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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1966-03-07-BOS-min 571 SELECTMEN'S MEETING March 7, 1966 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, march 7, 1966, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Cole, Messrs . Burnell, Cataldo , Sheldon and Mabee were pre- sent. Mr. Legro, Town Counsel, Mr. Gray, Executive Assistant, and Miss Murray, Executive Clerk, were also present. Letter from Mr. Frederick J. Conroy, Attorney for Ned S. and Genevieve M. Rasor, with reference to a sewer Rasor betterment assessment, 80 Marrett Road, Lexington , was assessment held over. Letter from Mrs . Isabelle M. Kitson, 847 Massachu- setts Avenue, reporting damagest o her car, estimated Kitson in the amount of $103.25, caused by driving over an un- Claim covered manhole cover, was held over. Bulletin was received from the Massachusetts Depart- ment of Commerce and Development with reference to Chapter 790, Acts of 1965, an Act to establish a bureau Chap. 790 of relocation in the department of commerce and develop- Acts 1965 ment and providing for relocation assistance to persons and organizations displaced by eminent domain. Mr. Legro said the Board may be concerned about this, but not at the moment. He said he thought the Board should read it. The Chairman said the bulletin would be on file for any member of the Board desiring to read it. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the petitions and sign the orders for the follow- ing pole, guy wire and anchor locations , Mr. Gray having Pole lo- reported that they were all approved by Mr. Carroll . cations Melrose Avenue, northeasterly side, southeasterly from a point approximately 69 feet Four (4) poles. Frost Road, northerly from a point approximately 20 feet north of East Street, -- Five (5) poles, guy wire and anchor on fourth pole. Letter received from Francis L. Barry, 36 Paul Revere Road, together with two water bills for the year 1965, objecting to paying more than the total cubic feet used I/ in the year. Barry The letter was held over until the next meeting of water bill the Board when the Superintendent of Public Works would be present. 572 C"2 Atow Letter from Mr. and Mrs. Ernest B. Johnson, 45 Grove Street, and Mrs. Helen B. Baker, 46 Grove Street, opposing Grove St. the installation of a sewer in Grove Street, was held over sewer until the next meeting of the Board, when the Superintendent of Public Works would be present. Letter from Reverend Ernest B. Johnson, Jr. , Braintree, requesting exemption from the sewer better- ment for the proposed installation on Grove Street, was Grove St. held over until the next meeting of the Board when the sewer Superintendent of Public Works would be present. Letter was received from Perkins Machinery Co. with reference to the Municipal Guaranteed Bid progran Guaranteed inaugurated by the company two and one half years ago. bid progra c The Chairman stated the letter was infomative and ✓✓ he thought it should be kept on file. Mr. Legro stated the Town had this on one prior bid, but did not use it. The Chairman read a letter from the Planning Board advising that by a unanimous vote the Planning Board recommends the laying out as a town way, and acceptance and construction of Middleby Roao, including two side- walks and a pavement of a width sufficient to safely and conveniently meet the demand of traffic. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Barron advising that on February 11, 1966 the Town received $35,100.86 as its 2/3 share of the total allotment of $52,651.29 from Chapter 90 Chapter 679, Acts of 1965. He mentioned a previous vote of the Board that if the funds came in on time, they would be used to combine with his requested amount of $60,000 for Chapter 90 construction on Massachusetts Avenue under Article 22. The Chairman read the following memorandum in regard to the Public Facilities Building: Memorandum to Board of Selectmen February 24, 1966 Re: Public Facilities Building At a meeting on February 24, 1966 attended by Lee Tarbox representing the Chamber of Commerce, Paul Mazerall, Park Superintendent, and John J. Carroll, Superintendent of Public Works, it was agreed that the building would be open as follows: Public Opening day April 1, 1966 Facilities Summer Schedule - April 1st to October 31st 11Building Weekdays - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays - 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Holidays - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Winter Schedule - November 1st to March 31st Weekdays - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays- Not open Sundays - Not open Holidays - Not open Holiday Schedule Open Closed Patriots Day - April 19th Veteran' s Day- Nov. 11th Memorial Day - May 30th Thanksgiving Day Independence Day-July 4th Christman Day Labor Day New Year' s Day Columbus Day - Oct. 12th Washington' s Birthday It was agreed by all present that a strict policy should be adopted at the beginning to discourage teenagers from hanging around the building. It was also suggested that the