HomeMy WebLinkAbout1965-05-03-min 136 c
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SELECTMEN'S MEETING
May 3, 1965 I
A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was
held in the Selectmen' s Room, Town Office Building, on
Monday, May 3, 1965, at 7: 30 P.M. Chairman Cole, Messrs.
Burnell, Cataldo, Sheloon and Mabee were present. Mr.
Legro, Town Counsel, Mr. Gray, Executive Assistant, Mr.
Carroll, Superintendent of Public Works, and Miss Murray,
Executive Clerk, were also present.
Mr. Legro said he wculd like to discuss the articles
for the June 7 Town Meeting Warrant, and stated he had an
article for abandonment of a sewer easement and temporary
construction easements in the Evangelical Covenant Church
Articles of Cambridge and the land of Anthony R. Cataldo, formerly
for Town land of Swenson.
Meeting in Mr. Legro said he had an article to authorize acqui-
June sition of a school site off Marrett Road, and an article
for the Lidberg property on Adams Street.
The Chairman said the Board received a letter April
29 from the Planning Board requesting four articles, and
the warrant closed April 26.
Mr. Carroll reported that the Planning Board is
having a study made on the Lidberg land.
The Chairman said that the article on Barrymeade
Drive would require a hearing according to Town Counsel.
Mr. Carroll said there is a cul-de-sac on Barrymeade
Drive whichshould be wiped out.
The Chairman said he would take the articles one at
a time.
Mr. Cataldo asked what difference that would make;
the Board would be denying them for a specific reason.
The Chairman said notice was received on two of the
articles, and Barrymeade Drive is one of them.
Mr. Cataldo said that would be out regardless; there
would have to b e two articles and there is not enough time.
Mr. Legro said there would be two articles.
The Chairman asked if Barrymeade Drive could be done.
Mr. Legro replied it could as far as he was concerned
and it can as far asthe Selectmen are concerned if they
give seven days' notice to the owners and file a report with
Town Clerk.
Mr. Carroll said it involves a plan and he did not know
what it involves in the field.
Mr. Legro advised that the plan should be filed prior
to the notice as the people coming to the hearing should
be given an opportunity to look at it. He said the hearing
could be held May 24.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
not to include the Planning Board articles on the Lidberg
and Castoldi land.
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Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to include the Planning Board article to change the name
of Franklin Avenue, Town Counsel having received notice
of the article before the warrant closed.
Mr. Gray left the meeting to advise the Planning
Board that the Lidberg and Castoldi articles would not
be included in the warrant.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to include an article on Barrymeade Drive, the Board
feeling it would be in the best interest of the Town
to have it in the June Town Meeting.
Mr. Legro said, with reference to the Lidberg pro-
perty, he did know about it.
The Chairman asked if the Planning Board specifi-
cally requested it .
Mr. Legro replied in the negative and explained that
the Planning Board did ask him to prepare an extension of
the option.
The Planning Board came into the Selectmen' s Meeting.
Mr. Bryson said he thought the Lidberg and Castoldi
articles were very important to the Town. They were
put at the end of the last Town Meeting and everyone was
tired and the articles were turned down. He said these
are important issues and the Planning Board is holding
an information meeting on the 19th concerning Everson
Road which would all be in vain if these two articles are
not in the warrant . He explained they were voted on the
night of April 26 and he was under the impression it was
going to be sent to the Selectmen right away.
The Chairman said he hoped the Planning Board could
understand the Selectmen ' s position in closing the warrant;
it has to draw the line some place and the Board feels suf-
ficient notice had been given.
Mr. Bryson said he should think if the Selectmen gave
consideration anywhere, it would give it to another Board
in the Town.
The Chairman agreed and said the Selectmen decided
there comes a time when the Board do s have to enforce
whatever rulings it has made. However, if the Board
wanted to change its mind, all right and good.
Mr. Bryson explained that the Planning Board is spend-
ing $500 of the Town' s money in vain and will lose the
chancp3• of acquiring the Lidberg pro7_erty.
Tyr Fowle asked. the Board to explain what makes it
difficult to get these articles in the warrant, whether it
was a matter of principle or a matter of difficulty.
