Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1966-02-14-BOS-min 545 SELECTMEN 'S MHTING February 14, 1966 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen ' s Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, February 14, 1966, at 7:30 P.M. Chairman Cole, Messrs. Burnell, Cataldo, Sheldon and Mabee were present. Mr. Gray, Executive Assistant, Mr. Carroll, Superintendent of Public Works, and Miss Murray, Executive Clerk, were also present. Mr. Gray reported receipt of petition, signed by merchants in Lexington Center, declaring the action of the Redevelopment Committee in banning parking on the odd -numbered side of the street in Lexington Center has Parking affected the business income and they wish to have the decision reversed. He said the Board set a deadline of February 17, which is only three days away, and this was carried in the Lexington Minute-man. Mr. Sheldon said possibly the merchants do not under- stand there is an argument that has to do with an experi- ment in the Center and the other is for long-term traffic reasons. He said the Board might point out one ban ends in three days and the other ban may be permanent and was recommended by the Traffic Study Committee. The Chairman said the five spaces on the south side of the avenue may be permanent and the Traffic Rules and Orders will have to be changed. Mr. Cataldo said the committee was working on the Town barn project. He said doing as much work as it has done and thinking it was doing it the right way, it asked two Boards for their opinions. One opinion was from the Public Planning Board. The committee asked that Board what it Works Bldg would recommend for the existing barn site, where the barn could be moved. The Planning Board recommended R-1. Some time in the future it might recommend Tradesman Park. He said going beyond this, the committee received a letter from the Board of Assessors saying, back in June, even if the land remained in the same existing zone the Assessors' value was $140,000. Friday the committee received another .Metter stating due to the recent sales in the area, the price would be $400,000. He said this has presented a problem to the committee and it would like the Selectmen to have the Plan- ning Board in and get an answer as to what its recommendation would be for this land if the Tradesman Park does not prevail at Town Meeting and w' uld it recommend that this land be sold at any rate. Sheldon Sheldon said if it is R-1, it might be one value. Mr. Cataldo stated $35,000 is the Assessors' opinion of value on R-1; $140,000 Tradesman Park and if it remains 546 existing C-1, the Assessors' opinion of value would be $L100,000. He said the committee would like some definite answers this evening. Mr. Sheldon said he thought Town Meeting would have to give the answer. Mr. Cataldo explained the committee cannot wait until Town Meeting . The Chairman said he would ask the Planning Board up when the agenda had been completed. The Chairman read a letter from the law firm of Rich, May & Bilodeau, 1 State Street, Boston, enclosing an order of notice from the Department of Public Utilities relating to a proposed taking by eminent domain by Algonquin Gas Transmission Company of easements over lands in Lexington. The lands involved being along Route 2, as said route is being relocated by the Department of Public Works. The Chairman explained this is because of the widening of Route 2. Algonquin Mr. Carroll said he planned to attend the hearing and Gas Co. would try to convince the Department of Public Utilities easements that the pipe should be very deep. Route 2 The Chairman asked to have a copy of the letter sent to Town Counsel. Letter from Arthur E. Burrell, Director of Civil Civil De- Defense, relative to changes made in his budgets for 1966 fense was held over until later in the evening when the Appropri- budget ation Committee met with the Board. The Chairman read a letter from Chief James F. Corr, Jr. , advising that he plans to take his annual vacation from February 20, 1966 through March 5, 1966, and request- Acting ing appointment of Lieutenant Furdon as Acting Chief. Chief Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Lieutenant Paul E. Furdon Acting Chief during the period of time Chief Corr is on vacation, February 20, 1966 through March 5, 1966. The Chairman read a letter from Richard Soule, 16 Hancock Street, with recommendations relative to appoint- ment of a committee to be in charge of the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexin toni He asked that a copy of the letter be sent to the Town Celebrations Committee with a request for its recommendations. He said the committee could come back with a format for the