Selectmen might want to have an opening day ceremony or an "open house" on a Sunday after- noon to introduce the building to the public. Very truly yours, John J. Carroll Supt. of Public Works & Town Engineer cc: Chamber of Commerce - Lie Tarbox Guy V. Colella Paul Mazerall It was agreed to hold Open House on April 3, 1966 and the Chairman asked Mr. Gray to so advise Mr. Carroll, Superintendent of Public Works . Mr. Sheldon said there were no provisions to keep the building open evenings during the summer. He said he did not know if there would be enough tourist busi- ness to warrant it, he was merely raising the question. Mr. -'eon Burke , Director of Guides, said he thought the five o' clock closing would be satisfactory. He said during the summer between six and dark, there are a number of people at the Green but they seemed to be commoded here in Town. He said people there at that time of night seem to be already established for lodging. He said at six at night or thereafter, is not a suitable time for guiding because it is after supper and these people are just out to get the air. Mr. Burnell asked when the historical buildings were open, and Mr. burke replied from nine in the morning until quarter to five. 574 Cr CI Mr. Burnell said, actually, the proposed schedule would be following the established schedule. Mr. Mabee inquired as to the ceremonies for the Open House on April 3. The Chairman said he thought an official opening would lend some dignity. Mr. Cataldo asked if the building would be ready by April 1. The Chairman said the Board could accept the pro- posed schedule on a tentative basis, and Mr. Gray would be the liaison between the Selectmen and the Chamber of Commerce to see that they will be in there and change the date from April 1 to April 3. Be said if it cannot be ready by then, Mr. Gray should so inform the Board. Mr. Burnell said the furniture and draped have been ordered. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the Memorandum to Board of Selectmen February / 214., 1966, submitted by Mr. John J. Carroll, Superintendent t/ of Publid Works, Mr. Gray to be the Board' s liaison between the Board of Selectmen and the Chamber of Commerce, the official Open House to be held on April 3, 1966 unless the Board is otherwise notified by Mr. Gray that the building will not be ready on that date. A statement was received from the Metropolitan District Commission indicating the amount of water sold to all municipalities and the revenue received for the same during the previous calendar year. The Chairman read a statement from .Franklyn J. Crosby proPesting to remarks made by the Chairman at the League of Women Voters on March 2, 1966. The Chairman read a letter from the Director of Civil Civil De- Defense suggesting the following appropriations for his fense 1966 budgets: budget Personal Services Expenses Amount Requested $10,312.00 $ 12,478.00 Suggested reduction 932.00 1,158.00 New amount $ 9,3d0.00 $ 11,320.00 Warrant was received from the County Commissioners Mdsx. San, assessing the Town $3,841.10, payable on or before April 1, Assessment 1966 as its share of the maintenance, operation and repair of the Middlesex County Sanitarium for the year 1966. The Chairman read a letter from Wallace Cupp stating that he, President of Local #1491, has been delegated to act as their bargaining agent for the uniformed members 11 of the Lexington Fire Department . He stated this is in regard to Chapter #114.9 of the General Laws enacted by the 5(5 ' legislature on November 17, 1965. The Chairman said the Board is getting into an area where it will have to make a decision as to who is going to do the bargaining. He said where there is a Board between the Selectmen and the employee of the Town, they should work with these Boards; where there is not, then they should work with the Selectmen. He sutgested that all the appointed Boards be invited to meet with the Selectmen and discuss this. He explained he was saying they should go through these Boards, but he was not in any way suggesting that these Boards be the bargaining agents. Mr. Gray reported that the Massachusetts Selectmen' s Association is preparing information to be used as a guide. Mr. Sheldon asked if the Board could wait until after Town Meeting for this joint meeting suggested by the Chairman. The Chairman said the law is now in effect, and asked Mr. 1'egro if he had any comment. Mr. Legro said he thought the Chairman was taking the right approach, and one factor to be considered is the bargaining agent the Board appoints must be in a position of authority. He said the Board could not appoint someone to be a go-between to bring back reports. He said he would have some comments on it for the Board. Mr. Sheldon said he would like to wait and hear from the Selectmen' s Association and unless there is some emergency, he thought the Board could wait three weeks. The Chairman said there has been no request for a meeting with the Board. He said in this instance, he can acknowledge receipt of the letter and send a copy to the Board of Fire Commissioners. Mr. Legro advised that