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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1965-12-13-min 431 SELECTMEN'S MEETING December 13, 1965 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday evening, December 13, 1965, at 7:30 P.M. Chair- man Cole, Messrs. Burnell, Cataldo, Sheldon, and Mabee were present. Mr. Carroll, Superintendent of Public Works, Mr. Gray, Executive Assistant, and the Acting Clerk were also present. Chief Corr, Lexington Police Department, met with the Board at 7:30 P.M. With him was Officer Richard MacInnis, who waS dressed in the new type uniform which the Police Department wishes to adopt. Chief Corr stated that the Board iiould notice that the design of the uniform hadn't been changed. He pointed out the split in the side of the jacket, they carry the holster on 'the right side; new braid on the right hand Police side, a small seal on the collar. The badge is brand Uniform new and has the Town seal. Chief Corr stated the only change they were making in the uniform is that they would like a dark blue shirt with a light tie, felt it would look nicer than all light blue. The hat is year round. The winter coat would be an open collar reefer-type which could be worn open or closed. The Chairman asked if the trousers were year round. Chief Corr stated the uniform would cost $75. a year to maintain, and the department would no longer allow them to purchase their own uniforms, it will replace them. One complete uniform runs about $75. They will need two more jackets, and the uhiform will figure about $225 complete. They will still like the approval of the uniform. Mr. l'ataldo asked about two more blouses, and Chief Corr replied one is winter and the other is a dress blouse. Mr. Burnell stated that Chief Corr dwelt quite a bit on the blouses, and asked how many pal* of trousers were needed for three years, and Chief Corr replied two pair, two of everything. The Chairman stated right now they want to know if the Board approves, and the reply was in the affirmative The question was asked if it would be shown to the Appropriation Committee. Chief Corr stated Town Meeting would agree to spent the $225, and they would start immediately. At the request of the Town Clerk that one juror be drawn, the following individual was drawn for jury duty: John P. Larrabee, 78 Bertwell Road. co 432 ow etMr. Gray read a letter from Edward J. Burke, tempo.. rary Wire Inspector, relative to the car allowance, which Wire he feels is inadequate. Also Mr. Burke states that Mr. Inspector Jeremiah used a town-owned car and he is using his own oar. Mr. Sheldon asked why Mr. Burke could not use the same car as Mr. Jeremiah. Mr. Cataldo stated Mr. Burke knew what the terms were when he was hired. Mr. Burnell stated the travel pay should remain the same. It was agreed to have Mr. Gray check this. Mr. Gray read a letter from Mr. Fred E. Herson, Jr., J Secretary to the Lexington Association of Insurance Agents relative to the allocation of the insurance com- missions. Mr. Sheldon asked if the Association was questioning Insurance the validity of the amount or the allocation, and stated Commission Brewer & Lord are the agents for the Town, do all the work. They have consented to do this, and he felt it sounded a bit unappreciative. He stated it is strictly up to the Board, and all the commissions could be given to Brewer & Lord, that there would be no accounting to them. Mr. Cataldo wanted to know what they were asking for and asked why the Board didn't make an appointment for them to come in and tell them once and for all. Mr. Sheldonfelt nothing would be gained by it and it would serve no purpose. The Chairman stated just because the Town split the commissions with agents doesn't mean that it is right, and Mr. Sheldon agreed. Mr. Catildo felt the Board could make itself much bettr understood if it met with them, and the Chairman said he felt he laid it on the line before. The Chairman read the list of insurance people re- ceiving the commissions. Mr. Sheldon again stated he didn't see what purpose would be served by meeting with them. They are receiving about 50%, and he did not think the Town should have to account for this, and why should the Board waste Brewer & Lord's time. Mr. Mabee felt if they met with the Board, its feel- ings would be felt beyond any doubt. Mr. Cataldo stated if they give us a hard time, they will receive nothing. The Chairman said that it bothered him as he felt the Board had been very fair. Mr. Sheldon stated it will be up for review and they might come up with less. The Chairman requested that it be left up to him, and it was agreed to hold over the distribution of commissions. 433 Mr. Gray stated that the Board did not classify the Guide Director when he was appointed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to Guide classify the Guide Director, Leon A. Burke, Jr. , as a Director Special Employee . The Chairman read a letter from Anthony S. Fiore, Esquire, relative to the claim of Lawrence F. Covert and Dorothy C. Covert, 42 Allen Street, Lexington. The Chairman reported he had received a letter this Clain evening from Town Counsel requesting that this be held over. Letter from the Mystic Valley Gas Company was read by the Chairman . They are requesting permission to install a 6" welded steel gas main in Grant Street. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Permit to grant permission to the Mystic Valley Gas Company to install a 6" welded steel gas main in Grant Street subject to Mr. Carroll' s specifications. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Ripley with regard to deferment of sewer betterment levied against Lots 25 and 26 Follen Road in the amount of $878.12. