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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1965-09-13-min 285 SELECTMEN'S MEETING September 13, 1965 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, September 13, 1965, 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. Hearing was decalred open upon petition of the Boston Edison Company for permission to locate a guy wire and anchor on Hartwell Avenue. Mr. Serverson, representing the petitioner, was Guy wire the only person present at the hearing. and anchor Notices of the hearing were mailed to the peti- tioner, owners of property listed on the petitioner 's plan, and also filed with the Superintendent of Public Works . Mr.Carroll approved the proposed locations . Mr. Serverson explained the guy is needed to strengthen the pole now located at the deadend. No one wishing to be heard in favor or in oppo- sition, the hearing was declared closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the petition and sign the order for the follow- ing guy wire and anchor: Hartwell Avenue, from a pole located on northwesterly side, approximately 340 feet northeast of Maguire Road, -- One (1) guy wire and anchor. Hearing was declared open upon petiton of the Boston Edison Company for permission to locate forty-five feet of conduit in Maguire Road and twenty-five feet of conduit in Westview Street . Conduit Mr. Serverson, representing the petitioner, was location the only person present at the hearing. Notices of the hearing were mailed to the peti- tioner, owners of property listed on the petitioner 's plan and also filed with the Superintendent of Public Works. Mr. Carroll approved the proposed locations. Mr . Serverson stated this conduit is in connection with the company's new circuit ; a pole connection from 286 C, a the underground to the overhead facilities . No one wishing to be heard in favor or in opposition, the hearing was declared closed Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the petition and sign the order for the follow- ing conduit location: Westview Street, at Maguire Road, a distance of about 25 feet, -- conduit Maguire Road, southerly from Westview Street, a distance of about 45 feet, -- conduit. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Company for permission to locate three Pole poles in Worthen Road. locations Mr. Serverson, representing the petitioner, was the only person present at the hearing. Notioes of the hearing were mailed to the peti- tioner, owners of property listed on the petitioner 's plan, and also filed with the Superintendent of Public Works . Mr. Carroll approved the proposed location. Mr. Serverson stated the proposed three poles are for street lighting to fill in the gap between Bedford Street and Massachusetts Avenue. No one wishing to be heard in favor or in oppo- sition, the hearing was declared closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the request and sign the order for the follow- ing pole locations : Worthen Road, northwesterly side, southwesterly from a point approximately 675 feet southwest of Bedford Street, -- Three (3 ) poles . Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to locate two poles on Allen Street. Pole Mr. Serverson, representing the Boston Edison locations Company, Mr. Dunn, representing the New England Tele- phone and Telegraph Company, and Mr. Francis Lind, representing the Evangelical Covenant Church of Cambridge, were present. Notices of the hearing were mailed to the petitioners, owners of property listed on the petitioners ' plan, and also filed with the Superintendent of Public Works . Mr. Carroll approved the proposed locations . 287 Mr. Serverson said the petition was, he assumed, at the request made for relocation. However, this even- ing talking to Mr Lind, he would prefer that the pole remain in its present location. Mr. Serverson suggested that the Board table the petition, and if there is no reason for the reolocation, the petition will be wibadrawn. Mr. Lind stated they preferred to have the pole remain approximately where it is and also stated that the petition had not been submitted to them The Chairman asked if Mr.Lind had any objection having it tabled for the present, and Mr. Lind replied in the negative Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to table the petition submitted by the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for the relocation of two poles on Allen Street Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Boston Edison Company and the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to locate one pole on Woburn Street. Pole Mr. S.erverson, representing the Boston Edison location Company, and Mr. Dunn, representing the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, and Mr. Christopher Cammarata were present at the hearing Notices of the hearing were mailed to the peti- tioners, owners of property listed on the petitioners ' plan and also filed with the Superintendent of Public Works . Mr. Carroll approved the proposed location. Mr. Serverson explained the proposed location is to clear a driveway, and it is proposed to place the pole on the lot line . Mr. Cammarata said there is a driveway which is not shown on the plan The Chairman stated the proposed location of the pole