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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1966-02-28-BOS-min 543 SELECTMEN'S MEETING February 28, 1966 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, February 28, 1966, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Cole, Messrs. Burnell, Cataldo, Sheldon and Mabee were present. Mr. Legro, Town Counsel, Mr. Gray, Executive Assistant , and Miss Murray, Executive Clerk, were also present. At the request of the Town Clerk, six jurors were drawn as follows: Allen F. Dickerman, 43 Freemont Street; Jurors Frank E. Rymes, 68 Outlook Drive; Samuel Altschuler, Jr., 27 Hathaway Road; Minot E. Sampson, 5 Milk Street; James F. Masyck, 38 Raed Street, and A. Damon Marshall, 103 Gleason Road. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Company for permission to locate ten feet of conduit in Grant Street. Notices of the hearing were mailed to the peti- tioner, owners of the property as listed on the petitioner' s plan and also filed with the Superinten- dent of Public Works . Conduit Mr. Stickney, representing the petitioner, was location the only person present at the hearing. He explained the conduit is a short connection going from a pole on Grant Street into Saddle Club Road to serve a new de- velopment and it will be undergroud all the way. No one appeared in favor or in opposition and the hearing was declared closed. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to locate a hip guy Hip guy and anchor on Bedford Street. & anchor Notices of the hearing were mailed to the peti- tioners, owners of the property as listed on the petitioners' plan and also filed with the Superintendent of Public Works. Mr. Stickney, representing the Boston Edison Com- pany, was the only person present at the hearing. He explained there is a strain on the pole going into Davenport' s greenhouse. There is a line going across Bedford Street pulling on it and the proposal is to take off the strain. No one appeared in favor or in opposition and the hearing was declared closed. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company pertaining to a pole on Summer Street. Pole Notices of the hearing were mailed to the petitioners, location owners of the property as lilted on the petitioners ' plans and also filed with the Superintendent of Public Works. Mr. Stickney, representing the Boston Edison Company, was the only person present at the hearing. He explained this is an existing pole owned by the Edison Company to be made jointly owned by the telephone company. It will remain in the present location. No one appeared in favor or in opposition and the hearing was declared closed. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Pole Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and location Telegraph Company pertaining to ten poles on Vine Street. Notices of the hearing were mailed to the petitioners, owners of the property as listed on the petitioners' plans and also filed with the Superintendent of Public Works. Mr. Stickney, representing the Boston Edison Company, was the only person present at the hearing. He explained these are existing poles owned by the Edison Company to be made jointly owned by the telephone company. They will re- main in the present locations. No one appeared in favor or in opposition and the hearing was declared closed. Mr. Gray informed the Board that Mr. Carroll was at a Planning Board meeting and had asked him to report that he has no objections to any of the proposed locations. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following conduit, hip guy and anchor, and pole locations: (Quote) . Mr. Stickney retired. Mr. Gray submitted a demand for payment of an ambu- lance bill sent to John Barry, 22 Bow Street, for use of Ambulance the ambulance in 1965. He reported that the Veterans' bill Agent had requested the Board to consider an abatement abated as Mr. Barry is now hospitalized and receiving Veterans' Aid. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to abate ambulance bill ")I to John Barry in the amount of $10.00. The Chairman stated he felt it wise to have some- thing in the paper relative to the referendum on the police. He read a proposed statement to which the Board had no objection. Mr. Cataldo asked if the Chairman thought the Board should contact the League of Women Voters and request that this be mentioned on Candidates' night at all Precinct Meetings. Mr. Gray was requested to contact the League. r .A 565 Letters were received from Mr. Daniel F. Coughlin, 11 Wingate Road and Mrs. Coughlin alleging damage to a motor Vehicle registered to Mrs . Coughlin by a Town truck. Claim Mr. Legro reported receipt of a copy of Mr. Coughlin's letter and said he had asked for a report on it. Letter was received from James J. McDevitt , 36 Colony Road, alleging damage to a holly tree by the Town' s snow Claim blower. Mr. Legro reported receipt of a copy of the letter and said he had asked for a report on it . The Chairman read a letter from Franklyn J. Crosby advising he would like to withdraw his request to hold a non-partisan Torch Light Parade on March 6, 1966. Torch The Chairman said because no action has been taken, Light the Board would grant the request on the withdrawal. Parade A two-page letter was received from Charles Collazzo on the subject of sidewalks. A copy of the letter had been sent to each member of the Board and to the Super- intendent of Public Works. SidewalJ Mr. Cataldo suggested that the Board obtain an answer from Mr. Carroll. The Chairman sugge.:ted, and the Board agreed, that he answer Mr. Collazzo' s letter in conjunction with Mr. Carroll and Mr. Gray. The Chairman read a notice relative to a hearing scheduled for March Li., 1966 at the Selectmen' s Office at Algonquin 10:00 A.M. upon petition of the Algonquin Gas Trnasmission hearing Company for authority to take by eminent domain in the Town of Lexington certain easements or rights of ways necessary for the construction and operation of a lateral pipeline approximately 