The Chairman e xplained that the Board had made up
its mind, when it set the closing date for the warrant,
that it would close it that date.
Mr. Fowle said the Board said this to itself and
never told the Planning Board.
The Chairman said Mr. Fowle would find notice had
been given.
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Mr. Greeley said the Selectmen h ve spoiled the
Planning Board in the past, that it did not have to
meet the deadline and should have let the Planning Board
know they meant it.
Mr. Sheldon said there is another consideration here
and he thought it would be poor strategy tobring these
up in such a short time, but this was n( t why they were
turned down. He said, as an individual, he was saying
unless the Board does all the things that are necessary,
these articles may pass at a fall Town Meeting, having
been discussed with enough people and properly explained.
He said he did feel if they were brought up at the June
Meeting, they would bF lost.
Mr. Fowle said that was somewhat irrelevant.
Mr. Sheldon explained he was only saying to the Plan-
ning Board, if it wants to win, don't bring these up until
the proper groundwork has been done.
Mr. Cambbell asked if the Planning Board shouldn't
be the one to take the chance.
Mr. Bryson said he hoped the Board would reconsider.
Mr. Mabee said he would be agreeable to reconsider,
having been on the Planning Board himself, it does oper-
ate on the idea that when the Selectmen say the Warrant
is closed, they don't mean it. He said, as a matter of
opinion, he did not think a consultant for $500 was going
to sell this. He said he was with the Planning Board,
believed it, but did not think it could be done.
Mr. Bryson said he was willing to sell it or forget
it . There is an information meeting planned to which
Town Meeting members will be invited. He asked if the
Selectmen thought it was worth losing the Lidberg and
Castaldi properties.
Mr. Mabee asked how long thloption went.
Mr. Legro replied August 2.
Mr. Sheldon s"id he would be willing to spend a little
more money and wait until a fall Town Fleeting.
Mr. Fowle said the Planning Board is prepared to assume
the responsilility that it will be difficult to sell the
article.
Mr. Sheldon advised that the entire concept of
Emerson Road has to be sold and the Selectmen are in favor.
Mr. Bryson said one of the reasons the Planning Board
has had difficulty is that the articles are always at the
end of the warrant . He said these articles are already
written.
Mr. Cataldo said they are all written and it should
have been that much easier for the Planning Board to get
them in on time .
Mr. Greeley said the Selectmen sent what normally
would have been enough notice but the Planning Board did
not meet that week and therefore did not receive the
notice until April 26.
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Mr. Mabee said he thought the Board had really adopted
a policy of enforcing the terms, but he would change his
vote.
Mr. Legro explained many times announcements come
that a Board would like an article about something in
very general terms, and very often it is something that
requires a lot of preliminary work. Long after the
warrant closes, the work has not been done and that is
where the real difficulty is. He said he could see no
problem at the moment on these two articles .
Mr. Bryson said there is no great rush on Barrymeade
Drive.
Mr. Carroll said he had advised the Selectmen that
the preliminary plan had been submitted by Mr. Sullivan
and there is nothing that can stop him from filing again.
The Chairman explained it is in the best interest
of the Town to include Barrymeade in this meeting.
Mr. Zaleski explained the developer will not go ahead
with he subdivision until he knows how the Town is going.
He could submit a different plan, emptying onto Marrett
Road which is what the Planning Board does not want.
Motion was made and seconded to rescind the previous
vote of the Board by which the Board voted not to include
articles in the warrant for the June 7, 1965 Town Meeting
on the Lidber and Castoldi properties.
Messrs. Sheldon, Cataldo and Cole were recorded in
opposition and the vote was, therefore, lost .
Mr. Legro referred to the acquisition of land for a
school site off Marrett Road and asked if there would be
an appropriation. he said he thought there would be
difficulty in building a street through conservation land.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
authorize Mr. Legro to prepare an article so that the Town
will hav,- the authority to construct a road across the
easterly toe of the land the Town was authorized to acquire
by vote of Town Meeting in March, 1965. The strip will be
approximately 150 feet .
Mr. Cataldo abstained from all discussion and voting.
