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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1965-03-08-min 44 vr- cr ct SELECTMEN'S MEETING March 8, 1965 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Room, Town Office Building, on Monday, March 8, 1965, at 7:40 P.M. Messrs Cole, 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 . The meeting was called to order by the Executive Clerk who abated that nominations were in order for Organization nomination of a Chairman. Upon motion duly made and seconded, Mr. LincolnP Cole, Jr. , was nominated for Chairman. Upon motion duly made and seconded, nominations were declared closed. Motion was duly made and seconded to elect Mr. Cole Chairman and the Clerk east one ballot for Mr Lincoln P. Cole, Jr. , Chairman of the Board for the ensuing year. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the Conduit New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for per 11 - location mission to locate 288' of underground conduit in Massa- chusetts Avenue fnom Oak Street, northerly then westerly, and in Oak Street from Massachusetts Avenue southwesterly. Mr. Robert Dunn, representing the petitioner, was the only person present at the hearing. Notices of the hearing were mailed to the peti- tioner, owners of property as listed on the petitioner's plan and also filed with the Superintendent of Public Works. Mr. Dunn explained the proposed conduit location is to reinforce the duct line going up Oak Street and the company would like to do this before Massachusetts Avenue is resurfaced. The hearing was declared closed, and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the peti- tion and sign the order for the following conduit lo- cation: Massachusetts Avenue : Northerly then westerly, from Oak Street, approximately 268 ' feet of underground conduit to M H 54/50 Oak Street : Southwesterly, from Massachusetts Avenue, approximately 116 ' feet of underground conduit to Pole 72/2. 45 Hearing was declared open upon petition of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for per- mission to locate 370 feet of undergro ;nd conduit in Conduit Pleasant Street. location Mr. Robert Dunn, representing the petitioner, was the only person present at the hearing. Notices of the hearing were mailed to the peti- tioner, owners of property as listed on the petitioner's plan and also filed with the Superintendent of Public Works . Mr.Dunn explained because of the widening of Route 2, the company wants to do this work and get across Route 2. The hearing was declared closed, and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the peti- tion and sign the order for the following conduit lo- cation: Pleasant Street: Northerly side, from Pole 80/?3, at (state highway) station 16+00 easterly, approximately 370 ' feet of underground conduit, to Pole 80/40 at station 19+15 Hearing was declared open upon petiton of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to locate 75 feet of conduit in Massachusetts Avenue from Conduit Marrett Road, and 67 feet of conduit in Marrett Road from location Massachusetts Avenue. Mr. Robert Dunn, representing the petition was the only person present at the hearing. Notices of the hearing were mailed to the peti- tioner, owners of property as listed on the petitioner's plan, and also filed with the Superintendent of Public Works. Mr. Dunn explained the proposed conduit location is to reinforce the conduit line so as to get in and out before resurfacing of Massachusetts Avenue is started and to increase the facilities. The hearing was declared closed, and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the peti- tion and sign the order for the following conduit lo- cation: Massachusetts Avenue : Easterly, from Marrett Road, approximately 75 ' feet of under- ground conduit, to M H 54/20. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the New England Telephone Company and the Boston Edison Company for permission to locate one pole on Pearl Street . co 46 cl X. Mr. Robert Dunn, representing the telephone company, and Mr. Serverson, representing the Boston Edison Company, were the only persons present at the hearing. Notices of the hearing were mailed to the petitioners , owners of property as listed on the petitioners ' plan, and also filed with the Superintendent of Public Works. Mr. Serverson explained the pole is to serve a new house at the end of Pearl Street. The hearing was declared closed, and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the peti- tion and sign the order for the following i/o pole location: Pearl Street, northeasterly side, approximately 375 feet southeast of Bartlett Avenue, -- One (1) pole. Hearing was declared open upon petition of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for permission to locate 435 feet of conduit and one manhole in Spring Conduit & Street. Manhole Mr. Robert Dunn, 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 as listed on the petitioner 's 11plan, and also filed with the Superintendent of Public Works. Mr. Dunn explained the company