the Selectmen have a reasonable amount of time to come to a decision. The Chairman read a letter from Reed Kingston Taylor, expressing interest in serving on any board connected with schools and school problems. The Chairman said he would acknowledge receijap of the letter and send a copy to the School Committee. Letter was received from Arthur A . O ' Shea, Executive Secretary, Board of Selectmen in Brookline, with reference Under- to the program for placing underground all overhead public ground utility lines. Public The Chairman said there are bills in the legislature utilities now, but he has not read them. He said he thought the Board was sympathetic to the underground program, but it also knew it would cost the Town money. He agreed to acknowledge the letter. Letter, together with schedules, was received from the Group Insurance Commission, relative to the Elderly Insurance Governmental Retiree Hospital-Surgical-Medical Insurance Costs - Cherry Sheet Estimates. 576 CT Oak Mr. Gray assured the Board sufficient funds have been provided in the 1966 budget. The Chairman read a letter from Donald K. Irwin, Building Building Inspector, listing the duties performed as Insp. Administrative Head of the Department and as Building duties Inspector. Invitation eas received from the Town Celebrations Committee to participate in the early morning Patriot's April 19 Day parade, starting at 7:00 A.M. at the Adams School, and ending with exercises on the Green at approximately 8:00 A.M. It was agreed that the Board would accept the invitation. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the League of Women Voters to Use of conduct an open meeting in Estabrook Hall, March 9, 1966 hall from 9:15 A.M. until 12;00 noon, free of charge. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the Senior Citizens to conduct Use of a club meeting in the Conference Room, Cary Memorial hall Building, on March 15, 1966, from 1: 30 P.M until 3:30 P.M. , free of charge. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the Lexington Youth Baseball to Use of conduct a meeting in Estabroo4 Hall on March 18, 1966, hall from 8:00 P.M. until 11:00 P.M. , free of charge. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the Lexington Council of Churches Use of Youth Department to conduct a Hootenanny (folk songfest) hall in Cary Memorial Hall on April 17, 1966 , form 8: 00 P.M. until 11:00 P .M. subject to a charge of $35.00 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant a Taxi Driver License to Edmund D. Aronson, License 100 Hancock Street, satisfactory character reference haviry been received from the Acting Chief of Police. Upon motion duly made and secondee, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectmen ' s Meeting held on Minutes February 28, 1966. Letter was received from Charles T. Abbott resign- ing from the School Sites Committee, effective April 1, Resignation 1966. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to accept the resignation. 517 The Chairman stated there is a vacancy on the Town Celebrations Committee as a result of Mr. 'ealy' s resig- nation, and he suggested appointment of the present Appointment Veterans' Agent Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Mr. Bernard J. Belcastro, Jr. , to the Town Celebrations Committee for an unexpirea term ending April 30, 1968. Mr. Sheldon reported he had bQen approached by the manager of Carroll Cut Rate store who proposes to have a younster dressed in an Easter Bunny costume who will give out lollipops in front of the store. He said this is a matter for the Board of Selectmen to decide and not Easter for the Board of Appeals. Bunny No one on the Board had any objection, and the Chair- man suggested that where the Board did not receive a request in writing, a verbal answer would be sufficient. He said he would also notify the Police Department. Mr. Burnell said when the Selectmen visited the Information Building as a Board, it was suggested that the basement be painted, and he asked if this could be done by Public Faa- Town employees and have this area available for the open- ilities ing April third. Building Mr. Cataldo said he could see no reason why it could not be done. The Chairman asked Mr. Gray to follow through on this with Mr. Carroll. 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 Mr. Willard P. Grush, Chairman of the Board of Assessors, a report from Mr. Mabee relative to t'aul Lloyd' s land, Cummings' case and a letter from Norman J. Richards with reference to Article 65 in the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting, it was voted to resume the open meeting. Chairman Parrish, Messrs . Gary, Noyes, Blaisdell, Carlson, Zehner, Clarke, Kenney and Mrs. Souza of the Appropriation Committee, met with the Board. The Chairman said he understood there are still Civil some differences between the recommendations of the two Defense Boards . He reported receipt of a letter from the budget Director of Civil Defense suggesting $9,380 for Personal Services, and $11,320.00 for Expenses. He said this would give the Committee the figure it wanted. The