would actually correct an existing problem Mr. Cammarata said he had no objection. The hearing was declared closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the petition and sign the order for the follow- ing j/o pole location Woburn Street, northwesterly side, approximately 150 feet northeast of Lowell Street, -- One (1) pole. (One existing JO pole to be removed. ) 1 288 Cr n ac• Hearing was declared open upon petition of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for per- mission to locate a guy wire and anchor on Massachusetts Avenue Guy wire Mr. Dunn, representing the petitioner , was the and anchor only person present at the hearing. Notices of the hearing were mailed to the peti- tioner, owners of property listed on the petitioners plan and also filed with the Superintendent of Public Works. Mr. Carroll approved the proposed location. Mr. Dunn explained he discussed this with Mr Carroll. The guy and anchor are necessary to ge t the right tension on the cable. No one wishing to be heard in favor or in opposition, the hearing was declared closed. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the petition and sign the order for the follow- ing guy wire and anchor: Massachusetts Avenue : Southerly side, from a pole approxi- mately 140 ' feet westerly, from Marrett Ro2d , One (1) guy wire and anchor Mr. Carroll referred to the Woodhaven Trunk Sewer project and reported the Federal Government has approved Woodhaven $145,256.00. He reported a conversation with the Metro- sewer politan District Commission, and said it is expected that the contract for the Arlington-Lexington relief sewer may be readvertised and might start this year. He ex- plained that work has to actually begin before the Town receives any funds Mr. Carroll reported on bids for oil for the year The Petroleum Heat and Power Co. bid 11)i per gallon and the Lexington Coal & Oil Co. Inc. bid 11.05¢ He said, Oil bids where the Lexington Coal and Oil Co. is a local concern, he wondered what the Board wanted to do on a difference of $15, based on the estimated amounts . The Chairman stated the Board likes to award bids to local concerns when the bidding is close . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to award the contract to the Lexington Coal and Oil Co. at its bid of 11.05 per gallon. Mr. Carroll reported on bids taken for sand spreaders Sand Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted spreader to accept the Dyer Sales Company bid in the amount of $4,150.00 net. 289 II Mr. Carroll referred to installation of sewer to serve Burnham Farms anc the Adam Estates ' areas and re- ported he had worked upcost estimates for the installation of the sewer through the entire Burnham Farms ' area and Sewers through the entire Adams Estates ' area Putting in a pumping station, force main and trunk sewer comes to around $14.0,000.00. The Board is committed next year toput a trunk sewer in for theWinter Street area, at a cost of $57,000.00, and over to Burlington Street at a cost of $38000.00, a total somewhere in the vicinity of $240,000.00. He said the question is , to serve theBurnham Farms and Adams Estates ' areas with laterals, approximately $400,000.00 will be involved, taking every street in the area . He stated the point he was trying to make is that budget time is drawing to a close. He recommended that the Board consider putting in the trunk sewer and force main into these areas, and tell the people they will have to wait until 1967 for the laterals He said if the Board was so in- clined, he would write a letter advising that the con- struction of laterals will have to go until 1967. The Board had no objection. Mr. Carroll submitted a plan of the Lowell Street construction and stated it will be necessary to take Slope some slope easements . He asked the Board 's approval easements to work with Mr. Legro, Town Counsel, and said if the Lowell St . Board would approve the proposed easem nts, he would work with Mr.Legro. It was agreed that Mr. Carroll should work with Town Counsel and also obtain appraisals Mr. Cataldo referred to Lexington Center and stated he felt the Board should decide what it is going to do there on each of the given properties. He said he thought, in view of what is happening in the Center, Mr. Carroll should contact Mr. Friel, have him in, and Lexington find out whether or not the Boston Edison Company would Center do something about remodelling to the extent of Colonial front . He said someone should make the initial move and he thought it should be the Board. There was no objection and the Chairman agreed to work with Mr. Carroll and compose a letter to the Boston Edison Company. Mr. Carroll said he would like some conclusions drawn in regard to the widening of Massachusetts *venue . Mr. Cataldo said the major decision is when the Widening Board is going to do something. Mass Ave The Chairman said the Board would meet with the committee next week and this could be deferred for that 290 CAD Cml ao length of time, and after that meeting, the Board would ' have to make a decision. Mr. Gray informed the Board that he had another Public Certificate for Payment on the Public Facilities Building, Facilities in the amount of $10,325.55. Building Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Committee to authorize the Chairman to sign the certificate for the Town Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to authorize the Chairman to sign a change order sub- stituting Terrazzo flooring for vinyl-asbestos. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve bill in the amount of $4/12.72 for architectural services. Mr. Gray reported a telephone call he received from Mr. George H. Matheson regarding the old entrance to the municipal parking area from Waltham Street. Mr. Matheson Parking is anxious to have the transfer of papers take place as Area soon as possible and would like the Board to authorize Mr. Legro to prepare the necessary documents, as authorized by vote of Town Meeting held March, 1965, under Article 39. Mr. Gray mentioned the fact that authorization had been given to employ an additional clerk for the Police Department, but Lieutenant Corr has been unsuccessful in finding a capable indivi( ual at the established rate of pay. He would like the Board to reclassify the position, now S-3, to S-5. Police Mr. Gray stated that the present cler*, Mrs. Manley, Depattment will have to retire in approximately two years and the Clerk new clerk will assume the duties now performed by Mrs . Manley. He said no one is interested in the position at the present salary. He explained that the new employee would not start at the beginning rate for the S-5 classi- fication, but would receive somewhere in the vicinity of $75.00 a week. He mentioned that Mrs. Manley's position was reclassified last year to Principal Clerk. Mr. Carroll said if the Boatd does vote this, he would like it to give consideration to some girls in the organization. The Chairman stated that whenever possible, the Board was in favor of promoting within the Town organization, and this position should be advertised first to Town employees. Mr. Gray said he would advise Lieutenant Corr and also prepare a notice for the Town employees 291 Mr. Gray reported on a memo he received from Mr. Burnell in regard to setting the voting machines for elections, and recommended that the new meter and maintenance man in the Police Department would be Voting suitable He explained Lieutenant Corr had no ob- Machines jection if this employee assumed this as part of his regular duties . The Chairman said that both he and Mr. Gray thought this would be a solution to relieve Miss McDonough of the responsibility. He asked that Mr. Gray see to it that this arrangement is administered Request was received from the MetropolitanBuilding Movers Co. for permission to move a building from 18 Bowman Street to Lawrence Lane and permission to move a Moving building from Deming Road to Arlington permits Mr. Carroll stated that both requests should be held over until next week Letter was received from the Mystic Valley Gas Company, together with plan showing proposed location of a 2" welded steel gas main to serve #39 and #41 Vine Street . Gas main The proposed location was approved by Mr. Carroll and the Board had no objection. The Chairman read a letter from E. B.Myott, 210 Follen Road, recommending an investigation of all aspects pf street lighting so that any action deemed advisable may be considered at the next Annual Town Meeting, with immediate action for one additional light on Buckman Street Drive . lighting Mr. Carroll reminded the Board of an established policy whereby 1,000 lumen lamps are used except at intersections. He agreed to draft a letter for the Chairman's signature . The Chairman read a letter from William A. Delaney, 30 Hathaway Road, expressing his objections to the Board's decision to exempt the Common from the water Water ban ban exemption Mr . Carroll informed the Board that his department has not watered the Common from the domestic water supply since the ban on the use of water became effective. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Carroll, together with bill from the Partridge Associates, Inc . for work done in the Minute Man Highlands, Section 4 subdivision, which, in Mr. Carroll's opinion, is substantially greater than to serve the subdivision alone. II 292 cz aa• Mr. Carroll stated the Board is authorized to pay for work done that is substantially greater than necessary for the subdivision. The Chairman asked if Mr. Carroll was saying, in effect, that this is a fair amount . Mr. Carroll replied in the affirmative, and said funds are available. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the amount ana authorize payment, pending receipt of approval from the Planning Board. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Pole to grant the petition and sign the order for the lo- location cation of one pole on Maguire Road, northeasterly side, approximately 488 feet southeast of Westview Street. Request was received from the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to place a guy wire and anchor on Town property, rear of Town Office Building Guy wire and Police Station at Woburn Street to provide guying for and anchor pole line from Winthrop Road to Woburn Stret on Massachu- setts Avenue. A new cable is being placed for more and better facilities in this area . Mr. Carroll approved the proposed location. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the request for an anchor guy location as submitted in sketch attached to the letter. The Chairman read a letter from Loran E. Wallace, Tax title 21 Vaille Avenue, stating that if the $2,500 figure for lots 50 and 51 Bruce Road is still agreeable with the Board, he would like to proceed with the transaction. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sell and convey tax title lots 50 and 51 Bruce Road to Loran E. Wallace for $2500 which included street and water betterment assessments . The Chairman read a letter from Alexander V. Zaleski, Planning Director, with reference to Route 2 - Watertown Route 2 Street, stating that representatives of the Planning Board had proposed a modification of the layout. The Chairman stated that it was not the Planning Board who proposed the modification, but a member of the Board of Selectmen, Mr. Cataldo. The Chairman read a letter from the Planning Board, Zoning a copy of which was sent to the Building Inspector, rela- violations tive to four properties in residential districts which it believes bo_be used for business purposes in violation of the zoning. 2 The Chairman suggested that, in the future, items such as this be processed by the Executive Assistant to the Board. He said he would hold this over until the next meeting, at which time he would have a report from the Executive Assistant Letter was received from Robert K. Jeremiah, Wire Inspector, recommending appointment of Wallace Cupp as substitute inspector during his six months ' leave of Wire absence Inspector The Chairmen said he would like to defer action for one week, and the Board had no objection. The Chairman read a letter from Fred W. Meurling, 42 Maple Street, listing complaints regarding certain hazards existing at 144 Maple Street The Chairman said he understood Weiant Wathen-Dunn, who lives at 144 Maple Street, has been trying to cooperate and Mr. Irwin does not see anything amiss. He said Mr Irwin received a copy of Mr. Meurling 's letter and he Complaint would let him answer it direct Mr. Gray reported that Mr. Irwin went down two weeks ago and could not find anything that he could actually do anything about; the property may be unsigntly but there were no violations upon which he could act Mr. Sheldon said he thought the Chairman's suggestion was a good one and if Mr. Irwin goes down and finds no violation, he should so advise Mr. Meuriing. Mr. Gray agreed to discuss the matter with Mr. Irwin. The Chairman read a letter from Miss Alice M. Morse, a former resident of Lexington, relative to perpetuating the name of Brigham, in connection with the development off Hancock Street. The Chairman said he would advise Miss Morse that the title "Jackson Estates" was selected by the developer. Jackson There is no permancency in so far as the name of the de- Estates velppment is concerned, and the street in this particular development has been named Brigham Road by the Planning Board Mr. Gray reported that John Brucchi asked him to convey to the Board the fact that he is interested in appointment of Dog Officer. Dog Officer The Chairman stated the Acting Chief feels the Dog Officer should be a Police Officer and he would like to hold the appointment over until a recommendation is re- ceived from the Acting Chief. The Chairman read a letter from Richard S. Townsend, Constitutic 7 Mowers Road, with reference to Constitution Day, Sept- ember 17. Ccs 294 Upon motion dulymade andseconded, it was voted P to have the flags displayed in Lexington Center on Con- stitution Day, and to request the citizens of the Town to participate by displaying their American flags Governor John A. Volpe 's proclamation of Senior Proclamation Citizens ' Day, September 19, 1965, was endorsed by the Board. Letter was received from Arthur E. Burrell, Director of Civil Defense, requesting appointment of Kenneth M. Civil Knobel, 37 Percy Road, as Training Officer for the de- Defense partment of Civil Defense . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Kenneth M. Knobel, 37 Percy Road, Training Officer in the Department of Civil Defense . Letter was received from Arthur E. Burrell, Director of Civil Defense, requesting appointment of Charles M. Civil Cullen, 6 Gerard Terrace, Philip S. Belson, 24 Bellevue Defense Street, Newton, and Gerald E. Brissette, 1174 Franklin Street, Melrose, Assistant Shelter Officers for the Town. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to appoint Charles M. Cullen, Philip S. Belson and Gerald E. Brissette, Assistant Shelter Officers for the Town of Lexington. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Use of hall to grant permission to the Premiere Performance Company to use Estabrook Hall on Saturday, October 30, 1965, from 7 :30 P.M. until 10 :30 P.M. , subject to the established regulations . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the Lexington Choral Society to Use of hall use Cary Memorial Hall on Friday, December 17, 1965, from 7 :30 P.M. until 11:00 P.M. , subject to tns established regul,,tions. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted License to grant a Taxi Driver license to Robert A. Delsie, 38 Ledgelawn Avenue , satisfactory character reference having been received from Acting Chief Corr. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant a Taxi Driver license to Richard S. Scoyne, Sr. , License 12A Bridge Street, Salem. Later in the evening, motion was made and seconded to rescind the vote granting a Taxi Driver license to Richard S. Scoyne , Sr. `l 95 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to deny Mr Richard S. Scoyne 's application for a Taxi Driver 's license, an unsatisfactory report having been received from Acting Chief Corr Upon motion duly made arra seconded, it was voted to authorize the Chairman to sign Liquor Identification I.D. Card Card for Mary Jane Jackson, 22 Charles Street . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to approve the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting held Minutes on August 23, 1965. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to sign an Order for the construction of a sidewalk on Sidewalk the westerly side of Lowell Street from East Street a distance of 2664 feet, more or less, northerly to North Street. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to abate in full the street betterment assessment of Abatement $1311.00 levied against lots 211-215 Rindge Avenue, the Town having acquired the land, by vote of Town Meeting, from Arthur E. Vasseur and Agnes J. Vasseur . Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of dis- Executive cussing, deliberating or voting on matters which, if Session made public, might adversely affect the public security, the financial interest of the Town, or the reputation of any person. Following discussion relative to Nomination Papers, and Route 2 - Worthen Road, it was voted to resume the open meeting. At 9 00 P.M. , the Planning Board met with the Selectmen. Also present was a group of people from the Peacock Farm area The Chairman explained the meeting was for the pur- pose of discussing the problem of Route 2 ramps and possi- Route 2 ble connection with Worthen Road , and said the Board had received a letter from Mr. Zaleski, Planning Director, that btought this about He informed the group that Mr. Cataldo had met with representatives of the State Department of Public Works . Mr. Cataldo explained this meeting was brought about by a meeting with Mr Abend, a traffic consultant, on different approaches to connecting Worthen Road to the Route 2 interchange. He reported a meeting today with 2961 Cr r2 Jack Gardner, State Department of Public Works , and said it was safe to say the first plan was definitely out The State would rather not have a signal intersection. Proposed layouts were put up for display and explained by Mr Carroll, following which the Planning Board agreed to the suggestion that the Board of Selectmen write the State Department of Public Works asking that the problem of Worthen Road be solved . The Group retired at 9°25 P.M. Letter from the Buse Realty Trust,with suggested Circle Road wording for paragraph four of the Agreement regarding acquisition by the Trust of lots on Circle Road, was held over The Chairman read a letter from the Board of Fire Commissioners requesting permission to accept bids for a used Onan Generator (V-311., 5 KW) . The Chairman said it would be his suggestion that Fire Dep 't . some other department might be able In use the generator generator Mr. Sheldon pointed out the main problem with this piece of equipment is the fact it is doubtful if parts are available He suggested if no department is inter- ested in acquiring the generator, that the Fire Commissioners be authorized to sell it. It was agreed that the Fire Commissioners should contact other Town Departments and if no interest is indicated, the Commissioners sell the generator Mr. Carroll retired at 9:30 P.M. Letter was received from Mr. Legro with reference to the delay encountered by The 1775 Realty Trust in Hunt Block commencing demolition of the Hunt Block. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to extend the time for the commencement of the demolition of the Hunt Building to October 10, 1965, and to extend the time for completion of the demolition and removal of the debris to November 10, 1965. Letter received from Mr. Legro with reference to the Claim claim against the Town and William F. Mason made by the Abbott Spray & Farm Equipment was held over Memorandum to all Town Employees on the Conflict of Interest Law was received from Mr. Legro Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Conflict to sign the memorandum as prepared by Mr Legro and send Of Interest a copy to the head of each department, board and com- mission. 291 The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Anthony R. Cataldo stating it was his understanding that during the time of the option, at least from January 1, 1965, Swenson that there would be no real estate taxes incurred by land him regarding the Swenson property, and therefore, he asked if it was just that amount of taxes withheld from the sale of the Swenson property be returned tohim. The Chairman asked to have the subject held over until the next meeting when Town Counsel would be present . The Chairman informed the Board that Mr. Gray was going to attend a City Msnager ' s convention in Montreal Convention from "iinday through Wednesday. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 9 :34 P.M. A true record, Attest : j -11/1 xecu ivoerl , Select mak. C r ix