has to cross Route 2 and get underground at the time the State is going to widen the road. Mr. Carroll stated this is more State highway than it is Town. The hearing was declared closed, and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the peti- tion and sign the order for the following conduit and manhole location: Spring Street : Westerly side; from pole 90/41 northerly, (State highway) approximately 435' feet of underground Conduit to pole 90/40; also, one (1) manhole Hearing was declared open upon petition of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company to locate conduit and manholes in Waltham Street. Mr. Dunn, representing the petitioner, Mr. and Mrs . Herbert Drury, 792 Waltham Street, and Mr Charles W . Holderman, 770 Waltham Street, were present at the hearing. 1 47 Notices of the hearing were mailed to the petitioner, owners of property as listed on the petitioner's plan, and also filed with the Superintendent of Public Works . Conduit & Mr. Dunn explained because of thy= State relocating manhole and doing work in the area, the company has to relocate location the conduit on the other side This will go underground and give a connection to the area whare the Burroughs Company is now. Mr. Drury asked if the conduit would be located on the property line . Mr. Dunn explained the exact location by use of a plan. Mr. Holderman said there did not appear to be any problem. The hearing was declared closed, and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant the peti- tion and sign theorder for the following conduit and manhole locations : Waltham Street Westerly side, from M H 54/48 at Concord Avenue, northerly, approximately 1729 ' feet of underground conduit to point (A) also, two (2) manholes . Waltham Street : From Point (A) northerly, then easterly, approximately 192 ' feet of underground conduit; also, one (1) manhole. Frontage Road A: From Waltham Street, westerly approxi- mately 215 feet of undergorund conduit Waltham Street : From M H 54/I4, southerly, approximately 20 feet of underground conduit . Waltham Street : Easterly side, from M H 54/48, northerly, abandon approximately 1862' feet of under- ground conduit and two (2) manholes. Messrs. Dunn, Serverson, Drury and Holderman retired at 7 :50 P.M. At the request of the Town Clerk, three persons were drawn for jury duty. Those drawn were : Theodore W. Lanman, 3 Whitman Circle Jurors Donald B. White, 212 East Street Robert C. MdChesney, 101 Bertwell toad 48 C, zip The Oapital Expenditures Committee and the Planning Board met with the Selectmen. 111 Mr. Boughton said he would like to talk about the Long Range Financial Study proposed under Article 70, and to find out if the committee has support on this The Chairman asked if this was the 701, and Mr. Boughton replied in the affirmative. Mr. Bryson said the figure is now $12,000 The Chairman asked if Mr. Bryson was recommending to go ahead with this and the other article. Mr. Bryson replied in the affirmative and stated one is a long-range study of the Center that should be done if Massachusetts Avenue is to be widened. The Chairman asked if the whole Center proposal falls down and Town Meeting says "no", how valid the study would be. Mr. Bryson replied the rush on the Center business study would be off and this could be incorporated in the long-range study and receive Federal aid. The Chairmen said if the Center projedt is defeated, in his opinion, it will throw the whole thing off for the foreseeable future. He asked how valid the study would be. Mr. Bryson stated the Center business district study would be off, but the long-range financial study would be even more important Mr. Greeley said if the widening does not go through, he assumed the merchants will not be coming through with their contribution. Mr. Bryson read a statement prepared by Mrs. Riffin. Mr. Bryson said the Planning Board has interviewed three or four consultants and it is more and more enthusi- astic of what this could do for the Town. Mr. Cataldo asked if Whitman & Howard was considered in this study, and Mr. Bryson replied in the negative. Mr. Boughton said they do not engage in this kind of study. Mr Zaleski said that was correct. Another firm of Atwood and Blackwell does Whitman & Howard work and Blackwell was considered Mr. Cataldo stated it had been brought to his attention that Whitman & Howard did get into this field; Metcalf and Eddy used to work for the Town and there is some reason that this was discontinued. Mr. Bryson said he had an unfortunate experience with Whitman & Hovard in the water supply - they just did not have it. Mr. Cataldo asked if Whitman & Howaded designed the system and Mr. Carroll replied in the affirmative. Mr. Bryson said they put it in the street. 