Board to follow. He said several months ago, Arthur D. Little tried to bring the World' s Fair to Boston in 1967 and atthe time, wanted to tie this celebration into it. Mr. Cataldo said at that time, the Board set up a criteria of what would be done. The Chairman said he would like to get the Town Celebrations Committee' s views. The Chairman said he would like to get the Town Celebrations Committeer9 views. X47 Mr. Cataldo suggested that Mr. Soule be advised the Board discussed the subject six months ago and has been working on it. Notice was received from the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission relative to the sale and delivery of Package alcoholic beverages on Washington' s Birthday, Tuesday, Goods February 22, 1966. Stores Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Feb. 22 to permit the Package Goods Stores to remain open on Washington' s Birthday, February 22, 1966, from 1:00 P.M. until 11:30 P.M. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the Church of Our Redeemer permission to conduct Paper a paper drive on Sunday, April 2L1 , 1966. Drive Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant Richard K. Eaton 40 Percy Road, Lexington, per- mission to use Estabrook Hall on Saturday, March 5, 1966, Use of from 7:45 P.M. until 10 45 P.M. , free of charge, but sub& hall ject to a fee of $3.65 per hour for custodian ' s overtime services. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the Town Meeting Members Association permission to use Cary Memorial Hall on Sunday, March 6, 1966, free Use of of charge. hall Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the following licenses, satisfactory character references having been received from the Chief of Police: Licenses Edward J. S.hatjian , 1762 Mass. Ave. , Apt. 2 Intelligence Office, Macie May Anderson, 29 Bellington St. , Belmont Taxi Driver. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectmen' s Meeting held on Monday, February 7, 1966, and the street hearings on Minutes January 26, 1966. Mr. Leslie York, Chairman of the Public Facilities Building Committee, met with the Board and said there had been a request from the Council of Churches for a directory in the building so people coming from outside would know where the churches are. The committee felt it was under the jurisdiction of the Selectmen. He explained it would be in the form of a plaque and cost approximately $50. A Mr. Wark, present at t he meeting, said some time ago, they realized, in the Executive Committee of the Council of Churches, there should be something in the information building in the way of a directory for tourists giving them the time and church location. He said they would C:: 548el a: work through Harry Erickson, the architect, and have Mr. Church Howard Custance tailor it . directory The Chairman said this would be in the interior of the building. Mr. York said that was correct and the directory would be in maple and in keeping with the building. He said all the eighteen churches, all faiths and denominations would be listed and approval from each Paster will be requested. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve location of the directory proposed by the Lexington Council of Churches in the Public Facilities Building. Nr. Cataldo asked how much longer the committee needed to finish the building. Mr. York replied the electrical fixtures were finished today and the delivery on the committee' s choice of drapes will be from ;two to three weeks. He said the objective is April 1. He said he would like to see a better ex- terior arrangement of the diorama. The Chairman suggested that Mr. York attend the meet- ing Mr. Gray will set up with Mr. Nyren. Mr. Carroll submitted a set of plans, relative to Route 2 reconstruction and explained a problem pertaining to utilities, and suggested a solution. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize Mr. Carroll to proceed with his suggestion. Letter was received from Mr. Carroll relative to 1965 bill an unpaid 1965 bill to be submitted to Town Meeting for approval. Letter was received from Betty Hicks, 15 Schuyler Avenue, Latham, New York, relative to an accident that occurred at the Grove Street overpass on Route 128 on January 30, A copy of her letter to Pazzano Trucking, Waltham, Mass . , was enclosed. Mr. Carroll reported he has discusseddthes ubjeot with Town Counsel and he said the name of the contractor he gave Miss Hicks was incorrect. The Chairman su, gested that a copy of the letter be sent to Town Counsel. 