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Deferment under the provisions of Chapter 159 of the Acts of 1950, sewer to extend the time for payment of $878.12 sewer better- ment assessment levied against Lots 25 and 26 Follen Road, without interest, until said land or any part thereof is built upon, sold or until the expiration of three years from the date hereof, whichever event occurs first. If the land is built upon or sold, the entire amount becomes due. Form was received from the Secretary of State on behalf of Vincent R. Herterick, 177 Concord Avenue, Lex- Cert. of ington, for a Certificate of Incorporation. Inc. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to certify the character of Vincent R. Herterick, satis- factory character references having been received from the Chief of Police. Letter was received Mum Raymond E. Borden, Master, Simon W. Robinson Lodge, A.F. & A.M1, requesting permission to use the streets of Lexington for a public procession Permit from the Battle Green Inn to the First Parish Church, under the escort of the Linn Village Drum Band, on Sunday, June 5, 1966. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the request. 434 zz el The Chairman read a letter from Sergeant Maurice E. Woodward, Lexington Police Department, requesting retire- Retirement ment from the department, effective February 4, 1966. The Chairman stated that this would be processed through the Board of Retirement, and Mr. Gray was asked to check this out. Letter from Maurice D. Kealy submitting his resig- nation from the Town Celebrations Committee, effective Resignation at once, as there will be no meetings of that committee until January 6, 1966. The Chairman asks the Board to be thinking about a replacement for Mr. Healy, and the question was asked if the individual would be a man or woman, and the answer was a man, as there are three women on the committee at present. The Chairman read a letter from Franklyn Crosby, 2S Blossom Street, Lexington, complaining about the condition of the site of the Hunt Block property. As Mr. Crosby was present, he was asked to give his reasons for the complaint, and he stated he was down there tonight and the fence is not complete at the back of the property, where the bulldozer is, that anyone Hunt Block could fall, the lighting was insufficient, and it would be easy for an accident to happen. The Chairman stated the Board of Selectmen has no right to tell the owners to do any more than they are doing now. Mr. Crosby asked about the Building Inspector and the Chairman stated he has made the inspections, and if they are normal hazards, they are known to him, that normal safety precautions are being taken care of, and Mr. Burnell added, to the Boardls satisfaction. Mr. Crosby retired. The Chairman read a letter from James F. Corr, Jr., Chief of Police, relative to appointing Stanley R. ilathisen, 48 Monmouth Street, East Boston, a Special Police Officer at the Lexington Trust Company to control traffic in Special the rear of the Bank onto Muzzey Street. Police Chief Corr, being present, reported that Mr. Officer Mathisen was no longer employed at the bank and asked that the request be withdrawn. Mr. Gray left the meeting at 8:10 P.M. to attend the Appropriation Committee meeting. At 8:10 P.M., Mr. Ernest Giroux, the owner of the Central Block, met with the Board. Mr. Giroux stated, since Town Meeting defeated their proposals, they have worked on various plans', and the best one they have come up with is a one-floor commercial building. They are not interested in office space. This past week they received the first preliminary plan from the architect, which is a very simple plan so the Board 435 can see the construction possibilities. There is a five- foot roof overhang on four sides. This was done for two reasons: 1) to provide protection for the buying public from the elements, and 2) the architect feels it will help to give appearance to the building which is extremely difficult to do. He stated he hoped that the Minute Man Park realty Trust and the Town would come to some agreement, all the plans being based on that assumption. The land area is a square, has an angle on Depot Square side, is 135 feet on Massachusetts Avenue, goes back 157 feet to Depot Square. He stated this is a large square, and makes the Central problem a difficult one. The Trust has had five sets of Block plans now, had attempted to have an arcade through the building, but professional advice said not to do it. The Chairman felt that would be a matter for the Historic Districts Commission. Mr. Girou][ stated they could not build a new building unless it was economically feasible, and showed the plan to the Board, only to show what the construction idea is, and assuming they would reach some agreement with the Town on the land. He stated the roof would project over the side- walk. The Chairman stated the Board would give them prelimi- nary approval at this time, as that is what they are asking now, and asked that the plan be left with the Board. Mr. Cataldo asked what the Trust' s attitude was towards the wide sidewalk, and Mr. Giroux stated they were not op- posed to it. He mentioned the five spaces the taxi stand uses, as he stated there would be no parking in front, as the wide sidewalk eliminates the parking. Mr. Mabee asked how far t hey were from the wide side- walk, and Mr. Carroll replied in that particulAir area, the agreement reached was that the layout would be 90 feet wide there. Throughout the rest of Massachusetts Avenue is 100 feet. That was the vote of the Board two years - ago. Mr. Cataldo asked what his feeling was in releasing ten more feet of land Mr. Giroux stated a 15 foot strip in exchange for the land in back, and said no request has been made to them, that he would bring this proposal to the group. Mr. Cataldo stated if the Town uses the Trust's land, they would not be in favor of the wide sidewalk. Mr. Giroux stated they would wait and see how it worked out, and would be happy to discuss it; they would like to do something as soon as possible. Mr. Giroux retired at 8:25 P.M. The Historic Districts Commission met with the Board. Mr. Donald Grant stated the commission met here last Wednesday night upon application of the Public Facilities Building Committee. He stated there are two phases: Lights to go on the exterior of the building, and 2) for a sign which would direct the people' s attention to the building. 