49 Mr. Fowle said the :major part wasdone by the MDC Mr. Greeley said he believed Whitman & Howard has done 701 in the past. They refer it to Atwood & Blackwell. Mr. Cataldo said his reaction was that Whitman & Howard does not get into this type of study. He asked if anyone could come up with projections of twenty and twenty-five years that the Board feels it could be guided by. Mr. Bryson replied there has to be a great many as- sumptions made. The assumptions and reason they arrived at it affect how much the Board believes in it. He said seeing studies Metcalf & Eddy has made in similar towns leads him to believe the Town would get its money's worth in this type of study. Mr. Boughton said it would be a mistake to expect this plan to be a prediction for the future ; things will happen that will be unfaeseen, but this does not make it any less valuable for the Town to have an overall frame- work, in which to consider the areas where action has to be taken The Chairman said Whitman & Howard does work for the Town now, and as a Board, the Selectmen are satisfied. Mr. Boughton said part of the contract revolves around the people invoked. The Committee has met with the people who are working with Metcalf & Eddy. The leading gentlemen in particular is ideally experienced in town planning and was a Town Planner in Pennsylvania He said he was im- pressed at the breadth of services they have at their disposal to call upon. They have recognized experts in these fields The Chairman said he assumed Mr. Boughton wanted an expression of opinion of the Board. He stated the Board nad not been polled and asked if it would be all right if the Board gave an answer later in the evening. Mr. Boughton replied in the affirmative. The Chairman said when the Board met with the com- mittee later in the evening, he would let it know the Board's answer. The group retired at 8:00 P.M. Lieutenant James F. Corr met with the Board. Up&n motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discus- sing, deliberating or voting on matters which, if made public, might adversely affect the public security, the financial interest of the Town, or the reputation of Executive any person. Session Following a discussion of police matters with Lieu- tenant Corr, it was voted to resume the open meeting. Mr. Carroll, Superintendent of Public Works, returned to the meeting. 50co D" t"Z aw Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant permission to the Metropolitan Building Movers Co. to move a house from 238 Wood Street to 16 Bates Road, subject to the usual conditions. Letter from Howard M. Kessler requesting additional Traffic pedestrian lights at the Lowell Street, Maple Street and Winchester Driver intersection, was referred to the Traffic Study Committee. The Chairman read a letter from Jules P Sussman, 15 Street Holmes Road, reporting that the street signs at both ends signs of Holmes Road have been down for some time. Mr. Carroll said these signs would be taken care of The Appropriation Committee, Chairman of the Board of Assessors, Chairman of the Cemetery Commissioners, Chairman of the School Committee and Dr. Fobert, Super- intendent of Schools , met with the Selectmen. Mr. Blaisdell explained the meeting was called by the Appropriation Committee because it is required in the By-Laws,for the purpose of reviewing the budgets and expenditures for the Annual Town Meeting. He sug- gested that the meeting be thrown open for any questions glom the floor. The Chairman read a letter fror Town Counsel, with reference to Article 65 in the warrant, requesting that the amount and method of payment be determined. It was agreed to bond $200,000 over a period of ten years, the balance of $50,000 to be on the tax rate. The Chairman said, with reference to Article 72, that bids will be opened March 18. The motion can be Bids written leaving the figure blank and when bids are opened, Pub.Facili- it can be inserted and will have tocome out of the ( ties Bldg tax rate . At 9:05 P.M. , the Capital Expenditures Committee and Planning Board arrived at the meeting. The Chairman said the Board was going to once more review the center problem and widening of Massachusetts Avenue. He said this all came about when the Board of Selectmen lerned two major pieces of property changed hands . Before the Board pursued widening Massachusetts Avenue, the Select- men contacted the Planning Board and received its approval. That Board also felt the widening necessary. Mr. Greeley said he thought every Planning Board since the very early thirties has considered the widening of Massachusetts Avenue as highly desirable from many points of view. 11 Hd said the question was asked at the High School II the other night , "Could you handle the traffic by elimi- nating parking? He said he thought if parking was stopped on both sides of the avenue, the present width would be adequate. He said he thought to prevent all stopping and interference of traffic ' incident to live parking is infeasible; to prevent short-term parking along the curbs is a real detriment to business and makes the reputation of Lexington Center much less at- tractive Could you candle the traffic otherwise? Yes. Could it be done well? I think by no means. It would not be possible to widen sidewalks that are now in many places inadequate. Aesthetically, the Hunt Block must be removed. It has not been