Hearing w ;s declared open upon written complaint Berry dog
of Mrs . R . H. Wilhelm, Jr. , 10 Winter Street , and others, hearing
against a dog owned by Mrs Olive Berry, 519 Bedford
Street .
All persons present at the herin, desiring to give
evidence stood, raised their right hands and swore that
the evidence to be given in this case would be the truth,
the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Dog Officer, Michael Shaughnessy, was present.
The Chairman stated that notices of the hearing had
been sent to all interested parties, and read the peti-
tion received by the Board.
Officer Shaughnessy reported that he had contacted
Mrs. Wilhelm last week and she planned to attend the hear-
ing, but at the moment was not present.
He stated that in 1964, plus five times this year ,
on complaints of residents in the area of Winter Street,
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he made investigations as stated in his letter to the
Board. He reported he went to the home of the Berry'ls
on several occasions and did speak to them several times.
He also went to the house on occasions when there was no
one home. They agreed to restrain the dog July 1, which
they failed to do. He reported one time when he went to
the Berry home, he could not get out of the car until he
blew the horn for Mrs Berry to come out after the dog.
He said they have failed to restrain the dog as he re-
quested; the petition is justified and he recommended
that a restraining order be issued
Mrs. H. A. Thomas, 55 Ivan Street , stated her
daughter is a friend of Mrs . Wilhelm' s daughter and on
two occasions, the dog has come after her . Once he
pulled at her clothes and knocked her off her bicycle
She also stated the dog came after her husband and her
son.
Mrs. Myron H. Ferrin, 24 Hastings Road, reported
that as she was walking, the dog took her hand in his
mouth and was biting on it, although there were no teeth
marks .
DeAnne Peterson, 14 Flintlock Road, stated the dog
started biting her leg, but did not leave any mark.
Mrs. Berry said these people say they have been
bitten and asked if they ever had medical attention. She
said the dog frightens ev ryone becau e of its size and
actually he is doing a job of protecting .pis own family.
She stated she has a husband who is ill and does not work.
She has to work and depends on the dog for protection.
She said she did realize he frightens a great many people .
She said, as the Dog Officer report d, she had to bring
him in There are times the baker leaves the bread and
the milkman leaves the milk, She said she knew abort
the petition and some people would go along with it be-
cause they are afraid.
The Chairman asked if there was any evidence that
the dog had actually bitten anyone in that it would cause
medical attention.
Officer Shaughnessy replied he did net know. He
stated this dog is a very large German Shepherd. He said
the dog growls ut as far as biting, he did not know.
Peter Berry verified what Mrs. Be ry said.
Mrs. '"ilhelm said she knew the Berrys have a situ-
ation where she has to work. She said she has called her
many times and asked her to restrain the dog. She said
she did not want anything to happen to the dog, but she
does not want him bothering people coming to her house.
She said if she knows her mother is coming, she has to
ask the Berrys totake the dog in and they do. She said
when the dog was growing up, she used to feed him and give
him water. Recently he put his teeth in her arm. She
stated everyone who comes to her aouse is terrified of
this dog. She said actually the dog is really a coward,
but people do not know that .
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Mrs. McGrath, T '.F Winter Street, said ti, cg bit the
milkman and he bothers everyone who comes to h r house.
Mrs . Berry said the dog does not bother children
very much. All the children go in and out of her house.
She said she has sold her hcuse and will be moving away
from Lexington in abcut a month.
Mrs. Berry stated that she bought the dog in the
beginning for a pet for the children, but it has developed
into a protection situation.
The hearing was declared closed and the group retired
at 8:50 P.M.
Officer Shaughnessy stated that he did not think the
situation was going to change in a month. He said at one
time Mrs . Berry said she was going to get rid of the dog
because he was vicious but then changed her mind.
Officer Shaughnessy retired at 8 55 P.M.
The Chairman said he hoped there would be someway to
resolve the matter without restraining the dog.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to
request Mrs. Olive Berry, 519 Ledford Street , to voluntarily
restrain her dog so that he is not a nuisance or menace to
the neighborhocd, and to emphasize that should another com-
plaint be received by the Board, a restraining orckr will be
issued immediately.