436 z`' c c= amp He stated he felt a sign of the same dimensions and the same general layout as the one erected by the Town for the Muni- cipal Parking area would be acceptable. It points up Meriam Street to the Parking Lot. He felt there are many signs around the Battle Green without two additional signs. The sign would point solely to the building by relettering the one sign and let that serve the purpose of both signs. It would point to both, would be a double faced sign. If this did not turn out to be satisfactory, there would be small signs to be set in the grass. He stated both Mr. York and Mr. Burnell were pleased with the solution. He said it will mean a saving of $300. Blinds will be placed on the building upon completion, but they have made no decision on this. Relettering the sign and dispensing with a sign, they would like approval of the Selectmen to do this. Mr. Sheldon stated he liked the proposal. Mr. Grant stated the Commission thought this might be a good solution, that they might be able to put small signs in the grass, but they are concerned about the number of signs, and they wished to avoid a cluttered appearance around the Green. Mr. Carroll stated there vas not a great deal of money involved, not enough to worry about. Upon motion dulyrmade and seconded, it was voted to approve the plan of the Historic Districts Commission to reletter the sign on Meriam Street so that it will direct to both the Public Facilities Buildingand the Muni- cipal people Parking lot, thereby dispensing with the problem of an extra sign. Mr. Burnell brought up the subject of painting of the standards, and felt if they were painted a darker color, they would be less conspicuous, and it would mean repainting more than this one sign , the posts or standards. The sign would be white, with black lettering. Mr. Grant stated there is a dark green door on the build- ing, the present color is not the right shade and is to be darkened. That will be redone% The Chairman asked if the Historic Districts Commission would have to be petitioned, and the answer was that the Board would not have to advertise for a difference in color. The Board had no objection, and the Historic Districts Commission retired at 9.40 P.M. The Chairman referred to last week' s meeting relative to the appointment of a Veterans' Agent for the Town, and stated there were some questions as to whether some of the applicants were veterans. He read the list of appli- cants and checked them Letter was read by the Chairman from Dr. Pious rela- tive to Bernard Belcastro, Jr , stating his physical con- , dition 437 The Chairman stated that nominations were in order for the appointment of a Veterans' Agent. Mr. Sheldon nominated Mr. Bernard Belcmtro, Jr. , and Mr Cataldo seconded the nomination. The Chairman declared the nominations closed and in- structed the Clerk to cast one ballot for the appointment of Mr. Bernard J. Belcastro, Jr , Director of Veterans' Benefits and Services, and Graves' Registrar in the Town of Lexington to fill an unexpired term ending March 31, 1966, caused by the retirement of Mr. Maurice D. Healy, the present Director of Veterans' Services, and directed that he be so notified, the appointment effective immediately Mr Gray reported that Mr Healy did not take his vacation and has to take it before December 31. This does not mean that be would not come in to go over things with Mr Belcastro before he retires on December 31. Mr. Cataldo stated he ubntldhbreakothis man in, and he could be paid from the pool. Mr. Gray stated he would have to check as he did not know what the balance was in that account The Chairman asked if this was a fair approach. He stated Mr Belcastro would like this position and do it in an expert manner, and asked if Mr Belcastro would come in between now and January ato learn the ropes and get into the swing of things, and know the people they have toddeal with. Mr. Gray said he would ge glad to help him. The Chairman said it was knowing where to go and the contacts that Mr Healy has made. Mr Burnell asked how much time Mr. Healy would give and Mr. Gray replied he felt he would come in Mr. Cataldo felt Mr. Healy should come in as much as he could to help Mr. Belcasttro, and the Chairman said he was sure he would cooperate. Application for the use of Cary Hall on December 16 for a rehearsal by theChristian High School was read by the Chairman Use of Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted hall to grant the request, subject to the rehearsal being open to the public, There will be no charge for the hall, but there will be a fee of $3.16 per hour for custodian' s overtime services Agolicationsfor Common Victualler licenses were reviewed by the Board. It was agreed to request the Board d' Health to submit a list of inspections for the preceding twelve months before approval of these licenses Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the following taxi driver licenses : Paul L Whitney, 1415 Massachusetts Avenue, and Philip G. Murphy, L96 Lowell Street The application of Gardiner Hutchinson, 1 Cedarwood Lane, Burlington, was approved pending satisfactory report from the Police Department 