much of a contribution to the attractiveness of the area for a long while . If it is decided not to widen, the building will not be moved. He said he thought the issue of the Central Block is much less clear cut aesthetically, and believed the Central Block will be taken down whether the street is widened or not. He said the additional width is im- portant as an approach to the Common from the Town and from Boston and going from the Common into the business district. He stated that neither the aesthetic argument or the traffic control argument holds as much weight as the third argument; are we trying to take steps so the Center can compete with the other shopping centers or are we going to pinch pennies and in a very few years find our- selves in the same situation that exists in Framingham, Stoneham and Woburn. They have vacant stores and three of these have applied for urban renewal. He said even Arlington has taken a step to improve the center. He said a good job has been done with off-street parking, but no steps have been taken for widening Massachusetts Avenue or encouraging the owners of business to improve the ap- pearance of their property. The owners at the present time indicate a real interest, and if the Town provides leader- ship, it can expect the owners to really take some steps to have a thriving business center. He said if the chance for which the Town has been waiting thirty years is lost, to eliminate the bottleneck and eliminate the eyesores, it will be another thirty years before anything is done. Mr. Cataldo explained the finances involved and stated the total cost would be $250,000. The only condition on this is the land exchange in Article 66, 803 square feet, and Article 67, 904 square feet, a total of 1707 square feet . He said this is the only condition. The other condition of $40,000 for discontinuance of existing use is no longer. He reported the Board has negotiated with the people of the Hunt Block and the damage would be within 5 52 a• ct Xgb this figure without the use of apartments. It pays for the damages of the Hunt Block, it pays for the damages of the Trani Block and pays for the damages of the Baker Block. He said the negotiations on the Hunt Block and Trani Block are close to being agreed upon. Mr. Baker ' s attorney has not contacted Town Counsel . Mr. Cataldo said, #2, the $250,000 pays for the land the Town is taking, the Hunt Block, 2907 square feet, the Trani Block, 1018 square feet, the Baker Block, 2176 square feet. The last thing it pays for is the construction of the complete pro lot. This is the construction from the Baker Block up to Mariam Street, including the Central Block. This is the only reference them; will be to the Central Block. He said presently there is Massachusetts Avenue with a layout of fifty feet, sidewalk layout of nine feet from the Baker Block to Depot Square. Massachusetts Avenue would be sixty-five feet curb to curb and a sidewalk layout of twenty feet. Furthermore, a serious problem would be corrected. On the existing sidewalks, there is a slope grade of 10%. He said there is a nine foot sidewalk with a dangerous pitch and this problem would be eliminated. He explained the sidewalk on the other side of Massachusetts Avenue would not be changed but would remain as it is. He explained if the Board has an agreement, it will still be an eminent domain taking, but on agreeable terms. Mr. Sheldon pointed out there will be no change in figures . This is to clear up the title. Mr. Battin asked if the Board would have an agreement with Baker by Town Meeting, and Mr. Cataldo replied he would say, ao. The Board has had him in and it was left with him that his attorney would contact Town Counsel and come up with a figure oh his damages. He said the Board had an original estimate of what it thought the damages would be and the appraisal has more than justified it . The Board hopes to come in with firm agreements on the Hunt Block and Trani Block. He said the Board would not, under any conditions, break these down as how the money is i going. Mr, Greeley said if the Board has agreements on two of the three properties, it does pretty well show how the Baker damages would go. Mr. Parrish said he understood there is considerable difference of opinion between the SeL etmen and the Appropri- ation Committee as what the renovations of the present building would be. He said he understood there would be major renovations Mr. Cataldo explained if this does not go through, the Board saw what they are going to do to the building . The money they will be spending will be the individual 53 store owners and Trani They were going to sign long-term leases The Board felt it would be more expensive to the Town to wait Mr. Battin asked, if the Board did not get an agree- ment with Baker, would it be more feasible to postpone this until a later Town Meeting in June or September and have a more leisurely study made of the down-town area. Mr. Cataldo replied in the negative. He said the people of the Hunt Block have been very cooperative. They have not signed