At 9:00 P.M. , Messrs . Sus man, Ripley, Ells and Swenson
Smith of the Conservation Commiss, on met with the Board, land
The Chairman referred to the Swenson property and
said he wanted it to be known that Mr. Cataldo abstains
from any discussion or votes pertaining to that property.
The Board intends to take 150 feet through there for
Worthen Road.
Mr. Sussman advised that the Commission has been in
touch with the Town Engineer.
The Chairman explained the purpose of the joint meet-
ing was to replace a position on the Conservation Com-
mission caused by a resignation of one of its members.
He explained the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen acts
as Chairman and entertains motions. At this moment Appoint-
nominations were open for the one-year term. ment
Mr. Sheldon nominated Mr . John J. Garrity.
Motion was made and seconded that nominations be
closed.
The Chairman instructed the Clerk to cast one ballot
for John J. Garrity to fill the unexpired term.
Mr. Legro, Town Counsel, advised the Chairman of the
correct legal procedure and the Chairman polled all members
of both Boards . All present were in favor of appointing
MA . John J. Garrity.
The Chairman declared Mr. John J. Garri y to be unani-
mc$usly elected to the Lexington Conservation Commission for
a one-year term expiring March 31, 1966 to fill the vacancy
caused by Mr. William S. Richeyts resignation.
The Commission retired at 9 08 P .M.
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Mr. Carroll reported he received a layout of the pro-
posed street lighting for Worthen Road and he submitted a
plan to the Board stating he had a que tion. The plan
shows 11,000 lumen vapor lights and the spacing shows the
lights 120 feet apart. Mr. Carroll said if the Board ap-
proves the plan as shown, the annual cost will be $1374
a year. If the lights are spared, as he recommends, the
cost will be $723.60 per year but the Town will have to
Street pay an additional ch. rge this year only for three poles
lights that will have to be placed. He recommended lighting
on every other pole at an annual cost to the Town of $723.60.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to follow Mr. Carroll' s recommendation.
Mr. Carroll referred to Hartwell Avenue Sanitary Land
Fill and stated last week he requested that a police officer
Sanitary be assigned to the area on Wednesday, and because of the
Land Fill results, requested that the officer be continued through
Sunday. He read a letter which he received from Lieu-
tenant James F. Corr, Acting Chief.
Mr. Carroll reported since a police officer has been
in the area, there has been much less rubbish being de-
livered and there is no question but a great deal of
rubbish was coming from out of town. de said the com-
mercial rubbish collectors should be written stating
future violations might mean the suspension of their
permits. He said with the cooperation of the Police
Department, inspections will be made from time to time.
M± ; Carroll said he would have a report within
two weeks on a permit system which Lieutenant Corr feels
the Police Department can handle.
Mr. Carroll stated the Board should vote to desig-
nate someone to be the authorized representative of the
Federal Board of Selectmen to apply for Federal aid for the pro-
aid for posed sewer force main. The last time the Town applied
sewer for similar aid, Mr. Carroll was the authorized repre-
sentative.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was unani-
mously voted to adopt the following Resolution:
AUTHORITY TO FIL , A"PLICATION
WHEREAS, Town of Lexington, Massachusetts
herein called the "Applicant", after thorough consideration of
the various aspects of the problem and study of available
data, has hereby det rmined that the construction of certain
works required for the treatment of sewage, generally
described as
Proposed 20-inch force main from the existing Brook Street
(Description of project to be used in section 1 of
Application)
Pumping station to the existing trunk sewer at Hamilton
Road, herein called the "Project", is desirable and in the
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public interest, and to that end it is necessary that
action preliminary to the ccnstruction of said Project
be taken immediately; and
WHEREAS, under Section 466e, Title 33, of the United
States Code, the United States of America has authorized
the making of grants to aid in financing the cost of con*.