175 feet south of Concord Avenue. The Chairman mentioned that all members of the Board had received copies of correspondence received from the Planning Board and Board of Appeals by Mr. Donald Wilson with reference to a 2-family house proposed at 556 Massa- chusetts Avenue. Mr. Sheldon said, as the special subcommittee on this situation, Mr. Wilson is not unduly upset because he was Wilson, granted permission by the Board of Appeals and understands Board of how this happened. He said it was unfortunate that the Appeals Planning Board expressed itself in the letter and unfortu- nate that a copy of the letter sent to the Board of Appeals was sent to Mr. Wilson. He reported that Mr. Wilson does take exception to what was said at the end of the letter and he did also. He said he has also discussed th1b with Town Counsel who also thinks the language could be improved. Mr. Legro said he thought the meaning was different than what was expressed. 566 �`' Mr. Sheldon said he told Mr. Wilson he would bring this matter up and after Town Meeting he would like to discuss this with the Planning Board and see that steps are taken to change that zone down there to a 2-family zone because all but two houses are already in,a 2-family zone. This would permit Mr. Qilson to erect a structure and would legalize a structure. He said this is the recommendation from the Board of Appeals to the Planning Board. He said after Town Meeting the Board could talk to the Planning Board and see that it is agreeable. The Chairman said the Board woi:ld leave it up to Mr. Sheldon to bring this up after Town Meeting. The Chairman read a letter from the Battlegreen Chapter of Women' s American Ort in regard to the ob- servance of ORT Day, March 9. The organization requested that the Board change the name of a street to "ORT Street" ORT Day for a few days . Mr. Burnell said he did not think the Board had any authority to change the name of a street. Mr. Legro said it did not have any legal authority, but it might let these people change it on their own. He advised new streets are named by the Planning Board and Town Meeting changes the names of existing streets. The Chairman said in reply to the letter he would quote from the General By-Laws and point out that some towns may not have such a By-Law. The Chairman read a letter from IBM relative to IBM the electronic voting tabulation to be used in the Braintree election on March 7. He said anyone interested could go down and observe the tabulation. The Chairman read a letter form Alliston Bl Gifford requesting permission to erect a flagp7.e and fly a flag of the United States on his property at 38 Munroe Road. Flagpole It was agreed to advise Mr. Gifford that the Board has no objection providing the Building Inspector, Mr. Irwin, is satisfied that the pole Mr. Gifford proposes to erect conforms to the Building and Zoning By-Laws. Invitation was received from the Republican Town Committee to attend a reception on March 13, 1966 at the Invitation Winchester Town Hall from 4:00 P.M. until 5:30 P.M. for Governor and Mrs. John A. Volpe. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Minures to approve the minutes of the Selectmen' s Meeting held on February 21, 1966. At 8: 00 P.M. , Mr. Leon Burke, Guide Director, met with the Board. 567 He said he assumed, through Mr. Gray, the Board had received copies of his suggested annual program. The Chairman said there was nothing in the twelve points to which he would take exception . Mr. Burke said, on the invitation of Mr. York, he inspected the facilities for guides and he thought they would be ample. He suggested one or two chairs, settees or whatever is appropriate, plus some lockers where per- Guides sonal effects could be kept under lock and key. He sug- gested five lockers in the Guide Room. He explained they don' t have to be full lockers, but whatever would fit into the budget, etc. Mr. Cataldo asked if this would be when the guide is on duty. He said the locker would not be the guide' s. Mr. Burke said five would be ample and he did not visualize any problem. He said he would like to have the lecture somewhat set down and he thought this could be done without any problems. He said he was working with a very good set of questions that can be enlarged upon. During March he will be taking the guides out one by one and will listen to their talk. Mr. Sheldon asked if this would be written up so the guides could have a copy. He said it should be impressed upon the guides that there will be no need for any elaboration and if they don't want to tell the story the way it is written, as far as he was concerned, the license would be revoked. Mr. Burke said he had a meeting December 28 and the parents attended as well as the boys. He said the atmos- phere was excellent. Mr. Burke said Mr. Worthen and then Mr. Garrity did the testing and at the time, probably knew the guide' s family and background. He said he would like it left, for this year, to have Mr. Garrity continue with the testing. He said he values his experience and thought he should continue until such time as he would like to relinquish the responsibility, at which time he would be willing to take it over The Chairman said the Board suspended one guide for the balance of the year. lir, Sheldon said he; could see no reason for reappoint- ing him if he applied. Mr. 