any leases because of this project and it is not fair to ask them to wait any longer. He said he has almost held Mr. Baker by the hand trying to get him to work up some figures for the Board. He said the Board has been very fair, and if it gives him six months , he did not think Mr. Baker would move any faster. He said everyone ih that building knew this would happen some day. Mr. Bryson said if the Town does not go through with this widening and the Center does deteriorate further, this could very well affect property values through the whole Town. The Selectmen appointed a committee under the Chairmanship of George Kolovson. They submitted a report and had a study made which indicated if Lexington is to have an attractive center, the first step is this widening. Following that, would be the study proposed under Article 71, part of which would be paid by the merchants themselves and the owners . This would be done very quickly. They are all set to go the minute Town Meeting votes this. Mr. Gary said there could still be attractive build- ings in the Center wihh the avenue the way it is . Mr. Cataldo said he thought they were all saying the ideal condition would be to have Massachusetts Avenue widened and there are many advantages. He said the ideal condition is to have the avenue widened. Good looking buildings can be put on any street . Mr. Gary asked if it was fair to imply the future of the Center is dependent on adding fifteen feet to the Center. Mr. Greeley replied he thought it is very signifi- cantly so. If the merchants are told that the citizens are not interested in carrying through their part of the program, then he thought the merchants would be given a kind of rebuff. Mr. Gary said the question is whether the Town should stimulate them to the tune of $250,000, and asked what about $500,000, where would the line be drawn. Mrs. Rawls said she was interested in what is going to happen to the second and third floors . She said she 54 C/ had not heard how many offices would fit in, could they rent them if they put them in and where will the cars be parked. Mr. Cataldo explained number one, the second and third floors, the Town cannot control any property owner . If he wants to build a three-story building with one floor of stores and to two of offices, he thought he would know what he is doing. In any event the Town could not stop him. Number two, as far as the parking is concerned, the Town does have municipal parking for every other busi- nees in the Town. Mr. Parrish asked at what point the owners of the Central Block might come to the Selectmen with the same argument . Mr. Cataldo said Mr. Parrish was talking two differ- ent situations . He said the Board would have to take some of the people involved in good faith. The condition of the Central Block vs the Hunt Block has no comparison. The Central Block building has to come down. Mr. Parrish asked how much the merchants are willing to spend to make the down-town area more attractive The Chairman explained that the merchants did not come to the Board for the $250,000. This started out with the Board. From the beginning,the Board has talked $250,000. Mr. Noyes said he does agree with the Planning Board that this is really needed. He said he did not think the Town was being asked toput up the whole $250,000, and Mr. Cataldo's figures show that the Town will certainly get something back. He said this calls for a little vision. Mrs . Souza asked about the time schedule. Mr. Cataldo explained the taking would have to be made within thirty days and an award made within sixty days. The 1775 Trust will start immediately uponall tenants being out of the building 90 or 100 days. Mr. Cataldo pointed out that the Board started negotiations around the fifteenth of November and has come this far. It cannot wait six months or a year. This has to be done now or forgotten. Mr. Cataldo said, with reference to the Hunt Block alone, the Board has taken the results of the Financial Study Committee and for 1965 the tax rate is $40.10 which will net the Town $6,684.67 in taxes . He read a letter from the 1775 Trust dated March 1 and said with this letter and this rendering the Boad came up with an esti- mated assessment of $550,000 based on a 40,000 square foot building. The Battle Green Inn is assessed for $589,000 for about 10,000 square feet less . Taking it from there, the present income of $6600 going to what it would be in 1966. He estimated a 75% completion of the building, based on the Financial Study Committee rate of $43.50, the income would be $17,943.75. In 1967 rate of $49.50, income $27,225. In 1968, rate of $53 .10, income $29,205. In 1969, rate $56.55, income $31,102.50. From there he used the same figure to give a total figure of $298,775.93. The first bonding payment would be due in 1966 . He said he feels the Board has a very conser- vative projected estimated assessment . Mr. Cataldo advised that the construction figure for the avenue as submitted by Mr Carroll is $20,000. Mr. Greeley explained the construction is basically sidewalks and curbing. Mr. Cataldo stated the only way this project could be more than $250,000 is if Articles 66 and 67 in the Warrant do not pass at Town Meeting. The group retired at 10 :40 P.M. Mr. Carroll reported on garbage bids and it was agreed to invite Mr. Roketenetz, who submitted the low Bids bid, to meet with the Board before the contract is awarded. Mr. Carroll was requested to refer a water bill of $249.49 for water used by the DePietro family, 561 Water bill Massachusetts Avenue, to Town Counsel Mr. Gray reported on the letter from the Air Base and meeting called by the Cnairman with reference to the problem of sea gulls at the Sanitary Land Fill area. Sea Gulls Minutes of the meeting were taken and mailed to the Board. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adopt the policy outlined in the meeting to eliminate the sea gulls. Mr. Carroll retired at 10:55 P.M. Letter from the Historical Society with reference to a change in the fire alarm warning system at Buckman Fire alarm Tavern was referred to Mr. Gray who was requested to system follow the matter through. Buckman 'ffi The Chairman read a letter from the Planning Board advising that by a majority vote, the Board is in favor of utilizing the Fuller Hill land as the site for the Kennedy Memorial Library. It was agreed to write Mr. Alan B. Wade, 524 Concord Avenue, who originally introduced this subject to the 6 et Board of Selectmen on February 8, 1965, that the Board is inter, sted and he should Come back to the Board with an expression from the neighbors as to what their wishes are for the use of this land. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Appointment to appoint Mr.Mabee as the Board 's representative to the Board of Directors of the Lexington Visiting Nurse Association and the Board 's reprmentative on the Execu- tive Committee of the Library Trustees Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Appointment to appoint Mr. Shidon to serve on the Historic Dis- tricts Study Committee to replace Mr. Brown who did not run for re-election Letter was received from Mr. Irwin, Building In- Aluminum spector, relative to potential hazards of aluminum siding siding. He recommended that the Standing Building Code Committee be given the matter for considerrtion Mr. Gray was requested to discuss the subject with Mr . Irwin The Chairman reported that the Lexington Choral Society would like the Board to issue a problamation Proclamation making a certain week its 25th anniversary Mr. Burnell mentioned that the Board had more or less established a policy of not issuing procla- mations . rocla- mations . Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Chairman was authorized to issue a proclamation Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant a Taxi Driver License to William F. McKay, License 3I. Grapevine Avenue, satisfactory character references having been received from the Police Department Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to grant a 7 i Driver License to Chester W. Snow, 18 License Hill Jtreet, satisfactory character reference having been received from the Police Department. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted License to grant a Common Victualler license to Orlando DiGregorio and Gloria DiGregorio, d.b.a . Colonial Coffee House, 29 Depot Square The Chairman, with referenee to the death of Chief John W. Rycroft, said there is a way out if the Board does not want the Chief under Civil Service It could 57 make a Superintendent of Police that will not be under Civil Service. Mr. Sheldon asked how the Acting Chief felt Mr. Gray said he feels whether it is he or not, the Chief should not be under Civil Service The Chairman said up to now, he does not know of any of these appointments being political, but he thought it was possible some time in the future the Board could be political and a man in the office could find himself out. Mr. Cataldo said there Its no question but this is a possibility. Chief of Mr. Mabee asked if that would hold forever. Police Mr. Sheldon stated one Board cannot bind a future Board and the only man the Board is protecting is the man being discussed. Mr . Cataldo said he could see no advantage to the Town of Having only one officer not under Civil Service. He said the Board knew this man can top the exam. He said if tne Board wants to go in the direction of having the entire department taken out of Civil Service, he would be in favor. Mr. Gray was requested to obtain a legal opinion on the subject before taking any action 11 Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted Bill to approve bill received from R. M. Bradley & Co. , Inc. , approved for appraisal made of the 1775 Trust property, the Trani property and the Baker property in Lexington Center Mr. Gray said he hsd Mr. John Barry's request for retirement, effective May 14. Mr. Gray was instructed to refer the request to the Board of Retirement for processing. Mr. Gray reported he had received correspondence from the Library. It was discovered that the fire alarm Library