438 cr rt Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted License to approve "Package Goods" Store license for Joseph Trani, Incorporated, subject to approval by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. Mr. Sheldon referred to the overhang on the Minute Minute Man Man Park Realty Trust building, and stated the Board should Park Realty wait to hear from the Historic Districts Commission, as Trust there might not be any overhang of this nature . The Chairman asked, if he understood it was an in- ducement for shoppers , which it is, would Mr. Sheldon be willing to say he would give approval, subject to the Historic District Commission' s brepopt . Mr. Sheldon replied he did notaapprove of the over- hang. The roof looks like a garage, that it is pretty close to the Battle Greeh. However, it might be taken off before they get through. MR. Mabee stated the idea of a single story building, low elevation, is excellent. It goes along with the visual concept of the Green. If the Trust can get approval from the Historic Districts Commission, it is a good concept. Mr. Cataldo stated he would reserve his feeling until he knew what was going to happen to the sidewalk. Fifteen feet - the width of the sidewalk makes a big difference on the design of the building. He stated he was not sold on the overhang, that dedision had to be made on the width of the sidewalk. Mr. Mabee asked what commitments were made to the Lexington Realty Trust, and the Chairman replied an ex- change of land, 15 feet. Mr. Cataldo stated nothing has been signed, and his feeling is that if they agree with the wide sidewalk, why won' t they agree with their own expense. The Board has to decide very quickly. The Chairman stated the study committee will be in next Monday, and the Board will defer action until next week' s recommendation. At 9 :00 F.M , the Lincoln and Concord Selectmen met with the Board regarding traffic on Route 2. The Chairman stated the purpose of getting together is to discuss Route 2, which is being widened and repaired;. and some hazards inherent in the reconstruction. Chairman Grabill, of the Lincoln Board of Selectmen, stated they have been running a fatality about once a week for several weeks . It is due to such heavy traffic, higher speeds, the main problem being left-hand turns, and too much high speed. While Lincoln feels it should eliminate the left turns, the unrestrained speed is for all the ad- joining towns. More police help is needed, they would be on the road, and enough State Police Patrol to make an impact. Police would be seen on the road tnd this would tend to lessen the accidents. x-39 TheChairman asked if Mr Grabilllwas familiar with the fatalities, and he replied Lincoln has had two or three a year on Route 2, run 70 to 90 accidents a year, again these are caused by high speed The Police Department is short- handed and he felt extra police coverage is needed. Chief Corr, Lexington Police Department , stated there is about five miles of Route 2 in Lexington and he did not feel the rate is high in Lexington. He stated, basically, Lexington has left the enforcement to the State Police, as they patrol Route 128 and Route 2, and enforcement is their problem. He said Lexington does not have that kind of man- power and felt the Chief id Lincoln should contact the Com- missioner and he was sure he would get cooperation. The Chairman asked if Mr Grabill could give figures on the number of accidents, with the number of fatalities in the past twelve months, and Mr. Grabill gave him the newspaper which listed the accidents. The Chairman suggested that he, Representative Eaton and Senator DeNormandie see the Commissioner and discuss the problem with him, as he felt the three towns jointly would be much more effective Chief Corr stated he felt the Chief of Police should first contact the Commissioner and ask for help and he was sure be would be more than cooperative. The group retired at 9:50 P.M 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 a discussion with John J Carroll with regard to personnel, and his budget, it was voted to resume the open meeting At 10:15 F.M. , members of the Planning Board, Mr. Zaleski, the Planning Director , met with the Board. Mr. Campbell stated in the circulation plan, there is a map, the area to be discussed Wednesday night. He stated the Board was meeting with the Peacock Farm people about Worthen Road, and would also like to give them a position of the two boards, what the Town' s position is going to be. The people feel the interchange tightened up, and he asked if they were on their own. The Town will take no official position and the Planning Board does not see any way. The Chairman said the Board did make a decision last week and asked if every possibility had been explored. Mr. Cataldo asked what these people should be told. He said he would like them to know the problem. co 440 cr c- Mr. Sheldon asked how badly they were hurt, and Mr. Cataldo replied, badly, by the closeness of the ramp. Mr . Sheldon stated everything that is done hurts someone and asked if this was serious, that naturally they would object. Mr. Mabee suggested telling them the difficulty, present it as the Board sees it , and decide what they want to do. We would like them to know our position. Mr. Carroll stated there had been no taking of any land in the Peacock Farm development. The Chairman stated it appears that anything else the Board can do will not have any success, and if they wish to make any new pleas, we will have no objection. He stated he would go in and see what he can do on his part, that this is the total agreement . The group retired at 10:45 P M. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 10:45 P M. A true record, Attest : Acti g Clerk, Selectmen