'ourke asked for the names of the individuals whose licenses had been suspended and the reason. He said he could compare this with the list of individuals who have shown an interest this year. The Chairman said he would be seeing Mr. Burke within twenty-four hours . Mr. Burke said he would be pleased to lay out sug- gested content for the display boards on the Common and submit it to the Board for its approval. He also sug- gested making up a permanent list of guides with their telephone numbers to be placed in a binder for the woman C.) 568 rt Diss. on duty at the Public Facilities Building so if a guide 11is not available and a tourist comes in, she will have the name and number of the guides to call. He said he would leave the examination the way it is with one or two other technicalities. The Chairman said the Board would leave this in Mr. Burke' s hands. Mr. Burke said eventually it may work out where they could have contemporary or colonial costumes such as are used at Williamsburg, that would be light weight enough for the summer and not too expensive. He said he would like the guides in some type of costume and he was thing- ing tentatively of $35.00 to $50.00 for seven or eight boys, per person. The Chairman suggested that the Appropriation Com- mittee might approve this in the Town Celebrations Com- mittee budget. Mr. Gray mentioned the use of trust funds . Mr. Mabee did not feet this type of expenditure could be correctly charged to the Town Celebrations Committee budget and Mr. Gray was requested to look in to the possibility of using a Trust Fund. Mr. Burke said he would get a drawing of the sug- gested type of costume. Mr. Mabee asked if the boys had trouble establishing themselves as official guides, and if people felt appre- hensive about talking to the guides . He asked if there was anything the Board could do to help Mr. Burke or the guides. Mr. Burke replied it is important to issue the badges. There always is this problem in approaching a potential tourist, and that is why he suggested a name plate. He said he thought the name plated would be the first step. He said the boys would like to charge what they feel is a true picture for the number of hours they spend on the tour. He said in general they run between $1.50 and $2.00 with a tip. Mr. Burnell said he thought the fee should be estab- lished. Mr. Burke said when the Board established the fee back in 1940, the boys told tourists the price was what- ever they felt was proper. He said very rarely were they paid under the established fee. Mr. Burnell said he did not think the guides should have a free hand to set their own price Mr. Burke said so far they have not been abusing it. Mr. Sheldon suggested that Mr. Burke submit a fee. Mr. Mabee asked if Concord guides came to Lexington. Mr. Burke replied in the affirmative, and said he thought something could definitely be worked out. He asked if anyone had mentioned to the Board that retired gentlemen sixty-five or over might be guides in Lexington. He said over a period of years it has been the policy to have young boys. 569 Mr. Burnell said he would have no objection. Mr. Burke mentioned the fact that in Gettysburg some of the older men have done an excellent job. He said he could see wl.th the volume of people coming to Lexington, this will be a very interesting way for older retired men. Mr. Sheldon saiddhe would like to assure Mr. Burke he has the unqualified backing of the Board and not to worry about decisions on minor tln.ings. Mr. Adams mentioned the guides selling postcards. Mr. York said there will be postcards and stamp machines in the Chamber of Commerce . Mr. Cataldo asked if the Chamber of Commerce was going to be permitted to sell things. Mr. York said tourists would be disappointed if they can' t get something to take home. Mr. Cataldo asked about the merchants. Mr. York said the Chamber of Commerce has more in mind a guide book with all the points of interest, this type of thing and not souveniers. Mr. Sheldon said the saled could be restricted to postcards and the guide book. Mr. Burke said he assumed postcards were out on the green and Mr. Burnell agffeed. Mr. Cataldo said if someone wants to send a guide to the store to buy cards, fine, but the guides should not sell them. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted not to permit the guides to sell postcards or souveniers on the Battlegreen. Mr. Mabee said he was not opposed to the guides going to Concord. The Chairman said this is something Mr. Burke could work out with the guides and with Concord. Mr. Burke said when he was a guide, he started all tours at the Munroe Tavern and as the boys mature, they start to paint a picture that entices the tourists to go further. Mr. Burke retired at 8:40 P.M. The Chairman read a letter from the Appropriation Committee listing the differences between the Committee and the Board of Selectmen in articles to be submitted to Town Meeting. The Chairman said he was willing to oppose the Committee on Town Meeting floor for the $150 for police- women. Mr. Sheldon said he thought Town Meeting should decide. The Chairman said, with reference to the Collector, his own feeling was that there are general increases this year and he would be in favor of $8700. Mr. Sheldon felt it was unfair to say to that particular Town employee that there will be no raise and he was in favor of the $300. 570cl Mr. Mabee said he would go along with the $135 for the policewomen and not oppose it at Town Meeting if the Appropriation Committee would go along with the $8400 and not opppse it. Mr. Gray said the Chief informed him he did not have a waiting list of policewomen . Mr. Cataldo said the Chief and the Acting Chief told the Committee they could see no reason to go to $150 and that $135 was agreeable to them. He said with all due respect to the Committee, if the Selectmen were told this by the Department heads,they would have done the same thing. Be asked if everyone was getting the same story. Mr. Cataldo said he felt there should be a definite differential between the salary of the Town Clerk-Treasurer and the Tax Collector. Mr. Sheldon said the committee agreed the figure should be $10,000 next year. Mr. Cataldo said the committee also agreed the Collector should go to $8700 or $88-- next year. Mr; Mabee said he would like to talk to the Appropri- ation Committee once again. Mr. Cataldo said he thought there should be a greater diffentntial between the two positions. The Chairman said he would ask the Appropriation Com- mittee to meet with the Board next Monday to go over these various items. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 8:55 P.M. A true record, Attest; / cyt-f er ,( Selec me, 1