system has never been connected to the fire station. The figure last Friday was $773.10, which is a firm estimate. He said he did not think this should wait, that the work should be done as soon as possible . He suggested that they charge it to the maintenance budget, and if the account is short, request a transfer The Board agreed with Mr Gray. Mr. Gray reported he received a letter from Mr .Aiden L. Ripley, suggesting four more words to the proposed leash law. Mr. Sheldon said if the Town votes what is now written, no one could take a dog hunting and suggested changing the wording of the motion. cc 58 r2 Mr. Cataldo explained hunters may obtain permission Leash law from the owner of the property to hunt without having the dogs leashed. Mr. Sheldon agreed to contact Mr . Ripley and explain that hinters may take their dogs onto land with permission of the owners for hunting without being leashed. Mr.Burnell said the Board has discussed Eldred Street and police protection, and since this was last discussed, he has had a chance to check a little further and he will still be opposed to taking off the police Eldred officer who has been protecting that street until such Street time as a more complete Judy can be made and some con- clusion arrived at as to what type of protection there must be He said this is since the las# time the Board talked about it Mr. Cataldo asked if Mr Burnell wished tobe re- corded as qpposed to removing the Police Officer Mr. Sheldon asked if he proposed that this be done by regular men on regular hours. Mr. Burnell replied this is up to the police. Officer Carlson has been complaining about this for some time . He is penalized by having to go up thee He said he checked with the Chief who said he was being paid for the work and there was no penalty being placed on him. There is a problem at Eldred Street and he would like to see some solution made of it before the Board ceased doing what it is doing. Mr . Sheldon asked which, in Mr. Burnell 's opinion, situation is worse, the situation at Eldred Street or the situation at Hartwell Avenue . Mr. Cataldo said this is the officer 's job and he will do what he is told to do. If the Board or the Chief decides to send them up to Eldred Street, that is where they are going to be. The Chairman said the Board should bear in mind the reason for it being stopped at this time, the shortage of men. Mr. Burnell said the Traffic Study Committee con- tinually goes over this problem, but is not able to solve it whether Lieutenant Corr could help them, he did not know. He saic' the problem exists because of Route 128, and the problem that exists in this stretch of neighborhood street is because of traffic coming out and heading for 128. He said he woald like to hold onto what he has . Mr. Cataldo said the only answer is direct access to Hartwell Avenue from Route 128, and this should be opened up with the Air Force even if it entails going to Washington. He said it is the only answer to straighten out this whole area, and it should be re- activated; one reason why he wanted more in the Out of State Travel Account The Chairman said that portion of the Executive Session can be declared out . He asked if Mr Burnell wanted to move reconsideration of the vote taken earlier in Executive Session. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to take that portion of the meeting out of Executive Session. Mr. Burnell said until after Town Meeting, another three weeks . The Chairman asked if it didn't impress Mr. Burnell that there is a shortage in men and the departmeht does not have the personnel. Mr. Burnell replied in the affirmative Mr . Sheldon said the only way is to pay overtime so other areas will not be neglected Mr. Gray pointed out that at that time of the morning, there is no one on the desk Mr Cataldo said this would cost $12.00 a day. Motion was made and it was voted to reconsider the vote taken earlier in Executive Session. Mr. Cataldo said he could not see coming up with anything different than is there now as an answer for a year at least than a man standing there. Mr. Burnell said he thought he had stated his side clearly and the problem up there. Mr. Cataldo pointed out that there are similar problems in many areas being left open with an officer. Motion was made that the Board continue with the police protection at Eldred Street . The motion was not seconded. Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to discontinue police protection at Eldred Street Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to rescind the vote to dincontinue police protection at Eldred Street Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to continue police protection at Eldred Street, the officer to be paid on an overtime basis until the results of the Traffic Study Committee meeting, which will be no later than the second week after the Final adjournment of Town Meeting, are presented to the Board Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to adjourn at 12:04. A.M. A true record, Attest : 4,77 ' i ive ,C lerl , Select en rn V M