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, all having been approved by Mr. Carroll: Columbus Street, northwesterly side, southwesterly from a point approximately 92 feet southwest of Cedar Street, -- Five poles, guy wire and anchor on the fifth pole. 549 Turning Mill Road, easterly side, northerly from a point 327 feet north of Partridge Road, -- Nine poles. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to amend the Traffic Rules and Orders of the Town of Leitington, Article VIII, Section II (Isolated Stop Signs ) by adding to this section the following: Southbound drivers on Wood Street at Massachusetts Avenue. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Mr. Timothy Sullivan, 34 Baker Avenue, to Appointment the Board of Registrars for an unexpired term ending March 31, 1967. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Mr. Lewis L. Hoyt, 35 Emerson Gardens, to Appointment the Board of Assessors for a three-year term ending January 1, 1969. 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. Carroll relative to a sewage matter and sick leave for an employee, it was voted to resume the open meeting. Chairman earrish, Messrs . Blaisdell, Noyes, Clarke, Gary, Zehner, Carlson and Mrs . Sousa, Appropriation Com- mittee, met with the Board. Further discussion was held relative to 1966 budget requests and the following action taken: Department Requested Approved Selectmen' s - Out of State $ 350.00 $ 150.00 Town Clerk & Treas.-Personal 16,959.09 17,659.00 Approved $1,000 for part- time help to count coins from parking meters Treasurer - Parking Meter 150.00 60.00 Bank eill supply wrappers Planning Board - Personal 13,158.00 One step raise Planning Board - Expenses 6,800.00 Out of State Travel separate item 200.00 Town Celebrations 5,200.00 5,000.00 Accounting Out of State Travel 200.00 00.00 550 ct Department Requested Approved Police Personal Traffic Women increased only (Approp. Comm. recommendation) $135, not $150. Town Treasurer $ 8,000.00 $ 7,500.00 Town Clerk 2,000.00 1,500.00 Collector of Taxes 9,000.00 8,400.00 The Appropriation Committee retired at 10L30 P.M. Chairman Campbell, Messrs. Greeley, Bryson, and Mrs. Riffin, Planning Board, met with the Selectmen. Route 2 The Chairman referred to a letter from the Planning Board, dated February 7, 1966, with reference to Route 2, and stated the Selectmen are trying to set up a meeting with the Commissioners to go over this again. Mr. Campbell said the letter to which the Chairman referred was about ten days old. The Chairman said he did not think the Board could do any more than meet with the Commissioners again. He said it was safe to say that the teo Boards are still concurring and want to resolve it a lot better than it is now. Mrs. Riffin said that was correct. Mr. Cataldo referred to the Town barn site and said since discussing this with the Planning Board, the com- mittee received a le,.ter from the Board of Assessors and they have changed. their minds on the original opinion of value of $140,000 due to the surrounding land sales. The Assessors thing it would be up around $400,000 under the present zoning. He said the committee would like to know from the Planning Board 1), if the Tradesman Park article does not prevail, what the Planning Boardts re- commendation would be. Mr. Campbell replied it would be the same as it was last July, that it would go to R-1 Mr. Cataldo asked if the Planning Board would, at any time, recommend that this piece of property be sold under any zone. Mr. Campbell replied that is a difficult question. Mr. Catlado asked if Town meeting does not go along Town barn with the R-1, would the Planning Board recommend that site this piece of lane be sold. Mr. Greeley replied if that is worth $400,000, it is worth that in order to be used as a major shopping center . The Planning Board feels this is not a place for a shopping center and as a member of the Planning Board, he would be strongly opposed to a shopping center . Mr. Cataldo reported the figures the committee received from the Assessors were $30,000 for R-1 zone; $135,000 for C-S zone and either one of these figures would be fine, but then the Assessors come in and say $400,000 on a C'-1 basis. 551 Mr. Cambell said if the motion failed to pass, at a future Town Meeting the Planning Board would recommend to put that land into R-1 Mr. Cataldo said he would like this in a letter plus the fact would the Planning Board recommend to well with the information it has at the present time. Mr. Campbell said as it stands now, if it is not C-S, the Planning Board would unanimously want it back to an R-i. Mr. Cataldo asked if the Planning Board would write a letter to this effect, and Mr. Campbell replied in the affirmative. The Planning Board retried at 10: 5 P.M. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn. A true record, Attest: �1 3c iva "ler , Selec en t