Chairman referred to the item for Police Women 578 atb. and said he asked Chief Corr to be present because he did not want any misunderstanding. he said he under- stood the Chief agrees with the Board of Selectmen relative to an increase in the amount. Chief Corr said the proposed increase was definitely included in the original budget . The Chairman said the amount was put in the budget at his suggestion. Mr. Cataldo said if article four is definitely to be opened up, would this be one of the items. Mr. Clarke suggested that the Appropriation Co,- mittee discuss this item among its members. Mr. Zenner asked what problems there are in re- cruiting policewomen, and Chief Corr replied there is no list and no one waiting, and there have been a couple of resignations. He reported that Elizabeth Rycroft who has been a policewoman for ton or fifteen years is going to work for a dentist . He said these girls have to be in uniform all day and it amounts to a full-time position because they cannot go anywhere. Mr. Blaisdell said he thought it was the intention of the Town to pay a fair salary and asked if the Chief would expect a great many applications if the salary was $175 or if everyone would resign if it were $90 or $100. He asked if dollars was the big factor. Chief Corr replied he thought it was . Mr. Blaisdell asked what the effect would be if the amount was only $125. Chief Corr replied he thought there would be more resignations. Chief Corr said he thought $150 was fair as the girls have not had an increase in over five years . Chief Corr retired at 9:00 P.M. Mr. Parrish said the committee has stayed with $8400 for the Collector and stated this was not the Selectmen' s Article and not the Committee ' s article. The Chairman said he thought the figure should be $8700 and polled the Board. Mr. Cataldo said he felt it should be $8700 but Budgets he thought there should be a distinct difference between the Collector and Treasurer. He said he did not think $300 is a meaningful difference. The Chairman said the Board is thinking of next year when the Treasurer and Clerk would be more efficient and should be approaching the salary of the gentleman who had the position prior to her, at which time a difference will exist. Mr. Parrish asked what the Collector' s job was worth and said at some point the job becomes wotsth a certain amcunt and the Committee feels this job is certainly not worth $8700. He said sometimes a Collector and Clerk are the same individual and get more than this. 579 Mr. Noyes said with no job schedule these people cannot go on year after year and get an increase. Mr. Gary asked what figures would be used in the motion. The Chairman said the Committee put out its book with the figures it recommends and the motion will be those approved by the Selectmen . Mr. Parrish said not in this article . Mr. Gary suggested, to avoid the unfortunate thing of Mrs. Rich having to get up on Town Meeting floor, to use the figure the Appropriation Committee recommends and then let the Selectmen offer an amendment. Mr. Noyes said this is a motion that could be offered by any Town Meeting Member. Mr. Noyes asked why this could not be held over in view of the fact there is going to be a Personnel Board. Mr. Zehner said normally they look for a margin between the two, and the committee was thinking $600. As soon as the Town Clerk and Treasurer was fixed $9,000, then the $8,700 seemed out of line. Mr. Noyes said it makes more sense to leave this to the Personnel Board to resolve. The Chairman asked if the Board was agreeable to letting the figures of ohe Appropriation Committee be used in the motion with the understanding that others will feel free to amend this motion. The Board agreed. Mr. Parrish said the committee was not very will in- formed relative to Laconia Street. The Chairman said later in the evening this would be discussed again and he hoped to have a figure that can be used. Mr. Gray asked if this could be held over for a June meeting. The Chairman said the way the building law is now, there is nothing to stop this man from going ahead with what he intends to do . He said immediately after this meeting with the Appropriation Committee the Board was going into Executive Session to discuss some financial matters of the Town. Mr. rarrish said the committee is opposed to Article 52, beautification of Lexington Center . The committee is opposed to articles 84 and 87, Worthen Road and Massachu- setts Avenue; recommending indefinite postponement to the article in East Lexington-Winchester line; in favor of the West farm; voted to oppose Article 40; voted against the Hanington playground and reduced the Road Machinery. The item for Structure of Town Government �ommitt€e was reduced to $400 by both the Selectmen and the Appropriation Committee. The Appropriation Committee retired at 10:15 P.M. 80 c2 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 of several legal matters with Town Counsel, it was voted to resume the open meeting. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 11:00 P.M. A true record, Attest: "Exec ve lerSelector