letter , another sentence, viz: "The Board of Selectmen reserves the right to periodically review the operation". The Chairman read a letter from Franklin P. Hudson with further reference to the basement at Countryside, Basement at and said he would write Mr. Hudson. Countryside Mr. Sheldon said it was his understanding this matter will never be settled until the Town takes the owner of tlhe property to court. Mr. negro informed the Board he had talked to Mr. Irwin about this two weeks ago, and at that time, he was going to look at the property again. It was agreed that the Chairman would act as a committee of one to pursue the complaint further. II The Chairman read a letter from Phyllis L. Coe, Regent, Lexington Chapter National. Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, relative to presenting the Town 26 C"1 with a gift of a flag for the Public Facilities Building. D.A.R.Flag The Chairman suggested, and the Board agreed, that Pub. Fac. the flag be presented the day the building is formally Building opened, April 17, 1966. Letter was received from Stephen Ells advising he is unable to accept reappointment to the Conservation Commission as for personal reasons he will be moving away from Lexington before the end of the summer. At the request of the Massachusetts Bar Association Law Day Committee on Public Relations, it was voted to proclaim May 1, 1966 as Law Day USA in the Town of Lexington. Letter was received from David G. Rich, 37 Kendall Road, requesting permission, on behalf of the Battle Green April 19 Chapter, Order of DeMolay, to sell ice cream bars along the parade route on April 19. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the request. Letter was received from C. W. Bryant, 2 Hilltop Avenue, requesting permission, on behalf of the Battle Green Chapter, Order of DeMolay, to operate a concession April 19 stand in Mr. Baker' s store on Massachusetts Avenue, April 19. The Board had no objection. Letter was received from Donald E. Earnshaw, Lex- ington Esso, 10 Woburn Street, requesting permission to April 19 sell candy, popcorn, balloons and novelties on the station premises. The Board had no objection. Application for a Yearly Dump Permit was received Dump from Carl S. Erickson, 196 Mishawaum Road, Woburn. permit Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant Mr. Erickson a Yearly Dump Permit. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted License to renew Mr. Joseph A. Belcastro's license as an auctioneer. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant a taxi driver license to Paul G. Cunningham, License 133 Bedford Street, Lexington, satisfactory character reference having been received from the Chief of Police. Notice was received from the Massachusetts League Conference of Cities and Towns relative to a conference to be heed on April 13 at the Statler Hilton Hotel in Boston. Mr. Gray said he planned to attend. 27 Upon motion duly made and seconded it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectmen's Meetings Minutes held on March 28 and March 30. Mr. Leon A. Burke, Jr. , Director of Guides, met with the Board and stated he had received a copy of letter written t o the Board by William G. Nowlin, Jr. , Sale of in which he expressed his feelings relative to the post cards sale of post cards or other literature by the Guides. by guides Mr. Burke said he could appreciate Mr. Nowlin' s pre- dicament but he would think it would be in the best interest of the Town, having conversed with other interested people, that the Selectmen would stand by their original vote. He said he would certainly re- commend that the Board abide by the vote it previously passed because it is in good taste. He said the first concern of the guide is the lecture on the Common. The Chairman said he would write Mr. Nowlin and tell him the Board established a new procedure and has no intention of letting the bars down. Payment of the salary for the Director of Guides was discussed briefly and it was agreed to pay him on a quarterly basis. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the Senior Citizens to use Estabrook Hall on April 7, 1966 from 2:00 P.M. until Use of hall 4:00 P.M. for a Board Meeting. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to "The Unknowns" to conduct a dance in Cary Memorial Hall on Saturday, April 23, 1966, from 8:00 P.M. until 11: 30 P.M. instead of April 22, 1966. Use of hall Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to hold the SelectmenA:s Meeting the week of April 18 on Wednesday, April 20, 1966, at 7: 30 P.M. Meeting 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, Executive the financial interest of the Town, or the reputation of Session any person. Following discussion with Town Counsel pertaining to legal matters, and a parcel of land which the Town might be interested in acquiring, it was voted to resume the open meeting. Mr. Legro retired at 9:25 P.M. 28 Messrs. Campbell, Fowle, Worrell and Mrs. Riffin of the Planning Board, Mr. Zaleski, Planning Director, and representatives of the Peacock Farm area met with the Board to discuss the ramp and location of Route 2 in that area. The Chairman explained his inability to attend the meeting last Tharsday because of a previously scheduled committee meeting, and stated Mr. Cataldo attended the meetirE as the Board' s representative. Mr. Cataldo said the Commissioner came out and Mr. Route 2 Roberts was there representing the Peacock Farm people. He said the plan on display is an alternative these people are proposing. He asked the Commissioner just how serious he could consider this and his reply was, if the Town Boards officially approve this as an alternative, it would be given serious consideration. Mr. Fowle said there was no Planning Board representa- tive at the meeting and asked how that Bord was overlooked. Mr. Cataldo explained the Selectmen were invited by Mr. Bussgang. Mr. Carroll explained the plan and stated the change would cost $238,000 for everything. He stated that, in his opinion, this boils down to whether or not the Board is willing to spent $238,000 in the next couple of years if the State is willing to go along with this. Mr. Zaleski reported that Mr. Horgan said once the present interstate system is completed and they have money, they would do Watertown Street themselves and they would pay0 for the Pleasant Street rotary. 5 � y Mr. Campbell said the Planning Board would approve this basically because it feels Pleasant Street and Watertown Street are going to have to be dealt with if not now within the next five years. This also will give the Town some type of solution as far as Emerson Road is con- cerned. The members of the Planning Board present were all recorded in favor of the slip ramp. Mr. Cataldo said he could see the slip ramp if it can be done engineeringwise, and there is no difference in the safety factor. He stated all the Board is saying this evening is it approves this and will ask Commissioner Sargent to accept it . All members of the Board of Selectmen were recorded in favor of the slip ramp. Mr. Carroll said the next decision is how this is to be handled and he suggested that the plan be taken into the Commissioner. Mr. Cataldo said it should be taken in by Thursday. The Chairman offered to deliver it , and Mr. Carroll said an appointment should be made for two or three people to go in. It was agreed that the Chairman, Mr. Cataldo , Mr. Carroll and Mr. Zaleski would go in to see the Commissioner. 29 The Board also agreed to write the Commissioner a letter relative to the condition of the Public Works Depot on Route 128 The Planning Board retired at 10:10 P.M. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:12 P.M. A true record, Attest : / / rlarec iv ' Clerk, Sele en s �_G i to 1 kr 1