struction of necessary treatment works to prevent the
discharge of untreated or inadequately treated sewage or
other waste into any waters and for the
purpose of reports, plans, and specifications in connection
therewith; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant has examined and duly considered
said section of the United States Code, and related sections,
and the Applicant deems it to be in the public interest and
tot he public benefit to file an application under said
section of the United States Code and to authorize other
action in connection therewith:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY The Board of
Selectmen
the governing body of said Applicant, as follows:
1. That the construction of said Project is essential
to and is in the best interests of the Applicant, and to
the end that said project may be constructed as promptly
as practicable, it is desirable that action preliminary
to the construction thereof be undertaken immediately;
2. That John J. Carroll, Superintendent of Public
Works be hereby authorized to file on behalf or the Applicant
an application (in the form required by the United States
and in conformity with 33 U.S C . 466e ) for a grant to be made
by the United States tot he applicant to aid in defraying
the cost of construction of the sewage treatment works
described above;
3. That if such grant be made, the Applicant agrees to
pay all the remaining cost of the approved Project, over and
above the amount of the grant;
4. That if such grant be made, the Applicant agrees to
make provisions satisfactory to the Surgeon General of the
Public Health Service for assuring proper and efficient
operation and maintenance 01 the treatment works after
completion of the construction thereof;
5. That the said John J. Carroll. Supt. of Public Works
is hereby authorized to furnish such information and to take
such other action as may be necessary to enable the Applicant
to qualify for the grant;
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6. That the said John J. Carroll, Supt. of Public Works
is hereby designated as the authorized representative of the
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Applicant for the purpose of furnishing to the United
States such information, data, and documents per-
taining
to the application for a grant as may be
required; and otherwise to act as the authorized
representative of the Applicant in connection with
this application;
7. That certified copies of tris resolution be
included as part of the application to be submitted to
the United States, for a grant.
Mr. Carroll referred to Winchester Drive, submitted
a plan and called the Board' s attention to lot L-1 on
which a house is being built by Mr. John A. Cadario and
stated there is no sewer in Winchester Drive at this
point. Mr. Cadario made arrangements with someone who
Cadario owns lot 7 to have an easement over that lot to tie into
sewer the Town of Winchester sewer. He did not have an ease-
Winchester ment and the new owner of Lot 7 took it out. The Town
Drive of Winchester said he can connect to the Winchester sewer
if the Town of Lexington agrees to pay an annual charge
of $50 a year to the Town of Winchester.
Mr. Carroll said the problem is, what happens if Mr.
Cadario does not pay.
Mr. Sheldon asked if the Town of Winchester would
make an agreement with Mr. Cadario, and Mr. Carroll re-
plied in the negative.
Mr. Cataldo pointed out that the City of Waltham
entered into a similar type of agreement with Dr. Short.
He asked how much it would cost to go Winchester Drive.
Mr. Carroll replied $3,000, and it might be more.
Mr. Cataldo said the Board should not enter into
contract with Winchester. If Mr. Cadario wants to con-
nect in Lexington, he will bear the cost
Mr. Carroll said he would have to pay the entire
connection; this house is ready to live in.
Mr. Sheldon said the Board has to protect the
interest of the Town.
Mr. Legro said he would think the Board would need
authority of the Town i-ieeting at the very least.
The Chairman said as a citizen of Lexington he should
be treated the same as other citizens in the same situ-
ation and asked if any other property would derive any
benefit .
Mr. Carroll replied in the negative.
The Chairman asked what the Board could expect as a
betterment.
Mr. Carroll replied about $1500; the total cost
approximately $3,000.
The Chairman suggested that Mr. Cadario pay the Town
the amount of money he would pay in lieu of betterments.
Mr. Carroll explained there has been no appropri-
ation
and whether there will be money left over after
the bid is out, he did not know.
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It was finally agreed that the applicant for con-
nection to the sewer, Mr. Cadario, should deal directly
with the Town of Winchester.
Mr. Carroll reported he is taking bids on the Bedford
sewer meter and asked if the Board wanted to install a
remote control device to keep a record. The cost will Sewer
be $982 installed. control
The Chairman asked if Mr. Carroll had sufficient
funds, and he replied that he should be able to Let them.
Mr. Carroll asked the Board about the Barn Committee.
Mr. Gray explained he was waiting for the Appropri-
ation Committee to organize.
The Chairman said Mr. Gray would see that the com-
mittee is formed as soon as possible, and Mr. Cataldo
agreed to represent the Board on the committee.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to grant the petition and sign the order for the follow-
ing j/o pole locations: Pole
Eliot Road, northwesterly from a point ar.proximately locations
92 feet northwest of Pelham Road, --
Five poles.
The Chairman read a letter from A. Lassell Ripley,
52 Follen Road, requesting deferment of sewer better-
ment assessment on lots 25 and 26 Follen Road.
Mr. Carroll subm4tted a pl?n ani mated the assess- Ripley
ments are $439 for each lot, a total of $878. The assess-
assessment for the house lot is $1,040.29. Mr Carroll ment
recommended that the assessments be deferred.
Upon motion duly made and seccnded, it was voted
to extend the time for payment , under the provisions
of Chapter 159 of the Acts of 1950, the sewer betterment
assessments, totaling S878.00, without interest, until
the land or any part thereof is built upon or sold or
until the expiration of three years from the date hereof
whichever event occurs first.
Proposed personnel classifications for three posi-
tions in the Department of Public Works were held over
A cop's had been given tc each membe of the Board and
Mr. Carroll explained this is something that should have
been done originally. Personnel
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted classifi-
to adopt the personnel changes as proposed by Mr. Carroll cation
and that they become a part of the job descriptions as
prepared by the Charles Evans Associates.
The Recreation Committee, Messrs. Abelland Brrtini
met with the Board.
Mr. Hayes said the committee would like the Board
to reconsider the plans for the Center Playground area,
particularly the plan for the parking lot area along Recrea-
Worthen Road. He said putting a parking lot there tion
pushes the major ball field, which is planned, out quite
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a way. He said it would be possible to get a 300 foot
right field foul line if some of the bushes and trees
were removed between Park Drive. He said he felt there
is no indication as o now if the parking lot in this area
is needed. He said last Saturday they had one of the
largest crowds ever and there we e nc cars parked along
Worthen Road. `le said if this parking area were elimi-
nated for the time being, they could have a ballfield
now. He explained the present and possible uses and
said he would like to see, at this time, the pa king
lot put off for two or three years . Then if there is
a great need for this parking lot, the field can be
moved.
Mr. Carroll stated that he felt there should be a
parking area along Worthen Road but he did not know the
number of c rs that should be provided for.
Mr. Cataldo recalled that a study had been made and
everyone involved saw fit to k ep the hill to make it
larger. He said he could not see taking the parking
lot out. He reminded the group that the parking lot
was very thoroughly discussed at the time the study was
made and once this plan was made and agreed upon, there
were to be no changes made.
Mr. Hayes said plans could always be changed.
Mr. 'ataldo said this was all thoroughly discussed
and the Selectmen warned the group at the time the
parking lot was to be retained.
Mr. Hayes said if there is a great need for this
parking lot in three or four years, the field can be
moved.
Mr. Cataldo said there must h_me been a need for
this being proposed originally.
Mr. Hayes said he thought Mr. Snow had the idea
tiere should be a parking lot.
Mr. Cataldo said this plan was accepted last spring
and the Board said once it was accepted, this would be it.
Mr. Hayes said if, in four years, there is a need for
a parking lot, he could see spending $15,000 or $20,000.
Right now they can use a ballfield next week and can use
this play area tomorrow.
The Chairman said the Recreation Committee feels
right now there is a definite need for a play ar:a but
there is nct a definite need for a parking area. He
asked if, there should be a need for the parking area
in the next two or three years, the Recreation Committee
would give the Board a hard time.
Mr. Hayes replied in the negative.
Mr. Cataldo asked if when this plan was originally
discussed if the Board specifically asked the committee
if there was encugh room and everything was included in
the plan as they needed.
The Chairman said that was correct .
Mr. Carroll said Park Drive is supposed to be abandoned
and if it is abandoned and the area loamed over and seeded„
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there is all the room in the world for a field. He said
there should oe parking along Worthen Road and said he
felt very strongly about it . He pointed out cars are
parked along Park Drive and when Park Drive has been elimi-
nated, cars will park in the perimeter of the area. He
said this was the plan that was adopted.
Mr. Hayes said they would not get the parking lot
until at least the next Town Meeting and they can use this
ballfield now and if they have to, can move it back.
Mr. Mabee asked if this entire concept wasn't based
on the premise that there would be something across the
street.
Mr. Carroll replied Mr. Snow was directed to explore
this area, which he indicated on the plan.
Mr. Cataldo explained this was not Mr. Snow' s alone;
the School Committee, Recreation Committee and Selectmen
were involved.
The Chairman recalled that to a specific question he
asked at the joint meeting, everyone present agreed on the
plan. He said in the beginning there was general agree-
ment on what was done. He said apparently now the area is
not being used and can be used to the advantage of the
people playing, but the Recreation Committee should realize
that by using it, it is doing so at its own peril and will
have to relinquish it at the time the Board of Selectmen
feels parking is necessary.
Mr. Cataldo said they should realize that the back-
stop will have to be moved.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted that
the Recreation Committee be permitted to place the baseball
field fifty or sixty feet closer to Wcrthen Road, with the
understanding on its part, that when this land is required
for perking or for the closing of Park Drive, the Com-
mittee will have to relinquish it all.
Mr. Abell said he was interested in this development
of the diamond area and expressed his thoughts on the sub-
ject. Tax title
The Chairman said he had an idea of expanding play play
areas . The Town owns many tax title lots, and his thought areas
is to explore these lots and se_ if neighborhood play areas
can be created. He said he asked Mr. Gray to get a list
of tax title lots and see if some of these could be developed
into play areas.
Mr. Hayes said when the Chairman spoke to him about
itp he thought it was a good idea
The Recreation Committee retired at 10:10 P.M.
Mrs . Austin Fisher, Mr. Leslie York, Mrs. Morey,
Mr. Ripley, Mr and Mrs. Fred Johnson, Mrs. Bevan and
several other persons met with the Board.
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Mrs . Fisher said it had come to her attention that
the location of the Public Facilities Building is not
Public what she had in her mind when she voted on it. She
Facilities submitted a letter from Anita P. and EdwiE-B. Worthen,
Building 35 Dexter Road.
Mrs. Fisher said if the building has to 1,e in the
Meriam Street area, it would be serving no purpose to
put it out in the middle of the lawn which will overwhelm
Buckman Tavern.
The Chairman stated that the Board of Selectmen felt
that, contrary to the four to one vote of the Public
Facilities Committee, the building should be nearer Mdiiam
Street due to the parking problem that would be created in
this area. He explained the building being here would be
closer to a parking area and will be more accessible to
tourists and townspeople.
Mr. Cataldo informed the group that the Selectmen
wanted to place the building back against Meriam Street'
and indicated the area on the plan, but after looking at
it, felt it would be disturbing the roots of too many
large trees. He said in looking around, over the
whole area, the next place the Board felt would be
the least conspicuous would be the area it proposed,
about 150 feet back from the curb. He pointed out that
going by the Centr 1 Block, the first building one would
see would be Buckman Tavern. He said in placing the
building where the Board proposed, it will be covered
at least the first part of it, by the beech tree. He
explained the Board -would like to keep Buckman Tavern
the prominent building of the green and felt the pro-
posed location would be the answer to the problems that
have arisen.
Mrs . Fisher said four large trees would not be killed
by placing the building in the corner, and Mr. Cataldo
explained one would have to go.
Mr. Greeley said the only important tree is the beech,
that the others are not outstanding, and he thought it
would be much better to preserve the large lawn and put
this building close to the railroad tracks and Meriam
Street or the railroad tracks and Hancock Street.
Mr. Cataldo said either location would protect the
beech tree and the first location will hide the build-
ing completely. He stated the Board felt the building
was not that objectionable.
Mr. York stated as far as t he Public Facilities
Building Committee is concerned, its original idea was
to place the building on the other side of Buckman
Tavern and the vote was four to one. He said the
Board of Selectmen made the change and he ccnsulted
Town Counsel to deter gine whether the Committee could
override the Selectmen' s decision.
Mrs . Morey stated that in all discussions before
this came up at Town Meeting, there were two sites.
149
The site four members of the committee wanted was by the
present facility and the second site was Meriam Street.
She preferred Meriam Street. In all discussions, there
had been only two sites . She said had she thought at
Town Meeting that the building was to be as close to
Buckman Tavern, she would have talked against it. She
said people will find the building in back of the beech
tree.
Mr. Ripley voiced his views and said if a decision
did not have to be made this evening, he would like to
see it held over until his group can have a meeting and
consider this more carefully.
Mrs. Fisher said the group would like another chance
to think about t lis, and asked if the Board, under any
circumstances, would reconsider its decision on the lo-
cation.
The Chairman said one of the Board would have to
propose it .
Mrs. Morey said there has to be renegotiations with
the contractor anyway which would take a little time so
the Board would have some leeway.
The Chairman said he was disturbed that t here has
to be renegotiations .
Mr. York explained when the specifications were pre-
pared, it was on the original site so there has to be a
revision .
Mrs . Fisher a ked when it was expected they would
break ground, and Mr. York replied in a few days.
Mrs . Bevan expressed her views on the subject and
mentioned the Garrity building, now being used by the
Red Cross and the building used by the Park Department.
Mr. and Mrs . Frederic K. Johns n were recorded
opposed to the proposed location.
The Chairman said the group had m de 9 plua to the
Board for reconsideration.
Mr. Greeley said he was strongly in support of Mr.
Worthen' s letter.
The group retired at 11 00 P M.
Later in the evening, the Poard of Selectmen voted
to locate the Public Facilities Building on the site
originally approved by the Board, namely the far corner
of Meriam Street near the r ailroad tracks ; the building
to face Massachusetts Avenue, the rear _acing the rail-
road tracks
Mr. Cataldo went on record that this location could
damage the trees .
Classification of municipal boards and committees was
held over.
Mr. Legro retired at 11 12 P.M.
150
cr
cl
Upon motion duty made and seconded, it was vctod to
certify the character of the following individuals who
have applied to the State for Certificates of Incorpo-
Cert. of ration, satisfactory references having been received
Inc. from the Police Department: Dorothy Williams, 20 Barberry
Road; Donald R. Mellen, 49 Wachusett Drive.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to appoint Randall J. Newell, 11 Grassland Street to the
Appoint- Lexington Civil Defense Auxiliary Communications group,
went as requested by Mr. Burrell, Director of Civil Defense.
Letter from Mrs. Stuntz, 80B Hancock Street, with
Dog Leash reference to a dog leash law, was referred to the Leash
Law Law Committee recently authorized by vote of Town Meet-
ing.
Letter was received from the State Department of
Commerce advising that August 28, 1965 has been reserved
Lexington for the Town of Lexington as its day at the World's Fair.
Day it was agreed to advise the Department no funds were
appropriated by Town Fleeting for this purpose.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
Licenses to grant the following licenses:
Lexington Cab Company, Public Carriage; Walter E. Murray,
Taxi Driver; Glen T. Kiedaish, Taxi Driver.
Letter from the Board of Health with reference to
that Board's Meeting with the Selectmen on April 20 was
noted and placed on file.
The Chairman read a letter from the Planning Board
Zoning listing four businesses that appear to be operating in
By-Law violation of the zoning By-Law. A copy of the letter had
been sent to Mr. Irwin, Building Inspector, who enforces
the Zoning By-Law.
Proposed poster for examination for the position of
Chief Exam. Chief of Police was received from Civil Service, approved
and the Chairman authorized to return it as approved.
Mr. Gray referred to a request received last week
from Mr. Anthony LaRocco that the restriction the Town
Tax Title placed on tax title lot sold to Mr. William J. Gibbs be
lifted as he desires to purchase this lot from Mr. Gibbs
and erect a house on it. He reported that the Planning
Board is not in favor of releasing the restriction unless
Mr. LaRoeco can acquire the adjacent lot.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted
to adjourn at 11:14 P.M.
A true record, Attest:
1ec tiv. Clerk, Selemen